Chc^P*
LOOK WHO S
HERE AG AIN !
(That makes it 17 Oscars
for M-G-M Shorts in
11 years, more than twice
any other company!)
i
Thanks to your bookings of our
WATCH FOR THESE
COMING CARTOONS
IN TECHNICOLOR:
"Hound Hunters"
"Dr. Jekyll and Air. Mouse ”
"Red Hot Rangers ”
"Uncle Toni’s Cabana ”
Shorts, Mr. Exhibitor, we are enabled
to continue production of the quality
subjects that win profits and prizes!
The purpose of shorts is to enliven
the program and to bring in extra
revenue. M-G-M spares no expense
to accomplish both. You make that
possible by your continued support.
PETE SMITH
SPECIALTIES
MORE PEOPLE COME WHEN YOU’VE
GOT IMPORTANT EXTRA ATTRACTIONS !
EXHIBITORS VOTED
PETE SMITH TOPS!
M-G-MONEY
SHORTS !
. Book Them Solid!
[TOM AND JERRY CARTOONS
16 (in Technicolor )
M-G-M TECHNICOLOR CARTOONS
"No. 1 Live Action Short for fourth
10 PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES y ear . ” — Quigley Publications
"No. 1 Live Action Short for third
FITZPATRICK TRAVELTALKS
(in Technicolor )
year.” — Showmen’ s Trade Review
When Louella Parsons announced
in her column he was giving up
6 JOHN NESBITT’S PASSING PARADE
4 M-G-M 2-REEL SPECIALS
104 ISSUES -NEWS OF THE DAY
his humorous shorts, there was a
flood of protest from showmen
and public.
P. S. You’ll continue to get those
merry Pete Smith Shorts. Watch for:
"I LOVE MY WIFE BUT—”
"NEIGHBOR PESTS”
THE BEST IN
TRAVEL!
Fitzpatrick’s Traveltalks
in Technicolor repre-
sent to the fans the top
in this field!
THE BEST IN
DRAMA!
John Nesbitt’s Passing
Parade is acknowledged
by audiences tops in
human interest.
THE BEST IN
ACTION!
2-Reels that pack a
punch, including famed
“Crime Does Not Pay.”
T hese pay !
THE BEST IN
NEWS!
M-G-M’s News of the
Day gets top world cov-
erage and top audience
attention !
PRIZES AND PROFITS! M-G-M SHORTS!
WAGNERS made ■♦'from the 2.-year|
NIGEL BRUCE directed by PETER GODFREY
Screen Play by Thomas Job • From the Stage Play b)
produced by mnn r\ ncu
MARTIN VALE • Music by Franz Waxman
THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
PUBLISHED IN NINE SECTIONAL EDITIONS
BEN SHLYEN
Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
[AMES M. JERAULD ....Editor
NATHAN COHEN- Associate Editor
(ESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor
IVAN SPEAR Western Editor
J. HARRY TOLER Equipment Editor
RAYMOND LEVY General Manager
Published Every Saturday by
ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS
Editorial Oifices: 9 Rockeleller Plaza, New York 2U,
N. Y.; Raymond Levy, General Manager; James M
Jerauld, Editor; A. J. Stocker, Eastern Representa-
tive. Telephone Columbus 5-6370, 5-6371, 5-6372.
Cable address: "BOXOFFICE, New York."
Central Oifices: 332 South Michigan Blvd., Chicago
4, 111. J. Harry Toler, Editor Modern Theatre Sec-
tion. Telephone WABash 4575.
Western Offices: 6404 Hollywood B-lvd., Hollywood
28, Calit. Ivan Spear, Manager. Phone GLadstone
1186.
Washington Oifices: 930 F Street, N. W Lee L
Garling, manager. Telephone NAtional 3482. Film-
row: 932 New Jersey, N. W. Sara Young.
Publication Offices: 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City
1, Mo. Nathan Cohen, Associate Editor; Jesse Shlyen.
Managing Editor; A. Jules Benedic, Field Editor; Mor-
ris Schlozman, Business Manager. Telephone CHest-
nut 7777.
Other Publications: BOXOFFICE BAROMETER,
published in November as a section of BOXOFFICE;
THE MODERN THEATRE, published monthly as a
section of BOXOFFICE.
ALBANY — 21-23 Walter Ave., M. Berrigan
ATLANTA— 163 Walton, N. W., P. H. Savin.
BALTIMORE— Upton Theatre, A. J. Wolf.
BIRMINGHAM— The News, Eddie Badger.
BOSTON — Hotel Vendome, Frances Harding.
BUFFALO — 20 St. Margaret's Court, Jim Schrader.
CHARLOTTE— 216 W. 4th, Pauline Griffith.
CHICAGO — 332 S. Michigan Blvd., Jonas Perlberg,
WABash 4575.
CINCINNATI — 1634 Central Parkway, Ross Williams
CLEVELAND — 2568 Overlook Road, Cleveland Heights.
Elsie Loeb, Fairmount 0046.
DALLAS — 408 S. Harwood, V. W. Crisp, Southwestern
editor, R-2312.
DENVER — 1645 Lafayette, Jack Rose, TA 8517.
DES MOINES — Register <S Tribune Bldg., Russ Schoch
DETROIT— 1009 Fox Theatre Bldg., H. F. Reves.
Telephones: RA 1100; Night, UN-4-0219.
INDIANAPOLIS — Rt. 8, Box 770, Howard M. Rudeaux
LITTLE ROCK — Liberty Theatre, Herod Jimerson.
MIAMI — 66 S. Hibiscus Island, Mrs. Manton E. Har-
wood. 2952 Merrick Rd., Elizabeth Sudlow.
MEMPHIS — 707 Spring St., Null Adams, Tel. 48-5462
MILWAUKEE— 5091 Plankinton Bldg., 161 W. Wiscon-
sin Ave., James R. Gahagan Telephones: BR 4938
and MA 0297.
MINNEAPOLIS — 29 Washington Ave., So., Les Rees
NEW HAVEN — 40 Whiting St., Ann Donner.
NEW ORLEANS — 218 So. Liberty St., Mrs. Jack Auslet
Telephone MA 5812.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Daily Oklahoman, Polly Trindle
OMAHA — Omaha World-Herald Bldg., Lou Gerdes.
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Record Bldg., Broad
and Wood Sts., J. M. Makler.
PITTSBURGH — 86 Van Braam St., R. F. Klingensmith,
c/o Monogram Pictures.
PORTLAND, ORE.— 425 SW Columbia, Room 11, J\ C.
Bowen.
RICHMOND — National Theatre, R. W. Eagan, 2-2567.
ST. LOUIS — 5149 Rosa Ave., David F. Barrett, Flan-
ders 3727.
SALT LAKE CITY — Deseret News, Howard Pearson.
SAN ANTONIO— 531 North St., L. J. B. Ketner.
SAN FRANCISCO — 25 Taylor St., Gail Lipman,
ORdway 4812-4813.
SEATTLE— 928 N. 84th St., Willard Elsey.
TOLEDO — 4330 Willys Pkwy., Anna Kline.
IN CANADA
CALGARY— The Alberton, Wm. Campbell.
MONTREAL — 4330 Wilson Ave., N. D. G., Roy Car-
michael, Walnut 5519.
ST. JOHN — 116 Prince Edward St., Wm. J. McNulty.
TORONTO — 242 Milwood, Milton Galbraith.
VANCOUVER — 411 Lyric Theatre Bldg., Jack Drey.
VICTORIA — 938 Island Highway, Alec Merriman.
WINNIPEG — 709 Selkirk Ave., Ben Lepkin.
Member Audit Bureau of Circulations
Entered as Second Class matter at Post Office, Kansas City, Mo.
Sectional Edition, $2.00 per year; National Edition, $7.50
Vol. 50 No. 22
APRIL 5, 1947
Wanted: More Comedy
ONCERN over the falling off of child attendance
was expressed by exhibitors attending regional meetings in
five sections of Kansas. The blame was laid to an overabun-
dance of thrill and psychological melodramas. Pictures of
these types, the exhibitors contended, caused parents to keep
their children at home. Other factors were not mentioned,
but from other parts of the country there has come a sudden
realization that higher charges for child tickets can take at
least part of the blame.
It's an old story that the cycle habit has been the bane to
this industry's equanimity, all too frequently resulting in such
charges as above that too much of one type of picture fare,
or another, is being served to the public. And that is as true
now as it has been for ever so long.
A check on feature releases in the Booking Chart shows
that drama, melodrama and other heavy story types are in
the majority of releases throughout the past year. Except for
musicals and a handful of comedy-dramas, comparatively
few outright comedies have been released. While there are
several of the slapstick variety on tap for the next few weeks,
their number can be counted on the fingers of one hand. The
comedy cycle, apparently, does not run for as long a course
as do the other cycles. But it might be a good idea if, either
by digging into backlogs or by sheer good fortune, a sub-
stantial comedy cycle of the belly-laugh variety would put
in its appearance beginning at once.
Maybe that's on the way. For, it is noted, "The Sin of
Harold Diddlebock," which is scheduled as an April release,
is one of that wholesome hilarious situation type that pleased
so many millions of patrons a couple of decades ago. With
Harold Lloyd as its star and with scenes from one of his orig-
inal comedy epics, "The Freshman," refreshingly introduced
in it, Mr. and Mrs. America and children are about to be made
to laugh again. Loud — and long, we hope.
Of the other comedy releases to make their appearance in
April there is "Buck Privates Come Home," featuring Abbott
and Costello; and ”My Favorite Brunette." with Bob Hope and
Dorothy Lamour. While even reissues generally have been
of the heavy drama type. Universal may be starting a trend
with the reissuance of a W. C. Fields-Edgar Bergen comedy.
If there is a dearth of comedy subjects available for release
within the next few months, digging back into the vaults might
be the means of adding the much-needed spice to the overload
of the somber and heavy fare to which there is objection.
It is strange that producers and distributors have shown
such a consistency for poor timing of releases. This is espe-
cially true since so many current releases were made a year or
two ago. And since for at least five years pictures were not
rushed to make release dates, as was the case before the war.
If a finished production can be held back for a year or more,
it would seem that its release could be timed so as to avoid
its falling into a cycle. If there would be a balancing of re-
leases of all types of entertainment, public tastes would never
become jaded as they do under the cycle system which seems
to be more or less of a deliberate creation. Still we kind of
believe that, if there must be cycles, one that is loaded with
laughter would do the country — and the industry — a lot of
good.
+ *
Solid Punching
At long last an authoritative spokesman for the motion
picture industry got up on his hind legs and struck back at
its traducers. Eric Johnston told the Congressional committee,
of which Congressman Rankin is the prime mover, in no un-
certain terms that the industry not only is not dominated by
Communistic influences but that "there is no more American
group in America than in Hollywood."
This is but another evidence that the “pussyfooting era"
of "no comment" to malicious charges is a thing of the past.
But the industry has not seen the last of the Red label that
even some within its ranks are trying to pin on it. The threat
of "a probe of Hollywood" again has been made, despite the
lack of evidence to warrant it. Doubtless the "smear" cam-
paign will continue. But it will be vitiated and eradicated by
such forthright leadership as Mr. Johnston has so capably
demonstrated.
D of J Protests Order
To Delay the Decree
BULLETIN
Washington — It may be late next week be-
fore the Supreme Court signs a stay in the
antitrust suit and the problem may even be
presented to the full bench. After copies of
the order, as drawn up by the lawyers for the
majors, had reached Justice Reed on Thurs-
day, a representative of the Department of
Justice told the court the government objected
to the entire form, especially the portion
dealing with arbitration.
Justice Reed then directed the department
to submit its comments in writing and to sup-
ply copies for all nine justices.
Whether or not there will be another hear-
ing early in the week was not immediately
indicated when this news broke late Friday,
but in any event, signing of order is not ex-
pected now before late in the week.
*
Russia Is Sabotaging UN,
Declares Eric Johnston
MPA head tells United Nations Council of
Philadelphia that the Soviet is pursuing “ob-
structive policy of noncooperation” and in-
filtration into other nations.
+
U-I Granted CPA Approval
For Six New Exchanges
Will cost $1,130,000 and will be located in
Dallas, Omaha, Kansas City, Cleveland, Pitts-
burgh and Atlanta; 22 applications are pend-
ing.
¥
Albert E. Sindlinger Starts
Story Development Firm
Former executive vice-president of Dr. Gal-
lup's audience research forms new organiza-
tion, New Entertainment Workshop, at Wyn-
brook Acres near Hopewell, N. J.
¥
Film Classics May Start
Independent Releases
Company has specialized in reissues, but
Joseph Bernhard, new president, intends to
produce new features and take on the prod-
uct of others.
¥
Screen Guild Bars Films
For Use in Television
Proposed new contract has provision spe-
cifically barring air use for films in which
guild members appear; negotiations with pro-
ducers to start April 15.
¥
Republic and Babe Ruth
Negotiating for Film
Will be biographical in nature; Ruth ap-
pears at luncheon given by Herbert J. Yates
sr. and also at New York sales meeting of
company.
ORDER STAYING MAJOR PART
OF DECREE IS ANTICIPATED
Confused Situation Seen
Until the Supreme Court
Hands Down Decision
WASHINGTON — An order staying the
major portion of the antitrust decree —
drafted by the defendants in the suit — was
presented to Supreme Court Justice Reed
late in the week, and it is anticipated that
he will sign the order some time next week
with few if any changes.
The delay came as the result of the ill-
ness of Robert L. Wright, special assistant
attorney general who has been represent-
ing the government in the suit. In accord-
ance with a suggestion made by Justice
Reed in a letter following the hearing in
his chambers on March 28, all lawyers for
the major defendants, excepting 20th Cen-
tury-Fox, drew up a form of order and pre-
sented it to the court on Thursday.
DELAYED THROUGH ILLNESS
A copy also went to Wright’s office but as
he was down with the grippe, Justice Reed
delayed the signing. The actual signature is
expected to be a formality with few, if any,
changes anticipated in the order as drawn.
With the stay virtually assured a roundup
of opinion among major company lawyers and
sales executives indicates that the confused
selling situation in the industry will continue
pretty much the same as it is now — confused
—until the supreme court hands down its de-
cision on the varied appeals several months
or a year hence.
Companies which have been experimenting
with competitive bidding will continue to ex-
periment. Those which are opposed to it can
— and will — drop it until the high court de-
cision.
Arbitration will be continued under the
present rules.
Since the company lawyers appeared be-
fore Justice Reed Friday, March 28, and
were told to agree on some form of injunctive
order for him to sign there have been many
hours of argument among the lawyers.
Paragraph 9, Section II, which was to have
gone into effect April 1, will be one of the pro-
visions suspended. This is the paragraph
which permits an exhibitor to write to a
home office and ask for a particular run.
The distributor was prevented from arbi-
trarily refusing to grant such a run. Its
purpose was to enable an exhibitor to bid on
any run he wanted.
CAN’T DEMAND BIDDING
Exhibitors seeking bids on higher runs than
they have been getting can still seek them,
but there will be no requirement that a dis-
tributor shall grant their requests.
Most of the decree will be in abeyance, but
the stay will be permissive, not mandatory.
Those who want to carry out the terms of the
decree as they are now written will be able to
do it. Those who battled for the supreme-
court injunction will be able to observe it.
But they may do a lot of pondering before
deciding to take full advantage of the stay
granted by the supreme court.
Charles D. Prutzman, counsel for Univer-
sal-International, points out that the three
judges found a number of things to be il-
legal and these things will continue to be ille-
gal until upset by a higher court, in this case
When the Court's
Here is what is suspended:
the supreme court. He says it would be fool-
hardy to ignore these findings.
For this reason, Prutzman is advising Uni-
versal against price-fixing, franchise deals,
conditional selling, formula and master agree-
ments, all of which were found to be viola-
tions of the antitrust law.
Justice Reed’s stay if signed as presented
stops enforcement of the decree on all of
these things, except franchise deals, upon
which no stay was sought.
The Universal attorney makes a distinction
between the decision and the decree. He
says that he is advising the company to avoid
trade practices called illegal in the decision.
At the same time he is advising Universal
against selling its product in accordance with
the decree, pending final decision of the su-
preme court. He referred specifically to com-
petitive bidding, which will be enjoined.
Universal’s franchise deals had run their
course by the time the ban was scheduled
to go into effect April 1 and no new ones
have been made since the decree was handed
down. The company has tried bidding in
only four situations.
Herman Levy, general counsel for the
MPTOA, had this to say about the situation:
“The result is gratifying, and is at least a
temporary reward for those exhibitor asso-
ciations which have since last June been
Stay Is Granted
aggressively and affirmatively fighting against
those aspects of the equity decision and of
the final decree which might well lead to
chaos in the industry.
“Neither the final decree, these stays, nor
a reversal by the supreme court will neces-
sarily make illegal competitive bidding and
the other dangerous aspects of the equity
decree. Nevertheless, it should be comfort-
ing to the entire industry and especially to
exhibitors to know that for some time to
come at least these objectionable aspects of
the decree will not be a matter of compul-
sion and of discrimination.”
Abram F. Myers, Allied general counsel,
refused to make any comment pending fur-
ther study.
How much bidding will be continued, and
where, seems to be a topic for further dis-
cussion. Loew’s, Inc., RKO, 20th-Fox and
Paramount have been the companies most
active in its use. Loew’s has tested the
method in about 50 situations, RKO is un-
derstood to have used it in 200, 20th-Fox
tests have been widely scattered, and Para-
mount has not given out any figures as to
how many spots in which the system has
been used.
William F. Rodgers, vice-president in
charge of MGM distribution, said late in the
week that his future course would be de-
• The ban on price-fixing.
• The ban on maintaining clearances by agreement.
• The ban on granting clearances between theatres not in substantial
competition.
• The requirement that the burden of proof as to the reasonableness of
clearance shall be on the distributor wherever an attack is made on a
specific clearance.
• The ban on formula deals or master agreements with circuits in which
prices are figured on a percentage of a picture's national gross.
• The ban on conditioning the sale of one feature upon the sale of an-
other.
• The ban on favoring old customers and all the requirements for com-
petitive bidding, and the requirement for 95 per cent theatre ownership.
• The ban on arbitrarily refusing a run after an exhibitor has made a
request by registered mail to a home office.
• The section which would have ended all the provisions contained in
the consent decree covering arbitration. Its effect is to leave arbitra-
tion under the present rules.
What remains in effect:
• The ban on franchise deals.
• The prohibition against theatre pools. (Practically all of these have
already been dissolved.)
• Prohibition against expansion of circuits, except with court approval.
• The ban on operation of picture-buying combines by distributor-
owned circuits.
• The section requiring 95 per cent ownership if a distributor-owned
circuit is to continue with complete freedom of booking as in the past.
• The section permitting the Department of Justice to require reports from
defendants for the purpose of enforcing the decree.
8
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
Another Year Is Predicted
For Arbitration System
cided after he had had conferences with
his associates and company lawyers. He has
a national meeting of sales forces scheduled
for April 28 at the Hotel Astor.
On Tuesday while the lawyers were still
arguing about what form of stay they should
present to Justice Reed for signature, Tom
J, Connors, vice-president in charge of 20th-
Fox distribution, with some of his aides, went
into conference with Otto Koegel, special
counsel. The impression prevails that 20th-
Fox will do some selling by the bidding
method where exhibitors want it. Robert
Mochrie, vice-president in charge of RKO’s
domestic distribution, also held a confer-
ence with division managers and lawyers
on Thursday. This company has been doing
more competitive-bidding selling than any
other and is expected to continue it when-
ever the customers want it on the theory
that it is good business to find out how it
works pending the final decision.
DELAY FOR PARAMOUNT
Paramount’s decision was delayed pend-
ing the return of Charles M. Reagan, vice-
president in charge of domestic distribution.
He is due back April 7. The company has
tried bidding extensively in the southwest
and midwest.
United Artists, Columbia and Universal,
the strongest opponents of competitive bid-
ding during the court hearings and the first
to move for stays pending appeal, are expect-
ed to continue their present selling methods.
United Artists always has sold pictures on an
individual basis. Both Columbia and Uni-
versal have been selling pictures individually
since the decree was handed down. These
companies probably will continue selling
pictures individually, but without bidding.
The status of roadshows is confused. Even
with the expected stay holding up the ban on
price-fixing some lawyers point out that this
was one of the subjects ruled illegal by the
three-judge court. Samuel Goldwyn is leasing
theatres for the showing of “Best Years of Our
Lives” and it is understood David O. Selz-
nick’s new Selznick Releasing Organization
has negotiations on for leases for engage-
ments of “Duel in the Sun.” They probably
will seek legal advice before departing from
these plans.
After the discussions before Justice Reed
Friday, March 28, the justice wrote to all
the defendant attorneys asking them to agree
on the form of an order, but arguments
among the attorneys developed Monday,
March 31, and were continued, Wednesday,
April 2.
Twentieth-Fox was not represented at the
Wednesday sessions. John W. Davis, attor-
ney for Loew’s, Inc., wrote to Justice Reed
Wednesday that the order prepared for his
signature by the defendants did not include
20th-Fox and National Theatres. It is un-
derstood that John F. Caskey, 20th-Fox at-
torney, opposed the stay on competitive bid-
ding.
“A BREATHING SPELL”
George Raftery, attorney for United Art-
ists, says the stay will give the industry a
breathing spell, and it will be possible to
work out an intelligent system of competi-
tive bidding.
Exhibitor reaction was mixed. Edward
Lachman, president of Allied Theatre Own-
ers of New Jersey, said he thought a stay on
bidding would be “the best thing that could
happen.”
Fred J. Schwartz, vice-president of Cen-
tury Theatres, was not pleased. He says
the stays “would leave things in abeyance”
and leave selling methods in uncertain form.
Arthur Wakoff, who operates several thea-
tres in Perth Amboy, Summit and Madison,
N. J., said: “The decree situation is now
more confusing than before, and it was
plenty confusing before.” He says he will not
start bidding in any of his situations.
NEW YORK — Clearances and arbitra-
tion are destined for a new lease on life —
probably a year at least.
This comes about as a result of a sudden
rush of clearance complaints before local
arbitration boards and the anticipated
signing of the supreme court order staying
the demise of arbitration by Justice Reed.
The system was ordered to end under the
antitrust decree. If the stay is not signed
20 inactive arbitration boards will go out
of business and the 11 active boards will
drop out as fast as they dispose of their
pending cases.
The Big Five — Loew's, RKO, Paramount,
20th-Fox and Warners — joined in asking the
court to continue arbitration. The antitrust
decree in Section V declared the provisions
of the consent decree “to be of no further
force or effect, except insofar as may be
necessary to conclude arbitration proceedings
now pending and to liquidate in an orderly
manner the financial obligations of the de-
fendants and the American Arbitration
Ass’n.”
A total of 36 cases is now pending before
local boards.
The situation is anomalous. Arbitration is
conducted under rules set up in the 1940
consent decree, which is now out of ex-
istence. However the precedents which grew
up in the local boards and before the appeals
board comply with the new antitrust decree
in requiring that the burden of proof of the
reasonableness of clearance shall be on the
distributors.
CLEARANCE TOPS LIST
A total of 378 of the 502 arbitration com-
plaints filed since the arbitration system be-
gan operating under the consent decree in
1941 were on clearance. Complaints were
filed by exhibitors, and distributors were the
respondents. In every case the boards heard
testimony on the reasonableness of clearance
and decided them on that basis.
This apparently means that the present
clearance systems will continue, with modi-
fications from time to time, except in those
cases where competitive bidding is put into
effect. Under bidding an exhibitor can des-
ignate what run he wants for a particular
picture. He gets it if he wins the bid.
Five days before the March 31 deadline
set by the antitrust decree, new clearance
complaints began pouring into the AAA
tribunals. Fourteen cases were filed from
March 26 to March 31. Three additional
complaints from Cleveland are expected at
arbitration headquarters in New York.
Six of these clearance complaints were
filed in Cincinnati March 27. All challenge
the existing clearance system in that area.
Five complaints ask the arbitrator to de-
clare unreasonable the 28-day clearance
granted by Loew’s in favor of first run
houses. One complaint asks that the arbi-
trator fix a new maximum reasonable clear-
ance in favor of first run houses.
The consent decree limits the power of an
arbitrator to (1) deciding whether a clearance
is reasonable and (2) fixing the maximum
clearance between the theatres involved in a
complaint. In no section of the consent de-
cree is an arbitrator empowered to change
a run.
The specific complaints filed against
Loew’s were as follows: Ames Theatre Co.,
'Unprecedented Move'
Taken by 20th-Fox
Washington — Twentieth Century-Fox
on Thursday presented to Justice Reed a
proposed order limited to stays which
would halt competitive bidding and con-
tinue arbitration.
Some separate action had been ex-
pected from this company as John F.
Caskey, counsel, opposed stays on other
topics during the lawyers’ discussions on
Monday and refused to attend when the
conferences were resumed Thursday.
In Washington it was stated that the
move was “unprecedented” in view of the
fact that Justice Reed had asked the at-
torneys to reach an agreement.
operating Ames Theatre, Dayton, seeks day-
and-date availability with other suburban
Dayton houses, claiming it is the only house
subjected to the 28-day Loew’s clearance.
Harmony Amusement Co., operating the
Park, Cincinnati, seeks day and date playing
time with the Esquire and Hollywood thea-
tres. The latter two houses get 39 and
28-day clearance, respectively, after first run.
The Park gets Loew’s product 46 days after
first run.
Two additional demands for day and date
playing time were filed by the Royal Thea-
tre Co., operating the Imperial, and naming
the Uptown Theatre, and by the Highland
Amusement Co., operating the Highland
Theatre, Fort Thomas, Ky. The Highland
names the Hippodrome, Newport, Ky.
The request for a new maximum reason-
able clearance in favor of first run Cin-
cinnati houses was brought by Willis Vance
and Gordon Pape, operators of the 20th Cen-
tury Theatre, in a complaint against Para-
mount, Warners and 20th-Fox. With the ex-
ception of Loew’s, all distributors grant the
23 suburban houses in greater Cincinnati
availability on the seventh Sunday after the
first or second week of downtown first runs.
Vance and Pape also claim the RKO
Paramount, operated by RKO Midwest Corp.,
serves as a “buffer” run between first run
and suburban houses, since it gets product
before the seventh-Sunday availability. The
complainants want the Paramount Theatre
clearance eliminated.
FILE AGAINST LOEW’S
In a second suit against Loew’s, Vance
and Pape seek prior playing time over the
Mariemont Theatre, which now gets product
immediately after the first run clearance.
In Boston, a complaint was filed by Har-
old Amusement Corp., operating the Star,
Pascoag, R. I., against the Big Five, asking
an elimination of the nine to 14-day clear-
ance enjoyed by three houses in Woonsocket.
An award also was granted in Boston.
The arbitrator established a 28-day maximum
clearance in favor of the Opera House, Bel-
lows Falls, Vt., over the State Theatre, Bel-
lows Falls.
A new case filed in New Haven by the
Rivoli Theatre, Hartford, against the Big
Five, seeks an elimination of the seven-day
clearance held by the Lyric Theatre, Hart-
ford, over the Rivoli. In addition the Rivoli
wants seven-day prior run over the Lyric.
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
9
ATA: IRREPARABLE DAMAGE'
IF INTERVENTION IS DENIED
Newspaper Ads to Help
N.J. Fight New Taxes
SCTOA Joins With Ass'n
In Asking High Court
To Kill Big-5 Appeal
WASHINGTON — The American Theatres
Ass’n, joined by the Southern California
Theatre Owners Ass’n, Friday filed with the
U.S. supreme court an answer opposing the
motions of 20th-Fox, Loew’s, RKO, Para-
mount and Warner Bros, which asked for an
order dismissing the ATA appeal to inter-
vene.
“To deny intervention in the present case
is to subject intervenors to irreparable in-
jury resulting from the court’s decree with-
out an opportunity to be heard,” the ex-
hibitor petition said.
OPPOSE MAJORS’ VIEWS
The brief said the defendant companies
are objecting to giving intervenors an op-
portunity to defend their rights in court.
“They are the very persons who will benefit
by a plan of united action sanctioned by the
court which would be illegal without that
sanction,” the exhibitor association said,
pointing to the competitive bidding section
of the decree to which they object.
“The united front which the decree directs
the defendants to take against the inter-
venors destroys intervenors’ power to bar-
gain individually to protect themselves
against the enhanced prices which defend-
ants will be able to obtain through competi-
tive bidding after the destruction of exist-
ing commercial relationships with independ-
ents,” it said.
ATA and SCTOA denied that intervention
will delay or complicate the litigation. “In-
tervenors do not seek to introduce new evi-
dence. They ask no part in the litigation
except to protect their rights against the un-
lawful and harmful provisions of the de-
cree,” the petition said.
SUMS UP DAMAGE
Summing up the damage which the ex-
hibitors believe will result from initiation
of the competitive bidding system, the peti-
tion respectfully asked the supreme court
to repeal the lower court order which denied
direct intervention.
ATA and SCTOA are already before the
court as amicus curiae, as well as Allied
States, and the Conference of Independent
Exhibitor Ass’ns.
Signers of the petition were Thurman Ar-
nold for ATA; Paul Williams for SCTOA,
Paul Barton and John G. Jackson, counsel
for W. C. Allred and other exhibitors.
Longer Seeks Stiff Penalty
For Antitrust Violators
Washington — Senator W’illiam Langer
of North Dakota this week renewed his
demand that violators of the antitrust
laws be punished by a jail sentence plus
a stiff fine. At hearings of the senate
judiciary committee, the lawmaker ridi-
culed spokesmen for the federal trade
commission who were called to testify on
enforcement of antitrust laws.
“I think the antitrust laws we have are
sufficient,” Langer said. “One thing
certain, however, is that the government
has not been enforcing them properly,”
he added, indicating that his committee
plans to do something about it.
NEWARK — The Federation of New Jersey
Theatres will set up a legislative lobby pro-
gram and use full page ads to fight the pro-
posed state law permitting local communities
to tax admissions and retail sales. This cam-
paign was arranged here Wednesday at a
meeting of federation trustees in the office
of Frank Damis of Warners.
Details of the lobby program will be worked
out April 7 at a Federation-sponsored meet-
ing at the Stacy-Trent hotel in Trenton. All
exhibitors in New Jersey have been invited.
They will be urged to write to their local
state representative, protesting against the
proposed law. The legislators also will re-
ceive briefs from the Federation attacking
the measure.
The bill, assembly No. 27, was reported out
of committee and passed on first and second
readings. After a third reading it will be put
to a vote. It would permit localities to levy
a 2-cent tax on articles and admissions cost-
ing from 13 to 50 cents, a 3-cent tax on
transactions between 50 cents and $1, and
3 cents on each even dollar after the first
dollar.
George Gold, operator of the Rivoli Thea-
tre, Newark, and chairman of the Federa-
tion, presided at Wednesday’s meeting. Oth-
ers present were Edward Lachman, presi-
dent of the New Jersey Allied, Damis; Bud
Hunt, Hunt Theatres; Edward Gage, Walter
HOLLYWOOD — Hal Roach, who has been
making comedies for a lot of years and should
know what he is talking about, evidently is
of the opinion that the world needs a good
laugh. Furthermore, the veteran film maker
has bobbed up with a plan to do something
about it.
At a press conference at his Culver City
studio, Roach declared it is his belief that
“brevity is the essence of comedy” and that,
for that reason, he intends hereafter to turn
out his laugh-makers with a running time of
only 55 minutes. Two of these, Roach said,
will be combined in one distribution package,
giving showmen a 110-minute program.
Already completed under this plan are
“Curley” and “The Fabulous Joe,” two Cine-
color productions which will be called “Hal
Roach Comedy Carnival,” Part One and Part
Two. They will be sold on a straight fea-
ture-length rental, but the exhibitor will be
given his choice of running them separately
or as a package.
Roach cited the fact that some of our
greatest comedians came out of the old two-
reelers — Charlie Chaplin, Fatty Arbuckle,
Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd — but that
Reade Theatres; Lee Newbury, Newbury
Theatres; Morton Sunshine, Leon Rosenblatt
and J. Joshua Goldberg of the ITOA; Hardie
Meakin, RKO; William Phillips, Loew’s, and
Harold Blumenthal, Fabian.
Billion-Dollar New York Budget
Calls for Real Estate Tax Hike
NEW YORK — Theatre owners were stunned
when Mayor O’Dwyer submitted his budget
for $1,029,000,000 for the year starting July 1.
It calls for a real estate tax rate of $2.95 per
$100 of valuation, a jump of 25 cents over
the current fiscal year and the highest in
the city’s history.
Theatre operators, as distinguished from
owners, had little to say about the proposed
expenditures and indicated no protest would
be made. They seemed relieved that the
mayor had decided not to take advantage
of the new 5 per cent admission tax which
he could impose with the help of the board
of estimate and city council as a result of
the new law signed by Governor Dewey.
Theatre men have been worrying particu-
larly about the admission tax because all
theatres in the Bronx and Queens and Brook-
lyn could lose patronage to theatres in West-
chester and Nassau counties if a 5 per cent
tax were slapped on top of the federal impost.
when they graduated into feature-length
films, many comics seemed to fall by the way-
side. Roach submitted as the reason for this
belief, that there is extreme difficulty in sus-
taining quality humor over the period of time
Which normally constitutes a feature.
Roach plans to make eight units on his
upcoming production schedule, and will aim
them toward first run attractions with the
use of top people to delineate the comedies.
They will be sold in packages of two each.
He also revealed that in double-feature
situations, the exhibitor will be given a choice
of running the film as a whole or breaking
it into Part One and Part Two and using it
in combination with another top feature,
thereby eliminating the possibility of booking
a class A film with a poor B. In other words
Roach suggested a program of a feature and
a half, instead of the ordinary two features
for a double bill.
Roach trains out for New York shortly
Where he will show his first “Hal Roach
Comedy Carnival” to United Artists distribu-
tion executives and discuss distribution plans.
Upon his return to Hollywood the package
will be shown to the press.
Hal Roach to Limit Future Comedies
To 55 Minutes, Two to a Package
10
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
Produced by NAT HOLT • Directed by RAY ENRIGHT • Screen Play by Norman Houston and Gene Lewis
The lusty story
of those lawless days
when frontier Kansas
roared- when badmen
ruled and women had
no say - when it took
a fearless two-gun
fighting man to tame
a town wilder than
Dodge City... Big "Bat
Masterson, the famous
U.S. Marshal whose
shooting arm wrote
history in the
making of a
mighty State!
R K O
RADIO
PICTURED
MADGE MEREDITH
BILLY HOUSE
STEVE BRODIE
starring
RANDOLPH SCOn- ROBERT RYAN
ANNE JEFFREYS - GEORGE -user HAVES
-Blasting out the big news about a
great action entertainment to the readers of the
88,421,433
CIRCULATION
of National Magazines like Life - Look - Saturday
Evening Post -Cosmopolitan -True -22 Pulp Favor-
ites-Fan Publications . . . with full-color comic-strip
type ads in the Magazine Sections of Supple-
ments of 101 important Sunday Newspapers!
RODGERS: STOP RETREAT TALK;
MGM SALES FORCES REALIGNED
Aggressive, All-Industry
Effort Very Important,
Sales Head Declares
NEW YORK — William F. Rodgers, vice-
president in charge of distribution for MGM,
says there is too much
talk about a recession
There is no reason for
it, he says, and at the
same time there is no
reason why business
should not remain on
the upgrade.
“An aggressive all-
industry effort to do a
good job of making
the public realize that
motion pictures are
their greatest amuse-
umnaM f pnnrFPS ment value wiU ac'
WILLIAM F. RODGERS complish t h j s » he
says. “When I say all-industry, I realize good
pictures alone cannot do it.”
BETTER PUBLIC RELATIONS
Rodgers says it will take “better theatre
merchandising, better theatre housekeeping;
it will require understanding and construc-
tive comments on the part of reviewers and
critics; it will require intelligent advertising
to make the public realize that for a low
cost they are being brought the best product
of the greatest writers in the world.
“Here is an all-industry effort worthy of
the best brains of the unquestioned talent we
have in every department of our company.
Once we establish in the public mind confi-
dence that the merchandise we have to offer
is the greatest dollar value they can buy, we
will not need to worry about empty seats.
“Next to keeping present patrons, our big-
gest job is to reach out and touch those seg-
ments of the public who for one reason or
another are not regular patrons of motion
picture theatres. That is why we expect to
expand and place emphasis on exhibitor and
public relations.”
By exhibitor relations, he says, he means
contacts that will keep the MGM sales or-
ganization closer to its customers to help
them reach larger audiences by following
through after a sale has been made. This
will be one of the company’s main objectives
this year, Rodgers states.
FOR IMPROVED EFFICIENCY
“As good business men,” he sums up, “we
realize that in every era of abnormal prosper-
ity, there comes a time when we must take in-
ventory of our stock, realign our sights and
prepare our approach in a different manner.
We are going to do just that. We have re-
shuffled our sales organization to put our
returning veterans in their proper positions,
and we have shifted others to other work.
Naturally, during the war, we found it nec-
essary to overstaff with, many times, inex-
perienced people, in order that the same
level of efficiency could be maintained.”
Rodgers admits frankly that putting com-
petitive bidding into effect generally will
cause many irritations. Thus far the com-
pany has been experimenting with it in
about 50 situations. He says he does not
intend to tolerate any attempt to turn the
good intentions of the court decree into self-
advantage.
“Our bulwark,” he says, “has been firm
Reshuffled by MGM
SAMUEL J. GARDNER THOMAS A. ASPELL JR.
SAM DAVIS
JEROME ADAMS
JACK GOLDBERG
BENN H. ROSENWALD
CHARLES D. LYNE
JACK C. ReVILLE
exhibitor relations and, through them, to the
public we serve, and these will be stressed
even more in the future than in the past,
if that is possible.”
Rodgers recently sent a wire to the field
forces reminding them again that where a
picture fails to come up to its sales classifi-
cation it should be reclassified quickly, so
that minimum terms can be changed in ask-
ing for bids. He hopes arbitration, especially
on clearances, can be continued, because he
does not want any of the technicalities of the
decree to interfere with the company’s pleas-
ant relations with its customers.
NEW YORK — Seven MGM exchanges
acquire new managers in a general realign-
ment of sales forces
made last week by
William F. Rodgers,
vice-president in
charge of distribution.
A number of the shifts
are due to promo-
tions; one was caused
by a resignation, and
one salesman was ad-
vanced to a branch
managership.
Samuel J. Gardner,
who has been Los
Angeles branch man-
ager for the past two
and one-half years, was promoted to assistant
west coast sales manager. Gardner started
with the company as a salesman at Phila-
delphia in 1931. His new headquarters will
be in San Francisco.
M. L. “MIKE" SIMONS
ASPELL TO LOS ANGELES
Thomas A. Aspell jr., Seattle branch man-
ager, has gone to Los Angeles to take Gard-
ner’s place, and Sam Davis, who has been
a special representative on the coast in the
reprints and importations department, has
taken over the Seattle branch. Both Aspell
and Davis are company veterans. The for-
mer was formerly office manager in Kansas
City in 1930. He went to San Francisco a
year later. The latter joined the company
as assistant shipper in April 1929.
Jerome Adams, who has been assistant
branch manager at San Francisco, has been
promoted to manager in Washington. He
takes the spot made vacant when John S.
Allen was made district manager for Wash-
ington, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Cincinnati.
Adams started as a student booker in 1934.
He advanced from private to captain in the
army air forces during the war.
Jack Goldberg, sales manager at Washing-
ton, has been made Albany branch man-
ager. This fills the vacancy there caused
when Herman Ripps was made district man-
ager for Albany, Buffalo and New Haven.
Goldberg has been with the company since
June 1928, when he became a salesman at
Detroit. He has had previous Albany ex-
perience.
ROSENWALD TO BOSTON
Benn H. Rosenwald, branch manager at
Charlotte for the past eight years, has been
moved to Boston as branch head. Rosen-
wald’s place at Charlotte has been taken by
Jack C. ReVille, Oklahoma City branch man-
ager for the past four years. ReVille was a
salesman at Memphis in 1943. He has been
with the company since 1929.
The Oklahoma City vacancy caused by
ReVille’s transfer has been filled by the pro-
motion of Charles D. Lyne, salesman in the
Dallas area, who has been with the company
since 1927.
M. L. “Mike” Simons, who has been named
as aide to H. M. Richey, and will spend con-
siderable time in the field in the future, also
is a company veteran. He joined the com-
pany at Indianapolis as a booker 20 years
ago, and since that time has been an office
manager and salesman. He went to the home
office 14 years ago and has edited The Dis-
tributor, employes’ magazine, which he will
continue to handle.
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
15
RKO RADIO PICTURES
ALBANY
Fox Projection Room
1052 Broadway
ATLANTA
RKO Projection Room
1 95 luckie Street
BOSTON
RKO Projection Room
122 Arlington St.
BUFFALO
Fox Projection Room
290 Franklin Street
CHARLOTTE
Fox Projection Room
308 So. Church St.
CHICAGO
RKO Projection Room
1300 So. Wabash Ave.
CINCINNATI
RKO Projection Room
12 E. 6th Street
CLEVELAND
Fox Projection Room
2219 Payne Ave.
DALLAS
Paramount Proj. Room
412 South Harwood St.
DENVER
Paramount Proj. Room
2100 Stout St.
DES MOINES
Fox Projection Room
1300 High Street
DETROIT
Blumenthal Proj. Room
2310 Cass Ave.
INDIANAPOLIS
Paramount Proj. Room
116 W. Michigan Street
KANSAS CITY
Paramount Proj. Room
1802 Wyandote
LOS ANGELES
RKO Projection Room
1980 So. Vermont Ave
MEMPHIS
Fox Projection Room
151 Vance Ave.
MILWAUKEE
Warner Projection Room
212 W. Wisconsin Ave.
MINNEAPOLIS
Fox Projection Room
1015 Currie Ave.
NEW HAVEN
Fox Projection Room
40 Whiting Street
NEW ORLEANS
Fox Projection Room
200 So. Liberty Street
NEW YORK
RKO Projection Room
630 9th Ave.
Normandie Theatre
SI East 53rd Street
OKLAHOMA CITY
Fox Projection Room
10N. Lee Street
OMAHA
Fox Projection Room
1502 Davenport Street
PHILADELPHIA
RKO Projection Room
250 No. 13th Street
PITTSBURGH
Fox Projection Room
1715 Blvd. of Allies
PORTLAND
Star Preview Room
925 N.W. 19th Street
ST. LOUIS
S'Renco Proj. Room
3143 OKve Street
SALT LAKE CITY
Fox Projection Room
216 East 1st South Street
SAN FRANCISCO
RKO Projection Room
251 Hyde Street
SEATTLE
Jewel Box Projection Room
2318 2nd Avenue
SIOUX FALLS
Hollywood Theatre
212 No. Philips Avenue
WASHINGTON
Fox Projection Room
932 New Jersey Ave.
BANJO
Mon. 4/ 1 4
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/14
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/1 4
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/14
2:00
P.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/14
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
2:00
P.M.
Mon. 4/14
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/14
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
1:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/14
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/14
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/14
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/14
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/1 4
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/14
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/14
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
1:00
P.M.
Mon. 4/14
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
11:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/14
2:30
P.M.
*
Mon. 4/ 1 4
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/14
10:30
A.M.
Mon. 4/14
9:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/15
1 1:45
A.M.
HONEYMOON
Mon. 4/ 1 4
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/1 4
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/1 4
4:00
P.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/14
3:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/1 4
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/14
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
3:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/14
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/14
2:15
P.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/14
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/1 4
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/14
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/14
10:30,
A.M.
Mon. 4/1 4
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/14
2:30
P.M.
Tues. 4/1 5
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
1:00
P.M.
Mon. 4/ 1 4
1:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/14
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/14
10:45
A.M.
Tues. 4/15
2:30
P.M.
TARZAN AND
A LIKELY STORY
BORN TO KILL
THE HUNTRESS
Tues. 4/15
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/15
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/15
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/15
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/15
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/15
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/15
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 4/1 5
4:00
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
2:30
P.M
Tues. 4/15
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/15
2:00 P.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
3:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
2:00
P.M.
Tues. 4/15
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
2:30
P.M.
Mon. 4/7
10:00
A.M.
Tues. 4/15
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/15
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
2:00 P.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
3:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
2:00
P.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/15
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/15
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/15
1 : 3 0 P.M.
Tues. 4/15
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
1:30
P.M
Tues. 4/15
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/15
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
2:30
P.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/15
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/15
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/15
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/15
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/15
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
2:30
P.M.
Wed: 4/ 16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/15
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/1 5
1 1 :00 A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
2:30
P.M.
Tues. 4/15
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/1 5
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/15
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
1:00 P.M.
Tues. 4/15
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
1:00
P.M.
Tues. 4/15
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/15
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Wed. 4/16
1 1:30 A.M.
Wed. 4/16
2:30
P.M.
Thurs. 4/17
1 1:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/15
1 :00 P.M.
Tues. 4/15
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
1:00
P.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
1:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
2:30
P.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
9:30 A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
10:45
A.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
A.M.
Tues. 4/ 1 5
10:30 A.M.
Wed. 4/16
10:30
*.M.
Wed. 4/16
2:30
P.M.
Fuiure Looks Brighier,
Yales Says in Report
NEW YORK— Republic’s outlook is brighter
than ever before in its history, according to
Herbert J. Yates, president, in his address
to stockholders at the company’s annual
meeting held here this week. In discussing
the growth of the company over the past
eight years, Yates reported that the quarter
just ended had shown considerable improve-
ment over the same quarter last year al-
though he hesitated to express a percentage
of increase because of economic conditions
and labor-management relations which had
not yet been finally adjusted.
CHARLES FELDMAN DEAL
Yates told the stockholders that the com-
pany’s program of expansion would continue
with the signing of a deal with Charles
Feldman, who will bring Lewis Milestone,
Orson Welles and Ben Hecht to the Republic
lot. Milestone will begin production on John
Steinbeck’s “The Red Pony’’ in Technicolor
May 15 with Robert Mitchum set for one
of the leading roles.
A thorough analysis of the B picture and
its current market will be made at the com-
pany’s regional sales meetings, the first of
which was held at the New York Athletic
club this week with James R. Grainger, ex-
ecutive vice-president, in charge of sales and
distribution, presiding. In addressing the
meeting, Yates said that the problem of
producing B pictures was more acute than
ever due to the increased costs of both labor
and material and exhibitor unwillingness to
absorb such increased production costs. A
decision to either eliminate B product or
place restrictions on the number of such
pictures Republic would produce will not be
made until after the company’s Hollywood
sales meeting to be held during the week
of April 14.
RE-ELECT ALL OFFICERS
Five members of the board of directors were
elected by a vote of 1,190,237 shares at the
company’s annual meeting. Walter L. Titus
jr. and Arthur J. Miller were re-elected and
Samuel Becker, Harry M. Goetz and Harry
C. Mills were confirmed as directors.
At the board of directors meeting follow-
ing the stockholders meeting, the current
slate of officers was re-elected, including
Yates, president; Grainger, executive presi-
dent; Titus jr., Miller, Edward L. Walton
and John J. O’Connell, vice-presidents; John
Petrauskas jr., treasurer; Richard S. Rodgers,
Robert V. Newman, Nathan K. Loder, as-
sistant treasurers; Joseph E. McMahon, sec-
retary; Albert E. Schiller, Ira M. Johnson
and Robert V. Newman, assistant secretaries.
Film Carriers Offer Plan
To Major Distributors
PHILADELPHIA — As a result of recent
trade press stories to the effect that some
of the major distributors are thinking of
opening exchanges in Jacksonville and San
Antonio, James P. Clark, president of Na-
tional Film Distributors, has sent out letters
offering to build fireproof structures for this
new service.
This is a part of the national move started
some months ago for independent producers
and others who need distribution facilities.
David O. Selzniek was one of the first to
sign an agreement.
Clark says National Film Distributors will
build in any territory where there is need
for this service “a modern fireproof build-
ing with ample shipping, inspection and vault
facilities for all the distributors.”
ATA Delays Second Convention
Until Some Time
New York — The annual convention of
the American Theatres Ass’n, originally
scheduled for this month, will be held
some time in May. Robert W. Coyne,
executive director, explained that the de-
lay was caused by difficulties in working
out, a convention program, lining up
speakers and setting up a convenient date
for a preliminary meeting of the board of
directors.
It had been hoped to hold the conven-
tion in April, the anniversary month of
the ATA. Incidentally, the national head-
quarters here let the anniversary day,
April 2, pass without a press release.
Next Month
Instead, the ATA, together with the
Confederacy of Southern Ass’ns and the
Southern California Theatre Owners
Ass’n marked this first anniversary of the
St. Louis convention by filing some more
papers with the supreme court. They sub-
mitted a joint motion and joint brief ask-
ing the court to deny the applications of
RKO, 20th-Fox, Loew’s, Paramount and
Warners to dismiss the exhibitor organi-
zations’ supreme court appeal on the anti-
trust decree.
The antitrust case and the appeals are
the principal reasons for the postpone-
ment of the convention, Coyne indicated.
Ohio Fights a Changeover
From State to City Taxes
COLUMBUS — Exhibitors opened up this
week on the proposal to eliminate the state
three-cent amusement tax and substitute an
act which empowers municipalities to estab-
lish their own theatre ticket levies. Although
the exhibitors presented figures to show that
they had paid $23,000,000 into the state treas-
ury in amusement taxes since 1934, they said
they had no objection to continuance of the
state assessment but were dead set against
allowing the municipalities themselves to do
the taxing.
What the exhibitors were particularly dis-
turbed about, they informed the house tax-
ation committee, was that the proposed bill
sets no ceiling on taxes local governments
may levy.
The temper of city officials behind the new
move was revealed by R. P. Barthalow, city
auditor at Columbus, who told the committee
that “an admission tax is among the easiest
to administer and the costs of administra-
tion are so small.”
CONSIDER 7 TO 10% LEVY
Columbus is reliably reported to be consid-
ering a city tax of 7 to 10 per cent if the
legislation is approved. A 10 per cent levy
would raise about $500,000 a year for the
municipalities, whereas all theatres in Frank-
lin county in an 18-month period ending
June 30, 1946, paid a total state tax of $297,-
047.77.
Exhibitors had the tax figures for the 18
months charted, county by county, to
strengthen their claims that they already
were paying a tremendous tax. On the basis
of a three-per cent levy, the following taxes
were paid by theatres in the six largest coun-
ties in 1945 and the first six months of 1946:
Cuyahoga (Cleveland), $913,949.61; Lucas
(Toledo), $233,616.54; Franklin (Columbus),
$297,047.77; Montgomery (Dayton), $258,218.23,
and Summit (Akron), $234,959.47.
Because of these huge tax payments, local
governmental bodies now want their share of
the taxes. Under the present law the taxes
go into a state fund. When theatre men ex-
pressed fears that cities will levy much
heavier taxes, State Tax Commissioner Emory
Glander said:
“I think their fears are unfounded. They
will have to make their fight before the city
councils and not here at the legislature. It
is not a question as to the milking of a com-
placent cow, but a question as to who the
milkman is going to be.”
Arguments against repeal of the state tax
were presented by P. J. Wood, secretary of
the ITO of Ohio; Ernest Schwartz, presi-
dent of the Cleveland Exhibitors Ass’n; M. C.
Burnett, Loew’s central division manager, and
F. W. Huss jr., treasurer of the Theatre
Owners Corp. of Cincinnati.
Wood told the committee that the tax is
not tacked on to the ticket price. He said
his organization has no objection to con-
tinuation of the tax, however, and suggested
that money so raised be apportioned among
local governments instead of going to the
state general fund.
A local tax will result in a “hodgepodge
of tax rates in the same county,” Wood said.
E-L Deal for Rank Films
Clarified by Benjamin
NEW YORK — Eagle-Lion is not going to
take second choice after Universal-Inter-
national on J. Arthur Rank product for dis-
tribution in this country.
Robert S. Benjamin, president of the J.
Arthur Rank Organization here, and Arthur
B. Krim, president of Eagle-Lion, cleared up
this point at midweek when both returned
from a month of conferences in London.
Selections of product will be made by a com-
mittee of representatives of both companies.
Rank plans to produce 40 features next year
with eight in Technicolor. Some will be re-
served for the British market. Universal will
get a minimum of 12 and Eagle-Lion will
have at least five for distribution in the
United States, Central and South America.
Harry Brandt, A. L. Mayer
Sign Pact With PRC
HOLLYWOOD — A four-picture releasing
deal has been signed by PRC with Marathon
Pictures Corp., newly formed production
company headed by Harry Brandt and
Arthur L. Mayer, New York exhibitors. Mara-
thon will begin production early this summer
of the first film to be delivered to PRC.
Frank Satinstein will be production chief
of Marathon, Peter Mayer will handle direc-
tion, Max Wilk will be in charge of the story
department and Robert Joseph will be as-
sociate producer. Brandt said he plans to
spend a great deal of time in Hollywood.
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
17
"BACKLASH" with JEAN ROGERS * RICH
ELDREDGE- LEONARD STRONG and Robert
Sara Berner • Richard Benedict ‘Wynne Larke
“THE CHILL OF
MURDER AHD
THE THRILL OF
PURSUIT ARE
PRESEHTED
WITH LOTS
OF SUSPEHSE!
SOLID!”
—Daily Variety
WILL KEEP
EVERYBODY
GUESSING TO
THE PISTOL-
PACKING
FINISH!”
—Motion Picture Irving Elman • Directed by Eugene Forde • Produced by Sol
Daily
\RD TRAVIS • LARRY BLAKE • JOHN
Shayne • Louise Currie • Douglas Fowley
’Susan Klimist’Origina! Story and Screenplay by
A.Wurtzel Prod., Inc. • ATwentieth Century-Fox Release
Using the Radio
To Sell Films
Locally and Regionally, Big and Little
Exhibitors Are Taking to the Air Lanes.
Fan clubs are used by many exhibitors to plug a picture. Here, the Dick Haymes
club of Cleveland is participating in a sponsored program over WGAR to boost the
star’s latest picture. Half of the 45-minute period were devoted to the club.
By CHARLES IRWIN
■p ADIO has blossomed out in the last few
years as a big-time salesman of the motion
picture.
Growth in use of this medium coincides
with restriction of space by newspapers and
the general increase in advertising budgets.
Theatre people went into radio reluctantly
and many still doubt its value. But those who
take time to develop smart formats find air
programs an unbeatable complement to news-
paper space.
Spot announcements are standard budget
items across the country. Even neighborhood
and suburban houses are using them some
places, a BOXOFFICE survey shows. As new
stations spring up in small cities, this prac-
tice is bound to grow.
The local air show, the 15-minute or half
hour broadcast aired regularly, is the most
interesting and most effective development
of the last few years, however. Such programs
give free rein to showmanship and exhibitors
in some spots have developed programs hav-
ing fatter Hooper ratings than network shows.
★ ★ ★
A spectacular user of radio time is Charles
Pincus of the Utah in Salt Lake City. In
number, variety, drawing power and novelty
his programs are tops in the Rocky moun-
tain area. Currently Pincus is reshuffling his
air time on the theory that a good thing
should not be overdone. Here are some ideas
he has used recently:
Spelling Bee: This played to packed houses
for a year and the Intermountain network
often pipes it into 25 outside stations. The
show combines the usual quiz formula with
weird audience participation stunts. People
drive in from nearby towns to catch the show,
many forward gags, and merchants ask for
permission to give their product to winners,
Pincus said.
Skyline to Hollywood: This half-hour after-
noon quiz show was aired in cooperation with
a department store, air line and KALL. Daily
winners got merchandise and competed at
week’s end for an air trip to Hollywood, com-
plete outfit, and round of night clubs, thea-
tres and studios. On return the winner re-
joined the show to report on her trip. Plugs
for the Utah were worked in about a dozen
times on each program.
Have You Got It? A sidewalk interview in
front of the Utah from 1 to 1:30 Monday
through Friday, this show is like the Man on
the Street program used widely throughout
the country. Passersby are interviewed and
at the end asked if they carry a comb, a key
ring, or whatever. If they produce one they
get passes and a corsage from a florist nearby.
The Utah gets in eight plugs during a half
hour.
Pincus keeps a radio speaker in his box-
office and has the cashier turn it up for
news, picture and music broadcasts and down
for serials. This stops a lot of passersby.
Pincus also has the control room for KALL’s
street broadcasts in his boxoffice and in-
variably when there is a program of this na-
ture the announcer mentions, “Broadcasting
from in front of the Utah Theatre.”
Pincus uses spots at key hours but most of
his radio time is promoted. He says he aver-
ages 86 free plugs a week.
Other Utah showmen are making good use
of the airwaves, too. Ray Taylor of Logan
conducts a spelling bee in connection with
his Saturday morning Tom and Jerry club
and pulls almost as many adults as children
to the show. Only the youngsters take part
in the air program, however. Warren Butler
of the Lyric in Salt Lake City is tied up with
a radio station in sponsorship of a Saturday
morning program that is built around target
shooting at electrical screens. The station
uses a plug on the program almost every day.
A listener-participation show that has done
well is run by Earl Long, manager of the
Norshor, key Minnesota Amusement Co. house
in Duluth. The 15-minute midafternoon pro-
gram is patterned after Information Please,
with Long handling questions sent in by lis-
teners and sending passes to those who stump
him. The questions give him plenty of op-
portunity to work in pitches on coming at-
tractions. Listener participation is further
encouraged by a guessing contest. On Tues-
day Long gives a vague sketch of some screen
player and offers tickets to the first to
identify the person. If nobody does the first
day, the clue is elaborated the second day.
“We are amazed that we are unable to go
past Wednesday without someone getting the
correct answer,” said Long. “Only once did
we go to Thursday. Another thing that sur-
prises us is that men phone in guesses. We
had aimed the program at women because
of the 2:15 p. m. time element.”
That idea has been worked by Pincus, too,
on the Call-a-Star program over KALL.
In the southeast one of the big air shows
is the 30-minute Mickey Mouse kiddy party
Saturday mornings from the Alabama Thea-
tre in Birmingham. Fred McCallum, assistant
Alabama manager, emcees the show. Young-
sters write from all through the area for a
chance to take part. Surveys made for WSGN
show the program gets 47 to 54 per cent of
the Saturday morning radio audience in the
territory.
The Waters circuit in Alabama runs a 15-
minute morning program of recordings, in-
terspersed with plugs for attractions at its
17 theatres. Waters does not include its two
Negro houses in newspaper advertising but
does boost their programs on the air. Acme
Theatres in Birmingham is doing a somewhat
similar job.
Five first run theatres in Harrisburg, Pa.,
some Fabian-owned and others belonging to
Loew’s, have done the unusual by working-
together on a single Saturday morning pro-
gram with a downtown store. Each pays for
one plug a week. Every fifth week, in rota-
tion, one of their shows is named Picture of
the Week and given a strong buildup. The
show is a hodgepodge of recorded music,
news, sports and a contest for which passes
are the prize.
Spots are used by Harrisburg showmen with
great frequency and as a result the radio
stations in that city give them a lot of free
time on special promotions. They cut discs
on events at the theatres for future broad-
casts and perform a lot of other services for
the theatres, and in turn they get credit at
the theatres.
Gerry Wollaston, manager of the State in
Harrisburg, has often given the theatre stage
to radio stations for national radio programs
originating here because the performers were
unavoidably delayed in getting to New York
and this type of cooperation gets returns.
★ ★ ★
As examples of how much radio time the
theatres buy are these figures: Bob Sidman
of the Senate took 63 spots in four days on
the premiere of “Bedelia” and Jack O’Rear
of the Colonial used 36 on the opening of
“Johnny O’clock.”
Institutional advertising is the basis for
circuit programs in many parts of the coun-
try. Interstate in Texas and Fanchon &
Marco in St. Louis are sparkling examples of
this type of program.
Interstate recently cut down its air time
in favor of spot announcements but still runs
its half-hour Showtime every Sunday over
the Texas network. The program started with
the circuit’s 35th anniversary five years ago
and uses big-name talent when possible. In
February Interstate eliminated a half hour
Wednesday night quiz show that had run 26
weeks, with Frankie Masters, the band leader,
as emcee half that time. It also dropped 15-
minute music programs on five stations and
is giving prime attention now to spots on 26
Texas stations.
Fanchon & Marco builds goodwill for its
33 theatres with several shows on KXOK.
Its Down Memory Lane program, consisting
of music and news, is aired Monday through
Friday at noon and another program of the
same name is put on from 6:30 to 7 Tuesday
and Thursday and 1 to 1:30 Sunday. Tues-
day’s show in the latter series is a biography
of some entertainer, including some of his re-
( Continued on page 22)
II
20
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
ly, soxncwfc&t colfloi^
sat i^ayTma;
-MX <* M4'" *,ri Jr*‘W
Tomcsr ro^parKy c>Q]
'V? YORK 15, 'N. Y.
a Forecast:
20th CENTURY-FOX LEADING
WAY OF ALL COAST STUDIOS
by Alton Cook
“That studio has been maintaining a remarkably high quality of pictures,
climaxed by the superb version of “The Late George Apley,” now at the
Music Hall with the Easter stage show. This is one of the greatest improve-
ments Hollywood ever has worked in a popular novel. The picture is so good
it conceivably could have a strong mellowing influence on the future writing
of its novelist, J. P. Marquand.
“The other pictures in the TCF string are the three that have played the
Roxy since the year began— “13 Rue Madeleine,” “The Shocking Miss
Pilgrim” and “Boomerang!” %
And the newest big one from 20th Century-Fox,
now playing at the Roxy Carnival in Costa Rica."
“CARNIVAL IN COSTA RICA” in TECHNICOLOR Starring DICK HAYMES • VERA -ELLEN • CESAR
ROMERO • CELESTE HOLM with ANNE REVERE • J. CARROL NAISH • Lecuona Cuban Boys • Directed
by GREGORY RATOFF • Produced by WILLIAM A. BACHER • Original Screen Play by John Larkin,
Samuel HofFenstein and Elizabeth Reinhardt • Music by Ernesto Lecuona • Lyrics by Harry Ruby
Additional Lyrics by Sunny Skylar and Albert Stillman • Dances by Leonide Massine
CENTURY-FOX
*??Ce*t Met
Tax Parade Starts
\X7HILE leading figures in the industry
are still clinging to the theory that
the new local option taxes, including a five
per cent admission tax, should be op-
posed locally the tax parade has started in
New York state.
Unless a statewide, uniform plan is
agreed upon quickly to battle these taxes
they will be statewide in application be-
fore local exhibitor groups get a chance to
make a move. New Jersey exhibitors real-
ized this and formed a compact fighting
organization.
Less than two weeks after Governor
Dewey signed the law Mayor O'Dwyer of
New York City announced he had chosen
one of the possible new taxes — the $5 use
tax on automobiles and $10 on trucks — to
help him balance the budget. The other
possible taxes which can be levied by coun-
ties or municipalities with 100,000 or more
population are: One per cent tax on res-
taurant checks; a retail liquor license tax.
The strategy in getting the bill through
the legislature was to introduce it in the
final rush and slap it through. That will
be the strategy used by counties and muni-
cipalities.
* * *
Nine-Year Argument
LAWYERS in the antitrust case began
disagreeing about nine years ago.
They’re still at it. Justice Reed of the su-
preme court listened for about four hours
to their arguments for and against stays
pending an appeal on the decision. Then
he told them to get together on the form
of an injunctive order they wanted him to
sign. They argued all day March 31 and
failed to reach an agreement, so they re-
sumed April 2. Nobody suggested flipping
a coin or taking a majority vote. In the
meantime some of the sales managers
fumed.
* * *
Mrs. Meyer Attacks Again
J^JRS. EUGENE MEYER, Washington
(D.C.) newspaper publisher, is an ar-
dent defender of freedom of the press, but
in her opinion no other form of communi-
cation should have any freedom. Radio
and motion pictures should be subjected
to the guiding influence of leaders of
thought like herself.
Speaking before a group of California
school administrators, she asked: “Why
should these two industries be so back-
ward? Only the movies and radio think
they can hand us with impunity a product
that grows steadily worse.”
Then she got really steamed up. “In-
stead of picturing the real America, the
motion picture magnates send their spu-
rious versions of American life abroad to
dishonor our people in the eyes of every
foreign nation.”
She even calls films a “vulgarization of
life” and repeats the statement she made
some weeks ago, without investigation, to
the effect that “the largest combination of
By JAMES M. JERAULD
moving picture magnates deliberately
modified their own code against the use of
narcotic themes in order to exploit dope-
peddling and dope addiction for the bene-
fit of our children.”
If any of her reporters should indulge
in this careless disregard of facts she
probably would make changes in her staff.
Since newspapers achieved perfection in
the art of spreading culture she finds time
to tell the world how to reform other me-
diums of communication, entirely disre-
garding the fact that customers who don’t
like the content of films know how to make
their influence felt in a hurry.
If she should call up the MPA or one of
the important government departments
within sight of her office, she could dis-
cover why the code was modified.
* * *
Chaplin Showmanship
gELLING a new Charles Chaplin picture
requires a complete disregard of all
the standard theories of showmanship.
There is no long buildup with high pres-
sure methods; the approach is purely nega-
tive.
Anybody who wants to find out about a
Chaplin picture while it is in production
has to go to Chaplin. If he gets any in-
formation, he is just plain lucky. After
more than five years in preparation “Mon-
sieur Verdoux,” up to two weeks ago, had
not been seen by anybody outside of Chap-
lin’s production unit, it is said. Since he
came east some United Artists executives
have seen it, but reviewers will not get a
look until the opening night April 11.
Chaplin apparently proceeds on the
theory that there is enough interest in
Chaplin to make the picture incidental.
He seems to be right. Every time one of
his pictures opens it is an event in the film
world. There may be a chorus of discord
over the merits of the production when it
comes out, but there is no lack of curiosity
and no absence of cash customers.
* * *
More Shakespeare
J^OW Republic is going to have a Shake-
spearean picture for distribution —
“Macbeth,” with Orson Welles starred.
Times are certainly changing. Up to
t;he time “Henry V” demonstrated that it
could make money without ever going near
a first run theatre, it was the practically
unanimous verdict of distributors and ex-
hibitors that Shakespeare was one of those
luxuries they could get along without.
When MGM made “Romeo and Juliet"
and Warners made “A Midsummer Night’s
Dream” it was pretty generally understood
they were after prestige as much as profits.
Republic goes after profits.
That Southern Dish!
ATLANTA — Ernie Emerling, chief of
Loew’s public relations, says the thing he dis-
likes most about living in New York is that
virtually nobody there ever heard of lye
hominy.
The Radio Sells Films
(Continued from page 20)
cordings; Thursday’s show is similar except
that it deals with name bands, and Sunday’s
show turns attention to a composer. Short
reviews are inserted into some of these pro-
grams. F&M also sponsors a Sunday noon
newscast.
In Columbus, Ohio, the RKO Palace puts
on a 15-minute program in its lobby at 2:15
p. m. Monday through Friday. The program
is sponsored by RKO Radio Pictures and its
format changes from time to time. Plugs are
put in for pictures at the Palace and Grand.
Loew’s Ohio in Columbus, while not acting
as sponsor, provides background for the In-
quiring broadcast over WCOL at noon week-
days. The program is broadcast from under
the theatre marquee in good weather and in
the lobby in inclement weather. The theatre
gives guest tickets to those interviewed.
INSTITUTIONAL PROGRAMS
The independent Academy Theatres in Co-
lumbus runs a program of records on WCOL
Tuesday through Saturday at dinnertime and
Sunday at 1:15. The 15-minute show is made
up of recordings and plugs for Academy at-
tractions.
In Pittsburgh, both the Warner and inde-
pendent Harris circuits run institutional pro-
grams. Warners’ Footlights and Stardust has
been on the air 11 years and features Johnny
Mitchell at the organ playing numbers from
motion pictures. The program switches Sat-
urday morning to the Enright Theatre in
East Liberty and a kiddy show, billed as “the
largest children’s show in the world” and fea-
turing community singing and acts, takes its
place. Warners also takes time on radio sta-
tions all through the Pittsburgh exchange
area. Harris’ program, Background of the
News, is used at noon Tuesday, Thursday and
Saturday and includes news and reports on
theatre attractions and events at The Gar-
dens, another Harris enterprise.
One of the disadvantages of radio adver-
tising is that your message hits a limited
audience and that, in the case of big radio
stations, the message “spills” over a wider
area than the individual theatre cares to
cover.
LATE AFTERNOONS APPEAL
For spot announcements, late afternoon
and breaks between popular nighttime pro-
grams are preferred but hard to get. One
outfit that is going after them aggressively
is the Paramount-Nace circuit in Phoenix,
Ariz. This circuit, in order to get maximum
coverage in late afternoon, goes on the air
with 15-minute newscasts over KPHO at 4:30,
KRUX at 4:45 and KOY at 5:15, and Arthur
Pickett, head of the exploitation department,
is dickering to get on KTAR at 5 o’clock.
ON THE COVER
The setting and part of the audience at the Kid
§uiz show at the Utah Theatre in Salt Lake City.
ere, the theatre not only uses radio to attract a
capacity audience but to sell the institution to
the air audience.
Gives a Cut to Church
' Where It Does Good '
Garrison, Ky. — W. P. Eakins, manager
of the new Lewis Theatre here, has taken
the Garrison Methodist church in as a
“partner.” The church, he said, will re-
ceive 1 cent of each adult ticket sold
at the theatre.
“We figure,” Eakins said, “if the fed-
eral and state governments can take a hig
slice of the admission price, we just as
well can give another cent to the church
where it really will do some good.”
The new house is open six days a week.
22
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
Benedict Bogeaus
presents
also starring
with Reginald Denny • Jean Gillie • Directed by zoltan KORDA
Produced by Benedict Bogeaus and Casey Robinson
Screenplay by Casey Robinson and Seymour Bennett
Adaptation by Seymour Bennett and Frank Arnold
▼
I
I
I
Here is greatness
V -t * £&£&
s'-V
in this Hemingway story classic
of a bold and violent love!
Opening in 35 key spots starting April 10!
Released thru UA
First Stills From Chaplins
ARLES CHAPLIN’S first picture since 1940, “Monsieur Ver-
doux,” a comedy of murders, will open at the Broadway
Theatre in New York April 11. It is a picture which he wrote,
produced, composed the score and in which he plays the prin-
cipal role. In it, he appears without his comedy costume. “Mur-
der," he says, “can be comic," and as Monsieur Verdoux he is a
First Film Since 1940
modem Bluebeard who marries and murders wealthy women
so that he can support a wife and child whom he loves very
much. The actual idea for the story is said to have been sug-
gested by Orson Welles, with the famous killer, Landru, as the
inspiration. Martha Raye is cast as one of the wives, and the
picture introduces Marilyn Nash, who plays the role of a refugee.
Verdoux, a mild ex-clerk, marries many women and kills In an expansive warehouse, Verdoux stores the many pos-
them for their money. A victim (above) is Margaret Hoffman. sessions of his wives, even invites visitors to inspect the wares.
Such a kind fellow, neighbors say, as he brings food for He has one good friend, a Belgian refugee, played by Marilyn
the cat. Actually, says Verdoux, I am a very “moral man.” Nash, who is the newest Chaplin discovery — an Arizona co-ed.
He loves the Paris cafes, and the trail to capture finally Surprise casting is Martha Raye, the comedienne, who plays
leads to one of the cafes; the sister of a victim recognizes him. a wife quite difficult to do away with. She goes like the rest.
24
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
Also Starring
with
Reginald Denny -Jean Gillie
Produced by
r "-rag. Benedict Bogeaus and
Casey Robinson
Directed by
ZOLTAN KORDA
Screenplay by Casey Robinson and Seymour Bennett
Adaptation by Seymour Bennett and Frank Arnold
Benedict Bogeaus
presents
GREGORY PECK
JOAN BENNETT
msm
m/mi
wmmM r i
wWMh
m
Opening in 35 key spots starting April 10!
Released thru UA
*
The hottest name on any marquee today is
0IWIPJE*
uTO
of love in the kind of story that
only Hemingway could write!
Skouras Said in Control
Of 28 St. Louis Houses
Charles P. Skouras, who this week was reported to
have regained control of St. Louis Amusement Co.
in St. Louis, is shown here in a happy mood as he
and a group of National Theatres executives board
a plane for a tour of NT theatres for the fifth
annual Charles Skouras showmanship campaign.
Left to right: John Bertero, Tom Page, Andy Krapp-
man, Irving Epsteen, Eddie Zabel, William Lyris,
and Skouras.
ST. LOUIS — The offer of Charles P.
Skouras, president of National Theatres Co.,
to personally purchase the Ambassador
Building Corp.’s first mortgage fee and lease-
hold bonds, due 1949, and the voting trust
certificates of that corporation, and the Mis-
souri Theatre Building Corp. first mortgage
bonds, due 1949, and the voting trust cer-
tificates in that corporation, for 101.75 per
cent of the par value of the bonds expired
at the close of the business day on March 31.
The respective offers had been made by
Skouras on Oct. 22, 1946, and had been held
open since that date. He gave notice on
March 24 that he intended to withdraw the
offer effective on March 31.
BOND AMOUNT UNDISCLOSED
The exact amount of the bonds and vot-
ing trust certificates of both corporations
now owned by Skouras has not been revealed,
since the final tabulation of the securities
turned in to the First National bank in St.
Louis, the depository under the purchase plan,
had not been completed. But it is believed
certain that he and Charles M. Turley, man-
ager of the Ambassador and Missouri thea-
tres and office buildings, and secretary, St.
Louis Amusement Co., are now in control
of both the Ambassador Building Corp., which
also owns all of the common stock of the
Ambassador Investment Co., that in turn
holds 52 per cent of the stock of the St. Louis
Amusement Co., which operates 28 motion
picture theatres in the St. Louis area, and
of the Missouri Theatre Building Corp.
The acquisition of these properties by
Skouras does not necessarily mean that he
will return to St. Louis to personally par-
ticipate in the operation of the 30 motion
picture theatres affected by the bond and
voting trust certificate purchases.
The Ambassador Theatre is under lease
to the St. Louis Ambassador Theatre, Inc.,
and the Missouri Theatre to the St. Louis
Missouri Theatre, Inc., both subsidiaries of
the Fanchon & Marco interests.
The leases on the Ambassador and Mis-
souri theatres expired last August but have
been extended, under temporary arrange-
ments, from time to time.
The Fanchon & Marco Service Corp., a
subsidiary of the Fanchon & Marco Enter-
prises, Inc., has had a management contract
with the St. Louis Amusement Co. for the
operation of the 28 theatres in that circuit.
This agreement expired on Dec. 1, 1946, but
like the Ambassador and Missouri theatres
leases had been extended from time to time.
The F&M circuit holds 42 per cent of the
stock in the company.
With the passing of control of these prop-
erties to Charles P. Skouras and his associ-
ate, Clarence M. Turley, it is probable that
a permanent decision relative to the terms
of new leases on the first run theatres, and
the management contract for the St. Louis
Amusement circuit will be reached soon.
Persons close to Skouras have indicated
that his principal concern was to regain
actual ownership of the local theatre prop-
erties, and that he would then enter into
new management contracts for the operation
of the Ambassador, Missouri and the St.
Louis Amusement Co. houses.
REORGANIZATION IN 1934
The $3,500,000 bond issue on the Ambas-
sador building and $1,400,000 on the Missouri
Theatre building were originally issued and
underwritten by the S. W. Strauss Co. of
Chicago. These bonds went into default in
1932 and bondholders protective committees
were formed in August 1932, and took over
the properties from the St. Louis Properties
Corp. at foreclosure sales in July 1934. In the
reorganization of the properties the Ambas-
sador Building Corp. was formed to take
over the Ambassador Theatre and office
building and Charles P. Skouras and his
brother, Spyros P. Skouras, now president,
20th-Fox Film Corp., guaranteed those bonds
to the extent of $749.71 of each $1,000 bond,
while the newly formed Missouri Theatre
Building Corp. took over the Missouri Thea-
tre and office building. The bonds of that
corporation were guaranteed to the extent of
$754.14 of the principal of each $1,000 bond
by Charles P. Skouras and Spyros P. Skouras,
and their brother, George P. Skouras, presi-
dent, Skouras Theatres Corp. of New York
City, and Clarence M. Turley. The bonds
mature on July 1, 1949.
26
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
M.P. Foundation Sets Up
Exchange City Meetings
NEW YORK— The Motion Picture Founda-
tion has held preliminary meetings and con-
ferences in more than two-thirds of the ex-
change areas for the purpose of setting up
organized meetings in each exchange area,
according to Barney Balaban, chairman of
the temporary steering committee. In ac-
cordance with the plan of organization of
the foundation, representatives of every phase
of the industry are to meet in each exchange
area to elect an exchange area committee
and a national trustee.
The following organizing meetings have
already been called: Charlotte, N. C., April
14, H. F. Kincey, temporary chairman; Chi-
cago, April 16, John Balaban and Ed Zorn,
temporary chairmen; Salt Lake City, April
16, Sam Gillette and Tracy Barham, tem-
porary chairmen.
Also, Kansas City, April 18, A. Jules Bene-
dic, temporary chairman; Albany, April 21,
Saul J. Ullman and Neil Heilman, temporary
chairmen; Des Moines, April 21, Leo F. Wol-
cott and A. H. Blank, temporary chairmen;
Minneapolis, April 21 at a special luncheon
of North Central Allied convention, Charles
Winchell, Harry French, Harold Field, Benny
Berger and Ted Bolnick, temporary commit-
tee; Pittsburgh, third week in April, Moe
Silver and Maurice Finkel, temporary chair-
men; Omaha, May 5, Leo F. Wolcott and
A. H. Blank, temporary chairmen, and
Seattle, May 5 to 8 at the convention of
Pacific Coast Conference of Independent
Theatre Owners, J. M. Hone, temporary
chairman.
Communications have been received from
a number of other exchange areas pledging
full cooperation and promising to hold or-
ganization meetings as soon as details can be
arranged, Balaban said. He urged that such
meetings be held in every area so that na-
tional trustees might be elected in time to
hold the first meeting of the board of trustees
some time in May.
Boston Theatre Leased
For Siritzky Circuit
NEW YORK — The Siritzky International
Pictures Corp., which operates a chain of 64
theatres in France, has taken a 20-year lease
on the old South Theatre in the downtown
district of Boston.
The 850-seat house will be renamed the
Rex and, after alterations and rehabilita-
tion, will be opened as a first run foreign
film house.
The Siritzky interests and Berk and Krum-
gold, theatre realty specialists, who closed the
deal, are negotiating for additional theatres
in this country for a foreign film chain.
Loew's Buys Out Richards
In New Orleans House
NEW YORK — Loew’s has purchased E. V.
Richards’ one-third interest in Loew a State
Theatre, New Orleans first run house, giving
the company 100 per cent interest according
to J. R. Vogel, vice-president.
Universal Net Drops
NEW YORK — Universal Pictures Co., Inc.,
reported a consolidated net profit of $756,543
for the 13 weeks ended Feb. 1, 1947, after
all charges including federal income taxes.
This is a drop of $177,963, compared to the
corresponding period of the previous fiscal
year. Net profit for this period was $934,506.
Special Trains Set
For Variety Meet
NEW YORK — Three special trains, one
from the south and the other two starting
from this city over the Pennsylvania and New
York Central railroads, will carry delegates
to the national Variety Club convention to
be held in Los Angeles May 14-17.
The southern train will be called the “Bob
O’Donnell Special.” It will carry the Atlanta
and Dallas delegations and probably the
Charlotte delegation. The northern specials
will be called the “John H. Harris” and the
“Variety Clubs International.” The former
will go over the Pennsylvania Railroad to
Chicago, and will pick up cars at Philadel-
phia, Pittsburgh and other cities along the
line. The New York Central train will pick
up cars from Boston at Albany and also will
take on cars from Buffalo, Cleveland, Toledo,
Detroit and Grand Rapids. Barkers living in
the midwest will go to Chicago to take the
trains.
Both trains will leave New ifork Friday,
May 9, and will be switched to the Santa Fe
tracks the following morning in Chicago.
They will be joined and will leave Chicago at
10 a. m. for a 50-hour run to Los Angeles
over the Santa Fe.
It is estimated that about 300 barkers and
their wives will make the trip. Charles “Chick”
Lewis of the Showmen’s Trade Review is
handling the reservations.
Warners Bros. Will Hold
13-Week Sales Drive
NEW YORK— Warner Bros, will hold a 13-
week sales drive, April 27 to July 26, in cele-
bration of the windup of the 20th year of
talking motion pictures, according to Ben
Kalmenson, vice-president and general sales
manager. The company’s Canadian ex-
changes, which were prevented from joining
in the sales drives held during the past sev-
eral years because of Dominion wartime re-
strictions, will again be part of the compe-
tition this year.
A series of regional meetings in connection
with the drive will be conducted by Roy
Haines, western division sales manager; Nor-
man Ayers, southern division manager, and
Jules Lapidus, eastern division sales head.
The first of these sessions took place this
week in Pittsburgh with Lapidus presiding.
The next will be held in Boston April 9.
Warner-Loew Theatre Pool
Is Ended in Pittsburgh
NEW YORK — The Warner-Loew Theatres
pool in Pittsburgh, in existence a number of
years, was terminated March 31, according
to J. R. Vogel, Loew’s vice-president. In
discontinuing the pool, Loew’s will operate
the Penn and Ritz theatres and Warners
will have the Stanley and Warner theatres.
Fast Time Approved
ST. LOUIS — This city voted Tuesday to
retain daylight saving time, defeating by
about 15,000 votes the repeal measure put on
the ballot by petitions circulated by local
motion picture theatres.
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
27
p
ARA MOUNT , YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCER, PROUDLY REPORTS THAT
( t
( <
BOB HOPE
DOROTHY
lAMOllR
in
Your new hep from the
TWO YEARS'-" BLUE SKIES"-
CALIFORNIA" COMPANY IS:
with
PETER LORRE • LON CHANEY
Produced by DANIEL DARE
Directed by ELLIOTT NUGENT
Original Screen Play by Edmund Beloin and Jack Rote
That’s the winning jingle the nation’s boxoffices are writing
As first dates prove it’s the world’s all-time favorite
Bob Hope show,
Topping even “Beaucaire’s” record highs in Atlanta, Boston,
New Orleans, etc.
Thanks to that billion-ad-message, $75,000 prize jingle contest
Plus coast-to-coast praise like “new highs in fun” (N.Y. News)
“the best Hope ever made”(L. A. Examiner) —
Season’s top comedy” (N.Y. Jour.-Amer.) — “Hope’s antics
never better” (H’wood Citizen-News)!
defiant
By IVAN SPEAR
Republic-Feldman Tieup
For Shakespeare Play
“Lay on MacFeldman — and damned be he
who first cries ‘Hold! Enough!’”
Herbert Yates, president of Republic studio,
might so paraphrase the Bard of Avon in
his dealings with the
Charles K. Feldman
Group Productions,
that purveyor of so-
called package deals
who recently entered
a noteworthy contract
with the Valley studio.
After having been
given a tryout by vari-
ous major studios,
Shakespeare is coming
to Republic — all
wrapped up in a Feld-
manian package, the
Herbert yates most glittering facet
of which is none other than Orson Welles.
Quadruple-threat Orson will delineate the
title role in "Macbeth,” set as the second fea-
ture to be produced under the pact with the
Feldman group.
Not only will Welles star in the filmiza-
tion of the Shakespearean tragedy, but will
also produce and direct. A femme star will
soon be set for the role of Lady Macbeth and
the picture is scheduled for early June pro-
duction at Republic.
Welles, in addition to the “Macbeth” as-
signment, is also set to star, direct and pro-
duce Ben Hecht’s “The Shadow” under the
Feldman deal with Republic. “The Shadow”
will be filmed in Technicolor and will go into
production in the late fall.
The first production to get under way on
the Feldman-Republic deal will be John
Steinbeck’s “The Red Pony” to be filmed in
Technicolor under the production and direc-
torial reins of Lewis Milestone.
MGM in Deal With Capra
On ‘State of the Union'
In a surprise move, MGM made a deal
with Liberty Films to handle the distribu-
tion of Producer-Director Frank Capra’s
forthcoming production, “State of the Union.”
Spencer Tracy will star in the screen version
of the Lindsay -Crouse stage success which
Liberty will shoot on the MGM lot. With
the exception of a few unimportant foreign
films, it will be the first time since David O.
Selznick’s “Gone With the Wind” that Leo
has undertaken to release product from an
outside company.
Liberty, which was established and is
owned by Capra, William Wyler, George
Stevens and Samuel Briskin, headquarters
on the RKO Radio lot and its first picture,
“It’s a Wonderful Life,” is being distributed
by that company. It was explained that this
one away-from-home deal with Metro does
not affect Liberty’s releasing deal with RKO
and that all other of its pictures will adhere
to that pact.
Argosy's ‘War Party'
Set for RKO Lineup
The next picture to be made by Argosy,
headed by John Ford and Merian C. Cooper,
will be “War Party,” a story of the frontier
warfare of the wild west, co-starring John
Wayne and Henry Fonda. It will be directed
by Ford. Film is to be based on a story by
James Warner Bellah which ran in Saturday
Evening Post under the title, “Massacre.”
RKO Radio releases Argosy’s output . . . “My
Dog Rusty” is the tentative title of a new
picture in Columbia’s Rusty series which
has been assigned to Wallace MacDonald for
production. William Sackheim is developing
the original story . . . Jack L. Warner placed
a newie on the schedule of Producer Alex
Gottlieb, “That Hagen Girl,” to be filmed
from Edith Roberts’ novel on small town
bigotry . . . Directorial chores set for features
previously announced: William Seiter was
set by William Goetz, Universal-International
production head, to direct Deanna Durbin in
the Sigmund Romberg musical “Up in Cen-
tral Park” . . . Nunnally Johnson who is to
produce “The Senator Was Indiscreet” for
the same studio, signed George S. Kaufman,
playwright and stage director, to handle the
megaphone on the film. This will be Kauf-
man’s first directorial joust with motion pic-
tures . . . Milton Sperling signed Elliott
Nugent as director for “Ever the Beginning,”
which will star Lilli Palmer for United States
Pictures releasing through Warners.
Picture About West Point
On Paramount Agenda
Still once again the embryo officers of
Uncle Sam’s army are to be glorified in cellu-
loid. Paramount has added to its future
production slate a picture about West Point,
to be entitled “The Long Grey Line.” Robert
Fellows has been assigned to produce the
picture which has the approval and coopera-
tion of Maj. Gen. Maxwell D. Taylor, super-
intendent of the academy, and the War de-
partment. Fellows recently visited West
Point to complete arrangements for the un-
dertaking . . . Also a newcomer is Para-
mount’s newest project for the indefatigable
Bob Hope, who will be starred in “The
Caliph of Bagdad,” which P. J. Wolfson will
produce. It is to be a semifantasy and will
combine the exotic settings of the ancient
Orient with modern times. Based on an
original story, the screenplay will be pre-
pared by Edmund Hartmann and Frank
Tashlin . . . Other newies just added to
studios’ agenda: Wallace Beery will star in
“Alias the Gentleman” as his next picture at
MGM. In the film, to be produced by Nat
PRODUCER AND NARRATOR— Pro-
ducer Jeffrey Bemerd and Clem Mc-
Carthy, veteran horse-racing announcer,
at a luncheon given for McCarthy when
he arrived in Hollywood to narrate Ken-
tucky Derby sequence in Allied Artists’
“Black Gold,” which Bernerd is pro-
ducing.
Perrin, Beery will portray a paroled robber
who decides to go straight and become a
gentleman. The original screenplay was
written by William Lipman.
‘The Brothers Karamazov'
Started As MGM Film
They should have been made of pure gold,
the eggs which the Easter bunny brought to
the homes of the Moes and Joes who keep in
eggs — also bacon— by selling to Hollywood
film foundries the literary tidbits from which
motion pictures are produced. For the third
consecutive week the film capital’s story
mart boomed.
Although the yarn is in public domain,
Metro loudly announced that it had “ac-
quired” rights to “The Brothers Karamazov,”
novel by Fyodor Dostoievsky, for production
this year. Leo already has set Robert Taylor
and Van Heflin for two of the four brother
roles and has assigned Robert Sisk to produce
and signed Julius and Philip Epstein to write
the screenplay.
But apparently Mighty Metro is going to
encounter some competition in bringing to
the screen the adventures of the Brudern
Karamazov. Samuel Goldwyn claims a prior
registration on the title and reports he has
a completed screenplay based on the classic.
But that ain’t all. At various times in the
past Walter Wanger and David O. Selznick
have recorded intentions of making the same
picture.
The sudden Hollywood popularity of “The
Brothers Karamazov” dumps into the lap
of the producers association something of a
Solomonic problem.
Numerous Story Purchases
Announced During Week
Among the more orthodox and less com-
petitive acquisitions of stories:
Purchase of the Broadway play, “Missouri
Legend,” an American folk comedy, was made
by Eagle-Lion, where the property will be
adapted for the screen by Joseph Fields and
Jerome Chodorov. It will be produced by
Fields as head of the Joseph Fields Produc-
tions. The play, authored by E. B. Ginty,
was produced on Broadway in 1939 and is the
story of a Robin Hood-like western badman
. . . RKO Radio purchased “The Set-Up,” a
narrative poem in blank verse by Joseph
Moncure March. It is a prize-fighting story,
which will be directed by Shepard Traube
. . . “Harness Bull” a novel by Leslie T. White,
was knocked down to Thalia Productions as
a vehicle for Edward G. Robinson, who is Sol
Lesser’s partner in the outfit making films
for United Artists distribution. The yarn
deals with 24 hours in the life of a police
patrolman. Lesser will produce . . . Warner
added to its backlog of sagebrushers with the
acquisition of an original story of the west,
“Rainbow Mountain,” by Stephen Longstreet,
author of two other properties on the studio
schedule, “Stallion Road,” and “Silver River.”
Longstreet will write the screenplay for
filming as a musical and Alex Gottlieb will
produce “Rainbow Mountain,” a historical
story of America and gold mining in Cali-
fornia at the time of the Spanish-American
war . . . And the proposed further glorifica-
tion of early California did not end there.
“Monterey,” an original story by Gerald
Geraghty and Dorothy Hughes, was pur-
chased by Republic and William Elliott was
assigned the starring role. Story’s circa is
those days of the dons and before the gold
rush brought civilization, American style . . .
Twentieth-Fox went for the rights to an
original, “Lady From Loredo” by Earl Felton,
on which Preston Sturges will base his first
production for the company, “The Blonde
From Bashful Bend,” a Betty Grable starrer.
Sturges will do the adaptation and will pro-
duce and direct.
30
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
'WaA&ittgtwi
AS THE INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT moves to
Washington, the major question of final
enforcement of the U.S. supreme court’s final
judgment remains unanswered.
Att’y Gen. Tom Clark told BOXOFFICE
that it would be unwise for the Justice de-
partment to take a stand on decree enforce-
ment administration until a final judgment
has been rendered. On the other hand, Robert
Wright, assistant to Clark, favors giving the
policing task to the antitrust division, with
a special compliance unit established to see
that the majors carry out the court order.
And, amidst all this, there is a possible gov-
ernmental jurisdictional dispute in the mak-
ing between the Justice department and the
Federal Trade commission. As the law ap-
pears to read the FTC is charged with most
trust enforcement responsibilities.
* * * *
OF MAJOR INTEREST this week was the
noticeable disagreement within the govern-
ment regarding continuation of commercial
building controls.
Directive from President Truman stripped
the Office of Temporary Controls (for-
merly the Civilian Production administra-
tion) of its power to enforce the building
curtailment order. Given this responsibility
was Housing Expediter Frank Creedon.
Said Creedon: “Controls will continue as
stiff as in the past.” Meanwhile, two of
Creedon’s staff advisers, one an economist,
the other a former contractor, urged that all
controls be eliminated.
Expect controls to last until December
31. The new housing bill, now being drafted
in Congress, will not call for private con-
trols. The way will be paved for the building
of an estimated 3,000 new theatres, and the
business will once again be free to expand.
* * *
WITHIN A FEW WEEKS Eric Johnston,
president of the Motion Picture Ass’n, will
make the appointment of another assistant
to Code Administrator Joseph I. Breen. Last
week Johnston appointed Judge Stephen S.
^cfront
By LEE GARLING
Jackson of New York as one of the two
planned assistants to Breen.
Jackson has had considerable experience in
youth delinquency problems, and was one of
the interested originators of the code. His
brother runs a cafe here in Washington.
* * *
A MAJOR QUESTION which bothers fed-
eral economists is whether or not there will
be a recession or depression. Production fig-
ures continue to soar, with the amount of
spending power dropping slightly. Most peo-
ple, they say, are saving their money for
those expected hard times.
^ ^ ^
ANTHONY HYDE, former director of the
information division of the Office of Mobili-
zation and Reconversion, resigned from the
government service this week. He was the
founder of the picture section of OWMR,
where President Truman placed all govern-
ment-film liaison.
He will join Arthur Newmyer and Associ-
ates here, a public relations organization.
* * *
REP. JOHN TABER (Republican, New
York), committee chairman, is making good
his pledge to rid the government of most
public relations or “propaganda” activities.
He has not yet decided on the film section
in the Office of Government Reports, which
will work with the nine-man industry-gov-
ernment film committee.
* * *
THE AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT most
likely will be the only federal agency left
with any funds for film production. Re-
publicans have approved the production of
pictures dealing with farming, provided, of
course, their showing does not compete with
commercial theatres.
No money will be granted the Commerce
department for films on “small business” and
other activities. State department produc-
tion— mostly by contract with independent
Griffis Is Appoinied
Envoy io Poland
NEW YORK — Stanton Griffis, chairman
of the executive committee of Paramount
Pictures and member
of the banking firm of
Hemphill Noyes & Co.,
has been appointed
ambassador to Poland
by President Truman.
Griffis succeeds
Arthur Bliss Lane,
who has resigned as
U.S. envoy to Warsaw.
The new ambassa-
dor is no newcomer to
public service and of-
fice. During the war
he was chief of the
motion picture bureau
of the OWI; commissioner of the American
Red Cross in the Pacific; chairman of the
special events committee of the Navy Relief
Society, and special representative of the
foreign economic administration.
For his work with the Red Cross, Griffis
received the medal of merit.
In addition to his business associations
with Paramount, and Hemphill Noyes & Co.,
which he helped establish, Griffis also is
chairman of the board of Madison Square
Garden and treasurer of Cornell-McCiintic
Productions, a theatrical production firm
headed by Katharine Cornell and Guthrie
McClintic.
producers — of cultural films will be virtually
halted, according to spokesmen for the ap-
propriations committee.
* * *
BERNARD DRYER, former government
public relations consultant, last Wednesday
told the Washington Film Council methods
of good government picture production. His
title was “Can Government Make a Good
Film?”
Late the council heard Paul Bolton, lead-
ing public relations man, speak on “The Pub-
lic Relations Man Looks at Films.” He out-
lined the value of pictures in promoting bet-
ter business.
STANTON GRIFFIS
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
31
In First Five Engagements
SiASH-UP is outgrossing
Dark Mirror,' The Killers,'
“Canyon Passage" and
Scarlet Street."
BIG BUSINESS ON
UP
WALTER W ANGER presents
SUSAN HAYWARD • LEE BOWMAN
MARSHA HUNT • EDDIE ALBERT
g#ASH‘UP
CARL ESMOND • CARLETON YOUNG • CHARLES D. BROWN
Screenplay by JOHN HOWARD LAWSON • Additional Dialogue by Lionel Wiggam
Original Story by Dorothy Parker and Frank Cavett • Directed by STUART HEISLER
Associate Producer Martin Gabel • Produced by WALTER WANGER
A UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL PICTURE
E POINT. .
Everybody is talking
about Susan Hayward’s
performance as f( Angel”
OVER1.
2 Theatres
°ay and Date
SAN FRANCISCO
3 WEEKS!
Grand- CHICAGO
2n- bTMEK
and Holding Over'.
MPA Board Organizes
For Anniversary Year
NEW YORK — Plans for a dinner May 8 at
the Waldorf-Astoria in observance of the 25th
anniversary of the Motion Picture Ass'n and
its predecessor organizations were among a
number of domestic and foreign matters
taken up Monday at the annual meeting.
These plans were submitted by Joseph R.
Vogel of Loew’s, chairman of the program
committee.
The board decided to call a membership
meeting soon to consider a proposal to in-
crease from one to two the number of di-
rectors from each company.
In presenting a report on the activities
of the past year Eric Johnston, president,
praised the cooperative attitude of Hollywood,
particularly in relation to the production code.
The following officers were elected by the
board to serve for a year:
Eric Johnston, president and chairman of
the board; Joseph I. Breen, vice-president;
Francis S. Harmon, vice-president; George
Borthwick, secretary and treasurer; Sidney
Schreiber, assistant secretary; Fred W. Du-
Vall, assistant treasurer, and James S. Howie,
assistant secretary-treasurer.
The following directors were elected: Eric
Johnston, Barney Balaban, Nate J. Blumberg,
George Borthwick, Jack Cohn, Cecil B. De-
Mille, Ned E. Depinet, E. W. Hammons, E. B.
Hatrick, Joseph H. Hazen, Hal E. Roach,
Herman Robbins, Nicholas M. Schenck, Spy-
ros P. Skouras and Albert L. Warner.
The only change in the board is the sub-
stitution of Herman Robbins, president of Na-
tional Screen, for Robert W. Perkins, vice-
president and general counsel for Warners.
The board adopted a resolution praising the
services of Carl E. Milliken, who has been
secretary for 21 years. He will be 70 in July
and is retiring as an officer of the association.
Borthwick, who was treasurer and assistant
secretary last year, is now secretary-treasurer.
The following were present: Jack Cohn, Colum-
bia, William B. Levy, Walt Disney Prod.; Earle W.
Hammons, Educational Pictures; T. Kennedy Ste-
venson, Electrical Research Products Division of
Western Electric; Nicholas M. Schenck and J. Rob-
ert Rubin, Loew's, Inc.; Arthur Israel, Paramount;
Seymour Poe, Principal Prod.; John M. Whitaker,
RKO Radio Pictures; W. C. Michel, 20th-Fox; Nate J.
Blumberg and John J. O'Connor, Universal; Joseph
H. Hazen, Hal Wallis Prod.; Major Albert Warner
and Robert W. Perkins, Warner Bros., and the fol-
lowing officers of the association: Eric Johnston,
Francis S. Harmon, Carl E. Milliken, George Borth-
wick, Joyce O'Hara, assistant to the president, and
Gerald M. Mayer, managing director of the inter-
national division.
Johnston announced appointment of the following
committees: Executive — Eric Johnston, chairman ex-
officio; Barney Balaban, Nate J. Blumberg, Jack
Cohn, Ned E. Depinet, Robert W. Perkins, Nicholas
M. Schenck, Spyros P. Skouras; finance — George
Borthwick, chairman ex officio; Barney Balaban,
Nicholas M. Schenck and Spyros P. Skouras; mem-
bership— Jack Cohn, chairman, Ned E. Depinet, Jo-
seph H. Hazen; international relations — Spyros P.
Skouras, chairman,- Barney Balaban, Jack Cohn, Ar-
thur M. Loew, Philip Reisman, Samuel Schneider
and Joseph H. Seidelman,
Theatre executive committee — Joseph Vogel, chair-
man; Leonard H. Goldenson, Harry Kalmine, Mal-
colm Kingsberg and Dan Michalove; title commit-
tee— Adolph Schimel, chairman; Peggy Bleakley,
Lowell V. Calvert, Edward A. Golden, Miriam
Howell, Albert S. Howson, Hannah J. Kass, Edwin
P Kilroe, Katherine McKee, William A. Orr, Grace
Rosenfield, Irene Scott, Kenneth B. Umbreit, Frank-
lin Waldheim and William M. Weiss; law — Austin C.
Keough, Walter L. Brown, Otto E. Koegel, Lawrence
Morris, Robert W. Perkins, Charles D. Prutzman,
J. Robert Rubin, Charles Schwartz and Gordon E.
Youngman.
Copyright- — Edwin P. Kilroe, chairman; David O.
Decker, Morris Ebenstein, Irvmg Moross, James S.
Polk, Adolph Schimel and Kenneth B. Umbreit; sta-
tistical research — Donald A. Henderson, chairman;
Wilbur B. England, Leo Handel, W. Stewart McDon-
ald, C. C. Moskowitz, John J. O'Connor, Robert W.
Perkins, Paul Raibourn, Charles M. Reagan, A.
Schneider, Joseph H. Seidelman, Murray Silverstone,
John M. Whitaker and Mortimer Wormser.
Educational services — John M. Whitaker, chair-
man; Ulnc Bell, E. W. Hammons, Joseph H. Hazen,
Hal Hode, John J. O'Connor, Paul Raibourn, Lawrence
Tipton and Joseph Vogel; community relations — Ned
E. Depinet, chairman; Miss Hettie Gray Baker, Mau-
rice Bergman, Harry Goldberg, Hal Hode, Claude
F. Lee, Herman Robbins, Henderson M. Richey;
solicitations— Barney Balaban, chairman; Donald
A. Henderson, W. Stewart McDonald, Charles C.
Moskowitz, John J. O'Connor, Abe Schneider and
John M. Whitaker.
Advertising advisory council — Charles Schlaifer,
chairman; Maurice Bergman, Mort Blumenstock.
Howard Dietz, S. Barret McCormick, Curtis Mitchell
and Benjamin H. Serkowich.
New 35mm Visual Test Film to Aid
Checking Picture Head Operation
NEW YORK — The Society of Motion Pic-
ture Engineers and the research council of
the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences have developed a new 35mm visual
test film to be used by theatre projectionists,
service companies and theatre equipment
distributors for checking the operation of
picture heads in 35mm projectors. The test
film, which runs 415 feet and is printed on
safety film, is now available commercially.
Samples of the test film were demonstrated
at Radio City Music Hall before members of
the SMPE film projection practice commit-
tee and were later submitted to a joint test
film committee of the S1MPE and the research
council in Hollywood. Studio representatives
were also consulted on the sample film.
John A. Maurer, engineering vice-presi-
dent of the SMPE, says the new silent test
film will enable service men and projection-
ists to check picture heads more efficiently
and quickly. Up to this time, he said there
has been no adequate test standards to check
picture head performance when installing
new projectors and screens.
The film is made up of four separate
“target” sections: The focus and alignment
target, which shows whether the picture
size and screen masking are correct; the
travel ghost target, which shows the proper
timing of the shutter; the jump and weave
target, which indicates the steadiness of the
projected picture, and the lens aberration
target, which shows picture distortion.
The SMPE is also putting out separate sec-
tions of the first three targets in the film in
100 to 900-foot lengths for consumers who
prefer to use separate loops for checking the
picture heads.
Alexander Smith Reduces
Prices 3% Until July 1
NEW YORK — Alexander Smith & Sons
Carpet Co. has reduced rug and carpet prices
an average of 3 per cent, effective April 1,
and will keep these prices in effect until
July 1. What will happen then will depend
on wages and prices of materials the com-
pany has to buy.
Frederick B. Klein, president, said: “We
agree with the President that the upward
course of wages and prices should be halted.”
In the Newsreels
Movietone News, No. 61: One hundred and ten
doomed in tragic coal mine disaster; J. Edgar Hoover
denounces Reds as 5th column; the Collyer mys-
tery; Greek parade in New York; Sportsman of War
hero of American turf, 30 years old.
News of the Day, No. 259: FBI chief exposes
Communists; Soviet Big 4 party; floods rage in
Britain; scores trapped in mine disaster; mystery of
the missing hermit; carnival time comes to Germany,
Belgium, France; sports.
Paramount News, No. 62: Cinderella Paris to Hol-
lywood; un-American activities hearing.
Pathe News, No. 64: One hundred and fifteen dead,
missing in mine disaster; Congress probes Reds;
sports.
Universal News, N°- 25: Communism condemned;
Molotov cocktail party; freedom of press in danger;
mine blast kills 111; something to crow about — "The
Egg and I" premiere; mystery mansion.
•
Movietone News, No. 62: General Eisenhower has
a message for Army day; UN probes civil wartime
on Greek borders, Eric Johnston says that Com-
munists do not infiltrate movies; British Grand Na-
tional; sweepstakes winners.
News of the Day, No. 260: Thrilling films of Grand
National; sweepstakes winners; Army week spread —
Eisenhower asks aid; Eric Johnston on Communism;
first Greek films on guerrillas.
Paramount News, No. 63: Army week observed
across nation; Eric Johnston testifies on Communism;
world's toughest horse race.
Pathe News, No. 65: The Grand National; sweep-
stakes winners; UN commission at front in Greece;
Eisenhower in Army day message.
Universal News, No. 26: Army week; Red menace
defeated by U.S. movies; Grand National.
•
All-American News, Vol. 5, No. 232: Thar's gold
in that there junk at Kansas City, Mo.; Arkansas
cops — the finest; American career woman climbs high;
Postwar modernistic theatre at Detroit; aid to man-
kind at Peoria, 111.; autos or not, horses and hogs
are still essential; 91-year-old lawyer honored.
FROM THE FILES OF
THE ROXY Theatre in New York and the
Roxy circuit, involving about $15,000,000,
has been sold to William Fox, president of the
Fox Film Corp. The deal is the first step
in a project which will include two Roxy
theatres, soon to be built in New York and
nine Fox houses now under construction in
various parts of the country.
S. L. “Roxy” Rothafel, former owner, will
be director of the new setup.
* * *
Eli Whitney Collins has resigned from the
administrative committee of the Motion Pic-
ture Theatre Owners of America and R. F.
“Pete” Woodhull was elected to succeed him.
* * *
The Keith-Albee office in New York re-
cently announced that it would sidestep en-
gagements of headliners who appear in
talking pictures on the basis that an artist’s
value as a boxoffice attraction diminishes
after appearing in talking motion pictures.
Because of a performance in talking pictures,
one opera star was refused a renewal of her
contract.
* * *
First National Pictures denies a published
report that it would do away with its ex-
ploitation department . . . Gertrude Ederle,
the first woman to swim across the English
Channel, was featured in a radio program over
KMOX, St. Louis last week.
* * *
Will Hays, president of the MPPDA had
an extensive article in the Review of Re-
views magazine on the evils of censorship.
34
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
Top Hit of the Week
Lady in the Lake —
Boston 170
San Francisco 130
Computed in terms ol percentage in
relation to normal grosses. With 100
per cent as "normal," the figures
show the percentage above or below
that mark.
BOSTON
BUFFALO
CHICAGO
CINCINNATI
CLEVELAND
DALLAS
DENVER
DES MOINES
DETROIT
INDIANAPOLIS
KANSAS CITY
LOS ANGELES
MILWAUKEE
MINNEAPOLIS
NEW HAVEN
NEW YORK
OMAHA
PHILADELPHIA
PITTSBURGH
SAN FRANCISCO
SEATTLE
u
0
<
a
2
<
Angel and the Badman (Rep)
120
130
95
112
100
125
140
117
Beast With Five Fingers, The (WB)
90
115
100
115
125
95
125
120
140
95
160
140
no
no
117
Beat the Band (RKO)
170
100
100
100
200
100
128
Bedelia (Eagle-Lion)
92
150
150
no
105
135
124
*Best Years of Our Lives, The (RKO)
200
200
200
500
250
180
310
600
305
Boomerang (20th-Fox)
130
89
140
no
82
175
115
117
170
130
126
California (Para)
190
137
100
140
165
no
120
225
190
150
125
145
130
160
149
Chase, The (UA)
170
148
135
100
120
80
no
120
95
210
100
105
130
130
125
Cigarette Girl (Col)
100
100
100
90
100
100
98
Crack-Up (RKO)
160
125
125
190
100
100
100
90
95
100
100
140
125
no
95
no
145
118
Cross My Heart (Para)
130
90
80
70
95
no
85
95
100
125
130
145
76
105
no
95
100
100
102
Dark Horse, The (U-I)
100
75
100
100
100
90
100
135
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
75
98
Devil on Wheels, The (PRC)
100
100
100
100
85
97
Gentleman Joe Palooka (Mono)
105
100
100
100
100
90
90
100
95
100
100
100
98
*Henry V (UA)
225
300
250
200
180
180
223
I’ll Be Yours (U-I)
120
120
150
80
115
85
90
125
115
100
75
120
80
106
It’s Great to Be Young (Col)
100
100
110
100
100
100
100
140
100
100
80
103
Johnny O’clock (Col)
140
140
110
100
no
no
170
210
136
Ladies’ Man (Para)
140
165
—
65
93
125
145
100
135
90
118
Lady in the Lake (MGM)
170
72
100
130
no
no
200
100
125
150
135
125
130
120
127
Locket, The (RKO)
120
120
115
105
120
no
160
135
123
Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (MGM)
140
115
80
100
100
80
150
130
140
no
90
80
120
110
Mighty McGurk, The (MGM)
100
110
100
105
80
100
125
100
no
100
125
125
107
My Favorite Brunette (Para)
175
145
95
150
195
no
180
120
160
148
Nora Prentiss (WB)
130
113
80
95
100
200
115
150
150
115
90
190
75
120
123
*Open City (Mayer-Burstyn, Inc.)
170
135
160
300
120
175
100
166
Perfect Marriage, The (Para)
150
112
120
80
110
no
90
90
no
100
125
145
80
100
120
90
108
Phantom Thief, The (Col)
100
100
no
90
120
85
100
no
100
no
100
100
102
Pursued (WB)
88
125
175
120
135
120
180
100
120
129
Red House, The (UA)
140
105
no
175
100
130
190
136
Renegade Girl (SG)
100
100
90
100
80
94
Secret Heart, The (MGM)
190
100
120
180
100
125
105
100
125
no
175
125
150
155
140
105
170
130
75
131
Show-Off, The (MGM)
100
108
155
120
120
90
140
105
95
125
no
175
90
140
145
77
260
150
140
130
129
Sinbad the Sailor (RKO)
150
100
125
160
145
145
90
130
160
175
165
130
168
115
170
105
150
140
Song of Scheherazade (U-I)
150
125
250
175
no
125
no
175
153
Sunset Pass (RKO)
100
105
100
100
100
95
100
100
100
100
Susie Steps Out (UA)
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Temptation (U-I)
130
125
no
70
90
100
75
75
150
100
80
85
95
105
145
60
150
70
101
13 Rue Madeleine (20th -Fox)
200
93
120
130
125
100
120
90
130
no
125
200
no
150
150
122
170
165
130
no
133
Wake Up and Dream (20th-Fox)
90
92
90
95
75
95
175
95
90
130
90
no
no
100
no
80
102
Wicked Lady, The (U-I)
140
120
115
165
125
130
140
125
80
150
100
125
135
130
160
80
126
First Run Reports
As a further development of the percentage
method of reporting picture grosses (origi-
nated by BOXOFFICE in 1928). this chart
shows the records made by pictures in five
or more key city engagements. As other runs
are reported, ratings will be added and aver-
ages changed.
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
Playing at advanced admission scales.
35
JllM€0 iota f&CUNG
he seeks ends
in thundering death.
he digs into gangland’s
secrets for the biggest
story of his career.
SUSAN WAITERS a
who smashes gangster p/ofs
°yfd by RUSSELL
GL AS BLACKLEY
name but does not win
newspaper
brings out confessions
°'nt of a menacing 9u0'
»n rival gangs of
by crime.
a reporter, but
taunting Specfre
HERE THEY COME! SCREEN GUILD IS ON IT'S
"BELLS OF SAN FERNANDO" "BUFFALO BILL RIDES AGAIN"
Starring RICHARD ARLEN with
lennifer HOLT • Lee SHUMWAY • Cil PATRICK • Edward CASSIDY
Edmund COBB • Ted ADAMS • John DEXTER • Hollis BLAINE
with
Donald WOODS • Cloria WARREN • Shirley O’HARA • Anthony WARDE
Paul NEWLAN • Byron FOULCER • Monte BLUE • David LEONARD
"BUSH
with
ROCHELLE HUDSON
AUSTIN WILLIS • FRANK
Home Office: 346 So. LaBrea Ave., Hollywood, Calif. - Distributed by Screen
ILOI
^"THE CASE OF THE BABY SITTER" 'V"~~T7
JACK LARUE
ERRY • FLORENCE KENNEDY
with
TOM NEAL • PAMELA BLAKE
VIRCINIA SALE • ALLEN JENKINS
THE HAT BOX MYSTERY"
with
TOM NEAL • ALLEN |ENKINS
VIRCINIA SALE • PAMELA BLAKE
Gutu> Productions. Inc.
at Your Boxoff/cf /
wff-
m
spying on
gangster plotters.
DOUBLE GROSSER
who tears a city apart
with gangland strife.
gangdom’s
killer mobsters.
hWrSi
^V»en he suspects a
of a//.
BARNETT almost trips
prosecutor.
under a
-Foreign Pep’ t.:723 7thAve.,NewYorkCity — Cable: “Guildfilms.”
5 2*6rfUt<n *i¥<z4, Say
ABOUT PICTURES
One star after a picture report denotes an exhibitor who has only started
contributing to the department, two stars designate a contributor who has been
sending in reports from six months to a year, and three stars are for those of
veteran standing, from one to many years. When a contributor attains the three-
star standing, he may expect a token of our appreciation. Everybody welcome
ASTOR
Long Shot, The (Astor) Reissue — Marsha
Hunt, Gordon Jones. I will only repeat what
I've said before — a lot of this Astor product
does better for me than current product from
major film companies. This is a programmer
but not too bad. Played Tues., Wed. Weather:
Cold. — Terry Axley, New Theatre, England,
Ark. Rural and small town patronage. * *
COLUMBIA
Alias Mr. Twilight (Col) — Michael Duane,
Trudy Marshall, Lloyd Corrigan. Enjoyed
by my Sunday patrons. — James C. Balkcom,
Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. Small town pa-
* * ★
tronage.
Bandit of Sherwood Forest, The (Col) —
Cornel Wilde, Anita Louise, Jill Esmond. Good
action, nice story, favorable comments. It
pleased the customers and that is what counts.
Played Sun., Mon., Tues.- — D. W. Trisko, Star
Theatre, Stanley, N. D. Rural patronage. *
Jungle Raiders (Col) — Serial. Kane Rich-
mond, Eddie Quillan, Janet Shaw. This is
one of the best serials we've played in a long
time. Kane Richmond makes a convincing
hero and deserves better roles in first class
pictures. And Eddie Quillan furnished plenty
of laughs. However, we wonder when Charles
King is going to take a vacation. He's been
in practically every western and serial for
the past 17 years. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Fair and cold. — Dinkle & Lemaster, Ken Thea-
tre, Raceland, Ky. Rural and small town
patronage.
My Name Is Julia Ross (Col) — Nina Foch,
Dame May Whitty, George Macready. The
only bright spot in this picture is George
Macready, still remembered for his role in
“Gilda." This is strictly double bill material.
Played to below average business Wed.,
Thurs. Weather: Sub-zero. — Carl E. Pehlman,
Rio Theatre, Edinburg, 111. Rural and small
town patronage.
Perilous Holiday (Col) — Pat O'Brien, Ruth
Warrick, Alan Hale. This was an excellent
picture from Columbia's medium bracket. Pat
O'Brien fell down a couple of months ago in
"Crack-Up" (RKO), which must have been
too deep for my type of patron, so this doubled
with the usual Fri., Sat. western brought me
a pleasant surprise. Weather: Clear and
warm. — Rahl & Hanson, California Theatre,
Kerman, Calif. Small town patronage.
Renegades (Col) — Evelyn Keyes, Willard
Parker, Larry Parks. Here's a great western
any small situation should do well on. The
color and scenery are fine. Edgar Buchanan
played the part of a ruthless old Bible-read-
ing scoundrel to perfection. The story is fine.
The stars aren't too well known but who cares
when it's a western, in color, and the trailer
is chock-full of action and appeal? The only
complaint I had was that Ben Dembrow
should have reformed and got the girl. Don't
pass it up. Any company but Columbia
would have asked twice the price for one
like this and I couldn't have come out on it.
As it is, I made up for "Kiss and Tell." Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Perfect. — R. C. Walker,
Rialto Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural patron-
age. * * *
Sing While You Dance (Col)— Ellen Drew,
Robert Stanton, Andrew Tombes. Pictures like
this are an insult to people's intelligence. We
double billed it and played it one night only,
which was one night too many. Played Tues-
day. Weather: Rain. — Marcella Smith, Vinton
Theatre, McArthur, Ohio. Small town patron-
METRO-GOLDWYN -MAYER
Boys' Ranch (MGM) — Jackie "Butch" Jen-
kins, Skippy Homeier, Dorothy Patrick. A splen-
did picture for any place. The patrons here
like down-to-earth ones like this. Comments
were favorable. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Fair. — E. B. Wacaster, Ozark Theatre, Ozark,
Ark. Rural and small town patronage. * * *
Cockeyed Miracle (MGM) — Frank Morgan,
Keenan Wynn, Audrey Totter. Well done
comedy that pleased 100 per cent to average
business. Weather: Snow. Played Sunday. —
W. F. Shelton, Louisburg Theatre, Louisburg,
N. C. Rural and small town patronage. * *
Courage of Lassie (MGM) — Elizabeth Tay-
lor, Frank Morgan, Tom Drake. This is one of
the better grossers in small situations. We
find that family type pictures like this are the
best fare we can give them. We would pre-
fer more of this type, even if they come in
black and white, instead of the constant run
of murder mysteries. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Cloudy and cool. — Rahl & Hanson,
California Theatre, Kerman, Calif.
Green Years, The (MGM) — Charles Coburn,
Beverly Tyler, Tom Drake. A good picture but
my customers do not turn out for these dra-
matic pictures. — Leroy C. Smith, Ren-Roy
Theatre, Greenup, Ky. Rural and small town
patronage. * *
Green Years, The (MGM) — Charles Coburn,
Beverly Tyler, Tom Drake. A swell show —
nothing but praise from my patrons. Played
Sun. Mon., Tues. Weather: Not too good. —
Bill Leonard, Leonard Theatre, Cedarvale, Kas.
Small town and rural patronage. * * *
Hidden Eye, The (MGM) — Edward Arnold,
Frances Rafferty, Ray Collins. Far below what
you expect from MGM. It got by but had to
scratch to do it. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Fair. — Bill Leonard, Leonard Theatre, Cedar-
vale, Kas. Small town and rural patron-
age. * * *
Son of Lassie (MGM) — Peter Lawford, Don-
We Get Some Bouquets
From a New Contributor
“I consider ‘The Exhibitor Has His
Say’ one of the best features of BOX-
OFFICE and follow it every week. With
few exceptions I discover that I get
similar results on the pictures played by
my fellow exhibitors in small town sit-
uations. According to the distributor’s
advice, each picture he has is a sensa-
tion, so it goes without saying that these
exhibitor reports are much more valuable
to us small operators who cannot get
to tradeshowings and have learned not
to take the distributor’s word for every-
thing.”— Jim Hanson, California Theatre,
Kerman, Calif.
Exhibitor Changes Mind
On Carson as Cowboy
“My apologies to Warner Bros, and Jack
Carson. I laughed loudly when I read
that Warners were starring Jack in a
super-western as Wild Bill Hickok. After
seeing Jack’s portrayal of a tough cow-
boy in the reissue, ‘Destry Rides Again,’
I’ve changed my mind.” — Ralph Raspa,
State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va.
aid Crisp, June Lockhart. In spite of its age,
I did a good business on this picture. It seems
that a really good picture in color will always
do business. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Good. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre,
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
Undercurrent (MGM) — Katharine Hepburn,
Robert Taylor, Robert Mitchum. The mighty
Leo certainly wasted his star, Mr. Taylor, on
this vehicle and the people didn't hesitate
telling us about it. They couldn't feature him
as a villain in his first role since the war and
it didn't seem to taste so good to them. Busi-
ness was off at least 20 per cent below aver-
age. Played Sun., Mon. Weather Cold. — Bur-
ris and Henley Smith, Imperial Theatre, Poca-
hontas, Ark. Rural patronage.
MONOGRAM
Dangerous Money (Mono) — Sidney Toler,
Gloria Warren, Victor Sen Young. The first
Charlie Chan picture we've played and it
was enjoyed by all. — James C. Balkcom,
Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. Small town pa-
tronage. * * *
Junior Prom (Mono) — Freddie Stewart, June
Preisser, Judy Clark. A good little feature from
a good company for small towns. The first
of a new series and I hope the Teen-agers
build business up for me, as the Bowery
Boys have done. Played Thurs., Fri. Weather:
Cold. — Arthur E. Phifield, Park Theatre, South
Berwick, Me. Small town patronage.
Riding the California Trail (Mono) — Gilbert
Roland, Teala Loring, Frank Yaconelli. Mono-
gram may make worse, but I doubt it. Played
to below average business. — Wilder S, Funk,
Star Theatre, St. Stephens, S. C. Small town
and rural patronage. *
Riding the California Trail (Mono) — Gilbert
Roland, Teala Loring. I wouldn't class this as
a western even though ones like this are sold
as same. My crowd doesn't go for them at all.
Played Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather: Good. —
Terry Axley, New Theatre, England, Ark.
Rural and small town patronage.
PARAMOUNT
Ladies' Man (Para) — Eddie Bracken, Cass
Daley, Spike Jones and his City Slickers.
Without doubt the funniest and most enter-
taining musical comedy released in the past
12 months. Quite a bit of repeat business.
Wish now that we had backed this iip more
since the customers were certainly satisfied.
Weather: Fair. Played Thurs., Fri. — W. F.
Shelton, Louisburg Theatre, Louisburg, N. C.
Rural and small town patronage.
O.S.S. (Para) — Alan Ladd, Geraldine Fitz-
gerald, Patric Knowles. Ladd always draws
well here and he had a fine vehicle in this
one. Business was average. Played Fri.) Sat.
Weather: Good. D. W. Trisko, Star Theatre,
Stanley, N. D. Rural patronage.
Plainsman, The (Para) — Reissue. Gqry
Cooper, Jean Arthur, James Ellison. Here's cf
fine repeat you can't afford to miss for your
weekend boxoffice which was about par witj)
(Continued on page 40)
38
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
YOU NEED THESE FOR GOOD BUSINESS!
READY NOW AND IN RELEASE...
. packs more laughs and entertainment than average."
DAILY VARIETY
“. . chock-full of laughs and hilarious situations . .
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
. one of the real ‘sleepers’ among light comedy-dramas
this season." SHOWMEN’S TRADE REVIEW
“. . good supporting comedy . . . expert direction . . .’’
DAILY VARIETY
(Continued from page 38)
regular business. — Leroy C. Smith, Ren-Roy
Theatre, Greenup, Ky. Rural and small town
patronage. * *
To Each His Own (Para) — Olivia de Havil-
land, John Lund, Mary Anderson. In my opin-
ion this is one of the best pictures in a long
time. My patrons are still raving about it.
Not much business, on account of school ac-
tivities, but those who saw it certainly enjoyed
^ = —— HIM
moTion ncTiRE sektice c°.
■ I I I Hill II 111 J 1 1, il.llimill.il
125 HYDE ST. • Jan Francisco (2) Calif.
it. Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Bad. —
Bill Leonard, Leonard, Cedarvale, Kas. Small
town and rural patronage. * * *
Well Groomed Bride, The (Para)- — Olivia de
Havilland, Ray Milland, Sonny Tufts. This is
a nice comedy and I consider it one of the
best ever played from Paramount. A good
story with three of the best stars — no wonder.
— -W. H. Swan, Auditorium Theatre, Roscoe,
S. D. Rural patronage. * * *
PRC PICTURES
Prairie Badmen (PRC) — Buster Crabbe, A1
"Fuzzy" St. John, Patricia Knox. This is a
good western that pleased on Fri., Sat.
Weather: Good. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patron-
age. * * *
Wild West (PRC) — Eddie Dean, Roscoe Ates,
Sarah Padden. Not quite up to the standard
of the other Dean westerns but it satisfied
the action fans who came to see it. The color
wasn't any too good in this one as it seemed
blurred practically all the way through. On
the whole/it was pretty good, although PRC
has boosted prices on these color westerns.
Played Tuesday. Weather: Good. — Dinkle <S
Lemaster, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural
and small town patronage.
RKO RADIO
Badman's Territory (RKO) — Randolph Scott,
Ann Richards, George "Gabby" Hayes. We
got a two-day run on our preview, which had
results. This topped all records on westerns
for some time, and we played on Mon., Tues.
Play it if you haven't. Weather: Fair. — F. C.
Norris, Hiland Theatre, Highlands, Tex. Small
town and rural patronage.
Crack-Up (RKO) — Pat O'Brien, Claire Trevor,
Herbert Marshall. Played this to my sorrow
on Sunday. Plenty of walkouts. I should have
listened to previous reports and eliminated
same. — Ben Brinck, West Point Theatre, West
Point, Iowa. Small town patronage.
Crack-Up (RKO) — Pat O'Brien, Claire Trev-
or Herbert Marshall. This cracked up, all
right — I mean at the boxoffice. They just
didn't go for this. Take my advice — lay off.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Rainy. — James
E. Davis, Rialto Theatre, Bennington, Okla.
Rural and small town patronage.
outstanding
^Artificial
Immediate delivery — beautifully
designed, aluminum finish, indirectly
lighted directional signs. Complete
with interchangeable, etched glass
name plates. Ideal for use in theatre
interiors, lobbies, corridors.
Distributors and jobbers write for
quantity price list.
art metal MFG. CO.
3110 Park Ave. • St. Louis 4, Mo.
i
Heartbeat (RKO) — Ginger Rogers, Jean
Pierre Aumont, Basil Rathbone. If you con-
sider your reputation of any value, keep
hands off, if you haven't bought it. The pin-up
scene of Ginger from National's paper failed
to dilute the poisonous exhalations from the
lips of those who caught the matinee and
talked. The picture is talky, long, with French
accent, although it has a few bright spots of
dialog. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair. —
Gray Barker, Pictureland Theatre, Glenville,
W. Va. Rural, small town and college pa-
tronage. * * *
Lady Luck (RKO) — Barbara Hale, Robert
Young, Frank Morgan. The lady was very
unlucky for us. She didn't bring them in and
it's the boxoffice that counts. Played Mon.,
OUTDOOR
REFRESHMENT
CONCESSIONAIRES
from Coast to Coast
over Vi Century^
Now Specializing '
in Refreshment
Concessions for
.^DRIVE-IN THEATRES;
SPORTSERVICE, Inc. Jacobs bros
(HURST BLDG. BUFFALO, N. Y.
Bags — % lb. $2.10 M in lots of under 10 M
2.00 M over 10 M
IV2 Trademark, 10c seller,
$3.30 per M
(Available only at Western Warehouses)
FOR IMMEDIATE SERVICE
WRITE NEAREST WAREHOUSE
EASTERN " Kansas City, Mo., N
Atlanta, Ga., Southern Sales & Warehouse Co., 171 Peters St., S. W. Memphis, Tenn., Ur
Binghampton, N. Y., Manley, Inc., Box No. 826 New Orleans, La., f
Boston, Mass., Wiggin Terminals, Inc., 50 Terminal St. Oklahoma, City, Ol
Charlotte, N. C., Carolina Transfer & Storage Co., 1230 W. Morehead Peoria, III., Federal
Roanoke, Va., Roanoke Public Warehouse St. Paul, Minn., Cen
MIDDLE-WEST
Columbus, Ohio, Merchandise Warehouse, 370 W. Broad St. Denver, Colo., Weic
Dallas, Texas, Zanes-Ewalt Warehouse, 420 Laws St. Los Angeles, Calif.,
Des Moines, Iowa, Merchants Transfer & Storage Co. Oakland, Calif., Ho
Indianapolis, Ind., Strohm Warehouse & Cartage Co., 230 W. McCarty St. Seattle, Wash., Ami
Refined and processed according to our
own specifications. Brings out the natural
flavor of your popcorn.
10c per 2-lb. box, in cases of 12 or 24.
Kansas City, Mo., Manley, Inc., 1920 Wyandotte St.
Memphis, Tenn., United Warehouse & Terminal Corp., 137 E. Calhoun
New Orleans, La., Douglas Public Service Corp., 118 N. Front St.
Oklahoma, City, Okla., O. K. Transfer & Storage Co., 531 W. Main
Peoria, III., Federal Warehouse Co., 800 South Adams
St. Paul, Minn., Central Warehouse Co., University & Pillsbury Ave.
WESTERN
Denver, Colo., Weicker Transfer & Storage Co., 1700 15th St.
Los Angeles, Calif., Jennings-Nibley Warehouse Co., Ltd.
Oakland, Calif., Haslett Warehouse Co., 51 Webster St.
Seattle, Wash., American Warehouse Co., 95 Connecticut St.
40
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
(Advertisement)
37ie LIQUID /vc/tcc/Mi
betxMMtwuf wil/i /fa/
BITTER fiaiwi . . .
POPSIT PLUS is acclaimed na-
tionally as the leaderl It will pop
MORE corn because every drop is
used. The fact that it pours read-
ily, measures accurately, elimi-
nates all inconvenience at the
popping machine and permits un-
interrupted operations has won it
preeminence in the seasoning
field.
For better flavored, quick selling
popcorn all the time, use the
liquid peanut oil seasoning with
the "nose and eye appeal" —
POPSIT PLUS1
Warehouse stocks available at —
Boston, Providence, Pittsburgh,
Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indianapo-
lis, Detroit, Chicago, Des Moines,
Kansas City, Omaha, Dallas, Den-
ver, Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles. \
C.F.Simonin’s Sons, Inc.
8 l I S H t »
E. TIOGA ST. PHIlADELPh
Tues. Weather: Mild. — Harland Rankin, Plaza
Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. General patronage. * * *
Stage to Chino (RKO) — George O'Brien,
Virginia Vale. This is another of RKO's re-
issues with George O'Brien, and brothers, he
is surefire boxoffice attraction at our theatre.
All of O'Brien's prints are new and the pic-
tures seem just like new ones. We hope that
George makes a comeback soon and puts out
good westerns such as this one. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Cold. — Dinkle, & Lemaster, Ken
Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural and small town
patronage. *
REPUBLIC
Affairs of Geraldine (Rep) — Jane Withers,
James Lydon, Raymond Walburn. Zany pro-
grammer that got by on giveaway night.
Weather: Rain. Played Wed. — W. F. Shelton,
Louisburg Theatre, Louisburg, N. C. Rural
and small town patronage.
Murder in the Music Hall (Rep) — Vera Hruba
Ralston, William Marshall, Helen Walker.
Here is a picture that has a good mystery
plot and some of the finest skating sequences
I've ever shown, but I played it Fri., Sat.,
which was Murder in the Rialto. Ralston
doesn't draw and neither does murder, so 1
paid top bracket for a top flop. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Cold. — R. C. Walker, Rialto
Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural patronage. * *
20TH CENTURY-FOX
Black Beauty (20th-Fox) — Mona Freeman,
Richard Denning, Evelyn Ankers. A real small
town natural. I did big business with this
one by putting it in school vacation week and
running a Wednesday matinee. Not a big
picture, but it's the type of show that cleans
up here. Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Fair.
— Arthur E. Phifield, Park Theatre, South Ber-
wick, Me. Small town patronage.
Home Sweet Homicide (20th-Fox) — Peggy
Ann Garner, Randolph Scott, Lynn Bari. This
(Continued on next page)
fylailt Point?
Users of POPSIT PLUS the
liquid popcorn seasoning
made from Peanut Oil, are
not worried about flash point.
POPSIT PLUS has a flash
point over 650°F. and a fire
point over 700°F.
See Filmack's New PREVUE TRAILERS before signing your
next Prevue contract. Write, wire or call us for FREE SAMPLE
PREVUES of our New Service. FILMACK — 1328 S. Wabash
Avenue, Chicago 5 Illinois.
FILM/ICK gives QUICKEST SERVICE on SPECIAL TRAILERS
THE OTHER DAY we received our "500.000th"
letter commending Hygienic for its now-
famous educational picture "Mom and Dad."
You would be surprised more by the con-
tents of some of these letters than you pos-
sibly are over the vast number we receive
. . . Girls tell us their problems. Boys tell
us their troubles. Wives tell us their woes
and husbands confide in us about their wives.
Some of the grandest letters we receive are
from mothers. They are the ones who have
to raise the next generation and they are the
most enthusiastic about the tremendous
amount of good “Mom and Dad" is doing
humanity . . . Hygienic productions and the
rapidly increasing list of hundreds of ex-
hibitors who have presented our attraction
will frankly tell anyone it is a commercial
picture and a successful boxoffice attraction.
We just frankly say "It's making money —
lots of money" and have it over with. Most
people are engaged in their occupation, vo-
cation or profession for that very purpose,
yet we know and exhibitors who present
"Mom and Dad" realize that it is doing a
tremendous public service.
"MOM AND DAD" — - —
MILES E. MILLS, county superintendent of
schools over in Effingham, Illinois — an out-
standing educator — wrote to the theatre man-
ager there and among other things said,
'Mom and Dad' is unquestionably the most
worthwhile film you have ever brought to our
community. It portrays a God-given vision of
common sense. The knowledge it brings to
all leads toward a cleaner and better life.
‘Mom and Dad' is educationally sound and
scientifically accurate. I am truthfully thank-
ful that overflow crowds attended each per-
formance. Not a day has passed since the
showing of 'Mom and Dad' here but what I
have had opportunity to discuss its value
with some student or friend. I have no hesi-
tancy in stating that ‘Mom and Dad' had a
most wholesome influence upon our commu-
nity. It will definitely and greatly assist us
in lowering the rate of juvenile delinquency.
I plead for its universal showing by theatres
everywhere as a truly rare opportunity to
render a public service unparalleled in the
history of motion pictures."
"MOM AND DAD"
CHAS. F. MORRISON, motion picture in-
spector of Las Vegas, Nevada, wrote us,
"In my many years as a police officer I have
seen hundreds of pictures but ‘Mom and Dad'
without a doubt is the finest picture I have
ever seen." . . . Gladys Puckett, librarian
up in Spokane, Wash., wrote, " ‘Mom and
Dad' is a fine picture, intelligently done
and dealing with a subject that needs to be
presented to the people of America." . . .
There simply is no end to the endorsement
letters. We get some humorous ones, too.
The other day we had one from West Vir-
ginia which said, “I saw your ‘Ma and Pa'
show. It did me lots good. Please mail me
your new book about Hi-Gene. I believe I
got that stuff."
"MOM AND DAD"
AM SO LATE with this copy now BOX-
OFFICE will be raving mad, so will sign off,
saying thanks to you wide-awake exhibs
who have booked "Mom and Dad" already
and you others who will eventually awaken
to the importance of playing it as a distinct
and genuine public service — even if it
didn't make you a dime. And it won't make
you a dime — but many dollars. — MARGE.
Exhibitor s- book /t now!
TheWorlds Most Am azinq Attraction
^dad
ELLIOT FORBES ESSE OWENS
WORLD-WIDE DISTRIBUTORS
HYGIENIC PRODUCTIONS
HOME OFFICES-HYGIENE BLDG.WI LMI NGT0N.0HI0
BRANCHES! LOS ANGELES- CLEVELAND -TORONTO- MEXICO CITY
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
41
was a real good picture — fast moving, and the
plot well carried out. This pleased all who
came. It has a different ending from the
average whodunit. — Wilder S. Funk, Star
Theatre, St. Stephens, S. C. Rural and small
town patronage. *
If I'm Lucky (20th-Fox) — Vivian Blaine, Perry
Como, Carmen Miranda. This is an okay
musical that drew average — no more — on best
playing time. A late date didn't help, but it
is worth playing, if you can get a decent
buy. It was no bargain for us, though. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Fine. — Mayme P. Mus-
selman. Roach Theatre, Lincoln, Kas. Small
town patronage. * * *
have kept my grosses far below the "danger"
point. Played Tues., Wed.- — Ralph Raspa,
State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Rural pa-
tronage. * * *
UNITED ARTISTS
Angel on My Shoulder (UA) — Paul Muni,
Anne Baxter, Claude Rains. Here's a picture
that hits the spot. Paul Muni does a superb
piece of acting. I've never seen a picture
where good triumphs over evil under such in-
teresting circumstances. Give your patrons a
break — show this and exploit it. — Wilder S.
Funk, Star Theatre, St. Stephens, S. C. Rural
and small town patronage.
Lodger, The (20th-Fox) — Laird Cregar,
Merle Oberon. A fair show but the extra
snow and cold weather we've been having
POPCORN
TOP QUALITY Ohio Super Yellow
Packed in convenient
50-pound
individual
bags
100 to 500 pounds
per 100 lbs.
500 lbs. or more
per 100 lbs.
$975
$95?
Packed in either 50 lb. or 100 lb. moisture-proof
bags at same price per 100 pounds.
Prices F.O.B. Marion, Ohio
★
"■Pou-dna " Cocoanut Oil
In returnable drums or 38y2 lb. Tins
Immediate Delivery — Prices on Request
★
POPCORN BOXES, Per 1000, $7.50
(F.O.B. CHICAGO)
(Prices Subject to Change)
★
Distributors for
CRETORS Popcorn Machines
POPPER’S BOY PRODUCTS CO.
58 E. 13th St. Chicago 5
Story of G.I. Joe (UA) — Burgess Meredith,
Robert Mitchum, Freddie Steele. It's as old
as the hills but it's really tops. I'm glad I
played it old anyhow, for it is too good not
to use. Business was about average for
midweek, so I guess the war didn't keep
anyone away. Mitchum will be my biggest
attraction if he keeps going as he has. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair. — R. C. Walker,
Rialto Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural patron-
age. * *
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Beautiful Cheat, The (U-I) — Bonita Gran-
ville, Noah Beery jr. , Margaret Irving. A nice
program picture for the weekend action lovers.
We doubled it with a western. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Mild. — Harland Rankin, Plaza
Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. General patronage. * * *
Swing Out Sister (U-I) — Rod Cameron, Billie
Burke, Arthur Treacher. This is a good musi-
cal that they all enjoyed on a double bill
with our horse opera. Played Fri., Sat. Weath-
er: Cold. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre,
Tilbury, Ont. General patronage.
Wild Beauty (U-I) — Lois Collier, Don Porter,
Robert Wilcox. This is a nice horse picture that
the rural patrons thoroughly enjoyed. Played
Fri., Sat. — D. W. Trisko, Star Theatre, Stanley,
N. D. Rural patronage. *
WARNER BROS.
Big Sleep, The (WB) — Humphrey Bogart,
Lauren Bacall, Martha Vickers. This did fair
business. The only comments on this em-
phasized that it was "a little hard to under-
stand if you came in the middle of the pic-
%0+ctte YOUR POPCORN “PROFITS”
C. CRETORS & CO.
58 E. 13th St.
Chicago 5, 111.
With
CRETORS
Auxiliary MOD. 41 POPCORN MACHINE
&C*tce IZX5
Pops 50 ibs. Raw Corn Per Hour
Weight Equalizing Device - Easy Pan Dump
Large production . . . Fast, efficient, trouble-
free. Pops corn direct in the seasoning and
salt. Pan easily dumped . . . Enclosed trans-
mission . . . Gears run in oil . . . Keeps heat
where needed . . . No pressure from popping
corn insures maximum popping volume.
Dump handle interchangeable — right or left
hand operation. Machines operated by bottle
gas or natural gas. Motor driven by elec-
tricity. Gasoline extra.
ture." Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold. —
James E. Davis, Rialto Theatre Bennington,
Okla. Rural and small town patronage. *
Kings Row (WB)— Reissue. Ann Sheridan,
Robert Cummings, Ronald Reagan. Warner
Bros, couldn't have picked a better picture
to reissue. Although it runs 127 minutes,
every foot was worth it. Thanks, WB, for
reissuing it, as it went over big. Played Mon.,
Tues. Weather: Rain and cold. — F. C. Norris,
Hiland Theatre,. Highlands, Tex. Rural and
small town patronage.
Night and Day (WB) — Cary Grant, Alexis
Smith, Jane Wyman. Grab this quick, for small
town or city. It is one of the year's hits but
it fell below average here. I imagine this
was on account of too much music, but those
that came praised it. Played Sun., Mon.,
Tues. Weather: Okay. — M. W. Hughes, Co-
lonial Theatre, Astoria, 111. Small town pa-
tronage. * * *
COCONUT OIL
FRESH — from the refinery of
the nation's seasoning special-
ists— THE colored Coconut Oil
popcorn seasoning — SEAZO.
DRESS UP your popcorn and
PUSH UP those profits — with
SEAZO.
Warehouse stocks available at
Boston, Providence, Pittsburgh,
Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indian-
apolis. Detroit, Chicago, Des
Moines, Kansas City. Omaha,
Dallas, Denver, Portland, Se-
attle. Los Angeles.
C.F.Simonin’s Sons, Inc,
' 0 L ! 5 H t 0
2550 E. Tioga St., Philadelphia 34, Pa.
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
42
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
Refuse to Remove Ban
On Showing 'Outlaw'
New York — Supreme Court Justice
Bernard L. Schientag has denied a mo-
tion by Howard Hughes to restrain city
authorities from banning showing of “The
Outlaw.”
In refusing to restrain Police Commis-
sioner Arthur W. Wallander and License
Commissioner Benjamin Fielding from
revoking a theatre’s license and prose-
cuting an exhibitor for showing the pic-
ture on grounds it is obscene, the judge
said “The industry must run the chance
of having its pictures either exonerated or
condemned by local court action initiated
by police and license officials.”
Hughes’ law firm. Diamond & Poletti,
will not take further steps until Charles
Poletti, now in Europe, can be consulted.
Mexico Establishes Bank
For Financing Industry
WASHINGTON— A bank has been estab-
lished in Mexico to finance their motion pic-
ture industry and is now ready to begin op-
eration. The Credito Cinematorgrafico Mexi-
cana will function in the three essential
branches of the industry: Production, dis-
tribution and exhibition. The capital of the
bank is 30,000,000 pesos and 28,620,000 pesos
have already been paid in.
The board of directors is outstanding,
among them being the executive presidents of
three large banks, some of the most promi-
nent motion picture producers, and other
well known financiers and business men, it
was learned from the commerce department
this week.
Expect Attendance of 500
At Television Convention
NEW YORK — Approximately 500 television
and radio executives will attend the Tele-
vision Institute meeting at Hotel Commodore,
April 14, 15. The event is sponsored by The
Televisor, trade publication.
Some 40 speakers representing stations, ad-
vertising agencies and sponsors have been
scheduled. The theme of the meeting will be
“Meeting Television’s Challenge.” Television
commercials will be discussed at the adver-
tising panel on the closing day of the sessions.
The advertising panel consists of Jose de
Donato, Charles J. Durban, Chet Kulesza,
David P. Lewis and Ralph Austrian.
Johnston Blasts Soviet ;
UN Film Board Urged
WASHINGTON — Eric Johnston, president
of the Motion Picture Ass’n, blasted Soviet
Russia Wednesday at a meeting of the United
Nations Council of Philadelphia.
His statement, released here, accused the
Soviet Union of sabotaging the United Na-
tions. “Russia’s postwar tactics raise the
question whether Russia really wants world
order or whether she wants world revolution,”
Johnston asserted.
Johnston has long been suspicious of
Russia and that nation’s activities. Ameri-
can pictures are not permitted, and newsreel
cameramen are let in only under certain cir-
cumstances.
The MPA president made a tour of Russia
two years ago, when he was president of the
IP.S. Chamber of Commerce. His report
then was not too good. Johnston is one of
the few American industrialists ever to get
an audience with Joseph Stalin.
“Russia has been the chief culprit in un-
dermining the United Nations. Two years of
undermining and delaying tactics by Russia
so weakened the United Nations that it was
powerless to aid Greece and Turkey,” he de-
clared.
Johnston told the meeting that it is essen-
tial to our kind of society and economy that
we try to remove “the haunting fear of aggres-
sion from the world.”
“We’re interested in free men, and unless
we show we are interested in free men, then
we’re not going to have free men anywhere
in the world,” he stated.
This was Johnston’s first acid blast against
the Soviet. Two weeks ago he attacked Com-
munism, and asked that it be defined and
combated. Johnston believes Russia and the
American Communists are attempting to
undermine the motion picture industry.
Amusement Tax Declined
In the Nation's Capital
WASHINGTON — The house and senate
committee has decided against imposing a
local amusement tax in Washington. At a
hearing Wednesday the group declined to ac-
cept the theatre levy as a means of local
revenue.
The Motion Picture Theatre Owners of
D.C. has fought the proposal.
PHILADELPHIA — One thousand delegates,
representing some 500 organizations attended
the first national conference of the United
Nations educational, scientific and educa-
tional organization held here last week. To
speed matters, the group was broken down
into small panels.
The general membership urged the ap-
pointment of a “commission on immediate
needs to study and report on the material re-
quirements of war-devastated Europe and the
Far East with respect to press, radio and
films.” The commission would determine
the needs of respective countries for such
material as printing presses, radio and film
equipment and personnel.
It was also proposed that UNESCO get up
machinery for the interchange by UN mem-
ber nations of trained instructors and skilled
operators in the fields of press, radio and
films.
The film panel was headed by George F.
Zook, president of the American Council on
Education. The group agreed that UNESCO
should set up a UN film board to coordinate
film activities of all agencies of the United
Nations. A resolution was also adopted to
call an international conclave, as soon as
possible, to explore the possibilities and meth-
ods of interchange of culture and goodwill
via films.
UNESCO would not engage in the produc-
tion of films except where it was impossible
for a private outfit to operate. The commis-
sion would simply serve as a clearing house
for ideas and techniques.
Donald Nelson, representing the Society
of Independent Motion Picture Producers,
addressed a windup session of the conference
Thursday.
New Lens for Television
NEW YORK — Jerry Fairbanks Productions
of Hollywood has moved its New York office,
run by Jack Pegler, to 292 Madison Ave. Fair-
banks arrives here next week to show his new
Zoomar lens to television producers, tele-
vision stations, advertising agencies and the
press. This lens replaces the three-lens tur-
ret on television cameras and eliminates
dollying.
Tk« iitti
Uslfeml-
Cosiereace
49
MWS’ii
BRITISH CONFERENCE — Universal-International and Gen-
eral Film Distributors hold their first international conference in
London. Standing, left to right: Sid Caverson, northern district
supervisor; Syd Flateau, assistant sales manager; Syd Jackson,
assistant to co-managing directors; Ben Henry, U-I’s home office
representative in Great Britain; John Woolf, co-managing director
of G.F.D.; J. H. Seidelman, president of U-I; E. T. Carr, co-manag-
ing director of G.F.D.; A1 Daff, vice-president of U-I; John Jacobs,
sales manager; R. W. Wright, secretary of G.F.D.; Dave Carr, assist-
ant sales manager, and H. Boodson, southern district supervisor.
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
E
43
br_0ADMA1
\Te ronica Lake and Andre De Toth, star and
director of “Ramrod,” who are Mr. and
Mrs. in real life, flew in from the west coast
for a New York visit . . . Hunt Stromberg,
producer of the current “Strange Woman”
and the forthcoming “Dishonored Lady” for
U.A. release, is in New York for a series of
conferences with United Artists executives
. . . Nick Mamula, who is resigning from the
UA publicity department, was guest of honor
at a farewell luncheon given by Publicity
Manager Tom Waller and his staff . . . The
boys at UA also planned a party for Howard
LeSieur and Francis Winikus in recognition
of their recent promotions, but the word got
out and the two new ad executives treated for
drinks instead.
Max Weinberg, recently appointed eastern
short subjects representative in charge of
short subjects publicity for MGM, played
host to the trade paper boys at a dinner at
Barbetta’s followed by a screening of the
Pete Smith short, “I Love My Wife But — ” at
the first annual National Gagwriters Con-
vention at Public School No. 17. Teddy Hart,
Jan Murray, Smith & Dale and Henry Tobias,
songwriter, were among the comics who cov-
ered the field of humor . . . Bob Armstrong,
of the MGM studio publicity department, is
visiting New York and Baltimore before
heading back to the coast . . . Ben Goetz,
head of MGM’s British production, arrives in
New York Monday from the coast en route to
London . . . Robert Taylor, MGM star, ar-
rived aboard the Queen Elizabeth after a
month abroad and Karin Booth, contract
player, is due in from Hollywood Monday.
Edward L. Hyman, vice-president of Para-
mount Theatres Service Corp., flew to
Minneapolis for conferences with Harry B.
French, president of the Minnesota Amuse-
ment Co. . . . Joseph J. Deitch, executive of
Paramount Theatres Service Corp., is a
patient at Polyclinic hospital following his
return to New York from an extended west-
ern trip . . . Gordon Swarthout and Milton
Mohr of the Paramount home office pub-
licity department; Ed Sullivan, head of the
company’s photographic department here,
and Bill Johnson, special representative for
Bob Hope, started a journey to Hollywood
this week accompanying six of the 14 girls
selected for the promotional campaign on
“My Favorite Brunette.” Julia Sullivan, sec-
retary to Curtis Mitchell, Paramount’s pub-
licity and advertising director, and Zola
Swarthout, Gordon’s spouse, acted as chap-
erons for the brunettes.
Bert Sanford, Altec theatrical sales man-
ager, is back from a trip to the southeast
. . . Michael Curtiz, independent releasing
through Warners, is in town for a brief stay
ZEE PARISIENNE SMILE — Corinne
Calvet, Paramount’s screen importation,
meets Russell Holman, eastern production
head, at a reception given for her at the
Waldorf-Astoria.
. . . George Weltner, president of Paramount
International, and Clement S. Crystal, are
in Singapore conferring with Morey Marcus,
Far East district head.
Ben Kalmenson left for the coast for meet-
ings with Jack L. Warner and sales exec-
utives. Roy Haines is touring the western
territory . . . Dick Powell is in from Holly-
wood . . . Barbara Stanwyck arrived from
London on the S. S. America.
Eddie Bracken spent a week here on the
pre-release campaign for his latest film,
“Fun on a Weekend,” UA release . . . Walter
B. LaChicotte, sales manager for sound prod-
ucts at the RCA international division, has
joined K. Streuber, theatre and sound equip-
ment firm . . . John Petrauskas jr., Republic
treasurer, is celebrating the birth of a baby
girl at the Gotham hospital.
Paramount Pictures Club is rounding up
softball team for the coming season. Last
year the company won the Mid-Town Variety
League championship. The 1947 game sched-
ule calls for one match weekly for each
team in Central park . . . Len S. Gruenberg,
captain of the 1947 Ned Depinet Drive, is
touring RKO exchanges in New Haven, Bos-
ton, Albany, Buffalo, Toronto and Montreal.
Arthur Krim, E-L head, and Robert Ben-
jamin and Jock Lawrence returned from
London by plane . . . Lloyd L. Lind, Pictorial
Films vice-president, is back from Chicago.
Jonie Taps, Columbia Pictures studio exec-
utive, has arrived in New York and is stay-
ing at the Waldorf-Astoria . . . C. J. Zern,
Altec’s district manager from Dallas, has re-
turned home by plane after a short business
A MEXICAN WELCOME — Luis Montez, prominent theatre chain owner in Mexico,
is among those who are at the Mexico City Airport to greet Spyros Skouras, president of
20th Century-Fox, j<nd Mrs. Skouras.
trip to the New York headquarters . . . Jason
Joy, 20th-Fox studio personnel head, is in
New York from the coast . . . Constantin
Bakaleinikoff, RKO’s music director, is in
New York from Hollywood . . . Claire Mann-
heimer, secretary to C. K. Stern, Loew’s as-
sistant treasurer, is mourning the loss of her
mother.
Daniel O’Shea, executive director of the
Selznick studios and president of Vanguard
Films, Inc., is in town and is staying at the
Waldorf-Astoria . . . Norman Ayers, southern
division sales manager for Warner Bros., is
back from a flying trip to Memphis and New
Orleans . . . Van Heflin, who recently fin-
ished work in “Possessed” for Warners, is here
for a vacation.
Cliff Almy, Warner Bros, supervisor for
the Philippines and Japan, is back in Manila
after attending the funeral of his wife in
California . . . Col. Nathan Levinson, head of
the Warner studio sound department, is look-
ing over local shows . . . W. Stewart Mc-
Donald, vice-president of Warner Theatres,
and Mrs. McDonald celebrated their 20th
wedding anniversary Thursday.
H. M. Richey, exhibitor relations head for
MGM, and Mrs. Richey went to Auburn, Ind.,
last Saturday to attend funeral services for
Mrs. Richey’s mother, who died April 2 after
a long illness . . . William Devaney, assist-
ant MGM branch manager in Chicago, came
to New York over the weekend on a vacation
. . . Ben Goetz, MGM production head in
England, and Mrs. Goetz came east en route
to London.
Barney Balaban, Paramount president, has
returned from the coast where he took part
in discussions of the United Jewish Appeal
campaign . . . William Hurworth, Paramount
International general sales manager for Aus-
tralia and New Zealand, and Stanley H.
Craig, general manager for New Zealand, are
due in New York April 30.
Chaplin Film Continuous;
250 Seats Are Reserved
NEW YORK — A continuous run policy with
250 reserved seats at $1.80 in the afternoon
and the same number at night at $2.40 has
been decided upon for the run of Charles
Chaplin’s “Monsieur Verdoux” at the Broad-
way Theatre. For the opening night show,
April 11, all seats will be reserved at from
$1.80 to $3.60, but the following morning the
house will open at 9:30 and performances
will be on a continuous run basis at popular
prices, except for the reserved section.
Siritzky Leases Guild
As N.Y. Foreign House
NEW YORK — Siritzky International has
taken a long-term lease on the Guild Cinema,
44th street, and will open it with a first run
French film policy starting with “Nais” Sep-
tember 1.
The 450-seat theatre, situated in the New
York Newspaper Guild’s newly acquired
building, is being completely rebuilt and will
become the third of the Siritzky French film
houses in New York.
Pirosh at RKO N. Y. Studio
NEW YORK — Robert Pirosh, RKO screen-
play writer, has arrived from Hollywood to
direct Maurice Chevalier in a prologue and
English narration for Pathe Cinema’s “Man
About Town” at the Pathe studio here.
Takes Starring Role
Eagle-Lion is borrowing Lucille Bremer
from MGM for a chief feminine role in “Cap-
tain Casanova.”
44
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
Along New York's Filmrow
_________________ By DORIS SULTAN _______________
Three New Films Big
But Broadway Dips
NEW YORK — Three new films — “Carnival
in Costa Rica,” coupled with a big Roxy stage
show; “Johnny O’clock” and “The Farmer’s
Daughter — registered strong opening week
grosses despite the general pre-Easter slump
along Broadway. Second weeks of “The Late
George Apley,” with Radio City Music Hall’s
annual Easter stage spectacle, and “My Fa-
vorite Brunette” both held up well in the
face of the downward trend.
Most of the others were mild grossers in
their final week before the new holiday at-
tractions opened. . Among the newcomers for
the week were “Stallion Road” at the Strand,
“The Two Mrs. Carrolls” at the Hollywood,
“Time Out of Mind” at the Park Avenue,
“The Adventuress” at the Victoria, “That’s
My Man” at the Globe, “Tarzan and the
Huntress” at the Gotham and “The Mighty
McGurk,” one of the rare first runs at Loew’s
State.
(Average is 100)
Astor — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
19th wk 119
Capitol — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM), plus
stage show, 3rd wk 98
Criterion — Johnny O'Clock (Col) 135
Globe — The Red House (UA), 3rd wk 85
Gotham — Angel and the Badman (Rep), 5th wk 75
Hollywood — Nora Prentiss (WB), 6th wk 45
Palace — The Locket (RKO) , 2nd wk 75
Paramount — My Favorite Brunette (Para), plus
stage show, 2nd wk 120
Park Avenue — The Years Between (U-I), 4th wk 45
Radio City Music Hall — The Late George Apley
(20th-Fox), plus stage show, 2nd wk 119
Rialto — The Devil Thumbs a Ride (RKO), 2nd wk 97
Rivoli — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO) ......108
Roxy — Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox), plus
stage show 96
Strand — Pursued (WB), plus stage show, 4th wk 89
Victoria — Thief of Bagdad (FC), reissue, 4th wk 70
Winter Garden — Stairway to Heaven (U-I),
3rd wk. of popular price run '. 97
Philadelphia Takes Fall Off
During Holy Week Period
PHILADELPHIA — Business fell off during
Holy week. “The Jolson Story” led the league
for the fifth consecutive week.
Aldine — Bedelia (E-L), 2nd wk 90
Arcadia — Lady in the Lake (MGM), 2nd runs 140
Boyd — Stairway to Heaven (U-I) 130
Earle — Seven Were Saved (Para),
with stage show 110
Fox — The Brasher Doubloon (20th-Foxj 100
Goldman — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO), 2nd wk 15U
Karlton — The Locket (RKO), 3rd wk 100
Keith's — Dead Reckoning (Col), 2nd run 90
Mastbaum — My Favorite Brunette (Para), 2nd wk,..105
Stanley— The Jolson Story (Col)' 5th wk 165
Stanton— The Mighty McGurk (MGM) 100
Buffalo in Pre-Easter Slump,
But 'Best Years' Does Well
BUFFALO — Except for “The Best Years
of Our Lives” at the 20th Century, pre-
Easter grosses were traditionally low here.
“Michigan Kid” and “Blind Spot” on a dou-
ble bill at the Lafayette were the only bright
spots aside from “Years.” They did average.
Buffalo — Pursued (WB) 88
Great Lakes — Boomerang (20th-Fox) 89
Hippodrome— Bedelia (PRC); It's a Joke, Son
. (,PRC) 92
Lafayette— Michigan Kid (U-I); Blind Spot (Col).... 100
Teck — Les Miserables (20th-Fox); Stanley and
Livingstone (20th-Fox). reissues... 60
20th Century— The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
2nd wk., advanced prices 163
Collapsed Seat Costs
Martina Circuit $2,500
BUFFALO — Damages of $2,500 have been
awarded a Franklinville couple as the result
of the collapse of a seat in the Martina cir-
cuit’s Adelphi Theatre in Franklinville. A
supreme court jury awarded damages of
$1,600 to May O. Ling and $900 to her hus-
band George. The accident occurred May
11, 1944; The Lings’ claims were dismissed
in a lower court but won on appeal.
ALTER READE theatres in Asbury Park,
Long Branch, Red Bank, Morristown
and Plainfield, N. J., are getting ready for
the new ten-week Talent Quest, scheduled
to start April 15 . . . Each Sunday hopeful
aspirants for theatrical careers will perform
in talent contests at the theatres . . . The
competition is being conducted in coopera-
tion with radio station WAAT . . . Every
Sunday the winners of the past week’s Talent
Quest will broadcast over WAAT at 9 p. m.
. . . The radio audience will select the win-
ners of the semifinals and finals by mail.
The circuit is distributing special heralds
and entry blanks . . . The contest is being
given additional publicity through newspaper
ads, trailers and special 40x60s . . . Theatres
participating in the Talent Quest include the
Park, Morristown; Savoy, Asbury Park;
Paramount, Plainfield; Strand, Red Bank,
and Strand, Long Branch.
Robert M. Savini, president of Astor Pic-
tures Corp., flew down to Miami for a brief
vacation. En route home Savini will visit
Astor branches in Atlanta, Charlotte and
Washington.
Century Theatres new Timberdoodle Lodge
contest is a departure from previous competi-
tions, when the winners were judged by the
effective exploitation stunts they arranged
. . . The current contest, which began March
29, will be judged by the merchandising of
candy and soft drink products at theatres,
according to Leslie R. Schwartz, head of
Andrews, Inc., Century’s merchandising sub-
sidiary.
Skouras Theatres came up with something
new in community cooperation this week . . .
The circuit sponsored a special community
service show at the Crotona Theatre, Bronx,
Wednesday (April 4) for junior high school
students . . . The program consisted of shorts
emphasizing the importance of precautions
against accidents and the problem of juvenile
delinquency.
The special show won the support of Par-
ent-Teachers groups, civic organizations and
the police department . . . Jay Jostyn, who
portrays Mr. District Attorney in the radio
program and Matthew Shea, deputy inspector
of the police department safety bureau, at-
tended. The latter represented Arthur Wal-
lander, police commissioner . . . Four shorts
were shown, including “Safety Sleuth,” Pete
Smith Specialty (MGM); “Highway Mania”
(RKO) ; “Traffic With the Devil” (MGM)
and “Youth in Crisis,” March of Time.
George Loscalzo, porter at Loew’s Plaza
Theatre, Corona, is back in civilian clothes
after spending four-and-one-half years in
the army . . . John Kohler, formerly assistant
manager of Reade’s Majestic Theatre, Perth
Amboy, has been promoted to manager of the
Paramount, Plainfield. He succeeds Sabie
Contie, who has been transferred to the
Oxford Theatre.
C. Negron, night watchman of the Majestic
Theatre, is the father of a nine-pound baby
girl . . . Gilbert Josephson, former operator of
the World Theatre, has opened the New
Europe Theatre on First avenue, and plans to
open the Princess Theatre at 39th street and
Sixth avenue some time in May.
MGM Notes: Wedding bells will ring
shortly for five young ladies at the MGM
branch. Celia Reich, Edith Finkelstein and
Agnes McLaughlin of the billing department
and Mary Keane of the accounting depart-
ment announced their engagements recently
. . . Irene Ellsworth of the accounting depart-
ment is the other prospective bride. She will
be married June 21 to Thomas W. Mason of
New York. She will join him in Oxford,
Ohio, where he is attending school. Irene is
the daughter of Bob Ellsworth, Brooklyn
salesman . . . Jack Goldberg, formerly as-
sistant branch head in Washington, stopped
off at the exchange en route to Albany where
he will take over his new duties as manager
of the branch there.
RKO Data; Len S. Gruenberg is expected
at the RKO branch on Tuesday (April 8) to
assume his new post as district manager. He
succeeds Charles Boasberg, who was recently
appointed as head of a new division covering
the metropolitan area, Canada, the south-
east and southwest . . . Gruenberg will spend
ten days in New York before leaving for
Denver to bring his family east.
Lillian Savitsky, contract clerk, sustained
second degree burns on the face when she
tried out a new pancake recipe at home.
Lillian is anxious to master the culinary arts
in view of her forthcoming marriage . . .
“Tiny” Mixon, attractive young lady from
Georgia, has joined the 16mm department at
the exchange . . . May Ashe, former switch-
board operator, has given birth to a baby boy
at Israel Zion hospital in Brooklyn . . . Nora
Harkness of the film inspection department
sent a large crate of grapefruit and oranges
to the exchange. She is vacationing in
Florida.
UA Facts; Jocelyn Gilberg, assistant
booker, has resigned . . . Irene Greenberg
is back at the exchange after a long illness
. . . Gertrude Dembroff, city booker, is flash-
ing a new engagement ring. No wedding
date has been set.
Twentieth-Fox Trivia; Joseph Rosen,
Albany branch head and former salesman in
New York, is the father of a baby boy . . .
Rita Cohen, secretary to George Blenderman,
head booker, will be married in July . . . The
office lovebirds, Antoinette Paglianti and Bob
Anderson of the shipping department, will be
married May 25.
Dave Rosenbaum, operator of the Capitol
Theatre, Elizabethtown, N. Y„ and booker for
the Rox, Keysville, and Hollywood in Ausable
Forks, was in town for a few days . . . Joseph
Bacskay jr„ who recently sold the Island
Theatre, Island, N. J., to Jacob Levinson, is
vacationing in Arizona . . . Harold Eskin of
the Eskin circuit is sightseeing in California.
Bill McLoughlin, manager of the Brook-
lyn Strand, and Ted Trust, publicity director,
arranged a tiein with the Brooklyn Academy
of Music to plug “Humoresque.” As a result,
the Academy mailed cards to its subscribers
praising the musical score of the picture.
The Bookers club will hold its eighth an-
nual dinner and dance October 12 in the
ballroom of Hotel Commodore. Start saving
your gin rummy winnings, boys . . . Genevieve
Cannon, cashier at Reade’s Community
Theatre, Morristown, recently gave birth to
a baby boy . . . Tony Hunting, city manager
at Red Bank for Reade, has been appointed
chairman of the Spring Frolics committee.
The lads and lassies of the circuit will get
together for the frolics during the latter part
of April . . . Lillian Habib of the Reade home
office has been placed in charge of pay rolls.
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
45
N.Y. Film Men Honor Boasberg
The trade in New York honored Charles
Boasberg, new RKO division manager
whose territory includes the New York
metropolitan district, the north and
southeastern districts and Canada, was
guest of honor at a luncheon at the Hotel
Astor. Top, RKO group, left to right:
Arthur Brilant, Lou Kane, Sid Kramer,
Frank Drumm, M. G. Poller, Harry
Gittleson, Carl Peppercorn, Harold Hen-
dee, Lou Gaudreau, Ben Grimm. Below:
Boasberg at the microphone.
NEW YORK — Bad gags, good wishes and
the Hotel Astor’s best potroast filled in the
background for the testimonial luncheon
given last week by approximately 700 theatre
owners, exchange staffers and home office
distribution men for Charles Boasberg.
The affair was officially sponsored by the
theatre owners of the New York exchange
area in recognition of Boasberg’s promotion
from metropolitan district manager to RKO
division sales managers in charge of the met-
ropolitan New York area, the southeast,
southwest and Canada. This is a new di-
vision recently created by RKO to handle
details of selling expected to develop under
the antitrust decree.
Harry Brandt, president of the ITOA, was
toastmaster. There were speeches by Leon
J. Bamberger, sales promotion director of
RKO; Ray Moon, president of the New York
Film Board of Trade; Fred J. Schwartz,
president of the Metropolitan Motion Picture
Theatres Ass’n; Sam Rinzler, president of
Randforce Amusement Corp.; Si H. Fabian,
president of the American Theatres Ass’n;
Leonard Gruenberg, Boasberg’s successor as
RKO metropolitan district manager, and
Boasberg.
The local exhibitors presented Boasberg
a silver tray, but only after Bamberger had
given him a child’s sweater and chain of
cigarets as a reminder of the new division
manager’s habits of wearing a sweater on
almost all occasions and chain smoking.
On the dais were: Robert M. Weitman,
Malcolm Kingsberg, Robert S. Wolff, Leon-
ard H. Goldenson, Boasberg, Bamberger,
Brandt, Fabian, Schwartz, Rinzler, Gruen-
berg, Moon, Samuel Rosen, Arthur L. Mayer,
Leon Rosenblatt, Edward Rugoff, Sol A.
Schwartz, Oscar A. Doob, Edward Lachman,
Philip Hodes, William A. White, Frank
Damis and Julius Joelson.
Webb Heck 5 7 Years in Theatre Job
Frederick, Md. — Webb Heck has been
at his job at the Warner Opera House
here for 57 years. Manager Ted Crowther
challenges any other theatre to run up
as long a record of faithful service.
Since he came to work at the Opera
House in 1890, Heck has been property
man, scenic artist, makeup man, and
stage manager. He has seen the best of
them come and go, for Frederick was
once a stop for most of the big New York
shows. The 70-year-old showman recalls
the days when the Opera House was
rented on a night-to-night basis for a fee
of $10, “if the gross exceeded that figure.”
Emergencies have been few. One night
an oil lantern in the footlights blew up
during the performance. Heck, then a
scenic artist, picked up a “bed chamber
filled with colored water” and doused the
fire. He got a fine hand from the audi-
ence.
Heck is a colorful figure, with a mass of
white hair and an ever-present large silk
flowing tie. On Saturday nights he de-
lights in recalling old times with grand-
fathers who drive in to the Warner thea-
tre from the country.
RKO Will Tradeshow
Five of Its Features
NEW YORK— RKO will hold a tradeshow-
ing of “Honeymoon” at the Normandie Thea-
tre April 14 at 10:30 a. m. Shirley Temple,
Guy Madison and Franchot Tone are fea-
tured. It also will be shown in other ex-
change centers that day at various times,
with the exception of Washington and St.
Louis, where it will be screened the follow-
ing day.
“Banjo” also will be screened April 14 at
2:30 p. m. in New York, Charlotte and Salt
Lake City, and at various hours in other
exchanges, except in Washington and St.
Louis. In these cities it will be shown the
following day.
“A Likely Story” is scheduled to be shown
April 15 in New York and at various times
during the day in other exchange centers,
except St. Louis where the screening will be
April 16.
“Born to Kill” will be screened at 2:30
o’clock April 15 in New York and at differ-
ent hours in other centers, except St. Louis
and Washington, where it will be put on the
following day. “Tarzan and the Huntress”
will be shown April 16 in all centers, except
New York, Los Angeles and St. Louis, where
it is dated the following day.
Foreign Story Departments
Being Expanded by RKO
NEW YORK— RKO recently has estab-
lished a story department in England to
secure rights to British, French, Scandi-
navian and other European novels and plays
which might be suitable for film production
here or abroad, according to Jack W. Votion,
foreign studio representative who is in
America for business conferences with Dore
Schary, head of RKO production in Holly-
wood. Votion, who left for the coast dining
the week, also expects to establish a story
and talent department in Paris soon after
his return to Europe May 9.
“Competition from other countries is the
greatest thing for film production in the
U.S.,” according to Votion. He believes that
RKO’s first production venture with Pa the -
Cinema, “Man About Town,” starring
Maurice Chevalier, is a French-language film
with a new method of presentation which will
make it suitable for showing in every Ameri-
can theatre where RKO’s regular product is
shown. This Rene Clair production, origi-
nally called “Silence D’Or,” will be released
in France April 15. For its American release
during the 1946-47 season, it will have a
commentary written by Robert Piroch which
will be delivered in English by Chevalier dur-
ing the French credits and the entire action
of the film.
“Man About Town” is the first of RKO’s
French-made pictures produced under a 50-
50 financial arrangement with Pathe-Cinema.
The company has a similar arrangement with
J. Arthur Rank in England where Adrian
Scott recently produced “So Well Remem-
bered” with Edward Dmytryk directing. In-
cluding the Pathe-Cinema studio, there are
only seven studios in Paris and one in Nice,
all using prewar camera equipment, and inde-
pendent production is practically at a stand-
still, Votion said.
Chick Giveaways Stopped
ALLENTOWN, PA. — A theatre man’s bright
stunt bit the dust when the SPCA stepped in.
The State Theatre here bore an announce-
ment that it would give away free Easter
chicks to the first 500 patrons to enter the
theatre. But the society stepped in and said
no go.
48
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
BLUE RIBBON AWARD— Ben Shlyen, publisher of BOXOFFICE, presents the
February Blue Ribbon Award for “Song of the South” to S. Barret McCormick, ad-
vertising and publicity director for RKO, and William Levy, international sales head
for Walt Disney Productions.
State Tax Commission
Readies Levy Drafts
Albany— Mayor Corning announced Fri-
day that Albany will not avail itself of
the power to levy special taxes until the
city finds out what it will cost to finance
teachers’ salaries under raises authorized
by the legislature.
“The teachers law is complicated,” he
said, “and I haven’t seen a clear inter-
pretation yet. I understand the state de-
partment is preparing a statement.”
ALBANY — The state tax commission,
acting under authority written into the
Burney bill recently passed by the legislature
and signed by Governor Dewey, is preparing
model ordinances and regulations for coun-
ties and cities of more than 100,000 population
which may levy any or all of a series of
emergency taxes. An official of the commis-
sion said several drafts have been made and
are under study. Information on their con-
tents probably will be made within two or
three weeks.
None of the special imposts — all permissive
— can be effective before July 1. On and
after that date, counties may vote: a sales
tax not exceeding 2 per cent, with certain ex-
ceptions (newspapers and periodicals are
one) ; a levy of not more than 3 per cent on
food and drinks in restaurants, hotels, etc.,
costing $1 and up; a tax not exceeding 5 per
cent on admission to amusements; a tax
of 25 per cent on retail liquor licenses; a tax
of $5 on pleasure cars and $10 on commercial
vehicles; a $10 tax on each vending machine.
THERE ARE SIX OVER 100,000
Cities of 100,000 population — there are six,
exclusive of New York — are authorized to
vote two taxes after July. The first is 1/10
of 1 per cent on gross receipts for the privilege
of engaging in a business, trade or profes-
sion; the second is 5 per cent on hotel rooms
renting for more than $2 daily.
Such cities also may adopt any of the
taxes which counties are authorized to but do
not choose to levy. A county, after January
1, must give a city 90 days notice, before the
beginning of its next fiscal year, if the county
decides to impose a tax which the city may
be considering or has levied. Cities usually
start their fiscal years on January 1 or April
1, the commission official said.
Some cities, he added, have charters which
provide that a notice of taxes must be ad-
vertised for two or three weeks prior to their
effective date. It is possible, but how prob-
able the commission officer could not say,
that all details could be cleared for a city to
levy taxes which counties passed up, by July
1. The county body to be approached is the
board of supervisors. The municipal medium
is likely to be the common council. Expe-
rience will tell whether the counties can and
will make quick decisions; also, how much
weight the viewpoint of large cities will have
on county determinations.
EVEN DIVISION IN ERIE
At the time the legislature considered the
Burney measure— strongly advocated by Gov-
ernor Dewey as a means of enabling coun-
ties to meet increased education costs and
large cities to take care of general expenses,
education included, many county boards of
supervisors were reported to be strongly op-
posed to the authorization for emergency
taxes. This was particularly true in rural
counties.
In Erie county, the most populous upstate,
the board of supervisors is evenly divided:
17 from the city and 17 from outside it.
Rochester’s influence might be decisive in
Monroe county, while in Onondaga county
the non-Syracuse group is believed to have
control. The city of Albany is the largest
and most important unit in Albany county.
Utica, located in Oneida county, and Yon-
kers, in Westchester county, are the other up-
state cities with a minimum of 100,000 popu-
lation.
Schenectady has been included in some
news accounts on the Burney bill. However,
the 1940 census showed its population as only
87,000, and a 1945 estimate by the state
health department put the figure at $88,000.
The 100,000 calculation is based upon the
wartime growth of the Electric city. It may
have diminished in population since VJ-Day.
The fact Yonkers authorities, before in-
troduction of the Burney bill, had Senator
William F. Condon and Assemblyman Mal-
colm Wilson put in a measure allowing it to
levy a 5 per cent entertainment tax is taken
to mean that city might vote such an impost.
As a matter of practical politics, some
counties and large cities may divide, pri-
vately, to stake out taxing areas for each.
There is no precedent upon which to make
predictions.
They Gave Ducats Away.
Back in the Old Days
Albany — Paul Wallen, veteran manager
of the Leland and son of Clarence Wallen,
one of the late F. F. Proctor’s partners in
the Proctor circuit, says the most unusual
incident in his memory was the time
Proctor’s Fifth Avenue gave away free
tickets to persuade people to see a film,
“I was only a kid,” he explains, “but
I can remember the management going
into the street and giving tickets to
passersby. At the time, I believe the
house had a straight film policy. It was
before ‘Intolerance’ had been produced
by D. W. Griffith.”
Wallen recently visited the Grand dur-
ing the run of “The Jolson Story” to
check on a reference in the film to Proc-
tor’s 23rd Street Theatre in New York.
“The picture is authentic, all right,” he
said. “Jolson was then at the Winter
Garden and I was at the Fifth Avenue
as assistant manager.” Later, Wallen
worked as assistant to Lou Golding at
the Palace (it had a roof garden, as well
as a downstairs auditorium), in Newark.
N.Y. 'Duel' Run Sei
First Week of May
NEW YORK— “Duel in the Sun” is sched-
uled to open at the Capitol Theatre the
first week of May.
Loew’s operates the Capitol on a lease from
Messmore Kendall. The house has 5,486
seats, making it the third largest theatre
in the city— after the Radio City Music Hall
and the Roxy. “Duel” probably will follow
“Smash-Up,” the U-I release which will open
April 10.
David O. Selznick has been looking for a
Broadway theatre for his production since
it became apparent last winter that he would
not be able to get the Astor Theatre. Selz-
nick’s joint three-year lease for the Astor
with Samuel Goldwyn will expire April 15.
Goldwyn put “The Best Years of Our Lives”
into the Astor last November and it may
remain there until the summer.
'Citizen Saint' to Open
In Washington April 12
NEW YORK— “Citizen Saint,” the first
feature film made at the new RKO Pathe
Studio here, will open at Constitution Hall,
Washington, D. C., April 12, according to
Clyde Elliott, producer. Carla Dare, the
22-year-old USO “find,” who plays the title
role, will be present as will Harold Young,
director; Harold Orlob, who wrote the scenario
and some of the original music, and members
of the Catholic hierarchy, U.S. government
leaders and members of the foreign diplo-
matic corps.
Elliott, who has been commuting by air
between Washington and his Chicago office,
will open the picture in New York soon after
April 12 and expects to roadshow “Citizen
Saint” in key cities, coast-to-coast, at ad-
vanced prices.
'Yearling' at Festival
NEW YORK — MGM has entered an Eng-
lish print of “The Yearling” in the World
Film Festival to be held this year in Brussels
from June 1 to June 30. Entry of American
films has been approved by the MPA.
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
47
Stoltz Succeeds Neilson
As President of Ampa
NEW YORK — Arnold Stoltz was elected
president of Ampa last Thursday at the an-
nual balloting of the organization held at
the Town Hall club. He succeeded Rutgers
Neilson. Other officers elected were Phil Wil-
liams, vice-president; Max Stein, treasurer,
and Marguerite Wayburn, secretary.
Neilson was elected to the board of direc-
tors along with David Bader, Blanche Liv-
ingston, Harry Blair, Chester Friedman and
Herman Schleier.
The trustees elected were: Ray Gallagher,
Jacques Kopf stein and Charles A. Alicoate.
NAME ADVISORY COUNCIL
The advisory council named consists of
Glendon Allvine, Leon J. Bamberger, Maurice
A. Bergman, Mort Blumenstock, Howard
Dietz, Curtis Mitchell, S. Barret McCormick,
Charles Schlaifer, Ben H. Serkowich, Vincent
Trotta, Steve Edwards, Hal Horne and Paul
N. Lazarus jr.
Neilson, who is retiring as president
of Ampa, has received acceptances from top-
ranking executives and national figures who
will appear on the dais at the organization’s
30th anniversary dinner to be held at the
Hotel Astor April 23. An invitation has been
extended to President Miguel Aleman of Mex-
ico to be present at the dinner.
Arrangements for the celebration are in
the hands of a general committee with Phil
Williams of Fortune magazine as chairman.
His co-ordinators are Blanche Livingston,
RKO Theatres; Claude Lee, Paramount;
Dave Bader, Film Bulletin, and Arnold Stoltz,
Samuel Goldwyn Productions. Also on the
committee are William R. Ferguson and Si
Seadler, MGM; David Weshner, free-lance
publicist; Gordon White, MPA; Jacques
Kopfstein, Astor Pictures; Lynn Farnol,
Samuel Goldwyn Productions; Jock Law-
rence, J. Arthur Rank Productions, and Neil-
son of RKO.
NAME OTHER COMMITTEES
Other committees are as follows: Arrangements —
Charles Alicoate, chairman, and Harry McWilliams
and Beatrice Ross; souvenir journal — Herman Schleier,
chairman; Dave Bader, editor, and Milton Silver,
Vivian Moses, George Frazer, Charles Zenker, Jack
Fuld, Irving Shiffrin, George Gomperts, Phil Wilcox,
Hap Hadley and Stanley Sherwin assisting; tickets — -
Harry McWilliams, acting chairman in the absence of
Chester Friedman, assisted by George Harvey. Abe
Dash and Arnold Stoltz; publicity — Harry Blair, chair-
man, assisted by Sid Gross, Jerry Dale, John R.
Shays jr. and George Held; radio — Will Yolen, chair-
man; assisted by Marvin Kirsch; advertising — Emer-
son Foote, chairman; Glen Allvine, dais guest chair-
man; reception — Jack Goldstein, chairman, assisted
by Evelyn Koleman, Hortense Schorr and Marguerite
Wayburn; photography — M. Leftoff, chairman. Deco-
rations are in charge of Hadley, working with the
art directors of each company.
President Truman Sends
Congratulations to Ampa
New York — Rutgers Neilson, president
of Ampa, has received a letter from
President Truman commending the or-
ganization for its work and wishing it
success for its 30th anniversary which
will be observed April 23 at Hotel Astor,
The letter follows:
Dear Mr. Neilson:
On the occasion of the 30th anniver-
sary of the Associated Motion Picture
Advertisers it is appropriate to note the
important contribution made by your
organization to the development of the
motion picture industry.
Motion pictures have been and will
continue to be a great force in enlarging
the horizons of peoples everywhere and
your part in bringing to public attention
the best efforts of the industry is to be
commended.
I trust that increased opportunity for
useful service to the public will be yours
through the years.
Very sincerely yours,
HARRY TRUMAN
Higher Net Income in #46
For General Precision
NEW YORK — General Precision Equip-
ment Corp. reports consolidated net profit for
the year ended Dec. 31, 1946, was $1,742,694
after estimated federal income taxes but be-
fore credit for special items in the net amount
of $340,256. The net income was equiva-
lent to $2.90 per share on 601,087 shares out-
standing at the end of the year, as com-
pared with $1,390,954, or $2.31 per share on
the same number of shares in 1945.
The special items consist of the book
profit of $890,310 realized on the sale of
39,600 shares of 20th-Fox common stock sold
during the year at an average prices of $49.50
per share, less the write-off of $550,045 rep-
resenting the excess of cost of investment
in subsidiaries acquired in 1944 over their ap-
plicable book value at acquisition.
Consolidated net sales for the year
amounted to $23,261,996 compared with $25,-
484,122 in 1945. This volume of net sales
is the largest for any peacetime year in the
company’s history, according to Earle G.
Hines, president, who said that “the mer-
chandising of theatre equipment and sup-
plies greatly increased in spite of the fact
that many regular items still were not avail-
able for sale except in limited quantities.”
Chicago Police Ban
WB's 'Born to Kill'
CHICAGO— The Chicago police motion pic-
ture censor board looked at 503,000 feet of
film, representing 103 releases, last month,
and made 63 cuts and rejected three pictures,
RKO’s “Born to Kill,” Azteca’s (Mexican)
“Mysteries of the Underworld” and Capitol’s
(Polish) “Spider Pajak.” Clasa’s (Mexican)
“Beyond the Reach of Love” was classified
for adults. “Dillinger,” the Monogram film
banned in this area for over two years, was
given the go signal for general release.
Work Permit Hands Sue
IATSE for 'Excess Dues'
ST. LOUIS — Two members of the AFL
ushers union, both of whom have worked as
stage hands under an IATSE work permit,
filed suit against the IATSE in federal court
here this week charging illegal assessment
of excess dues and asking damages of $109,750.
The action is similar to one filed in the
state courts by the same men in April 1945.
Trial of that case was recently declared a
mistrial when one of the attorneys died of a
heart attack after the jury had been chosen.
The action was brought by Henry H. Kla-
verkamp on behalf of himself and Ralph W.
Baur. Named as defendants are all the in-
ternational officers of the IATSE and Frank
Stickling of Elgin, 111., personally and as
representative of the international in charge
of St. Louis Theatrical Brotherhood Local 6.
Both Klaverkamp and Baur are members of
B2, the ushers union affiliate of the IATSE.
They worked for various periods as stage
hands, paying permit men’s dues of 15 per
cent of their salary.
Large Television Screen
Demonstrated by RCA
NEW YORK — A newly developed 15x20-
inch television screen, almost as large as a
standard newspaper page, was demonstrated
by engineers of Radio Corp. of America be-
fore the New York section of the Institute of
Radio Engineers during the week. The screen
will be used in RCA-Victor’s projection tele-
vision receivers which are scheduled for com-
mercial distribution this year, according to
Anthony Wright, chief of the television re-
ceiver design section, and Edwin L. Clark,
senior engineer who conducted the demon-
stration. Wright said that the images shown
are two and a half times brighter than earlier
large-screen pictures and compare very fa-
vorably in brightness with those obtained
with a direct-view tube. Company officials
said the greater brightness provided by the
development will extend television’s useful-
ness in public places, schools and audi-
toriums, in addition to its use in the home.
YO(/B BOX-OfflC£—
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Game
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
Second Printing Ordered
Of "Bedelia" Film Book
NEW YORK— The first printing of 100,000
copies of the Triangle book motion picture
edition of Vera Caspary’s “Bedelia,” on
which the Eagle-Lion film is based, was sold
out within two months after being put on sale,
according to Doubleday & Co., publishers.
Doubleday has ordered an additional 100,000
copies of the edition, which features stills and
copy about the picture.
"Voice of Theatre Speakers”
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!
48
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
Beacon Award Winner
Selected by MPA
NEW YORK— Members of the Motion Pic-
ture Associates on Monday picked the win-
ner of the 1947 Beacon Award. His name
will be announced and the award presented
at the annual dinner May 16 at the Waldorf-
Astoria hotel.
Approximately 130 members voted following
a luncheon at the Piccadilly hotel. This was
the largest turnout for a general member-
ship meeting in recent years, according to
Fred J. Schwartz, president of the MPA.
The six candidates for the award granted
for meritorious and patriotic achievement in
the motion picture industry were: Spyros P.
Skouras, president of 20th-Fox; Barney Bala-
ban, president of Paramount; Jack Cohn,
executive vice-president of Columbia; Samuel
Rinzler, president of Randforce Amusement
Corp.; Arthur Mayer, managing director of
the Rialto Theatre, and Harold Rodner of
Warners Service Corp. All but Rodner were
nominated by the board of directors; his
name was added by petition of the members.
George J. Schaefer won the award in 1945
in recognition of his work as national chair-
man of the War Activities Committee; Si
H. Fabian was the 1946 winner for his work
as chairman of the Theatres Division of the
War Activities Committee.
At the luncheon Monday, the members
also approved two amendments to the MPA
constitution; the first to facilitate payments
of welfare checks, and the second, to lower
the age requirements for life membership
from 65 to 60.
Schwartz presided. He was seated on the
dais with Sol Trauner and Moe Fraum of
Columbia, and Morris Sanders of 20th-Fox.
Stage-and-Screen Policy
At Ambassador in Fall
NEW YORK— Sam Siritzky’s Ambassador
Theatre, recently confined to a policy of
first run foreign product such as the current
“Children of Paradise,” will switch to a two-
a-day combination screen and Continental
vaudeville policy starting September 26.
Tino Rossi, known as the French Frank
Sinatra, will headline the first new stage
show in combination with the first Ameri-
can showing of Marcel Pagnol’s “Le
Schpountz.” Rossi, who has just completed
the French film, “The Unknown Singer,” will
tour Latin America during the spring and
summer season.
Sam Siritzky, vice-president of Siritzky
International, who has just returned from a
trip to Europe, expects to go to Hollywood
in April where he and his father, Leon
Siritzky, president, will set up production
plans for two English-language pictures to
be made on the west coast.
RKO to Mail Exhibitors
New Pulitzer Stamp
NEW YORK— RKO will mail a souvenir
envelope bearing an engraved photograph
of Joseph Pulitzer and a “first day of issue”
cancellation on a new commemorative stamp
which will be issued April 10 to all exhibitors
on the company’s mailing list. The en-
velope will contain a letter from Ned E.
Depinet, executive vice-president of RKO,
with a resume of the career of the founder of
the Pulitzer prize for outstanding work in the
fields of journalism, literature and drama.
The Pulitzer stamp will be the seventh in
RKO’s series of first-day mailings, originated
and prepared by Leon J. Bamberger, RKO
sales promotion manager and vice-president
of Cinema Stamp Collectors.
A Woman Hears More
Better Attuned to Patrons, Says Mrs. Rosenbaum
ELIZABETHTOWN, N. Y.— Women man-
agers or exhibitors, in small towns at least,
have a better chance than men to learn
the film tastes of patrons, says Mrs. Dave
Rosenbaum, who handles the Capitol here
for her husband. He looks after the Holly-
wood in Au Sable Forks and the Rex in Keese-
ville.
Mrs. Rosenbaum has had 17 years experi
ence as manager and cashier and “I think
I know what our customers want a shade
surer and a bit quicker than Dave does,” she
said. “If the audience, and particularly the
women, don’t like a picture, they will tell
me so on the way out. With my husband,
they are apt to wait until the next day to
pass an unfavorable verdict; often after the
feature’s engagement has ended.
“I can’t explain why they will speak more
quickly and frankly to a woman than to a
man. The fact that I am in the cashier’s
booth may be one reason.”
Mrs. Rosenbaum says she can tell if the
customers like a picture just from the way
they walk out of the theatre. “If they walk
out with a lively step,” she said, “they have
enjoyed the film. They are anxious to spread
the good word to other residents of the
town.”
Ted Baldwin of SRO Wins
Public Relations Award
NEW YORK — Ted Baldwin, promotion and
exploitation manager of Selznick Releas-
ing Organization, was
judged the recipient of
the American Public
Relations Ass’n award
for the most meritori-
ous public relations
performance, as an in-
dividual, in the field
of entertainment. The
judging was based on
Baldwin’s promotional
activities for “Duel in
the Sun,” David O.
Selznick’s Technicolor
epic soon to be re-
TED Baldwin leased nationally.
Presentation of the Oscar, which is in the
form of a silver anvil on a mahogany ped-
estal, will be made at an awards luncheon
April 9 at the Waldorf-Astoria, where the
American Public Relations Ass’n will hold
a three-day convention starting April 7.
'Odd Man Out' to Open
At Criterion in N. Y.
NEW YORK— “Odd Man Out,” starring
James Mason, will open at Loew’s Criterion
during the last week of April or the first
week of May. This was reported by William
J. Heineman, general sales manager of the
J. Arthur Rank division of Universal-Inter-
national. U-I is releasing the film, produced
by Rank’s Two Cities Films, Ltd.
“Odd Man Out” will be the first British
picture to play the Criterion since MGM
released “The Stars Look Down” before the
war.
U-I has earmarked a budget of $300,000 for
the promotion campaign, which will begin
April 12. The film will be released nationally
in May.
Rank Pictures Employ
Actual Foreign Sites
NEW YORK — British motion pictures are
expanding location sites outside the home
territories and even to such distant spots as
Fiji and Australia, according to the April
production chart released by the J. Arthur
Rank Organization and affiliated producers.
“Rescue,” being produced by Gainsborough,
is making scenes in Switzerland with Phyllis
Calvert, Francis L. Sullivan and Margot
Grahame. Ealing’s “Against the Wind,” a
Michael Balcon production, is making scenes
in the Ardennes region in Belgium with Paul
Dupuis, Simone Signoret and Jack Warner
heading the cast. “End of the River,” a
Michael Powell-Emeric Pressburger produc-
tion starring Sabu, has just resumed shooting
in London after making actual backgrounds
in the jungles of Brazil.
Powell and Pressburger will soon start
rolling on “Red Shoes,” a Technicolor pro-
duction starring Anton Walbrook, which will
use locations in Monte Carlo, Paris, Florence
and Copenhagen. Denmark locales will be
sought by Laurence Olivier when he com-
mences production on “Hamlet,” his second
Shakespearean film.
“Eureka Stockade,” produced by Ealing,
will be shot “down under” with Chips Raf-
ferty, the Australian star; Frank Launder
and Sidney Gilliat will produce H. de Vere
Stackpole’s “The Blue Lagoon” in its true
settings, possibly in Fiji; a camera crew has
been dispatched to the Antarctic for the
projected “Scott of the Antarctic,” to be pro-
duced by Ealing, and the Gainsborough film,
“Snowbound,” will be filmed in the French
Alps.
In all, ten Rank releases are listed in pro-
duction, 13 are “in preparation”; 11 are in
the process of editing and four are com-
pleted included two, “The Man Within,” a
Sidney Box production, and Ealing’s “The
Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby,”
currently showing in London.
MGM Meeting to Be Unique
New York — MGM will hold a sales convention unique in one respect. It will have a
starting date — April 28 at the Hotel Astor— and the finishing date will be when the
discussions are completed.
William F. Rodgers, vice-president in charge of sales, intends to go into all phases
of decree selling and exhibitor relations with division, district and exchange managers.
Head bookers also will be brought in.
To get this information all through the ranks, regional meetings may be held later
at which salesmen and office managers also will be present.
Rodgers says it is impossible to bring the complete staffs into New York at this
time because it is a busy selling season.
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
49
ALBANY
■pill Shartin, Eagle-Lion district manager with
headquarters in Cleveland, checked into
the PRC exchange and held conferences with
the new local manager, Harry Alexander and
Elmer Hollander, home office playdate chief
. . . The plans of Joe Miller, who resigned as
PRC district manager for Albany, Buffalo,
Cincinnati and Cleveland, had not been an-
nounced up to the middle of the week.
Harry Buckley, vice-president of United
Artists, was a recent visitor, conferring with
Ray Wylie, area representative.
Variety Club held a gin rummy tourna-
ment with first prize of $25 in cash. Dr.
Samuel Kalison was chairman. Tent 9 will
stage a Merchants night April 7. A Pro-
fessional night also is planned, Chief Barker
Neil Heilman said . . . Joe Kaufmann, 20th-
Fox exploiteer, has checked in to work on
campaigns for “Boomerang” and several
other pictures. He conferred with Jerry
Atkin of the Warner Theatres office.
Charles Fitzgerald has returned to his post
as assistant manager of Proctor’s Troy after
an extended illness. “Fitz” recently cele-
brated his golden wedding anniversary . . .
Helen Suwiec is a new cashier at Proctor’s.
She replaced Irene Larrow, who resigned
. . . Larry Cowen, managing director of
Proctor’s, is driving a swanky new Lincoln.
Albany theatres are displaying in lobbies
a poster-figure urging the purchase of East-
ern seals to aid a $20,000 campaign on be-
half of cerebral palsy victims among chil-
dren. This is the first local drive for funds
this year. The money will be used to launch
a program for training specialists in the
treatment of cerebral palsy and for establish-
ing facilities for physical and occupational
therapy, speech, hearing and other forms
of training.
James P. Faughnan, contact manager for
Warner Theatres in the Albany and Buffalo
zones, is serving on a committee to raise
$10,000 for the local work of the National
Conference of Christians and Jews. Floyd
Fitzsimmons, exploiteer here for MGM, is
chairman of the publicity committee in the
annual maintenance appeal of the Salvation
Army. A goal of $23,000 has been set for a
ten-day drive beginning May 5. Fitzsimmons
headed the publicity committee in last year's
campaign, too.
Eagle-Lion banners now hang in the win-
dows of the PRC exchange, and the tele-
phones there are now answered, “PRC-Eagle-
Lion.”
Popcorn warming machines are showing up
more and more in theatres in this area, not
only in the neighborhoods but in the de luxe
houses as well. Use of warming units was
adopted in Albany after Fire Chief Michael
J. Fleming banned popcorn machines within
the theatres.
Jim Christie, projectionist at the State in
Troy and son of the late John Christie,
pioneer Watervliet exhibitor, is the father
of nine children . . . Howard Goldstein, chief
booker at RKO, thinks Sid Sommers, man-
ager of Warners’ Troy, is the most faithful
NEW MIRROPHONIC SOUND
I0E HORNSTEIN, Inc.
630 Ninth Ave., New York City
ON WAY HOME — Ann Todd, British
star, reaches the Pennsylvania Station,
New York, en route to England to start
work with Ray Milland in Paramount’s
“For Her to See,” which Hal Wallis will
produce. She sailed on the Queen Eliza-
beth.
letter writer anywhere. While Goldstein was
in service, Sommers sent him letters twice
daily and packages weekly. Goldstein served
under Sommers at the Lincoln in Troy
before the war.
The wife of Sid Deneau, assistant to Louis
W. Schine in the theatre operations depart-
ment of the Schine circuit, is reported to be
undergoing treatment in a New York City hos-
pital. Her condition is rather serious, accord-
ing to friends.
The Ritz here employs a poetry-writing
doorman, Walter Horace Leech. A 24-line
poem titled “Macabre” appeared over his
name on the editorial page of the Times-
Union March 24. Leech estimates he has
written more than 150 poems, many of which
first appeared in the Knickerbocker News of
this city. They were reprinted by papers as
far distant as the west coast.
Gus Schaefer, RKO district manager, was
due here this week for a conference with
Branch Manager Max Westebbe. Schaefer
makes headquarters in Boston.
Appointment of Jack Goldberg, current
sales manager for MGM in Washington and
for six years prior to 1935 connected with the
Albany office, as branch manager here will
not change the operating base for Herman
Ripps, district as well as branch chief. Ripps
will continue to have offices in Albany. He
supervises the Albany, Buffalo and New
Haven territories.
Ten high school students who assisted with
the distribution of boxes and the collection
of donations for Denial day last fall were
feted by the Variety Club in the Empire
room of Ten Eyck hotel recently. The boys
and girls attended a screening of a Van
Johnson picture in the Warner Little Thea-
tre after the dinner. Jerry Atkin of the
Warner Theatres publicity and advertising
department had the kids in tow. Denial day,
an annual affair, met with great success this
year under the direction of Charles A. Smak-
witz, then chief barker. The funds were used
to carry on Tent 9’s summer project at the
Albany Boys Club camp in the Helderbergs.
HARRISBURG
R small boy was held for damaging the
National Theatre’s boxoffice last week.
Ira L. Schiffman, manager, said a witness,
another young lad, saw the boy deliberately
stop and push in the stainless steel wickets
in the glass cage, peer inside, then casually
go on his way. The second boy reported the
incident to police, who took the culprit into
custody. No charges were brought and dam-
ages were paid.
Walter B. Kean, Philadelphia, has intro-
duced a bill into the Pennsylvania legisla-
ture which would require Philadelphia thea-
tres to throw on their screens diagrams of
the house, showing all the exits, at the same
time opening all the exits to show the audi-
ence where they are. This would be re-
quired once every performance, under Kean’s
proposal.
Red McCarthy, local band leader, has turned
disc jockey and now is putting on a record
program each afternoon over WHGB. Spon-
sored jointly by the downtown theatres and
several music store owners, the program
opened with tunes from “California,” which
was playing at the State . . . The State has
made a permanent arrangement with Mur-
phy’s 5 and 10 lunch counter whereby the
theatre provides the menus imprinted with
the names of the current attractions at the
theatre. The fountain people then type in
each day’s specials.
Ruth Kauffman, cashier, is new at the Na-
tional . . . Eldon Tedrow is the new doorman
at the State. He replaces W. C. Smith, thea-
tre worker since 1937, who quit because of
ill health.
Sam Gilman, manager of the Loew’s Re-
gent, celebrated his birthday April 1 . . .
Bob Sidman, Senate manager, is chairman
of a group seeking adequate housing and
home sites for veterans. Sidman presided at
a mass meeting in the theatre and has con-
ferred with the city council on the matter.
“Suddenly It’s Spring” was the occasion for
headlines in fashion store advertisements
and pronouncements on the radio in the
campaign arranged by Gerry Wollaston, State
manager for the picture, which opened there
April 1. Wollaston tied in with Bowman’s
department store, which ran a series of large
ads headed with the film’s title. He arranged
with WHGB radio station to have the an-
nouncers break into fashion programs and
music programs with the same words. Lois
J. Fegan, fashion editor of the Harrisburg
Telegraph, who appears in the March of Time
short, “Fashion Means Business,” ran a full
fashion column on the feature and the short,
using photos of Paulette Goddard and Arleen
Whelan. Wollaston screened both for Miss
Fegan and the employes of Bowman’s store,
and scheduled films for the same bill.
Want Mail Order Cowboys
HARRISBURG — More dude ranches will
operate in Pennsylvania than ever before,
according to the commerce vacation and
recreation bureau. Most of them are located
in the Pocono mountains in northeastern
Pennsylvania. In years before the war, dude
ranches in the qtate included Ridgecrest and
Twin Pines, Stroudsburg; Malibu, Milford;
Wissahicken, near Philadelphia; Lazy-J,
Beachlake, near Honesdale; Sleepy Hollow,
Pottstown; Tom X, East Stroudsburg; Circle
H, Analomik; Lazy Hour, Dunbar.
Gulistan Wilton Theatre Carpet
JOE HORNSTEIN has it!
50
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
WASHINGTON
/■>ver 300 Variety Club members and friends
^ turned out on Monday night to congratu-
late Sam Wheeler on his recent appointment
as general sales manager of Film Classics,
Inc. Alvin Newmyer was toastmaster. Wheeler
was presented a handsome set of luggage.
Metro items: Mariella Harrington, former
secretary to Joe Kronman, office manager, is
the mother of a son named John Francis . . .
Booker Henry Ajello starts his 19th year with
Leo this month ... New in the accounting
department is Max Wold who hails from
Minnesota . . . Esther and Iz Blendman cele-
brated their 12th wedding anniversary this
month . . . Tom Grady, master booker, started
his 20th year as auditor with Metro March 17.
At 20th-Fox booker Sara Young has re-
turned to her desk after a week’s illness . . .
Mary Meyers of the accounting department
and Howard Russell, assistant shipper, have
returned after extended illnesses . . . Elsie
Murphy is off sick . . . Student George
Hatzes has resigned . . . May Feldman, assist-
ant cashier, has gone to Rochester to visit
her father who suffered a stroke recently.
Warner Theatres: Seymour Stone, contact
department, has sent his wife and son to New
York for a vacation . . Levi James, Earle
doorman, is back on the job after a week’s
bout with a spring cold in the chest . . .
Peggy Andrews, secretary to Art Shaftel, is
sporting a pair of new glasses . . . It’s not a
sugar black market Bob Peterson is running
in the mail room — those 100-pound sugar
sacks are full of ticket stubs.
Fred Epstein was in from the New York
office . . . Ann Hanower, Monogram, has re-
turned from her California vacation . . . Tom
McCaskey came in from Williamsburg, Va.,
to book . . . Bernie Brooks and George
Trilling, Fabian home office, were in this
week.
Grayson Sandy, Wardley Theatre, Callao,
Va., made one of his regular bimonthly visits
to Filmrow to buy and book . . . Monogram
Manager Jack Safer spent several days in
Baltimore.
At Universal Verne Shakewitz has returned
to her desk after undergoing a tonsillectomy
. . . Stanley Taylor has found a house and
has moved his family from Massachusetts
. . . The new stenographer is Eva Hope Mick
and the new biller is Margaret Owens . . .
The office manager’s secretary, Beverly Hall,
was sick several days.
The Clark Davises have returned from a
month’s vacation in California . . . Morton
Gerber, District Theatres, went to Richmond
this week . . . The young Hoyles, Barbara
and Billy, underwent tonsillectomies in Epis-
copal eye, ear and throat hospital . . . Mrs. Bill
Hoyle is recuperating from the grippe . . .
The Republic Theatre, catering to colored
patronage, is running “The Best Years of Our
Lives.”
Czechs Have Monopoly
WASHINGTON — The production of motion
pictures in Czechoslovakia is a monopoly of
the Statni vyrobna filmu (state motion pic-
ture production). They report that during
the 11 months from January to November
1946 the Czechoslovak motion picture in-
dustry released altogether ten Czech full
length features and 213 others, it was re-
ported by the Commerce department.
THE IDEAL THEATRE CHAIRS
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!
TALK GREEK DRIVE PLANS — Film men of the nation’s capital are shown at a
meeting to work out details in cooperation with the campaign to aid the war orphans
of Greece. Sitting, left to right: Joe Brecheen, A1 Benson, Jerry Price, John S. Allen,
Harrison Martin and John O’Leary. Standing: Harry Cohen, Frank Scully, Harry
Buxbaum, Paul Wall, Jack Goldberg and Tom Baldridge, all of MGM’s committee.
Washington's Filmrow
Eyes Lust's Housing
WASHINGTON — Sidney Lust’s new hous-
ing development in. the Green Meadows sec-
tion has aroused considerable interest among
motion picture exchange executives and em-
ployes because of its accessibility to the city’s
Filmrow.
The Lust development, which will cost over
$2,000,000 when completed, will have 225 one
and two-bedroom apartments centered
around a shopping center with grocery,
beauty parlor and service shops. Lust’s Kay-
wood Theatre is within walking distance of
the project.
1946 Safety Award Is Won
By 'Traffic With the Devil'
NEW YORK— “Traffic With the Devil,” an
MGM short subject produced by Herbert
Morgan and filmed with the cooperation of
the Associated Press, has won the National
Safety council’s award offered annually to
the film contributing most to public safety
during the year. The award was made by the
National Committee on Films for Safety,
which represents 17 national organizations.
This marks the third consecutive year, as
well as the fifth time, an MGM short has
won this award.
Latin-American Beauties
End First Lap of Tour
NEW YORK — Six Latin-American beauties
on tour for showings of “Carnival in Costa
Rica,” 20th-Fox Technicolor musical, finished
the first lap of their tour Thursday after
stopping in Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Phila-
delphia. They were accompanied by Earl
Wingart of the home office publicity depart-
ment. Civic luncheons, greetings by officials
and radio appearances were on the program.
They will leave for the midwest and south
after Easter.
MOT Promotes Two Men
NEW YORK — Lothar Wolff, chief film edi-
tor of March of Time, and Samuel W. Bryant,
a senior editor and director of research, have
been promoted to assistant producers by Rich-
ard de Rochemont, producer. Wolff headed
the coast guard film unit during the war and
Bryant left the procurement division of the
Treasury to join March of Time.
Fire Prevention Talk
By Official of MPA
WASHINGTON— John B. McCullough, act-
ing director of the MPA conservation depart-
ment, addressed President Truman’s con-
ference on fire prevention here last week.
He spoke at the invitation of Maj. Gen.
Philip B. Fleming, general chairman of the
conference, who asked Eric Johnston to send
a film representative to the meeting.
McCullough told the conference that MPA
member company exchanges in the U.S.
handled 30,000 miles of film during 1946
without a single death or injury or one dollar
of fire loss.
The conference was called to educate the
nation to the need for fire prevention and to
the fact that fire losses totaled $64,000,000
during February 1947. A national commit-
tee on fire prevention will be organized.
Governors of 48 states appointed committees
composed of public officials and delegates
from nonofficial groups to educate the
public to the danger of fire and the im-
portance of enforcing adequate fire preven-
tion laws.
Mort Nusbaum to WQQW
As Commercial Manager
WASHINGTON — Mort Nusbaum, former
station and commercial manager of WSAY,
Rochester, N. Y., has been appointed com-
mercial manager of WQQW, the Washington
station that has attracted attention for its
innovations in programming and commercial
policies.
Nusbaum brings with him 13 years of
radio experience, including eight years with
WSAY, MBS-ABC affiliate. He comes to
Washington via New York where he served
as national radio director for 20th-Fox and
more recently conducted his own public re-
lations and radio package producing firm.
Toplines in 'Our Friends'
Gail Kent will topline in Paramount’s “Our
Friends.”
1ST CLASS DISTRIBUTION FOR
* THE ENTIRE SOUTH — thru
J(JOHN) Q « (O.K.)
enkins oc Bourgeois
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HARWOOD & JACKSON STS., DALLAS 1. TEX.
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
N
50-A
PHILADELPHIA
Tn Philadelphia nearly everything is James
Mason. His show “Bathsheba,” just closed
after a very successful rim, despite contrary
notices by critics. The S-W Capitol had a
first run of “They Met in the Dark” a week
or so ago. The S-W Commodore revived “The
Seventh Veil” very successfully. The Pix
Theatre loudly announces that James Mason
is starred in “Thunder Rock” (the show really
stars Michael Redgrave, who is no mean hunk
of man either.) And down the block at the
Studio is Mason in “The Return of the Scar-
let Pimpernel.” If you care to look at the
theatre page of the Evening Bulletin (nearly
everybody reads the Bulletin, according to the
ads) you find irate letters to the film col-
umnist to the effect that this guy Mason is
no good because he won’t sign autographs for
the kids. But Benny Harris, who is handling
the reissues of old Mason shows, finds him
a good product.
George Naudasher, manager of the Cam-
bria, who is celebrating his 31st year in the
business, received the following “conscience”
letter the other day: “This letter is to re-
turn some money I feel I may owe you. When
I used to attend the movies, I would go in
for a child’s price when I was supposed to
pay an adult’s admission. I hope this covers
the amount I cheated the movies out of.”
Naudasher personally returned the money to
the sender, and suggested it be turned over
to some charity.
Dave Rosen, Clark Film supervisor, was in
Washington again on company business . . .
Branch Managers Charles Zagrans, RKO;
William Mansell, Warners; Lou Formato,
MGM, and Mort Magill, UA, all journeyed to
Williamsport to help Bill Wilson of the Rialto
celebrate his 25th year in the business . . .
Manny Youngerman, RKO student salesman,
is learning the ropes at the local branch.
Some changes around the Warner ex-
change: Joe Quinlivan, assistant cashier, has
been moved up to booking clerk; Dick Man-
ning is the new assistant cashier; Shirley
Berkowitz, typist, replaces Marie Carfagno as
biller, and Peggy Johnson moves up as typist.
Frank Smith joined the exchange as mainte-
nance man . . . Max Miller, PRC exploiteer,
was making himself pretty popular around
town by handing out incriminating “Bedelia”
cards in connection with the show at the
Aldine.
Ed Rosenbaum, Universal-International
publicity man, claims to have a few hot tricks
up his sleeve for the opening of “The Egg
and I” cooked up with the local poultry deal-
ers .. . Two Columbia salesmen, Stanley
Kositsky and Harry Berman, have resigned
to go to PRC-Eagle-Lion as salesmen.
Philadelphian Submits
Price Regulation Bill
PHILADELPHIA — Joseph A. Scanlon
(Dem.), Philadelphia, introduced in the house
of representatives at Harrisburg a bill intend-
ed to establish uniform admission fees to
places of amusement. The bill provides for a
fine of $500 and costs or one year in prison
for increasing or decreasing the price of ad-
mission “for reason of evening, Sunday or
holiday hours.”
MANLEY Inc.
POPCORN MACHINES
L. M. Malcolm
Box 217, Camden. New York
PROMOTED — Comes Carl Peppercorn,
who has been appointed assistant to
Charles Boasberg, head of RKO’s newly
created sales division comprising metro-
politan New York, plus southeast, south-
west and Canada.
Manager Quits Strand
For Fabian-Hellman
ALBANY — Leo Rosen has retired as man-
ager of Warners’ Strand to assume a new
post as assistant general manager of the
three Fabian-Hellman drive-ins and as an
associate of Neil Heilman in a group of ice
cream and frozen custard “joy bars.” A1 La-
Flamme, a Warner veteran, is the new man-
ager.
Rosen will concentrate on advertising and
exploitation for the Mohawk open-airer on
the Albany-Schenectady road, the Saratoga
drive-in at Lathams on the Albany- Saratoga
road, and the Tri-City outdoor location near
Binghamton. Among Rosen’s projects are a
playground for the Mohawk and a series of
Saturday kiddy shows.
At the Strand for five years after leaving
the Troy, Troy, Rosen began his career with
Warners 17 years ago at the Strand in Syra-
cuse. He later managed the Winter Garden
in Jamestown for the circuit. Before joining
Warners he operated the Palace, a subsequent
run house in Troy.
LaFlamme started as an usher at Warners’
Stanley in Utica in 1928 and after a period
of service there under Bemie Depkin, he was
transferred to the local Madison where he
remained 13 years. Three years ago when
Jules Curley went to Elmira, LaFlamme was
switched to the Ritz here.
Palace Clearance Issue
To Arbitrator April 15
ALBANY — William K. Stanford of Albany
will arbitrate a demand and submission by
Ernie Dodds, owner of the Palace Theatre
in Lake Placid, for relief from the present
14-day clearance granted Schine’s Pontiac,
Saranac Lake, by 20th-Fox, Paramount, War-
ners, MGM and RKO. Dodds’ case will be
heard at the American Arbitration Ass’n’s
office at 112 State St. on April 15, a date ap-
proved by the appellant, defendants and in-
tervenor.
Dodds is represented by Attorney Leonard
L. Rosenthal of Albany. He would like to
have day-and-date booking with the Pontiac
12 months a year. At present, open booking
prevails only during the summer months and
during winter carnival time. The situations
are about 20 miles apart.
Alter Friday Hours
For Holiday Needs
NEW YORK — Home office and exchange
working hours were rearranged Friday to
meet the needs of employes observing Pass-
over eve and Good Friday.
Columbia home office and exchange fol-
lowed a pattern observed by most other com-
panies. There was no official closing time,
but persons attending Good Friday services
were permitted to leave at 11:30 a. m. and
those observing the Passover eve left at 4.
The Universal home office and exchange had
the same schedule. The RKO home office
permitted Good Friday celebrants to leave at
11, and those observing Passover at 4. The
exchange, however, closed at 11:30 for every-
body.
PRC home office and exchange closed at
1 p. m. and Warners closed at 4. MGM, Para-
mount, Republic and United Artists observed
the usual work-day schedule, but if an em-
ploye wanted to leave earlier for Good Fri-
day or Passover services, nobody stopped him.
Monogram and 20th-Fox exchanges de-
clared a full day’s holiday for those observ-
ing Good Friday. The Passover holiday began
at 3 p. m. at 20th-Fox exchange, and at 4 at
the Monogram exchange. The 20th-Fox home
office permitted employes to leave at 11:30 for
religious services, while Monogram closed at
noon for all.
Vine Street Site Owners
Set to Fight Widening
PHILADELPHIA— The Vine street widen-
ing program is probably more of a headache
to the wideners than to the guys being dis-
possessed.
The property owners, with hundreds of
dollars worth of real estate at stake, have
organized their protests against the widen-
ing of the Delaware river bridge approach.
The project would abolish their properties
in a massive right-of-way movement. Joseph
H. Resnick, attorney for the Vine Street
Emergency council, revealed Monday that
his clients are awaiting official eviction
notices in order to start proceedings. At
that time the group will go into court in an
effort to block the property condemnations.
Resnick repeated that the whole project,
which is designed to give Philadelphia a
better avenue of traffic to the east, should
be abandoned until the housing shortage
abates. He declared that hundreds would
be dispossessed with no reasonable hope for
them.
'Henry V' to Utica
UTICA, N. Y. — “Henry V” will play a four-
day roadshow engagement at the New James
beginning April 15. Morris Slotnick conducts
the James. This engagement will be the
fifth in the Albany exchange district for the
J. Arthur Rank-Two Cities Films feature.
It ran five days at the Colonial, Albany; two
at the Lansing, Troy, two at the Colony,
Schenectady, and four times in one day at
Cal King’s Walden in Williamstown, Mass.
Plug 'Playing by Ear'
PHILADELPHIA— The MGM Pete Smith
short subject, “Playing by Ear,” recently re-
ceived a full page in the Sunday Inquirer
under the title “Victory Over the Handicap
of Darkness.” Area exhibitors were offered
extra copies of the pictorial feature to assist
them in plugging the short. Arrangements
were made by Frank Sculli, MGM short sub-
jects supervisor.
50-B
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
Broadway-F lushing Theatre Manager
Links Hall of Science to Fun Club
Bergman Sets Parley
With U-I Exploiteers
NEW YORK — Maurice A. Bergman, east-
ern advertising and publicity director of Uni-
versal-International, will hold a three-day
conference here April 10-12 with the com-
pany’s field exploitation men stationed east
of the Rockies.
The men will discuss campaigns on new
U-I and J. Arthur Rank productions with
home office distribution, advertising and
publicity personnel. Films on the agenda
are: “The Egg and I,” “Time Out of Mind,”
“Buck Privates Comes Home,” “Ivy,” “Odd
Man Out,” “Stairway to Heaven” and “Great
Expectations.”
The out-of-town exploitation men who
will attend the session include: William
Schulman from Boston; Ed Rosenbaum from
Philadelphia; Harry Keller from Cincinnati;
Ben Katz and Harold Butchin from Chicago;
Perry Spencer from Atlanta, and Ralph Ober
from Dallas.
Loew's Borrows 15 Million
For Long-Term Financing
NEW YORK — Loew’s, Inc., has borrowed
$15,000,000 for long-term financing. The
money will be used to increase working capi-
tal and for other corporate purposes. Of the
total, $6,000,000 has been loaned by the First
National Bank of Boston for eight years at
two per cent and the remaining $9,000,000 has
been secured from a group of insurance com-
panies by means of an issue of two and 88/100
per cent debentures due July 15, 1965.
The debentures have been bought by Met-
ropolitan Life, Mutual Life of New York, John
Hancock Mutual Life, Massachusetts Mutual
Life, Sun Life Assurance Co. of Canada, New
England Mutual Life, Penn Mutual Life and
Continental Life Assurance Co. These com-
panies already hold the outstanding Loew’s
debentures.
'Raider' Gets Percentage
Dates in N. Y. District
NEW YORK — “The Raider,” which opened
at the Art and Sutton theatres here April
4, is being released by English Films, Inc.,
in metropolitan New York on a roadshow
basis against percentage due to the com-
pany’s inability to get enough prints from
London to cover circuit playing time in this
area.
The British film has been booked by War-
ner Bros, in all their New Jersey and Phila-
delphia theatres and by Fox West Coast in
all San Diego, Los Angeles and San Fran-
cisco houses.
National Board Selects
Five Films for Week
NEW YORK — The National Board of Re-
view has recommended five features in its
weekly guide to selected features, including
“Carnival in Costa Rica” (20th-Fox). “Dark
Delusion” (MGM), “Kit Carson” (PRC, “That
Way With Women” (WB), “Time Out of
Mind” (U-I).
All the pictures, with the exception of
“Dark Delusion,” were given a “family”
classification. The MGM film was recom-
mended for mature audiences because of its
psychological theme.
Last Rites for Ida Cohen
NEW YORK — Funeral services were held
Tuesday (April 1) for Mrs. Ida Cohen, 86,
mother of Samuel Cohen, foreign publicity
director for United Artists. She is survived
by three other sons, Ben, Sol and Alex.
RKO Sets Up Ad Campaign
On Entire 1947 Product
NEW YORK — RKO’s advertising- cam-
paigns for the entire calendar year, up to
and including “Tycoon,” the company’s
Christmas release, have been set up, accord-
ing to S. Barret McCormick, advertising and
publicity director who has returned from
Hollywood conferences with N. Peter Rath-
von, Dore Schary, Ned E. Depinet, John M.
Whitaker and Perry Lieber.
In addition to national magazine coverage,
much of it in color, comic section copy will
be used for several RKO releases including
“Trail Street,” “The Farmer’s Daughter,”
“Magic Town,” “Tycoon” and “Fun and
Fancy Free,” a Walt Disney production.
Other features on RKO’s 1947 schedule are
“Honeymoon,” “The Woman on the Beach,”
“They Won’t Believe Me,” “The Bachelor
and the Bobby-Soxer” and “If You Knew
Susie,” in addition to Samuel Goldwyn’s
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and the
Hakim-Litvak production, “The Long Night.”
Concave-Convex Screen
Available at Nu-Screen
NEW YORK — A new fiber glass motion pic-
ture screen, said to afford clear vision from
any angle of the theatre due to its concave-
convex surface, is ready for distribution
through the Nu-Screen Corp. The screen was
developed with the cooperation of the
Sparks-Withington Co. of Jackson, Mich. It
is made of seamless sheets of fiber glass and
is completely safe from fire, according to
Herman Gluckman, president of Nu-Screen.
Gluckman says the concave-convex surface
affords up to 80 degrees vision at an acute
angle of 20 feet from the screen, thereby
benefiting patrons on extreme side and bal-
cony seats. It also eliminates flatness or
bouncing of tone and gives uniform sound
reception, he said. Each screen will be made
to fit the specific requirements of the thea-
tre. It entails no change in standard pro-
jection equipment.
Sindlinger Forms Firm
For Story Development
NEW YORK — Albert E. Sindlinger, who re-
signed six months ago as executive vice-presi-
dent of Dr. Gallup’s audience research, has
formed a new organization. New Entertain-
ment Workshop, for the development of stories
and new story ideas. The enterprise is located
at Wynbrook Acres near Hopewell, N. J.
The organization will make its facilities
available to the author “to help him present,
try out and develop his story so that his
audience will want to listen to it,” Sindlinger
said. The workshop will endeavor to cipordi-
nate the audience with the author, producer
or publisher and “to back up its findings with
sound tested merchandising and to provide
capital when necessary,” he concluded.
"Native Land" Gets Dates
NEW YORK — Brandon Films is setting en-
gagements for “Native Land” in Cleveland,
Detroit, Chicago and Philadelphia. It is
said to be the first full length film dealing
with civil liberties. It hits the Columbians
and the Ku Klux Klan.
NEW YORK — A miniature Hall of Science,
an educational project sponsored by the Gil-
bert Hall of Science, installed in the lobby
of the Skouras Roosevelt Theatre in Broad-
way-Flushing, formed the nucleus of a Hobby
week program at the theatre, instituted by
Mildred A. FitzGibbons, manager
The exhibits, which delighted thousands of
children from March 16-29, included a model
electric train, a ferris wheel, circling planes,
a windmill and a power plant with smoke
coming out of the miniature stacks.
Assisted by Marge Lamb and Ernest Deer
jr„ Sergeant Fletcher, world champion pole-
vaulter and manufacturer of magic equip-
ment and model construction sets for juve-
niles, put on a show at the Roosevelt that
Miss FitzGibbons linked with her regular
Saturday Birthday Fun club for children.
During the two weeks of the exhibition,
hundreds of children exhibited their handi-
craft, including many novel airplane designs.
“Hobbies for children are one of the best
preventives of juvenile delinquency,” Ser-
geant Fletcher pointed out during his per-
formances.
Portable Company Formed
HOLLYWOOD — Portable Theatre Corp., a
new company which will produce its own
films, manufacture its own portable theatre
units and market the packaged service on an
international basis, has been formed here by
Berne J. Ellis, former president and or-
ganizer of Moist-R-Proof Container Co. of
San Francisco. The films are being intro-
duced to national advertisers as a medium for
product demonstration at the point of sale.
Alison Holman Is Married
OLD GREENWICH, CONN.— Alison Hol-
man, daughter of Russell Holman, eastern
production manager for Paramount, was
married to Edgar Alvon Fitter jr., Saturday
(April 5). The Rev. Dr. Vincent Daniels,
pastor of the First Congregational church,
officiated. After a short honeymoon the
couple will reside in New Orleans.
Palestine Lifts Duties
NEW YORK — Loew’s International Corp.
will not have to pay customs duties on six
MGM 16mm shorts in Palestine because
they were classified as educational. The
shorts are “Traffice With the Devil,” “A Way
in the Wilderness,” “Purity Squad,” “Drunk
Driving,” “Radio Hams” and “The Golden
Hunch.”
U.S. Films Released
BUFFALO — Available now for public loan
are war department films of great battles
of World War II, industrial and educational
aspects of the war and training films whose
subjects range from the reconditioning of
convalescents to military stevedoring. They
are in 16mm and 35mm sizes.
Russell in Buffalo
BUFFALO — Harold Russell was a one-day
guest here this week of the 20th Century
Theatre, where “The Best Years of Our
Lives” is showing. Mickey Rooney also has
been in town, making personal appearances
at Town Casino.
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
50-C
Stamp Collectors Hear
Discourse on Estonia
NEW YORK — Vincent Domanski jr. “of
Philadelphia, president of the Society of
Philatelic Americans; Ernest A. Kehr, stamp
editor of the New York Herald Tribune;
Franklin R. Bruns jr., stamp editor of the
New York Sun, and Stephen G. Rich, col-
lector and publisher, were guests at the meet-
ing of Cinema Stamp Collectors during the
week.
Domanski talked on the postal history of
Estonia and displayed his collection.
Three new applications were received. They
were from: Henry Crecke, treasurer of Loew's
International; Alan Cummings, director of
exchange operations of Loew’s, Inc., and Ken
Prickett of the MGM New Orleans exchange.
Production of a 16mm film on activities of
members was discussed. The next meeting
will be held April 9 with D. E. Hoffberg
talking on “Religion on Stamps.”
French Picture Industry
To Cut 1946 Production
PARIS — Faced with production costs ten
times what they were in 1938, and with re-
duced income due to the increased competi-
tion from American films, the French film
industry has decided to work only three and
a half months this year compared to eight
and a half months in 1946.
The National Film Confederation, which
includes producers and theatre owners, is
asking for bonuses for production and a
drastic reduction of taxes on both studios
and motion picture houses. The industry
is suffering from two sets of taxes, since it
has been placed in the amusement and in-
dustrial categories at the same time, and
film producers had a deficit of more than a
billion francs (more than $8,000,0001 in
1946.
Start First Run Policy
At Two Brandt Houses
NEW YORK — The 42nd Street Apollo and
the Atlantic Playhouse, Brooklyn, will adopt
a permanent policy of first run foreign films
only starting with the opening of “Carnival
of Sinners” April 7, according to Martin
Levine, general manager of Brandt Theatres.
“Carnival of Sinners,” which stars Pierre
Fresnay, was completed late last spring and
will follow the run of “Carmen” at both
houses. The new policy will involve prin-
cipally French films, but all will have Eng-
lish titles.
Mage Films Leases House
To Show Foreign Pictures
NEW YORK — Mage Films has taken over
the lease of the Studio Theatre, 65th street
and Broadway, and renamed it Studio 65
for a new policy of first run showings of
foreign films, starting with “The Bellman,”
a French picture which opened April 5.
Studio 65 completed only last October,
seats 650 and will be operated on a con-
tinuous popular price policy.
SOPEG Wins CR Election
NEW YORK — The Screen Office and Pro-
fessional Employes Guild won an NLRB elec-
tion held Thursday (March 27) for the work-
ers of Confidential Reports, Inc. The vote
was 48 to 15 for SOPEG as the collective
bargaining agent. Sixty-nine persons were
eligible to vote, but six workers were absent
and 63 ballots were cast.
Suffering Night Clubs
Play for Kid Trade
Dallas — Something new in night clubs
is one known as Pappy’s Showland, put
on as a Saturday matinee for children.
The week’s attraction was Mandrake the
Magician on the stage. Fred McFadden,
former theatre and publicity man and
world war veteran, is assistant manager
of Showland.
This play for juvenile business is be-
lieved to be a new effort to bolster wan-
ing night club receipts.
One such rendezvous advertises unlim-
ited free beer, free mixers and setups for
all “regular” patrons at night sessions.
Iowan Seeking to Bar
Film Drinking Scenes
DES MOINES — The Iowa house last week
passed a resolution which is designed ulti-
mately to eliminate drinking scenes in films
shown in Iowa.
The house, by a voice vote, approved a
resolution by Rep. C. S. Van Eaton (Rep.,
Sioux City), which urges the next legislature
to pass a law banning drinking scenes unless
the film industry voluntarily eliminates them
in films shown in Iowa during the next two
years.
The same resolution was called up in the
senate on the same day by A. D. Clem (Rep.,
Sioux City), but after some debate, the sen-
ate deferred action under a rule that re-
quires the house-approved resolution to be
on the calendar at least a day before the
senate can take final action.
How the senate feels about it, however,
was evidenced by its refusal to accept a
motion by Frank Byers (Rep., Cedar Rapids),
that the resolution be shunted to the shift-
ing committee. The senate beat the Byers
amendment, 22 to 16.
Vera Caspary Signs E-L
10-Year Writing Deal
NEW YORK — Vera Caspary, author of
“Bedelia,” “Laura” and “Out of the Blue,”
has signed a ten-year contract to deliver
one story annually to Eagle-Lion, according
to Bryan Foy, vice-president in charge of
production. She will receive a flat sum for
each story and 5 per cent of the net profit on
each, a deal which it is estimated will net
the author $2,500,000 in the ten-year period.
Eagle-Lion has completed arrangements
to publish the story of Miss Caspary’s lat-
est film, “Out of the Blue,” which was pro-
duced by Isadore Goldsmith, in the Sep-
tember issue of Today’s Woman magazine.
Buchanan & Co. Is Named
Pictorial's Ad Agency
NEW YORK — Buchanan & Co. has been
named advertising agency for Pictorial Films
by Lloyd Lind, president. Charles M. Amory
will be the account executive. The full fea-
ture production of both Eagle-Lion and PRC
will be available for adaptation into 16mm
prints by Pictorial Films, a subsidiary of
Pathe Industries in this field.
Russians on Stereoscopy
MOSCOW — The Soviet government has ap-
propriated about $4,000,000 for further re-
search on a stereoscopic film screen invented
by Semen Ivanov. It is called an integral
screen and has been demonstrated in a thea-
tre seating 180 persons.
Greai Britain Winners
Feted by Paramount
NEW YORK — Adolph Zukor, chairman of
the Paramount board of directors, was prin-
cipal speaker and Claude Lee, the company’s
director of public relations, was master of
ceremonies at a reception for the six winners
of Paramount’s British quota sales drive by
the Paramount Pictures club at the home
office late in the week.
The six members of Paramount’s British
organization, who were awarded trips to
America as prizes, are Dave Gilpin and
Ashley Bate of the London branch; Thomas
Ledger and Clifford Cox, Newcastle; Nellie
Nisbet, Liverpool, and Alice Holt, Cardiff.
All but Cox are members of Paramount’s
25-year club.
Before the reception, the six British win-
ners were dined at Sardi’s. They are sched-
uled to sail for home on the Queen Eliza-
beth April 9.
Set Prerelease Openings
For Two Warner Films
NEW YORK— Warner Bros.’ “Stallion
Road” had its first showings at the Fox
Theatre, San Francisco, and the Warner,
Memphis and Stanley Theatres, Utica, April
3, followed by openings at the New York
Strand and the Warner Theatre, Milwaukee,
April 4. The following week, it opens in
about 20 New England houses and a score
of other houses throughout the country to
make a total of 200 playdates before its gen-
eral release April 20.
“Love and Learn” will open simultaneously
at the Warner Theatre, Worcester, and the
Hippodrome, Cleveland, and Warner, Youngs-
town, April 30, with about 80 other pre-
release bookings already set before its na-
tional release May 30.
'Carnegie Hall' to Unwind
At Two Theatres May 2
NEW YORK — “Carnegie Hall” will open
day and date here May 2 at the Winter Gar-
den and Park Avenue theatres.
The film is being released by UA, and both
theatres are operated by Universal-Inter-
national.
It will be shown at popular prices and on
a continuous run policy at the Winter Gar-
den, but at the Park Avenue the policy will
be two a day, reserved seats, and advanced
admissions.
E-L's New York Office
Moves to Bond Building
NEW YORK — Eagle-Lion has taken over
the entire 15th floor of the Bond Bldg, here
in line with the company’s growth since it
was formed last September.
Among E-L executives who have moved to
the Broadway location are Arthur B. Krim,
president; Alfred W. Schwalberg, vice-presi-
dent and sales manager, and Max E. Young-
stein, director of advertising, publicity and
exploitation, together with their staffs.
Petrillo to Spend $64,000
On Free Public Concerts
CHICAGO — James C. Petrillo, president of
the American Federation of Musicians, has
allocated $64,000 of union funds to be spent
for free concerts in parks, schools, audito-
riums, veterans’ hospitals and other public
institutions. The sum is part of the “roy-
alties fund” collected by Petrillo through
Dec. 31, 1946.
50-D
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
'Other Love Premiere
Staged in DC Airliner
Academy Will Elect
Governors April 15
HOLLYWOOD — Annual election of the
board of governors of the Academy of Motion
Picture Arts and Sciences is scheduled for
April 15, at which time the new board, which
will have a membership of 22, will be chosen
under the new bylaws adopted last August.
Bylaw changes affecting the elections are:
increase of Academy branches from eight
to 11 by creating from the single sciences
branch separate branches for art direction,
cinematography, film editing, and sound;
establishing the term of office for governor
at two years; requiring that Academy officers
be elected from the board of governors.
As in the past, two members of the board
will be elected from each branch. This year
the candidate in each branch receiving the
highest number of votes will be elected for
a two-year term. Beginning with the 1948
elections 11 governors will be elected each
year for two-year terms.
Nominating committees from each branch
have selected panels of seven life or active
members as candidates for the board of gov-
ernors. Ballots will be mailed by the Acad-
emy April 15 and voting will close at mid-
night April 25. Ballots will be counted by
Price, Waterhouse & Co., with the Academy
announcing results of the election before
May 1.
Jerry Fairbanks Makes
Pictures for Television
HOLLYWOOD — Jerry Fairbanks Produc-
tions, which turns out short subjects for
Paramount and dabbles in 16mm commercial
and industrial films, is now turning its at-
tention to television. First of a series of
dramatizations for television have been
filmed by the company in preparation for a
special preview to be held early this month
in New York. The test series was filmed as
a sample of the type of product Hollywood
can produce for television. Shows can be
used consecutively and still present a variety-
type telecast.
Piscatorial Project
HOLLYWOOD — Having purchased Howard
Hughes’ yacht, the Oceania, Morton A. Cara-
bel, war correspondent, magazine writer, and
former marine corps combat correspondent,
is preparing a scientific expedition into
Central American waters. A 16mm docu-
mentary film will be taken to record the
activities of the project, the prime purpose
of which is research into the additional
medicinal values that can be extracted from
sharks and other Pacific fish.
Lead in 'Sweet Genevieve'
Jean Porter has been assigned the lead in
Columbia’s “Sweet Genevieve.”
Quadruple Light Possible
In New Picture-Editor
Hollywood — A new picture -editing ma-
chine with projector attachment devel-
oped by Warner technicians is now in
use on the set of “The Treasure of the
Sierra Madre.” The machine enables
group study of advance footage shot in
Mexico and is proving of inestimable
value both in matching shots now being
prepared in process, as well as briefing
the art and technical departments for
background shooting to be done when the
group proper takes off for San Jose
Purua, Mexico.
Perfected by the studio sound depart-
ment, the device employs a mercury
vapor lamp which quadruples the amount
of light cast on the screen. In addition,
the optical setup affords greater defini-
tion than was obtainable with machines
previously in use. The studio replaced
the single spherical reflector with a dou-
ble parabolic reflector, added coated
lenses and high efficiency front surface
mirrors.
Bing Crosby Gets Lead
In 'Connecticut Yankee'
HOLLYWOOD — Bing Crosby has been set
to star in a new Paramount adaptation of
Mark Twain’s immortal “A Connecticut
Yankee in King Arthur’s Court,” which is
being planned as a big-scale Technicolor
musical with Tay Garnett directing and
Robert Fellows producing. Edmund Beloin
is working on the adaptation and the film
is set for early fall production. Paramount
several months ago acquired the rights to
the Twain classic, complete with Rodgers and
Hart music and the Herbert Fields libretto of
the Broadway musical based on the story.
Two earlier versions have been brought to
the screen. One, a silent, starred Harry
Meyers in 1921. Will Rogers toplined a suc-
cessful talking adaptation a decade later.
Rubinstein to ’Counterpoint'
HOLLYWOOD — Artur Rubinstein, world
famous concert pianist, has been signed to
appear in RKO Radio’s “Counterpoint.” He
will portray himself as a member of a cast
headed by Dana Andrews, Merle Oberon,
Ethel Barrymore and Hoagy Carmichael, and
will play “Concerto in C Minor,” a modern
composition written especially for the film
by Leith Stevens.
HOLLYWOOD — In their hectic scramble
to command attention for upcoming pic-
tures, Hollywood’s straining exploiteers are
utilizing airplanes as locales for debuting
new features.
Enterprise, in a three-way tieup with Doug-
las Aircraft Co., American airlines and United
airlines, staged the American premiere of
“The Other Love” aboard the inaugural flight
of the first postwar airliner, the DC6.
Billed as the first postwar air premiere,
it followed by two days the world premiere
of the David Lewis production at the Empire
Theatre in London.
The unveiling of the film on the 54-seat
plane was attended by a group a newspaper
representatives, including Gurney Williams,
associate editor of Collier’s; Palmer Hoyt,
publisher of the Denver Post, and 49 editors
and feature writers from every daily paper
in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles,
Chicago and Denver. Also aboard were rep-
resentatives of the three wire services, Post-
Master General Hannegan and two under-
secretaries of commerce from Washington.
The flight was from Long Beach municipal
airport to New York’s LaGuardia field.
“Suddenly It’s Spring,” Paramount’s com-
edy starring Paulette Goddard and Fred
MacMurray, was given its west coast pre-
miere at the St. Francis Theatre, San Fran-
cisco, marking return of Paramount’s opera-
tion of the theatre.
Jake Milstein to Handle
Somerset Pictures Sales
HOLLYWOOD — Jake Milstein, former dis-
tribution executive with MGM and Republic,
has joined Somerset Pictures and will have
charge of sales and distribution. The new
producing firm was organized by Walter
Colmes and Selly Levinson. Milstein re-
cently supervised production of “Kiss and
Tell” at Columbia and previously was asso-
ciated with Sam Woods.
Cagney Signs H. C. Potter
HOLLYWOOD — H. C. Potter, former
Broadway director, whose last film chore was
“The Farmer’s Daughter” for RKO, was
signed by William Cagney to direct William
Saroyan’s “Time of Your Life,” which will
star James Cagney. Potter replaces Henry
Koster, initially signed by Cagney for the
directorial chore but since loaned to Samuel
Goldwyn to direct “The Bishop’s Wife.”
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
51
pjERBERT J. YATES, president of Republic
studios, flew to New York where he
planned to preside over the first of three
annual district sales meetings on April 2, 3.
His schedule will take him to Chicago for
the second of these, set for April 8, 9, and
back to Hollywood for the final sales ses-
sions starting April 14.
* * *
Off to Gotham by plane was Paul Mae-
Namara, national director of advertising and
publicity for the Selznick organization, for
one week of confabs with David O. Selznick
and Neil Agnew, president of the Selznick
Releasing Organization, regarding national
distribution and campaigns on Selznick’s
“Duel in the Sun,” Alfred Hitchcock’s “The
Paradine Case” and “Portrait of Jennie.”
* * *
Bill Blowitz, Enterprise studio’s publicity
director, to Manhattan where he planned to
confer with Air France officials about chances
of transporting two planeloads of American
press representatives to Paris for the world
premiere of “Arch of Triumph.”
* * *
Jerry Wald, Warners producer, scheduled
to fly to New York and then over to Boston
to case that city for locations for the on-the-
spot shooting of a forthcoming film which
has a Boston setting. Ben Kalmenson, War-
ner general sales manager, in from Gotham
for studio huddles with Jack L. Warner and
western sales executives.
* * *
Jay Richard Kennedy and James Roose-
velt planed to Manhattan in connection with
Kennedy’s forthcoming feature based on
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s credo, “there is noth-
ing to fear but fear itself.” Kennedy plans
to organize a research staff in New York
which will collate all background material
for the series of films he plans depicting the
man Roosevelt and his influence in the
world. The research staff will be headquar-
tered in Kennedy’s New York offices.
* * *
Independent Producer Arnold Pressburger
returned here from Manhattan to start prep-
arations for “Last Year’s Show,” which he
plans as a starring vehicle for Hedy Lamarr
with a United Artists release. Miss Lamarr
has a lawsuit pending in which she seeks
to relieve herself of this commitment. Press-
burger recently returned from England where
he completed negotiations to make Somerset
Maugham’s “Then and Now” in Technicolor
under the Rank banner.
* • *
After a week in New York, Eugene B. Rod-
ney, president of Cavalier Productions, re-
turned here. While in the east, Rodney con-
ferred with Abe Montague, Columbia Pic-
tures sales manager, on releasing dates for
“Three Were Thoroughbreds,” Technicolor
western which he produced as a Robert
Young and Marguerite Chapman starrer.
* * *
Bryan Foy, Eagle-Lion’s studio chief, re-
turned from a Gotham jaunt . . . Ben
Jacobson, Eagle-Lion’s eastern studio rep-
resentative, was in town for confabs with
studio heads on talent matters.
* * *
Following a combined business and pleasure
trip which kept him in New York for a
month, Robert Bassler, 20th-Fox producer,
was back at his studio headquarters. While
in the east, he conferred on production de-
tails of “The Snake Pit,” by Mary Jane
Ward, with Anatole Litvak, director and co-
producer, and Screenwriters Millen Brand
and Frank Partos.
Headed east for a series of sales confer-
ences with district and exchange managers
and contacts with theatre circuit heads,
Francis A. Bateman, general sales manager
of Screen Guild Productions, left here to
make Oklahoma City and Dallas his first
stops. Following meetings in the latter two
cities, Bateman planned to proceed to New
Orleans, Atlanta, Charlotte and New York
City for additional sales sessions.
* * *
Nicholas Pery, managing director of Co-
lumbia Pictures Corp. in Australia -and New
Zealand, is due here by plane from Sydney
April 11 to confer with studio executives.
• • •
President of Vanguard Films, Inc., Daniel
T. O’Shea, left for Gotham for huddles with
David O. Selznick and other Vanguard and
Selznick Releasing Organization executives.
He planned to stay in the east for two weeks.
* * *
Blanche Sproul, assistant to David Loew,
chairman of the board of Enterprise studios,
headed for New York to attend conferences
between studio toppers and stars on exploita-
tion campaigns.
* * *
Donald Nelson, president of the Society of
Independent Motion Picture Producers, re-
turned from the east.
* * *
Robert Purcell, chairman of the board of
Pathe Industries, parent company of Eagle -
Lion and PRC, was expected in from the
east for discussions with studio toppers at
E-L. Accompanying him is Arthur Krim,
Eagle-Lion president.
* * *
Lester Cowan, sharecropper producer, was
off to Chicago and New York, where he
planned to scout the stage plays for talent
for forthcoming production of Artists Alliance,
“One Touch of Venus.”
• * •
Howard Levinson and Stuart H. Aarons,
both of Warner Bros, home office legal staff,
returned to Manhattan, following studio hud-
dles here.
• * *
Following the windup of the quarterly
board of directors meeting held at Hotel
Blackstone in Chicago, George D. Burrows,
Allied Artists and Monogram executive vice-
president and treasurer, was back at his
Monogram office. Howard Stubbins, Mono-
gram Pacific coast franchise holder, also
returned here.
* * *
W. Ray Johnston, chairman of the board of
Allied Artists and Monogram, left for New
York on the first leg of a three-month tour
of Europe on company business. He planned
to sail for England April 9 on the Queen
Elizabeth. After two weeks in London, he
expects to see distributors in various Eu-
ropean countries; work in a brief vacation
in Switzerland and the south of France; and
then meet Steve Broidy, Monogram president,
and Norton V. Ritchey, president of Mono-
gram International, late in July for a sales
convention of European distributors.
* » *
To participate in radio and press inter-
views coincident with the forthcoming gen-
eral release of Enterprise’s “The Other Love,”
Andre de Toth, director of the film, headed
for New York. De Toth was accompanied by
his wife, Veronica Lake. Others present in
Manhattan to take part in the followup to
“The Other Love” world premiere, held
aboard a DC6 airliner, were Richard Conte,
actor, and Bill Blowitz, Enterprise’s studio
publicity director.
* * *
Jerry Fairbanks, producer of shorts for
Paramount, flew his own plane to New York
for a series of confabs with Jack Pegler, sales
chief for Fairbanks productions. Fairbanks
also took along some audition reel shorts he
has set up for television and he planned to
make some final tests on a new lens which
has been worked out in the east.
* * *
Producer-director Clarence Brown arrived
here from Gotham and planned to report to
studio toppers on two Manhattan stage shows
which Metro is interested in purchasing.
• • »
Col. Nathan Levinson, head of Warners
sound department, left for the east for a
month of home office confabs.
Countries Propagandize
Themselves by Films
SEATTLE — According to Thomas Baird,
director of the film division of the British
Information Service in this country, modern
governments are forced to propagandize
themselves by the most popular means of
communication, the films.
The 37-year-old executive while in the
Pacific northwest had a brief look at the
distribution of British films through the
consulate offices.
It was found that some 200 government
films a year are transported from London
to Baird’s New York offices. It is his job
to decide which of them would make “good
seeing” for Americans.
These pictures, Baird said, are not high
pressure propaganda. In fact, few of them
deal with politics or current events. They
are technical, dealing with everyday life in
England and throughout the empire. Some
sample titles: “Cyprus Is an Island,”
“Education for the Deaf,” “Back to Normal”
and “Children of the City.”
New Generator Installed
At Fairbanks Studio
HOLLYWOOD — Another step in the com-
pany’s plans for modernizing its studio
facilities has been taken by Jerry Fairbanks
Productions with the installation of a new
direct-current power generator. The gener-
ator, the largest yet installed by a small,
independent film company, will increase
power for set lighting by 150 per cent. Mod-
ernization plans include the construction of
new office space, enlargement of stage facili-
ties, and building of film laboratory. Work
on new dressing rooms and makeup depart-
ment has been completed.
#War Party' to Argosy
HOLLYWOOD — “War Party” has been se-
lected as its second picture by Argosy, new-
comer production company headed by John
Ford and Merian C. Cooper, whose product
is distributed by RKO Radio. Ford will direct
the film to be based on a story by James
Warner Bellah which appeared in the Satur-
day Evening Post under the title “Massacre.”
It is a yarn of frontier warfare in the early
west.
Recks Sell Kalama House
KALAMA, WASH. — Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Maggard have bought the local theatre from
Mr. and Mrs. Nick Reck. The Maggards, who
will make their home here, plan many im-
provements for their new house. Arrange-
ments for the transaction were handled by
Theatre Exchange Co.
52
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
AUTO-VOICE
*
THE BI-CAR
Here is a unit for those who prefer the perma-
nently mounted type . . . priced at $16* a unit com-
plete for two cars . . .
Finished in red and gray . ■ .
Heavy duty 8 inch speaker . . .
Exponential and two directional baffling DIRECTS
and RESTRICTS sound only to points needed . . .
May be mounted as in the case of the In-Car . . .
MORE PROFITABLY
SPEAKS AT
YOUR 0 RIVE- 1 N
THE IN-CAR
Functional and geometric design . . .
Practical eye-appeal . . .
Rugged, dependable and hand tooled of steel con-
struction. yet light enough for effortless handling . . .
The 51/4 inch speaker, the individual volume controls
and all other electronic components are completely
WEATHER-PROOFED ...
Junction box may be mounted on 2 inch pipe or
wooden post . . .
Compare others to our $26* a unit complete for
two cars with Koiled Kords (straight cables obtain-
able at less cost) . . .
. . . units are adaptable to all makes of sound equipment . . . AUTO-VOICE manufacturer is your company be-
cause its efforts and research facilities are given exclusively to your problems and requirements . . . IMME-
DIATE DELIVERY . . . write or call and let us help you with your engineering problems.
‘Subject to change and slightly higher in foreign countries . . . Patents Pending.
DRIVE-IN THEATER EQUIPMENT CO.
2130 SUPERIOR AVENUE Phone Cherry 5573 CLEVELAND 14. OHIO
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
53
STUDIO PERSONNELITIES
Barnstormers
Durbin, for which Ian Hunter is writing the screen-
play. Film is planned as a July starter.
( Enterprise
JOEL McCREA, star of “Ramrod," has been set
for a personal appearance with the opening of the
Harry Sherman production at the Orpheum Theatre
in San Francisco.
Metro
Following completed personal appearances in Buf-
falo, MICKEY ROONEY moved into New York where
he was scheduled to do a two-week stint at Loew's
Theatre. This is his first personal appearance show
in Gotham since he was on tour with Judy Garland
in 1940.
PRC Pictures
EDDIE DEAN, crooning cowhand who stars in this
studio's musical westerns, will ride as grand mar-
shal of the annual Santa Fe Trails rodeo in Topeka,
Kas., early in July.
Blurbers
Options
Columbia
JEAN PORTER signed by Sam Katzman, inde-
pendent producer, for lead in “Sweet Genevieve,"
high school musical. Arthur Dreifuss will direct.
Long-term contract handed STEPHEN DUNNE with
first assignment that of a featured role in “The
Son of Rusty."
EVELYN KEYES set for topline in the Casey Rob-
inson production, “The Mating of Millie McGonigle."
Adele Comandini wrote the original story which is
a modern comedy-romance.
PAUL CAMPBELL handed male topline in “Smoky
River Serenade," second in series of four action
musicals which Colbert Clark is producing.
Eagle-Lion
LYNN BARI ticketed for romantic lead in “Clem-
entine," which is based on the Peggy Goodin novel.
RKO Radio
DAN RUSSELL, in charge of foreign publicity the
last six months in William Hebert's department at
Samuel Goldwyn studios, handed a new contract.
His duties will be as chief liaison between the com-
pany's publicity offices in foreign key cities. He will
headquarter in New York.
BOB SMITH joined Robert Riskin Productions as
assistant to John Harkins, director of advertising
and publicity. Smith was formerly with Liberty
Films' publicity department.
Cleffers
Independent
Herman Millakowsky set ROBERT STOLZ to com-
§ose musical score for “Fear," based on the Stefan
weig novel, which he will produce this summer.
RKO Radio
LEITH STEVENS, composer-conductor, set to write
the musical score for Harriet Parsons' production
"Counterpoint."
Loanouts
PRC Pictures
CATHY O'DONNELL, under contract to Samuel
Goldwyn, borrowed for topline in Producer Chuck
Reisner’s “Bury Me Dead,' which Bernard Vorhaus
will direct.
Meggers
Metro
JOHNNY GARRETT signed to appear in the mu-
sical “Good News."
WALLACE BEERY assigned starring role in a new-
comer to the studio's schedule, “Alias the Gentle-
man," which will be produced by Nat Perrin.
Yarn concerns a paroled robber who turns literate
and social. The original screenplay was written
by William Lipman.
Monogram
HAL MALONE, ROBERT FAUST, ANDY ANDREWS
and RAY MAYER have been added to the cast of
“Kilroy Was Here," starring Jackie Cooper and
Jackie Coogan. Phil Karlson is directing for Share-
croppers Dick Irving Hyland and Sid Luft.
Paramount
BOB HOPE set to go soaring on a flight of color-
ful fancy as the star of “The Caliph of Bagdad,"
new film slated for the comedian, which P. J. Wolf-
son will produce. Based on an original story, the
semifantasy combining the ancient Orient with mod-
ern times, will be scripted by Edmund Hartmann
and Frank Tashlin.
GERALDINE FITZGERALD signed as third star with
Ray Milland and Ann Todd in “So Evil, My Love,"
formerly titled “For Her to See," which will be
produced by Hal Wallis at the Denham studios in
England.
PRC Pictures
CARL “Alfalfa" SWITZER, graduate of the Our
Gang comedies is the player around whom a new
Gas House gang series is being planned. “Alfalfa"
is slated for the lead role in “Gas House Kids Go
West," with Sam Baerwitz producing and William
Beaudine directing.
Columbia
WALLACE MacDONALD assigned as producer of
the new picture in the Rusty series which has the
tentative title of “My Dog Rusty." WILLIAM SACK-
HEIM will develop the original story.
"Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back" will be piloted
by FRANK McDONALD.
DERWIN^ ABRAHAMS set to direct “Smoky River
Serenade," second in the studio's current series of
action musicals.
Monogram
LEON CHARLES, former New York stage director
and actor, signed by King Bros, to long-term con-
tract under which he will serve as their dialog
director as well as story editor.
n GLENN COOK appointed associate producer on
“The Hunted," Allied Artists film to be produced by
Scott R. Dunlap, which will star Belita and Preston
Foster.
Directorial chore on the Johnny Mack Brown
starrer, “Code of the Saddle," given HOWARD
BRETHERTON. Barney Sarecky produces.
20th Century-Fox
Director Bruce Humberstone, who recently com-
pleted the Technicolor Cornel Wilde-Maureen O'Hata
starrer, had his option hoisted by the Westwood
studio.
EUGENE FORDE ticketed to meg Sol M. Wurtzel
Productions' “Roses Are Red."
Universal-International
NORMAN COOK signed by the EN corporation,
headed by Ingrid Bergman, Victor Fleming and
Walter Wanger, as production manager for its
forthcoming film, “Joan of Lorraine." He has opened
offices on the Hal Roach lot, joining Victor Fleming,
director, and Richard Day, who is designing the
Ingrid Bergman starrer.
GEORGE S. KAUFMAN signed for his first motion
picture megging chore on Nunnally Johnson's pro-
duction, “The Senator Was Indiscreet." Charles
MacArthur scripted the political yarn and Peter Lind
Hayes has been set for a featured role.
WILLIAM SEITER set to direct the Technicolor pro-
duction “Up in Central Park," starring Deanna
RKO Radio
Final role in “Crossfire" handed to MARLO DWYER.
Robert Young, Robert Mitchum and Robert Ryan co-
star in the film which Edward Dmytryk is directing.
LORETTA YOUNG signed for the starring role in
“Rachael," screen adaptation from one of a series
of short stories by Howard Fast, in which she will
portray a pioneer woman of the 1778 era. Richard
Berger will produce with Jack J. Gross as execu-
tive producer.
HENRY HULL cast in a character role in “Mourn-
ing Becomes Electra." He replaces Seth Arnold,
Broadway actor who became ill upon arrival here
and could not fulfill his commitment. SARA ALL-
GOOD also joins the cast of this Rosalind Russell
starrer.
FRANK SINATRA will play his first nonsinging
dramatic role when he moves over to this lot to
portray the part of a priest in “The Miracle of the
Bells" which Jesse L. Lasky and Walter Mac-
Ewen will produce from the Russell Janney best
seller.
First assignment for JAMES NOLAN under his
new contract is featured part in the Pat O'Brien
starrer, “Fighting Father Dunne." RUTH DON-
NELLY cast in a featured role.
Two young contract players, JACQUELINE WHITE
and WALTER REED, assigned to roles in Harriet
Parsons' production of “Counterpoint." LENNIE
BREMEN also inked for a role.
DONALD CURTIS handed featured role in “Coun-
terpoint," co-starring Merle Oberon, Dana Andrews,
Ethel Barrymore and Hoagy Carmichael. John
Crowell directing.
RALPH BYRD toplines in “Dick Tracy vs. the Grue-
some Gang" with ANNE GWYNNE slated for the
femme lead. Jack Rawlins directs for Producer Her-
man Schlom. BORIS KARLOFF cast as "Gruesome"
in this series of detective thrillers. Karloff portrays
the head of an underworld group that uses a mys-
tery gas which puts victims in a state of suspended
animation and enables the crooks to plunder at
will.
Republic
BRUCE EDWARDS signed for the leading role in
'The Black Widow" serial and ANTHONY WARD
signed for the chief “heavy" role. VIRGINIA LIND-
LEY also signed for a leading role in the 13-chapter
serial. Femme topline handed CAROL FORMAN.
Mike Frankovitch produces with Fred Brannon and
Spencer Bennet as co-directors.
GARRY OWENS added to the cast of "The Out-
cast."
LYNNE ROBERTS and ADELE MARA assigned top
femme roles opposite Gene Autry in “Robin Hood
of Texas," which Les Selander is to direct for Sid-
ney Picker, associate producer.
20th Century-Fox
RICHARD CONTE given an option lift.
FAY BAINTER, character actress, signed for a role
in “Off to Buffalo," scheduled to roll in April.
DON CASTLE signed to a multipule picture con-
tract, which calls for at least two pictures a year,
by Sol M. Wurtzel Productions. Castle's initial film
for Wurtzel is “Roses Are Red," action drama
written by Irving Elman which is slated for early
production with Eugene Forde as director.
GENE LOCKHART set for featured role in “The
Foxes of Harrow" which stars Rex Harrison and
Maureen O'Hara. John M. Stahl directs for Producer
William A. Bacher.
PHILLIP SUDANO signed for part in "Captain From
Castile." A leading man, he was formerly an em-
ploye of BOXOFFICE in Hollywood.
United Artists
ROBERT CUMMINGS signed by Mary Pickford-
Buddy Rogers-Ralph Cohn for a starring role in
“Sleep, My Love," Triangle production based on the
Collier's serial by Leo Rosten.
Universal-International
Featured role in Diana Productions' “Secret Beyond
the Door" given CONNIE LEE. Joan Bennett and
Michael Redgrave co-star for Producer-Director Fritz
Lang.
Producer Mark Hellinger ticketed BARRY FITZ-
GERALD for a topline in “Homicide," an original
by Malvin Wald, for which much of the action will
be shot in and around New York. The film will
be made with the cooperation of New York's Mayor
William F. O'Dwyer and Police Commissioner Ar-
thur W. Wallander.
Warners
STANFORD JOLLEY and FREDDIE STEELE given
featured parts in “Whiplash," fight yarn starring
Dane Clark, Alexis Smith and Zachary Scott. Lew
Seiler is directing for Producer William Jacobs.
WALTER SANDE has been added to the cast
of “Wallflower," starring Joyce Reynolds, Robert
Hutton and Janis Paige. RICHARD BRODUS, BETH
BELDEN, DORIS FULTON and JUDITH WOODBURY
are the latest cast additions.
WAYNE MORRIS handed featured role in the
Eleanor Parker-Ronald Reagan starrer, “The Voice
of the Turtle."
Scripters
Columbia
HUGO BUTLER signed to work on the final script
of “Royal Mail" in collaboration with George Corey.
Film is first effort for Producer Buddy Adler at this
studio.
OLIVE COOPER signed by Armand Schaefer, Gene
Autry Productions chieftain, to develop and write
an original screenplav for a western musical to star
Autry. Yarn is as yet untitled and will be the
third of four pictures which Autry will make under
his recently signed two-year sharecropping pact.
Monogram
Screenplay assignment on the Allied Artists pro-
duction, “Smart Woman," given ADELA ROGERS
ST. JOHN, borrowed from MGM. Constance Ben-
nett, Brian Aherne and Barry Sullivan star in the
film for Producer Hal E. Chester.
Paramount
MILTON RAISON set by Pine and Thomas to
write script of “Speed to Spare." Yarn deals with
drivers of diesel engine trucks.
PRC Pictures
Screenplay assignment on the Ben Stoloff pro-
duction, "Girls' Camp," handed WALTER BULLOCK,
with ZANE MANN set for the same job on “Postal
Inspector."
Screenplay assignment on “T-Man" handed PETER
MILNE. Story deals with secret service operatives
of the Treasury department.
RKO Radio
The contract which Mel Dinelli, writer, had with
David O. Selznick's Vanguard Productions was taken
over and Dinelli assigned to script “The Boy Cried
Murder" from the Cornell Woolrich story set for
filming in the RKO-Pathe New York studio.
Republic
JOHN K. BUTLER assigned to prepare script of
“Monterey."
Universal-International
SIDNEY SHELDON set to write the screenplay
of "Song of Norway" for Sharecropper S. P. Eagle.
Story Buys
Paramount
“Waterfront at Midnight," an original by Bernard
54
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
Gerard, purchased for Pine-Thomas production and
Gerard signed to prepare the screenplay. Title is
repetition of one already used on a story in pro-
duction which will be given a new tag.
Republic
"Monterey," an original by Gerald Gerdghty and
Dorothy Hughes, has been purchased and William
Elliott set for the topline. Joe Kane will produce
and direct the story which is localed in early
California during the colorful days of the dons.
Film has been given a July starting date.
20th Century-Fox
An original, "Lady From Loredo," by Earl Felton
was purchased to be used by Preston Sturges as
the basis of his first production for the studio, "The
Blonde From Bashful Bend," starring Betty Grable.
Sturges will also do the adaptation and direction.
United Artists
Thalia Productions, headed by Sol Lesser and
Edward G. Robinson, has acquired the novel "Har-
ness Bull" by Leslie T. White. Robinson will top-
line in the story which deals with 24 hours in the
life of a police patrolman. Present plans call for
lensing of the entire production in New York.
Technically
Columbia
Assistant director chore on "Bulldog Drummond
Strikes Back" set for BARTON ADAMS.
IRA MORGAN given lensing assignment on the
Sam Katzman production, "Sweet Genevieve."
Paramount
RAY RENNAHAN assigned as cameraman on
“Whispering Smith/' outdoor Technicolor drama
starring Alan Ladd. WALTER TYLER assigned as art
director.
Republic
Lensing assignment on the Trucolor production,
“Along the Oregon Trail/' given AL KELLER.
20th Century-Fox
BARBARA McLEAN, film editor, and JOSEPH Mac-
DONALD, lenser, were given option lifts.
Title Changes
Metro
THE BIRDS AND THE BEES is the final title for
“Keep Young With Music."
Monogram
BACKFIRE is the new handle for the Johnny Mack
Brown starrer known as "The Law Comes to Gun-
sight."
Paramount
SO EVIL, MY LOVE is the new tag on Hal Wallis'
"For Her to See." Story, based on the British novel
by Joseph Shearing and screenplay by Leonard
Spiegelglass, is scheduled for filming in England
in May with Lewis Allen directing.
PRC Pictures
Final tag for "Gangway for Murder" is KILLER
AT LARGE. Film stars Robert Lowery and Anna-
belle Shaw.
United Artists
TEXAS, HEAVEN AND BROOKLYN is new handle
for "Eddie and the Archangel Mike," which will be
made by Robert Golden.
Famous Western Series
Replacing Red Ryders
HOLLYWOOD — Republic’s new western
series, to replace the recently discontinued
Red Ryder gallopers, will be known as the
Famous Western series. As previously an-
nounced, Allan Lane will be starred and will
be billed as Allan “Rocky” Lane. First chap-
ter will be “Wild Frontier,” to be produced
by Gordon Kay and directed by Phil Ford.
'The Harder They Fair
To Be Filmed by RKO
HOLLYWOOD — Screen rights to “The
Harder They Fall,” a novel by Budd Schul-
berg which will soon be published by Random
House, have been obtained by RKO, and
Robert Mitchum, assigned to the lead role.
Schulberg was also signed to develop the
screenplay. The film is expected to roll in
midsummer.
Band in 'Sweet Genevieve'
A1 Donahue and his band have been as-
signed a featured spot in Columbia’s “Sweet
Genevieve.”
NEVITABLE as an aftermath of the
Academy awards event is a flood of sug-
gestions and movements to have addi-
tional Oscars added to the annual glamor-
fest’s already-topheavy array of kudos. This
year is no exception and already two such
campaigns are being treated to characteristic
Hollywood tub thumping.
Through his persistent press agent, Dave
Epstein, comparably persistent Producer-
Director Sam Wood informs that he is “de-
termined to make a fight for his suggestion,”
once rejected by the Academy of Motion Pic-
ture Arts and Sciences, that an annual award
be presented to the member of the industry
who made the greatest contribution to the
cause of good Americanism during the year.
Last year, Wood made the suggestion in a
letter to the Academy but it was turned down
on the grounds that such an award would
be dynamite because in Hollywood there are
so many shades of opinions as to just what
constitutes good Americanism. The pro-
ducer-director now declares that he is de-
termined to “make an issue of it because he
is convinced that it would represent one ex-
cellent way of throwing off a lot of the
criticism aimed at pictures on ‘Communistic’
lines.”
“I can’t think of a better way to get rid of
those too-frequent cries of ‘Red’ in connec-
tion with our business,” Wood declared, “than
to encourage our own ideology by recognizing
those who in any way contribute to the cause
of the democratic way of life which we call
Americanism. If there is some question as
to what constitutes good Americanism, I
think it’s high time the Academy heads got
together and formulated their own concep-
tion of it!”
When Wood made his original suggestion,
this department took exactly the same posi-
tion as subsequently was reflected by the
Academy board’s action thereon. Wood has
been prominently identified with film capital
organizations and movements which the left-
of-center lads and lassies dub “Fascists,”
while simultaneously those who tread the
right of the road hurl back a charge of
“Communists.” A look at the directorate of
the august Academy reveals that both ele-
ments are widely represented thereon; along
with — fortunate, to relate — a goodly repre-
sentation of those average Hollywoodians
who believe that it is entirely possible for a
citizen to be a good American without
affiliating with either crusading faction. To
ask such a group to decide on what consti-
tutes a standard by which good American-
ism could be judged, would turn the Academy
into a battle ground of ideologies and prob-
ably would completely disrupt the scientific,
artistic and idealistic credo to which the
organization theoretically subscribes.
Nonetheless, Crusader Wood is deserving
of admiration for his forthrightness and
tenacity in displaying the courage of his
convictions. Also he shows himself to be
something of an optimist when he opines that
“it’s high time that Academy heads get to-
gether and formulate their own conception
of it.” The Academy heads seem to en-
counter plenty of difficulty in getting to-
gether and formulating their own concep-
tions on situations and issues infinitely less
hazardous and volatile than what constitutes
good Americanism.
>
Considerably less serious — in fact, furnish-
ing a comedy relief — is the report that the
Screen Publicists Guild, through its exec-
utive committee, may petition the Academy,
seeking establishment of an Oscar to be
awarded for the year’s best exploitation and
publicity campaign.
Imagine Bernie Kamins, the bashful boy
blurber, mounting the rostrum to accept such
an award — or Pat Patterson.
>
It’s the same Bernie who heralds as “the
greatest casting coup d’etat of motion pic-
ture history” the signing of Frank Sinatra
to portray Father Paul, humble priest of
“The Miracle of the Bells,” which Jesse L.
Lasky and Walter MacEwen will produce for
RKO Radio.
Messieurs Funk and Wagnalls describe coup
d’etat as “a bold and brilliant piece of states-
manship.” There can be no gainsaying that
selecting Crooner Sinatra to delineate a
humble priest is a sufficiently bold bit of
casting; and it may take considerable states-
manship to sell the idea to the swooning
bobbysoxers. But, on the other hand, Der
Bingle made it — so why not?
>
TITLE TINKERS’ DEPARTMENT
Columbia Division
“Buckaroo from Powder River” is the new
handle for “Blazing Through Cimarron.”
That’s a lot of water to put out so small a
blaze.
“The Lady From Shanghai,” Rita Hay-
worth starrer, becomes “The Girl From
Shanghai.” That’s natural. Shanghai being
what it is, a lady cannot be expected to re-
main a lady too long.
>
Blurber George Brown’s busy beavers pre-
dict “ ‘The King of Kings,’ Cecil B. DeMille’s
17-year-old silent film, will probably be the
motion picture with the greatest audience
this coming Easter Day.”
Maybe so, but, in the Easter tradition, it
might get some competition in future years
from Universal - International’s “The Egg
and I.”
>■
From Mort Goodman’s Republic ravers a
startling revelation that “Ex-Governor of
Iklahoma, Robert S. Kerr and Mrs. Kerr were
guests of Gene Autry at Republic.”
Publicist Goodman probably will be the
recipient of many gifts from Oklahomans —
dictionaries, wrapped in brickbats.
Credit Alex Evelove, Warner studio chief
space-snatcher with a goodie. To members
of the Hollywood press he mailed highly
attractive scrolls, signed by Chief Tom Kee,
medicine man of the Navajo People, and cer-
tifying to the induction of the hungry news-
hawks into the Navajo Nation. What’s more,
each recipient was given a name — which, and
probably fortunately for Evelove, was both
Greek and Indian to the recipients. It was
all in the interests of the United States pic-
ture, “Pursued.”
Alex himself was dubbed “Bohotney Nataw-
ney Hatahle — Warrior Who Beats the
Drums,” and so he now signs his correspond-
ence.
The Burkankian blurbist may beat the
drums, but a gander at them biceps suggests
that he permit the warrioring to remain the
province of Chief Tom Kee.
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
W
55
Regis Toomey Named
Secretary of PCC
HOLLYWOOD — Regis Toomey of the
Screen Actors Guild has been named secre-
tary of the Permanent Charities committee
of the motion picture industry. Toomey’s
appointment was made by the executive vice-
president Edward Arnold. He succeeds W.
Ray Johnston of Monogram, who leaves
shortly for a tour of his studio’s European
offices. Arnold also revealed appointment
of Ray Young of Eagle-Lion Productions as
PCC board member succeeding Johnston as
the representative of the Independent Mo-
tion Picture Producers Ass’n.
At the same time, the PCC disclosed an
increase of $179,604 in its final allocation of
funds to the Community Chest from its 1947
charity fund-raising campaign in the motion
picture industry. The increase raises the total
allocation for the Community Chest to $991,-
254 or approximately 15.26 per cent of the
Chest goal of $6,493,200.
“This increase is in response to an urgent
plea from the Chest to meet mounting obli-
gations resulting from increased costs of food,
labor and other supplies in fulfilling the
charity needs of the community,” explained
Arnold.
Directors of PCC have abandoned their
efforts to have American Red Cross accept an
allocation of $245,783 — which also is 15.26
per cent of its local goal of $1,610,000 — and
the National Foundation for Infantile Pa-
ralysis accept a gift of $30,000 to the 1947
March of Dimes.
Barney Balaban, Paramount president and
recently appointed chairman of the United
Jewish Appeal’s motion picture division, was
here to set up a national committee repre-
senting producers, distributors and exhibi-
tors to develop maximum cooperation within
the picture industry in aiding the UJA to
reach its goal of $170,000,000.
Colonists to Make Tours;
Cantor Will Aid UJA
HOLLYWOOD — Film colonists’ extracur-
ricular activities mostly were away from
Hollywood.
Following the San Francisco premiere of
Paramount’s “My Favorite Brunette” with a
star-studded show at the Paramount theatre
in the Bay city, three players stayed over
for a second benefit performance. Olga San
Juan, Billy De Wolfe and William Demarest
appeared at the annual show of the News-
paper Guild of Northern California. Jack
Benny was emcee of the guild show.
The University of Oklahoma, of 'which he
is a graduate, has invited Van Heflin to
speak at the career conference to be held at
the university April 24 under auspices of the
Ass’n of Women Students.
Eddie Cantor is working on plans for a
crosscountry personal appearance tour in be-
half of the United Jewish Appeal. Henry
M. Morgenthau jr., former secretary of the
treasury, invited Cantor to make the tour
to help the appeal reach its 1947 goal of
$170,000,000 for relief and rehabilitation pur-
poses.
RKO Inks Traube
HOLLYWOOD — Shepard Traube, Broad-
way producer and director of “Angel Street,”
has been signed to a term contract as a
director by RKO Radio. Traube draws “The
Set-Up,” recently purchased prizefight story
by Joseph Moncure March, as his first as-
signment.
Invite Industry Bigwigs
For Convention of CSU
LOS ANGELES — If all of those invited ac-
cept, which seems an unlikely contingency, a
veritable Who’s Who of the motion picture
industry will be the speakers list for the
annual convention of the Pacific Coast Con-
ference of Studio Unions, set here for May
6-8.
Invitations to adorn the conclave’s rostrum
have been extended to Eric Johnson, presi-
dent of the Motion Picture Ass’n, and Don-
ald Nelson, president of the Society of Inde-
pendent Motion Picture Producers, represent-
ing production.
William F. Rodgers, MGM; Spyros Skouras
and Tom Connors, 20th-Fox; Ned Depinet
and Robert Mochrie, RKO Radio; Charles
Reagan, Paramount; Ben Kalmenson, War-
ners; Bill Scully, Universal; Abe Montague,
Columbia; Gradwell Sears, United Artists;
M. R. Goldstein, Monogram; James Grainger,
Republic; Ralph Clark, PRC, representing
distribution.
Jack Kirsch and Abram F. Myers of Na-
tional Allied and Fred Wehrenberg and Her-
man Levy of MPTOA, will represent national
exhibitor organizations.
NAVED to Hold Western
Conference April 24-26
LOS ANGELES — The National Ass’n of
Visual Education Dealers will hold its west-
ern regional meeting at the Hollywood-
Roosevelt hotel, Hollywood, April 24-26.
More than 100 dealers, film librarians and
salesmen will attend.
The closing day of the meeting will be
devoted to a joint educator-dealer discus-
sion, with Pacific coast educators invited
to attend. Merriam H. Holtz, president of
Screen Adette Equipment Corp. and west-
ern regional director, will preside.
Do Command Performance
HOLLYWOOD — Donald O’Connor and
Lina Romay joined Meredith Willson and his
Talking People in a Command Performance
show recorded for the armed forces radio
service. Appearance of the personalities was
arranged by the Hollywood Coordinating
committee.
LEGISLATOR -THEATRE MAN—
Francis Weltch of Vernal is the only
Utah theatre operator in the present ses-
sion of the state legislature. He has been
appointed to several committees, and is
one of the busiest members in the house
of representatives.
Back Pay Ordered
For 1945 Strikers
HOLLYWOOD— Echoes of the 1945 studio
strike resounded in the film capital this
week, even as the new strike continued in
its long stalemate.
In an intermediate report handed down
by the National Labor Relations board, five
major companies and the Ass’n of Motion
Picture Producers were found guilty of un-
fair labor practices and ordered to reinstate
some 25 employes who were discharged for
refusal to do work out of their jurisdiction.
The AMPP, Columbia, Metro, Republic,
20th-Fox and Warners were given ten days
in which to file exceptions to the decision,
which was handed down by Mortimer Riemer,
NLRB trial examiner. Most of the affected
employes are members of the IATSE prop-
men’s Local 44, members of the IATSE’s
grips Local 80 making up the balance. Rie-
mer ordered 17 of the men reinstated as of
March 19, 1945, and the remainder to re-
ceive back pay to Oct. 31, 1945.
* * *
On the heels of the apointment of Charles
S. Boren as manager of the AMPP’s labor
relations department, Fred Pelton, a veteran
of the organization, disclosed tentative plans
to leave within the next six months. Mean-
while he will work with Boren to familiarize
the new labor liaison executive with the post.
Pelton plans to go into business for himself,
constructing a new type of motion picture
set which eliminates the use of multiple
stages.
• * *
Vanguard, Nero Films and Walter Wanger
Productions have signed contracts with the
Society of Motion Picture Art Directors,
retroactive to August 1946 and effective until
December 1951. The SMPAD contract has
also been aproved by the labor committee
of the Society of Independent Motion Pic-
ture Producers.
* * *
The Screen Actors Guild mailed members
a copy of contract proposals which the guild
plans to present to the motion picture pro-
ducers in negotiations starting April 15. SAG
also scheduled a special membership meeting
for April 9 in the American Legion stadium
to discuss the proposals.
Major points of the 25,000-word document
are: (1) abolition of three-month and six-
month options in favor of one-year options;
(2) all time expended by actor at employer’s
request to be considered work time, specif-
ically including time spent for travel, make-
up, publicity, still photography, promotional
activity, interviews, story conferences, audi-
tions, recording and photography; (3) three-
year limit to be placed on actors’ personal
term contracts with studios for actors paid
less than $1,500 (a week) in any year of
contract; (4) overtime pay for all actors;
(5) no loanout to another studio without
actor’s consent.
Among other things, the proposal calls for
substantial pay increases for players hired
by the day.
The guild’s contract expires on May 15.
Old Theatre Sold
SAN MATEO, CALIF.— The old Regent
Theatre, San Mateo’s first cinema, has been
sold by the Knights of Columbus to Dr.
Lee Shahinian of San Francisco for approxi-
mately $32,000. The theatre was constructed
in 1915 and is expected to be converted into
a $60,000 investment, either as a medical-
dental building or as a store structure. The
theatre has been closed during the last 15
years, since Fox West Coast took a lease on
the property expiring July 30, 1949.
56
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
Centennial Show Policy
Irks Salt Lake Theatres
'Best Years' Hits 500%
In 2nd Frisco Week
SAN FRANCISCO— Aside from the 500 per
cent registered by the United Nations Thea-
tre in its second week of “The Best Years of
Our Lives,” the other first run theatres did
a better than average business.
At the Golden Gate “The Locket” scored
an average of 145 per cent; at the Fox,
“Boomerang” zoomed to 30 per cent above
average, as did “Lady in the Lake” at the
Warfield.
(Average is 100)
Esquire-Tivoli — Smash-Up (U-I); Accomplice
(PRC), 3rd wk 125
Fox — Boomerang (20th-Fox); Alias Mr. Twilight
(Col) 130
Golden Gate — The Locket (RKO), plus stage
show 145
Orpheum — Song of Scheherazade (U-I); Susie
Steps Out (UA), 2nd d. t. wk.. 145
Paramount — The Beast With Five Fingers (WB);
Fear in the Night (Para) 110
State — Pursued (WB); Big Town (Para),
2nd d. t. wk 130
United Artists— The Fabulous Dorseys (UA);
The Phantom Thief (Col) 150
United Nations — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 2nd wk 500
Warfield — Lady in the Lake (MGM); The
Mysterious Mr. Valentine (Rep) 130
Los Angeles Grosses
Still on Low Levels
LOS ANGELES — The pre-Easter slump
held over-all averages at the same levels — low
ones — as has been the case for the past sev-
eral weeks. Two new entries, RKO Radio’s
“The Locket” and United Artists’ “The
Fabulous Dorseys” managed to make fairly
decent Showings in their opening stanzas.
Holdovers, present on all other screens,
dropped their percentages proportionately as
they entered their second and third weeks.
Belmont, El Rey, Orpheum and Apollo — The Locket
(RKO); Code of the West (RKO) 175
Chinese, State, Uptown and Loyola — Carnival in
Cost a Rica (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 125
Downtown Paramount — My Favorite Brunette
(Para); Renegade Girl (SG), 2nd wk 110
Egyptian, Wilshire and Los Angeles' —
It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM), 2nd wk 125
Four Star — Bedelia (E-L), 2nd wk 150
Vogue — Duel in the Sun (SRO), 13th wk Roadshow
Four Music Halls — The Fabulous Dorseys (UA);
Little Iodine (UA) 200
Guild, Ritz, United Artists, Studio City and
Iris — Smash-Up (U-I), 3rd wk.; Gentleman Joe
Palooka (Mono), 2nd wk 125
Hillstreet — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO), 3rd wk.;
Millie's Daughter (Col), 2nd wk 100
Hollywood Paramount — Same as Downtown 175
Million Dollar — The Mighty McGurk (MGM),
2nd wk.; Gallant Bess (MGM), 2nd wk 80
Pantages — Same as Hillstreet 100
Warners' Downtown, Hollywood, Wiltern —
Pursued (WB), 3rd wk 115
‘Jolson' Is Still Best Draw
In 14th Week at Seattle
SEATTLE — “The Jolson Story” continues to
lead the town at the Liberty. New arrivals
failed to make much dent in good business
being gathered by other holdovers, including
“California” at the Music Box and “Hu-
moresque” at the Roosevelt.
Blue Mouse — My Favorite Brunette (Para),
2nd wk 100
Fifth Avenue — Lady in the Lake (MGM);
The Raider (English Films). 2nd wk 80
Liberty— The Jolson Story (Col), 14th wk 150
Music Box— California (Para), 4th d. t. wk 110
Music Hall — Boomtown (MGM);
Tom, Dick and Harry (RKO), reissues 70
Orpheum— I'll Be Yours (U-I);
Back Lash (20th-Fox) 80
Palomar — Renegade Girl (SG), plus stage show. ... 80
Paramount — My Favorite Brunette (Para),
2nd wk 100
Roosevelt — Humoresque (WB), 3rd d. t. wk 110
‘Best Years' and ‘Jolson'
Still the Best in Denver
DENVER — The second week of “The Best
Years of Our Lives” was still the biggest
thing in town. Another holdover, “The Jol-
son Story,” in its third downtown week at
the Rialto, pulled up in second place. Busi-
ness was good all around except at the Den-
Houses Open All Night
Draw Sunrise Clientele
Los Angeles — Something new in holiday
showmanship was tried when seven Fox
West Coast first run theatres staged spe-
cial late shows running into the wee
hours of Sunday morning for the con-
venience of worshipers planning to attend
Easter sunrise services.
The houses remaining open all night
were Loew’s State, United Artists, Los
Angeles, Grauman’s Chinese, Iris, Egyp-
tian and Studio City.
ham, where “California” fell off badly in its
fourth week.
Aladdin — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
2nd wk 450
Broadway — Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (MGM);
The Caravan Trail (PRC), 4th wk., 4 days 100
Denham — California (Para), 4th wk 90
Denver, Esquire and Webber — Dead Reckon-
ing (Col); Susie Steps Out (UA) .....125
Orpheum — The Locket (RKO);
Beat the Band (RKO) 115
Paramount — The Return of Monte Cristo (Col);
Blondie's Big Moment (Col) 120
Rialto — The Jolson Story (Col), 3rd d. t. wk 200
A. P. Archer and Joe Dekker
Will Build in Lakewood
LAKEWOOD, COLO. — Construction of a
1,000-seat theatre here is planned by A. P.
Archer and Joe H. Dekker, operator of the
Civic circuit of four houses in north Denver.
Plans are still in an early stage, but Archer
and Dekker said the theatre would be at the
7100 block on West Colfax. It will have a
152-foot frontage and there will be parking
space for 500 cars.
Henson Will Open Houses
In Oakdale and Modesto
SAN FRANCISCO— A new $75,000 theatre
will be started immediately in Oakdale ac-
cording to announcement by Bert Henson
Enterprises of Modesto. The theatre will
seat 660 and will be named the Marco.
Henson has also made plans to remodel the
second floor of the Couchman Community
hall in Waterford into a theatre. It also
will be named the Marco.
Clinton Kipp Sells Avon
To Moorcroft, Wyo., Man
MOGRCROFT, WYO. — Clinton Kipp, owner
of the Avon Theatre here for two years, has
sold out to Melby Tracy of the Tracy Motor
Co. The latter said the show would continue
to operate on the same schedule as in the
past. Kipp made a number of improvements
to the house during his ownership.
Delta Assured of New House
DELTA, COLO. — Fox Intermountain Amuse-
ment Co. will completely rebuild the old
Strand Theatre here to provide the com-
munity with a second house, Harold E. Rice,
district manager, assured local citizens dur-
ing a visit from his Denver office. The work
will start as soon as government regulations
permit, he said.
SALT LAKE CITY— Some local theatre
men are irked over the manner in which
nearly everyone who wants to “get into the
act” is being allowed to commercialize on
Utah’s centennial to the detriment of legal
show business. Some fly-by-night operators
even are attempting to put on roadshow mo-
tion pictures here with centennial backing,
according to several operators who aired the
whole problem in a “bull session” on Film-
row this week.
The centennial, it seems, is attracting many
operators and promoters who gain the cele-
bration’s approval and put on their attrac-
tions without paying a city license. The real
showmen claim this type of business is cut-
ting into their profits and expect matters
to get worse as the centennial moves on.
Another matter attracting a great deal of
attention among showmen here is the con-
troversy over the future of motion picture
making in the southern part of the state. It
seems that since the attack in the legisla-
ture on “Ramrod,” showmen have feared
some companies would avoid outdoor loca-
tions in southern Utah.
First evidence of this move came with an-
nouncement that Harry Sherman will film
his next outdoor film, “They Passed This
Way,” starring Joel McCrea, in New Mexico.
This is about the first outdoor film Sher-
man has made that hasn’t been produced in
southern Utah. The “Ramrod” incident
wasn’t given as the reason for the move.
Also, the state Department of Publicity hasn’t
come up with any stories lately about mo-
tion pictures being made or planned in
southern Utah. The industry’s keeping it’s
fingers crossed.
Ramona Theatre Opened
RAMONA, CALIF. — The Ramona Theatre,
a new 450-seat house, has opened its doors
after being under construction for more than
a year. Owners are J. E. Poynter and Robert
E. Bivens, who have operated a theatre in the
local Town hall for eight years. Poynter
formerly managed theatres in New York, St.
Louis and Los Angeles.
A SHOWMAN
Available After June 15
At present managing two theatres and
booking five, in Mid-West towns. Due
to age of his father, who lives in Cali-
fornia, he must return to the West
Coast.
Age 48, a Bachelor, of Christian Faith,
he has a thorough theatre knowledge
acquired thru 23 years in the show
business. Mentally and physically fit
to assume full charge of mangement,
booking or advertising.
Or would be interested in leasing a
going theatre and he is not afraid of
competition.
Please Write
Box 2698
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas
City 1, Mo.
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
57
California Measure Seeks to Return
City-County Unconstitutional' Taxes
SAN FRANCISCO— Industry folk here-
abouts have their eyes focused on Sacra-
mento, where a bill is pending that provides
for the refund to theatres of “unconstitu-
tional” taxes imposed by cities and counties.
In most instances these taxes have been
impounded by the court, pending a decision
as to the legality of their imposition.
Under this bill, the refund would come
within six months after a decision (if any)
favorable to the theatre men, and the act
would be retroactive as far as is constitu-
tionally possible.
ANTIDISCRIMINATION BILL
Other bills that more or less affect the
industry follow:
Assessing a misdemeanor penalty and fines
up to $500 against any person who excludes
another person from theatres, hotels or res-
taurants on account of race, religion or color.
A bill to establish daylight savings time
between the last Sunday in April and the last
Sunday in September.
On picketing: requiring a peace officer to
direct persons to move when obstructing free
passages to place of business; makes unlaw-
ful any concerted action of two or more
persons, assembled near a place of employ-
ment, to forcibly prevent any persons from
engaging in a lawful vocation.
To punish as criminal conspiracy the en-
couraging of strikes for a purpose beyond
the trade dispute; to punish “coercion of the
government” by inflicting hardship upon a
community.
SEEK MEDIATION BOARD
Creating a labor mediation board, pro-
hibiting strikes or lockouts unless notice of
dispute first reaches the board; power of
board seemingly limited to adopting find-
ings and filing reports.
Other bills involve jurisdictional disputes;
collective bargaining; closed shop; “hot
cargo,” or a secondary boycott, and there
are several bills limiting working hours of
women and minors to eight hours a day,
with higher compensation than is paid now.
The FEPC bill, creating a commission that
would have power to review grievances
against employers on unfair employment
practices, also has been presented.
San Francisco Was Host
At Three Big Shindigs
SAN FRANCISCO — This city played host
last week to three big parties. Bob Hope’s
Damon Dunyon cancer fund stage show,
which opened the Paramount Theatre’s
operation under Paramount reins; the San
Francisco-Oakland newspaper frolic with
Jack Benny at the head, and the official
opening of Lew Serbin’s Dance Art Co. at its
new location on O’Farrell street all drew
large crowds.
The Bob Hope show included many celeb-
rities, including Billy De Wolfe, Van Johnson,
Frank Sinatra and Vera Vague. Because his
plane was two hours late, Hope’s duties as
emcee were taken over by Benny.
The newspaper frolic was produced by
George Hienz, and in addition to local talent,
Benny and his gang, plus Jane Wyman, par-
ticipated.
Serbin, known to every theatrical person
this side of heaven, threw a gala party in his
new quarters on Powell street. Everybody in
town attended, and most of the gang from
the guild party came over. Lew has a beau-
tiful store. It looks like a film set.
Record Tieup Pays Off
BOISE, IDA. — Nevin McChord of the Ada
Theatre here sold “Ladies’ Man” by exploit-
ing Spike Jones records, and the deal paid
off at the boxoffice. The hepsters particu-
larly went for the deal.
Manning Will Shape
Variety Convention
LOS ANGELES — Norman Manning has
been signed by Charles P. Skouras, execu-
tive chairman, to plan and supervise under
his direction, over-all activities connected
with the 11th annual convention of Variety
International here May 14-17.
At a meeting of the convention executive
committee, presided over by Skouras, sub-
committee reports were made and further
convention plans outlined. It was revealed
that a delegation of 100 Variety Club mem-
bers and their wives from Atlanta has signed
to attend the convention.
George Bowser, chairman of the humani-
tarian award committee, reported that the
poll of newspaper editors to select the person
who during 1946 had contributed the most to
humanity was under way and that the selec-
tion would be made public by May 1.
In cooperation with the international or-
ganization plans are being made by the
transportation committee, headed by W. H
Lollier, to bring delegates to the convention
from key cities in special trains.
Dean Hyskell has been appointed editor
of the convention journal.
Les Coleman Shifted
LOS ANGELES — Lester Coleman, assistant
to George A. Smith, Paramount western di-
vision sales manager, was transferred to the
division’s headquarters here. Coleman for-
merly headquartered at the New York home
office.
S_EAJJ±E
Deter Barnes, who operates the Hollyburn
Theatre in Vancover, B. C., will take over
the Ruby in Chelan, Wash., from Charles
Grieme May 1 . . . Al Fernandez’s theatre in
Clallam Bay was among several buildings
there destroyed by fire . . . Tom Shearer and
Hal and Ethel Daigler were on hand to at-
tend the opening of Mrs. Edna' Simons’ new
Wilma Theatre in Wallace, Ida.
Headed by Frank L. Newman sr., president,
Evergreen circuit executives and house man-
agers flocked into Portland last week for a
northwest meeting ... Ed Vaughan succeeds
Jack McCallum as manager of the Palomar.
Fred Lanners has been named assistant . . .
Charles Shutt, special representative of Tele-
news, has completed arrangements with the
Metropolitan Theatre to present a series of
foreign features. First two to show were
“Queen for a Night” and “Hotel Paradise,”
Swedish films.
Rasmus Breistein, Norwegian film producer,
arrived here from a South American trip.
He visited on Filmrow with Doc- Singelow
. . . LeRoy Kastner will roadshow “The Best
Years of Our Lives” in the newly decorated
American Theatre in Bellingham . . . Herbert
Ebenstein, head of Northwest Automatic
Candy Co., was expected here this week
from Los Angeles.
Gene Greesbeck’s Avalon in Enumclaw is
being remodeled. It will have new neon
signs, sound equipment and decorations . . .
Lloyd Lamb is on his way to New York after
a stopover in Spokane . . . Visitors to Film-
row during the week included Art Warner,
Colonial, Grandview; Howard Taylor, Se-
quim; George Borden jr., Blaine; Art Zabel,
Olympia, and Keith Beckwith, North Bend.
SOUTH-LYN’S NEWEST ADDITION — Most recent addition to the South-Lyn
circuit which operates in suburban South Gate and Lynwood is the Arden, shown
above, just completed and opened in the latter city. The suburban chain is oper-
ated by W. J. Zimmerman and Al Hanson who invested $350,000 in the land, building
and equipment for their new showcase. The house was designed by Architect S.
Charles Lee and built by the R. J. Daum Construction Co.
58
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1941
Talk of Reductions in Film Imports
By Australia Is Labeled as Untrue
Mountain Unit of Allied
Opening Denver Quarters
DENVER— Allied Rocky Mountain Inde-
pendent Theatres, organized last week, is
opening an office on Filmrow. Joe Ashby,
exhibition and distribution veteran, will be
general manager.
Ashby was named treasurer at the or-
ganization meeting, and later was induced to
take the managerial post.
DENVER
pay Gardner, owner of the Star, Imperial,
r Neb., will build a new theatre there to
seat 364 and cost about $30,000 . . . Adolpho
Esquibel has opened his new 300-seat theatre
in Tierra Amarilla, N. M. The house has not
as yet been named.
Theatre Enterprises, Inc., has bought the
Apache and Pueblo theatres, Ruidoso, N. M„
from E. J. Blaylock, and will take possession
April 26 . . . The MusU, Tularosa, N. M., has
been sold by A. P. Sitton jr. to Ed Turner . . .
About 120 enjoyed the Founders day dinner-
dance put on by the Rocky Mountain Screen
club at the Brown Palace hotel. The affair
was a celebration of the founding of the first
Film club in Denver in 1916. Olive Selig
and Joe Dekker handled arrangements.
“The Jolson Story” made history when it
moved over to the Paramount after having
shown two weeks each at the Denver, Esquire,
Webber and Rialto . . . Sam Langwith, owner
of Western Service and Supply, took off on
a sales trip south, and will end up in Cali-
fornia for a short vacation. He reports sale
of new Brenkert booth equipment and RCA
sound to Carl Garitson, Springer, N. M., for
his Zia Theatre.
Paul Allmeyer, Paramount booker, went to
St. Louis on vacation . . . The Service Thea-
tre Supply Co. hosted a cocktail party at
the Brown Palace for delegates to the or-
ganization meeting of the new unit of Allied.
Doing honors for the company were A1 Knox,
Salt Lake City; Ted Knox, president; How-
ard Robb, office manager, and Virgil Gould,
sales manager.
The Bluebird has installed new seats . . .
Tillie Chalk, office manager of Paramount,
has returned from an Arizona-California
vacation . . . Tony Archer and Joe Dekker
(Civic Theatres) are trying to hurry start
of construction on their new Lakewood thea-
tre at Lakewood, Colo., a Denver suburb.
They have acquired a 152x660 plot of ground,
ample for a 1,000-seat theatre and large park-
ing lot. The house, to cost between $200,000
and $300,000, will be ultramodern.
Irene Alcott has been added to the Para-
mount exchange staff as clerk . . . Herman
Wobber, division manager, and Charles
Walker, district manager, were in Denver for
conferences with James Dugan, 20th-Fox
branch manager . . . Paul Kauzlarch, assistant
shipper at Paramount, went to PRC as head
shipper.
Denver’s PRC exchange has been shifted
to the western district, with Sam Milner
as district manager. Sam is well known here
and his friends will now see him more often
. . . Hobart Gates, owner of the Garlock,
Custer, S. D., is back on the job after doing
legislative chores in the South Dakota as-
sembly . . . J. T. O’Neil, owner of the Vita,
Spearfish, S. D., is out again after an attack
of the flu.
By WILLIAM BEECHAM
Australian Bureau, Boxoffice
PERTH, W. A. — It is now officially stated
from Canberra that no consideration has
been given by the federal cabinet to the
limitation of imports from the United States
other than motor vehicles, and that talk of
cuts in film imports has no foundation what-
ever. A recent statement by a leading Sydney
daily newspaper that the federal government
wants to reduce expenditure on American
films but doesn’t know how to do it, is ap-
parently quite false.
* * *
W. L. Peck, consul for the United States
in Queensland, was a speaker at the Motion
Picture Industry club’s monthly luncheon at
Brisbane. B. Spurgin presided for the first
and last time, his promotion to the post of
manager for Columbia in Victoria making it
necessary for him to resign, and R. Sharpe,
local manager for 20th-Fox, was appointed
in his stead.
* * *
It is expected that recent meetings of the
Victorian Independent Exhibitors Ass’n and
the Cinema Exhibitors Ass’n (representing
the circuits) will bring about closer coopera-
tion between showmen in all parts of the
country. This cooperation is essential in
these times, for the film industry is fast
becoming the foremost target for every crank,
ill-informed reformer and second-rate poli-
tician with time on his or her hands. Vic-
torian independents have some $20,000,000
invested in the industry, and conclude that
it is time to fight strenuously and in close
ranks against many of the injustices which
at times seem to be almost overwhelming.
* * *
Delegates from various New Zealand film
societies recently met at Wellington to form
a New Zealand Film Institute to act as a
parent body. This institute has a variety of
aims, among the outstanding being the han-
dling of noncommercial substandard film; the
enlivening of interest in and appreciation of
the public cinema; engaging of the attention
of higher educational bodies in the social
influence and artistic importance of the
film; making of annual awards of merit for
outstanding films; holding of annual film
festivals in all leading New Zealand centers,
and the smooth working of the various bodies
as a harmonious whole.
v * * *
One of the commonwealth’s foremost film
critics, “The Chief” of the Melbourne Age
recently received an indignant letter asking
why the prices commission allowed cinema
interests to charge increased prices on Satur-
days and holidays. For his published reply
the critic endeavored to discover when the
practice of increased holiday prices first
came into operation, but this was beyond
the memory of the oldest authority con-
sulted. The commission, which came into
being in October 1942, based its rulings on
trade customs in force prior to that date,
and naturally made no interference with
holiday surcharges. As “The Chief” points
out, patrons are paying the same admission
prices today as they were in 1942, except
for the matter of increased entertainment
tax, and this, of course, is imposed by the
government, which obtains the sole benefit.
* * *
The Department of Information is still
hoping that exhibitors can be brought round
to its view that DofI shorts should be paid
for. But exhibitors are cold-shouldering the
proposal, for the general trend of these shorts
is one of propaganda, and the industry sees
no reason why it should pay out good money
to screen government advertising which has
quite dubious entertainment value. It is
pointed out to DofI officials that whereas the
newspapers charged full rates for all gov-
ernment advertising during the war, the
cinema industry gave the use of its screens
free of charge, but it sees no reason why
it should be expected to do even more in
postwar days.
* * *
One wonders whether this is the shape of
things to come? Of six first release pro-
grams in Adelaide at the moment four are
single feature instead of the usual double
feature bills.
* * *
Despite a general shortage of cigarets, the
management of the Regent Theatre, Bris-
bane, has a girl selling smokes in the lounge
foyer each night. This move is obtaining
considerable free publicity for the house.
* * *
“The Son of Matthew” production unit is
to leave for outback Queensland shortly,
where it will be under canvas for at least
four months. Michael Pate, 26-year-old stage
and radio performer, has been selected for
the leading role, with Wendy Gibb (formerly
Wendy Gibb Brunton) in the feminine lead.
Boxer Tommy Burns has a featured role.
* * *
Jack Godfrey, an English film actor demo-
bilized from the British army, recently arrived
in Sydney, where he hopes to obtain work in
Australian productions. Last film in which
he appeared was “The Younger Mr. Pitt.”
* * *
Registered in New South Wales recently:
Kaybro Films, producers of motion pictures;
proprietors, C. Kayser and F. W. Brown;
offices, Hunter street, Sydney.
* * *
Cinema manager W. G. McClelland, 44,
was recently found in a parked auto with a
bullet wound in his temple. He died later
in the Royal Melbourne hospital.
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY!
POPCORN BOXES
$7.75 PER 1,000
"POPSIT PLUS"
Liquid Peanut Oil Popcorn Sea-
soning — 6 One Gallon Cans to
the Case $19.00
COCOANUT OIL POPCORN SEASON-
ING 38c per lb. in 50 lb. Cans.
TOP VOLUME POPPING PURDUE HY-
BRID POPCORN $11.25 per 100 lb. sack.
COMPLETE SUPPLIES
RUSH YOUR ORDER NOW
ARTHUR UNGER CO.
105 Golden Gate Ave.
San Francisco, Calif.
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
59
SAN FRANCISCO
J\ local business paper printed a report quot-
** ing Eric Johnston, president of the Mo-
tion Picture Ass’n, to the effect that prob-
ably 5,000 more theatres are needed in Amer-
ica today. The saturation point for pictures
in this country has nowhere been reached,
he said, adding there was a need for theatres
of all kinds, outdoor and portable, as well as
conventional types.
The Variety Club of Northern California
held a meeting of charter members April 1.
It was held in the new $30,000 headquarters
at 70 Eddy St.
San Francisco has gone wild over the ap-
pearance of Jean Sablon at the Palace hotel
here. Advertised as the Bing Crosby of
France, he collected about 90 per cent of
the visiting Hollywood personalities who were
up last week. Carmen Miranda and her
new husband, and Van Johnson and his new
wife were among the stars in attendance.
Performance at the Paramount Theatre for
the Damon Runyon Cancer foundation was
broadcast in its entirety . . . George Fisher’s
spotlight on Hollywood originated in the
San Francisco studios last week and fea-
tured interviews with stars appearing in the
Runyon benefit show.
Russ Wheeler, manager of the Metro Thea-
tre, lets patients from Letterman hospital in
free every Thursday night . . . Walt Cheno-
weth, manager of the Alexandria, puts on a
special matinee every week for amputees.
Maury Schwartz, it is reported, will take
over the Green Street Theatre and present
foreign films. His Rex Theatre, now showing
foreign films, will go back to burlesque . . .
The Film Colony club met with presiding
officers being the lovely ladies of Fox West
Coast Theatres.
George “Gabby” Hayes, comic, is to make a
personal appearance at the Golden Gate
Theatre in connection with the opening of
“Trail Street.” Producer Nat Holt will also
come up. Holt was formerly west coast di-
vision manager for RKO.
A1 Dunn, manager of the Orpheum, is back
at work after his auto accident and feeling
much better . . . Jimmy Nasser, Hollywood
producer, came up to visit his brothers at
Nasser Bros. Theatres headquarters.
M. J. Carney, army motion pictures office,
is busy these days, doing quite a bit of screen-
ing. Mildred Miller, secretary at AMP, is
leaving the organization to return to Seattle
... A $50,000 fire at the naval supply depot
in Oakland did but little damage to the
theatre at the depot.
The kiddy show at the Orpheum is doing
ISSl CfcN GET IT ! ■
W Oft W/LL MAKE IT! J
Wedme JhwtnicaL
{equipment Co.
337 GOLDEN GATE AVE.
SAN FRANCISCO 2, CALIF.
* &home HEmlock 8302
a tremendous business. The show is defi-
nitely going over big with the juveniles and
with various sponsors. The Orpheum is fast
becoming the theatre of previews. A nice
note is that on those preview nights as well
as at openings the head usherettes wear
formals.
Joe Solomon, formerly of Los Angeles, is
back again in San Francisco (see, they do
come back!), with the Hollywood Advertising
Co. Joe was the first man to come up with
those fluorescent banners.
LOS ANGELES
Visitors along the Row were the Fred
Mercys, junior and senior, Yakima, Wash.,
theatre owners. They also own the Oakland
baseball club . . . Tommy Huntington of
Chula Vista, Calif., was doing some buying
and booking . . . Mr. and Mrs. Ray Pierson
in from Lone Pine, Calif., for some shopping
on the Row.
On display in all the Blumenfeld theatres
are signs remarking that music from all
pictures shown in the theatres can be pur-
chased at the United Artists record shop.
Virginia Sullivan is the manager of the UA
record shop (next to the United Artists
Theatre) and special attention is given to
all in the industry.
Tiger Thompson, press agent for Blumen-
feld theatres, is coming along nicely with his
new book. Doesn’t know how it ends — not
yet, but he’s working on it . . . Frank Sinatra,
in town for a stage appearance, visited Harry
Ettling, Golden Gate stage manager, who is
in the hospital.
Robert L. Lippert has taken over the Bay-
view Theatre from Paul Gatt. The same pol-
icy will be continued . . . Emily Brown,
stenographer at U-I, was given a farewell
luncheon by the girls at the exchange. The
group included Betty Gamble, booker; Anna
Mae McKendrick, Wanda Wilson, Barbara
Greeley and Helen Roe.
William Parker, branch manager of U-I,
is ill ... A representative of Wrigley chewing
gum has been on a tour of local theatres
requesting that they sell packages for a
nickel.
Emmett Cannon of Film Classics has pur-
chased the cigar store at Golden Gate and
Leavenworth. Here’s wishing Emmett loads
of success. We hope all Filmrow will camp
outside his store for candy, cigarets and
magazines.
The Columbia exchange is quite proud of
its new lighting system. Seems the lights
are 90 per cent daylight and now no one
has the excuse of not seeing what they’re
doing . . . John Scully is the new man in
the Columbia cashier department. He took
over the position left vacant by Henry Stark,
promoted to booker . . . Emman Moore was
in town from her Lincoln Theatre, Lincoln
. . . Sydna Gauley, Monogram exchange,
was home ill a few days.
Reports Herb Caen in the Chronicle: “The
management of the Portola Theatre on Mar-
ket heaved a relieved sigh when our police
department okayed the current showing of
‘The Merry Wives’ — advertised daintily as
‘The film all S. F. is blushing about — banned
till now.’ So what happens? So the other
day the Portola gets a testy letter from the
Better Business Bureau— which, it compalins,
has received several gripes from customers
who were ‘misled’ by the advertising and
were disappointed in the hot stuff.”
"CENTURY"
THE MODERN PROJECTOR
187 Golden Gate Ave.,
San Francisco 2, Calii.
Phone Underhill 7571
Joseph Bernhard, formerly with Warners
theatre department and now co-owner of
Film Classics, was visiting Bob Abelson, Film
Classics branch manager . . . The new sales-
man at Film Classics is Stanley Aronson, just
out of the army. He hails from New York . . .
Births are almost becoming a weekly event.
The latest is Mrs. Martin Freedman (nee
Florence Dickson), daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Roy Dickson of Cooperative Theatres, who
gave birth to a girl at Culver City hospital.
Linda Aileen is the name.
Bill Cox of the Forum Theatre, Barstow,
Calif., broke both his ankles in a fall while
at his ranch in Casa Grande, Ariz. Attorney
Ezra Stern visited him and reports he is
getting along nicely . . . Doraye Hassan, for-
mer stenographer at Cooperative Theatres,
has been on the sick list for the past several
weeks, but is now up and around again.
Lee Loeb, manager of the LaTosca Thea-
tre, and Mrs. Loeb are on a motor tour of
Mexico . . . Jack Broder of the Cinema Thea-
tre is back from Detroit and New York . . .
Mort Branson, PRC home office auditor, giv-
ing the local PRC the once over . . . Father
McCarthy, chaplain of the Philadelphia Va-
riety Club, was being guested by Bob Quinn
of Altec Service.
Bob Hicks Page of the “Mom and Dad”
organization is back from three weeks in
San Francisco . . . Selig Pitt is the new man-
ager at the Uclan Theatre, Westwood . . .
The Norwood Theatre, new 900-seater being
built by Kelly Norwood and associates in
LaHabra, Calif., will be open about May 15
. . . The new Grove Theatre at Lemon
Grove, Calif., with 325 seats, being built by
J. A. Van Gilse, opens soon.
The new Riata Theatre, 250 seats, at
Yarnell, Ariz., was opened by Wade Louder-
milk ... It was erroneously stated last
week that Jack Goldman took over the Astor
Theatre from Sam Ozonoff. The deal did not
go through and Ozonoff still owns the the-
atre.
Miriam Cohen, United Artists booker, is en-
gaged to Bill Bloom, a local attorney. The
couple plans a May wedding, with a honey-
moon in Honolulu. Another United Artists
gal, Aleen Herman, is planning her marriage
to Raymond Washburn on June 28 . . . Lloyd
Goad, Screen Guild booker, was upped to
salesman . . . Two of Screen Guild Produc-
tions’ latest releases will fill a double bill
at the Million Dollar Theatre, “Queen of the
Amazons” and “Buffalo Bill Rides Again,”
opening April 4.
John Beal in 'Destiny*
John Beal has been ticketed for a lead in
Columbia’s “Destiny.”
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
Finest Manley Hybrid Popcorn
and
Cocoanut Oil Seasoning
Any Quantity
W. H. Turpie, Western Division Manager
1914 S. Vermont Los Angeles 7, Calii.
60
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
Theatre Pickets Removed
In Two Fillmore Areas
SAN FRANCISCO— Pickets have been re-
moved from the two Fillmore district thea-
tres recently. The action came as defend-
ants in a $1,000,000 suit were given a three-
day continuance by Superior Judge Thomas
Foley.
The Nasser Bros. Theatre Co. and the AFL
Theatrical Federation are suing two com-
munist units and eight other groups and in-
dividuals for $1,000,000 and asked an injunc-
tion to stop picketing in front of the New
Fillmore and New American theatres. The
picketers charge the theatres with discrimi-
natory employment practices. Edward D.
Keil, attorney for the plantiffs, said he in-
tends to prosecute the cases and that the
AFL Theatre Federation wants a supreme
court ruling on their injunction suit.
The injunction is asked, Keil said, on the
basis that the pickets are interfering with a
contract between Nasser Bros. Theatres and
the union.
Carlsbad Mayor Enters
Projectionist Dispute
CARLSBAD, N. M. — Mayor L. C. Garrett
has taken a hand in the controversy between
projectionists and the Theatre Enterprises
which has resulted in the picketing of all
four local theatres since early in February.
Garrett wrote to H. S. Griffing of Okla-
homa City, executive of the parent Griffith
circuit, asking that a “serious effort” be made
to settle the dispute. “If the thing continues
in a stalemate with no effort on your part
to settle it,” he said, “there will no doubt be a
movement among the citizens of Carlsbad to
get an independent theatre in this city.”
The projectionists claim they were dis-
charged for organizing a union and seeking
to negotiate a contract. Frank Maxey, local
manager, said they were discharged for rea-
sons having nothing to do with union or-
ganization.
Shaw, Malayan Exhibitor,
Coming to United States
NEW YORK — Run Run Shaw, one of the
two partners in Shaw Brothers, Ltd., opera-
tors of over 60 theatres in Singapore and
the Malay Peninsula and interested in thea-
tres and other enterprises in Siam, French
Indo-China, Hong Kong and other spots in
the Far East, will arrive at San Francisco
April 4, accompanied by Mrs. Shaw. They
are en route to Hollywood, New York and
London.
Shaw was in this country about eight
months ago for six weeks. He made the trip
by air across the Pacific and returned to his
home by way of Italy and India, also by
plane.
Lorenzo's Bow Deferred
Frisco Area Houses Open;
SAN FRANCISCO — The Lorenzo Theatre
at Lorenzo, scheduled to open March 30, has
advanced the date to about April 15.
The Park Theatre, Menlo Park, opened
last week.
The Hi-Way Theatre, Sparks, Nev., op-
erated by the T&D Jr. circuit opened last
week with many San Francisco theatre men
in attendance.
Connie Rose's Dog Lassie,
15 Years on Road, Dies
SALT LAKE CITY — Lassie is dead. Not the
Lassie of MGM fame, but another dog whose
death meant more to Filmrow here and ex-
AT ALLIED DENVER MEET — Above photos were taken at the recent organiza-
tional meeting in Denver of the Allied Rocky Mountain Independent Theatre Owners.
Top panel: Thomas Knight, director, Riverton, Wyo.; Col. A. H. Cole, president
of Texas Allied and Allied States vice-president; Robert Spahn, director, Mitchell,
Neb.; Fred Lind, director, Rifle, Colo.; Carl Garitson, director, Springer, N. M.; Joe
Ashby, general manager and treasurer; Trueman T. Rembusch, president of Allied
of Indiana and a partner in Denver Theatres, and John Wolfberg, mainly respon-
sible for the meeting, chairman of the board of directors, Denver.
Below, left to right: Sidney Samuelson, general manager of Allied of Eastern
Pennsylvania; J. H. Moran, Laurel, Mont.; Frank Faust, Forsyth, Mont., and C. J.
Severson, Wolf Point, Mont., president of the Montana Theatre Owners Ass’n.
hibitors in the area than would that of a
Hollywood canine.
The dog that died was a wire-haired ter-
rier that had been the constant companion
of Connie Rose, Paramount salesman, for
15 years. Rose’s wife, who died about ten
years ago, got Lassie as a pup and the dog
had been with the family since, traveling
with Rose wherever he went. The Paramount
salesman always insisted on his dog being
allowed in hotels with him and he was known
to drive on to another town for lodging if
a hotel manager refused.
'Jolson' Breaks Record
HELENA, MONT. — Topping all records in
Helena, “The Jolson Story” captured the in-
terest of both young and old. Music stores
were rushed to meet their demands for Jol-
son record albums. “The Jolson Story” sur-
passed the previous nine-day record set by
“Bells of St. Mary’s” by three days, giving
it a total run of 12 days.
William Bailey Promoted
MONTEREY, CALIF.— William Bailey, re-
lief manager for Edwards Theatres, has been
named manager of the Monterey Theatre
succeeding Manager Allen, who resigned to
return to his former home in Kansas City.
Avalon Remodeling Work
To Cost About $100,000
GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. — Approval
has been given by the CPA for a $100,000 re-
modeling program at the Avalon Theatre
here, according to Vern Austin, city man-
ager for the Cooper Foundation. Work will
start in about a week.
The new Avalon design will be in the mod-
ern western style. The auditorium will be
completely changed. The proscenium arch
will be widened considerably, the stage elimi-
nated, new seats installed, and the projection
room lowered one floor. New drapes, cur-
tains and interior decoration also will be pro-
vided. Not yet approved, but planned by
the foundation, are construction of new rest-
rooms, lobby, front and marquee.
We
have the
for
YOUR
Count on us for Quick Action! THEATRE
* contacts with the exhibitors
>u of satisfactory results.
THEATRE EXCHANGE CO.
) S. W. 2nd Ave. Portland 4. Oregon 217 Governor Bldg.
i
fAKE MORE MONEY PLAYING-
WAHOO
/LnesuccU fyuu&it Scsieen Gome
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue • Chicago, Illinois
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
61
Midstate Plans Drive-In
Theatre in Walla Walla
WALLA WALLA, WASH.— The Midstate
Amusement Corp., which operates 17 theatres
in southeastern Washington, will build a
drive-in theatre here to accommodate ap-
proximately 600 cars, according to S. J. Greg-
ory, vice-president and general manager.
Each car will have an individual speaker, and
complete refreshment facilities are also in-
cluded in the plans, which have been drawn
by a firm of Seattle architects who are
specialists in the theatre field.
Gregory has another drive-in under con-
struction near Anderson, Ind., by Midstate’s
parent company, Alliance Theatre Corp. of
Chicago. A third has been announced for
the Pasco-Kennewick area in Washington.
Visitors Want Theatres
To List Their Locations
PHOENIX — Winter visitors here are
voicing increasing opposition in the local
press to theatre advertisements that omit
the location of houses.
Seasonal guests point out in letters-to-the-
editor column that strangers find great dif-
ficulty in tracking down theatres, and that
this inconvenience would be eliminated if
locations were listed in ads.
A survey shows that of the 18 theatres
that run ads in the local press, only four
houses include location spots. These are the
Palms, Aero, Pox and Vista.
Special Midnight Showing
For Tears' in Phoenix
PHOENIX — Gene Hollis, manager of the
Vista Theatre, held a special midnight show-
ing of “Best Years of Our Lives” for press
and radio folk. The affair was complete
with cocktails and attracted about 75.
“BYOOL” opened at the 700-seater Vista
April 2 at an advanced price scale for an ex-
pected run of four or five weeks.
Hardy Theatres to Fresno
FRESNO, CALIF. — The Fresno county
planning commission has granted the Hardy
Theatres permission to operate a neighbor-
hood theatre here in a section otherwise re-
served for single family dwellings. The thea-
tre will be in a building at the county fair-
grounds formerly used by the army as a mili-
tary training center. The building will be
remodeled and the site landscaped, accord-
ing to Gerald Hardy, president of the thea-
tre company. Off-street parking will be pro-
vided.
We DECORATE While You
OPERATE — No Need to Close
HART THEATRICAL DECORATING CO.
925 - 21 St. - DENVER Ph. Tabor 4962^
^sssssssssssssssssssssssssssss?
RCA Sound Systems
Brenkert Projection Equipment
USAIRCo Cooling Equipment
Blowers and Exhausters
WESTERN SERVICE <S SUPPLY, INC.
2120 Broadway
Denver 2, Colo. I
62
•LOVtSCOMt 9»CK-
»E5T19« .
NEW IDAHO THEATRE— This is the
450-seat Rosalind Theatre, recently
opened by Bill Wegman in Homedale,
Ida. Previously, he had operated a small,
makeshift house in the town.
SALT LAKE CITY
The centennial conference of the Mormon
church here attracted large crowds to
the city last week, and consequently helped
grosses at local houses.
Charles M. Pincus, manager of the Utah,
is sponsoring a new kiddy radio show. The
program, a 15-minute schedule for children
from 3 to 8 consists of readings and nursery
rhymes and stories. Recordings done by
Hollywood stars also are featured on the
daily program, which carries two commer-
cials for the Utah — the opening one plugging
the Saturday cartoon show and Bugs Bunny
club, and the closing one telling something
about the current picture.
Warren Butler, manager of the Lyric, has
a daffy auction vaudeville running on his
stage on Friday nights, and reports the first
program did well and attracted much favor-
able comment . . . Ernest Van Pelt of MGM
and Pincus joined forces to land nine win-
dows in local stores plugging the new Lion
records and the picture, “Till the Clouds Roll
By,” currently at the Utah.
Filmrow visitors included F. T. Murray,
manager of branch operations for Universal,
and Louis Blumberg, assistant sales manager
for Prestige Pictures . . . Jack Cooper was
in town on a vacation . . . Eddie Harowitz
was here to set up the campaign for “Open
City,” which had a press preview this week.
Latest action on the consent decree and
bidding has the Row in a dither. Now they
do and now they don’t, is the way they feel.
Universal had taken first bids from the
Lawrence circuit and Columbia has increased
its office force to take care of the extra work
in connection with bidding. Also, three Co-
lumbia pictures went to Lawrence second run
houses, an unprecedented situation. The
Lawrence circuit got “Jolson Story,” “Dead
Reckoning” and “Johnny O’clock” for sec-
ond run attractions.
Fred Hyde and Associates
Open House in Coronado
LOS ANGELES — The Village Theatre in
Coronado opened March 18. The house has
650 seats and is owned by Fred Hyde and
Associates. Filmrow was well represented at
the opening. Exhibitors Service, Inc., books
and buys for- the theatre.
Emery to 'The Turtle'
John Emery has been assigned an impor-
tant role in “The Voice of the Turtle” by War-
ners.
Frisco Variety Club
Inaugural May 10
SAN FRANCISCO — A group of film men
here has petitioned R. J. O’Donnell, national
chief barker of Variety Clubs International,
for formation of a Variety Club of Northern
California, and the new tent will be inaugu-
rated at a dinner to be held May 10. O’Don-
nell, Bill McCraw and Charles “Chick” Lewis
will attend. The new tent will send a dele-
gation to the national convention to be held
at the Ambassador, Los Angeles, May 14-17.
Headquarters will be set up in the Tivoli
Bldg., 70 Eddy St., where there is 3,000 square
feet of space originally designed for a night
club but never used. The petitioners are:
Abe Blumenfeld and Joseph Blumenfeld of
the Blumenfeld circuit; Roy Cooper, Neal
East, Rotus Harvey, J. Leslie Jacobs, N. P.
Jacobs, Herman Kersken, Jack Marpole, J. D.
McNerney, R. A. McNeil, M. F. Naify, James
O'Neal, William Parker, Homer Tegtmeier,
Jack Tillman and O. H. Watson.
John DePaoli to Erect
Theatre at Holtville
HOLTVILLE, CALIF.— John A. DePaoli
has purchased seven lots adjoining his thea-
tre here from the city and expects to start
construction about May 1 of a stadium-type
theatre that will be used for first run prod-
uct. The present house, according to present
plans, will continue in operation either as
second run or for showing of Mexican films.
DePaoli is planning a brick structure thax
will include space for two stores as well as
the theatre. Eventually he plans to build a
bowling alley between the two theatres and
he also is thinking of putting in a swimming
pool and other recreational facilities.
New Sound at Valier
VALIER, MONT. — New sound and pro-
jection equipment has been installed in the
Capitol Theatre here. Pete Marcus is man-
ager.
PO_RZLA_N_P
\A7 alter Brennan, the star, and his two sons
have purchased a 12,000-acre ranch in
southern Oregon and are prospering in the
cattle business.
“The Best Years of Our Lives,” the Acad-
emy Award picture, is at the Mayfair Thea-
tre here at roadshow prices ... A $50,000
theatre to be erected by George M. Gold-
stein of Portland will replace the house at
Bingen, Wash., recently gutted by fire.
S. J. Gregory, vice-president and general
manager of Midstate Amusement Corp., an-
nounces early construction of a 600-car out-
door unit at Walla Walla, Wash. . . . John
Bretz has been named city manager for
Evergreen State Theatres in Aberdeen and
Hoquiam, following service in Spokane
houses. He succeeds Clarence Achim, re-
signed.
Installation of 700 new seats in the Ma-
jestic Theatre, Dallas, Ore., has been made
by Jesse Jones, owner . . . CPA has finally
given the go-ahead signal to new theatres
at Philomath and Riddle, Ore. Applicants
were Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ritter at Riddle
theatre and Everett A. Mika at Philomath.
Competitive bidding for pictures has not
as yet become a fact in the Portland trade
area, but indications are that Paramount
will lead the parade late in April.
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
Censorship Measure
Meeting Opposition
JEFFERSON CITY— The motion picture
censorship bill dropped into the legislative
hopper March 27 by Rep. Harry Schendel,
(Dem., St. Louis), is expected to meet with
considerable opposition in both the house and
senate. This legislature apparently is strong-
ly opposed to granting additional power to any
state agency, bureau or commission, so the
bill is expected to have hard sledding.
The bill would create a three-member com-
mission to be named by the governor and be
part of the state Department of Education.
The members would be paid $6,500 a year and
eventually their terms would be for six years.
Representative Schendel said he was re-
luctant to present the censorship bill but be-
lieved that it was necessary for the state to
take action against certain types of motion
picures that are coming out of Hollywood “to
corrupt the morals of youth and contribute to
juvenile delinquency.”
JEFFERSON CITY — The house military
affairs committee last week killed two vet-
erans’ bonus proposals and indicated that no
further action would be taken on any other
bonus bill or constitutional amendment pro-
posal “until sentiment crystallizes.”
JEFFERSON CITY — A bill to establish 50
cents an hour as the minimum wage to be
paid in Missouri, except in agriculture or to
trainees,." has been presented in the house.
The bill would give the director of the wage
division authority to investigate wages and
issue rules and regulations and to establish
higher wage rates for any particular work
classification if his investigation showed such
action was justified.
A proposal to cut the state income tax in
half and allow cities to levy an assessment
equal to that of the state has been intro-
duced in the house with the backing of Re-
publican leaders.
Cecil Noecker of Bellaire
Buys Mancelona House
MANCELONA, MICH. — Cecil C. Noecker of
Bellaire, Mich., an electrical engineer, has
bought the Owego Theatre here from A1
Hamblin, who has been connected with the
house for 31 years and has owned it for 25.
Hamblin will continue to manage under
Noecker’s ownership. Noecker plans a second
house here when building materials are avail-
able. He also will operate a house now build-
ing in Bellaire.
Alfred H. Bartelt, 62, Dies;
Former Theatre Owner
MILWAUKEE— Alfred H. Bartelt, 62, for-
mer theatre operator, who died at West Palm
Beach, Fla., where he had been vacationing,
was buried in Pewaukee, Wis. Bartelt op-
erated the Plaza and Empire theatres here in
earlier years. Recently, he was in the real
estate business. Survivors are his wife Alice;
two sons, Wesley J. and Calvin C.; one
brother, Henry, and two sisters, Mrs. Peter
Mages and~ Mrs. Hattie Abrams.
Y-Net Theatre Is Open
WYANET, ILL. — Sam Fleben of Kewanee,
proprietor of the new Y-Net Theatre, ex-
pected to open the new house April 1. The
Y-Net will operate five nights a week with
three changes.
Nick in 1939 Paid Dues
In TMA to Year 2023!
St. Louis — Records of the Theatrical
Mutual Ass’n reveal that in 1939, when
the local branch apparently was having
some financial difficulty, John P. Nick,
then an international vice-president of
the IATSE and leader of St. Louis The-
atrical Brotherhood No. 6, contributed
$1,002.92 to the treasury. The association
dues were $12 a year, so branch lodge
No. 5 gave Nick credit for paying 83^4
years dues, or enough to carry him
through the year 2023.
Nick said that the amount represented
profits of the TMA club while he was in
charge. The TMA lodge was dissolved re-
cently because it could no longer meet
obligations for sick benefits.
Bryan Foy of Eagle-Lion
Fetes Chicago Showmen
CHICAGO — Bryan Foy, vice-president and
production chief of Eagle-Lion Films, enter-
tained Chicago exhibitors and film buyers
at a cocktail party and luncheon in Hotel
Blackstone last week. Foy discussed produc-
tion plans and E-L pictures now available for
booking.
Greeting showmen with Foy were Harry
Mandell, special sales representative; Max
Roth, district manager, and Leon Brandt,
special representative. Foy was en route to
Hollywood.
Robbery at Lans Theatre
Still Remains Unsolved
LANSING, ILL.— Still unsolved is the rob-
bery here in early March of the Lans Theatre
where burglars entered and carried away an
iron safe containing about $500.
Thomas Pappas, manager, reports that
executive rooms of the theatre were ran-
sacked and an attempt made to open the
cashier’s booth.
Police later found the safe some distance
from town. It had been crushed open and
was junk.
Zaring Theatre Leased
To Marcus Enterprises
INDIANAPOLIS— The Zaring Theatre has
been leased to the Central Avenue Theatre
Corp. for five years with three options for
renewal, according to A. C. Zaring, president
and treasurer of the Zaring Corp.
Officers of the Central Avenue Theatre
Corp. include Mannie Marcus, president; Mrs.
M. Marcus, treasurer, and Rex Carr, secre-
tary. Marcus is president and Rex Carr gen-
eral manager of the Marcus Enterprises,
which operates the Ambassador-Alamo, Cozy
and Ritz theatres here as well as houses in
Anderson, Fort Wayne, Cincinnati and Day-
ton.
Annual rental for the Zaring under the
lease was said to be $9,250. The Zaring opened
in 1925 and was the first de luxe neighbor-
hood house in Indianapolis. It is still one of
the largest, with 1,082 seats. Zaring operated
the old North Star Theatre in 1910. He will
maintain an office in the Zaring Theatre
Bldg.
Carr announced plans for remodeling the
theatre, including a new marquee and new
seats throughout.
Louis Kuttnauer Dies
ST. LOUIS — Louis V. Kuttnauer, 49, south-
ern Illinois salesman for United Artists, died
last week of a heart attack at Hotel Evans in
Vandalia, 111. A veteran of 25 years in the
industry, he had been with United Artists
since last August. Prior to that he was a sales-
man for RKO in Des Moines; St. Louis man-
ager and salesman for Republic Pictures, and
for many years St. Louis city salesman for
Paramount. He is survived by his wife and
two children. Early in his career Kuttnauer
was in the equipment business in Chicago.
Prices Rise at Hillsboro
HILLSBORO, ILL. — Ed Fellis, manager of
the Orpheum and Grand theatres here, re-
cently made price increases in adults’ tickets
averaging about 3 cents per ticket. The in-
crease in tax brought the total increase to
about 5 cents.
THAT ASTAIRE ANGLE — Charles Hacker, Palace Theatre manager in Milwaukee,
used this lobby gimmick on “Blue Skies” by having patrons sign a register asking
Fred Astaire: “Fred, Don’t Quit! Dance Again, Fred!” A Palace staffer, good-
looking, too, seated at a lobby table, supervised the entries. Appropriate lobby signs
plugged the picture.
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
c
63
'House' and 'Brunette'
Get Chicago Cream
CHICAGO — The week came in like a lion
with a daily deluge of rain, alternating with
sleet and snow. It cleared up over the week-
end and the advent of Easter with its neces-
sary shopping brought plenty of people down-
town. Business was pretty good at all Loop
houses. The Oriental got off to a very good
start with “The Red House” plus a fine stage
show headed by Jerry Lester. The Chicago,
with “My Favorite Brunette” on screen, plus
a stage show headed by A1 Bernie and the
King Cole trio, did well enough to hold over
for a third week. “Smash-Up” opened big
at the RKO Grand and “13 Rue Madeleine”
did nicely at the Garrick. “The Private Af-
fairs of Bel Ami” at the RKO Palace and
“The Secret Heart” at United Artists did
moderate business. “The Best Years of Our
Lives” at the Woods and “The Jolson Story”
at the Apollo are still doing record business
with “The Yearling” holding up nicely at the
State-Lake.
(Average is 100)
Apollo— The Jolson Story (Col), 13th wk 125
Chicago — My Favorite Brunette (Para) ,
plus stage show, 2nd wk 145
Garrick— 13 Rue Madeleine (20th-Fox) 120
Grand — Smash-Up (U-I) 130
Oriental The Red House (UA), plus stage show 150
Palce— The Private Affairs of Bel Ami (UA);
Beat the Band (RKO) 120
Roosevelt — Pursued (WB), 2nd wk ” ’ ’ j ] 5
State-Lake — The Yearling (MGM), 5th wk 120
Studio — Foolish Virgin (Jewel); '
The Playboy (Jewel), 7th wk 105
United Artists— The Secret Heart (MGM) 120
Woods— The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO)
14th wk ]gj
World Playhouse— Ivan the Terrible " ( Art)
2nd 130
SUDDENLY IT’S SPRING” — That’s
the name of the bonnet modeled by
Jnnice Rosenthal of Paramount’s Chi-
cago office. Branch Manager J. Harold
Stevens looks bewildered as he surveys
the chapeau, inspired by Paramount’s
new comedy of the same title. Ben Green-
field of Chicago is designer.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
• • •
(Twenty Years Ago)
Holdovers Set the Pace
For Milwaukee First Runs
MILWAUKEE — Second week holdovers of
“The Red House” at the Towne and “Song of
Scheherazade” at the Warner and the fourth
downtown week of “Blue Skies,” which moved
to the Strand after three weeks at the Pal-
ace, led the boxoffice parade last week. “San
Quentin,” in the second chorus at the Alham-
bra, the opening of “The Perfect Marriage”
at the Wisconsin and the debut of “The
Wicked Lady” at the Riverside did average.
Easter shoppers jammed the shopping centers
but retailers were not too happy about volume
of sales.
Alhambra— San Quentin (RKO), 2nd wk,,
Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (RKO).. 100
Palace— The Return of Monte Cristo (Col);
Alias Mr. Twilight (Col) 95
Riverside— The Wicked Lady (U-l’j;
Code of the West (RKO) 100
Strand — Blue Skies (Para); Secret of the
Whistler (Col), 4th d. t. wk 110
Warner— Song of Scheherazade (U-I) -
Magnificent Rogue (Rep), 2nd wk... .110
Wisconsin — The Perfect Marriage (Para);
Strange Journey (20th-Fox) 100
Couthem Illinois showmen have reconciled
^ themselves to a long, hard summer as it
seems there is no way to avoid a strike
among the coal miners in that area . . . The
Orpheum Theatre circuit is celebrating the
20th anniversary of its entrance into St. Louis.
Leonid Leonardi, director of the Ambassa-
dor Theatre orchestra in St. Louis, has a new
Chrysler Imperial Sportif . . . Gid Stafford
plans to open the Town Hall Theatre at Els-
more. Mo. . . . Charles Daniels has sold the
Marshall Theatre, Maplewood, Mo., to Mr.
Mitchell . . . Jim Drake plans to open a new
theatre in East St. Louis, to be known as the
Drake Theatre.
* • •
The St. Louis Theatre, which plays Or-
pheum vaudeville in conjunction with a fea-
ture motion picture and short subjects, has
reduced the Saturday matinee admission price
to 35 cents for adults and 15 cents for chil-
dren, compared with former rates of 50 cents
and 25 cents.
Patriotic Duty to
Seymour, Mo. — G. W. Owen hasn’t
raised prices at his Owen Theatre here
in six years. He told his patrons about
his one-man fight to hold the price line
against inflation in the April calendar
program sent to them last week.
Owen gets 10 cents and 25 cents for
tickets (all taxes paid, state and federal,
his program points out), and for April
at least, he said, prices will remain the
same.
“For April we have tried to get a
variety of pictures and in spite of the
advance in price of everything we buy
Hold Prices
— films, express and everything else —
we have not advanced the price, said
Owen. You pay just what you did six
years ago. While we are trying to hold
the line we have felt everything might
level off soon, but it seems everyone
wants more money than the other fellow
and doesn’t seem to understand this is
what causes inflation. I feel that if
everyone would be satisfied with less
profit and help hold down prices we
would all be helping the country to
hold down inflation to the advantage
of all. Let’s all be patriotic and help
get the country back on an even keel.”
George Skouras a Speaker
At Greek Relief Session
ST. LOUIS— George P. Skouras, president
of Skouras Theatre Corp. of New York, na-
tional vice-president of the Greek War Re-
lief campaign fund committee, was one of
the three guests of honor at a banquet of
the Greek War Relief Ass’n of St. Louis at
Hotel DeSoto April 10. The other guests were
Archbishop Athenagoras, head of the Greek
Orthodox church in the western hemisphere,
and William Hellis, national president of the
relief association.
John J. Griffin, executive chairman of the
St. Louis chapter, presided. The drive opened
March 27 to continue through April 8 and
seeks $225,000 in local contributions.
Handless Veteran Speaks
In Easter Seal Drive
ST. LOUIS — Harold Russell, handless vet-
eran who received two Academy awards, was
here last week in the interest of the Easter
seal sales for crippled children. He was ac-
companied by Mrs. Russell. He spoke at the
20th anniversary dinner of the Crippled Chil-
dren societies at Hotel Statler the night of
March 27, and the following noon was a
guest at a meeting of the St. Louis Variety
Club at Hotel Melbourne.
Another guest at the Variety Club luncheon
was Lou Thez, professional wrestler. The
gathering was one of the best held by the
local club in years.
ST. LOUIS
Teo Burstine, associated with the Frisina
Amusement Co. in the ownership and
operation of the Southtown and State thea-
tres in Springfield, is reported to be seriously
111 . . . Exhibitors on Filmrow last week in-
cluded John Rees, Wellsville, Mo.; Ed Clarke,
Mattoon, 111. ; Ranny Preducci, feature booker,
and John Giachetto, short subjects booker,
Frisina; Dean Davis, West Plains, Mo„ and
Dick Fischer, Willow Springs, Mo.
Tilden Dickson, Crystal City, Mo., and Mrs.
Dickson are in Phoenix . . . Eddie Arthur of
the Fanchon & Marco organization is in Cali-
fornia . . . Hall Walsh, prairie district man-
ager, and Lester Bona, St. Louis manager,
Warner Bros., were in Springfield.
Russ Bovim, manager of Loew’s State, re-
veals that when the record firm made up the
albums on “The Jolson Story” it overlooked
including “The Anniversary Song.” When the
picture hit the screen at Loew’s State and
that song caught on, there was a mad scram-
ble to dig up sufficient platters to fill the
demand.
Approximately 75 members of the sign erec-
tion division of the AFL Electrical Workers
No. 1145 have been granted retroactive wage
increases of 32% cents an hour . . . Robert
E. Campbell, 2703 Union boulevard, projec-
tionist, died of what physicians believed may
have been an overdose of sleeping tablets
taken by accident.
The final film lecture in the series of ten
sponsored by the Downtown YMCA was pre-
sented at Kiel auditorium March 31. It fea-
tured Deane Dickason, foreign correspondent,
with the film “India” . . . Warner Bros, trade-
showed “The Two Mrs. Carrolls” March 31
. . . A record-breaking total of $225,000 in ad-
vance season reservations is reported by the
St. Louis Municipal opera which opens its
season at the Municipal Theatre, Forest park,
June 5.
G4
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
MILWAUKEE
r\an Bennett of Film Arts rates a Purple
Heart for his vanishing stunt of the week.
Bennett, Roy Hadley and Milt Abram em-
barked for lunch. Arriving at the place
chosen, all piled out of Abram’s car and
started for the eatery. At least, all but Ben-
nett. Seems he disappeared, and a search
began. Finally, after back-tracking, the others
found Bennett lying between the car’s run-
ning board and the curb. He had slipped on
some ice, cracked his head in falling and
passed out.
Mary Cunningham, Palace Theatre vendor
who models during off hours, appeared with
Patricia Stevens Model club at Wood vet-
erans hospital . . . Marc Brazee, former
Warner Theatres executive here, was in Hol-
lywood recently with his bride . . . Jules
Serkowitz, Columbia exploiteer, pounded the
drums on “The Jolson Story,” preparatory to
the Palace Theatre showing.
Augie Geyer, former operator of Troy, East
Troy, toured the Row . . . Joe Calvalli is now
20th-Fox office manager here. He, trans-
ferred from the home office in New York . . .
Dickey Benjamin, young son of Benny Ben-
jamin, Screen Guild manager, will be a busy
fellow if his plans to be a boxer, baseball
star, aviator and movie cowboy materialize
. . . George Gonis of the Liberty booked prod-
uct.
A1 Bondy of A1 Bondy, Inc., New York,
huddled with Winnie DeLorenzo of Inde-
pendent Film exchange on those General
Electric short subjects furnished exhibitors
gratis . . . J. Juell, Garden Theatre, South
Milwaukee, booked . . . Billy Bein, Cincin-
nati, National Screen district manager, was
a stopover and conferred with Johnny Med-
nikow, local manager.
Hildegarde Huchler, MGM inspector, ac-
companied by daughter Geraldine, shoved off
for a California vacation. She expects to visit
Hollywood film studios . . . Lon Husten, Troy
Theatre, East Troy, booked product . . . Ann
Buffington, secretary to Lou Elman, RKO
manager, is raising singing canaries. Fred
Ford, RKO tub thumper, will train them to
croon tunes from RKO musicals . . . Milton
Smith, RKO salesman, departed for other
chores.
Nick Johnson of the Strand, Manitowoc,
was on the Row . . . Irv Wirthamer, Paramount
office manager, is back after a brush with the
flu . . . L. Droes, manager of the Badger,
Reedsburg, booked product . . . S. J. Gold-
berg of the Hollywood, Wausau, passed cigars
announcing arrival of a girl.
Art Krass, Republic salesman, Is construct-
ing giant chessmen and challenges all comers
to a game on the new checker board floor
in Jack Frackman’s inner office . . . Russ
Leddy of the Orpheum, Green Bay, was here
booking . . . Helene Boesel, Downer manager,
garnered top prize money in a recent Cour-
tesy and Smile contest . . . Paul Nowatske
of the Vista, Mukwonago, booked.
Harry Olshan, Columbia branch manager,
planed to Detroit for a sales meeting . . .
Bill Exton of the Roosevelt, Kenosha, was
a Row rambler . . . The Reel Fellows club in-
stalled officers at a buffet luncheon attended
by 75 branch managers, exhibitors and cir-
cuit buyers. New officers are R. Baker,
president; Jules Gerelick, secretary, and
Dave Chapman, Ray Trampe and George
Edgerton, directors. Plans for the July all-
industry golf outing were formulated and Joe
Neger was appointed chairman.
A1 Altschuler was transferred to Colum-
bia’s Los Angeles branch in sales . . . Joe
Imhof, PRC manager, worked the territory
DICK WRIGHT CITED— For his cam-
paign on “Traffic With the Devil,” Dick
Wright, city manager for Fox Midwest in
Marion, 111., received an MGM certificate
for outstanding showmanship. He is
shown being congratulated by Mayor
Harry L. Crisp. To exploit the short,
Wright tied in with the grade schools,
traffic patrol boys, agents of the FBI and
city and county law enforcement officers.
. . . C. J. Papas, co-operator of the Towne, is
reported building a new house at Walworth
. . . Dave Ross, MGM salesman, has a note
from Irv Beck, former booker, now doing
same at Charlotte, N. C., reading: "Gaining
weight on side meat, corn pone, black-eyed
peas and grease gravy. Ulcers almost gone”
. . . The Strand, a suburban house in La
Crosse, is being modernized by S&M Thea-
tres.
O. Lienhardt of the New Glarus Theatre,
New Glarus, booked here. New theatres in
the offing are the Parkway in Greenwood
and the Krivitz in Krivitz.
Johnny Jones, Screen Guild president, ex-
pressed thanks to exhibitors and circuit heads
for the cooperation extended during his stop-
over . . . Robert E. Netzel of Crandon is
building a new house in Juneau . . . Abe
Eskin, Warner salesman, blazed his path to
fame by covering the territory without an
automobile . . . Erv Koenigsreiter of the
Greendale Theatre, Greendale, booked.
Allied Shoots High Series
With Two Weeks to Go
CHICAGO It looks like the Allied team
is in. With two weeks more to go in the
Chicago motion picture bowling league. Al-
lied shot a high series of 2,863 and high
game of 983, taking two from Warners, and
is now leading the league by six games over
United Artists, which dropped a couple to
the cellar-champs from 20th-Fox. Film Chauf-
feurs dropped a couple to the Garsonites and
Universal cleaned up National Screen for
three games. N. Rafalski of Allied shot a
high series of 637 and individual high game
of 246.
Won
Lost
Allied
49
29
United Artists
43
35
Film Chauffeurs
... 41
37
40
38
Universal
39
39
National Screen
38
40
Warners
36
42
mnniiuuuu^
►atre Brokers
Savere'deTW
•7? -hrg, Dro
Z**6*#4i
JACK FEROIE «gb.
iimumiiimmiiTn
INDIANAPOLIS
\X7illiam Clayson, ad-sales supervisor at
20th-Fox, is at the local branch where
he will remain about two weeks . . . Paul
Meloy, Strand, Shelbyville, was in town book-
ing and buying . . . Thomas P. McHugh, for-
mer member of the Falls City Theatre Equip-
ment Co., has joined the internal revenue
department . . . Ralph E. Peckham, manager
of Film Classics, says exhibitors are accept-
ing reissues more readily at this time.
Sol Greenburg, office manager of Film
Classics, was ill with influenza . . . Busi-
ness in most Indiana sections is below normal
and has been since the holiday slump. Since
January 1, boxoffice receipts have hit new
lows. Inclement weather, heavy snows and
icy pavements have contributed to the nose-
dive. During the past week Evansville and
other towns along the Ohio river reported
heavy snow, making transportation impos-
sible. In Kentucky some sections south of
Louisville reported from seven to 11 inches
of snow.
Guy Craig, manager, Columbia, attended a
district meeting in Detroit over the weekend
. . . Horace G. Reckley, Chateau, Green-
castle, booked . . . Carl Kemp of the Eagle-
Lion-PRC sales group, was stranded in Camp-
bellsville, Ky., by 12 inches of snow . . . Leo
Ciacio, Downs, Louisville, Ky., booked.
Rud Lohrenz, United Artists district man-
ager, was a business visitor here in confer-
ence with Elmer Donnelly, branch manager
. . . Louis Blumberg, Prestige Pictures, was
a business visitor at the U-I exchange . . .
John Doerr, Gregory circuit, Chicago, was on
the Row booking and buying . . . Edward
Brauer, Republic manager, was snowbound in
Evansville.
A. E. Schiller, manager of branch opera-
tions for Republic, stopped at Indianapolis
en route to the home office after visiting the
St. Louis branch . . . Bus Millers, Indiana,
Marion, booked . . . Plans for rebuilding the
Vivian Theatre, Carlisle, Ind., are under way.
The house recently was destroyed by fire.
Harold Janicky, formerly an executive at
the National Theatre, Louisville, is now in
the confection business . . . The Rialto, Louis-
ville, is undergoing complete renovation, in
addition to new curtains and draperies. The
house is managed by Johnson Musselman and
is owned bv the Fourth Avenue Amusement
Co.
Herman Black, RKO salesman, who vio-
lated the parking rules in Muncie, Ind., while
in conference with Don Hammer of the Lib-
erty Theatre, was fined $5 . . . Harry Watts,
Alhambra, Knightstown, was on the Row buy-
ing and booking.
Sam H. Abrams, branch manager, Eagle-
Lion-PRC, visited Nashville and called on
Kermit Stengel of the Crescent and Rock-
wood Amusement firms . . . Oscar Fine, Pre-
mier Theatres, Evansville, and his wife are
vacationing in Florida.
Ted Hammer, former field representative
of Eagle-Lion-PRC, is now with the local
branch of the company ... A. McCarty,
Roxy, Pendleton, booked . . . More local thea-
tres are running Saturday children’s mati-
nees. The shows are being supported by PTA
groups.
The huge figure of the risen Christ will
tower over the thousands who will attend the
annual 6 a, m. Easter sunrise services in the
Drive-In Theatre on Pendleton pike Easter
morning. Holy week noonday services were
held at Keith’s Theatre by the Federation of
Evangelical Lutheran Churches of Greater
Indianapolis.
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
65
CHICAGO
\7eronica Lake and her husband, Director
V Andre De Toth, will head the stars who will
be in town to make personal appearances for
the opening of “Ramrod” at the RKO Palace
April 17. Bill “Buster” Graffis of the Enter-
prise studio’s publicity staff, a son of the
Times columnist, will accompany the stars
. . . The Margaret Etter Creche Day Nursery
charity organization, which numbers among
its members Chicago’s top society names,
called its annual benefit party “Suddenly It’s
Spring” after the new Paramount comedy of
the same title. Plugs for the picture resulted
on the society pages of all newspapers.
Lester Stepner is rounding out 20 years in
show business and ten years as manager of
the La Salle Theatre and JL&S exploiteer . . .
Anne Baxter, who was in town last week to
appear at the Greek war relief benefit at the
Civic Opera House, was introduced to local
newspaper people by A1 Winston at a swank
cocktail party in the Ambassador hotel.
Axel Munson, vice-president of Ampro
Corp., has returned from his Florida vacation
. . . Norman D. Olson, export manager of
DeVry Corp. who has been on a business trip
through Central and South America, has re-
turned and booked liberal orders for DeVry
equipment . . . Don Hofstetter has returned
from the army after five years of service
and is now assistant manager at the United
Artists.
Alex Manta of the Manta & Rose circuit
and his wife have returned from their west
coast vacation . . . The Universal exchange
here is negotiating for early downtown show-
ings of two Rank films, "Great Expectations”
and “Odd Man Out.” U-I has closed with
B&K for “Stairway to Heaven” for a Loop
showing and this will follow “The Jolson
Story” into the Apollo . . . Gene Atkinson,
business manager of the Moving Picture Op-
erators union, reports that members of his
Local 110 have given more than $5,000 to the
Red Cross with more to follow. *
Louis V. Kuttnauer, many years on the Row
here with various exchanges, and recently a
salesman for United Artists in St. Louis, died
March 28 of a heart attack. Kuttnauer was
a brother-in-law of Lou Abramsohn, Allied
office manager. His wife and two children
survive . . . McNeil Smith, formerly manager
of the Gateway, has returned from his vaca-
JOE WEISS
(Formerly with Jack
Kirsch Theatres)
EXPERIENCED . .
. LICENSED
Insurance and Real
Estate Broker
Specializing in Theatre Properties
4060 Milwaukee Ave.
Phones: PAL 2102
Chicago 22, 111.
LAKeview 5958
tion and has been assigned to the staff of the
Apollo Theatre. Smith started with the B&K
circuit 25 years ago as an usher.
A revival of Alexander Korda’s color film,
“The Thief of Bagdad,” is scheduled for the
Rialto next week. The picture was budgeted
at $2,000,000 when it was produced in 1940
. . . “Ivan the Terrible” broke the all-time
record of the World Playhouse in its first
week here . . . Estelle Taylor and Lyle Talbot
came in from the west coast on their way to
Indianapolis for the premiere of Frank Atha’s
play “Trouble For Rent” . . . Charles P.
Skouras, National Theatres president, stopped
here on his way east.
Jack Hunt, Rialto Theatre manager, is vis-
iting in New York . . . Ben EisenbergT Mono-
gram sales manager, has returned from a
Michigan vacation . . . Jack Albertson, for-
merly supervisor with the Manta & Rose cir-
cuit in Indiana, is now in the confections busi-
ness . . . Sol Best, owner of the Holly Thea-
tre, and his wife have returned from a Florida
vacation , . . Harris Silverberg, National
Screen branch manager, is vacationing in
Florida with his family . . . Jack Rose, chief
barker of Variety Club, says reservations are
coming in fast for the annual convention of
Variety Clubs International in Los Angeles
May 13-17. Many locals will make the trip.
Charles Haas, a former Chicagoan, will pro-
duce Marshall Grant Productions’ first film,
“Moonrise,” starring John Garfield, which
gets under way in Hollywood May 15 . . .
B&K has reshuffled theatre managers. Wal-
ter Lyons, formerly assistant at the Coronet,
goes to the Covent as manager. Hector
Bishop, formerly manager at the Covent, is
now co-manager at the Century. Orville
Moats, formerly assistant at the Century, is
now manager of the Coronet, Evanston, and
T. Thomas of the Uptown is now assistant
manager at the Covent.
A documentary film on Greece was pre-
sented at the meeting of the Chicago Council
on Foreign Relations last week . . . Alfred
Kahn Levy has been appointed production
manager of Midwest Film Studios, producers
of motion pictures and slide films for com-
mercial and television use . . . Sam Katz, MGM
production manager, planed in from the west
coast on his way east.
Jay Dratler, novelist who is doing the
screenplay for “The Loop,” will be the first
person directly connected with the picture to
reach Chicago. Dratler will arrive some time
late in April to confer with civic and business
leaders for background material for the film,
the second to be produced by Marshall Grant
Pictures.
Steve Hannegan, dean of publicists, came
to town over the weekend to make personal
delivery to John Balaban of a signed contract
WUfmmTWlfUS play
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Game
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue • Chicago, Illinois
from Jack Benny, thus closing a deal which
will bring Benny, Phil Harris, Rochester, and
Benny’s quartet to the B&K Chicago Theatre
for one week beginning May 9. Benny will do
two weeks of stage appearances. His week
here will be followed by a week at the Roxy
in New York.
Jack F. Eckhardt, president of the Film Ex-
change Employes Union Local F-45, has an-
nounced that the next general meeting will be
held Tuesday, April 15, at 6 p. m. in the Allied
meeting room . . . Henri Elman, head of the
Capitol Film Co., is out of the hospital and
resting at home . . . Whoever picked the week
of April 1 for the National Laugh Founda-
tion’s Laugh week celebration erred sadly.
Holy week held priority by a matter of 1947
years.
The first robin hasn’t a chance of surviving
Chicago’s spring this year. Most of the town’s
amateur photographers are hunting the bird
with cameras to cop $200 in cash prizes of-
fered in a local camera contest in conjunction
with the Chicago Theatre opening of “Sud-
denly It’s Spring.” The contest is tied up with
the General camera shop and is generating
lots of interest in film . . . Milt Kreines,
printer of many film companies’ tradepaper
color ads, was married March 30. The nuptial
knot was tied in Minneapolis. Jack Garber
represented B&K at the hitching.
Harold Perlman has resigned his position
of advertising director of Filmack Trailers,
Chicago. Perlman served as advertising head
with Filmack for more than three years, be-
fore and since his army service which ended
a year and a half ago.
Anthony Popelka, head shipper of Capitol
Films, is the father of a new baby son, mak-
ing 13 children (7 boys and 6 girls) for the
Tony Popelkas . . . Bob Hope had to miss his
date in Chicago with 15 beautiful brunets.
Jerry Colonna pinch-hit, planing into town
as Hope’s emissary April 3, introducing the
girls who won “My Favorite Brunette” con-
tests in 15 cities from the stage of the Chi-
cago Theatre, then escorting them to the
Super Chief where they trained out for a
seven-day, all-expense holiday in Hollywood
as guests of Hope and Paramount. B&K
press agent Eddie Seguin and Paramounteer
E. V. Fitzgibbon drummed up plenteous space
for the troupe’s bow at the Chicago, the last
week of the run of “My Favorite Brunette.”
Jack Rubens, son of M. M. Rubens, Great
States executive, came in from Fort Mead,
Md., on a ten-day terminal leave for a visit
with his dad . . . Sympathy is extended to
Charles F. Walsh of the Lakeside Theatre
staff, whose mother passed away March 29
. . . The midnight shows of “The Best Years
of Our Lives” at the Woods Theatre will be
discontinued for two weeks while a new air
conditioning plant is installed.
Slump at Indianapolis
With 'Red House' Ahead
INDIANAPOLIS— The seasonal slump in
business was evident here with boxoffice re-
ceipts below normal. “The Red House” made
the best average at Loew’s.
Alamo-Ambassador — Meet John Doe (WB),
reissue 90
Circle — The Periect Marriage (Para);
Alias Mr. Twilight (Col) 90
Indiana — Nora Prentiss (WB) 100
Keith's — Smash-Up (U-I) 85
Loew's — The Red House (UA),
Secret of the Whistler (Col) 105
Lyric — Plainsman and the Lady (Rep);
That Brennan Girl (Rep) 100
Brook Theatre Plans Studied
BROOK, IND. — The Brook Business Men’s
Ass’n met here recently to consider archi-
tect’s plans for a new theatre to be built
here this spring.
66
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
Censors, Fire Watchers
Proposed in Missouri
Blanks Will Finance
Hospital Expansion
DES MOINES— Plans for the expansion
of Raymond Blank Memorial hospital at an
estimated cost of $150,000 have been an-
nounced.
Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Blank, donors of the
present $300,000 hospital, also are giving
the funds for two new additions. The hos-
pital is named for the Blanks’ deceased son.
The hospital now has 75 beds for children
patients. The additions, for which plans
have already been prepared, will add 35 more
beds.
TWO ADDITIONS PLANNED
A four-story addition to be erected at the
east end of the hospital will be irregular
in shape with major dimensions of 42x40
feet. A three-story addition at the west end
will be 41x32 feet.
Blank, president of Tri- States Theatre
Corp. and Central States Theatre Corp.,
said work will be started as soon as CPA
approval is given. He pointed out that in
addition to the increased bed capacity, the
proposed improvements will add greatly to
other important facilities of the hospital.
Dedicated in December 1944, the hospital
was the first in Iowa to be devoted exclu-
sively to the treatment of children. It has
been visited by pediatric specialists from
abroad, and three months ago it was an-
anounced that it would be used as a model
in planning the War Memorial Children’s
hospital at Brussels, Belgiun.
DELEGATIONS VISIT SITE
More recently, Dr. A. R. Shands jr., med-
ical director of the duPont Co., visited the
Des Moines hospital seeking ideas for an
$850,000 hospital in Wilmington, Del. Also
in recent months delegations of doctors and
hospital administrators from Minneapolis,
Kansas City and Omaha have been in Des
Moines on similar missions.
One feature of the hospital which is being
copied extensively in children’s hospitals
elsewhere, is the playroom with the Walt
Disney decorations.
Blank said the hospital has been overflow-
ing with young patients from Des Moines
and various points in Iowa virtually ever
since it was completed.
Officials of Tri-States
Form Five New Firms
DES MOINES — Seven firms, five of them
dealing with motion pictures, were incorpo-
rated by three Des Moines men at Lincoln,
Neb., last week.
All firms will have central offices in Fre-
mont, Neb.
Incorporators are Myron N. Blank, A. H.
Blank and L. M. McKechneay, vice-president,
president and treasurer, respectively, of Tri-
States Theatre Corp.
The firms and capitalization are: Keyork,
Inc., $10,000; Kearney Theatres, $10,000;
Platte Theatres, $10,000; Empress Theatres,
$25,000, and Raywar confections, $10,000.
Paton Theatre Leased
PATON, IOWA — The Paton Theatre here
has been leased by V. E. Gorham who is over-
hauling the sound equipment and remodeling
before opening the house.
Sauk Rapids State to Open
SAUK RAPIDS, MINN. — The dismantled
State Theatre here is being put into com-
mission again. There is one other theatre
in Sauk Rapids.
JEFFERSON CITY — Two new thorns in the
side of the Missouri exhibitor were intro-
duced in the state house of representatives
recently. The first, house bill 250, provides
that a uniformed attendant familiar 'With
firefighting procedure be on duty in any
place of public amusement. The second,
house bill 369, provides for the creation of a
state board which will have censorship powers
over all motion picture film and advertising.
Destined to meet opposition from every state
exhibitor, the fire control prevention measure
will have a committee hearing April 30 in the
house chamber here. The censorship bill has
not yet been assigned to committee.
Introduced by six St. Louis representatives,
the first of these two controversial measures
provides that “one uniformed adult attendant,
qualified and experienced in fire prevention
and firefighting work” shall be provided in
every place of amusement for every 1,000
spectators. Further, this attendant “shall
remain on duty at such place throughout
every performance and be engaged exclusive-
ly in guarding and protecting spectators . . . ”
Every Missouri theatre, no matter how small,
must therefore, according to this bill, hire an
additional employe for firefighting purposes.
Bill 369, introduced by Representative
Schendel of St. Louis, creates a state board
of censors within the Department of Educa-
tion to consist of three members appointed
by the governor. Compensation for their six-
year terms will be $6,500 a year. The board,
which will examine all films exhibited in Mis-
souri for commercial purposes, may reject
any film or portion thereof which it deems
“sacrilegious, obscene, indecent or immoral, or
such as tend ... to debase or corrupt morals.”
This does not apply to newsreels or films
used purely for educational, charitable, fra-
ternal or religious purposes. Fee for examin-
ation by the board is set at $2 for every 1,200
lineal feet.
Carrying the scope of this reviewing board
to the outside of the theatre, section 7 of the
bill provides further that “no banner, poster
or other like advertising matter used in con-
nection with motion picture films . . . shall
contain anything that is immoral or improper.
A copy of such banner or poster shall be
submitted to the board.”
Representative Schendel said that although
he was reluctant to present his censorship
measure to the legislature, he believed that
it was necessary for the state to take actfbn
against types of films coming out of Holly-
wood “to corrupt the morals of youth and
contribute to juvenile delinquency.”
Former Louisburg Owner
New Universal Salesman
KANSAS CITY— Bill Kubitzki, former ex-
hibitor at Louisburg, Kas., is now associated
with the local Universal exchange as sales-
man for northern Kansas. Having bought
and sold theatre equipment for several years
and having owned the Lyric in Louisburg,
Kubitzki is no stranger to northern Kansas
exhibitors. The son of W. J. “Gus” Kubitzki,
20th-Fox salesman, Bill at one time owned
the Sun Theatre in Storm Lake, Iowa, and
was a salesman for Monogram in Des Moines
and Grand National in Kansas City.
New Equipment in Bucklin
BUCKLIN, KAS.— Clifford C. Johnson,
owner of the local De Luxe, has purchased
new equipment for his recently enlarged and
remodeled theatre. Ned Busher, Kansas
representative for National Theatre Supply,
supervised the installations.
New House for Churdan
CHURDAN, IOWA— W. H. Cook of Logan
has purchased the Mrs. Gretta Hill building
here and plans to open a new theatre in about
three months.
SKOURAS OPENS DIVISION MEET— Charles P. Skouras, president of Na-
tional Theatres Amusement Co., started off the 16th Fox Midwest general con-
vention in Kansas City with a good story. At the speakers’ table, left to right:
John Bertero, general counsel; H. C. Cox, treasurer; E. C. Rhoden, midwest di-
vision manager; Ed Zabel, film buyer; Andy Krappman, concessions manager;
Irving Epsteen, insurance manager. With the exception of Rhoden, all are from
National’s home office in Los Angeles, and made up Skouras’ party on a tour
of division offices in advance of the opening of the fifth Charles Skouras
showmanship campaign, which opens Easter and runs until July 12.
BOXOFFICE :: April 6, 1947
MW
67
THE FOX THE&TRES WELCOMES
*TR*]
*1 WP**
In the Photos —
A cooling-off period should now be in
order for the state of Kansas after the
blitzkrieg tour of premiere cities for last
week’s “Trail Street” bow. Parades, a
gigantic barbecue, countless radio broad-
casts and street appearances marked the
three-day race through Liberal, Garden
City, Dodge City, Great Bend, Hutchin-
son, Wichita, Lawrence, Salina and Kan-
sas City, Mo.
The top panel shows some of the throng
of 30,000 persons who saw the parade
pass the Liberal premiere house, the
Tucker Theatre. Hutchinson also turned
out in gala western style to welcome the
troupe from Hollywood. In the second
panel, Jay Wooten, wearing the plaid
shirt. Fox Midwest city manager in
Hutchinson, is shown surrounded by Bill
Williams (third from left), Madge Mere-
dith, Nan Leslie, Ray Whitley and Billy
House, and other participants.
The biggest celebration of all was in
the “real premiere” city. Liberal. Shown
in the third picture, at the barbecue
where eight beef steers failed to serve the
15,000 persons attending, are Mayor Joe
Pittman, Lon Larabie, state game and
fish commissioner; Jim Lewis, RKO man-
ager from Kansas City; Ray Monzeno,
manager of the Tucker; Phil Zeigler, post-
master, and Sheriff Bartlett.
At the Missouri opening in Kansas City,
the Hollywood troupe hosted 1,200 orphan
children at the Uptown Theatre. Shown
passing out candy and peanuts to the
kiddies before the show are, left to right,
Madge Meredith, Nan Leslie, Nick Sonday,
manager of the Fox Midwest house, Bill
Williams, Ray Peterson, assistant to Son-
day, and Billy House.
Name Field and Winchell
Foundation Co-Chairmen
MINNEAPOLIS — Barney Balaban, chairman
of the Motion Picture Foundation, has named
Harold Field, independent circuit owner, and
Charlie Winchell, Minnesota Amusement Co.
assistant to the president, as temporary chair-
man in this area.
Winchell has announced that the organiza-
tion will be completed at the North Central
Allied convention here April 21, 22 when Col.
H. A. Cole of national Allied States is ex-
pected to be present and explain the setup.
First Film in 27 Years
ELKADER, IOWA— Mr. and Mrs. William
Glawe of Elkader saw their first motion pic-
ture in 27 years at the Elkader Theatre here
last week. It was “The Jolson Story.” Guests
of the theatre, the couple and Mayor W. W.
Davidson were entertained at dinner by Don
Wolf, manager, before being escorted to the
showing.
Twin Cities Independents
Shun Competitive Buying
MINNEAPOLIS — Well satisfied to keep
things as they are. Twin cities independent
neighborhood exhibitors will not seek to buy
competitively with the Minnesota Amusement
Co.’s Minneapolis and St. Paul uptown houses,
according to Bennie Berger, president of
North Central Allied.
No bones have been made of the fact that
the Twin cities independents, for the most
part, have been buying pictures flat — pictures
that go into comparable and what might be
considered competitive Minnesota Amuse-
ment Co. neighborhood theatres on per-
centage. This, it’s generally agreed, is to
the independents’ advantage.
Also, the independents get more favorable
deals by playing the pictures after the Min-
nesota Amusement Co. houses and by charg-
ing a lesser admission can offset the clear-
ance disadvantage. And this, Berger says,
is preferable as far as the vast majority of
the independents are concerned.
"The Minneapolis and St. Paul independ-
ents are content to let things remain as they
are,” said Berger. “They don’t want to rock
the boat — that is, do anything that likely
would raise film costs for them above pres-
ent exorbitant levels. They won’t start any-
thing by demanding competitive selling.”
M. E. Thompson to Reopen
House in Kennedy, Minn.
KENNEDY, MINN. — M. E. Thompson is
reopening the Kennedy Theatre here. The
house has been dark for two years and this
town of 600 was entirely without motion
pictures during that time.
Along the Trail of 'Trail Street'
68
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
Holdovers Outgross
All in Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS— The only major new-
comers last week were “Sinbad the Sailor”
and “Ladies’ Man” and, although both did
well, they were shoved rearward by such
staunch holdovers as “The Best Years of
Our Lives,” “The Jolson Story” and “The
Razor’s Edge.” It was the seventh week for
“Jolson,” the third for “Best Years” and
the second for “Razor’s Edge.” Another hold-
over was “Suddenly It’s Spring,” in its third
week. Two reissues, “Les Miserables” and
“Tom Brown’s Schooldays,” got first run
play.
Aster — Wild Beasts at Bay (Indie); Born to
Speed (PRC) 100
Century — Les Miserables (20th-Fox), reissue 120
Gopher — Tom Brown's Schooldays (RKO), reissue.. 80
Lyric — Suddenly It's Spring (Parer), 3rd d. t. wk 100
Orpheum — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO) 130
Radio City — The Razor's Edge (20th-Fox),
2nd wk 150
RKO-Pan — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
3rd wk =. 175
State — Ladies' Man (Para) 125
World — The Jolson Story (Col), 7th d. t. wk 120
'Well-Digger' Again Top Scorer;
Shorts Program Aids 'Marriage'
KANSAS CITY— The Kimo’s “The Well-
Digger’s Daughter” again led the local field
by several lengths.
Product at the initial stanza locations was
not outstanding and grosses followed suit.
M. D. “Babe” Cohn, manager of the New-
man, compiled a group of three shorts and
a cartoon from Paramount under the title
“Paramount’s 40 Minutes of Daffy Fun.” For
this reason, he said, his gross figure for the
run of “The Perfect Marriage” was above
average. The Tower did below average busi-
ness with its last double-bill-plus-stage-show
program before the opening of “The Best
Years of Our Lives” at roadshow prices April 5.
No picture was held over downtown although
the French attraction at the Kimo will be
held for a third week.
Esquire, Uptown, Fairway — Trail Street (RKO) 125
Kimo — The Well-Digger's Daughter (Siritzky-
International) , 2nd wk 180
Midland — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM);
Blondie's Holiday (Col) 100
Newman — The Perfect Marriage (Para), plus
four Paramount shorts 110
Orpheum — That Way With Women (WB);
Crack-Up (RKO) 95
Tower — The Brasher Doubloon (20th-Fox);
The Fabulous Suzanne (RKO), plus stage show.. 90
'O'Clock' on Dual Passes Par
In Slow Omaha Trade
OMAHA — “Johnny O’clock” and “Child of
Divorce” at the RKO-Brandeis scored slightly
the best in a mediocre week. Spring-like
weather arrived.
Omaha — The Dark Mirror (U-I), 2nd d. t. wk.;
Flight to Nowhere (SG) 95
Orpheum — Temptation (U-I);
Sunset Pass (RKO) 105
Paramount — Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (MGM).. 90
RKO-Brandeis — Johnny O'Clock (Col);
Child of Divorce (RKO) 110
State — Kings Row (WB); Wild Bill Hickok Rides
(WB), reissues : 105
Town — The Silver Range (Mono), split with
She-Wolf of London (U-I), 2nd run; The Spider
Woman Strikes Back (U-I), 2nd run 95
Des Moines Theatre Business
Reported Slow All Week
DES MOINES — Last week’s business was
slow here. The Orpheum reported just aver-
age business for the double feature, “Johnny
O’clock” and “Affairs of Geraldine.” The two
Tri- States houses drew below par crowds for
their films, “Ramrod” at the Des Moines
Theatre and “Temptation” and “Dark Horse”
at the Paramount. Competing with the movies
all week was a sports show at the Coliseum.
Des Moines — Ramrod (UA) 95
Orpheum — Johnny O'Clock (Col); Affairs of
Geraldine (Rep) 100
Paramount— Temptation (U-I); The Dark Horse
(U-I) 90
OMAHA
“Qklahoma!” coming up for five days at the
Paramount, already has drawn orders
from North and South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas,
Missouri and Arkansas. All $4.60 top seats
are gone . . . The count is now three for
Booker Max McCoy at Paramount with
Thomas Michael, the latest arrival.
Joan Scott, 10, daughter of 20th-Fox Man-
ager Joe Scott, is in St. Catherine’s hospital
doing splendidly following an operation . . .
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Johnson, Red Oak, Iowa,
exhibitors, are back from Hot Springs, Ark.
. . . Ben Marcus, Columbia district manager
from Kansas City, spent two days here and
will return Monday.
Martin Fecht, Community Theatre, Mace-
donia, Iowa, is doing some remodeling and
repainting on the house . . . Bill Harrmann,
Paramount office manager, was off work
Monday due to illness . . . Don V. McLucas,
UA manager, spent the early part of the week
in Des Moines.
Rollin K. Stonebrook, former manager of
the Omaha Theatre, has decided to stick
in the film business and with Tri-States
Theatres. He is now at the Orpheum pinch-
hitting for Ted Emerson, manager, who has
been ill . . . Carl Reese, UA salesman who
has been in the hospital, is out and made a
brief appearance at the office.
Joe Weiss, Warner booker who has had a
broken leg in a cast for a number of
months, finally got rid of all the extra
weight last week . . . Betty Berndt’s wedding
is now set for some time in June. In the
same office, MGM cashier Helen Baum has
set May 3 for her wedding to Wayne Kenni-
son.
Phil Monsky, Universal salesman, under-
went an operation at Methodist hospital . . .
Frank Simek, Ashland, Neb., exhibitor, is
flooding at least one local exchange with
post cards from Hot Springs . . . Esther
Quaas, Universal inspector who has been out
three months due to illness, has been
ordered by her physician to take a permanent
rest.
Norma Nelson, MGM stenographer, is re-
signing to make her new home at Annapolis,
Md. . . . Dee Parks, MGM information girl,
is off work due to illness . . . Marjorie Ger-
lach, Paramount secretary, has returned to
work following an illness . . . Bill Miskell,
Tri-States Theatres district manager, visited
in Sioux City and Falls City theatres during
the week.
Visitors along Filmrow included: Ralph
Falkenburg jr., Lexington; Wallace Johnson,
Friend; Carl Johnson, Red Oak, Iowa; Earl
Barclay, Stromsburg; Joe Chantry, Osceola;
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hintz, Tecumseh; Don-
ald C. Henry, Sutherland, Iowa; Mel Kruse,
Pierce; Mr. and Mrs. Martin Fecht, Mace-
donia, Iowa; O. G. Hagna, Rembrandt, Iowa;
Herman Fields, Clarinda, Iowa; Brobert
Johnson, Logan, Iowa; Bruce and Robert
Holdridge, Shenandoah, Iowa; R. V. Fletcher,
Hartington, and Howard Brookings, Oak-
land, Iowa.
Jules Wiles, district manager for J. Arthur
We DECORATE While You
OPERATE — No Need to Close
HART THEATRICAL DECORATING CO.
925 - 21 St. - DENVER Ph. Tabor 4962|
Rank Organization, was in town . . . Tri-States
is inviting each of its out-state city managers
and wives in for the “Oklahoma!” production
. . . Frankie Carle, holder of the boxoffice
record at the Orpheum Theatre, will be here
for the week of May 23 aiming at a new mark.
Republic screened “Apache Rose” at the
Dundee Theatre on a recent afternoon . . .
Joseph Kinsky, former Tri-States Theatres
district manager here, now is treasurer of the
Radiant Valley Development Corp., Land-
over, Md. . . . Henry Saggau is going ahead
with plans for a new 700-seat theatre at
Denison, Iowa . . . Mayor Charles Leeman
and the city council have given Ralph Blank
an okay to stage a parade on opening days
of his de luxe Chief Theatre in South Omaha
. . . Lent, the weather and Easter buying are
credited with dropping local theatre busi-
ness.
Lewis Blumberg, assistant to the general
manager of Prestige Pictures, was a visitor
here. Other out-of-town visitors at the
Universal exchange during the week in-
cluded E. R. Heiber, district manager from
Kansas City; Jules Wiles, district manager
for J. Arthur Rank Productions, and F. T.
Murray, Universal maintenance supervisor.
E. E. Jameson District Chief
For National Film Service
KANSAS CITY— Earl E. Jameson, Lees
Summit and Kansas City, Kas„ exhibitor, and
head of Exhibitors Film Delivery, is the new
district manager for National Film Service,
formerly the Central Shipping and Inspection
bureau. His territory includes Denver, Kan-
sas City, St. Louis and Oklahoma City.
National Film at present is handling physi-
cal distribution of Monogram, Screen Guild,
PRC, Film Classics and Eagle-Lion product.
The national organization was created in
order to facilitate nationwide distribution of
Selznick Releasing Organization product.
Stars in 'Weep No More'
Cary Grant will star in “Weep No More.”
This is his second film this year for RKO.
P
o
p
c
o
R
N
QUALITY HYBRID
PRODUCED FROM KANSAS
AND INDIANA APPROVED
VARIETIES
EXCELLENT POPPING
CONDITION ASSURED ON
ALL SHIPMENTS.
WRITE
FOR QUOTATIONS ON L.C.L.
AND CARLOAD SHIPMENTS.
F.A.MANGELSDORF SEED CO.
ATCHISON, KANSAS
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
69
KANSAS CITY
after a three-week illness. That leaves just
one person out, a recent record, according to
Hazel Buell, office manager.
John Courter of the Courter in Gallatin, Mo.,
* has returned from a vacation in California
. . . Joe Weill, J. Arthur Rank representative
from St. Louis, was in the local Universal
exchange during the week . . . Bernice Siegel,
secretary to Ralph Langan at Universal, is
now Mrs. Sheldon Sandler. She will return
to work next week.
Ben Marcus, Columbia regional chief, re-
turned Saturday from a week in Omaha and
left Monday for a week in Minneapolis and a
week in Des Moines. He is supervising a series
of meetings, the first one of which took
place here a week ago, regarding new specials
and the New York decree.
Dorothie Warneke replaces Virginia Gay-
lord as first booker at Universal and Eugene
See for Yourself — Today
A. T. ROWE
DIVISION MANAGER
1920 Wyandotte — HA. 6155
Kansas City, Mo.
1611 Davenport, Omaha, Nebr.
3138 Olive, St. Louis, Mo.
812-824 Mulberry, Des Moines, Iowa
Mo. — Kans. — Nebr. — Iowa — S. 111.
“KNOW - HOW”
25 years of it
is behind every one of the
great new 1947 MANLEY
popcorn machines.
Reagan moves into Dorothie’s vacated num-
ber two position . . . Robert Hartung is the
new shipper at 20th-Fox . . . L. Z. Henry of
the Lyric in Plattsburg, Mo., was on the
Row.
Ralph C. LiBeau, district manager for
Paramount, is back from vacation . . . Don
Davis of RCA was at
the office for a little
while Tuesday.
Though still feeling
quite weak after his
recent attack, he
hopes to be at work
again soon . . . A1
Adler, MGM manager,
has a new Chevrolet
with all the trimmings.
Visiting F i 1 m r o w
this week were Herb
Stolz, Plaza, Clyde,
Kas.; P. L. Norton,
Ritz, Caldwell, Kas.;
Paul Oetting, Lyric, Concordia, Mo., and Eu-
gene Gault, Wellsville, Wellsville, Kas. . . .
T. R. “Tommie” Thompson, Walt Disney rep-
resentative, was back in town.
RALPH C. LiBEAU
W. B. Stahl, sales manager for Bevelite, ar-
rived from Los Angeles to survey recent in-
stallations at the Orpheum and Electric,
Durwood houses in St. Joseph, and the Park-
in, Theatre Enterprises house being erected
in Springfield.
George W. Fuller, 20th-Fox manager, has a
new Dodge club coupe. Bernie Evens, MGM
publicist, is another proud owner of a new
car . . . Sy Freedman, 20th-Fox exploiteer,
left for St. Louis . . . D. L. Daniels, Dream
and Mecca, Russell, Kas., and O. C. Alexander,
Kansas, Kiowa, Kas., were Row visitors.
Gil Canfield, RKO exploiteer, and Jim
Lewis, local RKO manager, returned from
the recent “Trail Street” junket through
Kansas . . . “Gus” Kubitzki, 20th-Fox sales
veteran, says of his son Bill, recently joined
U-I as salesman: “After 76 missions over
Europe without a scratch, Bill is willing to
have the exhibitor take a crack at him.”
The Commonwealth office remodeling pro-
ject is completed. Object was to make more
space for new employes . . . For “It Happened
in Brooklyn,” Bernie Evens, MGM exploiteer,
had Kresge’s store create a “Frank Sinatra
sundae.” The store also devoted nearly all
back-bar space for displays on the film, which
played at the Midland this week. Other
tieups were window displays in several sheet
music stores.
Ray Miner, Moran, Kas., exhibitor on the
Row, complained that there are never enough
parking facilities available for out-of-town
bookers and buyers . . . New employes at
PRC are Ellen Bernhardt, switchboard op-
erator, Floee Ridgway, secretary to bookers,
and Florence Hagstrom, biller . . . National
Screen’s warehouse is now functioning in
their new building.
This was a rough week at NSS. George
Crandall, head shipper, Bobby Webb, one of
the carpenters and Jimmy Anderson all had
to have medical treatment for smashed
fingers. Alice Miller, however, was back
POPCORN . . Best Quality . . Guaranteed Volume
Paper Lined Bags — From New Processor
$9.25 per 100 Lbs., FOB. Kansas City
rei/e
THEATRE SUPPLY
• COMPANY •
217 W. 18th St.
Kansas City 8. Mo.
At National Theatre Supply, the following
exhibitors were visitors: Mrs. Thelma Rich-
ardson, owner, and Paul Rogers, manager of
the Strand in Mount Vernon, Mo.; D. E.
Burnett, State, Larned, Kas.; Mrs. Dorothy
Hickok, Dream, Effingham, Kas.; E. B.
Danielson, Dream, Russell, Kas.; R. M.
Rogers and Joan Rogers, Lyric, Buckner,
Mo.; Forrest White, Rex, Burlington Junction,
Mo.; Harry Till, Courter, Hamilton, Mo.; A.
E. Jarboe, Ritz, Cameron, Mo.; H. Heilman,
Granada, Lawrence, Kas., and S. H. Bagby,
Huntsville, Mo.
Julian King, head of King Enterprises in
Kansas City, Des Moines and Omaha, was in
to see Walt Lambader,
local chief. Their or-
ganization will screen
“Citizen Saint,” the
story of Mother
Frances Cabrini, April
16 at Edison hall . . .
Lou Patz is really busy
with the pending shift
in National Screen
h e a d q u arters. The
move is scheduled to
take place this sum-
mer.
Dorothy Myer of JULIAN KING
NSS was given a shower by her friends in
that office Monday. She is leaving to be-
come a mother . . . For exploitation on “The
Best Years of Our Lives,” opening at the
Tower Theatre April 5, Joe Redmond, assist-
ant manager, had eight windows in Harz-
feld’s on Petticoat lane. Two of them fea-
tured motion picture projectors. These two
particularly attracted considerable attention.
Don Walker, WB exploiteer, is leaving for
St. Louis . . . Everyone commented on the in-
teresting assortment of meats on the lunch-
eon plate at the affair for Norman Moray,
Warner shorts chief, Monday at the Muehle-
bach.
John Cosentinon, traveling auditor for Film
Classics, Inc., was in the local exchange.
This office is now operating as a branch of
the Film Classics organization and no longer
on a franchise proposition. Les Durland is
still the local manager. Larry Beichele,
nephew of R. R. “Dick” Biechele, KMTA of-
ficial, will take over as office manager under
Durland next week.
Arthur Burke Returns
KANSAS CITY— Arthur Burke, former
owner of the Colonial, Gillham and Giles
theatres here, has returned to the city as
owner of the Bijou. Burke bought the thea-
tre from Charles Potter after returning from
California.
Sosna Gets Facelifting
MANHATTAN, KAS.— The Sosna, campus
showcase for Theatre Enterprises, Inc.,- has
had a facelifting. The theatre’s marquee has
been repainted and flasher lights installed.
In addition display frames have been redec-
orated.
70
BOXOFFICE :: April 6, 1947
SOMETHING NEW
IN THEATRE AIR CONDITIONING BY
usAIRco
NOW ! ! ! A Double-Bank Washer complete with
pumps and motors. Available in sizes of 10,000, 15,000,
25,000 and 40,000 CFM.
The new double-bank washer registers
85 per cent efficiency — compared to
only 65 per cent in the old-type single-
bank washers. Guaranteed ll
Place Your Order Now For
This New Type of Equipment
We have complete air conditioning equipment
Missouri Theatre Supply
L.J. KIMBRIEL, Manager
TELEPHONE GRAND 2864
115 WEST 1 8 T H STREET
KANSAS CITY 8. MISSOURI
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
71
EQUIPMENT FIRM EXPANDS — Missouri Theatre Supply Co. in Kansas City,
managed by L. J. “Kim” Kimbriel, recently added to its sales and office personnel.
In the above panel, top left, is Francis Keilhack, Kansas-Missouri salesman, and
Kimbriel, and at right Mary Lou Clark, bookkeeper, and Dorothy Duderstadt, stenog-
rapher.
Below, at left: Frank Keilhack, in charge of the repair department, and right,
C. E. Wells, shipping clerk.
FintonjU 'ones_
THEATRE INSURANCE Specialist
Serving You Since 1918
Titl* and Tru.t Bldg. Kan... City 6, Mo.
FLAMEPROOFING
CHEMICALS
with
Vinyl-Resinous Base
Will not Stain or Powder Off
THE CHEM-O-SCIEN CO.
807-A E. 31st St. Kansas City 3, Mo.
VAlentine 37G5
CDtlT UltPTiDM
STAGE EQUIPMENT COMPANY
.PIILHI II LlllLIIII.
EVERYTHING FOR THE STAGE » AUDITORIUM • LOBBY
BOX OFFICE • 1324 Grand Avc., Kansas City G, Mo.
Commonwealth Remodels
Kansas, Missouri Houses
KANSAS CITY — Commonwealth Theatres
has recently completed redecoration of sev-
eral houses. Among them are the Lee in
Clinton, Mo., where the front, lobby and
auditorium were refurbished. New lighting,
carpets, drapes and sound equipment were
installed.
The Plaza at Trenton, Mo., has had new
poster cases installed in the foyer and in
front of the theatre. New lighting is being
installed throughout the auditorium and
lobby.
The Commonwealth locations in Carrollton
and Higginsville, Mo., and Goodland and
Garden City, Kas., will also be remodeled
whenever equipment and supplies become
available. The house in Goodland is now
getting new booth equipment and marquee.
POP CORN BOXES
10c Size
ATTRACTIVE DESIGN
IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT
Paper Supply Co.
.505 Delaware Street
KANSAS CITY 6, MO.
Kansas City Meeting
On Foundation Set
KANSAS CITY — With the appointment this
week of A. Jules Benedic as temporary chair-
man of the newly formed Motion Picture
Foundation, a call was made for a local or-
ganizational dinner meeting to be held the
evening of April 18 at a place to be named
later.
Benedic is acting on behalf of Tom Edwards
of Eldon, Mo„ named temporary chairman in
this district at the recent New Orleans meet-
ing when the foundation was formed, but
who has since removed his industry activities
to the St. Louis area. Edwards has notified
Barney Balaban, national chairman, that the
Kansas City man would act in his stead.
PANEL TO BE NAMED
The meeting here in mid-April will draw
from every branch of the industry and a
panel will be formed of from seven to 17
representatives to serve on the national body,
formed to take care of the industry’s un-
fortunates.
To assist in arrangements for the dinner
meeting, Benedic named this committee:
Exhibition — Senn Lawler and M. D.
“Babe” Cohn.
Distribution — Arthur Cole and Walter
Lambader.
Equipment — L. J. Kimbriel and Arthur
de Stefano.
Other allied lines, including labor —
Pinton Jones.
INVITE INDUSTRY PROMINENTS
Efforts are being made to have industry
figures of national prominence at the April
18 meeting. They will outline the purposes
of the foundation, conceived, as its initial
brochure puts it: “To Lighten the Way While
Lighting the Way.”
Two principal functions are proposed for
the Motion Picture Foundation:
(1) To assist needy persons associated with
the motion picture industry.
(2) To assist or carry on benevolent, chari-
table, educational or scientific activities.
Dr. Deer of MPA to Visit
KANSAS CITY — Dr. Irvin E. Deer, regional
representative for the MPA, will spend a
few days here after April 15 in the interest
of the Children’s Film library. Mrs. Eleanor
Walton, city censor, has arranged a special
luncheon for him on April 18 at the Woman’s
City club. Deer formerly was general secre-
tary of the Council of Churches in Kansas
City, leaving that position for his present
job with MPA.
Hull in Character Role
RKO has cast Henry Hull in a character
role in “Mourning Becomes Electra.”
TALKING TRAILERS, LOBBY PAPER
AND MATS
Write, Wire or Phone
PENNINGTON POSTER SERVICE
130 West 18th Phone: GRand 8626
Kansas City 8, Mo.
smU
THg^IfSi
^Hoganwe-
brokSS^
Waterloo, iowa
714-LUMBER EXCHANGE BLDG. -MINNEAPOLIS. MINN.
72
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
MINNEAPOLIS
Harry Wareham Is Host
To RKO Trail' Group
MANHATTAN, KAS. — Harry 'Wareham,
owner of the Wareham Theatre here, was
host at a breakfast party last Sunday for
Billy House and Madge Meredith, “Trail
Street” stars and a number of other Holly-
wood personalities.
The film players were on their way from
Kansas City, where they had been making
personal appearancees, to Salina, Kas., where
they were to wind up the “Trail Street”
junket that had begun with the premiere
showing earlier in the week at Liberal, Kas.
Other guests, all with RKO, at the Ware-
ham breakfast were Nan Leslie, new RKO
contract player; Ray Whitley, singing west-
ern star; Bill Williams, contract player and
whose role as a crippled boxer in a recent film
attracted much favorable comment, and Dick
Mahon, studio representative. Billy House
and Harry Wareham have been close friends
for many years and it was House’s desire
to renew old ties that lead to the stopover.
Harry Wareham, long a theatre man, is a
partner in the operation of the four houses
operated by Theatre Enterprises here.
Twin Cities Suburbs Deny
Drive-In Theatre Permits
MINNEAPOLIS — Two separate attempts to
obtain permits for drive-in theatres in two
different Twin cities suburbs have ended in
failure. Both Golden Valley and Blooming-
ton councils have denied the permits and
Minneapolis and St. Paul and their suburbs
will continue to be without drive-ins.
Local independents have announced their
intention to keep on opposing drive-in thea-
tres here and in the suburbs. They claim
such theatres are unfair competition for
houses which bear the expense of operating
all year.
Form Drive-In Firm
KANSAS CITY— Elmer C. Rhoden jr.,
Byron Spencer and James T. Britt have
formed Tri-State Drive-In Theatres, Inc.
with headquarters at 215 West 18th St. In-
corporation papers have been filed in Jeffer-
son City with Rhoden holding 98 shares and
the other two holding one share each.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
* • •
(Twenty Years Ago)
JJARRY STRICTLAND, Warners manager
in Kansas City, visited his old friend John
Tackett in Coffeyville, Kas., last week . . .
Gib Jones is now assistant manager of the
Enterprise Film Corp. branch . . . The office
of the Producers Distributing Corp. in Kan-
sas City has been transformed into a sem-
blance of a ship to promote “The Yankee
Clipper” film.
* » * *
Walter Fruedenberger, sales manager for
Ad-Vance Trailer Service, returned to Kansas
City after a few weeks in Chicago . . . Estelle
McBride, who so often called at the MPTO
office in Kansas City to chat with Mrs.
June Medcalf, secretary, has been married to
Bill Bradfield, salesman, since January 1 . . .
John Valaers was killed at the Penn Valley
Theatre in Kansas City recently, during an
argument with an officer . . . Earl Ogan,
poster clerk at Paramount, has been pro-
moted to the booking department, taking the
place of Orville Kirkman, who has gone to
San Antonio with a dance orchestra, of
which he is the head.
The Homewood, local independent neighbor-
hood house, had an old A1 Jolson picture,
“Heart of New York,” resurrected on the
strength of “The Jolson Story” and did land-
office business with it. It held over three
extra days . . . John Boles, former film star,
appeared in person at the Hotel Radisson
Flame room . . . Oscar Levant will play a
one-night concert engagement at the Audi-
torium here April 14.
The Orpheum here will interrupt its film
policy to house Sigmund Romberg and his
orchestra April 29, 30. It will be his fourth
engagement at the house. The St. Paul RKO-
Orpheum also will toss out pictures for one
day (28) to play Romberg.
Walter Greaza, Hollywood actor, was in St.
Paul to attend his father’s funeral . . . The
Lyceum, legitimate roadshow house, is re-
turning to weekend Scandinavian films . . .
The Radio City Theatre has two stage shows
booked for May, Guy Lombardo on May 2,
and Frankie Carle on May 16, to catch up
with the opposition RKO Orpheum, which
also has had two in recent weeks, Bob Crosby
and Vaughn Monroe.
Morrie Steinman, local Monogram branch
manager, has announced the appointment of
Burton Waldron to his sales staff succeeding
Walter McFall, who resigned. Waldron hails
from Oklahoma. So does his sidekick, Mono-
gram salesman Lowell Kyle. Both men drive
1947 Nashes.
Joe Wolf, Film Classics and Screen Guild
franchise owner, has appointed Charles E.
Noodleman, former member of the RKO and
Columbia sales staffs here, as sales represent-
ative. Two additions to his office staff are
Della Roskopp and Roxy Ackerberg. Wolf
has just signed a new Film Classics deal for
their Alexander Korda pictures.
Ben Friedman, independent circuit owner,
is back from a vacation at Palm Springs,
Calif. . . . Expected back from Florida this
week is Bill Elson, independent circuit owner.
He recuperated there this winter after a
major operation.
Jean Levy, secretary to Jack Cohen, 20th-
Fox manager, goes to New York this week
with her husband for a vacation in the big
town at the company’s expense. Jean is one
of five women who won New York trips and
vacations in the Skouras drive. She says she’s
especially looking forward to seeing the new
musical comedy, “Barefoot Boy With Cheek,”
in New York because she’s acquainted with
the author, Max Shulman, and the" latter’s
wife, both of Minneapolis.
Lowell Kaplan, Theatre Associates ^ut-r,
was incapacitated by the flu . . . Max Toio-
dor, local independent exhibitor, is back
from a long California vacation . . . M. A
Levy, 20th-Fox district manager, just re-
turned from a visit to the Des Moines ex-
change, will set forth for Chicago to confer
with W. C. Gehring, western sales head . . .
Verne Yocum, 20th-Fox assistant booker, and
Marian Tarnstrom, 20th-Fox district man-
ager’s secretary, were married recently in
Albert Lea, Minn., Yocum’s home.
Eph Rosen, MGM assistant branch man-
ager here, went to Milwaukee to pinch-hit
for J. J. Kemptgen, manager there who will
be vacationing for six weeks . . . V. H. and
A. V. Stevens, owners of the Gem, St. Paul,
have purchased the Bluebird there from Ted
Mann.
Irving Mills, 20th-Fox assistant to the dis-
trict manager, and Sid Lax, Columbia office
manager, sitting in on the screening of
“Boomerang” both recognized the locale and
some of the people in the film. “I’ve been
there,” said Mills as he watched the screen.
“There’s my tailor’s son,” said Lax, pointing
out one of the characters. For this documen-
tary film the producer went right to the
locale, Connecticut, and shot scenes at Stam-
ford, using some Stamford residents as ac-
tors. Mills is a native of a town near Stam-
ford and has visited Stamford frequently.
Lax hails from New Haven, near Stamford,
and recognized the places and a number of
people in the film.
Independents Will Taste
Night Club Life May 5
OMAHA — The Allied Independent Theatre
Owners of Iowa and Nebraska will offer
something different in the way of entertain-
ment during a two-day meeting here May 5, 6.
President Howard E. Brookings of Oakland,
said that the night of Monday, May 5, there
will be an all-industry get-together at the
Stork club across the river just outside Coun-
cil Bluffs. Night club life will provide the
entertainment.
Brookings also said here would be an all-
industry luncheon at the Font.enelle Monday
noon. That is where all sessions of the con-
vention will be held. Other details of the
program have not yet been set.
Virgil Green Refurbishes
LA PLATA, MO. — Virgil Green has com-
pletely reconditioned his Green Theatre. A
new lobby floor, drapes, sound and projection
equipment and screen were included in the
refurnishing. Stebbins Theatre Equipment
Co. of Kansas City made the installations.
Green, owner of this town’s only theatre, has
operated the Green for 12 years.
draws crowds’ like magic }
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Game
HOLLYW
AMUSEMENT CO.. 831 S. WABASH AVE., CHfCAG
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
73
DES MOINES
2 welcome face on the Row here last week
was that of Fred Thacker, former ex-
hibitor at Swea City who has returned from
an extended visit in California. Thacker is
living in Titonka, Iowa, temporarily, and
helping his father with the theatre there.
He expects to buy another theatre soon. He
was accompanied to Des Moines by his
brother George of the Lakeview theatre.
A “welcome home’’ also was extended to
Nouvello Phillips, manager’s secretary at
RKO, when she returned to her desk last
Monday after a long illness. Nouvello worked
just half days last week, but will be back on
full time soon.
Thelma Crittenden, Tri-States, is resign-
ing to stay home and keep house . . . Helen
Kerpon, new receptionist at Central States,
was ill last week . . . Iola West is leaving
Central States on April 19th and will be re-
placed by Virginia Kimm.
Norma Gene Henry, receptionist for MGM,
has announced her plans to be married April
12 to Kenneth Aschim, who is leaving the
Orpheum Theatre here. The couple will
reside in Omaha where Aschim is being
transferred as treasurer of the Brandeis
Theatre . . . Thelma Jolliffe, Republic, and
Betty Ahrends, MGM, were playing basket-
ball most of last week. Their team the Home
Federal, placed fourth in the national tour-
nament.
Three MGM salesmen are sporting new
cars. Howard Dunn’s is a Pontiac, George
Baumeister is now driving a Studebaker and
Jim McCann got a new Ford . . . Helen Han-
sen, MGM, has been forced to give up her St.
Bernard dog, Butch, chief topic of conver-
sation in the Hansen family for many months.
Keneth Weldon drove to Iowa City to at-
tend some of the state tournament games . . .
Phyllis Whistler, MGM, spent last weekend
in Kansas City . . . Oliver Broughton, travel-
ing auditor, spent last week at the MGM ex-
change here.
Filmrow sympathy goes to John Murano,
Paramount shipper whose mother died last
week.
Sol Francis, Monogram manager, visited
the exchange last week . . . Bonnie Breese is
a new employe at RKO . . . Jean Post, Uni-
versal salesman, has purchased a new home
. . . Pat Brobst of Universal spent the week-
end in Kansas City, visiting Twylla Wells,
secretary to Ed Heiber, Universal district
manager . . . Esther Hueston traveled to Gill-
man for the weekend . . . Doris Wolf was on
the sick list last week.
Marie Slatkoske of King Enterprises and
Helene Jacobs of Universal spent the week-
end in Omaha . . . Alpha Rayner, Universal
inspector, has had her son with her for the
past week. He is transferring from the Uni-
versity of Minnesota to Iowa U. . . . Ellen
Schaumberg, former Warner Bros, employe, is
the mother of a baby boy, William Benton,
born March 23 . . . New biller at Warners is
Gurneth Willier of Centerville, la.
Myrtle Bechtal celebrated her 18th anni-
•vi versary with Warners here April 1 . . . Helen
Knop, Warners, decided to get a suntan quick
and bought a new sun lamp. You guessed
it! Helen was at home with burned arms,
legs and face last week . . . Charlotte John-
son, inspector for Warner Bros., is on vaca-
tion this week.
Harold D. Field, president of the Pioneer
circuit, made a flying trip to Jefferson, Iowa,
last week to see Ray Walter, manager of the
Iowa and Howard theatres.
Gift-Matinee Programs
Have Merchant Tiein
RICEVILLE, IOWA— A gift-matinee pro-
gram has been inaugurated by Cliff Freeman,
new owner of the Iris Theatre.
Gifts are donated by local merchants and
winners are selected by number. The mati-
nees, which differ from the evening selec-
tion, are being held on Saturdays for the
time being, Freeman said. Town merchants
will run special ads on matinee gift days as a
tiein with the feature picture.
Sharon Theatre Reopens
NEW SHARON, IOWA— The Sharon The-
atre has reopened after being dark ten days
because of a flu epidemic. It was the first
time in six years this town had been with-
out motion picture entertainment. Showings
canceled during the shutdown will be re-
scheduled during April, according to Bob
Fridley and Bev Mahon, owners.
Top Role to Myrna Dell
A top feminine role in RKO’s “Fighting
Father Dunne” has been given Myrna Dell.
COMPLETELY NEW
HORKY’S CAFE
Bigger and Better Than Ever
— Featuring 'Delish' Steaks
1202 High St. Des Moines. Iowa
"Where Filmrow Friends Gather"
Open Daily at 4 p. m.
Jn advance o( its timed . .
The new Motiograph MODEL “AA”
" The Golden Anniversary Projector "
Des Moines Theatre Supply Co
1121 High Street
Des Moines, Iowa
Telephone 3-6520
74
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
25 Theatres Will Assist
Variety's Hospital Fund
OMAHA— The Variety Club’s program of
matinees for children to raise funds for Me-
morial hospital equipment now has the back-
ing of 25 theatres, Meyer Stern, club treas-
urer, announced at a meeting Saturday.
Theatres not previously announced which
have been signed up so far for the April 22
or 29 matinees include:
In Iowa: Dreamland, Carson; Colonial,
Hamburg; Globe, Griswold, and Empress,
Malvern.
In Nebraska: Grand, Ravenna; Lyric, St.
Edward; Tecumseh, Tecumseh; Royal, Wis-
ner and Strand, Newman Grove; Castle,
Newcastle; Leigh, Leigh; Coronado, Hum-
phrey; Alexandria, Alexandria; Bee, Beamer;
Mullen, Mullen; Exeter, Exeter; Rex, Fair-
mount; Vogue, Friend; Genoa, Genoa; Plaza,
Humboldt, and Scribner, Scribner.
In addition to the seven drive leaders an-
nounced a week ago the following film dis-
tributor representatives are aiding the drive:
Wayne Stephenson, Anthony Tedesco,
Harold Ironfield, Frank Westbrook, Carl
Reese, David Arthur, Paul Fine, Pat Halloran,
William Heath, Mortimer Eichenberg jr.,
Jack Andrews; Edward B. Rostermundt,
Hymie Novitsky, Howard Clark, William
Barker, Jack Mattis and Nathan Galbreath.
'Whispering Smith' Adviser
Is Union Pacific Executive
OMAHA — Herman H. Larson, technical ad-
viser for Paramount’s “Whispering Smith,”
is an Omahan and a Union Pacific Railroad
executive. Larson recently retired as gen-
eral manager of the eastern district.
Two complete UP trains, passenger and
freight, are being used in the picture. They
are the same trains that Cecil B. DeMille
purchased for use in “Union Pacific” and
were on display here during the picture’s
world premiere. Since then they have been
used in “The Virginian,” “The Story of Dr.
Wassell” and “Duel in the Sim.”
Ralph Ober Stops Traffic
With Pet Hen on Leash
KANSAS CITY— With the aid of Mrs. C. C.
Knipe’s pet hen, Ralph Ober, field director
for Universal-International’s exploitation de-
partment, caused a mild sensation at this
city’s main intersection last week. Mrs.
Knipe, wife of a local Universal office em-
ploye, provided the Plymouth Rock; Ober
furnished a small yellow cape with the copy,
“The Egg and I,” and a short leash. To-
gether they dominated 12th and Main for
over an hour. The film opens at the three
Fox Midwest day and date houses April 5.
M. B. Landau Buys Tivoli
KANSAS CITY — M. B. Landau, owner of
the State in Mound City, is the new pro-
prietor of the local Tivoli.
Bubble Gum Giveaways Now
MINNEAPOLIS — Bubble gum is the new-
est thing in neighborhood theatre giveaways
here. The Northtown, an independent house,
was the first to introduce it. According to
newspaper ads the gum is given to every
child attending the Saturday matinees of
pictures selected from the Children’s Film
library. First bubble gum matinee last Sat-
urday had “Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch”
and ten color cartoons on the program. Ad-
mission for children was 20 cents, including
tax.
SHORTS TALK IN KANSAS CITY — To greet Norman Moray, short sub-
jects sales manager for Warner Bros., Russell Borg, Kansas City Warner man-
ager, invited theatre and circuit bookers to a luncheon held there Monday.
The Hollywood official, on his way back to the west coast from meetings in New
York, spoke of shorts product in the making at his studio and the function the
brothers Warner hope several of them will serve.
At the speaker’s table were, left to right, Helen Pyles, Borg’s secretary;
Kathryn Kyle Black, Fox Midwest booker; Mary Heueisen, Warner Bros, booker;
Moray; Gwenn Hyatt, shorts booker for Commonwealth Theatres; Jane Bissell,
shorts booker for Fox Midwest, and Pauline Schroeger, another Fox programmer.
Second panel: Lloyd Lenhart and Walt Kirkham, Commonwealth, and Moray.
Elmer Carl Rhoden jr., Gwenn Hyatt and Bob Shelton, all of Commonwealth.
Bottom picture: Russell Borg; M. D. “Babe” Cohn, Newman Theatre man-
ager; Frank Plumlee of Theatre Enterprises; Jack Braunagel of Durwood Thea-
tres; Moray; John McNamara and Paul Kelly of Dickinson circuit, and Eddy
Erickson of Theatre Enterprises.
Manhattan Houses Redecorated
MANHATTAN, KAS.— Frank Bayles, inter-
ior decorator for Theatre Enterprises, Inc.,
who for the past month has been here super-
vising work on the State and Sosna theatres,
left this week for Springfield, Mo. There he
will be in charge of putting the final decora-
tive touches on the Park-In Theatre, new-
est TEI house in that city. The work is ex-
pected to take four or five weeks. Following
this Bayles will return here to redecorate the
Wareham Theatre, TEI’s A house.
Hepburn in 'B- F.'s Daughter'
Katharine Hepburn has been assigned a
star role by Metro in J. P. Marquand’s “B. F.’s
Daughter.”
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 oi which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE, DATE & RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE
NAME POSITION
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
MW
74-A
DRIVE LEADERS — Sioux Falls has stepped out front in the Ned Depinet drive
of RKO’s sales forces. Even the theatres have been carrying Depinet signs on mar-
quees there. Left to right: Drive Capt. Len Gruenberg; H. H. Greenblatt, midwestern
division manager; Sid Kramer; Joe Floyd, manager of the Hollywood Theatre, and
S. W. Fitch, RKO branch manager.
C rific Lists Theatregoers Peeves
As Observed in Years at Shows
OMAHA — Jake Rachman, Omaha’s veteran
drama critics, set himself down this week to
list the pet peeves of theatregoers as ob-
served in his years of watching and listening
at local houses.
“Any manager of any experience at all
will tell you that if a patron isn’t comfortable
or free from petty annoyance he hasn’t had
an enjoyable time and an enjoyable time,
pure and simple, is all he has to sell,” com-
mented Rachman.
Rachman starts off by saying “let’s forget
about the disturbing noises” because “they
are so common it doesn’t pay to discuss
them.” He continues:
FAULT OF MANAGEMENT
“Here is a peeve source that is purely the
management’s fault — the habit that nine out
of ten theatres seem to have of flashing titles
on the ‘travelers’ or curtains before they have
been withdrawn. It is almost impossible to
read anything.
"Smoking in the inner foyer is something
you must credit the theatres with really try-
ing to stop. It is the fault of the public that
this dangerous habit continues.
“Bad regulation of sound is not intentional
and neither is the fading of light in a pic-
ture. They are the result mostly of inatten-
tion.
“And nothing makes a patron so angry as
when an usher brings up a party, making
three or four people rise, when, by leading
them down another aisle, they could enter
without disturbing anyone.
THE BIGGEST NUISANCE
"Biggest nuisance is the person who is for-
ever bobbing in and out of a theatre during
the performance.
“A man who will sit perfectly inert in a
home or club chair for four hours finds it
impossible to sit still in a theatre from 8:30
to 10:30.
“You can’t be angry with children for run-
ning in and out. And kids have to see the
shows the same as adults so the only thing
to do is let them in and out and put it down
to selection of a bad spot . . . Any child that
eats two sacks of popcorn is going to run out
for half a dozen drinks.
“There’s a far greater cause for peeve up
on the stage most of the time. Of late, there
seems to be a school of mumblers among the
actors.”
Exhibitor Catches Thief
By Personal Sleuthing
Plattsburg, Mo. — The Lyric here had
been robbed of $25. After efforts to en-
list cooperation from the sheriff had
proved of no avail, L. Z. Henry, the thea-
tre’s owner, took up the scent himself.
Noting that the door to the theatre had
been broken down and recalling that
the stolen sum consisted of dimes and
half-dollars wrapped in rolls, Henry be-
gan calling on every local merchant in
search of a customer who had paid his
bill with small change. Only after
numerous disappointments did the ex-
hibitor find a merchant who remembered
such a customer.
Feeling a little like Holmes himself,
but without the double- visor ed cap or the
aid of a Doctor Watson, Henry brought
his investigation to the point where he
discovered that the Lyric’s janitor was
the thief. One last call on the sheriff
closed the case.
Frank Will Start Shooting
On 'Patch' This Summer
MINNEAPOLIS— Virginia Safford, Star
columnist, reported she received a letter from
W. R. Frank, local circuit owner and pro-
ducer now in Hollywood, stating he expects
to start shooting on “Dan Patch,” the story
of the great harness racer, this summer. Joel
McCrea told Frank that the script by John
Taintor Foote is the best he, McCrea, has
ever read. McCrea wanted to do the picture,
but previous commitments have him tied up
until September and now Gary Cooper is
reading and considering the script, Frank
wrote. Another possibility for the lead is
John Wayne, according to Frank, who is con-
fident he’ll have a competent cast.
Publicity breaks for the forthcoming pic-
ture have included an article about Dan
Patch in Reader’s Digest and the Indiana
governor’s demand that the picture be shot
in his state.
Takes Featured Role
Roman Bohnen has been handed a featured
role in Universal’s “Brute Force.”
New Minnesota Bill Taxes
Theatres to Aid Veterans
MINNEAPOLIS— Still another tax bill
aimed at the film industry and other enter-
tainment is now in the state legislature. This
latest bill provides for a 20 per cent state
tax on tickets to places of amusements, with
the proceeds to be devoted to aid for World
War II veterans. This aid would be in addi-
tion to a proposed soldiers bonus.
A 20 per cent state tax on theatre admis-
sions and enabling legislation to permit
municipalities to tax businesses by referen-
dum vote also are a part of Gov. L. D.
Youngdahl’s over-all state financing program
now before the legislature.
All the proposed state admission taxes are
being vigorously combatted by the film in-
dustry in the state.
Lester Dutcher Buys Out
L. E. Burkey at Deshler
DESHLER, NEB. — Lester L. Dutcher of Elk
Point, S. D., bought the Ritz Theatre here
from L. E. Burkey, and
will take over its active
management April 6.
Dutcher is married
and has four children,
and comes with high
recommendations for
his communty activi-
ties in civic and church
work. He plans to con-
tinue the Ritz policy
as carried out by
Burkey in his nine
years of operating the
theatre.
“Larry,” as Burkey L. E. burkey
is known to fellowtownsmen, plans to look
around for another theatre situation in a
town of 2,500 to 4,000 located in the middle
west.
“I’ve been in this business since 1911,” he
said, “starting when I had to stand on a
box to crank the machine. It gets in your
blood, that’s all.”
In addition to the Ritz, Burkey operated
a theatre in Chester, Neb., in 1944, and had
three 16mm portables operating at that same
time. He became widely known both locally
and outside when he was an international
counselor for Lions International.
G. C. Diamond to Coast
For Drive-In Parleys
KANSAS CITY — Gus C. Diamond, vice-
president and member of the board af United
States Drive-In Theatres, Inc., was in Los
Angeles the past week for conferences with
Charles Caballero, president of United
States Drive-In Theatres, Inc., in conjunc-
tion with California Drive-In Theatres, Inc.,
operating under the drive-in Hollingshead
patent for a radius of 35 miles of the Los
Angeles city hall.
Installs New Equipment
BURLINGTON JUNCTION, MO.— Lester E.
White has installed new sound, lamps and
rectifiers and screen at his theatre here. Steb-
bins Theatre Equipment Co. of Kansas City
furnished the equipment.
John Deere Day at Wamego
WAMEGO, KAS.— Approximately 400 per-
sons attended the show given on John Deere
day at the Columbian Theatre here. The
Deere Implement Co., through its local dealer,
showed educational short subjects. The Co-
lumbian also presented a feature film starring
Bob Burns.
74-B
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
Independents Curb
Duos to Avert War
MINNEAPOLIS— Twin cities independent
exhibitors have acted to avert a neighborhood
double feature war, with Minnesota Amus-
ment Co. uptown houses threatening to go
to twin bills for the first time.
At an emergency meeting the independent
exhibitors agreed that in order to stave off
a big circuit move in the direction of double
their own twin bills any pictures having their
initial releases at the Orpheum, Radio City
or State theatres here or at the Paramount
or Orpheum theatres in St. Paul, the leading
downtown first run houses.
The Minnesota Amusement Co. apparently
was content to go along with the single fea-
ture policy in its neighborhood houses until
independent uptown houses started expand-
ing the number of top-flight films in their
twin bills which they use several days a week.
The climax was reached when one independ-
ent St. Paul theatre began playing a top
feature with other top product while the same
feature was being offered at a Minnesota
Amusement Co. house less than a mile away
on a single bill at a higher admission price.
Independents called their emergency meet-
ing when trade circles hinted that the Min-
nesota Amusement Co. was preparing to re-
taliate.
'Duel' Release June 15
In Minneapolis Area
MINNEAPOLIS — “Duel in the Sun” will be
released in this territory June 15 under a
staggered basis setup, it was revealed by
Charles Weiner, local Selznick representative,
on his return from a sales conference in
Chicago. With clearance eliminated, the pic-
ture will be made available simultaneously,
day and date, to all accounts that buy it, he
says. It will be sold on a percentage basis.
Physical distribution will be handled by the
Bradley Film Transfer Co.
"Duel in the Sun” was screened for Weiner
and others present at the Chicago conference.
Weiner also announced “The Lie,” for-
merly called “The Paradine Case,” another
Selznick production, will be released in the
territory September 1.
Prim Primps Up
PRIMGHAR — The Prim Theatre, complete-
ly redecorated, is open for business again.
The walls and ceiling were painted and new
curtains installed.
Conventioneers to Aid Boxoffices
OMAHA — Theatres can expect good box-
office help from convention-goers in 1947.
The Chamber of Commerce expects 38,000
persons to attend conventions here during
the year and hopes they will spend $3,000,000
in Omaha.
Denison Theatre Progresses
DENISON, IOWA — Construction of the new
McTague Theatre has begun here after sev-
eral delays because of bad weather. The new
house is being erected by Leo V. McTague.
Installs Voice of the Theatre
SPENCER, IOWA— Voice of the Theatre
sound equipment has been installed at the
Spencer Theatre by Manager. Gordon Mc-
Kinnon.
Holy Week Services in Theatre
AUGUSTA, KAS.— Each noon during the
pre-Easter week daily religious services were
held in the Augusta Theatre here.
WASHINGTON REPORT
The importance of accurate news is ap-
preciated by BOXOFFICE readers, but the
News Behind the News is often of equal im-
portance. The weekly Washington Report,
right from the source of many important de-
velopments, is a revealing and valuable fea-
ture that widens the horizon of every reader.
The new political situation in the nation's capi-
tal is fraught with many possibilites. The Wash-
ington Report adds much to your reading pleas-
ure.
HOLLYWOOD REPORT
Personalities and situations that may be side-
stepped in a strictly news story are often as
important as the news itself when reported
separately. The Hollywood Report, published
weekly in BOXOFFICE, affords many a porten-
tous behind-the-scenes glimpse into Cinema-
land.
Keeping up with the news and understanding
current developments better is made easier and
more enjoyable with such featured depart-
ments as Hollywood Report, typical BOX-
OFFICE feature.
Every Issue Tremendously Worth While !
• BOXOFFICE •
Newsiest Tradepaper in the Industry
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
74-C
fyilmn&wA, ol America
A notable series of illustrated feature articles is
appearing in BOXOFFICE. Each of the 32 Filmrows of
America will be fully illustrated and described, with
leading personages introduced. Be sure to get every
copy of this unigue series — another "added feature"
for alert and appreciative showmen.
The Newsiest Tradepaper in the Industry
74-D
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
Pennsylvania Tax Fight
Growing Much Warmer
Motor Cars Changing
Competitive Bidding
DETROIT — Operation of competitive bid-
ding is expected to run up against a spe-
cial factor here that will affect definitions
of competitive areas. That local factor is the
widespread use of cars by patrons of neigh-
borhood theatres.
The angle appears to be that the average
neighborhood show patron arrives at the
theatre by walking from his home — but in
Detroit he is just as likely to come by car.
Detailed surveys bearing out this develop-
ment have been made by individual theatres
in the past, showing, in normal operation,
a high percentage of automobile patrons.
This is borne out by the heavy concentration
of parking on streets and lots around any
theatre in town, almost regardless of run
or size.
Lines of distinction between local houses
are also believed to be fairly accurately
drawn along lines of familiar run patterns —
based largely, in this instance, on size of the
house. Accordingly, Detroit looks forward to
full-fledged competitive bidding — which is not
expected to be really under way here until
midsummer, with little alarm, the view that
the patron of upset runs which has caused
confusion say in New York and Chicago,
won’t happen here.
L. S. Gordon, Butterfield
Chief, to Wed in June
DETROIT — Laurence S. Gordon, who be-
came president of the Butterfield circuit
about two months ago following the death
of Edward C. Beatty, has announced his
engagement to Beryl O’Bryan, who has been
switchboard operator at the circuit head-
quarters for a number of years. The wedding
will take place in June. The bride-to-be is
the sister of C. E. O’Bryan, who for several
years has been head of the special assign-
ment managerial staff for United Detroit
Theatres. She has won fame for herself be-
cause of her unique ability to remember any
voice over the phone.
Forbes Still Holds Lead
In Nightingale League
DETROIT — Ernie Forbes Supply retains
the lead in the Nightingale Club Bowling
league. Team standings:
Won Lost
Ernie Forbes Supply 49 26
United Theatre Equipment 45 30
Lorenzen Flower Shop 40 35
Brenkert Light Projectors 37 38
National Theatre Supply 36 39
Altec Sound Service 36 39
McArthur Theatre Supply 34 41
National Carbon Co. 34 41
Projectionists Local 199 33 42
George McArthur 31 44
High scores were rolled by: R. Gagnon, 220;
Beers, 218; Waddell, 212; G. Light, 209;
Rosmys, 204, and Huebner, 226.
C. S. Lundy Rejoins Altec
LANSING, MICH.— C. S. Lundy has re-
joined the Altec Service Corp. office here
as inspector in the Detroit district. Luifdy
joined Erpi in 1929 and continued with Altec
Service as an inspector in the Boston district
until 1943. He later resigned to form the
Engineering Development Co. in Cambridge,
Mass.
Paw Paw House Repaired
PAW PAW, MICH.— The local Strand, man-
aged by Mr. Dennis, is undergoing extensive
repairs, including a new glass front, new en-
trances and new seating arrangement,
HARRISBURG — The active fight in the
Pennsylvania general assembly on the ques-
tion of state and/or municipal admission
taxes became quite warm this week.
Additional issues bobbed up and the com-
monwealth’s 137th regular session of the
legislature, which convened January 7, was
releasing acts from committee as Gov. James
Duff’s tax bills were on the calendar for
final enactment.
The house reported the Stonier-Brunner
bill, which would permit all cities, boroughs
and townships to tax anything not now sub-
ject to state levies. This act is a substitute
for one of the ten bills in “the Pittsburgh
package,’’ which would give the same power
to the city of Pittsburgh alone. Only oppo-
nent to the Pittsburgh bill was Fred J. Her-
rington, representing the AMPTO of W. Pa.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS AFFECTED
The Stonier-Brunner bill applies to all
school districts, except those of the cities of
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, which are arms
of the court and consequently not political
subdivisions.
However, a bill to permit Pittsburgh and
Philadelphia school districts to tax any-
thing the state doesn’t tax was introduced
by Reps. F. Garrett Richter, Pittsburgh, and
Charles C. Smith, Philadelphia. Governor
Duff has approved this “idea,” while various
members of the general assembly state such
a bill is unconstitutional, the claim being
that an appointive body cannot be given un-
defined and virtually unlimited taxing
powers.
A new revenue proposal was entered by
Rep. Edwin S. Livingston, Philadelphia. This
act would permit the collection of 4 cents on
every dollar of admissions to all professional
and amateur sports. Another revenue bill
entered by Rep. Howard F. Boorse, Lansdale,
would increase from 15 to 20 mills the annual
maximum mill tax rate in Pennsylvania
boroughs.
Representatives Hoffmann and Jones,
GIVES SHOW TO SONS— Celebrating
his 25th year in show business, Frank
Raspa has turned over the State Theatre
in RivesviUe, W. Va., to his three sons,
Ralph, Nick and Sam. He didn’t start
very auspiciously, for during the opening
year there was a six-month strike in the
coal mines. Raspa stuck it out, however,
and prospered along with the town when
conditions got better.
Northampton county, entered a house bill
which would permit boroughs to levy taxes on
amusement places or on receipts.
Rep. Norman H. Laughner, Glen Willard,
has entered an act in the house which pro-
vides that amusement places may sell tickets
up to and no more than 10 per cent in ex-
cess of their seating capacity. A $100 fine
is proposed as a penalty. A similar bill was
introduced February 4 by Rep. Russell E.
Reese. His act would permit the sale of
tickets in excess of 5 per cent over seating
capacity, fines would be $200 to $500 and/or
imprisonment from one month to three
months. These bills are before the commit-
tee on judiciary.
“Social luxuries” were discussed this week.
Due for presentation in the legislature this
week is a state tax measure on social luxuries
to raise an estimated 40 million dollars next
biennium for increased teacher salaries. This
measure would impose an undisclosed levy
oh athletic contests, bowling alleys, theatres,
stage productions and other “social luxuries.”
Disclosure of the new levy bill came after
the house passage of Governor Duff’s 182-
million-dollar emergency tax program for
the next two years, including the imposts on
cigarets, cigars, tobacco, soft drinks, liquor,
beer, manufacturers, corporations and util-
ities. New or additional taxes are designed
to raise 133 millions of that amount.
SOME SOURCES “ESCAPE”
The total amount likely to be approved by
the legislature for the bonus to veterans of
Pennsylvania in World War II is half a bil-
lion dollars.
Various new tax sources have “escaped”
to date because they are being “saved,” as it
were, to make sure of a method of carrying
the bonus.
New bills in the house include:
H-715 (Nelson) : This measure provides for
the exhibition of religious motion pictures
by churches at any time, making nonap-
plicable sections of the 1935 Sunday refer-
endum act. (Referred to committee on law
and order.)
H-729 (Watkins) : This bill grants gen-
eral power of taxation within their juris-
dictions, subject to the laws of the common-
wealth, to counties, cities and boroughs. (In
hands of committee on municipal corpora-
tions.)
H-730 (Watkins): This act would estab-
lish a uniform standard of time. (Commit-
tee on state government is considering this.)
H-744 (Hoffman and Jones) : This act
authorizes charges for borough services and
facilities. (Referred to committee on
boroughs.)
HORSERACING MEASURE UP
H-771 (Worley) : Another act to establish
standard time, this measure would prohibit
city councils and other municipal bodies j
from adopting ordinances, resolutions or
rules setting up “a different standard of
time” from eastern standard time for any
year or part of a year. (This act is in the
hands of the committee on state govern-
ment.)
H-776 (Horan): This provides for horse-
racing with pari-mutuel wagering and im-
poses taxes. (Referred to the law and order
committee.)
H-781 (Depuy) : This changes night club
liquor license fees. (This was sent to the
liquor control committee.)
H-784 (Kean and McDonald) : This act
(Continued on next page)
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
ME
75
CLEVELAND
J^ue home early in April are George C. Kala-
fat and wife, who have been vacationing
in Florida. They post carded from Miami
that they had a wonderful fortnight in that
sunkissed spot.
Earl Sweigert, Paramount eastern division
manager, met here with Herman Lorber,
Thomas Gibbons, Harry Goldstein, Saul Fri-
field, Walter Wien and Edward Stucky for a
discussion on the legal “do and do not” under
the New York decree.
Gilbert Lefton, president of Academy Film
Service, distributors of 16mm projectors and
film, together with Mrs. Lefton attended the
district NAVED meeting in Chicago last
week . . . Marge McCord, secretary to Warner
assistant zone manager Dick Wright, was
snowed in during the two-day storm that tied
up local transportation ... As soon as the
roads cleared, Nat Wolf, Warner zone man-
ager, and D. Leonard Halper, building en-
gineer, took off on an inspection trip through
the state to see what damage the storm
caused to Warner theatres.
Milton A. Mooney, head of Cooperative
Theatres of Ohio, has added the following
new accounts to the more than 100 he is now
serving: Telegraph Drive-In, Toledo; Fre-
mont Drive-In, Fremont; East Side Drive-In
and West Side Drive-In, Cleveland; Shreve
Theatre, Shreve; Roxy, Caldwell; Charve,
Edgerton, and the Ohio, Van Wert.
Ed Fisher, Loew Theatre publicity director,
is ill. So is Oscar Ruby, Columbia manager
. . . RKO was operating on one cylinder last
week. Most of the working crew had flu . . .
Sam Seplowin, Republic district manager,
and Harris Dudelson, Film Classics district
manager, were among the week’s visitors.
Howard Reif of the Scoville, Essick & Reif
circuit came back from Florida with a fine
tan and a bad cold . . . Norman Levin, Re-
public manager, attended the company’s sales
meeting in New York last week . . . John
Urbansky sr. and Bernie Rubin of Imperial
Pictures are planning a picture-buying trip
to New York early in April.
That spiffy new Pontiac parked in front of
the Film Bldg, belongs to Harry Henderson,
who doubles as managing director for the
Lorain Fulton Theatre and as special sales
representative for Visual Communications,
selling RCA 16mm sound projectors . . . Ray
Essick, the circuit man, and Mrs. Essick are
F&E£! Give your patrons
Wear-Ever Pressure Cookers and All Metal Shop-
ping Carts worth $287.50. Write for details.
Coulter
Dinnerware
Theatre Films
403 Film Bldg.
Cleveland 14, Ohio
Theatre
Games
on a Caribbean cruise . . . Dave Gaffney has
been promoted from booker to office man-
ager of the PRC exchange by Mark Goldman,
branch manager . . . And speaking of PRC,
when the carpenters, painters and decorators
are finished, they’ll have one of the finest
exchanges in the city.
Paul Hartnett, a recent GI, is the new
booker at PRC . . . B. W. Payne jr„ Modern
Talking Pictures franchise holder, has re-
newed for a second year his distribution con-
tract for the 16mm version of March of Time
. . . John Quinlan, assistant manager at the
RKO Palace, is at the Henroten hospital,
Chicago, for a thorough physical checkup . . .
John Short, electrician at Loew’s State, suf-
fered a bruised back and a sprained ankle
when he fell off a ladder while changing
marquee signs.
John Huebner, Marion, took time off from
his booking business the other day to enjoy
“Carnival in Costa Rica,” which is just what
the title indicates . . . Casey MacDougal,
stagehand at Loew’s State, had an unex-
pected vacation last week. He was snowed in
at his home in Brecksville during the storm.
But Manager Maurice Druker and his assist-
ant Don Abeles, dusted off their manuals on
how to operate stage curtains and came
through without any casualties. Moral of this
story is, “know how to do everything around
a theatre if you want to be a good manager.”
Ruth Gardinier is the newest addition to
the Co-Op booking department, which now
numbers six bookers, H. E. McManus, Fred
Scheuerman, M. M. Blattner, Mike Levin,
Howard Spiess and Ralph Noltemyer . . . Re-
public’s “Apache Rose” was tradescreened at
the Cedar Lee Theatre to a big turn-out.
Hilbert Horwitz, associate of Jack Gertz,
has taken over representation of Metro Pre-
mium in this territory. Harris Segelin has
been appointed office manager. Metro han-
dles popcorn, popcorn machines and popcorn
accessories. Metro is keeping its former lo-
cation in the Film Bldg. . . . James J. Jordon,
U-I contract playdate manager, was a visitor.
Reports coining in on theatre collections
for the Greek relief drive show a generous
response. I. J. Schmertz, distributor chair-
man, again emphasizes that while every thea-
tre is urged to give $80 for the support of one
Greek orphan for one year, smaller donations
will be gratefully received. Meetings are being
held each Monday during the drive period at
which time the week’s collections are an-
nounced . . . Oliver Theatre Supply, recently
remodeled, has a new plate glass window to
replace the one blown out by the 65 m.p.h.
gale that hit Cleveland last Tuesday.
Plays Opposite Belita
Preston Foster has been set for the lead
opposite Belita in Monogram’s “The Hunted.”
YOi/fi B£sr &£r ss
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Game
m
AMUSEMENT CO.. 831 S. WABASH AVE.. CHICAG
Tax Fight Warmer
In Pa. Legislature
(Continued from preceding page)
provides for the safety of persons employed
or assembled in motion picture theatres in
cities of the first class (Philadelphia) by re-
quiring a trailer or diagram showing each
exit to be exhibited on the screen for at least
one-half minute at each performance. (Com-
mittee on city and county is considering this
proposal which applies only to Philadel-
phia.)
H-800 (Stonier and Brunner jr.) : This
empowers political subdivisions, except cities
of the first class, counties of the first class
and school districts of the first class) to levy,
assess and collect additional taxes for gen-
eral revenue purposes. (Referred to the com-
mittee on municipal corporations.)
The Cadwalader act (H-664) which adds
new taxes on syrups and bottled soft drinks,
is active, having been reported as committed
by the committee on ways and means.
The Mihm and Sarraf act (H-505) em-
powering cities of the second class (Pitts-
burgh) to levy additional taxes, is active.
Bills up in the senate:
S-374 (Walker) ; This would prohibit dis-
crimination in employment and related mat-
ters because of race, color, religious creed,
national origin or ancestry. (Referred to
labor and industry committee.)
REGULATING TICKET RESALE
S-304 (Jaspan) : This act would regulate
the sale and resale for profit and the carry-
ing on of the business of selling or reselling
tickets or other devices for admission to
places of amusement, and licenses owners
and agents. .(This is before the committee
on state government.)
S-265 (Rosenfeld, Leader and Barr) : An-
other act to prohibit discriminatory employ-
ment, practices and policies. (In the hands
of the labor and industry committee.)
S-271 (Homsher); This would repeal an
act which permits musicians to receive com-
pensation for Sunday music services. (Re-
ferred to the committee on law and order.)
The act permitting Sunday ice shows, ice
hockey and basketball between 2 p. m. and
7 p. m., is active, following an amendment
which includes Sunday bowling. This bill
(S-103) was introduced by Senator Crowe.
The Scanlon act (H-696) which would
establish a uniform admission fee and would
prohibit increase or decrease of admission
prices, is in the committee on law and order,
and is inactive at the moment.
West Virginia Showmen
To Meet in September
CHARLESTON, W. VA.— The West Virginia
Theatre Managers Ass’n, an Allied unit, ex-
pects to hold the organization’s 1947 conven-
tion in September. E. R. “Gene” Custer is
president. Time and place will be deter-
mined at a meeting of the board of directors.
The West Virginia legislature adjourned
and none of the bills inimical to the indus-
try were enacted, Custer said.
OLIVER THEATRE
SUPPLY CO.. INC.
M. H. FRITCHLE
Manager
23rd and Payne Avenue
Phone: PRospect 6934
CLEVELAND
76
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
. . . units are adaptable to all makes of sound equipment . . . AUTO-VOICE manufacturer is your company be-
cause its efforts and research facilities are given exclusively to your problems and requirements . . . IMME-
DIATE DELIVERY . . . write or call and let us help you with your engineering problems.
‘Subject to change and slightly higher in foreign countries . . . Patents Pending.
DRIVE-IN THEATER EQUIPMENT CO.
2130 SUPERIOR AVENUE Phone Cherry 5573 CLEVELAND 14, OHIO
AUTO-VOICE
MORE PROFITABLY
SPEAKS AT
YOUR ORIME-IN
THE BI-CAR
Here is a unit for those who prefer the perma-
nently mounted type . . . priced at $16* a unit com-
plete for two cars ...
Finished in red and gray . • .
Heavy duty 8 inch speaker . . .
Exponential and two directional baffling DIRECTS
and RESTRICTS sound only to points needed . . .
May be mounted as in the case of the In-Car . . .
THE IN-CAR
Functional and geometric design . . .
Practical eye-appeal . . .
Rugged, dependable and hand tooled of steel con-
struction, yet light enough for effortless handling . . .
The 5V4 inch speaker, the individual volume controls
and all other electronic components are completely
WEATHER-PROOFED ...
Junction box may be mounted on 2 inch pipe or
wooden post . . .
Compare others to our $26* a unit complete for
two cars with Koiled Kords (straight cables obtain-
able at less cost) . . .
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
77
Free Press Defends
Film Stars' Morals
DETROIT — A strong defense of the per-
sonal morality of leading screen figures was
made by Malcolm W. Bingay, editorial di-
rector of the Detroit Free Press, in an article
written immediately after his return from
several weeks on the west coast, in answer to
criticism recently voiced by religious leaders.
Bingay said:
“There are about 20,000 people out here
who work in pictures. Of these about one-
half are merely extras. But every time any
one of them gets in a jam they are pro-
claimed in the press as ‘movie stars.’
“Again, there are young, obscure men and
women who are photogenic and flash before
the public as ‘stars.’ Some of them lack the
brain power of a gnat. Suddenly they come
into the big money and it goes to their heads
. . . Except for these foolish people there are
no more divorces in Hollywood than there
are in any other community.
“When Leo Durocher, the ball player, comes
out here, wrecks a man’s home and takes his
wife, a movie actress, the motion picture in-
dustry is blamed— not baseball.”
Dearborn Theatre History
Sought for Collection
DETROIT — A quest for the history of pre-
talking picture theatres in Dearborn has
been launched by Milo M. Quaife, editor of
the Burton Historical collection. One eafly
house in this west side suburb, because of
the tight seating, was called “The Struggle,”
although it was christened the Lyric. This
was said to be the second theatre in the
town. First owner was listed as “Mrs. Sim-
mons.” Oldtimers having further details have
been asked to submit their knowledge of
early shows to the collection.
Three New Spots Serviced
By Theatre Owners Corp.
CINCINNATI — Theatre Owners Corp. has
signed three local theatres for its booking
and buying service, according to Irving
Sochin, general manager.
The addition of the Auto-In, operated by
Jerome Kunz, which will open April 15; the
Dixie Gardens, operated by Willis Vance,
which will open June 1, and the Plaza Thea-
tre in Miamisburg, Ohio, will bring the total
theatres which Theatre Owners services to 45.
Announcing the
opening of
Qe+t&uil 'Uteat'ie- C<^uipjne*tiCo.
109 Michigan St.,
Toledo 2, Ohio
Telephone ADams 8511
Nights and Sundays JOrdan 1662
A complete line of equipment and
supplies, including
CENTURY PROJECTORS
CENTURY SOUND SYSTEMS
IDEAL CHAIRS
STRONG LAMPS
24 -hour Repair Service by Experi-
enced Projection and Sound
Engineers.
Atomic Bomb Figures Aid
Louisville "End" Debut
LOUISVILLE — The opening here at Loew’s
Theatre of “The Beginning or the End” fea-
tured Maj. Edwin Franz and Dr. Shelby Love
Shown here looking at stills from “The
Beginning or the End” are Major and
Mrs. Charles D. Salwyers and, standing
left to right, George Hunt, manager of
Loew’s, Louisville, and Norman Pullen,
assistant to Hunt.
in newspaper stories dealing with their con-
nection with the making of the atomic bomb.
Another story had to do with Maj. Charles
D. Salwyers, also of Louisville, now stationed
at Oak Ridge, a part of the atomic bomb
project.
A tiein was made with WGRC, which sta-
tioned an announcer on the stage of Loew’s
in advance of playdate, plugging the picture
some 30 times. The theatre also featured a
15-minute air interview with Major Salwyers
at Oak Ridge. Another station, WAVE, had
a 15-minute broadcast from the stage with
William D. Selby, president of the junior
chamber of commerce, acting as emcee.
Special invitations were sent to 150 honor
guests. Giant searchlights illuminated the
front of the theatre.
Crowds waited in the rain for an hour.
Coal Synthetics Industry
Will Build at Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH— King Coal is setting up a
new $120,000,000 throne here. The Pittsburgh
Consolidation Coal Co. has disclosed plans for
a gigantic- new industry designed to bolster
the shaky dominance of coal through syn-
thetic production of its natural competitors,
gas, gasoline and oil. The site of the pilot
plant was made to order for such a project
at Library, Pa.
This page one story may prove to be the big-
gest industrial news since steel first came to
Pittsburgh. The district thus gets a head
start in obtaining the many diversified in-
dustries which can be attracted by an almost
unlimited supply of high quality gas, plus
huge quantities of fuel oil, alcohol, gasoline
and sulphur. Great chemical industries well
might develop here, rivaling steel as a source
of industrial wealth.
New Equipment at Benton
BENTON, KY. — The Ruffin Amusement Co.
has installed new projection equipment, sound
and screen in the Benton Theatre. Paid Har-
rington of the company’s home office was in
charge of installation. While here, he also
supervised installation of a new tile floor
in the lobby and rebuilding the neon sign.
Braumart Will Build
$150,000 Theatre
IRON MOUNTAIN, MICH. — The Brau-
mart Theatre Co. will construct a new thea-
tre here at a cost estimated at $150,000. The
new house will be located at the rear of the
present Braumart Theatre. Construction will
begin some time this spring. Designed as
an L-shaped structure, the theatre will seat
1,150 persons. The Braumart and Colonial
will continue to operate, M. D. Thomas, presi-
dent of the Braumart Co., said.
OLUMBUS
■J*he Olentangy Theatre, operated by A1
Sugarman and Lee Hofheimer, will be-
come the first foreign film theatre in Co-
lumbus as soon as remodeling and renova-
tion are completed. The theatre is situated
in the Clintonville area near Ohio State
university. Sugarman and Hofheimer, inci-
dentally, will take over the Champion, Miles
circuit house, June 1.
Voice of the Theatre sound system has
been installed at the Drexel Theatre, oper-
ated by Ethel Miles . . . Johnny Jones, Dis-
patch columnist and former theatre manager,
said in his column that he got a thrill out
of the new Kroehler pushback seats at the
new University Theatre.
Seventy-year-old Thomas May, who had
never seen a motion picture, broke that record
when his son took him to the Parsons Thea-
tre to see “The Jolson Story.” Now he’s a
confirmed film fan . . . Barkers of the local
Variety Club who plan to attend the national
convention in Los Angeles May 13-17 are
urged to contact J. F. Luft, treasurer, at
55 East State St. immediately. A special
train will pick up barkers on the trip to the
coast.
Louis J. Velas has reopened the former
Ohio Theatre, Cambridge, closed for the
past five years. He has renamed it the
Liberty. It has been remodeled and equipped
with RCA sound . . . Charles R. Brinkman,
operator of the Du-Drop Inn, Defiance, plans
to build a $50,000 drive-in and restaurant
on an eight-acre tract north of Defiance on
Route 66.
John B. Brobst, Loew’s Ohio maintenance
man, was seriously injured when he fell to
the sidewalk while changing the theatre
marquee. He will be hospitalized for several
weeks . . . J. Maxwell Joice, Paramount
special representative out of Cleveland, was
in town saying farewell to local friends be-
fore assuming his new duties as special rep-
resentative in Washington for Paramount.
Joice will be succeeded in the Cleveland-
Detroit area by James Levine, with Para-
mount in Pittsburgh . . . Arthur M. “Doc”
Holah, MGM representative, has joined the
swelling ranks of house hunters. Longtime
resident of Newark, Ohio, Holah is seeking
a home in Columbus.
Senate Passes Resolution
Commending Dorsey Bros.
HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania senate
has passed a resolution (legislative journal
page 481) congratulating the Dorsey broth-
ers for their accomplishments in music and
for the credit they have brought to Shenan-
doah and Pennsylvania. Senator Wagner pre-
sented the resolution in exploiting the United
Artists’ release, “The Fabulous Dorseys.”
78
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
Slorm Snarls Film
Booking Schedules
CLEVELAND — The motion picture indus-
try, like every other business in the greater
Cleveland area, was badly disrupted last
week by the most severe snow and wind
storm in the annals of the local weather
bureau. Not only was the snowfall the heav-
iest of the entire winter, but a 65-mile gale
blocked all traffic, interfered with transpor-
tation, caused a breakdown in the power
plants serving the west side, blew out in-
numerable plate glass windows and caused
other property damage. ,
Tuesday all film messenger service in the
Toledo area was halted by the storm. Mes-
sengers traveling the river route got through
and made their deliveries, but whether they
did or not was not of much importance to the
exhibitors, because a large number of them
didn’t even open, knowing that they would
have practically no attendance.
In Cleveland, the downtown houses were
all open, and while business was off, it wasn’t
too bad. They drew from the large number
of people who couldn’t get home and had to
stay in town all night.
Most of the west side houses were closed
because of lack of power when a line broke.
East side houses were spotty. Some opened
and closed, refunding what few admissions
there were. Others stayed open and grossed
as low as $20.
In the exchanges confusion ran high. They
didn’t know where their film was, or when
it would be returned. Booking schedules were
completely disrupted Tuesday and Wednes-
day. On Thursday things began to clear up.
Trucks got through the melting snow and
ice, and theatres resumed their schedules
as if nothing had happened.
But it sure was hectic while it lasted.
Gale Kills Theatre Business
In Pittsburgh Last Week
PITTSBURGH — District theatres turned in
record and near-record low grosses for a day
or two last week when violent winds roared
and snow descended in a storm which blew
in from the midwest. The gale included
spring thunder, lightning, rain, snow and
winds up to 60 miles an hour. Traffic was
stopped on every hill by a thin coating of
ice and few people ventured out of their
homes.
Postman's Holiday Motif
For Chief Projectionist
HODGENVILLE, KY.-J. E. Elliott, chief
projectionist at the Lincoln Theatre here,
takes a postman’s holiday in his spare time.
Apparently he doesn’t get enough of; the
theatre, for, after his regular work, he visits
other theatres and helps out in the booth.
If a new installation is made, he is usually
on hand, giving advice to beginners in the
industry. He helps other theatre men with
their candy and popcorn concessions; re-
pairs ticket machines and coin-changers.
His generosity is so notable that he has been
the subject of several newspaper articles, in-
cluding one yarn written by A. Daugherty of
the Louisville Times.
Fine Buys Fenway Hotel
CLEVELAND — Meyer Fine, general man-
ager of the Associated Theatres circuit, and
associates of Fenway Hall Corp. announce
the purchase of the 12-story, 240-suite Fen-
way Hall apartment hotel, Euclid avenue at
East 107th street.
LOUISVILLE
Qperated jointly by Morris Smith and B.
^Bennett, the new Ace Theatre in Taylors-
ville, Ky., is expected to be completed soon.
It will replace the house destroyed by fire
several months ago . . . M. G. Thomas,
Altec’s district manager, made a routine trip
to Louisville and vicinity.
Stuart Ruble is the new manager of the
Park Theatre, Louisville, operated by Amuse-
ment Enterprises . . . Louis Hudson has re-
placed Herb Nadel as manager of the local
Hill Top Theatre ... In addition to his
theatre interests Gilbert May of Corydon had
just completed a new store building which
he has leased to the A&P grocery chain.
The Shelbyville drive-in is scheduled to
open for the summer season April 11. It will
be managed by Floyd Morrow, who will also
have charge of the 18th Street drive-in when
that unit is completed . . . W. E. Carrell of
the Falls City Theatre Equipment Co. is
back at his desk after a tour through south-
ern Indiana . . . Mrs. J. F. Carnahan, wife
of the circuit theatre executive, is in Jewish
hospital here.
Recent visitors on the local scene included
G. N. May, Dream, Corydon; Luther Knifley,
Art, Knifley; William P. McGovern, Ritz,
Loogootee; Morris Smith and B. Bennett,
New Ace, Taylorsville; W. Clausen, Bonnie-
ville, Bonnieville; R. L. Harned, Empire,
Sellersburg; E. L. Ornstein, Ornstein Thea-
tres, Marengo . . . New chairs are being in-
stalled in the Ritz Theatre, Loogootee . . .
A. A. Daugherty, film critic for the Louis-
ville Times, is recovering from a siege of
pneumonia.
In a tiein with the Kay Jewelry Co., the
National Theatre staged a $500,000 diamond
exhibit. The collection was modeled on the
stage of the theatre by three entrants in the
Miss Louisville pageant of 1947, sponsored by
the Louisville Junior Chamber of Commerce.
Carl Watts, master of ceremonies, broadcast
the program directly from the theatre over
WGRC.
“13 Rue Madeleine” coupled with “The
Pilgrim Lady” after completing a week’s run
at the Rialto, were moved to the Brown for
a second week . . . “Angel and the Badman,”
plus “The Ghost Goes Wild,” opened at the
Rialto . . . Reissues were in order for the
Mary Anderson and the National, the former
returning “The Sea Hawk” and “The Sea
Wolf” on a double bill, and the latter run-
ning “You Can’t Cheat an Honest Man” and
“I Stole a Million.”
In competing double features for first
runs, Loew’s opened with “Lady in the Lake”
and “Blondie’s Holiday” and the Strand with
“The Brasher Doubloon” and “Wanted for
Murder.” “The Egg and I” opened at the
National April 5.
Floods, Winds, Snow
Stop Film Deliveries
Detroit — Film deliveries, except for a
few handled by rail, were at a standstill in
Michigan this week. Deep snow drifted
on all roads and 70-mile winds and wide-
spread floods resulting from previous
snowstorms made this the worst week of
the season. Attendance at theatres in
Detroit and all over the state dropped to
40 per cent of normal.
Blizzard Smothers
Cleveland Business
CLEVELAND — The heaviest snow storm of
the winter, accompanied by a 65 miles per
hour gale, paralyzed local and intercity traf-
fic and almost all business for two days.
Downtown theatres remained open, but few
people came in. Neighborhoods suffered most.
Many opened to a dozen or more patrons,
refunded the money and closed. City schools
closed from one to three days, and all out-
lying schools were shut off from communi-
cation. A break in power lines closed many
west side theatres. All were reopened Wednes-
day following the Tuesday storm. Report for
week ending March 27:
(Average is 100)
Allen — Boomerang (20th-Fox), 2nd wk - 65
Hippodrome — Nora Prentiss (WB) 80
Lake — Dead Reckoning (Col), 3rd d. t. wk 90
Ohio — Kit Carson (UA), reissue..... 100
Palace — Wake Up and Dream (20th-Fox),
plus Lionel Hampton orchestra on stage 95
State — Caliiornia (Para) 100
Stillman — My Favorite Brunette (Para),
2nd d. t. wk 100
Blast of Winter Drives
Detroit Grosses Down
DETROIT — Recurrence of winter weather
with a heavy blizzard drove grosses down for
some of the lowest business reported in many
weeks. Stronger boxoffice attractions nat-
urally continued to do better business, with
neighborhood houses reporting that the storm
had hurt their walking trade as well as those
who come by car from a greater distance
Detail for week ending March 27:
Adams — The Jolson Story (Col), 12th wk 115
B'way Capitol — The Beast With Five Fingers
(WB); The Brute Man (PRC) 125
Cinema — The Turning Point (Art), 2nd wk 90
Downtown — San Quentin (RKO); Death Valley
(SG), 2nd wk 95
Fox — Framed (Col); Cigarette Girl (Col) 125
Michigan — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO);
Fall Guy (Mono), 2nd wk ...130
Palms-State — Angel and the Badman (Rep);
Three on a Ticket (PRC) 95
Paradise — Singin' in the Corn (Col), 2nd run;
plus Sy Oliver orchestra on stage 90
United Artists — Suddenly It's Spring (Para);
The Guilty (Mono), 2nd wk , ...100
‘Years/ ‘Jolson' and ‘Henry'
Tell the Story in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH— “The Best Years of Our
Lives” trebled average gross in its second
week in the Fulton, establishing another rec-
ord for the Samuel Goldwyn’s production.
“The Jolson Story” was a money-maker in its
fifth week in the J. P. Harris and moved on
to the Senator. “Henry V” continued in ca-
pacity business style in the Art Cinema.
Art Cinema — Henry V (UA), 2nd wk.,
Roadshow Record
Fulton — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
2nd wk., roadshow 300
Harris — The Jolson Story (Col), 5th wk 120
Penn — My Favorite Brunette (Para) 120
Ritz— The Beginning or the End (MGM),
2nd d. t. wk 85
Senator — Shanghai Gesture (SR), reissue;
Millie's Daughter (Col) 110
Stanley — Pursued (WB), 2nd wk 70
Warner — Ladies' Man (Para) 90
P. J. Wood Urges Support
For Bill on Female Help
COLUMBUS, OHIO— P. J. Wood, secretary
of the Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio,
notified exhibitors to contact their state rep-
resentatives and urge them to support house
bill 349, recently introduced by Representative
John Kowalk of Sandusky county, which
makes two provisions affecting the employ-
ment of females and minors in theatres as
follows: 1, females over 21 years of age
would be permitted to work as ticket sellers
after 10 p. m.; 2, females 16 to 18 years of
age would be permitted to work until 10 p. m.
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
79
DETROIT
J^ay Balonsek of Jam Handy has been elect-
1 ed president of the newly organized Pho-
tographic Specialists of Detroit . . . Phil
Brestoff left to visit his wife, Dee Parker,
at the Paramount Theatre in New York . . .
Frank Kutzen of Devlin’s will spend six weeks
on the west coast . . . Bob Dunbar has come
up with a real crowd-pulling idea for Satur-
day night at Variety Club . . . Bryan Foy
of Eagle-Lion was in town giving the local
scribes the lowdown on a pair of hometown-
ers, Joan Leslie and John Hodiak.
The Super Sound Co., operating a new
16mm film library as well as projection serv-
ice and sales, has just been established at
10500 East Warren Ave. by Robert C. Servis,
Leonard Y. Sanborn, and Harvey H. Huff
. . . Herman Rosenberg has established the
American Popcorn Confections Co. at 8634
East Forest Ave., specializing in ready-
popped corn for theatres.
Ray Meurer, UDT attorney, was slated to
FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS
The Showmen's Drug Store
Drugs .. Cosmetics .. Prescriptions
Personal Service trom Two Showmen —
MAX BERNBAUM JACK GALLAGHER
Pharmacist Manager
Phone CLifford 1527. CLifford 3694
NED OGLESBY
Your Heywood - Wakefield
Seating Representative.
15808 Beatrice, Allen Park
(Detroit), Michigan.
Phone: EMpire 0555
TheatreSign and Marquee Maintenance
Our Specialty
v^JHorstman Co.
TEmple 2-6877
27 Eliot St.
POntiac 3-4473
Detroit 1, Mich.
UNIVERSAL DOOR CHECK
& DEODORIZER
A Necessity for Every Theatre Washroom.
Installed on Rental Basis — Not for Sale.
MODERN SANITARY SALES
620 W. Saratoga Ferndale, Mich
Phone Royal Oak 7105
"" COMPLETE POPCORN SERVICE
Featuring PREPOPPED Corn.
Delivered in Metal Containers. We Provide Warm-
ing Cabinets Free. We Also Deliver Raw Corn,
Seasoning and Boxes.
Distributors of Popcorn Machines and Dispensers.
AMERICAN POPCORN CONFECTIONS COT"
8634 E. Forest Ave. Phone: PLaza 4454 Detroit 13, Mich.
be honored guest at an informal Statler party
this weekend . . . Mrs. Walter R. O’Hair,
active in Variety activities, is back from New
Orleans.
Cliff J. Younger, formerly exploiteer for
20th-Fox, has taken over the press agent’s
desk at Gayer and Lewiston enterprises,
operating the Monroe Theatre and other ac-
tivities . . . Harold Rhodes, Paramount booker,
is recuperating at home
following a hernia
operation . . . Para-
mount Manager H. E.
Stuckey has returned
from a sales confer-
ence at Cleveland.
Steve Broidy, presi-
dent of Monogram and
Allied Artists, and Ed-
ward Morey, vice-presi-
dent, stopped over in
Detroit on their way
from the board of di-
rectors meeting in
Chicago to Toronto.
Up in the Booths: James Powers ha6 moved
from the Parkside to the East Side Drive-In
in anticipation of the East Side reopening
April 11 . . . Frank Oldham has returned from
a six-month vacation in Florida to take over
at the Parkside . . . Clyde Haskell of the
Sheridan is on the sick list. James Powers
jr. is filling in for him.
Richard Connell of the Pasadena at last
found an apartment next door to the theatre.
Mrs. Connell, who was driven out of town
by the housing shortage, has rejoined him . . .
Cecil Cox of the Colony has bought a house
way out on Burt road, 18 miles from his job.
Lee Engerson, who took over John Col-
well sr.’s place when the latter moved to the
Downtown, may leave the Harper soon for a
long stay in Florida. Engerson worked for
Jam Handy for 12 years ... Ed W. Foster
of the Harper has sold his new place in Al-
gonac and will move back to town. He may
build again soon around New Baltimore.
Under the Marquees: Frank Crowe has re-
turned to the Empress as manager replacing
Mike Kennedy . . . W. G. Sobel, manager of
the local drive-ins, is putting new speakers
in the East Side, which is set for an April 11
opening . . . John Penrod is back in show
business as manager of the Sheridan, replac-
ing Thomas Raines . . . Joseph Palozollo is
installing new washrooms and a candy coun-
ter in the Pasadena, which he recently took
over from David Newman.
Alva Keith, manager of the Colony, was out
enjoying a cigar between shows, although the
snowdrifts were piled up high outside . . .
STEVE BROIDY
Distributors
for the State of
Michigan
RINGOLD THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
103 Michigan St., N. W., Grand Rapids 2, Mich.
SUPER SIZE
POP CORN CO.
Ready Popped Corn
307 Boulevard Bldg. Detroit 3, Mich.
TRinity 2-3880 — 24 hour phone service
RUDY SCHR0EDER HERBERT MORGAN
r 1
PLAN yOUR NEW THEATRE NOW
CHARLES N. BOARD , Theatre Builder
East Detroit
Theatre Bldg.
k.
★
Phones
PRospect 1064
Roseville 0243
A
Zane Gray Hawks is assistant manager at the
Harper, replacing Elmer C. Barg, tempo-
rarily retired from active show business.
On Filmrow: Don Fill, PRC booker, has
been promoted to office manager and city
salesman . . . Dennis Lenahan, son of Joseph
Lenahan of Mills Mutual Agency, is break-
ing into show business as new booker for
PRC, together with Kenneth Guibord, an-
other newcomer . . . Clair Townsend has
booked the first two Eagle-Lion releases, “It’s
a Joke, Son” and “Bedelia,” as a double bill
at the United Artists.
Theatrical Post Notes: Max Kolin and
Wayne Roberts are pinch-hitting for Harry
Carson, who will be in Chicago for three
weeks . . . Bob Henri and his committee are
getting the band in shape with hopes of hav-
ing it in the Decoration day parade . . . Bob
Seeley is figuring out some new ideas for
the coming conventions . . . The post’s noon-
day meetings are getting a big play . . . Any
member who has a son between 15 and 18
years of age who would like to attend Boys
State is asked to get in touch with Sam
Cornelia.
Gil Lubin sr. has his store teeth in work-
ing order now . . . Barney Mannix and Max
Scher are still in the Vets hospital . . . Frank
Bettelli of the Dawn post, Hollywood, Calif.,
is visiting here . . . Stormy Blough is as
happy as a little boy now. He has his new
car . . . George Turner is back from a six-
week trip with a show . . . The next post
meeting will be at noon April 9 in the Colony
restaurant.
spj*jm(LE1E_ld
Closed for two weeks, the Southern neigh-
'“'borhood house here reopened March 30
under new management of Louis Murph.
Murph, employed by the Ohio Steel Foundry
Co., and a resident here 25 years, obtained
the lease for the theatre building from Mrs.
George Jackson. Plans for the theatre in-
clude installation of cushioned seats and
scheduling of vaudeville shows, Murph said.
The theatre will open at 5:30 p. m. on week-
days and at 3:30 p. m. Saturdays, Sundays
and holidays.
Harry Elliott, acting manager of the Prin-
cess, has been shifted to the Ohio as assist-
ant manager ... A stage show featuring the
Duke of Paducah and his Grand Ole Opry
gang from Nashville, has been booked for four
performances April 25 at the Fairbanks
Theatre.
Virginia Bray, a secretary to M. H. Chake-
res, Springfield manager of Chakeres Thea-
tres, was married March 29 to Howard Eu-
gene Haynes, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. R.
Haynes of Jacksonville, 111. Miss Bray is the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Bray of
Springfield. The bride will continue her po-
sition with the Chakeres organization . . .
Katherine Foster, of the Chakeres secretarial
staff, has been ill with influenza.
The Ohio and Majestic are leading local
theatres in the attendance drive honoring
Nat Wolf, Cleveland, zone manager for War-
ner Bros. Theatres . . . Frank Collins, man-
ager of the Chakeres circuit outside Spring-
field, announces that plans have been com-
pleted for construction of the new 1,000-
seat Chakeres-Dwyer Theatre at Celina, Ohio.
Construction is expected to start soon. John
Eberson of New York City is the architect.
Polynesian Gets Part
The young Polynesian singer Amelita Men-
dona, has been assigned a feature spot in
Independent’s “Las Vegas.”
80
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
George Erdmann, 64,
Dies in Sanitarium
CLEVELAND— Members of the motion pic-
ture industry here were saddened by the death
Saturday morning of George W. Erdmann, 64,
secretary of the Cleveland Motion Picture
Exhibitors Ass’n.
Erdmann, who had just entered his 21st
year as association secretary, died at Sunny
Acres sanitarium, where he has been ill since
last August of a lung ailment. Services were
held Tuesday and burial was at Acacia ceme-
tery beside Mrs. Erdman who died only four
months ago. Surviving are three children,
George of Allentown, Pa., and Althea and
Florence, and a brother, Charles of Toronto.
SERVED IN ALL BRANCHES
During his many years in the amusement
field, Erdmann had experience in every
branch of the motion picture industry. Born
in Albany, his first experience was as a Pathe
news cameraman. Next he became manager
of the Elmwood Theatre, Buffalo, where he
often appeared on the stage to sing along with
the then popular song slides.
In 1915 Erdmann shifted from exhibition to
distribution, joining the Victor Film Co., from
which sprang the Universal Film Co. The
following year, in partnership with A1 Brandt,
he distributed “Idle Wives” in the Cleveland,
Cincinnatijand Indianapolis territories.
FORMED FIRST EXHIBITOR GROUP
In the following years he became local
manager for L. J. Selznick, and then was
Paramount’s first Cleveland manager. Prior
to that Paramount customers were served out
of the Pittsburgh office. He was also local
manager for First National.
Organization work was not new to Erd-
mann when he was appointed CMPEA secre-
tary. Back in 1905 he organized the first ex-
hibitor group in Buffalo. During his 20 ac-
tive years with the CMPEA he was in-
fluential in community work, had a citation
for his efforts in behalf of the Red Cross,
and through his influence with civic leaders
served all of the exhibitors of the com-
munity.
100 Attend Farewell Fete
For Kolitz in Cleveland
CLEVELAND— The A1 Kolitz farewell din-
ner last Monday was one of the most suc-
cessful affairs of its kind held here. More
than 100 members of the distribution and
exhibition branches of the industry were on
hand to extend their good wishes to Kolitz.
He leaves Cleveland to take over as RKO
district manager with headquarters in
Denver.
In addition to the Cleveland exhibitors and
exchange men, many were here from out of
town, including Len Gruenberg, RKO metro-
politan district manager whom Kolitz suc-
ceeds in the Rocky mountain district, and
Bernard Kranze, assistant sales manager for
the J. Arthur Rank Organization and former
RKO district manager in this area. Others
here from out of town were Sid Kramer, as-
sistant RKO short subjects sales manager;
Martin G. Smith, Jack Lykes, Jim Beidler,
Bert Schoonmaker and Jim Dempsey, To-
ledo; Ray S. Wallace, Alliance; Leo Jones,
Upper Sandusky; Urban Anderson, Uhrichs-
ville; Nat Walken, Salem; Paul Ellis, War-
ren; Pete Ruffo, Niles; George Delis, Canton;
Leon Velas, Yorkville, and Chris Velas,
Bellaire.
Lester Zucker as master of ceremonies made
a hit by keeping the speeches short. The
party wound up with the presentation of a
matched luggage set to Kolitz.
Dedicated to Grid Star ,
University Makes Bow
COLUMBUS — Close identification with
special interests of its anticipated clientele
marked the opening of the University Thea-
tre here, situated opposite the Ohio State
university. This first house to be opened in
the Ohio capital in the postwar period is the
newest member of the local Academy circuit
owned by Leo Yassenoff.
Dedication of the theatre coincided with
the inauguration of the Chic Harley scholar-
ship fund, which will aid future Ohio State
athletes in memory of Harley, greatest grid
star in Ohio State history. Yassenoff dedi-
cated the theatre to Harley, in unveiling the
ceramic statue of the football star that
adorns the front of the theatre. Yassenoff
credited Johnny Jones, Dispatch columnist
and onetime Scarlet and Gray cheerleader,
with originating the scholarship idea. Yas-
senoff had Jones do the running commentary
on the special trailer shown during opening
week at the University. The trailer shows
scenes from Chic’s life and career at Ohio
State.
CHIC’S FAMILY ATTENDS
Chic’s family was at the ceremony — his
mother, Mrs. Charles W. Harley sr.; two
brothers, Walter and William G. Harley and
a sister, Mrs. S. N. Wessell. Gov. Thomas J.
Herbert and Mayor James A. Rhodes were
honor guests. Bobby Watts, president of
the Varsity Alumni Ass’n, acted as master
of ceremonies with George M. Trautman,
baseball executive, unveiling the statue.
Wesley Fesler, new Ohio State football coach,
and Dick Larkins, athletic director-designate,
were on the dedicatory program.
Roger Garrett, manager of the university
and featured organist, played Ohio State
songs on the Hammond organ. Incidentally,
Yassenoff was a member of the Ohio State
football team in the Harley days a generation
ago.
Chic’s fame is national history in football
circles. He starred on the 1916, 1917 and
1919 Ohio State teams. He is credited with
bringing Ohio State out of the college-in-a-
cornfield stage and into the big time. In-
cidentally, old Ohio Field on which Harley
romped was situated directly across High
street from the University Theatre. The
field has long since given way to mammoth
Ohio Stadium, farther west near the Olen-
tangy river.
Chic himself was unable to attend the cere-
mony. For several years he has been in a
Veterans’ hospital at Danville, 111. The
scholarship fund, open to public contribu-
tions, will provide annual scholarships to
outstanding undergraduate students. They
will be awarded by the university president.
CEREMONY INTO NEWSREELS
A Universal newsreel crew filmed the dedi-
cation ceremony. Opening of the new 1,000-
seat showcase was preceded by several days
of ads stressing the comfort, convenience,
safety and beauty of the new theatre. The
EXHIBITORS — PARK FREE AT
McArthur
THEATRE
EQUIPMENT
COMPANY
454 COLUMBIA ST. WEST - DETROIT I. MICH.
MOTIOGRAPH SERVICE
Phone: CAdiUac 5524
University, with its distinctive color scheme
of scarlet and gray, the Ohio State colors,
has new pushback chairs, roomy seat spacing
(the house originally was announced to have
1,200 seats but to provide more room that
was reduced by 200 seats) ; finest sight lines,
perfect acoustics, heating and cooling sys-
tem of latest design, fireproof construction
throughout, spun glass draperies and artistic
murals.
To cement further its identification with
the community, Manager Roger Garrett will
stage what are in effect community sings —
with Garrett at the Hammond organ for
two nightly programs, complete with slides.
Garrett, too, was made a member of the
University City Business Men’s Ass’n — a
month before the theatre opened.
Masked Bandit Slugs Two,
Seizes Theatre's Receipts
SCOTTSDALE, PA.— The Strand was
robbed of $200 by a masked bandit last week
following the closing of the boxoffice. The
thug was crouching behind the safe in the
office. When Dorothea Weaver, cashier, and
Angelo Commore, usher, entered, he slugged
them and grabbed the cash, escaping through
a side door.
The audience thought Commore’s scream
was caused by disorderly boys.
ERNIE
FORBES
214 W. Montcalm
Detroit 1, Mich.
Phone CAdiUac 1122
LONG SIGN CO.
MARQUISE SIGNS
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
840 W. Baltimore, Detroit — TR 1-5477
LEONARD SOSKIN AGENCY
Retirement income, life, automobile,
fire, health and accident insurance.
541 Book Bldg. CA 3515. Detroit
—THEATRE CHAIRS— =
3D00 Used Spring cushioned, part full
upholstered back and part insert
panel back, with spring edges and
box spring cushions.
1000 Veneer Chairs.
800 Good Backs
500 Spring cushions, and hinges
Write for Prices and Photographs
IESSE COLE Theatre Seating
2565 McClellan. Detroit Phone: LEnox 3445
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
81
PITTSBURGH
JJerbert Leonard Perer, city exhibitor, and
his bride, the former Beatrice Taper,
honeymooned in New York this week fol-
lowing their marriage Sunday evening (30)
in Beth Shalom synogogue. The bridegroom
operates the Park and Novelty. Among those
attending the wedding were Victor A. Rigau-
mont, architect; Mr. and Mrs. Archie Fine-
man, city exhibitors, Who returned from Los
Angeles, bringing with them Mrs. Jacob Rich-
man, wife of the retired city exhibitor (Mrs.
Fineman and Mrs. Richman are sisters of
Leonard Perer’s mother) ; Mr. and Mrs. W.
C. Jarvis, National Theatre Supply; Mr. and
Mrs. Louis Averbach, Paramount; Nathan
H. Perer, cousin and business associate of
the bridegroom; Mr. and Mrs. James H.
Alexander, Alexander Theatre Supply; Mar-
vin Wolfish, RKO salesman, Philadelphia;
Wahneta Gardner, MGM; Shirley Lee Sha-
piro, Republic; Goldye Mandell Sisser, Para-
mount, and Nathan Foreman, projectionist.
John Walsh, manager of the Fulton, has
been kept on the go ever since “The Best
Years of Our Lives”
moved into the house.
Only sufficient tickets
are being sold to fill
the house for each
presentation and on
occasions when tickets
sold out early Walsh
closed the boxoffice
and shifted ticket
sales for subsequent
performances to the
inside.
Johnny Harris’ Iron-
men finished last in
the western division of
JOHN walsh the Basketball Ass’n
of America, and Paul Birch has been dropped
as coach. John T. McGreevey of the Harris
Amusement companies, who is general man-
ager of the Ironmen, is on the lookout for
new players for next season ... A half mil-
lion dollars has been spent in remodeling
Forbes field and a new Pirate attendance rec-
ord for opening day is certain when the Bucs
lift the lid here April 18, with Bing Crosby
in attendance.
The M. N. Shapiros, city exhibitors, who
spent the winter in Arizona, Mexico and
California, returned home this week . . .
Ursula Halloran, Wilkinsburg, winner of the
local “My Favorite Brunette” contest, went
to Hollywood for the Easter holidays as a
guest of Bob Hope . . . Lauritz Melchior ex-
ploited MGM’s “Thrill of a Romance” and
“This Time for Keeps” in his Syria Mosque
concert last Saturday, singing hit songs from
these pictures.
Lou Hanna and George Callahan jr. of
Acme and Exhibitors Service, respectively,
were in Chicago this week in connection with
plans for National Film Service . . . Jim
Levine, Paramount exploiteer here for several
years, reported in Cleveland this week as
Cleveland and Detroit representative, suc-
ceeding J. Maxwell Joice, Cleveland special
DELIVERING
the
Completely
NEW
"A A" Projector
ATLAS THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
425 Van Braam St. Pittsburgh
representative, who has been assigned to
Washington.
Ira H. Cohn, UA manager, ill for some
weeks in Shadyside hospital following a heart
attack, suffered a series of chills. He is
allowed no visitors . . . Jim O’Keefe, veteran
in the industry, forwarded an Easter card
from Montgomery, Ala. . . . Three Costa
Rican beauty winners were here Wednesday
exploiting 20th-Fox’s “Carnival in Costa
Rica,” opening in the J. P. Harris.
Ground has been broken at Mars, Pa., for
a 500-seat theatre for a corporation headed
by Dr. Balinger and Mr. Shumaker, the lat-
ter of Butler, Pa. Balinger is a dentist . . .
Mrs. Bryan D. Stoner, wife of Buck Stoner,
former MGM manager here and now 20th-
Fox Pacific coast district manager, visited
here this week . . . The “Dinty” Moore photo
reproduced here last week was B. F. “Dinty”
Moore, district manager for Warner Theatres
east of Pittsburgh, and not the Filmrow
“Dinty” Forrest D. Moore, manager of the
Warner exchange.
Mike Serventi, veteran exhibitor, has sold
his hotel in Petrolia and is taking things
easy. His sons Mark and Lou, ex-GIs, have
been managing the Serventi theatres in Rim-
ersburg, Chicora and Petrolia ... Lew Hep-
inger, pioneer exhibitor, was bedded with the
flu at his home in Clarion . . . Fred J. Her-
rington, for the eighth week or so, consecu-
tively, was in Harrisburg and putting up a
grand fight for independent exhibitors. Miss
Mathilda Kiel, AMPTO’s assistant secretary,
looks after the office when Fred is absent.
Fred Solomon, American Poster Supply pro-
prietor, was back on the job this week after
being absent due to the flu . . . Allan Wieder,
RKO exploiteer, has been working on “The
Best Years of Our Lives” campaign for the
April 10 opening at the Olympic, Altoona
. . . Max Shulgold, Crown Film manager,
ill with the grippe for a week or so, has
resumed duties at his office . . . Bert M.
Steam, Co-Op head, has improved in health
and he was expected at the office this week.
John S. Goshorn, sales manager for the
theatre division, National Theatre Supply,
was here on business from the New York
home office and from his office home in
Canal Fulton, Ohio.
Werner “Fuzzy” Lund and Dario Castelli
were in Buffalo in connection with the re-
lease of “Citizen Saint,” and Andy Battiston,
area distributor of this film, made trips to
New York, Philadelphia, Washington and
Baltimore . . . The Archie Finemans, city ex-
hibitors, are at home here after spending the
winter in the west . . . Spring cleaning closed
the Variety Club from April 1 to 5.
Charles V. Byers, Pennsylvania represen-
tative for Manley popcorn machines, was a
Filmrow visitor . . . Theatre Candy Co. of
Pittsburgh has made an affiliation with the
National Ass’n of Popcorn Mfrs. . . . The
Ernest Liebermans became parents of a sec-
ond son and pop was passing cigars out on
Filmrow. The new arrival has been named
William Kalmine Lieberman after the
Barnesboro exhibitor’s brother-in-law, Harry
Kalmine, general manager of the national
Warner Bros, circuit. The Liebermans’
other son Michael is six.
The McKnight Drive-In Theatre Co. was
registered in the comlmonwealth records
March 28 . . . Shea’s Orpheum, McKees
Rocks, has reopened following remodeling,
reseating, redecoration and general renova-
tions . . . Harris circuit executives were hosts
at the Variety Club family night party Fri-
day of last week . . . George Tice is looking
after details at the Columbia exchange, fill-
ing in for Art Levy, manager, who is vaca-
tioning in Florida.
Dr. A. L. Koontz, veteran exhibitor at New
Martinsville, W. Va., is quite ill. An opera-
tion was not performed due to physical dis-
ability discovered at the hospital . . . Best,
Edinboro, has installed new projection lamps
. . . L. L. Ash, who took over booking duties
for theatres at Idamay and Carolina, W. Va.,
aso is booking the State, Grant Town. E. W.
Spencer of Fairmont is operating manager
of the three theatres.
The Herb Ochs directed drive-in on Route
22, east of Wilkinsburg, open for three suc-
cessful months last year, will reopen April
8, with expectation of closing the season
around December 1, made possible by in-the-
car speakers. Ochs was booking pictures
this week.
The Norbert Stern-George C. Davis drive-in
on Route 88, near South Park in Bethel town-
ship, will reopen within two weeks. Ernest
Stern, son of Norbert Stern, who manages
and books this outdoor theatre, has been busy
with his operation of a Gl-approved barber
school on Smithfield street, downtown.
PRC will move from 415 Van Braam to
quarters in the film building at 1623 Blvd.
of the Allies, occcupying the former RKO
exchange quarters Monday, April 7. The new
exchange is freshly painted and renovated
. . . Mike Winograd of the Oriental and
Majestic, Rochester, Pa., who is ending his
winter’s vacation in Florida, has plans for
extensive remodeling of the Majestic.
More than 20 officials and managers of
the Blatt Bros, circuit held a meeting in East
Brady last Friday. Feature screening was
MGM’s “The Beginning or the End” . . . FCC
has granted an FM radio permit to Pennsyl-
vania State college . . . Harold V. Gedney jr.,
grandson of the Fred J. Herringtons, was
the star of “Almost Eighteen,” senior class
play in the Baldwin township high school.
Theatre Employes Local B12 is holding a
benefit drawing for its sick fund, prizes
being a portable radio and camera.
Tickets are a quarter and the drawing is
April 27 ... A son was born to the Louis
Ginsburgs. Papa is connected with the War-
ner circuit’s auditing department . . . Tom
Grady and Charles Bell, MGM auditors, are
working at the local branch exchange.
Attending the Variety Club dinner for Sam
Wheeler, Film Classics sales manager, in
Washington, Monday evening were Hymie
Wheeler, Monogram salesman, brother, and
Donald Chaban, RKO booker, nephew, of
Pittsburgh, and Jake Soltz, veteran of the
industry here and an old friend of the honor
guest . . . Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Feldman of
the Warner circuit were in New York last
week to attend the funeral of Mrs. Feldman’s
uncle.
Blair Y. Smith is opening a Harrisburg
office for the Manley popcorn firm . . . John
H. Harris is departing for Hollywood and the
opening of his “Ice-Capades” . . . Bill Feld,
Republic manager, selected the roughest win-
ter day in years for the special showing of
the new Roy Rogers picture, “Apache Rose,”
in the Shadyside. Of course the invitations
had been in the mail for a week in advance
and spring was in the air and on the cal-
endar, but few ventured out in the terrific
gale to attend the preview. The new Tru-
color job was okayed by the small audience
made up of true-blue Roy Rogers fans.
With the Warner-Loew booking pool dis-
solved, Loew’s, Inc., has acquired the down-
town Ritz as a companion house to the Penn.
Warners continues operation of the Stanley
and the Warner, with RKO product com-
mitted to the latter house.
82
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
Siritzky Enters Boston
In Deals on Two Houses
Film Clause Deletion
In Censor Bill Likely
BOSTON — A hearing of senate bill No.
370 was held at the state capitol by the
committee on legal affairs. The bill would
give state and local censors the right “to
protect the public against immoral, indecent
and habit-forming suggestions” in films as
well as other forms of licensed attractions
and literature. The bill was hoppered by the
American Legion.
At the hearing, Coleman Curran, state
adjutant of the Legion, requested that any-
thing in the bill pertaining to the motion
picture industry be deleted, in that the mo-
tion picture industry was not mentioned
in the original resolution growing out of the
American Legion convention held in Lowell
last fall.
When the bill was drawn up, Curran was
away on a vacation, so there seems to be
some question as to how the motion picture
clause got into the bill in the first place.
The committee was noncommital about the
deletion, but the bill was to be considered
further in executive session. It was assumed
by observers that Curran’s recommendation
will be accepted by the committee.
The newly formed Massachusetts motion
picture coordinating committee, headed by
Prank Lydon, was present at the hearing to
protest the motion picture clause.
George M. Beede Injured,
Wife Killed in Car Crash
WESTBORO, MASS.— George M. Beede, 60,
one-time theatre manager and a selectman of
Westboro, was severely injured, and his wife
Anna M., 58, was killed, in a head-on auto-
mobile collision here. Suffering from inter-
nal injuries, head injuries and fractures of
the legs and ribs, Beede was reported in fair
condition at St. Luke’s hospital, Middleboro.
Beede was re-elected as a selectman several
weeks ago after having served one three-year
term. He formerly was manager of the Strand
Theatre in Westboro, and prior to that had
been manager of the Majestic Theatre in East-
hampton.
Billy B. Van to Committee
For Sophie Tucker Fete
NEWPORT, N. H. — Billy B. Van, comedian
and sponsor of the fund to build a memorial
for Sarah Josepha Hale, author of “Mary’s
Little Lamb,” has accepted an appointment
to serve on a committee to honor Sophie
Tucker with a testimonial dinner in New York
City May 1. Van has worked in vaudeville
with Miss Tucker and other members of the
fund committee, including Eddie Cantor and
Irving Berlin.
Curfew Changes Free Film Hour
WATERVTLLE, ME. — A curfew law now in
force here has made it necessary to change
the opening hour of the Waterville Boys’ club
motion picture program from 7 p. m. to 6
p. m. Members are admitted to these pro-
grams free upon presenting their member-
ship cards.
Dover House Sponsors Baby Contest
DOVER, N. H. — The Strand Theatre here is
sponsoring a baby contest in cooperation with
Dover merchants and the Dover Weekly
Democrat. First prize is a loving cup and
$75 in cash.
Barkers at New Haven
Will Install Officers
NEW HAVEN— Tent No. 31 of Variety
Clubs will install Barney Pitkin of RKO as
chief barker at a spe-
cial meeting to be held
April 14 at Hotel Taft.
Other officers of the
newly formed tent to
be inducted are:
Dr. J. B. Fishman,
assistant chief barker;
Rudy Frank, second
assistant; George
Wilkinson, dough guy;
Arthur Greenfield,
property master; Carl
Goe, John Pavone,
Herman Levy, Lou
Brown, Harry F. Shaw and Henry Germaine,
canvasmen. Membership is growing steadily.
Neglect Children's Safety,
School Principals Charge
WORCESTER — The Leominster Elemen-
tary Principals Ass’n has filed a communica-
tion with the Leominster school committee
charging that insufficient care was taken to
insure proper safety of school children at a
recent play in the Rialto, Leominster, spon-
sored by the Parent-Teacher council. The
principals complained of makeshift seating
arrangements and chairs in the aisles. The
theatre disclaimed responsibility, stating the
conditions developed after the house had
been rented.
A Week of Cartoons
HARTFORD — Jack Simons, Center man-
ager, will offer a bill composed of 17 cartoons
and comedy shorts plus a feature for the
week of April 6-12.
BOSTON — James J. Mage relinquished the
lease on the Old South Theatre March 25.
He continues to operate the Laffmovie here
and his New York houses. Old South re-
turned to its original lessee, Fred Lieberman.
The ownership of the entire property was re-
ported to have changed hands recently. The
house seats 800 and has been on a foreign
picture policy the last few months.
The new operator will be Leon Siritzky of
Siritzky International, who has signed a 20-
year lease on the Old South, effective April 5.
The house will be renamed the Rex and will
start on a foreign film policy. This deal is
the first out-of-town link in the American
theatre chain of Siritzy International. Other
Siritzky theatres are the Ambassador and the
Guild in Manhattan and the Majestic in
Brooklyn.
The B&Q circuit has taken over the Tre-
mont Theatre from Mage on a 25-year lease,
a part of which is understood to be retained
by Mage, the original lessee. The house, which
seats 2,300 will undergo complete remodeling
and redecoration to compete with the better
downtown Boston picture palaces. The Tre-
mont is a famous theatrical landmark in this
city as in its legitimate days it housed prac-
tically all the stars of the early days.
The lease was signed in New York on Thurs-
day (27). Present from the Boston office
of B&Q were Don Jacocks, president; Alex-
ander Kilpatrick, Arnold Eisen and Newell
Stepp.
Charlie Albee Re-Elected
HARTFORD — Charlie Albee of the State
has been re-elected president of IATSE, Lo-
cal 486. Other re-elected officers: Charlie
North, Allyn, business agent; Robert Cormier,
Regal, vice-president; Don McDonald, Strand,
secretary, and Pete DeCarli, Allyn, recording
secretary-treasurer.
EVERYBODY GETS INTO THE ACT — Here’s what a publicity meeting on forth-
coming product looks like at the Loew-Poli in Hartford. Seated, left to right, are Lou
Cohen, manager; Fred R. Greenway, manager of the Palace; Rose Bedalian, usherette,
and Sam Horwitz, assistant manager. Standing, Bob Worden, student assistant; Jim
Hughes, chief of staff, and A1 Lessow, Palace assistant manager.
BARNEY PITKIN
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
NE
83
NEW HAVEN
\X7Tiat the Easter bunny will bring New
” Haven: “Suddenly It’s Spring” at the
Paramount, “Nocturne” at the Poli, “Stal-
lion Road” at the Roger Sherman, “My
Brother Talks to Horses” at the College . . .
Film people, who do a big job on every
worthy cause, will again chalk up a neat sum
for the Greek orphan clubs, Henry Germaine,
Connecticut chairman, believes. Germaine
asks all managers and salesmen, as well as
exhibitors, to send results and funds imme-
diately, so that Connecticut may make its
showing in the national picture.
Bucky Harris, special RKG exploiteer, is
“doing” Hartford, New Haven and Bridge-
port, where "The Best Years of Our Lives”
will open May 11 at Bushnell Memorial, Shu-
bert and Klein Memorial theatres, respec-
tively. Roadshow admissions will be $1.50 eve-
nings, 90 cents matinees.
Bob Kaufmann, 20th-Fox exploitation man,
back from a week in Albany, is making the
rounds hereabouts . . . Selig Fishman, senior
member of the Fishman Theatres firm, is
back from a trip to Florida and Cuba, and the
family is now smoking nothing but the best
Havana cigars . . . Harry Fishman is also
back on the job and quite chipper after a
few months in Miami Beach where he re-
cuperated from a recent illness.
Herman Ripps, MGM division manager, was
in from Albany for a few days with New
Haven exchange men. Epidemic of la grippe
and other illness has caused many absences
around Filmrow . . . Adolph Johnson of the
Strand was home ill for a few days . . . Ann
Dormer, New Haven BOXOFFICE representa-
tive, was confined to the hospital for a week
. . . George Freeman’s wife has been sick
at home.
Matt Saunders of the Poli, Bridgeport, is
back from a trip to Chicago, where his
mother is ill . . . Boss Bill Brown was greet-
ed with a newly painted and rearranged of-
fice, flowers and welcoming signs when he
returned to the Bijou after a siege at New
Haven hospital. Tony Massella, assistant, and
the boys and girls, worked on the surprise . . .
Hester Meyer, Bijou cashier, will enjoy a
week’s Easter vacation.
Visitors on the Row: Ernie Dorau of Mid-
dletown and Murray Kaufman of the Liberty,
Bridgeport, scintillated with wisecracks . . .
Bill Brown of the Pickwick, Greenwich, re-
gained interest in Filmrow for the first time
last week since his recent marriage to that
charming Greenwich girl . . . Leona Reyn-
olds of the Paramount staff will be married
soon . . . Versatile Mickey Katineck of the
MGM office, will be very dramatic in a Pass-
over play . . . Marion Golander, now Mrs.
A. Finkel of Gloversville visited the old
gang at the MGM office this week.
John Hesse of Warner Theatres made a
trip to Springfield houses this week . . .
Fred Dandio is salesman-mechanic at the
National Theatre Supply branch . . . That
big smile on Bijou Manager Sid Kleper’s face
is because it will be a boy (he hopes) at the
Kleper house soon . . . Mike Piccerillo, for-
mer assistant at the Poli, Meriden house,
upped to a White Plains job, is now assistant
at the Loew, Lexington, N. Y.
The Bijou offered a dual, released through
Film Classics, “Scarlet Pimpernel” and “The
Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel” ... At the
Cameo, West Haven, the Fishman circuit is
experimenting with a “class” double feature,
“Brief Encounter” and “Seventh Veil,” for
three days. Prices were upped from 40 to 60
cents for the event.
Statewide unemployment in Connecticut
declined to 24,400 in midFebruary from 25,800
in January. This decline, although slight, is
a healthy indication of the over-all labor situ-
ation, since the usual seasonal trend at this
time shows a rise in unemployment. Average
weekly earnings in service industries in the
state show an increase of 2.9 per cent whereas
in manufacturing, construction, and trade
most earnings show a drop. Thirteen new
plants registered in New Haven county in
January, employing 174 new persons.
Ex-New England Showmen
Met by Tom Carey in South
HARTFORD — Tom Carey of the local Tom
Carey Theatrical Promotions, returned home
last week following a tour of several months
through the southern states.
Among friends he met on the trip were
Phil Berler, former chief booker for the E.
M. Loew’s Theatres, now with the Meiselman
Theatres, Charlotte, N. C.; Morey “Razz”
Goldstein, formerly in the New England ter-
ritory for Monogram, now general sales man-
ager for the company; Jesse Clark, Paramount
Theatres district manager at Jacksonville,
Fla.; Howard Pettingill, former manager of
the Warner, Worcester, now in an advertis-
ing position with Paramount Theatres, also
in Jacksonville.
In Miami, Carey met Dick Halloran, for-
merly at the Mohawk, North Adams, Mass.,
and Elmer Daniels, former manager of the
Capitol, Worcester.
The engagement of Tom Carey jr. to Geral-
dine French of West Hartford has been
announced here.
James Mason in “King David"
James Mason has been chosen for the title
role in Independent’s “The Life of King
David.”
Boston Business Up;
'Lake' Good in Two
BOSTON — Despite Lent, business took a
surprising spurt last week. “Sinbad the
Sailor” at the Memorial and “The Lady in
the Lake” at Loew’s State and Orpheum were
standouts. At the Met, “My Favorite Bru-
nette” continued to draw. Vivian Blaine in
person at the Keith-Boston plus “Boom-
erang” was a popular combination.
(Average is 100)
Boston — Boomerang (20th-Fox), plus Vivian
Blaine 140
Esquire — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
13th wk 200
Exeter Street — A Lady Surrenders (U-I), 2nd wk 120
Majestic — The Adventuress (E-L), 2nd wk 140
Memorial — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO), It's Great to
Be Young (Col) 150
Metropolitan — My Favorite Brunette (Para),
2nd wk 150
Paramount and Fenway — Angel and the Badman
(Rep), Her Sister's Secret (PRC), 3rd d. t. wk 150
State and Orpheum — Lady in the Lake (MGM);
Blondie's Big Moment (Col) 170
'Pursued' Takes Top Score
In Downtown New Haven
NEW HAVEN — “Pursued” and “Criminal
Court” made the top percentage here and
were held over a second week at the Roger
Sherman. Best gross was chalked up at the
larger Loew-Poli house with “Dead Reckon-
ing” and “Cigarette Girl,” which will spend
a second week at the College.
Bijou — The Brasher Doubloon (20th-Fox);
The Devil on Wheels (PRC) 85
College — Mr. District Attorney (Col),
Under Nevada Skies (Rep) 100
Loew’s Poli — Dead Reckoning (Col);
Paramount — Temptation (U-I); Calendar Girl
(Rep) 85
Parmount — Temptation (U-I); Calendar Girl (Rep).. 85
Roger Sherman — Pursued (WB);
Criminal Court (RKO) 135
Three Films Good Enough
For Two Weeks in Hartford
HARTFORD — There were three holdovers
locally: “Lady in the Lake,” “The Red House”
and “Mr. District Attorney.”
Allyn — Easy Come. Easy Go (Para),
Sioux City Sue (Rep) 140
E. M. Loew’s — Mr. District Attorney (Col);
Cigarette Girl (Col), 2nd wk 150
Loew's Poli — Boomerang (20th-Fox);
Wild West (PRC) 175
Palace — Lady in the Lake (MGM);
Bom to Speed (PRC), 2nd wk .125
Regal — The Red House (UA); Susie Steps Out
(UA), 2nd wk 150
State — Strange Mr. Gregory (Mono),
plus a stage show 110
Strand — Temptation (U-I); Lone Wolf in
Mexico (Col) 160
Photo Contest on #Lake#
NORWICH, CONN. — Joe Boyle, manager of
the Broadway, conducted a photo contest
for “Lady in the Lake” in cooperation with
the two local dailies, offering cash prizes and
passes for the “most unusual picture” in
Norwich.
WAHOO
America's fittest Screen Game
ill ini
AMUSEMENT CO.. 831 S. WABASH AVE., CHICAG
At Plainville Party for Blind
HARTFORD — Harold Rodner of Warner
Theatres, New York, executive, attended a
party held in Plainville for Avon, Conn., Old
Farms convalescent hospital for blinded war
veterans, sponsored by Bill Callahan, New
York business man. Also present were Henry
L. Needles, district manager, Warner Thea-
tres, and Jim McCarthy, manager of the
Strand, Hartford.
Photo Layout on Temptresses
HARTFORD — Jim McCarthy, Strand man-
ager, tied up with Celle’s beauty salon here
for a newspaper photo layout showing temp-
tresses of history on U-I’s “Temptation.”
Local models posed in costumes.
84
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
independent dl heat re Owners op l^hode island
ddxtend to IJou
Oor dial invitation to ~ ittend the
dp olden testimonial tdi
inner
in idonor op
£dwaJ W. 3
ay
2w Jfd, ode island Sh
owmen
Do L J4e(d
on
dl/]onday ddueninfy - ipril twenty-
y
one
Hit the
Sheraton-ddiltmore Hotel
Dress Optioned
Ten Dollars a Plate
Reservations available:
Chester Currie
Dalton Theatre
Pawtucket, R. I.
pdyovidence, IQ. i.
Reception six to seven P. M.
(Courtesy of the committee)
Dinner at seven P. M.
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
85
WORCESTER
Tohnny Foy, stage manager of the Capitol
* who has been vacationing with his wife in
Florida, has been in a St. Petersburg hos-
pital with illness . . . Bill Horan, Warner
manager in Boston whose home is in nearby
Rochdale, went to New York with his wife
and daughter to see his alma mater. Holy
Cross, win some wonderful basketball games
in Madison Square Garden.
A1 Kelley, projectionist at the Plymouth,
died unexpectedly . . . Sylvia Medici of the
Capitol was home ill . . . Manager Alec Davis
of the Warner reported a holdover on “Pur-
sued” . . . Says a columnist: “Nate Goldberg,
the theatre man, never works himself up be-
yond a saunter.”
Dr. John T. Kennedy of this city, father of
film actor Arthur Kennedy, has such a re-
markable memory for the old medicine shows
that a New York writer has enlisted his aid
in compiling a history of medicine shows.
Kennedy can remember all of the songs,
dialog and even the pitch used in the Kicka-
poo Indian show in Worcester 55 years ago.
Leo Lajoie, manager of the Capitol here,
and George Heeley, manager of the Marlboro
in that city, attended an M&P district meet-
ing in Boston . . . Frank Duffy is resuming
name bands with a bang, having dated
Vaughn Monroe for April 27 and Fred War-
ing for May 10 . . . Dominic Turturro of the
Elms in Millbury is better after his recent
surgery.
Mara Williams of this city, who is in Holly-
wood appearing in the film, “Copacabana,”
is playing the leading stage role in “The
Last Spring” at the Cahuenga Theatre . . .
Hazel Scott drew poorly^ in a concert at the
Auditorium.
Maurice Radin of the Loew-Poli circuit got
a newspaper mention as probably the only
licensed dentist supervising theatre candy
stands in the country . . . Work has been
started on the foundations of the vast sports
arena in the Webster Square area that will
seat 9,000.
“Heyday,” the play written and directed by
Don Richardson, formerly of the Boylston
Summer Theatre, was pulled off the road for
revisions after playing New Haven . . . Walter
Brooks, assistant manager of the Plymouth,
has been ill with mumps.
Harold Maloney, manager of Loew’s Poli,
has been toting a seed catalog around with
him, but it must have been only for effect.
He’s definitely not the farm type . . . Phil
Spitalny’s girl orchestra will play at the
Auditorium April 20 . . . The Capitol is op-
posing a tavern that wants to locate near by.
The theatre and other business establish-
ments filed objections with the license com-
mission.
Maurine Cookson, formerly an actress at
the Westboro Red Barn, is the author of an
article in a current fan magazine on film
actor Tom Drake, who was her colleague at
Westboro . . . The Connecticut Opera Co. will
present “Cavalleria Rusticana” and “I Pa-
gliacci” in the Auditorium on April 15.
From present appearances, there will be
three summer stock companies in this vicin-
Ca/Z cru ccd af once
ONN. THEATRE
CANDY CO.
62 COMMERCE ST.
New Haven, Conn.
ity; the Playhouse in Worcester, the Red
Barn in Westboro and the Whalom in Fitch-
burg . . . Johnny Ryan is back at the Capitol
after a three-week illness.
The Warner studio and Jeffrey Lynn, who
hails from Worcester, apparently have made
their peace. After being idle for many
months after being discharged from the army
air force, Lynn finally has been assigned to
“Whiplash” with Dane Clark and Alexis
Smith . . . Ruth Draper, Dolly Dawn, Joan
Brooks and Helen Gahagan Douglas were
spotted on the Main Stem here the same day.
The sports bowl being built by St. Bernard’s
parish in Fitchburg will also be used for
theatrical attractions, it became known last
week . . . Wendell Corey, who hails from
here, will leave Hollywood in July to star
with Margaret Sullavan on the London stage
in “The Voice of the Turtle.”
Weinstein Now Salesman
For PRC at New Haven
NEW HAVEN — The film district was hand-
ing out congratulations last week to Morris
Weinstein, newly appointed salesman for
PRC, working with Max Salzburg out of the
new offices in the Film Bldg. Morris, 34
years old, attended Columbia university in
New York and majored in business adminis-
tration in 1933. The following year he went
to 20th-Fox and served that organization 13
years, resigning recently.
During the war Weinstein served three and
one-half years in army finance. His over-
seas experience includes an interesting inter-
lude in England and France.
PORTLAND
LJighlight in Portland last week was the pre-
screening breakfast in connection with
Boomerang” at the Strand Theatre. Held in
the Marine room, nearly 30 guests, including
police and city department officials, lawyers
and representatives of the press were treated
to a fine breakfast. Following the picture a
transcription was made for radio station
WMTW and broadcast at 8:30 p. m. Mrs.
Helen Frost of the city council was the first
to comment, being followed by other promi-
nents. Harry Ashton, new manager of the
Empire, was introduced to the guests. Ash-
ton, a promoter of bands, is no stranger to
Maine.
Stirling Hayden, the actor, stopped briefly
in Portland on his way to inspect a 50-foot
schooner . . . Ushers at the Civic Theatre
have blossomed out in new uniforms, getting
set for Easter. The theatre also has a new
switchboard, and the dressing rooms have
been redone.
Sunset Carson, western motion picture star
created plenty of excitement during his ap-
pearance at the Portland Theatre. His light-
colored sombrero could be seen anywhere any
time of day, outside of showtime, looming
above crowds of admirers, none the least of
them bobbysoxers . . . The Maine Theatre
has been redecorated for spring, both in-
side and outside and the lobby.
Fishman Publishes Treatise
NEW HAVEN — Dr. J. B. Fishman, general
manager of Fishman Theatres here, and a
research chemist at Yale, has published the
results of his research on the hormones of the
pituitary gland in the February issue of the
Journal of Biological Chemistry.
In Circus Murder Story
Richard Denning will star in Paramount’*
“Tiger Woman,” a circus murder story.
Tub Thumper Gags
Tickle Bostonians
BOSTON An evening of fun was en-
joyed by the Tub Thumpers of Boston at
the Hotel Vendome.
The commmittee, headed by Max Mel di-
eoff, Phil Engel and Shep Epstein, staged a
program packed with gags, topped by the
screening of “The Bride’s Dilemma,” a 16mm
film made by Ecstasy Films. After the pic-
ture had been on one minute, the lights in
the ballroom were suddenly turned on and in
walked two detectives from the Boston po-
lice force who confiscated the film and
arrested the committee. Maurice Wolf, MGM
division manager, was called out to try to
appease the officers. He returned to the
ballroom in a most disheveled condition, as if
he had had an altercation with the police
in the hall. Max Melincoff rushed into
the room screaming, “Is there a lawyer in
the house?” The stunt was appreciated and
the showing of the film was resumed.
June Lockhart, in town for the day, was
introduced by Sherman Feller, emcee, and
made a brief address. Seated at the head
table was Stanislas Kyriakides, the Greek
winner of last year’s Boston marathon, who
is preparing for a repeat performance this
year. Also at the head table, as a guest of
Stanley Sumner, were Mr. and Mrs. Hal
Atkinson, formerly of Wadesboro, N. C. At-
kinson, who is now assistant to the president
of the Cambridge Electric Co., operates
the Marcilla Theatre in Wadesboro. He is
president of the Coronet Amusement Co.
in that town.
Among the theatre people in the audience
were Harry Browning, Jack Saef, Paul Levi,
Mr. and Mrs. A1 Somerby, Leon Levenson,
James “Red” King, Mr. and Mrs. Phil Engel,
Mr. and Mrs. John Dervin, Mr. and Mrs.
Max Melincoff, Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Wolf,
A1 and Mickey Daytz, Mr. and Mrs. Clayton
Eastman, Floyd Bell, Mr. and Mrs. Sam
Seletsky, Mr. and Mrs. George Roberts, Mr.
and Mrs. Julian Rifkin, Mr. and Mrs. Harry
Segal, Stanley Sumner, Mr. and Mrs. Shep
Epstein, George Swartz, Mr. and Mrs. Joe
Mansfield, Denis W. Delaney, Joyce Syver-
son, June Lockhart, Arthur Jeffrey, Ken
Fletcher, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Michaelson,
Max Gladstone, Art Moger and Mr. and
Mrs. Leonard Goldberg.
Minimum Pay Scale Set
For Theatre Cashiers
BOSTON — Massachusetts exhibitors have
been reminded by Ray Feeley, business man-
ager of the Independent Exhibitors of New
England, that a state order which went into
effect March 1 provides that theatre cashiers
are now in the category of clerical workers
and must be paid a minimum of 60 cents
an hour if experienced and 55 cents if in-
experienced. The order further provides, he
said, that experienced employes shall have
worked over 800 hours on the job in any sit-
uation. Inexperienced help shall have worked
less than 800 hours, except in the case of
those covered by on-the-job training, when
1,040 hours shall constitute experience. All
other theatre help conditions remain at the
status quo, Feeley said.
Hartford Pianist Dies in West
HARTFORD — Leonard Berman, 38, who
was associated with Columbia studios in
Hollywood, died last week at his home in
Westwood, Calif., relatives here were informed.
He was a pianist. He went to California in
1931. Motion pictures in which his playing
was heard included “The Jolson Story.”
86
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
NOW BOOKING
BRAWNY-BRAWLING FIGHTING
MEN and A GIRL— FILLING
THE SCREEN WITH EXCITEMENT
• THEY t OUGHT
TO THE DEATH!
TWO OF THE MOST AMAZING HORSES
EVER SEEN ON THE SCREEN
THRILLING!
STIRRING!
EXCITING! . rflWTl
™ WITH
WARD BOND
BEATRICE ROBERTS
THE
WONDER
HORSES
“SHEIK”
BOOK NOW
\
EMBASSY PICTURES CORPORATION
Hub. 3325 16 Piedmont Street Boston 16, Mass.
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
87
HARTFORD
Jom Grace, manager of the Eastwood in
4 East Hartford, has been getting numerous
compliments from civic groups for his series
of Saturday morning film presentations for
youngsters. A Gazette editorial declared that
“the Eastwood Theatre has come through
with flying colors.”
Jay C. Flippen, the night club comedian
and husband of Ruth Brooks, former Hart-
ford girl who is a script writer for the War-
ner studios in Hollywood, has been cast for
the new film “Brute Force” . . . Lillian
Kelleher of the Princess was in New York
briefly . . . Marilyn Landers, daughter of the
E. M. Loew’s manager, will enter the Julius
Hart School of Music soon.
Mickey Daly of Daly Theatre Corp. has
been sworn in as a member of the city board
of street commissioners ... Ed Pelinan,
manager of the Plainfield Theatre, has re-
signed. Joe DiLorenzo, Daly circuit’s district
manager, is managing the location tem-
porarily.
Felicia Tyszka, Palace relief cashier, has
been released from the hospital. Matilda
Nash is a new relief cashier at that theatre,
filling in for Mrs. Helen Ellis Harrigan, now
on a vacation in Florida . . . A1 Lessow, as-
sistant at the Palace, visited New Haven on
a day off.
Pearl Needles, daughter of Henry L. Needles,
district manager for Warner Theatres, will
be married in June to Morris Tonken, local
lawyer. Mr. and Mrs. Needles are observ-
ing their 30th wedding anniversary this
spring . . . William H. Mortensen, Bushnell
Memorial manager, has been appointed to a
local committee for the National Conference
of Christians and Jews.
June Page is the new cashier at the East-
wood, replacing Diana Cambria who resigned
to get married . . . The play “Laura,” starring
John Loder, K. T. Stevens and Hugh Mar-
lowe, has been booked for April 15, 16 at the
Bushnell Memorial at a $3 top.
Bucky Harris, new RKO field exploitation
man in this territory, made his first Hart-
ford visit, dropping in at the Strand to chat
with Jim McCarthy regarding “Song of the
South.” Jack Quirk, former RKO praise
agent in this area, is now in New Orleans.
Amalgamated Theatres is now booking the
Crown Theatre, Hartford . . . Ernie Grecula
of Hartford Theatres was in New Haven . . .
Walter B. Lloyd of the Allyn was in Boston
attending a circuit managers spring drive
meeting. Managers from Hy Fine’s district
present: John Hassett, Norwalk, Norwalk;
Jim Darby, Paramount, New Haven; George
Hoover, Marlboro, Marlboro; Harold Thomas,
Empress, Norwalk; Leo Lajoie, Capitol,
Worcester.
Charlie Lowe, Hartford district sound en-
gineer for Warner Theatres, visited Joe Bor-
enstein of the New Britain Strand and Joe
Miklos of the Embassy . . . The Warner Bris-
tol, Bristol, has become a first rim house.
Vic Morrelli is the manager . . . Mike Fitz-
gerald, stagehand at the Poli, Waterbury,
and Mrs. Fitzgerald are observing their 50th
wedding anniversary. Mike is the dean of
Waterbury stage employes.
The Gem, Willimantic, used the line, “A
Comedy Yell,” in newspaper ads on “Ladies’
Man” . . . When Howard K. Richardson of
the State, New Britain, played the Swedish
“First Love,” starring Ingrid Bergman, he
pointed out in newspaper ads: “See why
Ingrid Bergman at the age of 17 was voted
the best actress in Sweden and then rose to
greater heights to become the first lady of
the American screen!”
The Tower, Waterbury, ran a show for bene-
fit of the Waterbury committee for Italian
relief ... A courtesy-safety public program
for motor vehicle operators was held at the
Interstate circuit’s Bradley, Putnam, March
31, sponsored by the Putnam Chamber of
Commerce transportation committee.
Fred F. Greenway of the Palace gave out
lockets to the first ten women holding tickets
with numbers ending in O on opening day
of “The Locket.” The lockets were promoted
from a local jewelry store . . . For “The Red
House,” Manager Frank Morin of the Regal
had Charles Niles, drama critic of the Hart-
ford Times, talk to Edward G. Robinson by
telephone. The next day, Niles had a column
dealing with Robinson’s remarks, etc.
Sears Leases Theatre Bldg.
HARTFORD — The CPA has approved ex-
tension of the theatre building at Main and
Cliff streets, Norwich, owned by I. & S. Berk-
man. Plans will be , ready for bids soon, it
was reported. The extension will include
three stories and the basement. The building
has been leased to Sears, Roebuck & Co.
Store Men at Fashion Screening
HARTFORD — For the March of Time short,
“Fashion Means Business,” Manager Lou
Cohen of the Loew’s Poli hosted 50 repre-
sentatives of downtown department stores
at a screening. Representatives included ad-
vertising men, store section buyers, etc.
MR. EXHIBITOR!!!
THE FOLLOWING THEATRES ARE THE PROUD USERS OF CENTURY PROJECTORS—
THE ORIGINAL ALL BALL BEARING THEATRE PROJECTOR
Theatre
City
Theatre
City
Theatre
City
Playhouse
Ayer, Mass.
Fellsway
Medford, Mass.
Lyric
Manchester N. H.
Modern
Brockton, Mass.
Coolidge
Watertown, Mass.
Empire
Manchester, N. H.
State
Milford, Mass.
Colonial
Brockton, Mass.
Rialto
Lancaster, N. H.
Norwood
Norwood, Mass.
Park
E. Walpole, Mass.
Scenic
Rochester, N. H.
Roxbury
Roxbury, Mass.
Orpheum
Gardner, Mass.
Strand
Providence, R. I.
Strand
Haverhill, Mass.
Art Museum
Worcester, Mass.
Majestic
Providence, R. I.
Park
Everett, Mass.
Empire
Lewiston, Me.
Carlton
Providence, R. I.
Inman Sq.
Cambridge, Mass.
Capitol
Augusta, Me.
Fay's
Providence, R. I.
Veterans
W. Roxbury, Mass.
State
Madawaska, Me.
Wickford
Providence, R.*I.
St. Joseph's
Lowell, Mass.
Lincoln
Damariscotta, Me.
Mahaiwe
Great Barrington, Vt.
Boys' Club
Worcester, Mass.
Capitol
Concord, N. H.
Idle Hour
Hardwick, Vt.
Youth's Club
Worcester, Mass.
Star
Concord, N. H.
Burns
Newport, Vt.
Globe
Boston, Mass.
Regal
Franklin, N. H.
Greenwich
Greenwich, Conn.
National
Boston, Mass.
Rex
Manchester, N. H.
Palace
Stamford, Conn.
"BE WISE AND CENTURIZE"
Also Distributors of
NEW CENTURY WESTERN ELECTRIC POST-WAR MASTER SOUND SYSTEMS WITH THE
"VOICE OF THE THEATRE"
Projection Equipment Specialists
Eddie Comi
Theatre Engineering
Ken Douglass, Jr.
Mass. Theatre Equipment Company
20 PIEDMONT ST.
BOSTON, MASS.
Tel. LIBerty 9814-0356
88
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
Frank Lydon Named
To Selznick Posi
BOSTON— Prank C. Lydon, one of New
England’s best known independent exhibitors,
has been appointed representative of the
Selznick Releasing Organization in the New
England territory. His appointment was an-
nounced here by Tom Duane, division man-
ager, who said the appointment is the fore-
runner of further SRO expansion moves in
the sector.
Duane said Lydon was named because “a
new type of film business prevails, which
calls for men of background in all phases of
the industry,” and Lydon fits the bill.
Lydon owns the Hamilton Theatre in Dor-
chester and has been city manager for the
Nathan Yamins interests in Pall River. He
was a pioneer in independent exhibitor or-
ganizations here and is a past president of
the Independent Exhibitors, Inc., of New
England. He is also chairman of the Motion
Picture Coordinating committee, a group rep-
resenting all phases of the industry, organized
a few months ago to oppose any legislative
action detrimental to the industry. For the
past four years he has been vice-president
of Arthur Howard’s Affiliated Theatres, Inc.,
a buying and booking organization.
Ousted Unionist Sues
Springfield Officers
SPRINGFIELD— An equity suit charging
conspiracy to deprive him of employment,
brought by an ousted theatre employe against
union officials and the state associate com-
missioner of labor and industries, Benjamin G.
Hull, has begun before Judge George F. Leary
in superior court. Joseph A. Giard of Spring-
field has accused Hull, Louis F. Williamson,
and Arthur J. Payette, all officers of the
IATSE projectionist Local 186.
Payette assumed Giard’s job at the Para-
mount Theatre Oct. 8, 1946, after the latter,
it is charged, had been suspended from the
union. The theatre has a contract with the
union to hire only union members as opera-
tors. Giard alleges that his six-month sus-
pension and a fine of $180 for costs, decreed
by the union, were illegal.
His counsel, Charles V. D. Siegal, said,
moreover, that evidence would be presented
to show that the three officials acted from
enmity toward Giard that was engendered by
his resistance to the allegedly illegal ouster
of his son Leo from the same union, while the
youth was in the armed services.
The enmity was incurred, Siegel said, when
the elder Giard accused the officials of pad-
ding their expense accounts and other acts
of dishonesty, in his fight in behalf of his
son, for whom he acted as counsel in the
union proceedings against the younger man.
The plaintiff will show, through evidence to
be presented, it is charged, that the ouster
action again himself stemmed from a letter
which he sent to IATSE headquarters setting
forth the complaints against Hull, William-
son and Payette.
One of the key points in the case apparently
will be the union’s suspension action against
the father, who claims that he refused to be
tried before an executive board of the local,
but demanded a trial before the full mem-
bership of the union, a demand that was not
met. He will submit evidence, Siegal said,
to show that trial before the committee was
never completed, and that Giard was later
handed a notice that the triaTcommittee had
found him guilty, whereas the committee’s
only constitutional function is to recommend
its findings of guilty or not guilty to the
union membership.
Nathan Sisitzky Will Suit
Ended by an Agreement
THOMPSONVILLE, CONN. — Marked by
stormy exchanges between opposing counsel
and the withdrawal from the courtroom of
one attorney who charged that the rules of
evidence were not being followed, a hearing
on the admissibility to probate of the will of
the late Nathan Sisitzky, prominent theatre
owner, has been concluded in municipal court,
with Probate Judge Joseph Glista reserving
decision.
Opposing the probating of the will were
Mrs. Flora Block of Atlanta, Michael Sisitzky
of Miami Beach, Fla.; the estate of Rachael
Slaybard, and the children of Philip Sisitzky.
While a stenographer employed by Louis Nas-
sau of Hartford, in whose law office the will
was allegedly drawn on Oct. 16, 1944, was
testifying, a series of sharp exchanges en-
sued between opposing counsel, and Louis
Schatz, representing the Sisitzky children, left
the courtroom after asserting that the rules
of evidence were being ignored.
Aaron Nassau of Hartford, a witness to the
will; Mary Smuth, nurse, and a commercial
artist from Mount Vernon, N. Y., had testified
that the testator was mentally and physically
alert, and the case was suddenly terminated
on agreement.
FALL RIVER
TltTilliam S. Canning, general manager of the
Yamins houses here, is spearheading a
drive to raise more than $5,000 with which to
fete members of the Durfee high school bas-
ketball team who won the Massachusetts bas-
ketball championship recently. Plans call for
a community testimonial, .a dance and a din-
ner on the eve of the team’s departure for
New York where they will be entertained for
a week with money contributed by merchants
and the public.
As has been customary for many years, mo-
tion picture houses of the community closed
all day on Good Friday. The closing was
taken advantage of for cleansing of the thea-
tre . . . Theatre patronage slumped consid-
erably during Lent particularly during Holy
week when most stores opened longer hours,
especially at night, to give the working pub-
lic an opportunity to obtain new wearing ap-
parel for Easter.
Nathan Yamins and his wife have returned
from a six-week stay at Hollywood, Fla. . . .
Art Moger, Warner Bros. Eastern advertising
and publicity representative, was a recent
guest of Manager Carl Zeitz at the Academy.
Moger arranged for the forwarding of auto-
graphed pictures of prominent motion pic-
ture stars to ornament Zeitz’s office.
Manager Carl Zeitz observed his birthday
anniversary April 1 and, as did his brother
Robert a few weeks previously, received an
attractively decorated cake and best wishes
from the personnel of the Academy . . . Van-
dals smashed the black glass boxoffice bor-
der at the Academy recently . . . Mrs. Ruth
Watson, Academy cashier, was home ill.
Mrs. Lorraine Muhlack, who recently re-
signed as Center cashier, is being replaced
by Rita Boudreau . . . The new Embassy
has changed its opening day from Wednes-
days to Fridays . . . Revival week was ob-
served during Holy week at the Durfee for
the first time in ten years. Beginning on
Wednesday and continuing until the follow-
ing Tuesday, inclusive, different programs
highlighted by motion picture hits of the
past were shown. Trailers and new features
completed the programs.
11
’ie.ntn Annual
jbinnen Panin
*
Sunday evening
i
April 13
Latin Quarter
*
cocktail Uou/i at 7:00
$5.00 fie/i p&Uou
tax, included
*
FOR RESERVATIONS
CALL OR PHONE
HARRY GOLDSTEIN
RKO"Han. 0457
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
89
BOSTON
Oeorge Kraska, manager of the Kenmore,
back from a buying tour in New York,
said he has purchased Artkino’s “Ivan the
Terrible,” and will open it at the Kenmore
April 16 for one week. The film tells the
story of the reign of Russia’s first tsar in the
16th century.
A production unit on D. O. Selznick’s fea-
ture, “Portrait of Jenny,” was expected here
to take shots of Graves Light in Boston har-
bor. Jennifer Jones and Joseph Cotten were
scheduled to fly from New York to appear
in the scenes. The major portion of the pic-
ture is being filmed in New York
June Lockhart, Eagle-Lion star, was here
one day in connection with promotion of “It’s
a Joke, Son,” which was to open at the Majes-
2-0642 - Telephones - 32-9181
Entertainment Bureau
635 Main St., Hartford 3, Conn.
M /
POPCORN
JVIanleu
MACHINES
Tops for all showmen!
Ask the theatre that has one!
SAM HORENSTEIN
*J<7Ue. Popco'ut Man "
New England Representative
* * -X
Office and Showroom . . . 45 Church St.
Hancock 7419 Boiton
In the Heart of the Film District
Genuine
MANLEY SUPPLIES
Illllllllllllllllllllllllllilllllllllllllllllllllll
tic Saturday (5). She gave radio and press
interviews and visited the Red Cross head-
quarters in connection with the local drive . . .
Eddie Klein of Bay State Film Co., who un-
derwent an operation last month, is now back
at the office for a few hours a day . . . Dorothy
Newhoff, secretary to Sam Levine of PRC,
has her left wrist in a cast as a result of
a severe fall.
The annual retreat of the Catholic Motion
Picture Guild was conducted at Campion hall
in North Andover March 28-30. Frank Mc-
Manus, M&P, is the group leader and about
58 members of the guild attended. Over 20
industryites who were unable to obtain res-
ervations for the Palm Sunday weekend are
considering the formation of a second retreat
for the fall.
On a recent trip to Vermont to supervise the
installations of Century Sound equipment at
the Idle Hour, Hardwick, Eddie Comi of the
Massachusetts Theatre Equipment Co. was
rushed to the Barre hospital for an operation
on his back. When he left the hospital still
taped, he went to Montpelier to install a new
screen for Homer Skeels jr. at the Strand.
The Massachusetts Theatre Equipment Co. is
doing all the installations of Century sound
and projectors at the new Park Theatre, East
Walpole, operated by Roy Smith? which is
scheduled to open May 1.
Meyer Stanzler of the Community, Wake-
field, who is chairman of the Edward M. Fay
dinner to be held in Providence April 13, is a
mighty busy man. He has been seen rushing
along Filmrow with numerous important-
looking documents under his arm calling out
to all who are within hearing distance, “It’s
KROKYN- BROWNE, Architects
Theatre Specialists and Consultants
NEW ADDRESS
184 Boylston Street at Park Square. Boston
" CORSAGE "
POST-WAR
PATTERN
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
from
CAMEO SCREEN ATTRACTIONS, INC
50 Melrose St. Boston, Mass.
Samuel J. Davidson, Pres.
going to be the most stupendous, the most
colossal, the most terrific affair .”
For “It Happened in Brooklyn,” Loew’s
Theatres is sending 100 invitations to socialite
Boston families to attend a screening of the
film. They read: “The first families of Brook-
lyn cordially invite Mr. and Mrs to
attend, etc.”
When Frank Kelley, manager of the Inman
Square Theatre, Cambridge, discovered that
the motor of the curtain control was smoking
during a late matinee, he stepped down into
the audience and asked the patrons to leave
the theatre quietly. Without asking questions,
the entire audience rose and walked out to
the street. Twenty minutes later the trouble
had been overcome and then the patrons re-
entered. Little damage was done to the cur-
tain.
Mary Bruno, who has taken back the Em-
pire, Manchester, N. H., expects to reopen the
house Easter Sunday. Her father built the
theatre many years ago and since his death it
has been leased. She is putting in several
major improvements and will manage the
house herself with the buying and booking
to be handled by her brother-in-law, John
Anthony, who operates the Modern, Man-
chester. Miss Bruno has a cousin, Michael
Bruno, who owns and operates the Tilton,
Tilton, N. H.
Ernie Sharaf, Rialto, Worcester; Chester
Currie, Dalton, Pawtucket, R. I., and Joe
Stanzler, Greenwich, East Greenwich, were
seen booking at Warners . . . Drive-In Thea-
tres Corp., of which James Guarino is gen-
eral manager, has set April 5 as the opening
date of two of its theatres, the Saugus and
the Weymouth. The date for the Shrewsbury
opening will be set later, pending weather
conditions.
Jack Markle, local theatre manager who left
to supervise the opening of “Henry V” in
Philadelphia, visited on Filmrow briefly. He
will tour the eastern section of the country
with the film, starting with upstate New York
. . . Carl Goldman is now the manager of the
Esquire where “The Best Years of Our Lives”
has been playing, stepping into the spot when
Harvey Elliott left to take over his summer
drive-in theatres.
TO AVOID EXCESSIVE WEEKLY
SERVICE CHARGES
It Will Pay Dividends to Consult
Sound =
SiLluicS.
fo ^
\ On c<lLL ccl ctncf {tmt,
\ Ja) L ^N(Jujooc^ 260!
4_i.fi.rold D-flViDscm
1 3 S N^lOLJr^lTFOFHT ST.
BF=tOOV<.t-ir^JE -*4- S , F=4 S S.
STOCKED WITH ALL
NECESSARY REPAIR
AND REPLACEMENT
PARTS FOR ANY
SOUND SYSTEM.
NOW EXPANDING WITH
ADDITIONAL PERSON-
NEL TO COVER A
LARGER SERVICE
AREA.
“Ask any exhibitor using the service’
MANY THEATRES
UNDER OUR MAINTENANCE
90
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
R&R 24-Sheeter Hails Corpus Christi;
Credit Given Collins and His 'Family'
DALLAS— Robb & Rowley’s 24-Sheeter
for March was dedicated to the circuit’s
houses in Corpus Christi, to partner Bruce
L. Collins; to Sam Stokes, city manager,
and “to all the fine loyal boys and girls”
employed by those theatres.
Collins wrote the leading editorial on the
subject, “Work,” his theme being, “The only
BRUCE L. COLLINS
way to increase the purchasing power of
the dollar is through work— without work
the dollar is worthless.”
Early history of theatres in the Gulf
coast metropolis was recalled when H. H.
Elliott operated three theatres there as an
independent. Collins was associated with
him. As time went on Collins became
active in the business, acquired Elliott’s
interest and formed an R&R partner-
ship. In 1925 this partnership built the
Palace, one of the finest houses in south
Texas. Corpus was not over 10,000 popu-
lation then.
ONLY TWO MINOR FIRES
Other theatres were added through the
years. Only two minor theatre fires in 20
years is marked against this group of
houses. There has been storm damage to
theatre property, however.
All telephone calls come in through the
central office with one girl being trained
to give information to the public. She
makes phone connections with any em-
ploye. All receipts are picked up each
morning by armored truck. A safe is in
each boxoffice and only the manager
knows the combination.
Other details of operation, some of which
are tradition with the circuit, are that all
Corpus Christi theatre managers run their
own theatres just as if they owned them
as independent exhibitors. The responsi-
bility to audiences, advertising, etc., are
all their problems. This traditional pre-
cept has uncovered and developed more
talent and ability than any other idea ever
advanced over the circuit, R&R officials
say.
The circuit’s theatres in Corpus Christi
now number a dozen. The main downtown
houses are the Center, Palace and Ritz.
CENTER IS NEWEST HOUSE
The Center is the newest house; im-
provements were recently made at the
Palace and Ritz. The dozen theatres have
a seating capacity of 10,404 and employ 135
people. The city’s population is some
60,000.
City Manager Stokes ranks high with
the circuit. He went to work in 1925 at
Kingsville, R&R having once owned thea-
tres there. He was manager in Laredo and
McAlester before being made Corpus city
manager in 1940.
Stokes gives much credit to employes
for success of the Corpus theatres. He
cites E. Roberts, head of maintenance, for
preventive and quick repair jobs during
floods and storms, as well as for his usual
everyday work. Roberts has saved the
company many thousands of dollars, he
said.
J. Poindexter, sound engineer, stands out
as the man Who arranged theatre booths
so that operators could wear their tuxedos
to work if they so desired. Concerning the
other employes Stokes said, “Sometimes
when we get exasperated at any of them,
we stop and ponder for a moment. If it
weren’t for them we might be driving an
ice wagon. So to them let us drink a toast,
giving them full credit for the fine job
they have done in years past and with
whom we confidently face the future.”
Other valued employes are Bernice Lum-
mis, oldest employe in service, who keeps
the records; Ralph Buchanan, manager of
the Amusu; C. Harold Reid, Palace man-
ager; Robert J. Chapman, manager of the
Melba and Grande; J. R. Davis, Ritz man-
ager; Melchor Martinez, Agnes manager,
and Wayne Renfro, who served in the
Battle of the Bulge before becoming man-
ager of the Beach Theatre.
Hilliard Hightower handles publicity
and relieves other managers; June Alford
is secretary in the Corpus organization;
Clyde L. Dotson is manager of the Center;
Charles Scoggins pilots the Tower, and
Ennis Washington is manager of the Har-
lem.
McLendon Expanding
Into Other Industries
DALLAS— B. R. McLendon, general man-
ager and principal owner of Tri-State Thea-
tres, a circuit of some 14 houses here and
in east Texas, is going in for other lines of
business. He recently opened an automatic
laundry here, the Laundromat, using 40 Laun-
derall machines. A second unit is being
opened in another part of town.
At the same time McLendon is venturing
into radio broadcasting business on a scale
attracting wide attention. Latest is that the
FCC has just authorized operation of a new
station here by the Trinity Broadcasting
Corp. The new station is being located in Oak
Cliff, just across the Trinity river. Manager
of the new station, KOAK, and president of
the company, is Gordon McLendon, former
navy officer and son of the theatre man.
The station will have 1,000 watts and will
operate on 1,190 kilocycles. It is timed for
being on the air in 60 days. It has no net-
work affiliation as yet.
Other officials of the corporation are B. R.
McLendon, vice-president, and J. R. Euler,
secretary. The latter is buyer and booker
for the Tri-State circuit. The same setup now
owns and operates a Mutual network station,
KNET in Palestine, which Gordon McLendon
has managed for the last year.
Cecil Davis to Handle
Lines of Darden & Co.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Joint announcement
is made by Chas. E. Darden & Co., Dallas,
and Cecil Davis, Oklahoma City, of an as-
sociation by which Davis will warehouse and
service in Oklahoma the lines of the Darden
Co. The deal is effective immediately.
The Darden firm raises a special growth of
hybrid popcorn on its own and contract acre-
age in the south plains of the Texas pan-
handle. Due to the dryness of the climate the
product is free of weevils, the company says.
The acreage is irrigated, which allows for
controlled moisture in the grains. It is the
moisture content of corn that controls its
popping volume. Davis will have a warehouse
stock of this corn.
Other merchandise included in the deal
embraces the sales agency for Cretors pop-
corn machines and stocks of seasoning, salt,
bags, cartons and miscellaneous supplies
needed by the poppers.
A New Modern Theatre
Assured at Wilburton
WILB1JRTON, OKLA. — Plans for one of
the most modern theatres in eastern Okla-
homa are in blueprint stage, said K. Lee Wil-
liams, head of the circuit bearing his name,
and owner of the Latimer Theatre there.
Williams said that construction would begin
immediately on a 50-foot downtown lot.
Construction men have been asked to con-
tact Leon Autry, local manager, for work
on the project, which is expected to be com-
pleted by late summer.
Wales' Offices Are Now
In West Theatre Bldg.
GEORGE WEST, TEX.— H. T. “Tommy”
Wales, general manager of the W. D. Glass-
cock theatres, has his office in the new West
Theatre here, where he does the buying and
booking for the West and the other two
Glasscock houses, the Blanco, Blanco, and
the Dale, Stockdale.
R. I. Payne Heads Drive
DALLAS— R. I. Payne of the Griffith cir-
cuit has taken over the Dallas exchange area
exhibitor chairmanship for the orphans of
Greece drive.
A. I. Burleson to Andrews
ANDREWS, TEX.— A. J. Burleson has ar-
rived here to take charge of the Wallace Thea-
tre, one of a circuit of 14 houses of the Wal-
lace Theatre Co., with headquarters in Lub-
bock. Burleson comes here from a post in
Brownwood.
Two Injured Fighting
Luling Theatre Fire
LULING, TEX.— A fire that started back-
stage completely destroyed the Princess The-
atre here and two persons were injured fight-
ing the blaze.
Fire Chief Conley received a head injury
and broken tooth, while a Negro porter was
injured while using a fire extinguisher. Smoke
and water damaged adjoining buildings.
Fire companies from Seguin and Lockhart
aided in fighting the fire.
' BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
SW
91
DALLAS
^on C. Douglas of R&R’s public relations
department is reported resting well in St.
Paul’s hospital after suffering an attack last
Saturday. He had just returned from a trip
to the circuit’s theatres at Little Rock and
had planned several days work in his Dallas
office. In Phil Isley’s office he became ill
and an ambulance took him to the hospital
after his doctor was at last able to get a room.
Douglas’s condition had no connection with
heart trouble. He had a stomach disorder
a number of years ago.
Don D. Cole, Oklahoma City manager for
Favorite Films, was in Dallas attending a
sales meeting with John Franconi, owner of
the company. Cole was here for several years
working out of Franconi’s Dallas office, sell-
ing Film Classics and later Screen Guild
until Franconi developed Favorite, when he
was transferred back to Oklahoma. Inci-
dentally, Don grew up in that territory.
C. M. Koch of the Bob Warner popcorn
machine office here visited Temple and near-
by places recently to see his mother and
several relatives. A former A&M student,
Koch is a brother of the great Aggie all-
conference grid star, Botchey Koch, of several
seasons ago . . . John Jenkins, who reports
all prints on “Open the Door, Richard” booked
up solid through the summer, is on a ten-
day sales trip to New Orleans, Atlanta and
Chicago. The short film was in the greatest
demand since the office was opened a num-
ber of years ago.
Earnest Rockett of the new Tower Theatre
Step right up
GREATER
POPCORN PROFITS
with
R-B Brand
When you pop R-B Brand super-quality popcorn, you'll get about $120
to $125 from a 100-lb. bag! For R-B, processed exclusively from Mam-
moth Yellow Hybrid Popcorn, has a popping ratio of approximately 30
to 1. Seasoned with R-B Golden Liquid Seasoning, the large, fluffy
kernels have extra good flavor that brings customers back again and
again.
R-B Brand Seasoning is available in
gallons at 32 lbs. to the case or 5
gallon tins at 40 lbs. per case. Also
steel drums — 420 lbs.
3/4 lb. printed white bags, $1.50 per
thousand; Morton's popcorn salt,
$1.80 per case. Let us quote on all
your needs.
Write for complete list of poppers'
supplies.
7r? just one bag, to see
for yourself the superiority.
Only $9.80 per 100 lb. bag.
Per 100 lb. bag
in orders of
500 lbs. & up.
Consolidated
POPCORN COMPANY
2401 South Ervdy St. ★ Dallas 1, Texas
BUILT ON
EXTRA VALUE
and
SATISFACTION
in Itasca, brought his family up to see “Ok-
lahoma!” last week. He had no tickets. At
Variety Club he talked with J. O. Cherry, who
fixed him up. Cherry is also city manager
for Interstate circuit which put on the show.
Rockett has operated a theatre for 30 years
and has attended hundreds of Dallas stage
shows. He lives in Waxahachie, the old fam-
ily home, and has commuted to Itasca for
some 20 years.
Hans Smith of the Irving and Rio theatres
at Irving has been a city commissioner for
several years and this week stood for mayor.
His ticket somehow got credit for an ordi-
nance barring traveling shows but an oppo-
nent ran an ad saying that wasn’t so as that
ordinance was 20 years old. He doesn’t neces-
sarily believe that an exhibitor should not
delve into politics. Election results were not
known at press time.
Dr. C. E. Matthews, evangelism director for
the southern Baptist churches, conducted a
five-day noon worship series of meetings in
the Palace Theatre. That denomination has
sponsored these pre-Easter meetings here for
28 years. Interstate circuit has extended free
use of its theatre for as long as it has been
operated by that organization.
The Robb & Rowley circuit counts a num-
ber of important dates and anniversaries
during March. Bill Stuckert opened the Rex
Theatre in Brenham on Mar. 12, 1916. T.
Miller Davidge at Durant became a partner
on Mar. 17, 1924. Lance Davis at Rotan be-
came an exhibitor in 1921 and Jack Lilly at
Commerce has been in the business 34 years.
Jim Tobola of the Best Theatre in West,
was here on a booking trip, handled several
equipment problems and took back a new
supply of tickets . . . Sid Hale of the Elk
Theatre in Italy has recovered from a recent
sick spell . . . Lee Bell of Clarendon said
business was quiet in his town due to a lot of
sickness . . . Bob Clemmons, former part
owner of the Arcadia Theatre here, but now
living in Bryan, was on the Row for two days
just to keep in touch with goings on.
W. L. Embrey, projectionist at the Queen
in Ferris, stopped on the Row on his way to
Chicago, where he will take a two-week
laboratory course at the DeForrest training
school. He recently completed a correspond-
ence course in radio and projection mainte-
nance and operation with that school. The
lab course is a final phase of the DeForrest
training. Embrey said he would be back if
■ NOW.
Your Theatre Can Be Sold
PRIVATELY at Top Market
Personal, Confidential Handling
Confidential correspondence invited
ARTHUR LEAK
BROKER
Theatre Sales Exclusively
3422 Kinmore St. Dallas 1 0, Texas
Westerns-Features-Serials
I Tower Pictures Co.
HAROLD SCHWARZ
3021/j S. Harwood St. C— 7357
DALLAS 1, TEXAS
92
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
he doesn’t land a big paying job in the Windy
city.
W. L. “Buck” Rogers, known on the Row
through his connection with the Lone Star
Gas Co. for 19 years, is now manager of the
Dallas office of Manley, Inc. He recently
returned from a two-week training period at
the factory in Kansas City. He was em-
ployed in the new job by Bob Warner, di-
vision manager for the company.
W. W. McNatt and his wife were in town
from Naples on their regular booking trip.
They also own the Morris in Daingerfield,
where the Texas-owned Lone Star Steel Co.
will soon take over a former government pig-
iron smelter. McNatt believes it will really
be a big thing for the state, but said all he
and the folks around town know is just what
they read in the papers.
Lee Cason, manager of the Joy in Tyler
for S. G. Fry, was here this week seeking to
get snow cone machines. He has been op-
erating one just off the lobby of the Joy and
is now buying machines for other locations.
On the other side of the lobby, Cason op-
erates the popcorn machine and candy con-
cession but this is in partnership with the
theatre.
L. W. Watts, general manager of the Watts-
Keasler circuit, with headquarters in Rodessa,
La., was here on film and equipment mat-
ters. He was also working to further plans
for construction of a new theatre he will
build in New Boston, Tex., just as soon as
CPA says he can. The circuit operates in
Louisiana and east Texas.
V. E. Hamm, who opened the Ritz in Cor-
'Very Pleasant/ Says
Exhibition Newcomer
Mathis, Tex. — Her first taste of show
business is very pleasant, according to
Mrs. Nellie LaComa, manager of the It
and Azteca theatres in this south Texas
town. Mrs. LaComa and her husband,
W. C. LaComa, who is projectionist at
the It, have been here since the first
of the year.
“This is my first taste of show busi-
ness,” Mrs. LaComa said recently, “and
I find it very pleasant and interesting
work. W. C. has been in the business for
a number of years.”
sicana several months ago, was here on a
two-day booking trip. He also operates a
small house in Frederick, Okla., which he
opened just after the war ... Ed Laurie, tour
manager of the recent transcontinental trek
of three Fifth Avenue buses which came
through here on their way to Hollywood in
a plug for “It Happened on Fifth Avenue,”
is now in San Antonio setting up the open-
ing of the picture at the Aztec Theatre April
17. The picture is booked in all A situations
over the Interstate circuit.
J. H. Stagner will open the new Van Thea-
tre at . Van on April 10. He was here this
week getting a cooling system lined up. The
theatre burned to the ground the first of
the year and the new house was built in
near-record time, getting a clear priority be-
cause the town was without picture enter-
tainment . . . Mrs. Nedia B. Delcambre,
mother of Alfred Delcambre, southern sales
manager for Selznick Releasing Organiza-
tion, died last week at the home of a sister
in Grand Prairie and was buried here.
George Preston Tate, with his two gallon
sheep herder’s hat and a snazzy pair of bench-
made boots, breezed in on the Row for his
first visit in months. He said he has about
learned to run his Queen Theatre at Santa
Anna without having to come to town so
often.
Green Light Is Awaited
For Dallas Negro House
DALLAS — Jack Adams and Sam Lucchese
are ready to build a de luxe Negro theatre
on Hall street just as soon as building con-
trols are dropped. Adams said plans are
complete and Tom Forner will do the con-
struction job. The foundation will be started
right away, even though above-ground con-
struction cannot be undertaken yet. This
partnership owns the State on State street,
which backs up to the new theatre location,
and they also own the Century in south
Dallas. Adams said he and Lucchese have
worked out plans for a new Negro theatre in
Denison which they also hope to have under
way soon.
To Work on 'The Pirate'
Comedy writer Wilkie Mahoney will work
on “The Pirate," Metro production starring
Judy Garland and Gene Kelly.
OKLAHOMA
Notice
The full line of products of
Chas. E. Darden & Co. will
be warehoused and han-
dled in Oklahoma by
CECIL DAVIS
4020 MacArthur Blvd.
P. O. Box 20, Warr Acres
Station,
Oklahoma City, Okla.
INCLUDED:
Panhandle Grown Hybrid
Popcorn
Cretors Machines
Cartons — Bags — Salt
Seasoning
$132.50 PER 100 POUNDS
( using 10c cartons )
is indicated by latest laboratory tests
on the Texas
PANHANDLE GROWN
HYBRID POPCORN
Test showed in-grown moisture content of 13.17,
which is ideal.
Popping volume registered 34.
Sample for this test taken at random from Dal-
las warehouse stock and given to an outside
laboratory.
The ratings are authentic.
We serve you . . .
The Ideal Hybrid
with
RIVERSIDE 6134
MAXIMUM UNIFORMITY
GROWN-IN POPPING VOLUME
A QUALITY OF TASTE
you never have known before.
Chas. E. Darden &
BRANCH
WAREHOUSES:
DALLAS 1. TEXAS
HOUSTON BEAUMONT LUBBOCK
102 San Jacinto 201 Bowie 702 Texas
P. O. Box 322
POST OFFICE BOX 2207
NEW ORLEANS MEMPHIS
400 N. Peters 671 S. Main
P. O. Box 2562
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
93
Screen Guild Installs
New Booking System
DALLAS — Intended to tighten up play-
time and to eliminate blowups, Screen Guild
of Texas has installed
a completely new book-
ing system.
Installation has been
made by John Greer,
lately employed as
head booker and since
promoted to office
manager. The scheme
is to book up and down
the sheet instead of
across, the latter
method being em-
ployed by most ex-
changes.
Illustrative of the
service to be had from
the system, the office currently uses seven
to eight prints on the new Screen Guild
releases. A master page, the left face of a
double spread, controls the record. The de-
tail page, the right face of the double spread,
reflects a full month’s bookings on each sub-
JOHN GREER
Sam A. Hobbs
Yale 2-1483
Eddie H. Shahan
Yale 2-0526
HOBBS & SHAHAN
Theatre Remodeling and Decorating
Draperies . . . Acoustical Correction
1224 So. Brighton DALLAS 11, TEXAS
ject, like a graphic chart. Not only tighter
bookings are gained and losses from miss-
outs saved, but the system facilitates check-
ing and corrections of billings. It also works
with less effort on the part of the bookers
and is economical.
The system has been in use in principle
by MGM and Universal, but this is its first
use in a franchise exchange.
■Leon Circuit Managers
To Compete in Contest
DALLAS — C. D. Leon, head of the Leon
circuit of 16 theatres in west Texas, inaugu-
rated a contest for April with an award for
the best showing of an increase in business
during the month. The manager showing
the highest proportionate increase in popcorn
sales, as well as boxoffice receipts and gen-
eral theatre improvement, will be given an
all-expense airplane vacation trip to Mexico
City.
The manager’s wife will be included.
Barron Snares a Plug
ARANSAS PASS, TEX— Leo Barron, as-
sistant city manager for Hall Industries here,
was given a plug in a Houston Chronicle
feature article which mentioned' his show-
ing of a Port Aransas newsreel at the Rialto.
The newsreel featured a local girl.
Character Actress Takes Role
Warners has signed character actress Ann
Shoemaker a role in “Wallflower.”
REMODELING-DECORATING
Drapes — Frames — Lighting Fixtures
LOWEST PRICES
LUPE ROMERO
4222 Latayetto DALLAS 4. TEX. T-0060
WALTER B. KING
KING SCENIC CO.
Theatre Remodeling and Decorating
Complete from the Idea to the Finished
Product.
Address: Care Ambassador Hotel
Phone: C-9003 Dallas 1. Texas
BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT
10th FI.. 2nd Unit, Santa Fe Bldg. BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO*, INC. Dallas, Tex.
I ;
Men Who Know Their Popcorn Say —
WHEN THERE ARE SO MANY REASONS WHY IT PAYS TO OWN
A "MANLEY" . . . can you afford not to have one? ^
THE MIGHTY '47 MANLEY POPCORN MACHINE
"Remember it is better to have bought a Manley
than to wish you had!"
★ ★ ★
RHl? ll/JUtilTFI? DIVISIONAL MANAGER
302 So. Harwood C-7536 Dallas, Texas
Holy Week Dents
Grosses in Dallas
DALLAS — First run receipts were notice-
ably down here, as is customary for Holy
week. The weather was extra good. The an-
niversary of the crucifixion and resurrection
of Christ filled church seats day and night
but left theatre seats comparatively empty.
(Average is 100)
Capitol — Over the Santa Fe Trail (Col); Bom to
Speed (PRC), split with Songs of the Saddle
(Rep>); Devil Bat (PRC), reissue.
Majestic — Johnny O'clock (Col)
Melba — The Chase (UA)
Palace — Cross My Heart (Para)
Rialto — The Ghost Goes Wild (Rep), split with
Wild Bill Hickok (Para), reissue
Telenews — The Wicked Lady (u-i)
Tower — California (Para), 2nd d. t. wk
.100
no
. 80
95
85
130
120
Showman Fears Bank,
$60,000 Taken From Home
LITTLETON, COLO— Mrs. Allie N. Jay of
Littleton, owner of the theatre at Arvada, had
$60,000 in a safe at home. She told Sheriff
Charles Foster she kept it there because she
Is “deathly afraid of banks.” The other
night, while she was at the theatre in
Arvada, burglars carted off the safe. Be-
sides the huge amount of cash, they got an
undetermined amount of government bonds,
deeds, abstracts, notes and insurance papers,
Mrs. Jay told the sheriff.
'Oklahoma!' a Sellout
DALLAS — The highly successful run of
“Oklahoma!” for six nights and two matinees
in Fair Park auditorium here drew more
than 34,000 persons. Most performances were
sellouts and the others were nearly so. The
hall seats about 5,000.
The show was put on here by Interstate cir-
cuit which moved the attraction to the Will
Rogers Memorial coliseum in Fort Worth
from April 1 to 5. The coliseum seats about
the same number.
Is Your
Theatre
For Sale?
"JOE" JOSEPH
THEATRES
Let “Joe” Sell Your Show.
Theatres bought — sold — equipped — fire in-
ventories— consultant and equipment.
1003 Galloway St. Dallas, Tex.
Phone Yale 2-7650
SAM LEWIS
Remodeling and Decorating Theatres
"A Dollar’s Worth for Your Dollar "
Phone Y2-7383
2810 Sharon Dallas 11. Texas
HERMAN BLUM
Engineer
Air-Conditioning and Heating Design
1708^ Commerce St. Dallas, Texas
94
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
It
m
? 9
*Jo*
0^*'. > Act*
We welcome a number of new dealers.
They will serve you well — Use them.
Remember:
FOR SEATING
Call for a GRIGGS Representative today. There is one close by and he can
see you in a matter of hours if necessary. Call us and we will be right on the
job to work out all the details of your seating problems. Capacity is increas-
ing and deliveries still on schedule.
Again — Don't Delay! Act Today!
Call — Wire — Write
Griggs Equipment Company
Box 630 Phone 630
Belton, Texas
Represented in the South by the Following:
S. Arkansas. Louisiana, S. Mississippi
ALON BOYD
6015 Tulsa Rye.. Shreveport, La.
N. Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia
THE QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE, INC.
1912V2 Morris Ave., Birmingham, Alabama
Oklahoma
CECIL DAVIS THEATRE SEAT & EQUIP. CO.
4020 MacArthur Blvd., Box 20, Warr Acres Station
Oklahoma City, Okla.
S. Missouri, N, Arkansas. E. Kansas
J. BYE COVERSTON
Box 255, Gravette, Arkansas
Texas
HARDIN THEATRE SUPPLY <5, EQUIPMENT CO,
714 S. Hampton Rd., Dallas, Texas
and
HERBER BROTHERS
408 S. Harwood St., Dallas. Texas
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
95
OKLAHOMA CITY
J(IOHN) A D (0'X)
enkins & Bourgeois
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HARWOOD & JACKSON STS.
DALLAS 1 “Riverside 1884” TEXAS
Q B. Akers, legislative committee chairman
for TOO, issued a bulletin thanking ex-
hibitors who rallied to the support of the
committee in the fight against the municipal
tax bill before the senate. “It is such sup-
port that will assure success of our efforts
to protect the motion picture industry,”
Akers said in the bulletin. “The showing
made against the bill is indicative of what
can be done by unity and aggressive action.”
Easter week pictures here will be “My Fa-
vorite Brunette” at the Criterion; “The Egg
and I” at the Home; “Fantasia” at the
Tower; “Lady in the Lake” at the Midwest;
“Pursued” at the Warner, and “Sinbad the
Sailor” at the State.
Barbara Stephens, cashier at the McSwain
in Ada, and T. J. Sterling, former GI, of
Houston, were scheduled to wed April 4 . . .
Employes of the McSwain, Kiva and Ritz in
Ada got together for a wiener roast planned
by Don Mathews.
On the sick list: Bob Graydon, chief pro-
jectionist for Griffith at Picher, has been ill
with the flu . . . I. G. Killough, partner-
director of Griffith Theatres, Ada, is steadily
improving at his home from a recent opera-
tion . . . Mrs. W. B. Turk, wife of Griffith
Manager Bill Turk, Ada, has been ill for
about a week.
Kenneth Arrington, McSwain doorman, is
now an operator at the Kiva in Ada. Both
are Griff operations . . . Betty Williams,
secretary to Jim Worsley, Griffith manager
in Picher, is back on the job after a 10-day
illness . . . Marie Lutz of Theatre Poster is
really crowing. Her son Kenneth was one
of the few to make the top grade of A at OU.
Plans are under way to construct a new
1,100-seat theatre in Altus at the corner of
Hudson and Cypress streets. It will be built
by W. T. Spears and Griffith Theatres, who
now own and operate three houses in Altus.
Minnaletha White, voice coach for MGM
in Hollywood for the past six years, has re-
turned to her home town — Oklahoma City —
to open a studio. Mrs. White has taught
such stars as Kathryn Grayson, Dennis Mor-
gan, John Payne, Joan Crawford, Esther
Williams, Ann So them, Beverly Tyler,
Eleanor Powell, John Carroll and Walter
Pidgeon.
The Michael Douglases and their 2-year-
old twin daughters were visitors here. Doug-
las is on personal tour which will be climaxed
with an engagement in New York. The
family will return to California following the
tour so that Douglas can start his new pic-
ture, “The Danger Ring.” He is known to
city radio audiences as Michael Dowd. He
conducted his own radio show here before
joining Kay Kyser’s show as soloist.
Arthur Whittemore and Jack Lowe, duo-
pianists, were guest artists on the Oklahoma
Symphony orchestra concert program Sat-
urday (5) in the Municipal auditorium . . .
John Charles Thomas presented a concert
in the auditorium Thursday night (3) . . .
Griffith’s new Oklahoma City theatre, the
Agnew, opened the evening of March 28.
Wesley White, formerly assistant manager
in Bartlesville, is the manager.
Boyle attractions this month include
“Blossom Time” April 11 in the Municipal
auditorium and the Lauritz Melchior concert
April 26 in the auditorium . . . Coming to
the auditorium the night of April 19 is the
annual Parade of Quartets sponsored by
the Society for the Preservation and En-
couragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing
in America, Inc.
Beddow Gets Commission
KINGSVILLE, TEX.— Robert W. Beddow,
city manager of the three Hall Industries
Theatres here, has been commissioned a first
lieutenant in the Texas national guard.
Joins Alexis Smith
Jeffrey Lynn has been ticketed for a role
in Warners’ “Whiplash,” joining Alexis Smith
and Dane Clark.
r
Time For
That Spring House-Cleaning
Sweep-Up! Dust-Up! Clean-Up!
Replace that much-used equipment and
accessories which have served you well.
Material is again available. Let us help you
" Get It Done!"
OKLRHOmn THEATRE SUPPLV
J. ELDON PEEK
TELEPHONE 7-8601
708-710 WEST GRAND AVENUE
OKLAHOMA CITY 2. OKLA.
96
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
NEW ORLEANS
The Filmrow Social club of New Orleans held
^ its big event last week. This club was or-
ganized by the girls on the Row and to make
it more interesting, they invited their bosses.
It proved to be a success. The membership
goal is 200. With almost half this number
now registered, the club feels sure the goal
will be reached.
Ed Ortte of the Ortte Theatre in Bay St.
Louis, Miss., was shopping on the Row . . .
Ditto Roy Pfeiffer of Baton Rouge and Fred
Mayhall of the Century at Mobile . . . R. A.
Gartman and S. S. Riggs of Fairhope, Ala.,
have purchased the equipment from Claude
McCrary of Crichton, Ala., and moved it to
Fairhope where it has been installed at the
Playland on the beach and will open within
the next 15 days. Gartman and Riggs were
on the Row making arrangements for addi-
tional equipment and film bookings.
Roland Hoffman of Paramount-Richards
Theatres was a visitor in Natchez last week
... All of the theatre circuit executives seem
to be on the go. E. V. Richards and Turk
Carter were in Natchez. L. C. Montgomery
was on a tour of his circuit and so was Joy
Houck, who made flying visits to his towns.
John Jarvis, local manager for Kay Films,
returned from an extended tour through
southwestern Louisiana. We recently learned
Jarvis was southeastern boxing champion and
is proud owner of a diamond-studded belt
buckle. We’ll be careful and tip our hat to
John after this . . . Evelyn Du Bartell re-
signed as office manager of Kay Films to
be general manager of the new music shop
called Mallory’s.
Tom Guinan, field representative for PRC,
is visiting the local office . . . Jeff Davis,
manager for United Artists, has been in
Atlanta for three weeks managing that
branch until a new manager is installed.
He was expected back in New Orleans this
week.
Motion picture theatres in New Orleans
and southern. Louisiana have had a lull in
business the last two weeks of Lent. This
section is predominantly Catholic. However,
downtown theatres have enjoyed some fairly
good business as the attractions are a little
above average.
Critic's Writeup Reprinted
For Mailing to Exhibitors
From Eastern Edition
WASHINGTON — John S. Allen, MGM dis-
trict sales manager here, had reprints made
of a two-column spread which Jay Carmody,
film critic for the Washington Evening Star,
gave to Pete Smith’s short subject, “Playing
by Ear,” and mailed out the reprints to ex-
hibitors in the Washington territory. The
mailing was one of several activities being
pushed by Jack Goldberg, shorts sales head
at the Washington exchange. Goldberg has
cooperated with several exhibitors to stage
worthwhile screenings for the blind.
Third New Boston House
Awaits Building Permit
NEW BOSTON, TEX.— L. W. Watts, gen-
eral manager of the W&K circuit, which owns
the Strand and Bowie theatres here, will
build a new theatre in this town as soon as
he gets the green light. He says he has all
plans completed for an 800-seat house on
which there will be no further delay once it
gets started. Watts said the government-
owned ordnance plant here has become a big
permanent thing. It was operated in San
Antonio before being moved here.
NOW!
GRIGGS THEATRE CHAIRS
of Belton, Texas
A chair manufactured in the Southwest for Southwest Showmen. Su-
perbly Designed — The Best in Workmanship — Materials — Prices.
Delivery as Scheduled.
Also
THE CHARLES E. DARDEN <£ CO. POPCORN, SUPPLIES
and
THE CRETORS LINE OF POPCORN MACHINES
Our warehouse is designed for the proper storage of popcorn. Every bag guaranteed.
Free delivery in and near Oklahoma City
We specialize in rebuilding your theatre chairs. In our plant — In your theatre.
Seat and back covers made to order. Write for quotations.
CECIL DAVIS
THEATRE SEAT & EQUIPMENT CO.
4020 MacArthur Box 20, Warr Acres Branch, Oklahoma City
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
97
Breezes From the Southeast
MIAMI — Monogram’s “It Happened on
Fifth Avenue,” the company’s first top-
budget film was to be premiered at three
Wometco theatres here April 5.
MIAMI — Wometco’s new 2,000-seat Miami
Theatre, “the showplace of the Americas,”
will open here April 18 with the southern
premiere of “Carnival in Costa Rica.” Sonny
Shepherd, leaving the Lincoln to manage
the new house, has invited presidents and
consuls of 20 neighboring nations, especially
President Teodoro Picado of Costa Rica,
to attend.
Miami — A1 Weiss, busy manager of the
Olympia Theatre here, doesn’t have time
to get acquainted with all his new em-
ployes. Last week when the sound at the
Olympia needed adjusting, A1 walked
over to the button which signals the
sound operator. He had scarcely touched
it when an usher rushed up and said,
“You’ll either have to sit down or get
out of this aisle. You can’t stand there.”
Rather than get involved in explanations,
A1 meekly moved on.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA.— The old Roxy
Theatre here, built in 1902, is being re-
modeled to house Federal Bake Shops, Inc.
MULBERRY, FLA. — R. T. Arnold’s new
450-seat Gem Theatre here is now open.
MIAMI — The Variety Club of Greater
Miami held its charter dinner at the Ritz
Plaza hotel here April 1. Among the hun-
dreds of guests were Bob O’Donnell, national
chief barker, W. A. Cully of Universal,
Edward M. Claughton, local financier and
Claughton circuit theatre owner, and Mitchell
Wolfson of the Wometco circuit.
TAMPA — Mr. and Mrs. Joe Livingston,
billed in vaudeville for 30 years as Addison
and Livingston, now are managing the Rex
Theatre here for Mrs. Julia Raulerson.
FLORALA, ALA. — The Martin circuit has
purchased a building here and will remodel
it into a modern theatre.
MIAMI — A million dollar 3,500-seat music
center and auditorium soon may be built
on Burlingame island at the mouth of the
Miami river on land offered by Edward
Claughton for 50-year or 99-year lease to the
University of Miami or the Miami Opera
guild at a total rental of $1.
McCLENNY, FLA. — Ray H. Dinkins and
E. W. Crockett expect to open their new
theatre here in May. A one-year pass will
be given the winner of a contest to name
the theatre.
LEESBURG, FLA.— Hugh Martin jr. of
M&M Theatres Corp. says his circuit soon
will build a 1,400-seat theatre here.
CHARLOTTE — Ralph J. Iannuzzi, salesman
in the Warners office here since January
1945, has been promoted to branch manager,
effective April 7. He succeeds John A. Bach-
man, who resigned to become UA manager at
Atlanta.
MEMPHIS — Col. Cecil Vogel, manager of
Loew’s Palace, is celebrating his 19th anni-
versary with Loew’s this week.
MEMPHIS — Deciding in favor of Richards-
Lightman Theatre Corp. in its suit to recover
chain store taxes, the Mississippi supreme
court this week stood by its previous decision
that operation of a candy and gum counter
in a theatre lobby does not constitute opera-
tion of a chain store.
Crestview, Fla. — The Crestview city
council, after viewing its recent in-the-
red financial statement, decided to re-
store amusement taxes removed some
months ago, including a 1-cent tax on
children’s tickets.
MEMPHIS — Rebuilding of the Memphian
Theatre, gutted by a recent fire, is well under
way and the reopening has been set for
May 1.
GRAY, GA. — The Martin & Thompson cir-
cuit of Atlanta has sold the Gray Theatre
here to J. C. Balkcom.
BIRMINGHAM — Theatre grosses were dis-
appointing in comparison with former years
as approximately 6,000 Alabama teachers
thronged Birmingham for the annual con-
vention of the Alabama Education Ass’n.
BIRMINGHAM— The Ballet Theatre, al-
though praised by critics, failed to click
financially at the Municipal auditorium.
BIRMINGHAM — A. H. Borisky, president
1
r i
f.i
if
i
M
OPEN NEW DRIVE-IN— Underwood and Ezell have opened their new Winkler
drive-in, located on the Houston thoroughfare of that name where it intersects with
Telephone road. It is their ninth such plant in the state. The Winkler was designed
by Jack Corgan, Dallas architect; will park 450 cars on ramps that have been paved
to keep down the dust. In-car speakers, a play park for children and lawn seats
for those without cars are features. Bill Sargent is manager, having been trans-
ferred from the Circle at Waco.
of Southeastern Amusement Co., and Harry
W. Roberts, Birmingham manager, recently
entertained newspaper men, city officials and
civic leaders at a preview of “The Best Years
of Our Lives.”
NEW BERN, N. C.— Cedric Boyd and J. P.
Overman have opened their new Bern Thea-
tre here. It’s a 450-seat Negro house with
a large stage for flesh attractions.
ATLANTA — Jimmie Bello of U-I, who was
transferred some time ago to the Washing-
ton office, has returned to Atlanta as office
manager for Warners, replacing C. A. Leeder.
MILAN, GA. — The Martin & Thompson
circuit of Atlanta has sold the Roxy Theatre
here to Cecil Crumby.
BIRMINGHAM — Ted Saizis, Five Points
Theatre projectionist, has completed shoot-
ing on a Negro short subject which he has
sold to Astor Pictures. Saizis is local rep-
resentative for Pathe and Paramount news-
reels.
MEMPHIS — Memphians planning to at-
tend the Variety Club’s International con-
vention in Los Angeles next month include
Herb Kohn, M. A. Lightman, Dave Flexer
and Tommy Baldridge.
ATLANTA — John Mangham, president of
Screen Guild Productions of Georgia, and
two of his salesmen, Walter T. Hickey and
Joe Fieldman, recently figured that between
them they have put in 108 years selling, dis-
tributing and exhibiting pictures. Mangham
argues that the total should be several times
greater, since people in the film business
work 12 to 20 hours per day.
Hall Circuit to Enlarge
Arcadia in Kerry ille, Tex.
KERRVTLLE, TEX. — The Arcadia Theatre
here will be completely remodeled and its
seating capacity increased to 1,200, according
to Dock Boyle, city manager for the Hall
circuit. The chain also operates the Rialto
here. Boyle said plans for the Arcadia re-
modeling have been approved by company
officials and work will start as soon as gov-
ernment regulations allow. Among the im-
provements, he said, will be fireproofing of
the interior as much as possible, redesigning
of lounges and restrooms, a new marquee,
and erection of a high tower.
Burl B. Motherly Buys
The Texas in Gunter
GUNTER, TEX.— Burl B. Matheny has
purchased and now is operating the Texas
Theatre here. He purchased it from J. M.
Wilson. Matheny moved here with his family
and is occupying an apartment above the
theatre. He formerly owned and operated
the Harlem in Denton.
Atom Blast Scene in Film
HOLLYWOOD — White Sands national
monument in New Mexico, scene of the first
atom bomb explosion, will be one of the loca-
tions used in filming Enterprise Producer
Harry Sherman’s “They Passed This Way.”
The area was forbidden for use on order of
Harold Ickes, then secretary of the interior,
and was strictly guarded during the war years
owing to location there of the Los Alamos
project.
To Hollywood From Broadway
Broadway actor Murvyn Vye has been re-
called to Hollywood, taking a top role in
Paramount’s “Whispering Smith.”
98
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
WACO
/■Nrchids to Fred Astaire, who does a swell
^ job in “A Damsel in Distress,” shown at
veterans hospital here in Waco the other
day. Astaire is really better now than when
this writer saw him on the stage and in
the flickers over 20 years ago, and since that
time, of course.
Austin is soon to have another new daily
newspaper, Robert Jordan, Texas teacher, re-
cently informed this writer. Plan is to publish
the new sheet each weekday noon and after
the paper shortage eases up a bit, the idea
then is to put out a Sunday issue which will
be printed every Saturday night.
Texas in the Movies: A new half million
dollar motion picture studio is to be built
in San Antonio this year by Western Ad-
ventures, the Alamo city’s up and coming
producing company. Backed by Texans who
do things in a big way, this outfit is putting
the finishing touches on “Cotton-Eyed Joe,”
a horse opera starring Red River Dave Mc-
Enery, star of radio, stage and screen and
recordings. Dave has some 300 musical com-
positions to his credit and is also being fea-
tured daily over WOAI, the largest radio
station in San Antonio.
The Waco Drive-In is having a variety
show night every Wednesday, inaugurating
a new policy for this playhouse . . . “Les
Miserables” was brought back to Waco for
a return engagement by request. It played
at the Orpheum.
Now they’re calling the Interstate city
manager, C. H. Stewart, “the fisherman sur-
preme” since he uses two trout lines to catch
fish, and that is a fact, according to Rex
Bodoin, publicity director for the Waco In-
terstaters . . . Back from sunny California
is the Great Scott, “a gentleman of very few
words,” a radio announcer for a Waco sta-
tion. He is widely known in Hollywood film
circles. Scott’s first name is Leslie.
Austin’s foreign first runs included “La
Pajarera” at the Iris Theatre; “They Were
Sisters” at the State, and “On Approval” at
the Varsity near the campus of the University
of Texas.
Eric Brendeler, skipper of the swanky
Woodlawn, Alamo city suburban sliowhouse,
presented Mac’s bubble gum matinee for
kiddies one Saturday morning and business
was brisk. The patrons were given chewing
wax gratis and juvenile screen fare was an-
other enticing feature of the morning.
A prominent visitor and speaker in the
three cities was Randolph Churchill, son of
the wartime prime minister of England.
When Lester Ketner, your hospitalized vet-
eran and BOXOFFICE central Texas editor,
asked our good friend Red River Dave why
he did not run for some political office next
May, Dave’s answer was: “I’m gonna run
for sheriff, just to keep outta jail.” — LK.
"Playing the market or reading the
Selling Seats section in BOXOFFICE?"
Posters! Posters! Posters!
We Have Them
Complete Accessories on All Companies’ Products
Exhibitors Poster Exch., Inc.
New Orleans, La.
221 South Liberty Street
RAY 3563
SEAT* EVERYTHING
FOR THRILL* *
WAHOO
America's Fittest Screen Came
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT CO., 831 S. WABASH A V E . , CHICAG
SW
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
98-A
Ryan and Roady Form
New Confection Firm
DALLAS — Rapid increases in volume over
the last several years have led the owners of
Southern Premium Manufacturing Co., here
to reorganize the business, forming a cor-
poration under the name of Ryan Industries,
Inc.
Though the company replaced the 25-
year-old Southern Premium organization,
no change in ownership or management oc-
curred, and all assets of the former firm were
invested in the new corporation. The pred-
ecessor firm, which first sold premiums and
candy to theatres later became a factor in
the popcorn industry.
W. G. Ryan and Jack Roady, who operated
the Southern Premium enterprise on a part-
nership basis, are now president and vice-
president respectively of the new concern.
Leon A. Meanor is secretary-treasurer.
Roady will act as manager of Ryan Indus-
tries. Under a new production and sales
program, the corporation plans to extend
its activities. Consolidated Popcorn. Oo.
and Ryan Candy Co. will continue to be
affiliated with Ryan Industries, Inc.
Theatre Rug Stolen
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.— Anything
not nailed down is lost, Ivan E. Hoig, city
manager here for Cooper Foundation Thea-
tres, discovered. He told police somebody
had walked off during a midnight show with
a 4x6 foot Navajo Indian rug from the Pio-
neer room in the Ute Theatre basement.
Carlsbad Mayor Enters
Projectionist Dispute
CARLSBAD, N. M. — Mayor L. C. Garrett
has taken a hand in the controversy between
projectionists and the Theatre Enterprises
which has resulted in the picketing of all
four local theatres since early in February.
Garrett wrote to H. S. Griffing of Okla-
homa City, executive of the parent Griffith
circuit, asking that a “serious effort” be made
to settle the dispute. “If the thing continues
in a stalemate with no effort on your part
to settle it,” he said, “there will no doubt be a
movement among the citizens of Carlsbad to
get an independent theatre in this city.”
The projectionists claim they were dis-
charged for organizing a union and seeking
to negotiate a contract. Frank Maxey, local
manager, said they were discharged for rea-
sons having nothing to do with union or-
ganization.
Usherettes Strut on Stage
As Ballyhoo for "Margie"
SANTA BARBARA, CALIF.— An inexpen-
sive stunt helped Manager Reg Streeter pick
up a heavy gross on “Margie” at the War-
ners Mission Theatre here. A week before
the opening he had seven usherettes dance
across the stage to the tune of “Margie,”
carrying colored signs spelling out the pic-
ture title and giving playdate. The girls
made pantalettes which showed below the
signs and all were otherwise made up alike
from saddle shoes and bobby socks to hair-
dos. As the last girl cleared the stage,
Streeter hit the screen with trailers on
“Margie” and “Gallant Journey,” with which
it was double billed.
U-I Exchange Building
Is Opened in St. Louis
From Central Edition
ST. LOUIS — Universal-International’s new
film exchange building at Olive street and
Compton avenue, said to be the finest struc-
ture of its kind in the country, was officially
opened here recently.
Harry Hynes, St. Louis manager, and Joe
Garrison, southwestern district manager,
were hosts at a reception marking the open-
ing. F. G. Murray of New York, in charge
of branch operations, came here to super-
vise final arrangements.
Equipment and lighting facilities are up
to the second in modern thought, while the
office arrangements were designed for the
convenience of exhibitors and others having
business with the company.
The fluorescent lighting is broken up with
a series of wings that produces a subdued
white light, quite easy on the eyes. In-
dividual lighting is provided in each in-
dividual section set aside for exhibitors who
are booking pictures, so they can enjoy
privacy and comfort while conferring with
bookers.
Theatre at Camp Plauche
Sold to Joseph Dicharry
NEW ORLEANS — Joseph Dicharry has
purchased the old Camp Plauche Theatre
which was used during the war and renamed
it the Todd Theatre. The Todd opened this
past week.
A TRUE REPRODUCTION OF THE ORIGINAL
MIRROPHONIC SOUND SYSTEMS
with the famous
WESTERN ELECTRIC
No. 7500 Sound Heads
and
“VOICE OF THE THEATRE’
Speaker Systems
Combined to Give You
THE WORLD'S FINEST SOUND
Seven Sizes to Choose From — Immediate Delivery From Our Stock.
Let us tell you more about how easy you can own the best. A card or letter will bring you full details.
Do It Now!
Mo-&e.?in <rJb&atn& Zauuiment Gamp,any
214 South St. Paul Street Phone Riverside 5009 Dallas 1, Texas
A Complete Theatre Equipment and Supply Service
98-B
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
Higdon Named Buyer
For Griffith Chain
OKLAHOMA CI'Tt— Ray A. Higdon of
Dallas hasWn named film buyer for Griffith
RAY A. HIGDON
Consolidated Theatres, Inc., with general of-
fices here, it was announced this week by
Henry S. Griffing, executive vice-president.
Higdon appeared before company execu-
tives and managers at the Griffith annual
meeting March 20, giving a report of his de-
partment.
He has been buying for the Griffith 50-
town independent circuit in Oklahoma and
Texas for the last two months, Griffing said.
The new buyer has been associated with
the R. E. Griffith theatre circuit in Dallas
for a number of years.
Prior to working with Griffith companies,
Higdon was engaged in film distribution and
was formerly a 20th-Fox exchange manager
in Oklahoma City.
Noise of Drive-In Speakers
Causes Residents to Sue
Pastor Wishes Churches
Had Film Salesmanship
CORAL GABLES — Dr. Glenn James, pas-
tor of the White Temple Methodist church,
paid a tribute to the salesmanship of motion
picture companies in a recent sermon. His
sermons every Sunday morning are broadcast
over a local station. He said that frequently
he finds motion pictures introduced by a great
lion or a crowing rooster, symbols of the film
companies. To him, he said, this was an in-
dication that the lion could roar or the
rooster crow his approval of what was to
follow, and that nothing would appear on
the screen which could not be so introduced.
His lesson was that churches might well adopt
such advertising methods.
WACO, TEX. — Lone Star Theatres, opera-
tors of the Waco Drive-In Theatre, are de-
fendants in a suit brought against them by
neighboring residents who claim damages due
to noise from speakers in the open-airer. The
residents, who claim that the fault can be
corrected by installation of in-the-car speak-
ers or by “enclosing the entire area with walls
and roof,” each ask $3,000 damages and $50
damages for each night of operation after the
suit is filed.
SIGNATURE CUTS
iTr-rrfi i fOA VOVA ADV£J)TiS//VG..J
. 1 JL*JeS3» send YOUR THEATRES' NAMES FOR
-rrmti:, IL
<^Z&6£<s'u*to (ZhtcAf-
£j^^^^^^663MIUTARm)/DALLASIU
DALLAS 17, TEXASt'w“ suiumm.
Jimmy Lloyd in ‘Destiny'
Columbia has handed Jimmy Lloyd a top
featured role in “Destiny.”
THEATRES WANTED
If your theatre is showing a profit
and priced right we can sell it for
you within 30 days.
Send complete information as we
have buyers waiting. All informa-
tion confidential.
Buyers, we have the theatre you
want. Contact us.
NO BROKERS. DIRECT DEALS ONLY
THEATRE ENTERPRISES
730 E. 11th Street Houston 8, Texas
Phones: V 2-2839 & V 2-7841
J( JOHN ) n (O.K.)
ENKINS & DOURGEOIS
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
Harwood & Jackson Streets Riverside 1884 Dallas 1, Texas
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
98-C
What
Readers Say:
Your publication has proved very beneficial to us in providing ideas
and information on equipment, operation, etc. We want it con-
tinued. Through your columns we hope to find an operating theatre
in a good location.
(Signed) HERMAN M. ATCHLEY,
Harvard, Neb.
★ ★ ★ ★
We do enjoy reading BOXOFFICE; not just scanning it,
but READING it.
(Signed) S. EWART SPRAGUE,
Iron Mountain, Mich.
* * ★ ★
When I returned from overseas I turned my subscription over to the
special service officer in my outfit, still overseas. Now I am a projec-
tionist here and have really missed BOXOFFICE and would like very
much to be on your subscription list.
(Signed) HARRY E. SIMMONS,
Rolling Fork, Miss.
★ * ★ *
Everything about BOXOFFICE is excellent.
(Signed) F. W. MEDLEY.
Monterey, Term.
★ * ★ *
The Picture Guide and Record Book with its refills are a
big help to us.
(Signed) DAVID BOWERS,
Warrior, Ala.
★ ★ ★ ★
BOXOFFICE is getting better every day. It is a real guide that
saves time and worry and is invaluable on features.
(Signed) JAMES L. KOTERA.
Neffs, Ohio
TEAR OUT AND MAIL THIS BLANK
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 of which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE, DATE & RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE .
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE
NAME ... POSITION
Be sure you get every copy of BOX-
OFFICE. It is bigger and better than
ever, with more news, more special fea-
tures, more pictures and a bigger and
better Showmandiser section.
SUBSCRIBE OR RENEW
TODAY
98-D
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
/
Three-Theatre Debut
For Avenue at Miami
Claughton Offers
Music Center Site
MIAMI — A million dollar auditorium to
occupy a tract containing 30 lots on Burlin-
game island at the mouth of the Miami river,
has been made possible by an offer of
Edward N. Claughton, owner of the island,
to lease the land “for 50 or 99 years” for a
consideration of $1. Claughton is a local
financier and theatre owner.
It was suggested that the auditorium would
be used primarily as a music center, but that
it would also be available for other engage-
ments. A minimum of 3,500 seats was pro-
posed by Claughton. He expressed the
opinion that the building could be erected,
air conditioned, and furnished with all
necessary sound equipment for approximately
$750,000.
Negotiations for the site were started some
time ago by Dr. Arturo di Filippi, head of
the voice department of the University of
Miami, and director of the Miami Opera
guild. At a recent luncheon Claughton said
he would lease the tract to the guild or the
university or both for $1 as total rental over
the entire time of the lease. The land is
estimated to be worth a minimum of $250,000.
Fire at Blytheville Sweeps
Theatre, Adjoining Store
BLYTHEVILLE, ARK. — Damage estimated
at $40,000 was caused last week when a fire
swept the Chickasaw Theatre and an adjoin-
ing drygoods store here.
The blaze apparently started in the store
and spread through an attic to the theatre.
W. L. Moxley, owner of the Chickasaw, esti-
mated damage to the theatre at about $12,000.
Remmel H. Young Named
Malco Fort Smith Head
FORT SMITH, ARK.— Remmel H. Young,
native of Hope, Ark., has been transferred
to Fort Smith, where he will be city manager
of Malco Theatres. Young has been city
manager of Malco theatres at Hope for eight
years. He is succeeded there by Earl Young,
who comes from Morrilton.
Van Delden Given Post
As Wil-Kin Executive
ATLANTA — S. B. Van Delden, former na-
tional sales manager for the Norton Door
Closer Co., Chicago, was this week appointed
sales manager for the Wil-Kin Theatre Sup-
ply Co.
Rogers Nominated
CHATTANOOGA — Emmett R. Rodgers,
civic leader and motion picture company
executive, has been nominated for the presi-
dency of the local Rotary club in the elec-
tion to be held April 9.
Retired Actor Dies
CORAL GABLES, FLA.— Charles H. Mor-
rell, 85, a retired actor, died at his residence
Saturday. He came to Florida 22 years ago
from Brooklyn, and is survived by his wife
Beatrice.
Kessnich Vacationing
CORAL GABLES, FLA. — Charles E. Kess-
nich, MGM district manager in the Atlanta
area, is spending a short vacation here.
Trio Spends Century
In Picture Business
Atlanta — How many hours in a film
salesman’s year? That question came up
when John W. Mangham and two of his
salesmen, Walter T. Hickey and Joe
Fieldman, sharpened their pencils and
figured that between them they have put
in 108 years selling, distributing and ex-
hibiting pictures.
But Mangham, who is president of
Screen Guild Productions of Georgia and
Film Classics of Atlanta, argues that the
total should be several times greater.
He contends that, whereas the average
working week in most lines is 40 to 50
hours, people in the picture industry put
in anywhere from 12 to 20 hours a day.
Figured on that basis, he and his sales-
men could claim centuries of service.
Hickey is the patriarch of the trio. He
started as an exhibitor in Wisconsin in
1905, switched to selling two years later,
and has been sales manager of the local
company since 1944. Fieldman started in
the picture selling business in 1908 and
Mangham began 27 years ago.
Tillie Schaffer Dies
CORAL GABLES, FLA.— Mrs. Tillie Schaf-
fer, 65, mother of Eddie Schaffer, comedian
now appearing at the Olympia Theatre, died
at her home. She had lived at Miami Beach
for the last three years, coming to Florida
from New York City. Her husband, Sam
Schaffer, and three sons survive.
Martin Buys at Florala
FLORALA, ALA. — Martin circuit has pur-
chased a building here and will remodel it
into a modem theatre.
MIAMI — Theatregoers visiting Wometco’s
Lincoln, Town or Capitol theatres Saturday,
April 5, probably won’t notice it, but their
reactions were to be watched as closely as a
murder suspect getting the third degree.
How much they laugh, and their comments
as they leave the theatre will be the subject
matter of a flock of long distance calls. These
calls will go to the producers and distributors
of “It Happened on Fifth Avenue,” which
will have its first public showing in these
local theatres.
The premiere of any film is important in
the industry, but this one has the added
interest of being the first major undertaking
of Monogram. For years officials of Wometco
have told heads of Monogram that when they
made a picture comparable to a quality pro-
duction of the major studios, that Wometco
would give it preferred playing time and in-
creased advertising.
An advance premiere of “Fifth Avenue”
was given at a midnight showing at the
Mayfair for early contributors in the Ameri-
can Cancer society drive for funds, just
opened here.
Two tickets to the special performance
were given those who took their contributions
to station WQAM. The offer was good until
the house was filled.
Old Troupers Managing
Rex Theatre at Tampa
TAMPA — After 30 years of trouping, Mr.
and Mrs. Joe Livingston have settled down
in Tampa and are managing the Rex Thea-
tre for Mrs. Julia Raulerson. From 1901 to
1930 the couple was billed as Addison and
Livingston, and did their vaudeville turn
in virtually every city in the country.
The Livingstons operate a drink and snack
shop in an adjoining building, ..which they
have labeled the Ballyhoo.
“Our latchstring,” they announce, “is al-
ways out to showfolk.”
OLD-FASHIONED SHOWMANSHIP— St. H. Pollitt, manager of the Roxy in
Memphis, is shown at the reins of a rig he ran through the streets to plug the Roy
Rogers picture “Heldorado.” Youngsters in the wagon, dressed in cowboy outfits, are
some of his best customers.
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
SE
99
MEMPHIS
Tom W. Young, branch manager here, was
host at a meeting of the sales forces of
20th-Fox this week. Here for the meeting
were Phil Longdon, southwest district man-
ager, Dallas; Herman Wobber, western di-
vision manager, San Francisco, and Henry
Ballance, division manager, Atlanta.
Duke Clark, Paramount district manager
in Dallas, and George Hanger, advertising
representative, also of Dallas, were here for
conferences with L. W. McClintock, branch
manager . . . Col. Cecil Vogel, manager of
Loew’s Palace, is celebrating his 19th anni-
versary with Loew’s this week. Vogel has
the same immediate superior today he had
when he started. Allen Sparrow, division
manager, Atlanta, was manager of Loew’s
State in Norfolk 19 years ago when Vogel
went to work as assistant manager in that
house.
Herman Chrisman, Columbia manager, is
on tour of the Arkansas territory with his
salesmen . . . Henry Morris, Dallas, Colum-
bia exploitation man, worked on the opening
of “Dead Reckoning” at Malco April 1.
Dave Flexer, head of Flexer Theatres, Inc.,
is in New York on business connected with
his plans for a nationwide circuit . . . Mrs.
Wilhelmine Hughes, booker stenographer at
RKO, resigned to keep house and Mrs. Goldie
Scruggs was promoted from biller to take her
place. Mrs. Martha Pinkard, Atlanta, took
Mrs. Scruggs’ job.
Marguerite McClelland, the Memphis girl
who as Miss Louisiana finished fourth in the
Miss America competition of 1946, is now
under three-year contract with Charles L.
Wagner opera organization in New York and
will do a concert at Goodwyn institute in
Memphis May 5 . . . The New York Phil-
harmonic Symphony orchestra will play April
29 at Ellis auditorium under auspices of the
Beethoven club.
has become a partner in the firm of Early
Maxwell Associates. Foley has made tenta-
tive arrangements to bring Spike Jones and
his City Slickers back soon.
Peggy Miller, 10, granddaughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Joe Bartles, De Vails Bluff, Ark., has
appeared in a number of pictures, including
“Experiment Perilous,” “Sentimental Jour-
ney” and “Pursued” . . . Jimmy Fidler, Holly-
wood radio commentator, recently said:
“There’s a girl in Knoxville, Tenn., who
sings in a church choir, looks like Grace
Moore and has the same type of voice. She
is Vera Moore.” The girl he was talking
about isn’t in Knoxville. Lue Vera Moore, a
distant cousin of Grace Moore, is secretary
for Lindsay Memorial Presbyterian church
in Memphis and is studying voice with Neu-
mon Leighton at Memphis College of Music.
The $200,000 block of stores being built by
M. A. Lightman and his associates at Cleve-
land and Overton Park (Crosstown section)
are nearing completion. Two of the stores
have been opened. A de luxe motion picture
theatre seating more than 1,400 persons will
be part of the project but construction of
the theatre proper has not yet received CPA
approval.
Leonard Shea, branch manager of PRC,
was in Arkansas most of the week on busi-
ness . . . Two Missouri exhibitors, Lyle Rich-
mond of the Missouri and: Richmond in
Senath and Roy Dillard of the Dillard- in
Wardell, were on the Row booking.
Carol Forman, former Memphis beauty,
plays her first important role in “San Quen-
tin,” RKO prison drama, which is currently
at Loew’s State. Her maiden name was
Maude Sawls and she later became the wife
of Col. Robert D. “Red” Forman, from whom
she is now divorced. Miss Forman takes the
role of an underworld gunwoman in the pic-
ture.
Thomas Jefferson “Jerry” Foley jr., who
brought Bob Hope to Memphis last summer,
TRI-STATE THEATRE SERVICE
318 South Second Street
MEMPHIS 3. TENN.
* EQUIPMENT — SUPPLIES
REPAIRS
monarch"!
THEATRE SUPPLY, Inc.
Neil Blount
492 So. Second St. j
Memphis. Tenn.
W. A. Rudisill, Atlanta, home office rep-
resentative of Kay Film Exchange, spent
several days here showing John D. Good-
enough, new branch manager, many of the
company’s operation. Goodenough, in turn,
showed Rudisill many of the ropes in Mem-
phis.
The Strand will be smartly dressed when
the present remodeling job is finished. M. A.
Lightman jr., Malco official in charge of
construction, said the entire Main street front
would be of structural glass, the ticket booth
moved to the side of the lobby and complete
new drapes and carpets installed. The Strand
also will have new seats in half the audi-
torium. The other half will be replaced at
a later date. Restrooms are being enlarged
and modernized. Indirect lighting will fea-
ture the new lobby.
Midsouth exhibitors seen on the Row in-
cluded: Lawrence Landers, Landers, Bates-
ville, Ark.; John Staples, Carolyn and Frank-
lin, Piggott, Ark.; Jack Watson, Palace,
Tunica, Miss.; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Cochran,
Juroy, North Little Rock, Ark.; Tom Ford,
Ford, Rector, Ark.; C. W. Tipton, New, Ma-
nila, Monette and Caraway, Ark.; Roy Bolick,
Kaiser, Kaiser, Ark.; J. A. Owen, Amory,
Amory, Miss.; Bill Malin, Lura, Augusta,
Ark.; N. B. Fair, Fair, Somerville, Tenn., and
S. D. McRae, Coffeeville, Coffeeville, Miss.
Also shopping on the Row were Warren
Moxley, Savoy at Blytheville, Ark., and Tur-
rell at Turrell, Ark.; S. J. Azar, Harlem and
Lincoln, Greenville, Miss.; Whyte Bedford,
Marion, Hamilton, Ala.; J. J. Sharum, Shan-
dell and Metro, Walnut Ridge, Ark.; J. E.
Singleton, Tyro, Tyronza, Ark.; Glenn Cald-
well, Princess, Aurora, Mo., and W. C.
Kroeger, Shannon, Portageville, Mo.
Mrs. Gertrude Thomas, head inspector, re-
covered from a major operation, is on the job
at Universal . . . Roadshow date of “The Best
Years of Our Lives” is announced for the
Strand Theatre April 26.
Ralph Carter, house manager of the War-
ner Theatre, spent last weekend in Okla-
homa City, his former home, visiting friends
and relatives . . . Marjorie Metier, cashier at
the Memphian when it burned, is now work-
ing at the Warner as cashier . . . The Malco is
enlarging its office space . . . Attendance at
first runs has been only fair during their
current runs, managers report.
More Children's Shows
Aim of Films Council
MEMPHIS — The Better Films council,
composed of representatives of women’s
clubs in Memphis, elected officers this week
and set as its 1947 goal two projects, to
arouse a greater interest in better films and
to promote a larger number of children’s
shows.
New officers are Mrs. Carrington Jones,
president; Mrs. Carruthers Love, vice-presi-
dent; Mrs. Gordon Greeson, recording secre-
tary; Mrs. Marguerite Brandeau, correspond-
ing secretary, and Mrs. W. Wright Mitchell,
treasurer.
The Better Films council was organized
15 years ago. It selects motion pictures suit-
able for children and family audiences and
this list is published each Sunday in the
Commercial Appeal.
High Court Stands Pat
Against Tax on Candy
MEMPHIS — The decision of the Mississippi
supreme court that operation of a candy and
gum counter in a theatre lobby did not con-
stitute operation of a chain store and require
payment of chain store licenses stands. The
decision was won by Richards-Lightman
Theatres Corp., several weeks ago in a suit
to recover chain store taxes already paid. It
was challenged last week by state attorneys,
but the state’s highest court stood pat and
overruled a suggestion of error petition which
had been filed by the state tax commission.
Reopening of Memphian
Scheduled for May 1
MEMPHIS — Rebuilding of the Memphian
Theatre, which was gutted by a recent fire, is
well under way and the reopening has been
set for May 1.
M. A. Lightman jr., in charge of construc-
tion for Malco Theatres, Inc., said the Mem-
phian, when finished, would be a de luxe
neighborhood showhouse.
There will be a “little ladies’ room” and
a “ladies’ room,” a new feature on the 850-
seat theatre. New carpets, drapes, seats and
equipment are being installed.
Installation at Athens
ATHENS, ALA. — A new high-frequency
speaker has been installed at the Plaza
Theatre, which on April 12 will resume a
two-day-a-week schedule, opening only on
Fridays and Saturdays. The Plaza is man-
aged jointly with the Ritz by Robert Cannon.
Gloria Henry 'Strikes Back'
Gloria Henry will co-star with Ron Ran-
dell in “Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back,” a
Columbia production.
100
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
Flu Hits Arkansas;
20 Houses Closed
LITTLE ROCK — One of the worst in-
fluenza outbreaks in recent years hit Arkan-
sas last week and at least 20 theatres were
requested to close in an effort to halt the
serious epidemic.
In some communities more than a third
of the population was stricken within a week.
Theatre attendance all over the state has
dropped because of the outbreak. Some
theatre operators have been asked not to
admit children. Other theatres will be
closed if the epidemic increases.
Psychology and Twin Club
Highlight Dallas Stunts
From Southwest Edition
DALLAS — Publicity in connection with pic-
tures currently playing on Elm street went
all the way from starting a Twin club among
students at Southern Methodist university to
a more corny tieup with the Cornbred Mati-
nee radio show at the Kessler Theatre.
Olivia de Havilland, who plays a twin role
in U-I’s “Dark Mirror,” will visit the Twin
club on her next trip to Dallas. A list of twin
students at SMU was printed in a story in
local newspapers which also mentioned Miss
de Havilland and the picture.
Hal Horton’s Cornbred Matinee originated
weekday afternoons from the Kessler. A
woman in the audience was selected for a
psychological test and was taken to see “The
Beast with Five Fingers” at the Melba. She
was to be examined both before and after
seeing the picture by a doctor, and findings
were to be reported back to the Kessler audi-
ence along with the return appearance of the
patient.
New Pilots at Charlotte
For Dil worth and State
CHARLOTTE — Paul Ballenger is the new
manager of the Dilworth Theatre in Char-
lotte, and Charles Thomas is the new man-
ager of the State, both Wilby-Kincey houses.
The changes were announced by Jack Austin,
W-K city manager.
Ballenger replaces Ruby Thomas, who has
been given an extended sick leave by the
company. He came from Concord, where
he was manager of the Paramount.
Thomas, transferred from managership of
the Temple in Gastonia, succeeds Dick Hor-
ton, who goes to Durham as manager of the
Rialto.
New State for Jackson
JACKSON, MISS. — A new State Theatre,
the cost of which is not estimated, is in-
cluded in an extensive building program
for Jackson.
Starts Clayton House
CLAYTON, N. C. — M. W. Knott, owner of
the Clay, has started laying brick for his new
house here.
Out-of-Towner Plays 'Outlaw'
GREENVILLE, MISS.— The 776-seat Cen-
ter Theatre opened by Joe Applebaum and
Bert Simms on Highway 82 east of here
played “The Outlaw” recently. The house
advertises city bus service every 30 minutes.
Birmingham Operator
Finishes Negro Short
BIRMINGHAM — Ted Saizis, Five Points
Theatre projectionist and a member of Local
236, has completed shooting on a Negro short
subject which he has sold to Astor Pic-
tures.
Saizis is scheduled to go to Atlanta in the
near future to confer with Bob Savini of
New York, head of Astor, regarding future
assignments for the company.
The local projectionist is a member of
Cameramen’s Local No. 666, Chicago, and
handles newsreel assignments here for Pathe
and Paramount. He recently purchased a
new station wagon to transport his equip-
ment and intends installing a platform atop
the car to aid in his camera work.
MIAMI
“The Best Years of Our Lives” hung up a
local record by playing for 11 consecu-
tive weeks at the Colony, a Paramount thea-
tre, at advanced prices. There were three
showings daily. The film opens April 5 at
the Royal, a Claughton theatre, at advanced
prices. The Claughton will send a print of
the picture to Pratt hospital.
In view of the current AGVA-Lou Walters
row in New York over the $15,000 pay alleged
to be due Jane Russell, George Bourke of
the Herald wonders why he had a call from
Walters’ club here in which he was told, be-
fore the Russell debut, that the deal was
strictly on percentage.
Arline Judge, in upswept hairdo, is seen
dining in local bistros . . . Bob Dante, ac-
companist for Harry Richman, has been ac-
cepted as a pupil by Harold Bauer . . . Eight
greater Miami girls who won “queen” titles
during the past year are among the 12 se-
lected from 98 photographs of Florida beau-
ties to be finalists in the Lincoln Road Ass’n’s
Lovable Girl of the Month contest. Local
finalists are : Klenna Ann Dugger, high school
model queen; Rosemary Carpenter, Miss
Physical Cuture; Jeano Trecor, Miss Tele-
vision of 1947; Shirley Model, Miss Brevity;
Eatty Hornbein, Miami Beach Health Center
Queen; Barbara Lee, Miss Specs Appeal;
Helen Greene, health and culture queen;
Betty Ann Wagner, sun glasses queen.
Ai Weiss, Olympia manager, tells this on
himself. Numerous changes in personnel
make it impossible for a busy manager to
become acquainted with new employes right
away. Last week when the sound at the
Olympia needed adjusting, Al walked over
to the button which flashes word to the
sound operator. Before he could do more
than touch it, an usher came up and said,
“You’ll either have to sit down or get out
of this aisle. You can’t stand there.” Rather
than get involved in explanations, Al meekly
moved on.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Barthelmess have
been, visiting the former screen star’s parents
here. They plan to go to Nassau later . . .
Stanley Woolf, head of the Civic Drama
guild, is vacationing here . . . Sol Tepper, the
agent, and George Rosen, Variety’s radio
chief, are in town . . . John Byram, head of
Paramount Pictures’ story department, is va-
cationing in Miami Beach with Mrs. Byram.
Shirley Temple and husband are due for a
Beach holiday . . . Michel Pavloff, stage
manager for Carmen Miranda, and David
Strauss, costume designer for Sonja Henie
shows, made the club rounds the other night.
A FEATURE LAUGH HIT
STAN OLIVER
LAUREL & HARDY
IN
"BOHEMIAN GIRL"
ASSOCIATED
FILM CLASSICS
ATLANTA — CHARLOTTE
MEMPHIS
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
101
BIRMINGHAM
Theatre grosses were disappointing in com-
parison with former years as approximately
6,000 Alabama teachers thronged Birming-
ham for the annual convention of the
Alabama Education Ass’n . . . Houses here
had a better-than-average array of attrac-
tions, including “The Jolson Story” for a
sixth and final week at the Empire, “It’s a
Wonderful Life” for a third and final week
at the Melba, “My Favorite Brunette” as a
holdover at the Lyric from the Alabama,
“Lady in the Lake” at the Alabama and
“Magnificent Doll” at the Ritz. Merchants
Evwwvvwwvvwwwvvvv
1
Thinking Of
improvements
CONSULT US
THE QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE, Inc.
1912V2 Morris Avenue Telephone 3-8665
Birmingham, Alabama
Complete Theatre Equipment and
Supplies
kwwwwwwwwwwwi
here also reported sales to teachers were dis-
appointing.
“The Best Years of Our Lives” found
plenty of competition as it opened at the
Birmingham Theatre April 3. Alabama Thea-
tre had “The Razor’s Edge” with “Johnny
O’clock” at the Empire and “Sinbad the
Sailor” at the Melba. “The Man I Love” was
at the Ritz . . . “Best Years” price schedule
was 75 cents for matinees and $1.20 at night.
A. H. Borisky, president of Southeastern
Amusement Co., and Harry W. Roberts,
Birmingham manager, were hosts to the
press, city officials and civic leaders at a
preview of the Academy award winner, “The
Best Years of Our Lives.” Promotion for
the film included a contest in conjunction
with the Birmingham Post in which $25
cash and 12 pairs of passes were offered for
the best letters on the subject, “The Best
Years of My Life Were — ”
Charlie Kinney, RKO, Atlanta, was here
on promotion work for “Sinbad” . . . J. A.
Jackson, Empire manager, effected a tieup
with Vitalis distributors that plugged “Mr.
District Attorney” and “Johnny O’clock” in
100 drug stores in greater Birmingham.
Vitalis sponsors the Mr. District Attorney
radio program . . . Jimmy Redd of Wil-Kin
Theatre Supply, Atlanta, visited the city and
checked on maintenance at Wilby-Kincey
houses . . . Jack Fealy, head usher at the
Empire, attended the Omicron Delta Kappa
convention in Washington, D. C. Fealy, now
a student at Birmingham- Southern college,
will enter George Washington university
medical school this fall.
Claude Butts has been named assistant
manager at the Woodlawn, replacing Max
Henry, who resigned . . . Jean Mitchell,
Empire cashier, visited in Atlanta.
Mildred Geiger, secretary for Acme Thea-
tres, and her husband, John Geiger, were
guests of Dr. and Mrs. W. A. Edwards and
E. C. Fain at Jordan Lake near Wetumpka
during a recent weekend. The party was
held at the cabin owned by Fain, who op-
erates the Fain Theatre at Wetumpka . . .
Lewis Stone, Tarrant City theatre projec-
IANLEY SUPREME HYBRID POPCOR
LIMITED SUPPLY
It's Tops at Low Price of $10.75
This Supreme Hybrid Popcorn and a 1947 Manley Machine
will really produce profits.
It will pay you to learn more from
Z. C. (Curt) Shreve
SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT MANAGER
102 Cain St., N. W. Atlanta 3, Ga.
Phone: Cypress 5116
COME AND SEE US
tionist, was called to Arab, Ala., to attend
funeral services for his mother, who died in
Pensacola, Fla. . . . Beverly Hennessee,
cashier at Waters’ Avondale Theatre, was
married here to Edgar Earl Davis.
Albert Hay Malotte, composer of “The
Lord’s Prayer” and other religious songs,
was in Birmingham visiting his brother,
Stanleigh Malotte, Alabama organist. Malotte
and his wife came south from Hollywood to
attend the funeral of a member of Mrs.
Malotte’s family at Nashville . . . Mrs. J. A.
Jackson, wife of the Empire manager, and
her daughter, Miriam, were in Mobile to
visit Mrs. Jackson’s mother and see the
Bellingrath gardens . . . Mr. and Mrs. Jack-
son’s son, J. K. Jackson, is now employed as
an engineer for station WMOC at Coving-
ton, Ga., near Atlanta. Young Jackson is a
student at Georgia Tech.
J. Y. Robertson, Empire usher, has re-
signed to rejoin the industrial concern with
which he was associated before his navy
service. He is a draftsman . . . The Ballet
Theatre, although praised by critics, failed to
click financially at Municipal auditorium.
Bill Coury, Ritz manager, is making mar-
quee improvements that will include a flash-
ing neon upright name sign ... A $3,250
air conditioning installation at the Wilby
Theatre, Selma, was one of the projects
approved by the Alabama district offices of
CPA . . . F. E. Walker, Alabama projectionist,
has been elected by IA Local 236 as its dele-
gate to the seventh district convention at
Chattanooga June 17, 18. President J. C.
Harper sr., and Secretary J. F. Mankin have
been elected as the local’s delegates to the
Alabama Federation of Labor convention
here April 21-23 . . . Thomas Wall, Temple
projectionist, and William Tate, Galax op-
erator, spent their vacations at Laguna Beach,
near Panama City, Fla.
Undecided on Court Test
Of Knox County's Levy
KNOXVILLE — Question as to the legality
of the Knox county amusement ticket tax
recently imposed by the legislature was raised
as the levy went into effect on April 1.
Theatre interests also have indicated that
they believed the act unconstitutional, but
whether they would take the issue into the
courts remained to be seen.
City Law Director Oscar M. Tate jr. said
he had not ruled one way or the other on
the act’s legality, but some officials have
evidenced apprehension about it. Leslie Ken-
nedy, city finance director, will collect the
tax for the city, while the county court
clerk will receive the county’s share.
The new law places a 1-cent tax on each
20 cents of amusement admissions, such as
theatres, concerts, football and baseball
games. The first 11-cent charge is exempt,
as are admissions under 41 cents to athletic
contests.
Revenue from the tax has been estimated
from $150,000 to $200,000 annually.
Britishers at Delray
DELRAY BEACH, FLA. — Four prominent
figures in the theatrical world of Great
Britain are at the Nautical Aire, Delray
Beach. They are Beatrice Lillie, British
comedienne: Clifton Webb of dancing and
dramatic fame; Terence Rattigan, young
British author of the Lunts’ success, “Oh,
Mistress Mine,” and Dorothy Dickson, musi-
cal comedy star of the London stage.
Stars with Barbara Stanwyck
One of the top starring roles in “Be Still,
My Love” has been assigned to Wendell Corey.
102
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
Iannuzzi to WB Post,
Succeeding Bachman
CHARLOTTE— Ralph Iannuzzi has been
appointed branch manager here for Warner
Bros., replacing John A. Bachman, who re-
signed to accept the management of the At-
lanta office of United Artists. Announce-
ment of Iannuzzi’s appointment was made by
Jack Kirby, district manager, with headquar-
ters in Atlanta.
Iannuzzi, a native of New York City, has
been in the motion picture industry for 15
years, the last three as Warner salesman
here. Prior to that he was with United Art-
ists for 12 years. He is married and the
father of one child.
Frank Neil of Memphis becomes Warner
salesman here to replace Iannuzzi. Neil for-
merly was with the Memphis Paramount of-
fice and since the war had been in business
for himself.
A farewell dinner was given at the
Hotel Charlotte April 4 by the Charlotte
Variety Club in honor of two past chief
barkers, Benn H. Rosenwald and Bachman.
The event was planned by Frank Beddingfield,
Tom A. Little, Iannuzzi, Cy Dillon, George
Roscoe and Walter Griffith. Gifts were pre-
sented to both.
At 9 p. m. the same evening the wives of
Variety entertained Mrs. Bachman and Mrs.
Rosenwald in the clubrooms. A string of
pearls was given Mrs. Rosenwald and Mrs.
Bachman received costume jewelry, a clip
and earrings. The committee in charge was
composed of Mmes. Sam Trincher, Tom Lit-
tle, Gene Dyer, Harry Haas, Dean House, Hal
Keeter and Cy Dillon.
Rosenwald was promoted to manage MGM’s
Boston exchange.
Southwest Briefs
AUSTIN, TEX. — This town soon will have
another daily newspaper, to be published at
noon each weekday, according to Robert
Jordan, Texas teacher.
SAN ANTONIO — A half million dollar mo-
tion picture studio is to be built here this year
by Western Adventures, now putting finish-
ing touches on “Cotton-Eyed Joe,” oater
starring Red River Dave McEnery.
DALLAS — Charles D. Lyne, MGM sales-
man for almost 20 years, now is branch man-
ager of the Oklahoma City office succeeding
Jack ReVelle, transferred.
DALLAS — W. G. Ryan and Jack Roady,
partners in the Southern Premium Manufac-
turing Co., have reorganized their business
and formed a corporation under the name of
Ryan Industries, Inc.
WACO, TEX. — Offended by noise from
loudspeakers, residents neighboring Lone
Star Theatres’ Waco Drive-In Theatre here
have sued the circuit asking $3,000 damages
each, with $50 additional damages for each
night of operation after the suit is filed.
OKLAHOMA CITY — A recent fire back-
stage at Warners’ Liberty Theatre here com-
pletely ruined new sound and screen equip-
ment which had been installed only a week
earlier. An asbestos curtain dropped across
the stage was credited with saving the seat-
ing section.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Jack Swigert has re-
placed Farris Shanbour as manager of the
Victoria Theatre here, a C&R circuit house
NORMAN, OKLA. — Van Heflin, film star,
University of Oklahoma graduate and one-
time Academy award winner, will return to
All Branches of Industry Represented
At Miami Variety Club Charter Dinner
MIAMI — Show business and allied fields,
including film production and distribution,
the radio, newspapers, hotels, night clubs,
circuses, etc., were represented when the
Variety Club of Greater Miami held its char-
ter dinner April 1, at the Ritz Plaza, Miami
Beach.
Among those attending were Bob O’Don-
nell, vice-president and general manager of
Interstate Theatres, Dallas, and national
chief barker of Variety; Col. William Mc-
Craw, national executive director of Variety
and principal speaker; William A. Scully,
vice-president and general manager of Uni-
versal Pictures; Edwin Weisl, general coun-
sel and member of the board of Paramount
Pictures; and such other luminaries as
Daniel G. Arnstein, Carl Sedlmayer, David
Bendy, Edward N. Claughton, H. R. Horn-
stein, Daniel J. Mahoney, John Montgomery,
Herbert Frink (mayor of Miami Beach);
Marcy Leiberman, Val Cleary, Dan Fitch,
John F. Kirby, Ollie Williamson, Herb Elis-
burg, and Dick Sachsel.
Entertainers included Cross and Dunn,
Benny Davis, Johnny Howard, Don Lanning
(master of ceremonies), and his wife Roberta
Sherwood, Dean Murphy and Dorothy Dey,
Rajah Raboid, and the Four Vagabonds.
Hotel men present were Walter Jacobs,
Ed Singer, Paul Grossinger and Abe Alien-
berg.
From local show shops were George Hoover,
Mitchell Wolfson, Sidney Meyer, A1 Weiss,
Art Schwartz, Sonny Shepherd, Tom Jeffer-
son, Jack Fink, Hal Kopplin, Herman Silver-
man, Harry Thompson, Ed May, Burton
Clark and Mark Chartrand, all representa-
tives of Paramount Enterprises and Wometco
Theatres. Radio representatives were Pete
Kettler and Jack Williams of WGBS, with
Eve Tellegen; Fred Miser and Fred Borton
of WQAM; and John Prosser of WKAT.
Also present were Irving Mandel, Buddy
Allen, Roland Muse, A. J. England, Jack
Miller, Sam Swerdloff, and a host of others.
Theatre Becomes Bakery
JACKSONVILLE, FLA.— One of Jackson-
ville’s oldest theatres, the Roxy, is being
remodeled and will house the Federal Bake
Shops, Inc. Built in 1902, it was later re-
modeled and in 1914 was opened as the Re-
public Theatre. For 20 years it operated un-
der that name, then once more became the
Roxy. In the summer of 1946 the doors were
closed and it was turned over by the owners,
Florida State Theatres, Inc., to the baking
concern.
Ml
iiniiim
iiiiiiKiimiiiiii
IIIIMIH
THERE'S "BOXOFFICE" IN
WIL-KIN COOLING JOBS
Our experienced engineering staff will be glad to consult
with you on the type of indoor climate that builds re-
ceipts.
the campus here for a three-day career con-
ference starting April 23.
usAIRco
SLATON, TEX. — Herschel Crawford has
sold the Palace and State theatres here to
the Leon circuit of Dallas, headed by C. D.
Leon.
REFRIGERATED
KOOLER-AIRE UNITS
TULSA — Outright ownership of Tulsa’s
No. 1 white elephant, the Akdar Shrine
Mosque, a huge building which cost its build-
ers $750,000 in 1925, has been obtained by
the Ralph Talbot circuit.
*7/t0 'Ultimate in Ain. Qonditionlnf
These pre-engineered units are ready to
Myrtle Beach Renovation
Put Off by W. L. Parker
MYRTLE BEACH, S. C. — The Gloria
Theatre here, a summer situation, will open
about the middle of this month. The new
owners, W. L. Parker of Charlotte and asso-
ciates, had planned to enlarge and redeco-
rate the house before opening it, but delay in
getting an okay from the CPA has caused
them to postpone the project until next
fall. They plan to put in a 300-seat bal-
cony, increasing the capacity to 800 seats, and
to make other improvements.
Parker also is planning air conditioning for
the Broadway, a 1,000-seater that operates
all year. The two theatres were purchased
from B. B. Benfield of Myrtle Beach. Stock-
holders of the Beach Corp., new operating
company, are Harry L. Dalton, Stuart
Cramer, George Cramer, T. B. Harrison and
John Bayne, all of Charlotte, and Ernest
Saunders, Tabor City and Myrtle Beach.
install. They are complete refrigeration
air conditioning systems, cooling and de-
humidifying. A variety of sizes makes it
possible to install single or multiple units.
Here is refrigerated cooling that is eco-
nomical to own. and operate.
Air Washers • Blowers • Fans
‘‘Everything for the theatre except film"
wmiaii
mum
inillHIHIUlM
iiniiimiHiiiiBiiiiia
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
103
ATLANTA
^harles Durmeyer, president of Southern
Automatic Candy Co., back with Mrs.
Durmeyer from a business trip to New York,
said the outlook for increased candy sup-
plies is good. It will not be long before thea-
tre swill be able to get all the candy they
want, he said.
Z. C. “Curt” Shreve, district manager for
Manley, is back at his desk after a swing
through the territory . . . Ben Hill, United
Artists southern publicity chief, left for
Tampa and New Orleans . . . Denny Dixon,
Crescent Amusement Co. city manager in
Gadsden, and Mary Brockett of the home
office in Nashville were Filmrow visitors.
Babe Cohen, Monogram Southern branch
manager, made a business trip to Jackson-
ville . . . William K. Richardson, president
of Astor Pictures of Georgia, is making a
trip through Florida . . . Col. Bert Davis has
been appointed special sales representative of
United Artists for the southeastern division
by Fred Jack, district manager.
Ted Toddy, president of Toddy Pictures,
New York, was a visitor . . . Bill Talley, for-
mer branch manager for Republic, has joined
PRC. He is traveling Tennessee while Carl
J. King remains ill at home and after King’s
return to shift to another territory . . . Ralph
McCoy, Eagle-Lion representative, is travel-
ing in Florida.
Hugh Martin of the M&M circuit was a
Filmrow visitor . . . Others seen on the
Row were H. Greene of the Orr circuit in
Alabama; Sidney Laird, general manager of
the Al-Dun Amusement Co., West Point, Ga.,
and Clyde Samples, general manager of the
Duncan Amusement Co., Carrollton, Ga.
Georgia Theatre notes: Harvey Smith, pub-
licity director, has done a swell job with the
monthly house organ. Spotlight . . . E. B.
Whitam flew to Savannah for an invitational
bowling tournament in which he represented
the Order of Eagles.
Jo Ann Leach has been added to the book-
ing department for Martin Theatres here
. . . Genevieve MacKool is new in the ac-
count department and Lois West in the gen-
eral office at Wil-Kin. Jimmy Wilson
of the Wil-Kin sales department is traveling
through Alabama and Joe Reeves is in the
south Georgia territory.
“Why Motion Pictures Should Not Be Cen-
sored” was the subject of a theme for stu-
dents in a literary class at Georgia Tech.
One of the best papers, by David L. Smith,
said: “To have censorship over movies is to
have controls over the major moulders of
public opinion. Free people should have
uncensored movies just as they have freedom
of the press and freedom of religion. Let the
consumer be his own censor in a democratic
country.”
Rodney Bush, 20th-Fox exploiteer, was a
visitor . . . Bob Moscow, newsreel cameraman,
formerly with W. T. Murray at the Rialto
Theatre here, has been named production
chief of the Sack Amusement Enterprises in
Dallas. He will make 12 all-Negro musicals
for the company.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Glenn sr. attended the
wedding in Sullivan, Ind., of their son Capt.
Harry Glenn jr. to Josephine Maple of Sul-
livan. After the ceremony the couple came
to Atlanta and an open house was held at
the Glenn home in Macon . . . Mrs. Margaret
Kendall was given a farewell luncheon by the
company at the Taj Ma room . . . Mrs. Faye
Talerico was entertained at a farewell lunch-
eon in the Variety clubrooms.
Thelma Duman, booker at Universal, and
Stanley Haglund were to be married Sunday,
April 6 . . . G. J. Malafronte, manager of
branch operations for Universal, stopped off
here then went on to New Orleans . . . Jimmie
Bello, who was transferred some time ago
from the Universal office here to the one in
Washington, has returned to the city as office
manager for Warner Bros. He replaced C. A.
Leeder.
Jeff Davis, branch manager of United Art-
linniniiiiEi::
iiiiiiiiiiniiiiHiiiii
MSIRU
A SERIES OF 6
REAL WESTERNS
8 RANGE BUSTERS
6 TIM McCOYS
6 GEO. HOUSTONS
REAL WESTERNS
NEW
Prints and
Accessories
■ifHiinn
NOT
Produced
in 1932-34
or 38 —
BUT
1940-1 —
Fast
Shooting
Westerns
BiiiiiEy
mum\
iiinn
IIHIIIII
AND FOR THE COLORED THEATRES—
BILLY ECKSTINEj | N*w
v Prettnled by Jm§ £
* W. D. ALEXANDER * jP* I Stream
— ** /TWf I Liner.
Not a
Rehash
but
...... -**>•• %%
New.
30 Min.
Killllll
ASTOR PICTURES CO.
OF GA.
163 Walton St.
3rd Floor
Main 9845 ATLANTA
iHiiimiiiiBiiiiui'ii'mni'HiiiiiBiiiiiEiiiiTBiiiimiiimiiimiiimi:
ists, and Henry Krumm, southern sales man-
ager of Selznick Releasing Organization,
made trips to Jacksonville . . . Bert Davis,
special representative of UA, went to Dallas
on business . : . George Poulos of Theatrical
Printing Co. is back from New York.
Fred Coleman, suburban theatre owner, was
on Filmrow recently after several weeks of
illness . . . Emily Franco has been named
secretary to O. S. Barnett, office manager of
Monogram Southern.
Montgomery Schools
Employ Visual Aids
MONTGOMERY — For several years city
schools have been employing visual aids in
classrooms, with the necessary funds being
raised by the PTA classroom sales and plays.
So successful was the method that last year
the schools set aside $8,000 for this phase of
instruction and developed a system of teacher
training in the use of these aids. In the fall,
training classes are held in which these
teachers instructed others from each of the
schools. These teachers in turn taught those
in their units until practically every teacher
in the Montgomery system, including those
in the county, can handle projection equip-
ment.
Besides owning their own projection equip-
ment many of the schools have started film
libraries and some have contracts with rental
libraries of the state university. They also
make large use of free films furnished by
the government and by industrial companies.
The main source of supply, however, is a
central library in the education building,
where films are available to all the schools.
Showing of the films is but one phase of
the school program, as each school has its
own dark room and the high schools have
several. The children are trained in the
making of their own films and even in the
grammar school become expert in developing
and printing.
Nor is visual education confined to the
use of film. There are lantern slides, opaque
projectors and a steadily increasing collec-
tion of maps and pictures. Here again the
children have a part in the making, for they
themselves supply many of the slides, illus-
trating books they have read. Sometimes
these are from their own drawings and again
are photographed from their own dramatiza-
tions. They also are encouraged to use their
photography in making their own cards for
Christmas and birthdays.
That old thought of a child reluctantly
dragging his feet to school disappears as
the child himself makes pictures; as a second
grader reads from a film strip of “Little Black
Sambo”; as a science class bases its draw-
ings on a film on electricity; or a fifth grade
makes slides inspired by seeing a tornado
from its class windows.
Benefit for Greeks
STUTTGART, ARK— As a benefit for the
Greek war orphan drive, a midnight show
will be given at the Majestic Theatre April
5. Manager Alger Lancaster recently was
named chairman of the drive here.
; JACK DUMESTRE, Jr.
i Southeastern Theatre
Equipment Co.
' ATLANTA
CHARLOTTE
JACKSONVILLE
104
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
New 'Showplace of the Americas /
Miami Theatre to Open April 18
Hugh Martin Interests
To Build in Leesburg
LEESBURG, FLA.— Hugh Martin jr., man-
ager of M&M Theatres Corp., says plans
have been completed for a new theatre in
Leesburg. The new house will seat 1,400,
200 more than the Beacham in Orlando,
now central Florida’s largest. The balcony
will have a seating capacity of 400. The
building will be 50x150 feet and cost will be
approximately $200,000.
The M&M chain now operates ten thea-
tres throughout central Florida, including
the Palace and Fain in Leesburg. Martin says
the Fain, with a seating capacity of 470, will
continue to be used but plans have not been
completed on disposition of the Palace, a
344-seat house.
A large parking lot will be provided in the
rear of the new building, which will be lo-
cated on East Main street. Construction will
start as soon as building materials are avail-
able. The new building will house the cen-
tral offices of the M&M circuit.
Carolinas Hunt Eggs;
Tiein With U-I Film
CHARLOTTE — An old-flashioned Easter
egg hunt, with plastic as well as genuine eggs
the object of the search, was conducted in a
Charlotte park Saturday. The event was
held in conjunction with the southern pre-
miere of “The Egg and I,” to be held April
11 at the new Manor Theatre in the Provi-
dence road shopping center. The premiere
will also mark the opening of the theatre by
Herman B. Meiselman.
Perry Spencer, advertising representative
for Universal-International, said that 100
plastic eggs and 500 dyed hard-boiled eggs
were hidden in the park. The plastic eggs
contained slips good for cash and passes to
the theatre and some of the dyed eggs were
also good for admission. The grand prize
was a golden egg with the finder winning a
trip to either Charleston or Washington.
Efird’s department store cooperated in the
event.
Track Runs 'Pursued' Race
MIAMI — The feature race at Gulfstream
park April 9 will be known as the Pursued
handicap in honor of “Pursued,” which opens
April 10 at the Paramount, Beach and Sheri-
dan theatres here. Announcement of the
theatre openings is being carried in all pro-
grams and advertisements for the track.
Mulberry House Opens
MULBERRY, FLA. — The new Gem Thea-
tre has opened. It has a seating capacity of
450. Admission has been set at 40 cents for
adults and 20 cents for children. R. T
Arnold is owner and manager.
Falls From Theatre Roof
KNOXVILLE — A 14-year-old youth suf-
fered foot and arm fractures when he fell
35 feet from a roof to a ledge of the Lyric
Theatre after he had climbed a fire escape
in an effort to slip into the theatre to see
a wrestling match.
Publicizes Anniston Drive
ANNISTON, ALA. — Thomas G. Coleman,
city manager for Wilby-Kincey Theatres,
served as publicity chairman for the recent
American Red Cross roll call, which raised
$17,297.25 as it went over the top in its
drive for $15,000.
Big Downtown Garage
Planned in Nashville
Nashville — Theatre parking congestion
in the downtown area is expected to be
relieved if a proposed $3,500,000 under-
ground parking garage is effected at Me-
morial Square. The five-story garage,
designed to accommodate 2,500 automo-
biles off the street, will double available
parking space in downtown Nashville.
The garage would be the largest of its
kind in the U.S.
Excavation is expected to start this
summer, with a full year needed to com-
plete this portion of the work, according
to Joseph W. Hart, designer of the proj-
ect. Backers of the project were not re-
vealed, but it was understood that the
firm would be known as Parking, Inc.
Charlotte to Prosecute
Indiscriminate Posting
CHARLOTTE — Announcement of the city’s
intention to strictly enforce the law
against the tacking of signs, posters and other
advertising matter on poles, trees, etc., was
made this week by City Manager Henry A.
Yancey. In recent months, theatres, church
organizations, dance promoters and others
have increasingly followed such a placarding
course.
Yancey called attention to a section of
the city code, reading: “It shall be unlawful
for any person, firm or corporation to ad-
vertise by sign-tacking, pasting or tying on
poles, posts, trees, buildings, fences, or
other structures, located on public property
in the city of Charlotte.” Yancey said that
the police department will be asked to en-
force the law. Past offenders will be warned
of their violations and posters that hence-
forth appear contrary to the law will be torn
down and collected by garbage collectors.
If the warning is not heeded and further vio-
lations are noted it will be necessary to
prosecute.
Style Show on Stage
NASHVILLE — Thirty-one Nashville women
modeled spring fashions at the annual “Fur-
belows and Fanfare” style show presented on
the stage of the Belle Meade Theatre under
the auspices of the junior board of the
Florence Crittenton home. Proceeds of the
show will be used to erect a new nursery
at the home.
MIAMI— Mitchell Wolfson and Sidney
Meyer, co-owners of Wometco Theatres, have
announced that the Miami, their new 2,000-
seat theatre, will be opened to the public
April 18 with the southern premiere of
“Carnival in Costa Rica.” This attraction was
scheduled to coincide with Miami’s inaugural
Fiesta de las Americas, an event brought into
being at Meyer’s suggestion.
The new Miami Theatre itself will retain
permanently the aura of hemispheric friend-
liness. Its permanent slogan, already adopted,
is “Showplace of the Americas.” Soil and
rare plants from all of the American nations
will make up an unusual decorative garden
in the lobby, and Spanish-speaking attend-
ants will make the theatre an information
center for visitors.
Sonny Shepherd will leave the Lincoln
Theatre to become manager of the uniquely
equipped cinema. Shepherd is extending spe-
cial invitations for the opening ceremonies
to the presidents and consuls of 20 neighbor
nations, with special efforts being made to
arrange for the presence of Teodoro Picado,
president of Costa Rica.
Thomas Rayfield as house manager and
Tim Tyler as assistant will complete the
managerial staff.
All seats are to be reserved for the in-
augural performance.
Gets Charleston Shots
CHARLOTTE — A1 Burks, MGM exploiteer,
has returned from Charleston, where he spent
several days getting still photographs from
which Hollywood studio artists will build sets
for a forthcoming picture, the film version of
Mrs. Josephine Pinckney’s best seller “Three
O’clock Dinner,” the background of which
is modern Charleston.
Tax Includes Schools
BIRMINGHAM — Any Alabama city which
has an ordinance levying a tax on admis-
sion tickets may require schools to pay such
a tax on ticket sales to plays, athletic con-
tests and similar attractions, according to an
opinion handed down in Montgomery by
Attorney General A. A. Carmichael.
Goes to Full Week
COLLINSVILLE, ALA.— The Cricket Thea-
tre here is now operating on a full week
basis. Owner M. Gr Weaver has eliminated
his Thursday closing policy. The usual Sun-
day matinees will continue here, but there
will be no Sunday shows at Weaver’s Sandy
Theatre at Crossville, Ala.
I HAN6 'EM FROM THE BALCONY
* ON&L
WAHOO
America’s Finest Screen Game
AMUSEMENT CO., 831 S. WABASH AVE., CHICAG
I
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
105
Local Checkers Blamed
For Theatre Tax Raises
From Midwest Edition
OSCEOLA, IOWA — Raises in taxes and
heightened property assessments have been
traced directly to the use by distributors of
local checkers, it was asserted at a regional
meeting here of the Allied Independent Thea-
tre Owners of Iowa and Nebraska.
Gathering at headquarters of the local
Lions club, AITO members passed a resolu-
tion to the effect that no exhibitor would
play any more pictures on a 50-50 rental
basis.
After local checkers had come in for more
lambasting, the discussion shifted to the need
for vigorous attention at the state legislature,
where several bills highly injurious to the
industry are pending.
Hosts were Robert Hutte, Vic Shipwright
and John Waller.
The meeting here and a previous one at
Bloomfield, Iowa, were conducted by Charles
Niles, director of Allied’s Caravan in Iowa
and Nebraska, and Tim J. Evans, executive
secretary.
Two Theatres Are Sold
By Martin & Thompson
ATLANTA — Martin & Thompson have sold
two of their theatres, the Roxy in Milan,
Ga., to Cecil Crumby and the Gray in Gray,
Ga., to J. C. Balkcom.
Miss Brookov in Florida
PALM BEACH, FLA. — Zelma Brookov of
Warners eastern talent department has ex-
changed New York for a brief vacation in
Palm Beach. The late winter comeback in
New York has made the balmy spring weather
of Florida much appreciated.
Council Sees Red (Ink);
Ticket Tax Restored
Crestview, Fla. — The city council, view-
ing with dismay its financial sheet, saw
too much red ink and decided to reinstate
the amusement tax which had been re-
moved some months ago. This added some
$6,000 annually to the city’s income.
One of the new tax items is a 1-cent
tax on children’s tickets. This was in
force at one time but removed because
of protests from the youngsters.
Year's Pass for a Name
McCLENNY, FLA.— Ray H. Dinkins and
E. W. Crockett, co-owners of the new thea-
tre now under construction, have asked the
public to name the new house. It is ex-
pected that the theatre will be ready for oc-
cupancy in May. The grand prize for the
winning name will be a pass to the theatre
for one year.
Holcomb Shifts Jobs
TAMPA — Donald Holcomb, former man-
ager of the Seminole Theatre, has been ap-
pointed by Florida State Theatres to manage
the Florida here. Francis Steel, former man-
ager of the Fairfax, Jacksonville, was trans-
ferred here to replace Holcomb at the Semi-
nole.
Theatre Style Show
COLUMBUS, GA.— The Bradley Theatre,
cooperating with the Tiny-Tot shop, spon-
sored a preview of spring fashions for girls
and boys on its stage March 28. Pupils from
the Virginia Ogie School of the Dance pre-
sented a program.
Memphis Lines Up
For Varieiy Parley
MEMPHIS — Leaders in the Memphis Va-
riety Club are determined to have a big
representation at the Variety International
convention May 14-18 in Los Angeles.
A Memphis delegation is being formed to
join the Variety Club special train at Kan-
sas City May 10. The train will originate
in New York and pick up theatre men all
along the route.
Chief Barker Herb Kohn and Mrs. Kohn
have made reservations. So have M. A.
Lightman sr., former chief barker; Orris Col-
lins, Paragould, Ark., exhibitor, and Mrs.
Collins; Tom O’Ryan, National Transit Ad-
vertising; Bill Ramsey, the popcorn man;
Dave Flexer and his wife; Tommy Baldridge,
publicity man for Flexer Theatres, and Joe
Simon, city manager for Flexer.
A special board meeting of Variety Club
was held this week and plans for the dele-
gation to the national convention were dis-
cussed along with other business of the club.
Fire Hits McShane Bldg.
TEXARKANA — The McShane Building, a
brick structure erected by James McShane
in 1890, was destroyed by fire last week. The
loss was $7,000. The building had housed
various businesses, groceries, cafes and thea-
tres, and until recently was the site of the
Harlem Theatre for Negroes.
Ralph Hutsell Shifted
SPRUCE PINE, N. C.— Ralph Hutsell has
been shifted here by the Cherokee Amuse-
ments circuit to take over management of
the Carolina. He succeeds Foy Bradshaw.
Hutsell formerly was in LaFollette. He has
been with Cherokee for 15 years.
Is Selling Seats a Problem?
Tells you how!
Every issue has a
wealth of ideas.
Actual experiences in exploitation, regular advertising and keep-
ing the public sold on the theatre are reported with profuse illus-
trations in BOXOFFICE each week. This section on practical
ideas on merchandising the motion picture is alone worth the
price of a year's subscription.
J*
Keep at the head of the procession and make more money. Read and use the numer-
ous features in BOXOFFICE to improve your showmanship and your earning power.
106
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
Tenants Try to Bar
Odeon Construction
MONTREAL — Contemplated construction
of an Odeon theatre at the corner of St.
Catherine street and Crescent street has
brought a storm of protest from business and
private tenants of the block. They claim
they are unable to get either apartments or
business premises, and some firms say they
will be forced out of business.
Mrs. Abraham Silverstone, who has applied
for a writ of prohibition from the superior
court, has been offered in exchange a new
home as alternate accommodation under a
ruling of the Central Mortgage and Housing
Corp. that no building can be demolished
until other quarters have been found for
tenants. The General Theatres will not,
however, need to find alternative homes for
the other forty tenants of the block who hold
their premises under sub-lease from Mrs.
Silverstone. They will- be evicted if permis-
sion to build the theatre is granted.
The tenants threatened with dispossession
implored the theatre company to build its
new cinema on Dorchester street, a few
blocks south, where fire recently destroyed
the Crescent Street Presbyterian church.
This corner site now is likely to be vacant
for some time.
The proprietor of the International music
store, one of the commercial tenants of the
menaced St. Catherine street block, testified
at a hearing before the deputy rentals com-
missioner that his was the only English-
language music store in the city selling
educational music. He produced letters from
McGill university and from the Protestant
central school board, to the effect that their
musical education programs would suffer if
the store had to close.
The hearing was adjourned until after the
superior court rules on Mrs. Silverstone’s
application for a writ of prohibition.
Tenants Protest Odeon Plans
In Brantford and Montreal
TORONTO — Odeon Theatres is having
trouble trying to start new theatres in Brant-
ford, Ont., and Montreal because it hasn’t
been able to get other housing accommoda-
tions fqr tenants of properties it wants to
replace. The problem has been brought to
the attention of W. L. A. Pope, Toronto,
deputy rentals administrator for the Domin-
ion, who is looking into the matter. In
Montreal, Odeon planned to demolish some
St. Catherine street property to make way
for the theatre, and in Brantford a central
business block has been acquired as a thea-
tre site.
FPC to Reopen Houses
In Nelson, Kamloops
VANCOUVER — Famous Players is plan-
ning to reopen theatres in two cities where
it now has a single house in operation. In
Nelson, where FPC now operates the Civic,
the 640-seat Capitol will be reopened after
having been dark for several years, and in
Kamloops, where the Capitol is now running,
the Empress will soon be reopened.
Granz to Visit Winnipeg
WINNIPEG — Norman Granz will present
his “Jazz at the Philharmonic” here at the
auditorium one night on April 7. The group
includes Coleman Hawkins, tenor sax; Buddy
Rich, drums; Trummy Young, trombone;
Willie Smith, sax; Helen Humes, vocalist;
Kenny Kersey, piano; Benny Fonville, bass;
Buck Clayton, trumpet, and Flip Phillips,
tenor sax.
Applicants for Door Job
Swamp Toronto House
Toronto — Sign of the times : An Ontario
exhibitor ran a small advertisement in a
daily newspaper for a new doorman. The
next day 40 written replies were received
and almost as many more came in the
following day. Only a short time ago
Canadian theatres were unable to find a
doorman.
Tom Courtney Gets
N. S. Publicity Post
HALIFAX — Tom Courtney has left the
theatre field to become director of informa-
tion and publicity for the Nova Scotian in-
dustry and publicity department. For sev-
eral years he had been maritime theatres
supervisor for Odeon and previously he had
been manager of the Casino Theatre for the
late Ron Macadam, FPC and Odeon. He
had been at the Casino as assistant manager
and manager about 18 years. He has long
been active as an amateur photographer and
during the years of the second world war
directed publicity campaigns in behalf of
war bond drives.
Sam Babb Returns
ST. JOHN — Sam Babb, booking manager
for Franklin & Herschorn, has returned from
Miami Beach, where, with his wife and child,
he vacationed with his parents-in-law the
J. M. Franklins at their winter home. Babb
was away two months. Mrs. Babb and child
are expected home the latter part of April.
Two Houses Shuttered
HALIFAX — The Family was closed ten
days for booth improvements, including in-
stallation of new equipment. Thus both
houses of Franklin & Herschorn were simul-
taneously shuttered, the Community for
raising and erection of a new theatre on the
site.
Slight Price Increase
Announced by FPC
WINNIPEG — Slight increases in admis-
sions by FPC went into effect Good Friday,
and other chains indicated they would follow
with various plans to adjust prices.
Following a statement at Toronto by J. J.
Fitzgibbons, Famous Players head, of slightly
higher prices at the company’s houses
throughout its chain, Eddie Zorn, western
division manager, announced the increased
admissions for Famous Players’ Winnipeg
houses.
Emphasizing that the new prices were only
slightly increased, Zorn said the company
was actually only leveling off odd admission
prices which prevailed through the war
years. He explained that the odd pennies im-
posed by -war regulations and the structure
of tax brackets imposed considerable hard-
ship. Now that the government permits
upping prices, Famous Players is adjusting
its range to even numbers to facilitate sales.
Zorn announced that the new price struc-
ture at the Capitol, Met and Uptown would be
as follows, the former prices being contained
in the brackets: 11 a. m.-2 p. m., 30 cents
(30 cents) ; 2 p. m.-6 p.m., 40 cents (36 cents) ;
evenings, 50 cents (47 cents) and 60 cents
(59 cents).
Increases went into effect at the Gaiety,
Tivoli, Crescent, and Osborne, and Zorn indi-
cated that prices would also be slightly higher
at most of the company’s houses throughout
his territory.
J. Miles, Western Theatres, Ltd., head, an-
nounced that organization would follow the
lead set by other chains, but it would not im-
mediately raise admissions. There was no
doubt, however, that this would follow
shortly.
Henry Morton said Odeon houses were not
contemplating an immediate price hike, but
he thought that the Odeon and Garrick would
probably end matinee prices Saturdays and
holidays at 5 p. m. instead of 6 p. m. as at
present.
Will Script Own Story
Stephen Longstreet will script his story,
“Rainbow Mountain,” to be filmed as a
Technicolor musical by Warners.
CANADIANS IN CINEMALAND — A group of Canadian industry folk reported a
great time in Hollywood, where they were on the set of “Road to Rio” and saw Bob
Hope and Bing Crosby clown offstage as much as they did on the set. Left to right:
Mrs. Charles Bouck, Calgary; Mrs. A. J. Gilbert, Winnipeg; Hope; Crosby; Mrs. K. M.
Leach, wife of the owner of the Strand and Variety theatres in Calgary; K. M. Leach,
and A. J. Gilbert, manager for Hudson’s Bay Co. at Winnipeg.
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
K
107
YOUR
BALLANTYNE
DEALER
will show you how
IN CANADA
Contact Today for Complete
Information
Dominion Theatre Equip. Co., Ltd.
847 Davie St.,
Vancouver, B. C., Canada
Perkins Electric Co.. Ltd.
2027 Bleury St.,
Montreal, Que., Canada
Perkins Electric Co., Ltd.
277 Victoria St.,
Toronto, Ont., Canada
J. M. Rice & Co.,
202 Canada Bldg.,
Winnipeg, Man., Canada
BALLANTYNE
SOUND EQUIPMENT
•AMPLIFIERS •SPEAKERS
•SOUNDHEADS *BASES
•COMPLETE SOUND SYSTEMS
• TWO-WAY HORNS
See the BALLANTYNE COMPANY
Advertisement in Modern Theatre Section
FPC Starts Erection
Of Three Theatres
Gordon Lightstone Heads
Distributors of Canada
TORONTO — The new president of the Ca-
nadian Motion Picture Distributors Ass’n is
Gordon Lightstone, general manager of
Paramount Film Service, Ltd., Toronto.
Lightstone was chosen at the association’s
recent annual meeting to succeed Leo M.
Devaney, district manager of RKO Dis-
tributing Corp. of Canada, who had held the
post for two years.
The new vice-president is David Griesdorf,
general sales manager for PRC. The sec-
retary-treasurer is E. H. Wells, who has
charge of the association’s offices in Toronto.
Directors elected were Henry L. Nathanson,
Regal Films; Oscar R. Hanson, Monogram;
Louis Rosenfeld, Columbia; H. M. Masters,
Warner Bros.; A. W. Perry, Empire-
Universal; L. M. Devaney, RKO; Sydney
Samson, 20th-Fox Corp., and C. S. Chaplin,
United Artists Corp., as well as Lightstone
and Griesdorf.
ST. JOHN — Jules Wolfe, construction head,
and Harold Kaplan, architect, both of
Toronto, are getting three Famous Players
building projects under way in the maritimes,
the Paramount, St. John; Orpheus, Halifax,
and a new, as yet unnamed theatre, at New
Waterford, N. S. The first job to get started
is the St. John building. Seating capacity
will be 1,450 to 1,500. The design is sta-
dium. The construction contract has been
awarded to John Flood and Sons, St. John,
and Garnet Wilson, a local architect, will
supervise construction. The building is ex-
pected to be ready next January.
Dimout Regulations Ending
After 3-Month Duration
TORONTO
Cecretary Arch Jolley of the Motion Pic-
ture Theatres Ass’n of Ontario has made a
number of quick jumps for speech purposes
in behalf of the film industry, following a
strenuous period of organization work in
combating the proposed amusement tax in
Ontario. Jolley spoke before 125 people at a
ladies’ night dinner of the Kinsmen club at
St. Thomas and the next day delivered a
different address before the YMCA Men’s
club in the western Ontario town. Then he
traveled to Markham for a joint luncheon of
the Lions Clubs of Markham and Unionville
when 53 members heard his talk. Next he-
went to Port Hope where he spoke before
the Rotary and Lions clubs on the place of
films in the postwar world.
Because of school examinations and the ob-
servance of Holy week, Manager Ralph Wil-
son of the Belsize, suspended the Sunday
night rallies of the Belsize Teen-Age club
which has continued to carry out a very ac-
tive program for the weekly gatherings. The
series will be resumed for the spring season
on April 13.
With the new Odeon scheduled to open
across the street shortly in the Fairlawn
with “The Best Years of Our Lives,” the
Bedford in north Toronto has strengthened
its position with a new booking policy. This
unit of 20th Century Theatres will push up
its bookings to follow downtown first runs
and programs will change twice weekly.
Prices ranging from 15 to 40 cents have been
listed. The new plan got under way March
31 with the presentation of “The Big Sleep.”
“Ivan the Terrible” is scheduled to open
April 7 as a roadshow at the Kino with
prices scaling up to 90 cents. Meanwhile
“The Way to the Stars” has rounded out its
fourth week at the International Cinema and
the receipts have attained near-record pro-
portions, it has been emphasized.
Douglas Cronk has launched a commercial
photography business here following his war
service. He is the son of Ben Cronk, pub-
licity manager for Empire-Universal.
Theatre for Yellowknife
VANCOUVER — William Cole has been
granted a permit to erect a $70,000 theatre
in Yellowknife, mushrooming gold mining
center in far northern Alberta. Construction
will start when weather permits.
TORONTO — Theatre proprietors over a
wide area of Ontario have been advised by
the Motion Picture Theatres Ass’n of Ontario
that the dimout imposed by the hydro-
electric commission due to a shortage of
power has been lifted after three months’
duration.
The theatres affected, from Windsor to
Ottawa or a distance of 600 miles, are now
at liberty to light up theatre advertising and
the marquee during any hour of the day or
night. Previously daytime illumination had
been discouraged and the marquee was not
supposed to be fully lighted until 8 p. m.
The association continues to watch for any
legislative move for the reintroduction of the
provincial amusement tax in Ontario in the
form of an enabling law to permit munici-
palities to collect a ticket assessment. The
proposal appears to have been pigeonholed.
CALGARY
A community center for showing 35mm com-
mercial film is planned at Beaver Lodge,
Alberta . . . Among visitors on Filmrow was
W. Cole of Natal, B. C., who was being con-
gratulated on the birth of his second son.
He was here buying equipment and material
in preparation for renovations he is making
at his theatre. He said business now is fair,
but was tough recently.
Another W. Cole was in buying film, a
cousin of the operator at Natal. Billy Cole
owns the Pioneer Theatre in far north Yel-
lowknife. He said the mining town is ex-
panding rapidly. Many improvements and
much money is to be spent there by the gov-
ernment this summer. Also on Filmrow
were Don and Leonard Parnell, operating the
Crow’s Nest Pass circuit, and Bert Headley
of the Empress at Ponoka.
N. W. Edwards, field representative here
for the National Film board, has instituted
a 16mm library in -the Labor Temple for
exclusive service to unions. Some of the
films now on hand are “Face of Time,” “Life
Begins Again,” “Jasper,” “Painting and
Decorating,” “Plumbing,” “Let’s All Sing,”
“Operating Employment,” “Camera Magic,”
“The Passenger Train” and “People’s Bank”
. . . Films are being added each month, of
educational, industrial and entertaining in-
terest.
The Booth Film Service is now distributing
Astral Films, revivals of 35mm. Two of these,
“Africa Speaks” and the Laurel and Hardy
comedy, “Sons of the Desert,” played a
three-day booking at the downtown Palace.
108
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
VANCOUVER
JJorman Clavir of the Kino Theatre,
Toronto, was in town preparing for the
roadshow engagement of the Italian picture
“Open City” at the Lyric. The film is sched-
uled to start April 7. The house will be on
a three-a-day, reserved seat schedule.
For the first time in history, the Orpheum
held a picture for a fourth week. It was
“The Jolson Story.” The picture is still
pulling heavily after having been seen here
by more than 100,000 people. Business is off
in most of the other first runs.
Frank Gow jr., manager of the Broadway
and son of the Famous Players executive,
will be married to Marjory Odium ... Jo Ann
Peers of the Gaumont-Kalee staff will wed
Jack Skinner . . . Local 244 of the IATSE
has held a preliminary meeting to organize
theatre doormen, cashiers, ushers, janitors
and other service personnel and has applied
for a charter for the union.
An arbitration board headed by Dean
Clement of the University of British Co-
lumbia last week began taking testimony
on which it will determine working condi-
tions and wages for Famous Players projec-
tionists.
Bill Faulkes, manager of the British Co-
lumbia branch of General Films, 16mm ex-
change, is the father of a baby daughter . . .
Jim McGregor, assistant manager of the
Plaza, also passed out cigars. The occasion
was the birth of his first child, a daughter,
Patricia.
Doug Redgrave, manager of the Oak Bay
in Victoria, has built up the best Odeon
Movie club attendance in the province. He
works hard at the project and has received
letters of congratulation from many par-
ents. One of his helpers is 13-year-old Ian
Diment, who wants to make show business
his life’s work. Ian has equipped a spare
room in the theatre at his own expense and
club members use it as an office and head-
quarters for club activities.
Walter Bennett, manager of two theatres
in Vernon, lost out by 345 votes in the recent
election of a mayor in that town . . . Jimmy
Davie, manager of RKO, did a fine job of
public relations when he addressed a film
society at the University of British Columbia
on visual education . . . Shirl Wilson, former
sound engineer with Shelly Films in Toronto,
has come here to take charge of sound for
North American Productions. The company
is making 16mm pictures and has plans to go
into the 35mm field.
Howard Boothe, Odeon district manager,
was in Seattle checking on the vaudeville
situation. It is reported that the Hastings,
now on a straight film policy, will have stage
shows in May . . . Earl Hayter, Odeon super-
visor, finally got a car and made use of it
by visiting the Odeon houses in the Fraser
valley . . . Cecil Cameron, manager of the
Kerrisdale, was ill and T. Ferguson of the
Famous Players poster department pinch-
hit for him.
Archie Abbott, projectionist at the Oak Bay
in Victoria, came here last week to greet his
brother and family who were returning from
London after 18 years abroad . . . Frankie
Priestley, the badminton champion, has re-
placed Vicky Aspeslet on the staff of the
Oak Bay.
Gilbert Johnson, doorman at the Lux,
formed a wild west show for the Odeon
Movie clubs. It plays 40 minutes. The show
opened at the Kingsway last Saturday . . .
More than 300 Dominion theatres are play-
ing the Canada Carries On 'shorts regularly,
according to Doug Peacock of the National
Film board.
Don McLean, former Calgary manager for
Eagle-Lion and once a theatre manager, here
has quit the show business and is now with
Engineers Bldg., Ltd., in Alberta . . . Jim
McAllister, former Odeon manager, has left
for Penticton to join Crescent Shows . . .
Norman Clavir of Artkino Pictures, back
from Vancouver Island, reports that “Russia
on Parade” played five towns on a roadshow
basis to good business.
Reissues are doing nice business in Brit-
ish Columbia theatres. Most of the oldies get
a play in the downtown houses. Two FPC
theatres, the Strand and Dominion, always
do better than average business . . . The
State here, Vancouver’s only vaudeville
house, has tied up with the Canadian Legion
in a search-for-talent contest, the winner to
play a week’s engagement at the State and
receive a trip to Hollywood. Veterans Of
the last war from a military hospital are
the audiences and judges. Newspapers
gave the contest plenty of notices.
Walter Bennett, manager of the Capitol
and Empress theatres in Vernon, ran for
Mayor in the March 27 election. He served
as alderman from 1944-46, and is past presi-
dent of Vernon Board of Trade and Rotary
club and now is vice-chairman of Vernon’s
Okanagan industrial exposition. The two
theatres are Famous Player units.
Myron McLeod, Patricia Theatre, Powell
River, and Claud Smith of the Strand in
Chilliwack were here for the Canadian Pic-
ture Pioneers annual dinner and meeting.
'Private Life of Henry VIII'
Reissued by Astral Films
TORONTO — With “Henry V” having a
considerable play in Canadian theatres since
last September, “The Private Life of Henry
VIII” has been brought back as a reissue by
Astral Films. I. H. Allen, general manager,
said Astral Films also has secured the the-
atrical release for Canada of the Dominion
government’s picture, “Exercise Muskox,”
which is a pictorial record of the military
expedition through the Arctic wastelands.
It has been made into a 60-minute feature.
Astral Films is handling the distribution also
of the British picture, “The Secret of Stam-
boul,” starring James Mason and Valerie
Hobson.
Two Winnipeg Premieres
WINNIPEG — Premieres of two outstanding
films have been held here in the last few
weeks. Artkino recently staged the North
American premiere of “Ivan the Terrible” on
a roadshow basis at Mesho Triller’s Do-
minion. This was followed by the Canadian
premiere at the Odeon of the Australian pic-
ture, “The Overlanders.”
Toronto Grosses Hit
By Bite of Winter
TORONTO — The week before Easter found
the Toronto theatres with offshade business
for a variety of reasons, including another
late splash of wintry conditions. Four of the
eight first run houses had holdovers but
these involved only two features because of
the new teaming arrangement by Famous
Players. These pictures were “The Jolson
Story” and “I See a Dark Stranger.”
(Average is 100)
Capitol and Victoria — I See a Dark Stranger
(Br), 2nd wk .. 90
Eglinton cfnd Tivoli — The Jolson Story (Col),
2nd wk 95
Imperial — Johnny O'clock (WB) 90
Loew's — Lady in the Lake (MGM) 90
Shea's — The Perfect Marriage (Para) 90
Uptown — Angel and the Badman (Rep) 85
Cold an<£ Snow Hold Down
Grosses at Calgary
CALGARY — Unfavorable weather again
held down averages at local boxoffices. Cal-
gary did not suffer from the heavy rains and
floods which were general elsewhere in the
province, but the weather remained cold with
snow flurries. Warm winds arrived at the
weekend and business promptly took a de-
cided jump.
With the approach of spring and Easter,
exhibitors are preparing for a real comeback
with top bookings for the next six weeks.
There were three-day bookings of minor
films, at the Capitol and Grand, where usual
six-day engagements prevail.
Capitol — Easy Come. Easy Go (Para) Good
Capitol — Ladies' Man (Para) Fair
Grand — Dressed to Kill (U-I); Cuban Pete (U-I),
split with Gallant Journey (Col) Fair to good
Palace — That Brennan Girl (Rep); Passkey to
Danger (Rep) Fair
Most Theatres in Vancouver
Did Below Average Business
VANCOUVER — Although most theatres did
below average business, “The Jolson Story”
in its third week at the Orpheum is still
playing to capacity, and held for a fourth,
the first picture in the history of the Or-
pheum to hold that long. A twin revival bill
at the Strand also did nicely. The program
was “Stella Dallas” and “Beloved Enemy.”
Capitol — The Secret Heart (MGM) Moderate
Dominion — Deception (WB); Two Smart
People (MGM), moveovers - Fair
Hastings and Vogue — Magic Bow (Br) Fair
Orpheum — The Jolson Story (Col),
3rd wk Excellent
Plaza — The Chase (UA) Moderate
State — The Gentleman From Texas (Mono),
plus vaudeville Fair
Strand — Stella Dallas (PRC),
Beloved Enemy (PRC) Good
Powers Girl in 'Baby Sitter'
Former Powers girl, Rebel Randall, has
been set for a feature role in “Case of the
Baby Sitter” by Screen Guild.
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Game
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue • Chicago, Illinois
BOXOFFICE : : April 5. 1947
109
'Jolson Story Campaign Conducted
In Two Languages at Montreal
At left Noel Croteau, CKAC comedian, hands out a dollar bill to a passerby who
has just hummed a tune from “The Jolson Story,” one of many stunts pulled during
the run of the picture in Montreal.
At right, one of the many bilingual devices used to plug the film was this window
in a beauty parlor patronized by women in the French-speaking part of the city.
MONTREAL — Setting a precedent for other
Canadian showmen, John Reidy and Tom
Cleary of Loew’s Theatre solved the bilingual
problem in publicizing “The Jolson Story.”
Another fruitful harvest came from the ex-
traordinary attention paid to radio; in fact,
radio was the backbone of the campaign.
Four special screenings provided the start-
ing gun of the publicity buildup: one for
station CKAC’s personnel; ditto for CJAD;
one for the combined staffs of CBM, CMF,
CFCF and CKVL, and one for a representa-
tive group of the 800 club. After the latter
screening a recording was made of reactions
to the picture, in sections, thus enabling it
to account for a number of radio plugs over
CJAD rather than the usual one shot.
A great break came when Oscar Peterson,
Canadian Victor recording artist, was discov-
ered among the audience and induced to ap-
pear on Bob Harvey’s air show as a guest
artist playing a medley of Jolson songs. On
another broadcast Harvey conducted a quiz
program connected with the film, giving the
Decca album of Jolson recordings as prizes.
Station CKAC started its Jolson plugs by
releasing 150 balloons over the city, with ad-
vertising copy in English and French, and
to 25 of the1 airborne missives were attached
free tickets. In a French-language promotion
the station conducted the press book-sug-
gested whistling contest of Jolson tunes, with
Jolson albums as awards. Sound tracks were
used also over the other stations, the spots
being aimed equally at French and English-
speaking patrons.
Five hundred juke boxes were supplied with
Jolson records, the lobby itself containing a
box that played the records continuously for
three weeks before opening. The organist at
Windsor railroad station as well as the city’s
top night clubs were supplied with orchestra-
tions. The six other Loew houses in the city
also played the sound track frequently, with
display material pointing up the playdate of
the film.
A prearranged tieup with Decca records
hooked up many window displays. There was
also a Max Factor tiein with some 20 spots,
while a beauty parlor devoted windows to
Evelyn Keyes, using copy in both French and
English. Eaton’s department store displayed
a frame carrying 35 stills in conjunction with
a high school quiz.
Newspaper advertising was equally divided
between French and English papers and the
Herald tied in its double truck contest page
with the film. Lux soap distributed 2,000
streamers in two languages. On opening day
roses were distributed to the first 200 women
in line, a promotion with a florist’s shop.
J. Arthur Rank Will Visit
Odeon Offices May 16-19
TORONTO — The latest word in Toronto
Odeon circles is that J. Arthur Rank, British
film and theatre magnate, is scheduled to be
at the Canadian headquarters of Odeon
Theatres from May 16 to 19 inclusive. Rank
reportedly will visit New York and Chicago
before coming to Toronto.
Following his Toronto conferences, Rank
is expected to proceed to the Pacific coast
where he will visit Vancouver and Hollywood.
Odeon is strongly entrenched in Vancouver
and Rank may want to inspect the circuit’s
theatres there. His journey to Hollywood
probably will lead to meetings with produc-
tion officials and he also will have an oppor-
tunity to visit a married daughter now living
in California. Rank made his only other
trip to Canada and the U.S. in May and
June 1945.
Regarding the legal action in Toronto with
Empire-Universal Films and United World
Pictures of Canada issuing a writ against Rank
and his associated companies, the main issue
is said to lie between Empire-Universal and
Universal Pictures, the latter in the U.S.,
over alleged differences in connection with
the handling of certain product in the Do-
minion, the pictures in question having been
made by companies allied with Universal and
partly controlled by Rank.
According to Toronto trade opinions, there
is a strong possibility that the writ will go
far in clearing the atmosphere and some sort
of compromise or agreement might be
reached on distributing arrangements with-
out actually going to court.
F&H Circuit to Tear Down
645-Seat Halifax Theatre
HALIFAX — The Community Theatre,
which has been functioning for 26 years, has
been closed and a start made at demolition.
After the razing has been completed.^ con-
struction of a new 1,200-seat theatre will be
begun on the site.
The seating capacity of the shuttered
theatre was 645. The owning firm is Franklin
& Herschorn. The house was managed by
Peter Herschorn, son of Myer Herschorn,
vice-president of the company.
Mitchell Franklin of St. John, secretary of
F&H and son of J. M. Franklin, president
of the firm, spent a week here arranging
for the closing of the theatre and the raz-
ing of the building. Construction may begin
by mid-April. The elder Franklin is ex-
pected back from his winter home in Miami
Beach by late April or early May.
Thomas Stephen to Build
New House in St. John
ST. JOHN — Thomas Stephen of this city,
a newcomer to theatre business, is planning
a new 500-seat second run theatre here.
Stephen will' build the foundation of the
new house himself and the superstructure
will be built by Tom Larsen, local contractor.
Woodwork salvaged from the old recrea-
tional center on the site of the new Para-
mount will be used. Stephen says distributors
have guaranteed him films and he has ar-
ranged for equipment and seats.
Role to Stuart Holmes
RKO has assigned Stuart Holmes a role
in “If You Knew Susie.”
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 oi which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE, DATE <S RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE
NAME POSITION
110
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
20lh Century to Build
Dual Auditorium
TORONTO — Work on Canada’s second
dual-auditorium theatre will begin as soon
as weather permits, according to announced
plans of 20th Century Theatres, Toronto, an
Ontario company allied with Famous Play-
ers. The new double-theatre project is
planned for the Elgin in Ottawa, the new
unit to be built on a parking lot adjacent to
the theatre, which was erected about ten years
ago. It will take the form of a “little theatre”
and already has been dubbed the Little Elgin
because of its proposed capacity for 350 per-
sons, as compared with the 800 seats in the
main theatre next door.
The Little Elgin will play foreign-language
pictures or special attractions, now being
shown at the International Cinema in To-
ronto, another 20th Century Theatres unit.
It is also planned to switch programs from
the main Elgin into the Little Elgin to finish
out a long run, thus making way for a new
feature in the main theatre. The two audi-
toriums will be entirely distinct, and sep-
arate policies are possible throughout.
Canada’s first dual theatre, the Hollywood
in Toronto, owned and operated by the
Allens, will open shortly in its double form.
The original Hollywood, which has operated
many years, is being duplicated in the ad-
joining structure and the plan here is to
offer the one screen program in both thea-
tres but at staggered hours as a matter of
convenience for patrons.
The Ottawa Elgin development was an-
nounced after a visit to the Canadian capital
by Meyer Axler, a home office executive of
the 20th Century group, which is headed by
N. A. Taylor.
Rumors of New Theatres
Leave Montreal Wary
MONTREAL — Montreal has built enough
theatres— in theory— in the last few years
to line both sides of St. Catherine street from
St. Lawrence to Atwater street.
“Authoritative sources have revealed to
the Montreal Herald definite plans for the
construction of all sorts, shapes and sizes
at intervals of about every six months,” says
the Herald.
“One of the most recent, and most am-
bitious, was for a tremendous center to be
erected at the corner of Atwater street, with
restaurant, an auditorium, and all kinds of
attractions.
“But we are still waiting for it.
“Once again, however, rumors are afloat,
and vouched for by responsible citizens.
Powerful financial interests, they say, are
definitely persuaded that Montreal needs a
new theatre, and that Montreal will have a
new theatre.
“That is as far as they will go yet. Nobody
seems prepared to commit themselves as to
location and site, though it is strongly
rumored that a move is afoot to buy His
Majesty’s and do a reconstruction job there.
“This may be it, this time, but Montreal
has been had too often to get very enthusi-
astic. When the financial interests start to
dig will be time enough to cheer.”
Community in Halifax
To Have 1,000 Seats
HALIFAX — Latest news on the Com-
munity Theatre project is that the seating
capacity will be about 1,000, not 1,200 as
previously reported. The new theatre will
be a stadium-type house. There will be one
Film Critic Scans World's Product
VANCOUVER — Elmore Philpott, writer of
a motion picture column in a local news-
paper, commented recently as follows:
“Here in Canada we get a good chance to
compare the film output of the various coun-
tries. Hollywood got a long head start. By
and large, U.S. films are still ahead of those
made anywhere else.
"I notice, though, that many British
writers declare that the world’s finest pic-
tures are now being made in France. We
don’t see many of them here in North
America. But the one now going the rounds
about the life of Joan of Arc really is a
masterpiece. One observer (that’s right, a
man) passed out cold when the picture got
to the climactic point where Joan was about
to be burnt at the stake.
“I saw ‘The Jolson Story’ in New York.
The songs are pretty wonderful. Surely no
popular singer of this age had more capacity
to “put across” a song.
“The songs of Jerome Kern are still pack-
ing them in ‘Till the Clouds Roll By.’ Lena
Horne alone is worth going to see — that bit
where she appears framed in blossoms being
one of the most beautiful things Hollywood
has ever done.
“I like Frank Sinatra. But whoever picked
Frank to sing the ‘Old Man River’ finale in
that picture ought to have his head read.
“That was Paul Robeson’s song in the origi-
nal ‘Showboat.’ To substitute Sinatra for
Robeson for that particular song is like put-
ting in the NBC radio chimes to replace Big
Ben.
“Here in Canada Soviet films are showing
under a new technique. Instead of the con-
tinuous performance, set shows are put on
three times a day.
The Soviet film makers have not yet gone
into producing, on any considerable scale,
pictures of the general type that will com-
pete here with the western products. But in
two fields the Soviet productions are in a
class by themselves. Their musical shorts
are really magnificent — especially when they
feature good dancers. There is one new one,
for instance, where a dance couple imitates a
pair of skaters — surely worth a world’s prize
in its particular field.
“The actuality picture, ‘Russia on Parade,’
is in color. It shows the victory demonstra-
tion in Moscow’s Red Square in August 1945.
It is exactly as it took place — with General
Ike Eisenhower standing up there, lean,
thoughtful and American to his fingertips,
beside Stalin.
“Stalin looks kindlier in color than he does
in newspaper black and white — but the pic-
ture shows him as noticeably gray and tired
looking.
“The picture itself is the finest thing of
its kind I have ever seen. If it were shown
in every school in the English-speaking world
it would do more for good relations than all
the speeches of all the statesmen — or all the
printed matter.
“There is a new kind of motion picture
going the rounds in India. Politically alert
young Indians have gathered up all the
actual pictures of the great Bengal famine in
1944. They have used them as background
for an epic picture — politically as powerful
as dynamite. Some true life scenes show
actual sale of womenfolk to get enough food
to stave off starvation.”
and possibly two stores on the street floor.
A candy bar will be installed in the lobby.
It will take about a month to completely
clear the site of the present building, from
the start of the razing, and the foundation
will then be commenced. The new building
will be of brick. Contract has been awarded
to the Brookfield Construction Co., Halifax.
The architect is the firm of Luke, Little &
Mace, Montreal. The last named was in
Halifax for a huddle with Michell Franklin,
acting head of Franklin & Herschorn and
H. L. Roper, head of Brookfield, on the plans.
The old Community was originally a
church, built of wood about 82 years ago,
having been used for films the last 26 years.
Television facilities will be provided in the
successor.
The building was not condemned but was
considered out of step with modernity in
picture exhibition. Hence the decision to re-
place it.
Solon Condemns Picture
But Will Not Name It
Vancouver — Mrs. Nancy Hodges of Vic-
toria appealed in the legislature to the
attorney general to “do something” about
a certain film, which she did not name,
which she said would do young people no
good.
She said she would not name the pic-
ture openly because that would only make
people want to see it. Officials said she
was not referring to “Duel in the Sun.”
Mrs. Hodges asserted that many cur-
rent pictures overstep the bounds of de-
cency and add to juvenile delinquency.
The attorney general promised to look
into the matter.
T Prefer Amateurs/ Says
Director Arthur Sircom
WINNIPEG — Arthur Sircom, veteran of
Broadway and Hollywood, was the adjudica-
tor of the Manitoba regional finals of the
Dominion Drama festival. Sircom has di-
rected many stars in Hollywood. He started
Gregory Peck and Anne Baxter to fame and
at various times has worked with George
Raft, Ethel and John Barrymore, Luise
Rainer, Gertrude Lawrence.
“I like working with amateurs more than
with professionals,” Sircom says. “A lot
of amateurs are much better than the pro-
fessionals, only they love to act and don’t get
paid. It’s just as easy directing good ama-
teurs as good professionals. Experience
makes the professional.”
Sircom said he would rather direct a play
than a motion picture. He was quoted as
saying: “In a film, the camera man and
technicians make the film a hit. But in
directing a play it is different.” He also
found working with bits and pieces in a film
“pretty difficult and tiring.”
During the summer, Sircom runs the Cape
Cod Playhouse with Gertrude Lawrence. He
is associated with the MacPhail School of
Drama and Music at Minneapolis.
Roadshowing in the Rough
CALGARY — John Booth stopped here a
day on a tour of Alberta towns to exhibit a
series of educational and religious 16mm
films for the Catjrolic church. He reported
road conditions were shocking, but said he
had been lucky enough to escape the worst of
the floods. Booth was blocked at Warner
by a washout, and had to take the railroad
to Medicine Hat after abandoning his car.
Attendance was poor at many places be-
cause of bad roads, he said, but many farm-
ers came on horseback.
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
111
ST. JOHN
John Fitzpatrick of St. John has dropped his
1 plans to enter distribution and will stay in
film transportation. He had been named
maritimes manager for Alliance Films of
Toronto, but was unable to find a suitable
location with vaults in St. John. Fitzpatrick
has been operating a film transfer service to
and from exchanges, theatres, railroad sta-
tions and steamer docks for many years.
Dan Wallace of Halifax, a member of the
National Film board executive staff at
Ottawa, donned the padded mittens to assist
in the coaching of the Dalhousie university
boxing squad while on a recent trip to Nova
Scotia. Wallace was maritimes intercollegiate
heavyweight champ while at Delhousie and
was also an oarsman.
Clark Gable will spend several months in
Canada this year driving across the continent
from the Pacific to the Atlantic, and will do
plenty of angling in all the provinces, in-
cluding the maritimes. Trout and salmon
abound in fresh water here, and tuna, sword-
fish, cod and pollock in salt water.
AFM’s continued refusal to allow teen-age
musicians to broadcast in Halifax unless
AFM members are paid for standing by has
resulted in other teen clubs in the Dominion
being circularized for support in the battle
against the AFM and Petrillo.
George Brent must have been an infant
prodigy, for he has given his current age
as 43, although he was in stock at the old
Academy in Halifax about 32 years ago. There
must be something in the Halifax atmosphere
that foments age slashing, for Sid Toler at
his death had marked his age at 54, where-
as he actually was 74.
Frances Conley of St. John has been cast
in “The Big Clock,” a Paramount film di-
rected by John Farrow, who saw her in the
navy show while he was a commander in
the Canadian navy. Other St. Johners at
Hollywood studios include Louis B. Mayer,
Jack Cummings and Walter Pidgeon.
Although Catholics, including priests and
prelates and the Legion of Decency, have
been active against “Forever Amber” and
“The Outlaw,” Judge Frank J. Donahue of
Boston, who gave “Amber” his okay, is a
Catholic, and so is another Frank, Frank C.
Owens of St. John, chairman of the New
Brunswick censors, who passed “The Out-
law” as within the law for showings in
New Brunswick. There has been no criti-
"Playing the market or reading the
Selling Seats section in BOXOFFICE?"
cism of the picture from Catholic pulpits in
the diocese of St. John, in contrast with
Nova Scotia, where Rev. Charles Curran of
Halifax, led the attack.
Ernie Whelpley, St. John, who was in film
distribution over 25 years and once was man-
ager of the RKO exchange here, has be-
come sales manager and partner in a new
electrical appliance firm in St. John.
Morris Elman, who has become the first
maritimes manager for Alliance Films, hails
from St. John. During World War II Elman
was in the army dental corps and previously
was manager of a St. John shoe repair store.
Vaults and offices used by 20th-Fox many
years ago, in a building owned by F. G.
Spencer, have been rented. The PRC ex-
change is now in the same building. Elman
has had no previous connection with film
distribution.
A son has been born to Mrs. Norman
Peters, wife of the apprentice projectionist
at the Regent Theatre here. It’s their first.
Mrs. Peters worked at the Regent as cashier
until shortly before the child was born . . .
It is rumored that Arthur Fielding of East
Riverside has bought a theatre site in the
west St. John-Beaconsfield area.
Another FPC Record Set
On Book Ticket Sales
TORONTO — Sale of theatre ticket books by
Famous Players Canadian set an all-time
high last year, exceeding by $1,339 the mark
set in 1945, the company announced. The
previous year the increase had been $80,000.
For the third year in a row, Dennis Murphy
of the Capitol, Halifax, topped the individuals
in sales. He brought in $4,422.50 worth of
business. Second prize among individuals
went to J. W. Parsons of the Capitol, Regina,
and third to B. Blondell of the Imperial, To-
ronto.
For the annual contest, Famous Players
theatres were divided into five classes. Win-
ning team in Group 1 was the Imperial, To-
ronto, of which Tom S. Daley is manager.
The Metropolitan, Winnipeg, captained by
William Novak, finished second, and the
Capitol, Ottawa, was third.
Other group winners were: Class 2, Capitol,
Edmonton, Walter P. Wilson, manager; Class
3, Capitol, Samia, H. Bowes, manager; Class
4, Empress, Kelowna, B. C., Will Harper,
manager; Class 5, Strand, Chilliwack, B. C.,
Claude Smith, manager.
Maritimes Exhibitors
Contacted on 'Years'
ST. JOHN — Leo M. Devaney, Toronto, Ca-
nadian general manager for RKO, and Her-
man McArthur, St. John district manager,
were contacting maritimes exhibitors in be-
half of roadshowing “The Best Years of Our
Lives.” Admission of $1.50 has been pro-
posed by Devaney, and it is understood this
has been considered too high by some thea-
tre men.
Harold Russell, who won the best support-
ing actor award for his work in the picture,
was born and reared at Sydney, N. S. He
lost both hands in an explosion while train-
ing to be a U. S. army paratrooper.
In 'Devil's Pass' Series
Johnny Mack Brown and Raymond Hatton
are scheduled to go before the cameras in a
series of westerns, Monogram’s “Devil’s Pass.”
Day-and-Date Policy
For Uptown and Met
WINNIPEG — Famous Players has in-
augurated a new crosstown premiere policy
under which the Metropolitan and the Up-
town will play pictures on a day-and-date
basis. The new twin run policy went into
effect Good Friday with “The Jolson Story”
at both houses.
E. A. Zorn, western division manager,
said the plan was instituted in an effort
to make the Uptown, a lavish house, the first
run show case it should be, and at the same
time to take the load off the Met.
The Uptown is located in the center of a
large residential area and also is easily
accessible to other districts which are thickly
populated. It is hoped that the twin
run policy will induce patrons in these dis-
tricts to visit the Uptown instead of rush-
ing to the downtown area and jamming the
Met.
Famous Players redecorated the Uptown in
preparation for the new policy. The house’s
many attractions and fine parking facilities
indicate the venture will prove a success.
Price ranges at the Met and Uptown will be
identical under the new policy.
The Uptown formerly turned away hun-
dreds each week when it housed the sneak
previews before that popular institution was
transferred to the Tivoli, proving that the
crowds can be induced to turn out.
OJJjA WA
A comparatively large number of film peo-
ple stopped here during the last several
days, to the extent that local exhibitors
were commenting on the rush of trade visi-
tors. One of them was J. Earl Lawson,
president of Odeon Theatres of Canada,
whose principal purpose was to attend a
political meeting which also brought Helen
Allen, film critic of the Toronto Telegram.
The array of Toronto visitors included
Sydney Samson, general manager of 20th-
Fox in Canada; R. Simpson, Paramount
manager; Meyer Axler, supervisor of 20th
Century Theatres; Harry Ginsler, Astral
Films; Glenn Ireton, publicity director for
Warner Bros, in Canada, who went on to
Montreal after his Ottawa calls, and Harold
Kay of Eagle-Lion.
Leonard Hutchinson of Artkino Pictures,
Toronto, was in Ottawa for the premiere of
“Ivan the Terrible” at the Little Theatre,
and the picture brought nice reports from
local reviewers . . . Word has been received
by the Ottawa Theatre Managers Ass’n that
Arch H. Jolley of Toronto has found it im-
possible to appear at a luncheon of the
organization April 10 as previously intimated.
The secretary of the MPTA of Ontario has
other speaking engagements which conflict
with his proposed early visit to the capital
city.
The Avalon, Odeon unit, is due for a
thorough overhauling, including the installa-
tion of modern-type seats, in connection
with the early adoption of a first run policy
for the house. Tom Montague has resigned
as manager of the Avalon to go into the dry
cleaning business and F. Gallop, formerly of
the maritime provinces, has taken over the
management.
Ottawa theatre business has been some-
what in the doldrums because of Easter
shopping distractions and further wintry
weather. However, “Margie” proved good
enough at the Capitol for a holdover.
112
BOXOFFICE : : April 5, 1947
Moveovers in Albany
Being Discontinued
From Eastern Ediion
ALBANY — Moveovers, numerous in Albany
for sometime, are being discontinued. It is
reported that the only exception will' be on
Warner pictures, which can be shifted from
the Strand to the Ritz (a few blocks down
the street). The Strand, which is in the
Fabian-Warner pool, had a string of hold-
overs from the Palace recently. Independ-
ents complained this policy resulted in hold-
ing up product for them. The Ritz, also a
moveover house, has frequently presented
first runs during the past month.
On direct moveovers, Palace and Strand
prices prevail at the Grand and Ritz. The
pool includes the Grand, Ritz, Leland, Madi-
son and Delaware, but excludes the two large
A situations. Fabian with one house, and
Warners with four are also pooled in Troy.
Moveovers are also being eliminated there,
it is understood.
The longest run for a picture here, under
the moveover plan, was “The Jolson Story.”
It played a week, plus four New Year’s eve
shows, at the Palace, and followed for three
weeks at the Grand. Business was excellent.
Reports differ as to the cause for the aban-
donment of moveovers. Some say it is due to
the new consent decree. Other state inde-
pendents threatened to take action.
The distributors stand to lose substantial
revenue, in the opinion of most observers.
Writer Blames Publishers
For "Atrocious" Pictures
From New England Edition
WORCESTER — Hollywood was pictured as
the victim of unscrupulous book publishers
in a speech before the Critics Forum here by
William H. Mooring, motion picture writer
for the Catholic press.
“Hollywood has fallen victim to an enor-
mous plan of the big publishers,” he told a
crowded hall. “They have film producers
running around in circles bidding fantastic
sums for atrocious things like ‘Forever
Amber.’
“The quicker something is done on a na-
tionwide scale to curb these publishers, the
quicker we will get better stories for the
motion pictures.”
However, Mooring advised his listeners to
reserve judgment on “Forever Amber.”
“In all probability,” he said, “somebody
has written a fairly decent screen story and
called it ‘Forever Amber.’ I understand that
Darryl Zanuck and the motion picture code
authority have cleaned it up — which means
they have washed it out.”
St. John Theatre Rented
By UA to Show 'Henry V'
ST. JOHN — The Strand, “mother house”
of the FPC-Spencer chain, was rented to
United Artists for four days, starting March
31, for roadshowing of “Henry V.” All seats
on the lower floor and balcony were reserved
at $1.96, including provincial and Dominion
taxes, at night; $1.31 in the afternoon. A
mail order form was incorporated in advance
advertising in local dailies. This is a rare
instance of a distributing firm renting a
theatre to show a film in the maritimes. It
is understood UA was unable to reach an
agreement on percentage.
In 'Son of Rusty'
Columbia has signed Tom Powers and Ann
Doran to topline in “The Son of Rusty.”
Toler Believed "Show Must Go On";
Desperately III , He Kept Working
MONTREAL
■pilmrow, which always appreciates a festive
* occasion, turned out in strength for a fare-
well party given in honor of the office of
well party given in the office of United Art-
ists for Eddie Schreider who has been booker
there for many years. He is going to Mono-
gram as salesman. Two presentations were
made to Schreider, one a well-filled purse
from the company and the other in the name
of the staff. The latter presentation was
made by a former manager of United Artists,
Irving Sourkes, now head of Confidential Re-
ports here.
Pierre Lambert, manager of Cinema Service,
has left to become manager of Odeon’s Perron
Theatre on Hadley street in suburban Cote St.
Paul . . . Jean Louis Larose, lately operator
and Shipper at Cinema Service, has been pro-
moted assistant manager . . . Six Paramount
sales contest winners from Britain, headed by
G. H. Gilpin, finished their prize-winning trip
at Montreal after visiting Hollywood and
other American centers. They were enter-
tained here at Ruby Foo’s and Au Lutin qui
Bouffe restaurants.
Win “The Voice” Barron was here exploit-
ing Paramount’s “California” . . . Visitors to
Filmrow include Griesdorf, PRC Canadian
general sales manager, here from Toronto;
Ted Carey, assistant to Leo Devaney, Cana-
dian general manager of RKO, also from To-
ronto; Harry Painter, assistant Canadian
general manager of Eagle-Lion, another To-
rontonian, who visited the Hanson 16mm of-
fice.
Raymond and Lucien Major, proprietors of
the Bellerive Theatre, Valleyfield, dropped in
on 20th-Fox Montreal office . . . Odeon re-
ports that “The Best Years of Our Lives” will
run several weeks at the Kent . . . Irving
Goldsmith, Odeon bowling champion, has
only one man beat in order to win the Mont-
real Theatres league bowling championship.
Hanson 16mm, Eagle-Lion and Gaumont-
Kalee will move about May 15 to the new
film distributors building on St. Alexander
street near Dorchester . . . George Koppel-
man, PRC salesman, is on a business trip to
Lake St. John . . . Bob Johnson, representative
of Eagle-Lion, is on business in Quebec City
. . . Mel Lodge, proprietor of the Myra Thea-
tre, Richmond, Quebec, visited Warners.
“The Jolson Story” broke records at Loew’s
by remaining and drawing crowds for seven
weeks, the longest run in the history of- that
theatre . . . George Ganetakos, managing di-
rector of United Amusement Corp., left for
Florida and will not be back in Montreal
until about the end of April.
Bicycle Giveaway Jams
Vogue in East Chicago
From Central Edition
EAST CHICAGO, IND. — The giveaway of
two bicycles donated by a merchant com-
pletely sold out the Vogue Theatre here and
left 200 persons standing at the time of the
drawing, Manager Roy Peffley reports. The
campaign was run over a period of three
weeks, during which 25,000 numbered cou-
pons were given out at the theatre and at
the merchant’s store. Newspaper ads were
carried two weeks in advance and a lobby
display featuring the bicycles was used for
three weeks.
ST. JOHN — In reminiscing on Sidney
Toler’s four-year stay in stock at the Acad-
emy in Halifax, Brian O’Connell of that city
said Toler, who died recently, was in his late
60s when he went to Hollywood. A news-
paper article gave Toler’s age as 59, Which
was on information from his widow.
Toler, his friends say, admitted to 56, but
his real age was 74. He headed the Sidney
Toler Players at the Academy, then managed
by the late J. F. O’Connell, father of Brian.
Toler was playing leads, and with him was
Alexander Leftwich, veteran stage director,
who died recently at Los Angeles. Also in the
outfit was Vivian Toler, first wife of Sidney,
who died about three years ago in Hollywood.
He married again soon afterward.
The Toler stock unit held the longevity
record at the Academy, on the site of which
the FPC Capitol now stands. There were 1,000
performances, with Toler achieving a big local
name for showmanship. He started at the
Academy in 1912 and finished in 1916. His
home was then at Portland, Me.
In keeping with completion of his last two
Charlie Chan films so ill he could hardly
walk, was his record at the Academy, where
he never missed a performance, although oc-
casionally feeling quite under par and bedded
between shows.
WINNIPEG
Jjlsie Simmonds, formerly of the Famous
Players office, has left for New York,
where she will study drama . . . Lloyd Muir,
RKO representative, was in the city for a
few days in connection with the forthcoming
showing at the Garrick of “The Best Years
of Our Lives.”
Jack Fitzgibbons and Frank Kershaw of
Service Confections stopped over briefly be-
tween planes . . . Audrey Benson is Harold
Bishop’s new secretary in the FPC offices.
When 22 contestants tied for first place in
the recently concluded Tribune-Famous
Academy award contest, they were required
to write essays on the subject “Which Type
of Movie Interests Me Most.” Four of the
essays won for their writers season’s passes
to two Famous Players’ houses. At the same
time, excerpts from the essays, as quoted in
the daily, seemed a fair indication of the
variety of patrons interests.
The Odeon has held over for a second week
the Australian picture, “The Overlanders,”
having its Canadian premiere at that house.
The picture opened well and favorable re-
views together with widespread word-of-
mouth commendation has brought in the
customers.
Maurie Libman and his band, a group of
local musicians, will in future be featured at
the Beacon in conjunction with the regular
weekly stage shows at that house. The new
group replaces the Beacon Melody Maids, for
years a fixture at the house, under the direc-
tion of Bill Moore.
Bedelias Admitted Free
HARTFORD— For “Bedelia,” Walter B.
Lloyd of the Allyn admitted free the first
20 women whose name is identical with the
title. Newspaper announcements were head-
ed; “Paging Bedelia!”
BOXOFFICE :: ApriL5, 1947
113
PIONEER POPCORN
DISTRIBUTOR
Advertises Liberally
in
BOXOFFICE
"Indispensable," he says
Chas. E. Darden & Co.
DALLAS 1, TEXAS
POST OFFICE BOX 2 2 07
January 10, 1947
308 S. HARWOOD
Associated Publications,
Publishers of BOXOFFICE,
825 Van Brunt Blvd.,
Kansas City 1, Mo.
Gentlemen:
For several years past we have used space liberally in BOXOFFICE.
Since we began in a small way with an office and warehouse in Dallas, we not only
credit this advertising with being a strong factor in our growth, but we consider BOX-
OFFICE to be indispensable to us in marketing our goods and services to the theatres.
How important this is, is evidenced in our string of warehouses across the South and the
spread of our sales into international markets both to the north and to the south of the United
States.
We look forward to a continuance of our past favorable relations with you.
Sincerely,
CHAS. E. DARDEN & CO.
BRANCH
WAREHOUSES:
HOUSTON
102 San Jacinto
P. O. Box 322
BEAUMONT
201 Bowie
LUBBOCK
702 Texas
NEW ORLEANS
400 N. Peters
MEMPHIS
G71 S. Main
P. O. Box 2562
114
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
SfLLMG MTS
Practical Ideas by Practical Showmen
On Merchandising the Motion Picture
Edited by HUGH E. FRAZE
Baseball Is Adapted
For Spring Trailer
Straw Vote Aids Charity
Chicago Election Turned Into Goodwill Builder
BROOKLYN — When theatre managers of
the Rugoff & Becker circuit met here re-
cently to work out a preview trailer, Jack
Hamilton, manager of the Sheepshead Thea-
tre on Sheepshead Bay road, submitted an
idea that was quickly accepted for use by his
colleagues.
Hamilton’s trailer opens with a view of a
baseball diamond. An immediate closeup
follows, with the field of vision narrowed to
the pitcher and the batter. The tension on
the batter’s face is vividly shown. The pitcher
lets fly, and the camera follows the ball
down to home plate. The batter connects,
and from then on, the audience sees the ball
alone, with the diamond as background,
looming closer and closer until it fills the
entire screen. At that point the ball bursts
and the words “Our Springtime Hit Parade”
flash upon the screen. Trailerets follow this
introduction, with background music to the
tune of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”
It’s obvious that the batter has connected
for a hit and the whole idea is self-explana-
tory.
The reaction of a sports-minded audience
to this trailer is well worth the effort behind
the idea.
City Joins Bill Hendley
In Kiddy Show Stunts
COLUMBUS, GA.— Bill Hendley, manager
of the Bradley Theatre here, has tied up
with the city recreation department in two
kiddy promotion stunts.
One is a masquerade contest, open to all
boys and girls 12 years of age or under in
the Columbus-Phenix City metropolitan
area. Preliminary contests are to be held by
schools, Boy and Girl Scout troops, and Cub
Scout packs. Winning contestants from each
group will participate in the finals on the
Bradley stage at 4:30 p. m. April 7.
For the best impersonation of any one of
ten characters in comics carried by the
Ledger-Enquirer, the J. A. Kirven Co. will
award a trike, or combinatiin bicycle-tri-
cycle. The girl runnerup will receive a doll,
and the boy runner up a chemistry set.
In the other stunt, free bubble gum is
awarded to the first 400 kiddies attending the
children’s film library showings on the Brad-
ley stage each Saturday morning through
April 12. The kiddies also have a chance to
win a new bicycle, donated by Foremost Auto
Stores, in a bubble blowing contest sponsored
by station WDAK.
Essay Contest on 'Locket'
HARTFORD — Manager Lou Cohen of the
Poli used an essay contest over station
WTHT for “The Locket.” With guest tickets
and cash awards as prizes, the contest cen-
tered around the question: “What senti-
ment is carried in the wearing of your
locket?” Contest was handled via a disc
jockey’s program.
MILWAUKEE — Color is a powerful factor
in display and selling and often spells the
difference between overwhelming success and
actual failure, according to Harold J. Fitz-
gerald, head of the Fox Wisconsin circuit.
A chart prepared by color engineers has
been sent to all the circuit’s managers along
with an explanation on the use of color for
greatest effect.
“Being associated with the motion picture
industry, an industry entirely dependent
upon the public, it is of extreme importance
that each manager know how to create eye-
appealing displays,” said Fitzgerald. “With
color we express life, thought and feeling.
But to use it properly we must have a knowl-
edge of color.”
The most effective combinations as de-
termined by color psychologists, he said, are
the following, in the sequence listed:
Black on yellow, green on white, red on
white, blue on white, white on blue, black on
white, yellow on black, white on red, white on
green, white on black, red on yellow, green
on red, and red on green.
Dark blue has the greatest advertising ap-
peal for women, said the instructions. Chil-
dren prefer warm colors (red, yellow and
orange) or the cool colors of blue, green and
violet. Normal persons with normal desire
for high standards of living like green. Red
CHICAGO — Got an election coming up in
your town?
Chicago elected a new mayor April 1 and
Manager Robert F. Griffith of Ben Bano-
witz’ Plaisance Theatre capitalized on it by
conducting a straw vote that raised about
$200 for the Red Cross. Two glass jars were
placed in the lobby, each labeled for one of
the two mayoralty candidates, and patrons
were invited to drop coins for their favorites.
Each penny counted one vote and the totals
were posted daily.
In the accompanying picture, Mary Port-
man, “Girl of the Week” in another good-
will program being run by Griffith, is shown
dropping coins into the glasses. “Customers
watched the progress of the balloting with
great interest,” said Griffith. “This idea
can be tied in with any election and any fund-
raising campaign with equal success.”
His “Girl of the Week” promotion was
worked out in cooperation with a neighbor-
hood photo studio and merchants. The
studio photographs free all girls who want
to enter. The picture of one of them is
chosen for display in the studio window and
on the Plaisance screen for a week. On Fri-
day night, the girl is presented to the audi-
ence from the stage and presented with an
orchid and $50 worth of gifts donated by
merchants.
chases away mental depression and has
great appeal for athletes.
White is no longer the ideal color for clean-
liness, the chart explained, as it also gives an
impression of frost and bleakness. Yellow
and orange are warm, stimulating colors.
Certain colors can be made to do certain
things, it was said. For instance, to make a
background or lettering appear larger, ex-
perts use yellow, white, red or orange in that
sequence of preference. To make an object
appear smaller, they use green, purple, blue
or black.
“The influence of color cannot be under-
rated in display or selling,” said Fitzgerald.
“Study the individuals to whom you wish to
appeal in your display and put the power of
color to work for you.”
Record Plugs "Girl"
OKLAHOMA CITY— To supplement his
trailer on “The Time, the Place and the Girl,”
Farris Shanbour, manager of the Tower, had
a special record cut at radio station KOCY
and played it during breaks for ten days prior
to opening. The record announced the play-
dates and cast and played three songs from
the picture.
Good Color Is Power in Displays
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : April 5, 1947
1
Bathing Beauty Bedecked With Coins
Draws 100,000 in Guessing Contest
NEW YORK — More than 100,000 persons entered a guessing contest conducted
at RKO Theatres in metropolitan New York in connection with the showing of “Lady
Luck.” In each theatre the circuit set up a lifelike figure of Barbara Hale dressed in a
bathing suit and bedecked with real pennies.
The public was invited to guess the number of coins decorating her suit, front
and back, though only the front was visible. First prize was $10 and free guest
tickets went to the next 25 winners. Ballots were attached to the set piece.
Patrons at 'Scheherazade'
Get Samples of Cologne
NEW YORK— Promoted samples of Sche-
herazade cologne were distributed to the
first 5,000 women entering Loew’s Criterion
for the showing of “Song of Scheherazade.”
Samples also were placed on cards and dis-
tributed at Leon and Eddie’s night club,
restaurants, and in the Times Square area.
New York dailies carried items on the give-
away. The tieup was handled by Jerry
Sager, Criterion publicist, and Henry Shamp,
assistant manager.
Gag Line Used in Cleveland
One Theatre's Metered Mail
Cleveland — That now-famous Warners
gag line, “If you were Nora Prentiss, would
you keep your mouth shut?” was further
publicized here by J. Knox Strachan, zone
advertising manager for Warner Thea-
tres, who used it for a month in advance
of the opening at the Hippodrome on all
metered mail going out of the Warner cir-
cuit zone headquarters. Strachan also
promoted the teaser line via posters and
placards.
Used Cars Posted at Miami
For the ‘Jolson Story'
Miami — Manager Ed May of the Ros-
etta had used car dealers post their
stock with signs reading, “Got to sell this
car to get money to see ‘The Jolson
Story.’ ”
Typewriter Is Given Away
In Stunt at Asbury Park
ASBURY PARK, N. J. — A. Heck, manager
of Walter Reade’s Lyric Theatre here, set
up a letter-writing contest with Fredericks
Typewriter store in conjunction with a re-
cent engagement of “The Shocking Miss
Pilgrim.” The person writing the best letter
on the subject “How a Typewriter Helps Me
in School or Business” was awarded a Rem-
ington-Rand portable typewriter.
A special ad was made up for Reade’s En-
tertainment Guide, a program with a cir-
culation of 15,000. Heck also arranged co-
operative window displays with music stores
and gift shops. Twenty-five taxis carried
bumper strips on the film and about 50 juke
boxes were sniped with playdate. Three
40x60 color blowups were spotted in theatre
lobbies.
Courtesy Is Now in Effect
At Hamrick Tacoma Units
TACOMA, WASH. — Courtesy will be turned
on to the nth degree in all of Hamrick’s
theatres here for the remainder of 1947, ac-
cording to City Manager Will J. Conner.
Conner announced early last month that
“Theatre Courtesy” was the slogan for
March in Hamrick theatres, and promised
awards to the most courteous employes. A
checkup later revealed that the circuit’s 113
employes had been trying hard for the awards
and all were noticeably more civil at the
end of the first month of “Theatre Cour-
tesy” in Hamrick theatres.
The four winners for the first 30 days were
Dolores Mott, Music Box; Hazel Hall, Tem-
ple; Jeannette Karbo, Blue Mouse, and
Beverly Triplett, Roxy.
Investigations will continue over a six-
month period and $10 in cash and a courtesy
pin will be awarded to courtesy winners. The
winner of the top award, to be announced
at the end of six months, will receive an extra
week’s vacation.
Used Military Patches
Are Given to Children
NEWARK, N. J. — Two theatres in this area
are having success with children’s matinees
at which used army, navy and marine patches
are given away. The children collect and
swap them as they would postage stamps and
the shows have gone over very successfully,
says Jack Hegarity, manager of the Embassy
in East Orange. He was the first one to put
on the shows and was followed by the Regent
in Newark.
Sfapifiead
MUfOKAYH U y **
/» mfft r#
(X CARTOONS
({•><' C*4
* ' 'it 4V" &,<**/,
rrfr ,,' „
YS/sSt/W'/lyr* Vfyvys
J far ■ m
■ fat/nayfay .$/•?#?/* y fa fa.
(•/»?>/ tr/ VSaj.M
i/' A* (A? 44/
4> 2G- fa* <n<Sn,f,y/
fat /fa (fa/?. y&Wfrfa/ fafa,
et,wi •**/* ffa*»'r
fa***
«/ tm faxa/tur. fPsfafa
*** ifax ro Zfafa. ■
/■nfavy fpnrn.ir/ fa
(f/> nr ?*4T fa (fan/ K’iMsf/f? f//
ntT .7 fa#*,
. Wtrsm <(. • ,t'
TELLING THE KIDS ABOUT IT— To
start off a campaign for his special chil-
dren’s show, Jack Hamilton of the
Sheepshead Theatre in Brooklyn de-
cided to get away from the usual flam-
boyant advertising and instead set up
this standee in the rear orchestra. It
received attention from both children and
adults and the results at the boxoffice
were gratifying, said Hamilton.
NATIONAL PROMOTIONS
Promotion on 'Egg'
Still on Big Scale
NEW YORK — The $850,000 preselling cam-
paign on “The Egg and I” is being pitched to
a new key for local promotions and will con-
tinue on a grand scale until the picture has
played its key city runs and most of the other
engagements, according to Maurice Berg-
man, eastern advertising and publicity di-
rector of Universal-International.
The film opened in key cities this week.
The book has been read by an estimated
25.000. 000 persons.
Promotion of the picture on a national
scale started last July when Betty Smith,
author of the pullet-surprise book, was hon-
ored at a luncheon given by the governor of
Washington in Spokane to mark the sale of
the one millionth copy of the book. Universal
worked the event into its newsreel.
‘SLICK CHICK’ NAMED
Flamboyant stunts and steady newspaper
magazine and radio advertising have come
from U-I in a steady stream since then. Wide
publicity has been given to such stunts as
the Slick Chick contest to find America’s
best looking chicken, finals of which were
held in Hollywood March 20, and the stunt of
Jim Moran, Hollywood press agent, who
“set” on an ostrich egg for 19 days and
finally hatched it.
Promotions aside from straight advertising
include distribution of 50,000 bookmarks by
the publishers, Lippincott; tieups with book
dealers; distribution of 500,000 double-sized
match folders to exhibitors, exchange per-
sonnel and home and studio executives and
1.000. 000 regular sized match books to the
general public in key cities; distribution of
2.000. 000 egg recipe books through poultry
and egg dealers; placing of stickers on com-
mercial egg cartons; release of a song, “The
Egg and I,” on which recordings have been
made by Victor, Columbia, Majestic, Mercury
and Lion; and use of “Egg and I” gags and
material on many national radio programs.
TRAILER IS ANIMATED
An “Egg and I” shampoo has been put
on the market, and a greeting card on the
theme was turned out for Easter. Advertis-
ing tieups include Simmons mattresses,
Woodbury soap, Tappan stoves, Personna
blades, Texsun grapefruit juice, Kellogg ce-
reals, Max Factor makeup and Royal Crown
Cola.
Screen advertising is being sparked by a
three-minute animated cartoon trailer, the
first ever used for a live action picture.
Made by Walter Lantz, the trailer opens like
any cartoon short and features Romeo
Rooster and Henrietta Hen. It carries the
cackling couple through a talent hunt, a
maternity hospital, and finally the birth of
the egg and the book.
Reissues Get Strong Puff
At Morristown Theatre
MORRISTOWN, N. J. — Berney Feld,
youthful manager of Walter Reade’s Park
Theatre here, put on a complete campaign
for “Kings Row” and “Wild Bill Hickok
Rides,” reissues recently double billed at his
house. The bill was plugged ten days in
advance with a special trailer, 1,000 heralds
were distributed in the three Reade circuit
houses here and carried from door to door,
and a special ad laid out by Feld himself
was placed in newspapers four days in ad-
vance. Feld also did all the art and layout
work on his highly effective heralds. Stand-
ard lobby displays were used.
2
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 5, 1947
Catching the Patron With Eye Appeal
Left: Fifteen feet high and four feet
wide, this striking lobby display was put
up by Manager Paul Townsend of the Mid-
west, Oklahoma City.
Above: Hurdy-gurdy dug up by Man-
ager Bob Portle of the Elm Street, Worces-
ter, Mass., to grind out tunes at busy street
comers in a pitch on the reissue, “The
Bowery.”
Above: Silhouette display featuring
James Stewart and Donna Reed of “It’s a
Wonderful Life” was planted in downtown
Birmingham, Ala., store by Manager Harry
M. Curl of the Melba. Those able to iden-
tify pair got free portraits in photo stu-
dio, the studio plugging picture as people
came in.
Above: The Lawrence furniture store on Main street
in Memphis turned its show window into a bedroom,
complete' with live model, in a cooperative deal with
Dave Flexer’s Ritz Theatre. The picture was “Wake Up
and Dream,” a natural for a mattress tieup. The live
model is Dorothy Weil of Memphis. Her presence in
the window made it a pedestrian -stopper.
Above: Music store window in Plainfield, N. J., promoted by
City Manager Murry Meinberg and Manager Sabie Contie of
Reade’s Paramount featured large stills of players in “Sweet-
heart of Sigma Chi.” Large photo is of “New Jersey’s Own”
Phil Brito.
Above: Title of coming picture is drama-
tized by Rudy Koutnik, manager of the
Wisconsin, Milwaukee, in panel above
grand stairway. Hands of the six-foot cir-
cular clock were animated.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : April 5, 1947
3
Master Showman in Ex-Boom Spot
Floyd Faubion Mixes Civic Leadership and Continuous Round of Special Activities
By A. JULES BENEDIC
Field Editor, Boxoffice
QNCE, approximately two decades ago, there
was an exhibitor in Teague, Tex., who
simply put out a one-
sheet and the crowds
flocked to his theatre.
The doors swung open
constantly, for there
was a big oil boom on,
and everybody was
getting rich.
But the bubble burst
in central Texas, and
Mexia, Wortham, Cor-
sicana, all names to
conjure with in the
oil business, settled
down to humdrum ex-
istences. Nearby
Teague, which had enjoyed a big boom over
a short period and a little boom over a much
longer period, felt the effects after the
gushers failed to gush, and dry holes came
in instead.
FARMERS BACK TO LAND
Finally the farmers went back to tilling
the land, and that’s really what the land is
intended for, and a few minor manufacturing
plants sprang up here and there. Teague
developed into a pretty good little town, sup-
porting quite nicely one and sometimes two
shows for Johnny Long of the circuit that
bears his name.
Johnny Long went to school with the
writer, but it should not be held against
Johnny, for the latter has many more valid
claims to distinction, among them being a
climb in this industry from one tiny theatre
in Bay City to ownership of a far-flung cir-
cuit of houses dotting many sections of
Texas.
Which brings us to the point of introducing
Johnny’s manager at Teague, the Star Thea-
tre’s ebullient Floyd Faubion, a guy with
showmanship ideas that would do credit to
many managers in much larger situations.
Faubion sometimes scrapes the bottom of
the stunt barrel, and puts on business-getting
projects that were old when Rothafel was
in his prime. But Teague takes to them
FAUBION AND FAMILY
JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MALE . . . ALL MEN
BEAUTY XEVUE
» ON THE STAGE *
TUES. -8:45 P.M.- SEPLJ
FOR THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE SEE Olid ALL MALE REVUE on Our Stage... A
Unique Shu. Filled with Comedy. Among the JAYCEES Who Will Participate ami Ap-
pear in the Beauty Revue, on the Stage of the Star Theatre. Will Be:
R. L. Smith, A. J. BamhilL Floyd Faubion. N. B. Crawler* Maur.ee Gage, Fred Wheelu..
Alfred Withrow. Jamea Neale, Edell Petty, Carl Davia, W. A. Davidson, J. C. SHeffield.
L E. Cook. Allen Bendy, H. G. HippeL J. L York. Jack RawUnfc Clyde 1 padden, Ruel
Wilson. Sam Cox. J. E. Lambert, Johnny Maggard. F. EL Deanng, Jr, Arthur Reeves,
Fritz Campbell, A. H. Lackey, N. D. Riley. W. W. Withrow. Jr Itowhn Bond C A. Umber-
field, Jim Gazzaway. Charles Bowers, Joe Wertz. Wesley Ford, Frank Hubbard Jr, Beall
* . . .. _ xxi... sw„ 1 fnHrn I n Davidson. Jr- Billie Webb,
Also All New Members.
All Will ATTIRED in the Latest Style BATHING SUITS and EVENING DRESSES.
* ON THE SCREEN *
d
fi
fa
r JOAN FONTAINE .
RF
i
Buy Your Tickets From The Jaycees Help The Jaycees Be
..Id Teague
STAR Theatre TEAGUE ftDM.9c&5Qc
This herald on an all-men beauty show
typifies the year-around program of ac-
tivities promoted by Floyd Faubion of
Teague, Tex., to keep his Star Theatre a
steady profit-maker.
kindly, as witness the success attendant upon
the wedding of a local couple on the stage
of the Star. This stunt was preceded by a
countywide distribution of invitations pub-
lished in neat script, followed up by pla-
carding the town with llxl7-inch heralds.
One can but hope that the motion picture
for the occasion, “Faithful in My Fashion,”
did not prove the motif in the future life
of the newlyweds.
Young Floyd takes beauty contests in his
stride. He’s promoted several, and is clever
enough to get local sponsorship, such as the
Teague fire department. He gave the beauty
deal a new twist, however, when he pro-
moted a beauty show consisting of all men,
the contestants being members of the Junior
Mother s Enthusiasm Packs Theatre
Offering Children's Film Series
CHICAGO — Mrs. Nemon J. Taylor is
one mother who shops as carefully for
her young son’s entertainment as she
does for a new hat. Through her ef-
forts, and the cooperation of the
O’Keefe school Parent-Teacher Ass’n,
seven schools in Chicago’s south shore
district launched a series of five Sat-
urday morning film programs which
packed Warners’ Jeffrey Theatre for
each show.
“We sold the 1,800 seats in advance
of each showing for the first series,
which started in January, and the par-
ents and teachers in our district are
just as enthusiastic about our new
series starting Saturday,” said Mrs.
Taylor.
Robert Busch, manager of the Jef-
frey, worked out the program with
Mrs. Taylor and others after she be-
came interested in the Children’s Film
library pictures through reading a
series of articles on them by Sam Les-
ner in the Daily News.
“We lived in Chicago for two years
and couldn’t find a children’s film any-
where except at the Field museum on
Saturday mornings,” said Mrs. Taylor.
“Naturally, I was delighted when I
read about the film classics for juve-
niles.”
Mrs. Taylor is now chairman of the
special film committee of the O’Keefe
school PTA and has had the help of
Mrs. J. R. Brady, director of district
1 of the Illinois PTA congress, in
working out the children’s shows. They
believe the series is a force for curbing
juvenile delinquency.
Chamber of Commerce. Attired in scanty
bathing suits and evening dresses, the eve-
ning proved one big howl.
FABRICATES HIS OWN “FLESH”
Faubion grabs all the stage shows he can
reach, and some troupes play his house which
ordinarily wouldn’t deign to touch his coal
oil circuit, an unfortunate designation brought
about because of Teague’s population, and not
because of any lack of local showmanship.
One of his recent bookings was that of Merle
and Her Rambling Roses, an all-girl revue
and orchestra that broke a jump out of San
Antonio with a one-night stand at the Star.
Another was Woody Johnson, the Singing
Texan, and His Hillbillies.
When stage shows aren’t available, Faubion
fabricates his own flesh attractions. One
jitterbug revue advertised five local colored
contestants. Kiddy shows are tied in with
either a local dancing school or one in the
immediate area. Another home talent affair,
in addition to the usual number of singers
and dancers, featured a “daring” bubble
dance by a local girl, some hula-hulas and
a chocolate pie-eating contest. Midnight hor-
ror shows are usually topped off with some-
thing like this: A one month’s pass is given
to any two boys who’ll carry a casket con-
taining a body off the stage while the lights
are turned down low.
When the Teague Lions play football,
Faubion really goes to town. He prints their
program, listing the players of both teams,
packing the remainder of the four-pager
with matrices of coming film attractions.
Football jackets and the Knute Rockne
trophy to the most valuable player are every
year awarded from the stage of the theatre.
The football boys sell the tickets, every buyer
receiving a ballot, so the house is always
packed.
TIES IN WITH FOOTBALL
Faubion, as remarked before, invariably
ties in his stunts with auspices, so when the
American Legion wanted a new home, one
of the fund-raising projects was a motor bike,
which was awarded from the stage. Again
they hung from the rafters and again this
manager made a lot of friends for the theatre.
Free turkeys mark the Christmas holidays;
in fact Floyd watches all dates on the cal-
endar and gets up something appropriate at
the proper time. It goes without saying that
his fetish is community goodwill, and he
participates prominently in civic activities.
He was recently elected president of the
athletic booster club, backing all kinds of
sports at Teague, and is county chairman of
the Red Cross campaign.
Orpheum Gives 5,000 Keys
For 'Locket' Cash Prizes
KANSAS CITY — Duplicating similar con-
tests in Chicago and Denver, Jack Tiernan,
publicity manager of the Orpheum here, ar-
ranged a “key to the locket” contest in con-
nection with “The Locket.” Five thousand
keys were dropped throughout the city or
were handed out upon request at the box-
office. Thirty-one of these keys opened a
large gold locket on display in the lobby of
the theatre the morning the picture opened.
No admission ticket was required to obtain
keys from the boxoffice or to try opening
the locket. The holder of the first successful
key won $50 and the holders of the remain-
ing 30 each received $5.
4
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser .’ : April 5, 1947
Feature productions, listed by company, in order of release. Num-
ber in square is national release date. Production number is at
right. Number in parentheses is running time, as furnished by home
office of distributor; checkup with local exchanges is recommended.
R — is review date. PG — is Picture Guide page number. Symbol
indicates BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Symbol ©
indicates color photography.
BOOKIDG CHflfiT
JUNE 8
(82) Drama
IE WALLS CAME
TUMBLING DOWN
e Bowman
irguerite Chapman
Igar Buchanan
-May 25— PG-725
] (55) Western 562
ENTLEMAN FROM
TEXAS
hnny Mack Brown
f] (76) Mus-Com 515
REDDIE STEPS OUT
ine Preisser
reddie Stewart
—June 8 — PG-728
j] (56) Drama
HOST OF HIDDEN
VALLEY
uster Crabbe
1 “Fuzzy” St. John
—June 8— PG-727
PECIAL:
(102) Comedy 6
IEARTBEAT
linger Rogers
ean Pierre Aumont
.dolphe Menjou
:asil Rathbone
I— Apr. 27— PG-718
iNE EXCITING WEEK
,1 Pearce
'inky Lee
erome Cowan
!— June 15— PG-730
(110) Drama 62!
OMEWHERE IN THE
NIGHT
ohn Hodiak
lancy Guild
Joyd Nolan
lichard Conte
!— May 11— PG-722
IRESSED TO KILL
lasil Rathbone
Jigel Bruce
'atricia Morison
1— May 25— PG-725
JUNE 15
JUNE 22
JUNE 29
JULY 6
JULY 13
JULY 20
JULY 27 |
ID (88) Dr-Western
©RENEGADES
Evelyn Keyes
Willard Parker
Larry Parks
R — May 4— PG-719
|§0] (59) Drama
DANGEROUS BUSINESS
Lynn Merrick
Forrest Tucker
Gerald Mohr
R — June 22 — PG-731
[27] (65) Drama 7032
THE RETURN OF
RUSTY
Ted Donaldson
John Lit el
Mark Dennis
Barbara Woodell
R— July 6— PG-733
[T| (65) Mystery 7027
THE UNKNOWN
Karen Morley
Jim Bannon
Jeff Donnell
R— July 6— PG-734
|u] (54) Western 7209
THE DESERT HORSE-
MAN
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
Adele Roberts
R— July 13— PG-735
g (67) Act-Mus 7223
COWBOY BLUES
Ken Curtis
Jeff Donnell
Hoosier Hotshots
Guy Kibbee
R— July 13— PG-736
[25] (73) Musical 7033
SING WHILE YOU
DANCE
Ellen Drew
Robert Stanton
Andrew Tombes
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
SPECIAL:
|~4~| (125) Drama 623
tiTHE GREEN YEARS
Charles Coburn
Tom Drake
Beverly Tyler
Hume Cronyn
Dean Stockwell
R— Mar. 16— PG-705
Block 17
g (97) Drama 625
BOYS’ RANCH
James Craig
“Butch” Jenkins
R— May 4— PG-720
SPECIAL:
[25] (110) Drama 624
©EASY TO WED
Esther Williams
Van Johnson
R— Apr. 13— PG-714
|i6| (lOD Psy-Dr 699
SUSPENSE
Belita
Barry Sullivan
Bonita Granville
Eugene Pallette
Albert Dekker
R— Mar. 30— PG-709
[22] (63) Act-Com 510
IN FAST COMPANY
Leo Gorcey
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
R— May 18— PG-723
[29] (56) Western 574
TRAIL TO MEXICO
Jimmy Wakely
[6] (61) Sea-Dr 521
STRANGE VOYAGE
Eddie Albert
Elena Verdugo
[13] (63) Drama 530
SOUTH OF MONTEREY
Gilbert Roland
Frank Yaconelli
[20] (65) Act-Com 511
BOWERY BOMBSHELL
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
[27] (64) Mys-Dr 518
SHADOWS OVER
CHINATOWN
Sidney Toler
Victor Sen Young
Block 5
[h] (84) Comedy 4522
OUR HEARTS WERE
GROWING UP
Diana Lynn
Brian Donlevy
Gail Russell
R— Mar. 16— PG-705
Block 5
g (57) Action-Dr 4523
HOT CARGO
William Gargan
Jean Rogers
Philip Reed
R— Mar. 16— PG-705
Block 5
[5] (122) Rom-Dr 4524
TO EACH HIS OWN
Olivia de Havilland
John Lund
Mary Anderson
Phillip Terry
Bill Goodwin
R— Mar. 16— PG-706
Block 6
|6] (107) Act-Dr 4526
O.S.S.
Alan Ladd
Geraldine- Fitzgerald
It— May 11— PG-721
[20] (70) Drama
AVALANCHE
Bruce Cabot
Helen Mowery
R— Apr. 27— PG-717
g (70) Drama
©COLORADO
SERENADE
Eddie Dean
Al La Rue
R— July 6— PG-733
go] (68) Mys-Dr
LARCENY IN HER
HEART
Hugh Beaumont
Cheryl Walker
R— May 25— PG-725
[g] (55) Western
PRAIRIE BADMEN
Buster Crabbe
Al “Fuzzy” St. John
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
g (67) Drama
QUEEN OF BURLESQUE
Evelyn Ankers
Carlton Young
R— July 6— PG-733
Group 6
[15] (79) Drama 628
BEDLAM
Boris Karloff
Anna Lee
Richard Fraser
It— Apr. 27— PG-717
Group 6
(62) Mystery 629
THE FALCON’S ALIBI
Tom Conway
Rita Corday
Vince Barnett
R— Apr. 20— PG-716
SPECIAL:
(95) Drama 683
THE STRANGER
Edward G. Robinson
Loretta Young
Orson Welles
R— May 25— PG-726
Group 6
(105) Drama 626
TILL THE END OF
TIME
Dorothy McGuire
Guy Madison
Robert Mitchum
Bill Williams
R— June 15— PG-730
[i5| (56) Western 5502
©MAN FROM RAINBOW
VALLEY
Monte Hale
Adrian Booth
Sagebrush Serenaders
R— June 22— PG-731
g (56) M'drama 522
TRAFFIC IN CRIME
Kane Richmond
Anne Nagel
Adele Mara
[~5~] (90) Drama 524
SPECTER OF THE ROSE
Judith Anderson
Michael Chekhov
R— May 25— PG-726
g (67) M’dr-Mus 523
NIGHT TRAIN TO
MEMPHIS
Roy Acuff
Allan Lane
go] (79) Outdr-Mus 5541
MY PAL TRIGGER
Roy Rogers
R— July 6— PG-734
[22] (56) Western 568
CONQUEST OF
CHEYENNE
Bill Elliott
Bobby Blake
Alice Fleming
[22] (89) Comedy 525
RENDEZVOUS WITH
ANNIE
Eddie Albert
Faye Marlowe
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
|25| (55) Western 557
RED RIVER
RENEGADES
(65) Drama 630
STRANGE TRIANGLE
Signe Hasso
Preston Foster
Anabel Shaw
John Shepperd
R— May 11— PG-721
(87) Drama 631
©SMOKY
Fred MacMurray
Anne Baxter
Bruce Cabot
J. Farrell MacDonald
R— June 22— PG-732
(70) Comedy 632
IT SHOULDN’T HAPPEN
TO A DOG
Carole Landis
Ailyn Joslyn
Henry Morgan
Margo Wood
R— June 8— PG-728
[19] (100) M’drama 528
A SCANDAL IN PARIS
George Sanders
Signe Hasso
Carole Landis
R— July 20— PG-738
. [g] (86) Drama 535
THE RUNAROUND
Ella Raines
Rod Cameron
Broderick Crawford
Frank McHugh
R— June 15— PG-729
[21] (90) Drama 536
LOVER COME BACK
George Brent
Vera Zorina
Lucille Ball
Charles Winninger
R— June 22— PG-731
g (65) Drama 537
INSIDE JOB
Ann Rutherford
Alan Curtis
Preston Foster
R— June 22— PG-731
[~5~| (76) Drama 538
HER ADVENTUROUS
NIGHT
Dennis O’Keefe
Helen Walker
Tom Powers
R— July 6— PG-733
[l2| (60) Drama 539
DANGER WOMAN
Brenda Joyce
Don Porter
Milburn Stone
R— July 13— PG-736
go] (59) Drama 540
THE DARK HORSE
Phillip Terry
Ann Savage
Allen Jenkins
R— July 20— PG-738
[26] (92) Drama 541
©CANYON PASSAGE
Dana Andrews
Brian Donlevy
R— July 27— PG-740
ge] (61) Musical 542
CUBAN PETE
Desi Arnaz
R— July 27— PG-739
[22I (89) Drama 520
JANIE GETS MARRIED
Joan Leslie
Robert Hutton
Edward Arnold
Ann Harding
R— June 8— PG-727
[~6~| (107) Drama 521
A STOLEN LIFE
Bette Davis
Glenn Ford
Dane Clark
Walter Brennan
Charlie Ruggles
R— May 4— PG-719
I20] (105) Drama 522
OF HUMAN BONDAGE
Paul Henreid
Eleanor Parker
Alexis Smith
Edmund Gwenn
Janis Paige
R— July 6— PG-734
B
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 5, 1947
5
UNIVERSAL UNITED ARTISTS 20TH-F0X REPUBLIC RKO RADIO
AUGUST 10
AUGUST 17
AUGUST 24
AUGUST 31
SEPTEMBER 7
SEPTEMBER 14
SEPTEMBER 5
[[] (68) Comedy 7039
PERSONALITY KID
Anita Louise
Michael Duane
Ted Donaldson
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
[15] (54) Western 7201
HEADING WEST
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
H (63) Comedy 7038
IT S GREAT TO BE
YOUNG
Leslie Brooks
R— Sent. 7— PG-749
|l2| (69) Western 7224
SINGING ON THE
TRAIL
Ken Curtis
R— Sent. 14— PG-752
[§] (93) Drama 626
©COURAGE OF LASSIE
Lassie
Elizabeth Taylor
Frank Morgan
Tom Drake
R— May 11— PQ-721
J22] (81) Drama 627
FAITHFUL IN MY
FASHION
Tom Drake
Donna Reed
R — June 15 — PG-729
[29] (92) Drama 628
&JTH REE WISE FOOLS
Margaret O’Brien
Lionel Barrymore
Lewis Stone
Edward Arnold
Thomas Mitchell
R— June 15— PG-730
|l9) (127) Mus-Com 71
©HOLIDAY IN MEXll
Walter Pidgeon
Jane Powell
Ilona Massey
Jose Iturbi
R— July 27— PG-740
[lo| (57) Western 567
SHADOWS ON THE
RANGE
Johnny Mack Brown
[17] (60) Mys-Dr 525
MISSING LADY
Kane Richmond
Barbara Reed
[24] (68) Comedy 512
SPOOK BUSTERS
Leo Gorcey
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
Billy Benedict
David Gorcey
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
pT] (74) Com-Mus 517
HIGH SCHOOL HERO
Freddie Stewart
June Preisser
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
|w] (76) Mys-Dr 601
DECOY
Edward Norris
Jean Gillie
R. Armstrong
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
|2l| (54) Western 5<
TRIGGER FINGERS
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hall on
Block 6
[9] (107) Drama 4527
THE SEARCHING WIND
Robert Y oung
Sylvia Sidney
R— May 11— PG-722
SPECIAL:
[30] (93) Comedy 4532
MONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE
Bob Hope
Joan Caulfield
R— May 11— PG-721
Block 6
[6] (69) Act-Dr 4528
SWAMP FIRE
Johnny Weissmuller
Buster Crabbe
Block 6
[13] (117) Drama 4529
THE STRANGE LOVE
OF MARTHA IVERS
Barbara Stanwyck
Van Heflin
Lizabeth Scott
R— Mar. 16— PG-706
[14] (55) Drama
1 ERRORS ON
HORSEBACK
Buster Crabbe
R— Apr. 27— PG-717
[15] (75) Drama
DOWN MISSOURI WAY
Martha O’Driscoll
R— July 13— PG-735
[I| ( . . ) Drama
SECRETS OF A
SORORITY GIRL
Rick Vallin
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
[21] (54) Act-West
OVERLAND RIDERS
Buster Crabbe
A1 “Fuzzy” St. John
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
|29l (68) Mys-Dr
BLONDE FOR A DAY
Hugh Beaumont
Kathryn Adams
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
[2] (56) Drama
STRANGE HOLIDAY
Claude Rains
R— Nov. 9— PG-764
'
fl|
SPECIAL:
(103) Drama 761
NOTORIOUS
Ingrid Bergman
Cary Grant
Claude Rains
Louis Calhem
R — July 27— PG-739
Group 6
(93) Drama 627
CRACK-UP
Pat O’Brien
Claire Trevor
Herbert Marshall
R— June 15— PG-729
Group 1
(61) Drama 703
STEP BY STEP
Lawrence Tierney
Anne Jeffreys
Lowell Gilmore
R— July 20— PG-737
Group 1
(59) Western 7(
SUNSET PASS
James Warren
Nan Leslie M j
John Laurenz
Jane Greer
R— July 20— PG-738
[7] (57) M’drama 526
THE INNER CIRCLE
Adele Mara
Warren Douglas
William Frawley
|~9~| (67) M'drama 527
THE LAST CROOKED
MILE
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
[l2| (69) Com-Dr 528
G.l. WAR BRIDES
Anna Lee
James Ellison
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
g|] (57) Mys-Dr 529
THE INVISIBLE
INFORMER
Linda Stirling
William Henry
Gerald Mohr
R— Aug. 24 — PG-746
[its] (69) West-Mus 541
UNDER NEVADA SKIES
Roy Rogers
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
QT] (56) Mystery 531
1 HE MYSTERIOUS MR.
VALENTINE
William Henry
Linda Stirling
[9] (56) Western 558
RIO GRANDE RAIDERS
Sunset Carson
[l2| (68) Outdr-Mus 542
ROLL ON TEXAS
MOON
Roy Rogers
Dale Evans
II— Sept. 28— PG-754
(128) Drama 634
ANNA AND THE
KING OF SIAM
Irene Dunne
Rex Harrison
Linda Darnell
R— June 8 — PG-727
(65) Drama 635
DEADLINE FOR
MURDER
Paul Kelly
Kent Taylor
Sheila Ryan
Jerome Cowan
R— June 22— PG-732
(74) Drama 636
BLACK BEAUTY
Mona Freeman
Richard Denning
Evelyn Ankers
R— July 20— PG-737
(78) Drama 637
CLAUDIA AND DAVID
Dorothy McGuire
Robert Young
Mary Astor
John Sutton
Gail Patrick
R— July 27— PG-740
(78) Musical 6:
IF I’M LUCKY
Vivian Blaine
Perry Como
Harry James
Carmen Miranda
Phil Silver.
R— Sept. 7— PG-750
SPECIAL:
|ii1 (126) Drama 531
^©CAESAR AND
CLEOPATRA
Vivien Leigh
Claude Rains
Stewart Granger
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
[~6l (90) Comedy
THE BACHELOR'S
DAUGHTERS
Gail Russell
Claire Trevor
Adolphe Menjou
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
(20) (101) M’drama 5:
ANGEL ON MY
SHOULDER
Paul Muni
Anne Baxter
It— Sept. 28— PO-754
|~9] (61) Drama 545
WILD BEAUTY
Don Porter
Lois Collier
Jacqueline De Wit
R— Aug. 17 — PG-743
J16] (82) Comedy 546
THE TIME OF THEIR
LIVES
Abbott and Costello
Binnie Barnes
Jess Barker
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
I22I (76) Drama 547
DEAD OF NIGHT
Mervyn Johns
Roland Culver
Frederick Valk
R — July 6— PG-734
[30] (102) Drama 548
THE KILLERS
Burt Lancaster
Ava Gardner
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
|3oj (61) Drama 549
LITTLE MISS BIG
Beverly Simmons
R— Sept. 7— PG-750
[3o| (74) Drama 550
WHITE TIE AND
TAILS
Dan Duryea
Ella Raines
William Bendix
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
(20) (X08) Drama lOf
THEY WERE SISTERS
Phyllis Calvert
James Mason
Hugh Sinclair
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
[17] (90) Drama 524
TWO GUYS FROM
MILWAUKEE
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Joan Leslie
Janis Paige
S. Z. Sakall
Patti Brady
R— July 27— PG-739
|3l| (114) Drama 601
THE BIG SLEEP
Humphrey Bogart
Lauren Bacall
Martha Vickers
Dorothy Malone
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
[14] (78) Drama 602
SHADOW OF A WOMAN
Andrea King
Helmut Dantine
William Prince
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
AUGUST 3
|T| (65) Act-Dr
BELOW THE DEAD
Warren Douglas
Ramsay Ames
Group 6
(68) Musical 630
THE BAMBOO BLONDE
Frances Langford
Ralph Edwards
Russell Wade
R— June 22— PG-732
(102) Drama
! ©CENTENNIAL
SUMMER
Jeanne Crain
Cornel Wilde
Linda Darnell
William Eythe
R— June 8 — PG-728
633
n (84) M’drama 532
MR. ACE
George Raft
Sylvia Sidney
Sid Silvers
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
|~2~| (80) Drama 543
THE BLACK ANGEL
Dan Duryea
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
j [2] (63) Drama 544
SLIGHTLY
SCANDALOUS
Fred Brady
' Paula Drew
n (128) Drama 523
| ©NIGHT AND DAY
Cary Grant
Alexis Smith
| Monty Woolley
Mary Martin
R— July 13— PG-736
(30) M-Rev (New Rel)
(10) Mus (New Rel)
BEWARE
EBONY PARADE
(1 Reel Spec)
K
Louis Jordan
Cab Calloway
HERE’S RICHARD’S
O
Valerie Black
Count Basie
ANSWER
g-H
Mills Bros.
Stepin Fetchlt
in
<
(68) Drama Reissue
COURAGEOUS
(72) Comedy Reissue
(57) M-Dr (New Rel)
DR. CHRISTIAN
FLYING DEUCES
HOLLYWOOD BOUND
Jean Hersholt
Laurel and Hardy
Betty Grable
(89) Reissue
JIMMY STEPS OUT
Jimmy Stewart
(83) Drama Reissue
LITTLE MEN
Jack Oakie
(86) Drama Reissue
ONE ROMANTIC NIGHT
Ilona Massey
(100) Drama Reissue
SCARFACE
Paul Muni
George Raft
(86) Mus-Dr Reissue
SECOND CHORUS
Paulette Goddard
Fred Astaire
(55) M-Dr (New Rel)
STAIRWAY FOR A STAR
Cornel Wilde
(48) Mus (New Rel)
TALL, TAN AND
TERRIFIC
Manton Moreland
Francine Everett
(50) M-Dr (New R
THAT MAN OF MIN
Barrel Tillman
Ruby Dee
Anna Mae Wlnbum
(58) O’d-Dr (New R
WHITE STALLION
Eddie Dean
6
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : April 5, 1947
iPTEMBER 28
f, (68) Drama 7002
G.LANT JOURNEY
Bin Ford
]e t Blair
J-3ept. 14— PO-752
jj (70) M’Dr-Mys 7041
§i DOWED
Ai a Louise
R. Oct. 5 — PQ-756
(86) Drama
1 SISTER'S
EC RET
cy Coleman
Sept. 28— PG-7B3
(56) Aet-West
TLAW OF THE
LAINS
ter Crabbe
up 1
97) Comedy
)Y LUCK
I ert Young
Ibara Hale
uk Morgan
■July 27— PG-739
702
ssue
(86) Musical
H VALLEY
SERENADE
ja Henle
n Payne
ton Berle
nn Miller & Orcb,
n Davis
641
(106) Drama 60
OAK AND DAGGER
( y Cooper
Iiert Alda
1 Palmer
I -Sept. 14— PG-752
OCTOBER 5
OCTOBER 12
OCTOBER 19
OCTOBER 26
NOVEMBER 2
NOVEMBER 9 l
go] (91) Musical 7006
THE THRILL OF
BRAZIL
Evelyn Keyes
Keenan Wynn
Ann Miller
Allyn Joslyn
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
go] (71) Psych-Dr 805
SO DARK THE NIGHT
Steven Geray ,
Mlcheline Cheirel
Eugene Borden
Ann Codee
R— Nov. 23 — PG-765
n] (69) Comedy 806
BLONDIE KNOWS BEST
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
R— Oct. 5— PG-755
17] (53) Western 861
LANDRUSH
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
24] (61) Mystery 816
CRIME DOCTOR’S
MANHUNT
Warner Baxter
Ellen Drew
William Frawley
Frank Sully
R— Dec. 28 — PG-776
7] (65) Mystery 818
SECRET OF THE
WHISTLER
Richard Dix
Leslie Brooks
It— Nov. 2— PG-761
(81) Comedy-Dr 703
THE COCKEYED
MIRACLE
Frank Morgan
Keenan Wynn
Audrey Totter
R— July 20 — PG-737
(117) Musical 704
NO LEAVE, NO LOVE
Van Johnson
Keenan Wynn
Pat Kirkwood
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
Reissue
(84) Drama
RAGE IN HEAVEN
Robert Montgomery
Ingrid Bergman
George Sanders
I
I
r
[|] (72) Act-Dr 602
GENtLEMAN JOE
PALOOKA
Joe Kirkwood jr.
Elyse Knox
Leon Errol
R— Sept. 28 — PG-753
|X2| (66) Mys-Dr 603
DANGEROUS MONEY
Sidney Toler
Gloria Warren
Victor Sen Young
R— Oct. 12— PG-768
If] (73) Drama 605
WIFE WANTED
Kay Francis
Paul Cavanagh
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
[9! (71) Outdr-Mus 531
BEAUTY AND THE
BANDIT
Gilbert Roland
Ramsay Ames
Frank Yaconelll
Reissue
(113) Outdr-Drama
THE PLAINSMAN
Gary Cooper
Jean Arthur
Reissue
(84) Adven-Drama
JUNGLE PRINCESS
Dorothy Lamour
Ray Milland
•
gjj] (68) Drama
ACCOMPLICE
(~n (85) Outdr-Mua
DRIFTIN’ RIVER
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
|T| (68) Drama
THE BRUTE MAN
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
gi] (68) Drama
GAS HOUSE KIDS
Billy Halop
Robert Lowery
Teala Luring
It— Oct. 19— PG-759
][] (78) Drama
DON RICARDO
RETURNS
Fred Coby
Group 1
(116) Drama 701
OSISTER KENNY
Rosalind Russell
Alexander Knox
Dean Jagger
R— July 20— PG-738
Group 1
(68) Drama 705
GREAT DAY
Eric Portman
Flora Robson
R— July 20— PG-737
Group 2
(62) Drama 709
CRIMINAL COURT
Tom Conway
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
[Ts] (62) Com-CblUer
GENIUS AT WORK
Wally Brown
Alan Carney
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
Group 2
(62) Drama 708
CHILD OF DIVORCE
Sharyn Moffett
Regis Toomey
Madge Meredith
Una O'Connor
R— Oct. 19— PO-760
[I] (72) Special 5542
HOME IN OKLAHOMA
Roy Rogers
George "Gabby” Hayes
Dale Evans
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
(90) Musical 639
©THREE LITTLE GIRLS
IN BLUE
June Haver
George Montgomery
Vivian Blaine
Celeste Holm
R— Sept. 14— PG-7B1
(90) Drama 640
HOME SWEET
HOMICIDE
Peggy Ann Garner
Randolph Scott
Lynn Bari
Dean Stockwell
R— July 27— PG-740
Reissue
(84) Drama 642
THE BOWERY
Wallace Beery
George Raft
Jackie Cooper
Fay Wray
(91) Drama 644
WANTED FOR MURDER
Eric Portman
Dulcie Gray
Derek Farr
Roland Culver
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
(97) Drama 645
MY DARLING
CLEMENTINE
Henry Fonda
Linda Darnell
Victor Mature
Walter Brennan
Tim Holt
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
gg] (57) Comedy 535
LITTLE IODINE
Jo Ann Marlowe
Eve Whitney
Marc Cramer
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
[25| U01) Drama
STRANGE WOMAN
Hedy Lamarr
George Sanders
Louis Hayward
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
(85) Drama 60]
THE DARK MIRROR
Olivia de Havilland
Lew Ayres
Thomas Mitchell
R — Oct. 12— PG-758
(T) (108) Com-Dr 1066
NOTORIOUS
GENTLEMAN
Rex Harrison
Lilli Palmer
It— Nov. 2— PO-761
g2] (100) Drama 604
NOBODY LIVES
FOREVER
John Garfield
Geraldine Fitzgerald
Walter Brennan
Faye Emerson
R— Oct. 5 — PG-755
/
p26| (112) Drama 605
DECEPTION
Bette Davis
Paul Henreld
Claude Rains
R — Oct. 19— PG-760
[7] (97) Drama 606
NEVER SAY GOODBYE
Errol Flynn
Eleanor Parker
Luciie Watson
S. Z. Sakall
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
NOVEMBER
16(
(115) Drama
5 — PG-756
Group 2
(87) Drama
NOCTURNE
George Haft
Lynn Bari
It— Oct. 12— PG-757
706 1
(56) Western 661 1
SANTA FE UPRISING
Allan Lane
Bobby Blake
jl5| (82) Drama 5321
PLAINSMAN AND THE|
LADY
William '‘Bill” Elliott
It— Nov. 9— PG-763
(94) Drama 646 1
©MARGIE
Jeanne Crain
Glenn Langan
Lynn Bari
Alan Young
R— Oct. 19— PG-780
gs] (65) Western
THE DEVIL'S
PLAYGROUND
William Boyd
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
(95) Drama 602 1
MAGNIFICENT DOLL
Ginger Rogers
Rurgess Meredith
David Niven
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
(74) Drama Reissue
DEVIL TO PAY
Ronald Colman
Loretta Young
(101) Drama Reissue
DODSWORTH
Walter Huston
David Niven
John Payne
(80) Mus-Com Reissue
PALMY DAYS
Eddie Cantor
George Raft
(81) Reissue
THE RETURN OF THE
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Barry Bames
James Mason
( . . ) Musical Reissue
ROMAN SCANDALS
Eddie Cantor
Ruth Etting
(98) Drama Reissue
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Merle Oberon
Leslie Howard
(107) Drama Reissue
STELLA DALLAS
Barbara Stanwyck
John Boles
(100) Musical Reissue
STRIKE ME PINK
Eddie Cantor
Brian Donlevy
Ethel Merman
(109) Drama Reissue
THE THIEF OF
BAGDAD
Sabu
Conrad Veidt
June Duprez
(77) Drama Reissue
UNHOLY GARDEN, THE
Ronald Colman
(83) Drama Reissue
WEDDING NIGHT
Gary Cooper
Ralph Bellamy
(102) Western Reissue
THE WESTERNER
Gary Cooper
Walter Brennan
Dana Andrews
(104) Drama Reissue
WUTHERI NG HEIGHTS
Laurence Olivier
Merle Oberon
(71) Comedy Reissue
WOMAN CHASES MAN
Joel McCrea
Miriam Hopkins
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 5, 1947
7
RKO RADIO REPUBLIC 20TH-FOX UNITED ARTISTS" UNIVERSAL WARNER-
UNIVERSAL UNITED ARTISTS 20TH-F0X REPUBLIC RKO RADIO
j NOVEMBER 23
NOVEMBER 30
DECEMBER 7
DECEMBER 14
DECEMBER 21 \ DECEMBER 28
1 JANUARY 4
JANUARY !
1 [21] (55) Western 862
TERROR TRAIL
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
R— Nov. 9 — PG-764
HD (72) Musical 824
BETTY CO-ED
Jean Porter
Shirley Mills
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
HD (89) Mystery 622
BOSTON BLACKIE AND
THE LAW
Chester Morris
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
HD (68) West-Mus 854
LONE STAR
MOONLIGHT
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
H|] (61) Western 863
THE FIGHTING
FRONTIERSMAN
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
(19] (69) M’drama 828
ALIAS MR. TWILIGHT
Michael Duane
It— Jan. 4— PG-777
H| (64) Mus-Com 804
SINGIN’ IN THE CORN
Judy Canova
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
H| (91) Mel’drama 829
THE RETURN OF
MONTE CRISTO
Louis Hayward
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
[9] (69) Comedy
BLONDIE’S BIG
MOMENT
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
Larry Simms
Marjorie Kent
Anita Louise
R— Dec. 21— PG-775
(93) Drama 706
TWO SMART PEOPLE
Lucille Ball
John Hodiak
R— June 15— PG-730
(97) Drama 709
THE SECRET HEART
Claudette Colbert
Walter Pldgeon
June Allyson
Robert Sterling
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
[21] (83) Comedy 708
THE SHOW-OFF
Red Skelton
Marilyn Maxwell
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
(135) Mus-Dr 710
©TILL THE CLOUDS
ROLL BY
Robert Walker
Van Heflin
Lucille Bremer
Van Johnson
Judy Garland
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
(99) Drama
©GALLANT BESS
Marshall Thompson
George Tobias
Clem Bevans
Donald Curtis
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
m (68) Comedy 604
BRINGING UP FATHER
Joe Yule
Rente Riano
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
|3o] (68) Mystery 607
THE TRAP
Sidney Toler
Manton Moreland
Victor Sen Young
R— Jan 11— PG-779
[7] (63) Act-Com 608
MR. HEX
Leo Gorcey
Huntz Hall
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
Reissue:
HD (57) Western 612
SILVER STALLION
David Sharpe
Leroy Mason
HD (76) Dr-Mus 606
SWEETHEART OF
SIGMA CHI
Elyse Knox
Phil Brito
Phil Regan
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
H| (55) Outdr-Mus 681
SONG OF THE SIERRAS
Jimmy Wakely
Lee “Lasses” White
Jean Carlin
|T] (67) Drama 609
GINGER
Frank Albertson
Barbara Reed
Johnny Calkins
HD (61) Cisco Kid
RIDING THE
CALIFORNIA TRA
Gilbert Roland
Inez Cooper
Frank Yaconelli
[22] (98) Sea Drama 4601
TWO YEARS BEFORE
THE MAST
Alan Ladd
William Bendlx
Brian Donlevy
Barry Fitzgerald
Howard da Silva
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
H| (104) Musical 4602
0©BLUE SKIES
Bing Crosby
Fred Astaire
Joan Caulfield
Billy De Wolfe
Olga San Juan
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
H| (83) Comedy 4
CROSS MY HEART
Betty Hutton
Sonny Tufts
Michael Chekhov
B— Nov. 23— PG-765
H| (57) Western 743
STARS OVER TEXAS
Eddie Dean
Roscoe Ates
Shirley Patterson
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
HD (74) Drama
LADY CHASER
Robert Lowery
Ann Savage
[T| (73) Outdr-Mus
©WILD WEST
Eddie Dean
A1 La Rue
Robert "Buzzy” Henry
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
H| (74) Drama
LIGHTHOUSE
John Lltel
June Lang
Don Castle
Marian Martin
[2i| (172) Drama
THE BEST YEARS OF
OUR LIVES
Myma Loy
Fredrlc March
Dana Andrews
Teresa Wright
Virginia Mayo
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
HD (85) Mus-Dr
^©SONG OF THE
SOUTH
Bobby Driscoll
Luana . Patten
Ruth Warrick
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
HD (132) Com-Dr
IT’S A WONDERFUL
LIFE
James Stewart
Donna Reed
Lionel Barrymore
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
Group 3
(62) Melodrama
DICK TRACY VS.
CUEBALL
Morgan Conway
Anne Jeffreys
Lyle Latell
R— Nov. 9— PG-764
Group 3
(61) Drama
THE FALCON’S
ADVENTURE
Tom Conway
Madge Meredith
Edward 8. Brophy
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
Group 3
(60) Comedy
VACATION IN RENO
Jack Haley
Anne Jeffreys
Wally Brown
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
HI (68) Com-Mus 603
AFFAIRS OF
GERALDINE
Jane Withers
R— Nov. 30— PG-768
HD (69) Outdr-Mus 681
SIOUX CITY SUE
Gene Autry
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
J) (67) Outdr 5503
©OUT CALIFORNIA
WAY
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
T) (117) Drama 601
©I'VE ALWAYS LOVED
YOU
Catherine McLeod
R — Sept. 7— PG-749
H| (71) Dr-Com 604
FABULOUS SUZANNE
Barbara Britton
Rudy Vallee
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
HI (70) Outdr-Mus 543
HELDORADO
Roy Rogers
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
H| (95) Drama 533
THAT BRENNAN GIRL
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
HI (56) Western 662
STAGECOACH TO
DENVER
Allan Lane
Bobby Blake
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
[22] (86) Drama
THE CHASE
Robert Cummings
Michele Morgan
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
(92) Mus-Fant 649
©WAKE UP AND
DREAM
June Haver
John Payne
Charlotte Greenwood
Connie Marshall
R— Nov. 30— PG-768
(69) Drama 648
DANGEROUS MILLIONS
Kent Taylor
Dona Drake
Tala Blrell
James Tinling
Leonard Strong
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
(95) Drama 702
13 RUE MADELEINE
James Cagney
Annabella
Richard Conte
Walter Abel
Frank Latlmore
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
Re-Releases
( . . ) Drama 7
LES MISERABLES
Fredrlc March
Charles Laughton
(101) Drama 7
STANLEY AND
LIVINGSTONE
Spencer Tracy
Richard Greene
HD (66) Comedy 540
SUSIE STEPS OUT
Cleatus Caldwell
David Bruce
Nlta Hunter
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
H| (96) Com-Dr 541
ABIE’S IRISH ROSE
Joanne Dru
Richard Norris
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
(98) Drama 604
TEMPTATION
Merle Oberon
George Brent
Charles Korvln
Paul Lukas
R— Nov. 2 — PG-761
*
(86) Drama (
SWELL GUY
Sonny Tufts
Ann Blytb
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
H| (86) Drama 607
THE VERDICT
Sydney Greenstreet
Peter Lorre
Joan Lorrlng
George Coulourls
Rosalind Ivan
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
Reissues:
J\ (127) Drama 608
KINGS ROW
Ann Sheridan
Ronald Reagan
7] (72) M’drama 609
WILD BILL HICKOK
RIDES
Bruce Cabot
Constance Bennett
HI (105) Musical 610
©THE TIME.THE PLACE
AND THE GIRL
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Janis Paige
Martha Vickers
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
HD (96) Drama-Mu* <
THE MAN 1 LOVE
Ida Luplno
Robert Alda
Andrea King
Bruce Bennett
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
(62) Outdoor Drama
©GOD’S COUNTRY
Robert Lowery
Helen Gilbert
R— June 22— PG-732
8/15 (72) Out-Dr 4604
©DEATH VALLEY
Robert Lowery
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
8/15 (75) Drama 4605
FLIGHT TO NOWHERE
Evelyn Ankers
Alan Curtis
10/15 (41) Out-Dr 4606
'NEATH CANADIAN
SKIES
Russell Hayden
Inez Cooper
11/1 (71) Drama 4607
ROLLING HOME
Jean Parker
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
11/15 (46) Outdr 4610
NORTH OF THE
BORDER
Russell Hayden
12/1 (60) Drama 4609
MY DOG SHEP
Tom Neal
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
12/25 (65) Drama 4612
RENEGACE GIRL
Ann Savage
R— Feb. 8 — PG-i 87
1/15 (62) Drama 4611
QUEEN OF THE
AMAZONS
Robert Lowery
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
2/1 (65) Drama 4608
©SCARED TO DEATH
Bela Lugosi
Joyce Compton
2/15 (70) O’dr-Dr 4613
BUFFALO BILL
RIDES AGAIN
Richard Arlen
R— Apr. 5— PG-807
3/15 (74") Drama 4615
SHOOT TO KILL
Russell Wade
Susan Walters
8
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 5, 1947
LNUARY 18
JANUARY 25
FEBRUARY 1
FEBRUARY 8
FEBRUARY 15
FEBRUARY 22
MARCH 1
MARCH 8 1
(69) Mystery 823
1 WOLF IN MEXICO
d Mohr
;y Ryan
eline De Wit
I Blore
Pan. 11— PG-780
H] (128) Mus-Dr 831
.'..©THE JOLSON STORY
jarry Parks
Uvelyn Keyes
iVilllam Demarest
Bill Goodwin
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
|3o| (58) Western
SOUTH OF THE
CHISHOLM TRAIL
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
Nancy Saunders
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
[6] (73) Myst-Dr
BLIND SPOT
Chester Morris
Constance Dowling
Steven Geray
R— Feb. 8 — PG-787
13] (67) Mus-Dr
CIGARETTE GIRL
Leslie Brooks
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
13] (63) West-Mus
OVER THE SANTA FE
TRAIL
Ken Curtis
R— Mar. 1— PG-796
(100) Mys-Dr 830
DEAD RECKONING
lumphrey Bogart
Lizabeth Scott
R— Jan 18— PG-781
(82) Mys-Dr 832
MR. DISTRICT
ATTORNEY
Dennis O’Keefe
Marguerite Chapman
Adolphe Menjou
Michael O'Shea
R— Jan. 11— PG-779
If] (65) Mystery
THE THIRTEENTH E
HOUR BE
Tichard Dlx sfr®
R— Feb. 22 — PO-792 Br
IT] (54) Western
THE LONE HAND ttr
TEXAN §g
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
J (85) Drama 711
1 MIGHTY McGURK
1 ice Beery
1 Stockweil
Ird Arnold
I MacMahon
i5] (103) Mystery 712
LADY IN THE LAKE
Robert Montgomery
Audrey Totter
Lloyd Nolan
R— Nov. 30— PG-776
[~7~| (93) Comedy 714
LOVE LAUGHS AT
ANDY HARDY
Mickey Rooney
Lewis Stone
Bonita Granville
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
!ii| (93) Drama 715
MY BROTHER TALKS
TO HORSES
Butch Jenkins
Peter Lawford
Beverly Tyler
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
REPRINT:
28] (115) Drama 713
BOOM TOWN
Clark Gable
Spencer Tracy
Hedy Lamarr
(112) Drama 716 ■
THE BEGINNING OR VE.
THE END BP
Robert Walker Be
Tom Drake
Brian Donlevy
Audrey Totter
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
-
(58) Western 568
1ERS OF THE
)UTH
ay Mack Brown
tond Hatton
Blair
20] (68) Teen-Ager 611
VACATION DAYS
June Preisser
Freddie Stewart
Frankie Darro
R— Apr. 5— PG-808
[U (54) West-Mus 683
RAINBOW OVER THE
ROCKIES
Jimmy Wakely
Lee "Lasses” White
Pat Starling
[15] (54) Western 675
VALLEY OF FEAR
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Reno Blair
If
24] (87) Rom-Com 4604
THE PERFECT
MARRIAGE
Loretta Young
David Niven
Eddie Albert
Virginia Field
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
pf] (91) Comedy 4605
LADIES’ MAN
Eddie Bracken
Cass Daley
Virginia Welles
Spike Jones
Virginia Field
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
^ (97) O’tdr-Dr 4606
©CALIFORNIA
Ray Milland
Barbara Stanwyck
Barry Fitzgerald
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
|~7~| (77) Comedy 4607 IS
EASY COME, EASY GO ►
Barry Fitzgerald tjr
Diana Lynn E
Sonny Tufts
R— Feb. 1— PG-785 E
■ (56) Drama
IN TO SPEED
■Jan. 25— PG-783
R (57) Western 123
ID COUNTRY
[Feb. 1— PG-785
0 (63) Comedy
5 A JOKE, SON
[pan. 25— PG-783
*
EAGLE-LION
[29] (95) Drama
BEDELIA
Margaret Lockwood
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
H] (54) Western
LAW OF THE LASH
A1 LaRue
A1 "Fuzzy” St. John
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
[2] (67) Drama
DEVIL ON WHEELS H
Noreen Nash
Darryl Hickman
Jan Ford
James Cardwell
R— Feb. 8— PG-788
|tp 3
1 86) Melodrama
Eii QUENTIN
ijrence Tierney
I on MacLane
Elian Carr
IjDec. 7— PG-769
Group 3
(85) Drama
THE LOCKET
Laraine Day
Brian Aherne
Robert Mitchum
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
Group 3
(117) Fantasy
©SINBAD THE SAILOR
Douglas Fairbanks Jr
Maureen O’Hara
Walter Slezak
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
Group 4
(67) Mus-Dr 718
BEAT THE BAND
Frances Langford
Ralph Edwards
Phillip Terry
Gene Krupa
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
Group 4
(63) Drama 719 ■
THE DEVIL THUMBS E
A RIDE &
Lawrence Tierney B
Ted North
R— Mar. 8— PG-797 E
- ' ■ - -
H] (67) Comedy 602
THE PILGRIM LADY
Lynne Roberts
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
[25] (67) Western 682
TRAIL TO SAN
ANTONE
Gene Autry
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
H (88) Musical 607
CALENDAR GIRL
Jane Frazee
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
|T1 (67) Western 5504
©LAST FRONTIER
UPRISING
Monte Hale
Adrian Booth
.
[15] (100) Western 608
ANGEL & THE BADMAN
R— Mar. 1— PG-796
[p] (74) Comedy 606
MAGNIFICENT ROGUE
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
[is| (75) Outdr-Mus 641
©APACHE ROSE
R— Mar. 22— PG.-803
[15] (56) Outdoor 663
VIGILANTES OF
BOOMTOWN
Allan Lane
Bobby Blake
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
[j] (66) Com-Mus 605 1
THE GHOST GOES WILD H
James Ellison
Anne Gwynne E
146) Drama 701
IE RAZOR’S EDGE
lone Power
[ e Tierney
) n Payne
[ ton Webb
( le Baxter
I -Dec. 7— PG-770
!
(85) Mus-Com 703
©THE SHOCKING
MISS PILGRIM
Betty Grable
Dick Haymes
Anne Revere
Allyn Joslyn
Gene Lockhart
R— Jan. 11— PG-779
(88) Mystery 706
BOOMERANG
Dana Andrews
Jane Wyatt
Lee Cobb
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
(72) Mystery 707
THE BRASHER
DOUBLOON
George Montgomery
Nancy Guild
Conrad Janis
R— Feb. 15— PG-790
(67) Drama 708
STRANGE JOURNEY
Paul Kelly
Osa Massen
Hillary Brooke
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
Re-Release:
(106) Mus-Dr 709
ALEXANDER'S RAG-
TIME BAND
Tyrone Power
Alice Faye
Don Ameche
Ethel Merman
[T] (63) Western
FOOL’S GOLD
William Boyd
Andy Clyde
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
[if| (93) Drama 544
THE RED HOUSE
Edward G. Robinson
Lon McCalllster
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
m (88) Mas-Dr 545
THE FABULOUS
DORSEYS
Tommy Dorsey
Jimmy Dorsey
Janet Blair
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
[f] (112) Drama 547 1
THE PRIVATE AFFAIRS J
OF BEL AMI 1
George Sanders 1
Angela Lansbury
Ann Dvorak
R— Mar. 1— PG-793
(93) Drama 607
|!.L BE YOURS
anna Durbin
'm Drake
lliam Bendix
'—Jan. 25 — PG-783
(98) Drama 605
THE WICKED LADY
Margaret Lockwood
James Mason
Patricia Roc
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
Reissue
(81) Outdoor-Drama
WHEN THE DALTONS
RODE
Randolph Scott
Kay Francis
(106) Dra-Mus 608
©SONG OF
SCHEHERAZADE
Yvonne De Carlo
Brian Donlevy
Jean Pierre Aumont
Eve Arden
Philip Reed
B— Feb. 1— PG-786
m (125) Dra-Mus 612
HUMORESQUE
Joan Crawford
John Garfield
Oscar Levant
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
[~8~[ (88) M’drama 613
THE BEAST WITH
FIVE FINGERS
Robert Alda
Andrea King
Peter Lorre
Victor Francen
J. Carrol Naish
R— Nov. 30— PG-766
[22] (1U) Drama 614
NORA PRENTISS
Ann Sheridan
Kent Smith
Bruce Bennett
Robert Alda
Rosemary DeCamp
R— Feb. 8 — PG-78T
[T] (101) Mel-Dram 615
PURSUED
Teresa Wright
Robert Mitchum
Judith Anderson
Dean Jagger
Alan Hale
B— Feb. 22— PG-791
X
w
i— i
H
i — I
K
CQ
(88) Drama
Ealing-AFB
THE HALFWAY HOUSE
Francoise Rosay
Tom Walls
Esmond Knight
Valerie White
(78) Comedy
Eng. Films
THE RANDOLPH
FAMILY
Margaret Lockwood
Michael Wilding
w
20
o<
HP
so
oz
tu <
►J
(74) French Fam. Int’l
DAWN OVER FRANCE
Raimu
Berval
(95) Russian Artklno
1812
Sergei Kournakoff
A. Dykki
(70) Russian Artklno
FALL OF BERLIN
War Documentary
( . . ) Italian Drama
FEDORA
Luisa Ferida
Amadeo Nazzarl
R— Feb. 9 — PG-696
(90) Spanish Clasa
FLOR SILVESTRE
No subtitles
Dolores del Rio
(94) Russian Artklno
GIRL NO. 217
Elena Kuzmina
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : April 5, 1947
9
UNIVERSAL UNITED ARTISTS 20TH-ir0l REPUBLIC RKO RADIO P-R-C PARAMOUNT MONOGRAM
MARCH 22
MARCH 29
APRIL 5
APRIL 12
1 APRIL 19
APRIL 26
MAY 3
{2o| (70) Drama
MILLIE’S DAUGHTER
Gladys George
Gay Nelson
R— Mar. 8— PO-798
(95) Mys-Dr
JOHNNY O'CLOCK
Dick Powell
Evelyn Keyes
U — .Jan, 18— PG-781
1 [27] (87) Western
WEST OF DODGE CITY
Charles Starrett
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
|t) (79) O’dr-Dr
KING OF THE WILD
HORSES
Preston Foster
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
|D (67) Comedy
BLONDITS HOLIDAY
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
Larry Simms
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
ID (83) Drama
THE GUILT OF JANET
AMES
Rosalind Russell
Melvyn Douglas
Sid Caesar
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
Ip (63) Comedy
HARD BOILED
MAHONEY
Leo Gorcey
Bowery Boys
Teala Loring
1
jT] (103) Musical 718
IT HAPPENED IN
BROOKLYN
Frank Sinatra
Jimmy Durante
Kathryn Grayson
Peter Lawford
R— Mar. 8— PG-797
]u] (92) Drama 719
LITTLE MR. JIM
Butch Jenkins
James Craig
Frances Gifford
R— June 15— PG-729
Ip (71) Drama 676
THE GUILTY
Bonita Granville
Don Castle
John Lltel
R— Mar. 22— PG-804
HU (88) Western 676
TRAILING DANGER
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Peggy Wynne
[~5~| (85) Western 6S1
SIX GUN SERENADE
Jimmy Wakely
Lee "Lasses” White
[n] (72) Drama
VIOLENCE
Nancy Coleman
Michael O’Shea
:
1 E
|2i) (88) Rom-Com 4608
SUDDENLY IT’S
SPRING
Paulette Goddard
Fred MacMurray
Macdonald Carey
Arleen Whelan
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
HD (72) Drama 4620
SEVEN WERE SAVED
Richard Denning
Catherine Craig
Russell Hayden
R— Mar. 1— PG-795
|T] (88) Comedy 4609
MY FAVORITE
BRUNETTE
Bob Hope
Dorothy Lamour
Peter Lorre
Lon Chaney
R— Feb. 22— PO-791
Pine-Thomas Prod.
ID (72) Drama 4621
FEAR IN THE NIGHT
Paul Kelly
Kay Scott
DeForest Kelley
Ann Doran
R— Mar. 1— PG-795
|D (97) Drama 4610
IMPERFECT LADY
Ray Milland
Teresa Wright
Virginia Field
Sir Cedric Hardwicke
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
Reissue
H (97) Western
KIT CARSON
[22] (94) Western
LAST OF THE
MOHICANS
|p (89) Drama
UNTAMED FURY
. R— Apr. 5 — PG-808
ID (..) Mystery
PHILO VANCE
RETURNS
William Wright
(74) Drama
LOST HONEYMOON
Franchot Tone
Ann Richards
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
ID ( • • ) Drama
THREE ON A TICKET
Hugh Beaumont
Cheryl Walker
Reissue
|D (41) Western
FRONTIER FIGHTERS
Buster Crabbe
Fuzzy St. John
Marjorie Manners
ID (61) Western
WEST TO GLORY
Eddie Dean
Flash
Group 4
(84) Western 717
TRAIL STREET
Randolph Scott
Robert Ryan
\nne Jeffreys
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
Group 4
(57) Western 720
CODE OF THE WEST
lames Warren
Debra Alden
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
[2§ (90) Musical 610
HIT PARADE OF 1947
Eddie Albert
Constance Moore
Joan Edwards
|T) ( • • ) West-Mus
TWILIGHT ON THE
RIO GRANDE
Gene Autry
Adele Mara
Sterling Holloway
T) (89) Outdoor 664
HOMESTEADERS OF
PARADISE VALLEY
Allan Lane
Bobby Blake
Q] (71) Com-Dr 611
YANKEE FAKIR
Douglas Fowley
loan Woodbury
( ■ . ) Musical 710
©CARNIVAL IN COSTA
RICA
Dick Haymes
Vera-Ellen
Cesar Romero
Celeste Holm
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
•
[22I (89) Drama
THE MACOMBER
AFFAIR
Gregory Peck
Joan Bennett
Robert Preston
R— Jan. 25 — PG-784
[5] (60) Western
JNEXPECTED GUEST
William Boyd
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
3] (89) Comedy
THE SIN OF HAROLD
DIDDLEBOCK
Harold Lloyd
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
Ip (89) Musical
NEW ORLEANS
Arturo de Cordova
Dorothy Patrick
Reissue
(94) Outdoor-Drama
DESTRY RIDES AGAIN
Marlene Dietrich
James Stewart
(70) West Dr
©MICHIGAN KID
Jon Hall
Victor McLaglen
Rita Johnson
R— Feb. 22— PO-792
(78) Comedy
BUCK PRIVATES
COME HOME
Sud Abbott
jou Costello
Pom Brown
loan Fulton
R— Mar. 18 — PG-802
Reissue
(73) Comedy
YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN
HONEST MAN
W. C. Fields
Edgar Bergen
Charlie McCarthy
♦
Reissue
(78) Drama
1 STOLE A MILLION
George Raft
Claire Trevor
Victor Jory
2D (84) Com-Dr 61 6
THAT WAY WITH
WOMEN
Jane Clark
ilartha Vickers
Sydney Greenstreet
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
lD (97) Drama 617
STALLION ROAD
Ronald Reagan
Alexis Smith
Zachary Scott
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
MARCH 15
|D (64) Drama
FALL GUY
Cliff Penn
Teala Lorlng
i Robert Armstrong
' R— Mar. 8— PO-800
1 [iv] (54) Western
l RANGE BEYOND
I THE BLUE
Eddie Dean
R — Mar. 15— PG-802
[17] (98) Drama
| THE ADVENTURESS
Deborah Kerr
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
(66) Drama
BACKLASH
Jean Rogers
Richard Travis
Larry Blake
John Eldredge
Leonard Strong
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
711
Ip (93) Comedy
FUN ON A WEEKEND
Eddie Bracken
Priscilla Lane
(103) Drama
SMASH-UP
Lee Bowman
Susan Hayward
Marsha Hunt
Eddie Albert
Carl Esmond
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
609
(110) Span. RKO 461
GOYESCAS
Iraperio Argentina
Rafael Rivelles
( . . ) Spanish Altec*
LA RIVAL DE SU HIJA
No subtitles
Anita Blancb
R— May 26— PG-829
(104) 8panlsh Clasa
LA VIRGEN QUE FDRJO
UNA PATRIA
No subtitles
R — April 21— PG-623
(104) Spanish Oasa
US DOS HUERFANAS
No subtitles
R — 8ept. 1— PO-683
(84) Russian Artkino
THE LAST HILL
Nikolai Kriuchkov
Marina Pastukhova
R— June 30— PG-640
(73) Russinn Artkino
MILITARY SECRET
Sergei Lukianov
R — Sept. 1— PG-654
( . . ) Spanish Class
QUE UNDO ES
MICHOACAN
No subtitles
Tito Gulzar
Gloria Marin
R— Mar. 31— PG-617
(93) Russian Artkino
THE RAINBOW
Natasha Dshvey
Natalia Alisovs
(89) French Hoffberg
THREE HOURS
Jean Aumont
Betty Bovy
( . . ) Spanish Clasa
TIERRA DE PASIONES
No subtitles
R — June 9 — PG-633
(102) Spanish Clasa
TORES, AMOR Y
GLORIA
No subtitles
R— May 5— PG-627
(84) Russian Artkino
THE URAL FRONT
R— July 14— PO-641
(87) Russian Artkino
WAIT FOR ME
R— Mar. 24— PO-615
(90) Russian Artkino
ZOYA
R— Apr. 21— PO-824
10
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser ‘.1 April 5, 1947
'
An interpretative analysis ®f opinions deduced from the language of lay and trade press reviews. The plus
and minus signs indicate the degree of favor or disfavor of the review. Blank spaces indicate no review,
this department, serve: also as an ALPHABETICAL INDEX to feature releases. Numeral preceding title
Is Picture Guide Review page number. In parentheses after title is running time. Date following distributor is
80X0FFICE review data, (Listings cover currerr reviews. It will be brought up to date regularly. The
weaning of the various signs and their combinations is as follows:
ft Vers ®ood; + Good; ± Fair; : Mediocre: — Poor; = Very Poor.
I!m fflt® summary ft is rated s 2 pluses; = as 2 minuses.
REVIEW DIGEST
and
ALPHABETICAL PICTURE GUIDE INDE5C
a.
C3
CL
A
| 767 Abie's Irish Rose (96) UA 11-30-46
Accomplice (68) PRC
I 801 Adventuress, The (98) E-L 3-15-47
766 Affairs of Geraldine (68) Rep 11-30-46
777 Alias Mr. Twilight (69) Col 1- 4-47
796 Angel and the Badman (100) Rep. . . 3- 1-47
754 Angel on My Shoulder (101) UA 9-28-46
803 Apache Rose (75) Rep 3-22-47
790 Arnelo Affair, The (86) MGM 2-15-47
B
752 Bachelor’s Daughters, The (90) UA. . 9-14-46
805 Backlash (66) 20-Fox 3-29-47
766 Beast With Five Fingers, The (88)
WB 11-30-46
794 Beat the Band (67) Rl<0 3- 1-47
Beauty and the Bandit (71) Mono .'....
786 Bedelia (95) E-L 2- 1-47
794 Beginning or the End, The (112) MGM 3- 1-47
755 Below the Deadline (65) Mono 10- 5-46
769 Best Years of Our Lives, The (172)
Rl<0 12- 7-46
767 Betty Co-Ed (71) Col 11-30-46
744 Big Sleep, The (114) WB 8-17-46
791 Big Town (60) Para 2-22-47
741 Black Angel (80) U-l 8-10-46
797 Blaze of Noon (90) Para 3- 8-47
787 Blind Spot (73) Col 2- 8-47
742 Blonde for a Day (68) PRC 8-10-46
755 Blondie Knows Best (69) Col 10- 5-46
773 Blondie’s Big Moment (69) Col 12-21-46
798 Blondie’s Holiday (67) Col 3- 8-47
754 Blue Skies (102) Para 9-28-46
786 Boomerang (88) 20-Fox 2- 1-47
783 Born to Speed (59) PRC 1-25-47
722 Boston Blackie and the Law (69) Col. 12-14-46
742 Bowery Bombshell (65) Mono 8-10-46
790 Brasher Doubloon, The (72) 20-Fox.. 2-15-47
748 Brief Encounter (85) U-l 8-31-46
759 Bringing Up Father (68) Mono 10-19-46
761 Brute Man, The (58) PRC 11- 2-46
802 Buck Privates Come Home (78) U-l . . 3-15-47
C
744 Caesar and Cleopatra (126) UA . . . 8-17-46
789 Calendar Girl (88) Rep 2-15-47
744 California (97) Para 12-21-46
740 Canyon Passage (92) U-l 7-27-46
797 Carnegie Hall (136) UA 3- 8-47
805 Carnival in Costa Rica (96) 20-Fox.. 3-29-47
759 Chase, The (86) UA 10-19-46
760 Child of Divorce (62) RKO 10-19-46
789 Cigarette Girl (67) Col 2-15-47
740 Claudia and David (78) 20-Fox.... 7-27-46
752 Cloak and Dagger (106) WB 9-14-46
799 Code of the West (57) RKO 3- 8-47
776 Crime Doctor’s Manhunt (61) Col. .. .12-28-46
742 Criminal Court (62) RKO 8-10-46
765 Cross My Heart (83) Para 11-23-46
739 Cuban Pete (61) U-l 7-27-46
D
796 Danger Street (66) Para 3- 1-47
771 Dangerous Millions (68) 20-Fox. .. .12-14-46
758 Dangerous Money (66) Mono 10-12-46
793 Dangerous Venture (59) UA 3- 1-47
738 Dark Horse, The (59) U-l 7-20-46
758 Dark Mirror, The (85) U-l 10-12-46
781 Dead Reckoning (100) Col 1-18-47
760 Deception (112) WB 10-19-46
751 Decoy (76) Mono 9-14-46
788 Devil on Wheels (67) PRC 2- 8-47
797 Devil Thumbs a Ride, The (63) 3- 8-47
753 Devil’s Playground, The (60) UA.... 9-28-46
764 Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (62) RKO. . . .11- 9-46
Don Ricardo Returns (78) PRC
757 Driftin' River (55) PRC 10-12-46
780 Duel in the Sun (140) SRO 1-11-47
E
746 Earl Carroll Sketchbook (90) Rep.... 8-24-46
785 Easy Come, Easy Go (77) Para 2- 1-47
+
=
—
2+2
+
4+ 6-
-F
Ip
2±
—
F1
2+2
5+ 6—
+
Hk
2+2
tt
5+ 2-
F-
Ip
F-
p-
±2
6+ 6-
2+2
2+2
+
tt
6+ 3-
+
+
+
+
2+2
6+ 2-
+
+
+f
+
+
ft
+
9+
±
+
+
-+-
4+ 2-
+
+
+
+
6+ 2-
±
+
+
ft
+
+
8+ 2-
F1
2+2
-
2+2
—
4+ 5-
-F
■±2
+
-+■
—
_
2+2
5+ 6-
F1
F-
hF
2+2
2±
5+ 5-
2+2
F1
2+ 2-
+*
2±
+
2+2
+
5+ 2-
ft
+
ft
+
ft
+
ft
11+
Hr
+
2+2
F1
7+ 6-
ft
ft
ft
ft
ft
ft
tt
14+
F-
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
6+ 5-
+
ft
ft
+
+
ft
+
10+
2+2
F-
2+2
4+ 4-
±2
Hh
2+2
+
+
ft
2+2
8+ 4-
Hh
2+r
+
2+2
+
+
6+ 3-
Fr
2+2
+
+
F1
5+ 3-
-F
2+2
F-
F1
F1
F1
6+ 6-
+
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
5+ 3-
±2
2+z
2+2
F1
4+ 4-
2+2
2+2
2+2
F1
4+ 4—
ft
ft
ft
ft
+
ft
tt
13+
+
ft
ft
+
+
ft
tt
11+
H-
H-
H-
H-
H-
H-
6+ 6—
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
F1
6+ 5-
H;
2+2
F1
2+2
F1
F1
F1
7+ 7-
+
2+2
=F
+
2+2
2+2
6+ 4-
2t
+
+
ft
tt
7+ 1-
2t
2+2
2+2
2t
+
6+ 5-
+
2+2
F^
2+2
—
=
4+ 7-
ft
2+2
+
+
ft
7+ 1-
ft
+
+
ft
ft
+
10+ 1-
2+2
■ F1
pi
+
7+ 6-
+
2+2
2+2
+
ft
+
ft
9+ 2-
+
2+2
2+2
+
+
ft
ft
9+ 2—
2+2
+
ft
ft
7+ 2-
±2
+
+
+
5+ 2-
+
2+2
2+2
+
5+ 3-
+
2+2
±1
2+2
+
+
7+ 4-
2+2
2+2
-p
5+ 5-
+
+
4-
+
+
ft
ft
9+
ft
44
+
+
ft
tt
+
11+
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
ip
5+ 4—
2+2
ZjT
+
6+ 5-
2t
±2
+
+
Ip
6+ 4-
+
2+z
2+2
2+2
—
+
6+ 5—
2+2
pi
+
6-f 5 —
H-
2+2
-t-
2+2
4+ 4-
2+2
2+2
±
+
2+2
2+2
-+-
7+ 6-
2+2
F1
F1
2+2
5+ 5-
2+2
2+2
+
4+ 3-
—
2+2
—
2+2
3+ 5-
+
+
ft
+4
-f
8+ 1-
+
+
+
+
+
-f
+
7+
+
2+2
+
+
+
-f
+
7+ 1-
2+2
2+2
+
+
+
—
+
6+ 3-
F1
2+2
44
6+ 4-
+
2+2
+
+
2+2
2+2
6+ 3-
2t
+
2+2
2+2
2±
5+ 4-
2+2
2+z
+
2+2
2+2
—
2+2
6+ 6-
F^
1+ 1-
2+2
2+2
F1
2+2
4+ 4-
-H-
+
4+
ft
7+
+ ± + +
^± + 7+4-
± + ± ±
± + ± 7+ 6-
Egg and I, The (108) U-l
Escape Me Never (..) WB
F
794 Fabulous Dorseys, The (90) UA.... 3- 1-47
775 Fabulous Suzanne, The (71) RKO .. .12-28-46
775 Falcon’s Adventure, The (61) RKO. . .12-28-46
800 Fall Guy (64) Mono 3- 8-47
792 Farmer’s Daughter, The (94) RKO.. 2-22-47
795 Fear in the Night (71) Para 3- 1-47
Fighting Frontiersman, The (..) Col
758 Fool’s Gold (63) UA 10-12-46
798 Framed (80) Col .,... 3- 8-47
G
784 Gallant Bess (101) MGM 1-25-47
752 Gallant Journey (86) Col 9-14-46
759 Gas House Kids (68) PRC 10-19-46
741 Genius at Work (62) RKO 8-10-46
Gentleman From Texas (60) Mono
753 Gentleman Joe Palooka (72) Mono... 9-28-46
Ghost Goes Wild, The (66) Rep
Ginger (67) Mono
746 G. I. War Brides (69) Rep 8-24-46
737 Great Day (68) RKO 7-20-46
Great Expectations (115) U-l
798 Guilt of Janet Ames, The (81) Col.. . 3- 8-47
804 Guilty, The (71) Mono 3-22-47
+ + + ft
5+
2+2
1+ 1-
2+2
±
+
±
+
6+ 4-
Z+2
2+2
2+
- 6+ 7-
F1
2+2
2+2
±
+
It
± 7+ 6-
F1
2+
+
4+ 3-
+
+
+
+
+
+ 6+
+
2+2
+
+
+
5+ 1-
±
1+ 1-
2+2
+
+
5+ 3-
2+2
2+2
+
+
5+ 3-
2+2
+
+
+
+
2+2
7+ 3-
2+2
F1
F1
+
rf-
+
2±
7+ 5-
F1
2+2
2+2
F1
F1
6+ 6-
F1
—
F^
F1
F1
^P
=
5+ 8-
—
F1
1+ 2-
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
5+ 4-
2+2
2+2
2+ 2—
F1
F1
2+ 2-
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
7+ 5-
F1
=p
+
F:
+
6+ 4—
44-
44
ft
6+
+
2+2
2+2
+
4+ 2—
+
4-
2+
H
745 Heading West (54) Col 8-24-46
777 Heldorado (70) Rep 1- 4-47
753 Her Sister’s Secret (86) PRC 9-28-46
801 High Barbaree (92) MGM r 3-15-47
804 High Conquest (S3) Mono 3-22-47
745 High School Hero (74) Mono 8-24-46
740 Holiday in Mexico (128) MGM 7-27-46
763 Home in Oklahoma (72) Rep 11- 9-46
740 Home Sweet Homicide (90) 20-Fox.. 7-27-46
776 Humoresque (125) WB 12-28-46
1
795 I Cover Big Town (63) Para 3- 1-47
756 I Know Where I’m Going (91) U-l.. 10- 5-46
750 If I’m Lucky (78) 20-Fox 9- 7-46
783 I’ll Be Yours (83) U-l 1-25-47
802 Imperfect Lady, The (97) Para 3-15-47
Inner Circle, The (57) Rep
746 Invisible Informer, The (57) Rep.... 8-24-46
797 It Happened in Brooklyn (103) MGM 3- 8-47
788 It Happened on Fifth Avenue (116)
Mono 2- 8-47
783 It’s a Joke, Son (63) E-L 1-25-47
774 It’s a Wonderful Life (132) RKO. .12-21-46
749 It’s Great to Be Young (63) Col 9- 7-46
749 I’ve Always Loved You (117) Rep... 9- 7-46
I
781 Johnny O’clock (95) Col 1-18-47
753 Jolson Story, The (128) Col 9-28-46
795 Jungle Flight (67) Para 3- 1-47
K
743 Killers, The (102) U-l 8-17-46
803 King of the Wild Horses (79) Col... 3-22-47
L
780 Ladies’ Man (91) Para 1-11-47
Lady Chaser (74) PRC
766 Lady in the Lake (103) MGM 11-30-46
739 Lady Luck (97) RKO 7-27-46
757 Lady Surrenders, A (113) U-l 10-12-46
Landrush (53) Col
746 Last Crooked Mile, The (67) Rep... 8-24-46
788 Late George Apley, The (98) 20-Fox 2- 8-47
799 Law of the Lash (54) PRC 3- 8-47
Lighthouse (74) PRC
759 little Iodine (57) UA 10-19-46
750 Little Miss Big (61) U-l 9- 7-46
774 Locket, The (85) RKO 12-21-46
799 Lone Hand Texan, The (57) Col 3- 8-47
777 Lone Star Moonlight (67) Col 1- 4-47
- + 2+2-
+
2+2
2+2
+
5+ 3-
2+2
+
+
+
;4;
7+ 4-
2+2
+
+
tf
6+ 2-
ft
+
+
2+2
5+ 1-
+
2+2
ip
2+2
2+2
F1
—
7+ 6—
tf
ft
ft
tf
44
tt
ft
14+
+
2+2
2+2
5+ 4—
+
+
+
+
4-
ft
+
s+
+
+
tf
tf
4-
tf
ft
11+
2+2
2+2
4-
±
±
5+ 4-
2+2
2+2
2+ 2—
+
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
7+ 5-
2+2
4-
2+2
4-
2+2
7+ 5-
tf
2+2
2+r
+
6+ 3-
2+2
F1
F1
F1
F1
5+ 5-
—
2+2
F1
—
—
F1
4+ 7-
tf
+
4-
ft
44
+
9+
+
4-
±
4*
5+ 2-
+
2+2
—
+
2+2
4+ 3—
+
44
44
ft
44
44
tf
13+
—
F1
2+2
2+2
F1
5+ 6—
+
±2
2+2
+
4-
44
+
8+ 2—
2+2
+
+
± +
+
tf
8+ 2-
44
tf
tf
ft tf
ft
ft
14+
2+2
2+2
2+2
ip
4+ 4-
+ ft +
+ + + ± 9+
± Pi
2+ 2-
+
2+2
2+2
+
H-
7+ 5-
-h
2+2
2+ 2-
+
+
+
+
ft
+
4-
8+
+
+
2+2
+
+
+
4-
7+ 1-
2+2
2+ 2-
‘F1
3+ 3-
F:
±
2+2
p:
7+ 7-
4-
+
+
+
+
+
44
8+
2+2
2±
pi
F1
3+ 3-
1+ 1-
2+2
—
—
+
—
64- 5-
F^
±
2+2
T
—
+
5+ 5-
4-
+
44
+
+
ft
2t
9+ 1-
2+2
F1
2+ 2-
T-
1+ 1-
++ Very Good; + Good; — Fair; ■+■ Mediocre; — Poor; — Very Poor.
In the summary ++ is rated as 2 pluses; — as 2 minuses.
E
£ H ®
CL jz |(
QJ
U
St
M
*c
O £
>»
>*
’«3
o
I?
. a)
wi c
C *N
^ a>
P. G.
Title
Runn
Distr
Revie
o
o
CO
»- o
ra 01
x cc
E
iZ
= s.
o «
XX
TO
^-SE
tl’iS
zo
780 Lone Wolf in Mexico (70) Col
. 1-11-47
-4-
-4-
2*
4+ 4-
801 Lost Honeymoon (71) E-L
. 3-15-47
2+2
+
+
44
6+ 2-
806 Love and Learn (85) WB
769 Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (93)
. 3-29-47
—
2*2
2*2
—
3+ 4-
MGM
.12- 7-46
■+
2*2
+
Hk
F-
44
—
8+ 5-
M
794 Macomber Affair, The (90) UA. . . .
. 1-25-47
+
±
F1
.+
+
2*
6+ 3-
+
44
1+ 1-
9+ 1-
766 Magnificent Doll, The (94) U-l.
.11-23-46
+
2+
+
+
+
44
803 Magnificent Rogue, The (75) Rep..
. 3-22-47
F~
+
3+ 2-
776 Man 1 Love, The (96) WB
.12-28-46
2+
2*2
+
2*2
^F
+
±.
7+ 5-
760 Margie (94) 20-Fox
.10-19-46
+
4+
+
+
+
44
44
10+
792 Michigan Kid (70) U-l
. 2-22-47
2*2
2*2
F1
±
6+ 6-
Mighty McGurk, The (85) MGM...
2*2
+
+
+
+
5+ 1-
798 Millie's Daughter (70) Col
. 3- 8-47
2+
2*2
+
—
3+ 3-
Missing Lady, The (60) Mono.. . .
F-
2*2
2*2
2*
4+ 4-
748 Mister Ace (84) UA
. 8-31-46
+
2*2
2*2
+
+
2*
+
7+ 3-
779 Mister District Attorney (81) Col..
. 1-11-47
-4-
2*2
+
-4-
F1
2*
2*2
7+ 6-
773 Mister Hex (63) Mono
766 My Brother Talks to Horses (93)
.12-21-46
2+
2*2
2*2
2*2
+
6+ 5-
MGM
-*-
44
+
4-
-f-
-f-
7+ 2-
8+ 1-
758 My Darling Clementine (97) 20-Fox
10-12-46
+
+
+
+
44
2*2
791 My Favorite Brunette (87) Para...
. 2-22-47
+
+
+
+
+
44
44
9+
—
1+ 1-
2+ 2-
Mysterious Mr. Valentine, The (56)
Rep
Hk
2*2
N
762 Never Say Goodbye (97) WB
.11- 2'-46
+ '
2+
2*2
+
Fk
2*2
2*2
7+ 5-
Night Train to Memphis (67) Rep.
-4-
F1
2*2
T-
—
4+ 5—
755 Nobody Lives Forever (100) WB...
.10- 5-46
+
2*2
+
+
+
2*
+
7+ 2-
757 Nocturne (87) RK0
.10-12-46
Hk
±2
+
2*
+
2*
+
7+ 4—
747 No Leave, No Love (120) MGM...
. 8-31-46
+
+
44
+
2*
+
7+ 1-
787 Nora Prentiss (111) WB
. 2- 8-47
2+
2*2
2*2
+
F:
+
2*
7+ 5-
739 Notorious (103) RK0
. 7-27-46
4+
44
44
44
+
+
44
12+
761 Notorious Gentleman (108) U-l...
.11- 2-46
+
+
+
+
44
44
&+
o
793 Odd Man Out (118) U-l
. 3- 1-47
44
+
44
44
7+
733 Out California Way (67) Rep
.12-21-46
-4-
-5-
■*2
2*2
+
6+ 4-
Outlaw of the Plains (56) PRC...
2*2
F^
T-
3+ 3-
778 Overlanders, The (91) E-L
. 1- 4-47
2+
2*2
+
2*2
44
+
7+ 3-
796 Over the Santa Fe Trail (63) Col. . . .
. 3- 1-47
2+
+
2+ 1-
P
765 Perfect Marriage, The (87) Para..
•11-23-46
2+
2*2
—
+
+
2*
■*2
7+ 5-
742 Personality Kid (68) Col
. 8-10-46
2+
- *r
F-
F-
+
2*_
6+ 5-
784 Pilgrim Lady, The (67) Rep
. 1-25-47
-4-
2*2
2+2
2*
F1
2*2
6+ 6-
763 Plainsman and the Lady (82) Rep..
.11- 9-46
2+
T-
H-
+
+
2*
2*2
7+ 5-
741 Prairie Badmen (55) PRC
8-10-46
F1
2*
2*
4
F1
5+ 5-
793 Private Affairs of Bel Ami, The (115)
UA
-4-
-*-
-+-
+
+
-*
44
+
7+ 4—
7+
791 Pursued (101) WB
2-22-47
+
+
+
44
Q
805 Queen of the Amazons (61) SG
3-29-47
T-
2+2
-
2+ 3-
R
Raiders of the South (58) Mono...
2*2
F1
2+ 2-
Rainbow Over the Rockies (54) Mono
F1
F1
2+ 2-
793 Ramrod (94) UA
3- 1-47
+
2*2
+
+
+
5+ L-
802 Range Beyond the Blue (54) PRC. . .
3-15-47
2*
+
■*2
3+ 2-
770 Razor’s Edge, The (146) 20-Fox..
12- 7-46
44
2*2
+
44
+
7+ 1-
785 Red House, The (93) UA
2- 1-47
+
2*2
+
+
+
44
44
9+ 1-
Red River Renegades (55) Rep
2*2
1+ 1-
744 Rendezvous With Annie (90) Rep. .
8-17-46
+
*
+
+
+
+
6+
787 Renegade Girl (65) SG
2- 8-47
2+
2+ 2-
767 Return of Monte Cristo, The (91).
11-30-46
■±2
2±:
+
+
2*2
44
F
8+ 4-
Riding the California Trail (61) Mono
F
1+ 1-
Rio Grande Raiders (56) Rep
2*
1+ 1-
796 Road to Hollywood (61) SG
. 3-1-47
± ;
1+ 1-
754 Roll On Texas Moon (68) Rep
9-28-46
±2
2*2
2*
+
+
5+ 3-
760 Rolling Home (71) SG
10-19-46
■+2
2*
2+ 2-
s
Santa Fe Uprising (56) Rep
2+
1+ 1-
769 San Quentin (66) RKO
12- 7-46
rF
+
±
+
2*2
2*
7+ 5-
738 Scandal in Paris, A (100) UA
7-20-46
+
2*2
2*2
2*
2*
+
7+ 5-
790 Sea of Grass, The (123) MGM
2-15-47
+
2*2
+
+
+
44
44
9+ 1-
767 Secret Heart, The (97) MGM
11-30-46
+
2*2
44
+
+
+
7+ 1-
761 Secret of the Whistler (65) Col
11- 2-46
F^
2*
4+ 4—
745 Secrets of a Sorority Girl (58) PRC
8-24-46
hP
—
2*
=
4+ 6—
795 Seven Were Saved (72) Para
3- 1-47
Hh
T-
Hh
+
4+ 3-
744 Shadow of a Woman (79) WB
8-17-46
2*2
2*2
^+
2*
2*
4
F
7+ 7-
756 Shadowed (70) Col 10- 5-46
2+
2*2
+
2*
2*
5+ 4-
Shadows on the Range (57) Mono..
2*
F^
F
3+ 3-
Shadows Over Chinatown (64) Mono..
=
2*2
F
2+ 4-
779 Shocking Miss Pilgrim, The (85)
20-Fox
-4-
■+
4-
2*
6+ 2-
7+ 3-
743 Show-Off. The (84) MGM
8-17-46
+■
+
+
2*
+
F
Silver Range (55) Mono
2*2
2*2
2+ 2-
792 Sin of Harold Diddlebock. The (94) . .
2-22-47
+
+
+
+
+
5+
782 Sinbad the Sailor (117) RKO
. 1-18-47
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
7+
741 Sing While You Dance (73) Col
. 8-18-46
2*
F1
2*
2*2
F1
5+
5-
777 Singin’ in the Corn (64) Col
. 1- 4-47
F
2*
2*2
—
3+
4 —
752 Singing on the Trail (69) Col
. 9-14-46
±
2*2
2+
2-
770 Sioux City Sue (69) nep
.12- 7-46
F
2*2
2+2
2*z
+
5+
4-
738 Sister Kenny (116) RKO
. 7-20-46
4+
+4
4+
44
44
44
44
14+
Slightly Scandalous (63) U-l
2*2
F1
F1
F1
F1
5+
5-
789 Smash-Up (103) U-l
. 2-15-47
+
++
+
+
+
44
8+
765 So Dark the Night (70) Col
.11-23-46
+
±2
2*
+
+
+
F1
7+
3-
786 Song of Scheherazade (106) U-l...
. 2- 1-47
+
2*
2*
+
+
+
2*z
7+
3-
Song of the Sierras (55) Mono....
+
2+
1-
762 Song of the South (95) RKO
.11- 1-46
-H-
4+
44
44
44
44
44
14+
786 South of the Chisholm Trail (58) Col
1. 2- 1-4^
±2
2*
2+
2—
South of Monterey (63) Mono
F1
2*
F1
3+
3-
745 Spook Busters (68) Mono
. 8-24-46
2*
2*
F1
2*
2*
F1
2*
7+
7-
780 Stagecoach to Denver (56) Rep....
. 1-11-47
F1
2*2
2*
+
2*
5+
4—
773 Stairway to Heaven (104) U-l
.12-21-46
+
+
44
44
44
44
10+
805 Stallion Road (97) WB
. 3-29-47
2*
2*2
2*
+
+
5+
3-
775 Stars Over Texas (57) PRC
.12-28-46
2=
2*2
2+
2-
737 Step by Step (61) RKO
. 7-20-46
F1
2*
2*2
2*
2*
44
2*z
8+
6-
764 Strange Holiday (56) PRC
.11- 9-46
2*
■+
2*2
+
5+
4-
751 Strange Journey (67) 20-Fox
. 9-14-46
2*2
F1
'2*
2*
F^
5+
5-
Strange Voyage (61) Mono
2*
2*2
F1
3+
3-
762 Strange Woman, The (101) UA...
.11- 2-46
+
±2
+
+
+
+
+
7+
1—
789 Suddenly It’s Spring (87) Para....
. 2-15-47
+
2*2
+
-4-
+
+
+
7+
1-
738 Sunset Pass (59) RKO
. 7-20-46
zz
■±2
2*
2*2
2*2
2*2
&+
6-
766 Susie Steps Out (65) UA
.11-23-46
2*2
2*2
2*
F:
2*
6+
6-
770 Sweetheart of Sigma Chi (76) Mono.
.12- 7-46
2*2
2*
+
2+2
2*
+
6+
4-
771 Swell Guy (87) U-l
.12-14-46
2*2
4"
+
+
+
2*
44
8+
2-
T
806Tarzan and the Huntress (72) RKO.
. 3-29-47
+
2*2
+
+
5+
2-
761 Temptation (100) U-l
.11- 2-46
+
2*2
2*
2*2
44
+
2*
8+
4-
764 Terror Trail (55) Col
.11- 9-46
F1
2t
2+
2-
772 That Brennan Girl (95) Rep
.12-14-46
2*2
+
2*
+
± 2
2*
2*2
7 +
5—
791 That Way With Women (85) WB..
. 2-22-47
2*
2+2
2*
it
+
44
2*2
8+
5-
747 They Were Sisters (108) U-l
. 8-31-46
+
2*
+
2*
+
+
6+
2—
775 13 Rue Madeleine (95) 20-Fox...
.12-28-46
+
+
+
+
+
44
44
9+
792 Thirteenth Hour, The (62) Col. . . .
. 2-22-47
2*
it
2*2
—
3+
4-
This Happy Breed (. .) U-l
44
2+
This Man Is Mine (. .) Col
44
2+
751 Three Little Girls in Blue (90)
20- Fox
. 9-14-46
+
+
+
44
+
44
44
10+
747 Thrill of Brazil, The (91) Col
. 8-31-46
+
2*2
2*
+
—
+
+
6+
3-
765 Till the Clouds Roll By (120) MGM.
.11-23-46
++
+
44
44
44
44
11+
743 Time of Their Lives, The (82) U-l.
. 8-17-46
+
2*
2*2
+
+
44
2*
8+
3-
804 Time Out of Mind (89) U-l
. 3-22-47
F1
F1
F1
2*2
5+
5-
772 Time, the Place and the Girl, The
(105) WB
,12-14-46
2*2
2*
+
+
+
2*
6+
3—
Traffic in Crime (56) Rep
2*2
2*2
3+
3-
794 Trail Street (83) RKO
, 3- 1-47
2*
2*
+
2±
2+
5+
4—
Trail to Mexico (56) Mono
2*
F^
2+
2-
785 Trail to San Antone (67) Rep
2- 1-47
2*
2*2
+
2*
+
4
5+
3-
Trailing Danger (..) Mono
2*2
1+
1-
779 Trap. The (68) Mono
1-11-47
—
2*
F:
—
3+
5—
Trigger Fingers (54) Mono
F1
2*2
2+
2-
764 Tumbleweed Trails (57) PRC
11- 9-46
F 1
2*2
2*
2*
4+
4-
739 Two Guys From Milwaukee (90) WB . .
7-27-46
+
+
+
+
+
2*2
+
7+
1—
806 Two Mrs. Carrolls, The (100) WB..
3-29-47
+
1+
748 Two Years Before the Mast (98)
Para 8-31-46 ± ± ++ + + +• 4+ 10+ 2-
u
Undercover Maisie (93) MGM
+
+
+
4+ 1-
756 Undercurrent (113) MGM
.10- 5-46
+
2*2
+
**
+
++
+
9+ 1-
748 Under Nevada Skies (69) Rep
. 8-31-46
2*2
3+ 3-
772 Unexpected Guest (60> jA ....
.12-14-46
2*
2+
2*
2*
2+
5+ 5-
Untamed Fury (..) PRC
-±
2+ 2-
V
Vacation Days (68) Mono
2*
1+ 1-
757 Vacation in Reno (60) RKO
.10-12-46
F1
2*2
2*
2*
F1
2*
7+ 7-
Valley of Fear (54) Mono
2*
1+ 1-
766 Verdict, The (86) WB
.11-23-46
+
2+
2*
+
2+
+
+
7+ 3-
799 Vigilantes of Boomtown (96) Rep..
. 3- 8-47
+
2*2
+
+
2+
5+ 2-
w
766 Wake Up and Dream (92) 20-Fox.
.11-30-46
2*2
F-
F:
+
F=
ft
2+
8+ 5—
763 Wanted for Murder (97) 20-Fox...
.11- 9-46
2*2
2+
+
+
+
+
6+ 2-
806 West of Dodge City (57) Col
. 3-29-47
2*2
1+ 1-
751 White Tie and Tails (74) U-l
. 9-14-46
2*
2*
+
+
2*2
5+ 3-
771 Wicked Lady, The (98) U-l
.12-14-46
+
2*2
2+
q:
.+
+
6+ 3-
762 Wife Wanted (73) Mono
.11- 2-46
F=
2*2
2+
2*
4+ 4-
743 Wild Beauty (61) U-l
. 8-17-46
F1
F1
T-
+
2+
5+ 4—
785 Wild Country (57) PRC
. 2- 1-47
2*2
F1
F1
F1
4+ 4—
769 Wild West (73) PRC
.12- 7-46
2*z
+
2+
F1
2*2
5+ 4—
Y
770 Yearling, The (135) MGM
.12- 7-46
**
+f
+f
++
■tt
4+
14+
802 Years Between, The (88) U-l
3-15-47
±2
2+
± ,
±
+
**
7+ ♦—
Short subjects listed by Company in order of release. Numeral is production
number. Running time follows title. First date is National release, second the
date of review in BOXOFFICE. The symbol between dates is rating from the
BOXOFFICE review. ft Very Good, + Good, ± Fair, ^ Mediocre, — Poor, — Very
Poor. ® Indicates color photography.
SHORTS CHART
Columbia
+ 11-30
3- 6
. . . 3-20
Howard)
. .. 3-27
. . . 4-17
+
ft
1- 4
2- 8
1- 25
2- 15
3-22
3-29
11-16
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
ALL-STAR COMEDIES
8422 Honeymoon Blues (H. Herbert)
(17) 10-17
8433 Slappily Married (J. De Rita)
(1614) n- 7
8423 Reno-Vated (V. Vague)
(18'/2) 11-21
8434 Moron Than Off (S. Holloway)
(17) H-28
8403 Three Little Pirates (Stooges)
(18) 12- 5
8435 Andy Plays Hookey (Andy
Clyde) (18) 12-19
8404 Half Wits’ Holiday
(Three Stooges) (17J4) 1- 9
8436 Meet Mr. Mischief
(H. Von Zell) <17'/2). . 1-23
8424 Hot Heir (H. Herbert)
(1614) 2'13
8437 Scooper Dooper (S. Holloway)
(15) 2-27
8405 Fright Night (Stooges)
(17)
8438 The Good Bad Egg
(J. DeRita) (17).
8439 Bride and Gloom (S,
(16)
8440 Two Jills and a Jack
(A. Clyde) (..)
8406 Out West (Stooges)
(1714) 4-24
COLOR PHANTASIES
8701 Fowl Brawl (6) 1-9
8702 Uncultured Vulture (6) . . 2- 6
8703 Wacky Quacky (6) 3-20
8704 Leave Us Chase It (..).. 4-24
COLOR RHAPSODIES
(Technicolor)
8501 Loco Lobo (6) 1-9
8502 Cockatoos for Two (6) . . 2-13
8503 Big House Blues (7).... 3- 6
COMMUNITY SING
8651 No. 1 The Gypsy (Leibert)
(914) 9‘12
8652 No. 2 It’s a Pity to Say Good-
night (Baker) (1014) • -10-10
8653 No. 3 Surrender (Leibert)
(914) II-14
8654 No. 4 Pretending (Baker)
(10) 12-19
8655 No. 5 Rumors Are Flying
(Leibert) (914) 1-23
8656 No. 6 Ole Buttermilk Sky
(Baker) (10) 2-27
8657 No. 7 The Coffee Song
(Leibert) (..) 3-13
8658 No. 8 I’ll Close My Eyes
(Baker) (..) 4-17
FILM-VODVIL
7958 Bobby Byrne & Orch. (10) 8-15 :
FOX & CROW
(Technicolor)
7754 Mysto-Fox (7) 8-29
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
8851 No. 1 Radio Characters
(10) 9-5
8852 No. 2 Looking Down on Holly-
wood (10) 10- 3
8853 No. 3 Rodeo (10) 11- 7
8854 No. 4 Skolsky Party
(10) 12-26
8855 No. 5 Movie Columnists
(9) 1-23
8856 No. 6 Behind the Mike (9) 2- 6
8857 No. 7 Holiday in Las Vegas
(10) 3-13
8858 No. 8 My Pal Ringeye
(10) 4-10
SPORT REELS
7810 Deep Sea Fishing (9) . . . . 8-15
8801 Army Football Champions
(11) 9-19
8802 Ten Pin Magic (10) 10-24
8803 Hi Li (9'/2) 11-21
8804 Best in Show Dogs (10). .12-12
8805 Polo (10) 1.30
8806 Cue Tricks (9) 2-20
8807 Tennis Wizards (..) 3-20
8808 Goofy Golf (..) 4-24
THRILLS OF MUSIC
8951 Jerry Wald & Orch. (10) 9-12
8952 Machito & Orch. (1014) - 10-17
8953 Les Elgart & Orch. (10) . .11-28
8954 Ray McKinley & Orch.
(9'4) 11-28
8955 Shorty Sherock & Orch.
(8J4) 1-23
8956 Buddy Morrow & Orch.
(914) 2-27
8957 George Towne & Orch. ( . . ) 3-27
FLIPPY
(Technicolor)
7603 Silent Tweetment (614) • • 9-19
SERIALS
7180 Chick Carter, Detective... 7-11
15 Chapters
8120 Son of the Guardsman. . . .10-24
15 Chapters
8140 Jack Armstrong 2-6
15 Chapters
10-26
11- 2
+ 11-30
12-28
11- 9
+ 1-11
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
FITZPATRICK TRAVELTALKS
(Technicolor)
T-613 Modern Guatemala City
(9) S-25
T-711 Where Time Stands Still
(10) 9-22
T-712 Merida and Campeche ,, „
(8) H-24 + 11- 3
T-713 Land of Mayas (..)••■ 1-26
T-714 Glimpses of Guatemala
(8) 2-9 + 2-16
T-715 Visiting Vera Cruz (..) 3-16
T-716 The Mission Trail (..)■■ 4-13
T-717 Looking at London 6-1
T-718 Over the Seas to Belfast
(••) 8-31
T-811 Glimpses of California
(9) 10-26
T-812 Calling on Costa Rice
(10) 3-15 + 3-29
MINIATURES
M-586 Important Business (11) 4-29 ft 4-15
M-587 Why Daddy (9) 5-20 ft 6-10
M-588 Somewhere USA (10).. 6- 3 ■•••
M-589 Nostradamus IV (10).. 9-30 4+ 10-21
M-590 Little White Lie (11) 3- 3 ± 4-28
M-781 Strange Destiny (10).. 9-29
M-782 Spreadin' the Jam (10) . 10-27 -f 10- 3
M-783 Musical Masterpieces
(10) 4-20
M-784 Bikini — The Atom Island 6-15 + 6-15
MGM NEWS OF THE DAY
(Released Twice Weekly)
MGM SPECIALS
A-504 Phantoms, Inc. (17).... 6-9
A-701 A Gun in His Hand (19) 9-15 ....
A-702 Purity Squad (20). ... 11- 3 4+ 10- 3
A-703 Traffic With the Devil
(17) 8-31 44 9-14
A-801 Luckiest Guy in the World
(21) 1-25
MGM TECHNICOLOR CARTOONS
W-732 Wild and Wolfy (8) 11-3
W-734 Lonesome Lenny (8) ... 3- 9 + 4-6
W-737 The Hick Chick (7).... 6-15
W-739 Northwest Hounded Police
<••)
W-831 Henpecked Hoboes (7) . .10-26 ....
MGM TOM & JERRY CARTOONS
W-733 Quiet Please (7) 12-22 + 12-15
W-735 Springtime for Thomas
(9) 3-30 + 4-13
W-736 The Milky Waif (7) 5-18 +
W-738Trap Happy (7) 6-29
W-740 Solid Serenade (..).... 8-31
W-S32 Cat Fishin’ (8) 2-22
W-833 Part Time Pal (8) 3-15
PASSING PARADE
K-573 Return From Nowhere
(10)
10-28
-H-
10-21
K-574 A Lady Fights Back
12-30
(10)
11-11
-H-
K-575 It Looks Like Rain (10)
3- 3
3-24
K-576 The Seesaw and the Shoes
* (10)
K-771 Great American Mug
5- 5
+
5-12
(10)
10- 6
ft
10- 3
K-772 Stairway to Light (10)
11-10
-H-
10- 3
K-773 People on Paper (10) .
11-17
K-774 Golden Hunch (10) . . .
12-15
ft
12-15
K-775 Magic on a Stick (10).
1- 9
t+
2-16
K-776 Our Old Car (10)
5-11
K-871 A Really Important Person
(10)
1-11
±
3-15
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
S-752 Guest Pests (9) 10-20
S-753 Bus Pests (10) 12- 1 -f 12-15
S-754 Sports Sticklers (..)... 1- 5 + 2-9
S-755 Gettin’ Glamor (..)... 2- 2 ± 2-9
S-756 Badminton (9) 12- 8 44 12-15
S-757 Fala at Hyde Park (9).. 1-19 44 1-26
S-758 Studio Visit (..) 5-11 4- 7-1
S-759 Equestrian Quiz (..).. 5-18 44 7-1
S-760 Treasures From Trash... 6- 8
Paramount
Prod. No.
Title
Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
GEORGE PAL PUPPETOONS
(Technicolor)
uj-3 Olio for Jasper (7) . . . .
U5-4 Together in the Weather
(7)
U5-6 John Henry and the Inky
4-19
+
4-13
5-24
ft
6- 8
9-20
. 9- 6
ff
5-18
10-18
ff
12-1.4
2-28
. 4-18
+
2-15
RKO Radio
U6-1 Wilbur the Lion (9)
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
R5- 8 Riding the Hickories (9) 5-17 + 7-1
R5- 9 Birds Make Sport (9).. 6-21 + 6-29
R5-10 Feminine Class (10)... 7-19 -j- 7-20
R6- 1 Race Horses Are Born (9) 10-4 • • . .
R6- 2 Dive Hi Champs (10) .10-11 44 12-14
R6- 3 Queens of the Court (10) 11-15 4- 1-18
R6- 4 Like Father, Like Son
(10) 12-13
R6- 5 Jumping Jacks (9lA) ■ ■ ■ 1-10 ....
R6- 6 Selling the Sun (10) 1-10
R6- 7 Under White Sails (9).. 2-28
LITTLE LULU
(Technicolor)
D5-1 Man's Pest Friend (8)-.
D5-2 Bargain Counter Attack
(7) 5-3 44
D5-3 Bored of Education (7) . . 7-26 ±
D5-4 Chick and Double Chick
(6) S-16
D5-5 Musica-Lulu (7) 1-24 44
D5-6 A Scout With the Gout
(7) 3-7 ±
3-22 ± 2-2
4- 13
5- 18
D6-1 Loose in the Caboose (••) 5-23
MUSICAL PARADES
(Technicolor)
FF5-3 College Queen (19) 5-17
FF5-4 Tale of Two Cafes (18) 7- 5
FF5-5 Double Rhythm (20)... 8-23
FF5-6 Golden Slippers (17).. 12-13
FF6-1 Sweet and Low (19) 3-28
NOVELTOON
(Technicolor)
2- 1
3-15
5-25
7- 1
7-20
12-13
P5-1 The Friendly Ghost
(7'/2) 4- 5
+
2- 2
P5-2 Cheese Burglar (7)
5-17
+
4-13
P5-3 Old MacDonald Had a Farm
(7) ...V
P5-4 Sheep Shape (7) . .
6- 7
5-18
6-28
ff
7- 1
P5-5 Goal Rush (6)...
9-27
P5-6 Sudden Fried Chicken
(7)
10-18
+
12-28
_ 9
8-16
2- 7
4- 13
5- 25
7- 1
6- 29
7- 20
11- 30
12- 21
ff
11- 2
S-851 Football Thrills No. 9
(9)
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS
S-852 Sure Cures (9)
S-853 1 Love My Husband
.11- 2
L5-4 No. 4 (10).
(Color)
5-24
+
But (9)
.12- 7
L5-5 No. 5 (10) .
7-12
+
10-19
S-854 Playing by Ear (..)...
. 12-28
ff
1-25
L5-6 No. 6 (10) .
8-30
S-855 Athletiquiz (9)
. 1-11
L6-1 No. 1 (10).
12-13
ft
2- 8
S-856 Diamond Demon (9) . . .
. 2- 1
±
2-22
L6-2 Swedish Glass Makers (10)
2-14
S-S57 Early Sports Quiz (9) .
. 3- 1
L6-3G.I. Hobbies
(ID
3-14
+
P6-1 Spree for All (7) 10-18
P6-2 Stupidstitious Cat (..).. 4-25
P6-3 Enchanted Square (..).. 5-9
PACEMAKERS
K6-1 Brooklyn, I Love You
(10) 10- 4
K6-2 Love in Tune O'/i) 10-25
K6-3 Radio, Take It Away (11) 1-31
K6-4Try and Catch Me (9).. 2-14
PARAMOUNT NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
POPEYE CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
E5-2 Service With a Guile (6) . . 4-19
E5-3 Klondike Casanova (8)... 5-31
E5-4 Peep in the Deep (7) . . . 6- 7
E5-5 Rocket to Mars (6) 8
E5-6 Rodeo Romeo (6) . . . •
E5-7 The Fistic Mystic (6) .
E5-S The Island Fling (7) 3-14
E6-1 Abusement Park (7) 4-25
POPULAR SCIENCE
(Color)
J5-5 No. 5 (10) 6-21 4- 6-29
J5-6 No. 6 (10 8-16
J6-1N0. 1(11) 11-1 44 12-7
J6-2 The Sponge Divers (11).. 1-17 ....
J6-3 Air-Borne Pastures (11).. 2-28 ....
J6-4 Marine Miracles (..) 4-4 ....
SPEAKING OF ANIMALS
Y5-4 In the Wilds (9) 5-10 ±
Y5-5 The Lonesome Stranger
(10) 6-14 4-
Y5-6 Be Kind to Animals (10) 8-30
Y6-1 Stork Crazy (10) 10-18 ±
Y6-2 Pooch Parade (10) 12-27 +
Y6-3 In Country Life (9) 2-21
Y6-4 They’re Not So Dumb (..) 3-28
TWO-REEL SPECIAL
T5-2 Don’t Be a Sucker (IS) - - 7- 4
37 Two Decades of History
(22'/2) 1-4
4-13
6-29
5- 18
6- 29
1-4
3-22
Prod No Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
DISNEY CARTOONS
64.102
64.103
64.104
64.105
64.106
64.107
64.108
64.109
64.110
64.111
64.112
64.113
64.114
64.115
64.116
9- 8
5-25
4-27
7- 6
8- 17
9- 17
(Technicolor)
Old Sequoia (7) 12-21 +
A Knight for a Day (7). 3- 8 ft
Pluto’s Kid Brother (7) 4-12 -f
In Dutch (7) 5-10 ••••
Squatter’s Rights (7) . . 6- 7 -f 6-15
Donald’s Double Trouble
(7) 6-28 4+
The Purloined Pup (7) . 7-19 +
Wet Paint (7) +
Dumb Bell of the Yukon
(7) 8-30
Lighthouse Keeping (7) 9-20 4- 1‘25
Bath Day (7) 10-11
Frank Duck Brings ’Em
Back Alive (7) 11- 1
Double Dribble (7).... 11-29 •••■
Pluto’s Housewarming
(7) 12-20 4- 2-15
Figaro and Frankie (7). 2-27 ....
EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDIES
-f 2-16
± 9-i.7
10-12
+
63.403 Trouble or Nothing (18) 1-25
63.404 Wall Street Blues (17) 7-12
63.405 Motor Maniacs (18)
63.406 Noisy Neighbors (18)
73.401 I'll Build It Myself
(15) 10-18
73.402 Do Or Diet (17) 2-10
RAY WHITLEY WESTERN MUSICALS
73,501 Bar Buckaroos (16) . • ■
. 9- 6
73,502 Cupid Rides the Range
(18)
.10-11
73,503 Bandits and Ballads
(17)
.11-15
73,504 Buckaroo Broadcast
(IS)
12-20
+
1- 4
FLICKER FLASHBACKS
64,202 No. 2 (7)
.10-19
+
12-29
64,203 No. 3 (7)
.11-23
+
1-12
64,204 No. 4 (8)
12-28
+
2- 2
64,205 No. 5 (7)
2- 1
+
4-13
64,206 No. 6 (9)
64,207 No. 7 (7)
74,201 (1) (9)
74,202 (2) (9)
.10-25
74,203 (3) (8)
PATHE SPORTSCOPE
64.306
64.307
64.308
64.309
64.310
64.311
64.312
64.313
74.301
74.302
74.303
74.304
73,901
74.305
Winning Basketball (8) 1-25
Quarter Horses (8) . . ■ ■ 2-22
Black Ducks and Broadbills
THIS IS AMERICA
3-29
63.103 Great Lakes (16)
63.104 Report on Japan (19). .
63.105 Street of Shadows (16)
63.106 Two Million Rooms (16)
63.107 No Place Like Home
(16)
63.108 Panama (16)
63.109 Port of New York (16) .
63.110 Courtship to Courthouse
63.111 Highway Mania (17)...
63.112 White House (17)
63.113 Northern Rampart (17)
73.101 Beauty for Sale (..)...
73.102 Germany Today (16) . .
73.103 A Nation Is Born (17)
73.104 Campus Boom (16)
73.105 San Francisco (16) . .
1-11
2- 8
3- 8
4- 5
5- 3
5- 31
6- 28
(16)
11-22
12-13
1- 17
2- 7
3- 7
HEADLINER REVIVALS
53,204 Swing Fever (19) 3-16
53.201 Songs of the Colleges
(15) 9-8
63.201 The Derby Decade (22) 9-21
63.202 Russian Dressing (18) ..11-23
63.203 Twenty Girls and a Band
(IS) 1-18
63.204 Sea Melody (19) 3-15
LEON ERROL COMEDIES
63.702 Maid Trouble (IS) 2- 2 +
63.703 Oh, Professor Behave
(IS) 3-1 ■
63.704 Twin Husbands (18).. 5-10
63.705 I’ll Take Milk (18) 7-19
63.706 Follow That Blonde (18) 9-27
73,701 Borrowed Blonde (15) . . 3-17
PATHE NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
= 12-29
+
+
2- 2
4-13
2-16
5- 25
6- 15
3-22
4-13
3- 9
(8) 3-22
Tenderfoot Trail (8)... 4-19
Aqua Queens (8) 5-17
Ben Hogan (8) 6-14
Palmetto Quail (8)... 7-12
Steeplechasers (8) .... 7-31
Skating Lady (8) 8-30
Hail Notre Dame (8)
Bowling Fever (9).... 11-22
Kentucky Basketeers (8) 1-13 -H- 1-11
Football Highlights of
1946 (IS) 12-10 + 12-21
Ski Champions (8) 2-14 ....
ft
4-27
6-15
6- 15
7- 6
8- 24
12- 7
10-26
12-28
2-16
3- 9
4- 13
ft- 5-25
9-17
10- 5
12-21
2- 1
ft 3-15
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 5, 1947
13
Miscellaneous
20th Century-Fox
Prod. No.
Title
Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
+
3-23
-H-
5-18
•tt
-H-
6- 15
7- 20
+
8-10
+
10-12
+
11- 2
++
11-30
#
12-28
+
1-25
-H-
2-22
DRIBBLE PUSS PARADE
6902 Muscle Maulers (8) 5-31
7901 Monkey-Tone News (9).. 1-17 ....
SPORTS
7301 Football Fanfare (9) 8-23 + 10-14
7351 Winter Holiday (8) 9-27
7352 Summer Trails (8) 11- 8
7353 Playtime’s Journey (8) . . .12-13 ....
7302 Style of the Stars (10) . . 2- 7
FEMININE WORLD SERIES
6201 Behind the Footlights (8) 4- 5
FOX MOVIETONE NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
MARCH OF TIME
Vol. 12, No. 8 Night Club
Boom (21) 3-22
Vol. 12, No. 9 Wanted — More Homes!
(20) 4-19
Vol. 12, No. 10 Tomorrow's Mexico
(••) 5-17
Vol. 12, No. 11 Problem Drinkers
(19) 6-14
Vol. 12, No. 12 The New France 7-12
Vol. 12, No. 13 Atomic Power
(19) 8-9 +
Vol. 13, No. 1 Is Everybody Happy?
(-•) 9-6
Vol. 13, No. 2 World Food Problem
(..) 10- 4
Vol. 13, No. 3 The Soviet’s Neighbor
(17%) 11- 1
Vol. 13, No. 4 The American Cop
(--) 11-29 -H- 11-30
Vol. 13, No. 5 Nobody’s Children
(..) ..12-27 # 12-28
Vol. 13, No. 6 Germany — Handle
With Care (19) 1-24 -f
Vol. 13, No. 7 Fashion Means
Business (..) 2-21 ++
MOVIETONE ADVENTURES
(Color)
6259 Cradle of Liberty (8) . . . 6-21
6260 Across the Great Divide
(8) 7-5
7251 Sons of Courage (8) .... 8- 2 + 10
7252 Jamaica (..) 9-13
7253 Historic Capetown (. . ) . .10-18
7254 Girl and Gags (8) 11-22
7201 Fantasy of Siam (8) . . . . 1- 3
7202 Royalty of the Range (9) 3- 7
7255 The Cape of Good Hope (8) 4-11
TERRY-TOONS
(Technicolor)
6515 Mighty Mouse in Throwing
the Bull (7) 5-3 + 5-4
6516 Mighty Mouse in the Trojan
Horse (7) 7-26 + 6-8
6517 Dinky Finds a Home (7) 6- 7 ± 7-20
6518 Mighty Mouse in the Johnstown
Flood (7) 6-28 + 6-8
6519 Gandy Goose in Peacetime
Football (7) 7-19 ft 6-8
6520 Gandy Goose in the Golden
Hen (7) 5-24 ± 4-27
7501 Mighty Meuse in Winning the
West (7) 8-16 + 10-19
7502 The Tortoise Wins Again
(7) 8-30
7503 Mighty Mouse in the Electronic
Mouse Trap (7) 9-6 ....
7504 Mighty Mouse in the Jail Break
(7) 9-20 + 9-21
7505 The Snow Man (7) 10-11 ....
7506 The Housing Problem (7) 10-25 ....
7507 Mighty Mouse in the Crackpot
King (7) 11-15
7508 Talking Magpies in the Uninvited
Pests (7) 11-29 + 2-15
7509 Mighty Mouse and the Hep Cat
(7) 12- 6
7510 Beanstalk Jack (7) 12-20 ....
7511 Mighty Mouse in Crying Wolf
(7) 1-10
7512 The Talking Magpies in
McDougal's Rest Farm (7) 1-31 ....
7513 Mighty Mouse in Dead End
Cats (7) 2-14
7514 The Talking Magpies in Happy
Go Lucky (7) 2-28
7515 Gandy Goose in Mexican
Baseball (7) 3-14 ....
7516 Mighty Mouse in Aladdin’s
Lamp (7) 3-28
7517 The Talking Magpies in Cat
Trouble (7) 4-11 ....
7518 Mighty Mouse in Sky Is Falling
(7) 4-25
WORLD TODAY SERIES
6401 Man From Missouri (9).. 1-25 ....
Universal-International
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
ANSWER MAN SERIES
2391 Answer Man No. 1 (10).. 10-21 ....
2392 No. 2 Nature’s Atom Bomb
(10) 12-30 -f 1-4
2393 No. 3 The Jungle Gangster
(9) 3-3
2394 No. 4 Red Fury (..)... 3-24
JUVENILE JURY SERIES
2361 No. 1 (11) 12-16 + 2-8
2362 No. 2 (. .) 3-31
LANTZ CARTUNES
(Technicolor)
2321 Fair Weather Fiends (7) .11-18 ft 1-25
2322 Wacky Weed (7) 12-16 + 2-15
2323 Musical Moments (8) 2-24
2324 Smoked Hams (..) 4-28
NAME AND BAND MUSICALS
1307 Swing High, Swing Sweet
(15) Jan Savitt & Orch. 2-20
•B-
+
2-23
7- 1
1308 Takin' the Breaks (15).. 5-22
Russ Morgan & Orch.
1309 Banquet of Melody (15) . 5-29 + 4-27
Matty Malneck & Orch.
1310 Swingin’ Down the Scale
(15) Alvino Rey & Orch. 6-26 + 7-1
1311 Breakin’ It Down (15).. 8-28' + 8-17
Del Courtney & Orch.
2301 Frontier Frolic (15) 10- 9 + 1-4
Bob Wills & Orch.
2302 Champagne Music (15).. 11-20 ft 1-18
Lawrence Welk & Orch.
2303 Tumbleweed Tempos (16) 12- 4 ± 2-1
Spade Cooley & Orch.
2304 Moonlight Melodies (15) 12-18 + 1-11
Frankie Carle & Orch.
2305 Tex Beneke and the Glenn
Miller Orch. (15)... 3-26
2306 Melody Maestro (15) 4- 2
PERSON-ODDITIES
Warner Bros.
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
BLUE RIBBON HIT PARADE
(Technicolor)
2303 Good Egg (7) 1-5
2304 Trial of Mr. Wolf (7) . . 2- 9 + 2-23
2305 Little Lion Hunter (7).. 3-23 -H- 3-23
2306 Fresh Fish (7) 4-6 -B- 5-4
2307 Daffy Duck and Egghead
(7) 4-20 ± 5-4
2308 Katnip College (7) 5-4 ....
2309 Night Watchman (7) 5-18
"BUGS BUNNY” SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
1723 Hare Trigger (7)
..5-5
5-19
1724 Hare Conditioned (8) . .
. . 8-11
-H-
8-25
1725 Hare Tonic (7)
. .11-10
-H-
11- 3
1726 Baseball Bugs (7)....
. . 2- 2
++
2- 2
1369 Scientifically Stung (9) .
1370 Lone Star Padre (9)...
6-10
. 6-17
+
7- 1
1371 Artist’s Antics (9)
. 6-24
+
7- 6
1372 Picture Pioneer (9)....
7- 1
+
7- 6
1373 Hobo Hound (9)
. 8-19
+
9-28
1374 Sampson Junior (9) . . . .
. 8-19
zh
10-19
1375 Rural Rhapsody (9)
. 8-26
10-26
SWING SYMPHONIES
(Technicolor)
9237 Sliphorn King of Polaroo
(7)
3-19
SING AND BE HAPPY SERIES
2381 Bit of Blarney (10) 9-30
2382 The Singing Barbers (9) . . 2-17
10-26
2-22
SPECIAL FEATURETTES (2 REELS)
1203 Roosevelt — Man of Destiny
(18) 4-10
1201 Tiny Terrors of the Timberlands
(20) 6-26
UNIVERSAL NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
VARIETY NEWS
1346 Script Teas (9) 3-25 + 1-1
1347 Dog Tale (9) 3-25 ± 7-1
1348 Chimp on the Loose (9) . . 4- 1 -H- 4-6
1349 Dog of the Seven Seas (9) 6-17 -f 7-6
2341 Bear Facts (10) 2-24
2342 Pelican Pranks (9) 2-24
2343 Wild West Chimp (9)... 3-17
2344 Rhumba Holiday (9) 4-21
SERIALS
.... Mystery Queen of the Jungle. . .
1581-1593 Secret Agent X-9. . 6-24
13 Chapters
1681-1693 The Royal Mounted Rides
Again 10-23
13 Chapters
1781-1793 The Scarlet Horseman 1-22
13 Chapters
1881-1893 Lost City of the
Jungle 4-23
13 Chapters
. 4-28
ff
4-28
i 3-31
+
3-24
i 4-14
+
5-19
l 5-12
+
6- 2
. 7- 7
9- 8
.10-13
++
8-25
11- 3
++
11-17
11-24
+
11-17
2-16
4"
2-23
12-29
4+
12-29
FEATURETTE
1108 It Happened in Springfield
(20)
1945-46 SEASON:
2103 All Star Musical Revue
(20)
MELODY MASTERS
2604 Music of the Americas
(10) 12-15 +
2605 Headline Bands (10).... 1-26 +
2606 Jan Savitt and His Band
(10) 3-16 +
2607 Rhythm on Ice (10) 4-20
2608 Dixieland Jamboree (10). . 5-11
MERRIE MELODIES
(Technicolor)
1711 Peck Up Your Troubles
(7)
1719 Hollywood Canine Canteen
SPORTS PARADE
(Technicolor)
2503 Michigan Ski-Daddle (10) 2- 9 -f
2504 With Rod and Gun in Canada
(10) 3-16 +
2505 Snow Eagles (10) 3-30 ff
2506 Let’s Go Gunning (10).. 4- 6 -f
2507 Fin ’n Feathers (10) 4-27
2508 Undersea Spear Fishing
(10) 5-18
2509 Riding Hannefords (10).. 6-29
2510 Facing Your Danger (10) 5-11
1511 Arabians in the Rockies
(10) 8-25
TECHNICOLOR
11-17
2- 2
3-23
7-28
7-28
8- 25
9- 15
44
8-25
10- 6
10-20
+
9-22
12- 1
+
11-17
1- 5
+
1-12
2-23
+
2-23
3- 2
3-16
2-23
3- 23
4- 6
+
3-23
4-20
-H-
4-27
5- 4
44
7- 1
2- 23
3- 23
3-23
5- 4
TECHNICOLOR ADVENTURES
2804 Let’s Go Camping (10).. 7-27 ....
2805 Girls and Flowers (..).. 5-25 5-25
++
12-30
9-22
VITAPHONE VARIETY
1406 Overseas Roundup No. 3
(10) 7-14
+
5-19
+
1-26
2401 Alice in Jungleland
(10) 9-22
4+
8-25
44
2-16
2402 Miracle Makers (10) 9- 1
2403 Story of a Dog (10) 10-27
2404 So You Think You’re
11-3
+t
4-27
Allergic (10) 12- 1
+
1-12
2405 Peeks at Hollywood (10). 1-26
+
2- 9
+
8-10
2406 Smart as a Fox (10).... 4-27
Republic
SERIALS
584 The Crimson Ghost (..).. 10-26
12 Chapters
691 Son of Zorro ( . . ) 1-18
19 Chapters
Jesse James Rides Again
(••) 3-21
13 Chapters
Jungle Girl (..) (Rerelease)..
15 Chapters
The Black Widow
13 Chapter*
G-Men Never Forget
13 Chapters
United Artists
DAFFY DITTIES
■ The Lady Said No (8).. 4-26 ft
. Choo Choo Amigo (8) . . 7- 5 ff
.©Pepito’s Serenade (..). 8-16 ff
LOEW MUSICOLOR
. Toccata and Fugue (10).. 10-15
4-27
7-20
9-14
SHORTS REVIEWS
1350 Magic Mineral (9)
7- 1
1005 America the Beautiful (20) 8- 4
44
7-14
1351 Mr. Chimp at Home (9).
8-12
-+-
7- 6
1006 Orders From Tokyo (20) .
. 8-18
1352 Operation Holiday (9)...
8-26
-H-
10- 5
2001 Frontier Days (20) . . . .
.12- 8
9-22
1353 Mr. Chimp to the Rescue
2002 Forest Commandos (20).
. 1-19
-H-
2- 2
(9)
8-26
11- 9
2003 Movieland Magic (20) ..
. 3- 9
+
3-23
1354 Mr. Chimp on Vacation
2004 Gem of the Ocean (20).
. 4-13
(10)
8-26
-±_
9-28
Meet Mr. Mischief
Col (All-Stcrr Comedy) 17V2 Mins.
Fair. Harry Von Zell, playing him-
self, is addicted to playing practical
jokes to the annoyance of his wife.
She persuades a friend to imperson- ,
ate an Indian mystic and threaten
to cut off Von Zell's head. The ruse
works. He is terrified and in his
frantic attempt to escape the mystic
Von Zell disrupts several broadcasts
at the radio station that employs him,
and comes close to losing his spon-
sor.
Early Sports Quiz
(Pete Smith Specialty)
MGM 9 Mins.
Very good. Pete Smith comes up
with a highly informative and en-
tertaining sports quiz. In typical
Smith style, he injects several hilari-
ous sequences dealing with the early
days of sports. There are questions
on basketball, football, roller skating
and skiing. The baseball sequence
is the highlight of the reel, with
Smith explaining how a hitter was
called out by being hit with the ball.
During the early days of the game
bases were marked by posts. Smith
shows how a man running for first
base might easily collide with the
post.
Sweet and Low
Para (Musical Parades) 19 Mins.
Fair. If you disregard the silly story
the film is a passable Technicolor
collection of vaudeville routines. Vo-
calizing by Catherine Craig, the
dancing of the Willie Mastin trio, the
great Navarro (a fire-eater), and the
ballet number of Laura Corbay
stand out. Just for the record the
story tells about the efforts of an
aspiring playwright, Richard Webb,
to get a famous songwriter, Griff
Barnett, to compose music for a new
play. This gives Catherine Craig,
the playwright's wife, an opportunity
to sing "June in January,” the Rainger
and Robin number, supposedly writ-
ten by the so-called songwriter.
Do or Diet
RKO (Edgar Kennedy) 18 Mins.
Fair. Edgar Kennedy is again the
victim of his lazy brother-in-law's
half-witted schemes. On the theory
that Kennedy has allowed himself to
become fat and sloppy, thereby
jeopardizing his job, brother-in-law
persuades him to start reducing.
Strenuous exercise, reducing pills
and dieting have no effect. There
is considerable confusion when Ken-
nedy believes he has taken ant
poison instead of his pills. When he
tells the family he has been pro-
moted at a salary increase, brother-
in-law gives up.
So You Think You're a Nervous
Wreck
(Joe McDoake's Comedy)
WB 10 Mins.
Amusing. Joe is a retiring white
collar worker, a victim of repressed
desires. He fears his boss, women
and society in general. Convinced
he is neurotic, Joe visits a psychiatrist
who analyzes his dreams and ad-
vises him to become the aggressive
and confident individual he longs to
be. Joe is impressed and proceeds
to bawl out his employer. He winds
up as an inmate in an insane
asylum, with a plush office all to
himself.
14
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser '■ ■ April 5, 1947
IV
Opinions on Current Productions , and
txploitips for Selling to the Public
PERJURE REVIEWS
The Egg and I
Comedy
Univ-Int'l (613)
108 Minutes
ReL
There is warmth, drama and down-to-earth comedy in this
picture for Broadway and Main street. Universal-International
has captured the spirit of the book that topped the best-seller
list month after month. The millions who read Betty MacDon-
ald's story of her life as a chicken farmer will want to see the.
film. In addition, there is a vast potential audience which
has heard about the book and the film through U-I's promo-
tion campaign. The producer has done a good job of casting.
Claudette Colbert excels as Betty, the city-bred girl who tries
so hard to be the efficient wife of a poultry farmer. And Fred
MacMurray, as her husband, Bob, bounces through the picture
with zip and zest. Supporting roles, headed by Marjorie Main
and Percy Kilbride are carried through strongly. Direction
by Chester Erskine is tops.
Claudette Colbert, Fred MacMurray, Marjorie Main, Louise All-
britton, Percy Kilbride, Richard Long, Billy House.
San Demetrio , London
Drama
20th-Fox (714)
78 Minutes
Rel. April '47
Here is a heritage from the early war years and it is ac-
curately described by a pat phrase of that era: "Too little
and too late." To make an exhibition success of the offering
in any theatre and on either side of a program will test the
ingenuity of American showmen. In the first place, the cast
is exclusively male and, to make it an even tougher proposi-
tion to sell, there isn't a marquee name in it. The picture
derives its title from the name of a ship, a British tanker.
Hauling a load of gasoline from Texas to the home island, it
is shelled and set afire by the enemy. Part of the crew, after
being adrift in a lifeboat for two days are blown back to the
still-afloat wreck, reboard her and bring her safely home
through a series of hardships and handicaps which are
tortuously portrayed throughout the rest of the film. Directed
by Charles Frend.
Walter Fitzgerald, Arthur Young, Ralph Michael, Neville
Mapp, Barry Letts, Michael Allen, Frederick Piper.
Untamed Fury
F
Action
Drama
PRC Pictures ( )
61 Minutes
Rel. Mar. 22, '47
A minor outdoor film, produced on an extremely modest
budget and lacking in any semblance of name value, this
must be relegated to the supporting spot on neighborhood
or small town duals. The Okefenokee swampland back-
grounds are authentic and the action contains several spine-
tingling moments as alligators pursue their live bait. The
younger patrons, who will thrill to the hard-hitting fist
fights and exciting underwater encounters, won't mind the
fact that the romantic episodes are amateurishly acted. Only
Gaylord Pendleton, as a crusading young engineer, and
Leigh Whipper, as a tale-spinning darky, have the profes-
sional touch. The banal dialog will get snickers from sophisti-
cated patrons. Two boys grow up in the backward Florida
swamp country where the natives make their living by hunt-
ing and killing alligators. Directed by Ewing Scott.
Gaylord Pendleton, Mary Conwell, Mikel Conrad, Althea
Murphy, Leigh Whipper, Jack Rutherford, Norman McKay.
Vacation Days
Comedy
With Music
Monogram (611)
68 Minutes
ReL Jan. 20, '47
Herein that irrepressible aggregation of adolescents that is
now established as a series under the designation of Teen-
Agers, deserts the ivy-clad walls of its beloved alma mater
and goes western, nothing less. It seems that one of the
teachers has inherited a ranch way out in the great open
spaces and invites the academic cast to summer there. Such
change of locale and atmosphere does little to add to or de-
tract from the routine procedure of the lads and lassies who
sing, dance, clown and connive in their established style,
individually and collectively. Thus, the feature is probably
no better or worse — productionwise and Thespically — than
its predecessors. Because of the sagebrush aura, added to
the normal appeal of the series, this entry easily can prove
more popular than average in the situations where the fea-
tures customarily are booked. Directed by Arthur Dreifuss.
Freddie Stewart, June Preisser, Frankie Darro, Warren Mills,
Noel Neill, Milt Kibbee, Belle Mitchell, John Hart.
808
Great Expectations
Drama
Univ-Int'l ( )
115 Minutes
Rel.
A reasonably faithful screen adaptation of the Charles
Dickens classic which captures all of the flavor and much
of the warmth and charm of the literary original. As a well-
acted, superbly photographed period piece, this will add
prestige to the Universal-International program even if it
will require strong selling to offset its lack of marquee names.
Its audiences will be drawn chiefly from the oldsters with
fond memories of Pip's adventures and the students and
younger readers of Dickens' works. Because Director David
Lean has lingered fondly over many scenes and introduced
countless subsidiary characters, the footage is over-long and
average audiences may find it slow-moving in spots. John
Mills gives a sensitive performance as the grownup Pip,
Anthony Wager is a remarkable child actor and the cast
contains numerous sterling character actors.
John Mills, Valerie Hobson, Francis L. Sullivan, Bernard Miles,
Martita Hunt, Finlay Currie, Jean Simmons. Anthony Wager.
Bells of San Fernando
Drama
Screen Guild (4614)
74 Minutes
Rel.
So much attention and footage were devoted. to creating
atmosphere for this story of the early California dons that
there remained but scant time for action, that quality which
usually is a must in the market served by features of its
class and genesis. The film moves at a leisurely pace and
narrates a yarn about a tyrant who in 1842 virtually enslaves
the residents of the San Fernando valley, where he serves
as overseer of a vast estate deeded to a grandee of Spain.
How a romantic young Irishman and the local belle of
whom he is enamored escape the clutches and designs of
the sadistic villain and bring the governor and his troops to
see justice done is the picture's main theme. Performances
are acceptable and the film has its moments of suspense and
engrossment. It can serve as a running mate to a strong fea-
ture on the subsequent dualers. Directed by Terry Morse.
Donald Woods, Gloria Warren, Shirley O'Hara, Byron Foulger,
Paul Newlan, Anthony Wards, Monte Blue, Claire DuBrey.
Buffalo Bill Rides Again F
Western
Screen Guild (4613)
70 Minutes
Rel.
Often has the great scout returned to "ride again" across
the world's motion picture screens but none of his home-
comings has been less auspicious than that portrayed herein.
As a middle-aged William Cody, Richard Arlen is very un-
convincing. To chronicle this fictive incident in his career, a
plot was chosen that has been formula for countless thou-
sands of preceding gallopers- — even though they were not
built around so historic a figure. It's the one about the
heavies trying to drive the settlers off the land because they
know there's oil 'neath them thar prairies. That simple plot
gets all mixed up with Indians, however, and its unfolding
is circuitous, to say the least. True, there is plenty of gun
play, chases, fisticuffs and other ingredients standard to
westerns but their presentation is so inexpert that only the
juveniles and most ardent sagebrush fans will take them
seriously. Directed by Bernard B. Ray.
Richard Arlen, Jennifer Holt, Lee Shumway, Gil Patrick,
Edward Cassidy, Edmund Cobb, Ted Adams.
Writi
YOUR REPORT OF THE PICTURE YOU
HAVE JUST PLAYED FOR THE
GUIDANCE OF FELLOW EXHIBITORS.
-Right Now
USE THE BLANK ON REVERSE SIDE
Just Paste It on a lc Government Postcard and Mail
BOXOFFICE April 5, 1947
807
16
EXPLOITIPS
Suggestions for Selling the Picture;
Adlines for Newspaper and Programs
SELLING ANGLES: "Great Expectations"
Except for John Mills, who played in “In Which We Serve,"
Valerie Hobson, recently in “The Years Between" and other
British films, both of whom have a following in the art thea-
tres, the cast is lacking in marquee power. Concentrate on
the Charles Dickens angle by arranging tieups with book-
shops for displays of this and other works by the famous
author. Put window cards or display boards in public libraries
or in school reading rooms. Attract attention with a display
of cutout heads of the famous characters with tickets offered
as prizes for patrons correctly identifying all of them.
CATCHLINES:
His Great Expectations of Wealth Transformed a Farm Boy
Into a Gentleman . . . Charles Dickens' Classic Tale of Life,
Love and Adventure in London and in a Kentish Village
Springs Vividly to Life on the Screen . . . Her Destiny Was
to Lure Men On — and Then Breaks Their Hearts.
The Enduring Love Story of the Boy Who Had Great Ex-
pectations of a Fine Future and a Girl Who Lived in the
Shadow of Another's Unhappy Past.
SELLING ANGLES:
“Bells of San Fernando"
String large cutout bells from marquee, each of which car-
ries one letter of the film's title. Hide similar cutouts around
town and announce that any finder thereof will be admitted
free to see the picture. Dress house attendants in early
Spanish costumes and give lobby a similar aura. Mount a
collection of musical bells on a truck and send it through
streets being played by a bell ringer.
CATCHLINES:
Burning Love of a Spanish Senorita and a Romantic Irish-
man Triumphs Over Greed and Hatred of a Sadistic Over-
seer in This Moving Story of Early Day California . . . Greed!
Gold! Glamor] . . . Run Rampant in This Brawny, Brawling
Drama of the Great Days of the Dons.
Bold Men Thundering, Plundering to Conquer the West
With Their Hot-Headed, Hot-Blooded Daring! . . . Danger That
Crackles With Gunfire . . . Thrills in a Stampede of Adven-
ture . . . Love, That Warmed Every Heart!
SELLING ANGLES: "Buffalo Bill Rides Again"
Snipe the town announcing the fact that Buffalo Bill is
again on the screen. Distribute folders for stuffing in western
magazines at newsstands and have an attendant, dressed in
a Buffalo Bill scout's outfit, give out cards, etc. For a lobby
display, set up an Indian tepee, surrounding it with the usual
accouterments of Indian life, sponsored by the Boy Scouts.
Have the Scouts demonstrate smoke signals in front of
theatre.
CATCHLINES:
Buffalo Bill s Roaring Six Guns and Flashing Fists Bring
Peace to the White Settlers and Indians in This Fast Action
Film . . . Outposts of the Law Where Steel-Nerved Plainsmen
Made Their Daring Stand Against the Brigands of the West.
Battling Two Gun Terrorists . . . Hot Lead Lashes the Bad-
lands to Blazing Fury As Buffalo Bill Defies the Power of
Bandit Gangs . . . Thrills! Powerl Action! As This Hero of
the West Routs the Enemy to Save a Beautiful Damsel in
Distress!
To:
The Exhibitor Has His Say
BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Title Company
Comment
Exhibitor
Theatre Seating Capacity..
Type Patronage Admission Scale ...
Town State
c
SELLING ANGLES:
’The Egg and I"
(
The film has been presold via the 1,500,000 copies of the
book bought in bookstores and offered by the Book of the
Month club. The publishers estimate that 25,000,000 persons
have read it; these include purchasers of the book and bor-
rowers. The exhibitor can capitalize on this angle, and also
make use of the extensive advertising and promotion ma-
terial prepared by Universal-International. Then, of course,
there is the marquee value of Claudette Colbert and Fred
MacMurray.
CATCHLINES:
You Have Read the Book, Now You Can See the Film . . .
Millions Laughed Over the Book, You Will Howl at the Picture
. . . Down-to-Earth Comedy About Wonderful People . . . Gay
Comedy, Heart-Warming Drama.
The Book of the Month Is Now the Film of the Year . . .
Claudette Colbert in Her Most Delightful Role . . . Fred Mac-
Murray Is Hilarious as the Chicken-Struck Bridegroom . . .
Here is a Yolk-Filled comedy.
SELLING ANGLES: "San Demetrio, London" .
A week before the opening spot this teaser stunt in your
lobby: Atop a large barrel labeled ''TNT," place a seat
labeled, “Reserved! For the crew of the S. S. San Demetrio,
London." The background material of the film is factual.
Contact your newspapers for the original story of the “Jervis
Bay" and “San Demetrio" and make reproductions and blow-
ups for display. Have model ships displayed in windows and
the lobby. Make a guest of honor of any local ex-gob tor-
pedoed during the war.
CATCHLINES:
Blazing With Thrills of an Amazing Sea Adventure! ... A
Ship That Would Not Go Down! Men Who Would Not Give
Up ... A Story As Astounding As It Is True! ... A Ghost
Ship With a Lost Crew on a Mission You'll Never Forget!
Exploding With Real Thrills! The True Drama of a Ghost
Ship That Would Not Desert Her Crew.
Headlines Screamed This Incredible Adventure to All the
World! . . . Now, on the Screen, It Lives Again With All Its
Flaming Realism and Heart-Stopping Heroism!
SELLING ANGLES: "Untamed Fury"
Totally lacking in cast names, this will have to be exploited
through its attention-getting title which suggests hard-hitting
action, or its Okefenokee swamp backgrounds. If possible,
get a stuffed alligator from a local taxidermist as the central
figure in a lobby display of Florida wild life or set up a
glass case with snakes, secured from a local zoo, to attract
patrons interested in reptiles. Make a tieup with a local
travel agency advertising excursions to Florida's tropical
clime.
CATCHLINES:
You Dare Not Even Guess the Secret of the Treacherous
Okefenokee Swamps . . . The Feud That Started When They
Were Boys Came to a Blazing Head Over the Love of a
Double-Crossing Dame . . . Terror, Mystery and Death Lurk
in the Alligator-Filled Swamplands.
The Two Boys Who Played at Being Alligator Bait Grew Up
to Become Easy Bait for a Worthless Woman . . . Men Are
So Easy to Handle — They'll Even Kill For You . . . Listen as
Uncle Gabe Tells His Story About the Treacherous Swamps.
SELLING ANGLES: "Vacation Days"
Sell the title with tieups and window displays in travel
bureaus, railroad, airline and busline offices. Also, have va-
cation fashion tieups with department stores or a teen-age
fashion show. Is there a “Teen-Agers" club in your city? If
so, contribute a number of recordings of Jerry Wald songs '
from the picture. If not, get civic-minded people together to
organize one with special headquarters, juke box, “snack"
bar, and adult hosts and hostesses.
CATCHLINES:
Join These Jitterbuckaroos As They Go Westward Hi-De-Ho
. . . They're Rompin' and Stompin' on the Range . . . Hep-
sters in Spurs . . . Swingin' in the Saddle . . . There's Red-
Hot Rhythm on the Range . . . Hep-Pep! Slick-Licksl ... A
Swing-Fest in the West.
The Teen-Agers Are Mowin' Down the Cow Towns With
Their Rhythm . . . Romp 'n' Stomp With These Jitterbuckaroos
... As the Adolescent Tenderfeet Take Over the West in This
Musical Swing-Fest . . . Those Wide Open Spaces Are Wide
Open Again and There's Rhythm on the Range.
he Industry's Market for Purchase or Sale of Equipment, Theatres, Service
) Classified Ads 10c Per Word, Payable in Advance. Minimum $1.00. Display Rates on Request •
ClfflRIHG HOUSE
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— USED
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— USED
THEATRES FOR SALE
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— NEW
Pair late Brenkert low lamps, Baldor rectifiers,
scellent. $275. Hertner 40/80 ampere generator,
xcellent, $100. Pair B. & L. Cinephor series 11
in. lenses, $60; pair Projex II adjustable lenses,
.50 to 5 in., $30; pair Standeford low lamps,
30. Operadio amplifier, $50. Roxy, New Frank-
n, Mo.
Simplex Mechanisms, genuine rear shutters,
ouble bearing, shockproof spiral gears, completely
ebuilt, $330; Powers, $109.50; liberal trades;
feaver changeovers with footswitches, new, $49.50;
ite RCA soundsystem, $950. Write us your re-
uirements. Star Cinema Supply, 459 W. 46th
it., New York 19.
Sound System complete, for use with Simplex
reg.) heads. Has all necessary drive gears,
uackets and belts. Has extra sprockets; for each
procket extra drive gears and belts. Double chan-
el amplifier with monitor; two speakers single
requency with mounting bafflers. Crated for ship-
' nent, price $250 f.o.b. Opera House Theatre,
Versailles, Ohio.
Ultraphone sound system, complete. Ready for
hipment. Best offer takes it. Ritz, 1601 So.
ind St., Louisville, Ky.
Complete army theatre jobs — Simplex SP, $995;
leVry with high intensity arcs, $2,495; Holmes
Professional with low intensity arcs, $1,295;
single Amproarc 16mm outfits, $1,295; excellent
:ondition. Super Simplex, RCA Sound, $3,850.
5.0. S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St.,
view York 18.
War Surplus — Reels or cans 1600 ft., 98c ea.;
1,200 ft., 44c; latest rebuilt projector heads, Cen-
ury, $595; Brenkert, $795; Super Simplex, $650;
Reconditioned Goldseal two unit ticket machines,
Export price, $195; Kliegel Arcspot, 100 am-
aeres, $125; Footlights, $14.50 section. Send
or catalog. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W.
12nd St., New York 18.
Pair Brenkert standard intensity model E
amps, 1014 in. reflectors, little used, with Roth
ictodector 30/50 amp. generator with acces-
ories. Just overhauled, guaranteed. First check
or $295 takes all. Best Theatre, Edinboro, Pa.
For Sale: Two Powers mechanisms, stands,
nagazines, lenses, soundheads, operadio amplifier,
Strong low intensity lamps, rectifiers, Jensen
Maker. Excellent condition, $700. E. L. Orn-
utein Theatres, Marengo, Ind.
Two Motiograph de luxe projectors, with rear
ihutter mechanisms, double bearing movements
ind complete with sound equipment, all factory
rebuilt, at $900 pr. Two Powers 6B projectors
complete with syncrofilm sound equipment at
{500 pair. Two Holmes professional model pro-
jectors, complete with heavy duty bases, Strong
Ir. reflecting arc lamps, 15 amp. rectifiers, 30W
wide range amplifier and two-way speaker system,
it $1,295 pr. Four 1.000W incandescent spot
lamps with stands, at $27.50 ea. One pair
Brenkert low intensity reflecting arc lamps with
9 in. reflectors, at $190 pr. One pair Jewell low
intensity reflecting arc lamps with 10% in re-
Rectors, at $200 pr. Two Victor model 12, 16mm
sound projectors, complete with speaker and am-
plifier, at $180 ea. Two ten-compartment film cabi-
nets for 2,000 ft. reels, at $30 ea. Two five ft.
rewind tables, complete, at $27.50 ea. Theatre
Equipment & Supply Co., 641 N. Seventh St
Milwaukee 3, Wis.
Heavy duty blowers, ball bearing equipped,
15,000 cfm to 50,000 cfm. Air washers, all
sizes. Hydraulic drives, two and four speed
motors and controls. Immediate delivery. Dealers
j wanted. National Engineering and Mfg. Co., 213
VV. 19th St., Kansas City, Mo.
For Sale: Complete theatre equipment. 900
upholstered seats in excellent condition; RCA
sound equipment practically new; Ashcraft. S11-
jprex projectors ,_ serial numbers 1785 and 1786, in
excellent condition. All equipment now intact
*™h connecting parts. All purchased new in
1942. Used approximately two years. For in-
formation, contact L. L. Stewart, c/o Nicksville
Hereford, Arizona. Phone: Nicksville, through
Bisbee, Arizona.
1. Hertner horizontal generator, 80-160 am
85 volts rheostats for Suprcx. operation, indud
meter and voltage regulator panel. Guarani
condition. Ideal for drive-in or large theatre
buy at present day prices for $700. 2. West
Electric sound equipment, serviced and guarani
condition. Wide range apertures, motor generat
“Iow" & Brockmeyer motors, 75 watts of and
41, 42 and two 43 amplifiers modified. Id
tor Drive-in or large theatre, $900. 3. Cine
nati Time recorder sound equipment., overhau
and guaranteed condition. Two Scott Balkan!
amplifiers. Excellent for small theatre, $3!
j!™ Installation Co., 318 Film Blc
2108 Payne Ave.. Cleveland. Ohio
Complete portable 35mm sound projection <
™° 35mm Holmes lamp sound proieci
™- ft- magazines. Amplifier and speaker
case, $750. 8x10 Dalite beaded, roll-up 1
“T«" "1 waterproof carrying case with set
i«P°irds’o?-T5'„ Wnte’ wire’ Phone, Jeanne Mo.
_ E- °hio St.. Chicago 11. III. Superior 82
"Powers Intermittents $12.50. “Servicing Br
lets on sound projection. Wesley Trout, f
Enid, Okla.
For Sale: Two complete Simplex projectors,
consisting of changeovers, lenses, magazines and
two General Electric copper oxide rectifiers. Good
condition. Inquire American Theatre, 3621 .Main
St., East Chicago, Ind.
Bargain prices. Low intensity lamps, rectifiers,
motor generator sets, rheostats, sound heads, am-
plifiers, speakers, one syncrofilm portable 35mm
projector, sound. Pair I’reddey DC 111 lamps and
rectifiers. Many other items. Let us know your
needs. Stebbins Theatre Equipment Co., 1804
Wyandotte St., Kansas City 8, Mo.
THEATRE SEATING
5.000 Used Upholstered Opera Chairs, for slope
and level floor. Some full upholstered back, spring
edge seat. Some panel upholstered back, box seat.
Also veneer chairs. Leatherette available, $1.25
per yd. Write for actual photograph and price on
chairs. Advise bow many you need. Chicago Used
Chair Mart, 829 So. State St., Chicago.
Fensin Chair maintenance headquarters has all
parts and accessories for all chairs. Also uphol-
stery fabrics and theatre chair supplies. Send us
your sample for quotation. Repair service avail-
able right In your theatre also. Fensin Seating
Co., 62 E. 13th St., Chicago 5, 111.
1,200 Used Spring cushioned theatre chairs,
$1.50 ea.. and $3.50 ea., complete. Immediate
delivery. Russell Chair, 2567 McCleUan, Detroit,
Mich. Phone LENox 3445.
We have the cream of the used chair market.
We choose the best lots available. 10,000 first
class used upholstered chairs now available. We
can furnish 19 in., 20 in., 21 in. chairs for all
slopes and level floor. Write or phone for exact
photo and price. Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829
S. State St,, Chicago 5, 111. Phone Webster 4518.
3.000 Heywood chairs, complete, box spring
cushions. Also 8,000 Andrews and American seats,
late model complete for slope or level floor. Up-
holstering done by experts at your theatre or send
to us. One day service. Ace Chair & Carpet, Inc.,
1428 So. Wabash Ave., Chicago 5. Phone WEBster
3932 or HARrison 4219.
Leatherette: Standard run, first quality, as-
sorted colors, 50 to 54 in. wide, suitable for
theatre seating, sold by yard or roll. All orders
shipped within 24 hours. Leatherette Mart of
Chicago, 1153 Belmont Ave., Chicago 13, 111.
Phone Buckingham 0030.
Theatre Chairs, 3,000 used spring cushioned
part full upholstered back and part insert panel
back, with spring edge and box spring cushions.
1,000 veneer chairs, 800 good backs, 500 spring
cushions and hinges. Write for prices and photo-
graphs. Immediate delivery, advise how many you
need. We export chairs anywhere. Jesse Cole, 2565
McClellan Ave., LEnox 3445, Detroit, Mich.
Sewn Delux seat covers and sewn slip covers,
reversible type, for all brands seats. Fred’s Thea-
tre Service, Vina, Ala.
1.000 Heywood-Wakefield full upholstered back,
boxspring cushion chairs, excellent, $4.95; (re-
built $6.50) ; 340 general full upholstered back,
boxspring cushion, rebuilt, $7.95; 200 veneers,
excellent, $3.95. Wire for list. S.O.S. Cinema
Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St., New York 18.
New Chairs, prompt delivery! ! 1 Attractive,
modern, durable. Veneer, $5.50 — 30 days; veneer
back spring edge cushion, $9.35; applied uphol-
stered back spring edge cushion, $11: full up-
holstered back spring edge cushion. $11.95 — 60
days; all steel unbreakable standards, high grade
mohair or heavy leatherette upholstery. Wire or
phone. S.O.S. dnema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd
St,, New York 18.
Theatre Seats: 400 spring bottom insert panel
back American chairs, 19 in. width for 1% in.
slope; also 225 20 in. same description for same
slope, $4 ea. f.o.b. Kansas City. Jim Foland,
1904 Main,, Kansas City, Mo.. Gr. 0563.
Clearance: 175 all veneer A-l condition, $2 ea.
400 Heywood box spring panel back, $2.50 ea.
Albany Theatre Supply Co., 1046 Broadway, Al-
bany, N. Y.
1.000 Velour covered backs box spring cushion,
excellent condition, $3 ea. Lease expired, must
act quick! Contact Mrs. Kelin, Albany 5-5055,
Albany, N. Y.
200 Heywood panel box spring cushion 19-20
in., like new, $3 ea. Albany Theatre Supply Co.,
1046 Broadway, Albany, N. Y,
950 Veneer chairs, two lots good condition,
$1.95 ea. Write James Grovany, Casino Theatre,
Keansburg, N. J.
SOUND EQUIPMENT
RCA Reflex horns, 20 in. bell, PM driver,
$45.75; plenty used 16mm sound projectors cheap;
WE wire recorder heads less motor and amplifi-
cation, $49.50; RCA PM Torpedo metal horn-
speakers, $29.95; new multicellular hifrequency
horns, $75; new Zeiss Ikon 35mm sound pro-
jectors, $275; new standard soundheads, $91.25;
new theatre amplifiers, 17 watt, $95; 30 watt,
$125. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W 42nd
St., New York 18.
Theatres. Beiore you buy, contact Nolen How-
ard, Ritz Theatre Bldg., Payette, Idaho, or J. C.
Butler, 304 S. W. 4th Ave., Portland, Ore. In-
formation to qualified buyers only. A.B.C. Broker-
age Co.
Three Towns, one county seat with two thea-
tres, midwestern Oklahoma, well equipped, ap-
proximately $150,000 down payment. Come in-
vestigate; no floaters. C. E. Norcross, Cordell,
Okla.
Two 16mm theatres near Memphis. Population
500 and 600. Two year leases, both $2,800.
Terms or car in trade. John Fleener, Box 92,
Mason, Tenn.
Fed Up with winter? Have many good theatres
in sunny Texas. Write Arthur Leak, Theatres Ex-
clusively, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas.
Small Town theatre, Kansas City territory.
$16,000 includes brick building with modern
apartment over theatre. Prefer cash, but will con-
sider terms. B-2683, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt
Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Theatre circuit: Five small theatres in Norfolk,
Virginia, area. Experienced principals only.
B-2692, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas
City 1, Mo. __
Theatre Circuit; Four theatres near Weiser,
Idaho. Controlling four towns. Over 1,100 seats,
good equipment, priced to sell at $85,000. Good
terms. Contact Nolen Howard, Ritz Theatre Bldg.,
Payette, Idaho, or J. C. Butler, 304 S. W. 4th
Ave., Portland, Oregon. A.B.C. Brokerage Co.
Write for free list of theatres and theatre
leases now available in the northwest. Theatre
Exchange, Governor Bldg., Portland, Ore.
Small Theatre in Virginia, 325 seats, manufac-
turing town, six-room bungalow. New theatre, new
equipment, RCA sound, super Simplex mechanisms.
Will sell right now in operation. All must go.
Write B-2694, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd.,
Kansas City 1, Mo.
For Sale: New modern 400-seat theatre in cen-
tral Michigan. Excellent territory in fast growing
town, $15,000 down. B-2699, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1. Mo.
North Texas county seat 3.500, 435 seats.
High lamps, super Simplex, Western Electric.
Everything modern. Selling for approximate 1946
gross. Half down. Others all sizes. Arthur Leak,
3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Texas.
For Sale: Theatre. 240 seats in business dis-
trict, Michigan town, 50,000. Good equipment in-
cluding concessions. Owner retiring. Priced to
sell. B-2700, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd.,
Kansas City 1, Mo.
Theatre: Oregon county seat town. Owner says
cleared $500 last month after paying manager’s
salary and all expenses. Nice new place to live
included in deal. $15,000 cash will handle. Thea-
tre: About one hour’s drive from metropolitan
Portland. An easy living can be made by most
anyone here. Situated in the heart of one of the
most scenic spots in America. $15,000 includes
modern building. Theatre: County seat town of
2,500 population. Owner selling on account of
other interests. Easy terms with only $5,000
down. Theatre: Portland suburban. New booth
equipment, good district. $32,500 full price.
Might consider some terms. Write us for infor-
mation on these and many other good theatre buys.
Theatre Exchange Co., 217 Governor Bldg., Port-
land 4. Ore.
THEATRES WANTED
Sell Your Theatre Privately. Confidential cor-
respondence invited. References. Arthur Leak,
Theatres Exclusively. 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex.
Veteran will buy or lease theatres in Indiana,
Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio. Box 172, Linton, Ind.
Lease theatre, 400 to 600 seats, with option to
buy. West coast preferred. Glenn Parrish, Box
618. Edmonds, Wash.
Individual will buy or lease theatre anywhere
in south. Furnish all information in first letter.
B-2701, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas
City 1, Mo.
Small profitable theatre wanted. Send details
Box 241, Broken Arrow, Okla.
POPCORN SUPPLIES
Write for our special contract which guarantees
you more profits and greater savings on all your
popcorn and popcorn supplies. Blevins Bee Hive
Popcorn Co.. Nashville. Tenn.
Give Your Popcorn that real butter flavor and
color. Economical to use. The Perfection Co.,
Ltd., Waco, Tex.
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
Bingo Cards, 100 or 75 number, $2.75 per M;
lots of 10M or more, $2.50 per M. 100 number
cards good for Keen-o game. Premium Products.
334 W. 44th St„ New York City.
Bingo With More Action. $2.25 thousand
cards. Also other games. Novelty Games Co.,
1434 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn 16, N. Y.
Poster Cases — Stainless steel, 40x65 glass size,
equipped with cold cathode tube illumination
around entire case. Immediate delivery. All other
sizes, delivery in 10 days. Literature upon re-
quest. Ben B. Poblocki & Sons, 2159 South Kin-
nieklnnic Ave., Milwaukee 7, Wis.
Changeable letter admission signs, $1.95; let-
ters, 5c ea. ; fountain bubblers, $10.95; carbon
savers 1/3 cost, sizes 6mm to 13mm, 77c; twin
boxoffice clocks, $24.95; latest Superior projector
mechanisms, $695; automatic record changers,
$19.95; dimmers, 2450W, $22.50; 2000W. $19.95;
1650W, $15.95; 1350W, $13.50. Send for Cata-
log. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd
St., New York 18
C/02 Extinguishers: Kidde Lux ten pound type,
10-S ready to use, $46 list, less 40%. Freight
prepaid on four or more. Condition guaranteed.
Albany Theatre Supply Co., 1046 Broadway,
Albany, N. Y.
POSITIONS WANTED
Showmanship plus experience 15 years plus
management equals “profits.” Southern exhibitors,
your investment demands these qualifications.
Wire, write B-2688, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt
Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
25-Year-Old veteran with six years 35mm pro-
jectionist experience, desires position. Box 144,
Blue Mountain, Miss.
HELP WANTED
Wanted : Theatre manager for midwest city. Give
qualifications, references, salary expected, age,
married or single, snapshot, first letter. B-2697,
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1,
Mo.
Wanted: Experienced sound and all around
maintenance man. Wire or phone, Manos Thea-
tres, Inc., Toronto, Ohio.
Wanted: Reliable, sober projectionist. Must
know booth equipment thoroughly. Give age, ex-
perience and references. Eddie Joseph Theatres,
Box 1015, Austin, Tex.
Wanted: Supervising repairman. Young, am-
bitious, dependable. Familiar with theatre chair
construction, installation and repair. Free to
travel. Salary $58 per week plus traveling ex-
penses. State qualifications. B-2702, Boxoffice,
825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
STUDIO EQUIPMENT
Beautiful cinekodak special camera, FI. 9 lens,
$495; Mitchell animation camera, $985; BH ultra
speed shutters, $195; Camera Dolly, $275; RCA
Photophone complete recording outfit, $6,475;
BII 16mm or 35mm Soundprinters, new, $3,250;
RCA latest dual playback magazine, $395; new
Mitchell 24V camera motors, $295; BH Eyemo
motorized cameras, 3 speeds, 2 in. lens, 24V
motor, case, $295; new 35mm film phonographs,
$795. Send for bulletin Sturelab. S.O.S. Cinema
Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St., New York 18.
AIR CONDITIONING
I Have 150 used brass 2% to 3 gal. per minute
spray nozzles at $1 ea. Also have 400 y2 in.
Rainbow Mist spray nozzles, new brass. Water
broken fine misty spray. 1% gal. capacity; 750
nozzles, % in. capacity, 1 to 1% gal. per minute;
450 nozzles, % in. capacity, 1 gal. per minute.
Will sell all these sizes nozzles 80c ea. while
they last. Shipment at once. Also I have some
Texrope drives, Bronze Randall Bearings, belts and
drives. G. A. Peterson, R2, Clinton, Mo.
POPCORN MACHINES
Burch — Manley — Cretors — Advances — All elec-
tric French fry types. Karmelkorn Equipment, 120
S. Halstead. Chicago 6, HI.
Rebuilt Popcorn Machines for sale. Fully guar-
anteed. Price from $150. CONSOLIDATED CON-
FECTIONS, 1314 S. Wabash, Chicago 5, 111.
Blevins is national headquarters for popcorn
machines. Silver Stars, Super Stars, Corn Cribs.
Old machines taken in trade. Blevins Popcorn Co.,
Nashville, Tenn.
Real Bargains used popcorn machines. Burch,
Cretor, Advance, guaranteed. Poppers Supply, Box
838, Atlanta, Ga.
CRETOR opportunity model. Clean, new kettle
and heating element. Pops approximately $10 an
hour. $200. Boswell Theatre, Boswell, Ind.
For Sale: Rebuilt guaranteed Star machines,
from $50 up. Busher Theatre Supplies, 3215
Olive St., St. Louis, Mo.
Star popcorn machines. All models. Prunty
Seed & Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2.
Mo.
Home of “Rush Hour” popcorn and popcorn
supplies. Send for price list. Prunty Seed &
Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2, Mo.
Established 1874.
500M % lb. kraft bags, $1.35 per M. Im-
mediate delivery. Samples sent on request. Sioux
Paper Co., P. 0. Box 1084, Sioux City 6, la.
BOXOFFICE :: April 5, 1947
• Address copy to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Forms close Monday noon preceding publication date.
V
The same
Glenn Ford
who tamed
GILDA !
" Lei’s get things straight
about you and me and him..
COLUMBIA PICTURES
GLENN FORD
Directed by
RICHARD WALLACE
Ai,
with
Produced by
JULES SCHERMER
Janis Carter - Bari) Sullivan
EDGAR BUCHANAN
KAREN MORLEY * JIM BANNON
Screenplay by Ben Maddow
ALL AMERICA AGREES...
Launched by an intensive Giant national advertising and promotion campaign in Maga-
zines, Newspapers, Radio and Truck Posters, M-G-M’s "The Yearling’’ will reach an
estimated total of 1,561,000,000 impressions.
In Chicago it broke the M-G-M record for the house, running for 7 big weeks at the
State -Lake Theatre. And now watch it repeat next in Houston, Washington, D. C.,
Cleveland, Portland.
WARNER PICTURE
Directed By FREDERICK de CORDOVA • Produced By WILLIAM JACOBS
Screen Ploy by Eugene Conrad, Francis Swann and i.A.l. Diamond • Adapted from a Story by Harry Sauber • Musical Score Composed and Adapted by Max Steiner
'///S'" t / ' , / , ' / / / f j , , r/J/f y / S
Ads like these are in the Pressbook now available.
/
1
A
/
the next Warner release is"
LOVEjnd LEARN
TWEET, TWEET. IT'S SPRING, ITS LOVE-TIME. LEARN ALL ABOUT
J^ARNER BROS:
with NIGEL BRUCE directe
HUMPHREY
BARBARA
ALEXIS
WARNERS
Screen Play by Thomas Job • From the Stage Play
by MARTIN VALE • Music by Franz Waxman
produced by
THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
PDBLISHED IN NINE SECTIONAL EDITIONS
BEN SHLYEN
Editor -in-Chief and Publisher
JAMES M. JERAULD Editor
NATHAN COHEN Associate Editor
JESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor
IVAN SPEAR Western Editor
J. HARRY TOLER Equipment Editor
RAYMOND LEVY. General Manager
Published Every Saturday by
ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS
Editorial Olfices: 9 Rockeieller Plaza, New York 20,
N. Y.; Raymond Levy, General Manager; James M.
Jerauld, Editor; A. J. Stocker, Eastern Representa-
tive. Telephone Columbus 5-6370, 5-6371, 5-6372.
Cable address: "BOXOFFICE, New York."
Central Offices: 332 South Michigan Blvd., Chicago
4, 111. J. Harry Toler, Editor Modern Theatre Sec-
tion. Telephone WABash 4575.
Western Offices: 6404 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
28, Calif. Ivan Spear, Manager. Phone GLadstone
1186.
Washington Offices: 930 F Street, N. W. Lee L.
Garling, Manager. Telephone NAtional 3482. Film-
row; 932 New Jersey, N. W. Sara Young.
Publication Offices: 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City
1, Mo. Nathan Cohen, Associate Editor; Jesse Shlyen,
Managing Editor; A. Jules Benedic, Field Editor; Mor-
ris Schlozman, Business Manager. Telephone CHest-
nut 7777.
Other Publications: BOXOFFICE BAROMETER,
published in November as a section of BOXOFFICE;
THE MODERN THEATRE, published monthly as a
section of BOXOFFICE.
ALBANY — 21-23 Walter Ave., M. Berrigan.
ATLANTA— 163 Walton, N. W., P. H. Savin.
BALTIMORE — Upton Theatre, A. J. Wolf.
BIRMINGHAM — The News, Eddie Badger.
BOSTON — Hotel Vendome, Frances Harding.
BUFFALO — 20 St. Margaret's Court, Jim Schrader.
CHARLOTTE— 216 W. 4th, Pauline Griffith.
CHICAGO — 332 S. Michigan Blvd., Jonas Perlberg,
WABash 4575.
CINCINNATI — 1634 Central Parkway, Ross Williams.
CLEVELAND — 2568 Overlook Road, Cleveland Heights,
Elsie Loeb, Fairmount 0046.
DALLAS — 408 S. Harwood, V. W. Crisp, Southwestern
editor, R-2312.
DENVER — 1645 Lafayette, Jack Rose, TA 8517.
DES MOINES — Register & Tribune Bldg., Russ Schoch.
DETROIT — 1009 Fox Theatre Bldg., H. F. Reves.
Telephones: RA 1100, Night, UN-4-0219.
INDIANAPOLIS — Fit. 8, Box 770, Howard M. Rudeaux.
LITTLE ROCK- — Liberty Theatre, Herod Jimerson
MIAMI — 66 S. Hibiscus Island, Mrs. Manton E. Har-
wood. 2952 Merrick Rd., Elizabeth Sudlow.
MEMPHIS — 707 Spring St., Null Adams, Tel. 48-5462.
MILWAUKEE — 5091 Plankinton Bldg., 161 W. Wiscon-
sin Ave., James R. Gahagan. Telephones: BR 4938
and MA 0297.
MINNEAPOLIS — 29 Washington Ave., So., Les Rees.
NEW HAVEN — 40 Whiting St., Ann Donner.
NEW ORLEANS — 218 So. Liberty St., Mrs. Jack Auslet.
Telephone MA 5812.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Daily Oklahoman, Polly Trindle.
OMAHA — Omaha World-Herald Bldg., Lou Gerdes.
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Record Bldg., Broad
and Wood Sts., J. M. Makler.
PITTSBURGH — 86 Van Braam St., R. F. Klingensmith,
c/o Monogram Pictures.
PORTLAND, ORE. — 425 SW Columbia, Room 11, J. C.
Bowen.
RICHMOND— National Theatre, R. W. Eagan, 2-2567.
ST. LOUIS — 5149 Rosa Ave., David F. Barrett, Flan-
ders 3727.
SALT LAKE CITY — Deseret News, Howard Pearson.
SAN ANTONIO — 531 North St., L. J. B. Ketner.
SAN FRANCISCO — 25 Taylor St., Gail Lipman,
ORdway 4812-4813.
SEATTLE — 928 N. 84th St., Willard Elsey.
TOLEDO; — 4330 Willys Pkwy., Anna Kline.
IN CANADA
CALGARY — The Albertan, Wm. Campbell.
MONTREAL — 4330 Wilson Ave., N. D. G., Roy Car-
michael, Walnut 5519.
ST. JOHN — 116 Prince Edward St., Wm. J. McNulty.
TORONTO — 242 Milwood, Milton Galbraith.
VANCOUVER — 411 Lyric Theatre Bldg., Jack Droy.
VICTORIA — 938 Island Highway, Alec Merriman.
WINNIPEG — 709 Selkirk Ave., Ben Lepkin.
Member Audit Bureau of Circulations
Entered as Second Class matter at Post Office, Kansas City. Mo.
Sectional Edition, $2.00 per year: National Edition, $7.50
Vol. 50 No. 23
APRIL 12, 1947
Delirium Decree
1/ 1/ EBSTER defines "delirium" as "a temporary dis-
ordered state of the mental faculties during illness." That cer-
tainly was the case with the industry during this past week —
in home office distribution circles at least. The industry's
"illness," of course, is the condition for which the three-judge
statutory court decree was prescribed as the "cure." And it
was Supreme Court Justice Reed's statement that he would sign j
an order staying the effectiveness of the decree, which created
the state of confusion.
While the stay order has now been signed by Justice Reed,
"a disordered state" still exits. For, as seems generally to have
pertained to the decree, there are almost as many ways of
interpreting it as there are interpreters. But certain facts are
clear.
Staying of the execution of the federal court's order does
not mean that business will go on "as of old." Particularly as
was the case prior to the consent decree, which became effec-
tive Feb. 1, 1941. Many persons in the business arrived at that
first quick assumption on the basis that the statutory court
decree took the place of the consent decree. It doesn't work
that way.
As several lawyers have pointed out, it is important to
remember that the antitrust ruling of the three-judge court con-
sisted of two important parts: (1) The Findings of Fact; and (2)
The Decree. The first pointed out the violations of the law.
The second ordered these violations stopped — and also pro-
vided the modus operandi whereby stoppage would be
"assured."
It is this "operations order" which the defendant companies
sought to have enjoined by the Supreme Court, pending final
decision in the case.
Amid the confusion only one point seems to be clear. That
is that the court intended to permit continuance of the present
form of arbitration (which was to have expired March 31) until
the Supreme Court hands down its final decision on the whole
case. And that's a very good thing, for, as we have previously
cited, arbitration will save the industry the turmoil and expense
of litigation.
As for the rest of the points of contention — lawyers for
three companies have pointed out that whatever was ruled
illegal by the federal court is illegal and stays that way until
I
the Supreme Court's final ruling, or a change in the law by the
Congress. Under this interpretation a layman can readily see
that distributors can continue competitive bidding, if they want
to do so; but they cannot safely do any price-fixing, condition
the sale of one feature on another, or anything else that the
court has ruled was a violation of the antitrust law.
-K *
Some Legislative Pointers
There is a ring of the unusual and some good points of
guidance in the letter received from C. B. "Brownie" Akers,
chairman of the legislative committee of the Theatre Owners of
Oklahoma, who successfully fought a piece of pernicious legis-
lation. So we pick out a few quotes therefrom:
“If exhibitors are to accomplish anything (in legislative
work), they must know their legislators personally . . . and,
then when they call on them for help and it is forthcoming, they
certainly should express appreciation." (Too often this cour-
tesy is overlooked.)
"The strength of the exhibitors in any fight in the legislature
in the state does not stem from the fact that I am personally
acquainted with so many members of both houses . . . but,
the real strength is shown when the boys back at the 'forks of
the creek' express their opinions to their legislators. In many
cases the legislators are their next door neighbors, business
associates or, at least, good friendly acquaintances of the ex-
hibitors. The only thing I have to do is to know who are the
key legislators on any particular bill and then follow through
by having the men who know them well contact them and lay
their side of the question before them." (Here's a "general"
who gives, instead of taking, credit and who recognizes the
importance of exhibitor influence in even the smallest points
of contact.)
"In my opinion the biggest mistake made by organizations
attempting lobbying practices is to ignore the fundamentals
of our form of government, in which legislators are responsible
to their constituents. There is a tendency to rely too much on
professional lobbyists. Of course, lobbyists have their place,
but here in Oklahoma, at least, the lobbyist's principal work
consists of knowing the relationship between the various mem-
bers of the legislature and the individuals back home."
(The more this is recognized, the less will be the danger
in local, state or federal legislation aimed against the industry.)
All Arbitration Offices
Are to Be Kept Going
Twenty are now idle and 11 are in opera-
tion, but the system will be continued in 31
exchange centers until the Supreme Court
decision.
*
Proposed ATA Convention
Is Deferred Indefinitely
Originally scheduled for first anniversary,
but decision on the date is put off due to un-
settled conditions brought about by the decree
stay order.
*
Mary Pickford Says UA
Acquiring Theatres
After board meeting she says the company
already has closed five deals, but refuses to
give details and will not say how many more
are being sought.
*
New York ITOA and Allied
Continue Merger Talks
New conference at Hotel Astor Wednesday
night reported to have made progress toward
agreement and another session is scheduled
in the near future.
*
A 15-Second Film Developer
Demonstrated by Eastman
Pictures taken 70 miles at sea are shown
on Philco television station one hour and ten
minutes later; spot news coverage of im-
portant events is aim.
*
Monogram and Allied Artists
Seek Broadway Showcase
Steve Broidy says negotiations are on for
house to be used for first runs; if these fail
he will try joint arrangements with some
other company.
*
Switchboard at 20th-Fox
Breaks Down in Strike
Outgoing calls failed for a time on Wednes-
day, but service was resumed Thursday; news-
reels get press priorities; general service gains
momentum.
*
Joseph Miller Appointed
To Film Classic Post
Becomes sales supervisor for Albany and
Buffalo branches; was with Columbia in Al-
bany for 29 years until two years ago when
he joined PRC.
*
California Supreme Court
Hears Case of De Mille
Famous motion picture producer’s fight
against AFL radio union is carried to higher
jurists over refusal to pay one dollar assess-
ment; De Mille was suspended in 1944.
MAJOR PROVISIONS OF DECREE
STAYED BY ORDER OF COURT
Here Is the Sales Policy Picture
New York — Selling methods of the major company defendants in the
antitrust suit, pending a supreme court decision, will be as varied as the
interpretations of the lawyers.
Here's how the situation stands:
1. Columbia intends to sell its features in blocks.
2. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer will continue the sales methods in vogue
for the last nine months.
3. Paramount, which has been holding conferences, was not pre-
pared to state its policy up to Friday.
4. RKO, which introduced competitive bidding in 200 situations, is
now making a survey of the results, with a decision on sales methods to
be made in two weeks.
5. At 20th Century-Fox, “competitive negotiation" will be used. Un-
der Section 2, paragraph 9 of the decree, an exhibitor can send a reg-
istered letter to the home office asking for a particular run. 20th-Fox will
reply to these letters and will negotiate on runs, but will stick to a policy of
granting runs to theatres which seem likely to produce the most revenue.
6. United Artists will continue single picture sales and may do some
experimenting with competitive bidding. Whether or not the company
will attempt price-fixing so that it can roadshow films is now under con-
sideration.
7. Universal will continue to sell pictures singly.
8. Warner Bros., which made no changes in general sales policies
while other companies were experimenting with competitive bidding, will
continue its policy of picture-by-picture sales.
D of J Views Are Ignored
By Justice Stanley Reed
As He Grants a Delay
By LEE L. GARLING
Washington Bureau, Boxoffice
WASHINGTON— Objections of the De-
partment of Justice were viewed here this
week as being completely ignored by the
action of Stanley Reed, associate justice
of the supreme court in signing the order
dated April 7, 1947, staying a major part
of the antitrust decree.
Although the Justice department’s com-
ments on the stay proposals were sub-
mitted in writing to the court, setting
forth their contention that the defendants
were virtually asking for a reversal of the
decree, the government attorneys refused
to comment one way or the other on Jus-
tice Reed’s action.
EMBODIES ALL REQUESTS
The stay order embodied the requests from
20th-Fox and those from the seven-distribu-
tor defendants jointly.
That portion of the decree stayed for the
seven defendants, except 20th-Fox and Na-
tional Theatres, is as follows:
Subdivision Two (II), paragraphs (1),
(2), (3), (4), (6), (8) and (9).
Subdivision Three (III), paragraph (1),
insofar as it refers to paragraph (6) of
Subdivision Two (II).
Subdivision Five (V).
That portion stayed for 20th-Fox and Na-
tional Theatres Corp. is:
Subdivision Two (II), paragraph (8).
Subdivision Five (V).
In granting the order Justice Reed took
into consideration the fact that all the de-
fendants and the plaintiff and certain other
parties who sought leave to intervene, all
appealed from the decree.
It was finally ordered that the “stays
granted, as to each defendant, shall terminate
and be vacated on May 20, 1947, as to any
defendant who shall fail to docket his appeal
and file the record thereof with the clerk
of the court on or before said date.’’
EFFECT ON 20TH-FOX
Effect of the stay for 20th-Fox and Na-
tional Theatres will be the postponement of
the competitive bidding and the arbitration
provisions of the decree. In fact, arbitration
is to be left under the present system which
was provided for under the consent decree,
and the ban on favoring old customers and
mandatory competitive selling with the 95
per cent theatre ownership requirement is
lifted.
Stay for the seven-distributor defend-
ants is the same as above plus the lifting
of the prohibition on master agreements,
fixing of minimum prices, formula deals,
arbitrary refusal of an exhibitor’s demand
for a run, and block-booking.
Indications from the Justice department
are that they will just sit back and watch
how the defendants conduct themselves in
carrying out the postponement they won and
also their efforts at putting into effect those
decree provisions not included in the stay.
The D of J probably will do nothing about
enforcement during this time until final
judgment of the appeals by the supreme
court.
Meanwhile, Abram F. Myers, Allied gen-
eral counsel, stated that he was preparing
written comments for release at the end of
the week but told BOXOFFICE that contrary
to certain opinion “staying the injunctive
provisions of the decree does not legalize the
practices which were subjects of the injunc-
tion. Distributors engage in them at their
own peril.”
Myers asserted that there was nothing so
unusual about the staying of the competitive
bidding provisions of the decree. He stated
it was expected, that under former practice
such results could be accomplished by filing
an appeal bond. The court usually grants
them.
Emphasizing his initial point, Myers con-
cluded that distributors will be acting at their
own peril if they assume that staying the
injunctive provisions of the decree legalizes
them. He added that the court can still
enjoin them from such practice and that
they can be sued for treble damages, such
damages not being legalized by the stay.
Win Additional Time
To Docket Appeals
NEW YORK — The parties to the antitrust
case have been given an extension of time
until May 10 to docket their appeals in the
antitrust case with the clerk of the supreme
court.
The extension was granted by the New
York statutory court. The deadline for five
of the defendants — 20th-Fox, RKO, Warners,
Loew’s and Paramount — was Monday, April
7. Deadlines for the other parties, including
the government, were during the last two
weeks of March. The extensions apply to all.
It is expected that there will be additional
requests and additional extensions of time
for docketing the record. According to the
clerk of the supreme court, it would take
until next winter to print the full record.
The record consists of eight large volumes
of testimony and exhibits.
The court calendar is so crowded at pres-
ent, the clerk said, that the government
printing office is unable to handle the load.
Private printers are taking on some jobs for
the supreme court. Furthermore, the printers
are using various methods of mechanical re-
production to duplicate the flood of records
required for pending supreme court appeals.
Cost of duplicating the film case records
will be shared by the appellants — the govern-
ment and eight defendants.
The lawyers are pretty much agreed that
their appeals from the antitrust decree will
not be heard before January 1948.
Adopt Ten War Orphans
ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Variety Club has
adopted ten Greek war orphans in the drive
which ended April 8. More than $6,000 was
raised for the Greek orphans under Chairman
Thomas James, Fred Wehrenberg and Harry
Arthur.
8
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
The Distribution Chiefs Hold the Industry Spotlight
TOM J. CONNORS BEN KALMENSON
20th Century-Fox Warner Bros.
ROBERT MOCHRIE
RKO Radio
CHARLES M. REAGAN
Paramount
W. F. RODGERS
MGM
he distribution chiefs of the eight defendants in
the antitrust suit take the spotlight in the film
industry as a result of the granting of a supreme
court order staying provisions of the New York sta-
tutory court’s decree. The whole selling picture is
in a confused state this week, and the companies
themselves, for the most part, are somewhat unde-
termined on the method by which they will sell
films. On the preceding page is a late-in-the-week
check on the immediate plans of the eight com-
panies, but these may be changed as new interpre-
tations are placed on the action of Justice Reed in
signing the stay order. Distribution has taken the
play.
Here are results of the court order, as it affects
all companies except 20 th-Fox:
GRADWELL SEARS
United Artists
W. A. SCULLY
Universal
A. MONTAGUE
Columbia
Two Kansas-Missouri Theatres Close
In Fight for Better Picture Deals
1. The arbitration system remains in
operation, at least until the supreme court
hands down the final opinion in the anti-
trust suit. The 31 arbitration boards keep
functioning.
2. Official start of competitive bid-
ding is stalled, but there is nothing to pre-
vent a distributor from practicing this sales
method.
3. Block booking is permitted.
4. Denies for the time being, the right
of an exhibitor to demand a run on writ-
ten notice to the distributor.
5. Clearance remains in effect, and de-
layed is the provision which places the bur-
den of proving a clearance is reasonable
upon the distributor.
6. Stays that section of the decree
which enjoins defendants from granting a
license in which minimum prices for ad-
mission to a theatre is part of a sales agree-
ment.
7. The court granted a stay on the ban
against formula deals and master agree-
ments.
As 2bth Century-Fox asked only for a
stay on competitive bidding and ending of
the arbitration system, this company can
be held in coiitempt of court if it does any
one of the following : (1) stipulates mini-
mum admission prices; (2) grants clear-
ance to theatres in substantial competition
with each other; (3) grants new franchises
or formula deals; (4) conditions the sale
of one feature on the booking of one or
more other pictures; and (5) refuses to
give an exhibitor the right to bid for a
feature when he is not in competition with
a National Theatres house.
Kansas City — Two exhibitors in this
region, one in Mission, Kas., and the
other in Cape Girardeau, Mo., have
placed their fight to obtain better clear-
ance or first run pictures before the pub-
lic by closing their doors.
In Mission, Glen Dickinson, head of
the 33-theatre circuit which bears his
name, announced that he was closing
down the Mission Theatre, a suburban
subsequent run house, because “by the
time we are able to run films at the Mis-
sion, everyone in town has seen them.
Until we can get playdates closer to
downtown Kansas City houses, we will
remain closed.”
Dickinson also said that if similar con-
ditions regarding his new Overland Thea-
tre in nearby Overland Park do not im-
prove, like action will be taken there too.
In neither location has Dickinson been
able to obtain first runs.
In Cape Girardeau, the Esquire, which
opened in January and has outbid Fox
Midwest for several first run pictures, also
shuttered last week. The six-day closing
was announced in a half -page ad in the
Missourian which declared that the clos-
ing was forced upon the theatre by “the
motion picture trust.” The house re-
mained closed from March 29 to April 5,
when it reopened with the first run of
“Suddenly It’s Spring.”
The management announced that it
was not satisfied to play second run pic-
tures, as it had been doing occasionally
since its dedication, and said the Esquire
would operate only "from time to time”
when it could get first run product. The
ad also complained that on first run prod-
uct it had obtained “the price we have
to pay is prohibitive and we are assured
of a loss before we show it.”
Pittsburgh Exhibitor Asks
$450,000 in Damage Suit
Pittsburgh — A $450,000 antitrust suit
was filed here this week in federal court
against the Warner circuit, and all major
distributors except Columbia and Univer-
sal by David N. Green of the Beacon
Theatre, Squirrel Hill. Green’s complaint
alleged that the Beacon was discrimi-
nated against in licensing first run pic-
tures distributed bv the defendants. He
asked treble damages of $125,000 for loss of
earnings, plus $75,000 accrued interest
and attorney fees.
Gets First Run Films
By Competitive Bids
Gainesville, Tex. — The Dennis Theatre
will inaugurate a first run policy after
successfully bidding for eight 20th-Fox
films. The WadeTex Theatres formerly
held first runs here at the State. The
Dennis, owned by L. C. Dennis, has 500
seats compared to the 800 in the opposi-
tion house.
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
9
Taxes , Taxes and Taxes;
N. J. Passes 3% Levy
TRENTON — The senate and assembly
passed a 3 per cent sales and admissions tax
bill during the week over the protests of New
Jersey exhibitors. As finally passed, the
measure was amended to cover only fourth
class cities in seacoast counties. It originally
included the entire state.
The measure went through the assembly
35 to 24 on Monday, and through the senate
12 to 1 on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the
Allied Theatre Owners of New Jersey, the
ITOA of New York, representatives of RKO,
Warners and Loew’s, and the Federation of
New Jersey Theatres sent telegrams to Gov-
ernor Driscoll asking him to veto the bill.
If he signed the bill, it would still have to
be approved by the people of the cities it
covers before it could go into effect. These
cities are: Asbury Park, Atlantic City, Cape
May, Ocean City and Wildwood.
However, there was some question whether
the governor would sign the bill, as a con-
troversy arose late in the week as to whether
the bill had passed legally in the assembly
on Monday before it reached the senate and
was rushed through the upper chamber on
Tuesday. The recorded vote in the house was
challenged by a half dozen solons who now
insist that they either voted in the negative
or were absent, and that the bill was rushed
through before they had a chance to protest.
The bill gives the cities power to tax
amusement admissions, hotel room rentals,
liquor, cigarets, cover charges, tobacco and
beach chairs.
The exhibitors have been fighting the bill
since it was introduced last month by As-
semblyman Richard S. Mischlich of Atlantic
City. They organized the Federation of
New Jersey Theatres to lead the attack. They
held a mass meeting Monday of New Jersey
exhibitors in Trenton and flooded their
assemblymen with telegrams and briefs de-
nouncing the measure. But Monday night
the bill was passed by the assemblymen.
Chicago Tax Looms
Under New Regime
CHICAGO — Efforts to impose a 3 per cent
tax on amusements, abandoned last fall by
WASHINGTON — J. Edgar Hoover, director
of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, this
week asserted flatly that motion pictures do
not encourage youth delinquency and crime.
“The crime film, of today does not glorify
the criminal. It shows the audience that
crime does not pay,” Hoover added.
The industry has been under attack for
many months as being a medium by which
improper ideas are communicated to young
people. Hoover ridiculed those who have
criticized the industry, pointing out that pic-
tures are good as long as they tell the true
story of crime and point out the corrective
measures.
Hoover also defended radio in his inter-
view with newsmen.
Last week the FBI director appeared be-
fore the house un-American activities com-
mittee and charged that Hollywood has been
influenced to excess by Communists. He was
critical of the film colony for the communi-
Mayor Edward J. Kelly, will be revived in the
near future.
Alderman Clarence P. Wagner who led the
fight for the tax said this week he would
introduce the proposal at the first business
meeting of the new council.
The tax would apply to motion picture
theatres, athletic events and other amuse-
ments. A similar proposal was passed by a
city council committee and seemed headed
for passing during deliberations on this
year’s budget. Mayor Kelly, who first sup-
ported the bill, however, abruptly opposed it
and it died in committee.
Proponents of the move point out that
the amusement tax is one of the few revenue
raising powers of the city as yet unused. They
believe it must be utilized before the city can
press its legislation in Springfield for a share
of the sales tax and other “home rule” laws.
These were cardinal points in Mayor-Elect
Martin Kennelly’s campaign platform.
Budget director Arthur G. Lindell, esti-
mated that the tax would bring in between
$4,000,000 and $6,000,000 annually which may
be needed to make the 1947 budget “pay
out.”
Mayor O'Dwyer Predicts
Even More New Taxes
NEW YORK — Mayor O'Dwyer gave theatre
men a jolt early in the week during the budg-
et hearings by announcing that those pro-
testing his present tax proposals should be
prepared for more of the same.
He said that it may be necessary to take
advantage of the authorization to levy a 5
per cent admission tax, to increase the sales
tax by 1 per cent, and to ask the legislature
for authorization for other taxes.
What with the record real estate levies
already lined up, theatre men were frankly
alarmed.
John Ince Dead
HOLLYWOOD — John Ince, 60, veteran
stage and screen actor and pioneer director,
died April 10 of pneumonia. He was a brother
of the late Thomas H. Ince, producer.
cation of “ideals not true to the standards
of American freedom.”
His praise of the conduct of film produc-
tion dealing with crime, however, had no
connection with his belief that Communists
have a serious grasp upon film production
policies on the coast.
A New West Coast Circuit
Launched by Sol Lesser
HOLLYWOOD — Sol Lesser, independent
producer and formerly one of the west’s fore-
most exhibitors, has launched a new west
coast chain, Standard Theatres. Already
sites have been purchased in suburban Bur-
bank and Bellflower and in Indio, Calif., on
each of which a 1,500-seat house will be
erected as soon as materials are available.
A. R. Walker is drawing plans for the show-
cases.
Myers Hits Tax Hike
Proposed by Ascap
Washington— Abram F. Myers, Allied
States board counsel, this week lashed out
at the Ascap proposal that the theatre
seat music tax be hiked. The exhibitor
leader warned that Ascap is “asking” for
local and state legislation to outlaw its
activities.
Myers said that the composers organi-
zation is making a disastrous mistake in
attempting to increase the royalties. He
asserted that one state, Indiana, has
already passed legislation outlawing it as
a bargaining group. The state governor,
however, vetoed the measure. Other
states might take the same action if
Ascap continues its “unnecessary” de-
mands to the industry and the public,
he concluded.
Paramount Partners
To Discuss Decree
NEW YORK — Paramount executives and
theatre partners will meet at Arrowhead
Springs, Calif., from May 6 to 9 inclusive for
further discussion of the federal court decree
in the industry antitrust suit.
Leonard H. Goldenson, head of Paramount
Theatres Service Corp., made the announce-
ment. He has been touring the country since
the court decree negotiating the ending of
various pooling arrangements and discussing
the requirement of the decree that a major
company defendant must own 95 per cent of
a theatre if it is to be exempted from the sales
restrictions imposed by the decree in any par-
ticular house. Paramount has numerous re-
gional partnerships with varying degrees of
ownership.
Barney Balaban, president; Austin C.
Keough, vice-president in charge of legal af-
fairs; Edward L. Hyman, Leon D. Netter and
Robert M. Weitman, vice-presidents of Para-
mount Theatres Service Corp.; Montague
Cowthorpe, treasurer; Walter Cross of the
legal staff; Max Fellerman, J. J. Deitch and
Hal Pereira will attend from the home office.
FPC Eases Up Prices;
Move Is Not General
TORONTO — Price increases of 5 to 10 per
cent have been put into effect by Famous
Players Canadian in many of its 188 theatres
across the country, but there has been no in-
dication yet that the move will be followed
generally by other operators.
The government recently lifted price ceil-
ings which had held Canadian theatre prices
at a low level since 1941.
Odeon, the J. Arthur Rank circuit which,
with FPC (Paramount), dominates the Ca-
nadian exhibition field, has increased prices
in only a few isolated suburban theatres, so
far as can be learned now.
MPA Fete Postponed;
Board to Honor Rank
NEW YORK — Conflicting dates with other
meetings and industry events caused post-
ponement of the 25th anniversary dinner of
Motion Picture Ass’n, which had been sched-
uled for May 8 at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel.
Decision was made Friday at a meeting of
the executive committee of the board of
directors, presided over by Eric Johnston.
In place of the anniversary dinner, the
board will entertain J. Arthur Rank at a
dinner the evening of May 8. Rank was to
have been a guest of honor and speaker at
the larger anniversary dinner.
Films Not the Promoters of Crime,
FBI's Hoover Says in Defense
10
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
INDUSTRY FINDS MANY WAYS
OF MEETING PHONE EMERGENCY
Program Changes Handled
Through Use of the Mails,
Telegrams and Autos
NEW YORK — The motion picture indus-
try this week found many ways of getting
around the telephone strike. As a result
of its ingenuity, program changes and ad-
vertising schedules were successfully han-
dled, with but few exceptions.
When 90,000 telephone workers in the
New York area left their switchboards and
maintenance jobs, the film exchanges,
home offices, independent exhibitors and
circuit headquarters used automobiles,
telegrams and the U.S. mail to keep in
touch with their out-of-town affairs.
Elsewhere around the country, film people
managed to get along in much the same
manner.
AFFECTED IN HOLLYWOOD
In Hollywood the strike was proving to be
a source of considerable inconvenience to
normal studio operations and in some cases
had a slowing effect on future production
plans, especially on situations where discus-
sions with home office executives were neces-
sary. As a matter of routine, studio heads
talked to their New York associates via long
distance several times a day. Such calls were
impossible in most cases and all inter-city
communications were limited to exchange of
telegrams.
Employes, particularly extra players living
in suburban cities, who were desirous of con-
tacting studios or central casting found
themselves stymied as “operator” calls were
limited to emergency messages.
The problem in New York was a compli-
cated one. There are approximately 600
theatres serviced out of New York in areas
beyond the New York City dial system. These
regions are New Jersey, Long Island and up-
state New York with about 300 theatres.
Staten Island, although one of the five city
boroughs, could be reached by New York
City, but could not return calls because it
has no dial phones.
About 500 theatres are situated in Man-
hattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens, and
are covered by city dial telephones unaffected
by the strike.
MANY PROBLEMS POSED
The problem, therefore, was how to trans-
mit urgent business in a hurry to the thea-
tres and field personnel outside these four
boroughs. Here is how some of the exhibi-
tors, home offices and exchanges succeeded.
The Independent Theatre Service, Inc., a
booking and buying office with headquarters
in New York, had little trouble in keeping its
26 New Jersey accounts supplied with film.
Several unexpected program changes were
successfully handled by the exhibitors them-
selves who came to New York by automobile
to return and receive prints. Those who
could not make the trip, called one of the
Independent employes who lived in a New
Jersey area that could be reached by other
Jerseyites with dial telephones. Orders and
instructions were transmitted and relayed
later in the day to the proper New York
film exchange.
The Brandt, Fabian and Cinema circuits
kept in touch with their out of town theatres
Strike and Flood Join
As Michigan Hazard
DETROIT — Michigan exhibitors were se-
verely hit by a combination of natural and
man-made difficulties of disaster proportions
over this past weekend, when the high floods,
combined with a hurricane following the
earlier blizzard, were followed by a telephone
strike that disrupted communications
throughout the state.
Despite the difficulty, an early check indi-
cated that the state’s motion picture industry
was carrying on in the traditional manner of
show business, with few reports of theatres
actually closed. Result is all the more spec-
tacular, because Michigan, unlike many other
parts of the country, is unprepared to cope
with flood situations, so rare have they been
except in a few special communities.
While flood waters were still rising on some
of the rivers, particularly in the Bay city-
Saginaw area, at press time, reports up to
then indicated that most exhibitors managed
to keep their houses open, even though the
weather deterred customers from coming out,
if they were not actually in a flooded part
of their towns. At Mount Clemens, where
a large part of the town was under water,
all theatres managed to keep operating. At
Flint, worst hit of the big cities, the Rialto,
State and Strand were reported closed, but
other houses were open, according to latest
available reports.
Actual conditions were not entirely clea1
at exchange headquarters, because the tele-
phone strike made communication difficult,
with all long distance service of any nature
shut off from Detroit for a time.
Seriously Affected
In St. Louis Area
ST. LOUIS, MO.— The strike of 8,000 tele-
phone workers in the St. Louis area and the
Southwestern Bell Telephone Company’s in-
tricate system of interzone toll charges cut
off the St. Louis film exchanges from all
but the 90 motion picture theatres in the city
proper, so far as telephone calls are con-
cerned. This means film managers, salesmen
and bookers must communicate by telegraph,
letter or personal visits with the other 525
theatres in the St. Louis exchange territory.
Only emergency long distance calls are go-
ing through.
through field representatives. These field
men made extra trips between their terri-
tories and the New York home offices for
last-minute instructions.
The Fabian circuit, which has theatres
scattered from Virginia to upstate New York,
made plans to send home office bookers and
buyers into other exchange areas in case
the strike was prolonged. These men had
full authority to handle all booking details.
During the first 48 hours of the strike, the
Fabian circuit found field men, telegrams
and the U.S. mail adequate substitutes for
the telephone.
The Brandt home office reported that one
of its theatres in Westchester county was
able to put through an emergency call to
RCA’s sound department when equipment
broke down. This call was placed with the
permission of the long distance operator.
The Warner home office in New York was
able to keep in touch with the Warner branch
in Newark via a direct dial line. And any
New York exchange wishing to reach the
Warner theatre department in Newark was
relayed through this direct wire.
NEW JERSEY BILL AIDS
The fact that the New Jersey legislature
passed a bill Tuesday night imposing fines
and jail sentences for telephone strikes, must
have had a lot to do with the improvement
of toll call service to the state on Wednes-
day. Approximately 6,000 maintenance and
clerical workers were ordered back to their
jobs by union leaders after the bill was
passed. Governor Driscoll deferred signing
the measure for one day.
The Walter Reade circuit, which has most
of its theatres in New Jersey, didn’t take
any chances on the quick resumption of
phone service in that state. The district
managers were given complete instructions
during the week at their monthly meeting
which fortunately had been scheduled for
the second day of the strike. Upon return-
ing to their districts, the managers imme-
diately passed on the home office instruc-
tions to the theatre personnel.
Century circuit was in a similar position.
Two meetings of district managers had been
called for this week. They, too, received all
last minute instructions and passed them on
to the theatre managers.
DEPEND ON TELEGRAMS
RKO had to lean heavily on telegram
service in order to communicate with its
theatres far from the home office. While
Western Union service took care of matters
that could hold a day, it wasn’t always the
most efficient means of communication for
making last-minute shifts.
In several instances when RKO had to
make immediate program changes, the West-
ern Union message came too late to pull
newspaper advertising which had already
gone to press. These were embarrassing and
costly delays.
Western Union wasn’t at fault. The volume
of messages rose 50 per cent during the first
24 hours of the strike in New York City, and
100 per cent out-of-town. The company
scoured the employment offices and its own
files for additional help. It asked former
personnel on the retired list to return to
work.
Executives at the MGM exchange and
salesmen in other exchanges, relied more
on automotive power than on Western Union.
The effect of the strike on the bookers was
evidenced in growing piles of mail and tele-
grams, and also more frequent visits by in-
frequently seen exhibitors.
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
11
PREMIUMS ARE ON THE INCREASE
AS THEATRES SEEK STIMULANTS
By NATHAN COHEN
What is the situation, ^nationally, regarding
the use of premiums and giveaways to stimu-
late business in the motion picture theatre?
Are exhibitors in a wholesale return to the
prewar practice of building boxoffice returns
with bank nights, dish nights, bingo, cooking
schools and other types of extracurricular
attractions? If the trend is toward this type
of stimulant, is it national in scope or con-
fined merely to those regions in which the
giveaway has been popular with audiences
in the past?
These are some of the questions BOXOF-
FICE last week asked its nationwide staff of
correspondents.
The answers can be summarized with a
single sentence:
TREND IS STRONG
In motion picture theatres across the
country, there is a strong undercurrent of
support to the use of giveaways, in great
variety; the trend is stronger in those areas
where exhibitors in prewar days offered such
trade stimulants, and in many sections thea-
tre men appear to be ready to join the pre-
mium line the moment business takes a se-
rious dip.
In New England, where premiums have
been extremely popular with patrons and
were offered even during the war years, in
the Cleveland district, in the Albany ex-
change district, in the Wisconsin and Minne-
sota region, and in and near Pittsburgh, thea-
tres have been at the head of the premium
parade.
On the other hand, there is plenty of evi-
dence that some sections of the country — at
the moment, at least — will have no part of
the premium business. In Texas, the report
is that exhibitors are giving virtually no con-
sideration to giveaways. Exhibitors coming
in to Dallas’ Filmrow indicated during the
week that, while business wasn’t what it has
been, they intend to hold out a long, long
while before being forced into taking the
giveaway route. Bank night has been ruled
illegal in the state.
Indianapolis, Little Rock, Wichita, Miami,
the Rocky Mountain states region, Yakima,
outstate Michigan — these are some of the
This is the Darto board, main prop of
one of the new theatre games. A patron
tosses a dart, and the number hit indi-
cates the audience winner.
Premiums at a Glance
There is a genuine drift toward the use
of premiums, giveaways and other stimu-
lants to boost theatre business.
New England leads in the percentage of
theatres offering giveaways to patrons.
Merchandise is still difficult to obtain,
but premium dealers report they are able
to handle old customers and are accept-
ing new accounts. It will be two years
before dinnerware becomes available in
steady supply.
Exhibitors in many areas where pre-
miums are not in vogue indicate they will
join the giveaway brigade if business falls
off seriously.
A number of large circuits, both inde-
pendent and affiliated, are in the cur-
rent group of theatres participating in
giveaway activities.
widely separated spots where exhibitors have
reported “nothing doing” on premiums. But
to each of these reports is attached a rider—
if business gets bad, dish nights, bank nights
where they are legal, cooking schools and
giveaways will bound back into the routine of
building boxoffice attractions.
CITE PROTECTIVE NEED
In Cleveland it is estimated that at least 85
per cent of the 91 independently owned
neighborhood houses use some sort of busi-
ness builder other than motion pictures,
one or more nights a week. Types of give-
away vary but the best draw is the cash prize.
All are similar to bank night, with weekly
accumulated sums reserved for registered pa-
trons. Dinnerware giveaways are popular
and at the moment the big premium deal is a
combination of a nationally advertised brand
of pressure cooker and a metal shopping cart,
offered by Jack Gertz, head of Theatre Films.
Some 35 theatres in the Cleveland area con-
tracted for the deal.
The reason Cleveland exhibitors give for
the double feature, giveaway practices is,
“Our competitors do it, so we have to keep
in step to protect ourselves.”
In the New England area, exhibitors ap-
parently accept giveaways as a boxoffice
necessity. There are probably more thea-
tres participating in various merchandise
deals than anywhere else in the country. One
premium dealer, Harry Germaine of the Price
Corp., said his company had sold premiums
all through the war years and that while new
accounts are “slow in coming in right now,”
houses which offered giveaways are con-
tinuing them. Meyer Ruttenberg of Coulter
Premiums said New England theatres had
never drifted away from premiums, while
Sam Davidson who operates Cameo Screen
Attractions not only held to this view but
said that, with product becoming available
in larger quantities, his staff is working on a
24-hour basis filling orders for theatres.
In the New Haven exchange district a
tendency to reintroduce giveaways has been
evident several months among the outstand-
ing neighborhood theatres. The Fishman
Dixwell Playhouse in New Haven and the
Rivoli in West Haven have started a mid-
week dish night. Johnson’s Strand in Ham-
den, Parkway in Bridgeport and the Lyric
and Webster in Hartford recently introduced
dish nights. At the Paramount in New
Haven, a radio quiz with cash prizes has been
introduced as a Wednesday night draw. The
Astor in Hartford and the Music Box in New
Britain are building children’s business by
giving away hobby horses on Saturdays.
The Michigan report is that an immediate
trend toward premium use is not discernible.
The use of giveaways is largely centered in
Detroit houses, and a number of neighbor-
hoods recently have inaugurated two and
three days a week of giveaways, often tied in
with change of program.
LOOMS IN PITTSBURGH
Gossip along Filmrow in Pittsburgh has it
that premiums will be introduced at an early
date “to hold the summer trade.” Some of
the early starters are offering bicycles, pres-
sure cookers and shopping carts. This same
tendency holds in the Minneapolis exchange
area. Some of the independent circuit exec-
utives this week said that it is only because
merchandise is not available that they
haven’t inaugurated the giveaways. Bennie
Berger of the Berger circuit said the trend is
definitely on its way to giveaways on midweek
dates.
George Germaine, manager for the W. R.
Frank chain, said his company “is strong”
for returning to premiums, but that because
of a limited supply of merchandise has de-
layed the program.
Independent exhibitors are not alone in
turning to giveaways. The circuits in the
Albany exchange area have joined with the in-
dependents in stimulating business by way of
giveaways. Fabian’s Leland Theatre for some
weeks has been advertising banko on Monday
and bingo on Wednesday. The biggest give-
away in the area, however, was promoted by
the four Warner theatres — an “Easter
Shower” on April 3. The Strand, Ritz, Madi-
son and Delaware were linked by telephone
wires as the drawings were called for such
merchandise as a refrigerator, mangle, radio-
phonograph, vacuum cleaner and 40 other
prizes.
SOME NOVEL IDEAS
While the attractions for these giveaway
nights around the country generally follow
the same pattern — bank night, bingo, dishes
— some novel ideas have been developed by
exhibitors to add dressing to their giveaway
programs. The Victoria Theatre in Okla-
homa City several weeks started a “gift
night” show with each patron handed an en-
velope containing from one cent to $10 or a
certificate for merchandise on display in the
lobby. A deal with merchants in the neigh-
borhood provided the merchandise. Foto Pay
day is another method used, with patrons
turning in their photographs for a drawing,
with the exhibitor reserving the right to use
the pictures for publicity purposes.
Darto, a new game for giveaway purposes,
has been introduced this spring through
Julian King of King Enterprises, Screen
Guild franchise holder in three territories.
The game was invented by Jimmie Stepina
of the Aztec Theatre, Shawnee, Kas., where
he has used it for months. It is an audience
participation game, consisting of a board
which registers both a page number and a
line number of patron registrants at which
darts are thrown by some member of the
audience. The winner is the patron whose
number is pierced by the dart. Dealers, in
15 exchange cities already have undertaken
distribution of the game.
12
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
WARNER BROS.’ TRADE SHOWINGS OF
ULiiiiio itiuhuh
JANIS PAIGE •
111 ' JnliL If 1 ITIHIl
BRUCE BENNETT
“CHE1
fENNE”
ALAN HALE • /
with
ARTHUR KENNEDY
1
O
5
PRIL 21st > 1947
CITY
PLACE OF SHOWING
ADDRESS
TIME
Albany
Warner Screening Room
79 N. Pearl St.
12:30 P.M.
Atlanta
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
197 Walton St. N.W.
2:30 P.M.
Boston
RKO Screening Room
122 Arlington St.
2:30 P.M.
Buffalo
Paramount Exchange
464 Franklin Street
2:00 P.M.
Charlotte
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
308 S. Church St.
10:00 A.M.
Chicago
Warner Screening Room
1307 So. Wabash Ave.
1:30 P.M.
Cincinnati
RKO Screening Room
Palace Th. Bldg. E. 6th
8:00 P.M.
Cleveland
Warner Screening Room
2300 Payne Ave.
1:30 P.M.
Dallas
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
1803 Wood St.
10:00 A.M.
Denver
Paramount Sc. Room
2100 Stout St.
2:00 P.M.
Des Moines
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
1300 High St.
12:45 P.M.
Detroit
Film Exchange Bldg.
2310 Cass Ave.
2:00 P.M.
Indianapolis
Paramount Sc. Room
116 W. Michigan St.
2:00 P.M.
Kansas City
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
1720 Wyandotte St.
1:30 P.M.
Los Angeles
Warner Screening Room
2025 S. Vermont Ave.
2:00 P.M.
Memphis
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
151 Vance Ave.
10:00 A.M.
Milwaukee
Warner Th. Sc. Rm.
212 W. Wisconsin Ave.
2:00 P.M.
Minneapolis
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
1015 Currie Ave. N.
2:00 P.M.
New Haven
Warner Th. Proj. Rm.
70 College St.
2:00 P.M.
New Orleans
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
200 S. Liberty St.
1:30 P.M.
New York
Home Office
321 W. 44th St.
2:30 P.M.
Oklahoma
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
10 North Lee St.
1:30 P.M.
Omaha
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
1502 Davenport St.
1:00 P.M.
Philadelphia
Vine St. Sc. Room
1220 Vine St.
2:30 P.M.
Pittsburgh
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
1715 Blvd. of Allies
1:30 P.M.
Portland
Jewel Box Sc. Room
1947 N.W. Kearney St.
2:00 P.M.
Salt Lake
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
216 East 1st South
2:00 P.M.
San Francisco
Republic Sc. Room
221 Golden Gate Ave.
1:30 P.M.
Seattle
Jewel Box Sc. Room
2318 Second Ave.
10:30A.M.
St. Louis
S’renco Sc. Room
3143 Olive St.
1:00 P.M.
Washington
Earle Th. Bldg.
13th & E Sts. N.W.
10:30A.M.
‘Tttevi autd Sueafy
It's a Controversy
J^ISTEN to some of the high powered sales
executives and equally high powered
publicists and it will be possible to become
convinced that there is something new
about leasing a theatre to show a picture.
Some of the younger men say it’s brand
new — an invention of Samuel Goldwyn
for “Best Years of Our Lives”; that David
O. Selznick copied it for “Duel in the Sun,”
and more along these lines.
“Ho, hum!” remark the veterans, “ 'Birth
of a Nation’ was shown in this way in
1915. ‘The Covered Wagon’ was shown on
this basis by J. J. McCarthy for Paramount
in 1923, and there have been others.”
Gradwell Sears, Capt. Harold Auten and
Paul Lazarus jr. don’t mind pointing out
that United Artists has been showing
“Henry V” in leased houses for more than
a year with a very handsome net profit.
Even the massed regional openings for
“Duel in the Sun” now planned are not
exactly new. In fact, there are so many
precedents in this business that it’s hard
to find anything really new. S. Barret
McCormick really put massed regional
openings on a modern basis with radio co-
operation when “Hitler’s Children” came
out. There have been a number of them
since, including “Caesar and Cleopatra”
and the 46 regional bookings in Pennsyl-
vania for “The Fabulous Dorseys.”
* * *
'Outlaw' Repercussions
REPERCUSSIONS from the banning of
“The Outlaw” in New York City by
License Commissioner Benjamin Fielding
continue to pop up. The first one came
when a bill was introduced in the last ses-
sion of the legislature to permit the state
censors to ban a picture if they found the
advertising objectionable. This bill be-
came lost in the legislative shuffle.
In the meantime Howard Hughes has
had a suit before the New York supreme
court seeking a writ to prevent the license
commissioner from threatening to with-
draw theatre licenses if any attempt were
made to show the picture in the city. The
court has refused to interfere and has up-
held the commissioner’s right to revoke a
license.
This, in effect, permits local censorship
of pictures in addition to the state censor-
ship, unless it is upset on appeal.
* * *
Don't Damage Sagebrush
IF anybody is planning an automobile trip
to the coast, we wish they would take
along a couple of “No Trespassing” signs
for us and erect them within “Section 1,
New Mexico Meridian, New Mexico, Town-
ship four North, Range twelve West.” This
piece of land is 208.71 feet square and up
to March 15, 1947, was owned by the Santa
Fe Railroad.
It’s all right for our friends to shoot a
couple of gophers and to camp out over
night after shooing the rattlers and gila
monsters away, but we’re very fond of sage-
brush, so don’t use it for campfires.
The Sea of Grass Land Co., headed by
By JAMES M. JERAULD
Howard Dietz of MGM, and with Herbert
Crooker, as vice-president, deeded this
property to us. Herb’s other job is MGM
publicity manager.
Maggie McNellis, radio commentator,
and a large number of newspaper writers
have come into possession of adjoining
acres in the past couple of weeks with the
result that the Sea of Grass Land Co. has
garnered an enormous amount of publicity
by air and in print.
The net result is that the public at large
has become acutely aware of the existence
of an MGM picture called “Sea of Grass,”
another of those coincidences which Dietz
arranges with consummate skill from time
to time.
* * *
Belated Raises
QANADIAN exhibitors whose admission
scales were controlled by the govern-
ment during the war are now raising prices
from three to five cents all along the line
to make up for some of the rise in opera-
tion costs. They are doing it regretfully,
because there is price resistance in both
Canada and the U.S. these days, and in
many lines of business in both courtries
there is pressure for reductions.
Exhibitors in this country who are
watching what seems to be two conflicting
price tendencies will do themselves a favor
before following the Canadian example, if
they remember that up there wartime ad-
vances were barred.
* ★
Prejudices Fall Away
gOME surprising changes in the exhibi-
tion map are taking place without at-
tracting much attention. One of these is
the spread of so-called art theatres. “Henry
V” caught the fancy of many neighbor-
hood exhibitors, even if they didn’t suc-
ceed in booking it. Increasing numbers of
English pictures are getting this type of
booking. Some of the recent French and
Italian films have received so much critical
attention they have received bookings.
On top of this the leasing of theatres for
advanced-price roadshows has disturbed
the routine of many operators. Pictures
with all-colored casts also are getting more
circulation.
One result is that out-of-the-ordinary
Sole Owner of One Town,
He's Mayor of Another
Rolla, Mo. — R. E. Carney, realtor and
owner of the Rollano and Uptown thea-
tres here, has the distinction of being
the owner of one Missouri town and the
mayor-elect of another.
He attracted nationwide attention
some months ago when he purchased the
town of Arlington, Mo., at a sheriff’s sale
for $10,000.
In the municipal electons here he was
elected mayor of Rolla by a 540-vote mar-
gin over J. E. Ashton.
“HE LOOKS LIKE YOU” — William
Elliott, who stars with Vera Ralston and
John Carroll in Republic’s “Wyoming,”
interrupts a chat with James R. Grainger,
vice-president in charge of distribution.
The photo Elliott is holding is of Edmund
Grainger, James R.’s son, who is scheduled
to start producing “The Fabulous Texan”
soon.
features are going into neighborhoods and
towns where there was a prejudice against
them hardly more than a year ago.
< The more this is recognized, the less will
be the danger to the industry in local,
state or federal legislation aimed against
it.)
* * *
German Market Opening
pROSPECTS are brightening for reopen-
ing of the German film market, at
least in the U.S. and British zones. What
will happen in the Russian zone probably
will become clear after a peace treaty has
been agreed upon. Irving Maas, vice-
president of the Motion Picture Export
Assn, has flown to Germany for confer-
ences with military authorities on the re-
sumption of distribution.
There probably will be very little oppor-
tunity to take actual cash out of that mar-
ket for a long time, but re-establishing dis-
tribution on a private basis for the first
time since Hitler’s rise to power is con-
sidered important for future trade possi-
bilities.
* * *
Mexico 16mm Shows Hit
jyjEXICO'S union projectionists have set
out to put a complete ban on public
16mm shows in their country. The results
will be interesting. Unions down there
have considerable power with public offi-
cials and don’t hesitate to use it, but often
their mercurial actions are followed by
some kind of a compromise.
A successful ban on 16mm theatre shows
in the numerous sparsely populated com-
munities where they have been spreading
might have an effect in other Latin coun-
tries.
* * *
Legislatures Quitting
RXHIBITORS will start breathing easier
in the next four weeks. Seventeen of
the 44 state legislatures in session have
adjourned and six more are scheduled to
quit in two weeks. Others will follow
rapidly. Tax measures are still pending
in a number of them.
14
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
Mrtftd-iT r- ~ -“.y
1
1
~P£
in i * ii im fun ■Mm ii«dM|pi|lW|
f$r '''g
Bjr “* H& ’ ~ " f "l"f?f '
~.,|K*. ...... -• *■ ■ (/ r
\
t mu
iiQm
MONEY 6-ROWS IN BROOKLYN !
Not since M-G-M’s "Anchors Aweigh”
Has there been such good fun on the screen!
"IT HAPPENED IN BROOKLYN” is a BIG hit
Because its got happiness for the masses!
Happy Stars! Happy Songs! Happy Romance!
From Coast to Coast it’s packing theatres!
Great names— plus a new star!
Peter Lawford is the fastest-building box-office favorite in
America today! He’s in good company here with
Sinatra, Grayson, Durante— all at their best!
This is what the public wants!
★
Screen Play by Isobel Lennart • Based on an Original Story by John McGowan • Directed by RICHARD WHORF • Produced by JACK CUMMINGS
A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture
LITHO US
FWC Pilots May Strike
Over Candy Profit Cut
20th-F ox to Pierce
'The Iron Curtain'
HOLLYWOOD— Inspired by the recent re-
port of J. Edgar Hoover to the House com-
mittee investigating un-American activities,
20th Century-Fox will produce a picture titled
“The Iron Curtain,” which will undertake
to expose the past and current activities in
this country and Canada of Russian espio-
nage agents.
Plans for the daring feature were revealed
by Darryl F. Zanuck, 20th-Fox vice-presi-
dent in charge of production, who personally
will supervise its making and who tentatively
has assigned Sol Siegel to produce the film.
Fundamental source material will be the re-
port of FBI Chief Hoover as well as the re-
port of the Royal Canadian Commission
which was formed to investigate the work of
the notorious Russian spy ring which was
exposed in the Dominion at the close of the
war. .
In revealing plans for the picture, Zanuck
stressed that it will not be a spy scare story
but will concern itself with actual facts out-
lined in the Hoover and Canadian reports.
Documentary technique will be employed,
such as was used in “The House on 92nd
Street,” “13 Rue Madeleine,” and “Boom-
erang” and most of the filming will be on
actual locations in this country and Canada.
Currently Col. Jason Joy, the studio’s liaison
with Washington, and Anthony Muto, Wash-
ington bureau chief of Movietone News, are
in the national capital laying ground work
for the picture, while Martin Berkeley has
been assigned to write the first draft of the
script. Zanuck plans to have the venture
before the cameras by midsummer.
LOS ANGELES — With feelings brought to
the boiling point because Fox West Coast
theatre managers were made to take a 20
per cent cut in their participation in candy
revenues, looming anew is the possibility of
a local managers’ strike.
Grievances of the managers were aired at
a mass meeting called by the Associated
Theatre Operating Managers which was at-
tended by a majority of FWC house managers
as well as those from several smaller circuits.
ATOM was organized in October 1945, its
initial membership largely comprising FWC
managers, and it now claims a membership
of more than 250. Since its organization the
guild has attempted informal negotiations
with circuit heads on wages, working condi-
tions and hours, without accomplishing much
definite action, albeit from time to time there
have been talks of the possibility of a strike
unless the circuit recognized the association
as the bargaining agent for house managers.
Following the mass meeting ATOM spokes-
men declared that another effort would be
made to negotiate with Charles Skouras,
president of FWC as well as National Thea-
tres, and with the heads of other circuits,
before any strike action is taken. ATOM
desires a contract with the circuits provid-
ing for higher wages, shorter hours, better
working conditions and, above all, restora-
tion of the cut in their share of the take on
the sale of candy and popcorn.
Prior to that cut FWC house heads drew
five per cent of the sweets counter take
which two weeks ago was sliced to four per
cent.
Preceding the mass meeting ATOM ad-
dressed an “open letter” to Skouras vehement-
ly and bitterly indicting the circuit chief for
having cut their income and declaring, in
part:
“Recently your company announced that it
would arbitrarily cut the candy income of
the theatre managers by one-fifth and that
of this ‘cut’ one-half would go to your execu-
tives, the district managers, and one-half to
the welfare fund, for which the theatre man-
agers have already paid their proper part.
“You must know that the theatre managers
are underpaid to start with and work a
greater number of hours than any employes
in your organization.
“They developed this candy business, and
the five per cent commission has always been
considered as part of their salaries.
“You are making more money than you
ever made before, and at this time you mar
that wonderful record by taking needed dol-
lars away from the loyal theatre managers
who helped you make Fox West Coast what it
is torfay.”
Film Industry Invited to Join
in Creating Edison Foundation
National Screen to Hold
International Meeting
NEW YORK — National Screen Service will
hold its 1947 international convention at the
Drake hotel, Chicago, April 17 to 19, accord-
ing to Melvin L. Gold, director of advertising
and publicity. The meeting will feature the
annual discussion of policy with regard to
sales and service. National Screen salesmen,
branch managers and home office officials
are scheduled to attend the meetings. John
R. McPherson and Arnold Williams, the com-
pany’s co-managing directors in London, will
also be present.
Joseph A. Wolfe Named
As Treasurer of NSS
NEW YORK — Joseph A. Wolfe, controller
for National Screen Service, has been named
as treasurer by the board of directors. Her-
man Robbins, president, made the announce-
ment. Wolfe has been with National Screen
since 1944. He started as chief accountant
and a year later was named controller. He
was with the Treasury department before
joining National Screen and his background
experience includes the fields of accounting,
bank examining and business management.
Ohio Censor Board Bans
RKO's 'Born to Kill'
COLUMBUS, OHIO— The Ohio Board of
Censors has rejected in its entirety RKO’s
“Born to Kill” with Lawrence Tierney and
Claire Trevor. This is believed to be the first
time in several years that a feature from a
major studio has been rejected by the Ohio
board. Censors pointed out that the rejec-
tion is not necessarily final, since the film
may be reconsidered if the producer files an
appeal. RKO has not indicated whether it
will make an appeal.
NEW YORK — Plans for the film industry’s
participation in formation of the Thomas
Alva Edison Foundation as a memorial to
the inventor were discussed at a luncheon
given Wednesday at the Hotel Plaza by Maj.
Gen. Edward F. Curtis, vice-president of
Eastman Kodak Co. He is chairman of the
motion picture section of a campaign to raise
a fund of $2,590,000 to support the project
for the first ten years.
A quota of $400,000 has been set for the
film industry, with the hope that $300,000
of this will be provided by corporations and
$100,000 by the artists in the business.
Philip D. Reed, chairman of the board of
General Electric and industrial chairman of
the campaign, pointed out that Edison’s
basic inventions made possible the founda-
tion of at least 30 of America’s greatest in-
dustries. He said that Harvey Firestone jr.
and other backers of the project felt that a
foundation that would stimulate interest in
inventions by young men and women would
be a great thing for the country. He said
that before the war American industries
spent $200,000,000 annually on research and
are now spending $1,000,000,000.
“FILM INDUSTRY FOUNDER”
“Much of this research,” he said, “is done
by mathematical calculation. There is great
danger that youngsters may think there is no
longer room for the empirical trial and error
approach of Edison. There is. Edison's ex-
periments often led to surprise inventions
that he had not foreseen. It’s still possible
to do this and it is important that it should
be done.”
General Curtis said: “If ever an individual
could be called the founder of the motion pic-
ture industry, Edison is that man. All of
the great amount of commercial work that
has been accomplished in the motion picture
field has been attained through the use of
Edison’s basic apparatus and methods
licensed under his patents.”
He listed the objectives of the proposed
foundation as:
1. To preserve the Edison library and
laboratory at West Orange, N. J.
2. To establish the Edison Center for In-
vention, Discovery and Research.
3. To restore the nationwide Edison
scholastic competition.
AMONG THOSE ATTENDING
Among the guests at the luncheon were:
J. Cheever Cowdin, chairman of the board of
Universal-International; Francis Harmon,
vice-president of the MPA; W. C. Michel,
vice-president, 20th-Fox; Ralph Poucher, Re-
public Pictures; Abe Schneider, vice-presi-
dent, Columbia Pictures; Adolph Zukor,
chairman of the board of Paramount; W. J.
German of J. E. Brulatour, Inc.; Matthew
Fox, vice-president of Universal-Interna-
tional; Jack Alicoate, Film Daily; Terry
Ramsaye, Motion Picture Herald; Charles
Lewis, Showmen’s Trade Review; J. M. Jer-
auld, BOXOFFICE.
Fund headquarters have been established
at 112 Park Ave., New York City.
Expect 1,200 to Attend
Variety's Convention
LOS ANGELES — Most recent estimates set
at 1,200 the number of leading exhibitors and
distributors representing Variety Club tents
who will attend the international convention
here May 13-17.
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
17
The Strange Woman
is a Hunt Stromberg
productiomThe Strange
Woman stars Hedy
Lamarr. The Strange
Woman is doing out-
standing business all
over the country. The
Strange Woman is an
exhibitor’s picture.
I
Dishonored Lady
is a Hunt Stromberg
production. Dishonored
Lady stars Hedy Lamarr.
Dishonored Lady will
equal— or better— the
business now being done
by The Strange Woman .
That’s a promise from
UA!
Prefer Live Telecasts to Film Programs
B&K Learns About Video Audiences Likes and Dislikes
Customers in a Chicago tavern watching a television broadcast.
CHICAGO — Although some television ex-
ecutives have indicated that the industry in
its early stages will have to depend upon
films for the great share of its telecasts, mo-
tion picture programs are the least desired
by owners of television sets in this area.
In the first complete survey to be made of
a television audience — undertaken by Bala-
ban & Katz’s WBKB — set owners preferred
remote shows, i. e., programs telecast from
on-the-spot events. Their second choice was
live studio shows, while film shows were third.
The survey, directed by W. C. Eddy, the
station’s director, gave exhibitors and radio
people here their first detailed analysis of
the likes and dislikes of television audiences
as well as indicating the competition which
video may provide for motion picture thea-
tres. One point is certain, set owners ap-
parently prefer to see their films in a theatre,
and not on a television screen. The ques-
tionnaire was mailed to 1,071 persons who
own television receivers in this trade area.
Forty per cent mailed back their answers.
Here are some of the highlights of the
report:
1. Television audiences are largest on
Sunday and Friday nights, with Satur-
day night the poorest. Afternoon listen-
ing is about the same during the week.
There is little audience for television
before noon or in the late afternoon and
early evening hours. Best listening hours
are from 2 p. m. to 5 p. m. and from
7 p. m. to 11 p. m.
2. The 30-minute program is preferred,
with 15-minute shows next. On sporting
events, however, the listeners desire to
have the entire event covered. This
strengthens the opinion held by many
film executives that feature films are too
long to hold the interest of living room
audiences.
3. First in audience appeal are comedy
programs, followed closely by musicals,
audience participation shows and mys-
teries. For news, the newsreel is preferred
to straight commentary or illustrative
commentary.
4. Musicals are the preferred film tele-
casts, followed by comedy, drama and
travelogs in the top bracket. Only 22 set
owners indicated they wanted cartoons.
Movie serials were preferred on a daily
basis by 115 persons.
Sifted down, the report emphasizes the
fact that the television audience wants a full
view of Chicago — entertainment, sports, public
events and educational facilities. The figures
also revealed that the present television audi-
ence averages 12,000 nightly, with two-thirds
of the sets in homes and the remaining one-
third in places of business.
As WBKB executives anticipated, remote
shows, particularly sports, rated tops with
50 per cent of the receiver owners. Live
shows rated 30 per cent and film shows 20
per cent. However, viewers did not indicate
they wanted sports to the exclusion of all
other features. It was noticeable that educa-
tional and news shows originating in the
CHICAGO — New developments in photog-
raphy, sound recording, laboratory process-
ing, sound reproduction, projection, television
and other arts and sciences related to the
production and exhibition of motion pictures
will be described in the 69 technical papers
submitted for delivery at the 61st semiannual
convention of the Society of Motion Picture
Engineers to be held April 21 to April 25 at
the Drake hotel, according to Gordon A.
Chambers, chairman of the papers committee.
Approximately half of the scheduled papers
deal with the production and uses of 8mm
and 16mm films. Titles on the tentative pro-
gram are “Special Adaptations and Applica-
tion of 16mm Motion Picture Cameras to
studios were desired by a great many of the
television set owners.
Commenting on this trend, Eddy pointed
out that WBKB at present looks to remotes
to provide program events of proved popu-
larity. Features to be covered are selected
on the basis of boxoffice appeal and already
commercially successful.
New schedules at WBKB, in keeping with
survey results, will also carry more dramatic
productions. As station income increases,
production budget will increase and shows
can be expected to take on that polish now
found to a greater degree in remote shows.
Medical and Scientific Needs,’’ by Mervin
LaRue sr. of Chicago and Mervin LaRue jr.
of Bell & Howell Co.; Educational Films for
a Democratic Tomorrow,” by Eddie Albert,
Hollywood actor; “Psychology of the Sound
Film,” by L. Mercer Francisco of Francisco
Films, Chicago; “Movies on Wheels — Sound
Pictures for Passenger Trains,” by John G.
Bitel of Comprehensive Service Corp. of New
York, and “Training Film Production Prob-
lems,” by Reid H. Ray of Ray-Bell Films, Inc.
of St. Paul.
J. L. Pettus and L. T. Sachtleben of the
RCA film recording section, will describe a
variable-area recorder optical system permit-
ting the recording of either negative or di-
rect-positive sound track, John G. Frayne of
Western Electric Co. will talk on a new port-
able 16mm sound recording system and M. E.
Collins of RCA’s Hollywood engineering staff
will discuss a line of compact lightweight re-
corders for both 35mm and 16mm film.
Other papers on the tentative schedule in-
clude “My First Fifty Years in Motion Pic-
tures,” by Oscar B. Depue of Chicago; “Tele-
vision Studio Lighting,” by Captain W. C.
Eddy, director of Station WBKB in Chicago,
and “Television Remote Operation,” by A. H.
Brolly, chief engineer of WBKB. Many of
these papers will be supplemented by demon-
strations and exhibitions of the apparatus
discussed.
The convention will open with a “get-to-
gether” luncheon on April 21 with technical
sessions scheduled for the afternoon and eve-
ning. These sessions will continue both morn-
ings and afternoons April 22, 23, 24 and 25.
The society’s 61st semiannual dinner dance
will be held in the evening of April 23.
Types of Video Programs Desired in Chicago
50
100
150
200
250
300
Musicals
Training
Documentary
Cartoons
Travelogues
Drama
Comedies
“Old Time"
Latest Data in Video, Projection,
Recording on the SMPE Agenda
20
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
n
mSmSfrW&i
iresents
Based on the comic strip
"BLONDIE '’created by ClliC Young
PENNY ARTHUR LARRY
More \vr*rv‘!l*
SINGLE TON. -UK E-SIMJl *
Newspaper Reading.
iJORIE KENT • JEROME COWAN • GRANT MITCHELL
Original Screenplay by Constance Lee
Directed by ABBY BERLIN
Film Salesmen Seek Labor Contracts
Colosseum of Motion Picture Salesmen of America, executive board, meet at
Hotel Continental, Chicago. Clockwise from left to right: Edgar E. Shinn, Paramount,
New Orleans; David Beznor, attorney, Milwaukee; Barry Goldman, Monogram,
Washington, D. C.; D. J. Edele, Warner Bros., St. Louis; Frank Salley, RKO, Atlanta;
Arthur M. Van Dyke, 20th-Fox, Chicago; N. Provencher, United Artists, Milwaukee;
Ross Williams, United Artists, Cincinnati; Pat Halloran, Universal, Minneapolis;
Richard Lange, RKO, Los Angeles; Floyd Bernard, 20th-Fox, San Francisco; Mel F.
Kellar, Warner Bros., Portland. Others present not in the picture were Sam Resnick,
Kansas City, and Joel Bluestone, New Orleans.
CHICAGO — Arthur M. Van Dyke, sales
manager of 20th-Fox Chicago exchange and
national president of the newly activated
Colosseum of Motion Picture Salesmen of
America, salesmen’s union, heads a three-man
committee which will seek to negotiate labor
contracts with distributors. Serving with him
are: N. Provencher, Milwaukee, national
executive secretary, and M. F. Kellar, Port-
land, Ore., national vice-president. Their legal
ST. LOUIS — In a test case, with the same
restrictions possibly applying to a number of
other St. Louis houses, the Robin Theatre
was closed Wednesday night by police on
orders of the city counsellor’s office after a
report by the city fire marshal that its con-
struction does not conform to certain re-
quirements of the new city building code.
Circuit Judge Ward continued until April
17 his hearing on application of the theatre
owners, Arthur F. D. Kalbfell and Marie K.
Wimberley, for an injunction to restrain po-
lice from interfering with operation of the
theatre. The judge declined to issue a tem-
porary injunction.
If the jurist finally refuses to grant the in-
junction and the theatre is forced to close
permanently pending complete rebuilding to
conform to the restrictions of the new code,
the issue may be taken all the way to the
Missouri supreme court, possibly to the high-
est federal tribunal.
That is the viewpoint expressed here by
observers, who see in the Robin test case
a constitutional point of confiscation of prop-
erty without due process of law.
Jack Rosenfeld Becomes
Herald Sales Manager
NEW YORK — Jack Rosenfeld has joined
Herald Pictures’ as sales manager in charge
of the company’s first release, “Boy, What a
Girl!” according to Jack Goldberg, president.
The company has opened national sales of-
fices at 630 Ninth Ave.
adviser is David Beznor of Milwaukee, Wis.
The committee was appointed by the execu-
tive committee at a meeting held here at the
Continental hotel. It will seek audiences with
distributors in New York home offices within
the near future.
Bargaining strategy was discussed by the 13
members of the executive committee who con-
vened here from many sections of the coun-
try.
'Dickie' of the 7 Little Foys
Dies Suddenly in Dallas
DALLAS — Richard E. “Dickie” Foy, man-
ager of the downtown Palace for Interstate
and “littlest” of the famous Seven Little
Foys of vaudeville fame, died here suddenly
Good Friday following a cerebral hem-
orrhage. He was 42.
Son of the late Eddie Foy, Dickie was
casting director at Warner studios in Holly-
wood during the early days of sound. He
later managed the Globe Theatre in New
Orleans, coming to Dallas in 1933, when he
managed five theatres for Interstate circuit
before moving downtown to the Rialto and
Melba, and finally to the circuit’s important
Palace.
Gerald Akers Is Dead
SAN FRANCISCO — Gerald “Jerry” Akers,
nationally known motion picture and radio
showman since 1914, died here of a heart
attack last week. In the radio business since
1926, when he resigned as western division
manager for Paramount, Akers reached the
first milestone in his career when he became
branch manager for the company in Omaha.
After serving in the same capacity in Kan-
sas City, he was transferred to the home
office where, in 1920 he became assistant sales
manager. It was after this appointment that
Akers was named sales manager for Para-
mount’s Canadian offices. Following his resig-
nation from the firm in 1926, he became
active in radio in Phoenix, Denver and San
Francisco.
/^ectceat > >
< <
CALCUTTA (Para) — It’s the locale — and the
lavish production accoutrements devoted
thereto — which save this from being a mere
run-o’-mill whodunit, because, as concerns
story, there is little to distinguish it from
ordinary murder mysteries. Such hand-
some mountains and the fact that two of
the toplines are filled by popular male stars
elevate the offering slightly above the
formula classification to which its plot rele-
gates it. Alan Ladd, Gail Russell, William
Bendix, June Deprez, Lowell Gilmore. Di-
rected by John Farrow.
GINGER (Mono) — Another of the animal
cycle pictures, using an engaging but not
exceptionally talented mutt with a group
of child actors about which the same must
be said. Frank Albertson’s prizefighting
scene is the best part of the picture — but
he is ruled out because of bad eyes and be-
comes the keeper of the local dog pound.
Frank Albertson, Barbara Reed, Johnny
Calkins, Janet Burston, Gene Collins. Di-
rected by Oliver Drake.
HARD-BOILED MAHONEY (Mono)— First
they were the Dead End Kids, then the East
Side Kids, and now they are the Bowery
Boys, but they still resort to mugging and
the same brand of slapstick humor to get
laughs. While their latest knockabout pro-
grammer is too juvenile for sophisticated
patrons, it’s made-to-order for the neigh-
borhood or small town houses where the
youngsters predominate. Leo Gorcey,
Huntz Hall, Gabriel Dell, Bobby Jordan,
Betty Compson. William Beaudine directed.
HOMESTEADERS OF PARADISE VALLEY
(Rep) — Its title telegraphs the fact that
this is a western and at the same time much
of the nature of the formula plot — that
standard set of situations in which our
hero saves the harassed homesteaders from
the machinations of the heavies who are
undertaking to gouge them by monopoliz-
ing the water rights. Let it be noted that
the film is one of the Red Ryder series with
Allan Lane in the title role. Allan Lane,
Bobby Blake, Martha Wentworth, Ann
Todd, Gene Stutenroth.
JEWELS OF BRANDENBURG (20th-Fox) —
Cleverly conceived is the story from which
stemmed this tense melodrama about des-
perate jewel thieves, and as a companion
piece it should prove a treat for the fans
who relish their cops-and-robbers fare in
an international setting and with a cloak
and dagger garnishment. In the less im-
portant dual situations, the offering, prop-
erly merchandised, easily could go top side.
Richard Travis, Micheline Cheirel, Carol
Thurston, Leonard Strong, Fernando Al-
varado. Eugene Forde directed.
VIOLENCE (Mono) — This picture starts out
with a good idea on a current subject but
in the telling doesn’t quite make the grade
as top film fare. Story deals with the
United Defenders, typical racketeering gang
of thugs who, for a price, will use their or-
ganization for any sort of fascist activity.
In spite of its faults the picture manages
to convey a constructive message. Nancy
Coleman, Michael O’Shea, Sheldon Leonard,
Peter Whitney, Emory Parnell. Bernard
Brandt directed.
These reviews will appear in full in
a forthcoming issue of Boxoffice
Map Appeal After Theatre Is Closed
In Test of St. Louis Building Code
22
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
X COLUMBIA PICTURES X
Announces
THAT PRINTS OF THE FOLLOWING
PICTURES ARE NOW AVAILABLE
IN OUR EXCHANGES FOR
v SCREENINGS! V
YATES AND GRAINGER PRESIDE— Herbert J. Yates, presi-
dent of Republic Pictures, addressed the company’s eastern sales
meet at the New York Athletic club. James R. Grainger, executive
vice-president and general sales manager, presided at the two-
day meeting which was attended by division managers and district
managers in the eastern, New England and central districts. Seated,
left to right: Mickey Isman, assistant general manager of Empire
Universal Films, Ltd.; William Martin Saal, executive assistant
to Yates; A. W. Perry, president and general manager of Empire
Universal; James V. O’Gara, eastern division manager; Yates,
Grainger, Edward L. Walton, assistant general sales manager;
Walter L. Titus jr., southern division manager; Jake Flax, Wash-
ington branch manager, and Irwin H. Pollard, Detroit branch
manager. Standing, left to right: John Petrauskas jr., company
treasurer; Norman Levin, Cleveland branch manager; Frank Dervin,
district manager; Herbert Schaefer, Boston branch manager;
Arthur Newman, Albany branch manager; John Alexander; John
Curtin; Leon Herman, Buffalo branch manager; Sam Seplowin,
central district* manager; William Feld, Pittsburgh branch man-
ager; William P. Murphy, New York branch manager; Richard
Yates, Maxwell Gillis, eastern district manager; Jerome Lewis, New
Haven branch manager; Albert E. Schiller; Fred Franke; Joseph
Engel, Philadelphia branch manager; Edward Riester and George
H. Kirby, Cincinnati branch manager.
Second Regional Meet
U-I Ad Force Holds T wo-Day Meeting ;
Plans Sessions Three Times Yearly
NEW YORK — Universal-International
home office advertising, publicity and pro-
motion men, plus all the field men east of
the Rockies and a number of top executives,
began a two-day discussion of plans for forth-
coming product at the Hotel Astor on
Wednesday.
This was the first over-all publicity and
advertising discussion for the eastern forces
since the U-I merger and the closer opera-
tion with J. Arthur Rank. These sessions
will be held three times a year hereafter,
with the second one already scheduled for
September. Plans for sending out flying
squadrons of promotion men from the home
office were discussed.
BERGMAN LEADS MEETING
John Joseph, U-I national director of pub-
licity and advertising, was unable to attend,
because of a recent leg injury. Maurice A.
Bergman, eastern advertising and publicity
director, presided.
William A. Scully, vice-president and gen-
eral sales manager, addressed the gathering.
Matthew Fox, U-I vice-president and chair-
man of the board of United World Films,
16mm subsidiary, told of the general plans
of United World. Henry A. Linet, eastern
advertising manager, discussed plans for
more cooperative exhibitor advertising. A1
Horwitz, publicity manager, went into de-
tails on territorial publicity plans.
William Heineman, sales manager for the
Rank division of U-I, spoke at the Thursday
sessions.
LIST OF ATTENDANTS
Pictures discussed included: “The Egg
and I,” “Time Out of Mind,” “Buck Privates
Come Home,” “Odd Man Out,” “Great Ex-
pectations,” “Stairway to Heaven,” “Ivy,”
“Something in the Wind,” “Slave Girl,”
“Secret Beyond the Door,” “Brute Force,”
“Singapore,” “The Last Moment,” “My Heart
Goes Crazy” and “Pirates of Monterey.”
Field exploitation men who attended were:
Ben Katz, Harold Butchin, Chicago; Harry
Keller, Cincinnati; Ed Rosenbaum, Phila-
delphia; Perry Spencer, Atlanta; Ralph Ober,
Dallas, and William Schulman, Boston.
Home office executives and Rank repre-
sentatives who attended in addition to those
already mentioned included: Bernard
Kranze, L. J. McGinley, Laury Audrain, Jock
Lawrence, Monroe Greenthal, A. J. O’Keefe,
E. T. Gomersall, F. J. A. McCarthy, Fred
Meyers and Charles Feldman. Seymour
Morris of Schine Theatres was a guest at the
Thursday luncheon.
The following members of the home office
advertising, publicity and exploitation staffs
also were present: Charles Simonelli, A. J.
Sharick, Bob Wile, Morris Alin, Walter Bar-
ber, William Kernan, Doris Glass, Milton
Livingston, Jeff Livingston, Alfred Cohan,
A1 Mendelsohn, Jerome Evans, Herman Kass,
Neil McNeil, Harold Gutman, Clifford Kane,
Marion Orford, Dina Dore, Peggy Mahoney,
E. J. Eustace, David Stern and Lillian
Thompson.
Lapidus-Ayers Holding
WB Regional Sessions
NEW YORK — Jules Lapidus, eastern di-
vision sales manager for Warner Bros., and
Norman Ayers, southern division sales man-
ager, are currently conducting a group of
territorial meetings in connection with the
1947 sales drive which starts April 27 and
runs to July 26. Lapidus held a session in
Boston during the week with Sam Lefko-
witz, district manager; W. W. Brumberg,
manager of the field exploitation staff and
captain of the sales drive and the following
branch managers: George W. Horan, Bos-
ton; Clarence Eiseman, New York; Carl Goe,
New Haven; Ray S. Smith, Albany, and E.
A. Catlin, Buffalo. Art Moger, field man,
also attended. Ayers conducted a meeting
with members of the Charlotte branch
headed by Ralph J. Iannuzzi, manager, and
the Atlanta office, headed by W. O. William-
son jr., manager.
For Republic Held
CHICAGO — James R. Grainger, Republic
vice-president in charge of sales and distri-
bution, presided at a two-day sales confer-
ence held at the Hotel Blackstone during the
week. This was the second of the company’s
series of regionals, the first of which was
held in New York City the previous week.
Herbert J. Yates, president, addressed the
meeting which was also attended by William
Martin Saal, his executive assistant; Edward
L. Walton, assistant general sales manager
and western division manager, and Walter L.
Titus jr., southern division manager.
Merritt Davis, southern district manager,
headed a group of branch managers which
included: James Hobbs, Atlanta; J. H. Dillon,
Charlotte; Leo V. Seicshnaydre, New Orleans,
and Harold Laird, Tampa. Norman J. Col-
quhoun, southwestern district manager, head-
ed a group of branch managers which in-
cluded: Thomas Kirk, Dallas; Nat Wyse,
Memphis, and David Hunt, Oklahoma City.
Prairie district manager Nat E. Steinberg
headed a contingent which included: J. J.
Houlihan, St. Louis; Dave Nelson, Des Moines;
Robert F. Withers, Kansas City, and Harry
Lefholtz, Omaha. Will Baker, midwestern
district manager, headed a group of branch
managers which included E. H. Bauer, In-
dianapolis; Jack Frackman, Milwaukee, and
Joseph Loeffler, Minneapolis. Carl Ponedel,
Republic’s branch manager in Mexico City,
also attended the meeting.
The company’s third and final meeting, to
cover the western district, will be held at the
North Hollywood studios April 16 and 17.
Arthur B. Krim Will Hold
E-L Coast Conferences
NEW YORK — Arthur B. Krim, president of
Eagle-Lion, left for Hollywood during the
week for conferences with Bryan Foy, pro-
duction head, on the balance of this year’s
product and preliminary talks on pictures
for the 1947-48 season. Krim recently re-
turned from a series of conferences in Lon-
don with J. Arthur Rank and Rank officials
on forthcoming product and distribution re-
lationship between E-L and the Rank inter-
ests.
24
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
MOTION PICTURE HERALD ACCLAIMS
BOXOFFICE CHAMPION FOR THE
THIRD STRAIGHT MONTH!*
*
Only the 3rd picture in 5 years to
be so honored . . . and one of the
other two was from 20 th !
Other Boxoffice Champions Now Playing and on the Way from
BOOMERANG! • 13 RUE MADELEINE
THE LATE GEORGE APLEY • THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR
THE HOMESTRETCH In Technicolor
CENTURY-FOX
Below-the-Border Trade
On the Upward Trend
By NATHAN D. GOLDEN
Consultant for Motion Pictures,
Office of International Trade, Department of Commerce
"Trade Follows the Motion Picture” is a
comment frequently made by persons thor-
oughly familiar with
both the commercial
life and the entertain-
ment world of foreign
lands. Its truth has
been conclusively
proved — and the rea-
son is not far to seek.
Motion picture dramas
made in Hollywood
display in a highly
vivid and usually an
engrossing manner, an
immense variety of the
commodities that dis-
tinguish OUr way of NATHAN GOLDEN
life in its most attractive aspects — fine cloth-
ing, smartly styled and bearing the unmis-
takable mark of quality; impressive furniture
of many types; the products of our advanced
industrial research, along with scientific gadg-
ets created by American ingenuity and
contributing to the mechanics of what we
call “gracious living.”
When film patrons overseas see these
articles flashing before them on the screen,
the instinctive impulse to acquire such goods,
wherever that is feasible, becomes exceed-
ingly potent; the way is smoothed for United
States exporters and a noteworthy growth of
American sales is the very general result.
Particularly has this proved true during the
past several decades in the other American
republics lying to the south of us. And, too,
those countries are highly important markets
for the feature films themselves; our Holly-
wood film plays enjoy wide popularity among
the Spanish and Portuguese speaking peo-
ples, and the Latin American markets are
valued and vigorously cultivated by Holly-
wood interests.
AROUND 6,331 THEATRES
For these strictly commercial reasons —
leaving to one side for the moment the ques-
tion of motion pictures’ effect on cultural
relationships and understanding — it is impor-
tant to ascertain the degree to which the
picture theatre industry in Latin America has
been expanding.
How many theatres are operating now?
How many have been opened in recent years?
What are the trends of development in the
various regions? Recent figures covering
these points are now available in the Depart-
ment of Commerce.
On Jan. 1, 1947, there were approximately
6,331 motion picture theatres in the 21 coun-
tries of Central and South America, with a
total seating capacity for 4,398,321 persons.
This may be compared with the figures per-
taining to Jan. 1, 1940, when there were 4,786
theatres in operation (figures on the number
of seats available in 1940 are not obtainable).
This increase of 1,545 theatres for these
two regions during the war years, when con-
struction of new theatres was retarded by ma-
terial shortages, assuredly augurs well for
new theatre construction in all markets below
the Rio Grande when materials for such
construction become really plentiful. It must
be borne in mind, of course, that because
of the cited shortages, many theatres have
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
NUMBER OF THEATERS
400 800 1200 161
put off remodeling until a freer flow of ma-
terials is in evidence.
The charts on this page clearly indicate
those countries in which theatre expansion
during the past seven years has been most
outstanding. The important countries of Cen-
tral and South America in which new thea-
tres have been built and the number in-
creased during this period are: Mexico, 540;
Argentina, 339; Brazil, 190; Colombia, 156;
Venezuela, 164; Chile, 49; Costa Rica, 31,
and Ecuador, 34.
In the Caribbean area as of Jan. 1, 1947,
we find that there are 659 motion picture
theatres with a total seating capacity for
379,143 persons. This is an increase of 150
theatres during the past seven years for this
area — Cuba accounting for 110 of the thea-
tres in this increase.
The broad situation disclosed by such sta-
tistics may justly be called encouraging. Mar-
kets for United States films are plainly be-
coming larger. More equipment will be de-
manded. Receptivity to American goods of
every sort should be appreciably stimulated.
Thus the motion picture phase of inter-
American relations is distinctly heartening at
the present time.
Paramount and 20th-Fox Join for 16mm Foreign Sales
NEW YORK — Paramount and 20th-Fox
are to combine in the formation of a new cor-
poration for distribu-
tion of 16mm film in
sections of the foreign
market where 35mm
film is not now avail-
able. Half the stock
of the new corporation
will be owned by 20th
Century-Fox Interna-
tional Corp. and the
other half by Para-
mount International
Films, Inc.
Emanuel D. Silver-
emanuel silverstone stone, home office rep-
resentative for 20th-
Fox International, will be president of the
new corporation, but will also continue with
his present duties.
Portable units will be used where desirable
in the search for new audiences.
Daniel Frankel will be general manager of
the new unit. He will resign as vice-president
of Four Continent Films, which distributes
British pictures in the U.S. He has had ex-
perience in the distribution of films in Europe
and also has been foreign manager for Pathe
International Corp.
The new company will acquire distribution
rights in foreign countries other than Canada
to 16mm versions of both 20th-Fox and Para-
mount product. In addition to original ver-
sions the new company will handle dubbed
versions and superimposed title 'versions of
both companies.
A series of educational shorts called “The
World Today,” now being produced by Boris
Vermont at Movietone News, also will be dis-
tributed.
Final distribution plans and the name for
the new corporation will be announced later.
German Critics Warmer
To American Product
STUTTGART — German motion picture
critics are taking a more friendly attitude
toward American pictures, according to John
Scott, AMG film control officer here.
He explained that when U.S. product was
first released, the critics were lukewarm and
suspicious. They thought the films were
part of the AMG propaganda campaign.
26
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
iThe only short feature advertised every month
j fff-l V ■' ■ - l; J:
to the greatest number of American movie-goers
THE
"’TIME
RELEASED BY ! ! | i I \ / I j \" S
20 « ■ I I f I li
CENTURY- FOX
PRODUCED EVERY FOUR WEEKS BY THE EDITORS OF TIME AND LIFE
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
27
GARLING
By LEE
There's
No
Business
Like
Show
Business
When
You
Show
tJRIC JOHNSTON, president of the Motion
Picture Ass’n; Barney Balaban, presi-
dent of Paramount; Nicholas Schenck, presi-
dent of Loew’s, Inc., and N. Peter Rathvon,
president of RKO, all visited the President
of the United States on Monday. They talked
with Mr. Truman for 20 minutes.
The discussion centered mostly around
foreign policy. The bipartisan nature of the
foreign policy was praised. The president
especially lauded the part motion picture
newsreels are playing in presenting a factual
American way of life to peoples abroad. His
emphasis on this was especially strong and
is an orchid for the newsreel companies.
He indicated he also believed the motion
picture has a dominant role in presenting
to foreign nations the American viewpoint,
our hopes and plans for the future.
He regretted that he would not be able
to attend the 25th annual dinner of the MPA
at the Waldorf-Astoria on May 8. He said
his schedule did not permit it at this time.
He did ask Mr. Johnston to call him, how-
ever, in a couple of weeks to check with
him again to make sure. The door was left
open about a crack, and he might still appear.
Johnston has requested that he be permit-
ted to testify before the house ways and means
committee on the advantages of continuing
the reciprocal trade agreements program
when that group resumes its hearings on
April 15, the committee clerk reported.
The agenda of witnesses has not been
made, and more than 60 industrial repre-
sentatives have asked to be heard. Johnston
is very much in favor of the trade program.
* ❖ #
J. EDGAR HOOVER, director of the FBI.
doesn’t agree with Eric Johnston in the con-
tention that Hollywood already has ridded
itself of Communistic influence.
Said Hoover: “Communists have effectively
infiltrated motion pictures.”
The red hunt is still on. Indication is,
however, that the house un-American activi-
ties committee may never get around to a
probe of the film colony. Reason: Too many
other more important probes into alleged
left-wing and pinko activities.
* * *
SPEAKING FOR THE U.S. Chamber of
Commerce, George W. West, Atlanta banker,
has told the house banking and currency
committee that his association is in favor
of “eliminating all controls over private
building.” West asserted that these controls
are dangerous to the safety of free enter-
prise, and because of building bans many
important expansion plans of companies are
being halted.
An estimated 1,000 theatres would be con-
structed if the ban were removed. Controls
are now being administered by the housing
expediter.
* * *
THE CIVILIAN PRODUCTION adminis-
tration’s facilities review committee granted
six new theatre construction permits this
week. Permits approved were: Russell A.
Wright, Farmersville, Calif., $18,003; Atlanta
Drive-In Theatre, Inc., Atlanta, Ga., $18,500;
Robert E. Booth, Hollandale, Miss., $7,000;
Gerald H. Little, Tuscaloosa, Ala., $13,600;
E. J. Stephens jr„ New Albany, Miss., $35,000;
R. Wayne Holmes, Little Valley, N. Y„ $11,000.
The amount permitted each theatre has
increased considerably over previous grants.
Average is reaching a peak of $14,000 for
each theatre construction permit, compared
to $1,200 six months ago.
CONGRESS HAS SET the pace to avoid
dual taxation of theatre admissions. By its
veto of the plan to place a 10 per cent tax
levy in the District of Columbia, Congress
pointed out that amusement taxes should
be for the federal government.
Republicans have decided against the
establishment of a commission to study dou-
ble taxation by the U.S. treasury and state
governments. Sen. H. Alexander Smith of
New Jersey urged that an effort be made
to eliminate admissions and other taxes
levied on a dual basis by both the state and
federal government. He thought a com-
mission with representatives of both gov-
ernments could settle the problem.
* * Hf
JACK BRYSON of the Motion Picture
Ass’n reports that over the weekend two
more state legislatures adjourned without en-
acting any motion picture legislation. They
were Oregon and Delaware. This brings to
19 the states which have adjourned, out of
25 which have motion picture legislation be-
fore them. Delaware had both a motion pic-
ture tax bill and a censorship bill before it
which died in committee. Oregon did, how-
ever, pass a 3 per cent general sales tax
which also covers admissions. It is subject
to a peoples referendum late in the fall,
however, and may still be killed.
* * *
THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION has
only $120,000 a year appropriation for mo-
tion picture activities. They distribute
through their field offices many very valu-
able films of the educational type — those on
rehabilitation, insurance, the medical pro-
gram, etc. The surprising thing is that the
Agriculture department produces these films.
* * *
A MAJOR EXPORT from Germany, once
that nations industry is rebuilt, will be pro-
jection equipment, the War department spe-
cial services unit reports. The North and
South American markets will be developed
by the Germans once again, and any future
shortage of equipment may be solved by that
country. Exhibitors have found, however,
that American manufactured equipment is
far better than that produced in Germany
before the war.
* * *
NATHAN D. GOLDEN, Commerce depart-
ment film consultant, last week reported
film prospects in New Zealand and Singa-
pore. Both nations have good prospects for
both American pictures and equipment. Cash
can be remitted.
The government reported last week that
the film monopoly in Czechoslovakia is suc-
cessful in keeping out American pictures.
U.S. films ranked fourth last year.
* * *
KANDRIC MARSHALL has been ap-
pointed director of the international educa-
tion relations division of the U.S. Office of
Education. The USOE is working with the
Motion Picture Ass’n on plans for an indus-
try-government sponsored visual aids pro-
gram, recommended by Eric Johnston.
28
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
Paramount's '46 Net
Reaches High Mark
NEW YORK— Paramount Pictures, Inc.,
estimates its net income after all charges in-
cluding provision for federal taxes at $44,-
040,000 for the 53 weeks ending Jan. 4, 1947.
The net for the 52 weeks ending Dec. 29, 1945,
was $17,952,432. The increase is $26,087,568.
Earnings in the last quarter (13 weeks) of
the fiscal year held up almost to the average
of the previous three quarters. They are
estimated at $10,163,000, an increase of
$6,052,000 over the corresponding quarter in
1945.
The net for the 1946 fiscal year includes
$4,840,000 of direct and indirect interest from
stock in partially owned Paramount subsid-
iaries. In 1945 the company received $2,527,-
000 from the same sources.
The 1946 net is equal to $5.92 per share on
the 7,443,772 shares outstanding and com-
pares with $2.39 per share for 1945 on 7,504,-
272 shares. As a matter of fact, there were
only 3,752,136 shares outstanding at that time.
This total is doubled to furnish a basis of
comparison with the present total outstand-
ing as a result of the two-for-one stock split
made several months ago.
Estimated earnings per share for the third
quarter are $1.37 per share. For the third
quarter of 1945 the earnings would have
been 55 cents if the stock split had been in
effect at that time.
FROM THE FILES OF
A ROXY THEATRE in Chicago, which will
rival the present Roxy house in New York,
is being planned. The Roxy circuit, now con-
trolled by William Fox, has embarked on a
program of expansion and it is said that a
Fox house will be placed in every key city
where Fox pictures are not getting a suf-
ficient outlet.
* * *
More than 800 theatres in the south have
installed the Reproduco pipe organ. It plays
for two hours without repeating and has two
keyboards for hand playing.
* * *
Columbia will release 30 productions dur-
ing the coming year . . . S. R. Kent denies
he will step out soon as general manager of
Paramount-Famous-Lasky Corp. . . . James R.
Grainger, general sales manager for Fox, de-
nies he has been approached on the subject
of becoming the head of First National Pic-
tures.
* * *
Five distributors have arrived at a satis-
factory agreement with General Electric Co.
and the Radio Corp. of America for the use
of the Photophone, a talking film device. The
organizations are: Producers Distributing
Corp., Universal, First National, Metro-Gold-
wyn and Paramount. The agreement pro-
vided that the use of Photophone shall be
limited to the five organizations which will
develop and use the device jointly and exclu-
sively.
* * s}:
Joseph M. Schenck was elected president of
the United Artists Corp. at a recent meet-
ing of the stockholders. He will fill the va-
cancy caused by the death of Hiram Abrams.
In the Newsreels
Movietone News, No. 63: UN hears Austin on
Greece; big four attends ballet; Haifa oil plant set
afire; new device picks cars up and parks them
on shelves; quarter-million geese migrating east —
fill Iowa skies; sports.
News of the Day, No. 261: Huge fire in Haifa,
but peace reigns in Jerusalem; new King Paul rules
in Greece as UN investigates civil war; Moscow's
famed ballet entertains big four; rough surf riding
for duck; living statues spotting deer.
Paramount News, No. 64: New day — India's last
viceroy; big four at Moscow ballet; Palestine ter-
rorists set off oil blast; new king rules in Greek
crisis; UN probes border incident; sports.
Pathe News, No. 66: Tanker snaps in half; big four
at Moscow ballet; terrorists blow up Haifa oil; floods
in ruined Germany; show Van Gogh paintings;
coastguard duck battles surf; cancer trailer.
Universal News. No. 27: Prince Paul succeeds to
the Greek throne; foreign ministers attend ballet
performance; all-Asia conference at New Delhi,
India; floods sweep Spain; circus prepares for spring;
shark boats try out at Long Beach, Calif.; 250 thou-
sand geese on the wing from winter migration
grounds; night water skiing at Miami.
•
Movietone News, No. 64: President asks for strong
U.S. to meet responsibility; telephone strike cuts
service in entire nation; nation observes Easter;
royal family visits Zulus; air power demonstration
at Fort Benning, Ga.; sports.
News of the Day, No. 262: Telephone strike of
300,000 persons begins throughout nation; air forces
in spectacular parachuting demonstration; Truman
urges action to guard world peace; Easter echoes
across U.S.; wild Zulu tribesmen hail royal family
of Great Britain; sports.
Paramount News, No. 65: French blow up Sieg-
fried outposts; Howard Hughes is successful in test
flight; French actress says "Voila" — Hollywood;
De Gaulle leads tribute to commandos; safety strike
brings new coal crisis; Zulus give royal family big
ovation; sports — Demaret wins most prized golf title.
Pathe News, No. 67: De Gaulle at Bruneval; man
who shot Mussolini; Zulu dancers for royal family;
John L. Lewis testifies.
Universal News, No. 28: Phone strike cripples U. Sa-
nation heralds Easter; train wreck in Downers’s
Grove, 111.; Gandhi meets new viceroy; royal fam-
ily in South Africa; John L. Lewis testifies at coal
inquiry; World of Sports races at Jamaica.
All American News, Vol. 5, No. 233: Youngest
president for old and honored Arkansas AM&N col-
lege; Omaha scholarship student writes plays; Kan-
sas City man of distinction any year; Chicago Giants
aim for pay dirt at Jackson, Miss.; Memphis Red
Sox want pot of gold; Chicago's stadium is the
scene of the big yearly sports event, the Golden
Gloves boxing tournament.
William Forrest Crouch
To Make Films in N.Y.
NEW YORK — William Forrest Crouch is
en route to Miami Beach and Havana to
supervise location shooting for “Isle of Lost
Women,” a feature picture which will be
filmed here early in May at the Filmcraft
Studios. The picture has an original screen-
play by Charles Curran and is scheduled for
early summer release, according to Crouch.
From Havana, Crouch will go to San An-
tonio, Tex., to direct two musical westerns,
“Echo Ranch” and “Lost Valley Days,” star-
ring Red River Dave and the Texas Top-
hands. Both of these will be made by WFC
Productions, Inc., for release by a major com-
pany. Preparatory work is also under way
on another feature, “Disc Jockey,” which will
be filmed at the Filmcraft Studios in May.
Arthur Leonard on Tour
Of All-Negro Theatres
NEW YORK — Arthur Leonard, co-producer
and director of “Sepia Cinderella” and “Boy,
What a Girl!” for Herald Pictures, has left on
a tour of the country to survey the wants
of all-Negro theatres in the United States.
Leonard is accompanied by Deek Watson and
his Brown Dots, stars of “Boy, What a Girl!”
who will make personal appearances to ex-
ploit the picture.
“Boy, What a Girl!” had its first showing
at the Howard Theatre, Brooklyn, April 6, to
be followed by openings in Harlem and the
Bronx shortly.
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
29
ORLEAN
CHARL
Move
KANSAS C
HOUSTON
Hold Over 5th Week
Hold Over 3 Weeks
Hold Over 3 Weeks
Move Over 3 Weeks
Move Over 2 Weeks
SAN FR
BALTIM
re r 3|jWeeks
re r 2 Weeks
jfer 2 Weeks
rer 2 Weeks
sr 2 Weeks
®2 Weeks
at 3 Theatre Premiere
t
pening Business
BOSTON ••••••••
OAKLAND
OKLAHOMAffclTY .
DENVER
:V*.*
ST. LOUIS.
GODFREY TEARLE AS THE LATE CHIEF EXECUTIVE AU-
THORIZES SPENDING OF TWO MILLION FOR ATOM BOMB
DR. ALBERT EINSTEIN (LUDWIG STOSSEL) CONFERS
WITH YOUNGER SCIENTISTS ON ATOM BOMB SECRETS
M-G-M’s " The Beginning or the End”
Wins March Blue Ribbon Award
By VELMA WEST SYKES
TyfGM's spectacular drama film, “The Beginning or the End,” which combines docu-
mentary history of the making of the atom bomb with human touches through fic-
tional treatment of the personal lives of those working on the top secret project of the
late war, has been voted the March BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award by the National
Screen Council. The President of the United States and the late President Fianklin D
Roosevelt are both depicted briefly in the film, Art Baker as the first and Godfrey Tearle
the latter. During its production Metro had the scientific technical advice of Dr. H. T.
Wensel and Dr. Edward R. Tompkins of Oak Ridge, Tenn., and Dr. David Hawkins and
W. Bradford Shank of Los Alamos, N. M. Military technical advisers were William A.
Consodine, Col., A. U. S., Manhattan Project; and Charles W. Sweeney, Lieut. Col., A. C.
Starring roles were carried by Brian Donlevy and Robert Walker, assisted by Tom
Drake, Beverly Tyler, Audrey Totter and Hume Cronyn. The picture’s entertainment
value lies mainly in the timeliness of the subject matter and the tense presentation of a
theme which had been our chief “hush-hush” until Hiroshima.
While this is the first MGM picture to win
the Award this year, three of the twelve
winners for 1946 were films of which Louis
B. Mayer was the executive producer: “Two
Sisters From Boston” for June, "The Green
Years” for July, and "Three Wise Fools” for
October. This is his 45th plaque.
Producer Samuel Marx produced the Blue
Ribbon Award winner for December of 1943,
"Lassie Come Home.” Director Norman
Taurog has to his credit these other Blue
Ribbon pictures: “Boys Town” (September
1938), “Young Tom Edison” (March 1940),
and “Men of Boys Town” (April 1941). Rob-
ert Considine, who wrote the original story,
also authored the same for “Thirty Seconds
Over Tokyo,” winner for January of 1945.
Frank Wead, who did the screenplay, also has
to his Blue Ribbon credit “The Citadel,” win-
ning film for November of 1938.
Stars Robert Walker and Brian Donlevy
are repeaters in Blue Ribbon pictures, Walker
now having received six of the plaques with
this one, while it will be the fourth for Don-
levy. Hume Cronyn now has three, Tom
Drake and Beverly Tyler two each, and Audrey
Totter is the only one of the cast or produc-
tion staff who will receive a plaque for the
first time.
In reviewing “The Beginning or the End”
The
Maj. Gen. Leslie R. Groves.. Brian Donlevy
Col. Jeff Nixon Robert Walker
Matt Cochran Tom Drake
Anne Cochran Beverly Tyler
Jean O'Leary Audrey Totter
Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer.... Hume Cronyn
Dr. John Wyatt Hurd Hatfield
Dr. Enrico Fermi Joseph Calleia
President Roosevelt Godfrey Tearle
Dr. Marre Victor Francen
Dr. Chisholm Richard Haydn
Dr. Vannevar Bush Jonathan Hale
K. T. Keller John Litel
Gen. Thomas F. Farrell Henry O’Neill
Capt. William S. Parsons, U.S.N.
Warner Anderson
Col. Paul Tibbetts. Jr Barry Nelson
President Truman Art Baker
Dr. Albert Einstein Ludwig Stossel
in the March 1 issue of BOXOFFICE, a mem-
ber of the staff wrote: “By introducing two
girls and a bit of romance into the story of
atomic bombs MGM sought to avoid the docu-
mentary label for the picture and to make it
attractive to seekers of plain entertainment.”
Whether or not this was accomplished can
be judged by the first run reports from 20 key
cities, which give it a boxoffice average score
of 113. Last month’s winner, “Song of
the South,” scored 142. So obviously the
Council does not select a picture for its box-
office appeal alone.
Its Subject Important
Some of the Council members set down
their reasons for voting as they did for the
winning film. “Because of the importance of
its subject,” writes Dr. Fred Eastman of the
University of Chicago. “A picture every
American should see,” contends Mrs. Clarence
Echols of the Dallas Motion Picture Review-
ing board. “It is something to think about,”
is the way Edythe R. Pycock of the Grand
Rapids Better Films council puts it.
Martha McHatton of the Indianapolis News
sums it up with: “While ‘Beginning or the
End’ will not be popular at the boxoffice, it
is something which every American should
see for future planning of democracy.”
Cast
Dr. Harold C. Urey John Hamilton
Dr. James B. Conant Frank Ferguson
Dr. E. P. Wigner Tom Stevenson
Dr. Leo Szilard John Gallaudet j
Grace Tully Nella Walker j
Charles G. Ross Edward Earle
Dr. Arthur H. Compton Moroni Olsen
Dr. Troyanski Norman Lloyd
Pilot at Tinian Jim Davis
Walter S. Carpenter, Jr.
Charles Trowbridge
Dr. W. H. Zinn Frank Wilcox
Gen. Brehon Sommervell Henry H/vll
Lieut. Gen. W. D. Styer Paul Harvey
Quaker Scientist Larry Johns
Dr. Rand Robert Emmett Keane
Dr. Ernest O. Lawrence James Bush ]
Clinic Doctor Trevor Bardette
Col. Joint Lansdale William Wright
C. D. Howe Damian O’Flynn
Production Staff
Executive Producer Louis B. Mayer
Producer Samuel Marx
Director Norman Taurog
Screenplay Frank Wead
Original Story Robert Considine
Director of Photography ...Ray June, A.S.C.
Art Direction Cedric Gibbons
Hans Peters
Film Editor George Boemler
Musical Score Daniele Amfitheatrof
Recording Director Douglas Shearer
Set Decorations Edwin B. Willis
Screenplay Associate Keogh Gleason
Special Effects Warren Newcombe
A. Arnold Gillespie
Associate Donald Jahraus
Montage Effects Peter Ballbusch
Costume Supervision Irene
Make-Up Created by Jack Dawn
(J This Award is given each month by the National Screen Council on the basis of outstanding merit
and suitability for family entertainment. Council membership comprises motion picture editors, radio
film commentators, and representatives of better film councils, civic and educational organizations.
THE MOST IMPORTANT TRADE
SHOWING IN THREE YEARS!
Fnday,
Apr. 25
Just 3 years after the world premiere of their first im-
mortal hit, you can see the first reunion of the terrific
team that made boxoffice history in 'Going My Way”-
Going-My-Wav”
Days Are
Here Again!
CITY PLACE
ALBANY FOX PROJECTION ROOM, 1052 Broadway FRI.
ATLANTA PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 154 Walton St. N.W. . . . FRI.
BOSTON PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 58 Berkeley St FRI.
BUFFALO PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 464 Franklin St FRI.
CHARLOTTE PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 305 So. Church St FRI.
CHICAGO PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1306 S. Michigan Ave....FRI.
CINCINNATI PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1214 Central Parkway ... FRI.
CLEVELAND PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1735 East 23rd St., FRI.
DALLAS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 412 So. Harwood St FRI.
DENVER. PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 2100 Stout Street FRI.
DES MOINES -. . .PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1125 High Street FRI.
DETROIT PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 479 Ledyard Ave FRI.
INDIANAPOLIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 116 W. Michigan St FRI.
KANSAS CITY PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1800 Wyandotte St FRI.
LOS ANGELES BOULEVARD THEATRE, Washington & Vermont Sts FRI.
MEMPHIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 362 So. Second St FRI.
MILWAUKEE PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1121 No. Eighth St FRI.
MINNEAPOLIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1201 Currie Ave FRI.
NEW HAVEN PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 82 State Street FRI.
NEW ORLEANS .PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 215 So. Liberty St FRI.
NEW YORK CITY NORMANDIE THEATRE, 331 West 44th Street FRI.
OKLAHOMA CITY. .. .PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 701 W. Grand Ave FRI.
OMAHA PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1704 Davenport St FRI.
PHILADELPHIA PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 248 North 12th St FRI.
PITTSBURGH PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1727 Blvd. of Allies FRI.
PORTLAND PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 909 N.W. 19th Ave FRI.
ST. LOUIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 2949 Olive Street FRI.
SALT LAKE CITY PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 270 East 1st So. St FRI.
SAN FRANCISCO PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 205 Golden Gate Ave... FRI.
SEATTLE PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 2330 First Avenue FRI.
WASHINGTON PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 306 H Street, N.W FRI.
DATE
APR. 25 11 A.M.
APR. 25. ..2:30 P.M.
APR. 25... 2.30 P.M
APR. 25 2 P.M
APR. 25. . .1:30 P.M
APR. 25. . .1:30 P.M
APR. 25... 2.-30 P.M
APR. 25 2 P.M
APR. 25. ..2:30 P.M
APR. 25 2 P.M
APR. 25. .12:45 P.M.
APR. 25 2 P.M
APR. 25 2 P.M
APR. 25 2 P.M
APR. 25. . .1:30 P.M
APR. 25. ..2:30 P.M
APR. 25 2 P.M
APR. 25. . .1:30 P.M
APR. 25 2 P.M
APR. 25 10 A.M
APR. 25. .10.30 A.M
APR. 25. .10:30 A.M
APR. 25 2 P.M
APR. 25 2 P.M
APR. 25 2 P.M
APR. 25 2 P.M
APR. 25. . .1:30 P.M
APR. 25 1 P.M
APR. 25 2 P.M
APR. 25 2 P.M
APR. 25. ..2:30 P.M
* - V/7 '
BING CROSBY • JOAN CAULFIELD • BARRY FITZGERALD in "WELCOME STRANGER” with Wanda Hendrix, Frank Faylen, Elizabeth Patterson,
Robert Shayne, Larry Young, Percy Kilbride * Produced by Sol. C. Siegel • Directed by Elliott Nugent • Screen Play by Arthur Sheekman
Adaptation by Arthur Sheekman and N. Richard Nash • Story by Frank Butler
r? ^oUefeu^od ^efiont
By IVAN SPEAR
Two More Sharecroppers
Come Into Existence
There’s never a dull moment in the film
capital these days insofar as the formation
of new independent production emits is
concerned, with two more such sharecrop-
ping outfits having come into being. As yet
nameless is the company just formed by
Rubey Cowan, for ten years radio executive
with NBC and the Famous Artists Corp.,
which will turn out “She Made Them Men”
as its first venture. The property, based on
an original by Walter Gould, will be scripted
by Gould and Leonard Levinson. No release
has been arranged. Another new unit, Mara-
thon Pictures — headed by Harry Brandt and
Arthur Mayer — has secured a PRC distribu-
tion deal for its first four pictures. Heading
Marathon’s west coast office will be Frank
Satenstein, with Robert Joseph as associate
producer.
Marcel Heilman to Make
Two in London for Fox
The American output of product for 20th-
Fox is to be supplemented by two pictures
to be produced in London for the company
by Marcel Heilman before March 1948. That
decision was reached in conferences at the
Westwood studio between Heilman and
Darryl F. Zanuck, just prior to Heilman’s
departure for New York. Heilman will bor-
row 20th-Fox and other Hollywood stars and
directors and wil make “This Was a Woman,”
based on the play by Joan Morgan, and
“Sabina,” from a novel by Joyce Langton.
Edna Lee's 'Web of Days'
Purchased by Paramount
The Deep South in Civil War days still
manages to maintain a strangle hold as one
of the most popular subject matters for
American novelists. Among the week’s few
story buys Paramount’s purchase of one such
property, “Web of Days,” a new novel by
Edna Lee, in which the studio will star
Paulette Goddard. The acquisition was made
from advance galley proofs and the story, as
described by enthusiastic Paramount pub-
licists, appears similar in many respects to
“Gone With the Wind.” Like Margaret
Mitchell, who penned “GWTW,” Miss Lee is
a native of Atlanta, Ga., and like the
Mitchell tome, “Web of Days” is localed on a
plantation in that state during and after the
Great Rebellion . . . The Dollar Bills, Pine
and Thomas, seem to have an uncontrollable
liking for one particular title. They’ve just
bought “Waterfront at Midnight,” by Ber-
nard Gerard, which is the handle for an-
other Pine-Thomas story now in preparation.
The earlier “Waterfront” story will be re-
tagged and both, of course, will be released
by Paramount . . . Producer Max King has
acquired film rights to James Oliver Cur-
wood’s "Kazan” and plans to film portions
of it in northwest Canada, locale of the
novel. Val Scott and King are developing
the script and the film will be released
through Screen Guild.
Charles Vidor on Again
As Columbia Director
Although it’s virtually impossible to pre-
dict, from one day to the next, whether Di-
rector Charles Vidor is on or off the Colum-
bia lot, for the sake of the record it should
be set forth that — momentarily, at least —
he’s back at his studio desk. Recently with-
drawn from the piloting assignment on “The
Man From Colorado,” Vidor has been called
back by President Harry Cohn of Columbia
to meg “The Gallant Blade,” a Technicolor
opus to be produced by Irving Starr.
Next for John Garfield
'Volpone, the Fox'
The flow of modern story properties must
indeed be at low ebb. John Garfield’s next
independent venture for Enterprise, the
actor-producer has just announced, will be
the 15th century comedy, “Volpone, the Fox,”
by one of Shakespeare’s eminent contempo-
raries, Dr. Ben Jonson. Garfield plans to
retain for its making the same production
staff with which he turned out “Body and
Soul,” his first Enterprise starrer, comprising
R. B. Roberts and Scenarist Abraham Polan-
sky.
Sam Coslow, David Hersh
Break Up Partnership
As the gossip columnists would put it, Sam
Coslow and David Hersh are no longer a
twosome. With the completion of “Copaca-
bana” for United Artists release, Coslow an-
nounced he had severed his association with
Hersh, who functioned in an executive busi-
ness capacity during the filming of the musi-
cal. Coslow will continue film-making on his
own . . . Michel Kraike has pulled up stakes
as an RKO Radio producer after a year or
so on the lot and revealed plans, which is
not surprising, to enter the independent pro-
duction field. His last for RKO Radio was
"Indian Summer,” not yet released . . . Sales
and distribution chores for Somerset Pictures,
recently organized independent, will be han-
dled by Jake Milstein, former distribution
executive with Metro and Republic. Somerset
is headed by Walter Colmes and Selly
Levinson.
Howard Hawks to Direct
Danny Kaye's Picture
While Director Howard Hawks is promi-
nent among the legion of top Hollywood crea-
tors who during recent months have hung out
their own production shingles, he apparently
isn’t averse to doing a megging chore on the
side for a contemporary producer. Having
just completed his first independent produc-
tion venture, Hawks moves his megaphone
to the Samuel Goldwyn outfit to pilot the
forthcoming Technicolor comedy, “That’s
Life,” which will star Funnyman Danny
Kaye . . . Another directorial assignment of
note, and one which reflects a rather unusual
shuffling of the pilot’s deck, finds H. C. Potter
signed by United Artists Producer William
Cagney to guide the screen version of Wil-
liam Saroyan’s “The Time of Your Life.”
Henry Koster originally was set for that
directing job but he moved over to the
Goldwyn stable to pick up the job of piloting
“The Bishop’s Wife,” which chore was aban-
doned by William Seiter who failed to agree
with Producer Goldwyn on how the picture
should be filmed . . . Triangle Productions,
another UA unit, headed by Mary Pickford,
Buddy Rogers and Ralph Cohn, have signed
Douglas Sirk to direct “Sleep My Love” . . .
Sam Newfield hired out to Sam Katzman to
direct “The Seahound,” 15-chapter serial
which Katzman’s to make for Columbia dis-
tribution.
Hepburn and Colbert Get
Two Big Leads at MGM
Leo has handed another choice acting
plum to Katharine Hepburn who drew the
femme lead in “House Above the River,”
which Sam Zimbalist will produce from the
Michael Foster yarn . . . Also from the lair
of Leo comes a noteworthy morsel of cast-
ing news concerning Claudette Colbert who
was signed for the femme lead in “State of
the Union,” the Liberty Films picture which
MGM will distribute and which will be pro-
duced and directed by Frank Capra . . .
Ginger Rogers and Cornel Wilde will be
starred by Columbia in “I Found a Dream,”
romantic comedy by Melvin Frank and Nor-
man Panama . . . Enterprise Producer Harry
Sherman inked Joseph Calleia for a key role
in “They Passed This Way” . . . Returning to
the screen after three years’ retirement to
raise a family, Brenda Marshall draws the
feminine lead opposite Alan Ladd in “Whis-
pering Smith,” Paramount’s Technicolor ac-
tion saga of the old west ... At the same
studio, Bing Crosby will play the title role
in the screen adaptation of the Rodgers and
Hart musical based on Mark Twain’s “A
Connecticut Yankee at King Arthur’s Court,”
with Tay Garnett directing.
Two Adventure Classics
Set by Edward Small
Edward Small, who recently turned out
“The Return of Monte Cristo” independently
for Columbia release, has been tagged to film
two more adventure classics for that com-
pany. First to go will be “D’Artagnan,” deal-
ing with the romantic leader of Alexandre
Dumas’ “Three Musketeers,” to be followed
by “The Black Arrow,” by Robert Louis
Stevenson.
McCrea in Another Sherman Film
Sherman and McCrea
Of clear conscience and lineage is the mo-
tion picture star who fears not the screen
delineation of his forebears. Joel McCrea is
one such, and he’s going to be his own grand-
pappy in a picture to be produced for Enter-
prise by Harry Sherman. As yet untitled, the
new addition to Veteran Sherman’s slate will
be a biographical bit about Albert Whipple,
who, in addition to being the grandfather of
Cinemactor McCrea, was a famous hotel op-
erator and restaurateur in San Francisco
during the days of ’49. The picture will, of
course, be localed in the Bay city and McCrea
is preparing a synopsis of his family’s records
from which the screenplay will be written.
34
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
nnounces
that prints of “The Egg and Tare available
in our exchanges for screenings
From the Best -Selling Book by Betty MacDonald
Produced and Written tor the Screen by CHESTER ERSKINEan* FRED F. FINKLEHOFFE Directed by CHESTER ERSKINE A UNIVERSAL- INTERNATIONAL PICTURE
First Run Reports
As a further development of the percentage
method of reporting picture grosses (origi-
nated by BOXOFFICE in 1928), this chart
shows the records made by pictures in five
or more key city engagements. As other runs
are reported, ratings will be added and aver-
ages changed.
Top Hit of the Week
*The Best Years of Our Lives —
Kansas City 325
Seattle 250
Milwaukee 175
Computed in terms of percentage in
relation to normal grosses. With 100
per cent as "normal," the figures
show the percentage above or below
that mark.
BOSTON
BUFFALO
CHICAGO
CINCINNATI
CLEVELAND
DALLAS
DENVER
DES MOINES
DETROIT
INDIANAPOLIS
KANSAS CITY
LOS ANGELES
MILWAUKEE
MINNEAPOLIS
NEW HAVEN
NEW YORK
OMAHA
«
X
CL
_J
UJ
o
<
_J
X
Q_
PITTSBURGH
SAN FRANCISCO
SEATTLE
AVERAGE
Bachelor’s Daughters, The (UA)
110
175
175
130
85
100
95
85
90
80
120
100
145
109
85
no
120
130
114
Beast With Five Fingers, The (WB)
140
90
115
100
115
125
95
125
120
140
95
160
140
no
no
119
Beat the Band (RKO)
170
100
100
100
100
200
100
124
Bedelia < Eagle-Lion)
92
120
150
110
150
no
105
135
122
*Best Years of Our Lives, The (RKO)
200
200
200
300
500
325
175
250
180
310
600
250
291
Blondie’s Big Moment (Col)
100
100
85
100
100
100
100
100
no
100
100
85
98
Boomerang (20th-Fox)
130
89
140
110
82
175
115
117
170
130
80
122
Bringing Up Father (Mono)
90
115
90
100
100
100
160
100
90
105
Brute Man, The (PRC)
120
85
100
70
90
100
94
California (Para)
190
137
100
140
165
110
120
85
185
225
190
150
125
145
no
130
160
145
Child of Divorce (RKO)
93
100
100
85
100
100
90
100
100
60
125
95
96
Cigarette Girl (Col)
100
100
100
90
100
100
100
80
96
Dead Reckoning (Col)
160
150
140
160
130
130
123
120
100
95
115
150
125
140
125
200
200
139
Fabulous Suzanne, The (Rep)
100
79
85
100
95
95
90
100
100
115
100
105
97
Gallant Bess (MGMi
140
96
200
85
100
100
110
120
100
90
155
90
75
60
no
199
It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM)
95
100
120
100
150
130
no
115
It’s a Joke, Son (Eagle-Lion)
92
100
100
115
50
91
Jolson Story, The (Col)
265
198
140
250
135
130
150
150
145
150
165
200
140
200
185
125
145
240
240
195
250
181
Lady in the Lake (MGM)
170
72
115
100
100
130
110
110
200
100
125
150
135
125
130
120
125
Lighthouse (PRC)
100
100
100
100
60
92
Locket, The (RKO)
120
120
60
115
105
175
120
no
160
135
80
118
Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (MGM)
140
115
80
100
100
80
no
150
130
140
no
90
80
120
no
Magnificent Doll (U-I)
110
100
135
150
70
110
90
105
90
90
150
no
135
108
90
no
100
175
75
in
Michigan Kid (U-I)
100
95
110
110
125
150
115
Mighty McGurk, The (MGM)
100
110
100
105
80
100
125
100
no
100
100
125
125
106
My Favorite Brunette (Para)
175
145
95
130
150
195
no
180
120
160
146
Nora Prentiss (WB)
130
113
80
117
95
100
100
200
115
150
150
115
90
190
75
120
80
119
Pursued (WB)
88
125
100
175
120
135
120
180
100
120
126
Razor’s Edge, The (20th-Fox)
200
182
150
280
300
140
125
105
200
110
175
225
115
175
170
170
145
200
250
200
200
182
Red House, The (UA)
140
120
105
no
175
100
130
190
134
Roll on Texas Moon (Rep)
115
no
100
115
70
102
Scandal in Paris, A (UA)
100
113
95
100
85
90
100
200
80
125
102
160
90
125
100
111
Sing While You Dance (Col)
100
100
85
100
100
100
85
100
90
100
100
90
100
90
96
Smash-Up (U-I)
130
85
200
120
185
144
Song of the South (RKO)
120
200
100
160
85
125
150
160
110
115
150
175
115
160
155
160
170
125
130
130
140
Suddenly It’s Spring (Para)
150
140
130
105
135
140
101
125
128
Susie Steps Out (UA)
100
100
100
100
100
95
100
100
100
80
98
That Brennan Girl (Rep)
115
140
90
95
100
90
100
85
148
140
105
90
100
50
120
no
105
Thirteenth Hour, The (Col)
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Trap, The (Mono)
100
100
90
100
95
100
100
98
Vacation Days (Mono)
90
90
100
100
100
90
95
36
Playing at advanced admission scales.
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
NOW
being distributed
to all subscribers of
THE FILM DAILY
Film
Year Books
Are used exten-
sively through-
out the year by
important peo-
ple in Produc-
tion, Distribu-
tion, Exhibition
and the Theatre
Equipment
Field.
Film Year Books
are Given Free
to subscribers of
THE FILM
DAILY, the In-
dustry's Oldest
and most Wide-
ly Read Daily
Paper.
More than one thousand pages
weighs over four pounds. A
veritable gold mine of useful
information in one handy and
beautifully bound volume.
THE 1947
FILM YEAR BOOK
3.9th Cditian
of more than 1000 pages covers the
industry from every angle — Produc-
tion, Distribution, and Exhibition. Be-
tween its covers will be found: A list of
more than 21,000 titles of pictures re-
leased since 1915 — Credits on all fea-
tures released in 1946 — Features im-
ported during the past year — The Ten
Best Pictures of 1946 with all credits —
Serials released since 1920 — Short
Subject Series and director credits for
1945-46 — Producers and Distributors
— Personnel of Important Companies,
Studios, Associations and Labor Organ-
izations — Credits of Players, Produc-
ers, Directors, Authors, Screenplay
Writers, Cameramen, Song Writers and
Dance Directors — Financial Structures
of Motion Picture Companies — Name
and addresses of Theatre Supply Deal-
ers — A complete section on Special
Purpose films — A survey of Foreign
Markets — A list of Theatres in the
United States, and circuits in the U.S.
and Canada — Addresses of Produc-
ers, Distributors, Exchanges, Labora-
tories, Trailer Companies, Insurance
Brokers, Projection Rooms, Play Brokers,
etc. — Motion Picture Publications —
Books — The trend in theatre building
and equipment — Television — And —
A thousand and one other impor-
tant Items of Interest and Value.
IMPORTANT
It is important to know the WHO , WHAT, WHERE
and WHEN in your industry.
The best way to obtain such knowledge and timely information is
through THE FILM DAILY and THE FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK.
The 1947 edition surpasses all others, GET IT! Keep it For Handy
Reference! It's worth its weight in Gold!
THE FILM DAILY
Is the Best $10.00 investment anyone can make
who is interested in the Production, Distribu-
tion or Exhibition of Motion Pictures.
Sign the coupon and mail today
THE FILM DAILY IJtejiES^SSKSESB Hollywood Office
1501 Broadway of nwewi^WMlM^Aumimi 6425 Hollywood Blvd.
New York IS, N. Y. Hollywood, Calif.
Gentlemen:
Please enter my subscription to THE FILM DAILY, and send me my copy of THE FILM DAILY
Year Book. I enclose $10.00 (Foreign $15.00).
Name
Street
City State
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
37
OF 42 FILMS FACING CAMERAS
24 ARE NEW ON APRIL AGENDA
HOLLYWOOD — Recession — that ugly
word which industrialists will mention
only in hushed and fearful whispers, count-
ing their beads betimes — seems to be seep-
ing slightly, at least, into the conscious-
ness of the magi of production. As each
month of 1947 looms, smaller is the num-
ber of new pictures scheduled for camera
debuts during the next 30 days; and larger
is the number of so-called carryovers, i.e.,
pictures which had been set for getaways
the previous months and again are an-
nounced for the ensuing month.
With the lamblike advent of March (this
is sunny California, remember) 41 fea-
tures were arranged at the starting gate,
of which number 26 were newcomers and
15 were carryovers. As April gets under
way the total number has increased by
one. There are 42 on the month’s agenda,
but of that number only 24 are newies,
while the carryovers total 18.
Varied are the factors which enter the sit-
uation. In the first place, there can be little
doubt that the studio strike — albeit it has
been feebly plucking at the coverlets for the
past several months — has been and still may
be an influence on film making pace.
Whether or not the studio heads are a
bit apprehensive of the industry’s immediate
future, it appears that speed-up programs of
the past couple of years must be paid for now
with a brake on studio activities.
As the programs line up for April, and by
studios:
Columbia
Hitting a new high of nine pictures sched-
uled to roll, Columbia leads all other studios
in listing April debuters. However, four of
these are no newcomers, first having been
tallied on these pages for March starts. Out
of the seven listed for that month, only three
got under way, with the fourth, a Durango
Kid film, postponed until May. Carryovers
include “Blondie in the Dough,” ‘‘Bulldog
Drummond Strikes Back,” “Destiny,” for-
merly titled “The Whistler’s Destiny” which
now becomes a psychological thriller and no
longer is related to the Whistler series;
and “I Found a Dream.” The latter, to star
Ginger Rogers and Cornel Wilde, is a roman-
tic comedy by Melvin Frank and Norman
Panana. The film will be in Technicolor.
Two productions are most noteworthy
among the five newcomers: “The Mating of
Millie McGonigle,” to be produced by Casey
Robinson from an original screen story by
Adele Commandini, and “Double Take,” a
Cornell Productions film, to be directed by
S. Sylvan Simon. The Cornell film is based
on the whodunit by Roy Huggins, and top-
lines Franchot Tone, Janet Blair, Janis Car-
ter and Adele Jergens (three blondes, no less,
for one leading man). It is the story of as-
sumed identity and of a private eye who
solves the case. Sharecropper Sam Katz-
man comes up with a musical melodrama
tagged “Sweet Genevieve” which Arthur
Dreifuss will direct. Yarn concerns the ac-
tivities of racketeers moving in on a high
school gals basketball team (they catch ’em
young). Fourth in the series of Rusty
films, title “Son of Rusty,” will roll with
Wallace MacDonald at the helm. It re-
lates more adventures of the canine character
SCRIPT CONFERENCE — Jack
Schwarz, (left) producing “Western Barn
Dance” for Screen Guild release, Ernest
Tubb, radio actor playing the lead in the
picture, and Director Bernard B. Ray
hold a script conference on the set of the
picture.
and the boy who owns him. Lew Landers
pilots. Ted Donaldson, Tom Powers and
Ann Doran topline. Last is one of the in-
evitable sagebrush musicals, “Smoky River
Serenade,” which Colbert Clark will have
under his productional guidance. Ken Curtis
and the Hoosier Hotshots are the only cast
scheduled so far and no director has been
assigned.
Eagle-Lion
One lone new production, “Captain Casa-
nova,” is this studio’s representation at the
starting gate, after finally giving the gun to
two productions “Out of the Blue” and “Love
From a Stranger” which had been carry-
overs for two successive months. Leonard
Picker will produce “C.C.” with Roberto
Gavaldon, Mexican director, handling the
megging chore. Toplines so far are Lucille
Bremer, Arturo de Cordova and Turhan
Bey, who recently was put under a long term
contract by E-L. Yarn tells the tale of said
“Captain Casanova” and his femmes — lots of
’em. The locale is Italy in the 18th century
but it will be filmed entirely in Mexico
at the Churubusco studios in Mexico City.
Enterprise
After a month in which no new produc-
tions started, Producer Harry Sherman will
roll “They Passed This Way” in April. Film
will be piloted by A1 Greene and will star
Joel McCrea. Based on a novel of the same
name by Eugene Manlove Rhodes, picture
will deal with a Robin Hood character of the
rugged west, circa 1800s, who is on the lam
from the law and continues his career of out-
lawry by robbing the rich to aid the poor.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Although Mighty Leo has just issued a
lengthy pronouncement anent his ambitious
productional plans for the remainder of
1947, April drew near with no new starters
set at the Culver City studio. Of the two
pictures scheduled to go before the cameras
during the month, one is a carryover from
March, “If Winter Comes,” a Pandro Ber-
man production, based on the A.S.M. Hutch-
inson novel. The other film, “Cass Timber-
lane,” originally was recorded on this page
as a January starter but then was taken
off production schedules for both February
and March. Now it is back on the docket
again. Arthur Hornblow jr., produces and
George Sidney will direct Spencer Tracy
and Lana Turner in the toplines. Based on
the Sinclair Lewis novel of the same name,
the yarn tells of a staid, conservative, small-
town judge who falls in love and marries a
colorful, beautiful girl much younger than he
— a girl who despises convention. How the
judge manages to make a success of so
oddiy matched a marriage constitutes the
story.
Monogram
Upping the score by two from last month’s
planned quintet, the studio has seven listed
for April getaways. Of the five set for March,
three are in work with the other two being
carryovers included in the seven set to roll
in April. Making a second try at a starting-
date are Sharecropper Irving Allen’s “Re-
volt in the Desert,” a high-budget sage-
brusher, and "Robin Hood of Monterey,” a
Cisco Kid adventure with Gilbert Roland
in the topline. Top new entry for the month
is the Scott R. Dunlap production “The
Hunted” which formerly was listed as a
King Bros, production. Belita, the triple-
threat skating-dancing-swimming gal, will
topline with Preston Foster in this Steve
Fisher short story which has to do with a
detective who hides out the gal, suspected
of murder, until he proves her innocent. Jack
Bernhard will pilot. Second Jack Wrather
film to be made for Monogram release, “High
Tide” also will go before the cameras. John
Reinhardt handles the megging chore on
this murder mystery which has a newspaper
background. Don Castle, Anabel Shaw and
Lee Tracy topline, the latter once again
playing the role of a city editor. Share-
croppers Dick Irving Hyland and Sid Luft
will give the gun to “Kilroy Was Here,”
over-quoted bon mot that came out of
World War II. With Phil Karlson directing,
a pair of former kid stars, Jackie Cooper
and Jackie Coogan, are in the top spots. Yarn
has an army background. Also on the slate
is the third of the comic strip series about
Joe Palooka, tentatively titled "A Guy Named
Joe Palooka.” Hal E. Chester produces the
film based on the Ham Fisher characters
and once again Joe Kirkwood, Leon Errol
and Elyse Knox repeat in their roles. Pro-
ducer Barney Sarecky plans to roll “Devil’s
Pass” a Johnny Mack Brown western with
Raymond Hatton in second spot as the stal-
wart hero’s saddle pal. No director has been
set. Yarn deals with the adventures en-
countered when the villains beset a stage-
coach line.
Paramount
The Marathon street film foundry lists no
new starters but is carrying over for April
bows the two productions it scheduled for
March starts. They are “Sainted Sisters,”
to be guided by the producer-director team
of Val Lewton and Mitchell Leisen with Betty
38
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
7 Remember Mama' in Production
Under George Stevens for RKO
Hutton, John Lund, Stirling Hayden and
Diana Lynn in the toplines, and “Whisper-
ing Smith,” a Technicolor western of the
super variety with Alan Ladd in the starring
spot. Sagebrusher has Leslie Fenton direct-
ing the Frank H. Spearman novel of the
1890s.
PRC Pictures
Of a trio of April entries, two are carry-
overs from the five which were scheduled to
roll in March. Three of that quintet are in
work. Scheduled for getaways, and for the
third successive time, is a pair of Ben Stoloff
productions, “Girls’ Camp” and “Bury Me
Dead.” Bernard Borhaws will pilot the lat-
ter. Only newcomer is an untitled Eddie
Dean outdoor musical actioner — okay so it’s
a western — under the productional guidance
of Jerry Thomas with Roy Taylor piloting.
Casting so far includes Roscoe Ates, he who
stutters, as Eddie Dean’s saddle pal.
RKO Radio
Cleaning up its quartet of starters for
March with the exception of one, this studio
has upped its quota to five films for April.
One is a carryover, i.e„ “Mourning Becomes
Electra,” which has been on-again-off-
again since the beginning of the year. Most
impressive of the newcomers, budget-wise, at
least, is “I Remember Mama” which is de-
scribed more fully on this page. Another
debuter is “Counterpoint,” formerly known
as “Memory of Love.” Harriet Parsons pro-
duces with John Cromwell directing Merle
Oberon and Dana Andrews in the leads of a
love story with San Francisco and New York
background. “Return of the Badmen,” an-
other sequel to the king’s size galloper, “Bad-
man’s Territory,” also will roll under the
productional guidance of Nat Holt and with
Ray Enright directing. Randolph Scott and
George “Gabby” Hayes are the only cast set
so far. Producer Sid Rogell will give the gun
to “The White Swamp,” filmization of an
article by John Maloney which appeared in
the Saturday Evening Post and has to do
with the recovery of lost gold in the Bahamas.
Byron Haskin pilots a cast which includes
Lizabeth Scott, Burt Lancaster and Robert
Sterling.
Republic
Adhering to its policy of scheduling only
two or three productions a month, and then
usually getting them started on time, this
studio will launch a trio of films during April,
after already having given the gun to the
two listed for March starts. Producer-Direc-
tor Alan Dwan will turn the cameras on
“Money to Burn,” a story which concerns the
depression year of 1933 and the effect it
had on a small town in up-state New York
when a large sum of money was circulating
among six of the townspeople. No cast has
yet been named. Roy Rogers will ride Trig-
ger through the rigors of “Heart of Mexico”
and in Trucolor too. Edward J. White pro-
duces with William Witney piloting the
feature which will have a circus background
and be — strangely enough— localed in Mexico.
Third film is the serial “Black Widow,” a
modern spy drama which Mike Frankovitch
will produce and which will be co-directed
by Fred Bannon and Spencer Bennett. Cast-
less it is at this writing.
Screen Guild
This busy-as-the-proverbial-paper-hanger
newcomer outfit, managed to roll all of its
product scheduled for March starts. Work-
ing on a clean slate, one film already was
set to roll in April, with likelihood that the
number will be increased. Independent Pro-
From a perspective of cast anti gen-
eral literary interest, possibly the most
noteworthy among
the top-layer fea-
tures set for April
starts is RKO Ra-
dio’s upcoming
screen version of “I
Remember Mama.”
As followers of lit-
erature and the
theatre will know, it
was a best-selling
novel — under the
handle “Mama’s
Bank Account” —
was condensed for
the Reader’s Digest
and was no mean
shakes as a Broad-
way play, in which
latter form it as-
sumed the title that
the picture now inherits. Written by
Kathryn Forbes, the yarn relates the
heart-warming crises and trivia of a
ducer Maurice Conn, head of Fortune Films,
will give the gun to “Dark Bullet,” a psycho-
logical murder mystery thriller which Leslie
Goodwins has been set to direct. Picture is
still to be cast.
Selznick Releasing Organization
The same status prevails on this lot as was
cataloged for the month of March. Two
pictures are rolling, "The Paradine Case,”
at the Pathe-RKO lot in Culver City, and
“Portrait of Jenny,” in New York City.
Gregory Peck and Ann Todd star in “The
Paradine Case.” Joseph Cotten and Jennifer
Jones head the cast for “Portrait of Jenny.”
20th Century-Fox
Falling back into its routine of listing no
starters, after seeing a March start of “Sec-
ond Chance,” Sol Wurtzel’s independent pro-
duction, the Westwood studio again has set
no new production activity for the month of
April, nor do either of its two sharecroppers
plan entries. However, there are three pic-
tures currently shooting on the lot, “Captain
From Castile,” “Kiss of Death” and “Scudda
Hoo! Scudda Hay!”
United Artists
It’s always a guess as to what might hap-
pen among United Artists producers. They
have scheduled three takeoffs for this month,
two of which are carryovers — keeping the
tally at the same level as at the beginning
of March. None of those March starters
made the grade, however, and one, “The
Queen’s Necklace,” an Arcadia Productions
venture, has been taken off schedule indefi-
nitely. Two holdovers at the starting line
again are “Mr. Wilmer,” a Hal Roach pro-
duction to be megged by Harve Foster, which
has been on the docket for two successive
months; and “Time of Your Life,” to be pro-
duced by William Cagney. James Cagney
stars in this filmization of the William Sa-
royan prize-winning play of the same name.
Only newcomer to the roster is a Hopalong
Cassidy film, as yet untitled, with Lewis
Norwegian-American family residing in
San Francisco.
Set for the cast are Irene Dunne —
who, of course, plays the title role —
Oscar Homolka, to contribute the same
characterization which won him acclaim
for his stage performance, and Barbara
Bel Geddes, adopted from Broadway by
the Gower street studio where she is
being given a flying start toward star-
dom.
As to productional staff, the feature
is further interesting. It will be called
a George Stevens Production and that
gentleman, on loanout from Liberty
Films, will direct. But Harriet Parsons
will be listed as producer — one of those
typical Hollywood situations where main
titles are made confusing so that no
sensitive toes will be trampled as con-
cerns credits. Several scribblers have
bent their typewriters to the screenplay
and as the film approached a start it
had not been determined to whom writ-
ing credits would go.
Rachmil producing and George Archainbaud
handling the directorial reins. William
Boyd, Andy Clyde and Rand Brooks head up
the cast of the oater which relates the trials
and tribulations of Hopalong during a cattle
rustling episode in the early days of the west.
Universal-International
Out at the Bill Goetz celluloid bazaar, only
two starters are on the April slate, one of
which was inherited not only from March,
but February as well. Of the three listed for
getaways in March, only one, “Lost Love”
made the grade with “Delusion,” S. P. Eagle’s
first production for U-I, taken off the sched-
ule indefinitely. Douglas Fairbanks jr.’s oft-
postponed production, “The Exile,” is again
promised as a starter for April. Max Ophuls
will pilot the opus which will topline Fair-
banks and Paule Croset, French femme star.
Cataloged as a costume picture, it is the
life of Charles II, during the 17th century
while he was in his 14 years of exile, and his
love story with a peasant girl. Only new-
comer is the Joseph Sistrom production
“Thunder on the Hill” which Robert Siodmak
will meg with Joan Fontaine in the starring
role. Yarn is a modern dramatic family
story.
Warner Bros.
Falling down badly on its March starters,
which were listed as three, the Burbank
studio managed to get only one, “Treasure of
the Sierra Madre,” before the lenses on sched-
ule, with the other two now listed in the
trio of films set for kickoffs in April. The
Errol Flynn starrer, “The Forty-Niners”
again is on the current docket as is “Now
and Forever,” formerly known as “Nothing
But the Night,” another United States produc-
tion. Milton Sperling produces and the direc-
tor and cast remain the same as listed for
March. Newcomer to the roster is an out-
door drama about the discovery of silver in
Nevada in the 1860s, to be known as “The
Silver River.” Owen Crump produces with
Raoul Walsh in the piloting spot. Picture
was not cast at month’s beginning.
GEORGE STEVENS
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
39
I £x&i6it<n Say
ABOUT PICTURES
One star after a picture report denotes an exhibitor who has only started
contributing to the department, two stars designate a contributor who has been
sending in reports from six months to a year, and three stars are for those of
veteran standing, from one to many years. When a contributor attains the three-
star standing, he may expect a token of our appreciation. Everybody welcome
COLUMBIA
Cowboy Blues (Col) — Ken Curtis, Jeff Don-
nell, Guy Kibbee. A very good musical west-
ern but these do not do the business that
Rogers, Autry or Starrett bring in. They please
okay, but my folks want more action and
not so much music. Played Saturday. Weather:
Good. — Arthur E. Phifield, Park Theatre, South
Berwick, Me. Small town patronage.
Perilous Holiday (Col) — Pat O Brien, Ruth
Warrick, Alan Hale. This is a nice, light mys-
tery. Played Wed., Thurs. — D. W. Trisko, Star
Theatre, Stanley, N. D. Rural patronage. *
Renegades (Col) — Evelyn Keyes, Willard
Parker, Larry Parks. Beautiful color and a
good picture. It did regular business on Sun-
day.— Leroy C. Smith, Ren-Roy Theatre, Green-
up, Ky. Rural and small town patronage. * *
Return of Rusty, The (Col) — Ted Donaldson,
John Litel, Barbara Wooddell. All it takes in
this community is a horse or a dog in the
cast of a picture and the boxoffice finishes
strong. This one had the dog and we had
the customers — satisfied ones, too. These low
bracket Columbia pictures always do well for
me. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Mild. —
Carl E. Pehlman, Rio, Edinburg, 111. Rural and
small town patronage.
Rough, Tough and Ready (Col) — Chester
Morris, Victor McLaglen. Very good and
plenty of laughs. A fine midweek picture that
should do well anywhere. These class B pic-
tures are oftentimes better than the per-
centage ones. Played Wednesday only.
Weather: Good. — W. H. Swan, Auditorium
Theatre, Roscoe, S. D. Rural patronage. * * *
Two-Fisted Stranger (Col) — Charles Star-
rett, Smiley Burnette, Doris Houck. Starrett
and Smiley are really tops and this is a very
good western. Played Fri., Sat. — James C.
Balkcom, Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. Small town
patronage. * * *
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Easy to Wed (MGM) — Van Johnson, Esther
Williams, Lucille Ball. This is another good
one from MGM which drew average business.
Lucille Ball's wisecracking role stole the show,
in my opinion. The best scene: Van Johnson
duck-hunting. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Clear, mild. — Carl E. Pehlman, Rio Theatre,
Edinburg, 111. Rural and small town patron-
age.
Faithful in My Fashion (MGM) — Donna
Reed, Tom Drake, Edward Everett Horton.
Program picture that seemed to please the
average number of patrons. Weather: Cold.
Played Sunday. — W. F. Shelton, Louisburg
Theatre, Louisburg, N. C. Small town pa-
tronage. * *
Gallant Bess (MGM)- — Marshall Thompson,
George Tobias, Clem Bevans. A fair picture in
Cinecolor which did above average midweek
business for us, although not as sensational
as other animal pictures of this type. Played
Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather: Mild.— Wayne
Stebbins, Saranac Theatre, Saranac, Mich.
Small town patronage. * * *
Green Years, The (MGM) — Charles Coburn,
Beverly Tyler, Tom Drake. Here's a real
picture. I played it late but still did a whale
of a business on it. Many had seen it once
and came to see it again. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Mild. — Sherman L. Mason, Avon
Theatre, Medora, 111. Rural patronage.
Holiday in- Mexico (MGM) — Walter Pidg-
eon, Jose Iturbi, Ilona Massey. Beautiful
color, but all pictures with Mexican back-
grounds fail to do good business here — too
high class. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair.
- — E. B. Wacaster, Ozark Theatre, Ozark, Ark.
Rural and small town patronage.
Meet Me in St. Louis (MGM) — Judy Garland,
Margaret O'Brien. Rather old but a fine pic-
ture worth playing in preference to later re-
leases. Played Sat., Sun. Mon. — O. A. Fosse,
Community Theatre, Ridgeway, Iowa. Small
town and rural patronage.
Three Wise Fools (MGM) — Margaret O'Brien,
Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell. One of
MGM's weakest played here. Many walkouts
and poor business. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather Fair. — E. B. Wacaster, Ozark Theatre,
Ozark, Ark. Rural and small town patron-
age.
Three Wise Fools (MGM) — Margaret O'Brien,
Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell. We held
high hopes for this but were doomed to dis-
appointment. Margaret O'Brien has been a
great drawing card. Patrons said she cried
too much during the picture. It didn't come
up to MGM standards, in my opinion. Played
Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather Clear and warm.
- — Rahl & Hanson, California Theatre, Kerman,
Calif. Small town patronage.
Two Smart People (MGM) — Lucille Ball, John
Hodiak, Lloyd Nolan. An interesting, well-
made programmer, good for action towns.
Average midweek patronage. Played
Wednesday. Weather: Fair. — Chase Bros.,
Sokokis Theatre, Limerick, Me. Rural and
small town patronage.
MONOGRAM
Moon Over Montana (Mono) — Jimmy Wake-
ly. Lee "Lasses" White, Jennifer Holt. They
Star Reads Comments,
Writes Exhibitor Fan
R. V. Dinkle, manager of the Ken Thea-
tre at Raceland, Ky., and W. W. Lemas-
ter, his assistant, have found out stars as
well as exhibitors read this department.
Dinkle writes:
“We were very happy when we received
a letter from Gene Autry a few weeks ago.
He told us in his letter that he reads with
interest ‘what the exhibitor has to say’
and thanked us very much for the write-
up we gave his picture, ‘Ride Ranger
Ride,’ which was in the February 15 issue
of BOXOFFICE.
“We have also received numerous other
letters from exhibitors all over the coun-
try. We made a report on ‘Crime by
Night’ and under this report we asked if
anyone could tell us how to cut down film
rental. The replies we received on this
(most of them) were to close the theatre
down, as that’s the only way to cut down
on film rent!’’
seemed to pass approval — lots of shooting
and not too much love-making say our farm
lads. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold.- — Har-
land Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. Gen-
eral patronage. * * *
Suspense (Mono) — Belita, Barry Sullivan,
Bonita Granville. This is a fine murder mys-
tery show, with, some good ice-skating acts
thrown in. A bit heavy to do good business
on my best playing time, but it pleased every-
one, even though business was only average.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good. — Arthur
E. Phifield, Park Theatre, South Berwick, Me.
Small town patronage. * * *
PARAMOUNT
Blue Skies (Para) — Bing Crosby, Joan Caul-
field, Fred Astaire. Play this by all means. I
played this one second run for the Wells Thea-
tres and didn't think I was going to do any-
thing but had very good business. Some even
came the second time. This picture is good
entertainment for all ages and will do well
in any location. It has plenty of that good
singing that only Bing can dish out, and
plenty of good music. Also, it has a little ro-
mantic trouble that it seems every picture
must have. If you can buy it right, play it.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fine. — -Joe
Drury, Wells Theatre, St. Marys, Ga. Small
town and rural patronage. * *
California (Para) — Ray Milland, Barbara
Stanwyck, Barry Fitzgerald. Drew good busi-
ness, due to its title and Technicolor. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold. — C. V. Martina,
Rialto Theatre, Albion, N. Y. Small town pa-
tronage. * *
Perfect Marriage, The (Para) — Loretta Young,
David Niven, Eddie Albert. Comedy about the
troubles of a married couple. The only trouble
is that the pace dragged badly, comedy some-
times got silly and, worst of all, the boxoffice
did a complete flop. Weather: Fair. Played
Mon., Tues. — W. F. Shelton, Louisburg Thea-
tre, Louisburg, N. C. Rural and small town
patronage. * *
Virginian, The (Para) — Joel McCrea, Brian
Donlevy, Sonny Tufts. Here is another box-
office sensation from Paramount, the best pic-
ture company in the business, in our estima-
tion. There have been very few flops from
Paramount and this was excellent in every
way. If only Gary Cooper or John Wayne
had played McCrea's role, it would have been
just a little better. They stood up anyhow.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Very good. —
Dinkle <S Lemaster, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky.
Rural and small town patronage.
PRC PICTURES
Song of Old Wyoming (PRC) — Eddie Dean,
Sarah Padden, A1 La Rue. Good western pic-
ture in color which pleased average business
on Fri., Sat. Weather: Good. — E. M. Frei-
burger. Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage. * * *
RKO RADIO
From This Day Forward (RKO) — Joan Fon-
taine, Mark Stevens, Arline Judge. This pic-
ture is well done but didn't draw so well here.
Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Fair.- — -
D. W. Trisco, Star Theatre, Stanley, N. D.
Rural patronage. *
Genius at Work (RKO) — Wally Brown, Alan
Carney, Anne Jeffreys. If you want to make
your double feature program a big hit, play
this by all means. Played Fri., Sat. — James C.
Balkcom, Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. Small
town patronage. * * *
Heartbeat (RKO) — Ginger Rogers, Jean
Pierre Aumont, Basil Rathbone. Put Ginger
Rogers in a few more like this and you can
call her a has-been. Played Sun., Mon.
(Continued on page 42)
40
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
»
'* V* *#*?-
«$£ '• ploutow
Prot,U-URKE^
jMtfS s- &
n*S^oRS'
'Di&fai&uted
Screen Guild Productions, toe.
Home Office: 346 5o, LaBrea Ave., Hollywood, Caiif. • Foreign Dep’t.: 723 7th Ave., New York City • Cable, "Guildfilms"
(Continued from page 40)
Weather: Good. — Terry Axley, new Theatre,
England, Ark. Rural and small town patron-
age.
It's a Wonderful Life (RKO) — James Stewart,
Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore. It's wonderful
to fill the screen with such wonderful enter-
tainment for such wonderful people. All the
adjectives in the book were used to tell us of
this wonderful picture. It is a top one for all
small towns. Mr. Showman, all small towns
have a few old fogies who try to hold the
young man down and keep him from being
successful. Well, be sure to get those fogies
in to see this one. Played Fri., Sat., Sun., Mon.
Weather: Good all four days. — L. E. Burkey,
Ritz Theatre, Deshler, Neb. Factory and rural
patronage. * * *
Kid From Brooklyn (RKO) — Danny Kaye,
Virginia Mayo, Vera-Ellen. All I can say is
that you won't go wrong by playing it. Let's
have more like it, Samuel. Played Mon., Tues.
Weather: Nice — couldn’t be better. — F. C. Nor-
ris, Hiland Theatre, Highlands, Tex. Small
town and rural patronage. *
Notorious (RKO) — Cary Grant, Ingrid Berg-
man, Claude Rains. Good suspense and won-
derful acting that held the patrons' interest
throughout. Played Mon., Tues. — James C.
Balkcom, Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. Small
town patronage. * * *
Sister Kenny (RKO) — Rosalind Russell,
Alexander Knox, Dean Jagger. We were real-
ly surprised in this feature as we thought it
would draw, but it turned out to be the worst
Sun., Mon. in over a year with us. RKO cer-
tainly oversold this picture to us and even
demanded preferred time. The picture is okay
but no entertainment, and that is what our
patrons want. We've never been able to sell
these biography pictures. — Burris and Henley
Smith, Imperial Theatre, Pocahontas, Ark. Ru-
ral patronage. * * *
Swiss Family Robinson (RKO) — Reissued
here by Peerless. Thomas Mitchell, Edna Best.
fylaAit Point?
Users of POPSIT PLUS the
liquid popcorn seasoning
made from Peanut Oil, are
not worried about flash point-
POPSIT PLUS has a flash
point over 6509F. and a fire
point over 700"F.
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
&/ie LIQUID /w/uckn
beafam/ncf mvt/i //mi/
BITTER fi/oAM/i . . .
POPSIT PLUS is acclaimed na-
tionally as the leaderl It will pop
MORE corn because every drop is
used. The fact that it pours read-
ily, measures accurately, elimi-
nates all inconvenience at the
popping machine and permits un-
interrupted operations has won it
preeminence in the seasoning
field.
For better flavored, quick selling
popcorn all the time, use the
liquid peanut oil seasoning with
the "nose and eye appeal" —
POPSIT PLUS1
Warehouse stocks available at —
Boston, Providence, Pittsburgh,
Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indianapo-
lis, Detroit, Chicago, Des Moines,
Kansas City, Omaha, Dallas, Den-
ver, Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles.^
C. F. Simonin’s Sons, Inc.
l I s H t 0
2550 E. TIOGA ST. PHILADELPHIA 34, PA.
SEE FREE!
See Filmack's New PREVUE TRAILERS before signing your
next Prevue contract. Write, wire or call us for FREE SAMPLE
PREVUES of our New Service. FILMACK — 1328 S. Wabash
Avenue, Chicago 5 Illinois.
FILMACK gives QUICKEST SERVICE on SPECIAL TRAILERS
This is a nice family picture. We doubled it
with our weekend western to satisfactory busi-
ness. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold. — Har-
land Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. Gen-
eral patronage. * * *
Tarzan and the Leopard Woman (RKO) —
Johnny Weissmuller, Brenda Joyce, Johnny
Sheffield. This is a good picture and did a
little better business than the Sundays that
I had with dramatic pictures. — Leroy C. Smith,
Ren-Roy Theatre, Greenup, Ky. Rural and
small town patronage. * *
Till the End of Time (RKO) — Dorothy Mc-
Guire, Guy Madison, Bill Williams. Here is
a picture that any person will be glad to have
seen. It is about the problems that face our
home-coming veterans. I was fooled on the
trailer because that- was more or less all about
the love in the picture, put in two minutes.
Good acting by all, although Dorothy Mc-
Guire doesn't appeal to our patrons. Thanks,
RKO, for this one — we did business on it.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair. — F. C.
Norris, Hiland Theatre, Highlands, Tex. Small
town and rural patronage. *
Till the End of Time (RKO)— Dorothy Mc-
Guire, Guy Madison, Bill Williams. This is
very good. Some of your war veterans will
cuss it but still go to see it. We had the best
Monday crowd in months. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Cold. — Terry Axley, New Theatre,
England, Ark. Rural and small town patron-
age. * * *
Wanderer of the Wasteland (RKO) — James
Warren, Richard Martin, Audrey Long. Here
is another in the RKO series which has every-
thing a good western should have. It has no
star value but when people around here see
RKO on the posters, then they know they are
going to see something for their money. Un-
like Warner Bros., RKO makes for small towns
and their prices are usually very reasonable.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Good. — Dinkle
& Lemaster, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural
and small town patronage.
West of the Pecos (RKO) — Robert Mitchum,
Barbara Hale, Richard Martin. This is a swell
western. Everyone likes Zane Grey's novels.
This is one of the best Westerns I've ever
played since I've been here. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Fair and cold. — James E. Davis, Ri-
alto Theatre, Bennington, Okla. Rural and
small town patronage. *
Without Reservations (RKO) Claudette
Colbert, John Wayne, Don DeFore. A real
good comedy but business was off — through
no fault of the, picture. A blizzard struck late
Sunday afternoon, ruining that day's business
completely, but it is a good picture with good
stars. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Stormy. —
Arthur E. Phifield, Park Theatre, South Ber-
wick, Me. Small town patronage.
REPUBLIC
Apache Rose (Rep) — Roy Rogers, Dale
Evans, Olin Howlin. First Rogers picture in
Trucolor turned out well with some excellent
production standards and plenty of action.
Trucolor, as exhibited in this picture, is the
Features for Sale
Available now: One American fea-
ture; 5 English; 3 English with
Spanish titles; 5 Spanish version;
2 German with English titles.
Some are for South America only.
Some for the Western Hemisphere.
Complete with negatives. Write
Box 47, BOXQFFICE, 9 Rockefeller
Plaza, New York City.
42
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
best “two-color" system we have seen yet.
Weather: Fair. Played Mon. — W. F. Shelton,
Louisburg Theatre, Louisburg, N. C.
Earl Carroll Sketchbook (Rep)- — Constance
Moore, William Marshall, Bill Goodwin. Re-
public just can't make features that will draw
the crowds for us. This was no exception and
all we did was waste a playdate with it.
Played Thurs., Fri. — Burris and Henley Smith,
Imperial Theatre, Pocahontas, Ark. Rural pa-
tronage.
Man From Rainbow Valley (Rep) — Monte
Hale, Adrian Booth, Jo Ann Marlowe. Con-
gratulations on this new series. Beautiful
photography. Of course if your equipment
isn't up to par you can't make your cus-
tomers enjoy these color pictures — I know
mine did. Regular business for the weekend.
— Leroy C. Smith, Ren-Roy Theatre, Greenup,
Ky. Rural and small town patronage.
Out California Way (Rep) — Monte Hale,
Adrian Booth, Bobby Blake. This gave us our
biggest March Sat., Sun. draw and out-
grossed “Caesar and Cleopatra" playing the
same day at the Pictureland. Doubled with
“Little Miss Big" (U-I) which held up its end
of the bill with ease. Played Sat., Sun.
Weather: Fair. — Gray Barker, Lyric Theatre,
Glenville, W. Va. Rural, small town and
college patronage. * * *
Tucson Raiders (Rep) — Bill Elliott, George
“Gabby" Hayes. This is a very good western
with excellent comedy from “Gabby” Hayes.
The cold spell knocked this one out, too.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold. — Dinkle &
Lemaster, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural
and small town patronage. *
SCREEN GUILD
Rolling Home (SG) — Jean Parker, Russell
Hayden, Pamela Blake. A natural for small
towns. It pleased 100 per cent and the sec-
OUTDOOR
REFRESHMENT
CONCESSIONAIRES
from Coast to Coast
over Vi Century ^
Notv Specializing '
in Refreshment
Concessions for
DRIVE-IN THEATRES/
SPORTSERVICE, Inc. JACOBS BROS.
HURST BLDG. BUFFALO. N. Y.
ond day's business was built up by the first.
Comments from patrons were very good and
business was good. Played Thurs., Fri. Weath-
er: Clear and warmer. — Joe R. Hayworth, Play-
house Theatre, Pink Hill, N. C. Small town
patronage.
20TH CENTURY-FOX
Anna and the King of Siam (20th-Fox)- —
Irene Dunne, Rex Harrison, Linda Darnell. A
well made production which is not appreciated
in small towns. We gave it extra publicity
but it held up only fair at the boxoffice.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Snowstorms. —
Wayne Stebbins, Saranac Theatre, Saranac,
Mich. Small town patronage.
Do You Love Me (20th-Fox) — Maureen
O'Hara, Dick Haymes, Harry James. Just an-
other musical that failed at the boxoffice.
They don't appreciate that type here. Played
Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Good.- — D. W.
Trisko, Star Theatre, Stanley, N. D. — Rural pa-
tronage.
Smoky (20th-Fox)- — This is the best picture
we've run. It did a lot of business and Fox
took their share, but I still think it was worth
the time and effort. Burl Ives' singing was
(Continued on next page)
monon PICTURE SERVICE C».
125 HYDE $T. -San Francisco (2) Calif.
GERALD L.KARSKI (jenerj/ 771 j n j q e r
ZouUe YOUR POPCORN “PROFITS”
With
CRET0R$> Auxiliary MOD. 41 POPCORN MACHINE
• Pops 50 lbs. Raw Corn Per Hour
• Weight Equalizing Device -- Easy Pan Dump
C. CStETOiS & CO.
604 W. Cermak Rd.
Chicago 16, 111.
Large production . . . Fast, efficient, trouble-
free. Pops corn direct in the seasoning and
salt. Pan easily dumped . . . Enclosed trans-
mission . . . Gears run in oil . . . Keeps heat
where needed . . . No pressure from popping
corn insures maximum popping volume.
Dump handle interchangeable — right or left
hand operation. Machines operated by bottle
gas or natural gas. Motor driven by elec-
tricity. Gasoline extra.
Bags — % lb. $2.10 M in lots of under 10 M
2.00 M over 10 M
IV2 oz. Trademark, 10c seller,
$3.30 per M
(Available only at Western Warehouses)
Refined and processed according to our
own specifications. Brings out the natural
flavor oi your popcorn.
10c per 2-lb. box, in cases of 12 or 24.
FOR IMMEDIATE SERVICE
WRITE NEAREST
EASTERN
Atlanta, Ga., Southern Sales & Warehouse Co., 171 Peters St., $. W.
Binghampton, N. Y., Manley, Inc., Box No. 826
Boston, Mass., Wiggin Terminals, Inc., 50 Terminal St.
Charlotte, N. C„ Carolina Transfer & Storage Co., 1230 W. Morehead
Roanoke, Va., Roanoke Public Warehouse
MIDDLE-WEST
Columbus, Ohio, Merchandise Warehouse, 370 W. Broad St.
Dallas, Texas, Zanes-Ewalt Warehouse, 420 Laws St.
Des Moines, Iowa, Merchants Transfer & Storage Co.
Indianapolis, fnd., Strohm Warehouse & Cartage Co., 230 W. McCarty St.'
WAREHOUSE
Kansas City, Mo., Manley, Inc., 1920 Wyandotte St.
Memphis, Tenn., United Warehouse & Terminal Corp., 137 E. Calhoun
New Orleans, La., Douglas Public Service Corp., 118 N. Front St.
Oklahoma, City, Okla., O. K. Transfer & Storage Co., 531 W. Main
Peoria, III., Federal Warehouse Co., 800 South Adams
St. Paul, Minn., Central Warehouse Co., University & Pillsbury Ave.
WESTERN
Denver, Colo., Weicker Transfer & Storage Co., 1700 15th St.
Los Angeles, Calif., Jennings-Nibley Warehouse Co., Ltd.
Oakland, Calif., Haslett Warehouse Co., 51 Webster St.
Seattle, Wash., American Warehouse Co., 95 Connecticut St.
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
43
(Advertisement)
HAVE YOU ever wished you could make a
trip thru Alaska? I have! I'll bet I could find
me an Eskimo who would say, "Marge, you're
the answer to my prayer!'' Whether I found
romance or icebergs. I'd love it. I'm sure.
There has always been something about
Alaska that has fascinated me. ever since
the teacher "beat history into we kids" (a
few) years ago!
"MOM AND DAD"
ALASKA HERE WE come! ! ! Yes, sir. "Mom
and Dad" is going to carry its educational
message right up into the Land of the Rising
Sun. Why? Because a couple of our gov-
ernment officials from up there saw the pic-
ture a few weeks ago in California and wired
"Alaska needs it, tool" Krog "fired" the
telegram on to Mr. Jossey and Jack relayed
it to agent Floyd Lewis up in Seattle. Faster
than I can tell it, Floyd airmailed us a flock
of contracts. The route will take a "Mom and
Dad" unit clear across that fascinating land.
The route opens June 9th at Ketchikan. Be-
fore the lecturers and nurses could start
fighting for this route, Krog assigned it to Ole
Faithful.
"MOM AND DAD"
CHARLIE DECKMAN, Sr., who's itching to
see the world and anxious to get out of mow-
ing the gra_s this summer, has received the
nod. Charlie is a red-blooded outdoorsman.
He loves to hunt, fish, camp, talk and travel.
Just this week he rolled in from a trailer-trip
which started New Year's Dav and took him
through every state in the south, on down
to Mexico City and far beyond, back to Texas,
then to the West Coast, up to Vancouver,
back to Salt Lake City and Denver, down to
Amarillo, across thru Birmingham and back
by way of Memphis. Charlie was "adjust-
ing his carburetor" and checking his gas
mileage on this trip, so he could depart for
Alaska next month reasonably sure his new
Lincoln is broken in and ready-to-go!
"MOM AND DAD"
HYGIENIC'S MUSHROOMING GROWTH con-
tinues according to schedule1. We world-
premiered "Mom and Dad" in Oklacity with
one unit. Krog set up a schedule to have
five rolling by year's end. We did! Last year
we opened with five and closed with ten fully
staffed units, just as he planned. This year
we opened with 10 and no doubt will close
with 20 'cause he said so at last year's
Christmas party. There are 12 white units in
the States now, and the famous Jesse Owens
(colored) unit. One in Canada, one in South
America and one in Alaska will rai^e the
total to 15 by June.
"MOM AND DAD"
THE 1947 ROUTES will close Dec. 6th. Some
are practically complete now. Most are
booked into August. A few agents are still
making up their minds (or Exhibitors' minds)
about June and July bookings. You poor
Exhibs who need a truly "big gross” in
April or May are out of luck. Drop us a
note so we'll know who you are — where you
are — the name and size of your theatre —
and that sorta stuff and we'll get one of our
agents in to see you soon. You can't say we
didn't invite you to render a public service
and vitaminize your bank balance. We play
'em large — or small — old or new — and treat
the poor and the rich, the large and the
small, alikel That's why we got friends — and
bookings! — MARGE.
Exhibitor s- book /t now!
The Worlds Most Am azinq Attraction
ELLIOT FORBES'/S'/ViWW'JESSE OWENS
WORLD-WIDE DISTRIBUTORS
HYGIENIC PRODUCTIONS
HOME OFF I CES-HYCIENE BLDC.WILMINCTON.OHIO
BRANCHEV.LOJ ANGELES- CLEVELAND -TORONTO- MEXICO CITY
the best recording we've had in a long, long
time. The color was nice, the picture moved,
and everyone was satisfied. Played Tues.
through Thurs. Weather: Fine. — Mayme P.
Musselman, Roach Theatre, Lincoln, Kas.
Small town patronage. * * *
Thunder Birds (20th-Fox) — Gene Tierney,
John Sutton. An "oldie" I picked up to take
up space during the winter months. It drew
better than a newer release and pleased
everyone. Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Good.
— Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W.
Va. Small town patronage.
UNITED ARTISTS
Bachelor's Daughters, The (UA) — Gail Rus-
sell, Claire Trevor, Adolphe Menjou. Pass this
one up, brethren, or double bill it. If you
have ulcers-, you'll have more if you expect
business from this one. The echo was awful,
the house was so empty. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Mild. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Thea-
tre, Tilbury, Ont. General patronage.
Caesar and Cleopatra (UA) — Claude Rains,
COCONUT GIL
FRESH — from the refinery of
the nation's seasoning special-
ists— THE colored Coconut Oil
popcorn seasoning — SEAZO.
DRESS UP your popcorn and
PUSH UP those profits — with
SEAZO.
Warehouse stocks available at
Boston, Providence, Pittsburgh,
Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indian-
apolis, Detroit, Chicago, Des
Moines, Kansas City, Omaha,
Dallas, Denver, Portland, Se-
attle, Los Angeles.
C. F. Simonin’s Sons, Inc.
% r ^
* B l | s H t 0
2550 E. Tioga St., Philadelphia 34, Pa.
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
Vivien Leigh, Stewart Granger. This is defi-
nitely not a small town picture. Scenery and
Technicolor aren’t enough to hold my patrons
or to bring them back. Pass it up. — Wilder S.
Funk, Star Theatre, St. Stephens, S. C. Small
town and rural patronage. *
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Because of Him (U-I) — Deanna Durbin, Fran-
chot Tone, Charles Laughton. An excellent
picture which pleased all customers. Durbin,
Tone and Laughton were all at their best,
especially Laughton. Let's have more like this
one from Universal. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Mild. — Carl E. Pehlman, Rio Theatre, Edin-
burgh, 111. Rural and small town patronage. *
Killers, The (U-I) — Burt Lancaster, Ava
Gardner, Edmond O'Brien. Awful! I have
played scores of programmers that beat this
one. Universal seems to think it is good —
they put a per cent on it, sent a checker and
everything. Gosh, what a flop! More walk-
outs than I ever saw. Played Sun., Mon.,
Tues. Weather: Fair. — Bill Leonard, Leonard
Theatre, Cedarvale, Kas. Small town and
rural patronage. * * *
Killers, The (U-I) — Ava Gardner, Burt Lan-
caster, Edmond O'Brien. This is a well-made
gangster-detective story with plenty of sus.-
pense. Our particular suspense, though, was
in waiting for the business which never came.
Weather: Fair. Played Thurs., Fri. — W. F. Shel-
ton, Louisburg Theatre, Louisburg, N. C. Ru-
ral and small town Datronage. * *
WARNER BROS.
Brother Rat (WB) — Reissue. Wayne Morris,
Priscilla Lane. Another old one that went over
okay. I didn't hear any complaints about this
one. It was a little different from the murder
mysteries I've been having and I guess that's
what made the difference. The weather was
fine and the people came out. Played Mon.,
Tues. Weather: Fine. — Joe Drury, Wells Thea-
tre, St. Marys, Ga. Small town and rural
patronage. * *
Man I Love, The (WB) — Ida Lupino, Robert
Alda, Bruce Bennett. Good drama with music
that pleased to about average business.
Weather: Cold. Played Thurs., Fri.— W. F.
Shelton, Louisburg Theatre, Louisburg, N. C.
Rural and small town patronage. * *
Good Grade
POPCORN
Over 25
Bags
Per 100
1 to 25 Bags
Per
100 lbs.
★
ji£ou-Ana " Cocoa nut Oil
In returnable drums or 38V2 lb. tins
Immediate Delivery — Prices on Request
★
POPCORN BOXES, Per 1000. $7.50
(F.O.B. CHICAGO)
(Prices subject to change)
★
Immediate Delivery
• Peanut Oil • Bags and Boxes
• Paper Cones • Salt Seasoning
★
Distributors for
CRETORS Popcorn Machines
POPPER’S BOY PRODUCTS CO.
58 E. 13th St. Chicago 5
44
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
Tendency to Giveaways
Is Noticed in Albany
Shea Demands Rivoli
Define Trust Action
BUFFALO — Judge W>hn Knight of federal
court reserved decision this week on a de-
fense request that the Rivoli Operating Corp.
be “more specific and certain” in its $1,200,000
antitrust complaint against the Buffalo
Theatres, Inc., and nine distributors.
The case is being handled for the Rivoli
by Thomas C. McDonnell, who was attorney
for the Jackson Park Theatre in the suc-
cessful antitrust fight in Chicago.
Frank G. Raichle, representing Buffalo
Theatres, which operate the Shea Theatres,
said a “factual statement” should be fur-
nished by the plaintiff in support of its con-
tention that the Rivoli was unable to ob-
tain product as a result of a conspiracy.
Raichle pointed out that one paragraph
of the complaint referred to the operation
of the Roosevelt Theatre and also to down-
town operations. “If this case is to involve
all the facts and circumstances of the down-
town area, that’s one thing,” he said. “If
the damage to the plaintiff was in his neigh-
borhood, that’s another.” Raichle said if
there is to be a “melting” of both of them,
“we will be in the court for weeks ... I think
the plaintiff should be required to make
some statement as to how the downtown
situation can damage him in the neigh-
borhood.”
Raichle also represented Paramount and
Loew’s. Clayton M. Smith represented WB;
Sidney B. Pfeiffer, RKO and 20th-Fox, and
Alfred M. Zisser, Columbia. They also asked
for amplification of the complaint.
Answering the request for additional facts,
McDonnell, asserted that the complaint was
complicated “because we are dealing with a
system of clearing pictures that is by its
very nature complicated.” He alleged there
exists here a “price-fixing conspiracy to
maintain a monopoly in the Shea Theatres.”
As part of this conspiracy, he alleged, there
is a system “whereby patronage is thrown
into the downtown theatres at higher ad-
missions by making it impossible for the in-
dependent to compete with the chain.”
Make Feature in Gotham
NEW YORK — Astor Pictures Corp. has
signed a one-picture deal with Slim Gaillard
and His Trio for “Ovoutie O’Rooney,” a fea-
ture to be made in New York, according to
Bob Savini, president.
ALBANY — Games and giveaways show
signs of great popularity in the Albany ex-
change district, although, as one local ex-
hibitor expressed it: “Thank God, they
haven’t progressed to the prewar level!”
When receipts began to drop off from the
wartime peak, off-the-record hopes were ex-
pressed that theatres wouldn’t go back to
bingo, dishes, cosmetics and the like. How-
ever, there is somewhat of a definite trend
along these lines just now.
Fraternal organizations and veterans posts
are running bingo in the vicinity of several
Albany theatres. One leading fraternal order
has been staging big games on Monday nights
for years: another order uses newspaper
space lavishly. Bingo has been banned for
some eight years under Catholic auspices,
following an order from Bishop Edmund F.
Gibbons.
The largest giveaway this year was an
“Easter shower” at the four Warner houses,
held April 3, when prizes totaling $1,500 in
value were distributed to patrons of the
Strand, Ritz, Madison and Delaware thea-
tres, hooked up by telephone. In prewar
years several houses gave away automobiles.
Other houses are running bingo and banko;
give away turkeys from time to time; coun-
try stores have been in vogue at some situa-
tions. A few houses are still running “Ten-to-
One,” introduced more than a decade ago.
Murray Holstein, who promoted merchan-
dising tieups prior to Pearl Harbor, is again
active in the field, it is understood. He is
headquartering in Saratoga.
Giveaways Used But Sparsely
In Newark and Its Environs
NEWARK — Toys and dinnerware are used
in some Newark theatres, usually in neigh-
borhood houses. There seems to be little
change by the theatres which have used
them since the war, except that more dishes
are available.
Many exhibitors feel that such premiums
are better left out of show business on the
grounds that running a theatre is one type
of business, dispensing of merchandise an-
other, though some favor certain types of
giveaways.
There are 40,000,000 persons who go in for
sports events, according to David Beehler,
manager of Warners’ Central, who could be
switched to the theatres. This is a terrific
year for baseball. Beehler is more interested
in getting children back to the theatre than
in drawing the adult patronage with offers
of chinaware. He has used giveaways when
prices were low but later dropped them. The
Central is in a music-loving neighborhood
and patrons are more interested in enter-
tainment with a musical flavor than in give-
aways. Dishes are used in some Warner
houses in Bayonne.
The Embassy, the Congress, the Avon, the
Mayfair in Hillside, the Treat and one or
two others continue the policy of giveaways.
Dishes were popular at the Avon during the
war because the theatre was able to get them
and they still go well there. Toys have not
been used for over a year. Sidney Lewin,
manager of the Avon, says that while the
toys went well for a while, later the chil-
dren got tired of them. “If you get too much
in stock,” he says, “you learn to dislike the
plan.” The Congress Theatre also has
dropped toys and uses only dinnerware,
though toys are still used at the Essex.
Most of the larger premium companies
are in New York and they do a good busi-
ness, but for the most part Newark exhibi-
tors make arrangements for premiums
through tieups with merchants. The mer-
chants like these arrangements.
Harrisburg and Vicinity Prefer
'Regular Channel' Promotions
HARRISBURG — There has been no gen-
eral trend here toward reintroduction of pre-
miums and giveaways in any of the Harris-
burg or area theatres. In several, however,
the giveaway inducement has been used
periodically and never quite dissolved. Among
the houses which from time to time offer
premiums are the small theatres in the
Rubinsky chain. These are in small, rural
communities, and the giveaway instances are
rare. The first run houses and the neighbor-
hoods in the capital city report no necessity
to date of offering gifts to patrons.
To date exhibitors have not found it nec-
essary to dress up performances with added
attractions, except, of course, in regular pro-
motional channels, such as the premiere of
“The Fabulous Dorseys” at Loew’s Regent,
and “Bedelia” at the Senate, when visiting
celebrities were presented from the stages.
The State has not resumed its wartime casu-
alty, the Juniortown program for children
on Saturdays, nor has the Rio. Tieups with
photographic studios and other such busi-
nesses often result in presentation of various
awards from the stage of the State, but
principally because it is the best si
town.
National Allied and ITOA
Resume Meetings in N.Y.
NEW YORK — Meetings between the New
Jersey representatives of National Allied and
the Independent Theatre Owners of America
were resumed at a luncheon held during the
week at the Hotel Astor. Irving Dollinger is
chairman of the Allied committee which in-
cludes Nathan Yamins, Ed Laehman and
Sidney E. Samuelson. Leon Rosenblatt heads
the ITOA contingent.
“SO LONG, JACK; WELCOME, JERRY”— Members of the MGM Pep club at
Washington had a get-together recently for the dual purpose of greeting a new branch
manager and bidding goodby to a sales manager. The occasion was Jack Goldberg’s
promotion to manager at Albany, and Jerry Adams’ transfer from managership of
the San Francisco exchange to a similar post in the nation’s capital. Above, a partial
group at the party, 1. to r.: Alice Clark, Helen Hedman, Libby Blackstock, Alice
Re'lly. Marie Reeder, John S. Allen, John J. Maloney, Pittsburgh; Rose Frank, Hazel
McCarthy, Adams, Mrs. Jack Goldberg, Goldberg, Audrey Paulas, Helen Pruett and
Marilyn Knoll.
BOXOFFICE : ; April 12, 1947
E
45
BROADWAY
Med E. Depinet is in from the coast for
policy talks with RKO home office sales
heads . . . Robert S. Taplinger, Enterprise
vice-president in charge of publicity, and
Charles Einfeld, president, are recent ar-
rivals from Hollywood . . . Guy Bolton
MGM writer, and his “missus” are en route
to England.
Constance C. Lazar of Trans-Continental
Films is scheduled to leave for a business
tour of England, Belgium and France April
18 . . . Arthur Jeffrey and Kenny Delmar
made a quick trip to Boston . . . Melvin Albert,
film attorney, is the father of a son, Michael
Anthony, born April 8 . . . Milton Sperling
of United States Pictures and Allen Boritz
are due in town.
Alan F. Cummings, MGM’s exchange op-
erations and maintenance manager, wound
up a southern tour . . . Harry Mandel, E-L
midwest sales chief, is in from Chicago . . .
G. L. Carrington of Altec is here on a three-
week visit . . . Harry M. Warner has delayed
his trip east until later this month.
J. E. O’Donnell and Pete Friedhold of
Monogram’s Gotham staff are in Atlanta
. . . Steve Broidy, president of Allied Artists,
is enjoying a brief rest here after the three-
theatre opening of “It Happened on Fifth
Avenue” in Miami. He will leave for a San
Antonio opening April 17.
Dorothy Lamour and her husband, William
Ross Howard, are here on a combined busi-
ness and vacation trip . . . Boris Morros
sailed on the Queen Elizabeth for London
for talks with J. Arthur Rank on the British
release of “Carnegie Hall.” Ben Goetz is
also Britain-bound after a visit to the MGM
studios . . . Harry Kalmine of Warner Thea-
tres and Rudolph Weiss, who heads the real
estate department, spent two days in Boston.
William B. Zoellner, director of MGM’s
reprints and importations, is touring Atlanta,
Jacksonville and Chicago . . . Constantin
Bakaleinikoff, RKO music director, arrived
with a crew of studio technicians to record
Artur Rubinstein’s playing of “Concerto in
C Minor” for the new film, “Counterpoint.”
Ira Epstein of the Warners field staff spent
a few days visiting at the home office . . .
Max Wolff is back from a vacation in Miami
and Havana . . . Jules K. Chapman visited
the Film Classics Buffalo branch . . . Ann
Sheridan is stopping at the Waldorf-Astoria.
Carol Brandt, eastern story head for MGM,
wound up a three-week studio visit . . . Hal
Horne, vice-president in charge of produc-
tion for Story Prod., Inc., flew to Hollywood
to begin filming “This Side of Innocence”
. . . Sid Weiner and John Wenisch of Film
Classics have been chosen as sergeant-at-
arms and recording secretary, respectively,
for the Cinema Stamp Collectors club.
Hal Wallis was another recent Gotham
arrival. He stopped off en route to England
where he will produce “For Her to See” . . .
Alfred H. Tamarin of the Theatre Guild
will take over the publicity class of the
American Theatre Wing professional veterans
training program . . . Jerry Wald, Warners
producer; Delmer Daves, director, and David
Goodis, writer, spent a few days here before
leaving for Boston to look over locations for
a new film, “Up Until Now.”
"Voice of Theatre Speakers”
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!
JEEP PROMOTION— Head Usher John
Roche of Century’s Bellerose on Long
Island promoted a jeep from an automo-
bile agency, which Manager Mel Aronson
promptly used in the rear orchestra of
the theatre to plug “13 Rue Madeleine.”
That’s Roche at the left, Aaronson at
the wheel.
UA to Have Five Pictures
Playing B'way in May
NEW YORK— Four United Artists re-
leases are scheduled to appear at five Broad-
way theatres during the next three weeks,
the busiest in the 28-year history of the or-
ganization.
“Monsieur Verdoux,” produced, written and
directed by Charles Chaplin, opened April 11
at the Broadway Theatre. Starting April 12,
250 seats are being reserved for one matinee
performance at $1.80 and one evening per-
formance at $2.40 daily. The remainder of
the house is being sold at popular prices with
showings continuous.
“The Other Love,” an Enterprise produc-
tion starring Barbara Stanwyck, opens at the
Rivoli April 30 while Federal Films’ “Car-
negie Hall” will open simultaneous engage-
ments at the Winter Garden and Park Ave-
nue Theatres May 2. The Winter Garden
showing will be on a continuous popular price
policy while the Park Avenue will use a re-
served seat, two-a-day policy.
“The Macomber Affair,” the Benedict
Bogeaus production starring Gregory Peck,
is tentatively set for an opening at the Globe
Theatre.
David Lewis, producer of “The Other Love,”
returned during the week from England
where he attended the London opening with
Barbara Stanwyck, star of the film, and her
husband, Robert Taylor. Commenting on the
enthusiasm of the fans who “mobbed” them
at the gala premiere at the Empire Theatre,
Taylor called for additional openings of
American films abroad and first showings
of British pictures here. “Any goodwill ges-
ture between the American and British film
industries would be very timely right now,”
he said.
Enterprise Chiefs Discuss
Campaigns on Four Films
NEW YORK — Robert S. Taplinger, Enter-
prise vice-president in charge of advertising
and publicity, is in town for several weeks of
conferences with George Schaefer, vice-
president in charge of distribution, and with
United Artists executives.
Hold Annual Meeting
For School Groups
NEW YORK — The tenth annual junior con-
ference, sponsored by the National Board of
Review of Motion Pictures for school groups
studying films, was held during the week at
the American Museum of Natural History.
Coming during the schools’ Easter vacation,
the conference provided a meeting ground for
student groups in and around New York to
compare their year’s activities in film appre-
ciation and to report on special projects which
have interested them.
The morning session included screenings of
two documentaries, “The Private Life of a
Cat,” distributed by Film Publishers, Inc.,
and “The Brotherhood of Man,” a Techni-
color cartoon from Brandon Films. The show-
ing was followed by a round-table forum
among representatives of the Boy Scouts,
Camp Fire Girls, Boys’ Clubs of America and
the Youthbuilders, under the guidance of Bos-
ley Crowther, New York Times motion picture
editor. Student representatives of the various
clubs or classes from junior and senior high
schools submitted their reports, and prizes
were awarded to winners in the New York
area of the National Board’s annual “Ten
Best” film poll.
The afternoon meeting was devoted to a
showing of “Great Expectations,” the Uni-
versal-International release based on the
novel by Charles Dickens, after which the
students held general discussions and evalu-
ated the picture by written ballot.
Cinema Lodge Will Hold
Weitman-Levin Dinner
NEW YORK — Cinema lodge of B’nai B’rith
will hold a hail and farewell dinner at the
Hotel Astor April 29 to welcome its new
president, Robert M. Weitman, and send off
its retiring president, Jack H. Levin.
Reservations will be held to 500 because
of limited seating capacity. Among these
500 will be leaders of the film and other
amusement fields, who have been invited.
The partygoers will be entertained by head-
line performers.
The dinner committee consists of Saul E.
Rogers, honorary chairman; Marvin Kirsch,
chairman, and S. Arthur Glixon and Harry
K. Wallach, co-chairmen.
Ampa Dinner to be Held
In Pearly Atmosphere
NEW YORK — Pearls will be used for deco-
rative purposes at Ampa’s 30th anniversary
celebration at the Hotel Astor April 23.
In keeping with the tradition that pearls
are symbolic of a 30th anniversary, the Astor
ballroom will be festooned with 30 pearl-
bordered shields. Each shield will contain
the facsimile of a motion picture company
trademark in addition to the Ampa insigne
designed by Vincent Trotta.
Rutgers Neilson, Ampa president, and his
committee aides are taking the bows for the
idea of honoring film companies and their
presidents with the pearl-bordered shields.
Phil Williams, vice-president of Ampa, is
chairman of the anniversary dinner.
Crosby Film to Strand
NEW YORK— “The Road to Hollywood,”
now being distributed by Astor Pictures, will
go into the Brooklyn Strand April 30. It was
the title dispute over this picture that caused
Astor Pictures to withdraw from the MPA
title registration bureau.
46
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
Easter Puts Punch
In B'way Grosses
NEW YORK— The Easter holidays, with
their vacationing youngsters and extra per-
formances, resulted in a big business for the
Radio City Music Hall, playing “The Late
George Apley” and the annual stage spec-
tacle.
“The Two Mrs. Carrolls” had an outstand-
ing opening week at the Hollywood, despite
bad notices. The third week of “My Favorite
Brunette” and the opening week of “Stallion
Road,” both of which added an extra morn-
ing show, were also strong. Best of the other
newcomers were Eagle-Lion’s “The Adven-
turess,” which received rave reviews, and
“Tarzan and the Huntress,” which drew the
kiddies.
New films that opened during the week
were “Smash-Up” at the Capitol, “Trail
Street” at the Palace, “Buck Privates Come
Home” at the Winter Garden and “Monsieur
Verdoux,” which added a new first run thea-
tre, the Broadway, to the New York list.
(Average is 100)
Astor — The Best Years ol Our Lives (RKO),
20th wk 124
Capitol — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM),
plus stage show, 4th wk 85
Criterion — Johnny O'Clock (Col), 2nd wk 115
Globe — That's My Man (Rep) 105
Gotham — Tarzan and the Huntress (RKO) 125
Hollywood — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB) 150
Loew's State — The Mighty McGurk (MGM), plus
stage show 105
Palace — The Locket (RKO), 3rd wk 75
Paramount — My Favorite Brunette (Para), plus
stage show, 3rd wk 120
Park Avenue — Time Out oi Mind (U-I) 65
Radio City Music Hall — The Late George Apley
(20th-Fox), plus stage show, 3rd wk 135
Rialto — Boom Town (MGM), reissue 110
Rivoli — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO), 2nd wk 92
Roxy — Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox), plus
stage show, 2nd wk 93
Strand — Stallion Road (WB), plus stage show 115
Victoria — The Adventuress (E-L) 105
Winter Garden — Stairway to Heaven (U-I),
4th wk. of popular price run 97
Topflight New Arrivals Assist
Philadelphia Boxoffice Takes
PHILADELPHIA — Everybody made money
at the deluxers. Heavy weekend business com-
bined with four topflight new arrivals were
responsible.
“The Best Years of Our Lives” took the
town by storm, opening at two smaller houses,
an innovation. Both are doing near capacity
business. Surprise of * the week was “The
Mighty McGurk,” doing bang-up business
the second week after a colorless opening.
Aldine — Smash-Up (U-I) 140
Arcadia — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
first run 210
Boyd — Stairway to Heaven (U-I), 2nd wk 135
Earle — Easy Come, Easy Go (Para), with
Bob Crosby orchestra ....130
Fox — Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox) 170
Goldman — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO), 3rd wk 120
Karlton — The Locket (RKO), 4th wk 110
Keith's — Pursued (WB), 2nd run ...120
Mastbaum — Stallion Road (WB) .....170
Pix — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO) Capacity
Stanley — The Jolson Story (Col), 6th wk 130
Stanton — The Mighty McGurk (MGM), 2nd wk 140
'Brunette' Is Buffalo Leader;
Cold Weather Affects Takes
BUFFALO — “My Favorite Brunette” led at
the Great Lakes as other houses were either
about average or below. “The Best Years of
Our Lives” continued healthy in a third week
at the 20th Century.
Buffalo — The Shocking Miss Pilgrim (20th-Fox);
Backlash (20th-Fox) 71
Great Lakes — My Favorite Brunette (Para) 114
Hippodrome — Pursued (WB), 2nd d. t. wk... 100
Lafayette — I'll Be Yours (U-I); Shadowed (Col).. ..100
Teck — Boomerang (20th-Fox), 2nd d. t. wk 70
20th Century — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 3rd wk HO
THE IDEAL THEATRE CHAIRS
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!
Along New York's Filmrow
Ry WALTER WALDMAN
CHARLIE CHAPLIN’S reputation as a
triple-threat entertainer is well known.
Nothing more need be said about his achieve-
ments as an actor, producer, and writer. But
now, we hear of still another phase of his
show business interests. The famed comedian
has recently revealed himself to be an eager
student of theatre equipment and installa-
tion methods. The workers who installed the
new projection equipment, draperies and
stage materials in the Broadway Theatre
where “Monsieur Verdoux” opened April 11,
found themselves watched by instead of
watching Chaplin.
Some of the lucky workmen managed to
catch a preview of the new Chaplin film at
the theatre Wednesday (9) before the New
York trade and newspaper critics.
Jack Markel is managing director of the
Broadway. He formerly was a United Artists
representative for “Henry V.” The house
manager of the Broadway is Ben Hurtig, who
was assistant manager of the Winter Garden
when A1 Rosen was manager.
Sam Baker, who operates the 55th Street
Fifth Avenue and Avenue playhouses, fe-
ports his son Conrad will wed Raquel Katz
June 1, after which the couple will leave on
a two-week honeymoon . . . Earl Rackoff,
manager of the Avenue Playhouse, completed
his first month on the job. He formerly was
with the advertising and publicity depart-
ment of Lopert Films.
Myron Stenzler, a Rhode Island exhibitor,
was very much at home among old friends
when visiting Filmrow . . . Another visitor
everybody was happy to see was Herb Nolan,
booker for the St. Cloud circuit. Herb had
been ill most of the winter, but is now in good
health and top spirits.
Maybe we’re jumping the summer vacation
gun, but Murray Vogel of Standard Film
Processing Co. is getting ready to send his
family to Lake Copake next month . . .
Harold Rosenfeld of National Theatre Sup-
ply became a father during the week.
The Warner sales and booking staff is
getting ready for the anniversary drive which
will begin April 27 and end July 26 . . .
Clarence Eiseman, branch manager, is ex-
pected back from Florida in time to give the
drive a good sendoff . . . Eiseman and Sam
Lefkowitz, eastern district manager, spent
the week of April 7 in Boston attending
WB’s regional sales meeting.
Jake Lewis of the Ditmas Theatre, Perth
Amboy, had good newspaper coverage for his
special “Nora Prentiss” women’s matinee.
Lewis also had a tieup with a local drug chain
for the showing . . . Joseph Marks, film in-
spector for Paramount, is still a pretty sick
man . . . The MGM exchange salesmen
swapped greetings with Maurice Wolf, com-
pany district manager in Boston who was in
town for a quick visit . . . Max Wolff, head of
the Loew’s purchasing department, is still
talking about his vacation in Miami and
Havana ... Ed Pelinan has resigned as man-
ager of the Daly Plainfield Theatre, Plainfield,
Conn.
That was quite a meeting the RKO ex-
change had the other day . . . Phil Hodes
had a long talk with all the salesmen and
bookers . . . Rudolph Weiss and Miles Alben
of the Warner Theatres spent several days in
Washington.
A1 Bondy, distributor of GE films, is back
in New York after a trip through the mid-
west . . . Jules Willing, branch operations
head of Confidential Reports, has returned
from his recent visit to Atlanta . . . RKO is
ready to go ahead with the redecorating job
it had planned for the Proctor Theatre,
Newark.
Five other RKO houses in the New York
area also are slated to have a face-lifting
treatment. Most of the work will be on
lobbies and entrances. The actual operations
will have to wait until the government okays
the plans and builders come through with
materials.
PARAMOUNT BRITISH LEADERS — Six winners of the Paramount British quota
sales drive were honored at a reception given by the Paramount Pictures club at the
home office recreation room. Front, left to right: Clifford Cox and Thomas Ledger
of the Newcastle branch; Alice Holt of Cardiff; Claude Lee, director of public rela-
tions; Nellie Nisbet of Liverpool; Dave Gilpin, London. Rear, left to right: J. W.
Piper, Paramount International executive; Herman Lorber of the home office sales
staff; Ashley Bate of London. The contest winners left for London April 9.
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
47
Veterans Administration Seeking MPA Group Hears Talk
Own Film Production Facilities On Value of Kid Shows
WASHINGTON — The single remaining
film production unit within the federal gov-
ernment is at the Department of Agriculture.
Cooperating with other agencies, the depart-
ment engages in the production of films in
several fields of government.
Latest agency' to request production as-
sistance is the Veterans administration. With
a small budget for the production of docu-
mentary and educational films on veterans
affairs, the VA has been using the USDA
facilities for several months.
The pictures, produced for the VA by the
department, are strictly noncommercial and
for use by veterans organizations, civic groups
and vocational rehabilitation centers.
John Taber, representative in Congress
from New York, declared war on govern-
ment activities dealing with film produc-
tion, the publication of books, and other
“commercial type’’ ventures. He has ap-
proved, however, continuation of the USDA
film production program.
Farm state congressmen have requested
Taber to “go easy” with the Agriculture de-
partment. It is pointed out that the depart-
ment’s films do not compete with commercial
pictures.
To date it appears that only two federal
agencies will be permitted to spend funds
for pictures. The Department of Agriculture,
and the Veterans administration. The VA,
however, will continue to depend on the
USDA for its pictures, ordering them and
paying the department out of its film budget.
Screen, Society Leaders
At 'Verdoux# Opening
NEW YORK— Leaders in films, business
and the stage and society notables attended
the opening of Charles Chaplin’s “Monsieur
Verdoux” at the Broadway Theatre Friday,
April 11. The opening was broadcast over
station WMCA.
In addition to Chaplin and his wife, the
opening-night audience included Mary Pick-
ford, Edward C. Raftery, Hal Roach, Grad-
well L. Sears, Arthur W. Kelly, Jack Cohn,
Lee Shubert, George Skouras, Martha Raye,
Vera Zorina, Louella Parsons and Gregory
Ratoff.
Among other guests were Mr. and Mrs.
Albert de Courville, Mr. and Mrs. Howard S.
Cullman, Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Orbach, Mr.
and Mrs. Alfred Clark, Mr. and Mrs. James
Donohue, Mr. and Mrs. William Saroyan, Mr.
and Mrs. Herbert Bayard Swope, Mr. and
Mrs. Marc Connelly, Mr. and Mrs. Jo David-
son, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert H. Miller and Mrs.
Bernard Lamott.
Koff Wins MOD Prizes
ROCHESTER, N. Y. — Alan Koff, manager
of the Murray Theatre here, was the only
winner from New York state in the recent
March of Dimes prize contest. He won two
prizes for the highest percentage of col-
lections on a per capita basis.
Opera Film Opens May 5
NEW YORK— “The Barber of Seville,” the
first full-length grand opera to be brought
to the screen, will open at the Golden Thea-
tre May 5, on a two-a-day reserved-seat
basis. Excelsior Pictures is releasing the pic-
ture which has English titles translating the
Italian dialog in addition to an explanation
of the opera’s story before each act by Deems
Taylor. Ferruccio Tagliavini of the Metro-
politan Opera is starred.
Monogram Holds Regional
In New York and Chicago
NEW YORK — Morey Goldstein, Monogram
general sales manager, presided at a regional
meeting of the eastern branches to review
current sales at the Warwick hotel April 12
and 13. The meeting also discussed the mer-
chandising and releasing of Roy Del Ruth’s
“It Happened on Fifth Avenue,” first release
of the recently formed Allied Artists Prod.
Ed Morey, vice-president and executive as-
sistant to Steve Broidy, president, headed
the home office group and others attending
were Arthur Greenblatt, eastern sales man-
ager; Herman Rif kin, Monogram franchise
holder in Boston, and branch managers from
the Albany, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Cleveland,
Washington, Pittsburgh, Boston, New Haven,
New York and Philadelphia exchanges.
Jack Schlaifer, Monogram sales director,
conducted a similar sales meeting with the
midwestern branches at the Blackstone hotel,
Chicago, April 12 and 13. Sol Francis, mid-
western district manager, assisted Schlaifer
in handling discussions with branch man-
agers from the Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneap-
olis, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Des Moines,
Kansas City, St. Louis, Detroit, Indianap-
olis, Salt Lake City, Denver and Dallas ex-
changes.
Scophony's Cross-Claims
Against Para't Upheld
NEW YORK— Federal Judge Alfred C.
Coxe has denied a motion by Paramount,
Television Productions and General Precision
Equipment Corp. for dismissal of cross-claims
filed by Arthur Levy and the Scophony Corp.
of America for damages in connection with
the government’s antitrust suit against all of
the parties. Levy is seeking $270,000 and
Scophony is asking $1,500,000 triple damages.
In denying the dismissal, Judge Coxe said
that “Scophony is not an active participant
in the alleged violations of the antitrust laws,
but is a victim thereof, unable to shake itself
free from the domination of the moving
parties.” He also said that, while it is diffi-
cult to see how Levy can prove damages sus-
tained, he is entitled to a court hearing on
the claim.
Meanwhile, negotiations to settle the gov-
ernment’s action against Paramount, Tele-
vision Prod., General Precision Equipment,
Levy and Scophony are pending.
Vogue Starts 6-Week Art
Show in Theatre Lobby
NEW YORK — The Vogue Theatre, Century
house in Brooklyn, has opened a six-week
art exhibit. Original paintings and sculp-
tures by contemporary American artists are
on display in the lobby. The art objects also
are for sale. The Vogue shows foreign films.
The works of Grant Wood, Thomas Hart
Benton, William Gropper, Raphael Soyer,
George Grosz, Doris Lee and Chaim Gross
are included in the exhibition.
'Macomber' Set for Globe
NEW YORK — “The Macomber Affair,” UA
release featuring Gregory Peck, Joan Bennett,
and Robert Preston, will open at the Globe
Theatre April 19. The film was produced by
Benedict Bogeaus and Casey Robinson.
NEW YORK — The importance of promot-
ing the neighborhood theatre as a community
center through children’s shows was em-
phasized by Mildred A. FitzGibbons, manager
of the Skouras Roosevelt Theatre, Flushing,
in a talk before the MPA study group. The
meeting was held at the Preview Theatre, 1600
Broadway. Miss FitzGibbons was introduced
by Marjorie G. Dawson, associate director of
the MPA community service department.
Mrs. Dawson praised Miss FitzGibbons’
efforts to improve exhibitor-community re-
lations. The theatre woman has organized
a Saturday Birthday Fun club at the Roose-
velt, with a membership of over 3,500 boys
and girls. Other activities included the for-
mation of the Broadway-Flushing Civic
Ass’n, with headquarters at the Roosevelt,
and exhibitions of paintings by contemporary
artists in the theatre lobby.
The latest community movement sponsored
by Miss FitzGibbons is a Broadway-Flushing
Food and Fashion Show, scheduled for May
27. Jinx Falkenburg and her husband, Tex
McCrary, of the Hi Jinx radio show; Vyvyan
Donner, women’s editor for Movietone, and
Mary Margaret McBride, WNBC woman
commentator, will appear. Local merchants
are donating $500 in attendance prizes. More
than 1,800 women are expected to attend.
Children's Clubs Formed
By Hoyts in Australia
PERTH, W. A. — Hoyts Theatres, biggest
circuit in Australia, is organizing Children’s
Cinema clubs modeled somewhat after those
in England and Canada. The circuit has
enlisted the aid of parents, educational
authorities and members of various churches
in promotion of Saturday morning children’s
shows for club members. Programs include
cartoons, serials and general interest short
subjects, plus a suitable feature, and authori-
ties are called in occasionally to give talks
on such subjects as fire safety, road safety,
dental care, and the like. On joining, all
children get a membership card and after
two attendances they get a membership badge,
presentation of which becomes part of the
program. On birthdays, children are guests
of the house and the occasion is appropri-
ately celebrated.
Skouras Theatre Service
Aids Casualty Drive
NEW YORK — The Skouras Theatres com-
munity service department produced and is
releasing “The Forgotten Casualty,” in con-
junction with the $2,500,000 civilian rehabili-
tation fund drive.
The film is a short, featuring a crippled
patient of Bellevue hospital, and is narrated
by Fredric March. It was produced under
the supervision of the New York University
Bellevue Rehabilitation Institute.
The film points out that the “forgotten
casualty” may be any one of the 23,000,000
crippled civilians whose needs have generally
been overlooked in favor of the disabled vet-
eran. The film emphasizes their needs and
relations to the public.
“The Forgotten Casualty” is being shown
in all 66 Skouras theatres in the metropolitan
area. In addition, the community service
department has provided 50 prints of the
film in 16mm. These will be shown through-
out New York by doctors, participating in
the drive.
48
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
• To hold the drama which darkness gave
this scene, yet not sacrifice identity and
clarity of action . . . this was the problem
on which the picture’s director and the
director of photography worked hard —
and successfully.
To this same end the timer also worked
— successfully. By his skilled selection of
printing light, his judgment of light and
shadow, he faithfully interpreted the di-
rector’s aim . . . made certain that the
visual result would be vivid, dramatic,
convincing.
To get the most from his ability, the
timer must work with film of assured uni-
formity . . . one of the many qualities
which make the family of Eastman mo-
tion picture films so useful to the industry.
Artist •••
with light and shadow
EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
ROCHESTER 4, N. Y.
J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., DISTRIBUTORS
FORT LEE • CHICAGO • HOLLYWOOD
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
49
Turns Back the Clock
Central at Newark Celebrating Its Silver Jubilee
NEWARK — The Central Theatre here,
which opened March 30, 1922, is now in the
midst of a month-long silver jubilee. Man-
ager David Beehler of the Central has turned
his celebration into a thoroughgoing his-
torical review, and the theatre lobby is filled
with displays showing the fashions, follies,
food prices and foremost national and in-
ternational events of a quarter-century ago.
For weeks in advance of the anniversary
celebration Beehler pored over records in
the city hall library, unearthing every event
of importance in the year 1922. In planning
the jubilee, he tried to introduce features,
some new, some old, which would appeal to
all his various sorts of patrons, and held
down stage speeches and appearances by local
political dignitaries.
TUBE CONTRACT THAT YEAR
Newark was in its heyday as a cinematic
and theatrical center in i922. The $19,000,000
contract for the Holland tube connecting New
Jersey and New York was signed that year;
before that time, with only the ferries to take
them to Broadway, local theatre lovers had
to depend on home town entertainment. In
those days Newark supported three vaude-
ville theatres and two burlesque houses.
Don O'Brien’s “Chocolate Soldier” was in
town that year. Downtown, May Murray was
appearing in “Peacock Alley” and Southern
and Marlowe were playing at the Schubert,
now the Adams. The Broad Theatre was the
great favorite, Glasgow’s production of “Gold
Diggers” was at the height of its popularity
and the Central opened starring Rudolph
Valentino in “The Four Horsemen of the
Apocalypse.”
With displays of oldtime fashions and ad-
vertisements, and photostatic copies of news-
paper clippings on world events, Beehler has
turned his lobby into a museum wholly dedi-
cated to the year 1922. Pope Benedict V died
that year, as did the famous Enrico Caruso.
Judg Kenesaw Mountain Landis became czar
or organized baseball. The film trade still
referred to its wares as “moving” pictures.
Such stars as Elaine Hammerstein, Constance
Talmadge, Charlie Ray, Wesley Barry and
William S. Hart made boxoffice history.
MEN’S SHIRTS 99 CENTS
Men’s white shirts were selling for 99 cents.
Butter sold for 41 cents a pound. A Newark
shoe dealer marked down 3,000 pairs of
women's shoes from $8 to $3.45. Hens were
laying eggs for only 22 cents a dozen.
Silver dollars exclusively are being used
at the boxoffice during the month, and
Newarkers clamor for them.
Various features were planned for the oc-
casion, among them a dog contest, similar to
the one which originated with Albert Payson
Terhune. Beehler ran the same contest in
a Paterson theatre five years ago and found
it made a hit.
Because it is Bugs Bunny’s eighth birthday,
a tieup with Bugs Bunny toys was arranged,
also a tieup with Donald Duck, who is cele-
brating his 13th birthday. Children will
compete for honors in the Central’s Silver
Jubilee.
“Miss Central Avenue of 1947” contest. As
another novelty an enlargement of a photo
of Mickey Rooney has been made and older
boys and girls will be able to take photo-
graphs of themselves with the star, a har-
monica contest will be run during the show-
ing of “The Jolson Story” through an ar-
rangement with the Magnus Harmonica Co.
Stars of stage and screen will make per-
sonal appearances from time to time. Be-
sides a wide variety of current films, box-
office hits such as “Humoresque,” “The
Razor’s Edge,” “State Fair” and many others,
Beehler will play “Son of the Sheik” with
Valentino on April 17 and 18 as a treat for
oldtimers. Old-fashioned flashback come-
dies of 25 years ago will add further pep.
1922 FORD ON DISPLAY
Stores along Central avenue are decorated
for the celebration and a garage is exhibiting
photos of automobiles that were in the
Newark Automobile show 25 years ago. A
1922 Ford runabout which sold for $398 has
been brought from Detroit and placed in the
lobby. Local bakeries have donated birth-
day cakes and a florist has supplied bouquets.
The Central was built by Bratter & Poliak,
the first owners. In 1927 it was consolidated
with the Joe Stern theatres and the Fabian
theatres in the Stanley-Fabian Corp., and in
1929 was consolidated with Warner Bros.
Theatres. The Central jubilee is the first in
the circuit in this vicinity for many years.
Manager Beehler is a veteran showman of
wide experience. Before 1926 he ran a vaude-
ville agency with William Jacobs, now a
Warner producer. In 1926 Beehler started to
book vaudeville acts for two Stanley-Fabian
houses in New Jersey. Later he was di-
visional manager for RKO in Brooklyn and
Long Island. Since sound came in, he has
been with Warner Theatres and once man-
aged Warners’ Earle in Philadelphia.
HE BOOKED FOR MARILYN
One of Beehler’s most successful stars was
Marilyn Miller, whom he booked when she
was a child. Other stars he has booked in-
clude Chuck Reisner and Eddie Bussell, now
producers and directors for MGM, Elbert
Hubbard, the Ponselle sisters, Maxine Saxon
and Stan Laurel.
It is Beehler’s belief that many present
screen stars are not actors and actresses,
but only manikins. With the new spurt for
playing vaudeville acts in one-night stands
in many of the RKO and Loew’s houses,
partly because of the demand created by boys
returned from overseas, who first saw live
acts in USO-Camp Shows tours. Beehler
is wondering whether the demand will con-
tinue.
If not, he thinks some new medium is
bound to develop to bring out new talent.
UJA Doubles '47 Goal
For New York Area
NEW YORK — A goal of $2,100,000 for the
1947 campaign of the United Jewish Appeal
in the local metropolitan area was set by
motion picture and allied industry leaders
of New York at a meeting with Barney
Balaban, national chairman of the motion
picture division, during the week. Last year,
the total amount raised within the metro-
politan area from the industry aggregated
$1,013,000, this figure including a sum some-
what under $200,000 raised by the joint de-
fense appeal of the Anti-Defamation League.
With the Anti-Defamation League’s appeal
part of the UJA campaign this year, the
$2,100,000 goal is more than twice the com-
bined amount attained jointly by the UJA
and the JDA. The national goal of the UJA
is $170,000,000, of which $65,000,000 is to be
raised in New York City.
Matthew Fox, vice-president of Universal-
International; Billy Rose, producer and
columnist; Richard Rodgers, producer and
composer, and Emil Friedlander, president of
Dazian’s, Inc., were named as co-chairman
for the local industry drive to organize and
establish committees. Others who attended
the New York meeting were Si Fabian, Jack
Cohn, Harry Brandt, Leonard H. Goldenson,
Sam Rinzler, Harry Kalmine, Leopold Fried-
man, Malcolm Kingsberg, Lou Novins, Her-
man Robbins, Max Cohen, Sam Shain and
Arthur Israel jr.
16mm Sound Introduced
By RCA 16 Years Ago
NEW YORK— RCA, which introduced the
first 16mm film projector in April 1931, is
celebrating the “sweet sixteenth” anniversary
by revealing the step-by-step development in
its laboratories which led to the present
perfected 16mm sound projector as it is
known to the industry today.
In addition to developing the first 16mm
sound projector, RCA other “firsts” in the
16mm industry included the introduction of
film with a single row of sprocket holes and
the engineering of the first projector de-
signed to use such film. RCA also developed
the now-universal dynamic speaker and the
closed-cavity speaker case which made satis-
factory response at low as well as high fre-
quencies possible and the cylindrical lens,
sound-reproducing optical system which per-
mits the use of a low-power exciter lamp in
16mm projectors.
In addition, RCA pioneered in solving the
major problems of sound distortion and noise
reduction in both 16mm and 35mm sound
projection.
Century to Build Theatre
In Rockville Centre
ROCKVILLE CENTRE, L. I. — Century
Theatres will build a new theatre of approxi-
mately 1,500 seats here. A site has already
been bought on Sunrise highway and Morris
avenue, said Fred J. Schwartz, vice-president,
and plans are being drawn.
The circuit now operates the 1,368-seat
Strand on a lease that has two-and-a-half
more years to run. Whether Century will
continue to operate the Strand after the
present lease expires depends upon condi-
tions at that time, said Schwartz. “But for
the present we have no intention of giving
up the theatre,” he said.
Century also operates the 1,584-seat Fan-
tasy, the second theatre in Rockville Centre.
Schwartz thinks there is room for a third,
modernly equipped theatre.
50
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
Heilman to Construct
N. Philadelphia Airer
ALBANY — Construction of a 600-car
drive-in at Bel Salem, North Philadelphia,
will be started soon by Neil Heilman.
Under an agreement with CPA, only
secondhand materials may be used in build-
ing the new open-airer. This does not in-
clude the equipment. The screen, for ex-
ample, will be hung on used telephone poles.
Heilman said that the newest link will be
opened about July 15.
Plan Testimonial Dinner
For Sidney Samuelson
NEW YORK — Sidney Samuelson, general
manager, Allied Independent Theatre Own-
ers of Eastern Pennsylvania, will be guest
of honor at a testimonial dinner given by
area exhibitors and film men at the War-
wick hotel, Philadelphia, May 5.
Prominent figures from the exhibition and
distribution fields in all parts of the coun-
try are expected to attend, according to Jack
Greenberg, chairman of the dinner.
MANLEY Inc
POPCORN MACHINES
L. M. Malcolm
Box 217, Camden. New York
Goldberg Gives Luncheon
To Meet Albany Trade
ALBANY— Jack Goldberg, new MGM man-
ager, met circuit executives and exhibitors
at a luncheon in the
De Witt Clinton. Jack
Byrne, eastern division
sales manager and
onetime Leo salesman
here, came from New
York to attend the
affair.
Others present in-
cluded Lou Goldstein,
assistant buyer for the
Schine circuit at Glov-
ersviile; Chris Pope,
Schine feature booker;
Bob Johnson, Smalley
Theatres booker, and
Harry Fagan, his assistant; C. J. Latta, up-
state zone manager for Warners; Charles A.
Smakwitz, Latta’s assistant; Max Friedman,
buyer-booker for Warners in Albany and
Buffalo; Saul J. Ullman, upstate general
manager, Fabian Theatres; Joe Saperstein,
buyer-booker for Fabian; Leonard Rosen-
thal, counsel and adviser on buying for
Upstate Theatres, Inc.; Sam Rosenblatt,
owner of the Grand and Strand, Watervliet,
and the Lake, Lake George; Herman L.
Ripps, MGM district manager.
JACK GOLDBERG
Paramount Adds 3 Films
To 1946-47 Schedule
NEW YORK — Three films have been added
to Paramount’s 1946-47 release schedule, ac-
cording to Charles M. Reagan, vice-president
in charge of distribution. They are: “Blaze
of Noon,” for May 2; “Calcutta,” for May
30, and “Welcome Stranger,” for June 13.
Big Block of Loew's
Bought by Schenck
PHILADELPHIA — Acquisition of a huge
block of Loew’s common stock by Nicholas M.
Schenck was the high spot of trading in film
securities during the month ending March
10, according to the latest report issued by
the Securities and Exchange commission.
Schenck reported the purchase of 42,388
shares of Loew’s, making his total 62,727. He
also reported the presentation of 1,000 shares
of the stock to charity last January.
Harry Warner sold 4,000 shares of War-
ner Bros, stock, bringing his total to 296,000.
His trust holds 16,000. Jack Warner disposed
of 1,000 shares during the month, bringing
his total to 428,000. His trust acquired an
additional 1,500 shares. Albert Warner re-
ported holding 430,000 shares of WB common.
Daniel M. Sheaffer of Philadelphia sold
600 shares of Universal Pictures common. He
now holds 17,707 shares.
Herbert J. Yates, New York, added 4,700
shares of Republic Pictures common, making
his total 44,300. Frederick R. Ryan purchased
1,000 shares of Republic.
Three officers of Monogram exercised their
options to purchase Monogram common.
Samuel Broidy added 5,000 shares to his total,
bringing it to 12,799; Edward Morey, 600
shares, total 1,500; Samuel Wolf, 2,000 shares.
Spyros P. Skouras, president of 20th-Fox,
disclosed that he sold 42,000 of 20th common,
bringing his total down to 5,250 shares.
'Carnegie' in Stockholm
STOCKHOLM — “Carnegie Hall” is having
its first European run here at the Royal
Theatre. The initial performance was a
charity affair sponsored by Swedish Help to
Europe.
AN OUTSTANDING INDUSTRY EVENT!
ASSOCIATED MOTION PICTURE ADVERTISERS
30TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER-DANCE
HOTEL ASTOR — MAIN BALLROOM
WEDNESDAY. APRIL 23 — 7 P. M. SHARP
RUTGERS NEILSON, PRESIDENT. WILL PRESIDE
HOWARD DIETZ. MEMBER-GUEST EMCEE
THIS GALA AFFAIR WILL HONOR THE PRESIDENTS OF OUR
INDUSTRY WHO WILL BE PRESENT FOR THE OCCASION AS
WELL AS GLAMOROUS HOLLYWOOD PERSONALITIES.
Admission Ten Dollars Per Person
(For Tickets Write or Phone — Abe Dash. Film Daily)
Dress Optional
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
51
ALBANY •
jyjatt Sullivan, United Artists Buffalo man-
ager, and Ray Wylie, Albany area rep-
resentative, closed a deal with Sid Kallet in
Oneida for the showing of “Strange Woman”
in 21 Kallet theatres of the two territories
. . . “Abie’s Irish Rose,” which has not yet
played any of the big situations in the Albany
territory is reported to have done excellent
business at Harry Lamont’s Vanderbilt in
Greenville, at the Hollywood in Ausable
Forks, and at the Rex in Keeseville . . . “The
Macomber Affair” is booked to open at the
Strand here Wednesday (16).
Arthur Davis, district manager for Con-
fidential Reports, made his first visit to
Albany and called on exchange clients. He
was accompanied by District Manager Her-
man Jacobs. Davis started with Confidential
as chief of the Philadelphia district. His
recent promotion placed him in a supervisory
capacity over the Philadelphia, Baltimore,
Washington, Albany, Boston and New Haven
areas.
Ray Smith, Warner manager, had a bad
case of bursitis in the left arm. He came
to work Monday with the arm in a sling . . .
“It Happened on Fifth Avenue” was pre-
viewed at Warners’ Delaware.
“Professional Night” will be observed by
the Variety Club at a beefsteak dinner in
Keeler’s restaurant April 14. It was first
scheduled for April 7. Kings for a Day will
be Dr. Ben Volk, ear, nose and throat spe-
cialist; Dr. Irving Kaskel and Dr. Samuel
Kallison, dentists; Samuel E. Aronowitz,
Leonard Rosenthal, Jack Olshansky and
Irving Doling, attorney. Aronowitz, Rosen-
thal and Olshansky are actively connected
with the motion picture business. Milt
Schosberg, manager of the Grand, is in
charge of dinner reservations . . . “The Best
Years of Our Lives” is tentatively set for
eight area engagements. It opened at the
Grand, Albany, April 8.
Inflated building costs have caused 20th-
Fox to postpone plans for a two-story ex-
change building which Frank Mulderry was
to build on North Pearl street in time for
occupancy next fall. Mulderry said construc-
tion would not be started “until the present
high prices come down to a more reasonable
level.” The present ten-year lease at 1052
Broadway expires in October, it is understood.
The first frozen custard and ice cream stand
operated by Neil Heilman and Leo Rosen
under the corporate name, “Joy Bars,” was to
be opened in a store in the Heilman-owned
Paramount Theatre Bldg. Saturday night
(12). A string of these bars will be opened
at strategic spots within a 50-mile radius.
Len Gruenberg, captain of the Ned E.
Depinet drive, and Gus Schaefer, district
manager, visited the RKO exchange. It was
their second visit since the drive started. The
local branch is in a good position to win one
or more prizes in the drive, which ends in
three weeks.
The Fabian-Warner pool in Albany and
Troy, which was scheduled for dissolution
April 1, has been given another month’s
lease on life, according to reports here. The
NEW MIRROPHONIC SOUND
JOE HORNSTEIN, Inc.
630 Ninth Ave., New York City
pool involves Proctor’s, Troy, Lincoln, Gris-
wold and American in Troy, and the Grand
Ritz, Leland, Madison and Delaware in
Albany. The Palace and the Strand, ace
houses for Fabian and Warners, respectively,
are not part of the pool.
Joe Rosen, 20th-Fox manager, is the father
of Robert Edward, born at Albany hospital
April 2. It is the Rosens’ first child . . . Ray
Moon, 20th-Fox district manager, was ex-
pected here from New York this week for a
visit to the local branch ... Ed Ruff, Para-
mount manager, returned from a district
meeting in Boston. With C. J. Latta and Neil
Heilman. Ruff has been devoting consider-
able effort to the Greek war orphan cam-
paign.
Filmrow callers included Clarence Dopp,
operating theatres in Johnstown, Frank-
fort, Poland and Northville; Dave Rosen-
baum, owner of Capitol in Elizabethtown and
manager of the Hollywood in Ausable Forks
and the Rex in Keeseville; Mrs. Dave Rosen-
baum, manager-cashier in Elizabethtown,
and her son Burton, and Walter Wertime of
the Chester, Chestertown.
The dual revival of “The Sea Hawk” and
“The Sea Wolf” did fairly well at the Ritz
on a moveover from the Strand. The bill is
being booked by other situations, including
some in the Schine circuit . . . The Fabian
circuit has booked the San Carlo Opera Co. in
“Rigoletto” at the Palace for April 22. Joseph
Antoine, coloratura soprano of the Met-
ropolitan Opera Co., will sing the leading
feminine role.
Harold Strassman of the State, Glens
Falls, and the Fort Edward, Fort Edward,
made a recent booking visit to Filmrow . . .
Albany’s theatres are being given their an-
nual check by the municipal building depart-
ment. Philip J. Gallagher, commissioner, said
the inspection is routine that precedes the
issuance of new licenses.
Alec Papayanakos of the American Canton,
has recovered from a cold which incapaci-
tated him for a week . . . Joe Sternberg of
the Franjo, Boonville, and Mrs. Sternberg
have returned from a Florida vacation . . .
Ditto Cecil Adams of the State of Adams . . .
John Baski, who managed the Norfolk in
Norfolk for Papayanakos, has been dis-
charged from the army. It is understood he
is returning to this position.
Floyd Fitzsimmons, Metro exploiteer, on
reading in BOXOFFICE the story of the
commotion caused in Springfield, 111., by the
release of aerial bombs in a “The Beginning
or the End” promotion, recalled that he has
used similar bombs for theatre openings and
other big events. At one time he managed
theatres in Long Island and the Albermarle
in Brooklyn and worked in the theatre di-
vision of Paramount.
Ex-GI Deyo hopes to open the new theatre
in Altona, near the Canadian border, this
month. Various delays have been encount-
ered . . . Metro records are currently adver-
tised on a large card on the front of the
Albany exchange. “Metro the Best in Enter-
tainment” presents Kate Smith, Hal McIn-
tyre, Lauritz Melchior, Ziggy Elman and
other stars of the musical and band worlds.
Still photos of these entertainers appear in
cutouts on the card.
Perfect spring weather hit grosses in the
Albany district on Easter, to the disappoint-
ment of exhibitors. “Business was bad,” one
Filmrower said. “If it had rained as late
as 4 p. m., grosses would have been 40 to 50
per cent higher. The situation was general,
circuit and independent houses alike feeling
the pinch.” Theatre managements had ex-
pected a whopping day in view of the weather
forecast.
Oscar Perrin Shifted
To WB Ritz, Albany
ALBANY — A face familiar to local theatre-
goers, that of Oscar J. Perrin, is now to be
seen at Warners’ Ritz, while a newcomer,
George J. Hutchinson, is holding forth at
Perrin’s former stand, the Madison.
The transfer of Perrin, a native of Cohoes
and a theatre man here for more than 40
years, and appointment of Hutchinson were
announced by C. J. Latta, Warner zone man-
ager, and followed Leo Rosen’s resignation as
manager of the ace Strand, and the advance-
ment of A1 La Flamme from the Ritz to the
Strand.
Perrin has been in charge of every large
Albany playhouse except the Strand. He
started in 1901 as an assistant treasurer at
Hermanus Bleecker Hall, then a famous
legitimate theatre. He was in charge when
it had the last stage play, Tallulah Bank-
head in “Little Foxes.” Perrin likewise man-
aged the Capitol, which Malcolm Atterbury
is to convert into a small repertoire house.
He was with the late George M. Cohan as
road treasurer in 1905-6. While with Cohan
he married Anna V. Keyes of the Cohan
company.
One of Perrin’s sons, Keyes, has been a
radio announcer for ten years. A daughter
Veronica, now the wife of a dentist, was on
the stage for several years. The Perrins have
two other sons.
Perrin operated the Colonial as a vaude-
ville house, and managed the Palace, Grand
and Leland for Chris Buckley and later for
Fabian.
Hutchinson comes to Albany after extended
service with the navy commissary depart-
ment in the Pacific area and managerial ex-
perience with the Graphic, Schine and Snider
circuits. He started with the Sterling Motion
Picture Service of Boston nine years ago,
showing 16mm films on a “kerosene circuit.”
Pet Essays Hypo Albany
'Stallion Road' Playdate
ALBANY — Warners’ Strand, the Albany
Times-Union and the Hudson River Humane
society conducted a letter-writing contest in
connection with “Stallion Road” and to co-
incide with Be Kind to Animals week. Cash
prizes were offered for the best 75-word let-
ters on the following subjects: 1) Why dogs
should be pets and not guinea pigs; 2) The
most heroic pet; 3) The most interesting
pet. The first topic carried a $25 award for
the top communication. Each of the next
three winners were given puppies by the Hu-
mane society. The bravery-of-a-pet assign-
ment had a $15 prize, while the most-inter-
esting-pet story drew a $10 award.
Gift Drawing Is Highlight
Of Merchants Night Fete
ALBANY — The Albany Variety Club cele-
brated Merchants night on the upper floor
of Keeler’s restaurant last week. High-
light of the affair was the drawing for gifts.
Kings for a day were Russ Froelich, George
Green, Sam Greenberg, Arthur Herman, Max
Hegelman, Frank Lyons, Charlie Schlang,
Henry Seiden, Leonard Simon and Gene
Teper, all active barkers.
Leo Rosen, member of the crew and man-
ager of the Strand, had charge of reserva-
tions. Rosen is one of the most tireless work-
ers for Tent 9.
Gulistan Wilton Theatre Carpet
JOE HORNSTEIN has it!
52
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
BUFFALO
rgoxoffices are expected to get up off the
floor now that Lent is over . . . Spike Jones
and his City Slickers were booked into Shea’s
Buffalo . . . Easter Monday matinees were
held in all Shea community houses . . . Dewey
Michaels played a comedy carnival at his
downtown Mercury for Easter week.
Easter vacation was 11 days long for pa-
rochial school children, but only five days for
those in public schools. The latter made up
for time lost during the recent strike of
schoolteachers.
Competition was heavy this week. The
Shrine circus played at Memorial audito-
rium. Mary Small appeared at a Main street
night spot. Bill “Bojangles” Robinson was at
McVan’s and the Mills Brothers at the Town
Casino. The Erlanger started a fresh season
with “State of the Union.” Zorah Berry con-
certs are under way at Kleinhans Music Hall.
Marian Anderson is the first star.
Burglars who shunned sweets for cash en-
tered Schine’s Granada last week. About $20
was taken from a desk drawer while candy
valued at several hundred dollars was un-
molested in a showcase, according to Man-
ager Leon S. Schaefer . . . Harold Russell of
the “Best Years” cast was guest of the re-
habilitation committee of the Erie county
American Legion at lunch in Hotel Statler.
Russell’s trip here was arranged by the 20th
Century Theatre, where the picture is in its
third week.
“Kart’s Milk Is Buffalo’s Best!” says Sen-
ator Claghorn. That was the notation on
cards attached to doorknobs in town. The
cards went on, “See Kenny Delmar as Sena-
tor Claghorn — It’s a Joke, Son! Now — Shea’s
Hippodrome.” The tieup attracted consider-
able attention.
Cecil B. DeMille’s “King of Kings” was
shown in seven Buffalo and suburban thea-
tres and Hotel Statler during Holy week un-
der auspices of the Council of Churches of
Buffalo and Erie county . . . Shea Theatre
interests have not decided what they will do
about dissolving the three-way partnership
of Paramount, Loew’s and Vincent R. Mc-
Faul, involving 14 theatres, if the New York
federal district court’s antitrust decree or-
dering dissolution of such partnerships stands,
according to McFaul.
Eastman Kodak of Rochester must obey a
federal grand' jury subpoena to produce its
records as part of antitrust investigation,
Federal Judge John Knight ruled.
Joe Miller Is Appointed
Sales Supervisor for FC
ALBANY — Joe Miller, veteran of 29 years
in distribution and until recently PRC dis-
trict manager for Albany, Buffalo, Cincin-
nati and Cleveland, has been appointed sales
supervisor for Film Classics in the Albany
and Buffalo districts. Film Classics operates
a Buffalo' exchange, managed by Leo Mur-
phy, but is without an Albany office, although
represented by Ben Smith. Miller hopes to
set up a distribution office soon.
MP Foundation Meeting
Set in Albany April 21
ALBANY — An area organization meeting
of the Motion Picture Foundation will be held
here April 21, Saul J. Ullman, upstate gen-
eral manager of Fabian Theatres, announced.
Display House Razed
In Spectacular Fire
PHILADELPHIA — Generating clouds of
heavy smoke which knocked out 48 firemen,
a five-alarm fire in the central Philadelphia
tinderbox section raged out ot-control for
three hours Saturday night (5) before it was
conquered by a mobilization of 60 pieces of
apparatus.
Wrecked in the spectacular $250,000 in-
ferno that lashed the sky with flame and
filled adjoining streets with smoke, was the
four-story brick building of the MGM Dis-
plays Co. The structure collapsed after the
fire. Even a 13-inch fire wall went down in
the crash. The fire was a serious menace for
hours to Filmrow on Vine street, and the
highly inflammable district of Chinatown,
both less than a block away.
Six hundred firemen were kept at the
scene from 4:55 p. m. until after midnight.
At that time, 100 men and a little equipment
were dismissed, but 500 firemen battled the
blaze all night. At 11 Sunday morning the
debris blazed again. But enough men were
still at the scene to put it out without send-
ing in another alarm.
The fire was fed by lacquers and shellacs
in the basement of the MGM Displays Co.,
which manufactured lobby displays, marquee
hangings and other large advertising set
pieces for motion picture theatres. In addi-
tion, the firm stored paper, cardboard, and
fabrics in the upper floors of the building.
Among the casualties at the scene was
Robert M. Gross, operator of the display
firm. He arrived at the scene, announced
that his loss would be more than $37,000, be-
came hysterical, and collapsed. He was taken
to Hahnemann hospital and treated for
shock.
Harold Russell Requests
Succor for 111 Veterans
BUFFALO — The “forgotten men” in the
U.S. are the 250,000 World War II heroes
who are still hospitalized, according to Harold
Russell, the hahdless war veteran who be-
came an Academy award winner in his first
picture, and he thinks it is time to do some-
thing about it.
“Civic organizations should form commit-
tees which every month, or even every week,
should visit these men. Veterans organiza-
tions and women’s organizations should do
the same, he said.
“During the war, those guys were the big
heroes. Now they never see anybody except
the Red Cross, which is doing a marvelous
job, but that isn’t enough. These fellows
get blue. Even relatives forget them. We
ought to help. It’s an awful letdown to be a
big hero one day and then just a guy without
a friend the next.
“Morale is particularly low among the hos-
pitalized veterans who have tuberculosis or
are paralyzed. Amputee veterans who are
hospitalized are for the most part compara-
tively happy.”
Russell was here in connection with show-
ing of “The Best Years of Our Lives” at the
20th Century.
Two Brandt Houses Start
Foreign Picture Policy
NEW YORK — Two British featurettes,
“Famous Scenes from Shakespeare” and “In-
struments of the Orchestra,” supplement the
first run showing of the French-language
film, “Carnival of Sinners” at Brandt’s Apollo
in Manhattan and the Atlantic Playhouse,
Brooklyn. Both theatres started a perma-
nent policy of first run foreign film April 7.
PHILADELPHIA
The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, in
cooperation with 20th-Fox, held an ex-
hibit of “The Late George Apley” paintings,
done by Robert Benney, Dean Cornwell,
Douglass Crockwell and John Falter . . . An
unsuccessful attempt was made to rob the
Studio last week, but police arrived in time
to scare away the thieves.
Stanley Warner has taken over the Poplar
Theatre at Sixth and Poplar, and opened it
with a foreign film policy. Large ads were
taken in the newspapers, announcing the
April 5 opening. The first three films were
booked through Artkino, and Jack Jaslow,
who has been plugging foreign films for quite
a while, was pretty happy ... Mrs. Virginia
Everhart, head inspector at RKO, resigned
after 18 years of service.
Stan Kositsky, Columbia salesman, has de-
cided to remain with that ' company, instead
of joining PRC-Eagle-Lion . . . Sidney
Samuelson, head of Allied Theatre Owners of
eastern Pennsylvania, attended the recent
Allied meeting in Denver ... The Warner
personnel expects to be able to move into the
new exchange within the next month.
Sidney Samuelson will be given a dinner
at the Warwick hotel May 5 by the exhibitors
and distributors of the area. Jack Greenberg
is chairman of the committee . . . The Roose-
velt here has installed new RCA sound equip-
ment.
James Welsh, former assistant manager at
the S-W Keystone, has joined the staff at the
Earle . . . Barney Balaban has pledged 60
per cent of his income to the United Jewish
Appeal.
An unprecedented bit of good fellowship
between competitive houses was recorded
here last Friday when the Fox Theatre con-
gratulated two independent houses on their
showing of “The Best Years of Our Lives.”
In a box at the bottom of its ad on the thea-
tre page of the local papers, the Fox said:
“Congratulations to the Arcadia and Pix
theatres on their booking of the Academy
award winner, ‘The Best Years of Our Lives.’
This is one of the great pictures of all time
and is deserving of the greatest crowds in
Philadelphia history.” The Fox ad,' extolling
“Carnival in Costa Rica,” was placed directly
above the “Best Years” ad. The Pix is op-
erated by Sam Cummins; the Arcadia is run
by a group headed by Abe Sablosky.
Century Theatres to Open
New Long Island House
NEW YORK — Century Theatre’s Alan
Theatre in New Hyde Park, L. I., under con-
struction for more than a year, will open
some time in May, according to Joseph R.
Springer, general theatre manager. Located
at Hillside avenue, the 600-seat house will
have a stainless steel fluted canopy, on which
no attractions are to be shown, taking the
place of a marquee. All seats are in the or-
chestra and are specially designed with three
feet of space between rows. The lounge is
located in the mezzanine while a tid-bit bar
is in a separate room on the orchestra floor.
A large parking area is located adjacent to
the theatre.
CLASS DISTRIBUTION FOR
THE ENTIRE SOUTH — thru
J(JOHN)
ENKINS
Sc B
(O. K.)
OURGEOIS
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HflfiWOOD & JACKSON STS.. DALLAS 1. TEX.
BOXOFFICi :: April 12, 1947
N
53
23 Years in One Game!
Pinochle Session Started in 1924 Still Going On
The following article concerning the
longest pinochle game in Baltimore —
and probably in the U.S. — is reprinted
from a recent copy of the Baltimore
Sun. The players are well-known film
men.
/*\NE summer afternoon a squad car from
^Central district screamed to a stop before a
little brick building at 140 North Front St.
and sundry bluecoats burst through the open
door.
“What’s going on here — a riot?” yelled the
sergeant.
“Nope. Just a pinochle game,” yelled A1
Vogelstein.
“Well, pipe down. The neighbors are com-
plaining. We could hear you over at the
station.”
The station is four blocks away. This was
the nosiest card game in Baltimore, so film
people aver, and one of the oldest. It began
in 1924, in a building on Filmrow, Gay street
near Front, where A1 and his brother Harry
had a booking agency for independent movies.
Even then it was loud.
“We used to stop traffic sometimes,” Harry
recalls. “And have fun with the neighbors.
I can still remember a certain party who used
to run in on us, yelling: ‘Please — I’ve got a
business here.’ A furniture business, it was.”
GAME MOVED— BY REQUEST
“We paid no attention to him, of course,”
put in Al. “But we finally had to move. The
man from the department store next door
bought the place.”
“I think he bought the building to make
us move,” laughed Harry.
The brothers went out of the film-renting
business when the exchanges moved to Wash-
ington, and began supplying neighborhood
theatres with billboards, photographs and
stuff. They are the Baltimore Poster Co.
Neighborhood exhibitors drop in all the time,
in the morning or early afternoon. They have
time on their hands until around 4 o’clock,
when their theatres open. Almost every day,
somebody suggests a game, and the battle
is on.
Pinochle is an occupational hazard, any-
way, with men in picture business. Many of
them despise gin rummy and poker, as being
relatively quiet, polite or financially danger-
ous games.
“Nothing like pinochle for raising the blood
pressure to a dangerous pitch,” says Harry.
ANYWHERE EXCEPT IN ASH TRAY
The Baltimore Poster games take place
on a battered wooden table which has fol-
lowed the company in its wanderings for
15 years. Its top is pock-marked from cigaret
burns. Somebody always takes care to place
an ash tray on the table, so that everybody
will know where not to poke out their smokes.
Jack Dawson happened in, with Harry
Silver. Dawson is a chair salesman between
melds; Silver operates the Overlea and the
Cluster. Both are habitual players.
“Jack is our loudest player,” said Al.
“That’s because he’s supposed to be deaf, and
too sensitive to wear one of those mechanical
dinguses.”
“Deaf, is he?” put in Harry S. “Just drop
a dollar bill in the snow behind him and
he’ll hear it, all right.”
The game is fast; most of them are ex-
perts. Being an expert is what got Harry
Vogelstein expelled. He has that kind of
card sense, he can tell you what cards you
put down the last eight plays.
“He kept going back and telling every-
body what they should have done at the
top of his voice,” yelled brother Al. “Finally,
we threw him out of the game. He knows
too much. Now, we only let him in once in a
while, when he promises he won’t holler or
correct people.”
KIBITZERS ON HOT SPOT
“Listen,” hollered Harry V, “In this game, a
kibitzer gets burned up as much as a player.
It’s just as much of a strain when I watch
somebody else making a bonehead move.”
They play 1,000-point pinochle, drawing for
partners, and the losing pair are supposed to
fork up 15 cents.
“ ‘Supposed to’ is right,” shouted Harry
Silver. “For 12 games now, nobody has paid
anything, or collected anything. There is
so much confusion and argument involved
that it doesn’t pay to try to collect.”
Who is winner over the 23-year period?
Everybody has come out about even, they say,
except Ed Wyatt. Ed never has been known
to win a game. His friends proudly aver
that he is the world’s worst pinochle player.
“He’s about 70 years old, and a veteran of
the Spanish-American war,” offered Al. “He
sells 16mm films to churches and clubs; at
least that’s what he’s supposed to do. His
main business and pleasure in life, is driving
down here several afternoons a week from his
home in Pikesville, to play at pinochle.”
PAY-IN-ADVANCE PLAYER
“He comes in and puts down a handful of
change on the table before he starts,” ob-
served Brother Harry. “Then he says, ‘Take
what I’m going to owe out of that boys.’ ”
They rigged up a hand for Ed Wyatt, once.
Gave him everything in the deck — eight aces,
a double run, the rest trumps.
“He nearly went out of his mind,” yelled
Dawson. “Took him 15 minutes to count up
his meld. Trouble was, we had hidden one
of the cards, and when Ed began to play,
we regretfully discovered the shortage and
threw out the hand.”
They figure they have used up 2,000 packs
of cards since the game began. Sometimes
the confusion spreads to the deck. Once it
was found that there were 12 kings present
and unaccounted for.
“We have lost some decks through anger
and frustration,” explained Al V. “Every now
and then, somebody gets mad at his luck and
tears up a pack.”
Who tore up the last one, we wanted to
know?
“Al did,” shouted brother Harry, Harry
Silver, and Dawson. “He often does.”
The players occupy old, beat-up theatre
chairs, which sometimes collapse under the
strain of the playing. Seldom do more than
four take hands, but there have been as
many as 12 kibitzers in the tiny office.
“There was a cop who dropped in to warn
us about noise once or twice, and wound up
by watching the games,” recalled Al.
“We wound up by throwing him out,” yelled
Harry V. “He was too noisy.”
“Anybody is liable to be thrown out of the
game and the office,” remarked Harry S.
“Bodily,” agreed Dawson.
“For getting the score wrong, for holding
back the wrong card, for reneging, for swap-
ping cigars,” added Al.
“Yep,” said Dawson. “Once Sam Miller and
Harry Vogelstein got their cigars mixed, and
they nearly blew the roof off.”
NO REWARD FOR ONE VICTORY
“Ed Wyatt did win one game,” Silver shout-
ed. “He should have collected 30 cents, as
I recall. Unfortunately, somebody threw
away the score, so nobody knew exactly where
they stood.”
“We had a strict rule about reneging,” Al
informed us. “One day, Ed Wyatt dropped
a card out of his hand, while picking up
the deal; we called a renege on him. But
this rule nearly led to bloodshed; we had
to abandon it.”
Recently, the habitual players — includ-
ing Sam Soltz of the Howard Theatre,
“Chubby” Caplan, Samson Pike of Unit-
ed Artists, Sam Tabor of Republic and
Morris Oletsky of the Victory and Wind-
sor theatres — -have taken to playing in
the card room of the Variety Club, over
the Stanley Theatre.
“Already we have been thrown out of
there for being too loud,” boasted Al.
“Four times,” his brother added.
“But some of the people in the club are
taking to pinochle as a result,” put in Sil-
ver. “They are even giving up gin rum-
my for it.”
“Gin rummy comes and gin rummy
goes,” they agreed, “but pinochle will go
on forever.”
Traffic Light Is Needed
At Filmrow Crossing
ALBANY — Back of a campaign to install
a traffic light on Filmrow at the intersection
of Bridge street and Broadway is Howard
Goldstein, head booker and office manager
for RKO.
Goldstein calls attention to cars that speed
by the exchanges, making it dangerous to
climb on or alight from buses, or to walk
across the street from one exchange to the
other.
An industryite was injured some time ago
at the spot. There was a traffic light there
at one time, but it was moved when traffic
thinned down during the war. Traffic is
heavy again.
Upstate Will Book and Buy
For James Theatre, Utica
UTICA, N. Y. — The James Theatre here
has been added to the group for which
Upstate Theatres, Inc. buys and books. The
James, a 500-seater, is operated by the James
Theatre Corp., in which Morris Slotnick
holds an interest. Slotnick, who also operates
houses in Oriskany Falls and Waterville, took
over the James a year and a half ago and
made a number of improvements. His
brother Sam has two theatres in Syracuse
and the Casino in Waterford.
This is the first time Upstate has acted
for a theatre in Utica. Most members of
the group are in Albany, Troy and Schenec-
tady.
Schenck to Candy Post
ALBANY — George H. Schenck has been
appointed Albany district manager for the
Tri-State Automatic Candy Corp. of Buffalo.
He succeeds Joseph Grand, who will devote
full time to operation of the Eagle Theatre
here, which he purchased from Abe Stone
three years ago.
54
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
WAStjlNGTON
plans are being formulated for an enjoyable
afternoon when the Variety Club ladies’
committee will be honored at a luncheon in
the Carlton room in the Carlton hotel on
April 19. Luncheon is being sponsored by the
welfare board and the committee in charge
is Sara Young, Lorene Boucher and Tacie
Davis.
Metro Items: Rushing the spring season
were Booker Bob Azbell, wife, and daughter
Sharon, Judy Jones and Bob Ellsworth who
got off to an early start by having a wiener
roast in Rock Creek park . . . Marilyn Knoll
spent Easter in New York . . . Bob Ellsworth
also spent the weekend in New York visiting
his family . . . Regina Pearlman spent Easter
nursing a cold . . . James Tyler is back after
fighting a siege of the flu . . . Anyone look-
ing for Audrey Poulos last Saturday after-
noon could have' found her at the Bowie
racetrack . . . Vivian Kelly and hubby spent
Easter fishing. No comment on the catch
. . Marie Reeder has resigned to live in
(West Virginia . . . Helen Pruitt is the new-
comer in the Metro ranks. She will act as
Tom Baldridge’s “girl Friday’’ . . . Many
happy returns to Zelda Stough who cele-
brated a birthday recently and was the
recipient of a lovely blouse and a pair of
nylons.
Bill Fischer has been promoted to office
manager-head booker at Columbia, replacing
Oscar Blumenthal who resigned recently . . .
Madeline “Pat” Taylor has returned to Film-
row after a year’s absence and will head the
Clark Film Co. office. Hubby Earle is now
booking at Columbia . . . Monogram’s Lillian
Shome spent the Easter holidays in New
York visiting her family . . . Branch Manager
Jack Safer also spent the holidays in New
York.
Congratulations to Monogram salesman
Barry Goldman, who celebrated a birthday
last week. Office presented him with sev-
eral lovely gifts at a little impromptu birth-
day party . . . Local F13 held a regular
monthly meeting on Monday evening. Busi-
ness Agent Sara Young reported that the
front office at PRC was now unionized . . .
Local B13 held a regular monthly meeting
on Thursday evening.
Mr. and Mrs. Lou Richmond (of E. M.
Loew, Inc., Boston) and daughter Elissa
spent Tuesday and Wednesday in town and
while Lou visited the exchanges to round
up product for the Mount Vernon and Glen-
burnie Open Air theatres which opened on
Thursday, Mrs. Richmond and Elissa went
sightseeing. Incidentally, Elissa celebrated
her tenth birthday on Tuesday with a din-
ner party at the Carlton hotel. Don King
will manage the Mount Vernon Open Air
Theatre.
At EKO, Joe Brecheen’s secretary, Verda
Lee, resigned and her fellow workers pre-
sented her with a beautiful jeweled lapel
pin . . . Hope Phillips was “upped” from
the office manager’s office and Norma Norris
replaces her as secretary to Joe Kushner
. . . George McConnell, Penn Theatre pro-
jectionist, father of 20th-Fox Mary Mc-
Connell and Lust circuit Albertha McCon-
nell, has been hospitalized at the Naval
Medical Center with a heart ailment since
February 22.
The O’Learys, family of 20th-Fox, office
manager, are running into tough luck this
month. Wife Ronnie has a birthday on April
14, daughter Maureen celebrates hers on
April 21 and little son John’s birthday comes
up on April 28. Little Maureen is laid up
with scarlet fever so all parties scheduled
are off. Money saved goes to the doctor . . .
Kay Film, through branch manager Blaine
Short, announces staff additions. Max Step-
kin, formerly with Universal, will be Kay’s
new office manager and booker. Moving
from Equity will be Jack Eskridge, who will
sell in Baltimore and environs plus the east-
ern shore.
Bill Henderson was a welcome visitor on
the Row Wednesday. Bill, who booked for
the Durkee circuit for many years and who
is one of the veterans of the film business
in this area, was forced to give up his posi-
tion due to illness. However, he is still part-
ner with Hamilton Durkee in the Baltimore
and Washington Film Express. Durkee ac-
companied him on his trip to Washington.
Another Durkee office visitor was Arthur
Marks, head auditor, who made one of his
rare visits to Filmrow.
At Paramount, District Manager Earle
Sweigert was a visitor on Tuesday . . . New
exploiteer is Max Joice . . . Booker Jack
Howe is back after a ten-day illness . . .
Frances Herbst was called to New York on
account of her mother’s illness . . . New
clerk at Columbia is Ruth Wittowitsky. •
RCA Victor Promotions
Made by Frank Folsom
CAMDEN, N. J.— John G. Wilson, operat-
ing vice-president of the RCA Victor division
of the Radio Corp. of America for the past
two years, has been made vice-president and
general manager by Frank M. Folsom, exec-
utive vice-president of the Radio Corp. of
America. Folsom also named Fred D. Wilson
vice-president in charge of operations and
Joseph H. McConnell vice-president in charge
of law and finance. J. G. Wilson has been
with the RCA Victor division since 1944,
prior to which he was executive vice-presi-
dent of the United Wall Paper Co. Fred D.
Wilson, who has been vice-president in
charge of personnel since 1946, joined the
RCA organization in 1936 as district man-
ager in Minneapolis. McConnell was named
vice-president and general attorney of RCA
Victor in 1945, four years after he joined the
legal department.
Name Roth Vice-President
Of Four Continents
NEW YORK — George Roth, long associated
with Harry M. Goetz and Reliance Pictures,
has become executive vice-president of Four
Continents Films, Inc. His headquarters will
be in the Paramount Bldg. He replaces Dan-
iel Frankel, who has joined 20th-Fox to
handle its new 16mm activities.
Ownership of Four Continents remains un-
changed. The stock is jointly controlled by
Louis H. Jackson and Daniel Frankel. Jack-
son is chairman of British National Films of
England and is also president of Four Con-
tinents Films, Inc.
Paramount Transfers Joice
To Washington District
NEW YORK — J. M. Joice, formerly special
representative for Paramount in Cleveland,
has been transferred to Washington where
he will work under Earle W. Sweigert, the
company’s mideastern division sales man-
ager, according to Curtis M. Mitchell, pub-
licity and advertising director for Paramount.
In addition to his usual duties as exploita-
tion representative, Joice will serve as liaison
between the Paramount advertising and pub-
licity department and government agencies.
Joice will also cover the Roanoke, Richmond,
Baltimore and Norfolk territories.
BALTIMORE
JJarry Welsh, Glen Theatre, reported his
car was stolen from in front of his home.
The police found it the next day crushed
like an accordion. Saturday night Harry’s
luck changed when he won $25 at the Variety
Club. Seated next to him was Mrs. Chauncey
B. WolfT Uptown Theatre, who won $15.
New MPTO officers are Frank A. Hornig,
Horn Theatre, president; Lauritz C. Garman,
Uptown, vice-president; J. Levine, York,
treasurer, and Helen Diering, secretary. Di-
rectors are Walter Pacey, Lou Gaertner,
Harry Silver, Arthur B. Price, M. Allen, Meyer
Leventhal, Luke Green, Richard Wornman,
Harry Valentine and Oscar Coblentz.
Members of Gif-Ted children show at I. M.
Rappaport’s Hippodrome will put on a variety
show at St. Mary’s industrial school for the
benefit of Europe’s starving children April
27 and 28 . . . Hilliard Livingston, Globe
Theatre was married recently . . . The sol-
dier son of Jack Whittle, Avenue Theatre,
flew in from an army post to pick up his new
convertible Buick and drive it back south.
Louella Parsons, still in town with her ail-
ing husband, has written several anecdotes
concerning Morris Mechanic, New Theatre
. . . Mrs. Bob Gruver, Glen Theatre, gave
birth to a baby boy.
The Paint and Powder club presented the
Gershwin musical comedy, “Girl Crazy” at
the Lyric Theatre April 11, 12 . . . Century’s
next is “The Macomber Affair” . . . The
Hippodrome is playing “Trail Street” . . .
The Little Theatre was in its third week
with “It Happened at the Inn” and the next
attraction was to be the Italian-made “I
Live as I Please” . . . Stanley was playing
“Pursued” with “That Way With Women”
next.
“Our Town” will be presented at the Vaga-
bond Theatre April 14-19 with two weeks of
benefits to follow . . . Donald Kirkley, film
critic for the Baltimore Sun, in his April 6
column severely criticized the industry for
“its massive flow of crime and murder pic-
tures.” Kirkley pointed out that during
Easter and Christmas time there seems to be
more of this type of film than at any other
time of the year. In conclusion he penned:
“Centuries hence when historians sum up
the culture of the 20th century, it is quite
probable that they will have a phrase for it,
‘The century of vicarious homicide.’ ”
The legislature in its final sessions passed
a bill that provides that no film may be
shown in Frederick county on Saturday after-
noons unless the censors have specifically
approved it as being suited for children.
The censors do not classify films, except as
being proper or improper. The burden will be
upon the censors so it is expected that they
will ask Governor Lane to veto the measure.
Iz Makover’s New Albert is being renovated
with a new paint job. R. N. Bandel’s Stand-
ard Painting Co. is doing the job. The New
Albert is being converted to a first run house
. . . Sylvia Beck, daughter of Ben Beck, Up-
town Theatre, drove to Atlantic City Easter
Sunday to visit her father who is vacationing
there.
"Duel" Opens in Florida
MIAMI BEACH — David O. Selznick’s “Duel
in the Sun” opened here at the Colonial
Theatre Friday after an elaborate prelimi-
nary exploitation campaign. Claud Morris,
SRO exploitation head, was here in advance
and worked with Tom Jefferson.
BOXQFFICE :: April 12, 1947
55
Television Institute' Meet
Called for April 14, 15
NEW YORK — More than 1,000 franchised
television dealers in New York and New Jer-
sey have been invited to visit the exhibit
section of the “Television Institute” which
will be held at the Hotel Commodore April
14 and 15, according to Irwin A. Shane, pub-
lisher of The Televisor, a trade publication
sponsoring the event.
A total of 51 speakers will address the seven
panels, four seminars and two luncheons
scheduled. Dr. Alfred N. Goldsmith will be
toastmaster at the April 14 luncheon which
will have Dr. Allen B. Du Mont, Dr. Lee De
Forest, Paul Raibourn, Ralph Austrian and
Worthington C. Miner as guests of honor.
J. B. Elliott, vice-president of RCA will speak
on “Building Television’s Audience.”
J. R. Poppele will be toastmaster April 15
when reports will be made by station man-
agers and representatives of operating tele-
vision stations and stations under construc-
tion or planned throughout the country.
Unions and Civic Groups
Plan Film Distribution
Theatres in Japan
Now Total 1,477
NEW YORK — Motion picture theatres in
Japan now number 1,477, an increase of 340
since January 1, 1946, according to a recent
survey reported by MPEA’s Tokyo office.
Two thirds of the new outlets, the survey
discloses, are old theatres repaired and re-
constructed from the damage and destruc-
tion and the balance represents new con-
struction.
Despite this reconstruction activity, the
number of theatres now in operation in
Japan is 300 shy of the prewar total of 1,900.
On the basis of Japan’s 73,000,000 population,
there is only one film house for very 47,000
people.
By approving an increase of first run ad-
mission prices from five to ten yen in the
Tokyo area last week, officials not only sat-
isfied the collective demands of exhibitors
but also hoped to ease the overcrowding
problem. At the same time, the ceiling on
admissions to second run houses was lifted
to a maximum of five yen.
Latin America Shifts
Announced by RKO
NEW YORK— Phil Reisman, RKO vice-
president in charge of foreign distribution,
has made a number of personnel shifts in his
department.
Max Gomez, general manager in Mexico,
has been made special sales representative in
Latin America. He will work with Jack
Osserman, Latin American supervisor, and
will handle Ramex and Pathe Cinema pro-
ductions. The Ramex pictures are those
made at the Churubusco Studios of the com-
pany and the Pathe Cinema product comes
from France.
Harry Davis, formerly manager at the
company’s Colombia office, will be the new
manager in the Mexico City office. He will
be replaced in Colombia by Ricardo Canals,
formerly manager in Peru.
Ned Seckler, Panama manager, is being
transferred to Brazil.
Jose Carralcasaz Heads
Monogram Brazil Unit
NEW YORK— Jose Carralcasaz, formerly
with Paramount in Sao Paulo, is now in
charge of the Sao Paulo office of Monogram
Pictures do Brasil, according to Norton V.
Ritchey, president of Monogram Interna-
tional.
Carralcasaz will also be in charge of Mono-
gram’s other offices in Brazil, all under H.
Alfredo Steinberg.
WB Ups James Pepper
NEW YORK— James Pepper, former sales
supervisor for Warner Bros, in Peru, has
been named manager for that company in
Puerto Rico. He will have offices in San
Juan, where he succeeds Jack McHugh, re-
signed. Herbert Fletcher takes over the Peru
post.
Four Features, Two Shorts
Picked by Review Board
NEW YORK — The National Board of Re-
view has recommended four features and two
shorts in its weekly guide to selected pictures.
“The Egg and I” (U-I), “High Barbaree”
(MGM) and “San Demetrio — London” (20th-
Fox) were classified for family audiences,
and “Monsieur Verdoux,” new Charles
Chaplin picture released by UA, was recom-
mended for mature audiences. “Egg” and
“San Demetrio” were also recommended by
the board’s school motion picture committee
for age groups under 14 years.
The short subjects selections included
“Clown of the Jungle,” Disney Cartoon from
RKO, and “Fashion Means Business” (MOT).
Bucharest Overseating
Comes Under a Ban
NEW YORK— Bucharest officials have
limited the sale of tickets to film theatres to
no more than house seating capacity as a
result of property damage caused by over-
flow crowds, according to a report from
Nichalos Cazazis, manager in Romania for
the MPEA.
Cazazis said a police platoon was dispatched
to supervise crowds storming the boxoffice
of the Eforia Theatre, where Paramount’s
“Reap the Wild Wind” opened. The enthus-
iastic patrons smashed windows and un-
hinged the doors to the lobby of the theatre.
NEW YORK — Representatives of a group
of civic and labor organizations are at work
on a project for establishment of a non-
theatrical film center to circulate films on
behalf of labor and “the democratic move-
ment.” Robert Delson, attorney, is one of
the active leaders.
The aim is to make pictures with “social
significance,” Delson says. He says: “Here-
tofore there has been no concerted attempt
to utilize for education in public affairs the
greatest weapon available in the arsenal of
democratic education — the motion picture.”
Distribution offices are planned in New
York, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Moves to 4th
In Depinet Sales Drive
NEW YORK — Los Angeles has moved into
the capital prize group of RKO’s 1947 Ned
E. Depinet Drive contest by edging out In-
dianapolis for fourth place at the end of the
15th week. Sioux Falls continues to lead with
Chicago second and Denver in third place.
Herb Greenblatt, midwestern manager, leads
the 11 sales districts with Winnipeg first and
Toronto second in the Canadian division.
The drive extends over a 20-week period end-
ing May 8.
Language Class Planned
By MGM Spanish Editor
NEW YORK — Leocadio Lobo, MGM’s chief
Spanish editor of both dubbed and titled ver-
sions and in charge of a school of languages
maintained by Loew’s Int’l Corp. will open
a school April 15 for instruction in conver-
sational Spanish to the general public. Lobo,
a native Spaniard with wide experience in
Latin America, will conduct classes for be-
ginners, for those with some knowledge of
Spanish and for those_ whose knowledge is
considerable, yet short of perfection.
Punjab Bans 'King of Siam'
LAHORE, INDIA — “Anna and the King of
Siam” has been banned in India’s Punjab by
the provincial board of censors which found
the film “unsuitable.” The board acted after
a protest was filed by Capt. Anant Singh,
editor of the magazine, Filmo, who declared
the picture “misrepresented Siam and the
Siamese peoples.”
India's 2,000 Theatres:
One to Every 200,000
CHICAGO — India has only 2,000 motion
picture houses, which averages one for every
200,000 persons, compared to one for every
7,200 persons in the U.S., reports B. G. Davis,
president of the Ziff-Davis Publishing Co.,
who has just completed a 30,000-mile round-
the-world flight to investigate business con-
ditions and market possibilities.
Davis said the three most important rea-
sons for retarded Indian motion picture de-
velopment were: (1) social restrictions on
Indian women; (2) severe film censorship
and, (3) competition with U.S. films. India
only produces 150 full-length films annually,
he said.
U-I Mails 20-Page Booklet
On "Egg" to Exhibitors
NEW YORK — Universal-International has
mailed a special 20-page full color brochure
on “The Egg and I” to exhibitors. The book-
let covers all phases of advance national cam-
paign on the film.
The brochure stresses the theme, “U-I Has
‘The Egg and I,’ ” and outlines the promotion
of the Betty MacDonald book as a best-
seller. Additional pages cover newspaper and
magazine advertising, song promotions, egg
industry promotion, the Miss Slick Chick con-
test and radio plugs.
Eastern Office Is Opened
By Trans-International
NEW YORK — Trans-International Films
of Los Angeles, headed by Sidney J. Pink,
has set up a New York office under Marc
Gilbert for the distribution and exhibition of
foreign pictures.
Pink’s territory west of Chicago has a chain
of 11 theatres for the exclusive distribution
of foreign product and Gilbert plans to ac-
quire eastern houses for a circuit of distribu-
tion outlets to be linked to Trans-Interna-
tional’s western circuit.
Chaplin Mass Press Interview
NEW YORK — For the first time in his ca-
reer Charles Chaplin has promised to hold a
press interview. It is scheduled for Monday,
April 14, at the Hotel Gotham.
56
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
NEWS AND VIEWS OF THE PRODUCTION CENTER
(Hollywood Office — Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.; Ivan Spear, Western Manager)
Exhibitor Nasser Buys
Gent Service Studios
Dore Schary to Direct
Je wish Appeal Drive
HOLLYWOOD — Having just emerged from
its annual big charity campaign, which fin-
ished with over quota figures, Hollywood now
turns its attention to the United Jewish Ap-
peal.
Barney Balaban, Paramount president and
national chairman of the motion picture in-
dustry division of UJA, completed the local
organization for the drive at a luncheon in
the Beverly Hills hotel.
Dore Schary, RKO vice-president in charge
of production, accepted the chairmanship of
the motion picture industry division and Abe
Lastfogel was named co-chairman. A quota
of $2,000,000 was set for the Hollywood branch
of the motion picture industry division. Last
year this branch raised $1,090,000.
Balaban also conferred with J. L. Warner,
Walter Wanger and other Hollywood promi-
nents regarding the campaign. He is visiting
key cities to set up a national committee rep-
resenting producers, distributors and ex-
hibitors to develop maximum cooperation
within the industry for the UJA drive.
The Los Angeles campaign will be kicked
off with a rally at the Shrine auditorium the
evening of Wednesday, April 30, with Harold
L. Ickes as speaker.
Sam Goldwyn Is UJA Drive
Chairman in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES — Samuel Goldwyn has ac-
cepted the chairmanship of the 1947 fund
campaign for the United Jewish Appeal in
Los Angeles. Jack Warner, Walter Wanger,
Abe Lastfogel, vice-president of the William
Morris Agency, and Dore Schary will serve
as co-chairmen of the coast motion picture
division.
The appointments were announced by
Barney Balaban, national chairman of the
motion picture division, in New York, fol-
lowing a series of conferences on the drive
with film leaders in Los Angeles.
Those attending the conferences included
Harry Warner, Sol Lesser, Jules Stein, Bert
Allenberg, Ben Kahane, Leon Goldberg, Fred
Meyer, E. Blackburn, Jimmie Allen, George
Bilson and Marvin Ezel, in addition to Gold-
wyn, Jack Warner, Wanger, Lastfogel and
Schary.
Two Classics by Small
For Columbia Release
HOLLYWOOD— Edward Small, independ-
ent producer, has signed to make two films
based on literary classics for release by Co-
lumbia. ' The first, scheduled for early pro-
duction, will be Alexander Dumas’ “D’Artag-
nan,” depicting adventures of the leader of
the Three Musketeers. It will be followed
by “The Black Arrow,” adapted from the
novel by Robert Louis Stevenson.
HOLLYWOOD — James Nasser, who owns a
chain of theatres in northern California and
who recently entered the field of production,
has added studio operations to his many ac-
tivities, having purchased General Service
Studios, where many United Artists pictures
are filmed. For a reported $2,500,000, Nasser
acquired the interests in General Service of
Cagney Productions and Benedict Bogeaus.
Up until a few months ago, the studio was
owned and operated as a rental lot by Bo-
geaus. At that time a half interest in the
plant was sold for an undisclosed amount to
Cagney Productions, which then moved its
operations from the Goldwyn lot to GS.
In revealing the sale to Nasser, Cagney dis-
closed that he retained an option to use the
studio’s facilities for the production of at
least two pictures a year for the next five
years; and, presumably, Bogeaus, too, will
continue his film making activities on the lot.
Both Cagney and Bogeaus release through UA.
Sol Wurtzel Gets Lease
On Center Sound Stages
HOLLYWOOD — Hinting at an expanding
program for next season, Sol M. Wurtzel,
whose features are produced on a profit-
SMILE OVER PLAQUES— It was a
smiling affair out at Disney studio when
Walt and his two young stars received
their BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award
plaques for Disney’s “Song of the South,”
an RKO Radio release, which was selected
as the best picture released during the
month of February. Left to right, Luana
Patten, Producer Disney and Bobby
Driscoll.
sharing basis for 20th-Fox distribution, has
signed a long-term deal with the newly con-
structed Motion Picture Center studios for
the rental of two of the nine sound stages at
the new plant. Wurtzel’s first to go before
the cameras at the center will be “Roses Are
Red,” scheduled to start shooting in May.
Offices of Wurtzel Productions will, for the
time being, remain at the present location —
Fox Western studios, where most of his past
pictures were filmed.
Audio Pictures Acquires
Early Day Film Studio
HOLLYWOOD — Audio Pictures, 16mm pro-
ducer, has taken over the building erected in
1918 by Norma Talmadge for the Silent Drama
Picture Co. It was one of Hollywood’s first
studios.
When alterations are completed in May
the studio will have a fully equipped sound
stage 77 feet wide, 105 feet in length and 36-
foot grid. At the new location Audio will
complete its 16mm commitments and then
plans to embark on a schedule of 35mm
features and shorts for general release.
* * *
Seth Larsen, former film editor at Para-
mount, and E. Clark Leavitt have formed
a new 16mm and 35mm production company
called the Larsen and Leavitt Studios. Setup
will make industrial and educational • films,
screen tests and South American background
shots for use of other Hollywood studios.
They also plan to make television shorts when
video field opens up and already have con-
tracts with the Peruvian and Chilean govern-
ments for educational films.
Don Black Has Resigned
Academy Relations Post
HOLLYWOOD — For the second time
within a year the Academy of Motion Picture
Arts and Sciences is without a director of
public relations. Don Black, most recent in-
cumbent who piloted the Academy’s publicity
through the recent annual awards event, has
resigned.
Indications are that for ~the time being
no successor to Black will be appointed. The
Academy’s public relations will be entrusted
to a committee appointed by President Jean
Hersholt and comprising William Dozier,
Walter Wanger and Mary McCall jr. Both
Dozier and Wanger are Universal-Interna-
tional production executives, while Miss Mc-
Call, a screen writer, is the wife of David
Branson, who was Black’s immediate prede-
cessor as publicity chief for the Academy.
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
57
Ben Goetz, in charge of MGM production
in the British Isles, left for Manhattan where
he was to sail April 9 for his return to Eng-
land. Goetz planned to start shooting “The
Secret Garden,” starring Margaret O’Brien,
on his arrival there. He will use MGM’s newly
erected studios.
* * *
Y. Frank Freeman, vice-president of Para-
mount, headed a group from the producers
labor committee which flew to New York
for a week of conferences with eastern top-
pers on the labor situation here. Others in
the party included N. Peter Rathvon, RKO
president; Eddie Mannix, MGM executive,
and Charles S. Boren, recently appointed
MPA labor relations manager.
* * *
Among those who booked passage for the
April 9 departure from New York were Lewis
Allen and his wife. Allen will direct “So Evil,
My Love,” the Hal Wallis production which
will be lensed in the Denham Studios in
London . . . William Pine was back in town,
after a trip to Gotham where he screened
the first Pine-Thomas color film, “Adven-
ture Island,” at the Paramount home office
. . . Barney Balaban went to New York, but
expected to return here in time for the meet-
ing of Paramount theatre partners at Arrow-
head Spring May 6-10. He will then stay
over for the annual Variety Club conclave
which convenes May 14.
* * *
After a week of viewing Broadway shows,
Michael Curtiz checked in at Warners to
oversee the final editing of his initial picture
under his own production banner, “The Un-
suspected,” and begin preparations for his
next, “The Shadow of Fear.”
* * *
Lamar Trotti returned here, following a
three-week stay in New York on a combina-
tion business and pleasure trip. He gathered
material for “The Circuit Rider’s Wife,”
which he will script and produce for 20th-
Fox . . . Booth McCracken, unit production
manager for 20th-Fox, and William May-
berry, casting director, were off to Manhattan
to scout location sites and cast Broadway
actors for supporting roles in Darryl Zanuck’s
production of “Gentleman’s Agreement.”
While in the east, they planned to confer
with Elia Kazan, who will direct the film.
* * *
Following a business trip which kept him
in the east for two months, Jules Levey, in-
dependent producer, was back in town. Levey
announced that his United Artists film “New
Orleans” will be world-premiered in New
Orleans at the Saenger Theatre April 26.
* * *
Milton Pickman, Columbia studio exec-
utive, went to New York for a two-week stay
. . . Director Ray Nazarro, who has been
shooting China sequences for Columbia’s
“Assigned to Treasury” in Shanghai, left
there by plane and was expected back in the
U.S. during the week.
* * *
Robert Purcell, Pathe Industries’ board
chairman, and Arthur Krim, Eagle-Lion
president, arrived here from the east for two
weeks of confabs with Bryan Foy, E-L pro-
duction head. Purcell also planned huddles
with Kenneth Young, coast head of Pathe
Laboratories, and Harry Thomas, PRC presi-
dent, while Krim planned to discuss ex-
change of players between Eagle-Lion and
Arthur Rank’s British producing units with
Bryan Foy.
-* * *
Charles MacArthur, author and playwright,
flew east after completing a three-month
writing chore here for Universal-Interna-
tional on "The Senator Was Indiscreet” . . .
Nate Blumberg, president of Universal, was
in for a week of conferences with Universal-
International executives. He planned to re-
turn east on conclusion of the meetings . . .
Lillie Messinger, back from a two-month
vacation trip to Europe, checked in at U-I
studio to begin her new duties as executive
production aide to Leo Spitz and William
Goetz.
* * *
Monogram Producer Walter Mirisch was off
to New York to scout for some Broadway
talent for his next production, “I Wouldn’t
Be in Your Shoes,” and to attend the open-
ing of his latest film, “Fall Guy” . . . William
Z. Porter, manager of Monogram’s contract
department, returned from Dallas, where he
set up plans for the company’s 16mm dis-
tribution in that state.
* * *
Jack C. Sayers, vice-president of Audience
Research, Inc., left here to attend board
meetings 'in Gotham and consult with ARI
clients there. Sayers planned to be in the
east about a month. Beverly Jones and
Robert Forbes are in charge of Hollywood op-
erations during his absence.
* * *
Herman Millakowsky, who is producing
“Stranger Than Truth” from the Vera Cas-
pary novel for Triumph, returned to Holly-
wood after scouting locations around Madi-
son Square in New York.
• • •
Jan Grippo, Monogram producer, was due
to leave for New York to complete arrange-
ments for taking his Bowery Boys company
to England this summer for the filming of
“Bowery Boys in London.”
• • •
John Ford and Merian Cooper, Argosy
Pictures producers, were off to Mexico City to
spend two weeks there for the purpose of
supervising the dubbing and scoring of “The
Fugitive,” which they are readying for RKO
release.
• * *
Expected in from Gotham was Edward A.
Golden for conferences with his son — and
partner in Golden Productions — on “Texas,
Heaven and Brooklyn,” which Golden Junior
will produce for United Artists release.
* * *
Another United Artists executive to hit the
trail was Robert S. Taplinger, vice-president
in charge of publicity and advertising for
Enterprise Pictures. Taplinger took off for
Gotham from where he planned to journey
to Washington to confer with State depart-
ment officials on the Paris junket for the
premiere of “Arch of Triumph.”
Heilman Will Make Two
In London for 20th-Fox
HOLLYWOOD — Following conferences
with Darryl F. Zanuck, Marcel Heilman,
British producer, effected an agreement
whereby he will produce two pictures in
London for 20th-Fox prior to March 1948.
These will be “This Was a Woman,” from
the London stage play by Joan Morgan, and
“Sabina,” from the novel by Joyce Langton.
His deal with the company contemplates
additional films in the future.
Heilman, who has already discussed the
loan of Hollywood stars and directors with
Zanuck, planned to leave for New York for
further conferences with Tom Connors, vice-
president in charge of distribution for 20th-
Fox.
'Best Years' to Bow
In Mexico on May 8
HOLLYWOOD— The film capital’s No. 1
pastime, the gala premiere, took on an in-
ternational note when Samuel Goldwyn per-
fected plans to present his “The Best Years
of Our Lives” in its Latin-American debut
at the Alameda Theatre in Mexico City May
8. Already set to make the Mexico City
jaunt are two cast members, Harold Russell,
the handless veteran, and Virginia Mayo.
Dan Russell, in charge of foreign publicity
for Goldwyn, will go to Mexico City in ad-
vance of the premiere to make final arrange-
ments.
* * *
When Universal-International’s “The Egg
and I” opened its prerelease engagement in
Los Angeles, it set a new local record in the
number of theatres used to open a picture.
The Carthay Circle, a 1,500-seat house, was
added to the five-theatre combination of the
United Artists, Fox Ritz, Fox Bruin, Iris and
Studio City, usually used by U-I. The six-
theatre setup was for the first week. After
seven days the Fox Bruin was to drop out of
the combination.
* « *
World premiere of Jules Levey’s “New
Orleans,” a United Artists release, has been
set for April 26 at the Saenger Theatre in
New Orleans. Louisiana’s Governor Jimmy
Davis and New Orleans’ Mayor deLesseps
Morrison will be guests of honor at the affair.
SAG Starts Dickering
With Studios Tuesday
HOLLYWOOD — Still stealing the film
capital’s labor spotlight from the moribund
studio strike were the upcoming contract ne-
gotiations between the producers and the
Screen Actors Guild.
A general meeting of the guild member-
ship afforded all performers a chance to ac-
quaint themselves with the details of the pact
proposals which the guild board is prepared
to present to producers’ labor representatives
when palavering on the new contract starts
April 15. The conditions and details of the
SAG requests were revealed last week so
the producers will not enter the contract ne-
gotiation sessions entirely ignorant of what
the acting branch of the industry plans to
bargain for.
Meanwhile the strike dragged through an-
other week without incident and with no
further signs of settlement.
* * *
Walt Disney studio has signed its new con-
tract with the Screen Cartoonists Guild 852.
The contract, terms of which were agreed
upon several months ago, had been ratified
at a general meeting of the cartoonists.
* * *
The Screen Analysts Guild, which recently
withdrew from the striking Conference of
Studio Unions, was set to meet with the
producers for discussions of the terms under
which its members are prepared to return
to work.
Kraike Now Independent
HOLLYWOOD — Michel Kraike, who came
to RKO as a producer from Columbia more
than a year ago, will check off the lot after
completion of editing on his latest picture,
“Indian Summer.” He plans to enter the
independent production field with a story
dealing with the government and will leave
for Washington soon to confer with officials
on his project.
58
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
• To hold the drama which darkness gave
this scene, yet not sacrifice identity and
clarity of action . . . this was the problem
on which the picture’s director and the
director of photography worked hard —
and successfully.
To this same end the timer also worked
— successfully. By his skilled selection of
printing light, his judgment of light and
shadow, he faithfully interpreted the di-
rector’s aim . . . made certain that the
visual result would be vivid, dramatic,
convincing.
To get the most from his ability, the
timer must work with film of assured uni-
formity . . . one of the many qualities
which make the family of Eastman mo-
tion picture films so useful to the industry.
Artist • • •
with light and
shadow
EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
ROCHESTER 4, N. Y.
J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., DISTRIBUTORS
FORT LEE • CHICAGO • HOLLYWOOD
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
59
STUDIO PERSONNELITIES
Barnstormers
Columbia
RITA HAYWORTH plans to embark on her first
European trip which will take her on a goodwill
tour to the various countries abroad in connection
with her forthcoming Technicolor musical, "Down
to Earth." Prior to her departure, she is expected
in New York this week for personal appearances
and interviews in advance of the first opening of
the film, which co-stars Larry Parks.
Enterprise
DON DeFORE set for a series of personal ap-
pearances in connection with key city openings of
Harry Sherman's production "Ramrod." First stint
will be at the Palace Theatre in Chicago.
Monogram
DON DeFORE and GALE STORM, the romantic
leads in Roy Del Ruth's "It Happened on Fifth
Avenue," were expected in Dallas for two weeks of
personal appearances in connection with openings
of the film in key Texas cities.
Paramount
BILLY DE WOLFE, by special permission from his
studio, plans to fulfill an old personal appearance
commitment at the Chase hotel, St. Louis, and will
open there on May 9.
Republic
MONTE HALE and TOM LONDON set for a per-
sonal appearance tour of Oregon, Washington, Idaho,
Utah and parts of Canada upon completion of the
Trucolor western, "Along the Oregon Trail."
Blurbers
RKO Radio
BOB SMITH has left Liberty Films' publicity staff
to become assistant publicity director for Robert
Riskin Productions.
Briefies
Metro
James A. FitzPatrick, shorts producer, signed a
new contract marking his 17th year as producer
of Traveltalks short subjects.
Paramount
GAIL KENT, on loanout from Hal Wallis, toplines
in Jerry Fairbanks Productions' "Our Friends," a
Speaking of Animals short subject. Two-reeler
will combine actors with "talking" animals.
Warners
SAUL ELKINS and CHARLES TEDFORD assigned
writing chores on a pair or Technicolor one-reelers,
Elkins to "Rhythms of a Big City" and Tedford to
"Living With Lions." Truman Bradley will narrate
the former and Knox Manning the latter.
Lensing on the second pair in the 1947-48 series
of Joe McDoakes shorts is scheduled to start
shortly with George O'Hanlon starring, Dick Bare
directing and Gordon Hollingshead producing. The
two-reelers entitled "So You Want an Apartment"
and “So You Want to Build a House," also feature
Jane Harker.
Deal set for CONSTANCE BANNISTER, baby pho-
tographer, to make a one-reeler in Technicolor,
"Bannister's Babies." GORDON HOLLINGSHEAD,
head of the short subjects department, will produce
and Miss Bannister direct.
Cleffers
Columbia
GEORGE DUNING set to compose background
score for “Her Husband's Affairs," Lucille Ball-
Franchot Tone comedy.
PAUL MERTZ handed musical director chore on
the Sam Katzman production, "Sweet Genevieve."
Eagle-Lion
Frederick Hollander, composer, signed to write
the score for "Red Stallion," the Cinecolor outdoor
drama which stars Robert Paige and Noreen Nash.
RKO Radio
RICHARD HAGEMANN, music composer and di-
rector, signed for the scoring chore on "Mourning
Becomes Electra."
Loanouts
Republic
Topline in the Lewis Milestone-Charles K. Feld-
man group Technicolor production of John Stein-
beck's "The Red Pony" given ROBERT MITCHUM,
borrowed from David O. Selznick.
Universal-International
WANDA HENDRIX, teen-ager who recently com-
pleted her first picture for Paramount, borrowed for
a role opposite Robert Montgomery in "Ride the
Pink Horse," which Montgomery will also direct.
Producer is Joan Harrison.
Meggers
Columbia
CHARLES VIDOR assigned as director on “Gal-
lant Blade," a Technicolor film to be produced by
Irving Starr. Screenplay is by Melvin Levy.
SAM NEWFIELD has been signed to direct the
15-chapter serial based on the comic strip "Captain
Silver and the Seahound," which Sam Katzman,
independent producer, plans to put before the
cameras shortly.
Eagle-Lion
BEN STOLOFF set to produce "Career in Man-
hattan," an original story by Aben Kandel which
will star Richard Basehart. Yarn deals with the
life story of a young man who rises from shoddy
beginnings to great prominence.
RKO Radio
HOWARD HAWKS signed to meg the Danny Kaye
starrer, "That's Life," which Samuel Goldwyn is
producing.
20th Century-Fox
F. HUGH HERBERT has been signed to a new
two-year writer-director contract. He is currently
megging "Scudda Hoo, Scudda Hay," for which he
wrote the screenplay.
SOL SIEGEL, one of the newest producers on the
Westwood lot, was handed his second assignment
by Darryl Zanuck who gave him production reins
on the Henry Helseth novel, "The Choir for Martin
Rome," newly purchased by the studio. Ben Hecht
was set to do the screenplay.
United Artists
DOUGLAS SIRK set tc meg Triangle Productions'
“Sleep My Love," starring Robert Cummings. Sirk
has been borrowed from United California Pro-
ductions, to whom he is under contract.
Options
Columbia
JIMMY LYDON draws the male lead in “Sweet
Genevieve," being produced by Sam Katzman,
profitsharing film maker. GLORIA MARLEN and
RALPH HODGES signed for supporting roles in this
high school musical now rolling with Arthur Dreifuss
directing. Featured role given LUCIEN LITTLEFIELD.
BRYANT WASHBURN, well-known star in silent
screen days, signed for a role.
GINGER ROGERS and CORNEL WILDE will co-
star in "I Found a Dream," romantic comedy by
Melvin Frank and Morman Panama. Directorial setup
is unique, with DON HARTMAN serving as pro-
ducer and co-director and RUDY MATE acting as co-
director and cameraman.
He's getting in a rut perhaps, but JEROME COWAN
will again play Dogwood's boss in "Blondie in the
Dough." It will be Cowan's fourth appearance in
the series. CLARENCE KOLB set for role.
Eagle-Lion
Featured part in "Captain Casanova," starring
Arturo de Cordova, given JOHN SUTTON. Picture
will be filmed in Mexico City.
Enterprise
JOSEPH CALLEIA ticketed for key role in Pro-
ducer Harry Sherman's "They Passed This Way,"
starring Joel McCrea.
Metro
KATHARINE HEPBURN assigned the femme lead
in “House Above the River," by Michael Foster,
which is slated for an early fall start with Sam
Zimbalist producing.
Ballerina DEE TURNELL signed to a term con-
tract and handed a role in "The Pirate."
Monogram
BILL RADOVICH, well-known football player,
signed by Jack Wrather for a role in "High Tide,"
now before the cameras with Lee Tracy and Don
Castle heading the cast and John Reinhardt direct-
ing. GEORGE RYLAND and WILSON WOOD added
to the cast.
Director Jack Bernhard has set J. FARRELL Mac-
DONALD, CATHY CARTER and RUSSELL HICKS for
featured roles in "The Hunted," Allied Artists film
starring Belita, and Preston Foster. Other cast
additions include EDNA HOLLAND, PIERRE WAT-
KIN, MICHAEL BROWNE, PAUL GUILFOYLE, FRANK
FERGUSON, KARL HACKETT and RORY MALLISON.
Paramount
BRENDA MARSHALL signed for the femme lead
opposite Alan Ladd in "Whispering Smith." Role
in the Technicolor film, which Leslie Fenton will
direct, marks the return of Miss Marshall to the
screen after a three-year absence.
STUART HOLMES cast in "The Big Clock," star-
ring Ray Milland and Charles Laughton. John Far-
row directs and Richard Maibaum is the producer.
RICHARD DENNING set for his first starring role,
under his new Pine-Thomas contract, in "Caged
Fury," story with a circus background. David Lang
was signed to write the original screenplay.
PRC Pictures
MARK DANIELS and GREG McCLURE, in first roles
since their release from the armed services, will
star in “Bury Me Dead," which Bernard Vorhaus
will direct for Producer Chuck Reisner. Femme
topline handed JUNE LOCKHART. Cast additions
include VIRGINIA FARMER and MILTON PARSON.
CHILI WILLIAMS signed for femme lead in Pro-
ducer Sam Baerwitz's “Gas House Kids Go West."
Male lead given JOHN SHELTON. VINCE BARNETT
signed for featured role.
RKO Radio
ANNA Q. NILSSON, former star, signed for a part
in "Fighting Father Dunne," the new Pat O'Brien
feature.
Options lifted and salary boosts handed to JAC-
QUELINE WHITE and LEX BARKER, contract players.
Long-term contract handed MELVYN DOUGLAS.
No assignment has as yet been made.
Republic
LEROY MASON and RAMSEY AMES handed fea-
tured roles in the 13-chapter serial, "The Black
Widow." Fred Brannon and Spencer Bennett co-
direct for Producer Mike Frankovitch.
MYRNA LOY signed by Charles K. Feldman Group
Productions to star with Robert Mitch um in John
Steinbeck's "The Red Pony," which will be under
the direction of Lewis Milestone when lensing begins
on the North Hollywood lot.
WALTER BRENNAN, and NATALIE WOOD, 8-year-
old moppet, signed for roles in "Driftwood," Ruth
Warrick and Dean J agger starrer, which will be
piloted by Allan Dwan as associate producer-direc-
tor.
Screen Guild
HENRY WILCOXON signed for the lead in "Dark
Bullet," scheduled to go before the cameras at
Nassour Studios with Leslie Goodwins directing and
Maurice Conn producing.
SRO
ALINE MacMAHON set for featured part in "Por-
trait of Jennie," starring Jennifer Jones and Joseph
Cotten. Film is being shot in New York at the
Pathe studios.
Two stage stars, ALBERT SHARP and DAVID
WAYNE, from the cast of "Finian's Rainbow" which
is currently on Broadway, were signed for roles
in "Portrait of Jennie," the Jennifer Jones-Joseph
Cotten starrer.
20th Century-Fox
HENRY FONDA set to star with Joan Crawford
and Dand Andrews in "Daisy Kenyon,” which Otto
Preminger will produce and direct.
Long-term contract handed actress GENE ROB-
ERTS. Her option was lifted and a role in "Captain
From Castile" was handed to BARBARA LAWRENCE.
KURT KREUGER had his option hoisted by the
Westwood studio.
Sol M. Wurtzel, independent producer, signed RITA
DUNCAN, wife of former boxing champ Tony Can-
zoneri, to d stock contract. Her first role will be
in Wurtzel's "Roses Are Red."
United Artists
John Shelton, former MGM player, signed for a
role in "Atlantis," the Seymour Nebenzal film which
stars Maria Montez, Jean Pierre Aumont and Dennis
O'Keefe.
VLADIMIR SOKOLOFF ticketed for feature role in
Seymour Nebenzal's "Atlantis." He played the same
role when Nebenzal made the picture in Paris in
1932.
NITA HUNTER, 16-yeat-old St. Louis girl, signed
to a term contract by Buddy Rogers and Ralph Cohn
of Comet Productions. Miss Hunter was formerly
under contract to RKO under the name of Juanita
Alvarez.
WILLIAM BENDIX was signed by William Cagney
for a featured role in "Time of Your Life." Bendix
played a bit part in the original Broadway pro-
duction some years ago.
Universal- International
JOHNNY CUSACK slated for featured role in
Fritz Long's Diana Production, "Corruption."
MARIA MONTEZ signed to star with Douglas Fair-
banks jr. in "The Exile," initial production of the
Fairbanks Co., which Max Opuls will direct. Fair-
banks is producer as well as star.
THOMAS GOMEZ set for featured part in "Ride
the Pink Horse," in which Robert Montgomery makes
his debut as star and director for this studio. Joan
Harrison produces.
Featured role in the Mark Hellinger production,
"Brute Force," handed REX DALE.
Warner Bros.
GALE ROBBINS set for important role in United
States Pictures' "Ever the Beginning," starring Lilli
Palmer. Elliott Nugent directs for Producer Milton
Sperling.
THOMAS MITCHELL and ALAN HALE join Errol
Flynn and Ann Sheridan in the forthcoming "The
Silver River," which RAOUL WALSH has been set
to direct. Owen Crump is producer and the screen-
play was written by Stephen Longstreet.
ALAN HALE and RANSOM SHERMAN set for roles
in "Whiplash," which stars Dane Clark, Alexis
Smith and Zachary Scott. DOUGLAS KENNEDY set
60
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
to join the cast. A wise-cracking comedy role was
again handed EVE ARDEN.
Scripters
20th Century-Fox
WANDA TUCHOCK signed to a new writing con-
tract. She is currently writing the screenplay for
"The Foxes of Harrow."
Warners
Milton Sperling has set Allen Broetz for the script-
ing job on "Ever the Beginning," a drama with
music from the play by Lillian S. Prumbs and Sara
B. Smith, which will star Lilli Palmer for United
States Pictures.
Story Buys
Monogram
"Return to Yesteryear," original story by George
W. Sayre, was purchased as starring vehicle for
RODDY McDOWALL, recently signed to a term con-
tract by Lindsley Parsons Productions. Sayre will
also do the screenplay and young McDowall will
also serve as associate producer with Parsons.
Paramount
Hal Wallis has acquired "Sorry, Wrong Number,"
which was introduced to the public via' the CBS
radio program, "Suspense," and it will be directed
and co-produced by Anatole Litvak. Scripting is
already completed by Lucille Fletcher who did the
original story which concerns a neurotic ^ife who
accidentally overhears her own murder being plotted
on the telephone.
A first novel by Edna Lee, "Web of Days," pur-
chased as a starring vehicle for Paulette Goddard.
Story is set in Georgia and is a tale of suspense
and conflict on a huge plantation just after the
Civil war, highlighting the trials of a northern girl
who comes south as governess to a young boy and
finds it is not the haven she had anticipated.
RKO Radio
"The Set-Up," a long narrative poem in blank
verse by Joseph Moncure March, novelist and screen-
writer, was purchased. Prize fighting is the sub-
ject.
Republic
An original story, "Defense Rests," by Bradbury
Foote purchased and assigned to Stephen Auer to
produce. The drama deals with a brilliant trial
lawyer who seeks to abandon a career which is not
making him happy and is almost prevented from
doing so by the criminal whom he has been de-
fending. Production is set for late summer.
Screen Guild
Film rights to James Oliver Curwood's famous tale
of the Canadian northwest, "Kazan," was r>ur-
chased by Max King, independent producer. King
plans to shoot most of the film on location. Val
Scott is working with him on the screen story.
Technically
Columbia
# HAROLD KNOX set as assistant director on "The
8*on of Rusty," fourth in the Rusty series, while
CARL HIECKE will hold down the same spot on
"Destiny."
ALLEN SIEGLER assigned as cameraman on "The
Son of Rusty," which Lew Landers will direct.
Art director assignment on Casey Robinson's pro-
duction, "The Mating of Millie McGonigle," handed
WALTER HOLSCHER.
RUDOLPH STERNAD assigned as art director on
the Ginger Rogers-Cornel Wilde starrer tentatively
titled "I Found a Dream."
PHIL TANNURA set to lens "Destiny," which
features John Beal, Trudy Marshall and Jimmy
Lloyd with D. Ross Lederman directing.
Metro
DAVE FRIEDMAN assigned as unit production
manager on "Alias the Gentleman," starring Wal-
lace Beery, which Nat Perrin will produce.
Monogram
CHARLES BIGELOW set to serve as production
manager on "The Hunted," Allied Artists film being
directed by Jack Bernhard.
PRC Pictures
Final production assignments on "Bury Me Dead"
are BOB STILLMAN as assistant to Director Bernard
Vorhaus; JACK GREENHALGH as cinematographer;
and PERRY SMITH as art director on the Chuck
Reisner production.
20th Century-Fox
Options lifted on Leland Fuller, James Russell
Spencer and Maurice Ransford, art directors, who
have been assigned, respectively, to "Kiss of Death,"
"Off to Buffalo" and "Nightmare Alley," and “The
Foxes of Harrow."
EDWIN LINDEN and JAMES GORDON, technical
camera experts, had their options exercised, as did
RAY KELLOGG, assistant head of special photo-
graphic effects.
Warners
Crew assignments on “The Silver River," filmiza-
tion of the Stephen Longstreet silver mining saga,
(Continued on next news page)
PASSED over all too lightly was a note
sounded by Comedian Harpo Marx when
recently he returned from a round of ap-
pearances at army installations and hospitals
in Arizona and Texas. Said Marx, and it bears
repetition :
“Everybody has been told that the boys
need cheering up now much more than during
the war, but nobody believes it until he sees
for himself. Believe me, it’s true.
“For the psychopathic wards shows are
necessary, but in other wards the patients
want only to see people whose names are fa-
miliar to them. This is just a hand-shaking
job with a few friendly words thrown in.
“The boys have an idea they have been for-
gotten. Professionals don’t realize how their
visits will be welcomed. If they did the USO
and Hollywood Coordinating committee would
be swamped with offers from show people.”
It was interesting to observe that on the
very same day that Marx made his plea for
more top entertainment for GIs, a USO-
Camp Shows troupe took off for a six-month
entertainment tour of American army and
navy encampments in Alaska, the Aleutians,
the Caribbean and South America. The unit
included the Blanchards, comedy pantomim-
ists; Carlton Cowen, ventriloquist; Sunny
Chambers, singer; Vicki and Nicki Collins,
dancers; Darby and Ardell, comedy acrobats;
Martin Roberts, guitarist, and Frank Daven-
port, pianist.
Good people all, patriotic people all and
deserving of unstinting credit for their six-
month hitch on the GI circuit. But inescap-
able is the observation that the troupe was
deplorably lacking in what vanity-ridden
Hollywood fondly terms “names.”
One cannot help but wonder what’s hap-
pened to the patriotic fervor of some of those
“names,” wartime heroes and heroines in
mufti, who contributed so generously and val-
iantly to the entertainment of the lads and
lassies who were again — albeit temporarily —
making the world safe for Democracy. In
some cases they came home to write books
and make lecture tours anent the rigors of
their entertainment experiences; aye, even to
be decorated for their hardships.
Maybe ranking filmites wish to give sub-
stance to Kipling’s succinct rejoinder about
“the thin red line of heroes.” Shape that is
being taken by current international affairs
hints that “the thin red line” may soon again
become sufficiently important to rate the
time and attention of Cinemania’s best.
■ >
Students of cause and effect were not sur-
prised when George Glass, catch-as-catch-can
stress agent, submitted to a throat operation,
from which, happily, he has completely re-
covered. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer
guy than Garrulous George.
• >
Dennis Morgan, currently working in War-
ners’ “Two Guys From Texas,” had to be
hospitalized because of a shoulder injury.
He didn’t have that trouble when he was
one of “Two Guys From Milwaukee,” which
only goes to prove that effete Milwaukeeans
should stay away from those Texas toughies.
>
Recently this space had something to say
about the possible hazards of dollar publicity
and ostentation in connection with the cur-
rent trend toward sending glamor-gal press
agents into the highways and byways to con-
tact hinterland editors on behalf of upcom-
ing celluloid.
Bob Taplinger’s Enterprise exaggerators
seem determined to , play their hand along
those lines, let the reactions fall where they
may. Witness:
“Laura Wells leaves to continue her 40-city
tour for Enterprise studio . . . The glamor
expert and newspaper woman, wearing $15,-
000 worth of mink, will tour the key cities . . .”
Which should make a great hit with strug-
gling, short-dough newspaper men who are
saving their hard-earned pennies to buy the
wife a nice rabbit neckpiece come next Christ-
mas.
>-
RKO Radio resorted to considerable justi-
fied tub thumping because it acquired what it
heralded as one of the literary-cinematic
plums of the current season, screen rights to
John Steinbeck’s “The Wayward Bus.”
Which indicates a triple bow for Monogram,
which now boasts three Fifth Avenue buses,
brought all the way across country by Praise
Chief Lou Lifton, and plenty wayward.
>
“GLASS HEAD TO MAKE
DEBUT AS FILM PROP”
— Frank Rosenberg Headline.
Next day there was a great wave of ab-
senteeism among Columbia campanologists.
A press preview and style show was staged
by California Foundations, Inc., to unveil a
16mm commercial short in color, “An Ap-
pointment With Oleg Cassini,” touted as the
first such project made for a foundation ap-
parel company.
The 16mm industry seems to be getting in
better shape every day. But Metro still has
Lana Turner.
Virtually unnoticed went a recent honor
paid to a member of the film colony; in fact,
to the industry itself, by the State depart-
ment. That important government organiza-
tion used as the theme of a short wave broad-
cast to many foreign nations the career of
George Sidney, MGM director. Source ma-
terial was a story about Sidney which pre-
viously appeared in a national magazine. It
revealed how Sidney rose from a $20-a-week
messenger boy to a top layer director’s berth
at the same studio within a short period of
ten years.
Sidney’s rise to fame and affluence was
chosen by the State department because of
its obvious illustration that America still is
the land of great opportunity; its object
lesson on the advantages of the Democratic
way of life. At the same time the broadcast
inadvertently tossed an orchid Hollywood-
ward, calling attention as it did to motion
pictures as an industry of great opportunity,
despite all of the adverse heckling to which
the trade has been subjected because of al-
leged nepotism.
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
W
Gl
Screen Stars to Aid
Army Recruitment
HOLLYWOOD — Screen talent will be
lavishly used in the recruiting of GIs for
the peacetime army. At the request of the
War department the Hollywood Coordinating
committee has granted approval for appear-
ances of Hollywood personalities in an ex-
tension of the army’s series of So Proudly
We Hail and Sound Off recruiting tran-
scriptions.
George Murphy, president of HCC, dis-
closed that the committee had okayed a re-
quest made by Col. Mason Wright of the
army’s procurement division. He asked the
committee’s aid in the army’s task oi; raising
and maintaining an all-volunteer army of
1,000,000 men now that the selective service
act has expired.
“We have been greatly helped by the public
service of the Coordinating committee and
the fine array of stars it has generously fur-
nished for appearances in Sound Off and So
Proudly We Hail,” Colonel Wright said. “It
is the hope of the War department that the
Coordinating committee will be able to con-
tinue with us in its cooperation on the cam-
paign.”
Siodmak Goes to Court
To Settle Citizenship
MEMPHIS — Robert Siodmak, Hollywood
director and producer, has filed a bill in
chancery court here against Carl Stokes,
clerk of the criminal court, seeking further
proof of U.S. citizenship.
The bill avers that Siodmak’s father Ignatz
Siodmak, citizen of Krakow, Austria-
Hungary, up to Jan. 1, 1886, when he settled
in Memphis, and that he was naturalized in
criminal court in Memphis April 29, 1893.
June 1, 1899, Siodmak’s father went to
Leipzig, Germany, to marry Rose Philippine
Blum, later returning to the U.S., the bill
recites. Robert Siodmak says he was born in
Dresden, Germany, Aug. 8, 1900, and that his
mother came to America in 1905. He says
that he is a U.S. citizen “by birth and the
naturalization of his father.” Passports are
introduced as evidence to the bill.
Fire destroyed the Shelby county court-
house in 1915 and many records were de-
stroyed. (Naturalization proceedings were
formerly held in criminal court.) The peti-
tion claims that Stokes’ records did not re-
veal an account of Siodmak’s naturalization
because “naturalization proceedings for the
period 1879-1896 are not on record at this
time.”
Songwriter Loses Suit
Over 'Dolly Sisters'
HOLLYWOOD— Federal Judge Campbell
Beaumont in effect dismissed the $100,000
suit of songwriter Jean Schwartz against
20th-Fox, George Jessel and Roszika Dolly,
Schwartz’s ex-wife, over “The Dolly Sisters,”
when he granted a motion for a directed ver-
dict made by Harold Collins, attorney for
the studio.
The judge ruled that Schwartz, who
charged the studio and Jessel with wrongfully
depicting his life and with failure to fulfill
a promise to hire him as a technical adviser,
had no case because there was no evidence
that he had been harmed, or that the studio
had reneged on any promise.
Russell Does 'Command'
HOLLYWOOD — Jane Russell, comedian
Alan Young, singer Harry Babbitt and an-
nouncer Bill Goodwin took part in the weekly
Command Performance program transcribed
for armed forces radio service.
Studio Personnelities
(Continued from preceding page)
were set with Russ Saunders as assistant director
to Raoul Walsh; Chuck Hansen, a's unit manager,
and Ted Smith as art director.
Title Changes
Monogram
SONG OF THE WASTELAND set as the new han-
dle for "Song of the Saddle," western which Tommy
Carr is directing for Producer Barney Sarecky.
Universal-International
SOMETHING IN THE WIND is the new tag for the
Deanna Durbin starrer, "For the Love oi Mary."
The new handle is inspired by an original song
in the film by the same name.
THE LOST MOMENT is the new tag ior Walter
Wanger's "The Lost Love."
Fans io Be Unwanted
Hollywood Guests
HOLLYWOOD — Whether the magi of pro-
duction like it or not, Hollywood is going to
be the scene next June of the first conven-
tion of the Fan Club League, International,
an organization headed by Mrs. Ellen Roufs
who headquarters in Los Angeles and alleges
that her league has a membership of more
than 500 fan clubs. Mrs. Roufs has informed
Arch Reeve and Joe Alvin, respectively pub-
lic relations chiefs of the Ass’n of Motion
Picture Producers and the Society of Inde-
pendent Motion Picture Producers, that she
is little discouraged by the individual and
collective frigid shoulder the two organiza-
tions turned on her ambitious project.
Both AMPP and SIMPP had made it
abundantly clear that they will have no part
of a proposed convention.
Informed verbally by the AMPP and the
SIMPP last March that members of the two
organizations would accept no “legal, financial
or moral responsibility whatever and will ex-
tend no cooperation to you in this venture,”
Mrs. Roufs, subsequently had been notified
by registered letter of the chilly reception
the fan club delegates have in store if plans
for the convention are carried out.
Mrs. Roufs was informed that the project
she had outlined to the AMPP and the
SIMPP “would prove extremely embarrassing
and disappointing to . . . delegates who might
accept your invitation to attend.” The joint
letter to Mrs. Roufs pointed out:
1. No proper chaperonage, supervision or
protection of the visitors had been arranged
for.
2. No plan has been made to house the
delegates.
3. The fan clubs have no right to commit
film stars for participation without the okay
of the studios, the Screen Actors Guild and
the Hollywood Coordinating committee.
4. The fan clubs have made promises that
cannot be fulfilled.
Services Held in Church;
Songs Shown on Screen
HELENA, MONT. — Holy week services
sponsored by the Helena Ministerial Ass’n
were conducted in the Antlers Theatre. Sub-
stituting for hymn books, the screen was
found to be very convenient when words of
the sacred music were flashed on it by a
slide lantern.
New Seats at Florence
FLORENCE, COLO. — New seats have been
installed in the Rialto Theatre here, and the
lobby, foyer and men’s and women’s lounges
have been redecorated. Manager Snyder said
the auditorium would be redecorated later.
Fox Retirement Fund
Is Skouras Subject
DENVER — More than a hundred attended
the annual spring convention of Fox Inter-
mountain Theatres held at the Brown Palace
hotel here, with Frank H. Ricketson jr. pre-
siding.
All city and theatre managers from the
northern, southern Montana and Denver dis-
tricts were present, as well as district man-
agers and personnel from the Denver head-
quarters. Besides these there were several
visitors from National Theatres, of which
Fox Intermountain is a subsidiary.
From National Theatres were Charles P.
Skouras, president; Harry Cox, treasurer;
Edward Zabel, film buying adviser; John
Bertero, counsel; Tom Page, assistant to
Skouras; William Lyris, candy department;
A. J. Krappman, merchandising manager,
and George Bowser, general manager of the
Fox West Coast agency.
Richard Fowler, vice-president of the Coca-
Cola Co., addressed the convention. Palmer
Hoyt, editor-publisher, spoke at a luncheon.
Charles Skouras told the convention of
company plans to build up the retirement
fund, into which 25 per cent of the profits
are being put. Skouras also voiced a plea
that all subscribe to the Greek relief fund,
and to this end a resolution was passed that
each city in the company, through the thea-
tres, adopt at least one Greek orphan.
Numerous talks were made by headquarters
personnel.
The managers made an inspection of the
Fox Aurora, newly erected quonset hut type
theatre in Aurora, Colo., a Denver suburb.
A cowboy barbecue was held in the Ranch
room at the Albany hotel one evening, and
on the second day of the convention the dis-
trict met at luncheon at the Navarre cafe.
The second evening was open, and the official
convention closed with a breakfast at the
Brown Palace hotel, with each district put-
ting on skits.
School Superintendents
To Tour Film Studios
HOLLYWOOD — School system superin-
tendents from 41 of the largest cities in the
U.S. will be guests of the Hollywood motion
picture industry Friday (18) during their
semiannual convention, the first ever held
west of St. Louis.
Film Star Ronald Reagan, president of the
Screen Actors Guild, will serve as master
of ceremonies'at a dinner given by the Asso-
ciation of Motion Picture Producers in the
Paramount studio commissary. An enter-
tainment program of top screen players is
being arranged by the Hollywood Coordinat-
ing committee.
During the afternoon preceding the dinner
the school authorities will visit major studios
to meet with studio executives and tour pro-
duction departments, laboratories and sound
stages. The public information committee,
through the office of Secretary Arch Reeve,
is making the arrangements.
Nebenzal Pacts Aumont
HOLLYWOOD — Jean Pierre Aumont has
been signed to a three-year nonexclusive con-
tract by Seymour Nebenzal, United Artists
producer. Aumont’s pact calls for one pic-
ture a year. He has been under contract
to MGM and is at present on a loanout from
that studio and appearing in Nebenzal’s
“Atlantis.”
62
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1047
Fox Intermountain Men at Annual Spring Convention
Fox Intermountain held its annual spring managers
meeting at the Brown Palace hotel in Denver. Top
photo shows the Montana district personnel. Seated,
left to right, Milton Hossfeld, film buyer; Frank H.
Ricketson, president; Robert W. Selig, Ricketson’s
assistant; Hall Baetz, district manager. Standing, city
managers unless otherwise stated: Ted Kirkmeyer,
Ogden, Utah; Robert Bothwell, special guest; Si San-
ders, head booker, Salt Lake City; Robert Anderson,
Pocatello; Gene Manzanaris, assistant booker, Salt
Lake; Jack Casey, Lewistown; Bill Fowers, Butte;
Don Sheedy, Billings; Ed Conahan, guest; Dan Dris-
coll, Helena; Vern Fletcher, Idaho Falls; Irving Simp-
son, Caldwell; Orval Helwege, guest; Frank Larson,
Missoula.
Second panel, Denver district, standing: Bernie
Hynes, manager of the Denver Theatre; Otto Bartusch,
assistant manager of the Paramount; Ralph J. Batsche-
let, Paramount manager; Frank Culp, Tabor Theatre;
Jack Copeland, Rialto; John O. Denman, Mayan.
Seated: Frank H. Ricketson III, mayor, assistant;
Robert Lotito, Webber; Andrew Sutherland, Aurora;
William Agren, booker; Harry E. Huffman, district
manager; Ralph Lee, Bluebird; Ned Greenslit, Alad-
din; Harry Goodridge, Ogden; Helen Spiller, Esquire;
Alberta Pike Boyd, publicity director.
Third panel, southern district, standing: Mike
Zalesny, Las Vegas, N. M., city manager; C. W. O’Brien,
Walsenberg, Colo.; Robert Nelson, Leadville; Ed Nel-
son, Montrose; Jack Kramer, Durango; Henry Wester-
feld, Las Cruces, N. M. Seated: Robert Wilson, La
Junta; Elmer Snyder, Florence; Fred Reed, booker;
Keith May, guest; Irene Cescolini, assistant booker;
Ross Campbell, Delta, Colo.; Harold E. Rice, district
manager; Harold McCormick, Hot Springs, N. M.;
George McCormick, guest; Dick Conley, Canon City;
Harvey Gollogher, Trinidad.
Below, northern district, standing: Jack McGee,
Cheyenne, city manager; James Hughes, A. C. Stalcup,
Wilbur Williams, Wilford Williams, Ray Search, Elmer
Haines, Chet Miller, Don Smith, Russ Berry, Robert
Pennock, Fort Collins. Seated: Tom Brennan, ‘Robert
Garland, Milton Hossfeld, William McClintock, Den-
ver; William Dollison, Ray Davis, Les Newkirk, Marvin
Skinner.
. ■j£3
Surprise Fete Marks
Saffle's First Year
HONORED IN PERU — The above distinguished group appeared at the foot of
the staircase of the Presidential Palace in Peru during a recent luncheon in honor of
Mr. and Mrs. Spyros P. Skouras and Mr. and Mrs. Murray Silverstone. Front row, left
to right: Miss Bustamante Rivero, daughter of the President; Spyros P. Skouras,
president of 20th Century-Fox; Mrs. Prentice Cooper, mother of the U.S. ambassador;
Mrs. Bustamante Rivero, wife of the President; President Dr. Jose Luis Bustamante
Rivero; Mrs. Spyros Skouras and Murray Silverstone, president of 20th Century-Fox
Int’l Corp. Second row: Prentice Cooper, Mrs. Murray Silverstone, Mrs. Charles Matzen,
Mrs. Manuel Odria, Captain Buroncle, aide to the President; Edward D. Cohen, su-
pervisor for South America. Back row: Dr. Miguel Grau, attorney of 20th Century-
Fox FWuana S. A.; Dr. Echecopar Garcia, minister of finance; Mrs. Echecopar Garcia;
Dr. De la Fuente, diplomatic introducer; Charles Matzen, manager for Peru; Gen.
Manuel Odria, minister of government and police.
Infermountain Ass'n
Will Meet April 16
SALT LAKE CITY — Nearly 400 exhibitors
from Utah, Idaho and Montana are expected
to attend the annual election meeting of the
Intermountain Theatre Owners Ass’n here
April 16.
The parley also will feature a discussion
of the Motion Picture Foundation by Rotus
Harvey of the Independent Theatres Ass’n
of California, and it is expected that the
Intermountain group will join the Founda-
tion after the meeting, according to Ralph
Trathen, incumbent secretary-treasurer.
The presidency and secretarial positions of
the association go to Montana men on a sys-
tem of rotation this year, and they have been
selecting their nominees through a statewide
nomination system. Directors will come from
Utah and Idaho.
Present officers of the association include
Sam Gillette, president; Trathen, and the
following directors: Hugo Jorgensen, Hilmer
George, W. H. Knutson and John H. Moran.
All-Night Shows Outside
Spokane Censors' Power
SPOKANE — Due in large part to a con-
troversy over whether or not they should
close the Empress Theatre here, the city
censor board members finally admitted they
were without power to control the conduct
of all-night theatre patrons.
The 12 censors discussed future policies
and recommendations to be made to city
council. The censors decided that their only
duty is that of eliminating exhibitions of
objectionable motion pictures.
The board also admitted that there is no
evil in the practice of showing films all
night, if proper films are shown. Minors
are restricted from attendance.
The board is recommending to the city
council that the 1916 ordinance which pro-
vides for the censorship of films be so
amended that theatre operators be required
to submit to the city censor 15 days in
advance of exhibition the names of any pic-
tures, the companies producing and releasing
them, and other pertinent information.
The board, which has the power to obtain
a warrant for the arrest of any violator who
refuses to comply with its orders, decided to
become increasingly vigilant in checking pic-
tures.
Altec Changes Personnel
In Los Angeles District
LOS ANGELES — Stan Pariseau, Altec’s Los
Angeles district manager, has made three
personnel changes to provide better coverage
for clients.
S. S. Miller, who has been inspector in
San Francisco and Los Angeles since 1942,
has been assigned to territory headquarters
in San Diego to handle the increased busi-
ness in the southern part of California.
Harold Nelson, who was located in San
Francisco before the war and, since his re-
turn from service, has been temporarily lo-
cated in Lansing, Mich., has been assigned
to Stockton.
Robert K. Reagan, who has been a member
of the IATSE for ten years, has been made
Altec’s service inspector to work in the north-
ern California area and in the Bay region to
help relieve the heavy installation load in
that part of the country.
J. D. Chaffin Shows Plans
For Theatre in Palmdale
PALMDALE, CALIF. — Architect’s sketches
of a quonset-type theatre he plans to build
here were shown to members of the Cham-
ber of Commerce by J. D. Chaffin. He said
the house will face Sierra highway. The
auditorium will seat 420 and there will be
two store spaces on the first floor and six
offices on the second floor. The theatre will
be called the Antelope.
J. R. Bonholzer Leases
The Vista in Montesano
MONTESANO, WASH.— James R. Bonhol-
zer, operating manager of the Vista Theatre
here since it opened Christmas day, has ac-
quired a lease on the house from H. D. Graves
of Seattle.
SEATTLE — Maurice Saffle, head of the
Saffle Theatre Service,’ was given a sur-
prise dinner by 30 independent theatre own-
ers on the first anniversary of his company’s
founding. Saffle resigned a year ago as
manager here for MGM to launch the con-
cern.
Toastmaster was Joe Rosenfield, Spokane,
with Jerry Ross aiding as master of cere-
monies. Saffle was presented with a desk
radio and office intercommunicating system
and a cake bearing one candle.
Present were Guy Michaels, Pete Higgins,
Walter Roe, Jack Neville, Bert Curran, James
Hone, C. B. Gustafson and Robert Clarke,
Seattle: Milburn Kenworthy, Moscow, Ida.;
Ervin Fey, Renton; Jack Pearl, Prosser; Ollie
Hartman, Coulee Dam; James Ewing,
Auburn; Rex Thompson, Port Orchard; Fred
Osterhoudt, Des Moines; Roy C. Irvine, Ritz-
ville; Fred Gamble and Francis Glanfield,
Tacoma; Guy Ransom, Fred Hair and Fred
Boewer, Walla Walla; Arthur Warner, Grand-
view; Lionel Brown, Edmons, and Mel Sohn,
Kirkland.
Warner Sets Sales Drive
For Birthday of Talkies
LOS ANGELES — As a windup of its ob-
servance of the 20th anniversary of talking
pictures, Warner Bros, will hold a 13-week
sales drive between April 27 and July 26,
according to Ben Kalmenson, general sales
manager, currently conferring at the Bur-
bank studio.
A series of regional meetings in connec-
tion with the drive will be conducted by Roy
Haines, Jules Lapidus and Norman Ayers,
division sales managers. The company’s
Canadian exchanges, prevented from joining
in sales drives during the war years be-
cause of restrictions, will compete in this
campaign.
Skouras Drive Kickoff
Is Held at Portland
PORTLAND— A two-day kickoff confer-
ence for the fifth annual Charles P. Skouras
Showmanship campaign was held at the
Benson hotel here with an attendance of
60 from the Evergreen Theatres’ division of-
fice, headed by Frank L. Newman sr.
National Theatres executives in attendance
included Charles P. Skouras, H. C. Cox,
George Bowser, John Bertero, E. F. Zabel,
Thomas E. Page, A. J. Krappman, William
Lyris and Irving Epsteen.
The Portland group was headed by M. M.
Mesher; Washington state by Carl A. Mahne;
Seattle, James O’Connell; Spokane-Seattle,
H. B. Sobottka.
Harry E. Huffman Directs
Easter Sunrise Service
DENVER — Harry E. Huffman, Denver city
manager for Fox Intermountain Theatres,
was drafted by the Denver Church council to
direct the program at the Easter sunrise
services at the Red Rocks, in the mountains
near Denver. The Red Rocks amphitheatre,
a natural bowl, has been improved by Denver
so that it will seat 12,000. More than 50,000
tried to attend the services.
Brains AND Beauty
HOBBS, N. M.— It is brains as well as beauty
in the boxoffice of the Reel Theatre here.
Beverly Amerson, cashier at this Griffith
house, has just won the title of “Most Stu-
dious Girl of Hobbs High School.”
64
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
Films With Musical Motif Prove Aid
In Teaching Children That Subject
'Egg and Y Only Tasly
Egg in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES — First run houses were the
Easter week recipients of a variety of eggs,
most of them laid at the turnstiles. Excep-
tions were the six theatres that provided their
own hen fruit— Universal-International’s
“The Egg and I.” The prerelease showing
of this barnyard badinage saved the six show-
cases from having to taste the financial egg
that had other showmen in town grimacing.
(Average is 100)
Belmont, El Rey, Orpheum and Apollo — The
Locket (RKO); Code of the West (RKO),
2nd wk 125
Chinese, State, Uptown and Loyola — Alexander's
Ragtime Band (20th-Fox), reissue; The
Brasher Doubloon (20th-Fox) 150
Downtown Paramount — My Favorite Brunette
(Para); Renegade Girl (SG), 3rd wk 85
Egyptian, Wilshire and Los Angeles — The Sea
of Grass (MGM) 175
Four Music Halls — The Fabulous Dorseys (UA);
Little Iodine (UA), 2nd wk 105
Four Star — Bedelia (E-L), 3rd wk 100
Guild, Ritz, United Artists, Studio City, Iris
and Carthay Circle — The Egg and I (U-I) 200
Hillstreet and Pantdges — The Guilt of Janet Ames
(Col); Blondie Knows Best (Col) 75
Hollywood Paramount — Same as Downtown 140
Million Dollar — Queen of the Amazons (SG),
plus Harry the Hipster and Easter Variety
parade on stage 100
Vogue — Duel in the Sun (SRO), 14th wk Roadshow
Warners' Downtown, Hollywood, Wiltern —
Stallion Road- (WB) 175
"Best Years' Still the Best;
'Jolson' Moves Over Again
DENVER — “The Best Years of Our Lives”
continues to take top percentage. For this
engagement the Aladdin’s usual 35-74 price
has been boosted to 90-1.80. “The Jolson
Story” breaks a record by going to the Para-
mount to finish its first run showings. The
picture played two weeks day and date at
the Denver, Esquire and Webber, then moved
over to the Rialto where it has gone two
more weeks.
Aldddin — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
3rd wk 300
Broadway— Dead Reckoning (Col), 2nd d. t. wk 75
Denham — Easy Come, Easy Go (Para) 110
Denver and Esquire — Nora Prentiss (WB);
Vacation Days (Mono) 120
Orpheum — Lady in the Lake (MGM);
Blondie Knows Best (Col) 100
Paramount— Michigan Kid (U-I); Three on a
Ticket (PRC) 110
Rialto — The Jolson Story (Col), 4th d. t. wk 150
Webber— Same as Denver and Esquire 110
'Best Years' in Third Week
Hits 400 Score in Frisco
SAN FRANCISCO — Still very high was the
third week of “The Best Years of Our Lives”
at the United Nations Theatre with a per-
centage high of 400 per cent. “My Favorite
Brunette” was next with a loud 180 at the
Paramount. “Suddenly It’s Spring” burst
forth with an opening reading of 150 per cent.
Esquire-Tivoli — Michigan Kid (U-I) 125
Eox — The Perfect Marriage (Para);
The Magnificent Rogue (Rep) 110
Golden Gate — Tarzan and the Huntress (RKO),
stage gg
Orpheum — Song of Scheherazade (U-I);
Susie Steps Out (UA), 3rd d. t. wk 120
St. Francis — Suddenly It's Spring (Para)... 150
United Artists— The Fabulous Dorseys (UA),
The Phantom Thief (Col), 2nd wk 130
United Nations— The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 3rd wk 400
Warfield— Lady in the Lake (MGM);
The Mysterious Mr. Valentine (Rep), 2nd wk 120
'Jolson' Sets Seattle
Endurance Record
SEATTLE — This city’s long-run record of
14% weeks, established by “Mr. Deeds Goes
to Town” at the Liberty, was smashed at the
same house by “The Jolson Story,” now end-
ing its 15th week and still grossing well. Both
are Columbia pictures. The Music Hall’s
first week gross mark also was broken by
the roadshow engagement of “The Best Years
SEATTLE WINNER— Bob Blair, Para-
mount exploiteer who aided in setting a
Seattle record for newspaper publicity
on one campaign, is shown with Loretta
Summers, Seattle representative in the
“My Favorite Brunette” trip to Holly-
wood. She was selected by popular vote
on ballots run in the Seattle Star, after-
noon daily. The buildup started before
the picture opened day and date at the
Paramount and Blue Mouse theatres.
Veteran showmen here say there never
was so much space devoted to an ex-
ploitation stunt in this city. Stories and
art ran daily for nearly three weeks.
Included were 50 cuts, a half dozen page
one breaks and two eight-column layouts.
Working with Blair on the campaign was
Vic Gauntlett, Evergreen Theatres ad-
vertising manager, and his staff.
of Our Lives,” which did a resounding 250.
Blue Mouse — My Favorite Brunette (Para),
3rd wk. 140
Fifth Avenue — The Locket (RKO); Cigarette
Girl (Col) 80
Liberty — The Jolson Story (Col), 15th wk 140
Music Box — I'll Be Yours (U-I); Backlash
(20th-Fox), 2nd d. t. wJc 50
Music Hall, — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
Roadshow 250
Orpheum — Nora Prentiss (WB) 80
Palomar — Fool's Gold (UA); Song of the Islands
(20th-Fox), reissue, plus stage show 125
Paramount — Boomerang (20th-Fox); Susie Steps
Out (UA) 80
Roosevelt — Humoresque (WB), 4th d. t. wk 65
Norman Goodin's Televue
Sold to Duluth Exhibitor
GLADSTONE, ORE. — Norman A. Goodin
has sold the Televue Theatre here to Lowell
Spiess, formerly of Duluth, Minn. Spiess, who
already has taken over management of the
theatre, says he anticipates no changes in
personnel. The new owner, who sold theatres
in Minnesota and Wisconsin before moving
west, has bought the equipment now in the
theatre and is leasing the building from
Goodin. A new parking lot is being paved
on the north side of the structure. Goodin
built the Televue less than a year ago at a
cost of $90,000 and held the grand opening
July 30.
Spiess will make his home in Gladstone
with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Spiess,
and his brother Robert, who recently arrived
here from Glenwood City, Wis.
SALT LAKE CITY — Color and sound films
on musical subjects are proving a great aid
in teaching school children appreciation and
understanding of good music.
This was the theme of a recent general
session of the California-Western music con-
ference at the Uptown Theatre here.
FILMS USED EXTENSIVELY
Carl Nater, director of the educational film
division of Walt Disney Productions, told the
several hundred music teachers that for the
last year and a half films combining good
music and pictures for use in schools were
being developed by his studio. Many of these
films are now being used extensively in
schools throughout the country, he said.
Mrs. Helen C. Dill, chairman of the film
committee of the Music Educators National
conference, said that educators constantly are
seeking to intelligently advise students on
the best commercial musical pictures. She
said the film industry is putting out a su-
perior product in this respect today, and
recommended cooperation between exhibitors
and local music educators in keeping students
up to date on the latest musicals. Mrs. Dill
explained that committees from all over the
country are working to find out how to use
16mm films for finer classroom experience
and finer recreational experience. But stu-
dents can learn fastest through the audio-
visual method, she said, and the film indus-
try offers a varied product for both educa-
tion and entertainment.
PROFIT IN GOOD FILMS
Miss Josephine Murray, California chair-
man of the film committee, said problems
involved segregating pure entertainment from
education in music in pictures and keeping
students from going to pictures featuring
music just for the entertainment value. She
said the producers are finding profit in pro-
ducing good films with good music and are
doing so good a job in some cases that teach-
ers delight in recommending some films play-
ing at downtown or neighborhood theatres.
The session concluded with showing of Wer-
ner Janssen’s “Toccata and Fugue in D
Minor,” a film production most educators
have lauded.
U-I Group Tours Santa Fe
Hunting 'Pink Horse' Site
SANTA FE, N. M. — A group from Universal-
International, headed by Producer Joan Har-
rison and Actor-Director Robert Montgomery,
was in Santa Fe and Taos last week looking
over possible sites for location shooting on
“Ride the Pink Horse.” They were shown a
color film here of the Fiesta. In Taos they
arranged with the Lions club to borrow the
Tio Vivo, said to be the oldest merry-go-
round in America. In the party besides Miss
Harrison and Montgomery were Edward
Dobbs, business manager, and Edward Jones,
photographer.
Herb Gumper Gets Ready
To Build in Center, Colo.
CENTER, COLO. — Herb Gumper, owner of
the Fawn Theatre here, is hoping to get
started next month on construction of a
new house in the city. Meanwhile, he has
given the Fawn a complete going over. He
laid new carpeting in the foyer, installed
new lighting, replaced the screen, and painted
the place.
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
65
SALT LAKE CITY
^elson Soelke has moved from United Inter-
mountain, the buying and booking firm
here, to PRC-Eagle-Lion’s local branch, where
he is booker . . . Eugene Jones, also formerly
with United Intermountain, has become Mon-
tana salesman for PRC-Eagle-Lion, succeed-
ing Jack Swonson, who moves into Idaho to
become the company’s third salesman in this
territory. This gives PRC-E-L a full sales
staff. Jones, incidentally, is a native of Kalis-
pell, Mont., so selling in that state will be
like working at home for him.
Hall Baetz, Si Sanders and Gene Manza-
naris of Fox Intermountain have returned
from their company’s division meeting at
Denver . . . Two deaths and a serious illness
affecting branch managers of Fox Inter-
mountain kept three of the managers from
this division from the Denver meeting. Win-
nie Steege, sister of Bill Steege, Fox’s Great
Falls manager, died; Bob Bothwell, manager
of the Antlers in Helena, lost his father, so
he was unable to attend, and while he was
en route to the meeting, Virgil O’Dell of
Nampa, Ida., was informed his father was
seriously ill in Santa Ana, Calif., so he had
to forego the Denver meeting and travel west
instead.
A marriage and an engagement hold in-
terest at the local Paramount office. Jack
Boberg, assistant contract clerk, will be mar-
ried in May . . . Eleanor Stephens, Frank
Smith’s personal secretary, was to have been
married this week . . . Frank, incidentally,
attended a division meeting in Los Angeles
this weekend.
Charles M. Pincus, the Utah’s manager, was
the only theatre man in the state invited to
attend the recent Banquet of Champions
given by the Centennial Sports committee in
honor of Utah university’s championship bas-
ketball team, and other sports greats of the
state. Pincus was a guest of the press at the
affair . . . Utah’s victory over Kentucky gave
local theatres a chance to advertise their
newsreels, and they really seized the chance
to get extra customers. The theatregoers
themselves were calling up newspapers and
theatres to find when the reels would be in.
The long-awaited opening of the Kamark
Theatre in south Salt Lake is scheduled for
April 19, and don’t think the Overman broth-
A SHOWMAN
Available After June 15
At present managing two theatres and
booking five, in Mid-West towns. Due
to age of his father, who lives in Cali-
fornia, he must return to the West
Coast.
Age 48, a Bachelor, of Christian Faith,
he has a thorough theatre knowledge
acquired thru 23 years in the show
business. Mentally and physically fit
to assume full charge of management,
booking or advertising.
Or would be interested in leasing a
going theatre and he is not afraid of
competition.
Please Write
Box 2698
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas
City 1, Mo.
GOLDEN HARVEST— On opening day
of “California” at the Paramount in
Portland, Manager Frank L. Pratt sent
out six of his usherettes, appropriately
dressed, to distribute “gold nugget cards.”
Patrons holding lucky numbers were ad-
mitted free. Everyone receiving a card
had to check the number list in the lobby
of the theatre, and almost every card dis-
tributed brought someone to the theatre,
Pratt said.
ers aren’t looking forward to the occasion.
The house has run into one delay after an-
other, but now the big opening is in sight.
Children of Motion Picture club members
had the times of their lives at the organiza-
tion’s Easter party last Sunday. Mr. and Mrs.
Bill Seib were in charge. The club held
its election April 11 and results will be an-
nounced next week.
Seen on Filmrow this week: Mr. and Mrs.
Max G. Lloyd of the Roxy at Twin Falls and
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lamed of Dallas, where
Larned is Paramount branch manager. The
Larneds were en route to San Francisco for
a vacation . . . Fred Walker, representative
of Independent Producers and president of
Standard Pictures, and Homer A. Ellison of
the Visual Aid Service also were in town.
Harold Chesler and his Cooperative Theatre
Candy Co. have expanded business operations
to include a popcorn machine enterprise . . .
Publicity on “Open City” at the Studio was
changed to take the emphasis from exploi-
tation built on the sex angle. Preshowing ads
played up a Life magazine review which called
it sexier than anything Hollywood had done.
That angle was eliminated in publicity after
the picture opened. There wasn’t any cen-
sorship involved. Reviewers here just couldn’t
see much sex in the film, which has been
playing to capacity crowds for two weeks and
should run through April.
“Best Years of Our Lives” at the Rialto is
advertised by a neon front on the theatre, one
of the few of its type ever used in this area
. . . The phone strike was seriously hitting
business along Filmrow, and exchange work-
ers were resorting to use of telegrams. Be-
cause the dial system works only in the im-
mediate vicinities of those cities that have it,
some circuits virtually had lost contact with
some of their theatres.
Golden Slate Opens
New Lorenzo House
SAN FRANCISCO— The Lorenzo, one of
the first postwar theatres to be constructed
in the Bay area, opened last week in Lorenzo
Village, new East Bay community. The com-
munity originated as a war housing project.
The Lorenzo has stadium-type seating. It
is the latest addition to the Golden State
circuit and will be run under the jurisdiction
of David J. Bolton, Oakland manager of the
circuit.
Brisacher-Van Norden Add
Jim Christopher to Staff
LOS ANGELES — Enlarging its motion pic-
ture division, Brisacher, Van Norden and
Staff have added Jim Christopher to the
Los Angeles office as creative account execu-
tive. Christopher is Well known in motion
picture advertising circles through the cam-
paigns he helped create at Buchanan & Co.
and at Foote, Cone & Belding. He will con-
tinue to work directly with producers on the
west coast while Sid Alexander, formerly
eastern ad manager for Selznick, will head
up the New York staff.
Charles Chaplin is radio director for the
motion picture accounts of Brisacher, Van
Norden and Staff.
New Owners Rechristen
House in East Helena
EAST HELENA, MONT. — Don Leibrand
and Tom Conboy, recent purchasers of the
Don Theatre here, have announced that the
theatre will be rechristened the Town. The
new owners are negotiating for earlier run
films.
PORTLAND
jyjanager Pregassis of the State Theatre,
Oregon City, is among the first Oregon
exhibitors donating $80 to adopt a Greek
orphan . . . Verg Berg, exploitation repre-
sentative for Eagle-Lion Pictures, is cover-
ing Pacific northwest key cities. -
Roy Brobeck and Ralph Swan of the B. F.
Shearer Theatre Equipment Co. have re-
turned from the Los Angeles meeting with
Ben Shearer, who recently sojourned with
Mrs. Shearer at Palm Springs.
Manager R. J. Baker of the Richland,
Wash., theatres invited all the city’s teachers
as his guests, together with PTA officials, to
a showing of special family pictures and
Popular Science shorts. This is a worthwhile
step in the crusade to curb juvenile delin-
quency.
Mrs. Edna Faulkner, 61, known to another
generation of theatregoers as Edna Fenton,
“America’s Most Beautiful Girl,” died in
Seattle. She played on Broadway opposite
Richard Dix in “Song of Songs,” also with
Conrad Nagel.
We
have the
v_c
y
THEATRE
for
YOUR
Count on us for Quick Actionl
Our wide contacts with the exhibitors
iway 0531 assure you of satisfactory results.
THEATRE EXCHANGE CO.
) S. W. 2nd Ave. Portland 4. Oregon 217 Governor Bldg.
i
66
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
WB Sets up 100 Dates
To Show 'Cheyenne'
DENVER— Warners is arranging 100 pre-
release engagements of “Cheyenne” in the
Denver-Salt Lake City territories for the lat-
ter part of May. The film will open May 22
at Fox’s Lincoln Theatre, Cheyenne.
It wil then play day-and-date engagements
in Fox Intermountain and Gibraltar circuits
and independent theatres throughout Wyo-
ming, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico.
Abe Kronenberg, head of Warners’ special
events department, recently arrived here
from New York to work on the advance
campaign with Dick Stephens, western field
representative.
During the past week, Roy Haines, War-
ners western division sales manager; E. A.
Bell, local branch manager, and Frank H.
Ricketson jr., president of Fox Intermoun-
tain, discussed exhibition and exploitation
plans for the picture.
Carlsbad's Union Fight
Now Before the NLRB
CARLSBAD, N. M. — Replying to a letter
sent by Mayor L. C. Garrett asking that ne-
gotiations be started to settle the contro-
versy that has put pickets in front of the
four local theatres since early in February,
Henry S. Griffing of the Griffith circuit,
Oklahoma City, has replied that the contro-
versy is now pending before the National
Labor Relations board.
“We will have to await developments and
a decision by this board,” said Griffing. “My
client has never refused to discuss matters
of labor relations with our employes.”
Projectionists are picketing the theatres,
claiming they were discharged for organizing
a union. The management contends it dis-
charged certain operators for cause.
Coslow, Now Independent
Severs Hersh Association
HOLLYWOOD — Producer Sam Coslow,
who recently completed “Copacabana” and
delivered it to United Artists for release, has
severed his association with David Hersh,
who served in an executive business capacity
with him on the film. Coslow plans to con-
tinue independent production on his own
and expects to retain his offices on the
Goldwyn lot.
Currently, he is discussing continuation of
his releasing deal with United Artists, with
five features on the slate to be made in the
next three years.
WE HPkME VT \
CAN GET IT !
OR W/LLMAKEIT
WedwiJ/mtaicd
§qjufment Co.
337 GOLDEN GATE AVE.
SAN FRANCISCO 2, CAL IF.
* Phone HEmlock 8302
SAN FRANCISCO
HI Laurice, who recently opened his Park
“ in Menlo Park, is planning a $150,000
theatre in Los Altos. It will be the first
theatre in Los Altos and will have a seating
capacity of between 700 and 800. Laurice’s
Park opening was a gala affair. Laurice dis-
tributed complimentary cards among the
merchants to be given free to all who asked
for them.
The name Parkview was selected by con-
test judges for the new Golden State thea-
tre to be built in South San Francisco . . .
The 20th-Fox publicity gang, headed by
Frank Jenkins, local Fox publicist, put on a
terrific campaign on the reissue of “Alex-
ander’s Ragtime Band” . . . Bert Henson,
president of the Bert Henson Enterprises,
said he made a survey of every community
in the San Joaquin valley before deciding
to locate his new Marco theatre in Oakdale.
The theatre will cost approximately $100,000
and construction will start as soon as build-
ing plans are approved.
Ricardo Cortez is in town for a few weeks
with a camera crew. He’s producing a film
about San Francisco for the State depart-
ment . . . Richard Spier, Fox West Coast
division manager, was co-host to the April
meeting of the San Francisco Film Colony
club. After a dinner at Maison Paul’s, mem-
bers attended a special preview of “The Two
Mrs. Carrolls” at the Fox Theatre preview
room . . . The Alisal Theatre in Salinas
opened April 10. The theatre is owned by
Fox West Coast, John Peters and Lawrence
Borg.
George “Gabby” Hayes was scheduled for
a one-day appearance at the Golden Gate
in conjunction with the opening of “Trail
Street,” but he was so enthusiastically re-
ceived the management decided to hold him
for the entire week. “Trail Street” did the
greatest opening day business for the Golden
Gate since “The Bells of St. Mary’s.”
Golden State made several changes among
managers last week. Harry Fontana, man-
ager of the Strand, was transferred to the
Granada; Reek Seliziani took over the
Strand; Jimmy Edwards, who has been with
Golden State 23 years, moved to the Amazon,
and Dave Davidson transferred to the Verdi,
where he replaces E. Clayton. Clayton signed
up for six years to serve the U.S. army mo-
tion picture department in Korea . . . Bob
McNeil of the Golden State returned from
a three-week vacation in Los Angeles.
Walter Eschebeck, new district manager in
Klamath Falls for Redwood Theatres, has
started a four-week contest open to all
children under 8 years old. It’s a tiein with
Tom Mix and a radio station in a search for
talent. The audience chooses four winners,
by applause, one each week, then one win-
ner from the four is selected. The winner
gets a jeep with horn, lights and winner’s
name and address painted on it . . . George
Mann has approved the design for a button
to be given his employes in the Redwood
circuit. A diamond will be added with each
five years of service.
Celia De Martini, secretary to S. Marten-
stein, Republic branch manager, will leave
May 1. Mrs. De Martini is expecting a baby.
Her place will be filled by Mary Bottarini,
former biller, and Matilda Voaklander will
replace Miss Bottarini. Margaret Mulkern
and Phyllis Braun are new employes at the
exchange.
James Cleveland is the new manager at
the Lyric in Modesto. He replaced George
Siciliano, who has taken over management
of the Strand in that city. Incidentally,
Siciliano not only has a new theatre, but a
new baby, too . . . Rita Zulberti is secretary
to Jerry Zigmond, manager of the Paramount
Theatres, which just opened shop here . . .
Robert L. Lippert ran 25 cartoons in his
Studio Theatre here last week. That ought
to be some sortjsf a record.
Lynn Pogi, secretary to Rex Stevenson at
Golden State, is shopping for furniture . . .
The Film Colony club has issued a call to
all women working on Filmrow to join the
organization. Branch managers and circuit
executives as well as leaders in allied indus-
tries are requested to notify their girls that
the club is anxious to have them. The club
secretary, Margaret Smith, can be reached
at YUkon 6-1282.
Tommy Thompson, exploiteer from Selz-
nick Releasing Organization, was in town
last week to work out a few of the pre-
opening details on “Duel in the Sun.” The
picture opens at the Fox in early May.
Parker to Wickenburg
WICKENBURG, ARIZ.— R. F. Parker has
been appointed manager of the Out-Wicken-
burg-Way Theatre.
Former Star in 'Father Dunne'
Anna Q. Nilsson, former star, has been as-
signed a part by RKO in “Fighting Father
Dunne.”
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY!
POPCORN BOXES
$7.75 PER 1.000
"POPSIT PLUS"
Liquid Peanut Oil Popcorn Sea-
soning — 6 One Gallon Cans to
the Case $19.00
COCOANUT OIL POPCORN SEASON-
ING 38c per lb. in 50 lb. Cans.
TOP VOLUME POPPING PURDUE HY-
BRID POPCORN $11.25 per 100 lb. sack.
COMPLETE SUPPLIES
RUSH YOUR ORDER NOW
ARTHUR UNGER CO.
105 Golden Gate Ave.
San Francisco, Calii.
"CENTURY"
THE MODERN PROJECTOR
io^t^Oi^BiedcU
187 Golden Gate Ave.,
San Francisco 2, Calif.
Phone Underhill 7571
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
67
LOS ANGELES
A I Blum berg of National Screen Service is
in first place in the NSS sales drive.
A1 and his wife Sylvia are taking a trip to
New Orleans, Miami Beach and then back
to Chicago, where A1 plans to attend an
NSS sales meeting April 20. Mr. and Mrs.
Blumberg are celebrating their 20th wedding
anniversary.
Frank Mednick and Harry Levinson were
in a huddle at RKO. Frank owns the Trojan
Theatre here and Levinson is an RKO sales-
man . . . “Red” Williams of Kroehler seats
is back from a business trip to San Fran-
cisco ... Joe Rosenberg, Warners salesman,
was in the Arizona territory on company
business.
Four circuit executives were visitors on the
Paramount lot. They were George Wasser-
man of Kogod-Burka Amusement Co., Wash-
ington, D. C.; G. L. Baldasare, partner in
the Berkson circuit, Chicago; Joseph Uvick
of Burton Theatres, Flint, Mich., who also
is attorney for many exhibitors in that area,
and Robert Adair, public relations counsel
for Fanchon & Marco in St. Louis.
Harold Goldstein, PRC booker and office
manager, is passing out cigars for the usual
reason. It’s a baby girl, born April 2 at the
Alhambra hospital . . . Henry Lefko is the
new booker at PRC. He fills the vacancy
left by Harold Goldstein, who moved up to
the position of office manager when Pete
Gray left to join Paramount as a booker.
In town to buy equipment for the new
theatre he is building at Mesa, Ariz., was J.
Phelps. He expects to be here about 60 days
. . . Glen Harper and son Ernie of the Corona
and Fontana, Los Angeles, were doing some
booking on the Row . . . Bill Knotts of the
Covina Theatre, Covina, Calif., was on Film-
row helping his son Bob, who runs the
theatre, do some booking. Bill has been all
“taken up” running his orange grove out
Covina way and hasn’t been on the Row for
a long time, so he was busy greeting old
friends . . . Sam L. Sosna, Manhattan, Kas.,
theatre man, was here visiting friends along
the Row.
A deal on new product was made by Lew
Fink, United Artists salesman, with Harry
Hollander of the Savoy, Los Angeles. In-
cidentally, the Savoy is only a sideline with
Hollander. His real job is special representa-
tive for Allied Artists and he planned to
leave shortly for Dallas on his first trip into
the territory.
A1 Hullman, manager of the Oriental The-
atre, is on the sick list . . . John De Costa,
Columbia salesman, in from a business trip
to San Diego . . . After a long absence, Pete
Gray returned to Paramount as a booker . . .
Francis Bateman, Screen Guild sales man-
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
Finest Manley Hybrid Popcorn
MMfj and
Cocoanut Oil Seasoning
Any Quantity
W. H. Turpie, Western Division Manager
1914 S. Vermont Los Angeles 7, Calii.
We DECORATE While You
OPERATE — No Need to Close
HART THEATRICAL DECORATING CO.
ager, was off to Oklahoma City for regional
sales confabs . . . S. C. Sunness replaces Andy
Dodd as booker at Exhibitors Service . . .
Ralph Carmichael, Republic branch manager,
in from Phoenix . . . Earl Collins, Republic
district manager, off to San Francisco.
George Hickey, Pacific coast sales manager
for MGM, is having a time at Palm Springs
. . . Irving Helfont, assistant to Hickey, went
to New York ... To set “Sea of Grass,” How-
ard Herty, MGM exploiteer, was in San
Diego ... New lineup in MGM branch man-
agers was as follows: Thomas A. Aspell jr„
Seattle branch manager, comes in as Los
Angeles branch manager; Sam Gardner, pre-
viously branch manager in Los Angeles, be-
comes assistant west coast sales manager,
and Sam Davis, formerly with Leo’s foreign
prints, goes to Seattle as branch manager.
Sam Milner, PRC district manager, has
added two cities to his territory, Salt Lake
City and Denver. In addition, he covers
San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Port-
land.
Maurice Gieger is the new local representa-
tive of the West Coast Candy Co. . . . Being
entertained by Bob Abelson, local manager
for Film Classic, was his brother Fred, in
from Minneapolis for a visit . . . Republic
salesmen from the branches in San Francisco,
Salt Lake City, Denver, Seattle and Port-
land were scheduled to assemble here for a
series of sales huddles called by Earl Col-
lins, Republic district manager.
Booking on the Row was Johnny Siegel of
the Margo and Palomar theatres in suburban
Oceanside . . . Also in for a booking stint, and
having trouble controlling her big picture hat
in the strong winds, was Mrs. Jennie Dodge,
Mayfair Theatre, Ventura . . . Other Row
visitors; Lew Goldbergs of the Globe, San
Pedro; R. T. Hubbard, Rand, Randsburg;
Milt Arthur, Cabart, Long Beach.
Sick call report: Back to the hospital in
Santa Monica went Rube Harris, Metro sales-
man, who has been on and off the sick list
for the last several months . . . Following a
successful operation. Bill Warner, United Art-
ists salesman, was back on the job and re-
ceiving a hearty welcome from Rowites.
Sam Milner, PRC district manager, and
Nicky Goldhammer, Eagle-Lion’s local man-
ager, went to San Francisco on a business
trek . . . A1 Altshuler, who formerly peddled
films for Columbia out of the Milwaukee
branch, has been transferred to the local ex-
change . . . “Uncle” Lew Kreiger is doing
business in Salt Lake City and Denver . . .
Charles Wolcott, formerly a booker at Re-
public, is performing a similar chore in the
Screen Guild Productions branch.
Trippers of the “Mom and Dad” organiza-
tion included J. S. Jossey, who returned to
the Cleveland home office after visiting the
local gang, and Bob Hicks Page, local man-
ager, who journey to San Francisco on busi-
ness.
Gets a Snow-Baby
HOBBS, N. M. — Bob Hodge, operator at the
Reel Theatre here, is the father of a son.
The baby arrived at the same time as Hobbs’
first and only snow.
Lloyd Hall to Lovington
LOVINGTON, N. M.— Lloyd Hall is the
new operator at the Mesa Theatre. He came
here from Portales, N. M.
Harry Hunsaker Manager
Of Frisco's SRO Office
SAN FRANCISCO — J. T. Howard, western
sales manager for Selznick Releasing Organi-
zation, opening a San
Francisco office at 83
McAllister St., has
named Harry Hun-
saker as branch man-
ager. Larry Doyle, for-
merly with Paramount
exchange of Boston,
was appointed booker
and Rose Golik has
been named secretary.
Hunsaker formerly was
city salesman for UA.
“It is indeed an
honor to be affiliated
with Mr. Selznick, as
he is an outstanding producer in the film in-
dustry,” said Hunsaker, extending an invita-
tion to all theatre men to visit the new
quarters.
HARRY HUNSAKER
Ban on Drive-Ins Urged
In Interest of Safety
PALO ALTO, CALIF. — The state division
of highways has recommended a ban on open
air theatres, race tracks and other enter-
prises involving large assemblages near major
highways in Santa Clara county.
Such concentrations of people present an
“ever-increasing hazard to the motoring pub-
lic, particularly during nighttime hours,”
according to a communication received by the
county board from Col. John H. Skaggs, dis-
trict engineer in the state highway depart-
ment.
The board has asked the planning com-
mission to look into the matter.
Prices Up to 60 Cents
At Majestic in Dallas
DALLAS, ORE. — Prices at the Majestic
Theatre here have been increased for both
adults and children, Don E. Wernli, manager,
reported. The new schedule is 50 cents in
the orchestra and 60 cents in the loges for
adults, and 20 cents and 30 cents for chil-
dren. The increase amounts to 10 cents for
adults and 8 cents for children. The in-
crease in children’s prices is only on regular
seats, the loge price having been 30 cents
previously. The Majestic has been reseated
and redecorated.
Mount Shasta Theatre
Sold to N. E. Hammond
MOUNT SHASTA, CALIF.— Oliver I.
Woolridge has sold his Shastona Theatre
here ,to N. E. Hammond, who has operated
theatres in the Pacific northwest, most re-
cently a house in Ferndale, Calif.
Woolridge will take a trip over the United
States.
The transaction was handled by J. Leslie
Jacobs, San Francisco theatre broker.
Leo Willson to Winslow
In Richards-Nace Post
WINSLOW, ARIZ.— Leo F. Willson has
taken over management of the Rialto and
Chief theatres here and the Roxy in Hol-
brook, succeeding James Driskill. Driskill re-
mains with the Richards-Nace circuit as su-
pervisor of maintenance in the northern Ari-
zona area. Willson came here from Tucson.
68
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
Jackson Park Contends
Edict Is Being Eluded
Rubin Brothers Mark
20 Years in Theatres
MICHIGAN CITY, IND. — March was a big
month for the three Rubin Bros, theatres —
the Tivoli, Lido and Uptown — for the month
marked the 20th anniversary of the two
brothers, Maurice and Henry, in show busi-
ness here.
Apropos of the celebration, the film mar-
ket was scoured for the newest and biggest
attractions, offered to the public, in the words
of the brothers, in appreciation of its pa-
tronage over the last two decades. A dozen
Hollywood stars, as well as other industry
folk, sent good wishes.
Business in Eight Lines
Slumped in February
ST. LOUIS — Business in eight types of re-
tail establishments here showed declines dur-
ing February, ranging from 2 to 24 per cent
below February 1946. The local office of the
U.S. Department of Commerce reported there
was an over-all increase of 10 per cent in
dollar sales during the month, the increases
being in sales of automobiles, building ma-
terials, food and in department stores. Heavy
declines were recorded in sales by shoe
stores, auto accessories, tire and battery deal-
ers, jewelry stores, clothing stores, taverns
and liquor stores. In the state, liquor stores
reported a decline of 22 per cent.
Motion picture theatres in the state re-
ported declines of from 12 to 21 per cent in
their gross business. Only a few exceptional
pictures have been able to beat the business
for the comparative period in January, Feb-
ruary and March last year, a survey of the
industry indicates.
Catholic Organ Listing
Pictures in St. Louis
ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Register, official
Catholic weekly of the archdiocese of St.
Louis, presents an up-to-the-minute list of
local motion pictures and the theatres in
which they are being exhibited, together with
the Legion of Decency rating accorded each
picture. The list will be carried in each fu-
ture issue of the paper, it was announced.
Preparation of the rating was made by Msgr.
Charles H. Helmsing through the cooperation
of local theatre owners of St. Louis.
The first list contains no C pictures, those
condemned for being at variance with Chris-
tian standards of morality, and only six B
pictures, those deemed objectionable in part.
Record Dealers Attend
Screening of 'Dorseys'
MILWAUKEE — Approximately 100 RCA-
Victor dealers, newspaper men and guests
viewed the screening of “The Fabulous Dor-
seys” at Warner screen room. Jack Kahn,
United Artists exploiteer, and E. J. dumb
advertising director of the Towne, arranged
the showing. The film opened recently at the
Towne.
Michael Polito Buried
ST. LOUIS — Funeral services were held
here for Michael A. Polito, stagehand member
of Theatrical Brotherhood No. 6, IATSE af-
filiate. Polito had joined the union in 1912,
and had worked at a number of local houses.
Construction Resumed at Clifton
CLIFTON, ILL. — Work on a new theatre
here has been resumed and most of the
cement blocks have been laid.
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
CHICAGO — In a reply brief filed with the
U.S. circuit court of appeals here, attorneys
for the Jackson Park Theatre, which recently
won a decision for damages against the major
distributors and others, charges the defend-
ant majors, as well as B&K Corp. and Warner
Theatres, with “seeking to weaken the relief
afforded by escape clauses.”
The brief, filed by Thomas C. McConnell,
allege^: “Having lost their case on its merits,
the defendants have sought to weaken and
make innocuous the relief decreed by the
court by various proposals of their own which,
if entered* will serve as escape clauses from
an effective enforcement of the injunction
and compel the plaintiffs to relitigate the
case in order to enforce the decree.”
April 11 was set as the deadline for the de-
fendants to file a rebuttal. The court is ex-
pected to render a decision 30 to 90 days
after hearing oral arguments, tentatively
scheduled for the latter part of April. The
loser is expected to appeal again to the su-
preme court.
The Jackson Park Theatre was winner in
previous supreme court hearings. It was point-
ed out by McConnell that Judge Michael L.
Igoe’s federal district court “had rejected the
proposals of the defendants properly” after
the verdict of guilty by a jury.
Defendants in $2,650,000 Suit
Must File Replies by April 17
CHICAGO — Defendants in a $2,650,000
treble damage antitrust suit filed here by the
Riverside Operating Co. of Wisconsin and
the Middle States Corp., a Delaware firm,
the former operators of the Riverside Thea-
tre in Milwaukee and the Minnesota Theatre
in Minneapolis were given until April 17 in
which to file answers. However, it is under-
stood attempts to settle the case out of court
are being made.
Riverside Operating Co. and Middle States
joined together in one suit seeking $1,750,000
for damages incurred in the operation of the
Riverside Theatre. In the other suit Middle
States asked for a judgment of $90,000 for
losses suffered in operating the Minnesota
Theatre.
Two suits were filed January 20. Judge
Michael L. Igoe was assigned the Minnesota
Theatre case and Judge Philip L. Sullivan
was assigned the Riverside case.
Twenty-eight defendants were named in
the suits including 20th-Fox, Paramount,
Loew’s, Inc., RKO, Warner Bros., Columbia,
Universal, United Artists, and their sub-
sidiaries or associated corporations.
St. Louis Tax Measures
Fizzle Out in Session
ST. LOUIS — Mayor Aloys P. Kaufmann’s
special tax bills, including a measure to im-
pose a 5 per cent levy on theatre admissions,
died in committee as the aldermanic board
ended its 1946-47 session sine die. Also go-
ing by the boards were bills calling for a sim-
ilar tax on sporting events, an increase in
the city’s cigaret tax, and a proposed 5 per
cent tax on the gross receipts of newspapers.
A last-minute attempt by Alderman Jasper
C. Caston, Negro, Rep., to obtain passage of
a fair employment practices ordinance, also
failed.
Fire Ruins Cairo Opera
CAIRO, ILL. — The old Cairo Opera House
here was destroyed by fire last month. The
opera house opened in December 1881 with
Fay Templeton in “Mascotte.” The last pro-
duction, 56 years later in 1937, was Irving
Berlin’s “Music Box Revue.”
CHICAGO’S FAVORITE BRUNET — In the recent nationwide Bob Hope-
Paramount-sponsored “My Favorite Brunette” contest in which the No. 1 raven-tressed
beauties of 15 large cities were awarded a week’s holiday in Hollywood, Jean Devon,
the Windy city winner, triumphed over the largest field of competitors — 7,000 brunets.
Jean is pictured here with J. Harold Stevens (left), Paramount branch manager;
comedian Jerry Colonna, who escorted the winners to Hollywood, and Allen Usher,
Paramount district manager.
C 69
t
Madison Orpheum’s 20th Anniversary
Bring Back Memories of Opening
MADISON— The 20th anniversary of the
opening of the 2,246-seat Orpheum Theatre
was observed here recently, bringing back to
local residents memories of the many great
artists of stage and screen seen at the show-
house throughout the years.
The Orpheum and three other Madison
theatres have been operated by Asher Levy
since 1933. Hugh Flannery has been the
Orpheum’s manager since that time. Flan-
nery has been connected with theatre busi-
ness for many years. His association began
shortly after World War II, when he managed
the old Fuller Opera House and the old Or-
pheum here, leaving the city in 1922 to be-
come supervisor for the Orpheum vaudeville
circuit, in charge of 18 midwest houses.
RECALLS SIGN CONTROVERSY
He returned to Madison 14 years ago, be-
coming manager of the Orpheum on May 14,
1933, succeeding John Scharnberg, who had
managed it since its opening and who is
now manager of the local Parkway and
Strand theatres. Site for the theatre was
selected by Marcus Heiman, onetime Madi-
son theatre man, and the building was con-
structed by Dr. W. G. Beecroft. Madison
residents recall there was much controversy
over the huge vertical 6314 foot sign, erected
at a cost of $18,000. Some persons declared
it was an eyesore and blocked the view of
the state capitol building, while others as-
serted it, gave the city a metropolitan ap-
pearance. The sign is still one of the largest
electrical displays in Madison.
It is recalled that State street declared a
holiday for the Orpheum’s opening, with
city and state officials in attendance at the
dedicatory rites, newspapers putting out
special supplements, and special decorations
in evidence along the street. Nearby stores
and shops held open house.
NAME BANDS FEATURED
The theatre featured both motion pictures
and vaudeville during the fall and winter
months, as well as stock companies in sum-
mer. The policy of daily vaudeville was
stopped in 1932, and only motion pictures
were shown from November of that year
until May 1933. When Flannery took over
as manager he inaugurated the present policy
of presenting the nation’s foremost bands.
In line with this policy, Louis Armstrong was
a featured stage attraction scheduled for the
20th anniversary show.
Madison’s rialto became even more of a
reality about 10 months after the Orpheum’s
opening when, on January 21, 1928, the
$1,000,000 Capitol Theatre opened across the
street. This section of the city has since con-
tinued to be a vital center of community life.
In addition to the Orpheum, Levy operates
the Parkway, Strand and Madison theatres
here, but the Orpheum remains the flagship.
Some 20,000 to 30,000 persons attend the Or-
pheum each week.
Plaza Is 20th Theatre
In Childrens Council
MILWAUKEE — The Plaza Theatre became
the 20th house in Milwaukee cooperating
in the Children’s Movie Council in promo-
tion of special shows for children. The
Plaza started Saturday kiddy matinees March
29. The council has been working for some
time in arranging for at least one theatre in
each district to run these special kiddy shows.
To date, the movement has been highly suc-
cessful and has spread into the state.
Offers Free Admissions ;
10c If Show Is Liked
St. Louis — Paul Stroud, manager of the
World Theatre here, offered readers of
the South Side Journal (circulation 75,-
000) , a proposition to enter the show
on a recent Friday, without charge.
If the patron liked the show he was
asked to pay 10 cents at the boxoffice on
departure.
Built Own Air Station
To Boost His Theatres
MANITOWOC, WIS.— Francis M. Kadow,
co-partner with R. S. Guiterman in the Cap-
itol and Mikadow the-
atres here, is a show-
man with 31 years of
successful vaudeville
and motion picture
theatre operation back
of him. He built sta-
tion WOMT in 1926 as
an exploitation me-
dium for his theatresL
Kadow in 1926 as an
exploitation medium
for his theatres. Ka-
dow found this method
a highly effective way
FRANCIS M. KADOW Jor building his thea-
tre business.
The Capitol and Mikadow theatres have
benefited greatly through this air exploita-
tion. In addition, Kadow has gained a re-
spected niche in the civic, business and fam-
ily life of Manitowoc and the surrounding
territory. His major hobby is photography.
Incidentally, this shot is a self-portrait.
Kiddy Shows at Keith's
With School Approval
CINCINNATI— Keith’s Theatre, operated
by U-I, has started a series of children’s
Saturday morning matinees, using features
in the MPA Children’s Film library. The pro-
gram is being supported by the Cincinnati
board of education and 70 Parent-Teacher
councils in the city.
The board of education permitted the dis-
tribution of heralds in classrooms in 75
schools. A total of 65,000 were handed out.
Cards were also tacked on bulletin boards.
The first film shown at the children’s mati-
nee was “The Prince and the Pauper” (WB).
“The Hoosier Schoolboy” (Mono) played April
5. In addition to the library films, Edward
Riesenbeck, manager of the house, has ar-
ranged for a juvenile community sing each
week, conducted by John Ulrich, supervisor
of music for the Cincinnati recreation com-
mission.
Bonham Theatre Is Sold
PRAIRIE DU SAC, WIS.— The Bonham
Theatre here, which until recently was owned
by the Mrs. Emma Accola family, now has
been bought by W. J. Charbonea and L.
Leisch. both of Fennimore. Mrs. Lucille
Forbes holds a lease on the building. The
new owners plan to rename the house the
Midway. The Bonham was built in 1919 by
the late John Bonham.
School Holidays Assisi
Boxoffices in Chicago
CHICAGO — Theatre business generally
felt the pinch of Holy week, but matinees in
Loop houses were bright due to school holi-
days. Nearly all situations had good re-
ceipts. The only opening of the week was
the twin bill at the Palace “Bedelia” and
“The Devil Thumbs a Ride,” which did nicely.
“My Favorite Brunette” plus a stage show
headed by the King Cole Trio and extra
added attractions rounded out a good third
week. The Oriental with “The Red House”
plus a stage show headed by Jerry Lester had
a satisfactory second week.
Holdovers did right well. “The Best Years
of Our Lives” and “The Jolson Story” are
still doing fine, with “The Yearling” and
“Ivan the Terrible” as runnersup.
(Average is 100)
Apollo — The Jolson Story (Col), 14th wk 120
Chicago — My Favorite Brunette (Para), plus
stage show, 3rd wk 135
Garrick — 13 Rue Madeleine (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 110
Grand — Smash-Up (U-I), 2nd wk 115
Oriental — The Red House (UA), plus stage
show, 2nd wk 135
Palace — Bedelia (EL); The Devil Thumbs
a Ride (RKO) 120
Roosevelt — Pursued (WB), 3rd wk 110
State-Lake — The Yearling (MGM), 6th wk 115
Studio — Foolish Virgin (Jewel); The Playboy
(Jewel), 8th wk , 100
United Artists — The Secret Heart (MGM), 2nd wk,..110
Woods — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
15th wk 150
World Playhouse — Ivan the Terrible (Art),
3rd wk 120
Good Product Easter Week
Boosts Milwaukee Grosses
MILWAUKEE — Top-ranking product greet-
ed patrons Easter week, after a lenten sea-
son of average fare. “The Best Years of Our
Lives” at the Riverside appeared off to the
races. “The Jolson Story” at the Palace,
following a heavy preselling campaign, start-
ed with waiting lines and kept them coming.
“The Fabulous Dorseys” pulled well at the
Towne. “Stallion Road” at the Warner rang
the bell for an over par take. Neighborhoods
reported an upsweep and attributed most
of it to the end of Lent. As to the weather,
it rained just about every other day.
Alhambra — Boom Town (MGM), reissue;
Traiiic in Crime (Rep) 115
Palace — The Jolson Story (Col) 140
Riverside — The Best Years oi Our Lives (RKO).... 175
Strand — Blue Skies (Pata); Secret of the
Whistler (Col), 5th d. t. wk 120
Towne — The Fabulous Dorseys (UA) Avg. not set
Warner — Stallion Road (WB) 130
Wisconsin — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM);
So Dark the Night (Col) 130
Indianapolis Hits the Bottom;
Holy Week, Bad Weather Hurts
INDIANAPOLIS — Business here continued
to hit the bottom. Holy week was probably
the cause, aided by some inclement weather.
“California” and “Dead Reckoning” were the
best draws but rather a disappointment at
the boxoffice.
Circle — A Scandal in Paris (UA);
The Bachelor's Daughters (UA) 90
Indiana — California (Para) 85
Keith's — Smash-Up (U-I), 2nd d. t. wk • 75
Loew's — Dead Reckoning (Col); Susie Steps
Out (UA) _ 95
Lyric — Captain Caution (FC); Captain
Fury (FC) 95
Sell Prairie Du Sac House
PRAIRIE DU SAC, WIS. — The Roman
Theatre, formerly owned by the family of
Mrs. Emily Accola, has been sold to W. J.
Charbonea and L. Leisch, both of Fennimore.
The theatre formerly iyas leased by Mrs.
Lucille Forbes and managed by Clyde Gray.
Charbonea, former owner of the Lodi Thea-
tre, is present owner of the theatre in Fen-
nimore. He and Leisch will rename their
new acquisition the Midway.
70
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
Referendum in St. Louis
Upholds Daylight Law
ST. LOUIS — St. Louisans decided to re-
tain their daylight saving ordinance April
1 by a vote against repeal and 60,629 in favor,
a majority of 18,956.
The question had been put on the ballot
through referendum petitions circulated by
most of the motion picture theatres of the
city after the board of aldermen had refused
to vote in favor of a bill to repeal the ordi-
nance.
In Granite City, 111., voters went on record
in favor of the repeal of daylight saving,
2,516 to 2,180. This election was advisory and
not binding on the city council.
MILWAUKEE — Though Milwaukee county
favored daylight saving time, the advisory
referendum taken as a guide for the legisla-
ture was defeated in the state. Unofficial
returns showed 295,876 against and 244,480
favoring the measure. Sen. John C. McBride,
Milwaukee, conceded on the senate floor in
Madison that “it is evident the people do
not want statewide daylight time” and intro-
duced a bill providing for local option.
MACOMB, ILL. — Macomb voters have re-
jected daylight saving time by 15 votes, in a
complete but unofficial tabulation of 818 to
803. Macomb did not have daylight time
last year but the city council had agreed to
submit the proposal to a referendum.
INDIANAPOLIS — Mayor Robert H. Tyndall
has proclaimed Sunday, April 27, as the first
day of daylight saving time. The fast time
will extend to September 28.
Ed Davies, Musician, Dies
MILWAUKEE — Edward Davies, 54, Mil-
waukee musician, died at his home here after
a long illness. A string bass player, Davies
played in early years at the Riverside, Miller,
Palace and Wisconsin theatres. He also
played at Soldier’s Home, Plankinton hotel
and as a member of the Milwaukee park board
band several years back. A member of Mil-
waukee Musicians’ Ass’n since 1917, he was
made an honorary member in 1944. Sur-
vivors are one brother, John, and one sister,
Mrs. Winnifred Borth, both of Milwaukee.
Redecorate at Monticello
MONTICELLO, IND.— ' The lobby and foyer
of the Lakes Theatre here have been redeco-
rated in blue and four new fluorescent lights
have been placed in the lobby ceiling. Alumi-
num-trim doors with semicircular windows
have replaced the old French doors leading
into the foyer, and a new tan and brown tile
floor has been laid.
Lease Table Grove House
TABLE GROVE, ILL. — Leo Martin has
leased his Table Grove Theatre here to
Irvin Davis. The house has been completely
redecorated and will be open six nights a
week.
Elwood Remodeling Has Begun
ELWOOD, IND. — Work has begun on the
remodeling of the Vogue Theatre here. Chuck
Hood, manager of the Vogue and the Elwood,
says the owners plan to have the entire
interior of the house redecorated. The thea-
tre will remain open.
In ‘So Evil, My Love'
Geraldine Fitzgerald has been signed to
co-star with Ray Milland and Ann Todd in
“So Evil, My Love” by Paramount.
British Paramounteers in Chicago
CHICAGO— A “typical” impression of Chi-
cago was obtained here recently by six Brit-
ish members of Paramount’s 25-Year club
during their stop here on a prize-winning
cross-country tour of the U.S. They were
en route to New York after a visit at the
Paramount studio.
At a luncheon given by the Chicago man-
ager, J. Harold Stevens, in Hotel Black-
stone, the British consul, who had been in-
vited, failed to arrive. Midway during the
meal, John Hamilton of the British Informa-
tion Service dashed in to announce himself
as a substitute for the consul who was un-
able to attend due to a shooting in the con-
sulate offices. A Chicago Tribune writer had
been wounded by a crank and the story made
the headlines.
The visiting Britishers were D. Gilpin, Lon-
don branch supervisor; A. C. Bate, London
branch manager; T. Ledger, Newcastle branch
manager; Clifford Cox, Newcastle salesman;
Nellie Nesbit, Liverpool booker, and Alicia
Holt, Cardiff cashier.
In the photo, clockwise, 1. to r., are
D. Gilpin, London; J. Harold Stevens, Chicago
branch manager; T. Ledger, Newcastle; John
Hamilton, British Information service, Chi-
cago; Nellie Nesbit, Liverpool; Bette Gleason,
Paramount exploiteer; Alicia Holt, Cardiff;
Clifford Cox, Newcastle; A. C. Bate, London,
and E. G. Fitzgibbon, Paramount’s special
representative, Chicago.
Frank DeLander Is Dead
GENESEO, ILL. — Frank DeLander, 81, who
operated the Geneseo Theatre in partnership
with J. J. Grene for 20 years, died here March
15 in Geneseo hospital. He had been in bad
health for some time and was seriously ill
two months before his death. DeLander sold
out his interest in the theatre about three
years ago to the the Marchesi Bros, circuit
of Amboy.
To Build at Wabash
WABASH, IND. — The C. J. Garber Con-
struction Co. of Indianapolis will begin work
soon on a new theatre to be built here on the
site of old Fremont Theatre building.
Ticketed for The Outcast'
Victor Sen Young has drawn a featured role
in Republic’s “The Outcast.”
Marjorie Main's Family
Greets Her at Reunion
INDIANAPOLIS — A family reunion was
held here when Marjorie Main, the actress,
was greeted by her brother, Samuel J. Tom-
linson, and Mrs. Tomlinson. Miss Main re-
mained over to participate in activities dur-
ing the midwest premiere of “The Egg and
I.” On arrival here she was presented with
a Plymouth Rock chicken from Mrs. Louise
Myer of the State Poultry Ass’n.
An “Egg and I” breakfast was held Satur-
day (5) in the Travertine room of Hotel Lin-
coln, where Gov. Ralph F. Gates crowned
Phyllis Latta of Warsaw as the Indiana Egg
queen. Toastmaster was Hobart Creighton,
speaker of the house of representatives, and
the owner of the largest commercial poultry
farm in the world.
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 oi which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE, DATE & RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE.
NAME POSITION
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
71
MILWAUKEE
Daul Peregrine, former sax man with Bill
Carlson’s band, now assists Harry Riskin,
20th-Fox shipper . . . Metro’s Pep club staged
a party for John G. Kemptgen, manager,
prior to his departure on an extended leave
due to ill health. The club gave Kemptgen
a book.
The Palace shifted to 9 a. m. openings as
“The Jolson Story” bowed into the house.
Attendance was good, regardless of Holy week
. . . The Studio Grill has opened on the Row,
and seems the answer to midday food prob-
lems . . . Leo Terzes, former chief of service
at the Warner, has become assistant man-
ager of the Towne . . . Louis Barsul is acting
assistant at the Palace Theatre at the mo-
ment.
Otto Trampe, IATSE business agent, at
home after a major operation, is improving
but goes under the knife again before long
. . . Daniel Rosenberg, PRC field auditor,
visited Joe Imhof.
Eddie Vollendorf of Theatre Service shoved
off for Florida . . . Jim Gallagher and wife
of Gallagher Films, Green Bay, were in
town . . . The peculiar guy you see now and
then at the Sherman is only Don Mac-
Crossen, manager, swinging imaginary golf
clubs.
Nat Marcus, Warners manager, is all
pepped up about the current drive . . . Don
Deakin of the Dells, Wisconsin Dells, booked
product . . . Fred Ford, RKO exploiteer, gave
the territory his personal touch on “The Best
Years of Our Lives” following the Riverside
opening April 5.
Mrs. Irene Zeni, buyer and booker for the
Rialto in Norway, Mich., made one of her
rare booking jaunts to Milwaukee . . . George
Busch, RKO booker, jumped to sales and is
covering the territory formerly handled by
Milton Smith . . . Oliver Trampe, Monogram
booker, has his golf clubs polished and ready
for the first fling at the fairways- . . . Betty
Talbott, Paramount toiler, spent Easter in
Oconto . . . The Towne room beneath the
Towne Theatre has become a popular dining
spot with showmen.
A note from Bob Gross, Milwaukee Drive-
In manager, attending the Drive-In Theatre
Managers confab in Detroit, says several ex-
Milwaukee showmen are managing houses in
the motor city . . . “Pete” Peterson, formerly
with Fox Wisconsin, joined Standard Thea-
tres in the buying and booking department
. . . Jack Kahn, United Artists exploiteer,
has been working in close cooperation with
the Towne.
Fishing fable: Nick Berg, Sheboygan ex-
hibitor, snared a very small fish and reeled
it up to the rod’s end. “What next?” Berg
asked Dave Chapman, Columbia salesman.
Said Chapman: “Climb that rod and stab it!”
Jesse McBride worked the territory about
Green Bay . . . Harold J. Fitzgerald, presi-
dent of Fox Wisconsin, is vacationing in
Arizona . . . Lou Elman, RKO branch man-
ager, has been living out of his two-suiter
while contacting exhibitors on “The Best
Years of Our Lives.”
For some time your scribe has been besieged
with suggestions that Milwaukee showmen
organize an Old Timers club. So herewith
we stick our long neck out and seek your
reaction. Membership would be confined to
showmen with at least 25 years of service
in the industry. Meetings would be held peri-
odically, with nominal dues going to provide
help for showmen in dire need. Let’s have
your comments.
Ralph Krause, formerly of Fox Wisconsin,
is managing the ’Tosa Theatre . . . William
J. Fadiman, resigned MGM story depart-
ment head in Hollywood, and now assistant
to Dore Schary, RKO production chief, is a
graduate of the University of Wisconsin.
Benny Benjamin, Screen Guild manager,
toured the territory and reports fine exhibitor
cooperation in bookings . . . Spring note:
N. Provencher, United Artists salesman, blos-
somed out in a brilliant plaid shirt and
matching tie . . . All theatres shuttered from
12 to 3 Good Friday.
Eph Rosen of Minneapolis, who is pinch -
hitting as MGM manager here was busy
greeting old exhibitor friends, with Frank
Eckhardt, Jefferson Theatre, Jefferson, the
first visitor . . . Joe Di Georgio replaced
Milton Scheft, National Screen shipper, who
departed for other chores . . . Walter Baier,
Fort Theatre, Fort Atkinson, booked product
. . . Helen Richcreek, secretary to Jesse Mc-
Bride, Paramount branch manager, spent
Easter in Chicago.
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Brungraber of Jack-
sonport who operate theatres in Sister Bay
and Baileys Harbor, booked. The Brungrabers
also operate portable equipment in out-of-the-
way and sparsely settled spots of Wisconsin
and upper Michigan.
Easter week brought considerable top-
drawer first run attractions, including “The
Jolson Story,” “The Best Years of Our Lives,”
“The Fabulous Dorseys” and “Stallion Road.”
Sid Margoles, Regal Theatre operator, says
he is considering giving patrons “The Old
Lamplighter” to brighten up “So Dark the
Night” . . . Lee Roth, who directed the River-
side pit band for years, currently runs a disc
emporium on the coast . . . Edward Reichert,
onetime usher in these parts, is playing Abra-
ham in the current Broadway production of
“Street Scene.
Phil Smith, president of Midwest Drive-In
Theatres, stopped between trains to see Bob
Gross, Milwaukee Drive-In manager . . . Ray
Lenz of the Pastime, Horicon, was on the Row
. . . Lou Elman, RKO branch manager, was
IT ACTUALLY RAINED! — Charlie
Hacker of the Palace, Milwaukee, really
got a break with the above umbrella
stunt on “Blue Skies.” It came down in
torrents as this Palace looker toured the
streets, thus making the pitch doubly ef-
fective.
out in the territory . . . Hugo Vogel got to
Florida and back without engine or tire trou-
ble. Then, driving to Chicago to get his wife,
his station wagon developed a flat tire on the
outer drive . . . Don Deakin of the Dells, Wis-
consin Dells, reports a good resort season is
expected in that resort town.
Dick Powell and wife June Allyson are
said to be planning a Wisconsin summer va-
cation . . . Charles Skouras, National Thea-
tres president, and other executives from the
coast, departed after the meeting starting
the fifth annual Charles Skouras showman-
ship drive.
Mrs. Donald Manheimer, who was the for-
mer Francis Radoff of 20th-Fox, is the
mother of a baby girl . . . Charles Perrizo
plans to reopen the Oconto soon. It was
shuttered for modernization . . . Walter Baier
of the Fort, Fort Atkinson, booked . . . Inez
Gore, secretary to Joe Neger, 20th-Fox man-
ager, has been doing some consistent 600
bowling and will topple pins in the national
tourney at Grand Rapids.
Fred Good, Film Classics manager, is
steamed up about “The Scarlet Pimpernel,”
with Merle Oberon, and “The Ghost Goes
West,” with Robert Donat . . . Intermissions
in most first runs cling to the five-minute
break, with neighborhoods limiting the “re-
freshing pause” to three minutes . . . Fol-
lowing extensive remodeling, the Bonham
Theatre, Prairie du Sac, operated by W.
Charboneau and L. Leisch, greets patrons as
the Midland.
Johnny Stock, Paramount booker, reports
an unidentified exhibitor toured the Row on
a motor scooter . . . Sid Margoles spends so
much time at the Regal, his wife says she
is considering moving into the projection
booth for the summer months.
Barney Sherman of the Douglas Theatre,
Racine, booked . . . Fred Ford, RKO ex-
ploiteer, was in Memphis eight years prior
to his Milwaukee transfer.
Bell & Howell Net Income
Plunges Far Below 1945
CHICAGO — Net income of the Bell & How-
ell Co., makers of motion picture projectors,
last year totaled $442,945, equal to 69 cents
a common share, compared with 1945 profit
of $672,491, or $1.29 a share, the company’s
annual report disclosed March 30.
Net sales dropped to $10,387,669 from $21,-
930,972 in 1945, but still were 85 per cent
above 1941. J. H. McNabb, president, said
the company’s unprofitable operations in the
first eight months of 1946 were directly the
result of OPA regulations. The company had
$24,530,000 of back orders on the books at
the end of 1946.
The report said the company sometime
this year will announce a complete new line
of microfilm recorders and viewers for pho-
tographing and viewing any type of docu-
ment. The line will be produced by the
recently formed microfilm division.
Shareholders of the Bell & Howell Co. will
hold their annual meeting in the company’s
executive offices at 7100 McCormick Rd., at
2 p. m. April 16 to elect a board of seven
directors for the next 12 months. The an-
nual meeting of the new board will follow
the shareholders meeting immediately.
Shareholders attending the annual meeting
will be conducted on a tour of the company’s
display rooms and the final assembly and
precision inspection departments in which
major motion picture equipment is prepared
for the market.
Vehicle for Paulette Goddard
Edna Lee’s first novel, “Web of Days,” has
been purchased by Paramount as a starring
vehicle for Paulette Goddard.
72
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
U.S. Suit Filed on Charge
Excess Fee Was Levied
ST. LOUIS — A suit charging Richard F.
Walsh, IATSE president, and other officers
had imposed illegal excess dues on Henry
H. Klaverkamp and Ralph W. Baur while
they were employed as stagehands in local
theatres was filed by Klaverkamp in the U.S.
district court here.
Klaverkamp alleges he and Baur were
blacklisted by the union because they pro-
tested against paying 15 per cent- of their
wages as dues while regular members of
Local 6 paid only 5 per cent. They each ask
$54,825 damages.
Klaverkamp named Harry Stickling of
Elgin, 111., IATSE representative in charge
of the affairs of Local 6, as one of the de-
fendants.
The charges contained in the federal court
petition are similar to those contained in
suits filed in circuit court in April 1945 asking
for a total of $107,100 in damages from the
officers and trustees of Local 6. Those cases
are still pending in the circuit court. After
trial was started recently one of the attor-
neys for the plantiffs suffered a heart at-
tack and died. The judge then ordered a
mistrial and the cases will come up again at
the next term of court.
Similar suits were also filed in the state
courts in February 1944 but were dismissed
in December 1944, when the court sustained
demurrers by the defendants.
Klaverkamp and Baur contend that they
were assessed the 15 per cent from Jan. 4,
1935, to Aug. 5, 1943, when they were “black-
listed by the union for protesting against the
higher assessments” and that subsequently
they were unable to obtain work as stage-
hands.
CPA Order Delays Work
On New Farrel Theatre
MARION, ILL. — CPA has ordered that
construction of George and John Farrel’s
new Farrel Brothers Theatre here be halted.
The order states that the work is a violation
of the Veterans Housing order in that it was
carried out despite CPA’s denial of the broth-
ers’ application to start construction. The
Farrels had all materials necessary to com-
plete the house on hand and had expected
to open before March 31.
Pete Gloried to Carbondale
CARBONDALE, ILL. — Roy Hayden, man-
ager of the local Varsity and Rodgers thea-
tres, has been transferred to Poplar Bluff,
Mo., as manager of the Rodgers circuit’s
theatre there. He is being replaced by Pete
Gloriod, who has been managing the Rodgers
Theatre at Caruthersville, Mo., for the past
few months. Gloriod has been with the cir-
cuit for 12 years.
Sales Taxes Zoom
JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri sales tax
collections during the first quarter of 1947
totaled $14,774,890, or $2,901,486 more than
for the same period last year. March col-
lections amounted to $4,623,486, an increase
of $816,230 over March last year. January
this year set an all-time month’s record with
$5,692,621, while February exacted $4,458,783
from buyers.
Building Resumed at Divernon
DIVERNON, ILL. — Work has been re-
sumed on the Michell brothers’ new theatre
here. The cement block walls are going up
rapidly and the exterior is taking shape.
S T. L O U I S
Calhoun Jones, Costa Rican consul, was
host at a luncheon in Hotel Chase hon-
oring Senoritas Ligia Soto-Harrison, Olga
Gutierrez-Pacheco and Sonia Lizano, winners
in a nationwide popularity contest sponsored
by La Tribuna, leading newspaper of the
capital city of San Jose in connection with
20th-Fox’s “Carnival in Costa Rica.” The
three young women are on a nationwide tour.
Village Theatre has been incorporated at
Clayton, Mo., with 6,000 shares of no par
value stock . . . A1 O. Bondy, distributor of
GE films, was a visitor. He came from Kan-
sas City and planned to visit Indianapolis
before returning to New York.
Nat Steinberg, prairie district manager for
Republic, and John Houlihan, St. Louis man-
ager, were thrilled to receive a telegram from
J. R. Grainger, executive vice-president, an-
nouncing that Republic had closed a deal
with Babe Ruth to produce a motion picture
based on the life story of the Sultan of Swat.
Steinberg and Houlihan left for Chicago April
7 to attend a regional sales gathering at
Hotel Blackstone.
G. R. Spann, who has been an inspector
in the navy, plans to open the Arcade Air-
dome, 4050 West Pine Blvd., between April
15-May 1, depending on weather conditions
and the speed with which work at the open
air spot can be completed . . . George Woods,
former district exploiteer for Warner Bros.,
has gone to Dallas to handle publicity and
advertising in connection with the engage-
ment in that city of “Duel in the Sun.”
Maury Davis, manager of the Will Rogers
Theatre here, broke into Liberty magazine
with his wisecrack about consideration for
the extra “juice” to be used in carrying
United Artists’ “The Macomber Affair” on
the marquee, etc.
Out-of-towners seen along Filmrow in-
cluded Herman Tanner, Vandalia, 111.;
Charley Breckner, Graysville, 111.; Dean
Davis, West Plains, Mo.; Johnny Dickson,
St. Elmo, 111.; Raney Pedrucci, feature booker.
Frisina, Springfield, 111., and Johnny Gia-
chetto, short subjects booker for the same
circuit . . . Ching Allen, district manager
for United Artists, and Gene Sichelman,
home office representative of Columbia Pic-
tures, were other visitors.
“The Jolson Story” has finally completed
runs at Loew’s theatres here, rolling up four
weeks at the State, then moving to the Or-
pheum for another four weeks. This beats
the all-time mark of seven weeks set by
“Gone With the Wind.” The business done
by “The Jolson Story” was deemed remark-
able, coming in a period when average pic-
tures were running from 15 to 25 per cent
behind the grosses of a year ago . . . Three
motion pictures were presented at the regu-
lar meeting of the Amateur Motion Picture
club of St. Louis, April 8.
Fred Wehrenberg, president of the MPTOA
circuit, with his wife, is in Tucson, Ariz.,
where they will enjoy the sunshine for a
few weeks. Wehrenberg has been having
trouble regaining his strength following a
recent attack of influenza.
Free showing of three motion pictures was
given in the assembly room of the public
library Monday under the sponsorship of the
citizens committee for atomic energy infor-
mation. Pictures shown were “Atomic Power,”
a March of Time film; and “Tale of Two
Cities” and “Operation Crossroads,” both gov-
ernment productions. A second showing, also
free, has been scheduled for 8 p. m. Monday
(14) ... In the municipal elections held April
1, Ollie Koeneman, who is in the popcorn
business here, was elected mayor of Jennings,
Mo.
Sinatra in Nonsinging Role
Frank Sinatra will play his first nonsinging
dramatic role as a priest in RKO’s “The Mir-
acle of the Bells.”
MANLEY is the LEADER
Because there's LASTING SATISFACTION
in owning a
A. T. ROWE
DIVISION MANAGER
1920 Wyandotte, Phone: HArrison 6155, Kansas City, Mo.
1611 Davenport, Omaha, Neb. — 3138 Olive, St. Louis, Mo.
812-824 Mulberry St., Des Moines Iowa.
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
73
INDIANAPOLIS
S. Weilert has taken over the Ritz at
Alexandria, Ind., from C. B. Wilson, who
had operated the house for more than 30
years. Wilson will retire from exhibition . . .
Terre Haute has flatly refused to adopt day-
light saving time. The measure was rejected
by city council because labor and industry
had voiced almost 100 per cent opposition.
The ATO of Indiana will hold an informal
luncheon and business meeting April 22 at
the Keenan hotel in Fort Wayne. W. A. Car-
roll, executive secretary, requests all mem-
bers to be present because there will be im-
portant discussions of common problems.
Max Roth, PRC district manager, and
Harry Mandell, Eagle-Lion district manager,
were in the city in conference with Manager
Sam H. Abrams . . . Fred Dolle, head of the
Fourth Avenue Amusement Co., Louisville,
and wife have returned from their vacation
in Florida . . . Joe Neger, 20th-Fox manager
at Milwaukee, was a Filmrow visitor.
Herman Morgan, Republic salesman, was
stricken with exhaustion while working in
his family garden plot . . . Abe Kaufman,
Terre Haute exhibitor, accompanied by his
wife and son, are contemplating a trip to
Los Angeles to attend the national conven-
tion of the Variety Clubs International . . .
W. S. Conway, operator of the Irwin, Cannel-
ton, Ind., is in Florida on a brief vacation.
Ben Sagalowsky, head of Fountain Square
Theatres, and Mrs. Sagalowsky, are planning
a vacation to the west coast with a party
of friends . . . Isaac Sollers, Covington, was
on the Row booking . . . William Passen,
operator of the Amuzu, Jasonville, Ind., is
promoting new industrial plants and manu-
facturing concerns to locate in his city, which
has many advantages for the smaller manu-
facturer.
Herbert Gaines, booker at Warner Bros.,
will appear in the cast of ‘‘My Sister Eileen”
now in rehearsal, and to be given in May
at the Kirshbaum Community center here
. . . Mrs. Iva Moore, operator of the Or-
pheum, Mitchell, Ind., has installed com-
plete new Simplex booth and other equip-
ment.
A1 Borkenstein of Fort Wayne was book-
ing . . . Mrs. Jules Goldman, wife of War-
ners office manager, has gone to New York
City to visit here parents . . . Jesse Fine,
Evansville, was on the Row booking and buy-
ing. Frank Hensler, district manager of
MGM, was at the local exchange in confer-
ence with Manager Foster Gauker.
Vernon Powell is the new manager at the
Crescent, Louisville. His brother Jack
Powell, is in charge of the Shelmar Theatre
and both houses are being operated by S. D.
Weinberg . . . Harry Douglas, Dana, was in
booking . . . Sam Oshry, Universal-Interna-
tional salesman for Indianapolis and Louis-
ville, spent the week in the Blue Grass city
visiting exhibitors ... Joe Finneran, Rem-
busch circuit, was booking.
Carl Shalit, district manager of Colum-
bia Pictures, held conferences with Manager
Guy Craig . . . Russell Brentlinger, manager
of RKO, visited Chicago during the week
... Joe Schilling, Connersville, was on -the
Row booking . . . William M. Thomas, Moores
Creek, Ky., is building a new theatre in East
Bernstadt, Ky., to be named the Community.
Burdette N. Peterson, local manager, Na-
tional Theatre Supply Co., will attend the
central district managers meeting of the
company to be held at Hotel Cleveland, Cleve-
land, April 25 . . Members of the Tex Beneke
EFFECTS OF WINDSTORM— During
one of the worst wind and sleet storms in
years the marquee at Loew’s Theatre, In-
dianapolis, under pressure of a 70-mile
gale, was torn from its support, dropping
to within five feet of the sidewalk. No
one was injured.
orchestra now appearing at the Circle are fre-
quently visiting Variety Club quarters.
Jack Van-Borssen, operator of the Savoy,
Terre Haute, is convalescing after a recent
illness . . . Abe Kaufman, Terre Haute, was
in booking and buying . . . Dorothy Bailey,
general clerk, Warner Bros., has been pro-
moted to ledger clerk, and her successor
is Betty Johns . . . John Micu, Fort Wayne,
was buying and booking.
E. E. Smith, Francisville, was on the Row
buying and booking . . . Film Classics is now
Film Classics, Inc., says Ralph E. Peckham,
branch manager . . . The new Washington
Theatre, New Washington, Ind., is being
operated by Elmer Hoehn and Samuel Gilt-
ner on a partnership basis. Giltner is on
the teaching staff at the Jeffersonville high
school and Hoehn is the president of the
Junior Board of Trade at Jeffersonville, Ky.
. . . Alex Kalafat, Garrett, was booking.
Anderson Drive-In Begun
ANDERSON, IND. — The Anderson Drive-
In Theatre Corp. has boughUan 11-acre tract
north of here on State Road 9 and has begun
construction of a drive-in theatre. Incor-
porators are Thomas J. Harmeson and Claude
Harmeson of Indianapolis and P. J. Dee and
S. J. Gregory of Chicago. Harmeson will
operate the theatre.
To Build in Wolcott
WOLCOTT, IND— Plans are being com-
pleted for the construction of a theatre here
on the late Elizabeth DeMuynck property on
Range street. The lot was purchased several
weeks ago and will afford ground space of
60x120 feet. Architects and contractors have
been asked for bids.
Moritz Is Sole Owner at Roanoke
ROANOKE, ILL. — Martin Moritz of Ben-
son has bought out B. H. Huschen, his part-
ner in the Roanoke Theatre, and is now the
sole owner of the newly completed house.
Moritz has announced that the Roanoke will
play “The Jolson Story” April 20, 21.
Featured Role to Wayne Morris
Wayne Morris has been given a featured
role by Warners in “The Voice of the Turtle.”
Chicago Title Clinched
By Allied#s Pin Team
CHICAGO — With one more week to go,
the championship is in the bag for the Allied
team, which is leading the Chicago Motion
Picture Bowling league by seven games. Al-
lied checked in last week with the high team
total of 2,801 and single game high of 1,050,
with Frank Nardi shooting high individual
series of 617 and high game of 245. Allied
took three from 20th-Fox and second place
United Artists took a couple from Warners.
The Garsonites dropped a single game to
Universal and Film Chauffeurs cleaned Na-
tional Screen for three games.
TEAM STANDINGS
Won
Lost
Allied
52
29
United Artists
45
36
Film Chauffeurs ....
—
44
37
Garsonites
.... 42
39
Universal
. . 40
41
National Screen
.. 38
43
Warners
37
44
20th-Fox
26
55
Paradis Team Paces
Bowlers in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE— In the IATSE Bowling
league, Team 8, led by F. Paradis, rolled the
high three game score, 2,732, last week. No.
5, captained by A. Neuendorf, rolled 2,655, and
No. 3 got 2,617. Team 8 had the high single
game, 959. Elmer Klase’s 664 was highest
among individual three-game scores. Lucht
was second with 619 and Chet Millis third
with 617. Millis rolled high single game, 255.
Art Weaver had a game of 246 and Lucht had
one of 245.
TEAM STANDINGS
Pin
Won Lost Avg.
4 52 29 800
8 46 35 781
5 43 38 798
8 42 39 793
1 42 39 793
2 38 45 796
3 35 46 773
7 29 52 758
Landmark Makes Way
For Galion, 111., Theatre
From Mideast Edition
GALION, OHIO — One of this city’s oldest
landmarks is disappearing, brick by brick,
with the arrival of a wrecking crew clearing
a site on Harding Way West for the erection
of the 1,400-seat Galion Theatre. The new
house is being erected by the Galion Theatre
Co., operators of the State and Ohio here.
The brick structure was erected in 1852 by
William Metzger, an early settler. Metzger
and his family lived on this site for many
years. Of still earlier origin is the frame
building adjoining. The Metzgers lived in
this building before the brick home was
erected. Later both houses were remodeled
for commercial purposes.
The new theatre will be the largest in the
Galion area. Designed by Paul Matsinger,
Cleveland architect, it will have luxurious
seats with automatic lift, a cooling system
and boast of latest projection and sound
equipment. The theatre will cost $200,000.
Newell Stepp Is Named
B&Q District Manager
From New England Edition
BOSTON — B&Q circuit has named Newell
P. Stepp as district manager. He formerly
was manager of the Strand at Quincy.
Herman Prader, former manager of the
Art, Quincy, will temporarily replace Stepp.
Samuel Cohen, formerly assistant at the
Coolidge, Brookline, will step into the post
vacated by Prader at the Art.
74
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
CHICAGO
ITvery thing was quiet along the Row over
the three-day Easter weekend. All ex-
changes were closed, with only skeleton crews
working in the shipping rooms.
A spring booking coup for the B&K Chi-
cago Theatre gives the house the greatest
star attractions ever presented in a single
season. These bookings are confirmed: Guy
Lombardo orchestra April 25 (Lombardo
broke all records at the Chicago in the late
20s and he is expected to do it again) ; May 2,
Carmen Cavallaro orchestra; May 9, Jack
Benny, Phil Harris, Rochester and Benny’s
Sportsmen quartet in person; May 30, Sammy
Kaye band; June 6, the Mills Brothers; June
20, Desi Arnaz band.
AI Simon is back again in charge of
Simon’s restaurant, the Pump room of the
Row . . . Jimmy Ascher is back again in the
United Artists publicity department working
on special assignments down state, and Herb
Lyons is assisting Chick Evens UA publicity
head, on some big exploitation campaigns on
“Ramrod.”
Lester Simansky, chairman, has announced
that the annual golf tournament of Variety
Club will take place July 11 at West Ward
Ho Country club. It will be an all day shin-
dig with plenty of fun, feast and festivity.
George Topper and Vic Bernstein head the
ticket committee with Al Raymer and Irving
Mack looking after details of the event.
Sol Goldman of Variety Pictures went to
Cleveland on business . . . Producer Bill Pine
of Pine-Thomas Productions was an Easter
visitor. He called on old pals at the B&K
office and was the guest of Ray Bolger, star
of “Three to Make Ready,” which is doing
standout business at the Blackstone Theatre.
Bob Snyder, Dezel Roadshow attractions’
representative in Grand Rapids, was in town
for a confab with Sol Kaplan, local Dezel
NATIONALLY ADVERTISED
BARS TO YOU AT
WHOLESALE PRICES
All Popular 5c & 10c Brands
- - IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT - -
H. & I. CONCESSIONS CO.
Theatre Concessionaires
1325 So. Wabash Ave.
Phone Harrison 9616 — Chicago 5
head. Dezel’s twin bill, “Captain Caution”
and “Captain Fury,” is now playing 22 thea-
tres is this area day and date and doing out-
standing business, it was stated by Kaplan.
Aaron Feinberg" is rounding out 20 years
with the B&K organization as maintenance
supervisor . . . Les Lyles, public relations
AARON FEINBERG
director for the Sante Fe, is recovering after
an operation in Los Angeles. He will re-
turn here soon . . . Jerry Colonna, comedian
who was in town to escort the winners in
“My Favorite Brunette” contest to Hollywood,
took time out for a visit with Allen Usher and
Harold Stevens of the Paramount exchange.
The happiest press agent in town is Ed
Seguin, B&K. He located a 1910 Maxwell
jallopy (in working order) to use in his pub-
licity campaign for Jack Benny, due at the
Chicago May 9. Benny has promised to
arrive two days early for publicity chores and
B&K plans to keep him busy 48 straight
hours.
The date for the Modern Theatre sec-
tion’s air conditioning trophy presentation
to Barney Balaban has been moved to April
30 to give Chicago’s new Mayor Martin Ken-
nelly a chance to participate in the television
festivities on station WBKB . . . Ray Axelrod
has joined the PRC sales force, after leaving
the Warner booking department . . . Ross
Herman is celebrating his 27th year as a
film salesman in this area. He joined War-
ners when they took over the First National.
Herman has just returned to his duties after
a sojourn at the Swedish hospital for a medi-
cal checkup.
Alliance Theatres has allowed the Central
National bank, whose building was destroyed
by fire last week, to use part of its office
space in the Continental Bank Bldg, for tem-
porary quarters.
William G. Murray will preside at the con-
ciliation meeting between the Western Elec-
tric Co. executives and the officers of the
CEW-CIO union of 25,000 members. The
union has given the company a 30-day strike
notice in a dispute over a new contract which
calls for union shop and increased wages
. . . Fuller Construction Co. will build the
new Universal exchange on South Michigan
avenue. Work will get under way very soon.
Castle Films is sending out a new film cat-
alog listing 1,000 titles. Coronet Films also
has a new catalog on 16mm subjects . . .
"Stone Flower,” Soviet feature film recently
awarded first prize for color at the Inter-
national film festival at Cannes, France, is
being shown at the Albt Theatre.
Clyde Elliott of Clyde Elliott Attractions
came in from New York and left again for
Washington, where his new feature, “Citizen
Saint,” story of Saint Frances Cabrini will
premiere at Constitutional Hall April 12.
Rudy Vallee and Bing Crosby were Easter
arrivals from the west coast. Rudy opened
an engagement at the Copacabana, and “Der
Bingle” will be in and around town for two
weeks making transcriptions and playing golf.
He also will make trips to Cleveland and De-
troit, where he has business interests to look
after . . . J. S. Markstein, head of Screeno
Amusement Co., returned from a west coast
business trip.
Vaughan Shoemaker, Daily News cartoon-
ist, showed his color film, “Over Shoemaker’s
Shoulder,” at the Salem Lutheran church
last week. The film demonstrates how his
cartoons are drawn . . . “Ramrod” will bow
at the RKO Palace April 23 . . . Bell & Howell’s
new Master projector is now in production.
The drive of the Chicago projectionists Lo-
cal 110 to improve the sanitation and fire
safety in theatre booths is receiving the full
cooperation of theatre owners, according to
Gene Atkinson, business manager.
Joseph F. Ryan, former special assistant to
Donald Nelson, has joined the engineering
department of the Kroehler Co., maker of
pushback seats, at the Naperville, 111., plant
. . . A. H. Holt, Bell & Howell official, and
his wife and son were in an auto collision last
week . . . Chester Cowley has been named
president of DaLite Screen, Inc., and J. C.
Heck advanced to chairman of the board and
assistant sales manager.
For many years audiences have loved
Georgie Price’s sardonic imitation of Al Jol-
son. But “The Jolson Story” changed that.
At the Chicago audiences resented Price’s
kidding of Jolson and he had to do it straight.
Even Georgie's 12-year-old daughter protests
if Price kids the Mammy singer, and a few
years ago she didn’t even know Jolson from
Amos and Andy. Now she knows every song
Jolson sings in the picture and she has a
bobbysox crush on him. “The Jolson Story,”
is in its 17th week at the Apollo here- — and no
closing date in sight.
Mary Pickford arrived from the west coast
en route to New York where she will confer
with Charlie Chaplin and others concerning
film productions, and attend the premiere, of
Chaplin’s new film “Monsieur Verdoux”
The Kenilworth Women’s club sponsored a
benefit last week at Sam Myer’s Teatro del
Lago, for Greek war relief.
John Doerr, head of film department of the
Alliance circuit, and Pete Panagos, promotion
manager, have returned from an inspection
tour of theatres in Indiana territory. Lou
Harris, maintenance director of the circuit
and his assistant, Ted Dariotis have left for
downstate on an inspection tour.
Ban Muncipal Taxes
MADISON — A new state law barring cities
or other local government units from levying
local income taxes to finance their operation
was signed last week by Gov. Oscar Renne-
bohm. The bill had passed the senate 30 to 0,
and the assembly concurred by a voice vote.
Dancer and Actress
Columbia has handed Virginia Hunter, a
dancer, a new pact for her services as ac-
tress.
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
75
FINAL INSPECTION— John G. Kempt-
gen, MGM manager in Milwaukee, is
taking an extended leave of absence be-
cause of ill health. Eph Rosen, MGM as-
sistant manager in Minneapolis, will
pinch-hit for him. Shown checking a short
in Milwaukee just before Kemptgen's de-
parture are, left to right, Kemptgen;
James Gahagan, Milwaukee BOXOF-
FICE correspondent; Rosen, and Jack
Frost, short subject sales manager.
Sumner Gets a Theatre
SUMNER, ILL. — Merlin Atkins of this city
soon will erect a 250-seat theatre on a Main
street lot which he has bought from the
Masonic lodge. It will be the town's only
theatre.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
m m m
(Twenty Years Ago)
J^L JOLSON, an exceptional entertainer
with a tremendous personal following in
St. Louis, grossed $48,000 at the Shubert-
Rialto in a recent week, at a top of $4.40.
And speaking of profits, the Grand Opera
House on Market street near Sixth street,
oldest theatre in St. Louis, is said to have
made a profit every week for the last 15
years. The theatre has played Orpheum
vaudeville in conjunction with feature and
short length pictures, at a 40-cent top.
* * *
The new $30,000 organ recently installed
in the Lincoln Theatre, Belleville, 111., was
dedicated last week, with Tom Terry, feature
organist of Loew’s State, St. Louis, as guest
organist for the evening. Vin Jones is the
permanent organist at the Lincoln.
Thomas C. Hall of Moberly, Mo., has
awarded the contract for rebuilding his Star
Theatre in Columbia, Mo., to a Kansas City
contractor. The cost will be $35,000 . . . Cal
Craven of Lilbourne, Mo., has purchased the
Gem Theatre, Portageville, Mo., from James
Collier . . . John Pratt of. Fulton, Mo., drove
to St. Louis with three feminine friends to
see a show . . . F. M. Francis of the Lin-
coln, Charleston, 111., had a tonsillectomy re-
cently . . . Sam Werner of United Film Serv-
ice has returned from a visit to New Orleans.
* * *
Exhibitors on St. Louis Filmrow: Cal
Craven of Lilbourne, Mo.; John Biler, New
Madrid; Mrs. I. W. Rodgers, Cairo; Jimmy
Clayton, West Frankfort; Elvin Weeks,
Staunton; Ed Fellis, Hillsboro; S. E. Pertle,
Jersey ville; Ray De Lap and wife, Kansas, 111.
Read every word of
this letter irom a reader
"I cannot understand
how your organization can put out
such a magazine and also the Barom-
eter section for so little money. Your
Barometer alone is worth the subscrip-
tion price to any exhibitor. I would not
be without BOXOFFICE for three or
four times what it costs. Thanks for
a grand magazine.
(Signed) "FRED L, MURRAY."
Spiritwood,
Sask., Canada
AWARD TO RUDY KOUTNIK— For
submitting the best photo of the month
of a stunt in connection with his cam-
paign on MGM’s “Lady in the Lake,”
Roland Koutnik, manager of the Wiscon-
sin Theatre, Milwaukee, is presented with
MGM’s Photo of the Month award by
Louis W. Orlove (right), MGM exploiteer.
Harry Boesel (center), district manager
for Fox Theatres in Milwaukee, looks on.
Tub Thumpers in Boston
Elect a New "Swindler"
From New England Edition
BOSTON — Ralph Frank, Tub Thumpers’
“chief swindler” for two years, has resigned
due to business pressure. He was recently
elected a vice-president of the U. S. Trust Co.
Jack Hamilton of the Boston Globe replaces
him as chief swindler.
Three new offices have been created. Harry
Browning of M&P Theatres and former chief
thumper, was elected corresponding secre-
tary, known as right bower; Harry Selig of
Fay Photos was elected financial secretary, or
left bower; and Saul Gurvitz, assistant at-
torney general, was elected counsel, or am-
bulance chaser.
Free Shows for Children
CHICAGO — Motion pictures showing life
in many countries around the globe are be-
ing shown during the Chicago Academy of
Sciences spring program for young folks
which got under way Saturday (5) and con-
tinues through May 24. The programs are
free and open to all children of school age.
Rex Theatre, De Pue, Sold
DE PUE, ILL. — Peter Banick has sold the
Rex Theatre here and the adjoining Banick
tavern to Manuel Suarez sr.
Myra Theatre Co. Formed
MADISON — A new Wisconsin corporation
is the Myra Theatre Co., Palmyra, with 700
shares of stock at $100 per share. Incorpora-
tors are John L. McCarthy, James P. Mc-
Carthy and Edwin J. Boyle.
Nygaard Tours Country
SUN PRAIRIE, WIS.— G. G. Waller of
Fond du Lac manage the Prairie Thea-
tre here while Manager Charles I. Nygaard is
away on leave of absence to tour the country
with a Norwegian film.
76
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
31 Minneapolis Theatres
To Play Kiddy Shows
\
Omaha Chief Opens
With SRO Crowds
OMAHA — Heavy rains failed to keep Mayor
Charles Leeman, city council members and a
capacity crowd from attending the opening
of the Chief, Omaha’s largest neighborhood
theatre. But it did flood out a parade that
city officials were to head. Boy Scouts, floats,
dancing Indians, a bicycle brigade, a drum
and bugle corps and the VFW band were to
take part in the march through south Omaha.
More than a thousand youngsters were in
line before the 10 a. m. start of the running
of the first picture, “The Jolson Story.” All
1,238 seats were in use all day Saturday and
Easter Sunday. A late show also was held
Saturday at 11 p. m.
Said Mayor Leeman: “Omaha is fortu-
nate to have this fine, new theatre. This is
truly one of the finest in the middle west.”
Some of the features are pushback chairs,
a cry room, air conditioning, an ice cream
bar, a fluorescent mural reflecting the Indian
atmosphere of the middle west, a huge Indian
head neon sign out front, hearing aids for
the hard of hearing, wide aisles and electric
eye drinking fountains.
The advertising campaign on the opening
was climaxed by a huge red-and-black co-
operative ad sponsored by those who helped
build and outfit the theatre.
Ralph Blank, builder of the Chief, also
runs Omaha’s second newest theatre, the
Admiral, also a de luxe neighborhood house.
No cost has been given on the Chief, but
estimates in the local press are given as
about $300,000.
Blank’s staff includes A. H. Cohan, man-
ager; Mary Lou Marshall, assistant; Darlene
Marshall and Mary Smolinski, cashiers; and
Carl von Dollen, bar manager.
Republic Salesman O'Neill
Takes Leave of Absence
KANSAS CITY— E. P. “Eddie” O’Neill, Re-
public salesman for Des Moines, Omaha and
Kansas City, has taken a leave for much-
needed rest in California. He may return
the middle of the summer.
O’Neill entered the motion picture business
in 1911 as secretary to the president of Kan-
sas City Feature Film Co., which at that
time handled the distribution of Paramount
product in this territory. Later he became
salesman for the area. Since then, O’Neill
has been connected with Paramount, Fox
and, for the last six years, Republic Midwest.
Known to nearly every exhibitor in this
area, Eddie, who now feels he wants to take
a rest, has been relieved by Robert Combe.
Harold Sieverding Opens
Villa in Lovilia, Iowa
LOVILIA, IOWA — The Villa Theatre opened
here Easter Sunday under management of
Harold Sieverding. Sieverding bought the
house from C. E. Gordon who had closed it
during the Christmas holidays.
The Villa will show six nights a week with
no show on Tuesdays. The Sieverding family
is at home in Albia, until suitable housing
can be found here.
Max Thomas Is Promoted
MANHATTAN, KAS. — James R. Keller has
replaced Max Thomas as assistant manager
of the four theatres here and building super-
intendent of the State Theatre Bldg. Thomas
has been promoted to city manager in Ver-
non, Kas. Keller was transferred here from
Junction City.
Town Seeking Someone
To Establish Theatre
Grand Junction, Iowa — This town is
without a motion picture theatre and is
unhappy about it. There is a chance
here for someone to start a business and
please townsmen at the same time.
The Free Press called attention last
week to what it called this “shortage”
in a column entitled The Town Cryer.
The writer said he felt a “good theatre
and a football team in which we could
take pride” would make Grand Junction
a place “second to none in the world.”
Iowa Newspaper Upholds
Opposition to Drinking
WASHINGTON, IOWA— Rep. C. S. Van
Eaton’s resolution to ban films from Iowa
which contain drinking scenes found great
favor on the editorial pages of the Journal
here recently.
The following support was contained in a
Journal editorial :
“You are going to witness a display of
public resentment one of these times over
Hollywood’s insistence that every picture it
puts out must be swimming in alcohol. For
a long time church leaders have been speak-
ing out about this. Now the citizenry is
beginning to protest.
“The picture industry evidently has con-
cluded that a story can’t be interesting un-
less everybody in the cast is served a few
cocktails. That reflects the Hollywood at-
titude maybe, but if the producers spent a
small part of their time out here in the mid-
west areas, where their pictures are shown,
they would discover that the highball theme
isn’t popular with a large percentage of their
customers.”
WICHITA — Theatre attendance in this area
is feeling the expected postwar slump. Some
new exhibitors are afraid of the pinch but,
on the whole the experienced theatre owner
looks upon the situation as a return to
normalcy.
According to Ralph Q. Bartlett, city man-
ager of Fox theatres, that even though
business is definitely off, “it is a return to
normal time business levels rather than so-
called bad business. We have gotten so used
to boomtime crowds that we are finding it
hard to adjust ourselves to the slackening
off at the boxoffice.”
Sullivan Theatres, like Fox, is considering
no new or reinstituted inducements other
than publicity to maintain high attendance
levels. The Crawford and Civic, both Sulli-
van houses, continue their policy of special
types of programs to suit certain types of
audiences, however, with the Bre’r Fox club
for kiddies at the Crawford and the Quizzer
Baseball radio show at the Civic, both of
which were prevalent during the war.
Mrs. T. H. Slothower, who with her hus-
MINNEAPOLIS — Approved fare for Satur-
day matinees for youngsters will be offered
on a trial basis by at least 31 theatres here.
Saturday matinees had been the target of
complaints by parent-teacher groups who
said there was too much horror and shooting.
North Central Allied, however, pledged their
31 theatres in Minneapolis to show films
found suitable for children by the National
Board of Review and the Children’s Film
library.
Hugh Flynn, chairman of Minneapolis PTA
council’s “crime and horror” committee, was
notified of the trial by Stanley Kane, execu-
tive director for North Central. Kane said
Saturday thrill shows will be eliminated until
the end of May.
Flynn is sending letters to PTA and school
units asking support of approved films so
theatre owners will find continuance of the
policy profitable.
R. K. Stonebrook to Head
The Orpheum in Omaha
OMAHA — William Miskell, Tri-States Thea-
tres district manager, announced two major
appointments here.
Rollin K. Stonebrook, former manager of
the Omaha Theatre, was named manager of
the 3,000-seat Orpheum. Stonebrook is re-
turning to the circuit after announcing plans
to enter the florist business in Iowa.
Ted Emerson, former manager of the Or-
pheum, was selected as head of publicity for
the three local Tri-States houses. Emerson
will return to work April 18 after several
months off due to illness.
Kansas Legislature Adjourns
TOPEKA — The state legislature adjourned
last week without enacting any measure di-
rectly affecting the motion picture industry.
Except for possible special sessions, the body
will not meet again for two years.
band, owns and manages a chain of theatres
here and in the surrounding area, said the
drop in business has been noticeable es-
pecially at the smaller houses. She opti-
mistically credited part of this slump to the
flu epidemic and the bad weather in Kansas
communities. “We haven’t been using pre-
miums and giveaways as yet,” she added, “but
I am keeping the idea in the back of my mind
if business continues to be as dull as it is
now.”
Along the line of premiums, Bartlett said
that he hadn’t even thought of the necessity
of using giveaways, and Sullivan Theatres is
not anticipating using them at any near
future date. Also there has been no noticeable
return of premium companies in this area.
Central City Opening
CENTRAL CITY, IOWA— A new theatre
erected here by Fay French will be opened
April 19. French describes his new house
as “Iowa’s most modern theatre.”
Wichita Showmen Accept Cutback
As Return to Postwar Normalcy
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
MW
77
KANSAS CITY
TNavid Weiss, Continental Sign Co., New
York, was here the middle of the week
conferring with M. D. “Babe” Cohn, man-
ager of the Newman Theatre. Their huddle
was about the new vertical sign to be in-
stalled on the theatre when the Newman
will be renamed the Paramount.
George A. Smith, Paramount western divi-
sion sales manager; Richard P. Morgan, home
office legal depart-
ment, and Ralph C.
LiBeau, local district
manager, held confer-
ences in the local of-
fice Monday, Tuesday
and Wednesday. Also
attending were Mau-
rice S c h w i t z e r, St.
Louis manager; Harry
Hamburg, Des Moines
chief; Don Hicks,
Omaha; Ray Copeland,
Kansas City.
Marguerite X. Smith, secretary to George
Fuller, local 20th-Fox manager, has a new
Chevrolet . . . Gil Canfield, local RKO pub-
licity chief, finally got his car back to town.
It broke down during Gil’s recent “Trail
Street” race through Kansas . . . F. E.
Meyers of the Civic in Brookfield was a Row
visitor.
G. J. Malafronte, assistant to F. T. Mur-
ray, who is in charge of Universal branch
operations, was in the local exchange Mon-
day. He was to return to New York shortly
. . . Bernice Siegel Sandler, recently married
to Sheldon Sandler, is back at U-I after her
honeymoon.
C. M. Lewis, regional RCA manager, and
Fred Gusler, both of Chicago, were in
the local office . . . O. K. Mason of Common-
wealth Theatres has returned to the office
after a month of relaxation in Florida. Hazel
Ralph of the accounting department is in
California for a few months rest.
Visiting NTS this week: Ray Miner of the
Miner, Moran, Kas.; Forrest White, Rex,
Burlington Junction, Mo.; H. M. Mobley,
Weston, Weston, Mo.; Hank Haberkamp, Cen-
tralia, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Logan, Park,
Eldorado Springs, Mo.; C. D. Coday, Pastime,
Marionville, Mo.; C. B. Sherman, Uptown,
St. Joseph, Mo.; A. N. Brown, Roxy, Frank-
lin, Kas.; Ross Gault, Wellsville, Wellsville,
Kas.
Other NTS callers were Harry Till of the
Courter, Hamilton, Mo.; Curley Wilson, Byers,
Excelsior Springs, Mo.; Clarence Kirby,
Drive-In, Independence, Mo.; Frank Myers,
Civic, Brookfield, Mo., and Bob Martin, Cozy,
Chetopa, Kas. . . . John Ash, MGM traveling
auditor, has left the local office and is now
in the Omaha exchange.
Lloyd Morris, Commonwealth division man-
ager from Great Bend, Kas., was in the home
office this week. Clarence Schultz left last
Thursday for Minnesota after receiving a
phone call saying his stepfather, Henry
Emme, was very ill. From last reports Emme
was improving and Schultz was to have re-
turned the middle of this week.
Don Walker, Warner publicist, returned
to Kansas City after setting up exploitation
on “The Sea Hawk” and “The Sea Wolf” as
well as “The Beast With Five Fingers” at
the Fox and Missouri theatres, respectively,
in St. Louis . . . Beverly Miller, PRC divi-
sion manager, returned last week from a
swing through Denver and Salt Lake City.
Frances Moser, Warner stenographer in the
booking department, was married March 29
to Louis Aines. She will continue working
at the local exchange . . . The rain on Friday
and the wind on Saturday caused many an
exhibitor’s spirits to falter just before Easter
Sunday, but the day turned out to be very
pleasant. Business where product warranted
business, was good throughout the city.
Jean Cull has resigned from the buying
and booking department at Commonwealth.
She and her husband will spend the sum-
mer away from the city. Jean is being re-
placed by Virginia Shumaker . . . R. C. Davi-
son, Binney, Pattonsburg, and C. C. Neher,
Near, Nortonville, Kas., were seen on the
Row this week, as were Dow Summers, Royal,
Unionville, Mo., and Thelma Morris, Plaza,
Howard, Kas., and Morris, Cimarron, Kas.
Elmer Carl Rhoden jr. has been named
assistant film buyer at Commonwealth Thea-
tres. He recently completed an inventory of
the circuit and will now serve under Bob
Shelton in the home office . . . Gus Diamond
was back after his recent trip to the west
coast . . . Bill Bradfield, Delphis, Carthage,
Mo., was a Row caller.
Redecorate at Woodward
WOODWARD, IOWA— Mr. and Mrs. Nor-
man Hanson, managers of the Sun here,
have installed a new screen and redecorated
the house.
Hal Parker Studio to Offer
Midwest Trailer Service
KANSAS CITY — Vi- So Productions, a
trailer service for the midwest, has been set
up at 1719 Wyandotte
by Hal Parker, a vet-
eran of 25 years motion
picture activity on
Filmrow. Universal
newsreel representative
here for the last six
years and former chief
photographer for the
Pratt & Whitney air-
craft engine company
during the war, Parker
will offer a complete
35mm and 16mm sound
service for this area
through Hal Parker
Studios. HAL PARKER
Film strips, educational and advertising
stills and motion pictures as well as theatre
trailers are also a part of the Vi- So program.
Physical facilities of the Hal Parker Studios
include complete motion picture and still
laboratory as well as photographic equipment.
According to Parker, this enables one-day
service on most orders at the present time.
Delores Ray Is Flag Bearer
NORTH KANSAS CITY, MO.— Veterans of
Foreign Wars and its auxiliary held a joint
installation service at Kiwanis hall here, nam-
ing Mrs. Delores Ray, wife of the assistant
manager of the Armour Theatre as flag-
bearer for the auxiliary. The ceremony, held
in connection with a memorial service, was
open to the public. Despite a downpour ap-
proximately 100 attended.
Reject United Film Request
KANSAS CITY — The city plan commission
has disapproved an application by United
Film Service to rezone city property to per-
mit construction of a new $100,000 plant.
The proposed structure, to include office,
photographic and laboratory space for 200
employes, was planned to replace the present
United Film location at 2449 Charlotte.
CPA Nod to Lyons, Neb.
LYONS, NEB. — The Civilian Production
administration has approved Henry Leriger’s
application for a new theatre here.
Loretta Young in 'Rachel'
Loretta Young has been signed for the
starring role in “Rachel” by RKO.
LOBBY MATS AVAILABLE AGAIN!
CORRUGATED and PERFORATED
U. S. ROYAUTE QUALITY
in V4” — %” and Vz" thickness. Cloth Inserted.
BLACK— MAROON— RED— WHITE— GREEN— YELLOW— BLUE— SALMON
Afosiap'iattt'l - jdeMesutUf - GUecheSiAaaSid
Durable, Slip-Proof, Decorative, Noiseless.
Send Measurements. Write for Information.
B. D. MANN CABPET COMPANY
930 Central Kansas City, Mo.
Also Leather Cocoa, Rubber Link and
Woven Tire Mats
78
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
From the BOXOFFICE Files
• • *
(Twenty Years Ago)
n KANSAS exhibitor announced that his
house would soon play a picture called
“The Deaf and Dumb Sheik.” When it ar-
rived it was titled “The Silent Lover” . . .
Russell Borg, assistant manager of the Edu-
cational exchange in Kansas City, was on
a trip into northern Missouri last week . . .
E. C. Rhoden, manager of the Midwest ex-
change, went to Oklahoma City, Tulsa and
Springfield last week . . . The Ellsworth
Theatre at 39th and Prospect, Kansas City,
was opened by H. E. Hightower recently . . .
The Gayety Theatre, for many years a bur-
lesque house, opened last week with a dra
matic stock company and first run pictures.
* * *
C. C. Knipe, who has been in charge of
the poster departments in six of the Uni-
versal branches in the midwest, has been
made assistant branch manager of the Kan-
sas City branch. He succeeds Art Gebaur,
who has been made a representative cover-
ing northern Missouri . . . O. K. Mason has
taken over the Star Theatre, Newton, Kas.,
from Mrs. C. Wagner.
* * *
Julian H. King of the United Film Ad Serv-
ice of Kansas City made a trip to Atlanta
last week . . . There were many ill grand-
mothers, dying uncles and severe headaches
on Filmrow last week. It was the opening of
baseball season . . . T. W. Henry, formerly
United Artists manager in Kansas City, has
accepted a position as special representative
for MGM in Minneapolis. Henry resigned a
few months ago as Omaha district manager
for United Artists.
* * *
The Blake Theatre at Webb City, Mo., has
TALKING TRAILERS, LOBBY PAPER
AND MATS
Write, Wire or Phone
PENNINGTON POSTER SERVloE
130 West 18th Phone: GRand 8626
Kansas City 8, Mo.
FLAMEPROOFING
CHEMICALS
with
Vinyl-Resinous Base
Will not Stain or Powder Off
THE CHEM-O-SCIEN CO.
807-A E. 31st St. Kansas City 3. Mo.
VAlentine 3765
spent $20,000 in completely remodeling the
house . . . Bert Edwards, formerly branch
manager for Fox in Kansas City, has been
appointed district manager for the Advance
Trailer Service Corp. with headquarters here.
* * *
F. W. Meade of the Meade Theatre, King-
man, Kas., used an exploitation stunt which
caused considerable flurry. When he was get-
ting ready to show “Up in Mabel’s Room”
he sent letters to some of his men patrons,
reading :
“Dear Bob: Be certain to meet me up
in Mabel’s room Monday night at eight.
“SYLVIA.”
“In each letter,” said Meade, “we used the
first name of the man addressed, perfumed
the letters, and I nearly got whipped two
or three times, but it started them talking.”
More Houses Sign Up
For Hospital Benefit
OMAHA — Thirty-one additional Nebraska
and Iowa theatres have agreed to stage chil-
dren’s matinees for the benefit of the Chil-
dren’s Memorial hospital. They include:
Nebraska — Ainsworth in Ainsworth; Miller
in Atkinson; State in Auburn; Mazda in
Aurora; Rock in Bassett; Victory in Beatrice;
Campbell in Campbell; State in Central City;
Chester in Chester; Opera House in Clarkson;
Lyric in Creighton; Auditorium in Emerson;
Lyric in Edgar ; Eldorado in Ewing ; Modern in
Fairfield; Gib in Gibbon; Harvard in Har-
vard; Opera House in Guide Rock; Majestic
in Hebron; Royal in O’Neill; Stuart in Stuart;
Niobrara in Springview; Victory in Tilden,
and Jewell in Valentine.
Iowa — Harris in Avoca; Logan in Logan;
Rialto in Missouri Valley; Liberty in Oak-
land; Strand in Sidney; Sutherland in Suth-
erland, and Walnut in Walnut.
Meyer L. Stern, treasurer of the Omaha
Variety Club, which is spearheading the cam-
paign, said that this year’s donations prob-
ably will exceed the $14,000 collected last year.
Standard admission charges for the matinees
are 25 cents.
Omaha Minister to RKO
In Making Lutheran Film
OMAHA — The Rev. Lawrence Acker, pas-
tor of the First Lutheran church, left this
week for Culver City, where he will help RKO
in production of a film portraying the hard-
ships of early Lutheran ministers in the
midwest.
He will be the spiritual director of the pic-
ture. Said Acker: “I don’t know much about
how they make these pictures, but the Lu-
theran authorities seem to think I am the
best man for the job.”
The picture is being made in connection
with the 100th anniversary of the Missouri
synod of the Lutheran church. The Omaha
pastor will be gone two months.
POP CORN BOXES
10c Size
ATTRACTIVE DESIGN
IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT
Paper Supply Co.
505 Delaware Street
KANSAS CITY 6. MO.
Eddie Dean Will Lead
Topeka Rodeo July 4
TOPEKA — Eddie Dean, PRC western star,
is to be grand marshal at the Santa Fe
Trails rodeo here July 4-6, Beverly Miller,
PRC division manager from Kansas City,
said this week.
Present plans for advance publicity in-
clude newspaper and radio buildups such as
plugs over WIBW for all Eddie Dean play-
dates in Kansas between now and the
Fourth. In addition, the rodeo will sponsor
a statewide beauty contest to choose the
queen of the celebration. Entrance photo-
graphs will be judged by Dean and the PRC
studio. The 12 winners will be judged in a
final elimination here May 31. The queen
will receive a free trip to Hollywood, a screen
test and a small bit in a forthcoming Eddie
Dean film.
Fairfax Theatre Is Open
FAIRFAX, S. D. — The Fairfax Theatre, lo-
cated in the Starcher block owned by the city
of Fairfax, now is open. The theatre portion
of the building was remodeled and the thea-
tre equipped by the city. Davis Brothers are
operating the house.
CDIIT UlCPTEPU
STAGE EQUIPMENT COMPANY
jjiftn
1 1
IILUItmi.
EVERYTHING
BOX OFFICE
FOR
THE STAGE • AUDITORIUM • LOBBY
1324 Grand Ave., Kansas City 6, Mo.
POPCORN . . Best Quality . . Guaranteed Volume
Paper Lined Bags — From New Processor
$9.25 per 100 Lbs., FOB. Kansas City
rei/e
THEATRE SUPPLY
• COMPANY •
217 W. 18th St.
Kansas City 8. Mo.
Satisfaction — Always
Missouri Theatre Supply Co.
L. J. KIMBRIEL. Manager
Phone GRand 2864
US 115 W. 18th Kansas City 8. Mo.
THEATRE INSURANCE Spedalist
Serving You Since 1918
Till* and Tru*t Bldg. Kan«ai Cily 6, Mo.
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
79
DES MOINES
Oeveral branch managers attended sales
meetings last week. Dave Nelson, Re-
public, was in Chicago for conferences; Harry
Hamburg, Paramount, was in Kansas City,
and Mayo Beatty attended Monogram’s
regional sales meeting in Chicago. Lou Levy,
Universal, was also out of the city.
A. H. Blank spent several days last week in
Omaha on business . . . Ann Groves, G. Ralph
Branton’s secretary, will leave her job May 5
to await the stork’s visit. Madge Ward Clark,
formerly A. H.’s secretary, will replace Ann.
Wanda Reyes, Warner stenographer, is on
vacation . . . Bill Barker, former booker at
Columbia here and now at the Columbia ex-
change in Omaha, was in town to attend the
funeral of his father who died last Saturday
. . . Ray Russell, NSS booker, has returned
from the service and is back at his desk . . .
Esther Huston, Universal, spent Easter in
Gillman . . . Mable Magnusson’s son is home
on leave this week.
Peter Thompson, new U-I star, is a former
resident of Ottumwa, where several years ago
he served as doorman at the Capitol Theatre.
His parents still live there. Peter, who served
in the navy during the war, was given a role
as a soldier in the new Abbott-Costello opus,
“Buck Privates Come Home.” He is married
to an Ottumwa girl, the former Marjorie
Corbett and their son Jerry was born in
Ottumwa.
Barbara Newbold, exhibitor at Keosauqua,
and Raymond Baltzley of Bussey, were among
visitors on the Row last week . . . Ralph Hay-
den, Paramount’s office manager, spent the
Easter weekend in Sedalia, Mo. . . . Pearl
Robbins, salesman at Paramount, was on the
sick list last week . . . Betty Lou Nissen is
the new receptionist at MGM. Betty Lou
hails from Kamrar, Iowa . . . Roy Disney,
treasurer of the Des Moines Theatre here,
was married last Tuesday.
Pastor Is a Real Showman;
Mixes Recreation, Religion
DES MOINES— Dr. W. H. Alexander, pastor
of the First Christian church in Oklahoma
City, never got to Hollywood, but last week
he did appear at the Paramount Theatre
here.
Dr. Alexander, six feet three inches tall
and a former light heavyweight boxing cham-
pion, was offered a seven-year motion pic-
ture contract in Hollywood two years ago.
He turned do,wn the offer.
Last week his appearance on the Para-
mount Theatre stage before several thousand
persons was only vaguely reminiscent of his
days as a former entertainer on a theatre
circuit. This time he was conducting Holy
week services for the city’s Easter observa-
tion.
Dr. Alexander’s theatre background is evi-
dent from the manner in which he has built
up his Oklahoma City church. His congrega-
tion of 4,600 is the largest in the Disciples of
Christ denomination.
Bill — as he is known to his parishioners —
has a flair for showmanship. His church has
bought a 40-acre golf course in Oklahoma
City where, in addition to a huge church,
extensive recreational facilities will be in-
stalled to the tune of $2,000,000. The new
enterprise will include bowling alleys, gym-
nasiums, pool tables, a swimming pool, base-
ball diamond, tennis courts and playgrounds.
Crowds who heard Bill talk here last week
agreed that Hollywood’s loss is Oklahoma
City’s gain.
'Lives' Opens April 17
DES MOINES — “The Best Years of Our
Lives” will be shown at advanced prices be-
ginning April 17 at the Orpheum Theatre
here. Screening of the first three-hour pic-
ture since “Gone With the Wind” will be
continuous with no reserved seats. Doors
will open daily at 9:45 a. m.
Legion Show Opens
SIOUX CITY, IOWA— The American Le-
gion-sponsored Sioux Center Theatre has
opened with matinees, during a student mu-
sical festival. Regular evening shows are at
7:30 o’clock with admission 40 and 10 cents.
Fairbury Majestic Sold
FAIRBURY, NEB.— E. T. Woods has sold
the Majestic Theatre Bldg, here, now undei
lease to the Tri-States Theatre Corp., to
Harold Junker for a price in excess of $30,000.
Fetes Cub Scouts
MAQUOKETA, IOWA— Twenty-three cub
Scouts were guests of Cliff Lindblad, local
theatre owner, at a free show last Saturday.
COMPLETELY NEW
HORKY’S CAFE
Bigger and Better Than Ever
— Featuring ’Delish' Steaks
1202 High St. Des Moines. Iowa
"Where Filmrow Friends Gather”
Open Daily at 4 p. m.
Jn advance of iti timed . . .
The new Motiograph MODEL “AA”
"The Golden Anniversary Projector"
Des Moines Theatre Supply Co.
1121 High Street
Des Moines, Iowa
Telephone 3-6520
80
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
'Best Years' Biggest;
Easter 'Egg' Bright
Tri-States Offers Prize of $1,000
in Iowa Safe Driving Contest
KANSAS CITY— Despite heavy rains Fri-
day followed by strong winds to usher in the
Easter weekend, grosses for the city reached
a peak unattained for many weeks. The list
of superior product in first run situations
was headed by “The Best Years of Our Lives,”
playing for $1 and $1.50 at the Tower, and
“The Egg and I” at regular prices at the
Uptown, Esquire and Fairway.
Top figure of the stanza went to the
Academy winner due to increased admission
fees, but in reality the film was doing only
as was expected by the management. Hit of
the week, therefore, actually was “The Egg
and I,” which rang up a startling 220 and
became the biggest regular-priced film ever
to play the three Fox Midwest day and date
houses. Likewise, at the Newman “California”
reached heights surpassed by only a handful
of pictures that have ever played that
theatre.
The neighborhood Gillham, showing first
run for the first time, played “The Road to
Hollywood” paired with “Hawaii Calls,” a re-
issue, to first-day audiences equal to the
normal week-long attendance. Only the Mid-
land and the Orpheum were to have new
features at the end of the week, with “The
Macomber Affair” entering the Loew’s house
and “Stallion Road” slated for the RKO
theatre.
(Average is 100)
Esquire, Uptown, Fairway — The Egg and I (U-l) 220
Gillham — The Road to Hollywood (SG);
Hawaii Calls (SG) Avg. not set
Kimo — The Well-Digger's Daughter (Siritzky-
International) , 3rd wk 140
Midland — Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (MGM);
My Brother Talks to Horses (MGM) 110
Newman — California (Para) 185
Orpheum — Pursued (WB); Ginger (Mono) .100
Tower — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
roadshow 325
Omaha Goes for 'Trail Street';
’Suddenly Spring' Also Good
OMAHA — “Trail Street” and “Cigarette
Girl” caught the fancy of patrons here to
give the RKO-Brandeis a banner week. Easter
weekend business helped but even so two first
run theatres were below par. Rain prevailed
through most of the week.
Omaha — Magnificent Doll (U-I);
Vacation Days (Mono) 90
Orpheum — Gallant Bess (MGM);
Bringing Up Father (Mono)... 90
Paramount — Suddenly It's Spring (Para) .125
RKO Brandeis — Trail Street (RKO);
Cigarette Girl (Col) 135
State — Humoresque (WB), 2nd run;
Lighthouse (PRC) 120
Town — Roll on Texas Moon (Rep); The Perfect
Clue (Maj), reissue, split with Thrill of
Brazil (Col), 2nd run; Gallant Journey (Col),
Rainbow Over the Rockies (Mono) 115
’Trail Street' Tops in Des Moines;
’Razor's Edge' in Triple Opening
DES MOINES — “The Razor’s Edge,” al-
though grossing better than average, proved
less popular here than “Trail Street” last
week. “Trail Street,” on a double bill at the
Orpheum, packed them in to the tune of 25
per cent above normal while “The Razor’s
Edge” was doing 5 per cent over par. “Razor”
was playing simultaneously at three Tri-
States houses — the Des Moines, Ingersoll and
Roosevelt. It will be held over for a second
week at the Ingersoll.
Des Moines, Ingersoll and Roosevelt —
The Razor's Edge (20th-Fox) 105
Orpheum — Trail Street (RKO);
Beat the Band (RKO) 125
Paramount— It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM) 100
Paul Phillips New Owner
SOLDIER, IOWA — Paul Phillips has pur-
chased the Soldier Theatre from Conrad
Evenson. Evenson will continue to run an-
other business here.
Tampico Policy to Change;
Will Play Unusual Films
KANSAS CITY — While announcing the
closing of the Dickinson Theatre, Glen Dick-
inson, owner of the local chain bearing his
name, said that the Tampico Theatre policy
would be changed April 11 to one of playing
unusual American and foreign product. This
policy will virtually duplicate that of the
Dickinson Kimo, which has featured foreign
product for the last several months.
The Tampico has been a- Dickinson house
for five years, and for the last three of these
has been operated as a Mexican-language
house. Remodeling of the neighborhood show-
case is now in progress and new seats have
been purchased. Sam Haldeman will manage
the theatre, which will offer as its first attrac-
tion under the new setup “The Heart of New
York” paired with “ ’Neath Canadian Skies.”
This dual bill will be followed by “The Stone
Flower,” Artkino release which won first
prize for color photography at the recent
International Cinema Festival at Cannes.
Kansas City Men Build
Drive-In Near St. Joseph
ST. JOSEPH, MO.— L. E. Pope, W. E.
Whaley and C. H. Martin jr„ all of Kansas
City, have formed Missouri Motor Movies and
have begun grading for a 600-car drive-in
theatre to be erected one-half mile east of here
at the intersection of highways 71 and 36. The
project is to be completed in about six weeks.
Although the theatre will be constructed
to accommodate 600 automobiles, equipment
has been purchased to handle 1,000 cars on
the 18-acre tract. In-the-car speakers, a 30
by 40 foot screen and elaborate concessions
stand are to be features of the open-airer.
Omaha Theatres Face
Much April Competition
OMAHA — April is a big month in the en-
tertainment business here, with these non-
film attractions booked: April 7, 8, Omaha
Symphony; 9-15, Shrine circus, City Audi-
torium; 13, Paul Robeson; 15, Katharine Cor-
nell in “The Barretts of Wimpole Street”;
17-19, San Carlo Opera company; 22-26,
“Oklahoma!” and 27, Lauritz Melchior and
symphony orchestra. On the sports side will
be the start of Western league baseball sea-
son, the U.S. league hockey playoffs and the
weekly boxing show.
No Panic in Fire
IOWA CITY, IOWA — A smouldering piece
of equipment along a basement wall at the
Capitol here was enough to drive more than
300 patrons out into the street one night
last week. Firemen were called and the
customers returned shortly to see the rest
of the show. There was no panic.
Clearwater House Is Sold
CLEARWATER, NEB.— The Oak Theatre
here, owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs.
Joe Maschi for the past year, has been sold
to Harry Cooper and Vic Cram. The new
owners have taken possession.
DES MOINES — More than 20 Iowa cities
and towns have entered the $1,000 safe
driving contest sponsored by the Tri-States
Theatre Corp., G. Ralph Branton, Tri-States
general manager, announced last week.
Tri-States is offering $1,000 in cash to the
city or town in Iowa doing the best traffic
safety job. The money awarded is to be spent
for safety improvements in the prizewinning
locality.
The campaigns are being underwritten in
most cities throughout the state by Junior
Chambers of Commerce.
“VIGILANTES ARE COMING”
In Des Moines, the chamber started its
campaign with a teaser slogan: “The Vigi-
lantes Are Coming,” and the first week in
April Des Moines motorists were warned that
a band of 600 vigilantes would begin a drive
to save lives by curbing traffic law violations.
The general campaign slogan is, “Save a
Life, It May Be Yours.” Iowa theatres are
cooperating with screen trailers. On many
theatre marquees there is a torch burning
with the legend: “Keep the light burning,
save a life.” The light is to burn until there
is a traffic fatality in the city.
COURTESY TO BE REWARDED
In Davenport, H. D. Grove, Tri-States dis-
trict manager, plans to award courteous
drivers with free theatre tickets. Grove is
also offering free shows to safety patrol
groups. Here, also, junior chamber members
will serve as traffic watchers and report viola-
tions. As in Des Moines, violators will re-
ceive a courtesy letter calling attention to
their aberration.
Branton last week said the campaign was
being underwritten by Tri-States as a means
of keeping theatres active in the life of the
community during peacetime. He said he
felt that with the war at an end, theatres
should not relax in their contribution to com-
munity welfare. The increasing death toll in
traffic accidents, Branton said, makes this
campaign of the greatest value to all Iowa.
Brown Buys at Fonda
FUNDA, IOWA — A. L. Brown has purchased
the Amuzu Theatre here.
Boys Town Head to Japan
OMAHA — Msgr. Edward J. Flanagan, the
founder of Boys Town, left Monday at the
request of President Truman to help set up
a child welfare program in Japan.
KNOWN BRANDS
5c Candy Bars
Exclusive Candy Service for Midwest Theatres.
Known brands of popular 5c Candy Bars
selling at 5c.
Write today for full information on our CANDY
SERVICE PLAN for theatres. We are now serving
a large number of Midwest Theatres.
NEBRASKA
Candy Concessions, Inc.
938-940 North 24th Street,
OMAHA, NEBR.
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
81
OMAHA
JJeith Bain, RKO exploiteer here, has been
transferred to Portland, Ore. A suc-
cessor hasn’t been named yet . . . Morton
Eichenberg jr., Columbia salesman, found
housing so tough here he decided to set up
headquarters way out in Hastings.
Donald Hicks, Paramount branch manager,
was in Kansas City for a company meeting
. . . Bert Thacker, south Sioux City exhibitor,
is laid up with the flu . . . B. C. Marcus, Co-
lumbia district manager in Kansas City, was
in town early in the week.
Kenneth Aschim of the Orpheum in Des
Moines will move to Omaha Wednesday (16)
to become treasurer of the RKO-Brandeis.
He will bring a bride with him. The wedding
was to be Saturday to Norma Gene Henry,
who has been employed in the MGM office in
Des Moines. Aschim was here during the
week for a visit to his new theatre.
A. H. Blank, head of Tri-States Theatres,
and Mrs. Blank, Des Moines, were among
those here for the opening of the new Chief
Theatre in south Omaha ... Fred Thortsen,
MGM salesman, finds the latest rains set-
ting things right for big operations on his
“farm” this year.
H. B. Johnson, Universal branch manager,
and Mrs. Johnson spent the Easter weekend
with their son’s family in Minneapolis . . .
Hazel Anderson has a fancy display up for
the Academy award winning short, “The Cat
Concerto.” She heads the MGM short sub-
jects drive here.
Burns Ellison jr., son of the manager of
the Columbus and Swan theatres in Co-
lumbus, Neb., is pretty much the talk of the
town these days. He gained local and stage
recognition for an early-season 3% -pound
bass catch. The 13-year-old followed up the
next week by winning an Americanism essay
contest staged by the American Legion aux-
iliary.
Ivan Maule, who left Nebraska film busi-
ness not so long ago, has landed in El Monte,
Calif., and is working for a theatre there.
The former Blair resident found the breaks
with him — he landed good housing quarters
right off . . . John Ash, MGM auditor, is in
town.
The Variety Club met Monday on the Chil-
dren’s hospital benefit matinees. Branch
managers also held a session. They dis-
cussed the Greek orphan relief drive . . .
Services were held TMesday in Des Moines
for Richard Barker, 84, father of William
Barker, Columbia salesman.
Visitors along Filmrow included Mrs. Fred
Schuler, Humboldt; Earl Barclay, Stroms -
burg; A. Burrus, Crete; H. O. Qualsett, Teka-
mah; Carl Johnson, Red Oak, Iowa; F. A.
Bryceson, Moorehead, Iowa; Doc Nulteus,
Mapleton, Iowa; Paul Phillips, Soldier, Iowa;
W. C. White, Utica; T. J. Anderson, Exeter
and Fairmount; Mons Thompson, St. Paul;
Jeannette Shoeneman, Wahoo, and E. L.
Bartak, Greeley.
The Orpheum and State theatres this year
were again the site of religious services each
weekday noon during Holy week . . . MGM’s
Barbara Gregg was married to war veteran
Jerome Lipsky Easter night. The couple will
go to New York after a honeymoon in St.
Louis.
Sam Weller, advertising representative for
“Oklahoma!” was in town . . . R. D. Gold-
berg’s attempt to bring art pictures into
the Dundee Theatre paid off on “Adventure
in Music.” Patrons packed the house. Allan
Kohan, advertising chief, contacted musical
clubs, music teacher associations and had
the picture mentioned in school bulletins and
on the Joslyn Memorial bulletin board.
Blanche Colbert Acquires
Joy in North Bend, Neb.
NORTH BEND, NEB. — Edward Gannon,
Schuyler exhibitor, has sold his Joy Theatre
here to Blanche Colbert.
Fred Munson Building
LAKIN, KAS. — Fred Munson, well-known
theatre man from Dighton, is building a new
400-seat theatre for this community. Until
now, Munson has been operating in the local
schoolhouse in order to provide motion pic-
ture entertainment for Lakin.
Frazee House Is Sold
FRAZEE, MINN.— W. S. Carlson has sold
his Lynn Theatre here to Elmer Fisher of
Morris and Thomas Johnson of Alberta. Carl-
son and his family will move to Elkton, Ore.,
where they have purchased a theatre.
Ideal to Larger Quarters
MINNEAPOLIS — Virgil N. Price and Robert
L. Komar ek, partners in Ideal Pictures of
Minneapolis, will move about April 15 to a
new and larger location, 301 W. Lake St.,
which also incorporates a screening and dis-
play room.
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 of which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE, DATE <S RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE
NAME POSITION
Pioneer Will Construct
Third at Storm Lake
STORM LAKE, IOWA— A third theatre
will be opened here in the near future by
the Pioneer Theatre Corp. of Minneapolis.
Bill Hill, Storm Lake manager for the com-
pany, announced last week that the com-
pany will rebuild the former Tracy Theatre
here into a modern picture house. The
Kaplan Theatrical Architects of Minne-
apolis, which recently completed plans for a
new Pioneer house at Carroll, will handle
the designs.
Mrs. Harold Field, wife of the president
of Pioneer, will outline the interior decora-
tions. She is an interior decorator.
Included in the plans are an entire new
front along the latest theatrical design. The
work is expected to be completed within 90
days.
President Field said the new theatre is be-
ing added to meet the rapid growth Storm
Lake is enjoying and the anticipated rapid
expansion of the city.
No name has been chosen for the new
house. A plan is being worked out to choose
a name by contest. The idea would be to
keep the name in character with the city as
has been done with the other two Pioneer
houses— the Vista and Lake.
The old Tracy Theatre went dark three
years ago after being operated for years by
Mike Tracy.
Hughes Working on Deal
For 'Outlaw' in Mill City
MINNEAPOLIS — Harry Gold of the Howard
Hughes organization was here attempting to
line up a deal by which “The Outlaw” may
at last be shown in Minneapolis. The film,
already shown in outstate towns — Bemidji re-
ported it did big business — was turned down
by Minnesota Amusement Co. but Gold was
reported also dickering with such independ-
ents as Berger Amusement Co. and with the
Lyceum, ordinarily a home for legitimate
productions. The Lyceum served recently,
however, as showcase for the roadshow of
“Henry V.”
Omaha Salesmen Form
Chapter of Colosseum
OMAHA — The 14th lodge of the Colosseum
of Motion Picture Salesmen of America has
been formed here. Officers are William
Barker of Columbia, president; I. M. Weiner
of Universal, vice-president; and Leon Men-
delson of Warner Bros., secretary-treasurer.
Officers said the purpose of the organization
would be to seek higher salaries and increased
allowances and expenses.
We DECORATE While You
OPERATE — No Need to Close
HART THEATRICAL DECORATING CO.
J925 - 21 St. - DENVER
Ph. Tabor 4962n
iwl
THEATRE brokers
1650 LOGAN ftVt-
82
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
Air Conditioning Cut
Threatened in K. C.
KANSAS CITY— A critical threat to hot
weather operation of motion picture theatres
in this city was discussed at a meeting of
the Kansas City theatre committee Tuesday
at Hotel Muehlebach following a request made
by the local power and light company to the
state power commission for authority to cut
air conditioning service in local theatres, and
to other users of such current during certain
peak hours if deemed necessary.
The situation has arisen from the fact that
the Kansas City Power & Light Co. has been
unable to obtain sufficient new equipment
to handle increased postwar loads. Peak loads
in this community, according to Harry B.
Munsell, president of the Kansas City Power
& Light Co., are now just 3,000 kilowatts short
of wartime loads. “With Kansas City’s con-
tinuing and substantial growth irrespective
of war influences, the use of electricity here
is going up all the time,” he said. “It is go-
ing to be extremely difficult for us to serve
our customers adequately during the current
summer peak periods.”
The theatre committee, representing the
five downtown first run houses, discussed the
matter and decided to investigate fully the
advisability of requesting the power company
to give theatres special consideration in light
of the crippling effect such a move would
have on summer business.
Screening Party Is Locale
Of Des Moines Broadcast
DES MOINES — In the campaign on “Sud-
denly It’s Spring” at the Des Moines, a spe-
cial screening was arranged for members of
the United Commercial Travelers of America
and KCBC made the affair the locale of its
program, KCBC Goes to a Party.
It was the first screening attended by the
KCBC partygoers, Mary Jane Schinn and
Gene Milner. They recorded interviews with
guests and played them back on the air the day
before the opening of the picture. KCBC
made announcements calling attention to the
program and the United Commercial Trav-
elers sent out over 800 mailing pieces asking
members to listen.
This stunt was arranged by Harold Lyon,
Manager of the Des Moines; Russ Fraser,
head of the exploitation department of Tri-
States, and J. S. Castle, Paramount’s special
representative.
Sam Burger and His Bride
Back From Chicago Visit
MINNEAPOLIS — Sam Burger, owner of the
Grand here, has resumed management of
the theatre following a 15-day honeymoon
sightseeing in and around Chicago. Burger
married Mrs. Esther Goodman February 22.
Macke Brothers Reopening
Theatre in Mullen, Neb.
MULLEN, NEB. — The Macke brothers will
reopen the Mullen Theatre April 15. The
house has been closed more than a year for
remodeling.
New Sound at Englert
IOWA CITY, IOWA — The Englert here was
closed two days last week for installation
of a new sound and speaker system. A1
Davis is manager.
Missouri Exhibitors Asked
To Fight Censor Measure
Plans for MPF Session
In Kansas City Are Set
KANSAS CITY— A. Jules Benedic, tempo-
rary chairman in this area, and seven local
committeemen of the Motion Picture Foun-
dation completed arrangements for the first
general area meeting and dinner April 18.
The meeting will draw from every branch of
the industry. A panel will be formed of from
seven to 17 representatives to serve on the
national body, formed to take care of the
industry’s unfortunates.
Assisting Benedic are Senn Lawler and
M. D. “Babe” Cohn, exhibition; Arthur Cole
and Walter Lambader, distribution; L. J.
Kimbriel and Arthur de Stefano, equipment,
and Finton Jones, allied lines.
This week the organization’s national head-
quarters in New York sent to every exhibitor
in the U.S. a prospectus outlining the tasks
and goals of the foundation. Two principal
functions are to assist needy persons asso-
ciated with the film industry and to assist
or carry on benevolent, charitable, educa-
tional or scientific activities.
MINNEAPOLIS
TU’ight clubs have spurred business with name
’ attractions. Curly’s cafe imported Michael
Douglas, ex-Kay Kyser singer, then replaced
him with Jerry Abbott after Douglas contract-
ed laryngitis, which previously had taken
Allan Jones out of the Radisson’s Flame
room. Mildred Bailey is due for a three-
week stint at Curly’s April 18. John Boles,
currently at the Flame room, will stay a
third week. Sunny Skylar, songwriter, is
holding forth at the Nicollet’s Minnesota Ter-
race. The Dyckman hotel’s Robin Hood
room, meanwhile, experimented with local
talent with success.
Travelers included Charles W. Winehell, as-
sistant to the president, and Everett E. Sei-
bel, advertising and publicity manager of
Minnesota Amusement Co., who toured south-
ern territory situations. Ray Niles, southern
district manager for the company, mean-
while, was in the home office for conferences.
Ben Ashe, Hollywood manager for National
Screen Service, was due back in his home
haunts in Minneapolis April 14 . . . Laura
Wells, representative of Enterprise Produc-
tions, visited Minneapolis ... A new Western
Airlines route established the first direct air
link between the Twin cities and Hollywood
and is expected to increase travel.
The University Film society booked a series
of single-day showings of foreign films, open-
ing with Russia’s “Ivan the Terrible” April 10
. . . “The Glass Menagerie” company re-
turns to St. Paul auditorium April 10 . . .
North Star Drama guild will present “The
Jest” April 24.
Harold Garland Dies
SUMNER, IOWA — Harold Garland, 44,
owner of the Tripoli Theatre here, died at
his home following an illness of four years
Until recently he had been an employe A
the Winks Produce Co., where he had worked
for 20 years. He is survived by his wife, a
daughter, his parents, and a sister, Mrs. Fred
Green of Fredericksburg, Iowa.
JEFFFERSON CITY — The proposed cen-
sorship bill for Missouri has been referred to
the house committee on education, and Mis-
souri exhibitors have opened their fight to
defeat the legislation.
Exhibitors have been asked to contact their
representatives to protest against the bill.
Contact should be made at the state capitol.
The membership of the education commit-
tee includes Walter Whinrey, Halltown, chair-
man; Leonard Ebrite, Gainesville; Lulu Burns,
Appleton City; James B. Moore, Hamilton;
Kirk Jones, DeSoto; Noel Cox, Spokane;
R. H. Ridenhour, Belle; Clara Aiken Speer,
Kansas City; Alice J. Tanner, Kansas City;
Bruno Sendlein, St. Louis; C. E. Rearick,
Pleasant Hill; J. O. Hays, Phillipsburg; Ralph
Lang, Edina; Joshua Thomas, St. Louis;
John P. Buckley, Hayti; Ben W. Oliver, Kan-
sas City; Fred Colombo, St. Louis; Ray Adams,
Redford; Ben Meeks, Thayer, and M. D.
Yount, Arcadia.
J. V. Hiebert Sells Theatre
WINDOM, MINN.— J. V. Hiebert has sold
his theatre at Heron Lake to Fred Deuth of
Jasper. Deuth already has taken over the
house.
Blaze at Conde, S. D.
CONDE, S. D. — The Community Theatre
here was gutted by fire last week five minutes
before show time, the audience filing out
quietly without mishap.
Add a New Marquee
MONTICELLO, IOWA — Owners of the
Monte here have installed a new all-electric
marquee which shows the theatre name in
large block letters.
Holding Prices Called
Patriotic Duty
Seymour, Mo. — G. W. Owen hasn’t
raised prices at his Owen Theatre here
in six years. He told his patrons about
his one-man fight to hold the price line
against inflation in the April calendar
program sent to them recently.
Owen gets 10 cents and 25 cents for
tickets (all taxes paid, state and federal,
his program points out), and for April
at least, he said, prices will remain the
same.
“For April we have tried to get a
variety of pictures and in spite of the
advance in price of everything we buy
— films, express and everything else —
we have not advanced the price,” said
Owen. “You pay just what you did six
years ago. While we are trying to hold
the line we have felt everything might
level off soon, but it seems everyone
wants more money than the other fellow
and doesn’t seem to understand this is
what causes inflation. I feel that if
everyone would be satisfied with less
profit and help hold down prices we
would all be helping the country to
hold down inflation to the advantage
of all. Let’s all be patriotic and help
get the country back on an even keel.”
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
83
s.
ceneA
!
WASHINGTON REPORT
The importance of accurate news is ap-
preciated by BOXOFFICE readers, but the
News Behind the News is often of equal im-
portance. The weekly Washington Report,
right from the source of many important de-
velopments, is a revealing and valuable fea-
ture that widens the horizon of every reader.
The new political situation in the nation's capi-
tal is fraught with many possibilites. The Wash-
ington Report adds much to your reading pleas-
ure.
HOLLYWOOD REPORT
Personalities and situations that may be side-
stepped in a strictly news story are often as
important as the news itself when reported
separately. The Hollywood Report, published
weekly in BOXOFFICE, affords many a porten-
tous behind-the-scenes glimpse into Cinema-
land.
Keeping up with the news and understanding
current developments better is made easier and
more enjoyable with such featured depart-
ments as Hollywood Report, typical BOX-
OFFICE feature.
Every Issue Tremendously Worth While!
• BOXOFFICE ‘
Newsiest Tradepaper in the Industry
North Central to Hear
Antitrust Attorney
MINNEAPOLIS— Robert L. Wright, assist-
ant attorney general who handled the anti-
trust case, will speak at the convention of
North Central Allied April 21, 22 in Nicollet
hotel.
The convention has been billed as the first
postwar meeting of independents. Displays of
manufacturers and suppliers will necessitate
use of two ballrooms in the Nicollet.
Ben Berger, North Central president, an-
nounced Wright had agreed to interpret the
film sales decree. His will be featured ap-
pearance on the convention program.
Canada Is Leading World
In Documentary Pictures
From Canadian Edition
WINNIPEG — Canada is leading the world
in the development of the documentary film
and the National Film board has won in-
ternational repute as a model of organization,
R. Maslyn Williams, official representative'
of the Australian government, said here re-
cently.
Williams said the National Film board is
the envy of other countries because of its
ability to get down to the grass-roots level,
both in producing and distributing its pic-
tures. He found its strength to lie in its
idea of service to the community at large.
This made it, he said, the most objective of
government organizations, having a keen
sense of self-criticism while, expressing
various forms of governmental activity.
Williams pointed out that some of the
outstanding contributions to the philosophy
of the documentary are coming from people
associated with the National Film board. He
said in New York, where the documentary
movement was most active in the U.S., the
main work was being done by Canadians.
Developing his theme, Williams spoke of
John Grierson, former head of the film board,
whose new company, the World Today, was
bringing a dynamic approach to world prob-
lems in terms of the documentary. He pointed
out that Ralph Poster of the film board has
been in Australia aiding that country with
its film making.
He also mentioned Stanley Hawes, an-
other board member who is now in Australia
in charge of that country’s film production.
A Grierson associate, Basil Wright, is work-
ing in London and Arthur Elton is film ad-
viser to the Swedish government. With these
foremost exponents of the documentary work-
ing in close cooperation throughout the world,
Williams saw the basis established for a free
interchange of ideas through films on an
international scale.
Williams is visiting Canada in the course
of a world tour of documentary centers which
has already taken him through the U.S. and
will include Europe, India and South Africa.
He said Australians knew they could learn
a great deal from Canada, particularly about
organization of documentary films.
“However, Australia will not slavishly fol-
low the Canadian pattern but will work out
its own techniques of picture making to suit
its own national requirements,” he added.
Joe McFarland a Father
OLATHE, KAS. — Mr. and Mrs. Joe Mc-
Farland, he is the projectionist at the An-
drews Theatre here, are the parents of a girl
born April 4. They also have a son Danny,
two years old.
Plays Dogwood's Boss
Jerome Cowan will again play Dagwood’s
boss in Columbia’s “Blondie in the Dough.”
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
Projects in Columbus
Involve 20,700 Seats
COLUMBUS— A total of 20,700 seats are
projected in two huge new Civic center struc-
tures, preliminary plans for which were an-
nounced recently. The $4,500,000 Veterans
memorial group would seat 14,800 in three
auditoriums. A multimillion dollar Temple
of Goodwill would provide an additional
5,900 seats in several halls.
Trustees of the Memorial group were shown
architects’ plans, calling for a large conven-
tion hall with 7,500 to 8,100 permanent seats
and provisions for 3,000 temporary seats. It
would have facilities for ice shows, roller
skating, hockey and other entertainment. A
medium-sized music hall would have a first
floor seating capacity of 2,000, with 1,000 in
the balcony. The stage would seat 200 musi-
cians. A smaller recital hall would seat about
800.
The proposed Temple of Goodwill, spon-
sored by Protestant organizations, would be
a center for denominational and inter-
denominational events. A large auditorium,
built for church conventions and conferences,
would seat 3,000. A chapel would seat 800
and “a chapel in the clouds” would have
room for 100. In addition, there would be
large dining halls, built so that they may be
used as one large entertainment room, suit-
able for plays and other programs.
The Civic center area is directly adjacent
to the downtown theatre section.
Ralph Cundiff, J. Weddle
Purchase Allen Theatre
LIBERTY, KY. — Oscar Hooper has sold
his Allen Theatre liere to Ralph Cundiff and
John W. Weddle, and after assisting the new
owners in getting established he will move
to Lebanon, where he operates the Astra
Theatre.
Hooper and his wife took over the Allen
nine years ago after it had gone through re-
peated changes of ownership. They put the
theatre on its feet and built a new home, but
have found it inconvenient to operate theatres
in two towns.
Their home here was purchased by the
Cundiffs and a 44x250-foot lot that was in
a package with the theatre. Cundiff at one
time operated the Liberty hotel and recently
sold the Liberty grill and recreation parlor.
Maxwell Joice Transferred
To Washington Exchange
CLEVELAND — J. Maxwell Joice, Para-
mount exploiteer in the Cleveland and De-
troit areas, is now in the Paramount ex-
change at Washington as special advertising
representative. Joice made many friends dur-
ing his years in Cleveland and all wish him
well in his new assignment, which covers
Baltimore, Richmond, Norfolk and Roanoke.
James Levine takes over where Joice left
off. Levine is here from the Pittsburgh
branch where he handled publicity and ex-
ploitation.
Booth Blaze at Russell
RUSSELL, KY.— A recent booth fire in the
Queen Theatre here has forced the house to
close for repairs. A completely new projec-
tion booth is being constructed of fireproof
materials, and the lobby also is being en-
larged. Two new projectors with sound
equipment have been ordered by the owner,
Dr. A. T. Del Checcolo of Ashland.
Pennsylvania Bill Okays
Theatre Liquor Sales
HARRISBURG — While theatre admissions
tax measures are being debated in the gen-
eral assembly, other issues are piling up and
being piled under, as this is open season in
legislative circles.
Under a proposed change in the state liquor
law, theatres could be licensed to dispense
liquor. Reps. Elwood Turner and Harry
O’Neill introduced an act in the house which
would repeal the law which bars granting
a liquor license to the management of thea-
tres, circuses, museums and other amuse-
ment places. Another bill, sponsored by
Harry O’Neill and Joseph Scanlon, would
authorize liquor permits to baseball park
restaurants regardless of quota law restric-
tions. Rep. T. Emmitt Horan entered an-
other house measure which proposes the sale
of beer in professional baseball parks any
day except Sundays; permit fee for conces-
sionaires to be $100.
KEEP DAYLIGHT SAVING
Daylight saving time, pro and con, was re-
sponsible for the session’s longest debate. The
bill to abolish the practice was rejected.
Pinball machines would be taxed $10 an-
nually by the state, and juke boxes would
bring an annual state fee of $15 under terms
of J. Edward Waldron’s bill.
Gov. James H. Duff has proffered full
support to the legislative plan to give the
Pittsburgh school district the power to levy
taxes on items other than real estate.
The governor and a Republican caucus
have ruled out of consideration for the pres-
ent a state income tax, flat or graded, but a
joint resolution in the assembly calls upon
this and the 1949 legislature to approve a
constitutional amendment so that a gradu-
ated state income tax can be enacted in the
early 50s.
URGE “SCHOOL OF THE AIR”
A statewide educational network would be
established under a “school of the air” plan, a
measure proposed by Robert D. Fleming.
Master radio station, with “booster” or sub-
sidiary stations, would present no com-
mercials.
Formerly introduced into the house and
now active are these bills;
H-505: Empowering Pittsburgh to levy, as-
sess and collect additional taxes, passed first
reading, recommitted to committee and re-
reported as amended.
H-532: Regulating sale and resale of tick-
ets and licensing agents, passed first reading.
H-664; Imposing state tax on soft drinks,
passed third reading and final passage, vote
147 to 45; now in the senate, referred to com-
mittee on finance.
H-715: Exempting exhibition of religious
films by churches from provisions of the
Sunday motion picture act of 1935, passed
first reading.
TAXATION BILL ADVANCES
H-800: Empowering political subdivisions
(except cities of the first class, counties of
the first class, and school districts of the
first class) to levy, assess and collect addi-
tional taxes, passed first reading.
In the senate, the Crowe act (S-103), to
legalize ice hockey, ice shows, basketball and
bowling on Sunday after 2 p. m., was amended
to provide only for hockey and ice shows be-
tween the hours of 2 and 6 p. m. Being
eliminated are basketball and bowling. This
legislation provides for a referendum in each
municipality to determine whether the Sun-
day sports activity is desired.
A new senate bill (S-416, DiSilvestro)
would require the playing of “The Star-
Spangled Banner” prior to all performances
or meetings at all places of public assembly.
NEW BILLS IN THE HOUSE
Among new bills introduced in the house:
H-864 and 868, William J. Reilly, would
exempt television exhibitions from the pro-
visions of the act requiring special permits;
H-889, Hoffman and Jones, provides for an
amusement tax, referred to committee on
boroughs; H-947, Boorse, would increase the
maximum mill tax rate; H-971, Charles C.
Smith and Richter, empowers first class
school districts to levy additional taxes:
H-924, Stuart, would increase the license fee
of theatrical employment agencies; H-885,
Hoffman and Jones, authorizing boroughs to
levy additional tax; H-934, Hewitt and Mc-
Millen, imposing a retailers occupation tax;
H-1083, Laughner, prohibiting the sale of
tickets and evidences of admission to thea-
tres, motion picture theatres and places of
amusement unless seats are provided for
the purchaser or holder thereof, referred to
the committee on law and order.
Also H-831, Watkins, imposes a state tax
on distributors of phonograph records;
H-993, Edwin S. Livingston, imposes a state
tax on sports where an admission fee is
charged; H-849, Root and Scanlon, provides
referendums to ascertain the will of electors
on the question of baseball and football on
Sundays and establishes licensing ordinances.
Nylons in Lobby? Showmen Say 'No
Columbus — Columbus won’t have to
struggle through a mob of shoppers
in the theatre lobby or suffer through
singing commercials on the screen . . .
so writes Jack Jonas in his Capitol
Square column in the Columbus Citi-
zen.
This encouraging information was
gleaned by Jonas from local theatre
managers he queried. It was in reply
to a report published in a business
trade magazine that some theatres,
faced with declining boxoffice receipts,
were considering installation of such
merchandise lines as phonograph rec-
ords, cosmetics, nylons and toilet ar-
ticles.
One national theatre chain executive
has suggested that displays of such
goods be tied in with advertising trail-
ers plugging them on the screen. “Sort
of like singing commercials,” comment-
ed Jonas, “but we hope not.”
One local manager told Jonas of a
theatre in an Ohio city which closed its
doors during the depression but kept its
lobby open for the sale of popcorn.
Another told of a Chicago theatre which
has installed chicken slot machines.
You drop in 50 cents and out comes a
frozen portion of chicken.
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
ME
85
Theatre of Tomorrow'
For B&K in Toledo
TOLEDO — A downtown theatre costing
more than $2,000,000 will be built for Balaban
& Katz of Chicago,
whose lease on the
3,600-seat Paramount
here will expire in June
1948. The new house,
to seat 2,500, will be
built at Jackson and
Superior streets, and
will be ready for oc-
cupancy by that time,
said John Balaban,
secretary-treasurer of
the circuit, who recent-
ly concluded negoti-
ations for purchase of
the property. B&K
also operate the Princess, downtown holdover
house.
Terming the new house The Theatre of
Tomorrow, Balaban said it would be “the
most modern in the world,” devoted exclu-
sively to motion pictures and television. The
property has a frontage of 200 feet on Su-
perior street and 128 feet on Jackson street.
Marvin Harris, manager of the Paramount,
said the new site was selected because of the
proximity of parking space and public trans-
portation. '
BUILDING COSTS $1,500,000
The theatre will consist of main floor, bal-
cony and loges and the building alone will
cost more than $1,500,000. Provision will be
made for two stores on the ground floor on
Superior street, but that will be the only com-
mercial development outside of the theatre
itself. Equipment and appointments of the
new house will include all of the advances
and developments made by the B&K plan-
ning board during the war years when theatre
building was impossible, Balaban said.
Among developments to be utilized are those
of the firm’s Chicago television station,
WBKB. Balaban said large screen television
for theatres soon will become practical and
the new Toledo house will be so equipped that
important news and sports events can be
telecast.
The new house will be of modem, func-
tional design and glass plastics, and “dra-
matic” lighting will be utilized extensively.
The conventional marquee will be replaced by
a news sign which spells out running mes-
sages on the current picture and its stars.
The entrance design calls for an all-glass
front and Tuflex glass doors opening the lobby
to the sight of those passing. Concealed light-
ing effects developed in the General Elec-
tric Co.’s Nela Park laboratories in Cleveland
will highlight the appointments.
Wartime electronic discoveries, Balaban
JOHN BALABAN
General Theatre
Equipment Co.
109 Michigan St. Toledo 2, Ohio
ADams 8511 Nights and Sun. JOrdan 1G62
A complete line of equipment and supplies,
including
CENTURY PROJECTORS
CENTURY SOUND SYSTEMS
IDEAL CHAIRS
STRONG LAMPS
24-hour Repair Service by Experienced
Projection and Sound Engineers.
said, have resulted in new sound projection
devices and acoustical treatment, which will
be used for the first time when they are in-
corporated in the Toledo house. The seats
will have 36 inches from the back of one seat
to the seat behind it, and pushback chairs,
upholstered in air-foam rubber with plastic
coverings, will be installed.
AIR TO BE STERILIZED
All air entering the theatre will be sterilized
by germicidal lamps and cleansed by air con-
ditioning methods controlling temperature
and humidity. Germicidal lamps also will be
installed in the restrooms.
Among unusual service facilities planned
is a playroom for youngsters, equipped with
slides, toys and games and attended by a
qualified nurse. Exhibit halls are under con-
sideration where amateur photographers and
painters can show their work.
Balaban said that this is the first oppor-
tunity the company has had to execute the
new ideas of its planning board. “We have
been in Toledo for 20 years and Toledo has
been good to us,” he said.
He announced that the Princess Theatre
will be practically rebuilt.
Several months ago Carl Schwyn Associ-
ates, Bowling Green, Ohio, which operates
several theatres in northwestern Ohio, in-
cluding the 1,900-seat State, de luxe neigh-
borhood house in Toledo, took a long lease
on the present Paramount Bldg.
Cleveland Salesmen's Club
Names Kantor President
CLEVELAND — The Salesmen’s club, hav-
ing completed its first successful year, last
week elected Oscar Kantor, Warner city
salesman, as president to succeed Leonard
Mishkind. Other officers are: First vice-
president, Frank Belles, RKO; second vice-
president, Aaron Wayne, Paramount; treas-
urer, Edwin R. Bergman, PRC; secretary,
Judd Spiegel, PRC.
Directors for the coming year include Tom
Alley, Republic; Bob Richardson, RKO; Phil
Harrington, MGM; George Devine, U-I; Max
Cohen, U-I manager, and Nat Barach, Na-
tional Screen Service manager.
Membership in the club is also open to
branch managers, most of whom are mem-
bers.
Tinker to Evers to Chance,
Motif of New Theatre
COLUMBUS — Paraphrasing the old saw
“from shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves in three
generations,” Roger Garrett, manager of the
new University Theatre here, reports this
sequence of events:
The new Tipton Theatre in Huntington,
W. Va., is built on the site of the old Lyric,
which was torn down in the early 1930s to
make way for a bus terminal. The latter, in
turn, suffered the same fate. It was tom
down to make way for the new Tipton. Is
this where you came in?
New Daisytown Owner
DAISYTOWN, PA— The Rialto here has
been transferred from Frank Laurets to
Durward Coe. Laurets operated the house
since August 1945, when he purchased the
property from John and Werner Lund.
Nat'l Theatre Supply
To Hold 3-Day Meet
CLEVELAND — National Theatre Supply Co.
will hold a three-day district convention here
at Hotel Statler starting April 25. The en-
tire central district will attend.
Walter E. Green, NTS president, will pre-
side at the meetings, main subject of dis-
cussions of which will deal in equipment
availabilities.
In addition to Green, those present will
include Oscar Oldknow, vice-president; J. W.
Servies, assistant to Green; Frank Masek,
manager of the Cleveland branch; Clarence
Williamson, Detroit manager; J. H. Kelly,
Cincinnati manager; A. C. Schuyler, Des
Moines manager; B. N. Peterson, Indian-
apolis manager; A. J. Larson, Milwaukee
manager; W. C. Jervis, Pittsburgh manager,
and R. W. Dassow, Chicago manager.
This is the first postwar district meeting
of members of National Theatre Supply Co.
Exhibition, Distribution
Joins Hands for UJA
PITTSBURGH — Dozens of leading inde-
pendent exhibitors attended a rally in the
AMPTO quarters last week to complete plans
for the United Jewish Appeal fund campaign.
Co-chairmen for the theatre group are Nor-
man Mervis and Harry Feinstein, who con-
ducted the meeting. Mme. Paulette Oppert,
formerly of the French underground, was the
speaker. Moe Silver, associate chairman of
special events, attended.
A Night of Stars rally at Syria mosque
April 20 will highlight the 1947 United Jewish
fund drive to raise $2,265,000 here. Joseph
Feldman is serving as coordinator for the
event, and James M. Totman is publicity
chairman. John H. Harris is a member of
the executive committee. Film distributors
joined with exhibitors in the AMPTO ses-
sion. Also present were Herman Fineberg,
Joseph Misrach and others who are promi-
nent in the UJA campaign.
Two Ohio Towns Seeking
Reduction in Clearance
CLEVELAND — The Wadsworth Amusement
Co., operating the Strand and Star theatres
in Wadsworth, names the five major distribu-
tors as defendants in the AAA tribunal in a
plea to change present clearances between
first run in Akron and Wadsworth to 14 days
after first rim in Akron or 30 days after
territorial release date.
Tri-Theatres, Inc., of Alliance, in behalf of
the Morrison, Columbia and Mount Union
theatres, Alliance, names Paramount, 20th-
Fox, Warner Bros, and RKO in a plea that
all clearance between Alliance and Canton be
abolished and that pictures become available
to Alliance theatres on territorial release date.
At present Canton first runs have seven days
clearance over Alliance. Ray S. Wallace,
president of Tri-Theatres, Inc., claims there
is no substantial competition between first
runs in Canton and Alliance.
Reading Theatre Opens
READING, MICH. — Howard Trumbull and
W. D. Campbell, local theatre operators, re-
cently opened the new Reading Theatre,
under construction here for two and a half
years. In its new location, the Reading Thea-
tre will operate seven days a week and will
have a Sunday matinee as well, according to
Campbell, who takes over the ownership of
the business with the move to the new build-
ing.
86
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
Stanley Oleskowicz Dies;
Veteran Detroit Exhibitor
DETROIT — Stanley Oleskowicz, Detroit ex-
hibitor for 27 years,
died of a heart attack
March 30 while " at-
tending church serv-
ices. He built the
Stanley Theatre, pio-
neer far west side
house, which was re-
cently turned over to
his son Joseph. He
also operated the At-
las, built shortly before
the war, which was
managed by his son
Leo. His wife and
eight other children
also survive. Interment was in Holy Sepulchre
cemetery.
Drive-In Equipment Head
Announces New Items
CLEVELAND— David Sandler, president of
the Drive-In Theatre Equipment Co., now
located at 2130 Superior Ave., says the firm
is in full production and keeping pace with
its heavy delivery orders for Auto Voice and
in-car speakers.
In addition to this new product Sandler
says he will shortly 'have two new drive-in
items on the market. One is a flashing light-
post indicator requiring no external wiring,
adaptable to all makes of in-car systems. The
other is a specially developed screen paint
designed to permit greater definition of the
picture, thus an earlier starting time.
Cleveland City Council
Mourns Erdmann Death
CLEVELAND — The city council of Cleve-
land passed a resolution of regret over the
death of George W. Erdmann, for 21 years
secretary of the Cleveland Motion Picture
Exhibitors Ass’n. As further evidence of the
esteem in which Erdmann was held by the
groups with which he worked in the interest
of the industry, the flag over the police
station on East 21st street was at half mast
for two days.
Drive-In Work Halted
At Mansfield, Ohio
MANSFIELD, OHIO — The CPA recently is-
sued a consent order halting construction
by Harold Nussbaum of Toledo of a drive-in
located eight miles west of Mansfield. Leon-
ard Dudley, Cleveland regional compliance
director, said Nussbaum had undertaken the
construction without CPA authority.
BELLE, W. VA. — Cable and ground work
is in construction here for the drive-in proj-
ect headed by E. R. “Gene” Custer, presi-
dent of the Allied organization of exhibi-
tors of the Mountain state. Custer expects
that the new outdoor spot will be ready for
opening June 1.
LIMA, OHIO — The Gloria drive-in on
Route 25, newest outdoor theatre in this area,
has opened.
FREMONT, OHIO — A windstorm caused
damage to the Fremont Drive-In requiring
repairs costing $2,000 which the CPA has au-
thorized.
PARIS, KY. — In-car speakers have been
installed at the Bluegrass Drive-In Theatre
on the Lexington-Georgetown road near here.
TOLEDO
T ieut. Giles Robb jr., whose father is man-
ager of the Princess Theatre, is back in
the U.S. after a year’s service on Okinawa,
and is expected in Toledo soon for a visit.
Plans for remodeling and virtual rebuilding
of the Princess, operated by Balaban & Katz,
Chicago, are almost completed, reported Robb
sr.
Mickey Little, former Toledoan who moved
to California several years ago, made his
screen debut in “Pursued,” which opened in
the Rivoli April 12 . . . The flu epidemic hit
Jack Armstrong, Bowling Green, general
manager of the Carl Schwyn circuit, which
operates several houses, including the State
in Toledo. Mrs. Ted Teschner, whose husband
manages the Valentine in Toledo, was in To-
ledo hospital suffering from the same illness.
Marvin Harris, manager of the Paramount,
Toledo, was called to Racine, Wis., by the
serious illness of his mother . . . Korky Kelley,
the Toledo girl who blossomed into one of
the country’s busiest models, and also ap-
peared on the screen, is giving up her career
to get married. She’ll become Mrs. Richard
Riss jr. of Kansas City, Mo., after a wed-
ding May 1 in St. Phillips in the Hills church
in Tucson, Ariz. She met her fiance last
September while on location in Arizona.
>
Jack and Virginia O’Connell, owners of the
Loop and Ohio theatres, went to Hot Springs,
Ark., returning to Toledo in time for Easter
. . . Milt Tarloff, manager of the Toledo
Sports and Home show, left for a Daytona
Beach, Fla., vacation. He’ll be back in To-
ledo before going to the Variety Club con-
vention on the coast in May.
Chief Barker Jack Lykes, manager of the
Colony, Toledo, headed a delegation of To-
ledo Variety Club members who went to
Cleveland recently for the inaugural banquet
of the reorganized Cleveland tent. Others
who made the trip were Howard Feigley, Giles
Robb, Milt Tarloff, James Dempsey, Lou
Bruno and Burny Zawodny. Toledoans are
still talking about the inaugural banquet in
the Commodore Perry.
Joe Sabo has become chief of staff at Loew’s
Valentine . . . During Holy week “King of
Kings” was shown under sponsorship of the
Lutheran Men’s league without charge at
the Princess, Avalon, Eastwood, Westwood
and Lyric theatres. A special showing for
adults only was offered in the Macomber
school auditorium. Boxoffices of all local
houses were closed until 3 p. m. on Good -
Friday.
Loew’s Valentine and MGM studios are do-
nating one large trophy and six smaller
awards to winners of the Region 2B-CIO
bowling tournament to be held April 13-15,
announced Ted Teschner, Valentine man-
ager . . . Among coming attractions is a
barber shop quartet contest to be held in the
State May 10; Phil Spitalny and his girl or-
chestra in Civic auditorium April 14, and a
redhot jazz concert in the same spot April 18.
The Stratford Theatre in the Toledo Zoo-
logical gardens, once leased to private inter-
ests, has become the nation’s first industrial
film theatre, said W. E. Bettridge, president
of the Toledo Zoological society. The first
free program March 22, 23, featured Owens-
Illinois Glass Co.’s “Blow Pipes” and the
Ohio state conservation department’s film,
“Realm of the Wild.” The series will continue
indefinitely each weekend.
The Johnny McCarthy memorial fund was
assisted materially when Jack O’Connell put
on a special tribute show in the Ohio Theatre,
STANLEY OLESKOWICZ
with all proceeds going to the campaign to
honor the slain detective. “The Shocking
Miss Pilgrim” was offered on the screen and
four vaudeville acts were donated by Paul
Spor, who operates a booking agency and
talent school.
“The Jolson Story” had one of the longest
and most profitable first run engagements of
any film ever shown in Toledo. The feature
first played three consecutive weeks in the
2,750-seat Rivoli. Then it moved to the Pan-
theon for two weeks, followed by two ad-
ditional weeks in the Palace — or a seven-
week downtown first run engagement.
The FCC has okayed installation of an
educational FM broadcasting station in the
Toledo public school system, to cost approxi-
mately $17,000 . . . The CPA has approved
the application of the Fort Industry Co.,
which operates WSPD, Toledo, to erect a
$27,000 television transmitter station at 115
Superior St., Toledo. The Fort firm an-
nounced last December it would spend $463,000
to equip television and FM stations of which
$348,000 would be for television apparatus.
No more legitimate shows are expected to
be shown at the Town Hall Theatre until
next autumn, said Dave Neiderlander, man-
ager of the Lafayette, Detroit, who controls
the Toledo playhouse for the Shuberts. A
new manager for Town Hall, to replace Ed
Kita, who left in mid-February, will be named
during the summer, and will come here early
enough in the fall to conduct a subscription
campaign which will insure patrons the same
seats for every attraction, Neiderlander said.
During the past season a dozen plays were
offered.
1.
War Hero in Cleveland
To Aid Variety's Camp
CLEVELAND — Harold Russell, star of “The
Best Years of Our Lives,” which opened a
day and date extended run April 4 at the
Lower Mall and University theatres, was in-
troduced to reporters at a breakfast Monday
morning, soon after his arrival here. Although
his coming was timed to coincide with the
opening of the picture, he made no personal
appearances. His chief object in coming here
was to launch the Variety Club’s new Heart
project, sponsorship of Paradise Valley camp
for delinquent boys.
From Cleveland the war hero went to De-
troit to help the Detroit Variety Club launch
its cancer campaign.
War on Booking Agencies
Operating Without Permits
DETROIT — Hugh J. O’Neil, state superin-
tendent of private employment bureaus, has
issued a ruling that no booking agency will
be allowed to operate in Michigan unless it
possesses a state license. O’Neil’s drive is
aimed at nationally known offices which book
attractions into the state without a local li-
cense as well as the small agencies who do
not bother to get licenses.
Honor Lectrolite Head
DEFIANCE, OHIO— Harold L. Schlosser,
president of the Lectrolite Corp. here, was
honored for outstanding community service
of the month by the Eagles lodge. Schlosser
recently gave the city $11,450 to purchase
Latty’s grove for a public park, as a me-
morial to veterans of all wars.
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
87
DETROIT
TTnder the Marquees: Victor A. Dodge, get-
^ ting ready to celebrate his tenth anniver-
sary as manager at the Westown, which he
opened for W&W, has lived up to his name
by buying a new Dodge . . . Margaret Cutter
and Howard Willard have left the Westown
staff. Oscar Halverson, former assistant at
the Warren, is now at this house . . . Peter
Kavel, now relief manager for W&W, was
out to visit at his old stamping grounds on
Wyoming avenue . . . Gertrude L. Tracy, man-
ager of the Van Dyke, takes her night off
every Friday.
Walter Ryan, former manager of the Pal-
mer Park in Highland Park, is figuring on
going into business upstate . . . Sam Merson
takes pride in the improvements made at the
Amsterdam since he took over . . . Mrs. Felix
Goletz, managing the Moran for her husband,
reports business down in her neighborhood.
Robert J. Green of the Scrapbook shop,
Pontiac, has an option on an undisclosed up-
state theatre . . . Vincent Tilotta took over
Thomas “Dusty” Murray’s post as manager
of the Elliott in River Rouge for Saul Kor-
man . . . Wally Nickel, who started as usher,
is now managing the Roseville for Jeff Wil-
liams. He replaces Jeff’s niece, Blanche
Bushina.
Richard A. Rank, former operator at the
Eastwood, took over as manager of the East
Detroit Theatre, replacing Barney Chauvin
. . . Roy R. Shook of the Shores in Saint Clair
Shores anticipates a lot of competition when
^THEATRE CHAIRS
3000 Used Spring cushioned, part full
upholstered back and part insert
panel back, with spring edges and
box spring cushions.
1000 Veneer Chairs.
800 Good Backs.
500 Spring cushions, and hinges.
Write lor Prices and Photographs
JESSE COLE Theatre Seating
2565 McClellan, Detroit Phone: LEnox 3445
SUPER SIZE
POP CORN CO.
Ready Popped Corn
307 Boulevard Bldg. Detroit 3, Mich.
TRinity 2-38S0 — 24 hour phone service
RUDY SCHR0EDER HERBERT MORGAN
the theatres now being planned are built . . .
George H. Santer of the Radio City received
an award for first place in his division in the
March of Dimes drive . . . Saul Sloan is to
be complimented on the neat plant boxes set
in shadow boxes on the interior wall of the
Radio City foyer and got a nice effect.
Max Krim, who plays big time polo, is back
from a playing tour of Cuba, his brother Sol,
who runs the circuit here, reports . . . Jack
McPherson, who left many friends here when
he moved east, is due back in town en route
to the Chicago NSS meetings.
The passing parade: Ed Jacobson of the
Forest looking for a show to go to on his
night off . . . Milton Jacobson of the Stone
out checking the rainstorm in front of his
house . . . Vernon E. Carlson, manager of the
Senate, who has won the respect and friend-
ship of the people he deals with in the
neighborhood.
Harry Remington, former exploiteer for the
Fox, was in town. He is publicist for the
Howard Hughes interests now . . . Stanley
Glowski, who has been with Community
Theatres 19 years, took over as manager at
the Redford, replacing Myron Komer. Leon-
ard Salsbury took the post at the Royal Oak
formerly held by Adolph Komer and Charles
Beiber.
Wilson Elliott, former assistant manager at
the Fox who’s been taking 16mm pictures of
his patrons at the Redwood Waffle shop and
projecting them right there, is in Mount Car-
mel Mercy hospital for a back operation ne-
cessitated by injuries sustained in a parachute
jump while he was in the army air corps.
Nick Forest, former owner of the Art, re-
turned to the Broder circuit as manager of
the Time, replacing William Burnette, re-
signed . . . James A. Jeffress returned from
his Central American venture to manage the
Seville, replacing Robert Elliott. Elliott is
going into the real estate business.
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Broder made a quick
return trip to Detroit because of the death
of Mrs. Broder’s father . . . Paul Broder and
Harold Sandelman are due back any day
from their new operations in New York . . .
Charles Shafer, formerly of the Fisher, is the
new manager of the Norwest, replacing Pa-
tricia Clark, who left to get married.
Exchanges: J. Maxwell Joice, Paramount
exploiteer, is back from a trip to New York
City . . . Herbert Brown, former MGM booker
here, sends his best regards to Filmrow from
Roxbury, Mass., where he’s been living for
the past five years . . . William “Boots”
Scharun is the only local premium man who
started in film business as a booker — back
in 1921 . . . J. B. McGovern, Paramount
auditor, was in from New York for a few days
. . . Art Knapp, dean of Fox salesmen, is back
in town after a year’s sojourn in the south.
He has been convalescing from a heart ail-
ment.
Along the rial to: Harvey H. Huff withdrew
from the Super Sound Co., with Robert C.
Servis and Leonard Y. Sanborn taking over
his interest . . . William “General” Graham,
assistant manager of the Palmer Park in
Highland Park, became the uncle of a girl.
L. N. Taylor, manager of Detail Production
Co., maker of the Millreel, returned after a
month in Florida . . . Ray Conlin, now domi-
ciled in Royal Oak, is talking of re-enter-
ing the independent booking field.
Fred J. Campau of Pinconning, acting sec-
retary of the new 16mm exhibitor group, re-
ports that Jean Hersholt, AMPAS president,
has expressed interest in the new group, as
has Don White, executive secretary of the
National Ass’n of Visual Education Dealers
. . . Peryl LaMarr, formerly of the Bowery,
has opened a theatrical uniform and cos-
tume shop on Woodward avenue . . . Jake
Hirschfield is new president of the Cos-
tumers Ass’n of America and is bringing the
1948 convention to town.
Up in the Booths: Walter Rickens of the
National went to Canada for a day . . .
Timmy Sullivan, operator at the Utopia, is
back from a trip to Cincinnati, accompanied
by Joe Sullivan of the Paradise . . . Carl
Ransdell and Walter Jones of the Redford
are cooking up their own private suburban
lodge, complete with door guard and all.
Lloyd Turel of the Norwest keeps tab on
local industry goings-on . . . Mel Donlon says
all the Nightingales do these days is just
roll the balls down the alley quietly, then
go home . . . Roy Light of the Westown com-
ments they’re getting some new blood to liven
up these bowling averages . . . Mrs. Donlon is
going to California for her health when the
bowling season is over and Mel may join her
there later.
Richard Connell of the Pasadena traded a
stairway for a washroom and ladder in the
modernization program at his house . . .
Mrs. Cecil Cox, wife of the Colony operator,
has the checkroom concession at the Miami
bar . . . Mrs. Eugene R. Haas helped her hus-
band to close up the Amsterdam . . . Arthur
Sedgwick took over the booking at the Moran,
replacing Robert E. Langdon who is in poor
health as a result of his war service. Langdon
has gone to Flint.
James Best of the Lyric, Lapeer, has moved
to the Gem in Flint . . . Harold Hart, for-
merly of the Capitol in Owosso and the Rialto
in Flint, is in the state hospital at Howell
with a case of tuberculosis . . . Clyde Haskill,
who took over at the Sheridan, coming here
TheatrpSign and Marquee Maintenance
Our Specialty
%kJtForstman Co.
TEmple 2-6877
27 Eliot St.
POatiac 3-4473
Detroit 1, Mich.
PLAN YOUR NEW THEATRE NOIV
CHARLES N. BOARD, Theatre Builder
East Detroit
Theatre Bldg.
ni,.... PRospect 1064
Phones RosoviIlo 0243
= COMPLETE POPCORN SERVICE j
Featuring PREPOPPED Corn.
Delivered in Metal Containers. We Provide Warm-
ing Cabinets Free. We Also Deliver Raw Com.
Seasoning and Boxes.
Distributors ol Popcorn Machines and Dispensers.
AMERICAN POPCORN CONFECTIONS CO-
8634 E. Forest Ave. Phone: PLaza 4454 Detroit 13, Mich.
ERNIE
FORBES
214 W. Montcalm
Detroit 1. Mich.
Phone CAdillac 1122
FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS
The Showmen's Drug Store
Drugs .. Cosmetics .. Prescriptions
Personal Service trom Two Showmen —
MAX BERUBAUM JACK GALLAGHER
Pharmacist Manager
Phone CLifiord 1527. CLiiiord 3694
Distributors
for the State of
Michigan
RINGOLD THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
106 Michigan St., N. W., Grand Rapids 2, Mich.
88
BOXOFFICE April 12, 1947
from Los Angeles after an assignment in
Flint, reports Mrs. Haskill is recovering slow-
ly from a major operation.
James Kimmick of the Macomb in Mount
Clemens stopped in at the Roseville after
work to visit with George Konath . . . Roy
Suckling of the Shores in Saint Clair Shores
is fixing up a sunlamp for his place in his
spare time . . . Wayne Edwards, son of John
Edwards of the Michigan, is sharing the
booth at the Radio City with Arthur Finley
of Milford.
Horace Parsons of the Krim in Highland
Park is taking a six-week vacation in June
to go to California and Montreal. His brother
Leslie, who is on the 20th-Fox lot in Los
Angeles, talked to him via the ham radio
network the other day. They haven’t been
together in 24 years.
Other Top Films to Use
Pattern of 'Best Years'
CLEVELAND — A policy inaugurated with
“Henry V” and followed by “The Best Years
of Our Lives” promises to become a set policy
instead of an experiment. When United Art-
ists leased the Lower Mall for an extended
run of “Henry V” at advanced prices, local
industry members lifted their eyebrows in
wonder. The picture came through with a
rich seven-week engagement.
“The Best Years of Our Lives” opened
April 4 at the Lower Mall downtown and the
University Theatre uptown simultaneously.
Both houses have been leased to the Goldwyn
organization for a minimum of eight weeks.
Prices are upped but unlike “Henry V,” per-
formances are continuous and no seats are
reserved.
Now comes the unofficial announcement
that negotiations are in progress with United
Artists for “Arch of Triumph,” “Carnegie
Hall” and “Monsieur Verdoux” to be shown
at the Lower Mall and the University thea-
tres under the same arrangement. If this is
so, then these two houses will be established,
on the basis of product, as the leading thea-
tres of Cleveland.
Bill Jervis Has Attack
And Is in the Hospital
PITTSBURGH— W. C. “Bill” Jervis, Na-
tional Theatre supply manager, sustained an-
other heart attack last week and is in Magee
hospital. He had recuperated from a slight
heart strangulation only a week or so prior
to this attack and he had resumed duties at
the NTS branch and with Mrs. Jervis had
attended a wedding. Jervis, overweight, had
been on a strict diet.
John S. Goshorn, NTS sales manager,
theatre seating division, was here when the
local manager was stricken. At press time
Jervis was recuperating as satisfactorily as
could be expected. “National Newt” Williams
is looking after the NTS office.
Urge Exhibitors Support
Ohio Employment Bill
COLUMBUS — Theatre owners in Ohio were
urged by P. J. Wood, secretary of the ITO
of Ohio, to contact members of the industrial
relations committee of the Ohio house and
ask them to report house bill No. 349 out of
committee for passage.
This measure, introduced by Rep. John
Kowalk, Sandusky, affects the employment
of women and minors. First provision is
that women over 21 would be permitted to
work as ticket sellers after 10 p. m. Second
provision permits women 16 to 18 to work
after 10 p. m.
Members of the committee include Don M.
Not So Green a Field
Art Leazenby Warns Those With Yen to Run Theatre
DETROIT — The fact that everybody seems
to have a yen to run a motion picture theatre
is bemoaned by Art Leazenby, manager of
the Cinema.
The public just sees the glamorous side of
theatre operation but doesn’t realize the
problems involved, he said.
“It seems that everyone thinks he can write
a book or play, rim a tea room or operate
a picture theatre,” observed Leazenby. “I
don’t know how to write something that will
make the Book-of-the-Month club or put
out a 50-cent blue plate special that will net
me a profit, but I am sure that, like this
business, it is no pushover.
A FASCINATING BUSINESS
“There is no business that is more fasci-
nating than the picture field. Every time you
put a new film on the screen you have new
problems, new angles, new advertising and
publicity, and new hopes that on this one
you will certainly break your house record.
Look out when you get into the frame of mind
when you say to yourself, ‘I’ll hit the jackpot
on this one. We can’t miss. It went over big
in New York, Chicago and Hollywood.’
“Next thing, you start spending your hard-
earned money on newspaper advertising, win-
dow cards and other means you think will
pay off. You go to work on your publicity
stories and work every local tieup you can.
With all this behind, you hopefully await the
opening day.
“If your opening is good, you find yourself
standing in the lobby greeting customers with
a smile of satisfaction and saying to yourself,
‘The movie business is the best business in
the world.’
WEATHER A HANDY EXCUSE
“On the other hand, if your opening day
turns out with everything complete but the
cash customers, you go up to your office and
try to figure out what went wrong. You check
over your ads and publicity to see what went
haywire. If you can find no other answer,
you can always blame the weather. You
know, ‘It is too hot’ or ‘It is too cold’; ‘It is
raining’ or ‘It is too nice out and everyone
seems to be going to Belle Isle for a picnic.’
“Next thing that goes through your mind
is, ‘The heck with this picture. The one that
is coming in next is THE picture. It did
business in New York, Chicago and Holly-
wood and is sure to break the house record.’
Then you start out again on the same merry-
go-round you have just got off, but this one
may really break the house record. Who
knows?
“It’s a gamble every time, and very inter-
esting. There is always the chance that this
one may be the picture of the year.”
Duncan, Manchester; Thomas S. Rose, Ham-
ilton; Virgil Perrill, Washington C. H.; Paul
R. Barnes, Columbus; Harold F. Stotzer,
Archbold; Mark W. Bennett, Mount Blan-
chard; G. D. Tablack, Struthers; Benj. F.
Turner, Pomeroy; Francis J. Heft, Lewis-
ville; John R. Wood, Dayton; John H. Ko-
walk, Clyde; Anna F. O’Neil, Akron; John
L. Woodard, Dover; Harry D. Beilis, Delphos,
and Clifton L. Caryl (chairman), Marysville.
Fine and Associates Buy
Fenway Hall, Cleveland
CLEVELAND — Meyer S. Fine, president of
Associated circuit, heads a local group which
last week purchased the Fenway Hall hotel
for $1,500,000. Fenway Hall is a 12-story, 240-
suite residential and transient structure at
Euclid avenue and East 107th street. It was
purchased from K. F. Gill of Fenway Hall,
Inc.
The new owners, who took over the prop-
erty April 1, plan a complete modernization
program. The restaurant, coffee shop and
bar have been leased to Joe Shulman, for-
mer owner of the Hickory grill.
It is also reported that Fine and associates
have purchased the Caxton Bldg., one of
the older office buildings on Huron road in
the heart of the business section.
Takes Romantic Lead
Lynn Bari has been ticketed for a romantic
lead in “Clementine” by Eagle-Lion.
LONG SIGN CO.
MARQUISE SIGNS
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
840 W. Baltimore, Detroit — TR 1-5477
Quick Work at Fowler
FOWLER, MICH. — Work is progressing on
the construction of the new Fowler Theatre.
The foundation has been completed and the
side walls are going up rapidly.
Start Matinee Policy
BOWLING GREEN, OHIO— The Cla-Zel
Theatre has inaugurated matinees, opening
at 12:45 p. m. daily.
UNIVERSAL DOOR CHECK
& DEODORIZER
A Necessity for Every Theatre Washroom.
Installed on Rental Basis — Not for Sale.
MODERN SANITARY SALES
620 W. Saratoga Ferndale, Mich
Phone Royal Oak 7105
LEONARD SOSKIN AGENCY
Retirement income, life, automobile,
fire, health and accident insurance.
541 Book Bldg. CA 3515, Detroit
EXHIBITORS — PARK FREE. AT
McArthur
THEATRE
EQUIPMENT
COMPANY
454 COLUMBIA ST. WEST - DETROIT I. MlCH.
MOTIOGRAPH SERVICE
Phone: CAdiUac 5524
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
89
CINCINNATI
Qlen Allvine of the Motion Picture Ass’n
held a luncheon meeting at the Nether-
land Plaza with exchange managers and ex-
hibitor representatives to discuss the Chil-
dren’s Film library and Saturday morning
shows for children. Since the meeting many
additional bookings have been made of the
features from the Children’s Film library.
Ed Riesenbeck, manager of Keith’s, started
showing children’s classics Saturday morn-
ing, March 29, and reports a very successful
attendance. He received numerous calls from
parents and teachers during the week follow-
ing the first show commending the policy
and promising support.
Col. Arthur Frudenfeld, division manager
for RKO Theatres, his assistant, Bill Clark,
and Nate Wise, publicity director, made a
routine trip to Dayton this week. However,
while there the colonel had an opportunity
to renew his friendship with orchestra leader
Guy Lombardo, who was at Keith’s Theatre.
Some years ago Lombardo appeared on a
radio show in Omaha with Colonel Fruden-
feld, who was known as “Dr. Applesauce — he
cures your ills without any pills.” Lombardo
will open a week’s engagement at the Albee
in Cincinnati April 17.
James G. Howe, Carrollton, Ky., an-
nounces installation of complete new booth
equipment in his theatre, the Richland . . .
The Outdoor Theatre in Stockton, Ohio, has
begun operation for the season, and has made
extensive improvements, including RCA in-a-
car speakers. The Blue Grass Drive-In,
Georgetown, Ky., also opened the last week-
end in March.
Irving Sochin, chief barker of the Variety
Club, reports that four babies have been
placed in the club’s new foundling home,
where the club is able to care for as many
as ten needy children . . . Variety is planning
a bingo party on Saturday night, April 19
. . . The date of the annual spring dance has
been set back to June 7 . . . The national con-
vention of Variety in Lps Angeles will be at-
tended by Allan Moritz, Ralph Kinsler, Noah
Shechter, William Onie and Irving Sochin.
They departed for the coast May 9.
. L!oyd Rogers of Welch, W. Va„ enjoyed
a three-week vacation in Hot Springs, Ark.
. . . Georgia Ray, the sunshine “ray” at the
RKO midwest office, is very proud of her
trim 14 figure, which she developed after
several months of diligent dieting and exer-
cising. More than 60 pounds of avoirdupois
was lost, for the return of which no reward
is being offered.
Julius Brown, general manager for the Jack
Frisch circuit, is recuperating from a recent
operation and will soon be able to return to
his duties. Frisch, too, was the victim of a
slight indisposition, but is now thoroughly
recovered. He has announced the appoint-
ment of a new manager for his Findlay Thea-
tre, Marvin McNamee, formerly a booker for
Grand National Pictures.
William Settos of the Liberty Theatre,
Springfield, made the rounds of the ex-
changes. Settos recently returned from
Florida, where he spent a five-week vacation
•( • • Among other visitors on the Row were
Spotsy’ Porter and Bernie Crawford of
Beckley, W. Va. It has been many a week
since these gentlemen made an appearance
in Cincinnati.
Paul Hollen of the Alpine circuit, West Vir-
ginia, spent the best part of last week in Cin-
cinnati attending to booking details . . .
Other infrequent visitors were E. T. Denton
of the Majestic, Owingsville, Ky., and Ray
Holland of the Jefferson, Jeffersonville, Ohio.
Fred S. McCombs jr. has installed complete
new equipment in his Community Theatre,
Blackey, Ky. . . . Howard Shelton, who op-
erates theatres in Vanceburg, Ky., has re-
equipped his Strand, where he will begin
showing 35mm pictures regularly . . . Thea-
tre Owners Corp. will do the booking and buy-
ing for the Plaza, Miamisburg, Ohio, and the
new Auto Theatre in Price Hill, which will
be opened April 27 by Jerome Kunz.
Rube Shor, business manager of the West
Virginia Theatre Managers Ass’n, encoun-
tered ten inches of snow in Blair Mountain,
W. Va., just outside of Logan, causing him a
delay of over four hours . . . The Village Thea-
tre, Charleston, W. Va., has been leased for a
roadshow engagement of “Henry V” . . . The
Walters circuit, Huntington, W. Va., has
joined West Virginia Theatre Managers
Ass’n.
Rumor has it that plans for a film truck-
ing line to Bluefield and back are being
seriously considered by members of the West
Virginia Theatre Managers Ass’n . . . H. N.
Fix resigned as secretary-treasurer for the
Newbold circuit. His successor has not been
announced . . . Kenneth R. Kaiser has joined
the Cincinnati servicing staff of Altec Serv-
ice Corp. . . . Vic Lehman has assumed the
position of booker for PRC-Eagle-Lion.
William Onie, branch manager of Mono-
gram, returned from a two-week vacation in
Florida . . . Milton Gurrian, city salesman for
Monogram, left last Friday for a two-week
stay in Florida . . . Lee Hofheimer and A1
Sugarman have closed their Olentangy Thea-
tre in Columbus for approximately six weeks.
When it reopens it will have a complete
change of policy; operating as an art theatre,
and showing foreign films exclusively.
The annual convention of National Screen
Service will be held April 17-19 in Chicago.
The Cincinnati delegation will include Art
Manheimer, manager; William Bein, district
manager, and salesmen Derrick Sidney and
Bill Filger . . . Sidney Kassel and Harry
Weisbrod, auditors for National Screen, are
spending some time in the Cincinnati ex-
change. Another visitor is Frank Greenland
of the New York office.
George Kirby, branch manager of Republic
Pictures, has returned from New York, where
he attended a meeting of managers and com-
pany officials . . . Universal-International
was visited last week by Joe Oulahan and
Lester Zucker of the J. Arthur Rank Or-
ganization . . . Jules Lapidus, eastern di-
vision sales manager of Warner Bros., and
Charles Rich, district manager, spent sev-
eral days at the local Warner exchange.
Marvin Samuelson of Warner Theatres,
Cleveland, visited the exchanges here last
week . . . Seen on Filmrow: John Gregory,
Farhills Theatre, Dayton; N. M. Burris, Lyric,
Lewisburg, Ohio; Mrs. Sexton and A. J. Sex-
ton jr., Ashland, Ky.; “Ducky” and Ralph
Myers, Chillicothe, Ohio; Malcolm Loew Bur-
well, Parkersburg, W. Va.; George Lively,
Walters circuit, Huntington, W. Va., and
Goode Homes, Newbold circuit, Bramwell,
W. Va.
Shirley Rauh, head biller for MGM, has re-
turned to work after being home with the flu
for a week . . . H. J. Ochs was here last week
with his son Jack. They were preparing for
the opening of their two drive-in theatres in
Dayton and the Cruise-In in Miamisburg
this month . . . Arnold Berger, district man-
ager for the Phil Smith Enterprises of Bos-
ton, visited the exchanges last week. With
him was Dick Smith, Phil Smith’s son. Prep-
arations were being made by them for the
opening of their various drive-ins, including
the one in Montgomery, Ohio. It was sched-
uled to open Friday, April 11.
The Jewish Center here inaugurated a pro-
gram of Tuesday night shows that will run
for five consecutive weeks. Pictures infre-
quently seen on the screens of regular thea-
tres because exhibitors feel the demand for
them is not great enough to offset the cost
are being shown. The Art Museum has a
similar series of Tuesday night shows of a
more serious nature, and comments seem to
indicate there is a fairly large interest in this
type of film.
COLUMBUS
Ding Crosby was in Columbus this weekend
for exhibition games between the Pitts-
burgh Pirates, of which he is part owner, and
the Columbus Red Birds. The Columbus zoo
is sponsoring the games, with a portion of
the proceeds going to the upkeep of the zoo.
Freddy Bartholomew and his wife were
hospitalized here for several days with flu,
following Bartholomew’s stage appearance at
the RKO Palace . . . The Citizen and the
Palace have resumed the stage show inter-
views with visiting headliners. Persons
chosen to be in the backstage, party are
chosen from subscription lists of the news-
paper.
Emil Buchsieb and Leonard Kohn, retired
business men, are two new associate members
of Variety Club . . . Tent 2 has discontinued
its Sunday night family parties for the spring
and summer season. These parties were most
successful . . . George Halliday, projectionist
at the Ohio, was on the sick list for several
days. Paul Damrin subbed.
The Columbia, neighborhood theatre, is the
first local house to install one of the new
automatic popcorn vending machines dis-
tributed locally by Pop Corn Sez, Inc. This
is the machine developed in California and
available for the first time now in central
Ohio . . . Walter Kessler, Ohio manager, has
succeeded in getting an apartment after dili-
gent search . . . Martin C. Burnett, Loew’s
central division manager, ended his house-
hunt by purchasing a home in suburban
Westgate.
Order Parking Facilities
For Any Future Projects
TOLEDO — The city plan commission has
ordered an amendment to the Toledo zoning
code, to require future building projects, in-
cluding theatres, to provide adequate off-
street facilities for parking of automobiles.
The amendment would force owners of all
structures erected within the city to incor-
porate parking facilities in their building or
lot-layout plans.
Robert Konwin, assistant city law director,
told the planning commissioners he believes
the courts would uphold the proposed legis-
lation if its terms were reasonable, although
no Ohio city has yet adopted such reforms.
Parking requirements in the measure would
be geared to the nature of the commercial
undertaking, it was explained.
English Actor in 'Singapore'
English character actor Roland Culver
takes a featured role in “Singapore” by Uni-
versal-International.
90
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
'The Best Years' Sets
Pittsburgh Record
Detroit's One-House Run of ' Joison '
Tops Everything but Singing Fool'
PITTSBURGH — Golden Triangle exhibition
this week saw two records broken and the
policy and operating change of two theatres.
“The Joison Story” set back the record of
“Leave Her to Heaven” in the J. P. Harris,
the color musical being the only attraction to
remain on view there for five weeks. The
picture was moved into the Senator for an
extended run.
Samuel Goldwyn’s “The Best Years of Our
Lives” hit a new high for any picture in its
third week in the Fulton. The Warner-Loew
“honeymoon” ended with the breaking of the
city pool and the former Warner Ritz became
the operating .property of Loew’s. The War-
ner became the downtown outlet for RKO
product. “California” earned a holdover in
the Stanley, as did “Smash-Up” at the Harris.
Art Cinema — Henry V (UA), 3rd wk.,
roadshow Capacity
Fulton — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
3rd wk., roadshow 275
Harris— Smash-Up (U-I) 120
Penn — My Favorite Brunette (Para), 2nd wk 60
Ritz — Pursued (WB), 3rd d. t. wk 70
Senator — The Joison Story (Col), 6th d. t. wk 150
Stanley — California (Para) 110
Warner — Song of the South (RKO) 125
Business Bad in Detroit;
Floods Hit Michigan
DETROIT — Business was poor last week,
adverse weather combining with Holy week
to depress grosses to the lowest figures of the
season. Indications were that business was
even worse upstate where flood conditions
prevail. Detroit houses showed a neat pickup
Easter Sunday, especially in neighborhood
situations. Detail for week ending April 3:
Adams — The Joison Story (Col), 13th wk 110
B'way Capitol — TEe Brute Man (PRC);
The Beast With Five Fingers (WB), 2nd wk 90
Cinema — The Stone Flower (Art) 85
Downtown — One Million B. C. (UA);
Of Mice and Men (UA) , reissues 95
Fox — Michigan Kid (U-I); Wake Up and Dream
(20th-Fox) 110
Michigan — My Favorite Brunette (Para);
Seven Were Saved (Pard) 130
Palms-State — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM);
Little Mister Jim (MGM) 120
Paradise — My Dog Shep (SG), 2nd run, plus
International Sweethearts of Rhythm on stage.... 90
United Artists — Bedelia (E-L);
It's a Joke, Son (E-L) 110
'Best Years' Remains Strong
In Third Cincinnati Week
CINCINNATI — “The Best Years of Our
Lives” completed its third week at the Capi-
tol at road show prices and is still showing
great strength. “Lady in the Lake,” the other
holdover picture, at the Grand, did satis-
factorily. Among the newcomers, “Suddenly
It’s Spring” at the Palace drew best. Business
generally maintained a steadier pace than
anticipated for the pre-Easter period.
Albee— The Bed House (UA) 120
Capitol — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
3rd wk 220
Grand — Lady in the Lake (MGM), 2nd wk 100
Keith's — Michigan Kid (U-I) 95
Lyric— Apache Rose (Rep); That Brennan Girl
(Rep) 90
Palace — Suddenly It's Spring (Para) 140
Shubert — Stanley and Livingstone (20th-Fox);
Les Miserables (20th-Fox), reissues 80
End-of-Lent Slump Hits
Cleveland First Runs
CLEVELAND — The end-of-Lent slump hit
the theatres as usual, with only a few attrac-
tions surviving the situation. “California”
was way in the lead among the new offerings,
with a comfortable 20 per cent over average.
Its nearest competitor was “Tarzan and the
Huntress,” which came through with a par
score. Of the holdovers, “My Favorite Bru-
nette,” with 130 per cent, took first place,
playing its third consecutive week downtown.
Variety's 'Mother Club'
Soon Is 20 Years Old
Pittsburgh — In six months the “mother
club” of Variety International will be 20
years in service and fellowship and Tent
No. 1 will celebrate the occasion.
The Variety Club was organized here
Oct. 11, 1927, and was incorporated in
1929 The eleven original charter
members are John H. Harris, James G.
Balmer, John T. McGreevey, George Lai,
Dave Brown, John J. Maloney, John
Morin, Ralph Harrison, Jack White,
Eddie Fontaine and Harold S. Dunn.
Fontaine suggested the name Variety and
the designation of members as barkers.
First meetings were held in Child’s res-
taurant, Fifth avenue, and the club’s first
quarters was a single room in the William
Penn hotel.
“Nora Prentiss” in its second week, also topped
par. Rain and cold weather added to the sea-
sonal slump. Report for week ending April 2:
Allen — Tarzan and the Huntress (RKO) 100
Hippodrome — That Way With Women (WB) 60
Lake — Nora Prentiss (WB), 2nd d. t. wk 105
Ohio — My Favorite Brunette (Pala), 3rd d. t. wk 130
Palace — The Locket (RKO) 60
State — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM) 95
Stillman — California (Para'), 2nd d. t. wk 130
Nightingales End Season
With Banquet April 28
DETROIT — The Nightingales club, com-
posed of local operators who have their own
bowling league, will hold Its 22nd annual
banquet Monday (28) in the grand ballroom
of the AFL temple. Arrangements are being-
handled by Roy C. Light, Mel E. Donlon and
Edgar Douville. Fred Crissey’s band will play
for entertainment and dancing.
Attendance will be restricted to members
and their ladies. The committee promises
many surprises, and a “menu fit for a king.”
The Nightingales set back their bowling
schedule because of conflict with Good Friday
last week, and will close their season later
than planned. They will play in the De-
troit city tournament April 18 and 24.
'Captains' Reissues Dated
For Several Big Circuits
DETROIT — Sol Cohen and Sam Kaplan of
Albert Dezel Productions in Chicago have
closed with important circuits in the Chi-
cago area to play the combination of “Cap-
tain Fury” and “Captain Caution.” Deals
have been made with Balaban & Katz, Great
States, Warner Bros., Essaness and the Al-
lied. Second run houses, which seldom ex-
hibit reissues, are included. The “Captains”
show also is set for the Fox Wisconsin thea-
tres in the Milwaukee territory.
Teachers Favor Theatre Tax
PITTSBURGH — Local district school teach-
ers, seeking wage increases, are on record
favoring taxes on social luxuries. Under a
proposed tax on athletic contests, theatres
and other social luxuries, now before the
Pennsylvania legislature, pay increases of
nearly $1,000 a year for teachers are pos-
sible, educational leaders declare.
DETROIT — “The Joison Story” closed at
the Adams last week after a run of 13 weeks,
thus ending the longest single-house stand
made by any picture in Detroit since A1
Jolson’s own starrer, “The Singing Fool.”
“The Singing Fool” ran 15 weeks at the
Adams in 1928-29.
“The Joison Story” played two weeks at
the Downtown on a day-and-date opening
with the showing at the Adams. This total
of 15 weeks brought “Joison” up among the
first four for all-time endurance in Detroit.
Still another Joison starrer, “The Jazz
Singer,” also rates among the all-time first
ten here. “The Jazz Singer” played 11 weeks
at the Madison in a split engagement in 1927
and 1928.
The all-time record on a first run is held
by “Gone With the Wind,” which is 1940
played 12 weeks at the Wilson and 9% at
the United Artists, a total of 21% weeks, on
a day-and-date opening. In second place is
“Neptune’s Daughter,” starring Annette Kel-
lerman, which in 1914-15 ran 15 weeks at the
Opera House (then known as the Campus)
and four more weeks at the same house on
a return engagement.
Other notable first runs were Pathe’s “Pas-
sion Play,” which did 14 continuous weeks
at the Royal in 1907; Harold Lloyd’s “Safety
Last,” which did 13 weeks at the Adams in
1923; “Hearts of the World,” which did 11
weeks at the Campus and two at the Wash-
ington in 1918; “Fantasia,” which did 11
weeks at the Wilson in 1940, and “Hell’s
Angels,” which did six at the Shubert and
four at the United Artists in 1930.
Other pictures with long first runs here
include “Over the Hill,” 1920, eight weeks;
“Snow White,” 1938, eight weeks; “Damaged
Goods,” 1915, eight weeks; “Lights of New
York, 1928, eight weeks; “Tenderloin,” 1928,
seven weeks; “Tillie’s Punctured Romance,”
1914, six weeks; “Lilac Time,” 1928, six weeks;
“Birth of a Nation,” 1916, six weeks; “The
Lion and the Mouse,” 1928, five weeks, and
“Quo Vadis,” 1914, four weeks. All of these
were single run stands except in the case
of “Snow White,” which played day and date
at the Madison and United Artists.
New Twist to Old Idea:
Concerts Before Show
CLEVELAND — Fifteen years ago Phil
Spitalny, then resident orchestra leader at
the Allen Theatre, introduced special Sun-
day concerts as a novelty. They were held
on Sunday an hour before the start of the
show. They were well attended.
This type of entertainment vanished with
the coming of sound.
Now comes John Newkirk, manager of the
Beach Cliff Theatre, with an old idea dolled
up In a new dress. Newkirk is offering a
program of musical hits to early patrons,
through a tieup with the record department
of Beach & Colahan, a neighborhood store.
The musical programs are presented daily
half an hour before the show starts.
Announces Novelty Reels
CLEVELAND — Two novelty reels are being
released by Imperial Pictures. A three-reeler,
“Ebony Parade,” features Cab Calloway, Count
Basie and the Mills Bros, among others in a
30-minute musical, and a single reel features
Stepin Fetchit in “I Ain’t Gonna Open
Dat Door.”
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
91
CLEVELAND
T eonard Mishkind, part and parcel of the
" film industry here for 15 years, has been
named sales representative for Selznick Re-
leasing Organization in
this area. The appoint-
ment was announced
by Grover C. Schaefer,
SRO district manager,
who has opened of-
fices at 530 Film
Bldg. Physical dis-
tribution is being han-
dled by the Central
Shipping Terminal.
Mishkind has been
with Republic Pic-
tures for years as
booker and salesman.
He resigned a year Leonard mishkind
ago to erect the Orr Theatre in Orrville in
partnership with Sam P. Gorrel, former Re-
public manager. Mishkind was active in the
exchange by day while attending WRU law
school at night.
Harold Russell of the cast of “The Best
Years of Our Lives,” showing at the Lower
Mall and University theatres, was the guest
at a Variety Club dinner held Monday at the
Carter hotel. Attended by several hundred
members and friends of Variety, the dinner
was the opening gun in Tent 6’s 1947 drive
for funds to support the Paradise Valley
boys camp which it is sponsoring.
“Macsay,” who really has a first name of
Margaret, is back at Republic as head booker,
a position she left temporarily to join Visual
Communications in charge of its 16mm de-
partment . . . George Petersen, contractor,
who specializes in building drive-ins, is com-
muting these days between Maryland, Ken-
tucky and Indiana where he has outdoor the-
atres under construction.
Harry Schreiber, RKO Theatres district
manager, was "batching” it last week while
his wife and family spent the school vaca-
tion in Wilmington, Del. . . . Arnold Gates,
manager of Loew’s Stillman, has found a new
descriptive adjective for advertising use. In
his copy on “California” he described the
color used in the picture as “sunburst.” He
also used the phrase on his marquee, attract-
ing not only attention but also customers.
Max Cohen, U-I manager, spent the week-
end with his family in Washington. Mrs.
Cohen accompanied him back to Cleveland
in order to make preparations to move into
the apartment they finally obtained. It is a
brand new one on Fairhill drive, now waiting
for finishing touches.
Tony Stern, Warner film buyer, celebrated
his complete recovery after a recent opera-
O LIVER THEATRE
SUPPLY CO., INC.
M. H. FRITCHLE
Manager
23rd and Payne Avenue
Phone: PRospect 6934
CLEVELAND
FREE!
Give your patrons
Wear-Ever Pressure Cookers and All Metal Shop-
ping Carts worth $287.50. Write for detail'.
Coulter
Dinnerware
Theatre Films I Theatre
403 Film Bldg Games
Cleveland 14. Ohio
tion by taking his wife and two children to
Niagara Falls over the weekend . . . Harry
Weiss, 20th-Fox exploiteer, flew in to New
York to see his brothers and sisters, return-
ing two days later.
A1 Kolitz, now RKO Rocky Mountain di-
vision manager, visited his family here over
the weekend. The family will move to Den-
ver as soon as an apartment is found . . .
Frank Masek, National Theatre Supply man-
ager, has completed installing new equipment
in Ted Karageorge’s Ohio Theatre, at Ant-
werp. The deal included new Simplex sound
and lamps.
Charles Beckman, whose interests include
theatres and bowling alleys, and who has
been trailer-touring through Mexico all win-
ter, is now on the way home. When last
heard from he was in Las Vegas, checking
up on the receipts of “Mom and Dad,” the
Hygienic Production show which now has 12
companies on the road.
Warner Club is all set to hold its spring
party April 21. It will be a dinner-dance
at the Alpine Village. Guests with paid ad-
mission ducats are welcome to attend . . .
This is the week of “The Yearling.” It
opened April 10 at the State . . . Charles
School, MGM auditor, is visiting the local
exchange.
Charles Gottlob of the Milo Theatre and
Mrs. Gottlob are leaving April 25 by auto-
mobile for Los Angeles. They’ll be gone
about a month . . . Visitors last week in-
cluded Paul Pontius of the Limelite Thea-
tre, Woodville; D. B. Stone, Idol Theatre,
Lodi, and Bert Schoonmaker, Toledo theatre
owner, as well as the usual weekly visitors
from Akron and immediate surrounding
towns.
P. L. Tanner of Film Transit Co. is back
from a four-week tanning at Palm Beach
. . . L. C. Gross and E. S. Johnson of Central
Shipping Terminal were in Chicago last week
. . . M. B. Horwitz, general manager of the
Washington circuit, is back from a four-week
Florida vacation and Paul Gusdanovic re-
turned after four months at Miami Beach.
More visitors: Leo Burkhardt, Hippodrome,
Crestline; Walter Steuve, Lyric, Royal and
State theatres, Findley; J. S. Malano, Brew-
ster Theatre, Brewster; Albert Lucas, Grafton
Theatre, Grafton.
Oscar Ruby, Columbia manager, was still
on the sick list. He suffered a relapse be-
cause he tried to force his recovery from flu
. . . Growing signs: Evelyn Podolan has been
added to the Jack Gertz Theatre Films per-
sonnel as secretary . . . You won’t know the
old PRC exchange when the carpenters and
painters finish. It has been entirely re-
arranged and has better facilities for serv-
ing exhibitors.
RKO is still without a manager. It is go-
ing on six weeks since A1 Kolitz stepped up
into a district managership and at present
writing no one has been appointed to replace
him. In the meantime, Oscar Braeunig, and
the sales force, under the eye of District
Manager Milton Cohen, are carrying on.
J. S. Jossey of Hygienic Productions, who
has been on the coast since the first of the
year, is expected here within the next ten
days . . . The mother of Frank Savage, man-
ager of the Warner Theatre, Youngstown,
died last week.
Hope in 'Caliph of Bagdad'
Bob Hope has been slated by Paramount as
the star of “The Caliph of Bagdad.”
Pete Quiter Retains Lead
In Pittsburgh Pin Loop
PITTSBURGH — Pete Quiter remains high
scorer in the Filmrow Bowling league, his
average being 137.5. His three-game high is
529. The Costello team is out in front with
29 games won and 10 lost.
Betty Kearns is second high for three
games with a 459. Bob Green is high scorer
for one game with a 233, and Betty Kearns
has a 182 for second honors. The Bogart
team is in second place behind the Costello
outfit, and following in order are the Coleman,
Abbott, Grable, Wilde, Rogers, Kaye, Gable,
Garson, Hayworth, Crosby, Davis and Lamour
teams.
Donald Chaban is second highest individual
scorer with an average of 131.7. Bowling in
the 120s are Bob Green, Jake Pulkowski,
George Bierer, Betty Kearns and Jack Welt-
ner; from 120 to 100, are Paul Reith, Matt
Ray, Slam Boyle, Jim Young, Jack Lange,
Joe Stack, Frank Marino, Francis Burke, Roy
Davis, Walter McCloskey, Margie Vater, Mar-
jorie Otten and Joe McCormick; and below
100 are Eddie Reith, Sam Speranza, Joe Mil-
ler, Lois Eggert, Jim Sippey, Wahneta Gard-
ner, Margaret Cronin, Mary Faulis, Ann Zins-
meister, Grace Benitz, Grace Neiderberger,
Gertrude Boyle, John Navoney, Jane Patter-
son, Dorothy Schmidt, Marion Willett, Ida
Wolfe, Marjorie Botsford, Phoebe Homer,
Anne Simon, Peg McArdle, Helen Garlitz,
Rita Perri, Lois Meinbresse, Marie Eckerman,
Eleanor Manz, June Hill, Marion Fogel, Grace
Thomas, Jay Angel, Ruth McKnight, Julia
Paulus, Roseanne Feinberg, Gertrude Hunger-
man, Rose Demma, Frances Miller, Cecelia
Barr, Martha Valanci, Peg O’Connell, Claire
Niederberger, Rose Semplice, Mildred Kindlin,
Cel Kieselbach, Dolly Bosko, Rosemarie
Charlem, Lena Caruso, Dorothy McArdle,
Marion Shuster, Lucille Wirth, Carole Keefe,
Margaret Krauss, Ann Quinn, Maureen Kie-
selbach, Madeline Caruso and Beverley For-
man.
Gallup Omission of Films
Protested by Pete Wood
COLUMBUS — Omission of motion pictures
from answers to a Gallup poll which posed
the question “What do you think is the
greatest invention that has ever been made?”
puzzles P. J. Wood, secretary of the Inde-
pendent Theatre Owners of Ohio.
In fact, it worried Wood so much that he
wrote letters to Gallup and Lynn Famol of
Samuel Goldwyn Productions, asking what
they thought caused this inexplicable omis-
sion.
Wood received the following reply from
Lita Scheel of the editorial office of the
American Institute of Public Opinion, the
Gallup organization:
“The only explanation I can think of why
people did not mention movies as one of the
greatest inventions is the fact that movies
are quite taken for granted and are prob-
ably considered purely in the entertainment
sense, while something like the electric bulb
comes to mind more easily as an invention
that is revolutionary. Television probably
occurred to people for that very reason, al-
though it received a very small vote.”
Said Farnol:
“I’m as amazed as you that motion pictures
were omitted. Maybe the whole thing stems
from the point that I made in a recent talk —
that we of the motion picture business have
publicized our wealth and our fine living
more than we have our efforts at improve-
ment and our service as citizens.”
Top three inventions were electric light,
the atom bomb and radio, followed by the
wheel, airplane, telephone, automobile, steam
engine, radar, printing press, washing ma-
chine and television.
92
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
Modern Eastwood Theatre
Readies for an Opening
PITTSBURGH — Members of the trade
privileged to preview the new Eastwood on
Frankstown road, Penn township, are em-
phatic in their declarations that it is the
most modern theatre in the area, featuring
modern materials, fixtures and equipment.
Seating installation will be completed next
week and the decorating staff will be check-
ing out at an early date. Officers of Navari
Amusements, Inc., said that a souvenir open-
ing program will be published and that the
theatre would be open the third week in
April. Guests at the premiere will be town-
ship officials, civic leaders and friends in
the industry.
Offers Bicycle, Skates
As Kiddy Inducement
CLEVELAND — Julius Lamm, manager of
the Uptown, is boosting Saturday kiddy mat-
inees by offering a free bicycle and five pairs
of roller skates. Lamm promoted the give-
aways which are supplied by the Merchants
Finance Co. Numbered tickets are given out
for four weeks and the lucky number winner
will be drawn at a big Easter party to be held
April 5 with a special stage show to supple-
ment the specially selected film program.
The prizes are an inducement to children
to attend the theatre as often as possible
and to get as many numbered coupons as pos-
sible, thus increasing their chances of winning.
Clawlike Hand the Motif
Of "Beast" Advertising
DETROIT— For “The Beast With Five
Fingers” the Broadway-Capitol used a huge
clawlike hand in all advertising and marquee
signs as the striking symbol of a horror pic-
ture.
A special showing was arranged at mid-
night for a single feminine volunteer who
had to sit alone in the darkened house — and
then appear the next morning on the Coffee
Club radio program. She told of her experi-
ence, receiving a suitable award.
The exploitation campaign was handled by
Alice Gorham of United Detroit Theatres.
New Theatre for Genoa
GENOA, OHIO — A modern motion picture
theatre will be built here by Herbert K. Hoglan
of Toledo to seat 450 persons. Parking facili-
ties will adjoin the house which Hoglan will
operate. He plans to begin construction soon.
Will Open at Athens
ATHENS, MICH. — L. E. Hoag is erecting a
quonset hut type theatre here, to be called
the Swing. It seats 425. It will be equipped
with a snack bar. Opening on or about May
15 is planned.
Cochranton House to Open
COCHRANTON, PA. — Seating and equip-
ment have been installed in the new 450-seat
theatre by National Theatre Supply and the
house will be open within two weeks. W. L.
Dunn, general contractor, who has his office
directly across the street from the house, is
owner and manager.
Shea to Build Ashtabula House
ASHTABULA, OHIO — Shea Theatre Corp.
has awarded the Heller-Murray Co., Youngs-
town, the general contract to build a new
1,500-seat house in Ashtabula, said R. K. Rus-
sell, manager of Shea Theatres there. Exca-
vation will begin as soon as weather permits.
LOUISVILLE
t*xtremely bad weather, coupled with the
lenten season, took a toll in boxoffice re-
ceipts over Kentucky. With the weather
breaking prospects for good business are
seen . . . More and more local church groups
are supplementing regular services with re-
ligious motion pictures, and the demand for
such product is increasing to such an extent
that some studios are adding religious pic-
tures to regular programs. Also in demand
by the same groups are educational and
recreational films.
Maurice Reinking, operator of the Swan
and Idaho theatres in Terre Haute, died in
Sarasota, Fla. Services were conducted in
Terre Haute . . . Mrs. J. F. Carnahan, who
recently underwent an operation at the Jew-
ish hospital in Louisville, is recuperating at
the home of her sister in Crothersville, Ind.
Carnahan owns the Manchester, Manchester,
Ky„ and is affiliated with the McKee, Mc-
Kee, Ky., and other Kentucky theatres.
Sylvester Grove, head of the Parkview
Amusement Co., Louisville, is in Hot Springs,
Ark., vacationing . . . Boyd Martin, film
critic of the Louisville Courier- Journal, is
directing the Little Theatre’s presentation of
“Julius Caesar” .... A. E. Daugherty, critic
of the Times, has just completed his 12th
year in that capacity . . . Mrs. Danford Rad-
cliffe is manager of the Majestic Theatre,
Majestic, Ky., owned by Mrs. E. C. Lewis.
Complete new Motiograph equipment has
been purchased by J. F. Carnahan for his
Manchester, Manchester, Ky. New Mono-
graphs also have been ordered by the Fourth
Avenue Amusement Co. for the Strand in
Louisville. The sales were made by the Falls
City Theatre Equipment Co. here ... New
RCA sound will be installed in the Royal
Theatre, Carrollton, Ky., owned jointly by
Mrs. Frances Wessell and Fred May jr.
Recent visitors included Joe Goldberg,
Popular Pictures, Cincinnati; Lyell Webb,
Ritz, Burkesville, Ky.; M. C. Hughes, Mc-
Kee, McKee, Ky.; William Kuhnsman, Na-
tional Carbon Co., Fostoria, Ohio; V. J. Mc-
Kelski, West Baden Theatre, West Baden,
Ind.; Ray Coleman, Swan, Edmonton, Ky.;
C. M. Caldwell, Caldwell Theatres, Cave City,
Ky.; C. S. Caldwell, Lyric, Scottsville, Ky.;
Oscar Hopper, Arista, Lebanon, Ky.; Bertha
Wolf, Pastime, Owenton, Ky.; A. N. Miles,
Eminence, Eminence, Ky.; Russell Phillips,
Franklin, Greensburg, Ky.; W. Henry Collins,
Springfield, Ky.
“The Sea Hawk” and “The Sea Wolf,” re-
issues on a double bill at the Mary Ander-
son, have received such attention that they
are being held for a second week. Also in its
second week is “Angel and the Badman”
plus “The Ghost Goes Wild” at the Brown.
The Academy award picture, “The Best Years
of Our Lives” is still running at the Strand
at advanced prices. Other Easter selections
were “It Happened in Brooklyn” at Loew’s
and “Suddenly It’s Spring” at the Rialto . . .
“Blossom Time” has been booked at the
Memorial auditorium for one performance,
April 14.
W. E. Carrell of the Falls City Theatre
Equipment Co. was host to the Louisville
chapter of the Coast Guard league, which
met at his Little Theatre auditorium. Car-
rell and his son are both members.
Vance Schwartz, executive of National
Theatre, ran an extensive advertising cam-
paign on the opening of “The Egg and I”
which had its Louisville debut Easter eve.
Sam Lefko, former local film distributor
and a Philadelphia representative for RKO
in recent years, is on the mend and will be
discharged from the sanitarium next month
. . . Horse racing season at Charles Town
will extend for 48 days from May 28 through
July 22, and at Wheeling Downs the season
will run for 52 days between August 20 and
October 18,
James Fennell, Cincinnati,
Buys Dry Ridge Theatre
CINCINNATI— W. H. Poteet has sold his
Kentucky Theatre in Dry Ridge, Ky., to
James Fennell of this city. Fennell has
moved to Dry Ridge and taken over the op-
eration.
Glass Front for Verdi
BELLE VERNON, PA. — Plans are com-
pleted for remodeling of the Verdi here, by S.
Innocenti, proprietor. New lobby and struc-
tural glass front plans were prepared by
Victor A. Rigaumont, architect.
Plafi Herminie Remodeling
HERMINIE, PA. — The Central, formerly
the Covi, will be remodeled extensively and
new seating, projection, decorations, etc., will
be installed by Charles Trozzo, new owner.
Rudy Covi, who sold the theatre, is assisting
Trozzo temporarily in booking.
Tunnelton Becomes Permanent
TUNNELTON, W. VA.— ' The Tunnelton, re-
cently acquired by Don Hayman of Union-
town, Pa., has installed permanent booth
equipment from National Theatre Supply.
Under former management the theatre has
been operated under a portable setup.
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 of which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE, DATE <S RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE.
NAME POSITION
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
ME
92-A
PITTSBURGH
J^ay and Irma Jean Woodard of the Kayton,
Franklin, are vacationing in Florida. He
had been in Alabama with his father-in-law,
Len H. Houghton, exhibitor and lumberman
. . . Julius Levine, UA auditor, visited the
local branch . . . Myron, 6-year-old son of
the Frank Silvermans, is a pneumonia pa-
tient in Montefiore hospital. His dad’s the
Columbia shipper.
Bill Jervis, National Theatre Supply man-
ager, is on a strict diet following a recent ill-
ness. He is back on the job . . . FCC an-
nounced a conditional FM permit subject to
approval of engineering details, to the Eagle
Printing Co., Inc., Butler, Pa. . . . Following
“Call Me Mister,” the Nixon offering will be
“Cyrano de Bergerac” with Jose Ferrer for
the week of April 14, and for two weeks
beginning April 21 the
theatre attraction will
be Mike Todd’s “Up in
Central Park.”
Frank A. Orban jr.,
Cairnbrook and Hoo-
versville exhibitor and
a member of the
Pennsylvania house of
representatives, has
presented four acts to
the session, and he has
at all times endeav-
ored to protect the
frank a. orban jr. interests of independ-
ent theatre owners . . . Variety Post 589,
American Legion, with cooperation of local
radio stations, is presenting entertainments
at the Veterans hospital, Aspinwall, and at
the VA Deshon hospital, Butler.
A drive-in is planned on Route 422 between
Butler and Kittanning by an Armstrong
county deputy sheriff and a Pittsburgh poul-
try man . . . Jacques “Jack” Kahn, recently
a local Warners exploiteer, has joined UA in
a similar capacity in the Chicago area, and
Lew Carroll, former RKO exploiteer, Wash-
ington and Detroit, is now in St. Louis with
the company.
Ray Allison has completed plans for the
erection of a new theatre in Cresson and he
is awaiting the green light . . . Jerome Veld-
enzer and his bridge, the former Geraldine
Cohen, have returned from honeymooning
in Nassau and Havana, and the former thea-
tre supply dealer is as brown as a berry . . .
Frank Fairgraves, Erie exhibitor, is in Lake
Worth, Fla., visiting his father who has been
ill.
Good Friday community service was an
event in the Oaks, Oakmont . . . Richard
Navari, Florida broker, was an Easter visitor
here to see his mother, Brothers Rudy, Sam
and Julius and other members of the family.
Another brother, Al, is in the insurance
business in California . . . Ira H. Cohn, UA
manager, who suffered a heart attack Feb-
ruary 28 and who experienced a setback or
two in the hospital, is reported making satis-
factory progress in his fight to regain health.
Sympathy to Mathilda Kiel, AMPTO assist-
ant secretary, on the death of her stepfather,
JJlU'fl U f);irJ ?i\
DELIVERING
the
Completely
NEW
"A A" Projector
ATLAS THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
425 Van Braam St. Pittsburgh
John Schatzer. A Brentwood resident,
Schatzer died April 5 . . . Navari Amusements,
Inc., which opens the new Eastwood Theatre
in Penn township soon, is presenting Young
America on Wheels, the week of May 2 in
the Flamingo roller palace in the east end.
The Flamingo has been named officially as
the roller rink of the year by the U.S.A. Roller
Skating Ass’n, and the national champion-
ships will be staged there July 8-12.
Drive-ins at Erie are expected to open new
seasons April 25. They are Leo Guerrein
jr.’s Skyway and Joseph Gold and Wil-
liam Coleman’s Star . . . Application by
Andrew E. Sheridan, attorney, proposes that
the Variety Club’s chartered name be changed
to Variety Club, International . . . First
cities on the daylight saving time bandwagon,
adopting fast time April 27, are Pittsburgh,
Philadelphia, Reading, Allentown, Harris-
burg, Altoona, Williamsport, Bethlehem,
Easton, Greensburg, Carlisle, Norristown,
Pottstown, New Kensington, Hazelton and
Stroudsburg.
Schedule of the Pittsburgh Civic light
operas in Pitt Stadium: June 2-7, “The
Desert Song”; June 9-14, “The Cat and the
Fiddle;” June 16-21, “Balalaika;” June 23-28,
“Roberta;” June 30- July 5, “Rio Rita;” July
7-21, “Countess Maritza;” July 14-19,
“Rosalie;” July 21-26, “The Three Muske-
teers,” and July 28-August 8, “The Great
Waltz.”
Jimmy Alexander jr., son of the Alexander
Theatre Supply proprietor, has completed
his schooling at Northwestern university,
where he was awarded an SB degree from
the engineering school, and he has returned
home to make a decision as to various posi-
tions which have been offered . . . Mr. and
Mrs. Mario Battiston, Export, Pa., exhibitors,
were hosts at their home in Irwin to the
Irwin high school basketball team the eve-
ning following their victory over Weatherly,
thus winning the class B state championship.
About 20 were expected but nearly four times
that number turned up. The Battistons
were prepared and all guests were treated to
a big dinner.
Kenneth R. Baker, Washington, Pa., rep-
resentative in 13 western Pennsylvania coun-
ties for Alexander Film Co., was a Filmrow
visitor. More theatres in this area than ever
before are profiting by exhibition of Alex-
ander advertising clips, Ken states . . . Joe
Delisi, retired exhibitor, and Mrs. Delisi have
returned from vacationing in Florida. Joe,
who transferred the Nanty-Glo theatres to
the Blatt Bros, circuit last year, is a little
overweight, but the golfing-outdoor season
is coming up and he’ll not have his clothing
“let out.”
Mr. and Mrs. Hymen Goldberg of the
Regent, Beaver Falls, are vacationing in
Atlantic City. Ill recently, Hymie was up
and around last week . . . Bert M. Stearn,
who heads Cooperative Theatre Service, re-
ported in at the office after an illness of
several months. He appears in good health
. . . Rita Preissler, billposters’ union secretary
to Leo Abernathy, labor leader, was found
dead last week in a room at the Keystone
hotel. A suicide verdict was given.
A son, Charles Edward, was born to the E.
W. Bergers. Dad is the RCA service engi-
neer . . . James G. Balmer, Harris executive,
is hard at work again after taking a rest
cure for several weeks . . . Penn, Slovan, Pa.,
opened about six months ago by Richard
Gerrero and Leroy Grago, has closed.
Bill Naidenoff, theatre decorator, and his
family have returned to their home here for
the summer. They have a Florida residence
for- the winter months . . . Sam Gould, vet-
eran exhibitor, states he has not lost the Ohio,
which has been taken under lease by Paul
Becker. Gould, who continues in exhibition
at the Arcadia, did not seek a lease renewal
for the Ohio. He removes his equipment
from the Ohio after April 20.
Annual luncheon meeting of the motion
picture division of the Allegheny county fed-
eration of women’s clubs was held in the
Congress of Clubs. Mrs. M. Henry Dawson
of the MPA spoke on children’s motion pic-
tures and Mrs. Albert J. Cupps, chairman,
reported on the conference meeting of the
National Board of Review. Mrs. George W.
Postgate discussed the work of the west coast
preview committee which she visited in Holly-
wood.
Don and Tony Mungello have remodeled
the front of their Mary Ann, Burgettstown,
and have installed a 10x14 foot confection
room to the left of the front lobby. Their
new store room adjoining has just opened
with an electrical appliance tenant. In the
rear of this space the Mungello brothers are
preparing to install six bowling alleys which
they will operate.
First Lieut. William Mikolowsky, son of
Theodore Mikolowsky, exhibitor in Mason-
town, was married Easter Sunday to Carol
Ross in Millersport, Ohio. Lieutenant Miko-
lowsky, a B29 bombardier-navigator, par-
ticipated in 71 missions during the war. His
bride was an air force stenographer in Mount
Clemens, Mich.
Herbert Leonard Perer of the Park and
Novelty and his bride, the former Beatrice
Taper, have returned from their New York
honeymoon ... As in past years, the Warner
was open April 4 from 12:15 to 12:50 for a
special Good Friday service . . . The J. B.
Christys, Conneautville and Tidioute exhibi-
tors, after residing in the former community
for approximately two years, have returned to
their home in Tidioute. They lived for two
years in Conneautville, where their son
Howard and his wife Betty are managing the
Palace.
With the Ritz now under the Loew’s ban-
ner, Mort Fordan has been succeeded as
manager by Vince Aldert, former first assist-
ant to Bill Elder at Loew’s Penn. Fordan is
vacationing and when he resumes theatre
duties it will be with Warners as circuit re-
lief manager. Russell Schirra now is Elder’s
first assistant at the Penn and Arthur Stein
is Aldert’s first assistant at the Ritz. Carl
Stoerkel is the Penn’s chief of service and
Ralph Paulson, former usher, is his assistant.
Seymour Lefton of Cinema Distributing
Co., the candy-popcorn outfit, and his
fiancee, Clara Gordon, vacationed in New
Orleans with his parents, the Lew Leftons.
The couple will be married here June 29 . . .
The Civic Light Opera Ass’n has withdrawn
“Rose Marie” and “The Firefly” from the
Pitt Stadium summer season and has sub-
stituted Jerome Kern’s “Music in the Air”
for the former operetta.
“Ice-Capades of 1948” opens here in the
Gardens next September 3 . . . Gordon Gibson
of Atlas Theatre Supply is awaiting delivery
on a new car . . . Mr. and Mrs. Israel Roth
of the Penn on Penn avenue, are vacationing
in Florida . . . AMPTO of W. Pa., has made
a listing of all theatres that are equipped with
popcorn machines.
Ken Woodward, western Pennsylvania
showman, just can’t subscribe to Horace
Greeley’s directive “Go west, etc.” Unable
to resist the lure of his native Pennsylvania
hills, Ken has resigned his position as city
manager of the four Ames Operating Co.
92-B
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
theatres at Ames, Iowa, and has returned
to his home in Uniontown where he will
vacation for several weeks before considering
future activities. Woodward, a veteran in
the industry, reports he enjoyed recent visits
with former Pittsburgh film men, George
Lefko, now PRC manager in Los Angeles,
and Roy Haines, Warner’s western division
manager.
Theatrical Mutual Ass’n, New Kensington,
has been renovated and remodeled and a
gala celebration is to be staged there by the
organization, composed of IATSE members . . .
George Jaffe of the Casino is home after
vacationing in Hot Springs.
Bert Redfoot, Windber and Central City
exhibitor, and Mrs. Redfoot depart the end
of April for California. Bert will visit his 83-
year-old mother in San Francisco and a sister
in Los Angeles. This will be Mrs. Redfoot’s
first visit in the Golden state ... A son was
born to the Dave Walds. Papa is a Warner
circuit booker . . . Mike Winograd, Rochester
exhibitor, is back on the job after vacation-
ing in Florida.
Marion Heerman of the MGM exchange and
John Moran, a utility employe of Rally’s film
express, will set a date with the preacher . . .
Helen Jeskevic, MGM assistant biller, and
Joseph Joyce will have a June wedding . . .
The I. Elmer Eckers were hosts at the Va-
riety Club family party April 11 . . . Bob Coyle,
veteran Charleroi exhibitor, has taken off 17
pounds and he’s looking very well.
Bertha Gibson of Atlas Theatre Supply
has been ailing . . . W. A. Habegger has
opened an office at 1711 Blvd. of the Allies
for National Theatre Advertising Co. . . .
PRC-Eagle-Lion was preparing to move into
the former RKO quarters this week, but John
Zomnir, manager, was not so sure about the
switchboard transfer because of the tele-
phone strike.
A number of the Andy Battiston associates
will be in the nation’s capital April 12 to at-
tend the world premiere of “Citizen Saint”
in Constitution hall. Werner “Fuzzy” Lund
and Dario “Danny” Castelli were in Buffalo
this week in connection with an invitational
screening of the picture in the Erlanger
April 8. The picture opens there April 15
following the Washington premiere.
The MGM exchange office is being bright-
ened with installation of new grilled fluores-
cent fixtures and lamps . . . There was con-
siderable flash flood damage at the New
Bradford, Bradford, Pa., and at the State,
Youngsville, Pa., early this week. North coun-
ties suffered heavily in the unwelcome Easter
floods. Particular damage was done in Mead-
ville, Warren, Cambridge Springs and in other
communities.
Local newspapers featured editorials urging
Fernand A. Thomassy not to offer an amend-
ment to the Allegheny county smoke control
bill. Thomassy is the McDonald exhibitor and
a Washington county state representative . . .
T. F. McCleary, RCA regional sales manager,
was here from Detroit to conferences with
James H. Alexander, products distributor, and
Frank W. Hamre, service company district
manager.
Kennywood Park opens its 50th anniversary
season April 20. The school and picnic season
dated to begin May 14 . . . Jerome Adams,
formerly of the local MGM branch and re-
cently assistant manager in San Francisco,
now is branch head in Washington. Jerry’s
brother Art is a local MGM student salesman.
Cartoon shows were special Easter Monday
morning kiddy attractions here in ten War-
ner and five Harris theatres . . . Work on
Brentwood’s $300,000 sports stadium is expect-
ed to start early in May . . . Betty Winkel-
man, secretary at Alexander Theatre Sup-
ply, is the wife of H. W. Winkelman, RCA
Request From Papeete
Is Too Much tor Leo
Columbus — Leo Yassenoff, theatre
builder and boss of the local Academy
theatres, ordinarily likes requests from
prospective theatre builders. That’s his
business.
But he had to turn down an eager
would-be theatre owner the other day.
The reason? The request came from
Papeete, Tahiti, halfway ’round the
world.
Leo, envisioning struggles with short-
ages of coconut logs, reluctantly said no.
service engineer . . . Donald Chaban of the
RKO booking department was ill for a week
following his return from Washington where
he attended the Variety Club testimonial din-
ner in honor of his uncle, Sam Wheeler, Film
Classics general sales manager.
John J. Maloney and Saal Gottlieb, MGM
central division manager and Pittsburgh
branch manager, respectively, will be in New
York April 28 to attend a company sales
meeting . . . Warner Bros, has purchased a
20x25-foot strip facing on Miltenberger street,
directly in the rear of the company’s exchange
building . . . From New York we find Grover
Schafer listed as local SRO manager, but
Eddie Fontaine, district manager, hasn’t been
around to confirm this. SRO’s office is in
the Clark building.
James D. Phillips, member of Out-Door
Theatre, Inc., which contemplates opening
a drive-in near Irwin, is a partner in the
garage business with Jerry Castelli at
Library where the Castelli family owns and
operates the Park Theatre . . . Guy Oglietti,
Leechburg exhibitor, is up and around again
following a recent operation . . . Sol Bragin,
Warner circuit booker, is vacationing in
Florida.
Marion Finer, secretary to John McGreevey
at the Harris office, and Harold Labovitz,
employed by the Internal Revenue depart-
ment, are to announce a wedding date. Mar-
ion is a former Filmrow girl ... A television
scanning disc was demonstrated for a week
or more via the new RCA Victor image orthi-
con cameras in Spear’s . . . Oscar Levant,
Pittsburgh pianist, composer, conductor, mo-
tion picture and radio star, will be piano
soloist with, the Pittsburgh Symphony April
22 at Syria Mosque. Vladimir Bakaleinikoff
will conduct the orchestra.
Ted Laskey of the Basle-Laskey enter-
prises was ill at his home in Uniontown . . .
Nathan M. Katz, AMPTO attorney, and Her-
man Fineberg, brother of Monogram’s Sam
Fineberg, are among incorporators of the
United Jewish fund of Pittsburgh . . . Harry
Bernstein, Columbia exploiteer who head-
quarters here, is working on “Johnny
O’clock,” the Dick Powell drama, after ex-
ploiting “The Jolson Story” in the Cleve-
land and Cincinnati areas.
Paul Becker has acquired a long-term lease
on the Ohio, northside house that had been
held for a score of years by Sam Gould.
Becker takes over May 1. He has had theatre
experience with Jacob Richman theatres and
with Leonard and Nathan Perer theatres.
Gould continues in exhibition with the Ar-
cadia. The Gould Amusement Corp. is be-
ing dissolved.
Sammy J. La Scola, 30-year veteran in
theatre service in New Castle, Pa., who had
been in San Jose, Calif., for a year and a
half, has returned to New Castle and the
Paramount. La Scola started as an usher
in M. J. Gibbons’ Nixon, New Castle, in 1915.
With his return to the Paramount, Eddie
Masters was departing this week for Florida
and a GI school.
This happened to F. D. Moore immediately
following the tradeshowing of “The Two Mrs.
Carrolls,” in which Humphrey Bogart puts
poison in a glass of milk to do away with one
of the Mrs. Carrolls: Adele Seegan, walked
into his office with a glass of milk and was
unconcerned about it until he let loose with
a scream. “Dinty” is nervous and he can be
emotional at times. Neither Adele nor
“Dinty” knew that Paul Krumenacker had
inspired the little gag. And there was no
poison in the milk.
Charles F. Danver, Pittsburghesque col-
umnist, reports that the likely record first-
nighters here are the A. B. McGrew jrs. of
Indiana, Pa., hotel owners. In 28 years
McGrew has plunked down an estimated
$15,000 for his Monday evening Nixon seats,
eighth row center.
The 1947 national roller skating champion-
ships of the U.S. will be played under aus-
pices of the Flamingo Roller club at the
Flamingo Roller palace, East Liberty, on July
8-12. State champions will come there to
compete. The host club is Navari Amuse-
ments, Inc., operated by Rudolph, Julius and
Samuel Navari. Navari Amusements is pre-
paring the gala opening of the beautiful East-
wood, Penn township, Pittsburgh area’s mod-
ern motion picture palace, which is in fact
“the theatre of tomorrow.”
Key Stunt on The Locket'
Gets Newspaper Breaks
CLEVELAND — Shirley Fishman, in charge
of publicity at the RKO Palace, used the key
stunt effectively here on “The Locket.”
The week prior to the opening, Shirley gave
out 8,000 keys in small envelopes and invited
the recipients to fit the keys into a padlock
attached to a lobby display locket. Actually
31 keys would open the locket. To the first
one who succeeded went $50. Each of the
succeeding 30 winners received $5.
The stunt kept a constant stream of people
coming into the theatre lobby to try their
keys, and of course, they were all very con-
scious of the forthcoming engagement of “The
Locket.” It was not necessary to buy a ticket
to try the key, as the display was placed in
the outer lobby. Newspapers gave the stunt
extra reader space.
Sends 'Conscience Money'
PITTSBURGH — An anonymous gate-
crasher who wrote he wanted to pay “for
shows saw and never paid for when I was a
kid” sent $5 to the Stanley Theatre. Charles
Eagle, Stanley manager, presented the money
to the Rev. Paul Bossompierre, acting direc-
tor of Camp O’Connell, sponsored by the local
Variety Club.
St. Michael Project
ST. MICHAEL, PA.— Michael Youneridge
anticipates erecting a new theatre here. Op-
erator of the Strand for a number of years,
he will close the theatre in mid-May and
remove his equipment. The mine union,
owners of the theatre, will occupy the prop-
erty as a union hall.
Akron House Becomes a Store
AKRON— The old Gayety Theatre here
now is being remodeled into a big home dec-
oration store for the United Carpet and
Linoleum Co.
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
92-C
PIONEER POPCORN
DISTRIBUTOR
Advertises Liberally
in
BOXOFFICE
"Indispensable," he says
Chas. E. Darden & Co.
308 S. HARWOOD
DALLAS 1. TEXAS
POST OFFICE BOX 2 2 07
January 10, 1947
Associated Publications,
Publishers of BOXOFFICE,
825 Van Brunt Blvd.,
Kansas City 1, Mo.
Gentlemen:
For several years past we have used space liberally in BOXOFFICE.
Since we began in a small way with an office and warehouse in Dallas, we not only
credit this advertising with being a strong factor in our growth, but we consider BOX-
OFFICE to be indispensable to us in marketing our goods and services to the theatres.
How important this is, is evidenced in our string of warehouses across the South and the
spread of our sales into international markets both to the north and to the south of the United
States.
We look forward to a continuance of our past favorable relations with you.
Sincerely,
CHAS. E. DARDEN <& CO.
BRANCH
WAREHOUSES:
HOUSTON
102 San Jacinto
P. O. Box 322
BEAUMONT
201 Bowie
LUBBOCK
702 Texas
NEW ORLEANS
400 N. Peters
MEMPHIS
671 S. Main
P. O. Box 2562
92-D
BOXOFFICE April 12, l&T
Special Train Will Run
To Edward Fay Party
Seth H. Field Joins
Affiliated, Boston
BOSTON — Seth H. Field has resigned as
head booker for the Graphic circuit to
join Arthur Howard
r»i of Affiliated Theatres
in a buying and book-
ing capacity.
Field broke in with
Graphic as manager
in Ellsworth, Me., after
graduation from Bos-
ton university in 1934.
Two years later he be-
came house manager
for Stanley Sumner at
the University in Cam-
bridge and in 1938 he
went to Gloversville,
seth H. field N. Y., as booker in the
Schine circuit. He handled the booking of
65 theatres in the Albany and Buffalo terri-
tories for four years, leaving in 1942 to join
the coast guard. He rejoined Graphic after
his discharge from service in October 1943.
At Affiliated, Fields succeeds Frank Lydon
who resigned to join the Selznick Releasing
Organization as special representative in the
New England states.
Affiliated is an organization offering buy-
ing, booking and billing service to exhibitors,
plus guidance in policy and physical opera-
tion. It was founded by Howard, former
business manager of Independent Exhibitors
of New England in 1942. Fourteen theatres
were on the books originally. Today there
are 36. Offices are in the Park Square Bldg.
Lydon joined the company in 1943 as part-
ner and vice-president, and resigned last
week to go with SRO.
Newell Kurson, Graphic general manager,
has appointed Arthur Rowe as head booker
of the chain’s 20 theatres, replacing Field.
Rowe has been with Graphic for 15 years,
stepping into his new post from the Reading,
Reading, where he was managing director.
Chester Johnson, from the Capitol, Frank-
lin, N. H., replaces Rowe in Reading, ' and
Robert Ripley, a newcomer, takes over in the
Franklin vacancy.
New Hampshire Supports
State Fire Marshal Bill
CONCORD, N. H. — No opposition was pre-
sented at a hearing before the house ju-
diciary committee in the legislature here on
the bill to create the office of state fire
marshal with powers to enforce stringent
fire safety regulations in theatres and other
public places.
The state’s fire chiefs were on hand to sup-
port the measure, and its sponsor, Rep. Lau-
rence M. Pickett of Keene, tabbed it a “must.”
Kullberg to State Organ
PROVIDENCE — Richard Kullberg has been
engaged as organist at Loew’s State to suc-
ceed Maurice White. Kullberg, a war veteran,
studied organ under Aurele J. Forrest and
Emil Velazco. During the war while stationed
in England he played before an audience of
4,000 persons at the famous Trocadero in
London.
Holyoke Theatre to Reopen
HOLYOKE, MASS.— The old Holyoke Thea-
tre, recently purchased by the E. M. Loew Co.
of Boston, will reopen in July, it is reported
here. The house, one-time main stop on the
theatrical road, will be used as a motion
picture theatre.
PROVIDENCE — A large number of na-
tionally known motion picture and theatre
executives, and men prominent in business
and political activities, have accepted invita-
tions to attend the golden anniversary dinner
in honor of Edward M. Fay, Providence thea-
tre operator.
The dinner will be held in the Sheraton-
Biltmore hotel April 21. Meyer Stanzler,
chairman of the dinner committee, said an
Edward M. Fay special train will leave Grand
Central station in New York at 1 o’clock that
afternoon bound for the banquet city. The
dinner is being sponsored by the Independent
Exhibitors of Rhode Island. Subcommittees
have been appointed in New York and Bos-
ton.
Among those expected to attend are Gov.
John O. Pastore, Mayor Dennis J. Roberts,
Eddie Dowling, Frank C. Walker, former post-
master general; Basil O’Connor, national
chairman of the American Red Cross and the
March of Dimes; Maj. Albert M. Warner,
president of Warner Bros. Pictures; Joseph R.
Vogel, president of Loew’s Theatres; Gus
Eyssell, managing director of Radio City
Music Hall; Barney Balaban, president of
Paramount Pictures Corp.; George Schaeffer,
president of Enterprise Pictures; Jack Cohn,
president Of Columbia Pictures; Malcolm
Kingsberg, international president of RKO
Theatres.
William F. Rodgers, vice-president of
Loew’s, Inc.; Thomas J. Connors, vice-presi-
dent of 20th-Fox Film Corp.; Ned Depinet,
vice-president of RKO Pictures; Herman
Robbins, president of National Screen Service;
William A. Scully, vice-presidentrof Universal
Pictures; Benjamin Kalmenson, vice-presi-
dent of Warner Bros. Pictures; George L.
Carrington, president of Altec Service Corp.;
Abe Montague, vice-president of Columbia
Pictures; Leonard Goldenson, vice-president
of Paramount Theatres, and Si H. Fabian,
president of Fabian Theatres.
New Assistant at Daly
HARTFORD — Joe DiLorenzo of the Daly
circuit reports the appointment of Joe Young
as assistant manager at the Daly Theatre
here.
E. M. LOEW’S BIRTHDAY — Fifty friends honored E. M. Loew, New England
circuit operator, on his 50th birthday, presenting him a ship’s clock at a dinner held
at Hotel Statler in Boston. Top picture, usual order: Herman Mintz, Loew’s personal
attorney for 25 years, and dinner chairman; Loew; Max Finn, general manager of
the E. M. Loew circuit; Michael Redstone, Loew partner.
Bottom photo, front row: Loew again; Abe Weiner, U-I sales manager; A1 Kane,
Paramount district manager; John Dervin, UA manager; Herman Rifkin, Monogram
vice-president. Back row: Harry Rogovin, Columbia manager; Maurice Wolf, MGM
district manager; Tim O’Toole, manager of Columbia’s New Haven branch.
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
NE
93
BOSTON
A rthur Howard, president of Affiliated Thea-
** tres, underwent an operation at Newton -
Wellesley hospital . . . Mr. and Mrs. Leonard
Goldberg of the Adams, Quincy, took an
Easter holiday trip to Spring Valley, N. Y.,
to visit Goldberg’s niece who operates Orners
hotel there.
Eddie Selette, manager of the Rialto, Ever-
ett, under Louis Rothenberg, has resigned to
accept a managerial position with a circuit
in New York state . . . Installation of new
seats is planned at the Adams, Adams, dur-
ing the summer months. The house is oper-
ated by Charles Morse. Charles Morse
Theatres incidentally is manufacturing a
DDT insecticide dispenser, Spraymaster,
which is being distributed through Capitol
Theatre Supply and National Theatre Supply.
“Zippie” Goldman of Embassy Pictures
Corp. says “Open City” will probably outgross
any independent picture ever released in this
territory. He adds that attendance records
are being broken in virtually every situation.
Terry Turner, director of exploitation for
RKO, was in town for conferences with Gus
Schaefer, district manager; Ross Cropper,
branch manager, and Ralph Banghart, field
representative, on the forthcoming New Eng-
land premiere of “The Long Night,” starring
Henry Fonda and Barbara Bel Geddes. It is
planned to open the picture in 200 theatres
in New England and upper New York state
about October 1. The premiere will be spon-
sored by the Yankee network.
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fisano, owners and
operator of the Cummings, Fitchburg, an-
nounced the wedding of their daughter Rita
to Bernard D. Butler, April 12, at St. An-
thony’s church, Fitchburg, with a reception
at King’s Corner restaurant.
A color motion picture, “Where Do We Go
Ajf / POPCORN
/VlarUeij, machines
Tops for all showmen!
Ask the theatre that has one!
SAM HORENSTEIN
"*7 he. Pofxc&ut Man."
New England Representative
* * +
Office and Showroom . . . 45 Church St.
Hancock 7419 Boston
In the Heart of the Film District
Genuine
MANLEY SUPPLIES
From Here,” portraying economic problems
ahead and ways and means of meeting them,
was presented at a Hotel Statler luncheon by
Milton Blackwood, New England manager of
Esquire magazine, to advertising, marketing
and selling executives. General Motors, Gen-
eral Electric, B. F. Goodrich, U. S. Steel and
other industries, as well as the navy and
coast guard, contributed scenes to the film.
Ben Abrams, Monogram district manager,
has closed a deal for “It Happened on Fifth
Avenue,” Allied Artists production, for the
entire Warner Bros, circuit in New England
. . . Benn H. Rosenwald, newly appointed
MGM branch manager, replacing Tom Don-
aldson, who resigned, is expected at his desk
on Church street April 21. He comes here
from eight years service as manager for MGM
at Charlotte, N. C.
Maxwell Andelman, vice-president of Dev-
onshire Films, is negotiating with five state
rights distributors for franchises. Contracts
are being drawn in two situations with others
to follow. When the entire combination is
signed it will represent 38 per cent of the
entire country . . . Congratulations to Mr. and
Mrs. Herman Boas in the birth of their second
son Peter at Baker Memorial hospital. The
daddy is with Manco Supply Co. and is the
son of the late Louis M. Boas, veteran thea-
tre man here.
Max Zallen of Newton has bought the
Shea’s Theatre property at Turner Falls, for-
merly owned by Mrs. Dennis Shea, widow of
the original owner of the building. Zallen,
who also operates the Bethel, Bethel, Me.,
took possession April 1. It is understood that
he will redecorate.
Basil O’Connor, chairman of the National
American Red Cross, has written Meyer
Stanzler, chairman of the Edward M. Fay
golden testimonial dinner committee, that he
will attend the dinner April 21 at the Shera-
ton-Biltmore hotel, Providence.
Henry Tobin, owner and operator of
Keith’s, Fairhaven, has renovated the house
after the fire last November that caused ex-
tensive damage. The house is now open.
Tobin recently took over the Casino, New
Bedford, a small theatre which will be re-
decorated and remodeled. Arthur Howard of
Affiliated Theatres is doing the buying and
booking for both situations.
The 19-month-old son of Ken Mayer, Uni-
versal salesman, was taken to the Children’s
hospital suffering from convulsions and after
a week’s treatment was allowed to go home.
The child’s illness kept Ken from his weekly
visit into the Maine territory . . . Ruth Cum-
mings, Massachusetts booker at MGM, was
home a week with flu.
Ernie Warren, Empire, Whitman, sent post
cards to exhibitor friends reading, “What this
country needs is less taxes and more pictures
like ‘The Jolson Story.’ ” He played the fea-
ture four days and broke all house records by
25 per cent, using two evening shows . . .
Sympathy to Ben Wolf, office manager at
MGM, on the death of his mother, Mrs. Lena
Wolf, buried in Brooklyn.
FALL RIVER
Mew rubber treads have been installed in the
stairways leading to the first and second
balconies at the Empire as part of the im-
provement program in progress there. Light-
ing fixtures in the balconies will be replaced
by modern appliances which also will be in-
stalled in the foyer ... A V-type marquee
is being installed under the supervision of
Manager Paul Slayer at the Durfee. It re-
places an upright marquee erected when the
theatre was first built.
Plans are complete for the thorough reno-
vation of the Yamins Strand Theatre. James
Knight is manager. Much of the work, which
will begin within a few weeks, will be done
while the theatre is in operation, and the
house will close only a few weeks. It seats
1,600.
William Canning, chairman of the munici-
pal park board, is supervising the construc-
tion of bleachers in baseball parks of the
community. The project, initiated by Can-
ning, has won acclaim from baseball teams
and their thousands of followers.
Springfield Youths Plead
Guilty in Assault Case
SPRINGFIELD — Two youths have pleaded
guilty in Springfield district court to charges
of creating a disturbance in the Poli Theatre
and to a charge of assault and battery. Both
of the two Paul D. Ferriter, 20, of West
Springfield and Urban Tessler, 20, of Spring-
field, were given two months in jail. They
appealed.
Dismiss Projectionist's Suit
SPRINGFIELD, MASS. — Because Joseph
Giard, projectionist, failed to exhaust all
of the remedies for obtaining reinstate-
ment in the IATSE, from which he was
suspended last summer, a superior court
justice dismissed an equity suit which he
had brought against Lewis Williamson, Ben-
jamin G. Hull, and Arthur J. Payette, all
officers of the IATSE local here.
Robert Coogan Joins Jackie
Jackie Coogan’s younger brother Robert is
joining him in the cast of Columbia’s “Kilroy
Was Here.”
Pioneers in Visual Education through Motion Pictures
Extensive Library Rent or Sell
EDUCATIONAL — DOCUMENTARY — RELIGIOUS — ENTERTAINMENT
NEW NATCO 16mm SOUND PROJECTORS FOR SALE
20 Melrose Street ” Boston 16, Massachusetts
94
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
Spotty Week in Hub;
'Reckoning' in Lead
BOSTON — A week of spotty business was
recorded here with “Dead Reckoning” at the
two Loew houses the standout.
The Old South closed for a week pending
the signing of the new lease by Siritzky In-
ternational. It reopened April 5 with “Les
Enfants du Paradis.”
(Average is 100)
Boston — Tarzan and the Huntress (Col),
plus stage show 140
Esquire — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
14th w£. , 180
Majestic — The Adventuress (E-L), 3rd wk. 120
Memorial — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO);
It's Great to Be Young (Col), 2nd wk 130
Metropolitan — Suddenly It's Spring (Para) 150
Paramount and Fenway — The Beast With Five
Fingers (WB); Hit Parade of 1947 (Rep) 140
State and Orpheum — Dead Reckoning (Col);
The Thirteenth Hour (Col) 160
‘Love Laughs at Andy Hardy'
Leads Hartford Percentages
HARTFORD — “The Red House” in its third
week scored well. Percentage leader was
“Love Laughs at Andy Hardy” at the Poli.
Allyn — Suddenly It's Spring (Para);
Spoilers of the North (Rep) 175
E. M. Loew's — I'll Be Yours (U-I);
King of the Wild Horses (Col) 150
Loew's Poli — Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (MGM);
Backlash (20th-Fox) 180
Palace — Boomerang (20th-Fox);
Wild West (Rep), 2nd wk 125
Regal — The Red House (UA);
Susie Steps Out (UA), 3rd wk .130
State — The Guilty (Mono), plus a stage show 110
Strand — That Way With Women (WB);
Crime Doctor's Manhunt (Col) 150
Historian Lorant Returns
From Stay in Hollywood
LENOX, MASS. — Stefan Lorant, author of
“The New World,” has returned from Holly-
wood to his native Berkshires after complet-
ing work on two film projects. Of his stay in
Hollywood, he merely remarked, “I was never
so unhappy in my life.”
Lorant served in an advisory capacity to
the motion picture industry on two motion
pictures dealing with early American history.
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
irom
CAMEO SCREEN ATTRACTIONS, INC
50 Melrose St. Boston, Mass.
Samuel I. Davidson, Pres.
" CORSAGE ‘
POST-WAR
PATTERN
Siritzky Gives Hub Foreign Film Spot
Leon Siritzky of New York, operator of a circuit of theatres in France and importer
of foreign pictures, was in Boston to supervise the opening of the Old South Theatre
under his banner. Shown here at a press luncheon after the screening of “Les Enfants
du Paradis” are, left to right, Joseph Levine, head of Embassy Pictures Corp., which
is handling the film in this area; Siritzky; Mme. Chambon, wife of the French consul
in Boston; Harry “Zippie” Goldman of Embassy; Chambon, and Sam Siritzky, son of
Leon.
BOSTON — The Old South Theatre, which
has been leased by Leon Siritzky and his sons
Sam and Joseph, opened Saturday (5) with a
foreign film policy. Opening attraction was
“Les Enfants du Paradis” (Children of Para-
dise), a French production.
The picture is playing continuously from 9
a. m. at prices scaled up to 85 cents. Ray
Daugaweet is managing.
The Siritzkys are planning to improve the
house by installing a new screen and rear-
ranging the seats, among other things. They
toyed with the idea of changing the name
from the Old South to the Rex but after
talking it over with local theatre people they
decided to keep the original name.
Siritzky operates a circuit of 63 houses in
France, the largest in that country, and also
runs the Ambassador in New York and the
Majestic in Brooklyn. He will open the
Cinema Guild, an art theatre, in New York
September 1. Siritzky also is an importer of
pictures and is planning a distribution de-
partment for 16mm films for college, uni-
versity, art museum and cinema league audi-
ences.
John T. Foy of Worcester
Dies; Showman 40 Years
WORCESTER — John T. Foy, stage man-
ager of the Capitol, died in St. Vincent hos-
pital last week. Friends said his death was
hastened materially by a robbery in his Pax-
ton home last October. He was 62.
He had been with the Capitol since its
opening 19 years ago, and previously was with
the Worcester, Plaza and Elm Street, having
worked in theatres lor 40 years. He was wide-
ly known as a golfer.
His health had not been the best for the
last year or two but he had worked regularly.
However, in October he and his wife were
held up at gunpoint in their home by three
robbers, and the shock of this reacted quickly
and unfavorably on his health.
He and his wife went to Florida recently
but his condition necessitated his removal to
a hospital. He returned here a week before
his death and a few days later entered St.
Vincent hospital. Surviving are his wife and
a sister.
TO AVOID EXCESSIVE WEEKLY
SERVICE CHARGES
It Will Pay Dividends to Consult
'Sound'
Snginzziiny SsL'iwic.z
On ccoLl cc{ ctni / iimt-
LO'Nguood £ 60 /
4^flf^OLD DflVIDSCm
13 3 MOUNTFORT ST.
BFROOK.LirsJE -4-G, R=t
STOCKED WITH ALL
NECESSARY REPAIR
AND REPLACEMENT
PARTS FOR ANY
SOUND SYSTEM.
NOW EXPANDING WITH
ADDITIONAL PERSON-
NEL TO COVER A
LARGER SERVICE
AREA.
Harry F. Storn to Wed
SPRINGFIELD — Harry F. Storn, son of the
public relations director for the Riverside
Park-In Theatre in Agawam, married Claire
Elaine Hebert.
“Ask any exhibitor using the service "
MANY THEATRES
UNDER OUR MAINTENANCE
USE BOXOFFICE ADS FOR RESULTS
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
95
WORCESTER
T eo Lajoie, manager of the Capitol, was host
to members of the Holy Cross basketball
team, national champions, and sports writers
at a showing of newsreel pictures of the
Holy Cross-Oklahoma game in New York . . .
Gene Krupa, the band leader, was a visitor
in town.
Stephen S. Jackson, a graduate of Holy
Cross college here and well known in this
city, and a former resident of Springfield,
has been appointed by Eric Johnston to serve
as assistant to Joseph Breen of the Produc-
tion Code administration. A former judge
in New York, he is an authority on problems
of juvenile delinquency . . . Michael Haddad
has been substituting at the Capitol.
Selectman George M. Beede, former owner
of the Strand in Westboro, has been re-
turned to his home from St. Luke’s hospital
in Middleboro. He is still suffering from in-
juries received in an automobile accident in
which his wife was killed and has been un-
able to receive visitors . . . Manager Bob
Portle of the Elm Street reports a holdover
on “Boomerang.”
Guy Palmerton plans to reopen the Play-
house for dramatic stock about May 23 and
will operate the Whalom in Fitchburg begin-
ning at the end of June . . . Aldrich Bowker,
veteran character actor of the films, is dead
in Hollywood. He was a native of nearby
Ashby, owned a farm in Ashburnham and had
appeared with stock companies in Fitchburg
before going to Hollywood.
Carmen Comtois has joined the Capitol’s
staff . . . Mara Williams of this city, film
actress in Hollywood, is engaged to Jack
Leonard of films, former vocalist with Tommy
Dorsey’s orchestra . . . Vega Keane, formerly
of Westboro, is in the cast of “Bathsheba,”
which introduced James Mason to the Broad-
way stage.
Samuel Wasserman booked Maurice Evans
in “Hamlet” for the Auditorium April 29 and
the musical “Up in Central Park” for May 15
. . . The Rialto in Leominster has been using
amateur nights on Sundays ... A number of
theatres in towns outside Worcester dropped
Good Friday performances, and the Florence
in South Barre omitted shows on Holy Thurs-
day.
Two brothers, George DePasquale, 20, and
Daniel DePasquale, 18, were fined $5 each in
district court for causing a disturbance in a
Front street theatre . . . The Capitol has
taken on Paul Daly, Francis Brown, Thomas
Kelly and Paul Donahue.
George Cohan Jr. Follows
Path of Famous Parent
PROVIDENCE — George M. Cohan jr., son
of the famous “song and dance man,” chose
Providence for his footlight career, just as
his father, a native son, did 60 years ago.
Young Cohan, appearing with his father’s
original pianist, John McLaughlin, opened a
week’s appearance at Fays Theatre here April
11, to launch a nationwide vaudeville tour.
The 33-year-old son of the author of “Over
There” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy” has
abandoned plans to revive his father’s first
full-length play, “The Governor’s Son,” in
favor of the vaudeville tour.
The elder Cohan was born in Providence
and made frequent visits here during his
Broadway career. In recent months sugges-
tions have been made that the city dedicate
a memorial in his honor. Young Cohan at-
tended Brown university here with the class
of 1938, and worked with his father’s produc-
tion business before entering war service.
GOVERNOR GETS CHECK— And it
was a good-sized one, too, in fact one for
§27,942, which Edward M. Fay of Provi-
dence is handing to Gov. John O. Pastore
of Rhode Island, representing collections
by the state’s theatres in the March of
Dimes campaign. Looking on is Meyer
Stanzler, president of the Independent
Theatres of Rhode Island. Fay is at right.
HARTFORD
prank Ramsey, former manager of the Lenox
* and Rialto theatres here, has opened a pub-
licity agency in Hollywood . . . Frank Morin,
manager of the Regal, and Mrs. Morin took
in a flower show in Manhattan . . . Mrs. A1
Michalski, wife of the former Circle, Man-
chester, manager, was in Saranac Lake, N. Y.,
where A1 has been a patient at the Will
Rogers Memorial hospital.
Jack Simons, manager of the Center, is
making plans for a new marquee . . . Sam
Harris of the State and Mrs. Harris are
vacationing in Florida ... Joe Twaddle is
the new doorman at the Center . . . Jack
Simons was in Providence Where his daugh-
ter is going to school . . . Mrs. Charlie
Niles has been recuperating at home follow-
ing an operation.
Jim O’Connell is the new house police-
man at the Daly . . . Tony DiLorenzo,
brother of the Daly circuit district manager,
was in from Washington on a visit. Tony
is a senior at the Catholic university there
... At the Regal Frank Morin and Jim
Cotia, assistant, set up a display on “Smash-
Up,” featuring a blowup of Susan Hayward
against a painted background of a bar, with
this copy: “How lonely must a woman be
. . . Before she has a ‘Smash-Up’ . . . The
story of a woman.”
Filed with the town clerk’s office here was
the following: Carabillo Motion Picture Serv-
ice, Hartford, filed by J. A. Carabillo and
Edward Carabillo . . . For “Temptation,” Jim
McCarthy of the Strand had an excellent
giveaway deal with a department store. On
opening day the ladies’ undergarments sec-
tion gave away girdles to the first 100 women
arriving.
For “Dick Tracy vs. Cueball,” the Victory
Theatre, New London, announced in news-
paper ads that free comic sheets would be
given away at the Saturday showing for
youngers . . . George E. Landers, manager
of the E. M. Loew’s, helped “Mr. District At-
torney” in the local dailies by plugging the
fact that Michael O’Shea, one of the film’s
actors, formerly appeared with the Guy Hed-
lund Players, drama group over WTIC, Hart-
ford.
NEWHAMPSHIRE
The Merrimack Valley Region Ass’n is list—
A ing New Hampshire summer amusements
for the New England recreational calendar.
The events include summer theatre openings,
horseracing, horse shows, fairs, dog shows,
athletic events and other attractions . . .
Margaret Hazlewood will return this season
as director of the Chase Barn summer thea-
tre in Whitefield.
The Strand in Dover was used by the Dover
Ministerial Ass’n to conduct noonday Holy
week services ... It is reported that the 400-
seat Lakeport Theatre at Laconia has been
put up for sale . . . The double bill, “Lady
in the Lake” and “My Brother Talks to
Horses,” made such a hit at the State in
Manchester that it was held over.
James R. Irwin, proprietor of Winnipesau-
kee gardens, summer film-dance spot at The
Weirs, and president of The Weirs Chamber
of Commerce, supported before the legislature
a proposed $1,000,000 development at the
resort ... An army film showing the need,
purposes and proposed methods for uni-
versal military training, was shown by Maj.
James A. Sullivan, assistant professor of
military science at the University of New
Hampshire at a meeting of the Portsmouth
Kiwanis club.
House Bill 247, to increase the state’s cut
from the Rockingham Park horseracing reve-
nue from 11V2 to 13 V2 per cent, and include
state education in the list of beneficiaries of
racing income, ran into considerable oppo-
sition at a legislative hearing. Counsel for
the N. H. Jockey club, owner of the race
track, warned that the measure might re-
duce instead of boost state revenue, be-
cause “regard must be given to the point at
which any type of tax becomes so burden-
some that tax receipts fall off.”
Church groups opposed House Bill 132 to
create a state lottery, at a hearing on the
measure before the house judiciary commit-
tee. Replying to critics, Rep. Joseph H.
Geisel of Manchester, sponsor, declared:
“We’re taxed so much this year that I’m
afraid the people will have no money left
to buy lottery tickets.”
The Colonial in Laconia was used for the
inaugural of Mayor Parmentier, a 32-year-
old textile executive who scored an upset in
the recent municipal election ... A Victor
film projector with screen has been ordered
for the graded school in Barrington.
A Walt Disney film dealing with cancer
control was shown at a meeting of civic, fra-
ternal and patriotic groups in Lebanon, prior
to the opening of the cancer fund campaign
there . . . Billy B. Van, once famous Broad-
way comedian now living in Newport, where
he sponsored a fund to build a memorial to
Sarah Josepha Hale, Newport author of
“Mary’s Little Lamb,” has accepted an ap-
pointment on a committee to honor Sophie
Tucker at a dinner at the Hotel Astor in New
York May 4.
Gilbert Wing, Hillsborough World War II
veteran, has left for Japan where he will
serve as a film projectionist for the govern-
ment . . . The North Conway Theatre was
the scene of the recent annual meeting of
the North Conway Water precinct.
Avant, well known Hollywood stylist who
has recently designed hats and ensembles
for Sylvia Sidney, Merle Oberon, Joan Fon-
taine and other film actresses, gave a lecture
on “You, Psychology and Clothes” recently at
the Currier Gallery of Art in Manchester.
An auditorium seating 400, with a stage
and a film projection room in the balcony, is
included in the plans for four new buildings
at St. Anselm college in Manchester.
96
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
Walter B. King Stricken ;
Texas Acoustics Pioneer
Louisiana-Mississippi
Allied Debut in May
DALLAS— Col. H. A. Cole, president of Al-
lied Theatre Owners of Texas, will go to
Baton Rouge to attend an organization meet-
ing May 5, 6 for an Allied unit in Louisiana
and Mississippi. Sessions will be held in the
Bentley hotel. Prime exhibitor objective of
the bid to Allied is said to be interest in
workings of the Caravan plan dealing with
film buying.
Cole’s part in the meeting, he being also a
national director, will be to explain Allied
principles and Caravan functioning in detail,
with which he is thoroughly familiar. The
meeting was tentatively set earlier for New
Orleans but hotel accommodations were not
available there.
Cole some time back was invited to aid
Louisiana exhibitors in forming the new Al-
lied unit. He recently attended a similar
meeting in Denver where he assisted in form-
ing an Allied unit.
Parsons and Millington
Buy Texas at De Leon
DE LEON, TEX. — A. R. Parsons and H. L.
Millington recently purchased the Texas
Theatre here from J. R. Miller, and now are
operating the house. They started remodeling
a building several weeks ago but bought the
Texas before opening it. They considered
naming their new house the Atomic Theatre,
but decided on Leon, after the Leon river
which flows nearby.
The new owners will operate both theatres
for the present. The Leon is regarded as the
A house. Miller is reported to have purchased
a home in Stephenville, where he formerly
lived.
Universal Sues Exhibitor
Alleging False Returns
BATON ROUGE — Universal Film Ex-
changes, Inc., has filed a suit in federal dis-
trict court here against Gordon C. Ogden,
proprietor of the Ogden and Chimes theatres,
alleging that the defendant made false state-
ments declaring that attendance at his thea-
tres was “considerably less” than the true
figures.
Universal asked the court to determine the
amount of the loss and to render a judg-
ment in that amount, plus punitive damages.
Usry and Kincaid Start
Third Decatur Theatre
DECATUR, TEX. — H. S. Usry and L. R.
Kincaid have started plans for their third
theatre here. They have retained Architect
Ray F. Smith of Dallas.
The job is expected to be completed in four
months after permit to build is granted, or
after all controls are lifted, possibly by June
1. The new house will seat about 600.
Normangee Theatre Sold
NORMANGEE, TEX.— L. R. Jones of Altus,
Okla., has bought the Yancey Theatre here.
On April 1 the name of the theatre officially
became the Jonesy Theatre. Jones said his
wife will help him operate the house.
Norman Lawrence Resigns
NATCHEZ — Norman Lawrence, manager of
the Clarke Theatre, has resigned due to ill
health but will be associated with the Clarke
in another capacity. Succeeding Lawrence is
H. D. Nunnery of Magnolia, Miss.
DALLAS — Walter B. King, 63, theatre dec-
orator for 37 years, died last Saturday morn-
ing while completing a remodeling job at
the Palace Theatre in Marlin, Tex.
He had suffered a heart attack late
WALTER B. KING
(From a photograph taken a number of years ago)
last year, after which he was confined
to a hospital and later in his home
several weeks. Recently he partially resumed
business activity, and had completed several
theatre jobs when the fatal attack occurred.
King had lived at the Ambassador hotel
here the last three years. Survivors include
his mother, Wichita Falls; two daughters,
Mrs. Laverne Grossman, and Nancy; a son
Sam B., a transoceanic pilot who received
the news of his father’s death in Ireland
and flew here for the funeral; two sisters,
and two brothers, Robert of Los Angeles
and Will of Houston.
FOUNDED BUSINESS IN 1910
King founded the King Scenic Co. here
in 1910 when opera houses provided all the
decorating work. He did not enter the mo-
tion picture field in a large way until the
advent of sound film. His knowledge of
acoustics, acquired in work of this type at
county courthouses, proved important when
sound revolutionized the motion picture in-
dustry in 1929-30 in Texas.
Gathering all his knowledge and material
on acoustics, King launched an extensive ad-
DALLAS — Premiums, giveaways and busi-
ness stimuli as exhibitors knew them during
the bank night era are showing no evidence
of returning to Texas.
Bank night was ruled illegal, business grad-
ually improved and the industry forgot it
ever had to use premiums to induce patron-
age. No one thought of giving anything away
in theatres during the war boom. Exhibitors
today say that business isn’t what it used to
be but they will hold out a long while before
taking the giveaway route. Some say they
are now using bargain days in their thea-
tres and others are showing a double bill
vertising campaign and in a comparatively
short time reconditioned hundreds of thea-
tres whose tin ceilings, plastered walls and
other similar drawbacks made it impossible
for sound pictures to be heard distinctly.
His quick work proved a lifesaver for
many small theatres throughout this area.
King organized several crews and arranged
for them to travel from one theatre job to
another by airplanes, performing acoustical
jobs in record time. The work was more or
less crude, consisting of a cloth canopy under
the ceiling and velour or azite banners along
the walls. But this treatment stopped re-
verberation and echoes, and enabled the
houses to operate.
HIS SERVICE A LIFESAVER
Only a few national companies offered
acoustical service at that time and they were
out of reach of the small theatres, which
needed conversion immediately. King’s serv-
ice stands out as an important chapter in
the history of the smaller houses which had
sound thrust on them before they were ready
for it.
King made a small fortune for himself
while rescuing a segment of the industry in
this territory from what looked like an im-
possible situation.
The canopies were outmoded in a few
years by acoustical plaster, treated wallboard
and scientific channeling of sound waves,
but the advancements enabled King to
branch out into new decorative schemes,
house lighting, etc. He remained solely in
the remodeling and decorating field.
L. T. McDaniel Purchases
Rams Theatre at Emory
EMORY, TEX. — Theo Miller has sold the
Rains Theatre here to L. T. McDaniel of
Carthage. Miller owns the Gem at Quitman
and the Talco at Talco. He recently sold the
Hawk at Hawkins to Roy Devinney.
Miller said he plans to devote full time at
Quitman and be able to look after Talco more
closely. He declared his only reason for sell-
ing was that he just couldn’t get help.
Buys Cabot Equipment
CABOT, ARK. — Bessie Waller of Judsonia,
Ark., recently purchased the equipment of
the Bailey Theatre from Clarence Bailey.
which they figure will serve as stimulants for
some time to come.
Unless theatre business slumps additionally,
which few believe will happen, the premium
business is not expected to boom for a long
time. As far as is generally known, few ex-
hibitors have been approached on definite
giveaways. A bicycle deal, however, originat-
ing in Hollywood or Chicago, is being used
in a number of towns and by some circuits.
This is aimed at building up juvenile shows
and particularly Saturday matinees. No com-
panies in the giveaway field have offices on
the Row and none are known to be working
the Texas field.
Giveaways in Texas Just a Memory ;
Exhibitors Say It'll Stay That Way
BOXQFFICE : : April 12, 1947
8W
97
Hen Press Agents
'Egg and I' Debut
OKLAHOMA CITY— Gene Hudgens, man-
ager of the Home, spread his eggs all around
town in exploiting “The Egg and I.” His
campaign resulted in reams of publicity and
results showed at the boxoffice. Six thousand
attended the show Sunday, when it opened,
and 4,000 passed through the turnstiles the
following day.
One of Hudgens’ best stunts was using a
hen as a press agent. He dressed the hen
in a tailor-made coatlike affair and had her
claws manicured. She was named Betty
MacDonald after the author.
The Times used a two-column picture of
the fowl plus a long “interview” with her.
The weekly Advertiser also carried a photo.
Betty was “interviewed” by three radio sta-
tions, transcriptions being played back sev-
eral times at later dates. Hudgens also had
the hen parading the streets.
In a national tieup with the People Are
Funny radio show, Hudgens planted 100 plas-
tic eggs around the Civic Center. Each egg
contained a list of items to be collected and
the first person finding all the items and
bringing them to WKY won a trip to Holly-
wood. This made for front page art in the
Oklahoman and caused comment in print for
several days.
Tieups also were arranged by Hudgens with
ten book stores and seven music stores, and
as a final promotional effort just before the
opening Hudgens furnished dozens of eggs
labeled “ ‘The Egg and I’ — Home Theatre” to
two large Easter egg hunts.
HEN LAYS PUBLICITY EGG— Gene
Hudgens, manager of the Home Theatre
in Oklahoma City, became the custodian
of press agent hen Betty MacDonald, in
connection with the engagement of
U-I’s “The Egg and I,” at his theatre.
Betty, the property of Ruby Bell, an
employe of the U-I Oklahoma City ex-
change, was given the run of the theatre
by Hudgens during the run of the film,
with an usher assigned as her caretaker
and a “roost” in Hudgens’ office.
Bob Smith, Valley Figure,
Suffers a Heart Attack
TEMPLE, TEX.— R. N. “Bob” Smith, Rio
Grande Valley exhibitor, is confined in Scott
& White hospital here after suffering a heart
attack. He owns theatres at Mission and in
several other valley towns.
Smith had been quite active until the at-
tack and was in Dallas during the past few
days, buying and booking for his theatres.
He was brought to Temple immediately after
the attack.
Ford Taylor's New Ritz
At Ballinger Opens Soon
BALLINGER, TEX. — Reproduction of the
architect’s drawing of H. Ford Taylor’s new
Ritz Theatre appeared in the Ballinger News
and in the San Angelo Standard-Times. The
new house is well under way with the open-
ing set for May 15. It will seat 600. The old
Ritz was destroyed by fire the first of the
year and Taylor had little trouble getting a
quick priority. The front shows white stucco,
colored tile and yards of neon tubing.
Seek Girl Like Dotty
BEAUMONT — In connection with the
showing of “My Favorite Brunette” the Jef-
ferson Theatre is sponsoring a contest to
select the Beaumont girl nearest Dorothy
Lamour’s measurements.
Comedy Role in 'Whiplash'
Warners has assigned Eve Arden a wise-
cracking comedy role in “Whiplash.”
One Million Pounds
of
Texas South -Plains
<MuaVU& P&pjC&Hi.
from the growing season of 1946
Plant. To be followed by a second
IT! HIS is the first season of large scale
commercial production of this new
element in the agricultural and com-
mercial economy of Texas and the South.
It follows an exhaustive experimental
period to establish the finest popcorn
grown anywhere in the United States.
RIVERSIDE 6134
is now being processed in our Plainview
million.
XHIBITORS who favor placing their
business with area products to bol-
ster local prosperity can do so with this
corn and at the same time better please
their customers and increase sales.
We serve you . . .
The Ideal Hybrid
with
MAXIMUM UNIFORMITY
GROWN-IN POPPING VOLUME
A QUALITY OF TASTE
you never have known before.
HYBRID
pop Corn
MOISTURE PROOFED
PACKED BY
CHAS. E. DARDEN & (0.
DALLAS. TEXAS
Chas. E. Darden & Co.
308 S. HARWOOD
HOUSTON
102 San Jacinto
P. O. Box 322
BRANCH
WAREHOUSES:
DALLAS 1. TEXAS
BEAUMONT ~ LUBBOCK
201 Bowie 702 Texas
POST OFFICE BOX 2207
NEW ORLEANS MEMPHIS
400 N. Peters
671 S. Main
P. O. Box 2562
98
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
SCREEN GUILD PARLEY — Francis
Bateman, general sales manager of
Screen Guild Productions, left, and W. J.
“Dutch” Cammer, SG manager in Dallas,
are pictured while holding a sales meet-
ing in the Texas city. John L. Franconi
is franchise holder for Texas and secre-
tary of the national company. Bateman
was ill four days during the meeting,
arriving in Dallas with a case of influ-
enza. Bateman assisted Cammer in clos-
ing a deal for the latest SG group with
Theatre Enterprises, Inc., for Texas and
New Mexico houses.
Henry Long Succeeds Foy
As Pilot of the Palace
DALLAS — Henry Long, assistant manager
of the Palace, was moved up to manager to
succeed Richard E. Foy, who died late last
week. City Manager James O. Cherry an-
nounced the promotion. Long has been an
employe of Interstate for 12 years. He man-
aged the Melrose Theatre before serving four
years with the armed forces.
SAM LEWIS
Remodeling and Decorating Theatres
"A Dollar’s Worth for Your Dollar"
Phone Y2-7383
2810 Sharon Dallas 11. Texas
Sam A. Hobbs
Yale 2-1483
Eddie H. Shahan
Yale 2-0526
HOBBS & SHAHAN
Theatre Remodeling and Decorating
Draperies . . . Acoustical Correction
1224 So. Brighton OALLAS 11, TEXAS
• NOW.
Your Theatre Can Be Sold
PRIVATELY at Top Market
Personal , Confidential Handling
Confidential correspondence invited
ARTHUR LEAK
BROKER
Theatre Sales Exclusivelg
3422 Kinmore SL Dallas 10, Texas
Dial T3-2026
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HARWOOD & JACKSON STS.
DALLAS 1 “Riverside 1884” TEXAS
Raymond Willie Protege
Heads for Film Career
DALLAS — Eddie Williams, who as a young
college student was given a crooner’s chance
at the Palace Theatre by Interstate circuit’s
assistant general manager, Raymond Willie,
recently was given a screen test at 20th-Fox in
Hollywood. Local newsmen and theatre men
plugged for him. Scout Ivan Kahn had him
read dialog here. In the meantime he sang
with big name bands and did his pitch dur-
ing the war with the coast guard.
Hepburn in 'Above the River'
Metro has signed Katharine Hepburn the
femme lead in “House Above the River.”
CENTRAL TEXAS
By LES KETNER
your erstwhile San Antonio scribe is still
stymied at veterans hospital in Waco.
By grapevine we learn that Interstate’s
Cherry Mystery Car contest is really click-
ing in this central Texas metropolis. Every
day clues are broadcast over the radio as an
auto starts on its scheduled run over the
city. The first citizens recognizing the new
car are awarded free passes to a Waco thea-
tre; a free meal and gratis transportation
downtown in a Checker cab. Responsible
for this campaign, which is attracting city-
wide attention, are Interstate’s City Man-
ager C. H. Stewart and Publicist Rexford
Bodoin of the Orpheum.
“Mom and Dad” played a five-day engage-
ment at the Melrose, independent house . . .
The Waco Theatre held a “horror” show one
night last week and business was terrific . . .
Extra good films are being shown at the gov-
ernment hospital here at which your cor-
respondent is a patient.
Recent visitors in these parts included Billy
Ruder, the exploiteer, and Ike and Harry
Katz of Kay Films, who were en route to
New York City . . . Waco has quite a few
independent houses, approximately a dozen,
in fact . . . Bill Hall, fellow-patient at the
veterans hospital, has worked as an extra
in two pictures, “GI Joe” and “Hospital
Train.” He was stationed in California after
the war.
Fire damaged the Trefoil Theatre here last
week. The blaze broke out soon after the
last feature was shown. Luckily, all pa-
trons were out of the house before the fire
started ... Ed Newman has opened his Elm
Street Theatre in east Waco, the first to be
erected in that part of town. The Waco
Record, weekly community newspaper, had
a full page co-op ad in connection with the
opening . . . The Fox Theatre in Waco, in-
dependent, is showing Spanish-language
films every Tuesday.
From the San Antonio area, by hospital
grapevine: Maria Louisa Vea and Augustin
Insunsa, Mexican film players, are making
personal appearances in Spanish-language
houses in southwest Texas . . . Political pot-
pourri : It looks very much like Maury Mave-
rick, former congressman, will be San An-
tonio’s next mayor. His popularity is indeed
great . . . Uvalde has its first radio station,
an affiliate of ABC.
From Houston: The Joy admitted adults
only at a special showing of “Tomorrow’s
Children” . . . Teatro Ritz played “Casate y
Veras” first run last week . . . “Open City”
was sneak-previewed at the River Oaks . . .
“Holiday on Ice,” with a company of 110, de-
lighted Hustonians during its eight-day stay
at the Sam Houston coliseum . . . Harris
county now boasts of a population of 700,000.
■
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
DALLAS
Tt was “Mayor” Hans Smith along the Row
as the Irving exhibitor went about his usual
chores in exchanges and equipment houses.
He defeated both of his opponents by a
large majority. Hans travels here at least
twice each week from his Irving and Rio
theatres, located only 12 miles from Dallas.
The mayor’s job will give him something
extra to do and it might be interesting, he
thinks.
M. Mitchell of the Spann Theatre at
Forney was doing some early morning book-
ing during the week . . . Harold Schwartz,
owner of Tower Pictures, has been in New
York negotiating for additional product . . .
Don Douglas of the Robb & Rowley circuit
continues to improve in St. Paul’s hospital.
He will remain there and at home for some
time, however, before he will be permitted to
return to work. Douglas suffered a stomach
hemorrhage but is believed now to be out
of danger.
M. L. Dubose of the Majestic at Cotulla
was a two-day visitor on one of his regular
biannual booking trips. After his last time
here he expressed back a large sack of grape-
fruit which he picked in his own back yard.
He reported all of his fruit was lost this year
due to unprecedented freezing weather.
L. R. Robertson, principal owner and man-
ager of the Ervay Theatre, left suddenly for
Johnson City, Tenn., because of the illness
of his father, who since is reported improved.
Mrs. Robertson has been looking after the
theatre during her husband’s absence . . .
The Variety Club monthly meeting Monday
was postponed out of respect for Richard
Step right up
GREATER
POPCORN PROFITS
\
with
R-B Brand Supplies
When you pop R-B Brand super-quality popcorn, you'll get about $120
to $125 from a 100-lb. bag! For R-B, processed exclusively from Mam-
moth Yellow Hybrid Popcorn, has a popping ratio of approximately 30
to 1. Seasoned with R-B Golden Liquid Seasoning, the large, fluffy
kernels have extra good flavor that brings customers back again and
again.
R-B Brand Seasoning is available in
gallons at 32 lbs. to the case or 5
gallon tins at 40 lbs. per case. Also
steel drums — 420 lbs.
just one bag, to see
for yourself the superiority.
Only $9.80 per 100 lb. bag.
3/4 lb. printed white bags, $1.50 per
thousand; Morton's popcorn salt,
$1.80 per case. Let us quote on all
your needs.
Write for complete list of poppers'
supplies.
Per 100 lb. bag
in orders of
500 lbs. & up.
Consolidated
POPCORN COMPANY
2401 South Ervay St. ★ Dallas 1, Texas
BUILT ON
EXTRA VALUE
and
SATISFACTION
E. Foy, for whom funeral services were held
that day. The clubrooms were closed for
part of the day. Foy was an active member
of the club and a brother-in-law of Chief
Barker William O’Donnell.
Clint Bailey says he is fixing up his Cona
Theatre at Nocona, the major improvements
being new seats and new projectors on which
he was able to get ready delivery. He thinks
business will hold up to normal for some
time to come but doesn’t look for any more
boom periods.
C. J. Otts of the Royse Theatre in Royse
City was here to find out what’s going on
in the matter of building and remodeling
of theatres. He said somebody is digging
ground around Royse City and putting out
information they are building a competitive
house. Otts says if anybody builds a new
house there it is likely it will be himself, or
at least, he adds, “there will be two new
houses.” He was here to visit the CPA office.
Alfred N. Sack has acquired “The Well-
Digger’s Daughter” for southwestern dis-
tribution. The film is tentatively set for the
Telenews Theatre, starting April 25 . . .
A. R. Parsons, partner and manager of the
Texas and Leon theatres in De Leon, was
here on an equipment and booking trip,
saying the new Leon opened there April 3.
Leon Lewis and W. D. Hightower were here
Wednesday to book and to locate a motor to
pull the cooling system in their new Rosedale
Theatre for Negroes, recently opened. With
HERMAN BLUM
Engineer
Air-Conditioning and Heating Design
1708/4 Commerce St. Dallas, Texas
IWesterns-Features-Serials
Tower Pictures Co.
HAROLD SCHWARZ
302V, S. Harwood St. C— 7357
DALLAS 1. TEXAS
Is Your
Theatre
For Sale?
We Have
Buyers
With Cash
"JOE" JOSEPH
THEATRES
Let “Joe” Sell Your Show.
Theatres bought — sold — equipped — fire in-
ventories— consultant and equipment.
1003 Galloway St. Dallas, Tex.
Phone Yale 2-7650
REMODELING ^ DECORATING
Drapes — Frames — Lighting Fixtures
* LOWEST PRICES
LUPE ROMERO
4222 Lafay.tt. DALLAS 4. TEX. T-0060
100
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
Nathan Bernbaum, they own the Rosedale
and another Negro house, the Grand, through
the Grand Theatre Co. Hightower is man-
ager. Lewis and Bernbaum also are inter-
ested in the Liberty, a subsequent run down-
town house of which Lewis has long been the
manager.
H. B. Skelton of the Panhandle Theatre at
Panhandle flew down to visit theatres at
Gatesville, which he owns with two brothers,
and came on to Dallas to buy and book. The
weather was rough at Temple, and he was
grounded several hours at Waco. He has
been flying his own plane many years.
It was a great day for Pilmrow sportsmen
when the Dallas Rebels, owned by George
Schepps, defeated the champion St. Louis
Cardinals in a preseason game here Tues-
day. Many film men were at the special
event, and many out-of-town exhibitors were
reported to have made this week’s booking
trip serve two purposes. H. S. Usry and L. R.
Kincaid, Decatur, and Ben Knochs of the
new Tower Theatre in Itasca were present.
Warners screened “A Boy and a Dog” for
the local Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
society in Interstate’s screening room as part
of the Be Kind to Animals week. Members
of press and radio were guests.
Bob Warner and Forrest Dunlap returned
from a week’s fishing at Port Aransas. The
fish were not running well enough to suit
either angler, but they managed (to bring
back a fair-sized catch. They plan to return
to the coast later in the week. Commuting
to the island is no job for Dunlap and his
friends because he has a two-motored plane
which he diverts from his business to make
these jaunts. E. J. Staton is the regular pilot.
■KBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBiBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBiBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBiiBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBiBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBr'j
Motiograph "A A" Projectors j
Mirrophonic Sound Systems
ALTEC LANSING THEATRI? SPEAKER SYSTEMS
The Finest Projection and Sound Equipment
Ever Produced
See and Hear It Now - There Is One Near You
/ - S
We Can Deliver
MadebH Z^uip.ment Qomfianu
214 South St. Paul Street Phone Riverside 5009 Dallas 1. Texas :
BBBaiBBBBiaaBaBBBaMaaMaBMBMaBaBaaMMMaBaaBaBaBalIBBBBaBBBBBBBaBBBBB ■■■■■■■■■■■■ ■■■■■■ BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB"
On the return flight the plane was grounded
by bad weather in San Antonio, arriving here
a few hours late . . . Milt Garrison, formerly
of the Oklahoma City Variety Club, was in
the fishing party and decided to locate in
Port Aransas permanently.
Bob Warner caught a commercial plane
here for Oklahoma City to meet B. J. Mc-
Kenna, general manager of Manley, Inc., for
discussion of new popcorn machine and sales
policies . . . Theo Miller was in town from
Quitman booking for his three small theatres.
He said his wife is about completely recov-
ered from a recent illness for which she re-
ceived hospital treatment here. He invited
several friends to come down for fishing in
a private lake . . . S. G. Fry of Tyler and
H. S. Usry and L. R. Kincaid of Decatur were
among midweek visitors . . . This no longer is
news, but Doak Roberts hit 50 straight targets
to win the Dallas Gun club top prize last
Sunday. He has repeated that performance
in every shooting meet recently.
Pat Murphree, owner of South States
Films, has been traveling over the state,
showing his exploitation films. He moved
to Dallas recently from Brownwood and in-
tends to open an office here as soon as he
can find space. Pat made a trip to Okla-
homa City and Lawton this week and hopes
to know more about an office when he re-
turns.
Ralph Larned, former Texas film man, and
for the last ten years owner of the Para-
mount Theatre in La Crosse, Kas., was
through here on a visit to friends and to his
brother Fred, manager of the Paramount ex-
change. Ralph went on to Baton Rouge, La.,
to see his son Mel, a student in Louisiana
State university.
'Years' Heads Dallas
Posl-Easier Spurt
DALLAS— First runs enjoyed the customary
after-Easter spurt. “The Best Years of Our
Lives” opened slow but zoomed to antici-
pated patronage. Roadshow prices of $1.30
for adults and 50 cents for children lifted the
percentage to at least 200 per cent. It is
booked in the Melba for three weeks. “My
Favorite Brunette” and “Sinbad the Sailor”
were decidedly up.
(Average is 100)
Capitol — Trail Dust (Para), reissue, Jungle Terror
(Para); split with Gentleman From California
(Mono); Hillbilly Blitzkreig (Mono), reissue 115
Majestic — My Favorite Brunette (Para) 135
Melba — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO) 200
Palace — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO) 120
Rialto — Dangerous Millions (20th-Fox);
split with Trail to San Antone (Rep) 115
Telenews — The Wicked Lady (U-I), 2nd wk 100
Tower — Johnny O'Clock (Col), 2nd d. t. wk 100
To Replace the Princess
TEXARKANA — The site of the Princess
Theatre, destroyed by fire early this year, has
been cleared, and plans for the new Leo
Theatre, to be built there, soon will be in the
drawing stage.
Competition in Mexican Field
DALLAS — L. C. Montgomery’s Joy Theatre,
subsequent run house on St.~=Paul street,
played a first run Mexican film by Republic,
“Cancion de Mexico.” This is the first time
a Latin American film has been shown in
this house. Teatro Panamericano on Maple
avenue has been the only locale to date for
Mexican films.
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
101
OKLAHOMA CITY
“Cinbad the Sailor” was held at the State
for a second week, starting Wednesday
(9). “Janet Ames” is booked to follow on
April 16 . . . “Pursued” was held an extra two
days at the Warner. It closed in favor of
“Smash-Up” Thursday night (10) . . . The
Midwest opened with “The Late George
Apley” Wednesday (9) after a one-week
stand on “Lady in the Lake.” Next there
will be “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” a re-
issue.
“My Favorite Brunette” stayed on at the
Criterion for its second week, starting
Wednesday (9). “Best Year of Our Lives” is
next. Both Cathy O'Donnell, known as Ann
Steely here, and Harold Russell are to be here
for the April 16 opening. “Best Years” will
play simultaneously in the Plaza Theatre,
another C&R house. Both theatres will
grind, according to Bob Hynes, Criterion
manager. Cathy, whose mother is Mrs.
Charles W. Gentry here, will appear at the
BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT
10th FI. 2nd Unit. Santa Fe Bldg BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO*, INC. Dallas Tex.
Buy your seating Irom Griggs, and you are assured of delivery as promised. Our
policy is and always has been to accept only the amount of business a common
sense schedule will allow us to produce.
WE OFFER
Solid Tubular Standards.
Resin Glued Plywoods.
9, 12 or 16-inch Spring Units.
Plastic Coverings.
Standards to Exact Incline.
Last, but not least, the know-how
to put all these ingredients into
the nicest, sturdiest, most comfort-
able chair in its price range.
Call, Wire or Write
GRIGGS EQUIPMENT COMPANY
Box 630
Phone 630
Belton, Texas
Criterion, but Russell won’t make a theatre
appearance. A round of festivities is planned
for the duet . . . The Majestic has new sound
equipment.
“The Egg and I” appropriately opened
Easter Sunday at the Home Theatre and did
a land office business, despite such keen
competition as beautiful weather for a day
at the ball park. The New York Giants
played the Cleveland Indians here, too, but
that didn’t keep theatregoers from packing
the Home.
“Fantasia,” which played the Tower until
Wednesday (9) when the bill changed to
“Meet John Doe,” did fine, according to Dee
Fuller, manager. He said the Tower’s show-
ing of “Fantasia” was the first OC showing
of the complete and original presentation —
123 minutes. “Song of Scheherazade” opens
here April 16 . . . The Midwest is planning to
install new sound equipment soon. Some of
the equipment has been delivered.
The Victoria Theatre of the C&R circuit
opened as a first run house Friday (11).
“Brief Encounter” was the opening feature.
Charles Freeman, C&R official, said the
house is newly redecorated and will play
only single features and mostly foreign pro-
ductions in the future. The recently in-
augurated gift night at the Victoria is out
for the time being, Freeman added.
Irvin Tucker of the Sun Theatre in Wynne-
wood has added 100 seats to his house . . .
T. B. Noble jr., State owner, spent a couple
of days in Dallas . . . Dave Hunt, Republic
exchange head, flew to Chicago to attend a
national sales meeting of Republic man-
agers . . . Another Oklahoman was in the
cast of “Oklahoma!” when it returned to
the state Monday to play at Tulsa. Orville
Sherman, native of Lexington and OCU
graduate, joined the cast a month ago.
Tom Kirkham, Griffith manager at Drum-
right, is chairman of the cancer fund drive
for West Creek county . . . Billie Stauffacher
and Lucile Sloan, Rivoli cashiers, Blackwell,
visited the Griffith home office recently . . .
Lauritz Melchior, tenor, and his concert or-
chestra will appear here April 26 as a Boyle
attraction in the Municipal auditorium. Seats
range from $3.66 to $1.22.
Woolsey Plans Pettus Unit
PETTUS, TEX. — The Woolsey circuit of
Corpus Christi has bought lots in the south
end of the city near the Magnolia service
station and is planning to erect a new mo-
tion picture theatre as soon as materials
and permits can be secured.
Plans Port Aransas Airdome
DALLAS — Forrest Dunlap, owner of half a
dozen theatres in Texas, said he will con-
struct an airdome at Port Aransas. His
plans are all set and work will soon start.
He bases his plans for that situation because
of a standing 1,200 population, many tourists,
and the fact that a night club is operating
there.
First Starring Role
Richard Denning has been set for his first
starring role in Paramount’s “Caged Fury.”
SIGNATURE CUTS!
IL-rrfl s/o/? yoi/n ADViQr/sf/vo.
1 1 ■ UH-a send your theatres’ names for
^^^^^^^6MMIinAAYDR/0ALUJIUEXAS
102
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
Southeast Breezes
CHARLESTON — A1 Burks of MGM spent
several days here getting still photographs
from which Hollywood studio artists will build
sets for the forthcoming film version of Mrs.
Josephine Pinckney’s best seller 1‘Three
O’clock Dinner,” background of which is
modem Charleston.
CHARLOTTE— Paul Ballenger, formerly
manager of the Paramount in Concord, now
is managing the Dilworth Theatre here re-
placing Ruby Thomas, who is on extended
sick leave.
CLAYTON, N. C.— M. W. Knott, owner of
the Clay, has started laying brick for his
new house here.
NASHVILLE— Theatre parking congestion
will be relieved and downtown parking space
doubled if a $3,500,000 underground garage is
built at Memorial square here as recently
proposed.
Little Rock — At least 20 theatres in
Arkansas were asked to close last week in
an effort to halt one of the worst influ-
enza outbreaks in recent years. In some
communities more than a third of the
population was stricken within a week.
BLYTHEVTLLE, ARK.— W. L. Moxley’s
Chickasaw Theatre here suffered $12,000 dam-
age recently when a fire swept through the
house and an adjoining dry goods store.
Montgomery — Alabama cities which tax
admissions may require schools to pay tax
on ticket sales to plays, athletic contests
and similar attractions, according to a re-
cent opinion by Att’y Gen. A. C. Car-
michael.
GREENVILLE, MISS. — The Center Theatre
on Highway 82 east of here advertised city
bus service every 30 minutes during its recent
engagement of “The Outlaw.”
MIAMI — The feature race at Gulfstream
park April 9 was titled the Pursued handicap
in honor of “Pursued,” which opened April 10
at the Paramount, Beach and Sheridan thea-
tres here.
PORT SMITH, ARK.— Remmel H. Young,
Malco city manager at Hope, Ark., for the
past eight year, has been transferred here as
city manager. Earl Young of Morrilton suc-
ceeds him at Hope.
BIRMINGHAM — A threat by the musicians
union to pull projectionists from the Birming-
ham Theatre during the appearance of Can-
nonball and his singing cowboy troupe failed
to come off. The management of the theatre
said it refused to hire six standby musicians
for the act. Similar performances by the
troupe at other local houses had not met such
demands from the union.
BIRMINGHAM — The threat was raised this
week to supplant the present business license
with a gross receipts tax throughout Alabama
as “the only equitable way” to handle the tax
situation.
KNOXVILLE — A new city fire ordinance
would require theatres to have three exits on
as many sides of the house; to have all in-
flammable drapes, carpets, curtains and the
like treated with fireproof chemicals, and to
have sprinkler systems installed throughout
the theatre.
KNOXVILLE — Due to the new city-county
amusement tax, adult admission prices have
been raised 2 cents at night and 1 cent in the
afternoon.
KNOXVILLE— “Open City” will inaugurate
the Finer Film forum at the Booth Theatre.
Five films are slated to be shown each Sun-
day through Wednesday. “Wicked Lady,”
“Magic Bow,” “Brief Encounter” and “Be-
delia” will all play at Tennessee Theatre
prices.
COLUMBUS— Rita Woodall, former local
girl who sang her way into the hearts of serv-
ice men during the war, has been signed by
Universal-International. A lyric soprano, she
is to receive $250 per week and, according to
her manager, should net $50,000 by the time
she is 21. She is 11 now.
Miami — $10,000 blasted a press agent’s
dream for publicity on the “It Happened
on Fifth Avenue” premiere. The notice-
grabber planned to have the now-famous
bus driver, who drove his empty convey-
ance from New York to Florida, state for
publication that he’d come down to see
show. The $10,000 was for bail needed to
get his signature outside the Hollywood,
Fla., jail.
MEMPHIS — William C. Handy of “St. Louis
Blues” and “Memphis Blues” fame, will help
open the W. C. Handy Theatre here May 11.
Opening date for the 1,100-seat Negro house
was set upon his acceptance of the invitation.
Handy now lives in New York where he con-
ducts a publishing business.
ATLANTA — Theatre men are somewhat re-
lieved over the city’s veto of a proposed 1 per
cent theatre admission tax. There are still
other theatre tax proposals, however.
IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT OUT OF DALLAS STOCK
PROJECTOR PARTS
Simplex and Powers
LAMPHOUSE PARTS
Strong. Peerless,
Mazda
REFLECTORS
Strong, Peerless,
Mazda, Gardner &
Others
CARBONS
For all lamps
PROJECTION LENSES
All sizes in Coated
Series I & II. Also
Used Lens
Complete Projection
And
Sound Equipments
And
Screens
STRONG LAMPS
&
RECTIFIERS
And
COMPLETE WEBER
SYNCROFILM
SOUND EQUIPMENTS
And
WENZEL PROJECTORS
And
STAR POPCORN
MACHINES
EXTRAS
Exit Lights
Rewinds
Perfumes & Deodorants
Thumb Tacks
Record Ledgers
Fire Extinguishers
Film Splicers
Photo Electric Cells
Exciter Lamps
Admission Signs
Goldberg Reels
Westinghouse Rectifier
Bulbs
Film Tables
Ticket Machines
Ticket Boxes
Sand Urns
HERBER BROTHERS
“Fair Treatment and Adequate Service for 25 Years”
408 S. HARWOOD DALLAS 1. TEXAS
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
103
Texas Theatre Guide
Lists 1,260 Houses
DALLAS — Stormy Meadows has just issued
her 1947 Texas Theatre Guide. The book
contains 92 pages and some advertising on
the cover. It gives the number of theatres
in this state as 1,260 with a total seating
capacity of 657,286. There are 583 circuit
houses with 276,548 seats. Affiliated circuit
theatres number 218 and unaffiliated are
459. So-called independent theatres are 583,
with 276,548 seats.
The guide lists the names and addresses
of film, equipment and service companies to-
gether with owners and managers. Mexican
theatres and owners are listed. There is a
straight alphabetical listing of all theatres
with their ownership and estimated seating
capacity. Theatres are also listed in circuit
groups.
Miss Meadows has been on Filmrow for the
last several years. She is a graduate of Texas
State College for Women and was private
secretary for the late Harold B. Robb of
R&R-United Theatres. She now is secretary
to Tom Fomer, theatre building contractor
with offices on Jackson street. She revived
the Theatre Guide for 1946 as the first of
this important series since war was declared
and compiles the work as a sideline to her
regular duties.
HAIL THE WINNER— William O’Don-
nell (left), chief barker of the Variety
Club of Texas, and R. J. O’Donnell (cen-
ter), International Variety chief barker,
congratulate S. L. Oakley of the Jefferson
Amusement Co. of Beaumont, who was
first prize winner in the Variety Club’s
annual golf tournament at the Brook Hol-
low Country club in Dallas. Duke Evans
was the tournament chairman.
Australian Production
Has Some Advantages
From Eastern Edition
NEW YORK — Australia as a production
center has some advantages not apparent at
first glance, according to Ken Hall, managing
director of Cinesound Prod., Sydney, who vis-
ited New York on his way back home after a
visit to England.
One advantage, he points out, is the fact
that a deposit made by an American com-
pany in Australia immediately gains 25 per
cent under the exchange rate. Another is the
fact that costs generally in Australia are
lower than they are here or in England and
pictures made there count under the British
quota for distribution in Great Britain.
Hall is in the market for about $300,000
worth of new equipment for the Sydney
studios. J. Arthur Rank and Norman Rydge
are both interested in the venture. His studio
is now making “Eureka Stockade” for world
distribution. His production facilities at
present are “reasonably good,” he statess.
Rank has promised distribution for
“Eureka” in the British empire.
Avalon Remodeling Work
To Cost About $100,000
From Western Edition
GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. — Approval
has been given by the CPA for a $100,000 re-
modeling program at the Avalon Theatre
here, according to Vern Austin, city man-
ager for the Cooper Foundation. Work will
start in about a week.
The new Avalon design will be in the mod-
ern western style. The auditorium will be
completely changed. The proscenium arch
will be widened considerably, the stage elimi-
nated, new seats installed, and the projection
room lowered one floor. New drapes, cur-
tains and interior decoration also will be pro-
vided. Not yet approved, but planned by
the foundation, are construction of new rest-
rooms, lobby, front and marquee.
Seeks Damages in Fall
JACKSON, MISS.— Alleging she fell on a
cuspidor in the Paramount Theatre in Jan-
uary, Mrs. Mary Legler has filed suit against
the Paramount Richards Theatres, Inc., seek-
ing $15,000 damages.
Close During Holy Week
RAYNE, LA. — Theatres here closed three
days during Holy week in cooperation with
the churches, where special services were
held.
THE NEW POSTWAR
PG-200 SERIES
II U Photophone Theatre Sound Systems
are now available for quick delivery .
Capacities to meet requirements from the PG-215
for small theatres thru the PG-251 for drive-ins.
SOUTHWESTERN THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
2010 Jackson St.
DALLAS 1, TEXAS
Tel: Central 8579
1416 Main St.
HOUSTON 2, TEXAS
Tel: Capitol 9906
Posters! Posters! Posters!
We Have Them
Complete Accessories on All Companies’ Products
Exhibitors Poster Exch., Inc.
221 South Liberty Street
New Orleans, La.
RAY 3563
THEATRES WANTED
If your theatre is showing a profit
and priced right we can sell it for
you within 30 days.
Send complete information as we
have buyers waiting. All informa-
tion confidential.
Buyers, we have the theatre you
want. Contact us.
NO BROKERS, DIRECT DEALS ONLY
THEATRE ENTERPRISES
730 E. 11th Street Houston 8, Texas
Phones: V 2-2839 & V 2-7841
104
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
FST Circuit Writ Stalls
Gainesville Ticket Tax
Union Threat to Pull
Booth Men Fizzles
BIRMINGHAM— A threat by members of
the local musicians union to pull projec-
tionists from the house failed to materialize
at the Birmingham Theatre during the ap-
pearance of Cannonball, western film player,
and his cowboy troupe.
A. H. Borisky, president of Southeastern
Amusement Co., said he had refused to com-
ply with the musicians’ ultimatum that he
employ a standby crew of six musicians to
“sit in the pit and do nothing.” Employment
of the standby crew, Borisky said, would
have required payment of $78 per day.
A statement by Harry W. Roberts, Bir-
mingham manager, said that the Cannonball
troupe was nothing more than a singing act,
working before a drop. He asserted that
similar acts had played at the Ensley and
Temple theatres and Municipal auditorium
without union demands for a crew of standby
musicians.
The Ensley Theatre, as recently as March
25, played an almost identical act, the
Southerners, Roberts said.
The Cannonball troupe closed out last sea-
son at the house, which was then operated
by Wilby-Kincey as the Pantages Theatre,
with a crew of local standbys.
No confirmation was available here this
week regarding reports that promoters of
special attractions at Municipal auditorium
had been advised by the musicians local
that standbys would be required for future
performances there.
Joe Sommers in Miami
As Manager of Royal
MIAMI — Joe Sommers, a veteran of 20
years in show business in the Pittsburgh ter-
ritory, has come here as manager of the
Edward N. Claughton circuit’s Royal Theatre.
Sommers had been manager of the Anas
Theatres in Weirton and Hollidays Cove,
W. Va. Previous to that he was manager for
Warners in State College, Etna and Johns-
town, Pa. The Claughton circuit includes
two houses here and five in Tampa.
Lester Persall Is Back
At Post in Talladega
TALLADEGA, ALA. — Lester Persall has
been transferred back from Piedmont, Ala.,
and will be assistant to T. A. MacDougald
here. Persall was sent to Piedmont a few
weeks ago to fill in for a manager who re-
signed.
Julian Pipkins of Cuthbert, Ga., has been
sent to Piedmont to manage the Allison
Theatre there.
White Quits Wil-Kin
CHARLOTTE— W. P. White, manager of
Wil-Kin Theatre Supply Co., has resigned,
effective May 1, and will take an executive
position with a new concern to be organized
here. He has been 6% years in his present
position and has been in the theatre supply
business for 28 years, mostly in Charlotte.
To Rebuild in Winnf ield. La.
WINNFIELD, LA. — The Palace Theatre
here is being razed to make way for a new
house. Southern Amusement Co., the own-
ers, hope to have the new place open in six
months.
Item of $10,000 Bail Kills
Publicist's Dream Stunt
Miami — According to Grace Wing of
the Daily News, a press agent came to
town in connection with the premiere of
“It Happened on Fifth Avenue,” and told
a News staffer that he had the idea of the
decade. He would persuade (with palm-
crossings) William L. Camillo (who was
in the public eye at the moment for help-
ing himself to a bus and driving it all
the way from the Bronx to the Gulfstream
racetrack near here) to state for publica-
tion that he didn’t come to Florida for
the races but took his wild ride to see
“It Happened on Fifth Avenue.”
“We’ll get Camillo to say that he was
so disappointed the premiere wasn’t go-
ing to be held in New York that he ran
away with the bus so he could see it down
here. We’ll give him a ticket to the open-
ing, naturally,” the agent explained en-
thusiastically.
“And naturally, you’re going to put up
the $10,000 bail to spring him out of the
Hollywood, Fla., jug so he can get to the
opening,” added the News writer.
After a moment’s thought, the press
agent decided that the $10,000 bail item
on his expense account would be a little
too steep, even for Hollywood, Calif.
Charles Boren jr. Opens
Joy in Nettleton, Miss.
NETTLETON, MISS. — The Joy Theatre, a
completely new building, was opened here
April 2 by Charles Boren jr.
Arthur Marx New Manager
OCEAN SPRINGS, MISS— The manage-
ment of Illings Theatre here has been taken
over by Arthur Marx. He succeeds Harold
Gorree, who left for College Station, Tex., to
enter business for himself.
GAINESVILLE — Florida State Theatres,
Inc., owners of Gainesville’s three motion
picture houses, won the first round in a fight
against the recently enacted amusement tax
ordinance, when Circuit Judge John A. H.
Murphree granted a temporary injunction
restraining collection of the new levy.
City Attorney S. T. Dell jr. said the injunc-
tion would not affect any of the other taxes
voted last month by the city commission.
Joined with the corporation as plaintiff in
the action was J. Vernon Zierjack, a Gaines-
ville resident and taxpayer.
Collection of the taxes was scheduled to
start April 6.
The petition alleged that the amusement
tax is “not within the powers of the city”
nor within the powers granted to cities by
the general laws of Florida.
It contended that the tax to be levied is
“not levied upon any kind of business, oc-
cupation or profession taxable under the laws
of Florida.”
The operators further contended that the
tax is “discriminatory, arbitrary and unrea-
sonable in its classification and effect,” and
that it would cut down their profits.
The tax in question would be levied on all
admissions to places of amusement. Tickets
of 25 cents and under are exempt, but a tax
of 3 cents would be charged on all tickets
selling from 26 cents to 50 cents, 5 cents
on all between 51 cents and $1, and 8 cents
on all over $1.
Passage of the tax was opposed by a large
number of citizens who attended the meeting
at which It was adopted.
Louis Rosenbaum Named
ACS Fund Co-Chairman
FLORENCE, ALA.— Louis Rosenbaum, head
of Muscle Shoals Theatres here, will serve
as co-chairman of the 1947 fund-raising cam-
paign of the American Cancer society in
Alabama. Serving with him will be Haygood
Paterson of Montgomery, state agricultural
commissioner. Alabama’s share of the $12,-
000,000 national goal is $107,000.
CONFER ON “BAND” — A sales meeting was held in the Memphis 20th-Fox
exchange to outline policies on “Alexander’s Ragtime Band.” Here you see Herman
Wobber, western division manager, seated, as he explains to the sales force the
policies on the picture. Standing, left to right, are: Leo Wintker, Paul Glisson, John
Carter, Robert Mann, Bonnie McCarley, Memphis Branch Manager Tom W. Young
and District Manager Phil Longdon,
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
SE
105
People Go to Florida for Amusement ; Gross Business Tax
Need No Premiums in Peninsula State Birmingham Threat
MIAMI — A check on theatres in this area
does not disclose any tendency to resort to
the giving away of china or other premiums
to stimulate business. Florida has always
been slow to introduce such a policy. Peo-
ple come to Florida for amusement and will
attend theatres without the giveaway stimu-
lus. It is the picture which counts.
About the only time giveaways were re-
sorted to was during the depression years,
when people were not spending much money
on entertainment. Then a few, but only a
very few, houses did resort to premiums.
Occasionally a house will offer a bag or
box of candy, or an ice cream cone to at-
tendants at special kiddy matinees. The
Royal Theatre of Miami has given candy to
all youngsters attending the morning mati-
nee for a number of years.
No Direct Giveaways in Little Rock;
One House Still Using Bank Night
LITTLE ROCK— No direct giveaways are
noted in Little Rock; however, Sam Kirby’s
Nabor Theatre has installed a new quiz
program on Thursday nights called Quiz the
Experts. This program is broadcast over sta-
tion KXLR and the prizes are promoted from
merchants.
Roy Cochran, JuRoy Theatre, North Little
Rock, has a Kiddy Quiz Saturday mornings
for the children. Prizes are also given for
the correct answers.
O. G. Wren, Crescent, is still using bank
night. He started it years ago and continued
it through the war. It still draws fairly well.
Premiums Almost Nonexistent
In Charlotte; Trade Thankful
CHARLOTTE — There has been no reintro-
duction of premiums in this territory, in fact
the premium companies, which once flour-
ished on Filmrow, have not returned.
Perhaps in a few spots over the Carolinas
some premiums are occasionally given, but
in general there is no such trend, the indus-
try being truly thankful that this is the case.
To Birmingham Lyric
Jimmy Bellows Returns
BIRMINGHAM — Jimmy Bellows has re-
turned to his post as assistant manager of the
Lyric Theatre here
after 18 months of
army service, which
included a year as
manager of a GI the-
atre at Augsburg,
Germany.
Bellows, a private
first class, was at the
Lyric for about three
years before being
drafted. He is now on
terminal leave and will
officially be out of the
army on April 13.
The theatre which jimmy bellows
Bellows managed at Augsburg was the Cap-
itol, a 400-seat house.
Frank Scott, former assistant manager at
the Lyric, is now manager of the Palace, one
of ten houses operated by Corpus Christi
Theatres, Inc., at Corpus Christi, Tex.
Steve Broidy in Miami
For 'Fifth Avenue' Bow
MIAMI — Steve Broidy, president of Allied
Artists and Monogram, was in Miami for the
premiere of “It Happened on Fifth Avenue’’
and said this city will become increasingly
important as a site for premieres of new pro-
ductions. Because of the large number of
visitors here from all sections of the country,
Broidy said, this area furnishes an ideal
“quick cross-section.” The picture will be re-
vised, after its showing at three of Wo-
metco’s theatres, in line with audience re-
actions, Broidy said.
Evelyn Keyes Toplines
Columbia has set Evelyn Keyes for the
leading part in “The Mating of Millie Mc-
Gonigle.”
BIRMINGHAM— Possibility that a gross
receipts tax would be sought in the legisla-
ture next month to supplant the present
business license schedule was seen here after
Bradley Brown, license inspector, submitted
a report on the present tax picture to the
Jefferson county commission.
A tax on gross business is “the only
equitable way” to handle the situation, Brown
said in his report.
Three of the city’s smaller downtown thea-
tres were included in the sample survey
made by Brown on Birmingham’s “Race-
track,” a square block in the heart of the
business district. All of the businesses sur-
veyed, Brown reported, did an estimated
volume of $50,256,000, while their assessed
valuation is just a little more than 3 per
cent, or $1,631,667.
The 75 businesses surveyed, Brown said,
paid state and county license fees aggregating
only $2,909.25. Brown termed the county’s
one-third share of $969.75 “a pitiful amount
of license tax to be collected for such a large
volume of business” in view of the services
which the county is now called on to render.
Brown says the Capitol Theatre paid $300
in state and county licenses; the Galax,
$300.50; the Strand, $300.50.
Stringent Fire Measure
Considered in Knoxville
KNOXVILLE — Theatres here probably
won’t feel any effects from the recently
enacted state fire law, but a new city ordi-
nance proposed by Fire Chief C. M. Johnson
may force them to make some changes.
The present city ordinance already is re-
garded as twice as strong as the state law,
and Chief Johnson says his new proposal
is “ten times better and stronger.”
The state law requires two exits from all
theatres. The city law now requires three
escapes on as many sides of the theatre.
Under the state law any theatre could get
by with two escapes or exits.
Following are some provisions of the pro-
posed new city ordinance:
All theatres would be required to treat
stage scenery materials and curtains, dra-
peries, rugs and other inflammable materials
with fireproof chemicals.
Outside fire escapes would be required for
all theatres, but fire towers would be con-
sidered the same as iron fire escapes.
All theatres would be required to install
automatic sprinkler systems that would be
set off when heat from an undiscovered fire
comes in contact.
Sales Tax Drive Started
In Montgomery County
MONTGOMERY— Campaign headquarters
have been opened here to push the fight for
a county 1 per cent sales tax to provide
funds for construction of a general hospital
in Montgomery and to increase salaries of
county school teachers.
The proposal will be voted on April 22.
Sen. Silas D. Cater of Montgomery county
said he is willing to introduce a bill in the
legislature providing for the tax “if the peo-
ple first agree to it.”
Berger Vacationing
CORAL GABLES, FLA. — Rudy Berger,
MGM southern sales manager with head-
quarters in New Orleans, has arrived for an
Easter vacation.
INCREASE YOUR PROFITS
with
JI^ANLEY^SUPREMMjYBRI^OPCORp
Finest Popcorn Grown
$10.75 per 100 lbs., F.O.B. Atlanta
Z. C. (Curt) Shreve
SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT MANAGER
102 Cain St., N. W. Atlanta 3, Ga.
Phone: Cypress 5116
COME AND SEE US
106
BOXOFFICE : : April 12, 1947
MEMPHIS
promotions in the Arkansas situations of
the Malco circuit were announced here
this week. Edward Holland, manager of the
Joy in Dardanelle, was promoted to the
Rialto in Morrilton. Earl Young, manager
of the Rialto, was advanced to manager of
New and Rialto in Hope, Ark. Remmel
Young, manager of New and Rialto, becomes
city manager in Fort Smith. Olive Brown-
lee, Fort Smith city manager, is taking a
leave of absence because of illness.
Richard Lightman, Malco executive, will
wed Jeanne Garretson of New Orleans April
23 in New Orleans. Mr. and Mrs. M. A.
Lightman sr., parents of the groom; M. A.
Lightman jr., the groom’s brother, and Jean
Lightman, his sister who is in college in
New Orleans, will be present . . . Herb Kohn,
chief barker of the Variety club, said the
tent will throw one of its biggest parties Sat-
urday, April 26, at which time a popcorn
machine will be given away.
Bailey Pritchard, manager of Monogram,
has been in Little Rock on business . . . Henry
Morris, exploitation man for Columbia, was
here working on “Dead Reckoning” at the
Malco ... A small fire, which did not close
the show, occurred recently at the new
Eureka Theatre in Batesville, Miss. The
theatre is operated by R. B. Cox.
Leonard Shea, manager of PRC, was in the
Mississippi territory on company business . • .
G. J. Malfronte, New York, assistant man-
ager in charge of branch operations, was a
visitor at Universal . . . Lewis Blumberg, rep-
resentative of J. Arthur Rank, was in town
... Joe Reis, shipper at Warner Bros., was
ill with the flu.
Johnny Price, star of the picture “Diamond
Deamon,” attended an MGM preview of the
picture in person April 8 at 20th-Fox screen-
ing room . . . MGM held a tradescreening
April 7 at the Fox screening room of “Dark
Delusion.”
Midsouth exhibitors visiting on the Row in-
cluded Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Lowrey of the Low-
rey in Russellville and Royal in Adkins, Ark.;
Grady Cook of the Gem and Joy in Pontotoc,
Miss.; Leon Roundtree of the Holly in Holly
Springs and Grand in Water Valley, Miss.;
Alton Sims of the Robb & Rowley circuit;
John Harper of the Harper in Campbell, Mo.;
K. H. Kinney of the Hays and Beale Street in
Hughes, Ark.
Ned Green of the Legion in Mayfield, Ky.:
J. W. Seay of the Grand in Cardwell, Mo.;
O. G. Abernathy of the Petti Jean in Mor-
rilton, Ark.; J. R. Leavell of the Grand in
Grand Junction, Term.; Paul Smith of the
Radio in Middleton, Tenn.; O. L. Lewis of
the Vaughan in Hernando, Miss.; S. D.
McRee of the Coffeeville in Coffeeville, Miss.;
Mrs. J. R. Kinkle of the Joiner in Joiner,
Ark.; Horace Stanley of the Radio in Beebe,
Ark.; Clifford Nix of the Nix Amusement Co.;
Jesse Moore of the Ritz in Crenshaw, Miss.,
and Gordon Hutchins of the State in Corning,
Ark.
The Park Theatre in McKenzie, Tenn., had
nine of the ten best pictures of the year
during 1946, Roy Johnson reported to the
McKenzie Banner. And the story of how
Johnson “picked the good ones,” made page
one.
Martin L. Shoemaker, 53, motion picture
projectionist, was killed here last week in a
traffic accident. Shoemaker was on the way
home from the theatre and was fixing a flat
tire when another car struck his car on the
highway near the city limits.
More midsouth exhibitors visiting on the
Row: J. F. Mounger of the Mart and City in
Calhoun City, Miss.; W. F. Wofford of the
Eupora in Eupora, Miss.; John Morestadt of
the Missouri and Joy in Hayti, Mo.; E. Gam-
mill of the Maben in Maben, Miss.; Louise
Mask of the Luez in Bolivar, Tenn.; J. K.
Jamerson of the Ritz in Bald Knob, Ark.;
Roland Adams of the Von in Booneville,
Miss.; G. H. Goff of the Rustic in Parsons,
Tenn. ; J. E. Singleton of the Tyro in Tyronza,
Ark.; Pinkey Tipton of the New in Manila,
Ark.; A. D. Fielder of the Steele in Steele,
Mo.; J. F. Wofford of the Eupora in Eupora,
Miss.; Arthur Rush of the Houston in Hous-
ton, Miss.; Mrs. Earl Day of the New in Peach
Orchard, Ark., and Don Landers of the Radio
in Harrisburg, Ark.
Chattanooga Park Rides
To Be Cheaper in 1947
CHATTANOOGA — The city commission
has authorized the parks and playgrounds
director, George Mclnturff, to make contracts
reducing admission charges for both adults
and children on Warner park rides this
season.
Rides for youngsters under 12 will cost 5
cents. For adults, the merry-go-round will
cost 12 cents, including a 2-cent tax, instead
of 14 cents. The same is true for the cater-
pillar, Ferris wheel and the whirl.
The dodgem, which charged 20 cents in-
cluding tax last year, will cost 15 cents.
Start 'Finer Films Forum'
KNOXVILLE— “Open City” on April 6
opened a Finer Film forum at the Booth
Theatre here. Five attractions are sched-
uled in the series, which will be shown each
week Sunday through Wednesday, and Ten-
nessee Theatre prices will prevail. Other
films in the series will be “Wicked Lady,”
“Magic Bow,” “Brief Encounter” and
“Bedelia.”
Rules Mule Day Fete
COLUMBIA, TENN. — Martha Napier
Bryant, 18, was chosen as Miss Columbia of
1947 in a contest on the stage of the Princess
Theatre here and later reigned as queen of
the annual Mule day festival. Fifty-eight
contestants competed. E. J. Jordan of the
Belle Meade Theatre, Nashville, assisted by
David Cobb, handled the emcee assignment.
Policemen in Newsreels
KNOXVILLE — Newsreel shots of the grand
march at the annual ball of the Knoxville
Police Benefit Ass’n were shown at the
Tennessee, Riviera, Bijou, Booth and State
theatres.
Teachers See 'Miserables'
MEMPHIS — Memphis school teachers were
guests of the Ritz last Saturday to see a
screening of the revived classic, “Les Mise-
rables.”
Drive-In Reopens
MEMPHIS — The Drive-In Theatre on
Lamar has opened for the summer.
Opposite Montgomery
Universal-International is borrowing Wanda
Hendrix from Paramount to play opposite
Robert Montgomery in “Ride the Pink Horse.”
VENGEANCE COMES IN A HURRY
WHEN HOPALONG’S COLLECTIN’
WESTERN CLASSICS Presents
Clarence LMulford's
NORTH
RIO GRANDE
WILLIAM BOYD
GEORGE (“Gabby") HAYES
RUSSELL HAYDEN
BERNAOENE HAYES
Distributed by
SCREEN GUILD PRODUCTIONS
V
NOW AVAILABLE
ANOTHER GREAT SERIAL
OF REX AND RINTY"
Screen
Guild Productions
ATLANTA - CHARLOTTE
MEMPHIS
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
107
Crescent May Construct
Large Nashville Bldg.
NASHVILLE — Construction of a combina-
tion headquarters office and theatre building
here is tentatively planned by the Crescent
Amusement Co. for early next year, provid-
ing building material costs and shortages
are reduced by that time.
The structure, estimated to cost from
$1,000,000 to $1,500,000, would front 130 feet
on Church street, and would set the pace
for the planned rebuilding of that thorough-
fare from the river westward.
Crescent now is seeking to obtain posses-
sion of two of the four parcels of property
which comprise the site, purchased for a
reported $300,000 to $350,000.
NOT AN INVESTMENT
R. E. Baulch, Crescent president, said that
the company has no immediate plans for
construction of a new theatre on the site,
but added that the firm does not buy prop-
erty for investment purposes. He also pointed
out that such a new theatre building would
not interfere with the company’s plans to
construct a new house as part of the Warner
Bldg.
Crescent has held onto the Princess Thea-
tre property until it could acquire another
Church street site suitable for development
as a de luxe theatre. The chain for some
time has owned the two center parcels in its
new site, purchasing the two additions in
January.
BUYS SUBURBAN SITES
Belief that Crescent plans a major con-
struction program as soon as building costs
level off is strengthened by its recent pur-
chases of suburban theatre sites. One recent
purchase suitable for amusement center de-
velopment is a lot approximately 413x500, ad-
joining the Green Hills market on Hillsboro
road. Purchase price reportedly was $65,000.
Another site, only slightly smaller, was
purchased about the same time for more than
$75,000. It is the old Trevecca college loca-
tion on Gallatin road.
Building contractor sources pointed out,
however, that the company plans to place
first on its expansion list the construction
of a new theatre and possibly an amuse-
ment center at the old Burrus filling station
property on Gallatin pike.
UTTLE ROCK
f'Uaude and Thelma Mundo of the Rex and
Liberty spent the weekend in Memphis.
They drove over with friends, the occasion
being Mundo’s birthday.
The Little Rock Men of the Churches last
week presented Cecil B. DeMille’s “King of
Kings” each morning at the Capitol Theatre
from 9 to 11. No admission was charged ex-
cept for a freewill offering . . . Gypsy Rose
Lee, famous strip tease artist, entertained
patients in the army-navy hospital at Hot
Springs last week and did it without pres-
entation of her well-known act. She showed
films taken with her own camera. She is
traveling in a trailer and is accompanied by
her young son.
The southwestern premiere of “Stallion
Road” will be held at the Capitol here, Robb
& Rowley officials said. A special screen-
ing for the Horse Show Ass’n of Little Rock
is to be held. The association will award
a blue ribbon to Warner Bros, and to Robb
& Rowley for the presentation of the film.
Veto 1% Tax Plan
ATLANTA — The city of Atlanta’s proposal
to tax theatre admissions 1 per cent has been
vetoed, and theatre men, still facing other
tax-raising measures from various sides, are
quite happy over this latest development.
W. C. Handy to Attend
Opening of Namesake
MEMPHIS— Prof. W. C. Handy, daddy of
the blues, has accepted an invitation to
attend in person the opening of W. C. Handy
Theatre here Sunday, May 11.
Opening date for “the finest Negro show
in the world,” which has 1,100 seats, was set
when the author of “The St. Louis Blues”
and “The Memphis Blues” wired his ac-
ceptance.
The new show, at Park and Airways, was
built jointly by Chalmers and Ed Cullins
and Nate Evans of the Idlewild and Savoy
theatres and Louis Weaver and Kemmons
Wilson of the Airways theatres.
A strong stage show has been arranged
in addition to the feature picture for the
opening week and this policy will be con-
tinued if attendance justifies. First stage
show, to be given four times daily, will head-
line Cootie Williams and his 16-piece band.
Professor Handy, now living in New York,
where he conducts his own music publishing
house, will make personal appearances at the
opening.
“I consider this a privilege and honor such
as seldom comes for a theatre to be named
for one of our group,” said Professor Hand^
in accepting the invitation to come here.
Memphis Group Forming
For Variety Convention
MEMPHIS — Reservations for the trip to
the Variety International convention in Los
Angeles May 14-18 continue. The local group
will leave May 9 and join a special Variety
train in Kansas City. Those already signed
up from Tent 20 are Mr. and Mrs. Herb Kohn,
Mr. and Mrs. Orris Collins, Paragould, Ark.;
Mr. and Mrs. Dave Flexer, Bill Ramsey, Tom
O’Ryan, Joe Simon and T. Oscar Baldridge.
M. A. Lightman and William Goodman will
also attend but will not go on the special
train.
MPF Meeting Is Called
For Charlotte Monday
CHARLOTTE — The Motion Picture Foun-
dation organization meeting for the North and
South Carolina area has been set for Mon-
day (14) at 11 a. m., in the recreation room
of Paramount exchange. It was called by
Ben L. Strozier, president, and Mrs. Walter
Griffith, secretary of the Theatre Owners
of North and South Carolina.
H. F. Kincey is temporary chairman in
this area.
Mrs. V. M. Edwards to Build
500-Seater in Wrens, Ga.
WRENS, GA. — Construction of a new thea-
tre here is being planned by Mrs. V. M.
Edwards of Monticello, who also operates the
Dixie here. The new theatre will have a
seating capacity of 500, including 150 seats
in the balcony, according to Mrs. Louise
Williams, local manager for Mrs. Edwards.
Cayce Theatre to Open
CAYCE, S. C.— The new Cayce Theatre
here opens April 28. It is owned by A. H.
Rowell, Sam W. Craver and Frank Falls
and seats 600.
New House for Sanford
SANFORD, FLA. — J. R. Ellis, owner of the
Ace Theatre in Sanford, is constructing a
new house on West 13th street.
Sell More Popcorn
AND at Greater Profit
Wil-Kin popcorn, the best obtainable and al-
ways in prime popping condition, means fuller
poppers, bigger sales, no waste. Prepared
with Wil-Kin seasoning, it is especially tasty,
and in Wil-Kin modern bags, unusually at-
tractive. Order today.
WIL-KIN ,TL"
CHABLOTTE. N. C. | f |
" Everything for the theatre except film "
108
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
BIRMINGHAM
Sailor” at the Melba, “Johnny O’clock” at
the Empire and “The Man I Love” at the
Ritz.
MIAMI
T A. Jackson, Empire manager, and Francis
^ S. Falkenburg, Alabama ditto, cooperated
on a trailer, now being shown in all theatres,
educating the public to the provisions of the
new city ordinance which prohibits theatre
smoking except in specified areas . . . Mickey
Mouse club members got a double added treat
at the Alabama Theatre last Saturday (5).
Tony Pastor, whose orchestra played that
night at Municipal auditorium, gave free
bubble gum to all youngsters attending.
Second treat was a visit by Ted Williams of
the Boston Red Sox who were here for two
games with the Cincinnati Reds.
James Willard, representative of the Strong
Electric Corp., was a visitor at Queen Feature
Service, Inc. . . . Another visitor was Everett
S. Haynes, former Birmingham theatre owner,
now a projectionist at the Charles Theatre,
Montgomery. Mrs. Haynes accompanied him
. . . Smith Rumble, projectionist at the
Homewood, visited his mother in Barnesville,
Ga., and his sister in Atlanta . . . Pearl
Paschal, cashier at the Five Points, obtained
a leave of two weeks to visit relatives in
Texas.
Gene Weil, sales manager for WTNB who
has handled several theatre accounts, re-
signed. Weil is a former production manager
and account executive for WSGN in Bir-
mingham and a former commercial manager
for the Tobacco network of North Carolina
. . . Lieut. Owen House, former Alabama
Theatre employe active in the Mickey Mouse
club, visited here before leaving for overseas
duty in the Pacific with the army’s air trans-
port command.
Local cashiers seem to be having an un-
usual run of luck in finding apartments in
the face of the housing shortage. Latest to
succeed is Mrs. Earl Bladorn, Empire cashier,
who has been house-hunting since her mar-
riage nearly a year ago . . . Dee Moore, for-
merly of the Philadelphia Phillies, stopped
here to visit friends on his way home to
Hollywood. Moore, who was with the Bir-
mingham Barons before going to the majors,
married Vaudine Case, former cashier at the
Royal.
Marvin Scarborough has been added to the
maintenance staff by Acme Theatres and will
handle the circuit’s air conditioning . . . The
Enzor Theatre at Troy, Ala., has been au-
thorized by the CPA to install air conditioning
equipment at a cost of $6,875 . . . William
R. Griffin, manager of the Lyric at Cullman,
is a member of the board of directors for
the Cullman County Strawberry Festival and
Fair Ass’n. Griffin also has been named to
the executive committee of the new hotel
sales organization at Cullman.
“The Best Years of Our Lives” opened what
promise^ to be an extended run at the Bir-
mingham Theatre Sunday (6). The Academy
award winner had been scheduled to open
Thursday (3) but was set back when the
Cannonball western show was held over for
two days . . . “My Favorite Brunette” played
a third week at the Lyric, while other down-
town attractions included: “Sinbad the
iJACK DUMESTRE. Jr.
i Southeastern Theatre
Equipment Co.
! ATLANTA
CHARLOTTE
JACKSONVILLE
Harry W. Roberts, Birmingham manager,
decked out his cashiers in blouses of the
style worn by Teresa Wright in “The Best
Years of Our Lives.” The tieup was with the
Vanity Blouse shop . . . Roberts also arranged
special windows in Blach’s store and the Ash
Jewelry Co. . . . Harry M. Curl, Melba man-
ager, is co-sponsor with LeVan Jewelry Co.
of a man-on-the-street radio program
broadcast daily from 1:15 to 1:30 p. m. in
front of the house by WKAX. The program
is conducted by “Mr. Pitter and Mr. Patter,”
who question passersby and award them gifts,
including Melba passes.
Girls Given New Shoes
For CFL Selections
COLUMBUS, GA. — Three young Columbus
girls, regular attendants at the Children’s
Film library 26-week series at the Bradley
Theatre, were awarded new shoes in a con-
test to name the film which they liked best.
The shoes were awarded by the Miller -Taylor
Shoe Co.
The winning entry voted for “Poor Little
Rich Girl” as the best liked picture, while
second and third place entries picked “Two
Thoroughbreds” and “Rebecca of Sunny -
brook Farm,” respectively.
'Balloons Plus Badman'
REFORM, ALA. — A local balloon-blowing
contest for children under 12 was held on
the stage of the Pickens Theatre here in
connection with the appearance of Tex
Terry, who was billed as the “badman actor
in Gene Autry and Roy Rogers pictures” and
the first film actor from Hollywood to appear
at the house. A double feature augmented
the bill.
14th Week for 'Jolson'
ATLANTA — “The Jolson Story” opened its
14th week in the city at the New Hilan
Theatre, owned by W. T. Murray. It was
moved over from the Rialto, where it played
12 weeks.
01yde Goodson, Atlanta branch manager for
Paramount, and Leonard Allen, south-
eastern advertising head of Paramount, have
arrived here in connection with the showings
of “Suddenly It’s Spring” and “My Favorite
Brunette” . . . Frank McCarthy, vice-presi-
dent of Universal-International, is spending a
two-week vacation in Miami Beach,
Ryt Suez, assistant manager of the Beach,
has gone to New York to say bon voyage to
his brother, who is official interpreter to the
Arabian court . . . Grover Parsons, PRC rep-
resentative, is visiting here . . . Curtis Miller,
general manager of the Claughton Theatres
in Tampa, attended the Variety Club’s char-
ter dinner.
Eight hundred veterans who were unable
to leave Pratt General hospital were given
a chance to see “The Best Years of Our
Lives” when Edward N. Claughton sent the
film out to them. It is now showing at the
Royal . . . One hundred women, members
of the Federation of Women’s Clubs, attended
“The Best Years” in a body. Five past presi-
dents of the club received special Goldwyn
passes.
George Wynant, who operates a filling sta-
tion here, was told he ought to go see a pic-
ture playing at the Beach Theatre because
“there’s a guy in it looks like you.” George
went — and found himself looking at his own
image. The picture, a Technicolor short
called “The Last Bomb,” covered operations
of the 20th air force, George’s old outfit.
It was made on Guam in May 1945, and
showed a B29 returning from a raid over
Tokyo. Pretty well shot up by that time, the
Superfortress crashes before the audience’s
eyes and bursts into flames. George, who
was a major at the time, is shown as he
runs forward to pull a man who was still
alive out of the burning plane.
Sen. Claude Pepper has become a member
of the newly formed Greater Miami Variety
Club . . . The 13 semifinalists of the Lincoln
road Easter Parade of Lovable Girls were
presented on the stage of the Lincoln Theatre.
NOT PRODUCED IN 1932,
'34 or '38 — BUT 1940-41 —
FAST HE-MAN WESTERNS
6 BOB STEELE'S
B GEO. HOUSTON'S
8 RANGE BUSTERS
6 TIM McCOY'S
ALL COLORED CAST MUSICAL-
60 MINUTE FEATURE — WITH
HENRI WOODE AND HIS HEP-
CATS.
IT'S NEW—
IT'S RCA SOUND
ASTOR PICTURES CO.
OF GA.
163 Walton St.
3rd Floor
Main 9845 ATLANTA
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
109
ATLANTA
lyrilner T. La Hatte jr., former Atlanta Jour-
1 nal cashier, has been named treasurer at
the Fox Theatre here . . . Mose Lebovitz,
Grand Theatre, Chattanooga, and Charlie
Kirkconnell, Sam Johnson and Sydney Davis
of the Lee Theatre, Fort Myers, Fla., were
recent visitors.
Congratulations to Frank Jones of Mono-
gram’s accounting department on his birth-
day. The entire force entertained him and
served ice cream molded into Easter lilies . . .
Arthur C. Bromberg, president of Monogram
Southern, has returned after a business trip
to Savannah . . . Charlie Durmeyer said it
looks like about 150 will go on the special
train from Atlanta bound for the Variety
Club meeting in Los Angeles.
Clyde Goodson, Paramount branch man-
ager and Leonard Allen, exploiteer, left for
a jaunt over Florida . . . B. D. and Lex Ben-
ton, owner of the Benton Bros. Film Express,
returned from Tampa, then left for a meeting
in Chicago . . . Bob Savini was here for a
sales meeting with William Richardson of
Atlanta and John Jenkins of Dallas . . .
Wallace Smith, formerly with Astor Pictures,
Atlanta, has been named manager of the
Brookhaven Theatre here.
W. L. Gray of Republic left for New Or-
leans after a visit at the local branch. From
New Orleans Gray will go to Mexico City
. . . Nelle Dake has been added to the Re-
MONARCH
THEATRE SUPPLY. Inc.
Neil Blount
492 So. Second St.
Memphis, Tenn.
Thinking Of
Improvements
CONSULT US
THE QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE, Inc.
|1912V2 Morris Avenue Telephone 3-8665
Birmingham. Alabama
k
Complete Theatre Equipment and
Supplies
J
public forces . . . Merritt Davis, southern
division manager, and Jimmie Hobbs, branch
manager of Republic, left for a sales meeting
in Chicago.
From Kay Films: Ike and Harry Katz,
executives, returned to Atlanta from New
York where they closed deals on additional
product for their five exchanges . . . Mary
Cole, formerly with Columbia, is the new
addition to the Atlanta forces . . . Harry
Katz left for a visit to the Charlotte and
Washington offices . . . W. H. Rudisill, local
branch manager, is making circuit calls in
Tennessee . . . Ike Katz is scheduled to visit
the Memphis and New Orleans branches.
J. R. Moffitt, Alabama showman, paid a
visit here as did Paul Engler, Birmingham
theatre owner . . . Our good friend Fred
Moon, Atlanta Journal film critic, gives Film-
row the once over every Sunday on his page.
He is also a good booster for BOXOFFICE.
R. E. Martin, R. E. Martin jr. and Tommy
Thompson of Martin & Thompson Theatres
visited Atlanta . . . G. D. Norwood of Loew’s
construction department was in and out of
Atlanta on an inspection trip that took him
to the theatres of the southern district . . .
Allen Sparrow, Loew’s southern division chief,
returned from a swing around his territory.
Nat Williams, Georgia and Florida circuit
owners, was here on business . . . David Savini,
son of N. E. Savini, representative of Astor
Pictures, New York, has returned to Atlanta
after a visit to his Uncle Bob (R. M. Savini),
Astor’s president . . . Spence Pierce, 20th-
Fox, and Rodney Bush, director of exploita-
tion, visited Miami Beach in connection with
the opening of “Carnival in Costa Rica.”
Ben Jordan, Monogram Southern sales rep-
resentative, was here for a meeting with Babe
Cohen, branch manager . . . Nathan Ward,
head shipper of Sack Amusement Co., was
married recently . . . Louise Bramblett, head
of Wil-Kin Theatre Supply’s candy warehouse
in Atlanta, is in Dallas to assist in setting up
Interstate circuit’s new candy warehouse . . .
Frank Nail, constructing a new theatre in
Goodwater, Ala., expects completion by June 1.
Walter P. Speight jr., for the last two
years general manager of radio station WATL,
left for Orlando, Fla., to supervise construction
of WHOO and WHOO-FM, of which he will
be general manager. Speight is dough guy of
the Atlanta Variety Club and a tried and true
friend of all showmen. He is also secretary-
treasurer of the Georgia Ass’n of Broad-
casters, a director of the Atlanta Advertis-
ing club, member of the advisory board of
the Emory School of Journalism and a Ki-
wanian.
Marc Barre and Dusty Rhodes of Georgia
Theatres Co. entertained at the Variety Club
in honor of Alpha Fowler jr., new adjutant
general of Georgia, and son of the theatre
owner and legislator, Senator Alpha Fowler.
FDR 5PECIRL TRDILERS ITS
Memphis First Runs
Emerge From Slump
MEMPHIS — A recent slump in attendance
at first run houses here seems to have passed.
Very good attendance is reported by William
Kemp, manager of Loew’s State; Cecil Vogel,
manager of Loew’s Palace; Jack Tunstill,
manager of the Malco; Joe Simon; manager
of the Ritz, and J. H. McCarthy, manager
of the Warner. The pictures currently show-
ing are “The Late George Apley” at the
Palace; “It Happened in Brooklyn” at the
State; “Dead Reckoning” at the Malco; “Stal-
lion Road” at the Warner, and “The Over-
landers” at the Ritz.
Georgia Girl, 11, Gets
$250-a-Week Contract
COLUMBUS, GA.— Rita Woodall, a for-
mer Columbus girl who sang her way into
the hearts of more than 100,000 service men
at the Salvation Army’s Broadway USO dur-
ing the war, has been signed to a contract by
Universal studios, according to information
received here.
Rita is now studying dramatics under
Universal’s direction at Princeton university.
A lyric soprano, she is receiving $250 per
week, and her agent, John Luby, says that
she has a contract that will net her $500,000
by the time she is 21. She is only 11 now.
Malco Gets CPA Okay
For Rebuilding in Hope
HOPE, ARK. — Malco Theatres has been
notified by the Civilian Production adminis-
tration that its application to rebuild the
Saenger Theatre here has been approved.
The house was destroyed by fire Easter Sun-
day, 1944. The CPA previously had rejected
four other applications for rebuilding the
showhouse, one of which was supported by
petitions of the citizens of Hope. Since the
1,300-seat theatre burned, Hope has depended
for entertainment on two smaller houses with
combined seating capacity of only 700.
Admissions in Knoxville
Advanced After New Tax
KNOXVILLE — Collection of the new city-
county amusement tax has started here,
causing adult admission prices to be hiked
2 cents at night and 1 cent in the afternoon.
Leading downtown theatres have increased
their prices from 48 to 50 cents at night, and
from 36 to 37 cents for matinees. The new
5 per cent levy does not affect children’s
admissions, since the 9 -cent day and night
prices are below the 11-cent minimum ad-
mission specified in the bill.
Edgewood Soon to Open
JACKSONVILLE— Work is progressing rap-
idly on the Edgewood Theatre scheduled for
an opening some time during April. A fea-
ture will be a parking lot with an attendant
in charge at all times. The theatre was de-
signed by Kemp, Bunch and Jackson, and
was built by S. S. Jacobs, contractors.
Kay Gets Westerns
MEMPHIS — John Goodenough, manager
for Kay Film here, reported that his compEiny
has secured the reissue rights on the follow-
ing Tim McCoy westerns: “Lion’s Den,”
“Border Cavalero,” “Aces and Eights” and
“The Traitor.” New prints and accessories
are available on the series, Goodenough said.
no
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
Seen at Miami Charter Dinner
AT MIAMI VARIETY INAUGURAL— The Variety Club of Greater Miami for-
mally entered the international philanthropic organization of showmen at a charter
dinner April 1 in Miami Beach. Top photo, left to right: CoL Mitchell Wolfson,
chief barker; Dick Sachell, assistant chief; Col. William McCraw, executive director
of Variety International, and George Hoover, another assistant chief barker.
Bottom photo: William Scully, U-I vice-president and general sales manager;
Jack Kirsch of Chicago, president of national Allied; A1 Lichtman; A1 Rosen, Balti-
more, and Edward N. Claughton, head of the Claughton circuit in Miami and Tampa
areas.
Miami lo Be Directed
By Sonny Shepherd
MIAMI — John M. “Sonny” Shepherd will
become manager of Wometco’s new Miami
Theatre when it opens next Friday (18). As
a result of his shift from the Lincoln,
Wometco employes all along the line will
move up to better positions.
The shifts in personnel, said an announce-
ment from Wometco headquarters, are in
line with the company’s policy of promoting
from within the organization. In all cases
but one the changes involve employes who
have been with the organization a long time.
Though he takes over at the Miami, Shep-
herd will retain active supervision of the
Lincoln, where he has made an outstanding
record, particularly with world premieres.
Ed May, the indefatigable impresario of the
Rosetta in Little River, will become man-
ager of the Lincoln. Thomas Rayfield will
leave the Parkway to become house manager
of the Miami, and Tim Tyler, formerly as-
sistant at the Tower, will become assistant
at the Miami.
Other transfers are: Philip Masters from
the Surf to the Rosetta, Claude Norton from
the Biltmore to the Surf, James Camp from
assistant at the Capitol to manager of the
Biltmore, Harold George from assistant at
the Mayfair to assistant at the Capitol, Ray
Toemmes from the Tower to the Parkway,
Gordon Spradley from the Strand to the
Tower, Bernard Schaft from the Ace to the
Strand, and Labe Mell, formerly relief man-
ager, to manager of the Ace.
Harvey Back in Palatka;
Palmer to Fort Pierce
PALATKA, FLA. — French Harvey has re-
turned to his old post as manager of the
Howell Theatre. He was manager of this
house for a number of years, resigning to
enter the navy where he served three years.
Upon his release he was made manager of
the Sunrise at Fort Pierce.
Now he will exchange jobs with Howard
Palmer, who has been managing the Howell
at Palatka. Palmer is also a veteran of World
War II, having served in the Pacific theatre
with the army. He has been identified with
theatre business in Florida for 16 years.
St. Petersburg Egg Hunt
Is Filmed by Newsreel
ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.— St. Petersburg
received national publicity as a result of the
Easter egg hunt staged by the Playhouse
Theatre. Universal had a newsreel camera-
man filming the event. The hunt for 3,600
eggs was arranged by Bill Boardman, co-
manager of the Playhouse. Dozens of plastic
eggs were mixed with the true Easter eggs,
and each one of these contained passes to the
Playhouse. Thousands of children partici-
pated.
The event was staged in connection with
the showing of “The Egg and I.”
'Duel' Opens in Miami
On Roadshow Basis
MIAMI — David O. Selznick’s “Duel in the
Sim” had its first showing outside of Holly-
wood when it bowed at the Colony in Miami
Beach Friday (11). It is showing at advanced
prices but with continuous performances.
Manager Art Bookbinder worked out a strong
promotional campaign in cooperation with
Sid Kain and Claude Morris of the Selznick
Releasing Organization.
MIAMI — Addressing guests at the charter
dinner here of the greater Miami Variety
Club, Col. William McCraw said: “. . . I have
every confidence that this magnificent turn-
out will lead to the foundation of one of
the outstanding tents in the country, one
which will be outstanding not only in size
but in the good works which it does for the
charity it chooses.”
Paramount’s George Hoover, local chief
barker, said this tent should be “the finest
Variety unit in the United States — bar none.”
Don Lanning, who emceed the dinner, said
the club’s one purpose would be to exercise
“the seventh sense of all show people — the
sense of charity.”
Among the nearly 200 who have already
entered bids to be charter members are as-
sistant theatre managers and film producing
company presidents.
Specifically the local tent’s project will be
the National Cardiac Children’s home on the
outskirts of Miami. This is a mighty good
choice, as Colonel McCraw, national execu-
tive director, pointed out, and one which
fits in admirably with Variety’s tradition.
Besides McCraw, famed Texan and popu-
lar after-dinner speaker, Variety was rep-
resented at the dinner by Bob O’Donnell, na-
tional chief barker and vice-president and
general manager of Interstate Theatres in
Texas.
Local officers are Hoover, chief barker;
Mitchell Wolfson, first assistant chief barker;
Dick Sachell, second assistant; Sidney Meyer,
dough guy; A1 Weiss, property master; Art
Schwartz, fixer.
After a steak dinner, guests were enter-
tained by Johnny Howard, Cross and Dunn,
Roberta Sherwood, Dean Murphy, the Four
Vagabonds, Rajah Raboid, Connie Allen and
many others.
Jan Theatre, Como, Miss.,
Is Put Into Operation
COMO, MISS. — The Jan Theatre opened
here Tuesday. The site of the new theatre
is the former Kroger Bldg, which has been
remodeled throughout.
Cairo, Ga., Project Rumor
CAIRO, GA. — Construction of a theatre
here for Negro patronage is reported to be
in the offing. The city now has two houses,
the Zebulon and the new Grady, formerly
the Syrup city, both of them belonging to
Mrs. Ethel Blanton and associates. The
Grady reopened in February after extensive
alteration.
Role in 'The Pirate'
Metro has handed Ballerina Dee Turnell a
role in “The Pirate.”
BOXOFFICE April 12, 1947
111
CUAKLOUJ.
1X7 G. Driver, Screen Guild salesman, is out
in the territory after many weeks in
the hospital, and his friends are all con-
gratulating him on complete recovery. Driver
turned reporter his first trip, so we may in-
troduce our guest columnist, with these notes :
“H. T. Chapman of the Gem at Cowpens,
S. C., is quite busy remodeling his house. He
has jacked up the balcony seats, so now it
should fit those with long legs as well as short
. . . Roger Mitchell of the Branwood, West
Greenville, S. C., shouldn’t be the least bit
nervous over having five salesmen call on him
at one time. He was a salesman himself not
so long ago.
“Business must be good with P. C. Osteen
of the Carolina Theatre at Anderson, S. C.,
for he sent his porter out on the main
street to hand out $40 to a man walking by
. . . Tom Fleming of the Sylvia, York, S. C.,
really should have been in bed nursing that
cold when we called on him . . . And the
same goes for J. I. Young of the Casino at
Clinton, S. C. . . . Really, anybody but a
showman would go to bed when they’re ill,
but in this business the motto is ‘The Show
Must Go On!’
“Harold Armistead of the Lyric at Easley,
S. C., had to get up early and build some
new display boards. He gave his mother a
surprise birthday party in early April. She
has been his cashier for the last 15 years.
The Armisteads will erect a new theatre, in-
cidentally, as soon as they can get a permit
. . . Mrs. T. J. Dugan of the Lyric at Honea
Path, S. C., gave her theatre the beauty shop
treatment. It got a fresh coat of paint.”
Reverting to some of our own plain and
fancy reporting: Tom Allen, formerly with
North Carolina Theatres in Salisbury, N. C.,
succeeds L. Weiford, who resigned as man-
ager of Sam W. Craver’s State in Columbia,
S. C. . . . Fred Rohrs, manager of PRC’s Wash-
ington branch, was here last week for a con-
ference with Sam W. Craver and Harry
Pickett of the Craver circuit. Craver had
just returned from conferences with his man-
agers at Lynchburg and Roanoke, Va.
W. M. Corbett has purchased new lighting
fixtures and lounge furniture from Hickey
Lawing of Southeastern Theatre Equipment
Co. for his Crystal Theatre in White Lake,
N. C. He has also bought a new marquee
and is contemplating opening much earlier
this season. The Crystal Beach pavilion pur-
chased new speakers for the public address
system, which is to be enlarged. Everything
at Crystal Beach is getting a new coat of
paint and a new boat-launching device is
being installed.
The W. M. “Bill” Corbetts have a new ad-
dition to the family — William Murphy jr.,
now six weeks old . . . Mr. and Mrs. R. H.
Work, who operate the rides at Crystal Beach,
are in Philadelphia negotiating for a new
riding device or two.
J. C. Long of the Pastime Amusement Co.,
Charleston, has purchased new Wagner let-
ters for the American, Gloria and Garden
theatres from Southeastern Theatre Equip-
ment Co. . . . Hickey Lawing of Southeastern
Theatre Equipment Co. sends in an item:
“Ladies please note! Have you tried a kero-
sene shampoo?” According to Wilder S. Funk
(Star, St. Stephens, S. C.), and Mrs. Funk,
their two small youngsters have on two oc-
casions taken complete kerosene baths while
Wilder and his wife were busy around the
house. The Funks have a large kerosene stor-
age tank at the rear of their residence and
this for some unaccountable reason holds a
strange fascination for their offspring. They
are both convalescing nicely from a hickory
rash.
Randolph Scott flew into Charlotte to
spend Easter with his mother. He returned
to Hollywood Tuesday. It was his first visit
here since October 1943. Dick Pitts, Charlotte
Observer films critic, ends his column about
Scott as follows: “It was almost a case of
man bites dog when the star visited the re-
porter rather than vice versa. And he proved
his memory better than the writer’s by re-
calling their last meeting, back in 1939, when
the writer got into a column argument with
Jimmy Fidler over a Fidler slur against Scott.
For an hour we talked, discussing Hollywood
and mutual friends — and the genial, unpre-
tentious and regular-as-rain attitude of the
tall, slender, California-tanned cinema star
leaves me with the feeling that North
Carolina and the Queen city could not pos-
sibly be better represented in the land of
make-believe.”
M. B. Smith, jeweler, is offering a watch
as a prize to the person who submits the
best 100-word essay on “The Best Years of
Our Lives.” The contest is being held in con-
junction with the picture, playing at the
Visulite . . . Cy Dillon, manager of Republic,
left for the company’s sales meeting in Chi-
cago . . . R. M. Simril, manager, and Sales-
men Murray Starr and Charles Gregory leave
April 14 for the national convention of Na-
tional Screen Service to be held at Hotel
Drake, Chicago.
RKO news: The Charlotte exchange was
honored by a visit from Robert Mochrie, gen-
eral sales manager. He came in from Pine-
hurst, where he has been vacationing, for
conferences with Manager Rovy Branon . . .
District Manager Dave Prince also was in the
Charlotte office for three days . . . Tom Wat-
son, who has covered the eastern part of
North Carolina for RKO for a number of
years, is being transferred to the New Orleans
branch, effective April 7. Tom will be badly
missed in the territory. Bud Riley, formerly
of the New Orleans branch, has been trans-
ferred to Charlotte to take over Tom’s terri-
tory . . . Gladys Freeman, accounting depart-
ment, has resigned and will move to Sanford,
N. C., where her husband is employed . . .
Jeanette (Berryhill) Warwick has returned
to her position after a honeymoon trip to
Florida.
Notice has been sent to officers and direc-
tors of the Theatre Owners of North and
South Carolina calling a board meeting im-
mediately following the organizing session
of the Motion Picture Foundation, April 14.
FOR COLORED PATRONAGE— Ced-
ric Boyd and J. P. Overman have opened
the Bern Theatre in New Bern, N. C.,
above, catering to Negroes. The house,
seating 450, is completely air conditioned
and has a large stage for flesh attrac-
tions. It is located in the heart of the
town’s colored district.
Southwest Briefs
OKLAHOMA CITY— Ray A. Higdon of Dal-
las has been named film buyer for Griffith
Consolidated Theatres, Inc.
NEW ORLEANS — Girls on Filmrow here
have organized the Filmrow Social club of
New Orleans. Registered membership is now
about 100.
DAINGERFIELD, TEX.— The Texas-owned
Lone Star Steel Co. soon will take over a for-
mer government pigiron smelter here.
GRAND PRAIRIE, TEX.— Mrs. Nedia B.
Delcambre, mother of Alfred Delcambre,
southern sales manager for Selznick Releas-
ing Organization, died here last month at
the home of a sister.
OKLAHOMA CITY— Minnaletha White,
voice coach for MGM in Hollywood for the
past six years, has returned here to open a
studio. Mrs. White has taught such stars as
Kathryn Grayson, John Payne, Joan Craw-
ford and Walter Pidgeon.
IRVING, TEX. — Hans Smith, local theatre
man, an Irving city commissioner for several
years, ran for mayor last week.
DALLAS — B. R. McLendon, principal owner
of the Tri- States Theatres circuit, is spread-
ing out in all directions. McLendon’s Trinity
Broadcasting Corp., operator of KNET in
Palestine, Tex., soon will have a second unit
on the air, station KOAK in Oak Cliff. Mc-
Lendon also has opened an automatic laun-
dry here.
NEW BOSTON, TEX.— L. W. Watts, gen-
eral manager of the Watts & Keasler circuit,
will build a new 800-seat house here as soon
as he gets the green light from CPA.
GUNTER, TEX. — Burl B. Matheny, former
owner and operator of the Harlem Theatre
in Denton, has bought and is now operating
the Texas Theatre here.
DALLAS — Jack Adams and Sam Lucchese,
partners in ownership of the State Theatre
here, will build a de luxe Negro theatre
on Hall street when controls are dropped.
The two also have plans for a new Negro
theatre in Denison, Tex.
ALTUS, OKLA. — Griffith Theatres and
W. T. Spears plan a new 1,100-seat theatre
here.
WILBURTON, OKLA.— K. Lee Williams,
owner of the Latimer Theatre here and head
of the circuit bearing his name, will begin
construction immediately on a new theatre
here.
DALLAS — According to the 1947 Texas
Theatre Guide, revived last year by Stormy
Meadows, Texas has 1,260 theatres with a
total seating capacity of 657,286. Affiliated cir-
cuit theatres number 1,218 and unaf filiated
459. There are 583 independent houses in the
state.
DALLAS — Walter B. King, 63, theatre deco-
rator, died here of a heart attack. King
founded the King Scenic Co. here in 1910 but
did not enter film theatre business until after
the advent of sound. His knowledge and quick
work then saved many a small town theatre.
Benefit Show Arranged
For Greek War Orphans
MEMPHIS — Jack Tunstill, manager of the
Malco, said a midnight show will be held
at Malco Saturday (12) to raise funds for
the campaign in the motion picture industry
to care for Greek war orphans. “Meet Me in
St. Louis,” will be the picture.
112
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1?47
Quebec Clamping Down
On Commercial Bingo
Rank to Distribute
Quebec Production
TORONTO — The J. Arthur Rank Organ-
ization has acquired world distribution rights
for “Whispering City” and its French coun-
terpart, “La Forteresse,” which have been
produced by Quebec Productions.
The English version of the picture has
Helmut Dantine, Mary Anderson and Paul
Lukas, all of Hollywood, as its stars while
the featured players in the French-language
film are Paul Dupuis, Nicole Germain and
Jacques Auger. The two pictures were made
at a studio at St. Hyacinthe with exteriors
at Montmorency Falls and Quebec City.
Announcement of the deal came almost
simultaneously with the resignation of Paul
L’Anglais as president of Quebec Productions
and the promotion to that office of Rene
Germain, Montreal financier, who had been
vice-president. The company’s one picture
is reported to have cost $750,000.
Grierson Not Applicant
For Visa, Says Minister
OTTAWA — Louis St. Laurent, minister of
external affairs, announced in the house of
commons that John Grierson, former head
of the government’s National Film board, had
not applied to his department for a passport
to enter Canada. Grierson is now attached
to the United Nations educational, social and
cultural organization and had been refused
a visa by the U.S. government for permanent
residence in that country.
St. Laurent intimated that Grierson might
be able to enjoy diplomatic immunity if he
wanted to enter the Dominion because this
privilege was extended to officials of the
United Nations.
The question was recently raised in the
Canadian parliament as to whether Grierson
would be allowed to come into Canada in
view of the fact he had been barred from the
U.S. St. Laurent did not reply to a question
as to whether Grierson had ever become a
Canadian citizen.
Plethora of Whodunits
Affect Kids' Attendance
VANCOUVER — Too many whodunits and
other psychological films are given as rea-
sons by parent and school organizations for
a decided slump in juvenile theatre attend-
ance during the last six months. Parents are
keeping their children home because of the
type of product being shown. The Odeon
Movie clubs and the Orpheum are doing good
jobs to counteract this trend by offering-
selected children’s programs at morning mat-
inees.
Three Arrested in Theatre
TORONTO — Quick punishment was meted
out in police court to three men who pleaded
guilty to breaking into the Fox in the east
end of the city. John Brown, 22, and Alex
Latour, 18, were sentenced to three months
in jail, and E. C. Laurie, 19, was given two
months. The police constable discovered a
theatre door open and, after a search with
drawn revolver, found the trio in the man-
ager’s office.
Only Quebec Bars 'Outlaw'
TORONTO — United Artists reports that
“The Outlaw” is showing in eight of the nine
provinces of Canada, only Quebec having
condemned the controversial picture.
MONTREAL — Bingo, a major source of
revenue for many Catholic parishes, was
banned in Quebec province “as a commercial
game” by Premier Maurice Duplessis, who
charged that “commercial bingo constitutes
an intolerable challenge to the respect of law
and public interest, an intolerable danger
to social welfare.”
“It is our intention to adopt measures to
end these abuses,” he told a press conference.
We give formal notice that these abuses,
which we cannot tolerate, must cease. We
ask cooperation from all and we shall cooper-
ate with all who want to supress these
abuses and prevent their repetition.”
COMPLAINT OVER GAMES
Duplessis’ action followed complaints from
a number of organizations in Quebec city
about games played there, some of which
draw crowds up to 11,000 and involve sums
estimated unofficially to be as great as $25,-
000 a night.
Receipts from one bingo game recently
were reported to total $12,000 with 8,000 per-
sons, most of them women, paying $1.50 ad-
mission fee. Thousands of additional dol-
lars were spent by patrons who bought extra
cards for the game in which numbers on a
board are matched with those called out by
an announcer with prizes going to persons
who first fill a line of figures. The game was
held in a campaign for funds for a new parish
church.
Proceeds from most games are used for
charitable purposes or parish projects.
Montreal authorities clamped down on the
game last year with police and archdiocesan
officials cooperating in a campaign which po-
lice said was successful in supressing all
commercial games.
QUEBEC GROUPS PROTEST
The Quebec city groups which have pro-
tested against the game charged that women
who were refusing to pay their grocers’ bills
were spending up to $10 a week on bingo.
The Federated Trades and Labor council
asked that the criminal code be amended to
place bingo in the same category as gambling.
Premier Duplessis said two large bingo
games scheduled for the Quebec Coliseum
April 7 and 14 definitely fall under the ban.
The Coliseum games previously have attracted
around 10,000 persons and offered prizes total-
ing $13,000.
Duplessis said he had heard rumors that
the bingo organizers thought his first state-
ment did not apply to their games. He said
he wanted to make it clear that these games
were included and that the provincial police
would be instructed to see that the games
were not held.
Meantime, provincial police officers have
cracked down on a number of persons selling
raffle tickets throughout the city. Ticket
sellers who solicited passers-by were told that
if they did not cease operations they would
be prosecuted by law.
Strong Financial Position
Shown by Hamilton Units
TORONTO — An excellent financial posi-
tion is shown in the annual statement of
Theatre Properties, (Hamilton) of Toronto, a
subsidiary of Odeon Theatres of Canada
which operates the Capitol and Palace in
Hamilton. The report for the year ending
Dec. 31, 1946, lists net earnings of $39,222
compared with $35,982 for the preceding 12
months, the ratio per stock share being 40.5
cents again 37 cents. Current assets are
$133,248, against $102,126 at the end of 1945,
while liabilities were reduced from $57,935
to $29,047 during the past year. Cash on
hand increased from $71,104 to $111,136. Op-
erating profits are shown at $131,788, com-
pared with $125,327 at the close of 1945, and
working capital stood at $104,202, against the
previous total of $44,191.
Neon Profits Zoom
MONTREAL — The Claude Neon General
Advertising, Ltd., in the report for the year
ended Dec. 31, 1946, shows a net profit of
$19,855, compared with $4,051 in the previous
year. The 1946 profit is after depreciation
of $61,496, accrued bond interest of $11,602
and income tax provision of $13,236. De-
preciation in 1945 was $31,574 and income tax
provision was $3,034.
REAL WESTERN MOTIF — Jack Randall, manager of the Strand, Vancouver, pub-
licized “Trail Street” by having his staff dressed in colorful western outfits a week in
advance of playdate. A professional cowgirl was hired to ride a spirited horse over
downtown streets, carrying appropriate copy.
BOXOFFICE April 12, 1947
K
113
Manitoba Assn to Push
War-Born Goodwill Job
WINNIPEG — Creation of goodwill toward
the industry will be a major undertaking of
the Manitoba Motion Picture Exhibitors
Ass'n this year.
The organization looked back last week at
its first year of operation as a trade associa-
tion for affiliated and independent theatre
owners and looked forward to continued
growth in the next year. The task of creat-
ing goodwill for the industry, it was deter-
mined, will be carried into every center where
exhibitors operate.
It also was decided to issue bulletins regu-
larly during the next year to keep members
informed of all activities.
The annual meeting was closed to the
press, but a statement released by the new
executive reported general satisfaction with
the organization’s achievements, gratification
with the relationships existing between city
and country exhibitors, noted that 20 new
members had been added from the country,
and cited the marked cooperation shown in
furthering the group’s efforts.
TRILLER NEW PRESIDENT
Mesho Triller was elected president, suc-
ceeding R. D. Hurwitz, who was made hon-
orary president. Other new officers are R. S.
Miles, vice-president; Harry Prygrocki, Fisher
Branch, Man., treasurer, and Ken Beach, sec-
retary.
Elected directors from Winnipeg were E. A.
Zorn, H. A. Morton, D. Rothstein and W. J.
Halperin. Out-of-town directors are W. J.
McGregor, Gladstone; W. Mowatt, Glenboro;
I Triller, Trenscona, and A. E. McLean,
Rainey River.
C. Rhodes Smith, provincial minister of
labor, guest speaker at the dinner, told the
exhibitors that the time was ripe for man-
agement and labor to get together in the
interest of establishing better relations to
insure social and economic stability. He
warned that both parties to industrial dis-
putes must make their minds up once and for
all that they will abide by settlements of dis-
putes in the their own interests as well as that
of the community at large. He said the
Canadian government was making progress
in working out more satisfactory means of
handling labor disputes although it had not
by any means reached the perfect solution.
Smith took occasion to thank the industry
for its support of the war effort through the
varied use it had made of its theatres.
M. J. Finkelstein stressed the importance
of the motion picture in the contemporary
world, but warned that it was a force that
could be used either for good or evil. He
urged democratic governments to make fuller
use of motion pictures for the purpose of in-
culcating principles of good citizenship.
SCHOOLS USING FILMS
H. McIntosh, assistant supervisor of Winni-
peg schools, told the exhibitors that the
schools have learned to make extensive use
of motion pictures for instruction purposes.
He assured exhibitors that they need not re-
gard the schools as in any way competitive,
but rather as engaged in working in the
same industry. He pointed out that the schools
through their use of films were developing
an awareness of technique and standards of
film production which should result in a de-
mand for better pictures which “will put the
picture people on their toes.”
Retiring president R. D. Hurwitz said in a
brief address that the association had en-
joyed an enviable record of war services. He
lauded particularly the action of J. Miles
Western Theatres persident, for having con-
tributed the use of the Orpheum theatre free
of charge for Sunday night shows during the
war years; Tom Pacey, Garrick manager, for
having organized traveling troupes of enter-
tainers to military centers, and N. Rothstein
for having donated a projector to Headingly
jail.
The film industry had a leading role in
every drive during the war, Hurwitz said.
Turning now to peacetime conditions, exhibi-
tors were creating further goodwill through
various community services.
j. mcpherson speaks
Aid. J. Gurzon Harvey, appeared for Mayor
Coulter, and extended the city’s welcome.
Mayor G. McLean, of St. Boniface, extended
best wishes to the association.
J. McPherson, president of the Winnipeg
Film Board of Trade, congratulated the as-
sociation on its achievements. Other speak-
ers included Sam Swartz, president of the
Winnipeg division of the Canadian Picture
Pioneers; Douglas Peacock, Ottawa, coordina-
tor of theatrical distribution for the National
Film board; and Charlie Hay son, of the pro-
jectionists’ union. Miss J. Stabor was secre-
tary at the meeting and dinner.
The meeting heard letters read from the
Institute for the Blind, inmates at Deer Lodge
military hospital and the YMCA Teen-Agers
group expressing appreciation of privileges
extended them by city theatres during the
past year. The meeting also took occasion
to go on record with a vote of thanks to the
local press for its aid in publicizing the asso-
ciation.
Entertainment at the dinner was arranged
by Tom Pacey. A new Canada Carries Gn
release, “Bronco Busters” was shown.
LIST THOSE AT DINNER
The dinner was attended by the following:
P. Young, College; W. Russell, Roxy; M. Kale,
Times: D. Robertson, Tivoli; A. J. Selig, Fox;
M. Bilan, Bijou; B. Appell, Tower; J.
Schwartz, Regent: F. Willis, Gaiety; H. Gunn,
Osborne; C. Straw, Furby; D. Drawson, Plaza;
S. Swartz, Rio; M. Kramer, Starland; W.
Novak, Capitol; E. A. Zorn, Famous Players;
G. Miles, J Miles, A. N. Miles, S. R. Miles,
S. Rosenblatt and B. K. Beach, all of Western
Theatres; R. D. Hurwitz, Main street pool;
G. Wright, Arlington; G. Larson, Wonderland.
D. McKay, Odeon; H. Hurwitz, Odeon thea-
tres; T. Pacey, Garrick; W. J. Taylor, Rose;
L. Miles, Palace; H. A. Morton, Odeon thea-
tres; D. Saifer, Beacon; H. Gray; Lyceum;
E. Newman, Metropolitan; D. Carr, Oak; W.
Halparin, Paris; B. Pechet, Elm; M. Heppner,
Colonial; B. Sommers, State; A. Doherty,
Corona; H. Prygrocki, Kings and Classic; M.
Schultz, DeLuxe; R. Bessler, Park; M. Cohen,
Valour.
E. Kendall, Starland, Morden; M. Phillet,
Rex, Flin Flon; D. Rosboume, Dauphin,
Dauphin; W. Mowatt, Gaiety, Glenboro; I.
Triller, Apollo, Transcona; A. Kaminak, Roxy,
Selkirk; C. Taylor, Playhouse, Portage la
Prairie; P. Lowe, Community, Cartwright;
Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Todd, Princess, Morris;
Miss G. Truddell, Waskada, Waskada; L. A.
Turoldo, Capitol, Brandon; W. J. McGregor,
Audio, Gladstone; F. Pojetz, Strand, Brandon;
Mr. Grieve, Oak Lake; N. Rothstein, Roth-
stein Theatres.
Dr. E. Goriepy, St. Pierre; G. Gautchier, St.
Pierre; W. J. Dowd, Baldur; D. Rothstein,
Rothstein Theatres; T. D. Lamb, Tivoli, Mc-
Gregor; J. L. McLachlan, Jubilee, Deloraine;
B. Prygrocki, Fisher, Fisher Branch; G. O.
Dagg, Winkler, Winkler; H. Swartz, Rothstein
Theatres; J. E. Rougeau, Seven Sisters Falls;
A. E. McLean, Gaiety, Rainey River.
Mr. McCormick, Dominion Sound; Mayor
G. McLean, St. Boniface; D. Peacock, Ottawa,
National Film board; C. Rhodes Smith, Man-
itoba minister of labor; H. Moore, National
Film board; B. Watson, department of labor;
L. Boucher, Edmonton; B. Penny, Automatic
Confections; A. Simpson, theatre inspection,
department of labor; C. Maybee, General
Theatre Supplies; J. Rice, J. M. Rice Theatre
Supply; D. Wolk, Western Theatres.
J. Pechet, Canadian Screen Publicity; P.
Geller, Producers Releasing Corp.; W. E.
Wilson, regional war labor board; Inspector
Cafferty, city police; J. McPherson, Eagle-
Lion-Monogram; J. Huber, 20th Century-
Fox; N. Mackinson, RKO; B. Moffat, censor
board; F. Morriss, Free Press; G. Dowbiggin,
Famous Players; A. Levay, Regal; W. Blank-
stein, Empire Universal; H. McIntosh, Winni-
peg schools; M. J. Finkelstein, K. C.; Aid.
J. G. Harvey; B. Lepkin, Winnipeg Tribune
and BOXOFFICE.
J. Sowde and C. Hayson, operators union;
S. Gunn, Paramount; F. Davis, Warners; H.
Kaufman, Toronto; A. Feinstein, United Art-
ists.
OTTAWA
Cam Hebscher, manager of Odeon’s Nola in
^ the west end, plugged a horror show, con-
sisting of “House of Dracula” and “She-Wolf
of London,” by offering $5 reward for the
woman who would sit alone in the theatre
at a midnight screening of the program. Many
replies were received, so a drawing was made
from a hat for the selection of the “victim,”
who was Helen Carroll, 19. While Hebscher
remained in his office and the projectionists
were on the job in the booth, Miss Carroll
formed the sole audience at the private show
and emerged with a smile to collect the
award. Because of word-of-mouth adver-
tising over the stunt, the theatre was packed
for the subsequent regular shows.
Manager Hebscher also counted heavily with
an Easter Monday cartoon program for juve-
niles when he offered eight live Easter rabbits
as prizes in a hidden-number stunt, the win-
ners being those who occupied certain seats.
Previous to the date, the rabbits were used in
window displays of neighborhood stores.
Work will start next month on the enlarging
of the Palace at Cornwall, which is operated
by the Palace Amusement Co. in partnership
with Famous Players. The manager is Clar-
ence Markell. The cost of improving the thea-
tre has been estimated at $135,000. The Palace
is the oldest theatre in Canada’s newest city.
The Capitol and Regent, large Famous Play-
ers theatres here had great throngs of juve-
niles for its annual Easter parade of cartoon
performances. In former years, the Easter
show was staged at the Capitol, with its 2,400
seats, but it eventually drew such patronage
that the show is also presented in the Regent,
which was filled to capacity this time, too.
A few nights earlier the Capitol presented
a Sportsmen’s Show, consisting of pictures
dealing with different games and pastimes,
including wildlife. A big crowd turned out.
George A. Hunter of the National Film
board has returned from a hectic stay in
western Canada, his experiences being excit-
ing and varied. He was almost overcome by
coal gas, was knifed by an Indian girl who
wanted moving pictures taken of her, and his
automobile was badly damaged when it over-
turned in a snowdrift. With the exception
of the knife wound, Hunter survived the mis-
haps nicely.
114
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
VANCOUVER
Toronto Will Form
City Censor Board
TORONTO— A municipal board of censors,
the first of its kind in Canada, will be estab-
lished here according to H. E. McCallum of
the civic board of control, who said the new
body would have jurisdiction over moving
pictures, stage presentations, night clubs,
radio programs and published books. He
classed some of these features as “salacious.”
Long ago, the city had a theatre censor, the
late William Banks, a former local newspaper
man, but his services were superseded by the
provincial board of moving picture censors.
No provision is made in the Ontario thea-
tres and cinematographs act for any censor-
ship by local or private bodies and the church.
Hence, it is not clear on what legal basis
city censorship can be imposed on moving
pictures for moral reasons. The civic govern-
ment has the power to cancel licenses for
theatres for other causes.
The Ontario government has yet to say any-
thing about the prospective clash of juris-
diction in film censorship but the provincial
regulations are there for all to study.
Peace River Change
PEACE RIVER, ALTA— The Valley Thea-
tre here has again changed hands, the sec-
ond time within the last year. Two Peace
River residents are the new owners, A. Polu-
kashko and William Todor.
TORONTO
•J*he Vaughan, latest addition to the B&F
circuit, is approaching the finishing
stage. The theatre, situated at Vaughan
road and West St. Clair avenue has been
completed insofar asjsteel and brick are con-
cerned and work is being pushed on the front
elevation and interior.
The voyage of H. M. Masters, general man-
ager of Canadian Warner Bros., and Mrs.
Masters across the Atlantic is solely a holi-
day trip, it has been pointed out from a com-
pany source in Toronto.
Lloyd Mills, former manager of the Belsize,
continues to take a personal interest in the
Teen-Age club which he founded at the
theatre. Between trips in his new sales job,
Mills has been appearing with the club mem-
bers during their Saturday morning program
over CHUM here, with the ready consent of
Ralph Wilson, his successor at the theatre.
Another unit of Famous Players, the
Algoma at Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., of which
A1 Hartshorn is manager, has launched a
Movie club for boys and girls. The initial
Saturday morning screen feature was “Ad-
ventures of Tom Sawyer,” plus an amateur
hour on the stage.
“The Way to the Stars” wound up its fifth
straight week at the International Cinema
April 5 but has some distance to go to equal
the 19 weeks of “Henry V” at the same
theatre last fall . . . Toronto has practically
a new neighborhood house in the Ace at 605
Danforth Ave., which has reopened after
being modernized.
For “Calendar Girl” at the Circle and Mid-
town, the fronts of these 20th Century Thea-
tres units were gaily decorated with enlarged
pictures of Varga girls . . . Allens’ Theatre
Holding Corp. is preparing plans for the erec-
tion of a suburban theatre on a Yonge street
site at Lansing, a growing suburb just north
of the city. No date has yet been announced
for the opening of the annex to the com-
pany’s Hollywood here.
'The Lyric played a week’s engagement of the
San Carlo Opera Co. Business was ex-
cellent. The Lyric opened a roadshow en-
gagement of “Open City” April 7 . . . The
arbitration board met last week to settle the
dispute between Famous Players and the pro-
jectionists. No decision will be made until
after the Easter recess.
Jimmy Davie, recently appointed RKO
manager, is covering the British Columbia
territory, closing a number of situations . . .
Lloyd Muir, RKO exploiteer, is back from a
two-week trip covering prairie towns on “The
Best Years of Our Lives” . . . Films on the
control and prevention of tuberculosis, pro-
vided by funds raised in the annual Christ-
mas seal campaign, have been given to film
libraries at the British Columbia university
extension department, the Vancouver school
board, Langley Film council and Indian hos-
pitals at Sardis and Miller Bay.
poured nearly $290,000 into a fund for the
relief of distress among navy veterans and
men now serving, Admiral Nells announced.
The revue was also made into a film by an
English company, and proved popular in Can-
ada.
t
Frank Soltice, manager for Eagle-Lion, is
happy over the smashing business being reg-
istered by his Australian release, “The Over-
landers” . . . Gross receipts from the annual
Rotary ice carnival established an all-time
high, Maynard Joiner, chairman, revealed.
Joiner is British Columbia supervisor for FPC.
For his outstanding job Rotary gave him a
silver set.
Harry Page, Monogram manager, is back
from a trip which covered the B. C. interior.
He reports business good, with plenty of co-
operation from exhibitors on Monogram’s
“Sweet 16” drive which ends June 27. Page
hopes to finish among the leaders.
Representatives of the students council at
Regina college wrote to the exhibitors asso-
ciation saying they would boycott theatres
in the Regina area if reduced admissions were
not put into effect for students. Association
members did not take any action.
Odeon Movie club members are playing
football for a cup and medals. The kids
play each Saturday morning before attend-
ing the Movie clubs. Competition is quite
keen. A representative of the fire department
is visiting the clubs and giving a talk on
fire prevention and fire drills each Saturday.
Shirl Wilson, sound engineer for North
American Productions, is busy supervising
NAP's first cartoon feature, to be titled
“Butch Bear and Buddy Beaver.” It is ex-
pected to be released by a major organiza-
tion in the USA . . . Good Friday and the
Easter weekend gave theatres smash business.
Several ace attractions were released. “Sin-
bad the Sailor” at the Orpheum led the
town.
Cascades Drive-In at Burnaby opened its
1947 season this week with “Hollywood Can-
teen.” Many improvements have been made
since the house closed. It is reported that a
drive-in will be built this summer by Vic-
toria interests which have purchased prop-
erty near the capital city. The Cascades is
the only drive-in theatre west of Toronto.
“The Best Years of Our Lives” will have its
Canadian first runs in Odeon circuit houses.
It is booked for a five-week run at the Has-
tings here and also will play the Oak Bay
Theatre at Victoria for three weeks at in-
creased admission.
James Mason, British star, is gaining in
popularity here, and exchanges are now get-
ting good returns from older releases which
did not do so well on their first showings.
“Hatters Castle” will be rereleased . . . The
Canadian navy’s popular wartime revue
Quebec Bans Drive-Ins ;
One Sought at Toronto
Toronto — A group of business men
from the U.S. has applied to the North
York council for a permit to establish a
drive-in theatre northeast of Toronto at
Dawes road and Sheppard avenue. The
application was laid over to permit near-
by residents to express their views. Mean-
while, the province of Quebec has placed
a ban on the operation of open-air mov-
ing picture theatres because of the
“noise.”
Series of Preview Nights
Started in Vancouver
VANCOUVER — Inaugurating a new policy
dedicated to “first-nighters,” the Park gave
a preview night April 7 with admissions at
60 cents. Every Monday thereafter a similar
show will be held.
The Park was selected by Odeon as an ideal
location, only five minutes from downtown
Vancouver by bus or car. The theatre also is
starting a second run policy. The Paradise,
formerly second run, will go to first rim.
Famous Players have been holding preview
nights at the Stanley and Kerrisdale theatres
for the last ten years.
Opening of the Fairlawn
May Run Into Delays
TORONTO — There is now the prospect
that “The Best Years of Our Lives” will not
be the opening feature for the Fairlawn in
north Toronto. Finishing touches to the
house appear to be somewhat distant. It had
been planned to have the Odeon unit opened
by J. Arthur Rank on the occasion of his visit
in May. The Academy award picture opened
April 5 at the Kent in Montreal at $1.20 top
instead of $2.40 as previously stated. The
picture will play other Odeon units across
Canada in quick succession.
calgaA!
“•Till the Clouds Roll By” did such excellent
business at the Capitol in Edmonton, its
Alberta premiere, that exhibitors here were
encouraged. Good pictures still draw capac-
ity despite recent spotty business. All feel
more hopeful.
J. B. Barron of the Grand Theatre here left
by plane for Chicago. He is making a fast trip,
to hurry up delivery of promised material
needed for present renovations to entrance
and lobby.
Edward L. Steele, head usher at the Capitol,
drew an Irish sweepstakes ticket in the Grand
National He drew the horse Fabian, which
was scratched. This brings him a lower award
of $336. He was quite satisfied.
J. Lieberman of the Rialto in Edmonton,
superintendent of Odeon units, has been dis-
charged from the hospital. He is feeling fine
after an operation on his eye.
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
115
MONTREAL
A three-month trip through Europe and ex-
tending to Egypt, is being undertaken
by Fred Tabah, president of Confederation
Amusements. He also is president of the
Tabah Cousins Drygoods Co., for which he
will transact some business. He has already
visited France, Belgium, Switzerland and
Italy . . . Ameen Lawand, booker for Con-
federation Amusements, is spending a
month’s holiday at Miami.
Leo Devaney, Canadian general manager,
Toronto, attended RKO’s drive meeting at
the Mount Royal hotel, along with his assist-
ant, T. L. Carey, also of Toronto. From New
York came Carl Peppercorn, and Len Gruen-
berg, captain of the drive.
Among exhibitors visiting Filmxow were A.
Lemoine, owner of the Bijou, Megantic;
Armand Veilleux, St. George’s, St. George de
Beauce; A. Gingras, Canada, Levis, and
Roger Lalonde, Colonial, Plessisville . . . Miss
Gwen Cameron, stenographer at Warner
Bros, here, has left by plane for a two-week
holiday in Newfoundland . . . Johnny Dufour,
owner of the Crystal, Montreal, is the father
of twins. They arrived a few days ago.
Superior court has decided that the rental
controller of the Wartime Prices and Trade
board has authority to decide the merits of
an application to demolish buildings at St.
Catherine and Crescent streets to permit
erection of a new house by General Theatres,
subsidiary of Odeon Theatres of Canada.
The tenants have protested that if ousted
they will be homeless. Investigation, which
was suspended awaiting the court’s ruling,
will be resumed by the controller.
Marcus Loew’s Theatres, Toronto, will pro-
vide funds from its own resources, to redeem
its 7 per cent $100 par, preference shares
. . . Two new theatres will be erected at
Montmagny and another at Chicoutimi.
Five new films made their debuts in Mont-
real first run theatres over the Easter week-
end . . . Ross Munro, correspondent for the Ca-
nadian Press who now is covering the Mos-
cow conference, attended an exhibition of a
three-dimensional film, “Robinson Crusoe.”
He did not seem much impressed and found
it tiring on the eyes.
The National Film board’s production,
“Holiday at School,” a color film describing
the Banff School of Fine Arts, was shown
here . . . Montreal Film council is sponsoring
a series of films of interest to social workers,
educators and the public, which will be given
free in Montreal high school auditorium.
500-Seat Civic Center
Planned at Vancouver
VANCOUVER — A 500-seat playhouse and
civic theatre is planned here, it was re-
vealed by Gordon Hilker at a meeting of the
Vancouver Civic Theatre society. It will be
ready in a few months. Hilker said the thea-
tre will be available for small drama groups
and will not be operated for profit.
Western Receipts Drop
WINNIPEG — A drop in business as much as
25 per cent below past records was reported
by E. A. Zorn, Famous Players western di-
vision manager, returning to the city follow-
ing a tour of the territory. Zorn said busi-
ness generally has shown a decline in western
Canada, with show business suffering as well.
Business Leaps Up
As Lent Passes
TORONTO — The local cinema centers re-
turned to full business glory with the playing
of Easter attractions. Even “The Jolson
Story,” in its third week at both the Tivoli
and Eglinton, returned to above-par figures.
Biggest grossers were “My Favorite Brunette,”
“It Happened in Brooklyn,” “Song of the
South” and “The Egg and I.”
(Average is 100)
Capitol and Victoria — Ladies' Man (Para) 110
Eglinton and Tivoli — The Jolson Story (Col),
3rd wk 110
Imperial — My Favorite Brunette (Para) 140
Loew's — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM) M0
S’hea's — Song of the South (RKO) 145
Uptown — The Egg and I (U-I) 135
Boxoffice Takes in Vancouver
Reported on the Light Side
VANCOUVER — Business was on the light
side during Holy week. “The Jolson Story”
bowed out of the Orpheum after four big-
weeks. Admissions have been increased in all
Famous Players downtowners. This did not
affect business, apparently.
Capitol — The Shocking Miss Pilgrim (20th-
Fox) Moderate
Dominion — Strange Journey (20th-Fox);
California (Para), moveover Average
Hastings and Vogue — The Overlanders (E-L) ..Good
Orpheum — The Jolson Story (Col), 4th wk Good
Plaza — White Tie and Tails (U-I);
North of the Border (PRC) Average
Strand — Trail Street (RKO) Blondie's Big
Moment (Col) Good
Calgary Business Shows Pickup;
Showmen Now More Optimistic
CALGARY — Business picked up some after
a decided drop in theatre attendance. Ex-
hibitors have blamed poor business on the
recent hockey playoffs. With the last year’s
Stanley cup winners, the Calgary Stampeders,
playing the Kimberley Dynamiters of British
Columbia, public interest was high. While
the ardent hockeyists go to the Arena, thea-
tre men say, many others sit by their radios.
Capitol — 13 Rue Madeleine (20th-Fox) Very good
Grand — The Overlanders (E-L) Very good
Palace — Calendar Girl (Rep);
Strange Journey (20th-Fox) Fair
Marcus Loew to Redeem
All Preferred Shares
TORONTO — Marcus Loew’s Theatres, op-
erating two first run theatres in here, has
called all 7 per cent preferred shares for re-
demption, funds having accumulated for the
purpose. The decision was followed by- the
announcement of the Toronto stock exchange
that the shares had been removed from the
trading list.
Exhibitor Is Really 'Blue'
Alter ' Blue Skies’ Run
Calgary — Isber Frank Shacker played
“Blue Skies” in his Capitol Theatre at
Hanna, but skies weren’t blue for Shacker,
although the day he played the attrac-
tion was a blue one indeed.
For the Composer, Authors and Publish-
ers Ass’n of Canada filed a claim against
Shacker, claiming damages of $1,000 and
costs, on the grounds, according to the
complaint, that the association has the
sole rights to perform “Blue Skies” in the
Dominion, and that Shacker in his thea-
tre “performed or caused to be performed”
the musical work of substantial portions
thereof “without the consent of the plain-
tiff.”
This is the first such claim filed by
CAPA in western Canada for years.
ST. JOHN
J^orman Smith, a brother of Abe Smith,
manager of Regal Films, and a brother-
in-law of Maurice Elman (they married sis-
ters), has become maritime manager for
Astral Films. Elman recently joined Alliance
Films as maritime representative with quar-
ters adjoining PRC.
The Jack Bellamys are parents of a baby
girl named Joan Linda. The pater is PRC
maritime manager. He has moved into a
new home at Beaconsfield . . . Art Elliott,
Montreal, has joined the RKO staff here as
a salesman under Herman McArthur, man-
ager.
An unusual switch was the recent one
made by Joe Kilpatrick and Beatty Thomp-
son, shippers at Columbia and PRC . . .
Sylvia Brownberg, who returned from Red
Cross overseas service several months ago,
has joined the Columbia staff as bookkeeper
and stenographer. Before going to London,
she had been in the Mayfair Theatre office
about five years.
Two St. Johners finished first and second
in a Monogram sales drive. Sam Jacobs, now
manager at Montreal exchange but previously
here, was No. 1, and Lou Michaelson, his
successor at St. John, was No. 2 . . . Sam
Babb, booking manager for Franklin &
Herschorn, is a philatelist who devotes spe-
cial attention to air mail stamps.
Thomas Stephen, promoter of a new thea-
tre, has met financing woes and his project
may not get started this spring. Ditto for
a new East St. John house he planned.
The gross gate for five days of “The Ice
Cycles of 1947” at the Halifax Forum was
unofficially reported as slightly over fifty
thousand dollars at $1 to $2.50, includ-
ing provincial tax. The advance promotion
includes radio blurbs, amplifier announce-
ments at hockey games and ring programs,
newspaper and billboard advertising, window
cards and paper restaurant napkins. Mel
Anderson looked after the praise department
and Chris Kelley was company manager . . .
For the five days at Moncton, the gross was
unofficially estimated at about half that of
Halifax. The quality of the show was re-
ported tops for the maritimes.
Although no evidence was presented for
the defense, a charge of abduction involving
two 14-year-old girls, brought against Ray
Little, a touring trouper, was dismissed in
the county court at Amherst. The presiding
judge, J. W. Macdonald, ruled there was
insufficient evidence to call for conviction.
Little’s real name is Ray Elliott Petit of
Chelsea, Mass., and Bangor, Me. He has
been heading a western show through the
maritimes.
Indications are the Casino, Halifax, will be
shuttered for about a month for remodeling,
redecorating and installation of television
facilities . . . Operations at the Family,
Halifax, were resumed after about 11 days
suspension for construction of a new projec-
tion booth. New projection machines and
sound apparatus will be installed later.
The same construction firm has two Para-
mount-Famous Players jobs under way
within about 250 yards — the new Paramount
Theatre and new Paramount exchange here.
The contractor is John Flood & Sons, St.
John. The exchange site is opposite the cur-
rently rented quarters. Between the theatre
and exchange is the Capitol Theatre, owned
and operated by FPC. The latter will con-
tinue to have the biggest theatre seating
capacity in New Brunswick, 1,629. The Para-
mount will seat between 1,450 and 1,500.
116
BOXOFFICE :: April 12, 1947
S£L« SEATS
Practical Ideas by Practical Showmen
On Merchandising the Motion Picture
Edited by HUGH E. FRAZE
GRADUATION PARTIES ASSURE
BOXOFFICES SPRING BOOST
Localized Short Gets
Support of Police
MILWAUKEE — Local footage has been
added to an MGM short urging motorists to
remove ignition keys after parking their cars
and the short is getting strong support from
the Milwaukee police department.
The local angle was developed after Harold
J. Fitzgerald, president of Fox Wisconsin,
arranged a screening of the short, “A Really
Important Person,” for Police Chief John
Polcyn and his department heads.
SPECIAL INTRODUCTION ARRANGED
After the screening, Fitzgerald, Polcyn and
John G. Kemptgen, MGM manager here,
worked out a special introduction and closing.
The introduction begins with a small Mil-
waukee police badge that gradually grows in
size until it fills the screen. This is followed
by copy reading, “This theatre joins with the
Milwaukee police department in bringing you
the following message.”
The short itself is concerned with the writ-
ing of a theme in school by students on -‘A
Really Important Person.” One boy, Dean
Stockwell, writes about his father, who is a
policeman.
POLICE CONTACT THEATRES
At the conclusion of the short, the local
copy resumes with “Now let’s help that good
boy stay good by locking your ignition and
removing the key from your car. Out of every
ten cars stolen, nine are stolen because you
left the keys in your car.”
Police Chief Polcyn instructed all of his
sergeants to have their officers contact every
Milwaukee theatre to urge immediate book-
ing of the short. The short opened early this
month at the Wisconsin and has already been
booked by all of the Fox Wisconsin houses,
the Warner Theatres and many independents.
Radio Tiein Promotes
Loew's Toledo Houses
TOLEDO — Loew’s Valentine and Loew’s
Esquire are getting free radio publicity in
connection with the Telephone Quiz contest
heard over WTOD each morning from 10 to
10:30. The station asks listeners to send
in their telephone numbers. From the num-
bers submitted, calls are made at random
and the person is asked to identify a musical
selection. Those who correctly identify the
selection receive merchandise and passes to
the theatres. Films playing at the two thea-
tres get mention in several spots during the
program.
“Seed now for that annual crop of school graduation parties.”
Thus suggests Charles Winchell, assistant to Harry B. French, president of Minne-
sota Amusement Co. of Minneapolis, in a manual issued to managers of the circuit in Minne-
sota, North and South Dakota announcing the circuit’s May-June spring showmanship drive
Prizes totaling $2,075 will be awarded on
what is described as the management merit
system. Managers must submit weekly re-
ports on these points: Profit, effort, selling
and operation.
In suggesting school graduation parties as
an important activity in the drive, Winchell,
who is drive captain, declares:
EXTRA BUSINESS IN PARTIES
“Each succeeding year, managers report more
and more revenue from theatre parties for
school graduation classes. Enterprising man-
agers have developed this patronage to a
point where each spring it means many thou-
sands of dollars in extra business.
“Most success is reported where managers
start early in contacting school officials, class
presidents or entertainment committees, sell-
ing the idea of enjoying the final school cele-
bration or social function with entertainment
at the theatre.
“Contact the local schools in person — nearby
schools by letter. Outline advantages,
economy and entertainment value of the plan.
Include the theatre bookings for the period
when schools will be having such events.
Some managers have joined forces with res-
taurants in selling a dinner and theatre party.
Others have sold local merchant associations
,to sponsor theatre parties for graduation
classes from schools in adjacent territory. In
these days of youth delinquency, school au-
thorities are apt to look askance at a class
dance in favor of the students having a thea-
tre party in a well-supervised theatre.
ALL-LAFF SHOW SUREFIRE
“Since it was organized some years ago, the
plan for building up this business in our cir-
cuit has gone far beyond just graduation
parties. It encompasses everything from
kindergarten classes for matinees to PTA
groups, clubs and various organizations. Don’t
overlook any of them!”
The manual also recommends an “all-laff”
show, carried out by Manager Douglas Mar-
tin at the State Theatre in Fargo, N. D., as a
tested business getter.
“Manager Martin’s experiment,” the man-
ual relates, “has taken the ‘maybe’ out of the
all-laff show idea. He tried it out at the
State and doubled the average Friday-Satur-
day business, running up one of the largest
grosses he has had in months.”
The show was made up of “Singin’ in the
Corn,” a Three Stooges comedy, Billy Gilbert
comedy and a Bugs Bunny short.
Martin sold the show as a four-ring circus
of fun, etc. Following up the general bally-
hoo, he then specifically played up all parts
STATE
Layout suggested for All-Laff show.
of the program. In ads he used laugh mats
furnished by the MAC advertising depart-
ment, consisting of laughing faces arranged
in a reverse plate border. A laugh record
was employed to introduce and close air spots.
Laughing heads similar to those in the ads
were made up for use in special lobby and
front displays. Laff show copy introduced
the National Screen trailer on the feature
and a tag sold the comedies.
Art School Tieup Is Used
On 'Nora Prentiss' Date
CLEVELAND — Highlight of the campaign
on “Nora Prentiss” at the Hippodrome Thea-
tre here was a tieup with the Cleveland
School of Art featuring a fashion design con-
test for students. Fashion editors on the lo-
cal papers served on the board of judges.
More than 150 entries were submitted, with
prizes of $25, $15 and $10 for the three win-
ners. The competition was titled, “For That
Nora Prentiss Look, Fashion Design Illustra-
tion Contest.”
I
1
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 12, 1947
1
Touch of Showmanship Sells the Film
Frank L. Pratt, manager of the Paramount in
Portland, Ore., worked for weeks on this “Jolson
Story” pitch. He trained a parrot to say “Jolson
Story, don’t miss it,” then put the bird in the lobby
and invited patrons to question him.
The unusual treatment given by Producer-Actor Robert Montgomery to
“Lady in the Lake” got the same unusual touch in this lobby setup. It was
arranged by Lester Pollock, manager of Loew’s, Rochester.
The street ballyhoo shown here, sent out by Man-
ager Steve Toth of the Esquire to promote “It’s a
Joke, Son,” created quite a stir in Toledo.
This huge picturama was set up by Manager Jim Barnes at the Warner,
Oklahoma City, in advance of “Pursued.” The six panels gave the lobby display
extra flavor.
Ten Chicago fashion models paraded the Loop distributing ballots on the
question, “Should America keep the atom bomb secrets?” Prizes were given for
the best answers. The girls wore sandwich signs plugging “The Beginning or
the End.” Stunt was evolved by Jimmie Savage, Balaban & Katz publicist.
Plenty of front was used by Nick Sonday, manager
of the Uptown in Kansas City, for the Missouri pre-
miere of “Trail Street.” Several Hollywood players
were at the theatre for the opening. Theatre dress-
ing includes a false front, the theatre’s usual huge,
circular marquee, and a 24-sheet overhead.
2
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 12, 1947
Cooking Schools Return ;
One Fills House 4 Times
Morton Sells 'Years'
Throughout State
PROVIDENCE, R. I.— Bill Morton, public-
ity director of the RKO Albee Theatre, start-
ed the campaign for “The Best Years of Our
Lives” four weeks in advance and kept it
rolling throughout the first week, during
which the film added up the largest first-
week gross of any theatre in the state.
Immediately after the playdate had been
set, Morton arranged a screening for the
local news folk, resulting in advance stories
that included a five and one-half art layout
in the Sunday Journal.
Highlights of the campaign included:
A letter-writing contest over WEAN with
$100 offered to the 13 best letters telling
what the writers considered the best years
of their lives. The radio promotion was free.
All women’s and men’s clubs were con-
tacted and supplied with heralds which they
Lobby display set up in the RKO
Albee, Providence, R. I., four weeks in
advance.
distributed to their members. The heralds
were also made available to the leading stores
in the best shopping areas.
Wilson’s market liked the film so well that
it tied the title in with a five-column ad,
which showed an elderly couple saying, “The
Best Shopping Years of Our Lives Were Spent
at Wilson’s.”
In anticipation of the picture’s winning the
Academy award, ads were spotted with 15
suburban Rhode Island newspapers to ap-
pear on the Friday of the Academy announce-
ments, when all ran the wire news story on
the awards.
Leaders of society with a few club and civic
leaders, including Gov. John O. Pastore, at-
tended the opening night of the film. “It sur-
passed my expectations,” said the governor.
In addition, the Rhode Island PTA maga-
zine recommended the film in its magazine;
bookmarks were provided every one of the
nine public libraries; windows were arranged
in leading jewelry, women’s wear, dime, mu-
sic and drug stores, and 550 buses and street-
cars here and over the state carried ad-
vance and current cards.
Shadow Box Stunt for ‘Always'
GLENDALE, CALIF.— Arthur Price jr„
manager of the Roxy Theatre here, used a
shadow box, built out of cardboard boxes and
set on a table with crepe paper streamers, as
a lobby display for “I’ve Always Loved You.”
Streamers spread out fan fashion from the
box to walls and ceiling, focusing patrons at-
tention on the brightly lighted display.
SAN DIEGO — During the war theatre man-
agers put the old cooking school idea on the
shelf until rationing was out of the way. Now
the cooking school deal is being dusted off
and found as good as it ever was. That’s
what Arthur Paulson, manager of the North
Park Theatre, found out recently when he
tied up a four-day cooking school with the
San Diego Union-Tribune and filled his 1,178-
seat house to capacity.
“Of course, most cooking schools are suc-
cessful,” remarked Paulson, “but I have never
seen so many women before trying to get into
a theatre at the same time.
“North Park community merchants were
very well pleased with the results; they did
excellent business for the four days and the
hardware and appliance stores were unable
to supply the demand for cooking utensils,
while grocers and market men reported the
four biggest days of the year. The Union-
Tribune was very well pleased with its spon-
sorship of the event and we are already talk-
ing a deal for next year.
“From the audience’s view the stage in-
BOSTON — Easter Sunday, birthday
of Bugs Bunny, the Warner Bros, car-
toon character, was observed on a big
scale here. Here are some of the ac-
tivities scheduled:
Radio station WCOP gave away two
24-inch, full-color Bugs Bunny dolls
for the best letter on the subject, “Why
I Like Bugs Bunny Best.” On a tieup
with the Boston Globe, WCOP con-
ducted contest via its Reading the Sun-
day Funnies program featuring Nelson
Bragg, Boston radio star.
The Sunday Herald used a photo-
graph of Bugs Bunny in its rotogravure
section Easter Sunday.
The Laffmovie Theatre tinned over
their entire marquee to Warner Bros.,
congratulating them on Bugs Bunny’s
anniversary.
Three show case windows on Wash-
ington street were devoted to Warner
cartoons, how they are made, and illus-
trated with stills of Warner cartoon
characters.
Laffmovie also ran a trailer an-
nouncing the WCOP-Boston Globe
award tieup.
Jean Shephard, appearing in “The
Glass Menagerie,” congratulated Bugs
Bunny on his anniversary in a specially
posed picture backstage at the Plym-
outh Theatre where the play is run-
ning.
The Sunday Post ran a feature story
Easter Sunday on Norman H. Moray
and Warner short subjects.
The Sunday Globe also featured a
story on Bugs Bunny.
William Filene’s Sons, largest spe-
cialty shop in New England, devoted
windows to the story of Bugs Bunny,
using the original celluloids from the
studio as well as original drawings.
This window highlights the special
eluded a gas stove, a complete stainless steel
sink and drain and a St. Charles all-metal
kitchen and refrigerator. Also a home freezer
of refrigerator type and size. Rounding out
the exhibit was a 30-gallon water heater and
Bendix washer.
“All equipment was procured gratis from
the Dennstedt Electro-Mart, a leading dealer.
Hostesses did all the preparing of food on
two work tables facing the audience, and
gave a running description of every move
and every recipe.
“After the food was prepared each day
and placed on display before the audience by
two expert home economists, a raffle was held,
with food going to winners and presented
by an attractive usherette. I might point out
. . . that patrons, as they came in the door,
were given a recipe book; this carried a serial
number which corresponded to the one used
to conduct the raffle.
“Patrons’ interest was further heightened
by the giveaway of foods other than those
raffled — items such as 20 bags of groceries;
also complete spice sets, Pyrex baking ware
electric irons and carving sets.”
A six-foot Bugs Bunny doll in a
window of Goldfarb’s flower shop,
New York, receives a birthday cake
sent over by Schraff’s restaurants
in honor of the cartoon character’s
birthday.
window display of children’s wear for
spring.
AKRON, OHIO— More than 1,000 en-
tries were received in a Bugs Bunny
drawing contest sponsored by the Bea-
con Journal drawing contest arranged
by Millard Ochs, manager of the Strand
Theatre, in celebration of the birthday
of the Warner cartoon character.
Drawings submitted by children, 5 to
13, were displayed in the Strand lobby.
Bugs Bunny Birthday Celebrations
Brighten After-Lent Promotions
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : April 12, 1947
3
Teen Town Night Proves Profitable
Promotion for School Vacation
VACATION DAYS for TEEN TOWN
FOLKS— Uie Oui
THRIFTY
BUDGET
PLAN
HIXSON AUTO SUPPLY
Wareham — Sosna — State — Carlton
WELOOtfE
TEES BEERS'
VIOATIOH
DAYS
WELOOtK
TEEA-TOWS
An April Shower of Hits Coming to the Wareham
Uni • am 3gni£ToaK lar Too- ' W MTIIL ilMOWEHOr BCKIPI PTOrTAIWPn ATTIg WARC-
Surwiay. frUrch JO ANGEL AND THE BADMAN — * — «
Th unday. April J STRANCE WOMAN “ *“*"•
n>unday. Apnl 10 JOHNNY O CLOCK “
Sunday. Apnl I) BLUE SKIES I in ledinicolor) to
TJmraday Apnl 1 7 RED HOUSE U ° "'Le* “aAfin-r
Sunday. Apnl JO CALIFORNIA (m itthmcolor) ■**'
TJvunday. Apnl ’4 PERFECT NIARRIACE «— «—•-»•"
Sunday. April 27 SONG OF THE SOUTH (m («Xnlcnlor) ton n»
Friday. May 2 CALENDAR CIRL *—
Sunday. May S CAESAR A CLEOPATRA (iccJimeoJor) ' “•* ‘r“—
Soon THE YEARLING"
SEALTEST SPECIAL
ICE CREAM
EASTER CAKE
Pfppcrm
^ , Make Someone
Happy with
RECORDS
YEO & TRUBEY
ELECTRIC CO
Page co-op ad on Teen Town night at Warham Thea-
tre, Manhattan, Kas.
MANHATTAN, KAS. —
Dave Dallas, Theatre Enter-
prises manager here, staged
his second annual “Teen
Town Nite” at the Wareham
Theatre recently in coopera-
tion with the Lions club.
“Vacation Days” was a nat-
ural screen feature for the
occasion.
As Teen Town, an organi-
zation of youngsters of high
school age, is one of the
main interests of the Lions
club, Dallas had no trouble
in obtaining their permis-
sion, their backing and pres-
ence of the officers as chap-
erons for the show.
Since Teen Town night is
goodwill exploitation, Dallas
printed special admission
tickets that would admit the
youngsters at substantial
savings. He next sold a
number of merchants on
taking out, together with
the theatre, a cooperative
full page advertisement in
the local paper two days
prior to playdate. To each
merchant Dallas gave a
block of tickets which the
store issued to young pa-
trons.
As it had the year previ-
ous, this stunt resulted in
much favorable comment
from youngsters and parents,
as well as from the city au-
thorities, who welcomed this type of healthy
diversion. Dallas received later many letters
of thanks from civic-minded citizens.
The promotion was timed to take place the
Saturday before Easter vacation started in
public schools and the Kansas State Agricul-
tural college here, and as the accompanying
illustration shows, included a plug for forth-
coming spring attractions.
In the theatre ad a “Note to Teen Town
Members” asked them to call on any mer-
chant whose ad appeared in the page co-op
and ask for “their courtesy tickets — it will
admit you for the 14-cent Saturday matinee
or night to see . . . etc.”
The other TEI theatres here are the Sosna,
State and Carleton.
The idea can be adapted for any holiday
declared by the school authorities at various
times in the year.
Twice Yearly, Free Old Folk Show
Is Guaranteed Goodwill Builder
SALT LAKE CITY— You’ve heard a
lot about shows for kids, but how about
“old folk shows”?
Charles M. Pincus, manager of the
Utah here, recently noted the tenth
anniversary of sponsoring semiannual
theatre parties for the old folk of Salt
Lake City and he is one who will guar-
antee this type of entertainment as a
goodwill builder.
A few weeks ago Pincus opened the
doors of the Utah gratis to all Salt
Lakers over 70. As in the past the at-
tendance was almost at house capacity.
His picture was “Sinbad the Sailor,”
which started its run to near-record
throngs the Saturday before.
Old folk shows have been a Pincus
“institution” for the past ten years. He
sponsored them at the Capitol and the
Centre before he moved to the Utah,
where he carries on. He has a ready-
made situation here, for the community
has an Old Folks committee which is
anxious to sponsor entertainments for
elderly citizens, many of whom see few
pictures at best anyway. LeGrand Rich-
ards, presiding bishop of the Mormon
church, is chairman of the committee,
but the show is nonsectarian.
Pincus says the old folk shows not
only bring him goodwill, but also result
in much word-of-mouth advertising of
his pictures. Also, invitations for the
elderly are read in all churches in the
city, resulting in more free advertising
for the picture and the theatre.
Pincus also has kid shows, but he
finds the old folk entertainment has
many fine points itself.
Cartoon Show Linked
To Name- Age Stunt
DENTON, TEX. — A “name and age” stunt
conceived by Manager J. P. Harrison at the
Palace Theatre here sparked a Mirth of a
Nation cartoon show for juveniles, in itself
no mean attraction, as Interstate circuit as-
certained after playing the cartoon screen
unit in a number of its houses.
A 7xl4-inch herald in several colors was
distributed by Harrison, offering free admis-
sions to boys named Donald, Tom, Jerry,
Elmer, Peter or Bunny, whose ages corre-
sponded to those printed on the herald. For
example, all Donalds aged 6 got a free pass;
the Toms had to be 7; the Jerries 8, and so
on up the scale. Boys of the names given
were all named after characters in the car-
toons; or it could be vice versa, of course.
So that no boy would “fudge” on his name
or age, the herald had to be signed by either
a parent or teacher before the boy could ob-
tain the pass.
To further stimulate interest in Mirth of
a Nation, Harrison held a preview of the 11-
unit shorts feature, inviting 41 children from
five Denton schools. These kids went back to
classrooms the day after and did so much
talking about the show that success was
assured from this one angle alone.
Fun Carnival Bolsters
Weekly Kiddy Program
WEST LOS ANGELES — Charles Shannon,
manager of the Tivoli Theatre, in an attempt
to bolster his weekly Saturday morning kiddy
shows has started a weekly Fun Carnival on
the stage.
Prizes are promoted from local merchants
or purchased at little expense.
The carnival starts with the “Star-Spangled
Banner” sung by the entire audience, the
Pledge of Allegiance and from there on out,
it is a laugh riot of games, impromptu acts
by the youngsters, community singing and a
series of amusing gags.
Kid with the most freckles wins a prize
as does the youngster who can best recite
Lincoln’s Gettysburg address. It is the kind
of clean, wholesome entertainment that
should reflect not only good will, but ex-
cellent gross results in the long run.
2x19 Layout Advertises
Nearly Dozen Pictures
ASHLAND, KY. — Announcing a parade of
spring hits, Dick Martin of the Capitol
Theatre used 11 small announcement cuts
on as many pictures, all in a newspaper ad
that measured only two columns by 19 inches.
He did this by utilizing Metropolitan Mat
Service cuts, which are usually of uniform
size.
Ten of the cuts were single column; “Blue
Skies,” the Easter attraction, was a two-
column affair. Placed together, layout, the
resultant ad gave Martin the maximum num-
ber of announcements in a minimum of
space.
Passes Mailed to Farmers
Pull in Rural Families
HUMANSVILLE, MO.— H. A. Portola knew
he had a picture that would appeal to the
rural trade when he booked “Boys’ Ranch”
into the Community Theatre here, so he
mailed post card passes to 100 people living
in a radius of 32 miles of town. “Eighty-two
cards were turned in as passes,” he reported.
“We figure each pass was directly responsible
for three adult and one and a half child
tickets being sold.”
4
BOXOFFICE Showmandiuer " April 12, 1947
Feature productions, listed by company, in order of release. Num-
ber in square is national release date. Production number is at
right. Number in parentheses is running time, as furnished by home
office of distributor; checkup with local exchanges is recommended.
R — is review date. PG — is Picture Guide page number. Symbol
H indicates BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Symbol ©
indicates color photography.
BOOKinG CHART
JUNE 15
JUNE 22
JUNE 29
JULY 6
JULY 13
JULY 20
JULY 27
AUGUST 3
(88) Dr-Western
RENEGADES
;]yn Keyes
Hard Parker
rry Parks
-May 4 — PG-719
||o] (59) Drama
DANGEROUS BUSINESS
Lynn Merrick
Forrest Tucker
Gerald Mohr
R— June 22— PG-731
[27 1 (65) Drama 7032
THE RETURN OF
RUSTY
Ted Donaldson
John Lit el
Mark Dennis
Barbara Woodell
R— July 6— PG-733
[4] (65) Mystery 7027
THE UNKNOWN
Karen Morley
Jim Bannon
Jeff Donnell
R— July 6 — PG-734
[nj (54) Western 7209
THE DESERT HORSE-
MAN
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
Adele Roberts
R— July 13— PG-735
HU (67) Act-Mus 7223
COWBOY BLUES
Ken Curtis
Jeff Donnell
Hoosier Hotshots
Guy Kibbee
R— July 13— PG-736
!U (73) Musical 7033
SING WHILE YOU
DANCE
Ellen Drew
Robert Stanton
Andrew Tombes
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
SPECIAL:
[~4~| (125) Drama 623
UTHE GREEN YEARS
Charles Coburn
Tom Drake
Beverly Tyler
Hume Cronyn
Dean Stockwell
R— Mar. 16— PG-705
Block 17
HU (97) Drama 625
BOYS’ RANCH
James Craig
"Butch” Jenkins
R— May 4— PG-720
SPECIAL:
[25] (110) Drama 624
©EASY TO WED
Esther Williams
Van Johnson
R— Apr. 13— PG-714
| (101) Psy-Dr 699
SPENSE
lita
rry Sullivan
nita Granville
gene Pallette
bert Dekker
-Mar. 30— PG-709
M (83) Act-Corn 510
IN FAST COMPANY
Leo Gorcey
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
R — May 18— PG-723
[29] (56) Western 574
TRAIL TO MEXICO
Jimmy Wakely
[|] (61) Sea-Dr 521
STRANGE VOYAGE
Eddie Albert
Elena Verdugo
[jU (63) Drama 530
SOUTH OF MONTEREY
Gilbert Roland
Frank Yaconelli
[20] (65) Act-Com 511
BOWERY BOMBSHELL
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
|U (64) Mys-Dr 518
SHADOWS OVER
CHINATOWN
Sidney Toler
Victor Sen Young
HU (65) Act-Dr 520
BELOW THE DEADLINE
Warren Douglas
Ramsay Ames
ock 5
](84) Comedy 4522
IR HEARTS WERE
GROWING UP
ana Lynn
ian Donlevy
il Russell
-Mar. 16— PG-705
Block 5
[2|] (57) Action-Dr 4523
HOT CARGO
William Gargan
Jean Rogers
Philip Reed
R— Mar. 16— PG-705
Block 5
[5] (122) Rom-Dr 4524
TO EACH HIS OWN
Olivia de Havilland
John Lund
Mary Anderson
Phillip Terry
Bill Goodwin
R— Mar. 16— PG-706
Block 6
HU (107) Act-Dr 4526
O.S.S.
Alan Ladd
Geraldine Fitzgerald
R— May 11— PG-721
[20] (70) Drama
AVALANCHE
Bruce Cabot
Helen Mowery
R— Apr. 27— PG-717
HU (70) Drama
©COLORADO
SERENADE
Eddie Dean
A1 La Rue
R— July 6— PG-733
|io] (68) Mys-Dr
LARCENY IN HER
HEART
Hugh Beaumont
Cheryl Walker
R— May 25— PG-725
HU (55) Western
PRAIRIE BADMEN
Buster Crabbe
Al "Fuzzy” St. John
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
HU (67) Drama
QUEEN OF BURLESQUE
Evelyn Ankers
Carlton Young
R— July 6— PG-733
oup 6
] (79) Drama 628
:dlam
iris Karloff
ma Lee
chard Fraser
-Apr. 27— PG-717
Group 6
(62) Mystery 629
THE FALCON’S ALIBI
Tom Conway
Rita Corday
Vince Barnett
R— Apr. 20— PG-716
SPECIAL:
(95) Drama 683
THE STRANGER
Edward G. Robinson
Loretta Young
Orson Welles
It— May 25— PG-726
Group 6
(105) Drama 626
TILL THE END OF
TIME
Dorothy McGuire
Guy Madison
Robert Mitchum
Bill Williams
R— June 15— PG-730
Group 6
(68) Musical 630
THE BAMBOO BLONDE
Frances Langford
Ralph Edwards
Russell Wade
R— June 22— PG-732
] (56) Western 5502
MAN FROM RAINBOW
VALLEY
rnte Hale
Irian Booth
gebrush Serenades
-June 22— PG-731
H|] (56) M’drama 522
TRAFFIC IN CRIME
Kane Richmond
Anne Nagel
Adele Mara
|~5] (90) Drama 524
SPECTER OF THE ROSE
Judith Anderson
Michael Chekhov
R— May *25— PG-726
HU (67) M’dr-Mus 523
NIGHT TRAIN TO
MEMPHIS
Roy Acuff
Allan Lane
HU (79) Outdr-Mus 5541
MY PAL TRIGGER
Roy Rogers
It— July 6— PG-734
[22] (56) Western 568
CONQUEST OF
CHEYENNE
Bill Elliott
Bobby Blake
Alice Fleming
[22] (89) Comedy 525
RENDEZVOUS WITH
ANNIE
Eddie Albert
Faye Marlowe
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
HU (55) Western 557
RED RIVER
RENEGADES
(65) Drama 630
RANGE TRIANGLE
gne Hasso
eston Foster
label Shaw
hn Shepperd
-May 11— PG-721
(87) Drama 631
©SMOKY
Fred MacMurray
Anne Baxter
Bruce Cabot
J. Farrell MacDonald
R— June 22— PG-732
(70) Comedy 632
IT SHOULDN’T HAPPEN
TO A DOG
Carole Landis
Allyn Joslyn
Henry Morgan
Margo Wood
R— June 8— PG-728
(102) Drama 633
©CENTENNIAL
SUMMER
Jeanne Crain
Cornel Wilde
Linda Darnell
William Eythe
It— June 8— PG-728
.
HU (100) M’drama 528
A SCANDAL IN PARIS
George Sanders
Signe Hasso
Carole Landis
R— July 20— PG-738
[2] (84) M’drama 532
MR. ACE
George Raft
Sylvia Sidney
Sid Silvers
It— Aug. 31— PG-748
] (86) Drama 535
IE RUNAROUND
la Raines
id Cameron
oderick Crawford
ank McHugh
->Iune 15— PG-729
[21] (90) Drama 536
LOVER COME BACK
George Brent
Vera Zorina
Lucille Ball
Charles Winninger
R— June 22— PG-731
[28] (65) Drama 537
INSIDE JOB
Ann Rutherford
Alan Curtis
Preston Foster
R— June 22— PG-731
[5] (76) Drama 538
HER ADVENTUROUS
NIGHT
Dennis O’Keefe
Helen Walker
Tom Powers
R— July 6— PG-733
HU (60) Drama 539
DANGER WOMAN
Brenda Joyce
Don Porter
Milburn Stone
R— July 13— PG-736
HU (59) Drama 540
THE DARK HORSE
Phillip Terry
.Ann Savage
Allen Jenkins
R— July 20— PG-738
HU (92) Drama 541
©CANYON PASSAGE
Dana Andrews
Brian Donlevy
R— July 27— PG-740
HU (81) Musical 542
CUBAN PETE
Desi Arnaz
R— July 27— PG-739
|Y| (80) Drama 543
THE BLACK ANGEL
Dan Duryea
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
[2] (63) Drama 544
SLIGHTLY
SCANDALOUS
Fred Brady
Paula Drew
[22] (89) Drama 520
JANIE GETS MARRIED
Joan Leslie
Robert Hutton
Edward Arnold
Ann Harding
R — June 8 — PG-727
|~6~[ (107) Drama 521
A STOLEN LIFE
Bette Davis
Glenn Ford
Dane Clark
Walter Brennan
Charlie Ruggles
R— May 4— PG-719
[20] (105) Drama 522
OF HUMAN BONDAGE
Paul Henreid
Eleanor Parker
Alexis Smith
Edmund Gwenn
Janis Paige
R— July 6— PG-734
[3~| (128) Drama 523
©NIGHT AND DAY
Cary Grant
Alexis Smith
Monty Woolley
Mary Martin
R— July 13— PG-736
B
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser " April 12, 1947
RKO RADIO REPUBLIC 20TH-F0X UNITED ARTISTS UNIVERSAL TWARNER>
UNIVERSAL UNITED ARTISTS 20TH-F0X REPUBLIC RKO RADIO
AUGUST 31
SEPTEMBER 7
SEPTEMBER 14
SEPTEMBER 21
SEPTEMBER 2
[12] (63) Comedy 7038
IT'S GREAT TO BE
YOUNG
Leslie Brooks
R— Sept. 7— PG-749
[l2| (69) Western 7224
SINGING ON THE
TRAIL
Ken Curtis
R— Sept, 14— PG-752
[24] (68) Drama 701
GALLANT JOURNEY
Glenn Ford
Janet Blair
R— Sept. 14— PO-752
|26| (70) M’Dr-Mys 70'
SHADOWED
Anita Louise
R— Oct. 5— PG-756
[29] (92) Drama 628
UTHREE WISE FOOLS
Margaret O’Brien
Lionel Barrymore
Lewis Stone
Edward Arnold
Thomas Mitchell
R— June 15— PG-730
|l9| (127) Mus-Com 701
©HOLIDAY IN MEXICO
Walter Pidgeon
Jane Powell
Ilona Massey
Jose Iturbl
R— July 27— PG-740
|T| (74) Com-Mus 517
HIGH SCHOOL HERO
Freddie Stewart
June Preisser
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
|m| (76) Mys-Dr 601
DECOY
Edward Norris
Jean Gillie
It. Armstrong
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
[2i| (54) Western 568
TRIGGER FINGERS
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
SPECIAL:
[30] (93) Comedy 4532
MONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE
Bob Hope
Joan Caulfield
R— May 11— PG-721
Block 6
m (69) Act-Dr 4528
SWAMP FIRE
Johnny Weissmuller
Buster Crabbe
Block 6
[l3| (117) Drama 4529
THE STRANGE LOVE
OF MARTHA IVERS
Barbara Stanwyck
Van Heflin
Lizabeth Scott
R— Mar. 16— PG-706
[29] (68) Mys-Dr
BLONDE FOR A DAY
Hugh Beaumont
Kathryn Adams
R— Aug. 10 — PG-742
[~2~| (56) Drama
STRANGE HOLIDAY
Claude Rains
R— Nov. 9— PG-764
[23] (86) Drama
HER SISTER’S
SECRET
Nancy Coleman
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
§2] (56) Act-West
OUTLAW OF THE
PLAINS
Buster Crabbe
SPECIAL:
(103) Drama 761
NOTORIOUS
Ingrid Bergman
Cary Grant
Claude Rains
Louis Calhern
R — July 27— PG-739
Group 6 '
(93) Drama 627
CRACK-UP
Pat O’Brien
Claire Trevor
Herbert Marshall
R— June 15— PG-729
Group 1
(61) Drama 703
STEP BY STEP
Lawrence Tierney
Anne Jeffreys
Lowell Gilmore
R— July 20— PC-737
>
Group 1
(59) Western 704
SUNSET PASS
James Warren
Nan Leslie
John Laurenz
Jane Greer
R— July 20— PG-738
Group 1
(97) Comedy 7l|
LADY LUCK
Robert Young
Barbara Hale
Frank Morgan
R— July 27— PG-739
||] (69) West-Mus 541
UNDER NEVADA SKIES
Roy Rogers
It— Aug. 31— PG-748
jf] (56) Mystery 531
THE MYSTERIOUS MR.
VALENTINE
William Henry
Linda Stirling
[~9~| (56) Western 558
310 GRANDE RAIDERS
Sunset Carson
i|] (68) Outdr-Mus 542
ROLL ON TEXAS
MOON
Roy Rogers
Dale Evans
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
(74) Drama 636
BLACK BEAUTY
Mona Freeman
Richard Denning
Evelyn Ankers
It— July 20 — TpQ-737
(78) Drama 637
CLAUDIA AND DAVID
Dorothy McGuire
Robert Young
Mary Astor
John Sutton
Gail Patrick
R— July 27— PG-740
(78) Musical 638
IF I’M LUCKY
Vivian Blaine
Perry Como
Harry James
Carmen Miranda
Phil Silvers
R— Sept. 7— PG-750
Reissue
(86) Musical 64
SUN VALLEY
SERENADE
Sonja Henie
John Payne
Milton Berle
Glenn Miller & Orch.
Joan Davis
if] (90) Comedy
THE BACHELOR'S
DAUGHTERS
Gail Russell
Claire Trevor
Adolphe Menjou
It— Sept. 14— PG-752
20] (101) M’drama 533
ANGEL ON MY
SHOULDER
Paul Muni
Anne Baxter
R— Sept. 28 — PG-754
[30] (102) Drama 548
THE KILLERS
Burt Lancaster
Ava Gardner
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
|3o| (61) Drama 549
LITTLE MISS BIG
Beverly Simmons
R— Sept. 7— PG-750
30] (74) Drama 550
WHITE TIE AND
TAILS
Dan Duryea
Ella Raines
William Bendix
It— Sept. 14— I’G-751
|o| (108) Drama 1065
THEY WERE SISTERS
Phyllis Calvert
James Mason
Hugh Sinclair
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
3l| (114) Drama 601
THE BIG SLEEP
Humphrey Bogart
Lauren Bacall
Vlartha Vickers
Dorothy Malone
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
14] (78) Drama 602
SHADOW OF A WOMAN
Andrea King
Helmut Dantine
William Prince
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
28] (106) Drama 60
CLOAK AND DAGGER
Gary Cooper
Robert Alda
Lilli Palmer
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
|
AUGUST 10
[J] (68) Comedy 7039
PERSONALITY KID
Anita Louise
Michael Duane
Ted Donaldson
It— Aug. 10— PG-742
[T| (93) Drama 626
©COURAGE OF LASSI
Lassie
Elizabeth Taylor
Frank Morgan
Tom Drake
R— May 11— PG-721
|io| (57) Western 567
SHADOWS ON THE
RANGE
Johnny Mack Brown
Block 6
[|] (107) Drama 4527
THE SEARCHING WIND
Robert Young
Sylvia Sidney
R— May 11— PG-722
|lij (55) Drama
TERRORS ON
HORSEBACK
Buster Crabbe
R— Apr. 27— PG-717
|~7~| (57) M’drama 526
THE INNER CIRCLE
Adele Mara
Warren Douglas
William Frawley
|T| (67) M’drama 527
THE LAST CROOKED
MILE
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
! (128) Drama 634
QANNA AND THE
KING OF SIAM
Irene Dunne
Rex Harrison
Linda Darnell
R— June 8— PG-727
[T| (61) Drama
WILD BEAUTY
Don Porter
Lois Collier
Jacqueline De Wit
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
545
AUGUST 17
|i5] (54) Western 7201
HEADING WEST
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
jn] (60) Mys-Dr 525
MISSING LADY
Kane Richmond
Barbara Reed
[is] (75) Drama
DOWN MISSOURI WAY
Martha O’Driscoll
R— July 13— PG-735
( . . ) Drama
SECRETS OF A
SORORITY GIRL
Rick Vallin
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
(69) Com-Dr 528
g7i. WAR BRIDES
Anna Lee
James Ellison
It— Aug. 24— PG-746
(65) Drama
DEADLINE FOR
MURDER
Paul Kelly
Kent Taylor
Sheila Ryan
Jerome Cowan
R— June 22— PG-732
635
SPECIAL:
H] (126) Drama 531
y©CAESAR AND
CLEOPATRA
Vivien Leigh
Claude Rains
Stewart Granger
It— Aug. 17— I’G-744
(82) Comedy 546
THE TIME OF THEIR
LIVES
Abbott and Costello
Binnie Barnes
Jess Barker
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
17] (90) Drama 524
TWO GUYS FROM
MILWAUKEE
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Joan Leslie
Janis Paige
S. Z. Sakall
Patti Brady
R— July 27 — PG-739
AUGUST 24
[22I (81) Drama
FAITHFUL IN MY
FASHION
Tom Drake
Donna Reed
R— June 15— PG-729
I
627
I24] (68) Comedy 512
SPOOK BUSTERS
Leo Gorcey
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
Billy Benedict
David Gorcey
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
(54) Act-West
OVERLAND RIDERS
Buster Crabbe
A1 "Fuzzy” St. John
It— Aug. 31— PG-747
(57) Mys-Dr 529
THE INVISIBLE
INFORMER
Linda Stirling
William Henry
Gerald Mohr
It— Aug. 24— PG-746
22] (76) Drama 547
DEAD OF NIGHT
Mervyn Johns
Roland Culver
Frederick Valk
R— July 6— PG-734
IX
o
H
<
(57) Mus (New Rel)
BEWARE
Louis Jordan
Valerie Black
(68) Drama Reissue
COURAGEOUS
DR. CHRISTIAN
Jean Hersholt
(30) M-Rev (New Rel)
EBONY PARADE
Cab Calloway
Count Basie
Mills Bros.
(72) Comedy Reissue
FLYING DEUCES
Laurel and Hardy
(10) Mus (New Rel)
(1 Reel Spec)
HERE’S RICHARD’S
ANSWER
Stepin Fetchit
(57) M-Dr (New Rel)
HOLLYWOOD BOUND
Betty Grable
(89) Reissue
JIMMY STEPS OUT
Jimmy Stewart
(83) Drama Reissue
LITTLE MEN
Jack Oakie
(86) Drama Reissue
ONE ROMANTIC NIGHT
Ilona Massey
(100) Drama Reissue
SCARFACE
Paul Muni
George Raft
(86) Mus-Dr Reissue
SECOND CHORUS
Paulette Goddard
Fred Astaire
(55) M-Dr (New Rel)
STAIRWAY FOR A STAR
Cornel Wilde
(48) Mus (New Rel)
TALL, TAN AND
TERRIFIC
Manton Moreland
Francine Everett
(50) M-Dr (New
THAT MAN OF M
Harrel Tillman
Ituby Dee
Anna Mae Winburn
(58) O’d-Dr (New
WHITE STALLION
Eddie Dean
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : April 12, 1947
OCTOBER 5
OCTOBER 12
I
OCTOBER 19
OCTOBER 26
NOVEMBER 2
NOVEMBER 9
NOVEMBER 16 I
a (91) Musical 7006
RIE THRILL OF
BRAZIL
Ivelyn Keyes
Ceenan Wynn
inn Miller
illyn Joslyn
I— Aug. 31— PG-747
go] (71) Psych-Dr 805
SO DARK THE NIGHT
Steven Geray
Micheline Cheirel
Eugene Borden
Ann Codee
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
g (69) Comedy 806
BLOND IE KNOWS BEST
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
R — Oct. 5 — PG-755
g (53) Western 861
LANDRUSH
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
24] (61) Mystery 816
CRIME DOCTOR’S
MANHUNT
Warner Baxter
Silen Drew
William Frawley
Frank Sully
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
7] (65) Mystery 818
SECRET OF THE
WHISTLER
Richard Dix
Leslie Brooks
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
■
c
s
V
(81) Comedy-Dr 703
THE COCKEYED
MIRACLE !
Frank Morgan
Keenan Wynn
Audrey Totter
R— July 20— PG-737
(117) Musical 704
NO LEAVE, NO LOVE
Van Johnson
Keenan Wynn
Pat Kirkwood
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
Reissue
(84) Drama
RAGE IN HEAVEN
Robert Montgomery
Ingrid Bergman
George Sanders
(115) Drama
UNDERCURRENT
Katharine Hepburn
Robert Taylor
Robert Mitchum
R— Oct. 5— PG-756
|] (72) Act-Dr 602
1ENTLEMAN JOE
PALOOKA
oe Kirkwood jr.
illyse Knox
,eon Errol
t — Sept. 28— PG-753
g (66) Mys-Dr 603
DANGEROUS MONEY
Sidney Toler
Gloria Warren
Victor Sen Young
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
J] (73) Drama 605
WIFE WANTED
Kay Francis
Paul Cavanagh
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
9] (71) Outdr-Mus 531
BEAUTY AND THE
BANDIT
Gilbert Roland
Ramsay Ames
Frank Yaconelli
g (55) Western 563
SILVER RANGE
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
leissue
! (113) Outdr-Drama
HE PLAINSMAN
lary Cooper
lean Arthur
Reissue
(84) Adven-Drama
JUNGLE PRINCESS
Dorothy Lamour
Ray Milland
•
:jg] (68) Drama
(CCOMPLICE
!l] (55) Outdr-Mus
IRIFTIN’ RIVER
|t— Oct. 12— PG-757
I] (58) Drama
HE BRUTE MAN
t— Nov. 2— PG-761
28] (68) Drama
GAS HOUSE KIDS
Billy Halop
Robert Lowery
Teala Loring
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
[jf| (78) Drama
DON RICARDO
RETURNS
Fred Coby
troup 1
(116) Drama 701
ilSISTER KENNY
Itosalind Russell
jilexander Knox
bean Jagger
i — July 20— PG-738
Group 1
(68) Drama 705
GREAT DAY
Eric Portman
Flora Robson
R— July 20— PG-737
Group 2
(62) Drama 709
CRIMINAL COURT
Tom Conway
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
g (62) Com-Chiller
GENIUS AT WORK
Wally Brown
Alan Carney
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
Group 2
(62) Drama 708
CHILD OF DIVORCE
Sharyn Moffett
Regis Toomey
Madge Meredith
Una O’Connor
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
Group 2
(87) Drama 706
NOCTURNE
George Raft
Lvnn Bari
R— O.ct. 12— PG-757
[g] (72) Special 5542
HOME IN OKLAHOMA
Roy Rogers
George "Gabby” Hayes
Dale Evans
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
g (56) Western 661
SANTA FE UPRISING
Allan Lane
Bobby Blake
g (82) Drama 532
PLAINSMAN AND THE
LADY
William "Bill” Elliott
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
(90) Musical 639
)?tTHREE LITTLE GIRLS
IN BLUE
une Haver
leorge Montgomery
Hvian Blaine
ieieste Holm
t — Sept. 14— PG-751
(90) Drama 640
HOME SWEET
HOMICIDE
Peggy Ann Garner
Randolph Scott
Lynn Bari
Dean Stockwell
R— July 27— PG-740
Reissue
(84) Drama 642
THE BOWERY
Wallace Beery
George Raft
Jackie Cooper
Fay Wray
(91) Drama 644
WANTED FOR MURDER
Eric Portman
Dulcie Gray
Derek Farr
Roland Culver
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
(97) Drama 645
MY DARLING
CLEMENTINE
Henry Fonda
Linda Darnell
Victor Mature
Walter Brennan
Tim Holt
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
(94) Drama 646
©MARGIE
Jeanne Crain
Glenn Langan
Lynn Bari
Alan Young
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
|il] (57) Comedy 535
LITTLE IODINE
Jo Ann Marlowe
Eve Whitney
Marc Cramer
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
[25] (101) Drama
STRANGE WOMAN
Hedy Lamarr
George Sanders
Louis Hayward
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
g (65) Western
THE DEVIL’S
PLAYGROUND
William Boyd
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
(85) Drama 601
THE DARK MIRROR
Olivia de Havilland
Lew Ayres
Thomas .Mitchell
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
[I] (108) Com-Dr 1066
NOTORIOUS
GENTLEMAN
Rex Harrison
Lilli Palmer
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
(95) Drama 602
MAGNIFICENT DOLL
Ginger Rogers
Burgess Meredith
David Niven
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
a
g|] (100) Drama 604
NOBODY LIVES
FOREVER
John Garfield
Geraldine Fitzgerald
Walter Brennan
Faye Emerson
R— Oct. 5— PG-755
|26] (112) Drama 605
DECEPTION
Bette Davis
Paul Henreid
Claude Rains
R— Oct. 19— FG-760
|~§] (97) Drama 606
NEVER SAY GOODBYE
Errol Flynn
Eleanor Parker
Lucile Watson
S. Z. Sakall
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
(55) Western 862
(93)
Drama 7061
(68) Comedy 6041
(98) Sea Drama 4601 1
10 YEARS BEFORE
THE MAST
(57) Western 743 1
(172) Drama
E BEST YEARS
OUR LIVES
a] (68) Com-Mus 603 1
FFAIRS OF
GERALDINE
(69) Outdr-Mus 6811
(86) Drama 6071
III *5? M
(101) Drama Reissue
DODSWORTH
Walter Huston
David Niven
John Payne
(109) Drama
NORTH STAR
Anne Baxter
Dana Andrews
(80) Mus-Com Reissue
PALMY DAYS
Eddie Cantor
George Raft
(81) Reissue
THE RETURN OF THE
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Barry Barnes
James Mason
( . . ) Musical Reissue
ROMAN SCANDALS
Eddie Cantor
Ruth Etting
(98) Drama Reissue
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Merle Oberon
Leslie Howard
(107) Drama Reissue
STELLA DALLAS
Barbara Stanwyck
John Boles
(100) Musical Reissue
STRIKE ME PINK
Eddie Cantor
Brian Donlevy
Ethel Merman
(109 Drama Reissue
THE THIEF OF
BAGDAD
Sabu
Conrad Veidt
June Duprez
(77) Drama Reissue
THE UNHOLY GARDEN
Ronald Colman
(83) Drama Reissue
WEDDING NIGHT
Gary Cooper
Ralph Bellamy
(102) Western Reissue
THE WESTERNER
Gary Cooper
Walter Brennan
Dana Andrews
(104) Drama Reissue
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
Laurence Olivier
Merle Oberon
(71) Comedy Reissue
WOMAN CHASES MAN
Joel McCrea
Miriam Hopkins
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 12, 1947
7
UNIVERSAL UNITED ARTISTS 20TH-F0X REPUBLIC RKO RADIO
j NOVEMBER 30
DECEMBER 7
DECEMBER 14
DECEMBER 21
DECEMBER 28
JANUARY 4
JANUARY 11
JANUARY 18
1 g§] (72) Musical 824
BETTY CO-ED
I Jean Porter
Shirley Mills
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
[isi| (69) Mystery 822
BOSTON BLACKIE AND
THE LAW
Chester Morris
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
H|] (68) West-Mus 854
LONE STAR
MOONLIGHT
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
H|] (61) Western 863
THE FIGHTING
FRONTIERSMAN
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
HU (69) M'drama 82S
ALIAS MR. TWILIGHT
Michael Duane
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
H|] (64) Mus-Com 804
SINGIN’ IN THE CORN
Judy Canova
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
HU (91) Mel’dr&ma 829
THE RETURN OF
MONTE CRISTO
Louis Hayward
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
[|] (69) Comedy 807
BLONDIE’S BIG
MOMENT
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
Larry Simms
Marjorie Kent
Anita Louise
R— Dec. 21— PO-773
HU (69) Mystery 82
LONE WOLF IN MEXIC
Gerald Mohr
Shirley Ryan
Jacqueline De Wit
Eric Blore
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
(97) Drama 709
THE SECRET HEART
Claudette Colbert
Walter Pidgeon
June Allyson
Robert Sterling
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
HU (83) Comedy 708
THE SHOW-OFF
Red Skelton
Marilyn Maxwell
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
(135) Mus-Dr 710
©TILL THE CLOUDS
ROLL BY
Robert Walker
Van Heflin
Lucille Bremer
Van Johnson
Judy Garland
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
(99) Drama 702
©GALLANT BESS
Marshall Thompson
George Tobias
Clem Bevans
Donald Curtis
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
HU (85) Drama 713
THE MIGHTY McGURt
Wallace Beery
Dean Stockwell
Edward Arnold
Aline MacMahon
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
§U (68) Mystery 607
THE TRAP
Sidney Toler
Manton Moreland
Victor Sen Young
R— Jan 11— PG-779
[7] (63) Act-Corn 608
MR. HEX
Leo Gorcey
Huntz Hall
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
Reissue:
gi] (57) Western 612
SILVER STALLION
David Sharpe
Leroy Mason
^ (76) Dr-Mus 606
SWEETHEART OF
SIGMA CHI
Elyse Knox
Phil Brito
Phil Regan
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
HU (65) Outdr-Mus 681
SONG OF THE SIERRAS
Jimmy Wakely
Lee "Lasses” White
Jean Carlin
|T| (67) Drama 609
GINGER
Frank Albertson
Barbara Reed
Johnny Calkins
|u] (61) Clseo Kid 610
RIDING THE
CALIFORNIA TRAIL
Gilbert Roland
Inez Cooper
Frank Yaconelli
HU (58) Western 561
RAIDERS OF THE
SOUTH
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Reno ljjair
'
HU (104) Musical 4602
U©BLUE SKIES
Bing Crosby
Fred Astaire
Joan Caulfield
Billy De Wolfe
Olga San Juan
R— Sept. 28— PO-754
•
H| (83) Comedy 4603
CROSS MY HEART
Betty Hutton
Sonny Tufts
Michael Chekhov
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
•
Ss] (74) Drama
LADY CHASER
Robert Lowery
Ann Savage
|T| (73) Outdr-Mua
©WILD WEST
Eddie Dean
A1 La Rue
Robert "Buzzy” Henry
R— Dec. 7— PO-769
HU (W Drams
LIGHTHOUSE
John Lltel
June Lang
Don Castle
Marian Martin
HI (56) Drama
BORN TO SPEED
R— Jan. 26— PG-783
HU (57) Western 123
WILD COUNTRY
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
HU (63) Comedy
IT'S A JOKE, SON
R — Jan. 25— PG-783
Group 3
(66) Melodrama 712
SAN QUENTIN
Lawrence Tierney
Barton MacLane
Marian Carr
R— Dec. 7— PO-769
HU (95) Mus-Dr
y©S0NG OF THE
SOUTH
Bobby DrlscoU
Luana Patten
Ruth Warrick
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
|U (132) Com-Dr
IT'S A WONDERFUL
LIFE
James Stewart
Donna Reed
Lionel Barrymore
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
Group 3
(62) Melodrama
DICK TRACY VS.
CUEBALL
Morgan Conway
Anne Jeffreys
Lyle Latell
R— Nov. 9 — PQ-764
Group 3
(61) Drama
THE FALCON’S
ADVENTURE
Tom Conway
Madge Meredith
Edward S. Brophy
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
Group 3
(60) Comedy
VACATION IN RENO
Jack Haley
Anne Jeffreys
Wally Brown
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
T| (67) Outdr 5503
©OUT CALIFORNIA
WAY
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
T| (117) Drama 601
Jd’VE ALWAYS LOVED
YOU
Catherine McLeod
R— Sept. 7— PG-749
HU (71) Dr-Com 604
FABULOUS SUZANNE
Barbara Britton
Rudy Vallee
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
HU (70) Outdr-Mus 543
HELDORADO
Roy Rogers
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
HU (95) Drama 533
THAT BRENNAN GIRL
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
H| (56) Western 662
STAGECOACH TO
DENVER
Allan Lane
Bobby Blake
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
(92) Mus-Fant 649
©WAKE UP AND
DREAM
June Haver
John Payne
Charlotte Greenwood
Connie Marshall
R— Nov. 30— PG-768
(69) Drama 648
DANGEROUS MILLIONS
Kent Taylor
Dona Drake
Tala Birell
James Tinllng
Leonard Strong
R— Dec. 14— PQ-771
(95) Drama 702
13 RUE MADELEINE
James Cagney
Annabella
Richard Conte
Walter Abel
Frank Latimore
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
Re-Releases
( . . ) Drama 704
LES MISERABLES
Fredric March
Charles Laughton
(101) Drama 705
STANLEY AND
LIVINGSTONE
Spencer Tracy
Richard Greene
(146) Drama 701
THE RAZOR’S EDGE
Tyrone Power
Gene Tierney
John Payne
Clifton Webb
Anne Baxter
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
0 (65) Comedy 540
SUSIE STEPS OUT
Cleatus CaldweU
David Bruce
Nlta Hunter
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
H| (96) Com-Dr 541
ABIE'S IRISH ROSE
Joanne Dru
Richard Norris
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
(98) Drama 604
TEMPTATION
Merle Oberon
George Brent
Charles Korvln
Paul Lukas
R— Nov. 2— PG-781
(86) Drama 606
SWELL GUY
Sonny Tufts
Ann Blytb
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
(93) Drama 607
I’LL BE YOURS
Deanna Durbin
Tom Drake
William Bendlx
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
Reissues:
7] (127) Drams 608
KINGS ROW
Ann Sheridan
Ronald Reagan
T) (72) M’drama 609
WILD BILL HICKOK
RIDES
Bruce Cabot
Constance Bennett
H| (105) Musical 610
©THE TIME, THE PUCE
AND THE GIRL
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Janis Paige
Martha Vickers
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
Hi] (96) Drama-Mus 611
THE MAN 1 LOVE
Ida Luplno
Robert Alda
Andrea King
Bruce Bennett
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
(62) Outdoor Drama
©GOD'S COUNTRY
Robert Lowery
Helen Gilbert
R— June 22— PG-732
8/15 (75) Drama 4605
FLIGHT TO NOWHERE
Evelyn Ankers
Alan Curtis
11/1 (71) Drama 4607
ROLLING HOME
Jean Parker
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
12/1 (60) Drama 4609
MY DOG SHEP
Tom Neal
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
8/15 (72) Out-Dr 4604
©DEATH VALLEY
Robert Lowery
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
10/15 (41) Out-Dr 4606
'NEATH CANADIAN
SKIES
Russell Hayden
Inez Cooper
1/15 (62) Drama 4611
QUEEN OF THE
AMAZONS
Robert Lowery
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
2/15 (70) O’dr-Dr 4613
BUFFALO BILL
RIDES AGAIN
Richard Arlen
R— Apr. 5— PG-807
11/15 (46) Outdr 4610
NORTH OF THE
BORDER
Russell Hayden
12/25 (65) Drama 4612
RENEGADE GIRL
Ann 8avage
R— Feb. 8 — PG-< 87
2/1 (65) Drama 4608
©SCARED TO DEATH
Bela Lugosi
Joyce Compton
3/15 (65) Drama 4615
SHOOT TO KILL
Russell Wade
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 12, 1947
JANUARY 25
FEBRUARY 1
FEBRUARY 8
FEBRUARY 15
FEBRUARY 22
MARCH 1
MARCH 8
MARCH 15
| (128) Mus-Dr 831
i©THE JOLSON STORY
irry Parks
'elyn Keyes
illiam Demarest
11 Goodwin
-Sept. 28— PG-753
|30| (58) Western
SOUTH OF THE
CHISHOLM TRAIL
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
Nancy Saunders
R— Feb. 1— PG-786 !
[|] (73) Myst-Dr
BLIND SPOT
Chester Morris
Constance Dowling
Steven Geray
R— Feb. 8 — PQ-787
13] (67) Mus-Dr
CIGARETTE GIRL
Leslie Brooks
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
13] (63) West-Mus
OVER THE SANTA FE
TRAIL
Ken Curtis
R— Mar. 1— PG-796
(100) Mys-Dr 830
DEAD RECKONING
Humphrey Bogart
Lizabeth Scott
R— Jan 18— PG-781
(82) Mys-Dr 832
MR. DISTRICT
ATTORNEY
Dennis O’Keefe
Marguerite Chapman
Adolphe Menjou
Michael O'Shea
R— Jan. 11— PG-779
J] (65) Mystery
THE THIRTEENTH
HOUR
Richard Dlx
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
6] (54) Western 866
THE LONE HAND
TEXAN
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
U (103) Mystery 712
\DY IN THE LAKE
)bert Montgomery
idrey Totter
oyd Nolan
—Nov. 30— PG-776
[T] (93) Comedy 714
LOVE LAUGHS AT
ANDY HARDY
Mickey Rooney
Lewis Stone
Bonita Granville
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
IS] (93) Drama 715
MY BROTHER TALKS
TO HORSES
Butch Jenkins
Peter Lawford
Beverly Tyler
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
REPRINT:
2p (115) Drama 713
BOOM TOWN
Clark Gable
Spencer Tracy
Hedy Lamarr
(112) Drama 716
THE BEGINNING OR
THE END
Robert Walker
Tom Drake
Brian Donlevy
Audrey Totter
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
3 (68) Teen-Ager 611
AC ATI ON DAYS
me Preisser
■eddie Stewart
•ankie Darro
—Apr. 5 — PG-808
[8] (54) West-Mus 683
RAINBOW OVER THE
ROCKIES
Jimmy Wakely
Lee "Lasses” White
Pat Starling
is] (54) Western 675
VALLEY OF FEAR
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Reno Blair
IS] (64) Drama
FALL GUY
Cliff Penn
Teala Loring
Robert Armstrong
R— Mar. 8— PG-800
J (87) Bom-Com 4604
HE PERFECT
MARRIAGE
iretta Young
avid Niven
ddie Albert
irginla Field
—Nov. 23— PG-765
0 (91) Comedy 4603
LADIES’ MAN
Eddie Bracken
Cass Daley
Virginia Welles
Spike Jones
Virginia Field
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
ID (97) O’tdr-Dr 4606
©CALIFORNIA
Ray Milland
Barbara Stanwyck
Barry Fitzgerald
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
[7] (77) Comedy 4607
EASY COME, EASY GO
Barry Fitzgerald
Diana Lynn
Sonny Tufts
R— Feb. 1— PO-785
EAGLE-LION
|2ii] (95) Drama 101
BEDELIA
Margaret Lockwood
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
|D (54) Western
LAW OF THE LASH
A1 La Rue
A1 "Fuzzy” St. John
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
|T| (67) Drama 603
DEVIL ON WHEELS
Noreen Nash
Darryl Hickman
Jan Ford
James Cardwell
R — Feb. 8 — PG-T88
[17] (54) Western
RANGE BEYOND
THE BLUE
Eddie Dean
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
H] (98) Drama
THE ADVENTURESS
Deborah Kerr
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
{roup 3
(85) Drama 711
HE LOCKET
arable Day
rian Aherne
obert Mltcbum
li — Dee. 21— PG-774
Group 3
(117) Fantasy 762
©SINBAD THE SAILOR
Douglas Fairbanks jr
Maureen O’Hara
Walter Slezak
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
Group 4
(67) Mus-Dr 718
BEAT THE BAND
Frances Langford
Ralph Edwards
Phillip Terry
Gene Krupa
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
Group 4
(63) Drama 719
THE DEVIL THUMBS
A RIDE
Lawrence Tierney
Ted North
R— Mar. 8— PG-797
1
| (67) Comedy 602
HE PILGRIM LADY
tynne Roberts
—Jan. 25— PG-784
5j (67) Western 682
RAIL TO SAN
1 ANTONE
ene Autry
—Feb. 1— PG-785
^ (88) Musical 607
CALENDAR GIRL
Jane Frazee
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
]T| (67) Western 5504
©LAST FRONTIER
UPRISING
Monte Hale
Adrian Booth
[IS] (100) Western 608
ANGEL & THE BADMAN
R— Mar. 1— PG-796
|l6l (74) Comedy 606
MAGNIFICENT ROGUE
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
[IS] (75) Outdr-Mug 641
©APACHE ROSE
R— Mar. 22— PG.-803
|D (58) Outdoor 663
VIGILANTES OF
BOOMTOWN
Allan Lane
Bobby Blake
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
m (66) Com-Mus 605
THE GHOST GOES WILD
James Ellison
Anne Gwynne
Edward Everett Horton
Ruth Donnelly
Stephanie Bachelor
R— Apr. 12— PG-810
(85) Mus-Com 703
)THE SHOCKING
MISS PILGRIM
ietty Grable
dck Haymes
mne Revere
Jlyn Joslyn
lene Lockhart
1 — Jan. 11— PG-779
(88) Mystery 706
BOOMERANG
Dana Andrews
Jane Wyatt
Lee Cobb
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
(72) Mystery 707
THE BRASHER
DOUBLOON
George Montgomery
Nancy Guild
Conrad Janls
R— Feb. 15— PG-790
(67) Drama 708
STRANGE JOURNEY
Paul Kelly
Osa Massen
Hillary Brooke
R— Sept. 14— PO-751
Re-Release:
(106) Mus-Dr 709
ALEXANDER’S RAG-
TIME BAND
Tyrone Power
Alice Faye
Don Ameehe
Ethel Merman
(66) Drama 711
BACKLASH
Jean Rogers
Richard Travis
Larry Blake
John El dredge
Leonard Strong
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
JT] (63) Western
FOOL’S GOLD
William Boyd
Andy Clyde
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
fil (93) Drama 544
THE RED HOUSE
Edward G. Robinson
Lon McCallister
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
HD (88) Mus-Dr 545
THE FABULOUS
DORSEYS
Tommy Dorsey
Jimmy Dorsey
Janet Blair
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
d] (112) Drama 547
THE PRIVATE AFFAIRS
OF BEL AMI
George Sanders
Angela Lansbury
Ann Dvorak
R— Mar. 1— PG-793
11 (93) Comedy
FUN ON A WEEKEND
Eddie Bracken
Priscilla Lane
(98) Drama 605
HE WICKED LADY
largaret Lockwood
ames Mason
fatricla Roe
»— Dec. 14— PG-771
Reissue
(81) Outdoor-Drama
WHEN THE DALTONS
RODE
Randolph Scott
Kay Francis
(106) Dra-Mus 608
©SONG OF
SCHEHERAZADE
Yvonne De Carlo
Brian Donlevy
Jean Pierre Aumont
Eve Arden
Philip Reed
B— Feb. 1— PG-786
(103) Drama 609
SMASH-UP
Lee Bowman
Susan Hayward
Marsha Hunt
Eddie Albert
Carl Esmond
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
§ (125) Dra-Mos 612
iUMORESQUE
<oan Crawford
lohn Garfield
Jscar Levant
1— Dec. 28— PG-776
[~§~| (88) M’drama 613
THE BEAST WITH
FIVE FINGERS
Robert Alda
Andrea King
Peter Lorre
Victor Francen
J. Carrol Nalsb
R— Nov. 30— PG-786
HD (111) Drama 614
NORA PRENTISS
Ann Sheridan
Kent Smith
Bruce Bennett
Robert Alda
Rosemary DeCamp
R— Feb. 8 — PQ-787
[?] (101) Mel-Dram 615
PURSUED
Teresa Wright
Robert Mltcbum
Judith Anderson
Dean Jagger
Alan Hale
B— Feb. 22— PG-791
(88) Drama
Ealing-AFE
THE HALFWAY HOUSE
Francoise Rosay
Tom Walls
Esmond Knlgbt
Valerie Whitt
(78) Comedy
Eng. Films
THE RANDOLPH
FAMILY
Margaret Lockwood
Michael Wilding
w
20
So
02
*5
= 8
Ulc
<ss
2
(74) French Fam. Int'l
DAWN OVER FRANCE
Raimu
Berval
(95) Russian Artklno
1812
Sergei Kournakoff
A. Dykkl
(70) Russian Artklno
FALL OF BERLIN
War Documentary
( . . ) Italian Drama
FEDORA
Luisa Ferida
Amadeo Nazzari
R— Feb. 9— PG-896
(90) Spanish Clasa
FLOR SILVESTRE
No subtitles
Dolores del Rio
(94) Russian Artklno
GIRL NO. 217
Elena Kuzmina
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : April 12, 1947
MONOGRAM PARAMOUNT
MISCELLANEOUS ' WARNER-
MARCH 22
MARCH 29
APRIL 5
APRIL 12 1
APRIL 19
APRIL 26
MAY 3 1 MAY 10
Ho| (70) Drama
MILLIE'S DAUGHTER
Gladys George
Gay Nelson
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
(95) Mys-Dr
JOHNNY O'CLOCK
Dick Powell
Evelyn Keyes
R— Jan. 18— PO-781
[27] (67) Western
WEST OF DODGE CITY
Charles Starrett
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
HU (79) Outdr-Dr 809
KING OF THE WILD
HORSES
Preston Foster
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
.
HU (67) Comedy 808
BLONDIE’S HOLIDAY
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
Larry Simms
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
HU (83) Drama 836
THE GUILT OF JANET
AMES
Rosalind Russell
Melvyn Douglas
Sid Caesar
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
(82) Drama
FRAMED
Glenn Ford
Janis Carter
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
HU (59) Western
LAW OF THE CANYON
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
[4] (103) Musical 718
IT HAPPENED IN
BROOKLYN
Frank Sinatra
Jimmy Durante
Kathryn Grayson
Peter Lawford
R— Mar. 8— PG-797
|5] (92) Drama 719
LITTLE MR. JIM
Butch Jenkins
James Craig
Frances Gifford
B— June 15— PG-729
HU (131) Drama 720
SEA OF GRASS
Spencer Tracy
Katharine Hepburn
Robert Walker
Melvyn Douglas
R— Feb. 15— PG-790
HU (71) Drama 676
THE GUILTY
Bonita Granville
Don Castle
John Lltel
R— Mar. 22— PG-804
H|] (58) Western 676
TRAILING DANGER
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Peggy Wynne
[5~1 (55) Western 684
SIX GUN SERENADE
Jimmy Wakely
Lee "Lasses" White
|n] (72) Drama
VIOLENCE
Nancy Coleman
Michael O’Shea
Hi| (63) Comedy
HARD BOILED
MAHONEY
Leo Gorcey
Bowery Boys
Teala Lorlng
[T| (59) Western 671
LAND OF THE LAWLESS
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Christine McIntyre
j2i) (88) Rom-Com 4608
SUDDENLY IT’S
SPRING
Paulette Goddard
Fred MacMurray
Macdonald Carey
Arleen Whelan
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
HU (72) Drama 4620
SEVEN WERE SAVED
Richard Denning
Catherine Craig
Russell Hayden
It— Mar. 1— PG-795
|T| (88) Comedy 4609
MY FAVORITE
BRUNETTE
Bob Hope
Dorothy Lamour
Peter Lorre
Lon Chaney
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
Pine-Thomas Prod.
HU (72) Drama 4621
FEAR IN THE NIGHT
Paul Kelly
Kay Scott
DeForest Kelley
Ann Doran
R— Mar. 1— PG-795
H|] (97) Drama 4610
IMPERFECT LADY
Ray Milland
Teresa Wright
Virginia Field
Sir Cedric Hardwicke
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
HD (89) Drama
UNTAMED FURY
R— Apr. 5— PG-808
Reissue
HU (97) Western
KIT CARSON
HU (94) Western
LAST OF THE
MOHICANS
HU (••) Mystery
PHILO VANCE
RETURNS
William Wright
(74) Drama
LOST HONEYMOON
Franchot Tone
Ann Richards
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
[~5~] (64) Drama 715
THREE ON A TICKET
Hugh Beaumont
Cheryl Walker
Paul Bryar
Ralph Dunn
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
Reissue
HU (41) Western
FRONTIER FIGHTERS
Buster Crabbe
Fuzzy St. John
Marjorie Manners
HU (8!) Western
WEST TO GLORY
Eddie Dean
Flash
1
Group 4
(84) Western 717
TRAIL STREET
Randolph Scott
Robert Ryan
\nne Jeffreys
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
Group 4
(57) Western 720
CODE OF THE WEST
James Warren
Debra Alden
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
HU (90) Musical 610
HIT PARADE OF 1947
Eddie Albert
Constance Moore
Joan Edwards
[1] (71) West-Mus 683
TWILIGHT ON THE
RIO GRANDE
Gene Autry
Adele Mara
Sterling Holloway
[T] (59) Outdoor 664
HOMESTEADERS OF
PARADISE VALLEY
Mian Lane
[7] (71) Com-Dr 611
YANKEE FAKIR
muglas Kowley
nan Woodburv
R— Apr. 12— PG-810
HU (86) Drama 612
SPOILERS OF THE
NORTH
Paul Kelly
Adrian Booth
Evelyn Ankers
(96) Musical 710
©CARNIVAL IN COSTA
RICA
Dick Haymes
Vera-Ellen
Cesar Romero
Celeste Holm
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
HU (89) Drama
THE MACOMBER
AFFAIR
Gregory Peck
Joan Bennett
Robert Preston
R— Jan. 25 — PG-784
[5] (60) Western
UNEXPECTED GUEST
William Boyd
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
|~5~[ (89) Comedy
THE SIN OF HAROLD
DtDDLEBOCK
Harold Lloyd
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
HU (89) Musical
NEW ORLEANS
Arturo de Cordova
Dorothy Patrick
V
Reissue
(94) Outdoor-Drama
DESTRY RIDES AGAIN
Marlene Dietrich
James Stewart
1
9
(70) West Dr
©MICHIGAN KID
•Ion Hall
Victor McLaglen
Rita Johnson
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
(78) Comedy
BUCK PRIVATES
COME HOME
Bud Abbott
Lou Costello
Tom Brown
loan Fulton
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
Reissue
(73) Comedy
YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN
HONEST MAN
W. C. Fields
Edgar Bergen
Charlie McCarthy
Reissue
(78) Drama
1 STOLE A MILLION
George Raft
Claire Trevor
Victor Jory
HU (84) Com-Dr 616
THAT WAY WITH
WOMEN
Dane Clark
Martha Vickers
Sydney Greenstreet
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
HU (97) Drama 617
STALLION ROAD
Ronald Reagan
Alexis Smith
Zachary Scott
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
Reissues:
H|] (109) Drama 618
THE SEA HAWK
Errol Flynn
Claude Rains
HU (87) Drama 619
THE SEA WOLF
Edward G. Robinson
Ida Luplno
John Garfield
—
(110) 8pan. RKO 461
GOYESCAS
Imperlo Argentina
Rafael Rlvelles
( . . ) Spanish Aiteea
LA RIVAL DE SU HIJA
No subtitles
Anita Blanch
R— May 26— PO-629
(104) Spanish Clasa
LA VIRGEN QUE FORJO
UNA PATRIA
No subtitles
R— April 21— PG-623
(84) Russian Artklno
THE LA
LAST HILL
Nikolai Kriuchkov
Marina Pastukhova
R— June 30— PQ-640
(104) Spanish Clasa
LAS DOS HUERFANAS
No subtitles
R— Sept. 1— PQ-653
(73) Russian Artklne
MILITARY SECRET
Sergei Luklanov
B— Sept. 1— PG-654
( . . ) Spanish Clasa
QUE UNDO ES
MICHOACAN
No subtitles
Tito Gutzar
Gloria Marin
B— Mar. 31— PG-61T
(93) Russian Artklno
THE RAINBOW
Natasha Osbvey
Natalia Allsora
( . . ) Spanish Clasa
TIERRA DE PASIONES
No subtitles
R— June 9 — PG-633
(89) French Hof (berg
THREE HOURS
Jean Aumont
Betty Bory
(102) Spanish Clasa
TORES, AMOR Y
GLORIA
No subtitles
R— May 5— PG-62T
(84) Russian Artklno
THE URAL FRONT
R— July 14— PO-641
(87) Russian Artklno
WAIT FOR ME
R— Mar. 24— PG-fllB
(90) Russian Artklno
ZOYA
B— Apr. 21— PG-624
10
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 12, 1947
An interpretative analysis® ®tf opinions deduced from the language of lay and trade press reviews. The plus
and minus signs indieat® <!he degree ot favor or disfavor of the review. Blank spaces indicate no review,
fhis department serves als© as an ALPHABETICAL INDEX to feature releases. Numeral preceding title
Is Picture Guide Review ipag© number. In parentheses after title is running time. Date following distributor is
80X0FFICE review date. Listings cover current reviews. It will be brought up to date regularly. The
meaning of the various signs and their combinations is as follows:
Ven? flood; + Good; rt Fair; Mediocre; — Poor; = Very Poor.
Hub fc summary ++ is rated s 2 pluses; = as 2 minuses.
REVIEW DIGEST
and
ALPHABETICAL PICTURE GUIDE INDEX
CD
io!
■o
1
A
767 Abie’s Irish Rose (96) UA 11-30-46
Accomplice (68) PRC
801 Adventuress, The (98) E-L 3-15-47
766 Affairs of Geraldine (68) Rep 11-30-46
777 Alias Mr. Twilight (69) Col 1- 4-47
796 Angel and the Badman (100) Rep... 3- 1-47
754 Angel on My Shoulder (101) UA.... 9-28-46
803 Apache Rose (75) Rep 3-22-47
790 Arnelo Affair, The (86) MGM 2-15-47
B
752 Bachelor’s Daughters, The (90) UA.. 9-14-46
805 Backlash (66) 20-Fox 3-29-47
766 Beast With Five Fingers, The (88)
WB 11-30-46
794 Beat the Band (67) RKO 3- 1-47
Beauty and the Bandit (71) Mono
786 Bedelia (95) E-L 2- 1-47
794 Beginning or the End, The (112) MGM 3- 1-47
807 Bells of San Fernando (74) SG 4- 5-47
755 Below the Deadline (65) Mono 10- 5-46
769 Best Years of Our Lives, The (172)
RKO 12- 7-46
767 Betty Co-Ed (71) Col 11-30-46
744 Big Sleep, The (114) WB 8-17-46
791 Big Town (60) Para 2-22-47
741 Black Angel (80) U-l 8-10-46
797 Blaze of Noon (90) Para 3- 8-47
787 Blind Spot (73) Col 2- 8-47
742 Blonde for a Day (68) PRC 8-10-46
755 Blondie Knows Best (69) Col 10- 5-46
773 Blondie’s Big Moment (69) Col 12-21-46
798 Blondie’s Holiday (67) Col 3- 8-47
754 Blue Skies (102) Para 9-28-46
786 Boomerang (88 ) 20-Fox 2- 1-47
783 Born to Speed (59) PRC 1-25-47
722 Boston Blackie and the Law (69) Col. 12-14-46
742 Bowery Bombshell (65) Mono 8-10-46
790 Brasher Doubloon, The (72) 20-Fox. . 2-15-47
748 Brief Encounter (85) U-l 8-31-46
759 Bringing Up Father (68) Mono 10-19-46
761 Brute Man, The (58) PRC 11- 2-46
802 Buck Privates Come Home (78) U-l.. 3-15-47
807 Buffalo Bill Rides Again (70) SG.. 4- 5-47
c
744 Caesar and Cleopatra (126) UA.... 8-17-46
789 Calendar Girl (88) Rep 2-15-47
744 California (97) Para 12-21-46
740 Canyon Passage (92) U-l 7-27-46
797 Carnegie Hall (136) UA 3- 8-47
805 Carnival in Costa Rica (96) 20-Fox.. 3-29-47
759 Chase, The (86) UA 10-19-46
760 Child of Divorce (62) RKO 10-19-46
789 Cigarette Girl (67) Col 2-15-47
740 Claudia and David (78) 20-Fox 7-27-46
752 Cloak and Dagger (106) WB 9-14-46
799 Code of the West (57) RKO 3- 8-47
776 Crime Doctor’s Manhunt (61) Col 12-28-46
742 Criminal Court (62) RKO 8-10-46
765 Cross My Heart (83) Para 11-23-46
739 Cuban Pete (61) U-l 7-27-46
D
796 Danger Street (66) Para 3- 1-47
771 Dangerous Millions (68) 20-Fox. .. .12-14-46
758 Dangerous Money (66) Mono 10-12-46
793 Dangerous Venture (59) UA 3- 1-47
738 Dark Horse, The (59) U-l 7-20-46
758 Dark Mirror, The (85) U-l 10-12-46
781 Dead Reckoning (100) Col 1-18-47
760 Deception (112) WB 10-19-46
751 Decoy (76) Mono 9-14-46
788 Oevil on Wheels (67) PRC 2- 8-47
797 Devil Thumbs a Ride, The (63) .... 3- 8-47
753 Devil’s Playground, The (60) UA.... 9-28-46
764 Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (62) RKO 11- 9-46
Don Ricardo Returns (78) PRC
757 Driftin’ River (55) PRC 10-12-46
780 Duel in the Sun (140) SRO 1-11-47
E
746 Earl Carroll Sketchbook (90) Rep.... 8-24-46
+
=
—
2*2
4
2*2
4+ 6—
Pp
hP
2+z
r-
pp
2*2
5+ 6-
+
2+2
44
5+ 2-
2+
Pp
Pp
Pp
pp
2*2
6+ 6-
^2
±2
2*2
4
44
6+ 3-
+
+
+
4
2*2
6+ 2-
-4-
+
44
+
4
44
+
9+
2+
+
+
pp
4+ 2-
+
+
+
+
2*2
2*2
6+ 2-
2+
+
+
44
4
±2
+
8+ 2-
-P
2+
2*2
—
4+ 5—
Pp
2+2
+
+
_
—
54- 6-
H*
T
pp
2+2
5+ 5-
2*2
2+ 2—
+
2+
+
2*2
+
5+ 2-
44
+
4+
+
44
4
+f
11+
2+
—
2+2
2+ 3-
2+
2*2:
+
pp
2*2
=»=
7+ 6-
If
44
44
4f
44
44
++
14+
2+
Pp
2*2
+
2+2
2*2
6+ 5-
+
4+
44
+
4
44
+
10+
2+
2+2
Pp
2*2
4+ 4—
±2
2+
2+2
+
4
-44
8+ 4—
2+2
+
2+2
4
+
6+ 3 —
pp
2+2
+
4
pp
5+ 3-
pp
2*2
hP
pp
6+ 6-
+
2±2
2*2
+
2*2
5+ 3-
2*2
±2
2±
^F
4+ 4-
2+2
2±2
2+2
4+ 4—
44
44
44
44
4
44
+4
13+
+
44
44
+
4
44
44
11+
2+
2*2
2+
2+2
2*2
6+ 6-
2+2
2*2
+
2*2
2*2
^F
6+ 5-
2+
2*22
Pp
Pp
pp
^F
7+ 7-
+
2+
Pp
+
2*2
2*2
6+ 4-
2+
+
+
44
44
7+ 1-
2+
2*2
2*2
2*2
4
6+ 5-
pp
2*2
Pp
2*2
—
=
4+ 7-
4+
2*2
4-
+
44
7+ 1-
—
—
2-
44
4
4
44
2*n
44
+
10+ 1—
2t
pp
PP
+
7+ 6-
+
2+2
2*2
+
44
+
44
9+ 2—
+
2+
2+2
+
+
44
44
9+ 2-
2±
4
44
44
7+ 2-
2*2
4
+
+
2+
6+ 3-
+
2*2
2*2
Hh
+
5+ 3-
+
2+2
2*2
2+2
+
+
7+ 4—
2+2
2*2
2*2
-
H-
5+ 5-
+
4
4
+
+
44
44
9+
44
44
4
+
44
44
+
11+
+
2+2
2+2
2*2
Pp
5+ 4-
2+2
pp
+
6+ 5-
2*2
2±2
+
+
6+ 4-
+
2+2
2*2
2+2
2*2
—
+
6+ 5-
Pp
2*2
Pp
+
6+ 5-
-+■
2*2
-H
2*2
4+ 4-
2*2
■*2
+
2*2
2*2
-+■
7+ 6-
2*2
pp
pp
2+
5+ 5-
hF
2*2
+
4+ 3-
—
2+2
—
2*2
3+ 5—
+
+
4+
44-
+
8+ 1-
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
7+
+
2*2
+
+
+
+
+
7+ 1-
2*2
2+2
+
+
+
—
+
6+ 3-
Pp
pp
±
2*2
44-
6+ 4-
+
2+2
+
+
2*2
2+
6+ 3—
2*2
+
2*2
2+
5+ 4—
±2
2t
+
2*2
—
2*2
6+ 6 —
PP
1+ 1-
2+
pp
2*2
4+ 4—
4+
+
44
44-
7+
=F
2jh
+
+
pp
+
7+ 4-
785 Easy Come, Easy Go (77) Para 2- 1-47
808 Egg and I, The (108) U-l 4- 5-47
Escape Me Never (..) WB
F
794 Fabulous Dorseys, The (90) UA.... 3- 1-47
775 Fabulous Suzanne, The (71) RKO .. .12-28-46
775 Falcon's Adventure, The (61) RKO. . .12-28-46
800 Fall Guy (64) Mono 3- 8-47
792 Farmer’s Daughter, The (94) RKO.. 2-22-47
795 Fear in the Night (71) Para 3- 1-47
Fighting Frontiersman, The (..) Col
758 Fool’s Gold (63) UA 10-12-46
798 Framed (80) Col 3- 8-47
G
784 Gallant Bess (101) MGM 1-25-47
752 Gallant Journey (86) Col 9-14-46
759 Gas House Kids (68) PRC 10-19-46
741 Genius at Work (62) RKO 8-10-46
753 Gentleman Joe Palooka (72) Mono... 9-28-46
Ghost Goes Wild, The (66) Rep
Ginger (67) Mono
746 G. I. War Brides (69) Rep 8-24-46
737 Great Day (68) RKO 7-20-46
807 Great Expectations (115) U-l 4- 5-47
798 Guilt of Janet Ames, The (81) Col.. . 3- 8-47
804 Guilty, The (71) Mono 3-22-47
H
Hard Boiled Mahoney (63) Mono
745 Heading West (54) Col 8-24-46
777 H el dorado (70) Rep 1- 4-47
753 Her Sister’s Secret (86) PRC 9-28-46
801 High Barbaree (92) MGM 3-15-47
804 High Conquest (83) Mono 3-22-47
745 High School Hero (74) Mono 8-24-46
740 Holiday in Mexico (128) MGM 7-27-46
763 Home in Oklahoma (72) Rep 11- 9-46
740 Home Sweet Homicide (90 ) 20-Fox.. 7-27-46
776 Humoresque (125) WB 12-28-46
I
795 I Cover Big Town (63) Para 3- 1-47
756 I Know Where I’m Going (91) U-l.. 10- 5-46
750 If I’m Lucky (78) 20-Fox 9- 7-46
783 I’ll Be Yours (83) U-l 1-25-47
802 Imperfect Lady, The (97) Para 3-15-47
Inner Circle, The (57) Rep
746 Invisible Informer, The (57) Rep 8-24-46
797 It Happened in Brooklyn (103) MGM 3- 8-47
788 It Happened on Fifth Avenue (116)
Mono 2- 8-47
783 It’s a Joke, Son (63) E-L 1-25-47
774 It’s a Wonderful Life (132) RKO. .12-21-46
749 It’s Great to Be Young (63) Col 9- 7-46
749 I've Always Loved You (117) Rep... 9- 7-46
I
781 Johnny O’clock (95) Col 1-18-47
753 Jolson Story, The (128) Col 9-28-46
795 Jungle Flight (67) Para 3- 1-47
K
743 Killers, The (102) U-l 8-17-46
803 King of the Wild Horses (79) Col... 3-22-47
L
780 Ladies’ Man (91) Para 1-11-47
Lady Chaser (74) PRC
766 Lady in the Lake (103) MGM 11-30-46
739 Lady Luck (97) RKO 7-27-46
757 Lady Surrenders, A (113) U-l 10-12-46
Landrush (53) Col
746 Last Crooked Mile, The (67) Rep... 8-24-46
788 Late George Apley, The (98) 20-Fox 2- 8-47
799 Law of the Lash (54) PRC 3- 8-47
Lighthouse (74) PRC
759 Little Iodine (57) UA 10-19-46
750 Little Miss Big (61) U-l 9- 7-46
774 Locket, The (85) RKO 12-21-46
799 Lone Hand Texan, The (57) Col 3- 8-47
777 Lone Star Moonlight (67) Col 1- 4-47
780 Lone Wolf in Mexico (78) Col 1-11-47
801 Lost Honeymoon (71) E-L 3-15-47
±
-4-
2+
2+
±
+
±
7+ 6-
44
+
+
+
44
7+
2+
1+ 1-
2*2
±2
2+
+
±
+
6+ 4—
2+2
2*2
2+
2+
—
6+ 7-
pp
2*2
2+
2+
+
2+
2+
7+ 6-
pp
2+2
2+
+
4+ 3-
+
+
+
‘ +
+
+
6+
+
2+2
+
+
+
5+ 1-
1+ 1-
2+2
2+
+
+
5+ 3-
2*2
2+
+
+
5+ 3-
2+
2+
+
+
+
+
2+
7+ 3-
2+
Pp
PP
+
+
2+
7+ 5-
Pp
2+
2+
Pp
2+
Pp
6+ 6-
Pp
—
Pp
Pp
Pp
Pp
=
5+ 8-
2+
2+
2+
2+2
+
5+ 4-
2+
2+
2+ 2-
Pp
Pp
2+ 2-
+
2+
2+
2+
2+
+
±
7+ 5-
Pp
Pp
+
Pp
+
6+ 4-
+
44
44
44
7+
+
2+
2+
+
4+ 2-
+
+
2 I-
H-
1+ l-
2+
—
+
2+ 2-
2+
+
2+
2*2
+
5+ 3-
2+2
2+
2+
+
+
+
2+
7+ 4-
2+
2+
+
+
44
6+ 2-
44
+
+
2*2
5+ 1-
+
2+
+
2+
pp
Pp
7+ 6-
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
14+
2+2
+
2+
5+ 4-
+
+
+
+
+
44
+
8+
+
+
44
44
4-
44
44
11+
±
+
2+
2+
5+ 4-
2+2
2+ 2-
+
2+
2+
+
2+
2+
2+
7+ 5-
±
2+
+
2+
+
2+
7+ s-
44
2+
2+
+
Pp
6+ 3-
pp
PP
pp
pp
5+ S-
—
2+2
pp
+
—
—
pp
4+ 7-
44
+
+
44
44
+
»+
+
+
2+
+
5+ 2-
+
2+
—
+
-t-
4+ 3-
+
44
44
44
44
44
44
13+
±
—
pp
2+
2+
pp
5+ 6-
+
2+
2+
+
+
44
+
8+ 2-
+
+
+
+
44
8+ 2-
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
14+
h;
2+
2+
pp
4+ 4-
+
44
+
+
+
+
± ;
9+
2+
Pp
3+ 3—
+
2+
2+2
+
2*2
2+
PP
7+ 5-
hP
2+
2+ 2-
+
+
+
+
44
+
+
8+
+
+
2+
+
+
+
+
7+ 1-
2+
2+
2+ 2-
Pp
2+
3+ 3-
Pp
2+
2+
2+
pp
PP
7+ 7-
+
+
+
+
+
+
44
8+
2+
pp
3+ 3-
pp
1+ 1-
2+
pp
6+ 5-
Pp
2+
2+
—
+
5+ 5-
+
+
44
+
+
44
2+
9+ 1-
2+
pp
2+ 2—
PP
1+ 1-
2+
Pp
2+
2+
4+ 4-
±
2+
+
+
44
6+ 2-
44 Very Good; + Good; — Fair; -+- Mediocre; — Poor; — Very Poor.
In the summary 44 is rated as 2 pluses; = as 2 minuses.
E
v 1Z
o
CL C
« s 1
js
s "S
rS S
»_ _cj
o
X
*i=
o £
X o
>.
>»
s
E
ollywood
eporter
_ 0)
g'l
X- B>
ro ro
ew York
aily News
>.
E
E
3
. G. Pape
itle
unning 1 ime
istributor
eviewed
OJ
o
X
"c
o £
X o
ro S'
>»
'ro
O
E
o .
o ai
11
o S
_
e
S o
cs ro
ew York
aily News
1
E
3
o_' i— cc
o cr
CD
X X
Li-
see
S
za
(/>
CL V- CC O X
CO
X X
>
u.
XX
Q-S
za
</)
S06 Love and Learn (85) WB
769 Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (93)
. 3-29-47
—
—
—
2+2
4+ 5-
MGM
.12- 7-46
2+
2+
-4
2+2
44
2+2
84- 5-
M
794 Macomber Affair, The (90) UA
. 1-25-47
+
± 2
H-
+
+
2jh
&+ 3-
Magic Bow, The (. .) U-l
—
+
1+ 1-
766 Magnificent Doll, The (94) U-l..
.11-23-46
+
2+
-4
+
+
44
44
9+ 1-
803 Magnificent Rogue, The (75) Rep...
. 3-22-47
H-
+
H-
3+ 2-
776 Man 1 Love, The (96) WB
.12-28-46
2+
2+
-4
2+2
=P
+
2+
7+ 5-
760 Margie (94) 20- Fox
.10-19-46
+
4+
+
+
+
44
44
10-4
-f-
-+-
H-
—
H-
6-4 6-
5+ 1-
Mighty McGurk, The (85) MGM....
2+
-4
-4
-4
+
798 Millie’s Daughter (70) Col
. 3- 8-47
2+
2+
+
—
3+ 3-
Missing Lady, The (60) Mono
T-
2+2
±
2+
44- 4-
748 Mister Ace (84) UA
. 8-31-46
+
■±2
2+2
-4
-4
2+2
+
7+ 3-
779 Mister District Attorney (81) Col..
. 1-11-47
2+2
2+
-4
2+2
Hr
2+2
2+
7-4 6-
773 Mister Hex (63) Mono
766 My Brother Talks to Horses (93)
.12-21-46
2+
±
2+2
2+2
-4
2+2
6-4 5—
MP.M
+
+
-4-
44
-4
+
+
H-
+
44
7-4 2-
84- 1-
758 My Darling Clementine (97) 20-Fox 10-12-46
+
+
2+
791 My Favorite Brunette (87) Para...
. 2-22-47
+
+
-4
+
-4
44
44
94-
—
1- 4 1-
2- 4 2—
Mysterious Mr. Valentine, The (56)
Rep
■±2
2+z
N
762 Never Say Goodbye (97) WB
.11- 2-46
+
2+2
2+2
+
^P
2+
2+2
7-4 5-
Night Train to Memphis (67) Rep..
^P
H-
2+2
=P
—
4-4 5-
753 Nobody Lives Forever (100) WB...
.10- 5-46
+
2+
+
+
+
2+
-4
7-4 2-
757 Nocturne (87) RK0
.10-12-46
2+
2+2
-4
2±
+
2+2
+
7-4 4-
747 No Leave, No Love (120) MGM...
. 8-31-46
+
+
44
-4
2+2
+
7-4 1-
787 Nora Prentiss (111) WB
. 2- 8-47
2+
2+2
2+2
-4
-+-
+
2+
7-4 5-
739 Notorious (103) RK0
. 7-27-46
44
4+
44
44
+
-4
44
124-
761 Notorious Gentleman (108) U-l. •
.11- 2-46
+
-4
-4
+
44
44
8-4
o
793 Odd Man Out (118) U-l
. 3- 1-47
44
-4
44
44
7-4
Other Love, The (95) UA
+
-4
44
44
6-4
733 Out California Way (67) Rep
.12-21-46
2+2
2+2
+
5-4 4—
Outlaw of the Plains (56) PRC. . .
2+2
-P
3-4 3-
796 Over the Santa Fe Trail (63) Col.. . .
. 3- 1-47
2+
+
2-4 1-
778 Overlanders, The (91) E-L
. 1- 4-47
:+; .
2+
-4
2+2
44
-4
74 3—
P
763 Perfect Marriage, The (87) Para..
.11-23-46
2+2
2+
H-
+
+
2+
H-
7-4 5-
742 Personality Kid (68) Col
. 8-10-46
-4-
H1
Hh
hP
-4
2+
6-4 5-
784 Pilgrim Lady, The (67) Rep
. 1-25-47
Hh
±2
2+2
2+
2+2
64- 6-
763 Plainsman and the Lady (82) Rep. •
.11- 9-46
±
Hr
2+2
+
+
—
2+
7-4 5-
741 Prairie Badmen (55) PRC
. 8-10-46
^P
2+2
Hr
P1
5-4 5-
793 Private Affairs of Bel Ami, The (115)
UA
. 3- 1-47
2+
2+2
■±2
+
2+2
44
7-4 4—
791 Punued (101) WB
. 2-22-47
+
+
+
-4
-4
44
7-4
Q
805 Queen of the Amazons (61) SG
. 3-29-47
2+2
-
2-4 3-
R
Raiders of the South (58) Mono...
2+2
P1
2-4 2—
Rainbow Over the Rockies (54) Mono
H1
P1
2-4 2—
793 Ramrod (94) UA
. 3- 1-47
+
2+2
+
-4
-4
5-4 1-
802 Range Beyond the Blue (54) PRC. . .
. 3-15-47
2+
-4
±
3-4 2-
770 Razor’s Edge, The (146) 20-Fox..
.12- 7-46
4+
2+
+
44
-4
7-4 1-
785 Red House, The (93) UA
. 2- 1-47
+
2+2
+
+
-4
44
44
94- 1-
Red River Renegades (55) Rep
2+2
1-4 1-
744 Rendezvous With Annie (90) Rep..
. 8-17-46
+
+
+
+
-4
-4
6+
787 Renegade Girl (65) SG
. 2- 8-47
2+
2-4 2-
767 Return of Monte Cristo, The (91) .
.11-30-46
2+
2+2
-4
-4
2+2
44
H1
8-4 4-
Riding the California Trail (61) Mono
P^
1-4 1-
Rio Grande Raiders (56) Rep
2+2
1-4 1-
796 Road to Hollywood (61) SG
. . 3-1-47
2+
1-4 1-
754 Roll On Texas Moon (68) Rep
. 9-28-46
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
-4
54- 3-
760 Rolling Home (71) SG
.10-19-46
■±2
2±
24- 2—
s
SOS San Demetrio, London (78) 20-Fox.
. 4- 5-47
2+
2+2
44
^P
5-4 3-
769 San Quentin (66) RK0
.12- 7-46
^P
2+2
+
2+
-4
2+
2+
7-4 5-
Santa Fe Uprising (56) Rep
2+2
2+
2-4 2—
738 Scandal in Paris, A (100) UA
. 7-20-46
+
2+2
2+
2+2
H-
2+2
-4
7-4 5-
790 Sea of Grass, The (123) MGM
. 2-15-47
+
2+2
-4
+
+
44
44
9-4 1-
767 Secret Heart, The (97) MGM
.11-30-46
+
2+2
44
-4
-4
-4
7-4 1-
761 Secret of the Whistler (65) Col
,11- 2-46
I £
H1
2+2
44- 4—
745 Secrets of a Sorority Girl (58) PRC 8-24-46
-P
H—
2+
=
44- 6-
795 Seven Were Saved (72) Para
3- 1-47
T-
-+
Hr
+
44- 3-
744 Shadow of a Woman (79) WB
8-17-46
2+
2+
-P
2+2
2+2
-P
P=
7-4 7-
756 Shadowed (70) Col
.10- 5-46
2+
2+2
-4
2+
H-
54- 4-
Shadows on the Range (57) Mono.
2+2
P1
3-4 3-
Shadows Over Chinatown (64) Mono.
=
2+
x
2-4 4-
779 Shocking Miss Pilgrim, The (85)
20- Fox .
4.
H-
H-
+
+
4.
64- 2-
74- 3-
743 Show-Off, The (84) MGM
8-17-46
+
-4
-4
2+2
2+2
-4
H-
Silver Range (55) Mono
2+2
2+
2-4 2-
7S2 Sin of Harold Dlddlebock, The (94) . .
2-22-47
+
+
+
+
+
782 Sinbad the Sailor (117) RK0
1-18-47
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
7+
741 Sing While You Dance (73) Col
8-18-46
2+2
H-
2+
2+
5+
5-
777 Singin’ in the Corn (64) Col
1- 4-47
-+
2+
2+
—
3+-
4—
752 Singing on the Trail (69) Col
9-14-46
2+2
2+
2+
2—
770 Sioux City Sue (69) Hep
.12- 7-46
Hr
2+2
2+
2+
+
5-4
4—
738 Sister Kenny (116) RK0
7-20-46
-H-
H
44
44
44
44
44
14+
Slightly Scandalous (63) U-l
2+
H-
H-
H-
H-
5+
5-
789 Smash-Up (103) U-l
. 2-15-47
+
-H-
+
+
+
44
8+
765 So Dark the Night (70) Col
.11-23-46
+
2+
2+
+
+
+
Hh
7+
3-
786 Song of Scheherazade (106) U-l...
. 2- 1-47
+
2+2
2+
+
'+
+
it
7+
3-
Song of the Sierras (55) Mono. . . .
+
2+2
2+
1-
762 Song of the South (95) RK0
.11- 1-46
4+
44
44
44
44
44
44
14+
South of Monterey (63) Mono
H-
H-
3+
3-
786 South of the Chisholm Trail (58) Co
. 2- 1-47
2+
2+2
2+
2-
745 Spook Busters (68) Mono
. 8-24-46
±2
2+
H-
2+
2+2
H~
2+
7+
7—
780 Stagecoach to Denver (56) Rep....
. 1-11-47
H-
2+2
2+
+
2+
5+
4-
773 Stairway to Heaven (104) U-l
.12-21-46
+
+
44
44
44
44
10+
805 Stallion Road (97) WB
. 3-29-47
2+
2+
2+
-4
+
5+
3-
775 Stars Over Texas (57) PRC
.12-28-46
=t :
2+
2+
2-
737 Step by Step (61) RK0
. 7-20-46
H-
2+-
2+
2+
44
2+
8+
6-
764 Strange Holiday (56) PRC
.11- 9-46
2+
It
22+
+
5+
4-
751 Strange Journey (67) 20-Fox
. 9-14-46
-+
2+2
2+2
5+
5—
Strange Voyage (61) Mono
2+
2+
3+
3-
762 Strange Woman, The (101) UA...
.11- 2-46
+
2+
+
+
-4
+
+
7+
1-
789 Suddenly It's Spring (87) Para. . . .
. 2-15-47
+
±2
+
+
+
+
+
7+
1—
738 Sunset Pass (59) RKO
. 7-20-46
ZH
±2
2+
±2
2+
2+
6+
6-
766 Susie Steps Out (65) UA
.11-23-46
2+
2+
2+
±2
IP
2+
6+
6-
770 Sweetheart of Sigma Chi (76) Mono.
.12- 7-46
2+
2+
+
2+
2+
+
6+
4-
771 Swell Guy (87) U-l
.12-14-46
±2
+
+
-4
+
2+
44
8+
2-
T
806Tarzan and the Huntress (72) RKO.
. 3-29-47
+
2+
2+
+
-4
5+
2-
761 Temptation (100) U-l
.11- 2-46
+
2+
2+
2+
44
+
2+
8+
4-
764 Terror Trail (55) Col
.11- 9-46
-P
2+
2+
2-
772 That Brennan Girl (95) Rep
.12-14-46
2+
+
2+
+
2+
2+
2+
74
5—
791 That Way With Women (85) WB..
. 2-22-47
2+2
2+2
2+
2+
+
44
2+
8+
5—
747 They Were Sisters (108) U-l
. 8-31-46
+
2+
+
2+
+
-4
6+
2-
775 13 Rue Madeleine (95) 20-Fox...
.12-28-46
+
+
+
+
+
44
44
9+
792 Thirteenth Hour, The (62) Col....
. 2-22-47
2+
2+
2+
—
3+
4-
This Happy Breed (. . ) U-l
44
2+
This Man Is Mine (..) Col.......
44
2+
751 Three Little Girls in Blue (90)
20- Fox
. 9-14-46
+
+
+
44
-4
44
44
10+
Three on a Ticket (62) PRC
2+
+
2+
1-
747 Thrill of Brazil, The (91) Col
. 8-31-46
+
2+
2+
+
—
-4
+
6+
3-
765 Till the Clouds Roll By (120) MGM.
.11- 23-46
++
+
44
44
44
44
U+
743 Time of Their Lives, The (82) U-l.
. 8-17-46
+
2+
2+
+
+
44
2+
8+
3-
804 Time Out of Mind (89) U-l
. 3-22-47
H-
—
2+
H-
5+
5—
772 Time, the Place and the Girl, The
(105) WB
.12-14-46
2+
2+
4-
-4
-4
2+
6+
3-
Traffic in Crime (56) Rep
2+
H-
2+
3+
3-
794 Trail Street (S3) RKO
. 3- 1-47
2+
2+
+
±
2+
5+
4-
Trail to Mexico (56) Mono
2+
^+
2+
2-
785 Trail to San Antone (67) Rep
. 2- 1-47
2+
2+
+
2+
-4
5+
3-
Trailing Danger (..) Mono
2+
1+
1-
779 Trap, The (68) Mono
. 1-11-47
~
—
2+
-+
—
3+
5—
Trigger Fingers (54) Mono
2+
2+
2-
764 Tumbleweed Trails (57) PRC
.11- 9-46
2+
2+
2+
4+
4-
739 Two Guys From Milwaukee (90) WB.
. 7-27-46
+
+
+
-4
+
2+
+
7+
1-
806 Two Mrs. Carrolls, The (100) WB.
. 3-29-47
+
2+2
-4
3+
2-
748 Two Years Before the Mast (98)
Para
2+
2+
44
-4
+
44
44
10+
2-
TJ
748 Under Nevada Skies (69) Rep
8-31-46
H-
2+
H-
V 3+
3-
Undercover Maisie (93) MGM
+
+
-4
H-
4+
1-
756 Undercurrent (113) MGM
.10- 5-46
+
2+
+
44
4-
44
-4
9+
1—
772 Unexpected Guest (60) UA
.12-14-46
2+
±
2+
2+2
±:
±
6+
6-
808 Untamed Fury (61) PRC
4- 5-47
H-
2+
H-
4"
4-
5+
3-
V
808 Vacation Days (68) Mono
4- 5-47
2+
2+
2+
3-
757 Vacation in Reno (60) RKO
.10-12-46
H-
2+
2+
2+
I p
2+
7+
7—
Valley of Fear (54) Mono
2+
1+
1-
766 Verdict, The (86) WB
11-23-46
+
2+
2+
+
2+
+
+
7+
3-
799 Vigilantes of Boomtown (96) Rep...
3- 8-47
+
2+
+
+
2+
5+
2-
W
766 Wake Up and Dream (92) 20-Fox.
11-30-46
2+
H-
H-
+
-+
44
2+
8+
5-
763 Wanted for Murder (97) 20-Fox...
11- 9-46
2+
2+
+
+
-4
+
6+
2-
806 West of Dodge City (57) Col
3-29-47
2+2
±
2+
2-
751 White Tie and Tails (74) U-l
9-14-46
2+
± :
+
-4
2+
5+
3-
771 Wicked Lady, The (98) U-l
12-14-46
+
2+
2+
-4
+
6+
3-
762 Wife Wanted (73) Mono
11- 2-46
2+2
2+
2+
4+
4-
743 Wild Beauty (61) U-l
8-17-46
^+
q:
-4
2+
5+
4—
785 Wild Country (57) PRC
2- 1-47
2+
IP
•5"
H-
4+
4-
769 Wild West (73) PRC
12- 7-46
2+
+
2+2
-P
2+2
5+
4—
Y
Yankee Fakir (71) Rep
H-
1+
1-
770 Yearling, The (135) MGM
12- 7-46
4+
44
44
44
44
44
44
14+
802 Years Between, The (88) U-l
3-15-47
±
±
±
±
+
44
7+
V-
Short subjects listed by Company in order of release. Numeral is production
number. Running time follows title. First date is National release, second the
date of review in BOXOFFICE. The symbol between dates is rating from the
BOXOFFICE review. ++ Very Good, + Good, ± Fair, =+= Mediocre, — Poor, = Very
Poor. © Indicates color photography.
SHORTS CHART
Columbia
3-29
Prod. No. Titie Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
ALL-STAR COMEDIES
S422 Honeymoon Blues (H. Herbert)
(17) 10-17 + 11-30
8433 Slappily Married (J. De Rita)
(16>/2) 11-7
8423 Reno-Vated (V. Vaflue)
(18!/2) 11-21 ± 1-4
8434 Moron Than Off (S. Holloway)
(17) 11-28 + 2-8
8403 Three Little Pirates (Stooges)
(15) 12-5 + 1-25
8435 Andy Plays Hookey (Andy
Clyde) (IS) 12-19 ± 2-15
8404 Half Wits' Holiday
(Three Stooges) (17 /2) 1-9
8436 Meet Mr. Mischief
(H. Von Zell) (17'/2) . . 1-23
8424 Hot Heir (H. Herbert)
(16'/2) 2-13 ± 3-22
8437 Scooper Dooper (S. Holloway)
(18) 2-27
8405 Fright Night (Stooges)
(17) 3-6
8438 The Good Bad Egg
(J. DeRita) (17) 3-20
8439 Bride and Gloom (S. Howard)
(16) 3-27
8440 Two Jills and a Jack
(A. Clyde) (..) 4-17
8406 Out West (Stooges)
(17!/2) 4-24
COLOR PHANTASIES
8701 FoWI Brawl (6) 1-9 +
8702 Uncultured Vulture (6) . . 2- 6
8703 Wacky Quacky (6) 3-20
8704 Leave Us Chase It (..).. 4-24
COLOR RHAPSODIES
(Technicolor)
8501 Loco Lobo (6) 1-9
8502 Cockatoos for Two (6) . . 2-13
8503 Big House Blues (7).... 3- 6
COMMUNITY SING
8651 No. 1 The Gypsy (Leibert)
(9!/2) 9-12
8652 No. 2 It’s a Pity to Say Good-
night (Baker) (10J/2) ■ .10-10 + 11-16
8653 No. 3 Surrender (Leibert)
(9'/2) 11-14
8654 No. 4 Pretending (Baker)
(10) 12-19
8655 No. 5 Rumors Are Flying
(Leibert) (9/2) 1-23
8656 No. 6 Ole Buttermilk Sky
(Baker) (10) 2-27
8657 No. 7 The Coffee Song
(Leibert) (..) 3-13
8658 No. 8 I’ll Close My Eyes
(Baker) (..) 4-17
FILM-VODVIL
7958 Bobby Byrne & Orch. (10) 8-15 ± 10-26
FOX & CROW
(Technicolor)
7754 Mysto-Fox (7) 8-29 ■+ 11- 2
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
8851 No. 1 Radio Characters
(10) 9-5
8852 No. 2 Looking Down on Holly-
wood (10) 10- 3 + 11-30
8853 No. 3 Rodeo (10) 11-7
8854 No. 4 Skolsky Party
(10) 12-26
8855 No. 5 Movie Columnists
(9) 1-23
8856 No. 6 Behind the Mike (9) 2- 6
8857 No. 7 Holiday in Las Vegas
(10) 3-13
8858 No. 8 My Pal Ringeye
(10) 4-10
SPORT REELS
7810 Deep Sea Fishing (9) 8-15 f|- 12-28
8801 Army Football Champions
(11) 9-19 + 11- 9
8802 Ten Pin Magic (10) 10-24
8803 Hi Li (9'/2) 11-21
8804 Best in Show Dogs (10). .12-12
8805 Polo (10) 1.30
8806 Cue Tricks (9) 2-20
8807 Tennis Wizards (..) 3-20
8808 Goofy Golf ( . . ) 4-24
THRILLS OF MUSIC
8951 Jerry Wald & Orch. (10) 9-12
8952 Machito & Orch. (10'/2) .10-17
8953 Les Elgart & Orch. (10) . .11-28
8954 Ray McKinley & Orch.
(9+2) 11-28 + 1-11
8955 Shorty Sherock & Orch.
(S/2) 1-23
8956 Buddy Morrow & Orch.
(9/2) 2-27
8957 George Towne & Orch. (. .)’ 3-27 ....
FLIPPY
(Technicolor)
7603 Silent Tweetment (6'/2) . . 9-19 +} 11- 2
SERIALS
7180 Chick Carter, Detective... 7-11 ....
15 Chapters
8120 Son of the Guardsman. . . .10-24 ± 10-19
15 Chapters
8140 Jack Armstrong 2-6 -H- 2-8
15 Chapters
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
FITZPATRICK TRAVELTALKS
(Technicolor)
T-613 Modern Guatemala City
(9) 8-25
T-711 Where Time Stands Still
(10) 9-22
T-712 Merida and Campeche
(8) 11-24 + 11-3
T-713 Land of Mayas (..)... 1-26
T-714 Glimpses of Guatemala
(8) 2-9 + 2-16
T-715 Visiting Vera Cruz (..) 3-16
T-716 The Mission Trail (..).. 4-13
T-717 Looking at London 6-1 ■•••
T-718 Over the Seas to Belfast
( •) 8-31
T-Sll Glimpses of California
(9) 10-26
T-812 Calling on Costa Rica
(10) 3-15 + 3-29
MINIATURES
M-586
M-587
M-588
M-589
M-590
M-781
M-782
M-783
M-784
++
#
-H-
4-15
6-10
Important Business (11) 4-29
Why Daddy (9) 5-20
Somewhere USA (10).. 6-3 ■
Nostradamus IV (10) . . 9-30 -+ 10-21
Little White Lie (11) . . 3- 3 ± 4-28
Strange Destiny (10).. 9-29 •••■
Spreadin’ the Jam (10). 10-27 + 10- 3
Musical Masterpieces
(10) 4-20
Bikini — The Atom Island 6-15 + 6-15
MGM NEWS OF THE DAY
(Released Twice Weekly)
MGM SPECIALS
A-504 Phantoms, Inc. (17).... 6-9 ....
A-701 A Gun in His Hand (19) 9-15 ...
A-702 Purity Squad (20) 11-3 -f+ 10-3
A-703 Traffic With the Devil
(17) 8-31 -H- 9-14
A-801 Luckiest Guy in the World
(21) 1-25
MGM TECHNICOLOR CARTOONS
W-732 Wild and Wolfy (8) 11-3
W-734 Lonesome Lenny (8) ... 3- 9 + 4-6
W-737 The Hick Chick (7) 6-15
W-739 Northwest Hounded Police
<•■)
W-831 Henpecked Hoboes (7).. 10-26 ....
MGM TOM & JERRY CARTOONS
W-733 Quiet Please (7) 12-22
W-735 Springtime for Thomas
(9) 3-30
W-736 The Milky Waif (7) 5-18
+ 12-15
W-738Trap Happy (7).
W-740 Solid Serenade (..)
W-S32 Cat Fishin’ (8)
W-833 Part Time Pal (8)
6-29
8-31
2-22
3-15
13
PASSING PARADE
K-573 Return From Nowhere
(10)
10-28
-H-
10-21
K-574 A Lady Fights Back
12-30
(10)
11-11
K-575 It Looks Like Rain (lOi
3- 3
3-24
K-576The Seesaw and the Shoes
(10)
5- 5
+
5-12
K-771 Great American Mug
(10)
10- 6
10- 3
K-772 Stairway to Light (10)
11-10
-H-
10- 3
K-773 People on Paper (10) .
11-17
K-774 Golden Hunch (10) . . .
12-15
•H-
12-15
K-775 Magic on a Stick (10) .
1- 9
-H-
2-16
K-776 Our Old Car (10)
5-11
K-871 A Really Important Person
(10)
1-11
Hh
3-15
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
S-752 Guest Pests (9) 10-20
S-753 Bus Pests (10) 12-1 +
S-754 Sports Sticklers (..)... 1- 5 +
S-755 Gettin’ Glamor (..)... 2- 2 ±
S-756 Badminton (9) 12-8 -+
S-757 Fala at Hyde Park (9) . . 1-19 +-
S-758 Studio Visit (..) 5-11 +
S-759 Equestrian Quiz (..).. 5-18 ■+
S-760 Treasures From Trash... 6- 8
S-851 Football Thrills No. 9
(9) 9-7
S-852 Sure Cures (9) 11- 2
S-853 I Love My Husband
But (9) 12- 7
S-854 Playing by Ear ( . . ) 12-28 -ff
S-855 Athletiquiz (9) 1-11
S-856 Diamond Demon (9) . . . . 2- 1 ±
S-857 Early Sports Quiz (9) ... 3- 1 ++
12-15
2- 9
2- 9
12-15
1-26
7- 1
7- 1
Paramount
Prod. No.
Title
Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
GEORGE PAL PUPPETOONS
(Technicolor)
U5-3 Olio for Jasper (7)
U5-4 Together in the Weather
(7)
U5-6John Henry and the Inky
U5-7 Jasper in a Jam (7) . . . .
U5-8Shoe Shine Jasper (7)...
U6-1 Wilbur the Lion (9) . . . .
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
4-19
+
4-13
5-24
+f
6- 8
9-20
3
5-18
. 9- 6
10-18
++
12-i.4
2-28
+
2-15
. 4-18
R5- 8 Riding the Hickories (9)
5-17
+
7- 1
R5- 9 Birds Make Sport (9) .
6-21
+
6-29
R5-10 Feminine Class (10) . • .
7-19
+
7-20
R6- 1 Race Horses Are Born (9) 10- 4
R6- 2 Dive Hi Champs (10>. .
10-11
++
12-14
R6- 3 Queens of the Court (10) 11-15
+
1-18
R6- 4 Like Father, Like Son
(10)
12-13
R6- 5 Jumping Jacks (9|/2) - .
1-10
R6- 6 Selling the Sun (10). . .
1-31
R6- 7 Under White Sails (9) .
2-28
R6- 8 Iced Lightning (..)...
4-18
LITTLE LULU
(Technicolor)
D5-2 Bargain Counter Attack
(7)
D5-3 Bored of Education (7) .
D5-4 Chick and Double Chick
(6)
D5-5 Musica-Lulu (7)
D5-6 A Scout With the Gout
(7)
5- 3
7- 26
8- 16
1-24
4- 13
5- 18
tt 2- 1
D6-1 Loose in the Caboose (..) 5-23
MUSICAL PARADES
(Technicolor)
FF5-3 College Queen (19).... 5-17
FF5-4 Tale of Two Cafes (18) 7- 5
FF5-5 Double Rhythm (20)... 8-23
FF5-6 Golden Slippers (17).. 12-13
FF6-1 Sweet and Low (19) 3-28
NOVELTOON
(Technicolor)
3- 7 ± 3-15
P5-1 The Friendly Ghost
(7'/2) 4- 5
+
P5-2 Cheese Burglar (7) .
5-17
+
P5-3 Old MacDonald Had
a Farm
(7)
6-7
"f
P5-4 Sheep Shape (7) . . .
6-28
-H-
P5-5 Goal Rush (6)
P5-6 Sudden Fried Chicken
5-25
7- 1
7-20
12-13
4- 5
2- 2
4- 13
5- 18
7- 1
. 4-19
+
4-13
. 5-31
4-
5-25
. 6- 7
++
7- 1
. 8- 9
+
6-29
. 8-16
+
7-20
. 2- 7
11-30
. 3-14
3
12-21
. 4-25
(7) 10-18 + 12-28
P6-1 Spree for All (7) 10-18
P6-2 Stupidstitious Cat (..).. 4-25 ....
P6-3 Enchanted Square (..).. 5- 9
PACEMAKERS
K6-1 Brooklyn, I Love You
(10) 10-4
K6-2 Love in Tune (9/2) 10-25 •
K6-3 Radio, Take It Away (11) 1-31 ■ • ■ ■
l<6-4Try and Catch Me (9).. 2-14 ....
PARAMOUNT NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
POPEYE CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
E5-2 Service With a Guile (6)
E5-3 Klondike Casanova (8).
E5-4 Peep in the Deep (7).
E5-5 Rocket to Mars (6) . . .
E5-6 Rodeo Romeo (6) . . . .
E5-7 The Fistic Mystic (6)
E5-8 The Island Fling (7)..
E6-1 Abusement Park (7) 4-25
POPULAR SCIENCE
(Color)
J5-5 No. 5 (10) 6-21
J5-6 No. 6 (10 8-16
J6-1 No. 1 (11) 11- 1
J6-2 The Sponge Divers (11).. 1-17
J6-3 Air-Borne Pastures (11) . . 2-28
J6-4 Marine Miracles (..).... 4- 4
SPEAKING OF ANIMALS
Y5-4 In the Wilds (9) 5-10 ±
Y5-5 The Lonesome Stranger
(10) 6-14
Y5-6 Be Kind to Animals (10) 8-30
Y6-1 Stork Crazy (10) 10-18
Y6-2 Pooch Parade (10) 12-27
Y6-3 In Country Life (9) 2-21
Y6-4 They’re Not So Dumb (..) 3-28
TWO-REEL SPECIAL
T5-2 Don't Be a Sucker (18) . . 7- 4
37 Two Decades of History
(,22/z) 1-4
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS
(Color)
tt
+
+
5- 18
6- 29
1- 4
3-22
L5-4
No. 4 (10)
5-24
+
4-13
L5-5
No. 5 (10)
7-12
+
6-29
1-25
L5-6
No. 6 (10)
8-30
L6-1
No. 1 (10)
2-22
L6-2
Swedish Glass Makers (10) 2-14
4- 5
L6-3
G.l. Hobbies (11)
3-14
+
3-29
RKO Radio
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
DISNEY CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
64.103A Knight for a Day (7). 3- 8 -+ 5-25
64.104 Pluto’s Kid Brother (7) 4-12 + 4-27
64.105 In Dutch (7) 5-10 • • • •
64.106 Squatter's Rights (7).. 6-7 + 6-15
64.107 Donald's Double Trouble
(7) 6-28 •+ 7- 6
64.108 The Purloined Pup (7) . 7-19 + 8-17
64.109 Wet Paint (7) + 9-17
64.110 Dumb Bell of the Yukon
(7) 8-30
64.111 Lighthouse Keeping (7) 9-20 + 1-25
64.112 Bath Day (7) 10-11
64.113 Frank Duck Brings ’Em
Back Alive (7) 11- 1
64.114 Double Dribble (7) 11-29
64.115 Pluto's Housewarming
(7) 12-20 + 2-15
64.116 Figaro and Frankie (7). 2-27 ....
EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDIES
63.404 Wall Street Blues (17) 7-12
63.405 Motor Maniacs (18) ± 9-17
63.406 Noisy Neighbors (18) + 10-12
73.401 I’ll Build It Myself
(15) 10-18 . ..
73.402 Do Or Diet (18) 2-10 ± 4-5
RAY WHITLEY WESTERN MUSICALS
73.501 Bar Buckaroos (16) .... 9- 6
73.502 Cupid Rides the Range
(18) 10-11
73.503 Bandits and Ballads
(17) 11-15
73.504 Buckaroo Broadcast
(18) 12-20 + 1-4
SPECIAL
73,901 Football Highlights of
1946 (IS)
+
12-21
FLICKER FLASHBACKS
64,205 No. 5 (7)
. 2- 1
+
4-13
64,206 No. 6 (9)
64,207 No. 7 (7)
74,201 (1) (9)
. 9-13
74,202 (2) (9)
74,203 (3) (8)
HEADLINER REVIVALS
53,204 Swing Fever (19) 3-16 ••••
53.201 Songs of the Colleges
(15) 9-8
63.201 The Derby Decade (22) 9-21 ....
63.202 Russian Dressing (18) . .11-23 + 12-29
63.203 Twenty Girls and a Band
(18) 1-18 + 2-2
63.204 Sea Melody (19) 3-15 + 4-13
LEON ERROL COMEDIES
2 +
2-16
5- 25
6- 15
63.702 Maid Trouble (18) 2
63.703 Oh, Professor Behave
(IS) 3-1 ±
63.704 Twin Husbands (18).. 5-10 +
63.705 I’ll Take Milk (18) 7-19
63.706 Follow That Blonde (18) 9-27
73,701 Borrowed Blonde (15) . . 3- 7 — 3-22
PATHE NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
PATHE SPORTSCOPE
64.307 Quarter Horses (8) 2-22 +
64.308 Black Ducks and Broadbills
(8) 3-22 +
64.309 Tenderfoot Trail (8)... 4-19 +
64.310 Aqua Queens (8) 5-17 +
64.311 Ben Hogan (8) 6-14 +
64.312 Palmetto Quail (8) . . . 7-12 +
64.313 Steeplechasers (8) .... 7-31 ±
74.301 Skating Lady (8) 8-30 +-
74.302 Hail Notre Dame (8) ±
74.303 Bowling Fever (9) 11-22
74.304 Kentucky Basketeers (8) 1-13 -+
74.305 College Climbers (8).. 1-10
74.306 Ski Champions (8) 1-10
74.307 Ice Skippers (8) 3-7
THIS IS AMERICA
63.104 Report on Japan (19) . . 2- 8 +
63.105 Street of Shadows (16) 3- 8 ■+
63.106 Two Million Rooms (16) 4- 5
63.107 No Place Like Home
(16) 5-3 +■
63.108 Panama (16) 5-31
63.109 Port of New York (16) . 6-28
63.110 Courtship to Courthouse (16)
63.111 Highway Mania (17) -(+
63.112 White House (17) +
63.113 Northern Rampart (17) .....
73.101 Beauty for Sale (..).. .11-22
73.102 Germany Today (16) . . .12-13 -+
73.103 A Nation Is Born (17) 1-17 -+
73.104 Campus Boom (16) .... 2-7
73.105 San Francisco (16).. 3- 7 ++
3- 9
4- 27
6-15
6- 15
7- 6
8- 24
12- 7
10-26
12-28
i'-ii
3- 9
4- 13
5-25
9-17
10- 5
12-21
2- 1
3-is
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : April 12, 1947
13
Miscellaneous
20th Century-Fox
Prod. No.
Title
Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
DRIBBLE PUSS PARADE
6902 Muscle Maulers (8) 5-31
7901 Monkey-Tone News (9).. 1-17
SPORTS
7301 Football Fanfare (9) 8-23
7351 Winter Holiday (8) 9-27
7352 Summer Trails (8) 11- 8
7353 Playtime's Journey (8) . . .12-13
7302 Style of the Stars (10) . . 2- 7
+ 10
14
FEMININE WORLD SERIES
6201 Behind the Footlights (8) 4- 5
FOX MOVIETONE NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
MARCH OF TIME
Vol. 12. No. 8 Night Club
Boom (21) 3-22
Vol. 12, No. 9 Wanted — More Homes!
(20) t 4-19
Vol. 12, No. 10 Tomorrow’s Mexico
(••) 5-17
Vol. 12, No. 11 Problem Drinkers
(19) 6-14
Vol. 12, No. 12 The New France 7-12
Vol. 12, No. 13 Atomic Power
(19) 8-9
Vol. 13, No. 1 Is Everybody Happy?
<-.) 9-6
Vol. 13, No. 2 World Food Problem
<••) 10- 4
VoJ. 13, No. 3 The Soviet’s Neighbor
(17%) 11-1
Vol. 13, No. 4 The American Cop
Vol. 13, No. 5 Nobody’s Children
Vol. 13, No. 6 Germany — Handle
With Care (19) 1-24
Vol. 13, No. 7 Fashion Means
Business (..) 2-21
-4
3-23
44
5-18
44
44
6- 15
7- 20
+
8-10
+
10-12
+
11- 2
44
11-30
44
12-28
+
1-25
4+
2-22
MOVIETONE ADVENTURES
(Color)
6259 Cradle of Liberty (8) . . . 6-21
6260 Across the Great Divide
(8) 7- 5
7251 Sons of Courage (8) . . . . 8- 2
7252 Jamaica ( . . ) 9-13
7253 Historic Capetown (..).. 10-18
7254 Girl and Gags (8) 11-22
7201 Fantasy of Siam (8) 1- 3
7202 Royalty of the Range (9) 3- 7
7255 The Cape of Good Hope (8) 4-11
+ 10
TERRY-TOONS
(Technicolor)
6515 Mighty Mouse in Throwing
the Bull (7) 5-3
6516 Mighty Mouse in the Trojan
Horse (7) 7-26
6517 Dinky Finds a Home (7) 6- 7
6518 Mighty Mouse in the Johnstown
Flood (7) 6-28
6519 Gandy Goose in Peacetime
Football (7) 7-19
6520 Gandy Goose in the Golden
„ Hen (7) 5-24
7501 Mighty Mouse in Winning the
West (7) 8-16
7502 The Tortoise Wins Again
(7) 8-30
7503 Mighty Mouse in the Electronic
Mouse Trap (7) 9- 6
7504 Mighty Mouse in the Jail Break
(7) 9-20
7505 The Snow Man (7) 10-11
7506 The Housing Problem (7) 10-25
7507 Mighty Mouse in the Crackpot
King (7) 11-15
7508 Talking Magpies in the Uninvited
Pests (7) 11-29
7509 Mighty Mouse and the Hep Cat
(7) 12-6
7510 Beanstalk Jack (7) 12-20
7511 Mighty Mouse in Crying Wolf
(7) 1-10
7512 The Talking Magpies in
McDougal’s Rest Farm (7) 1-31
7513 Mighty Mouse in Dead End
Cats (7) 2-14
7514 The Talking Magpies in Happy
Go Lucky (7) 2-28
7515 Gandy Goose in Mexican
Baseball (7) 3-14
7516 Mighty Mouse in Aladdin’s
Lamp (7) 3-28
7517 The Talking Magpies in Cat
Trouble (7) 4-11
7518 Mighty Mouse in Sky Is Falling
(7) 4-25
+ 5-4
6- 8
7-20
+
44
6- 8
6- 8
4-27
10-19
+ 9-21
-f 2-15
WORLD TODAY SERIES
6401 Man From Missouri (9).. 1-25
Universal-International
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
ANSWER MAN SERIES
2391 Answer Man No. 1 (10).. 10-21 ....
2392 No. 2 Nature's Atom Bomb
(10) 12-30 -f 1-4
2393 No. 3 The Jungle Gangster
(9) 3-3
2394 No. 4 Red Fury (..)... 3-24
JUVENILE JURY SERIES
2361 No. 1 (11) 12-16 + 2-8
2362 No. 2 (10) 3-31
LANTZ CARTUNES
(Technicolor)
2321 Fair Weather Fiends (7) .11-18
2322 Wacky Weed (7) 12-16
2323 Musical Moments (8).... 2-24
2324 Smoked Hams (. .) 4-28
1- 25
2- 15
NAME AND BAND MUSICALS
1307 Swing High, Swing Sweet
(15) Jan Savitt & Orch. 2-20
1308 Takin' the Breaks (15).. 5-22
Russ Morgan & Orch.
44
+
2-23
7- 1
1309 Banquet of Melody (15) . 5-29
Matty Malneck & Orch.
+ 4-27
1310 Swingin’ Down the Scale
(15) Alvino Rey & Orch. 6-26
1311 Breakin’ It Down (15) . . 8-28
Del Courtney & Orch.
7- 1
8- 17
2301 Frontier Frolic (15) 10- 9
Bob Wills & Orch.
2302 Champagne Music (15).. 11-20
Lawrence Welk & Orch.
1- 4
1-18
2303 Tumbleweed Tempos (16) 12- 4
Spade Cooley & Orch.
± 2-1
2304 Moonlight Melodies (15) 12-18
Frankie Carle & Orch.
+ 1-11
2305 Tex Beneke and the Glenn
Miller Orch. (15)... 3-26
2306 Melody Maestro (15) 4- 2
PERSON-ODDITIES
1369 Scientifically Stung (9) .
. 6-10
+
7- 1
1370 Lone Star Padre (9) . . .
. 6-17
1371 Artist’s Antics (9)
. 6-24
+
7- 6
1372 Picture Pioneer (9) . . . .
. 7- 1
+
7- 6
1373 Hobo Hound (9)
. 8-19
+
9-28
1374 Sampson Junior (9) . . . .
. 8-19
■±2
10-19
1375 Rural Rhapsody (9)
. 8-26
10-26
SWING SYMPHONIES
(Technicolor)
9237 Sliphorn King of Polaroo
(7)
3-19
SING AND BE HAPPY SERIES
-4 10-26
2381 Bit of Blarney (10) 9-30
2382 The Singing Barbers (9) . . 2-17
+ 2-22
SPECIAL FEATURETTES (2 REELS)
1203 Roosevelt — Man of Destiny
(18) 4-10
1201 Tiny Terrors of the Timberlands
(20) 6-26
UNIVERSAL NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
VARIETY NEWS
1346 Script Teas (9) 3-25
1347 Dog Tale (9) 3-25
1348 Chimp on the Loose (9) . . 4-
1349 Dog of the Seven Seas (9) 6-17
1350 Magic Mineral (9) 7-
1351 Mr. Chimp at Home (9)
1352 Operation Holiday (9)... 8-26
1353 Mr. Chimp to the Rescue
(9)
1354 Mr. Chimp on Vacation
(10)
2341 Bear Facts (10) 2-24
2342 Pelican Pranks (9) 2-24
2343 Wild West Chimp (9)... 3-17
2344 Rhumba Holiday (9) . . . . 4-21
SERIALS
.... Mystery Queen of the Jungle. .
1581-1593 Secret Agent X-9
13 Chapters
1681-1693 The Royal Mounted Rides
Again 10-23
13 Chapters
1781-1793 The Scarlet Horseman 1-22
13 Chapters
1881-1893 Lost City of the
Jungle
13 Chapters
2581-2593 Mysterious Mr. M.
3-25
+
l- l
3-25
-4-
7- 1
4- 1
-H-
4- 6
6-17
+
7- 6
7- 1
8-12
-+-
7- 6
8-26
44
10- 5
8-26
11- 9
8-26
9-28
2-24
2-24
3-17
4-21
le. . .
+
12-30
6-24
+
9-22
Rides
10-23
+
1-26
1-22
44
2-16
4-23
4-27
7-23
+
8-10
Warner Bros.
Prod. No.
Title
Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
BLUE RIBBON HIT PARADE
(Technicolor)
2303 Good Egg (7)
1- 5
2304 Trial of Mr. Wolf (7)..
2- 9
+
2-23
2305 Little Lion Hunter (7) . .
3-23
-H-
3-23
2306 Fresh Fish (7)
2307 Daffy Duck and Egghead
4- 6
44
5- 4
(7)
4-20
5- 4
2308 Katnip College (7)
5- 4
2309 Night Watchman (7)
5-18
"BUGS BUNNY" SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
1723 Hare Trigger (7) '.
5- 5
+
5-19
1724 Hare Conditioned (8)
8-11
4+
8-25
1725 Hare Tonic (7)
11-10
44
11- 3
1726 Baseball Bugs (7)
2- 2
44
2- 2
FEATURETTE
1108 It Happened in Springfield
(20)
4-28
-H-
4-28
1109 Are Animals Actors? (20)
3-31
+
3-24
1110 Law of the Badlands (20)
4-14
+
5-19
1111 Plantation Melodies (20)
5-12
+
6- 2
1112 Learn and Live (20)
1945-46 SEASON:
7- 7
2101 Barber Shop Ballads (20)
9- 8
44
8-25
2102 Star in the Night (20).. 10-13
2103 All Star Musical Revue
(20)
11- 3
44
11-17
2104 Good Old Corn (20) . . . .
11-24
-4
11-17
2105 Musical Shipmates (20)..
2-16
4-
2-23
2106 Hitler Lives? (20)
12-29
4+
12-29
MELODY MASTERS
2604 Music of the Americas
(10)
12-15
-4
11-17
2605 Headline Bands (10)....
2606 Jan Savitt and His Band
1-26
-4
2- 2
(10)
3-16
+
3-23
2607 Rhythm on Ice (10). ..
4-20
2608 Dixieland Jamboree (10).
5-11
MERRIE MELODIES
(Technicolor)
1708 Wagon Heels (7)
7-28
7-28
1709 Fresh Airdale (8)
8-25
44
8-25
1710 Bashful Buzzard (8) . . . .
1711 Peck Up Your Troubles
9-15
10- 6
(7)
10-20
-4
9-22
1712 Nasty Quacks (7)
12- 1
-4
11-17
1713 Book Revue (7)
1- 5
-4
1-12
1714 Holiday for Shoestrings (7) 2-23
+
2-23
1715 Quentin Quail (7)
3- 2
2-23
1716 Baby Bottleneck (7) . . .
3-16
1717 Hare Remover (7)
3-23
+
3-23
1718 Daffy Doodles (7)
1719 Hollywood Canine Canteen
4- 6
....
(7)
4-20
44
4-27
1720 Hush My Mouse (7)
5- 4
44
7- 1
SPORTS PARADE
(Technicolor)
2503 Michigan Ski- Daddle (10) 2- 9
2504 With Rod and Gun in Canada
(10) 3-16
2505 Snow Eagles (10) 3-30
2506 Let’s Go Gunning (10).. 4- 6
2507 Fin 'n Feathers (10) 4-27
2508 Undersea Spear Fishing
(10) 5-18
2509 Riding Hannefords (10).. 6-29
2510 Facing Your Danger (10) 5-11
1511 Arabians in the Rockies
(10) 8-25
+ 2-23
3-23
3-23
5- 4
TECHNICOLOR
1005 America the Beautiful (20) 8- 4
1006 Orders From Tokyo (20) . . 8-18
2001 Frontier Days (20) 12- 8
2002 Forest Commandos (20) • . 1-19
2003 Movieland Magic (20)... 3- 9
2004 Gem of the Ocean (20).. 4-13
44 7-14
9-22
2- 2
3-23
TECHNICOLOR ADVENTURES
2804 Let's Go Camping (10).. 7-27
2805 Girls and Flowers (..).. 5-25
5-25
VITAPHONE VARIETY
1406 Overseas Roundup No. 3
(10)
2401 Alice in Jungleland
(10)
2402 Miracle Makers (10
2404 So You Think You’re
2406 Smart as a Fox (10) 4-27
7-14
+
5-19
9-22
44
8-25
9- 1
10-27
44
11- 3
12- 1
+
1-12
1-26
+
2- 9
Republic
SERIALS
584 The Crimson Ghost (..).. 10-26
12 Chapters
691 Son of Zorro ( . . ) 1-18
13 Chapters
Jesse James Rides Again
<--) 3-21
13 Chapters
Jungle Girl (..) (Rerelease)..
15 Chapters
The Black Widow
13 Chapters
G-Men Never Forget ;...
13 Chapters
United Artists
DAFFY DITTIES
. The Lady Said No (8) . . 4-26
. Choo Choo Amigo (8) . . 7- 5
.©Pepito's Serenade (..). 8-16
4-27
7-20
9-14
LOEW MUSICOLOR
Toccata and Fugue (10). .10-15
SHORTS REVIEWS
Out West
Col (Three Stooges) 18 Mins.
Good. Typically-crude, bop-on-
head antics which have made the
Three Stooges popular. Although the
slapstick humor is anything but sub-
tle, it will set the majority of patrons
howling. Shemp, due to an infected
vein in his leg, is told to go west.
Out there, gangsters think the "vein"
is a gold mine and they try to fleece
him in a crooked poker game. The
boys are finally forced to capture
the outlaws triple-handed. One orig-
inal touch has the U.S. cavalry of-
ficer furious because his men rode to
the rescue and arrived too late —
contrary to film tradition.
I Love My Wife But —
MGM (Pete Smith Specialty) 9 Mins.
Very good. Chosen as the short
to inaugurate National Laugh week,
this gets its laughs through the use
of down-to-earth situations and high-
ly amusing gags that average audi-
ences best appreciate. Dave O'Brien,
who formerly appeared in features,
and his pretty little wife are well
cast as Mr. and Mrs. Average Couple
who go through a dozen daily an-
noyances. Among the countless lit-
tle things that irritate the husband
are waiting for wifie to dress, help-
ing her pick out a hat, listening to
her gab far into the night and many
more.
Wife Tames Wolf
RKO (Leon Errol Comedy) 17 Mins.
Fair. Mrs. Errol decides to put a
stop to her husband's philandering.
Friends get a beautiful girl to make
love to Errol. He resists her ad-
vances, but she begs him to run
away with her. Her "husband" dis-
covers this and tells Errol he must
shoot himself to escape disgrace.
Errol finds out the entire affair is a
hoax and pretends to shoot himself.
Girls and Gags
(Ed Thorgersen Movietone)
20th-Fox (Adventure) 8 Mins.
Fair. Showing Dick Pope, Florida
publicity man, faking scenes for pub-
licity pictures gives an excuse to use
pretty girls in a number of bathing
suit poses. Camera fans in the audi-
ence may be able to get some ideas
for their hobby from the camera an-
gles and technique used. Filmed in
Technicolor.
WB
Keystone Hotel
(Featurette) 20 Mins.
Very good. A rerelease employ-
ing the slapstick talents of most of
the Keystone comics of the Mack
Sennett silent films, this is an up-
roariously funny and frantic custard
pie comedy. The younger genera-
tion will howl at the silly antics and
low-brow humor while the oldsters
will get a great kick out of seeing
such oldtimers as the cross-eyed
Ben Turpin, Ford Sterling, Chester
Conklin, Hank Mann, Bert Roach and
a matronly Marie Prevost cutting up
in their familiar knockabout fashion.
The action includes a beauty parade
which is broken up by a gooey pie
barrage and the timely arrival of
the famous Keystone cops.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 12, 1997
14
Opinions on Current Productions, and
ixpioitips for Selling to the Public
FEATURE REVIEWS
The Other Love F
United Artists ( ) 98 Minutes Rel.
Barbara Stanwyck, who excels in highly-emotional por-
trayals, has an acting field day in this romantic drama with
tragic undertones. She gives a stirring performance in the
role of a world-famous pianist who wears a succession of
striking gowns, goes from the depths of despair to the heights
of happiness and finishes with an effective, if overlong, death
scene. While the picture will have its strongest appeal to
women patrons. Miss Stanwyck's marquee draw should in-
sure above-average grosses in all except action houses. The
musical score by Miklos Rozsa is superb and includes sev-
eral fine piano interludes. Andre De Toth's direction is occa-
sionally slow-paced, but he builds up to a tremendous climax.
Much of the action takes place in and about a sanitarium
for consumptives where a famous pianist goes to regain her
health. The pianist falls in love with her doctor.
Barbara Stanwyck, David Niven, Richard Conte, loan Lorring,
Gilbert Roland, Maria Palmer, Edward Ashley.
I
That's My Man F
Republic (613) 104 Minutes Rel.
A solid entry in the currently popular cycle dealing with
horses, this has a heart-warming quality throughout as well
as a tremendously exciting racetrack climax. The latter,
which has been splendidly photographed, will have many
patrons on the edges of their seats despite the film rule that
the heroine's horse always romps home the winner. While
the story follows a familiar pattern with a few draggy se-
quences, Director Frank Borzage has injected the human in-
terest touches that insure the picture's mass appeal. Cath-
erine McLeod makes a lovely and sympathetic heroine, Don
Ameche gives a likable portrayal and Joe Frisco contributes
a colorful bit as a dim-witted track follower. After Don's horse
is raised and wins its first race, Ameche gets the gambling
fever and leaves his wife. She takes the horse out of retire-
ment and it wins the gold cup race. A happy reunion follows.
Don Ameche, Catherine McLeod, Roscoe Kama, John Ridgely,
Frankie Darro, Dorothy Adams, Joe Frisco, John Miljan.
Comedy
Drama
Rel. Apr. 1, '47
Yankee Fakir
Republic (611) 71 Minutes
This is a western gone whimsical and the result is defi-
nitely good entertainment. Setting is a sleepy little town
in Arizona at the turn of the century which suddenly comes
to life when two traveling pitchmen carom into town to sell
their wares and stay at a local boarding house. When the
father of the beauty who runs the boarding house is killed,
they become involved in the solution of the murder. High
and often subtle comedy emerges, after one of the pitchmen
persuades a grizzled old prospector to pose as his wealthy
uncle so they can track down suspects. Their offer of a $50,-
000 prize for exposure of "the worst character in town" re-
sults in some of the most amusing scenes. The entire film
is played broadly and no one is expected to take the novel
plot too seriously. Producer-Director W. Lee Wilder did an
excellent job.
Douglas Fowley, Joan Woodbury, Clem Bevans, Ransom Sher-
man, Frank Reicher, Marc Lawrence, Walter Soderling.
r
Dark Delusion
F
Drama
MGM ( )
90 Minutes
Rel.
MGM brings back the popular Dr. Gillespie, in the person
of Lionel Barrymore, in a dramatic, absorbing story. The cast
offers substantial marquee appeal, with beautiful Lucille
Bremer capably carrying the feminine lead. Emphasis is on
a psychological theme, but Miss Bremer makes an attractive
psychopathic case and prevents the proceedings from be-
coming too morbid. Keye Luke is on hand in his familiar
role as the Chinese physician at Blair General hospital and
provides laughs. Also on the humorous side is a sequence
involving a gin rummy game between Barrymore and a de-
ranged patient. A minor plot complication is introduced to
sustain interest. James Craig temporarily takes over a pri-
vate practice. He aids another doctor on Miss Bremer's case,
risking his medical reputation to prove her sanity. She re-
covers and falls in love with him. Willis Goldbeck directed.
Lionel Barrymore, James Craig, Lucille Bremer, Jayne Mead-
ows, Warner Anderson, Henry Stephenson, Alma Kruger.
The Mighty McGurk
MGM (711)
85 Minutes
Comedy
Rel. Jan. 17, '47
Wallace Beery repeats the soft-hearted, sentimental brag-
gart characterization he first made famous in "The Champ,"
back in 1931, in a hokum-filled period comedy. With Beery's
faithful following and Dean Stockwell's engaging child por-
trayal to attract the women, this should do above-average
business generally and score heavily in the neighborhood
houses. Beery, who murders the king's English, is neatly
contrasted with Stockwell, with his precise pronunciation,
and between them they will garner a goodly amount of
laughs as well as a few tears from the more tender-hearted
patrons. The story follows a familiar pattern for these Beery
vehicles, even to his customary sharp-tongued romantic in-
terest, well played by Aline MacMahon. An ex-prize ring
champion against his will finds himself the foster-father of a
young English orphan. John Waters directed.
Wallace Beery, Dean Stockwell, Edward Arnold, Aline Mac-
Mahon, Aubrey Mather, Dorothy Patrick.
Three on a Ticket
F
Mystery
PRC (715)
64 Minutes
Rel. Apr. 5, '47
If this first of the new Michael Shayne sleuth series is any
criterion of what is to follow, the films should garner better
than average attention in the houses in which they play.
The story is well knit and moves along without lagging. The
cast turns in convincing performances in a plot that manages
to hold one's interest until the final comic punch in the wind-
<up — calculated to send any audience from the theatre in a
pleasant mood. Herein, Shayne becomes involved in a tangle
of murder, blackmail and robbery, with the usual display
of fisticuffs, gunplay and "smart detective outwitting the
dull police" routine. A crooked private eye stumbles into
Shayne's office mortally wounded and falls dead at Shayne's
feet, leaving no clues other than a portion of a baggage check
tightly clutched in his dead hand. Shayne takes it from
there. Directed by Sam Newfield.
Hugh Beaumont, Cheryl Walker, Paul Bryar, Ralph Dunn,
Louise Currie, Gavin Gordon, Charles Quigley.
The Ghost Goes Wild
P Romantic
Comedy
Republic (605) 66 Minutes Rel. Mar. 8, '47
While there is little originality to this light comedy about
a phony spook, there is enough humor and romance to
satisfy neighborhood patrons. The improbability of the plot
and the somewhat trite dialog are overcome by Edward
Everett Horton. In his familiar role as a butler, he ade-
quately carries off most of the comic situations. Anne
Gwynne and Stephanie Bachelor prettily play the romantic
foils. Despite the efforts of these players there is not suffi-
cient action to sustain interest throughout the film. Ruth
Donnelly; as an aggressive dowager, provides some amus-
ing moments. Hoping to avoid a lawsuit brought by Miss
Donnelly, James Ellison, a commercial artist, pretends to be
dead. His hoax is discovered but the ghost of Miss Don-
nelly's husband saves Ellison from jail. Directed by George
Blair.
James Ellison, Anne Gwynne, Edward Everett Horton, Ruth
Donnelly, Stephanie Bachelor. Grant Withers.
Shoot to Kill
Screen Guild (4615)
Melodrama
65 Minutes Rel. Mar. 15, '47
Done in the flashback method, this action programmer, un-
der the aegis of Producer-Director William Berke, who has
used his knowledge of the field to good advantage, sets a
fast pace which it maintains throughout. Telling the story
of a crooked assistant district attorney who is controlled by
underworld thugs in a big city, the framing of a man on
the fringes of the rackets, and the meting out of justice
brought about by the D.A.’s young secretary and a news-
paper reporter, it is well made, adequately enacted and sus-
penseful. Due to some double-double-double crosses, the
plot becomes confusing in spots but manages to accomplish
its ends. Photography and musical scoring rate high and do
much toward sustaining the tense mood with which the film
is imbued. It should do well in the markets for which it is
aimed.
Russell Wade, Susan Walters, Edmund MacDonald, Douglas
Blackley, Vince Barnett, Nestor Paiva.
810
BOXOFFICE April 12, 1947
809
16
EXPLOITS \
Suggestions for Selling the Picture;
Adlines for Newspaper and Programs
SELLING ANGLES: "Dark Delusion"
The Dr. Gillespie pictures have been absent from the screen
for some time. Emphasis may be placed on the return of
Lionel Barrymore as the popular physician. The series has
won a substantial following and may be sold on reputation.
The majority of the cast, including Keye Luke, portray fa-
miliar characters. Lucille Bremer is cast in her first straight
dramatic role, a departure from musical comedy. This fact
may stir additional interest.
CATCHLINES:
What Monstrous Secret Threatened Her Sanity? . . . Haunt-
ed by a Secret She Dared Not Reveal . . . Caught in a Web
of Fear ... He Risked Scandal to Save Her ... He Found
Cynthia's Secret . . . Haunted by Fear.
He Fought the World to Save Her Mind . . . 'Persecuted by
a Nameless Fear . . . Her Secret Closed Her Mind to Reality
. . . What Was Her Secret Fear . . . Brought Back to Sanity
and Love.
SELLING ANGLES: "The Mighty McGurk"
Wallace Beery already has a big following in action houses
and among male patrons in neighborhood spots. Attract the
women by playing up Dean Stockwell, the engaging child
star of "The Green Years" and "Home Sweet Homicide."
Show giant footprints in several localities, all pointing in
the direction of the theatre, stating "The Mighty McGurk
Stood Here." Have the doorman dress in flashy clothes simi-
lar to those worn by Beery. Make tieups with sporting goods
stores for displays of boxing gloves and stills showing Beery
and Stockwell in fighting poses.
CATCHLINES:
Wallace Beery, the Two-Fisted Champ, Meets His Match
in a Lovable Orphaned Youngster ... A Blustering Boozy
Old Ex-Champ Who Glories in Being Idolized by a Waif.
Wallace Beery Re-Creates His Most Famous Role, The
Champ, With a New Child Star, Dean Stockwell . . . Bluster-
ing and Battling, Whining and Wheedling His Way Into
Everyone's Heart.
SELLING ANGLES: "Three on a Ticket"
Arrange with public libraries, circulating libraries and
book stores in town for displays of mystery and detective
novels garnished with production stills and cards giving
playdates, etc. Sell the mystery and intrigue in "Three on
a Ticket" via radio spots placed before and after popular
detective and mystery shows such as Mr. District Attorney,
Suspense and Inner Sanctum. Promote a newspaper
and radio contest to link the names of famous fictional char-
acters with the actors and actresses who portray them on the
screen, with plugs for Hugh Beaumont in the role of Michael
Shayne.
CATCHLINES:
Lady-Killer Mike Shayne Tracks Down a Killer-Lady . . .
Three Crooks on a One-Way Ticket to the Morgue . . . Dapper
Mike Shayne Almost Meets His Master . . . Double-Barreled
Action as This Detective Stalks Killers . . . The Ticket He
Held Was Part of a Murder Puzzle That Almost Cost Him His
Life to Solve.
SELLING ANGLES: "Shoot to Kill"
Set up lighting effect in the lobby to throw shadows of
men with guns in their hands, pointing at a dummy in a
crouching attitude in one corner. Placard the town with jail-
break signs and photos of the escaped criminal in the film,
telling the public they will be able to identify him at such-
and-such theatre. Secure police department cooperation in
arranging a display of guns taken in gangster raids. Stuff
folders in crime, detective and mystery magazines.
CATCHLINES:
They Made Him the Patsy for Their Underworld Activities
. . But He Escaped to Double-Double-Cross the Gang Whose
Only Desire Was to Run the Town to Their Advantage . . .
Murder Screaming From Every Headline ... Yet the Town's
Own Leaders Led a Double Life.
They Shoot to Kill Whoever Stands in Their Way . . .
Murder Is Their Business . . . As They Ride Their Terror-
Ridden Way Roughshod Over Any Interference.
SELLING ANGLES: “The Other Love"
The Barbara Stanwyck name, coupled with that of David
Niven and Richard Conte, is the picture's chief selling point.
Stress the fact that the story is by Erich Maria Remarque,
author of the best-seller “Arch of Triumph," and that the
musical score is by Miklos Rozsa, whose scores for "Spell-
bound" and other films are on sale in record shops. Make a
tieup with a local florist for displays of a "Barbara Stanwyck
Orchid," similar to the white orchid which plays an important
part in the story.
CATCHLINES:
Barbara Stanwyck in Her Greatest Emotional Portrayal —
a Famous Pianist Who Had a Rendezvous With Death . . .
Her Doctor Prescribed Rest and Quiet But She Preferred the
Excitement That Led to Disaster ... A Lady Who Gambled
With Life Until Fate Turned the Wheel.
A Mysterious White Orchid, From an Unknown Sender,
Made Her Live Life to the Fullest ... "I Was Afraid of Losing
Time — Now I Know That Time Stands Still When We Love."
SELLING ANGLES: "That's My Man"
Play up the fact that Catherine McLeod was the star of Re-
public's recent Technicolor special, "I've Always Loved You,"
which was directed by Frank Borzage, also director of this
picture. Stress Don Ameche's appearance in a modern role,
but run a contest, with tickets as prizes, for patrons who can
name all the inventors or historical characters he has por-
trayed on the screen. Have an usher or doorman, dressed
as a jockey, handing out throwaways made up like racing
forms to attract turf enthusiasts.
CATCHLINES:
Pulse-Pounding Excitement — Heart-Tingling Thrills . . . The
Towering Story of a Turbulent Love Told to the Thunder of
Horse's Hoofbeats . . . The Tale of a Man and a Horse — of
a Fabulous Era Written on Gambling Tables and the Turf.
His Love for Gallant Man, His Horse, Almost Superseded
His Devotion for the Gallant Lady Who Loved Him . . . Frank
Borzage's Greatest Triumph — a Fast-Moving Drama of Love
and Excitement on the Racetrack.
SELLING ANGLES: "Yankee Fakir"
Have a pitchman set up shop in front of the theatre and
sell the merits of the picture. As an added attraction, he
could give out a number of free tickets while he is putting
on a show combining magic tricks with barking of the bally-
hoo for the film. Sponsor a contest with free tickets for letters
describing the best character in town and tie it up with the
sequence in the show which features a $50,000 prize for "the
worst character in town." The contrast should be worth some
space in local papers. Sell the fact that it is a different
sort of western full of comedy and fun.
CATCHLINES:
Here Comes the Roaming Romeo of the High Roads With
Magic in His Fingers and Romance on His Mind . . . It's
Homicide and a Houseful of Fantastic Humor . . . The Way
He Steals Her Heart Is Simply Magical ... He Sold Junk
Jewelry but His Heart Was Pure Gold . . . He Was Footloose
and Fancyfree Until He Wandered Into This Sleepy Little
Western Town.
SELLING ANGLES: "The Ghost Goes Wild"
With emphasis on the comic spook angle in your advertis-
ing this film may prove most suitable on the top half of a
midweek dual. Small cardboard ghost figures dangling on
strings in the lobby should help carry out this exploitation
theme. Two larger ghost figures in phosphorescent paint on
display boards may be placed just inside the auditorium a
few days before the picture opens. The cast does not offer
substantial marquee appeal.
CATCHLINES:
The Wildest Spook Chase on Record ... A High Spirited
Comedy . . . Laughs Galore as the Ghost Goes on a Woman
Chase . . . Ghostly Laugh Riot . . . You'll Catch the Spirit of
This Rollicking Spook Hunt.
She Proved You Can Romance a Ghost . . . What Can You
Do With a Ghost That Won't Behave . . . This Spook Was
Scared by the Skeleton in His Closet . . . Can Spooks Keep
Secrets? . . . It's Happy Haunting.
The Industry's Market for Purchase or Sale of Equipment. Theatres. Service
• Classified Ads 10c Per Word. Payable in Advance. Minimum $1.00. Display Rates on Request •
Complete army theatre jobs — Simplex SP, $995;
JeVry with high intensity arcs, $2,495; Holmes
'rofessional with low intensity arcs, $1,295;
.ingle Amproarc 16mm outfits, $1,295; excellent
ondition. Super Simplex, RCA Sound, $3,850.
.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 VV. 42nd St.,
lew York 18.
War Surplus — Reels or cans 1600 ft., 98c ea. ;
,200 ft., 44c; latest rebuilt projeclor heads, Cen-
ary, $595; Brenkert, $795; Super Simplex, $650;
ieconditioned Coldseal two unit ticket machines,
tport price, $195; Kliegel Arcspot, 100 am-
eres, $125; Footlights, $14.50 section. Send
>r catalog. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W.
2nd St., New York 18.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— USED
Ultraphone sound system, complete. Ready for
hipment. Best offer takes it. Ritz, 1601 So.
nd St., Louisville, Ky.
For Sale: Two Powers mechanisms, stands,
agazines, lenses, soundheads, operadio amplifier,
rong low intensity lamps, rectifiers, Jensen
>eaker. Excellent condition, $700, E. L. Orn-
ein Theatres, Marengo, Ind.
X. Hertner horizontal generator, 80-160 amps,
volts rheostats for Suprex operation, including
eter and voltage regulator panel. Guaranteed
ndition. Ideal for drive-in or large theatre. A
y at present day prices for $700. 2. Western
ectric sound equipment, serviced and guaranteed
ndition. Wide range apertures, motor generator,
own & Brockmeyer motors, 75 watts of audio,
42 and two 43 amplifiers modified. Ideal
Drive-in or large theatre, $900. 3. Cincin-
!i Time recorder sound equipment, overhauled
guaranteed condition. Two Scott Ballantyne
plifiers. Excellent for small theatre, $350
blic Chair Installation Co., 318 Film Bldg
08 Payne Ave„ Cleveland, Ohio.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— NEW
Poster Cases — Stainless steel, 40x65 glass size,
equipped with cold cathode tube illumination
around entire case. Immediate delivery. All other
sizes, delivery in 10 days. Literature upon re-
quest. Ben B. Poblocki & Sons, 2159 South Kin-
nicklnnic Ave., Milwaukee 7, Wis.
Changeable letter admission signs, $1.95; let-
ters, 5c ea.; fountain bubblers, $10.95; carbon
savers 1/3 cost, sizes 6mm to 13mm, 77c; twin
boxoffice clocks, $24.95; latest Superior projector
mechanisms, $695; automatic record changers,
$19.95; dimmers, 2450W, $22.50; 2000W, $19 95
1650W, $15.95; 1350W, $13.50. Send for Cata-
log. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd
St., New York 18
CUflRIHG HOUSE
THEATRES FOR SALE
Theatre circuit- Five small theatres in Norfolk,
Virginia, area. Experienced principals only.
B-2692, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas
City 1, Mo.
HELP WANTED
C/02 Extinguishers: Kidde Lux ten pound type,
10-S ready to use, $46 list, less 40%. Freight
prepaid on four or more. Condition guaranteed
Albany Theatre Supply Co., 1046 Broadway,
Albany, N. Y.
THEATRE SEATING
Complete portable 35mm sound projection out-
Iwo 35mm Holmes lamp sound projectors
2m. ft. magazines. Amplifier and speaker in
$750. 8x10 Dalite beaded, roll-up type
een in waterproof carrying case with screen
)ods, $75. Write, wire, phone, Jeanne Moore,
E. Ohio St., Chicago 11, 111. Superior 8222
pile pair genuine Simplex, front shutter, three
nt bases, double bearing, good running condi-
' $650. Garland Theatres, Garland, Tex.
lomplete booth equipment, pair Powers 6B,
laphone soundheads, amplifier, booth and stage
aker, pair rectifiers, all for $600. Equipment
' in use. Garland Theatres, Garland, Tex
or Sale: Two Holmes professional models,
ng lamps and rectifiers, new speakers and am-
er. This outfit includes 1941 V8 sedan de-
y with new Mercury motor (100 IIP), radio,
er, five good tires, everything ready to go in
show business. Price $2,250, cash. Write nr
A. C. Morris, Morgantown, W. Va.
5,000 Used Upholstereo Upera Chairs, tor siupt
and level floor. Some full upholstered back, spring
edge seat. Some panel upholstered back, box seat
Also veneer chairs. Leatherette available, $1.25
per yd. Write for actual photograph and price on
chairs. Advise how many you need. Chicago Used
Chair Mart, 829 So. State St.. Chicago.
Fensin Chair maintenance headquarters has all
parts and accessories for all chairs. Also uphol-
stery fabrics and theatre chair supplies. Send us
your sample for quotation. Repair service avail-
able right in your theatre also. Fensin Seating
Co., 62 E. 13th St,, Chicago 5, 111.
Theatre Circuit: Four theatres near Weiser,
Idaho. Controlling four towns. Over 1,100 seats,
good equipment, priced to sell at $85,000. Good
terms. Contact Nolen Howard, Ritz Theatre Bldg.,
Payette, Idaho, or J. C. Butler, 304 S. W. 4th
Ave., Portland, Oregon. A.B.C. Brokerage Co.
Write for free list of theatres and theatre
leases now available in the northwest. Theatre
Exchange, Governor Bldg., Portland. Ore
Small Theatre in Virginia, 325 seats, manutac-
turing town, six-room bungalow. New theatre, new
equipment, RCA sound, super Simplex mechanisms.
Will sell right now in operation. All must go.
Write B-2694, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd
Kansas City 1, Mo.
1,200 Used Spring cushioned theatre chair*.
$1.50 ea., and $3.50 ea., complete. Immediate
delivery. Russell Chair, 2567 McClellan, Detroit,
Mich. Phone LENox 3445.
Complete booth equipment used, including sound-
ds, Simplex projection heads, motors, generator,
)ng lamps, stage speaker, screen, etc. Also 175
wooden theatre seats. Make offer. Cinderella
atre, 2735 Cherokee St., St.. Louis 18, Mo
We have the cream of the used chair market.
We choose the best lots available. 10,000 first
class used upholstered chairs now available We
can furnish 19 in., 20 in., 21 in. chairs for all
slopes and level floor. Write or phone for exaci
photo and price. Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829
3. State St., Chicago 5, 111. Phone Webster 4518
lApci w at .yuui uicairc ur sent
to us. One day service. Ace Chair & Carpet, Inc.,
1428 So. Wabash Ave., Chicago 5. Phone V
3932 or HARrison 4219.
For Sale: New modern 400-seat theatre in cen-
tral Michigan. Excellent territory in fast growing
town, $15,000 down. B-2699, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Theatre: Oregon county seat town. Owner says
cleared $500 last month after paying manager’s
salary and all expenses. Nice new place to live
included in deal. $15,000 cash will handle. Thea-
tre: About one hour's drive from metropolitan
Portland. An easy living can be made by most
anyone here. Situated in the heart of one of the
most scenic spots in America. $15,000 includes
modern building. Theatre: County seat town of
2,500 population. Owner selling on account of
other interests. Easy terms with only $5,000
down. Theatre: Portland suburban. New booth
equipment, good district. $32,500 full price
Might consider some terms. Write us for infor-
mation on these and many other good theatre buys
Theatre Exchange Co., 217 Governor Bldg , Port-’
land 4, Ore.
Wanted: Experienced sound and all around
maintenance man. Wire or phone, Manos Thea-
tres, Inc., Toronto, Ohio.
Wanted: Supervising repairman. Young, am-
bitious, dependable. Familiar with theatre chair
construction, installation and repair. Free to
travel. Salary $58 per week plus traveling ex-
penses. State qualifications. B-2702, Boxoffice,
825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Build double-parking drive-over ramp drive-in
theatres under franchise patent No. 2,102,718,
r0eA-fsue No. 22,756. Patent application ’ No.’
301,713. Gives up to 30% more seating capacity
without additional cost. Louis Josserand. archi-
tect, 628 M&M Bldg., Houston, Tex 607 Ar-
Manager wanted. Must know equipment. Could
use man and wife. Small, good town, Saturday,
Sunday matinees only. A chance for a real hustler.
Per cent or salary. Wire, write, or phone H. Ford
Taylor, Ballinger, Tex.
Wanted : Sound and projection engineer. PiT
manent position open with long established or-
ganization for man experienced in maintaining and
installing sound and projection equipment. Ap-
plicant must be free to travel and willing to ac-
cept foreign service for two years. Starting salary
$4,902 subject to qualifications with increase to
$6,127 on commencement of foreign duty. Splen-
did opportunity for advancement. B-2706, Box-
office, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City i. Mo
POSITIONS WANTED
Manager, experienced, reliable, sober, energetic
young man. Box 114, Atkins, Va.
Projectionist, serviceman, nine years experience.
All types of equipment. Married, prefer Texas
B-2707, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd.. Kansas
City 1, Mo.
Projection equipment repairman with wide ex-
perience in projection, and theatre equipment sup-
ply business. Wide experience on products sold
ill both the equipment supply fields, also associated
electrical equipment. B-2708, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
POPCORN MACHINES
Burch — Manley — Cretors — Advances — All elec-
tric French fry types. Karmelkorn Equipment. 12.0
S. Halstead, Chicago 6, 111.
or Sale: PG-140 RCA sound system, com-
e. Pair Simplex E-7 mechanisms, LL-2 super
is, pair Magnarc lamps, rewind table and film
net. Used very little, like new. $6,200 cash
Per Mincey. Tos Theatre, Claxton, Ga
wo DeVry portable projectors with amplifier.
’■ McNew, Virgil, Kas.
n account of Camp Breckenridge closing have
).ete booth equipment for sale. Three 35mm
ses projectors complete with motors, maga-
i and lamp houses. Three 4% in. lenses. Two
1 bases, amplifier, speaker, monotar speaker,
ty extra 1509W lamps, exciter lamps, belts,
5 electric cells and tubes. Can be seen in
ition at City Hall, Morgan field, Ky Everv-
' $1,250. Chief of Police.
Phone Buckingham 0030.
uiuiio, ouu guuu uacKs, ouu spring
cushions and hinges. Write for prices and photo-
McClellan Ave., LEnox 3445, Detroit, Mich.
Sewn Delux seat covers and sewn slip covers,
reversible type, for all brands seats. Fred’s
ire Service, Vina, Ala.
-------- i--i uot. O.V.O. VjlIlCI
Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St., New York 18.
New Chairs, prompt delivery! ! ! Attract!
— .... uiu/icaivauic at anuuru.s, mgii grade
mohair or heavy leatherette upholstery. Wire or
phone. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp.. 449 W 42nd
St.., New York 18.
ir Sale. Two complete Simplex projectors,
sting of changeovers, lenses, magazines and
General Electric copper oxide rectifiers. Good
tion Inquire American Theatre, 3621 Main
East Chicago, Ind.
irgam prices. Low intensity lamps, rectifiers
r generator sets, rheostats, sound heads, am-
rs, speakers, one syncrofilm portable 35mm
ctor, sound. Pair Preddey DC HI lamps and
■iers. Many other items. Let us know your
• Stebbins Theatre Equipment Co., 1804
dotte St., Kansas City 8, Mo
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
igo With More Action. $2.25 thousand
RA.so.oher games. Novelty Games Co..
Bedford Ave., Brooklyn 16. N. Y.
1?°,^rds’ 10® or 75 number, $2.75 per M-
if 10M or more, $2.50 per M. 100 number’
v6 alw°o.KT'° Kame- Premium Product*
V. 44th St., New York City.
MISCELLANEOUS
)ks: Servicing data. Servicing booklets, am-
s, speakers, soundheads, $1.95. Anv onuin-
Wesley Trout, Engineer, 575. Enid. Ok'a.
OFFICE : : April 12, 1947
Clearance: 175 all veneer A-l condition, $2 ea
400 Heywood box spring panel back. $2 50 ea
Albany Theatre Supply Co., 1046 Broadway Al-
bany, N. Y.
1.000 Velour covered backs box spring cushion,
excellent condition. $3 ea. Lease expired, must
act quick! Contact Mrs. Kelin, Albany 5-5055
Albany, N. Y.
200 Heywood panel box spring cushion 19-20
in., like new, $3 ea. Albany Theatre Supply Co..
1046 Broadway, Albany. N. Y.
16 Spring Floating Comfort, immediate de-
livery. Veneers $1.50 up. Spring cushion, $2.50
up. Arkansas Theatre Equipment Co.. Gravette
Ark. Phone 109.
THEATRE TICKETS
Prompt Service — Special printed roll tickets
100.000, $19.90: 10,000, $5.95: 2,000, $3.75
Each change in admission price including change
in color, $2.50 extra, double numbering extra. Ship-
ping charges paid to 1.000 miles. Cash with order
Kansas City Ticket Co., Dept. 9, 1819 Central
Kansas City, Mo.
EQUIPMENT WANTED
Wanted: One or two AC transformers. Slrori",
preferably for use with Conner covered carbons
using 80 amps. Plymouth Theatre, P!> mouth Ohio
f Only theatre growing town 2,500, southern New
Mexico. Excellent building, E-7 Simplex high
j Jamps- Exceptional climate, hunting, fishing
Thorough investigation profits to qualified pros-
■ pects. $35,750. $23,500 cash down. Exclusive
with Arthur Leak, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex
- Theatre. In fast growing town of approximate-
r p 1:,no° Population, 10 miles from Kansas City
Excellent drawing community surrounding. $12 500
f cash. B-2704, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd
Kansas City 1, Mo.
theatres: Before you buy or sell, contact J C
d "Ptler, A.B.C. Brokerage Co., 304 SW 4th Ave.,
J Portland, Ore.
Unly theatre outstanding town over 2,000 cen-
ts tral Texas. Stone building included. Top equip-
trade territory, includes ten towns
, without, theatres. Exact records available qualified
prospects. $28,000 handles. Appointment please
Arthur Leak. 3422 Kinmore. Dallas, Tex
County seat eastern Kansas. Only theatre, good
equipment, business. Selling approximately one
year s gross. $10,000 down. No brokers. B-2705.
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
THEATRES WANTED
Sell Your Theatre Privately. Confidential cor-
respondence invited. References. Arthur Leak
Theatres Exclusively. 3422 Kinmore, Dallas Tex
Veteran will buy or lease theatres in Indiana,
Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio. Box 172, Linton. Ind
Lease theatre, 400 to 600 seats, with option to
buy. West coast preferred. Glenn Parrish Box
618. Edmonds, Wash.
Small profitable theatre wanted. Send details
Box 241. Broken Arrow. Okla.
Southern Michigan or northern Ohio. 400-600
seats. Buy or lease. Give full details. Don
Martin, Chelsea, Mich.
Veteran has cash for theatres in Indiana. Ken-
tucky, Illinois. Ohio. Box 172, Linton, Ind
Want to buy theatre showing nice profit in
town of 1,000 or over. State full particulars
B-2703, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd,. Kansas
City 1. Mo.
AIR CONDITIONING
1 Have 150 used brass 214 to 3 gal. per minute
spray nozzles at $1 ea. Also have 400 % in
Rainbow Mist spray nozzles, new brass. Watei
broken fine misty spray. 1% gal. capacity; 750
nozzles, % in. capacity, 1 to 1% gal. per minute;
«?•?. nozz'es> % in. capacity, 1 gal. per minute.
Will sell all these sizes nozzles 80c ea while
they last. Shipment at once. Also I have some
Texrope drives, Bronze Randall Bearings, belts and
drives. G. A. Peterson, R2, Clinton, Mo. ,
CONFECTIONS
Standard brand candy bars, $10.50 per carton.
Also popcorn and seasoning FOB Chicago. Con-
Section Distributing Co., 717 W. 119th St , Chi- P
cago 28, 111. Phone COMmodore 1727. 5
Rebuilt Popcorn Machines for sale. Fully guar-
anteed. Price from $150. CONSOLIDATED CON-
FECTIONS. 1314 S. Wabash, Chicago 5, 111,
Blevins is national headquarters for popcorn
machines. Silver Stars, Super Stars, Corn Cribs
Old machines taken in trade. Blevins Popcorn Co.,
Nashville, Tenn.
Real Bargains used popcorn machines. Burch,
Cretor, Advance, guaranteed. Poppers Supply, Box
838. Atlanta, Ga.
Star popcorn machines. All models. Prunty
Seed & Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2,
Mo.
Small Star machine in good condition with new
heating element. Will pop $10 per hour. First
$150 takes it. State Theatre, Caledonia, Minn.
For Sale: 1946 Viking DeLuxe popcorn machine
used less than one year. Looks like new. Follett
Theatre, Follett, Tex.
POPCORN SUPPLIES
Write for our special contract which guarantees
you more profits and greater savings on all your
popcorn and popcorn supplies. Blevins Bee Hive
Popcorn Co., Nashville. Tenn.
Home of "Rush Hour’’ popcorn and popcorn
supplies. Send for price list. Prunty Seed &
Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2 Mo
Established 1874.
SOUND EQUIPMENT
RCA Reflex horns, 20 in. bell, PM driver,
$45.75; plenty used 16mm sound projectors cheap;
WE wire recorder heads less motor and amplifi-
cation, $49.50; RCA PM Torpedo metal horn-
speakers, $29.95; new multicellular hifreciuency
horns, $75; new Zeiss Ikon 35mm sound pro-
jectors, $275; new standard soundheads, $91 25-
new theatre amplifiers, 17 watt, $95; 30 watt,
$125. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W 42nd
St., New York 18.
STUDIO EQUIPMENT
Beautiful cinekodak special camera, FI. 9 lens,
$495; Mitchell animation camera, $985; BH ultra
speed shutters, $195; Camera Dolly. $275; RCA
Ihotophone complete recording outfit, $6,475;
THEATRE PRINTING
Window Cards, 3-sheets, photo offset house
SIGNS
Easy Way to Paint signs. Use letter patterns.
Address copy to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kcnsas City 1, Mo
rerms ciose Monday noon preceding publication date.
The PRIZE
You’re in the SPOTLIGHT, brother!
BABY’S Spotlight. .. of patrons' EYES . . . and EARS
. . . searching for entertainment ... and finding it . . .
through the sparkling Salesmanship ... of Talking
TRAILERS . . . the colorful Showmanship ... of eye-
popping ACCESSORIES . . . the point-of-contact
combination... that turns SEEing...and HEARing
...into SPENDING... and shoppers into PATRONS!
It’s the gag white way that attracts patrons ... in
droues . . . SO . . . get on the BEAM, with The PRIZE
BABY, brother! . . . That SPOTLIGHT is on YOUR
Box Office!
vi f Baer of rnf wousmr
OFFICE
THESE ARE
REAL
DIAMONDS!
After seeing some of the future
M-G-M productions nearing
completion at the Studio we
decided the only adequate
way to display the M-G-M
name ( above ) was in genuine
diamonds. Like the jewels
in the photo, the subjects on
this page are priceless gems
destined to attract millions
of fans and their dollars to
the box-offices of America.
Be sure yours is one of them!
AY" ( Technicolor ) — Perfect
blending of song and story in a Big Attraction!
Mickey Rooney, Gloria DeHaven, Walter Huston,
Frank Morgan, "Butch” Jenkins, Marilyn Maxwell,
A /vnnr K nn H 1? /\«r1 a
LIVING IN A BIG WAY"— Music, fun, dancing
and romancing. Gene Kelly and Marie McDonald
plus Charles Winninger, Phyllis Thaxter, Spring
Byington.
"THE UNFINISHED DANCE" ( Technicolor )
— Drama with music. Behind the scenes of the
ballet. Margaret O’Brien, Cyd Charisse, Karin
Booth, Danny Thomas.
"FIESTA" ( Technicolor ) — A fiesta of entertain-
ment, romance, melody, adventure of Mexico.
Esther Williams, Akim Tamiroff, Cyd Charisse,
John Carroll, Mary Astor, Fortunio Bonanova and
introducing sensational Ricardo Montalban.
"SONG OF LOVE"— One of the greatest! The
romance of composers Clara and Robert Schu-
mann. Love, pathos, laughter, devotion and mar-
velous music. Starring Katharine Hepburn, Paul
Henreid, Robert Walker.
"THIS TIME FOR KEEPS" (Technicolor) -
Merry, romantic, melodic, spectacular. Esther
Williams, Lauritz Melchior, Jimmy Durante,
Johnnie Johnston, Xavier Cugat and orchestra.
Dame May Whitty, Sharon McManus.
"GREEN DOLPHIN STREET"- Prize novel,
best-seller, exciting, swash-buckling, romantic.
Lana Turner, Van Heflin, Donna Reed, Richard
Hart, Frank Morgan, Edmund Gwenn, Dame May
Whitty, Reginald Owen, Gladys Cooper.
"THE BIRDS AND THE BEES" ( Technicolor )
-By popular demand in a Big musical romance
following her triumphant singing tour, Jeanette.
MacDonald co-starred with Jose Iturbi, Jane
Powell and Edward Arnold, Harry Davenport.
"HIGH BARBAREE"— Thrilling romance by
the authors of "Mutiny on the Bounty”. Van
Johnson, June Allyson, Thomas Mitchell, Marilyn
Maxwell, Henry Hull, Claude Jarman, Jr.
HUMPHREY
BARBARA
K JB;:^p
'PvT ) sSW^t- -■ ' * ■ ;• X. v ^ / Bjj
Br .
H^K^v r-,- fl
K- .»,JB.-«a
y£B «* -rr
fill # 9
1 1 ” wWam I
B xF /Yr* wmmW gf||||ft.
■ 1 , '.M».l
Bv /■ a •
B ■,?{ r w Jtk. iPy* ••'
’ ''v,., (IMMHffyjjMfy " ffiWfcagpr. ?w*'
inr
vHWBBn^
FIRST DATE N.Y. HOLLYWOOD IS KNOCKII
DAY-AFTER-DAY IN ITS 3RD THRILL-AFT
SET IT UP FOR YOUR KILLING - WAf
'EM DIZZY/ LOBBY LINES, LOBBY LINES
i-THRILL WEEK. BROTHER SHOWMEN
IERS ARE READY WITH IT NOW.#
THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
PUBLISHED IN NINE SECTIONAL EDITIONS
BEN SHLYEN
Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
JAMES M. JERAULD Editor
NATHAN COHEN -Associate Editor
JESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor
IVAN SPEAR. Western Editor
J. HARRY TOLER Equipment Editor
RAYMOND LEVY General Manager
Published Every Saturday by
ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS
Editorial Offices: 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 20,
N. Y. ; Raymond Levy, General Manager; James M.
Jerauld, Editor; A. J. Stocker, Eastern Representa-
tive. Telephone Columbus 5-6370, 5-6371, 5-6372.
Cable address: "BOXOFFICE, New York."
Central Offices: 332 South Michigan Blvd., Chicago
4, 111. J. Harry Toler, Editor Modern Theatre Sec-
tion. Telephone WABash 4575.
Western Offices: 6404 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
28, Calif. Ivan Spear, Manager. Phone GLadstone
1186.
Washington Offices: 930 F Street, N. W. Lee L.
Garling, Manager. Telephone NAtional 3482. Film-
row: 932 New Jersey, N. W. Sara Young.
Publication Offices: 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City
1, Mo. Nathan Cohen, Associate Editor; Jesse Shlyen,
Managing Editor; A. Jules Benedic, Field Editor; Mor-
ris Schlozman, Business Manager. Telephone CHest-
nut 7777.
Other Publications: BOXOFFICE BAROMETER,
published in November as a section of BOXOFFICE;
THE MODERN THEATRE, published monthly as a
section of BOXOFFICE.
ALBANY— 21-23 Walter Ave., M. Berrigan.
ATLANTA— 163 Walton, N. W., P. H. Savin.
BALTIMORE — Upton Theatre, A. J. Wolf.
BIRMINGHAM — The News, Eddie Badger.
BOSTON — Hotel Vendome, Frances Harding.
BUFFALO — 20 St. Margaret's Court, Jim Schrader.
CHARLOTTE— 216 W. 4th, Pauline Griffith.
CHICAGO — 332 S. Michigan Blvd., Jonas Perlberg,
WABash 4575.
CINCINNATI — 1634 Central Parkway, Ross Williams.
CLEVELAND — 2568 Overlook Road, Cleveland Heights,
Elsie Loeb, Fairmount 0046.
DALLAS — 408 S. Harwood, V. W. Crisp, Southwestern
editor, R-2312.
DENVER— 1645 Lafayette, Jack Rose, TA 8517.
DES MOINES — Register <S Tribune Bldg., Russ Schoch.
DETROIT— 1009 Fox Theatre Bldg., H. F. Reves.
Telephones: RA 1100; Night, UN-4-0219.
INDIANAPOLIS — Rt. 8, Box 770, Howard M. Rudeaux.
LITTLE ROCK — Liberty Theatre, Herod Jimerson.
MIAMI — 66 S. Hibiscus Island, Mrs. Manton E. Har-
wood. 2952 Merrick Rd., Elizabeth Sudlow.
MEMPHIS— 707 Spring St., Null Adams, Tel. 48-5462.
MILWAUKEE — 5091 Plankinton Bldg., 161 W. Wiscon-
sin Ave,, Tames R. Gahagan. Telephones: BR 4938
and MA 0297.
MINNEAPOLIS — 29 Washington Ave., So., Les Rees.
NEW HAVEN — 40 Whiting St., Ann Donner.
NEW ORLEANS — 218 So. Liberty St., Mrs. Jack Auslet.
Telephone MA 5812.
OKIAHOMA CITY — Daily Oklahoman, Polly Trindle.
OMAHA — Omaha World-Herald Bldg., Lou Gerdes.
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Record Bldg., Broad
and Wood Sts., J. M. Makler.
PITTSBURGH — 86 Van Braam St., R. F. Klingensmith,
c/o Monogram Pictures.
PORTLAND, ORE.— 425 SW Columbia, Room 11, J. C.
Bowen.
RICHMOND — National Theatre. R. W. Eagan, 2-2567.
ST. LOUTS — 5149 Rosa Ave., David F. Barrett, Flan-
ders 3727.
SALT LAKE CITY — Deseret News, Howard Pearson.
SAN ANTONTO— 531 North St., L. J. B. Ketner.
FRANCISCO — 25 Taylor St., Gail Lipman,
OPdway 4812-4813.
SEATTT.E— 928 N. 84th St., Willard Elsey.
TOLEDO — 4330 Willys Pkwy., Anna Kline.
IN CANADA
CALGARY — The Albertan, Wm. Campbell.
MONTREAL — 4330 Wilson Ave., N. D. G., Roy Car-
michael, Walnut 5519.
ST. JOHN — 116 Prince Edward St., Wm. J. McNulty.
TORONTO — 242 Milwood, Milton Galbraith.
VANCOUVER — 411 Lyric Theatre Bldg., Jack Droy.
VICTORIA — 938 Island Highway, Alec Merriman.
WINNIPEG— 709 Selkirk Ave., Ben Lepkin.
Member Audit Bureau of Circulations
Entered as Second Class matter at Post Office, Kansas City, Mo.
Sectional Edition, $2.00 per year; National Edition, $7.50
Vol. 50 No. 24
APRIL 19, 1947
MERRY-GO-ROUND
£/l/ ITH a weather eye to the legal compli-
cations that may be involved, distributing companies are ap-
proaching changes in sales policies as near to the dictates of
the New York decree as they feel is safe. This, despite the fact
that the majority asked for a stay of competitive bidding. And
those exhibitors who have, temporarily, emerged from subse-
quent runs into first run positions, doubtless will endeavor to
continue to outbid their competitors. So, competitive bidding,
wanted or not, is today a part of this business.
The "breathing spell" allowed by the supreme court's
stay order, in all probability will be used for further testing of
the method of picture selling and buying proscribed by the
lower court. If it proves successful — for the distributors — which
means that higher film rentals will accrue, the bidding system
will continue, whether or not the supreme court rules against
it as a sole industry sales method.
But there is another side. Branch and district managers
out in the "grass roots" as well as exhibitors with whom we
have talked, seem to feel that the bidding system is doomed
to fail. They cite various reasons, one of which is tantamount
to a boycott and puts the seller in a tough spot. But that would
obtain only so long as there was sufficient product available
from other sources while the "pressure" was being applied.
So, the result, instead of solving the vexatious buyer-seller
problem over which all the shooting allegedly was started, is
a worse dog-eat-dog situation than ever before existed.
This is not to say that fair methods will not be observed
during the interim period pending the supreme court's final
decision. The farsighted sales executives recognize the dangers
involved in irresponsible methods of buying, as well as selling.
They know that overbuying, which means overpaying, on the
part of exhibitors can turn profitable enterprises into shuttered
properties. There is no percentage in that for them.
The industry as a whole profits most when it operates —
successfully — the maximum number of outlets to serve, ade-
quately, the greatest possible patronage. Closing houses
through overselling them — or through their overbuying —
profits no one, including the public.
When the 1940 consent decree brought about the re-
quired selling of pictures in small blocks as opposed to full-
season selling, exhibitors, especially the smaller ones whose
picture requirements ran into the hundreds annually, found
their tasks more complicated. With the "trial and error" meth-
ods that will be launched in the weeks to come, the job of
being an exhibitor will grow harder still. It may prove worth
while in the end; but, while the pudding is being eaten, it may
be rather hard to swallow.
Buying of pictures has become an almost everyday occu-
pation in contrast to the seasonal job it was prior to 1940. And,
because film rentals have gone higher, the job of selling the
shows to the public calls for more effort and more investment
of time and money. The changes may have been good for
the "patient," but he's got to run like hell to keep up with them.
Hold on tight, boys, the merry-go-round is picking up
speed.
* *
Ascap Rides Again
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Pub-
lishers, more commonly known as Ascap, recently proposed
an increase in its music license tax on motion picture theatres.
That's like pouring salt on an open wound, for the music tax
has been a festering sore spot with exhibitors for more than a
quarter of a century.
In recent years it has had little opposition. But there ap-
pears to be small justification in increasing the fees which al-
ready take nearly one and one-half million dollars from the
industry. Maybe Ascap just felt that it should keep pace with
the trend — and sock the industry as all other tax-sockers are
doing to this soft “touch."
Abram F. Myers, general counsel for Allied, lashed out
against the Ascap fee increase proposal and threatened local
and state legislation to outlaw Ascap's activities.
Herman M. Levy, general counsel for the MPTOA, also
scored the Ascap tax boost bid. And he cites this as but an-
other evidence of the need for exhibitor organizations to get
together and work together on a common ground. Ascap,
meanwhile, endeavors to show an attitude of "fairness" by
stating that it will seek to arrive at an equitable formula for
its fee increases by consulting with theatre men before it
assesses its increased rates. But, says Mr. Levy, "Unfor-
tunately, there will be no industry group representing all inter-
ests for these discussions."
Yes, unfortunately, that is true. And so, it is very safe to
predict: Ascap rates will be increased, for all that the traffic
will bear.
* *
Worth Remembering!
“I am convinced that a peaceful industry means a pros-
perous industry."
— William F. Rodgers in a talk before a trade press gathering.
Ascap Seeks Conferences
On Proposed Fee Jumps
John G. Paine, general manager, says the
society wants to explain position to repre-
sentatives of exhibitor organizations; has al-
ready talked with Herman Levy of MPTOA.
+
New York Theatres Ask
To Revive Ascap Suit
Action started by 164 independent houses
five years ago will be pressed, say attorneys,
in spite of Ascap motion to dismiss before
federal court.
*
Speculation on UA Shifts
Is Again a Live Topic
Mary Pickford and Charles Chaplin con-
ferring; presidency issue up again; Arthur
W. Kelly to get executive post; action pre-
dicted in week or two.
*
Massachusetts Senate Votes
Against Censorship Board
Measure proposed establishment of a board
of censors in the state public safety depart-
ment to judge the decency of motion pictures
and other forms of licensed entertainment.
M
Florida Has 10% Ticket
Proposal Before House
Measure introduced at Tallahassee seeks
this levy on every ticket from 25 cents up, with
proceeds to be used for educational pur-
poses.
M
Eagle-Lion Will Start
Mexican Setup Soon
Sam L. Seidelman, head of foreign opera-
tions; Arthur B. Krim, E-L president, and
Robert S. Benjamin, president of J. Arthur
Rank Organization, to confer this month.
*
Howard Hughes Renews
Fight Over N. Y. Ban
Wins review of suit dismissed by the state
supreme court which upheld the license com-
missioner’s rights to withdraw theatre li-
censes on “The Outlaw.”
*
Children's Shows Gain
In First Six Months
Twenty-eight features on the original list
already shown in over 1,000 theatres; plans
under way to increase available films to 52
this year.
+
Eric Johnston Postpones
European Trip to June
MPA president plans to attend the Brussels
Film Festival in Brussels, Belgium; expects
to be accompanied by his assistant, Joyce
O’Hara, throughout tour.
FOUR MAJORS TAKING STEPS
TO DISSOLVE PARTNERSHIPS
Few Changes Expected
In Selling Methods
All Defendant Exhibitors
Must Report on Progress
To N.Y. Court by June 30
NEW YORK — Negotiations are under
way for the dissolution of theatre partner-
ships involving RKO, 20th-Fox, Warners
and Loew’s. Moreover, these companies,
together with Paramount, are carefully ex-
amining all their joint theatre holdings in
order to be able to give the New York statu-
tory court a complete picture of these in-
terests, as well as dissolution plans, by
June 30.
The antitrust decree says that each of
the defendants shall submit to the court
a statement outlining the extent to and
manner in which it has already complied,
and plans to comply, with the dissolution
of partnerships as ordered by the decree.
REQUIRE A STATEMENT
This statement, to be submitted within six
months of Dec. 31, 1946, must contain “the
names, locations and general descriptions of
the theatres, corporate securities and bene-
ficial interests of any kind involved, the sales
thereof that it has made, and such interests
as it proposes to acquire.” Furthermore, it
must contain “a statement of facts regard-
ing each competitive situation involved in
such proposed acquisition sufficient to show
the probable effects of such acquisition on
that situation.”
Additional similar reports must be filed
quarterly until the defendants have either
sold or acquired joint holdings in which they
have more than five or less than 95 per cent
interest. They have until Dec. 31, 1948 to
meet these requirements.
RKO theatres made its first step toward
complying with the decree by selling its 10
per cent interest in Affiliated Theatres of
Iowa, a circuit of six houses in Sioux City.
Other negotiations are under way, says Sol
A. Schwartz, vice-president and general man-
ager of RKO theatres. The circuit now has
interests in 181 independent theatres, and in
164 theatres with Paramount, Loew’s, 20th-
Fox and Warners. The largest number— 150
— are shared with Paramount.
LOEW’S ACQUIRES THEATRE
Loew’s initial move was to buy out E. V.
Richard’s one-third interest in Loew’s State
Theatre, New Orleans. Other deals are now
pending, said Joseph R. Vogel, general man-
ager.
He said dissolution of partnerships poses
the problem of silent partners. Many of
these silent partners, widows and heirs of
investors in Loew’s theatres, are not ex-
hibitors. The decree, Vogel pointed out,
while ordering the dissolution of partnerships,
specifically mentions defendant exhibitors
and independents. It says nothing about
silent partners, who are merely investors.
“There will have to be a clarification of
ther status, otherwise an injustice may be
done,” said Vogel. A number of these silent
partners have already stated they do not
want to change their relationship with
Loew’s, he added.
One of the defendant attorneys expressed
the opinion that these cases would have to
be decided on an individual basis.
As the score now stands, Loew’s has an
interest in 21 independent theatres, plus
NEW YORK — Film selling is expected to
continue indefinitely along practically the
lines that have been followed for the past
three and one-half months. A week of con-
ferences following Justice Stanley Reed’s
signing of the stay order dispelled any idea
that any company could go back to consent
decree or preconsent decree selling methods.
Legal opinion was unanimous that it would
be dangerous to indulge in any sales tech-
niques which had been ruled illegal by the
three- judge court.
Further experimenting with competitive
bidding, or “competitive negotiations,” as
some prefer to call it, may cause a gradual
spread. Shifts in the theatre maps caused
by a dissolution or profit-sharing partner-
ships between circuits, and between circuits
and independents, plus regional court de-
cisions, have made necessary a number of
clearance changes.
The ban on favoring old customers also
has upset customs in a number of places.
Lawyers are continuing to spend much time
at the sides of sales executives.
Late in the week William F. Rodgers, vice-
president in charge of MGM distribution, re-
iterated his intention to hold a sales confer-
ence with his field forces starting April 28
at the Hotel Astor.
William G. Scully went into a two-day ses-
sion with Universal-International men at the
weekend.
partnerships with Paramount in 14 theatres,
with RKO, in three and with Warners, in
one. It owns 136 theatres independently.
Warners also is negotiating for the dis-
solution of partnerships, but with whom and
where company officials refuse to say. One
official predicted the negotiations will take a
long time and probably little will be accom-
plished before next winter.
Warners has an interest in 20 independent
theatres plus partnerships in 25 theatres with
Paramount, ten with RKO and five with
Loew’s.
Paramount’s plans are uncertain, declared
Barney Balaban, president. “Right now no-
body knows what’s going to happen,” he said.
Leonard H. Goldenson, president of Para-
mount Theatres Service Corp., said Para-
mount will retain its partnerships pending
action on its appeal by the supreme court.
The company has protested the New York
court’s finding that joint operation elimi-
nates competition.
Nevertheless, the company is going ahead
with its meeting of Paramount partners at
Arrowhead Springs, Calif., May 6-9. A simi-
lar meeting was held in Florida last Feb-
ruary.
Paramount has the largest stake in the
future of partnership agreements. It has an
interest in 993 independent theatres, plus
partnerships in 150 with RKO, 25 with War-
ners, 14 with Loew’s and six with 20th-Fox,
or a total of 1,088
Twentieth-Fox is now involved in a Mis-
At 20th-Fox it was decided to await the
return of Spyros P. Skouras April 27 before
deciding on a course of action. Skouras is
on a South American tour.
United Artists executives are holding a
series of conferences with producers and with
the partner owners — Mary Pickford and Char-
lie Chaplin. Not all of these are on distri-
bution problems, as some revamping of the
company setup is in sight which requires dis-
cussion. How to handle out-of-town distri-
bution of Charles Chaplin’s “Monsieur Ver-
doux,” Enterprise’s “Arch of Triumph” and
any other product requiring advanced ad-
missions is under discussion. The policy of
leasing theatres for this purpose probably will
be continued.
David O. Selznick, who had been expected
to use this technique, decided on mass re-
gional openings for a quick return on his in-
vestment instead.
Columbia repeated that it proposes to sell
pictures in groups, but no details were an-
nounced.
Warners will make no change in selling
methods until the court’s decision is made
final.
Paramount executives, headed by Charles
M. Reagan, vice-president in charge of sales,
held a series of conferences during the week,
and will continue the meeting next week.
Following the sessions, it is anticipated that
the Paramount sales policy will be announced.
souri state court action over the Mainstreet
Theatre, Kansas City, which it owns with
RKO. Ownership, said John F. Caskey, at-
torney for the company, is undivided, there-
fore the parties had to file a partition suit
with the court.
The 3,040-seat house is the only one it owns
with RKO. Twentieth-Fox owns six thea-
tres with Paramount and 66 with independ-
ent exhibitors. The disposition of the inde-
pendent houses is now being studied, Caskey
added.
All the companies report that pools with
affiliates and independents are being rapidly
dissolved. The process will be completed by
July 1, the deadline set by the New York
court.
First AAA Case Is Filed
Since the Stay Order
NEW YORK — The first arbitration com-
plaint to be filed since Supreme Court
Justice Reed signed the order staying the
dissolution of the motion picture arbitration
system was filed in Boston by the Elmwood
Amusement Corp. against the Big Five. It is
a clearance complaint.
There are now a total of 39 cases pending
before ten active boards. Boston has nine
cases pending, with one on appeal.
The Elmwood operates the Jamestown
Theatre, Jamestown, R. I., and seeks permis-
sion to play pictures on national release date.
8
BOXOFFICE " April 19, 1947
MYERS INTERPRETS THE STAY:
'IT MERELY BARS CONTEMPT
Fred Wehrenberg Welcomes
Continuation of Arbitration
NEW YORK — Fred Wehrenberg,
president, has sent word to members of
the MPTOA that he is pleased by the
continuation of arbitration as a re-
sult of the stay signed by Supreme
Court Justice Reed.
“It has been our position since the
decision in June,” he writes, “that with
all of the new arbitrable matters
created, many cumbersome profitless
‘trips to the courthouse’ can be saved
by a satisfactory system of arbitration
— one which is optional and will not
in any way restrain the exhibitor from
resorting to the courts, if he wishes to,
and one which will not preclude the
government from instituting appro-
priate proceedings for violations of the
decree by the defendants. There are
some valid objections to the present
system of arbitration, but none that
cannot be corrected. Without the con-
tinuation of the system, however, those
changes and improvements would be
too difficult of accomplishment.”
In his bulletin, Wehrenberg also
pointed out that the stay on competi-
tive bidding does not mean that bid-
ding will not be continued. The stay,
he said, “merely removes the imme-
diate compulsion of licensing features
that way.”
Characterizes Arbitration
Continuance as Order
"Wholly Baffling"
WASHINGTON — Supreme court stays on
portions of the antitrust decree merely re-
lieve the defendants from the possibilities
of contempt of court actions pending a
final decision, Abram F. Myers, Allied
board chairman and general counsel, states
in a bulletin to members.
Some of the company attorneys already
have pointed this out to their clients.
Myers, however, states the matter simply
and without legal verbiage as follows:
“Almost without exception courts will grant
a stay as to provisions requiring affirmative
acts pending an appeal. The folly of putting
into effect an elaborate distribution system
pending a review of the propriety of such
a system was manifest and called for no
argument.
SHOWED BETTER JUDGMENT
“In refusing to ask for a stay of the various
injunctive provisions in Section II of the
decree, Fox, for once, probably showed better
judgment than the other defendants. Staying
those injunctions does not legalize the prac-
tices which the lower court condemned. It
merely means that if the defendants commit
any of those practices during the period of
the stay they will not violate the decree.
They are protected against being punished
for contempt of the decree, but not from the
consequences flowing from the commission
of unlawful acts.
“Fox, being bound by the injunctions will
be spared the pressure and temptation to
commit the prohibited acts. The others may
yield to the importunities of the great cir-
cuits to fix prices, grant unreasonable clear-
ances, make master contracts and formula
deals, write block-booking contracts, etc., but
in so doing they had better guess right as to
the eventual decision of the supreme court
on those practices. If they make a wrong
guess, private actions for treble damages
may descend upon them like an avalanche.
“These observations also apply to any
further experimenting by any of the com-
panies, including Fox, with competitive bid-
ding. On their own motion the provision
relating to competitive bidding has been sus-
pended. They have themselves repudiated the
selling system which the court offered as a
substitute for theatre divorcement. If they
continue to use the method then it will be
without color or authority under the decree.
QUESTIONS JUSTICE’S ACTION
“The feature of Justice Reed’s action which
is wholly baffling from a legal standpoint is
the granting of a stay of the provisions which
terminated arbitration. Lawyers will never
cease to wonder how he could restore the
consent decree without the consent of the
government, except by a legal tour de force.
However, since so many exhibitors seem to
have formed an attachment for arbitration
just as it was about to expire, no one should
complain. One explanation of the last-minute
deluge of arbitrations is that the exhibitors,
alarmed by the hush-hush clearance sur-
veys being made by the distributors, are re-
sorting to arbitration in the hope of securing
awards which will protect them against un-
favorable changes in their clearance status.”
Freedom of
Seen as Tax
Washington — Fortune magazine’s re-
cent discussion of freedom of the press
prepared with the
help of a group
of well-known
scholars should be
used by all exhibi-
tor groups battling
luxury taxes aimed
at this industry,
says Abram F.
Myers, Allied
board chairman
and general coun-
sel.
He describes the
report as the first
recommendation
“that the consti-
tutional guarantee
of the freedom of ABRAM F. MYERS
the press be recognized as including the
radio and motion pictures.”
Then he inquires sarcastically: “Who
ever heard of Congress or any state leg-
islature putting a special excise tax on
newspapers, magazines and books? If
that were attempted the cry would im-
mediately arise that the communication
of intelligence was being burdened; that
the freedom of the press was in danger.
Yet it has become the fashion to bracket
admission taxes with excises on whisky,
cigarets and other whipping boys of the
tax collector.
“The claim that movies are a medium
of communication now has strong support
— let us make the most of it.”
The significance of the Fortune report,
he points out, is that “it recognizes mo-
tion pictures as a part of the communica-
tions industry in contrast to the growing
tendency of legislatures to lump movies
in with whisky, cigarets and other so-
Press Study
Fight Guide
called luxuries for taxing purposes.”
Allied has long contended, he says, that
motion pictures should be put in the cate-
gory which includes newspapers, maga-
zines and books. He refers to the state-
ment issued Dec. 4, 1945, by the Confer-
ence of Independent Exhibitor Ass’ns in
which it was set down that “the preser-
vation of a free screen is as important as
safeguarding the freedom of the press.”
Later in his comments Myers says: “An
important recommendation of the com-
mission (No. 2) is that the government
facilitate new ventures in the communi-
cations industry by various means, in-
cluding the prevention of monopoliza-
tion of distribution outlets. Those who
are familiar with Allied’s policy, and all
who bothered to read the last annual re-
port of the chairman and general counsel,
will be impressed by the similarity be-
tween that policy and the conclusions of
the commission.”
Price Cuts Start at Top,
Allied Counsel Declares
Washington — Referring to President
Truman’s request for lowered prices,
Abram F. Myers, Allied executive, says:
“If there is to be substantial price re-
ductions the movement must be initiated
by the manufacturer. Retailers cannot
cut selling prices so long as they must
buy at exorbitant prices.
“The President’s remarks seem pointed
in their application to the major motion
picture producers and distributors. At a
time when the need is for increased pro-
duction, they continue to starve the mar-
ket. When the President calls for price
reductions, they press for higher rentals.”
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
9
Johnston: Self-Regulation n‘eRi SV/S
Is Our Answer to Critics
By LEE L. GARLING
Washingtoji Bureau, Boxoffice
WASHINGTON — Self regulation through
the use of production codes is the motion
picture industry’s answer to those charging
it with lack of social responsibility. It was
scored this week by Eric Johnston, president
of the Motion Picture Ass’n, speaking ex-
temporaneously before the Washington Ad-
vertising club.
Admitting that all mass media industries
have a social responsibility, Johnston stated
that the use of production codes in all in-
dustries including advertising, creates stand-
ards of good taste which eliminates the need
for any further censorship.
NO RED INFLUENCE
Touching on the Communist problem in
Hollywood, he said that there probably are
Communists in Hollywood but that they
have not succeeded in influencing the prod-
uct or else they wouldn’t always be stirring
up criticism. Last month, testifying before
the house labor committee, Johnston stated
he thought the Hollywood jurisdictional
strike as one way Communists would try to
hurt or influence the industry.
Commenting on the Henry Wallace episode
in England, he frowned on the comparison
of Wallace to Aaron Burr. “Burr would turn
over in his grave if he heard it,” he said. The
only likeness about the two men is that they
both were vice-presidents and both went to
Europe to try to influence people to their
way of thinking after they had no more audi-
ences here. Referring to Wallace’s audiences
in England, he said, “I suspect those audi-
ences will evaporate too and he will end up
speaking to the penguins in the Antarctic.”
All the boomerangs that Wallace has thrown
are coming back to hit him, he said.
He asserted that the important mission of
motion pictures and radio is to “carry on the
enlightenment between peoples.” Carrying
this theme to a conclusion, he said that he
disagreed with the theory of two spheres of
influence in the world, that of Russia and
that of the U.S.
In this situation, Russia would continue to
communize our spheres of influence or kill
capitalism, and we would try to convert
Johnston (center) at the Washington
luncheon this week with Glenn Norris,
20th-Fox district manager, and Tony
Muto (R), 20th-Fox representative.
Russia’s sphere into democracy, he continued.
He stated that there are only four eventual-
ities:
1. A dominant U.S. with a receding Russia.
2. A dominant Russia with a receding U.S.
3. War.
4. A strong United Nations.
I am for the fourth, he said. I am for the
foreign policy enunciated by Truman, Mar-
shall and Vandenburg. The motion picture
has a mission in furthering this policy, he
concluded.
On the dais were Anthony Muto, 20th Cen-
tury-Fox; Glenn Norris, 20th Century-Fox;
J. Brecheen, RKO; Hardie Meakin, RKO
Theatres; Carter Barron, Loew’s, Inc.; Jerry
Adams, MGM; Jack Safer, Monogram; Sid-
ney Lust, Lust circuit; Fred Kogod, K-B
Amusement Co.; Julian Brylawski, Warner
Theatres and A1 Benson, Paramount.
To Conference Bid
HOLLYWOOD — The most promising in-
dication of the past several weeks of settle-
ment for the studio strike came late in the
week when the carpenters union accepted an
invitation from the producers to meet for the
purpose of discussing jurisdictional differ-
ences.
The carpenters union is one of the key
units involved in the walkouts and the sched-
uled conclave will be the first time the union
has met with the producers.
Meanwhile, there was another develop-
ment as it concerns this particular union.
William Hutcheson, international president,
sent a message to the strikers’ weekly mass
meeting that his men will not be permitted
to participate in any new studio or theatre
construction until the jurisdictional disputes
are settled.
Elsewhere on the labor front, the negotia-
tions between producers and the Screen
Actors Guild were postponed for a week,
amidst a noteworthy spirit of cooperation.
SAG’s basic ten-year contract with the
studios expires on May 15 and it will be
necessary that the new contract be negotiated
and put into effect by that date. The actors’
organization wants a deal which will cover
the next year only.
UA Board Approves Deal
For 6 Hal Roach Features
NEW YORK— The United Artists board of
directors on Thursday approved a deal to re-
lease six Hal Roach features. Four films have
been completed, including “Curly,” “Here
Comes Trouble,” “Fabulous Joe” and “Who
Killed Doc Robin,” all in Cinecolor. The re-
maining two features have not been decided.
Audience Collection Idea
NEW YORK— The board of the Metropoli-
tan Motion Picture Theatres Ass’n will vote
April 22 on a plan for simultaneous audience
collections in this area, to promote a “health
week.”
Paramount to Release 64 Shorts
With More Cartoons for 47-48
Poll Baptists on Church
For ' Showcase ' Lease
Cleveland — Members of 31 Baptist
churches this week were polled to de-
termine whether the Cleveland Baptist
church, with its 2,380-seat auditorium,
should be leased as a motion picture
theatre — except Sunday mornings when
it would be used for services by the con-
gregation.
Dr. D. R. Sharpe, executive secretary
of the Baptist Ass’n, verified that dele-
gates from the 31 member congregations
met at the Central YMCA to discuss such
a proposal and that action was delayed
for 30 days to permit a polling of the
membership.
It is understood that several film
sources, including the Rank-Universal-
International organization, were definite-
ly interested in leasing the church as a
showcase. Known locally as the Rocke-
feller church, it was the place of worship
for the noted financier when he made his
home in Cleveland. It was built in 1925.
DALLAS — Paramount will release a total of
64 short subjects, including Screen Songs, a
new series of cartoons, during the 1947-48
season, according to Oscar A. Morgan, short
subjects sales manager, who arrived here for
the first of a series of meetings, with district,
branch and sales managers scheduled April 21.
Including the new cartoons, which replace
the Little Lulu series, Paramount will re-
lease 24 cartoons next season as against 18 to
be released for the current season. The total
lineup will embrace nine different series and
104 issues of Paramount News. There will be
six two-reel Musical Parade Featurettes in
Technicolor, 24 Technicolor cartoons from
Famous Studios, including eight Noveltoons,
eight Popeye and eight Screen Songs; three
series from Jerry Fairbanks including six
Popular Science in Magnacolor, six Unusual
Occupations in Magnacolor and six Speaking
of Animals; six Pacemakers and ten Grant-
land Rice Sportlights. George Pal’s Pup-
petoons will also be eliminated from the 1947-
48 program.
M. R. Clark, district manager; Hey wood
Simmons, sales manager, and members of the
Dallas sales force and booking departments
also attended the meeting. Morgan, who is on
a three-month tour of the country which will
take him to 31 cities where Paramount’s
branch offices are located, will also confer
with studio officials in Los Angeles and re-
port on business conditions, and the public’s
and exhibitors’ preferences in regard to shorts
product.
Morgan will hold his next Paramount short
subjects branch office meeting in Memphis
April 24.
Author's $6,450,000 Suit
Against Chaplin Begins
NEW YORK — Jury trial of the damage suit
for $6,450,000 brought by Konrad Bercovici,
writer, against Charles S. Chaplin, began
Thursday before Judge Harold P. Burke in
U.S. federal court here. Louis Nizer, counsel
for the author, said he would prove Chaplin
reneged on a contract to jointly produce a
series of pictures, with Bercovici to receive 15
per cent of the gross profits. Bercovici claims
Chaplin rejected a satire on dictatorship he
wrote in 1938 and later produced “The Great
Dictator,” which was based on his story. Louis
Frohlich is attorney for Chaplin.
10
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
PRODUCTIONS.
fRE£*AN
with GRANT
Directed b¥ '
w HE*etRT
fE • LOOK
J. EVE. POST
COLLIER'S
redbook
AMERICAN
liberty
true story
PICTORIAL
review
Aorel Morel M<
« « “SSS"- -
COLOR R°s Rt
-f?i re i947s HAFK — —
r happens toBe^ r n
^ ■§ JH| SIM Hr ^PaK. a*^ 1
««Esaiy:‘,<- H lIHlllIi H tsSk/ys £«. Iv«? S H 1 ^ 1
«tr^
Five Different
Styles of Ads.
appearing IN
^CWVOPOUTAN
rRMELlHB 3®^
miles through
59 KtT ClTltS
\ HUHDRtOS 0
T-rn r.t»lk$f. 1*^J&m.*S8
s“K
presents
p'«)oCM i
0l'KtM ty
^ DEL RUTH
■ — lir^ax’Hgfea
Three Theatres Damaged
In Texas City Blasts
M.N. Wolf to New Post
Under H. M. Richey
BOSTON— Maurice N. Wolf, MGM district,
manager in Boston since 1924, has been pro-
moted to the home of-
fice exhibitor and pub-
lic relations depart-
ment under Henderson
M. Richey. The Bos-
ton district will be su-
pervised by Herman
Ripps, who also heads
the Albany, New Haven
and Buffalo areas.
Before joining MGM,
Wolf operated theatres
in Houston, Tex., 1910-
14 and was associated
with World Films Co.JI MAURICE N. WOLF
1918-19, and Goldwyn Productions, 1919-24.
Peter A. Lewis Joins E-L
In Newly Created Post
NEW YORK — Peter A. Lewis has joined
Eagle-Lion’s home office staff as office man-
ager and purchasing agent, a newly created
post in line with the company’s expansion
plans. Lewis, who has been connected with
the motion picture industry since 1925 when
he became an investigator for the New York
Film Board, has headed the investigation
department of the Film Board of Trade since
1935.
Ann Weingarten, who has been with Story
Productions and PRC, has joined Eagle-
Lion’s recently organized radio publicity de-
partment as assistant to Patrece Snyder,
radio manager.
John Beck Appointed
Assistant to Leo Spitz
NEW YORK — John Beck, who has been
general manager of Universal-International
since the merging of the two companies’ pro-
duction activities last fall, has assumed the
post of executive to Leo Spitz. Beck had
served as general manager for International
Pictures since its inception in 1943.
Edward Muhl, who has been a Universal
executive for a number of years, devoting
most of his activities to the contract and com-
mitment problems of the studio, has taken
over Beck’s post of general manager of the
studio.
MIDDLETOWN, OHIO — The Paramount
Theatre here has been asked to decide within
two weeks whether double feature programs
are to be continued at the theatre. Jack
Keegan, district manager, was told by mem-
bers of the motion picture council that if
double features are continued, the council
will “take other steps to attain our goal.”
The action came at a meeting of the coun-
cil, and the motion was made by Mrs. Royal
Crist, one of the founders, which has been
sponsoring the protest. Keegan, who classi-
fied the motion as an “ultimatum,” at first
objected to the time limit, but finally agreed
to have an answer in two weeks.
The discussion ranged through three por-
First Run Films Battle
In Public Press Again
Cape Girardeau, Mo. — The battle of
first run pictures opened by the Esquire
Theatre here a week ago, when the man-
agement took considerable newspaper
lineage to announce that the “monopoly”
was forcing it to close down because first
run features were not available, was in
the public press again this week.
Victor Klarsfield and Edward J. Rose-
can, owners of the Rialto Theatre, an
independent house, took a four-column,
17-inch advertisement to protest the ac-
tion of the Esquire and to inform the
community that Cape Girardeau was not
a closed town; and, simultaneously, to de-
clare publicly that the Fox Midwest chain
which operates the two largest theatres
here has always been fair competition.
Not once since the Rialto was opened in
1940 has the circuit attempted to deprive
the house of product, the public was in-
formed.
The Esquire apparently has decided to
operate only when it can get first run
pictures. It has outbid the Fox houses for
a number of top budget films and re-
opened this week with Paramount's “Sud-
denly It’s Spring.”
A. P. Blumenthal Elected
Head of Cinecolor Board
LOS ANGELES — A. Pam Blumenthal has
been elected chairman of the board of Cine-
color Corp. of Los Angeles. He has resigned
from the Enterprise Production board, but will
retain his stock in the film company. Blumen-
thal predicted a bright future for Cinecolor.
New RCA Intercom Systems
NEW YORK — RCA has designed a new line
of “selector” intercommunication systems,
whereby master and remote stations may be
hooked up in any combination. Two master
stations with six “selector” hookups and two
with 12 hookup keys are available. The mas-
ter stations have a volume-control switch.
tions of the council’s protest petition: Objec-
tions to double features, to the sale of pop-
corn and candy in the lobby, and to a single
admission price for the lower floor and bal-
cony.
The council, which presented petitions
bearing 3,500 signatures, also was backed by
Mrs. B. Y. Spare, president of the Federation
of Women’s Clubs, who said she spoke for
1,800 women in Middletown, and by Roy
Patterson, secretary of the industrial council,
who said that group supported the motion
picture council’s protest unanimously.
Keegan said the double features were
shown because of a business slump at the
theatre.
DALLAS — At least one of the three J. G.
Long circuit theatres in devastated Texas
City was severely damaged in the series of
explosions on Wednesday, and it was be-
lieved that the others also were heavily dam-
aged, the circuit’s home office here was in-
formed on Thursday.
The Long circuit owns the 1,000-seat Show-
boat Theatre, the 550-seat Jewel and the
766-seat Texas theatres. The Showboat’s
plaster was ripped off two sides and a third
wall bulged outward after the blast. Actual
damage to the other theatres was not in-
dicated, but it was apparent that there was
some.
Everett McClain, manager of the Jewel,
wired the office here that he had lost his
home and all its contents in the explosion.
He said that as far as he knew there were
no casualties among theatre employes. The
town was still burning, and the damaging
subsequent blasts had not yet occurred when
McClain made his report.
Two Theatres in Oklahoma
Haven During Tornado
WOODWARD, OKLA. — Four hundred per-
sons huddled in the Terry and Woodward
theatres and escaped without injury in the
tornado that almost wiped out this town
last week.
In the Texas-Oklahoma area hit by the
twister, 141 were killed and more than 1,000
injured.
About 300 were in the Terry and 100 in the
Woodward when the storm struck. Lights
had gone out a few minutes earlier. Pa-
trons emerged to find the city’s 1,000 blocks
virtually leveled. The theatres suffered only
slight damage.
Vance Terry, who with his brother Ben
operates the town’s two theatres, was not
so lucky himself. He was eating at a restau-
rant when the tornado struck and suffered
bruises and cuts that confined him to his
home. His automobile was demolished. Also
injured, and seriously, was Mrs. Ben Terry’s
father, Melvin Ball. The Ball home was de-
molished. Mrs. Ball escaped without injury.
Viking Popcorn Meeting
Held in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY — Harry Taylor, general
sales manager of the Viking Popcorn Ma-
chines, Inc., of Los Angeles, held a conference
here this week with area sales executives of
the company, including Rube Melcher of
Kansas City and Morrie Smead of Council
Bluffs, Iowa, as well as Ed Benson of the
Benson Mfg. Co. here, which manufactures
the Viking machine for the company.
Taylor conducted similar meetings in New
York and Los Angeles.
He left Thursday evening for the west coast.
Taylor said while here that the company will
have an interesting announcement to make
soon regarding future activities of the com-
pany.
Roy Is Here From England
NEW YORK — Ernest Royls, chief sound
engineer for Warners in England, arrived for
meetings with home office heads and Jack L.
Warner and Col. Nathan Levinson, head of
the sound department at the studio.
Gets Two Weeks to Make Up His Mind ;
Are Double Features to Continue?
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
15
He didn’t tell his wife
about that beautiful
blonde. //
Lovable Porky, who had
to finance another fellow’s
honeymoon.
She wed one brother — an'
found she \$as “married
to all four!
PARAMOUNT Brings You Another P<
The Director o
Love was torture — be-
cause he loved his own
brother’s wife!
with
JOHNNY SANDS • JEAN WALLACE . EDITH KING
Produced by ROBERT FELLOWS
Directed by JOHN FARROW
Screenplay by Frank Wead and Arthur Sheekman
llaiipsf:
yer- Packed Drama From
• .. . .V/-'- ""
He led four reckless
youngsters along new and
dangerous air trails.
alifornia” and “Two Years Before The Mast
With all the tense suspense of a
million-copy best-seller, and the young-
audience draw of four of the screen’s leading
young stars in this big 6-name cast 1
nn
y
&is year’s Academy Award winner on the crest of a flood of headline publicity
nr
HU
Femme fan favorite of a dozen hits, in his first picture since he went to war
^fnrnrnw if sfw
ylilliJbJU UHJlrua)
His strongest role since his discovery in "So Proudly We Hail”
rmnnnn/TArvTi mramr
_i
That "Life of Riley” guy is a bigger marquee draw than ever
m
rr
jj
I Overnight romantic sensation of “Bahama Passage" back to make ’em swoon
ir v - ■, . ■ ■ .
LJ
His draw solidly established by "Lost Weekend" and "Two Years Before The Mast
• - '
Poppy, the carnival
queen, who was born to
make men restless.
Chaplin Has Boxoffice
In 'Monsieur Verdoux
By J. M. JERAULD
EW YORK — Every actor has cherished an ambition to write, produce, direct and
act in a picture without interference from anyone. Few have had the opportunity
because they haven't been willing to spend their own money in the process. It
takes a lot of money.
Therefore, in attempting to make any ap-
praisal of Charlie Chaplin's "Monsieur Ver-
doux” it is wise to say it is unique. It’s more
than that; it is extraordinary — an amazing
personal triumph with profits as certain as
sunrise. It will stir up so much conversation
and comment that it will sell itself. After it
has run through a long series of roadshow
engagements it will be just starting its life
as an attraction.
It took courage to decide on the story —
that of a bigamist who makes a career of
marrying and murdering. It required consum-
mate skill to make this many-sided personal-
ity into something human and entertaining
and not revolting. Verdoux, as Chaplin
presents him, is a tender-hearted father, a
dude boulevardier, a calculating murderer, a
polished gentleman, a great lover, a tragedian,
a comedian, a philosopher with a message
that sinks in. He puts across the thought that
a small-scale killer is a murderer; a man who
kills millions is a hero. There’s food for
thought in some of the sequences — biting commentary On life.
Technically the picture is astonishing. There is suspense, and menace. Moods
are contrasted so sharply that when the comedy breaks in on the more serious
sequences it is explosive. Timing like this is inspiration. About the time the women
begin dabbing their eyes with their handkerchiefs they suddenly find themselves al-
most doubled up with laughter.
There will be strong public reaction. It's not exactly child entertainment like the
long series of vagabond characterizations. This is highly sophisticated film fare — so
sophisticated, in fact, that there probably will be very little objection to having it seen
by children because they will not understand. Fault-finding critics of pictures may go
into action with the contention that a murderer should not be portrayed so entertain-
ingly, but even the most ardent upholder of the production code cannot deny that
justice is meted out in the end.
In some ways this picture is as much of
a landmark in Chaplin’s career as was
"A Woman of Paris” which he directed in
1923. That was the film that ended exces-
sive gesturing and brought the intelli-
gentsia to a realization that there was
artistry in films.
The opening at the Broadway Theatre
April 11 was put on with some restraint.
The upright sign and the marquee flashed
“Charles Chaplin’’ in twinkling white lights
alternated with the title of the picture in
red. The audience was made up of indus-
try leaders and a number of figures promi-
nent in other lines. Several members of
the cast attended. Mrs. Chaplin also was
there. The following day the theatre
opened at 9:30 a. m. with a continuous run
at popular prices, and the plan is that
similar openings will be put on in key cities
from time to time, but there will be no rush
about it. There never is about a Chaplin
picture, because that’s the way he wants it,
and Gradwell Sears, vice-president of
United Artists, knows how to whet the public appetite for a prize attraction by care-
fully-spaced feeding. He has been doing it with “Henry V.”
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Screenplay, production, direction, musical score
by Charles Chaplin
Running Time 120 Minutes
Henri Verdoux
Alias Varnay
Alias Bonheur
Alias Floray
Charles Chaplin
Allison Roddan
Maurice Bottelo
Robert Lewis
Audrey Betz
The Ladies:
Annabella Bonheur Martha Rave
The Girl
The
Couvais Family:
Pierre
Jean
Carlotta
Lena
Phoebe
Irving Bacon
Edwin Mills
Virginia Brissac
Almira Sessions
Eula Morgan
The Law:
Prefect of Police Bernard J. Nedell
Detective Morrow Charles Evans
Chaplin (L) as Henri Verdoux
UA Cuts Price Scale
For Chaplin Show
NEW YORK — A reduced scale of prices for
Charles Chaplin's “Monsieur Verdoux” at
the Broadway Theatre went into effect April
16, just five days after the picture’s invitation
opening. Although business had been good,
there was some confusion by the public over
the varied price scale, which included 250
reserved seats for one afternoon and evening
performance daily, according to a spokesman
for United Artists, which is distributing the
picture.
The new scale for weekdays ranges from 70
cents in the morning to $1.25 in the evening
and from 70 cents in the morning to $1.50 in
the evening on Saturdays. On Sundays,
“Monsieur Verdoux” prices will range from
$1.00 in the morning to $1.50 in the evening.
The original price scale ranged from 80 cents
in the morning to $1.80 in the evening.
The plan to set aside 250 seats in the mez-
zanine once daily at $1.80 and once in the
evening at $2.40 has been dropped because
there was little advance sale. All seats are
now unreserved throughout the house.
James Markle, who has recently been
handling engagements of “Henry V” for
United Artists in Boston and Philadelphia,
has been appointed managing director of the
Broadway.
'Iron Curtain' Rights
Definitely 20th-Fox
HOLLYWOOD — Darryl F. Zanuck played
a trump in Hollywood’s currently highly
controversial game, “Curtain, curtain, who’s
got the iron curtain?” The 20th Century-Fox
production chief purchased the film rights
to a book "Behind the Iron Curtain,” writ-
ten by George Moorad, war correspondent
who spent several months in Russia.
According to spokesmen for the Westwood
studio, acquisition of the Moorad tome now
makes irrefutable Zanuck’s claim to the title
“The Iron Curtain,” to which tag both War-
ner and Columbia assert rights because of
earlier registration with the producers asso-
ciation.
The Zanuckian henchman base their lien
on the theory that the producers association,
in ruling upon rights to multiple-claimed
picture titles, heretofore have granted seniority
to the studio which had purchased or owned
an actual literary work employing the title
over studios who only may have filed the tag.
As has been widely reported, Zanuck re-
cently announced plans to make a picture un-
der the disputed handle, which time will ex-
pose Russian espionage in Canada and the
United States, and which announcement
brought to light Warners’ and Columbia’s al-
leged previous claims.
Republic Sets Ad Budget
To Exceed $4,000,000
HOLLYWOOD — Republic will spend more
than $4,000,000 on advertising, promotion and
exploitation of its regular product during the
coming year, with additional appropriations
for special films, Herbert J. Yates, president,
said at the company three-day sales meeting.
Last year Republic set an ad budget of
$3,500,000.
A total of $250,000 will be spent on each
of ten “special” films on Republic’s 1947-48
schedule, in addition to $900,000 on Roy
Rogers promotion and $600,000 to promote
the new Trucolor process.
18
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
ALAN
GAIL
WILLIAM
LADD RUSSELL BENDIX
V
‘ ‘T wo-Y ears-Before-The-Mast’ ’ thrills
topped by the same director
JOHN FARROW,
and
Paramount
WORLD PREMIERE. N. Y. PARAMOUNT. APRIL 23
One of the country's topnotch
exchange cities tells a story of
achievement in distribution and
exhibition of films . . . and tells
it with an optimistic view of
what the future holds there.
exclusively motion picture exhibitions in the
country.
The first picture play shown was "Miss
Jerry,” depicting the adventures of a girl re-
porter a theme with which the industry is
not yet satiated, a half century later.
A. C. Hayman, owner of the Strand and
Cataract theatres at Niagara Falls, who died
a few months ago, was an actor in and helped
direct “The Great Train Robbery,” the first
picture with a story in motion picture histoiy.
throughout neighborhood areas, three of
which have been built within the last few
years, the city also boasts downtown the new
Midtown Theatre, featuring foreign releases;
the Mercury, first run and revival house, and
the Vogue, formerly Telenews, which now fea-
tures “old and important” films.
Pearl and Franklin streets made up a
“hop-skip-and-jump” Filmrow. Several ex-
changes are now housed in new buildings.
Others plan new headquarters when building
materials become available.
Buffalo’s Variety Club has become one of
the city’s best known charitable organiza-
tions and recently instituted a Sister Kenny
infantile paralysis clinic. Exhibitors and dis-
tributors are equally represented on the mem-
bership rolls, making for wholesome coopera-
tion and a common aim.
TJTSTORY of the motion picture here dates
n back to 1894 when all Buffalo flocked to
“Edisonia Hall,” a basement room in Ellicott
Square, where the late Mitchell and Moe
Mark had a combined phonograph parlor and
a kind of museum of electrical curiosities in-
cluding the X-ray machine, cameras, phono-
graphs and the kinetoscope wherein one
could see Annie Oakley, Buffalo Bill and
various anonymous contortionists and strong
men displaying inhuman agility.
Two years later, Edison had perfected the
“vitascope,” which was a grown up kineto-
scope with less vibration, and the little thea-
tre became “Edisonia and Vitascope Hall,”
one of the earliest permanently located and
TT WAS about this time that Mike Shea
^ sensed the potentialities of the new medium
and film shorts began to appear at Shea s
Garden Theatre, a vaudeville house in Pearl
street, near Niagara street. The new wonder
of the age was represented at the Pan-
American exposition here in 1901 in Lubin s
Cineograph— admission a dime.
The booth was located approximately at the
corner of what is now Elmwood and Amherst.
The Lubin projector is on exhibition at the
Buffalo Historical society.
The society also owns the film showing the
parade that opened the Pan-American but
its state of disintegration will not permit it
to be copied or projected, according to society
officials.
A1 Becker of the Becker Theatre Supply
Co. believes he was the first man to operate
a projection machine in Buffalo. It was at
the Garden.
Recollections of the ingenuity demanded of
showmen in those days still disturb Becker’s
dreams.
“To give the illusion of dimensions to the
early films, we had a boy continually poui -
ing water on the screen,” he said. The mois-
ture seemed to improve the clarity of the
images.”
This novel operation was developed in the
Pullman car which Shea stationed on the
east side of Main street, between Swan and
Seneca, to show pictures.
Becker said the first news event photo-
graphed by motion picture cameras for wide
distribution was President McKinley’s funeral,
also here in Buffalo. Early producers often
staged events and then advertised them as
representing the real-life happening in
counterpart,” Becker recalls. This was done
with the Corbett-Fitzsimmons fight, with
brawny freight-handlers enacting the roles
of the fighters.
TWENTY YEARS after New York City’s peep
show machines had first been opened to
the public in a little converted shoe store on
Broadway near 27th, the Buffalo proprietor
of the little Ellicott Square kinetoscope par-
lor—Mitchell Mark— opened the first million-
dollar motion picture theatre in the country—
the Strand in New York.
Also in 1914, Buffalonians got their first
show house designed and built especially for
films — Shea’s Hippodrome. The Hipp stands
today, except for modern screen and project-
ing equipment, the same as it was then. It
is used chiefly as a moveover house for prod-
uct from the Buffalo and Great Lakes. Oc-
casionally, the Hipp gets a “brand new bill.”
Previous downtown theatres, such as the
Strand and the Palace and yes, the Bijou
Dream, all within the area of Main and North
(Continued on page 23)
By JAMES SCHRADER
MOST always foremost in state and
national drives, whether they concern
sales, charity or exploitation, Buffalo
has become known as one of the country’s
topnotch exchange centers. Evidence of out-
standing work in this fertile Great Lakes ter-
ritory is found in the ever-increasing num-
ber of Buffalo exchange personnel who have
gone on to larger offices or have been pro-
moted to more responsible posts in the field.
Buffalo was the home of the late Mike Shea,
one of the nation’s best known showmen. The
motion picture houses he built remain the
city’s leading theatres and retain the Shea
name. There is the 3,489-seat Buffalo, which
recently celebrated its 21st birthday, the
3,000-seat Great Lakes and the 2,100-seat
Hippodrome.
Newest downtown addition to the Shea
chain is the ultramodern 1,500-seat Teck, built
farther north on Main street. The location,
remote from the theatre district proper, al-
ready has caused a northward movement of
downtown merchants and an expansion of
the downtown business district.
The Buffalo, Great Lakes and Hippodrome
are compactly located within a few hundred
steps of one another. The 20th Century
Theatre and the Lafayette, key houses of
other chains that stretch into the city’s many
thriving community business districts and its
wealthy suburbs, are located a few blocks
farther south, the former on Main street; the
latter in Lafayette Square, a block from Main.
Each has 3,000 seats.
In addition to spacious community houses
20
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
Buffalo's Exhibitors and Their Theatres
Here is a group of Buffalo’s outstanding theatres— Shea's Buffalo which has 3,489 seats and
is the ace house of the circuit; Shea’s Great Lakes, 3,000-seater; Shea’s Hippodrome, 2,100
seats and Shea’s Teck, which is a complete remodeling job of an old legitimate theatre;
Basil’s Lafayette with its new canopy, a 3,000 -seat theatre; Basil’s Colvin Theatre, the
area’s newest house; the 3,000-seat Twentieth Century Theatre, and Basil’s Colvin Theatre
which is a leading neighborhood house. Altogether, Buffalo has 68 theatres, 12 of which
have over 1,500 seats.
THEATRES
DIPSON
(Left to right)
Richard T. Kemper
Andrew Gibson
George
Kokakouras
William Dipson
(seated)
BASIL
THEATRES
Gus Basil
William Grey
George McKenna
BUFFALO
THEATRE. INC.
Vincent R. McFaul
Circuit President
GREAT LAKES
THEATRE
William Wright (R)
George Mason, Manager
TECK
THEATRE
Robert Dame
Manager
TWENTIETH CENTURY
THEATRE
Robert Murphy
Managing Director
BUFFALO
THEATRE
Carl Rincen
Managing
Director
HIPPODROME
THEATRE
George Simon (R)
Ass't Manager
Eddie Miller
Manager
FILM ROWS OF AMERICA (Continued)
Here are some of the executives in distribution on Buffalo’s
Filmrow: Left to right — Jerry Spandau, branch manager for Uni-
versal; Howard Minsky, former branch manager, with William A.
Graham who is the acting manager at 20th Century-Fox; Edward
Catlin, Warners branch manager; Margaret Crean and Esther Tim-
merman, and John Bykowski, booker, at United Artists; and Dave
Miller, district manager for Universal, who had his first job with
that company in 1920 as a salesman in Cleveland.
LEFT: At Columbia’s exchange, Phil Fox, branch manager,
meets with Anne Zimmerman, his secretary; Barbara Hartman, the
cashier; and Charles Harter, booker; CENTER: Jack Goldstein (lefti,
branch manager for National Screen Service, with Sam Geffen,
salesman; (RIGHT) Leon Herman, Republic’s branch manager,
with a bevy of feminine assistants, Alice Wouk, Rita Bogart, Har-
riett Hauser, Catherine Turano, the booker, and Joan Perry — from
all indications a very happy family group.
LEFT: A group conference at RKO (left to right), Arnold Febry,
office manager; Elmer Lux, branch manager; Sara Weil, booker; Bud
McDonough, booker; A1 Weider, exploiteer; CENTER: At PRC, Julie
Cage, cashier; Louis Leiser, branch manager; Margaret Collins,
stenographer; Robert Clabeaux, booker, and Margaret Tarosian,
stenographer; RIGHT: The Monogram staff, Harry L. Berkson,
seated, the franchise holder, and standing, Howard McPherson, Buf-
falo-Rochester salesman; Rose Campiere, contract clerk; Florence
Gibbs, Adele Krasny, cashier, and Gerald Stark, booker. Berkson is
both president and manager of the Monogram district setup.
LEFT: Leo Murphy, branch manager for Film Classics, with
Ruby Schweigert (left), clerk, and Audrey Wagner, booker; CENTER:
A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer trio (left to right), Gage Havens, city
salesman; Jack Mundstuk, branch manager, and Marion Ryan, office
manager; RIGHT: Mike Simon (left), city salesman for Paramount,
with Mannie A. Brown, branch manager.
22
BQXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
PERSONALITIES ALONG THE ROW: In the photograph at
the left is a well-known exhibitor personality, Merritt Kyser, of the
Aurora Theatre, East Aurora, president of the MPTO of New York,
and Marian Guethe, the association secretary; next are Jerry
Kavanaugh (L) and John Finley of the Twentieth Century Theatre
executive staff; third from left are two of the Shea circuit publicity
staffers, Eddie Meade (L) and Charles B. Taylor, and A1 Sherry,
veteran Filmrow figure, now a stagehand at Shea’s Great Lakes.
At the left, a group of 20th Century-Fox exchange employes
with Howard Minsky, former manager (L). (L to R), Richard
Carroll, new office manager; Charles Mancusco, booker, and
Edward L. Jauch, head booker. In the center photo is A1 Becker,
of the Becker Theatre Supply Co., who is said to be the first man in
Buffalo to operate a projection machine. At the right are Berton
Aldrich and Gerry George of the National Theatre Supply Co.
force. George is the assistant manager.
(Continued from page 20)
and South Division streets, were converted
stores.
The first “talkie” was shown at the Lafay-
ette, now a key Basil house, in August, 1926.
It was a film displaying the vocal talents of
Metropolitan Opera stars. Shea’s Court
Street Theatre, since torn down and now a
parking lot, had showed some “sound” pic-
tures several years before 1926 — the dialog
produced by a phonograph.
The list of Buffalo’s contributions to the
writing and acting end of motion pictures is
long: Jack Yellen, Harold Arlen, Ann Harding,
Franchot Tone, Gloria Jean, Rosalind Rus-
sell, Irene Rich, Reed Herring, Clyde B.
Davis, Ardis Smith, Taylor Caldwell, Lucille
Ball (Jamestown), Oviatt McConnell and
many others.
We might even mention here Evelyn Kim-
mell, with whom your Buffalo correspondent
attended Lafayette high school. Evelyn, once
the wife of Keenan Wynn, is now married
to Van Johnson. Evelyn, however, has yet to
“hit” the movies.
T7INCENT R. McFaul, president and general
manager of Buffalo Theatres, Inc , points
out that many persons of prestige in the pro-
ducing division of motion pictures have gone
to the coast from Buffalo. Charles R. Rogers,
independent producer, was a salesman for
the Pratt & Lambert Co. here. The late
Winfield Sheehan, one-time vice-president
and general manager of Fox Films and a
free-lance producer before his recent death,
was a Buffalo reporter. He made a film biog-
raphy of Eddie Rickenbacker.
The late Pat Powers, one-time head of Uni-
versal Films, was successively an ironworker
and a policeman in Buffalo before he com-
bined selling bicycles and talking machines
with distributing films.
Leon Schlesinger was manager of the Palace
when it was a film house. The Palace still
shows pictures, but the big draw is burlesque.
The Palace is now operated by Dewey
Michaels, current leader of the Variety Club,
who also manages the Mercury Theatre. To-
day, Schlesinger produces the musical car-
toons Me'rrie Melodies and Looney Tunes for
Warner Bros.
Adolph Deutsch, general musical director
for Warner Bros., was a Buffalo house musi-
cian 30 years ago. Fred L. Metzler, business
manager for 20th-Fox, learned distribution
methods in our home town.
But to return to current things, ■ theatre
building got under way again soon after the
war. Shea’s Teck, construction of which was
held up by WPB during the war, was rushed
to completion. Basil Bros, completed their
new Colvin at Kenmore City Line. The Mid-
town sprung up on Main street, across from
Shea's Buffalo.
Then there was Basil’s Apollo on Jefferson
avenue and Dipson’s Amherst in the new Uni-
versity Plaza shopping district at Main street
City Line, near the University of Buffalo and
the thriving suburb of Amherst.
Besides being on the international border
of Canada and the United States, Niagara
river being spanned by the Peace bridge
here and by other bridges at Niagara Falls.
Buffalo is one of the most cosmopolitan
cities in the United States. It has half a
million Poles, a liberal spattering of Italians
and a fairly large Negro population. Buffalo
is strongly Catholic, but predominantly
Protestant.
The Buffalo exchange territory extends all
the way to Syracuse, Binghampton, Olean and
throughout the southern tier. Some exchanges
take in Albany. Others include Rome, Water-
town, Jamestown and Westfield. In the im-
mediate area are Lackawanna, Kenmore,
Tonawanda, Hamburg, Cheektowaga, West
Seneca, Hamburg, Orchard Park. East Aurora,
Lockport, the Falls, Eden. North Collins,
Gowanda and Cattaraugus, Batavia, Clarence,
Lancaster and Depew.
\X7HILE Buffalo’s population in 1940 was
vv listed at 575,000 persons, in six years it
has grown to nearly 600,000. More than 800,000
live in the metropolitan area.
In the field of organization, besides Variety,
is the strong Buffalo unit of the Motion Pic-
ture Theatre Owners of New York state. Ex-
hibition business is excellent, the boom of the
war days seeming to hang on. War industries
have departed, but not one “white elephant”
has been left. The huge Cheektowaga plant
of Curtiss-Wright has been taken over by
Westinghouse Electric for motor manufacture.
At Buffalo Arms, they are manufacturing
automatic pin spotters. Bell Aircraft is man-
ufacturing helicopters at its huge plant. The
Kenmore Curtiss plant is being used by West-
ern Electric. Things are looking up.
Photos for BOXOFFICE by Harry Kaufman.
Cover photo of downtown Buffalo, courtesy of Buf-
falo Courier-Express.
The ladies run the business at the Pam-
O-Film exchange. Eleanor Paradeis (R)
is the branch manager; Hilda Greenauer
(L), the secretary, and Rose Robert, the
shipper and inspector.
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
23
T^Cett Met
By JAMES M. JERAULD
Arbitration
GOME lawyers have raised this question
in varying forms: “How can you arbi-
trate under rules laid down in the consent
decree — even with the stay granted by
Justice Reed — when the Dec. 31, 1946. de-
cree superseded the consent decree?
A distinguished counsel connected with
the industry litigation says the answer to
this question will depend on the mental
attitude of the man who asks it. A litigious
mind, he says, can think of a number of
technical objections: on the other hand
a man who wants to settle a dispute with
as much informality as possible and with-
out court delays can ask for arbitration.
There is no compulsion involved. He asks
for ft — presumably with the intention of
abiding by the decision.
Other parties who come in as re-
spondents do so with the same mental
attitude. If they want to battle the thing
out in the courts, they can do so.
This same lawyer makes a very interest-
ing point at this juncture.
“Remember,” he said, “that arbitration
has been a slow growth in every line of
business. Only the film business has an
appeals board. It has become so generally
accepted as a desirable element of business
life that it has spread into many foreign
countries. Distinguished jurists favor it.
so, when a man tries to upset an arbitra-
tion award after he has participated in the
arbitration, he has two strikes called on
him before he starts testifying. Challeng-
ing the impartiality of an arbitrator is
rarely successful, because the arbitrators
have been carefully chosen.
Legislative Juggling
gXHIBITOR committees planning opposi-
tion to tax and other legislation can do
themselves a favor by hiring a lawyer who
knows the parliamentary tricks available
to legislatures. The New York ad censor-
ship bill was killed when somebody offered
an amendment so late in the session that
it was impossible to get it through the
senate after the house had acted on it.
In New Jersey a very shrewd group of
South Jersey legislators, acting in behalf
of the Atlantic City delegation, rushed an
admission tax measure through the assem-
bly, as the lower house is known, and
banged it through the senate under sus-
pension of the rules in the face of a state-
wide advertising campaign organized by
all exhibitors.
Then a surprise was sprung. Four as-
semblymen said they were not present when
the vote was taken and two others said
they had voted in the negative and had
been recorded in the affirmative. Gov-
ernor Driscoll began an investigation. He
is expected to veto the measure. If an
attempt to get the bill rushed through both
branches a second time in the adjourn-
ment melee, it is quite likely a number of
legislators, who are now hearing from their
constituents, will oppose it.
All the action on the bill to date has
been with absolutsly no debate and with
no public hearing by a committee.
* * *
Supreme Court Speed
|T MAY BE of interest to relate that
Supreme Court Justice Reed moved so
fast that some of the major company
attorneys gasped last week. The Depart-
ment of Justice had intimated it would
ask for hearings on its objections on the
form of two stay orders submitted by the
companies. And the lawyers seemed to
expect this hearing would be granted late
in the week.
The telephone strike slowed communica-
tions, of course.
Early in the afternoon of Monday BOX-
OFFICE phoned to some attorneys and
company executives that the order had
been signed. They were frankly amazed.
Then they discovered a few days later
that Justice Reed had included a pro-
vision saying the defendants had to file
their appeal papers with the clerk of the
court by May 20, as the stays would not
apply to any company failing to do this.
This doesn't leave much time for hair-
splitting.
Printing of the documents, which are to
go before the court, may take all summer.
Then, on the other hand, Justice Reed
might say: “Submit photostats!”
* * *
Friendly Gesture
^*HE Fox Theatre in Philadelphia, on its
opening day of “Carnival in Costa
Rica,” April 4, took an inch of space three
columns wide at the bottom of its news-
paper ads to congratulate the Arcadia and
Pix theatres on the showing of Samuel
Goldwyn’s “The Best Years of Our Lives.”
The “Best Years” ad, also three-columns
wide, was directly beneath the Fox Thea-
tre ad — a very unusual beau geste for this
business.
★ * *
Newsreel Competition
NOT MUCH has been heard of late about
the Eastman Kodak apparatus which
uses heated chemicals in minute quantities
and dries film in 15 seconds with the use
of electronic tubes, but it’s still around and
it may suddenly come into public view by
furnishing practically instantaneous news
event coverage for television stations.
The American Broadcasting Co. took pic-
tures by plane of a coast guard cutter
making a test rescue at sea, 70 miles from
Philadelphia by air. Seventy minutes later
the pictures were telecast by means of film
from the Philco station in Philadelphia.
Under current practice these pictures
would reach the screens of theatres about
a week later.
The newsreel companies are not asleep.
As soon as it becomes possible to transmit
instantaneously developed news pictures
from one city to another by air or coaxial
cables it is safe to predict that newsreels
in theatres will be as fresh and up-to-the-
minute as the pictures on television sets
in nearby homes. And some of the things
they cover may have immediate boxoffice
value, if advertised.
* * *
Ed Fay's Achievement
'y^HEN films first burst onto the public
consciousness in vacant stores and
dilapidated halls they inherited the public
antipathy to the shady traveling carnivals
of that era. The upstart entertainment
medium was not considered respectable.
Edward M. Fay of Providence was already
a prominent showman in other lines when
films took hold. He and his brothers had
a well-known orchestra and were the pro-
prietors of a famous band. They also had
a dance hall of unquestioned distinction
outside of Providence.
Some of their friends in the legitimate
theatre and vaudeville fields raised an
eyebrow, or two, when they went in for
films, but this didn’t last long.
Fay, who will be honored on his golden
anniversary April 21, by industry leaders,
the governor of Rhode Island and leading
state officials and the mayor of Providence
and his cabinet, is a distinguished figure
in his home state and elsewhere. He has
probably done as much as any other man
in this business to build up the prestige
of the motion picture industry.
* * *
Television Tests
JN the April 12 issue of BOXOFFICE there
was a very interesting article on the
results of an audience survey made by the
Balaban & Katz television station in Chi-
cago.
Remote pickup shows, particularly
sports, were most popular. Live shows
rated 30 per cent and films 20 per cent.
As in television surveys made in other
parts of the country, there is no indica-
tion of the age of the films used in the tele-
vision programs. Most of the television
programs this writer has seen included
films that 16mm enthusiasts tolerate at
home because they can’t get anything
tetter.
This feature of television programs can
improve only when the telecasters make
their own films or reach an agreement with
the film industry to have them made.
What Is Showmanship?
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Amuse-
ment Co. is holding a contest among its
managers for the best definition of show-
manship. The winner will receive a $25 cash
prize. The definition must be in 250 words
or less. Judges of entries will be Harry B.
French, Charles W. Winchell, C. W. Perrine
and John A. Branton.
U prichard May Be Tired
Of That 'Open the Door'
Vancouver, B. C. — Jack Uprichard, vet-
eran doorman at the downtown Orpheum
here, is retiring and will make his home
in Victoria, where he has purchased prop-
erty.
24
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
Need Ballyhoo Stimulant,
Scully Tells Field Men
Seen in the above photo are Universal-International’s field and home office pro-
motion departments at a two-day meeting at the Hotel Astor, New York, last
week. Executives who led the discussions were, left to right: Fred Meyers, eastern
division sales manager; William A. Scully, vice-president and general sales manager;
Maurice A. Bergman, eastern advertising and publicity director; C. J. Feldman, west-
ern division sales manager; A. J. O’Keefe, assistant general sales manager; A1 Hor-
wits, eastern publicity manager, and Henry A. Linet, eastern advertising manager.
Outline Sales Plans
For U-I Executives
NEW YORK — Selling plans for “The Egg
and I” and other new product were discussed
at a two-day meeting of U-I district sales
heads, division managers and home office
executives at the home office Saturday and
Sunday (April 19-20). William A. Scully,
vice-president and general sales manager,
presided.
Selling plans were outlined for “Time Out
of Mind,” “Buck Privates Come Home,” “Odd
Man Out,” “Great Expectations,” “Stairway
to Heaven,” “Ivy,” “Brute Force,” “Some-
thing in the Wind,” “Slave Girl,” “Secret
Beyond the Door,” “Singapore,” “The Lost
Moment,” “My Heart Goes Crazy” and
“Pirates of Monterey.”
District sales heads present included
Foster M. Blake, Los Angeles; Pete T. Dana,
Cleveland; Joseph E. Garrison, St. Louis;
Mannie M. Gottlieb, Chicago; Ed Heiber,
Kansas City; Dave Miller, Buffalo; Barney
Rose, San Francisco, Peter F. Rosian, Cin-
cinnati, and John J. Scully, Boston. Among
division heads were Fred Meyers, eastern; C.
J. Feldman, western; F. J. A. McCarthy,
southern and Canadian. The home office
was represented by A. J. O’Keefe, E. T.
Gomersall, Maurice A. Bergman, E. L. Mc-
Evoy, James Jordan, J. H. Huber, Ray Coyle,
Frank Mooney, Milton Schneiderman, Sam
Friedel, Morris Alin and Gene Kingston.
Seidelman Predicts a Great Year
For U-I’s Foreign Distribution
NEW YORK — Distributors can obtain the
extra revenue needed to meet advancing
production costs only by developing closer
contact with theatre managers in exploita-
tion campaigns, William A. Scully, U-I
vice-president and general sales head, told
company home office and field promotion
staffs. Addressing a two-day meeting at the
Hotel Astor, Scully urged distributors and ex-
hibitors to get back to the tried and true
methods of traditional ballyhoo to sell pic-
tures.
Maurice A. Bergman, eastern advertising
and publicity director, presided at the meet-
ing. He announced the appointment of
Charles Simonelli as special publicity co-
ordinator with the field exploitation staffs.
Simonelli also will continue as director of
special events under A1 Horwits, eastern pub-
licity manager.
Other speakers included A. J. O’Keefe, as-
sistant general sales manager; C. J. Feldman,
western division sales manager; Fred Meyers,
eastern division sales head; James J. Jordan,
manager of the contract, playdate and sales
department, and Horwits.
Scully told the group the company is try-
ing to gain new audiences, “particularly
younger people, and also is trying to get
certain elements of the population which
are not ordinarily motion-picture-minded.”
He said that every key city is entitled to the
same type of promotions to sell pictures as
are used in launching films in New York.
U-I’s exploitation plans include “packag-
ing” exploitation plans outlined at the home
office for use in the field.
Horwits outlined the company’s new pub-
licity service, which will forward special ma-
terial, stills and layouts directly to the field
men.
To Reissue 'Dillinger'
HOLLYWOOD — “Dillinger,” top grosser in
the history of Monogram, will be reissued this
summer, President Steve Broidy has decided.
Re-release is set to follow first Chicago show-
ing at Oriental and Biograph theatres May 29.
NEW YORK — “A great year of business
and success for U-I product” in the overseas
market was predicted by Joseph H. Seidel-
man, president of Universal International
Films, Inc., at the company’s first postwar
international sales convention in Paris. Uni-
versal International Films is the foreign sub-
sidiary of Universal -International Pictures.
Delegates from France, Great Britain, Bel-
gium, Denmark, Greece, Spain, Italy, Nor-
way, Sweden, North Africa, Switzerland, Por-
tugal and the Near East gathered for a week
of meetings and screenings of new product
not yet released overseas.
The foreign heads were brought up to date
on the details of the merger of Universal and
International. U-I’s 16mm plans in Europe
were discussed. Harry Novak, continental
supervisor, also addressed the group. A1 Daff,
vice-president, stressed the fact that U-I
has “25 pictures of top-notch quality,” using
top-flight stars and many stories based on
best sellers.
Publicity and exploitation contests be-
tween the smaller and larger countries were
held at the conference, with foreign delegates
citing the work done by exploitation staffs
despite material shortages. The Paris office
was cited for its decoration of the convention
room.
The delegates attended screenings of “The
Egg and I,” “Time Out of Mind,” “I’ll Be
Yours,” “Song of Scheherazade,” “Buck Pri-
vates Come Home,” “The Devil in the Flesh,”
French film, “Smash-Up,” “Swell Guy” and
a French dialog trailer on “Egg.”
Those attending the convention included
Ferdinand Rieger, manager of branch opera-
tions; Louis Foeldes, general sales head for
Europe; Andre Salib, Near East supervisor;
Max Mendel, Scandinavia supervisor; Joseph
Denis, manager in Belgium; John Marshall,
home office representative in Belgium; K. E.
Joergensen, manager in Denmark; Etienne
Seidelman addressing U-I delegates.
Descombey, France supervisor; Raphael Ber-
nard, publicity director for France; Victor
Michaelides, Greece representative; Emman-
uel Zama, manager in Italy; Amieto
Faiola, sales manager for Italy; A. H. Has-
lund, Norway manager; Enrique Aguilar, gen-
eral manager for Spain-Portugal; Manuel
Bofill, sales head for Spain; L. Gussen,
Sweden manager; A. Cosandey, Switzerland
manager; Jack Sullivan, press representative
for the United Kingdom; Bernard Goldman,
sales head for France; Rene Delcourt, north-
ern France supervisor; E. Hoskier, North
Africa manager; Christian Cocteau, 16mm
manager in France; Andree Deschryvere,
Paris manager; J. Ferraud, Marseilles man-
ager; Gabriel Armand, Bordeaux manager;
N. Muccielli, Toulouse manager; Hoche Des-
trez, Lille manager; Christophe Goldstein,
Lyons and Marc Ehmann, Strasbourg.
26
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
THE
GEORGE APLEY
GROWS GREATER EVERY DAI
at RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL!
1st WEEK— New 20th Century-Fox Record!
2nd WEEK— Tops Record of 1st!
3rd WEEK-Tops BOTH 1st and 2nd!
4th WEEK —Matches Record 3rd!
RONALD COLMAN
with V anessa Brown
Richard Haydn • Charles Russell • Richard Ney
Edna Best ‘Mildred Natwick • Percy Waram*Nydia Westman
and Introducing PEGGY CUMMINS
Directed by Produced by
JOSEPH L. MANKIEWICZ • FRED KOHLMAR
Screen Play by Philip Dunne • From the Play by John P. Marquand and George S. Kaufman
Based on the Pulitzer Prize Novel fcv John P, Marquand
5th WEEK- And Still Leading New York!
GREAT, TOO in BOSTON • CLEVELAND • PORTLAND • ROCHESTER
LOS ANGELES MILWAUKEE • OKLAHOMA CITY • Everywhere!
Chaplin Parries a Hostile Group
As He Holds 'Strange Interview '
Johnston Will Fight
Film Bans Overseas
WASHINGTON — Eric A. Johnston, MPA
president, will leave for Europe in June in an
attempt to break through two “iron curtains”
blocking American film imports to Europe.
Johnston said the main problem is the ex-
treme leftist attitude, principally in Russian
dominated areas. He noted the Russian lead-
ers “don’t like our democratic brand of
ideology” and seek either to exclude U.S.
films or show only those that deal with the
“seamy side” of American life.
Another problem Johnston will tackle is
the attitude of some foreign government
leaders that foreign exchange, instead of
being spent for entertainment, should be
conserved for food, machinery and other
essentials.
Johnston said he has already discussed
the importance of implementing American
foreign policy through freer distribution of
films in this country with President Truman.
In Russian dominated countries, he declared,
the Soviets are showing their pictures as a
powerful propaganda medium. On the other
hand, he pointed out, no American pictures
are made “consciously or purposely” for
propaganda purposes.
The MPA head stated that only few Ameri-
can films have been admitted to Russia since
1934, except those exhibited only in the
American embassy, and that no films in “any
numbers” are now getting into Romania,
Hungary, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia or Poland. He
cited the trade agreements most Russian
“satellite” countries have with the USSR pro-
viding for a large percentage of playing time
for Soviet product.
While in Europe Johnston plans to attend
the Geneva Trade Conferences.
U.S. Films Gaining
In Czechoslovakia
NEW YORK — American films are gaining
increased playing time in Czechoslovakia,
despite the Czech-Russian film deal giving
close to two-thirds of the country’s playing
time to Soviet product, according to the Mo-
tion Picture Export Ass’n.
Since the MPEA took over distribution last
October, playing time for U.S. films in
Czechoslovakia has steadily increased to the
point where American films are now playing
simultaneously in from eight to nine of the
15 first run houses in Prague. The balance
of the playing time is shared by domestic,
Russian, French and British pictures. When
the MPEA first took over, Hollywood pictures
were playing from three to four Prague first
runs.
U.S. Dominates Singapore,
New Zealand Playdates
NEW YORK— U.S. films are getting most
of the playing time in New Zealand and
Singapore, despite government restrictions
imposed in favor of British product, accord-
ing to the department of commerce industrial
reference service reports. Film quota laws in
Singapore reserve 10 per cent of all playing
in the 19 houses in the area for British pic-
tures, but American product gets about 75
per cent of the total film revenue.
In New Zealand 310 American films were
shown, against 49 English pictures between
1944-45. British playing time was expected
to increase as a result of J. Arthur Rank’s
purchase of a half interest in a New Zealand
circuit. No figures are available on the com-
parative playing time since the Rank pur-
chase, the department of commerce report
states.
NEW YORK — Charlie Chaplin last Monday
submitted to what was probably the strangest
interview any film star ever had encountered.
He knew in advance what was going to hap-
pen. He had had ample warning from col-
umnists and representatives of the Hearst
organization.
Seventy-five correspondents arrived, and
enough flashlight blubs were used to light the
Statue of Liberty. So that there would be
no question later as to what Chaplin had
said he spoke in front of a microphone in the
small ballroom of the Hotel Gotham and
the questions were spoken into two portable
microphones carried by representatives of
Station WNEW. A recording was made.
Half the questions were definitely hostile.
Several interviewers tried to trick him into
an admission that he was a Communist —
which he neatly denied. Others demanded
to know why he had never become a citizen.
A man named James W. Fay, who came in
with David W. Lee, representative of The
Sign, Catholic diocesan paper, arose and an-
nounced he had a series of questions. Every
time he asked one he proceeded to comment
on Chaplin’s answers and for a few minutes
it sounded like an oration by the questioner.
CLAIMS FULL AUTHORSHIP
The hostility became apparent at the start
when the first questioner asked if it were
true, as Hedda Hopper had stated, that Orson
Welles had written the first draft of the story
of “Monsieur Verdoux.” Chaplin said Welles
had suggested he do a story along documen-
tary lines about Landru, the French blue-
beard. Chaplin said he paid Welles $5,000 for
the idea and then proceeded to write a story
along his own lines. He insisted he had
written “every word of it.”
Somebody else, pursuing the Communist
theme, asked him if he had sold “The Great
Dictator” to the Soviet. He said there had
been some negotiations, but these had never
been completed.
One of the Hearst men inquired: “Are you
a fellow traveler?”
Chaplin replied: “I have no political be-
liefs whatsoever. I have never voted; I have
never belonged to a political party.”
The questioner persisted : “Are you a Com-
munist sympathizer?”
Chaplin answered: “During the war I
sympathized with Russia because it was hold-
ing a front. In that sense I was a sym-
pathizer.”
One questioner started an argument as to
why Chaplin had never voted and launched
into a speech. At this point a mild-mannered
man representing a well-known magazine
suggested that possibly questions as to Chap-
NEW YORK — Eagle-Lion will launch a
training program for ex-GIs to develop per-
sonnel in the distribution field, according to
Robert R. Young, largest stockholder in Pathe
Industries which controls E-L. Actual op-
eration of the veterans’ training program will
be under the guidance of Arthur B. Krim,
E-L president, and A. W. Schwalberg, vice-
president in charge of distribution.
“We feel,” Young said, “that this new plan
which opens the industry to so many new-
comers must inevitably result in bringing to
the field an enormous complement of new
brains, new ideas, new talents and new en-
thusiasms.”
lin’s attitude on voting were not in “good
taste.” Chaplin thanked him.
When James W. Fay got warmed up to his
questions and his own comments he declared
that men who “had suffered on the beach-
heads did not approve of Chaplin’s lack of
patriotism.”
Chaplin suggested mildly that “four-fifths
of my family are American, and two of my
sons suffered on a beachhead with General
Patton.”
Later Chaplin said his patriotism took the
form of sympathy for the common men of
all the world. He said the creation of this
sympathy had been one of the most impor-
tant elements of his pictures all his life.
A woman wanted to know if he had given
up being a good comedian and intended to
introduce “messages” into his future films.
Another critical questioner questioned the
choice of his characterization in “Monsieur
Verdoux.”
He said he felt it was important to un-
derstand crime and criminals.
Even the atomic bomb was dragged in, and
Chaplin was asked what he thought should
be done about it. He refused to answer.
In defense of his introduction of “mes-
sages” into films, he said: “As one gets older
one is not satisfied to go along with the same
old thing. It is one of my indulgencies.”
He said he would be busy all summer on
subjects connected with the reorganization of
United Artists. He refused to predict in
what way it would be reorganized. In the
fall, he said, he hopes to resume work on a
comedy he has in mind.
No matter what line the questioning took
somebody tried to bring it back to the sub-
ject of Communism.
MUM ON POLITICAL VIEWS
Somebody said he had once heard that
Chaplin wanted to portray Napoleon. He
said he couldn’t do this because Napoleon
was a dictator.
Immediately one of the interviewers asked:
"Do you consider Stalin a dictator?”
Chaplin replied that he did not want to
discuss politics, and that he had not made
Napoleon into a picture because he was a
“ruthless” dictator.
At this point a questioner who felt some
sympathy for Chaplin suggested that many
of the questions were “public blackmail.”
Chaplin said, also in reply to questions,
that when he had first talked about the story
of “Verdoux” he had been advised not to
make it, but that when he showed the com-
pleted script to Joseph Breen of the Produc-
tion Code Administration it had been ap-
proved without change.
“It’s an adult picture,” Chaplin commented.
Schwalberg, who was responsible for War-
ner Bros, sales indoctrination course while he
was vice-president and supervisor of ex-
changes, said that the plan calls for selec-
tion of trainees locally in all parts of the
U.S. by E-L representatives. “Trainees will
be chosen solely on the basis of intelligence,
character and ambition,” according to
Schwalberg. “All men selected will be routed
through every department in the sales di-
vision, spending several weeks in each, so
that, by the time they are through, they will
have a combination of theoretical training
and practical experience in putting this
knowledge to work,” he said.
E-L to Train Ex-GIs for Distribution
28
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
U-I’s " The Egg and I”
has them saying
* cunny-Side Up-1 /J
Uptown
Fairway
Ail-time Sunday house
record smashed!
CINCINNATI
Keith's
Nothing like it in the
history of the theatre.
Topped every-
thing!
LONG BEACH, Cal
West Coast
Crest
The theatres weren’t
big enough to hold
crowds!
ST. PETERSBURG, Flk
Playhouse
Turned them away
all day long!
\
DETROIT
Fox
Doubled previous
Universal top
grosser!
\Jfc
Bruin
/ United
Ritz
Artists
INDIANAPOLIS
Keith's
All day line. Thousands turned
away — but coming
back!
LOUISVILLE
National
Even a hail- storm
couldn’t stop a new
house-record!
OKLAHOMA CITY
Home
A new high mark
shoot at. Terrific!
Carthay
Circle
Studio
Six theatres combined for
day-and-date opening to
take care of crowds!
^0^
SANTA ANA
RIVERSIDE Broadwa*
De Anza
Biggest holiday
business in
years!
TORONTO
Uptown
SRO for every per-
formance!
TjtrtVERSAl-WKRMOfflL ptyet£%
Watch the set
\>\e
\o
MARJORIE MAIN
LOUISE ALLBRITTON PERCY KILBRIDE
BILLY HOUSE RICHARD LONG
From the Best -Selling Book by Betty MacDonald
Produced and Written lot the Screen by CHESTER ERSKiNE.no FRED F. FINKLEHOFFE Directed by CHESTER ERSKINE A UNIVERSAL- INTERNATIONAL PICTURE
'ityMcfCwad ^cfront
By IVAN SPEAR
Enterprise Schedules Two:
Boyer and Ginger Rogers
Charles Boyer who for years has been the
passion of countless femme fans — and nearly
as many amateur impersonators — now is go-
ing to have one of his own. He has inked a
contract to make another feature for Enter-
prise to be titled "The Passion of Eugene
Aram,” from the public-domain classic by
Edward Bulwer Lytton, prolific British
author of another generation. Ladislas Fodor
has been set to adapt the book. Story is
based upon the trial of Eugene Aram which
took place in Yorkshire, England, in 1759.
A noted scholar, Aram had become a recluse
after having been an accessory to a murder
during his youth.
From a comparably time-honored literary
font comes the inspiration for another newie
on the rapidly growing Enterprise production
slate. The studio has optioned an original
story by Jack Briggs, based on Robert
Browning’s poem, “Pippa Passes.” Briggs
worked out a romantic theme from the poem
and has registered both the title and story.
It appears probable that Ginger Rogers,
Briggs’ wife, will play the starring feminine
role.
Toll's 'Blonde Savage'
To Be Made for PRC
So numerous have they become that advent
of still another independent producer is far
from a press-stopping piece of Hollywood
news. But when the newcomer filmmaker
is a former tradepaperman the tidbit is ac-
corded an added fillip. In fact, it becomes
almost one of those man-bites-dog situa-
tions. This time it’s Ensign Productions
which will make films — one, at least — for
PRC distribution. Ensign is headed by
Lionel Toll, recently discharged from the
army and formerly editor and publisher of
the Independent Film Journal.
Toll’s first picture will be ‘‘Blonde Sav-
age,” a story of piracy played against a
jungle background. Charles Marion is doing
the screenplay from an original by Gordon
Bache.
Three New Story Properties
Bought in Week by MGM
Mighty Metro continues to make suckers
out of the railbirds who for the past sev-
eral months have been prattling about an
impending drastic curtailment of production
activities at the Culver City film bazaar. Re-
cently L. B. Mayer, the lot’s head man, issued
a lengthy lineup of pictures which he prom-
ised, definitely, will be made during the next
year; and the studio continues to add new
properties to its slate — no less than three
of them within a week.
First, Leo acquired the screen rights to
“Quarter for an Angel,” by I. A. R. Wylie,
which will run as a short story in the Wom-
an’s Home Companion. Edwin Knopf has
been set to produce the yarn which treats
with the romance and tribulations of an ex-
service man attending college under the GI
Bill of Rights.
The same Authoress I. A. R. Wylie figures
in another of the studio’s newies. Tentatively
titled “Children’s Village,” it will tell the
story of the children’s village in Switzerland
where war orphans of several European na-
tionalities are being cared for by a group of
Swiss philanthropists. The film will be based
on a novel to be written by Miss Wylie who
will leave soon to live in the children’s village
which is at Trogen, Switzerland, while writ-
ing her story.
To dramatize the mounting juvenile de-
linquency problems, MGM scheduled also
“Born Bad,” to be produced by Robert Lord
from an original story by Sid Boehm.
Banner Week for Authors
In Sale of New Yarns
Other studios seemed eager to match the
pace set by MGM in the purchase of new
material and result-
antly the story mer-
chants had another
banner week.
Hal Wallis who
makes profit - sharing
features for Para-
mount, bought “Sorry,
Wrong Number,”
which was a radio
spine-tingler on the
CBS Suspense pro-
gram. The chiller to
be based thereon will
be directed and co-
produced by Anatole
Litvak. A screenplay
already has been pre-
pared by Lucille Fletcher, who did the orig-
inal air story . . . Republic dug into its her-
ring barrel for the wherewithal to buy a pair
of yarns. “Defense Rests,” an original by
Bradbury Foote, was purchased and assigned
to Stephen Auer to produce, his initial as-
signment under his new status of associate
producer. It is a yarn about a trial lawyer
who tries to give up his career when he finds
it isn’t bringing him happiness, and is almost
prevented from doing so by the criminal
whom he has been defending. The second
acquisition was “The Miracle of Charlie
Dakin,” also an original and penned by
Charles Larson. Assigned to Alfred Santell
for production, the story is a melodrama of
SOME REAL PLUGGING — Veronica
Lake, Paramount star, tacks a sign on
the side of a mail truck at the start of
the cancer drive in New York as New
York Postmaster Albert Goldman assists.
Scene is in front of the city’s main post
office.
hatred and murder . . . RKO Radio purchased
"Mr. Whiskers,” an original screen story by
Erwin Gelsey and has assigned Leopold Atlas
to prepare the script for early production by
the Sid Rogell unit. Theron Warth will pro-
duce . . . First Monogram starring vehicle
for Roddy McDowall, recently signed to term
contract by Lindsley Parsons Productions,
was set with the purchase of “Return to
Yesteryear,” original story by George W.
Sayre. Author has also been signed to do
the screenplay . . . Sol Siegel, a compara-
tively new producer at 20th-Fox, received
his second assignment when the studio bought
screen rights to the Henry Helseth novel,
“The Chan for Martin Rome” . . . Ronald
Reagan and Alexis Smith will be co-starred
in “Sunburst,” an original story just acquired
by Warner. It was written by Dietrich V.
Hanneken and Aleck Block. Ranald Mac-
Dougall will produce from a screenplay by
Ruth Brooks.
E-L's 'Clementine' Lead
Set for Gene Raymond
Gene Raymond is going to have one, and
only one, more try at acting before he
plunges headlong into a new career, that of
directing pictures. He has gone on the
dotted line at Eagle-Lion for a topline in
"Clementine” (and if that ain’t poetry . . . )
after which thespic chore he will foreswear
greasepaint forevermore, he says . . . Gladys
George has been picked by MGM to team
with Wallace Beery in “Alias a Gentleman”
. . . Macdonald Carey has been assigned the
co-starring role with Betty Hutton in Para-
mount’s “Dream Girl” . . . Helping Toughguy
Alan Ladd whisper in the same studio’s
“Whispering Smith” will be Robert Preston,
Fay Holden, William Demarest, and Donald
Crisp . . . Also at the Marathon street cellu-
loid bazaar, Melvyn Douglas was signed to co-
star with Phyllis Calvert in “My Own True
Love” . . . Charlotte Greenwood drew a star-
ring role in Republic’s “Driftwood.”
Jacques Tourneau Signed
To Long-Term RKO Pact
RKO Radio has signed Director Jacques
Tourneau to a new long-term contract . . .
At the same Gower street studio, Robert
Wise has been set to direct “Bodyguard,” an
original story by George W. George and
Robert B. Altman which Sid Rogell will pro-
duce . . . Vera Caspary, she who penned the
novel “Laura,” has been inked by 20th Cen-
tury-Fox to do the screen treatment for the
John Klempner yarn, “Letter to Five Wives.”
Sam Engel produces . . . Eve Ettinger, Co-
lumbia story editor, has asked for and re-
ceived her release, effective May 1, after 14
years with the outfit . . . Also at the Co-
lumbia film foundry, Max Nosseck was signed
by Sharecropper Sam Katzman to direct
“The Prince of Thieves,” based on a novel
by Alexandre Dumas, which Katzman will
produce in Cinecolor . . . Alex Gottlieb will
produce “Romance in High C,” a musical
comedy with a South American background,
for Michael Curtiz Productions at Warner,
while, at the same studio, Peter Godfrey is
set to direct “That Hagen Girl.”
McCarey Plans 'Good Sam'
Starring Gary Cooper
Switching his production plans, Leo Mc-
Carey of Rainbow Productions, which re-
leases through RKO Radio, temporarily has
sidetracked his “Adam and Eve” to give clear
sailing to “Good Sam,” which he hopes to
have before the cameras by July 1. At the
same time McCarey signed Gary Cooper to
portray “Sam,” a small town professional do-
gooder whose efforts to help others keep him
constantly behind the nine ball — in Holly-
wood, it’s already too crowded behind the
eight ball.
HAL WALLIS
30
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
0W<Z4&i*tytc*t ^efwtt
By LEE GARLING
DOBERT L. WRIGHT, government attorney,
**■ said this week that he does not think the
Department of Justice will exercise strict
enforcement of the industry antitrust suit
until a final order has been handed down by
the U.S. supreme court.
Wright believes that it would be a waste of
time to check the several different practices
ordered by the court, because he thinks the
high court will reverse the New York court’s
decision.
Meanwhile, Abram F. Myers, Allied States
board chairman and general counsel, warns
distributors that they are still violating the
law if any “monopoly” is found in their op-
erations. Despite the fact that final litiga-
tion is almost over, the findings of the lower
court will hold until a later decision.
For instance, an exhibitor can sue for dam-
ages regardless of whether the practice in-
dulged in is a direct antitrust violation or
not. All this decree enforcement may alert
the distributor.
* * *
THE COMMERCE DEPARTMENT has been
collecting statistics on the increasing revenue
from chewing gum, candy machines and
cigarets.
There has been a gradual increase in the
vending machine grosses during the past ten
years. New, modern and economic vending
machines are now on the production lines,
and it is considered an easy way to make
“side money.”
Most theatres have several vending ma-
chines in use today. They are maintained
by a serving company with the theatre get-
ting a cut of the gross. According to Com-
merce department figures, it is cheaper in
the long run for the exhibitor to buy his own
vending machines and stock them.
* * *
TO STOP THE MOUNTING number of
construction projects which are unauthorized
by the National Housing Expediter, that
agency has started a complete investiga-
tion of building permits issued by local city
governments. Violations carry fines, and the
work must be suspended.
Under existing rules, only authorized con-
struction may be commenced.
To appeal a decision of a local Civilian
Production administration ruling on a per-
mit to remodel or build a new theatre, the
papers are now to be directed to the new com-
pliance section located at Temporary Build-
ing I in Washington.
* * *
WILLIAM H. PAYNE, local attorney, told
the house and senate committee on the Dis-
trict of Columbia that Washington should
have “no” taxes without adequate representa-
tion.
Speaking for the American Legion, Payne
asserted that the veterans group is opposed
to any type of handout which appears un-
favorable to the welfare of the veteran. To
tax sales and amusements would be a serious
mistake, Payne declared.
* * *
THE WAR ASSETS administration reports
that there is no more surplus government
photographic equipment available for sale.
Very little commercial equipment, such as
projectors and cameras, were placed on the
market to begin with.
Government film production units in the
armed forces and at the Department of Agri-
culture absorbed all of the surplus projec-
tion equipment, raw film, and other ma-
terials.
The few surplus projection machines were
in the 16mm size, and long ago have been
sold.
* * *
FLOYDE E. BROOKER of the U S. Office
of Education told the Washington Film
Council last week of government plans to
cooperate with the Motion Picture Ass’n in
its educational film program.
His topic was “Current Trends in Educa-
tional Film Production.” Brooker pledged
USOE support to the MPA campaign to pro-
vide more and better educational films.
* * *
IT IS AND IT ISN’T. That’s all you’ll
hear about the house un-American activities
committee and its plans to make a trip to
the coast and investigate Communism in
motion pictures. Chances are, as we have
said time and again, the committee will never
leave Washington on such a mission. Too
many other things in its plans, despite al-
most daily rumors to the contrary.
* * *
WENDELL BERGE, retired assistant attor-
ney general, will be honored at a testimonial
dinner at the Hotel Statler on May 3. Leon
Henderson is chairman of the dinner com-
mittee.
Berge, active in the pending industry anti-
trust case, resigned effective May 1 to enter
private law practice.
* * *
TOUGH SLEDDING for American films is
the case in Romania, according to Nathan
D. Golden of the Commerce department.
Only a few, approximately 40, pictures have
reached that nation lately, and they are U.S.
Information old release films. The market
is good in normal times, however.
With the change this week in the Finnish
government, there is a good chance that
existing barriers imposed upon American
films there will be lifted. The Finns have
maintained what has appeared to be a
“nationalistic film monopoly.” It has been
protested by the industry.
Propose Agency to Clear
Shooting in New York
NEW YORK — George Sanders, city com-
missioner of commerce, will suggest to Mayor
O’Dwyer the formation of an agency to clear
applications to film location shots in city
streets, parks, public buildings, etc. Sanders
said the city wants to do everything possible
to “encourage film production in New York.”
He also advocates that this agency be used to
eliminate the “red tape” producers encounter
when they apply for permission to shoot
outdoor scenes within the city limits.
Sanders discussed the problem with a com-
mittee of industry spokesmen, including Sol
Scappa, IATSE; Steve Fitzgibbons, 20th-Fox;
Harold Lewis, RKO Pathe, and Judge Mc-
Guire, municipal labor conciliator.
Columbia Dividend
NEW YORK — Directors of Columbia Pic-
tures Corp. declared a quarterly dividend of
$1.0614 per share on the $4.25 cumulative
preferred stock, payable May 15, 1947, to
stockholders of record on May 1.
THEY’LL RUN
THEY’LL WALK
THEY’LL EVEN
m.
to
get
to
see
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
1
First Run Reports
As a iurther development of the percemtage
method of reporting picture grosses (origi-
nated by BOXOFFICE in 1928). this chart
shows the records made by pictures in five
or more key city engagements. As other runs
are reported, ratings will be added and aver-
ages changed.
Top Hit of the Week
*The Best Years of Our Lives —
Deiroit 175
Computed in terms of percentage in
relation to normal grosses. With 100
per cent as "normal," the figures
show the percentage above or below
<that mark.
BOSTON
<©
— J
<
u.
Ll.
z>
CO
CHICAGO
CINCINNATI
CLEVELAND
DALLAS
DENVER
DES MOINES
DETROIT
INDIANAPOLIS
KANSAS CITY
LOS ANGELES
MILWAUKEE
MINNEAPOLIS
NEW HAVEN
NEW YORK
OMAHA
PHILADELPHIA
PITTSBURGH
SAN FRANCISCO
SEATTLE
AVERAGE
Affairs of Geraldine (Rep)
100
100
90
100
100
100
100
100
99
Alias Mr. Twilight (Col)
100
100
90
85
100
95
100
100
95
96
'Best Years of Our Lives, The iRKO)
200
200
200
300
200
500
175
325
175
250
180
210
310
600
250
272
Blind Spot (Col)
100
115
100
100
90
90
160
80
104
Blondie Knows Best (Col)
100
90
150
100
100
115
90
100
75
95
90
100
100
no
85
100
California (Para)
190
137
150
100
140
165
no
120
85
185
225
190
150
125
145
no
130
160
145
Crime Doctor’s Manhunt (Col)
75
100
100
105
115
115
85
90
100
100
100
100
90
98
Flight to Nowhere (SG>
100
115
100
100
90
100
95
100
100
75
98
I’ll Be Yours (U-I)
120
100
120
150
80
117
90
115
85
90
125
115
90
100
75
120
80
104
Lady Chaser (PRC)
no
100
100
100
90
85
100
100
70
95
Little Miss Big ( U -I »
100
100
100
100
100
100
95
100
100
90
100
100
100
100
99
Locket, The (RKO)
130
120
120
60
115
100
105
175
120
130
no
160
135
80
119
Lone Wolf in Mexico, The (Col)
100
90
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
175
75
103
Mask of Diijon, The (PRC)
100
100
no
100
100
102
Millie’s Daughter (Col)
100
80
100
100
150
106
Mr. District Attorney (Col)
135
80
90
125
no
120
100
100
100
120
108
My Favorite Brunette (Para)
175
114
145
95
135
150
130
150
195
165
no
180
120
160
145
Mysterious Mr. Valentine, The (Rep)
100
100
100
95
100
90
100
100
100
100
99
’Neath Canadian Skies (SG>
100
77
125
100
no
100
100
102
Nocturne (RKOi
140
134
125
130
70
90
130
115
90
100
175
95
no
85
125
115
140
70
140
100
114
Nora Prentiss (WB>
130
113
120
80
117
95
105
100
100
200
115
150
150
115
90
190
75
120
80
118
Perfect Marriage, The (Para)
150
112
120
80
no
no
90
90
no
100
125
145
80
100
120
no
90
108
Plainsman and the Lady (Rep)
100
130
1?5
120
95
90
100
100
100
100
100
97
100
100
100
70
102
Pursued iWB)
88
125
140
100
95
100
175
120
135
120
180
100
120
123
Red House, The <UA>
140
120
100
105
110
175
100
130
190
130
Return of Monte Cristo, The (Col)
no
90
130
80
70
120
90
100
95
95
175
95
100
130
100
45
140
140
106
Secret of the Whistler (Col)
100
115
100
no
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
95
100
75
100
Shadowed (Col)
100
105
100
100
100
80
100
100
100
100
100
99
Shocking Miss Pilgrim, The (20-Fox)
180
71
140
180
150
120
95
no
120
200
100
140
93
130
95
150
120
90
127
Singin’ in the Corn (Col)
100
100
80
100
90
110
100
100
100
100
70
95
So Dark the Night (Col)
100
90
no
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Song of Scheherazade (U-I)
150
125
250
175
no
125
no
175
160
153
Stallion Road (WB)
100
175
130
125
105
170
134
Strange Journey (20th-Fox)
100
100
140
95
100
93
100
90
102
Sweetheart of Sigma Chi (Mono)
120
100
140
100
90
100
85
105
130
108
That Way With Women (WB)
60
95
85
98
130
94
Trail Street (RKO)
115
125
125
106
135
121
Traffic in Crime (Rep)
100
120
no
100
90
100
100
193
Truth About Murder, The (RKO)
100
100
100
100
100
90
100
90
100
90
100
90
100
100
90
150
80
99
Under Nevada Skies (Rep)
105
100
120
70
100
no
no
102
Vacation in Reno (RKO)
100
100
100
100
100
100
90
90
100
no
100
120
100
101
32
Playing at advanced admission scales.
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 19*7
'Duel' into 300 Theatres
For the Week of May 7
NEW YORK— David O. Selznick’s “Duel in
the Sun” will open in 300 key city simul-
taneous engagements the week of May 7 on
the east and west coasts. The picture will
play day and date at the Capitol Theatre
and 37 Loew’s houses in New York.
On the coast the picture will play in 150
houses in the Los Angeles and San Francisco
exchange areas. Robert M. Gillham, eastern
advertising and publicity director for Van-
guard and SRO, and Claud Morris, exploita-
tion manager, are in Dallas to line up the
campaign for openings in the southwest ter-
ritory.
'Great Expectations' Leads
Review Board Selections
NEW YORK — “Great Expectations,” U-I
release, has been given a starred rating by
the National Board of Review in its weekly
guide to selected pictures as a “picture
especially worth seeing.” The board reviewer
called the film “no mere translation of
Dickens’ novel,” and said it is “wholly a
movie — with suspense and terror, heartbreak
and joy.” The picture was given a family
rating.
FROM THE FILES OF
i AR AMOUNT has determined to discard
all past methods of developing new stars
and in the future will concentrate its ener-
gies in developing the best prospective ma-
terial within the organization. In April of
each year, according to Jesse Lasky, from
four to six Paramount junior stars will be
chosen. Selections will be made after a
close study of the younger players who have
distinguished themselves in the company’s
pictures during the previous 12 months.
* * *
First National Pictures, with its press sheet
for “The Tender Hour,” with Billie Dove and
Ben Lyon, just off the presses, begins its new
department of exhibitor service — institutional
advertisements. First National executives be-
lieve that practically every theatre in the
land has some feature in connection with it
which will attract possible patrons if they
are told about it. When money has been
spent for the comfort of patrons, they should
be informed. A number of small advertise-
ments are included in each press sheet,
which emphasizes some service, attraction or
comfort of the theatre, along with the her-
alding of the next booking.
* * *
“Don Juan,” Warner Bros, extended run
picture, starring John Barrymore, closed its
engagement at the Warner Theatre last
week by achieving the longest record of any
Barrymore picture ever produced. For 36
weeks the production played to capacity audi-
ences, was seen by over 700,000 persons and
with upwards of $1,000,000 gross income at
the boxoffice. The film will now be released
to exhibitors throughout the country.
* * *
The National Theatre Supply Co. is now
issuing a combination house organ and cata-
log each month, cal’ed “National Pink Sheet.”
In addition to the usual discussion of equip-
ment material, it contains equipment news
and doings of the industry throughout the
country.
In the Newsreels
Movietone News, No. 65: Volcano in Iceland erupts
after 100 years silence; Greece pays homage to
King George in Athens funeral; Henry Ford — pioneer
of auto industry dead at 83; U.S. navy observes 47th
birthday of first submarine; famous Dionne five are
bridesmaids at brother's wedding; Babe Ruth takes
job to help boys playing baseball; deer that dam-
aged farm crop are chased by plane.
News of the Day. No. 263: Death of Henry Ford —
film glimpses of an amazing career; De Gaulle sees
France with U.S. against tyranny; Truman meets film
chiefs; man who stole bus; Dionne quints at first
wedding; Leo Durocher suspended in big baseball
sensation; submarines on parade; Greeks mourn
king.
Paramount News, No. 66: Babe Ruth gets new job;
five famous bridesmaids; Truman praises film indus-
try's foreign program; nation pays tribute to “Silent
Service"; Henry Ford — 1863-1947; sports — Durocher of
Dodgers suspended.
Pathe News, No. 68: Athens mourns dead king;
Asians meet in National congress; Henry Ford dead
at 83; errant bus reaches goal; De Gaulle at Strass-
bourg.
Universal News, No. 29: Henry Ford dies at 83;
submarine's anniversary; last rites for Greek king;
Dionne wedding; mule day in Tennessee; penguins
from Arctic; sports.
•
Movietone News. No. 66: Europe's terrific winter
climaxed by wild floods; atomic commission con-
firmed after senate battle; film highlights of world
news — Korean riots, midwest tornado, Treasure
Island fire, new navy helicopter; sports.
News of the Day. No. 264: Million dollar fire
sweeps navy base on Treasure Isle; five-minute Okla-
homa tornado kills scores — injures 1,000; rampaging
ice in Vistula destroys villages; 100,000 Koreans in
rioting; U.N. homesite consecrated in New York;
Paris roller derby; navy boxers.
Paramount News. No. 67: San Francisco — five mil-
lion dollar fire on Treasure Island; people in the
eyes of the world — atomic commission gets down to
work; Britain hears Wallace; riots in Korea; An-
napolis— navy juniors swap leather; ice packs smash
bridges in spring thaw.
Pathe News, No. 69: Wallace in London; fire on
crowd in Korea; Lilienthal takes over atom; mark
death of F.D.R.; Treasure Island fire; Robinson be-
comes a Dodger; Polish floods smash bridges.
Universal News, No. 30: Bridges topple and crash
into ice jammed rivers as spring floods sweep
Poland; mass rioting in Korean capital; 150 die in
Oklahoma tornado; five million dollar blaze sweeps
San Francisco's Treasure Island; navy tests new
ten-place transport helicopter; 14th century spec-
tacle re-enacted at Florence, Italy; living statue
gymnasts perform at Paris; small fry — one punch
boxing match.
•
All American News, Vol. 5, No. 234: Chicago fire,
through carelessness, destroys a fashionable Chi-
cago home. . . this points up a moral; girl students
at Tuskegee get a lesson in how to convert a navy
uniform into an attractive and stylish two-piece suit;
Missouri's educational landmark — that aptly describes
staid and dignified Lincoln university; second century
of life started by H. L. Hall, 108; North Little Rock,
famed Shorter college not only teaches the regular
courses but also conducts a special school where
religion is taught; ”, . . Smile for the cameraman" —
and they do; ROTC takes part in Army day celebra-
tions.
All Negro Musical Set
For Release by Astor
NEW YORK — “Ebony Parade,” an all-
Negro musical starring Cab Calloway, Count
Basie, the Mills Brothers, Mantan Moreland
and Day, Dawn and Dusk, has been com-
pleted by Astor Pictures and will be released
on a nationwide basis, according to R. M.
Savini, president.
Skouras, Silverstone Due
NEW YORK — Spyros Skouras, 20th-Fox
president, and Murray Silverstone, head of
20th-Fox Int’l, are expected at the home
office at the end of the month from their
tour of Latin America. Skouras and Silver-
stone will stop off at Trinidad, Puerto Rica
and Cuba en route to New York.
'Paradise' to Film Rights
NEW YORK — Film Rights Int’l, Ltd., has
acquired distribution rights throughout the
U.S. for “Children of Paradise.” The French
film has completed its tenth week at the
Ambassador Theatre here.
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
33
\ Sx&i&iton, r?W Say
ABOUT PICTURES
One star after a picture report denotes an exhibitor who has only started
contributing to the department, two stars designate a contributor who has been
sending in reports from six months to a year, and three stars are for those of
veteran standing, from one to many years. When a contributor attains the three-
star standing, he may expect a token of our appreciation. Everybody welcome
Knew How to Buy Ticket
And Became Manager
C. M. Garrett, manager of the Yandell
Theatre at El Paso, has held that posi-
tion since December 1 of last year, when
the former manager resigned. The thea-
tre had opened early in October.
“All I knew about picture business was
how to buy a ticket,” writes Garrett. “Now
I am learning the hard way. My wife
helps me run the show, as does my broth-
er-in-law, who owns it. You see I have
another job in a power plant and can’t
be at the theatre all the time, so it takes
all of us.”
Garrett lists such hobbies as hunting,
fishing, photography and flying and says
of the exhibitor’s major problem today:
“In my case, having to wait so long after
the first run.”
COLUMBIA
Texas Panhandle (Col) — Charles Starrett,
Tex Harding, Nannette Parks. Here is an-
other rootin', tootin', shootin' western that
pleased everyone. We believe that Columbia
is making better westerns than Republic, and
with Gene Autry going over to Columbia, it
should be a happy day for the exhibitors.
Keep up the good work, Columbia, but please
don't put Roy Rogers under contract, as we
pay too much for him already. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Very good. — Dinkle & Lemaster,
Ken Theatre, Raceland Ky. Rural and small
town patronage.
Thrill of Brazil (Col) — Evelyn Keyes, Keenan
Wynn, Ann Miller. Here's a good little musi-
cal that is jam-full of comedy. I think it
would stand up well on a midweek most
places. I made a deal with the high school
band to put on a 30-minute performance at
each show. School was dismissed for morn-
ing and afternoon matinees if they had tick-
ets. The result was that we had capacity per-
formances from 10 in the morning until 9:30
at night. We took in more in one day than
any three-day showing, with the exception of
"Bells of St. Mary's." The band got half the
money for equipment. I got half for my bank
account. It's a good deal and it pleased the
school authorities as well as the kids. Played
Tuesday. Weather: Good. — R. C. Walker,
Rialto Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural patron-
age. * *
Walls Came Tumbling Down, The (Col) —
Lee Bowman, Marguerite Chapman, Edgar
Buchanan. I didn't pay much for this and I
didn't take in much. There were no walkouts
and no complaints, but I suppose the few peo-
ple who came to see it had nothing better
to do and didn’t mind what was on the screen.
This is a program picture — don't play it alone
if you want to make money. Played Wed.,
Thurs. Weather: Mild. — Carl E. Pehlman, Rio
Theatre, Edinburg, 111. Rural and small town
patronage. *
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Gallant Bess (MGM) — Marshall Thompson,
George Tobias, Clem Bevans. Even the tough
guys almost shed tears on this one. I would
recommend this wonderful attraction for any
situation. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Rain.
— James C. Balkcom, Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga.
Small town patronage.
Three Wise Fools (MGM) — Margaret O'Brien,
Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell. There
were four — not three — when you count me in.
This particular piece of tripe had pixies and
fairies (the kind that live in trees) and the
entire proceedings were painful, from the
walkouts to the boxoffice tally. Leave it lie,
brother. Weather Fair. Played Sunday. —
W. F. Shelton, Louisburg Theatre, Louisburg,
N. C. Small town patronage.
Undercurrent (MGM) — Katharine Hepburn,
Robert Taylor, Robert Mitchum. A suspense-
ful mystery drama with the usual top MGM
production. Hepburn's performance will help
re-establish the popularity she had been los-
ing here on other recent pictures. Average
Sun., Mon. attendance. Weather: Fair. — Chase
Bros., Sokokis Theatre, Limerick, Me. Rural
and small town patronage.
MONOGRAM
Swing Parade of 1946 (Mono) — Gale Storm,
Phil Regan, Connee Boswell. I did not see
this one personally but it did average Tues.,
Wed. business, so I guess it was okay. The
help said, "A good little musical.'' Played
Tues., Wed. Weather: Cold. — Arthur E. Phi-
field, Park Theatre, South Berwick, Me. Small
town patronage.
Under Arizona Skies (Mono) — Johnny Mack
Brown, Reno Blair, Raymond Hatton. Johnny
Mack Brown's popularity is picking up here,
after a very slow start. Played Fri., Sat.- —
James C. Balkcom, Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga.
Small town patronage.
PARAMOUNT
Northwest Mounted Police (Para) — Reissue.
Gary Cooper, Madeleine Carroll, Paulette
Goddard. This reissue should do well in any
small town. Acting, story value and stars
extra good. Technicolor. Played Sat., Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Rainy. — O. A. Fosse, Com-
munity Theatre, Ridgeway, Iowa. Small town
and rural patronage.
Our Hearts Were Growing Up (Para) — Diana
Lynn, Gail Russell, William Demarest. Fair
picture that did under average business. A
carnival in town didn't help us. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair. — E. B. Wacaster,
Ozark Theatre, Ozark, Ark. Rural and small
town patronage.
Perfect Marriage, The (Para) — Loretta
Young, David Niven, Eddie Albert. A fair pic-
ture but no boxoffice pull for the price paid.
Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Fair.— C. V.
Martina, Rialto Theatre, Albion, N. Y. Small
town patronage.
RKO RADIO
Casanova Brown (RKO) — Gary Cooper, Te-
resa Wright, Frank Morgan. Business was off
on this one and the customers didn't go for
Gary in this type of role. It was an oldie
but that didn't stop RKO from getting their
top price out of it. Gary had better get back
on a horse if he wants to visit Raceland any
more. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold and
rainy. — Dinkle & Lemaster, Ken Theatre, Race-
land, Ky. Rural and small town patronage. *
Child of Divorce (RKO) — Sharyn Moffett,
Regis Toomey, Madge Meredith. A good pro-
gram picture which did below average busi-
ness. Played Tuesday. Weather: Good. — E. M.
Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage.
Criminal Court (RKO) — Tom Conway, Mar-
tha O'Driscoll, Robert Armstrong. This is very
good for a program picture and Tom Conway
is capable of handling any part in a picture
of any sort, especially this type. Played
Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather: Good. — Terry Ax-
ley, New Theatre, England, Ark. Rural and
small town patronage.
First Yank Into Tokyo (RKO) — Tom Neal,
Barbara Neal, Marc Cramer. An exciting pic-
ture with good acting that held audience in-
terest until the end. Playe.d Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Cold. — D. W. Trisko, Star Theatre,
Stanley, N. D. Rural patronage.
Kid From Brooklyn, The (RKO) — Danny
(Continued on page 36)
34
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
w />
So5^2'SORO
~Jh*.
Adventure!
Action! ^
Romance!
with **
RICHARD ARLEN
Jennifer HOLT • Lee SHUMWi
Gil PATRICK
Producer, JACK SCHWARZ
Director, BERNARD B. RAY
Rugged
Daredevils
of the
North!
Produced and Directed by WILLIAM BERKE
Rochelle HUDSON Jack La RUE
Austin WILLIS • Frank PERRY
Producer, LARRY CROMIEN
Associate Producer, JACK W. OGILVIE
Director, STERLING CAMPBELL
2
DETECTIVE ACTION STREAMLINERS
Tom NEAL * Allen JENKINS
THE HAT BOX MYSTERY
The Case of the BABY SITTER
Pamela BLAKE * Virginia SALE
n Tom NEAL • Allen JENKINS
Pamela BLAKE • Virginia SALE
Executive Producer, MAURY NUNES • Produced by CARl HITTIEMAN • Directed by tAMBERT HILLYER
Distributed by
Lt? ?>
HOME OFFICE: 346 So. La Brea, Hollywood, California
FOREIGN DEPT.: 723 7th Avenue, New York City . . . CABLE ADDRESS: Guild Film
( Advertisement )
SOME PEOPLE were simply born lucky!
Take Charlie Deckman. Hygienic's roving
"Meet the People" ace, advance man. agent,
lecturer and all-around handy man. Last
January Charlie set out with a Lincoln-and-
trailer on a rambling trip for Jack and Krog.
He toured the south, the southwest, all parts
of Mexico, the west, up the Pacific coast and
just arrived back in Ohio a few days ago.
What a trip! Gals like me live our lives
hopin' for a weekend in Chicago.
"MOM AND DAD"
HYGIENIC'S RAMBLIN' Charlie hadn't
thrown his hat in the door and had time to
tell his wife about the big fish he caught,
before Krog wired him a new assignment.
The lucky stiff! Now he gets to go to Alaska
to advance the summer route opening in
Ketchikan, June 9th. Advertising materials
are already shipped. Charlie will follow 'em
in early May.
"MOM AND DAD"
ALL OF HYGIENIC's "slaves" and "chair-
warmers" are anxiously awaiting Krog's de-
cision on who will play the Alaskan route.
It's exciting to even think you might get to
make that trip through the land of the Midnight
Sun. Agent Floyd Lewis booked the Alaska
route and he has written me all the dope.
Floyd says it affords no new-car problems.
There are no highways. The agent and unit
will have to travel by boat from Seattle, and
then will need make the jumps from town to
town by airplane or canoes. Imagine a unit
manager, lecturer, couple of nurses, four
cans of film, two cots, a valance and a flock
of hygiene books piled up in canoes. Those
Eskimos and Indians up there will certainly
have a "paddlin' job." Wish ole Marge was
going along!
"MOM AND DAD"
IF IT doesn't pay to advertise, as some
exhibitors would have us believe, we're sure
headin' for bankruptcy, or somethin'. The
agents rolled in some powerful big contracts
this week and Lewis Sutton, our director of
printing, is turning grey-headed. One book-
ing calls for a grand total of 449.000 tabloids
— 420.000 for local distribution and 29.000 for
mailings. This theatre also gets 2.000 jum-
bos and 2,000 small cards, 50 nice big 24-
sheets, 200 sixes and 600 threes. All this,
plus newspaper, radio, front, etc., totals up
to a $24,500 campaign. We suppose as soon
as the engagement is over some old biddy
will 'phone the theatre manager and ask him.
"When is 'Mom and Dad' coming, sir?" It
never fails to happen.
-"MOM AND DAD"
HYGIENIC's new home offices are nearing
the completion stage. If you want to see
folks move — and things roll — you should stop
in some time. Ford's production line never
rolled out V-8s like the mail and express
trucks roll down our driveways. If they're
not cornin' — they're goin' — or gettin' out of
the other guy's way. Incidentallv we have
more pictures in the makin' ... or have I
already told vou?
"MOM AND DAD"
FORMER HYGIENIC "slaves" D. F. Mc-
Crosky, Larry Trace and Louise Edminston.
after a few months with our organization,
learned so much about roadshow business,
they've put in with Paul Bramlett of Kewanee.
111., and are starting their own show. Good
luck, alumni! — MARGE.
■E XH I B I TORS - BOOK /r/VOIVj
TheWorlels Most Am azinq Attraction
4
ELLIOT FORBES '/MPEKOH'l ESSE OWENS
WORLD-WIDE DISTRIBUTORS
HYGIENIC PRODUCTIONS
HOME OFF I CES -HYGIENE BLDG.WI LMINGT0N.0HI0
BRANCHEV.L0J ANGELES- CLEVELAND -TORONTO- MEXICO CITY
(Continued from page 34)
Kaye, Virginia Mayo, Vera-Ellen. This is a
wonderful picture for any situation at any
time, but due to an epidemic of flu and to
heavy snowstorms, we took a beating at the
boxoffice. Played Sun., Mon., Tues. — Wayne
Stebbins, Saranac Theatre, Saranac, Mich.
Small town patronage. * * *
Kid From Brooklyn, The (RKO) — Danny
Kaye, Virginia Mayo, Vera-Ellen. This pic-
ture should do well. We opened up well
but a blizzard got us down the second
night. Played Mon., Tues. — Harland Rankin,
Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. General patron-
age. * * *
Locket, The (RKO)— Laraine Day, Brian
Aherne, Robert Mitchum. The boxoffice did
not justify this as a percentage picture, but
those who came were well satisfied. The pho-
tography was outstanding. Played Sun., Mon.
f Wie LIQUID fic/tcoMi
beab&nwMf wUfi //uit
BETTER fiawi . . *
POPSIT PLUS is acclaimed na-
tionally as the leaderl It will pop
MORE corn because every drop is
used. The fact that it pours read-
ily, measures accurately, elimi-
nates all inconvenience at the
popping machine and permits un-
interrupted operations has won it
preeminence in the seasoning
field.
For better flavored, quick selling
popcorn all the time, use the
liquid peanut oil seasoning with
the "nose and eye appeal" —
POPSIT PLUS1
Warehouse stocks available at—
Boston, Providence, Pittsburgh,
Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indianapo-
lis, Detroit, Chicago, Des Moines,
Kansas City, Omaha, Dallas, Den-
ver, Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles.
C.F.Simoniii’s Sons, Inc.
* S l I s M l 0 '
i 2550 E. TIOGA ST. PHILADELPHIA 34, PA..
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
Weather: Fair. — Chase Bros., Sokokis Theatre,
Limerick, Me. Rural and small town pa-
tronage. * *
Make Mine Music (RKO) — Disney, with tal-
ents of Nelson Eddy, Dinah Shore, Benny
Goodman. I played this a little late and after
'Song of the South” to pretty good business
on a double bill. Played Thurs., Fri. Weather:
Cold. — C. V. Martina, Rialto Theatre, Albion,
N. Y. Small town patronage. * *
Princess and the Pirate, The (RKO) — Bob
Hope, Virginia Mayo. This is a good film
for a family feature. Ours is a last run
neighborhood house, so it just got around to
us. Sunday was very good, Monday business
was fair. — C. M, Garrett, Yandell Theatre, El
Paso, Tex. Neighborhood patronage.
San Quentin (RKO) — Lawrence Tierney,
Barton MacLane, Marion Carr. Here is a good
''Crime Does Not Pay.” I played this three
days and by the last night I could not hold
all the crowd. Very well liked. It's a prison
picture and all that, but a good one is liked —
so bill it as “Crime Does Not Pay” and you
will do your city some good. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Good. — L. E. Burkey, Ritz Theatre,
Deshler, Neb. Factory and rural pa-
tronage. * * *
Sister Kenny (RKO) — Rosalind Russell, Alex-
ander Knox, Dean Jagger. Played with a horse
picture from Universal, “Wild Beauty,” to
smash Thurs., Fri. business. Played Thurs.,
Fri. Weather: Fair. — C. V. Martina, Rialto
Theatre, Albion, N. Y. Small town patron-
age. * *
Tomorrow Is Forever (RKO) — Claudette Col-
bert, Orson Welles, George Brent. This is an
oldie but we did all right on business and
the customers were well pleased. Weather:
Fair. Played Thursday and Friday. — W. F.
Shelton, Louisburg Theatre, Louisburg, N. C.
Rural and small town patronage.
REPUBLIC
Bells of Rosarita (Rep) — Roy Rogers, George
“Gabby" Hayes, Dale Evans. An extra good
Rogers picture to very good business. The
trailer on this one especially good. An extra
good supporting cast on this one. A sure-fire
small town show. Played Thurs., Fri. Weather:
Fair and cold. — Arthur E. Phifield, Park Thea-
tre, South Berwick, Me. Small town patron-
age. * * *
Catman of Paris (Rep)- — Carl Esmond, Lenore
Aubert, Douglass Dumbrille. Not liked by our
audience, and many walkouts. The. children
were scared to stay. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Fair.— E. B. Wacaster, Ozark Thea-
tre, Ozark, Ark. Rural and small town pa-
tronage. * * *
Gay Blades (Rep)— Allan Lane, fean Rogers,
Edward Ashley. Okay for program with fan-
fare, They seemed satisfied. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Cold.— Harland Rankin, Plaza Thea-
tre, Tilbury, Ont. General patronage. * * *
Heldorado (Rep)— Roy Rogers, Dale Evans,
George “Gabby” Hayes. A good western with
fyleviU Point?
Users of POPSIT PLUS the
liquid popcorn seasoning
made from Peanut Oil, are
not worried about flash point.
POPSIT PLUS has a flash
point over 650aF. and a fire
point over 700"F.
36
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
music which pleased on Fri., Sat. and did
good business. Weather: Good. — E. M. Frei-
burger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage.
Heldorado (Rep) — Roy Rogers, Dale Evans,
Gabby Hayes. Average Rogers picture that
did all right at the boxoffice and pleased the
customers both big and little. Weather: Fair.
Played Mon., Tues. — W. F. Shelton, Louisburg
Theatre, Louisburg, N. C. Rural and small
town patronage. * *
My Pal Trigger (Rep) — Roy Rogers, George
"Gabby" Hayes, Dale Evans. This is the best
Rogers to date. Doubled with "Moon Over
Montana" (Mono), which made an excellent
bill. Played to regular Saturday business.—
Leroy C. Smith, Ren-Roy Theatre, Greenup,
Ky. Rural and small town patronage.
20th CENTURY-FOX
Bowery, The (20th-Fox)— Reissue. Wallace
Beery, George Raft, Fay Wray. Another good
"BM, JW' POPCORN
TOP QUALITY Ohio Super Yellow
Packed in convenient 100 to 500 pounds SQ75
50-pound per 100 lbs. U —
individual $!%00 500 lbs. or more, CACfl
bags J- per 100 lbs _
Packed in either 50 lb. or 100 lb. moisture-proof
bags at same price per 100 pounds.
Prices F.O.B. Marion, Ohio
" Cocoanut Oil
In returnable drums or 38ty2 lb. Tins
Immediate Delivery — Prices on Request
★
POPCORN BOXES. Per 1000, $7.50
(F.O.B. CHICAGO)
(Prices Subject to Change)
★
Distributors for
CRETORS Popcorn Machines
POPPER’S BOY PRODUCTS CO.
58 E. 13th St. Chicago 5
revival. The people knew it was old and some
had seen it before but still liked it. A good
picture for a small town that likes a little
comedy and drama in the same picture.
Played Mon., Tues. Weather: Rainy. — Joe
Drury, Wells Theatre, St. Marys, Ga. Small
town and rural patronage.
Do You Love Me (20th-Fox) — Maureen
O'Hara, Dick Haymes, Harry James. This type
of picture cleans up before it gets around to
small towns like mine. Pictures featuring
name bands are not for us. In Technicolor.
Checked all three nights. Played Sat., Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Cold. — O. A. Fosse, Commun-
ity Theatre, Ridgeway, Iowa. Small town and
rural patronage. * *
Home Sweet Homicide (20th-Fox) — Peggy
Ann Garner, Randolph Scott, Lynn Bari. Good
comedy murder mystery — the kid stars stole
the picture. Enjoyed by all who saw it.
Played Mon., Tues. Weather: Cold. — Joe R.
Hayworth, Playhouse Theatre, Pink Hill, N. C.
Small town patronage. *
UNITED ARTISTS
Caesar and Cleopatra (UA) — Claude Rains,
Vivien Leigh. Stewart Granger. While small
town exhibitors from coast to coast continue
to castigate it, I will venture to opine this
was one of the best pictures produced in the
last five years, but not, of course, from the
(Continued on page 38)
BOXES and BAGS
They Are Still in Short Supply But
We Have Them
Send Us Your Standing Order and Save 10%
Look at These Prices!
List
Standing Or
Price Discount
der
Net Price
BOXES — -5c size — Serially numbered, printed and colored
BOXES — 10c size — Printed red and white (41/2x2x7)
BOXES— Carnival Size— 4x1 5/ex5V2 — 1000 to case
JUMBO BAGS— 15" long x 4y2xl3/i — 600 to case
BAGS— 5c Johnny Boy— Red and white stripe (3x1 7/8x7) — 10.000 to case
BAGS — 10c Johnny Boy — Red and white stripe (3x2x9) — 3.000 to case
BAGS — Kraft, 1/2-lb . size (3xl3/4x6V2) — 10,000 per bale
BAGS— Kraft, 3/4-lb. size (3x2x7 3/4) — 10.000 per bale
BAGS — Kraft, 10c size (33/4x2y4x9) —6.000 per bale
BAGS — -Kraft, 10c size — Johnny Boy red stripe— 6,000 per bale
BAGS — 5c glassine — 12,000 to case (3x1 3/4x63/4)
BAGS— 10c glassine— 8.000 to case. 3/4-lb. (3i/2xl 3/4x7 3/4)
BAGS— 1 lb. glassine (3l/2x2V4x73/4)
•BAGS — 2 lb. glassine — 6,000 to case
5.50
10%
4.95
8.65
10%
7.79
6. SOM
10%
5.85M
6.75M
10%
6.08M
1.82M
10%
1.64M
2.35M
10%
2.12M
1.40M
10%
1.26M
1.50M
10%
1.35M
1.65M
10%
1.49M
2.20M
10%
1.98M
1.98M
10%
1.79M
2.88M
10%
2. SOM
2.79M
10%
2.52M
3.31M
10%
2.98M
One-Day Service
Order Today
31st & Charlotte
BLEVINS POPCORN CO
• Dept. BB •
Nashville, Tenn.
Bags — 3/4 lb. $2.10 M in lots of under 10 M
2.00 M over 10 M
IV2 oz. Trademark. 10c seller,
$3.30 per M
(Available only at Western Warehouses)
FOR IMMEDIATE SERVICE
WRITE NEAREST WAREHOUSE
EASTERN " Kansas City, Mo., N
Atlanta, Ga., Southern Sates A Warehouse Co., 1 7) Peters St., S. W. Memphis, Tenn., Ur
Binghampton, N. Y., Manley, Inc., Box No. 826 New Orleans, La., [
Boston, Mass., Wiggin Terminals, Inc., 50 Terminal St. Oklahoma, City, Ok
Charlotte, N. C., Carolina Transfer & Storage Co., 1230 W, Morehead Peoria, III., Federal
Roanoke, Va., Roanoke Public Warehouse St. Paul, Minn., Cen
MIDDLE, WEST
Columbus, Ohio, Merchandise Warehouse, 370 W. Broad St. Denver, Colo., Weic
Dallas, Texas, Zanes-Ewalt Warehouse, 420 Laws St. Los Angeles, Calif.,
Des Moines, Iowa, Merchants Transfer & Storage Co. Oakland, Calif., Ha
Indianapolis, Ind., Strohm Warehouse & Cartage Co., 230 W. McCarty St. Seattle, Wash., Ami
Refined and processed according to our
own speci'ications. Brings out the natural
flavor of your popcorn.
10c per 2-lb. box, in cases of 12 or 24.
Kansas City, Mo., Manley, Inc., 1920 Wyandotte St.
Memphis, Tenn., United Warehouse & Terminal Corp., 137 E. Calhoun
New Orleans, La., Douglas Public Service Corp., 118 N. Front St.
Oklahoma, City, Okla., O. K. Transfer & Storage Co., 531 W. Main
Peoria, III., Federal Warehouse Co., 800 South Adams
St. Paul, Minn,, Central Warehouse Co., University & Pillsbury Ave.
WESTERN
Denver, Colo., Weicker Transfer & Storage Co., 1700 15th St.
Los Angeles, Calif., Jennings-Nibley Warehouse Co., Ltd.
Oakland, Calif., Haslett Warehouse Co., 51 Webster St.
Seattle, Wash., American Warehouse Co., 95 Connecticut St.
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
37
standpoint of grass-roots turnstiles. A mimeo-
graphed newspaper brought an excellent mati-
nee crowd, but then a vicious few began their
propaganda and business nosedived. Com-
ments were split, so I think the prestige gained
among the "upper crust" was worth the scowls
from the others. The film was not hard to un-
derstand: I suppose we can paraphrase Cleo-
patra's speech and say that it wasn't that
the picture was so very clever, but that the
■Sow Specializing^
in Refreshment |
Concessions for I
1IVE-IN THEATRES/
E, Inc. JACOBS BROS.
BUFFALO, N. Y.
audience was so very stupid. Some stopped
on their way out to compliment me, so that
eased the ulcers. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Rainy. — Gray Barker, Pictureland Theatre,
Glenville, W. Va. Rural, small town and
college patronage. * * *
Little Iodine (UA) — Jo Ann Marlowe, Ho-
bart Cavanaugh, Irene Ryan. Excellent fam-
ily-type comedy, of which more are needed.
Doubled this with Zane Grey's western, "Sun-
set Pass" (RKO) to above average midweek
patronage. Played Wednesday. Weather:
Fair. — Chase Bros., Sokokis Theatre, Limerick,
Me. Rural and small town patronage.
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Black Angel (U-I) — Dan Duryea, June Vin-
cent, Peter Lorre. Even with the aid of Edward
G. Robinson and Joan Bennett, Dan Duryea
never drew in above average business and
this is no exception. A good show but no
draw. Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Warm. —
Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va.
Rural patronage. * * *
Temptation (U-I) — Merle Oberon, George
Brent, Charles Korvin. We got a reasonable
price on this Merle Oberon. After playing it
to only a faithful few, I know the reason.
Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Fair. — Gray
Barker, Pictureland Theatre, Glenville, W. Va.
Rural, small town and college patronage. * * *
WARNER BROS.
Night and Day (WB) — Cary Grant, Alexis
Smith, Jane Wyman. This is just for the large
towns. People in small towns just do not go
for this sort of thing — the story jumps around
too much so that it's hard to keep up with.
Beautiful Technicolor. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Cold. — James E. Davis, Rialto Thea-
tre, Bennington, Okla. Rural and small town
patronage. *
^ouUe YOUR POPCORN “PROFITS”
With
CRETORS
• Pops 50 lbs. Raw Corn Per Hour
• Weight Equalizing Device -• Easy Pan Dump
Large production . . . Fast, efficient, trouble-
free. Pops corn direct in the seasoning and
salt. Pan easily dumped . . . Enclosed trans-
mission . . . Gears run in oil . . . Keeps heat
where needed . . . No pressure from popping
corn insures maximum popping volume.
Dump handle interchangeable — right or left
hand operation. Machines operated by bottle
gas or natural gas. Motor driven by elec-
tricity. Gasoline extra.
C. CRETORS & CO.
604 W. Cermak Rd. Chicago 16. 111.
outstanding
SIGNS...
Cot. No. M 756 Vi
f.M . .. . m.
Cat. No. M 756
-A-
V — «
c
xxn
y\
OpAtklfldcd
Immediate delivery — beautifully
designed, aluminum finish, indirectly
lighted directional signs. Complete
with interchangeable, etched glass
name plates. Ideal for use in theatre
interiors, lobbies, corridors.
Distributors and jobbers write for
quantity price list.
ART METAL MFG. CO.
3110 Park Ave. • St. Louis 4, Mo.
This style available in double face
. . . has that rich , golden
color that makes ’em buy!
★ Uniform Quality always— in color
—in flavor— in consistency.
★ Colored at the refinery by expert
chemists*
★ Packed in Open Head Pails and
drums for better accessibility.
★ Backed by 70 years "know how".
+ For those states where colored oil is not sold
— use SIMKO brand, natural color
coconut oil seasoning.
2550 E. TIOGA ST. PHILADELPHIA 34, PA.
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
38
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
N. Y. Delegation Confers
With State Tax Head
Reade's Appeal Sel
In Old RKO Action
NEW YORK — The appellate division of the
New York supreme court next month will
hear the two-year-old suit brought by Walter
Reade against RKO over the management of
the Trenton-New Brunswick Theatre Co.
In 1945 Supreme Court Justice Aaron
Steuer denied a motion by Reade to have the
court declare illegal the contract signed
by RKO, Reade and the estate of Frank V.
Storrs for the operation of the jointly owned
Trenton-New Brunswick circuit of 13 thea-
tres.
Under the terms of the agreement, signed
in 1942, RKO appointed two directors, and
Reade and Storrs, one each. At that time
RKO held, as it still does, a 50 per cent in-
terest in the circuit; Reade, 25 per cent, and
Storrs, 25 per cent. During the past year
Reade has acquired the Storrs holdings.
In 1944-45 Reade complained that RKO,
not the four directors, actually was running
the circuit.
A board of directors meeting was called in
1945 to settle this dispute. The two RKO
directors voted for RKO supervision, while
Reade and the Storrs representative voted
for autonomous control by the directors.
With the issue deadlocked, Reade brought
the matter to court. He said the contract
was illegal because RKO violated a provision
of corporate law in assuming the authority
of the board of directors. The case was filed
in New York because RKO has its headquar-
ters in the state. Justice Steuer denied
Reade’s motion, but directed him to submit
an amended complaint. This too was denied,
but an appeal was taken. The appeal will be
argued by John W. Davis, special attorney
for Loew’s, Inc.
The theatres involved in the action are:
the Park, Highland Park; the Hamilton,
Broad, Brunswick, Capitol, Lincoln, Palace,
State and Trent, Trenton; and the Albany,
Reade’s, Rivoli and State, New Brunswick.
These are the only theatres owned in part-
nership by Reade. Under the terms of the
antitrust decree, Reade and RKO will have
to decide which circuit buys out the other’s
interest, so that RKO has either a five or 95
per cent investment in the theatres.
This deal must be completed by Dec. 31,
1948.
Tax Measure Is Passed
Second Time in N.J.
TRENTON — The 3 per cent sales and ad-
mission tax bill covering fourth class sea-
coast resort cities was passed Monday (April
14) for a second time by the legislature.
The bill went through the assembly 32 to 24,
and through the senate 12 to 1.
The measure had originally been passed
during the week of April 7, but six members
of the assembly challenged the 35 to 24 vote
for the bill. They complained they had
been recorded for the measure despite the
fact some either were absent or voted nega-
tively. Without their support the bill would
have received 29 votes, or two less than the
necessary majority.
Gov. Alfred E. Driscoll heard their com-
plaints, and was reported ready to veto the
bill unless a new vote was taken. The meas-
ure lost three votes when it was reconsidered
by the assembly, but it still had one more
than a majority. The senate vote was the
same both times.
If signed by Governor Driscoll, the bill will
permit the fourth class cities in the seacoast
counties to tax admissions, cigarets, tobacco,
cover charges and beach chairs at the option
of local voters.
ALBANY — A delegation of New York state
exhibitors conferred Thursday with Alger B.
Chapman, president of the State Tax com-
mission, regarding the 5 per cent amusement
tax which cities and counties of 100,000 and
over may levy July 1, agreeing to furnish the
commission with statistics as to the amount
of revenue the tax might produce in these
situations. These are expected within the
next two weeks.
The commission is now drafting local laws
under the Burney bill.
The film representatives discussed quite
frankly the general position of the industry
in reference to the taxes, at the same time
repeating their contention that the tax is
quite discriminatory.
COOPERATION WITH COMMUNITIES
Robert Coyne, ATA executive director, said
that no recommendations or commitments
had been made, and that the commission,
under the bill, will not only prepare the
ordinances, but “shall likewise advise and co-
operate with local officials for the purpose
of effectuating uniform administration and
distribution of such taxes.” Chapman con-
firmed this statement, adding that the extent
and nature of this advice could not be de-
termined now. Smaller counties, he said, will
probably ask for more advice than the larger
ones.
“Theatre men can be very helpful along
these lines,” said Chapman, “by furnishing
accurate estimates of the revenue possible
in the various counties, thus assisting our
research unit.”
There is a possibility, too, that localities
may turn to Frank Moore’s state controller
office for guidance.
Chapman emphasized that the commis-
sion’s advice would not be “binding” in any
instance.
Vending machine representatives discussed
the tax situation with the state officials. A
$10 tax is possible on each machine.
“TAXES A LOCAL PROPOSITION”
Again swinging to the tax problem, Chap-
man said;
“Tax on admissions is a natural, local im-
position and the collection field should not be
usurped by the federal government.
“I am not commenting on the recent ex-
tension of the 20 per cent federal levy for
another year, or a budgetary situation which
may be dictated, but simply believe that as
BACK FROM COAST— Ned E. Depinet,
executive vice-president of RKO; S. Bar-
ret McCormick, director of publicity and
advertising, and Mrs. McCormick get
back from the coast.
a matter of policy the admissions tax
should not be levied by the federal govern-
ment. It is ideal for local handling.”
Accompanying Coyne at the hearing were
Fred Schwartz, president of the Metropolitan
Theatre Owners Ass’n, New York City, and
Charles A. Smakwitz, assistant zone manager
of Warner Theatres, Albany.
Campaign Against New 5% Tax
Suggested in Ullman Letter
ALBANY — A vigorous campaign against
the 5 per cent city and county amusement
tax permitted under the Burney bill is sug-
gested in a letter which Saul J. Ullman, up-
state general manager for Fabian Theatres,
has sent to his managers and other exhibitors
in Troy, Albany and Schenectady. Ullman
attached to his letter a list of city and town
supervisors (the board of supervisors would
vote the levy in a county), with their ad-
dresses and telephone numbers, and a page
of ten briefly-phrased arguments against the
tax. This is the first known effort in the
Albany area to organize a drive against im-
position of the tax.
The page contains a breakdown on theatre
attendance and average admission price in
Rensselaer county, which includes Troy. Troy,
being under 100,000 population, cannot vote
such a tax. Albany can; Schenecetady can,
if it be fixed that it has a minimum of 100,000
residents.
Ullman reported that the weekly attend-
ance at motion picture theatres of Rensselaer
county is in excess of 65,000. The average
admission price in the county today is 34
cents for adults and 17 cents for children.
“It is unfair to impose indirectly on this
low bracket income group a tax that would
be politically not feasible to impose on them
directly,” the memo comments, and con-
tinues: “Motion picture exhibition is a
necessity in American life, not a luxury; it
is the chief source of relaxation to persons
of small means, and to youngsters. The dis-
criminatory nature of the tax, affects thea-
tres which during the war performed valuable
service, as well as in the postwar period.”
His communication, addressed “Dear
Friend,” stated that “we feel a vigorous
campaign, opposed to these additional thea-
tre taxes, demands a concentrated effort on
the part of our industry to combat it.” The
enclosed literature, Ullman continued, should
be distributed, “personally by you, and other
responsible citizens, to your county super-
visors.”
Theatres Seek t^> Prevent Boosts
In Wilmington Land Assessments
WILMINGTON, DEL. — Motion picture in-
terests, especially theatres situated in the
central part of town, are joining other mer-
cantile groups in trying to stave off the pos-
sibility of increased assessments on land
located in the center of town. Concerted
action against the projected increase is being
taken by two sections of the Chamber of
Commerce : the retail merchants section, with
which the theatres are affiliated, and the
real estate section. Both sections in joint
action urged all midtown land owners to
appear before the board of assessment.
Members at the meeting declared that if
the city needs additional revenue and that
raising of assessments are necessary, the in-
creases should apply generally to all real
estate and not only to that in one specific
district of the city.
tfOXOFFICE :: Aprril 19, 1947
N
39
BROADWAY
ita Hayworth, star of Columbia’s “Down
’ to Earth,” was in New York on the first
of a three-month
European trip in con-
nection with the mu-
sical film. Miss Hay-
worth sailed April 16
aboard the U.S. Veen-
dam for Rotterdam.
She will visit Holland,
Belgium, France, Italy,
Switzerland and Eng-
land before returning
to the U.S. July 25 . . .
Arthur M. Loew, presi-
dent of Loew’s Inter-
national, returned by
plane from a six-week
tour of exchanges and
theatres in France,
Italy, England and
Belgium. David Lewis,
regional director for
Europe, North Africa
and the Near East also
is back from a 12-
month sojourn abroad
. . . Eleanor Pollock,
formerly publicity di-
rector for Wesley
Ass’n, has joined Cue
magazines as editor . . .
Edward M. Schnitzer is
expected back from
Rita Hayworth arriving
at the Pennsylvania sta-
tion in New York.
Buffalo.
Nathan H. Juran, art director for Story
Productions, is back in Hollywood designing
sets for “This Side of Innocence” . . . Alfred
Crown, Goldwyn’s foreign sales head, is
touring South America, with stops in Rio de
Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Sanitago and Lima.
He is due back in May . . . Ray Moon of
20th-Fox is the father of twin sons born
at Le Roy sanitarium . . . Gregory Peck is in
town from the coast on a brief vacation.
Ben Kalmenson wound up a tour of Warner
Bros, western exchanges and a series of dis-
cussions with Jack Warner at the Burbank
studio . . . Another stork note is the birth
of a son to Edward J. Reilly and Mrs. Reilly.
He is William O’Connell’s assistant at the
Paramount home office . . . Evelyn Koleman
flew to Hollywood to act as godmother at
the christening of Roy Rogers’ son.
Albert S. Howson, scenario editor and di-
rector of censorship for Warners, will be
master of ceremonies at the annual Milk
and Egg league luncheon at the Astor on
May 6 for the 20th consecutive year . . .
Paramount’s George Weltner and Clement S.
Crystal are in London on the last lap of
their globe-trotting survey of overseas
branches.
Claire Brager, daughter of Louis R. Brager
of Warners Theatres, was married at the
Hampshire House to Howard M. Seifter . . .
Milton Sperling and Allen Boretz, U.S. Pic-
tures writer, are visiting Gotham . . . Charles
C. Moskowitz, Loew’s vice-president and
treasurer, is vacationing in Miami . . . George
Maurer, Jay Gove’s assistant, made a brief
trip to the MGM Buffalo exchange.
Albert Deane, Paramount International
censorship and editing head, is back from
Australia . . . Arthur Willi, RKO’s eastern
talent director, left on his semiannual trip
to Chicago in search of new personalities.
Bob Donahue jr., RKO Pathe newsreel
cameraman, is representing all the American
newsreel companies on coverage of the scien-
tific expedition to Bocayuva, Brazil, to pho-
tograph the sun in total eclipse. Bill Deeke
and George Wellstead of Pathe are now
climbing Mt. McKinley with Bradford Wash-
burn, scientist.
Patricia Morison, featured in RKO’s “Tarzan
and the Huntress,” has left for Hollywood
after a Manhattan so-
journ with Seymour
Poe, eastern represen-
tative for Sol Lesser,
producer of the Tar-
zan series . . . Ted
Wick, radio head in
the Selznick publicity
department, is lining
up radio ads and ex-
ploitation for the
Gotham opening of
“Duel” . . . Benay
Venuta is in town for
a one-week stand at
Loew’s State Theatre
. . . Leon Siritzky, head
of Siritzky Interna-
tional, Jacques Cha-
brier, who represents
Seymour Poe sees Pa- Pathe Cinema Of
tricia Morison off for France, are in Wash-
Hoiiywood. ington lining up foreign
film houses . . . Manny Reiner, SRO’s South
American representative, checked in from
South America for a talk with Neil Agnew . . .
Louis Jourdan, French actor, and his wife ar-
rived for a week’s vacation . . . Gordon Cham-
bers of Eastman Kodak and Clyde Keith of
Western Electric are back home after outlin-
ing plans for the SMPE convention at the
Drake hotel in Chicago.
Austin C. Keough Presides
At Paramount Club Meet
NEW YORK — Austin C. Keough, vice-
president of Paramount in charge of legal
affairs, was honorary chairman at the sec-
ond of the series of “for men only” parties
sponsored by the Paramount Pictures club
during the week.
William J. Healy, Keough’s assistant, acted
as master of ceremonies, and Capt. Sam
Harris, a member of the prosecution staff at
the Nuremberg war trials, was guest speaker
and revealed hitherto undisclosed informa-
tion on the trials.
WAHOO
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT CO.. 031 S. WABASH AYE., CHICAG
Paramount Ups Randel
To N. Y. District Job
NEW YORK — Henry Randel, Paramount’s
New York branch head, has been promoted
to New York district
manager. He fills the
vacancy left when Mil-
ton Kusell quit the
company in 1945. My-
ron Sattler, sales man-
ager at the exchange,
will take over as
branch manager.
Randel joined the
company 27 years ago
as a salesman in
Washington, D. C. He
was named New York
branch head when the
company combined its henry randel
New York, Brooklyn
and New Jersey offices in 1941. Sattler has
been with Paramount since 1928 when he
joined the New York exchange as booker.
Gov. Dewey Praises Ampa
For 30- Year Achievement
NEW YORK — Gov. Thomas E. Dewey of
New York congratulated Ampa on its 30th
anniversary and praised the group for rais-
ing the standards of motion picture adver-
tising. Ampa will observe its anniversary at
a dinner-dance at the Astor hotel April 23.
In a letter to Rutgers Neilson, Ampa presi-
dent, Dewey stated: “This celebration is of
itself an excellent testimony to the value
and influence of your organization. The
sphere of that influence, while comparatively
unknown to most laymen, has been a valu-
able factor in an industry which reaches
and affects so many millions in our country,
in fact throughout the world.”
Film Leaders to Attend
Cinema Lodge Dinner
NEW YORK — Barney Balaban, Jack Cohn,
Malcolm Kingsberg, Herman Robbins, Leon-
ard H. Goldenson, Harry Brandt, Si Fabian,
Max Cohen, Sam Rinzler, Maurice A. Berg-
man, A. J. Balaban and other motion pic-
ture industry leaders will occupy the dais
when Cinema Lodge of B’nai B’rith welcomes
its new president, Robert M. Weitman, and
pays tribute to its retiring president, Jack
H. Levin, at a dinner at the Hotel Astor
April 29.
Leading stars of stage, screen, radio and
night clubs will provide the entertainment,
according to Marvin Kirsch, chairman of
the dinner.
Wright-Schwartz Nuptials
NEW YORK — Marjorie O. Wright, secre-
tary to Howard Dietz, MGM vice-president
and advertising and publicity head, was
married to Charles Schwartz, head of Pacific
Coast Film Co. Friday (April 18). Schwartz
flew in from the coast for the ceremony. He
is the son of the late Sam Schwartz, veteran
Brooklyn exhibitor.
CLASS DISTRIBUTION FOR
THE ENTIRE SOUTH — thru
J
(JOHN)
ENKINS
& B
(O. E.)
OURGEOIS
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HARWOOD & JACKSON STS.. DALLAS 1. TEX.
40
BOXOFFIOE U April 19, 1947
Along New York's Filmrow
By WALTER WAT.niUAN
Chaplin Film Strong
As Broadway Slips
NEW YORK — After the expected business
jump during Easter week which saw long
waiting lines outside the Radio City Music
Hall, the Capitol and other screen-stage show
houses, grosses at the majority of Broadway’s
first runs went back to slightly above average.
The big excitement of the week was the in-
vitation opening of Chaplin’s “Monsieur Ver-
doux” at the Broadway, a former legitimate
house, which was followed by good business
for the picture’s first week. Still drawing the
crowds were “The Late George Apley” in its
fourth week at the Radio City Music Hall and
“The Best Years of Our Lives” in its 21st
week at the Astor, while “Smash-Up,” in its
first week at the Capitol, and “The Two Mrs.
Carrolls,” in its second week at the Holly-
wood, also did well.
Except for the reissue of “Alexander’s Rag-
time Band” at the Roxy, the only new films
were “Fear in the Night” at the Rialto and
“The Macomber Affair” at the Globe, both
weekend openings.
(Average is 100)
Astor — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
21st wk . 123
Broadway — Monsieur Verdoux (UA) 125
Capitol — Smash-Up (U-I), plus stage show 110
Criterion — Johnny O'Clock (Col), 3rd wk 96
Globe — That's My Man (Rep), 2nd wk 95
Gotham— Tarzan and the Huntress (RKO),
2nd wk 112
Hollywood — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB),
2nd wk , — 112
Loew's State — The Mighty McGurk (MGM),
plus stage show, 2nd wk 100
Palace — Trail Street (RKO) -106
Paramount — My Favorite Brunette (Para), plus
stage show, 4th wk 101
Park Avenue — Time Out of Mind (U-I), 2nd wk.
of two-a-day _ 100
Radio City Music Hall — The Late George Apley
(20th-Fox), plus stage show, 4th wk 128
Rialto — Boom Town (MGM), reissue 95
Rivoli — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO), 3rd wk 110
Roxy — Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox),
plus stctge show, 3rd wk 90
Strand — Stallion Road (WB), plus stage show,
2nd wk - 95
Victoria — The Adventuress (E-L), 2nd wk 98
Winter Garden — Buck Privates Come Home (U-I).... 108
Philadelphia Show Business
Experiences Slight Drop
PHILADELPHIA — Business took a slight
slump following the previous week’s big do-
ings. Returns, while still good, were a little
short of brilliant. Even the openings attract-
ed less attention than usual. “Best Years
of Our Lives,” in its second week, and “Jol-
son Story,” in its seventh, still drew top
dollar. Openings of “Imperfect Lady” and
“The Red House” received comparatively
good play.
Aldine — Smash-Up (U-I), 2nd wk 120
Arcadia and Pix — The Best Years of
Our Lives (RKO), 2nd wk Both at capacity
Boyd — Stairway to Heaven (U-I), 3rd wk 110
Earle — Fear in the Night (Para), plus stage show.,120
Fox — Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox), 2nd wk,..120
Goldman — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO), 4th wk 100
Karlton — The Imperfect Lady (Para) 150
Keith's — Boomerang (20th-Fox) 110
Mastbaum— Stallion Road (WB), 2nd wk , 110
Stanley- — The Jolson Story (Col), 6th wk 135
Stanton — The Red House (UA) 140
Buffalo Goes for “Andy Hardy'
But Other Pictures Bog Down
BUFFALO — It was a rather dull week here
in cool but comfortable weather. “Love Laughs
at Andy Hardy” appeared to be strongest at
the Hippodrome and was headed for a move-
over.
Buffalo — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM) 88
Great Lakes — My Favorite Brunette (Para),
2nd wk 80
Hippodrome — Love Laughs at Andy Hardy
(MGM); The Trap (Mono) 108
Lafayette — The Guilt of Janet Ames (Col);
Blondie's Holiday (Col) 90
Teck — The Shocking Miss Pilgrim (20th-Fox);
Backlash (20th-Fox), 2nd d. t. wk 80
20th Century — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 4th wk 90
THE SECOND WEEK of the telephone
■*’ strike continued to be a nuisance to out-
of-town exhibitors and exchange employes
alike. But it had its comjjensations. Thea-
tre men who haven’t been seen as often as
salesmen would like to see them made their
appearance on Filmrow. They came to take
care of last-minute program changes and
other developments normally discussed over
the phone.
Harry Margolis, upstate and Long Island
booker for MGM, said his visitors included
Rudy Stravitz of the Colonial Theatre, Mon-
roe, N. Y., and Mrs. Stravitz; Tom Wisner
of the Oakland Theatre, Warwick, and Tom’s
brother, Charles, of the Playhouse Theatre,
Greenwood Lake . . . Other MGM visitors
were Phil Lewis of the Valley Theatre, Spring
Valley; Harold Friedman of the Academy
Theatre, Newburgh, and the Strand, Suffern
. . . There also was Abe Schulman of the
Vernon Theatre, Long Island City.
A1 Mendelson, New Jersey booker for 20th-
Fox, also reported an increase in exhibitor
visitors. From South Plainfield, N. J., came
Anthony De Sadato of the Park Theatre;
Morris Spewak of the Ritz Theatre (Carteret)
was another of Al’s visitors ... So was John
Fiordante of the Dunellean Theatre, Dun-
ellean, N. J.
It was a sure seasonal sign when Martin
Wohlforth of the Ritz Theatre, Spring Lake,
N. J., showed up on Filmrow during the week.
Wohlforth operates a summer theatre, and
when the bookers and salesmen see him in
their offices, they know that summer can-
not be far behind.
It was a big day for James V. Pisapia,
manager of the College Theatre, when the
house reopened last week after an eight-
month shutdown for renovations . . . Borough
President James Burke of Queens was on
hand to wish James luck . . . Oscar Goerke,
president of the College Point National bank,
also was present, and had his picture taken
with Burke and Pisapia . . . The theatre
has been re-equipped with new sound and
projection apparatus.
Irving Dollinger, Joseph Ornstein and Jack
Meltzer of the Independent Theatres Service,
which books for 26 theatres in New Jersey,
are celebrating their organization’s second
anniversary this month . . . Louis Gold of
the Rivoli Theatre, Newark, is in Miami
visiting his father . . . Condolences for Wil-
liam Didsbury of the Didsbury Theatre, Wal-
den, N. Y., who recently lost his mother. She
was 91.
When Ray Moon, 20th-Fox branch and
district manager, learned he was the father
of twins last weekend, he hurriedly sent out
for more cigars . . . Twins, reasoned Ray,
called for two cigars, and every man in the
20th-Fox exchange received his quota . . .
The boys in the exchange framed a one-
sheet announcing that “Moon Productions
Presents a Double Feature, Robert William
and David Corbin.”
There were two engagements at 20th-Fox,
Rita Cohen, secretary of George Blenderman,
chief booker, and Margaret Gwin of the
bookkeeping department reported the happy
tidings . . . There was another reason for re-
joicing, too . . . The exchange received a let-
ter from Marilyn Shaw, formerly of the con-
tract department, who wrote from the Will
Rogers Memorial hospital, Saranac Lake,
that she is being discharged soon. Marilyn
expects to return to work next fall.
New York City’s drive against smallpox
was aided during the week by Century Thea-
tres and the Warner exchange. All employes
of these organizations were vaccinated. At
Century, the “operation” was performed in
the offices of the employes, while at Warners,
the staff gathered in the first aid room . . .
“The Well-Digger’s Daughter” will end a
30 -week run at the Avenue Playhouse this
Sunday (April 20).
Henry Randel and Irving Dashkin, co-
inventors of the stub rod control box for
checking boxoffice stubs, report that “promi-
nent film industry personalities” have be-
come franchise holders for the distribution of
their invention. The box is being rented
through the Stub Rod Control Corp. of
America . . . Harry Brandt has ordered ap-
proximately 100 boxes for his circuit. The
invention was given a month’s trial at
Brandt’s Gotham Theatre on Broadway.
DISCUSS UJA CAMPAIGN — Progress of the campaign to raise funds for the UJA
were discussed at a luncheon in the office of Barney Balaban, Paramount president,
who is national chairman. Edward Kaufman, Washington, D. C., was one of the
speakers, and a personal gift of $600,000 from him was discussed. Co-chairmen of the
New York campaign are Matthew Fox, Billy Rose, Richard Rodgers and Emil Fried-
lander. Seated around the table, left to right, are: Leopold Friedman, Harry Brandt,
Arthur Israel, Herman Robbins, Sam Shain, Lou Novins, Edmund Kaufman, Max Cohen,
Cecil Kaufman, Barney Balaban, Matthew Fox, Jack Cohn and Malcolm Kingsberg.
BOXOFFICE April 19, 1947
41
INTRODUCTORY LUNCHEON— A luncheon was given by MGM at the DeWitt
Clinton hotel in Albany to introduce the newly appointed branch manager, Jack
Goldberg. Shown above, back table, 1. to r.: Edward Susse, office manager; Jack
Byrne, eastern division sales manager; Herman Ripps, district manager; Goldberg;
Edgar S. Van Olinda, Times-Union; Clif Bradt, Knickerbocker News. Front table:
Charles Smakwitz, Warner Bros, assistant zone manager; Floyd Fitzsimmons, MGM
exploiteer; Said Ullman, Fabian Upstate manager; Leonard Rosenthal, film buyer for
Upstate Theatres; (Head only) Joe Saperstein, assistant to Ullman.
Fabian-Hellman Co. Will Promote
Drive-Ins as Community Centers
ALBANY — A carefully planned and multi-
sided campaign to make the Mohawk and
Saratoga drive-ins community centers is
being started by Leo Rosen, new assistant
general manager of Fabian-Hellman Drive-
Ins, Inc. Rosen aims to do with outdoor
theatres what he did at Warners’ Strand
during five years of managership.
The first event scheduled for the Mohawk
is a sportsmen’s show, conducted in coop-
eration with the Knickerbocker News. A
playground for children at the Mohawk is
also on the cards. Possibly a circus will be
staged, too.
Saturday or Sunday afternoon free musical
programs, with talent drawn from the area,
constitute one of Rosen’s chief objectives. A
former pianist and band leader in vaudeville,
Rosen takes a great interest in this sort of
activity and has discussed it and other ideas
with the editors of Albany, Schenectady and
Troy newspapers. They approved en-
thusiastically, Rosen said.
MUSICAL-TALENT SEARCH
One of his most successful promotions at
the Strand was a musical-talent search, the
winner receiving a year’s free tuition to
Juilliard School of Music in New York City.
The Strand is said to be the only motion pic-
ture theatre of the country to have made such
a tieup. Local art shows were another Rosen
promotion at the Strand.
He hopes to launch at the Saratoga drive-
in, between Troy and Schenectady, Sunday
morning religious services under a plan simi-
lar to the highly successful Everyman’s Bible
class at the Strand. The latter is now
finishing a 39-week Sunday morning sched-
ule, marked by the attendance of audiences
numbering more than 1,000 men. Eight per
cent of the participants, it is estimated, had
never been in the Strand until the Bible
class was started.
N. Philadelphia Drive-In
To Open About July 15
ALBANY — Neil Heilman announced be-
fore leaving to supervise construction of the
fourth Fabian-Hellman drive-in at North
Philadelphia, that it will cost $75,000. The
600-car theatre will be in Bel Salem, where
the Lincoln highway enters the metropolitan
area of the Quaker city. Work was to start
April 17 and was expected to be completed
by July 15.
Finhorn & Toole, Albany architects, who
designed the Mohawk drive-in, opened last
June by the Fabian-Hellman interests, have
drawn the plans.
MEDAL FOR WINNER— Jack Dieber
(left) , manager of Century’s Marine
Theatre, Brooklyn, receives a gold watch
from Fred J. Schwartz, vice-president,
as a three-time winner in the company’s
Timberdoodle boxoffice drive. Sam Good-
man, booking department head, is look-
ing on.
ALBANY
jyjischa Auer, motion picture star, played a
week’s engagement at Dinty’s Terrace
Garden on the Albany-Saratoga road . . .
The Colonial recently has been using the
line, “matron in attendance,” in its news-
paper copy . . . Through Charles A. Smakwitz,
assistant zone manager for Warner Theatres,
15-year-old Helen Watson of Midlothian,
Scotland, will receive an autographed photo-
graph of Gary Cooper. Reading in a fan
magazine about an Albany celebration last
year for “Saratoga Trunk,” the girl wrote
the actor in Albany, asking for his photo.
The letter went to Smakwitz, who obtained
Cooper’s picture from Hollywood.
The Erie, Schenectady, is billing the stage
play, “The Voice of the Turtle,” for May 1-3.
The orchestra will be scaled to $3.60 for the
evening, $3 for matinee . . . Jack Goldberg’s
wife has joined him here and is staying tem-
porarily at the DeWitt Clinton until an apart-
ment can be found. Goldberg is the new
manager for MGM, transferred here from
Washington. .
A revival of the TMA, fraternal benefit or-
ganization covering all theatre employes, was
suggested in a letter from the international
secretary in Chicago to a member of the Troy
stagehands local. Several years ago, Albany,
Troy and Schenectady house employes had a
thriving unit . . . John Whalen of the Troy
stagehands’ union, IATSE, has been substi-
tuting at the Palace for Electrician Joe
Swan, who entered a hospital for treatment
of a stomach ailment. His wife was pianist
in one of Albany’s first nickelodeons.
Fabian’s Leland has an unusual split week,
five and two. The long end is from Friday
through Tuesday; the short end, Wednesday-
Thursday. At one time the theatre, oldest in
the city, had three changes weekly. It has
banko on Monday, bingo on Wednesday. The
house has promoted games 13 years.
S. L. Baker reopened the Earlville in Earl-
ville April 19. He is operating Saturday and
Sunday only . . . Mrs. Elizabeth Graham,
owner of the New Theatre, Hoosick Falls, and
the Cambridge, Cambridge, was due back
from a vacation in Florida and a visit to
Chicago. She lives in Troy. Irving Barker
manages the houses for her.
Idestar Dembow of the Warner staff, has
been incapacitated by an odd accident. A cut
on the finger became infected from a piece of
carbon paper. Her hand began to swell; fi-
nally it was necessary for a doctor to lance it
. . . Sam Shapin of the Warner New York
office is assisting in the booking department
at the local exchange. Pat Powers, head
booker, has been on a part time schedule
since returning after injuries suffered in an
automobile accident en route to the wake of
Abe Van Deusen, long RKO head booker.
James E. Duncan, Ine. has been formed to
deal in motion picture projectors in Roches-
ter. Capital stock is $25,000, $100 par. In-
corporators are James E. Duncan, John E.
Keenan and Frances E. Murphy . . . Fabian’s
Leland, listed in the BOXOFFICE roundup
on the premium as advertising banko and
bingo “for some weeks,” has been success-
fully presenting games for 12 years without
interruption. Many of the same patrons at-
tend weekly, according to Manager Paul Wal-
len. They want games and he obliges.
"Voice of Theatre Speakers"
JOE HORNSTEIN has them !
42
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
Albany Will Organize
Foundation Monday
ALBANY — Area exhibition and distribution
people will gather in the Ten Eyck hotel at
1 p. m. Monday to attend an organization
meeting of the Motion Picture Foundation,
new charitable organization of the industry.
Leonard Goldenson, vice-president of Para-
mount Public Theatres, and Charles E. Lewis,
trade paper publisher will head the list of
speakers. Goldenson and Lewis are touring
a number of exchange centers on behalf of
the Foundation.
Saul J. Ullman of Fabian Theatres has
sent out several hundred letters of invitation
to people in the industry.
“The Foundation will help those who have
served in the employ of the industry and it
should thrill all connected with the motion
picture industry that they are the first to
organize for aid to their own who may be
in need,” the invitation said.
IATSE Locals in Buffalo
Install Officers for 1947
BUFFALO — The annual joint installation
of officers of Local B9 and Local F9 of the
IATSE and MPMO was held Monday evening
in Hotel Markeen. Ray O’Brien, director of
the Civic Greeters and past state commander
of the Amvets, installed these new officers.
Local F9 — President, Barbara Hartman;
vice-president, Nettie Price; corresponding
and recording secretary, Sarah McGinnes;
financial secretary, Mildred Block; sergeant-
at-arms, Gertrude Franklin, and trustees,
Bertha Kemp, Josephine Genco, Betty Wingo
and Mary Bischoff.
Local B9 — President, Mary Giallella; vice-
president, Anthony Gowinski; recording sec-
retary, John Wilhelm; treasurer, Evelyn
Garnham; business agent, John N. Brunner;
sergeant-at-arms, Conrad Grucza, and trus-
tees, Martha Hagstotz, Clara Rasinski,
Frances Ruback and Mary Ann Pawlaczyk.
TED BALDWIN HONORED — Lillian
Gish, star of “Duel in the Sun,” presents
Ted Baldwin, Selznick Releasing Organi-
zation promotion and exploitation man-
ager, an award of the American Public
Relations Ass’n for his campaign on “Duel
in the Sun.” The presentation took place
at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York
City. Left to right: Paul Douglass, chair-
man of the judges on the award commit-
tee, Lillian Gish and Ted Baldwin.
Settlement Is Scheduled
On Dodds' AAA Case
ALBANY — Ernie Dodds’ AAA clearance ac-
tion against MGM, 20th-Fox, Paramount,
Warners and RKO, involving- his Palace
Theatre, Lake Placid, and Schine’s Pontiac,
Saranac Lake, is scheduled for settlement at
an adjourned hearing April 24. A consent
award will be signed by Arbitrator William K.
Stafford placing the two houses on open
booking from December 15 to February 15
and during June, July and August. Clearance
from September 15 to December 15, and from
December 15 to June will be cut from the
present 14 days to three days.
Verona Sunday Films
Are Up lo Voters
VERONA, N. J. — The citizens of this Essex
county borough will decide June 3 whether
their community shall have motion picture
shows on Sunday.
During the week a petition bearing 300
signatures was submitted to Borough Clerk
Clemens C. Kreuder asking that the issue of
Sunday screenings be decided by a refer-
endum. Kreuder is now preparing the ballot
in time for the state primary elections on
June 3.
Verona now has no theatre, but John
Geyser has bought a site and materials for
a 600-seat house, which he expects to com-
plete by next fall.
An ordinance regulating the operation of
motion picture theatres was passed April 15
after the council had deleted a provision to
prohibit Sunday films.
It was decided to settle this question on the
basis of the state law. The New Jersey law
had been amended to permit the conduct of
certain occupations and public amusements
on Sunday in local communities only if ap-
proved by the citizens of those localities. The
voters could retain the old blue law, which
bans “everything but breathing,” as one offi-
cial put it.
However, the mayor and town council have
the right to regulate Sunday amusements
and occupations.
Francis X. Shay Is Dead;
Schenectady Veteran
SCHENECTADY— Francis X. Shay, who
operated and managed theatres in Schenec-
tady and Cohoes for years, died here after
a long illness. He entered the industry at
the old Happy Hour, owned by Morris Sil-
verman. Later he leased the Crane. Next
he served as city manager for Fabian in
Cohoes.
Personalities at the New Chaplin Film Premiere
Well-known personalities in the film world attended the pre-
miere of Charles Chaplin’s “Monsieur Verdoux” last week. At the
left in the top photograph Chaplin is shown with his wife and his
United Artists associate, Mary Pickford. Center is Arthur Kelly,
Chaplin’s representative, with Mrs. Kelly and a guest, and at the
right are Mr. and Mrs. Hunt Stromberg and a guest. In the lower
panel photos, left to right, are Mr. and Mrs. Paul Lazarus sr., Mr.
and Mrs. Deems Taylor and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Lazarus jr. with
Ethel Colby, radio commentator.
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
43
The Forgotten Casualty'
Opens on Times Square
NEW YORK — Ralph Padvano, the one-
armed war veteran who stars in "The For-
gotten Casualty,” pulled the switch that
started the rehabilitation film on its two-
week open-air run on behalf of the New
York University Bellevue Rehabilitation In-
stitute’s $2,500,000 fund drive at the Times
Square island at Broadway and 43rd street,
starting April 15.
Gregory Peck, Lucienne Boyer and Mrs.
James Doolittle were among the notables on
hand for the first showing of the film.
Astrin PRC Playdate Head
NEW YORK — Neil Astrin, formerly with
the Warner Bros, playdate department, has
been named manager of the playdate de-
partment at PRC. Astrin joined the com-
pany early last year.
Reception for Eddie Albert
NEW YORK — Press representatives and
home office executives were guests of Para-
mount Thursday (17) at the 21 Club at a
party in honor of Eddie Albert.
Role in 'Destiny'
Helen Mowery has been handed a feature
role in “Destiny” by Columbia.
OPEN THEATRE FUND DRIVE — Skouras Theatres recently conducted a $2,500,-
000 Civilian Rehabilitation drive. “The Forgotten Casualty,” campaign film pro-
duced by George P. Skouras, circuit president, was shown in all houses in the metro-
politan area. The drive was officially opened by, left to right, Henry Viscardi, Dr.
Howard A. Rusk, Jinx Falkenberg and William A. White, vice-president and general
manager for Skouras. Contributions went to the Institute of Rehabilitation and
Physical Medicine of the Bellevue Medical Center.
MANLEY Inc.
POPCORN MACHINES
L. M. Malcolm
Box 217, Camden. New York
POPCORN
South American — & — White Hull-less, $7.50
per 100. Write tor sample.
HAYES SEED HOUSE
NEW MIRROPHONIC SOUND
10E HORNSTEIN, Inc.
630 Ninth Ave., New York City
AN OUTSTANDING INDUSTRY EVENT!
ASSOCIATED MOTION PICTURE ADVERTISERS
30TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER-DANCE
HOTEL ASTOR — MAIN BALLROOM
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 — 7 P. M. SHARP
RUTGERS NEILSON, PRESIDENT, WILL PRESIDE
HOWARD DIETZ. MEMBER-GUEST EMCEE
THIS GALA AFFAIR WILL HONOR THE PRESIDENTS OF OUR
INDUSTRY WHO WILL BE PRESENT FOR THE OCCASION AS
WELL AS GLAMOROUS HOLLYWOOD PERSONALITIES.
Admission Ten Dollars Per Person
(For Tickets Write or Phone — Abe Dash, Film Daily)
Dress Optional
44
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
WASHINGTON
Qidney Lust was host at a luncheon in his
" beautiful new office on Monday when he
held his annual get-together for the Filmrow
bookers with invitations to the opening ball
game. Ball game was called off on account
of rain, and tickets were honored on Friday.
Also present were congressmen and senators
from Montgomery and Prince Georges coun-
ties in Maryland, civic leaders and prominent
business men. Assisting Lust is welcoming
his guests were Mrs. Lust, Mrs. Bernard Lust,
and Miss Albertha McConnell.
Ed Fontaine announces the opening of the
Selznick Releasing Organization offices at
301 G. St., N. W. with the phone number of
District 4232. This week Fontaine is in
Pittsburgh opening his office there. In-
cidentally, the Fontaines are now the proud
grandparents of a new granddaughter. Mrs.
Fontaine is visiting the new mother and baby
in Spokane, Wash.
Martha Scott, film actress, was a Wash-
ington visitor this week . . . Ethel Michalson
and daughter Lois, 20th-Fox exploitation de-
partment, spent the Easter holidays visiting
relatives in Port Chester, N. Y. . . . A1 Ben-
son’s secretary, Elizabeth Waskey, has re-
signed to await a visit from the stork. Evelyn
Jones replaces her as branch manager’s sec-
retary . . . Lou Rogers, 20th-Fox ad sales
head, is visiting the local exchange.
David A. Clodfelter is building a new thea-
tre in Damascus, Md. . . . Jesse Smith, RKO
booker, is receiving congratulations. He’s a
new grandfather . . . Ivan Rosenbaum’s
daughter, Alma, was among 12 winners of
fellowships, awarded by Mount Holyoke col-
lege for advanced study during 1947-48. Miss
Rosenbaum, a gradute of the University of
Richmond, is one of five recipients of fel-
lowships made from the Joseph A. Skinner
fellowship fund. She is a member of Phi
Beta Kappa, Mortar Board and Sigma Pi
Sigma sororities.
Sam Roth is treasurer and a member of
the board of directors of the new radio sta-
tion WEAM which opened last week . . .
Marion Dotson, 2Qth-Fox, has a new nephew
. . . Herbert Scott Young is in from New York
visiting his parents this week . . . Claude
Hamilton has put up the Elrie Theatre,
Damascus, Va., for sale.
The Variety Club ladies’ committee was
scheduled to be guests of the welfare board,
at a luncheon and fashion show April 19 in
the Carlton Room in the Carlton hotel. Rep-
resenting the Variety Club: Chief Barker
Nathan Golden, George Crouch and Frank
Boucher. Committee in charge of arrange-
ments: Chairman Sara S. Young and Co-
Chairmen Lorene Boucher and Tacie Davis.
Muriel Evans, radio commentator, was en-
gaged for the fashion show and Ed McIntyre
(Man at a Grand of radio fame) the music.
Pioneer in Philadelphia,
Bijou Theatre Is Sold
PHILADELPHIA— The Bijou Theatre, first
Philadelphia amusement house to show mo-
tion pictures, and birthplace of bigtime
vaudeville here, was conveyed last week by
J. Prescott Stoughton to the Race Street Co.,
Inc., for $139,700. The theatre was sold re-
cently.
The house will continue its present policy
of showing films only. The Bijou was opened
in 1889 by B. F. Keith, and was the city’s
center of vaudeville until 1902, when Keith’s
Chestnut Street Theatre opened. Virtually
every leading variety artist of the day ap-
peared there. At one time the Bijou was a
burlesque house.
John J. Clark Is Dead;
Native Philadelphian
PHILADELPHIA — John J. Clark, native
Philadelphian and first leading man to be
recruited from the state to star in motion
pictures, died recently in Hollywood. He
was 70.
Born in the Fishtown section of Phila-
delphia, and educated in public and paro-
chial schools, Clark’s stage and screen career
embraced more than 50 years as actor and
director. In films he starred for Kalem,
Universal, Morosco, Lasky and Gauntier.
He was induced to enter motion pictures in
1907 by the late Sidney Olcott, playing op-
posite Jean Gauntier, at that time the screen’s
outstanding feminine star. Since then, he
has played in more than 200 productions and
directed and produced many more. He and
Miss Gauntier traveled through 24 foreign
countries, being the first American film stars
to go on foreign location.
Samuel J, Dembow
ATLANTIC CITY — Samuel J. Dembow, ac-
tive in show business more than 40 years,
died here after a long illness. He was 80.
Dembow was owner and operator of the
Media Theatre in Media. Surviving are his
wife Fannie, two daughters and three sons.
Vaccinate Paramount Staff
NEW YORK — Paramount’s home office be-
gan the general rush for vaccinations on
Wednesday. Facilities were set up in the
recreation room and the service was free.
PHILADELPHIA
JUTanagers of motion picture theatres some-
times advertise on their posters “new
Philadelphia showing” for an old picture
when they mean reissue. One theatre man-
ager explained to a film columnist of the
Evening Bulletin who questioned the pro-
cedure that a film is considered new if it has
not been shown in five years. The columnist
claims that such tactics, plus overuse of
superlatives in trailers and ads often back-
fire, creating ill will among patrons.
Radio station WIP is observing its 25th an-
niversary by sending out announcements to
its friends containing shiny new 25-cent
pieces. Going WIP one better are the pub-
licity boys for the new MGM photoplay, “The
Sea of Grass,” who are mailing film critics
here a real honest-to-goodness deed to an
acre of land in Valencia county in New
Mexico. “There are no strings attached to
this offer,” says the accompanying letter,
“except, of course, should you strike oil or
gold on the property. Then, brother, will
you see the strings!”
The Ferko string band, which boasts of
having won ten top prizes in the past 25
Mummers’ parades, has cut three records for
Palda Co., the first of which will be released
soon . . . Thieves, believed to have been young
boys, broke into the Casino Theatre last week,
robbed a candy vending machine, and ran-
sacked the office and cashier’s cage. The
robbery was discovered by Ernest Kelly,
janitor, when he opened the place the next
morning and found the lobby littered with
candy bars.
The Belmont Theatre was also visited by
thieves last week. They broke into the safe,
and made off with its contents. Extent of
the loss is not revealed . . . July 1 is now
known as “E-day”— E for eviction. The
state has set that date for final eviction of
the occupants of Vine street who will be
moved to allow for the widening of the street.
Book Thru These Astor Exchanges
New York— BELL PICTURES 630 Ninth Ave.
Buffalo— PAM-0 FILM EX 505 Pearl St.
Washington — PEERLESS DIST. CO.. . 203 Eye St. N. W.
Philadelphia— ASTOR PICTURES 1314 Vine St.
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
45
Television Men Pose
Program Question
NEW YORK — Conflicting views on what
the public expects in television programs were
advanced at the opening session of the Tele-
vision Institute two-day meeting at the Hotel
Commodore. Max Fleischer, veteran film
cartoon producer, said that the new industry
must equal motion pictures and radio if it is
to maintain its audience. On the other hand
Paul Mowrey, television director of the
American Broadcasting Co., warned tele-
vision producers against imitating entertain-
ment media geared for elaborate and costly
productions.
Mowrey contended the present television
audience does not expect or demand costly
video attractions. Fleischer said producers
may lose present audiences as soon as the
novelty wears off unless the industry meets
the public demand for genuine entertain-
ment.
Ernest A. Marx, chairman of the Television
Broadcasters Ass’n subcommittee on the
antenna installation problem in New York,
predicted approval of antenna installation in
apartment houses within a few days. Some
landlords have opposed the erection of in-
dividual antennas because of the large num-
ber required and the possibility of accidents.
Marx said the subcommittee has proposed an
agreement whereby the landlord will be ab-
solved of most of the liabilities. This plan
may operate until a more permanent antenna
system is perfected, he told the meeting.
Several television firms are working on plans
for a master antenna that may be hooked up
to a number of individual sets in a single
apartment house.
Twenty-three receivers were set up over
the ballroom floor of the Commodore to pick
up the opening baseball game in Washington
between the New York Yankees and the
Senators. Approximately 1,000 persons were
on hand for the exhibition. The Institute
meet was sponsored by The Televiser, trade
publication.
MPA Votes on Bylaws
NEW YORK — At the May 8 meeting of the
MPA board, directors will vote on a new by-
law giving members two votes instead of
one, to enable vice-presidents active in the
association to vote.
Joseph Wolfe Appointed
Nat'l Screen Treasurer
NEW YORK — Herman Robbins, president,
announced recently the appointment of Jo-
seph A. Wolfe as treas-
urer of National Screen
Service.
Wolfe started with
the company in 1944
as chief accountant
and some time later
was named controller.
His background in-
cludes experience in
the field of bank ex-
amining and business
management, as well as
a post with the Treas-
ury department before
JOSEPH A. WOLFE joining NSS.
The appointment was made by the board of
directors, meeting here.
Elect Jack Frye Chairman
General Aniline Board
NEW YORK — Jack Frye, former president
of Trans World Airlines, was elected chair-
man of the board of General Aniline & Film
Corp. and its sales affiliate, General Dye-
stuff Corp., at a meeting of directors of the
two companies. All General Aniline officers
were re-elected.
Both companies have been controlled by
the office of alien property of the Department
of Justice since the alien property custodian
was discontinued last fall. The government
owns 97 per cent of the stock of General
Aniline and all the stock of General Dye-
stuff.
Several American groups are reported to
be interested in purchasing the government-
held stock in General Aniline. The minority
owners of General Aniline stock have charged
that the seizure of the company shortly after
Pearl Harbor was illegal since it was con-
trolled by I. G. Chemie, Swiss firm, rather
than the I. G. Farben German chemical
trust.
Re-elected officers include George W. Bur-
pee, president; Joseph W. Coffman, vice-
president; J. B. Dyche, vice-president and
treasurer; W. I. McNeill, vice-president and
controller; E. A. Williford, vice-president, and
F. A. Gibbons, secretary.
CELEBRATE THEIR BIRTHDAYS— Jack Cohn, executive vice-president of Co-
lumbia and one of the pioneers of the industry, and Mrs. Cohn (left) join with Mary
Pickford, another industry pioneer to celebrate the joint birthdays of Mrs. Cohn and
Miss Pickford. Others who joined in the celebration were Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Curtis
and Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Ornstein. Curtis is vice-president in charge of motion pictures
for the Weiss and Geller ad agency, and Ornstein is assistant to Grad Sears, UA sales
chief.
Predict FM Sets in ,'47
To Exceed 2,000,000
ALBANY — Production of FM radio sets will
exceed 2,000,0000 during 1947, about 12 to 15
times higher than 1946 production levels,
according to H. C. Bonfig, vice-president of
Zenith Radio Corp. In an address before
the Frequency Modulation Ass’n regional
meeting at the Ten Eyck hotel, Bonfig said
1948 production should hit 5,000,000 sets.
Commenting on the relatively small output
of FM receivers last year, Bonfig pointed out
that the shift of FM from 50 megacycles to
the 100 megacycle band necessitated new set
designs and slowed production. He also said
that manufacturers without previous FM ex-
perience are “particularly handicapped in
wrestling with new production problems.”
Bonfig said the only major obstacle to FM
production now is the interruptions and de-
lays caused by parts shortages. He touched
on the problem of converters to enable the
400,000 prewar sets to receive signals on the
new higher bands and recalled that during
FCC hearings on the proposal to move FM
to the higher bands there was a good deal of
talk about low cost converters. “Such pro-
duction has not come to pass,” he said, “and
I do not believe that it will, because we have
yet to see one that does not cause serious
deterioration in quality of reception.”
The Zenith executive told the association
of FM radio station owners and managers
that no straight FM receivers without AM
will be produced until enough FM stations
are on the air with adequate power enough
hours each day to provide sufficient pro-
gram variety. Bonfig predicted the expected
business recession will increase the FM mar-
ket, because consumers will “think again
before purchasing a radio without FM.”
Mike Poller Is Feted
By Associates at RKO
NEW YORK — M. G. “Mike” Poller, assist-
ant to Robert Mochrie, RKO vice-president
and general sales manager, was guest of
honor at a bachelor luncheon which was at-
tended by 95 RKO associates and friends dur-
ing the week. Poller, was married six weeks
ago to the former Helen McGinnis of RKO
Theatres.
Mochrie presided as toastmaster at the
affair and Leon J. Bamberger, RKO sales
promotion manager; Terry Turner, exploita-
tion manager; Sol Schwartz, RKO Theatres
vice-president, and Ned E. Depinet, RKO
executive vice-president, gave humorous
talks. Others who attended were Gordon
Youngman, Malcolm Kingsberg, Harry
Michalson, S. Barret McCormick, Walter
Branson and Nat Levy.
American Pictures Escape
Budget Ax in Britain
LONDON — Representatives of American
film companies heaved a sigh of relief on
Tuesday (April 15) when Chancellor of the
Exchequer Hugh Dalton told the House of
Commons that he had succeeded in balancing
Great Britain’s budget without cutting down
the import of American films. Tobacco im-
ports from the U.S. took the rap in the form
of a 50 per cent rise in import duties.
Members of both houses of parliament and
some cabinet officers had indicated over a
long period of weeks that the government in-
tended to protect its foreign currency posi-
tion by cutting down imports whenever pos-
sible, and it had been frequently suggested
that American films should be one of the
targets.
46
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
( Hollywood Office — Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.; Ivan Spear, Western Manager )
Minimum Wage Raised
For Women Workers
SACRAMENTO — A new minimum wage of
65 cents per hour for all hours worked will
be paid to each woman or minor employe in
all theatres in the state of California starting
June 1, 1947, according to the order released
by the Industrial Welfare commission. The
present minimum wage in the theatres is 50
cents per hour for full-time workers and 55
cents per hour for part-time workers.
APPLIES TO WOMEN, MINORS
The new order, which applies to “all women
and minors employed in the amusement and
recreation industries, whether paid on a time,
piece rate, commission, or other basis,” speci-
fies that a lesser rate, but not less than 50
cents per hour, may be paid to a number of
minors not exceeding 10 per cent of the per-
sons employed in an establishment. An em-
ployer of less than ten persons may employ
one minor at this lesser rate.
Employes who report but are not put to
work will be paid for half the usual day’s
work at the employe’s regular rate of pay
and every employer must pay each employe
not less than the applicable minimum wage
for hours worked in each payroll period,
whether the remuneration is measured by
time, piece, commission, or otherwise. On
any day in which an employe works a split
shift, 65 cents per day must be paid in addi-
tion to the minimum wage. Gratuities or
tips from patrons will not be counted as part
of the minimum wage and employes are not
required to report tips.
OTHER PROVISIONS
No woman or minor wil be required to work
more than eight hours during any one daj
or more than 48 hours in any one week,
according to the order, unless overtime is
paid at more than one and one-half times
the employe’s regular rate of pay. No woman
employe is required to report for work be-
tween 10 p. m. and 6 a. m. unless suitable
transportation is available. Facilities for
securing hot food or drinks must be provided
if a meal period occurs during these hours.
The Theatrical Employes’ Unions of Cali-
fornial, Local B18, San Francisco; Local B66,
Sacramento, and Local B82, Oakland, were
active in presenting the employes’ case to the
Industrial commission, according to William
P. Sutherland, business manager of Local
B18, IATSE, AFL.
Citation to Jack Warner
HOLLYWOOD— For aid extended by War-
ner Bros, in fulfillment of the recent recruit-
ing program of the marine corps, Jack L.
Warner has received a citation signed by
Gen. A. A. Vandergrift, marine corps com-
mandant, and Brig. Gen. W. E. Reilly, di-
rector of recruiting. Maj. Sidney Altman
presented the citation to Warner.
Gala Frisco Debut Slated
For Tragic Symphony'
HOLLYWOOD — Following several klieg-
lighted, ermine-bedecked weeks, there was a
noticeable, but probably temporary, lull in
the film capital’s best-beloved pastime, the
gala premiering of new pictures.
Producers Benjamin Glazer and Nat W..
Finston, heads of Symphony Films, which
recently completed “Tragic Symphony,”
based on the life of Tchaikowsky, went to
San Francisco to confer with the San Fran-
cisco opera group on a special premiere of
their picture to be sponsored by the Bay
city organization. The picture is scheduled to
be the second to be released by Allied Art-
ists, plush sister company of Monogram.
Colin Miller, assistant to the president of
Enterprise, was in San Francisco with Joel
McCrea to set up the opening of Harry Sher-
man’s “Ramrod” at the Orpheum Theatre
there. McCrea participated in the San Fran-
cisco “Ramrod” bow.
Howard Pine Moves Up
In Pine-Thomas Setup
HOLLYWOOD — Howard Pine has been pro-
moted by Pine-Thomas, Paramount pro-
ducers, to serve as assistant to William
Thomas. A war veteran, young Pine is the
son of William Pine. His first assignment
will be on “Caged Fury,” a circus story to star
Richard Denning. Young Pine began his the-
atrical training as copy boy for the exploi-
tation section of the Balaban & Katz Thea-
tres in Chicago. Later he worked in the
Paramount studio mail room before enrolling
in Stanford university. After graduation he
became an assistant director.
Para't Installs 2-Way
Mobile Phone Service
HOLLYWOOD — In use by Paramount is the
first two-way mobile telephone service in-
stalled by a Hollywood studio. Plans pro-
vide for the equipping of the studio’s entire
fleet of more than 100 cars and trucks.
The wireless telephone service permits the
studio to be in touch at all times with a ve-
hicle on the road. The system will be of
special value in maintaining communication
with location troupes and cars out on such
missions as shopping tours for the wardrobe
and prop departments, and the like.
Series of 16mm Pictures
On Song Writer Filmed
HOLLYWOOD — Admiral Pictures has com-
pleted a series of a dozen 16mm two-reelers
based on the life and songs of Stephen
Foster. Under the production guidance of
Samuel Hersh, the shorts were filmed in
both Kodachrome and black and white. Hersh
is now supervising the final editing. Don
Reed plays the role of Foster in the series,
with Joy Gwynne enacting the part of his
wife.
E-L, Rank Will Trade
Talen! and Services
HOLLYWOOD — In its future production
activities, Eagle-Lion will draw heavily on
the resources of J. Arthur Rank’s British
organization through an exchange of techni-
cal help and talent. Details of the exchange
plan were revealed by Arthur B. Krim, E-L
president, while in the film capital for studio
conclaves.
Krim, who recently spent three weeks in
England and Europe conferring with Rank
and his production and distribution exec-
utives, said that the initial phases of the
plan will be put into operation immediately
to give the two companies the closest possible
working accord.
In its preliminary phases, the agreement
calls for the filming in this country by E-L
of all background and location scenes needed
by the Rank interests being made in Eng-
land. At the same time, the Rank organiza-
tion will reciprocate by shooting any Euro-
pean scenes which are needed by E-L. The
two companies also will exchange stock film
shots and make available to one another all
other technical facilities at their disposal.
By the end of the year, Krim said, the
agreement will be extended to include an ex-
change of players, directors and other crea-
tive talent of both companies.
“Under this setup,” Krim pointed out,
“British stars will come to this country to
appear in Eagle-Lion pictures whenever they
have the time. American stars under con-
tract to Eagle-Lion will go to England when-
ever their services are available in that way,
both English and American personalities can
be introduced more quickly to audiences in
both countries -and their importance more
readily established.”
Luncheon Added to Bill
For Variety Convention
LOS ANGELES — Another entertainment
highlight has been established for the dele-
gates to the Variety Clubs International con-
vention to be held here May 13-17. They will
be hosted at luncheon by Oscar Oldknow,
National Theatre Supply executive, in the
Gold room of the Ambassador hotel May 14.
Chief Barker Charles P. Skouras of the Los
Angeles tent will be one of the guests of
honor.
Bendix, Diana Lynn Attend
Phoenix Party for Cripples
HOLLYWOOD — William Bendix and Diana
Lynn, Paramount stars, flew to Phoenix to be
guests of honor at a two-day program of
events for benefit of the Arizona Crippled
Children’s society.
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
47
STUDIO PERSONNELITIES
Barnstormers
Paramount
RUSSELL HAYDEN set for a personal appearance
tour of New Mexico and Texas. He heads a group
of 14 entertainers which includes Lee "Lasses"
White. Troupe opens first engagement in Deming,
N. M.
RKO Radio
JIMMY STEWART started personal appearance tour
in Latin America in connection with the Mexico City
premiere April 16 of Liberty Films' "It's a Won-
derful Life." President Miguel Aleman was guest of
honor at the first showing.
Blurbers
Republic
DOROTHEA LEE McEVOY, former executive editor
of Screen Guild magazine, signed as personal pub-
lic relations counsel for Roy Rogers.
Briefies
Paramount
Vocalist Peggy Lee toplines in the Technicolor
Musical Parade featurette, "Midnight Serenade."
Filming has been completed on "Navy Rockets,"
one of Producer Jerry Fairbanks' Popular Science
shorts. At the same time the producer engaged Ken
Carpenter to narrate "In Love," a Speaking of Ani-
mals shorty.
Warners
Last two in the current series of Melody Lane
shorts, "Let's Sing a Stephen Foster Song" and
"Let’s Sing Grandfather's Favorite," are rolling
under the direction of Jack Scholl for Producer Gor-
don Hollingshead.
Director Arthur Collins, who is at present in Aus-
tralia, has been signed to meg a one-reeler, "Down
Under," while he is in that country. Producer Gor-
don Hollingshead set the deal via cable.
Famous Canadian annual event, the Calgary
Stampede, is scheduled for filming by Gordon Hol-
lingshead, shorts producer. Richard Bare will di-
rect and Charles Tedord will write the narration.
Cleffers
Monogram
LOUIS GRUENBERG signed by the King Brothers
to do the musical score on "The Gangster/' their
initial Allied Artists film.
Universal-International
Musical scoring assignment on Producer Mark
Hellinger's "Brute Force" handed MIKLOS ROZSA.
Warners
Musical score for the Michael Curtiz production,
"Romance in High C," will be written by JULES
STYNE and SAMMY CAHN.
Meggers
Columbia
Producer Sam Katzman's "The Price of Thieves/'
based on a novel by Alexandre Dumas, will be
piloted by MAX NOS’SEK. Jon Hall plays the title
role.
Paramount
Pine-Thomas' second production release in color,
"Me and My Dog," will be directed by ROBERT
EMMETT. It is a Brenda Joyce and Robert Shayne
starrer.
RKO Radio
Directorial chore on "Bodyguard” set for ROBERT
WISE. Sid Rogell produces.
Warners
Megging chores on "That Hagen Girl" to be
handled by PETER GODFREY.
ALEX GOTTLIEB set to produce "Romance in
High C," a musical comedy with a South American
locale, for Michael Curtiz Productions, Inc. Curtiz
will direct the film from a screenplay by Philip G.
and Julius J. Epstein.
Options
Columbia
THURSTON HALL draws role in "The Son of
Rusty."
BARBARA READ has been given the second femi-
nine lead in "Destiny," which D. Ross Lederman
will direct and Rudolph Flothow will produce.
HELEN MOWERY handed a feature role.
RUTH TERRY returns to the screen after a year's
absence to portray the femme lead in "Smoky River
Serenade."
Eagle-Lion
Declaring it will be his last acting chore before
he goes into direction, GENE RAYMOND has ac-
cepted a part in "Clementine."
Enterprise
JOEL McCREA toplines in an untitled Harry Sher-
man production which will be based on the life of
McCrea's grandfather, the late Albert Whipple.
Story will have its locale in San Francisco, where
Whipple, during the gold rush days of 1849, operated
the city's leading hotel and restaurant. McCrea is
preparing a synopsis from the family records prior
to assignment of writer to the script.
Metro
CLAUDETTE COLBERT signed by Frank Capra to
star with Spencer Tracy in "State of the Union"
to be produced by Liberty Films. Lensing is sched-
uled for this summer, with Cdpra producing and
directing.
GLADYS GEORGE toplines opposite Wallace Beery
in "Alias a Gentleman," with CAMERON MITCHELL
given featured role in same film.
Featured part in the Joe Pasternak production,
"The Kissing Bandit," set for J. CARROL NAISH.
Monogram
CHESTER CONKLIN handed comedy lead in the
Jimmy Wakely starrer, "Song of the Saddle."
New castings for "The Hunted," Allied Artists
production, THOMAS JACKSON, ROBERT EARLE,
CHARLES McGRAW, TRISTRAM COFFIN, FRED MIL-
LER, WILLIAM HALL and FRANK SCANNELL.
Paramount
MacDONALD CAREY assigned starring role in
"Dream Girl" on which P. J. Wolfson is producer.
Hugh Brown assigned as unit production manager.
VIRGINIA FIELD and PATRIC KNOWLES cast for
roles in "Dream Girl."
MELVYN DOUGLAS signed to star with Phyllis
Calvert in "My Own True Love."
RICHARD ARLEN signed to star in the Pine-
Thomas film, "Mr. Reckless."
ROBERT PRESTON assigned featured role in "Whis-
pering Smith," Technicolor outdoor action drama1
which stars ALAN LADD. J. FARRELL MacDONALD,
EDDIE WALLER, ASHLEY COWAN, WILL WRIGHT,
FRANK FAYLEN, DONALD CRISP and WILLIAM
DEMAREST were assigned roles.
PRC Pictures
WILLIAM WRIGHT added to cast of "Gas House
Kids Go West."
SHIRLEY PATTERSON signed for the femme lead
in "Ghost Town Renegades." "Pioneer Justice"
will feature JENNIFER HOLT opposite LASH LARUE.
RKO Radio
JANE JONES, night club owner and mistress of
ceremonies, set for role in "Memory of Love."
New long-term contract handed Director JACQUES
TOURNEUR. Also inked for long term contrasts are
JEFF DONNELL and DEAN WHITE, whose first role
will be in "Return of the Badman," to be produced
by Nat Holt.
Republic
VINCE BARNETT signed for a featured role in "The
Outcast," which has John H. Auer as associate pro-
ducer-director.
CHARLOTTE GREENWOOD has been signed for
one of the starring roles in "Driftwood." RUTH
WARRICK and DEAN JAGGER ticketed for romantic
leads. Allan Dwan produces and directs.
Heavy role in the Gene Autry starrer, "Robin
Hood of Texas," slated for JAMES CARDWELL.
Screen Guild
VIRGINIA DALE set for top feminine role in
Producer Maurice Conn’s “Dark Bullet," now be-
fore the cameras at Nassour studios.
20th Century-Fox
CHARLIE RUGGLES handed top supporting role
in "Off to Buffalo," starring Dan Dailey and Martha
Stewart. Film is first for actor in five years on this
lot.
Cast additions, recruited from the Broadway stage,
for "Kiss of Death," being shot entirely in New
York Citv, include LEW HERBERT, HARRY KADISON
and ROBERT KEITH.
Four players assigned to "Scudda Hoo, Scudda
Hay" include HERBERT HEYWOOD, EDWARD GAR-
GAN, GUY BEACH and G. PAT COLLINS. F. Hugh
Herbert is directing this June Haver-Lon McCallister
starrer.
HUGO HAAS, Czechoslovakian actor, assigned a
supporting role in "The Foxes of Harrow," Mau-
reen O’Hara-Rex Harrison co-starrer, which John
M. Stahl will direct for Producer William A. Bacher.
Supporting roles handed CHARLES IRWIN, DENNIS
HOEY and DOROTHY ADAMS.
LEE SANFORD, GREQG MARTELL and DENNIS
BOHAN, Broadway actors, added to the cast of
"Kiss* of Death" which is being filmed entirely in
New York.
Universal-International
A former Coast Guard lieutenant, WILLIAM
CHING has been added to the cast of "Something
in the Wind," in which Deanna Durbin stars.
Starring role in Lillian Heilman's stage play
"Another Part of the Forest" goes to ANN BLYTH.
Jerry Bresler will produce and Michael Gordon
direct.
Warners
JANE WYMAN toplines in "Up Until Now," an
original story by David Goodis. Jerry Wald pro-
duces and Delmer Daves directs.
Co-starring roles in "Sunburst" handed RONALD
REAGAN and ALEXIS SMITH. Ranald MacDougall
will produce the picture for which Ruth Brooks is
writing the screenplay.
S. Z. SAKALL set for featured role in "Romance
in High C" which Alex Gottlieb will direct for Pro-
ducer Michael Curtiz.
ART BAKER and TOM D’ANDREA set for roles
in "The Silver River" which stars Errol Flynn and
Ann Sheridan.
LARRY RIC assigned role in “Two Guys From
Texas."
HOWARD WASHINGTON, shoeshine proprietor on
the lot, forsakes former business for role of redcap
in "Wallflower." WILLIAM RUHL and J. LEWIS
JOHNSON also given roles. Lynne Lyons joins the
cast.
ALLAN FOSTER and PHILIP NORRIS given roles in
"The Voice of the Turtle."
Scripters
Columbia
Screenplay of "Prince of the Stallions," a John
Haggott production, will be scribbled by HAROLD L.
DAVIS.
EDWARD and EDNA ANHALT signed to do polish
job on the "Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back" script.
EARL SNELL will collaborate with Jack Townley
on Gene Autry Productions' first independent pic-
ture, as yet untitled. Developed from an original
story by Townley, the western musical is scheduled
to go before the cameras May 15.
RKO Radio
MARTIN RACKIN assigned to write screenplay for
"Race Street," George Raft starrer. Edwin L. Marin
directs for Producer Nat Holt.
Screenplay assignment on the Argosy Pictures'
production, "War Party," handed FRANK NUGENT.
Screenplay assignment on "The White Swamp"
given RICHARD MACAULAY. Byron Haskin directs
for Producer Sid Rogell.
20th Century-Fox
VERA CASPARY signed to write the screen treat-
ment of the John Klempner novel "Letter to Five
Wives." Samuel Engel produces.
Story Buys
Enterprise
Robert Browning's poem "Pippa Passes" is the
basis for an original story by Jack Briggs, which
has been acquired by this studio. Briggs has worked
out a romantic theme from the poem and has regis-
tered both the title and story.
Independent
"Dick Turpin's Ride," a poem by Alfred Noyes,
purchased by James Burkett who plans to use it as
the basis for a feature-length screenplay. It’s the
second Noyes poem the producer has acquired,
other being "The Highwayman."
Metro
"Quarter for an Angel," short story by 1. A. R.
Wylie, has been acquired and added to the produc-
tion slate of Edwin Knopf. Yarn is of the romance
and problems of an ambitious war veteran while
attending college as a G.I. Bill of Rights student.
Miss Wylie is writing the screenplay.
RKO Radio
"Mr. Whiskers," an original screen story by
Erwin Gelsey, has been acquired and Leopold Atlas
set to prepare the script for early production in the
Sid Rogell unit. Theron Warth will produce.
Republic
"The Miracle of Charlie Dakin," original by
Charles Larson, has been acquired and added to the
slate of Producer-Director Alfred Santell. Story is
a hard-bitten melodrama of hatred and murder.
Universal-International
A novel of modern New York pitched against a
theatrical background, "The Saxon Charm," has just
been acquired for future production. It was written
by Frederic Wakeman, whose best-selling and wide-
ly discussed "The Hucksters" currently is being
filmed as a Clark Gable starrer by MGM. The novel
will be published in the fall.
Warners
"Sunburst,” an original drama by Aleck Block and
Dietrich Hannakan, former MGM story assistants,
has been purchased. Yarn is a poignant love story.
No producer has as yet been assigned.
Technically
Columbia
WILLIAM O'CONNOR will serve as assistant di-
48
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
rector to Darwin Abrahams on "Smoky River Sere-
nade."
SAM NELSON and MILTON FELDMAN assigned
assistant director chore on “I Found a Dream" and
"The Mating of Millie McGonigle," respectively.
Metro
Lensing assignment on "Alias a Gentleman,"
starring Wallace B.eery, handed RAY JUNE.
SERGE PETSCHNIKOFF scheduled for unit produc-
tion manager chore on “The Kissing Bandit," Frank
Sinatra starrer.
Paramount
JOHN COONAN set to assist Director Mitchell
Leisen on "Dream Girl."
RKO Radio
Art direction on "Lucky Penny," an Independent
Artists picture, will be handled by WILLIAM
FLANNERY.
United Artists
WILLIAM FERRARI was borrowed from Hal Roach
by Pickford-Rogers-Cohn to serve as art director
on Triangle's "Sleep My Love."
A. ROLAND FIELDS signed as head set decorator
on the William Cagney production, "The Time of
Your Life."
Title Changes
Metro
“The Missouri Story" is again THE ROMANCE OF
ROSY RIDGE.
PRC Pictures
Final title for "Can't Get That Gal" is HEART-
ACHES.
RKO Radio
"Counterpoint" reverts to its original handle of
MEMORY OF LOVE.
Universal-International
New handle for "Jeopardy" is THE DARK WEB.
Horse Racing Enters
Video Via KTLA
HOLLYWOOD — West coast television made
two more strides toward wider recognition
and utility. For the first time in history,
harness racing has become a television at-
traction. Arrangements to televise the fea-
ture races at least every Saturday afternoon
during the harness racing season at Holly-
wood park were completed by television
station KTLA, Paramount sibsidiary of Tele-
vision Productions, Inc.
Another first for KTLA was scored when
it took its cameras to the big tent of the
Clyde Beatty circus, currently performing
here. The station’s cameras picked up the
details of the event and televiewers had an
opportunity of seeing closeups of the animal
acts and the clowns.
Joan Leslie Wins Another
Round in Fight With WB
HOLLYWOOD — Joan Leslie, actress who
recently became of age and recently became
an independent producer, continues to win all
of the rounds in her legal battle with War-
ners, that law courts engagement which was
launched when she asked for relief from her
contract with the Burbank studio. The dis-
trict court of appeals refused a petition from
the studio asking for a rehearing of the case
which was decided in Miss Leslie’s favor and
on the grounds that upon attaining majority
an actress cannot be held to a pact she en-
tered as a minor.
Another cause celebre of legal aspects and
of industrywide interest, Cecil B. De Mille’s
long running fight with the American Fed-
eration of Radio Artists, was treated to an-
other chapter when the Paramount producer-
director personally appeared before the Cali-
fornia supreme court to argue his case. De
Mille is seeking reinstatement via court order
in the AFRA from which he was rejected be-
cause several years ago he refused to pay a $1
assessment for a political fund, taking the
position that such an assessment was an in-
fringement on his constitutional rights.
Iirvv ARING, if nothing else, is Darryl F.
U 1) Zanuck’s plan to produce “The Iron
\AJir curtain,” a feature-length, documen-
tary-type picture exposing recent and cur-
rent Russian espionage in Canada and the
United States.
That the 20th-Fox production chief is fully
cognizant of the political and diplomatic
ramifications of his proposed expose was re-
flected by the unusual manner in which he
disclosed his plans. A press conference was
called to announce the venture, the first time
in a decade that Zanuck has resorted to such
procedure. In addition to the trade press, the
wire services and several of the nation’s lead-
ing newspapers were represented.
Such representation subjected Filmmaker
Zanuck to considerable of a grilling anent the
possible political and international repercus-
sions from the upcoming film. Some of the
resultant answers were significantly note-
worthy.
In view of the fact that the picture ad-
mittedly is inspired by the recent report of
FBI Chief J. Edgar Hoover before the house
committee on un-American activities, would
20th-Fox seek permission, and possibly co-
operation of the Federal Bureau of Investiga-
tion? And how about the State department?
Probably not, said Zanuck. Nor, in his opin-
ion, would such permission be necessary be-
cause, after all, Hoover’s report made it
obvious that Russian espionage in this country
is alarmingly widespread; and, further, State’s
current firm policy toward Russia is now so
clearly defined that no one should object to
the picture, even though it undoubtedly will
tread roughshod on Russian official toes.
What about the possibility of the motion
picture industry in general and 20th-Fox in
particular again being accused of war-mon-
gering as was the case when the nation’s
screens were deluged by a flood of anti-Nazi
films long before this country went to war with
Germany? Zanuck expected no such accusa-
tions; again the reason being the assurance
that the picture will treat with nothing that
isn’t already a matter of official public
record.
Had the heads of the Motion Picture Ass’n,
specifically Eric Johnston, been consulted
about the advisability of making the picture?
No, said Zanuck, with an intimation that it
was nobody’s business but his own and his
studio’s.
What might such a film do to the same
Eric Johnston’s current efforts to open the
Russian market to American films? It prob-
ably wouldn’t help them, Zanuck admitted,
but so few American films find their way
beyond the iron curtain that it doesn’t make
a great deal of difference anyway.
Would the picture be an attack on the
Communist party in this country and, if so,
would it not invite further criticism of the
industry for using the screen to play poli-
tics? His picture was not to be an expose or
attack on Communism as a political party or
ideology, Zanuck said, but will treat only
with Russian espionage. American Com-
munists will enter into the picture only inso-
far as they have been proven to be a part of
that espionage system.
Zanuck’s venture is entirely praiseworthy
for its courage and the initiative it manifests.
But such admiration, no matter how sincere
and how merited, should not blind one to the
fact that the undertaking also is hazardous,
both for 20th-Fox and motion pictures as a
whole. If such a picture could be exhibited
today, there is little doubt that it would be
loudly acclaimed by rank-and-file as well as
official Americans. But, unfortunately, the
better part of a year probably will pass be-
fore the feature can reach the screen. Inter-
national relationships, like politics, often make
strange and rapidly changing bedfellows. It
isn’t impossible that by then this country’s
official and mass attitude toward Russia may
have undergone a drastic softening.
In which event, and if the State depart-
ment should resultantly request that the film
not be released, Zanuck might find himself
with a few cans full of dynamite instead of
celluloid. Of course, the picture could be re-
made so that the spies are from Lower
Slobovia.
“FIVE WRITERS RUSHING
SCRIPTS FOR STOOGES”
— Frank Rosenberg headline.
A direct reversal of prescribed routine.
Steve Broidy, Monogram president; Scott
R. Dunlap, his executive assistant; Lindsley
Parsons, producer, and Phil Karlson, director,
have been appointed colonels on the staff of
Jimmie Davis, governor of Louisiana, who re-
cently completed starring role in Monogram’s
“Louisiana.”
Studio big shots who have no claim to a
colonelcy of one kind or another should start
themselves a club. It would be Hollywood’s
most exclusive organization.
* * *
Come shed a tear for Filmdom’s great
Their lives are sad, in fact, infernal.
Yea, worse than death is their cruel fate
Unless they rate the rank of colonel.
DEPARTMENT OF DOUBTFUL HONORS
Alex Evelove Division
“Because she would provide ‘The most beau-
tiful sight by a damsite,’ Janis Paige will be
crowned ‘Miss Damsite’ on the brink of the
damsite and preside over ceremonies con-
nected with start of construction on Oregon’s
huge $180,000,000 McNary dam.”
Which seems to be going a dam long way
to find another crown for over-crowned Janis.
So many studios have declared their inten-
tions to make a picture based on “The Broth-
ers Karamazov,” novel by Fyodor Dostoievsky,
that the producers association will again have
to play Solomon. There being a quartet of
the Brudem Karamazov, it might prove
equitable to give one to each of the ambitious
filmmakers — or why not make applesauce?
“COLOR TEST 100 HORSES FOR
‘WHISPERING SMITH’”
— George Brown headline.
Looking for a horse of another color, no
doubt.
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
49
TOP OFFICIALS of Eagle-Lion and Pathe
Industries arrived for a series of confer-
ences designed to shape production and dis-
tribution plans for the coming year. In town
are Arthur Krim, E-L president, A1 Schwal-
berg, vice-president in charge of sales; Max
Youngstein, eastern publicity and advertising
head; Robert Purcell, chairman of the Pathe
board and Robert McKinney, a board mem-
ber.
Bryan Foy, vice-president in charge of pro-
duction at E-L, who was in the east to at-
tend the funeral of his brother Richard, re-
turned to participate in the meetings.
* * *
N. Peter Rathvon, RKO president, returned
to his desk after a week of conferences in
New York.
Sid Rogell, Byron Haskin and Richard Ma-
caulay, producer, director and writer, respec-
tively, on RKO’s “The White Swamp,” trained
out for Gotham on the first leg of a three-
week location scouting trip for the film. They
planned to fly from Miami to Havana where
they will charter a boat and seek locations
in the Bahamas, Nassau and Cuba.
* * *
Herbert J. Yates, president of Republic,
returned to the studio after spending ten days
in New York and Chicago where he attended
the annual sales meetings of the company.
Producer-Director Lewis Milestone trained
in from Manhattan where he had been con-
ferring with John Steinbeck on the screenplay
for “The Red Pony” which Milestone is pro-
ducing and directing for Republic under the
first Feldman package deal.
* * *
After completing a three-month writing
stint on Nunnally Johnson’s latest Universal-
International production, “The Senator Was
Indiscreet,” Charles MacArthur was off to
Manhattan to join his family.
Producer Jerry Bresler and Director Mi-
chael Gordon, planed to Gotham to look at
stage plays and huddle with Lillian Heilman,
author, on her play “Another Part of the
Forest” which they will produce and direct
for U-I.
* * *
Milton Sperling, head of United States Pic-
tures, a Warner sharecropper, trained out for
New York accompanied by writer Allen Boretz,
for powwows with Elliott Nugent who will di-
rect Sperling’s next production. While in the
east they will take a looksee at available
talent.
★ * *
After a month’s absence in Chicago, New
York and Miami on business huddles, Steve
Broidy, Monogram and Allied Artists presi-
dent, returned to the studio.
* * *
Paul MacNamara, publicity and advertising
chief for Selznick Releasing Organization,
was back at his desk after two weeks of hud-
dles with David O. Selznick, SRO president,
who is now in Gotham on distribution affairs.
* * *
Returning to Sydney, Australia, by clipper
was Hal Carleton, in charge of publicity, ex-
ploitation and advertising for MGM in Aus-
tralia and New Zealand. While in the U S.
Carleton divided his time between the home
office of Loew’s International in New York
and the studio.
* * *
Donald M. Nelson, president of the Society
of Independent Motion Picture Producers,
flew to Mexico City accompanied by Francis
Alstock, one time executive in the Office of
the Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs,
for confabs with Mexican President Miguel
Aleman concerning industrial relations be-
tween the neighbor countries. Nelson made
the trip in President Aleman’s private plane
which the latter sent here to fetch him.
* * * — *
Off to Phoenix by plane was Casey Robin-
son, producer-writer for Columbia, where he
planned to confer with Harry Cohn, Colum-
bia president, who is combining vacation and
business during a stay there.
• • •
Easting for huddles with George J. Schae-
fer, Enterprise distribution chieftain, was
Charles Emfeld, the company’s president.
While in Gotham, Einfeld plans to confer
with Loew’s International and United Artists
executives on release of Enterprise product.
Distribution and production plans will be set
for “The Other Love,” “Arch of Triumph”
and “Body and Soul.”
* * *
Benedict Bogeaus, United Artists producer,
was Manhattan bound where he was to join
Carl Leserman, executive vice-president of
the company, in conferences with UA exec-
utives on completed features and future pro-
duction.
Training out from Gotham where he set up
national advertising campaigns on Bogeaus’
product, was Bill Peirce jr., publicity director
of the outfit. After several weeks in Europe
and New York, UA Producer Albert Lewin
planed in to catch the local premiere of his
production, “Private Affairs of Bel Ami.”
* * *
After a quick trip to Gotham, Hal Roach,
chieftain of Hal Roach Productions, is back
at his desk. While in the east he conferred
with United Artists executives and David O.
Selznick about distribution of his product.
The producer, who flew his own plane on the
trip, brought back with him Jules Seltzer, his
publicity head, and actor Randolph Scott.
* * *
Following a month’s vacation in Palm
Springs, Si Seadler, MGM’s eastern adver-
tising executive, checked in at the studio for
conferences before returning to New York.
* * *
Robert S. Wolff, general manager in the
United Kingdom, and Jack W. Votion,
European studio representative for RKO ar-
rived for a series of confabs on new product
. . . Former RKO Producer Michel Kraike
plans to leave for Washington to huddle
with government officials on a motion pic-
ture project.
* * *
Harold Rodner, vice-president of Warner
Bros. Service Corp., returned to his home
office headquarters in Gotham following
three weeks of conferences here.
Somerset to Distribute
Through Screen Guild
HOLLYWOOD — Somerset Pictures Corp.,
newly formed independent producing com-
pany headed by Walter Colmes, has signed a
distribution contract with Screen Guild Pro-
ductions. First picture to be made under the
new deal will be an exploitation special cover-
ing a timely subject.
Associated with Colmes in Somerset are
J. J. Milstein, former executive of MGM and
later sales manager for Republic, and Selly
Levinson, formerly assistant to Felix Feist
at MGM and one time assistant to Irving
Thalberg.
RKO and GSS Studios
Are Being Improved
HOLLYWOOD — As building materials be-
come more readily available, there is in-
creasing fruition of the studio building, re-
building and refurbishing programs which
have been in blueprint stage for the last two
years.
Improvements costing approximately $500,-
000 have been made or are in process of
completion of RKO, RKO Pathe and the
RKO ranch. Modernization of the men’s
wardrobe at the Gower street lot is progress-
ing at a cost of $8,000. The office of Dore
Schary, executive vice-president in charge
of production, and those of other executives
and producers, and the publicity department,
are undergoing modernization and redeco-
rating. All projection rooms are being mod-
ernized and new loge seats are being in-
stalled. Plans are now being completed for
a new 16mm projection room.
ROOMS FOR ASSISTANTS
Four rooms for assistant directors have
been provided for in a modernization of the
production department.
At Pathe 40-acres, $20,000 has been spent
in building a 25x125 foot Class A magazine
type film storage vault. Also at Pathe a com-
plete ultramodern camera department stor-
age vault has been constructed at a cost
of $16,000. Office buildings have been erect-
ed at Pathe and the studio offices generally
have been modernized.
At the RKO ranch is a war surplus B29
hangar, to be used for construction storage;
four 40xl00-foot quonset huts, for electrical
and property department storage; and a
140x180 scene storage dock has been erected.
IMPROVEMENTS AT GSS
General Service Studio, recently acquired
by James Nasser, will be treated to physical
improvements and changes to cost in the
neighborhood of $250,000, Nasser says. At the
same time the new owner revealed that in
addition to operating the lot as rental studio,
he personally will utilize its facilities to in-
dependently produce at least two feature pic-
tures annually.
Howard Estabrook has been engaged by
Nasser to script his kickoff film, as yet un-
titled. While Nasser has no releasing deal
set, his ownership of the General Service lot
and the fact that many United Artists films
are produced there would indicate that his
product will find its way into UA channels.
Stanley Kramer Heading
New Screenplays, Inc.
*” HOLLYWOOD — Seemingly endless is the
procession of newly formed independent pro-
ducing companies. Stanley Kramer, formerly
executive producer of Story Productions and
an associate of David L. Loew, revealed the
formation of Screenplays, Inc., a motion pic-
ture and television producing outfit. Planned
policy provides profit participation by stars,
writers and other talent with emphasis being
placed on American classics as the basis for
pictures.
No releasing deal has as yet been set.
Confers on Bakersfield House
HOLLYWOOD — Ray Lemucchi, associated
with the Banducci & Lemucchi Theatre Co.
in Bakersfield, was a visitor at Paramount.
The circuit executive was in town to confer
on plans for a new theatre project now under
consideration in Bakersfield.
50
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
Balloting Under Way
On Academy Posts
New Officers of Salt Lake Film Club
SALT LAKE OFFICERS- — Newly elected officers of the Salt Lake Motion Picture
club include the following, left to right, front: C. Clare Woods, president; Warren But-
ler, vice-president. Back: Si Sanders, secretary; Bill Seib, only new board member
present for picture; Henry Ungerleider, treasurer.
HOLLYWOOD — Ballots have been dis-
tributed to Academy of Motion Picture Arts
and Sciences members for the election of 22
governors to represent the Academy’s 11
branches. There are 71 nominees. It is the
first election under new Academy bylaws.
This year two governors are to be elected
from each branch. The nominee receiving
the highest number of votes will serve for
two years, the one receiving the next high-
est will serve for one year. Beginning with
the election in 1948, each branch will elect
only one governor annually for a two-year
term.
The nominees and their classifications:
Actors — Jean Hersholt, William Holden,
Adolphe Menjou, George Murphy, Moroni
Olsen and Claire Trevor.
Art directors — Lionel Banks, Samuel
Comer, Richard W. Day, Ernst Fegte, Robert
Haas, Wiard B. Ihnen and Urie McCleary.
Cinematographers — Charles G. Clarke, Far-
ciot Edouart, Arthur C. Miller, Victor Milner,
Sol Polito, Ray Rennahan and Leonard
Smith.
Directors — Delmer Daves, Mervyn LeRoy,
Edwin Marin, Otto Preminger, William Seiter,
King Vidor and William Wyler.
Executives and producers — Henry Blanke,
William Dozier, Henry Ginsberg, Edwin
Knopf, Robert Lord, Donald Nelson and Wal-
ter Wanger.
Film editors — Frank Gross, William W.
Hornbeck, L. C. Millbrook, Ernest J. Nimms,
Frederick B. Richards, Louis H. Sackin and
Ralph E. Winters.
Music — Louis R. Lipstone, Miklos Rozsa,
Morris Stoloff, Harry Warren, Ned Wash-
ington, Roy Webb and Charles Wolcott.
Public relations — Barry Buchanan, Alex
Evelove, Perry Lieber and Howard Strickling.
Short subjects — George Bilson, Louis No-
tarius, Frederick C. Quimby, Ralph B. Staub,
Saul Elkins, Walter Lantz and Jerry Fair-
banks.
Sound — John Aalbarg, Louis Mesenkop,
Thomas T. Moulton, William Mueller and
Gordon Sawyer.
Writers — Charles Brackett, Sheridan Gib-
ney, F. Hugh Herbert, James Hilton, Sonya
Levien, Mary C. McCall jr. and Jane Murfin.
Jean Hersholt, president of the Academy,
disclosed the appointment of Howard G.
Mayer and Associates as public relations
counsel for the Academy. The assignment
will be on an interim basis to be ratified on
the election of the new officers and board of
governors in May.
A Field Day for Moppets
In MGM Film Schedule
HOLLYWOOD — Two new properties have
been added to MGM’s production schedule.
“Born Bad,” an original by Sid Boehm, about
juvenile delinquency problems, has been
handed Producer Robert Lord and is slated
for an early start.
“Children’s Village,” a novel to be written
by I. A. R Wylie, for which Metro holds the
screen rights, is the second on the agendum.
Story is of the children’s village in Switzer-
land where war orphans of several European
nationalities are being afforded the comforts
of family life and education through the ef-
forts of Swiss philanthropists. Novelist Wylie
plans to live in the village, which is in Trogen,
Switzerland, while she is writing her story.
Czech Actor in 'The Foxes'
The Czechoslovakian actor, Hugo Haas, has
been ticketed for a supporting role in “The
Foxes of Harrow” by 20th-Fox.
SALT LAKE CITY— C. Clare Woods, dis-
trict manager for Intermountain Theatres,
was elected president of the Salt Lake Mo-
tion Picture club, succeeding Hall Baetz,
branch manager for Fox Intermountain.
Woods won the election by one vote in a
run off with Baetz after the two had fin-
ished high in regular voting, but neither
had a majority.
Other officers chosen were Warren D.
Butler, Lyric Theatre manager, vice-presi-
dent; Si Sanders, Fox Intermountain booker,
secretary, and Henry Ungerleider, Intermoun-
tain Theatres, re-elected treasurer. Woods,
Butler, Sanders and Ungerleider also become
members of the board of directors of the
club, together with the following newly
elected board members: Don Tibbs, Mono-
gram manager; Shirl Thayne, U-I salesman;
Actors to Cold Shoulder
Fan Club Convention
HOLLYWOOD — Another hurdle — and an
ironical one, at that — has been erected in
the path of Mrs. Ellen Roufs, the Angeleno
who heads the Fan Club League, Interna-
tional, and who, in the face of countless
previous obstacles, has been trying to pro-
mote a convention of her members here.
Paradoxically, now it is the mummers
themselves — and they are the ones for whom
fan clubs are organized — who officially de-
clare they want no part of Mrs. Roufs’ pro-
posed conclave of bobbysoxers.
Objections of actors to the plan were out-
lined in a letter from the Screen Actors
Guild in response to Mrs. Roufs’ request for
cooperation. Mrs. Roufs was notified that
the SAG board of directors had voted unani-
mously to approve the action of the public
relations committees of the Ass’n of Motion
Picture Producers and the Society of Inde-
pendent Motion Picture Producers in turn-
ing thumbs down on the project.
The guild, it was stated, believes that the
fan club convention is against the best in-
C. R. “Buck” Wade, U-I manager; Giff
Davison, RKO manager, and Bill Seib, Co-
lumbia manager.
At the time the men’s club was electing,
the women’s group also chose new officers
as follows: Mrs. Claude Hawk, president;
Mrs. Bill Gordon, first vice-president; Mrs.
Si Sanders, second vice-president; Florence
Engar, secretary; Mrs. Henry Ungerleider,
treasurer, and the following board members:
Mrs. C. R. Wade, Mrs. Frank H. Smith, Mrs.
Don Tibbs, Mrs. Carl P. Nedley, and Mrs.
Keith Pack.
The present biggest project of the club is
the exhibitors-distributors roundup to be
held in Salt Lake City in June. More than
350 exhibitors, distributors and their wives
are expected here for the event. Woods is
general chairman for the affair.
terests of the members of the fan clubs them-
selves.
SAG reminded Mrs. Roufs that in order to
draw fan club members to the affair, she
had “strongly hinted to them that many
stars will attend one or more of the events
she had scheduled.” The guild informed her
that it was advising its membership of its
opposition to her project.
J. E. Henning Will Assist
HOLLYWOOD — Arrangements have been
made with J. Earl Henning, San Francisco
exhibitor and convention expert, to handle
special work in connection with Screen
Guild’s annual sales conferences here May
12-16. Henning plans to arrive here about
May 1 and will headquarter at SG’s home
offices.
Long-Delayed Sound Arrives
ESTANCIA, N. M. — New projectors and
sound have been installed in the Pinto Thea-
tre, which opened a year ago. The machines
were ordered before the opening but just
arrived.
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
w
51
Four Pictures Yearly
Planned by Bogeaus
HOLLYWOOD — Any doubts as to the pro-
duction future of Benedict Bogeaus which
may have stemmed
from the recent sale
of his interests in
General Service Studio
were dispelled with
disclosure by the
United Artists film-
maker that he expects
to make four pictures
annually for the next
five years. Bogeaus
sold his interests to
James Nasser, theatre
operator, in order to
devote his undivided
benedict bogeaus attention to produc-
ing. He will make his product, which will be
continued to be released through UA, on the
General lot, a term stipulated in the sale of
the studio.
Formation of a stock company is also
planned under Bogeaus’ new production set-
up. Offices in London and Paris will be
established by the producer for an on-the-
spot foreign contact. Carl Leserman, exec-
utive vice-president of Bogeaus Productions,
will leave for Europe shortly to set up the
offices.
Starring Ida Lupino, “Early Autumn” will
start in June under the Arcadia Productions
banner, a company recently formed by
Bogeaus and Miss Lupino. Miss Lupino will
not only star in this and other planned fea-
tures, but will also actively engage in pro-
duction. Next in the lineup will be “Lulu
Belle,” the Broadway play produced by David
Belasco and written by Edward Sheldon and
Charles MacArthur. Dorothy Lamour will
star.
Other productions scheduled are:
A film built around the U.S. postal in-
spection service, now being written by Rich-
ard H. Landau: “The Wall Between,” novel
by Elsie Oakes Barber; “Gabrielle,” a maga-
zine story by Sarah Litsey; “The Life of
Charles Dickens” to be made in Technicolor;
“The Queen’s Necklace,” a melodrama with
the court of Louis XVI as its setting.
Two L. A. Suburban Houses
Join Foreign Film Setup
LOS ANGELES — Two more suburban
houses, the Uclan in Westwood and the Park
in Pasadena, have been added to the list
which Sidney Pink and Paul Schreibman,
through their International Theatres Corp.,
will book and handle as exclusive first run
foreign film outlets.
Houses will run day and date, with open-
ing of new policy set for Tuesday, May 6.
Initial offering will be “Before Him All Rome
Trembled,” Italian superfilm. The Uclan is
owned by Dietrich and Felstein. The Park is
a Fox West Coast theatre.
Deal now gives Pink and Schreibman four
foreign-policy houses in southern California,
the Mayan in downtown Los Angeles, the Las
Palmas in Hollywood and the new pair.
Goldstone to Film 'Casbah'
HOLLYWOOD — Independent Producer Nat
Goldstone will film “Casbah,” a remake of
Detective Ashelbe’s novel “Pepe Le Moko,”
only this time it will be a musical version.
Harold Arlen has been signed to compose the
score, songs and background music for the
film in which Tony Martin will have the
topline. Eric Charell will be associate pro-
ducer. A Universal-International release is
being dickered and probably will materialize.
Film Society Finds Home
For Program of Classics
HOLLYWOOD — The recently organized
Hollywood Film society has chosen as its
permanent headquarters the newly construct-
ed Coronet Theatre on La Cienga near Bev-
erly boulevard. The theatre has been leased
by a group headed by Paul Schreibman and
John Houseman.
By arrangement with the Museum of Mod-
ern Art in New York and other film libraries
and private collections, the society will pre-
sent a regular program of noteworthy feature
pictures, documentary and experimental sub-
jects. The features will comprise great films
of the past and, with the cooperation of pro-
ducers and exhibitors of foreign films, new
motion pictures from abroad not generally
available for public exhibition.
The first 12 features on the program in-
clude Greta Garbo in “Camille”; Ernst
Lubitsch’s first American musical, “Love
Parade,” starring Maurice Chevalier and
Jeanette MacDonald; the French film, “The
Passion of Joan of Arc”; W. C. Fields in
“Million Dollar Legs”; “Variety”; Clark
Gable and Charles Laughton in “Mutiny on
the Bounty”; “Kameradschaft” and the car-
toon on the same theme, “Brotherhood of
Man”; “The Maltese Falcon,” first of the hard-
boiled detective cycle; a bill of fantastic and
experimental films, featuring “Waxworks”;
a double bill of silent comedies — Charlie
Chaplin’s “The Cure” and Rene Clair’s “Ital-
ian Straw Hat”; “Carnival in Flanders,” and
a preview of an important new French pic-
ture to be selected from several recently ar-
rived in this country.
With each feature film will be shown one
or more outstanding; short subject related to
the theme of the main picture of the eve-
ning.
'Thunderbolt' Premiere
At Los Angeles in May
HOLLYWOOD— With Gen. Carl A. Spaatz,
commanding general of the army air forces,
heading the list of guests, the world premiere
of William Wyler’s Technicolor “Thunder-
bolt,” has been set for Los Angeles in May.
The picture, filmed by Wyler while covering
the Italian campaign for the air force, is
being released by Monogram under a deal re-
cently made by Carl Krueger, independent
producer. Jimmy Stewart appears in the
special introduction of the film.
Hitching Post Theatre
Changes Policy, Name
Beverly Hills — This exclusive suburb of
Los Angeles in which reside many of the
film industry’s glamorous and financial
great can take its westerns or leave ’em
alone. And, apparently, it is just as luke-
warm as concerns newsreels. Resultantly,
the local Hitching Post Theatre has again
changed its policy — and also its name.
The house was launched with an all-
western policy. After a fair trial, it
switched to newsreel bookings exclusively
for five days a week, retaining the gal-
loper programs for weekends only.
Under the most recent setup it becomes
the Beverly Canon Theatre and will pur-
sue a policy of single features, short sub-
jects and newsreels.
Owners Buddy Adler, Columbia pro-
ducer; Gregory Carter and Horace Boos,
who also own and operate the Hitching
Post theatres in Santa Monica and Hol-
lywood, announced that Saturday and
Sunday mornings have been set aside for
children. Two shows on each of those
mornings will be devoted to westerns,
thus continuing in small part the former
Hitching Post policy.
Stars Still Making
Gratis Appearances
HOLLYWOOD — Despite scattered criticism
that since war’s end Hollywood has not de-
voted enough of its time to the entertainment
of service men and women, stars have made
471 gratis appearances since the beginning of
the year in military, welfare and charity
benefit programs, a quarterly report of the
Hollywood Coordinating committee reveals.
“This is an average of 36 appearances a
week,” committee president George Murphy
said. “We are proud of the fact that since
the first of the year 109 new Hollywood per-
sonalities have made their first appearances
in events through our committee.”
SEPARATE EVENTS LISTED
The 216 separate events included three
tours of veterans hospitals, 12 shows for army
and navy hospitals, 11 benefits, 40 miscel-
laneous welfare events, and 123 shows for the
armed forces radio service.
RKO Radio’s vice-president in charge of
production, Dore Schary, was given a dinner
by the Beverly Hills lodge of B’nai B’rith for
his contributions to the advancement of
democratic American ideals as a citizen and
as a motion picture executive. Schary was
presented with an Award for Civic Achieve-
ment plaque by Judge Stanley Mosk, presi-
dent of the lodge, and Jay Gorney, chair-
man of the program committee.
George Jessel, 20th-Fox producer, will go
to Chicago to appear as toastmaster at a
banquet to be given by the Illinois Variety
Club on the night of April 28 for retiring
Mayor Kelly and Mrs. Kelly of the Windy
city.
RUSSELL TO BE HONORED
Harold Russell, handless veteran who won
two Academy awards for his performances in
Samuel Goldwyn’s “The Best Years of Our
Lives,” will be guest of honor at a dinner
given by the San Francisco Press club May
16. Russell also will speak at San Francisco’s
1 Am an American day celebration May 18.
Eddie Dean and Roscoe Ates headlined a
benefit show for the Greek orphans fund at
the local Fox Belmont Theatre.
The Hollywood Coordinating committee set
Stars Jack Carson, Dennis Morgan and Ava
Gardner, Singer Margaret Whiting and An-
nouncer Jimmy Wallington for the Com-
mand Performance program transcribed for
worldwide broadcast to service men over the
AFRS network.
To Build in Philomath
PHILOMATH, ORE.— The CPA has ap-
proved a new $10,000 800-seat theatre build-
ing here to be owned and operated by Everett
A. Mika, former owner of the Victory cafe
in Corvallis. Mika is a World War II vet-
eran. The new building will include office
space for Dr. T. P. Robb, also a veteran.
Sell Los Angeles Houses
LOS ANGELES — Two theatres here have
been taken over by new owners in recent
weeks. The Midway was sold by Louis Berk-
off to Ray and Sam Robbins and Leonard
Wiesner, and the Astor was sold by Sam and
Ann Ozonoff to Jack and Ida Goldman, ac-
cording to legal notices published here.
Back From Europe
HOLLYWOOD— David Niven hosted Bar-
bara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor at a press
luncheon at Enterprise marking the stars’
return to Hollywood from a three-month
tour of Europe.
52
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
SAN FRANCISCO
Crew of New Frisco Variety Club
YTernon Brown, manager of the Broadway
in Burlingame, was seriously burned when
he threw some paint thinner into a furnace
he thought was cold. The thinner ignited
and flared back, inflicting first and second
degree burns on Brown’s face and shoulders.
He had been painting some woodwork back-
stage.
Promotion of house managers in several
circuits was announced last week. Lorin
t Emick, who has been manager of the Park-
side here, was brought into the T&D Jr.
home office to work in the purchasing de-
partment. The same circuit also promoted
Clayton V. Hickle, assistant manager of the
Fox in Visalia, to be manager of the State
in Lodi. Hickle also has served at the Fox
in Hanford, the Merced in Merced and the
Monache in Porterville.
In Sanger, the Robert L. Lippert circuit
moved Don Rea up to be manager of the
Royal, and in Fresno the Warner circuit pro-
moted J. H. Center to be assistant to Harry
C. Olmsted at the Fresno. Center has been
at the house for three years in another ca-
pacity.
Raymond Jensen has been named resident
manager of the Pep Theatre and assistant
to Jay Allen at the State Theatre in Eureka.
Both are Redwood circuit houses.
Adele Kotite of the booking department of
T&D Jr. is at home following an operation
and getting along fine . . . George Mann, ac-
companied by his wife and two friends, is
en route to Tampa, Fla., for a well-earned
holiday. The party is driving and will cover
10,000 miles before returning here. Mann
planned to stop in Palm Springs, Galveston,
New Orleans and Mobile before boarding the
yacht Two Smiles II for a cruise of approxi-
mately two or three weeks. The boat is a
62-footer. The trip home will be via Santa
Fe, N. M., and the Grand Canyon.
The Variety Club is having trouble getting
a liquor license for their club. There is hope,
however, in a bill that has been presented
to the California legislature by Jim McBride
of Ventura. It would permit bona fide clubs
to obtain on-sale liquor licenses without re-
gard to present limitations.
Billie Burke was honored at a tea given
by the Dog Defenders club and Pacific Cat
club here. The event was part of Be Kind
to Animals week . . . “How many persons have
seen shows at the Golden Gate Theatre dur-
ing the past 25 years?” is the question asked
by the management on the radio, in the
newspapers and at the theatre. It’s part of
the 25th anniversary program . . . Min Levy,
office manager of PRC and Eagle-Lion, cele-
brated a birthday April 15.
Bob Corbin, manager of the Golden Gate,
went to New York for conferences . . .
Arthur Unger went to Los Angeles on busi-
ness.
Walter Preddey Co. installed new Century
sound and projectors and Altec-Lansing
“Voice of the Theatre” in the Greenville
Theatre, Greenville, and Letterman hospital
in the Presidio. Letterman will be a per-
manent army hospitalization center . . . Bob
Bemis of Walter Preddey is back from Plumas
county, where he installed new lenses at the
Town Hall Theatre, Quincy, and new lamp
equipment at the Winters in Winters, the
Grove in Walnut Grove, the Guerneville in
Guerneville, the Palace in Pittsburg, and the
Willow Glen in Willow Glen.
Emmett Cannon, formerly with Film Clas-
sics, has named his cigar store, the Golden
Gate Smoke Shop. He handles sandwiches,
Officers of the Variety Club of Northern
California were elected at San Francisco
April 1 by 105 charter members. The installa-
tion of officers will take place May 12 when
R. J. O’Donnell of Dallas, national chief
barker, is expected to be present. The of-
ficers: Abe Blumenfeld, Blumenfeld Theatres,
chief barker; Jimmy O’Neal, theatre conces-
sioner, assistant chief barker; Jack Marpole,
National Screen, second assistant chief
barker; Leslie Jacobs, theatre broker, dough
guy, and Rotus Harvey, Westland Theatres,
property man, and these canvasmen; L. S.
Hamm, Westside Theatres; H. Neil East, Para-
mount exchange; Homer Tegtmeier; B. F.
Shearer; Herman Kersken, Fox West Coast;
Jack Tilman, Columbia; Roy Cooper, Golden
State Theatres.
In the photo are, left to right, seated:
Marpole, O’Neal, Blumenfeld, Jacobs and Har-
vey. Standing: East, Hamm, Kersken, Cooper,
Tillman and Tegtmeier.
soft drinks, candy and cigars . . . Warner
Bros, exchange is host to Mike Hogan, audi-
tor, who will be here for an indefinite stay
. . . Ann House of Warner Bros, is expected
to leave for Honolulu to join her husband,
who will set up offices there . . . Thad
Sheridan is no longer associated as salesman
with the Monogram exchange.
Paula and A1 Grubstick of Film Classics
went to Los Angeles on business . . . H.
Kaiser, office manager for United Artists
exchange, was confined to his home by illness
. . . Eugene Bryant, Warners shipper, is the
papa of a baby boy named Kenny.
B. B. Byard of the Happy Camp and Gar-
berville theatres was in town for a few days
. . . Helen Dougherty, office secretary at
PRC, is resigning . . . Joe Blumenfeld was
in Palm Springs for a few days . . . Sol
Lesser of the Lyceum enjoyed the sunshine
the other afternon on Golden Gate avenue.
Orpheum, Dark 2 Years,
Reopens in Cut Bank
CUT BANK, MONT.— The Orpheum, closed
for a period of two years, is being reopened
here by F. A. Denny. Mrs. Denny will man-
age it while her husband handles the State
Theatre which they also own.
Ruggles in 'Off to Buffalo'
Charlie Ruggles has been given the top
supporting role in 20th-Fox’s “Off to Buffalo.”
r
RCA Sound Systems
Brenkert Projection Equipment
USAIRCo Cooling Equipment
Blowers and Exhausters
WESTERN SERVICE <S SUPPLY. INC.
h
2120 Broadway
8041 Denver 2,
Colo.J
"CENTURY"
THE MODERN PROJECTOR
187 Golden Gate Ave.,
San Francisco 2, Calif.
Phone Underhill 7571
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY!
POPCORN BOXES
$7.75 PER L000
"POPSIT PLUS"
Liquid Peanut Oil Popcorn Sea-
soning — 6 One Gallon Cans to
the Case $19.00
COCOANUT OIL POPCORN SEASON-
ING 38c per lb. in 50 lb. Cans.
TOP VOLUME POPPING PURDUE HY-
BRID POPCORN $11.25 per 100 lb. sack.
COMPLETE SUPPLIES
RUSH YOUR ORDER NOW
ARTHUR UNGER CO.
105 Golden Gate Ave.
San Francisco, Calif.
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
53
SALT LAKE CITY
Qeorge W. Murphy, projectionist for 30
years at the Pinney Theatre, an Inter-
mountain house in Boise, was the subject
of a two and one-half column article in the
Boise Statesman recently. The long article
described the work of a projectionist. It was
illustrated with a two-column picture of
Murphy and his equipment.
Dell Dalling, assistant manager of the
Egyptian in Ogden, has been transferred to
Butte, Mont., where he will manage the Mon-
tana Theatre, another Fox Intermountain
house which recently opened as a first run
class theatre.
Howard Mathews will reopen the Roxy at
Meridian, Ida., about April 25. The house
will be operated by Mathews’ father, H. H.
Mathews. It replaces the old Roxy, which
was gutted by fire shortly after the first of
the year. Equipment was put in Service
Theatre Supply, which also is equipping the
Downey Theatre at Downey, Ida., run by Mr.
and Mrs. Fred Pickren . . . Work has been
halted on the theatre Bud Eldredge was
building at Kimberly, Ida.
It was quite a shock to Frank H. Smith,
Paramount manager, and others along Film-
row here to learn of the death of Fred
Larned, Paramount branch manager at
Dallas, in an auto accident at Carmel, Calif.
Larned and his wife, who was injured in the
same accident, had visited Frank here only a
few days before the accident.
It was like stepping back 30 years in the
motion picture business last week in Salt
Lake City when a “mystery room” in a
downtown building was opened for fire in-
spection for the first time in three dec-
ades. One of the principal finds in the
room was an old box containing two 30-
year-old film projectors and the film printer
used to duplicate films. The projectors are
hand winders and 16mm devices. They were
turned over to Warner Tschageny, occupant
of the building and projectionist for the Lyric
Theatre, who said he planned to lend them
for display during the centennial year. The
room had never been opened because cus-
todians of the building had believed it
haunted.
Theatre tickets were contained in balloons
released over Salt Lake City this week by
the Salt Lake Junior Chamber of Com-
merce as a publicity stunt for the Jaycees’
current clean-up drive. Of 500 balloons re-
leased, 55 of them contained theatre ducats,
donated by Intermountain Theatres, Inc.
Visitors and exhibitors on Filmrow included
John Ash, traveling auditor for Loew’s; Bill
Lees of Nampa, Ida.; D. C. Carson of Pine-
dale, Wyo.; Mel Morris of American Falls,
Ida.; L. T. Bailey of Escalante, Utah; Fran
Feltch of Vernal; 'Earl Whittaker of Circle-
ville; Owen B. Wallace of Montpelier, Ida.;
Lou Kreiger of New York, who was arranging
for local exhibition of the Technicolor pic-
ture, “The Raider”; Foster Blake of Uni-
versal, and A1 Kolitz, RKO district manager,
who conducted a sales meeting at the local
branch.
Irving Gilman, manager of United Inter-
mountain Theatres, the buying and booking
combine, claims he is doing business now
with most of the majors on Filmrow. He said
he had some difficulty at first. Gilman is
planning a trip to Montana, where most of
his accounts are located.
Actor “Smiley” Burnett will make a per-
sonal appearance at the Lyric Theatre the
week beginning April 28, according to Man-
ager Warren Butler, who says that business
is really in the doldrums at his house.
DJ_NV_ER
The Colorado legislature was to adjourn
Friday (181. No bills directly affecting
theatre operation were expected to be passed.
A censor bill was introduced but was buried
in committee.
Howard Banzhaf, formerly with National
Theatre Supply, is running for city coun-
cilman . . . C. J. Duer, Paramount salesman,
who has been with that company since 1923,
resigned to accept a position with Selznick
Releasing Organization, with offices at 301-2
Denham Bldg. Duer says he will soon be
releasing “Duel in the Sun” in this territory.
William Sombar, head booker, moves into the
salesman job at Paramount, and Paul All-
meyer, assistant, moves up as head booker.
Clarence Calland has sold the Iris, Edge-
mont, S. D., to R. T. Rademacher . . . Chet
Bell, Paramount manager, went to Los An-
geles for a meeting with representatives of
the home office legal department . . . Barney
Shooker, Columbia salesman, is recovering
nicely after an operation performed at St.
Luke’s hospital . . . Robert Quinn, Paramount
exploitation man, was in Salt Lake City for a
few days.
For the first time the Bluebird became a
first run house with the moving of “The
Jolson Story” from the Paramount. This
film has broken all records as to number of
weeks as first run, having already shown a
week at the Paramount, and two weeks each
at the Denver, Esquire, Webber and Rialto.
A New Manley Service!
ANNOUNCING THE OPENING OF A MANLEY
DISTRICT OFFICE
2161 Broadway, Denver 2, Colorado
Here to serve the popcorn trade in the Rocky Mountain area.
• Manley Super Electric Popcorn
Machines
• Manley Popcorn Supplies
• Manley Parts for Manley Machines
", Always the Best — All Ways'
DON'T FORGET THE LOCATION
2161 Broadway, Denver 2, Colorado
(Center of Film Row)
W. H. TURPIE, ARLIE BEERY,
Western Division Manager District Manager
54
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
School Guidance Urged
For Young Theatregoers
Frank Panero Buys
Four-House Setup
SAN FRANCISCO— The interests of S. C.
Levin and Nathan Blumenfeld in the Selma
and Park theatres in Selma, the American
in Kingsburg and the Fowler in Fowler have
been purchased by Frank Panero, it was an-
nounced last week by Levin. The purchase
price was not disclosed. There will be no
change in policy at the houses.
Hollywood Stars Attend
Salinas Theatre Debut
SAN FRANCISCO — The opening of the
new Alisal Theatre in Salinas, owned by Fox
West Coast, Lawrence Borg and John Peters,
was heralded with the premiere of “The
Farmer’s Daughter.” A benefit for the Greek
war relief, the opening was attended by such
stars as Van Johnson, Rod Cameron and Kay
Kyser.
Local Filmrow personalities at the opening
included Jess Levin, Ben Levin, J. Leslie
Jacobs, Sid Martinstein, Barney Ross, Jack
Tillman, Dave Bolton, Fred and Melba Craf-
ton, Tom Malloy and owners Bill Peters,
Lawrence Borg and officials of the Fox West
Coast circuit.
A gala reception at the Santa Lucia inn
was held following the opening.
Frederick Mercys Planning
Trip Around the World
YAKIMA, WASH. — Leaving San Francisco
August 1, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Mercy sr.,
will embark on a four-month around-the-
world tour. Mercy is head of First National
Theatres here.
The Mercys will be the only two represent-
atives from Washington state on the cruise,
since travel restrictions now limit member-
ship to one couple from each state.
Their itinerary, arranged by a Yakima
travel agency, includes stops at Honolulu,
Yokohama, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Manila,
Singapore and Penang. They will also visit
Colombo and Bombay, the Suez Canal and
Port Said. They will be in Alexandria, Egypt,
before visiting Italy for stops at Naples and
Genoa.
They will be on the S. S. Monroe the en-
tire voyage.
Another House Is Planned
By San Jose Showmen
SAN JOSE, CALIF.— Plans for a $175,000
theatre here are being made by Milton F.
Samis, owner of the Hester, and Jay McCabe,
manager of the Civic auditorium. It will be
a 1,200-seat, stadium-type house. Samis and
McCabe also are awaiting CPA permission
to build another house here, for which they
estimate the cost will be $100,000. Samis has
operated the Hester for 17 years.
Chelan, Wash., Project
CHELAN, WASH.— A building here for-
merly occupied by a food store and pharmacy
is being remodeled by Greime-Fasken enter-
prises for a theatre. Pat Tobin, manager of
the organization, was here recently with an
architect to develop the plans.
Mabton House Reopens
MABTON, WASH.— The Liberty Theatre,
closed for five months for repair, has been
reopened here for Wednesday and Saturday
night operation.
SAN FRANCISCO— It is the responsibility
of communities and schools to provide chil-
dren with appropriate film programs and to
help them in selecting and evaluating them,
in the opinion of Mrs. Ruth Hedges. Mrs.
Hedges aired her views at the convention
here of the National Probation Ass’n. She is
state motion picture chairman of the Cali-
fornia Congress of Parents and Teachers and
secretary of the Educational Film Research
Institute.
“Most children from ten years of age
through their early teens have had little
guidance from either their parents or school
in helping them to select or evaluate the
films they see,” Mrs. Hedges said.
“Children love movies for the same reason
adults like them — there the whole wonderful
world about which they are so very curious
is spread out before them, there they watch
people, there they find adventure, excitement
and drama.
“Those of us who want the screen to pro-
ject the vital mature problems of life and
are strongest in criticism of its failure to do
so more frequently, have thereby defeated
our other objective — that of obtaining a great
number of films suitable for children.”
In one year, she pointed out, 50 Hollywood
films were rated in the state and national
Parent-Teacher magazines as suitable for
children between eight and 12 years, with a
great many more classified as suitable for
the family.
“It is from these films that we must plan
children’s programs in every community,”
Mrs. Hedges said, “for children should not
be too often projected into the conflict of
adult life before they have lived and gained
a perspective.”
She said that the Motion Picture Ass’n,
headed by Eric Johnston, had taken the lead
in establishing the Children’s Film library,
but added that such a program would fail
“unless it has its audience of children, or
if children still go to the adult shows.”
“Here is where the community must take
over a large share of the responsibility,” she
said. “There must be a liaison committee
functioning between the theatre and the par-
ents, educating parents and publicizing the
special programs. We have too long neglect-
ed this job of ours of providing children with
their very own motion picture programs.”
Mrs. Hedges declared that children should
have guidance from the school in their own
film selection as soon as they begin to go to
movies. By the time they begin selecting
their own screen entertainment, she added,
they should have been given a basis for
evaluating films.
“The school is the logical and proper place
for this training,” Mrs. Hedges said, “as
teachers are trained to teach children to
evaluate and discriminate.”
“GABBY” HAYES ARRIVES — George “Gabby” Hayes’ arrival in San Francisco
in a stagecoach for personal appearances at the Golden Gate Theatre was only one
of numerous stunts arranged by Publicist Helen Wabbe of the theatre staff for the
showing of “Trail Street” and the This Is America short, “San Francisco — Pacific
Gateway.” Newspapers gave plenty of publicity both to the short and to the arrival
of Hayes. The campaign on the program hinged on San Francisco’s glories. Miss
Wabbe had a booth set up in the lobby by a club newly organized to fight the mayor’s
proposal for doing away with the cable cars, and a historical display was set up in the
mezzanine by Wells Fargo. On sale in the theatre was the record album, “Rhapsody
of Fisherman’s Wharf.”
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
55
LOS ANGELES
switch to foreign pictures is being made
by the Uclan theatre in Westwood Vil-
lage . . . On the Row on business was A1
Grubstick, San Francisco franchise owner
of Film Classics and Screen Guild pictures
. . . Morton A. Bramson, Film Classics home
office representative who is on his way to Den-
ver for his next assignment, was erroneously
reported as a PRC man in the April 5 issue.
Pardon the error, Mort.
Business took Ezra E. Stern, Filmrow law-
yer, to San Francisco . . . Earle Streebe, Palm
Springs theatre owner, was in for a visit to
the office which he maintains on the Row.
Doing some Row-noting were Ray Pierson
of the Lone Pine theatre, Lone Pine; D. Rec-
tor, Ebell, Long Beach; M. Feder, Roxy, Long
Beach; J. Manard, Norwalk, Norwalk; Ford
Bratcher, Del Rio Riverside; Bill Kohler,
Valuskis, Willowbrook; Joe Englond, Whit-
tier; Bud Silverman, Majestic, Santa Monica;
Joe Green, Raymond, Pasadena, and John
Rennie, Rennie, San Fernando.
Winding up a four-month vacation and
business trip, Dave Brill, general manager for
the Herbert Rosener circuit, planed back to
his New York headquarters.
Earl R. Collins, western district manager
for Republic, journeyed to San Francisco to
meet James R. Grainger, the company’s sales
chief, and returned with him to attend the
A SHOWMAN
Available After June 15
At present managing two theatres and
booking five, in Mid-West towns. Due
to age of his father, who lives in Cali-
fornia. he must return to the West
Coast.
Age 48. a Bachelor, of Christian Faith,
he has a thorough theatre knowledge
acquired thru 23 years in the show
business. Mentally and physically fit
to assume full charge of management,
booking or advertising.
Or would be interested in leasing a
going theatre and he is not afraid of
competition.
Please Write
Box 2698
Boxoffice. 825 Van Brunt Blvd.. Kansas
City 1, Mo.
regional sales huddles scheduled at the
Studio City film plant . . . Business brought
to town Arthur Unger who has the San
Francisco branch for Viking popcorn ma-
chines.
Seen along the Row: Marco and Rube
Wolf, of the Fanchon & Marco circuit, at-
tending to business at the headquarters of
the Southern California Theatre Owners
Ass’n . . . Horace Boos booking for his
Beverly Hills house, the name of which re-
cently was changed to the Canon. At the
same time it adopted a new policy, switching
from all-western and all newsreel programs
to more orthodox bookings . . . Rotus Harvey,
who owns theatres up San Francisco way,
visiting friends . . . Another Southland visitor
was Ann Barnett, in from Cleveland, Ohio,
and being shown the sights by Eastland’s
executive, Issy Berman.
Gale Parker, Paramount’s former booker,
is now performing the same chore for Selz-
nick Releasing Organization . . . Business
called to Seattle and Portland Ben Fish, local
representative for Samuel Goldwyn . . . Metro
welcomed back Sales Manager Bill Callahan,
who had been on the sick list for a few
weeks . . . Syd Weider, Fox West Coast city
manager for San Diego, in for home office
huddles . . . Las Vegas and Death Valley
were chosen as vacation spots by Howard
Stubbins, local owner of the Monogram
franchise . . . Sally Levinson is the new owner
of the Brentwood Theatre in West Los
Angeles . . . Audrey Rodriguez is the new
biller at Republic.
Attired in western clothes for the event,
a group of 300 or so Newhall folk, headed by
Henry Dreher of the American Theatre, at-
tended the opening of “Angel and the Bad-
man” at the Paramount in Los Angeles . . .
A shift of jobs at Metro has resulted in the
following changes in duties; Joe Markowitz,
officer manager to salesman; Jack Velpy,
booker to office manager; Gordon Wilson up
to booker, and Larry Moran, former booker,
to Portland as salesman.
A warm welcome was given A1 Keogh of
the Keogh circuit of San Diego, who has been
on the sick list for some time, when he re-
turned to the Row to do some booking . . .
Being entertained at the Filmrow cafe by Leo
Hamacher, San Diego theatre tycoon, were
several film salesmen . . . Mexico-bound is
Clarence Mullens of the World Theatre, Los
Angeles.
Republic salesmen here for sales huddle at
the studio were treated to a dinner party at
the home of Earle Collins, division manager
... A haul of 300 bucks was taken from the
Savoy Theatre, Los Angeles, when it was held
up . . . Cliff Giesseman, general manager of
.the Music Hall theatres, has returned from
a business trip to San Francisco . . . Back
from a six-week vacation in Hawaii are the
Irving Carlins. Carlin is the owner of the
local Alvarado, Empire and Oriental theatres.
Las Vegas, Nev., was chosen by pretty
Maude Clark, private secretary to Charles P.
Skouras, president of Fox West Coast thea-
tres, as the scene of her marriage to Jack
Rosenberg, theatre operator in Laguna Beach
and a brother of Mike and Lou Rosenberg,
FWC partners. After a honeymoon in Palm
Springs, the couple planned to make their
home in Laguna Beach.
Hiroshima Radioman
On Stage for 'End'
LOS ANGELES — Patrons of the 800-seat
Regent Theatre at Santa Barbara and Ver-
mont were to be given a closeup of one of the
most dramatic moments of World War II as a
result of a noteworthy exploitation campaign
planned in connection with the Regent’s
booking of “The Beginning or the End.”
C. A. Ford, manager of the house, member
of the Vinnicof circuit, arranged for a per-
sonal appearance of Richard H. Nelson, a
prelaw student at the University of South-
ern California, who was radioman on the
B29 which dropped the atomic bomb on
Hiroshima.
Cooperating with Ford in setting up the
campaign was Irving J. Kurlander, com-
mander of Los Angeles VFW Post 904. Others
scheduled to appear on the program included
J. E. Vanderclute, VFW district commander,
and Col. Henry Kellogg, engineer re-
serve officer. The army signal corp was to
maintain a recruiting booth in the foyer
during the picture’s run, and the Sixth dis-
trict army command loaned a large display
of modern battle equipment to give the front
atmosphere. The companion booking to “Be-
ginning” was 20th-Fox’s “Boomerang.”
Harry Ettling, Stage Head
At Golden Gate, Dies
SAN FRANCISCO— Harry Ettling, for 25
years stage manager at the Golden Gate
Theatre, died last week (12) at his home here
following a long illness. Ettling had served
at the Golden Gate since its opening. Prior
to that time he was associated with the Wig-
wam and Hippodrome.
Known to many as “Mr. Benefit Man,”
Ettling volunteered much of his time to civic
benefits. For 32 years he staged and directed
the New Year’s jamboree at San Quentin.
He produced annual shows for fire and police
benefits and was active during the war in
staging entertainment for the armed forces.
A benefit for the man who gave benefits
for others had been proposed a few days
prior to his death by a group of enthusiastic
San Franciscans who knew of Ettling’s un-
tiring and gracious record of service.
Fire Shutters the Chief
OS’ WAHOO
If America's finest Screen Came
ROSWELL, N. M.— A film fire last week
temporarily shuttered the Chief Theatre. Pa-
trons left the theatre without incident and
were given passes to return after the pro-
jection machines could be repaired.
__ IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
rXlpf^b Finest Manley Hybrid Popcorn
and
Cocoanut Oil Seasoning
Any Quantity
W. H. Turpie. Western Division Manager
1914 S. Vermont Los Angeles 7. Calif.
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue • Chicago, Illinois A
56
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
Grosses Are Still Low
In Los Angeles Area
LOS ANGELES— Another week of unim-
pressive grosses gave little promise that there
would be an early break in the clouds of low-
ering grosses which have been hanging over
local first run situations the last several
weeks. The only bright spots were Columbia’s
‘‘Johnny O’clock” and Republic’s “Angel and
the Badman,” which registered fairly well in
their opening stanzas.
Holdover bills attracted comparatively me-
diocre takes, with U-I’s “The Egg and I”
standing up a little above all others.
(Average is 100)
Belmont, El Rey, Orpheum and Apollo — Johnny
O'Clock (Col); Bulldog Drummond at Bay (Col). .175
Bruin, Ritz, United Artist, Studio City, Iris and
Carthay Circle — The Egg and I (U-I), 2nd wk 150
Chinese, State, Uptown and Loyola — Alexander's
Ragtime Band (20th-Fox), reissue, 2nd wk.;
The Brasher Doubloon (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 130
Downtown Paramount — Angel and the Badman
(Rep); The Pilgrim Lady (Rep) 130
Egyptian, Wilshire and Los Angeles— The Sea of
Grass (MGM), 2nd wk 110
Four Music Halls — The Fabulous Dorseys (UA),
3rd wk.; Little Iodine (UA), 3rd wk 90
Four Star — The Locket (RKO), 3rd d. t. wk 100
Hillstreet — Trail Street (RKO);
Beat the Band (RKO) 135
Hollywood Paramount — Same as Downtown 175
Million Dollar— Same as Belmont, El Rey, Orpheum
and Apollo 100
Pantages — Same as Hillstreet 135
Vogue — Duel in the Sun (SRO), 15th wk Roadshow
Warners Downtown, Hollywood, Wiltern —
Stallion Road (WB), 2nd wk 125
’Years' Still Frisco Leader;
‘Trail Street' Easily Second
SAN FRANCISCO— “The Best Years of
Our Lives” in its fourth week at the United
Nations hit a barometer reading of 300 per
cent, easily leading the town. “Trail Street,”
produced by San Francisco’s own Nat Hall,
was second, with a reading of 160 at the
Golden Gate.
“Gallant Bess” opened to average business
at the Warfield.
Esquire-Tivoli — Stairway to Heaven (U-l);
Cigarette Girl (Col) 155
Fox — Stallion Road (WB); Sweetheart of
Sigma Chi (Mono) 120
Golden Gate — Trail Street (RKO), stage 160
Orpheum — The Guilt of Janet Ames (Col);
Blind Spot (Col) 150
Paramount — My Favorite Brunette (Para),
2nd wk.; Blondie Knows Best (Col) 135
St. Francis — Suddenly It's Spring (Para), 2nd wk...l25
United Artists — The Sin of Harold Diddlebock
(UA) 150
United Nations — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 4th wk 300
Warfield — Gallant Bess (MGM); Little Mr. Jim
(MGM) 100
’Best Years' the Denver Leader;
‘Brunette/ Strong, Held Over
DENVER — “My Favorite Brunette” was
strong at the Denham and was held over.
“The Best Years” in its fourth week at the
Aladdin continued as the leader.
Aladdin- — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
4th wk 200
Broadway — Gallant Bess (MGM); Bom to
Speed (PRC) 130
Denham — My Favorite Brunette (Para) 150
Denver, Esquire and Webber — I'll Be Yours
(U-l); The Lone Wolf in Mexico (Col) 117
Orpheum — The Mighty McGurk (MGM),
The Mask of Diijon (PRC) 100
Paramount — The Jolson Story (Col), 5th d. t. wk.,.110
Rialto — Nora Prentiss (WB); Vacation Days
(Mono), 2nd d. t. wk 120
‘Years' Still Seattle Leader
With ’Scheherazade' Second
SEATTLE — “The Best Years of Our Lives,”
with 200 in the second week of its roadshow
engagement at the Music Hall, topped the
list. “The Song of Scheherazade,” U-I’s new-
comer at the Orpheum, took second place.
For the first time in months “The Jolson
Story” was missing, the film having ended
after a record-breaking 15 weeks at the Lib-
erty.
Blue Mouse— My Favorite Brunette (Para),
4th wk. 90
Fifth Avenue — The Locket (RKO); Cigarette
Edwards Theatre Circuit Blueprints
Extensive Program of New Houses
Girl (Col), 2nd wk 95
Liberty — The Chase (UA); Blondie's Holiday
(Col) 80
Music Box — Boomerang (20th-Fox); Susie
Steps Out (UA) , 2nd d. t. wk 110
Music Hall — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
2nd wk. roadshow 200
Orpheum — Song of Scheherazade (U-I) 160
Palomar — West of Dodge City (Col); Three
on a Ticket (PRC), plus stage show 120
Paramount — Love Laughs at Andy Hardy
(MGM); Alias Mr. Twilight (Col) .. 95
Roosevelt — Nora Prentiss (WB), 2nd d. t. wk 100
'Best Years' Boycott
Is Debated in Idaho
LEWISTON, IDA. — The Academy award
film, “The Best Years of Our Lives,” faces a
possible boycott by members of the Idaho
Theatres Ass’n, “because of high admssions
and high percentage charges on film rental.”
The association this week completed a tele-
graphic poll of members, requested by one
of the directors. Results of the questioning
will be made known at the association’s an-
nual meeting in Boise April 29, Mildred Wall,
Lewiston theatre operator and president of
the association, said. She said the matter will
be discussed further at the meeting before
any final action is taken.
The film currently is being exhibited at
roadshow prices in two of Idaho’s largest
cities, and a third was expected to get it later
this week. The Lawrence circuit opened it
at the Rialto in Boise April 1. Fox Inter-
mountain was showing it in Pocatello, and
was scheduled to exhibit it in Idaho Falls.
In situations in which it is showing, it is
doing record business. It has not opened in
any Montana theatres as yet, but is showing
in Lawrence circuit houses in Salt Lake City
and Provo, Utah.
If the boycott goes through, it will be the
first time such action has been taken in this
area, as far as local exhibitors are able to
recall.
Pacific Beach Manager
Gets $500 for Orphans
PACIFIC BEACH, CALIF.— In this rela-
tively small community, situated 12 miles
from San Diego, Harry A. Wiener, manager
of the Roxy Theatre, an FWC house, raised
$500 for the Greek orphans fund through a
method that was simplicity itself.
Wiener called on merchants and told them
a story. He said that when he was in service
at Calcutta he saw garbage trucks going
about the city picking up the bodies of chil-
dren who had died through starvation during
the famine.
Accordingly, two dozen merchants dug
down into their pockets and $500 was raised
forthwith. Wiener then ran the name of
each merchant in his weekly program.
The board of directors of the Pacific
Beach Chamber of Commerce passed a reso-
lution expressing their appreciation for
Wiener’s act, closing the resolution with the
words: “It is a fine piece of public relations
as well as human relations.”
Buys Shasta Theatre
SHASTA, CALIF. — Jack Hammond, owner
of the Yakima Ramblers, Pacific coast pro-
fessional basketball team, who has purchased
a theatre here, intends to return to Yakima
next winter and revive the Yakima basket-
ball team which abandoned play late in the
season just past.
LOS ANGELES — Indicative of the confi-
dence which local showmen feel in the con-
tinued growth of this community and the
paralleling expansion of show business in the
southland is the extensive building program
being blueprinted by the Edwards Theatre
circuit which operates motion picture thea-
tres in nearly a dozen suburban communities.
In Arcadia, a 1,400-seat theatre, the El
Rancho, is to be built on a site already owned
by the chain at Michellinda and Huntington
drive. Architectural motif of the proposed
house, for which $350,000 has been allocated,
will be modern California-rancho. The prop-
erty is sufficiently large to provide parking
space for 600 cars in addition to the theatre.
Edwards now owns the 900 -seat Santa Anita
Theatre in Arcadia.
NEW FOOTHILL FOR SUNLAND
The Foothill will be the name of a new
showcase planned for Sunland, in the heart
of which community Edwards has acquired a
200x300 ft. site. Of Colonial design, this house
is being planned as a 1,000-seater.
Two acres on Foothill boulevard in La Can-
ada has been purchased as a site for the
1,200-seat theatre to be known as the Flint-
ridge.
The Edwards, to cost $250,000 and of co-
lonial modern design, with a seating ca-
pacity of 1,400, will be erected on Garvey
avenue, Monterey Park. A feature of the
building will be its spacious forecourt lobby,
65 feet wide on the street and 60 feet deep
to the main building.
The Granada Theatre, formerly Alhambra’s
top theatre, is undergoing a remodeling pro-
gram with its name changed to Coronet and
a policy change to first run.
SECOND FOR TEMPLE CITY
A second theatre for Temple City of west-
ern motif will be erected at the Arcadia-
Temple City boundary. The 840-seat Temple
Theatre will be extended to 1,200 seats.
A bowling alley building, located on Hono-
lulu avenue, Montrose, will be remodeled into
a 900-seat L-shaped theatre.
The company has just purchased the San
Carlo Bldg, at Griffin and Main streets in
Los Angeles, consisting of a 1,000-seat thea-
tre, stores and hotel. Currently undergoing
complete modernization and refurnishing
programs are the Garvey, Garvey; Rosemead,
Rosemead, and Tujunga.
New House for Santa Cruz
SAN FRANCISCO — Plans have been
drawn for a new theatre on the east side of
Santa Cruz. The location will be at Soquel
and Seabright avenues. The T&D Jr. circuit,
planning the new house, also owns the other
two Santa Cruz houses.
£1 CAN GET IT !
W OR WILL MAKE IT! M
Wede/m JkeGt/iicGl
{equipment Co
337 GOLDEN GATE AVE.
SAN FRANCISCO 2, CALIF.
* iPhone HE mlock 8302
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
57
T&D Honors Taylor
With 25-Year Drive
SAN FRANCISCO— T&D Jr. Enterprises
will stage a Taylor anniversary drive to honor
its general manager,
C. V. Taylor, who has
been with the com-
pany 25 years.
Announcement of the
campaign was made
by President Mike
Naify and came as a
surprise to Taylor. The
manager turning in
the best advertising
and exploitation cam-
paign during the pe-
riod will get a prize
and awards also w'ill
c. v. taylor be made in each dis-
trict.
Taylor joined the company in 1922 as man-
ager of the Lodi in Lodi. He served later at
theatres in Petaluma and Santa Rosa and
in November 1928 he was brought into the
home office to take charge of buying and
general operation. He has seen the circuit
grow from a few widely scattered houses to
one of the biggest independent setups on the
west coast, with 60 houses in operation.
Fox Intermountain Plans
'Cheyenne' Showings
CHEYENNE — Ray Davis, northern district
manager for Fox Intermountain Theatres,
was here during the week in connection with
the local showing and the Rocky mountain
preview of Warner Bros.’ “Cheyenne” late
next month.
The meeting was' attended by Jack McGee,
city manager; Pete Faust, manager of the
Lincoln Theatre, where the local showing will
take place; Charles Wallace, manager of the
Paramount Theatre; Don Campbell, manager
of the Princess Theatre, and Abe Kronen-
berg and Dick Stephens, Warner Bros, ex-
ploitation staff members assigned by Mort
Blumenstock to work on the 100 or more pre-
views to be held in this territory directly
following the Cheyenne debut May 22.
Plans for the multiple engagements of
“Cheyenne” also were discussed at an earlier
meeting of Fox Intermountain executives
conducted in Denver by Charles P. Skouras,
president of National Theatres, of which Fox
Intermountain is a subsidiary. Skouras plans
to take an active part in the campaign.
Orphans to Attend Shows
As Guests of Theatres
HELENA, MONT. — The Marlow Theatre
and the Helena Kiwanis club are cooperating
in offering free Saturday shows to children
of Helena orphanages.
The two homes, St. Joseph’s and the Dea-
coness, will take turns attending the shows.
The program will continue as long as the
morning films are shown.
Under the “happiness program,” the Ki-
wanians will furnish bus transportation and
the Marlow Theatre will give free admission
to the youngsters.
Western Amusement Gets
Two G. L. Rose Theatres
MILTON, _ ORE. — Bill Hester of Orange,
Calif., has taken over management of the
Vogue Theatre here and the Rose in Free-
water for the Western Amusement Co., which
purchased them from Mr. and Mrs. G. L
Rose.
SEATTLE
Bm Forman’s new 750-car drive-in, the Auto-
view, was opened last week just outside
Tacoma . . . Carl Mahne, manager of Ever-
green’s Washington district, had the follow-
ing managers in for a meeting: James O’Con-
nell, Spokane; M. G. Nimmer, Wenatchee;
W. W. Cooley, Seattle; John Bretz, Aberdeen;
R. J. Monaghan and LeRoy Kastner, Bell-
ingham ; William Hartford, Everett, and Murt
Makins and Dan Putnam, Bremerton.
Harold Wirthwein, assistant to Hugh Braly,
western division manager for Paramount,
left for Los Angeles after spending a week
visiting accounts in the northwest . . . Guy
Maxey, WB office manager, celebrated a
birthday last Thursday . . . Oscar Chiniquy,
manager of National Theatre Supply,
although still confined to his home, is show-
ing marked improvement.
The name of Joe Rosenfield’s Post Street
Theatre in Spokane has been shortened to
the Post and soon will complete extensive
alterations including a new marquee, new
seats and decorations . . . Herbert Kaufman,
Paramount manager, is in New York for a
managers meeting . . . Tom Aspell was to
leave April 17 to take over his new duties
as MGM branch manager in Los Angeles . . .
Helen Reynolds, secretary to Maury Saffle,
spent Easter in Yakima with her parents.
A1 Gorrel has arrived from Los Angeles
to join Art O’Connell’s sales staff at U-I
. . . Sammy Siegel, Columbia’s coast director
of exploitation, has been greeting old friends
in the city . . . Visitors from out of town
during the week included W. B. McDonald,
of the Avalon in Olympia; Frank and Lois
Hariss, Garland, Spokane; Del Ousterhoudt,
Des Moines; Ray Dean, Spokane; Les Theu-
erkauf, Tacoma, and Mike Barovic, Puyallup.
It seems to be either feast or famine for
advertising space in newspapers here. One
month the sky is the limit and the next,
theatre men are curtailed. Currently the
two largest have limited theatre ads to 2x10
with no signs as to when the situation will be
eased . . . Meanwhile, the No. 3 daily, the
Star, again has been sold, this time to Shel-
don Sackett, owner of several northwest radio
stations.
Fire Destroys Wasatch;
Owner Planned to Sell
HEBER CITY, UTAH— The Wasatch Thea-
tre here, recently renovated, was destroyed
by an early morning fire this week.
The theatre was housed in the Turner
Bldg., one of the city’s landmarks. In addi-
tion to the motion picture house, a sporting
goods store was destroyed, as were three
planes housed in the structure. The fire
broke out at 2:45 a. m. so there was no one
in the theatre.
Vee Cummings, owner, was reported to have
been negotiating for sale of the theatre for
$60,000. Amount of the damage was unknown
because Cummings was in California. Local
firemen estimated it at more than $100,000.
It also was not known if any of the loss was
covered by insurance.
This is the second tragic blow to befall
Cummings since his return from the service
one-half year ago. Shortly after his discharge
his wife died. She had been operating the
theatre for him while he was away.
Role in 'Whispering Smith’
Robert Preston has been assigned a fea-
tured role in “Whispering Smith” by Para-
mount.
Managers Request
Peaceful Solution
LOS ANGELES — Pursuing its declared
policy of settling peacefully, if possible, its
wage and working conditions differences
with Fox West Coast theatres, the Associated
Theatre Operating Managers directed a let-
ter to Joseph Tuohy, labor relations director
for FWC, requesting a meeting with a view
toward amicable settlement of the disagree-
ment.
The letter, prepared by Aaron Sapiro, coun-
sel, asked that a meeting be arranged be-
tween Tuohy and Henry Pines, president of
ATOM, for the “purpose of discussing the
various problems of the theatre managers, in
their capacity as employes of Fox West
Coast.” He said he believed “it is time to
substitute cooperation for conflict . . . and to
make an effort to secure policies that would
be based on an exchange of views instead of
arbitrary action by one side against another.”
The long-standing ATOM-FWC dispute
rose to the boiling point recently when thea-
tre managers were made to take a 20 per
cent cut in their participation in candy
revenues.
Denver's First Runs
Rearranged by Fox
DENVER — Fox Intermountain will have a
new first run outlet here at the end of the
month when the redecorated Tabor, a 1,970-
seat house, converts from its subsequent run
standing of many years.
At the same time, Fox Intermountain will
realign its other first runs. Pictures there-
after will play day and date at the 2,096-seat
Paramount has played lesser first run product
will play day and date at the 2,525-seat Den-
ver and the 920-seat Webber. Up to now top-
budget pictures have played day and date
at the Denver, Esquire and Webber, and the
Paramount has played lesser first run prod-
uct by itself.
The 1,400-seat Aladdin, currently tied up
with “The Best Years of Our Lives,” will
continue to be a moveover house for the
Denver and Webber, and the 878-seat Rialto
will handle moveovers for the Paramount and-
Esquire when the Aladdin does not take them.
The Tabor, after turning first run, will
continue to use stage shows occasionally.
To Build Again in Bingen
PORTLAND— George M. Goldstein of this
city has filed with the CPA office here an
application for the construction of a $50,000
theatre in Bingen, Wash. A theatre which
Goldstein formerly operated in Bingen
burned early in the war.
fi^SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS^J
We DECORATE While You
OPERATE — No Need to Close
HART THEATRICAL DECORATING CO.
925 - 21 St. - DENVER
We
have the
tor
YOUR
Count on U9 lor Quick Actionl | n CM I Kb
I Phone Our wide contacts with the exhibitors ^
M BRoadway 0531 assure you of satisfactory results.
1 THEATRE EXCHANGE CO. I
408 S. W. 2nd Ave. Portland 4. Oregon 217 Governor Bldg.
58
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947 ,
Missouri Senate Rejects
Stringent Building Code
Hoosiers Still on Job
In Phone Walkout
INDIANAPOLIS — Hoosier telephone work-
ers, obeying a new state law, remained on the
job during the week as a nationwide strike
gripped communications almost everywhere
else in the country.
Although local service and long distance
calls within the state were unaffected by the
national strike, long distance calls to points
outside Indiana were possible only in cases
of emergency.
Union spokesmen said, however, that na-
tionwide strike issues would have to be
settled in Indiana as well as in other states
before any strikers go back to work.
Employes of the Indiana Telephone Work-
ers union continued to work under instruc-
tions from the National Federation of Tele-
phone Workers, and federation headquarters
regard the 1947 utilities compulsory arbitra-
tion law as covering the telephone situation
in Indiana.
The only respect in which the system-wide
strike picture will affect the local company is
in the installation of central office equip-
ment. The Ass’n of Communications Equip-
ment Workers is on strike against the West-
ern Electric Co. which supplies such equip-
ment for the utility. However, it was said
that the union would not picket communica-
tions installations, because of the state law.
The company negotiates separately with
three unions covering traffic workers and
central employes.
Distributors File Answer
In $600,000 Trust Suit
ST. LOUIS — In the $600,000 antitrust dam-
age suit filed in the U.S. district court here
last December by Martin W. D’Arcy, onetime
lessee of the Shubert, against Fanchon &
Marco and various motion picture companies,
denials of the allegations have been made
in separate answers of the defendants, Co-
lumbia, Warner, Universal, RKO and United
Artists. Previously, other defendants entered
their denials. Julius H. Drucker, counsel for
Monogram, was granted until April 25 to
plead for that company.
Compromise License Fee
Passed in McLeansboro
McLEANSBORO, ILL. — The city council
Tuesday approved an ordinance providing for
an annual license fee of $300 for theatres.
Affected by the ordinance are the McLean
and Capitol theatres, operated by Sam Pirtle
of Jerseyville, 111. Pirtle recently defeated in
the courts another bill to raise the license fee
to $750 for each house. He recently offered
to pay $250 but has announced he will com-
promise and accept the new $300 fee.
Standard Time Stays
MADISON — Another attempt to repeal
Wisconsin statutes forbidding the use of
anything but standard time in the state was
defeated last week when the state assembly
voted to table a measure providing for local
option. An advisory referendum held in the
spring primary elections, the week before,
had failed to achieve a majority vote in favor
of the change.
Buy Refrigeration Units
COLUMBIA, MO. — The Hall Theatre, op-
erated by College Theatre Co., has purchased
two 30-ton refrigeration units from the Ex-
hibitors Supply Co. of St. Louis.
Slee Wins Stork Derby ;
Rose Still at the Post
Chicago — Arriving here on the Super
Chief Easter Sunday, London-bound Mr.
and Mrs. Ben Goetz were greeted at the
station by Warren Slee of the local MGM
exchange who, highly unusual for an ex-
ploiteer, was speechless.
The Goetzes managed to glean from the
agitated Slee that he just had a hospital
phone call, transferred to the railroad
station.
“Patricia has been a honey bunny,” he
gasped, “and presented me with a darling
daughter, Angela.”
Whereupon the treats were on War-
ren, who explained further that he was
winner in the MGM office stork derby,
nosing out George Rose, at press time still
at the post.
WB Prairie District Meet
Is Held by Roy Haines
ST. LOUIS — Roy Haines, western division
sales manager for Warner Bros., conducted
a prairie district meeting during the week
in connection with the company’s 1947 sales
drive. Haines was assisted by Bill Brumberg,
manager of the field exploitation staff and
captain of this year’s campaign.
Others taking part in the local session were
Hall Walsh, district manager, and Lester
Bona, St. Louis manager; Frank J. Hannon,
Omaha; Russell C. Borg, Kansas City; D. P.
Webster, Des Moines, and Don Walker, field
man.
After the meeting Haines left for Minne-
apolis and Chicago while Brumberg returned
to New York.
Cartoon Circuses Are Held
To Aid Drive for Greeks
SPRINGFIELD, ILL. — To raise funds for
adoption of ten Greek orphans at a cost of
$800, the Springfield Theatre Ass’n pre-
sented cartoon circuses last Saturday at the
Fox Lincoln and Roxy theatres, holding the
Roxy Senate and Orpheum in reserve for
overflow crowds.
The house staffs and union crafts con-
tributed their time, while the theatres do-
nated the films.
W. D. Hibbitts, Bunker, Mo.,
Opens Ozark Theatre
BUNKER, MO. — The Ozark Theatre, a 300-
seater, has been opened here by W. D. Hib-
bitts, who is a newcomer to the motion pic-
ture business.
Coan Gives Bonuses
MADISON — Payment of $10,000 in bonuses
tp its 45 employes has been announced by
the Coan Manufacturing Co., local manufac-
turer of candy vending machines. In addi-
tion, general pay increases have been made,
according to J. W. Coan, president. Enlarge-
ment of the factory and staff is planned to
permit an increased output of a new model
vending machine.
JEFFERSON CITY, MO.— Senators David
E. Horn and Anthony M. Webbe, both of St.
Louis, have failed in their efforts to amend a
bill for theatre safety regulations so as to
put most of the older type motion picture
theatres of Missouri out of business.
A bill regulating theatre building was in-
troduced by Senator Charles C. Madison of
Kansas City. Its provisions would apply to
new construction and to those theatres mak-
ing major alterations or additions to exist-
ing buildings.
Senators Horn and Webbe failed to obtain
approval of the senate to their proposed
amendments to make the new construction
requirements apply to the existing buildings
as well as to any new structure.
Senator Madison’s bill would provide state
minimum standards somewhat below those
imposed in St. Louis, Kansas City, St. Joseph,
Springfield and other large cities, which have
their own building codes. It would not lessen
the construction standards of such places,
but in the smaller cities that have no local
building codes the state law would apply.
In many of the smaller communities motion
picture theatres are in reconverted store
or auditorium structures. Had Horn and
Webbe been successful in forcing the new
construction provisions on these places, they
probably would have put many out of busi-
ness.
Webbe also objected to a change in the
language of the state law regarding the sale
of standing room seats. The existing law
provides that “no more persons shall be
admitted” to a theatre than there are seats.
The proposed law provides that “individual
seats shall be provided for those congregating
in the theatre.” Proponents of the new build-
ing law say the two phrases mean the same
thing. Webbe doesn’t agree. His amendment
to restore the language of the present law
was defeated.
C. T. Carr Back in Trade
At Russellville, Mo.
RUSSELLVILLE, MO.— C. T. Carr is re-
turning to the motion picture business and
plans to open a 300-seat house here within
the next few weeks. The house, in a re-
modeled auditorium building, is about 60x100
feet. Carr was in the exhibition end of the
business in this section 10 or 15 years ago.
Prices Increased 5 Cents
At Town in New Athens
NEW ATHENS, ILL.— Adult prices have
been increased 5 cents and children’s admis-
sions 4 cents by the Town Theatre here. The
new scale is 35 cents for adults and 14 cents
for children. Manager A1 Keuss jr. explained
that mounting operating costs made the in-
crease necessary.
Fred Reeth Returns
MADISON — Fred Reeth, manager of the
Capitol, and Mrs. Reeth were home this week
after a three-week vacation in Miami, Coral
Gables, Palm Beach and St. Petersburg.
Cobden, 111., Ritz Improved
COBDEN, ILL. — The front of the Ritz
Theatre here has been improved by a new
electric sign and neon lighting. William E.
Waring jr. is manager of the house.
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
c
59
MILWAUKEE
^‘"'onstruction of the Telenews is moving
along and an early opening of the news-
reel house is expected . . . Kirsten Flagstadt,
operatic singer, pleased the patrons in half-
filled Pabst Theatre. Reported Nazi collab-
oration by the singer kept attendance down.
Ed White, RKO cashier, is shown in the
accompanying photo with his wife during a
recent, all - too - rare
sunny weekend in the
country. Both Ed and
wife are planning this
year’s vacation, with a
trip through RKO’s
studios under consid-
eration again.
Laura Wells, Enter-
prise studios tub
thumper, has the local
males hounding her
for a break in “The
Other Love.” She is
looking for a man to
take back to Holly-
wood for a screen test
. . . Carl Michels, 20th-
Fox salesman, is back
from a vacation in
ed white and wife California and Mexico
. . . Jack Kahn, UA
flack, spent considerable time here exploiting
product booked at the Towne.
Charles Nygaard, former manager of the
Eskin theatres in Sun Prairie, now holds
U.S. distribution rights on Norwegian fea-
tures produced by Merkur Films. Nygaard
opened offices for Merkur Films at 2947
North Third St,
Chicago for a Monogram meeting . . . Lor-
raine Kay joined Film Classics as a secre-
tary . . . Janet Campbell, former National
Screen biller, shifted to Standard Theatres
in accounting . . . Chuck Gregory, onetime
producer at Chicago’s Rialto, is now producer
at the Empress, local burlesque house.
Danny Kelliher of the Sprague in Elkhorn,
suntanned from a Florida vacation, was on
the Row . . . Lowell Houle replaced Otto
Angerstein as poster clerk at National Screen
. . . Eddie Vollendorf of Theatre Service left
for a Florida vacation.
Barney Wiese, MGM shipper, pinch-hit for
Nick Meuren when Mrs. Meuren was ill . . .
Dave Goldman, Universal salesman, worked
the territory . . . Film Classics broke out
with a new window sign . . . Lou Elman, RKO
manager, gazed at the golf trophy won in
last year’s all-industry outing and said,
“Those hot-rocks like Poblocki, Benny Benja-
min and Gordon Hewitt better be good. I
feel another big season coming on.”
Cornelia Wall left National Screen because
of ill health . . . Harry Olshan, Columbia
manager, was a Detroit visitor . . . Carl
Thelin built the attractive admission signs
that are making their bow at all Fox Wis-
consin theatres . . . Ben Feenberg of Eskin
Theatres advised that the firm now handles
national distribution on "The Story of the
Pope.”
Jesse McBride, Paramount manager,
worked the territory around La Crosse . „ .
The Peerless Theatre recently installed RCA
sound.
Henry Miller, former owner of the Victor
in Hartland, called on old friends in town
. . . Visitors on the Row included Nick
Michels of the Main Street in Racine, Barney
Sherman of the Douglas in Racine, Paul
Nowatske of the Vista in Mukwonago, Art
Sontag of the Brillion in Brillion, E. J.
Alfrey of the Plainfield in Plainfield, Walter
Baier of the Fort in Fort Atkinson, George
Panka of the Metro in Prairie du Chien,
Floyd Albert of the Strand in Mount Horeb,
Ray Picus of the New Adams in Adams,
L. B. Bergtold of the Westby in Westby, H.
Neville of the Kickapoo in Gays Mills, and
Sid Margoles of the Regal.
John Brunette, Fox Wisconsin district
manager, created a stir with a live ape in
exploiting “The New Adventures of Tarzan”
. . . Three of Costa Rica’s glamor gals were
around town advancing “Carnival in Costa
Rica,” which opened at the Wisconsin . . .
With three new radio stations in the making,
Milwaukee will soon be an exploiteer’s dream
place. WMLO, one of the new stations, is
all set to start broadcasting.
Charley, Ray and Oliver Trampe were in
Sunday afternoon jam sessions at the Stage
Door, sponsored by ex-Woody Herman hot
saxist Eddie Goetz, indicate further attempts
by night spot operators to grab amusement
dollars . . . Other spots charging blanket
admissions with like sessions have nicked
weekend theatre business.
Nick Vilione, National Screen head shipper,
came through with the ring that precedes an
early session with the orange blossoms . . .
A. K. “Hypo” Hadley of Film Arts journeyed
to his home town in northern Wisconsin.
First time in 35 years Hadley saw the spot.
Harry Olshan, Columbia branch manager,
greeted exhibitors at the door last week.
Remodeling of the exchange left Harry minus
an office. Once completed, the improvements
will find Columbia with one of the most mod-
ern exchanges on the Row.
Vehicle lor McDowall
Monogram has purchased "Return to Yes-
teryear” by George W. Sayre as a starring
vehicle for Roddy McDowall.
fi/T roR yoop Box-omce —
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Came
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Turnstiles
In a Steady Whirl
CHICAGO — Business at downtown theatres
was much better with the end of Lent and
Spring weather on tap. The Loop was crowd-
ed Easter Sunday with visitors and natives,
too, and they gave the theatres a good play.
New entries including “Suddenly It’s Spring,”
plus a fine stage show headed by Georgie
Price, at the Chicago, and “Mr. District At-
torney” and the Vaughn Monroe orchestra
on stage at the Oriental. “Nora Prentiss”
did nicely at the Roosevelt and a twin bill,
“Blind Spot” and “The 13th Hour,” opened
very good at the La Salle. “The Best Years
of Our Lives” is still going strong at the
Woods and goes into a 17th week. “The Jol-
son Story” is still running strong after 15
weeks.
(Average is 100)
Apollo — The Jolson Story (Col), 15th wk 125
Chicago — Suddenly It’s Spring (Para), plus
stage show 145
Garrick — 13 Rue Madeleine (20th-Fox), 3rd wk 110
Grand — Smash-Up (U-I), 3rd wk. 110
La Salle— Blind Spot (Col); The 13th Hour (Col) . ..1 15
Oriental— Mr. District Attorney (Col), plus
stage show 145
Palace — Trail Street (RKO); Little Miss Big (U-I). .115
Roosevelt — Nora Prentiss (WB) _120
State-Lake — The Yearling (MGM), 7th wk.... 110
Studio — Foolish Virgin (Jewel); The Playboy
(Jewel), 9th wk 100
United Artists — The Secret Heart (MGM), 3rd wk..,105
Woods — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
16th wk 160
World Playhouse — Ivan the Terrible (Artkino),
4th wk 110
Milwaukee Grosses Pick Up;
’Best Years' Tapering Off
MILWAUKEE — Easter and the end of Lent
stimulated first rim attendance considerably.
However, Easter Sunday’s weather was icy
and intermittent rain ruled during the week.
“The Best Years of Our Lives,” in the second
week at jumped admission prices, eased off
after midweek. “The Jolson Story” at the
Palace and “Stallion Road” at the Warner
in second week showings also broke par, as
did the opener of “The Late George Apley.”
"Abie’s Irish Rose” bowed into the Towne
with good results.
Alhambra — Boom Town (MGM), reissue;
Traffic in Crime (Rep), 2nd wk 115
Palace — The Jolson Story (Col), 2nd wk 135
Riverside — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
2nd wk ) 145
Strand — Diamond Horseshoe (20th-Fox);
Fallen Angel (20th-Fox), 2nd runs 115
Warner — Stallion Road (WB); Lady Chaser
(PRC), 2nd wk 1 130
Wisconsin- — The Late George Apley (20th-Fox);
Backlash (23th -Fox) .130
Milwaukee Films Council
Issues Picture Ratings
MILWAUKEE — Members of the Milwaukee
County Federation of Women’s clubs were
guests of county Better Films council at a
screening of “The Yearling” at the Varsity
Theatre.
The council preview committee announced
these film ratings:
Family, “The Yearling,” “It Happened in
Brooklyn,” “Blondie’s Big Moment,” “Love
Laughs at Andy Hardy,” “Singin’ in the
Corn,” “Over the Santa Fe Trail,” “King of
Wild Horses,” “West of Dodge City,” and
“Blue Skies.”
Adults and young people, “Beat the Band,”
“Undercover Maisie,” “That Way With
Women,” “High Barbaree,” “Roll On Texas
Moon,” “Betty Co-Ed,” “Gallant Bess,” “The
Beginning or the End,” “Cigarette Girl” and
"Boomerang.”
Mature, “The Guilt of Janet Ames,” “Lady
in the Lake,” “13 Rue Madeleine,” “Mr. Dis-
trict Attorney,” “Imperfect Lady” and "Stal-
lion Road.”
Adults, “Framed,” and “The Secret of the
Whistler.”
60
BOKQFF1CE :: April 19, 1947
ST. LOUIS
'The local PRC organization is all steamed up
A about the coming Harry Thomas drive.
The local PRC lineup includes William Sher-
man, district manager, who is also acting as
branch manager until a permanent appoint-
ment is made; Herman Gorelick, office man-
ager and city salesman; Herman Schwarz,
Illinois salesman; George Phillips, Missouri
salesman; Edward Stevens, booker; Sanford
Berns, assistant booker; Joyce Kinney, booker
stenographer; Louise Noll, cashier; Ruth
Spillenkothen, biller; Vita Mayberry, con-
tract clerk, and Alice Sondag, secretary to
Sherman. PRC also distributes Eagle-Lion
pictures.
The Arcade Airdome on West Pine boule-
vard will open May 31 . . . Andy Dietz of
Screen Guild Productions, has completed a
100 per cent deal with the Frisina Amuse-
ment Co., Springfield, 111. He has also an-
nounced that he has a contract with Astor
Pictures for the sequel to “Open the Door
Richard,” known as “Richard’s Answer (I
Ain’t Goin’ to Open That Door.)”
George Kerasotes, who recently underwent
an emergency appendectomy performed in
Springfield, 111., made his first trip to St.
Louis since his illness last Monday. He still
is a little weak but is coming along very
nicely . . . Earl Vandevort of Kennett, Mo.,
and A. H. Sharp, Gideon, Mo., are both re-
covering from recent attacks of the flu . . .
Harry Nash, California, Mo., exhibitor, con-
templates an early vacation trip to the west
coast. He operates the Ritz Theatre.
Mark Raymon, district manager for Eagle-
Lion, has resigned and plans to enter busi-
ness with his in-laws on the west coast . . .
Milt Overman, publicity man from New York,
is here to handle the campaign on “It’s a
Joke, Son” at the Shubert May 1-7.
Barney Rosenthal, Monogram manager, at-
tended the regional sales meeting of that
company in Chicago April 12 and 13. Before
going to Chicago, Rosenthal closed a deal
with C. H. Graham of the Webster Theatre,
St. Louis, for Monogram’s 1946-47 product . . .
Hugh Nesbitt, city salesman for Universal,
has returned from Hot Springs, Ark. He
formerly covered the Missouri territory for
Universal and would like to see his old clients
when they come to town . . . Ray Colvin of
the Exhibitors Supply Co. and Mrs. Colvin
also returned recently from Hot Springs.
Out-of-town exhibitors seen along Filmrow
included Mr. and Mrs. William Collins of
De Soto, Mo.; Phil Griffin, vice-president
and film buyer for the I. W. Rodgers Thea-
tres, Cairo, 111.; Sam Pirtle, Jersey ville, 111.;
Tom Edwards of the Edwards & Harris cir-
cuit, Farmington, Mo., and Herman Tanner,
Vandalia, 111. Edwards was on his way to
Columbia, Mo., to attend a father and son
get-together for students of the University
of Missouri, where his son is a senior.
First Theatre in 20 Years
OWENSVILLE, IND.— For the first time in
20 years, this town now has a motion picture
theatre. The Ritz was opened here by S. A.
Blood, Owensville postmaster, with H. G. Bass
serving as manager. It has a seating capacity
of 264. The house is showing two shows
nightly except Friday and Saturday, when
there are three. Matinees are held Saturday
and Sunday.
Major feature films require 300 prints,
while independent producers issue about 130
for each feature. The average number of
prints for newsreels, for each company, is
1,093.
Major Chicago Role
In 'Citizen Saint'
CHICAGO — There’s a distinct Chicago
“angle” in connection with the world pre-
miere of “Citizen Saint;” the film based on
the life and miracles of Mother Cabrini.
Written by one Chicagoan, produced by
another, and with a local girl appearing in
the role of Chicago’s saint, the picture opened
Saturday (12) in Constitutional hall in Wash-
ington.
Carmelita Pope of Chicago, known pro-
fessionally as Carla Dare, is cast in the role
of Mother Cabrini. Both her mother, Mrs.
Nicholas Pope, and her grandmother, Mrs.
Counsigglia Bartolomei, knew the citizen
saint, working with her in organizing Co-
lumbus hospital and meeting her often at
the home of Dr. Anthony Lagoria.
Another Chicagoan in the cast is Julie
Haydon, seen here last in “Glass Menagerie.”
The Rev. Edward V. Dailey, editor of the New
World, wrote the book from which the film
story was adapted and is the narrator. The
picture was produced in New York — but the
producer, Clyde Elliott, head of the Clyde
Elliott Attractions of Chicago, is a Chicagoan,
too.
Chicagoland Film Council
In Annual Session Friday
CHICAGO — The annual meeting of the
Better Films Council of Chicagoland will be
held Friday (25) at 10:30 a. m. in the club-
rooms of the Illinois Federation of Women’s
clubs. Mrs. Joseph R. Chesser, president, will
report on the 38th annual conference of the
National Board of Review, recently held in
New York City, to which she was a delegate.
The council’s 14th annual luncheon will be
held at Marshall Field’s in the Wedgwood
room at 12:30 p. m. Guests will be officers
of the federation and representatives of the
motion picture industries. Bee Rudolph, edi-
tor of “The Youth,” official newspaper of
the Chicago Youth Conference, will be the
afternoon speaker. Mrs. June Hamilton, di-
rector of the Film Workshop, will present an
illustrated lecture on the newly organized
“Scientific Film Society.”
Wage-Hour Law Proposed
In Wisconsin Measure
MADISON — A state wage and hour law,
with a 40 cents per hour minimum and a 40-
hour, five-day week, is proposed in a bill in-
troduced in the legislature by Senator Tehan
of Milwaukee.
The measure would put into effect the
federal limits on work hours and provide
payment of time and a half for overtime.
Employes in agriculture, domestics, and per-
sons earning more than $250 a month would
be exempt.
A state wage board system would be set
up to hold hearings and recommend basic
wages and working provisions to the state
industrial commission, which would have
the authority to put recommendations into
effect.
$400,000 'Peggy' Trial
Is Shifted to St. Louis
ST. LOUIS — The $400,000 damage suit filed
in circuit court February 28 by Mrs. Beuiah
Greenwalt Walcher of Denver, the “Peggy,”
war nurse heroine of the book “They Were
Expendable,” against Loew’s, Inc., has been
transferred to the U. S. court here. Loew’s,
Inc., asked for the change in jurisdiction be-
cause of the diversity of residence of the
parties to the litigation.
INDIANAPOLIS
jyjilton Cohen, district manager of RKO,
joined Russell Brentlinger, local man-
ager, on a business trip to Fort Wayne . . .
Alberta Schneider is the new secretary to
Bob Stevens, office manager at RKO . . .
Doris McGinnis, formerly at MGM, has
joined National Screen Service.
Carl Harthill, Monogram manager, and
William Embleton, salesman, attended the
regional sales meeting of the company in
Chicago . . . The RKO branch was in third
place in the Ned Depinet drive . . . Betty
Kaylor, Affiliated Theatres booker, spent the
week in New York visiting friends.
Ted Gamble of Portland, Ore., Leroy Fur-
man, New York City, and Fred Dolle and D.
Long of the Fourth Avenue Amusement Co.,
Louisville, attended a meeting of the Greater
Indianapolis Amusement Co. Before re-
turning to New York, Gamble and Furman
visited Louisville . . . Headquarters of the
Associated Theatre Owners of Indiana are
being redecorated.
J. J. Grady, mideast district manager of
20th-Fox, visited the local branch en route
from Chicago to his office in Cincinnati . . .
Bus Miller of the Indiana, Marion, booked
. . . William Clayson, ad supervisor of 20th-
Fox, left for Detroit after being at the local
branch two weeks . . . William Studebaker,
Logansport, booked.
Jim Keefe, exploited- for 20th-Fox, was at
the local branch on business . . . The Elnora,
Elnora, Ind., operated by Pierce and Ricketts,
has been reorganized with Pierce acquiring
the half interest owned by Ricketts . . . James
Mooney, United Artists auditor, arrived here
or a visit to the local branch.
Edward Brauer, Republic manager, was in
Chicago attending a managers meeting . . .
Sam H. Abrams, branch manager of Eagle-
Lion-PRC was in Fort Wayne conferring with
Harvey Cocks, general manager of Quimby
Theatres . . . R. L. Hudson of Richmond
booked . . . Stuart Ruble is the new manager
at the Park Theatre, Louisville. The house
is owned and operated by Amusement Enter-
prises . . . P. Murphy. Huntingburg, bought
and booked.
The West Side outdoor theatre has opened
for the season . . . Vance Schwartz, Grand
Theatre, Louisville, visited Filmrow, buying
and booking . . . The Warren township hall
has installed" a new DeVry projector and.
sound equipment . . . The Maywood open-
airer opened for the season Wednesday night.
Melvin E. Cox is owner . . . A. C. McCarty,
Huntingburg, was on Filmrow booking . . .
The drive-in on Pendleton pike has opened.
Ticket Agency Regulation
Is Aim of Illinois Bill
SPRINGFIELD, ILL.— A bill has been in-
troduced in the house that would regulate
firms engaging in the sale of theatre tickets,
fixing a license fee of $100 for each branch
office, annual renewals to be reduced to $50.
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
61
CHICAGO
pdvvard J. Kelly, retiring mayor of Chicago,
will be given a dinner by the Variety Club
of Illinois April 28 in the Hotel Continental.
Jack Rose, chief
barker, will preside
and George Jessel will
be toastmaster. The
general committee of
arrangements includes
John Balaban, James
E. Coston, Thomas F.
Flannery, Jack Kirsch,
Edwin Silverman and
Arthur Sohoenstadt.
Norman Kassel,
Essaness director of
publicity, is vacation-
arthur schoenstadt jng jn Hollywood . . .
Sid Blumenstock, exploitation manager of
20th-Fox, was in town over the weekend with
three Costa Rican Eye-Dears in tow. The
girls won the popularity contest in Costa
Rica sponsored by La Tribuna of San Jose,
receiving a trip to the U.S. to attend the
New York premiere of “Carnival in Costa
Rica.” Blumenstock and the gals left town
by plane for Miami where a week’s fete in
their honor will climax their visit.
The phone strike didn’t hamper B&K
Booker Nate Platt, who is busy lining up the
Chicago Theatre’s biggest constellation of
stars in a single season. Platt hopped a train
for New York to be right on the scene of
booking action . . . Sid Caesar, featured in
“The Guilt of Janet Ames,” got a billing
break when the picture played the Chicago
Theatre April 18. Caesar scored a big hit
at that house several months ago when he
appeared in the Tony Martin show . . . Jack
Eckhart, president of Local-F, IATSE, and
chief booker for 20th-Fox, has a new son.
Fighting hard to get distribution of his
much-discussed picture, “Duel in the Sun,”
David Selznick organized the National Film
Distributors Co. here last week. James Clark
of Philadelphia was named president and
will open offices here at 831 South Wabash
Ave — There will be 20 other exchanges
throughout the country . . . Harry Mandel,
midwest sales supervisor of Eagle-Lion, has
returned to local headquarters from a New
York business trip . . . Henri Elman, Capitol
JOE WEISS
(Formerly with Jack Kirsch Theatres)
EXPERIENCED . . . LICENSED
Insurance and Real Estate Broker
Specializing in Theatre Properties
4060 Milwaukee Ave. Phones: PAL 2102
Chicago 22. 111. LAKeview 5958
CANDYl
NATIONALLY ADVERTISED
BARS TO YOU AT
WHOLESALE PRICES
All Popular 5c & 10c Brands
- - IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT - -
H. & I. CONCESSIONS CO.
Theatre Concessionaires
1325 So. Wabash Ave.
Phone Harrison 9616 — Chicago 5
Films head, who was hospitalized two weeks,
is back at his desk and feeling okay again.
Barbara Stanwyck and husband Robert
Taylor paid a brief visit here over the week-
end. They met the press in the observation
car of the Chief in the Santa Fe depot. Miss
Stanwyck was caught in a crossfire of ques-
tions peppered at her by two rival film or-
ganizations. B&K, represented by Jimmy
Savage, is featuring her latest picture, “Cali-
fornia,” at the State-Lake. Enterprise stu-
dios, represented by Helen Ferguson and
Laura Wells, is interested in plugging the
picture she made on its lot, “The Other Love.”
Barbara and Bob returned to the U.S. re-
cently after a visit to England and Europe.
After they had been guests of Willard M.
Ruzen, general manager of the Morrison
hotel, they departed for the west coast, Miss
Stanwyck on the Chief and Taylor in his
new five-passenger airplane, a Christmas gift
from his wife.
Chicago’s two drive-ins opened for the sea-
son last week. The Outdoor Theatre, owned
and operated by Irving Gandall and Frank
Fink, and the Drive-In, owned and operated
by N. S. Barger, both played “The Razor’s
Edge” . . . Art Rosenthal, 20 years with
United Artists, who came up from the ranks
from poster clerk to booker, resigned to join
the PRC sales department. He will be, suc-
ceeded by Erwin Lang, formerly of the ship-
ping department, and poster clerk. Lang is
the son of Moe Lang, veteran operator of the
Harrison Theatre.
Alice Dubin of Capitol Films and Rose
Coglan of National Screen will leave for a
two-week Florida vacation ... Ed Seguin,
Chicago Theatre publicist, used a nostalgic
setting for a Georgie Price stunt here. He
had Georgie dance down Yesterday’s Main
Street, historical exhibit at the Museum of
Science and Industry here, under the gaze
of WBKB television cameras. Price sported
George Cohan’s original hat and cane for
the stunt, given by the grand old showman
to Gus Edwards, who in turn bestowed them
on Price . . . Sally Shulman, secretary to
Max Roth, district manager of PRC, is
honeymooning on the west coast with her
new hubby, A1 Bisnow.
Chicago Theatre Supply Co. is installing
1,000 latest model chairs at the Kedzie Thea-
tre .. . Bob Kickey, RKO special representa-
tive, has returned from Kansas, where he
was whooping it up for “Trail Street” . . .
A. C. Kalafat, who operates theatres in
Indiana and Illinois, has taken over the
Lans at Lansing, 111. His son Chris, recently
out of service, is assisting in the operation
of the circuit.
Warren Slee of MGM public relations is
celebrating the arrival of a second daughter,
named Angela . . . Dolores Ryan, niece of
Charlie Ryan, has joined the copy depart-
ment at Filmack Trailer Co., William
Gehring, central sales manager of 20th-Fox,
arrived in town with his assistant Jack
Bloom for a week’s confab with Jack Lorentz,
midwest district manager; M. A. Levy, prairie
district manager, and Jim Grady, mideast
district manager.
David E. Caesar, former newspaper editor,
sales representative and railroad advertising
agent, has succeeded Evelyn Baker as adver-
tising manager of Educational Screen’s Chi-
cago office. Patrick A. Philippi, former writer
and editor, is now circulation manager, and
Edward T. Myers, former technical editor and
film writer, has been appointed assistant
editor.
“The Macomber Affair,” UA release which
stars Gregory Peck and Joan Bennett, was
premiered for the press last weekend at Ric-
cardo’s Rush street bistro which was selected
by Chick Evens, UA exploiteer, because Ric-
cardo and his wife Jill are big-game hunters,
as are Peck and Bennett in the film . . .
Everett Schafer has been named vice-presi-
dent in charge of service development and
planning by Jam Handy organization in
Detroit.
Larry Strong, head of Essanay Electric Co.,
is seriously ill at the Wesley Memorial hos-
pital . . . McDonald Cook Advertising agency,
who handles DeVry Corp. advertising and
other equipment accounts, has moved to
larger quarters at 360 North Michigan Ave.
. . . Bing Crosby took time out to visit Man-
ager Jack Belasco at the Woods Theatre and
sat through “The Best Years of Our Lives”
for the third time.
Allied Team Is Champion
In Chicago Bowling Loop
CHICAGO— The Allied team is the king
pin of 1947. Allied clinched the championship
in the Chicago Motion Picture Bowling league
and finished the season with a lead of eight
games over second place United Artists. At
last week’s session they shot a top series of
2,794 and high game of 985, with C. Chinn
the individual star, shooting a high series of
647 and high game of 244. This enabled
Allied to win two from UA. Warners downed
20th-Fox three times, Universal took a couple
from Film Chauffeurs and National Screen
dropped a single to the Garsonites.
FINAL STANDINGS
Won
Lost
Allied Theatres
54
30
United Artists
46
38
Film Chauffeurs
45
39
Garsonites
43
41
42
42
Warners
40
44
National Screen
40
44
20th-Fox -
26
58
The league awarded prizes and elected of-
ficers for next season at a party in the Allied
meeting rooms Wednesday.
MILWAUKEE — Nearing the season’s end,
the IATSE Bowling league regulars held the
line. In the weekly session, honors went to
team 8 with a score of 2,732. Team 5 was next
with 2,655 and team 3 had 2,617. Team 8
also rolled highest single game, 959. Team
4 was runnerup with 940 and No. 5 was third
with 910. Elmer Klase held highest three
individual game honors, 664. Bob Lucht rolled
619 and Chet Millis 617. Millis’ game of 255
was high single. Art Weaver with 246 and
Bob Lucht with 245 followed.
TEAM STANDINGS
Won
Lost
Ave.
Won
Lost
Avg.
53
31
798
1 ..
43
41
774
48
36
780
2 ..
38
46
796
45
39
798
3 .
36
48
773
44
40
792
7
30
54
760
Wisconsin Postpones
Legalization of Bingo
MADISON — A bill legalizing bingo was
recommended for indefinite postponement by
the assembly committee of state affairs after
a hearing at which considerable opposition
to the proposal was expressed. Among those
opposing the bill was F. J. McWilliams, local
theatre operator.
Costa Rica Beauties Visit
CHICAGO— Three of Costa Rica’s fairest
senoritas were visitors in Chicago last week
as part of their three-week tour of the U.S.
to herald the 20th-Fox film “Carnival in
Costa Rica.” The three 18-year-old girls
were chosen in a popularity and beauty con-
test sponsored by a San Jose newspaper and
won a three-week trip to the U.S. Their
tour of ten cities in this country was spon-
sored by the Costa Rican consul general.
62
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
Antitrust Chief to Face
Barrage of NCA Queries
Omaha Row Protests
Auditorium Project
OMAHA — Filmrow representatives pro-
tested the proposed site of a $3,500,000 munic-
ipal auditorium at a public hearing here held
by the auditorium commission. J. Robert
Hoff, business manager of the Ballantyne
Co., told the commission the firm exchanges
must remain close together.
“If the auditorium is located between 17th
and 19th streets and Chicago and Capital,” he
said, “it will stymie the industry which is
expanding westward on Davenport.
Hoff said the theatre equipment and man-
ufacturing firm and its retail outlet would
suffer “great damage” if the property were
condemned. He recommended a location be-
tween 14th and 16th and between Chicago
and California streets.
He also contended that by taking the prop-
erty the citywide plan book suggested, and
which was backed during the week by the
architect, too much money would be spent
on land acquisition, leaving too little for the
auditorium, which voters expected when they
passed the bond issue.
William J. Baird,, attorney for the Para-
mount Pictures exchange, also located in the
area of the proposed site said: “If this is the
only site, then we’re for it even though we
don’t want to lose our building, a splendid
two-story brick.
“However, I don’t believe enough attention
has been paid to the expense of condemning
the property in this four-square block. There
won’t be enough money left to build the kind
of auditorium Omaha wants.”
Protests also were registered by other prop-
erty owners in different industries.
Mark Raymon, Eagle-Lion,
Resigns in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY — Mark Raymon, local
Eagle-Lion representative, resigned April 12.
He plans to enter the air conditioning busi-
ness in Seattle, Wash., according to Beverly
Miller, western division manager for PRC,
who also said that no new appointment has
been made. Raymon, who was formerly RKO
manager in Puerto Rico, came to Kansas City
for Eagle-Lion early in December last year.
Two Theatres in Works
In Minneapolis Area
MINNEAPOLIS — Plans have been drawn
here for two new theatres and several im-
provement projects in the territory. The
Benfield-Schenecker company will build a
$65,000, 650-seat house at Webster, S. D. A
new 400-seat theatre at Clinton, Minn., will
cost $40,000. The improvement programs are
for the Rivoli, La Crosse, Wjs., and the Ideal,
Bloomer, Wis.
Leonard Freid to Manage
Eau Claire, Wis., House
LA PORTE CITY, IOWA— Leonard Freid of
La Porte has been appointed manager of the
new Hollywood Theatre, soon to open at Eau
Claire, Wis. Freid formerly was manager of
the Paramount in Waterloo.
Heart Attack Takes Life
Of John Eding in Aurelia
AURELIA, IOWA— John Eding, about 65,
owner of the Community Theatre here, died
as a result of a heart attack.
ROBERT L. WRIGHT
V. E. Gorham Opens Paton
After Extensive Repair
PATON, IOWA— The Paton Theatre here
opened Easter Sunday under the ownership
of V. E. Gorham. The Paton operates six
nights a week with three picture changes.
There are two showings each night. The
theatre has been redecorated and equipment
overhauled. It has a new lobby, carpeted
floor, new seats, a raised floor and a new
light system. A new screen has been in-
stalled, too.
MINNEAPOLIS— Robert L. Wright, special
assistant to the U.S. attorney general, may
think he is coming to the North Central
Allied convention here Monday and Tuesday
(21, 22) just to interpret and analyze the
antitrust decision, but a surprise is in store
for him.
He will also be queried for an opinion re-
garding the prospects of a Department of
Justice investigation of an alleged conspiracy
among major producer-distributors to create
an artificial shortage of pictures, as charged
by President Ben Berger of the organization.
Independents attending the convention also
plan to reveal their grievances against the
distributors to Wright.
One of the convention’s highlights, how-
ever, will be the frank and informal discus-
sion of the decree by Wright who, as special
assistant to the U.S. attorney general, has
devoted most of his time to prosecution of
the film companies for alleged monopoly.
It was said that he will review the govern-
ment’s entire motion picture program.
Col. H. A. Cole of Dallas, Texas Allied
president, will speak.
Exhibitors have been advised by an NCA
bulletin that “mere postponement of the de-
cree’s operation does not change the situa-
tion materially.”
“Contrary to reports, Justice Reed did not
throw out competitive bidding,” the bulletin
declares. “It is still a part and parcel of the
decree. The film companies probably will
continue with their experiments with com-
petitive bidding minus the decree’s meager
safeguards. In the meantime, exhibitors will
have to keep their fingers crossed and stay
in business with the hope that the game’s
rules, when they are finally known, will give
them a better break than they’ve had in the
past.”
Abortive Davis Club in News Again;
Aimed to Prevent Mixups in Mail
KANSAS CITY— Don R. Davis, RCA
district manager whose twin son and
daughter are
n i c k n a med Hi
and Fi, has been
the subject of
much comment
due to his ap-
pearance twice
this week in the
About Town Col-
umn of the Star.
According to
Landon Laird,
author of the
popular piece,
Davis recalls the
"HI Fi” davis time 11 years ago
when seven Don Davises lived in the
city. “It created an untenable situa-
tion,” Hi Fi is quoted as saying. “The
mail of seven Don Davises really got
mixed up. The problem had its pleas-
ant side, however, because I recall one
month when all my utility bills were
paid by another Don Davis. There was
a fearsome aspect to the matter, too,
though. I used to get endearing epistles
from a girl I didn’t know named Sadie.
“The mixup got so bad that I called
a meeting of all seven Don Davises to
create a kind of mail-assorting com-
mittee ... I also approached Ward
Scott, then, as now, 20th-Fox district
manager. Ward arranged to put us in
the newsreels.
“Came the day when we were going
to officially organize the Don Davis
club. Five of us had spruced up, be-
cause it was the picture taking day too.
But the attitude of one of the members
killed our club and we didn’t get in the
newsreels either. For years afterwards
there still was a mixup in mail among
us.”
According to Laird, the greater Kan-
sas City telephone directory now lists
three Don Davises and 31 Davises whose
first initial is D.
“Hi Fi” later added that even the
wives of the Don Davises cause some
mixups. Mrs. Don A. Davis, whose first
name is Frances, has an account under
her own name in the same bank as
Mrs. Hi Fi, whose account is also under
the name of Frances.
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
MW
63
KANSAS CITY
pa Heiber, Universal district manager, has
returned from a short trip to the Omaha
exchange . . . Ralph H. Ohlson, salesman in
the local U-I office, was married last week
to Mary Gibbs of St. Louis. After a honey-
moon in Colorado Springs, Ralph returned
to work . . . Jules Weill, J. Arthur Rank
representative with headquarters in St. Louis,
is becoming a regular visitor. He was here
early in the week in connection with booking
“Stairway to Heaven.”
The proposed name change for the Newman
Theatre will probably go through within four
to six weeks, accord-
ing to M. D. “Babe”
Cohn, manager. Con-
ferences on the new
upright sign have been
completed and the
name Paramount
should decorate Main
street soon.
S e b e Goodlett, in
charge of sales in five
western states for Na-
tional Screen, visited
Lou Patz, district man-
“babe" cohn ager, accompanied oy
Fred Weimer, Salt Lake manager, and Charles
DuRyk, Denver chief. He renewed acquaint-
ance with Ralph Morrow of U-I, “Count”
Arthur deStefano of NTS, Jules Benedic of
BOXOFFICE and other old cronies who
“knew him when” down in Texas. Sebe is a
real oldtimer in the industry, having been
in exhibition and distribution since 1906
when, with his dad, he opened a theatre in
Georgetown, Tex. Joining Patz, the quad-
rumvirate left for the international NSS con-
vention to be held next week in Chicago.
Ben Marcus, Columbia district manager,
returned over the weekend from Omaha but
left again Monday noon for Des Moines for
meetings with circuit officials and exchange
heads there in connection with special re-
leases . . . Don “Hi Fi” Davis, RCA district
FLAMEPROOFING
CHEMICALS
with
Vinyl-Resinous Base
Wi.l not Stain or Powder Off
THE CHEM-O-SCIEN CO.
807- A E, 31st St. Kansas City 3. Mo.
VAlentine 3765
POP CORN BOXES
10c Size
ATTRACTIVE DESIGN
IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT
Paper Supply Co.
505 Delaware Street
KANSAS CITY 6. MO.
manager who is back at work again, left early
in the week for a few days in Omaha.
Theo Sutter, local exhibitor, had a bad
abscess on his eye brow last week. According
to Theo, the doctor said that if he had had
it treated any later, the internal infection
might have affected his brain . . . Julian
King and Marie Slatkoske of King Enterprises
and Screen Guild in Des Moines were in
town over the weekend.
Lettie Todd has replaced Evelyn Bischoff
as assistant cashier at RKO . . . Rosemary
Alexiou and Wanda Rollo, girls Thursday and
Friday, respectively, to Walter Lambader at
the local Screen Guild exchange, greeted
guests of the trade at the Wednesday screen-
ing of “Citizen Saint” in Edison hall.
Russell Borg, local Warner chief, was in
St. Louis the first of the week . . . Nellie
Schneider has replaced Kathleen Touhey as
stenographer in that office . . . “The Farmer’s
Daughter” moves into the Orpheum April
30 following a week of “The Sea Wolf” and
“The Sea Hawk.”
According to Hedda Hopper, Jack Carson
is playing host to Barney Joffee, manager of
the Tower, while the
local manager is in the
film capital. Carson
was emcee of the
Tower stage shows for
three years before
making his film debut
. . . Mrs. Ned Busher,
wife of the National
Theatre Supply sales-
man, has been in the
hospital for an ap-
pendectomy.
Suburban and resi-
dential business has
fallen off during the
BARNEY joffee week these days, al-
though weekend takes remain up to par.
This condition, in the opinion of one member
of the industry, will continue until after
school is out . . . Pauline Schroeger, shorts
booker at Fox Midwest, was out with the
flu.
Stanley Mayer, 20th-Fox Des Moines man-
ager now on leave of absence after a severe
illness, was a visitor at the local exchange.
A former salesman on Filmrow, Mayer seemed
quite recovered and looked much slimmer
. . . The installation of awnings on the
Monogram exchange foretells the sudden
nearness of summer.
Earl E. Jameson, district manager for
National Film Service, left for the west . . .
The mat and press book departments of
National Screen have been moved to the
Satisfaction — Always
Missouri Theatre Supply Co.
L. I. KIMBRIEL, Manager
Phone GRand 2864
115 W. 18th Kansas City 8. Mo. “
second floor of the new building on the cor-
ner of 18th and Baltimore. The trailer di-
vision has been delayed due to the current
building trades strike in the city.
Lou Patz, local NSS district manager, was
surprised and honored last Friday when the
personnel of his office gave a birthday lunch-
eon in his honor. The festivities were com-
plete with cake and candles — one cake and
not too many candles . . . Carol Jensen,
preparer at National Screen, now has both
feet firmly planted in the clouds: she has
received a third-finger-left-hand diamond
from Charles Denny. The wedding will be
some time this summer.
Mary Connolly, NSS biller, has returned to
the Row after a week in the hospital . . .
Elsie Dunn, switchboard operator, suffered
the loss of her mother last week . . . Clarence
Schultz, Commonwealth executive, has re-
turned from Minnesota where he was called
to the bedside of his stepfather Henry Emme.
Emme is doing as well as might be expected.
John Meinardi, assistant film buyer for
Fox theatres, had his tonsils out last week
and Howard White is in “the hospital for a
kidney operation . . . Senn Lawler, publicity
chief for the circuit, was in Columbia Tues-
day . . . The completion of the first week
of the annual Skouras Showmanship drive
at Fox Midwest went off very well, accord-
ing to Harold Hume, film buyer.
Calling at National Theatre Supply during
the week were Bob Martin of the Cozy in
Chetopa, Kas.; George Nescher of the Rio,
Valley Falls, Kas.; Frank Meyers, Civic,
Brookfield, Mo.; Chet Borg, Plaza, Appleton
City, Mo.; A. E. Jarboe, Ritz, Cameron, Mo.;
C. F. Schafer, Regent, Blue Rapids, Kas.; E.
B. Kaiser, Victory, Knob Noster, Mo.; Harry
Till, Courter, Hamilton, Mo.; W. L. Presley,
Globe, Savannah, Mo.; Sol Frank, Chief,
Coldwater, Kas., and Dale Neely, Neely,
Dighton.
Jules V. Serkowich, Columbia midwest di-
vision exploitation manager, was in town ar-
ranging publicity for “Johnny O’clock,”
which opened at the Midland Thursday (17)
. . . Jerry Lubin, Durwood Theatres audi-
tor, has returned to work after being in the
hospital . . . Ethel McMillin is the new
secretary at Theatre Enterprises.
Nomination for Happiest Girl of the Week
go to Frances Holmes, shorts booker at Fox
Midwest. Excitement over her recent en-
gagement to Noble H. Johnson is keeping
her awake nights, she says. Wedding bells
will sound June 28.
Max Thomas, former Griffith assistant
manager at Manhattan, Kas., has been trans-
ferred to the Osage Theatre, Osage, Kas., and
not to Vernon as was reported last week
. . . Mrs. Darlene Grandbousche was called
to her home near Des Moines after the sud-
den death of her grandmother. Mrs. Grand-
bousche is secretary to F. L. Plumlee.
Other Row visitors included Mrs. Bill Sil-
ver of the Silver, Clarence, Mo.; Marvin
Banks, St. Louis; Nick Kostis, Holden, Hol-
den, Mo.; Frank Weary, Weary, Richmond,
Mo.; C. E. “Doc” Cook, Maryville, Mo.; George
Nescher, Rio, Valley Falls, Kas.; Cle Bratton,
Ritz, Council Grove, Kas.; Leo Freund,
Adrian, Adrian, Mo.; Charles Craig, Plaza,
TALKING TRAILERS. LOBBY PAPER
AND MATS
Write, Wire or Phone
PENNINGTON POSTER SERVICE
130 West 18th Phone: GRand 8628
Kansas City 8. Mo.
64
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
Benton ville, Ark.; T. C. Killebrew, Grand,
Siioam Springs, Ark.; P. O. Smith, Pic, Leb-
anon, Kas., and Don Shade, Tauy, Ottawa,
Kas.
Ralph LiBeau jr., son of the Paramount
district manager, stopped in Kansas City on
the way to his father-in-law’s funeral. LiBeau
hails from Bridgeport, Conn. . . . Alex Rog-
ers, Theatre Enterprises manager in Fayette,
Mo., was injured slightly when a six-sheet
board toppled on him during a recent wind
storm.
Larry Biechele, nephew of R. R. “Dick”
Biechele, KMTA executive, is the new booker
and city salesman at Film Classics. Larry was
with National Screen as head shipper for ten
years. He was replaced there by Kenneth
Clark . . . Gil Canfield, RKO publicist, finally
got his car back to the city but only after
encountering all the obstacles that Mother
Nature could throw in his path.
Prof. J. B. Roshong and his assistant Row-
land Roelfs of St. Francis, Kas., took a
swing through Kansas to investigate latest
theatre design for their 500-seat Roshong
Theatre soon to be built in St. Francis.
Roshong, who now operates the St. Francis
in that town, has purchased complete sound
equipment from Don Davis at RCA.
The fifth annual Star Lane Farm horse sale
will be held for two days this year. May 1, 2,
in the American Royal Bldg. The event,
sponsored by E. C. Rhoden, head of Fox Mid-
west, has grown to be the largest saddle horse
sale in the country and now attracts bidders
from every part of the U.S. and Canada.
Over 250 horses from the nation’s breeding
farms will be offered to a crowd which last
year exceeded 4,000 persons.
Beverly Miller, PRC division manager, re-
turned from Des Moines where he conferred
with Mike Lee, manager there. He left for
Omaha the end of the week for a huddle with
Sol Reif, PRC chief in that city. M. G.
“Shack” Shackelford, local exchange manager,
was also in the territory during the week.
Kansas Citians Propose
Air Conditioning Remedy
KANSAS CITY — Representatives from
Kansas City attended a hearing before the
state Public Service commission in Jefferson
City Friday to protest the recent pro-
posal by the Kansas City Power & Light Co.
that it be permitted to curtail air condition-
ing service to its customers during certain
peak hours this summer. Cause for the re-
quest was an overloading of available equip-
ment.
The local delegation, in which theatre own-
ers were represented, requested an oppor-
tunity to have the load reduced generally
and not limited solely to air conditioning
power.
Harold Russell to Visit
KANSAS CITY — Harold Russell, handless
veteran who has received much recognition
for his work in “The Best Years of Our
Lives,” will arrive here April 21 for appear-
ances and consultations in connection with
veterans’ rehabilitation. At this writing, his
public appearances are said to be limited
to radio broadcasts and a visit to the local
Advertising and Sales Executives club.
New Sunflower Manager
SUNFLOWER, KAS. — Parker Melluish is
the new manager of the local Village Theatre,
a Theatre Enterprises house. He replaces
Ken Davis and is a former manager from
Orrville, Ohio.
From the BOXOFFICE Files
* * •
(Twenty Years Ago)
A. SCHULTZ will become manager of
Midwest Film Distributors, Inc., May 1,
according to E. C. Rhoden, president. Rhoden
will devote his time to the operation of the
ten houses controlled by Midwest. Schultz
came to Kansas City as manager of the
Vitagraph branch in 1924. Upon the or-
ganization of the Producers Distributing
Corp. he was appointed manager of the Kan-
sas City branch, where he has built up an
enviable reputation as a sales executive.
* * *
George Bromley, manager of two of the
leading motion picture theatres in Moberly,
Mo., was found guilty in the circuit court of
violation of a state law governing employ-
ment of labor on Sunday. Bromley was fined
$50 and costs.
The case has been appealed and is of state-
wide interest since it affects Sunday shows
in other locations, such as St. Louis, Kansas
City, Jefferson City, etc.
* * *
The Auditorium Theatre, a four-story edi-
fice at the corner of Ninth and Holmes in
Kansas City, has been leased by Sam Carver
from John W. Dillon for a term of ten years,
at an average rental of $5,600. The building
contains the 1,800-seat theatre, a hotel and
four ground floor store rooms. The Audi-
torium was first opened in 1887 and was
considered an elaborate and beautifully dec-
orated house for that day. For many years
it was the leading theatre in Kansas City.
Following the fire in 1898 the theatre was
rebuilt.
Five Shows a Day Cause
9 a. m. Opening for 'Years'
OMAHA — The RKO Brandeis, managed by
Will Singer, is opening at 9:45 a. m., in order
to offer five shows daily of “The Best Years
of Our Lives.” The 1,200-seat downtown
house has set a 74-cent matinee price and
$1.20 for evenings. The charge for children
is 50 cents.
El Zorro to Hold Dance
KANSAS CITY — The next dance for Fox
Midwest’s El Zorro club will be held May 23.
Home office personnel and theatre managers,
their assistants and cashiers, and wives, hus-
bands, boy friends and girl friends are in-
vited. An El Zorro picnic is now being
planned for July.
Roskof Buys Hotel
KANSAS CITY — The Main hotel here, sit-
uated near the Union station, has been pur-
chased for $52,000 by Michael C. Roskof,
theatre owner of Marshalltown, Iowa. It
will be held as an investment.
Mrs. Swan Dies Suddenly
ROSCOE, S. D.— Mrs. W. H. Swan, wife of
the operator of the Auditorium Theatre here,
died recently. Mrs. Swan was ill only a short
time; in fact, she had sold tickets at the
theatre the previous evening and seemed to
be feeling as well as usual.
Stage Stars Signed
Albert Sharp and David Wayne, two stage
stars, have been signed for roles in SRO’s
“Portrait of Jennie.”
Area Drive-Ins Equipped
By Missouri Supply Co.
KANSAS CITY— L. J. Kimbriel, manager
of Missouri Theatre Supply, has sold com-
plete drive-in equipment to Missouri Motor
Movies, which is building a 600-car open-airer
near St. Joseph. RCA sound equipment with
in-the-car speakers, Brenkert lamps and pro-
jectors plus underground cable were bought
by L. E. Pope, president of the new firm.
Community Drive-In Theatres, Inc., of
which Claude Parish is president and Sam
Woodson jr., secretary, have purchased RCA
equipment from Kimbriel for their proposed
750-car location near Topeka. Rube Finkel-
stein has placed orders for his Kansas Drive-
In Theatre on U.S. 40, five miles west of
Kansas City, Kas.
O. F. Sullivan and R. E. Conrad, who last
year bought complete equipment for a 700-
car drive-in from Missouri Theatre Supply,
have just closed a deal with the equipment
firm for another location and for a third
for 750 cars near Oklahoma City. Two other
drive-in accounts, one for a 1,000-car theatre
at Springfield, and the other for a 700-car
situation near Joplin, have also been equipped
by Kimbriel.
Chairs recently sold by Missouri include
seats for the local Gem, owned by Jack
Shriner; The Show in Joplin, owned by Jim
Nutz; the Tampico, Kansas City, owned by
Dickinson circuit; Ashland, Kansas City;
Tom’s Theatre, Eldon, Mo., owned by Tom
Edwards, and Walter H. Kahler’s new build-
ing at Butler, Mo. Booth equipment and
chairs have also been bought from Kim-
briel by George Summers, who is building
a new house in Unionville, Mo.
Air conditioning equipment has been sold
to the Dickinson and Glen in Topeka; the
Dunbar, Wichita, and the Mainstreet, Be-
loit, Kas.
POPCORN . . Best Quality . . Guaranteed Volume
Paper Lined Bags — From New Processor
$9.25 per 100 Lbs., FOB. Kansas City
rei/e
THEATRE SUPPLY
• COMPANY •
217 W. 18th St.
Kansas City 8. Mo.
» ■ . > - •
Tint on tUJoHSL
THEATRE INSURANCE Spetialht
Serving Y-nc Since 1918
Till* and Tru»t Bldg.
Kanin City 6, Mo.
TRAILERS
Your Own Copy
Sudden Service
HAL PARKER STUDIOS
Vi-So Productions
1719 Wyandotte Kansas City, Mo.
cdcht imrnPM
HHP.
STAGE
■ 1 ■ ■«— ■ FK ■■
EQUIPMENT COMPANY
■UlILn
1 I! LUS Lilli.
EVERYTHING FOR THE STAGE • AUDITORIUM • LOBBY
BOX OFFICE • 1324 Grand Ave., Ksnaas City 9, Mo.
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
65
DES MOINES
Tack Greenberg, formerly of Minneapolis, has
■* joined the sales force at NSS. Greenberg,
Manager Milt Feinberg and Jim Parsons,
salesman, left Wednesday to attend the com-
pany convention in Chicago.
Paul Webster, Warner manager, was in St.
Louis last week attending meetings . . . Betty
Orr has joined the staff at Columbia . . .
Tony Fursee and Paul Leatherby, Columbia
salesmen, have both moved into their new
homes.
Ed Heiber, Universal district manager, was
a visitor in the exchange here again last week
. . . Jean Post began his salesman’s career
last Monday. He has been booker for Uni-
versal . . . Mable Magnusson, Universal, was
back at her desk Monday after a siege with
the flu . . . Helene Jacobs spent the weekend
in Kansas City.
Florence Harris, RKO inspector, is in the
hospital recovering from an operation . . .
Betty Lou Nissen, MGM receptionist, has re-
signed . . . Maxine Bird, also of MGM, spent
the weekend in Greenfield.
Marilyn Maxwell, star in “The Show-Off,”
is being seen by her hometown friends this
week. Marilyn was born in Clarinda, Iowa
. . . Vernon Kinkaid, manager of the State
Theatre, Cedar Rapids, offered prizes for peo-
ple guessing Red Skelton’s right name in a
promotion stunt for “The Show-Off.” Kin-
kaid received 1,600 replies, but only 20 per-
The new Motiograph MODEL “AA”
" The Golden Anniversary Projector"
es Moines Theatre Supply Co.
High Street
Des Moines, Iowa
Telephone 3-6520
sons guessed the correct name, which is
Richard.
Beverly Miller, PRC district manager, was
a visitor at the exchange here last week . . .
R. C. LiBeau, district manager, and George
A. Smith, division manager, were here for
meetings at Paramount . . . Pearl Robbins,
Paramount salesman, is back after his illness.
MGM has three of the costumes worn in
the filming of “Till the Clouds Roll By.”
Salesmen will lend them to exhibitors in vari-
ous Iowa towns for display in promotion of
the picture . . . Bill Chandler, distributor of
MGM records for this territory, awarded
MGM albums to Henry Plude, manager of
the Capitol in Davenport, and Frances Gil-
lan, manager of the Paramount in Cedar
Rapids, for outstanding promotion of “Till
the Clouds Roll By.”
Sioux City Paper Backs
Ban on Drinking Scenes
SIOUX CITY, IOWA— Another editorial
voice in support of a resolution to eliminate
drinking scenes from motion pictures shown
in Iowa has come by way of the Tribune-
Journal here.
In its editorial pages, the Sioux City paper
got solidly behind Representative Charles S.
Van Eaton of Woodbury county, who intro-
duced the resolution in the Iowa house.
“One need not be a member of the WCTU
or a crusader for the Anti-Saloon league to
unite in endorsing this proposal,” the news-
paper commented. “There is no question but
that motion pictures and radio are the two
most potent influences in shaping the think-
ing of young — and older people. The power of
suggestion exercised through these two chan-
nels is tremendous. Taking stock of the net
effects of those suggestions, one feels that
society is justified in insisting that there be
an improvement in that direction.”
Rex Truesdell Returns
As Assistant in Ames
AMES, IOWA — Rex Truesdell has returned
to the Ames Theatre Co. as assistant man-
ager of the four local theatres. Truesdell
returns after a six -month leave of absence.
He started with the local company 19 years
ago when he was in his early teens. His first
job was changing rolls on the Wurlitzer 22-
piece orchestra player piano at the old Twin
Star Theatre.
During Truesdell’s absence his position was
filled by Ken Woodward who has now re-
turned to Pennsylvania where he will operate
his own commercial film advertising business.
Memorial Theatre Opens
In Central City, Iowa
CENTRAL CITY, IOWA— The Memorial
Theatre was scheduled to open here Satur-
day (19) with elaborate ceremonies. Radio
station WMT of Cedar Rapids and Waterloo
planned to start broadcasting the opening
ceremonies at noon and continue to 1:30
p. m. H. L. Sawyer, president of the Central
City Memorial Theatre Corp., arranged many
gala events for the dedication.
COMPLETELY NEW
HORKY’S CAFE
Bigger and Better Than Ever
— .Featuring 'Delish' Steaks
1202 High St. Des Moines. Iowa
"Where Filmrow Friends Gather"
Open Daily at 4 p. m.
66
BOXOFFICE :: April 10, 1947
'Egg' Again Colorful;
'Years' Still Is Best
KANSAS CITY — For the second consecu-
tive weekend, “The Egg and I,” playing day
and date at three Fox Midwest first runs,
broke all records at those houses. Ringing
up a soaring 200 per cent, the appealing com-
edy brought in a weekend gross that was
within $200 of the first weekend take.
“The Best Years of Our Lives” at the
Tower continued doing good business at road-
show prices and a third week for the Oscar
holder was guaranteed. “The Well-Digger’s
Daughter” at the Kimo was replaced by
“Carmen” but “California” at the Newman
remained for a third stanza.
The Tampico, a Dickinson house on the
southwest side of the city, played “The Heart
of New York,” a Screen Guild reissue of the
old “Hallelujah, I’m a Bum” with A1 Jolson,
and “’Neath Canadian Skies” as the initial
first runs under the residential location’s new
policy. They were followed at the end of
the week by “The Stone Flower,” the Artkino
color-award winner. The Gillham, after a
successful stanza of “Road to Hollywood,” re-
turned to its normal subsequent run policy.
“Johnny O’clock” replaced “The Macomber
Affair” at the Midland Thursday and two
reissues, “The Sea Hawk” and “The Sea
Wolf,” supplanted “Stallion Road” at the
Orpheum.
(Average is 100)
Esquire, Uptown, Fairway — The Egg and I
(U-I), 2nd wk. 200
Kimo — The Well-Digger's Daughter (Siritzky-
Interndtional) , 4th wk 150
Midland — The Macomber Affair (UA); Millie's
Daughter (Col) 115
Newman — California (Para), 2nd wk 120
Orpheum — Stallion Road (WB); The Trap (Mono)....100
Tampico — The Heart of New York (SG);
'Neath Canadian Skies (SG) 125
Tower — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
roadshow, 2nd wk 275
Mild Weather Blamed
For Des Moines Slackening
DES MOINES — The first signs of spring
weather here served to keep people out of
doors, and boxoffice receipts showed a marked
decrease. “The Locket,” on a double bill with
“Singin’ in the Corn” at the Orpheum Thea-
tre, did just average business.
The bills at the two Tri-States houses fell
slightly below par. “Pursued” was the Des
Moines Theatre’s presentation, and the Para-
mount offered a double feature of “I’ll Be
Yours” and “Truth About Murder.” Com-
peting with the motion picture houses were
two stage shows — Katharine Cornell in “The
Barretts of Wimpole Street” at the KRNT
Radio Theatre on Monday night, and “But-
ter and Egg Man” at Kendall Playhouse
with a production every night last week.
Des Moines — Pursued (WB) 95
Orpheum — The Locket (RKO); Singin' in
the Corn (Col) 100
Paramount — I'll Be Yours (U-I);
The Truth About Murder (RKO) 90
“Locket' on Dual Bill Gives
Omaha Brandeis the Edge
OMAHA — “The Locket” and “Beat the
Band” gave the RKO-Brandeis the edge over
other first runs. All except the Orpheum
did average or better. A beautiful “outdoors
weekend” hurt business some. It was the
first break in a long rainy stretch.
Omaha — A Scandal in Paris (UA); The
We DECORATE While You
OPERATE — No Need to Close
HART THEATRICAL DECORATING CO.
925 - 21 St. - DENVER
Ph. Tabor 4962(5
Bowery (UA) 100
Orpheum — Angel on My Shoulder (UA); Wife
Wanted (Mono) _ 95
Paramount — Lady in the Lake (MGM) 105
RKO-Brahdeis — The Locket (RKO); Beat the
Band (RKO) 115
State — The Mighty McGurk (MGM); Susie
Steps Out (UA) ..- 110
Town — Trail Dust (Para); 'Neath Canadian
Skies (SG), split with Below the Deadline
(Mono); White Tie and Tails (Univ);
Fugitive Valley (Mono) 100
“Locket' and “Stallion Road'
Open Well in Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS— “The Locket” and “Stal-
lion Road” were the principal newcomers last
week and both fared well. Holdovers con-
tinued to prosper. It was the fifth Loop week
for “Best Years of Our Lives,” the fourth
for “Razor’s Edge,” the third for “Sinbad the
Sailor” and the second for “My Favorite
Brunette.”
Aster — Vacation in Reno (RKO);
Torture Ship (PPC), reissue 110
Century — I'll Be Yours (U-I) 90
Gopher — The Beast With Five Fingers (WB) 125
Lyric — The Razor's Edge (20th-Fox), 4th d. t. wk...l25
Radio City — My Favorite Brunette (Para), 2nd wk...l50
RKO Orpheum — The Locket (RKO) 130
RKO Pan — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
5th wk 175
State — Stallion Road (WB) 125
World — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO), 3rd d. t. wk 100
Bids Called for Theatre
Going Up in Clinton, Mo.
“CLINTON, MO.— F. W. Woodruff & Son,
general contractors for the new theatre being
erected here for J. T. Goshen, who also op-
erates the Uptown in Sedalia, are receiving
bids from sub-contractors on gas-fired fur-
naces, sheet metal and mill work for the new
house. The theatre will be one-story, 50x120
feet, and will have stadium-type seating. It
was designed by Robert O. Boiler of Kansas
City and will cost upward of $30,000. tl will
replace a theatre destroyed by fire several
months ago.
Bus Strike in Lincoln
LINCOLN, NEB. — Theatre business here
has been somewhat hobbled by a strike of
drivers and operators of the Lincoln City
bus lines.
Madge Meredith Returns
To Iowa Falls for Visit
IOWA FALLS, IOWA — Marjorie Massow
was a visitor in her home town here last week.
The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Massow
renewed old friendships and visited Iowa
Falls high school, where she was a student
several years ago.
The visitor is Marjorie Massow to Iowa
Falls but to filmgoers she’s Madge Meredith,
one of the stars of “Trail Street,” which just
finished a record run in Des Moines and is
slated to open here next month.
While here, Marjorie appeared on the stage
of the Metropolitan Theatre and told her
friends how she finally managed to shoot a
villain in “Trail Street.” Early in the film-
ing she picked up the idea of shooting her
own villain, she said. However, in westerns,
the star (in this case Randolph Scott) has a
corner on the villain-killing episodes; thus it
was through the kindness of Scott that Mar-
jorie finally got her man. Her satisfaction
was complete when the scene appeared in the
released pictures, when she had thought it
was shot only to please her.
Marjorie has appeared also in “Take It or
Leave It,” “Child of Divorce” and “The Fal-
con’s Adventure.”
POPCORN
South American — & — White Hull-less, $7.50
per 100. Write for sample.
HAYES SEED HOUSE
Topeka, Kas.
MANLEY is the LEADER
A. T. ROWE
DIVISION MANAGER
1920 Wyandotte, Phone: HArrison 6155, Kansas City, Mo.
1611 Davenport, Omaha, Neb. — 3138 Olive, St. Louis, Mo.
812-824 Mulberry St., Des Moines Iowa.
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
67
MINNEAPOLIS
KJanager Joe Clements of the Riviera, St.
i Paul, used a clever stunt to exploit “Be-
delia.” He had an attractive girl passing out
small cards advertising the picture to men
on the downtown streets. The cards con-
tained a “warning” to men. They read:
“Unless you can enjoy the story of a ravish-
ingly beautiful woman, who is wickedness it-
self, stay home and do the dishes and let the
little woman come and have the best time of
her life. P.S. Just in case — the name of the
gorgeous creature is ‘Bedelia.’ Riviera Thea-
tre, starting Thursday, April 10.”
The wedding of Margaret Elaine Work-
P
O
P
c
o
R
N
QUALITY HYBRID
PRODUCED FROM KANSAS
AND INDIANA APPROVED
VARIETIES
EXCELLENT POPPING
CONDITION ASSURED ON
ALL SHIPMENTS.
WRITE
FOR QUOTATIONS ON L.C.L.
AND CARLOAD SHIPMENTS.
F.A. MANGELSDORF SEED CO.
ATCHISON. KANSAS
man, daughter of W. H. Workman, MGM
branch manager, and Mrs. Workman, to
Dwain Carl Lund takes place at 8 p. m. April
24 at Church of the Annunciation here. Im-
mediately following the ceremony there will
be a reception at 510 Groveland Ave. The
couple will honeymoon in Chicago and St.
Louis and return to Minneapolis to reside at
4949 Aldrich Ave., south.
The Minnesota state fair has announced
that it will raise the grandstand box and
reserved seats 25 cents to $1.50 and $1.25 for
this year’s^ fair. It was explained that this is
to offset increased costs of talent in the show.
Mrs. Florence Bowen, Warner Bros, inspec-
tor the past three years, died after a week’s
illness from pneumonia . . . Back after a
fortnight vacation in Los Angeles, Harry
Walters of the Riviera, St. Paul, and Howard
Evans, Radio City booth operator, tell of
renewing acquaintance there with the radio
team of Gene & Glenn, formerly of Minne-
apolis, and of visiting the Warner studio.
Minneapolis and St. Paul will finally get to
see the famous Italian picture, “Open City.”
It has been bought for the World theatres in
both cities. The date for the local engage-
ment has not been set yet.
Dorothy Jensen of the Minnesota Amuse-
ment Co. and Larry Stewart, Gopher Theatre
manager, during the Gopher engagement of
“Devil on Wheels,” promoted a local de-
livery service to banner their bumpers with
strips carrying the copy: “For Fast Service
We’re Just a ‘Devil on Wheels’ — Gopher The-
atre, Starting Thursday, April 3.” Also, two
local Buick dealers carried large cloth window
signs reading: “Year’s Greatest Thrills — 1947
Buick — ‘Devil on Wheels’ — Gopher Theatre-
Now.”
Religious Films, Inc., local nonprofit or-
ganization, recorded in film some of the Min-
neapolis Good Friday services as part of an
ambitious project in religious motion pictures
. . . M. A. Levy, 20th-Fox district manager,
visited the Des Moines exchange . . . G. Mal-
fronte, who handles branch operations for the
Universal home office, was a visitor . . . Ralph
Theatre Seating Division
of
AMERICAN DESK MFG. COMPANY
Temple, Texas
Giving prompt , dependable delivery
on chair orders
CALL US FOR YOUR CHAIR NEEDS
Dallas Office Memphis Office
FORREST DUNLAP a HARLAN H. DUNLAP
2008 Jackson St. ^ 410 S. Second St.
R - 3595 8-1770
New Orleans Office
W. A. PREWITT
223 So. Liberty
Magnolia 6571
Maw, MGM district manager, visited the
Milwaukee branch this week.
Republic’s “Calendar Girl,” produced in
conjunction with a Twin City firm, goes into
the St. Paul Riviera April 24 with a big
exploitation campaign . . . Jack Kelly, MGM
reprints department district manager, was in
town . . . The Sportsmen’s show set a new
attendance record at the Auditorium, attract-
ing 192,000 patrons in nine days.
Eddie Ruben, circuit owner, is back after a
six-week tour of South America with his wife.
They covered over 25,000 miles and visited
every South American country . . . Clyde
McCoy’s band played its lone Twin City en-
gagement at the St. Paul Paramount . . .
Jules L. Steele, St. Paul Sunday Pioneer
Press film critic, added to the popcorn-
chewing, peanut-crunching, paper-rattling
gossipy pests found in audiences “the lad and
lassie who, encouraged by darkened interiors,
take advantage of their surroundings to such
an extent they become ever-lovin’ turtle
doves.”
Exhibitors in Texas Shun
All Use of Giveaways
From Southwest Edition
DALLAS — Premiums, giveaways and busi-
ness stimuli as exhibitors knew them during
the bank night era are showing no evidence
of returning to Texas.
Bank night was ruled illegal, business grad-
ually improved and the industry forgot it
ever had to use premiums to induce patron-
age. No one thought of giving anything away
in theatres during the war boom. Exhibitors
today say that business isn’t what it used to
be but they will hold out a long while before
taking the giveaway route. Some say they
are now using bargain days in their thea-
tres and others are showing a double bill
which they figure will serve as stimulants for
some time to come.
Unless theatre business slumps additionally,
which few believe will happen, the premium
business is not expected to boom for a long
time. As far as is generally known, few ex-
hibitors have been approached on definite
giveaways. A bicycle deal, however, originat-
ing in Hollywood or Chicago, is being used
in a number of towns and by some circuits.
This is aimed at building up juvenile shows
and particularly Saturday matinees. No com-
panies in the giveaway field have offices on
the Row and none are known to be working
the Texas field.
More Attention to Films
Noted in Church Field
OMAHA — Churches are taking increasing
interest in using radio and motion pictures
for religious activities, Dr. J. Elwin Wright
of Boston, executive secretary of the National
Ass’n of Evangelicals, said here. He was here
for the fifth annual convention of the as-
sociation. He said:
“The association makes use of sustaining
time offered by two networks as well as
broadcasts over local stations. We are in the
initial stages of an attempt to raise the
standards of religious programs, which we
feel are very low.”
Two of the commissions affiliated with the
association discussed problems of radio and
visual education for churches and Sunday
schools at the meeting here.
Dick Phillips Resigns
CHEROKEE, IOWA— Dick Phillips has re-
signed as manager of the Arrow Theatre
here to join the public relations staff of the
Standard Oil Co. He has been manager of
the Pioneer circuit house since August 1943.
68
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
Buying Pool Claims
'Jolson' at 35 Pci.
MINNEAPOLIS — Claiming he’s entitled to
“The Jolson Story” for 35 per cent, Casper
Chouinard, executive manager of Independent
Theatres Ass’n, buying and booking combine
of leading Twin city independent exhibitors,
says that Columbia has refused to deliver it
to the Homewood, a member of the group, and
he says he’s considering a mandamus court
suit to compel delivery.
H. J. Chapman, local Columbia manager,
denies Chouinard’s claim that he offered
“The Jolson Story” to the association for 35
per cent. He alleges the combine is attempt-
ing to dictate his selling terms and declares
he’ll resist such efforts “to the utmost.”
Chouinard wrote to Chapman notifying the
latter of “acceptance” of “The Jolson Story”
at 35 per cent for four days at the Home-
wood and demanding delivery of the picture
upon first availability.
Although the trade circle grapevine has it
that the Columbia price for “The Jolson
Story” is 50 per cent, or two and one-half
times top flat rental, Chouinard insists he
has proof it was offered for the Homewood
at 35 per cent and has been sold to “some”
Minneapolis and St. Paul independents at
that figure.
Theatre Associates, another buying com-
bine, also has been unable to reach an agree-
ment with Columbia on terms for “The Jol-
son Story.”
During the past year a half-dozen buying
and booking combines have come into being
in the territory and as their power increases,
relations between some of the groups and dis-
tributors have grown strained.
Iowa United Takes Over
Wayne in Cory don, Iowa
CORYDON, IOWA— The Smith brothers,
Frank and Floyd, have sold half interest in
their Wayne Theatre here to the Iowa United
Theatres circuit which owns and operates 20
other theatres in Iowa.
The new owners will send a manager here
to take over the house May 1. The Smiths
retain ownership of the building. Ill health
was given by the Smiths as reason for the
sale.
The Smiths came here in 1936 and erected
the new Wayne Theatre building, which has
come to be called one of the finest in south-
ern Iowa.
New Manager on lob
BELLE PLAINE, IOWA — Paul Breneman of
Boone has taken over the management of the
King Theatre here, according to Milton
Mansfield, owner.
KNOWN BRANDS
Sc Candy Bars
Exclusive Candy Service lor Midwest Theatres.
Known brands of popular 5c Candy Bars
selling at 5c.
Write today for full information on our CANDY
SERVICE PLAN for theatres. We are now serving
a large number of Midwest Theatres.
NEBRASKA
Candy Concessions, Inc.
938-940 North 24th Street,
OMAHA, NEBR.
OMAHA
Ronald Shane, Paramount manager, was in
■^Des Moines Monday gathering in laurels for
promotion work done in the 20th-Fox
“Margie” contest. He won second place. An-
other manager in William Miskell’s district,
Marvin Graybeal of the Capital at Sioux City,
captured third.
Salesman Howard Clark of MGM claims
he found Nebraska and South Dakota roads
so bad it cost $4 to give his car a bath . . .
Mrs. Carl Rye, formerly Mildred Coombs,
20th-Fox office manager, was in town from
Mason City for a visit . . . Mrs. Carl Rose,
wife of the manager of the Sun Theatre at
York, Neb., is tuning up her golf game in
the quest for more laurels this year.
Tom Leist has been added to the 20th-Fox
ad sales department. He succeeds Clyde
Cooley who was transferred to the shipping
department ... As a counterpart to “horror
weeks” which have become popular here,
Rollin K. Stonebrook is currently offering
“laugh week” at the Orpheum Theatre . . .
Phil Monsky, Universal salesman, has been
sent home from the hospital after an opera-
tion and a three-week stay.
For some reason, which only his fellow
exhibitors will understand, Jimmy Pickett of
the Rivoli, Hastings, is getting a lot of mail
with “look — no hands” comments and car-
toons . . . Frank Hannon, Warners manager,
was in St. Louis attending a meeting for
branch chiefs . . . Barbara Gregg, now Mrs.
Jerome Lipsky, who was incorrectly identi-
fied with MGM last week, brought from the
Warner office the comment that “the world
should know all the glamor isn’t at MGM.”
Our apologies, please.
Robert Ballantyne, owner of the Ballan-
tyne Co., and I. M. Brown, chief engineer, will
attend the meeting of the Society of Motion
Picture Engineers in Chicago . . . Mona Han-
sen, Universal, has been off work due to the
illness of her mother, who is in the hospital at
Fremont.
Llewellyn Miller, Goldwyn representative
arranging publicity for “The Best Years of
Our Lives,” was in town . . . Nebraska leg-
islature was to hold hearings during the
week on a bill that would place a 20 per
cent tax on horse racing . . . The local press
devoted a page of its Sunday magazine to
pictures from “The Yearling.”
Visitors along Filmrow: John B. Preston,
Humphrey; Mel Kruse, Pierce; Frank Good,
Red Oak, Iowa; Elmer Wulf, Kingsley, Iowa;
C. E. Benson, Pierson, Iowa; Frank Hollings-
worth, Beatrice; A. Burrus, Crete; Mr. and
Mrs. J. H. Feldhans, Schaller, Iowa; Carl
Johnson, Red Oak, Iowa; Mrs. Laura Moor-
head, Stromsberg; Mr. and Mrs. Arnold John-
son, Onawa; Herman Fields, Clarinda, Iowa;
Robert Bertram, Schleswig, Iowa; Wesley
Mansfield, Tama, Iowa; Harold Mansfield,
Ida Grove, Jowa; George March, Vermillion,
S. D., and Howard Brookings, Oakland, Iowa.
Foundation to Organize
In Des Moines Monday
DES MOINES — The Motion Picture Foun-
dation’s organization meeting, to select an
exchange area committee and a national trus-
tee, is scheduled to be held here Monday (21).
A. H. Blank and Leo Wolcott will serve as
temporary chairmen.
About 15,650 advertisements are placed
daily by the film industry, in the various
media available.
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 of which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE, DATE & RECORD BOOK.
□ S2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE
NAME POSITION
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
69
Bill Threatening
Turned Down by
JEFFERSON CITY, MO— Senators David
E. Horn and Anthony M. Webbe, both of St.
Louis, have failed in their efforts to amend a
bill for theatre safety regulations so as to put
most of the older type motion picture thea-
tres of Missouri out of business.
A bill regulating theatre building was in-
troduced by Senator Charles C. Madison of
Kansas City. Its provisions would apply to
new construction and to those theatres mak-
ing major alterations or additions to exist-
ing buildings.
Senators Horn and Webbe failed to obtain
approval of the senate to their proposed
amendments to make the new construction
requirements apply to the existing buildings
as well as to any new structure.
Senator Madison’s bill would provide state
minimum standards somewhat below those
imposed in St. Louis, Kansas City, St. Joseph,
Springfield and other large cities, which have
their own building codes. It would not les-
sen the construction standards of such places,
but in the smaller cities that have no local
building codes the state law would apply. In
many of the smaller communities motion pic-
ture theatres are in reconverted store or
auditorium structures. Had Horn and Webbe
been successful in forcing the new construc-
tion provisions on these places, they probably
would have put many out of business.
Webbe also objected to a change in the
language of the state law regarding the sale
of standing room seats. The existing law
provides that “no more persons shall be ad-
mitted” to a theatre than there are seats.
The proposed law provides that “individual
seats shall be provided for those congregating
in the theatre.” Proponents of the new
building law say the two phrases mean the
same thing. Webbe doesn’t agree. His
amendment to restore the language of the
present law was defeated.
G. A. Cooper Builds Drive-In
DODGE CITY, KAS.— Glen A. Cooper, who
operates the Cooper hatchery here, is build-
ing a drive-in theatre here.
Wuh tyoti'd 2uit
in BOXOFFICE!"
Small Theatres
Missouri Senate
Chairman Urges Checks
For Cancer Campaign
Kansas City — Arthur Cole of Para-
mount, who is county film industry chair-
man for the current cancer drive, is urg-
ing all members of the industry to con-
tribute to the cancer society’s 1947 drive.
Anyone in Jackson county who wishes
to contribute to this fund should send
his check, made out to the American Can-
cer Society, to Arthur Cole, Paramount
Film Distributing Corp., 1802 Wyandotte,
Kansas City, Mo.
Holdup Attempt Is Foiled
At Paramount in Omaha
OMAHA — The second attempt to rob the
Paramount Theatre, managed by Donald
Shane, failed.
Two men triecj the stickup about 3:30 in
the afternoon. Bernice Jadlowski, cashier,
said one of the men approached the window
inside the lobby and pulled a gun. He ordered
her to step to one side, she told police.
She tried to catch the attention of Robert
Huntley, assistant cashier, who was coming
down the stairway into the lobby. He mis-
took the holdup for a complaining patron.
As Huntley approached, the gunman with-
drew his gun when the theatre employe
stopped to talk to him. The bandit hastened
outside and was joined by another. Huntley
then caught on and pursued the pair several
blocks, but they escaped him.
Omaha Girl Says Hope
Has Trouble With Lines
OMAHA — Bob Hope finds memorizing a
script a chore, Manya “Sandy” Friedel, for-
mer Omahan, said on a visit here.
“When he is ad libbing, he is swell,” she
explained. “Words just flow. But when he
makes a movie scene, he flubs the rehearsed
lines because he forgets them.”
Miss Friedel had a chance to see Hope and
other stars in her position as assistant to the
producer of Telecine Productions. She left
Omaha three years ago and was an extra
in a number of films before joining Telecine.
Reel Fellows, Minneapolis,
Vote Colosseum Support
MINNEAPOLIS— The Reel Fellows club,
made up of film exchange sales managers
and salesmen, has elected Milton Lipsner
president to succeed Pat Halloran, who was
chosen vice-president. Other officers elect-
ed were William A. Cameron, treasurer, and
Dick Stahl, sergeant at arms. The club voted
full support to the Colosseum of Motion Pic-
ture Salesmen, and named Halloran, who is
a Universal salesman and member of the
Colosseum strategy committee, to attend the
New York contract conferences.
New Equipment Installed
WEST LIBERTY, IOWA— Management of
the Strand Theatre has announced installa-
tion of new heads, together with new sound
equipment.
Missing Iowa Showman
Located in San Francisco
HUMESTON, IOWA— Harold Marks, 27, as-
sistant manager of two theatres at Perry,
Iowa, who disappeared from here April 2,
was located in San Francisco April 14. The
air force veteran had been the object of a
13-day search by Iowa police.
Marks, his wife and two small daughters
were living in Humeston with his parents
after being forced to leave Perry when the
home they were renting there was sold.
Marks drove off April 2 in his car and had
not been heard from until San Francisco po-
lice confirmed that he was the man who on
April 12 had telegraphed the Perry State
bank asking $100 be wired him from his ac-
count.
Unless further instructions or papers were
received from Iowa, no further action was
planned, San Francisco police said.
Durwood Chain Remodels
Four Missouri Theatres
ST. JOSEPH, MO. — In honor of the remod-
eling of three theatres here, Mayor Allison re-
cently proclaimed Durwood Theatre week.
Attractions at the reopening of the Electric,
Orpheum and Missouri theatres were “The
Jolson Story,” “Blue Skies” and “My Favorite
Brunette” respectively. The Electric is man-
aged by A. L. Lashway, the Orpheum by James
Foster, and the Missouri by Charles Boshart.
Durwood’s State Theatre in Jefferson City
reopened Easter Sunday with “Rendezvous
With Annie” as its attraction. The newly
redecorated house is managed by R. S.
Howard.
Bob Hammer to Manage
Six-City Iowa Circuit
KELLOGG, IOWA — Bob Hammer has been
named manager and operator of the theatre
circuit which includes Searsboro, Barnes
City, Reasnor, Gilman, Collins and Kellogg.
Hammer had been operating a theatre in
Union since his discharge from the navy.
Don Loftus Is Transferred
To Strand in Fort Dodge
ESTHERVILLE, IOWA— Don Loftus, for-
mer manager of the Grand Theatre here, has
been named manager of the Strand in Fort
Dodge.
Tip Saggau at the 'Mike'
OMAHA — Tip Saggau, son of Henry Sag-
gau, Denison, Iowa exhibitor, has been ap-
pointed sports announcer of Omaha’s larg-
est radio station, WOW. Tip attended
Creighton university here and for a while
was a sports announcer for KBON.
Air Conditioning Starts
GRAND ISLAND, NEB.— The Capital The-
atre here is being redecorated. Air condi-
tioning also is being installed for the first
time. The Tri-States Theatres house will not
have to be closed during the work.
Thief Cuts Through Door
MINOT, N. D. — Someone cut a hole six by
three feet in a door of the State Theatre
here and stole about $3 from vending ma-
chines. The safe and office desk were not
molested.
Calleia for Key Role
Enterprise has ticketed Joseph Calleia for a
key role in “They Passed This Way.”
70
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
Detroit Fixes Cold Eye
On Big Theatre Signs
Cincinnati Seat Tax
May Be Increased
CINCINNATI— Increases in the city’s seat
tax have been proposed by W. R. Kellogg, city
manager, who submitted to the city council
a series of suggested ordinances designed to
increase municipal revenue.
Under one proposal, theatres which are
now licensed at 10 cents a seat would be as-
sessed $50 for the first 200 seats, 20 cents a
seat for the next 500 and 10 cents a seat for
all over 700.
Kellogg’s proposals were referred to the fi-
nance committee for a study and public
hearing.
High School Senior Wins
Miss Army Week Title
WILMINGTON, OHIO— Blond Jean Am-
burgy, 18-year-old high school senior, was
selected as Miss Army Week in a beauty
contest at the Murphy Theatre here as part
of Army week observance. She received a
trip by plane to Washington, a tour of the
capital escorted by the army recruiting serv-
ice and $80 for a new wardrobe. Judges were
Frank Collins, general manager for Chakeres
Theatres, of which the Murphy is a unit;
J. Everett Watson, MGM official from Cin-
cinnati; Col. Charles D. Sonnkalb, com-
manding officer of the Clinton county army
air field, and Capt. Robert W. Burkhardt
of Hamilton, in charge of army recruiting
in Clinton, Warren and Butler counties.
Michigan ITO Postpones
Buying Action to May 6
DETROIT — The ITO of Michigan has
called another meeting for Tuesday, May
6, to organize a cooperative buying agency.
Action on the proposal was to have been
taken at a meeting last week, but because
of heavy floods upstate there was only a
small turnout at the meeting and no formal
action was taken. The May 6 meeting, which
also will be for the purpose of electing of-
ficers, will be held at 1 p. m. in the Bagley
room of the Hotel Statler and will include
a luncheon. Sam Carver, MITO president,
issued an invitation to all independent thea-
tre owners to attend as guests of the or-
ganization.
W. L. Dunn's New Theatre
To Be Called the Irish
COCHRANTON, PA.— W. L. Dunn, local
contractor and owner of the new theatre here,
has named the theatre the Irish and has
announced May 8 as opening date. Dunn
chose his wife’s name for the name of the
theatre.
McKelski Plans Erection
Of House in West Baden
WEST BADEN, IND.— V. J. McKelski will
erect a de luxe theatre here with construc-
tion scheduled to start immediately. McKel-
ski owns and operates the West Baden Thea-
tre, which probably will be closed on com-
pletion of the new structure.
Opens Second House After Fire
PINE GROVE, W. VA.— The Pine, dark
for some time, is being reopened by James
Work. It replaces temporarily the Grove,
damaged in a recent fire. Estimated damage
was $15,000.
Bids $600 for Theatre ;
He Has to Pay $3,050
Fairpoint, Ohio — When the 304-seat
Roxy Theatre, abandoned motion pic-
ture house, was sold for taxes recently,
it was bid in for $600 by the former owner,
Sante Cervilli.
County officials, however, had the sale
set aside, and it was auctioned again, the
owner paying $3,050 for the property this
time.
Milo De Haven Acquires
Marblehead on Lease
MARBLEHEAD, OHIO— The Marblehead
Theatre here was taken over on lease this
week by A. Milo De Haven, Waterville show-
man, who also operates the Town in White-
house. He acquired the Marblehead from
Mrs. Charles Vargosick on a ten-year lease
with option to buy.
De Haven closed the theatre Thursday (17)
and said it would remain shuttered for at
least four weeks while the building is re-
modeled, redecorated, and new sound equip-
ment and screen installed.
A large basement in the building will be
remodeled into a youth canteen and will be
available for dancing and refreshments. De
Haven said the canteen would serve as a
meeting place for the younger set and is ex-
pected to make the theatre a community
attraction.
The two-theatre setup will be directed by
De Haven from Waterville, with house man-
agers here and at the Town in Whitehouse.
R. A. Tucker to Manage
New Da-Bel in Dayton
DAYTON — Robert A. Tucker, manager of
the Dale for four years, has been named man-
ager of the new Da-Bel, which is scheduled
for opening soon. Tucker will be succeeded
at the Dale by Jack Coffman, who managed
the theatre for a year and a half during the
war and more recently has managed sub-
urban theatres in Cincinnati. The Da-Bel
will feature the latest in RCA sound equip-
ment and have pushback seats to accommo-
date 985 patrons. Free parking space for
250 cars has been provided opposite the thea-
tre entrance.
Horwitz Named Delegate
To Variety Club Meet
CLEVELAND — Harry Schreiber, Variety
Club chief barker, has named M. B. Horwitz,
general manager of the Washington circuit,
as delegate to the national Variety conven-
tion in Los Angeles. Others to attend from
Tent 6 are Harold Raives, Schine Ohio zone
manager, and Nate Schultz, Monogram fran-
chise owner.
John Urbansky sr. of Associated circuit was
named alternate to Schreiber.
Loses His Mother
TOLEDO — Marvin Harris, manager of the
Paramount, is mourning the death of his
mother in Racine, Wis.
DETROIT — Opposition to large theatre
signs, both marquee and stickout types, on
principal streets in all parts of the city was
voiced in the common council this week by
Councilman Eugene Van Antwerp.
He made known his stand in connection
with a proposed amendment to existing ordi-
nances affecting Woodward avenue signs.
The amendment, offered by Raymond J.
Meurer, would allow a marquee to be erected
within the isosceles triangle extending from
three feet beyond the front of a theatre to a
maximum projection of 1014 feet, provided it
did not come closer to the curb line than
three feet. This would favor V-type marquees
but also would allow smaller rectangular ones.
The amendment would permit changeable
marquee signs, but not stickout signs. The
change has been approved by the city fire
and building departments.
Van Antwerp indicated he would favor
elimination of large theatre signs and mar-
quees virtually everywhere in the city.
At least two instances have occurred re-
cently in which permits for signs and mar-
quees requiring special approval by the coun-
cil have been held up. Neither was near
Woodward avenue. Usually the council ap-
proves such signs if they have been okayed
by the proper city departments. One of the
two applications held up by the council was
voluntarily withdrawn the other day when
it was found that opposition existed in the
council.
The Meurer amendment affecting Wood-
ward avenue signs and marquees would not
affect marquees not used for advertising pur-
poses, such as those erected on department
stores. A subcommittee of the council re-
ported favorably upon it.
Directly affected would be some of the
city’s key theatres, among them the Avenue,
Empress, Palms-State, Fox, Stone, Colonial,
Fine Arts, Paradise, Garden, Majestic, Forest,
Norwood-Telenews, Center, Regent, Alhambra
and Rosedale.
Balaban Visits Cleveland
In Interests of the UJA
CLEVELAND — Barney Balaban, president
of Paramount Pictures, was in town for a
precampaign meeting of the Jewish welfare
fund drive held at the Oakwood Country
club. Also present was John D. Kalafat, who
heads the local Greek relief drive. Local goal
of the Jewish drive is $4,415,000.
Balaban was guest at a luncheon given by
Meyer Fine, Jack Shulman and Nat Wolf,
campaign chairman of the local motion pic-
ture division.
Simpson to the Liberty;
Horn Will Pilot Copley
AKRON — Charles Simpson, formerly as-
sistant manager at the Colonial here, has
been appointed manager of the Liberty, re-
placing Hamilton Horn, who becomes pilot of
the new Copley, modem neighborhood house
here.
Sheldon Gets Tiffin Deal
DAYTON — Sheldon Theatre Supplies of
Dayton has been appointed a dealer of Tiffin
products. The Tiffin Scenic studios in Tiffin
are makers of drapes and scenery.
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
ME
71
Pittsburgh Tax Bill
Killed in Assembly
HARRISBURG — The house bill which
would permit Pittsburgh to assess and col-
lect additional taxes, with theatre admissions
earmarked, has been sent back to commit-
tee to die. Its provisions will be incorporated
into a statewide legislation. On this measure,
house bill No. 505, was centered one of the
most active legislative fights of the session.
Fred J. Herrington, AMPTO of W. Pa.,
secretary, was the only amusement industry
opponent to the bill during the weeks it
had been one of the important items in the
legislative hopper.
TICKET BROKERS EYED
New revenue bills accumulated in the gen-
eral assembly in a knock-down, drag-out
14th week “round” of the 137th regular ses-
sion of the Pennsylvania legislature.
The senate passed the Sunday hockey bill,
26 to 23. The measure authorizes the play-
ing of hockey between 2 and 6 p. m. on Sun-
days if a majority of those voting on the
question in any community sanction it. Its
defeat in the house seems assured.
The bill has been stripped of its basketball
and bowling clauses.
The house bill to regulate ticket brokers
was passed, 200 to 0, and sent to the senate.
This measure (H-532) is now before the
senate committee on local government.
Also passed unanimously was the bill which
exempts the exhibition of religious motion
pictures by churches from provisions of the
1935 Sunday motion picture act. This meas-
ure went to the senate and was referred to
the committee on law and order.
The Cadwalader bill imposing a state tax
on soft drinks, was passed in the house, 147
to 45, and is now before the senate commit-
tee on finance.
The Brunner and Stonier bill empowering
political subdivisions, except cities, counties
and school districts of the first class to levy,
assess and collect additional taxes for gen-
eral revenue purposes, passed second reading
and was recommitted to the house commit-
tee on municipal corporations.
DAYLIGHT SAVING DEFEATED
Attempts to prevent the use of daylight
saving time were defeated and many cities
immediately announced the adoption of fast
time, effective April 27.
Now before the house committee on ways
and means is a measure (H-1130) which
would impose a state tax upon the privilege
to attend or engage in amusements, includ-
ing every form of entertainment, diversion,
sport, . recreation, and pastime. House bill
1131 would impose a state license fee upon
automatic record playing machines, pin ball
machines, pool and billiard tables and bowl-
ipg alleys. This measure is also before the
house committee on ways and means.
Before the house committee on state gov-
ernment is the Fleming bill (H-1200) provid-
ing for the establishment of a state fre-
quency-modulation radio network. This act
would create a radio and audio-visual educa-
tion department and establish a lending
library of recordings, scripts, films and slides.
Another bill (H-1218) would impose a state
tax on coin-operated amusement machines
and devices. The house committee on ways
and means will report on this.
Theatrical agencies, now operating under
a state license fee of $100, would pay $750
under terms of bill (H-924) which is before
the committee on professional licensure.
Senate bill No. 482, which would prohibit
discrimination in rate of pay because of sex,
was assigned to the senate labor and industry
committee.
The senate passed the Blass and Chapman
bill (S-51) which provides for the observance
of September 14 each year as National
Anthem day. This measure now is being
enacted in the house.
Jewish Congress Opposes
'Abie's Irish Rose' Dates
DETROIT — Direct appeal to Michigan ex-
hibitors to decline bookings on “Abie’s Irish
Rose” is being made by the American Jewish
Congress, Detroit section through Harry
Nathan, local president. Alleging that the
film is “offensive and dangerous,” Nathan
asks exhibitors not to show it in their thea-
tres.
The film was screened several weeks ago
for the local chapter of the congress, as well
as for various civic and religious leaders and
heads of other organizations, with a general
discussion following the film. Upshot is
Nathan’s plea to exhibitors. Referring to the
earlier production of this story, he said that
“it was all in the line of fun, and no harm
was intended,” but he contends that these
“post-Hitler” times are different.
“There are millions of people in the United
States who still know the Jew by hearsay
only. Now they are alert to anti-Semitic
propaganda. The exaggerated characteriza-
tions of Mr. Levy and Mr. and Mrs. Cohen
are not only offensive to Jews, but they may
well serve as anti-Semitic propaganda.”
Julius Gugala Opens First
Postwar House in Detroit
DETROIT — The Mars Theatre, first new
house in Detroit in six years, has been opened
quietly by Julius Gugala. The house is located
at 19005 Conant Ave., just south of the Seven
Mile road, and includes a beer garden and
other stores in the same project. The thea-
tre seats 950. Complete Brenkert projection
equipment, stage drapery and boxoffice
equipment, RCA screen and Mohawk car-
peting were installed by Ernie Forbes Thea-
tre Supply. Ideal seats were installed by
McArthur Theatre Equipment Co., and mar-
quee by Long Sign Co.
CCjUlMJBJJS
prank Yassenoff and Harold Schwartz have
A reopened the Eastside Drive-In Theatre
with a showing of “Wilson.” This is the sec-
ond season for the Eastside. Many improve-
ments have been made by Yassenoff and
Schwartz since the close of last season.
The Coliseum at the Ohio state fair
grounds was inspected by Morris “Moe” Rob-
erts, former goal tender for the Cleveland
Barons hockey team, as a possible home for
Columbus hockey. Roberts called the Coli-
seum ideal for ice hockey. Last fall an ice-
skating show installed a portable rink in the
Coliseum.
Station WCOL, local ABC outlet, is in the
midst of moving to a new three-story studio
and office. The main studio in the new build-
ing will accommodate 200 persons. FM equip-
ment is being installed in preparation for the
opening of an FM station for which WCOL
recently obtained a license. It is expected
that the FM station will be in operation this
summer.
Mrs. Jessie May Bocook, mother of Robert
Bocook, of the Loew’s Ohio service staff, was
killed when she was struck by an automobile
. . . Troy Feibel, attorney, is the latest ad-
dition to the growing ranks of associate mem-
bers of the Variety Club Tent 2 . . . Jimmy
Ascher, United Artists representative, was in
town in advance of “The Macomber Affair”
. . . Manager Robert F. Boda of the Hart-
man reports exceptionally good business dur-
ing the first week of a two-week roadshow
engagement of Laurence Olivier’s “Henry V.”
Capt. John Jordan, chief of the fire pre-
vention bureau of the local fire department,
will be replaced because he failed to qualify
for promotion in a civil service test, according
to Fire Chief Clarence W. Ogborn. Captain
Jordan has been especially vigilant in en-
forcing fire and safety regulations in thea-
tres and other public gathering places. Elmer
J. Brophy has been named to succeed him
. . . Theatre ads were eliminated from the
Dispatch for the second successive Tuesday
because of the continuing newsprint shortage.
Other local papers have not had to elimi-
nate theatre ads but their space is still cur-
tailed.
Bud Kissel, Citizen theatre editor, devoted
more than half -page in his Sunday section
to John Calvin Davidson, former Loew’s Ohio
usher, now a dress extra in Hollywood. He
recently appeared in several scenes in “The
Dark Horse” at the Palace and Grand. He is
the son of Mrs. Louise Davidson, 2075 Fair
avenue.
P. J. Wood announced the appointment of
Earl Seitz, Sandusky, as chairman of the en-
tertainment committee for the convention of
the Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio at
Cedar Point July 14-16. “He promises great
things for the ladies as well as the men,”
says Wood . . . Samuel T. Wilson, Dispatch
theatre and music editor, covered the Metro-
politan Opera appearance in Cleveland, as
is his annual custom. Tod Raper subbed for
Wilson on the theatre page.
Active-Ed Is Expanding
TOLEDO— The Active-Ed Sign and Dis-
play Co. here has changed to a corporation
in order to facilitate an extension expan-
sion program, to include the manufacture of
sign boards and outdoor advertising, and the
production of advertising novelties. Lester K.
Mueller is president of the firm.
Hollywood film production employs about
31,000 persons; distribution of films about
14,000; exhibition of films, 161,000.
DRAWS CROWD? LIKE MAGIC }
^ tVAHOO
America's Finest Screen Game
AMUSEMENT CO.. 831 S. WABASH AVE., CHICAG
72
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
Michigan Drive Set
For Cancer Funds
DETROIT — First run theatres of Michigan
will start their cancer fund drive May 18,
with other theatres starting two days later.
The campaign will last one week. Six hun-
dred theatres in the lower peninsula are en-
listed in the drive, according to Arvid Kantor,
chairman of the drive and state coordinator.
The total raised in Michigan theatres last
year was $146,890.30, of which $58,000 was
turned over to the American Cancer society
in Grand Rapids and the balance to the
society in Detroit. With funds turned over
in Detroit, seven cancer detection centers
have been built. The money is also being
used to pay for a portion of the new Ameri-
can Cancer Society Bldg, at John R and
Hancock avenues.
The drive will again be under the direction
of the Variety Club, which pioneered in this
activity. The goal this year is $250,000.
Executive committee for the campaign in-
cludes Lew Wisper, Earl J. Hudson, arid
Laurence Gordon of the W&W, United De-
troit, and Butterfield circuits, respectively.
Forbes Five Holds Lead
In Nightingale League
DETROIT — Ernie Forbes Theatre Supply
retains the lead in the Nightingale Club Bowl-
ing league with only two more sets to roll.
Team standings are:
Won Lost
Ernie Forbes Theatre Supply 52 26
United Theatre Equipment 47 31
Lorenzen Flower Shop 40 38
Altec Sound Service 38 40
Brenkert Light Projectors 38 40
National Theatre Supply 37 41
Projectionists Local 199 36 42
McArthur Theatre Supply 35 43
National Carbon Co 34 44
George McArthur 33 45
High scores were Lewis 242; Swistak 202
and 225; Huebner 223; M. Haskins 211; Akins
205; Engerson 202 and Beers 200.
DETROIT — Final team standings for the
second half of the Film Bowling league:
Won
Lost
RKO -
24
United Artists
35
25
Co-Op Theatres
34
28
Republic
32
28
Theatrical Adv.
30
30
Quality Premiums —
25
35
Allied Films
24
36
Monogram
Season’s averages
24
38
for individuals:
Small
176; Sturm 175; Metzger 173; Sheran 173;
England 170; Malinowski 168; Susami 167;
Boyer 166; Bowman 156; Levy 153; Bembaum
151; Saxe 151; White 151; Ritter 150; E.
Sullivan 150; Alexander 150; Loye 150.
Class “B”: Goryl 169; MacDougall 168; Kap-
lan 164; Lamb 164; Beck 162; Baker 161; Pas-
anen 160; Zide 158.
Class “C”: Pollard 166; Aranow 153; Koski
160; Fill 159; H. Trombley 159; Graff 158;
Holmes 158; Sturgess 157.
Class “E” — J. Sullivan 150; Clarry 149;
Turer 146; A. Trombley 145; Buermele 143;
Sharkey 140; Haskins 139; Scharun 139.
High 3 teams: United Artists 2,629; Re-
public 2,614; Allied 2,589. Individuals: Metzger
643; Small 638; Goryl 627.
High single teams: United Artists 983; RKO
Radio 963; Quality 942. Individuals: Metzger
246; Goryl 246, and Small 244.
Trips; Asks $3,000
DAYTON — Chester D. Anderson, a butcher,
has filed a $3,000 damage suit against the
Mayfair Theatre as a result of a fall down
some steps. Anderson claims he remained at
the bottom of the steps for an hour before be-
ing taken to a hospital. He says he paid $1.20
for a second floor boxseat at the burlesque
house and fell after he tripped over a rug.
LOUISVIL
The Queen Theatre in Russell, Ky., which
was damaged by a fire recently, has been
repaired and was scheduled to reopen April
19. The Queen is owned and operated by Dr.
A. T. Del Checcolo of Ashland.
C. O. Humston of the Lyric in Lawrence-
burg, Ky., has announced the purchase of a
store building next door to his theatre. The
store building will be remodeled and made a
part of the theatre auditorium. The Lyric
will continue operations during the remodel-
ing of the addition and when completed the
theatre will move into the newly remodeled
structure while the present theatre audi-
torium undergoes a similar remodeling. When
both auditoriums are complete the separat-
ing wall will be removed and the two struc-
tures will be joined. In addition to en-
larging his theatre, Humston recently pur-
chased and has moved into a new home in
Shelbyville. From all reports the new house
is virtually a mansion.
W. E. Carroll of the Falls City Theatre
Equipment Co. is back in town after spending
several days in Crab Orchard, Ky., installing
new projection equipment in the New Bailey
Theatre. The original opening of the Bailey
had been set for April 10, but had to be set
back . . . Andy Anderson has begun the clear-
ing of property for the construction of his
new theatre in Hodgenville, Ky. Building of
the new structure will begin in late summer
or early fall. At present, Anderson is op-
erating the Lincoln Theatre, which will be
closed upon completion of the new enter-
prise.
An “extremely polite young man” in army
uniform held up the cashier at the Rex Thea-
tre here and escaped with approximately $25.
A few hours later police charged Pvt. Roger
E. Morgan, 17, Fort Knox, with the robbery.
He was identified by the cashier, Mrs. Lavina
Skaggs. Police were told by Mrs. Skaggs the
man came to the window with a piece of
cloth wrapped around what she thought was
a gun. He told her he needed the money to
go home and politely insisted that she give
him what was in the cashbox. She said that
when she handed him the $25 he hailed a
passing cab and rode away.
The Louisville showing of “The Best Years
of Our Lives” brought out a busman’s holi-
day manifestation. J. E. Elliott jr., projec-
tionist at the Lincoln in Hodgenville, not only
used his day off to come to Louisville to catch
the show but he paid to get in, too ... In a
tieup with the Bosten & Langen Beauty Salon
for “Best Years,” the Strand had a picture of
Myrna Loy in the Salon’s newspaper adver-
tisement.
“Andy” Anderson, president of Photoplay
Theatres of Hartford and one of the organ-
izers of the Kentucky Ass’n of Theatre Own-
ers, will make a new effort to get the Ken-
tucky legislature to repeal the state ticket tax
of 10 per cent. He will seek election as a
representative from Ohio county . . . Herb
Nadel, former manager of the Hill Top Thea-
tre here, is vacationing in Hot Springs, Ark.,
with Sylvester Grove of the Capitol and
Shelby theatres.
Among recent visitors to the local scene
were: Oscar Kessinger and W. Clausen of
the Bonnieville Amusement Co., Bonnieville,
Ky.; Eugene Lutes, Chakeres circuit district
manager, Frankfort, Ky.; G. N. May, Dream
Theatre, Corydon, Ind.; Bruce Aspley, Trigg
& Plaza Theatres, Glasgow, Ky.; Mr. and
Mrs. E. L. Ornstein, Ornstein Theatres, Ma-
rengo, Ind.; Oscar Hopper, Arista Theatre,
Lebanon, Ky.; Otto Marcum, St. Clair Thea-
tre, Lebanon Junction, Ky.; J. F. Carnahan,
L E
Manchester, Manchester, Ky., and Russell
Phillips, Franklin, Greensburg, Ky.
H. S. Davidson is manager of the Shelby
and Capitol theatres, owned by the Parkview
Amusement Co. . ^ . The Orpheum is under-
going a complete redecorating. The theatre
is operated jointly by Madge Dolan and
Robert Whayne . . . W. T. Cook has an-
nounced the opening of the Redstone Thea-
tre, located on St. Andrew’s church road in
the suburbs of Louisville.
The new theatre being constructed in Bon-
nieville by the Bonnieville Amusement Co.
will be called the Bond, according to Oscar
Kessinger, general manager. The Bond is
scheduled to open June 1 . . . With the com-
pletion of the second drive-in theatre here,
the owners decided they would have to use
names to properly identify one from the
other. One theatre will be known as the East
Drive-In and the other the West Drive-In.
The East was scheduled to open Wednesday
(16). During the closed months, many im-
provements were made, including the chang-
ing from a central speaking system to in-a-
car speakers. The West is still in the build-
ing stage and is expected to open some time
between the first and the 15th of July. The
West will also be equipped with in-a-car
speakers. Both will be directed by Floyd
Murrow.
Lucille Cummings, a contender for the title
of “Miss Louisville of 1947,” will leave for
Hollywood, Calif., to become a model at the
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios. Miss Cum-
mings said she didn’t believe she would re-
turn to Louisville to compete in the Miss
Louisville pageant of 1947.
A pretty policewoman’s complaint that
“wolves” are running loose in downtown thea-
tres caused Police Court Judge Homer C. Mc-
Lellen to impose a ten-day jail sentence on
James S. Ward, 45. The officer, Mrs. Eugenia
Thacker, said Ward offered her a stick of
chewing gum and rubbed his knee against
hers in a Fourth street theatre.
“The Egg and I,” currently at the National,
has been held for a second week. Also play-
ing to capacity are “The Jolson Story” at the
Kentucky and “The Best Years of Our Lives”
at the Strand. Both are second week hold-
overs. “Sinbad the Sailor” opened at the
Rialto as did “The Macomber Affair” at
Loew’s.
Puts Over Two Reissues
With a Letter Contest
COSHOCTON, OHIO— Ronald Sturgis of
the Star Theatre recently staged a novel
and successful publicity campaign for a double
feature program of reissues, “Sky Devils” and
“Hell’s Angels,” both distributed through Im-
perial Pictures.
Sturgis received several hundred answers
to the question: “I like the movies of today
better than those of the ‘Sky Devils’ and
‘Hell’s Angels’ era because ”
Senoritas in Cincinnati
CINCINNATI — Three Costa Rican senoritas,
recent winners in a nationwide popularity
contest sponsored by the leading newspaper
in San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital, stopped
here on their tour of the U.S. in behalf of
20th-Fox’s “Carnival in Costa Rica.” A
luncheon was given for the girls, attended
by Lev Bugie, manager for 20th-Fox, news-
paper critics and members of the Foreign
Policy Ass’n.
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
73
CINCINNATI
•The Cincinnati Cinema Club installed new
A officers in a ceremony attended by 150
guests at the Variety clubrooms. Among those
present were 20 Dayton exhibitors and others
from nearby cities in Ohio, Kentucky and
West Virginia. John Eiffert of Warners is the
new president, succeeding Ross Williams,
United Artists salesman. Maury White was
toastmaster, while Judge Morrow of the com-
mon pleas court spoke. Morrow served in 14
countries in the last war, being discharged
as a colonel. Tom McMahon, head booker
at MGM, won the table model radio door
prize.
Filmrow workers rushed to the streets fol-
lowing a boiler explosion in the Universal
exchange basement. Quick response by fire-
men prevented fire . . . Screams by a War-
ner stenographer also caused some excite-
ment. She reported an unidentified youth
attempted to seize her as she entered the
building after lunch.
Clyde Wilfong has re-equipped his Hay-
mond Theatre in Haymond, Ky. . . . Lester
Rosenfeld, former film salesman and ex-
hibitor now living in Charleston, W. Va.,
called on old friends on Filmrow, a custom
he never misses on visits to Cincinnati. He
recently returned from a winter in Florida.
Employes at RKO received a letter from
Wally Heim, former exploiteer here who
was transferred to Chicago. Heim reports he
and his wife still are hunting an apartment.
They are expecting a baby late in the sum-
mer . . . Hugh MacKenzie, present RKO ex-
ploiteer here who was transferred from St.
Louis, was more lucky. He already is settled
in an apartment. MacKenzie has been ex-
hibiting a letter from Sam Goldwyn com-
plimenting him on the fine campaign he ar-
ranged for the local showing of “The Best
Years of Our Lives.”
Jack Stallings, who operates theatres in
Blanchester and Versailles, Ohio, was wel-
comed on Filmrow following his recovery
from a three-week seige of pneumonia, which
developed from the flu . . . The Guy Lom-
bardo orchestra set a new opening day rec-
ord at Keith’s in Dayton although he opened
on Thursday of Holy week . . . Walter
Wiens, Paramount manager, visited his fam-
ily in Dallas.
Jerry Kunz held a private opening of his
new Auto Theatre in Price Hill Friday (18),
with the formal opening set for several days
later . . . J. L. Wetzel and Robert J. Kelly
opened their Skyline Theatre in Dayton
April 10. Following a screening for invited
associates and friends, a buffet luncheon was
served at the Variety Club quarters in the
Dayton Moraine hotel.
New at RKO: Terrie Velma Doss, avail-
ability clerk; Peggy Jean Boles, inspector . . .
Sarah Goldberg, Popular Pictures bookkeeper,
was home ill with the flu several days . . .
Clark Ducker of Associated Theatres, Wes
Huss’ right-hand “man,” returned to work
following a seige of the flu.
Bob Tush, manager, expects to open the
new Mount Healthy Drive-In in May ... A
windstorm which destroyed the screen tower
of the Florence Drive-In at Florence, Ky.,
caused a postponement of the opening date
by owners Macklin and Hill.
Bob Burns, Columbia office manager, has
been transferred to salesman in the Ken-
tucky territory. Ross Spencer, head booker,
will succeed him as office manager . . . J. J.
Grady, 20th-Fox district manager, went to
Chicago to confer with William C. Gehring,
division manager . . . Jack Keegan, Para-
mount Theatres manager here, inspected
houses in Marion, Fremont, Clyde and Belle-
vue.
Charles H. Huertz, formerly of the March
Theatre in Fort Wayne, has been appointed
manager of the Chevoit in Cheviot, Ohio . . .
Vinette Lucas resigned as assistant publicity
director here for RKO Theatres and is leav-
ing on a three-week vacation in Florida.
Fred Steuben, manager of the RKO Palace,
succeeds her as publicity aide, while Albert
P. Theil of the Capitol is transferred to floor
manager of the Palace.
“It Happened on Fifth Avenue” was sneak-
DRIVE-IN and
THEATER EQUIPMENT
Drawings, specifications, blueprints to fit any expen-
diture for the simplest to the most complex theatre.
* DeVry Projectors cmd Amplifiers
* ALTEC LANSING Amplifiers and Speakers
* RADIANT Sound Screens * STRONG Lamps
* STRONG Rectifiers * National Carbons
* NEUMADE Accessories * GOLDE Supplies
* TIFFIN Draperies and Scenery
Complete Factory Service
Film Booking Service Available
"Before You Buy, See and Hear DeVry"
SHELDON
THEATER SUPPLIES
Office Phone: ADams 9644 — Nights and Sundays: TAylor 7511
1420 CANFIELD AVE. * DAYTON, OHIO
previewed simultaneously at the Palace, Al-
bee and Grand before sellout audiences to-
taling 6,500. The film will open at the Palace
April 23.
Ed Wheeler, Astor Pictures manager here
who has been looking for an apartment since
last October, finally has located one. Astor
recently acquired an early A1 Jolson film
which will open at the Strand the last part
of this month.
Harry Keller, U-I publicist, left for New
York to attend a home office meeting . . .
New at U-I are Rowena Ford, assistant con-
tract clerk, and Helen Eberhart, manager’s
secretary . . . Bob Lichtenstein has resigned
as Warner booker and returned to New York.
Ted Langenbohn, WB booker at Philadelphia,
succeeds him here.
Dorothy Daughtee, secretary to William
Onie, Monogram manager, resigned, effective
April 25, to be married. Onie left last weekend
to attend a sales meeting in New York . . .
Jack Furrer, RKO West Virginia salesman,
was ill with the flu a second time in several
months.
George Bailey will open his new Bailey
Theatre in Crab Orchard, Ky., April 20. It
is a 300-seat house, the first in town . . .
Rube Shor, business manager for the West
Virginia Managers Ass’n, left to attend the
North Central Allied convention in Minne-
apolis April 21, 22.
Four youths were taken to court for de-
stroying upholstery on seats in the Glenway
Theatre in Price Hill, operated by Bud
Ackerman. They were ordered to pay the cost
of repairing the seats and forbidden to enter
the theatre for six months.
Many filmites were at the Beverly Hills
Country club to see Eleanor Powell where she
opened last week . . . Lou Holtz and Diosa
Costello were at the Glenn Rendezvous, while
“Call Me Mister” will open at the Emery
auditorium Monday (21) and “The Iceman
Cometh” the following Monday (28) at the
Cox Theatre.
Arnold Skelly, manager of the Ohio Thea-
tre in Xenia, visited the exchanges after a
long absence . . . Also in town were Dwight
Curfman, Westerville, Ohio; Charles Scott,
Vevay, Ind.; Louie and Manny Short of War
and Holden, W. Va.; Manny Marcus, Indian-
apolis; Chris Davie, Corning and New Lex-
ington, Ohio; W. T. Cain jr., Louisa and
Paintsville, Ky.; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd William-
son, Regal Theatre, Dayton; Frank Mandros,
Alpine Best Theatre, Charleston, W. Va.
Marriages: Jay Goldberg, son of Lee Gold-
berg of Popular Pictures, to Lynne Sherman
of Cincinnati. Jay is a tradepaper corre-
spondent in Los Angeles . . . Charles Sandhas,
assistant manager of Keith’s . . . Patricia
Burkhart is planning a May wedding and
Lillian Rust a June ceremony. Both are with
Warners.
The baby son of Manny Nagle, 20th-Fox
salesman, is a month old . . . Lucille Mont-
gomery and Reba Gill are leaving RKO to
await visits by the stork . . . New Filmrow
faces: Mary Martin, Columbia; Stanley Du-
delson, Film Classics salesman; Helen Heim-
brock, FC bookkeeeper; Pat Draper and Ma-
bel Kennedy, 20th-Fox stenographers; Helen
Cole and Terry Reynolds, RKO.
One of the thoroughbred Pekinese dogs
owned by Mr. and Mrs. Nat Wise won a blue
ribbon in the recent annual dog show here.
Wise is publicity director for RKO Theatres.
Fonda with Crawford
Henry Fonda has been ticketed by 20th-Fox
to star with Joan Crawford and Dana An-
drews in “Daisy Kenyon.”
74
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
Flint Rialto Flooded;
Others Off Lightly
DETROIT — Michigan’s film industry came
through the recent floods, severest in the
history of the state, in much better shape
than many at first anticipated. Most seri-
ously damaged theatre appeared to be the
Rialto in Flint. Here the water came up to
the stage, and extensive rehabilitation work
is required.
Very few other theatres, if any, actually
closed down, though nearly all in southern
Michigan suffered severe loss of business:
as great as 80 per cent in some instances.
About 100 houses, including some in Detroit,
experienced minor flood damage, chiefly in
basements. Adequate pumping systems min-
imized the damage.
Tribute was due to the film carriers, who
went through without missing a truck route,
although extensive detours on muddy side
roads were often necessary. Film Truck Serv-
ice reported not a single missout on their
routes, which cover most of the state. In
contrast, two weeks earlier their trucks were
held in the garage here by orders of the
state police when the blizzard blocked roads.
It was the second time in a quarter century
that film failed to go through. Some missouts
of shows on one-day deliveries were reported
on this occasion.
The Flint Rialto, managed by Maxie Gealer
for Associated Theatres, had water over half
the house, and was being reseated this week
with push-back seats by Kroehler, to match
the original installation. Other crews were
working on the house, too, and they hoped
to have it open by Friday (18), according
to circuit supervisor Samuel H. Greisman.
Damage, which was estimated at about $5,000,
was not covered by insurance.
Leader of Safe Crackers
Gets Long Term in Pen
GREENSBURG, PA. — Thomas Jawarski, 58,
Penn township farmer accused of having a
cache of stolen dynamite, was sentenced to
eight to 16 years in Western penitentiary by
Judge Richard D. Laird. State police testi-
fied Jawarski, an ex-convict, had planned a
$350,000 mine pay roll robbery at Scranton.
He also was accused of being the leader of a
gang of five that planned to dynamite a safe
in the office of the Oaks Theatre, Oakmont.
Two safe crackers, caught in the act in the
Oaks by Steve Rodnok jr., theatre manager,
were captured by him with police assistance.
One of the captured thugs was wounded by
revolver fire pressured from the fingers of
young Rodnok. The two robbers, after much
questioning, finally implicated Jawarski and
this led to his apprehension and conviction.
A Drive-In in Scottdale
SCOTTDALE, PA. — A new drive-in is an-
nounced for construction two miles from here.
Incorporation papers have been issued to
the Ruthorn Enterprises, owned by Donald
Ruth of the Ruth Lumber Co. and R. M.
Thorne, Cloverleaf grocer. The theatre will
have accommodations for more than 600 auto-
mobiles. Complete equipment will be in-
stalled by the Alexander Theatre Supply Co.
Drive-In to Open Soon
SEWICKLEY, PA. — Robert W. Thomson jr.
and Elson H. Marr are preparing the Brook-
side Drive-In Theatre for opening this spring
in Franklin towpship. Automobile capacity
will be 400 cars. Alexander Theatre Supply
Co. is installing all equipment. A modem
feature will be in-a-car speakers.
CLEVELAND
^he Variety Club dinner scheduled for last
Monday and postponed when Harold
Russell, star of “The Best Years of Our
Lives,” slated to be the guest of honor, was
taken ill, will be held as soon as Russell is
well enough to make the trip from New
York, says Chief Barker Harry Schreiber . . .
Howard Roth, Paramount head booker, and
Mrs. Roth, are looking forward to May 1,
when they leave for their annual vacation in
Dallas.
J. Knox Strachan, Warner theatre pub-
licity director, flew to Messina, N. Y., last
weekend to attend the funeral of his uncle
. . . Vacationers are coming back home. J. S.
Jossey of Hygienic Productions is back from
a three-month business trip through the
southwest, Mexico and California . . . the Sam
Steckers of Associated circuit returned from
California . . . Frank Gross of the Gross
circuit also returned from California . . .
the Abe Schwartzes are back from their
usual Florida winter vacation . . . And just
to be different, the Max Lefkowichs spent
Easter in Atlantic City.
John Urbansky sr. and Bernard Rubin are
in New York seeking more state rights prod-
uct for distribution through their Imperial
Pictures exchange . . . “Seeds of Destiny,”
16mm subject produced by Pere Lorenz, was
screened at the Cleveland public library. It
is available to clubs and private groups.
Seymour Amster, former owner of thea-
tres in Elyria, Ohio, and of the Fairmount
here, writes that among recent guests at his
home in Los Angeles were Henry and Mrs.
Greenberger of the Community circuit. They
spent a day at Arrowhead Springs where
they ran into another Clevelander, Horace
Abrams. Amster, who sold his Cleveland
interests when he went to California to live
a life of ease free from business, tired of
inactivity, is now in the candy business, op-
erating as the Rembrandt Co.
Nat Chamas, Toledo theatre owner, was in
town on a monthly booking trip . . . Palace
Theatre, Toledo, recently had a successful
engagement by dualing two comedies, “The
Road to Hollywood” with Bing Crosby and
“Flying Deuces” with Laurel and Hardy . . .
They’re even “double featuring” in the Co-Op
office these days, with H. E. McManus, head
booker, moving his desk into the same office
with Head Man Milt Mooney ... Joe Leavitt
of Independent Screen Room and Mrs. Lea-
vitt are back from a four-week Florida vaca-
tion . . . Oscar Ruby, Columbia branch man-
ager, won a fight with the flu and is back
at his desk.
Sam Seplowin, Republic district manager,
was in town . . . Likewise United Artists dis-
trict manager, Moe Dudelson . . . Nate
Schultz, Monogram franchise owner, at-
tended a company meeting in New York . . .
Academy Film Service, headed by Gilbert
Come Hell <£ High Water ,
Boris Bernardi Finds It
Detroit — Boris Bernardi, Midwest cir-
cuit executive, had quite a trip to Canada.
He drove to Toronto and flew from there
to Montreal, where he was grounded by
floods. Finally he got to Toronto, where
he couldn’t get his car started. Under
way at last, he drove as far as London,
only to find it under water. He de-
toured all the way up to Sarnia to get
around the flood, then got bogged down
at last at Mount Clemens, just a short
way from home.
Lefton, has been appointed a licensed dis-
tributor of Natco 16mm sound projectors in
this territory.
Max Cohen, U-I manager, got back from
Washington, where he spent Easter, in time
to call on exhibitors in their native habitats.
Cohen reports that three U-I features will
be shown in Cleveland first run houses dur-
ing May. They are “Song of Scheherazade,”
“Smash-Up” and “The Michigan Kid” . . .
Thanks to RKO for that “first day of issue”
Pulitzer stamp.
Pete Wood, ITOO secretary, gave Berio
Vending Co. a nice pat on the back when he
recommended that service in his last bulle-
tin.
Detroit Leaders Pledge
Support for UJA Drive
DETROIT — Industry leaders gathered here
Tuesday night at a dinner held at the Variety
Club and pledged full support for the 1947
United Jewish Appeal. Barney Balaban,
Paramount president, was the principal
speaker.
At noon Balaban conferred with leaders
of the drive, including Lew Wisper, Arvid
Kantor and Arthur Robinson, who, with
Alex Schreiber, are serving as co-chairmen
for the film industry. Also attending were
Isador Sobeloff, executive director of the
Jewish Welfare Federation of Detroit; Peter
B. Colwm, trade director of the UJA; Lou
Novins, Paramount, and Sam Shain, 20th-
Fox, who made the trip with Balaban.
Among those at the dinner in the evening:
Max Allen, A1 Ackerman, Irving Belinsky,
Max Blumenthal, S. J. Bowman, Paul Broder,
Lou Cohen, Jacob M. Gross, Jack D. Goldhar,
Edward Hochstim, David M. Idzal, Arvid
Kantor, Irving Katcher, Sol Krim, Joseph J.
Lee, Daniel J. Lewis, Julius D. London, Mil-
ton H. London, Irwin H. Pollard, A. Robin-
son, Benjamin J. Robins, Max Schreiber, Carl
H. Shalit, Harold Smiley, Lew Wisper, Ray-
mond Schreiber, Jack Zide and Milton Zim-
merman.
Installations Are Reported
CLEVELAND— Ben L. Ogron of the Ohio
Theatre Supply Co. announces the following
installations: Lorain high school, new Motio-
graph projector and other equipment; Nathan
Hale jr. high, Cleveland, Motiograph projec-
tor, and sound system; Detroit Theatre, Cleve-
land, Motiograph sound system and a Robin-
Imperial generator. Ogron has also closed a
deal with the Nate Schultz circuit for carpet-
ing the Ambassador Theatre, Cleveland; the
Lorain, Lorain, and the Quilna, Lima.
OLIVER THEATRE
SUPPLY CO., INC.
M. H. FRITCHLE
Manager
23rd and Payne Avenue
Phone: PRospect 6934
CLEVELAND
FR EE! Give your patrons
iVear-Ever Pressure Cookers and All Metal Shop-
ping Carts worth $287.50. Write lor details.
Coulter
Dinnerware
Theatre Films
403 Film Bldg.
Cleveland 14, Ohio
Theatre
Games
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
75
DETROIT
Under the Marquees: Joseph Mangiapane,
new owner of the Crane, is planning to
sell out his lease on the house and move to
Tucson, where he may open a drive-in . . .
Mrs. Chester J. Williams, whose husband is
at the Mel in Melvindale, reports their home
in Dearborn was right on the border of the
flood district but escaped.
Rudy C. Schroeder, manager of the Palmer
Park in Highland Park, has been producing
a minstrel show for the local Exchange club
. . . Earl Hudson, UDT president, was back
from a trip to the southwest . . . C. E.
“O’Bie” O'Bryan has taken over as man-
ager of the Riviera.
Leo Oleskowicz, on reopening the Atlas
following its closing in memory of his fa-
ther’s death, found 30 inches of water in the
basement from the big flood. His sister
Frances will take over the office and ac-
counting duties at the house for the family.
Edward Hohler, back at the Civic in Farm-
ington, which he opened for Associated,
points with pride to the fine understage
boiler room with the last word in neatly
functioning equipment . . . Roy E. Campbell,
manager of the Shafer in Garden City, had
18 inches of water in front of his house.
Walter Shafer, the owner, wasn’t able to do
anything about it. He was isolated in Wayne
. . . William Ahrens has been transferred
by UDT from the Regent to the Mel in
Melvindale to replace Melville Vernon.
Richard Schneider, who was trapped in
Germany when he went back for a visit in
1939, is new manager of the Art for Nick
Forest, who has gone off to another man-
agerial post himself at the time.
Gertrude Tracy and Joseph La Rose, man-
agers, respectively, of the Van Dyke and
the Eastown, manage over a cup of coffee
to keep their rivalry friendly. Mrs. La Rose,
by the way, is expected home after hos-
pitalization. The La Roses have moved back
into the theatre apartments following a fire
in their home.
Thomas Picha, manager of the Virginia,
has the usual spring flood at his home on
Joy road . . . Mr. and Mrs. H. O. Koch report
things are going smoothly at the Dox . . .
Jess Williams of the Roseville and East
Detroit is going into the ballroom business,
too . . . N. J. Aiello, former manager of the
Esquire, took a trip to visit his mother.
Sam Greisman, Associated supervisor, fig-
ured it’s a good time to call us in between
—THEATRE CHAIRS
3000 Used Spring cushioned, part full
upholstered back and part insert
panel back, with spring edges and
box spring cushions.
1000 Veneer Chairs.
800 Good Backs.
500 Spring cushions, and hinges.
Write for Prices and Photographs
JESSE COLE Theatre Seating
2565 McClellan. Detroit Phone: LEnox 3445
seasons . . . Ralph Oehmke, a newcomer to
show business has been named assistant to
Manager Frank B. Hall at the Wyandotte in
Wyandotte . . . Changes of ownership in the
theatres at Coopersville and Rogers City are
rumored.
Charles Holloway has taken over the Mon-
roe . . . D. J. McKenzie has sold the Star at
Flint to Joseph B. Common, who doubles at
Buick . . Hyman Gordon’s Hazel Park was
robbed of $120 and the office ransacked, after
closing hours, the other night. William Clark
of United Theatre Equipment has taken over
booking for the Hazel Park.
Irving Belinsky, former owner of the Film
drug store, has taken over the Savoy Theatre
from Donald B. Lovewell.
Along the Rialto: Ben Lerner, formerly
associated with the Larry Lawrence office,
has opened his own agency under the name
of Nationwide Theatrical Agency, in the Mc-
Kerchey Bldg. . Hedy Lamarr is reported
to be coming to Detroit for the opening of
“Laura” at the Shubert-Lafayette. Her hus-
band, John Loder, is starred.
William Petzold, Chrysler dealer, who fur-
nished a special new car for “The Egg and I,”
reports he can’t find any except a competing
car in the film . . . Harold Russell, handless
star of “The Best Years of Our Lives,” was
taken ill and the Variety Club luncheon in
his honor was called off . . . Robert “Junior”
Dunbar booked the Allegro choir for Satur-
day night at Variety.
Alex Schreiber, general manager of As-
sociated Theatres, was in the wreck of the
Super Chief near Albuquerque, N. M., to-
gether with his wife and daughter Bluma,
but all escaped injury. He was en route back
from a four-week vacation in Los Angeles.
His family had been out west for the winter.
Barney Balaban was in town in connec-
tion with the United Jewish Foundation
drive . . . Leonard Soskm, theatrical insur-
ance specialist, his wife and son were stuck
for a night each in Thamesford and London,
Ont., during the big snow.
Up in the Booths: Joseph Binney, who
operated at the Civic in Farmington during
the war, has left theatrical work to go into
other lines . . . Charles C. Bonham, who is
back at the Civic, got into the navy instead
of the naval reserve by mistake, and almost
didn’t get out. His job belongs to the Ann
Arbor local, but he’s the son of Charles H.
Bonham, who is president of the Pontiac IA
local.
Chester J. Williams of the Mel in Melvin-
EXfflBITORS — PARK FREE AT
McArthur
THEATRE
EQUIPMENT
COMPANY
4 54 Columbia st. west - Detroit l, Mich.
MOTIOGRAPH SERVICE
Phone: CAdiUac 5524
r ^
PLAN YOUR NEW THEATRE NOW
CHARLES N. BOARD, Theatre Builder
huai i/Huwu . rnospeci iuoq
Theatre Bldg. * Phone3 Rosev;iie 0243
k A
SUPER
SIZE
POP CORN CO.
Ready Popped Corn
307 Boulevard Bldg.
Detroit 3, Mich.
TRinity 2-3880 — 24
hour phone service
RUDY SCHROEDER
HERBERT MORGAN
dale is putting in his spare time fixing up
things around the house . . . James Powers
jr., recently in the photographic business,
has moved into the Arcadia, replacing Rob-
ert Kinsora . . . Donald E. Lewis jr., of the
Rosedale promises to roll up some nice scores
in the city tournament.
Francis Light of the Century says most
people take him for his brother Al, who is
with Jam Handy . . . Homer Dillenbeck of
the Dox is assisting William A. Rennie in-
stall new bases in his machines at the
Beechwood . . . James H. Kanipe of the
Seville is planning a southern trip, date not
set.
Exchanges: Jerry Harris, Republic shipper,
resigned to devote his entire time to writing
music, singing and fronting his own band.
He plans to be married soon to Margie Sayles
of Detroit . . . Don Fill of PRC is one of the
town’s steady first nighters.
E. W. Sweigert, division manager, and H.
H. Goldstein, district manager, were in town
for Paramount, together with President
Barney Balaban . . . Arvid Kantor, manager,
and Ivan Clavet and Norman Linz, sales-
men, are delegates to the National Screen
Service convention in Chicago this week.
Kantor is back on the job after three weeks
of serious illness with the flu. Mrs. Kantor
left for Los Angeles, where she will remain
until her husband joins her for the Variety
convention.
Faye Boyd has left Columbia to return to
Film Classics . . . Jack Morgan, MGM sales
manager, has been seriously ill with the flu
. . . Dorothy Harrison of Allied Films is out
of the hospital, but will be convalescing at
home for another couple of weeks.
Don Fill displayed his abilities as chef and
dishwasher for a couple of young ladies on
the Row the other night . . . Harold Mor-
rison of Columbia has resigned as manager
of the Hazel Park Theatre . . . William F.
Rodgers of Metro was reported visiting in
town briefly.
Gene Alexander, formerly office manager
at Universal, has been named branch man-
ager for Vanguard, the new Selznick outlet,
and has opened an office in the Donovan
Bldg.
Theatrical Post notes: At the last post
meeting, five members were added. They are
Jack Williams of the Detroit Institute of Arts,
Clifton Farmer, Music Hall; Joseph Adelman
of the Hollywood Theatre, Lou McAlister of
the Fox Theatre and Joseph Pickering . . .
Theatrical post will have a May festival Mon-
day, May 12, at the Fort Shelby hotel, be-
ginning around 9:30. The cost will be $1.50
per person.
Faces not seen in some time that showed
up at the last meeing were Eddie O’Flynn,
Dave “Slim” Cairns, Clarence Apgar, Bill
Fouchey and Lou Tucker . . . William Ed-
(gSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSfl
General Theatre
Equipment Co.
109 Michigan St. Toledo 2, Ohio
ADams 8511 Nights and Sun. JOrdan 1662
A complete line of equipment and supplies,
including
CENTURY PROJECTORS
CENTURY SOUND SYSTEMS
IDEAL CHAIRS
STRONG LAMPS
24-hour Repair Service by Experienced
Projection and Sound Engineers.
76
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
wards did a nice job as chaplain . . . What’s
become of Jack Ferentz, George Clancy, A1
Shook and Buddy Fields?
Max Scher is out of the veterans hospital
and is home feeling much better . . . Frank
Wetsman also is up and around . . . Sam
Cornelia has just returned from a visit with
his daughter in Buffalo. Sam’s wife Mamie
is recovering rapidly from her recent opera-
tion . . . The state convention will be held
July 4 weekend. Roy Ruben says he thinks
the noonday meetings are fine but regrets
that his afternoon shifts just happen to fall
on meeting days . . . First nomination of
officers will be held at the next meeting.
Green Seeks Jury Trial
Of $450,000 Trust Suit
PITTSBURGH — A jury trial will be sought
by David N. Green, proprietor of the Beacon
Hill Theatre, in. his civil antitrust action
against 15 distributors and affiliated circuits.
Green filed suit for $450,000 in U.S. district
court last week, charging that he was denied
first run pictures because of “monopolistic
practices” of the defendants.
In the federal court here for nearly three
years, action is continuing in the independent
exhibitors’ “countersuit” in which the owner-
operators of 41 local theatres seek to obtain
an injunction to prevent distributors from
demanding the surrender of business books,
records, receipts, etc.
The most recent court action was the tak-
ing of the deposition of James B. Fleming,
vice-president and treasurer of the Potter
Title & Trust Co., and his showing of certain
documents pertaining to the case. The court
had issued orders for the exhibitors to pro-
duce business records April 2, 1945, and Jan.
3, 1947. When Bart Dattola, New Kensington
exhibitor, had not complied fully, in the opin-
ion of the court, federal agents were directed
to seize the records.
More than three years have elapsed since
there has been any action in the alleged
fraud civil action in federal court brought
by film distributors against William Finkel,
southside exhibitor. The defendant respond-
ed to the litigation on May 3, 1944, two months
after the filing of the case. At that time he
demanded a jury trial.
Measure to Lower Hours
Of Women Passes House
COLUMBUS — The Kowalk bill, relaxing the
hours that women are permitted to work in
theatres and other establishments, passed
the Ohio house 70 to 52, and was sent to
the senate. An amendment restored in part
the present provision limiting employment of
girls of 16 to 18 during evening hours. Under
the amendment bill, girls in that age bracket
would be permitted to work only two nights
a week until 9:30 p. m. That provision does
not apply to theatres, which under the house
bill would not be allowed to employ female
minors after 6 p. m.
P. J. Wood, secretary of the Independent
Theatre Owners of Ohio, said that his or-
ganization will seek to include theatres in the
amendment when the bill comes before the
senate.
The house bill permits the employment of
women over 21 after 10 p. m. as ticket sellers.
The house recently approved the Fleckner
bill, exempting from film censorship the ad-
vertising previews of a motion picture when
the picture itself had already been subjected
to censorship.
Remodel the Eastern
COLUMBUS — The J. Real Neth Theatre
Co. is making extensive alterations to its
Eastern Theatre.
Deiroil Houses Duel
With Italian Films
DETROIT — Activity in the Italian films is
flourishing here as never before, with two
neighboring houses competing for the busi-
ness. The Art and the Arcadia, located only
a few blocks apart on Gratiot avenue, are
both showing Italian-language films. In ad-
dition, the Cinema, downtown first run house
devoted to art type pictures, recently closed
a record-breaking run of “Open City.”
SHOW ENGLISH PICTURES ALSO
Both the Art and Arcadia are neighbor-
hood houses, devoted to catering to the peo-
ple of their own community primarily. They
are located roughly near the center of the
city’s east side Italian section and can draw
on “walking trade” as well as those who come
from a greater distance.
The Art went into the foreign-language field
years ago. Before the war, when it ran German
pictures, it was known as the Adlon and the
Elite, among other titles. The Italian policy
was inaugurated a few months ago by the
present owner, Nick Forest, who is showing
these films three days a week. English pic-
tures are shown the remaining four.
The Art is being managed for Forest by
Richard Schneider, a showman of many
years experience. Schneider managed thea-
tres in Stuttgart, Germany, before coming
to the U.S. in 1926. He returned to his home-
land for a visit in 1939 and was trapped by
the war, only returning to this country six
months ago. His European background is
especially helpful in the operation of this
house devoted chiefly to foreign films.
DISH GIVEAWAYS POPULAR
The Arcadia, recently taken over by Larry
Bruzzese and Bonaldo L. Bonaldi, is devoted
to Italian pictures five days a week, using
English-language films on Tuesday and
Wednesday only. Typical of the problem
which neighborhood theatres in this terri-
tory face is the use of dishes as premiums
on the two English-language nights. Com-
petition at this point is keen, and special
exploitation or showmanship policies are
necessary to draw business.
The Arcadia is adopting a policy of play-
ing Italian features on a double bill. It has
been found that Italian patrons, accustomed
to the universal dual bill at English-lan-
guage houses, demand it in theatres catering
to their mother tongue as well. Result is that
the house usually books a new film on the
double bills as the outstanding draw, and
follows up with a repeat booking of another
film.
Court Gets Bank Reports
In Suit Against Manos
PITTSBURGH — Action in the cases of
seven film distributing companies against
the Manos Theatres, which allege fraud, con-
tinued this week with the taking of the depo-
sition of C. E. Moyer, cashier of the Second
National Bank of Uniontown. RKO, 20th-
Fox, UA, Warners, Universal, Columbia and
Paramount are plaintiffs. A motion for the
issuance of subpoena for production of docu-
ments has been filed by the court.
MGM filed an alleged fraud action against
the defendants in federal court seven months
after the other film distributors. Last action
in this civil case were the defendants’ de-
mand for a jury trial, Oct. 21, 1946. Defend-
ants are Michael Manos, William Lipsie, In-
diana Amusement Co. and the Monessen
Amusement Co.
Building projects under way in the theatre
industry dropped to 404 in 1946. In 1945 the
total reached 580.
Distributors
for the State of
Michigan
RINGOLD THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
108 Michigan St., N. W„, Grand Rapids 2, Mich.
LONG SIGN CO.
MARQUISE SIGNS
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
840 W. Baltimore, Detroit — TR 1-5477
ERNIE
FORBES
214 W. Montcalm
Detroit 1, Mich.
Phone CAdiilac 1122
FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS
The Showmen's Drug Store
Drugs .. Cosmetics .. Prescriptions
Personal Service from Two Showmen —
MAX BERHBAUM JACK GALLAGHER
Pharmacist Manager
Phone CLifford 1527. CLiHord 3694
LEONARD SOSKIN AGENCY
Retirement income, life, automobile,
fire, health and accident insurance.
541 Book Bldg. CA 3515, Detroit
COMPLETE POPCORN SERVICE i
Featuring PREPOPPED Corn.
(Delivered in Metal Containers. We Provide Warm-1
|ing Cabinets Free. We Also Deliver Raw Corn."
(Seasoning and Boxes.
| Distributors of Popcorn Machines and Dispensers.
AMERICAN POPCORN CONFECTIONS CO.
|S634 E. Forest Ave. Phone: PLaza 4454 Detroit 13, Mich.
TheatrpSign and Marquee Maintenance
Our Specialty
WjJfFforstman Co.
[ B'n-vmrj,
TEmple 2-6877
27 Eliot St.
OHS . AND MAINTENANCE
POntiac 3-4473
Detroit 1, Mich.
PERYL’S COSTUMES
UNIFORMS for Entire Theatre Staff.
Special Costumes for All Occasions, Acts and
Special Shows.
Peryl LaMarr. Prop. 3737 Woodward
Phone: TEmple 2-3948 Detroit. 1, Mich.
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
77
Remarkable Figures Hit
By ' Years in Cleveland
CLEVELAND — Superlatives in common
usage by the industry are inadequate to de-
scribe the business done on “The Best Years
of Our Lives,” showing simultaneously at the
Lower Mall, a downtown house seating 563,
and the University, a 917-seater in the uptown
area.
With a Good Friday opening and the tariff
of 90 cents to $1.50, the Lower Mall reported
an astonishing take of eight times the normal
gross of the house, a figure quite matched
by the University’s boxoffice tabulation.
NEWSPAPERS SHOWER RAVES
Cleveland newspapers gave rave notices to
the film, while the Press gave the picture a
great eulogy in its editorial columns, hereto-
fore reserved for the discussion of vital na-
tional and local topics. Said the editorial in
part:
“When we see a picture so poignant and so
heartwarming, one that takes almost three
hours to see, we wonder how Hollywood can
miss the mark so often. But this is Holly-
wood at its best; surely one of the best pic-
tures of this or any other year. It deserves
its nine Academy awards.”
“Best Years” bowed during the week of the
opera, which played to capacity at the 10,000-
seat Auditorium; however, this large turnout
did not affect the unbelievable grosses hung
up by “Best Years,” which is playing to prac-
tically five capacity shows daily and four on
Sundays at both houses.
“BRUNETTE” LEADS OTHERS
Of the other releases, honors went to the
holdovers. “It Happened in Brooklyn” came
through with 120 per cent in its second week
and “My Favorite Brunette,” building ever
since its first showing, scored 130 per cent in
the fourth week. As for the others, grosses
were about average, having started slowly be-
cause of the last days of Lent.
(Average is 100)
Allen — Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox) 1 00
Hippodrome — Pursued (WB) 100
Lake — Nora Prentiss (WB), 3rd d. t. wk 100
Lower Mall and University — The Best Years of
Our Lives (RKO) .Averages not computed
at raised prices.
Ohio — My Favorite Brunette (Para), 4th d. t. wk 130
Palace — johnny O'Clock (Col) 70
State — Angel and the Badman (Rep) 100
Stillman — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM),
2nd d. t. wk 120
Pittsburgh Has Sad Week;
Holdovers Save Situation
PITTSBURGH — Seven downtown theatres
offered holdover pictures, two of them record
breakers, but grosses generally were de-
pressed. Leading the parade in the extended
run field were “The Jolson Story,” which en-
tered into a seventh downtown week, and
“The Best Years of Our Lives,” roadshow at-
traction for three weeks, now offered on a
continuous performance policy for a fourth
week.
Art Cinema — Henry V (UA), roadshow, 4th
wk Capacity
Fulton — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO);
4th wk 200
Harris — Smash-Up (U-I), 2nd wk., 4 days 70
Penn — The Secret Heart (MGM) 85
Ritz — My Favorite Brunette (Para), 3rd d. t. wk 85
Senator — The lolson Story (Col), 6th d. t wk 100
Stanley — California (Para), 2nd wk 60
Warner — Song of the South (RKO), 2nd wk 90
Easter Grosses Are Disappointing;
Detroit Sees End of Lush Days
DETROIT — Easter week grosses were dis-
appointing at the big houses, with business
off, despite more favorable weather and the
holiday theatregoers. A couple of top films
did excellent business, however. The reaction
is a worried one from exhibitors who fear the
era of big grosses is definitely at an end.
Detail for week ending April 10:
Adams — Stairway to Heaven (U-I) 100
B'way Capitol — Renegade Girl (SG);
The Red House (UA) 1 100
Cinema — The Stone Flower (Art), 2nd wk 90
Downtown — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO).... 175
Fox — The Egg and I (U-I) 150
Michigan — My Favorite Brunette (Para);
Seven Were Saved (Para), 2nd wk 120
Palms-State — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM);
Little Mister Jim (MGM), 2nd wk... 100
Paradise — Vigilantes of Boomtown (Rep),
plus Lionel Hampton orchestra on stage 130
United Artists — Spoilers of the North (Rep);
Nora Prentiss (WB) 105
SPRINGFIELD
RAartha Reed, who has won prizes for at-
tendance gains and promotional stunts
at the Ohio Theatre, has resigned as man-
ager and plans to be married. Martha is
keeping mum so far on the lucky man and
the date. Harry Elliott, manager of the
Princess, is taking over as Ohio manager.
He formerly served there as assistant. Daniel
Grisso, recently returned from army service,
goes to the Princess as manager, a position he
held before military service.
Managers of Chakeres -Warner theatres
here, accompanied by M. H. Chakeres, Spring-
field manager, were in Cleveland April 14
and 15 attending festivities marking the end
of the attendance drive which honored Nat
Wolf, Ohio zone manager. A meeting of the
managers was held the morning of April 15,
while in the afternoon they attended the sea-
son opener for the Cleveland Indians and
Chicago White Sox. A banquet honoring Wolf
was held in the evening.
Chakeres-Wamer theatres here are under-
going spring remodeling. All houses are
being painted on the exterior, while some are
getting new paint in the interiors along with
some carpentry work. Air conditioning sys-
tems are being prepared for warm weather
. . . M. H. Chakeres was in Cincinnati April
11 on a booking trip.
Popcorn Popped, Sorted,
And Packed by Machine
CLEVELAND— Max Shenker, general man-
ager of Berio Vending Co., claims to have
the only equipment in town that pops, sorts
and packages popcorn without being touched
by human hands.
“We pop and package a ton of com a day,”
Shenker states, “and we supply theatres in
the entire Cleveland exchange area.”
Shenker showed how the corn is popped in
huge vats, travels automatically by conveyor
to a large overhead tank which again^ auto-
matically separates the good from the bad
and processes the good corn through a chan-
nel into 100-pound manila bags, ready for
shipment.
Assisting Shenker in his business are his
sons Irwin and A1 Friedlander, returned from
overseas service within the past year.
New Film Delivery Bldg.
COLUMBUS— rFilm Deliveries, Inc. is build-
ing a $15,000 one-story garage building at 860
West Third Ave.
'Egg and I' Hatches
A 250 in Cincinnati
CINCINNATI — With the exception of “The
Egg and I” at Keith’s, which has had holdouts
daily, the feature attractions at local first
runs were none too strong. The advanced
price showing of “The Best Years of Our
Lives” at the Capitol continued strong and
entered its fifth week. “Pursued” at the
Grand was held over for a second week.
(Average is 100)
Albee — California (Para) 150
Capitol — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
4th wk. : 170
Grand — Pursued (WB) 140
Keith's — The Egg and I (U-I) 250
Lyric — Mr. District Attorney (Col);
Millie's Daughter (Col) 80
Palace — Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (MGM) 100
Shubert — The Red House (UA), 2nd d. t. wk 90
Henry Ford Was a Patron
And Maker of Pictures
DETROIT — The death of Henry Ford re-
moved from the motor city its most famous
motion picture fan — one who had more than
a passing connection with the industry in
various phases.
Typical was his quiet appearance at a
theatre when the picture was one that he
liked; done without ostentation, and so
deftly that he attracted little or no atten-
tion in the audience. He always managed
to slip out just before the crowd started to
leave. He was a patron of legitimate and
motion picture theatres alike. He used to go
sometimes to the Midway, a neighborhood
house only a few miles from his home in
Dearborn, usually to an early show. This
house is largely patronized by Ford factory
workers.
In 1940, when MGM staged many special
events for the premiere of “Young Tom
Edison” at Port Huron, Ford furnished
ancient trains and equipment from his Green-
field Village museum and met with the in-
dustry’s leaders here in the unique activities
that accompanied the celebration. His son,
the late Edsel Ford, took an even more promi-
nent part in the celebration. This film is a
tribute to Ford’s friend, the father of the
motion picture industry, Thomas Edison.
Ford as an industrialist was a pioneer in
the use of commercial motion pictures, using
many types of educational, narrative, docu-
mentary, news, and other pictures, dating
back at least 30 years. The Ford Co. came
to be one of the largest sponsors of com-
mercial films, both silent and talking, in in-
dustry.
Jenkins Firm Expands
YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO— The Jenkins Co.,
which manufactures theatre marquee light-
ing, advertising signs and other types of
advertising and lighting fixtures, has com-
pleted its new manufacturing plant here and
plans to add some new products. J. E.
Jenkins, an executive, said the firm will be-
gin making cold cathode lighting and will
also increase its output of electric display
signs and interior lighting.
Old Photoplay to Reopen
GRAND RAPIDS, OHIO— The Photoplay
Theatre, renamed the Rapids, will soon re-
open under new ownership.
The top price paid by Hollywood for film
rights on a book in 1946 was $225,000. It was
Joseph Shearing’s “Moss Rose,” acquired by
20th-Fox. During the previous year $250,000
was paid to Somerset Maugham for “Razor’s
Edge,” and the same to Adria Locke Langley
for “A Lion Is in the Streets.”,
78
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
PITTSBURGH
New Ford City Roxy
Has Nothing to Show
FORD CITY, PA. — The Roxy is ready to
open, with only a few “finishing touches” to
be added, but no films have been licensed
for exhibition. The 560-seat theatre will be
operated by a corporation headed by Rocco
Serrao and his brother Fred.
The Roxy adjoins the Ritz, 250-seat B
house operated by Allegheny Theatre Enter-
prises, also operators of the Ford, 490-seat
theatre two-and-a-half blocks distant. The
Serraos face a considerable problem in
trying to acquire first run product. Fred
Serrao, operator of theatres in New Ken-
sington and Arnold, is buyer and booker for
the Roxy.
The new theatre features International
seating, RCA sound and projection, modern
lighting, fixtures, carpets, drapes, decora-
tions, Elizabethtown circled-V marquee with
name cutout letters on left and right sides,
and with three lines of Bevelite red attrac-
tion letters, plus variegated neon trim. Front
materials are Cararra glass, glazed brick and
three full two -story stacks of glass brick
which will have decorative lighting. All
seating is on the auditorium floor as are rest
rooms. Similar to the Circle, New Kensing-
ton, operated by another brother, William G.
Serrao, there is a flat floor balcony lounge
from where the picture may be viewed, also
a baby cry room.
Until last week, the Serraos had under
negotiation a leasing deal for the new Roxy
with the Gibson-Dipson enterprises.
Detroit Variety Will Send
Big Group to Los Angeles
DETROIT — Variety of Michigan will send
a large delegation to the international con-
vention in Los Angeles next month, accord-
ing to Arvid Kantor, national canvasman.
Besides Kantor and his wife, the group will
include Joseph Busic, United Detroit Thea-
tres executive, and Jack Zide, Allied Films,
delegates, and their wives; circuit owner
Arthur Robinson, chief barker, and his wife;
Irving Katcher of the Russell and Willis
theatres and wife; Max Blumenthal of Film
Projection studio and his wife; Hal Bern-
stein, Bay City exhibitor and wife; Jack
Susami, Rupert Theatre, and wife; Wade
Allen, Fine Arts Theatre, and wife, who will
go direct from Phoenix, Ariz.; Lou Cohen
of the Cohen circuit; Cem Merritt of the
Palace Theatre, Windsor, Ont.; Bernard Brin
of Christianson’s Piano studios; Saul Kor-
man, circuit owner; Sol Krim, circuit owner,
and Paul Broder, circuit owner, and wife.
A number of the Detroit delegation will
leave by auto, arriving in Los Angeles about
May 13, but the majority will leave by train
on the Mercury from Detroit and the Super
Chief from Chicago May 12.
Son to Battistons
GREENSBURG, PA. — A son was born in
the Greensburg hospital to the Mario Bat-
tistons, Export, Pa., exhibitors. The papa,
passing cigars, said the new son was named
Robert in honor of Bob Klingensmith, the
Pittsburgh BOXOFFICE representative. The
Battistons also are parents of Dolores 17,
Patricia 11 and Alfred 7.
Kalmine in Cleveland
CLEVELAND — Harry M. Kalmine, general
manager of Warner Bros. Theatres, conducted
a meeting of managers and other zone exec-
utives in Nat Wolf’s territory during the
week. W. Stewart McDonald, vice-president,
and Rudolph Weiss, head of the circuit’s real
estate department, also attended.
Take Blatt, who has resided in Chicago in
* recent months, was a visitor at the Blatt
Bros, circuit office on Filmrow for several
days. Charlie Blatt was in from Somerset for
a day or two . . . Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P.
Delisi and a daughter, who have spent the
winter in Florida, were expected to return to
their home in Saltsburg this week. Dad Delisi
is the Saltsburg and Avonmore exhibitor.
Kalmenson, Warner sales representative . . .
Aaron Wayne, who has been a Paramount
salesman for several years in the Ohio river
territory out of Cleveland, was a Filmrow
visitor. He brought his mother here to at-
tend the April 12 wedding of her grand-
daughter Marjorie Wayne to Richard Wechs-
ler. The bride is the daughter of Aaron’s
brother Mont.
Maj. Philip Corso, here from overseas, is
visiting his brother Vincent, manager of the
Regent Square in Edge wood. Phil formerly
was connected with the Plaza in Brownsville
and the Coyle in Charleroi . . . The annual
roller derby will open in the Gardens April 23
and continue through May 10.
The John Urses, Fairmont, W. Va., exhibi-
tors, are expecting. They have four children
. . . Bill Zedaker, Claysville exhibitor, has a
new Buick . . . Joe Minsky, Eagle-Lion dis-
trict representative, was here on business . , .
Recent United Artists executives here were
Eddie Schnitzer, division manager, and Mark
Silver, district manager.
A shuttle bus service from a 60-mile ra-
dius on all sides of Pittsburgh will bring Roy
Rogers fans to the Tom Packs thrill circus
in Forbes Field the week of July 14 . . . The
roadshow engagement of “Henry V” is com-
ing to a close and Gabe Rubin, manager of
the Art Cinema, has been in New York lin-
ing up foreign film product.
Bing Crosby, one of the new owners of the
Pirates; A. B. “Happy” Chandler, baseball
commissioner, and Ford Frick, National
league president, were listed as among those
attending the Chamber of Commerce ban-
quet April 18. Bing and other guests were
here to attend the Pirate opener April 19 . . .
FCC announced a conditional grant for a
new FM broadcasting station of the Altoona
Broadcasting Co., Altoona, Pa.
Philip Bailey, local poultry distributor, has
plans for opening a drive-in near Kittanning.
Some years ago he was employed at Fred
Smith’s Palace on Penn avenue, long since
removed . . . George Heidrich and Charles
Clipper have been busy remodeling the Capi-
tol in Clairton. The stage has been removed,
the screen set back to the rear wall and 80
additional chairs are being installed.
Abe Rothensteln of the West, West Ali-
quippa, has moved into his new home in Ali-
quippa. He and his brother Martin are all
set to start construction of their new theatre
in Baden . . . Hayes Garbarino, supervising
booker for the Gibson-Dipson theatres, was
in from Bradford to set some bookings and
to report on the recent flash flood. The New
Bradford had six feet of water on the stage
and all seating except several rows in the
rear were under water. The theatre was
scrubbed, disinfected and renovated and has
reopened.
Norman Chussitt, manager of the Regent
in McKees Rocks, is back on the job after
vacationing in Miami . , . Charles Rich, War-
ner district manager, spent most of last week
at the local exchange . . . C. W. Dickinson,
Brownsville exhibitor, has been suffering with
a sinus infection . . . Mrs. Fred Solomon,
ailing and on a leave of absence for some
weeks, has returned to duties in the ladies
garments department at Frank & Seder’s.
She is the wife of the American Poster Sup-
ply proprietor.
Russ Zebra, RKO sales representative, who
has had trouble with his back for a number
of years, now discovers through X-rays that
he has a spinal fracture and arthritis . . . A1
Hostettler, formerly of the managerial staff
at the Strand, Altoona, now is managing the
Carnegie Equipment Co., Johnstown . . . The
West View Park season opens April 27.
Anthony Latella of the New Atlas, Perrys-
ville avenue, is preparing an eight-lane bowl-
ing alley which he will open at an early date
in Natrona . . . Paul Krumenacker circled
through West Virginia last week with Jack
Sam Fineberg, Monogram manager, spent
last weekend in New York. This was his sec-
ond visit there within two weeks ... A July
wedding is planned by Helen Marie Dascalos,
daughter of Mr. and .Mrs. Steve Dascalos,
former Wilkinsburg exhibitors, and John G.
Cintia . . . John Carroll has resigned as a
PRC booker . . . Eddie Fontaine, SRO dis-
trict representative, was here from his Wash-
ington headquarters.
A $100,000 theatre-concert auditorium is
planned as an addition to the Arts and Crafts
center at Fifth and Shady avenues. The new
building will be named the Harvey Gaul audi-
torium and workshop, honoring the late com-
poser.
Franklin Film Exchange has leased a Film-
row office at 70 Van Braam St. and after
May 1 will occupy the second floor of the
LeViant Printing Co. Bldg., comer of Van
Braam and Edna streets. Lou Hanna and
Franklin Anderson are continuing their gen-
eral office and shipping quarters at 1027 Gib-
bon St. The LeViant quarters were being
newly painted this week and office equipment
is being installed for the Franklin exchange.
Perry Nathan, NSS manager, was heading
for Chicago to attend a company sales con-
vention . . . National Theatre Supply’s re-
gional meeting is scheduled for April 25-27
in Cleveland, but whether W. C. “Bill” Jer-
vis, local manager, would be ble to attend
was problematical. Jervis is recuperating
from an illness . . . Film Classics-Screen
Guild will not occupy the former PRC build-
ing immediately following removal of PRC
to the former RKO quarters as PRC’s lease
continues for some months. Bert M. Stearn
and Harry Hendel purchased the former Lip-
man-PRC building from Lew Lefton, former
independent film executive.
Defunct Western Pennsylvania Amusement
Co. bobs into the news every year or so.
Allegheny county has posted for sheriff’s sale
at an upset price of $31,930.66 a property with
dwelling at 5709 Penn Ave., which is listed
in the name of the former amusement or-
ganization, Martin Silverman and Fidelity
Trust Co,
Mrs. Celia Littlestone Goldberg, 59, wife
of Harry E. Goldberg, former city exhibitor,
died April 12 following a long illness. Surviv-
ing are her husband, a sister, Mrs. David N.
(Continued on next page)
DELIVERING
the
Completely
NEW
“A A" Projector
ATLAS THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
425 Van Braam St. Pittsburgh
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
ME
79
Claims That Films Harm Children
PITTSBURGH
Called Hocus-Pocus by Educator
CLEVELAND — Motion pictures do not have
an emotional effect on a normal child, says
Dr. Clarence B. Allen, professor of education
at Western Reserve university.
Speaking before the Motion Picture Council
of Greater Cleveland, Dr. Allen made the
unqualified statement that in his 20 years of
research in this field, he “has never seen a
single case where a child did any particularly
bad act that could honestly be blamed on
the movies or the radio.”
“If pressure is put on a child to reveal a
cause of his bad act, that child, looking
around for a plausible excuse, is very apt to
blame the movies, not because this is true,
but just to provide a story.
“A delinquent child, or a child with de-
linquent tendency might adopt some of the
practices he sees on the screen, but this
type of child will always find expressions for
his delinquency and it is up to his parents
to direct him into good channels.
“I would rather have a child see a poor
movie than no movie at all. And I believe
children should go to movies on Saturday
afternoon. I say this because in order to
learn what is good in life they must see some
of the bad. A child that doesn’t know what
dirt is has no knowledge of cleanliness.
“Would you say that a child should not
see an opera because it has a murder plot?
Of course not. They are taken to the opera
to hear the music. Similarly, normal children
will skip the bad things in movies and see
the good.”
Dr. Allen refuted the statement that there
is more delinquency in the city than in the
country. “The only difference,” he said, “is
that in the country people live farther apart
and the neighbors don’t know so much what’s
going on because the families usually solve
their own problems privately. In the city,
such privacy is rare, hence city delinquency
gets more publicity.
“My experience is that no bad child ever
came from a good home. Unfortunately, the
only requirement for parenthood is biological.
And many parents, in all walks of life, fail
to give a child what it needs to grow up into
a normal man or woman — security, affection,
a sense of success, a feeling of belonging to
a group, and stability. Insanity and delin-
quency are not inherited. They are an ex-
pression of maladjustment. People learn to
be that way. And parents help to make
children that way by two things — over pro-
tection and simplification of environment.
“The army and navy showed statistically
that the majority of our youth is normal.
Given complete freedom of emotional ex-
pression, most of them stayed away from
places of bad influence. In answer to the
problem what to do to entertain them, the
USO was born. These were normal boys
and girls from normal homes. They weren’t
spoiled or pampered, or overprotected,” the
speaker said, adding:
“As the result of my long experience, I can
say that in my opinion, an average normal
child is not overstimulated by emotional pic-
tures, nor does a normal child become de-
linquent because of anything he has seen
on the screen. The delinquency, or malad-
justment, springs from the home, not the
movies. Children should see pictures of the
type of life they have to live. This means
good pictures and bad pictures. But in any
event, they should see movies, preferably
once a week.”
Claughton Offers
Music Center Site
From Southeast Edition
MIAMI — A million dollar auditorium to
occupy a tract containing 30 lots on Burlin-
game island at the mouth of the Miami river,
has been made possible by an offer of
Edward N. Claughton, owner of the island,
to lease the land “for 50 or 99 years” for a
consideration of $1. Claughton is a local
financier and theatre owner.
It was suggested that the auditorium would
be used primarily as a music center, but that
it would also be available for other engage-
ments. A minimum of 3,500 seats was pro-
posed by Claughton. He expressed the
opinion that the building could be erected,
air conditioned, and furnished with all
necessary sound equipment for approximately
$750,000.
Negotiations for the site were started some
time ago by Dr. Arturo di Filippi, head of
the voice department of the University of
Miami, and director of the Miami Opera
guild. At a recent luncheon Claughton said
he would lease the tract to the guild or the
university or both for $1 as total rental over
the entire time of the lease. The land is
estimated to be worth a minimum of $250,000.
Theatre Man Now Florist
OMAHA— Rollin K. Stonebrook, who came
to Omaha several years ago to run the Tri-
States Omaha Theatre, has resigned to be-
come a florist. His headquarters will be at
Iowa Falls, Iowa. Stanley Blackburn, Tri-
States city publicity manager, will succeed
Stonebrook.
(Continued from preceding page)
Green, wife of the Beacon proprietor; two
brothers, Herman, proprietor of the Brushton,
and Henry, haberdasher.
Frank Laurets, who transferred the Rialto,
Daisytown, to Durward Coe, is continuing in
the tavern business in Daisytown . . . Five
local radio stations are represented on the
Variety Club veterans hospital committee.
Carl Dozer, WCAE, is serving as chairman
for three months, with Joe Baudino and
Charles Klug, KDKA, as aides. The Red
Cross motor corps has joined with the AWVS
in providing transportation for entertainers
and the actors, radio artists and musicians
unions are cooperating in the project of the
Variety post, American Legion, which is bring-
ing entertainment to hospitalized veterans at
the Deshon hospital, Butler, and the Vet-
erans hospital, Aspinwall.
Fernand A. Thomassy, McDonald exhibitor
and Washington county member of the Penn-
sylvania house of representatives, who is the
co-sponsor of the smoke control amendment
which has been one of the legislature’s hot-
test issues, is one of three known lessees of
a coal mine near McDonald and has been
a coal producer since February 1. The Thom-
assy-Mazza rider, approved by the house,
amends the Fleming-Barrett countywide
smoke bill by making county control of smoke
contingent on the availability of equipment
to burn high-volatile, bituminous coal smoke-
lessly.
“Duel in the Sun” will be released here next
month, premiere showing to be in Loew’s
Penn.
Bingo, a name banned for years by the
postoffice, has been “reprieved.” Barred from
the mails for a decade, the famed noun,
which formerly “advertised a lottery,” may
now be exploited, if no admission price is
announced in advertising. Continued on the
barred list are mailed advertisements of “bank
night” where an admission ticket must be
purchased.
A mirror fell from a wall in a downtown
theatre, hit a woman patron and a jury
awarded her $650 . . . Mike Manos, circuit
exhibitor, was in Chicago this week follow-
ing his vacation in Florida . . . John A. Reilly,
manager of Lou Kaufman’s Metropolitan,
Bloomfield district, left some teeth with his
dentist . . . Herman Stahl’s Lyric in Oil City
was dark for a day or two due to flood dam-
age in the theatre basement.
Jack Weltner has resigned RKO booking
duties and on April 28 he joins PRC as a
booker . . . Mr. and Mrs. Peter Profili, for-
mer Vestaburg-Fredericktown exhibitors,
have purchased an apartment house in Los
Angeles, and they expect to make their home
there at a later date . . . Richard J. Cook,
Bulletin-Index publisher-editor, was host at
the April 18 family party in the Variety Club
. . . Col. Jim Eskew’s annual rodeo stam-
pedes into The Gardens May 15 and out
again May 24.
Ben Williams, Monogram franchise holder
for this area, and his bride are honeymoon-
ing in Los Angeles . . . Allan Wieder, RKO
exploiteer, tried without success to purchase
a number of inexpensive lockets to use in
stunts promoting “The Locket," so he has
other stunts at work.
In Personal Appearance Tour
Republic has set Monte Hale and Tom Lon-
don for a personal appearance tour in sev-
eral western states and Canada upon com-
pletion of “Along the Oregon Trail.”
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 of which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE, DATE & RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE
NAME POSITION
80
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
Tell Pet Peeves Regarding Women
Harry Browarsky,
Pittsburgh, Dead
PITTSBURGH — Harry Browarsky, 47, in-
dependent exhibitor here, died in his sleep
in a Cleveland hotel
the morning of April
15. With his wife, he
was in Cleveland for
a physical checkup.
He had been in poor
health for a year or
more.
The body was re-
turned to his home,
1314 Squirrel Hill Ave.,
where it was viewed
by friends between
6:30 p. m., Tuesday,
and 9 p. m., Wednes-
day. Services were harry browarsky
conducted Thursday afternoon.
With his brother Ike, he owned and op-
erated the Chateau Amusement Co., which
operates the Hippodrome and Beaver on
Beaver avenue, and the Associated Thea-
tres, operating the Bellevue and Linden,
Bellevue. A third brother Benjamin died
several years ago.
Surviving are his wife Florence, who was
a Filmrow employe before her marriage:
daughters Rachel and Benita; a sister, Mrs.
Sadie Shapera of New York; brother and
business associate Ike Browarsky, and an-
other brother, Mark Browar, veteran local
exhibitor who is retired and who resides in
Los Angeles.
On European Trip
Rita Hayworth will embark on a European
tour in connection with Columbia’s “Down
to Earth.”
Columbus — Local showmen weren’t
bashful about talking about their pet
peeves in regard to the fair sex when
quizzed by Alice Bargar Black, woman’s
page writer for the Columbus Citizen.
Said Harry Simons jr., house manager
of the Palace: “It takes women too
long to make up their minds and when
they’ve finally made it up, they change
it. Another thing, when they’ve got a
closet full of clothes, they look at it
blankly and say ‘I haven’t got a thing
to wear.’ ”
Walter Kessler, manager of Loew’s
Ohio, said: “I hate to see women smoke
when they’re walking through hotel
lobbies or around any public place. I
don’t mind their smoking if they’re
sitting down. My pet peeve is to hear
a woman say she’s hurrying when she
positively is NOT hurrying. We see it
Harry Walders Named
Cleveland RKO Head
CLEVELAND — Harry H. Walders has been
named manager of the RKO Cleveland
branch, succeeding A. Kolitz, recently pro-
moted to Rocky mountain district manager.
Walders joined the company in 1933, starting
as booker in the Chicago exchange.
The top price paid for an original story
in Hollywood in 1946 was $100,000 for Sammy
Fuller’s “The Dark Page,” purchased by Sid-
ney Buchman. This was also the same price
paid by Republic in 1945 for “I’ve Always
Loved You,” by Border Chase.
in the theatre. Everything’s about to
be closed up and a few men are always
left waiting in the mezzanine. The
women have told these poor men that
they’re hurrying and then they proceed
to do everything but take a shower. If
there’s anything more irritating than
that, I don’t know what it is.”
Lew Peppe, manager of Valley Dale
ballroom: “I object to women who try
to be masculine. I don’t like to see
short bobbed hair and mannish -looking
suits worn by any woman. Slacks should
be worn only by women who have the
figure for them. There’s nothing that
looks worse than a fat woman wearing
slacks or shorts.”
Henry Cincione, orchestra leader at
the Palace: “I hate to see two women
dancing together. Dancing is strictly
for men and women.”
Recent Theatre Openings
In Cincinnati District
CINCINNATI — Among the new or remod-
eled theatres which have opened recently are
the following:
Ambassador in suburban Oakley, by William
Bein.
Covedale, Price Hill, by Charles Ackerman.
Tipton, Huntington, W. Va., by Abe Hyman.
Liberty, Cambridge, Ohio, by Louis Velos.
Harold Moore of Charleston, W. Va., has
taken over the Ameagle Theatre in Ameagle,
W. Va.
Over $50,000,000 is spent annually by the
film industry for insurance.
Is Selling Seats a Problem?
Tells you how!
Every issue has a
wealth of ideas.
Actual experiences in exploitation, regular advertising and keep-
ing the public sold on the theatre are reported with profuse illus-
trations in BOXOFFICE each week. This section on practical
ideas on merchandising the motion picture is alone worth the
price of a year's subscription.
Keep at the head of the procession and make more money. Read and use the numer-
ous features in BOXOFFICE to improve your showmanship and your earning power.
BOXOFFICE
BOXOFFICE
April 19, 1947
81
fyilmsiautl ol America
A notable series of illustrated feature articles is
appearing in BOXOFFICE. Each of the 32 Filmrows of
America will be fully illustrated and described, with
leading personages introduced. Be sure to get every
copy of this unique series — another "added feature"
for alert and appreciative showmen.
The Newsiest Tradepaper in the Industry
F
82
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
Turners Falls Sheas
Quit After 32 Years
TURNERS FALLS, MASS. — Thirty-two
years as motion picture exhibitors in Turners
Falls has come to a close for the Shea family
with the announcement by Mrs. Ina B. Shea,
owner, and her son Howard of the sale of the
Shea Theatre to Max Zallen of West Newton.
Zallen, who owns and operates a theatre in
Bethel, Me., announced that within the next
few months new projection equipment, screen,
seats and rugs will be installed and a candy
booth will be placed in the foyer.
The theatre was established by Denis J.
Shea in 1914, when he purchased the Opera
House. In 1918 he purchased the Lyric from
Herbert Streeter, and in 1921 built the new
theatre which bears the family name.
Mrs. Shea has been operating the theatre,
aided by her sons, Howard and Philip.
Howard, a marine veteran, has been manager
of the theatre since his discharge from serv-
ice in 1945. He plans to re-enter Tufts, in the
fall, where he will complete a medical train-
ing he had begun before the war.
Daughter Reopens House
Built by Andrew Bruno
M4NCHESTER, N. H. — The remodeled and
modernized East Manchester Neighborhood
Theatre, formerly the Empire, which was
closed last December, has been reopened
under the management of Marie Bruno,
whose father, Andrew Bruno, built the house
in 1915.
Miss Bruno, who will be assisted in op-
eration of the theatre by her brother Joseph
and three sisters, announced that the Neigh-
borhood had arranged picture contracts and
would have program changes three times
weekly, Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays.
Modern equipment includes a new screen,
projection machinery, signs and marquee
and air conditioning.
Greek Relief Tag Days
Promoted by WB Men
HARTFORD — Greek relief tag days were
promoted in Manchester by Jack A. Sanson,
manager of the Warner State, and local
chairman of the Greek relief campaign; in
New Britain by Joe Borenstein, Warner
Strand manager, and Joe Miklos, Embassy
manager; in Bristol by Vic Morrelli of the
New Bristol, and Dennis J. Rich of the
Cameo.
Agawam Drive-In Opens
AGAWAM, MASS. — With a record crowd
in attendance, Riverside Park-In Theatre,
owned and operated by Edward J. Carroll,
opened here over the Easter weekend. The
open-air theatre is part of Carroll’s extensive
Riverside amusement park.
Boy Scouts Hosted
MANCHESTER, CONN. — In conjunction
with the showing of the Warner short, “Men
of Tomorrow,” Jack A. Sanson, manager of
the State, hosted Boy Scouts at a special
screening.
Hartford Post to Sarnoff
HARTFORD — Edward Sarnoff, son of
David Sarnoff, Radio Corp. of America presi-
dent, has been appointed advertising and
sales promotion manager of Radio & Ap-
pliance Distributors, Inc., of East Hartford.
Bank Gives Away $100
In Deal on 'Life'
New York — A bank here gave away
$100. Getting the institution — the Knick-
erbocker Federal Savings bank — to do
this was the work of RKO Exploiteers
Pat Grosso and Ray Malone and Man-
ager A1 Arnstein of the RKO 58th
Street Theatre, who worked out a tie-
up on “It’s a Wonderful Life” that got
wholehearted cooperation from the bank.
The bank offered the cash as prizes for
a letter writing contest describing why
the contestant thought it was a won-
derful life. The bank also installed a
handsome window display that contained
a life-size cutout of Jimmy Stewart and
Donna Reed seated next to a sign which
carried the bank’s endorsement of the
film, plus six framed stills from the pic-
ture.
Victory Theatre Footlights
Will Be Turned On Soon
PROVIDENCE, R. I. — The Victory Theatre
here, formerly known as the Playhouse and
before that as the Modern, will return to
legitimate productions April 21 with a one-
night presentation of “Laura.” This will be
followed by a road company production of
“State of the Union,” current Broadway hit,
May 2, 3.
The Victory, once the home of stock com-
panies and road shows in Providence, has for
several years presented second run and re-
issue motion pictures. Its return to the legiti-
mate field was made possible when the Met-
ropolitan, which formerly presented stage
productions, changed to a first run film policy.
Start Kiddy Shows
MANCHESTER, CONN.— The State has in-
augurated a series of Saturday kiddy shows.
Selected features and shorts are shown.
Two-Man Booth Bill
Introduced Again
PROVIDENCE — For the sixth time in as
many years, a bill has been introduced at
the state house that would require two li-
censed projectionists in each booth at all
times during performances. Four times the
bill has been defeated by a vote of the legis-
lature and once by a veto of the governor.
Exhibitors in Rhode Island feel that the
bill if passed would be a great imposition,
especially in smaller communities where it
would make the operating expenses burden-
some. They feel that the danger of fire is
not a definite hazard. Independent Theatre
Owners, Inc., of Rhode Island, an affiliate
of Independent Exhibitors, Inc., of New Eng-
land, are preparing to fight the bill.
'Symphonette' Premiered
At Boston Opera House
BOSTON — “New England Symphonette,” a
musical composition featured in U-I’s “Time
Out of Mind,” was given its New England pre-
miere during the Sunday (13) 4:30 concert at
the Boston Opera House. During the rendi-
tion, music critics were guests of Bill Schul-
man, U-I publicist.
“Time Out of Mind” has a Maine back-
ground and this is one of the few serious
works of music using the Pine Tree state’s
rockbound coast as a theme. The orchestra
before the regular performance made a rec-
ord of the piece which will be used as a
background for a subsequent round-table dis-
cussion with Deems Taylor and other critics.
WHYN Wins Prize
HOLYOKE, MASS. — For the best promo-
tion of the motion picture, “San Quentin,”
in a six-state contest run by the Yankee
network, station WHYN has received a $200
prize — which will go for entertaining the sta-
tion’s staff.
BETTER THAN EXPECTED— Among the first-nighters at the RKO Albee Thea-
tre in Providence, R. I., was the governor of Rhode Island, John O. Pastore (center),
who picks up firsthand information about the picture from the press book and also
with an assist from the RKO Theatres division manager, E. H. Groth (left), and
Dave Levin (right), manager of the RKO Albee Theatre. After seeing the film Gov-
ernor Pastore said, “It surpassed my expectations.”
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
NE
83
BOSTON
Cam Resnik of the Playhouse, Andover, has
signed a contract with Sound Engineering
Service for installation of a new sound sys-
tem . . . Mrs. Harold Davidson, wife of the
head of Sound Engineerings and their 20-
month-old son Howard, went to Albany by
airplane — the first air trip for both. Mrs. Da-
vidson formerly was Elaine Lieberman, sec-
retary to Maurice Wolf at MGM.
The application of the Red Shutter cafe,
East Boston, for a permit to show 16mm mo-
tion pictures was rejected by the city licens-
ing board. After the fire commissioner had
testified the film constituted a fire hazard.
The owners of the cafe maintained that the
film was fireproof.
“Duel in the Sun" is booked to open May 7
at Loew’s State and Orpheum theatres at
advanced prices. Tom Duane, Selznick’s di-
vision manager here, has appointed Bill
Jennings head booker for the territory. Jen-
POPCORN
/rlatuey.
MACHINES
Tops for all showmen!
Ask the theatre that has one!
SAM HORENSTEIN
"*7Ae Popc&ut Matt "
New England Representative
* + *
Office and Showroom . . . 45 Church St.
Hancock 7419 Boston
In the Heart of the Film District
Genuine*
MANLEY SUPPLIES
iimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
nings, an army veteran, started with Univer-
sal as a shipper in February last year, and
has been booking Maine, New Hampshire and
Vermont since last February 1. He will as-
sume his duties with Selznick April 21. Mar-
ried and with a 3-year-old daughter, Claire
Marie, his home is in North Quincy.
The Phil Smith circuit opened its nine mid-
west open air drive-in theatres April 11 . . .
The Center Theatre had a gala opening of
the new ice production, “Everything’s on Ice,”
starring Maribel Vinson and husband Guy
Owen. Larry Lasky, the producer who is one
of the partners of E. M. Loew, was very busy
accepting the congratulations that evening
from the large audience. Comments were
numerous orr the beautiful remodeling done
on the theatre.
The RKO branch here is finishing the 1947
Ned Depinet drive with a barrage of play-
dates on “The Best Years of Our Lives,” in-
cluding the Pawtucket Darlton, the Woon-
socket Bijou and Keith’s in Lowell. Manager
Ross Cropper expects to close deals on the
picture with Jean Campapiano of the Capi-
tol and Lawrence and with Sol Edwards of
the Strand. In addition, RKO’s "Sinbad the
Sailor” is breaking throughout the territory,
and the Keith Memorial and all key runs
are set for the opening of “The Farmer’s
Daughter.”
Bill Schulman, Universal publicist, was in
New York for a meeting of all field repre-
sentatives . . . Jack Cooney has taken over
management of his brother’s theatre, the
Waldo in Waldoboro, Me., due to pressure of
other businesses of his brother Carrell. The
400-seat Waldo is one of the most attractive
houses in the state, and is the pride of the
townsfolk, although built over ten years ago.
Waldoboro is situated on the coast not far
from Rockland.
The licensing commission of Lawrence has
banned the showing of motion pictures in
cafes and restaurants, or other places where
liquor is sold, due to the danger of fire.
Sam Resnik and Mrs. Resnik of the Play-
house, Andover have gone south for a few
weeks . . . Mr. and Mrs. William Lavery of
the Lavery circuit also are away vacationing
. . . George Solomon of Columbia here has
returned from a long stay in Florida. He re-
ports his health is greatly improved . . . Also
back from the south is Allard Graves, man-
ager of the Lyric, White River Junction, Vt.
. . . Carroll Lawler, district manager of the
Jamestown circuit, brought his New England
managers to Filmrow to book last week.
The condition of Arthur Howard, president
of Affiliated Theatres, who is in the Newton-
Wellesley hospital recuperating after a se-
rious operation is reported encouraging by
HANS 'm FROM THE BALCONY
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Game
Mrs. Howard. She said he should be back
at his desk by May 1. The operation came
at a time when his business was undergoing
major changes, with the resignation of Frank
Lydon to join Tom Duane with Selznick Re-
leasing Organization, and the appointment of
Seth Field, formerly with the Graphic cir-
cuit, to replace Lydon.
Eddie Allen, manager of the Majestic here,
and Louis Stern, operator of the Orpheum,
Somerville, have purchased the property
known as Nuttings-on-the-Charles, a famous
dance hall of a decade ago. After alterations
to cost a reputed $50,000, the dance pavilion
will open in May with name bands.
Andy St. Ledger of the Bijou, Pittsfield,
Me., and William McPhee, Strand, Oldtowne,
Me., were among the many exhibitors attend-
ing the hearing on an amusement tax bill in
Augusta recently . . . Meyer Feltman, man-
ager at Universal is vacationing in Miami
a few weeks . . . Mrs. Ella Mills of the Milo,
in Milo, Me., has reopened her summer home
on Cape Elizabeth near Portland.
Bob Hall, owner of the Brooks, Brooks, Me.,
and the Unity, Unity, Me., has purchased a
new Oldsmobile. He now has both theatres
open five days a week each. He plays no
matinees . . . A1 Daytz, sales manager at
Warners, made a flying trip through Maine
last week . . . Howard Crombie, Universal
salesman for Vermont and New Hampshire, is
the owner of a new Mercury.
Theresa Osborne, one of the candy girls at
Leonard Goldberg’s Adams in Quincy, suf-
fered a ruptured appendix and was rushed
to the hospital for an operation . . . Jimmy
Winn, former district manager at UA, dropped
in at the exchange for a few hours and re-
ported his health greatly improved . . . Jean
Williams, secretary at Independent Exhibi-
tors, was down with the flu a few days.
District Manager Clayton Eastman and his
wife and two sons were in Albany to attend
the funeral of Mrs. Eastman’s sister . . . Col.
William McCraw of Dallas of Variety Inter-
national, was in town to discuss the sponsor-
ship by the local Variety Club of the Chil-
dren’s hospital blood bank . . . Claire Welch,
switchboard operator at UA is engaged to
marry John H. Weiss this month.
Simon Beseroski of New Bedford underwent
an operation at the Palmer Memorial hospital
in Brookline. At one time, Beseroski con-
trolled several theatres in New Bedford and
on the Cape, but sold his theatre holdings
in 1935 when he entered other business fields.
His family report he has been “a mighty sick
man” ... A street ballyhoo for “The Ma-
comber Affair,” arranged by Joe DiPesa, Jim
Shanahan and Jim Tibbetts of Loew’s Thea-
tres and Phil Engel, UA publicist, included
a mud-covered jeep equipped with rifles,
stuffed animals, etc., driving through down-
town streets with signs reading, “Don’t Miss
‘The Macomber Affair.’ ” All Macombers
listed in the local telephone directory, of
which there are 32, were sent invitations to
attend the opening night showing as guests
of the theatre.
'Dixie' Not Objectionable
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield school
committee has voted to retain “Dixie” in the
school film library despite objections by the
youth council of the National Ass’n for the
Advancement of Colored People, on the
grounds that it showed the Negro in an un-
favorable light. Several committee members
reviewed the film, and expressed the opinion
that Ralph A. Stout, supervisor of audio-
visual aids, should be sustained in his rec-
ommendation that the film be retained.
84
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
Drive-In at Lunenburg
Up to Town Selectmen
WORCESTER— The second open-air film
theatre in central Massachusetts loomed as
two former service men sought permission to
open a ride-in in Lunenburg near Whalom
Park.
The applicants were Alfred Mellor and
Alfred Bergeron of Leominster. Action was
to be taken by the Lunenburg selectmen,
who said there were several obstacles that
had to be straightened out.
The new theatre did not meet with the
approval of the Whalom Park Amusement
Co., which pointed out that it had its own
summer theatre. Also, there were some
traffic complications due to the fact that the
planned ride-in would J)e on Route 13 near
Prospect street, Lunenburg.
The two sponsors already have obtained
an option on the land, and planned to begin
construction immediately if their applica-
tion is favored. They plan to use earphones.
To Air Condition Springfield House
SPRINGFIELD — Nathan F. Goldstein’s
Arcade Theatre here is being equipped with
air conditioning equipment. The work is
expected to be completed May 1. Other im-
provements made at the theatre during the
year, include the installation of rock wool
insulation in the ceiling of the auditorium
and the hanging of fiber glass drapes on
either side of the stage. New light display
frames soon will be installed over the en-
trance to the Arcade.
Talks on Classroom Films
DURHAM, N. H. — A demonstration of the
use of classroom films featured a discussion
of auditory and visual aids in teaching at
a meeting of New Hampshire teachers and
educators here last week. Dr. Abraham
Krasker, head of the department of teach-
ing aids of the Boston University school of
education, spoke on “Values and Use of Audio-
Visual Aids,” and there was a panel discus-
sion with Dr. Howard Jones, president of
Plymouth Teachers’ college, presiding.
" CORSAGE "
POST-WAR
PATTERN
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
from
CAMEO SCREEN ATTRACTIONS, INC.
50 Melrose St. Boston, Mass.
Samuel J. Davidson, Pres.
i— —
WORCESTER
T awson Daniels, manager of the Royal, is a
pushover for film serials. He plays three
of them a week, and is his own best customer
. . . Claire Johnson is new on the Capitol’s
staff . . . White City Park held its earliest
opening in history, operating weekends for
a time.
Theatres that closed all or part of Good
Friday included the Metropolitan in Leo-
minster, Star in North Brookfield, Strand in
Southbridge, Modern in Marlboro, York in
Athol, Uptown and Orpheum in Gardner,
Casino in Ware and Strand and Globe in
Clinton.
Bernie Satz, manager of the Casino in
Ware comments: “We closed our house for
the matinee on Good Friday. After counting
the cash at night, we would have made plenty
more by closing for the night, too. This is
one day a theatre can’t lick.”
When the Capitol and Loew’s Poli held
over the shots of the Holy Cross-Oklahoma
basketball game, it was the first time within
memory that a newsreel got a holdover here
. . . Sunday Telegram columnist says: “I
don’t know what Pegler will say, but I en-
joyed George Raft’s latest film.”
Manager Guy Palmerton reports Frank
Lyon and Elsbeth Hofmann will be at the
Playhouse again this summer . . . Peter Cook-
son, former Westboroite who has been in
films lately, is in the cast of the new play,
“Message for Margaret,” that is premiering
on Broadway.
Axel Johnson and Theresa Figurski have
resigned from the Capitol . . . Dominic Tur-
turro, owner of the Elm in Millbury, is serving
on the membership committee of the Inde-
pendent Exhibitors of New England.
Isabel Price of the Playhouse, who has been
in Japan, was stricken with pneumonia but
is now recovered . . . Elsie Oakes Barber, for-
merly of Fitchburg, has been in Hollywood
for United Artists, adapting her novel, “The
Wall Between” for filmization. It is her
own story of her marriage to a clergyman.
Harold H. Maloney, manager of Loew’s
Poli, reports some of his customers got the
idea from h'is co-feature — Three on a Ticket
— that it was bargain week at the house . . .
Gene Krupa’s orchestra drew a good 1,800
to the Auditorium, with a Worcester boy, Don
Fagerquist, featured in the band.
The bowling team of the People’s in May-
nard, having won 58 points and lost 38, was
tied for the lead in the Intertown League as
it approached its end . . . Ray Galvin signed
Louis Prima’s orchestra for a date here April
16 . . . Waldo Hemingway is serving at the
Capitol in the place of Johnny Foy, who died.
The Worcester Telegram carried a story on
Russell Janney, author of “The Miracle of
the Bells,” which is being filmed. It re-
counted the legitimate shows seen at the
Worcester when, as a boy, he rode his bicycle
down from New Hampshire — quite a dis-
tance— and got into the theatre on passes
provided by the livery stable man who trucked
the shows.
Harold Hall, manager of the Orpheum in
Gardner, put the theatre at the disposal of
the city’s Council of Churches for Good Fri-
day services . . . The Prospect in Whitinsville
was used for a presentation of “A Family
Portrait” by a cast from churches.
Manager Harold Maloney of Loew’s Poli
had the family of Arthur Kennedy in to see
his latest picture . . . The 25 Years Ago
column in the Evening Gazette recounted
when Linwood L. Curtis, publicity manager
for Keith’s in Boston was appointed manager
of the Plaza, succeeding Frederick A. Valles,
who now is period costume designer for MGM
in Hollywood.
The ingenue of “Youth Flame,” a film
about juvenile delinquency, is Joy Reese, who
played at the Boylston Summer Theatre last
season . . . Edward Maynard, Clifford Cox,
Axel Johnson and Richard Cafferilli have re-
signed from the Capitol . . . The Universal
in Fitchburg arranged for Sunset Carson to
make personal appearances on two days.
One of the papers quoted Waldo Heming-
way, theatre aide, on his dislike for Holly-
wood. Waldo, who formerly worked in the
studios, not only is strongly averse to the
climate but claims an easterner can’t find
decent food in the whole of California.
Cashiers Are Clerical Help
BOSTON— Theatre cashiers are now in the
category of clerical workers and must be
paid 60 cents on hour if experienced and
55 cents if inexperienced, Independent Ex-
hibitors, Inc. of New England has informed
members in a bulletin. A mandatory order
also provides that experienced employes are
those with more than 800 hours of service,
except in instances of those covered by on-
the-job training.
In Steinbeck's 'Red Pony'
Myrna Loy has been signed by Republic to
co-star with Robert Mitchum in John Stein-
beck’s “The Red Pony.”
KROKYN- BROWNE, Architects
Theatre Specialists and Consultants
NEW ADDRESS
184 Boylston Street at Park Square, Boston
TO AVOID EXCESSIVE WEEKLY
SERVICE CHARGES
It Will Pay Dividends to Consult
'Sound'
Sn.cjinzz’iiny Szsiwicz.
— _ cvAS n
\ « * y*owi- aesgg2£sSwggg
On call at am/ time
LON quood 260!
HAROLD DflVIDSOtl
13© MOUNTFORT ST
E3F=*OOK.l-ir'vlE: S , N/1 (=1 S i
STOCKED WITH ALL
NECESSARY REPAIR
AND REPLACEMENT
PARTS FOR ANY
SOUND SYSTEM.
NOW EXPANDING WITH
ADDITIONAL PERSON-
NEL TO COVER A
LARGER SERVICE
AREA.
“Ask any exhibitor using the service”
MANY THEATRES
UNDER OUR MAINTENANCE
4
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
85
NEW HAVEN
pranklin Meadow, United Artists manager,
has appointed Earl W. Wright as sales-
man. Wright recently left 20th-Fox after
almost 18 years with the company . . . Pre-
mium trends: A new Sweetheart Rose china-
ware deal running 66 weeks was sold by
Adolph G. Johnson for two-a-week distribu-
tion at the Arch Street, New Britain, begin-
ning April 21 and 22 and the Strand, Plain-
ville, beginning May 5. Both theatres are
operated by George LeWitt.
National Theatre Supply has sold new
Crestwood tan on red leaf pattern carpeting
to Mrs. Mary Vuono for the Palace, Stam-
ford . . . One of the first summer houses to
announce opening is the Strand in Sound
View. George LeWitt is now out of the pic-
ture at this house and Mrs. John Glackin will
operate, beginning about Decoration day.
Same full week policy as last year will hold.
After a dull pre-Easter week, the Yale boys
and faculty returned and this factor and the
end of Lent pepped up the boxoffices every-
where Monday. “The Show-Off” and “Nora
Prentiss” was a good business dual at the
Strand, Hamden, in spite of the usual pre-
Easter doldrums . . . E. M. Loew’s reopened
the drive-in on the Milford Turnpike Easter
Sunday . . . Sympathy to Harold Donovan of
the Strand, Seymour, on the death of his
mother, Mrs. E. H. Ralston.
The Thompson Post estate now operates
the Crown, Hartford, and Amalgamated
Theatres books the house. They succeed
Charles Repass, who died last month . . . Paul
Purdy, formerly at the Webb, Wethersfield,
is now manager at the New Newington, New-
ington, succeeding Joe Walsh . . . M&P thea-
tres, including the Paramount, New Haven,
have substituted popcorn warmers in lobbies
for the previously used popping machines . . .
The Bridgeport newsprint situation has eased
and the Post Telegram no longer limits thea-
tre ads.
Bernie Kamber, eastern representative for
Benedict Bogeaus, was in town on “The Ma-
comber Affair,” which opened April 16 at
the top Loew houses in Bridgeport, New
Haven, Springfield and Worcester. “The
Best Years of Our Lives” opened big at the
Klein Memorial in Bridgeport . . . Mike
Sirica broke records at the Capitol, Water-
bury, with “The Jolson Story” . . . The Ma-
jestic, Bridgeport, changed opening day from
Wednesday to Saturday . . . Harry F. Shaw,
Loew-Poli division manager, and Mrs. Shaw,
returned from Mexico last week.
Ann Donner of 20th-Fox’s reported im-
proving at New Haven hospital . . . George
Freeman’s wife (Poli, Springfield) also is
on the recuperative side . . . Mrs. Morris
POPCORN
South American — & — White Hull-less, $7.50
per 100. Write for sample.
HAYES SEED HOUSE
Topeka, Kas.
CZn/Z on ted af once
i£0NN. THEATRE
% CANDY CO.
rB2 COMMERCE ST.
New Haven, Conn.
SHIFTS TO DISTRIBUTION— Frank
Lydon, owner of the Hamilton Theatre in
Dorchester, Mass., and vice-president of
Arthur Howard Affiliated Theatres, a
buying and booking organization, has been
appointed New England representative
for the Selznick Releasing Organization
under Tom Duane, division manager.
Rosenthal, wife of the Poli, New Haven, man-
ager, has been ill with a virus infection . . .
Ed Fitzpatrick of the Poli, Waterbury, is
reported ill.
Micky Nunes, former Whalley manager,
now producing with his father Morris Nunes
in Hollywood, was in on business. Micky is
a member of the Directors’ Guild on the coast
. . . Carl Goe, Warner exchange manager, is
sporting a new Chrysler . . . George LeWitt of
New Britain and Plainville sold his summer
home at Momauguin to the David Rubins of
Benedict Coal . . . Bill Boyle of the Broad-
way, Norwich, is “batching” while Mrs. Boyle
and their youngster visit in Syracuse.
When Hedda Hopper said Robert Mitchum
was a son of Durham, S. D., in a recent
column, the Bridgeport press went to work
on a little digging and discovered it was
really the Park city which claimed the honor.
Dug up a priceless picture of Mitchum in
1924, then a kid in Dan Quilty’s dancing col-
lege, appearing in a local kiddy show. Morris
Rosenthal, manager of the Poli, New Haven,
recalls this picture as being of the cast of
his first semiannual kiddy show at the
Majestic, Bridgeport. Many of the kids he
sponsored in those days at the Majestic
have since become headliners in vaudeville
and films . . . Rosenthal and Johnnie DeBene-
detto have dug up former Brooklyn residents
here is to be invited to the opening “It Hap-
pened in Brooklyn.” Radio scouted them
out. Real passport to Brooklyn is presented,
signed by Jimmy Durante as Secretary of
State . . . WNAC, Radio Centre, band lead-
ers and others were playing the musical hits
from the picture in advance.
Lieut. Comdr. Robert Johnson, son of Adolph
G. Johnson, leaves the navy April 21 and will
return to New Haven and probably some
branch of the industry. He will come here
with his wife and three children. Bob is in-
dividual handball champion of the Eleventh
naval district and doubles champion with
Lieut. Father Lonergan. In the same fam-
ily, Harry and Frank Johnson, brothers of
Adolph, leave for Hollywood this week to at-
tend the National Bowling Congress.
Charles Gaudino, assistant at the Poli,
Bridgeport, formerly a commuter from New
Haven, has moved to the Fleetwood apart-
ments in Bridgeport ... Jo Ingenito has re-
signed as inspector at Fox, and is replaced
by Edna Smith . . . Russell Ordway, formerly
at the Allyn, Hartford, is managing the Webb
in Wethersfield.
Harry Germaine and Mrs. Germaine came
in from Brighton to visit with brother Sam
Germaine of 20th-Fox . . . Arthur Scharby,
formerly a New Hampshire exhibitor, recently
at the Astor, New Rochelle, stopped in at the
New Haven exchanges en route from Miami
Beach to Boston . . . Mr. and Mrs. Walter
Young, of Farmington, New Hampshire and
Alton Bay, visited with Harry Rosenblatt of
Metro on the way through town . . . Engage-
ment of Gloria Parente of the 20th-Fox staff
to Louis Moalle of Westville was announced
Easter Sunday.
Tony Massella, assistant at the Bijou, in-
terviewed Rex Ingram of the “Thief of Bag-
dad” cast, when he noticed his name in the
cast of “Anna Lucasta” playing at the Shu-
bert. He landed pictures and article in the
local Register in advance of the Bijou “Thief”
booking.
Films' Influence Is Great,
Often Bad, Panel Declares
HARTFORD— The influence of motion pic-
tures on the lives of those who see them is
tremendous, but not always good, according
to a panel of high school students who dis-
cussed the question “Do Movies Influence Our
Lives?” in a Parade of Youth forum recently
broadcast over radio station WDRC under the
sponsorship of the Hartford Courant.
Highlight of the forum was the personal
appearance of three local theatre men who
said they had read an announcement of the
topic and, because it dealt with motion pic-
tures, decided to attend and hear the verdict
of the teen-age panel. The three were James
F. McCarthy, manager of the Strand Thea-
tre; Lou Cohen, manager of Loew’s Poli Thea-
tre, and George Landers, manager of E. M.
Loew’s Theatre.
Invited by the moderator, James F. Looby,
editor of the Courant Parade of Youth, to
address the forum, McCarthy, as spokesman
for the group, said he was representing not
only those present but also Walter Lloyd,
manager of the Allyn Theatre; Fred Green-
way, manager of Loew’s Poli Palace Theatre,
and Frank Morin, manager of the Regal
Theatre, in extending an invitation to all
panel members to be guests at these respective
theatres. He gave each panel member ad-
mission passes for each of the theatres.
Asked what type of film they preferred,
most panel members said they liked psycho-
logical dramas.
Plays Downtown in Hub
After Run in Back Bay
BOSTON — The Exeter Street Theatre
bought “Storm in a Teacup” and “South
Riding,” two English films distributed by
Devonshire Films Which were played first
run at the Back Bay house early in March.
Three weeks later the same show played the
Kenmore, an uptown subsequent run house,
for a week. On the day after the closing of
the bill at the Kenmore the bill was moved
to the Tremont in downtown Boston where
it played a week.
This is one of the few situations where a
bill played downtown Boston after the sub-
sequent run.
86
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
FALL RIVER
'Apley' Disappointing
In Run at Hub's Met
BOSTON— A bad break in the weather
caused a general letdown in downtown spots
with “The Late George Apley” at the Met
one of the biggest disappointments. It grossed
somewhat under expectations for this Boston
satire.
Last week “The Best Years” completed its
210th performance at the Esquire where the
average attendance has been 1,400 persons per
day. With 941 seats, this means that if the
picture keep^ up this pace it will undoubtedly
continue through Labor day, according to Carl
Goldman, manager.
(Average is 100)
Boston — Millie's Daughter (Col),
plus stage show 110
Esquire — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
15th wk 140
Majestic — Lost Honeymoon (E-L);
It's a Joke, Son (E-L) 120
Memorial — The Locket (RKO);
Singin' in the Corn (Col) , 130
Metropolitan — The Late George Apley (20th-Fox) .. . 95
Old South — Children of Paradise (Tri-Color
Films), first 5 days 130
Orpheum — Dead Reckoning (Col);
The Thirteenth Hour (Col), 2nd wk 120
Paramount and Fenway — Suddenly It's Spring
(Para), 2nd d. t. wk.; Guilty (Mono) 120
State — Boom Town (MGM), reissue;
Cigarette Girl (Col).... 120
'Brunette' Is Hartford Leader;
'Duel in Sun' Gets Free Plugs
HARTFORD — Announcement that “Duel in
the Sun” will play the Poli beginning May 7,
broke in the local dailies with plenty of free
space discussing the coming SRO release.
New openings for the week included U-I’s
“Smash-Up” at the Regal, “It Happened
in Brooklyn” at the Poli and “Stallion Road”
at the Strand. “My Favorite Brunette” led
downtown.
Allyn — My Favorite Brunette (Para);
Seven Were Saved (Para) 225
E. M. Loew’s — I'll Be Yours ( U-I) ;
King of the Wild Horses (Col), 2nd wk 130
Loew's Poli — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM);
Yankee Fakir (Rep) 180
Palace — Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (MGM);
Backlash (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 150
Regal — Smash-Up (U-I) 175
State — Hard Boiled Maloney (Mono);
Frankie Carle on stage 100
Strand — Stallion Road (WB) 140
Easter Revives Grosses
After New Haven Letdown
NEW HAVEN — Downtown grosses died Good
Friday and the stormy Saturday following,
but business picked up Easter Sunday and
continued through a good Monday and Tues-
day. Yale students returning from Easter
holiday swelled the toll. The Paramount put
into effect holiday prices Good Friday, worst
day of the year. Detail for the week ended
April 9:
Bijou — Murder on Diamond Row (FC);
The Thief of Bagdad (FC) 120
College— Boomerang (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 148
Loew's Poli — Nocturne (RKO);
Beat the Band (RKO) 85
Paramount — Suddenly It's Spring (Para);
The Raider (English Films) 90
Roger Sherman— That Way With Women (WB);
Sweetheart of Sigma Chi (Mono) 85
Bernard Piche to Give Concert
LEWISTON, ME. — Bernard Piche, Cana-
dian organist and composer, will present a
concert at Bates college here April 10. Piche
is organist at Saints Peter and Paul church,
Lewiston.
Free Film in Manchester
MANCHESTER, N. H. — A motion picture,
“The House on 92nd Street” was shown as a
free entertainment of the Manchester Insti-
tute of Art and Sciences Friday evening,
March 28.
fl huge cutout of a five-fingered hand, borne
on a truck chassis under a canopy of dark
green lights, was one of the weird stunts car-
ried out by Manager William S. Canning for
a big horror show at the Empire Theatre.
The cutout was promenaded at night over
principal streets of the area subsequent to
the distribution in stores and on the streets
of 10,000 small envelopes containing an aspirin
tablet and bearing the inscription “You will
need this pill to give you courage when you
see — ‘The Beast With Five Fingers.’ ” “The
Brute Man” completed the program.
Advertised prices were reduced on the open-
ing day of “The Best Years of Our Lives”
which showed at the Center Theatre. Prices
quoted in the elaborate ads ranged from 90
cents adult, 50 cents children, to $1.50 and
$1.20. Opening day prices were 76 and 50
cents to $1 and 50 cents.
It took about four days to raise better than
$5,000 needed to send the state basketball
champions, the B.M.C. Durfee high school
team, to New York for a week’s vacation in
appreciation of their victory. The students
were given a victory party at the state armory
prior to leaving for New York in a chartered
plane. Showman William Canning was fi-
nance chairman in the drive for the funds.
John J. McAvoy, assistant to Manager Paul
Slayer of the Durfee, is vice-president of the
B.M.C. Durfee high school class of 1937 which
is planning a meeting and reunion soon.
Downtown advertising and promotion
schemes are being carried out in the inter-
est of its neighborhood houses by Yamins
Theatres here. A campaign similar to that
which was conducted prior to the showing of
“The Jolson Story” at a downtown house
is being carried out preparatory to the pres-
entation of the same film for extended runs
at the Strand where James Knight is man-
ager, and at the Park, where Norman Zal-
kind is manager.
The Casino, sports arena recently acquired
by Nathan Yamins, is undergoing extensive
alterations. Plans are being considered to
add a story to the structure and make it one
of the most modern sports arenas of the area.
The premises are used for boxing, roller
skating, etc.
The New Embassy, owned by William Pur-
cell sr. and operated by his son William jr.,
donated $50 to the Red Cross drive . . . The
truck strike in nearby Providence is delay-
ing the delivery of a new RCA system to be
installed at the Durfee.
Alterations under way at the Park include
the installation of a new cooling system and
new marquee . . . Isabel True, manager of
the Helbar Candy Co., which services the
Yamins houses, is a patient at a Newport
hospital.
The Jean Grimaldi Theatrical Co. of Mont-
real has rented the Capitol Theatre for the
presentation of a French musical comedy on
May 13. The theatre also has been rented
to Dot Reilly and Russ Whalen, dancing
teachers, for presentation of their annual
shows.
Harry Zeitz of Fairhaven, operator of
Zeitz houses in this city, New Bedford, Port-
land, Me., and Newport, R. I., is under treat-
ment at St. Luke’s hospital in New Bedford
to determine whether he will undergo a sur-
gical operation . . . Claude Shaw, doorman
at the Academy, is spending his days off re-
porting to a Providence hospital for check-
ups for service-connected injuries. He served
with the marines in the Pacific.
Perley Coates, stagehand at the Academy,
is at home recuperating following an opera-
tion . . . Ruth Watson, cashier, has returned
to her duties following an illness which con-
fined her to her home ... A thief, evidently
packing a screw driver and pliers, succeeded
in removing a $15 door check from a door
near an exit at the Academy before being
detected.
W. T. Powell of WMT Given
Film Commentary Job
PITTSFIELD, MASS.— William T. Powell,
49-year-old district manager for Western
Massachusetts Theatres, Inc., has been ap-
pointed by radio station WBEC to give a mo-
tion picture commentary each evening except
Sunday at 6:30. Powell has been in motion
picture work since 1925, first as public rela-
tions and advertising executive with Maine
and New Hampshire theatres, and subse-
quently as manager of a number of theatres
throughout New England.
He once was advertising manager for a cir-
cuit operating in Maine, New Hampshire and
Vermont and was advertising manager for
Western Massachusetts Theatres, Inc., before
coming to this city in his present position in
May 1943.
A native of Prescott, Ont„ Powell once was
a reporter for the Burlington, Vt., Free Press;
editor of several weekly papers in New York
state and Maine, and city editor and manag-
ing editor of the Burlington Daily News.
Role in 'Captain From Castile'
Barbara Lawrence has been given a role in
“Captain from Castile” by 20th-Fox.
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 of which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE, DATE & RECORD BOOK.
□ S2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE
NAME POSITION
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
87
hjARJF_OR_D
Ted Harris of the State reports receiving
cards from his brother Sam now on a
Florida vacation . . . Bill Schulman, U-I
praise agent, huddled with Frank Morin of
the Warner Regal on “Smash-Up” . . . Hugh
Campbell, Central manager, had a name-
guessing contest in the Metropolitan News
for “Humoresque.” Winners: received guest
tickets . . . The Loew’s Poli tied up 12 down,
town windows for still display cards on “The
Late George Apley.” They have distributed
more than 5,000 bookmarks plugging forth-
coming theatre bookings, through public
library branches.
Pete Barali is the new usher at the Poli
. . . Albert Lessow of Loew’s Palace has a
new car, and is humming that song about
Lucille and the Oldsmobile . . . Manager Fred
R. Greenway’s office at the Palace is now
air conditioned.
George E. Landers of the E. M. Loew’s
went to Milford on a visit to E. M. Loew’s
drive-in. The grounds have been modern-
ized, with roadways resurfaced, and a drive-
over ramp installed. An individual speaker
system has also been installed. Carl Halprin
is manager.
Sam Horwitz reports receiving a copy of
the Hollywood Academy awards dinner pro-
gram from Myron Neiman, former Poli
usher, now working in the Columbia studios.
Jack W. Gordon of the Gordon’s entertain-
ment bureau announces the opening of a
Springfield branch office at 144 Bridge St.,
under management of Eddie Stone, who will
be field supervisor.
It is rumored that Ben Lamo, Strand as-
sistant manager, is about to walk that special
aisle . . . Mrs. Estelle O’Toole, secretary to
Henry L. Needles, Warner circuit district
manager, regularly collects for a yearly
Christmas club for local theatre employes.
Charlie Lowe, district sound engineer for
Warner Theatres, and Mrs. Lowe observed
their 16th wedding anniversary . . . George
E. Landers took a plane to Boston to attend
the 50th birthday party held there for E. M.
Loew, head of the E. M. Loew Theatres.
Mrs. Tommy Grace, wife of the Eastwood
manager, received a broiler the other day
for a jingle she submitted in a radio contest
. . . Fred R. Greenway, Palace manager, had
Johnny Anderson, Times cartoonist, make up
caricatures of incidents regarding “Lady in
the Lake” for newspaper breaks on the MGM
picture . . . Mr. and Mrs. James F. Clancy
have returned after a ten-week vacation in
Florida. Clancy, who recently retired as
sales promotion chief for station WTIC, at
one time managed the Poli, Hartford, and
other locations.
The Hartford circuit’s Central ran a bene-
fit show for the West Hartford Fish and
Game club . . . Arnold Van Leer, Paramount
praise agent, and Walter B. Lloyd of the
Allyn were busy on “Suddenly It’s Spring.”
Concert Held in Littleton Theatre
LITTLETON, N. H. — The Premier Theatre
was reserved for the entire day, April 8, for
a concert to be presented by Maria L. Ball-
ing, Viennese pianist, Virginia Bradley, so-
prano, and Grace Lee, contralto, under the
sponsorship of the .Catholic Daughters of
America. The concert was not to begin until
8:15 p. m. but the entire day was needed for
preparation.
Lou Cohen Is Celebrating
34th Year in Industry
HARTFORD — Lou Cohen, manager of
Loew’s Poli here, observing his 34th year in
show business, started as a part-time usher
LOU COHEN
in 1913 at the Plaza in Bridgeport. He later
was advanced to program boy at the same
house, then operated by the late S. Z. Poli,
but his ambition wouldn’t permit him to
stay there long.
He worked up the ladder, soon attaining
a managerial status, and bowed into Hart-
ford in 1933 as manager of the Poli. Piloting
Loew’s Poli Palace in 1936, he moved over in
similar capacity to Loew’s Poli in 1941.
Lou has won numerous national exploita-
tion campaign contests sponsored by dis-
tributors. His viewpoint:
“Exploitation is more important today than
in years. It definitely pays off at the box-
office.”
Cohen is married and has one son, George,
married, who lives in Waterbury and has a
daughter, Frances Linda.
Series of Preview Nights
Started in Vancouver
From Canadian Edition
VANCOUVER— Inaugurating a new policy
dedicated to “first-nighters,” the Park gave
a preview nightr recently with admissions at
60 cents. Every Monday thereafter a similar
show will be held.
The Park was selected by Odeon as an ideal
location, only five minutes from downtown
Vancouver by bus or car. The theatre also is
starting a second run policy. The Paradise,
formerly second run, will go to first run.
Famous Players have been holding preview
nights at the Stanley and Kerrisdale theatres
for the last ten years.
Publisher Fetes Rickenbacker
HARTFORD — Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker,
Eastern Air Lines executive, was here last
week. He was hosted by Francis S. Murphy,
publisher of the Times at a dinner at the
Hartford club. Among those attending were
Lou Cohen, Poli; Fred R. Greenway, Palace;
George E. Landers, E. M. Loew’s; Walter B.
Lloyd, Allyn, and Jim McCarthy, Strand.
Lead to June Lockhart
The femme topline in “Bury Me Dead” has
been handed to June Lockhart by PRC.
New Haven Variety
Installs Officers
NEW HAVEN — With local and industry
notables sprinkling the dais. Variety Interna-
tional’s youngest tent, No. 31 of New Haven,
installed its first slate of officers at a cock-
tail party and dinner Monday (14) in Hotel
Taft here.
Barney Pitkin, chief barker, presided at
the affair, which was attended by 70 persons,
including 55 charter members from Connecti-
cut.
Speakers included Col. William McCraw
of Dallas, national Variety’s executive direc-
tor; Mayor William Celentano, New Haven;
Charles E. Lewis, Variety publicity director;
C. J. Latta, Albany, and Murray Weiss, chief
barker of Tent 23, Boston.
Others installed:
Dr. J. B. Fishman, first assistant chief;
Rudy Frank, second assistant chief; George
Wilkinson, dough guy; Arthur Greenfield,
property master; Carl Goe, John Pavone, Her-
man Levy, Lou Brown, Harry F. Shaw and
Henry Germaine, canvasman.
Twin Kid Contest Helps
'Rose' at Manchester
MANCHESTER, N. H.— The “Twin Kid”
contest, which has been proving successful in
all key cities, helped put “Abie’s Irish Rose”
over the top at the Strand here. Manager Ed
Foley and his publicity man, Bill Hicky, broke
stories on the contest in the two leading
newspapers, the Union and Leader, announc-
ing eligibility rules and details. Twins from
2 to 14 years of age were chosen as con-
testants with a set of commercial photo-
graphs as first prize, monthly passes to all
Shea theatres as second prize and a monthly
pass to the Strand as third prize.
The opening day saw a dozen sets of twins
on the Strand stage for judging, which was
based on best appearance and personality.
Spot announcements heralded the contest,
also co-op ads and a 40x60 announcement
card in the lobby.
All the Levys and Murphys were telephoned
by the theatre cashier on the opening of the
picture. In displays, Leavitt’s department
store used blowups of Joanne Dru in bridal
clothes with full credits.
Phone Talk to Moscow
During Run of 'Ivan'
BOSTON — George Kraska, manager of the
Kenmore in uptown Boston, where the Rus-
sian film “Ivan the Terrible” opened April 16,
has arranged a Boston-Moscow telephone
interview through the overseas facilities of
the New England Telephone Co.
The film has been screened for the press
and critics. A telephone interview was to be
held with the director of the picture, Serge
Eisenstein, and Serge Prokofieff, noted com-
poser, who wrote the musical score. Mem-
bers of the Boston press were to meet at
Hotel Kenmore, and hold a telephone con-
versation and interview the Russian digni-
taries, both of whom have visited Boston.
Last fall Prokofieff was guest conductor at
a concert by the Boston Symphony orchestra,
while Eisenstein delivered a lecture at the
Harvard business school in 1930.
According to Kraska, this is the first Bos-
ton-Moscow telephone interview concerning
a film.
In 'Portrait of Jennie'
Aline MacMahon has been set for a fea-
tured part in “Portrait of Jennie.”
88
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1847
BROADWAY STAFF LINES UP — Snapped just before the premiere of “The Be-
ginning1 or the End” at the Broadway in New Haven are these members of the theatre’s
staff, in the usual order: Arthur Nadolny, Eleanor Armitage, Irene Wojcik, Frances
Fletcher, Matilda Pysyk, Joe Boyle, manager; Marion Foyda, Gladys Donohue, Lucy
Butrymowicz and William Hartie.
Circuit Sponsoring
Safe Driving Event
From Midwest Edition
DES MOINES — More than 20 Iowa cities
and towns have entered the $1,000 safe
driving contest sponsored by the Tri-States
Theatre Corp., G. Ralph Branton, Tri-States
general manager, announced recently.
Tri-States is offering $1,000 in cash to the
city or town in Iowa doing the best traffic
safety job. The money awarded is to be spent
for safety improvements in the prizewinning
locality.
The campaigns are being underwritten in
most cities throughout the state by Junior
Chambers of Commerce.
In Des Moines, the chamber started its
campaign with a teaser slogan: “The Vigi-
lantes Are Coming,” and the first week in
April Des Moines motorists were warned that
a band of 600 vigilantes would begin a drive
to save lives by curbing traffic law violations.
The general campaign slogan is, “Save a
Life, It May Be Yours.” Iowa theatres are
cooperating with screen trailers. On many
theatre marquees there is a torch burning
with the legend: “Keep the light burning,
save a life.” The light is to burn until there
is a traffic fatality in the city.
In Davenport, H. D. Grove, Tri-States dis-
trict manager, plans to present courteous
drivers with free theatre tickets. Grove is
also offering free shows to safety patrol
groups. Here, also, junior chamber members
will serve as traffic watchers and report viola-
tions. As in Des Moines, violators will re-
ceive a courtesy letter calling attention to
their aberration.
Branton last week said the campaign was
being underwritten by Tri-States as a means
of keeping theatres active in the life of the
community during peacetime. He said he
felt that with the war at an end, theatres
should not relax in their contribution to com-
munity welfare. The increasing death toll in
traffic accidents, Branton said, makes this
campaign of the greatest value to all Iowa.
Texas Theatre Guide
Lists 1,260 Houses
From Southwest Edition
DALLAS — Stormy Meadows has just issued
her 1947 Texas Theatre Guide. The book
contains 92 pages and some advertising on
the cover. It gives the number of theatres
in this state as 1,260 with a total seating
capacity of 657,286. There are 583 circuit
houses with 276,548 seats. Affiliated circuit
theatres number 218 and unaffiliated are
459. So-called independent theatres are 583,
with 276,548 seats.
The guide lists the names and addresses
of film, equipment and service companies to-
gether with owners and managers. Mexican
theatres and owners are listed. There is a
straight alphabetical listing of all theatres
with their ownership and estimated seating
capacity. Theatres are also listed in circuit
groups.
Miss Meadows has been on Filmrow for the
last several years. She is a graduate of Texas
State College for Women and was private
secretary for the late Harold B. Robb of
R&R-United Theatres. She now is secretary
to Tom Fomer, theatre building contractor
with offices on Jackson street. She revived
the Theatre Guide for 1946 as the first of
this important series since war was declared
and compiles the work as a sideline to her
regular duties.
Stringent Fire Measure
Considered in Knoxville
From Mideast Edition
KNOXVILLE — Theatres here probably
won’t feel any effects from the recently
enacted state fire law, but a new city ordi-
nance proposed by Fire Chief C. M. Johnson
may force them to make some changes.
The present city ordinance already is re-
garded as twice as strong as the state law,
and Chief Johnson says his new proposal
is "ten times better and stronger.”
The state law requires two exits from all
theatres. The city law now requires three
escapes on as many sides of the theatre.
Under the state law any theatre could get
by with two escapes or exits.
Following are some provisions of the pro-
posed new city ordinance:
All theatres would be required to treat
stage scenery materials and curtains, dra-
peries, rugs and other inflammable materials
with fireproof chemicals.
Outside fire escapes would be required for
all theatres, but fire towers would be con-
sidered the same as iron fire escapes.
All theatres would be required to install
automatic sprinkler systems that would be
set off when heat from an undiscovered fire
comes in contact.
Good 'Yearling' Angle
HARTFORD — A local angle on MGM’s “The
Yearling” was promoted by Manager Lou
Cohen of the Poli and his assistant, Sam
Horwitz. They contacted Ralph Emerson,
who operates a men's clothing store here. He
is a brother of George Emerson, who trained
the animals used in the MGM picture. Re-
sult was extensive breaks in the local dailies.
Manchester Club Views Films
MANCHESTER, N. H.— “Cavalcade of
Color” and “Highlights and Shadows” were
two films shown March 25 at the noon meet-
ing of the Exchange club.
Writer Blames Poor Home Training
For Theatre Mob Spirit of Youth
From Midwest Edition
DES MOINES — Myrtle Meyer Eldred,
child care expert writing in the Des
Moines Tribune, recently gave some
pertinent advice on how children should
behave in a motion picture theatre.
The advice, in her syndicated column,
was directed at parents.
“What children do not seem to ap-
preciate is that every privilege carries
some responsibilities,” Mrs. Eldred
wrote. “The privilege of attending an
entertainment, to which young and old
are welcome, makes it essential that
they don the manners, show the cour-
tesy and consideration of others, which
pay for the privileges they enjoy.
“But do they? Afternoon movies, es-
pecially on Saturdays or Sundays, are
literally bedlam. Children run in and
out of their seats two or three times
during a performance. They crowd in
and out giggling, coming back with
fresh reinforcements of popcorn or
candy bars. A perfectly clean theatre
lobby is so littered with popcorn at the
end of the first performance that it
crunches under one’s feet.
“They talk to each other, not whisper,
about their own affairs, and they make
audible remarks about what the actors
are saying on the screen.
“I have the greatest sympathy for
growing children. I am in accord with
their demands to be treated like grown-
ups. I want them to have liberty to
express themselves as individuals. But
this mob spirit of utter inconsideration,
of blatant discourtesy, even of whole-
sale and malicious destruction of the
equipment and appearance of movie
houses made beautiful and comfortable
for the enjoyment of everyone, is the
wrong kind of expression.”
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
89
Opportunity Knocks
Every Week . . .
in BOXOFFICE Clearing House of Classified Ads
Summary of a Recent Issue:
15 offers of Used General Equipment
6 places to buy New General Equipment
12 theatre seating — new and used
21 theatres wanted and for sale
1 1 positions open and help wanted
12 specialized offers of equipment and sup-
plies.
The cost is small. Only 10 cents a word —
4 insertions for the price of 3.
Use the Tremendous Circulation of
BOXOFFICE
FOR ADVERTISING THAT PAYS BEST
'BOXOFFICE
IS HERE!”
Over the doors of most Ameri-
can theatres a sign might be
placed: "BOXOFFICE comes to
us every week to help us op-
erate more profitably."
Display Ids
Pay Well
The low cost of small ads in re-
gional news sections appeals to
more and more advertisers. Re-
turns are excellent and the ef-
fects are beyond ordinary com-
putation.
ASK FOR DISPLAY RATES
FOR YOUR OWN SECTION
90
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
Houston Is Obtaining
Eight New Theatres
HOUSTON — Three theatres have been con-
structed and opened here since September
1946 and five now are under construction.
Santa Rosa Theatre: Interstate Theatres
newest house; Telephone road and Park
Place; suburban family trade; seating about
1,000; second run pictures, sometimes third
run.
Don Gordon: Owned by Mr. and Mrs.
Ernest Forsythe and named for their two
sons, Don and Gordon. This theatre was
opened last October 12. Seating capacity
857 and uses second run pictures. Occasion-
ally has double features. L. F. Burch is op-
erator. Hours are 5:45 p. m. to 11 p. m. ex-
cept Saturday and Sunday when matinees
are scheduled. Located at 4719 Canal.
Winkler Drive-In: Opened March 21 and
has a capacity for 600 cars. It is the family
type theatre and shows two shows nightly
with a Saturday midnighter. W. C. Under-
wood and C. C. Ezell owners of the South
Main Drive-In and also of a string in Texas,
built the Winkler. Maurice Rogillio is op-
erator and Bill Sargent its manager. The
opening picture was “Three Little Girls in
Blue.” Each car has its own speaker. A
nursery is in operation and there is a play-
ground for the children. There are also con-
cessions.
Interstate is constructing four new thea-
tres; one in the Garden Oaks area similar to
the Santa Rosa, one at Fulton and Irvington,
one at Broadway and La Porte road and one
in the McCarthy center at Bellaire and South
Main. These are in various states of con-
struction.
Fred Canata and B. Gibson have a thea-
tre under construction on the Airline road
which will be an independent. Canata was
with Will Horwitz until that showman’s
death. He is now manager of the Will Hor-
witz interests, which include the Uptown.
Theatre Storm Damage
Information Lacking
DALLAS — Reports on damages to theatres
in last week’s tornado which struck a few
miles north of Amarillo and shot northeast
to Woodward, Okla., were incomplete here at
midweek. Towns along this route are served
by Oklahoma City exchanges. Higgins, on
the Texas line, was almost completely wiped
off the map along with the Alamo Theatre,
operated by Jake Sells. Several other small
villages do not have theatres.
Woodward, about 5,000 population, was
half destroyed, but no word of theatre dam-
age there was received in Dallas.
SW
Troop to Fete Wayne
• DALLAS — John Wayne will be here as a
guest of the Troop G, 112th cavalary regi-
ment, when the association holds its third
annual meeting August 30. The film star en-
tertained the regiment a few miles from
enemy lines on New Britain. He sent a tele-
gram of acceptance to Harry E. Thompson,
president of the association. Troop G was
founded in Abilene in 1940, where its first
two reunions since the war were held.
New Sound in Matador
MATADOR, TEX. — New sound equipment
and other improvements have been installed
in the Rogue Theatre, operated here by Mr.
and Mrs. L. H. Dirickson. The entire Rogue
building, which also houses a bakery and
cafe, was redecorated.
LUCKY PORT OF ENTRY — New Orleans was the port of entry for three Costa
Rican senoritas — Lydia Soto-Harrison, Sonia Lizano and Olga Kutierrez-Pacheco— who
arrived by Pan American Airways for an extensive tour of the U.S. They were chosen
from a group of approximately 1,000 in a beauty contest conducted by 20th-Fox in
connection with the exploitation of “Carnival in Costa Rica.” Accompanied by two
duennas, they were welcomed by Mark Sheridan, 20th-Fox New Orleans manager, and
were later received at International House by Charles Nutter, managing director, and
Raphael J. Urruela, head of international relations. There they were presented with wel-
coming scrolls and keys to the city. From New Orleans they were flown to New York
for the opening of the picture at the Roxy Theatre. Their final visit will be to Miami
whence they will return to Costa Rica. Nutter is at left; Sheridan right.
Lamed Death Climaxed
Delayed Honeymoon
9-11. They planned the California tour as
their first vacation since their marriage.
Larned’s body arrived here Wednesday
morning accompanied by a brother Ralph,
La Crosse, Kas., exhibitor and a director of
KMTA, who went to the west coast by plane
following the accident.
Hundreds of film and theatre men here
and over the state attended services Wednes-
day afternoon. Most of them joined the long
funeral procession to the cemetery about ten
miles north of the city. Pallbearers were
the six salesmen of the Dallas exchange who
travel in Texas; Truman Hendrix, Sebe
Miller, Stanley Zimmerman, Howard Nichol-
son, Frank Rule and Paul Chapman. Flow-
ers were banked high at the grave.
BORN IN TOLER, TEX.
Honorary pallbearers were J. J. Donahue
of New York, Paramount central division
manager; L. W. McClintock of Memphis,
C. H. Weaver of Oklahoma City, Walter Wiens
of Cincinnati and Tom Bridge of San Fran-
cisco, Paramount branch managers; Duke
Clark and Heywood Simmons, Dallas ex-
change; Bob Davis, John Daumeyer and Ben
Ferguson of the Campus Theatre at College
Station; Paul Fuller, Austin; C. D. Leon, Dal-
las; Skeets Park, Fort Worth, and Fort Keith
and Harley Cherry of Granbury.
Larned was born at Toler, Tex., near Gran-
bury 39 years ago. He went to high school at
Granbury and moved here in his teens. In
the early twenties he worked behind a soda
fountain in a drug store near Filmrow. The
late J. B. Dugger, then Paramount manager,
came to know Larned and decided the young
(Continued on next page)
By V. W. CRISP
DALLAS — Lovable, tolerant Fred Larned,
Paramount branch manager who was killed
last week in an auto-
mobile accident near
Carmel, Calif., was
buried in Restland
Memorial cemetery
here Wednesday aft-
ernoon in a plot be-
side the grave of J. B.
Dugger, former Para-
mount manager who
gave Larned his first
job.
Mrs. Larned, seri-
ously injured in the
accident, remained in
a hospital at Carmel.
Larned and his wife Mary Kay were on a
delayed honeymoon trip, driving on a three-
lane highway on the way from San Fran-
cisco to Los Angeles at the time of the
tragedy. According to reports received here.
Larned was passing another car when the
latter swerved in and sideswiped Larned’s
new convertible, which skidded and turned
over several times. A steel rod killed Larned
almost instantly.
FRED LARNED
MARRIED FOUR YEARS AGO
The couple, married four years ago, planned
the holiday trip following the third-place vic-
tory by Larned’s Dallas branch in Para-
mount’s 35th and Greatest Year sales drive,
in which his share was $1,200 and an all-
expense trip to New York, where he was to
receive the prize at a company meeting May
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
91
Fred Lamed Killed
On California Trip
(Continued from preceding page)
dispenser might make a good film man. That
was 22 years ago. Larned and Heywood
Simmons, the present local sales manager,
were given jobs at the same time. Fred
started as a poster clerk, then served as
booker and later as salesman out of Okla-
homa City, Memphis and then Dallas. He
finally became sales manager here, and was
promoted to branch manager about six
years ago.
He was called up by the local draft board
for military service but was turned down by
medical examiners.
Larned was a member of the Variety Club
and served on last fall’s turtle derby commit-
tee. He lived in a new stone home at 6621
Bryn Mawr Drive which he purchased last
year.
Survivors are two sons; Fred jr. 20, and
Michael 4, and a daughter Shirley 12; his
wife;' his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Lamed
of Granbury, Tex., and the brother Ralph.
Just when Mrs. Larned’s condition will per-
mit removal to her home here was not known
at this writing.
Among exhibitors at the funeral were
George Chatmas of Hearne, J. C. Chatmas
of Marlin, P. V. Williams of Munday, Leon
Lewis and W. D. Hightower and Clifford
Porter of Fort Worth, R. F. Curtis of Me-
ridian, H. S. Usry of Decatur, S. G. Fry of
Tyler, Rubin Frels of Victoria, H. S. Cole of
Bonham, Mitchell Lewis of Houston, Ray
Jennings of Hondo, Ben Ferguson of College
Station and others.
DALLAS — The April meeting of Variety Club
was held Monday night with a buffet supper
for members only. Club quarters were closed
Wednesday at 5 o’clock out of respect for
Step right up
GREATER
POPCORN PROFITS
with
R-B Brand Supplies
When you pop R-B Brand super-quality popcorn, you'll get about $120
to $125 from a 100-lb. bag! For R-B, processed exclusively from Mam-
moth Yellow Hybrid Popcorn, has a popping ratio of approximately 30
to 1. Seasoned with R-B Golden Liquid Seasoning, the large, fluffy
kernels have extra good flavor that brings customers back again and
again.
R-B Brand Seasoning is available in
gallons at 32 lbs. to the case or 5
gallon tins at 40 lbs. per case. Also
steel drums — 420 lbs.
7*? just one bag, to see
for yourself the superiority.
Only $9.80 per 100 lb. bag.
% lb. printed white bags, $1.50 per
thousand; Morton's popcorn salt,
$1.80 per case. Let us quote on all
your needs.
Write for complete list of poppers'
supplies.
Per 100 lb. bag
in orders of
500 lbs. & up.
POPCORN COMPANY
2401 South Ervay St. ★ Dallas 1, Texas
BUILT ON
EXTRA VALUE
and
SATISFACTION
Fred Larned, buried here that afternoon.
Plans for the national convention starting
May 15 in Los Angeles were said to be virtu-
ally completed. A special train will leave
from this area.
Arthur R. Milentz Stricken;
Long Leader at Liberty, Tex.
LIBERTY, TEX. — Arthur R. Milentz, oper-
ator of the American and Park theatres, died
of a heart attack here. Milentz had been
making regular trips to the Dallas market
since the days of the silents.
Milentz was known as a civic and business
leader here and is credited with bringing
about lasting improvements to the town.
His son, A. R. Milentz jr., has been assist-
ing in management of the shows since his
return from active service in Europe and
in all probability will continue to operate
the two houses.
Southeast Breezes
RALEIGH, N. C. — The state legislature ad-
journed after setting a new record; no new
laws which materially affect theatre opera-
tion.
BIRMINGHAM — Manager Harry W. Rob-
erts of the Birmingham and his projectionist
successfully averted a panic here when a
girl’s cry of “Mother” was mistaken for
“Fire.” Several patrons assisted Roberts in
calming the crowd and the projectionist, by
turning up the sound, drowned out most of
the audible commotion.
MEMPHIS — All of Shelby county is now
under the jurisdiction of the local censor-
ship board, headed by Lloyd T. Binford, as
the result of a bill passed early in the year
by the state legislature.
Birmingham — Avondale park was
jammed with 7,500 children and parents
Easter Sunday for the first postwar egg
hunt sponsored by the Alabama Thea-
tre’s Mickey Mouse club and a local de-
partment store. A bicycle and other
prizes totaling $100 were offered to the
biggest crowd “ever,” according to Fred
McCallum, assistant manager of the
house.
MEMPHIS— Clubwomen from Sardis and
Amory, Miss., have persuaded Dave Flexer,
Flexer Theatres, to play Prestige films in
their towns as he has done at the Ritz here.
“The Seventh Veil” and “Brief Encounter”
will be shown in both towns.
PANAMA CITY, FLA.— Bud Davis of the
local Ritz had a photographer snap dressed-up
feminine passersby Easter Sunday. Later the
pictures were displayed in his theatre.
BROOKLET, GA.— New projectionist at
the Toez Theatre here is “Red,” son of Mr.
and Mrs. Z. H. Tuttle, owners. Barely in his
teens, the youngster rims the machines like
any veteran, according to his father.
JACKSONVILLE— Approximately 1,000 per-
sons jammed the new Edgewood Theatre,
de luxe neighborhood opened by Florida State
Theatres.
Memphis — A tall footman dressed with
all the gold and brass his uniform can
hold will grace the main door of the new
W. C. Handy Theatre, to open May 11.
As far as Memphians can recall, no thea-
tre here has ever had a footman. Like
the uniforms of the ushers and usherettes,
the footman’s outfit will be of aqua and
gold to harmonize with the color scheme
of the theatre itself.
RUSSELLVILLE, ARK.— E. R. Gillet, own-
er of the Bristol in Memphis and Ritz in
Dyersburg, will open the Maun Theatre here
April 25.
92
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
NEW ORLEANS
A prominent Orleanian, Horace John Houg-
land, 46, was killed on Highway 11, south
of the Pontchartrain bridge. At one time he
was manager of the Tivoli and Tudor thea-
tres here, and also managed theatres in
Hattiesburg, Miss., and Beaumont, Tex. Sur-
viving is a sister, Mrs. Maurice F. Barr of
New Orleans, wife of a Paramount-Richards
executive.
A. L. Royal of the Royal Theatre circuit,
was here with his wife accompanying him,
and Sam Kelly . . . Mr. and Mrs. Billy Ter-
rell, who have theatres at Roseland and
Amite, have been in the city for the past
week. Mrs. Terrell is under observation at
the Ochsner clinic . . . Mr. and Mrs. Neal
Mixon, of the Drive-In Theatre at Amite,
were Filmrow visitors . . . Freddie Goodrow
jr., who attends Southwestern university at
Lafayette, La., spent Easter with his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Goodrow of Novelty Films.
Theatre owners and operators feel better
because of the increase in business since
Lent. Practically every theatre in this sec-
tion suffered some during th,e lenten season
. . . John Jarvis, the globe-trotter who swings
a wicked glove, was on Weeks Island last
week . . . Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Howard, who
operate theatres in Jackson and Clinton, La.,
were in New Orleans for several days . . .
Visitors to the Row also included Earnest
Delahaye, who operates theatres at Gross
Tete and Maringouin, La., Mr. Gode of Port
Allen and Roy Pfeiffer of Baton Rouge, La.
Nick Bonck has started a new film delivery
service and will serve Louisiana and Missis-
sippi. It is known as Exhibitors Delivery
Service . . . The girls on Filmrow have be-
come weight conscious with the advent of
spring, and there is quite a spell of dieting.
Mrs. Jack Auslet says: “Wait for me, girls!”
Mr. Castay has opened a new theatre, the
Arrow, on Jefferson highway and Labarde
road, in Jefferson parish. It is modern in
every sense and has 800 seats which were sold
by Tom Neely of National Theatre Supply Co.
. . . Jeanette Sheffield, secretary to Tom
Neely, was laid up last week with the measles.
This is one “old feature” that is playing a
return engagement with a bang. Boys and
girls all over the city are coming down with
them and there is almost an epidemic among
the oldsters.
The Lousiana Council for Motion Pictures
will meet April 24 at noon at the Monteleone
hotel. Mrs. George E. Parker is chairman.
Officers will be elected at the luncheon, Mrs.
Joseph E. Friend, president, said.
The initiation party of the Filmrow Social
club was held at the Court of the Two Sisters
in the French quarter. It turned out to be a
fine affair, with 31 members present, a
“member hunt” was held instead of an egg
hunt. There were eggs, too, dyed colors of
the rainbow. Ray Thommasie, son of Clar-
ence Thommasie of the Gay Theatre in
Harvey, La., won the radio raffled by the
club. Ellis Bourgeois, honorary member, took
a flash photo of a few of the “honey bunnies.”
Among those present were Mr. and Mrs.
Bridges, MGM; Mrs. W. A. Prewitt, Connie
Black, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Scully, Mr. and
Mrs. George Montgomery, the Misses Jane
McDonnell, Dorothy Caliva, Bee Adams and
Shirley Reach.
A. J. Broussard, who operates the Bruce
theatres in Crowley and Jennings, opened
his new Bruce Theatre in Payne, La., April 19.
A number of film folk from New Orleans
attended.
New Orleans has a new “fan” in the per-
son of Dorothy Patrick, 19-year-old actress
who was presented at the Municipal audi-
torium by the Spring Fiesta Ass’n in a style
show. Dorothy finds the city all that she
expected and more. She has had a year and
a half experience in the films and a year
previous on the New York stage, in spite of
her youth.
Filmrow welcomes Vera Gauthe, the new
stenographer with Dixie Films Corp. . . .
Many new theatres are being announced over
the territory. Among the largest is the new
Rex in Baton Rouge, which will be opened
by May 1 at a cost of $350,000. It will be a
first run house with ample parking facilities.
J. J. Brogie, who spent 20 years as office
and sales manager for 20th-Fox and later
with Film Classics, has opened a booking
office of his own. He is representing thea-
tres in the territory and also is supervising
the construction of the new Rex Theatre in
Baton Rouge. His office is at 218 South
Liberty St.
A world premiere of “New Orleans,” a fea-
ture based on the history of jazz, will open
shortly at the Saenger with pomp and glory.
A number of film stars will be present as well
as the author and producer. New Orleans
is certainly to the front as the south’s most
interesting city. No fewer than ten writers
and producers have stories with a New
Orleans background.
Talk around Filmrow about buying and
selling away from circuits, etc., has died down
somewhat. It seems that a good many ex-
hibitors have bought their limit of product
... A new member of Kay Films in New
Orleans is Frances Jackson, office manager,
who was formerly booker for N. H. Waters
circuit in Birmingham.
We Have Them
Complete Accessories on All Companies’ Products
Exhibitors Poster Exch., Inc.
... ' J 2 21. South Liberty Street
New Orleans, La. RAY 3563
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
R. M. SAVINI
Pne&e+itA,
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
RICHARD’S
ANSWER
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
HEAR AND SEE
RICHARD IN
SONG & MUSIC
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
BOOK NOW
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
J(JOHN) Q I) (0. K.> ‘
enkins & Bourgeois
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HARWOOD & JACKSON STS.
DALLAS 1 “Riverside 1884" TEXAS
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
93
Dallas Grosses High;
'Best Years' Still Up
DALLAS — First run grosses were high last
week in spite of rain and 50 degree weather.
“The Best Years of Our Lives” held up strong
in its second week at the Melba. This ac-
counts for “Mr. District Attorney” and “Annie
Oakley” doing big at the Rialto, as there was
one less opening for the week.
(Average is 100)
Capitol — Valley of Fear (Mono); Chump at Oxford
(UA), reissue, split With Riders of the West
(Mono), reissue; House of Secrets (Cl) , reissue.— 100
Majestic — Angel and the Badman (Rep) 130
Melba — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
2nd wk 165
Palace — Lady in the Lake (MGM) 105
Rialto — Mr. District Attorney (Col), split with
Annie Oakley (RKO), reissue „ _125
Telenews — The Raider (English Films) 120
Tower — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO), 2nd d. t. wk 110
New Orleans Reported
Back Near Normal Now
NEW ORLEANS — The Crescent city is back
to normal after a long period of festivities.
The first celebration after Lent was Army
day. Natives were out in full force on Canal
street for the parade, and the theatres got
their share of the business. Now the spring
fiesta is on, bringing many strangers to
town and good grosses to the downtown
houses.
Excellent programs were offered. The Or-
pheum and Liberty, held over for the second
week the Academy award picture, “The Best
Years of Our Lives,” Loew’s State had “13
Rue Madeleine,” Saengers had “Suddenly It’s
Spring,” the Tudor brought back “Kings Row,”
NEW GOLDWYN MAN— J. W. Loewe
(above), recently appointed representa-
tive of Samuel Goldwyn for the south
and part of the midwest, has established
a Dallas office in a new building on Cedar
Springs. He was branch manager for
Warners here for two years.
and the Globe had “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Opera fans turned out at the Municipal au-
ditorium to hear the singers of the New Or-
leans Opera House Ass’n present “Carmen.”
Other later dates are Artur Rubinstein, pian-
ist, and Lauritz Melchior, Metropolitan star.
HOUSTON
J^ubie Dick Yarborough, who has been in
charge of ticket sales for roadshows for
Interstate this season, is leaving to be mar-
ried April 23 to L. E. Gunderson. They will
live in Connecticut . . . Bill Johnston, pub-
licity man for Interstate, passed the cigars
for Barbara Jean, who arrived March 16.
She is gaining so rapidly that he said the
only thing that bothers him is when she
insists on having chili sauce and catsup on
her K. C. steaks.
Del Lewis, United Artists representative
with headquarters in Dallas, spent a few
days here with Homer McCallon, manager of
Loew’s State . . . The Academy award win-
ner, “The Best Years of Our Lives,” and
MGM’s Academy nominee, “The Yearling,”
are both playing opposite each other here.
“Best Years” is at Interstate’s Kirby and
“The Yearling” at Loew’s State. Both are
holdovers . . . For the first time since 1905,
the Metropolitan Opera Co. will make an
appearance in Houston May 6 and 7. The
company will present Verdi’s “Aida” and
Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly.” The Metro-
politan Opera company is being brought here
by Edna W. Saunders.
The Houston Symphony orchestra played
its final concert of the season April 14 at
which time Ernest Hoffman, conductor for
the past 11 years, said goodby. His resigna-
tion has been accepted by the board of di-
rectors. Francis Deering, formerly manager
of Loew’s State, is manager of the symphony.
Second Unsolicited Testimonial
from N. L. FULTS
Palace Theatre,
Lawton, Okla.
“tflQl 00
^lOI* per bag was our average during March.
Your products are the best on the market!"
Seasoning
Salt - - - - Bags
Cartons
RIVERSIDE 6134
We serve you . . .
The Ideal Hybrid
with
MAXIMUM UNIFORMITY
GROWN-IN POPPING VOLUME
A QUALITY OF TASTE
you never have known before.
Chas. E. Darden & Co.
HYBRID
pop Corn
MOISTURE PROOFED
PACKED BY
CHAS. E. DARDEN & CO.
1
P. O. Box 2207
DALLAS 1. TEXAS
Equipment,
NEW ORLEANS
Sales and
Ma. 2102 — 1024 Bienville St.
Display
L. C. Duckworth, Manager
P. O. B„ 322 WAREHOUSES
102 San Jacinto St. 201 Bowie 702 Texas St. 400 N. Peters
HOUSTON — BEAUMONT — LUBBOCK — NEW ORLEANS
94
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
'Fifth Avenue' Stars
Are Invading Texas
DALLAS — Gail Storm and Don DeFore,
stars of “It Happened on Fifth Avenue,”
and Steve Broidy, president of Monogram
Pictures, producers of the film, arrived at
Love field airport and were given one of
these thrill-packed stagecoach rides to the
Baker hotel. They came in from Hollywood
for personal appearances with the picture
in Interstate circuit houses in the four Texas
key cities. They were booked for the Majestic
in San Antonio April 17; the Metropolitan,
Houston, 23; Majestic in Dallas, 24, and the
Worth in Fort Worth, 25.
It was a homecoming for Miss Storm. She
was born in Bloomington and later lived in
Houston. She went to Hollywood in 1939
to appear in Jesse Lasky’s “Gateway to
Hollywood.” Starting out with a six-month
contract, she has since completed her eighth
year in pictures. She appeared in four Re-
public westerns and in Monogram’s “Where
Are Your Children?” and now has a longtime
contract with the latter company. She won
additional popularity in this area during the
war by appearing on the Stars Over Texas
bond-selling tours.
DeFore is an Iowa boy on his first trip to
this state.
Broidy has been in Texas many times and
is familiar with the state’s amusement setup.
He is making the trip to get firsthand pub-
lic reaction at all four points. Lloyd Rust and
Ed Blumenthal, local franchise holders, will
likely accompany Broidy to some or all of
the Texas premiere spots.
Jimmie Allard to Manage
Tower and Melba, Dallas
DALLAS — Jimmy Allard, brought here last
fall as manager of the new Wilshire Theatre,
has been transferred by Interstate circuit to
manage the downtown Melba and Tower thea-
tres. He succeeds John A. Alterman. Frank
Aydelotte, assistant manager of the Majestic,
has been moved to the Wilshire.
Allard was a former burlesque comedian
and minstrel man. He joined the circuit sev-
eral years ago and was made city manager
in Vernon. He broke several records in the
sale of war bonds and conducted numerous
rallies over the state, particularly in connec-
tion with the Stars Over Texas campaign.
He was in charge of one of those tours.
■ NOW.
Your Theatre Can Be Sold
PRIVATELY at Top Market
Personal, Confidential Handling
Confidential correspondence invited
ARTHUR LEAK
BROKER
Theatre Sales Exclusive!)
3422 Kinmore St. Dallas 10, Texas Dial T3-2026
SAM LEWIS
Remodeling and Decorating Theatres
“A Dollar’s Worth for Your Dollar”
Phone Y2-7383
2810 Sharon Dallas 11, Texas
DALLAS
p V. Williams of the Roxy in Munday made
a special trip here to attend Fred Larned’s
funeral. Williams said he was more than
sorry to have read in BOXOFFICE last week
about Walter King’s death. He said King
had just done a fine job of remodeling his
Roxy Theatre.
Clyde Houston, Texas film salesman for
20 years, has joined PRC-Eagle-Lion as the
east Texas salesman. He represented MGM
in that part of the state for many years and
more recently was manager of the Rita Thea-
tre here for his father, the veteran H. C.
Houston. Clyde is a brother of Neal, who
new is selling for Republic . . . J. H. Stagner
of the all-new Van Theatre at Van made
a quick trip to the Row, buying equipment
to put his house in top running order.
Grady Cole, former exhibitor at New
Braunfels and now a film distributor there,
is now making 16mm educational pictures
and calls his new enterprise the Old King
Cole Productions. He has lined up chambers
of commerce in 25 Texas towns to furnish
material and pay the overhead for making
a 90-rrunute film based on natural resources,
personalities and current events. The com-
pleted film will then be turned over to the
University of Texas and future showings
and usage will be worked out from there.
Film men and others were pondering at
the toll of the Grim Reaper and his demands
on the industry locally, all within a short
time. First it was Richard Foy, manager of
the Palace Theatre who died unexpectedly.
Sudden death came then to Walter B. King,
who had been in the theatre decorating busi-
ness for many years. Then came the untimely
death in a car accident of Fred Larned,
Paramount manager, who was buried here
Wednesday. Two weeks ago R. C. “Bob” Mc-
Ilheran, manager of the Gem in Wichita
Falls, died after a brief illness. He was
manager for Universal here for many years
up until about 12 years ago.
Film luminaries here this week said it was
a small world after all. Monogram’s Presi-
dent Steve Broidy and stars Gale Storm and
Don DeFore met Producer Jack Wrather and
his wife, Bonita Granville, at an informal
reception in the Mercantile bank penthouse.
R. J. O’Donnell, Interstate vice-president, was
in the party. The first group was here in
connection with the showing of “It Hap-
pened on Fifth Avenue.” The Wrathers were
here on a vacation. Other film stars — Babe
Didrikson and Jinx Falkenburg — were here
the other day at a Neiman-Marcus style
show and to take part in that company’s
celebration of a rodeo and western style show
event at Bandera near San Antonio. Busi-
ness here is apparently making these tieups
with stars and producers more definitely this
year than ever before.
Some theatres on Elm street were believed
in possible danger a few days ago as the
nearby Lontos cafe was damaged by fire.
It was a three-alarm blaze with many pieces
(Continued on next page)
HERMAN BLUM
Engineer
Air-Conditioning and Heating Design
170834 Commerce St. Dallas, Texas
Is Your
Theatre
For Sale?
We Have
Buyers
With Cash
"JOE" JOSEPH
THEATRES
Let “Joe” Sell Your Show.
Theatres bought — sold — equipped — fire in-
ventories— consultant and equipment.
1003 Galloway St. Dallas, Tex.
Phone Yale 2-7650
NOW
I S THE TIME TO
Sweep Up! Dust Up! Clean Up!
Let Us Help You!
Oklahoma Theatre Supply
J. ELDON PEEK
TELEPHONE 7.8681
708-710 WEST GRAND AVENUE
OKLAHOMA CITY 2. OKLA.
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
95
DALLAS
(Continued from preceding page)
of apparatus being called out. The street is
practically fireproof with each building hav-
ing its individual fire walls. Nevertheless the
Rialto was only a few feet away, and next
came the Capitol and the Telenews. There
was no damage to any theatre, as the blaze
was confined to the eating place.
Walter Green, president of the Fepco thea-
tre printing plant in Omaha, was through
Texas this week, and stopped off in Dallas
to call on several accounts and other friends.
He talked with E. L. and Buddy Harris, who
have known him for many years, and ran into
Lester Dollison, now of the State Theatre in
Sherman, but who operated a show in Omaha
for a short time several years ago. Green
was accompanied by his wife and they were
traveling in a new house trailer.
Knox Riley, of the Queen at Teneha, was
here driving a new car, and did his usual
buying and booking. He has completed sev-
eral improvements including some new booth
equipment and redecoration of the interior
but says he still has some work he will do
soon on facelifting the front.
Ivan Kahn, 20th-Fox talent scout, said
to have been the man who discovered Linda
Darnell, has been visiting schools, colleges
and Little theatres in Texas recently. He
looked in on a play at Southern Methodist
IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT OUT OF DALLAS STOCK
PROJECTOR PARTS
Simplex and Powers
LAMPHOUSE PARTS
Strong, Peerless,
Mazda
REFLECTORS
Strong, Peerless,
Mazda, Gardner &
Others
CARBONS
For all lamps
PROJECTION LENSES
All sizes in Coated
Series I 4 II. Also
Used Lens
Complete Projection
And
Sound Equipments
And
Screens
STRONG LAMPS
&
RECTIFIERS
And
COMPLETE WEBER
SYNCROFILM
SOUND EQUIPMENTS
And
WENZEL PROIECTORS
And
STAR POPCORN
MACHINES
EXTRAS
Exit Lights
Rewinds
Perfumes & Deodorants
Thumb Tacks
Record Ledgers
Fire Extinguishers
Film Splicers
Photo Electric Cells
Exciter Lamps
Admission Signs
Goldberg Reels
Westinghouse Rectifier
Bulbs
Film Tables
Ticket Machines
Ticket Boxes
Sand Urns
HERBER BROTHERS
“Fair Treatment and Adequate Service for 25 Years’’
408 S. HARWOOD DALLAS 1, TEXAS
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
SEATING
IMMEDIATELY
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
> ^ <
> <
^ We have plenty of everything necessary to keep our word when we ^
^ say "Delivery of seats at once
>
>
>
>
>
>
Call, Write or Wire
Griggs Equipment Company
Phone 630 — Box 630
Belton, Texas
Waaaaaaamaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa i
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
4
university and looked at similar talent at
Baylor and Texas universities.
P. K. Johnston, head of the Interstate cir-
cuit booking department, is away on a two
or three-week leave to rest from heavy duty
the past few months; all through the war
years for that matter. He didn’t know ex-
actly where he would go but it may be New
Haven, Conn., to visit his son and grand-
child, and it might include taking part in
one of those fishing rodeos in Possum King-
dom and Texoma lakes, or both.
Pat Murphree, manager of South States
Films, returned from a business trip to Okla-
homa City and Lawton, and left immediately
on a circuit of Texas towns in which he is
now playing “Souls in Pawn.” He expects
to be back in Dallas in about three weeks
and may have his downtown office opened
up by that time . . . B. G. Herber and his
wife drove to Mansfield, La., for a weekend
visit with her sister and other relatives. He
was back waiting on exhibitors bright and
early Monday morning.
Harold Russell, handless star of “The Best
Years of Our Lives,” for which he won two
Acadamy awards, arrived here Thursday for
a three-day visit. The picture was in its
second week here at the Melba. He was to
be taken to veterans hospitals on Saturday
and the program included a runover to Fort
Worth.
L. R. Robertson, co-owner and manager of
the new Ervay Theatre, is also in the political
limelight as president of the Young Dallas
Democratic club. A scheduled meeting of the
club was postponed because of his absence
from the city recently.
Raymond Cornes of Farmersville, here on
his weekly booking visit, looked up the latest
weather reports and fish biting charts in
preparation for a trip to Lake Lucerne, near
Mineola . . . J. W. Curley and son Steve of
the new Arcadia in Bridgeport, here together
the first time, are well pleased with their new
situation.
M. S. White, former Dallas exhibitor, said
he has completed two sets of theatre plans,
one at Columbia and Beacon and the other
on McKinney near North Dallas high school.
White says he has city building permits and
is all ready to go as soon as the government’s
green light switches on. White is now in-
POPCORN
South American — & — White Hull-less, $7.50
per 100. Write for sample.
HAYES SEED HOUSE
Topeka, Has.
Westerns-Features-Serials
I Tower Pictures Co.
HAROLD SCHWARZ
302 v, S. Harwood St. C— 7357
DALLAS 1, TEXAS
Sam A. Hobbs Eddie H. Shahan
Yale 2-1483 Yale 2-0526
HOBBS <£ SHAHAN
Theatre Remodeling and Decorating
Draperies . . . Acoustical Correction
1224 So. Brighton DALLAS 11, TEXAS
96
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
directly in the show business, owning the
Rita Theatre Bldg, in east Dallas.
Forrest Dunlap flew to Aransas Pass to get
construction started on the new Port Airdome
he is opening there. Bill Horton, his main-
tenance man, drove down from Cisco to pick
up supplies and then went on to the coast to
help get the new house ready . . . Karl Ly-
brand jr. of the Majestic and Ritz in Wills
Point and Cranfill Cox jr. of the Crystal and
Strand in Gilmer were among early film
and equipment shoppers.
Norman Moray, head of Warner Bros.’ short
subjects department, was here from Holly-
wood for conference with local representa-
tives . . . R. J. O’Donnell, national chief
barker of Variety International, will install
a new tent at San Francisco May 10. He will
preside several days later at the Variety na-
tional convention in Los Angeles.
Esther Williams and her husband Ben Gage
will be in Dallas on about April 20 for a brief
visit on their way to Galveston for a vacation
. . . Gene Autry, interested with Lloyd Rust
and Ed Blumenthal in four local neighbor-
hood theatres, will be here about that same
time for a business meeting in connection
with the enterprise.
“The Informer,” which won the 1935 Acad-
emy award, was shown this weekend in Scott
hall. The picture did nothing here preceding
the award, but later did tremendous business
in the neighborhood houses.
New Orleans Lakeview
Will Present 'Henry V'
NEW ORLEANS — The Lakeview Theatre,
an independent suburban house, will present
‘.‘Henry V” beginning April 20 and running
through May 3 at $1.20 to $2.45.
Atkinson With SRO
DALLAS — Claude Atkinson will go to work
April 28 for Selznick Releasing Organization,
offering “Duel in the Sun” to the trade. He
formerly was a Monogram representative.
From the
BOXOFFICE FILES
• * *
(Twenty Years Ago)
Oklahoma News
QJ.RIFFITH BROS, has purchased the Or-
pheum and Hippodrome theatres at Ok-
mulgee from Charles Blain . . . The Holden-
ville Theatre Co. has purchased the two R.
D. Howell theatres in Holdenville . . . Enid
may have Sunday shows in the near future
as the new city management is in favor of
Sunday shows . . . J. H. Harryman has pur-
chased the Lyric at Perry from J. D. McCul-
lum . . . Griffith Bros, will erect a new thea-
tre at Maud in the near future. Phil Isley
will also build a new theatre at that place.
* * %
Shawnee will have no Sunday shows as a
result of an election held last Tuesday . . .
Elwin Senn has purchased the Opera House
at Geary from Horace Truman . . . The Queen
Theatre at Soper and the School Theatre at
Supply have closed . . . Bowlegs, new Okla-
homa oil town, has a new theatre, the Ray,
with C. F. Parks as manager.
* H« *
A lease involving nearly $1,000,000, signed
by John Sinopoulo, for property owned by the
Perrine estate at 128-132 West First St. in
Oklahoma City, is the first step in a plan to
give that city the finest theatre in the south-
west.
Alton Cooling Co., Dallas,
Doubling Its Capacity
DALLAS — The Alton Co., cooling equip-
ment manufacturer, will double the ca-
pacity of its plant on Camp street and
Ross avenue when its new building opens
May 1. The factory now has about 20,000
square feet of floor space. The company is
owned and operated by A. Ward Thornton,
who has been in the cooling field here
for many years, and by E. B. Edelman. who
moved here from the north several years
ago where he was engaged in the same
industry.
INVEST NOW
in “THE ARISTOCRAT of the POPCORN WORLD”
MANLEY'S PERFECTED '47 MODEL
POPCORN MACHINE
Watch Your Profits Grow
BOB WARNER
(Divisional Manager)
302 S. Harwood St. Dallas, Texas C-7536
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
In Hospital He Still Writes News
(Editor’s note: Les Ketner, San An-
tonio BOXOFFICE correspondent,
doesn’t let a little thing like hospital-
ization in Waco keep him from gather-
ing news. To his hospital bed by the
grapevine come these following notes
from the central Texas metropolis, as
well as San Antonio and Houston. He
invites the trade to send newsnotes to
him: L. J. Ketner, General Delivery,
San Antonio.)
WACO, TEX. — First run films continue to
delight patients at the veterans hospital in
Waco, where your correspondent still is a
patient, although getting along just fine at
the moment. Just to name a few recently
shown to the boys: “Sinbad the Sailor,” “It
Happened in Brooklyn,” “That Way With
Women.” The American Red Cross is doing
a marvelous, job, incidentally, bringing these
shows to the bedside of the guys who fought
in the war and now are casualties, temporary
or otherwise.
Your columnist, by the way, is doing a
weekly chit-chat letter for It’s News, house
organ of the Waco veterans hospital . . . The
LaVega Theatre in downtown Waco presented
a stage show last week with a hillbilly band,
giving photographs of the troupe to all who
attended . . . The Circle Drive-In, Waco, ad-
vertising “Boom Town,” said: “This is a
FIRST RUN reissue.” This is the height of
something or another.
Travelog: Mary Burks, San Antonio im-
presario, has returned from a two-month
vacation and business trip to Old Mexico . . .
Still in San Antonio: Maurice Stine, former
musical conductor at the Palace in Dallas,
has been named in a similar capacity for the
Sunken Garden Theatre Attractions, Inc.,
this season. Jay Dennis, director and pro-
ducer, is in charge of the stage show produc-
tions.
From Houston: Held over for a second
week at the Kirby, “The Best Years of Our
Lives” is really doing big business at the ace
Interstate spot . . . Saturday midnight shows
for adults only are being held at the Joy . . .
Cantinflas, Mexico’s famous comedian, really
clicked with patrons of Teatro Ritz in “Soy
un Profugo” . . . The Uptown advertised “13
Rue Madeleine” as strictly adult entertain-
ment.
May Get 'Yearling' Star
NASHVILLE — Claude Jarman jr., former
Nashville boy and star of “The Yearling,”
may come to Nashville for a personal ap-
pearance when the film is shown here. Date
of the local showing has been delayed until
next month.
Sack to Distribute Five
Foreign Films in South
NEW YORK- — Sack Amusement Co. will
distribute five of Distinguished Films’ re-
leases in 12 southern states through its ex-
changes in Dallas, New Orleans, Charlotte
and Atlanta, according to Martin Levine,
president ot Distinguished.
“Amok,” which is still being held up by
New York state censors, will be the first re-
lease. “Les Miserables,” starring Harry Baur;
“Carnival of Sinners,” starring Pierre Fresnay,
and “Her First Affair,” starring Danielle Dar-
rieux, will follow.
Levine has also closed a first run deal with
the Fine Arts Theatre, Boston, for “Her First
Affair,” Carnival of Sinners” and “Clois-
tered.”
Successor to 'Richard'
DALLAS — So successful was the “Open
the Door, Richard,” released by Jenkins &
Bourgeois a few weeks ago, that a sequel by
the title of “I Ain’t Gonna Open That Door”
has been filmed. It is all from the inside
this time and Richard is doing the talking.
There is music and singing in the new num-
ber and the distributors are counting on a
repetition of Richard’s antics in many thea-
tres.
New Miami Theatre Open
MIAMI — Public officials and Latin Ameri-
can dignitaries joined in opening Wometco’s
20th house, the Miami Theatre, here this
week. A Flagler street parade highlighted
the ceremony at which Mayor Palmer cut
the ribbon for the formal inauguration.
SIGNATURE CUT5!
^■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBlBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBlBBBBgBBBBBBBBBI
IRWIN CHAIRS I
If If Hll If III mill 1 —
■
■
, ■
5
We Can Make Prompt
■
Delivery on Ail Types
■
■
■
■
■
I B
■
fl
i ■
B
OUR PRICES ARE STILL !
■
LOW ON QUALITY SEATING |
■
■
1 ■
i ■
1 ■
■
Complete Theatre Equipment & Service \
m
m
, m
■
■
i ■
MotHe/in ^Iteatsie ^auifxment Company
214 South St. Paul Street Phone Riverside 5009 Dallas 1, Texas ■
NEW
98
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
OKLAHOMA CITY
'Dose Bampton, Met soprano, gave a recital
111 in McAlester and “sold” autographs, the
proceeds of which went to stricken storm vic-
tims in the Woodward area. She gave an-
other recital at Shawnee and repeated her
benefit gesture. “The people were so very
generous,” she said in Oklahoma City, where
she spent the weekend after making the two
state appearances.
Helen Tranbel, Wagnerian soprano, closed
the Oklahoma Symphony concert series Sun-
day (13). Next season’s guest artists will be
Gregor Piatigorsky, cellist; Ezio Pinza, bass-
baritone; Licia Albanese, soprano; Jan Peerce,
tenor; Eugene List, pianist, and Whittemore
and Lowe, piano duo.
“The Egg and I” was held at the Home for
a second week. “The Guilt of Janet Ames”
is now showing at the State, “Alexander’s
Ragtime Band” at the Midwest, “Trail Street”
at the Warner and “Brief Encounter” at the
Victoria. The Victoria is now a first run and
will show “Open City,” the Italian boxoffice
sensation, next . . . “The Best Years of Our
Lives” opened Wednesday (16) at the Cri-
terion and Plaza. This Oscar-winning pic-
ture followed “My Favorite Brunette” at the
Criterion.
THEATRES WANTED
If your theatre is showing a profit
and priced right we can sell it for
you within 30 days.
Send complete information as we
have buyers waiting. All informa-
tion confidential.
Buyers, we have the theatre you
want. Contact us.
NO BROKERS. DIRECT DEALS ONLY
THEATRE ENTERPRISES
730 E. 11th Street Houston 8. Texas
Phones: V 2-2839 & V 2-7841
BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT
10th FI.. 2nd Unit, Santa Fe Bldg. BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO*, INC. Dallas. Tex.
CORRECTION
"THE WESTERNER"
with Gary Cooper
a Goldwyn picture, released by Film
Classics, Inc., was erroneously credited
to another releasing company in an ad
in BOXOFFICE, issue of April 5. 1947.
This attraction is released exclusively
by Film Classics of Texas in the Dallas
exchange territory.
This ad correcting the above
error placed and paid for by
John L. Franconi
•
FILM CLASSICS OF TEXAS
308 So, Harwood Dallas, Texas
“For years I have read BOXOFFICE and
“Feel almost lost without it”
BOXOFFICE,
825 Van Brunt Blvd.,
Kansas City 1, Mo.
My Dear Sirs:
For years I have read BOXOFFICE, and feel almost lost without it.
I have your record and date book and have used the system for several
years. I get the other trade papers in the industry but in addition I want
your magazine and am sending my subscription herewith.
Thanking you for your good service in the past,
PAUL W. MOORE.
Paramount Theatre.
6650 Belair Rd.,
Baltimore 6, Md.
Be Sure to Read Every Issue of BOXOFFICE — It Pays
s\v
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
98-A
Replacing 30-Year-Old Portfolio
J. M. “Soda” Reynolds recently received
the second portfolio he ever has used during
his 30 years in the film business. The gift
was presented by “Dutch” Cammer of Screen
Guild in the SG offices in Dallas in cele-
bration of Reynolds’ 30 years in the industry
and his topping the Dallas billings quota for
the first quarter of 1947. Reynolds has been
with Screen Guild two years.
Reynolds began his career with Warners,
at which time he was given a portfolio by the
late Sam Warner, and has used it ever since.
In the photo, left to right, are Francis
Bateman, John Franconi, Cammer, Reynolds,
Lonnie Lovelace, Connie Dreher, Don Clark
and Johnnie Greer.
Theatre Seating Division
of
AMERICAN DESK MFG. COMPANY
Temple, Texas
Giving prompt , dependable delivery
on chair orders
CALL US FOR YOUR CHAIR NEEDS
Dallas Office Memphis Office
FORREST DUNLAP g* HARLAN H. DUNLAP
2008 Jackson St. 410 S. Second St.
R - 3595 8-1770
New Orleans Office
W. A. PREWITT
223 So. Liberty
Magnolia 6571
1AKE MORE MONEY PLAYING-
WAHOO
Ame/uccvL tyuv< £c/i&e*t Ga*ne
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue • Chicago, Illinois
Harold Russell Visits O.C.;
Cathy O'Donnell Detained
OKLAHOMA CITY — Picture schedules on
the coast prevented Cathy O’Donnell’s
planned visit to Oklahoma City, her home
town, for the opening of “The Best Years
of Our Lives,” in which she is a star, at
the Criterion and Plaza.
Harold Russell, Cathy’s handless sweet-
heart in the picture, who won an Oscar for
his acting, did come here on the opening
day, however. But he did not make public
appearances at the theatres. Instead he
visited city hospitals, veterans and army
hospitals nearby and met city and state
officials. He also appeared on three radio
shows and attended a luncheon in his honor
at the Biltmore hotel. The luncheon was
given by the C&R circuit.
Charlotte to Prosecute
Indiscriminate Posting
From Southeast Edition
CHARLOTTE — Announcement of the city’s
intention to strictly enforce the law
against the tacking of signs, posters and other
advertising matter on poles, trees, etc., was
made recently by City Manager Henry A.
Yancey. In recent months, theatres, church
organizations, dance promoters and others
have increasingly followed such a placarding
course.
Yancey called attention to a section of
the city code, reading: “It shall be unlawful
for any person, firm or corporation to ad-
vertise by sign-tacking, pasting or tying on
poles, posts, trees, buildings, fences, or
other structures, located on public property
in the city of Charlotte.” Yancey said that
the police department will be asked to en-
force the law. Past offenders will be warned
of their violations and posters that hence-
forth appear contrary to the law will be torn
down and collected by garbage collectors.
If the warning is not heeded and further vio-
lations are noted it will be necessary to
prosecute.
Old Troupers Managing
Rex Theatre at Tampa
From Southeast Edition
TAMPA — After 30 years of trouping, Mr.
and Mrs. Joe Livingston have settled down
in Tampa and are managing the Rex Thea-
tre for Mrs. Julia Raulerson. From 1901 to
1930 the couple was billed as Addison and
Livingston, and did their vaudeville turn
in virtually every city in the country.
The Livingstons operate a drink and snack
shop in an adjoining building, which they
have labeled the Ballyhoo.
“Our latchstring,” they announce, “is al-
ways out to showfolk.”
Oakwood Opening Set
OAKWOOD TEX. — Bob Yancey is open-
ing the new Yancey Theatre here June 1. He
is remodeling a store into a 200-seat house.
He formerly operated a theatre at Normangee.
There are six companies in Hollywood pro-
ducing cartoons, and 40 in the U.S. which
produce newsreels.
REMODELING-DECORATING
Drapes — Frames — Lighting Fixtures
* LOWEST PRICES
LUPE ROMERO
4222 Lafayette DALLAS 4. TEX. T-0660
98-B
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
“FIFTH AVENUE” STARS — Mr. and
Mrs. Don DeFore and Gale Storm are de-
picted deplaning in Dallas for the south-
west premiere of Roy Del Ruth’s “It Hap-
pened on Fifth Avenue,” Allied Artists re-
lease. The picture opened on the Inter-
state circuit at the Majestic in San An-
tonio April 17.
Detroiter in Plea
For Print Increase
From Mideast Edition
DETROIT — Increased print quotas are de-
manded by Jack Stewart, general manager of
Allied Theatres of Michigan, who claims that
the present supply of prints being worked
through the Detroit territory is now only
about two-thirds of the prewar supply, re-
sulting in “injustices to the small town ex-
hibitor in particular.”
“Because of the material demands of the
war, exhibitors had no quarrel when it was
necessary because of the raw stock quotas for
the distributors drastically to reduce the
number of prints. But the war is over and
this shortage no longer exists. Still the dis-
tributors have not returned to the original
number they once thought necessary to prop-
erly serve the exchange area.
“This in spite of the fact that they are now
serving more theatres than they did in the
past. The principal reason is that they served
more accounts on fewer prints, forced every-
body into a later availability and got away
with it so they are trying to continue to do so.
“We have passed the horse and buggy days
and people In small towns are right abreast
of the parade — they have their magazines,
their newspapers and their radios, and all
of the facilities of the big cities. They rea-
sonably expect to see pictures as new as pos-
elapse, there is certainly no excuse for the
time it now takes to liquidate contracts. This
not only embarrasses the exhibitor and is
detrimental to his business, but certainly at
the same time must be discouraging to the
small town patron and inevitably will result
in fewer people looking to the movies for
entertainment.”
Returns to Screen
After a year’s absence from the screen Ruth
Terry has returned to portray the femme in
Columbia’s “Smoky River Serenade.”
New San Angelo Building
Plan of R&R Executives
SAN ANGELO, TEX.— The J.U.R. Realty
Co., of which E. H. Rowley and C. V. Jones
of Dallas are president and secretary respec-
tively has purchased the southeast corner of
Twohig avenue and Irving street here from
Cecil Barnes, local attorney and former state
legislator. The price was reported as $45,000
for the 50x190 foot lot, which set a record
of $900 per front foot for unimproved prop-
erty here.
The location adjoins the company’s Texas
Theatre. They will build either a ten-story
office building, a theatre with five floors for
offices above, or a home for a chain store with
offices above.
Phil Isley Circuit Closes
Granada at Brownwood
DALLAS — The Phil Isley circuit, which all
through the war operated the Plaza and Gra-
nada theatres in Brownwood, has closed the
latter house. The Plaza will continue to op-
erate. Brownwood was the scene of Camp
Bowie, one of the large army training cen-
ters. The camp has since been closed, which
diminished all business, especially amuse-
ments.
Isley still has several other houses over
the state. He recently opened the new Lank-
ershim Theatre in North Hollywood in which
he is a partner with H. J. Griffith. They have
a new theatre on the boards now for Los
Angeles.
CADDV NO OPEN dates
H& 1 UNTIL AUGUST
Over 4,100 paid adult admissions in 2 days at Lawton,
Okla.
SRO EVERY NIGHT
During Easter Week in Giddings, Caldwell.
Rockdale. Somerville and Thorndale. Texas.
SRO IN WICHITA FALLS
Why Wait — Date Now lor Fall Playdates
315 S. Lancaster DALLAS 8. TEXAS
THE WESTERNER"
ROARS ONTO
SCREEN!
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 ol which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE, DATE & RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE
NAME POSITION
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
98-C
What
Readers Say:
Your publication has proved very beneficial to us in providing ideas
and information on equipment, operation, etc. We want it con-
tinued. Through your columns we hope to find an operating theatre
in a good location.
(Signed) HERMAN M. ATCHLEY,
Harvard, Neb.
* * * *
We do enjoy reading BOXOFFICE; not just scanning it,
but READING it.
(Signed) S. EWART SPRAGUE.
Iron Mountain, Mich.
* * ★ *
When I returned from overseas I turned my subscription over to the
special service officer in my outfit, still overseas. Now I am a projec-
tionist here and have really missed BOXOFFICE and would like very
much to be on your subscription list.
(Signed) HARRY E. SIMMONS.
Rolling Fork, Miss.
* * * *
Everything about BOXOFFICE is excellent.
(Signed) F. W. MEDLEY,
Monterey, Term.
★ * ★ ★
The Picture Guide and Record Book with its refills are a
big help to us.
(Signed) DAVID BOWERS,
Warrior, Ala.
+ * * *
BOXOFFICE is getting better every day. It is a real guide that
saves time and worry and is invaluable on features.
(Signed) JAMES L. KOTERA,
Neffs, Ohio
Be sure you get every copy ol BOX-
OFFICE. It is bigger and better than
ever, with more news, more special fea-
tures, more pictures and a bigger and
better Showmandiser section.
SUBSCRIBE OR RENEW
TODAY
TEAR OUT AND MAIL THIS BLANK
BOXOFFICE: f
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 of which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW EOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE, DATE 4 RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE
NAME POSITION
98-D
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
Adverse Acts Spiked
By Harry Buchanan
RALEIGH, N. C.— The North Carolina
general assembly has adjourned sine die after
creating what is believed to be a record — as
far as theatre business is concerned — for not
interfering in the operation of the state’s
motion picture houses. No laws were passed
that would materially affect theatre opera-
tion although there were several attempts
at the passage of “nuisance” legislation and
a concerted effort was made to place the
3 per cent sales tax back on admissions. The
sales tax move was defeated during the
middle weeks of the session.
Much credit for a clean slate in the re-
cent session must go to Harry Buchanan of
Hendersonville, veteran observer of legisla-
tive goings-on for the TON&SC. All the
lobbying done for theatre interests in the
state was carried out by Buchanan, who
registered as a lobbyist under the state lobby-
ing laws.
The legislature did pass the widely-ad-
vertised good health program, a pet project
of native son Kay Kyser, and appropriated
$48,000,000 to the good health fund for hos-
pitals, health centers and a new medical
school.
Renovation Job Resumed
At the Park in Tampa
TAMPA, FLA. — The Park Theatre, ac-
quired by Leonard Abess of Miami on Christ-
mas day and placed under the general man-
agership of Harvey Fleischman, is getting
ready for a more thorough overhauling than
that given it immediately after the present
owner took charge.
At that time the place was closed for some
weeks while a remodeling program was under
way. Boasting a new paint job, smartly fur-
nished rest rooms and new soundproofing,
the place was reopened February 14.
Now more work is under way and it is
hoped that by Independence day the work
will be completed. During May push-back
chairs will be installed. The marquee and
entrance will receive a face lifting and a 36-
inch high electric clock will adorn a new
porcelain-enamel marquee. A confectionery
stand and soda fountain, which will be
operated by the theatre management, will be
installed off the lobby.
Only first run pictures will be run in the
Park, according to the management. Seating
capacity has been increased to 1,300 by cut-
ting into the stage.
Remodeled Ritz Reopens
In Tallahassee, Fla.
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. — The Ritz Theatre
has been reopened after closing in March for
remodeling. The entire front was redesigned
and painted. A modern boxoffice replaces
the old one. Throughout the interior numer-
ous changes have taken place. The latest
RCA sound equipment has been installed and
the projection equipment has been modern-
ized. All the walls have been freshly deco-
rated and new rugs placed on the floor. Ultra-
violet ray fixtures have been installed for the
purpose of purifying the air. A. P. Talley is
manager.
E. R. Gillet Will Open Maun
In Russellville, Ark., Soon
RUSSELLVILLE, ARK.— E. R. Gillet, own-
er of the Bristol Theatre in Memphis and the
Ritz in Dyersburg, will open the new Maun
Theatre here April 25.
Theatre Building Boom
Prevails in Charlotte
CHARLOTTE — Coincident with the open-
ing here last weekend of Herman B. Meisel-
man’s new Manor Theatrev on Providence
road, Meiselman announced that he would
open a new theatre seating 1,000 in the
downtown section at 525-527 S. Tryon St.
Since the building there will be converted,
very little new construction will be required.
Meiselman said work on the new house,
which will be named the Center, would start
as soon as possible. This project, he added,
will be placed ahead of the Radio City Thea-
tre, which he plans to build at 509-517 South
Tryon.
Meiselman added that he was rushing plans
for the Center so that he might have a first
run house in the city’s business district.
The new Center site now is occupied by a
building 40x180 feet, which will be lengthened
30 feet. Plans are being drawn by Charles
C. Benton & Son, Wilson, N. C., architects.
Meiselman said construction costs on the
new Center will run about $75,000, and added
that contract for the construction of his Fox
Theatre on East Morehead street has been
awarded to the Goode Construction Co. of
Charlotte. This theatre, along with one for
Negroes on East Seventh street, will be erected
as soon as possible.
On Monday Morris Legendre of Aiken, S. C.,
and Sam Trincher of Charlotte announced
plans for the construction of a 1,000-seat
theatre in North Charlotte, opposite the
Community center. Negotiations for the
70x100 plot were completed last week and
plans are being drawn by M. R. Marsh, archi-
tect, for a modern house to cost $75,000.
The Legendre-Trincher circuit now in-
cludes 13 houses over North and South Caro-
lina. A name for the new theatre will be
decided in a contest open only to residents
of North Charlotte.
Stafford Managing the Manor;
Meiselman Hosts Film Colony
CHARLOTTE — E. Y. Stafford is manager
of the new Manor Theatre here, which opened
with the southeastern premiere of “The Egg
and I.” The house has 600 seats on the first
floor and 25 in the cry room upstairs. All
modern improvements have been installed,
included air conditioning that insures a 70-
degree temperature the year around.
A feature is the boxoffice, built so that
patrons may stand in line under the marquee
and not have to wait in the rain.
Herman B. Meiselman, owner, was host to
the film colony at a buffet supper following
the opening.
J. B. Harvey Plans to Remodel
Carolina Theatre at Clover
CLOVER, S. C. — J. B. Harvey is having
plans drawn for remodeling the Carolina
Theatre here. He will increase seating ca-
pacity to 400. C. C. Benton of Wilson,
N. C., is the architect.
Working on New Theatre
For Lafayette, Alabama
LAFAYETTE, ALA. — Work is under way
here for the new Lafayette Theatre. The
building, formerly occupied by the Willing-
ham grocery, was gutted by fire several years
ago and later purchased by Martin Theatres.
Dismantling of the old building will be
followed immediately by construction of a
new house which will be modern in every
respect, according to C. W. Griffin jr., man-
ager of the Lafayette.
New Sound Installed
TARPON SPRINGS, FLA— New RCA sound
equipment has been installed in the Royal
Theatre. Harold Hayes, manager, said that
other equipment will replace that now in use
as soon as it is available.
Rebuild at Blackshear
BLACKSHEAR, GA. — Work is in progress
on rebuilding the Blackshear Theatre, which
was recently destroyed by fire, and owners
hope to have it reopened in a few weeks.
Takes Femme Lead
Shirley Patterson has been assigned the
femme lead by PRC in “Ghost Town Rene-
gades.”
PRICE VISITS MEMPHIS— Johnny Price, on tour with the Cleveland Indians,
came to Memphis, and MGM held a special screening in his honor of “Diamond Demon.”
Price is in the picture in the second row from front, fourth man, left to right. Price’s
daughter is seated on his right. Price’s father is seated on the back row next to P. H.
Holmes, office manager and short subjects supervisor for MGM, Memphis. Holmes is
on the left, back row. Others attending included two sports writers from the Com-
mercial Appeal; Marion Hale of the park commission; William Kemp, manager of
Loew’s State, and representatives of Strand Enterprises.
BOXOFFICE April 19, 1947
SE
99
CHARLOTTE
Tack ReVille, newly appointed manager of
* MGM here, has taken over from Benn
Rosenwald, who was named manager of the
Boston MGM exchange. ReVille is a native
of Wilmington and lived in Charlotte from
1915 to 1927 when he was manager of the
Lucas Theatre chain in the Carolinas, which
at that time included the Charlotte Theatre
here.
Bob Bryant and Ben Strozier of Rock Hill;
J. C. Long of Charleston, and Warren Irvin
of Columbia, met in the latter city to discuss
a minority report of the senate finance com-
mittee calling for a 10 per cent theatre ad-
mission tax.
RKO news: They’re all wearing broad
grins at the Exchange these days. Re-
sponsible, say executives, are the guesses roll-
ing in on “Best Years,” “Sinbad,” “Wonder-
ful Life,” “Song of the South” and “The
Locket.” Manager Rovy Branon carries
probably the broadest smile of the crew, for
his branch looks like the winner in the cur-
rent Ned Depinet drive. Frank Winsor, RKO
exploiteer, breezed into town just long
enough to gather more material and a new
string of bookings and set sail for the eastern
territory. The office force seems busier than
a politician at election time . . . Randy Scott,
currently starring in “Trail Street,” dropped
in and met the entire staff. Charlotte should
be proud of its local boy who made good.
Charlotte Variety Club will hold its spring
golf tournament April 21 at the Carolina
golf course from noon until midnight. In
addition to golfing there will be horseshoe
pitching contests, gin rummy, and other ac-
tivities. A barbecue supper will be served.
The committee in charge includes: Scott
Lett, chairman; Marsh Funderburk, Carl
Patterson, A. B. Craver, Byron Adams, Bar-
ney Ross, Max Holder and Charlie Leonard.
Highlights of the 1947 convention of the
Motion Picture Councils of America were
described to the local chapter at the organ-
ization’s regular monthly luncheon meeting
at Thacker’s. The two-day session held in
New York was covered by Mrs. V. J. Guthrie
and Mrs. H. C. Henderson of the Charlotte
Motion Picture council as delegates. Some
600 representatives from all over the country
attended the meetings which this year con-
centrated on various phases of problems
which face the motion picture industry.
Francis A. Bateman, general sales manager
of Screen Guild with headquarters in Holly-
wood, is making a southern tour conferring
with franchise holders. He was in Charlotte
for conference with J. Francis White jr. and
Tom A. Little, the Carolinas franchise hold-
ers. He also held a sales meeting with Scott
Lett, branch manager, and salesmen. Bate-
man was entertained at a cocktail party at
White’s home, followed by dinner at El
Morocco.
Hal Jordon, Monogram manager, broke in
his new car by ferrying Byron Adams, Hal
Keeter and Scott Lett to the opening of Cul-
pepper & Webster’s new Center Theatre in
Elizabeth City, N. C. . . . A. F. Sams jr. says
the Yonahlossee Theatre in Blowing Rock,
N. C., is to open for the season June 2, and
the Pastime Theatre in Boone, N. C„ will
open June 7 . . . Manley-Burch Co. has moved
into larger quarters at 315 South Church St.
Frank St. Claire is manager.
ASTOR PICTURES EXCHANGE
163 Walton St.
Atlanta 2, Georgia
Takes Role in "Electra"
Nancy Coleman has been given an impor-
tant role in RKO’s “Mourning Becomes
Electra.”
Mike Kincey to Head
Charlotte Area MPF
A local panel of 15 members was voted
after nominations from a committee com-
posed of D. B. Kizziah, representing allied
industries; Scott Lett, distribution, and H. H.
Everett, exhibition. Two additional mem-
bers will be named later, one a small town
exhibitor; the other to represent theatre
employes.
TO ONE-YEAR TERMS
One-year terms: J. C. Long, Charleston;
Roy Rowe, Burgaw; H. H. Everett, Charlotte;
Ed Haley, Raleigh, representing exhibition;
J. H. Dillon, Ray Erwin, George Roscoe, dis-
tribution and Blake Gryder, representing dis-
tributor employes. All are from Charlotte.
Two-year members: Ben L. Strozier, Rock
Hill; H. F. Kincey and H. D. Hearn, Char-
lotte, exhibition; J. H. Holston and Dean
House, Charlotte, distribution; John Vickers
and Jay Schrader, Charlotte, allied indus-
tries.
Kincey explained the purposes of the Foun-
dation, which primarily are to assist needy
persons in the industry, and carry on an
educational and research program. The
Foundation is nonpolitical, he added, and
complete local autonomy will be observed
with each of the 31 membership areas con-
tributing one member to a national com-
mittee that will decide over-all policies.
PLAN $10,000,000 FUND
Kincey added that a $10,000,000 fund will
be set up within the next two years, the in-
terest from which will be used for the Foun-
dation’s purposes. No specific plan has yet
been adopted for raising these funds, but
all donations will be voluntary.
Following adjournment of the Foundation
meeting, directors of TON&SC met and
named a committee of three to select a site
for the summer convention: Rowe, Hearn
and Roy Smart.
City-State Beauty Meets
Scheduled for Columbus
COLUMBUS, GA.— City and state beauty
contests are slated here in June and August
as a preliminary to the national Miss Amer-
ica contest in Atlantic City.
Sponsored by the local Junior Chamber of
Commerce, the city’s contestant will be se-
lected June 13 at Memorial Stadium. With
other Georgia winners, she will compete here
August 1 in a state contest to choose the most
beautiful girl in Georgia.
Bill Miller, Jaycee chairman for the event,
said that his organization also will sponsor
Miss Georgia’s trip to Atlantic City to par-
ticipate in the annual national pageant.
CHARLOTTE — H. F. “Mike” Kincey, head
of North Carolina Theatres, Inc., was elected
chairman and na-
tional trustee of the
Carolinas’ branch of
the Motion Picture
Foundation at an or-
ganization meeting
held here Monday.
The session was spon-
sored by the Theatre
Owners of North and
South Carolina, with
Charles H. Arrington
of Rocky Mount, vice-
president, presiding in
the absence of Presi-
dent Ben L. Strozier, H. F- kincey
unable to attend. Seventy-five representa-
tives from every segment of the industry
attended.
100
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
Laiin American Tone
For Miami Opening
MIAMI — Joining in the ceremonies that
opened the Miami Theatre, Wometco’s 20th
house in this area, were public officials,
members of the local consular corps, visiting
Latin American dignitaries and prominent
entertainers.
A Flagler street parade highlighted the
opening. James Donn, Gulfstream Park
president who dedicated the Wometco or-
ganization’s first theatre, the Capitol, 22
years ago, dedicated the new Miami. Mayor
Perrine Palmer jr. cut the ribbon formally
opening the theatre, and Don Lanning
emceed the proceedings at the marquee.
The opening was planned in coordination
with the Fiesta de las Americas, and pre-
miered “Carnival in Costa Rica.” Nearly
2,000 guests viewed the picture.
Master of ceremonies for the program in-
side the theatre was Joey Adams, comedian
and author of “From Gags to Riches.” Vis-
iting Latin Americans were welcomed by Dr.
G. J. Gallegos, Costa Rica’s consul in Miami.
Prior to the opening, members of the con-
sular group were guests at a dinner at the
Everglades hotel, with Leonard K. Thomp-
son and Kenneth S. Keyes as hosts.
Drive-In at Chattanooga
Reopens for the Season
CHATTANOOGA, TENN. — The Skyway
Theatre, a drive-in on Brainerd road just
beyond the city limits, opened for the season
Thursday (10). It is playing two shows
nightly. The Skyway this season is featur-
ing DeVry in-the-car speakers with accom-
modations for 485 cars. Don Shaw, manager,
reported considerable landscaping work had
been done for the opening, along with re-
surfacing of the parking area and construc-
tion of black-out entrances and exits.
Will Show Prestige Films
In Two Small Situations
MEMPHIS— Clubwomen in Sardis and
Amory, Miss., persuaded Dave Flexer, Flexer
Theatres, Inc., to try prestige pictures in their
towns as he did at the Ritz in Memphis.
So the Varsity in Amory will show “The
Seventh Veil” and “Brief Encounter.” The
same pictures will be shown at the Tower
in Sardis.
Flexers at Capital Wedding
MEMPHIS— Mr. and Mrs. Dave Flexer and
son Peter Flexer of Memphis went to Wash-
ington for the wedding of Mrs. Flexer’s
brother, Dr. Morton David Handmacher, to
Gloria Hyman, Saturday night (19). Flexer,
head of Flexer Theatres, Inc., was best man
and Mrs. Flexer matron of honor. Hand-
macher formerly was with Flexer Theatres
here.
THE QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE, Inc.
1912V2 Morris Avenue Telephone 3-8665
Birmingham. Alabama
Complete Theatre Equipment and
Supplies
MIAMI
711 Weiss, Olympia manager, will celebrate
Paramount’s “Spring Festival” with name
acts the next six weeks offering such stars
as Buddy Ebsen, Everett Marshall, Connie
Haines, Nick Lucas, Paul Winchell, Nick
Long and Harry Savoy on the stage.
An unexpected reaction to Paramount’s
current “Suddenly It’s Spring” contest, in
which entrants tell in 25 words why they
would like to spend a vacation in Havana,
has been the enormous number of entries
received from the Spanish colony in this
area.
N. M. Hollenbeck of Coral Gables hopes a
sore conscience will prompt the return of his
billfold containing $2,500, lost recently at
an Olympia midnight show . . . Mr. and Mrs.
John Martin Shepherd (he’s Sonny Shepherd
of Wometco Theatres) were pictured on the
Herald’s society page as they alighted from
their car to attend Easter church services.
Bob Feinstein is packaging a lake sturgeon
to send to A1 Jolson in Palm Springs. A1
loves the delicacy but says it’s hard to get
out there . . . The veterans at Pratt and
Nautilus hospitals will see the first state
showing of the year’s most debated flicker,
“Duel in the Sun.”
Views of water skiers on Biscayne bay
and Indian creek are included in newsreels
recently shown at the Lincoln, Town,
Olympia, Beach, Capitol, Mayfair, Cameo,
State and Surf theatres . . . Bobby Burns,
genial proprietor of a local club, played a
major role in writing the show, “Johnny
Two-by-Four,” which first launched Lauren
Bacall back in 1941.
Les Rohde, music director at the Olympia,
and A1 Foster, pianist, are working on a
special arrangement of “The Raymer
Rumba,” written by the latter, and named
for the amusements editor of the Miami
Daily News . . . When the Vagabonds left
for Hollywood and a new picture recently,
they took with them three songs by Ken
Burgher and Manuel San Miguel. One, “Your
Eyes Tell Lies,” looks like a hit from local
observation.
“Henry V,” currently showing at the
Flamingo Theatre, has received rave notices
in the local press . . . Joey Adams, comedian
and author of “From Gags to Riches,” will
act as master of ceremonies at the opening
performance of Wometco’s new Miami Thea-
tre.
Monday was a red-letter day for William
Forest Crouch of Waldorf Productions. Cast-
ing has begun at the Sea Isle hotel for a
70-minute Miami Beach-Biscayne Key fea-
ture which he expects to start shooting at
the end of this week. The same day was
release date for Crouch’s Victor phonograph
record, “Tonight Be Tender to Me,” sung
by Betty Jane Rhodes and Charles Dance.
Film Showings to Guide
Kin in Moving War Dead
MEMPHIS — The Memphis General depot
is showing “Decision,” a War department mo-
tion picture which explains the program for
the return and final burial of World War II
dead, before audiences of next of kin in 61
Mississippi communities during April and
May. The 15-minute film depicts how a
typical American family might arrive at a
decision as to the final burial of a member
of the armed forces who died overseas.
Theatres will be used in most cases to show
the film. Arrangements are being made
through the American Legion.
FDR SPECIAL TRAILERS ITS
[5]
R»
CKLI
DNI
a
Id
BOX 498 HTLHNTR
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
101
WHIRLWIND ACTION
UNDER WESTERN SKIES!
NOW AVAILABLE
AND ANOTHER TOP SERIAL
ASSOCIATED
FILM CLASSICS
ATLANTA — CHARLOTTE
MEMPHIS
Baby Is Born in Theatre;
Young Mother Runs Off
WINSTON SALEM, N. C— Police here are
searching for a bobbysox clad young woman
who gave birth to a baby girl in a theatre
rest room. When the infant’s cries attracted
another patron the girl dropped the child
and fled to the lobby where she was joined
by a male companion. The infant was taken
to a local hospital where attendants reported
the baby, born one month prematurely, was
doing nicely.
Georgia's New Safety Law
Applicable at End of '47
ATLANTA — Theatres, hotels and other
buildings of public assembly or multiple oc-
cupancy will be required to obtain a “cer-
tificate of occupancy” by the end of 1947
under the terms of Georgia’s new building
safety law. To obtain the certificates, own-
ers must make their property conform to
regulations. Certificates must be renewed
every five years.
Theatre Escapes Fire
BREWTON, ALA.— The Ritz Theatre here
escaped damage from a spectacular fire
which started when a leaking gas main blazed
up into a tall column of flame. Gas depart-
ment officials said that a sign post driven
down past the main evidently bent or broke
the pipe, and that a spectator who was watch-
ing the crew at work threw a match into
the escaping gas. Howard Schad is manager
of the Ritz.
MONARCH^
THEATRE SUPPLY, Inc.
Neil Blount
492 So. Second St. .
Memphis* Tenn.
Mickey Mouse Hunt
Is 'Largest Ever'
BIRMINGHAM — An estimated crowd of
7,500 children and their parents thronged
Avondale park here Easter Sunday for the
first postwar egg hunt sponsored by the Ala-
bama Theatre’s Mickey Mouse club and Pizitz
department store.
Fred McCallum, assistant manager at the
Alabama and the club’s Uncle Mickey, termed
the promotion the “biggest ever,” eclipsing
even prewar years.
A bicycle and other prizes valued at $100
were donated by Pizitz for the event. Thou-
sands of gaily colored eggs were hidden about
the park and the children were entitled to
keep the eggs they found.
Gold-tinted eggs entitled the finders to a
$5 merchandise certificate. Chances on the
bicycle were given to the children who at-
tended the Mickey Mouse Saturday shows at
the Alabama for several weeks preceding the
egg hunt.
Wardrobes Will Be Prizes
In Miami Brunet Contest
MIAMI — Paramount theatres and the
Miami Fashion council will award approxi-
mately $10,000 in merchandise to girls voted
Miami’s “favorite brunettes.” The citywide
contest is part of the promotion of the Bob
Hope picture which is scheduled to open at
the Beach Theatre.
Grand prize will be a $1,000 Fashion coun-
cil wardrobe. Other prizes include wardrobes
valued at $500, two at $250, and one at $150.
Thirty additional merchandise prizes are in-
cluded, as well as passes to the picture. The
contest is open to single girls — brunets of
course — between 16 and 28.
Fairgrounds Opens
MEMPHIS — Fairgrounds amusement park,
operated by the city, has opened for the
summer. All old rides have been worked over
and a number of new kiddy rides added
Howard Waugh, for many years zone man-
ager of Warner Theatres and a motion pic-
ture man most of his life, manages.
Seas-O-Matic Season-
ing Ejector
Salt-O-Meter
ONLY A
MANLEY
Gives You All
These Advantages
Z. C. (CURT) SHREVE
Southeastern District Manager
102 Cain Street N. W., Atlanta 3, Ga.
Phone Cypress 5116
COME AND SEE US
Automatic Thermostat
Control
Auto-Go Thermostatic
Control
Greater Storage Space
Easier to Housekeep
Plate-Glass Display
Cabinet
Flood-lighted Interior
Electric-Welded Alu-
minum Frame
102
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
Florida Slate Opens
Swank New House
JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — Approximately
1,000 persons jammed the new Edgewood The-
atre when the de luxe neighborhood house
was formally opened here by Florida State
Theatres.
The Edgewood is a garden-type house oc-
cupying about a half block of space. It is
set well back from the street and is sur-
rounded by large areas of grass and shrub-
bery. To the rear is a parking area able to
accommodate about 200 cars. The approach
to the main entrance is under a covered walk-
way.
Most of the building is of steel, concrete
and masonry materials and the entire struc-
ture is fire resistant. All wood has been
chemically treated to resist fire. The theatre
is fully air conditioned and is equipped with
push-back seats. Hearing aids have been
installed for the hard of hearing.
Doors to the lobby are at an angle to the
corner. Display frames are of blond wood
and the lobby walls are deep rose. The lobby
also contains a refreshment bar, manager’s
office and telephone booths. The foyer lead-
ing from the lobby is in aqua and the audi-
torium itself takes the color scheme from
the drapes, which are light copper, gold and
turquoise. The drapes start well back along
the sides of the auditorium and flow in a
continuous curve to tie in with the stage
draperies. Walls are in a dark turquoise
wainscot with light beige above.
Southwest Briefs
DALLAS— Jimmy Allard, former manager
of the Wilshire Theatre here, has been trans-
ferred by Interstate to manage the down-
town Melba and Tower theatres.
DALLAS— The Alton Co., cooling equipment
manufacturer, will double the capacity of its
local plant when its new building opens May 1.
Dallas — Fred Larned, local Paramount
manager, was killed last week in an au-
tomobile accident near Carmel, Calif., and
was buried here Wednesday afternoon.
His grave is beside that of J. B. Dugger,
former Paramount manager who gave
Larned his first job. Mrs. Larned, ser-
iously injured in the crash, remained at
the Carmel hospital. The accident oc-
curred while Larned and his wife were
on a delayed honeymoon. While passing
a car on a three-lane highway, Larned
was sideswiped and his new convertible
left the road. A steel rod killed him in-
stantly.
Houston — Three theatres have been con-
structed and opened here since September
and five now are being built. Four of those
now under construction are Interstate loca-
tions. The fifth will be owned by Fred Canata
and B. Gibson.
! JACK DUMESTRE, Jr.
i Southeastern Theatre
Equipment Co.
ATLANTA
CHARLOTTE
JACKSONVILLE
BIRMINGHAM
T B. Waters, general manager of Waters
* Theatre Co., spent several days in Mem-
phis on a combined business and pleasure
trip. Waters before coming to Birmingham
was in business in Memphis . . . Ike Katz of
Kay Films, Atlanta, stopped over here briefly
while on his way to Memphis.
“The Best Years of Our Lives,” which got
off to a slow start at its Easter Sunday open-
ing, saw crowds pick up appreciably during
the week and Birmingham Manager Harry
W. Roberts said the Academy award winner
was doing all that had been expected. Rob-
erts has dressed up the facade of the theatre
with an attractive 9x20-foot banner, carrying
the name of the film in flashy fluorescent
lettering.
“The Razor’s Edge” drew heavily at the
Alabama, while “Johnny O’clock” and “Sin-
bad the Sailor” earned a second week at
Acme’s Empire and Melba respectively . . .
The reissued “Magnificent Obsession” won
surprisingly heavy attendance at the Lyric
. . . Strand Theatre had the Senator Clag-
horn film, “It’s a Joke. Son.”
Strand Theatre Manager Bickey Covey has
booked several Finer Films forum pictures,
including “Open City” and “Bedelia” for im-
mediate showings. The Birmingham Theatre
still has “Brief Encounter” slated for that
house some time after “Best Years” com-
pletes its run . . . R. M. Kennedy, district
manager for Wilby-Kincey, reported that
Manager Hardie Kent of the Clover Theatre
in Montgomery got out an attractive adver-
tising program for the Finer Films showings
there.
J. B. Dumestre, president and general man-
ager of Southeastern Theatre Equipment Co.,
Atlanta, was a visitor here . . . Another caller
was Charlie Kinney, RKO publicist, who was
here working up a campaign for “Beat the
Band” and “The Locket” at the Melba and
“The Farmer’s Daughter” at the Empire.
Queen Feature Service, Inc., has completed
installation of new Century projectors at the
Cullman Theatre in Cullman, Ala., where
Henry Hury is manager . . . Lester Neely
and his son, L. M. Neely jr., of the Neely
circuit at Marion, Ala., called on members
of the trade here.
Lillie M. Wilson has been away from her
desk in the Acme Theatres office due to ill-
ness. Mae Camp substituted . . . Summerish
weather on Easter Sunday was the signal
for most theatres to turn on their air con-
ditioning. Capacity of the Melba’s system
has been increased to 75 tons, while the Royal
has a new 50-ton unit.
Harry M. Curl, Melba manager and a mem-
ber of the Atlanta Variety Club, visited in
the Georgia city ... Joe H. Frey jr., former
employe of the Capitol and a grandson of
Charles Heflin, Capitol doorman, was pain-
fully burned about both arms by a flaming
can of gasoline at a southside filling station.
Bill Coury, Ritz manager, has dressed up
his lobby with a miniature 24-sheet billboard
plugging his Spring Parade of Hits, and has
also installed a shadowbox display, with
cutout figures, to advertise his next attrac-
tion . . . Nellie May Pike, Delta Airlines
stewardess, is visiting her father, C. E. Pike,
Melba projectionist, and Mrs. Pike after hav-
ing undergone a tonsillectomy.
“Holiday on Ice” drew 32,500 to Municipal
auditorium during its showing here March
10-16. Total attendance at the auditorium
for the month was 76,750 . . . Film star Pat
O’Brien has prepared a number of tran-
scribed radio shorts to be used during the
drive for $750,000 which the Mobile Catholic
diocese will attempt to raise during the 20th
anniversary of Bishop Thomas J. Toolen.
Theatres here are intensifying their cam-
paign to educate the public to provisions of
the new antismoking ordinance and are now
passing out cards to violators, calling their
attention to the provisions of the law. One
manager said the cards were proving much
more effective than merely cautioning the
patrons verbally.
Theatre Seating Division
of
AMERICAN DESK MFG. COMPANY
Temple, Texas
Giving prompt dependable delivery
on chair orders
CALL US FOR YOUR CHAIR NEEDS
Dallas Office Memphis Office
FORREST DUNLAP HARLAN H. DUNLAP
2008 Jackson St. 410 S. Second St.
R - 3595 8-1770
New Orleans Office
W. A. PREWITT
223 So. Liberty
Magnolia 8571
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
103
ATLANTA
“J)uel in the Sun” will be shown at Loew’s
Grand next month, according to Boyd
Fry, manager. Christine Smith, city censor,
viewed the picture after Loew’s indicated it
would play here. Henry Krumm, newly ap-
pointed southern sales manager for SRO, said
that a preview of “Duel” for newspaper rep-
resentatives elicited only praise.
Gortatowsky Bros., operators of the Albany,
Liberty and State theatres in Albany, Ga.,
have taken over the Clair Theatre from J. R.
Waters . . . Mack Jackson, president of CSA
and owner of theatres in Alexander City,
Ala., and Tony Stone of the Leon in Talla-
hassee, Fla., were in the city booking . . .
R. M. Savini, president of Astor Pictures, re-
turned to New York after a trip to Florida
and Atlanta.
R. B. Wilby, president of Wilby-Kincey
Theatres, has returned from New York, where
he went on business . . . F. A. Batenman,
sales manager for Screen Guild in Dallas and
New Orleans, was here to visit John W.
Mangham of Screen Guild of Georgia . . .
Martha Chandler resigned from the booking
department of United Artists to join Henry
Krumm at the Selznick Releasing Organiza-
tion.
A1 Rocke, manager of Martin <& Thomp-
son’s Peach Theatre in Fort Valley, Ga.,
resigned and is now in the hotel business . . .
Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Martin and Mr. and Mrs.
J. H. Thompson of Martin & Thompson
Theatres were in the city recently . . So was
Ike Tarlor of the 'same company . . . Eddie
Addison, PRC and Eagle-Lion publicity chief
for the southern states, went to Savannah
. . . R. E. McCoy, Eagle-Lion southern rep-
resentative, is back at his desk after visiting
Charlotte and New Orleans . . . Leon Netter
of Paramount, New York, visited Frank Rog-
ers, president of Florida State Theatres, in
Jacksonville.
Louise Bramlet, head of the Wil-Kin Thea-
tre Supply warehouse, is back in Atlanta after
assisting in the establishment of Interstate
circuit’s new candy warehouse in Dallas . . .
Fred Mathews, Motiograph man from Chi-
cago, huddled here with Nash Weil of Wil-
Kin . . . Johnnie Bachman, manager for
United Artists, is back from a business trip
to Jacksonville . . . The Warner Pep club en-
tertained at a wiener roast in North Fulton
park . . . Ben Hill, southern publicity chief
for United Artists, was here for a few days
from New Orleans.
Henry Krumm, SRO southern district man-
ager, returned from Miami, where “Duel in
the Sun” opened at Colony April 11. He left
later for New Orleans , . . Don Hassler of
Astor Pictures is back from a business trip to
Wilmington, N. C. . . . Carl T. Long is plan-
ning a new theatre in Colguitt, Ga. He ex-
pects to get work started within the next 30
days.
At the Variety Club: Dr. Floyd McRea, the
surgeon-photographer, and Harry Ballance,
20th-Fox district manager, in heavy conver-
sation . . . Bob Wilby, the theatre owner,
executing the most amazing maneuver in the
history of gin rummy . . . William K. Jenkins,
president Georgia Theatres, back from Flor-
ida with a real sun tan.
In a clever ballyhoo for “Sea of Grass,”
MGM is presenting film critics with an acre
of land each in New Mexico. It’s guaranteed
to contain gophers and snakes, but no water
. . . The girl chorus of Agnes Scott college
sang at a Variety Club meeting . . . Ben
Jordon, Monogram Southern special sales
representative, came home for Easter and
also for a sales meeting . . . John Jenkins
of Astor Pictures, Dallas, returned home after
a sales meeting in Atlanta.
Mary Hatcher, who first sang in the Para-
dise room here when she was a girl of 10, will
be given a special introductory fanfare in the
main title billing of Paramount’s “Variety
Girl,” in which she plays the title role. The
screen discovery rates a separate billing card
which reads “And introducing Mary Hatcher”
. . . George Finch and Sam Rothberg are
lElllllBIII
miiniii!
imm
HUB
Bob STEELE
8 RANGE BUSTERS
6 TIM McCOYS
6 GEO. HOUSTONS
NEW
Prints and
Accessories
AND FOR THE COLORED THEATRES—
BILLY ECKSTINE
^ Pretented by
* W. D ALEXANDER *
30 Min.
NOT
Produced
in 1932-34
or 38 —
BUT
1940-1 —
Fast
Shooting
Westerns
\
■
ASTOR PICTURES CO.
OF GA.
163 WALTON ST.
3rd Floor
MAIN 9845 ATLANTA
having the Erlanger, home of stage presenta-
tions, renovated and air-conditioned for sum-
mer use.
W. M. Richardson, head of Astor Pictures
of Georgia, made a business trip to Ten-
nessee . . . Tom Gunin and L. Falfoff, home
office representative of PRC, visited the local
office . . . George Kirkley, manager of
Martin & Thompson’s houses, the Troy and
Cherokee, in Monroe, Ga., before entering the
service, has returned to that post. He re-
places Emmett Grimsley, who entered the
used car business in Cochran.
Babe Cohen, local manager for Monogram
Southern, and Mrs. Cohen visited in New
Orleans . . . Mrs. Dessie Edison, secretary
to Marvin Rogers, manager of Poster Ex-
changes, is confined to her home by illness
. . . Fred Jacks, district manager of United
Artists, has returned to Dallas after visiting
the local office.
W. E. Griffin of the Vienna Theatre in
Vienna, Ga., was here on a booking trip . . ,
Grover Parsons, district manager of PRC,
made a trip to Tennessee . . . R. L. McCoy,
representative of Eagle-Lion, went to Mem-
phis ... Joe Dumas, head booker of Republic
Pictures, has returned to his post after a
siege of illness.
Thelma Cagle, head of the accounting de-
partment of PRC, will walk to the altar May
3 . . . O. C. Lam of Lam Amusement was
a Filmrow visitor . . . Another visitor was
R. E. Hooks of Aliceville, Ala.
Levy on Gross Business
Urged at Panama City
PANAMA CITY, FLA.— A “transaction tax”
of 2 per cent against gross business has been
proposed here to the Civic club’s Round
Table as a means of financing a $2,000,000
sewage disposal system.
The citizens committee which made the
report opposed additional ad valorem taxes
and discounted occupational taxes as in-
equitable. The committee report said that
gross business in Panama City was approxi-
mately $12,000,000 in 1946 retail trade alone.
Close for the Summer
ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.— Two theatres
here have closed for a time and both report
having had a successful tourist season. The
Ninth Street Theatre left a western serial,
the “Crimson Ghost,” hanging so the re-
maining chapters were transferred to the
Roxy. The Capitol, which closed April 1,
also reports a successful season. Both houses
will reopen in the fall.
Photographs His Patrons
PANAMA CITY, FLA. — Bud Davis turned
talent scout over Easter. He had a photog-
rapher hanging around the Ritz Theatre, of
which he is manager, and “snapped” the
dressed up femmes as they passed by. Later
the pictures were put on display in the thea-
tre.
Sowega Drive-In Opens
LEESBURG, GA.— The Sowega Auto Thea-
tre at Putney has been put into operation.
The theatre accommodates 390 cars and is
equipped with in-a-car speakers. Owners are
James McLelland, Walter Trom and Willard
Quick.
Exploiteer at Work
NASHVILLE, TENN.— Ward Farrar was in
town plugging UA’s “The Macomber Affair.”
104
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
Memphis Censors Get
County Jurisdiction
Fortune Neath the Floor
Porter to Get Change Under Old Boxoffice Floor
MEMPHIS — Shelby county, including sev-
eral small towns which have theatres, has
been brought under the jurisdiction of the
Memphis board of censors.
The Shelby county board of censors was
named Monday by the county court as re-
quired by a bill passed by the Tennessee
legislature in January.
Named on the county board were Lloyd T.
Binford, retired insurance man and Baptist
deacon, chairman; Mrs. Sid Law, clubwoman
and housewife, and Hodges Hennell, attorney.
They are the same three persons who make
up the Memphis board of censors so what the
law amounted to was that the entire county
was placed under the jurisdiction of the
Memphis beard.
Extending the jurisdiction of the Memphis
board to theatres in Millington, Bartlett, Col-
lierville, Arlington, Bolton and other Shelby
county towns came as a result of a series
of maneuvers after pictures were banned in
Memphis. Threats were made to show the
pictures in towns just outside the city limits
—which were not under the jurisdiction of
the city censors — and in a few cases this
was done.
Runs Booth Like Veteran,
This Lad in Early Teens
BROOKLET, GA. — Mr. and Mrs. Z. H. Tut-
tle, owner of the Toez Theatre here, are
mighty proud of their
youngster, “Red,” who,
barely in his teens,
runs the projection
machine like any vet-
eran.
“Red’s” father was
out of town one week
and son was asked to
take over, as the show
is just too much for
Mrs. Tuttle to handle
by herself. “Red” went
into the booth and
performed like a mas-
ter, for he had been
"RED" tuttle watching the regular
operator for many months.
Incidentally, the intriguingly labelled Toez
was named in this fashion: It was originally
owned by four men, whose first names are
Tom, Oscar, Eugene and Zezzie. In order to
arrive at something satisfactory, the first
letter in each name was used.
Panama Theatre Closed
For Broad Renovation
PANAMA CITY, FLA. — The Panama Thea-
tre has been closed for a time while needed
repairs and improvements are being made.
When completed, the theatre will have a new
cooling and heating system, new sound, screen,
lighting fixtures and flooring. The lounge
will also be overhauled and made more at-
tractive. Jack Jackson is manager of the
theatre.
'Mom and Dad' Booked
AMORY, MISS. — Hygienic Productions’
“Mom and Dad” was booked into the Varsity
Theatre here Monday and Tuesday, April
21, 22, with Elliot Forbes as commentator.
A Girl for Rush Kings
KNOXVILLE — Mr. and Mrs. Rush King
are parents of a baby girl. King is manager
of the Booth, a Wilby-Kincey house.
MEMPHIS — There’s a double attraction
coming up at the Strand. It might be called
“The Best Years of Our Lives” and “That
Crack in the Boxoffice Floor.”
Willie Webster, porter at the Strand, will
handle “That Crack in the Boxoffice Floor.”
The management — Malco Theatres, Inc. —
will take care of “Best Years.”
Willie is perhaps the most eager party con-
cerned with the present extensive remodeling
of the theatre preparatory to its reopening
under a new policy April 25 with the Academy
award picture, “The Best Years of Our Lives.”
Willie’s interest is in a crack in the floor of
the boxoffice — a floor that will be removed.
“There’s plenty of groceries under that
floor,” Willie says. “Betcha they dropped a
dollar a week through that crack in change
during the past ten years. I hope they let me
pick up all that grocery money under the
floor.”
And the Malco management has agreed be-
cause of Willie’s long service. He may have
all the change found under the floor.
Willie was with the Strand five years be-
fore M. A. Lightman and the Malco interests
bought it from Loew’s 14 years ago. He stayed
on with the new management. He served in
the navy during World War II and came
back to his old job when the war ended and
he was discharged.
The Strand is being remodeled under a
new policy which will bring more major
Operate on Robert Neal
BRISTOL, TENN. — Robert Neal, city man-
ager for Wilby-Kincey Paramount and State
theatres here, underwent an operation re-
cently. While Neal was away, his duties were
assumed by Marvin Warren, manager of the
W-K Paramount at Montgomery.
Opening at Lowell
LOWELL, N. C. — C. M. King opened his
new Rocky Theatre here Monday (14).
Staff Just Stays Cool ;
Averts Theatre Panic
Birmingham — Officials of the Birming-
ham Theatre, aided by a couple of level-
headed patrons, leaped into action to
avert what could have been a tragedy
when a near-panic occurred during the
showing of “The Best Years of Our Lives.”
Manager Harry W. Roberts said that the
incident occurred when a woman patron
fell on some steps as she was leaving the
house. Some patron gave an alarm of
“fire” when the woman’s daughter, who
was nearby, called out: “Mother!”
Roberts ran to the head of a downstairs
aisle as patrons began rushing for the
exits, and assured the panicky individuals
that nothing was wrong. Roberts also
credited Bill Neal, projectionist, with
playing a large part in averting the panic
as he turned up the sound to drown out
some of the confusion.
A patron in the balcony assured pa-
trons there that nothing was wrong,
Spectators who left by side exits re-
turned to the theatre to see the remainder
of the show when they received assur-
ances from Roberts.
pictures to its screen. Because the Strand is
smaller than the Malco, pictures can be
given a longer run there. “Best Years of Our
Lives” will be presented in continuous show-
ings. Prices will be 80 cents for matinee and
$1.20 for nights. There will be no reserved
seats.
Some B product will continue to be shown
at the Strand and major pictures will be
shown there when available.
A new marquee is being installed with side
attraction panels 12x13 feet, with a 17-foot-
high front panel bearing the name of the
Strand in two-foot letters. The marquee will
be illuminated with 1,000 feet of neon tubing.
New de luxe-type seats are being installed
in the balcony, and downstairs seats are being
reupholstered. The lobby is being remodeled
with a lowered ceiling and indirect lighting.
Restrooms are being enlarged and new car-
pets and drapes installed. A color scheme of
graduated rose colors and blue will prevail
throughout.
The front lobby and new boxoffice will be
of structural glass. The boxoffice will be
moved to the south wall. Sliding glass doors
will cover the entrance, and floodlights un-
der the canopy will light the entrance and
first lobby.
And the floor underneath the old boxoffice
will be replaced. That’s the moment Willie
is waiting for.
Floyd Circuit Will Erect
New House for Negroes
WINTER HAVEN, FLA.— A building permit
has been released to the Floyd circuit for
erection of a Negro motion picture theatre
here. The new building will have a quonset
hut shape with squared-off facade. Estimated
cost has been placed at $11,000.
Druggist at Walterboro
Building New Drive-In
WALTERBORO, S. C.— E. B. Funderburk,
local druggist, is erecting a 346-car drive-in
near here. Hickey Lawing of Southeastern
Theatre Equipment Co. is equipping the
open-airer, which will cost approximately
$100,000.
'South' Into Four Houses
BAY MINETTE, ALA.— McLendon Thea-
tres booked “Song of the South” into four of
its Baldwin county theatres during April.
The houses were the Rex, the Fairhope at
Fairhope, the Foley at Foley, and the Victory
at Loxley.
There are 458 theatrical film exchanges in
the U.S., 65 in six Canadian cities, which
together handle 27,000 miles of film footage
daily.
TRI-STATE THEATRE SERVICE
318 South Second Street
MEMPHIS 3, TENN.
EQUIPMENT — SUPPLIES
REPAIRS
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
105
MJJ/jPJj±S
T A. Garrison, district manager for U-I, St.
^ Louis, was a visitor in Memphis . . . Two
former branch managers at Memphis, J. A.
Prichard, Universal, and Tom Kirk, Republic,
who recently were transferred to Dallas, were
visitors on the Row. Prichard is now U-I
manager at Dallas and Kirk holds the same
position with his company there.
Ike Katz of Kay Films, Atlanta, conferred
with John Goodenough, local branch man-
ager, and members of the Memphis staff . . .
C. W. Tipton, who operates the New Theatre
at Caraway, Ark., has bought the opposition,
the Caraway, from Red Harris, and will oper-
ate both of them.
Maurice Bass, MGM salesman, has been
transferred to Atlanta . . . Gertrude Thomas,
U-I inspector, has returned to Methodist
hospital after recovering from a recent ill-
ness and spending only a short time back on
the job.
Midsouth exhibitors visiting on the Row
included B. V. McDougall, Drew and Bijou,
Monticello, Ark.; G. W. Jones, Busby- Jones
circuit, Lonoke, Ark; M. C. Alpe, Gay,
Crawfordsville, Ark.; Bill Kroger, Shannon,
Portageville, Mo., and Norman Fair, Fair,
Somerville, Tenn.
N. J. Colquhoun, district manager, Dallas,
and Walter Titus, vice-president and division
sales manager, New York, were at Republic
on business . . . Emma Cox, Gem and Joy,
Osceola, Ark., is seriously ill at Baptist hos-
pital in Memphis . . . Harper Theatre, Camp-
bell, Mo., had a bad fire and is closed in-
definitely . . .The Sondra, Trimble, Tenn.,
also had a fire.
Also visiting on the Row: J. M. Mounger,
Mart and City, Calhoun, Miss.; Henry and
Burris Smith, Diane, Pocahontas, Ark.;
Whyte Bedford, Marion, Hamilton, Ala.;
John Staples, Carolyn, Piggott, Ark.; Eugene
Fleeman, Ritz, Manila, Ark., and W. C.
Sumpter, Cotton Bowl, LaPanto, Ark.
W. C. Stahl, representative of Theatre Spe-
cialty, Inc., is spending a week at the Na-
tional Theatre Supply Co. branch in Memphis
. . . Neil Blount, manager, Monarch Theatre
Supply Co., has returned from a business trip
to Nashville.
Dave Flexer, head of Flexer Theatres, op-
erator of a chain in Mississippi and Ten-
nessee, is back from a business trip to Cleve-
land . . . Gene Wankel, stenographer, Co-
lumbia, has the flu . . . An exhibitors lounge
equipped with chairs, telephone, scratch pads,
etc., will be opened in about two weeks at
408 South Second St. by Poppers Supply Co.
Ann Williamson is the new secretary at
Poppers Supply.
Harlan Dunlap, son of Forrest Dunlap,
Dallas theatre man, has opened a branch of
American Desk Manufacturing Co. in a
newly acquired office at 410 South Second
St. . . . O. W. McCutchen, Roxy, Blytheville,
Ark., was booking on the Row.
Little Theatre presented “Ten Little In-
dians” last week . . . Mr. and Mrs. John
Charles Thomas passed through en route to
Oklahoma City . . . Frances Greer, Metro-
politan opera star, has been booked by the
Memphis Open Air Theatre this summer.
Her husband, Victor Trucco, musical director
for MOAT last summer, is ill and will not be
able to return.
Harry Martin, amusements editor of the
Commercial Appeal, was master of ceremonies
at a citywide beauty contest last week to
select Miss City Beautiful. Null Adams,
Memphis representative for BOXOFFICE,
was chairman for the judges.
“The Jolson Story,” which recently broke
all house records at Malco, has been brought
back to Main street in Memphis by popular
demand. It is showing at the Strand . . .
The Drive-In on Lamar got off to an early
start this summer and reported good at-
tendance for the first week.
A tradescreening of “Trouble With
Women” was held at the Paramount screen-
ing room under direction of L. W. McClin-
tock, branch manager . . . M. A. Lightman
sr., president of Malco Theatres, Inc., left
this week for a Miami Beach vacation; a
Hollywood, Fla., bridge tournament and the
marriage of his son Richard April 23 in New
Orleans to Jeanne Garretson.
Harry Martin, amusements editor of the
Commercial Appeal, can usually take qpt.
Press agent gags recently made him an hon-
orary citizen of Brooklyn and another deeded
to him a.n acre of “Sea of Grass.” But when
he was named a war correspondent for the
Union army this week he wrote a protest
in his column. You see, Harry was born in
Dixie.
Henry Haven, Imperial, Forrest City, Ark.,
who also owns theatres in Marion, Marianna,
Wynne and Brinkley, Ark., was shopping on
Filmrow. Other exhibitors visiting were:
Orris Collins, Capitol and Majestic, Para-
gould, Ark.; M. H. Evans, Clinton, Clinton,
Ark., and Ethel Lobdell, Talisman, Rosedale,
Miss.
Manager Jack Tunstill, Malco Theatre,
staged a midnight show to aid Greek war
orphans. All proceeds went to the fund. It
is part of a citywide campaign by the mo-
tion picture industry to adopt as many of
these orphans as possible— at $80 a year
each. MGM’s “Meet Me in St. Louis” was
the picture. Use of the theatre and services
of all personnel was donated so that the
entire proceeds would go to the cause.
John M. Carter, salesman for 20th-Fox in
the north Mississippi territory, won a new
automobile in a nationwide company sales
'BEAT? EVERYTHING
FOR THRILL? •
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Game
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT CO., 831 S. WABASH AVE., CHICAG
Theatre to Raise Fund
For Crippled War Vet
Louisburg, N. C. — R. Glenn Davis,
owner of the Louisburg here, reported
that the theatre would spearhead a drive
to raise a home-building fund for L. G.
Catlette, the county’s only completely
crippled veteran. The theatre is giving
the entire receipts of all shows on April
23 to the fund and has agreed to print
and distribute advertising for other bene-
fits planned. Young Catlette, his wife
and small son, are living in two small
rented rooms. The veteran has a spinal
wound that will prevent him from ever
walking again.
campaign which ended in December. There
was some difficulty in obtaining the car,
however, and he was given the cash in lieu
of the prize.
Theatre attendance increased sharply in
Memphis first runs this week. Beautiful
spring weather prevailed. The outbreak of
influenza had apparently subsided, city
health authorities reported. This combina-
tion was credited with the improvement in
business by theatre men. The Palace, show-
ing “The Sea of Grass”; the State, playing
“Trail Street”; the Malco with “Cross My
Heart”; the Ritz with “Les Miserables” and
the Warner holding “Stallion Road” for a
second week all reported better business.
Ken Maynard’s rodeo played at the fair-
grounds this week . . . Helen Traubel, Met-
ropolitan opera singer, is booked for Novem-
ber 19 at Ellis Auditorium . . . MOAT’s
manager, Joe Cortese, announced Charles
Yearsley, baritone, would be back this sum-
mer for three of the eight shows in the Over-
ton Park shell.
Marguerite McClelland, Memphis coed who
was Miss Louisiana in last year’s Atlantic
City Miss America contest, will sing in con-
cert at Goodwyn institute May 5 . . . Spike
Jones and his City Slickers will return to
Memphis for a second engagement at Ellis
Auditorium May 20.
Admission prices at the Rosemary and
Luciann, suburban theatres operated by
Augustine Cianciola, were advanced from 35
to 40 cents this week. Children’s admission
remained at 12 cents.
New Center Opens
ELIZABETH CITY, N. C.— The new Cen-
ter Theatre here opened April 10. Invita-
tions were sent by Levon Culpepper and J. H.
Webster, who also operate the Carolina,
Gaiety and Alkrama here.
Jack Harris Vacations
CORAL GABLES — Jack P. Harris, accom-
panied by his wife, has arrived for a few
weeks vacation. He is head of the booking
department of Reade Theatres, New York
City. Les Seligman, treasurer of Favorite
Films, is another who is vacationing here.
Sidney Kane in Florida
CORAL GABLES, FLA. — Sidney Kane,
executive advertising director for David O.
Selznick, was in southern Florida for the
premiere of “Duel in the Sun.” He was ac-
companied by Mrs. Kane.
J. D. Steen Sells
ELLAVILLE, GA. — J. D. Steen, operator of
the Ellaville Theatre since last August, has
sold the house to Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Hos-
tetter and has gone to Brooksville, Fla., to
enter another business.
106
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
FPC and United Circuits
Report Profit Increases
MPTA Wants to Scan
Individual Contracts
TORONTO — The Motion Picture Theatres
Ass’n of Ontario wants to see the individual
film rental contracts of Canadian distributors
before they are put into effect for next season,
according to a statement by N. A. Taylor in
behalf of the exhibitors organization. The
Motion Picture Distributors Ass’n of Canada
had announced that the standard contract
form was to be discarded for individual rental
agreements following the dispute last fall in
which circuits and other exhibitors objected
to the revised terms for percentage pictures.
Taylor, who was chairman of the Exhibitors
Protective Committee, said his association
wanted to study each new contract form for
possible objections and threatened that the
MPTA findings would be passed on to the
theatre owners for their guidance.
The revised standard contract last year per-
mitted distributors to collect a share of candy
and other subsidiary revenue during the play-
ing time of a sharing picture. The distribu-
tors association eventually allowed its mem-
bers to deal individually with exhibitors on
percentage terms and the deadlock was
broken.
Halifax 'Underseated';
But Not for Too Long
HALIFAX — There is a threat of “under-
seating” in Halifax this year. The Com-
munity is being demolished and a new thea-
tre being built on the spot; the Orpheus will
be razed and the successor will occupy far
more space; the Garrick will be shuttered
during a radical improvement program; the
Casino will also close for a complete redec-
orating job and alterations.
The Family was closed for about 11 days,
while a new projection booth was built. The
new Community will not be ready for busi-
ness before midfall; the new Orpheus, in
late December or January.
Audio Films to Move Soon
To New Toronto Studio
TORONTO — Audio Films, Ltd., Toronto, a
film production company which is linked
with Film Laboratories of Canada, soon will
occupy its new studio building on the Lake
Shore highway a short distance west of the
city limits. For a number of years Audio
Films has occupied premises adjacent to Film
Laboratories in the building at 352 West
Adelaide St. but will now have a distinct
plant which has been planned for studio pur-
poses.
Audio produces theatre shorts and commer-
cial films, the latter for industrial companies.
I. H. Allen of Astral Films
Organizes 16mm Co.
TORONTO — I. H. Allen of Toronto, who
has made considerable progress during the
last year with his Astral Films, independent
distributor, has announced the formation of
a second company, Granada Films, for the
distribution of 16mm product. The initial re-
leases comprise British and Canadian films,
the first being “Children on Trial” and
“School for Danger,” both from England.
Allen has opened branch offices in six key
film centres in the Dominion.
New Pincher Creek House
PINCHER CREEK, ALTA.— Del Fox, who
operates the Fox Theatre here will erect a
new house this summer. The Fox will be
turned into a dance hall.
TORONTO — Famous Players Canadian
Corp., in its 27th annual report to share-
holders issued April 10, announced net profits
for 1946 reached an all-time high of $2,-
836,066.90 after providing for income and ex-
cess profits taxes of $2,135,000. The net is equal
to $1.63 on each of its 1,737,072 common shares
outstanding. Net profits for 1945 were $1,-
594,973, equivalent to 91 cents a share.
The surplus account was credited with $1,-
867,441.04 after payment of 1946 dividends
totaling $1,138,550, thus making earned sur-
plus of $11,362,113, against $7,798,266 at the
close of 1945.
CURRENT ASSETS
Net working capital last December amount-
ed to $7,984,428, which compares with $2,-
544,192 one year previously. Current assets
totaled $8,456,242 and current liabilities were
$471,814.
In the current assets, cash was listed at
$2,237,845.45, call loans at $3,340,000 and Do-
minion of Canada and province of Ontario
bond investments totaled $1,384,500. Fixed
assets, representing land, buildings and equip-
ment, totaled $10,870,883.48 after allowance
for depreciation. The capital stock of com-
mon shares is listed at $10,764,890 under the
heading of liabilities and capital. Operating
profit of $5,599,284 compares with $5,123,790 in
1945.
TEN THEATRES BEING BUILT
In his report to shareholders, President
J. J. Fitzgibbons said that 375,000 new com-
mon shares had been sold a year ago and,
as a result, bond, mortgage and other debt
of the company, amounting to more than
$5,500,000, had been entirely paid off. He
pointed out that the company had ample
funds to improve existing properties and to
invest in new theatres, of which ten were now
under construction.
New theatres are planned for Chilliwack
and Kelowna in British Columbia; Port Ar-
thur, Peterboro and Toronto in Ontario;
Rouyn in Quebec, and at St. John and New
Waterford in the eastern maritime provinces.
Because of existing conditions, capital ex-
penditures had been postponed wherever pos-
sible.
Candy Bars at 8 Cents
Absorb Price Squawks
Calgary — Raising of admission prices
in Alberta came at a fortuitous time for
theatre operators. At the same time as
admission prices went up, costs also in-
creased on many other items.
The public seemed to vent most of its
displeasure at the boost in the cost of
candy bars from 5 cents to 8 cents. This
plaint and grousing over other increases
absorbed resentment that might other-
wise have been directed at the raise of
a few cents in theatre prices. The public
knowledge that theatre prices include a
30 per cent tax was another factor in the
theatres’ favor.
Exhibitors report that objections voiced
at the boxoffice were confined to a few
sarcastic remarks about the times in gen-
eral, with no violent abuse or resentment
of theatres.
MONTREAL — Substantially increased op-
erating and total income and net profits in
1946 are shown in the annual report of
United Amusement Corp. for the -year ended
Dec. 31, 1946.
Theatre operating profits were $1,396,170
against $1,198,422 in 1945. Other income of
$138,929 brought total income to $1,535,099
compared with $1,329,413 in the previous
year.
Depreciation allowance was $107,212 against
$101,773. Total taxes of $970,689 included
income and excess profits taxes of $267,914.
In 1945, total taxes were $904,696, with in-
come taxes totaling $285,094, of which $33,340
was refundable.
$3.15 A SHARE PROFIT
Net profit for 1946 was $254,899, equal to
$3.15 per share on the combined A and B
stock. This compares with $140,673 or $1.74
per share in 1945, exclusive of the refundable
tax, which was equal to 41 cents a share.
Dividends of $1.25 per share were paid, re-
quiring $101,036, same as in 1945. Earned
surplus was increased from $373,902 to
$527,764.
The balance sheet as at Dec. 31, 1946, shows
current assets of $670,362, including cash of
$433,147, Dominion bonds of $150,000 and ac-
counts receivable of $40,866. Current lia-
bilities were $202,670, indicating net working
capital of $467,692, compared with $530,158
in 1945.
Fixed assets, less depreciation, are shown
at $1,852,053 as at the close of 1946, against
$1,926,164 a year before. Depreciation re-
serve deducted was $1,655,473 against $1,558,-
975. Investments in associated enterprises
increased from $658,756 to $918,639.
CORPORATION EXPANDING
In the directors’ report, signed by Ernest
A. Cousins, president, it states that from
funds of the company, interests have been
secured in a number of theatres and pro-
vision has been made for costs of present new
buildings without the need for any additional
financing.
During the year the corporation obtained
substantial interests in the Cartier and
Empire theatres in Quebec City, in the new
Ahuntsic theatres in Ahuntsic, the new Nor-
mandie in Ville St. Laurent, the Avenue
Theatre, Westmount, now under construc-
tion, and which will be opened shortly. With
its associates in the Empire, Cartier and
Avenue theatres the company is building a
new theatre in Limoilou, Quebec. Work was
started on the company’s new theatre at Cote
des Neiges roads which it is hoped will be in
operation this year.
Eastern Theatres Reports
Net Profit of $103,780
TORONTO — Eastern Theatres, Ltd., a sub-
sidiary of Famous Players Canadian Corp.
which operates the Imperial here, largest
theatre in Canada, has reported a net profit
for 1946 of $103,780, compared with $60,625
in the preceding calendar year.
Earned surplus at the end of the year stood
at $313,357, compared to the previous total at
$225,006. Net working capital was $179,745,
much higher than at the close of 1945. Op-
erating profit before depreciation and in-
come and excess profits taxes stood at $240,-
216, compared with $219,986 in December
1945. Taxes in 1946 were considerably lower
at $133,633.
The Imperial seats 3,373 persons.
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
K
107
VANCOUVER
Equipment business is booming in British
Columbia and Alberta. Many spots are
installing new projectors, lamps and sound
systems: Other theatres are waiting for
new seats to arrive from eastern Canada.
These are still in short supply . . . Crime and
horror subjects have been eliminated from
Saturday matinees in most area theatres.
Exhibitors are stressing suitable films for
the youngsters. This action was the result of
an active campaign by the Vancouver council
of PTAs.
The Park, inaugurating a new series of pre-
views, got off to a good start with a capacity
audience viewing “Stairway to Heaven.” Film
men predict this new weekly feature will be
a success at this ace suburban house. Ad-
mission is 60 cents . . . The newsprint shortage
has hit the amusement business here, the
shortage has become so acute that the Van-
couver Sun has eliminated theatre advertis-
ing completely on Tuesdays. A limit of 700
lines a day has been placed on advertising for
any one theatre. Other B. C. newspapers
have also cut space.
Elmer Smith, veteran projectionist at the
Broadway, died here at 62 . . . Connie Brown,
formerly of the Lux Theatre, is now secre-
tary to A1 Mitchell at the uptown Plaza.
Bob Millman jr. is another new addition to
the Plaza staff.
Two New Theatres
Opened in Hull, Ont.
HULL, ONT. — This city celebrated the
opening of two new theatres in one week.
Mayor Raymond Brunet and civic officials
took part in the ceremonies inaugurating the
Figaro at 185 Laval St. and the Montcalm on
St. Joseph boulevard. Each Cinema seats
approximately 500.
Ernest Dufour, owner of the Figaro, had
offered to donate to the nearby Catholic
church building fund' the gross proceeds of
the opening night performance, but the priest
declined to accept the gift, as a protest
against the construction of a theatre in the
neighborhood.
The Montcalm, in another suburban sec-
tion of Hull, is being operated by the Wright -
ville Amusement Co., of which the prime
mover is Louis Bisson, former ferry command
pilot and operator of a bus transportation
system. Bisson donated the receipts for the
opening night to the benevolent fund of the
Ottawa-Hull Richelieu club and the money
was formally accepted by Dr. Paul Cote in
behalf of that club.
Hull now has four theatres for a population
of 35,000, the original houses being the Car-
tier, a unit of Famous Players Canadian
Corp., and the Laurier which is operated by
Donat Paquin. The latter has also the Fran-
cais and the Victoria in Ottawa, across the
river.
George Altman, manager of Hygienic
Productions, and Norman Clavir of Artkino
have left Vancouver for their Toronto head-
quarters . . . “Open City” roadshowed at the
Lyric to capacity business . . . Owen Bird
of Columbia circuit, with headquarters at
Golden, B. C., who plays five towns with
16mm, reports that business is tops in the
Rocky mountain spots.
Sam McLemon, who operates the two thea-
tres at White Horse, Y. T., was in town on
his annual booking visit . . . Another visitor
is Dan McLellon of the Barbara Theatre,
Britannia Beach, B. C.
A. C. Blain, president of Cranbrook Thea-
tres, who operate Cranbrook and Kimberly
in the Crows Nest Pass district, is holidaying
at Radium Hot Springs. His son Norman is
manager of the Star Cranbrook and Donald
is in charge of the Orpheum Kimberly. Ben
Murgatroyd, former Odeon Theatre man-
ager at Trail, B. C., is now in partnership
with a former projectionist at the Modern
Electric store, Cranbrook.
Nina Smith, Monogram secretary, married
Alvin Graham and is honeymooning in
Alaska . . . Judy Kennedy of the Plaza Thea-
tre married Bill Wallace of the Royal Cana-
dian Mounted Police, and Eva Reid of 20th-
Fox will be married to Arthur Bolster in
June . . . J. Arthur Rank, British film mag-
nate, will visit Vancouver in May. He will
stop off here on his way to Hollywood to
meet his daughter. It is definitely reported
he is not coming here with any plan for a
British Columbia Hollywood, as was at one
time suggested.
Bill Forward, B. C. manager of General
Theatre Supplies, is laid up with a wrenched
back . . . Everyman’s Theatre, a repertory
company which boasts as an objective “to
retain and exploit Canadian talent,” and
whose leading men double as scene-shifters,
will present three plays here April 21-24.
Talent is drawn principally from the four
western Canada provinces and all but two
members of a company of 13 have had no
previous opportunity of indulging in other
than amateur efforts.
W. J. Risewick Will Head
Shelly Laboratories
TORONTO — Leon Shelly of Toronto, for-
merly of Vancouver, has appointed William J.
Risewick as general manager of the labora-
tory division of Shelly Films, Ltd., Toronto,
which has had a studio at Long Branch since
the war.
Risewick, who resigned as general manager
of Film Laboratories of Canada here, will
have charge of the printing of films for Ca-
nadian distributors. He has been identified
with the film industry in the U.S. and Can-
ada since 1917, having been associated with
the Lyman H. Howe Co. from 1917 to 1931,
after which he was in charge of laboratory
work for Burton Holmes in Chicago several
years.
Risewick is a member of the Canadian Pic-
ture Pioneers and has been president of the
Canadian Kennel club for seven years. In
addition to being rated as an authority on
dogs, he is interested in show horses, being a
director of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse
society. In his capacity as a dog and horse
fancier, Bill is a prominent member of com-
mittees associated with the Canadian Na-
tional exhibition, which is being revived this
year at Toronto, and the Winter fair.
Late Change in Price
Voids Million Ducats
Toronto — Admission price changes are
not always effected smoothly.
Recently all arrangements had been
completed for a special film engagement
(not in Toronto) when a change in the
admission scale was decided upon. Then
it was discovered that a large quantity
of tickets had already been printed in
readiness for the opening. The supply,
said to be close to a million tickets, had
to be destroyed and an entirely new lot
printed in a hurry.
But, after a big opening week, the
picture looks as if it will run until sum-
mer.
OTTAWA
•J*he structures of two new suburban theatres
have been completed and finishing coats
are about to be applied. One is the west end
house which is being built by Zumar Bros,
and the other is the Lynden which is being
constructed in the eastern section by Casey
Swedlove, whose lease of the Little Theatre
is expiring. The Little, a former church,
is the property of the Ottawa Drama league.
The Eastview in Eastview, Ont., owned by
Terry Lewis, was closed for two days in ob-
servance of Catholic Holy days ... A visitor
was Stu Gillespie, once manager of the Elgin
here and now with Audio Films, Ltd., Toronto.
While here he took moving pictures of Bar-
bara Ann Scott, world figure-skating cham-
pion.
Tom Bowyers, manager of the Movie club
division of Odeon, conferred with F. Gallup,
new manager of the Avalon, on Saturday
morning programs for juveniles. The Avalon
club is once more hitting a good stride . . .
Friends in Ottawa are awaiting further word
from Suzanne Cloutier, daughter of Edmond
Cloutier, government official, regarding a
Hollywood report that she has been assigned
an important role in a picture to be pro-
duced by Darryl F. Zanuck.
After staging a special midnight show with
a film program devoted exclusively to sport
pictures, Manager T. R. Tubman of the
Capitol put on a midnight performance April
11 for the many local skiers, the proceeds to
be devoted to a fund for the sending of a
team to the Olympic games in Switzerland
next February.
Bing Crosby is reported to be one film star
who will attend the Marian Catholic congress
here in June. It is expected to bring many
thousands of worshippers to the capital city
. . . The FPC Cartier in Hull had a busy week
with special screen attractions in com-
memoration of the tenth anniversary of the
theatre.
Theatre Bandits Caught
90 Minutes After Holdup
ST. JOHN — Two men who held up the
Capitol at Fredericton were apprehended
in a stolen car when they were about 15
minutes out of St. John, only 90 minutes after
the holdup, which netted them $134.
One of the duo flashed a pistol on Mrs.
Kay Burtt, cashier, who was figuring her
statement for the night, and demanded the
money. She passed the receipts through an
iron grill, and the holdup man then rushed
to the curb, where a car driven by his com-
panion was standing. The getaway car was
quickly apprehended by police who were given
a flash on the robbery.
FPC and Odeon Building
Port Arthur Theatres
PORT ARTHUR — This city will soon have
two new theatres. Both Famous Players and
Odeon have been granted permits. FPC’s
new house will cost $100,000; Odeon’s $150,000.
Thus Port Arthur, now an FPC situation,
soon will have Odeon opposition, and Odeon
also will oppose FPC in Fort William, where
a 1,000-seat de luxe house will be erected.
To Build at Bella Coola
BELLA COOLA, B. C. — William Risk will
erect a new theatre in this northern British
Columbia town.
108
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
Holdovers Feature
Week at Toronto
TORONTO — Five holdovers featured the
theatre scene last week, which had rainy
weather, pro hockey playoffs and a rodeo for
opposition. “The Jolson Story” was still go-
ing nicely at the Tivoli and Eglinton in its
fourth week and “My Favorite Brunette” had
a strong second week at the Imperial, while
“The Egg and I” was worth while in its sec-
ond week at the Uptown.
(Average is 100)
Capitol and Victoria — Black Beauty (20th-Fox);
Stanley and Livingstone (20th-Fox), reissue 97
Eglinton — The Jolson Story (Col), 4th wk 95
Imperial — My Favorite Brunette (Para), 2nd wk 105
Loew's — The Macomber Affair (UA) 110
Shea’s — Song of the South (RKO), 2nd wk 95
Tivoli — The Jolson Story (Col), 4th wk 95
Uptown — The Egg and I (U-I), 2nd wk 100
Montreal Holds Over Trio
After Good Easter Week
MONTREAL — Three holdovers resulted
from good Easter week attendance at the
first run theatres. The Capitol did excellent-
ly with “My Favorite Brunette” and extended
its showing for a second week. At Loew’s
“The Razor’s Edge” started what is expected
to be a fairly lengthy run.
In the far west end crowds thronged to the
Kent to make a record week for the first
local showing of “The Best Years of Our
Lives.” Only moderate business was reported
for “The Bachelor’s Daughters” at the Im-
perial, “Song of the South” at the Princess,
“Humoresque” at the Palace and “La Premiere
Romance,” French language offering at the
Orpheum. All ran one week only.
Capitol — My Favorite Brunette (Para) Very good
Imperial — The Bachelor's Daughters (UA);
Rolling Home (SG) Fair
Kent — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO) A boom
Loew's — The Razor's Edge (20th-Fox) Big start
Palace — Humoresque (WB) Disappointing
Princess — Song of the South
(RKO) Good but didn't click
Vancouver Business Much Better;
Downtowners Play to Capacity
VANCOUVER — Business took a turn for the
better. All downtowners played to capacity
including “My Favorite Brunette” at the
Capitol, “Sinbad the Sailor,” Orpheum, and
“Song of Scheherazade” day and date at the
Vogue and Hastings, and a moveover of “The
Clouds Roll By” at the Dominion.
Capitol — My Favorite Brunette (Para) Good
Dominion — Code of the West (RKO);
Till the Clouds Roll By (MGM), moveover Go4d
Hastings and Vogue — Song of Scheherazade
(U-I) Good
Lyric — Open City (M-B) Good
Orpheum — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO) Excellent
Paradise — Out California Way (U-I);
Mr. Hex (Mono) Good
Plaza — White Tie and Tails (U-I);
North of the Border (PRC), 2nd wk Fair
State — Trail to Mexico (Mono),
plus vaudeville Fair
Strand — Cross My Heart (Para);
Blind Spot (Para) Average
Lineups at Boxoffice
Reappear in Calgary
CALGARY — Spring weather and drying
winds brought out the buying public, and mer-
cantile houses along with theatres felt the
benefit. However, the theatres were handi-
capped early in the week with the final
hockey playoffs which held many fans at
the radio and packed the arena. All down-
town houses had good attractions with at-
tendance at the weekend bringing nightly
lineups back again. The split-week Palace
hit the jackpot with “The Locket” and the
Grand played up Academy award winner
Olivia de Havilland in RKO’s drama, “The
Dark Mirror.”
Capitol — California (Para) Very good
Grand — The Dark Mirror (U-I) Excellent
Palace — The Locket (RKO) Very good
ST.JOHN
T arger and more appealing lobby space has
been given special attention by exhibitors
in the maritimes. These are factors in new
theatres now under construction or planned
this year. At the Casino, Halifax, Odeon is
providing more lobby space by eliminating
two stores on the street floor which had been
rented. Other theatres acquired by Odeon
in recent years likely will be given similar
treatment this year. Other circuits are also
considering enlarging and beautifying their
lobbies.
A penalty for once having been a warbler
of illustrated songs at film theatres, Archie
Mason, owner of the Capitol, Springhill,
N. S., is called on frequently to vocalize.
Usually he agrees but on a recent stop in a
Halifax restaurant, he had to refuse because
of “clogged pipes” due to a cold. His alibi
was accepted.
Harry Cochrane of Halifax, veteran or-
chestra leader, and Percy Belyea of St. John,
veteran band leader, joined in handling the
music for the “Ice Cycles” at the Halifax
Forum. Belyea is planning to import vocal-
ists from the U.S. to sing with his band this
summer. Two years ago Belyea visited Holly-
wood and was entertained by Louis B. Mayer,
Walter Pidgeon and Jack Cummings, ex-St.
Johners.
A graphic illustration of the potency of
amateur hockey is provided by the large op-
erating profit for four and one-half months
at the Halifax Forum, and the $54,160 paid
out of the Forum receipts to hockey teams,
board of censors and the Canadian Amateur
Hockey Ass’n. Paid to the Crescents, “ama-
teur” hockey team, which had represented
Halifax very dismally in the maritime league,
was $25,676. The city owns and operates the
Forum and will use it during the summer
season for boxing, roller skating, dancing,
roadshow films, etc. The seating capacity is
to be enlarged and new exits installed. It
is estimated profit at the St. John Forum
for the past hockey season was about $25,000.
Unlike the situation at Halifax, Murray Long
and Harry Tippett, operators of the St. John
rink, also operate the hockey team. This
rink will be used for boxing and wrestling
until the hockey resumes in early November.
Tuesday is Treasure Chest night at the
Halifax Gaiety . . . Planned for the new Arm-
view of Affiliated Theatres at Armdale,
Halifax, are some promotional numbers to
attract attention to the debut of this sub-
urban house . . . What was once the Capitol
Theatre at Shediac, N. B., was destroyed
by fire recently. After Joe LeBlanc, owner,
opened a new theatre about two years ago,
the Capitol was converted into two stores
and two apartments.
A tieup has been made between the Odeon
Kent at Moncton, N. B„ and a cereal firm
for distribution of prizes at Saturday morn-
ing shows for youngsters; (Odeon Movie
club) . . . June 1 has been considered as the
start of demolition of the Halifax Orpheus
FPC in prepartion for construction of a
larger and more ornate successor.
Borden Lunn of Perth-Andover, N. B„ was
acquitted of manslaughter but found guilty
of reckless driving and sent to jail for six
months, after his car crashed into the Capitol
Theatre, Andover, and killed Robert McNally,
a passenger.
Handless Harold Russell, 33, awarded an
Oscar for 1946 as a supporting actor in “The
Best Years of Our Lives,” is eyeing the ad-
vertising end of films for his future more
than the acting, he avers. He!s Sydney born
. . . The loot of thieves who broke into the
Halifax Casino was about $10, including 40
theatre tickets . . . Jim McGarrigle of St.
John, a veteran showman who ranged from
pioneering in film exhibition to tenters, with
stagers and fairs in between, has been hos-
pitalized.
Sammy Kunitzky, manager of the UA ex-
change, was in charge of the Strand for the
four days that FPC Spencer house was rented
by UA for roadshowing of “Henry V” at the
unusually high top of $1.96.
Coin machine distributors based here are
warring over locations through the maritimes,
including those showing films. Considerable
feeling is reported to have developed, be-
cause of a distributor penetrating spots
which had been monopolized by someone
longer in the game.
In Canada First, Then U.S.
TORONTO — Canadians note with interest
that two features are about to be released in
the U.S. which already have had considerable
play in the Dominion. One is “San Demetrio,
London” which was distributed in Canada
by Esquire Films some time ago. The other is
“St. Francis of Assisi,” a Mexican produc-
tion, with which Alliance Films has already
had considerable success, including road-
show engagements at Toronto and Montreal.
To Telegraph in U.S. Strike
TORONTO — The U.S. telephone strike
caused a shift to telegraph by theatre and
film companies here which ordinarily phone
grosses and other figures each night to home
offices in New York. The Bell Co. in Canada
declined to accept any long-distance business
for the States unless the subject was one of
strict emergency, and the telephone company
made the decision.
j
WAHOO '
America's Finest Screen Came
AMUSEMENT CO., 831 S. WABASH AVE., CHICAG
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
109
Kill Those Who Come Late to Shows!
Cries Winnipeg Newspaper Critic
WINNIPEG — Habits of a certain type of
theatregoer aroused the wrath of the Trib-
une columnist, Ted Schrader, who reports his
sad plight when viewing “The Jolson Story.”
Schader writes in his column, I Write What
I See: “They say ‘The Jolson Story’ was ter-
rific. It built up to a moving climax. I was
there, but I don’t know. For 25 minutes by
the clock, seeing the screen was like watching
a parade through a string of passing freight
cars.
THEATRE IS “HAUNTED”
“The show was haunted by the type of per-
sons who read the last chapter of a book first.
They decided that the best time to enter the
theatre was toward the end of the film. For
25 minutes they jammed the aisles, poked
people in vain effort to find empty seats, and
made customers stand up as they crowded
past.
“Each time I gathered my coat and hat to-
gether, stood up and let someone crowd by.
Each time the patron would get settled when
he or she would spot a seat with a better view.
I was jumping up and down so much I felt
like a fan at a baseball game.
“A woman and a small boy sat behind me.
I had always assumed talking pictures elim-
inated explanations. Not so. The woman
babbled constantly. And when the child
didn’t ask, ‘What’s happening now?’ the
woman talked anyway. All Larry Parks had
to do was walk across the screen. The woman
would say: ‘Look, he’s walking across the
room.’ Maybe she had never seen a movie
before.
SHOW IS IN THE BAG
“Her conversation was punctuated by a
candy bag. It put in every comma, period
and exclamation mark.
“If these view blockers had been at a wres-
tling match, the crowd would have let off
steam.”
Schrader concludes with the observation
that theatre pests are of a breed with people
who block the aisles in buses. He ends with
the observation: “All inconsiderate people
should be shot. Then the world could be
given back to the apes with instructions to
make a better job of evolution.”
Canadian Beaver on Television
MONTREAL — Films showing beaver in
Prince Albert National park, Saskatchewan,
were televised from Washington, D. C. Some
of the beaver shown were “little brothers” of
the late Gray Owl who occupied a cabin on
the shores of Ajawaan Lake in the park.
Ontario Ticket Levy
Limited to Sports
Toronto — Ontario province will impose
an amusement tax, but only on sports
events. Following a vigorous campaign
by theatres and organized labor against
the revival of the levy on admissions to
cinemas. Premier George Drew introduced
a resolution in the Ontario legislature to
amend the athletic control act to provide
for an assessment on sports patrons.
The revenue will go to a new account
known as the physical fitness and recre-
ation fund to finance physical education
camps and community centers. Provision
is made for a tax of from 1 to 5 per cent
on boxing and wrestling and a maximum
of 2 per cent on all other athletic events.
Two Theatres in Works
In Minneapolis Territory
MINNNEAPOLIS — Plans have been drawn
here for two new theatres and several im-
provement projects in the territory. The
Benfield-Schenecker company will build a
$65,000, 650-seat house at Webster, S. D. A
new 400-seat theatre at Clinton, Minn., will
cost $40,000. The improvement programs are
for the Rivoli, La Crosse, Wis., and the Ideal,
Bloomer, Wis.
Plan Kamloops Expansion;
FPC and Odeon to Build
KAMLOOPS, B. C.— Famous Players has
purchased property next to the Capitol for
expansion purposes. Odeon Theatres has
bought the McDonald estate, which includes
a home and three stores opposite the Strand,
now closed. Odeon will build as soon as the
present leases expire and building restrictions
are lifted. FPC has had Kamloops exclusively
for the last 18 years.
Woman Declines Perfume
OTTAWA — In exploitation for “Song of
Scheherazade” at the downtown Centre one
woman patron declined to accept a bottle of
Scheherazade perfume offered her as a free
gift when she entered the theatre. A quan-
tity of the perfume had been secured by
Manager Gord Beavis to present to the
woman who stepped through the entrance
each hour on the hour.
Three Drive-Ins Probable
At Toronto This Season
TORONTO — Three drive-in theatres may
be erected in the vicinity of Toronto during
the coming summer.
The tentative site of one automobile arena
is at Wilson avenue and Dufferin street in
the northwest part of the city; the second is
north of town at Sheppard avenue and Dawes
road, and the third is east of the city in
Scarborough township.
The only open-air theatres operated last
year in Ontario were near Hamilton and
Windsor.
The Dawes road project is planned by a
Cleveland syndicate headed by Herbert Oaks.
His application to the North York municipal
council for a permit was laid over in order
to hear the views of district residents. A
majority of the property owners approved the
proposal on the ground that a theatre would
boost local business.
James M. Brandon, representing the Cana-
dian Drive-In Theatre Co., has announced
that 20 acres has been acquired at Kingston
road and McCowan avenue for the Scar-
borough township theatre which, with land,
is expected to cost $125,000. No loudspeakers
are to be used so that nearby residents will
not be disturbed. The screen will measure
50x40 feet.
Film Attendance in 1946
Over 1 1 Million in N.S.
HALIFAX, N. S.— Of the 13,501,357 who
paid amusement taxes during the 1946 fiscal
year in Nova Scotia, 11,101,696 were theatre-
goers and 1,284,540 attended other amuse-
ments. Attendance at Saturday afternoon
and statutory holiday matinees at which no
tickets were used totaled 1,124,121. Of the
$421,605 gross income of the provincial board
of censors, $294,009 came from theatres, an
increase of $6,315 over 1945. Screening of
films brought $20,140. Pari-mutuel betting
produced $19,732. The income from other
than film theatres was $56,988.
Presented for censoring were 2,455 film
subjects. Only three of all these were re-
jected as “poor entertainment.” Scenes and
dialog were eliminated from 14 subjects. The
tag, “Not Suitable for Children,” was placed
on 30 subjects. Of the 2,455, the number
produced in the U.S. was 2,414.
Although the gross income of the censor
board increased; the number of theatre ad-
missions was below that of the preceding
ytear.
' The figures appeared in the annual report
of the board to the annual session of the
provincial assembly in Halifax by Stephen A,
Doane of Halifax, chairman.
Marcus Loew's Will Pay
$15 Premium, Interest
TORONTO — In the retirement by Marcus
Loew’s Theatres of the 6,539, 7 per cent pre-
ferred shares, a premium of $15 is being paid
on the $100 par stock, plus accrued interest.
The amount required, $763,428, is being paid
out of liquid assets and no additional financ-
ing will be necessary.
In its last financial statement, the com-
pany, which operates two theatres in Toronto,
showed current assets of $936,194 including
cash of $430,777 and government bonds of
$502,500.
To Build at Lake Cowichan
LAKE COWICHAN, V. I— J. Whittingham,
who operates a theatre at Youbou, says con-
struction will start soon on a modern thea-
tre to seat 440 at Lake Cowichan. It will be
air conditioned and have a soundproof nurs-
ery.
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 oi which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE, DATE & RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE
NAME POSITION
no
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
Applause everywhere for this brilliant performer! Here is the “Special” lamp that presents pro-
jection in its most highly developed form. It is designed for use in those theatres requiring brilliant,
uniform and precise projection at minimum first cost and operating expense. Best design — finest
materials — modern improvements ... in fact all features found in the highest priced projection
lamps are incorporated, yet the Ashcraft Special is priced within the reach of every exhibitor.
Special tf-eatufc&L live. "Special"
• Lamphouse — heavy aluminum castings front, back,
base and rear door. Double doors with substantial
catches. Neat finish in Gun Metal grey morroco knobs
and fittings of ruby coloured composition on polished
fittings.
• 14” Reflector — highly efficient, Bausch and Lomb
elliptical coated with waterproof ceramic backing.
• Lamp — the universal type lamp can be operated
as a one KW or Suprex job. Fully operating range
from 35 to 65 amperes.
• Controls — Positive — carbon speed — manual
control
Negative — carbon speed — manual
control — vertical tip adjustment
— lateral tip adjustment —
exterior to lamphouse.
• Carriage Drive — carriages are driven by independ-
ent adjustable means — but both utilize the same
Dominion Sound Equipments
Limited
method of drive. No back lash or lost motion — no
wear out to this drive.
• Electro Magnetic Arc Stabilizer — wound shunt type
electro is truly permanent — will not lose efficiency.
• Convenience — all controls situated on the rear right
hand side of lamp, handy for projectionist.
• Carbon Consumption Scale — is located in full
view of projectionist — no guessing about carbon
length.
- -> O O O Odo -
feettesi Quality <£aund
^hsuo-uyU SesuUce.
Head Office: 1620 Notre Dame Street West, Montreal
Branches at: Halifax, Saint John, N. B., Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
111
White Gloves Sell Jolson in Halifax MONTREAL
HALIFAX — Two white-gloved hands were
the key to exploitation carried out by Tiff
Cook, assistant manager of the Capitol
Theatre here, for “The Jolson Story.”
Outstanding display piece was a painting
on the lobby floor as shown above. The floor
is dark gray flagstone and the white hands
and letters stood out sharply. The design
was painted with showcard color and after
it dried, two coats of shellac were put
over it.
“This was something new for our patrons,”
Single Houses and Circuit
Are Offered at Calgary
CALGARY — Three theatres and a theatre
circuit were listed for sale in a recent edition
of the Herald here. Two of the houses are
listed as 350-seat theatres and were priced at
$42,000 and $34,000 respectively, while the cir-
cuit, which includes an automobile, was mod-
estly priced at $5,800.
The Rex Theatre at Bowness, near here, is
up for a figure approximating $25,000.
Theatres in British Columbia and western
Canada have been selling for what industry
observers say are far more than they are
worth, but it looks as if the war boom is over
and prices are getting back to normal.
Bingo Refunds at Quebec
QUEBEC— Officials of a giant bingo game,
set for April 7 but canceled because of a Que-
bec government crackdown on commercial
bingo games, said that refunds were being
made to holders of tickets purchased before
the ban went into effect. In previous games, as
said Cook. “Some tried to walk around it;
others stamped right over, but not without
looking at it first. At least 70 per cent of
the patrons saw it when they were coming
in and the others saw it on their way out.
You could not miss it, unless you sneaked
in the exits.”
The white gloves and Jolson copy were
also painted on the doors and boxoffice and
remained up for two weeks before the open-
ing. The picture held over for a week, which
is “remarkable in this city,” Cook said.
many as 8,000 persons jammed their way
into the coliseum, spending an average of
$5 a person in an effort to cash in on the
$13,000 in prize money. In one game, gross
receipts were reported to be $41,000.
T est Case on Lord's Day
Seen Looming in B.C.
Vancouver — War veterans will defy
Sunday blue laws despite a threat of
prosecution against sponsors of a recent
Sunday concert at the Orpheum Theatre.
Legion members say the present silver
collection will be dropped and tickets sold
openly.
This action may cause a test case of
the Lord’s day act in British Columbia
which at present will not allow any direct
or indirect admissions for Sunday enter-
tainments. The Lord’s day act is a law
that has been on Dominion books for
more than 100 years.
p*ilmrow executives and staff members are
using the airplane more every year.
Haskell Masters, Toronto, Canadian general
manager of Warner Bros., left Sunday (6)
by air for Europe accompanied by his wife.
They will visit several countries . . . Felicia
Jansen, stenographer in the Montreal office
of 20th-Fox took the plane to New York for
Easter . . . Molly Foreman, Montreal manager
of Alliance Films, spent Easter in Toronto.
Leo Choquette, Montreal, proprietor of the
Choquette circuit, is Hollywood bound to
visit the studios . . . Philippe Senecal, Ste.
Therese, proprietor* of the George Theatre
there, has returned from a three-week motor
trip to Florida. He stopped at Warners’
Filmrow office here on his return and did
some booking.
PRC announces that from April 15 onward
all posters will be sold direct from PRC head
office in Toronto . . . Staff happenings on
Filmrow: Romeo Gaudreau, Paramount
salesman, spent three days on business at
Manawaki, Mont Laurier and Buckingham;
Joe Dolman, Columbia booker, is resigning
to open a clothing business; George Koppel-
man, PRC salesman, returned from a busi-
ness trip to Rigaud, and left immediately for
Hull, Que.; John Bastien, a new assistant
booker at United Artists, replaces Gordon
Wynn who returned to Toronto.
British films shown here will be minus the
familiar signature “Tyrrell of Avon.” Lord
Tyrrell, president of the British Board of
Film Censors, died in his 81st year . . . Much
opposition was recorded in Edmonton to an
Alberta government ban on the British Infor-
mation Service film, “Man — One Family”
which was excluded from Alberta schools
ostensibly because “it did not fit in with the
curriculum,” but — critics of the government’s
action say — really because it “ran counter
to Social Credit political policies.”
Gordon Alexander of Ottawa, director of
printing production for the National Film
Board, has been appointed supervisor of ad-
vertising in the public printing and stationery
department . . . Montreal Local Council of
Women is vigorously protesting against the
eviction of tenants to make way for the build-
ing of a new theatre at the corner of St.
Catherine and Crescent streets.
El Morocco, completely renovated, reopened
under ownership of a syndicate headed by
Yvon Robert, former world’s champion
wrestler . . . Robert Muzard, French film
producer, is in Montreal looking for a studio
from which to produce films here. The first
of which will concern the life of Isaac Jogues,
missionary martyr.
Mayor Camillien Houde saw a special
screening of “The Best Years of Our Lives”
at the Kent and was so pleased with it that
he got himself photographed shaking hands
with Arthur Bahen, manager of the theatre
. . . Louis Desbiens, chairman of the Quebec
Board of Film Censors, states that the dis-
tributors have the right to appeal the board’s
ban on “The Outlaw” starring Jane Russell,
which has been shown in all the other eight
provinces of Canada.
Cinema business in Montreal is described
as “very solid,” although officials say they
scarcely expect a repetition this year of the
very high grosses of 1946 . . . Morris C.
“Rusty” Davis, who wrote the musical score
for National Film board’s muskox film, has
severed connection with Canadian Broad-
casting Corp. and will work as a free lance.
He has under way original scores for other
Canadian films.
112
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
TORONTO
Daul L. Nathanson, former president of Odeon
* Theatres of Canada, and Mrs. Nathanson
have returned after spending the winter in
Florida. After a brief stay here they pro-
ceeded to Montreal where they have taken
permanent residence . . . Also returning from
the south were Jule Allen, head of Premier
Theatres and other Toronto companies, and
Mrs. Allen.
President A. W. Perry of Empire -Universal
and M. J. Isman, executive assistant, were
in New York for a sales conference . . . Harley
Hunt, chief booker for Odeon Theatres here,
has gone west to check with Odeon managers
in British Columbia on booking policies.
Filmrow had two visitors from Windsor —
Simon Meretsky, managing director for Para-
mount Windsor Theatres, and Barney Me-
chanic, proprietor of the Temple . . . Another
visitor was Bruce McLeod of Kitchener who
has a number of theatres in western Ontario
. . . After returning from a business tour of
the maritime provinces, Dave Griesdorf, PRC
general sales manager went to a sales conven-
tion at the west coast.
Two local theatre managers have recovered
from sickness and are back at their posts.
They are A1 Perly of the Midtown and Harold
Jackson of the Bayview, both units of 20th
Century Theatres . . . Ben Geldsaler, FPC
booking department manager who has been
on the ailing list for several weeks, and Mrs.
Geldsaler left for a cruise in southern waters.
Joe Meyers, who resigned recently as booker
for Allied Cooperative Theatres, has re-
turned here after a stay in Chicago. Prior
to going with Allied he was with Canadian
Odeon here.
Recent visitors were President Steve Broidy
and Sales Manager Ed Moray of Monogram
Pictures Corp., New York, here for a confer-
ence with Oscar R. Hanson, president of the
Canadian Monogram.
Screen Guild of U.S. Gets
'Bush Pilot' Distribution
TORONTO — Made in Canada last year by
Dominion Productions, “Bush Pilot” is being
distributed by Screen Guild Productions of
New York and Hollywood, Geoffrey H. Wood,
president of Dominion, reported. Rochelle
Hudson is the leading lady.
Only two Canadian features have been pro-
duced since the war, “Bush Pilot” and
“Whispering City” J. Arthur Rank Organiza-
tion has secured distribution rights for the
latter, which was made by Quebec Produc-
tions Corp., St. Hyacinthe. This picture has
a French duplication called “La Forteresse”
with an all-Canadian cast.
There has been no announcement of other
production plans and the budding Canadian
film industry appears to have reached a
temporary lull.
G. Mathews, Monogram's
Ontario Manager, Resigns
TORONTO — G. A. Mathews has resigned
as Ontario manager of Monogram Pictures of
Canada, which is linked with the J. Arthur
Rank Organization. He took over the posi-
tion last year.
Robert Glendenning, former publicity di-
rector at Toronto with Eagle-Lion Films of
Canada is now with New World, a Canadian
topical, and pictorial magazine. Glenden-
ning has been succeeded by Frank Failes.
MANITOBA MOTIF — Newly elected officers of the Manitoba Motion Picture Ex-
hibitors Ass’n are pictured together with chairmen of the committees in charge of its
recent annual general meeting.
Front row, left to right: H. Gray, manager of the Lyceum, invitations committee;
B. K. Beach, secretary-treasurer, Western Theatres, secretary; R. D. Hurwitz, general
manager, Main Street pool, honorary president; M. Triller, Dominion, president; S. R.
Miles, general manager. Western Theatres, vice-president; H. A. Bishop, Manitoba
supervisor of Famous Players, hotel committee.
Back row: S. Rosenblat, supervisor, Western Theatres, registrar; T. Pacey, man-
ager, Garrick, entertainment committee; W. J. Halparin, Paris, independents; H.
Kramer, manager, Starland, publicity; H. Prygrocki, King’s, treasurer; B. Sommers,
manager, State, independents.
Say What You Think!
Your Opinion Is Appreciated
Your experiences with various films are of great value to
other exhibitors. They will read with interest and we will great-
ly appreciate the favor. Fill out the blank below and send it to
BOXOFFICE for publication in the popular department —
THE EXHIBITOR
HAS HIS SAY
On any blank paper you have around, add your report on
additional titles you have shown recently and send along with
the coupon.
_____ TEAR OUT AND MAIL
Picture Report to:
The Exhibitor Has His Say
BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1. Mo.
Title Company
Comment
Exhibitor
Theatre Type Patronage
Town State
BOXOFFICE : : April 19, 1947
113
B&K to Build Theatre of Tomorrow'
In Toledo at Cost of Two Million
From Mideast Edition
TOLEDO — A downtown theatre costing
more than $2,000,000 will be built for Balaban
& Katz of Chicago,
whose lease on the
3,600-seat Paramount
here will expire in June
1948. The new house,
to seat 2,500, will be
built at Jackson and
Superior streets, and
will be ready for oc-
cupancy by that time,
said John Balaban,
secretary-treasurer of
the circuit, who recent-
ly concluded negoti-
ations for purchase of
the property. B&K
also operate the Princess, downtown holdover
house.
Terming the new house the Theatre of
Tomorrow, Balaban said it would be “the
most modern in the world,” devoted exclu-
sively to motion pictures and television. The
property has a frontage of 200 feet on Su-
perior street and 128 feet on Jackson street.
Marvin Harris, manager of the Paramount,
said the new site was selected because of the
proximity of parking space and public trans-
portation.
BUILDING COSTS $1,500,000
The theatre will consist of main floor, bal-
cony and loges and the building alone will
cost more than $1,500,000. Provision will be
made for two stores on the ground floor on
Superior street, but that will be the only com-
mercial development outside of the theatre
itself. Equipment and appointments of the
new house will include all of the advances
and developments made by the B&K plan-
ning board during the war years when theatre
building was impossible, Balaban said.
Among developments to be utilized are those
of the firm’s Chicago television station,
WBKB. Balaban said large screen television
for theatres soon will become practical and
the new Toledo house will be so equipped that
important news and sports events can be
telecast.
The new house will be of modern, func-
tional design and glass plastics, and “dra-
matic” lighting will be utilized extensively.
The conventional marquee will be replaced by
"Playing the market or reading the
Selling Seats section in BOXOFFICE?"
a news sign which spells out running mes-
sages on the current picture and its stars.
The entrance design calls for an all-glass
front and Tuflex glass doors opening the lobby
to the sight of those passing. Concealed light-
ing effects developed in the General Elec-
tric Co.’s Nela Park laboratories in Cleveland
will highlight the appointments.
Wartime electronic discoveries, Balaban
said, have resulted in new sound projection
devices and acoustical treatment, which will
be used for the first time when they are in-
corporated in the Toledo house. The seats
will have 36 inches from the back of one seat
to the seat behind it, and pushback chairs,
upholstered in air-foam rubber with plastic
coverings, will be installed.
AIR TO BE STERILIZED
All air entering the theatre will be sterilized
by germicidal lamps and cleansed by air con-
ditioning methods controlling temperature
and humidity. Germicidal lamps also will be
installed in the restrooms.
Among unusual service facilities planned
is a playroom for youngsters, equipped with
slides, toys and games and attended by a
qualified nurse. Exhibit halls are under con-
sideration where amateur photographers and
painters can show their work.
Balaban said that this is the first oppor-
tunity the company has had to execute the
new ideas of its planning board. “We have
been in Toledo for 20 years and Toledo has
been good to us,” he said.
He announced that the Princess Theatre
will be practically rebuilt.
Several months ago Carl Schwyn Associ-
ates, Bowling Green, Ohio, which operates
several theatres in northwestern Ohio, in-
cluding the 1,900-seat State, de luxe neigh-
borhood house in Toledo, took a long lease
on the present Paramount Bldg.
W/A/A//PE G
■pile Oscar-winning “The Best Years of Our
Lives” opened at the Garrick April 19.
The picture is being shown on a continuous
run policy. Prices were hiked considerably
over the customary scale . . . The Winnipeg
Ballet club has won international fame
through two invitations which recently have
been extended to the organization. It has been
requested to visit Copenhagen to dance in an
international dance festival which UNESCO
is sponsoring, and has also been invited to
dance in London.
The Winnipeg Film club, organized last fall
for showing of 16mm films to membership
only, has completed a successful year. More
than 450 attended the club’s Sunday show-
ings which are held in the auditorium once
every three weeks.
Picked as the best foreign film of 1946,
“Open City” will play Mesho Triller’s Domin-
ion for one week commencing April 22. The
picture is being presented here by Leo Clavir’s
Artkino Pictures on a reserved-seat basis
with one matinee and one evening perform-
ance daily. Price range will be 40 and 60
cents for matinees, and 50, 60 and 90 cents in
the evening.
Inaugurating in great style Famous Play-
ers’ new twin rurr policy, “The Jolson Story”
has been doing outstanding business at both
the Met and Uptown, where it is playing
simultaneously. The picture went into a
second big week at both houses.
JOHN BALABAN
CALGARY
J^oadways dry here quickly with the advent
of warm winds, and film salesmen, tied
up by snow and floods for months, have now
deserted Filmrow. The improved condition
of highways also is bringing relief to the
small town exhibitor, many of whom de-
pend on the surrounding farming community.
Return to normal business for the theatres
has started and hopes are high that good
times will continue well into summertime.
Few visitors were noticed along Filmrow last
week. Mr. Huchack, owner of the Roxy in
Rocky Mountain House, was busy booking. He
said snowbound roads were just clearing
and that during the past month business was
very poor . . . A. J. Purlot, former owner of
the Valley in Peace River, also was booking.
He was doing the chore for the new owners,
W. Todor and A. Polukoshko.
John Booth, who handles Astral Films, re-
ports considerable local interest in “Exercise
Muskox,” the National Film board picture
on Canada’s northland expedition. Many of
the crew members are residents of Alberta or
well known here.
Reports come from Edmonton that “Gal-
lant Bess” and “Blue Skies” topped business
done by those pictures in Calgary. These two
hit a stormy, cold week when they played here
a month ago. Theatre business has greatly
recovered in the capital city in the last few
weeks.
Business in Eight Lines
Slumped in February
From Central Edition
ST. LOUIS — Business in eight types of re-
tail establishments here showed declines dur-
ing February, ranging from 2 to 24 per cent
below February 1946. The local office of the
U.S. Department of Commerce reported there
was an over-all increase of 10 per cent in
dollar sales during the month, the increases
being in sales of automobiles, building ma-
terials, food and in department stores. Heavy
declines were recorded in sales by shoe
stores, auto accessories, tire and battery deal-
ers, jewelry stores, clothing stores, taverns
and liquor stores. In the state, liquor stores
reported a decline of 22 per cent.
Motion picture theatres in the state re-
ported declines of from 12 to 21 per cent in
their gross business. Only a few exceptional
pictures have been able to beat the business
for the comparative period in January, Feb-
ruary and March last year, a survey of the
industry indicates.
Order Parking Facilities
For Any Future Projects
From Mideast Edition
TOLEDO — The city plan commission has
ordered an amendment to the Toledo zoning
code, to require future building projects, in-
cluding theatres, to provide adequate off-
street facilities for parking of automobiles.
The amendment would force owners of all
structures erected within the city to incor-
porate parking facilities in their building or
lot-layout plans.
Robert Konwin, assistant city law director,
told the planning commissioners he believes
the courts would uphold the proposed legis-
lation if its terms were reasonable, although
no Ohio city has yet adopted such reforms.
Parking requirements in the measure would
be geared to the nature of the commercial
undertaking, it was explained.
114
BOXOFFICE :: April 19, 1947
sunns SEATS
Practical Ideas by Practical Showmen
On Merchandising the Motion Picture
Edited by HUGH E. FRAZE
A 6 UJ D E JO BETTER BOOKING AND BUS INESS-BUIIDIN
HAPPY WEEK' SPRING
FOR PATRONS AND
Phone Gag in Window
Over PA to Street
ROSWELL, N. M.— Lou Higdon, city man-
ager of the Griffith houses here, began his
campaign for “Lady in the Lake” at the
Plains Theatre ten days in advance with a
lobby display. A large mirror was set facing
the entrance. A huge hand pointed at the
entering patron and above the mirror a sign
bore this copy: “YOU and Robert Montgom-
ery star in ‘LADY IN THE LAKE.’ ”
Three days prior to playdate Higdon ar-
ranged for the use of a window in one of the
leading department stores here. The window
was decorated to simulate a lake scene. In-
side, one of the Plains cashiers was stationed
from 9 a. m. to 6 p. m. each of the three
days with a telephone. She called everyone
in the local phone directory to tell them that
they were starred in the Montgomery film.
A public address system was used from in-
side the window so that those who stopped
to watch could hear the cashier’s conversa-
tion and know what was going on.
This, according to Higdon, was a real
crowd-stopper and resulted in much favorable
admission.
Silver Dollar Giveaways
Stir Interest in 'Doubloon'
PHILADELPHIA — Playing on the coin idea
in “The Brasher Doubloon,” Manager Harold
W. Seidenberg of the Fox announced in his
opening day ad that “Every hour, every day,
during the showing of ‘The Brasher Dou-
bloon’ a patron will receive a rare and valu-
able coin — worth more than the price of
admission.”
The message was made purposely vague
and created quite a stir.
What Seidenberg did was slip a silver dol-
lar in with the change of a patron each
hour. Dollar cartwheels are seldom seen in
this section.
Sells "Boomerang" at Fox
PHILADELPHIA — In a tieup with the
Pennsylvania Institute of Criminology on
"Boomerang,” Manager Harold Seidenberg
of the Fox set up displays of crime detection
paraphernalia in front of the theatre, in-
vited the public to have its fingerprints taken
by a representative of the institute in the
lobby, and distributed 5,000 fingerprint cards
that carried theatre copy. A mailing piece
printed in the form of a subpoena was sent to
all members of the Philadelphia Bar Ass’n
and members of the bench. Professors of
the various law schools were guests.
MILWAUKEE — Under the chairmanship of
Harry Boesel, downtown Milwaukee district
manager, the Fox Wisconsin Amusement
Corp. arranged a Happy week as a timely
after-Easter promotion. The campaign tied
in with the circuit’s spring promotional drive.
A special two-frame trailer was run in all
theatres a week prior to Happy week with
this copy reading: “It’s time to LAUGH away
your troubles at your friendly Fox Theatre!
. . . You will be HAPPY when you see our
outstanding attractions next week!”
A figure of Happy, one of the dwarfs in
“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” was
adopted as the symbol of the Happy week
campaign.
HAPPY BLOWUPS PROVIDED
An oversized blowup of Happy was pro-
vided each theatre. It was prepared so that
it could be utilized throughout the entire
year for special kiddy show stunts, etc. All
theatres used copy in newspaper advertise-
ments directly underneath the Fox sig cut,
reading, “You will be HAPPY, when you see
our outstanding attractions this week,” and
thumbnail mats on the Happy week theme.
Six 8^x21 -inch banners were provided each
theatre for proper use on doors, boxoffice,
vending stands and other prominent spots.
Copy read: “Be HAPPY! Attend your FOX
THEATRE during HAPPY WEEK, April
10-16, 1947.”
Ideas for stunts were given in a two-page
mimeographed bulletin forwarded theatre
managers. Among the suggestions were:
Stage show activity with audience partici-
pation (general appeal).
Easter cartoon shows (children appeal).
STUNTS FOR ALL GROUPS
Midnight screwball shows (adult appeal).
Rug-cutters jamboree (teen-ager appeal).
TONIC
STAFFS
Gay Nineties matinee (old folk). Special
shorts were booked for these events, as well
as features.
To build vending sales, special lobby dis-
plays, with special 5%x7 and 7x11 cards, pre-
pared by C. D. Fox, head of vending depart-
ment, were used.
A week prior to Happy week all managers
played recordings either of “Everybody Has
a Laughing Place” or “It’s a Hap-Hap-Happy
Day,” on the PA system . . . The manager
broke into the recording with copy along the
following lines: “Your LAUGHING place will
be at the Fox next week, when you see
” Or “You will be HAPPY when
you come to the Fox next week and
This special week was used as a boxoffice
stimulator with all theatre managers going
all out on the effort.
Happy week was not only for patrons but
also for the theatre employes. Each man-
ager judged which employe was the most
pleasant and happy during Happy week.
Success of Manager Often Depends
On Aid of Well-Trained Assistant
HARRISONBURG, VA. — Cyril Mee,
manager of the State and Strand thea-
tres here, believes that a well-trained
assistant frequently is a major factor in
his superior’s success.
“Frequently a manager receives com-
pliments for a job well done,” he says,
“and in most cases, behind the scenes,
is a capable assistant who performs
101 nonspectacular jobs. With that
thought in mind I asked Alton W. Law-
son, my assistant, to make suggestions
for promoting ‘Song of the South.’ ”
Lawson is secretary of the local Ex-
change club and he immediately con-
tacted the club president, who also is
principal of the Main Street school.
The principal and teachers agreed to
sponsor the attendance of 100 grade
school pupils at the opening matinee.
Other members of the staff, ushers
and doorman, distributed hand bills,
window cards, and one of the cashiers
arranged with the local music company
to place an automatic record player
to play hit tunes in the lobby before
and after shows prior to the opening
day.
BOXOFFICE Showxnandiser :: April 19, 1947
1
Stunts for Lobby Use
Old safe in lobby of the Patio, Brooklyn. Rube Wolf (right) and contestant.
A walnut -cracking gag inspired by
the habit of the character in “My
Favorite Brunette” played by Lon
Chaney was adopted by Rube Wolf,
manager of the Paramount in Los
Angeles. The stunt kept a crowd gath-
ering in the outer lobby and was good
for a lot of laughs.
Anyone capable of cracking a wal-
nut in the hollow of his elbow was
given free admission. On a bag of wal-
nuts was a sign reading: “How Strong
Are You? If you can crack a walnut
in the hollow of your elbow you will
be our guest to see, etc.” Accompany-
ing the message was a picture of
Chaney. The Walnut Ass’n of Southern
California provided the walnuts with-
out charge and handled the distribu-
tion of display cards in stores.
Cashing in on the popularity of the
song hit, “Open the Door, Richard,”
Allen Grant and Alfred Cohn, man-
ager and assistant of Century’s Patio
in Brooklyn, literally gave patrons a
door to open. An old safe was brought
from backstage, placed in the lobby
and surrounded by appropriate copy
plugging two features and the short,
“Open the Door, Richard.” Passes were
given to those who could solve the
safe’s combination.
Mostly kiddies filled the lobby dur-
ing the day and adults tried their luck
at evening shows.
1,200 Store Windows
Plug Film Serial
BUFFALO — Twelve hundred store windows
here are carrying posters featuring the Jack
Armstrong serial which is booked for seven
Basil community theatres.
The deal was worked out with General
Mills, which sponsors the Jack Armstrong
radio program in behalf of Wheaties. Posters
and displays will remain in store windows
for at least a month, G. M. Westergren, as-
sistant general manager of the Basil circuit,
said.
The theatres also have worked out a tieup
with station WKBW, the ABC outlet here.
In return for screen advertising on the Jack
Armstrong air show, the radio station is giv-
ing plugs for the Basil theatres and the end
of the national broadcast every weekday,
Monday through Friday, prior to the open-
ing of the film series.
On opening day, sample packages of
Wheaties will be distributed at each of the
theatres running the serial.
RCA Victor to Feature Artists
In 'Hall' and 'New Orleans'
NEW YORK — RCA Victor has tied up with
United Artists on “Carnegie Hall” and “New
Orleans.”
The recording company is featuring five
musical artists from “Carnegie Hall” in a
series of platters being delivered to dealers.
The five are Jascha Heifetz, Leopold Sto-
kowski, Artur Rubinstein, Jan Peerce and
Vaughn Monroe. Promotional material in-
cludes a special “Carnegie Hall” kit, counter
cards, wall hangers, one-sheets, photographs
and publicity stories.
For “New Orleans,” RCA Victor is releasing
a special Louis Armstrong album consisting
of the five tunes from the film. Armstrong
will be the subject of special plugging during
the period “New Orleans” plays the nation’s
theatres. Streamers, stories and other ma-
terial is being delivered to dealers by RCA
Victor for promotional purposes.
Fremont , Ohio, ' Bed el i a Campaign
Covers Town, But It's Inexpensive
FREMONT, OHIO — Dick Pefley ran a sat-
uration teaser campaign to make this town
“Bedelia” conscious for the British picture’s
date at the Paramount.
Using the line “ ‘Bedelia,’ the wickedest
woman who ever loved,” Pefley started build-
ing his campaign in tag lines of his regular
ads five days in advance. He also spotted
reader ads in various sections of the news-
paper. Three days in advance he had small
display ads spotted in four pages, society,
news, sports and editorial, plus an insertion
in the want ad section. The next day he
broke out with a big ad containing art work
in the theatre section and again had smaller
ads spotted through the paper.
In addition to the newspaper campaign,
Pefley used 1,000 throwaways printed on wall
paper that he was able to promote. In co-
operation with a supermarket, he had the
“Bedelia” message on 1,000 large grocery
bags. The town also saw 1,000 theatre pro-
grams, got up at no cost, “Bedelia” displays
in a drug store window and at the pubhc
library, teaser cards in downtown windows
and barber shops, and ten four-foot banners
that were placed above store windows down-
town. Displays at the theatre and street
ballyhoo added to the sales job, and a con-
test held in cooperation with a cigar store
topped off the campaign.
Below: Sports page “Bedelia” ad.
* WARNING *
MEN -
Unless you can enjoy the story of
a ravishingly beautiful woman —
who is wickedness itself — stay
home and do the dishes — and let
the little woman come and have the
best time of her life.
P. S. — Just in case — the name of
the gorgeous creature U • • •
BEDELIA
• THE WICKEDEST WOMAN
WHO EVER LOVED!”
Coming Sun., Mon., Tues., March 30, 31, April
1 at the Paramount— Plus Added Hit, Sonny
Tufts "Swell Guy.”
Invisible Power Teases
'Miss Pilgrim' Patrons
BRIDGTON, ME.— T. W. Hanlon, who is
learning showmanship under the GI bill as
assistant to C. F. Millett at the State Thea-
tre here, recently pulled a gag that had his
patrons guessing.
In a display window that faces on the street,
Hanlon half buried an electric light blub
(frozen glass) in a flower pot filled with
gravel, attaching it to a concealed wire run-
ning from the bottom of the pot. He took a
false base from an old globe and attached
it to the top of the frozen bulb. A dummy
cord hung nearby.
With the display went copy reading, “If
you think it’s difficult to determine how this
light burns without electricity, try to figure
out how to mix Betty Grable and business
. . . then see ‘The Shocking Miss Pilgrim’ at
the State.”
“We had the public guessing everything
from invisible wires to radar,” said Hanlon.
“We received numerous requests to show how
the stunt works and gladly showed the trick.
The stunt really sold the picture.”
Telegrams Blown Up for Front
OKLAHOMA CITY— Telegrams from Gov-
ernor Turner of Oklahoma and Governor
Mabry of New Mexico, commending “Pur-
sued,” were blown up for a front display at
the Warner Theatre in the campaign put
on by Manager Jim Barnes. Outdoor back-
grounds for the film were shot in New
Mexico.
2
BOXOFFICE Showmcmdiser :: April 19, 1947
Store Style Roundup
Boosts 'California'
DALLAS — For “California” at the Ma-
jestic Theatre, the A. Harris & Co., leading
department store, staged a “California-Texas
roundup,” consisting of an elaborate program
of California-inspired fashion events and
style and merchandise displays featuring
items from the Golden state. The exhibit,
the biggest ever put on in Dallas, was a
storewide promotion that utilized every one
of the establishment’s 18 windows.
It was the first of a series of gala events
commemorating the store’s 60th anniversary.
Style shows held during the three-day ex-
position dramatized the fashion alliance be-
tween the two states — which, as result of
their similarity of climate and mode of life,
share a position of fashion leadership in
sportswear and home decoration — and pre-
sented a contrast between fashions of 1840
and 1947, using for the purpose costumes
worn by Barbara Stanwyck in “California.”
The costumes, all copies of museum pieces,
were loaned to the department store for the
occasion. The style shows, open to the public
without charge, were held in the grand ball-
room of the Hotel Adolphus.
Added prestige was given the promotion
by the presence of 16 prominent west coast
designers and manufacturers of men’s and
women’s wearing apparel as guests of A.
Harris & Co. They were entertained at a
round of social functions.
The tieup was handled by Jeraldine Cooper
of the Paramount exploitation force and F.
Thompson, Majestic manager.
'Gold' Nugget Giveaway
Used by Ken Stewart
HOBBS, N. M. — Kenneth Stewart, man-
ager of the Reel Theatre here, used a novel
street bally to promote “California.” He
dressed one of his usherettes in full western
costume and had her parade the downtown
streets. Over her arm she carried a wicker
basket containing small envelopes that she
gave to passersby, all printed in gold ink with
the name of the theatre. The cards inside,
to which had been pasted a “gold” nugget,
carried this copy: “This ‘gold’ nugget is to
remind you that there is a gold mine of
thrills, entertainment and adventure in
‘California’ at the Reel Theatre (playdates).”
The “gold” nuggets were a shovelful of
small pebbles that had been sprayed with
gold-bronze paint.
Stewart also arranged a tieup with two
food stores to feature California fruits and
vegetables in their windows prior to play-
date. Suitable copy was painted on each
store window.
Starts Children's Shows
With Appeal to Parents
MAYFIELD, KY. — Manager Ned Greene
launched his series of Children’s Film library
shows for children with a three-column, nine-
inch ad in the Messenger in which he appealed
to parents to give him full cooperation.
“Some cities have been running these shows
for several months and the various organiza-
tions who are interested in children have
been enthusiastic in their support,” said
Greene in his ad. “Other places have failed
simply because they did not have the support
of their leaders. That is why I am writing to
you. If you think we should have these
shows, I will much appreciate your influence
and cooperation.
“All school children are to be admitted at
12 cents and as adults are not encouraged to
come, you can readily see that this is not a
money-making proposition.”
Courteous Staff Vital
In Stopping Accidents
WINDOW CONTEST — Frank Henson,
manager of Loew’s in Akron, Ohio, set a
contest with Scott dime stores there. Pa-
trons of the store were asked to identify
titles of eight former Andy Hardy pic-
tures, stills from which appeared in the
windows displays, one of which is repro-
duced above.
After-Easier Awards
New Twist to Hunt
ROCHESTER, N. Y. — Easter egg hunts
with prizes for the children are nothing new,
of course but Lester Pollock, manager of
Loew’s Rochester, instituted a switch, award-
ing prizes from the stage of the theatre three
days after the holiday itself. Thus there was
no interference with Easter business that
was good anyway. Moreover, a 9 a. m. show
for juveniles meant extra business gained at
a time ordinarily nonproductive.
For his post-Easter show Tuesday morning,
April 8, Pollock screened 18 all-color car-
toons, a picked program that has been used
with much success by showmen all over the
country. Tickets were 30 cents to all, with
an advance sale.
With as many as 5,000 youngsters partici-
pating in past years, the annual Easter egg
hunt, which was under auspices of Uncle
Dan’s Birthday club, sponsored by the
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, was
placed this year in Genesee park, one of the
largest outdoor spots in the city.
Fifteen hundred eggs were planted in the
park, with 22 carrying cash prizes and thea-
tre tickets; 90 carrying tickets only.
Milt Kaufman Gets News Breaks
NORFOLK, VA. — Milton Kaufman’s open-
ing of “The Beginning or the End” at Loew’s
State made the news columns of the local
paper despite a ban on mention of amuse-
ments except in ads.
CHICAGO — Accident prevention and cour-
tesy go hand-in-hand; discourteous treat-
ment makes patrons antagonistic and hard
to handle in an emergency. So advises M. M.
Rubens, director of advertising and publicity
for the Great States Theatres, in a bulletin
to his managers.
Alertness and courtesy of service personnel
the moment a patron evidences a sign of
doubt or confusion is immediately indicative
that his welfare is being considered and he
relaxes to a point that polite terse directions
are obeyed automatically, Rubens said.
As an example of well trained personnel,
he pointed to one theatre where holdouts
of as much as six abreast, 200 feet long, are
handled by two ushers without confusion.
Rubens warned particularly of having per-
sonnel trained to handle fainting cases, and
of the necessity for frequent patrols of the
auditorium.
“An unattended semidark auditorium pre-
sents an eerie aspect and any unusual hap-
pening may cause fear and hysteria,” he
pointed out. “The natural inclination of any
crowd is to stampede through the same door-
way they entered unless there is instantaneous
action from an intensely trained service force.
Theatre auditoriums that are not patrolled
at frequent intervals become a hotbed for
morons.”
Here are the tests Rubens sets up for his
managers:
Will your service force on a given signal
quickly and quietly open exit doors and
direct your patrons to safety in an emer-
gency?
Are they properly instructed on how to keep
children from running up and down the
aisles, a practice dangerous to themselves
or other patrons?
Is the confidence and respect of the audi-
ence, by its treatment from boxoffice to audi-
torium, such that directions will be followed
without question?
At no time should an audience be per-
mitted to feel that “it is on its own,” said
Rubens.
'Red House' Gets Breaks
CINCINNATI — Radio and newspaper
breaks were numerous in the campaign put
on here by Manager Joe Alexander and Ex-
ploiteer Nate Wise of United Artists for the
run of “The Red House” at the Albee.
Eye , Ear and Nose Aid
Sales of This Popcorn
Paola, Kas. — Earl Plumlee, manager of
the Paola Theatre here, a TEI house,
has been using a new idea in trailers.
It is to plug the popcorn machine. The
trailer is short but effective. Copy is as
follows:
M-M-M-M-M-M-M-M-M-ll
Smell that DELICIOUS ODOR . . .
it's from our new super-popped
Butterflake POPCORN being popped
in pure Cocoanut Oil . . .
BUY A SACK NOW . . . IT'S DE-
LICIOUS.
Plumlee instructed the popcorn girl to
make sure that a kettle of corn was be-
ing popped each time the trailer was
shown. The sound of the popping and the
odor, according to Plumlee, has the de-
sired effect on his patrons. Sales, he
said, have increased sharply since the
trailer has been used.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : April 19, 1947
3
New Stunt a Week Helps
Walter Reade Managers Develop Own Ideas in
Business
Circuit Policy
NEW YORK— Following a successful tryout
in its three theatres in Plainfield, N. J., the
Walter Reade circuit recently adopted a pol-
icy of “an exploitation stunt per theatre per
week,” which calls on managers to supple-
ment regular home office campaigns with in-
dividual stunts and displays.
The immediate results produced by the pro-
gram, which was suggested by Hal Martz,
northern district Reade manager, offers fresh
support of the oft-repeated truism that the
most important ingredient in showmanship
is “the man,” that is the personal, man-on-
the-job adaption of promotion to local con-
ditions and peculiarities.
A rise in boxoffice receipts was evident at
Plainfield as a result of the program. Among
the promotions carried out there by Murry
Meinburg, city manager, was one starting
with this want ad in the personal columns:
“Is your last name Bailey? If it is, we
have a pleasant surprise for you. Call
Plainfield 6-2103.”
Every time someone called, they were
asked if they could prove their name was
Bailey. There were 200 calls, and only 30
of these qualified. They were given passes
to see “It’s a Wonderful Life,” with Jimmy
Stewart playing the part of Mr. Bailey.
In the lobby of the Plainfield Strand,
Murry placed a special 40x60 reading :
“So what if the boss does catch me?
“It’s a Wonderful Life.
“I can’t get into any more trouble
than —
“Jimmy Stewart, etc.” (Followed by
playdate copy.)
Alongside the sign were two ushers, playing
checkers, reading newspapers, playing soft
music on a Victrola and doing a few other
things generally coming under the heading of
indolence.
Capping the campaign, an advance 40x60,
also set up in the lobby, had these words in
five different languages:
"Say it in any language you like, ‘It’s Still
a Wonderful Life.’ ”
Another sprightly exploitation angle came
during the Easter season from Guy Hevia,
city manager at Morristown, N. J. Hevia
organized a “Quest for Fashion,” running
trailers on the three Reade houses in Morris-
town to the effect that the best dressed
women on South street Easter Sunday would
receive corsages. Later the selected women,
about 30, appeared on the stage of the Park
and the audience by applause selected the
three best dressed. They received, respec-
tively, a new spring suit, shoes and gloves,
and a handbag. This material, valued at
$100, was obtained through a tiein with the
Junior House, a Morristown specialty store.
Hevia also was responsible for a campaign
on “The Beginning or the End” which in-
cluded a tieup with the army recruiting serv-
ice, which sent out a sound truck boosting the
picture and playdate five hours a day in all
sections within a radius of 50 miles. The
army truck was also set up at street corners,
with an Inquiring Reporter asking questions
the correct answers to which won free passes.
Another tiein involved stories of local persons
who were connected with the bomb project,
1,914 free lines of publicity being obtained in
this manner from the local daily and sur-
rounding weeklies.
Johnny Balmer, the new city manager at
Freehold, N. J., tied in displays of glass
violin bottles at a gift shop for “Humoresque,”
in addition to obtaining several other win-
dows. The local Railway Express truck was
bannered with one-sheets for a week.
For one week patrons received change in the
form of half-dollars and quarters on which
were pasted miniature plugs for the picture.
The entire campaign cost less than $25.
Song Contest on Air
Costs Theatre Little
SANTA BARBARA, CALIF.— Hollywood
Hilites, a half hour radio show originated by
Manager Norman W. Lofthus of the War-
ners California Theatre here, recently cele-
brated its second anniversary with a big
splash.
The show consists of playing songs from
current and coming attractions at the thea-
tre. The audience is invited to identify the
music and picture from which it was taken.
The winner each week gets a month of
passes to the California and an evening of
dining and dancing at Restaurante Del Paseo.
Only expense to the theatre is the passes, a
merchant sponsor carrying the rest of the
cost.
For the anniversary, Lofthus set up a lobby
display for two weeks, used a window display
at Firestone’s for a week, carried a window
display at radio station KDB for two weeks,
placarded city and interurban buses for a
month, and put in a display in a window
which the California Theatre has fronting on
an important business street. In addition,
KDB carried copy of the show in direct mail
advertising, distributed 1,000 circulars, de-
voted a portion of its column in the Sunday
paper to the program, and furnished 20
J. P. Price Exploits
J. P. Price, manager of the Peak, an
Associated Theatres house in Dallas, re-
ports: “We are pulling our hair for new
exploitation ideas now that the days of
‘open your doors and they come in’ are
over.”
Remarking that “the ideas passed on
to us through Showmandiser have been
of big help,” Price forwards a promotion
of his own that proved very successful.
Capitalizing on the fact that housing
teaser spot announcements for two weeks.
Plugs for the program also were carried by
the Erskine Johnson in Hollywood program
which originates from the Don Lee studios
in Los Angeles. The climax to the celebra-
tion was a party in the studio of KDB at
which the sponsors who participate in the
program helped Lofthus cut a birthday cake.
April 1 Midnight Fun Fest
Big at Junction City, Kas.
JUNCTION CITY, KAS.— The annual
“April Fool’s Midnight Fun Fest” was held
at the Colonial Theatre here the night of
March 31.
City Manager Francis Wright said he
used all the tried and true gimmicks suitable
for such a show and his audience ate them
up. He started his campaign by running his
newspaper advertisement upside-down and
backward. During the performance he did
the same with a cartoon and a short subject.
At the door patrons were given numbered
cards that entitled them to take part in the
drawing for a “bedroom suit” that would be
given away from the stage. The bedroom suit
was, of course, a pair of pajamas. Other
stunts, familiar to all managers, were used
to put the audience in a hilarious mood.
Wright said this was one of the most suc-
cessful shows he had staged.
House Shortage
is one of the major pnblic interests to-
day, Price contacted several residents in
the Peak neighborhood at Dallas and
obtained permission to place signs on the
front of the house or on the lawns read-
ing:
“This House Is Not FOR SALE . . .
But the Year’s Biggest Comedy Hit Is
at the Peak Theatre (dates and attrac-
tion title).”
Talented Brothers
In 'Dorseys' Pitch
READING, PA. — For the cost of a portable
radio and guest tickets, Larry R. Levy, man-
ager of Loew’s Colonial, promoted a lot of
publicity here for “The Fabulous Dorseys.”
He made a tieup with Dr. Saul’s Teen-Age
Variety show, heard over radio station
WRAW every Sunday morning at 10, spon-
soring a contest to select the most talented
musical brothers in Reading. The winners
were chosen by audience write-in votes.
To advertise the stunt, Dr. Saul, an optical
company, took a three-column six-inch ad
in the papers that featured an illustration
of the Dorsey brothers, plugged the contest
for two weeks on the radio program, and
took followup ads to announce the winners.
Dr. Saul also devoted an entire window to
the stunt.
Levy also worked out a cooperative deal
with the Zeswitz music house, which took two
large ads in the papers to plug band instru-
ments played by the Dorseys and albums of
their recordings.
Puffy Plugs Popcorn
SLATER, MO. — The Kiva Theatre here has
a new popcorn display that is really in-
creasing sales, according to all reports. A
double-sided display board was set up bear-
ing the picture of a puffy popcorn man. He
is shaking an old-fashioned corn popper from
which popcorn is appearing. Copy reads:
“Try Out Puffy Pete Popcorn, It Is Delicious.
Puffy Pete Says, ‘Take Home a Box — It’s
Good you You!’ ”
Kiddy Attendance Doubled by Pups
CONNELLSVTLLE, PA. — A. J. Benys, man-
ager of the Paramount Theatre, increased
children’s attendance at “Courage of Lassie”
by promoting a collie pup giveaway, with
the presentation at a Saturday matinee.
4
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : April 19, 1947
Feature productions. listed by company, in order of release. Num-
ber in square is national release date. Production number is at
right. Number in parentheses is running time, as furnished by home
office of distributor; checkup with local exchanges is recommended.
R — is review date. PG — is Picture Guide page number. Symbol
Q indicates BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Symbol ©
indicates color photography.
BOOKIIIG CHART
JUNE 22
JUNE 29
JULY 6
JULY 13
JULY 20
JULY 27
AUGUST 3
AUGUST 10
(59) Drama
NGEROUS BUSINESS
in Merrick
■rest Tucker
■aid Mohr
-June 22— PG-731
H] (65) Drama 7032
THE RETURN OF
RUSTY
Ted Donaldson
John Litel
Mark Dennis
Barbara Woodell
R— July 6— PG-733
[T] (65) Mystery 7027
THE UNKNOWN
Karen Morley
Jim Bannon
Jeff Donnell
R— July 6— PG-734
[ill (54) Western 7209
THE DESERT HORSE-
MAN
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
Adele Roberts
R— July 13— PG-735
H (67) Act-Mus 7223
COWBOY BLUES
Ken Curtis
Jeff Donnell
Iloosier Hotshots
Guy Kibbee
R— July 13— PG-736
H (73) Musical 7033
SING WHILE YOU
DANCE
Ellen Drew
Robert Stanton
Andrew Tombes
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
[s] (68) Comedy 7039
PERSONALITY KID
Anita Louise
Michael Duane
Ted Donaldson
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
SPECIAL:
[T| (125) Drama 623
ilTHE GREEN YEARS
Charles Coburn
Tom Drake
Beverly Tyler
Hume Cronyn
Dean Stockwell
R— Mar. 16— PG-705
Block 17
[is] (97) Drama 625
BOYS’ RANCH
James Craig
“Butch’’ Jenkins
R— May 4— PG-720
SPECIAL:
I25] (110) Drama 624
©EASY TO WED
Esther Williams
Van Johnson
R— Apr. 13— PG-714
|~if| (93) Drama 626
©COURAGE OF LASSIE
Lassie
Elizabeth Taylor
Frank Morgan
Tom Drake
R— May 11— PG-721
(63) Aet-Com 510
FAST COMPANY
5 Gorcey
ntz Hall
bby Jordan
-May 18— PG-723
[29] (56) Western 574
TRAIL TO MEXICO
Jimmy Wakely
[|] (61) Sea-Dr 521
STRANGE VOYAGE
Eddie Albert
Elena Verdugo
[13] (63) Drama 530
SOUTH OF MONTEREY
Gilbert Roland
Frank Yaconelll
[20] (65) Act-Corn 511
BOWERY BOMBSHELL
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
[27] (64) Mys-Dr 518
SHADOWS OVER
CHINATOWN
Sidney Toler
Victor Sen Young
[3] (65) Act-Dr 520
BELOW THE DEADLINE
Warren Douglas
Ramsay Ames
R— Oct. 5— PG-755
[io| (57) Western 567
SHADOWS ON THE
RANGE
Johnny Mack Brown
Block 5
H| (57) Actlon-Dr 4523
HOT CARGO
William Gargan
Jean Rogers
Philip Reed
R— Mar. 16— PG-705
Block 5
[6] (122) Rom-Dr 4524
TO EACH HIS OWN
Olivia de Havilland
John Lund
Mary Anderson
Phillip Terry
Bill Goodwin
R— Mar. 16— PG-706
Block 6
H] (107) Act-Dr 4526
O.S.S.
Alan Ladd
Geraldine Fitzgerald
R— May 11— PG-721
Block 6
[9] (107) Drama 4527
THE SEARCHING WIND
Robert Young
Sylvia Sidney
R— May 11— PG-722
(70) Drama
(ALANCHE
uce Cabot
len Mowery
-Apr. 27— PG-717
Ho] (10) Drama
©COLORADO
SERENADE
Eddie Dean
A1 La Rue
R— July 6— PG-733
HU (68) Mys-Dr
LARCENY IN HER
HEART
Hugh Beaumont
Cheryl Walker
R— May 25— PG-725
[17] (55) Western
PRAIRIE BADMEN
Buster Crabbe
A1 "Fuzzy” St. John
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
HU (67) Drama
QUEEN OF BURLESQUE
Evelyn Ankers
Carlton Young
R— July 6— PG-733
[14] (55) Drama
TERRORS ON
HORSEBACK
Buster Crabbe
R— Apr. 27— PG-717
oup 6
(62) Mystery 629
E FALCON’S ALIBI
m Conway
ta Corday
nee Barnett
-Apr. 20— PG-716
SPECIAL:
(95) Drama 683
THE STRANGER
Edward G. Robinson
Loretta Young
Orson Welles
R— May 25— PG-726
Group 6
(105) Drama 626
TILL THE END OF
TIME
Dorothy McGuire
Guy Madison
Robert Mitchum
Bill Williams
R— June 15— PG-730
Group 6
(68) Musical 630
THE BAMBOO BLONDE
Frances Langford
Ralph Edwards
Russell Wade
R— June 22— PG-732
[28] (56) M’drama 522
TRAFFIC IN CRIME
Kane Richmond
Anne Nagel
Adele Mara
[s~| (90) Drama 524
SPECTER OF THE ROSE
Judith Anderson
Michael Chekhov
R— May 25— PG-726
m (67) M'dr-Mus 523
NIGHT TRAIN TO
MEMPHIS
Roy Acuff
Allan Lane
|io] (79) Outdr-Mus 5541
MY PAL TRIGGER
Roy Rogers
R— July 6— PG-734
[22] (56) Western 568
CONQUEST OF
CHEYENNE
Bill Elliott
Bobby Blake
Alice Fleming
[22I (89) Comedy 525
RENDEZVOUS WITH
ANNIE
Eddie Albert
Faye Marlowe
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
HU (55) Western 557
RED RIVER
RENEGADES
[7] (57) M’drama 526
THE INNER CIRCLE
Adele Mara
Warren Douglas
William Frawley
[~9~] (67) M’drama 527
THE LAST CROOKED
MILE
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
(87) Drama 631
©SMOKY
Fred MacMurray
Anne Baxter
Bruce Cabot
J. Farrell MacDonald
R— June 22— PG-732
(70) Comedy 632
IT SHOULDN’T HAPPEN
TO A DOG
Carole Landis
Allyn Joslyn
Henry Morgan
Margo Wood
R— June 8— PG-728
(102) Drama 633
©CENTENNIAL
SUMMER
Jeanne Crain
Cornel Wilde
Linda Darnell
William Eythe
R — June 8 — PQ-728
(128) Drama 634
QANNA AND THE
KING OF SIAM
Irene Dunne
Rex Harrison
Linda Darnell
R— June 8— PG-727
•
[19] (100) M’drama
A SCANDAL IN PARIS
George Sanders
Signe Hasso
Carole Landis
R— July 20— PG-738
[~2~| (84) M'drama
MR. ACE
George Raft
Sylvia Sidney
Sid Silvers
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
(90) Drama 536
VER COME BACK
orge Brent
ra Zorina
cille Ball
•tries Winninger
-June 22— PG-731
[28] (05) Drama 537
INSIDE JOB
Ann Rutherford
Alan Curtis
Preston Foster
R— June 22— PG-731
[~s[ (76) Drama 538
HER ADVENTUROUS
NIGHT
Dennis O’Keefe
Helen Walker
Tom Powers
R— July 6— PG-733
[12] (60) Drama 539
DANGER WOMAN
Brenda Joyce
Don Porter
Milburn Stone
R— July 13— PG-736
[19] (59) Drama 540
THE DARK HORSE
Phillip Terry
Ann Savage
Allen Jenkins
R— July 20— PG-738
HU (92) Drama 541
©CANYON PASSAGE
Dana Andrews
Brian Donlevy
R— July 27— PG-740
HU (61) Musical 542
CUBAN PETE
Desi Arnaz
R— July 27— PG-739
|Y| (80) Drama 543
THE BLACK ANGEL
Dan Duryea
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
[2] (63) Drama 544
SLIGHTLY
SCANDALOUS
Fred Brady
Paula Drew
[9] (61) Drama 545
WILD BEAUTY
Don Porter
Lois Collier
Jacqueline De Wit
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
(89) Drama 520
NfE GETS MARRIED
in Leslie
bert Hutton
ward Arnold
n Harding
-June 8— PG-727
[J] (107) Drama 521
A STOLEN LIFE
Bette Davis
Glenn Ford
Dane Clark
Walter Brennan
Charlie Ruggles
R— May 4— PG-719
[20] (105) Drama 522
OF HUMAN BONDAGE
Paul Henreid
Eleanor Parker
Alexis Smith
Edmund Gwenn
Janis Paige
R— July 6— PG-734
[3] (128) Drama 523
©NIGHT AND DAY
Cary Grant
Alexis Smith
Monty Woolley
Mary Martin
R— July 13— PG-736
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : April 19, 1947
MONOGRAM PARAMOONT R-R-C RKO RADIO REPUBLIC ZOTH-FOX UNITED ARTISTS UNIVERSAL WARNER
UNIVERSAL UNITED ARTISTS 20TH-F0X REPUBLIC RKO RADIO
AUGUST 24
AUGUST 31
SEPTEMBER 7
SEPTEMBER 14
SEPTEMBER 21
L
■*
g|] (63) Comedy 7038
IT’S GREAT TO BE
YOUNG
Leslie Brooks
R— Sept. 7— PG-749
[12] (69) Western 7224
SINGING ON THE
TRAIL
Ken Curtis
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
(22] (81) Drama 627
FAITHFUL IN MY
FASHION
Tom Drake
Donna Reed
R — June 15— PG-729
gg] (92) Drama 628
yTHREE WISE FOOLS
Margaret O’Brien
Lionel Barrymore
Lewis Stone
Edward Arnold
Thomas Mitchell
R— June 15— PG-730
gg] (127) Mus-Com 701
©HOLIDAY IN MEXICO
Walter Pidgeon
Jane Powell
Hona Massey
Jose Iturbl
R— July 27— PG-740
gj] (68) Comedy 512
SPOOK BUSTERS
Leo Gorcey
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
Billy Benedict
David Gorcey
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
[~7~| (74) Com-Mus 517
HIGH SCHOOL HERO
Freddie Stewart
June Preisser
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
gg] (76) Mys-Dr 601
DECOY
Edward Norris
Jean Gillie
R. Armstrong
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
gi] (54) Western 568
TRIGGER FINGERS
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
SPECIAL:
go] (93) Comedy 4532
MONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE
Bob Hope
Joan Caulfield
R— May 11— PG-721
Block 6
|T] (69) Act-Dr 4528
SWAMP FIRE
Johnny Weissmuller
Buster Crabbe
Block 6
g|] (117) Drama 4529
THE STRANGE LOVE
OF MARTHA IVERS
Barbara Stanwyck
Van Heflin
Lizabeth Scott
R— Mar. 16— PG-706
[21] (54) Act-West
OVERLAND RIDERS
Buster Crabbe
A1 "Fuzzy” St. John
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
gg] (68) Mys-Dr
BLONDE FOR A DAY
Hugh Beaumont
Kathryn Adams
R— Aug. 10— PO-742
[~2~| (56) Drama
STRANGE HOLIDAY
Claude Rains
R— Nov. 9— PG-764
SPECIAL:
(103) Drama 761
NOTORIOUS
Ingrid Bergman
Cary Grant
Claude Rains
Louis Calhern
R — July 27— PG-739
Group 6
(93) Drama 627
CRACK-UP
Pat O’Brien
Claire Trevor
Herbert Marshall
R— June 15— PG-729
Group 1
(61) Drama 703
STEP BY STEP
Lawrence Tierney
Anne Jeffreys
Lowell Gilmore
It— July 20— PG-737
Group 1
(59) Western 704
SUNSET PASS
James Warren
Nan Leslie
John Laurenz
Jane Greer
R— July 20— PG-738
gjj] (57) Mys-Dr 529
THE INVISIBLE
INFORMER
Linda Stirling
William Henry
Gerald Mohr
li— Aug. 24— PG-746
g|] (69) West-Mus 541
UNDER NEVADA SKIES
Roy Rogers
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
[3] (56) Mystery 531
THE MYSTERIOUS MR.
VALENTINE
William Henry
Linda Stirling
[9] (56) Western 558
RIO GRANDE RAIDERS
Sunset Carson
gg] (68) Outdr-Mus 542
ROLL ON TEXAS
MOON
Roy Rogers
Dale Evans
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
(74) Drama 636
blAck BEAUTY
Mona Freeman
Richard Denning
Evelyn Ankers
R— July 20— PG-737
(78) Drama 637
CLAUDIA AND DAVID
Dorothy McGuire
Robert Young
Mary Astor
John Sutton
Gail Patrick
R— July 27— PG-740
(78) Musical 638
IF I’M LUCKY
Vivian Blaine
Perry Como
Harry James
Carmen Miranda
Phil Bllrera
R— Sept. 7— PG-750
[g] (90) Comedy
THE BACHELOR’S
DAUGHTERS
Gail Russell
Claire Trevor
Adolphe Menjou
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
*
go] (101) M’drama
ANGEL ON MY
SHOULDER
Paul Muni
Anne Baxter
R— Sept. 28 — PG-754
[22] (76) Drama 547
DEAD OF NIGHT
Mervyn Johns
Roland Culver
Frederick Valk
R— July 6— PG-734
go] (102) Drama 548
THE KILLERS
Burt Lancaster
Ava Gardner
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
go] (61) Drama 549
LITTLE MISS BIG
Beverly Simmons
R— Sept. 7— PG-750
go] (74) Drama 550
WHITE TIE AND
TAILS
Dan Duryea
Ella Raines
William Bendix
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
go) (108) Drama 1065
THEY WERE SISTERS
Phyllis Calvert
James Mason
Hugh Sinclair
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
g| (114) Drama 601
THE BIG SLEEP
Humphrey Bogart
Lauren Bacall
Martha Vickers
Dorothy Malone
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
14] (78) Drama 602
SHADOW OF A WOMAN
Andrea King
Helmut Dantlne
William Prince
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
AUGUST 17
HEADING WEST
Charles Starrett ,
Smiley Burnette
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
MISSING LADY
Kane Richmond
Barbara Reed
gg] (75) Drama
DOWN MISSOURI WAY
Martha O’Driscoll
R— July 13— PG-735
gjj] (••) Drama
SECRETS OF A
SORORITY GIRL
Rick Vallln
It— Aug. 24— PG-745
[12] (69) Com-Dr 528
g7I. WAR BRIDES
Anna Lee
James Ellison
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
(65) Drama
DEADLINE FOR
MURDER
Paul Kelly
Kent Taylor
Sheila Ryan
Jerome Cowan
R— June 22— PG-732
635
SPECIAL:
g|] (126) Drama
y©CAESAR AND
CLEOPATRA
Vivien Leigh
Claude Rains
Stewart Granger
It— Aug. 17— PG-744
ge] (82) Comedy 546
THE TIME OF THEIR
LIVES
Abbott and Costello
Binnie Barnes
Jess Barker
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
g7] (90) Drama 524
TWO GUYS FROM
MILWAUKEE
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Joan Leslie
Janls Paige
S. Z. Sakall
Patti Brady
R— July 27— PG-739
SEPTEMBER 28
gg] (68) Drama 7002
GALLANT JOURNEY
Glenn Ford
Janet Blair
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
H (70) M’Dr-Mys 7041
SHADOWED
Anita Louise
R — Oct. 5— PG-756
[23[ (86) Drama
HER SISTER’S
SECRET
Nancy Coleman
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
[22] (56) Act-West
OUTLAW OF THE
PLAINS
Buster Crabbe
Group 1
(97) Comedy
LADY LUCK
Robert Young
Barbara Hale
Frank Morgan
R— July 27 — PG-739
702
Reissue
(86) Musical
SUN VALLEY
SERENADE
Sonja Henie
641
Milton Berle
Glenn Miller & Orch.
Joan Davis
(106) Drama 603
Robert Alda
OCTOBER 5
go] (91) Musical
THE THRILL OF
BRAZIL
Evelyn Keyes
Keenan Wynn
Ann Miller
Allyn Joslyn
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
[5] (72) Act-Dr 602
GENTLEMAN JOE
PALOOKA
Joe Kirkwood jr.
Elyse Knox
Leon Errol
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
Reissue R5-3624
(113) Outdr-Drama
THE PLAINSMAN
Gary Cooper
Jean Arthur
[29] (68) Drama
ACCOMPLICE
[~n (55) Outdr-Mus
DRIFTIN’ RIVER
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
[~n (58) Drama
THE BRUTE MAN
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
Group 1
(116) Drama
OSISTER KENNY
Rosalind Russell
Alexander Knox
Dean Jagger
R— July 20— PG-738
701
(90) Musical 639
©THREE LITTLE GIRLS
IN BLUE
June Haver
George Montgomery
Vivian Blaine
Celeste Holm
R— Sept. 14— PO-751
(57) Mus (New Rel)
(30) M-Rev (New Rel)
(10) Mus (New Rel)
BEWARE
EBONY PARADE
(1 Reel Spec)
CH
Louis Jordan
Cab Calloway
HERE'S RICHARD’S
o
Valerie Black
Count Basie
ANSWER
£-4
Mills Bros.
Stepln Fetchlt
rn
(68) Drama Reissue
)
Hi
COURAGEOUS
(72) Comedy Reissue
(57) M-Dr (New Rel)
DR. CHRISTIAN
FLYING DEUCES
HOLLYWOOD BOUND
Jean Hersholt
Laurel and Hardy
Betty Grable
(89) Reissue
JIMMY STEPS OUT
Jimmy Stewart
(83) Drama Reissue
LITTLE MEN
Jack Oakle
(86) Drama Reissue
ONE ROMANTIC NIGHT
Ilona Massey
(100) Drama Reissue
SCARFACE
Paul Muni
George Raft
(55) M-Dr (New Rel)
STAIRWAY FOR A STAR
Cornel Wilde
(86) Mus-Dr Reissue
SECOND CHORUS
Paulette Goddard
Fred Astaire
(48) Mus (New Rel)
TALL, TAN AND
TERRIFIC
Mantan Moreland
Francine Everett
(50) M-Dr (New Rel)l
THAT MAN OF MINE "
Harrel Tillman
Ruby Dee
Anna Mae Winbum
(58) O’d-Dr (New Rel)
WHITE STALLION
Eddie Dean
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : April 19, 1947
OCTOBER 12
OCTOBER 19
OCTOBER 26
NOVEMBER 2
NOVEMBER 9
NOVEMBER 16
NOVEMBER 23
NOVEMBER 30
[io] (71) Psych-Dr 805
SO DARK THE NIGHT
Steven Geray
Micheline Cheirel
Eugene Borden
Ann Codee
B— Nov. 23— PG-765
[17] (69) Comedy 806
BLOND IE KNOWS BEST
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
R— Oct. 5— PG-755
[It] (53) Western 861
LANDRUSH
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
(24| (61) Mystery 816
CRIME DOCTOR'S
MANHUNT
Warner Baxter
Ellen Drew
William Frawley
Frank Sully
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
[7] (65) Mystery 818
SECRET OF THE
WHISTLER
Richard Dix
Leslie Brooks
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
g (55) Western 862
TERROR TRAIL
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
R— Nov. 9 — PG-764
[28] (72) Musical 824
BETTY CO-ED
Jean Porter
Shirley Mills
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
(81) Comedy-Dr 703
THE COCKEYED
MIRACLE
Frank Morgan
Keenan Wynn
Audrey Totter
R— July 20— PG-737
(117) Musical 704
NO LEAVE, NO LOVE
Van Johnson
Keenan Wynn
Pat Kirkwood
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
Reissue
(84) Drama 705
RAGE IN HEAVEN
Robert Montgomery
Ingrid Bergman
George Sanders
(115) Drama 707
UNDERCURRENT
Katharine Hepburn
Robert Taylor
Robert Mitchum
R— Oct. 5— PG-756
(93) Drama 706
TWO SMART PEOPLE
Lucille Ball
John Hodiak
R— June 15— PG-730
gH (66) Mys-Dr 603
DANGEROUS MONEY
Sidney Toler
Gloria Warren
Victor Sen Young
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
[Y| (73) Drama 605
WIFE WANTED
Kay Francis
Paul Cavanagh
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
[9] (71) Outdr-Mus 531
BEAUTY AND THE
BANDIT
Gilbert Roland
Ramsay Ames
Frank Yaconelli
[Hi] (56) Western 563
SILVER RANGE
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
I23] (68) Comedy 604
BRINGING UP FATHER
Joe Yule
Renie Riano
It— Oct. 19— PG-759
|o] (68) Mystery 607
THE TRAP
Sidney Toler
Manton Moreland
Victor Sen Young
R— Jan 11— PG-779
Reissue R5-3620
(84) Adven-Drama
JUNGLE PRINCESS
Dorothy Lamour
Ray Milland
[22I (98) Sea Drama 4601
TWO YEARS BEFORE
THE MAST
Alan Ladd
William Bendix
Brian Donlevy
Barry Fitzgerald
Howard da Silva
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
t
|28| (68) Drama
GAS HOUSE KIDS
Billy Halop
Robert Lowery
Teala Loring
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
[~5~| (78) Drama
DON RICARDO
RETURNS
Fred Coby
[is] (57) Western 743
STARS OVER TEXAS
Eddie Dean
Roscoe Ates
Shirley Patterson
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
[25] (74) Drama
LADY CHASER
Robert Lowery
Ann Savage
Group 1
(68) Drama 705
GREAT DAY
: Eric Portman
;; Flora Robson
R— July 20— PG-737
Group 2
(62) Drama 709
CRIMINAL COURT .
Tom Conway
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
[15] (62) Com -Chiller
GENIUS AT WORK
Wally Brown
Alan Carney
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
Group 2
(62) Drama 708
CHILD OF DIVORCE
Sharyn Moffett
Regis Tooraey
Madge Meredith
Una O’Connor
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
Group 2
(87) Drama 706
NOCTURNE
George Raft
Lynn Bari
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
[21] (172) Drama 751
THE BEST YEARS OF
OUR LIVES
Myrna Loy
Fredric March
Dana Andrews
Teresa Wright
Virginia Mayo
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
[28] (95) Mus-Dr 791
H©S0NG OF THE
SOUTH
Bobby Driscoll
Luana Patten
Ruth Warrick
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
!j
[|] (72) Special 5542
HOME IN OKLAHOMA
Roy Rogers
George “Gabby” Hayes
Dale Evans
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
[15] (56) Western 661
SANTA FE UPRISING
Allan Lane
Bobby Blake
[Ts] (82) Drama 532
PLAINSMAN AND THE
LADY
William “Bill” Elliott
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
[jg] (68) Cora-Mus 603
AFFAIRS OF
GERALDINE
Jane Withers
R— Nov. 30— PG-768
|2i [ (69) Outdr-Mus 681
SIOUX CITY SUE
Gene Autry
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
(90) Drama 640
HOME SWEET
HOMICIDE
Peggy Ann Garner
1 Randolph Scott
Lynn Bari
Dean Stockwell
R— July 27— PG-740
Reissue
(84) Drama 642
THE BOWERY
Wallace Beery
George Raft
Jackie Cooper
Fay Wray
(91) Drama 644
WANTED FOR MURDER
Eric Portman
Dulcie Gray
Derek Farr
Roland Culver
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
(97) Drama 645
MY DARLING
CLEMENTINE
Henry Fonda
Linda Darnell
Victor Mature
Walter Brennan
Tim Holt
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
(94) Drama 646
©MARGIE
Jeanne Crain
Glenn Langan
Lynn Bari
Alan Young
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
'
1 [n] (57) Comedy
LITTLE IODINE
, Jo Ann Marlowe
Eve Whitney
Marc Cramer
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
[25] (101) Drama
STRANGE WOMAN
Hedy Lamarr
George Sanders
Louis Hayward
R — Nov. 2— PG-762
[is] (65) Western
THE DEVIL’S
PLAYGROUND
William Boyd
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
[22I (86) Drama
THE CHASE
Robert Cummings
Michele Morgan
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
(85) Drama 601
THE DARK MIRROR
Olivia de Havilland
Lew Ayres
Thomas Mitchell
R — Oct. 12— PG-758
[T] (108) Com-Dr 1066
NOTORIOUS
GENTLEMAN
Rex Harrison
LilltaPalmer
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
(95) Drama 602
MAGNIFICENT DOLL
Ginger Rogers
Burgess Meredith
David Niven
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
|l2| (100) Drama 604
NOBODY LIVES
FOREVER
iJohn Garfield j
Geraldine Fitzgerald i
Waiter Brennan ;
Faye Emerson
R— Oct. 5— PG-755
If (112) Drama 605
DECEPTION
Bette Davis
Paul Henreid
Claude Rains
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
[9] (97) Drama 606
NEVER SAY GOODBYE
Errol Flynn
Eleanor Parker
Lucile Watson
S. Z. Sakall
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
I23] (86) Drama 607
THE VERDICT
Sydney Greenstreet
Peter Lorre
Joan Lorring
George Coulouris
Rosalind Ivan
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
(101) Drama Reissue
DODSWORTH
Walter Huston
David Niven
John Payne
(109) Drama
NORTH STAR
Anne Baxter
Dana Andrews
(80) Mus-Com Beissue
PALMY DAYS
Eddie Cantor
George Raft
(81) Reissue
THE RETURN OF THE
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Barry Barnes
James Mason
( . . ) Musical Reissue
ROMAN SCANDALS
Eddie Cantor
Ruth Etting
(98) Drama Reissue
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Merle Oberon
Leslie Howard
(107) Drama Reissue
STELLA DALLAS
Barbara Stanwyck
John Boles
(100) Musical Reissue
STRIKE ME PINK
Eddie Cantor
Brian Donlevy
Ethel Merman
(109 Drama Reissue
THE THIEF OF
BAGDAD
Sabu
Conrad Veidt
June Duprez
(77) Drama Reissue
THE UNHOLY GARDEN
Ronald Colman
(83) Drama Reissue
WEDDING NIGHT
Gary Cooper
Ralph Bellamy
(102) Western Reissue
THE WESTERNER
Gary Cooper
Walter Brennan
Dana Andrews
(104) Drama Reissue
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
Laurence Olivier
Merle Oberon
(71) Comedy Reissue
WOMAN CHASES MAN
Joel McCrea
Miriam Hopkins
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 19, 1947
7
RKO RADIO REPUBLIC 20TH-F0X UNITED ARTISTS UNIVERSAL WARNER*
UNIVERSAL UNITED ARTISTS 20TH-F0X REPUBLIC RKO RADIO
DECEMBER 7
DECEMBER 14 DECEMBER 21 I DECEMBER 28
g|] (69) Mystery 822
BOSTON BLACK IE AND
THE LAW
Chester Morris
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
|l2| (68) West-Mus 854
LONE STAR
MOONLIGHT
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
863
(97) Drama 709
THE SECRET HEART
Claudette Colbert
Walter Pidgeon
June Allyson
Robert Sterling
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
pf| (63) Act-Com 608 Reissue:
MR. HEX
Leo Gorcey
Huntz Hall
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
[T] (73) Outdr-Mus
©WILD WEST
Eddie Dean
A1 La Rue
Robert "Buzzy” Henry
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
[J] (67) Outdr 5503
©OUT CALIFORNIA
WAY
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
[U (117) Drama 601
©I’VE ALWAYS LOVED
YOU
Catherine McLeod
R— Sept. 7— PG-749
[jj] (57) Western 612
SILVER STALLION
David Sharpe
Leroy Mason
(92) Mus-Fant 649
©WAKE UP AND
DREAM
June Haver
John Payne
Charlotte Greenwood
Connie Marshall
R— Nov. 30— PG-768
Reissues:
[~7~| (127) Drama 608
KINGS ROW
Ann Sheridan
Ronald Reagan
p7~l (72) M'drama 609
WILD BILL HICKOK
RIDES
I Bruce Cabot
Constance Bennett
gg] (65) Comedy
SUSIE STEPS OUT
Cleatus Caldwell
David Bruce
Nlta Hunter
R— Nov. 23— PC-766
(98) Drama
TEMPTATION
Merle Oberon
George Brent
Charles Korvin
Paul Lukas
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
604
fl9] (61) Western
THE FIGHTING
FRONTIERSMAN
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
[19] (69) M’drama
ALIAS MR. TWILIGHT
Michael Duane
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
828
gi] (83) Comedy 70S
THE SHOW-OFF
Red Skelton
Marilyn Maxwell
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
m (64) Mus-Com 804
SINGIN’ IN THE CORN
Judy Canova
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
[28] (91) Mel'drama 829
THE RETURN OF
MONTE CRISTO
Louis Hayward
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
gg] (76) Dr-Mus
SWEETHEART OF
SIGMA CHI
Elyse Knox
Phil Brito
Phil Regan
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
606
|H (132) Com-Dr 781
IT'S A WONDERFUL
LIFE
James Stewart
Donna Reed
Lionel Barrymore
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
g| (71) Dr-Corn 604
FABULOUS SUZANNE
Barbara Britton
Rudy Vallee
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
gs| (70) Outdr-Mus 543
HELDORADO
Roy Rogers
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
(69) Drama 648
DANGEROUS MILLIONS
Kent Taylor
Dona Drake
Tala Birell
James Tinling
Leonard Strong
R — Dec. 14— PG-771
HH (55) Outdr-Mus 681
SONG OF THE SIERRAS
Jimmy Wakely
Lee "Lasses” White
Jean Carlin
(104) Musical 4602
0©BLUE SKIES
Bing Crosby
Fred Astaire
Joan Caulfield
Billy De Wolfe
Olga San Juan
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
Group 3
(62) Drama
DICK TRACY VS.
CUEBALL
Morgan Conway
Anne Jeffreys
Lyle Latell
R— Nov. 9— PG-764
714
I23] (95) Drama 533
THAT BRENNAN GIRL
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
[23] (56) Western 662
STAGECOACH TO
DENVER
Allan Lane
Bobby Blake
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
[is] (96) Com-Dr
ABIE’S IRISH ROSE
Joanne Dru
Richard Norris
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
JANUARY 4
(135) Mus-Dr 710
©TILL THE CLOUDS
ROLL BY
Robert Walker
Van Heflin
Lucille Bremer
Van Johnson
Judy Garland
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
|~4~| (67) Drama 609
GINGER
Frank Albertson
Barbara Reed
Johnny Calkins
R— Apr. 19— PG-812
Group 3
(61) Drama
THE FALCON’S
ADVENTURE
Tom Conway
Madge Meredith
Edward S. Brophy
R— Dec. 28— PG-
715
775
JANUARY 11 I JANUARY 18 I JANUARY 25
[T| (69) Comedy 807
BLONDIE'S BIG
MOMENT
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
Larry Simms
Marjorie Kent
Anita Louise
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
(99) Drama
©GALLANT BESS
Marshall Thompson
George Tobias
Clem Bevans
Donald Curtis
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
702
(95) Drama 702
13 RUE MADELEINE
James Cagney
Annabella
Richard Conte
Walter Abel
Frank Latimore
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
(105) Musical 610
©THE TIME, THE PLACE
AND THE GIRL
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Janis Paige
Martha Vickers
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
[u] (61) Cisco Kid 610
RIDING THE
CALIFORNIA TRAIL
Gilbert Roland
Inez Cooper
Frank Yaconelli
go] (83) Comedy 4603
CROSS MY HEART
Betty Hutton
Sonny Tufts
Michael Chekhov
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
go] (74) Drama
LIGHTHOUSE
John Litel
June Lang
Don Castle
Marian Martin
Group 3
(60) Comedy 713
VACATION IN RENO
Jack Haley
Anne Jeffreys
Wally Brown
R — Oct. 12— PG-757
Re-Releases
( . . ) Drama
LES MISERABLES
Fredric March
Charles Laughton
(101) Drama
STANLEY AND
LIVINGSTONE
Spencer Tracy
Richard Greene
704
705
(86) Drama
SWELL GUY
Sonny Tufts
Ann Blyth
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
606
gi] (96) Drama-Mus 611
THE MAN I LOVE
Ida Lupino
Robert Alda
Andrea King
Bruce Bennett
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
g|] (69) Mystery 823
LONE WOLF IN MEXICO
Gerald Mohr
Shirley Ryan
Jacqueline De Wit
Eric Blore
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
gg] (85) Drama 711
THE MIGHTY McGURK
Wallace Beery
Dean Stockwell
Edward Arnold
Aline MacMahon
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
gU (58) Western 568
RAIDERS OF THE
SOUTH
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Reno Blair
[12] (56) Drama
BORN TO SPEED
R— Jan. 25 — PG-783
gv] (57) Western 123
WILD COUNTRY
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
g|] (63) Comedy
IT’S A JOKE, SON
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
Group 3
(66) Melodrama 712
SAN QUENTIN
Lawrence Tierney
Barton MacLane
Marian Carr
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
(146) Drama 701
THE RAZOR’S EDGE
Tyrone Power
Gene Tierney
John Payne
Clifton Webb
Anne Baxter
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
(93) Drama
I’LL BE YOURS
Deanna Durbin
Tom Drake
William Bendix
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
607
(128) Mus-Dr 831
©^THE JOLSON STORY
Larry Parks
Evelyn Keyes
William Demarest
Bill Goodwin
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
g| (103) Mystery 712
LADY IN THE LAKE
Robert Montgomery
Audrey Totter
Lloyd Nolan
R— Nov. 30— PG-776
[20] (68) Teen-Ager 611
VACATION DAYS
June Preisser
Freddie Stewart
Frankie Darro
R— Apr. 5 — PG-808
(87) Rom-Com 4604
THE PERFECT
MARRIAGE
Loretta Young
David Niven
Eddie Albert
Virginia Field
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
Group 3
(85) Drama
THE LOCKET
Laraine Day
Brian Aherne
Robert Mitchum
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
711
(67) Comedy 602
The pilgrim lady
Lynne Roberts
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
(67) Western 682
TRAIL TO SAN
ANTONE
Gene Autry
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
(85) Mus-Com
©THE SHOCKING
MISS PILGRIM
Betty Grable
Dick Haymes
Anne Revere
Allyn Joslyn
Gene Lockhart
R— Jan. 11— PG-779
703
(98) Drama 605
THE WICKED LADY
Margaret Lockwood
James Mason
Patricia Roc
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
(125) Dra-Mus 612
HUMORESQUE
Joan Crawford
John Garfield
Oscar Levant
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
2 Q
W w
w d
« |D
8 o
(62) Outdoor Drama
©GOD’S COUNTRY
Robert Lowery
Helen Gilbert
R— June 22 — PG-732
8/15 (72) Out-Dr 4604
©DEATH VALLEY
Robert Lowery
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
8/15 (75) Drama 4605
FLIGHT TO NOWHERE
Evelyn Ankers
Alan Curtis
10/15 (41) Out-Dr 4606
'NEATH CANADIAN
SKIES
Russell Hayden
Inez Cooper
11/1 (71) Drama 4607
ROLLING HOME
Jean Parker
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
11/15 (46) Outdr 4610
NORTH OF THE
BORDER
Russell Hayden
12/1 (60) Drama 4609
MY DOG SHEP
Tom Neal
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
12/25 (65) Drama 4612
RENEGADE GIRL
Ann Savage
R— Feb. 8— PG-787
1/15 (62) Drama 4611
QUEEN OF THE
AMAZONS
Robert Lowery
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
2/1 (65J Drama 4608
©SCARED TO DEATH
Bela Lugosi
Joyce Compton
2/15 (70) O’dr-Dr 4613
BUFFALO BILL
RIDES AGAIN
Richard Arlen
R— Apr. 5 — PG-807
3/15 (65) Drama 4615
SHOOT TO KILL
Russell Wade
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
BOXOFFICE Showroandiser " April 19, 1947
FEBRUARY 1
FEBRUARY 8
FEBRUARY 15
FEBRUARY 22
MARCH 1
MARCH 8
MARCH 15
MARCH 22
[30] (58) Western
SOUTH OF THE
CHISHOLM TRAIL
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
Nancy Saunders
R— Peb. 1— PG-786
|T] (73) Myst-Dr
BLIND SPOT
Chester Morris
Constance Dowling
Steven Geray
R— Feb. 8— PG-787
[13] (67) Mus-Dr
CIGARETTE GIRL
Leslie Brooks
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
II3] (63) West-Mus
OVER THE SANTA FE
TRAIL
Ken Curtis
R— Mar. 1— PG-796
(100) Mys-Dr 830
DEAD RECKONING
Humphrey Bogart
Lizabeth Scott
R— Jan. 18— PG-781
(82) Mys-Dr 832
MR. DISTRICT
ATTORNEY
Dennis O'Keefe
Marguerite Chapman
Adolphe Menjou
Michael O’Shea
R— Jan. 11— PG-779
|~6] (65) Mystery
THE THIRTEENTH
HOUR
Richard Dix
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
[e] (54) Western 866
THE LONE HAND
TEXAN
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
[2o[ (70) Drama
MILLIE’S DAUGHTER
Gladys George
Gay Nelson
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
(95) Mys-Dr
JOHNNY O’CLOCK
Dick Powell
Evelyn Keyes
R— Jan. 18— PG-781
[7] (93) Comedy 714
LOVE LAUGHS AT
ANDY HARDY
Mickey Rooney
Lewis Stone
Bonita Granville
R— Dee. 7— PG-769
[ii] (93) Drama 715
MY BROTHER TALKS
TO HORSES
Butch Jenkins
Peter Lawford
Beverly Tyler
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
REPRINT:
H|] (115) Drama 713
BOOM TOWN
Clark Gable
Spencer Tracy
Hedy Lamarr
(112) Drama 716
QTHE BEGINNING OR
THE END
Robert Walker
Tom Drake
Brian Donlevy
Audrey Totter
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
[s] (54) West-Mus 683
RAINBOW OVER THE
ROCKIES
Jimmy Wakely
Lee “Lasses” White
Pat Starling
[Is] (54) Western 675
VALLEY OF FEAR
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Reno Blair
[i5| (64) Drama 613
FALL GUY
Cliff Penn
Teala Loring
Robert Armstrong
R— Mar. 8— PG-800
I22] (71) Drama 676
THE GUILTY
Bonita Granville
Don Castle
John Lltel
R— Mar. 22— PG-804
[7] (91) Comedy 4605
LADIES’ MAN
Eddie Bracken
Cass Daley
Virginia Welles
Spike Jones
Virginia Field
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
HU (97) O’tdr-Dr 4606
©CALIFORNIA
Ray Milland
Barbara Stanwyck
Barry Fitzgerald
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
Q (77) Comedy 4607
EASY COME, EASY GO
Barry Fitzgerald
Diana Lynn
Sonny Tufts
R— Feb. 1— PO-785
HU (88) Rom-Com 4608
SUDDENLY IT'S
SPRING
Paulette Goddard
Fred MacMurray
Macdonald Carey
Arleen Whelan
R— Feb. 16— PG-789
EAGLE-LION
[29] (95) Drama 101
BEDELIA
Margaret Lockwood
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
Hp (64) Western
LAW OF THE LASH
A1 La Rue
A1 “Fuzzy” St. John
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
[2] (67) Drama 603
DEVIL ON WHEELS
Noreen Nash
Darryl Hickman
Jan Ford
James Cardwell
R— Feb. 8— PG-788
ji7| (54) Westam
RANGE BEYOND
THE BLUE
Eddie Dean
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
[17] (98) Drama
THE ADVENTURESS
Deborah Kerr
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
[22] (59) Drama
UNTAMED FURY
R— Apr. 5— PG-808
Reissue
|22] (97) Western
KIT CARSON
I22I (94) Western
LAST OF THE
MOHICANS
Group 3
(117) Fantasy 762
©SINBAD THE SAILOR
Douglas Fairbanks jr
Maureen O'Hara
Walter Slezak
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
Group 4
(67) Mus-Dr 718
BEAT THE BAND
Frances Langford
Ralph Edwards
Phillip Terry
Gene Krupa
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
Group 4
(63) Drama 719
THE DEVIL THUMBS
A RIDE
Lawrence Tierney
Ted North
R— Mai'. 8 — PG-787
[31] (88) Musical 607
CALENDAR GIRL
Jane Frazee
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
|T| (67) Western 5504
©LAST FRONTIER
UPRISING
Monte Hale
Adrian Booth
[is] (100) Western 608
ANGEL & THE BADMAN
R— Mar. 1— PG-796
[15] (74) Comedy 606
MAGNIFICENT ROGUE
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
HU (75) Outdr-Mus 641
©APACHE ROSE
it— Mar. 22— PG-803
[15] (56) Outdoor 663
VIGILANTES OF
B00MT0WN
Allan Lane
Bobby Blake
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
[s] (66) Com-Mus 605
THE GHOST GOES WILD
James Ellison
Anne Gwynne
Edward Everett Horton
Ruth Donnelly
Stephanie Bachelor
R— Apr. 12— PG-810
HU (90) Musical 610
HIT PARADE OF 1947
Eddie Albert
Constance Moore
Joan Edwards
(88) Mystery 706
BOOMERANG
Dana' Andrews
Jane Wyatt
i! Lee Cobb
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
(72) Mystery 707
THE BRASHER
DOUBLOON
George Montgomery
Nancy Guild
Conrad Janis
R— Feb. 15— PG-790
(67) Drama 708
STRANGE JOURNEY
Paul Kelly
Osa Massen
Hillary Brooke
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
Re-Release:
(106) Mus-Dr 709
ALEXANDER’S RAG-
TIME BAND
Tyrone Power
Alice Faye
Don Ameche
Ethel Merman
(66) Drama 711
BACKLASH
Jean Rogers
Richard Travis
Larry Blake
John Eldredge
Leonard Strong
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
l(T] (63) Western
FOOL’S GOLD
William Boyd
lAndy Clyde
|R— Oct. 12— PG-758
[~8~] (93) Drama
THE RED HOUSE
Edward G. Robinson
Lon McCallister
it— Peb. 1— PG-785
H| (88) Mus-Dr
THE FABULOUS
DORSEYS
Tommy Dorsey
Jimmy Dorsey
Janet Blair
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
|T| (112) Drama
THE PRIVATE AFFAIRS
OF BEL AMI
George Sanders
Angela Lansbury
Ann Dvorak
R— Mar. 1— PG-793
jl5[ (93) Comedy
FUN ON A WEEKEND
Eddie Bracken
Priscilla Lane
I22I (89) Drama
THE MACOMBER
AFFAIR
Gregory Peck
Joan Bennett
Robert Preston
R— Jan 25— PG-784
Reissue
(81) Outdoor-Drama
WHEN THE DALTONS
RODE
Randolph Scott
Kay Francis
(106) Dra-Mus 60S
©SONG OF
SCHEHERAZADE
Yvonne De Carlo
Brian Donlevy
Jean Pierre Aumont
Eve Arden
Philip Reed
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
(103) Drama 609
SMASH-UP
Lee Bowman
Susan Hayward
Marsha Hunt
Eddie Albert
Carl Esmond
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
Reissue
(94) Outdoor-Drama
DESTRY RIDES AGAIN
Marlene Dietrich
James Stewart
[s] (88) M’drama 613
THE BEAST WITH
FIVE FINGERS
Robert Alda
Andrea King
Peter Lorre
Victor Francen
J. Carrol Naish
R— Nov. 30— PG-766
[22] (HI) Drama 614
NORA PRENTISS
Ann Sheridan
Kent Smith
Bruce Bennett
Robert Alda
Rosemary DeCamp
R— Feb. 8— PG-787
[8] (101) Mel-Dr&m 615
PURSUED
Teresa Wright
Robert Mitchum
Judith Anderson
Dean Jagger
Alan Hale
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
(88) Drama
*T* Ealing-AFE
Vi THE HALFWAY HOUSE
Prancoise Rosay
K Tom Walls
ce Esmond Knight
PQ Valerie White
(78) Comedy
Eng. Films
THE RANDOLPH
FAMILY
Margaret Lockwood
Michael Wilding
w
zo
£S
i-3
£8
UJc .
<U 3 -n
*5 J£
(74) French Fam. Int’l
(95) Russian Artkino
(70) Russian Artkii
FALL OF BERLIN
War Documentary
_
DAWN OVER FRANCE
1812
<2 S!
Raimu
Sergei Kournakoff
( . . ) Italian Drama
Berval
A. Dykkl
FEDORA
Ojz j?
— 0
Luisa Ferida
Amadeo Nazzarl
R— Feb. 9 — PG-696
(90) Spanish Clasa
FLOR SILVESTRE
No subtitles
Dolores del Rio
(94) Russian Artkino
GIRL NO. 217
Elena Kuzmina
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 19, 1947
9
RKO RADIO ^ REPUBLIC ^ 20TH-F0X TUNITED ARTIST^ UNIVERSAL ^WARNER-
UNIVERSAL UNITED ARTISTS 20TH-F0X REPUBLIC RKO RADIO
MARCH 29
APRIL 5
APRIL 12 |
APRIL 19 |
APRIL 26
MAY 3 1
MAY 10 1
MAY 17
27] (67) Western
WEST OF DODGE CITY
Charles Starrett
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
gj] (79) Outdr-Dr 809
KING OF THE WILD
HORSES
Preston Foster
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
[10] (67) Comedy 808,
BLONDIE'S HOLIDAY
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
Larry Simms
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
[j|] (83) Drama 836
THE GUILT OF JANET
AMES
Rosalind Russell
Melvyn Douglas
Sid Caesar
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
(82) Drama
FRAMED
Glenn Ford
Janis Carter
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
]24| (59) Western
LAW OF THE CANYON
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
T] (103) Musical 718
IT HAPPENED IN
BROOKLYN
Frank Sinatra
Jimmy Durante
Kathryn Grayson
Peter Lawford
R— Mar. 8 — PG-797
[u] (92) Drama 719
LITTLE MR. JIM
Butch Jenkins
James Craig
Frances Gifford
R— June 15— PG-729
[25] (131) Drama 720
SEA OF GRASS
Spencer Tracy
Katharine Hepburn
Robert Walker
Melvyn Douglas
R— Feb. 15— PG-790
]2<)| (68) Western 676
TRAILING DANGER
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Peggy Wynne
[~5| (56) Western 684
SIX GUN SERENADE
Jimmy Wakely
Lee “Lasses” White
[u] (72) Drama
VIOLENCE
Nancy Coleman
Michael O’Shea
R— Apr. 19— PG-812
[26] (63) Melodrama 616
HARD BOILED
MAHONEY
Leo Gorcey
Bowery Boys
Teala Loring
[~3~| (59) Western 671
LAND OF THE LAWLESS
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Christine McIntyre
[jo] ( . . ) Teen-Ager
SARGE GOES TO
COLLEGE
Alan Hale jr.
June Preisser
[2ii] (72) Drama 4620
SEVEN WERE SAVED
Richard Denning
Catherine Craig
Russell Hayden
R— Mar. 1— PG-795
|4~] (88) Comedy 4609
MY FAVORITE
BRUNETTE
Bob Hope
Dorothy Lamour
Peter Lorre
Lon Chaney
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
Pine-Thomas Prod.
|i8] (72) Drama 4621
FEAR IN THE NIGHT
Paul Kelly
Kay Scott
DeForest Kelley
Ann Doran
R— Mar. 1— PG-795
[25] (97) Drama 4610
IMPERFECT LADY
Ray Milland
Teresa Wright
Virginia Field
Sir Cedric Hardwicke
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
|~2~| (91) Drama 4611
BLAZE OF NOON
Anne Baxter
William Holden
Sonny Tufts
William Bendlx
Sterling Hayden
R— Mar. 8— PG-797
(74) Drama
LOST HONEYMOON
Franchot Tone
Ann Richards
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
[5] (64) Drama 715
THREE ON A TICKET
Hugh Beaumont
Cheryl Walker
Paul Bryar
Ralph Dunn
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
Reissue
[12] (41) Western
FRONTIER FIGHTERS
Buster Crabbe
Fuzzy St. John
Marjorie Manners
[13] (62) Mystery 708
PHILO VANCE'S
GAMBLE
[14] (••) Mystery
PHILO VANCE
RETURNS
fl<j] (61) Western
WEST TO GLORY
Eddie Dean
[27 1 (38) Western 762
THUNDERGAP
OUTLAWS
Dave "Tex” O’Brien
Group 4
(84) Western 717
TRAIL STREET
Randolph Scott
Robert Ryan
Anne Jeffreys
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
Group 4
(57) Western 720
CODE OF THE WEST
James Warren
Debra Alden
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
Group 5
(72) Adventure 723
TARZAN AND THE
HUNTRESS
Johnny Weissmuller
Brenda Joyce
John Sheffield
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
|T| (71) West-Mus 683
TWILIGHT ON THE
RIO GRANDE
Gene Autry
Adele Mara
Sterling Holloway
R— Apr. 19— PG-811
[T] (58) Outdoor 664
HOMESTEADERS OF
PARADISE VALLEY
Mian Lane
[~i~| (71) Com-Dr 611
YANKEE FAKIR
Douglas Fowley
Joan Woodbury
R— Apr. 12— PG-810
[24] (66) Drama 612
SPOILERS OF THE
NORTH
Paul Kelly
Adrian Booth
Evelyn Ankers
(96) Musical 710
©CARNIVAL IN COSTA
RICA
Dick Hayraes
Vera-EUen
Cesar Romero
Celeste Holm
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
[5] (60) Western
UNEXPECTED GUEST
William Boyd
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
[T] (89) Comedy
THE SIN OF HAROLD
DIDDLEBOCK
Harold Lloyd
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
|l9] (89) Musical
NEW ORLEANS
Arturo de Cordova
Dorothy Patrick
[~3~| (94) Out’r-Dr
RAMROD
Joel McCrea
Veronica Lake
Don DeFore
Donald Crisp
R— Mar. 1— PG-793
(70) West Dr 610
©MICHIGAN KID
Jon Hall
Victor McLaglen
Rita Johnson
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
(78) Comedy 612
BUCK PRIVATES
COME HOME
Bud Abbott
Lou Costello
Tom Brown
•Joan Fulton
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
Reissue
(73) Comedy
YOU CAN'T CHEAT AN
HONEST MAN
W. C. Fields
Edgar Bergen
Charlie McCarthy
Reissue
(78) Drama
1 STOLE A MILLION
George Raft
Claire Trevor
Victor Jory
Hjj] (84) Com-Dr 616
THAT WAY WITH
WOMEN
Dane Clark
Martha Vickers
Sydney Greenstreet
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
[12] (97) Drama 617
STALLION ROAD
Ronald Reagan
Alexis Smith
Zachary Scott
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
Reissues:
||] (109) Drama 618
THE SEA HAWK
Errol Flynn
Claude Rains
[26] (87) Drama 619
THE SEA WOLF
Edward G. Robinson
Ida Luplno
John Garfield
(83) Comedy 620
LOVE AND LEARN
Jack Carson
Robert Hutton
Martha Vickers
Janis Paige
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
(110) Span. BKO 461
GOYESCAS
Imperio Argentina
Rafael Rivelles
( . . ) Spanish Azteca
LA RIVAL DE SU H1JA
No subtitles
Anita Blanch
R— May 26— PG-029
(104) Spanish Clasa
LA VIRGEN QUE FORJO
UNA PATRIA
No subtitles
R— April 21— PO-623
(84) Russian Artklno
THE LAST HILL
Nikolai Kriuchkov
Marina Pastukhova
R— June 30— PG-840
(104) Spanish Clasa
LAS DOS HUERFANAS
No subtitles
R— Sept 1— PO-653
(73) Russian Artklno
MILITARY SECRET
Sergei Luklanov
R — 8ept. 1— PG-654
( . . ) Spanish Clasa
QUE LINDO ES
MICHOACAN
No subtitles
Tito Gulzar
Gloria Marin
R— Mar. 31— PG-61T
(93) Russian Artklno
THE RAINBOW
Natasha Ushvey
Natalia Alisova
( . . ) Spanish Clasa
TIERRA DE PASIONES
No subtitles
R*— June 9 — PQ-633
French Hoffberg
HOURS
Jean Aumont
Betty Bovy
(89)
THREE
(102) Spanish Clasa
TORES, AMOR Y
GLORIA
No subtitles
R — May 5— PG-627
(84) Russian Artklno
THE URAL FRONT
R— July 14— PQ-641
(87) Russian Artklno
WAIT FOR ME
R— Mar. 24— PG-61B
(90) Russian Artklno
ZOYA
R— Apr. 21— PO-824
10
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 19, 1947
i
An interpretative analysis of opinions deduced from the language of lay and trade press reviews. The plus
and minus signs indicate the degree of favor or disfavor of the review. Blank spaces indicate no review.
This department serves also as an ALPHABETICAL INDEX to feature releases. Numeral preceding title
is Picture Guide Review page number. In parentheses after title is running time. Date following distributor is
BOXOFFICE review date. Listings cover current reviews. It will be brought up to date regularly. The
meaning of the various signs and their combinations is as follows:
-H- Very Good; + Good; ± Fair; — Mediocre; — Poor; = Very Poor.
In the summary is rated as 2 pluses; = as 2 minuses.
REVIEW DIGEST
and
ALPHABETICAL PICTURE GUIDE INDEX
| •*=
=20
MJ
U
£
M
*c
75
Q
| b
i
"S3
£
E
©
CO
*5 n
=ccr
>
il
© S’
ZCQZ
ro °
o.-
i>*(5
■ZL O
CO
767 Abie’s Irish Rose (96) UA
.11-30-46
+
=
—
zt
+
zt
44-
6-
801 Adventuress, The (98) E-L
. 3-15-47
+
t
zt
44
44
74-
2-
766 Affairs of Geraldine (68) Rep
.11-30-46
t
-h
H2
H2
H2
zt
64-
6-
777 Alias Mr. Twilight (69) Col
. 1- 4-47
±
t
zt
4”
44
6-4
3—
796 Angel and the Badman (100) Rep. .
. 3- 1-47
+
Hfc
+
+
+
t
6-4
2-
754 Angel on My Shoulder (101) UA....
, 9-28-46
+
+
44
-4
+
44
+
9+
803 Apache Rose (75) Rep
. 3-22-47
t
+
+
H2
4-4
2-
790 Arnelo Affair, The (86) MGM
. 2-15-47
+
+
+
+
zt
zt
64-
2-
B
752 Bachelor's Daughters, The (90) UA. .
. 9-14-46
t
+
+
44
+
zt
-4
8-4
2-
805 Backlash (66) 20-Fox
. 3-29-47
H2
Hz
zt
—
44-
5-
766 Beast With Five Fingers, The (88)
WB
.11-30-46
Hr
+
Hr
—
—
t
5-4
6-
794 Beat the Band (67) RKO
. 3- 1-47
Hr
H2
H2
zt
zt
5-4
5-
Beauty and the Bandit (71) Mono..
zt
H2
2-4
2-
786 Bedelia (95) E-L
. 2- 1-47
+
t
+
zt
+
5-4
2-
794 Beginning or the End, The (112) MGM 3- 1-47
44
+
4+
+
44
+
44
11-4
807 Bells of San Fernando (74) SG . . .
. 4- 5-47
—
zt
zt
3-4
4—
755 Below the Deadline (65) Mono....
.10- 5-46
t
t
+
zt
H2
zt
H2
7-4
6—
769 Best Years of Our Lives, The (172)
RKO
.12- 7-46
44
44
4+
44
44
44
44
144-
767 Betty Co-Ed (71) Col
.11-30-46
h1
t
+
zt
zt
6-4
5-
744 Big Sleep, The (114) WB
. 8-17-46
-4
44
44
+
+
44
+
10-4
791 Big Town (60) Para
, 2-22-47
t
H2
zt
4-4
4-
741 Black Angel (80) U-l
. 8-10-46
t
t
t
4-
+
44
t
84-
4-
797 Blaze of Noon (90) Para
. 3- 8-47
t
t
+
zt
+
+
6-4
3-
787 Blind Spot (73) Col
2- 8-47
h2
t
+
+
H2
5-4
3-
742 Blonde for a Day (68) PRC
8-10-46
-h
t
H2
H2
H2
H2
64-
6-
755 Blondie Knows Best (69) Col
.10- 5-46
+
t
t
+
+
t
6-4
3-
773 Blondie’s Big Moment (69) Col....
.12-21-46
^h
t
t
Hr
44-
4 —
798 Blondie’s Holiday (67) Col
. 3- 8-47
t
Hh
t
H2
4-4
4—
754 Blue Skies (102) Para
9-28-46
44
-H-
44
44
+
44
44
134-
786 Boomerang (88) 20-Fox
. 2- 1-47
+
44
44
+
+
44
44
11-4
783 Born to Speed (59) PRC
. 1-25-47
-4-
-h
-4-
H-
-+-
-+-
6+
6-
722 Boston Blackie and the Law (69) Col.
12-14-46
Hh
t
4-
zt
Hr
H2
5-
742 Bowery Bombshell (65) Mono
, 8-10-46
t
t
H-
zt
H2
H2
H2
7-4
7-
790 Brasher Doubloon, The (72) 20-Fox. ,
. 2-15-47
+
t
H2
+
zt
t
64-
4—
748 Brief Encounter (85) U-l
. 8-31-46
t
+
+
44
44
7+
1-
759 Bringing Up Father (68) Mono....
.10-19-46
t
t
zt
zt
+
6-4
5-
761 Brute Man, The (58) PRC
.11- 2-46
H2
t
H2
zt
—
=
44-
7—
802 Buck Privates Come Home (78) U-l .
. 3-15-47
-H-
t
+
+
44
7-4
1-
807 Buffalo Bill Rides Again (70) SG .
. 4- 5-47
—
—
2-
c
744 Caesar and Cleopatra (126) UA...
. 8-17-46
44
+
+
44
zt
44
+
104-
1-
789 Calendar Girl (88) Rep
. 2-15-47
±
T
zt
H~
t
+
7-4
6-
744 California (97) Para
. 12-21-46
+
t
zt
+
44
+
44
9+
2-
740 Canyon Passage (92) U-l
. 7-27-46
+
±
zt
+
+
44
44
9-4
2-
797 Carnegie Hall (136) UA
. 3- 8-47
t
t
+
44
44
7-4
2-
805 Carnival in Costa Rica (96) 20-Fox.
. 3-29-47
t
t
+
-4
+
t
64-
3-
759 Chase, The (86) UA
.10-19-46
-4
t
zt
t
+
5-4
3-
760 Child of Divorce (62) RKO
.10-19-46
+
Hn
Hz
zt.
+
+
t
7-4
4—
789 Cigarette Girl (67) Col
. 2-15-47
±
zt
zt
Hr
5-4
5-
740 Claudia and David (78) 20-Fox. . .
. 7-27-46
+
+
-4
+
+
44
44
9-4
752 Cloak and Dagger (106) WB
. 9-14-46
4+
44
+
+
44
44
4-
11-4
799 Code of the West (57) RKO
. 3- 8-47
+
HH
Hz
zt
H2
54-
4—
776 Crime Doctor's Manhunt (61) Col...
.12-28-46
t
h2
+
t
t
6-4
5-
742 Criminal Court (62) RKO
. 8-10-46
t
Hh
t
+
+
H2
6-4
4-
765 Cross My Heart (83) Para
.11-23-46
+
t
zt
zt
zt
—
+
&4
5-
739 Cuban Pete (61) U-l
. 7-27-46
t
h-
zt
H2
t
4-
64-
5-
D
796 Danger Street (66) Para
. 3- 1-47
H2
4-
H1
zt
4-4
4—
771 Dangerous Millions (68) 20-Fox...
.12-14-46
t
zt
+
zt
t
H2
7-f
6-
758 Dangerous Money (66) Mono
.10-12-46
t
H2
ZZ
H-
H-
54-
5-
793 Dangerous Venture (59) UA
. 3- 1-47
Hh
H2
zt
4“
4-4
3-
809 Dark Delusion (90) MGM
. 4-12-47
+
zt
zt
+
5-4
3-
738 Dark Horse, The (59) U-l
. 7-20-46
—
t
zt
—
t
3-4
5-
758 Dark Mirror, The (85) U-l
.10-12-46
+
zt
4*
44
44
+
84-
1-
781 Dead Reckoning (100) Col
. 1-18-47
+
+
-4
+
4-
+
4-
74-
760 Deception (112) WB
.10-19-46
+
■±_
+
4-
+
+
4-
7-4
1-
751 Decoy (76) Mono
. 9-14-46
4-
+
+
+
—
4-
64-
3-
783 Devil on Wheels (67) PRC
. 2- 8-47
H2
Hh
zt
44
6-4
4—
797 Devil Thumbs a Ride, The (63) . . .
. 3- 8-47
+
dt
+
+
zt
t
64-
3-
753 Devil's Playground, The (60) UA...
. 9-28-46
H-
+
zt
Hz
t
5-4
4—
764 Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (62) RKO. . .
.11- 9-46
t
t
+
zt
zt
—
Hr
6-4
6-
Don Ricardo Returns (78) PRC....
Hr
14-
1-
757 Driftin’ River (55) PRC
.10-12-46
HH
t
H2
t
4+
4-
780 Duel in the Sun (140) SRO
. 1-11-47
44
+
44
44
7+
E
746 Earl Carroll a*<*chbook (90) Rep. . .
. 8-24-46
=p
+
+
H-
±
+
74-
4—
755 Easy Come, Easy Go (77) Para 2- 1-47
SOS Egg and I, The (10S) U-l 4- 5-47
Escape Me Never (..) WB
F
794 Fabulous Dorseys, The (90) U A.... 3- 1-47
775 Fabulous Suzanne, The (71) RKO. . .12-2S-46
775 Falcon’s Adventure, The (61) RKO. . .12-28-46
800 Fall Guy (64) Mono 3- 8-47
792 Farmer's Daughter, The (94) RKO.. 2-22-47
795 Fear in the Night (71) Para 3- 1-47
Fighting Frontiersman, The (..) Col
758 Fool’s Gold (63) UA 10-12-46
793 Framed (SO) Col 3- 8-47
Fun on a Weekend (..) UA
G
784 Gallant Bess (101) MGM 1-25-47
752 Gallant Journey (86) Col 9-14-46
759 Gas House Kids (68) PRC 10-19-46
741 Genius at Work (62) RKO 8-10-46
753 Gentleman Joe Palooka (72) Mono. . . 9-28-46
S10 Ghost Goes Wild, The (66) Rep 4-12-47
Ginger (67) Mono
746 G. I. War Brides (69) Rep 8-24-46
737 Great Day (68) RKO 7-20-46
807 Great Expectations (115) U-l 4- 5-47
798 Guilt of Janet Ames, The (81) Col.. . 3- 8-47
804 Guilty, The (71) Mono 3-22-47
H
Hard Boiled Mahoney (63) Mono
745 Heading West (54) Col 8-24-46
777 Heldorado (70) Rep 1- 4-47
753 Her Sister’s Secret (86) PRC 9-28-46
801 High Barbaree (92) MGM 3-15-47
804 High Conquest (83) Mono 3-22-47
745 High School Hero (74) Mono 8-24-46
740 Holiday in Mexico (128) MGM 7-27-46
763 Home in Oklahoma (72) Rep 11- 9-46
740 Home Sweet Homicide (90 ) 20-Fox. . 7-27-46
Homesteaders of Paradise Valley (58) Rep....
776 Humoresque (125) WB 12-28-46
I
795 I Cover Big Town (63) Para 3- 1-47
756 I Know Where I’m Going (91) U-l.. 10- 5-46
750 If I’m Lucky (78) 20-Fox 9- 7-46
783 I’ll Be Yours (83) U-l 1-25-47
802 Imperfect Lady, The (97) Para 3-15-47
Inner Circle, The (57) Rep
746 Invisible Informer, The (57) Rep.... 8-24-46
797 It Happened in Brooklyn (103) MGM 3- 8-47
788 It Happened on Fifth Avenue (116)
Mono 2- 8-47
783 It’s a Joke, Son (63) E-L 1-25-47
774 It’s a Wonderful Life (132) RKO . .12-21-46
749 It’s Great to Be Young (63) Col 9- 7-46
749 I’ve Always Loved You (117) Rep... 9- 7-46
I
Jewels of Brandenburg (65 ) 20-Fox
781 Johnny O'clock (95) Col 1-18-47
753 Jolson Story, The (128) Col 9-28-46
795 Jungle Flight (67) Para 3- 1-47
E
743 Killers, The (102) U-l 8-17-46
803 King of the Wild Horses (79) Col... 3-22-47
L
780 Ladies’ Man (91) Para 1-11-47
Lady Chaser (74) PRC
766 Lady in the Lake (103) MGM 11-30-46
739 Lady Luck (97) RKO 7-27-46
757 Lady Surrenders, A (113) U-l 10-12-46
Landrush (53) Co!
746 Last Crooked Mile, The (67) Rep... 8-24-46
Last Frontier Uprising (67) Rep
788 Late George Ap|ey, The (98) 20-Fox 2- 8-47
799 Law of the Lash (54) PRC 3- 8-47
Lighthouse (74) PRC
759 Little Iodine (57) UA 10-19-46
750 Little Miss Big (61) U-l 9- 7-46
774 Locket, The (85) RKO 12-21-46
dt
H-
t
t
±
+
t
74- 6-
-H-
+
4-
+
7-4
t
1-4 1-
t
t
t
+
+
6+ 4-
t
t
t
t
—
6-4 7-
H2
t
t
4-
t
t
7+ 6-
3=
zt
4-
44- 3-
+
+
-4
4-
4-
+
6-4
+
t
4-
-4
4-
5-4 1-
1-4 1-
t
-4
+
5-4 3-
t
t
-4
4-
84- 3-
-4
1-4
t
t
+
+
4-
4-
t
7-4 3-
t
H2
H2
4-
t
4-
t
74- 5-
=F
t
t
H2
H2
6-4 6-
H2
—
H2
H2
H2
=
5-4 8-
t
t
t
t
4-
5-4 4-
t
t
t
t
4+ 4-
H2
Hh
24- 2-
+
t
t
t
t
-4
t
7-4 5-
t
H2
H2
+
H2
-4
6-4 4—
+
44
44
•H-
7-4
+
t
t
+
4+ 2-
-4
2 4
-i-
1-4 1-
t
—
4-
2+ 2-
t
4-
±
-4
5-4 3-
t
t
Hh
-4
-4
4-
±
7-4 4—
t
t
4-
4-
44
64- 2-
44
4-
-4
5-4 1-
-4
zt
H2
H2
7-4 6-
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
14-4
4-
t
5-4 4-
+
4-
4-
+
+
44
-4
84-
+
1-4
-4
4-
44
44
4-
44
44
11-4
zt
t
+
t
Hh
54- 4—
zt
t
2-4 2—
+
t
t
+
t
t
zt
7-4 5-
±
t
0 +
t
dt
4-
t
7-4 5 —
44
dt
t
+
-h
6-4 3-
-h
H2
H2
5-4 5—
—
±:
H2
t
—
—
4-4 7-
44
+
+
44
++
+
9-4
+
+
t
t
+
5-4 2-
4-
t
—
+
t
4-4 3-
4-
+f
■H*
44
-H-
-H-
44
13-4
HH
—
H2
t
±
5-4 6-
4-
t
t
4-
+
4+
4-
8-4 2-
HH
t
+
+
t
± +
+
44
2+ 2-
8+ 2-
44
44
44
44 44
44
44
14+
t
t
t
Hh
4+ 4—
+
44
-4
-4
-4
-4
t
94-
HH
—
3-4 3—
+
t
HH
-4
HH
±
Hr
7-4 5-
Hr2
t
2-4 2-
+
+
-4
-4
44
-4
+
8-4
+
+
t
-4
-4
+
+
7-4 1-
2-4 2-
H2
3-4 3—
t
H2
7-f 7-
1+ l-
+
-4
+
+
-4
+
44
8f
±
t
3-4 3-
1-4 1-
±
3:
-4
6-4 5-
±
t
—
+
5f 5-
. +
-4
++
+
+
44
9+ 1-
44 Very Good; + Good; ± Fair; =P Mediocre; - Poor; = Very Poor.
In the summary 44 is ratecf as 2 pluses; = as 2 minuses.
>*
'ro
O
■o
|£
la
E
a- O)
IQ
iZ
ZQC
°-X
799 Lone Hand Texan, The (57) Col.. . .
3- 8-47
2+r
-H
777 Lone Star Moonlight (67) Col
1- 4-47
-H
780 Lone Wolf in Mexico (70) Col
1-11-47
H-
H-
2+
2+
601 Lost Honeymoon (71) E-L
3-15-47
-H
±
+
+
44
606 Love and Learn (85) WB
3-29-47
H-
2+2
H;
±-
—
769 Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (93)
MGM
2+
2+2
+
2+2
-+
44
M
794 Macomber Affair, The (90) UA
1-25-47
+
2+z
H^
+
+
2+
Magic Bow, The ( • .) U-l
—
+
766 Magnificent Doll, The (94) U-l..
11-23-46
+
2+2
+
+
+
44
803 Magnificent Rooue, The (75) Rep...
3-22-47
H1
+
^H
776 Man 1 Love, The (96) WB
.12-28-46
2+
2+2
+
±
hh
+
760 Margie (94) 20-Fox
10-19-46
+
44
+
+
+
44
792 Michigan Kid (70) U-l
2-22-47
2+2
2+z
2+2
±
-h
809 Mighty McGurk, The (85) MGM...
4-12-47
+
2+z
+
+
+
+
798 Millie’s Daughter (70) Col
3- 8-47
-4-
2+2
+
—
Missing Lady, The (60) Mono
HH
2+2
2+
748 Mister Ace (84) UA
8-31-46
+
2+2
2±2
+
+
2+
779 Mister District Attorney (81) Col..
1-11-47
2+2
H-
+
2+2
Hh
2+
773 Mister Hex (63) Mono
12-21-46
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
766 My Brother Talks to Horses (93)
MGM
+
2+2
44
+
2+
+
758 My Darling Clementine (97) 20-Fox
10-12-46
+
+
+
+
+
44
791 My Favorite Brunette (87) Para...
2-22-47
+
+
+
+
+
+4
My Heart Goes Crazy (..) U-l
H-
Mysterious Mr. Valentine, The (56)
Rep
2+2
2+
N
762 Never Say Goodbye (97) WB
11- 2-46
+
2+2
2+2
+
Hh
2+2
755 Nobody Lives Forever (100) WB...
10- 5-46
+
2+2
+
+
+
2+
757 Nocturne (87) RKO
10-12-46
2+2
2±
+
2+
+
2+
747 No Leave. No Love (120) MGM...
8-31-46
+
+
44
+
2+
787 Nora Prentiss (111) WB
2- 8-47
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
-H
+
739 Notorious (103) RKO
7-27-46
44
44
44
44
+
+
761 Notorious Gentleman (108) U-l...
11- 2-46
+
+
+
+
44
o
793 Odd Man Out (118) U-l
3- 1-47
44
+
44
44
810 Other Love, The (95) UA
4-12-47
+
+
+
4+
44
733 Out California Way (67) Rep
12-21-46
^H
2+
±2
+
Outlaw of the Plains (56) PRC....
■+2
=h
796 Over the Santa Fe Trail (63) Col.. . .
3- 1-47
■±2
+
778 Overlanders, The (91) E-L
1- 4-47
■±2
2±
+
2+
44
P
765 Perfect Marriage, The (87) Para..
11-23-46
■±2
±
HH
+
+
2+
742 Personality Kid (68) Col
8-10-46
2+22
h-
-H
+
784 Pilgrim Lady, The (67) Rep
1-25-47
2+2
2+
“h
2+
763 Plainsman and the Lady (82) Rep...
11- 9-46
2+z
2+2
+
+
741 Prairie Badmen (55) PRC
8-10-46
HH
2+
±
H1
793 Private Affairs of Bel Ami, The (115)
UA
3- 1-47
2+:
2+2
2+2
+
2+
44
791 Pursued (101) WB
2-22-47
+
+
+
+
+
Q
805 Queen of the Amazons (61) SG . . . . 3-29-47 zp
2+ 2—
1+ 1-
4+ 4-
6+ 2-
4+ 5-
6+ 3-
1+ 1-
44 9+ 1-
3+ 2-
± 7+5-
44 10+
± 6+ 6 —
± 7+ 2—
3+ 3-
± 4+ 4-
+ 7+3-
± 7+6-
6+ 5 —
7+ 2-
± 8+1-
44 9+
1+ 1-
2+ 2—
± 7+ 5-
+ 7+ 2-
+ 7+4-
+ 7+ 1-
± 7+5-
44 12+
44 8+
7+
7+
5+ 4-
T 3+3-
2+ 1-
+ 7 + 3-
± 7+5-
± 6+5-
6+ 6 —
± 7+5-
rp 5+5-
7+ 4-
4+ 7+
- 3+ 4-
R
Raiders of the South (58) Mono....
Rainbow Over the Rockies (54) Mono.
793 Ramrod (94) UA 3- 1-47
802 Range Beyond the Blue (54) PRC 3-15-47
770 Razor’s Edge, The (146) 20-Fox... 12- 7-46
785 Red House, The (93) UA 2- 1-47
744 Rendezvous With Annie (90) Rep... 8-17-46
787 Renegade Girl (65) SG 2- 8-47
767 Return of Monte Cristo, The (91) . .11-30-46
Riding the California Trail (61) Mono
Rio Grande Raiders (56) Rep
796 Road to Hollywood (61) SG 3-1-47
754 Roll On Texas Moon (68) Rep 9-28-46
760 Rolling Home (71) SG 10-19-46
2+
-H
2+ 2-
HH
2+ 2—
+
2+
+
+
+
5+ 1-
Hh
+
3+ 2-
■H-
2+2
+
44
+
7+ 1-
+
■+2
+
+
+
44
4+
9+ 1-
+
+
+
+
+
4-
6+
2+
2+ 2-
+
2+2
+
+
44
'=+
8+ 4-
1+ 1-
1+ 1-
2+
1+ 1-
±2
2+
+
+
5+ 3-
2+
2+ 2-
s
808 San Demetrio, London (78) 20-Fox.. 4- 5-47
769 San Quentin (66) RKO 12- 7-46
Santa Fe Uprising (56) Rep
738 Scandal in Paris, A (100) UA 7-20-46
790 Sea of Grass, The (123) MGM 2-15-47
767 Secret Heart, The (97) MGM 11-30-46
761 Secret of the Whistler (65) Col 11- 2-46
745 Secrets of a Sorority Girl (58) PRC 8-24-46
795 Seven Were Saved (72) Para 3- 1-47
744 Shadow of a Woman (79) WB 8-17-46
7S6 Shadowed (70) Col 10- 5-46
Shadows on the Range (57) Mono
779 Shocking Miss Pilgrim, The (85)
20- Fox 1-11-47
809 Shoot to Kill (65) SG 4-12-47
-h
2+
44
4-
6+ 3-
H-
2+2
+
-+2
+
2+2
2+2
7+ 5-
-V
2+2
2+ 2-
+
2+
Hh
2+2
2+2
4
7+ 5-
+
2+2
+
4-
+
44
4+
9+ 1-
+
2+2
44
4-
+
+
7+ 1-
-h
-4-
^h
4+ 4-
+
2+2
=
4+ 6-
H-
Ph
H-
+
4
5+ 3-
-h
2+2
-h
2+2
L.
-h
z+-
7+ 7-
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
2+z
5+ 4—
2+2
T-
3+ 3—
4-
•+2
+
+
4
6+ 2-
2+2
+
4-
4+ 2-
GJ
1
cc
TO QJ
zzcc
> X
z o
>.
E
E
3
CO
743 Show-Off, The (84) MGM
. 8-17-46
+
4-
+
2+
2+
+
H-
7+ 3-
Silver Range (55) Mono
2+
It
2+ 2-
792 Sin of Harold Uiddledock, The (94).
2-22-47
+
-+
+
-f-
-+
*>-
782 Sinbad the Sailor (117) RKO
. 1-18-47
+
+
+
+
+
+
+.
7+
741 Sing While You Dance (73) Col. . . .
. 8-18-46
2+
Hh
±
2+2
H-
5+ 5-
777 Singin' in the Corn (64) Col
. 1- 4-47
-+-
±
2+
—
3+ 4-
752 Singing on the Trail (69) Col
. 9-14-46
±
2+ 2—
770 Sioux City Sue (69) Ken
.12- 7-46
-+-
2+
2+
2+
+
5+ 4-
738 Sister Kenny (116) RKO
. 7-20-46
-H-
-H-
44
44
44
44
44
14+
789 Smash-Up (103) U-l
. 2-15-47
+
4+
+
+
+
44
8+
765 So Dark the Night (70) Col
.11-23-46
+
2+2
2+
+
+
+
H1
7+ 3-
786 Song of Scheherazade (106) U-l...
. 2- 1-47
+
2+2
It
+
+
+
2+2
7+ 3-
Song of the Sierras (55) Mono. . .
+
2+
2+ 1-
762 Song of the South (95) RKO
.11- 1-46
++
++
44
44
44
44
44
14+
786 South of the Chisholm Trail (58) Col. 2- 1-47
2+2
2+
2+ 2-
745 Spook Busters (68) Mono
. 8-24-46
2+
H-
2+
2+
H-
2+2
7+ 7-
780 Stagecoach to Denver (56) Rep. . .
. 1-11-47
-+-
2+
2+
+
2+
5+ 4-
773 Stairway to Heaven (104) U-l
.12-21-46
+
+
44
44
44
44
10+
805 Stallion Road (97) WB
. 3-29-47
2+2
2+2
±
+
+
+
6+ 3-
775 Stars Over Texas (57) PRC
.12-28-46
It
2+
2+ 2-
737 Step by Step (61) RKO
. 7-20-46
3+
■+■
2+
2+
44
2+2
8+ 6-
764 Strange Holiday (56) PRC
.11- 9-46
2+
It
~+
2+
+
5+ 4-
751 Strange Journey (67) 20-Fox....
. 9-14-46
2+2
-+-
2+
2+
^+
5+ 5-
762 Strange Woman, The (101) UA..
.11- 2-46
+
2+2
+
+
+
+
+
7+ 1-
789 Suddenly It’s Spring (87) Para....
. 2-15-47
+
2+2
+
-4-
+
+
+
7+ 1-
738 Sunset Pass (59) RKO
. 7-20-46
m
2±
2+
2+
±2
2+
6+ 6-
766 Susie Steps Out (65) UA
.11-23-46
2+2
2+2
2+
2+
2+
6+ 6-
770 Sweetheart of Sigma Chi (76) Mono
.12- 7-46
2+2
2+2
+
2+
2+
+
6+ 4-
771 Swell Guy (87) U-l
.12-14-46
2+2
+
+
+
+
2+
44
8+ 2-
T
806 Tarzan and the Huntress (72) RKO
. 3-29-47
+
2+2
2+2
+
+
5+ 3-
761 Temptation (100) U-l
.11- 2-46
+
2+2
2+
2+
44
+
2+2
8+ 4-
764 Terror Trail (55) Col
.11- 9-46
2+
2+ 2—
772 That Brennan Girl (95) Rep
.12-14-46
2+2
+
2+
+
2+
2+
2+
7+ 5-
791 That Way With Women (85) WB.
. 2-22-47
2+2
2+2
2+
2+
+
44
2+2
8+ 5-
810 That’s My Man (104) Rep
. 4-12-47
+
+
2+2
+
+
+
6+ 1-
747 They Were Sisters (108) U-l
. 8-31-46
+
2+2
+
2+
+
+
6+ 2-
775 13 Rue Madeleine (95) 20-Fox...
.12-28-46
+
+
+
+
+
44
44
9+
792 Thirteenth Hour, The (62) Col...
. 2-22-47
2+
2+2
2+
—
3+ 4-
This Happy Breed (110) U-l
44
2+
This Man Is Mine (..) Col
•44
2+
751 Three Little Girls in Blue (90)
20- Fox
+
+
+
44
+
44
44
10+
809 Three on a Ticket (62) PRC
. 4-12-47
+
2+2
2+2
2+
+
5+ 3-
747 Thrill of Brazil, The (91) Col
. 8-31-46
+
2+2
2+
+
—
+
+
6+ 3-
765 Till the Clouds Roll By (120) MGM.
.11-23-46
++
+
44
44
44
44
11+
743 Time of Their Lives, The (82) U-l.
. 8-17-46
+
2+2
2+
+
+
44
2+2
8+ 3-
804 Time Out of Mind (89) U-l
. 3-22-47
Zf
H-
2+
H-
-+2
6-f 6 —
772 Time, the Place and the Girl, The
(105) WB
.12-14-46
-+2
2+
+
+
+
2+2
6+ 3-
794 Trail Street (83) RKO
. 3- 1-47
2+2
2+2
+
2+
2+2
+
6+ 4-
785 Trail to San Antone (67) Rep
. 2- 1-47
2+
2+
+
2+
+
5+ 3-
Trailing Danger (..) Mono
2+2
1+ 1-
779 Trap, The (68) Mono
. 1-11-47
—
■+2
H-
—
3+ 5-
Trigger Fingers (54) Mono
H-
2+2
2+ 2-
764 Tumbleweed Trails (57) PRC
.11- 9-46
2+2
2+
2+
4+ 4—
739 Two Guys From Milwaukee (90) WB.
. 7-27-46
+
+
+
+
+
2+
+
7+ 1-
806 Two Mrs. Carrolls, The (100) WB.
. 3-29-47
+
2+2
2+
+
+
4+ 2-
748 Two Years Before the Mast (98)
Para.
. 8-31-46
2+
2+2
44
+
+
44
44
10+ 2-
u
748 Under Nevada Skies (69) Rep
. 8-31-46
2+
H-
3+ 3-
Undercover Maisie (93) MGM
+
+
+
H-
4+ 1-
756 Undercurrent (113) MGM
.10- 5-46
+
2+
+
44
+
44
+
9+ 1-
772 Unexpected Guest (60) UA
.12-14-46
2+2
2+
it
2+
2+2
2+2
6+ 6-
808 Untamed Fury (61) PRC
. 4- 5-47
2+
=P
+
+
5+ 3-
V
808 Vacation Days (68) Mono
. 4- 5-47
2+2
2+
2+ 3-
75/ Vacation in Reno (60) RKO
.10-12-46
-+■
2+
2+
2+
HH
2+2
HH
7+ 7-
Valley of Fear (54) Mono
2+2
1+ 1-
766 Verdict, The (86) WB
.11-23-46
+
2+
2+
+
2+
+
+
7+ 3-
799 Vigilantes of Boomtown (96) Rep...
. 3- 8-47
+
2+
+
+
2+2
5+ 2-
Violence (72) Mono
2+2
+
±2
3+ 2-
W
766 Wake Up and Dream (92 ) 20-Fox.
.11-30-46
HH
H-
T-
+
44
2+2
8+ 5-
763 Wanted for Murder (97) 20-Fox...
11- 9-46
2+2
2+
+
+
+
+
6+ 2-
806 West of Dodge City (57) Col
3-29-47
2+2
2+
2+ 2—
751 White Tie and Tails (74) U-l
9-14-46
2+2
2+:
+
+
2+2
5+ 3-
771 Wicked Lady, The (98) U-l
.12-14-46
+
2+
2+
H—
+
+
6+ 3-
762 Wife Wanted (73) Mono
11- 2-46
H-
2+
2+
2+
4+ 4-
743 Wild Beauty (61) U-l
8-17-46
H^
~
H1
+
2+
5+ 4-
785 Wild Country (57) PRC
2- 1-47
2+2
—
H-
H-
4+ 4—
769 Wild West (73) PRC
12- 7-46
2+2
+
2+
+
2+2
5+ 4—
Y
810 Yankee Fakir (71) Rep
4-12-47
+
-+
2+2
+
4+ 2-
770 Yearling, The (135) MGM
12- 7-46
+t
4+
44
44
44
44
ft
14+
802 Years Between. The (■*) U-l
3-15-47
±
+
4+
7+ *-
SHORTS REVIEWS
Opinions on the Current Short Subjects
Bill Bailey and the Four Pillars
American Bankers Ass'n 18 Mins.
Very good. A splendidly photo-
graphed and absorbing factual film
based on the J. P. McEvoy story
which appeared under the same
title in Reader's Digest. Because the
entire production was filmed in and
about Clarksville, Tenn., with C. W.
"Bill" Bailey, president of the Ameri-
can Bankers Ass'n, and native farm-
ers and villagers playing themselves,
the picture has an authenticity not
usually encountered in informative
subjects. Through Bailey's rotating
crop plan, based on the “Four Crops
for Four Seasons" philosophy, the
almost-destitute farmers of the re-
gion were able to bring prosperity
back to their families, homes and
communities. Holds interest through-
out.
Science Goes Fishing
Can. Film Board 10 Mins.
Fair. Canadian scientists carry on
research in Gaspe Bay to improve
cod fishing. After overcoming re-
luctance on the part of the fishermen
to modernize their traditional fishing
schedule, plus the hazard of a fire
which destroys their experimental
laboratory, finally gain confidence of
the fishermen. A little too dramatic
in spots, and may leave the audi-
ence feeling "so what."
White Safari
Can. Film Board 10 Mins.
Very good. This highlights the trek
of the snowmobile “Exercise Musk-
Ox" through Canada's arctic wastes.
Has thrilling storm scene when long
column of vehicles is stalled by
storm, and fast race against break-
up of ice pack. Puppies, Eskimo kids
and bearded explorers add human
interest touch. Night scenes of col-
umn moving through snow especial-
ly effective.
Community Sing
Col (No. 3 Surrender) IOV2 Mins.
Good. Dick Leibert at the organ
and the Song Spinners present five
hit songs against a background of
screen cartoons. The tunes are "Sur-
render," "Five Minutes More," "My
Fickle Eye," "Who Told You That
Lie" and "There's No One But You."
Community Sing No. 1 was recom-
mended by the National Board of
Review in its weekly guide for the
i seven days ending November 2.
Les Elgart and His Orchestra
Col (Thrills of Music) 10 Mins.
Good. The orchestra, back from
appearances at the Hotel New
Yorker, opens with a jump tune,
! "Mabel, Mabel," sung by Howard
Duffy, Jo Jean Rogers and Terry Par-
ker. Hal Walters sings "Either It's
Love or It Isn't," and in the finale,
Elgart and the orchestra give a "hot"
presentation of "Liza Jane."
Hi-Li
Col (Sports Reels) 9V2 Mins.
Good. A short full of thrills and
spills as champions of jai-alai (pro-
nounced like the title) go through
their paces. The film explains the
fundamentals of the Latin American
game, called the fastest and one of
the most dangerous of all sports.
Explanatory narration by Bill Stern
rounds out the short. Interesting for
tennis, badminton, handball and
similar sports fans.
Holiday in Mexico
(Screen Snapshots — No. 4)
Col 10 Mins.
Good. The screen fans who like to
watch the at-play activities of their
favorites will enjoy this sightseeing
trip to Las Vegas, Nev. Among those
making a scenic tour of nearby
Boulder Dam are Brian Aherne and
Willard Parker, both with their
wives, and Belita, Ginny Simms,
Cathy Carter and Joan Edwards, the
Hit Parade singer. All of them act
and gape just like regular tourists.
Loco Lobo
Col (Color Rhapsodies) 6 Mins.
Good. The big, bad wolf chases
the poor little rabbit but finds him-
self tangling with a cunning bunny.
A fast-moving, bright short that will
please the younger patrons and pro-
vide laughs for plenty of their elders.
Good filler for any bills with open
spots.
Pardon My Terror
Col (All-Star Comedy) I6V2 Mins.
Good. A comedy two-reeler that
is really funny in many spots. It
follows the same straight-and-stooge
formula, but this has been given a
modern twist that takes away the
custard pie aniics. Will please all
laugh fans who love a rib-tickier and
it would go well in many a program
spot.
Radio Characters
Col (Screen Snapshots) IOV2 Mins.
Fair. Presenting on the screen
some of the radio characters who
have been heard and sometimes
laughed at for years. They are not
photogenic, but they may appeal to
loudspeaker fans of the big airwave
shows. Radio stations have been in-
structed to cooperate in exploitation.
Sloppily Married
Col (All-Star Comedies) I6V2 Mins.
Fair. Another of the growing slap-
stick brigade, this one centering
around the wrecking of a kitchen
and a shoe store. The usual domes-
tic quadrangle plot is incorporated,
with the stooge finally winning out,
but not before he has almost ruined
himself and most of the sets.
Skolsky Party
(Screen Snapshots, No. 4)
Col 10 Mins.
Fair. A party at Schwab's drug-
store in Hollywood, celebrating the
opening of "The Jolson Story," gives
Columbia an opportunity to intro-
duce 42 contract players and other
Hollywood personalities. Audiences
may be surprised at the appearance
of some of their favorites without
benefit of makeup and expert light-
ing effects.
Society Mugs
Col (All-Star Comedies) 16 Mins.
Fair. Two reels of roughhouse play
during which nearly all of the play-
ers get slapped, jabbed and other-
wise humiliated. This one is about
average for the series, aimed at pro-
ducing laughs in the action houses.
Ten Pin Magic
Col (Sports Reels) 10 Mins.
Good. This short is particularly in-
teresting for bowlers and alley fans.
In addition to showing how cham-
pions of the day make strikes and
spares, it gives an intimate and de-
tailed view of the automatic pin-
setting machine in action. Bill Stern,
well known for his sports broadcasts,
adds humorous commentary to the
reel.
Community Sing
Col (No. 4 — Series 11) 10 Mins.
Good. Don Baker, organist at the
New York Paramount, and the Song
Spinners invite the audience to join
them in a medley of tunes headed by
“Pretending," the Perry Como num-
ber. "My Sugar Is So Refined," a
humorous song follows, then the old-
timers have their chance with "My
Gal Sal" and "Apple Blossom Time."
"Linger in My Arms a Little Longer,
Baby" closes the reel.
Are Parents or Society Re-
sponsible for Juvenile
Delinquency?
General Film Productions 18 Mins.
(America's Town Meeting on the
Screen)
Fair. The well-known radio pro-
gram, "America's Town Meeting of
the Air," makes its initial film ap-
pearance with a discussion of juve-
nile delinquency. The short com-
bines an actual broadcast with nar-
ration by George V. Denny jr., mod-
erator of the program. The speakers
on this program are Father Edward
J. Flanagan, founder and director of
Boys Town; Dorothy Thompson,
newspaper columnist; Tom Clark,
U.S. attorney general, and Ethel Al-
penfels, anthropologist for the Bu-
reau for Intercultural Education. The
film should have an audience among
the Town Meeting radio fans. Cam-
era work and editing will have to
be improved to meet the competition
from other documentary series.
Athletiquiz
MGM (Pete Smith Specialty) 9 Mins.
Good. Pete Smith asks some brain-
teasing questions on sports, includ-
ing swimming, wrestling, midget
auto-racing and golf. Typical is one
on which American president was
the champion wrestler of his school.
Answers are presented with an
amusing touch.
Cat Fishin'
MGM (Tom & Jerry Cartoon) 8 Mins.
Excellent. The laughs are fast and
furious as Tom Cat decides to do
a bit of fishing in a private lake. He
eludes the ferocious bulldog guard-
ing the property and starts casting, |
with Jerry Mouse on the end of the
line as live bait. Jerry tangles with
a large fish, but escapes being eaten
alive. When the bulldog steps in no
holds are barred, and Tom gets the
worst of the fray.
Glimpses of California
MGM (FitzPatrick Traveltalk) 9 Mins,
Good. The Technicolor camera
picks out highlights of California,
with special attention to the floral
attractions of the state, and to the
scenic beauties of Hollywood, Los
Angeles and the surrounding coun-
tryside. The famous Farmers' Mar-
ket is visited.
Henpecked Hoboes
MGM (Technicolor Cartoons) 7 Mins.
Very good. A couple of hobo bears
do a clever takeoff on George and
Lenny of “Of Mice and Men." The
chase after a tasty-looking hen leads
them into complications and trou-
ble. Recognition value to anyone
who has seen the Steinbeck picture
adds to this short.
In Country Life
Para (Speaking of Animals) 10 Mins.
Good. All the familiar farmyard
animals have lines in this short. The
cast of characters includes cows,
pigs, chickens, turkeys, horses,
donkeys and rabbits. They speak
with assorted accents and dialects.
Radio, Take It Away
Para (Pacemakers) 11 Mins.
Very good. A laugh-provoking
satire on the currently popular radio
quiz programs, this creates for com-
edy purposes such audience partici-
pation shows as “Beat Your Brains
Out" or “Uncle Arsenic's Kwestion
Klinic" as well as the dim-witted
people who conduct and attend
them. Long-suffering participants go
through veritable torture while striv-
ing to win such prizes as yachts, life
boats, washing machines and under-
water fountain pens with separate
temperature controls. A typical
slapstick climax will have patrons
howling.
The Sponge Divers
Para (Popular Science) 11 Mins.
Interesting. The film touches on a
topic of current interest, the housing
shortage. A huge 110-ton Tourna-
layer is shown turning out concrete
houses in the same manner assem-
bly lines put out automobiles. Other
scenes deal with a weather station
situated 16,000 feet up in the Andes
Mountains on the Chile-Argentine
border and the hazardous business
of sponge fishing conducted by na-
tives of Tarpon Springs, Fla. Magna-
color shots of the fishing fleets sail-
ing out to the ocean add to the
film's appeal.
College Climbers
RKO (Sportscope) 8 Mins.
Interesting. A hazardous course in
mountain climbing, part of the
physical education program at
Western State College, Gunnison,
(Continued on next page)
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser April 19, 1947
13
SHORTS RMS
(Continued from preceding page)
Colo., is featured in this reel. Stu-
dents are taught the rudiments of
mountain climbing by Richard Wel-
lington. Once a class has mastered
tricky rope knots the instructor leads
a climb up Mount Gothic, part of the
Elk Mountain range. The sport re-
quires balance and the agility of c
mountain goat, but the youngsters
are enthusiastic, and the climbing
classes are increasing in size.
Flicker Flashbacks
REO (Number 4) 10 Mins.
Amusing. "A Plot Against the
Duke," 1906 release, is shown with
appropriately humorous comment by
the narrator. The laughs should
come frequently as "Lord Fontleroy,"
blueblood of the Spanish court, saves
his duke from a dastardly death plot.
The second episode, “The Curse of
Drink," was released by Pathe in
1908 and concerns the tragic fate of
a family man who began to “hit the
bottle."
Flicker Flashbacks
REO (No. 5) 8 Mins.
Amusing. The film opens with
“The Beggar's Coin," Pathe produc-
tion of vintage 1907. Lucky Pierre,
wealthy gambler, steals a coin from
a beggar when he loses his fortune
at cards. He recoups his losses at
the gambling house, but his ill-got-
ten gains prey on his conscience
and he has hallucinations. Also
shown is “The Venetian's Revenge,"
drama of love and passion on the
Venetian canals.
Rescue Dog
REO (Walt Disney Cartoon) 7 Mins.
Excellent. A new Disney character,
a mischievous baby seal, makes a
successful debut in this clever reel
Pluto is stationed on an arctic moun-
tain peak as a rescue dog. He falls
from a cliff onto a frozen lake and
meets the seal. The playful little
fellow leads Pluto a merry chase
until the harassed dog falls through
the ice. The remorseful seal rescues
our hero with the aid of Pluto's
brandy keg. They become fast
friends.
Sleepy Time Donald
REO (Walt Disney Cartoon) 7 Mins.
Entertaining. Donald Duck experi-
ences several hair-raising adventures
when he walks in his sleep. Dressed
in his nightshirt he calls for Daisy
and takes her to the zoo. He barely
escapes an outraged lion whom he
has disturbed and then leads Daisy
a merry chase through heavy traffic.
She manages to guide him home,
and when Donald awakens he ac-
cuses Daisy of sleepwalking.
The Dead Strike Back
Telenews 10 Mins.
Good. Filmed by the Czechoslovak
film unit, this is a grim but extreme-
ly powerful documentary which rates
a showing in every type of theatre
except those where youngsters or
the more squeamish patrons are in
the majority. It tells the story of retri-
bution to the Czechs who were re-
sponsible for collaborationist activi-
ties with the Nazis, as well as Ger-
mans who murdered and pillaged
Czechoslovak towns and villages, in-
cluding the never-to-be-forgotten
Lidice incident. Nothing is spared
the spectator who is likely to shud-
der at numerous closeups of decay-
ing or rotting bodies. The narration
is delivered with great sincerity by
Jan Masaryk, son of the founder of
the Czech republic.
Royalty of the Range
(Movietone Adventure)
20th-Fox 9 Mins.
Good. With food problems occupy-
ing an important part of the world
news picture, this is a timely survey
of America's wealth of livestock. The
camera follows the cattle from the
range to the feeder farm — the first
step in the routine of sending beef
to the market. After feeding adds
tons to the original beef, the prize
herds are ready for exhibition at the
American Royal show. Young stu-
dents of the art of agriculture, the
future farmers of this country are
shown giving their stars endless
grooming before they compete for
the star farmer award, of $500, which
is won by William T. Carlin of Coates-
ville. Pa.
McDougal's Rest Farm
20th-Fox (Terrytoon) 7 Mins.
Very good. Another laugh-provok-
ing Technicolor cartoon in which the
talking magpies completely befuddle
the dim-witted watchdog. The trou-
ble starts when the fast-talking, im-
pudent birds choose one of the trees
in McDougal's Rest Farm as the 3ite
for their new home and thereby set
up a clatter and disturb all the ani-
mals. The slow-moving dog doesn't
stand a chance against the brash in-
truders who send him on an ele-
vator ride through the sky, on a
crash landing in a wheelbarrow and,
finally, steal the doghouse for use
as their own dwelling.
Storm Over Britain
20th-Fox (March of Time) 18 Mins.
Very good. The release is an in-
teresting and timely exposition of
Britain's postwar struggle for sur-
vival. MOT doesn't have to drama-
tize this struggle. Straight news-
reel shots of the recent blizzards that
swept the British Isles point up the
hardships experienced by the peo-
ple. In spite of the fact that the Brit-
ish people are still without many of
life's necessities, they appear to be
in good spirits and determined to
help restore their nation to the eco-
nomic leadership it held for so long
Domestic audiences should find
MOT's latest film report very much
to their liking.
The Cape of Good Hope
20th-Fox 8 Mins.
(Movietone Adventures)
Good. This Lowell Thomas Movie-
tone travelog is notable for the
beauty of its Technicolor shots of the
jutting cliffs and the surrounding
country, the winding roads and the
seaside resorts on the Cape of Good
Hope, but the commentary is quite
ordinary. From the Indian Ocean
side, an old fort reminds us how
the Portuguese lost their empire to the
Dutch and, in Mossel Bay, a favorite
vacationing spot for the people of
South Africa, the younger generation
is seen sunning on the rocks or div-
ing into the natural swimming pools.
National Air Races
United States Rubber Co. 21 Mins.
Good. Of main interest to sports
enthusiasts and racing fans, this two-
reeler runs the gamut of the air
classic held each year at Cleveland.
The main events of the four-day pro-
gram, including the Bendix Trophy
race, the Halle trophy, a 75-mile na-
tional free-for-all for women pilots
only, and a new speed dash for serv-
ice pilots only are interspersed with
stunts by famous test pilots and
demonstrations of tow-plane glider
pickup. Many of the shots are star-
tling, but too fast for the human
eye so the use of the high speed
camera shows the rocket speed of
the jets and the rhythm of the airo-
batics in slow motion so the average
spectator can appreciate them.
Bear Facts
U-I (Variety Views) 10 Mins.
Good. An amusing and extremely
interesting short which should be of
great educational value to children.
The youngsters will get a great kick
out of watching three little bear cubs
frolic about in their natural habitat
and get into all kinds of trouble. The
camera also enters a den of little
foxes and catches some remarkable
shots of muskrats, otters, a fawn and
a wise-looking owl.
Tex Beneke with the Glenn
Miller Orchestra
U-I (Name Band Musical) 15 Mins.
Very good. Tex Beneke, who took
over the leadership of the late Glenn
Miller's orchestra when the band
leader was killed, has an ingratiat-
ing personality and a pleasing sing-
ing voice which have helped to keep
the band among the top name ag-
gregations. In the setting of a swank
New York night club, Beneke, accom-
panied by “The Crew Chiefs," a
vocal foursome, renders "Chatta-
nooga Choo Choo" and the dreamy,
“Cynthia's in Love" and the short
comes to a swingy close with the
novelty, “Hey, Ba-Ba-Re-Bop."
The Jungle Gangster
U-I (Answer Man, No. 3) 9 Mins.
Fair. Highlight of the reel is a
fight to the death between a tiger
and a python. This sequence an-
swers the question: What animal is
the most dreaded of jungle killers?
There are pictorial replies to addi-
tional queries: Who were the first
jitterbugs in the world? What was
the first film ever called colossal?
Does a race horse ever get all four
feet off the ground? Why are traders
in the stock market called bulls and
bears?
Juvenile Jury
U-I (No. 2) . 10 Mins.
Good. Parents and youngsters
should prove most enthusiastic over
the latest release in this new series.
Jack Barry serves as moderator and
prompts the board of five youngsters
to answer problems submitted by
listeners. Glenn Mark Arthurs,
youngest of the group, provides
laughs when he cross-questions
Barry on a problem concerning a
kid brother who insists on riding in
the rumble seat when a young man
takes his older sister driving. Glenn
wants to know, “What ith a rumble
theat?" The children come up with
novel solutions to adult problems.
Kingdom of the Wild
WB (Technicolor Adventure) 10 Mins.
Good. Highlighted by some mag-
nificent Technicolor scenic shots of
the great national forests of the west,
this will be a restful pictorial inter-
lude on any program. Much of
America's wild game finds haven in
| this primitive kingdom, but its teem-
ing life, guarded by the law, is still
regulated by the age-old laws of na-
ture. While nature made some crea-
tures to prey upon others, many of
them are camouflaged so as to be al- l
most invisible against the forest
backgrounds and no furred or feath-
ered creature is completely defense-
less.
Let's Go Swimming
WB (Sports Parade) 10 Mins.
Entertaining. Scenes of aquatic
feats in Cinecolor are featured in
this reel. Patsy and Martha Brown,
attractive twins, swim in an under-
water ballet. Their graceful per-
formance is the high spot of the pic-
ture. Merwin Daynes, noted swim-
ming instructor, demonstrates how
he teaches his troupe of girl swim-
mers to swim in unison and fori,
attractive patterns in the water.
Melody of Youth
WB (Melody Master Bands) 10 Mins.
Very good. The California Junior
Symphony, under the direction of
Peter Merenblum, plays several clas-
sical compositions including “Blue
Danube," “Dark Eyes," "Beautiful
Dreamer" and “The Washington Post
March." The quality of the music is
excellent. Audience enjoyment of
the film should be enhanced by in-
teresting photographic effects as the
camera pans the youthful orchestra
and then offers closeups of the tal-
ented juveniles.
Pigs Is Pigs
WB (Blue Ribbon Cartoon) 7 Mins.
Amusing. A small pig with a tre-
mendous appetite is scolded by his
mother for hogging all the food at
the dinner table. She warns him that
he is working up to a bad case of
indigestion. The pig has a night-
mare, wherein a monster forces him
to gorge himself on assorted deli-
cacies by strapping him to an as-
sembly line feeding machine. Ap-
parently the pig is not impressed by
his bad dreams, for the following
morning he beats everyone to the
breakfast table.
Roughly Squeaking
WB (Technicolor Cartoon) 7 Mins.
Amusing. Two smart mice outwit
a cat by convincing him he is a lion
and that it's moose he's supposed to
eat, not mice. They also convince
him that a bulldog is a moose, and
the cat learns zoology the hard way
while the mice get away with the
cheese. This short is a bright spot
for any program needing a few min-
utes of laughs.
Stan Kenton & Orchestra
WB (Melody Master Band) 10 Mins.
Entertaining. The film traces the
career of Stan Kenton, from the early
days when he played with a three-
piece band to his current standing
as one of the nation's top band
leaders. June Christy, attractive
blond vocalist, sings several “jump"
tunes. Highlight of the reel is a bal-
let dance by Gerry Gale to Kenton's
composition, “Artistry in Rhythm."
Gay Anties
WB (Technicolor Cartoon) 7 Mins.
Amusing. Anyone who has ever
been to a picnic should appreciate
the elements of humor in this reel.
A colony of ants descends en masse
on a picnic spread of tempting deli-
cacies. In the midst of carrying off
the food, a group of ants break into
a dance in true Gay Nineties style.
Their fun is interrupted by the pic-
nickers.
14
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 19, 1847
Opinions on Current Productions, and
i xploitips for Selling to the Public
FEATURE REVIEWS
Honeymoon F
RKO Radio ( ) 74 Minutes Rel.
Bright, wholesome and thoroughly engrossing is this situ-
ation comedy about the premarital difficulties of a GI with
a three-day pass who joins his gal in Mexico City so they
can be married. The picture is in excellent taste and is so
graciously contrived that it is noteworthy as another wisely
chosen vehicle for the screen evolution of Shirley Temple
from adolescence to womanhood. And in taking the new
step toward adult roles, Shirley again demonstrates her con-
siderable talents as a full-blown comedienne of great prom-
ise. Under able direction, given a sparkling script and with
sterling support her performance is characteristically in-
gratiating. Those countless millions who have been her
ardent fans through childhood and her 'teens will be very
happy with the handsomely produced picture whose boxof-
fice record should be just as cheerful as the film itself. Di-
rected by William Keighley.
Shirley Temple, Franchot Tone, Guy Madison, Lina Romay,
Gene Lockhart, Corinna Mura, Grant Mitchell.
A Likely Story
RKO Radio ( )
Comedy
88 Minutes
Rel.
Seldom has a picture so emphatically contradicted its
title. The story makes two passes at popular appeal and
misses on both. In its attempts for laughs every comedy
approach known to the trade is employed — the entire gamut
from subtlety to slapstick — and none of them clicks. And a
veritable cavalcade of cliches is assembled to build the boy-
meets-girl facet. So heterogeneous " and unconvincing are
dialog and situations that the entire proceedings are shrill
when not dull. Handicapped, a cast of previously proven
mummers are powerless to save the picture, nor does the
direction of H. C. Potter give it a lift. The yarn concerns a
returned GI who, through misinformation overheard in a hos-
pital, thinks he has but a few days to live and gets all mixed
up with romance and racketeers before he discovers that
he is not going to die and determines to win the girl.
Barbara Hale, Bill Williams, Lanny Rees, Sam Levene, Dan
Tobin, Nestor Paiva, Max Willenz, Henry Kulky.
Violence
Monogram ( )
Drama
72 Minutes Rel. Apr. 11, '47
This picture starts out with a good idea on a current sub-
ject but in the telling doesn't quite make the grade as top
film fare. Story deals with the United Defenders, typical rack-
eteering gang of thugs who, for a price, will use their or-
ganization for any sort of fascist activity. They prey on ex-
service men, winning some as members with phony prom-
ises, while they spread disunity and violence for an un-
scrupulous boss designated as "Mister X.'' Nancy Coleman,
the organization leader's trusted secretary, is in reality
working for a national weekly and plans to expose the gang.
She becomes a victim of amnesia about the time Michael
O'Shea, FBI agent, arrives to launch an investigation. In spite
of its faults, the picture manages to convey a constructive
message and Producers Jack Bernhard and Bernard Brandt,
who also directs, give it adequate production values.
Nancy Coleman, Michael O'Shea, Sheldon Leonard, Peter
Whitney, Emory Parnell, Pierre Watkin, Frank Reicher.
Ginger
Monogram (609)
Drama
67 Minutes Rel. Jan. 4, '47
Another of the animal cycle pictures, using an engaging
but not exceptionally talented mutt with a group of child
actors about which the same must be said. It is scheduled
for the lower half, and even then not for de luxe locations,
for the story is almost farcical in spots and Dick Elliott as
the Hitlerish type of mayor is obviously a phony. However,
in situations where dogs and children on the screen arouse
interest and the triteness of the plot is no drawback, this
will certainly not arouse any censorship problems. Frank
Albertson's prizefighting scene is the best part of the picture
— but he is ruled out because of bad eyes and becomes the
keeper of the local dog pound. With his nephew he manages
to find homes for all the stray dogs and thwart the mayor's
plans to take over his sweetheart's mother's home for a park.
Directed by Oliver Drake.
Frank Albertson, Barbara Reed, Johnny Calkins, Janet Burston,
Gene Collins, Lee “Lasses" White, Dick Elliott.
812
BOXOFFICE
Calcutta
Paramount ( )
F
Mystery
83 Minutes
Rel.
It's the locale — and the lavish production accoutrements
devoted thereto- — which save this from being a mere run-o'-
mill whodunit, because, as concerns story, there is little to
distinguish it from ordinary murder mysteries. Such hand-
some mountings and the fact that two of the toplines are
filled by popular male stars elevate the offering slightly
above the formula classification to which its plot relegates
it. Those attracted to the turnstiles by the magnetism of Ladd
and Bendix will not be disappointed but they hardly can be
expected to accord the film a must-see reaction. Badly cast
as the femme lead, that of a ruthless jewel thief and smuggler,
is Gail Russell who doesn't look the part and, under fitful
direction, certainly doesn't act it. Ladd and Bendix, trans-
port pilots, resolve to find the murderer of their flying buddy.
Directed by John Farrow.
Alan Ladd, Gail Russell, William Bendix, June Duprez, Lowell
Gilmore, Edith King, Paul Singh, Gavin Muir.
Jewels of Brandenburg F
Melodrama
20th-Fox ( )
65 Minutes
Rel.
Cleverly conceived is the story from which stemmed this
tense melodrama about desperate jewel thieves, and as a
companion piece it should prove a treat for the fans who
relish their cops-and-robbers fare in an international setting
and with a cloak and dagger garnishment. In the less im-
portant dual situations, the offering, properly merchandised,
easily could go top side. The Sol Wurtzel production is
praiseworthy for its generally good performances. In fact,
it is the delineations which keep the proceedings engross-
ing, because the motivation relies more upon situations than
action. When a fabulous collection of jewels disappears,
suspected is an oily individual who had been a neutral spy
during the war. The authorities recall from civil life one of
the top operatives of the army's counter-espionage staff who
captures the thieves in Lisbon. Eugene Forde directed.
Richard Travis, Micheline Cheirel, Carol Thurston, Leonard
Strong, Fernando Alvarado, Eugene Borden, Lewis Russell.
This Happy Breed
Drama
U-I (Prestige) ( )
110 Minutes
Rel.
A classic of middle-class British family life, this is a tender,
heart-warming cavalcade covering the 20 years between the
two world wars. As he did in the memorable "Brief En-
counter," Noel Coward captures producing and writing
honors, but the acting is also of the highest order and the
Technicolor photography is far superior to that of the Holly-
wood product. While the Coward name will insure excellent
grosses in art theatres and selected first runs, the film will
need strong selling to attract neighborhood or small town
patrons. The picture is rarely exciting, but Director David
Lean has presented the simple, everyday joys and sorrows
of the British common man in a manner that will win critical
acclaim and hold adult audiences engrossed throughout. The
family squabbles and small talk is cut from a universal pat-
tern and adds many delightfully humorous touches.
Robert Newton, Celia Johnson, John Mills, Stanley Holloway,
Kay Walsh, Amy Veness, Alison Leggatt, Merle Tottenham.
Twilight on the Rio Grande F
Musical
Western
Republic (683)
71 Minutes
Rel. Apr. 1, '47
In the language of those who will love it most, this Gene
Autry galloper is “super." In fact, it rates as one of the
best Autrys ever filmed and has much to offer in the way
of solid entertainment for any ticket buyer, while the juveniles
and the sagebrush enthusiasts will have a field day. The
picture wins rating above the average western because more
thought and talent went into its story, which had the mak-
ings of a highly acceptable cops-and-robbers melodrama
even without the boots-and-saddles ramifications. The addi-
tion of plenty of standard galloper ingredients makes it a
prime two-in-one buy for action addicts. Autry, of course,
drops a song here and there along the way, in which musi-
cal interludes he is aided by the Cass County Boys, but the
tuneful moments are few and brief and do not slow the pic-
ture's pace. Directed by Frank McDonald.
Gene Autry, Sterling Holloway, Adele Mara, Bob Steele,
Charles Evans, Martin Garralaga, Howard J. Negley.
April 19, 1947 811
EXPLOITS
Suggestions for Selling the Picture;
Adlines for Newspaper and Programs
SELLING ANGLES: "Calcutta"
Dress the attendants in Indian costumes and give the front
of the theatre an oriental aura. In the middle of the outer
foyer have a synthetic Hindu seated cross-legged, playing
a flute before a basket full of snakes — real if available.
For street ballyhoo have a man made up as a coolie drawing
a rickshaw through the streets, in which is seated a veiled
woman carrying picture billing. Play sensuous music into
the street over the public address system.
CATCHLINES:
Here's That Hot-Blooded Ladd Lad Again, Slapping the
Girls Around and Tracing the Killers in a Mystery of In-
trigue, Action, Suspense and Thrills . . . He Showed Her It
Was Possible to Love a Man She Thoroughly Hated.
Does a Guy Have to Trust a Gal to Fall for Her? ... It Took
a Beauty With the Face of an Angel and the Heart of a Cobra
to Give Him the Answer . . . He Found It Safer to Tangle
With Mountains Than With Women.
SELLING ANGLES: "Jewels of Brandenburg"
Use a display of phony jewelry on a black background
spotlighted, with a hand coming out of the curtains as if to
steal a piece. Tie in with jewelry and department stores for
advertisements. Cooperate with libraries and art stores for
displays of photos and literature about famous and fatal
jewels of history. Stuff heralds in crime and detective maga-
zines. Use blowups of news stories of recent theft in Europe
of royal jewels.
CATCHLINES:
Tense, Taut, Terrific ... A Red-Blooded, Rugged, Ruthless
Struggle for the Possession of the Jewels Upon Which Em-
pires Were Built and Fell . . . The Necklace of Marie An-
toinette, a Pasha's Crown — These Were the Fabulous Baubles
for Which Men Sacrificed Life and Love.
A Masterpiece of Mystery and Murder ... In This Thrill-
ing, Chilling, Spine-Tingling Story of Men Gone Mad About
Jewels . . . Who Would Do Anything and Did Everything to
Gain Their Own Ends.
SELLING ANGLES: “This Happy Breed"
Capitalize on the acclaim given Noel Coward's "Brief En-
counter" by playing up the author-producer and stressing
the fact that Celia Johnson, who also is starred in this, won
the New York Film Critic's award for the best feminine per-
formance of the year and was also a candidate for Academy
Award honors. John Mills, who is currently featured in "Great
Expectations," is also a name draw in the art theatres. Run
a contest, with tickets as prizes, for patrons identifying the
source of the Shakespearean title line "This Happy Breed
of Men" and are able to name Coward's previous films,
"Cavalcade,” "In Which We Serve," "Brief Encounter," "Pri-
vate Lives," etc.
CATCHLINES:
A Cavalcade of 20 Years in the Life of an Ordinary English-
man and His Family ... A Barren House That Became a
Happy Home Filled With Laughter, Tears and Romance . . .
Celia Johnson, Acclaimed as "Best Actress of 1946" in "Brief
Encounter," in Another Magnificent Portrayal.
SELLING ANGLES: "Twilight on the Rio Grande"
Tie in with the Gene Autry fan clubs. Use life-sized cut-
outs of Gene and his horse Champion in front of the theatre.
Give the lobby a Mexican fiesta atmosphere and dress the
employes in appropriate garb. On stage have a knife-
throwing exhibition at a Saturday matinee. Use radio spot
announcements in connection with the picture's playdates,
and have them feature Autry recordings.
CATCHLINES:
Action, Music and Thrills All in One Picture . . . Gene
Autry Rides Again in Relentless Pursuit of a Gang of Border
Jewelry Smugglers . . . Guns too Hot to Handle . . . Women
Too Wild to Hold ... In This Rip-Roaring, Six-Gun Blazing
Battle for Law and Justice.
Gene's a-Ridin' and a-Singin' in the Saddle . . . Gunning
for New Highs in This Actionful Musical Western . . . Singing,
Riding, Romance . . . Down Mexico Way for Action, Adven-
ture and Music.
SELLING ANGLES: "Honeymoon"
Tie in with local merchants using the title for cooperative
advertising of. clothing, luggage, house furnishings, etc. Plant
stills in travel bureaus, libraries, etc., suggesting places where
newly married couples can spend their honeymoon. Set up
displays of Vicki Baum's novels in bookstores. Through co-
operation with your local retailers, offer a honeymoon to the
most deserving ex-GI and his wife, who formerly had not had
the time to take one.
CATCHLINES:
Innocent 18 But She Was Steeped in Intuition, That In-
fallible Lack of Logic Which Always Brings Women to the
Wrong Conclusion — About Men . . . Shaw Was Right, Youth
Is a Wonderful Thing, Especially When It Is Youth Gayly in
Love.
Shirley's a Woman Now . . . And How Those Latin Wolves
Howl When She Captures Mexico in This Fanciful Fiesta of
Fun and Frivolity . . . Si, Si, Senor, She Ees Grand Comedy
When Senorita Shirley Temple Becomes a Senora.
SELLING ANGLES: "A Likely Story"
Contact your local veterans organizations and promote a
"Tall Story" contest among ex-GIs. If possible, hold a wed-
ding on the stage, of an ex-service man and his girl with gifts
being furnished by cooperating merchants. Get school co-
operation on an art exhibit of students' work in the lobby,
offering prizes. Use teachers as judges. Spot stills from the
picture in window displays at art stores.
CATCHLINES:
It's Full of That Funny Feeling and That Wonderful Fooling
Around . . . The Swellest Boy-Meets-Girl Story Since Boys
and Girls First Met ... A Treat to Sweep You Off Your Feet
. . . Love Got Them Going and They Won't Let Go . . . He's
in the Mood . . . But She's Out of the Moneyl
The In-Your-Arms Hit That's Out-of-This World ... A Grand
Down-to-Earth Story About Up-in-the-Clouds Love . . . She's
Got the Curves . . . He's Got the Angles . . . One of the
Happiest, Heartiest Love Stories Since Man Was First That
Way About Woman!
SELLING ANGLES: "Violence"
Prior to the opening of the picture hold screenings for civic
organizations and veterans' groups asking them to fill out
cards giving their reactions to the picture and what con-
structive purposes such films might serve. Tie in with news-
papers to run a series of articles on undercover activities of
racketeering groups who prey on service men and the public.
Contact your local radio station and do a "man on the street"
interview with ex-GIs about their problems.
CATCHLINES:
The Screen's First Frightened Glimpse of Today's Wave of
Savageryl . . . No Man or Woman Is Safe From These Mon-
sters! . . . Don't Say It Can't Happen to You . . . The Terror
Mobs Are in Business Again . . . And They May Be Gunning
for You! . . . Doubly Shocking Because It's Brutally True!
Violence Rocks the Screen in This Scorching Expose of the
Terror Mobl . . . Don't Say It Can't Happen! . . . This Daring
Picture Is Based on the Brutal Facts!
SELLING ANGLES: "Ginger"
Buy licenses for some of your city's impounded dogs and
give them away to kids in your community. Display them
in the lobby for several days before the show runs, with
announcements to the effect that children's tickets which have
a peculiar stamp on the back will entitle them to the dogs.
Or your newspaper might help sponsor an essay contest for
the best essays on "Why I Want a Dog." If your town has
a Tail Waggers club, get in touch with its members. Stage
a dog parade the day of the first showing.
CATCHLINES:
The Story of a Dog, a Boy, and a Big-Hearted Uncle . . .
It's a Dog's Life Story but You'll Love It . . . He's a Pin-Up
Pup, Fighting for Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Cats.
You'll Enjoy This Diary of a Mighty Mutt Who'll Wrap His
Paws Around Your Heart . . . It's Puppy Love and Love for a
Puppy, All in One Picture . . . Even the Mayor's Awful Son
They Call “Stinkie" Gets a Change of Heart Because of
"Ginger."
The Industry's Market for Purchase or Sale of Equipment, Theatres, Service
• Classified Ads 10c Per Word, Payable in Advance. Minimum $1.00. Display Rates on Request •
CHARM HOUSE
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— USED
Complete army theatre jobs — Simplex SP. $995;
DeVry with high intensity arcs, $2,495; Holmes
Professional with low intensity arcs, $1,295;
.Single Amproarc 16mm outfits, $1,295; excellent
condition. Super Simplex, RCA Sound, $3,850.
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St.,
New York 18.
War Surplus — Reels or cans 1600 ft., 98c ea. ;
1,200 ft., 44c; latest rebuilt projector heads, Cen-
tury, $595; Brenkert, $795; Super Simplex, $650;
Reconditioned Goldseal two unit ticket machines,
export price, $195; Kliegel Arcspot, 100 am-
peres, $125; Footlights, $14.50 section. Send
for catalog. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W.
42nd St., New York 18.
1. Hertner horizontal generator, 80-160 amps.
85 volts rheostats for Suprex operation, including
meter and voltage regulator panel. Guaranteed
condition. Ideal for drive-in or large theatre. A
buy at present day prices for $700. 2. Western
Electric sound equipment, serviced and guaranteed
condition. Wide range apertures, motor generator.
Brown & Brockmeyer motors, 75 watts of audio,
41, 42 and two 43 amplifiers modified. Ideal
for Drive-in or large theatre, $900. 3. Cincin-
nati Time recorder sound equipment, overhauled
and guaranteed condition. Two Scott Ballantyne
amplifiers. Excellent for small theatre, $350.
Public Chair Installation Co., 318 Film Bldg.
2108 Payne Ave., Cleveland, Ohio.
Complete portable 35mm sound projection out-
fit. Two 35mm Holmes lamp sound projectors
with 2m. ft. magazines. Amplifier and speaker in
case, $750. 8x10 Dalite beaded, roll-up type
screen in waterproof carrying case with screen
tripods, $75. Write, wire, phone, Jeanne Moore,
15 E. Ohio St., Chicago 11, HI. Superior 8222.
For Sale: PG-140 RCA sound system, com-
plete. Pair Simplex E-7 mechanisms, LL-2 super
bases, pair Magnarc lamps, rewind table and film
cabinet. Used very little, like new, $6,200 cash.
Furber Mincey, Tos Theatre, Claxton, Ga.
For Sale: Two complete Simplex projectors,
consisting of changeovers, lenses, magazines and
two General Electric copper oxide rectifiers. Good
condition. Inquire American Theatre, 3621 Main
St., East Chicago, Ind.
Bargain prices. Low intensity lamps, rectifiers,
motor generator sets, rheostats, sound heads, am-
plifiers, speakers, one syncrofilm portable 35mm
projector, sound. Pair Preddey DC HI lamps and
rectifiers. Many other items. Let us know your
needs. Stebbins Theatre Equipment Co., 1804
Wyandotte St„ Kansas City 8, Mo.
Strong, low intensity arc lamps with rectifiers,
24/30 amps, $100 pr. Joyland Theatre, 614 So.
State St., Chicago 5, HI.
Here is your chance to buy a variety of used
equipment. Simplex heads. Weaver changeovers, 3
point basis, 2 pair Peerless hi lamps, Ilallburg
75-A generator, 46-C Western Electric sound amp.
and two 555 speaker units. RCA soundheads.
Mobile PA system speakers, turntable and mike.
Two portable Deury 35mm projectors, one set
1320W 6 plate CH theatre dimmers, arcspot,
color wheel and iris, effect attachments, border
lights, foot lights, two 1000W Olvettes and color
frames, 16 station dictograph selective intercom
set. Many other parts and equipment. One 10
KVA 110/220 volts 60 Y-3 phase power plant
for gas or gasoline and switch board. All for
$2,000. Without light plant, $1,000. Mr. Alber,
329 E. 55th St., Kansas City, Mo., Va. 8600.
Complete theatre equipment for sale. Like new.
Super Simplex machines with super bases, Robbins
Steadypower generator, late RCA sound system,
box office, ventilating system, wiring, conduit, etc.
Everything complete from street to screen except
seats. Address B-2709. Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt
Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Complete boolh equipment and sound system.
Two Simplex E-7 projectors, Peerless lamps, good
as new, used only few months, priced to move.
Box 567, Columbia, Miss.
Army surplus: DeVry, Holmes, Simplex-Acme,
write for prices. Gold seal 2 unit ticket ma-
chines, $175; Simplex 3 unit, $199.50: hand
operated 2 unit $100, all completely rebuilt and
guaranteed; Golde ticket boxes, $12.50; Simplex
mechanisms, genuine rear shutters, double bear-
ing, spiral gears, completely rebuilt, $330: Powers,
$109.50. Liberal trades. Thousand other bar-
gains. Star Cinema Supply Co., 459 W. 46th St.,
New York 19, N, Y.
For Sale: Two Simplex machines complete with
sound equipment. RKO Pictures, Indianapolis, Ind.
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
Bingo With More Action. $2.25 thousand
cards. Also other games. Novelty Games Co.,
1434 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn 16, N. Y.
Bingo Cards, 100 or 75 number, $2.75 per M;
lots of 10M or more, $2.50 per M. 100 number
cards good for Keen-o game. Premium Products,
334 W. 44th St., New York City.
Mister Exhibitor: Do you need a stimulant one
night a week? Play Screeno. The first screen
game and still the leader because Screeno cannot
be controlled. Screeno slides are operated by air
and not affected by electric current, therefore
cannot get out of order. Finest Bogus Bristol die
cut cards supplied with equipment. Give seating
capacity, secure attractive price. Screeno Amuse-
ment Co , Orleans-Huron Bldg., Chicago 10.
Phone DELawarc 5953.
THEATRE SEATING
Fensin Chair maintenance headquarters has all
parts and accessories for all chairs. Also uphol-
stery fabrics and theatre chair supplies. Send us
your sample for quotation. Repair service avail-
able right in your theatre also. Fensin Seating
Co., 62 E. 13th St., Chicago 5, IH.
1,200 Used Spring cushioned theatre chairs,
$1.50 ea., and $3.50 ea., complete. Immediate
delivery. Russell Chair, 2567 McCleUan, Detroit,
Mich. Phone LENox 3445.
3.000 Heywood chairs, complete, box spring
cushions. Also 8,000 Andrews and American seats,
late model complete for slope or level floor. Up-
holstering done by experts at your theatre or send
to us. One day service. Ace Chair & Carpet, Inc.,
1428 So. Wabash Ave., Chicago 5. Phone WEBster
3932 or HARrison 4219.
Leatherette: Standard run, first quality, as-
sorted colors, 50 to 54 in. wide, suitable for
theatre seating, sold by yard or roll. All orders
shipped within 24 hours. Leatherette Mart of
Chicago, 1153 Belmont Ave., Chicago 13, 111.
Phone Buckingham 0030.
Theatre Chairs, 3,000 used spring cushioned
part full upholstered back and part insert panel
back, with spring edge and box spring cushions.
1,000 veneer chairs, 800 good backs, 500 spring
cushions and hinges. Write for prices and photo-
graphs. Immediate delivery, advise how many you
need. We export chairs anywhere. Jesse Cole, 2565
McClellan Ave., LEnox 3445, Detroit, Mich.
Sewn Delux seat covers and sewn slip covers,
reversible type, for all brands seats. Fred's Thea-
tre Service, Vina, Ala.
1.000 Heywood-Wakefield full upholstered back,
boxspring cushion chairs, excellent, $4.95; (re-
built $6.50) ; 340 general full upholstered back,
boxspring cushion, rebuilt, $7.95; 200 veneers,
excellent, $3.95. Wire for list. S.O.S. Cinema
Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St., New York 18.
New Chairs, prompt delivery! 1 ! Attractive,
modern, durable. Veneer, $5.50 — 30 days; veneer
back spring edge cushion, $9.35; applied uphol-
stered back spring edge cushion, $11; full up-
holstered back spring edge cushion, $11.95 — 60
days; all steel unbreakable standards, high grade
mohair or heavy leatherette upholstery. Wire or
phone. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd
St.., New York 18.
Clearance: 175 all veneer A-l condition, $2 ea.
400 Heywood box spring panel back, $2.50 ea.
Albany Theatre Supply Co., 1046 Broadway, Al-
bany, N. Y.
1.000 Velour covered backs box spring cushion,
excellent condition, $3 ea. Lease expired, must
act quick! Contact Mrs. Kelin, Albany 5-5055,
Albany, N. Y.
200 Heywood panel box spring cushion 19-20
in., like new, $3 ea. Albany Theatre Supply Co.,
1046 Broadway, Albany. N. Y,
635 Spring edge and box spring seats. 150
extra backs and bottoms. Garden Theatre, Frank-
fort, Mich,
270 Seats: Some spring bottom, balance up-
holstered bottom. Panel back, for sale cheap.
Available now. Cozy Theatre. Geneseo, Kas.
Several thousand used upholstered opera chairs
on hand. We are headquarters for the cream of
the used chair crop. We pick the lots that we
think you will like. We furnish proper slope and
sections desired to fit your theatre. Our many
years experience in the seating business is your
guarantee. Write for exact photo and price. We
have parts for all makes of chairs. Also, leather-
ette 25x25 in. all colors, 55c ea. Good quality.
Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829 So. State St.,
Chicago 5, 111.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— NEW
Poster Cases — Stainless steel, 40x65 glass size,
equipped with cold cathode tube illumination
around entire case. Immediate delivery. All other
sizes, delivery in 10 days. Literature upon re-
quest. Ben B. Poblocki & Sons, 2159 South Kin-
nicktnnic Ave., Milwaukee 7, Wis.
Changeable letter admission signs, $1.95; let-
ters, 5c ea.; fountain bubblers, $10.95; carbon
savers 1/3 cost, sizes 6mm to 13mm, 77c; twin
boxoffice clocks, $24.95; latest Superior projector
mechanisms, $695; automatic record changers,
$19.95; dimmers, 2450W. $22.50: 2000W, $19.95;
1650 W, $15.95; 1350W, $13.50. Send for Cata-
log. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd
St., New York 18.
C/02 Extinguishers: Kidde Lux ten pound type,
10-S ready to use, $46 list, less 40%. Freight
prepaid on four or more. Condition guaranteed.
Albany Theatre Supply Co., 1046 Broadway,
Albany. N. Y,
For Sale: Two 50 in. diameter, 20 in. inlet
genuine new anemostats, at $97.70 ea., f.o.b.
Milwaukee, crated. Ben B. Poblocki & Sons Co.,
2159 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee 7, Wis.
190 eight in. and 242 four in. Wagner alumi-
num cove letters, 30 flex word frames, 22 eight
inch numerals, two three-in-one unit frames, nine
ft. by 42 in. high. Never been unpacked. $500
for the lot. Save $150. P. 0. Box 147, Holton,
Kas.
Lost lease: Sell cheap transverter 40/80 amp.,
conduit, wire, switches, rheostats, Bank-Nite bar-
rel, ticket box, display cases, padding, bulbs,
miscellaneous. Mahoney, Sixth South, Fort Dodge,
Iowa.
Two 16mm portable Ampro projectors and speak-
ers. One electric turntable and three portable head
screens. $495 takes all. C. F. Dunaway, 319
Roosevelt, Topeka, Kas.
THEATRES FOR SALE
Theatre Circuit: Four theatres near Weiser,
Idaho. Controlling four towns. Over 1,100 seats,
good equipment, priced to sell at $85,000. Good
terms. Contact Nolen Howard, Ritz Theatre Bldg.,
Payette, Idaho, or J. C. Butler, 304 S. W. 4th
Ave., Portland, Oregon. A.B.C. Brokerage Co.
Write for free list of theatres and theatre
leases now available in the northwest. Theatre
Exchange, Governor Bldg., Portland, Ore.
Small Theatre in Virginia, 325 seats, manufac-
turing town, six-room bungalow. New theatre, new
equipment, RCA sound, super Simplex mechanisms.
Will sell right now in operation. All must go.
Write B-2694, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd.,
Kansas City 1, Mo.
Theatre: Oregon county seat town. Owner says
cleared $500 last month after paying manager’s
salary and all expenses. Nice new place to live
included in deal. $15,000 cash will handle. Thea-
tre: About one hour’s drive from metropolitan
Portland. An easy living can be made by most
anyone here. Situated in the heart of one of the
most scenic spots in America. $15,000 includes
modern building. Theatre: County seat town of
2,500 population. Owner selling on account of
other interests. Easy terms with only $5,000
down. Theatre: Portland suburban. New booth
equipment, good district. $32,500 full price.
Might consider some terms. Write us for infor-
mation on these and many other good theatre buys.
Theatre Exchange Co., 217 Governor Bldg., Port-
land 4, Ore.
Build double-parking drive-over ramp drive-in
theatres under franchise patent No. 2,102,718,
re-issue No. 22,756. Patent application No.
301,713. Gives up to 30% more seating capacity
without additional cost. Louis Josserand. archi-
tect, 628 M&M Bldg., Houston, Tex. 607 Ar-
chitects Bldg., Los Angeles 13, Calif.
Only theatre growing town 2,500, southern New
Mexico. Excellent building, E-7 Simplex high
lamps. Exceptional climate, hunting, fishing.
Thorough investigation profits to qualified pros-
pects. $35,750. $23,500 cash down. Exclusive
with Arthur Leak, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex.
Only theatre outstanding town over 2,000 cen-
tral Texas. Stone building included. Top equip-
ment, large trade territory, includes ten towns
without theatres. Exact records available qualified
prospects. $28,000 handles. Appointment please.
Arthur Leak, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex.
County seat eastern Kansas. Only theatre, good
equipment, business. Selling approximately one
year’s gross. $10,000 down. No brokers. B-2705,
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1. Mo.
New modern 425 seat theatre near Portland,
Oregon. Large territory, only theatre in fast
growing town. Two bedroom apartment in theatre.
.1. Simon, 1716 Southwest Broadway, Portland, Ore-
Two Theatres, latest equipment. One in county
seat, one air-conditioned, no competition, $100,000.
Box 471, Summerville, S. C.
Very modern 650 seat theatre, county seat
town, Kansas City territory. Splendid building,
owner apartment. Good condition, well furnished
throughout, new booth equipment, nothing to buy
or spend for years. Fine concession business.
Owner, manager, clear $15,000 to $20,000 an-
nually. Illness reason for selling. Deal direct with
owner. Price $75,000. including real estate and
second small house. No competition. This is the
real thing. No triflers. B-2713. Boxoffice, 825
Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Suburban, near Chicago. Simplex Western Elec-
tric, 625 Heywood seats, $41,500 terms. Others.
Savereide Theatre Brokers, 624 S. Mich., Chi-
cago. 111.
Indiana city over 100,000. Brick building, three
sub-rentals, Hi-Simplex, over 600 seats, owner re-
tiring, $70,000 down. Savereide Theatre Brokers,
624 S. Mich., Chicago, 111.
For Sale: Completely remodeled modern 400 seat
theatre within 150 miles of Minneapolis. Equip-
ment all in the best condition. Located in ex-
cellent territory. $24,000 cash down. Terms on
balance. B-2714, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd.,
Kansas City 1, Mo.
Three theatres in Virginia, two in W. Va. Also
nice home. Prefer selling all together. B-2715,
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1.
Mo. ___
Lease Theatre: 400-600 seats with option to buy.
New York City or vicinity. Tell all first letter.
Box 1004, 1009 Fox Bldg., Detroit. Mich.
Will pay cash for theatre, good town, 2,000 popu-
lation and over preferred, will consider competi-
tive spot or suburban theatre. C. P. Knudsen,
1110 N. St. Joe Ave., Hastings, Neb.
THEATRES WANTED
Sell Your Theatre Privately. Confidential cor-
respondence invited. References. Arthur Leak,
Theatres Exclusively. 3422 Kinmore, Dallas. Tex,
Veteran has cash for theatres in Indiana, Ken-
tucky, Illinois, Ohio. Box 172, Linton, Ind.
Small profitable theatre wanted. Send details
Box 241. Broken Arrow, Okla.
CONFECTIONS
Standard brand candy bars, $10.50 per carton.
Also popcorn and seasoning FOB Chicago. Con-
fection Distributing Co., 717 W. 119th St., Chi-
cago 28, 111. Phone COMmodore 1727.
HELP WANTED
Wanted: Experienced sound and all around
maintenance man. Wire or phone, Manos Thea-
tres, Inc., Toronto, Ohio.
Wanted: Projectionist, experienced, sober, re-
liable. F. F. Chenoweth, Mgr., Noll Theatre,
Bethany, Mo.
Splendid opening for the right man: Field exec-
utive and office man for Independent Theatre
Owners of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan. Must
have theatre or sales experience in the motion
picture business. Apply Room 414, 709 N. 11th
St., Milwaukee, Wis. __
Wanted: Manager for permanent position for
second run theatre in city of 25,000 in Illinois.
Give qualifications, salary expected, age, married,
snapshot in first letter. B-2710, Boxoffice, 825
Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
POSITIONS WANTED
Manager, experienced, reliable, sober, energetic
young man. Box 114, Atkins, Va.
Projectionist, serviceman, nine years experience.
All types of equipment. Married, prefer Texas.
B-2707, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas
City 1, Mo.
A job as projectionist, service man, or man-
ager of a small theatre. Will teach operators for
a circuit. Broad experience in theatre work, in-
cluding booking and advertising. Age 36, single,
salary in accordance with theatre and town. Ad-
dress B-2711, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd.,
Kansas City 1, Mo.
Man with ten years experience candy and pop-
corn concessions in theatres desires employment
with the theatre circuit. Go anywhere. B-2712,
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1,
Mo.
Projectionist: Four years experience, married,
sober, reliable, have references. Give particulars.
Keith W. Stow, Box 156, Eaton, Colo.
Projectionist: Experienced, college student, sum-
mer work or permanent position if right offer.
Prefer Illinois or Wisconsin. Consider elsewhere.
Sober and steady. Interested in management.
Williams, 501 So. University, Normal, HI.
POPCORN MACHINES
Burch — Manley — Cretors — Advances — All elec-
tric French fry types. Karmelkorn Equipment, 120
S. Halstead, Chicago 6, 111.
Rebuilt Popcorn Machines for sale. Fully guar-
anteed. Price from $150. CONSOLIDATED CON-
FECTIONS, 1314 S. Wabash. Chicago 5, III
Blevins Is national headquarters for popcorn
machines. Silver Stars, Super Stars, Corn Cribs.
Old machines taken in trade. Blevins Popcorn Co.,
Nashville. Tenn.
Real Bargains used popcorn machines. Burch,
Cretor, Advance, guaranteed. Poppers Supply, Box
838, Atlanta, Ga. _
Star popcorn machines. All models. Prunty
Seed & Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2,
Mo.
For Sale: 1946 Viking DeLuxe popcorn machine
used less than one year. Looks like new. Follett
Theatre, Follett. Tex.
POPCORN SUPPLIES
Write for our special contract which guarantees
you more profits and greater savings on all your
popcorn and popcorn supplies. Blevins Bee Hive
Popcorn Co., Nashville, Tenn.
Home of “Rush Hour” popcorn and popcorn
supplies. Send for price list. Prunty Seed &
Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2, Mo.
Established 1874.
SOUND EQUIPMENT
RCA Reflex horns, 20 in. bell, PM driver,
$45.75; plenty used 16mm sound projectors cheap;
WE wire recorder heads less motor and amplifi-
cation, $49.50; RCA PM Torpedo metal horn-
speakers, $29.95; new multicellular hifrequency
horns, $75; new Zeiss Ikon 35mm sound pro-
jectors, $275; new standard soundheads, $91.25;
new theatre amplifiers, 17 watt, $95; 30 watt,
$125. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd
St., New York 18.
STUDIO EQUIPMENT
Beautiful cinekodak special camera, FI. 9 lens,
$495; Mitchell animation camera, $985; BH ultra
speed shutters, $195; Camera Dolly, $275; RCA
Photophone complete recording outfit, $6,475;
BH 16mm or 35mm Soundprinters, new, $3,250;
RCA latest dual playback magazine, $395; new
Mitchell 24V camera motors, $295; BH Eyemo
motorized cameras, 3 speeds, 2 in. lens, 24V
motor, case, $295; new 35mm film phonographs,
$795. Send for bulletin Sturelab. S.O.S. Cinema
Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St., New York 18.
THEATRE PRINTING
Window Cards, 3-sheets, photo oftset nouse
programs, heralds, passes, etc. Cato Show Print-
ing Co., Cato, New York, or Tribune Press,
Fowler, Ind.
SIGNS
Easy Way to Paint signs. Use letter patterns.
Avoid sloppy work and wasted time. No experi-
ence needed for expert work. Write for free sam-
ples. John Rahn, B-1329 Central Ave., Chicago
51, 111.
with SID CAESAR* BETSY BLAIR
NINA FOCH
Screenplay by Louella MacFarlane, Allen Rivkin, Devery Freeman
Directed by HENRY LEVIN
Hi**,
COLUMBIA PICTURES
- presents
ROSALIND
ELL
MELVYN
DOUGLAS
un
%e uni ft of Janet Anted
I ROBERT
with Phyllis Thaxter • Edgar
Buchanan • Harry Carey • Ruth
Nelson • Robert Armstrong
Screen Play by Marguerite
Roberts and Vincent Lawrence
Based on the Novel by Conrad
Richter • Directed by ELIA
KAZAN • Produced by
PANDRO S. BERMAN • A
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture
YOU'LL mV A 4-LEA F CLOVER IN
MOM'S 5f A OF GRASS/
Preceded by a tremendous magazine, newspaper, radio and truck poster
campaign "The Sea of Grass” will reach an estimated total of 1,803,726,008
impressions throughout the nation! Are you a partner in 'The Sea of
Grass Land Company” ?
The
tea
Show
he BIG
ouses
ire
ihowin
From the novel by RAFAEL SABATINI • Screen Play by Howard Koch, Seton I. Miller
Music by Erich Wolfgang Korngold
iJSSl
<;
From the novel by JACK LONDON • Screen Play by Robert Rossen • Music by
Erich Wolfgang Korngold
/
HUMPHREY BARBARA
THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
PUBLISHED IN NINE SECTIONAL EDITIONS
BEN SHLYEN
Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
JAMES M. JERAULD Editor
NATHAN COHEN Associate Editor
JESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor
IVAN SPEAR Western Editor
J. HARRY TOLER Equipment Editor
RAYMOND LEVY General Manager
Published Every Saturday by
ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS
Editorial OHices: 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 20,
N Y ■ Raymond Levy, General Manager,- James M.
Jerauld, Editor; A. J. Stocker, Eastern Representa-
tive. Telephone Columbus 5-6370,. 5-6371, 5-6372.
Cable address: "BOXOFFICE, New York.
Central OHices: 332 South Michigan Blvd., Chicago
4, 111. J. Harry Toler, Editor Modern Theatre Sec-
tion. Telephone WABash 4575.
Western OHices: 6404 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
28 Calif Ivan Spear, Manager. Phone GLadstone
1186.
Washington OHices: 930 F Street, N. W Lee L.
Gcfrling, Manager. Telephone NAtional 3482. Film-
row: 932 New Jersey, N. W. Sara Young.
Publication OHices: 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City
1 Mo. Nathan Cohen, Associate Editor; Jesse Shlyen,
Managing Editor; A. Jules Benedic, Field Editor; Mor-
ris Schlozman, Business Manager. Telephone CHest-
nut 7777.
Other Publications: BOXOFFICE BAROMETER,
published in November as a section of BOXOFFICE;
THE MODERN THEATRE, published monthly as a
section of BOXOFFICE.
ALBANY — 21-23 Walter Ave., M. Berrigan.
ATLANTA— 163 Walton, N. W., P. H. Savin
BALTIMORE — Upton Theatre, A. J. Wolf.
BIRMINGHAM— The News, Eddie Badger.
BOSTON — Hotel Vendome, Frances Harding.
BUFFALO — 20 St. Margaret's Court, Jim Schrader.
CHARLOTTE— 216 W. 4th, Pauline Griffith.
CHICAGO — 332 S. Michigan Blvd., Jonas Perlberg,
WABash 4575.
CINCINNATI— 1634 Central Parkway, Ross Williams
CLEVELAND — 2568 Overlook Road, Cleveland Heights,
Elsie Loeb, Fairmount 0046.
DALLAS — 408 S. Harwood, V. W. Crisp, Southwestern
editor, R-2312.
DENVER— 1645 Lafayette, Jack Rose, TA 8517.
DES MOINES — Register & Tribune Bldg., Russ Schoch.
DETROIT— 1009 Fox Theatre Bldg., H. F. Reves.
Telephones: RA 1100; Night, UN-4-0219.
INDIANAPOLIS— Rt. 8, Box 770, Howard M. Rudeaux.
LITTLE ROCK — Liberty Theatre, Herod Jimerson.
MIAMI — 66 S. Hibiscus Island, Mrs. Manton E. Har-
wood. 2952 Merrick Rd., Elizabeth Sudlow.
MEMPHIS— 707 Spring St., Null Adams. Tel. 48-5462.
MILWAUKEE — 5091 Plankinton Bldg., 161 W. Wiscon-
sin Ave., Tames R. Gahagan. Telephones: BR 4938
and MA 0297.
MINNEAPOLIS — 29 Washington Ave., So., Les Rees.
NEW HAVEN — 40 Whiting St., Ann Donner.
NEW ORLEANS— 218 So. Liberty St., Mrs. Jack Auslet.
Telephone MA 5812.
OKI AHOMA CITY— Daily Oklahoman, Polly Trindle.
OMAHA — Omaha World-Herald Bldg., Lou Gerdes.
PHILADELPHIA— Philadelphia Record Bldg., Broad
and Wood Sts., J. M. Makler.
PITTSBURGH— 86 Van Braam St., R. F. Klingensmith.
c/o Monogram Pictures.
PORTLAND, ORE.— 425 SW Columbia, Room 11, J. C.
Bowen.
RICHMOND— National Theatre, R. W. Eagan, 2-2567.
ST. LOUTS — 5149 Rosa Ave., David F. Barrett, Flan-
ders 3727.
SALT LAKE CITY — Deseret News, Howard Pearson.
SAN ANTONIO— 531 North St., L. J. B. Ketner.
SAM FRANCISCO— 25 Taylor St., Gail Lipman,
ORdwav 4812-4813.
SEATTLE— 928 N. 84th St., Willard Elsey.
TOLEDO — 4330 Willys Pkwy., Anna Kline.
IN CANADA
CALGARY — The Albertan, Wm. Campbell.
MONTREAL— 4330 Wilson Ave., N. D, G., Roy Car-
michael, Walnut 5519.
ST. JOHN — 116 Prince Edward St., Wm J. McNulty.
TORONTO — 242 Milwood, Milton Galbraith.
VANCOUVER — 411 Lyric Theatre Bldg., Jack Droy.
VICTORIA — 938 Island Highway, Alec Merriman.
WINNIPEG — 709 Selkirk Ave., Ben Lepkin.
Member Audit Bureau of Circulations
Entered as Second Class matter at Post. Office, Kansas City, Mo.
Sectional Edition, $2.00 per year: National Edition, $7.50
Vol. 50 No. 25
A HUMAN APPEAL
HE OTHER evening we heard a young Ameri-
can tell a grim and bitter story. He had just returned from
Europe where he had visited the camps for displaced persons.
He had made the trip at his own expense to learn at first hand
the plight of hundreds of thousands of individuals who, having
survived the tortures of the war years, are now victims of the
peace. His story was not expected to be bright and cheerful
and it wasn't. It was one of endless misery, of broken indi-
viduals and families, of their eternal hope for rescue and a
home elsewhere than in the camps. The story was not new.
It was an old theme, with variations, but the words were still
clothed with the emotional strength which opens hearts to
humanitarian calls.
In the midst of this tragic narrative, however, came a note
of cheer, one lone chapter of warm hope; a chapter being writ-
ten through the work of rehabilitation financed by the United
Jewish Appeal. It was this work which so boldly impressed
the young American, for one of the prime purposes of his tour
of the camps was to find out for himself whether there actually
was a need for the vast amounts of money being contributed
by Americans of all faiths and creeds, and whether the funds
thus contributed were being wisely and effectively spent.
This American visitor came back sorrowed and stirred by
what he had seen and heard, but he also returned so im-
pressed by the magnitude of the job being done by the
agencies of the United Jewish Appeal that he at once devoted
himself to the task of telling his story to Americans everywhere
and urging them to support the campaign to raise funds for
continuation of the work. The $170,000,000 goal in the current
drive represents the minimum required to do merely an ade-
quate job. To be sure, it is a tremendous sum of money, but
it must and can be pledged, because there is no one else in
the world to whom these unfortunate displaced individuals
can turn than to us, their more fortunate world neighbors.
It is an appeal which has caught the imagination of the
motion picture industry and, across the country, leaders in
distribution, production and exhibition of films are joining in
a vast organization to once again play the humanitarian role
for which they have become famous. With Barney Balaban,
president of Paramount, as national chairman of the motion
picture division, as well as chairman of the campaign within
the New York metropolitan area, the campaign has gained
momentum and enthusiasm in every segment of the business.
Mr. Balaban, who last November was honored by the
industry for his many charitable endeavors, has thrown him-
self wholeheartedly into the campaign. His has not been merely
a figurehead, campaign-headquarters type of a leadership.
APRIL 2 6, 1947
0m^lu jpulu c-jj the jj)ictuiea^n<Lidty
He has gone directly into the field, into Cleveland, into De-
troit, into Hollywood and many other centers, organizing,
building enthusiasm, recruiting others and getting down to the
actual business of stimulating substantial giving. This is the
kind of leadership of which our industry is justly proud.
The motion picture business has always had a big, warm
heart. It has always come through, when the call carried
emotional appeal for human needs. We are sure that it will
come through again, in the call of the United Jewish Appeal.
There is no over-all quota for the film industry, but in New
York the motion picture campaign group has established a
quota of $2,100,000 or more than twice the amount raised last
year. In California, Samuel Goldwyn is heading a campaign
group which expects to double its million dollar quota of 1948.
This is the pattern of giving which we hope will be set through-
out the country. The cause is noble, the need is great, and
the sacrifice in money can be but little, compared to the sacri-
fices made and still being made by those who look to us for
help; who need our help — urgently.
That $ Publicity Again
Producer Benedict Bogeaus has declared that excessive
publicity on unprecedented theatre grosses has affected the
"thinking of writers, directors and stars." It has also affected
the thinking of legislators, whose thoughts have been reflected
in tax legislation, both local and national, against the indus-
try.
Producers decry dollar publicity as inimical to their best
interests, as tending to increase production costs. But as long
as they talk in terms of dollars — for publicity purposes — so long
will those figures get into print. The same goes for distributors
and their theatre affiliates who continue to report gross in-
takes in terms of dollars.
Exhibitors long have pointed to the harm done by dollar
figure publicity. They have cited many specific instances of
its direct cause for new tax measures, in some cases quoting
the legislators who quoted the dollar publicity they had seen in
trade, as well as the public press.
There is no denying that it should be stopped; that the
industry, thereby, would gain in many ways. And it can be
stopped; if only its sources — the publicity departments of the
studios, in the home offices of distributors and at key spots
around the country — will do the stopping.
'Pulae Seafo
March Ticket Tax Total
Shows Sizeable Decline
Total of $28,796,825 is $3,829,859 under the
total for the same month last year; estimated
that 90 per cent of this is from motion pic-
ture theatres.
Chaplin's ‘Verdoux' Set
For Release Next Year
In the meantime prerelease runs will be put
on in Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles
and possibly other spots, according to UA’s
present plans.
*
MPA Educational Films
Gain Wide Interest
Roger Albright tells Washington group re-
quests for films and information are spread-
ing; J. Stanley McIntosh at Evanston, 111.,
appointed assistant director.
*
Zoning Amendment Passes
For New MPA Building
For some time the MPA has been support-
ing the change in zoning law to permit the
proposed new half-million-dollar headquar-
ters in Washington.
*
Paramount Speeds Up Pace
Of Its Stock Purchases
Acquired 72,500 in March; highest previous
monthly total was 38,408 in January under
plan announced to stockholders in November;
total purchases 192,700.
*
Hughes to Seek an Appeal
In N.Y. ‘Outlaw' Case
Withdraws request for reargument in N. Y.
supreme court and says he will take to ap-
pellate court; row started when license com-
missioner banned picture.
*
House Committee Opposes
State Dept. Film Funds
Votes against $31,000,000 appropriation,
thereby continuing opposition manifested
previously against programs of other de-
partments.
*
ITO of Ark. Convention
Scheduled June 3, 4
Invitations will be sent out to exhibitors
over Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Okla-
homa, Texas, Louisiana and Tennessee to at-
tend annual meeting in Little Rock, Ark.
*
John Gregg Paine of Ascap
Is Buried in New York
General manager of American Society of
Composers, Authors and Publishers, died un-
expectedly Wednesday night of cerebral hem-
orrhage; was 57 years of age.
NO BIDDING FOR PARAMOUNT
UNTIL SUPREME COURT ACTS
Exhibitors Go to Court
To Fight Theatre Tax
Decision Reached After
A Week's Conference
On Sales Policies
NEW YORK — Paramount will not use
competitive bidding until a decision of the
U.S. supreme court on the appeals now
pending.
This decision was reached after a week
of conferences between Charles M. Reagan,
vice-president and general sales manager,
his division managers and company law-
yers. The conferences began shortly after
Justice Stanley Reed granted stays on bid-
ding and several other features of the de-
cree.
Reagan, in explaining the company’s stand,
admitted there was a possibility that the
company might have
i 1 to modify its stand on
bidding if some dis-
trict or appeals court
should hand down a
decree in a pending
antitrust case direct-
ing the company to
put bidding into effect.
There are 15 antitrust
cases in court in vari-
ous parts of the coun-
try.
The stays granted
by Justice Reed would
CHARLES M. REAGAN not apply to these,
Paramount lawyers say, because the order
applies specifically to the New York case.
In cases filed by the Civic Theatre in De-
troit and the State Theatre in Erie, Pa., the
plaintiffs have requested the courts to con-
sider the provisions of the decree.
Paramount will sell picture-by-picture and
theatre -by-theatre with due consideration
for the revenue possibilities of each house —
its size, condition, and returns on previous
pictures.
Reagan made this statement:
“In view of the fact that the supreme court
of the U.S. granted a stay of competitive
bidding, among other things. Paramount
Pictures has decided not to embark on a
policy of competitive bidding except in those
instances where it may be required to do so
by some other court of competent jurisdic-
tion. Instead, it will license its pictures to
exhibitors picture-by-picture and theatre-
by-theatre upon the merits. In so doing it
will consider each location, based upon its
particular facts.”
Kentucky 'Up in Arms'
On Percentage Films
Louisville — Kentucky exhibitors, up in
arms against percentage pictures, are
planning to fight the practice in some-
what drastic fashion. Two suggestions
have been made. The first is a boycott
against firms insisting on percentage
terms; the second that state legislation
be set up with the creation of a board
made up of exhibitors, having the power
to regulate trade practices in the state.
Attorneys have been employed by the
Kentucky Ass’n of Theatre Owners to
prepare such a bill, with the view of pre-
senting it to members for approval be-
fore putting it into a legislative hopper.
KNOXVILLE — Constitutionality of the re-
cent act imposing a 5 per cent tax on amuse-
ments was attacked on six points in suits
filed in chancery court here by Knoxville
and Knox county theatre owners.
Defendants are County Court Clerk Jack
Dance, City Finance Director Leslie Ken-
nedy and Roy Beeler, attorney general.
Chancellor A. E. Mitchell granted an injunc-
tion restraining Dance and Kennedy from
spending any of the tax money and re-
quiring that the proceeds be kept separate
from other funds.
One of the six points of attack on the con-
stitutionality of the measure is that it ap-
plies only to Knox county and not to other
counties of the state.
The amusement tax bill was sponsored in
the legislature by the Knox county delega-
tion and became effective on April 1.
Florida Also Facing
Amusement Taxes
TALLAHASSEE — A bill has been introduced
in the Florida house by Rep. Merrell C. Clark
of Jackson county, which calls for ten per
cent state tax on general admission charges
of more than twenty-five cents for all motion
picture theatres, shows, athletic events and
other types of public amusement.
Atlantic City to Ballot
Or. Amusement Levy
ATLANTIC CITY — Mayor Joseph Altman
has taken the lead in calling for a referen-
dum to determine whether this city will pass
an amusement tax as authorized under the
recent state tax bill. He will seek to have
the referendum on the primary ballot June
3, and if this is not declared legal will seek
a special ballot late in May. Governor Dris-
coll did not sign the tax bill but filed it
with the secretary of state, thus allowing
it to become law without his signature. If a
tax is passed, admission prices here will soar
to their highest levels.
Meanwhile New Jersey exhibitors have not
given up their fight against the bill per-
mitting fourth class New Jersey coastal re-
sort cities to impose three per cent admis-
sions and retail sales taxes. The bill became
a law April 18 without the signature of Gov.
Alfred Driscoll, who had been asked by the
exhibitors to veto the measure.
The Federation of New Jersey Theatres,
Allied Theatre Owners of New Jersey, ITOA
of New York, representatives of RKO, War-
ners and Loew’s — will meet soon to map out
local campaigns against the ticket tax.
Since the citizens of each of the cities af-
fected must approve the taxes, the fight will
be directed at the public.
The principal weapons probably will be
trailers, newspaper ads, publicity releases,
hand bills and radio spots.
The theatre men will have to act fast,
because the summer season will begin soon
in the resort centers affected by the bill.
These cities are Atlantic City, Asbury Park,
Cape May, Long Branch, Ocean City, Sea
Isle City and Wildwood.
Minnesota Session Ends
Without Theatre Tax
MINNEAPOLIS — The state legislature ad-
journed this week without passing any bills
detrimental to the film industry, except gen-
eral taxation measures applicable to all lines
of business. Gov.-Elect L. D. Youngdahl’s
proposal for a 10 per cent amusement admis-
sion tax failed to pass. Other admission tax
proposals, discriminating against the film in-
dustry, also fell by the wayside. The legisla-
ture also refused to enact a daylight saving
proposal which exhibitors, among other in-
terests, opposed.
Pennsylvania Also Faces
Threat of a New Tax
PITTSBURGH — The committee on
boroughs has approved a bill which will au-
thorize boroughs to levy on amusements for
the general fund. With this favorable action,
the bill will not come before the house when
it reconvenes on April 28.
Van Nomikos Asks ,
And Gets Bidding
Chicago — Van A. Nomikos, vice-presi-
dent of Allied of Illinois, has asked for
competitive bidding for two of his thea-
tres, the Lincoln and Yale of the CVN
circuit.
He said that four major distributors.
Paramount, MGM, Universal-Interna-
tional and 20th Century-Fox have replied
they would set up competitive bidding for
the Yale Theatre. The Yale now plays
in the second week of general release and
has asked for competitive bidding against
the Lido of the Manta & Rose circuit
which plays what is known as B week.
Replies were received prior to the last
supreme court ruling.
Majors have been notified by Van
Nomikos that he also is desirous of play-
ing in C week at the Lincoln Theatre in-
stead of the second week of general re-
lease. To date no answers have been re-
ceived by Van Nomikos from distributors
on this request, Competing theatres with
the Lincoln, according to Van Nomikos
are two Essaness circuit houses, the North
Center and the Biograph. The North Cen-
ter plays in C week and the Biograph
first week of general release, and the
Balaban & Katz Belmont Theatre which
plays in B week.
8
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
NCA TO STRENGTHEN COMBINES
IN FIGHT FOR LOWER RENTALS
Pressure Method Okayed
By Delegates as Means
To Win Concessions
By LES REES
MINNEAPOLIS — Agreeing that concen-
trated buying power alone can whip ex-
cessively high film rentals and percentage
deals, North Central Allied at its conven-
tion here this week decided to bend its
efforts toward enlisting all independent
exhibitors in this territory in one of the
five buying combines now operating — and
then merge as many of the combines as
possible or organize them for cooperative
buying.
In this manner, President Bennie Berger
and other NCA leaders declared, “sufficient
pressure can be created to bring offending
distributors into line.” It was pointed out
that “products and bad deals could, in
effect, be boycotted.”
OFFERS A SOLUTION
Martin Lebedoff, secretary, said that Rob-
ert L. Wright, assistant attorney general in
charge of prosecuting the antitrust case, here
for the convention, had told NCA directors
in reply to a query that the way to get
“equitable” film prices was to weaken dis-
tributors’ power.
“That means we should equalize things
by increasing our buying power,” Lebedoff
said.
It was contended that the big problem to
solve was the alleged distributor practice of
moving pictures from lower brackets into
higher brackets and into percentage deals.
The members, at their sessions, actually
got down to the business of analyzing pic-
tures, and exhibitors were warned against
booking some pictures which were character-
ized as “flopperoos.”
Selling policies of several companies were
assailed by Berger who declared that despite
tremendous profits, film rentals are still be-
ing boosted. He advocated “legislation” to
correct the situation.
Film companies, in many instances, he
charged, have no national selling policies,
but take “all that the traffic will bear” in
every situation.
ASKS FOR SALES SHEET
It was revealed at the meeting that Wright
had asked to take back to Washington a copy
of a Paramount’s sales sheet shown him by
Berger. The sheet in question was used in
connection with the selling of "Two Years
Before the Mast” and allegedly required sales-
men, before quoting terms, to learn from the
exhibitor or other companies’ salesmen the
prices paid by the exhibitor, for six specified
pictures of other companies, the NCA presi-
dent said.
The organization elected the following of-
ficers and board members: Bennie Berger,
president; E. L. Peaslee, first vice-president;
Lyle Carrisch, second vice-president; Mar-
tin Lebedoff, secretary; Sidney Volk, treas-
urer; Henry Green jr„ Jack Heywood and
A. A. Kaplan, members of advisory committee;
Charles Rubenstein, A. E. Lyle Bung, A1 Lee,
S. E. Heller, W. C. Carter jr., Will Glaser,
George Granstrom, Clarence Kaake, M. W.
Long, R. J. Risch, Roy McMinn, Gordon
Amuth, John Pillar and John Anderson.
Berger revealed that NCA now has 300
theatres of a possible 550 in the region.
Government Control
Urged by Berger
IV/riNNEAPOLIS — In his annual address
at the North Central Allied conven-
tion, President Bennie Berger asked the
independent exhibitors body to “continue
working toward government or state con-
trol” of the film
industry because,
he charged, “the
producers cannot
see any further
than their noses
and refuse to sell
on a live-and-let-
live basis.”
Berger said he’s
both optimistic and
pessimistic over
the outlook for
independent ex-
hibitors. His op-
timism, he said,
BENNIE BERGER
stems from the recent New York court de-
cision in the consent decree case which
“while it was not the cure, did serve
notice on the distributors that they must
stop their unfair tactics and that the inde-
pendent theatre owners have a stake in
the business.”
“It is my opinion that when the case is
finally adjudicated, there will be absolute
divorcement, as it is inconsistent with our
form of government for the producers and
distributors of pictures to exhibit them,”
declared Berger. “With this monopoly,
they have been able to keep independent
exhibitors eating out of their hands and
kowtowing to them. But that monopoly
is now badly bent and will soon be
broken.”
Berger said his pessimism arises from
a drop in boxoffice receipts “coupled with
the producers’ artificially created short-
age of pictures which makes it possible
for the distributors to demand terms un-
precedented in the history of this busi-
ness.” He pointed out that some produc-
ers have asked for 60 and 70 per cent of
the receipts and insist on advanced ad-
mission prices. “The idea,” he said, “is
to come in and sell you the same picture
over again at 40 or 50 per cent at your
regular admission prices — that is, selling
the same animal twice.”
Members also attacked blind checking
through ticket purchases, voiced various
grievances, set wheels in motion for coopera-
tive buying of films and other commodities
used in the operation of theatres and pledged
themselves to carry a fight against the Ascap
tax to the U.S. supreme court.
After hearing complaints from members,
the organization decided to write film com-
panies protesting against blind checking
through ticket purchases and pointing out
that it’s against the law for exhibitors not
to retain a half of each ticket sold.
Urging support of the industry’s Greek
orphan relief drive. President Bennie Berger
cited “the little judge,” Ben Meshbesher,
Warner Bros.’ salesman, for collecting $750
from the residents and business people of
Jamestown, N. D., for the campaign through
his own personal solicitations.
Convention to Ask Probe
Of Product Shortage
By Government
MINNEAPOLIS— North Central Allied has
asked the federal government to investigate
its charge that an alleged conspiracy exists
among major distributors to create an artifi-
cial shortage in pictures so that film rentals
could be raised to “unconscionable heights.”
WRIGHT IS PRESENT
Action was taken at the convention here.
Robert L. Wright, special assistant to the
U.S. attorney general and counsel in the con-
sent decree suit, in Minneapolis to explain
and interpret the consent decree decision to
the body, held a conference with the or-
ganization’s board of directors who urged
that his department “investigate” the alleged
conspiracy.
President Bennie Berger of NCA announced
he had presented Wright with “facts and
figures” to bear out the conspiracy charge.
He and other directors also stressed the "un-
reasonableness” of present film rentals and
percentage demands in their talks with
Wright. Other independent exhibitor griev-
ances also were aired.
Wright asked that tradepaper and press
representatives be excluded from the room
during his talk and session with members.
CLOSED TO THE PRESS
Although Berger of the independent ex-
hibitors’ organization had announced that
the meetings were to be open to the press, he
complied with Wright’s request. S. D. Kane,
the body’s executive director, explained from
the platform that “quasi-criminal” proceed-
ings “are involved” and “Mr. Wright is our
counsel” so that “it’s fit and proper that our
conference be behind closed doors.” Em-
ployes of distributors, including branch sales-
men and managers, however, were allowed to
be present.
Wright was to analyze and explain the
consent decree decision, tell the procedure to
be followed by the government from this
point on and hear a recital of independent
exhibitors’ grievances against the distributors.
Costs a Major Concern,
Richey Tells Conclave
MINNEAPOLIS — The film industry’s pres-
ent major problems are not what’s coming
out of the consent decree, but increased and
increasing costs in production of pictures and
operation of theatres, a threatened tapering
off at the boxoffice and discriminatory taxes,
according to H. M. Richey, MGM public re-
lations head.
Here to address the North Central Allied
convention, Richey declared “the public re-
lations job must be done better all along
the line.” He pleaded for better showman-
ship— the utmost possible selling of pictures
to the public.
“The greatest segment of the public hasn’t
been sold sufficiently yet on the idea that
the films are the biggest entertainment value
in the world,” said Richey. “Statistics show
that only 18,000,000 persons today attend our
A pictures.”
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
9
Labor Peace Looks
Bright at Studios
HOLLYWOOD — From a trio of sources
came strong indications that the film cap-
ital soon may emerge completely from the
labor wars and disturbances which have
been more or less its constant lot for nearly
three years.
The three signs of lasting peace in-
cluded:
(1) A promising start in the negotia-
tions between the producers and Car-
penters Union, Local 946, to adjust dif-
ferences with the labor group, which ad-
justment would remove the last major
barrier to ending the current studio
strike which started last September 26.
(2) Word from Washington, D. C.,
that William Green, American Federa-
tion of Labor president, at long last
was to call a conference to effect an end
to the studio strike.
(3) Amicable spirit which prevailed at
the opening sessions between the Screen
Actors Guild and the producers over the
new contract for SAG members.
DESCRIBED AS FRIENDLY’
Initial peace huddles between the carpen-
ters and producers were described by those
attending as “friendly” and brought forth
a joint statement that “after an exploratory
discussion of the problems involved the meet-
ing was adjourned to a date to be set later.”
Such joint declaration came from Charles S.
Boren, producer labor representative, and
Joseph V. Cambiano, international repre-
sentative of the carpenters. In addition to
Boren, sitting in on the huddles to represent
the film makers were Pat Casey, Fred Pelton,
Vic Clarke, Ben Batchelder and Attorneys
Homer Mitchell, Mendel Silberberg and
Maurice Benjamin, as well as the various
studio labor chiefs. Thus all of the three
producer groups were represented. Issues
which the meetings must determine before
the strike is settled hinge principally around
replacements and jurisdiction.
According to word from the east as to
the action proposed by AFL President Green,
the meetings he plans calling within the
next month will undertake not only to bring
a complete settlement of the current walk-
outs but to perfect arbitration machinery
which will eliminate for all time the possi-
bility of jurisdiction strikes in Hollywood.
The AFL chief reportedly revealed that 12
Hollywood unions had agreed to sit in on the
conclaves.
ALL STUDIOS REPRESENTED
Like in the meetings with the carpenters,
all producer groups were represented by one
committee in the early huddles with the SAG.
Following the first session of the week, an of-
ficial joint statement by the negotiating com-
mittee of SAG and the combined negotiating
committee of the Association of Motion Pic-
ture Producers, the Society of Independent
Motion Picture Producers and the Inde-
pendent Motion Picture Producers Ass’n dis-
closed that they planned to hold three long
sessions a week, in an effort to complete con-
tract negotiations as quickly as possible.
This was decided at the second meeting of
the two groups, at which point-by-point dis-
cussion of the Guild’s contract proposals got
under way. Sessions probably will be held
each Monday, Wednesday and Friday eve-
nings.
It was decided that if it is necessary to
issue any statements on the progress of
negotiations, such statements will be joint
ones on behalf of both groups.
Chester Friedman Joins BOXOFFICE
As Showmandiser Section Editor
New York — Chester Friedman has
joined BOXOFFICE’s staff as editor of
the Showmandiser section which is to be
enlarged and expanded in its coverage of
all phases of motion picture promotion.
Friedman, who has had a diversified
experience in theatre operations, for the
past four years was editor of the Man-
ager’s Round Table department of the
Motion Picture Herald. Prior to that he
owned and operated the Biltmore Thea-
tre, Mount Vernon, N. Y., and held mana-
gerial posts in the east, south and mid-
west with Paramount-Publix, Schine,
Interboro, Consolidated and Harris cir-
cuits.
In Kansas City this week to become ac-
quainted with the physical operations of
BOXOFFICE, Friedman will have head-
quarters at the New York office, 9 Rocke-
feller Plaza.
Hugh Fraze will serve as associate
editor of the Showmandiser, at Kansas
City, in addition to his duties as regional
news editor.
CHESTER FRIEDMAN
Plea for Lowered Prices
Gets Mixed Reception
NEW YORK — Exhibitors gave President
Truman’s plea for lower prices a mixed
reception.
As business men with a service to sell,
they felt that their admission prices were
reasonable, and present scales should be
maintained.
As consumers, buying motion pictures,
theatre equipment and labor, they felt that
the president had hit the mark in asking
for price reductions.
Generally speaking there was a similarity
of opinion among operators of national,
regional and local New York theatres that
the present admissions scales cannot be re-
duced so long as operating costs remain at
their present levels.
Oscar A. Doob of Loew’s, Inc., said he didn’t
think the President had the theatres in mind
when he asked for lower prices. Admissions
never were in line with other commodities
or the general upward price trend, said Doob.
Except for a few Broadway theatres, ad-
missions throughout the nation remained and
still remain reasonable, he said.
In view of this situation, Doob saw no
prospect a reduction in the 116 Loew’s
theatres.
Paramount Theatres Corp. is waiting to
hear from its subsidiaries and partners be-
fore issuing any statement. The Paramount
Theatre on Broadway reduced its morning
prices last month. It was expected that other
Times Square theatres would follow suit, but
to date none has.
Si H. Fabian, whose theatre interests ex-
tend through New York state and Virginia,
didn’t see how he could cut prices.
The only exception to this status quo price
policy will be in former war industries towns
where incomes have been sharply reduced,
he said.
Exhibitors in metropolitan New York were
unanimous about maintaining their present
price levels.
The general consensus was that patrons of
double bill, subsequent run theatres have
been getting their money’s worth, paying an
average of 42 cents for three hours’ enter-
tainment.
In contrast to this 10 per cent admissions
increase, the cost of theatre equipment alone
has gone up 10 to 25 per cent since the OPA
was lifted last year. As for film rentals, esti-
mated increases vary from 15 to 50 per cent.
David Weinstock, president of Ray bond
Theatres Corp., had this to say about rentals:
“Film rentals are extremely high. At no
time since I started in this business 37 years
ago has there been such difficulty in buying
pictures at fair prices as there is today. In
view of all the circumstances, of high costs
of equipment and product, we are very for-
tunate we can operate at all.”
This point of view was shared by Arthur
M. Rapf, president of the Rapf & Ruden,
which operates nine theatres in New York
and New Jersey.
He added that exhibition service is being
undersold, with patrons getting so much for
so little.
“If the distributors cut their prices, I’ll
cut mine,” said Rapf.
Edward Lachman, president of the New
Jersey Allied, thought that President Truman
had directed his speech at big business. “You
can’t start cutting prices at the bottom of
the scale while the distributors and equip-
ment people maintain the present high levels,”
he said.
He estimated that window cards, sound
service, film delivery services, alone have in-
creased up to 30 per cent.
10
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
V< v ' ‘ •r> ,
M£ //OMBSrRETCH
i
I
^1
L
1
1
1
.1
^ I i
with
TEchnicolor
Glenn Langan • Helen Walker
James Gleason • Henry Stephenson
Margaret Bannerman • Ethel Griff ies • Tommy Cook
Directed by BRUCE HUMBERSTONE
Produced by ROBERT BASSLER.
Original Screen Play by Wanda Tuchock
A glorious romance
that hits all the high spots
of the world ... set against the
breathless excitement of the
world’s most famous racing classics!
HI WILDE
I
I
THERE'S NO COMPANY WITH SUCH GREAT TECHNICOLOR TRIUMPHS AS
BOB, SON OF BATTLE In Technicolor • FOREVER AMBER In Technicolor • MOTHER WORE TIGHTS In Technicolor
I WONDER WHO’S KISSING HER NOW In Technicolor • CAPTAIN FROM CASTILE In Technicolor
2q
CENTURY-FOX
PRINTED IN U. S. A.
TOPFLIGHT INTEREST DISPLAYED
IN FORMING OF FOUNDATION
Salt Lake Suggests a Film
To Explain the Welfare
Plan to the Industry
NEW YORK — Leaders of the industry in
every section of the country are eagerly
assisting in the formation of area panels
for the Motion Picture Foundation. Re-
ports this week from the office of Barney
Balaban, chairman of the national steering
committee, indicate high enthusiasm at
the dozen or more exchange-city organiza-
tion meetings held this week and last.
Indicative of the interest aroused by the
project, in Salt Lake City last week it was
suggested that a short subject explaining the
welfare plan be made and given national
distribution for showings before industry
members only. By dramatizing the message
it was felt that all industry employes would
immediately grasp its import.
ALL BRANCHES TAKE HOLD
Reports from exchange centers indicate
also that every branch of the industry is
taking hold of the Foundation. Not only have
exhibition and distribution fallen into line,
but representatives of film delivery lines,
trailer concerns and equipment and confection
firms as well. Union leaders are likewise giv-
ing the Foundation their attention, and in
virtually all instances one or more representa-
tives of contract labor are being placed on the
panels being formed in exchange centers.
At weekend complete panels had been set
up in half a dozen or more exchange centers;
a similar number had elected committeemen
but had not yet named permanent chairmen
and area trustees.
A temporary committee was formed in Salt
Lake to assist in putting over the Foundation
in the far western states: Sam Gillette and
George Smith, independent exhibitors;
George Hackett, Don Campbell and Dave
Adamson, unions; Charles Walker, Don V.
Tibbs and Harold Green, distributors; Ray
M. Hendry and Hall Baetz, circuits.
Meeting with 50 industry representatives at
Albany Monday, Leonard H. Goldenson of
Paramount-Publix, a featured speaker, re-
marked that three men in the exhibition field
had already donated the sums of $50,000,
$40,000 and $25,000, respectively, to the Foun-
dation, and he predicted that other wealthy
men will make substantial donations as well
as leaving sums in their wills.
Goldenson further explained that only the
interest of the $10,000,000 fund to be raised
in two years— it might eventually be $100,-
000,000— will be spent in welfare projects, nor
will the money be used to supplement present
welfare or pension plans.
MAY MERGE WITH OTHERS
Replying to another question, Goldenson
predicted that the Motion Picture Relief, now
raising more than $1,000,000 annually on the
coast, might be merged with MPF, once the
latter organization is firmly established. H
added:
“But all these are just ideas thrown into
the pot, along with any that you may have;
the trustees themselves will make the final'
decisions. I am speaking to you now only
as a private citizen.”
Si Fabian was named as trustee of the
Albany area, but discussion developed as to
whether he should be elected to this local
office, in view of his extensive contribution
BARNEY BALABAN
to the national plan, which will likely place
him in line for election as one of the ten
national delegates at large. In this event,
Albany committeemen will likely place Louis
W. Schine in the local post.
Saul J. Ullman was named chairman of
the Albany panel; serving with him, Fabian
and Schine will be C. J. Latta, Herman L.
Ripps, Neil Heilman, Eddie Ruff, William
Smalley, Fred Sliter, Charles E. McCarthy,
Howard Goldstein, Henry Harris, John Sauer-
born, Arthur Newman, Leonard L. Rosenthal,
Guy A. Graves and Charles A. Smakwitz.
DALLAS NAMES JOHN ROWLEY
Seventy-five from exhibition, distribution
and allied lines gathered in Dallas Tuesday
at the call of Karl Hoblitzelle, member of the
national steering committee, who appointed
John Rowley of R&R-United as temporary
chairman, the group later naming the latter
permanent chairman as well as trustee.
Explanation of the scope and purpose of
the foundation was made by Col. Harry A.
Cole, also a national steering committee mem-
ber; by R. J. O’Donnell and H. J. Griffith.
Henry Reeve of Menard, Tex., president of
the Texas Theatre Owners, heartily endorsed
the project.
In addition to Rowley, Cole and Reeve, these
members were named; LeRoy Bickel, Sol
Sachs, Duke Clark, Herman Beiersdorf, Joe
Luckett, C. C. Ezell, R. I. Payne, Sam Land-
rum, Don Douglas, William O’Donnell, B. R.
McLendon, all of Dallas, and L. C. Tidball
of Fort Worth, J. C. Chatmas of Marlin and
Johnny Long of Bay City. Ezell will act as
vice-chairman; Sachs is secretary, Cole is
treasurer, Douglas is publicity chairman and
Winifred Cutler was appointed recording sec-
retary.
Kansas City met twice at the call of the
temporary chairman. A. Jules Benedic, on
Friday (18) and Monday (2D, naming a panel
of 15, with two more members to be elected
later, thus filling the panel to the limit of
17 permissible under MPF bylaws. Another
meeting was called for Monday morning, April
28, at which the permanent chairman and a
trustee will be named.
Edward G. Zorn of Pontiac, 111., member
of the MPF national steering committee and
chairman in the Chicago area, made an in-
High Enthusiasm Prevails
At Organization Meets
Held Over Country
spiring address before the midwesterners. He
was followed in similar vein by “Tex” Hall,
free-lance studio representative of North
Hollywood, Calif.
Elected with Benedic on the Kansas City
panel were L. J. Kimbriel, T. R. Thompson,
Frank Plumlee, Homer Strowig, Earl Dyson,
Mike Cullen, Arthur Cole, Robert F. Withers,
J. A. Becker, Clarence F. Schultz, Sam Abend,
Felix Snow, R. R. Biechele and M. D. Cohn.
ZORN IN CHICAGO CHAIR
Two days before attending the initial Kan-
sas City meeting, Zorn, who is president of
the United Theatre Owners of Illinois, and
a worker for the Foundation since its incep-
tion in New Orleans last December, was
named chairman for the Chicago area, his
“running mate,” or trustee, being Arthur
Schoenstadt. Additional committeemen are
Frank Allan, John Balaban, James Coston,
Jack Flynn, Tom Flannery, S. J. Gregory,
Walter Immerman, Irving Mack, Jack Rose,
Sam Shirley, Frank Stickling, Tom Murray,
Jack Kirsch, Fred E. Shoup and Edwin Sil-
verman.
Lou Novins, assistant to Barney Balaban,
was principal speaker at the Chicago meeting,
attended by 100 topflighters from every
branch of the industry.
H. F. “Mike” Kincey was named to the
joint post of chairman and trustee at the
Charlotte meeting last week and will serve
with J. C. Long, Roy Rowe, H. H. Everett,
Ed Haley, J. H. Dillon, Ray Erwin, George
Roscoe, Blake Gryder, Ben L. Strozier, H. D.
Hearn, J. H. Holston, Dean House, John Vick-
ers, Jay Schrader. Two additional members
are to be named later, one a small town ex-
hibitor, the other to represent theatre em-
ployes.
Detroit has not yet named its chairman
and trustee, but last week elected these mem-
bers: Ray Branch, Lew Wisper, Alex Schrei-
ber, Joseph Lee, Larry Becker, Rodger M.
Kennedy, L. H. Gordon, David M. Idzal,
Frank J. Downey, C. W. Buermele, E. J.
Hudson.
St. Louis last week elected Fred Wehren-
berg as trustee. Joseph C. Ansell as chair-
man, and they will serve with Russell Bovim,
James Frisina, Fred Souttar, Clarence Tur-
ley, Oscar Turner, Isador Weinshienk, Harry
C. Arthur jr„ Albert Stetson, George Kera-
sotes, Carson Rodgers, Bess Schulter, Charles
Goldman, Thomas James, Sam Komm, Sam
Levin and Jack Siepker.
COMING AREA MEETINGS
At Des Moines a meeting called for April 21
was postponed for a month, while meetings
at some other exchange centers will not be
held until early May.
A meeting will be held in Boston April 29
under the co-chairmanship of M. J. Mullin
and Sam Pinanski.
Omaha meets May 5: Leo Wolcott and A.
H. Blank.
Seattle meets May 5: I. M. Hone.
Within the next few weeks: Buffalo: Max
Yellen; Memphis: M. A. Lightman; New Ha-
ven: I. J. Hoffman and Dr. J. B. Fishman;
Oklahoma City: C. B. “Brownie” Akers; New
Orleans: E. V. Richards jr.; Pittsburgh: M. A.
Silver, and Minneapolis: Harry French.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
13
i i
ALEXANDER'S RAGTIME
rlLiLAfllll/LIl I 1 1 VI Li
BAND IS BEATING FIRST
BOXOFFICE!
>Vlt "Vcr^^l Fit
/
^£?*>*~*»*« -
u m <
Get on the bandwagon
' , ' J
at your l O J Exchange!!
CENTURY-FOX
THEATRE TELEVISION
TWO YEARS SOUGHT
WITHIN
BY SMPE
Shown here in a huddle at the convention of the Society of Motion Picture Engi-
neers in Chicago, discussing subjects of mutual interest. Left to right: William C.
Kunzmann, convention vice-president of SMPE; Loren L. Ryder, SMPE president;
Capt. Wm. C. “Bill” Eddy, USN (Ret.), managing director of Chicago Television Sta-
tion WBKB; and Paul J. Larsen, chairman of SMPE’s committee on television.
Would Make Feature Films
For Sending to Central
Broadcasting Stations
CHICAGO — A movement to place tele-
vision in motion picture theatres within
the next two years was launched at the
61st semiannual meeting here this week of
the Society of Motion Picture Engineers.
Directors disclosed a decision that a com-
mittee has been appointed to work toward
that end.
Under the proposed program, the com-
mittee will work with other segments of the
industry to further the invasion of tele-
vision. Feature pictures would be made
and sent to central broadcasting stations
in all cities. From there the films would
be televised over a directed beam to each
theatre, with private sets unable to tune in.
This was one of the more important steps
taken at the convention, the meetings at-
tracted engineers from all parts of the
country.
ON-THE-SPOT NEWS FORESEEN
The delegates were told by Paul J. Lar-
sen, one of the society officials, that within
the next two years, television can bring on-
the-spot news events into the theatres of the
country.
“If a request to the FCC for a frequency
band is granted, the industry is ready to go
ahead on such a project,” he said.
Larsen pointed out that 17,000 theatres,
playing to 90,000,000 persons a week “offer
a strong argument” for FCC approval. On
this, he declared, the motion picture industry
is standing together for the first time “be-
cause for the first time there is an economic
threat to its existence.”
He revealed that Eric Johnston, MPA
president, will attend a meeting in New York
next week to formulate “the final program”
for this movement.
Larsen predicted that televised programs
Loss of Foreign Marts
To Boost Ticket Costs
Chicago — American film producers
must have access to foreign markets or
make a substantial increase in admis-
sion prices to motion picture theatres in
this country, Orville H. Hicks of Loew’s
International Corp. asserted here last
Monday. Speaking at the 61st semi-
annual convention of the Society of Mo-
tion Picture Engineers in the Drake hotel,
Hicks said 40 per cent of the revenue of
the American film industry comes from
foreign sales.
Motion pictures, more than any other
medium, open foreign markets for other
products of American industry, he said.
The sight in films of American conven-
iences creates a demand for radios, wash-
ing machines, refrigerators, automobiles
and other goods.
Hicks also contended that films can
do much for better understanding be-
tween nations, and that no enduring
peace can be obtained without a free
screen.
would supplement regular film fare with no
probable price increase. He pictured operas,
sports events, and such disasters as the
Texas City explosions brought to the screen
as they happen. “If the event is not im-
portant enough to interrupt the feature, it
could be ‘stored’ and shown a few minutes
later,” he said.
He admitted that televised programs would
not now be as sharply defined on the screen
as newsreels but added that within several
years you will not be able to tell the differ-
ence.
The convention opened April 21 with a
business and general session in the grand
ballroom at which J. G. Frayne, chairman of
the sound committee, spoke on “Flutter
Definitions and Measurement Standardiza-
tion” and Orville H. Hicks, Loew’s Interna-
tional Corp., discussed “American Films
Abroad.” Loren L. Ryder, convention presi-
dent, and William C. Kunzmann, vice-chair-
man, submitted reports to the members.
SEE TELE SHOW PRODUCED
Following a get-together luncheon in the
Gold Coast room at which Capt. William C.
Eddy, USN (Ret.), managing director of the
Balaban & Katz television station WBKB, was
guest speaker, the first regular technical ses-
sion got under way. The papers read in-
cluded “Special Adaptations and Applica-
tion of 16mm Motion Picture Cameras to
Medical and Scientific Needs,” by Mervin W.
LaRue sr. of Chicago and Mervin W. LaRue
jr. of Bell & Howell Co.; “Kodachrome Mo-
tion Pictures of the Human Air and Food
Passages,” by Dr. Paul H. Holinger and J. D.
Brubaker of Chicago; “Movies on Wheels —
Sound Motion Pictures for Passenger Trains,”
by John G. Bitel of Comprehensive Service
Corp., and “A Survey of the Application of
Photography in Naval Research, Testing and
Development,” by J. H. Bell and Lieut.
Comdr. W. R. Cronenwett, USN, of the U.S.
Naval Photographic Center at Anacostia,
N. C. Oscar B. Depue of Chicago, reviewed
“My First Fifty Years in Motion Pictures”
when he was partner of the travelog expert,
Burton Holmes, at the evening technical
session.
The morning session April 22 was held in
the Esquire Theatre, one block from the
Drake. Following the afternoon technical
session at the hotel, SMPE members and their
guests visited WBKB as guests of Captain
Eddy to witness the production of a tele-
vision show. Concurrent sessions were held
the morning of April 23 at the Drake and
Esquire theatres, the latter being devoted
to a symposium on picture and sound test
films for use in manufacture, maintenance
and repair of projection and sound repro-
duction equipment. A variety of 35mm and
16mm test films were shown at the Esquire.
The society’s semiannual dinner-dance was
held in the Drake’s Gold Coast room the
night of April 22, preceded by a social get-
together and a dinner. Concluding technical
sessions were held at the Drake the afternoon
and evening of April 24 and the morning and
afternoon of April 25.
A new, small, single-unit loudspeaker in
connection with 16mm sound projection was
demonstrated by Western Electric Co. dur-
ing the convention at the Drake. The new
speaker, the 756A, may be operated as part
of a standard 16mm sound projector and will
produce a more lifelike sound than was for-
merly possible with speakers of its type. C. R.
Keith, New York engineering representative,
and G. L. Graveson, contract relations repre-
sentative of Western Electric’s research prod-
ucts division, were in charge of the demon-
stration.
Johnston Spokesman Debunks
Video Within Two Years
WASHINGTON— So far as the Motion Pic-
ture Ass’n is concerned there is nothing
“imminent” in the possibility that television
may be put into the theatres within two years,
according to a spokesman for Eric Johnson.
The remark was made in reference to a
statement issued by the Society of Motion
Picture Engineers that a committee will
participate “with all other sections of the
industry” in a program designed to put tele-
vision into theatres within two years.
MPA’s spokesman asserted that the SMPE
was being “much too optimistic,” that tele-
vision in theatres if and when it comes may
be much longer away than two years.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
15
time
APRIL 7, 1947
Says of
AFFAIR!— ^
"a brilliantly good job — the best
yet— of bringing Hemingway
to the screen. None of the ^
principal playersjoujd
pbiSbjyTelmp^edupon.
Nlacomber is a remarkably
exciting picture!
ike. dt kw (at&ul
A1***
'fZeM, ~XerHL»"
~JU, KlfifijiAo "
BENEDICT BOGEAUS presents
» [must HemiijW s
THE MACOMBER AFFAIR
so starring
T nnrnTmi Reginald Denny • Jean Gillie
[I PRESTON Directed by ZOLTAN KORDA
Produced by Benedict Bogeaus and Case, Robing
calav bv Casey Robinson and Seymour Be
Z.",P L bv Seymou. Benne,, and frona Arno.d
‘Tttw a*td £<*e*tfo
By JAMES M. JERAULD
Censorship Pattern
^*HERE is a curious similarity between
censorship bills introduced in state leg-
islatures in recent months. Straight cen-
sorship bills aimed at adult film fare have
been consistently defeated over a long
period of years, so the advocates of censor-
ship have apparently turned to a subter-
fuge which bears some similarity to the
system in effect in Massachusetts.
In that state they have Sunday censor-
ship. It is impossible to have two sets of
prints, so the Sunday cuts apply all week.
A bill in the adjoining state of Connecti-
cut varies this approach by asking censor-
ship of films for children under 14.
A bill before the Maryland legislature
goes to a fantastic length by requiring cen-
sorship of films to be shown to children
Saturday afternoons in a single county —
Frederick. This would be another entering
wedge. A smoothly worded amendment in
the closing rush could make this statewide
censorship.
There’s always plenty of political sup-
port for any kind of a bill that creates
new jobs.
* * *
Theatre Dispersals
gOME of the urgency has gone out of dis-
cussions of the rearrangement of thea-
tre partnerships by major company de-
fendants in the antitrust suit. Experience
already gained in the splitups of inter-
company, profit-sharing pools has shown
that it is possible to reach amicable agree-
ments.
There have been a number of instances,
it is said, where partners have named im-
possible figures, but reflection has con-
vinced some of these that current valua-
tions will decline as business recedes. This,
plus the possibility that new owners will
come into the business when building ma-
terials become available, is being taken
into consideration.
Reports of formation of a number of new
circuits out of pieces of old ones are pop-
ping up every week.
* * *
Austrian Lays It on Line
J7VERY time Ralph B. Austrian, president
of RKO Television Corp., is invited to
discuss films and television before any kind
of an audience he tears into his subject
with a vigor that leaves the theorists
gasping.
Advocates of duplicated studio facilities
for live television programs were jolted
at the recent New York Television Insti-
tute by this prophecy:
“You will find out one of these days that
the picture companies will make their fa-
cilities available to television advertisers
and when they do, they will produce shows
for the same audience, mind you, that goes
to the movie houses and who are MOVIE
CONDITIONED and who expect real show-
manship, movement, perfection, lighting,
focusing, and no errors in lines, or black
screens, or wrong camera switches.
“When it comes to manufactured enter-
tainment— here I specifically exclude the
reporting of events as they actually hap-
pen— I claim that motion pictures can do
a better job than live television and I will
argue that against anyone. Time will prove
the point. Today television is going in a
big way for quiz games, charades, identify
this or that and get a prize. That phase
will pass quickly. It’s cheap, it gets a time
franchise, it affords a chance to get on the
band wagon, but television was not born
to exist on that diet.”
Food for thought for both television and
film producers.
♦ ♦ ♦
No Drinking Scenes
•pHE BOMBAY government in India has
decided to prohibit drinking scenes in
all films, and other Indian states are con-
sidering extension of the policy. It’s part
of a wide movement intended to make pro-
hibition effective in four years.
If this is enforced there will be a lot of
film on the cutting room floors in India.
Moslems don't drink. There are some im-
portant sections of India predominantly
Moslem. This seems to be another one of
those things producers will have to consider
in the development of foreign markets.
* * •
Yippee-e-e-!
QUT in the Denver region they still swing
tomahawks and let the scalps fall
where they will.
Issue No. 2 of the bulletin of the new
Allied unit begins: “FAIR WARNING — If
a certain Denver branch manager does not
stop the illegal tiein sales of his product,
this publication will let out a blast that
will be heard from here to New York — and
to Washington.”
* * *
Real Swank!
JJAGLE-LION has a new suite of offices
in the Bond building — 15 rooms, dec-
orated tastefully, BUT — there are only two
phone lines. Only the Music Hall has wait-
ing lines to compare with these. The tele-
phone strike added to the strain.
New Type of Theatre
Planned in Denver
Denver — Something quite new in thea-
tre projects is planned by Abel Davis and
John Anderson, who want to erect a $300,-
000 house at Eighth street and Colorado
boulevard.
That “something new” probably will be
the deciding factor when the zoning
board passes on a permit for the cinema.
For Davis and Anderson propose to use
the theatre in the morning hours as a
classroom for student nurses in nearby
Colorado General hospital.
Plans call for 1,200 seats, with possible
rear-vision projection; seats arranged so
that “shorties” can look around the tall
guys; a cry room and provision for tele-
vision.
Carl Leserman Warns
Of Business Drop
Benedict Bogeaus (left), head of Bene-
dict Bogeaus Productions and Arcadia
Productions, with his executive vice-presi-
dent, Carl Leserman, discuss future pro-
duction plans with the trade press.
NEW YORK — There has been a pro-
nounced decline in boxoffice receipts during
the past six to eight weeks that may be an
indication of a national downward trend, ac-
cording to Carl Leserman, vice-president and
sales head of Benedict Bogeaus Productions.
Benedict Bogeaus, president, concurred on
this view at a joint press conference. He
predicted a boxoffice drop will be felt in
Hollywood in a year’s time, bringing a drastic
decrease in production budgets.
Bogeaus, who was in from the coast for a
few days, said, though his present film budg-
ets are running about 20 per cent under
wartime levels, costs are continuing to rise,
and probably will not level off for another
year. High labor costs are largely responsible,
he said.
To combat this price rise, Bogeaus is
watching his schedules carefully, with an
eye to speeding up production. Countless
unexpected delays can increase expenses by
thousands of dollars, he said. “This is what
we’re watching for.” He emphasized that
there will be no cut in budgets — just strict
avoidance of wasted time and effort.
CAUTIOUS ABOUT INCREASES
Before the company decides on whether to
roadshow “A Miracle Can Happen,” now
being completed in New York, Leserman and
Bogeaus will study the results of the road-
show dates for “Duel in the Sun” and
“Carnegie Hall” in the next two months.
With prices declining they are a little
dubious about advancing the film’s prices.
Under Bogeaus’ deal with UA, which has
three years to run, he may give the distribut-
ing company from two to four pictures a year.
His shooting schedule includes “Early Au-
tumn,” with Ida Lupino, to start June 15;
“Lulu Belle,” with Dorothy Lamour, August 14,
and the tentatively titled “Intelligence Inspec-
tor— Postal Service,” September 15. This third
film will be a semidocumentary, based on
case histories in the files of the postal serv-
ice intelligence division. The budget for
these pictures is estimated at $4,500,000.
“Early Autumn” is the first picture to be
produced by Arcadia Productions, organized
two months ago in partnership with Ida
Lupino. The deal calls for one film a year.
Bogeaus’ release schedule includes “The
Macomber Affair,” released March 22;
“Christmas Eve,” set for June 14, and “A
Miracle Can Happen,” September 1.
ON THE COVER
Entrance to the foyer of the newly opened Carver
Theatre, a Fox Midwest circuit house in Kansas
City.
18
BOXOFFICE : : April 20, 1947
PRODUCERS SWINGING TOWARD
FILMS SELLING AMERICANISM
HOLLYWOOD — Prospects for Cinemania’s
Russian spy hunt increases with every pass-
ing day and a vanishing breed are the pro-
ducers who aren’t planning a feature to ex-
pose the nefarious pursuits in Canada and
the U.S. of the Mata Haris from the Volga
and their male comrades.
With each successive move in the race to
bring the screen a story — or stories — of Soviet
espionage, Darryl Zanuck seems prepared to
play another trump to back up his claims of
priority to the idea in general and to the
title, “The Iron Curtain,” in particular. Most
recent coup d’etat by the 20th Century-Fox
production chief was the purchase of screen
rights to still another book. This time it was
“The Soviet Spies,” by Lieut. Col. Richard
Hirsch, which will be published in the fall
by Duell, Sloan and Pearce. Such acquisition
was made, according to 20th-Fox spokesmen,
to counter the most recent entry in the
Russ- spy sweepstakes. It followed closely an-
nouncement by Andrew Stone, independent
producer, that he had one on the fire to be
called “A Soviet Spy,” which title he avers
he registered with the Motion Picture Ass’n’s
title registry late in March.
MGM MAKING ‘RED DANUBE’
Earlier Zanuck had purchased “Behind the
Iron Curtain,” by George Moorad, war cor-
respondent who spent several years in Russia.
That first story buy was made when it de-
veloped that both Warner and Columbia had
registered “The Iron Curtain” as a picture
title prior to the time that Zanuck revealed,
to the accompaniment of much fanfare, that
he was going to make an all-out expose film
with the same handle.
Studio spokesmen aver that the two pur-
chases give the Village film foundry rights
to both “Curtain” and “Soviet Spy” — and any
variation thereto. They base their claim on
the supposition that heretofore in disputes
over multiple-claimed titles, the producer
association authorities have always ruled in
favor of the producer who had purchased or
owned an actual literary property over the
one who merely had filed a title covering the
same general idea.
While all the shooting has been going on
over the “Curtain” and “Spy” handle, little
attention has been directed toward MGM
where plans are going forward for a film of
somewhat similar ilk. Mighty Metro has one
in the works called “The Red Danube,” which
will be filmed from the Bruce Marshall novel,
under production guidance of Carey Wilson.
MGM Meet to Feature
Sales Policy Talks
NEW YORK — Sales policy will be discussed
at the MGM conference of home office and
field personnel, which will start Monday,
April 28, at the Hotel Astor. More than 115
executives and field men will attend. William
F. Rodgers, vice-president and general sales
manager, will open the sessions.
The home office will be represented by
Edward M. Saunders and Edwin W. Aaron,
assistant general sales managers; Henderson
M. Richey, Rodgers’ assistant and head of
exhibitor relations; Howard Dietz, vice-presi-
dent and director of advertising, publicity
and exploitation; Silas F. Seadler, advertis-
ing manager; William R. Ferguson, exploita-
tion head; Herbert Crooker, publicity man-
ager; Mike L. Simons and Maurice N. Wolf
of the exhibitor relations department; Alan
F. Cummings, in charge of exchange opera-
tions; Jay Eisenberg, liaison between sales
and distribution; Pincus Sober, assistant to
Eisenberg; Joel Bezahler, Charles F. Deesen,
Irving Helfont, Leonard Hirsch and Paul J.
Richrath, home office assistants to field sales
managers; Jay Gove, sales research manager;
Harold Postman, assistant to Cummings;
William B. Zoellner, head of reprints and im-
portations; Max Wolff, purchasing head, and
Max Weinberg, shorts subjects publicity.
The field will be represented by sales man-
agers, district and branch heads and head
bookers.
Parke D. Agnew and Thomas Grady, master
bookers, also will attend in addition to the
following field auditors; John J. Ash, Charles
Bell, Oliver Broughton, Carl Gentzel, Willard
Gillian, Irving Margolin, Charles School,
Arthur Sklar, Arthur Sterling and Edward
Urschel.
World Release Is Planned
For MOT Russian Short
NEW YORK — “The Russians Nobody
Knows,” a March of Time subject which
shows the extent of war damage to western
Russia, will be released in the U.S. May 16.
The film will also be released throughout
the world as soon as translated commentaries
can be scored, according to Richard de Roche-
mont, producer.
HOLLYWOOD — Calling attention to his
studio’s previously announced picture, “Up
Until Now,” as an example, Jack L. Warner,
urges that the motion picture industry un-
dertake a militant fight against un-American
ideologies. Warner’s planned entry in his
suggested campaign will expose the effects
of communist and fascist influences on
American democracy. It will be filmed
largely in Boston against the background of
that city’s patriotic shrine. Ronald Reagan,
Viveca Lindfors and Claude Rains are to be
starred. Jerry Wald, the producer, Delmer
Daves, the director, and David Goodis, author
of the story, already have visited Boston and
arranged the location sites for the picture.
“Backslid Americans, as well as outside
enemies of our free institutions, will be ex-
posed in this story of a Boston family,”
Warner said. “Here at Warner Bros, we
have no room for backslid Americans and
wishy-washy concepts of Americanism. We
believe that our films must reflect positive
Americanism founded on the fundamental
principles of the Declaration of Independ-
ence, our Constitution and our Bill of Rights.”
PLAN OTHER TOPICAL FILMS
Warner emphasized that “Up Until Now”
will not be a “middle of the road” picture
about democracy.
“We do not believe democracy has middle
lanes, left detours or right alleys,” the pro-
duction executive said. “The great highway
of American liberty is sufficiently broad and
straight for all to travel in peace, prosperity
and happiness.
“ ‘Up Until Now’ is but another chapter in
our war against threats to American democ-
racy. It is not the opening gun by 40 years.
It will not be a single barrage. We are work-
ing on other topical stories to combat any
insidious influence that threatens our coun-
try. We will shoot them as rapidly as they
are ready for production.
“From the day it was founded under the
same management that now exists, Warner
Bros, has been wholly dedicated to the sys-
tem of government that has made the Ameri-
can way of life a shining example to peoples
throughout the world.
“We have been aggressive in our defense
of that way of life because we feel we must
crusade for the things in which Americans
believe. We are happy that other motion
picture producers are joining in the aggres-
sive course Warner Bros, has pioneered and
we hope still others will follow.
Scully Declares
NEW YORK — Rising production costs,
which are now out of all proportion to what
they were six years ago, have become the mu-
tual problem of exhibitors and distributors,
according to William A. Scully, vice-president
and general sales manager of Universal-
International, who addressed a two-day sales
meeting attended by the company’s district
managers and the home office sales cabinet
during the week.
“We cannot turn back to low budget pic-
tures because the public expects quality no
matter what is involved in the high cost of
production,” Cully said at the meeting which
was devoted to the formulation of release and
Top Films Deserve
sales plans for the next four months. “We
are not only coping with a 35 per cent raise
in basic and labor costs, but we must be able
to meet the cost of personalities and prop-
erties which continue to go up each year.”
Pointing out that exhibitors must realize
the necessity of playing pictures with stars
and also the importance of making pictures
from popular books and plays, Scully said
the “pictures embracing the best ingredients
are entitled to all the playing time that the
picture earns. The day is past when an
exhibitor should not be willing to give what
assistance he can by allowing extended play-
ing time when the boxoffice warrants it.”
Extended Runs
Mentioning the fact that exhibitors are
being asked to give “The Egg and I” the ex-
tended playing time the picture deserves as
proved in its opening engagements, Scully
said that other U-I product will be dis-
tributed on the same basis, including the J.
Arthur Rank pictures which the company
is releasing.
“We feel that exhibitors and distributors
certainly have an equal stake in the industry.
It’s time all of us revert to that real spirit
of showmanship which made this a great
business. Every one connected with the
showing of a picture is obliged to get the most
out of it,” Scully concluded.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
19
jji
ule BISHOP' • Buster CRABBE * Buzz
Screenplay by Herbert Dalmas and George H. Plympton
Directed by GEORGE SHERMAN * Produced by SAM KATZMAN
MPA Film Library a Hit ,
Scope Is Broadened
NEW YORK — National response to the
children’s Saturday morning shows started
by Eric Johnston, MPA head, has been so
satisfactory in the first six months that more
pictures are to be added to the total and a
promotional campaign is to be started to
spread the shows into more theatres. Co-
operation of civic groups and women’s or-
ganizations is to be sought both for selecting
the additional films and for assisting exhibi-
tors in promotion of the shows.
To date, the original 28 features made
available by distributors have provided ma-
terial for 6,000 shows in 1,000 theatres in the
48 states and some of the features have not
been played out yet.
Cooperation in some exchange areas has
been better than others. New Orleans was
tops.
Ken Clark, Glendon Allvine and Arthur De
Bra of the MPA who have been working on
the details of handling the films are pleased
by the progress to date, despite the fact there
has been very little active promotion. Most
of the progress has been due to simple an-
nouncements and field trips for explanation
of the public relations value of the shows.
These trips also have been valuable in
securing comments from exhibitors. This has
resulted in a number of modifications of the
original plan. Some circuits have given active
cooperation — RKO, Warner Bros., Loew’s and
Paramount partners. Admission prices
charged have ranged from 10 to 25 cents.
It costs each distributing company about
$6,000 to deliver prints to exchanges.
The most popular pictures have been Para-
mount’s “Alice in Wonderland” and MGM’s
"Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
Working with the project are a number of
organizations interested in films for children.
These include the General Federation of
Women’s Clubs, Parents Motion Picture
Group of Greater New York, International
Federation of Catholic Alumnae, Motion Pic-
ture Council of Protestant Women, Schools
Motion Picture Committee, United Parents
Ass’n and the National Board of Review.
These organizations have discovered that
children can be helpful in making selections
of pictures for the program. Children selected
for these screenings are of elementary school
age. They have created a supplementary list
of films to add to the original 28, and these
films are designated CPR (Recommended for
Children’s Programs).
The community service department of the
MPA hopes to have 52 titles on the children’s
show list by the end of the year. This depart-
ment has issued a 33-page booklet explaining
how the project began, how the library has
grown, how additions are made, how audi-
ence reactions are studied by means of the
“wiggle” test, some of the difficulties en-
countered and other details.
To make it easier for organizations and ex-
hibitors to get together on spreading the pro-
grams half the booklet is devoted to explana-
tions of how to organize the shows, the time,
place and name for them, the choosing of a
feature, rounding out a program and other
sources of information.
In each situation the booklet suggests that
representatives of various organizations get
together and organize a “children’s movie
council” and these are urged to work closely
with exhibitors. It is pointed out that the
shows should be held Saturday mornings,
and should be two hours long. Where ex-
hibitors prefer early afternoon shows the
lights are turned on at the end of the show
and the house is cleared before the regular
program goes on.
Certain theatres are regarded as better
than others because of location, available
transportation, proximity to children, and
the interest and enthusiasm of the manager.
In each exchange there is a chairman who
supervises distribution of prints and a chair-
man representing civic organizations. Book-
lets are to be sent to these first and there
will be a more general distribution later.
Expanded List of Film Library Features
Original Titles
COLUMBIA:
Blondie Brings Up Baby.
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew.
Five Little Peppers in Trouble.
MGM:
Young Tom Edison.
The Human Comedy.
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
MONOGRAM:
The Hoosier Schoolboy.
The Barefoot Boy.
PARAMOUNT:
Alice in Wonderland.
Little Miss Marker.
Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch.
RKO:
Two Thoroughbreds.
Anne of Windy Poplars.
Anne of Green Gables.
20th-FOX:
Jane Eyre.
The Poor Little Rich Girl.
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm
UNITED ARTISTS:
Three’s a Family.
Knickerbocker Holiday.
Song of the Open Road.
REPUBLIC:
Sis Hopkins.
Young Buffalo Bill.
UNIVERSAL:
The Under-Pup
Sandy Gets Her Man.
The Mighty Treve.
WARNER BROS.:
Green Pastures.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The Prince and the Pauper.
Films Recommended as Additions
to Children’s Programs
Young Mr. Lincoln (20th-Fox).
David Copperfield (MGM).
Boys Town (MGM).
Knute Rockne All American (WB).
Sequoia (MGM).
Biscuit-Eater (Para) .
Little Old New York (20th-Fox).
Union Pacific (Para).
The Story of Alexander Graham Bell
(20th-Fox).
Henry Aldrich, Boy Scout (20th-Fox).
CPR Films
(Current Films Recommended)
Anna and the King of Siam (20th-Fox).
Bad Bascomb (MGM).
Bandit of Sherwood Forest (Col).
The Bells of St. Mary’s (RKO).
Black Beauty ( Alson-20th-Fox) .
Boys’ Ranch (MGM).
Courage of Lassie (MGM).
David Copperfield (MGM).
Fantasia (Disney-RKO).
The Farmer’s Daughter (RKO).
Going My Way (Para).
The Green Years (MGM).
The Jolson Story (Col).
The Kid From Brooklyn (RKO).
Lassie Come Home (MGM).
Little Miss Big (Univ).
Make Mine Music (20th-Fox).
Margie (20th-Fox).
Music For Millions (MGM).
My Brother Talks to Horses (MGM).
My Friend Flicka (20th-Fox).
My Pal Trigger (Rep).
National Velvet (MGM).
O.S.S. (Para).
The Overlanders (Australian-Univ) .
Pinocchio (Disney-RKO).
Sinbad the Sailor (RKO).
Smoky (20th-Fox).
So Goes My Love (Univ).
Song of Scheherazade (U-I).
Song of the South (Disney-RKO).
State Fair (20th-Fox).
Swiss Family Robinson (RKO).
Three Little Girls in Blue (20th-Fox).
Thunderhead (20th-Fox).
The Time of Their Lives (Univ).
Treasure Island (MGM).
Wizard of Oz (MGM).
The Yearling (MGM).
Acceptable for Programs
Cloak and Dagger (WB).
Desert Horseman (Col).
Fighting Frontiersman (Col).
Gallant Journey (Col).
Galloping Thunder (Col).
Gentleman Joe Palooka (Mono).
Ginger (Mono).
Haunted Mine (Mono).
Holiday in Mexico (MGM).
Home in Oklahoma (Rep).
It Shouldn’t Happen to a Dog (20th-Fox).
Man From Rainbow Valley (Rep).
Personality Kid (Col).
Return of Monte Cristo (Col).
Return of Rusty (Col).
Roaring Rangers (Col).
Roll On Texas Moon (Col).
Twilight on Rio Grande (Rep).
Two-Fisted Stranger (Col).
Two Sisters From Boston (MGM).
Under Nevada Skies (Rep).
Wake Up and Dream (20th-Fox).
Where Do We Go From Here (20th-Fox).
22
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Ed Fay Gets High Tribute From Industry
Top Film Personalities Hail Exhibitor at Providence Testimonial Dinner
A group of distinguished guests at the Fay testimonial dinner
are shown here, left to right: Maj. Albert Warner of Warner Bros.;
Frank C. Walker, circuit owner and former postmaster general;
Judge John C. Mahoney of United States district court; Fay; Her-
man Robbins, head of National Screen Service; Jack Cohn, executive
vice-president of Columbia Pictures, and Eddie Dowling, producer.
By J. M. JERAULD
PROVIDENCE — Edward M. Fay, known in
this industry as theatre circuit operator and
member of the board of National Allied, was
the central figure of one of the most re-
markable tributes ever paid an exhibitor in
honor of his golden anniversary as a show-
man Monday (April 23) at the Sheraton-
Biltmore hotel.
About 75 top company executives attended
from New York. Among the 450 diners
were the governor of the state, the mayor of
Providence, a United States senator, a fed-
eral and state judges, members of the legis-
lature and of the city council, one college
president and several professors, a well-
known actor, and men prominent in the busi-
ness and social life of New England.
HAS MANY INTERESTS
Curiously, many of the men in the film
business and some of his fellow exhibitors for
the past 25 years have thought of him only as
a successful business man.
Many, as a result, listened to the tributes
with evident surprise. It was revealed that
the modest, white-haired man who never tells
his age, whose voice is still strong, whose
manner is so gentle and benevolent that he
seems like a venerable clergyman whose sole
interest is the welfare of his parishioners,
became a business man after he had achieved
distinction as a musician and composer. In
addition, he is a poet — not just a scribbler
of verses, but a man with a talent that is
appreciated by connoisseurs. A professor of
English at Brown university was one of those
who revealed this.
In a lifetime of activity in Rhode Island
he has become a legend. His public services
go back beyond World War I. His efforts in
behalf of the Red Cross and the March of
Dimes collections have been so remarkably
successful that Basil O’Connor, head of the
Red Cross and the National Foundation for
Infantile Paralysis, was one of the speakers.
After listening to all these men and re-
ceiving a number of scrolls and other evi-
dences of esteem he ended the evening’s
activities by rising and saying: “If half the
things you men have said about me tonight
are true, all I will have to do is raise my
arms and spread my wings.”
Fay played a violin at a church service
when he was 7. He had received instruction
from his father. At 12 he was a student in
the Boston Conservatory of Music and shortly
thereafter he was playing obbligatos for Emma
Calve, Lillian Nordica and other famous
singers. He went on concert tours.
In the course of time he became leader
of the Providence Symphony orchestra. He
toured the Keith circuit as a soloist.
His 50th anniversary as a showman dates
from 1897 when electric cars replaced horse
cars and made it possible for crowds to
reach Rhodes-on-the-Pawtucket. He took
over with his two brothers and their orchestra
became famous. As time went on he became
leader and owner of Reeves American band
and leader of the First Second Regiment
band and was commissioned by the governor.
These facts were related by various speak-
ers. His career was already distinguished.
He was a national figure as a musical artist
when he turned business man and became
a theatre owner.
His career as a showman has been unique
in that his dignity, his kindly interest in
those needing help gradually broke down
the stern New England prejudice against the
show business. This had repercussions far
beyond the borders of Rhode Island.
Eddie Dowling, producer and actor, who
was one of the speakers, recalled this. With
some emotion he said that when he was a
kid — one of 17 whom his mother was trying
to support — he began singing around in sa-
loons and other places where he could pick
up dimes. Eddie said his mother and other
relatives prayed for him. Fay gave him a
job singing with slides in his first theatre,
and Fay has been one of his guides and
advisers since.
The speakers’ tributes were as varied as
the types of men who presented them. Meyer
LOS ANGELES — More than 1,000 leaders in
the entertainment industry are expected at
the Humanitarian Awards dinner of the
Variety Clubs International convention on
May 17 at the Warner studio. Jack L. War-
ner will be host to the industry heads and
200 Los Angeles civic and film notables. The
annual awards for outstanding humanitarian
service during 1946 will be presented at the
dinner.
Reservations received at the beginning of
the week totaled more than 800. Registra-
tions to attend the convention, which is set
for May 13-17, have come in from Toronto,
Canada and Mexico City in addition to the
U.S.
Tributes to the Variety Clubs have come
from Louis B. Mayer, Harry Cohn, Darryl
Stanzler, exhibitor and chairman of the
general committee, began them. Ira Lloyd
Letts, former judge of the U.S. district court,
was toastmaster. Those who followed were:
John O. Pastore, governor; Dennis J. Roberts,
mayor of Providence; Ben W. Brown, pro-
fessor of dramatics at Brown university;
Rev. Frederic C. Foley, O. P., president of
Providence college; Frank C. Walker, former
postmaster general; Basil O’Connor, William
F. Rodgers, U.S. Sen. Theodore Francis Green,
and others.
GUESTS ON THE DAIS
In addition to the speakers, others on the
dais were:
Edward A. Golden, £?. H. Fabian, Claude F. Lee,
Gus Eyssell, William A. Scully, John P. Hartigan,
Colvin W. Brown, James E. Dooley, Ben Kalmenson,
Malcolm Kingsberg, Earl C. Whelden, Maj. Albert
M. Warner, Herman Robbins, Joseph R. Vogel, Jack
Cohn, Philip C. Joslin, Abe Montague, John C.
Mahoney, Robert J. Mochrie, Richard F. Walsh, Sol
A. Schwartz and George J. Schaefer.
Among the guests who came from 16 states were:
Harry Browning, C. W. Burrell, Joseph B. Cohan,
Thomas P. Comerford, Edward A. Cuddy, George
F. Dembow, Oscar Doob, Jay Emanuel, Abe Fein-
berg, E. C. Grainger, James M. Jerauld, Maurice
Kann, Harry Kirchgessner, Frank Lanning, Jules
Lapidus, Irving Lesser, Herman M. Levy, F. J. A.
McCarthy, Art Moger, Lawrence Mooney, Martin
J. Mullin, L. D. Netter, E. K. ''Ted'' O'Shea, Sam
Pinanski, Lewen Pizor, Seymour Poe, Herman Rifkin,
Julian Rifkin, Harry Rogovin, Maurice Sainer, Melvin
V. Safner, Bert Sanford, R. M. Savini, Gustav J.
Schaefer, Charles Schlaifer, Sam Shain, Sam Siletsky,
A. W. Smith, A1 Somerby, E. Harold Stoneman, Martin
R. Toohey, Lon Vail, Frank Vennett, Morris N. Wolf,
Nathan Yamins and Harry Zeitz.
F. Zanuck, Henry Ginsberg, Steve Broidy,
Nate Blumberg, Herbert J. Yates, N. Peter
Rathvon, Jack L. Warner and Harry W.
Warner.
National officers who have registered so
far include R. J. O’Donnell, Carter Barron,
C. J. Latta, Marc J. Wolf, William K. Jen-
kins, Charles E. Lewis, James G. Balmer,
John J. Maloney, William McCraw and John
H. Harris.
Advance registrations include tents in
Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cincinnati, St. Louis,
Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, Albany, Indian-
apolis, Washington, D. C., Minneapolis, Phila-
delphia, Des Moines, Omaha, Dallas, Dayton,
Baltimore, Memphis, Atlanta, Oklahoma City,
Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Grand Rapids,
cisco.
Expect 1,000 Guests at Variety Dinner
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
23
HfUL ^opacity Crowds Jam
- and •••
"TOP” TARZAN GROSSES
ARE TO BE EXPECTED
R K O
RADIO
Detroit's Boxoffice Sag
Gets Expert's Analysis
DETROIT — Some significant reasons for
the estimated 15 per cent drop in theatre
attendance in the Detroit area were listed
this week by Daniel J. Ryan, city superin-
tendent of public welfare — and because
Detroit’s employment and general business
conditions have been a normally accurate
indicator of national trends for 30 years,
the analysis of the welfare director holds
special importance.
The estimated 15 per cent attendance
drop was revealed in a survey undertaken
by representative exhibitors. The per-
sistent character of the drop in attendance
has worried the theatre men who have
been unable to attribute it to immediate
industrial conditions because normal reac-
tions following the return of industrial
workers after layoffs were not evidenced.
NO BUSINESS PICKUP
When local industrial employment picked
up, business at the boxoffice did not recover
proportionately.
With a small but significant number of
workers going onto the welfare rolls, the fact
appears to be that the bottom has dropped
out of the employment market. In the past
nine-month period, there has been an in-
crease of 3,005 welfare cases, with the pres-
ent total 10,291 families, Ryan said.
Ryan summarized reasons for the increase
as follows:
“Marginally employable persons found
employment in recent years due to man-
power shortage. They have now been dis-
placed by younger able-bodied persons.
“Resources such as war savings bonds
and bank accounts which they set aside have
since been exhausted . . . discharges and lay-
offs were much more operative than in the
previous year.
“Another increasing reason is loss of in-
come from relatives and friends. The in-
creased cost of living has operated in this
area as well.
“Because fewer jobs in private industry
are available the number of persons assigned
to the work relief program is increasing
daily.”
Because of the fact that Detroit’s employ-
ment and general business conditions have
been a normally accurate indicator of na-
tional trends to come for the past 30 years,
the situation gains special significance.
Ryan anticipates “a gradudal reduction in
the case load in the immediate future,” but
he refrained from any long-term inference.
However, the steady increase in welfare
clients over the longer period may be a de-
layed effect of reconversion, but definitely
indicates that a substantial percentage of the
population working and part of the normal
consumer market two years ago have, per-
haps, dropped out of the market permanently.
Harry Thomas Drive Opens
On PRC Head's Birthday
NEW YORK— PRC’s Harry Thomas Sales
Drive opened officially Wednesday (April
23), on the company president’s birthday. A
total of $12,500 in cash prizes will be awarded
at the end of the 18-week drive.
Sales effort during the campaign will be
concentrated on “Her Sister’s Secret,” “Born
to Speed,” “The Devil on Wheels,” “Untamed
Fury,” “The Big Fix,” “Frontier Fighters,”
Raiders of Red Gap,” Panhandle Trail,”
“Code of the Plains,” “Thundergap Outlaws,”
“Shootin’ Irons” and six reissues and 16 films
released during previous seasons.
Million a Year Is Set By Wanger
As Cost of Selling' Hollywood
HOLLYWOOD— It will cost a million dol-
lars a year to have the world see Hollywood
in a proper and fair
light in the opinion of
Walter Wanger, Uni-
versal - International
producer. Appearing
as guest speaker at a
luncheon of the Holly-
wood Advertising club,
Wanger urged that an
annual industry budg-
et of a million be de-
voted to a public rela-
tions campaign on be-
half of the film cap-
ital.
Introduced by Walter wanger
Mayor Fletcher Bowron, Wanger said: “I
doubt that any industry has ever been ma-
ligned as much as Hollywood and has done
so little about it.
“The trouble with Hollywood, I think, is
that it has been so busy making and selling
its pictures that it has done virtually noth-
ing about selling itself. It has been singularly
modest about its good points and has per-
mitted scandalmongers and muckrakers to
highlight its bad ones. Good advertising can
play an important role in correcting this.
“In view of the millions we spend on in-
dividual pictures, I think a one million dollar
budget would be little enough if it served
to tell the real Hollywood story to the people.
I think all producers would find it to their
ultimate advantage to participate in such an
advertising plan. As in the past, we must
look to you advertisers to help us work this
out.
“Those of us who live in Los Angeles are
rather proud of our town. We have watched
it grow from an orange grove to one of the
most cosmopolitan cities in the world. To it
have come the finest artists; the finest archi-
tects; the finest writers; the finest musicians
and the finest designers. All have turned to
Hollywood seeking a place in an art form
which permits them to offer their talents
to the greatest audience ever assembled. Most
of these have settled here and developed a
fierce pride in southern California— a pride
which has made our chamber of commerce
the envy of any similar group anywhere.
These people raise families, send their kids
to school, play golf at their local club, go to
their respective churches on Sunday. They
are no better or no worse than any of their
fellow citizens in any other American city.”
26
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
New York MPT A Proposes
U.S. Health Collection
NEW YORK— The Metropolitan Motion
Picture Theatres Ass’n is to sound out na-
tional exhibitor groups on plans for a na-
tionwide “Health Week” drive to be
marked by theatre collections for health
charities.
A proposal to hold the drive in the New
York area only was shelved by the MMPTA
board of directors last Tuesday in favor of
a national campaign. Should the national
drive fail to materialize, the MMPTA will
then go ahead with local collections.
The directors also discussed the recent
meeting between Alger B. Chapman, presi-
dent of the state tax commission, and a dele-
gation of MMPTA representatives over the
five per cent admissions tax. This is a per-
missive tax which counties or cities over
100,000 population can impose after local
referendums.
The directors also decided to provide Chap-
man figures on the 1944 and 1946 grosses in
every county. This information had been re-
quested by Chapman during his recent meet-
ing in Albany with Fred J. Schwartz, presi-
dent of the MMPTA, and Robert W. Coyne,
executive director of the ATA. The men dis-
cussed model local legislation for use by areas
seeking to levy the tax.
Figures on 1944 will be included because
that year was more representative of normal
conditions than 1946, said Gen. Rodney Smith,
director of the MMPTA.
The MMPTA will supply the information
for metropolitan New York, and the ATA will
handle the assignment for upstate and west-
ern New York.
A third topic discussed by the board mem-
bers was a proposal by the city fire depart-
ment to take its employes out of legitimate
Memphis Censors
Three Other Films
MEMPHIS — The Memphis censor board is
at it again — and with a vengeance.
David O. Selznick’s “Duel in the Sun,”
scheduled for opening at Loew’s State Thea-
tre on May 1, was barred in its entirety from
Memphis and Shelby county theatres, in an
order announced by Lloyd T. Binford, censor
board chairman.
This announcement came just one day
after Binford and his associates had ordered
such major deletions in United Artists’ “The
Macomber Affair,” booked for Loew’s Palace,
that there was nothing left for the manage-
ment to do but cancel the booking.
Earlier in the week the Palace had sched-
uled a double bill consisting of “Destry
Rides Again” and “When the Daltons Rode,”
both of which had played virtually every
theatre in Memphis before the war. The
censor board banned both films. Altogether
it was a wild week for the two Loew’s thea-
tres, and Binford and his associates took a
lacing from Harry Martin, Commercial Ap-
peal amusement editor, in a bitter column
attacking the censor board’s activities.
Binford had this to say for banning the
Selznick picture:
“It is the most repellent movie I have seen
this year.”
He said he and the board took the action
after a special screening of the picture. A
and presentation houses as a budget-saving
move. The theatres would be required to re-
place the city firemen with private firemen
paid by the exhibitors.
A committee was picked to attend a hear-
ing on this proposal scheduled by Frank J.
Quayle, fire commissioner, April 24.
UJA Campaign Picture
Released Nationally
NEW YORK— “We Must Not Forget,” a
five minute film for the nationwide $170,-
000,000 drive of the United Jewish Appeal for
refugees, overseas needs and Palestine, was
released during the week to communities
throughout the country.
The film, which was produced by Dore
Schary, executive vice-president for RKO,
stars Eddie Cantor who gives an appeal to
support this year’s drive for the reconstruc-
tion of the 1,500,000 Jews in Europe who sur-
vived the Nazi reign of murder.
Cut Popcorn Oil Prices
PHILADELPHIA— A. E. Gaskill, assistant
sales manager of C. F. Simonin’s Sons, Inc.,
which handles Popsit Plus, a peanut oil pop-
corn seasoning, has reduced prices 15 per cent
in order to join in the general movement for
price reduction.
NASHVILLE, TENN— Blevins Popcorn Co.
here announces a reduction of approximately
15 per cent in liquid and solid seasoning in
response to President Truman’s appeal to
lower prices.
Say No to 'Duel';
in a Hectic Week
print had been flown in from Dallas to ac-
commodate the board.
“The picture is vulgar, sexy, and without
a decent thing in it. It starts off with two
murders and it ends with two murders.
Woven into it is a train wreck, seduction and
a lot of stuff which is repulsive.” His action
bans the film from all county theatres as
well as those in Memphis as the censorial
powers recently were extended to the county.
Critic Martin attacked the censors after the
double bill films and “The Macomber Affair”
were ruled out, but before the Selznick ban.
He declared that “to lay down a flat in-
junction that full-grown, normal, adult
Memphians are too weak-natured, too in-
nocent, and too susceptible to insidious in-
fluences to be able to sit unharmed through
pictures like ‘When the Daltons Rode,’
‘Destry Rides Again’ and ‘The Macomber
Affair’ is not only an invasion of the citi-
zenry’s American rights but an insult to its
intelligence.”
Binford was not fazed. He merely com-
mented that the board after screening “The
Macomber Affair” found “that it would not
be in the public interest to approve the pic-
ture.” He said nothing about the two west-
erns banned — he simply doesn’t like shoot-
ing.
the
more
they
hear
the
more
they’ll
cheer
Jor
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
27
QOP HAS BEEN WORKING feverishly to
keep campaign promises to adopt some
kind of remedial labor legislation to end labor
monopoly abuses, such as the Hollywood juris-
dictional strike which has tied up segments
of the industry.
The house, having passed its labor bill, is
confident of a two-thirds majority to over-
ride a presidential veto if President Truman
won’t sign. The senate is not so confident —
will pass a much milder bill, although it will
probably be tougher than the one reported
out of the senate labor committee this week
over Senator Taft’s objections. Taft wanted
to end all the nationwide bargaining but his
committee eliminated that provision.
Compromise between the two bills will leave
the senate bill still tougher and the house
bill milder. White House action is now ex-
pected in early June when the final act
reaches the President.
* * *
INDICATIONS ARE THAT the general
construction-industry picture is improving.
Construction of housing has shown progress
to the point where those forces opposed to
easing the limitations on nonhousing con-
struction are now willing to consider the tak-
ing off of all controls. The GOP is strongly
in favor of this, but has been cautious be-
cause of pressure of veterans organizations.
Frank R. Creedon, housing expediter, in
his monthly report stated that the “demand
for housing has receded somewhat from the
peak of late 1946.” His report stated that
despite shortages of a few materials, produc-
tion is “much better” than it was a year ago
and “should” supoort unprecedented housing
completions in 1947.
The CPA review committee are a little more
lenient in granting new theatre construction.
Six permits were authorized last week, but it
is estimated that at least 1,000 new theatres
are awaiting an okay.
* * *
ON THE HILL SIDE of the housing prob-
lem, there is a fight developing over the Wol-
cott housing bill to be reported out of the
house banking and currency committee. The
new bill would reoeal the present Patman
act under which Creedon operates, and end
all restriction, allocations, priorities _ and
guaranteed markets.
If the bill succeeds, the new freedom it
grants for construction of commercial estab^
lishments such as theatres may be outweighed
bv the specter of the Taft-Ellender bill to
subsidize veterans housing, provisions of
which may limit certain availability of ma-
terials, for nonhousing construction.
# * #
STILL REACTING to the broadside from
President Truman that business is to blame
for high prices, the U.S. Chamber of Com-
merce notes that: “Merchants and industry
generally look forward to sharper competi-
tion. Attempts to blame business for high
prices overlooks the interlocked relations of
wages, taxes, costs of raw materials and
other elements in prices.”
The National Chamber declared that other
groups must share the responsibility for re-
ducing prices . . . labor is already demanding
another round of wage increases.
* * *
THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY in Wash-
ington his week accomplished what no other
university in the country has ever been able
to accomplish. All Hollywood studios through
the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences have agreed to officially recognize
By LEE GARLIN6
C.U. as a producer of original manuscripts
for the stage and the screen.
Stars and featured players will be loaned,
at no expense to the university, for the pur-
pose of acting in C.U. written scripts. Holly-
wood also will pay salaries and all expenses
of stars they send to the university.
All this was accomplished through the tire-
less efforts of Father Gilbert V. Hartke who
directs the department of speech and drama
at the university.
Said the drama faculty: "We hope especially
to give new writers a chance to see their
work on the stage, before an audience, as a
In this Issue
The MODEM THEATRE
immediately following the
LOCAL NEWS PAGES
Your Attention, Please! . . .
To Our Teen-Age Contingency
by HELEN KENT
*
Springtime Prescription for
Depressed Theatre Patronage
bv ANSEL M. MOORE
*
New Safety Precaution for
Theatre Ceiling Construction
bv A. R. TRINKLE
*
The New Josephine: Ex-
ample of Thrift in Theatre Build-
ing
+
Structural Renovation Re-
Dates Still Another RKO The-
atre
*
Don't Wait! ... A Timely
Discussion of Jobs That Need
Doing
by HANNS R. TEICHERT
*
Just Off the Boards
*
A Community Atmospheric
Theatre in the Perspective
*
Thermal Insulation First
Aid to Temperature Control
by HENRY J. WINGATE
*
New Fiberglas-Cotton Fab-
rics Reduce Fire Hazards
*
Plastic Wall Coverings
Make Better Housekeeping
Easier
*
News of What's New in
Modem Theatre Equipment
*
New British Projector De-
signed for Superior Eye Appeal
by THE CONDUCTOR
major step in their development. That is
to say, we will not consider his work a failure
if it is not immediately optioned to New
York or Hollywood.”
Anita Colby of Hollywood, but a Washing-
tonian by birth, is familiar with the work
at Catholic university and has been assigned
to the project.
Father Hartke asserted after conferences
with Hollywood that the studios do not look
on the program as something working only
to the advantage of Catholic university but
welcome the opportunity to promote fresh
writing talent and give established stars a
chance to improve their acting.
* * *
A FILM CLINIC WAS HELD last week by
the Washington Film Council at the Agricul-
ture department in Washington. The meet-
ing was devoted to a comparison of methods
of using animation in educational films.
Two films were shown, on the same sub-
ject, basic electronics, using different ap-
proaches to the subject. One was produced
by Loucks and Norling for the U.S. Office
of Education and the other by Disney for
the Minneapolis-Honeywell Corp.
There also was a demonstration of a new
film-strip projector that changes the picture
automatically without the use of the standard
gong.
At next week’s meeting, the speaker will be
Roger Albright of MPA, who will speak on
plans of the education division of the Motion
Picture Ass’n.
* * *
MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITORS may
benefit slightly from the much-talked-of
business “recession.” The GOP will have a
stronger argument in this case for reducing
taxes. On this score the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce argues that, “delay in enactment
of a tax-reduction bi’l, will increase the dan-
ger of a sudden decline in production and
unemployment.”
At any rate, Congress is veering away from
the idea of dual taxation, whereby both fed-
eral and state governments tax the same item
such as theatre admissions. Proposed District
of Columbia theatre admission tax bill re-
cently defeated, is an example of this.
* * *
WASHINGTON TELEVISION set sales took
a jump after T-Day when by joint resolution
all retailers placed their sets on sale the
same day. One merchant reported selling as
many as 50 in one day. This is expected to
keep up for a while, but fear has been ex-
pressed of a drop in sales due to the poor
quality of the programs produced.
Ball games and fights seem to be the most
successful telecasts. Dramatizations are
skimpy and poor coming from Washington’s
one television station. Few films have been
telecast and didn't produce successfully. Mo-
tion picture exhibitors are getting jittery for
fear this practice may cut in on their business.
The problem is complicated further by the
advent of “packaged films” soon to be offered
to television stations by Apex Film Corp. and
Telecomics, Inc., both of a high and profes-
sional quality.
* * *
POPULATION AND HOUSING statistics
released this week by the Census bureau
shows that no less than 31,000,000 persons
migrated throughout the United States dur-
ing the war and have relocated. They now are
considered finally settled, which report should
be helpful to theatre owners in analyzing
potential audience concentrations for new
theatres.
* * *
MORE CANDY for theatre confection
counters and vending machines may be avail-
able soon. Present plans of the Agriculture
department to decontrol sugar by October 31
may be suddenly changed. If Agriculture de-
cides marketers are hoarding sugar now, wait-
ing for high prices when controls go off, the
department may decontrol it any moment
without notice.
28
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
EXHIBS TO GET LOWDOWN ON
THE TROUBLE WITH WOMEN
Friday , May 9th , At
Paramount Trade-Shows
Of The Comedy Riot Starring
r*
Ray Teresa Brian
MILLAND • WRIGHT - DONLEVY
“Don’t look now,
your student
professor, but
body is showing!”
CITY
PLACE
ALBANY FOX PROJ. ROOM, 1052 Broadway
ATLANTA PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 154 Walton St., N.W
BOSTON PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 58 Berkeley St
BUFFALO PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 464 Franklin St
CHARLOTTE PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 3C5 S. Church St
CHICAGO PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1306 S. Michigan Ave.
CINCINNATI PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1214 Central Parkway
CLEVELAND PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1735 E. 23rd St
DALLAS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 412 S. Harwood St.. .
DENVER PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 2100 Stout St
DES MOINES PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1125 High St
DETROIT PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 479 Ledyard Ave.. . .
INDIANAPOLIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 116 W. Michigan St..
KANSAS CITY PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1800 Wyandotte St.. .
LOS ANGELES BOULEVARD THEATRE, Washington & Vermont Sts..
MEMPHIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 362 S. Second St
MILWAUKEE PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1121 N. 8th St
MINNEAPOLIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1201 Currie Ave
NEW HAVEN PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 82 State St
NEW ORLEANS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 215 S. Liberty St
NEW YORK CITY FOX PROJECTION ROOM, 345 W. 44th St
OKLAHOMA CITY PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 701 W. Grand Ave FRI.
OMAHA PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1704 Davenport St FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
FRI.
PHILADELPHIA .PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 248 No. 12th St
PITTSBURGH PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1727 Blvd. of Allies.
PORTLAND PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 909 N.W. 19th Ave..
ST. LOUIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 2949 Olive St
SALT LAKE CITY PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 270 E. 1st So. St. . . .
SAN FRANCISCO PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 205 Gold Gate Ave.
SEATTLE PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 2330 First Ave
DATE
MAY 9 2 30 P.M.
MAY 9 10:30 A M
MAY 9 2 30 P M.
MAY 9 2 P.M.
MAY 9 1.-30 P.M.
MAY 9 1.30 P.M.
MAY 9 2.30 P.M.
MAY 9 2 P.M
MAY 9 2 30 P.M.
MAY 9. . . 2 P.M.
MAY 9 12.45 P.M.
MAY 9 2 P.M.
MAY 9 2 P.M.
MAY 9 2 P.M.
MAY 9 1.30 P.M.
MAY 9 2.30 P.M.
MAY 9 2 P.M.
MAY 9 130 P.M.
MAY 9 2 P.M.
MAY 9 10 A M.
MAY 9 2.30 P.M.
MAY 9., 10 30 A M.
MAY 9 1:30 P.M.
MAY 9 2 P.M.
MAY 9 2 P.M.
MAY 9 2 P.M.
MAY 9 130 P.M.
MAY 9 1 P.M
MAY 9 2 P.M.
MAY 9 2 P M.
MAY 9 2 30 P.M.
With
ROSE HOBART
CHARLES SMITH
LEWIS RUSSELL
IRIS ADRIAN
FRANK FAYLEN
Directed by
SIDNEY LANFIELD
Produced by Harry Tugend
Screen Play by Arthur Sheekman
'ZtottycMod IQefcont
By IVAN SPEAR
Stanley Kramer Forms
Own Producing Unit
Monotonous as it may sound to the w. k.
gentle reader, it again becomes necessary to
report appearance on the Hollywood scene
of still another independent production outfit,
which in-a-rut chronicling chore by now is
firmly established as a weekly procedure.
Filling the new-producer-of-the-week spot
is Screenplays, Inc., organizer of which is
Stanley Kramer, formerly executive producer
of Story Productions, and prior to that an
associate of David L. Loew, film producer and
financier. He plans a production policy of
profit participation by stars, writers and
other creative talent, and emphasis on Amer-
ican classics as the basis for pictures. Kramer
says he personally is bankrolling his new
venture — with some undisclosed outside fi-
nancing— and hopes to get rolling on his
first feature in the near future. As is usually
the case at this stage of the game, no re-
leasing deal has been set.
Goldstone and Somerset
Sign Releasing Deals
Meanwhile two others among the countless
come-lately establishments moved closer to
actually bringing their celluloid children to
the screen.
Nat Goldstone, agent-turned-producer — he
hopes— was filling his pen, that close he was
to signing a deal with Universal-Interna-
tional for the distribution of his initial film-
making venture. The picture is to be titled
“Casbah,” which will be recalled as the spot
to which Charles Boyer invited gals inter-
ested in the inspection of etchings. To star
Tony Martin, the film will be based on the
“Pepe Le Moko” yarn which has been the
basis of several preceding photoplays. Gold-
stone’s approach will differ, inasmuch as
this time it will be a musical, with Harold
Arlon already inked to compose the score
and dream up the songs. Eric Charell will
function as associate producer.
Screen Guild Productions signed a dis-
tribution contract with Somerset Pictures,
new company headed by Walter Colmes
whose first picture will be an exploitation
special covering a timely subject. Associ-
ated with Colmes in Somerset are J. J. Mil-
stein, veteran distribution executive, and Selly
Levinson, one time assistant to the late, great
Irving Thalberg.
U-I Buys 'Saxon Charm'
To Star Clark Gable
Because into every life some rain must fall,
the story peddlers had a comparatively slim
week after several unusually lush stanzas.
Universal - International purchased “The
Saxon Charm,” a new novel by Frederic
Wakeman, author of “The Hucksters,” just
completed by MGM as a Clark Gable starrer.
“The Saxon Charm” is a novel of modern
New York pitched against a theatrical back-
ground, and the title refers to the principal
character, “Saxon,” a Broadway producer
. . . “It’s Murder She Says,” an original by
Charles Moran, former New York newspaper
man, was acquired by Republic. The story,
about a lady detective, will star Adele Mara
as the female private eye and will be pro-
duced by William J. O’Sullivan with George
Blair directing. Royal Cole is collaborating
with Moran on the screenplay . . . Inde-
pendent Producer James S. Burkett bought
screen rights to the poem “Dick Turpin’s
Ride” from Alfred Noyes and will use it as
the basis for a feature-length film. No release
set. “No Common Clay,” an original screen-
play by Milton Geiger and Robert Metzler,
went to Michael Curtiz Productions whose
output is released by Warner.
Columbia Action Musical
To Be ‘Song of Idaho'
Neglected indeed the commonwealth whose
glories and history are not being immortalized
in celluloid as a result of Hollywood’s current
trend to build titles and screenplays around
states, most especially those west of the con-
tinental divide. Idaho need no longer feel an
outcast from such far-from-exclusive aggre-
gation. “Song of Idaho” is the title of a new
action musical added to the production sched-
ule of Colbert Clark at Columbia. Barry
Shipman is developing the original story.
Film will be the second in Columbia’s next
season’s program of musical gallopers of
which a quartet was made for the 1946-47
season ... At the same studio, a pair of
directional chores were assigned: Henry Levin
was set to meg “The Mating of Millie Mc-
Gonigle,” the Casey Robinson production
which will star Evelyn Keyes, and William
Castle will pilot “The Crime Doctor’s Gamble.”
Dewitt Bodeen to Handle
'Early Autumn' Script
Dewitt Bodeen has been handed the chore
of writing the screenplay of “Early Autumn,”
Pulitzer prize-winning novel by Louis Brom-
field, recently purchased by Benedict Bogeaus
as Ida Lupino’s initial production under the
Arcadia banner, company formed by Bogeaus
and Miss Lupino. The actress will also par-
ticipate in a production capacity . . . Tommy
Carr will direct “Code of the Saddle,” next
Monogram western starring Johnny Mack
Brown with Raymond Hatton. Barney
Sarecky produces the series.
U-I Signs Karl Tunberg
As Writer-Producer
Karl Tunberg, erstwhile Paramount pro-
ducer, inked a new contract at Universal-
International calling for his services as a
writer and producer. His first chore will be
the screen version of the Mike Todd stage
play, “Up in Central Park,” in which Deanna
Durbin will be starred under William Seiter’s
direction. Tunberg, before signing the new
pact, had just completed a screenplay, “Thun-
der on the Hill,” which will star Joan Fon-
taine for Producer Joseph Sistrom . . . An-
other newcomer to U-I’s creative roster,
Claude Binyon, was handed the writing-
directing job on “Midnight Lace,” the re-
cently acquired MacKinlay Kantor novel.
This one, too, will be produced by Sistrom.
Fourth in Big Town Series
Is 'Big Time Scandal'
Its title to the contrary, “Big Time Scan-
dal,” a newcomer to the production scene,
will not be a musical. On the contrary, it is
the tag selected by Sharecroppers Pine and
Thomas for the fourth in their Big Town
series, predicated upon the radio program of
the same name and which, like all P&T out-
put, is distributed by Paramount. The Dol-
lar Bills signed Robert Emmett to pilot
“Shaggy,” nee “Me and My Dog,” which is
to be their second stab at color pictures.
Biographical Films Set
For Paramount, RKO
It had to happen. For many months
screen fare has been dotted with an in-
creasing number of features projecting
the nefarious pursuits of thoroughgoing
villainesses, not the least of whose cur-
ricular pursuits was murder, plain and
fancy. It was inevitable that the trend
should take a biographical twist and that
the subject of such a picture should be
the grandmother of all femme heavies,
Lucrezia Borgia. Paramount has decided
to make a film dealing with the original
advocate of the lethal Mickey Finn.
Titled “A Mask for Lucrezia,” it wall
stem from an original story based on the
life of the Duchess of Ferrara, one of
whose husbands, Francis of Aragon, was
mysteriously assassinated. A novel ap-
proach to a historical murder mystery
will be utilized by treating the theme
from the viewpoint of a modern suspense
melodrama. Michael Hogan is the author
of the original story and is writing the
screenplay which Val Lewton will pro-
duce.
Another newcomer to future production
agenda is also of biographical ilk. To be
made by Robert Riskin Productions for
RKO Radio distribution, the film will
tell the life story of Lillie Colt, an early
day San Franciscan whose claim to fame
seems to be the fact that she specialized
in being the friend of firemen in a city
famous for its fires. Liam O’Brien has
been set to write an original screenplay
about Lillie, who was born in South Caro-
lina, but moved with her family to the
Golden Gate in 1851, arriving two weeks
after the first big fire that destroyed the
town.
Brenda Joyce and Robert Shayne will be in
the adult toplines. The boy has not been
cast. Ditto, the dog . . . James Fenimore
Cooper, that old reliable of the public domain
who always is good for a story idea when orig-
inals— or productional bankrolls — run low, is
going to be given a whirl by Screen Guild
Productions. Arthur St. Claire and Frank
Wisbar have been set by SGP to prepare a
screenplay on Cooper’s “Prairie.”
MGM Casts Albert Dekker
For 'Cass Timberlane'
No matter which way he turns, Albert Dek-
ker cannot dodge politics. In real life a
California legislator, Dekker has been cast
to portray a political boss in MGM’s “Cass
Timberlane” ... At the same studio, Tom
Drake and Dorothy Patrick were set for lead
romantic roles in “Alias a Gentleman,” Wal-
lace Beery starrer. Peggy Wood is being
brought to Hollywood by Paramount for a
role in the filmization of Elmer Rice’s stage
play, “Dream Girl,” to star Betty Hutton . . .
Added to the same cast was Virginia Field
. . . Elsa Lanchester was signed for a char-
acter part in Samuel Goldwyn’s “The Bishop’s
Wife,” which resumed shooting, after a four-
week shutdown, with Henry Koster directing
. . . Triangle Productions, headed by Mary
Pickford, Buddy Rogers and Ralph Cohn,
signed Don Ameche to co-star with Robert
Cummings in “Sleep, My Love.” Douglas Sirk
directs.
30
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
“Movie of the week!" — LIFE . . . "Rush down to get a seat!" — N. Y. TIMES
“Kerr rhymes with Star!"— TIME . . .“Superb performance !“— DAILY MIRROR
“Don’t miss 'The Adventuress!*" — JOURNAL- AMERICAN . . . “Gives the heart
something to throb about!“— WALTER WINCHELL • . • “Best film released
for Easter! — WORLD-TELEGRAM
"Kerr captivating!" — MORNING TELEGRAPH • e , “Kerr is velvet!"— PM
“May well be performance which took her to Hollywood and co-starring
part with Gable in 'The Hucksters!’" — DAILY NEWS . . . “Gable’s new part-
ner charming!" — WORLD -TELEGRAM . . . “'The Adventuress’ has lovely
Deborah Kerr!"— WALTER WINCHELL . . * “No wonder they snatched her
for 'The Hucksters!’" — POST . . . “Kerr dominant!" — HERALD -TRIBUNE
NOW SETTING BOX-OFFICE RECORDS
AT NEW YORK’S VICTORIA THEATRE
4
THE YEAR’S GREATEST REVIEWS
HAIL THE YEAR S GREATEST PICTURE!
First Run Reports
As a further development of the percentage
method of reporting picture grosses (origi-
nated by BOXOFFICE in 1928), this chart
shows the records made by pictures in five
or more key city engagements. As other runs
are reported, ratings will be added and aver-
ages changed.
Top H its of the Week
*The Best Years of Our Lives —
Des Moines 300
Omaha 275
The Egg and I —
Indianapolis 250
Computed in terms of percentage in
relation to normal grosses. With 100
per cent as "normal," the figures
show the percentage above or below
that mark.
BOSTON
BUFFALO
CHICAGO
CINCINNATI
CLEVELAND
—
DALLAS
—
DENVER
tn
UJ
z
o
s
V)
UJ
DETROIT
INDIANAPOLIt
KANSAS CITY
LOS ANGELES
MILWAUKEE
MINNEAPOLIS
NEW HAVEN
NEW YORK
OMAHA
PHILADELPHIA
PITTSBURGH
SAN FRANCISCO
SEATTLE
AVERAGE
Abie’s Irish Rose (UA)
1
105
90
108
160
50
103
Angel and the Badman (Rep)
120
100
130
130
95
112
153
100
125
140
121
Beast With Five Fingers, The (WB)
140
90
115
100
115
125
95
125
120
125
140
95
95
160
140
no
no
118
Beat the Band (RKO)
170
100
100
100
100
100
200
85
100
117
*Best Years of Our Lives, The (RKO)
200
200
200
300
300
200
500
300
175
325
175
250
180
275
210
310
600
250
275
Blondie’s Holiday (Col)
90
100
100
100
80
94
Boomerang (20th-Fox)
130
89
140
120
no
82
175
115
148
117
170
130
80
124
Bom to Speed (PRC)
100
100
80
100
95
95
Brasher Doubloon, The (20th-Fox)
100
85
1
100
85
100
60
88
Brief Encounter (U-I)
120
120
90
100
110
125
115
125
140
165
75
117
Carnival in Costa Rica <20th-Fox)
120
100
150
115
96
—
170
125
125
Chase, The (UA)
170
148
135
100
120
80
no
120
95
210
100
105
130
130
80
122
Cigarette Girl (Col)
100
100
—
100
100
100
90
100
100
100
100
80
97
Easy Come, Easy Go (Para)
115
no
93
105
120
109
Egg and I, The (U-I)
250
150
250
220
200
214
Fear in the Night (Para)
140
100
92
no
100
108
Her Sister’s Secret (PRC)
100
100
115
110
100
110
85
100
80
150
77
90
100
100
101
It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM)
130
88
95
100
120
100
150
130
160
130
no
119
It’s a Wonderful Life (RKO)
180
110
135
160
120
135
130
175
130
95
130
200
120
200
135
130
140
105
190
143
Johnny O’clock (Col)
140
140
70
no
100
115
175
no
135
no
170
210
132
Ladies’ Man (Para)
140
165
65
150
95
93
125
145
100
135
90
118
Lady in the Lake (MGM)
170
72
120
115
100
105
100
130
no
110
200
100
125
150
135
105
125
80
130
120
120
Late George Apley, The (20th-Fox)
95
100
150
130
113
118
Macomber Affair, The (UA)
no
100
115
100
135
112
Michigan Kid (U-I)
100
95
no
no
125
100
150
125
114
Missing Lady, The (Mono)
90
100
100
75
100
93
My Favorite Brunette (Para)
175
114
145
160
95
135
150
130
150
195
165
150
no
180
120
150
160
146
*Open City (Mayer-Burstyn, Inc.)
170
135
160
300
120
175
100
150
164
Raider, The (English Films)
120
90
140
100
100
110
Show-Off, The (MGM)
100
108
155
120
120
90
140
105
95
125
110
175
90
140
145
77
120
260
150
140
130
128
Sinbad the Sailor (RKO)
150
100
125
160
145
120
145
90
130
160
175
165
130
168
115
170
105
150
139
Sister Kenny (RKO)
120
200
105
90
85
80
85
95
75
100
125
115
no
140
130
115
140
70
140
105
111
Smash-Up (U-I)
125
130
85
200
100
140
120
185
136
Song of Scheherazade (U-I)
120
150
125
250
90
95
175
no
125
no
175
160
140
Stairway to Heaven (U-I)
130
100
102
130
155
123
Stallion Road (WB)
115
100
175
130
125
100
105
170
120
127
Suddenly It’s Spring (Para)
150
135
140
130
105
135
140
90
101
125
150
127
That Way With Women (WB)
60
95
100
85
98
130
65
90
Three on a Ticket (PRC)
100
95
100
85
100
96
Trail Street (RKO)
105
115
115
125
125
135
106
135
150
123
Trap, The (Mono)
100
100
100
90
100
95
100
100
100
98
32
Playing at advanced admission soales.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
VtcioSs
'!!«■' "SSK*".
CfURtS P
VT.T..ifl«« ....
associate Ptodueei.
.... r.meU 'NooUi*
Clevelanders Speculate on Deal
Involving Baptist Showcase
CLEVELAND — Speculation is rife as to who
is proposing to lease the Euclid Avenue Bap-
tist church here for a first-run motion pic-
ture theatre. First guess was that Rank in-
terests were after it, as it is generally known
that Rank is seeking showcases for his prod-
uct in important exchange centers. This,
however, has been denied.
Rumor has it that a local independent thea-
tre chain has entered a formidable bid for
the lease of tbs church’s 2,500-seat audi-
torium. If this turns out, it will be the only
independently operated downtown first run
in the city.
. . . has that rich , golden
color that makes ’em buy!
★ Uniform Quality always— in color
—in flavor— in consistency.
★ Colored at the refinery by expert
chemists*
★ Packed in Open Head Pails and
drums for better accessibility.
★ Backed by 70 years "know how".
★ For those states where colored oil is not sold
— use SIMKO brand, natural color
coconut oil seasoning.
2550 E. TIOGA ST. PHILADELPHIA 34, PA.
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
Dr. D. R. Sharpe, executive secretary of
the Cleveland Baptist Ass’n of which the
Euclid Baptist church is one of 31 members,
is quoted as saying that this extraordinary
move is part of a long range plan “to pre-
serve our property, strengthen the Baptist
position in the heart of the city and insure
the extension of Baptist work in the whole
area from which Protestant churches have
moved.”
According to Dr. Sharpe, it is the intention
to permit movies to be shown every day of
the week in the auditorium, while religious
services will be held on Sunday in the 500-
seat chapel.
It is understood that it will require com-
paratively little alteration to convert the
$1,500,000 church, which used to be known
locally as the Rockefeller church because it
was here that the financier and his family
worshipped, into a theatre. Floor grade and
seats are just right for movies. A stage could
easily replace the pulpit and new decorations
would about complete the conversion.
Monogram Will Distribute
$15,000 in Drive Prizes
NEW YORK — Monogram will award $15,-
000 in prizes in connection with its 16th an-
niversary drive ending June 27, according to
Maurice R. Goldstein, general sales manager.
The leading branch in each of the com-
pany’s three divisions will receive $1,000 for
the highest sales and $1,000 for the highest
collections.
Second prizes will be $750; third prizes, $500,
and fourth prizes, $250.
The first division comprises branches in
Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles,
New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and
Washington. The second division takes in
Buffalo, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, De-
troit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, New Orleans,
Pittsburgh and St. Louis. The third division’s
branches are: Albany, Denver, Des Moines,
Memphis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Oklahoma
City, Omaha, Portland, Ore., Salt Lake City
and Seattle.
UA Releases Five in May
NEW YORK — United Artists will release
five pictures during May. They are “Ram-
rod,’’ Enterprise-Harry Sherman production,
May 2; “Adventures of Don Coyote,” Comet
production, May 9; “Dishonored Lady,” Hunt
Stromberg production, May 16; “Dangerous
Venture,” Hopalong Cassidy western, May 23,
and “Copacabana,” Sam Coslow musical,
May 30.
Features for Saje
Available now: One American
feature; 5 English; 3 English with
Spanish titles; 2 French with Eng-
lish titles; G French with Spanish
titles; 5 Spanish version; 2 German
with English titles. Some are for
South America only. Some for the
Western Hemisphere. Complete
with negatives. Write Box 47,
BOXOFFICE, 9 Rockefeller Plaza.
New York City.
In the Newsreels
Movietone News, No. 67: Blast in Texas; Reynolds
round the world flight; Babe Ruth recuperates in
Florida; horse show in Australia.
News of the Day, No. 265: Big Texas explosion
disaster.
Paramount News, No. 68: People in the eyes of the
world — Admiral Byrd comes home; Hirohito sports
fan; vacation lor the Babe; first pictures of blast
which wrecks Texas City.
Pathe News, No. 70: Round the world flight; Texas
City disaster.
Universal News, No. 31: Special release — first pic-
tures of America's worst disaster in 30 years — Texas
City ripped by explosions and gutted by flame and
smoke — indescribable scenes of devastation, and
death; crew of three circles globe in record time,
Emperor Hirohito goes democratic — congratulates
soccer teams.
•
Movietone News, No. 68: President Truman says
prices must be brought down; Texas City digs out;
wind-up of British Royal family's tour of South
Africa; Lew Lehr — mama dog who lost her litter
turns to cat napping; sports.
News of the Day, No. 266: Texas City aftermath;
Truman warns nation of danger of high prices; liner
Queen Elizabeth aground; Moscow hit by floods;
dervish dance from Cyprus; Mickey Rooney aids
very worthy cause; new ideas in style show.
Paramount News, No. 69: Hockey's world series;
Toronto wins Stanley cup; Morocco's sultan rallies
Arabs; boy, boy, boy meets girl, girl, girl; Truman
calls for slashing prices; Texas City aftermath.
Pathe News, No. 71: Sultan snubs France; death
camp bosses on trial; lost Czech children see par-
ents; machine promises sun's power; Texas City
aftermath.
Universal News, No. 32: Incredible scenes of death
and destruction in wake of Texas City disaster;
Truman urges price cuts in address to members of
the Associated Press; eggs bounce off rubber mat
when dropped from ten-story building in New York;
Korean wins Boston marathon; Maple Leafs win Stan-
ley cup trophy at Toronto.
All American News, Vol. 5, No. 235: New singers
to dot air lanes — Chicago's radio station WBBM con-
cludes citywide contest for Negro talent; honors to
George Washington Carver; Girl Scouts march for-
ward at St. Louis; it's pouring hats — all kindsl
Henry Ford dies.
FROM THE FILES OF
^HE “King of Kings,’’ Cecil B. DeMille’s
great production of the life of Christ, had
its world premiere at the Gaiety Theatre,
New York, on April 19. The audience was one
of the most distinguished that ever attended
a first performance of a motion picture. The
production required the services of 18 prin-
cipals; there were 530 named roles and 4,228
supernumeraries. Among the noteworthy
principals may be mentioned: H. B. Warner
Dorothy Cumming, Ernest Torrence, Rudolph
Schildkraut, Sam De Grasse, Theodore Kos-
loff, Victor Varconi, Major Coleman,
Montague Love, George Siegmann, William
Boyd, Robert Edeson and Julia Faye.
High praise is given Clara Bow in “The
Plastic Age,” a film that is currently being
booked. Editor Ben Shlyen of The Reel
Journal, writes: “What is probably the most
phenomenal success a picture has ever scored
in the history of this business is the record
achieved by ‘The Plastic Age.’ ” He calls it a
natural, and advises exhibitors to give every
such film all the backing it merits.
* * *
The Motion Picture Theatre Owners of
Arkansas have abandoned the plan adopted
six months ago to collect money for approved
charities in the state by giving at least one
Sunday show in every theatre represented in
the organization . . . The exhibitor organiza-
tion of Indiana has been reorganized under
the name of Associated Theatre Owners of
Indiana. Charles R. Metzger is the new
president.
34
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
across the screen with
ACTION
DRAMA and *
ROMANCE /
JACK SCHWARZ
PRODUCTIONS
presents
RICHARD ARLEN
wi
ith
JENNIFER HOLT • LEE SHUMWAY
GIL PATRICK • EDWARD CASSIDY
EDMUND COBB -TED ADAMS
JOHN DEXTER • HOLLIS BLAINE
Produced by
JACK SCHWARZ
Directed by
BERNARD B. RAY
Distributed by Screen Guild Productions, Inc.
Home Office; 346 So. La Brea Ave., Hollywood, Calif. — Foreign Dep't.:7237thAve.,NewYorkCity — Cable: '‘Cuildfilmj.’’
I Sxfafctwi *1^44 *i¥i4 Say
ABOUT PICTURES
One star after a picture report denotes an exhibitor who has only started
contributing to the department, two stars designate a contributor who has been
sending in reports from six months to a year, and three stars are for those of
veteran standing, from one to many years. When a contributor attains the three-
star standing, he may expect a token of our appreciation. Everybody welcome
COLUMBIA
Blondie's Big Moment (Col) — Penny Single-
ton, Arthur Lake, Larry Simms. The Blondies
are running out here, although this one is as
good as usual. Dagwood is too silly. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Bad. — R. C. Drayer,
Majestic Theatre, Frankfort, S. D. Rural and
small town patronage. * * *
Girl of the Limberlost (Col) — Dorinda Clif-
ton, Loren Tindall, Ruth Nelson. Double billed
this with "My Name Is Julia Ross." It was a
fine performance all around. It followed the
story — which is well known here — rather close-
ly. Many comments received and they were
all pleasant. Played Wednesday. Weather:
Cold. — Lloyd Lafond, Rimrock Theatre, Win-
nett, Mont. Rural and small town patron-
age. * *
Jack Armstrong (Col) — Serial. This is a
serial with a new twist. It is the first one like
it since "Flash Gordon." Everyone seems to
like it. Play it, by all means. Columbia is
coming up on its serials. Played Fri., Sat.- — •
James E. Davis, Rialto Theatre, Bennington,
Okla. Rural and small town patronage.
Jungle Raiders (Col) — Serial. Kane Rich-
mond, Veda Ann Borg, Eddie Quillan. A pretty
good serial from Columbia. It was rather silly,
but the kids seemed to follow it pretty well.
Kane Richmond should be a star instead of
fiddlin' around with this penny-ante stuff.
Only a few walkouts on this serial, and it was
better than some others we played. Played
Fri., Sat. Weather: Varied. — Dinkle & Lemas-
ter, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural and
small town patronage. *
Mysterious Intruder (Col) — Richard Dix, Bar-
ton MacLane, Nina Vale. A very go'od show for
a weekend double bill, bringing in my first
good attendance in over a month. Played
Fri., Sat. Weather: Cool. — Ralph Raspa, State
Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Small town pa-
tronage. * * *
Renegades (Col) — Evelyn Keyes, Willard
Parker, Larry Parks. A storm struck just in
time to keep crowds away — hardly anyone
the first night. This would have topped many
pictures if the weather had been good. Those
that saw it, commented favorably. Played
Sat., Sun. — W. H. Swan, Auditorium Theatre,
Roscoe, S. D. Rural patronage.
Thrill of Brazil, The (Col) — Evelyn Keyes,
Keenan Wynn, Ann Miller. Good comedy by
Keenan Wynn and Evelyn Keyes helps to keep
this from being a complete bust. However,
the Latin American theme and the presence of
Tito Guizar keep the cash take strictly in the
lower brackets. Played Tues., Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Some rain. — Paul Ricketts, Charm
Theatre, Holyrood, Kas. Rural and small town
patronage. *
FILM CLASSICS
Trail Dust (FC) — Reissue. William Boyd,
James Ellison, "Gabby" Hayes. A very good
reissue with Hopalong Cassidy, but not as
good as the ones he made a few years back
for United Artists. However, it drew a good
crowd and we are not complaining. The print
was A-l. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cold
and snow. — Dinkle & Lemaster, Ken Theatre,
Raceland, Ky. Rural and small town patron-
age. *
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Boys' Ranch (MGM) — Jackie "Butch" Jenkins,
Skippy Homeier, Dorothy Patrick. This was a
good small town picture. "Butch" is always
good for a laugh here. With prices like MGM
asked for this one, we made a few dollars.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold. — Hugh A.
Wood, Community Theatre, Holden, Utah.
Small town patronage.
Courage of Lassie (MGM) — Elizabeth Tay-
lor, Frank Morgan, Tom Drake. A fine dog
show in Technicolor. Business was good and
all who came were pleased. — E. M. Freibur-
ger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small
town patronage. * * *
Courage of Lassie (MGM) — Elizabeth Tay-
lor, Frank Morgan, Tom Drake. This really
brought them in from all over. Some even
came back for the second night. The Tech-
nicolor was beautiful — play it, by all means.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair. — James E.
Davis, Rialto Theatre, Bennington, Okla. Ru-
ral and small town patronage.
Easy to Wed (MGM) — Van Johnson, Esther
Williams, Lucille Ball. More like this for small
town theatres. Plenty of comedy is what we
want and less heavy stuff — and no pictures
using French or English dialog. They don't
take here. Played Sat., Sun. Weather: Good.
— W. E. Knight, Havelock Theatre, Havelock,
Iowa. Small town and rural patronage. * *
Holiday in Mexico (MGM) — Walter Pidgeon,
Jose Iturbi, Ilona Massey. A fine picture.
Many good comments although the large
amount of high class singing in the trailer
kept some of the steady customers away. The
trailer sold it short. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Good. — Paul Ricketts, Charm Thea-
tre, Holyrood, Kas. Rural and small town
patronage. *
Show-Off, The (MGM) — Red Skelton, Mari-
lyn Maxwell, Marjorie Main. If you can sell
this to the public, the majority will enjoy it.
Fast-moving comedy with Red Skelton at his
best. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Rain. —
James C. Balkcom jr., Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga.
Small town patronage.
MONOGRAM
Come Out Fighting (Mono) — Leo Gorcey,
Huntz Hall, Billy Benedict. A good action pic-
ture. Can't say I'm crazy about these "East
Side Kids" pictures, but with a western, we
Percentage Picture Unfair
To Small Town Exhibitor
“I do want to bring the big pictures to
my patrons but with the prohibitive terms
offered by some of the distributors, it
makes it tough. My patrons are entitled
to see these pictures and I should be en-
titled to play them without having to
have my patrons counted like so many
sheep or cattle in the slaughterhouse . . .
There are no provisions in any of my
contracts stating that I have to allow any
checker to stand in my lobby ... I hope
that the day isn’t too far off when some
of these big shot distributors will figure
out who is crazy when it comes to selling
a percentage picture in a small town of
less than 1,500.” — Harold J. Johnson, El-
berta Theatre, Palisade, Colo.
were satisfied. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Cold. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Til-
bury, Ont. General patronage. * * *
South of the Rio Grande (Mono) — Duncan
Renaldo, Martin Garralaga, Armida. A re-
make of "Rose of the Rio Grande" which
Monogram made in 1938 with John Carroll
and Movita. This one wasn't nearly so good,
as it had bad acting and bad photography.
They should have reissued "Rose" and let
this one go. No more Cisco Kids for us —
plenty of walkouts. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Cold and snow. — Dinkle & Lemaster,
Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural and small
town patronage.
PARAMOUNT
Jungle Princess, The (Para)— Reissue. Doro-
thy Lamour, Ray Milland, Akim Tamiroff. I
had good business on this reissue. It seems
that the reissues do more business than the
new pictures, as they are better made. — E. M.
Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage.
O.S.S. (Para) — Alan Ladd, Geraldine Fitz-
gerald, Patric Knowles. A fine action pic-
ture that did a little less than average busi-
ness. The war theme seemed to hurt some.
There was also audible dissatisfaction that
Ladd did not get the girl. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Good.- — Paul Ricketts, Charm Thea-
tre, Holyrood, Kas. Rural and small town
patronage.
Plainsman, The (Para) — Reissue. Gary
Cooper, Jean Arthur, James Ellison. This is
another oldtimer that still seems to draw
them in and all went out pleased. — W. E
Knight, Havelock Theatre, Havelock, Iowa.
Small town and rural patronage.
Searching Wind, The (Para) — Robert Young,
Sylvia Sidney, Ann Richards. This is a good
war picture but everyone seems to be fed up
on war pictures. A very good picture for this
type but I need comedies here. Played Sat.,
Sun., Mon. Weather: Bad — so were the roads.
— R. C. Drayer, Majestic Theatre, Frankfort,
S. D. * * *
Searching Wind, The (Para) — Robert Young,
Sylvia Sidney, Ann Richards. This was too
slow — or perhaps too deep — for my patrons.
Bucked a Fireman's Ball but word-of-mouth
from the few that came Saturday night kept
most of the regular Sunday crowd away.
Small town exhibitors might better go search-
ing for a more satisfying wind. Weather:
Good. — Lloyd Lafond, Rimrock Theatres, Win-
nett, Mont. Rural and small town patron-
age,
PRC PICTURES
Colorado Serenade (PRC) — Eddie Dean,
Mary Kenyon, Roscoe Ates. A swell western
but I had a below-average attendance. It's
been like this for two months now — first it
was a severe cold wave and now it's the
flu. Played Fri., Sat. Weather; Good. — Ralph
Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Small
town patronage.
Gentlemen With Guns (PRC) — Buster
Crabbe, Fuzzy St. John. On the usual order
with the other Crabbe westerns — and it packed
'em in. This is one western star that has
never disappointed us at the boxoffice — and
Fuzzy is good in all of 'em. Too bad PRC
has let Crabbe go as all the kids will miss
him — and grownups, too. Here's a good
chance for Republic; Buster Crabbe, we mean.
Put him in Sunset Carson's place. Played
Fri., Sat. Weather: Very good. — Dinkle <S
Lemaster, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural
and small town patronage.
RKO RADIO
Badman's Territory (RKO) — Randolph Scott,
Ann Richards, George "Gabby" Hayes. A fine
western that small towns won't regret play-
ing. Gabby Hayes draws them in here as
well as any star I can put on the screen.
36
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Played Wednesday. Weather: Cold. — Lloyd
Lafond, Rimrock Theatre, Winnett, Mont. Ru-
ral and small town patronage.
Criminal Court (RKO) — Tom Conway, Mar-
tha O'Driscoll, Robert Armstrong. This is a
pretty good little picture but is not strong
enough to stand alone, and I don't run double
features. Business was below average. Played
Tuesday. Weather: Good. — E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town
patronage. * * *
Make Mine Music (RKO)— Disney — Nelson
Eddy, Dinah Shore, Benny Goodman. The
majority enjoyed this beautiful Technicolor
feature. Rain held the attendance down to
average for Sunday — otherwise it would have
been a big draw. — James C. Balkcom jr„
Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. Small town patron-
age. * * *
Murder My Sweet (RKO) — Dick Powell, Anne
Shirley. The price was reasonable but the
film in bad condition, and due to a high sand
storm Friday, attendance was not too good.
Saturday was much better. I don't think any
company should send out film in such bad
condition. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold,
wind and sand. — C. M. Garrett, Yandell Thea-
tre, El Paso, Tex. Family patronage.
Nocturne (RKO) — George Raft, Lynn Bari,
Virginia Huston. A fairly good picture but it
struck a blizzard here — therefore I cannot
judge the boxoffice possibilities. Played Tues.,
Wed. — C. V. Martina, Rialto Theatre, Albion,
N. Y. Small town patronage.
Notorious (RKO) — Cary Grant, Ingrid Berg-
man, Claude Rains. An excellent show that
fell 'way below average. The superb acting
and solid story pleased those who saw it.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good. — Leonard
J. Leise, Rand Theatre, Randolph, Neb. Rural
and small town patronage.
Nocturne (RKO) — George Raft, Lynn Bari,
Virginia Huston. A fair feature but not worth
the top-bracket price I paid for it, nor the
A time I gave it. Raft is dead in this town.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Warm. — Ralph
Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Small
town patronage. * * *
Sinbad the Sailor (RKO) — Douglas Fair-
banks jr., Maureen O'Hara, Walter Slezak.
Good boxoffice Technicolor picture. Played
Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair. — C. V. Mar-
tina, Rialto Theatre, Albion, N. Y. Small town
patronage. * *
Sinbad the Sailor (RKO) — Douglas Fair-
banks jr., Maureen O'Hara, Walter Slezak.
Here is a super for all to see — color and the
old story book brought back to the screen. In
such splendid story direction and color, it's
tops, and don't take my word for it — see it
yourself, and then you will buy it. It's dif-
ferent, which makes it new. Action romance,
and don't throw it away — give it what it will
take and it will give you some nice profit.
Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Very good.
— L. E. Burkey, Ritz Theatre, Deshler, Neb.
Factory and rural patronage.
REPUBLIC
I've Always Loved You (Rep) — Philip Dorn,
Catherine McLeod, William Carter. A top-
notch picture— 100 per cent satisfied customers.
— Hi-Way Theatre, Orbet Theatres, Inc., Myers-
town, Pa. Small town patronage.
I've Always Loved You (Rep) — Philip Dorn,
Catherine McLeod, William Carter. Long hair
music all the way but we still had some that
liked it but it was a definite bore — in Techni-
color— to my average customer, who, by the
way, stayed away in droves. Weather: Cold.
Played Thurs., Fri. — W. F. Shelton, Louisburg
Theatre, Louisburg, N. C. Rural and small
town patronage. * *
Jeepers Creepers (Rep) — Weaver Bros.,
and Elviry. A good picture for a small
town. It did good business, same as always,
because my audiences like good down-to-
earth comedy. Played Mon., Tues. Weather:
Fair and warm. — Joe Drury, Wells Theatre, St.
Marys, Ga. Small town patronage.
My Pal Trigger (Rep) — Roy Rogers, George
"Gabby" Hayes, Dale Evans. This would
have been better for our pocketbooks if the
price on it hadn't been boosted 50 per cent.
It was just another western to our patrons
and we could have done just as good business
with an older Rogers western. Republic
shouldn't boost the prices on Roy Rogers as
the exhibitors are the ones who put him on
top, not Republic. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Cold. — Dinkle & Lemaster, Ken Theatre, Race-
land, Ky. Rural and small town patronage. *
Pilgrim Lady, The (Rep) — Warren Douglas,
Lynn Roberts, Alan Mowbray. This is a fair
to good program picture and played on a
double feature to average business on Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Fair. — E. B. Wacaster, Ozark
Theatre, Ozark, Ark. Rural and small town
patronage. * * *
That Brennan Girl (Rep) — James Dunn, Mona
Freeman, William Marshall. Well-made drama
that pleased the customers and did well at
the boxoffice. That Mona Freeman is good.
She handled a tough part with greater skill
than a lot of the more experienced actresses
could have done. Weather: Fair. Played
Sunday. — W. F. Shelton, Louisburg Theatre,
Louisburg, N. C. * *
That Brennan Girl (Rep) — James Dunn, Mona
Freeman, William Marshall. This so-called top
picture from Republic proved to be a mis-
erable boxoffice disappointment, as was ex-
pected, since most of the others in this group
were likewise. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Good. — Leonard J. Leise, Rand Theatre, Ran-
dolph, Neb. Rural and small town patron-
4- ♦ ♦
age.
Yellow Rose of Texas (Rep) — Roy Rogers,
Dale Evans. An old Roy Rogers but a good
one. Played on midweek but I wish I had
played it on the weekend as they all seem to
like this type of show here. Played Wed.,
Thurs. Weather: Good.— R. C. Draper, Majestic
Theatre, Frankfort, S. D. Rural and small
town patronage.
SCREEN GUILD
Death Valley (SG) — Robert Lowery, Helen
Gilbert, Nat Pendleton. This was exception-
ally well done with beautiful scenery and the
best Cinecolor in many a moon. Many com-
ments received on it. The sound was by
Glenn Sound Co. and was as good, if not
better, than RCA or Western Electric. There
were no Hollywood fake backgrounds about
it, which made it more authentic. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Snow. — Dinkle & Le-
master, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural and
small town patronage.
Rolling Home (SC) — Russell Hayden, Jean
Parker, Pamela Blake. A down-to-earth little
picture about a small-town minister and his
troubles. A bit corny in spots but altogether
seemed to please the customers and did aver-
age business. Weather: Cold. Played Sun.- —
W. F. Shelton, Louisburg Theatre, Louisburg,
N. C. Rural and small town patronage. * *
20th CENTURY-FOX
Dangerous Millions (20th-Fox)— Kent Taylor,
Dona Drake, Tala Birell. A little action pic-
ture which is not strong enough to stand
alone. Business was poor. Played Tuesday.
Weather: Good. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
(Continued on next page)
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patron-
age. * * *
Dragonwyck (20th-Fox) — Gene Tierney,
Walter Huston, Vincent Price. The acting,
direction and story excellent but it lacked
drawing power in our situation. Played Sun.,
Mon., Tues. — D. W. Trisko, Star Theatre,
Stanley N. D. Rural patronage.
Home Sweet Homicide (20th-Fox) — Peggy
Ann Garner, Randolph Scott, Lynn Bari. Just
an average program picture but it drew less
than average business. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Fair. — E. B. Wacaster, Ozark Thea-
tre, Ozark, Ark. Rural and small town pa-
tronage. * * *
Ii I'm Lucky (20th-Fox) — Vivian Blaine, Perry
Como, Carmen Miranda. A fair musical com-
edy that pleased our Sunday patrons. Played
Sunday. — James C. Balkcom, Gray Theatre,
Gray, Ga. Small town patronage.
If I'm Lucky (20th-Fox) — Vivian Blaine
The LIQUID Popcorn
Seasoning with that
Better FLAVOR
Still the most Economical because
of NEW DRASTICALLY
REDUCED PRICES
Our government has requested
price reductions to stem infla-
tion and we are going to help —
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
THE PRICE OF POPSIT PLUS IS
REDUCED APPROXIMATELY
15% — This brings the cost of
POPSIT PLUS close to the price
level of solid seasonings.
Perry Como, Harry James. This type of pic-
ture usually goes over swell here and did. It
didn't do a rushing business, but as good as
expected. The people in a small town seem
to like plenty of music and comedy. This pic-
ture has plenty of both. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Clear. — Joe Drury, Wells Theatre, St.
Marys, Ga. Small town and rural patron-
age. * *
If I'm Lucky (20th-Fox) — Vivian Blaine,
Perry Como, Carmen Miranda. A fair picture
which does not quite rate Sunday playing
time. Played to a large audience the first
night, but dropped off to almost nothing the
second night. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Mild. — Wayne Stebbins, Saranac Theatre,
Saranac, Mich. Small town patronage. * * *
In Old Chicago (20th-Fox) — Reissue. Dou-
bled with "West of the Pecos" (RKO). The
price was okay but more old prints that should
be discarded. "West of the Pecos" is a good
western and "In Old Chicago" really brought
them out. Too bad the print wasn't as good
as the attendance. Played Tues., Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Clear. — C. M. Garrett, Yandell Thea-
tre, El Paso, Tex. Family patronage. *
Jesse James (20th-Fox) — Reissue. Tyrone
Power, Nancy Kelly, Henry Fonda. Another
reissue that is worth backing up in any situa-
tion and will easily stand alone. Played to
my family trade — they're asking for "The
Return of Frank James" and are happy to hear
it is coming soon. I'll be happy, too. — Lloyd
Lafond, Rimrock Theatre, Winnett, Mont. Rural
and small town patronage. * *
Jesse James (20th-Fox) — Reissue. Tyrone
Power, Nancy Kelly, Henry Fonda. This is an
old picture but seems to draw. Several said
they had seen it once but still enjoyed seeing
it again. Played Wednesday. — W. E. Knight,
Havelock Theatre, Havelock, Iowa. Small town
and rural patronage. * *
Jitterbugs (20th-Fox) — Stan Laurel, Oliver
Hardy. This oldie brought in a surprisingly
good midweek crowd, which indicates that
Laurel and Hardy still have a lot of fans that
would welcome more pictures. Played Wed.,
Thurs. Weather: Good and bad. — Leonard J.
Leise, Rand Theatre, Randolph, Neb. Rural
and small town patronage.
Johnny Comes Flying Home (20th-Fox)- —
Richard Crane, Faye Marlowe, Martha Stew-
art. Airplane shows draw well here. This
one is good, due to the insertion of the jet
test. Played Wed., Thurs. — D. W. Trisko, Star
Theatre, Stanley, N. D. Rural patronage. *
Margie (20th-Fox) — Jeanne Crain, Glenn
Langan, Lynn Bari. This pleased 100 per cent
— one of the best comedies in Technicolor ever
made. Favorable comments on pictures like
this make one proud to stand in the lobby
to hear the nice things the customers pass
out. Played Wed., Thurs. — James C. Balkcom,
Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. Small town patron-
age. * * *
Shocking Miss Pilgrim, The (20th-Fox) —
Betty Grable, Dick Haymes, Anne Revere. A
fylaAli Point?
Users of POPSIT PLUS the
Warehouses in principal cities — coast to coast
C. F. Simonin’s Sons, Inc.
% r ^
4 6 i I S H t 0 '
2550 E. TIOGA ST. PHILADELPHIA 34, PA.
liquid popcorn seasoning
made from Peanut Oil, are
not worried about flash point-
POPSIT PLUS has a flash
point over 650gF. and a fire
point over 700"F.
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
good advertisement for typewriter companies.
However, it was pleasing for the most part,
and in Technicolor. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Stormy. — C. V. Martina, Rialto Thea-
tre, Albion, N. Y. Small town patronage. * *
Smoky (20th-Fox) — Fred MacMurray, Anne
Baxter, Burl Ives. This is not only cow coun-
try— this is Will James' home range. It made
a house record here. The discrepancies be-
tween the book and the picture were noted
but it was very well liked by all — a natural
for any town. Played Sat., Sun. Weather:
Good. — Lloyd Lafond, Rimrock Theatre, Win-
nett, Mont. Rural and small town patron-
age. * *
Smoky (20th-Fox) — Fred MacMurray, Anne
Baxter, Burl Ives. Our people seemed to like
this horse show. The only bad remarks were
that they didn't care for the singing. Played
Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair. — Hugh A. Wood, Com-
munity Theatre, Holden, Utah. Small town pa-
tronage. * *
Sun Valley Serenade (20th-Fox) — Sonja
Henie, John Payne, Glenn Miller. A very good
picture for outdoor fans. Plenty of good music
and comedy which were enjoyed by all.
Played to average midweek business Wed.,
Thurs. Weather: Misty and cold. — Joe Drury,
Wells Theatre, St. Marys, Ga. Small town and
rural patronage. * *
Three Little Girls in Blue (20th-Fox) — June
Haver, George Montgomery, Vivian Blaine.
This was up to par with 20th-Fox's musical
pictures and seemed to please the ones that
ventured out in the cold weather to see it.
Nothing extra, but with a flu epidemic and
cold weather we did as we expected on it.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold. — Burris
and Henley Smith, Imperial Theatre, Poca-
hontas, Ark. Rural patronage.
UNITED ARTISTS
Angel on My Shoulder (UA) — Paul Muni,
Anne Baxter, Claude Rains. I think there will
be considerable controversy over this picture.
Several people demanded their money back,
others praised it considerably. Personally, I
loved it. Played Tuesday. Weather: Cold. —
Marcella Smith, Vinton Theatre, McArthur,
Ohio. Small town patronage.
Angel on My Shoulder (UA) — Paul Muni,
Anne Baxter, Claude Rains. A little deep for
our patronage, but the comedy that ran
through it kept it from being too bad. On the
whole, it was a pretty fair movie. Played
Thurs., Fri. Weather: Cold. — Mrs. M. D. Wil-
liams, Oliver Theatre, Oliver Springs, Tenn.
Small town patronage.
Angel on My Shoulder (UA) — Paul Muni,
Anne Baxter, Claude Rains. A severe snow-
storm spoiled our gross, but this picture is
interesting and different. The opening scenes
in Hell are a trifle heavy, but after the first
reel or two the audience reaction was good.
Played Sun., Mon. — Chase Bros., Sokokis Thea-
tre, Limerick, Me. Rural and small town pa-
tronage. * *
Angel on My Shoulder (UA) — Paul Muni,
Anne Baxter, Claude Rains. This picture is
very fantastic and did not please. Business
was below average. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Good. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
38
BOXOFFICE :: April 26. 1947
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patron-
* * *
age.
Bachelor's Daughters, The (UA) — Gail Rus-
sell, Claire Trevor, Adolphe Menjou. This is
a good comedy but it is light on star power.
Business was below average, but those who
came were pleased. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Good. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patron-
* * *
age.
Breakfast in Hollywood (UA) — Tom Brene-
man, Bonita Granville, Beulah Bondi. Some-
thing different and the first of its kind ever
shown on the screen here — they appreciated
this for a change. Good comedy throughout
and good sound. Played Sat., Sun. Weather:
Good. — W. H. Swan, Auditorium Theatre, Ros-
coe, S. D. Rural patronage.
Chase, The (UA)- — Robert Cummings,
Michele Morgan, Peter Lorre. Excellently pro-
duced but it was a total flop here, with us
losing money. Typical of United Artists prod-
uct— a good show but no boxoffice appeal.
Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Fair. — Gray
Barker, Pictureland Theatre, Glenville, W. Va.
Rural, small town and college patronage. * * *
Chase, The (UA)- — Robert Cummings,
Michele Morgan, Peter Lorre. I thought it fair-
ly good but patrons apparently didn't agree,
as they stayed away in droves. A very weird
story which failed to draw. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Good. — Terry Axley, New Theatre,
England, Ark. Rural and small town pa-
tronage. * *
Chase, The (UA) — Robert Cummings,
Michele Morgan, Peter Lorre. It had its mo-
ments but the story was rather involved which
left some of our customers befuddled as to the
plot. Weather: Cold. Played Sun. — W. F. Shel-
ton, Louisburg Theatre, Louisburg, N. C. — Ru-
ral and small town patronage.
Crystal Ball, The (UA) — Paulette Goddard,
Ray Milland. This is very good and well liked,
although I did not do much with it on ac-
count of the lenten season and rather wished
I had shown it on a weekend, as it is plenty
good. You never go wrong with United Art-
ists. Played Wednesday only. Weather: Cold.
— W. H. Swan, Auditorium Theatre, Roscoe,
S. D. Rural patronage. * * *
Fool's Gold (UA) — William Boyd, Andy
Clyde, Randy Brooks. Good old Cassidy- —
business as usual. He is quite staple and
dependable at the boxoffice. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Cold. — Harland Rankin, Plaza
Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. General patronage. * * *
Mr. Ace (UA) — George Raft, Sylvia Sidney,
Stanley Ridges. Raft's fans were disappointed
in this political picture, as there was not
enough action. Had some walkouts. Business
fair the first night and poor the second night.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Good. — E. M.
Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage. * * *
Texas Masquerade (UA) — William Boyd,
(Continued on next page)
r
' OHIO SUPER YELLOW POPCORN
High Expansion
Excellent Quality '
In NEW 50 lb. Bag t
(No extra cost) f
Smart operators are now us- *
ing Betty Zane Ohio Super *
Yellow Popcorn, packed in ■
new 50 lb. moisture-proof *
bag. Easy to handle. Phone, J
wire or write for sample and J
prices of popcorn and sup- .
plies. f
BETTY IANE;
Corn Products Inc., j
634 Bellefontaine Ave., »
Marion, Ohio. *
THE WEST acclaims
PERFORMANCES TO DATE
FOUR WEEKS IN LONG BEACH
TWO WEEKS IN PHOENIX
VSTAt
„ „ m human
© M s, D a D
.SEE TRUTHS HEAR FACTS!
iyckkcs ?«*•*«*
OOLD vim M0M
.WITH; E4t-Sf-F
n'r ,,1 if, i.'i .'.I i — ■— ■/:'/ '',/yf^’sv,,
TWO WEEKS IN LAS VEGAS
TWO WEEKS IN SPOKANE
MILLIONS OF PEOPLE CAN’T BE WRONG!
ALL-STAR HOLLYWOOD CAST
IN PERSON ON THE STAGE
ELLIOT FORBES
FEARLESS HYGIENE COMMENTATOR
¥
Special Colored Theater Unit Starring
JESSE OWENS
World Famous Olympic Champion
Book It NOW!
WIRE * WRITE * CALL
HYGIENIC PRODUCTIONS
i. S. JQSSEY and KROGER BABB
Gen. Offices: Hygiene Bldg., Wilmington, Ohio
Los Angeles • Cleveland • Mexico City • Toronto
Monies,
Lo.
•ng!
do h - been our i Pe°PJe
lure WUh • n"
lor us „L°U'S,0nd«g if Pi‘
OUt*'°ndil ZS,DeS
**" - • -t0^ *«££
ARi*oNa
Th
Kn
,s Man
o Ws! } i
h,» -'Ll"?? '•»«
POrenfs wit studeats an
rd
Jesson . . .. sPlendid „
!' KENNIck
•fuveniie r Sl
Long L Uteau
9 Beach- Caii,.
NOTE ; THE PRODUCERS OF
"MOM AND DAD" BELIEVE A
THEATRE HAS TWO BASIC OBLIGA-
TIONS— FIRST, TO ENTERTAIN ITS
PATRONS AND SECOND, TO PER-
FORM A PUBLIC SERVICEI GUAR-
ANTEEING THE FIRST AND WITH
INTEREST IN THE SECOND YOU
^.CAN PRESENT THIS SIGNIFICANT^
VITAL MOTION
PICTURE!
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
39
( Advertisement)
HAVE JUST BEEN sitting here wondering
. . . who contributed any more cooperation
and effort to the success of the war and who
is suffering longer from its effects than are
the printers and newspapers? Paper stock is
more scarce and harder to get today than it
ever was during the war. Furthermore there s
little hope for improvement in the situation
any time soon. The campaigns our advance
agents use to exploit ’ MOM AND DAD re-
quire carloads of paper every month.
"MOM AND DAD"
THE NEW personnel department is cryin'
for some recognition these days. Hygienic s
personnel director. Charlie Meade, has su/e
been working overtime. Ben de Dici. who
hails from out L.A.-way and is widely known
in those parts, has joined up as an advance
agent. Another new advancer is Jack Thomas
of Russellville, Ark., where he was city man-
ager for one of the big southern circuits. We
didn't play his house and "gave him the
fever." We played his opposition and broke
his heart. When he saw those "Mom and
Dad" lineups down the street, he said to
himself "that's for me." He flew up and
sold Krog a bill of goods (the boss hires
anyone who acts like he will do a hard
day's work) and Mr. Thomas is scheduled to
become a Hygienic "slave May 5. Mrs.
Forbes has just added four new Elliots to her
family of talented hygiene commentators,
johnny Kenlo of the radio networks; Town-
send Walker from down in Alexandria, La.;
Dr. Thomas Morehead, former pastor of the
Christian Church of Memphis. Tenn., and Ted
Hill, who recently came up from the Canal
Zone, are now handling "Mom and Dad"
units.
"MOM AND DAD"
MY BOSS. Krog. and Mildred Horn, our
tamous writer, and Charlie Meade, hopped a
DC-4 and did Washington. D. C. in an hour
and 40 minutes from field-to-field to see the
Cherry Blossom festival and be with our good
friends Clyde Elliott and his grand wife.
Helen, for the world premiere of his new
religious film, "CITIZEN SAINT. at Consti-
tution Hall. It's the screen biography of
Mother Cabrini and according to Krog.
Hygienic's sweetheart June Harrison does a
marvelous song number in it, as well as some
nice acting. We're all anxious to see it
since we've heard so much about it. — MARGE.
"MOM AND DAD"
SPRINGTIME IS moving time and Hygienic
has spring fever. This month Krog is moving
most every unit around into new and better
territory assignments, trying to compensate
the guys and gals who have been doing such
grand jobs. The new Hill unit takes over the
W. Va.-Ky.-Tenn.-N. C. route; Noftsger's unit
moves to Mo.-Ill.-Ind.; Fred Steele et al jump
from the midwest to that beautiful land of
the trees in Washington and Oregon; Bill
Arnold is headin' from New Orleans to Brem-
erton. Wash., with his unit and ace "Hank"
Adams and troupe are moving down into
southern California. Zimmerman's unit swings
up into Colorado from Arizona and New Mex-
ico and Halstead has his car greased up for
a short 3,000-mile jump from B. C. to eastern
Ontario. It's great stuff — for the service sta-
tions and tire dealers! — MARGE.
ELLIOT TOMIS'MfiMSOtf'JESSE OWENS
WORLD-WIDE DISTRIBUTORS
HYGIENIC PRODUCTIONS
HOME OFFICES-HYGIENE BLDG.WILMINCTON.OHIO
BRANCHES! LOS ANGELES- CLEVELAND -TORONTO- MEXICO CITY
Andy Clyde, Jay Kirby. If we've ever said
anything bad about Hopalong Cassidy before,
then we take it back as this was excellent in
all respects. It had more action, more pho-
tography and more everything that has been
in the average Cassidy western. Let's hope
the new Hoppys are as good as this one.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Good. — Dinkle &
Lemaster, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural
and small town patronage.
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Black Angel (U-I) — Dan Duryea, June Vin-
cent, Peter Lorre. Lent was on and business
off. I wonder if we would have done much
better had conditions been otherwise. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Mild. — Harland Ran-
kin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. General pa-
tronage.
Black Angel (U-I) — Dan Duryea, June Vin-
cent, Peter Lorre. Average business with this
on a bargain night. It seemed to please gen-
erally. Played Tuesday. Weather: Fair. — E. B.
Wacaster, Ozark Theatre, Ozark, Ark. Rural
and small town patronage.
Destry Rides Again (U-I) — Reissue. Charles
Winninger, Mischa Auer. One of the best
westerns ever made but cold weather and
no advertising kept them away. Give it A
time in a small town — you won't be sorry.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold. — Ralph
Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Rural
patronage. * * *
Killers, The (U-I) — Burt Lancaster, Ava
Gardner, Edmund O'Brien. This is a good
action picture but lacks star power. Business
was average. The picture never should have
been sold on percentage. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Good. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patron-
age, * * *
Lover Come Back (U-I) — George Brent, Lu-
cille Ball, Vera Zorina. A good comedy and
the ladies were especially interested in the
lovely clothes worn by Lucille Ball. It pleased
all that saw it. Played Thurs., Fri. Weather:
Windy. — Mrs. M. D. Williams, Oliver Theatre,
Oliver Springs, Tenn. Small town patron-
age *
Rustler's Roundup (U-I) — Kirby Grant, Jane
Adams, Fuzzy Knight. When Kirby's first pic-
ture came out, I predicted he would be a new
western star. Kirby sent us an autographed
picture after that and we still have it. Keep
coming back, Kirby, and good luck. I'm your
Number 1 fan. Played Fri., Sat. — James C.
Balkcom, Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. Small
town patronage. * * *
Scarlet Horseman, The (U-I) — Serial. This
got off to a slow start in the first chapter, but
it appears to be pleasing patrons when billed
with cartoons and action pictures. The first
chapter played with "Silver Stallion," a Mono-
gram satisfactory reissue. Played Mon., Tues.,
Wed. Weather: Fair. — Gray Barker, Lyric The-
atre, Glenville, W. Va. Rural, small town and
college patronage. * * *
So Goes My Love (U-I) — Myrna Loy, Don
Ameche, Bobby Driscoll. Very poor attend-
ance for a Sun., Mon. playdate — just a fair
picture. Weather: Cool. — Ralph Raspa,
State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Small town
patronage. * * *
Temptation (U-I) — Merle Oberon, George
Brent, Charles Korvin. This is a little too high
class for the country boys. Business was off.
If you haven't bought it, don't. Plaved Wed.,
Thurs. Weather: Fair. — James E. Davis, Rialto
Theatre, Bennington, Okla. Rural and small
town patronage. *
That Night With You (U-I) — Franchot Tone
Susanna Foster, David Bruce. The same old
stars, the same old story, the same company
It's time someone reorganized. I hate to keep
on having all my flops from one place, but
I went in the hole twice in December and
both films were from Universal. If you can
make this one pay, I'm no exploiteer. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Mild.— R. C. Walker
Rialto Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural patron-
age. * *
WARNER BROS.
Cloak and Dagger (WB) — Gary Cooper,
Lilli Palmer, Robert Alda. This is an excel-
lent picture, skillfully produced and well acted.
It did not draw as well for me as I thought
it would with Gary Cooper in the cast. 1
believe the suggestion of war in the prevue
killed it for better business. Lilli Palmer is
an accomplished actress and I'd like to see
more of her. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Snow. — Carl E. Pehlman, Rio Theatre, Edin-
burg, 111. Rural and small town patronage. *
Devotion (WB) — Olivia de Havilland, Ida
Lupino, Paul Henreid. No draw. Our people
too busy digging snow. I didn't expect much.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cold. — Har-
land Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. Gen-
eral patronage. * * *
Humoresque (WB) — Joan Crawford, John
Garfield, Oscar Levant. Good drama but top-
heavy with long hair music. Not quite the
thing for our average patron but we had
quite a few that thought it "just too, too
divine." Weather: Cold. Played Mon., Tues.
— W. F. Shelton, Louisburg Theatre, Louisburg,
N. C. Small town patronage.
Never Say Goodbye (WB) — Errol Flynn,
Eleanor Parker, Lucile Watson. A good pic-
ture which pleased average business. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Good. — E. M. Freibur-
ger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small
town patronage. * * *
Never Say Goodbye (WB) — Errol Flynn,
Eleanor Parker, Lucile Watson. The com-
ments were: "Why was Errol Flynn in this? '
This is a very good comedy. Played Mon.,
Tues. — James C. Balkcom jr., Gray Theatre,
Gray, Ga. Small town patronage.
Very Thought of You, The (WB) — Dennis
Morgan, Faye Emerson. This was a very
good picture and well liked by the few who
saw it. Most people never heard of Clark
or Parker and Dennis Morgan brought in the
few who did see it. As we have always said,
Warners just don't make pictures for the
small town exhibitors — but brother, they
really get the money from us. Played Tues-
day. Weather: Exceptionally good. — Dinkle &
Lemaster, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural
and small town patronage.
Good Grade
POPCORN
°vBeargs25 5g75 1 &r25 Bags $075
Per 100 lbs. U 100 lbs. w
''Jlau-Aeva" C©s®anwt Oil
In returnable drums or 38V2 lb. tins
Immediate Delivery — Prices on Request
★
POPCORN BOXES, Per 1000, $7.50
(F.O.B. CHICAGO)
(Prices subject to change)
*
Immediate Delivery
• Peanut Oil “Bags and Boxes
• Paper Cones • Salt Seasoning
¥
Distributors for
CRETORS Popcorn Machines
POPPER’S BOY PRODUCTS CO.
58 E. 13th St. Chicago 5
40
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Foundation Is Pictured
As a Goodwill Vehicle
(News of other Foundation meetings over the country on page 13)
Ampa's Anniversary
Dinner Held in N.Y.
NEW YORK — The Associated Motion Pic-
ture Advertisers celebrated its 30th anniver-
sary with a dinner-dance attended by more
than 500 guests at the Hotel Astor April 23.
The celebration, which was in the nature of a
salute to the presidents of the industry, was
highlighted by a speech from Eugene Thomas,
president of the Advertising Club of New
York, who predicted that “the 25,000 tele-
vision sets now in use in the U.S. would be in-
creased by 400,000 by next Christmas; to
1,000,000 by that same time a year later and
to 25,000,000 by ten years from now, according
to indications of surveys made by the FCC,
television manufacturers and trade papers.”
Sir Cedric Hardwicke, also spoke briefly
and U.S. Senator Francis J. Myers of Penn-
sylvania urged that the industry place greater
emphasis on “the things which truly rep-
resent America” in his speech, “Politics is
Your Business Too.”
Arnold Stolz, who was inducted as the
newly elected Ampa president, presented Rut-
gers Neilson, the retiring president, a gold
wrist watch for “his untiring efforts” on be-
half of the organization.
The other officers inducted were Phil Wil-
liams, vice-president; Max Stein, treasurer,
and Marguerite Wayburn, secretary.
Neilson, who presided at the anniversary
celebration, gave a citation to Howard Dietz,
vice-president of Loew’s, Inc., and advertis-
ing director of MGM, for the “best exploita-
tion stunt of the year.” The award referred
to the giving of an acre of land in New
Mexico to some 450 editors and publishers on
behalf of “The Sea of Grass.”
Dietz, who acted as toastmaster and mas-
ter-of-ceremonies, introduced the dais guests
including Will H. Hays, Barney Balaban, Ned
E. Depinet, Jack Cohn, Edward Morey, Walter
Titus jr., Charles D. Prutzman William Ger-
man, Francis S. Harmon, Fred Schwartz, Jack
Levin, Richard Griffith, Robert J. O’Donnell
and Martin Quigley sr., James M. Jerauld,
Abel Green, Charles Lewis, Mo Wax, Jay
Emanuel, and Charles Alicoate.
Dietz also read a cabled greeting from J.
Arthur Rank in England and said that wires
had been received from President Miguel
Aleman of Mexico, Mary Pickford, Bernard
M. Baruch, Fredric March, Tallulah Bank-
head, Milton Reynolds, Ann Sheridan and
Gene Tierney. Earlier, Neilson mentioned
the men who had served as presidents of
Ampa since its inception, starting with the
late Arthur James. The evening ended with
dancing to music supplied by Art Stanley and
his Hotel Astor orchestra.
Cinema Amusements Case
Before District Court
WILMINGTON, DEL.— U.S. District Judge
Richard S. Rodney heard argument last week
on the motion of Cinema Amusements, Inc.,
plaintiff in a Sherman antitrust action, seek-
ing to extend the time to answer the inter-
rogatories of the defendants, Loew’s, Inc.,
RKO Radio Pictures, Inc., and 20th-Fox. The
antitrust suit, originally filed June 14, 1946,
seeks to recover one million dollars damages,
and three times that amount under the pro-
visions of the Sherman and Clayton acts.
In 1944, the Broadway Theatre, Denver, was
leased to Cinema Amusements. Previously,
the tenant was Fox Inter mountain, which
played a moveover run from the first run
Orpheum, owned by Loew’s and RKO, using
product distributed by MGM and RKO.
Cinema Amusements contends that Loew and
RKO refused to continue the moveover pol-
icy on the terms previously granted to Fox.
WASHINGTON — Prediction was made here
Thursday by Lou Novins, personal assistant
to Barney Balaban, that “the most honored
position” in the industry will be in the Motion
Picture Foundation. Eleven members were
named on the Washington area Foundation
panel, with six more to be chosen later.
Those elected: Carter Barron, John J. Pay-
ette, A. Julian Brylawski, Joseph DeFiore,
John Allen, Sam Galanty, Sidney Lust and
Lawrence Schanberger, all of Washing-
ton; William F. Crockett, Virginia Beach;
Morton G. Thalhimer, Richmond, and Lau-
ritz C. Garman, Baltimore.
At the luncheon meeting Novins, a former
attorney general of Massachusetts, explained
the purposes of the Foundation and its brief
history to date, which has been marked by
enthusiastic cooperation from every segment
of the industry.
He said the Foundation is the culmination
of a dream to give every section of the coun-
try a hospital, and all the welfare the needy
members of the industry must have, re-
marking:
“The Foundation has already inherited the
Will Rogers Memorial fund.”
But Novins mentioned another angle, in
that excellent public relations will result from
the Foundation’s efforts, and will “be the
vehicle to bring together members of the in-
dustry who have been at each other’s throats,
for here is a common ground of humanity.”
The meeting was sponsored by the MPTO
of D. C.
Ullman and Fabian Are Selected
To Pilot Foundation at Albany ,
ALBANY — Forty-eight representatives from
every segment of the industry attended the
Hotel Ten Eyck meeting Monday at which
the Albany panel of the Motion Picture Foun-
dation was formed. Seventeen were named
to the board, with Saul J. Ullman as general
chairman and Si Fabian as area trustee.
Leonard H. Goldenson, Paramount-Publix
executive, was a speaker.
Preceding these choices, discussion devel-
oped as to Fabian’s election, since the latter’s
interest in the Foundation from its inception
has been so great that he is in line for elec-
tion as one of the ten national delegates at
large. If this is done, a replacement will be
named from the Albany area, and committee-
men agreed that this likely will be Louis W,
Schine of Schine Theatres, Gloversville.
MEMBERS OF THE PANEL
Serving with those named will be;
C. J. Latta, upstate zone manager for Warner
Theatres.
Herman L. Ripps, MGM district manager.
Neil Heilman of Fabian-Hellmcfn.
Eddie Ruff, Paramount Pictures manager.
Bill Smalley, Smalley Theatres, Cooperstown.
Fred Sliter, 20th-Fox salesman.
Charles E. McCarthy, business agent, Local 285,
Troy.
Howard Goldstein, vice-president and business
agent of F43, front office union.
Henry “Dutch" Harris, stagehands' union.
John Sauerborn, president and business agent,
Schenectady projectionists' union.
Arthur Newman, Republic Pictures manager.
Leonard L. Rosenthal, counsel for Upstate Theatres.
Guy A. Graves, general manager of Fabian houses
in Schenectady.
Charles A. Smakwitz, Warners assistant zone
manager.
Goldenson stressed the statement that the
Foundation is industry-wide in scope; that
“nobody represents any particular division or
interest,” and advised that the best men, re-
gardless of industry affiliation, be chosen for
committeemen. In the question and answer
period that followed, Goldenson said it might
be found practical to keep 15 or 20 per cent
of the revolving fund in an exchange district,
to be increased by funds from the national
body for epidemics or other unusual hap-
penings.
SPEND ONLY THE INTEREST
He emphasized that the $10,000,000 to be
raised by the Foundation in two years, which
might later be increased to as much as $100,-
000,000, would not be touched except for the
interest.
Nor will this money, the speaker explained,
supplant present welfare or pension plans; in
fact, he added: “The Foundation will en-
courage every company to have its own wel-
fare plan. The project is intended only to
(Continued on page 48 1
FIGURES IN FETE — U.S. Senator Francis J. Myers, Howard Dietz, Rutgers
Neilson and Eugene Thomas, president of the Advertising Club of New York, at
Ampa’s 30th anniversary dinner.
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
N
41
ROSALIND ACCEPTS CAMELLIAS — Oh, Barker, Barker, Barker, pin a camellia
on me. A special hybrid, to be known as “Variety Clubs camellia,” has been developed
by the Society of American Florists at the suggestion of Sherrill Corwin, chairman
of publicity for Los Angeles tent No. 25, and Charles P. Skouras, chief barker. John
EL Harris, big boss of Variety, presented the first blossoms to Rosalind Russell on
the set of RKO’s “Mourning Becomes Electra” as an attention -getter for the Variety
Clubs’ international convention which will be held in Los Angeles May 13-17. Left
to right: Raymond Massey, Miss Russell, Harris and Katina Paxinou. Harris is in
Los Angeles early preparing for the convention.
Theatres May Foot
Bill for Firemen
NEW YORK — Fire Commissioner Frank J.
Quayle will submit a report to Mayor William
O’Dwyer on a proposal to replace the city
firemen now covering presentation film
houses, legitimate theatres and concert halls
with privately employed firemen. The re-
port will contain recommendations submitted
April 24 by Gen. Rodney Smith, executive di-
rector of the Metropolitan Motion Picture
Theatres Ass’n. Smith attended a two-hour
session held by Commissioner Quayle for
theatre men last Thursday afternoon.
The proposal was made by a committee of
assistant chiefs and the National Board of
Fire Underwriters, and is based on a survey
conducted by these groups last year.
They estimated that the city could save
$450,000 annually by replacing municipal fire-
men with private firemen paid by the theatre
owners.
This estimate seems high in view of the
fact that no more than 50 firemen are re-
quired at the height of the theatrical season.
As a rule second grade firemen are used;
these men receive about $3,400 annually. Total
salaries would be $170,000, plus another $22,-
500 for five supervisors, receiving $4,500 a
year; or a grand total of $192,500.
At present there are six vaudeville theatres
in the Times Square area — the Music Hall,
the Paramount, Loew’s State, the Capitol, the
Strand and the Roxy. Since these operate on
a continuous performance policy, they require
two firemen — the law says no less than two —
must be present at all public performances.
It exempts straight film houses.
In addition, there are approximately 30
legitimate theatres and eight radio play-
houses. At the height of the theatrical sea-
son all 30 theatres may be in use; during the
slow spring, summer and fall months the
number may drop to 20.
Ascap and Theatre Group
Agree on Court Order
NEW YORK — Attorneys representing 164
independent theatres in New York met with
attorneys for the American Society of Com-
posers, Authors and Publishers during the
week and agreed to abide by a court order
to grant Ascap’s motion for dismissal of the
theatre men’s triple-damage suit unless the
plaintiffs subject themselves to pretrial ex-
amination in June.
However, Weisman, Celler, Quinn, Allan &
Spett, attorneys for Harry Brandt, Sam Rinz-
ler and the other ITOA members who charged
Ascap with restraint of trade, declare that
these pretrial examinations will be held and
the motion will, in effect, be denied.
Ask New Jersey Governor
To Veto Ticket Tax Bill
NEWARK — Considerable agitation has been
aroused over assembly Bill 27, pertaining to
extra taxes on theatre admissions, according
to George Gold, chairman of the newly or-
ganized Federation of New Jersey Theatres.
Four of the assemblymen changed their vote
the following day and there is talk of having
the bill go back for another count. Tele-
grams have been sent to the governor asking
him to veto the bill.
BROADWAY
lyfaurice A. Bergman and Hank Linet are
meeting on the coast with John Joseph,
U-I national director of advertising and pub-
licity, and David A. Lipton to discuss ad budg-
ets for the next three months . . . George Welt-
ner, head of Paramount International, and
Clement S. Crystal, theatre department head,
came in on the Queen Elizabeth from England
. . . Walter Brooks is due back from Cincin-
nati, Indianapolis, Toledo and Columbus . . .
Beulah Durham of the E. V. Dinerman ad
agency in Cincinnati is in Gotham.
Harry M. Warner is in from the coast . . .
John G. Capstaff, head of Eastman Kodak’s
research laboratories photographic depart-
ment at Rochester, was awarded the 1946
“Progress Medal” by the Royal Photographic
Society of Great Britain.
Harold Rodner of Warners Service Corp.
is back from the coast . . . Ray Milland
stopped off en route to England to appear in
“So Evil My Love,” Hal Wallis production.
He will co-star with Ann Todd . . . Geraldine
Fitzgerald is back at the Paramount studio
for makeup and costume talks. She’s due
east shortly to sail for London . . . Edward
Arnold has been invited to serve on the
American citizenship committee by Attorney
General Tom Clark . . . George A. Smith of
Paramount returned to his Los Angeles head-
quarters.
Samuel Hacker, head of the Film Audit
Service, is due in shortly from the coast,
after stopping off for conferences in Chi-
cago . . . Bill Brumberg, manager of Warners
field exploitation staff, is westward bound
to set plans for the “Cheyenne” opening in
Wyoming . . . David Lewis, Enterprise pro-
ducer, appeared on the ABC Nancy Craig
program and WHN’s Adrienne Ames broad-
cast.
John Garfield arrived in town for press
interviews, a bit of relaxation and a look
at the latest Broadway stage plays . . .
Peggy Wood left for the Paramount studios
for a role in the screen version of “Dream
Girl” . . . Lynn Farnol and Ben Washer of
Samuel Goldwyn Productions are back from
the coast.
Harold Dunn, PRC’s assistant sales head, is
visiting Dallas, Los Angeles and San Fran-
cisco . . . Muriel Klein of the MGM home
office sales department and Irving Prager
were married recently . . . RKO’s John
Whitaker and Terry Turner are in Hollywood.
George Scher, account executive in the
film department of Foote, Cone & Belding,
was married to Betty Lee . . . Dr. Herbert T.
Kalmus, Technicolor Corp. head, is in from
Hollywood . . . Claire Mannheimer, secretary
to C. K. Stem, Loew’s assistant treasurer, is
vacationing in Miami and Havana . . . Law-
rence Beller, UA publicist, received the Order
of Vasa, first class, with the rank of chevalier,
from the Swedish government for his war
service as an official of the OWL
He Was An Odd Man —
New York— The Mirror and most of the other New York papers and all the radio
stations — some of them several times — carried stories and comments on a telephone
call to Ireland by Elmer Patrick Gargan.
Gargan missed the last train to White Plains after staying in town to see a special
midnight showing of “Odd Man Out,” the James Mason picture with an Irish back-
ground.
Because of the telephone strike he couldn’t telephone to his wife, so he phoned to an
aunt in Ireland (overseas lines are open) to ask his aunt to telephone to his wife and
explain his absence. Even Gabriel Heatter gave this the dramatic whatsis in his air
time.
It was an odd stunt, and garnered an enormous amount of publicity.
Maurice Bergman, Universal-International eastern publicity and advertising direc-
tor, has no comment.
42 -
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
Along New York's Filmrow
«v WALTER WAI.DMAN
B'way Grosses Off
As Long Runs End
NEW YORK — With many pictures nearing
the end of four or five-week runs, business
along Broadway was mild, except for
“The Macomber Affair,” in its first week at
the Globe, and “Smash-Up” in its second
week at the Capitol.
“Monsieur Verdoux” cut its $1.80 top to
$1.50 five days after opening and also dis-
continued reserving a portion of the Broad-
way Theatre seats twice daily. As a result,
business took a slight jump during the second
weekend. “The Best Years of Our Lives,” in
its 22nd week at the Astor, and “The Farmer’s
Daughter,” in its fourth week at the Rivoli,
also stood up fairly well but the reissue of
“Alexander’s Ragtime Band” played only one
week to poor business at the Roxy.
New films which are expected to perk up
sagging grosses after opening during the week
were “The Egg and I” at the Radio City Music
Hall, “The Homestretch” at the Roxy, “Cal-
cutta” at the Paramount, “Odd Man Out”
at the Criterion and “Untamed Fury” at the
Rialto.
(Average is 100)
Astor — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 22nd wk 110
Broadway — Monsieur Verdoux (UA), 2nd wk 105
Capitol — Smash-Up (U-I), plus stage show,
2nd wk 115
Criterion — Johnny O'Clock (Col), 4th wk 83
Globe — The Macomber Affair (UA) 135
Gotham— Tarzan and the Huntress (RKO), 3rd wk...l00
Hollywood — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB), 3rd wk... 95
Palace — Trail Street (RKO), 2nd wk 90
Paramount — My Favorite Brunette (Para),
plus stage show, 5th wk 85
Park Avenue — Time Out of Mind (U-I),
3rd wk. of two-a-day 50
Radio City Music Hall — The Late George Apley
(20th-Fox), plus stage show, 5th wk 85
Rialto — Fear in the Night (Para) 92
Rivoli — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO), 4th wk 105
Roxy — Alexander's Ragtime Band (20th-Fox),
reissue, plus stage show 52
Strand — Stallion Road (WB), plus stage show,
3rd wk 85
Victoria — The Adventuress (E-L), 3rd wk 92
Winter Garden — Buck Privates Come Home
(U-I), 2nd wk 90
Spike Jones Revue Accounts
For Top Buffalo Gross
BUFFALO — The Buffalo Theatre hit twice
average with a stage show featuring the
Spike Jones orchestra and “Fear in the Night.”
“The Sea of Grass” was encouraging at the
Great Lakes; so was “Smash-Up” at the
Lafayette. The weather continued cold and
there has been plenty of April snow.
Buffalo — Fear in the Night (Para), plus
Spike Jones orchestra on stage 200
Great Lakes — The Sea of Grass (MGM) 130
Hippodrome — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM),
2nd d. t. wk 100
Lafayette — Smash-Up (U-I); Secret of
the Whistler (Col) 125
Teck — Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (MGM);
The Trap (Mono), 2nd d. t. wk 90
20th Century — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 5th wk 100
'Dictator' Shown to Court
In Chaplin Damage Suit
NEW YORK — A showing of Charles Chap-
lin’s “The Great Dictator,” released by United
Artists in 1940, was held during the week for
Judge Harold P. Burke and a jury of nine
men and three women hearing the $5,000,000
“story piracy” suit brought by Konrad Ber-
covici against the comedian in federal court
here.
Bercovici was examined by Louis Nizer, his
attorney, and cross-examined by Louis Froh-
lich, Chaplin’s counsel, who claimed that the
writer wasn’t the first to suggest that Chaplin
make a picture on the German dictator.
“For 30 years Chaplin has been able to write
his own scripts and produce his own pictures.
He never had anyone write his scripts,”
Frohlich said.
ALTER HIGGINS, film buyer for Pru-
dential circuit, has another theatre on
his booking list. The new 600-seat Bedford
Playhouse, Bedford Village, N. Y., will open
April 30 under the Prudential banner. The
most recent addition to the circuit was the
1,000-seat Islip Theatre, Islip, L. I., which
opened early this month.
Arthur M. Rapf, president of Rapf &
Ruden, has been meeting with Warners of-
ficials to arrange for the dissolution of the
pooling agreement now covering the New
Center Theatre, Bloomfield, and the Bellevue,
Upper Montclair. Under the terms of the
antitrust decree all pools must end by July
1 . . . While the negotiations with Warners
are going on, Rapf also is making arrange-
ments to renovate the Cort Theatre, Somer-
ville, N. J. He is planning to do a $50,000
rehabilitation job on the Cort, when the gov-
ernment okays the program.
David Weinstock, president of Raybond
Theatres, has bought sites for three new
theatres. One is on Hillside avenue and 153rd
street Jamaica, L. I. A 900-seat house will be
built there. The two other sites are “some-
where in the Bronx,” and will be covered by
1,100-seat theatres.
Out in Malverne, L. I., Daniel J. Kenny
expects to complete his Malverne Theatre
soon . . . James Frank jr„ New York branch
manager for National Theatre Supply, spent
the week in Chicago attending the SMPE
convention . . . A1 Sabo of the State Theatre,
Woodbridge, N. J., will leave May 1 on a cruise
to Bermuda . . . Leonard Satz, head of Cen-
tury Theatres purchasing and maintenance
department, attended the final session of the
SMPE convention. He flew to Chicago for
the occasion.
If New Yorkers never get to see “The Out-
law,” they will at least have had ample re-
minder of the film’s existence. Since last
October, the Howard Hughes office here has
PLAN E-L PREMIERE— Three Eagle-
Lion men and an exhibitor are seen here
discussing plans for E-L’s “Repeat Per-
formance” premiere in Zanesville, Ohio
May 22. Left to right: Jerry Pickman,
E-L publicity manager; John Woodward,
city manager of the Shea Theatre in
Zanesville; George Bennett E-L field
representative and Arthur Jeffrey, E-L
exploitation head. Most of the $250,000
promotion budget alloted to the picture
will go for cooperative local advertising
campaigns.
been paying approximately $7,500 a month to
keep three huge signs in operation. One is
located above the Rialto Theatre building on
Broadway and 42nd street; the second above
an office building on Broadway and 48th
street and the third at Columbus Circle. The
one above the Rialto is more than a year
old. The two others were put up last Oc-
tober when “The Outlaw” was scheduled to
open simultaneously at Arthur L. Mayer’s
Rialto and Harry Brandt’s Gotham and Re-
public theatres . . . New York police and
license commissioners forced the cancellation
of the film and have been successful to date
in keeping it out of the city. But Hughes,
hopeful of eventual victory, keeps “The Out-
law” lights shining night after night.
Labor peace has come to the six theatres
operated by Gulkis & Rosenzweig through
Combined Bronx Amusements, Inc. The
strike, called last November by the Motion
Picture Theatre Operating Managers and
Assistant Managers Guild, was recently set-
tled. A year’s contract is now in effect cov-
ering the Allerton, Beach, Kraft, Melba and
Park theatres, in the Bronx, and the Alpine
Theatre, Manhattan. Credit for the settle-
ment goes to Solomon Cheser, trial examiner
of the state labor board, who arbitrated the
dispute. He set a $70 scale for managers
and $40 for assistants.
Latest additions to the Skouras Theatres
home office are: Estelle Davis, purchasing
department; Rhoda Fisher, accounting de-
partment; Kathleen Flynn, telephone opera-
tor; Estelle Klarfeld and Evelyn Wagner, sta-
tistical department; Harold Spitzner, stock
room, and Gloria Smith and Hercules Clada-
kis, publicity.
There was a big turnout from the MGM,
Columbia, UA and 20th-Fox exchanges last
Thursday night (April 24) for “Inside, Out-
side Reading,” the film written, produced,
directed and acted by the home office screen
readers. The picture was sponsored by
SOPEG and had a one-night stand at the
Malin Theatre on West 42nd St. Members
of the cast were: Tom Ratcliff e, Columbia;
Arthur Heinemann, Columbia; Maeve South-
gate, Paramount; Elihu Weiner, Universal;
Alice Goodman, MGM, and Lee Sabinson,
former MGM reader, now producer of “Fin-
ian’s Rainbow.”
Robert Bernhard, formerly booker for
Loew’s theatres, is now booking for Film Clas-
sics . . . One of his first jobs probably will
be to book “North Star” into Bronx, Man-
hattan and Brooklyn theatres next month
. . . Jack Harris, Walter Reade booker, re-
turned from a three-week vacation in Flor-
ida . . . Fred J. Schwartz, vice-president of
Century Theatres, is thawing out in Florida
after a winter of weekends at his Lake Placid
Timberdoodle Lodge . . . Sol A. Schwartz,
vice-president and general manager of RKO
Theatres, is in Mexico City.
Harry Fuchs of the Skouras publicity de-
partment is handling the display materials
for “The Forgotten Casualty.” This is the
short produced and distributed by the
Skouras Theatres community service de-
partment in conjunction with the current
$2,500,000 civilian rehabilitation drive . . .
Paul Berkhe of the Skouras home office is
supervising fund collections made in the cir-
cuit’s theatres.
! 43
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
20th-F ox Net Profit
Shows Gain in 1946
NEW YORK — Twentieth Century -Fox
Film Corp. and its subsidiaries, including
Roxy Theatre, Inc., and National Theatres
Corp. and all its subsidiaries showed a con-
solidated net profit of $22,619,535 for the year
ended Dec. 28, 1946. This compares with a
consolidated net profit of $12,746,467 for the
year ended Dec. 29, 1945. After deduct-
ing dividends paid on prior preferred and
convertible preferred stocks, the consolidated
net profit for 1946 amounted to $7.90 per
share on the 2,756,462 shares of common stock
outstanding. After deducting preferred divi-
dents, the consolidated net profit for 1945
amounted to $5.29 per share on the 2,119,709
shares of common stock outstanding.
The consolidated net profit, after all
charges, for the fourth quarter of 1946 was
$6,399,720, compared with $4,770,366 for the
third quarter of 1946 and $5,217,180 for the
fourth quarter of 1945.
The company’s annual report, which was
issued by Spyros P. Skouras, president, also
shows current assets at Dec. 28, 1946 of $103,-
055,004 including cash of $34,204,561, U.S. gov-
ernment securities of $8,938,780, and inven-
tories of $52,698,780. Current liabilities were
$33,748,750, of which the reserve for federal
taxes on income is $14,642,497.
The total assets of the corporation and its
subsidiaries, as shown on the consolidated
balance sheet, now amount to $163,443,880,
while the consolidated gross income for the
year 1946 amounted to $200,529,482, a new
high level.
New high levels of income were reached
for 1946, not only in film rentals in the do-
mestic and foreign fields but also in box-
office receipts from the 614 theatres oper-
ated by the company’s domestic theatre sub-
sidiaries, the 20th-Fox report said. So far
in 1947, too, the film rentals show an increase
over the corresponding period of 1946, al-
thought costs are somewhat higher. In the
foreign markets, Norway and Denmark have
resumed showing of 20th-Fox pictures and
new offices have been opened in Siam and
Lebanon, Syria, according to the report.
RKO's Net Profit in 1946
Over Double Last Year
NEW YORK — Radio-Keith-Orpheum Corp.
reports a net profit for 1946 of $12,187,805,
which is more than double the net of $6,031,-
085.24 reported for 1945. The net was equal
to $3.17 per share on the common outstanding
at the end of the year. For 1945 the net was
equal to $1.59 per share.
It was the biggest net in the history of the
company, N. Peter Rathvon, president, stated
in his report to stockholders. Income from
theatres wa9 substantially higher in spite of
increased operating costs.
Gross receipts from film distribution hit a
record of $72,966,727. The producing and
distributing subsidiary and the theatre op-
erating subsidiaries made approximately
equal contributions to the net profit.
For the first quarter of 1947 consolidated
net earnings fell well below the first quarter
of 1946 because there are more independent
producers and there was no hit comparable
to “The Bells of St. Mary’s.”
In discussing the effects of the antitrust
|ST
CLASS DISTRIBUTION FOR
THE ENTIRE SOUTH — thru
J(IOHN)
ENKINS
&B
(O. K.)
OURGEOIS
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HABWOOD & JACKSON STS., DALLAS L TEX.
WB Sound Equipment Meet
To Be Held April 28
WB SOUND MEN CONFER — CoL
Frank E. Cahill jr., director of sound for
Warner Theatres, and CoL Nathan Levin-
son, head of the sound department at the
Warner Bros, studio, meet in New York
to discuss latest developments in the
sound field.
NEW YORK — Warner Bros, will bring the
chief sound and projection engineer from
each of 12 territories to New York April 28
for conferences with Col. Nathan Levinson,
head of the sound department, and Col.
Frank E. Cahill jr., director of sound for
Warner Theatres. The meeting, the first to
be held since the war, will be for the purpose
of discussing equipment needs and to main-
tain closer liaison with the company’s equip-
ment men, Colonel Levinson said. The New
York meeting will be followed by local meet-
ings in each territory.
Colonel Levinson attended the 61st semi-
annual convention of the Society of Motion
Picture Engineers in Chicago from April 21
to April 25 along with Ernest Royls, head
of sound for Warner Bros, at the Teddington
studios in England. Royls will return to Eng-
land April 29 and Colonel Levinson is send-
ing power equipment, which is very scarce
in Britain, as well as cameras, printing and
editing equipment from the Hollywood lab-
oratories to the Teddington studios, which
were badly wrecked in the war. Royls expects
to have the British studio in shape for film-
ing operations within the next 90 days,
Colonel Levinson said.
decree, Rathvon says more than 75 per cent
of the theatres operated by RKO are un-
affected by the ruling requiring a beneficial
interest of 90 per cent or over.
The annual meeting of stockholders will be
held at Dover, Del., June 4 to elect directors
and appoint auditors.
Pathe's 1946 Net Income
Shows Sharp Increase
NEW YORK — Pathe Industries, Inc., and
its principal subsidiaries report a net income
of $1,014,938 for 1946 compared with $511,212
for 1945. This represents earnings of 67
cents per common share in 1946 compared to
32 cents in 1945. The Pathe subsidiaries in-
clude Eagle-Lion Films, Inc.; Eagle-Lion
Studios, Inc.; Pathe Laboratories, Inc.; Pic-
torial Films, Inc.; PRC Prod., Inc.; Producers
Releasing Corp.; State Theatre Co.; Tele-
vision Center, Inc.; V. D. Anderson Co. and
Van Swearingen Co.
During 1946, which was the third full year
of operation of Pathe Industries, Inc., under
its present corporate title, the company ex-
perienced such nonrecurring expenditures as
the establishment of the Eagle-Lion com-
panies which tended to reduce the net in-
come, according to the report sent to stock-
holders by Kenneth M. Young, president.
'Life Wilh Faiher'
Eyed for Astor
NEW YORK — Robert J. Dowling, head of
the City Investing Co., which owns the Astor
Theatre, has his eye on “Life With Father.”
He indicated that there already have been
discussions in regard to booking the Warner
film. The picture probably will not be re-
leased until late 1947 or early 1948.
Dowling is now lining up product to follow
Samuel Goldwyn’s “The Best Years of Our
Lives,” which is expected to rim at the Astor
at least through June.
His three-year exclusive lease with Gold-
wyn and David O. Selznick was scheduled to
have expired April 15. The agreement actu-
ally will bind Goldwyn until “The Best Years”
completes its run. The film is now above
the control figure, Dowling pointed out.
He went on to say that he has had many
offers for exclusive leasing agreements and
also for one-shot product deals for the Astor.
Independents and majors are equally inter-
ested in the theatre, he said.
At present, Dowling is more interested in
single shot propositions, “preferably for pic-
tures like ‘Life With Father,’ ” he added
hopefully.
Jerome Adams Is Married
To San Francisco Girl
WASHINGTON— Mrs. Oroline McKeever
Oyster, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Coulter Mc-
Keever, 114 Walnut St., San Francisco, Calif.,
was married Thursday afternoon to Jerome
Adams, MGM branch manager, in the cham-
bers of the district court by Justice F. Dick-
inson Letts.
The newlyweds will reside at their new
home, 2121 Massachusetts Ave., N. W., Wash-
ington. Adams, who week before last, be-
came MGM branch manager here, is well
known in capital society and film circles as
he was temporarily connected with the local
film office several years ago. He is from New
Rochelle, N. Y., and San Francisco.
Loew's Mayfair to Brandt
On a Five-Year Lease
NEW YORK — Brandt Theatres has leased
the Mayfair Theatre, in the Times Square
district, from Loew’s, Inc., on a five-year deal
starting May 1. Loew’s, which purchased the
house from Walter Reade several years ago,
has been operating the house on a subse-
quent run, double-feature policy. Brandt’s
future policy has not been determined.
With the acquisition of the Mayfair, Brandt
will have 12 theatres in the Times Square
area, including two first runs, the Globe and
the Gotham. Others are the Republic, New
York, Pix, Selwyn, Apollo, Victory, Times
Square, Liberty and Lyric.
'Torment' Opens in N.Y.
NEW YORK — “Torment,” Swedish-made
psychological drama produced by Svensk-
filmindustri, the studio responsible for
Garbo’s early pictures, opened at the Avenue
Playhouse April 21.
“Torment,” which is being released in
America by Oxford Films, followed the 30-
week run of “The Well-Digger’s Daughter.”
POPCORN
South American — & — White Hull-less, $7.50
per 100. Write for sample.
HAYES SEED HOUSE
Topeka, Kas.
44
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
See Your RCA Independent Theatre Supply Dealer
Cfotce/
BY RCA
Plenty of smart exhibitors in this
area are upping their receipts and
drawing holdout crowds ... by
showing the clearest, brightest,
steadiest pictures their audiences
have ever seen.
Their Brenkert ”80” Projectors,
with the sensational Brenkert High
Intensity Lamps, are making ter-
rific headway with the public and
the box office.
You can get the same results.
UNITED PROJECTOR & FILM CORPORATION
228 Franklin St., Buffalo, N. Y.
BLUMBERG BROTHERS, INC.
1305-07 Vine St., Philadelphia 7, Pa.
CAPITOL MOTION PICTURE SUPPLY CORP. ELMER H. BRIENT & SONS
630 Ninth Avenue, New York 19, N. Y. 802 N. Capitol St., Washington, D. C.
New Foreign Newsreel
Started by Telenews
NEW YORK — Telenews Productions has
started a Telenews Digest newsreel of for-
eign events. The company has contracted
with approximately 15 foreign newsreel pro-
ducers for footage. The digest will be edited
in the company offices here. The first issue
will be released May 1 and will run about
nine minutes.
Distribution will be handled by mail and
through Telenews houses throughout the
country. Jack Tobin and Robert Kingsley,
production manager, will supervise the new
reel.
Kingsley emphasized that the digest will
not compete with the five major newsreels
in this country, but will provide supple-
mentary coverage of foreign events. Hugh
James will be the narrator. Excerpts from
foreign documentaries will also be included
in the digest.
Telenews will not produce its own reels for
some time, Kingsley said, but has lined up
several foreign producers to handle Telenews
assignments in the future.
All newsreel houses in the New York area
have booked the digest, including the Em-
bassy and Trans-Lux circuits and the news-
reel theatre in Grand Central station. In
other sections of the country the digest will
be shown by Telenews houses and various
independent operators. The reel also will be
available to feature houses.
Telenews Productions is an affiliate of
Telenews Theatres.
Baltimore Tent Raised
$25,000 for Charity
BALTIMORE — Variety Club of Baltimore
has raised more than $25,000 for charity, ac-
cording to announcement at the club’s annual
dinner -dance at the Sheraton-Belvedere . . .
Fred C. Schanberger jr., chief barker, said the
sum would be turned over to such organiza-
tions as the Police Boys’ clubs, the Kernan
Children’s hospital, the Maryland School for
the Blind, and the Cylburn Shelter Home
for Children.
Highlight of the affair was a drawing in
which three automobiles and 49 other prizes
were given away. Guests at the dinner, num-
bering some 300, included former chief barkers
Lauritz Garman, Uptown Theatre; Bernard
Seaman, Hicks circuit; William K. Saxton,
Loew’s city manager, and Frank H. Durkee,
Durkee Enterprises. Seaman was chairman
of the entertainment committee and William
G. Meyers was chairman of the banquet
committee. Sam Tabor was chairman of the
special events committee.
Among film stars and night club entertain-
ers present at the dinner were Mischa Auer,
Bob Eberle and Lenny Gale of the Hippo-
drome; Buddy Lester and Steve Condon of
the Chanticleer, and Del Casino, Stan Fisher,
Jackie Winston and the Wally Wangerettes
of the Club Charles. Buddy Silverberg was
master of ceremonies.
Feminine Lead in 'Red Head'
Jean Porter has been signed by Columbia to
take the feminine lead in “Two Blondes and
a Red Head.”
MANLEY Inc
POPCORN MACHINES
L. M. Malcolm
Box 217, Camden, New York
Apollo Theatre Patrons
Get Smallpox Vaccine
New York — Brandt’s Apollo Theatre
went all out in the city drive to vaccinate
the public against smallpox. Two physi-
cians were installed in the theatre mez-
zanine on Thursday (April 17) to offer
smallpox injections to incoming patrons.
Observers are wondering if it will boost
business, considering the shortage of
vaccine.
BUFFALO
\XTelcome home, Bill! That’s William P.
Rosenow we’re talking about. Bill is in
charge of the Selznick Releasing Organiza-
tion’s new office opened here in the Jackson
building. A World War II veteran, Bill for-
merly was a sales representative for Para-
mount in Rochester and Buffalo. The first
picture released by the new office is “Duel in
the Sun,” now playing in Syracuse and
Rochester. It opens here in May, possibly
at the Great Lakes.
Jake Rappeport, after a long delay, has
opened his new 800-seat Lovejoy Theatre. He
has closed his old
wooden-frame Avon
. . . Universal’s new
Rochester salesman is
Arthur Rose. He re-
places George Suss-
man, now with PRC
... At UA this week
were Edward Schnit-
zer, eastern division
manager; Clayton
Eastman, district man-
ager; Max Fogel of the
Webster, Rochester;
and Lawlor & King of
EDWARD SCHNITZER the Shea Theatres in
Jamestown . . . Bert Frees has been trans-
ferred from Rochester to Buffalo as sales-
man . . . Dave Lee, city salesman, has been
transferred to Pittsburgh as acting branch
manager during the illness of Ira Cohn.
Auditor William Nesbitt, New York, was at
the Republic exchange this week. Paramount
reports that Rosenow’s place in Rochester
has been taken by Ed Walters . . . Marjorie
McBride has returned to her desk at 20th-Fox
for the first time in three months. She has
been very ill . . . Bill Graham is the new
20th-Fox branch manager succeeding Howard
Minsky, who is now in New York. Richard
Carroll is the new office manager.
The Columbia exchange is still leading the
country in the sales personnel bonus drive,
which ends late in June. May is Columbia’s
“Month for Shorts” . . . Gertrude Anastasia
is the new booker’s stenographer at Columbia
. . . Dolores Szwejda is Phil Fox’s new secre-
tary, succeeding Ann Zimmerman, who is
sticking to housekeeping ... An increase in
the Meyer Fox family is expected soon.
“Oklahoma!” returns to the Erlanger The-
atre for a week May 5 . . . Paul Whiteman
launched his 1947 American- Canadian tour
with two programs at Kleinhans Music Hall
. . . Arthur DeBra, director of community
relations for MPA, said at a Rotary meeting
here that the motion picture is “growing up.”
DeBra declared that 90 per cent of the screen
time of all the nations of the world is occu-
pied by American motion picture entertain-
ment.
The premiere of “Citizen Saint” was held
at the Erlanger Theatre here with hundreds
of priests, sisters and Catholic laymen attend-
ing . . . “Comeback,” a 26-minute film dis-
tributed through the office of vocational re-
habilitation of the FSA, was screened here at
a meeting of the Buffalo Claims Ass’n.
Sam Rinzler Heading
UJA Exhibitor Group
NEW YORK — Sam Rinzler has been named
chairman of an independent exhibitors’ com-
mittee in the motion picture industry’s drive
to raise $2,100,000 for the United Jewish
Appeal. Other members of the committee
who were appointed at the first general meet-
ing for the organization of film company
chairmen at the Hotel Astor during the week
were David Weinstock, Edward Rugoff, Harry
Brandt, Julius Joelson, Si Fabian, Max A.
Cohen and Leo Brecher.
Matthew Fox, one of the four co-chairmen
for metropolitan New York, presided at the
Hotel Astor meeting which was attended by
Barney Balaban, national chairman of the
motion picture division, who stressed the fact
that twice as much is needed this year to
carry out the work of the UJA. Fox and
Emil Friedlander, another of the co-chairmen
for metropolitan New York, initiated exten-
sive plans for a home office drive which will
get under way within the next week so that
the drive can be terminated by the end of
May.
Others present at the meeting were Jack
Cohn, Leopold Friedman, Leonard H. Golden-
son, Arthur Israel jr., Harry Kalmine, Mal-
colm Kingsberg, Harry Michalson, W. C.
Michel, Harold Rinzler, Abe Schneider,
Samuel Schneider, Adolph Schimel, Sol
Schwartz, Sam Shain, J. J. Unger, Dr. Isadore
Lubin, A1 Zimbalist and Peter Colwin, na-
tional trade director of the UJA; Maurice
Firth, trade secretary of the New York
division of the UJA, Philip Chasin of the
Joint Defense Appeal and Sam Friedman of
the UJA. All present constituted themselves
chairmen for their respective companies and
agreed to undertake organizing activities
among home office executives and employes.
Rose Files Counterclaim
To James Mason Action
NEW YORK — David Rose has entered a
counterclaim for $1,760,000 against James
Mason, British actor, and has filed a general
denial of charges brought by Mason when he
filed for a declaratory judgment against Rose
in U.S. district court.
When Rose returned from Europe early last
March, Mason began a proceeding in district
court seeking $1,760,000 in damages or a
declaratory judgment against Rose. The ac-
tion was a countermove to a complaint Rose
filed against the actor in California, charging
that Mason reneged on a contract to form a
film company with him.
In the action Mason brought last month,
his attorneys, Schwartz and Frohlich, de-
clared the complaint filed by Rose in Cali-
fornia has prevented the actor from making
other deals.
New Assistant at Troy
TROY — Harold Reed is the new assistant
manager of the Warner here. He has suc-
ceeded Lloyd Burnip, who resigned. Reed had
been assistant to Vic Bunze at the American
here and had been stationed at the Lincoln
before becoming Sid Sommers’ right hand
man.
NEW MIRROPHONIC SOUND
JOE HORNSTEIN, Inc.
630 Ninth Aye., New York City
46
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
THEATRE
OWNERS
Size: 26 inches x 24 inches x 38 inches high
ALSO AVAILABLE WITH
STAINLESS STEEL STAND
Complete with Cash Drawer, Sliding
Shelf and Additional Storage Space
Solve YOUR
Pop Corn Problem
POP CORN
WARMER
• TWENTY-POUND STORAGE CAPACITY
(Enough Hot Com for Peak Rush Business)
• REFILLED IN 30 SECONDS
• THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED
(Low Cost Operation)
• ALL STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION
“Faster Sales mean Greater Profits’
HOT Pop Corn Always — No Matter How Great The Rush
For Further Information Write to:
PRONTO POP CORN SALES, INC.
702 Beacon Street, Boston 15, Mass.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
47
Foundation Is Pictured
As Goodwill Vehicle
(Continued from page 41)
supplement such systems, not supplant them.
Foundation funds will be used for the sick,
the poor and the unfortunate in the industry
and, if need be, their families. There is a
‘grass roots’ angle to this, in that the sole test
is the need, and that need will be passed
upon by the local committees.”
In addition, he went on, scholarships for
worthy children of industry workers, so these
youngsters may follow the motion picture in-
dustry as a career, are part of the Founda-
tion plans, among other incursions into the
field of science, culture and education.
“IDEAS THROWN INTO POT”
“But these are only ideas thrown into the
pot,” he closed, “along with your ideas, with
the final decisions resting in the hands of
the trustees.”
In attendance in addition to those men-
tioned :
Joe Soperstein
Max Friedman
Jack Bullwinkle
Joe Rosen
Ray Smith
Gene Vogel
Max Westebbe
Sid Dwore
Harold Royster
Dick Murphy
Leo Rosen
Bob Johnson
Paul Wallen
Jack Goldberg
Alex Sayles
Johnny Gardner
Lou Rapp
Phil Rapp
Oscar Perrin
Jim Faughan
Henry Engle
George Seed
Sid Summers
A1 LaFlcrmme
Harry Alexander
Larry Cowan
Burt Lawler
Harry Lamont
Herman Jacobs
Edgar S. Van Olinda
Sam Gillette Named Trustee
For Foundation in Salt Lake
SALT LAKE CITY — Sam Gillette, Tooele,
Utah, exhibitor, was named area trustee of
the Motion Picture Foundation at a meeting
held here Friday morning, April 25.
New GE Electronics Plant
In Syracuse Is Opened
SYRACUSE, N. Y. — General Electric’s new
electronics manufacturing plant, Electronics
Park, started production Tuesday (April 15)
when the first transmitter assembly lines
were transferred from the Thompson road
plant, seven miles away. Company executives
estimate it will take about a month and a
half before all the machinery for building
radio transmitters is moved over to the new
plant.
Approximately 1,800 employes of the trans-
mitter division will be transferred to Elec-
tronics Park. The transmitter division will
be made up of nine separate buildings.
NJ. Allied Is Canvassing
Dealers for Convention
NEW YORK — The Allied Theatre Owners
of New Jersey has mailed distributors, supply
dealers and equipment manufacturers 1,500
brochures specifying exhibition regulations for
its 28th annual convention at Atlantic City
June 23-26.
The event will highlight a theatre equip-
ment show and testimonial banquet to Jack
Kirsch, national president of Allied States
Ass’n.
E. Thornton Kelley will be convention man-
ager.
"Voice of Theatre Speakers”
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!
AT MONTE CARLO SHOWING— Film
Rights International release, “Two
Anonymous Letters,” was screened at the
Monte Carlo preview room under the
sponsorship of the American Society for
Cultural Relations With Italy. Ferruccio
Parri, former premier of Italy, left, was
guest of honor. Jay Williams of Film
Rights, right, welcomed guests.
New Drive-In Corporation
To Build in Middletown
ALBANY — Formation of Middletown Drive-
In to build an automobile theatre in the Mid-
dletown area was revealed here Wednesday.
Harry W. Lamont, who now operates drive-
ins at Leeds and near Lake George Village,
in addition to standard houses in four small
towns, is one of the incorporators of the new
company. Attorney Lewis A. Sumberg of
Albany, and Lawrence T. Harrington of
Montclair, are also incorporators. Sumberg
made the announcement. Lamont had said
on Monday night that he intended to be in
New York Wednesday and probably would
have definite news on the Middletown setup
by the end of the week.
It is believed that the Middletown drive-in,
like others constructed by Lamont, will be
small. He does not go in for elaborate set-
ups. Middletown is in the New York exchange
district, but Lamont will probably be served
from Albany. A report bounded around Film-
row several months ago that he would build a
drive-in in New Jersey. This did not ma-
terialize. Construction of additional drive-
ins by Lamont and his partners is likely
within the next two years.
Sid Deneau Leaves Schine
For SRO Sales Position
ALBANY — Coming as a surprise to local
film men, Sid Deneau has resigned as as-
sistant to Louis Schine, head of the Schine
circuit, to accept an important sales posi-
tion with Selznick Releasing Organization in
New York.
Deneau had been promoted less than a year
ago to Maj. Sandy Lazar’s old job as director
of the theatre division. Illness of Mrs. Deneau,
who has been a patient in a New York hos-
pital for some time, is said to have been
one of the reasons for the change.
Rated as a comer in the industry, Deneau
started his career as Fabian booker in the
local division office, and began with Schine
as Lazar’s assistant.
Office Union May End
Confraci Talks Soon
NEW YORK — Talks between the Motion
Pirture Home Office Employes Union, Local
No. H63, IATSE, and MGM’s News of the
Day and the MGM music publishing subsi-
diary, Robbins, Feist and Miller, on new con-
tracts covering office workers are expected
to be completed within ten days.
Local H63 will not reopen wage negotia-
tions under existing contracts with seven
other companies until the Motion Picture
Laboratory Technicians Union, Local No. 702,
IATSE, has wound up contract renewal talks
with 18 film laboratories.
So far the home office workers union has
settled job classifications with News of the
Day and Robbins, Feist and Miller. The
seven contracts to be reopened for wage dis-
cussions shortly include Universal, Warners,
Paramount News, Ace Film Laboratories in
New York and Brooklyn, Music Publishers
Holding Co. and Pathe Laboratories. The
union board will seek uniform increases of
20 per cent for the office workers at these
seven companies, or a minimum rise of $8.
Local H63 contracts with these companies
became effective June 1, 1946, with a provision
to reopen wage talks in May, 1947.
RCA Appoints H. I. Benham
To Brenkert Plant Post
NEW YORK — H. J. Benham, formerly com-
mercial engineer for RCA’s theatre equipment
section in Camden, N. J., has been made as-
sistant to the president of the Brenkert Light
Projection Co., RCA Victor division subsidiary
in Detroit, according to J. R. Little, sales man-
ager of RCA’s distributed products section.
Benham will make a general study of the
Detroit plant and take an active part in its
management, reporting directly to Karl
Brenkert, president.
Benham, who has been with RCA since 1930
when he joined the field organization of the
RCA service company, was assigned to make
a study of the Brenkert plant in 1941 during
RCA’s early negotiations for it.
Final Services Are Held
For Arthur Dillenbeck
NEW YORK — Funeral services were held
Wednesday (April 23) for Arthur O. Dillen-
beck, 60, motion picture editor of Household
magazine, at the Fan-child funeral parlor,
Manhasset, L. I. Dillenbeck was a former ad-
vertising agency executive.
He started his career with the Allen ad-
vertising agency in New York in 1909 and
later became a partner in the Hanff-Metzger
agency. When Hanff-Metzger was taken over
by Buchanann & Co., Dillenbeck was named
vice-president and for some time handled
the Paramount account.
Senator Asks Compulsory
Playing of U.S. Anthem
PHILADELPHIA— State Sen. Anthony J.
DiSilvestro of Philadelphia last week intro-
duced a bill in the legislature at Harrisburg
which would make it compulsory for the
"Star-Spangled Banner” to be played before
all performances in places of public assembly,
including motion picture houses, legitimate
theatres, and night clubs.
Gulistan Wilton Theatre Carpet
JOE HORNSTEIN has it!
48
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
MPEA to Get Control
Of German Showings
NEW YORK — The Motion Picture Export
Ass’n has concluded an agreement with
American military government officials
whereby American film distribution in Ger-
many will soon be demilitarized and turned
over to the MPEA, according to a Berlin
cable from Irving Maas, vice-president and
general manager. Details of the transfer,
which is expected to become effective within
the next eight weeks, were worked out in a
series of conferences between Maas, Brig.
Gen. Robert A. McClure, director of AMG’s
information control division, and members
of his staff.
IN ACCORD WITH BRITISH
Maas has also reached “complete accord”
with British army heads and industry rep-
resentatives for film distribution exchange
between the American and British zones,
under the terms of the Byrnes-Bevjn bizonal
pact made earlier this year. This agreement
embraces release operations in more than
2,000 theatres representing the combined out-
lets in the American and British zones.
The transfer of controls to MPEA will mark
the complete divorcement of AMG from film
activities in the American zone. While AMG
will still exercise censorship on subjects re-
leased, MPEA will otherwise operate with
full and unrestricted commercial license as
it now does in Austria.
British representatives who attended th>5
interzonal phases of the Berlin conference c
included Michael L. G. Balfour, director of
the British Information Services Control
commission; A. F. C. Brown of the London
Control Office; F. G. T. Rainbow of the Con-
trol commission for Germany; M. Gumpel of
ABC Pathe, London, and R. S. Bromhead,
president of the British Commonwealth Film
Corp., Ltd.
Before attending the Berlin conferences,
Maas held preliminary discussions of matters
on the Berlin agenda with American industry
executives and representatives in Paris.
Arthur M. Loew, president of Loew’s Inter-
national; Joseph H. Seidelman, president of
Universal-International; Fay W. Allport and
Frank McCarthy, MPAA managers of Eu-
rope; Robert E. Vining, MPEA representa-
tive in Germany, and the Continental man-
agers of MPEA member companies attended
these Paris sessions.
DUE BACK IN N. Y. IN MAY
Maas is due back in New YorlT early in
May following his visit to MPEA’s office in
Vienna and a conference in Prague with
Louis Kanturek, MPEA supervisor of eastern
Europe.
Outside of MPEA’s eight member com-
panies, no other companies have immediate
plans for exhibiting their product in Ger-
many in the near future. Monogram is not
showing any of its product there, according
to Norton V. Ritchey, vice-president in
charge of foreign distribution; Republic Pic-
tures declined to comment on the new MPEA
agreement, and Sam Seidelman, PRC for-
eign head, said that his company was “not
doing any German business,” although he
had dispatched a few cables to get the details
on the situation there.
MPEA and Poland Approve
Film Distribution Deal
NEW YORK— The government of Poland
has approved a film distribution agreement
with the Motion Picture Export Ass’n for the
release of approximately 65 American-made
films during 1947-48, according to a cable
from Prague. Under the terms of the agree-
ment, the product of MPEA’s member com-
panies will be distributed in every population
center in Poland with theatre outlets.
Eric Johnston Will Speak
At India Film Meeting
NEW YORK — Eric Johnston will be the
principal speaker at a banquet in honor of
Vijay Bhatt, producer-director of India pic-
tures, at the Waldorf-Astoria May 6. The
banquet will be part of the program of the
India Film Conference to be held here May 5
to May 8, according to Hari Govil, founder-
director of the India Society of America.
On May 5 an informal reception and inaug-
ural address will be given by Govil at the
Wings club. Hotel Biltmore, to producers,
distributors and authorities in the field of
documentary films. “Ways and Means for
Promoting Cultural Contacts Between India
and America Through the Use of Films,” will
be discussed. The conference will be brought
to a close with a showing of “The Story of
Ram Rajah,” produced and directed by Bhatt
of Prakash Pictures, Bombay, India, at the
Museum of Modern Art at 8:30 p. m. May 7.
Philadelphia Video
Association Formed
PHILADELPHIA — Representatives from
all fields interested in the growth of video
met here and organized the Television Ass’n
of Philadelphia.
Attending were representatives of motion
picture theatres, advertising agencies who are
engaged in television production, manufac-
turers of television sets, distributors, tele-
vision broadcasters — both those in operation
and the potential — and representatives of
utilities.
Purpose of the organization, according to
Ken Stowman, newly appointed television
director of station WFIL, who was elected
temporary chairman, is to exchange ideas
and keep abreast of new developments in
video.
YOU SET
THE RIGHT LAMP
FOR YOUR NEEDS!
As the only lamps manufactured complete
within one factory, they can be so engi-
neered as to guarantee the
best screen results.
^ (MkeK-tAt£ti*Kfi4<vic STRONG ik/oMate * tyfc/ ^
ALBANY, N. Y. — Albany Theatre Supply Co., 1046 Broadway.
ALBANY 4, N. Y. — Empire Theatre Supply Co., 1003 Broadway. Telephone:
5-9507.
AUBURN, N. Y. — Auburn Theatre Equipment Co., 5 Court Street. Telephone:
No. 695. Emergency Telephone: 1439.
BALTIMORE, MD. — J. F. Dusman, 2021 N. Charles St.
FORTY FORT, PA.— Vincent M. Tate, 1620 Wyoming Ave.
NEW YORK CITY — Amusement Supply Co., Inc., 341 West 44th Street.
Telephone: Circle 6-0850.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
49
WASHINGTON
The K-B Amusement Co. has made a request
* of the film companies for competitive bid-
ding for its Atlas Theatre over the Beverly
Theatre, owned and operated by Warner Bros.
Both theatres seat 1,000 and are in the north-
east section of the District. The Atlas, in
the same zone with the Beverly and Warners’
Apollo, has been playing pictures after the
Apollo. This is the first case of a request
for competitive bidding in the District of
Columbia.
Columbia’s district manager, Sam Galanty,
left April 27 for a vacation in California . . .
The Highway Express lines’ manager, Ralph
Binns, is a new grandfather. The baby’s
name is Carol Jane Hemingsen . . . Ralph
DeBurgos, former salesman, is now branch
manager of the Wheeler Film Co. with Sam
Epstein as office manager . . . May Feld-
man, for ten years with 20th-Fox, has re-
signed to accept a position with the Wheeler
Film Co. She was presented with a gift cer-
tificate from the Fox Family club.
United Artist’s district manager, Mark Sil-
ver, was in town this week . . . “Spud”
Query came in from Marion, Va., to book
and buy for his circuit . . . Mrs. Arthur Ja-
cobson is spending several days in Atlantic
City . . . Fred Rohrs, PRC district manager,
spent several days in Norfolk and Baltimore
this week . . . Frances Altman is the new
contract clerk at PRC . . . Anne Zibura is
resigning to await a visit from the stork.
At Universal Manager Harry Martin and
Salesmen Vince Doughtery and Barney Frank
were out fighting severe colds . . . Natalie
Kaufman has announced her engagement to
Robert Cohen . . . Mary Pennini has resigned
. . . Adelta Clements, Mary Grasso and Bev-
erly Hall were hostesses at a baby shower
given for Josephine Grasso Smith, former
cashier . . . Head Shipper Dorothy Prestelle
celebrated her 20th year with Universal
Wednesday when she received many gifts
from her fellow workers . . . Cashier Walter
Bangs is planning a vacation in New Orleans.
Anne Griffin, Eilleen Olivier and Joyce
Reed were hostesses at a baby shower given
for Millie Lodge, contract department at
20th-Fox Thursday evening at Miss Griffin’s
apartment . . . District Manager C. E. Pep-
piatt and Branch Manager Glenn Norris vis-
ited Baltimore exhibitors Wednesday . . . The
quarantine sign has been taken off the
O’Leary’s door, since daughter Maureen has
fully recovered from an attack of scarlet fever
. . . A former salesman in the Washington
branch, Sam Diamond, who went to Phila-
delphia to accept a sales managership, has
resigned to head the PRC office in Phila-
delphia.
Lou Ramm, Equity Film, sends post cards
from Hot Springs, Ark., where he is relaxing
. . . The Jack Jacksons, Buchanan Theatre,
are parents of a new daughter . . . Anne
Griffin attended the National Women’s Press
club dinner at which President and Mrs.
Truman were present last Saturday night . . .
Many happy returns to the MGM branch
manager, Jerry Adams, who celebrated his
birthday Wednesday.
Monogram’s branch manager, Jack Safer
visited exhibitors in Charlottesville, Rich-
mond, Norfolk and Roanoke . . . Anne
Hanower can vouch for the fact that Charlie
Stofberg caught about 50 perch last Sunday.
She met him on the way home carrying his
catch ... At Paramount Bob Cunningham
replaces H. F. Henderson as the office man-
ager . . . Pat Newberry has been promoted
THE IDEAL THEATRE CHAIRS
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!
RECEIVES MOD CHECK — Commis-
sioner John Russell Young (center), gen-
eral chairman of the 1947 polio drive in
Washington, receives a check and a re-
port that the D. C. theatres collected a
total of $79,353.60 in the 1947 March of
Dimes drive. Presenting the check were
John J. Payette (left) and Carter T.
Barron (right), co-chairmen of the thea-
tre unit of the campaign.
Payette and Barron
Give MOD Figures
WASHINGTON— John J. Payette and Car-
ter T. Barron, co-chairmen of the theatre
unit of the 1947 March of Dimes of Metro-
politan Washington, reported to Commis-
sioner John Russell Young, general chair-
man, that Washington theatres collected a
total of $79,353.60 during the campaign.
Julian Brylawski, president of the Motion
Picture Theatres of Metropolitan Washing-
ton, had endorsed the 1947 campaign and
pledged full cooperation with Barron and
Payette.
Abandoned this year were the midnight
shows at the Howard, Capitol and Earle thea-
tres, the Command Performance at the Na-
tional Theatre and other activities. Also, in
comparison to the 1946 drive, the collecting
period lasted ten days in some of the theatres
and in others 11 days.
The co-chairmen were assisted by the fol-
lowing local theatre men:
Brylawski, Sidney Lust, Louis Bernheimer,
Harry Bachman, Ike Weiner, John Allen,
Wade Skinner, Roland Robbins, Sol Sorkin,
Nate Golden, Samuel Cummings, Mrs. Louise
N. Miller, Fred Kogod, Samuel Ashman,
Jimmy Lake, Gene Ford, Edmund Plohn and
Ashley Abendshein. Also assisting were man-
agers of each local theatre.
Frank La Falce was campaign manager.
there from booker’s stenographer to student
booker . . . The A1 Bensons are farm hunt-
ing . . . Muriel Downs has resigned to await
a visit from Mr. Stork.
Washington theatres collected $79,353.60
during the 1947 March of Dimes drive, ac-
cording to a report to Commissioner John
Russell Young, general chairman, by John
Payette and Carter T. Barron, co-chairman
of the theatre unit of the campaign. In con-
trasting the 1947 theatre collections against
last year it is interesting to note that in
1946 the collection period ran ten days in
some theatres and 11 days in others. In ad-
dition the $79,353.60 total was obtained with-
out benefit of the midnight shows at the
Earle, Capitol and Howard theatres, the
Command Performance at the National Thea-
tre, and other activities abandoned this year.
The MPTO of Metropolitan Washington, of
which Julian Brylawski is president, endorsed
the 1947 campaign and pledged full co-
operation to Carter Barron and John Payette.
PHILADELPHIA
tjd Hunter, former BOXOFFICE correspond-
ent and night city editor of the late Phila-
delphia Record, is now doing sports publicity
for the University of Pennsylvania. Ed re-
ports his son Dick,' a theological student at
Princeton, is engaged . . . Eugene Ormandy,
musical director of the Philadelphia orchestra,
has called off his proposed European tour,
partly because of his first venture into the
motion picture field. He starts work in May
for RKO, filming “Counterpoint.” After that,
he will spend the summer with friends on
the coast.
Angle Hunters: Bernard Simon, New York
theatrical press agent, batted out his brains
here this week to get a feature plug for the
play, “Young Man’s Fancy,” on the radio. He
finally arranged for the playwrights to be in-
terviewed on the Drake Celebrity club pro-
gram. They appeared, talked at length about
“our play,” and plumb forgot to mention the
name of the show!
None of the reviewers or tub-thumpers
around town noticed that Eddie Kane played
Ziegfeld in that brief Winter Garden sequence
in “The Jolson Story.” Eddie, a Philadelphian,
has been in Hollywood for years, and also
played Ziegfeld in “The Broadway Melody,”
the first musical sound picture.
Charles Jackson, author of “Lost Week-
end,” will be guest speaker at the last of a
series of famous author luncheons sponsored
by the Bulletin . . . The Warner club is plan-
ning a dinner dance at the Cedarbrook Coun-
try club June 6 . . . The Warner gang is
getting ready to move into new quarters on
Filmrow early next month.
A new business procedure was introduced
by the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co. when
it presented its annual report to policyholders
in the form of an animated sound film.
About 4,000 persons saw the film, which was
shown at the Bellevue-Stratford hotel three
times in one afternoon.
Jack Kraker, former head of the local office
of Ross Federal Service, has been named
Philadelphia representative for Selznick Re-
leasing Organization. Kraker was at one
time a branch manager for Paramount in
Milwaukee . . . Ted Schlanger and Ev Callow
of the Warner organiaztion, were appointed
joint chairmen of the publicity committee
of the 1947 cancer drive in Philadelphia . . .
Mrs. Lucy H. Love, secretary of the Pennsyl-
vania censor board, has resigned after serv-
ing in that post for almost eight years. Thus
far there has been no replacement.
AGVA National Officers
Sue Philadelphia Local
PHILADELPHIA — In the latest of a series
of court tilts, the national officers of the
American Guild of Variety Artists, are suing
officers of its Philadelphia local for $500,000
damages for alleged defamation of character.
Filed in U.S. district court, the suit named
as defendants Richard Jones, executive sec-
retary of Local 6; James Evans, president;
Doc Irving, first vice-president; A1 Tay, sec-
ond vice-president; and three directors,
Mickey Alpert, Harry Lewis and Frankie
Richardson.
The plaintiffs are Matt Shelvey, national
director; David Fox, assistant national direc-
tor, and four national representatives: Rich-
ard Reisman, Emil Lowe, Max Bernstein and
Frederick Dale.
The suit is the outgrowth of efforts by the
national officers last February to oust Jones
and other Local 6 officers from the Phila-
delphia office of the guild.
50
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1847
Buffalo Variety Club
Organizes for 1947
BUFFALO — Dewey Michaels of the Palace
Theatre has assumed office as chief barker
of the Buffalo Variety Club for 1947 and a
complete organization of committees has
been set up.
Officers besides Michaels are William Dip-
son of the Erlanger Theatre, first assistant;
Myron Gross of the Schine Theatres, second
assistant; Harry L. Berkson of Monogram
Pictures, dough guy, and W. E. J. Martin of
the Courier-Express, property master.
Other officers and committeemen are:
Canvasmen — Arthur Bailey, Little Hippo-
drome; John G. Chinell, RKO; Murray
Whiteman, Song shop; Albert Becker, Becker
Theatre Supply; Andrew Gibson, Erlanger
Theatre, and Richard Walsh, Strand Thea-
tre, Niagara Falls.
National canvasman — Elmer Lux, RKO;
alternate, Robert T. Murphy, 20th Century
Theatre.
Convention delegates — Andrew Gibson,
Harry L. Berkson, Murray Whiteman and
Myron Gross.
Heart committee — Andrew Gibson, Phil
Fox, Matt Sullivan, Stanley Kozanowski,
Mike Simon, Gus Basil, Dick Walsh and
George Mackenna.
House — Jack Chinell, Bill Dipson, Arthur
Bailey, Arnold Febrey, Dave Leff, Marvin
Atlas, Howard McPherson and Jack Gold-
stein.
Bylaws — Elmer Lux, Myron Gross, Bob
Boasberg, Sid Pfeiffer, Marv Morrison, Jack
Chinell and Bill Dipson.
Membership — Myron Gross, Jack Mund-
stuk, Sam Geffen, Spencer Balser, Effie Bet-
tigole of Syracuse, Abe Harris of Rochester
and Fred Schweppe of Binghamton-Elmira.
Publicity — W. E. J. Martin, Bill Brereton,
Jack Tucker, Charles B. Taylor and Jack
Gilmore.
Tickets — Mike Simon, Dave Freedman, Bill
Graham, Bud McDonough, Mike Jasko and
Meyer Fox.
Entertainment — Murray Whiteman, Phil
Fox, Phil Panoff, Wally Gluck, Jack Grood,
Harry Altman, Marvin Jacobs, Myron Gross
and Jack Goldstein.
Special events — Phil Panoff, Dave Leff,
George Mackenna, Bill Dipson, Elmer Lux,
Myron Gross, Marvin Jacobs, Sidney Pfeiffer
and Mike Simon.
Payoff (finance) — Harry Berkson, Elmer
Lux, Stanley Kozanowski, Constaine “Gus”
Basil, Robert T. Murphy, Dave Miller, Manny
Brown and Irving Fried.
Utica Orpheum Employe
Is Stabbed to Death
ALBANY — Richard A. Williams, 63, vet-
eran maintenance man at Kallett’s Orpheum,
neighborhood theatre, Utica, was found
stabbed to death early Tuesday morning
beneath a stairway leading from the lobby.
A billfold containing a considerable sum of
money was missing, Coroner Herman Haberer
said. Another pocketbook with 13 $1 bills was
in Williams’ pocket, according to the coroner.
The victim had been stabbed twice, but no
weapon was discovered. A policeman who
arrived soon after the body was discovered
stated Williams died from loss of blood. Harry
Russell found Williams when he entered the
775-seat house to pick up film.
Coroner Haberer, in announcing he would
conduct an autopsy, expressed the belief
Williams was stabbed as he descended a stair-
way leading from the lobby to the theatre
basement to get his topcoat. The coroner
thought an assailant might have been waiting
on the stairway. He could have been looking
for the opportunity to crack the safe on the
second floor when he encountered Williams.
SUBS FOR HELLINGER— A1 Horwits,
right, U-I eastern publicity manager, ac-
cepted the Edgar Allen Poe award for the
best mystery picture of the year from the
Mystery Writers of America on behalf of
Mark Hellinger. Percival Wilde, left,
presented the award for the author’s film
version of “The Killers” at a dinner at
the Henry Hudson hotel.
ALBANY
J^ppointment of Herman L. Ripps to be
Metro district manager for Boston, in addi-
tion to Albany, Buffalo and New Haven, will
not change his base of operations here.
Maurice Wolf, former Boston district man-
ager, has been transferred to the home offices
under H. M. Richey.
Jerry Atkin of the Warner publicity and
advertising department worked with George
Hutchinson, Madison manager, on the chil-
dren’s baseball matinee. Jerry took a bow
with the Albany Senators delegation and the
local sports editors.
Alex Sayles, Palace manager, has lost 32
pounds since he went on a diet of 1,000
calories and five cigars daily. The Fabian
boys laugh when they hear Alex say he has
been “cut” to five cheroots.
Harold Royster, Paramount-Publix district
manager with headquarters in Poughkeepsie,
returned to his home base with Leonard
Goldenson, vice-president of the circuit and
president of Paramount Service Corp., after
the latter addressed the regional organization
meeting of the Motion Picture Foundation.
Royster supervises the Paramount in Glens
Falls and other houses.
The Palace, Fabian’s 3,650-seater, has new
carpet in the inner lobby, on the stairs and
in the mezzanine rotunda. It also has been
redecorated by Cyril Murphy, Troy painting
contractor. Alex Sayles manages the Palace,
which also houses the upstate division offices
. . . The balcony of the Grand is being re-
seated with chairs taken from Proctors,
Schenectady. That de luxe house had new
seats installed. The work was carried for-
ward at night by the Capitol Motion Picture
Supply Co. of New York City, under Benny
Perse’s direction.
Sam Lefkowitz, Warner district manager,
visited Schine headquarters in Gloversville,
accompanied by Ray Smith, branch manager
. . . Filmrow callers included Charlie Wilson
of the Lake, Indian Lake; Mr. and Mrs. Jerry
LaRocque of the Fairyland, Utica; Mrs. Percy
Quigley and Helen Dolan of the Coxsackie,
Coxsackie.
HARRISBURG
jyjark Rubinsky, owner of the Rubinsky cir-
cuit, returned from New York and began
a tour of the circuit . . . Ida Rubinsky, office
secretary for the Rubinsky chain, attended
two weddings recently, one in Wilkes-Barre,
the other in Philadelphia . . . The first anni-
versary of the Dallas Theatre in nearby
Dallastown was celebrated with an Anni-
versary week program featuring outstanding
pictures and special events. The anniver-
sary marked a year under the ownership of
Mark Rubinsky.
William Pickalavage, manager of the Lyric,
Williamstown, visited here . . . Gilbert Wolfe,
road manager for the Rubinsky chain, was ill
at his home here . . . Recent film men in
town, almost all at the same time, were Max
Bruno, PRC; Jack Burgin, manager, and
Russell Eichengreen, salesman for Para-
mount; Sam Diamond, manager, and Bill
Solomon, salesman for 20th -Fox.
A private screening of “Stairway to
Heaven” was arranged by Bob Sidman, Sen-
ate manager, for the city’s clergy prior to
the regular run at the Senate . . . Mr. and
Mrs. Walter Vincent of New York City spent
some time with their nephew, Franklin
Maury, assistant manager of the Colonial.
Vincent is an official of the Wilmer & Vin-
cent-Fabian circuit, of which the Colonial is
a unit . . . The Hill Theatre, Camp Hill, new-
est in the Chertcoff chain, contracted with
WKBO for a regular spot three times a week,
plugging the current features, Manager Mar-
tin Brodsky reports.
Lou Golding of the Fabian chain visited
the three houses, State, Colonial and Rio . . .
Charles Crouse, until recently a doorman at
the Colonial, has returned for visits several
times since his retirement. He is building a
home at Honeybrook, near Philadelphia . . .
Midge Funk Brennan, who held the record of
being the oldest employe in point of service
at the Senate when she resigned, had a
birthday party for her year-old son. Midge’s
husband, Sergt. Thomas Brennan, now in
Guam with the marines, is expected home
shortly. Another Funk, the first grandson
to arrive in the family which has been asso-
ciated with theatres for many years, was
born recently, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Funk.
The new Elton Theatre in Steelton, eleventh
in the Chertcoff chain owned by Harry Chert-
coff, Lancaster, is expected to open early in
May. At that time the Standard will be
closed and Chertcoff will continue to operate
the Strand in the same borough, a suburb of
Harrisburg. The Elton, its construction
almost completed, will resemble the Hill,
opened several months ago in Camp Hill, in
architectural style.
For “Easy Come, Easy Go” the Colonial
arranged two window displays in the business
section. In Murphy’s store a window was
based on the legend, “Let Barry Fitzgerald
be an ‘Easy Come, Easy Go’ guy — You can’t
afford it, so shop here for real values.” The
other window display was in Miller’s shoe
shop, where several stills were displayed of
Diana Lynn trying on shoes.
A new theatre guide has been instituted by
Harry Chertcoff for his six Chertcoff houses
in Harrisburg and vicinity. Under a standing
head “Now Playing at Your Friendly Thea-
tre,” Chertcoff lists each house, and daily or
whenever necessary inserts the current attrac-
tions ... A matinee and evening performance
May 3 is scheduled by Paul Whiteman at the
Forum.
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
51
Pamphlet on Edison
Sent to Industry
NEW YORK— Fund headquarters for the
Thomas Alva Edison Foundation is mailing
an eight-page brochure titled, “You Are the
Heir of Edison” to leaders in the 30 indus-
tries which Edison’s inventions helped start.
The booklet outlines the foundation aims in
preserving the Edison library and laboratory
at West Orange, N. J.; establishing the Edison
Center for Invention, Discovery and Research
and restoring the nationwide Edison scho-
lastic competition.
Maj. Gen. Edward F. Curtis, vice-president
of Eastman Kodak Co., is chairman of the
motion picture section of the campaign to
raise a fund of $2,590,000. The film industry
quota is $400,000. Commenting on the film
industry’s debt to the inventor. Curtis
pointed out that Edison developed the first
camera capable of registering sequential im-
pressions on film fast enough to simulate
steady motion. Edison also conceived the
idea for talking pictures as early as 1889,
when he showed a picture in his West Orange
laboratory accompanied by a synchronized
phonograph record.
Martin Levine to Set Up
Foreign Films Agency
NEW YORK— United Foreign Films Dis-
tributors is the tentative title for a coopera-
tive agency for the exchange of ideas and
the standardization of practices among
American distributors of foreign language
films now being organized by Martin Levine.
Levine, general manager of Brandt Theatres
and executive head of Distinguished Films,
has discussed the organizational plan with
other independent distributors who have en-
couraged him to proceed with his outlined
program, he said.
Levine, who is also president of Tola Pro-
ductions which produced “The Roosevelt
Story,” the feature-length documentary of the
life of the late president, will leave for Europe
in the late spring to arrange for its release
abroad in various foreign-language versions.
He will also look over new foreign product
for possible release here by Distinguished
Films.
John Gregg Paine Buried;
Was Executive of Ascap
NEW YORK— Funeral services were held
at the Frank Campbell funeral home here
for John Gregg Paine, 57, general manager
of the American Society of Composers,
Authors and Publishers. He died suddenly
Wednesday 10:45 p. m., of a cerebral hemor-
rhage, after delivering an address to the
National Federation of Music Clubs in De-
troit. He is survived by his wife and son.
Paine was active in defending the Ascap
before state legislatures and was decorated
by the French government in 1939. In 1943
he received a citation of merit from the Na-
tional Ass’n of American Composers and Con-
ductors. He was appointed to the State de-
partment civilian committee to study the in-
terchange of cultures among Pan-American
countries by Former Secretary of State Stet-
tinius.
Goldsmith Rejoins Warners
NEW YORK— Jack Goldsmith, formerly
with the Warners field staff in the south
before entering the navy, has rejoined the
company as a member of the home office
publicity staff.
Showman Finances Store
For Incapacitated Girl
Philadelphia — Employes of the Pearl,
one of the Wax chain of theatres, are
partners in a unique business enterprise.
It all started when Cora Holland, mem-
ber of the maintenance staff for 14 years,
became physically incapacitated and
couldn’t continue her work. Manager
Paul Kleiman decided to find a business
she could handle.
A nearby store owned by the theatre
was vacant. Kleiman talked to Mo Wax,
owner of the theatre, who put on the
money for a candy store. Miss Holland
was put in charge of the store, with the
profits being split up among the other
employes of the theatre.
Word of this good turn spread through
the neighborhood, a Negro district (the
employes are Negro), and is bringing lots
of goodwill to the Wax enterprises.
Scully and Sales Heads
Leave for Area Meets
NEW YORK— William A. Scully, U-I vice-
president and general sales head, and com-
pany sales executives left late in the week for
meetings with exhibitors and company field
men on plans for eight new films. Product
discussed included “The Egg and I,” “Odd
Man Out,” “Great Expectations,'” “Time Out
of Mind,” “Buck Privates Come Home,” “Ivy,”
“Brute Force” and “Slave Girl.”
Scully’s itinerary includes Washington,
D. C., and Charlotte; E. T. Gomersall, Scully’s
assistant, Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis
and Detroit; C. J. Feldman, western division
manager, Kansas City, Omaha, Des Moines,
Denver, Salt Lake City and the west coast;
F. J. A. McCarthy, southern and Canadian
head, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Atlanta, St.
Louis, Memphis, New Orleans, Dallas and
Oklahoma City; Fred Meyers, eastern di-
vision manager, Boston, Philadelphia, Pitts-
burgh, Cleveland, Albany, Buffalo and New
Haven.
UA Makes 5 Appointments
To Latin America Posts
NEW YORK — United Artists has made five
appointments to its Latin America staff.
James Raymond, formerly manager in Trini-
dad, has been named manager in Colombia,
succeeding Beno Slesin, who was killed in
an airplane crash last February. Raymond is
in town conferring with home office heads
before taking up his new duties.
Other appointments include Frank G. Ber-
glasr who succeeds Raymond in Trinidad;
Adolfo Friedman, named special represent-
ative in Uruguay, and Humberto Giancola,
who was appointed manager of the branch
office in Tuoman, Argentina. Luis Eduardo
Londono was named manager of the new of-
fice at Barrenquilla, Colombia.
Shift UA Publicity Spots;
Beller, Adams Join Staff
NEW YORK — UA has made some assign-
ment shifts in its home office publicity de-
partment with the appointment of Larry
Beller as metropolitan newspaper contact and
Caswell Adams as feature writer.
John Ingram, writer and layout man for the
past two years, will handle wire services and
syndicates; Rosellen Callahan will head fash-
ions and women’s features for newspapers
and syndicates. Tess Michaels and Lew
Barasch continue as magazine and tradepaper
contact, respectively. Beller and Adams are
experienced in newspaper and public relations
work.
U.S, Culture Films
At Mercy of Solons
WASHINGTON — Use of motion pictures to
spread American culture throughout the
world may be curtailed by an appropriations
subcommittee currently studying the State
department budget request. Closed hearings
were conducted late this week on the subject.
Despite appeals from William Benton, in
charge of cultural relations, the Republicans
call the radio and film program “propaganda”
and members of the committee indicate they
believe the information is not appreciated by
the people abroad.
Chairman John Taber of the committee is
a long-time foe of “government information
projects.”
Elimination of this cultural relations pro-
gram would be a major loss to several inde-
pendent producers in New York and on the
coast, who have been making the films on a
contract basis.
The radio and film budget was given a
fight last year, but the Democratic majority
in the senate restored a house cut. This
year, however, the senate appears to be as
solid against the Benton program.
Three Producer Contracts
Authorized by UA Board
NEW YORK — The board of directors of
United Artists has authorized a long-term
producing deal with Sam Coslow for five
musical pictures, all budgeted at more than
$1,500,000 and using top name stars.
The board has also authorized a producing
deal with Edward Small and Robert Young
for two high-budget pictures to be delivered
within 18 months. The first, based on a
story, “The Lovers,” by Sammy Fuller will
be followed by another best seller. Young
will star in both.
A third producing deal authorized by the
UA board was with Edward Gross and a
group of associates who will produce an all-
star picture based on “Mrs. Mike,” which will
be budgeted at over $2,000,000. “Mrs. Mike”
was the Literary Guild selection for March
and the Reader’s Digest selection for January.
Neil Agnew Is Married
To Henrielte Viseux
NEW YORK — Neil Agnew, Selznick Releas-
ing Organization sales head, was married to
Henriette Viseux at his farm at Southbury,
Conn., April 12, according to word received
here this week. The new Mrs. Agnew, who
came to this country from France six weeks
ago, met her future husband during his busi-
ness trip to Europe last fall.
Fred Utall, radio producer who has an of-
fice in thfe same building as the Selznick of-
fices here, made it a double wedding cere-
mony by marrying Joan Barton, radio and
film actfess, at Agnew’s farm the same day.
Milton Skolsky Joins E-L
NEW YORK — Milton Skolsky, brother of
Sidney Skolsky, columnist, has joined the
Eagle-Lion home office staff as a press book
writer. He has been connected with Warners
and Paramount.
Diener to UA Ad Staff
NEW YORK— David E. Diener, formerly
with the Republic advertising department, has
joined United Artists as a copywriter. He will
work under Francis Winikus.
52
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Pioneer Cameramen
Film Effect on Children
Helpful , Says Educator
Honored in Chicago
CHICAGO — Two pioneer motion picture
cameramen were honored guests at the 61st
semiannual dinner dance of the Society of
Motion Picture Engineers at the Drake hotel
here, where the society’s five-day convention
ended April 25. Both of these half-century
veterans of the motion picture business, Oscar
B. Depue and Joseph A. Dubray, are resi-
dents of Chicago.
Depue has been a partner of Burton Holmes,
producer of film travelogs, since 1893, and
made his first motion pictures travelog
sequence in Rome in 1897. He is still asso-
ciated with Holmes in the Burton Holmes lab-
oratories here.
Dubray entered the motion picture industry
as a cameraman in his native Paris about
the turn of the century and later served as a
cameraman for MGM and Famous Players-
Lasky in Hollywood. Since 1929 he has been
associated with Bell & Howell, where he is
now service manager for 35mm equipment.
Dubray plans to retire next July and return
to France.
An unusual entertainment feature of the
dinner-dance was the showing of “The Great
Train Robbery,” produced by Thomas A. Edi-
son in 1903, which was the first motion pic-
ture to tell a story. The one-reel film em-
ployed only two interior sets, a small railroad
station and the inside of a baggage coach.
The station cost $400, a pittance compared to
the cost of present-day motion picture sets.
All shots, including those representing inte-
riors, were made out of doors, since no ade-
quate artificial lighting was then available.
The interior sets were mounted on an out-
door turntable stage — probably the forerun-
ner of revolving stages in modern theatres
which Edison developed in order to obtain
as much sunlight as possible at all hours of
the day.
A change of pattern in the planning of fu-
ture SMPE conventions was revealed by
Loren L. Ryder, president of the society,
when he announced that the 62nd semiannual
convention, to be held at the Hotel Pennsyl-
vania, New York, October 20-24 inclusive, will
be devoted primarily to papers on theatre
engineering, and that the society plans to em-
phasize special keynote subjects at future
conventions.
Phil Regan, popular Irish tenor of stage,
screen and radio, was guest entertainer at
the dinner.
Audio Will Distribute
Through Screen Guild
HOLLYWOOD — Audio Pictures, newly
formed independent producing company
headed by Ferenz H. Fodor, signed a dis-
tribution contract with Screen Guild Pro-
ductions, Inc. First picture to be made under
this deal will be an adventure comedy, “Crisis
of Dirk Diamond.” Second film tentatively
slated for production is “Glass House,” an
original story by John Bright.
HOLLYWOOD — Motion pictures have a
wholesome and constructive influence upon
children, Dr. Vierling Kersey, superintendent
of Los Angeles city schools, told a national
convention of large American city school
superintendents.
“Our experience, as well as that of leading
criminologists, social welfare workers, other
educators, and parent-teacher organizations,
has shown that motion pictures are not a
significant factor in juvenile delinquency,”
Dr. Kersey said. “Most of the criticism of
Y. Frank Freeman, Paramount vice-
president (left) , with Dr. Arthur G. Coons,
president of Occidental college, and Mrs.
Coons at the dinner for the educators.
Dr. Coons was one of the speakers. Free-
man gave the address of welcome.
Hollywood in this regard is without justifica-
tion.”
Dr. Kersey was the principal speaker at a
motion picture industry banquet for the
superintendents given by the Ass’n of Motion
Picture Producers in the Paramount studio
commissary and attended by more than 200
educators, their wives, motion picture stars,
studio executives and industry leaders.
“The motion picture industry, through its
own system of self-discipline, is doing a fine
job in eliminating scenes from pictures that
would have a destructive influence upon chil-
dren,” the Los Angeles superintendent said.
“I am not recommending that Hollywood
make only children’s pictures. Many films,
as well as stage plays, books, magazine and
newspaper articles, and radio programs, deal
with adult themes— the unusual dramatic con-
flicts over love, crime and tragedies of life.
“And although Hollywood’s Production
Code helps in avoiding scenes that could be
harmful to children, there is no mistaking the
responsibility of both the parent and teacher
to aid the child in selecting appropriate films
— just as the mother and father and the
■ school guide children in selecting proper
books, plays, magazine literature and recrea-
tion.”
School superintendents, Dr. Kersey said,
have a special interest in motion pictures as
“the favorite form of year-’round entertain-
ment for children.”
“The world of motion picture production is
keenly alert to its influence upon the mind,
emotions and ideals of youth,” he added.
“As one who knows the industry, I can truth-
fully say that this industry wants to co-
operate with the educators and with the edu-
cational trends in this country.”
INDUSTRY AIDS EDUCATION
Other speakers at the banquet included N.
Peter Rathvon, president of RKO-Radio and
chairman of the Visual Education subcom-
mittee of the Motion Picture Ass’n. Motion
picture companies have donated or pledged
more than $500,000 during the past three years
for the advancement of a sound educational
film program, Rathvon revealed.
“Even in the nickelodeon days there were
those in the industry who saw the vast pos-
sibilities of the motion picture as a medium
of mass information and education,” Rath-
von said.
“But the film as a teaching aid up to the
time of World War II got practically no-
where, for reasons largely economic but in-
cluding the very great problems of making
instructional films fit a universal audience.
There was opposition from educators to the
idea of noneducators making educational mo-
tion pictures.
TO TEACHING FILMS IN 1936
“Not until 1936 did our industry take its
first steps to make its vast production skill
and accomplishments available for produc-
tion of teaching films. These steps included
a policy of research and experimentation into
classroom films — a policy carried out by the
industry as a public service in cooperation
with educators.
“Soon after, the industry organized Teach-
ing Film Custodians to make available for
schools short subjects and parts of feature
films with value for schoolroom use. Much
of this material, however, is of meager teach-
ing value.
“World War II showed the great service
that could be rendered by instructional pic-
tures, and our industry performed outstanding
service in developing and producing training
and informational films for the armed forces
and government agencies.
“This wartime use of educational films
aroused a great desire on the part of the
(Continued on next page)
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
53
Cl SEADLER, MGM eastern advertising
head, who has been here checking over
the season’s product and conferring with
executives, planed out for his Gotham head-
quarters.
William Melniker, director of the theatre
department for Loew’s International Corp.,
arrived for huddles before returning to the
home office in New York. He had been vaca-
tioning in Palm Springs.
* * •
After a hurried trip from New York, Pro-
ducer Hal Roach returned to New York to
pick up where he had left off on releasing
negotiations on his forthcoming product.
* * *
Link Quarberg, publicist for Producer
Howard Hughes’ California Productions
which releases through United Artists, flew
to Manhattan for confabs with Henry Gold,
Hughes’ eastern representative, on exploita-
tion and advertising campaigns on “The Sins
of Harold Diddlebock” and “Vendetta.”
Independent Producer Jules Levey planed
out for New York from where he plans to go
to New Orleans for the world premiere of his
picture “New Orleans” which UA is dis-
tributing.
* * *
In Manhattan taking a look-see at story
properties was D. A. Doran, executive in the
producing department at Paramount.
Loren Ryder, head of Paramount’s sound
department, flew to Chicago for business
huddles.
• » •
Jonie Taps, Columbia music executive, was
back at his desk after a three-week stay in
New York on business.
* * •
After three -weeks in Gotham to set up ex-
ploitation campaigns for the opening of
“The Other Love” and to work out details
of the proposed “Arch of Triumph” world
premiere junket to Paris, Bill Blowitz, En-
terprise’s publicity director, checked back at
his desk.
» • *
Dr. Herbert T. Kalmus, president and gen-
eral manager of Technicolor Motion Picture
Corp., left on a business trip to New York
where he plans to attend a meeting of the
board of directors of Technicolor, Inc.
* * *
In from the east for conferences with John
Joseph, Universal-International advertising
and publicity chieftain, were Maurice Berg-
man, eastern publicity and advertising di-
rector, and Hank Linet, his assistant.
Independent Producer Sam Woods trained
out for Gotham on the first leg of his jour-
ney which will take him to England. He
plans to stop off in Washington in order to
obtain permission from the State department
and a passport to enter Russia on his quest
for an actress for the lead in “The World in
His Arms,” which he will make for U-I re-
lease.
• * *
Donald M. Nelson, president of the Society
of Independent Motion Picture Producers,
left on one of his frequent eastern trips. He
plans to be back on May 5 and in the in-
terim was scheduled for visits in Chicago,
New York and Washington.
* * *
Independent Producer Sol Lesser planed
out for Mexico City to look over studio facil-
ities and surrounding locations for the possi-
bility of producing there, “Tarzan and the
Mermaids,” which will be made for RKO
release.
• • •
John Ford and Merian C. Cooper, Argosy
Pictures chieftains, returned from Mexico
City with the negative of their production
"The Fugitive,” which was made in that
city and which RKO will release. They went
south several weeks ago to be on hand for
final scoring and dubbing of the film.
* * •
Charles Einfeld, president of Enterprise,
and David Loew, chairman of the board,
checked back at their desks after business
huddles in Gotham . . . After six weeks in
Manhattan, Lewis Milestone, director of En-
terprise’s “Arch of Triumph,” returned to
the film colony.
* • •
Bernard Goodwin of the Paramount New
York home office checked in on the lot for
a two-week visit. Goodwin is vice-president
of Famous and Paramount music companies,
business manager of shorts production and
secretary of Du Mont Film Laboratories.
Accompanying him was Ed Wolpin, general
manager of Famous and Paramount music
companies.
* * *
Leonard Spegelglass, Paramount writer, left
for Gotham on the first leg of his trip to
England. While there he plans to confer with
Producer Hal Wallis who is now in England
for shooting of his picture “So Evil, My Love.”
* * *
Herbert J. Yates, Republic president, and
William Saal, his executive aide, planed out
for Gotham where Yates will preside over the
first business meeting of Republic’s reor-
ganized board of directors.
• * *
After a two-week sales trip throughout the
south, southwest and northwest territories,
F. A. Bateman, general sales manager for
Screen Guild Productions, returned to his
desk.
* • •
John J. Jones, president of SG flew to St.
Louis for conferences with A. R. Dietz, man-
ager of that city’s branch. From St. Louis
Jones plans to fly to Chicago for huddles with
Harry Lorch, Chicago manager, and Larry
Jacobs, Indianapolis manager.
Film Effect on Children
Helpful, Says Educator
(Continued from preceding page)
industry to extend the value of such films
to the schoolroom. Three years ago we ap-
proached the American Council on Education
with an offer to make educational films, but
the council told us that more research was
needed.
“Our companies appropriated an initial
$125,000 for a five-year program in coopera-
tion with the Council’s Commission on Motion
Pictures in Education. Under this program
more than 125 film treatments have been com-
pleted and approved for their classroom worth
by even the most critical educators.”
Dr. Arthur G. Coons, president of Occi-
dental college and the Educational Film Re-
search Institute, described activities of his
institute in promoting use of both theatrical
and nontheatrical films in education. Y.
Frank Freeman, Paramount vice-president
and past president of the Ass’n of Motion
Picture Producers, welcomed the visitors.
Star entertainment arranged by the Holly-
wood Coordinating committee included Red
Skelton. Dinah Shore, Andy Russell, Jane
Powell, Peter Lind Hayes and Reginald Gardi-
ner. Ronald Reagan, president of the Screen
Actors Guild, acted as master of ceremonies.
Sam White Plans to Film
His 'Baron' in Mexico City
HOLLYWOOD — Sam White, Hollywood
nroducer-director, has just returned from
Mexico City where he completed arrange-
ments for the filming of his independent
production “The Baron of Arizona,” for
which no release has as yet been set. The
Dicture will be shot at the RKO studio in
Mexico City.
The film will be made in color: Arturo de
Cordova will topline in the original story by
Tom Bailey, for which Horace McCoy is
writing the screenplay. Gabriel Figuero will
be the camera man.
Justice Is Vacationing
BELEN, N. M. — Frank Justice, manager of
the Onate Theatre here, went to Herington,
Kas., to spend a week or so. Mrs. Justice and
daughter, Linda, who have been visiting her
parents, will return home with him.
THE LOVE THEIR BOSS! — Ex-Balaban & Katz publicity experts now lo-
cated in Hollywood tendered a testimonial luncheon to William K. Hollander, adver-
tising and publicity head of the Chicago circuit, on his recent visit to Hollywood.
Left to right: Lou Smith, A. Mike Vogel, David Lipton (standing), Charles Leonard,
Bill Thomas (guest), William H. Pine, Arch Herzoff (standing), Hollander, Harry
Hollander (guest), Eugene Murphy, Lou Lipstone (former B&K music department
head), Howard Mayer (guest), Hazel Flynn (guest), and standing Jerry Bergman, Irv
Kupcinet, Chicago Times columnist (guest), and Dorothy Deere.
54
BOXOFFICE : : April 20, 19U7
See Your RCA Independent Theatre Supply Dealer
/
Plenty of smart exhibitors in this
area are upping their receipts and
drawing holdout crowds ... by
showing the clearest, brightest,
steadiest pictures their audiences
have ever seen.
c- *
Their Brenkert "80” Projectors,
with the sensational Brenkert High
Intensity Lamps, are making ter-
rific headway with the public and
the box office.
You can get the same results.
i
WESTERN SOU & EQUIPMENT CO.
144 E. First South St., Salt Lake City 1, Utah
WESTERN SERVICE & SUPPLY
2120 Broadway, Denver 2, Colo.
JOHN P. FILBERT CO.
2007 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles 7, Calif.
WESTERN THEATRICAL EQUIPMENT CO.
337 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco 2, Calif
STUDIO PERSONNELITIES
Barnstormers
Monogram
GALE STORM, Allied Artists star, in Houston, Tex.,
in conjunction with opening oi Roy Del Ruth's "It
Happened on Fifth Avenue," made a personal ap-
pearance at the Metropolitan Theatre, benefit per-
formance to aid Texas City blast vicims.
Briefies
Paramount
LILA FINN, signed by Producer Jerry Fairbanks to
portray herself in "Stunt Girl," a short based on
Lila's own stunt-girl film career. Newest'in the Un-
usual Occupations short subject series, the film
will be directed by Dick Diamond.
RKO Radio
"Television Turmoil," last of 1946-47 two-reel
comedies starring Edgar "Slow Burn" Kennedy,
started rolling with Hal Yates directing and George
Bilson producing. Another Edgar Kennedy two-reel
starrer, "Mother-in-Law's Day," made on the 1945-
46 program is being booked throughout the country
as a special feature for Mother's day.
Clefiers
Republic
Producer W. Lee Wilaer signed PAUL DESSAU for
the scoring chore on "Complex," which stars Albert
Dekker and Catherine Craig.
Warners
FRANZ WAXMAN assigned by Leo Forbstein to do
the score lor "The Unsuspected," a Michael Curtiz
production.
Meggers
Columbia
JOHN ENGLISH signed by Armand Schaefer, presi-
dent of Gene Autry Productions, to direct Autry s
first independent picture, a western musical, as yet
untitled. The screenplay is by Jack Townley and
Earl Snell.
WILLIAM CASTLE handed megging chore on the
Warner Baxter starrer, "The Crime Doctor's Gamble."
"Song ol Idaho," a newly announced action mu-
sical, has been added to the production slate of
COLBERT CLARK. Barry Shipman has been set to
develop the original story.
Directorial chore on the Casey Robinson produc-
tion, "The Mating of Millie McGonigle," given
HENRY LEVIN.
Eagle-Lion
Megging chores on "Clemmy," formerly titled
"Clementine," will be handled by ARTHUR LUBIN.
Screenplay written by Agnes Johnson and Muriel
Roy Bolton.
Monogram
The next in the series of westerns which Barney
Sarecky produces, "Code of the Saddle," will be
under the direction of TOMMY CARR. Johnny Mack
Brown and Raymond Hatton have star roles.
Paramount
COMPTON BENNETT, English director, set to meg
"My Own True Love," starring Phyllis Calvert and
Melvyn Douglas.
"Big Town Scandals" set as the fourth production
of the P1NE-THOMAS Big Town series. Philip Reed
and Hillary Brooke star in the film for which Milton
Raison has been signed to write the original screen-
play.
United Artists
Producer Robert S. Golden signed LLOYD BACON
to direct two pictures for Golden Productions, first
of which will be "Barnstorming," based on a Satur-
day Evening Post story.
Options
Columbia
JEAN PORTER signed by Sam Katzman to play
feminine lead in "Two Blondes and a Red Head,"
his fourth musical of the season. June Preisser top-
lines in production. One of the top spots ticketed
for JUDY CLARK.
PERCY WARAM ticketed for featured role in "It
Had to Be You," starring Ginger Rogers and Cornel
Wilde.
Role in "Smoky River Serenade" handed VIRGINIA
HUNTER.
SPRING BY1NGTON borrowed from Metro for a
role in ”1 Found a Dream."
Eagle-Lion
Joseph Fields Productions has inked LYNN BARI
for lead in "Missouri Legend," which Leigh Jason
will direct. The screenplay by Joseph Fields and
Jerome Chodorov is based on E. B. Ginty's stage
play of the same name.
Metro
MILDRED NATWICK, Broadway character actress,
returns to Hollywood for role in "The Kissing Bandit."
ALBERT DEKKER handed role in "Cass Timber-
lane, ' starring Spencer iracy and Lana Turner.
George Sidney directs the lilmization ol the Sinclair
Lewis novel lor Producer Arthur Hornblow jr.
GEORGE ZUCCO added to the cast of the Tech-
nicolor musical "The Pirate," starring Judy Garland
and Gene Kelly.
TOM DRAKE and DOROTHY PATRICK set for lead
roles in "Alias a Gentleman," which Harry Beau-
mont is directing. WARNER ANDERSON set for fea-
tured stint.
Monogram
EVELYN BRENT goes into iemmine lead of "Robin
Hood of Monterey, a Cisco Kid lilm. Others signed
for cast are NESTOR PAlVA, TRAVIS KENT, DONNA
DeMARlO, ALEX MONTOYA and GEORGE MAVARHO.
Paramount
Featured roles in the Alan Ladd-Robert Preston
starrer "Whispering Smith," set tor JOHN ELDREDGE
and DON BARCLAY. Cast additions include MILT
K1BBEE and JAMES HYLAN. Roles also given FAY
HOLDEN and TOM FADDEN.
Cast additions to the Pine-Thomas color film
"Shaggy" included JODY GILBERT and RALPH SAN-
FORD.
VIRGINIA WELLES toplines with Philip Reed and
Hillary Brooke in Pine-Thomas' "Big Town Alter
Dark."
GEORGE NOKES, 10-year-old moppet, toplines in
the Pine-Thomas color film "Shaggy.”
Featured role in the Elmer Rice stage play "Dream
Girl' given PEGGY WOOD, Broadway siage actress.
Brenda Joyce and Robert Shayne were signed for
the adult leads in "Me and My Dog," a Pine-
Thomas production.
RKO Radio
JOE LANDON signed to a two-way contract as an
actor and writer. Tlis lirst assignment will be a
polish job on "The Set-Up."
Featured role in Samuel Goldwyn's "The Bishop's
Wiie” given ELSA LANCHES'TER. Film resumed
shooting alter a four-week layoll for script revision
with Henry Koster taxing over the directorial reins.
GARY COOPER ticketed to topline in Leo Mc-
Carey's Rainbow production, "Good Sam." Film
will be based on an original story by McCarey
which is about a professional "do-gooder” in a
small town whose eltorts on behalf of others keep
him in hot water.
Republic
Cast additions to the Gene Autry starrer "Robin
Hood of Texas" include JAMES FLAVIN and STAN-
LEY ANDREWS.
TITO GUIZAR set for featured role in the Roy
Rogers starrer "On the Old Spanish Trail."
WILLIAM "BILL" ELLIOTT, JOHN CARROLL and
CATHERINE McLEOD assigned starring roles in "The
Fabulous Texan.” Edward Ludwig signed as director
for Associate Producer Edmund Grainger.
Screen Guild
MARY BRIAN and DOUGLAS BLACKLEY set for
featured roles in Maurice Conn's “Dark Bullet."
20th Century-Fox
Topline opposite Don Castle in the Sol M. Wurtzel
production, "Flamingo," set for VIRGINIA CHRIS-
TINE.
PAT FLAHERTY, former major league pitcher,
handed supporting role in the Technicolor produc-
tion “Off to Buffalo," which Lloyd Bacon is directing
for Producer Walter Morosco.
Cast additions to "The Foxes of Harrow" include
BILL WAHD, five-year-old moppet, and WILLIAM
"BILL" WALKER.
United Artists
JAMES BARTON handed featured role in William
Cagney Productions' “The Time of Your Life" in
which James Cagnev stars.
DORINDA CLIFTON, Hollywood high school
graduate, debuts in the femme lead opposite William
Boyd in the Hopalong Cassidy production "The
Marauders." George Archainbaud directs from the
story by Charles Beldon.
JUNE HAVOC handed top role in the Samuel
Bischoff production, "Intrigue," starring George Raft.
MARTHA ROSS, 22-year-old brunet of Kansas City,
signed to a long-term contract by United California
Productions. She is being tested for one of the
featured roles in "Joe Macbeth," first slated by
UCP.
Topline with Robert Cummings handed DON
AMECHE in Triangle Productions' "Sleep, My Love."
Douglas Sirk directs.
Universal-International
^ Magazine cover girl JUNE BRIGHT set for role in
"Something in the Wind." Also added to the cast
were models MARLE HAYDEN, HENRY PERRY and
MARGARITA SEVILLA.
JAMES SEAY cast in "Secret Beyond the Door,"
Diana production.
ROBERT COOTE and HENRY DANIEL signed for
featured roles in the Douglas Fairbanks jr. pro-
duction "The Exile."
PAUL CAVANAGH added to the cast of "Secret
Beyond the Door," a Diana production.
Cast additions to Robert Montgomery's first starring
and directing picture "Ride the Pink Horse” in-
clude FRED CLARK and RICHARD GAINES.
Featured roles in the Douglas Fairbanks jr. pro-
duction "The Exile” set for WILLIAM TRENK, OTTO
WALDIS and MICHELE HALEY.
PATRICIA ALPHIN and WILLIAM CHING given ro-
mantic leads in "The Wistful Widow oi Wagon Gap,"
an Abbott and Costello starrer.
DAN DURYEA, YVONNE DE CARLO and EDMOND
O'BRIEN to star in "Black Bart,” which Leonard
Goldstein wilt produce and George Sherman direct.
Scribbling chore handed by Jack Natteiord and Luci
Ward.
Warners
Role in "The Voice of the Turtle," starring Ronald
Reagan and Alexis Smith, given ERNEST ANDERSON.
Featured part in "Whiplash,” which toplines Dane
Clark, Alexis Smith and Zachary Scott, slated for
JOHN HARMON. DON McGUIRE also set for a role.
Trio of moppets, BILL HENDERSON, JACK McGEE
and FRED PRESSEL, set for roles in "Wallflower."
ROBERT ALDA has obtained a release from his
contract, which still has a number of years to run.
He will free-lance.
JACK CARSON set for leading role in "Romance
in High C," a Michael Curtiz production, with OSCAR
LEVANT cast for comedy role.
ARTHUR SPACE assigned supporting role in "Sil-
ver River,” an epic of silver mining.
Scripters
Columbia
MORTON THOMPSON signed to write screen treat-
ment on "A Mother for Mary,” original yarn by
James Edward Grant which is on Buddy Adler's
production slate.
Martin Goldsmith set to do polish job on the script
of "Double Take," which will be produced by Cor-
nell Pictures.
Paramount
Polish job on "My Own True Love” handed Writer
ARTHUR KOBER. Phyllis Calvert and Melvyn Doug-
las star in this Val Lewton production.
MILTON RAISON set to write the screenplay of
his original treatment of "Speed to Spare” which
Pine-Thomas is producing.
Screen Guild
ARTHUR ST. CLAIRE and FRANK WISBAR set to
write a screenplay based on James Fenimore Coop-
er's "Prairie."
United Artists
DEWITT BODEEN set to write the screenplay of
the Louis Bromiield novel, "Early Autumn," which
will be initial film of Arcadia Productions, newly
formed company headed by Benedict Bogeaus and
Ida Lupino.
Warners
IRMGARD VON CUBE and ALLEN VINCENT set to
do the screen play on the Broadway play, "Autumn
Crocus," by Dodie Smith. Henry Blanke produces.
Story Buys
Enterprise
"Pursuit of Love," novel by Nancy Mitford, has
been acquired by Producer David Lewis. Yarn is
a romantic comedy about English country life and
manners.
Republic
"It's Murder, She Says,” an original by Charles
Moran, has been acquired and added to the pro-
duction slate of William J. O'Sullivan. Adele Mara
will star in the yarn about a femme private eye
which George Blair will direct. Royal Cole has been
set to collaborate with Moran on the screenplay.
20th Century-Fox
“The Tender Years,” story by Jack Jungmeyer jr.,
has been acquired by Independent Producer Edward
L. Alperson. Yarn is slated as his next production
replacing the previously announced "The Big Cur-
tain" in which Robert Cummings had been set to
star.
Warner Bros.
Michael Curtiz Productions acquired "No Common
Clay," an original by Milton Geiger and Robert
Metzler. Authors will prepare the screenplay from
which Curtiz will direct.
"McCuffey the Great," novel by Ralph McComb,
has been purchased and will reunite Sydney Green-
street and Dane Clark as a team. This is a back-
stage yarn of a Shakespearean actor who turns
magician and a young detective who poses as his
assistant.
Technically
Columbia
Lensing assignment on Sam Kaizman's Cinecolor
production, "The Prince of Thieves," set for FRED
JACKMAN jr. BUD SHYER will serve as assistant
to Howard Bretherton in directing the action se-
quences.
Film editorship on "Smoky River Serenade" given
PAUL BAROFSKY.
Metro
As dance director for "The Kissing Bandit,"
56
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
STANLEY DONEN will devise several numbers for
Cyd Charisse, former member of the Ballet Russe.
RANDALL DUELL has been appointed art director.
Paramount
Art director chore on the Pine-Thomas color film
"Shaggy" handed F. PAUL SYLOS. HOWARD
SMITH set as head film editor and ELLIS CARTER
as head lenser.
Dialog director chore on "Whispering Smith"
handed JAMES VINCENT.
Republic
NICOLAI REMISOFF signed as production designer
for the Charles K. Feldman-Lewis Milstone produc-
tion of John Steinbeck's "The Red Pony," with
VICTOR GREENE as art director and ROBERT
ALDRICH as assistant director.
Warners
SID HICKOX set to lens "Silver River," which will
star Errol Flynn and Ann Sheridan. MAURICE
MURPHY signed as dialog director.
Title Changes
Columbia
New handle for “I Found a Dream" is IT HAD
TO BE YOU.
KEY WITNESS is the new title given to the fea-
ture recently filmed as "Destiny."
Eagle-Lion
ADVENTURES OF CASANOVA set as the new
handle for "Captain Casanova."
Monogram
FRONT PAGE SCANDAL is the final handle for
"Scareheads," which was formerly titled "The Big
Scoop."
Paramount
SHAGGY is the new title for the Pine-Thomas
color production formerly known as "Me and My
Dog."
Republic
THE FLAME is new tag for "Outcast."
New handle for the Roy Rogers starrer "Heart
of Mexico" is now ON THE OLD SPANISH TRAIL
Latter title previously was used for a Joe Kane pro-
duction which now becomes MONTEREY.
Final title on the Nelson Eddy-Ilona Massey starrer
formerly known as "End of the Rainbow" is NORTH-
WEST OUTPOST.
Stan Ceizyk Is Re-Elected
Planet 16mm President
HOLLYWOOD — Stan Ceizyk has been re-
elected president of Planet Pictures, pro-
ducers of 16mm pictures. Other officers re-
named: Vice-president, Jack Seaman; secre-
tary and treasurer, Hal N. Potter.
* * *
Admiral Pictures, another 16mm outfit, has
completed its initial series, “The Life of
Stephen Foster” — 12 two-reel musical shorts
in color. The subjects were filmed by Tele-
film studios. Music was recorded by the
King’s Men, with Ken Darby composing orig-
inal arrangements of Foster tunes. Martin
Hersh was executive producer, Sam Hersh,
production manager, and Richard Weston
directed.
RKO Cancels Filming
Of Tower' This Year
HOLLYWOOD — RKO has canceled plans
to produce “The White Tower” this year, due
to difficulties in casting, at this time the
major roles of the James Ramsey Ullman
novel. Arrangements had been made for
Producer-Director Edward Dmytryk to take
a complete cast and production crew to the
Swiss Alps for the filming of the picture on
the actual locale.
Paul Lukas, only player who had been set
for the cast, will be assigned to a starring
role in another RKO film. The production
has been rescheduled for the company’s
1948 program.
New House for Yuba City
YUBA CITY, CALIF.— Mike Naify, head
of the T&D Jr. Enterprises, operating Smith’s
Theatre here, has indicated willingness to
build a new theatre at Plumas and Church
streets just as soon as a priority can be
obtained.
HI IPS that touch likker shall never touch
II mine,” a bon mot widely employed at
the turn of the century, could be
paraphrased to describe the current state of
agitation in which Arch Reeve and his so-
called Public Information Committee find
themselves because reportedly a number of
Hollywood stars have contracted to furnish
endorsements to be used in a national ad-
vertising campaign for Schaeffer beer.
Way back in 1934, the Public Information
Committee of the Motion Picture Industry-
eastern division — resolved that screen stars
should not publicly endorse any libation more
potent than Pepsi-Cola. Such weighty reso-
lution promptly was paralleled by the
PICMPI — western division, which is Reeve’s
aggregation of tub thumpers.
Several reasons were advanced for the
drink-’em-if-you-wish-but-never-endorse-’em
policy established by the lads who collectively
undertake to improve the industry’s over-all
public relations. Not only would endorse-
ments of intoxicants cause diehard prohibi-
tionists to kindle a new hate for the screen,
but many parents and teachers groups would
resent widespread public presentation of
screen idols lending their charms and com-
mendations to alcoholic beverages. Bad ex-
ample for impressionable youngsters, ya know.
Word that Schaeffer beer through its ad-
vertising agents — Batten, Barton, Durstine
and Osborn — was preparing to violate this
long-standing ban stirred Reeve into action.
Letters were dispatched to all major studios
reminding them of the taboo.
Possibly there is sound logic behind the
no-likker-endorsements policy. But the zeal-
ous activities to make sure that it is enforced
appear slightly paradoxical in view of the
commentary on Hollywood’s tastes and habits
reflected by widely printed, contemporary
headlines. Such sordid situations as the one
which sent Lawrence Tierney to jail for con-
tinued excessive public imbibing and the
Frank Sinatra-Lee Mortimer imbroglio at one
of Cinemania’s wettest night spots — to list
just a pair — are typical.
After all, youngsters and the drys are more
apt to read such lurid news stories than beer
advertisements. In view of which, endorse-
ment by a handful of mummers of a given
brand of suds probably would do little to
further blacken the fair name of Hollywood.
It seems reasonable to assume that readers
of the publications in which the beer adver-
tisements might appear already entertain
some slight suspicion that the screen’s valiant
and glamorous occasionally touch a drop —
provided their arms are sufficiently twisted.
Again Hollywood public relations procedure
swallows (naughty word) a camel and strains
at a gnat.
* » »
Sluggings and scandals you need never
fear,
Just so long as you don’t have a good word
for beer.
Get as drunk as you please an’ get thrown
into jail,
But avoid like the plague an endorsement
for ale.
Frankieboy’s slugging of Columnist Morti-
mer— whether or nc-t it was with benefit of
strong-arm stooges — establishes him along
with Errol Flynn as one of the film colony’s
musclemen who specialize in clipping report-
ers on matters cinematic. Flynn, it will be
recalled, had a somewhat similar engagement
with Columnist- Commentator Jimmie Fidler.
Some enterprising fight promoter could do
right well for himself by now matching
Sinatra and Flynn for ten rounds to a de-
cision in Ciro’s parking lot.
Incidentally, Sinatra’s widely publicized go
at fisticuffs was a sad blow to Bernie Kamins,
guess agent for Jesse Lasky-Walter McEwen
Productions. Bernie, the Bashful Boy Blurber,
had been doing his best to convince press
and public that it was a stroke of masterful
casting which selected the swoon-crooner to
portray a humble, kindly priest in the up-
coming “The Miracle of the Bells,” when
Frankieboy ups and demonstrates his pro-
pensity toward the title role in “The Slugger
of Sunset Strip.”
>
TITLE TINKERS CORNER:
Submitted as the all-time, undisputed, title-
change champion is a forthcoming release
from Republic. It started its production life
as “Russian River” and then consecutively
was known as “Will Tomorrow Ever Come,”
the Nelson Eddy production, “One Exciting
Kiss,” “End of the Rainbow” and “Northwest
Outpost,” which studio flacks say is to be
the release title. Hollywood bookies are lay-
ing ten to one they’re wrong — niggardly odds,
in view of past performances.
A Sam Katzman Production at Columbia
started out as “Three Blondes and a Red-
head.” When it reached the cameras it had
been cut to “Two Blondes and a Redhead.”
The same gambling gentry offers even money
that e’er it is released the title will be down
to “A Redhead.” Again the odds are short.
Remember Sharecropper Katzman’s age.
With no mean fanfare, Praise Pundit Perry
Lieber informed a breathless world that the
RKO Radio studio commissary had installed
“an elaborate soda fountain and an alluring
menu of banana splits and other fancy ice
cream dishes.”
When Hollywood newshawks observe Lieber
and Nat James toasting one another over a
pair of banana splits they can die happy.
They will have seen everything.
George Brown’s busy blurbers at Para-
mount are responsible for the press-stopping
item about the installation by Pine and
Thomas of a new shoe sterilizing method, a
machine that cleanses and sterilizes stock
footwear used by bit, atmosphere and extra
players. Dr. Silas H. Treinis was listed as
the inventor of this boon to mankind.
Considering the number of buggy rides
from which he has walked home, understand-
able is Producer Bill Thomas’ interest in the
Sani-Shu Sterilizer, its impressive official
designation.
And if he’s a good boy, Sharecroppers P&T
may even loan the miracle machine to Blurber
Brown so that such down-at-the-heel items
might be subjected to a quick sterilization
once-over before they are foisted on a de-
fenseless press.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
w
57
Republic Men at Third and Final Hollywood Session
Oregon Exhibitors Will Sponsor
Big Benefit for Shrine Hospital
PORTLAND — The show of the year is
scheduled for the Mayfair Theatre May 8,
according to Manager Herb Royster. It will
be sponsored by the motion picture exhibitors
of Oregon, and the entire gross from the huge
event will go to help the Shrine hospital for
crippled children.
All hands are donating their services, ac-
cording to Herman Kenin, president of Theat-
rical Stage Employes Local 28, which will
pay stagehands and other technicians from
the union treasury. The theatre is made
available by Parker-Hamrick-Evergreen The-
atres. Living expenses for guest artists will
be absorbed by the Benson and Congress
hotels.
Jackie Souders, orchestra leader, will be
the guest conductor of Jerry Van Hoomisen’s
orchestra from Cole McElroy’s Spanish ball-
room.
A special act is being produced by Dr.
Charles Wheeler and Owen Carr of the Mult-
nomah Athletic club from members of the
club’s weight lifting team. Seventy members
Snapped at the third and final session of
Republic’s annual series of sales meetings at
the North Hollywood studio were the groups
shown in the accompanying photos.
Top panel. At a luncheon held for branch
managers and Republic studio personnel,
clockwise around the table: Hy Glick, studio
controller; Jack Mullen, assistant studio pub-
licity director; Allan Dwan, Miss Fanchon,
Mike Frankovich; Steve Auer and Joe Kane,
associate producers; Portland Manager
George Mitchell; Western District Manager
Earl Collins; J. E. Baker, executive in charge
of the production department; Allen Wilson,
vice-president in charge of studio production;
Ralph Carmichael, Los Angeles manager;
Thomas McMahon, Salt Lake City; Sidney
Picker, associate producer; Paul McElhinney,
Seattle; Mel Tucker, associate producer;
Gene Gerbase, Denver; A1 Santell, associate
producer-director, and S. F. Martenstein, San
Francisco.
Center panel. Group poses for a picture
on the steps of the studio building, first row:
Manager Ralph Carmichael, Los Angeles;
Allen Wilson, vice-president in charge of
studio production; Herbert J. Yates, Republic
president; James R. Grainger, executive vice-
president in charge of sales and distribution;
Earl R. Collins, western district manager.
Second row': George Mitchell, Portland man-
ager; Paul McElhinney, Seattle; Thomas Mc-
Mahon, Salt Lake City; Gene Gerbase, Den-
ver; S. C. Martenstein, San Francisco.
Bottom panel. Republic’s sales managers
talk things over: Manager S. C. Martenstein,
San Francisco; Grainger; Gene Gerbase,
Denver, and Collins.
of Multnomah Athletic club’s glee club will
be presented under direction of Chester Dun-
can.
Five acts of vaudeville are also on the pro-
gram and a film from a major studio will be
shown. Tickets for the benefit will be han-
dled by a special committee of Shriners, and
also be on sale at the Mayfair.
Following the Mayfair show, major thea-
tres of Oregon will run motion pictures and
present proceeds to the Shrine hospital fund.
All film company managers in Oregon are
cooperating in the fund drive by obtaining
films for these showings through their home
offices. The managers include the dean of
Filmrow, Lou Amacher of MGM; Charles
Powers, 20th-Fox; A. J. Sullivan, United
Artists; Joe Smith, RKO; Henry Hostine,
Paramount; A1 Oxtoby, Warners; R. O.
“Slats” Wilson, Universal; Jimmy Beal, Co-
lumbia; Jack Partin, Screen Classics; Mose
Buries, Monogram, and George Mitchell, Re-
public.
A special booking committee to supply pic-
tures for theatres around the state has as
members, A1 Forman of United Theatres
Corp. of Oregon, Jack Lovet of Oregon Thea-
tre Cooperative, William Graper jr., secre-
tary of the Oregon Exhibitors’ Ass’n.,
Amacher, and Charles Powers of 20th-Fox.
New Durango Film Named
HOLLYWOOD — -“Whirlwind Raiders” is the
title of a feature added to the slate of Co-
lumbia Producer Colbert Clark, with Norman
Hall assigned to develop the original story.
“Raiders” will be the fifth picture in next
season’s Durango Kid series starring Charles
Starrett and Smiley Burnette. Screenplays
on the first four of the series have been
completed with “Buckaroo From Powder
River” set as the first to roll.
58
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
CINEMA CAPITAL
TO ENTERTAIN
LAYS PLANS
VARIETY CLUBS
MAP CONVENTION PLANS — Publicity and advertising committees meet to map
plans for the Variety Clubs International annual convention to be held in Los Angeles
May 13-17. Left to right, seated, Seymour Peiser, publicity director, Fox West Coast
theatres; Thornton Sargent, public relations director, National Theatre Corp.; Sherril
Corwin, vice-president and general manager, Metropolitan Theatres Corp. and chair-
man of convention publicity committee. Standing, James Luntzel, coordinator Holly-
wood Publicity Associates; James J. Campbell, account executive, HPA, and Norman
Manning, coordinator of convention activities for Charles P. Skouras.
Production Heads Unite
In Extending Welcome
To Visiting Barkers
LOS ANGELES— More than 800 bark-
ers— 808 to be exact — already are defi-
nitely committed to attend the 11th an-
nual convention of Variety Clubs, with the
opening date nearly a month away. The
conclave is set to be held here May 13-17.
Latest tabulation shows Tent No. 17,
Dallas, having the largest delegation thus
far with 122 reservations. Atlanta tele-
graphed 25 additional names to put Tent
No. 21 in second place with 97, and Tent
No. 1, Pittsburgh, was third with 74.
Early advance registrations from other
cities were: Tent No. 2, Columbus, 6; No. 3,
Cincinnati, 23; No. 4, St. Louis, 9; No. 5,
Detroit, 39; No. 6, Cleveland, 13; No. 7, Buf-
falo, 21; No. 9, Albany, 13; No. 10, Indian-
apolis, 32; No. 11, Washington, 52; No. 12,
Minneapolis, 17; No. 13, Philadelphia, 37;
No. 15, Des Moines, 10; No. 16, Omaha, 9;
No. 18, Dayton, 6; No. 19, Baltimore, 68; No.
20, Memphis, 16; No. 22, Oklahoma City, 16;
No. 23, Boston, 44;- No. 24, Charlotte, 18; No.
26, Chicago, 16; No. 27, Grand Rapids, 4; No.
28, Toronto, Canada, 13; No. 29, Mexico City,
6; No. 30, Toledo, 3; No. 32, San Francisco, 6.
WELCOME FROM PRODUCTION
Meanwhile to assure the visitors that they
will receive a hearty welcome to the land from
which come the motion pictures they dis-
tribute or exhibit, studio production united
in extending greetings.
Louis B. Mayer, production head of MGM,
declared: “Symbolized in the spirit of Variety
is the great unselfish heart of the American
showman. In practice and tradition, he is
always first to extend a helping hand to those
in want. I know of no fellowship so devoted
to the finest ideals of humanity, and it is
with great pride that I am privileged to share
the sincere welcome extended by the entire
motion picture industry.”
Harry Cohn of Columbia said: “It is a
pleasure for Columbia Pictures to welcome to
Hollywood the convention of International
Variety Clubs. It is of particular interest that
these 1,200 important exhibitors and distribu-
tors should meet in Hollywood where their
pictures are made. There is good reason to
believe that this convention will result in a
better understanding between the makers of
films and those who distribute and exhibit
them. Such compatibility must reflect to the
benefit of the theatregoing public.”
ZANUCK PRAISES BARKERS
Darryl F. Zanuck, production head of 20th-
Fox, extending his welcome, said: “When
1,200' men who are leaders in the exhibition
and distribution field of the motion picture
industry can travel from the four quarters of
our country to dedicate their attention to the
furtherance of human welfare, we of Holly-
wood owe high praise and gratitude to them,
and are honored by their presence here. It
is a privilege to extend a welcome on behalf
of 20th-Fox studios to the attending members
of the 1947 Variety clubs convention. To
each and every member of the Variety clubs
go my earnest wishes for the success of this
great-hearted organization and its current
convention.”
Henry Ginsberg, president of Paramount
studios, said: “The choice of Hollywood by
Variety Clubs International for the 1947 con-
vention is highly significant to the entire
motion picture industry. It will afford those
who produce the nation’s films an opportunity
to renew close contacts with the exhibitors
and distributors who present our productions
directly to the public. We in the studios
know these members, not merely as busines^
men, but also as leaders in charitable work
ever since the first tent was formed 20 years
aeo. Paramount is proud to have recently
filmed the clubs’ story in ‘Variety Girl,’ con-
sidering it such a laudable subject that we
placed every star on the studio’s roster in the
cast. We at Paramount are happy that these
men who are convening in Hollywood are
'The Gold Rush Is Over/
Sam Goldwyn Warns
Los Angeles — In extending a welcome to
Variety delegates, Samuel Goldwyn called
uoon Hollywood to “re-examine its meth-
ods” in order to prevent a “recession
which could be serious.”
“Declining boxoffice returns have indi-
cated for some time now that the gold
rush is over; that the gravy train has
come to the end of the line,” Goldwyn
said.
The producer reiterated his belief in
fewer and better pictures, and called upon
the industry to work in closer relationship
with the exhibitor to “revive individual
showmanship.”
“The public must be wooed and won all
over again,” he declared.
part of our industry and we welcome them
warmly.”
Steve Broidy, president of Monogram Pic-
tures and Allied Artists Productions, said:
“To those who realize and thus are interested
in the widespread charitable activities of the
Variety clubs, it is gratifying that this year’s
international convention will convene in
Hollywood. It means that 1,200 of the coun-
try’s most important motion picture exhibi-
tors and distributors will be brought into
direct contact with the producers of Ameri-
can films. Not only will this redound to the
benefit of the Variety clubs, which are as-
sisted by the country’s entire entertainment
industry, but the meeting will afford the
opportunity of on-the-spot discussions of
many questions which vitally affect the con-
duct of our business. It is an opportunity
such as we have never had before.”
YATES TELLS OF GOOD DEEDS
Nate Blumberg, president of Universal-
International, said: “We at Universal-Inter-
national join with all southern California in
welcoming to Los Angeles the international
convention of Variety. It is entirely fitting
that this convention of the men who, for the
most part are concerned with the exhibition
and distribution of motion pictures, should
meet here in the film capital of the world.
In addition to the welcome which those in
the entertainment field extend to Variety
Club delegates, I am sure that all of Los
Angeles, aware of the great work which this
organization carries on, will receive them
with open arms.”
Statement from Herbert J. Yates, president
of Republic Productions, said: “The countless
good deeds and humanitarian principles fos-
tered by the Variety clubs is not only further
("Continued on next page)
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
59
Hollywood Leaders
Welcome Variety
(Continued from preceding page)
evidence of the great heart of show people but
also represents the highest ideals of our
democratic way of life. Its unselfish and
magnificent aid to the distressed, regardless
of race, color and creed, has proved an in-
spiration not only in our own nation but in
the far reaches of the world. The 1,200
Variety Club members who gather in Los
Angeles for the annual international conven-
tion include men from every phase of the
entertainment business. Leaders of exhibition,
distribution and production are convened in
a spirit of good fellowship and common trust.
Here is a golden opportunity for all branches
of the industry to form a permanent congress
that could meet once a year or more to dis-
cuss and iron out our mutual problems. Now
more than ever we need cooperation and un-
derstanding among ourselves. Let us follow
the humanitarian leadership of the Variety
clubs, to carry on the great accomplishments
and traditions of our business. In behalf of
the entire Republic- organization I welcome
you.”
N. Peter Rathvon, president of RKO, said:
‘‘America’s motion picture exhibitors serve as
the eyes and ears of the public for Holly-
wood and all of us at the RKO studios wel-
come the opportunity to sit down with 1,200
of the nation’s leading showmen for their
views on the type of entertainment most
wanted by theatre patrons. The opportunity
for film producers and exhibitors to get to-
gether closely are all too few and I’m de-
lighted at this chance to listen — and learn.”
“INDUSTRY FEELS HONORED”
Jack Warner, vice-president in charge of
production at Warner Bros., said: “The motion
picture industry here is honored by its forth-
coming role as host to the convention of
Variety Clubs International. These men, with
their good works and good fellowship, per-
sonify the spirit of the entertainment arts
and professions. They have chosen as a spe-
cial field of public service the welfare of ill
and underprivileged children. In fact, the
first Variety tent was founded to care for
a baby abandoned in a theatre. Its destitute
mother left a note explaining that she was
relying on the traditional kindness and char-
ity of show people. From that incident has
come a magnificent response and the growth
of a fine organization. Today the Variety
clubs of 32 cities sponsor clinics, nurseries
and camps; and they provide mobile X-ray
units, iron lungs, braces and costly treat-
ments. Such benefits to unfortunate children
reflect credit and bring pride to the entire
entertainment world.”
Eve Ettinger Leaving Columbia
HOLLYWOOD — Eve Ettinger, Columbia
story editor, has asked for and received her
release, effective May 1. She has been with
the company 14 years.
SHARY RECEIVES AWARD — Hon-
ored by the Beverly Hills Lodge of B’nai
B’rith for his contributions to the ad-
vancement of Democratic American ideals
as a citizen and as a leader in the mo-
tion picture industry, Dore Schary, exec-
utive vice-president in charge of pro-
duction for RKO Radio, is presented with
an “Award for Civic Achievement”
plaque.
Judge Stanley Mosk (left), president
of the lodge, makes the presentation to
Schary (center), as Comedian Danny
Kaye looks on.
Laemmle Nephews Buy Los Feliz
LOS ANGELES — Max and Kurt Laemmle,
nephews of the late Carl Laemmle, founder
and president of Universal, have bought the
Los Feliz Theatre in Los Feliz Hills and will
turn It Into a first run neighborhood theatre.
porjuakd
further construction on a partly built thea-
tre at DeLake, Ore., owned by Charles
Shaney, has been halted by an injunction
from U.S. District Judge Sam M. Driver. CPA
has declared that the construction work vio-
lates the veterans housing act.
Warren Butz has assumed management of
the Liberty Theatre in Spokane. A member
of the Evergreen staff for many years, Butz
left to serve in the army air corps during the
war, returned in December 1946 to become
assistant manager of the Fox. He later was
made assistant manager at the Liberty and
now becomes manager.
A permit has been issued for a $35,000 re-
modeling job on the VFW hall at Kalispell,
Mont. Following the remodeling it will be
known as the Orpheum Theatre. Work will
begin May 1.
Joe C. Barry, location manager for WB, is
chasing all over the Hood River valley looking
for a four-horse tallyho and a two-horse
surrey. They are needed for location shots in
filming the beautiful Hood River valley in
blossom time.
Hollywood to Aid Texas Citians
Hollywood — Two troupes of top Holly-
wood stars were being organized to to
Texas within the next two weeks to stage
benefit entertainment programs for the
aid of victims of the Texas City ex-
plosions. The first unit was to include
Jack Benny, Frank Sinatra, Phil Harris,
Alice Faye, Rochester, Marjorie Reynolds,
Phil Silvers and the Page Cavanaugh
trio. They were to give shows in Gal-
veston Monday night (28) and in Houston
April 29. The second group was planning
to leave the following weekend. Ten-
tatively set for the second trip are Mickey
Rooney, Kay Kyser, Diana Lynn and
Burns and Allen.
At the same time, the public relations
advisory committee of the Society of In-
dependent Motion Picture Producers has
urged Edward Arnold, executive vice-
president of the Permanent Charities
committee, to turn over to the Texas City
disaster relief fund all or part of the
$245,783 which the American Red Cross
declined to accept as its allotment from
PCC’s recent fund-raising campaign.
Cinecolor Resumes
Building Program
HOLLYWOOD — Cinecolor is again under
way on its long planned construction and re-
furbishing program. When current work is
completed the company will have spent nearly
$400,000 on such activities. Presently $80,000
is being expended on new film vaults, camera
shop, machine shop, paving of grounds, ex-
tension of shipping department and pro-
jection rooms.
* * *
Universal-International found it necessary
to make repairs totaling $2,000 to President
Nate Blumberg’s bungalow because of damage
by fire caused by faulty wiring. The offices
are being refurbished for occupancy by J.
Arthur Rank when the British film magnate
visits Hollywood in May.
* * *
Stanley Kramer, president and executive
producer of the newly organized Screenplays,
Inc., closed a deal with Edward Nassour for
space at the Nassour studios. Kramer’s com-
pany has already moved into a special suite
of offices on the lot.
Petition of Grievances
Circulated by ATOM
LOS ANGELES — Continuing its campaign
to have Fox West Coast Theatres recognize
the organization as bargaining agent for local
theatre managers, the Associated Theatre
Operating Managers has been circulating
among FWC house managers a petition out-
lining their grievances in present controversy.
Foremost of the managers’ complaints
stems from the recent ' cut, amounting to
20 per cent, of their participation in profits
from candy and popcorn sales. ATOM lead-
ers are trying to bring the issues to arbitra-
tion via peaceful means, they say, prior to
considering the possibilities of a managers’
strike.
Angeleno Office Union
Gets 15% Wage Boost
LOS ANGELES — The local branch of the
Office Employes International union, to
which belongs a majority of the clerical work-
ers in local exchanges, has negotiated a new
contract with the major branches which calls
for a 15 per cent increase in pay and runs
from April 20, 1947, for one year. The pay
hike is retroactive to Oct. 19, 1946, but pro-
vides only a 12% per cent increase for the
retroactive period. Negotiating the new pact
were Pat Scollard, distributors’ labor contact
from New York, and Max Crug, representing
the union.
Lowell Speiss Purchases
Televue at Gladstone
GLADSTONE, ORE. — The Televue Theatre,
built last year by Norman Goodin of Oswego,
has been sold to Lowell Speiss, formerly of
Duluth, Minn. The sale involved only the
business and equipment.
Birdwell Office Closes
HOLLYWOOD — Giving as his reason the
need for surcease from business cares, Rus-
sell Birdwell has closed his public relations
and publicity office here. He revealed no
plans for the future other than an immediate
trip to Norman, Okla., where he was sched-
uled to give a series of lectures on public
relations before the annual career conference
at the University of Oklahoma. Doing busi-
ness as Russell Birdwell and Associates, the
veteran press agent conducted one of the
lushest free-lance praiseries here.
60
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1847
LOS ANGELES
■Exhibitors, visiting Hollywood, who have
been attracted to Paramount’s studio, in-
cluded Leo Choquette, head of a 21-theatre
circuit in Montreal; Robert Levine, owner
of a circuit in Portsmouth and Norfolk, Va.;
Harold Schukert, Cairo, Mich.; Mrs. Dave
London of the London Bros. & Smiley cir-
cuit, Detroit.
Roy Dickson, Cooperative Theatres head
man, is back from a trip to Arizona and
points south . . . E. K. Fernandez, Honolulu
exhibitor who stopped off for a visit on the
Row on his way to Chicago, where he is
booking “flesh” shows for the islands, re-
ports “in spite of adverse reports, business
all through the islands is sensational” . . .
Yettagene Fahlen is the new switchboard
operator at Republic.
Booking on the Row for their theatres in
Arvin and Oildale were Mrs. Dick Lamucchi
and her son Roy . . . A1 Van Ravanes, U-I
exploiteer, has returned home from a trip
made in the interests of “The Egg and I”
. . . Film Classics’ Employes Participation
■* drive, which is being sponsored by Joseph
Bernhard, will start May 17 and end July
25. Bob Abelson, manager, and Milt Frankie,
booker, at the local Film Classics office, say
they can use plenty of dates.
Dan Cupid has been busy shooting arrows
at Loew’s State, Los Angeles showcase. On
March 8, Mary Slagill, usherette, was mar-
ried to Jimmy Lyons of the navy; Sherry
Evans, cashier, and Charles Asmus chose
April 11 for their wedding day, and on the
following day Kathy Melosardoff, bookkeeper,
and George Fomin, ex-army air forces officer,
became wife and husband ... To top it all
off, Manager Spyros G. Cardas’ daughter
Margaret Rita, and Edward J. Martin of St.
Louis will be married on May 3 at St. Paul’s
Catholic church here.
Don Green, member of Fox West Coast
Theatres’ first run advertising department,
and Miss Constance Woeckener will be mar-
ried Sunday (27) at St. Augustine’s Catholic
church in Culver City.
Taking over distribution for the 11 western
states of Constance Bennett cosmetics, which
are used as theatre giveaways, Pete Alderman,
who will be assisted by Sam Fleishman, re-
ports “there is a big demand for this sort of
premium.” George Alderman heads the com-
pany in New York, and his brother is in
charge here.
Foster Blake, district manager of Universal -
International, planed to New York for busi-
ness confabs ... A heart ailment has hos-
pitalized Max Sinker, former owner of the
local Alvarado Theatre who is well known
along the Row . . . Home again from business
trips are the travelers George Lefkok, branch
manager of PRC, who has made a trek around
his territory, and Glenn Slipper, National
Theatre Supply, who spent some time in that
land of the epicure’s delight — New Orleans.
Eagle-Lion’s new city salesman for PRC
is Ed Lebby, who formerly worked for RKO
in Pittsburgh . . . A1 Schwalberg, vice-presi-
dent and general sales manager for PRC and
Eagle-Uion, paid a visit to the local office
. . . A 1,000-seat theatre which Dick La-
mucchi and J. Banducci are building, will
be opened in Tejon, Calif. . . . Morrie Aber-
hams, former MGM exploiteer, has joined the
Selznick force. As exploiteer, he will work
under Claude Morris.
Seen along the Row booking and buying:
Joe Woods, Parkway Theatre, Chandler,
Ariz.; George Landers, Huntington, Hunting-
ton Park . . . Old friends of Sam Ackerman,
Detroit’s oldest exhibitor, gave him a warm
welcome when he visited the Row.
Film rentals in the U.S. in 1946 totaled
approximately $630,000,000.
Dunann and Bowron Join
Theatre Exchange Firm
PORTLAND — Pat Dunann and Irv Bowron
are now full-time salesmen at the Theatre
Exchange Co., which operates an exclusive
theatre exchange service in the northwest.
Addition of these salesmen came about as
the result of expanding business of the com-
pany, which is rapidly growing, according to
the owners.
Lusk House Remodeled
LUSK, WYO. — The Wyoming Theatre here
has undergone extensive remodeling. The
work includes refinishing the front in glass
block, a new boxoffice at the side of the
entrance, a new popcorn booth, enlargement
of the projection booth to make way for new
equipment, and addition of a men’s rest
room. Warren Davis is manager.
AGAIN AVAILABLE TO THEATRES
THE MOST SUCCESSFUL THEATRE
PREMIUM DEAL EVER PRESENTED
Glm-OSL
Profit By This Proven Boxoffice Attraction!
BEAUTY AIDS
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
Finest Manley Hybrid Popcorn
and
Cocoanut Oil Seasoning
Any Quantity
W. H. Turpie, Western Division Manager
1914 S. Vermont Los Angeles 7, Calii.
Go*uta*ice fiensiett
4951 SUNSET BLVD. OLYMPIA 2978
PETE ALDERMAN SAM FLEISHMAN
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
61
Business Theatre Opens in Frisco
To Show Both 16 and 35mm Films
SAN FRANCISCO— The first “busi-
ness theatre” in the west was launched
last week by Irving M. Levin, district
manager of San Francisco Theatres,
Inc., at the Vogue here, operating from
8 a. m. to 5 p. m. on week days to
show 16mm and 35mm industrial, ad-
vertising, promotional, educational,
travel, foreign and religious films.
The Vogue shows Hollywood 35mm
product nightly and all day Saturday
and Sunday. The Vogue made motion
picture history seven years ago by an-
nouncing a single feature plan, with no
deviations. It drew nationwide atten-
tion. Jimmy Fidler columnized his con-
gratulations but said he expected the
plan to fail. The Vogue is still single
billing and going strong.
The Vogue hopes to make further his-
tory with the “business theatre” idea.
Almost all business and documentary
type films are made in 16mm. Im-
promptu showings in ordinary halls
with improper light and noisy equip-
ment has reflected in poor presenta-
tion, which Levin points out, has been
simply “poor business.”
One Kilowatt Arc
Lamps
YOU GET
THE RIGHT LAMP
FOR YOUR NEEDS!
As the only lamps manufactured complete
within one factory, they can be so engi-
neered as to guarantee the
best screen results.
STR ON G ~tAe /oct&te u kjte/ ^
DENVER 9, COLO. — Graham Bros., 546 Lincoln Street. Telephone: TAbor 5467.
LOS ANGELES 7, CALIF.— Breck Photoplay Supply Co., 1969 So. Vermont Ave.
Telephone: REpublic 3151.
PORTLAND, OREGON— Portland Motion Picture Supply Co., 916 N. W. 19th Ave.
PORTLAND 9, ORE.— Theatre Utilities Service Co., 1935 N. W. Kearney. Tele-
phone: BE. 4488.
PORTLAND, ORE.— Western Theatre Equipment Co., 1923 N. W. Kearney Street.
SALT LAKE CITY 1, UTAH— Service Theatre Supply Co., 256 E. 1st South St.
SALT LAKE CITY 1, UTAH— Inter-Mountain Theatre Supply Co., 142 East 1st
South. Telephone: 4-7821.
SAN FRANCISCO 2, CALIF.— Walter G. Preddey Theatre Supplies— R. 0. Bemis,
Manager, 187 Golden Gate Avenue. Telephone: UNdrhil 7571.
SAN FRANCISCO,
Gate Ave.
CALIF. — Western Theatrical Equipment Co., 222 Golden
SAN FRANCISCO 2, CALIF.— United Theatre Equipment Company, 121 Golden
Gate Avenue. Telephone: MArket 1488, MArket 8986. “24 Hour Service."
SEATTLE, WASH. — Western Theatre Equipment Co., 2224 Second Ave.
DES MOINES 9, IOWA— Des Moines Theatre Supply Co., 1121 High St.
'Duel' in 300 Cities
In Week of May 7
HOLLYWOOD — Following its rather
limited exhibition — the lion’s share of which
was in the film capital— David O. Selznick’s
“Duel in the Sun” will open in more than 300
key cities, starting the week of May 7. Rep-
resenting the eastern territory in the open-
ings will be the premiere at the Capitol
Theatre and 37 other Loew’s theatres in the
New York metropolitan area. On the west
coast it will open in an additional 150 key
houses in both the Los Angeles and San
Francisco territories.
* * *
The world premiere of Paramount’s “Cal-
cutta” was held at the St. Francis Theatre,
San Francisco. The feature opened at the
New York Paramount April 23, and was set
for prerelease engagements in advance of the
film’s general release on May 30.
* * *
Arleen Whelan became the fourth member
of the cast of Harry Sherman’s “Ramrod” to
make a personal appearance at a key city
opening for the film. She was on hand when
it opened at the Capitol Theatre in Wash-
ington.
* * *
An official proclamation designating May
22 as “Cheyenne” day throughout the state
in honor of the world premiere of Warners’
“Cheyenne” at the Lincoln Theatre in that
city was issued by Gov. Lester C. Hunt of
Wyoming. Among the many civic ceremonies
and special events planned in connection
with the opening of the film will be a re-
running of the Leadwood-Laramie-Cheyenne
mail stage carrying one of the mail pouches
used in the early days of 1870.
Colored Unit Will Tour
Overseas Armed Units
HOLLYWOOD — Film colonists’ extra-
curricular activities continue to cover a di-
versified front.
Roy Mack, west coast manager for USO-
Camp Shows, is forming a ten-member, all-
colored overseas entertainment unit to tour
military bases and hospitals in Alaska, the
Aleutians, South America and the Caribbean.
Heading the unit will be Nicodemus, screen
and radio singer and dancer. The troupe will
leave Hollywood in the middle of May for
three months in Alaska, followed by another
three months in the Caribbean.
MGM Director Joe Newman received a
leave, granted at the request of the U.S.
government, to go to New York to direct a
special problem feature film on social dis-
eases. He will be gone about eight weeks.
Eddie Cantor was set to go to Fresno State
college April 26 to be guest star in the
“Varsity Varieties,” a show being staged to
raise funds for a war memorial clinic in
Fresno.
Appearing at San Jose at a benefit show to
create a fund to lower delinquency in that
California city were Frank Sinatra, Dennis
Morgan, Jack Carson, Ann Blyth and the
Pied Pipers.
* » *
Set by the Hollywood Coordinating com-
mittee for the Command Performance show
were Victor Moore, June Haver, Garry Moore,
Beryl Davis and Frank Sapulo. The show
was recorded for worldwide broadcast over
the armed forces radio service network.
* * *
Walt Disney was the recipient of a special
citation from the Community Chests of
America for a special short, “A Feather in
His Collar,” made as Disney’s 1946 contribu-
tion to Community Chest campaigns.
62
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
SAN FRANCISCO
'plans are being made here for a memorial
benefit show for Harry Ettling, Golden
Gate Theatre stage manager, who died re-
cently. Tentative plans are to establish a
rest home for local theatrical persons. The
following have been named as on the com-
mittee for the benefit show: Herman Kersken,
Helene Hughes, Clinton Duffy, Syd Goldie,
Helen Wabbe, Guy Cherney, George Heinz,
Walt Roesner, Prank Funge, Herb Caen and
Tom Earnfred.
The senate governmental efficiency com-
mittee last week refused to recommend a bill
which would have required every place of
amusement and hotels over four stories high
to display the California Bear flag and the
United States flag daily.
Clayton Hicks, navy veteran and member of
the T&D Enterprises staff in Visalia the last
year, has been named manager of the State
Theatre in Lodi, according to David Reese,
local manager for the circuit. Hicks also
will handle advertising for T&D theatres
there.
Jesse Stafford, former orchestra leader at
the Orpheum and Golden Gate theatres here,
died last week . . . Plans for the erection of
a new 35-story office building here at Sari-
some and Sacramento streets — tallest in the
west, were disclosed last week in connection
with a $250,000 downtown real estate trans-
action. The skyscraper will house insurance
offices chiefly, One of its many features will
be a push-button garage which parks and
delivers autos automatically and a motion
picture and television theatre.
Joel McCrea appeared on the stage of the
Orpheum on the opening day of “Ramrod,”
in which he stars . . . Vivian Blaine was
scheduled for a personal appearance at the
Golden Gate. With her will be Bert Wheeler
and the Vagabonds . . . Prank Sinatra is said
to be booked at the Golden Gate for August
. . . Van Johnson visited the MGM exchange
here briefly, leaving many a fluttering heart.
L. B. Mayer, MGM head man, was recu-
perating in a local hospital following an op-
" CENTURY"
THE MODERN PROJECTOR
-Jr
187 Golden Gate Ave.,
Sail Francisco 2, Calif.
Phone Underhill 7571
\N
m
VT
CRN oet it
OR WILL MAKE
IT
337 GOLDEN GATE AVE.
SAN FRANCISCO 2 , CALIF.
* Phone HEmlock 8302
eration . . . E. I. Rubin, western division
manager for Interstate Popcorn Co., has
found an apartment at last and will be
joined by his wife Marion from Omaha . . .
J. E. Friedrich, Rio Theatre, Soledad, expects
to open the 528-seat stadium-type house
around May 16.
The El Presidio, Carol Nathan’s house, soon
will start showing foreign films exclusively
... A. Blanco and R. Martin are constructing
a new theatre in Soledad, which they expect
to opening around July 15 . . . Mel Hulling,
district manager for Monogram, is going to
Portland and Seattle.
Visiting along the Row: R. B. Smith, Sierra
Theatre, Chowchilla; Jack Hillman, Morgan
Hill; E. Naharro, Alvardo Theatre; V. E.
Stebbins, Greenfield; Aubrey Parsons, Tower
Theatre, Dinuba, (he has been granted a
permit to construct a new theatre in Lindsay,
Calif.) ; Walter Schwarz, Point Theatre,
Richmond; Irving Arnold, Enean Theatres,
Pittsburg; B. Byard, Garberville; James
Lemos, Victor, Benicia; Andy Goblirsch,
Bijou, Visalia; Mrs. Ruth Santos, Byron;
Lloyd Lamothe, Danville; Mr. and Mrs. E.
Steffani and Paul, Isleton; E. Pool, Vista
Theatre, Bella Vista.
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Barnett, Rex Theatre,
Oakland, left last week aboard the Matsonia
for Honolulu . . . A1 Schwalberg, national
sales manager for Eagle-Lion, and L. E. Gold-
hammer, district manager, were visitors . . .
Ditto Sam Milner, PRC district manager.
Helen Taylor, secretary at Western Theat-
rical Equipment, left for a vacation in Iowa
. . . New sound and projection equipment were
installed in the State at San Jose by Man-
ager P. W. Curtice . . . Garberville soon will
have a new theatre, according to B. Byard
. . . Bill Davis, associated with the Golden
States Theatres, is ill at the Hammerman
hospital.
Vernon Brown, manager of the Broadway
in Burlingame, was painfully burned about
the face and hands when paint thinner he
threw into the furnace ignited with a blast
. . . Sid Schuster, MGM salesman, suffered
third degree burns on the hands when a hot
water heater blew up.
Lieut. J. D. Stepp, officer in charge of the
local navy motion picture exchange, is being
transferred. Taking his place is Chief R.
Flack . . . Some 150 Filmrow persons were
guests at a dinner and entertainment at San
Quentin prison . . . L. “Butch” Wingham,
MGM exchange manager, and Harry Schmidt,
head booker, left to attend the MGM sales
meeting in New York starting April 28. Fol-
lowing the meeting Schmidt will visit his old
home town of Baltimore, the first time he
will be at his homestead in over 30 years.
The flag at San Quentin was flown at half
staff for the late Harry Ettling, Golden Gate
stage manager who put on yearly shows for
the inmates for the last 20 years . . -r'Lew
Maren of United Artists was in town last
week ... Ed Gates, now at the Roxie Theatre
in Oakland, just completed showing “The
Jolson Story” for a six-month run. Ed knows
every word and each note of music in the
film. The other evening he was listening
to some records of the Jolson music and
commented, “No, that’s not quite the way it
was in the picture.”
M ATTRACTIVE POPCORN BOXES Mr
Top Volume Popping Purdue Hybrid Popcorn.
Popsit Plus Popcorn Seasoning Cocoanut Oil in 50-lb. Cans.
Popcorn Salt — Scoops — Bans — Seasoning Measuring Cups
Best Quality Merchandise — Quick Service
ARTHUR UNGER CO.
105 Golden Gate Ave. San Francisco 2. Calif.
Intermountain Men
To PCCITO Parley
SALT LAKE CITY — A large group of ex-
hibitors from the intermountain area will
attend the spring meeting of the Pacific
Coast Conference of Independent Theatre
Operators in Hollywood on May 6-8.
The Utah group, which at present includes
Ralph Trathen, secretary-treasurer of the
Utah Theatres Ass’n; Sam Gillette, president
of the Intermountain Theatres Ass’n; Victor
Anderson, president of the Utah Theatres
Ass’n, and Francis Feltch, UTA director, will
leave for the coast about May 1 or 2 to
make some contacts with studios and other
exhibitors before the PCCITO meeting. The
Montana association of the ITA will be rep-
resented by Hi Knudsen, Jack Moran and
others, and Hilmer George and Hugo Jorgen-
son will represent the Idaho group of the ITA.
Montana Theatres Ass'n
Convenes on May 28, 29
WOLF POINT, MONT. — The annual spring
convention of the Montana Theatres Ass’n
will be held May 28, 29 at Boulder Springs.
Clarence J. Severson is president of the asso-
ciation.
Other officers: Rex Flint of Baker, Mont.,
vice-president; J. M. Suckstorff of Sidney,
secretary-treasurer; Arthur F. Lamey of Bill-
ings, general counsel, and directors Herb
Bonifas of Chinook, H. G. Wells of Hardin,
C. Don Sheedy of Billings; Fred Arnst of Fort
Benton, B. F. Sautter of Townsend, F. X.
Faust of Forsyth, Carl Anderson of Kalispell,
C. F. Davis of Three Forks, and N. M. Stub-
blefield of St. Ignatius.
Role to Percy War am
Columbia has ticketed Percy Waram for a
featured role in “It Had to Be You.”
SEATTLE
Jrving Barry, Seattle booker for Evergreen
Theatres, has revealed that he has sold a
screenplay to Eagle-Lion entitled “Dealer’s
Choice” for an unannounced sum . . . John
Hamrick and his wife have returned from
Palm Springs, where they spent the winter
. . . Charles Kurtzman of Loew’s theatre
division, New York, visited here recently.
Local exhibitors viewed with interest the
announcement published here that Sol Lesser
soon will build a theatre in Seattle as part
of a nationwide circuit . . . Glen Haviland
has joined Eagle-Lion as a salesman, ac-
cording to Wally Rucker, branch manager.
Haviland returns to this city after an absence
of several years with Paramount in San
Francisco.
Tom Aspell, MGM branch head here who
leaves soon to take over the same position
in Los Angeles, was honored at a dinner
party . . . Paul McElhinney, Republic branch
manager, is in Los Angeles for a managers
meeting . . . Out-of-town bookers have been
forced to call in person on Filmrow to trans-
act business because of the telephone strike.
Roadshow attractions like “Ice Follies” and
“Duel in the Sun” are arriving here at the
height of curtailment of newspaper advertis-
ing space . . . Out-of-town exhibitors on
Filmrow during the week included L. A.
Knott of the Esquire Theatre, Tieton; E. W.
Landry, Pix, Cheney; Eldon Pollock jr.,
Mount Vernon; Bud Hamilton, Darrington;
Fred Gamble, Tacoma, and Ed Garre,
Auburn.^
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
63
Los Angeles Grosses
Still Unimpressive
LOS ANGELES — Grosses neither climbed
nor declined perceptibly as another week of
unimpressive takes came to an end. Three
new entries were on the boards. Twentieth-
Pox’s “The Late George Apley” and United
Artists’ “The Private Affairs of Bel Ami”
garnered fairly good receipts while the third,
Warners’ “That Way With Women,” barely
did average business. Holdovers, present on
all other screens, turned in low takes with
the exception of U-I’s “The Egg and I,” which
stood up above the others.
(Average is 100)
Belmont, El Rey, Orpheum and Apollo — Johnny
O'Clock (Col), 2nd wk.; Bulldog Drummond
at Bay (Col), 2nd wk 100
Bruin, Ritz, United Artists, Studio City, Iris and
Carthay Circle — The Egg and I (U-I), 3rd wk 150
Chinese, State, Uptown and Loyola — The Late
George Apley (20th-Fox) 150
Downtown Paramount- — Angel and the Badman
(Rep), 2nd wk.; The Pilgrim Lady (Rep), 2nd wk...l00
Egyptian, Wilshire and Los Angeles — Sea of
Grass (MGM), 3rd wk 100
Four Music Halls — The Private Affairs of
Bel Ami (UA) . ,---180
Four Star — Alexander's Ragtime Band (20th-Fox),
reissue, moveover; The Brasher Doubloon (20tn-
Fox), 3rd d. t. wk 115
Hillstreet — Trail Street (RKO), 2nd wk.;
Beat the Band (RKO), 2nd wk 100
Hollywood Paramount — Same as Downtown 120
Million Dollar— Same as Belmont, El Rey, Or-
pheum and Apollo 100
Pantages — Same as Hillstreet 100
Warners' Downtown, Hollywood, Wiltern —
That Way With Women (WB) 100
'Open City' and "Years' Tie
For Top Score in Seattle
SEATTLE — “Open City” and “The Best
Years of Our Lives” had top scores for the
week with 150. It was the opening week for
“Open City” and the third for “The Best
Years.” “Dead Reckoning” at the Liberty and
"Sinbad the Sailor” at the Paramount were
tied for second spot with 140.
Blue Mouse — Open City (MB)... .. 150
Fifth Avenue — Alexander's Ragtime Band (20th-
Fox), reissue; The Brasher Doubloon (20th-Fox).. 60
Liberty — Dead Reckoning (Col)..-- 140
Music Box — Boomerang (20th-Fox) Susie Steps
Out (UA), 3rd d. t. wk 100
Music Hall — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 3rd wk Roadshow
We are sincerely proud to have been
chosen by Atlas Theatres to do the decora-
tions for their new Lamar Theatre at Lamar.
Colorado.
We can truthfully say there is no more
beautiful theatre comparable in size in the
United States. We invite you to see this
magnificent theatre when you are in the
vicinity of Lamar.
-X -X -X
Let us visit you and your theatre and
exchange ideas and estimates.
-x -x -x
PHONE WRITE WIRE
Theatrical
Decorating and Display Co.
TAbor 4962 2153 Broadway
Denver, Colorado
Orpheum — Song ol Scheherazade (U-I), 2nd wk.„. 90
Palomar — Devil on Wheels (PRC) , plus stage show 80
Paramount — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO) : 140
Roosevelt — Abie's Irish Rose (UA)- 50
DENVER
'Years' Grips Top Spot
In Fifth Frisco Week
SAN FRANCISCO — Still top man, and
holding the same rating in its fifth week as
in its fourth, was “The Best Years of Our
Lives” with 300 per cent. Taking a tie for
third place were “My Favorite Brunette,”
in its third week at the Paramount, and
“The Guilt of Janet Ames,” in its second
week at the Orpheum. “The Sin of Harold
Diddlebock,” in its second at the United Art-
ists, chalked up 130 per cent.
Esquire-Tivoli — Stairway to Heaven (U-I);
Cigarette Girl (Col), 2nd wk. 120
Fox— Stallion Road (WB); Sweetheart of
Sigma Chi (Mono), 2nd wk. 100
Golden Gate — Trail Street (RKO),
plus stage show, 2nd wk 105
Orpheum — The Guilt of Janet Ames (Col);
Blind Spot (Col), 2nd wk 125
Paramount — My Favorite Brunette (Para), 3rd
wk.; Blondie Knows Best (Col), 2nd wk 125
St. Francis — Suddenly It's Spring (Para), 3rd wk ...120
United Artists — The Sin of Harold Diddlebock
(UA), 2nd wk 130
United Nations — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 5th wk 300
Warfield — Alexander's Ragtime Band (20th-Fox),
reissue; The Brasher Doubloon (20th-Fox) 120
'Years' Still Strong in Denver;
Ditto for ’The Jolson Story'
DENVER — “Best Years of Our Lives” in its
fifth week in the first runs was still strong,
as was “Jolson Story” in its tenth week at
the Bluebird, boosted to first run status
during the film’s stay.
Aladdin — Brief Encounter (U-I) 125
Bluebird — The Jolson Story (Col), 6th d. t. wk 200
Broadway — Gallant Bess (MGM); w
Born to Speed (PRC), 2nd wk 100
Denham — My Favorite Brunette (Para), 2nd wk. .110
Denver, Esquire and Webber — Boomerang
(20th-Fox); Cigarette Girl (Col) 120
Oroheum — Trail Street (RKO),
Crime Doctor's Manhunt (Col) 115
Paramount — Temptation (U-I); Strange Journey
(20th-Fox) 120
Rialto — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
5th d. t. wk 300
SALT LAKE CITY
Oidney Cohen, buyer and booker for Inter-
mountain Theatres, became a bona fide
Salt Lake City resident when he purchased a
home here last week and his wife, two sons
and two dogs arrived here from the east.
Sid has been here two months.
Bob Quinn, Paramount exploiteer from
Denver, was here to set up the campaign for
“Calcutta” . . . There probably will be a trans-
fer of one member of the local Paramount
staff to the coast office of the company
within a short time.
Joe Rosenfield, president of Favorite
Amusement Co., which operates the Lyric
here, was in Salt Lake from the northwest to
confer with Warren Butler, manager of the
Lyric . . . Butler’s business has picked up
some lately with introduction of an auction
show on the stage.
Eddie Horowitz was in Salt Lake to confer
with exhibitors on other dates in this area
for “Open City,” which played two weeks at
the Studio . . . “The Best Years of Our Lives”
closed after a 24-day run to packed audiences
at the Rialto.
We
have the
for
YOUR
THEATRE
> contacts with the exhibitors
)u of satisfactory results.
THEATRE EXCHANGE CO.
Count on us lor Quick Action!
Our wide contacts with the exhibitors
assure you of satisfactory results.
408 S. W. 2nd Ave. Portland 4. Oregon 217 Governor Bldg.
i
^irectors of the Central City Opera House
Ass’n again elected Frank H. Ricketson
jr., head of Fox Intermountain Theatres, as
president. The association will produce
“Martha” and “Fidelio” in the famous opera
house at Central City in alternate perform-
ances for three or four weeks this summer.
Harry Huffman, Denver city manager for
Fox Intermountain, has been elected second
vice-president of Denver Rotary . . . The
board of trustees of the Cooper Foundation
will spend $75,000 for new seats and carpets
for several Foundation theatres. To receive
this treatment are the Ute and Tompkins,
Colorado Springs, and the Stuart and Cap-
itol, Lincoln, Neb. Several theatres will be
repainted and redecorated.
J. E. Tompkins, for years owner and man-
ager of the Tompkins, Colorado Springs, and
Mrs. Tompkins, are vacationing in Cuba . . .
Jack Bruno, city manager of the Cooper
houses in Greeley, Colo., was again inter-
locutor for the annual minstrel show of the
Greeley Kiwanis club, presented on the stage
of the Sterling. Mr. and Mrs. Pat McGee,
Denver, and Ralph Ayer, Lincoln, Cooper of-
ficials, attended the show.
R. D. Ervin has modernized the equip-
ment at the Star, Walden, Colo., by the
installation of Simplex mechanisms and
other equipment bought from National Thea-
tre Supply . . . Robert Sweeten, booker for
Gibraltar Enterprises, has been promoted to
city manager at Alamosa, Colo. Margaret
Fitzsimons was named to Sweeten’s job,
while Robert Clark will book for the group
Margaret formerly handled.
The first AA Motiographs sold in this ter-
ritory went to the Black Hills Amusement
Co. for installation in one of that circuit’s
houses. The sale was made by Service Thea-
tre Supply . . . W. E. Calloway, western dis-
trict manager for United Artists, conferred
with Clarence Olson, branch manager . . .
Deraid Hart, former theatre manager, has
organized the A to Z Amusement Co. at
Lamar, Colo., where the firm is building an
amusement park, to include midget auto rac-
ing, skating rink, wrestling, boxing, etc. The
park will open May 15.
Leo Adler, who used to check accounts at
the United Artists exchange here, has again
been assigned to this territory, and is visit-
ing the Denver exchange for the first time
in several years ... A. W. Schwalberg and
L. E. Goldhammer, Eagle-Lion sales and
district manager, respectively, and Sam Mil-
ner, district manager of PRC, conferred with
M. R. Austin, branch manager.
Clarence Martin has bought the Gem, Hugo,
Colo., from Earl Behrens . . . Doyle Shelton
is building a 300-seat house at Pritchard,
Colo., to be named the Monarch, and will
install complete Brenkert booth equipment,
bought from Western Service and Supply . . .
The MGM exchange is in the throes of a
redecorating job . . . Fred Lind is trying to
get a CPA approval to build a new theatre
at Rifle, Colo., where he already operates.
Ross Bluck, former film man, is operating
a store at Shaffers Crossing, Colo. . . . Out-
of-town exhibitors seen on Filmrow included
Earl Kerr, Des Moines; Chuck Flower,
Bayard, Neb.; Larry Starsmore, Colorado
Springs; Dr. F. E. Rider, Waunetta, Neb.;
Joe Wills, Socorro, N- M.; Fred Lind, Rifle;
Lynn Zorn, Julesburg; John Bohannan,
Hatch, N. M.; William J. Baldwin, Igloo,
S. D„ and Marie Goodhand, Kimball, Neb.
John Searcy has been added to the Para-
mount force as assistant shipper.
64
BOXOFFICE :: April 28, 1947
Bert K. Fischer Dies;
Opened House in '01
MILWAUKEE — Bert K. Fischer, 64, veteran
theatre owner and operator, died at Deacon-
ess hospital here following a brief illness.
Born in Germany, he came to the U.S. with
his parents when he was ten. He gave up his
schooling at 16 and joined a roadshow as a
vocalist.
Fischer opened the Crystal Theatre, Mani-
towoc, in 1901. The house was demolished
by fire the next year and Fischer went back
to vocalizing. He built the Mozart Theatre,
Milwaukee, in 1910.
After that he took over operation of the
Juneau Theatre here. He also leased the
Lincoln and Park and purchased the Alamo.
Fischer had leased both the Mozart and
Alamo to other interests shortly prior to his
death.
Survivors are his wife, Elsie; two sons, Les-
ter F. and Earl W.; three brothers, Frank,
Otto and Emil; two sisters, Mrs. Edna Doutz-
auer and Mrs. Elsie Forster, all Milwauk-
eeans.
Oldtime Showboat Returns
To Rivers This Summer
ST. LOUIS — Capt. John William Menke is
planning to tour the Mississippi river and its
principal tributaries this summer with his
showboat the Goldenrod. The tour will begin
in June. The Goldenrod has been moored for
about ten years on the St. Louis river front
near the foot of Locust street. Before touring
the rivers the old boat, built in 1909, is to be
placed in a steel barge which Menke bought
last December from the U.S. maritime com-
mission. The deck and compartments of the
barge will be cut out so that the old show-
boat can be fitted inside.
The barge is 230x45 feet, while the Golden-
rod, about equally wide, is only 161 feet long.
The refitted boat will be powered by a Diesel
engine.
The work will be done by the St. Louis
Shipbuilding Co. at the foot of Davis street.
The Goldenrod will travel about 5,000 miles
in one-night stands this year, Menke says.
Exhibitors Thronging Row
As Phone Strike Result
MILWAUKEE— The telephone strike that
has crippled exchange and theatre operations
looks like one of long duration. With dial-
to-dial communication about the only serv-
ice functioning, an influx of exhibitors at
the exchange center has topped anything in
years.
Where last-minute changes in booking or
advertising were necessary, exhibitors han-
dled the matter personally.
Enlarging the Ritz
BOONE VILLE, IND.— The Ritz Theatre
here is undergoing extensive remodeling. The
balcony is being extended to provide for 100
more seats, the projection booth is being set
back, the rest rooms enlarged, and the front
rebuilt. The new front will be of tile and
will have neon lighting. The boxoffice and
popcorn stand are being moved in the change.
To Convert Opera House
NOBLESVILLE, IND. — Mr. and Mrs. Harry
Vonderschmitt, operators of the Diana Thea-
tre, will convert the Wild Opera House build-
ing into a modern theatre as soon as ma-
terials become available. Meanwhile the
Nivoli Theatres Corp., operator of the Legan,
has renewed its lease on that theatre until
1952.
Dog Writes (?) Letter ,
Thanking Exhibitor
Indianapolis — Carl Niesse, who owns
and operates the Vogue here, is noted for
his kindness to dumb animals. Recently
he found a lost bull pup and through a
classified ad in the local papers located
the owner, Walter H. Montgomery.
Carl later received a typewritten letter
from the dog thanking him for his kind-
ness. It was signed with the imprint of
the pup’s paw. (Foot, that is; not his sire).
Carl says wonders will never cease.
Tom C. Hall of Columbia,
Oldtime Showman, Dies
COLUMBIA, MO.— Tom C. Hall, 81, who
erected the Hall and Varsity theatres here
and operated them for many years, died
in a hospital at Moberly, Mo., April 16 after
an illness of several weeks.
Hall was bom in Audrain county in Mis-
souri, and operated businesses in 36 different
Missouri towns and cities, including Colum-
bia, St. Louis, Kansas City, Sedalia, Mexico,
Centralia, Joplin, Springfield and Excelsior
/Springs, over a period of half a century.
The Hall and the Varsity now are operated
by the College Theatre Co., Inc., which also
operates the Missouri.
R. S. Weilerts of Garrett
Buy at Alexandria
ALEXANDRIA, IND.— Mr. and Mrs. R. S.
Weilert of Garrett, Ind., have purchased the
Ritz Theatre here from Clyde Wilson. The
sale involved the building, which includes
apartments and a sweet shop, besides the
theatre business. Wilson and his wife are
moving to their summer home on Lake Mani-
tou near Rochester, Ind.
Theatre in St. Louis
Ordered to Close
ST. LOUIS — The Robin Theatre here has
been condemned by Building Commissioner
Baum as unsafe for use as a theatre. Baum
has advised the owners, Arthur F. D. Kalbfell
and Marie K. Wimberley, that the building
can no longer be used as a place of amuse-
ment, but can be put to any other use they
choose.
This limitation on the use of the structure
is part of the city’s campaign to enforce the
terms of a recently enacted city building
code. Baum’s action in condemning the
Robin has caused attorneys for the owners
to ask the Missouri supreme court at Jeffer-
son City for permission to amend their ap-
plication for a writ of mandamus to include
Baum and other city officials. As originally
drawn the petition filed in Jefferson City
was directed against the police and fire de-
partments.
The city and various city officials probably
will be called upon late this week to show
cause in the state supreme court why the
writ sought by the owners of the Robin should
not be issued to restrain interference with the
theatre’s operations. The owners have stated
that the narrow views taken by the city in
its efforts to enforce the new building code
would wipe out their investment of $30,000 in
the structure. The theatre, originally a frame
church edifice, now has its walls sheathed
with heavy sheet iron and also has a con-
crete floor and a steel ceiling.
After filing the suit in Jefferson City, the
owners of the Robin withdrew their injunc-
tion suit in the St. Louis circuit court.
Howard Pryor New Owner
HARTVILLE, MO.— Howard Pryor is the
new owner of the Hartville Theatre, a 200-
seat formerly operated by J. H. Fisher.
LATIN LOVELIES — Film men, representatives of the press and Marquette univer-
sity language department professors attended the luncheon in Milwaukee’s Hotel
Schroeder for the Senoritas Sonia Lizano, Lydia Soto-Harrison and Olga Gutierrez-
Pacheco, Costa Rican winners of a beauty contest sponsored by La Tribuna, a San Jose
newspaper, in conjunction with 20th-Fox. They are touring U.S. cities in the interest
of “Carnival in Costa Rica.” In the picture, usual order: Charles Hacker, Wisconsin
Theatre manager; Harry Boesel, Fox Wisconsin district manager; H. Brunner, Fox
Wisconsin ad department; Gordon Hewitt, Fox Wisconsin booking and executive; Joe
Negcr, 20th-Fox manager; William V. Geehan, assistant to Harold J. Fitzgerald of Fox
Wisconsin; William Koster, Fox Wisconsin theatre operations executive.
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
c
65
Illinois Bill Provides
For County Polio Tax
SPRINGFIELD— Local tax support for
fighting infantile paralysis was recommended
by an Illinois house committee, which was
told by a legislator that voluntary contribu-
tions do not provide sufficient funds.
The public aid, health and welfare commit-
tee unanimously .approved for passage a bill
permitting county boards with referendum
sanction to levy property taxes of IV2 cents
per $100 valuation for treatment and care
of polio victims.
A state health department official opposed
the plan, but one of the bill’s sponsors, Rep.
John K. Morris (Dem), Chadwick, asserted
that present methods of raising funds were
inadequate.
“A tax would be more equitable than vol-
untary contributions where the burden is
borne by a few,” Morris said.
Butler Laws Will Not Hike
Illinois Tax Bills in 1947
SPRINGFIELD— Attorney General George
Barrett of Illinois recently told the Illinois
state senate that in his opinion the legisla-
ture could do nothing to change the limits
of property tax assessments in the state
under the Butler tax laws of 1946 in time to
affect the tax bills collectable in 1947, since
they have already been levied and “dis-
tended,” and collections will have to proceed
under the present law. The legislature is
considering two bills to limit property tax
assessments to 5 per cent more than the
1942 levies in taxing districts of less than
500,000 population. After Barrett gave his
testimony the senate voted to rerefer the
bills dealing with 100 per cent tax assessment
laws to the committee on revenue for “care-
ful consideration” to set up a permanent tax
formula.
Buys Stockton Theatre Site
STOCKTON, ILL.— Hubert Williams has
purchased a corner site here for a new thea-
tre of 440 seats. Williams is owner of the
town’s present house. The new place will be
built after the housing situation eases.
Holes in Popcorn Bag
End Noise in Theatre
From Mideast Edition
Keyser, W. Va. — Manager Kermit Par-
ish of the Liberty Theatre here has
solved the popcorn bag problem. Parish’s
popcorn stand ran out of boxes recently
and he had to substitute paper bags. Soon
the bags were popping loudly whenever
guns were fired or heroines kissed.
Parish took the rest of the bags to a
newspaper plant, where three holes were
punched in the bottom of each bag. Si-
lence ensued.
Four College Girls Prefer
Kitchens to Klieg Lights
GODFREY, ILL. — Four seniors at Monti-
cello college here, three of whom partici-
pated in the presentation of the college dra-
matic department’s production “Liliom” on
Friday (18) are reported to have rejected
offers by David Schuler, representative of
Warner Bros., to have screen tests made as
the preliminary step toward possible motion
picture careers. The three girls who partici-
pated in the show, Gloria Meffley, Denver;
Jane Chatten, LaGrange, 111., and Anne Gar-
ris, Oklahoma City, and Shirley Morris of
Kansas City, the fourth girl, are said to
have told Schuler they preferred marriage
to a Hollywood career. Schuler caught the
show and told the college authorities he had
advised the girls they had ability and offered
to arrange for screen tests, but all four
quickly decided the career-versus-marriage
argument in favor of marriage.
Series of Talent Shows
Opens at Hartford Theatre
From New England Edition
HARTFORD— A ten-week series of Pro-
ducers Talent shows has been started at the
Daly Theatre, with registration open for
amateurs “from 6 to 60.” L. J. Dahlman,
head of the New York producing outfit stag-
ing the series, said that winners of each
week’s show, named as a result of audience
applause, will receive an award.
P®“7:::tre Brokers
Saviereide,Tbeatruttv..0
FERDIE mgr.
Plan LOOO-Seater
PLATTEVILLE, WIS. — Plans are being pre-
pared by Messmer Bros, of Milwaukee for a
1,000-seat theatre to be built here by the
Platteville Theatre Corp. The theatre will be
a replacement for the Gem, which the com-
pany now operates. It also has the Avalon
Theatre here.
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 of which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE. DATE & RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE
NAME POSITION
'Jolson' and 'Years'
Top in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE — Weather of the frosty va-
riety and a fair share of rain kept sports
lovers from opening golf courses and other
outdoor attractions and theatregoers found
relaxation at their favorite picture palaces.
The drixe-in opened on one of the cold days
with “Canyon Passage,” and appeared off to
another good year. “The Jo! son Story” in the
third chorus went merrily on at the Palace
for top flight take.
“Best Years of Our Lives” in its third week
had waiting lines for matinees, but evening
attendance was spotty. “Carnival in Costa
Rica,” heralded by personal appearances in
town of three Costa Rican senoritas, angled
over par at the turnstiles. “Pursued” in a
third chapter moveover at the Alhambra hit
average. “The Macomber Affair” at the
Towne clicked well, as did two oldies, “Sea
Hawk” and “Sea Wolf,” for Warner regulars.
“The Late George Apley” linked with “Re-
turn of Monte Cristo” at the Strand nudged
par.
Key neighborhoods reported fair business.
(Average is 100)
Alhambra — Pursued (WB); The Ghost Goes
Wild (Rep), 2nd run 100
Palace — The jolson Story (Col), 3rd wk 135
Riverside — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
3rd wk 140
Strand — The Late George Apley (20th-Fox),
2nd d. t. wk.; The Return of Monte Cristo
(Col), 2nd run 95
Towne — The Macomber Affair (UA) 100
Warner — The Sea Hawk (WB);
The Sea Wolf (WB), reissues 115
Wisconsin — Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox);
Blind Spot (Col) 115
Cool Weather Herds Crowds
Into Chicago Theatres
CHICAGO — With the temperature around
30 degrees most of the week the theatres got
a good break. Plenty of visitors were in from
nearby towns to attend the baseball premiere
and other sports events, but it was too cold,
so they crowded into amusement spots.
Of the new entries, “Wake Up and Dream”
opened strong at the Oriental, and the Ted
Weems band with Bonnie Baker on the stage
helped business, too. The Chicago did nicely
in a second week with “Suddenly It’s Spring,”
plus Georgie Price heading the stage bill.
“California” opened strong at the State-Lake;
ditto “Lady in the Lake” at United Artists.
“The Best Years of Our Lives” at the Woods,
and “The Jolson Story” at the Apollo were
still topping the holdovers, with “Nora Pren-
tiss” at the Roosevelt, and “Smash-Up” at
the Grand holding up very nicely.
Apollo — The lolson Story (Col), 16th wk 125
Chicago — Suddenly It's Spring (Para),
plus stage show, 2nd wk 140
Garrick — 13 Rue Madeleine (20th-Fox), 4th wk 110
Grand — Smash-Up (U-I), 4th wk 120
Oriental — Wake Up and Dream (20th-Fsx),
plus stage show. 150
Palace — Trail Street (RKO);
Little Miss Big (U-I), 2nd wk 115
Roosevelt — Nora Prentiss (WB), 2nd wk 120
State-Lake — California (Para) 125
Studio — Sins of Bali (Rosenberg);
She-Devil Island (Rosenberg) 110
United Artists — Lady in the Lake (MGM) 120
Woods — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
17th wk 160
World Playhouse — Man's Hope (Lopert Films) 115
Indianapolis Trade Spotty
With ’Egg and I' Leading
INDIANAPOLIS — Business at first run
theatres was spotty. “Egg and I” headed the
list and drew crowds at Keith’s Theatre in its
third week. Loew’s with “The Macomber Af-
fair” had a fairly good week, but others were
down to scraping the bottom.
Circle — Sister Kenny (RKO); Sweetheart of
Sigma Chi (Mono) 75
Indiana — It's a Wonderful Life (RKO) 95
Keith's — The Egg and I (U-I) 250
Loew's — The Macomber Affair (UA);
Blondie's Holiday (Col) 100
Lyric — Ladies' Man (Para); Big Town (Para) 95
66
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
See Your RCA Independent Theatre Supply Dealer
Plenty of smart exhibitors in this
area are upping their receipts and
drawing holdout crowds ... by
showing the clearest, brightest,
steadiest pictures their audiences
have ever seen.
Their Brenkert ”80” Projectors,
with the sensational Brenkert High
Intensity Lamps, are making ter-
rific headway with the public and
the box office.
You can get the same results.
1
CHICAGO THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
1255 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicago 5, III.
CINE' SUPPLY COMPANY
3310 Olive St., St. Louis 3, Mo.
INDIANAPOLIS
IGTrs. Ethel Luckett Walsh has started erec-
tion of her new theatre, the Scott, in
Scottsburg, Ind. In addition to the new 600-
seat house, she also operates the Indiana
there, and the Austin in Austin, Ind. . . .
Berne, Monroe, Geneva and Decatur, Ind.,
have adopted daylight savings time effective
April 28.
Nick Paikos, who operates the Diana in
Tipton, Ind., has become a Blue Lodge Mason
. . . Salvator Iozzo, former GI, is now with
the Eagle-Lion-PRC exchange as a student
booker.
Charles E. Spargur jr., ad sales department
manager at 20th-Fox, and Margaret Ferguson,
were married in the Broadway Baptist
church here. They honeymooned in Chicago
. . . Charles Spivak and members of his band,
now at the Circle, are enjoying the privileges
of the Variety Club of Indianapolis.
Ben Stonebreaker, assistant to J. B. Elliott,
National Screen Service, trailer division, re-
signed last week . . . R. L. Hudson jr., Rich-
mond, was on Filmrow . . . Frank Warren,
20th-Fox salesman, has a mild case of flu . . .
Herman Black, RKO salesman, was called to
New York City by the serious illness of his
mother.
Frank Hensler, district manager of MGM,
spent two days at the local branch . . . Harry
Watts, Alhambra, Knightstown, booked and
bought . . . Charles School, MGM auditor, is
checking the local branch . . . Russell Brent-
linger, manager of RKO, called on officials
of the Gregory circuit . . . S. W. Goodman,
Poseyville, booked . . . Gus Heinrich, office
manager and head booker, Columbia, spent
the weekend fishing.
William Conners, widely known as Bill, op-
erator of the Luna-Light, Lyric and Indiana
theatres in Marion, Ind., is enjoying a Cali-
fornia vacation. Bus Miller is looking after
his interests during his absence . . . Jack
Springer and Pete Panagos, Gregory circuit
bookers, were on the Row booking and buying.
Guy Craig, manager of Columbia, visited
Chicago . . . Harry Mandell, district man-
ager of Eagle-Lion-PRC, was a business caller
at the local branch . . . Norma Geraghty,
National Theatre Supply, is handicapped by
the loss of speech.
Foster Gauker, branch manager of MGM
and Marjorie Richter, head booker, will go to
New York April 28 for the sales meeting at
the Astor . . . Joe Schilling, Connersville,
booked and bought . . . Local B-35, affiliate
of the IATSE, exchange employes elected
Mable Skinner, president; Dorothy Riley, fi-
nancial secretary and treasurer; Robert
Whaling, recording and corresponding sec-
retary; Sheldon Fogelman and Louise Pfarer,
trustees; James Henson, sergeant-at-arms,
and Mrs. Lulu Stevens, business agent.
Keith’s Theatre has installed RCA Brenkert
projection and sound equipment . . . A. C.
Kalafat of Garrett, booked and bought on
the Row.
From the
BOXOFFICE FILES
(Twenty Years Ago)
THE HIPPODROME Theatre, 17 South
Sixth St., St. Louis, closed to the public
for many years, may be condemned if the
recommendation of the health department is
heeded. Three men have been found dead
inside the structure in recent weeks and two
fires broke out. The basement is filled with
stagnant water.
* * * *
Mrs. Alex Sommers, manager of the Lowell
Theatre, 5037 North Broadway, left her of-
fice a few minutes and a sneak thief stole her
purse, containing $40 . . . Ferdinand Warner,
former motion picture operator of St. Louis,
has been adjudged of unsound mind and his
wife was appointed his guardian.
* * *
Floyd Lewis, president and general man-
ager of the Lewis Advertising Co., makers
of illuminated lobby displays, announces his
company has moved to 3330 Olive Street.
* * *
All bids were rejected as too high for
construction of the Negro theatre and office
building at Ninth and Arch streets, Little
Rock, Ark., by the Masonic Templars of
America. Plans will be revised and new bids
asked soon.
* * *
Floods have closed theatres at Nebo, 111.;
Chaffee, Mo., and Alsy, 111. . . . The Home
Theatre, Oblong, 111., Star at Newton,
111., and the Strand and Grand at Robinson,
111., have been combined under management
of the Home circuit, controlled by Price and
Dalrymple of Oblong and J. C. Hewitt of
Robinson.
* * •
The William Fox theatre, in St. Louis,
seating about 5,500 persons, will open early
in 1928, according to present plans of the
owners. Plans have been prepared for an-
other large theatre near Grand and Wash-
ington boulevards. It is understood that
United Artists will be the sponsor.
The film industry spent for advertising in
the U.S. for 1946 an estimated total of $65,-
700,000; over $2,000,000 more than in 1945.
YOU GET
THE RIGHT LAMP
FOR YOUR NEEDS!
As the only lamps manufactured complete
within one factory, they can be so engi-
neered as to guarantee the
best screen results.
STRONG ~tAe pidateu Aj&f ^
CHICAGO 5, ILLINOIS — Abbott Theatre Equipment Co., 1311 S. Wabash Ave.
Telephone: Calumet 6160.
LOUISVILLE 2, KY.— Falls City Theatre Equipment Co., 427 Third St.
Telephone: JAckson 7559.
ST. LOUIS 3, M0.— Exhibitors Supply Co., 3236 Olive St. Telephone:
Jefferson 5913.
UNION CITY, IND. — Projection Equipment Co.
68
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Si. Louis Voters Okay
Daylight Saving Time
ST. LOUIS — Daylight saving time will go
into effect here April 27 at 2 a. m. and will
remain until September 28. Many of the sur-
rounding communities also will depart from
standard time for the same period, since a
number of their residents are employed in
St. Louis.
Railroads, bus lines and airlines will con-
tinue to operate on standard time, except for
the Missouri Pacific local train to and from
Pacific, Mo., serving commuters, which will
make the change. Bus lines operating in St.
Louis county, Mo., and St. Clair and Madison
counties, 111., also will make the change
to daylight saving time.
In elections held in Illinois April 15 most
of the cities and towns considering the ques-
tion of changing over to daylight saving time
voted to remain on standard time.
Cities rejecting daylight saving time were:
Effingham, Parmer City, Clinton, Jackson-
ville, Monmouth, Lena, Mount Carmel, Mor-
rison and Savanna.
Towns which accepted daylight saving
were: Decatur, East Alton, Monticello, Ore-
gon and Wood River. The votes in Wood
River and East Alton were close. Since these
elections were mandatory, there remains a
possibility the city officials still may decide
against daylight saving.
The Alton city council now is considering
a daylight saving proposal. Action on the
measure was deferred to await the income
of the elections in East Alton and Wood
River, nearby communities.
$100 Prize to Loop Team
As B&K Pin Season Ends
CHICAGO — B&K Employes club’s first
bowling league in several years came to a
successful conclusion last week. A sweep-
stakes was held and prizes for the season were
awarded the winners.
The Loop team captained by Bob Brewer,
assisted by Harry Potter, Ralph McParlane
and Archie Pearson, walked away with the
$100 prize given by Walter Immerman, gen-
eral manager of B&K, to the team winning
the most games. Only four small pins sepa-
rated them from a tie with the second place
Chicago team on the final night of the sea-
son. Harry Potter also copped Immerman’s
$50 prize for the season’s high average.
FINAL STANDINGS
Won
Lost
Pet.
Loop
38
22
633
Chicago
37
23
617
North Side
35
25
583
iSenate
31
29
517
West Side
7.5
35
417
Combies
14
46
223
Festus Gem to Open Soon
PESTUS, MO. — Harry Miller planned to
open his renovated Gem Theatre soon. The
Gem, formerly known as the Idle Hour, 450
seats, was closed several years ago when
Miller opened the Miller Theatre, 750 seats,
Table Grove Theatre Fails
TABLE GROVE, ILL. — Irvin Davis closed
the Gala Theatre here after two weeks of
operation. The town was unable to support
the place.
To Use Garage Building
RED KEY, IND. — Richard Norton of Red
Key has purchased the large storage room of
the Rex garage building and has started re-
modeling it for use as a theatre. He expects
to start showing pictures about September 1.
Norton is a war veteran.
CHICAGO
“L«st Honeymoon,” Eagle-Lion’s latest re-
lease, was sneak-previewed at the Sheri-
dan. There was practically no lapse in the
laughter of the audience. Essaness Theatres
announced the preview in newspaper ads for
three days prior to the date . . . The local
Warner office entertained two Chinese army
officers, Maj. T. C. Tsui and Lieut. Col. W. Y.
Chang, here on a mission to purchase horses,
by staging a special preview of “Stallion
Road.”
When Harold Lloyd’s “The Sin of Harold
Diddlebock” premieres at the Oriental Thea-
tre May 1, it will be Lloyd’s first Chicago
screen appearance in more than seven years
. . . Max Roth, PRC district manager, is in
St. Louis on business . . . Harry Mandel,
Eagle-Lion special sales representative, went
to the Indianapolis and Detroit territory in
connection with new company product.
Members of major entertainment field
unions will stage a protest meeting here May
21 against the antilabor legislation being con-
sidered in Congress. The meeting will be
held at the Selwyn Theatre, with leading
performers appearing. The unions involved
are American Guild of Variety Artists, Ameri-
can Guild of Music Artists, Equity, and
American Federation of Radio Artists . . .
Joseph Walter Dunn, 58, member of MPOU
Local 110 died here.
Ray Axelrod is an addition to the sales
staff of PRC here. He was with Warner
Bros, for eight years with time out for serv-
ice in the armed forces . . . The Monroe, op-
erated by James Jovan, is the first theatre
in Chicago to install the newest type “even
light” screen, developed to provide an im-
proved background for both pictures and
sound.
William D. Saltiel, chairman of Marshall
Grant Productions, the newly organized Chi-
cago motion picture company, has purchased
the W. R. Burnett story, “High Yaller.” The
company’s first film, “Moonrise,” goes before
the cameras in Hollywood May 15, with John
Garfield as star . . , Louis Oalamarie, just
out of service, is back with B&K, and is now
on the managerial staff at the Apollo . . .
Ralph McFarlane, assistant manager of the
State-Lake theatre, has been approved by
the B&K Employes club to fill the position
of Loop director left vacant by the transfer
of Dean Jones to the State Theatre.
Norman Kassel, Essaness publicity direc-
tor, has returned from a visit with Sam
Goldwyn on the west coast . . . Remodeled
inside and out and equipped with newest
type RCA sound and Brenkert projection and
a new screen, the Kedzie Theatre, owned by
Charles Lindau, reopened last weekend. The
Kedzie-Annex, also operated by Lindau, nas
reopened after remodeling and will offer ex-
clusive showings of Italian films acquired
through Superfilm Distributing Co.
Actress Marjorie Reynolds has been added
to the cast of Jack Benny’s stage show which
will open at the Chicago May 9. Marjorie’s
latest picture, due for summer release by
UA, is “Heaven Only Knows,” with Robert
Cummings and Brian Donlevy. Sun colum-
nist Dale Harrison has started pitching for
Maxwells in his column to give Chicago
Theatre Publicist Ed Seguin a hand in as-
sembling a whale of an ancient-car parade
for Jack Benny’s arrival May 7.
More than 350 of Chicago’s most beautiful
girls vied for the title of Miss Photoflash and
a chance for a film career when preliminary
judging in the contest was held here this
week. The camera queen got a minimum of
one week’s employment on the Columbia Pic-
tures lot. Miss Photoflash was to be crowned
at the annual dinner dance of the lensmen
April 26 in the Stevens.
Ray Milland stopped here over the weekend
en route from Hollywood to New York and
England to make a motion picture for a Brit-
ish production company . . . Bob Kroeschel
of the Kroeschel Engineering Co., installer
of air conditioning equipment, reports short-
age of parts is holding up installations in
theatres here. Light gauge galvanized steel,
needed in greater quantities for air condi-
tioning jobs, is causing the delay.
Milton Cohn, RKO district manager of
Cleveland, and Russ Brentlinger, Indian-
apolis manager, conferred here with John
Doerr of the Alliance circuit.
Pete Panagos of Alliance Theatres reports
the circuit is planning to use auto contests
this spring and summer in cooperation with
local auto dealers in the various localities in
which the Alliance theatres are located. Ama-
teur night shows will also be staged in vari-
ous key spots to stimulate interest in local
talent to tie in with current film bills. This
type of cooperation has been very profitable
in the past. Alliance’s annual managers sales
drive will get under way May 1.
Saul Goldman of Variety Pictures went to
Bloomington, Ind., to attend the 25th anni-
versary of the Sigma Alpha Mu at the Indiana
university. He helped organize the fraternity
. . . Bob Hickey, RKO representative, has left
for Memphis, New Orleans and Dallas, whoop-
ing things up for “Tiail Street.”
Plans are being worked out for uniform
film delivery rates and schedules by various
companies who headquarter here. The Illi-
nois Commerce commission will pass on the
new rates and schedules when they are ready
for submission to the trade . . . Jack Manley,
manager of Civic Theatre, is the father of
a baby boy named Michael Manley.
Bell & Howell Co. will close all local plants
June 30 to July 13 for a vacation for the en-
tire factory staff. The branch offices of the
company will not be affected.
Earl Vandevort Recovers
KENNETT, MO.— Earl Vandevort, local ex-
hibitor, has recovered from an illness.
JOE WEISS
(Formerly with Jack
Kirsch Theatres) j
EXPERIENCED . .
. LICENSED
Insurance and Real
Estate Broker
Specializing in Theatre Properties
4060 Milwaukee Ave.
Phones: PAL 2102
Chicago 22, 111.
LAKeview 5958
CANDY!
NATIONALLY ADVERTISED
BARS TO YOU AT
WHOLESALE PRICES
All Popular 5c & 10c Brands
- - IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT - -
H. & I. CONCESSIONS CO.
Theatre Concessionaires
1325 So. Wabash Ave.
Phone Harrison 9616 — Chicago 5
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
69
S T. L O U I S
pjarry C. Arthur, general manager of the
Fanchon & Marco circuit, has gone to
Hollywood for a couple of weeks. His brother
Eddie recently returned from the west coast.
The unauthorized strike of pressmen em-
ployed by the three St. Louis daily news-
papers ended April 16 after President George
L. Berry of the AFL International Pressmen’s
and Assistants union wired the local union
from Knoxville, Tenn., that the walkout
violated the union’s contract and that the
men should get back on the job or face dras-
tic punishment by the international. The
walkout had no appreciable effect on at-
tendance at local motion picture theatres,
although the town was without daily papers
for two and half days.
An armed bandit held up the third floor
office of the Casa-Loma ballroom, across the
street from the Cinderella Theatre, shortly
before midnight April 13, escaping with about
$1,700 in cash, according to a report made to
police by Miss Helen Reiss, the ballroom
cashier.
Iris Scissors, granddaughter of Joseph C.
Ansell of Ansell Bros. Theatres, was given
a theatre party on her ninth birthday re-
cently, with some 50 of her playmates and
Jewish orphans as guests. The youngsters
were served refreshments in the basement of
the Fox Theatre at Grand and Washington
boulevards, with Iris’s grandmothers, Mrs.
Esther Ansell and Mrs. Yetta Scissors, act-
ing as hostesses. Later the party enjoyed
motion pictures in the private screening room
in the big theatre building. When Joseph
Ansell told Harry C. Arthur, general manager
for Fanchon & Marco, that he wished to
throw the party, Harry instructed Tony
Paluso, manager of the Fox, to handle all
the necessary details. A good time was had
by all, including Grandpa Joe, Arthur and
Paluso.
Romeo D. Bafunno, 56, who since 1944 had
directed a band which gave public concerts
in various St. Louis parks, died April 13 at
the Roe public school, 1921 Prather Ave.,
where he was directing a school drum and
bugle corps. Bafunno was a son of the late
Anton Bafunno, who directed a band here in
the late ’90s and early 1900s. His wife and
two sons survive.
The L. T. Rockenstein Co., 3142 Olive St.,
St. Louis, dealers in motion picture supplies,
has incorporated as the L. T. Rockenstein
Co., to handle merchandise and machinery.
Incorporators were L. T. Rockenstein, Harold
Block and M. S. Gottlieb ... At Springfield,
111., a certificate of incorporation has been
granted the Tele-Radio Creations, 33 South
Clark St., Chicago, with 200 shares of no par
value stock. Incorporators were Nat M.
Kahn, Lorraine Goldstrom and Maurice S.
Levy. The corporation is authorized to con-
duct and produce radio and television shows.
KXOK, the Star Times station, resumed
normal operations April 16 after the tele-
phone cable connecting the station with its
transmitter near Granite City, 111., had been
repaired. The one-inch cable was severed
at 5:12 p. m. Sunday (13).
Ted Yemm, who was a partner in the for-
mer motion picture theatrical firm of Reid-
Yemm & Hayes, which operated theatres in
southern Illinois, is a patient at St. John’s
hospital. He retired from the motion picture
field when the circuit was sold to the Fox
Midwest circuit. He now lives here.
The drive-in theatre on the Manchester
road at DesPeres, Mo., opened April 11. Sam
Taft is the manager . . . Department store
sales in St. Louis during March were 11 per
LOYALTY RECOGNIZED — Members
of the MGM staff at St. Louis receive
service emblems from Herbert Bennin,
manager (right). Mabel Godwin, box-
office statement clerk was presented a
pin in recognition of her 20 years with the
organization. Robert Jones, salesman
(left) and Irv Waterstreet, exploitation
representative, each received ten-year
service pins.
cent higher than in March 1946, the Federal
Reserve bank reports. For the year ending
on March 31 sales were 12 per cent above
the previous year. Sales in March were 30
per cent above those for February.
Samuel N. Wheeler, general sales manager
for Film Classics, conferred with Sol Hankin,
local manager, relative to the sales plan for
“The Patient Vanishes” . . . Vincent Price
planed in from Los Angeles to spend a two-
week vacation in the old home town.
'Klieg Fever' Hits Solons
Being Filmed at Madison
MADISON — An epidemic of “klieg fever”
hit the Wisconsin legislature recently with
all its usual symptoms of slicked up cloth-
ing, smoothly combed hair and an uncon-
trollable desire to mug the camera.
The occasion was the filming of a motion
picture showing how a bill is introduced and
worked through the legislature to passage
and signing by the governor. The film was
taken under the direction of James Larson,
Los Angeles producer and cameraman, and
will be shown throughout the state in con-
nection with the Wisconsin centennial cele-
bration in 1948.
Some usually staid legislators looked ex-
tremely uncomfortable and nervous under
the glare and heat of the klieg lights, but
they were eager to cooperate.
Buy Site for Theatre
FAIRFIELD, ILL. — A lot directly across
the street from the Strand Theatre here has
been purchased by Pitner & Barnes as a site
for the theatre they will build to replace
the Uptown. The lot has a frontage of 61%
feet and is 185 feet deep. The new theatre
will seat about 1,000. Lou and Lillian Luster,
who sold the property, retained title to the
house on it and have until July 1 to move
the building.
Missouri House Approves
Quarterly Collections
JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri house
of representatives has passed a bill for quar-
terly collection of the state 2 per cent sales
tax instead of the present monthly collec-
tion. Rep. E. B. Pope of Hermitage, sponsor
of the bill, said that the state department of
revenue has estimated that the quarerly col-
lection plan will save the state about $100,000
a year in clerks’ salaries, accounting, postage
and other expenses.
The new plan also will effect considerable
savings for merchants, theatre owners and
others who collect the tax from their cus-
tomers for the state. The director of rev-
enue still may require monthly payment of
the tax where this action is deemed neces-
sary to insure payment of the tax.
AFL Local Making Film
On Industrial Hazards
CHICAGO — An educational motion picture
showing industrial hazards in radio plants
is being filmed in Chicago under the spon-'
sorship of the AFL Electrical Workers local.
M. F. Darling, local president, and M. J.
Boyle, international vice-president of the
union, said that the film would be “a weapon
in the union’s campaign against accidents.”
The Eddie Albert studios of Hollywood is
producing the film, with Linda Johnson and
Kirby Grant in the leading roles. Many Chi-
cagoans will be extras.
Wisconsin Theatre Ties in
With Opening of WMLO
MILWAUKEE — Opening ceremonies for
WMLO, Milwaukee’s newest radio station,
were aired from the Wisconsin Theatre
April 20. About 50 radio stars participating
in the inaugural ceremonies, gave theatre
patrons ringside seats.
St. Louis Horse to Screen
ST. LOUIS — Jackie Cavanagh, son of Mr.
and Mrs. John J. Cavanagh of this city, has
sold his 7-year-old pure white western range
gelding Snow King for use in forthcoming
Hollywood film adapted from “Green Grass
of Wyoming,” by Mrs. Mary O’Hara, who
wrote “My Friend Flicka.” The price paid
for Snow King has been reported as $1,000.
A party which included Alfred Meyers, Clar-
ence Jones and an animal trainer from
20th-Fox arrived at the Missouri stables here
April 18 to take possession of the horse.
Theatre Patron Collapses
ST. LOUIS — Harry Otto Venker, president
of the Barnard Stamp Co., manufacturers of
rubber stamps, collapsed and died the night
of April 19 while attending the Ritz Theatre
on South Grand boulevard. Venker was 51
years old and had been under treatment for
a heart condition.
Will Build Theatre
ELIZABETHTOWN, ILL— Construction of
a theatre to seat between 400 and 500 per-
sons is being readied at Cave-in-Rock by
Tom Partain and Carl Humm. The theatre
will be of brick and block and will be known
as the Ohio.
A. H. Sharp Hit by Flu
GIDEON, MO.— A. H. Sharp, owner of the
Princess Theatre, has recovered from a re-
cent attack of influenza.
70
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
MILWAUKEE
T ou Elman, RKO manager, entrusted his
life to Barney Sherman and that new red
Buick convertible in attending Chicago’s
baseball opener. Just to keep in shape Bar-
ney chauffered Milwaukee’s ballplayers about
town, top down and everything, before
shoving off for the Windy city . . . Johnny
Mednikow and Prank Fischer of National
Screen attended the firms national conven-
tion in Chicago.
house radio turn up and everybody was
happy.
Max Wiesner still talks in whispers due to
that throat condition . . . Ray Bonner of
Gallagher Films was in the territory on in-
stallations of equipment . . . Charles Nygaard,
veteran roadshowman in Wisconsin, now
handling national distribution on “The Van-
ished Sausage Maker,” a Norwegian-made
film for Merkur-Films, says the film is meet-
ing with ready acceptance . . . Emma Peters,
head RKO inspector, was ill . . . Verne
Touchett, formerly with Fox-Wisconsin, was
in from the coast.
Also Nick Michaels, Main Street, Racine;
Louis Machat, Radio, Milwaukee; Bill Exton,
Roosevelt, Kenosha; Irving Ashe, State,
Waupaca; Paul Nowatske, Vista, Mukwonago;
Lorn Heuston, Troy, East Troy; Sanford Vin-
cient of Denmake and Winneconne; Law-
rence Bucholz, Rialto, Nekoosa; Bob Gross,
Milwaukee Drive-In; Ray Lenz, Pastime,
Horicon; Billy Pierce,
Savoy, Milwaukee . . .
Dave Ross, MGM
salesmen, is shown in
the accompan ying
photograph in front of
Sloppy Joe’s in
Havana, Cuba, on a
recent vacation. Ross
visited Florida, Cuba
and Puerto Rico dur-
ing his sojourn in the
southern climes. It
was a busman’s holi-
day for Ross, who
visited MGM ex- dave ross
changes and representatives.
Connie Papas, co-operator of the Towne,
was in from Chicago setting the stage for the
official opening of his new house at Wal-
worth April 25 . . . Irving Ashe, State Thea-
tre, Waupaca, reporting on the first state run
of “The Outlaw” outside Milwaukee, turned
cartwheels at the holdout business during
the five-day run. Ashe says eight times nor-
mal business resulted. Incidentally, Ashe has
installed complete new sound, with extensive
remodeling at the State due shortly . . . Hugo
Vogel was in Minneapolis and is so busy
traveling he’s considering a helicopter, with
hangar space atop his office to facilitate
rapid commuting.
Elsie Seidel, MGM booker’s secretary, has
the prevalent cold . . . Same for Hilda Al-
brecht, MGM head booker . . . Charley and
Ray Trampe drive to California for a fling
at the ABC bowling joust, with company
business an added attraction.
Roy Pierce, Riverside manager, is vacation-
ing in California for a month . . . Billy Pierce,
Savoy Theatre manager, was at Decatur, 111.,
_ where his father is seriously ill . . . Jack
Frackman, Republic branch manager, at-
tended the two-day sales confab in Chicago,
at which James R. Grainger, vice-president in
charge of sales and distribution, presided.
Jack Sullivan of the Carl Thelin sign firm
was away from his chores due to an injured
ankle . . . Oscar Ruby former Columbia man-
ager, has been quite ill in Cleveland . . . Bob
Guiterman, Capitol Theatre, Manitowoc,
booked product . . . George Busch, RKO sales-
man, says that H. H. Otto, an oldtimer in ex-
hibition, has assumed ownership of the Clin-
ton, Clinton . . . Connie Pilz, former Clinton
operator, was a Row visitor . . . Hortense
Dricken, MGM toiler, vacationed and moved
simultaneously.
John Juell, Garden Theatre, South Mil-
waukee, booked . . . Harold Russell, handless
ex-GI who collected an Oscar for his work
in “The Best Years of Our Lives,” unable to
appear here as scheduled previously, was due
for appearances before veterans’ groups this
week . . . Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Boehm jr., Iola
Theatre, Iola, were on the Row for their first
appearance in a year.
Becky Hoffman, secretary to Walter Ben-
nin, MGM office manager, was a Madison
weekender . . . Danny Kelliher, Sprague
Theatre, Elkhorn, was in town . . . Norma
Albert, RKO toiler, displayed a cameo sent
by her son Bob from Italy where he’s with
the navy.
Walter Baier, Fort Theatre, Fort Atkinson,
booked product . . . Nat Marcus, WB manager
Popcorn Stand Removal
To Be Fought by AMPTO
That phone strike brought more exhibitors
to the Row than the Army-Navy game draws
football fans, leaving bookers mumbling to
themselves. Some theatre operators had been
away so long they had to reintroduce them-
selves and provide identification.
Lowell Houle of National Screen, who
cranked out hand-painted ties before hitting
town, is building quite a side line with them.
Bryn Griffiths wears a Houle creation fea-
turing an overtired public relations man. dis-
tributing passes to blind men captioned:
“Well! You can hear the picture, can’t you?
Do you have to see it too?” . . . Mr. and Mrs.
Ed Starkey of the Palace Theatre, Wisconsin
Rapids, and Rex, Berlin, were Row visitors
. . . M. Provencher, UA salesman, is reserving
his race track suit for the first day of sum-
mer . . . H. R. Lane, Republic traveling
auditor was in from New York.
Elmer Hall, MGM engineer, recalls the
early days while managing the Fern Theatre,
when Amos and Andy were rising to fame in
radio. Hall’s patrons liked the comedy pair
so much that each night their program was'
aired, the Fern screen was darkened, the
From Mideast Edition
Harrisburg — Popcorn machines have
been ruled out of Pennsylvania theatres
because they are fire hazards, a represent-
ative of the state department of labor
and industry told Fred J. Herrington,
AMPTO secretary, in an interview here.
Herrington said that exhibitors would
appeal to the courts for a ruling, and the
representative said that the state inspec-
tion department would follow with an-
other action.
At the 26th annual convention of the
AMPTO, Larry Woodin, Wellsboro ex-
hibitor, said that the manufacturers of
popcorn warming units, figuring they
would sell hundreds of units, had en-
deavored to have popcorn machines re-
moved from theatres on the grounds that
they were fire hazards, but that through
his intervention and the efforts of others
the manufacturers of the warming boxes
had made a retreat.
Inspectors have been notifying exhib-
itors to remove popcorn machines, stating
that they had such orders from the de-
partment head.
was In Chicago attending the 1947 drive con-
fab . . . Otto Trampe, IATSE business man-
ager, back on the job after a major opera-
tion, is on the recovery side — the catch being
that once recovered, Otto goes under the
knife again . . . Joe Malits, Eighth Street
Theatre operator, toured the Row.
Hero of the Week: Time 7:30 a. m. Walter
Blaney, RKO office manager entered the
exchange smoking the customary stogie
when he noted the odor of escaping gas.
Blaney tossed said cigar away faster than a
P80 takes off and wangled an emergency call
to the local gas firm, where officials said
they couldn’t send a trouble shooter. Blaney
then got the fire department and was joined
outside the exchange by Fred Ford and Joe
Neger. The loud wail of the siren was heard
and as a hook and ladder truck pulled up,
Ford and Neger took a powder leaving Blaney
to face the music by donning gas masks with
the visiting firemen.
Vivien Fried, MGM booker, was ill . . .
Louis Machat, Radio Theatre operator, re-
ports the installation of complete new pro-
jection equipment, with other house improve-
ments . . . Ida Tee and Lillian Kupersmith,
both former National Screen toilers, visited
the Row.
Ralph Maw, MGM district manager, was
in from Minneapolis for a huddle with Eph
Rosen, acting resident manager . . . A1 Ben-
nett, former National Screen head shipper,
was in with tales of his growing gas business
. . . The Times Theatre is now managed by
Ralph Krause, former Fox Wisconsin man-
ager . . . Elsie Heidlberg and Joyce Jackl
starred at a recent National Screen bowling
party.
Manning Silverman, onetime theatre op-
erator, was a stopover with reports that his
auto supply sales chore keeps him in south-
ern climes . . . Ben Raskin is a new poster
clerk at National Screen . . . Harry Riskin,
20th-Fox shipper, celebrated a birthday and
the gang ate the cake . . . Fred Good, Film
Classics branch manager, returned from Chi-
cago to change shirts and take off for a trip
through the territory . . . The four horsemen
of MGM, Hilda Albrecht, Grace Mapes,
Janet Uibel and Elaine Skinner (Kelley), re-
newed things while converging on Elaine
Kelley at Milton, Wis.
Exhibitors booking on the Row included
Russ Leddy, Orpheum, Green Bay; Tommy
Lees, Lake, Lake Mills; Kenneth Peterson,
Gerold, Weyawega; Ray Quady, Aqua, Minoc-
qua; Raynold Black, Rialto, Edgerton; John
Erickson, Rex, Kingsford; George Gonis,
Liberty, Milwaukee; Francis Perrizo, Badger,
Oconto; Ed Vincient, De Pere, De Pere; Red
Erickson, Loyal, Loyal; “Cap” Thurwachter,
Waukesha.
Marcus Will Renovate
Zaring at Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS — The Central Avenue
Theatre Corp., headed by M. Marcus, is plan-
ning to reseat and otherwise improve the
Zaring Theatre, 1,082-seat neighborhood
house which it acquired April 1 on a five-
year lease. The theatre also will get a new
marquee, according to Rex Carr, general
manager for the circuit. The Zaring was
opened in 1925 and was one of the city’s
first de luxe neighborhood theatres.
Close One, Open New One
CRYSTAL CITY. MO.— Dickson & Adams,
Inc., has closed its Roxy Theatre, 600-seater,
after opening the beautiful new Hi-Way
Theatre, with 750 seats.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
71
Opportunity Knocks
Every Week . . .
in BOXOFFICE Clearing House of Classified Ads
Summary of a Recent Issue:
15 offers of Used General Equipment
6 places to buy New General Equipment
12 theatre seating — new and used
21 theatres wanted and for sale
1 1 positions open and help wanted
12 specialized offers of equipment and sup-
plies.
The cost is small. Only 10 cents a word —
4 insertions for the price of 3.
Use the Tremendous Circulation of
FOR ADVERTISING THAT PAYS BEST
"BOXOFFICE
IS IIERE1&”
Over the doors of most Ameri-
can theatres a sign might be
placed: "BOXOFFICE comes to
us every week to help us op-
erate more profitably."
Display Ids
Pay Well
The low cost of small ads in re-
gional news sections appeals to
more and more advertisers. Re-
turns are excellent and the ef-
fects are beyond ordinary com-
putation.
ASK FOR DISPLAY RATES
FOR YOUR OWN SECTION
72
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Zorn Spurs Formation
Of MPF in Kansas City
Omaha Filmrow Site
Choice for City Bldg.
OMAHA— Filmrow took it on the chin with
the announcement by the auditorium com-
mission that it has recommended that the
city council acquire real estate and start con-
demnation proceedings in the four-square-
block area bounded by 17th, 19th and Chi-
cago streets and Capitol avenue.
The Paramount and Ballantyne Co. build-
ings are located on the east fringe of the
area. The condemnation action also would
cut off further westward development of the
Row. Film representatives protested choice
of the site.
Next step by the auditorium commission
is to ask the Omaha improvement commis-
sion to approve its recommendation and pass
it on the council.
Varro H. Rhodes, auditorium commission
chairman, said it probably would take six
weeks to get the condemnation ordinance
through the city council. He said it probably
would take until the end of the year before
plans are completed for the $3,500,000 audi-
torium and that chances of actual building
before 1949 are “slim.”
Durwood Puts New Pilots
In Redecorated Houses
ST. JOSEPH, MO. — Following redecoration
of the three Durwood theatres here, Stanley
Durwood, assistant general manager of the
circuit, announced the appointment of new
managers for each of the houses.
Charles Boshart, who has taken over at
the Missouri, left Edwards Theatres, where
he had been since 1943, to come here. Be-
ginning his theatre career in 1927 with Fox
Midwest in Topeka, Boshart also has been
affiliated with the Skouras-Warner group in
St. Louis, where he managed the Ambassador
Theatre.
A. L. Lashway, new pilot of the Electric, is
a veteran of 19 years with Paramount Thea-
tres. After becoming supervisor of advertis-
ing for 98 Paramount houses in New Eng-
land, Lashway joined the Durwood circuit in
1945.
James Foster, new manager at the Or-
pheum, has been in show business since 1935
when he joined the Crescent Amusement Co.
of Nashville, Tenn. He went with Durwood
following his discharge from service in 1945.
KANSAS CITY — Spurred by the enthu-
siasm of Edward G. Zorn, president of the
United Theatre Own-
ers of Illinois, the
Kansas City panel of
the Motion Picture
Foundation was
formed here at suc-
cessive meetings held
Friday night <18) and
Monday afternoon.
Fifteen members were
named, with two ad-
ditional names to be
added later, thus at-
taining the maximum
of 17 permitted under
MPF bylaws. Zorn edward g. zorn
made the trip to the meeting here from his
home in Pontiac, 111.
INITIAL NINE NAMED
These nine members were named at the
Friday dinner meeting held in Hotel Muehle-
bach:
J. A. Becker, Independence, Mo., exhibitor. -
R. R. Biechele, Kansas City, Kas., exhibitor.
Clarence A. Schult.z, Commonwealth Theatres
executive.
Sam Abend, Exhibitors Film Delivery and Serv-
ice Co., Inc.
Felix D. Snow, sixth IATSE vice-president,
* representing Kansas City unions.
M. D. Cohn, Newman Theatre.
Arthur Cole, Paramount Pictures.
Robert F. Withers, Republic Pictures.
A. [ules Benedic, field editor, BOXOFFICE.
Meeting Monday afternoon, the initial
membership added these six men to the
panel :
L. J. Kimbriel, Missouri Theatre Supply Co.
T. R. Thompson, special representative, UA
Pictures.
Frank Plumlee, Theatre Enterprises, Inc.
Earl Dyson, RKO.
Mike Cullen, district manager, Loew's, Inc.
Homer Strowig, Abilene, Kas., exhibitor and
president of the KMTA.
Selection of a permanent chairman and
an area trustee who will serve on the na-
tional governing body was deferred to a
further meeting called by the temporary
chairman, A. Jules Benedic, to be held in the
Paramount exchange screening room Mon-
day morning (28) at 11:30 o’clock.
ZORN IS ENTHUSIASTIC
At the Friday night meeting, Zorn, a mem-
ber of the national steering committee of the
MPF, as well as Foundation chairman for
the Chicago exchange area, spoke enthusias-
tically of plans for the new organization,
which has as its motto, “To Lighten the Way
While Lighting the Way.” He said:
“Through the years the motion picture in-
dustry not only has given freely of itself, but
also has raised vast sums of money which
were turned over to various worthy causes
outside our own field. However, nothing was
ever done by the industry for its own good
until 'men of goodwill’ sat down together and
whole-heartedly attempted to settle the prob-
lems involved. There was no attempt to
outsmart or outtalk the other fellow; rather
there was a genuine and thoughtful interest
in the welfare of others. It was this spirit
that brought to fulfillment the scope and
organization of the Motion Picture Founda-
tion.
“In the Foundation, it appears to me, we
have a medium by which we can serve the
general welfare of the people in our industry.
Through the Foundation we can bring aid
and succor to the indigent, care and hospital-
ization to the afflicted, and nowhere in all
this does the word ‘charity’ appear.
FOUNDATION’S FLEXIBILITY
“Beyond the area of aid and relief, the scope
of the Foundation is so flexible as to allow for
the furthering of scientific studies, fostering
company welfare and retirement plans,
scholarships, training programs, etc., all with
a view to improving the general welfare of
even the lowliest in the industry. The gen-
eral purposes envisioned for the Foundation
are virtually limitless and present a real chal-
lenge.
“As this is the first time in the history of
American business that an industry has con-
cerned itself about the general welfare of all
(Continued on next page)
Fred H. Munson Will Build
Theatre in Lakin, Kas.
LAKIN, KAS.— Plans have been completed
by Fred H. Munson of Dighton for construc-
tion of a 350-seat theatre here. The general
design will follow that of the newly erected
Hays Theatre in Sublette. Munson said he
would name it the El Capitan.
Plumlee Visits Manhattan
MANHATTAN, KAS.— Frank L. Plumlee,
executive of the Kansas City office of Theatre
Enterprises, Inc., was here last week to speak
before a group of professors and students of
Kansas State college. Plumlee’s topic was
the place of the motion picture theatre in
community life. After his talk Plumlee, ac-
companied by Dave Dallas, city manager here
for TEI, called upon a number of local busi-
ness and professional men.
Hoftiezer Buys Justrite
CASTLEWOOD, S. D.— Lyle Hoftiezer has
purchased the Justrite Theatre from William
Amacher, who has operated it since 1934.
FOSTERING THE FOUNDATION— Six members of the Motion Picture Founda-
tion's Kansas City panel of 15, which later will be increased to 17, were snapped in the
Newman Theatre office of M. D. “Babe” Cohn. In the usual order: Cohn, R. R. “Dick”
Biechele, Arthur Cole, A. Jules Benedic, temporary chairman; Sam Abend and Felix
D. Snow. The latter, sixth IATSE vice-president, will represent labor unions.
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
MW
73
Zorn Aids Formation
Of Kansas City MPF
(Continued from preceding page)
of its people, it may well be the Foundation
may serve as a model for other industries to
follow. Certainly, the motion picture in-
dustry has arrived at maturity when it awak-
ens to the needs of its own people.
“Everybody in the industry, without ex-
ception, should subscribe to the Motion Pic-
ture Foundation.”
Accompanying Zorn to Kansas City was
“Tex” Hall of North Hollywood, Calif., free-
lance studio representative, who humorously
answered a question propounded by a diner:
“What makes these pictures cost us so
much?”
Uptown 'Zombie Jamboree'
Stars Master Mesmerist
KANSAS CITY — A midnight Zombie Jam-
boree featuring “The Great Balleau, Master
Mesmerist, and His Hypnotic Thrill Show,”
plus PRC’s feature “The Brute Man” was
to be offered at Fox Midwest’s Uptown Thea-
tre here Saturday night (26).
The two-hour show, scaled at 10 cents above
normal admission price, was publicized by
special trailers three weeks in advance of the
showing, 100 window cards, and lobby dis-
plays.
According to Manager Nick Sonday, Henry
B. Balleau, who has been making a tour of
several Fox theatres in the area, is a pro-
fessor of psychology at the University of
Ottawa, Canada, and has performed at sev-
eral western universities in this country.
Talk With 'Ideal Secretary'
Prize for Atchison Display
ATCHISON, KAS. — Just prior to showing
“The Lady in the Lake” at the Fox Orpheum,
Willis Shaffer, manager, arranged a private
stag screening for local business men. The
Globe, in cooperation with the theatre, ran
a double truck spread in advance of the pic-
ture advertising a contest among merchants
for the best window display. Prize for the
winner will be a long distance telephone con-
versation, the present strike permitting, with
Audrey Totter, star of the film, whom the
men voted “the ideal private secretary.”
Bernie Evens, MGM exploiteer from Kansas
City, assisted in the arrangements.
Harold Russell Visits
KANSAS CITY— Harold Russell, handless
star and Oscar winner of “Best Years” fame,
was a visitor Monday. Although he made no
personal appearances in connection with the
award film now playing in the city, Russell
was greeted at a breakfast sponsored by
veterans organizations of the area and spent
most of his day at Wadsworth Veterans hos-
pital and the Veterans workshop, sponsored
by the American War Dads. Three radio ap-
pearances and the guest-of-honor spot at
a luncheon sponsored by the local Advertis-
ing & Sales Executive club completed his one-
day tour. Russell, accompanied by George
Weissman, Samuel Goldwyn representative,
left for Milwaukee Monday night.
'Egg and /' Fourth Week
Sets FMW Precedent
Kansas City — Setting a new precedent
for the three local Fox Midwest day and
date first runs, Universal-International’s
“The Egg and I" has been held over at the
Uptown, Esquire and Fairway for a fourth
week.
Surpassing figures established in these
theatres by “Smoky” and “Leave Her to
Heaven,” the Fred MacMurray-Paulette
Goddard starrer rang up a record-break-
ing barometer score of 220 per cent during
its first week. A second-week record was
also established at these locations when
weekend grosses for the added stanza
totaled to within $200 of the first week-
end take. The second week barometer
score was 200. Previous long run at the
theatres was “The Razor’s Edge,” which
was held for 19 days.
Chief attraction of the film has been
attributed to the general appeal of its
light comedy and its human touches,
many of which are familiar to rural in-
habitants in this area. Repeat business
has also greatly contributed to the pro-
longed run of the film.
'Citizen Saint' Screened
By SG at ICansas City
KANSAS CITY — Julian H. King, area chief
for Screen Guild, and Walter Lambader, lo-
cal manager, held an invitational screening
of “Citizen Saint” April 16 in Kansas City.
The RKO-Pathe film, produced by Clyde
Elliott, is the story of Mother Frances Ca-
brini, America’s only saint. The screening,
held in Edison hall, was attended by priests
and nuns from Kansas City churches and
schools, representatives of the National Con-
ference of Christians and Jew's, film per-
sonnel and leading figures from the city
school systems. Among those present were
Bob Shelton, film buyer for Commonwealth
Amusement Co.; Eddy Erickson of Theatre
Enterprises, and Ed Rolsky, manager of Kan-
sas City’s Gillham Theatre.
Manhattan Sosna Changes
To Second Run Operation
MANHATTAN, KAS.— The Sosna Theatre,
campus showcase for Theatre Enterprises,
Inc., has adopted a new policy as regards
both price and product, according to Dave
Dallas, city manager here. The Sosna, for-
merly a first run, in the future will play
subsequent runs to the Wareham, TEI’s
downtown A house, on 30 to 40-day clearance.
Prices have been lowered and playdates re-
arranged. Lack of product was one of the
reasons given for the change in policy.
Veteran Exhibitor Dead
MOBERLY, MO. — Tom C. Hall, 81, who
built and operated the Hall and the Variety
theatres at Columbia, died in a hospital here
April 17. Hall, who was born in Audrain
county, operated businesses in 36 Missouri
towns and cities in the space of a half
century. The cities included St. Louis, Kan-
sas City, Sedalia, Columbia, • Mexico, Cen-
tralia, Joplin, Springield and Excelsior
Springs.
They Weren't Wrong
SIOUX RAPIDS, IOWA — Workmen tear-
ing down the old Star Theatre Bldg, here
last week found in the ceiling the following
message signed by Bert Roberts, J. Roberts
and E. O. Jennings, who gave their residence
as Panora, Iowa. “Finished this ceiling wall
and wood work during the month of De-
cember, 1913. Expect we will be old and gray
headed by the time you find this.”
Hospital Matinees
Held in 77 Theatres
OMAHA — Matinees throughout the terri-
tory were held April 15 for the benefit of the
Children’s Memorial hospital here. The Oma-
ha Variety Club is spearheading the effort.
Another series of matinees was held this
Tuesday (21).
Seventy-seven theatres signed up in the ter-
ritory, according to Meyer Stern, drive chair-
man. Those not previously reported include:
Airdrome, Battle Creek; Home, Blair; Pal-
ace, Clearwater; Star, Hildreth; Pine, Long
Pine: Milford, Milford; Arbor, Nebraska City;
Oaks, Oakdale; Rex, Orchard; Osmond, Os-
mond; Palmer, Palmer; Pierce, Pierce; Cass,
Plattsmouth; Roxie, Shelton; Rialto, Stanton;
Snyder, Snyder: Springfield, Springfield; Ri-
alto, Stromsburg; Gem, Valley; Moorehead,
Moorehead, Iowa, and Dakotan, Yankton,
S. D.
'Outlaw' in Minneapolis
After Circuit Rejection
MINNEAPOLIS — “The Outlaw” opened here
this week at the Lyceum, legitimate roadshow
house, at regular prices for an indefinite en-
gagement on a partnership deal with the
theatre.
The deal was made after the Minnesota
Amusement Co. rejected the picture a second
time after the Legion of Decency had pro-
tested against showing of the picture in Min-
nesota. The picture will be sold throughout
the state to theatres in opposition to MAC
houses.
Some local neighborhood exhibitors are
squawking about the Lyceum deal because
they charge they were offered “The Outlaw”
for a simultaneous run similar to that now
being given in a number of other cities.
United Artists explained the local independ-
ents stalled too long on terms.
Hearing in Jefferson City
On Air Cooling Dispute
JEFFERSON CITY— A full hearing will be
held here Monday (28) concerning the cur-
rent air conditioning dispute created when
Kansas City’s Power & Light Co. requested
the state power commission to allow curtail-
ment of air conditioning services during cer-
tain peak hours of the summer.
Legal counsel and engineers will represent
Kansas City theatres and other businesses
that would be affected by a ruling favorable
to the power company.
'Years' Visits Sioux Falls
SIOUX FALLS, S. D.— “The Best Years of
Our Lives” has entered its second week at
the Granada Theatre at advanced prices.
Manager A. R. Johnson offered $50 in cash
prizes and 20 passes for the best essays on
the best years of patrons’ lives. He also used
a radio rebroadcast of comments made about
the picture by patrons in the theatre lobby.
Start Denison Theatre
DENISON, IOWA — Workmen last week be-
gan construction of the new theatre, being
built here by Leo V. and Richard McTague.
The new structure, will adjoin the Firestone
Bldg, on Broadway.
Dave Williams Builds
KING CITY, MO.— Dave Williams is build-
ing the Royal Theatre here.
74
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
See Your RCA Independent Theatre Supply Dealer
$focc£/
Plenty of smart exhibitors in this
area are upping their receipts and
drawing holdout crowds ... by
showing the clearest, brightest,
steadiest pictures their audiences
have ever seen.
Their Brenkert ”80” Projectors,
with the sensational Brenkert High
Intensity Lamps, are making ter-
rific headway with the public and
the box office.
You can get the same results.
MISSOURI THEATRE SUPPLY CO. THE WESTERN THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
115 W. 18th St., Kansas City 8, Mo. 214 N. 15th St., Omaha 2, Neb.
FROSCH THEATRE SUPPLY
1111 Currie Ave., Minneapolis 3, Minn.
DES MOINES
Mr\ and Mrs. Stanley J. Mayer have re-
turned after spending the winter in Los
Angeles. Mayer is still on leave from his
duties as manager for 20th-Fox here . . . Mel
Evidon, manager of Columbia, journeyed to
Omaha last weekend to attend the wedding
of his niece . . . Arnold Shartin, Columbia
booker, had his girl friend from Minneapolis
as his guest on Sunday. She is a Columbia
employe in the Twin city office.
Esther Huston, Universal, spent the week-
end in Iowa City where she attended a uni-
versity party . . . Twylla Wells, now of Kan-
sas City, visited Pat Brobst in Des Moines
over the weekend. Both girls are employed
by Universal . . . Lela Kelly is a new em-
ploye at RKO . . . F orence Harris, RKO in-
spector who recently underwent an opera-
tion, is recuperating at her home and ex-
pects to be back on the job soon.
Thelma Washburn, RKO booker, has moved
into her new home . . . PRC men began their
Harry Thomas sales drive last week . . .
Thelma Jolliffe, Republic, spent Saturday
and Sunday in Havelock.
Wilma Walker of Paramount is vacationing
in Arizona, and John Murano, head shipper
for Paramount, has returned after a week’s
vacation . . . Margaret Rowson and Maxine
Bird of MGM traveled to Fort Dodge last
weekend to attend the wedding of Roselda
Ebert and Wilber Strauss. Roselda, formerly
office manager’s secretary at MGM, was a
beautiful bride, according to reports. The
Strausses will live in Fort Dodge . . . Zeldine
Seidenfeld of MGM and her twin sister
Helene, 20th-Fox, entertained 100 guests at
a party given in the AIB room last weekend.
G. Ralph Branton, general manager of Tri-
States, was in Chicago last week. The Tri
and Central States breakfast series starts
Sunday (27) with a 7 o’clock get-together at
Birdland park. Families, boy friends and
girl friends are invited and baseball was to
be the biggest attraction next to the food.
Several of the Tri and Central States gals
had a farewell luncheon for Iowa West April
16 at Younkers tearoom. They presented
Iola a corsage and a slip. Mrs. West plans
to stay home and keep house, and play a lit-
tle golf on the side!
A farewell party for Thelma Crittenden,
20-year employe at Tri-States, was held on
Wednesday night at Doyne Bishard’s home.
Maxine Bishop and Ann Groves were on the
committee for the event. All the employes
presented Thelma two place settings for her
sterling silver, a playsuit and a gown and
slip.
Madge Ward Clark, who will replace Ann
Groves as G. Ralph Branton’s secretary on
May 3, fell and broke her ankle last week.
Madge reports that she will begin work as
scheduled, regardless. So expect to see Mrs.
Clark, cast and all, on that date! . . . Leo
Wolcott, Eldora, is vacationing in Arizona
and expects to be back in Iowa on May 1st.
Filmrow exchanges and circuit offices were
open for business as usual last Monday in
spite of the labor demonstration at the State-
house . . . Mary Heiter, longtime office em-
ploye of the Associated Theatres in Dubuque,
has resigned to accept a position in the office
of the Dubuque Stone Products Co.
C'liff Freeman says his first gift matinee
at the Iris, Riceville, has generated a lot of
interest. The gifts were a year’s subscrip-
tion to the Riceville Recorder, five gallons of
gas from the Texaco station and two dinners
at the Palace cafe.
New Dubuque Sound
DUBUQUE, IOWA— The Grand Theatre
here unveiled its new RCA Photophone sound
equipment and Brenkert projectors recently.
The projectionists and RCA Engineer Ross
E. Hughes worked all night changing over to
the new system, making it unnecessary to
close the house. The Grand is one of Du-
buque's Associated Theatres.
Cozy Theatre Resold
JEFFERS, MINN. — The Cozy Theatre was
taken over early this month by E. O. Rod-
berg of Triumph, who purchased it from Mr.
Karbo, who has been operating it since last
June 1.
New Seats in Early
EARLY, IOWA — Fifty upholstered seats
have been installed in the Early Theatre here.
The seats were purchased by the town of
Early.
COMPLETELY NEW
HORKY’S CAFE
Bigger and Better Than Ever
— Featuring 'Delish' Steaks
1202 High St. Des Moines. Iowa
Where Filmrow Friends Gather'
Open Daily at 4 p m
Jn aduance of? Us ti i
mei . . .
The new Motiograph MODEL “AA”
"The Golden Anniversary Projector"
Des Moines Theatre Supply Co
1121 High Street
Des Moines, Iowa
Telephone 3-6520
76
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Many Rocks ;
Some Civic Groups Slow
KANSAS CITY — Civic groups who often are
the quickest to raise a public outcry when
one film comes to town that is of questionable
worth to the community give little or no
support to worthwhile pictures.
This significant fact was brought out in a
discussion at a luncheon last Friday (18) at
the Woman’s City club arranged by Mrs.
Eleanore Walton, city censor, for the Rev.
Irvin E. Deer of Chicago, representative of
the Motion Picture Ass’n. Deer was here in
the interests of the Children’s Film library,
an MPA project which Deer says is of spe-
cial interest to Eric Johnston, president.
The local film industry and Kansas City
clubwomen were about equally represented at
the luncheon.
STILL IN MINISTRY
Deer, introduced as an old friend of Mrs.
Walton, said he was proud that his church
still lists him as one of its ministers (he was
secretary of the Kansas City Council of
Churches before taking up his present work
about 12 years ago), and still feels he is
carrying on his ministry in his present posi-
tion.
Deer explained the plan by which various
communities were putting on the Children’s
Film library product and told of the careful
study that had been made in order to select
not only those which older people believed to
be classic films for children, but which al-
lowed children to express their preferences.
A discussion followed which brought out
pertinent facts which would have to be borne
in mind for community sponsorship of such
special children program projects. He hopes
it will be taken up here.
Arthur Cole, Paramount representative,
pointed out the inadvisability of making this
venture in a downtown theatre because of the
traffic problem posed by a large group of
children on Saturday in the shopping area.
M. D. “Babe” Cohn, Newman manager speak-
ing for the Downtown Theatres Ass’n, said
that while he agreed with Cole that such
a project was better geared to one of the
neighborhood houses, that his organization
would be glad to lend screen trailer and other
active support of it.
Both he and Cole pointed out, however, that
the very places which could do the most to
put such a project over were closed for even
the smallest announcement — the public
schools.
BLAMES IT ON SCHOOL BOARD
Since Dewey Smith had been sent by Dr.
Herold C. Hunt, superintendent of the Kansas
City public schools, to represent him, it be-
came Smith’s duty to answer why it was that
no matter how worthy a picture is, no men-
tion of it may be made on public school
property — not even an approved list is per-
mitted on the premises.
Smith explained carefully to an audience
already overly conscious of recent local school
board difficulties, that it must be remembered
Dr. Hunt works within the framework of rules
made by the school board.
Cohn felt that because it did not play in his
theatre, he could call attention to the lack
of support given the film, “Sister Kenny,” one
with a message of interest to all, yet the very
groups who might have helped put it over
could not be reached.
“And, ladies,” Cohn went on, “I want you
to know that we try to run our business in a
worthy manner. But I don’t think it was fair
of the recent mother to call me and bawl me
out for letting her 16-year-old daughter
smoke in the ladies’ rest room at my theatre.
Few Boosts
to Aid Children's Films
I think her daughter’s smoking is a family
matter that calls for training in the home.”
Deer criticized the general public attitude
toward motion pictures.
“In spite of the criticism one hears of some
films,” Deer said, “it has been found that more
than 600 films made originally for entertain-
ment purposes have educational value for the
teaching of certain phases of some subjects.
So these films have now been made available
by the industry for classroom use.
“Not only that, I can quote some other sta-
tistics that do not bear out the mass criticism
of motion pictures which is being broadcast
... I think you will agree that the Legion
of Decency has a pretty tough attitude about
motion pictures, yet its own ratings of pic-
tures released last year gave 40 per cent an
A rating, as being suitable for everybody, in-
cluding children, to see. Almost the same
ratio was given by Parents’ magazine, which
also keeps a tough eye on the Hollywood
product. Seems to me that’s a pretty good
percentage when you compare it with other
entertainment fields.”
“CLEANEST ART TODAY”
Mrs. George F. Gorton, civic leader who
was introduced as “representing all the women
of Kansas City,” spoke earnestly about the
value that the one motion picture theatre was
in the little town where her grandchildren
live and mentioned the variety of tastes that
are encountered in just one family and sug-
gested that it was quite a job for exhibitors
to cater to all these tastes.
Miss Genevieve Hackett, representative for
this diocese for the Legion of Decency, was
heard to say to several who sat near her,
“Pictures are the cleanest art there is today.”
Among other motion picture representatives
present were Senn Lawler, Fox Midwest; Wil-
liam Truog, United Artists; Tommy Baldwin,
Columbia; R. R. Biechele, KMTA, and Larry
Klein, Universal-International. Women’s or-
ganizations represented included the Junior
League, Athenaeum, Woman’s City club, UDC,
Legion of Decency, PTA, General Federation
of Women’s Clubs and General Federation of
Music Clubs. Members of the Kansas Censor
board also attended — Mrs. Frances Vaughn of
Bonner Springs, chairman; Mrs. J. R. Stow-
Noisy Youths Picket
Theatre Aiter Ban
St. Paul — The Arcade, local neighbor-
hood house, was picketed by more than
50 irate teen-agers in demonstration
against a ban placed on them by the man-
agement following adult patrons’ com-
plaints that they made too much noise.
Harold Winkler, manager, said the dem-
onstrators have beei disrupting shows on
Friday nights for several weeks.
“We don’t want to pick on any indi-
vidual or group,” asserted Winkler, “but
other patrons are entitled to see the pic-
tures without being disturbed. I hope that
the youngsters will learn their lesson and
cooperate so that this ban doesn’t have to
be repeated.”
The teen-agers were angry and noisy,
but did no damage during their picketing.*
They denied causing trouble.
ers, Kansas City, Kas., and Mrs. Bertha Hall,
Mission.
Minnesota PTA Starts Drive
Against Crime and Horror
MINNEAPOLIS — A campaign to remove
crime and horror from children’s films and
radio shows and programs has been started
by the board of managers of the Minnesota
Congress of Parents and Teachers.
It got under way with letters from the
board to all local film distributors and radio
stations, praising them for recent improve-
ments in their offerings and urging them to
extend the “cleaning up” process.
The state organization is following in the
wake of the Minneapolis PTA which pre-
viously started a drive to root out the of-
fensive matter from children’s matinee shows
and radio programs.
Minneapolis body now is cooperating with
exhibitors on children’s matinee programs
with good results.
Hannah Hossack Awarded
$8,500 in Damage Action
SIOUX FALLS, S. D.— In the third time
the case was brought to trial, Hannah
Hossack has been awarded $8,500 of the
$10,000 she asked in a damage action against
Roy C. Metzger, resulting from the death of
James W. Hancer, who died in a projection
booth fire at the Gregory, S. D„ theatre,
October 28, 1943. The verdict, handed down
by a U. S. district court jury, was $1,000 more
than the second jury had awarded her.
In the first trial, the judge directed a ver-
dict for Metzger. After an appeal, the
plaintiff won a $7,500 verdict in the second
trial. Metzger moved for the third trial, charg-
ing that the second jury had experimented
with some of the film without the
knowledge of the court.
Hannah Hossack is the administratrix of
the Hancer estate. Hancer was employed
by Metzger.
Immediately following the latest decision,
Metzger moved for judgment in his favor,
notwithstanding the verdict of the jury.
The judge will rule on the motion at a
later date.
Theatre at Clarksville
Sold to L. J. Meehlhause
CLARKSVILLE, IOWA— The Clark Thea-
tre here has been sold to L. J. Meehlhause
of Cherokee, Iowa. Possession will be given
May 1 by the seller, Bob Hunerberg. Hu-
nerberg has operated the Clark since 1938.
He served as a flight instructor in a naval
aviation program and as a flight officer in
the army air corps during the last war.
Meehlhause’s wife and two children will re-
main in Cherokee until after the close of the
school year.
HUDSON, S. D.— The State Theatre here
has been sold by J. L. Walker to W. R. Adkins
of Sheldon, Iowa.
L. W. Petersons Purchase
Story City's Theatre
STORY CITY, IOWA— Mr. and Mrs. L. W.
Peterson of Boliton, Minn., have taken pos-
session of the Story City Theatre here. They
bought the house from Mr. and Mrs. D. H.
Hartzell who had operated the theatre for the
last 12 months. The Hartzells will move to
Boone, Iowa.
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
BCW
77
OMAHA
pilmrow contributions for Greek relief
totaled $400 to date, enough to care for
five orphans, Frank Hannon, drive chairman
reported . . . Tommy Thompson, Walt Disney
representative from Kansas City, was here
for a day.
Ching Allen, United Artists district man-
ager, was in town during the week . . . Ernest
Grundman, Cook, Neb., exhibitor, has added
a roller skating rink to his enterprises . . . Iz
Weiner, Universal salesman, is pinch-hitting
for Phil Monsky every other week. Phil is
still laid up as a result of an operation.
So far local exhibitors have noticed little
or no effect from the telephone strike. Long
distance calls also are coming through ... Ed
Cohn, Universal salesman, had a rear-on
collision (auto) on the territory trek last week
. . . Ted Emerson, who has been out for some
time due to illness, has returned and taken
over his new job as Tri-States publicity chief.
Omaha’s new police chief, Robert F. Munch,
is one of the closest friends of Bill Miskell,
Tri-States Theatres district manager. The
two, probably more than any other Omahans,
were responsible for this city’s nationwide
leadership in auto safety in 1946.
Jack Gibson, who used to be with National
Screen in Des Moines, has been added to the
PRC staff here. MGM gals held a shower
during the week for Helen Baum, cashier,
who will become Mrs. Wayne Kennison
May 3.
Frank Ratay, local realtor and amateur
film enthusiast, became so interested in his
hobby that he has joined the BOXOFFICE
readers and is looking for a theatre in the
territory to buy . . . Jeannette Shoeneman,
Wahoo exhibitor, caught the eye of her many
friends with a Monday visit to the Row in
riding clothes.
Visitors along Filmrow: John McQuistan,
Bloomfield; Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Johnson,
Onawa, Iowa; Jean Lepowitz, Seward; Frank
and Woodrow Simek, Ashland; Mr. and Mrs.
Claud Craig, Plain view; Richard Arndt,
Everly, Iowa; R. K. Kleinfetter and Bill Borg,
Peterson, Iowa; John Fisher, Valley; Blanche
Colbert, North Bend.
Also Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gannon, Schuy-
ler; Mr. and Mrs. Martin Fetch, Macedonia,
Iowa; George Monroe jr., Fort Theatre, Kear-
ney; Mr. and Mrs. H. Fonda, Gibbon; Carl
Johnson, Red Oak, Iowa; Howard Brookings,
Oakland, Iowa; Eddie Kugel, Holstein, Iowa;
Ernest Grundeman, Cook, and Jeannette
Shoeneman, Wahoo.
Iowa theatres in the Omaha territory did
no matinee business Monday. Union opera-
tors took a holiday to converge on Des Moines,
along with other union men, in protest
against a proposed state ban on the closed
shop. Such a ban already is in effect in
Nebraska; voted in last fall. Labor is test-
ing its legality.
Mayor Charles Leeman helped along ex-
ploitation for “The Egg and I” by posing
with two pretty traveling representatives with
“The Egg.” The picture opens May 9 in the
territory at the Orpheum. Following that
the Orpheum has scheduled three stage
shows that will be vying for a new house
record — Frankie Carle, Henry Busse and Desi
Arnaz . . . “Barretts of Wimpole Street” was
a one-night sellout at the Omaha.
Howard Brookings, president of the AITO
of Iowa and Nebraska, and Mrs. Brookings
were in Minneapolis Monday and Tuesday for
the North Central Allied meeting . . . Mrs.
Robert Ballantyne, wife of the equipment
manufacturer, has returned from visiting
relatives in Atlanta.
PRC Makes Further Plans
For Kansas Trail Jubilee
TOPEKA — Further plans are being pre-
pared for the Santa Fe Trail Diamond Jubi-
lee rodeo to be held here July 4. As an-
nounced two weeks ago, Eddie Dean, PRC
western star, will be grand marshal of the
celebration and a beauty contest will be held
in connection with the rodeo.
Billy Baucom, of WIBW here and KCKN
in Kansas City, left for California this week
to confer with Harry Thomas, president of
PRC, and Dean in hopes of arranging for the
studio to film all or part of the celebration.
Beverly Miller, PRC division manager at
Kansas City, said this week that the Rodeo
Queen contest is now open to girls in Kansas
and neighboring states. Local exhibitors in
this area are authorized to hold elimination
contests to choose a candidate from their
town. Photographs of these winners will be
judged as announced previously, the final
twelve candidates to be judged here May 31.
Barnett in ‘The Outcast'
Republic has signed Vince Barnett for a
featured role in “The Outcast.”
POPCORN
South American— & — White Hull-less, $7.50
per 100. Write lor sample.
HAYES SEED HOUSE
Topeka, Eas.
YOU GET
THE RIGHT LAMP
FOR YOUR NEEDS!
As the only lamps manufactured complete
within one factory, they can be so engi*
neered as to guarantee the
best screen results.
^ STRONG -tfo/oidute in
KANSAS CITY 8, M0. — Stebbins Theatrt Equipment Co., 1804 Wyandotte St.
Telephone: GRand 0134.
KANSAS CITY 8, M0.— Shrevt Theatre Supply Co., 217 W. 18th St.
OMAHA 2, NEB.— Quality Theatre Supply Co., 1511 Davenport St
SIOUX FALLS, S. D.— American Theatre Supply Co., 316 So. Main St
78
BOXOFFICE :: April 26. 1947
KANSAS CITY
iur J. Cullen, Loew’s western division man-
1 ager with headquarters here, went to his
mother’s funeral in Newark, N. J. Mrs. Fanny
Cullen died in Columbus, Ohio, where she
had made her home . . . Don DeFore, one of
the stars of “Ramrod,” now playing at the
Orpheum, is scheduled for a personal appear-
ance at the theatre the night of April 28.
Nat Steinberg, Republic district manager;
Bob Withers, local chief, and C. M. Parkhurst,
salesman from the
local Republic ex-
change, left Tuesday
for a business trip to
Wichita and interme-
diate situations . . .
Thomas Craig, RKO
publicity fledgling, is
spending a one-week
indoctrination period
in the local office with
Gil Canfield, publicity
chief for this area.
The air conditioning
unit at Screen Guild,
NAT Steinberg now ready for capacity
operation, holds promise for a pleasant sum-
mer in Walter Lambader’s quarters . . . Gil-
bert Clark, National Screen manager in
Oklahoma City, stopped in on his way home
from the Chicago convention last week . . .
Jim Lewis, RKO manager, held a sales meet-
ing Monday.
Mary Lou Ubank is a new member of the
Commonwealth bookkeeping department . . .
Mrs. Margie Onasch is the new biller at Co-
lumbia , . . Ben Marcus, Columbia district
manager, left for Minneapolis Monday . . .
Beverly Miller, PRC division chief, was in
Omaha last week.
Johnny Johnston, Wichita PRC represent-
ative, was on the Row over the weekend . . .
A1 Lies went to Wichita at the same time . . .
Miller and M. G. “Shack” Shackelford, local
manager, followed during the week . . . Miller
is now doubling in brass until the Eagle-
Lion home office names a successor to Mark
Raymon, local E-L representative recently
resigned.
Alfred W. Schwalberg, general sales man-
ager for PRC, was expected in during the
week on his way to New York from Cali-
fornia . . . The PRC exchange has new ban-
ners hanging on every wall announcing the
forthcoming Harry Thomas playdate drive
which began the 26th and ends August 30.
Milt Overman, Eagle-Lion field representa-
tive, is in Topeka beginning arrangements for
the Santa Fe Trails rodeo program . . . Don
Davis, RCA representative, is feeling fit as a
fiddle again . . . Jack Langan, U-I manager,
has grown two inches around the chest since
“The Egg and I” hit the Uptown, Esquire and
Fairway.
Ward Pennington, Paramount salesman,
married Joyce Dunlap of Portland, Ore., April
11 in Wichita . . . Reaction to the screening
of “Citizen Saint” last Wednesday night was
mixed, to say the least . . . Fox Midwest’s
screening room will be redecorated this week.
New furnishings and equipment will be in-
stalled.
El Zorro, Fox Midwest’s social club, will
have its annual spring dance at American
Legion hall May 23
. . . Arthur “Count”
deStefano, local man-
ager for National
Theatre Supply, left
for the Society of Mo-
tion Picture Engineer’s
convention in Chicago
. . . H. N. Mobley of
the Weston in Weston
was on the Row Tues-
day.
A1 Adler, MGM resi-
dent manager, and
Roger Leaton, head
booker in the local of-
fice, are to leave this weekend for New York
for a national sales meeting. They expect to
"COUNT" deSTEFANO
be gone about eight days . . . Shirley Caplin,
bookers’ secretary at MGM, has left to join
POPCORN . . Best Quality . . Guaranteed Volume
Paper Lined Bags — From New Processor
$9.25 per 100 Lbs., FOB. Kansas City
reve
THEATRE SUPPLY
• COMPANY •
217 W. 18th St.
Kansas City 8. Mo.
her family in Denver after a brief sojourn in
California.
Exhibitors stopping at National Theatre
Supply during the week were P. O. Smith of
the Pic in Lebanon, Kas.; G. C. Michael of
the Michlo, Braymer, Mo.; A. F. Christianson,
Lyric, Anderson, Mo.; A. N. Brown, Roxy,
New Franklin, Mo.; Harley Fryer, Orpheum,
Carmar and Photoshow, Neosho, Mo.; Sam
Yoffie, Yoffie roadshows, Springfield, Mo.,
and Keith and Noble Crooks, Electric, Brown-
ing, Mo.
Others were A. E. Jarboe of the Ritz, Cam-
eron, Mo.; K. H. Gaston, Mayflower, Florence,
Kas.; Harry Till, Courter, Hamilton, Mo.;
Glen Lentz, Hardin, Hardin, Mo.; T. A. Stur-
gis, Modern, Stanberry, Mo.; Paul Oetting,
Lyric, Concordia, Kas.
Whitey Ford, radio’s “Duke of Paducah”
on WSM in Nashville, Tenn., and Hot Gilliam,
Paducah wrestling promoter, were callers at
NTS . . . Other Filmrow visitors included A.
W. Johnson of the Plaza in Glen Elder, Kas.,
and L. A. McDaniel of the Rex, Wetmore,
Kas.
Mrs. Ed Zentner is now working at RKO.
No newcomer to the exchange, Mrs. Zentner
is merely the new name of Frances Stickle,
(Continued on next page)
CDHT miPKBM
STAGE EQUIPMENT COMPANY
jnii.ni
1 IILUILim.
EVERYTHING
BOX OFFICE
FOR
THE STAGE • AUDITORIUM • LOBBY
1324 Grand Ava., Kansas City 1, Mo.
FintonjMsaeS-
THEATRE INSURANCE Specialist
Serving You Since 1918
Title and Trust Bldg. Kansas City 6, Mo.
£S®SS®SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS^<
We DECORATE While You
OPERATE — No Need to Close
HART THEATRICAL DECORATING CO.
J925 - 21 St. - DENVER Ph. Tabor 4962ij
LOBBY MATS AVAILABLE AGAIN !
CORRUGATED and PERFORATED
U. S. ROYALITE QUALITY
in 1/4" — %" and V2” thickness. Cloth Inserted.
BLACK— MAROON— RED— WHITE— GREEN— YELLOW— BLUE— SALMON
- JlettoJunfy - GhecJze'iAo-a'id
Durable, Slip-Proof, Decorative, Noiseless.
Send Measurements. Write for Information.
R. 0. MANN CARPET COMPANY
930 Central Kansas City, Mo.
Also Leather Cocoa, Rubber Link and
Woven Tire Mats
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
79
KANSAS CITY
(Continued from preceding page)
general clerk. The marriage took place last
Friday . . . “Gus” Kubitzki was ill most of
last week with a bad cold.
May Abranz, Universal inspector, is back on
the job after a five-week illness . . . Mrs. Ruth
Hollingsworth, cashier in that office, spent
the weekend in Arkansas and reports “good
fishing” . . . Mrs. Helen Spence is the new
stenographer at U-I . . . Vacations for the
boys and girls at Universal will begin some
time next month.
Ed Heiber, local district chief for Universal,
TALKING TRAILERS, LOBBY PAPER
AND MATS
Write, Wire or Phone
PENNINGTON POSTER SERVICE
130 West 18th Phone: GRand 8G26
Kansas City 8, Mo.
TRAILERS
Your Own Copy
Sudden Service
HAL PARKER STUDIOS
Vi-So Productions
1719 Wyandotte Kansas City, Mo.
FLAMEPROOFING
CHEMICALS
with
Vinyl-Resinous Base
Will^not Stain or Powder Off
THE CHEM’O-SCIEN CO.
807-A E. 31st St. Kansas City 3, Mo.
VAlentine 3765
A
POP CORN BOXES
10c Size
ATTRACTIVE DESIGN
IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT
Paper Supply Co.
505 Delaware Street
KANSAS CITY 6. MO.
Satisfaction — Always
Missouri Theatre Supply Co.
L. J. KIMBRIEL, Manager
Phone GRand 2864
™ 115 W. 18th Kansas City 8. Mo. ^
flew to New York early in the week . . . J. V.
Beauchamp, Theatre Enterprises controller
from Dallas, was visiting the home office for
a few days ... Ed Ballew, United Artists pub-
licity man, was in the city working on “Ram-
rod,” which opened at the Orpheum Wednes-
day.
Bernie Evens, MGM publicity chief, had a
strange shade of red on the back of his neck
for a few moments last week. While return-
ing from Wichita on a train originating in
Dallas, Evens spotted a man he thought was
his boss, Elmer Coleman, district exploitation
supervisor from the Texas city. Rushing up
to say hello, Bernie was embarrassed to find
the man was not Coleman, but Phil Albright,
former MGM salesman out of Dallas and now
in the booking business in Chicago.
PRC has had a pre-Harry Thomas playdate
drive contest in its midwest offices. At the
end of four weeks, with one more week to go,
standings were as follows: Gene Snitz, Kan-
sas City, first; Jim Kuneth, Des Moines, sec-
ond; A1 Lies, Kansas City, third; Ed Trus-
low, Des Moines, fourth, and Carl Olson, Des
Moines, fifth.
Holds Sneak of 'Spring'
KANSAS CITY— M. D. “Babe” Cohn, man-
ager of the local Newman Theatre, held a
sneak preview Friday night (18) of “Sudden-
ly It’s Spring,” which film moved into his
theatre late this week. A full house ac-
claimed the preview, according to Cohn, who
added that Fred MacMurray’s recent success
here in “The Egg and I” will prove a draw-
ing point for the new Paulette Goddard-
MacMurray starrer.
Blind Hear 'Jolson Story'
MILWAUKEE — Approximately 80 blind
persons were guests of the Uptown Lions club
at the Palace Theatre and heard “The Jolson
Story.” The Lions sat with the blind men
and women and furnished comments on the
story. Joe Bouldin, Palace manager arranged
this special handling.
Returns to Hollywood
Mildred Natwick, Broadway character ac-
tress, has returned to Hollywood for a role in
Metro’s “The Kissing Bandit.”
From the
BOXOFFICE FILES
* • *
(Twenty Years Ago)
^HE WARNER branch in Kansas City is
proud of its 100 per cent rating in two
recent fire drills. Office members were so
speedy in getting out that Bertha Katz fell
over a railing and slid out the front door,
according to Ed Solig, booker . . . C. A. “Red”
Jones, Educational manager, will attend the
Los Angeles Educational convention ...
George Montray has bought the Olive Thea-
tre, St. Joseph, from Mrs. S. E. Moore . . .
Fred Willoughby of the Heywood-Wakefield
Co. is reported lost “somewhere in Okla-
homa or Kansas.” He was driving back from
Oklahoma when the floods started and has
been on the way for a week.
* * *
J. A. Masters, assistant manager of the
Film Booking Offices in Kansas City, is
proud of the report of the home office auditor
that the branch is operating closer to 100 per
cent than any of the exchanges he had visited
. . . Ruth Ward and Ruth Auslet of the
Pathe exchange promoted an Easter egg hunt
in the office last Saturday.
MGM Pep Club Elects
KANSAS CITY— The local MGM exchange
held a meeting of its Pep club last week and
elected the following officers: President,
Harvey Cole, student booker; vice-president,
John Tonge, head shipper; secretary,
Lavaughn Anson, bookers’ secretary; treas-
urer, Ray McReynolds, boxoffice clerk; re-
porters, Eddie Green and Woody Walker.
Plans were discussed for a Swope park picnic
May 18.
To Build in Englewood
KANSAS CITY— Homer Vaughn, Dr. C. D.
Aikins, Frank Brown sr., Lee E. Mathews and
V. A. Julian have incorporated in order to
build and operate a theatre in suburban
Englewood. The site west of the post office
building has been zoned to permit erection
of a theatre and for parking purposes.
Theatre Seating Division
of
AMERICAN DESK MFG. COMPANY
Temple, Texas
Giving prompt dependable delivery
on chair orders
CALL US FOR YOUR CHAIR NEEDS
Dallas Office
FORREST DUNLAP
2008 Jackson St.
R - 3595
Memphis Office
HARLAN H. DUNLAP
410 S. Second St.
8-1770
New Orleans Office
W. A. PREWITT
223 So. Liberty
Magnolia 6571
80
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1847
Des Moines' 'Years'
Hits All-Time Top
DES MOINES — Des Moines welcomed “Best
Years of Our Lives” last week with one of
the largest turnouts in the history of the
Orpheum Theatre. Manager Jerry Blaedow
reported the picture did a first week business
of 300 per cent. This figure has never been
exceeded, according to available records here.
Manager Blaedow said he was confident the
picture would be held three weeks, and pos-
sibly a month, which, in itself, would be a
record for the city.
Overflow crowds were on hand for all of the
performances which ran from 10:00 a. m.
each day through a final showing beginning
at 10:00 p. m. By far the largest attendance
was on Monday (21) during a statewide labor
demonstration here against proposed union
restrictions pending in the Iowa legislature.
Nearly 20,000 union members were on hand for
the protest. Their wives and families, many
of them, attended the Orpheum during the
day.
Other downtown theatres didn’t do so well.
Both the Des Moines and Paramount offer-
ings played to below average crowds.
(Average is 100)
Des Moines — Song oi Scheherazade (U-I) 95
Orpheum — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO) 300
Paramount — The Bachelor's Daughters (UA);
Apache Rose (Rep) 90
‘Best Years' Sets New Record
At the Omaha Brandeis
OMAHA — “The Best Years of Our Lives”
set a new record at the RKO-Brandeis Thea-
tre for a week’s gross. The 1,200-seat house,
managed by Will Singer, did almost three
times normal business, topping the previous
high made by “The Bells of St. Mary’s.” The
latter was shown at popular prices.
The Orpheum’s Laugh week, featuring “The
Show-Off” and “Little Iodine,” also caught
the fancy of patrons. The weather was mild,
partially cloudy.
Omaha — The Beast With Five Fingers (WB);
Shadowed (Col); split with Pursued (WB);
Born to Speed (PRC) 95
Orpheum — The Show-Off (MGM);
Little Iodine (UA) 120
RKO-Brandeis — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO) 275
State — California (Para), 2nd d. t. wk.;
The Missing Lady (PRC) 115
Town — Under Fiesta Stars (Rep), It All Came
True (WB); split with Hittin' the Trail (GN);
The Shanghai Gesture (UA), reissues 95
'Brooklyn' and 'Reckoning'
Open Strong in Twin City
MINNEAPOLIS — Newcomers again were at
a minimum, but the only major entries, “It
Happened in Brooklyn” and “Dead Reckon-
ing,” were big boxoffice winners. In its sixth
week, “Best Years of Our Lives” continued to
amaze by its virility. The fifth week of “The
Razor’s Edge” also produced fine results.
Other holdovers were “My Favorite Brunette”
in its third week, and “Stallion Road” and
“The Locket” in their second.
Aster — Queen of the Amazons (SG);
Three on a Ticket (PRC) 110
Century — My Favorite Brunette (Para),
3rd d t. wk 125
Gopher — King of the Wild Horses (Col) 110
Lyric — The Razor's Edge (20th-Fox),
5th d. t. wk 115
Radio City — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM) 160
RKO Orpheum — Dead Reckoning (Col) 150
RKO Pan — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
6th wk 140
State — Stallion Road (WB), 2nd wk 115
World — The Locket (RKO), 2nd d. t. wk. 100
Holdovers Lead Solid Week
At Kansas City First Runs
KANSAS CITY — This seven-day period was
marked by nothing more eventful than good,
solid business. Four of the last two weeks’
films were held for a third stanza and only
three of the first run houses offered new pic-
tures.
Among the new attractions “Stone Flower,”
the Russian film displaying outstanding color
photography, pulled out after a week of top
honors at the neighborhood Tampico, a Dick-
inson house. “Johnny O’clock” on a double
bill at the Midland was the top new feature
downtown.
Holdovers again led the field as they did
last week and “The Best Years of Our Lives”
repeated as high scorer with 170. “The Egg
and I” at the Fox day and date houses
slipped considerably in its third week but
continued to do above-average business. “The
Well-Digger’s Daughter,” after a fifth week
at the Dickinson Kimo, moved over to the
Tampico late in the week as “Carmen” moved
into the Kimo.
Esquire, Uptown, Fairway — The Egg and I
(U-I ) v 3rd wk 115
Kimo — The Well-Digger's Daughter ( S’iritzky-
International) , 5th wk 150
Midland — Johnny O'Clock (Col);
For the Love of Rusty (Col) 115
Newman — California (Para), 3rd wk 110
Orpheum — The Sea Wolf (WB);
The Sea Hawk (WB), reissues 105
Tampico — Stone Flower (Art) 120
Tower — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
roadshow, 3rd wk 170
Week's Study to Be Made
Of Information Films
DES MOINES — A weeklong study of the use
of informational and educational motion pic-
tures will begin here at Hotel Savery Mon-
day (28).
The film forums and workshops will be
sponsored by a large group of educators, busi-
nessmen and radio and television leaders in
Des Moines. During the week many docu-
mentary films will be shown, including films
on atomic energy control, trade and inter-
national problems.
The purpose of the study will be to explore
methods in planning film programs for dis-
cussion and audience participation, and to
demonstrate the contribution films can make
to the study and discussion of human rela-
tions.
The sessions will end Sunday, May 4, fol-
lowing a rally at KRNT Radio Theatre at
which will be shown “One World or None"
and “Peoples of the USSR.”
No. Wisconsin Exhibitors
Asked to Join ITO Fight
MINNEAPOLIS— F. J. McWilliams, direc-
tor of ITO of Wisconsin and upper Michigan,
who was here to attend the North Central
Allied convention, asked all northern Wis-
consin exhibitors to join his body in fighting
two measures now before the state legislature.
One of the bills prohibits the sale of candy,
popcorn and other edibles and drinks in thea-
tres. Another provides for a tax of 10 per
cent on gross receipts.
PTA Classifies Films
SIOUX CITY, IOWA— Films approved by
the PTA motion picture chairman for show-
ing in Sioux City theatres last week were:
For grade school children, “Mr. Hex,” “Tum-
bleweed Trails,” “Blondie’s Holiday,” “Valley
of the Sun” and “Return of Monte Cristo”;
for high school students, “Mighty McGurk”
and “Born to Speed.”
Improving King City Lucile
KING CITY, MO.— The Lucile Theatre here
is in the midst of a renovation program. H.
Danbury, owner, has already had the house
redecorated and a new ladies’ room installed,
and he is planning to put in new seats. He
also expects to replace the “front porch” with
a modern marquee.
YOUR
BALLANTYNE
DEALER
will show you how
IN THE MIDWEST
AMERICAN THEATRE SUPPLY
COMPANY
316 So. Main St.. Sioux Falls. S. Dak.
CINE SUPPLY CO.
3310 Olive St., St. Louis. Mo.
McCarthy theatre
supply co.
64 Vi N. 5th St.. Fargo, N. D.
MISSOURI THEATRE SUPPLY
COMPANY
115 West 18th St., Kansas City, Mo.
NORM MAINTENANCE
COMPANY
1017 E. Franklin St.. Minneapolis, Minn.
SCOTT BALLANTYNE CO.
1707 Davenport St., Omaha, Neb.
BALLANTYNE
SOUND EQUIPMENT
• AMPLIFIERS • SPEAKERS
•SOUNDHEADS *BASES
•COMPLETE SOUND SYSTEMS
• TWO-WAY HORNS
See the BALLANTYNE COMPANY
Advertisement in Modern Theatre Section
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
80-A
lowa-Nebraska ITO Meet
To Be in Omaha May 5, 6
OMAHA — An elaborate 20-page program in
orange and yellow has been prepared for the
annual convention of the Allied Independent
Theatre Owners of Iowa and Nebraska here
May 5, 6.
Due to the early date required for prep-
aration of the booklet, President Howard
LEO WOLCOTT
HAROLD D. FIELD
Brookings explained that two speakers listed
still are tentative. They are Abram F. Myers,
Washington, chairman of the board and gen-
eral counsel of Allied States Ass’n of Motion
Picture Exhibitors, and Jack Kirsch, Chi-
cago, president of Allied States and president
of the Illinois group.
BOARD MEETING FIRST
The sessions will open May 5 at 10 a. m.,
in the Fontenelle hotel with Leo F. Wolcott,
Eldora, Iowa, presiding over the board meet-
ing. At noon President Brookings will pre-
side at an all-industry meeting.
Mayor Charles Leeman will give the ad-
dress of welcome with the response by Brook-
ings. Wolcott will follow with a discussion
of the Motion Picture Foundation.
Robert Livingston, Lincoln, associate of
Cooper Theatres, will introduce one of
Nebraska’s senators for an address. Myers
is also scheduled for an address.
Three speakers are slated for the after-
noon: Kirsch; Col. H. A. Cole, Dallas, presi-
dent of Allied Theatre Owners of Texas, and
William L. Ainsworth, Fond du Lac, Wis.,
president of the ITO of Wisconsin and Upper
Michigan and national treasurer.
MOVIE NIGHT’ ENTERTAINMENT
The evening will be devoted to an all-in-
dustry “movie night” at the Stork club, across
the river in Iowa, featuring a floor show,
dancing, food and drinks.
Tuesday’s panel discussion lists these lead-
ers:
Myers, federal antitrust case, clearance
and competitive bidding.
Wolcott and Livingston, report on legisla-
tion and tax problems.
George March, Vermillion, S. D., associa-
tion vice-president, sales policies and sales
drives.
Ainsworth, national Allied and Caravan.
Tim Evans, Clinton, Iowa, association sec-
retary, percentage pictures and local check-
ers.
Harold Field, Minneapolis, president of
Pioneer and Field Bros, circuits, public rela-
tions, local and national.
Charles Niles, Anamosa, Iowa, director and
Caravan chairman, film rentals and regional
meetings.
Election of officers will close the meeting.
'Dan Patch' Production
May Be Delayed Year
MINNEAPOLIS— Inability to obtain the
desired stars for his miilion-dollar forth-
coming Technicolor Picture, “Dan Patch,”
may compel W. R. Frank to postpone start
of production a year, the producer-circuit
owner said here before leaving again for
Hollywood. In that case, he said, he would go
ahead on another picture, "The Life of Grieg,”
a romantic drama about the great Norwegian
composer on the order of “A Song to Re-
member,” for which John Taintor Foote,
author of “Dan Patch,” also has written the
script.
Frank said he has been unsuccessful in his
efforts to obtain Joel McCrea and John
Wayne for the stellar roles in “Dan Patch.”
McCrea, he asserted, is particularly anxious to
play the part, but has commitments keeping
him busy until the summer of 1948. Accord-
ingly, Frank announced, he may wait until
that time for “Dan Patch.”
Show for West Plains
WEST PLAINS, MO.— The building here
which once was the location of the Famous
and Dickinson theatres, but which has been
unused as a picture house since 1930, is being
remodeled for operation as a theatre again.
The remodeling is being done by Bob Butler,
Everett Malcolm and John O. Young, who
also operate at Mammoth Springs and Moun-
tain View. They are building a new theatre
in Mountain View and at the present time are
using the courthouse there. The theatre
here will be known as the Butler and will
seat 600. It will be newly equipped through-
out.
EYE-CATCHING DISPENSER — Com-
pactness, convenience and eye appeal are
features of this unique Korn Bowl, de-
signed and copyrighted by G. F. Butter-
field, midwest theatre manager. John
Klein, theatre engineer, supervised its
construction. The circular showcases de-
picted here in a Lincoln, Neb., theatre,
display a large stock of items which can
be reached easily by the salesgirl seated
or standing in the center of the bowl.
Serving now as popcorn and candy stand,
the bowl could be used for cosmetics,
notions and similar items.
Fire Watchers Asked
In Missouri Senate
JEFFERSON CITY — “To protect the lives
and safety of the people by establishing
within the department of public health and
welfare a division of fire prevention,” state
Senator Utter of St. Louis has introduced a
measure (senate bill 242) prescribing the du-
ties and powers of a state fire commissioner.
The bill has been assigned to the public
health and welfare committee.
The bill, something of a counterpart to
house bill 250, affects exhibitors primarily
in regard to their hiring “competent fire-
fighters or trained fire wardens who shall . . .
be on duty at times prescribed by the direc-
tors” of the fire prevention board. Accord-
ing to section 3, paragraph <h> of the bill, "in
cities of over 10,000 inhabitants ... all thea-
tres . . . having more than 500 persons present
shall have such persons in their employ in
such number as may be prescribed by the
fire director.”
Physical provisions for safety and fire pre-
vention follow standards set up by the Un-
derwriters Laboratories, U.S. bureau of stan-
dards and state and city building codes.
Close Call in Texas Blast
MANHATTAN, KAS. — Otis Cowan, former
motion picture theatre manager here, nar-
rowly escaped serious injury in the Texas City,
Tex., disaster, according to word received by
friends here. Cowan, who had left theatre
work to manage a Texas City newspaper, the
Sun, was standing near one of his linotype
machines in the Sun’s plant when the blast
occurred. The explosion shifted the linotype
more than three feet, but Cowan escaped with
only a severe shaking up.
New House for Wichita
WICHITA — J. M. Gourley is building a 375-
seat theatre here at 4200 W. Douglas St. Of
quonset-type architecture, the house will
probably open in about 60 days. Cecil Miller,
former theatre owner of Douglas, Kas., will be
manager. This is Gourley’s first theatre.
Okay to United Film
KANSAS CITY — Following a rehearing, the
city plan commission has granted a permit to
United Film Service to construct a $100,000
building on Troost avenue near 67th street.
Present plant of the trailer firm is at 2449
Charlotte.
Mew Owner Has Fire
KNOB NOSTER, MO.— E. B. Kaiser, who re-
cently purchased the local Victory Theatre
from Commonwealth Amusement Co., had a
small fire in his booth last week. Greatest
damage was to film and one head. No shut-
down was reported.
A. K. Smith Buys Southwest
JOHNSON, KAS.— A. K. Smith has bought
the 350-seat Southwest Theatre here from
Mary Lea Fiss.
Volga House Is Sold
VOLGA, S. D. — H. J. Givens has sold the
Auditorium Theatre to Mr. and Mrs. Carl
Larsen, Sinai, S. D.
Selfridge House Reopens
SELFRIDGE, S. D.— The Wingerter Thea-
tre, closed since last fall, reopened April 5.
Quinton Wingerter sr. is owner.
80-B
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
MINNEAPOLIS
“T’m on my way back to the factory after
doing a flop,” Walter Abel, screen and
stage actor, told reporters here when he
stopped over to see his mother en route back
from New York, where he appeared in the
short-lived stage play, “Parlor Story,” to
Hollywood to resume his film career in sup-
port of Betty Hutton in “Dream Girl,” Abel,
who played in “13 Rue Madeleine” and who’ll
be seen in “The Fabulous Joe,” said he thinks
that backgrounding with actual scenes en-
hances a film's appeal.
Paul Light, St. Paul Pioneer-Press colum-
nist, had a paragraph about “The Best Years
of Our Lives,” now playing at the St. Paul
Orpheum as well as the RKO Orpheum here.
Headlined “A Must!” the paragraph declared:
“I rarely go completely overboard for a mo-
tion picture. But I’ve just seen ‘The Best
Years of Our Lives’ at the RKO Orpheum.
It’s the best film I’ve seen since ‘The Big
Parade.’ I’m told it runs for three solid
hours. I liked it so well it seemed as though
I watched it only 30 minutes. I recommend
it to readers of this column.”
Sally Loomis, St. Paul majorette champion
who went to Hollywood in 1938 after winning
recognition as the world’s best acrobatic
twirler and parade leader, determined to be-
come a film star, is back home, her ambition
unrealized. She told the newspapers that “if
you want to attain film honors in Hollywood,
be careful not to have too much talent as a
baton twirler.” In the film capital she took
lessons in diction, learned how to sing and
dance, joined Little Theatre movements,
studied dramatic arts. All her teachers said
she had a brilliant future and they expected
great things of her, but every time a casting
office sent for her it handed her a baton. And
she didn’t get far in pictures— largely, she
thinks, because the studios knew her as a
baton twirler.
Advertising for “The Outlaw” at the
Lyceum is very tame, showing pictures of a
duel and not revealing the front of Jane
Russell . . . Radio City will get its first stage
show in months, Guy Lombardo’s orchestra
and acts, May 2. It will be the band’s first
appearance in Minneapolis.
Motion pictures were interrupted for one
day at the St. Paul RKO Orpheum and for
two days at the Minneapolis RKO Orpheum
to permit the appearance of Sigmund Rom-
berg and his orchestra and singers . . . Uni-
versity Film society offered “Marie Louise,”
in its series of foreign-made pictures, one
day at Northrop auditorium on the campus
at 50 cents, including tax.
Eph Rosen, acting manager for MGM in
the Milwaukee office, was in town to attend
the North Central Allied meeting . . . 20th-Fox
tossed a cocktail party for NCA members at-
tending the convention.
Among those present at the convention
here was the entire board of directors of In-
dependent Theatre Owners of Wisconsin and
Upper Michigan, headed by William Ains-
worth, its chairman . . . President Howard
Brookings of the Allied Independent Thea-
tre Owners of Iowa and Nebraska and a
delegation from that body also were on hand.
Jean Weil Levy, 20th-Fox secretary, back
from a New York vacation trip won by her for
herself and her husband in the company’s
last sales contest, reports that, among other
things, she and hubby saw and greatly en-
joyed “Barefoot Boy With Cheek,” Broadway
musical comedy which has a University of
Minnesota locale and was authored locally.
AT WARNER SALES MEET — To set the stage for the 1947 Warner Bros, sales
drive, Roy Haines (center), western division sales manager, held a meeting of the
prairie district in St. Louis recently. Participants were, left to right, Russell C. Borg,
Kansas City manager; Don Walker, field representative from Kansas City; D. P. Web-
ster, Des Moines manager; Haines; Hall Walsh, district manager; Lester Bona, St.
Louis resident manager, and Frank J. Hannon, Omaha chief.
While Warrior Modernized
DOLAND, S. D. — Modernization of the
White Warrior Theatre here has been com-
pleted.
New Sound in Rosholt, S. D.
ROSHOLT, S. D. — Lionel Erickson has pur-
chased Motiograph equipment and Voice of
the Theatre sound for the Rosholt Theatre
and expects to have it in operation soon.
New Theatre for Webster
WEBSTER, S. D. — Construction is sched-
uled to be started here May 1 by the Swed-
berg Construction Co. on a new theatre build-
ing for H. M. Schenecker, manager of the
Lyric Theatre. The proposed structure will
have a depth of 142 feet and a 50-foot front
two stories high.
Iowa Bill Asinine/ And Then Some!
GUTHRIE CENTER, IA.— The press
of Iowa has had lots to say pro and con
concerning the proposal before the
Iowa legislature to ban motion pic-
tures which contain drinking scenes.
But by far the most sarcastic attack on
the proposal was printed last week by
the Guthrian here — in a column writ-
ten by Rex Schwenneker.
Schwenneker wound up by calling
the proposal “completely asinine!” but
not before he’d ridiculed it with a few
choice suggestions of his own.
The columnist suggested to his Iowa
readers that the 1947 Iowa assembly
would do well to add a few riders to
the resolution. These, he said, should
do away with kissing, smoking, murder,
comedy and comedians, love and
finally, all types of costume except
"Mother Hubbards reaching to half a
foot below the arches, with a collar to
cover the ears.”
“Let’s go the whole hog,” Schwen-
neker said. “Let’s ban movies com-
pletely . . . Sell our radios and refuse
to permit broadcasting stations in the
state of Iowa, and declare war on any
adjoining state if it permits its pro-
grams to contaminate our purified, if
sometimes simple, Iowa air. Let’s stop
newspapers. By doing this it will be
fairly difficult for any disagreeable for-
eign ideas to get into our land of milk
and honey.
“And after about 100 years of this,
providing our passport system out of
the state is made sufficiently difficult,
the minds of our youth should be in
pretty fair shape. They’ve done this
sort of thing with some consistency
around the world lately: Italy, Ger-
many, Russia. And in much less than
100 years, the results were amazing.
Not only the youth, but most all the
people have practically no minds at
all. And if they have, they don’t use
them.
“But by all means, let’s make sure
this banning of drinking scenes in cine-
mas is passed. It’s timely, vital, im-
portant and completely asinine!”
Too Much Loving, Drinking,
Iowa Lutherans Protest
DES MOINES — Iowa Lutheran Wel-
fare society directors last week protest-
ed films that include drinking scenes,
“intense love-making” or “suggestive
dialog.” In a resolution opposing “ob-
jectional films portraying crimes, drink-
ing, etc.,” the board urged the motion
picture industry to provide “more
wholesome and worthwhile moving
pictures.”
The 18 board members, who met at
Iowa Lutheran hospital, represented six
large Iowa Lutheran groups, with an
adult membership of 131,740 in 486
churches.
In a letter to Dr. Ralph H. Long,
executive director of the National Lu-
theran council in New York. City, the
board asked a co-ordinated Lutheran
program to obtain Hollywood support
in “cleaning up” the films.
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
80-C
Tri-States Managers Awarded Promotion Prizes
At the 20th -Fox “Margie” prize winners luncheon of Central
and Tri- States Theatres executives and managers, held in the Des
Moines club recently, left to right, were: Myron Blank, Don Shane
of the Paramount, Omaha; Marvin Graybeal of the Capitol, Sioux
DES MOINES — Five Tri-States circuit
managers were awarded prizes last week for
promotion work in connection with the 20th-
Foxjaicture, “Margie.” Presentation of the
awards was made by W. C. Gehring, 20th-
Fox central division sales manager, at the
Des Moines club.
First prize went to Harold Lyon, manager
of the Des Moines Theatre here, second prize
to Don Shane, Paramount Theatre, Omaha,
and third and fourth prizes were split among
City; Harold Lyon of the Des Moines, Des Moines; A. H. Blank,
president; W. E. Gehring, 20th-Fox division manager; Henry Plude
of the Capitol, Davenport; Francis Gillon of the Paramount, Cedar
Rapids; G. Ralph Branton, Tri- States general manager, Moe Levy.
Francis Gillon, Paramount, Cedar Rapids;
Marvin Graybeal, Capitol, Sioux City, and
Henry Plude jr„ Capitol, Davenport.
Gehring emphasized the importance of
youth in the show business in his address
to the winning managers. G. Ralph Branton,
Tri-States general manager, who acted as
toastmaster, stressed the heavy burden put
on executives today because of new selling
policies and emphasized the importance of
theatre managers in putting across what he
termed the “good old showmanship.”
Among the other speakers was A. H. Blank,
Tri-States Theatre Corp., president.
Also present at the meeting were Myron
Blank, Central States general manager; L.
M. McKechneay, Tri-States treasurer; A. G.
Stolte, Tri-States district manager; A. Don
Allen, Tri-States advertising manager. Fox
was represented by Gehring, M. A. Levy,
Gordon Halloran and Walter Hoffman.
Rumor of Price Rise Spiked
JEFFERSON CITY, MO.— Arnold Gould,
manager of the Capitol, advised theatregoers
through the local newspapers that there was
no truth to the rumor that admission prices
would be increased to 72 cents. The rumor
sprang, no doubt, from recent extensive im-
provements made at the Capitol.
Nebraska Business Good
OMAHA — Business activity in Nebraska is
continuing far above the prewar level, the
Nebraska University Bureau of Research has
announced. In January it was 72 per cent
above the prewar average; in February 71 per
cent. The postwar peak was in July 1946.
Ak-Sar-Ben Bets $7,500,000
OMAHA — Last summer $7,500,000 was bet
at the Ak-Sar-Ben 30-day race meeting. The
first public announcement ever made on the
track’s betting figures were made at a state
legislature hearing on a proposed 20 per cent
tax on race bets. The bill was killed in com-
mittee, but may be revived on the floor.
New Sound at Lake Preston
LAKE PRESTON, S. D. — New sound equip-
ment has been installed in the Preston Thea-
tre here. This is the first complete theatre
speaker system installed in South Dakota
since the war, according to Walter Wick, who
was in charge of the installation.
Omaha Plans to Hike Fees
On Theatre Competitors
OMAHA — An ordinance, approved by city
council on first and second reading, may
mean much to local theatres in the way of
discouraging outside competition. Almost all
entertainment, recreation and associated
businesses come under the broad proposal
which sets up a special board of licenses.
Carnivals would pay a daily tax of $25 plus
$1 to $10 for every sideshow, game or other
attraction. Rigid health and other forms of
inspection are required. Skating rinks would
pay $25 to $100 annually, plus a $5 monthly
inspection fee.
Theatres which pay a regular occupation
tax would be exempt from provisions of this
ordinance. So are educational, religious, char-
ity and similar events.
Scales on some of these businesses include;
Wrestling and other boxing events, $25 an
evening; other than in licensed theatres, the-
atrical performances and opera, $25 a per-
formance; symphony, $25; commercial exhi-
bitions other than in stores, $15 a day; lec-
tures, fairs, food shows, style shows, beauty
shows and the like, $10; professional football,
$25 daily: dances, other than in licensed halls,
$25.
Violations would incur fines not exceeding
$500 nor more than 90 days in jail.
Knopf Sells Humbolt House
HUMBOLDT, S. D. — Alan Johnson, Mont-
rose, S. D., has purchased the Legion Thea-
tre here from J. K. Knopf, Sioux Falls, S. D.
A new screen has been ordered.
25 Years With Paramount
MINNEAPOLIS — Congratulations have
poured in on Ben Blotcky, Paramount
manager, on the occasion of his twenty-
fifth anniversary with the company.
The only way he will celebrate, Blotcky
said, is to break all previous sales records.
Calland Sells Iris Theatre
EDGEMONT, S. D. — L. T. Rademacher has
purchased the Iris Theatre from Clarence
Calland. Wayne Bonnie, Rademacher’s son-
in-law, will manage the theatre.
Improves at Doland, S. D.
DOLAND, S. D. — Three hundred new seats
have been installed in the White Warrior
Theatre here and further improvements are
planned, according to L. V. Altfillisch, man-
ager. Plans call for new air conditioning, a
new canopy and improved lighting both inside
and out.
Gould Pilots Rotary Meeting
JEFFERSON CITY— Arnold Gould, man-
ager of the Capitol and State theatres here,
was general chairman for the three-day dis-
trict Rotary meeting in Jefferson City April
20-22.
Marcel Scobell Now Manager
WAGNER, S. D. — Marcel Scobell Is now
running the Elbs Theatre here. The former
booking agent at Sioux City, Iowa, is a
brother of Lloyd Scobell who died recently.
80-D
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Wood Asks Campaign
To Kill Federal Tax
COLUMBUS — The 20 per cent federal ad-
missions tax could be repealed or reduced if
all theatre interests would present/ a “united
front” before the house ways and means
committee when it studies the entire excise
tax field, said P. J. Wood, secretary of the
Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio, in a
letter addressed to theatre executives.
Despite meager replies to his appeal, Wood
believes that repeal or reduction is possible
if a fight is made before the committee.
Wood sent the letter a month ago and so far
has received two replies.
Wood is particularly unhappy about the
fact that films are now in the luxury tax
classification, along with “$2,000 fur coats,
$1,000 watches, $25 prizefight tickets, $6.60
tickets to legitimate shows and those $87.50
tabs at the Stork club.”
Average national film admissions are less
than 50 cents, he pointed out, despite the
increased admissions that prevail today in
large cities. Wood says that theatre men
have only themselves to blame for the fact
that lawmakers are prone to look to thea-
tres when additional taxes are necessary. He
said that no effort has been made to dissi-
pate this idea from the minds of those who
have the power to tax.
“In our past efforts in connection with fed-
eral admissions tax we have always used pop-
guns, but if we are to accomplish anything
in the future we must resort to well-sighted
and high-powered rifles. I know whereof I
speak because I attended and testified at
many of the hearings of both the house ways
and means committee and the senate finance
committee.”
Newark Auditorium Closes
May 5 for Modernization
NEWARK, OHIO— Work on a $125,000 re-
modeling program at the Auditorium, oper-
ated by Shea, Inc., will start May 5. The house
will be closed 90 days. Changes which will
make the Auditorium into a modern theatre
include shortening of the lobby, removal of
the gallery and balcony, installation of new
booth and projection equipment, new seats,
new stage switchboard, new stage equipment
and a new steel marquee.
Seating capacity will be increased from 800
to 1,160. Design for the changes, made by
the late Harry Holbrook, Columbus archi-
tect, will be carried out by the Columbus
architectural firm of Alcox and Stritzel, de-
signers of the new Livingston Theatre in
Columbus.
First announcement of the changes in the
Auditorium were made several months ago at
a dinner given by the Midland Theatre Co.,
which was attended by E. C. Grainger, New
York, president of Shea, Inc., which leases
the theatre.
Dale Tysinger is city manager for Shea.
Jack Mervis on Honeymoon
PITTSBURGH — Jack Mervis and his bride,
the former Lillian Taris, were honeymooning
in New York this week following their mar-
riage here April 19. The bride is the daugh-
ter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Taris, New York,
and the bridegroom the son of Mrs. Samuel
Mervis, Wightman street, Pittsburgh, is one
of the Mervis brothers, city area circuit ex-
hibitors.
Joe Kosco Improves Brockway
BROCKWAY, PA. — Magnarc lamps and
rectifiers have been installed by National
Theatre Supply in Joe Kosco’s Brockway.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Warners Ohio Managers
Split Campaign Prizes
CLEVELAND — Warner Theatres Ohio
managers, at a dinner in the Carter hotel
culminated a six-week
business drive in honor
of Nat Wolf, who has
rounded out 15 years
as Ohio district man-
ager.
Taking the toughest
six weeks of the year,
Lent, the managers in
the field strained their
efforts to increase at-
tendance and share in
the prize money,
which was divided
into several classifica-
tions; namely, great- NAT wolf
est percentage of increase in the zone, in-
creases within each zone, two classifications
of kiddy matinee increased publicity cam-
paigns and a special percentage increase
affecting Chakeres theatres in Springfield. A
total of $1,025 was awarded.
Joe Scholer, manager of the Ohio Theatre,
Sandusky, won the grand prize of $200 for
the greatest percentage of increase in busi-
ness during the drive period.
MONTAVON A WINNER
In Ray Brown’s southern Ohio district,
Paul Montavon, manager of the Sherman
Theatre, Chillicothe, won first prize of $100;
James Tracy, manager of the Lyric, Ports-
mouth, took the second prize of $50, and
Douglas Craft, manager of the Capitol, Sid-
ney, third prize of $25.
In Frank Harpster’s district, first prize of
$100 went to Bill Harwell, manager of the
Palace, Lorain; second prize of $50 to Irwin
Solomon, manager of the Ohio Canton; third
prize of $25 to Don Jacobs, Ohio, Mansfield.
Julius Lamm, manager of the Uptown,
Cleveland, won the $100 top prize in Dick
Wright’s district, with Frank Wheatley, man-
ager of the Variety, Cleveland, in second
place with $50, and Frank Savage, ..Warner
Theatre, Youngstown, $25 third prize.
James Salman, Sixth Street, Coshocton,
won $50 for the greatest increase in attend-
ance at his regular kiddy matinees, and Mil-
lard Ochs, Strand, Akron, received $50 for
the best attendance at a special kiddy show.
FRASER AND DAVIDSON TIED
In the exploitation field, George Fraser,
LeRoy, Portsmouth, and Ted Davidson,
Sigma, Lima; were tied, so each received
$100.
The Warner-Chakeres houses in Spring-
field were judged separately. Woodrow Ow-
ens, manager of the Majestic, won the $100
first prize for the largest percentage of at-
tendance increase, with second prize, $50
going to Martha Reed, Ohio Theatre.
Because Ray Brown’s and Frank Harpster’s
districts were so close in the final estimate
of increased business, each was awarded an
extra week’s vacation.
Following the announcement of prize win-
ners, the managers handed out gifts. They
presented Wolf a combination radio-record
player.
Wolf has been in show business ever since
he ushered at a theatre in his home town of
Houston, Tex., as a boy. Being an ambitious
youth, it wasn’t long before he became door-
man, then a projectionist, and on up the
ladder to be the theatre’s advertising man.
In 1913 he moved north, to become man-
ager of the Plaza Theatre, then playing eight
acts of vaudeville with one short subject on
the screen. Wolf’s next move was to sell the
famous Annette Kellerman picture “Nep-
tune’s Daughter,” and “The Squaw Mari”
for Famous Players, in Indiana and Illinois.
Wolf took a fling at legitimate attractions
(Continued on next page)
NOTICE THE NUMBERS? — Warner theatre managers in Ohio who won prizes
in the Nat Wolf anniversary attendance contest, just ended, gathered in Cleveland and
posed with Wolf and General Manager Harry Kalmine. Shields worn by the winners
indicate the number of years they have been with WBT.
In the usual order, first row: Julius Lamm, Uptown, Cleveland; Kalmine; Wolf;
Joe Scholer, Ohio, Sandusky; George Fraser, LaRoy, Portsmouth; Irwin Solomon,
Ohio, Canton; Woodrow English, Majestic, Springfield.
Second row: Ray C. Brown and Frank Harpster, district managers; Frank Sav-
age, Warner, Youngstown; James Tracy, Lyric, Portsmouth; William Harwell, Palace,
Lorain.
Third row: Paul Montavon, Sherman, Chillicothe; Douglas Craft, Capitol, Sidney;
James Salman, Sixth Street, Coshocton; Ted Davidson, Sigma, Lima; Frank Wheatley,
Variety, Cleveland; Don Jacobs, Ohio, Mansfield; Millard Ochs, Strand, Akron.
ME
81
Warner Managers
Split Drive Prizes
(Continued from preceding page)
in 1915-17, traveling the west as an advance
man, but in 1917 he returned to film business
as salesman for Samuel Goldwyn. With two
years out for World War I service, he joined
successively with First National in Chicago,
then became branch manager for Educational
Films in Dallas, covering New Orleans and
Oklahoma City. Next came a term as film
buyer for the Orpheum circuit out of Chi-
cago, a position from which he resigned to
join Publix as buyer for 110 theatres in
Minnesota, North and South Dakota and
Wisconsin.
In 1932 Wolf left Publix to come to Cleve-
land as Ohio zone manager for Warner Bros.,
a position which he has held the last 15 years.
"Here for the finale of the drive were Harry
Kalmine, Warner general sales manager,
Stuart McDonald and Rudolph Weiss of New
York and the following:
District managers — Ray Brown, Frank
Harpster and Dick Wright.
Theatre managers — Millard Ochs, Strand,
Akron: Irwin Soloman, Ohio, Canton; Paul
Montavon, Sherman, Chillicothe; Lou Milder
of the Colony, Eddie Miller of the Hippo-
drome, Robert Lytle of the Lake, John Bid-
well of the Doan, Julius Lamm of the Up-
town and Frank Wheatley of the Variety,
Cleveland.
Also Ralph Halliwell of the Pastime and
James Salman of the Sixth Street, Coshoc-
ton; William Dworski, Harris, Findlay; Wal-
lace Elliott of the Ohio, Ted Davidson, Sigma,
and James Skelly, State, Lima; Bill Harwell,
Palace, Lorain; Ben Schwartz, Lincoln, Mas-
silon; Paul Jacobs of the Columbia, George
Fraser of the LaRoy, and James Tracy, Lyric,
Portsmouth; Joe Scholer, Ohio, Sandusky;
Douglas Craft of the Capitol and Clarence
Sletz, Ohio, Sidney; Frank Savage, Youngs-
YOU GET
THE RIGHT LAMP
TOR YOUR NEEDS!
As the only lamps manufactured complete
within one factory, they can be so engi-
neered as to guarantee the
best screen results.
me STRON G /oidute u ^
CHARLESTON 1, W. VA.— Charleston Theatre Supply Co., 506 Lee Street.
Telephone 34-413.
CLEVELAND, OHIO— Cleveland Projector Co., 1723 E. 86th St.
CLEVELAND 14, OHIO — Ohio Theatre Equipment Co., 2108 Payne Ave.
DAYTON 6, OHIO— The Dayton Film, Inc., 2227 Hepburn Ave.
GRAND RAPIDS 2, MICH. — Ringold Theatre Equipment Co., 106 Michigan
St., N. W. Telephone 6-8515.
LOUISVILLE 2, KY. — Falls City Theatre Equipment Company, 427 South
Third St. Telephone: JAckson 7559.
PITTSBURGH 19— Atlas Theatre Supply Co., 425 Van Braam St.
PITTSBURGH 19, PA. — Superior Motion Picture Supply Co., 84 Van Braam
St. Telephone: Grant 0724-25. x
TOLEDO 2, OHIO — General Theatre Equipment & Supply Co., 109 Michigan St.
TOLEDO 4, OHIO — American Theatre Supply Co., 519 E. Broadway.
town; Harold Olds of the Madison and Don
Jacobs, Ohio, Mansfield; Robert Lytle, Lake,
Cleveland.
Exhibitor at Loudenvill©
Complains on Clearance
CLEVELAND — R. A. Momm, owner of the
Ohio Theatre, Loudenville, names Loew’s,
Inc., as defendant in a clearance complaint
filed here with J. E. Camden, clerk of the
AAA. Momm claims as unreasonable the
seven-day protection granted by MGM to
Mansfield and Ashland over Loudenville.
Momm declares that Paramount serves
Loudenville seven days after Mansfield, ir-
respective of Ashland; Warners serves Lou-
denville similarly, as do RKO and 20th-Fox.
The Loudenville showman requests that
MGM serve Loudenville seven days after
Mansfield regardless of Ashland bookings, or,
in any event, 35 days after territorial re-
lease date.
Offer New Type of Reel;
Thread It in the Dark
CLEVELAND — A new type of reel for 35mm
film will soon be on the market. It is made
of plastic guaranteed not to break or bend,
and an outstanding and revolutionary fea-
ture is a novel threading device which makes
it possible for the operator to thread it in
the dark. Another feature of the new reel
is that because of its transparency, the
operator can see when he is approaching the
end of the film.
The new type reel has been developed by
Ernest Pelson of Reading, Pa., and Law-
rence Bates of Cleveland who has any num-
ber of patented gadgets on the market, in-
cluding a measured liquor dispenser.
'New Automobiles' Film
Has Had 200 Bookings
DETROIT — A sponsored television docu-
mentary 16mm film, “New Automobiles,” pro-
duced in December for the Automobile Manu-
facturers Ass’n, has been having an inde-
pendent circulation, playing to about 150,000
persons in approximately 200 bookings. About
300 more bookings are scheduled as prints
become available.
Actual print distribution has been concen-
trated in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Cali-
fornia and New York. Schools and colleges
lead the bookings, with 206 on the list, in-
dustrial 173, farm groups 63 and miscel-
laneous 61.
Majestic in Springfield
Staging Baby Contests
SPRINGFIELD, OHIO— Starting Sunday
(27), with national observance of Baby week,
the Majestic Theatre, managed by Woodrow
Owens, is staging baby contests for five weeks.
Parents of children 6 months to 6 years
old are submitting photographs which are
being posted in the theatre.
The contest will be conducted on an elimi-
nation basis, with patrons voting.
Schroeder Aids Minstrel
DETROIT — Rudy Schroeder, manager of
the Palmer Park Theatre, served as co-
chairman for the Highland Park Exchange
club’s minstrel and variety show given Fri-
day (18) at the Highland Park high school
auditorium. Proceeds of the show went to
the Camp Rankin, camp for underprivileged
boys. The main prize was a $200 radio.
The estimated number of persons employed
in the U.S. theatrical film industry in 1946
was 206,000, or 1,000 less than the 1945 total.
82
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
'Egg' in Cincinnati
High in 2nd Week
War-Constructed Willow Run Theatre
Thrives on New Type of Patronage
DETROIT — The Center in Willow
rvun, me only permanent war-built
meatre in Michigan, is continuing op-
ex anon under tne Butterfield circuit
banner.
Designed originally to serve the work-
ers in the big federal housing project
at Wiliow Village, it has undergone two
successive postwar changes of patron-
age source, and still enjoys good busi-
ness. The house is the second theatre
in the project which was named after
Americas most famous wartime indus-
trial center, actually located about three
miles away.
The theatre is about three miles also
from Ypsilanti, where Butterfield has
long operated the Wuerth and Martha
Washington theatres.
ORIGINAL THEATRE INACTIVE
The original Willow Run Theatre
was a 500-seat wooden auditorium, de-
signed for quick construction, and was
built when the wartime necessity de-
manded immediate settlement of war
workers in the project. The theatre
portion was really an afterthought,
with the booth just added on. During
the few months of its life it was oper-
ated by the Telenews organization, with
Fred Sweet as manager.
The original theatre today is part of
a warehouse for federal property. Many
of the other temporary buildings at
Willow Village have been torn down.
But the Center Theatre, in the busi-
ness center, is of permanent cement
block construction, with 1,298 seats, de-
signed in a modernistic style and using
unusual applications of plans that are
closely related to the style of Frank
Lloyd Wright of Wisconsin. Some un-
usual features are the approach, which
is by way of a bridge across a
small creek from the parking lot, and
the huge glass-enclosed lobby, with the
walls set on an angle. This large glass
front, open to the view on three sides,
gives a unique appearance to the house,
and makes it an ideal waiting spot,
much used for parking baby carriages,
by the way.
ADMISSION IS 43 CENTS
The Center charges 43 cents admis-
sion, playing pictures a little after the
Ypsilanti houses, and usually picking
up one feature from each of the two
houses there. The Martha Washing-
ton, premiere house of the town, plays
single bill at a higher admission rate,
while the Wuerth, with an admission
scale lower than the Center, plays duals.
Business is drawn largely from the
immediate housing project, where the
original population of war workers has
been largely replaced by two groups:
first, veterans working in Detroit, who
commute back and forth daily (the dis-
tance is about 35 miles by bus), and
second, students from the University
of Michigan, ten miles west, who have
proved to be very good patrons at the
theatre.
In addition, there is considerable pa-
tronage from Ypsilanti, mainly of pa-
trons miss a picture there, and from
other surrounding towns within a ra-
dius of about ten miles. The Center
has very comfortable seating and good
projection and sound, so that it invites
patrons, even though the house is sev-
eral miles off the beaten path.
The theatre is being managed by Ed-
die Posh, with Ted Schiska as operator,
William Hackett, original manager of
the house when it opened, has been
transferred to Pontiac.
CINCINNATI — Ratings of par and over
were reached by all of the attractions in
downtown theatres. “The Egg and I,” in its
second week at Keith’s, continued very high,
almost equaling the gross for the first week,
and indications were that it will hold over
in that house for several more weeks. Flor-
ence Kipp, manager of the RKO Lyric, re-
ceived numerous compliments for her novel
front during the showing of “Congorilla” and
“Baboona.”
(Average is 100)
Albee — Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox) 120
Capitol — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
5th wk 150
Grand — Pursued (WB), 2nd wk 110
Keith's — The Egg and I (U-I), 2nd wk 225
Lyric — Congorilla (20th-Fox); Baboona (20th-Fox),
reissues 120
Palace — My Favorite Brunette (Para) 160
Shubert — Boom Town (MGM), reissue - 100
'Yearling' and ’Years' Lead;
Cold Helps the Boxoifices
CLEVELAND — -“The Yearling” in its first
week at the State and “The Best Years of
Our Lives” in its second week of a day-and-
date run at advanced prices at the Lower
Mall and University theatres were in the
lead in popular favor. “Best Years” is draw-
ing its heaviest attendance in the evening.
Another top show was at the Palace where
Guy Lombardo was the stage attraction with
“Mr. District Attorney” on the screen. An-
other bill that drew better than average at-
tendance was “Mighty McGurk” at the Still-
man. “Angel and the Badman” held so well
in its second week at the Ohio that it con-
tinued there for a third week on the main
stem. Almost all of the downtown houses
enjoyed a good week, whether with new or
holdover product. Continued cold and dis-
agreeable weather is helping attendance.
Allen — The Late George Apley (20th-Fox) 1 DU
Hippodrome — Pursued (WB), 2nd wk 70
Lake — Johnny O'Clock (Col), 2nd d. t. wk 120
Lower Mall — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
2nd wk., advanced prices (based on roadshow
2-a-day run of Henry V).... 175
Ohio — Angel and the Badman (Rep),
2nd d. t. wk , 105
Palace — Mr. District Attorney (Col),
plus Guy Lombardo on stage 120
State — The Yearling (MGM) 115
Stillman — The Mighty McGurk (MGM) 115
University — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
2nd wk .2. 175
’Costa Rica' Tops in Pittsburgh;
‘Years' Best at the Downtowners
PITTSBURGH— Of four new film offer-
ings, “Carnival in Costa Rica” registered top
in the boxoffice barometer. “The Best Years
of Our Lives,” in its fifth week in the Fulton,
outgrossed all other downtown theatres.
Art Cinema — Henry V (UA), 5th wk, roadshow....Good
Fulton — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
5th wk 150
Harris — Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox) 125
Penn — Lady in the Lake (MGM) 80
Ritz — The Secret Heart (MGM), 2nd d. t. wk 80
Senator — The Wicked Lady (U-I) 115
Stanley — That Way With Women (WB) 65
Warner — Song of the South (RKO), 3rd wk 70
Leff Temporarily Heads
Pittsburgh UA Office
PITTSBURGH— David Leff, young veteran
of the industry in this area, has been named
temporary manager for United Artists. He
was introduced at the exchange Monday by
Mark Silver, district head. Leff, former local
area exhibitor, and originally a Pittsburgher,
has been city sales representative for UA
in Buffalo for two years. He was assigned
here as acting branch manager due to the
absence of Ira H. Cohn, who has been hos-
pitalized two months.
Leff, familiarly known to many members of
the trade here as “Dave,” formerly operated
the Metropolitan in the Bloomfield district,
city, and he also was identified with a Mor-
gantown, W. Va„ theatre. Two of his sis-
ters are married to local members of the
industry. Mrs. Jack Judd is the wife of the
Columbia salesman, and Mrs. Max Arnold is
the wife of the Pitcairn and Verona exhibitor.
Glove Starts Marquee Fire
BUCYRUS, OHIO — A glove, carelessly
tossed onto a light bulb in the marquee of
Schine’s Bucyrus Theatre, started a fire
that might have had serious consequences
but for the prompt action of the crew of
a pickup fire truck. The crew used a chemi-
cal extinguisher to squelch the blaze.
Nightingales to Elect
DETROIT — The Nightingale club will elect
officers at the regular monthly meeting, May
5, at the AFL temple. M. Badarak, treasurer,
and E. Waddell, recording secretary, are as-
sured of re-election as they face no oppo-
sition for their offices.
Mrs. Fannie Cullen Dies
COLUMBUS — Mrs. Fannie Cullen, mother
of M. J. Cullen, Loew’s Theatres division man-
ager, died here recently. Mrs. Cullen had
made her home at Neil House for several
years.
House to Seat 2,000
To Go Up in Lorain
LORAIN, OHIO — Mrs. Nazera Zegiob, own-
er of the Dreamland and Elvira theatres, has
announced plans for a new 2,000-seat thea-
tre on Broadway not far from the Dream-
land. Paul Matzinger, Cleveland architect, has
completed plans for the two-story building
which is to have medical offices on the sec-
ond floor.
The new house, as yet unnamed, will be
L-shaped and construction is expected to
start this spring. Mrs. Zegiob is still in
Florida, but her theatres are under the man-
agement of Albert Norton.
To Represent Poblocki
PITTSBURGH — Alexander Theatre Supply
Co., RCA distributor, has been named area
representative for Poblocki & Sons, prefabri-
cated theatre builders. Poblocki has been
established for 25 years as manufacturers of
theatre fronts and designs and only recently
announced entry into the prefab industry.
Takes Comedy Lead
The comedy lead in Monogram’s “Song of
the Saddle” has been handed Chester Conklin.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
83
PITTSBURGH
T E. “Huck” Huckelberry, Motiograph offi-
* cial, was at the Atlas Theatre Supply of-
fice displaying new in-a-car speakers . . .
Mr. and Mrs. Guy V. Ida, McDonald and
Springdale exhibitors, returned from a vaca-
tion in Florida . . . Harry M. Kalmine, gen-
eral manager of the Warner circuit and a
former circuit zone manager here, and
Rudolph Weiss, Warner real estate represen-
tative, were visitors.
When Paul Becker reopens the Ohio on
the north side, the theatre will be known as
the Sky. The house will be modernized, reno-
vated and newly equipped, and should 1
open by mid-May. Alexander Theatre Sup-
ply has sold complete equipment for the thea-
tre. Sam Gould, who did not seek a lease
renewal, has operated
the theatre for a num-
ber of years.
National Turf Con-
gress, Inc., owned by
John James Moore,
A. E. Sheridan and
James M. McIntyre,
was registered here
April 25 . , . Dr. A. L.
Koontz, New Martins-
ville, W. Va., exhibitor,
who has been ill and
hospitalized, was able
to be at the theatre
this week.
Previewing Paramount’s “Blaze of Noon,”
which flashes back to the early days of the
airmail, ties in with the first airmail flight
out of Pittsburgh, Apr. 26, 1927. This in-
augural flight of 20 years ago was re-
enacted at county airport.
Bob Lynch, veteran Warner salesman, was
shaken up the other day near Coudersport
when a large doe leaped out of the brush and
smack into his car. If Bob had lost control,
his car would have been hurled over a 75-foot
embankment. The doe hurried away, prob-
ably only slightly injured . . . Beatrice F.
Moss has resigned duties at RKO and she
will vacation in Florida.
George and Joe Single, sons of Mike Single,
were Filmrow visitors. Operating theatres in
Cresson, Beaverdale, Lilly and Dunlo, they
state that they will be closing the latter unit
. . . Judge C. W. Marsh of the Lyric and
Pictureland, Glenville, W. Va., is devoting
much of his time to modernizing and reno-
vating his fair grounds. The big week will be
early in August, but Judge Marsh believes in
getting an early start.
Dorothy Osvirk, MGM inspector, and John
Munich were married here April 19. She will
remain at work . . . AMPTO President and
Mrs. Morris M. Finkel are vacationing in
Florida . . . Art Levy, Columbia manager,
returned from a vacation in Hollywood, Fla.,
where his wife and son Jules will remain
until June 1.
Paul Bronder, Pittsburgh and Erie ex-
hibitor and former Filmrow theatrical sign
painter, will occupy his newly purchased
home in Baldwin Manor May 1 . . . George
DR. ARTHUR L. KOONTZ
in tm i) s n a p jj
DELIVERING
the
Completely
NEW
"A A" Projector
ATLAS THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
425 Van Braam St. Pittsburgh
Eby of the Harris Amusement Cos. auditing
department is vacationing in Hollywood . . .
George Jaffe was in New York lining up a
burlesque stock company for the Casino,
scheduled to open midnight April 27.
M. A. Rosenberg, veteran local and national
Allied leader, has been re-elected AMPTO of
W. Pa. board chairman and local Allied rep-
resentative on the national board of direc-
tors . . . Art Cinema has booked two French
films, “Carmen” and “Children of Paradise”
. . . The South Park Drive-In Theatre on
Route 88 opened its seventh season April 18.
A new policy of four changes weekly was an-
nounced by Ernest Stern, manager. The
outdoor theatre, operated by Norbert Stern
and George C. Davis, has a new asphalted
entrance, a modern lighting system and has
individual sound reproducers.
Gerald Castelli jr., 18-year-old son of
Jerry Castelli, Library exhibitor, returned
with a SeaBees unit from Guam to San
Diego . . . Leo Isaacs, Columbia salesman, has
moved from the 5200 block on Forbes street
to 1421 Denniston St. . . . Warners’ Model,
Lawrenceville district, presented two post-
war Polish pictures.
Sam Fineberg, Hymie Wheeler and Saul
Perilman of Monogram Pictures were hosts
at the family night
party in the Variety
Club April 25 . . . Tony
Colose, Clearfield ex-
hibitor, was a visitor in
the market with his
brother Joseph . . . Add
to those going to Los
Angeles to attend the
Variety convention :
Mr. and Mrs. Lee M.
Conrad, Meadviile; Jo-
seph Shapiro family,
Mount Union; Mr. and
Mrs. Ray “Bud” Alli-
S. A. FINEBERG son jr., Altoona.
Mrs. Elizabeth Hulsman, mother of Mrs.
Thomas A. Gilbert, whose husband is the
veteran theatre manager here, died April
19 . . . The Warner exchange girls have been
invited to the home of Betty Braden, for-
mer employe, for dinner and a social eve-
ning May 5. Center of attraction will be
Betty and Ed Braden’s infant son.
Dozens of Filmrow workers and exhibitor
friends attended the funeral of Harry Bro-
warsky Thursday afternoon last week. The
Beaver avenue and Bellevue exhibitor died
unexpectedly April 15 in Cleveland. Sym-
pathy of the film industry was extended to
his wife, the former Florence Gordon of
Filmrow before her marriage a dozen years
ago. Ike Browarsky, brother and business
associate, is carrying on the amusement enter-
prises.
Daylight saving time will begin in Pitts-
burgh at 2 a. m. April 27 . . . Ditto Butler,
Pa. . . . Charles Jackson, who was with NSS
here four years ago and who has since man-
aged a Cleveland neighborhood theatre, was
a Filmrow visitor . . . Mrs. Eddie Fontaine,
wife of the SRO district manager, returned
from Seattle, where she had vacationed for
a month.
Dr. A. S. Sickman has applied for a license
to operate a radio station in Charleroi and
Rev. Cecil T. Clifton has petitioned the FCC
for a permit to build a radio station in Apollo
. . . McKeesport’s second station, WMCK, is
ready to operate, and a third station is being
built in Johnstown. First station in Con-
nellsville will go on the air any day.
Paramount, Sistersville, W. Va., was closed
for several days because of the death of Dr.
H. N. Azar, brother of William Azar, man-
ager of the theatre and brother-in-law of
S. A. Peters, proprietor. The Wheeling
physician and Dr. John K. Schuler, optom-
etrist, were killed April 20 in a crash of a
small private plane near Moundsville.
Jerome “Jerry” Adams, formerly with MGM
here and now manager for the company at
Washington, and Aroline McKeever of San
Francisco were married in Washington April
24. Art Adams, MGM student salesman here
and brother of the bridegroom, was best man
. . . Harry Feinstein and Norman B. Mervis,
film industry co-chairman for the United
Jewish Appeal drive, conducted a Filmrow
meeting at the Paramount exchange Monday
morning.
RKO’s “The Best Years of Our Lives”
opens grind roadshows April 29 at the Penn,
Butler, Pa., and on April 30 opens in West
Virginia at the Metropolitan, Morgantown;
Robinson Grand, Clarksburg, and the Lee,
Fairmont . . . Jay Williams, manager of the
Ligonier, Ligonier, Pa., has removed his dress
shop from the second floor of the theatre
to a storeroom in the building on the street
floor \ . . S. W. Rawson is recuperating in
Spencer hospital, Meadviile, where he under-
went an operation. He is the father of Stan-
ley L. Rawson, owner of the new Best, Edin-
boro, Pa.
Mike Thomas, former Clairton exhibitor,
was a Filmrow visitor . . . Bert M. Stearn,
Co-Op president, was in New York on busi-
ness . . . Jim O’Keefe, former local film and
theatre man, sends greetings from Decatur,
Ala. He’s touring the south selling a window
pictorial service as he goes, and doing very
well . . . C. E. Peppiatt, 20th-Fox district
manager, was here for several days conferring
with Welden Waters, branch manager.
Charles A. Anderson, Alpine circuit head,
was here on business from headquarters in
Kingwood, W. Va. . . . Harry Long, Co-Op
executive, has been vacationing in Atlantic
City ... A. A. Schubart, manager of ex-
change operations for RKO, is putting the
finishing touches to the company’s new build-
ing here. On his current visit he is purchas-
ing additional office furniture and fixtures.
F. D. “Butter Fingers” Moore, Warner ex-
change manager, muffed a high pop ball from
his seat in Forbes Field behind home plate
at the season’s opener. The ball was ad-
dressed to him, but he has no souvenir! A rec-
ord crowd of 38,216 attended the entertain-
ment and cheered Bing Crosby, Pirate vice-
president. Crooner Crosby was a guest of
honor at a banquet staged by the Chamber of
Commerce and attended by 800. Bing obliged
with chatter and songs.
Herb Ochs’ Drive-In on Route 22, east of
Wilkinsburg on the William Penn highway,
opened April 19 with “Dark Corner.” Policy
is single feature, color cartoon and first run
newsreel, four changes weekly, two shows
nightly. A special student rate is advertised
. . . Doris Jacobs and Jay Reich have an-
nounced June 8 as their wedding day. The
bride-to-be is the daughter of Sidney Jacobs,
Warner circuit’s district manager for West
Virginia.
Braddock and Clearfield business men are
building radio stations in their respective
cities. The FCC has been petitioned by a
Knoxville, Tenn., group for a license to open
a broadcasting station in Aliquippa. Frank
Smith, manager of WWSW, Pittsburgh, has
made application for a permit to operate a
radio station in Beaver Falls . . . Bill Blo-
witz, Enterprise publicity head, was here
from Hollywood for a short visit with his
parents, the Joe Blowitzes. His father is a
veteran local showman and manager of War-
ners’ Manor, Squirrel Hill.
84
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Plenty of smart exhibitors in this
area are upping their receipts and
drawing holdout crowds ... by
showing the clearest, brightest,
steadiest pictures their audiences
have ever seen.
Their Brenkert ”80” Projectors,
with the sensational Brenkert High
Intensity Lamps, are making ter-
rific headway with the public and
the box office.
You can get the same results.
BY RCA
See Your RCA Independent Theatre Supply Dealer
OfootZ/
MID-WEST THEATRE SUPPLY CO., INC. OLIVER THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
1632 Central Parkway, Cincinnati 10, Ohio East 23rd & Payne Ave., Cleveland 14, Ohio
ERNIE FORBES THEATRE SUPPLY ALEXANDER THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
214 W. Montcalm St., Detroit, Mich. 1705 Boulevard of Allies Pittsburgh, Pa.
CINCINNATI
^he opening ball game of the season (15) un-
doubtedly drew a goodly number of ex-
hibitors to town. Milt Levine of Williamson
and Frank Allara of Delbarton and Matewan,
W. Va., drove in to see the game, and on
their return home carried at least six addi-
tional passengers with them . . . Levine and
Allara are partners in the new Tri-State
Drive-In at Burlington, Ohio, for which
ground has been broken. It is expected to
open about June 1.
Hyman Banks of Williamson consulted a
doctor here for a foot ailment . . . Mrs. M. E.
Dwyer of the Lake Theatre, Celina, widow
of the late Leo Dwyer, is proceeding with
plans for the construction of the new theatre
there in conjunction with the Chakeres cir-
cuit.
M. G. Thomas, manager of Altec Service
Corp., left for Cumberland, Md., to contact
customers in that area . . . Friends of F. L.
Keesling, manager of the Newbold circuit,
will regret to hear of the death of his father.
Many of his West Virginia friends attended
the funeral in Parisburg, Va. . . . The New-
bold circuit has opened the Mount Hope The-
atre in Mount Hope, W. Va. This is the re-
constructed and newly equipped former Royal
Theatre, which was destroyed by fire sev-
eral months ago.
Charlie Midelburg, Capitol Theatre,
Charleston, W. Va., is enjoying a vacation
in Miami . . . Harry Shear, manager of the
Forest Theatre here, a Maury White opera-
tion, is still away on leave because of illness.
His condition is improving, and until his
return, assistant Phil Chacoff is carrying on.
J. Woodrow Thomas of Mount Hope and
Oak Hill, W. Va., has opened the Peer Thea-
tre in Lester, W. Va., in conjunction with
Ed Bridi . . . Woodrow Bressler has resigned
as salesman for Film Classics to join Mid-
west Theatre Supply Co. . . . Harry Young
of Universal is confined in the White Cross
hospital, Columbus, after suffering a heart
attack . . . William Poppe began duties as
booker for Columbia April 21 ... . Grace
Hersey is an addition to 20th-Fox’s steno-
graphic department.
Bertha Wolf has installed the following new
equipment in her Pastime Theatre, Owenton,
Ky.; Simplex 4-Star sound, Super Simplex
mechanism, Peerless Magnarc lamps, Hert-
ner generator and new screen.
Jim Abrose, manager at Warners, attended
a WB district meeting in Cleveland and 20th
anniversary celebration in honor of Nat Wolf,
Warner Theatres zone manager . . . Exhibi-
tors Walker and Benjamin of Chesterhill and
Frazeysburg, Ohio, respectively, have as-
sumed joint ownership of the Vondell Thea-
tre, Stockport, Ohio.
Carrol Lawler of the Shea booking staff,
New York, together with Shea managers
Forney Bowers, Cambridge; Dale Tysinger,
Newark; Joe Scanlon, Marietta, and Ed
Hiehle, Zanesville, were welcome visitors on
Filmrow . . . The Newark Auditorium Theatre
Is being razed and on its site construction
will begin May 5 of a beautiful Spanish style
two-story $200,000 theatre seating 1,250 . . .
The Broadway hit, “The Voice of the Turtle,”
played one night at the Midland in Newark
the 25th and at the Weller, Zanesville, Sat-
urday (26).
Ray Toepfer and Lida Cummins, operators
of the Blue Grass Drive-In Theatre north of
Lexington, Ky., have obtained a site south of
Lexington, and expect to break ground within
30 days for construction of another drive-in
there . . . F. H. Clemens and J. W. Candler
have opened their Beckley Open Air Theatre
on Stanford road, five miles from Beckley,
W. Va.
Manny Nagel, 20th-Fox Kentucky sales-
man, is covering the Columbus territory, pre-
viously handled by Gil Shepard. Dave Sten-
ger, formerly of the Fox booking department,
is covering Kentucky . . . Marian Conelly,
cashier at Paramount, returned from Port-
land, Me., where she attended the funeral
of her father . . . Geraldine Cole is a new
clerk in the Paramount accounting depart-
ment . . . Jack Keating, Paramount West
Virginia salesman, is the owner of a new
Chevrolet.
Peter Rosian, district manager for Univer-
sal, attended a meeting in New York with
home office executives . . . Frank Ferguson,
one of the pioneer exhibitors of central Ohio,
has returned from Florida. He will spend a
few weeks in Columbus and then head for
his estate in Canada for the summer.
Harry H. Walders, for many years sales-
man for RKO in Chicago, has been appointed
manager for RKO in Cleveland, replacing A1
Kolitz, previously of Cincinnati and now
Rocky mountain district manager for RKO
with headquarters in Denver . . . Lynne
Marquis has replaced Gladys Poliak as secre-
tary to Lee Goldberg of Popular Pictures.
Goldberg set the Frank Capra reissue, “Meet
John Doe,” at the Lyric here for a week
starting April 23.
Christian Pfister of Troy, Ohio, displayed
a healthy tan when he appeared on Filmrow
last weelL He acquired it on a recent trip to
Colorado . . . Joe Lee has instituted arbitra-
tion proceedings against MGM, for an avail-
ability at his Ames Theatre, Dayton, the
same as the other subsequent run houses are
receiving.
Two of the babies recently placed in the
Variety Club foundling home have been
adopted, and a third will be adopted shortly.
Variety Club members have been requested
to contribute infant clothes which are badly
needed for the foundling home babies.
IATSE Local B37 members will celebrate
the tenth anniversary of the local with a
dance at the Kemper Lane hotel in May . . .
Marvin Arent, Schine circuit booker in Cin-
cinnati, attended a meeting in Cleveland with
home office officials ... A sneak preview of
Zebra's Army Suggestion
Wins General's Praise
Pittsburgh — Russ Zebra, RKO sales
representative, is proud of a letter he has
received from A. C. Wedemeyer, army
lieutenant general, in which the former
GI is commended for a suggestion he
made while a member of the armed
forces. The former Sergeant Zebra had
proposed that possible recruits for serv-
ice could be induced to enlist in the army
by the showing of the actual dollars and
cents value accrued to them during a
three-year period of enlistment. This
plan was adopted by Second army head-
quarters, and General Wedemeyer re-
ports to the RKO salesman that the re-
sults of the adoption of the plan are
quite gratifying; that recruiting has been
stimulated. The letter states, in part:
“The aptness shown in the organiza-
tion of this plan indicates an exceptional
degree of originality. Your efforts have re-
flected great credit upon yourself, your
organization and upon the Second army.”
“Boomerang” was held at the RKO Albee
Theatre April 14 immediately following the
last showing of “Carnival in Costa Rica.” The
house was a sellout.
Future Variety Club events: Annual dance
June 7 at the Pavilion Caprice, Hotel Nether-
land Plaza; picnic July 14; golf tournament
August 25. Jack Frisch is chairman of the
picnic committee.
Ray Bolger will bring his hit revue, “Three
to Make Ready,” to the Taft Theatre for the
week of May 12.
Moe Dudelson, UA district manager, spent
several days here . . . Mary Anne Madewell,
20th-Fox typist, is awaiting her wedding date
in May . . . Elvira Carroll, former 20th-Fox
bookkeeper now living in Anderson, Ind., gave
birth to her second son, named Daniel Pat-
rick, in March.
Sam Fox, music contact man for Para-
mount, returned from a trip to Detroit, where
he plugged two songs, “Papa Don’t Preach to
Me,” and “Rumble Rumble Rumble,” from
the new Betty Hutton picture, “Perils of
Pauline.” He also plugged “Beside You” from
“My Favorite Brunette.”
Charles Perry, special representative in
charge of Paramount branches at Indian-
apolis and Cincinnati, returned from a busi-
ness trip through Indiana and left soon after-
ward for a trip through the West Virginia
territory, working on publicity for “My Fa-
vorite Brunette” . . . R. E. Parsons is joining
the staff of PRC-Eagle-Lion as office man-
ager. He also will handle the selling in some
of the city territory. Ralph Morley will book
PRC pictures. Irene Williams, former booker,
and a recent bride, is resigning to devote her
time to the duties of housewife . . . The office
of PRC-Eagle-Lion is being remodeled to per-
mit more space for the increased staff.
John Knoop, southern Ohio salesman for
National Theatre Supply Co., is in the White
Cross hospital, Columbus, where he under-
went a back operation.
Virginia Monahan, secretary to the office
manager at MGM, was to attend her brother’s
wedding Saturday (26) at St. Mark’s church,
Evanston . . . Gertrude Freeman, inspector at
20th-Fox, has undergone an operation and
will be off work several weeks . . . Jane
Weber of the cashier’s department at 20th-
Fox returned to her desk after a tonsillectomy.
Frank Yassenoff has installed new indi-
vidual speakers in his Eastside and Riverside
drive-ins in Columbus, both of which reopened
recently . . . W. F. Murphy is opening the
Air Park Drive-In on Morse road on the
northern edge of Columbus around May 1.
On Filmrow: A1 Sugarman and Lee Hof-
heimer, Columbus: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Epps,
Classic Theatre, Dayton; Ross Filson, Point
Pleasant, W. Va.; Robert Hall, Melvin and
Ligon, Ky.; Lauradelle Dugle, Manchester;
Mrs. Fred McComas, Blackey, Ky.; Messrs.
Lemaster and Dinkle, Raceland, Ky.; Frank
Yassenoff, Columbus; B. W. Clark, Grayson.
Ky.; Dave Brown, Cabin Creek, W. Va.
A. O. Perkins is building a new theatre in
Woodbine, Ky. . . . Mr. Milbauer is building
a drive-in theatre in Dayton . . . “Red”
Strauss is building a new theatre in Madeira,
Ohio.
Serrao Brothers Open
Roxy at Ford City, Pa.
FORD CITY, PA. — The new Roxy was
scheduled to be opened this week (24) by
Rocco “Rox” Serrao. His brother Fred,
Arnold-New Kensington exhibitor, is an asso-
ciate in the enterprise and is serving as buyer
and broker.
86
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
THEATRE
OWNERS
Size: 26 inches x 24 inches x 38 inches high
ALSO AVAILABLE WITH
STAINLESS STEEL STAND
Complete with Cash Drawer, Sliding
Shelf and Additional Storage Space
Solve YOUR
Pop Corn Problem
POP CORN
WARMER
• TWENTY-POUND STORAGE CAPACITY
(Enough Hot Com for Peak Rush Business)
• REFILLED IN 30 SECONDS
• THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED
(Low Cost Operation)
• ALL STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION
“Faster Sales mean Greater Profits”
HOT Pop Corn Always — No Matter How Great The Rush
For Further Information Write to:
PRONTO POP CORN SALES, INC.
702 Beacon Street, Boston 15, Mass.
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
87
CLEVELAND
/Cleveland will be well represented at the na-
^ tional Variety Club meeting on the west
coast. M. B. Horwitz, canvasman, and Nate
Schultz and John Urbansky sr. are delegates.
Milton A. Mooney of Cooperative Theatres,
Julius Lamm, manager of the Uptown,
Charles Gottlob of the Mount Union Theatre,
Max Shanker, Berio Vending Co.; Leo Jones
of Upper Sandusky and probably Meyer Pine,
head of Associated circuit, also will attend.
J. O. Guthrie of the Karolyn Theatre, New
London, and his son-in-law, Charles Meyer,
are handing out cigars these days. The
occasion is the arrival of a baby girl to
Guthrie’s daughter, Hope. The young lady
starts out with the euphonious name of
Megan Brooke Meyer.
Saul Minick, manager of the roadshow en-
gagements in this area of “The Best Years of
Our Lives,” supervised the opening of the
picture April 25 at the State Theatre, Toledo.
This is an independent house owned and op-
erated by Carl Schwynd. Jack Armstrong is
manager. The picture is playing a con-
tinuous policy, with no reserved seats, and
prices are 90 cents to 5 o’clock; $1.25 after 5.
An extensive publicity campaign preceded the
opening.
Sarah Shapiro London, believe it or not,
has resigned from Monogram. She has been
with the company ever since it was formed.
Her plans are purely domestic . . . Dick Les-
nick has left Film Classics and film business.
He is expending his enthusiasm in a differ-
ent line of business these days . . . B. W.
Payne jr. of Modern Talking Pictures and
Visual Communications and his wife, Evelyn,
are off for Columbus, Ohio, May 1 to at-
FREE! Give your patrons
Wear-Ever Pressure Cookers and All Metal Shop-
ping Carts worth $287.50. Write for details.
Coulter
Dinnerware
Theatre Films
403 Film Bldg.
Cleveland 14, Ohio
Theatre
Games
tend the fourth annual conference of the
Educational Film Library Ass’n.
Ruth Kronheim, Columbia cashier for the
last five years, is now hanging her hat in
the 20th-Fox exchange, where she takes over
for Ed Scholtz, resigned. Grace Dolphin,
formerly with PRC, succeeds Miss Kronheim
at Columbia ... A. Milo DeHaven of White-
house has taken over the Marblehead Theatre
at Marblehead from Mrs. Charles Bargosick
. . . East Lake Drive-In at Russell’s Point
opened April 29 . . . The Niles Drive-In opened
April 27.
Visitors spotted on Filmrow included J. J.
Grady, 20th-Fox district manager; Sam
Galanty, Columbia district manager; Sam
Seplowin, Republic district manager; Harris
Dudelson, Film Classics district manager;
Emery Foffrich, Indian Lake Theatre,
Russell’s Point, and Leo Jones, Upper San-
dusky.
Shirlene Hirshman is the new Columbia
bookers secretary, succeeding Rose Weiss,
since last week Mrs. Norman Berlin . . .
Grace McKee, Co-Op secretary, was out all
week with the flu . . . More visitors: Roger
Scherer of Defiance; all of the Ohio Shea
managers including Bob Russell of Ashtabula,
Bob Rhodes of Akron, Jack Hynes of Youngs-
town, Durwald Duty of Dover and William
Gillam of New Phillie.
“Duel in the Sun” is set for a Loew’s Still-
man opening, with the date to be announced
later . . . Les Irwin of Paramount recalls a
personal experience similar to the Texas City
disaster. It happened in Halifax during
World War I. Irwin, a Canadian by birth,
and in the Canadian army, was stationed at
Halifax when a big TNT plant exploded,
wrecking homes and killing some 1,600 per-
sons.
It’s a third daughter for Jack Watts, Na-
tional Theatre Supply Co. salesman, and Mrs.
Watts. She has been named Della May . . .
Irwin Field who formerly operated the Burton
Opera house, is back in town. He’s been down
east for months.
B. N. Skirball, who divides his time between
headquarters in Cleveland and his ranch
B0UJLGL0
Powdered Air-Conditioner and Deodorant
REMOVES ODORS COMPLETELY
Makes and Keeps Every Toilet and Washroom Odor-Free
KLEEnGLO
Floors
The all-purpose, economical cleaner for
- Walls — Woodwork — Carpets — Rugs — Upholstery
or as a Liquid Hand Soap.
Demonstration on Request
THE UniUERSRL CHEITHCRL C0R1PRRV
2230-40 East Ninth St. Cleveland 15, Ohio
home in California, is in town for a couple of
weeks . . . Les Dowdell’s younger son Frank
will be married May 3 to Jean Bollinger of
this city . . . Jerry Steel, owner of the Apollo
Theatre, Oberlin, is around again, looking
fine after his winter vacation in Florida.
Leo Jones opened the Upper Theatre, Upper
Sandusky, last Sunday. Louise Stahl, the
former owner, has given up theatre operation
for professional nursing . . . Jack Sogg, MGM
manager and G. W. Whitesell, head booker,
heeded the call of Head Man William F.
Rodgers and attended the company conven-
tion at the Astor hotel, New York.
Nat Barach, National Screen Service man-
ager, and Irving Marcus, salesman, were in
Chicago to attend the international conven-
tion held at the Drake hotel . . . John Urban-
sky sr. and Bernie Rubin returned from a
film shopping trip to New York, brought back
for release through their Imperial Exchange
“Dark Journey,” with Vivien Leigh and
“Storm in a Tea Cup,” co-starring Vivien
Leigh and Rex Harrison.
Bernard Gardner, Paramount’s Columbus
salesman, is reported on the road to recovery
after a serious operation. He’s still at home,
but is making plans to get back on his job in
a matter of weeks . . . Harold Raives, Ohio
Schine zone manager, is another cheerful
convalescent. At the Cleveland clinic he is
reported to be coming along fine, but not fine
enough to get a green light from his doctors
allowing him to attend the Variety Club con-
vention, as per his plan.
Veteran Back in the Game;
Kaliski to Pilot SRO
PITTSBURGH — Area exhibitors will be
welcoming back into the industry a veteran
film distributor in Joseph Kaliski, who has
been named branch representative for the
new Selznick Releasing Organization.
Kaliski’s record goes back a number of years
and he is well known in this territory where
he has devoted most of his long term in the
industry. Connected for long periods with
both independent and major film companies,
in recent years he was stationed in the mid-
west and in Cleveland. His wife has owned
and operated the Sherman commercial em-
ployment service here for more than 25 years.
SRO’s local office is in the Clark Bldg.,
Liberty avenue. Eddie Fontaine, with Wash-
ington, D. C., headquarters, is district repre-
sentative.
OLIVER THEATRE
SUPPLY CO., INC.
M. H. FRITCHLE
Manager
23rd and Payne Avenue
Phone: PRospect 6934
CLEVELAND
General Theatre
Equipment Co.
109 Michigan St. Toledo 2, Ohio
ADams 8511 Nights and Sun. JOrdan 1662
A complete line ot equipment and supplies,
including
CENTURY PROJECTORS
CENTURY SOUND SYSTEMS
IDEAL CHAIRS
STRONG LAMPS
24-hour Repair Service by Experienced
Projection and Sound Engineers.
ME
88
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Uncertain Feeling
Prevails in Detroit
DETROIT — Business picked up nicely at the
major houses, partly as a result of stronger
screen fare.
More favorable weather had a lot to do
with it also, but exhibitors do not feel the
pickup indicates any reversal as yet of the
prevailing downward trend. Detail for week
ending April 17.
(Average is 100)
Adams — Stairway to Heaven (U-I);
North oi the Border (SG), 2nd wk 100
B'way Capitol — My Favorite Brunette (Para),
3rd d. t. wk.; The Red House (UA), 2nd wk 105
Cinema — Man's Hope (Lopert Films);
Extenuating Circumstances (Lopert Films) 12S
Downtown — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 2nd wk 175
Fox — The Egg and I (U-I), 2nd wk 140
Michigan — Ladies' Man (Para), plus
Vaughan Monroe orchestra on stage 160
Palms-State — Stallion Road (WB);
Fear in the Night (Para) 115
Paradise — The Thirteenth Hour (Col), 2nd run,
plus Ernie Fields band on stage 95
United Artists — The Macomber Affair (UA);
The Devil Thumbs a Ride (RKO) 110
Retitled Olentangy Opens
May 14 With New Policy
COLUMBUS — First run British and for-
eign-language films will be offered at the
325-seat World Theatre on the north side,
formerly the Olentangy, when the house re-
opens May 14. A1 Sugarman and Lee Hof-
heimer, who operate the Indianola and Avon-
dale here, have announced that the World
will have daily matinees, an innovation among
local neighborhood theatres. Matinees will
start at 2 p. m. with continuous showings.
“Brief Encounter” will be the first attrac-
tion. All features will run for at least a week,
with longer runs in prospect. Other features
lined up include “On Approval,” “The Magic
Bow,” “The Overlanders,” “Thunder Rock,”
“The Well-Digger’s Daughter” and “Open
City.”
The World has been closed several weeks
for remodeling. New air conditioning equip-
ment, a new front and new seating arrange-
ment are included. The former Olentangy
had 427 seats. Reduction of 102 seats makes
all seats “center seats,” according to Sugar-
man. Charles Radeaugh, former AAF bom-
bardier and Harvard Law School student, is
manager.
The World will be the first Columbus thea-
tre to feature a regular program of foreign
films. The Indianola, some seasons ago,
played several such films and there have been
other spot bookings in various local theatres.
Cooperation with the language department
of Ohio State university, which is located near
the World, will be a special feature of the
operation.
WB Theatres Executives
Seeks Radio Permit
PITTSBURGH — Four Warner circuit exec-
utives here have applied to the FCC for a
permit to operate a radio station in this city.
They are James M. Totman, publicity direc-
tor; Harry Feinstein, booker; Joseph Feld-
man, city manager, and M. A. Silver, zone
manager. Organizers of the Western Penn-
sylvania Broadcasting Corp., they seek a
wave length of 1490 for WWSW, when that
station increases its power in the fall or early
winter.
A new local station, WPIT, is going on the
air almost immediately, making six Pitts-
burgh stations in operation. A seventh sta-
tion will be WPGH. An eighth application
lists John H. Harris, the showman; Richard
J. Cook, magazine publisher, and associates
as organizer of United Broadcasting Corp.
Granting of a permit to the Warner group
would give Pittsburgh nine standard radio
stations.
COLUMBUS
prank Yassenoff and Harold Schwartz have
reopened their Riverside Drive-In Thea-
tre on Riverside road for the season. Yassen-
off and Schwartz also operate the Eastside
Drive-In on East Main street, which was
opened several weeks ago. They are plan-
ning three more open-air theatres in the
Columbus suburban area.
Jack Goode, local stage and screen dancer
and comedian, paused here briefly before
going to the west coast to appear in a seven-
week season of the San Francisco and Los
Angeles Light Opera Ass’ns. During Goode’s
stay he placed “The Goode Earth,” his subur-
ban estate at Dublin, up for sale.
Theatres on the east side and in Bexley
once again have a miniature amusement park
for opposition. It’s Norwood’s Amusement
Center, operated by Ray Norwood, on East
Main street at Alum Creek. Norwood oper-
ated the park last season and has placed
several new rides in operation. One is a
miniature racetrack for youngsters, with
25-cent admission.
WRFD, new 5,000-watt daytime station op-
erated by the People’s Broadcasting Corp.,
subsidiary of the Ohio Farm bureau, will
begin operation July 1, according to James
H. West, president. The station, which will
feature news, markets and farm topics, will
erect a 555-foot tower on a 260-acre site five
miles north of Worthington. Edgar Parsons
has been named station manager.
Martin C. Burnett, Loew’s Central division
manager, is recovering at home from illness
which has kept him away from his office
for several days . . . Herman Stofle, assistant
manager of the Grand, already is making
plans for a two-week vacation in June in his
home town, Cincinnati . . . E. C. “Bud”
Benjamin, Minneapolis, United Artists rep-
resentative, made his first visit to Columbus
in advance of “Affairs of a Cheat,” formerly
“The Affairs of Bel Ami.” The local engage-
ment is believed to be the first for this
George Sanders feature under its new title.
Benjamin formerly was with Warner Bros,
and National Screen Service.
Leo Haenlein and Meredith Brumbaugh of
the Variety Club entertainment committee
are taking bows for the Castle Cave dinner
held last Saturday in the clubrooms . . .
Harry Young, Universal salesman, is taking
treatments at White Cross hospital for a
heart ailment. Young was recovering nicely
from effects of an auto accident when he
was hospitalized again.
Paul Murphy is the new manager of the
Northern, operated by the Miles circuit. He
succeeds Tom Paskell, who has rejoined the
army air corps and is stationed in Tokyo . . .
Jerry Norwood of Loew’s home office con-
struction department was in town for an in-
spection of air conditioning equipment of the
Ohio . . . Herbert Parliament, formerly of
the Ohio service staff, enjoyed a post-Easter
weekend leave. Herb is now a hospital ap-
prentice, second class, and is stationed at
Bainbridge naval training station in Mary-
land.
Shirley Kietzman, 17, was chosen Miss
Young Republican of Ohio in finals held on
the Palace stage. Her maid of honor is 19-
year-old Jean Evans. The girls won a two-
day trip to Washington, D. C., where they
will be guests of Washington Republicans
. . . Howard Walker, painter at the Ohio
and Broad for the past decade, died recently
following a long illness . . . Charles “Dusty”
Stokes, manager of the Beechwold, recently
purchased a new home on the Hilltop.
Four Ticket Tax Bills
Still on House Slate
HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania “tax
grind” continued in the general assembly
with foui- direct amusement tax acts in the
house and with numerous bills which would
grant taxing privileges to political subdi-
visions prominent in the proceedings.
The senate passed a bill designed to stamp
out ticket scalping. The measure provides
for statewide regulation and licensing of
ticket brokers, through local officials, and
limits resale markups to one-half the price
on the face of the ticket, or $1, whichever is
less, plus taxes. First offenders would be
fined up to $100 and costs; subsequent of-
fenses by fines up to $1,000 and two years in
prison.
SENATE OKAYS BANK BILL
Approved by the senate was a bill which
would permit banks to close on Saturdays.
The house unanimously approved a pro-
posal to borrow 500 million dollars to pay a
bonus to veterans of World War II. Before
becoming effective, the plan must be ap-
proved by the senate and then by the voters.
House committee on law and order is con-
sidering the Crowe act (S-103) which per-
mits Sunday ice hockey and which passed the
senate, 26 to 23.
The Boorse act increasing the general
borough maximum tax rate passed the house,
196 to 5, and is in the senate.
EQUAL PAY BILL STUDIED
The Bucchin and Bentzel act requiring
equality in rate of pay regardless of sex is
before the house committee on labor rela-
tions. A similar bill, introduced by Mrs. Dye,
is active in the house.
Passed second reading is Albert Beech’s
act requiring owners of places of amusement
and entertainment to give public notice of
owners of concessions.
Before the house committee on liquor con-
trol is the O’Neill and Turner bill (H-1170)
which would license theatres, circuses, mu-
seums and other amusement places to dis-
pense liquor.
Special concentration is being given to the
Brunner and Stonier act (H-800) which
would permit all cities and school districts
the privilege of imposing taxes.
Forbes Supply Maintains
Nightingale Pin Lead
DETROIT— Ernie Forbes Supply retains
the lead in the Nightingale Club Bowling
league. Team standings:
Won Lost
Ernie Forbes Supply 53 28
United Theatre Equipment 48
Lorenzen Flower Shop 42 39
Brenkert Light Projectors 41 40
National Theatre Supply 39 42
Altec Sound Service 39 42
Projectionist Local 199 38 43
McArthur Theatre Supply 36 45
George McArthur 35 46
National Carbon Co. 34 47
High scores were rolled by Rosmy 245, R.
Haskins 243, Cox 228, G. Light 216, Fouchey
202, and Goossen 200.
Detroit Colonial Theatre
Starts Remodeling Work
DETROIT — The Colonial Theatre, head-
quarters house of the Midwest circuit, op-
erated by Ray Schreiber, is closing for one
shift, 8:30 a. m. to 4:00 p. m„ for remodeling
for three weeks. The house normally op-
erated 24 hours a day. A new heating plant
is being installed by William Heeney, and
complete new Simplex booth equipment by
National Theatre Supply Co.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
88-A
DETROIT
TTnder the marquees: Edwain Van Sickle,
former owmer of the Manchester Thea-
tre at Manchester, has taken over the Ovid
at Ovid from Paul F. Meder . . . William
Kimmel of the West End says he could do as
good a job on the stage as Rudy Vallee . . .
Jeff Williams has a huge new ballroom on his
hands in the Chesterfield, said to hold 6,000
persons. He is starting off with a name band
policy.
Victor A. Dodge had special shows for the
Lions at the Westown Tuesday last week . . .
Alice Gorham, UDT exploiteer, reports that
sprained arm is now in shape so she can play
boogie, swim, whip up a cake and bat out
those catchy headlines . . . Sam Ackerman
of the East Side was still enjoying the spring
in Florida.
Charles and Martin Shafer are dividing
managerial duties at the new State in Wayne,
built by their father Walter, former Koppin
circuit executive. Leonard Hix, who grew up
with the Shafer organization, is managing
the Wayne, which is now the second string
house . . . Frank Howard, former Coopera-
LOWERS for
Every Occasion
LORENZEN'S
DETROIT'S THEATRICAL FLORIST
TOwnsend 8-6232
16457 Woodward Ave., Detroit 3, Mich.
five Theatres booker who has been at Covina,
Calif., for his health, has moved back home
to Wayne, Mich.
Dale Young has replaced Eleanor Stanton
as manager at the Bloomfield in Birming-
ham . . . William Cadmus, former assistant at
the Palms- State, is managing the Annex,
where he practically grew up. Cadmus likes
the policy of proven hits the house is run-
ning . . . Art Leazenby of the Cinema is en-
joying his debut as an author . . . Philip Mc-
Namee of the Paradise entered the hospital
Wednesday (16) for an operation.
Milton Herman of the Paradise is figuring
on doing plenty of fishing this summer up at
Lou Cohen’s domicile in the St. Clair Flats
. . . Harry Danzig, until recently house man-
ager at the Family, has gone into the shoe
business as a partner in Ross Shoes, Inc.,
across the street from ,the Martha Washing-
ton Theature in Hamtramck. He takes over
from the Meretsky family of Windsor show
fame, who operated there under the name
of Gabriel’s.
Exchanges: Col. George McCoy, film
salesman, was missing in that roundup of
Kentucky colonels staged by Frank Perry at
the UA Theatre . . . Eddie Stuckey, Para-
mount manager, was out welcoming the re-
turn of spring . . . Art Knapp, veteran 20th-
Fox salesman, is back on the job after his
long convalescence looking “fit as a fiddle.”
George W. Sampson of RKO, on the mend
after a long illness, plans to keep his weight
down to his present very satisfactory 165
. . . A1 Levy of 20th-Fox has been vacation-
r 1
PLAN YOUR NEW THEATRE NOW
CHARLES N. BOARD, Theatre Builder
East Detroit PRospect 1064
Theatre Bldg. * Phones Rosevyie 0243
k A
FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS
The Showmen’s Drug Store
Drugs .. Cosmetics .. Prescriptions
Personal Service trom Two Showmen —
MAX BERNBAUM JACK GALLAGHER
Pharmacist Manager
Phone CLilford 1527, CLilford 3694
WANTED:
COMPETENT BOOKKEEPER
To Handle Complete Set of Books for Theatre Circuit
All Inquiries will be held Confidential
ASSOCIATED THEATRES
1333 Dime Building Detroit 26, Michigan
1 ror? c/i r r
1 M l/Jf jj/l4iXi
Vz Interest in
Film TRUCK SERVICE,
Detroit
For Information, Call CHerry 1330, Detroit
ing in New York . . . Jack Lorentz, 20th-Fox
district manager, was in from Chicago a few
days . . . Harlan Starr was busy getting the
radio set to catch the opening ball game.
Pete Rossman and Jack Saxe decided that
“Hard Boiled Mahoney” was a Monogram
picture after all, not Columbia’s . . . George
Sampson jr. of United Artists is the father
of eight-pound Joyce, his second child.
Along the rialto: Jamison Handy is re-
ported to be still taking his hour a day in
the swimming pool . . . Harold Robinson re-
mains a victim of sinus as long as the damp
weather persists ... Ed McMillan of the
Downtown is back from Florida, and has
gained back the seven pounds he lost when he
went on a diet . . . Morris H. Surath and
Orie Rouland, who has joined Surath’s Abbott
Supply Co. as sales manager, are attending
the National Sanitary Ass’n convention in
St. Louis.
John Fisher, who used to be BOXOFFICE
correspondent here, had a nice turnout for
the Burgundy opening, including newsmen.
Among the latter were Fred Gaertner, Tony
Weitzel and Paul Williams of the News, Mark
Beltaire and J. D. Callaghan of the Free
Press, Harvey Taylor of the Times, Ed
Wheeler of W&W, the one and only Charlie
Carlisle, and Les Clark of the musicians
union . . . Buddy Fields and Frankie Taylor
of MCA took their 32nd degree in Masonry.
Up in the booths: Lee Engerson of the
Harper is disposing of his portable 35mm
equipment . . . B. E. Pool, who moved out to
the State in Wayne from the West Side
Drive-In, built a six-room house in nine
weeks with his son’s aid out on his 18-acre
farm on Stark road. He has another farm
in Carmi, 111., with three oil wells on it.
Sherman J. Lambly jr. of the Rouge in
River Rouge has moved from Wyandotte to
River Rouge to be near his work . . . J. C.
Woodfin of the Annex is one of the regulars
over at projectionists clubrooms . . . Wallace
COMPLETE POPCORN SERVICE
Featuring PREPOPPED Corn.
r euiunuy rutu
J Delivered in Metal Containers. We Provide Warm-1
ling Cabinets Free. We Also Deliver Raw Corn. I
I Seasoning and Boxes. _
I Distributors ol Popcorn Machines and Dispensers. I
I AMERICAN POPCORN CONFECTIONS CO.
1 8634 E. Forest Ave. Phone: PLaza 4454 Detroit 13, Mich.
Distributors
for the State of
Michigan
RINGOLD THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
106 Michigan St.. N. W., Grand Rapids 2, Mich.
PERYL’S COSTUMES
UNIFORMS for Entire Theatre Staff.
Special Costumes for All Occasions, Acts and
Special Shows.
Peryl LaMarr, Prop. 3737 Woodward
Phone: TEmple 2-3948 Detroit, 1, Mich.
TheatrpSign and Marquee Maintenance
Our Specialty
%i!tforstman Co.
TEmple 2-6877
27 Eliot St.
POndac 3-4473
Detroit 1, Mich.
88-B
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Ceglarek, formerly of the Century, has trans-
ferred to Standish, Mich. . . . Glenn Horton of
the Dix, who used to live out on Clarkdale,
has a new home in Berkley . . . Clyde
Haskill of the Sheridan has started a move
to erect a statue of Henry Ford in Grand
Circus park, center of the local rialto.
Harry Walders of Chicago
Is Cleveland RKO Pilot
CLEVELAND — Harry H. Walders is the
new RKO manager here. He arrived last
week to succeed A1 Kolitz, who left off six
weeks ago to assume his new duties as RKO
Rocky mountain district manager.
Walders has been with RKO since 1933,
when he joined the Chicago office as booker.
He has been advanced from booker to sales-
man, to city sales manager, and now to
branch manager in Cleveland.
Before joining RKO, he was with the Or-
pheum circuit in Chicago, where for a num-
ber of years he concentrated on theatre man-
agement. The Walders family is a foursome,
a son 12 and a daughter 15 completing the
circle.
“Cleveland is a fine town,” he says, “but
I’ll like it a lot more when I find an apart-
ment to which to bring my family.”
New Sign on Arly
ARLINGTON, KY. — An electric sign order-
ed when the Arly Theatre was built a year
ago arrived and has been installed by Owner
D. B. Stout.
CTS Remains in Cleveland
CLEVELAND — Cleveland will continue to
operate on central standard time throughout
the summer. Pressure from representatives
of theatres and labor officials combined to
outvote the proponents for daylight savings
time for this summer, at any rate. A move
is on foot to put the question of time change
up to the people in the next election.
Daylight Lodge Officer Dies
DETROIT — John W. Marshick, treasurer of
Daylight Masonic lodge, died April 13 at his
home here. He was well known to many
showmen because of his post in the city’s
unique “theatrical lodge,” which holds noon
meetings.
SUPER SIZE
POP CORN CO.
Ready Popped Corn
307 Boulevard Bldg. Detroit 3, Mich.
TRinity 2-38S0 — 24 hour phone service
RUDY SCHROEDER HERBERT MORGAN
LEONARD SOSKIN AGENCY
Retirement income, life, automobile,
fire, health and accident insurance.
Outdoor Theatre to Start
Two Drive-Ins Shortly
PITTSBURGH — Out-Door Theatre, Inc.,
owner of a new drive-in to be opened near
Irwin, Pa., also will open an outdoor theatre
near New Castle, Pa. The projects are to
be started soon. The unit near Irwin will
be one-quarter of a mile from the approach
to the Pennsylvania turnpike and will have
accommodations for upward of 900 automo-
biles.
One Route 422, two miles north of New
Castle, the corporation will open an 800-car
drive-in. George M. Peterson, Cleveland
architect, has planned both drive-ins. The
Out-Door Theatre owners are James D.
Phillips, Theodore Grance, Americo Castelli,
Mario Battiston, Andrew Battiston and Rich-
ard Battiston.
Dr. R. B. Herrick to Open
Two Drive-In Theatres
MEADVILLE, PA. — Dr. R. B. Herrick, Mead-
ville osteopath, will open two drive-in thea-
tres, a 600-car unit near Butler, and a 700-
car capacity outdoor theatre west of New
Castle at the junction of routes 422 and 224.
Equipment will be installed by National Thea-
tre Supply.
Dr. Herrick transferred the Airway drive-
in, near Meadville, to E. F. Dodge, who was
his associate in opening this outdoor theatre
last summer.
Blatts to Drive-In Field;
To Open at Altoona
PITTSBURGH — Blatt Brothers Theatres
have entered the outdoor amusement field.
The circuit operators will open a drive-in
theatre on Route 220 near Altoona which will
have a 900-automobile capacity. George M.
Petersen designed the outdoor theatre and
National Theatre Supply will furnish all
equipment, including in-a-car speakers.
The Blatt drive-in will be opened July 4 or
earlier.
Drive-In Aide Fined
PITTSBURGH — Pleading no defense to a
charge of impersonating an officer, John
Young, East Pittsburgh, was fined $25 and
costs by Judge John J. Kennedy in criminal
court. Dressed in a policeman’s uniform and
carrying a revolver, Young was directing
traffic near the drive-in theatre on Route 22,
Patton township last fall. He told the judge
he worked in the theatre and only wore the
uniform at nights while directing traffic.
Drive-In for Muskegon
MUSKEGON, MICH. — Application has been
made to the CPA by the Central Drive-In
Theatres Corp. of Cleveland, headed by Herb
Ochs, for permission to build a 700-car drive-
in on three acres of land near here on U.S.
31. Grading of the site has already started.
The company hopes to be able to put the
$50,000 enterprise into operation this sum-
mer.
541 Book Bldg.
CA 3515, Detroit
%
Auto-In Will Open
ERNIE
FORBES
214 W. Montcalm
Detroit 1, Mich.
Phone CAdillac 1122
CINCINATI — The Auto-In Theatre, own-
'ed by Auto-In Theat’/e Co., Jerome J. Kunz,
manager, is set to open the last of April. It
accommodates some 500 autos equipped with
in-car speakers. The Theatre Owners Corp.
will book and buy for the open air spot.
Akron Drive-In Opens
AKRON — The Starlight Auto Theatre at
South Arlington street and Waterloo road
opened for the season April 18.
Admission Is Free
At Bailey Opening
CRAB ORCHARD, KY.— The $80,000 Bailey
Theatre here, owned jointly by George Bailey
and Hamp L. Howard, opened April 19.
Bailey is managing. The new house seats 350.
Bailey and Howard are newcomers to theatre
business.
Because the opening had been long delayed
by labor and material shortages, the owners,
angling for popular goodwill, put on a free
matinee for children only on opening day.
The turnout was so large that Bailey and
Howard decided to put on a free show again
that evening. At the close of the matinee the
children were instructed to go home and
invite all who cared and who could get in to
attend the theatre free of charge that night.
The result was a full house, with all available
standing room taken up, and approximately
250 on the outside who were unable to get in.
Present for the opening ceremonies were
Frank Riffle of Altec in Louisville; W. E.
Carrell, owner of the Falls City Theatre
Equipment Co.; Ben Reeves jr., New Lincoln
Theatre, Stanford, Ky.; D. G. Gray, Gray
Theatre, Brodhead, Ky.; J. A. Aull, Swanson-
Nunn Marquee Co., Evansville, Ind., and, of
course, J. E. Elliott jr., the roving projection-
ist from the Lincoln Theatre, Hodgenville,
Ky., who endeavors to make all openings in
the immediate territory and offers any free
assistance he may be able to render.
While the Bailey is comparatively small in
size, and located in a small town, it is a pock-
et-size deluxer. The stage is completely
draped in blue and silver curtains which are
fully automatic in control. The walls and
ceiling are finished in blue and rose, which
tapers off in various shades of the two colors.
The theatre lighting fixtures are on several
circuits which may be changed by remote con-
trol to conform with the mood of the picture
being projected on the screen.
Barton in Featured Role
James Barton will take a featured role in
United Artists’ “The Time of Your Life,”
starring James Cagney.
EXHIBITORS — PARK FREE AT
McArthur
THEATRE
EQUIPMENT
COMPANY
454 COLUMBIA ST. WEST - DETROIT I. MlCH.
MOTIOGRAPH SERVICE
Phone: CAdillac 5524
LONG SIGN CO.
MARQUISE SIGNS
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
840 W. Baltimore, Detroit — TR 1-5477
—THEATRE CHAIRS
3000 Used Spring cushioned, part full
upholstered back and part insert
panel back, with spring edges and
box spring cushions.
1000 Veneer Chairs.
800 Good Backs.
500 Spring cushions, and hinges.
Write for Prices and Photographs
JESSE COLE Theatre Seating
2565 McClellan, Detroit Phone: LEnox 3445
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
88-C
SPRINGFIELD
Two managers of Chakeres- Warner theatres
were awarded prizes of war bonds for in-
creased business and attendance during an
eight-week campaign honoring Nat Wolf, Ohio
zone manager for Warner Bros. They are
Woodrow Owens, Majestic manager, winner
of a $100 bond, and Martha H. Reed, Ohio
manager, winner of a $50 bond. Awards were
made at a banquet in Cleveland honoring
Wolf for his 15 years of service.
Announcement has been made of the en-
gagement of Mike Chakeres, city manager for
the Chakeres-Warner theatres, to Anne
Katris, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William A.
Katris of Mount Vernon, Ohio. Chakeres is
the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Chakeres of
Springfield. Miss Katris attended Ohio State
university. Chakeres was graduated from
Wittenberg college.
The State Theatre had a three-day show-
ing of “Bedelia,” first release of Eagle-Lion
Films, a corporation founded last year by an
Ohioan, Robert F. Young, Cleveland railroad
executive.
Managers of Chakeres-Warner theatres en-
tertained at a luncheon in Hotel Shawnee
April 19 in honor of Martha Reed, Ohio man-
ager, who is leaving the employ of Chakeres
theatres for a housewife’s career. She was
presented an orchid and jewelry. She has
been with the local Chakeres organization for
ten years, serving the last five as manager
of the Ohio. On April 24 she was honored
with a dinner in Hotel Shawnee, the affair
being given by women employed in the
Chakeres-Warner offices.
Mr. and Mrs. James Abrose of Cincinnati
visited for several days with Mr. and Mrs. Ray
Frisz of the Chakeres-Warner organization.
Abrose is Warner Bros, manager at Cincin-
nati . . . Construction will start soon on the
city’s first FM station. Approval has been
given by the FCC for the station to be oper-
ated by the Champion City Broadcasting Co.,
headed by Dr. D. J. Parsons. John E. Har-
wood and William Errin. The latter will be
general manager and commentator for the
station.
Residents Denied Order
Against Glendale Airer
CINCINNATI— An injunction sought by 62
residents of Glendale and Woodlawn against
construction of a drive-in theatre on the
Keller farm on the southern edge of Glendale
was denied by Judge Nelson Schwab. The
defendants. Theatre Enterprises, Inc., Dr.
and Mrs. Wm. S. Keller, J. R. Minor, and
Nathan B. Kaplan, propose to erect the open
air theatre on the Springfield pike adjoining
Glendale Memorial park. They said individ-
ual speakers would be placed in patrons’
cars, and lights, traffic and other matters
would be controlled so that there would be no
nuisance to neighbors.
Vogelheim Taking Over
Theatre in Rogers City
ROGERS CITY, MICH.— V. S. Vogelheim
will take over operation of the Rogers Thea-
tre, 400-seat house which he erected here
several years ago, from Walter A. Kelly on
May 15. Kelly is still listed as owner of the
Strand Theatre, 260-seat house which has
been closed for quite a while.
In ’Me and My Dog'
Paramount has signed Brenda Joyce and
Robert Shayne for adult leads in “Me and
My Dog.”
Carnahan Building
Campion Theatre
MANCHESTER, KY.-J. F. Carnahan has
awarded the contract for construction of a
440-seat de luxe theatre in Campton, Ky.
Present plans call for an opening not later
than mid- July or August 1.
Carnahan also is interested in the Man-
chester Theatre here, the Lee in Beattyville,
the McKee in McKee and a new theatre in
Sandgap, all in Kentucky.
Construction of the McKee Theatre is in
the final stages and the formal opening is
expected to take place soon. Heating and
cooling equipment is being installed at pres-
ent with the interior and exterior decorating
next on the list. Carnahan said there is no
particular rush on the opening of the New
McKee as the old house is still in operation
and serving quite well.
Mrs. J. F. Carnahan, who recently under-
went an operation at the Jewish hospital in
Louisville, is recuperating at the home of
Carnahan’s sister, Mrs. Nate Disbro, in Croth-
ersville, Ind. Se hopes to be back home in
Manchester by May 5.
Allen Johnson President
Of B&J in Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.— Allen Johnson,
for many years vice-president and general
manager, has been named president of the
B&J Theatres, Inc., operator of the Eastown,
Our, Four Star, Wealthy and Royal theatres
here. He succeeds the late Edmund C.
Shields of Lansing.
B&J is owned in equal shares by Johnson
and the W. S. Butterfield circuit of Detroit.
L. E. Gordon, who became president of the
Butterfield houses recently upon the death
of Edward C. Beatty, is secretary-treasurer
of the local organization under the new setup
and George S. Berger is assistant treasurer,
as he is also for the Butterfield organization.
Johnson has been in theatre business since
1925, when he started at the Royal Theatre.
Hippodrome Building Sold
To Pair for $3,000,000
CLEVELAND — Entire capital stock of the
Hippodrome Bldg, on downtown Euclid ave-
nue has been sold to Herbert Sheftel and
Alfred G. Burger of New York, owners of the
Telenews Theatres, for $3,000,000. Involved
are the 11-story building, stores and the
Hippodrome Theatre, operated by Warner
Bros, the last 15 years.
The Warner lease, it is stated, still has a
considerable number of years to run. It is
not known whether the new owners have
plans of their own at expiration of the lease,
or whether the present leasing arrangement
will be extended. Cleveland has a Telenews
Theatre on Euclid avenue.
Cleveland Barkers Okay
Eleven for Membership
CLEVELAND — Directors of Variety Club
have approved applications of 11 new mem-
bers: Frank Masek, National Theatre Supply
manager; Dick Wright, Warner assistant zone
manager; Lou Ratener, Warner contact man-
ager; J. Knox Strachan, Warner theatre pub-
licity director; Bud Gilliam, Warner theatre
booker; Harold Freedman, Warner relief
manager; Eddie Miller, manager of the Hip-
podrome; Julius Lamm, manager of the Up-
town; Alan Shaw, Imperial booker; Hilbert
Horwitz of Theatre Films, and John Tender,
Tivoli Theatre, Lorain.
TO_LE_DO
^he opening date of “Best Years of Our
Lives” was moved ahead in the State
Theatre, de luxe 1,900-seat neighborhood
house operated by the Carl Schwyn circuit,
to Friday (25) with four showings daily,
starting at noon, according to Jack Arm-
strong, general manager of the circuit.
Though the legitimate season at Town Hall
closed in midwinter, Helen Hoerle, publicity
representative for “Lady Windemere’s Fan,”
says that Toledo will be on the play’s road
tour route for next season. Emmett Calla-
han, native of Toledo, is the manager of the
production.
When an underground power cable broke,
the only theatre affected was Loew’s Valen-
tine, where the show was blocked out 18
minutes. Several downtown office buildings
and streetcar and trolley coach operations
were affected . . . New 16mm sound and pro-
jection equipment installed by the Toledo
Museum of Art was used for the first time
April 19 for a children’s show of “Festival
of Spring” and “Rainbow Rhythms.”
The congregation of Calvary Lutheran
church is using the Colony Theatre, sub-
urban house, for its Sunday services, until
plans for a new church building materialize.
Trustees believe that new quarters will be
occupied within a year.
Eddie Cheyfitz, ex-Toledo labor leader now
on the staff of Eric Johnston, stopped here
en route to a Hollywood assignment at the
MGM studio . . . The recently organized Tent
30 of Variety Club here is planning a com-
bined stage and screen midnight show in the
Paramount Theatre June 6. Marvin Harris,
manager of the Paramount, is general chair-
man of the benefit affair.
Predict Early Compromise
On Ohio Sales Tax Issue
COLUMBUS — Compromise is expected on
the controversial proposal for repeal of the
state’s 3 per cent admissions tax whereby
the house taxation committee would approve
a proposal for the state to continue col-
lection of the tax and then distribute it
wholly to the subdivisions of origin.
Howard Thompson, Ohio State Journal po-
litical writer, said that a large number of
the 23-member house taxation committee
has cited reasons why the state should not
get out of this tax field.
If this compromise is reached, it will be in
effect the same as a senate bill introduced
by Sen. Robert L. Quinn of Steubenville at
the suggestion of P. J. Wood, secretary of
the Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio.
This bill would leave the tax as it is but
return the money to the county of origin.
Visual Education Session
Attracts 150 Delegates
PITTSBURGH— The first all-day visual
education conference, with demonstration of
16mm film projectors, slides and film strips,
was attended by 150 delegates from Protestant
denominations in Allegheny county who are
convinced that such devices will be stand-
ard equipment in future religious instruc-
tion.
Stating that churches do not want to go
into Competition with theatres, William S.
Hockman, Lakewood, Ohio, editor of the
church department of Education Screen
magazine, said that churches want to use
films to bring members into closer social re-
lationships.
88-D
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Brookline's Coolidge Theatre Staff
Lectured on Prevention of Crime
Staff of the Coolidge Theatre, Brookline, is pictured after members were given a
lesson on crime prevention around theatres by Frank Stratton, expert criminologist.
This was one of a series of such lectures by authorities being given to the theatre staff,
the motif of which is “an ounce of prevention,” etc. Appearing in the picture are
Stratton; Manager B. R. Stewart; Miss Selvaggi, candy attendant; James Gately,
superintendent of maintenance; Miss Harrison, chief cashier; Mr. Sylvia, chief door-
man (seated) ; Paul Murphy, assistant manager (seated near table) ; Sergeant Kirran
of the Brookline police; others are ushers and ticket-takers.
Horowitz Pilots SG;
Fecke to PRC Post
BOSTON— Two new branch managers
were announced here this week, while a thea-
tre circuit added a
new executive.
Sieg Horowitz, with
20th-Fox for 18 years,
has been named man-
ager of the Screen
Guild and Films Clas-
sics exchange, the ap-
pointment having been
made by A1 Swerdlove,
head of the two com-
panies. Horowitz
joined 20th - Fox in
1929 in New Haven,
where he was ad sales
sieg Horowitz manager in the New
Haven office. He came to the Boston office
in the same capacity and has had experience
also as salesman and booker in all the New
England states. Speaking four languages flu-
ently, he is a graduate of the University of
Leipzig.
A1 Fecke has been appointed by A1 Herman,
district manager, as pilot of the PRC branch
here. Fecke moves over from Repub' ic, where
he was salesman for 12 years in the New
Hampshire and Vermont territories.
Charles Repac, circuit contact man at
MGM, has resigned to join the B&Q circuit.
Voudoukis Charges Denied
By Vermont Exhibitors
BOSTON — The Interstate Theatre Corp.
and Rockingham Operating Co. have filed
denials in the antitrust suit of State Amuse-
ments, Inc., operating the State Theatre in
Bellows Falls, Vt.
Through John Voudoukis, owner, State
Amusements filed its antitrust action here
March 13 against the two companies men-
tioned above, Loew’s, Inc., Paramount, 20th-
Fox, UA, U-I, Columbia and Republic, alleg-
ing that the defendants had conspired to
restrain and monopolize interstate commerce
in motion picture films.
The time for the answers from the defend-
ant distributors has been extended by agree-
ment of counsel and the court.
George S. Ryan, Boston, is counsel for
Voudoukis.
Drive for Greek Relief
Ahead in Connecticut
NEW HAVEN — Henry Germaine, Connec-
ticut chief for Greek war relief and the
war orphan drives, announces the campaign
has been extended several weeks from its
April 8 deadline in order to permit theatre
and exchange men to wind up collections and
report results. Germaine says he is encour-
aged by early returns, but urges those who
have been negligent in turning in results to
do so without further delay.
“All factions are agreed that by alleviat-
ing the suffering in Greece, we not only do
a humanitarian piece of work but aid democ-
racy,” said Germaine, “and this is an op-
portunity to help the good work.”
Hayes' Honorary Post
WEST NEWBURY, MASS.— Roland Hayes,
concert singer, will serve as honorary vice-
president of the summer theatre here. John
P. Marquand is president of the group. Hayes
recently purchased a summer home here.
BOSTON — In keeping with the policy of
top instruction in all phases of theatre opera-
tion, Brookline’s Coolidge Theatre staff heard
Frank Stratton, member of the Boston police
department, who has attained nationwide
fame as a special investigator of practically
every major crime in the New England area.
With the advent of theatres catering to folks
of every degree of social caste and habit,
criminal activity frequently enters the thea-
tre scene. Proper instruction to the service
staff regarding the theatre’s responsibility
and limitations in this matter offer invalu-
able knowledge in what to do and what not
to do.
Stratton offered a graphically illustrated
lecture in 16mm film of police case histories
of crimes involving theatres, halls and gen-
eral public meeting places. Pointing out that
an ounce of prevention might eliminate many
crimes, Stratton also told the staff of the
necessity of intelligent observation, coupled
with proper attention of the police, reducing
unfavorable notoriety and responsibility on
Actor's Son Injured
HARTFORD — Edward F. O’Shea, 19, of
Wethersfield, Conn., son of actor Michael
O’Shea, recently was injured in an auto
accident in Wethersfield. He was taken to
Hartford hospital for treatment. His injuries
were not serious.
Baby Contest Starts
DOVER, N. H.— The Strand Theatre’s baby
contest to determine the most popular baby
got under way April 15. Photographs of the
infants are on display in the lobby and ballots
are being printed in the evening daily paper.
Several leading merchants are cooperating.
the part of the theatre.
The staff was keenly interested in the lec-
ture since the theatre is soon to play 20th-
Fox’s “Boomerang,” taken from Reader’s Di-
gest and dealing with a crime in a nearby
state.
Guests at this lecture included members of
the Brookline police department.
A month before “13 Rue Madeleine” was
shown, the staff was shown judo holds applied
by Earl Nishomoto, instructor who trained
the Rangers during the late war.
Dr. A. Warren Steams, Tufts college pro-
fessor of sociology (who recently received
nationwide publicity in the “Forever Amber”
trial) recently gave the staff a series of lec-
tures in applied psychology just before the
theatre played “The Dark Mirror,” “Rage in
Heaven,” “Strange Woman,” etc.
Bernard Stewart, Paul Murphy and Rich-
ard Penta the manager, assistant manager
and chief of staff respectively, work out these
ideas cooperatively.
Lunenberg Okays Permit
For 460- Auto Drive-In
WORCESTER — The selectmen of Lunen-
burg have granted a license for an open-air,
drive-in film theatre adjacent to Whalom
park, the action coming after an inspection
tour by the board and the police showed that
no traffic hazards would exist at the proposed
entrance and exit.
A petition for the license had been filed
by two Leominster war veterans, Alfred
Mellor and Alfred Bergeron. An option on
the land has been obtained, and it is ex-
pected the theatre will accommodate 460
automobiles. Opposition to the license had
been voiced by the Whalom Park Amusement
Co., which operates a summer stock theatre.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
NE
89
TENT 31 IS BORN — Sparked by the presence of C. J. Latta of Albany, national
assistant chief barker, and other speakers, Tent 31 of the Variety Club of Connecti-
cut installed officers at a ceremony in Hotel Taft, New Haven. In the photo, 1. to r„
seated: Herman M. Levy, canvasman; Mayor William C. Celanto of New Haven,
honorary member; Barney Pitkin, chief barker; Latta. Standing: Henry Germaine,
canvasman; Charles E. Lewis, New York, national publicity director; Harry F. Shaw,
canvasman; Col. William McCraw, national executive director; George Wilkinson,
dough guy; Carl Goe, canvasman; Arthur Greenfield, property man; Lou Brown,
canvasman.
Sneak Preview of 'Arch'
Held at Hartford House
HARTFORD — A sneak preview of Enter-
prise’s “Arch of Triumph” was held at the
Poli here last week, with the following in-
dustry executives from Hollywood as guests
of Harry F. Shaw, division manager of Loew’s
Poli New England Theatres, and Manager
Lou Cohen of the local theatre:
George Schaeffer, sales manager for En-
terprise; Robert Taplinger, publicity director
at the studio; Louis Milestone, director;
Charles Enfield, producer; Nate Watts, pro-
duction manager for Milestone; David Law-
rence, sound technician; D. Loew, producer;
and Harry Brown, who adapted the novel.
Also on hand were Ben Joel jr. and Lou
Brown of Loew’s Theatres.
John Scanlon jr. to Pilot
House in Thompsonville
NEW BRITAIN— Pete Perakos of Perakos
Theatres has announced the appointment of
John Scanlon jr. as manager of the Strand
Theatre, Thompsonville, Conn., succeeding
Tommie Grogan, who has resigned to go into
the automobile business. Scanlon is a son
of the manager of the Warner Theatre in
Torrington and has been working with his
father as assistant manager of the Warner.
Local Option in Maine
On Sunday Shows Dies
AUGUSTA, ME. — The house of represen-
tatives has killed legislation to permit towns
to conduct local option votes on whether to
legalize Sunday “theatricals,” as well as Sun-
day motion picture shows. The action came
on a voice vote approving a motion to accept
an adverse report of the legal affairs com-
mittee.
Indian Fighter on Streets
HARTFORD — Manager Fred R. Greenway
of the Palace arranged a street gag for the
revivals, “Kit Carson” and “Last of the Mo-
hicans,” consisting of a man, dressed as an
Indian fighter, carrying a rifle and a 22x28
card walking down the main stem.
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 oi which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE, DATE <5. RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE
NAME POSITION
Variety Installation
Held at New Haven
NEW HAVEN — Newly elected officers of
Tent 31 of the Variety Club of Connecticut,
with Barney Pitkin as chief barker, were
installed at Hotel Taft last week. Mayor
William C. Celentano elected an honorary
member, praised the club’s charitable work,
and other speakers, including C. J. Latta of
Albany, national assistant chief barker; Col.
William McCraw of Texas, national organizer,
and Charles E. Lewis of New York, national
publicity director, traced the history of the
organization.
Latta acted as installing officer and Con-
necticut MPTO executive secretary, Herman
Levy, canvasman, was toastmaster. The tent
now numbers 60 members, with promise of a
rapid increase.
Other officers installed included Dr. J. B. .
Fishman, assistant chief barker; Rudy Frank,
second assistant; George Wilkinson, dough
guy; Arthur Greenfield, property man, and
Harry F. Shaw, Levy, Carl Goe, John Pavone,
Lou Brown and Henry Germaine, directors.
New Hartford Firm Offers
Professional 16mm Films
HARTFORD — Associated Film Libraries,
Inc., has opened at 53 High St., handling
16mm films. The firm will rent professional
sound films and equipment.
Officers are Alfred C. Baldwin, president;
Alexander Warner of the Self Service Cigaret
Corp., Hartford, treasurer; Tony Pastor, the
band leader, vice-president; A. S. Albrecht,
counsel; Clarence Kantrowitz, secretary and
executive secretary, and Mrs. Helen Manley
Hopkins, educational director. Malcolm
Sauer and Joseph Papa, formerly with Films,
Inc., of New York, are assistant executive
director and general manager, respectively.
The new corporation also has offices in New
Haven, Providence and Boston. Don Haw-
thorne of New Haven is general sales man-
ager for the southern Connecticut territory
and Nicholas Maruk of Hartford has the same
position in the Massachusetts territory. Wil-
liam Cooper is Rhode Island sales manager
and George Rogharr, Boston territory sales
manager.
Rex at Manchester, N. H.,
Offering British Films
MANCHESTER, N. H.— A first run policy
was inaugurated at the Rex Theatre with
“Brief Encounter” as the first of a series of
eight films to be presented under the new
plan, it was reported by the manager Lucien
Descouteaux.
All films on the schedule are British and
are being released by Prestige Pictures
through Universal-International. Besides
“Brief Encounter,” they include “Johnny
Frenchman,” “I Know Where I’m Going,”
“This Happy Breed,” “The Years Between,”
“A Lady Surrenders,” “The Captive Heart,”
“The Magic Bow” and “The Overlanders.”
Malcolm-Smith to China Drive Post
HARTFORD — George Malcolm-Smith of
the publicity department of the Travelers
Insurance Co., Hartford, well known in the
theatrical world, has been appointed Hart-
ford county chairman of the 1947 drive for
United Service to China. Malcolm-Smith
is author of the novel “Slightly Perfect,”
which appeared last year on Broadway as
a musical comedy under the title, “Are You
With It?” The story recently has been ob-
tained by Universal for film adaptation.
90
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
See Your RCA Independent Theatre Supply Dealer
Their Brenkert ”80” Projectors,
with the sensational Brenkert High
Intensity Lamps, are making ter-
rific headway with the public and
the box office.
Plenty of smart exhibitors in this
area are upping their receipts and
drawing holdout crowds ... by
showing the clearest, brightest,
steadiest pictures their audiences
have ever seen.
You can get the same results.
CAPITOL THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
28 Piedmont St.
Boston 16, Mass.
H A R T F O R
T ou Cohen, Loew’s Poli manager, met re-
cently with Bob Kaufman, 20th-Fox
praise agent in this territory, to plan a cam-
paign for “The Late George Apley” . . . Johnny
Pavone, Monogram manager in New Haven,
and Walter Silverman of Columbia there,
visited Manager Martin Kellehir of the
Princess . . . Mickey Daly visited Plainfield.
Florence Nutcher, cashier at the Bijou,
New Haven, was here visiting Mrs. Sam Hor-
witz. Before her marriage, Mrs. Horwitz was
Bijou assistant manager.
Ed Kelleher of the Princess visited New
York . . . The staff of the Princess hosted Lil
Kelleher, Ed’s secretary, at a birthday party
in the Hotel Bond . . . Those U-I “Egg and I”
match covers have been appearing in large
numbers in this territory . . . Arnold Van
D
Leer, Paramount praise agent, and Walter B.
Lloyd of the Allyn were busy on “My Fa-
vorite Brunette.
Albert Lessow of the Palace was in New
York . . . Marilyn Landers, daughter of the
E. M. Loew’s manager, has been appearing
in a number of dramatic presentations at
Bulkeley high school here. She graduates in
June.
“State of the Union,” has been booked for
four days starting April 28 at the Bushnell
Memorial, at $3.60 top. Neil Hamilton, Erin
O’Brien-Moore, and James Rennie are starred
. . . John Loder and K. T. Stevens were in
last week, appearing in “Laura,” at the Bush-
nell.
For a special children’s show last week, the
Astor in East Hartford presented ten prize
bags to ten children. Included in the per-
formance was a one hour cartoon-serial . . .
The current series of Saturday morning film
presentations at the Central, West Hartford,
sponsored by the audio-visual committee of
the West Hartford PTA, will end April 26. It
is the second annual series sponsored by the
committee.
William H. Mortensen, managing director
of the Bushnell, has been named a new cor-
porator of the Hartford dispensary . . . Bill
Gilwech, Poli projectionist, is observing his
16th wedding anniversary.
Manager Lester Markoski of the Music Box
Theatre in New Britain ran an all-Italian
show last Tuesday. A publicity meeting on
“Love Laughs at Andy Hardy” was held at
the Broadway, Norwich, by Manager Joe
Boyle and his assistant, Tillie Pysyk . . .
Beansie Larco, former Arch Street doorman,
has been recovering slowly from injuries re-
ceived in an automobile accident on the New
Britain-Plainville road.
Independent Exhibitors
To Fete Francis Lydon
BOSTON — Independent Exhibitors, Inc. of
New England will give a testimonial lunch-
eon to Francis C. Lydon May 6 at Hotel
Bradford. Heading the committee on ar-
rangements is Walter E. Mitchell, with Julian
Rifkin and Ted Rosenblatt assisting.
An active member of Independent Exhibi-
tors, Lydon is a past president of the organi-
zation and is now chairman of the newly
formed Motion Picture Coordinating com-
mittee.
Lydon recently resigned from Arthur How-
ard’s Affiliated Theatres, Inc., to join Van-
guard Films as special representative under
Tom Duane. Lydon will retain his mem-
bership in Independent Exhibitors as owner
of the Hamilton Theatre in Dorchester.
The monthly business meeting of the
showmen’s group will precede the Lydon
testimonial.
Film Polling Bulletins
Will Be Issued Weekly
BOSTON — Weekly bulletins will be sent
out by the film polling committee of Inde-
pendent Exhibitors, Inc., it was decided at a
meeting of the board in Hotel Bradford.
Members agreed this service is one that the
group should work on continuously.
An invitation was read bidding members
to attend the Pacific coast conference of the
ITO in Los Angeles May 6-8.
It was voted to endorse the request of the
Girl Scouts of America asking cooperation
in running a trailer telling of the work of
the organization. All theatres in the New
England area were asked to cooperate.
Polis Win Ball Game
NEW HAVEN — The Loew Poli baseball
team won an important victory over the
Clipper All-Stars 18 to 8, in its series of
intracity games. John DeBendetto, assistant
at the Poli, is coach, and his team has been
city theatre champion for the last two years.
On the team are: Robert Richards, captain;
Bruce Branchini, Victor Toplitsky, Joe Riccio,
Dino Montineri, Don Stutzman, Rocky Bello,
Earl Reopell and Andrew Munz.
Debuts in 'The Marauders'
Dorinda Clifton, Hollywood high school
graduate, will make her debut in the femme
lead in United Artists’ “The Marauders.”
YOU GET
THE RIGHT LAMP
FOR YOUR NEEDS!
As the only lamps manufactured complete
within one factory, they can be so engi-
neered as to guarantee the
best screen results.
^ WhcK-fa&mfi&aM STR ON 0 "Me /oidtite m ^
BOSTON 16, MASS. — Independent Theatre Supply Co., Inc., 28 Winchester St.
Telephone: LIBerty 005L
x
BOSTON 16, MASS. — Joe Cifre, Inc., Complete Theatre Equipment, 44 Win-
chester St. Office Telephone: LIBerty 0445. Emergency Telephone:
PREsident 1799.
92
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
NEW HAVEN
Exchanges and theatres were seriously handi-
capped by the phone strike, but kept the
Western Union wires busy . . . Col. William
McCraw had the Variety men spellbound
with his spiel at the Taft banquet. Jack
Fishman, new assistant chief barker, was un-
able to attend, because of the flu.
E. X. Callahan, 20th-Fox district manager,
was in from Boston for a conference . . .
John Pavone of New Haven and Herman Rif-
kin and Ben Abrams of Boston returned from
the Monogram convention at the Hotel War-
wick, New York . . . Harry Rosenblatt, MGM
manager, and Phil Gravitz, booker, left for
the New York convention. Phil and the
office are working hard on the shorts contest
which will send winners to the coast.
Improvements: The MGM offices will be
air conditioned this summer ... At the Hip-
podrome, Bridgeport, there’s a new marquee,
and a beauty. Installation was by C. I. Brink
of Boston . . . The two theatres being erected
by Fruge Construction Co. in Bridgeport are
evoking much curiosity . . . The 1,200-seater
on Boston avenue, a block from the Bamum,
will be completed about September. The
equally large or larger house on Fairfield
avenue, a few blocks from the Black Rock,
will be under construction at least a year.
At the Milford Drive-In, closed for three
weeks, the E. M. Loew circuit is busy re-
ramping for easier exit of cars . . . Carl Hell-
pen, manager, is busier than that one-armed
paperhanger. The outfit is also changing the
speaker setup. The attendant will no longer
put a speaker in each car. A post set be-
tween every two cars will hold the speakers
and customers will reach out for them.
The new drive-in under construction by
E. M. Loew in Hartford will have RCA PG 242,
one-half kilowatt audiopower sound equip-
ment. The Panoras have put 335 new Bodi-
form chairs into the Palace, Stafford Springs
. . . National Theatre Supply has installed
Simplex sound equipment, with Voice of the
Theatre speakers, in the Eno Memorial, Sims-
bury, and the Strand, Seymour.
Vital statistics: Domenic Somma, head
shipper at 20th-Fox, will wed Carol Funaro
of Hamden May 3. Domenic and his brother
George, booker at Republic, spent three years
overseas with the army. Which brings us to
George, father of a baby girl, Nancy Joan,
born at St. Raphael’s hospital.
Coming and going: Peter Perakos, New
Britain showman, was on the Row for the
first time in months looking in the prime
after most of the winter in Florida. Pete is
fixing up his Indian Neck, Branford, home
for a permanent residence . . . John Harwood,
Warner auditor, is in for a visit . . . John
Moran, RCA district service manager, and
Neil Barberi, his first lieutenant, were in
from Boston . . . Phil Humphrey of RCA
on a “vacation,” made it a busman’s holiday
on Meado^v street.
Harry Shaw is back from Mexico with that
enviable tan, and stories about how small the
world is after all. At the Reforma, Mexico
City’s “hot spot,” he met A. C. Blumenthal.
He also spent some time with Carlos and Tita
Mebla of MGM and bumped into Lenny
Picker, an old schoolmate in Syracuse, now
making “Casanova” for RKO; also Noel Madi-
son and Crane Wilbur, who writes the script.
To top it all, Shaw went deep-sea fishing and
caught a coveted sailfish . . . Bob Carney
was in from the Lyric, Bridgeport.
Recuperating: Matthew Kennedy, perennial
business agent of local 273, projectionists,
is over the grippe . . . Lou Phillips of Mod-
ern Theatre Equipment, has the flu . . . Ann
Donner of 20th-Fox will be back at her desk
next week after a stay in New Haven hos-
pital . . . Louis Astriano, operator at the
Dreamland, is recuperating from an opera-
tion.
Assorted film fare: Timothy Donahue, once
projectionist at the Liberty, Bridgeport, and
hereabouts, was an extra in the film, “Boom-
erang” . . . The Leonard E. Sampsons of the
Lincoln will soon have their home built in
Westville . . . Bob Spodick of the same out-
fit has just acquired a Franklin of uncer-
tain vintage . . . The Dave Chermans of the
Lawrence spent the entire Passover holiday
in Colchester . . . The State, Torrington, for-
merly subsequent run, has changed its pol-
icy, putting in first run pictures Sunday to
Wednesday.
Strand Amusement tried out a midnight
show at the Strand, Bridgeport, April 25,
featuring “Boy, What a Girl,” with all-col-
ored cast . . . Permit has been issued to the
West Haven Exhibition Co. for a $25,000 sta-
dium at 384 Front Ave., the new home of the
West Haven Sailors . . . Zelda Levine is no
longer at PRC and her job is open.
Tony Masella, assistant at the Bijou, got
the popular Elm City Clarion column in
the Register to note his invitation to any
“Glamazon,” six feet or taller, to be guest at
the opening of the Mickey Rooney picture,
“Love Laughs at Andy Hardy,” featuring
Dorothy Ford, tallest leading lady in the films.
Herman Levy, Connecticut MPTO executive
secretary, spent several days in New York.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
The State Athletic commission has asked the
legislature to move professional wrestling
from the sports to amusement category. A
board spokesman told a house committee
that mat shows held in this and other states
in recent years have been of the “burlesque
type.”
William Stanton, former manager of the
Colonial and Scenic in Rochester, and Mrs.
Stanton have returned from a visit in Lake-
land, Fla. ... A review of the Noel Coward
film, “Brief Encounter.” was given by the
Town Crier over WMUR in Manchester in
connection with its showing at the Rex there.
The large population of Polish extraction
in Manchester was given an opportunity to
see a native language film, “Halka,” during a
one-day engagement at the Granite Square
. . . Harry L. Dowdell, Portsmouth theatre
manager, was a member of the committee in
charge of the annual communion breakfast
of Portsmouth Knights of Columbus.
Leonard Sweeney of Nashua, attorney for
the interests trying to get greyhound racing
legalized in New Hampshire, says he has
contacted all members of the house of rep-
resentatives and is confident the dog track
measure will be approved. Meanwhile, op-
erators of Rockingham park, the bangtail
track in Salem, have announced a reversal of
their previous year’s program, with a shorter
summer meet and longer autumn schedule
for 1947.
The “Smilin’ Bill” Waters Tennesseans,
popular hillbilly troupe featured over WHEB
in Portsmouth, was a recent stage attraction
at the Majestic in Conway . . . E. Morrison
Douglas, manager of the City Opera House
in Rochester, has been named to the board of
directors of the Sunset Baseball league there.
YOUR
BALLANTYNE
DEALER
will show you how
IN NEW ENGLAND
Contact Today for Complete
Information
Independent Theatre
Supply Co., Inc.
28 Winchester St.,
BOSTON, MASS.
BALLANTYNE
SOUND EQUIPMENT
•AMPLIFIERS • SPEAKERS
•SOUNDHEADS *BASES
• COMPLETE SOUND SYSTEMS
• TWO-WAY HORNS
See the BALLANTYNE COMPANY
Advertisement in Modern Theatre Section
BOXOFFICE : April 26, 1947
93
DISCUSS DRIVE PLANS — At the eastern district sales meeting Jules Lapidus
(seated) , eastern division sales manager for Warner Bros., explains the 1946 sales drive.
Left to right: Art Moger, New England field representative; William W. Brumberg,
captain of the drive; Carl Goe, New Haven manager; Clarence Eiseman, New York
metropolitan manager; I. F. Dolid, assistant to Ben Kalmenson, vice-president and gen-
eral sales manager; Ed Catlin, Buffalo manager; George W. Horan, Boston manager;
Ray S. Smith, Albany manager; Sam Lefkowitz, eastern district manager, and A1
Daytz, Boston sales manager.
WOftCf STf ft
The funeral of Johnnie Foy, stage manager
of the Capitol 20 years, held in Christ the
King church, was attended by many of the
theatrical fraternity . . . Keye Luke, film
actor, was a visitor in Gardner . . . The
drive-in on the Boston turnpike in Shrews-
bury has been reopened for its tenth
season . . . Mrs. Bernard Satz, wife of
the manager of the Casino in Ware, has re-
covered from severe injuries received in an
automobile collision . . . Claude Thornhill,
the orchestra leader, was in town.
Bill Brown, manager of the Park and
TO AVOID EXCESSIVE WEEKLY
SERVICE CHARGES
It Will Pay Dividends to Consult
' Sound
£ncjtnzz'itn(j £ civics.
jO?
v ft WOW
On call al ctniy lim L-
LONgtooocf 260!
•H-R-RO LTD D-RVIDSCm
1 3 S> MOUNTFORT ST.
SFROOK.t-IF'JE n/i FR S S
STOCKED WITH ALL
NECESSARY REPAIR
AND REPLACEMENT
PARTS FOR ANY
SOUND SYSTEM.
NOW EXPANDING
WITH ADDITIONAL
PERSONNEL TO
COVER A LARGER
SERVICE AREA.
“Ask any exhibitor using the service”
MANY THEATRES
UNDER OUR MAINTENANCE
Greendale, can point to the distinction of
never having had a toothache. And as a re-
sult of several visits to the dentist, he says he
never will have one . . . Alec Davis, manager
of the Warner, reports a holdover on “Stal-
lion Road.”
Michael Dunne, former Worcester radio
announcer, has transferred from the 20th-
Fox studios to Columbia, where he has been
cast for “Son of Rusty.” He has changed his
name to Stephen Dunne. When he was here,
he was Frank Dunn . . . Erwin Franko Gold-
man’s band played to an overflow crowd of
3,400 at the Auditorium.
Leo Lajoie, manager of the Capitol, has
been awarding Bugs Bunny dolls and comic
books at Saturday morning performances . . .
Karl Deitmer, formerly of the Plymouth, is
playing with Fred Pooley’s orchestra . . . Phil
Bissell, chief of service at Loew’s Poli, is at-
tracting much attention through his fine art
work.
The fatal accident in California involving
Helen Walker, Worcester actress, as driver,
has taken a new twist. The two passengers
who survived have been arrested on charges
having no bearing on the accident, one for
robbery and the other on a narcotics com-
plaint. Each has a $100,000 suit pending
against the actress.
Weary from a long season of touring,
Maurice Evans canceled dates in Worcester
and several other New England cities, but
promised to fill them in the autumn . . .
Louis Prima, the maestro, was a visitor here
. . . The Plymouth in Leominster canceled, a
Saturday afternoon showing of a horror pic-
ture and substituted a western and cartoons.
Rita Fasano, daughter of Michael Fasano,
owner of the Cumings in Fitchburg, was mar-
ried in St. Anthony’s church in that city to
Bernard D. Butler of Leominster. The couple
is employed at the Cumings . . . Fire started
in the men’s restroom of the Modern in
Marlboro on a Saturday night causing dam-
age of $200. Manager Arthur Rosenbush dis-
covered the blaze, and with assistance of
other employes he had it under control when
firemen arrived. A patron had started the
fire by dropping a lighted match near the
partition.
BOSTON
'phe annual Motion Picture Salesmen’s club
dinner-dance at the Latin Quarter Sun-
day evening (13) brought out a record at-
tendance. Much of the success of the affair
was attributed to Harry Goldstein, RKO,
chairman. The entertainment, headed by
Archie Robbins, emcee at the Latin Quarter
was particularly well done. Lenny Kent,
brought over from the RKO-Boston stage,
amused the group with his woeful tales of
his gin rummy experiences.
Michael Bruno of the Tilton, Tilton, N. H„
who is cousin of Mary Bruno of the Empire
in Manchester, N. H., was Filmrow visitor
. . . Joe Carollo, Midway, Oakland Beach,
R. I„ was seen dashing around the district
in his sprightly manner . . . Elinor Costello
is the new short subjects booker at Affiliated
Theatres. She also serves as secretary to
Seth Field, head booker. She has been with
the Graphic circuit for four years.
The B&Q circuit has tentatively set April
30 as the opening date of its two newly ac-
quired Cape theatres, the Warr in Wareham
and the Temple in Onset . . . One of the first
bills played at the local Tremont, which B&Q
recently acquired and is operating with James
Mage, was a combination of two former
Academy award pictures, “The Lost Week-
end” and “To Each His Own.” New in the
B&Q office is Margaret Gorski, bookkeeper.
The local Monogram force, winner of the
national collection drive, was entertained by
Ben Abrams, district manager, at a cocktail
party, screening and dinner, the latter at
Ruby Foo’s restaurant . . . Larry Lasky, pro-
ducer of the ice spectacle, “Everything’s on
Ice,” at the new Center Theatre, reports that
the show is building up to better grosses.
Lasky, a partner of E. M. Loew, turned pro-
ducer for the first time with this ice show
and has the good wishes of the entire thea-
tre industry.
Arthur Howard, president of Affiliated
Theatres, Inc., who underwent an operation
at the Newton-Wellesley hospital recently,
was expected to go home this week.
In the lead of the annual Jamaica Plains
Knights of Columbus musical comedy was
Marion Daley, secretary to Tom O’Brien at
Columbia. In the cast were Dorothy Ring,
Abe Barry’s secretary; Mary McKenney,
Jeanne Ross and Ruth Walsh, all from Co-
lumbia. The office and inspection depart-
ments turned out in full force to watch the
young women perform.
George Kraska, manager of the Kenmore,
where the Russian film, “Ivan the Terrible,”
is playing first run, has received many re-
quests for blocks of seats from the history
departments of the schools and colleges in
the city. The Samuel Adams school for visual
education has ordered 1,500 tickets for its
pupils.
Mary Horgan, office manager and secre-
tary to Nathan Yamins, took an eight-day
cruise to Nassau . . . Frank Boschetti of the
Premier and Star Theatres, Lawrence, is re-
ported out of the hospital and feeling much
better . . . Mrs. Mary Lynch, who operates
the Southern in Norwood with her brother
John, is in the Norwood hospital where she
gave birth to a baby girl . . . Jack Jennings
jr., the new booker for Vanguard Films,
comes from an old film family. His father
is a salesman at Republic and his uncle is
Tom Jennings, salesman for Al Swerdlove
at Film Classics.
Bill Horan, manager at Warners, is proudly
displaying a new photo of his attractive 17-
year-old daughter Patricia Anne. The pic-
94
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
ture was taken for her graduation from St.
Peter’s high school, Worcester. She is pre-
paring to enter Regis college, Weston, in the
fall.
News from New York that Jack Markle has
been appointed managing director of the
Broadway Theatre there has met with dis-
tinct pleasure among his many friends here.
Markle was manager of the local Esquire
Theatre during the successful run of “Henry
V” and left Boston to supervise the opening
of the picture in Philadelphia.
Phil Engel, UA publicist, and Don Martin,
Mage publicist, worked out a publicity cam-
paign for “Abie’s Irish Rose” which opens at
the Tremont this week. The promotion in-
cluded a radio contest, subway posters and a
twin beauty tieup with a leading depart-
ment store . . . Local Chief Barker Murray
Weiss, Bill Koster and Joe Cifre attended
the inaugural dinner of the new Variety
Club in New Haven , . . Johnny Dervin jr„
son of John Dervin UA manager, is recover-
ing from a tonsil and adenoid operation at
the Children’s hospital.
Tallest Girl Competition
Among 'Hardy' Events
HARTFORD— A contest sponsored by the
Sage Allen department store to locate the
tallest girl in Hartford was promoted by Lou
Cohen of the Poli and Fred R. Greenway of
the Palace for “Love Laughs at Andy Hardy.”
The contest winner received a spring outfit.
Another contest used was planted in a
local daily featuring a mat of Mickey Rooney
beside one of Dorothy Ford, with copy be-
neath asking readers, “What’s the smallest
you ever felt?” Cash prizes and passes went
for most embarrassing experiences reported.
In another newspaper contest passes were
awarded to readers naming the most Andy
Hardy pictures. On opening day the Poli ad-
mitted free all girls over six feet tall.
Through the social head of the local
YWCA, in charge of weekly teen-age dances,
the theatres offered a silver cup to the winner
of a Mickey Rooney jitterbug contest.
Fishmans Entertained
NEW HAVEN— Mr. and Mrs. Philip Sas-
lau of the Fishman Theatre chain were hosts
at a dinner party and screening in honor of
Dr. and Mrs. J. B. Fishman on the eve of
their departure for the coast. En route the
Fishmans will stop at the Grand Canyon and
other points of interest. Dr. Fishman is gen-
eral manager of the Fishman circuit.
Discuss Building Restrictions
NEW HAVEN — Allied Theatre Owners of
Connecticut held a luncheon meeting with
Dr. J. B. Fishman presiding. Maxwell Al-
derman, secretary, outlined various building
restrictions and ordinances.
'Years' Hub's Leader;
'Ivan' Going Strong
BOSTON— A post-Easter boost in attend-
ance was noticed here but general business
was not up to early spring grosses. New
product helped in some spots. At the Ken-
more, where “Ivan the Terrible” opened to
break all opening day records, the first three
days continued to hold up and the largest
week in the history of the theatre was ex-
pected.
At the Esquire “Best Years” was dropping
off a little on its matinees, but evenings con-
tinued strong. “It Happened in Brooklyn” at
Loew’s State and Orpheum, and “Pursued” at
the Met were the standouts.
(Average is 100)
Boston — Trail Street (RKO), plus stage show 115
Esquire — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
16th wk ^ 140
Majestic Lost Honeymoon (E-L);
It's a Joke, Son (E-L), 2nd wk 110
Memorial — Song of Scheherazade (U-I);
Jewels of Brandenburg (U-I) 120
Metropolitan — Pursued (WB);
Winter Wonderland (Rep) 130
Old South — Children of Paradise . (Tricolor Films).. ..120
Paramount atid Fenway — Easy Come, Easy Go
(Para); Shoot to Kill (SG) 115
State and Orpheum — It Happened in Brooklyn
(MGM); Blind Spot (Col) 130
Good Weather Hurts New Haven;
'Brunette' Dualer Holds Over
NEW HAVEN — The season’s first good
weather cut into weekend business somewhat.
“My Favorite Brunette” and “Michigan Kid”
was a holdover dual at the Paramount, while
“It Happened in Brooklyn” and “Backlash”
moved to the College from Loew’s Poli for a
second week. Detail for week ended April 16:
Bijou — Three on a Ticket (PRC);
The Wicked Lady (U-I) 85
College — Nocturne (RKO); Beat the Band (RKO),
2nd d. t. wk 75
Loew's Poli — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM);
Backlash (20th-Fox) 130
Paramount — My Favorite Brunette (Para);
Michigan Kid (U-I) 150
Roger Sherman— Stallion Road (WB);
The Devil Thumbs a Ride (RKO) 100
'Johnny O'Clock* Is Biggest Draw
In First Week at E. M. Loew's
HARTFORD — There were four downtown
holdovers, with Loew’s Poli and E. M. Loew’s
bringing in the only openings of the week.
The State had Tommy Tucker on stage for
three days. “Johnny O’Clock” was the top
draw.
Allyn — My Favorite Brunette (Para);
Seven Were Saved (Para), 2nd wk 175
E. M. Loew's — Johnny O'Clock (Col);
Millie's Daughter (Col) 200
Loew's Poli — The Late George Apley (20th-Fox);
Three on a Ticket (PRC) 160
Palace — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM);
Yankee Fakir (Rep), 2nd wk 125
Regal — Smash-Up (U-I), 2nd wk 150
Stra’nd — Stallion Road (WB), 2nd wk ........130
Shrewsbury Airer Opened
SHREWSBURY, MASS.— The Drive-In
theatre here has opened for its tenth con-
secutive season.
MASSACHUSETTS THEATRE EQUIPMENT
COMPANY
distributors for
CENTURY PROJECTORS AND SOUND
EQUIPMENT
20 Piedmont Street BOSTON Lib. 9814-0356
Turn to page 50, MT Section, for our national ad
POPCORN
South American — & — White Hull-less, $7.50
per 100. Write for sample.
HAYES SEED HOUSE
Topeka, Kas.
POPCORN
If, MACHINES
Tops for all showmen!
Ask the theatre that has one!
SAM HORENSTEIN
//
*74e Popcotu t Man
New England Representative
* * *
Office and Showroom . . . 4i Church St.
Hancock 7h!9 Boiton
In the Heart of the Film District
Genuine
MANLEY SUPPLIES
I
"CORSAGE-
POST-WAR
PATTERN
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
from
CAMEO SCREEN ATTRACTIONS, INC
50 Melrose St. Boston, Mass.
Samuel J. Davidson, Pres.
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
95
Stage Debut of George M. Cohan Jr.
Breaks Venerable Fays Tradition
PROVIDENCE — George M. Cohan jr., mak-
ing his debut as an entertainer, broke a long
standing tradition at Fays Theatre when
his vaudeville act was held over for a second
weelj. This was the first time in 31 years
that an act was held over more than a week
at Fays.
Throughout the first week of his engage-
ment here young Cohan appeared before ca-
pacity audiences, and the attendance held up
well during the second week. The balance
of the second-week bill was new.
Considerable publicity was given Cohan’s
vaudeville venture. Newspapers carried pic-
tures of him reading a plaque on the house
where his illustrious father was born in the
Fox Point section of the city, and he was
guest of honor at a luncheon given him by
the Town Criers of Rhode Island, who elected
him honorary chief crier.
Also, the city council adopted a measure
changing the name of Fox Point Boulevard to
George M. Cohan Boulevard in honor of the
senior Cohan.
John Goldsmith Dies
PROVIDENCE— John Goldsmith, 58, for
many years stage manager at the Metropoli-
tan Theatre here, died last week after a
long illness. He was born in Providence and
was a member of the Agents and Managers
Ass’n of New York.
New Trade Names Registered
HARTFORD — The following trade names
have been registered with the East Hartford
town clerk’s office: Movie- Aid Driving
School, 1010 Main St., filed by Peter Cirkol,
278 Pawtucket Ave., Rumford, R. I.; Arrange
a Show Service, 1010 Main St., also filed by
Cirkol.
Rule Trucking Companies
Must Serve All Accounts
From Central Edition
Indianapolis — The Indiana Public Serv-
ice commission in a recent ruling an-
nounced that franchised film trucking
companies are bound to serve anyone
within the state who has need of service.
The rule applies to new accounts, sus-
pended accounts and accounts whose
service has been curtailed.
The new ruling came as a result of com-
plaints filed with the ATO of Indiana that
trucking companies have not restored
prewar service, curtailed because of gaso-
line rationing and other restrictions.
Ban on Drive-Ins Urged
From Western Edition
PALO ALTO, CALIF. — The state division
of highways has recommended a ban on open
air theatres, race tracks and other enter-
prises involving large assemblages near major
highways in Santa Clara county.
Such concentrations of people present an
“ever-increasing hazard to the motoring pub-
lic, particularly during nighttime hours,”
according to a communication received by the
county board from Col. John H. Skaggs, dis-
trict engineer in the state highway depart-
ment.
Quigley Visits His Home Town
NEW BRITAIN — Charles Quigley, the
actor, was to appear on the Palace stage
April 22 in conjunction with the American
Cancer drive. Quigley, son of the former
mayor, has appeared in numerous films,
among them Republic’s recent “Affairs of
Geraldine.”
Detroit Houses Duel
With Italian Films
From Mideast Edition
DETROIT — Activity in the Italian films is
flourishing here as never before, with two
neighboring houses competing for the busi-
ness. The Art and the Arcadia, located only
a few blocks apart on Gratiot avenue, are
both showing Italian-language films. In ad-
dition, the Cinema, downtown first run house
devoted to art type pictures, recently closed
a record-breaking run of “Open City.”
SHOW ENGLISH PICTURES ALSO
Both the Art and Arcadia are neighbor-
hood houses, devoted to catering to the peo-
ple of their own community primarily. They
are located roughly near the center of the
city’s east side Italian section and can draw
on “walking trade” as well as those who come
from a greater distance.
The Art went into the foreign-language field
years ago. Before the war, when it ran German
pictures, it was known as the Adlon and the
Elite, among other titles. The Italian policy
was inaugurated a few months ago by the
present owner, Nick Forest, who is showing
these films three days a week. English pic-
tures are shown the remaining four.
The Art is being managed for Forest by
Richard Schneider, a showman of many
years experience. Schneider managed thea-
tres in Stuttgart, Germany, before coming
to the U.S. in 1926. He returned to his home-
land for a visit in 1939 and was trapped by
the war, only returning to this country six
months ago. His European background is
especially helpful in the operation of this
house devoted chiefly to foreign films.
DISH GIVEAWAYS POPULAR
The Arcadia, recently taken over by Larry
Bruzzese and Bonaldo L. Bonaldi, is devoted
to Italian pictures five days a week, using
English-language films on Tuesday and
Wednesday only. Typical of the problem
which neighborhood theatres in this terri-
tory face is the use of dishes as premiums
on the two English-language nights. Com-
petition at this point is keen, and special
exploitation or showmanship policies are
necessary to draw business.
The Arcadia is adopting a policy of play-
ing Italian features on a double bill. It has
been found that Italian patrons, accustomed
to the universal dual bill at English-lan-
guage houses, demand it in theatres catering
to their mother tongue as well. Result is that
the house usually books a new film on the
double bills as the outstanding draw, and
follows up with a repeat booking of another
film.
Popcorn Popped, Sorted,
And Packed by Machine
From Mideast Edition
CLEVELAND — Max Shenker, general man-
ager of Berio Vending Co., claims to have
the only equipment in town that pops, sorts
and packages popcorn without being touched
by human hands.
“We pop and package a ton of corn a day,”
Shenker states, “and we supply theatres in
the entire Cleveland exchange area.”
Shenker showed how the corn is popped in
huge vats, travels automatically by conveyor
to a large overhead tank which again auto-
matically separates the good from the bad
and processes the good corn through a chan-
nel into 100-pound manila bags, ready for
shipment.
Assisting Shenker in his business are his
sons Irwin and A1 Friedlander, returned from
overseas service within the past year.
PULL SURPRISE IN THE HUB— Maurice Wolf’s promotion to MGM’s home office
exhibitor and public relations department under Henderson M. Richey, as well as other
changes in the New England area setup, was pulled as a surprise here last week at a
Copley-Plaza luncheon for some 60 circuit heads and independent exhibitors given
ostensibly to introduce Benn N. Rosenwald, new branch manager; Wolf, co-host with
Jack Byrne, eastern division manager, announced his promotion from district man-
agership to the new post. He then introduced Herman Ripps, district manager for
Albany, New Haven and Buffalo, who will now include Boston in his territory.
Wolf will maintain headquarters at the Boston exchange, although he will travel
the country as an ambassador of goodwill for the company. In the picture, usual
order, are Rosenwald, Wolf and Ripps.
96
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
SHOWFOLK IN LONE STAR STATE
GO TO AID OF BLAST VICTIMS
Showboat Manager's Wife,
Mrs. Jack Farr, Loses
Eye in Blast
TEXAS CITY, TEX— Half-destroyed Texas
City completed the task of burying its dead
and searching for additional victims, many
of whom remain unidentified. It was esti-
mated about 600 perished and the injured
numbered 3,000.
Three theatres of the J. G. Long circuit
are dark and no indication was given this
week when there will again be motion pic-
tures shown or when the dazed people will
want them.
The 1,000-seat Showboat Theatre has
bulging walls and was otherwise damaged by
the concussion. The Jewel Theatre was first
believed by Manager Everett McClain to be
intact but soon afterward the roof caved in.
This happened about 10:30 a. m., when no
one was in the house. McClain and his wife
lost their new home, a complete wreck.
It has not yet determined whether the
Texas Theatre had been damaged. If it is
decided pictures could be shown in this house,
this cannot be done until authorities give
their consent after determining the condi-
tion of the building. The only apparent dam-
age to this building was broken glass in the
front.
Theatre folk escaped personal injuries in-
sofar as current reports indicate, with one ex-
ception Mrs. Jack Farr, wife of the Showboat
manager, lost an eye when struck by flying
debris.
Brother Exhibitor's Kind Act
Brings Good News to Dollison
SHERMAN, TEX.— Lester Dollison, owner
of the State Theatre here, received comfort-
ing news from Texas City that his sister liv-
ing there was safe. This news came through
within a few hours after the explosion and in
spite of the telephone strike.
Dollison had gone to Dallas to attend the
funeral of Fred Larned, branch manager of
Paramount there. He remarked to friends
how so many untimely things were happen-
ing. They agreed, although Dollison was
referring to the Larned death and the others
to the Texas City disaster. The exhibitor
gasped as he heard the later news for the
first time and realized his married sister lived
in the doomed town.
Communication, of course, was cut off at
the time and Dollison really began to worry.
He remembered, though, that his friend K. M.
McDaniel owns the Lamar Theatre in La-
marque, six miles from Texas City. Dollison
sent McDaniel a telegram asking him to find
out about his sister and then returned to
Sherman to wait for an answer.
McDaniel drove the six miles and was
stopped by guards at the approach to Texas
City. Only those with urgent business could
enter. The telegram in McDaniel’s hand
served as his passport. Within a short time
he received information that Dollison’s sister
was safe and promptly telegraphed the good
news to the anxious Sherman exhibitor.
Dollison spent the next few hours in solid
relaxation thankful he was in show business,
where such fellow exhibitors as McDaniel
were willing to drop their work and do a
friendly service in time of need.
“There are more and more indications that
show business has a heart,” he said.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Variety Club Donating
$1,000 to Relief F und
Dallas — William O’Donnell, chief bark-
er of the Variety Club of Texas, said that
organization had voted $1,000 toward re-
lief of Texas City victims. The Times
Herald published an editorial on “The
Big-Hearted Men and Women of the
Theatre.” It read in part:
“With the promptness and generosity
characteristic of them, the men and
women in the entertainment field in
Texas are using their facilities and talent
to raise money for the victims of the dis-
aster in Texas City.
‘“The Interstate Theatres, throughout
their circuit, are giving a special midnight
show this Saturday and the entire box-
office receipts will be donated to the re-
lief fund.
“The show people, as they are called,
are pooling their resources as they have
done on many other occasions when
emergency funds have been needed. They
never pass up a chance to earn public
thanks by their generosity.”
Jenkins and Bourgeois
Make Religious Film
DALLAS — John Jenkins and O. K. Bour-
geois, partners in the Astor exchange here,
have completed filming of an all-Negro pic-
ture entitled “Brother Martin, Servant of
Jesus.” It is now being cut and edited and
although it will not be released until next
fall or during the Christmas season, the
exchange will start soon on a program to
familiarize the trade with the offering. Ac-
tual filming was done here and in other sec-
tions of the south where Negro life currently
and through the years has been so well
dramatized.
The new picture unfolds religious practices
of the colored race and is dotted with spir-
ituals and other music of which only that
race is capable. Both Jenkins and Bour-
geois hold out more than good possibilities
for another new idea, an informative subject
as well as film entertainment, running 65
minutes.
In another vein Jenkins and Bourgeois are
releasing the new Cab Calloway feature,
“Hi-De-Ho.”
HOUSTON— In traditional fashion one of
the finest stage shows ever presented in
Houston was staged at Loew’s State Theatre
and at the Metropolitan, an Interstate first
run house, with the entire proceeds going to
the Texas City relief fund. The show was
staged at midnight (19) with identical pro-
grams at both theatres.
Lauritz Melchior, Wagnerian tenor who
brought his concert to a conclusion earlier in
the evening at Music Hall, was brought to
the Metropolitan to give a program of popu-
lar classics. This was his second contribution
to the Texas City sufferers. Previously he
gave the entire proceeds of his Galveston con-
cert to the relief fund.
Gale Storm, Hollywood starlet and former
8W
Interstate Circuit Raises
Thousands of Dollars
Through Benefits
DALLAS — The show business in Texas
quickly came to the aid of victims of the
Texas City disaster, with thousands of dol-
lars of relief funds put into the hands of the
Red Cross or other designated disbursement
authorities.
Within 24 hours after statistics of lives
and property losses became known, officials
of Interstate circuit announced there would
be Saturday midnight benefit shows in a
dozen or more of its largest theatres in its
biggest cities and town. Tickets went on sale
at $1 each with total receipts going direct to
the stricken city.
A big time show was promptly whipped up
for the Majestic Theatre here with film stars
who happened to be in the vicinity gladly
taking part.
Harold Russell, Academy award winner
for his work in “The Best Years of Our
Lives,” was headliner on the stage. Bonita
Granville and Don DeFore of “It Hap-
pened on Fifth Avenue” were the other film
luminaries. Night club talent filled in with
variety numbers and were given credit for
rounding out the show. These were Charley
Agnew and orchestra, Johnny Faust and Jack
Ravel, Jean Carroll, John and Dorris Bar-
rett, Paul Judson, Howard & Wanda Bell and
Uncle Willie. These were all from Pappy’s
Showland. Topping all this was Paramount’s
new Ladd picture, “Calcutta.”
Streetcars and cabs cooperated by operat-
ing extra vehicles during early morning hours
to take patrons to their homes. So completely
did the Majestic fill that the Palace, two
blocks down the street, was opened to handle
the overflow. The stars and the picture were
bicycled into that house for a duplicate per-
formance. Interstate announced that $3,000
was realized from the two shows.
Lee Handley put on a midnight show at the
Arcadia with a radio show featuring Hal
Horton and his Texas Round-Up, broadcast
for half an hour over KRLD. The affair
netted several hundred dollars.
The total film industry payroll for 1946 was
an estimated $517,854,069, an increase of
$68,116,184 over 1945.
Houston girl, flew home to take part in the
program. Her brother, W. W. Cottle, was
injured in the Texas City explosion. She
made an appeal for funds.
The show ranged from operatic arias by
Melchior to tropical songs by Calypso Joe and
his dance partner. Coco Te, from the Club
New Yorker. Dolly Frye of the Atomic
Dinner club and Joe Belle’s symphonic ac-
cordionists; Rollet and Dorothea, visiting
vaudeville artists; Buster Raye of the South-
ern Dinner club and Red Ford of the Ranch
club also appeared.
Serving as masters of ceremony were Bill
Johnston, publicity director for Interstate,
and Tom Melody of the Texan Theatre.
Melchior and Other Artists Appear
At Houston Theatres in Benefits
97
Westerns
1 li ««£
TWHII
l wragS
P # - “y , ■
8k
il
Mm
.w*^.
<u
dwte-
young
JOHN
c»»
IfpsIS
B
— //& .
HP *
WWSKS §§'# W
was» mmmmt
rnmrn jfffff m
■ — —
v*
(M) 0 D <*•*•>
WINS & DOURGEi
|J| |t WMM,
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HARWOOD <$ JACKSON STS.
DALLAS 1 “Riverside 1884" TEXAS
Mm^L
Star Harold Russell Wins
Oklahoma City Acclaim
OKLAHOMA CITY— Harold Russell, the
double-amputee who walked away with two
Oscars for his acting in “Best Years of Our
Lives,” wore a broad grin and ten-gallon hat
when he boarded a train here Wednesday
night (16).
The army veteran was “homefolk” by then,
and was given a big sendoff after winning
the hearts of all those he met during his two-
day goodwill visit here.
The Oscar-winner wore a perpetual grin
and fast absorbed an Oklahoma flavor, mak-
ing him one of the most popular film stars
ever to visit this city.
The ten-gallon hat made him look more
the part of an Oklahoman. It was presented
at a luncheon given in the Biltmore in his
honor by C&R Theatres officials. Also pre-
sented, “for his protection when he visited
Texas,” was a large toy revolver and holster.
He visited Will Rogers Memorial hospital for
veterans and spoke over KTOK in behalf of
vocational rehabilitation. Tuesday night Rus-
sell and his party were entertained at a Va-
riety club party.
Although “Best Years” opened the same
day at the Criterion and Plaza, Russell didn’t
make an appearance at either theatre. His
goodwill visit was strictly in behalf of com-
munity drives and for inspirational talks.
At the luncheon were Ralph Williams, RKO
manager; Horace Palls, chief barker of the
Oklahoma Variety tent; Johnny Jones of the
Ritz and Jake theatres, Shawnee; Leo Young,
RKO advertising representative here; Jess
Bollman, C&R Theatres; Bob Hines, manager
of the Criterion; Pat McGee, Denver; Ed
Kidwell, general manager of C&R Theatres;
Ralph Ayer of the Cooper Foundation, Lin-
coln, Neb., and Polly Trindle, BOXOFFICE
representative.
Beaumont House to Show
Features of Years Ago
BEAUMONT, TEX. — Beginning May 4,
features which were popular 10 and 15 years
ago will be shown at the Lamar Theatre.
This “going back into the past” is being spon-
sored by Zeta Eta chapter of Beta Sigma Phi,
education and social sorority, which will
donate its share of the funds to a local
charity.
The chapter is now selling tickets, with the
privilege of one vote for each ticket, the pur-
chaser naming the film he would like to see
again. Those receiving the largest number of
votes will be shown.
THEATRES FOR SALE
IN TEXAS
No. 1 — Neighborhood Theatre in Texas'
fastest growing city. 520 seats, new
equipment. Fire-proof building and
parking lot. All goes for low price
of $50,000.
No. 2 — Theatre in Central Texas town of
1,500 population. Major equipment,
345 new cushion seats, also owner's
two-story, colonial home, 11 rooms,
completely furnished. A good fam-
ily setup for only $32,500.
No. 3 — Money-making theatre, also in
Central Texas town of near 2,000
population, large trade area. New
equipment, 380 seats. Boxoffice gross
over $425 weekly, nopcorn sales over
$80.00 weekly. For quick deal, will
sacrifice for $20,000.
WIRE OR PHONE
"JOE" JOSEPH
1003 Galloway St. Dallas, Texas
Phone Yale 2-7650
Texas City Disaster
Hurts Dallas Trade
DALLAS — In comparison to previous weeks
and months, Dallas first runs went far un-
der par last week. Westerns at the Capitol
led with 10 per cent over average business.
A major reason may have been the general
grief and excitement following the Texas City
disaster, with most people glued to their radios
as more explosions occurred and death lists
mounted.
(Average is 100)
Capitol — Black Doll (U-I), reissue; Wanderers oi
the West (Mono), reissue; split with Rainbow
Over the Rockies (Mono); The Devil on Wheels
(PRC) - - no
Majestic — The Red House (UA) 100
Melba — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
3rd wk 100
Palace — Song of Scheherazade (U-I) 90
Rialto — Heldorado (Rep), split with Of Mice and
Men (UA); One Million B. C. (UA), reissues 95
Telenews — On Approval (British) 85
Tower — Angel and the Badman (Rep),
2nd d. t. wk 90
HOUSTON
“rPhe Best Years of Our Lives,” Academy
award winner, played third week here
at the Kirby. Prices are night and Sunday
$1.30; children all times 50 cents; matinee all
seats 80 cents including tax . . . “Duel in
the Sun” will be brought to the Kirby Theatre
as a roadshow attraction May 1, Ray Hay,
Kirby manager, announced. A group of ce-
lebrities including Gregory Peck and Joseph
Cotten who have roles in the picture, will be
here for the premiere.
Raymond Stricklin, Houston Little Thea-
tre actor, left April 21 for Hollywood to
make screen tests for a juvenile role in the
forthcoming film on the life of Lord Byron.
He is the third Little Theatre player to at-
tract attention of film scouts this season.
Stricklin is 18 and has appeared in every
Little Theatre production this season.
Oklahoma City Man Wins
Book Promotion Contest
OKLAHOMA CITY— Robert Hynes, man-
ager of the Criterion Theatre, recently re-
ceived a check for first prize in the national
MGM book promotion contest held in con-
junction with exploitation of “The Postman
Always Rings Twice.”
Van Heflin, MGM star who spent the week
in Oklahoma and was honored with a round
of affairs, presented the prize award to Hynes
at a Variety Club party April 21.
The winners in the contest, five in all, were
selected from scores of entries from all parts
of the nation, according to Ed Gardiner, lo-
cal MGM exploiteer. This monetary award,
Gardiner explained, was contributed by MGM
and the World Publishing Co. The Okla-
homa Citian’s exploitation in this picture was
the best in the nation and won him the top
prize.
Radio to Contest Winner
OKLAHOMA CITY — A three-column pic-
ture in the Advertiser, weekly city paper,
showed Jimmy Barnes, Warner manager,
presenting a radio to C. S. McCaslin who won
the Warner Theatre’s “Win a Gal” contest.
Also in the photo was Mrs. McCaslin. Passes
were given as prizes. Eleven persons, in-
cluding some women, won tickets in the con-
test.
Ir 'The Silver River'
Tom D’Andrea has been set for a role in
“The Silver River” by Warners.
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
See Your RCA Independent Theatre Supply Dealer
SOUTHWESTERN THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO. OKLAHOMA THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
2010 Jackson St., Dallas 1, Texas 628 W. Grand Ave., Oklahoma City 2, Okla.
1416 Main St., Houston 2, Texas
U: Ml
/
Plenty of smart exhibitors in this
area are upping their receipts and
drawing holdout crowds ... by
showing the clearest, brightest,
steadiest pictures their audiences
have ever seen.
Their Brenkert "80” Projectors,
with the sensational Brenkert High
Intensity Lamps, are making ter-
rific headway with the public and
the box office.
You can get the same results.
BY RCA
DELTA THEATRE SUPPLY
214 S. Liberty St., New Orleans 13, La.
NEW ORLEANS
IJere with his wife on a brief vacation, film
star Don DeFore found spring in New
Orleans very exhilarating. “Everything smells
so good,” Don said. In his latest picture Don
plays the role of an ex-GI who is evicted
from his home. Ironically, Don and his wife
are suffering the same fate in real life. This
time, Don explained, they have to be out by
June 5. The DeFores flew in from Texas
where Don appeared in two benefit shows in
Dallas for the relief of the Texas City disaster
victims.
A Uni versa! -International crew arrived
here to seek locations in the state for the
filming of scenes for Walter Wanger’s pro-
duction of James Street’s “Tap Roots,” a novel
based on the war between the states. The
Hollywood group, which registered at the
Roosevelt, included Aaron Rosenberg, unit
manager and assistant director; Alexander
Golitzen, production designer, and Jack Law-
ton, location manager. They will seek pic-
turesque swamp locations to be used as set-
tings for battle shots. They went to Baton
Rouge first to look at the plantation mansions
in that area.
RKO has completed construction of a new
vault adjoining the RKO location on Cleve-
land avenue . . . A. G. Smith of New York,
representative of National Theatre Supply,
was here for several days recently conferring
with local Manager Tom Neely . . . W. Jolet
of Weeks, La., was on the Row for several
days.
Transway has purchased property pre-
viously occupied by OK Storage Co. and will
move into the new quarters about May 15.
The new location, 100x300 feet, is at Palmyra
and Genois streets. Transway is retaining
one building as a substation on Cleveland
avenue.
Jeff Davis, local manager of United Artists,
after spending three weeks in Atlanta pinch-
hitting as branch manager, became ill on his
return here and has been laid up several
days.
Roy Fricken, manager of the poster depart-
ment for Exhibitors Poster Service, left Sun-
day for Los Angeles with a team of five from
the Midcity bowling center to enter the na-
tional ABC tournament there . . . Milton
Guidry’s new first run house in Lafayette
has been named the Mona . . . New theatres
have been built at Livingston and Leonville,
La.
The new Bruce Theatre at Rayne was given
a gala opening April 16. Many film folk
from the New Orleans Row attended.
The newest local theatre is the Arrow,
which opened last week in Jefferson parish.
Located near enough to bid for city pa-
tronage, the house seats 800, and has in-
augurated a first run policy. The MGM pic-
ture, “My Brother Talks to Horses,” was the
opening attraction. As usual, all the first
nighters and film supply men were on hand
. . . The next big event, scheduled for early
May, is McElroy’s modernistic theatre, the
Broadmore, located in the suburbs of Shreve-
port . . . Other theatres slated for early sum-
mer openings are those in Raymond,
Florence, Brasfield, and Clinton, Miss.
“Henry V” opened Sunday night to capacity
crowds at the Lakeview Theatre for a two-
week engagement. Prices at the twice daily
shows are $1.20 to $2.45. Judging from the
critics’ opinion of the picture, which was
very high, New Orleans needs a theatre which
gives nothing but performances of this type —
novelties and foreign-made pictures.
Joseph Alex soon will start construction of
a modern theatre for colored in the suburbs
of Baton Rouge . . . Forest Bundy, of Bara-
taria, La., will build a theatre there soon.
The work of the New Orleans Better Films
chapter at Kingsley House was praised by
Emeric Kurtagh, president, who spoke at a
meeting in the St. Charles hotel. The Better
Films chapter not only promotes an interest
in better pictures, but teaches children to
make better selections themselves, he said.
“Children are not bad, but often frustrated
and unhappy. It is through making them
happy and teaching them to express them-
selves that we develop good citizens,” Kurtagh
said. Mrs. Norman E. Kerth, chairman of the
Children’s Theatre, pointed out that a girls
auxiliary to the Boys Movie club at Kingsley
House, is being organized.
Gene Youngblood, formerly a minstrel man
of New Orleans whose son Jessie is now as-
sistant manager of the new Joy Theatre on
Canal street, died last week.
"Popcorn Becoming Important
Cash Crop on Plains'
Headline in the
Sunday, March 23, 1947
Plainview Herald
Seasoning
Salt
Bags
Cartons
•
Cretors full line
Popcorn Machines
Expert Repairs:
All makes
BECOMING conscious of the economic impor-
tance of the popcorn grown on the South
Plains of Texas to its circulation area. The Plainview
Herald recites some of its exclusive features:
Weevil infestation on the Plains is unknown.
Plains com tests 1.5% higher in protein than com
grown in six other states.
Shipments are international. For two seasons eight
carloads each have gone to Canada, right thru the
Northern corn belt!
Selected Seed — Climate — Soil — Irrigation are
the causes.
We serve you . . .
The Ideal Hybrid
with
MAXIMUM UNIFORMITY
GROWN-EN POPPING VOLUME
A QUALITY OF TASTE
have known before.
you
never
Chas. E. Darden & Co.
P. O. Box 2207
DALLAS 1. TEXAS
EQUIPMENT DISPLA
HEW Ma. 2102 — 1024 Bienville St.
ORLEANS L. C. Duckworth. Manager
Y — SALES
OKLA. 4020 McArthur Blvd.
CITY Cecil Davis, Distributor
WAREHOUSES
P. O. Box 322 9m _.
102 San Jacinto St.
HOUSTON — BEAUMONT — LUBBOCK
702 Texas St.
100
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
OKLAHOMA CITY
The Victoria Theatre, a C&R house which
* recently went first run, is doing well with
its new policy. “The Overlanders” an Aus-
tralian production, is next there . . . George
Henger, Paramount exploiteer and publicist,
Dallas, is in Oklahoma City in connection with
“Suddenly It’s Spring” and “Blaze of Noon.”
H. H. Martin, manager for U-I, has a new
secretary, Mrs. Thelma
Moley. Mrs. Moley
was once connected
with Monogram here
. . . The Ralph War-
ners have returned
from a trip to Tulsa
. . . C. H. “Buck”
Weaver, Paramount
branch head, is back
on the job after a
three-week siege of flu
. . . Tom McKean,
Paramount salesman,
also has been on the
buck weaver sick list. He spent
about a week at home.
Virby Conley, Perryton, Tex., and Richard
Fryer, manager of the Allred Theatre in
Pryor, visited the Row April 22 ... Ed Green
of Favorite Films, Dallas, was a Row visitor
April 21 . . . Mrs. Rea Mossholder is a new
stenographer in the Screen Guild Productions
branch here . . . The Terry and Woodward
theatres in Woodward, owned by Ben and
Vance Terry, and the Lariat, owned by Dan
Peery, reopened for business about ten days
after the tornado struck and almost leveled
Woodward. The Woodward house is running
matinees to keep the children entertained
while they are out of school. School won’t
begin again in Woodward until fall.
A new home for the PRC and Eagle-Lion
branch office is going up fast in the 700
block on West Grand. The one-story brick
building is expected to be completed by July 1.
Charlie Lyne, new MGM manager here, was
to leave April 26 accompanied by Jim Pea-
cock, head booker, for a meeting in New York.
Lyne, who replaced Jack ReVille as head of
the local MGM exchange, came from the
Dallas office where he was a member of the
sales force. ReVille was transferred to Char-
lotte as manager after about four years here.
Lyne’s daughter, a civil service employe in
Germany, called him from Berlin to con-
gratulate him on his promotion. Lyne plans
to move his wife here from Dallas as soon
as living quarters can be found.
Ward Royalty, MGM office manager, is re-
covering rapidly from his recent heart attack.
He visits the office a few hours each day
now, supervising operations. However, Miss
Emma Joy Brantley is still acting office man-
ager . . . C. B. “Brownie” Akers, Griffith
executive, left April 22 for Borger, Tex. . . .
Pat McGee of Denver left Oklahoma City
April 18 after spending a few days here with
the C&R gang.
The cover girl for the April 19 issue of This
Week in Oklahoma City, a pocket size pub-
lication, was Midwest’s Helen Walther, a
pretty blue-eyed blond. This Week listed her
hobbies as horseback riding, embroidery work
and tennis. She’s also a basketball fan. This
Week’s cover girl is sponsored by the Rainbow,
the city’s fanciest dining and dancing spot,
and is carried weekly on the back cover of
the two-month-old publication. As cover girl,
Helen received a free evening at the Rainbow.
Incidentally, she had a birthday April 20.
Ed Lurie of Allied Artists exploitation de-
partment was here several days in connec-
tion with “It Happened on Fifth Avenue,”
which opens April 30 at the Midwest. He left
for New York . . . M. D. Brazee, Warner Bros.
Theatres official here, left April 21 for Chi-
cago . . . Mrs. Dorris Van Buskirk, secretary
to Brazee, has been ill several weeks. She
is improving steadily and is expected to re-
turn to work about May 1.
Carle Pierce, Warner Theatre treasurer, has
resigned. No successor has been named . . .
New RCA sound and projection equipment
has arrived for installation in the Midwest
Theatre . . . Ralph Ober, Universal-Inter-
national publicist from Dallas, spent a day
here recently in connection with the picture
“Stairway to Heaven.”
C. F. Motley, operations director for Grif-
fith Theatres, has received a request for the
Griffith house organ from England. W. J.
Rayner of Rayner Cinemas wrote: “I would
be honored if you would send me your house
organ, Contact. I am very interested in
American showmanship.” The company of-
ficial said: “Although Contact is restricted,
exceptions were made in this case and sev-
eral representative issues are on their way to
Mr. Rayner.”
The first 12 days of “Egg and I” at the
Home recorded 42,000 patrons, according to
Gene Hudgens, manager. This picture, pack-
ing them in at the new Home, was held a
third week . . . Lewis Redwine, chief projec-
tionist in the Griffith Kermit Theatre,
wedded Marie Odom, formerly of Hatties-
burg, Miss. ... A report in the Wellington,
Tex., newspaper said the Griffith Ritz and
Texan houses were inspected by representa-
tives of the fire insurance company and were
found safe for patrons. Bill Hurd is man-
ager.
Mrs. Izah Adams of Sulphur visited the
Row Tuesday . . . Bob Warner of Manley
Popcorn, Dallas, was
a recent visitor here
. . . Claude York, PRC
and Eagle-Lion man-
ager, left Tuesday for
Dallas . . . Norman
Ayers of New York,
southern division man-
ager for Warners, will
arrive here April 28 for
a visit . . . Paula
Townsend, small
daughter of the Paul
Townsends, is up and
around again after un-
dergoing a tonsillec-
norman ayers tomy. Townsend is
manager of the Midwest.
In Tulsa recently to catch the hit musical,
“Oklahoma!” were W. J. Moore and wife and
Jean Noble, Tall Chief door girl, all of Fair-
fax. Moore is a Griffith partner in Fair-
fax . . . Hollis Herod, Griffith manager
for the Erie in Hugo, flew into the
tornado-struck Woodward area to learn first
hand about his brother, Galen, and the lat-
( Continued on next page!
A Wise Buyer ALWAYS Buys WISELY From
WUL,
Highest Quality Hybrid Popcorn
Special Blended Coconut Seasoning
Special Refined Popcorn Salt
Bags and Boxes
POP IT FOR GREATER PROFITS
BOB WARNER
(Divisional Manager)
302 So. Harwood
C-7536
Dallas, Texas
Posters! Posters! Posters!
We Have Them
Complete Accessories on All Companies’ Products
Exhibitors Poster Exch., Inc.
221 South Liberty Street
New Orleans, La.
RAY 3563
sw
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
101
OKLAHOMA CITY
(Continued from preceding page)
ter’s family. His relatives escaped the dis-
aster uninjured ... A newspaper article in
the Midland, Tex., paper featured Ima Jean
Smith, cashier at Griffith’s Rex Theatre,
and said: “Miss Smith is learning to become
an efficient cashier. A smile pays off in most
businesses and is a must for cashiers. Aside
from the business angles, another duty is
that of giving information to patrons in a
courteous, kind and tactful way.
In connection with the Okmulgee cleanup
drive a poster contest was conducted in the
public schools. The six winning posters, two
each week, are being enlarged by the Knapp
Advertising Co., and displayed on the Or-
pheum, Yale and Inca theatre poster boards
. . . John Monroe, manager of the Rialto at
Cuero, is treasurer for the Cuero Youth Rec-
reation council fund campaign. Shelly G.
Tarkington jr., postmaster, was first under
the wire with his youth program contribu-
tion, according to Monroe . . . Idonna Groom,
Rivoli relief cashier at Blackwell, won fifth
in the contests of the state public speaking
league held in Stillwater, Manager Gus
Hoenscheidt proudly reports.
Frank Love jr., Griffith’s Tall Chief man-
ager in Fairfax, gave a pass to each junior
high school and grade school class member
making the best showing in contributions to
the cancer fund drive. Love is chairman of
the Fairfax cancer fund appeal. The same
idea was used in 1946 by Partner W. J. Moore,
then local chairman of the drive. School
children at that time turned in $78.
Over the Griffith circuit: Wayne Fessen-
den, Midwest operator, Blackwell, is the new
head of the Blackwell Theatre Employes
club. Others elected were Donald Parker,
Midwest operator, vice-president; Billie
Stauffacher, Rivoli relief cashier, secretary,
and Claude Jackson, Palace operator, ser-
geant at arms . . . Max Sweet, Midwest door-
man, Blackwell, is a member of the Black-
well high track squad that garnered five
points in the Oklahoma A&M college re-
lays . . . On April 30 a special award cere-
mony for Vinita Girl Scouts and Brownies
will be held on the Lyric stage. Abe Rose-
wall is manager.
The Oklahoma City Parade of Quartets,
sponsored by the Society for the Preserva-
tion and Encouragement of Barber Shop
Quartet Singing in America, Inc., marched
across the Municipal auditorium stage Sat-
urday night (19) before an audience of more
than 5,000. More than 20 states were repre-
sented at the songfest. Quartets from Chi-
cago, Grand Rapids, Sheboygan and Kansas
City were among those participating . . . The
Daily Oklahoman Sunday devoted about half
of its film columns to congratulating the
C&R Theatres on its new policy at the Vic-
toria and on reviewing the theatre’s current
attraction.
Jack Killam, formerly a theatre manager in
Terre Haute, Ind., has been working day and
night with Red Cross on the Woodward tor-
nado disaster, serving as a volunteer. Jack
returned here in late 1946 from Terre Haute
where he managed the Rialto Theatre . . .
Vance Terry of Woodward is causing quite a
bit of comment in what is left of his home-
town, because he insists on driving his car,
which was caved-in by the twister. Terry
was slightly injured, but is able to get around
and is driving the car which was originally
reported completely demolished. Reports are
that one whole side is caved in, almost to
the other side.
The Uptown Theatre cashier screamed and
scared away a bandit who attempted to rob
the theatre last Sa tin-day night. Wynema
F. Pruner, 20, told police the man approached
her cage, pointed his finger and asked for
“them bills.”
Sooner Amusement Tax
Shows February Slump
OKLAHOMA CITY — A 2.54 per cent
increase in sales tax by theatres and tent
shows was shown for February, accord-
ing to the state tax commission. This
increase was in comparison to the same
month last year. A total of 353 returns for
$27,498.92 was made this year during Feb-
ruary, while a total of 301 returns for $26,-
818.11 was made in February 1946.
The same tax report released by the com-
mission’s statistical department also showed
617 returns for $14,716.32 for other amuse-
ments, athletic events, an increase of 1.80 per
cent over February 1946.
For use tax, theatres and tent shows re-
corded four returns for $145.89, a 68.56 per
cent increase over February 1946.
H. N. Adams Sells the Avon
In Wortham to Y Instructor
WORTHAM, TEX.— N. H. Adams has sold
the Avon Theatre here to Truett Fulcher,
athletic instructor for the YMCA in Houston.
Adams purchased the house last November
from Mr. Shillings and now is going into the
construction business. The sale was handled
by Jose Joseph, Dallas theatre broker.
Don Ameche in Topline
United Artists has set Don Ameche to top-
line with Robert Cummings in “Sleep, My
Love.”
Step right up
GREATER
POPCORN PROFITS
with
R-B Brand Supplies
When you pop R-B Brand super-quality popcorn, you'll get about $120
to $125 from a .1 00-lb. bag! For R-B, processed exclusively from Mam-
moth Yellow Hybrid Popcorn, has a popping ratio of approximately 30
to 1. Seasoned with R-B Golden Liquid Seasoning, the large, fluffy
kernels have extra good flavor that brings customers back again and
again. —
R-B Brand Seasoning is available in
gallons at 32 lbs. to the case or 5
gallon tins at 40 lbs. per case. Also
steel drums — 420 lbs.
7*^ just one bag, to see
for yourself the superiority.
Only $9.80 pep^OO lb. bag.
% lb. printed white bags, $1.50 per
thousand; Morton's popcorn salt,
$1.80 per case. Let us quote on all
your needs.
Write for complete list of poppers'
supplies.
Per 100 lb. bag
in orders of
500 lbs. & up.
Conso/tdated
POPCORN COMPANY
2401 South Eryay St* ★ Dallas 1, Texas
.
BUILT ON
EXTRA VALUE
amt -
SATISFACTION
102
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
New Orleans Greets the Joy
Claire Hilgers, Joy Houck and asso-
ciates are owners of the Crescent city’s
new Joy Theatre, latest addition to fa-
mous Canal street’s palaces of the cinema.
The picture above is a snap of the foyer,
with steps leading to an upper entrance,
with the downstairs entrance at the right.
An attractive confection stand is depicted
at the left.
At right, an outside view of the new
theatre. Motion picture stars in person,
as well as film executives, in addition to
throngs of the public at large, crowded
the theatre at its recent gala opening.
Oklahoma City Facing
Municipal Sales Tax
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City is
making a bid for additional revenues with a
proposed sales tax.
William Gill jr., city manager, asserts that
the city faces the prospect of raising garbage
and water rates and a general boost in
licenses fees if the sales tax bill is not en-
acted.
Business leaders are endorsing the city’s
campaign to get the legislature to act quickly
on a bill authorizing the people to vote on
whether they will enact a sales tax here.
“We advance the idea of a sales tax as a
means to raise the needed money quickly, and
spread the burden out over a territory wide
enough to catch a lot of people who live out-
side the city, but who derive all their income
from jobs in the city, and add to the burdens
on city facilities and congestion,” said Gill,
and added:
“All we’re asking the legislature to do is to
give our citizens in Oklahoma City a chance
to vote on whether they will adopt a sales
tax to solve the city’s fund problems.
“As the law now stands, we do not have
the right even to decide whether we want a
sales tax, but are faced with the only alter-
native of letting our departments and facilities
decay, or resorting to our legal remedy of in-
creasing the service charges and rates of
services which already are financing the bulk
of the city’s operations.”
The ordinary sources of revenue cannot
be raised sufficiently to meet pressing local
needs even if present receipts were doubled,
according to Gill. He said: “The city sales
tax is the logical answer. Under the proposed
bill the tax would be enacted for only three
years to allow the new constitutional con-
vention the chance to adjust city revenue
provisions.”
Shreve Theatre Open
SHREVE, OHIO— The Shreve Theatre has
gone into operation. Construction of the
406-seat house was started a year ago by
Harry and Howard Grenert of Killbuck, who
sold the project in January to R. D. Ash and
Clair Sauer. The theatre is operating with
two shows nightly and matinees Saturday
and Sunday.
Signs Projectionist Pact
BILOXI, MISS. — Henry Mayer, owner of
the Meyer Theatre here and the Star in
d’Iberville, has signed a contract with the
Biloxi- Gulfport motion picture operators
union covering projectionists at his two thea-
tres.
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
R. M. SAVINI
Pbe4&ntl
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
RICHARD’S
ANSWER
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
HEAR AND SEE
RICHARD IN
SONG & MUSIC
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
BOOK NOW
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
J(JOHN) Q I) (O.K.)
ENKiNS ex Bourgeois
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HARWOOD & JACKSON STS.
DALLAS 1 "Riverside 1884” TEXAS
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
I AIN'T GONNA OPEN THAT DOOR
BOXOFFICE : April 26, 1947
103
THE WESTERNER
ROARS ONTO
SCREEN!
Low Intensity Arc
Lamps
YOU GET
THE RIGHT LAMP
FOR YOUR NEEDS!
As the only lamps manufactured complete
within one factory, they can be so engi-
neered as to guarantee the
best screen results.
STRONG pedate u ^
Portable Arc Lamps
Junior High Arc Lamps
for 35 mm.
DALLAS 11, TEX.— Hardin Theatre Supply, Mr. J. H. Hardin, 714 South
Hampton Rd. Telephone: M-2235.
DALLAS 2, TEX.— Herber Bros., 408 So. Harwood St.
HOUSTON 2, TEX. — Southwestern Theatre Equipment Co., 1416 Main St.
NEW ORLEANS 8, LA. — Electrical Supply Co., 201 Magazine St. Telephone:
Raymond 7272.
OKLAHOMA CITY 2, OKLA.— Oklahoma Theatre Supply Co., 708 W. Grand
Ave. Telephone: 7-8691.
William H. Gueringer
Dies in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS— The funeral of William
H. Gueringer, retired theatre executive who
died Sunday (20) at his home here were con-
ducted at the House of Bultman Monday.
Gueringer, who was 61, was identified with
the motion picture industry here and else-
where in the south for nearly a quarter of a
century before his retirement in 1930. In
the early part of his career, he was associated
with the Herman Fichtenberg Enterprises,
operator of theatres in New Orleans, Vicks-
burg, Miss., Pensacola, Fla., and Houston,
Tex., as general manager.
In 1905 Gueringer and the late Herman
Fichtenberg opened the Penny Arcade on
Canal street, forerunner of the modern pic-
ture theatre. Later, Gueringer was associated
with E. V. Richards and the late J. H. Saenger
in directing the expansion and building op-
erations of the Saenger circuit throughout
the south.
He is survived by his wife and one sister.
Student Makes Complaint
On Manners of Patrons
OKLAHOMA CITY — An Oklahoma City
university student wrote the forum editor of
the Oklahoma City Times: “Isn’t there any
way to make people be more courteous in
theatres? Recently I had the privilege of
seeing one of the rare worthwhile pictures,
‘Henry V.’ Now there are hundreds of movies
made for those who know nothing about his-
tory, literature or acting and who have had
contact with the immortal bard only through
Vitamin Flintheart.
“Why do they waste their money going to
a Shakespearean production only to complain,
boast of their ignorance in loud tones, throw
their popcorn down forcibly in disgust and
stomp out over the other patrons?
“Perhaps one of the theatres can arrange
a free bubble gum and comic book, western
and multicartoon program in the evening for
those who work on Saturday afternoon and
are too old to attend the midnight horror
shows.”
IF
YOU
NEED
SEATING
★
Call - Wire - Write
GRIGGS EQUIP! IIT CO.
Belton, Texas
104
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Plainview Kiwanis Club
Hears Darden Field Man
PLAINVIEW, TEX— Popcorn was served
noon luncheon of the
Kiwanis club here
when W. R. Taylor,
field supervisor for
Charles E. Darden
& Co., appeared as the
speaker. Commercial
production of popcorn
on the south plains of
Texas was started in
1946, Taylor said. He
gave the Kiwanians a
resume of the eco-
nomic value to this
area of this develop-
ment, pointing out
that growth of pop-
corn was begun experimentally four years ago
with a crop of 8,000 pounds. The output has
been increased considerably to serve the
Darden processing plant here.
Taylor said that popcorn grown in this
area tests 1.25 per cent higher in protein
content than that grown in any of the six
othter producing states; that weevil is un-
known in this dry climate; that the growth
cures on the stalk, and that the local com-
bination of soil, climate, type of seed and
irrigation assures an extensive enlargement
of popcorn acreage in this district.
Popcorn has become a factor in interna-
national trade with Canada and Mexico, he
said.
Newspapers here played up Taylor’s ad-
dress, emphasizing the service to the com-
munity of the new industry.
Joe Joseph to Build
Theatre in Dallas
DALLAS — Plans have been drawn and con-
struction will start at once on a neighbor-
hood theatre near the Cedar Crest Country
club, in one of Dallas’ fast growing residential
areas. The theatre will be built by Joe Jo-
seph, local theatre broker.
Approval for the construction has been
given by the CPA, Joseph said. He said the
house would seat 650, will have all the latest
available equipment, and will be adjoined by
a fenced, policed parking area. The loca-
tion, in the new Cedar Crest business sec-
tion from which the theatre will take the
name Cedar Crest, is at one of the highest
spots in Dallas and will make the marquee
visible over a great distance, Joseph said.
He plans to operate the theatre personally,
and also to maintain his brokerage and
equipment business in the theatre building.
In 'The Bishop's Wife'
RKO has handed Elsa Lanchester a fea-
tured role in “The Bishop’s Wife.”
^REMODELING - DECORATING
Drapes — Frames — Lighting Fixtures
*. LOWEST PRICES
LUPE ROMERO
4222 Lafayette DALLAS 4. TEX. T-0G60
NO OPEN DATES
0V1UIZ UNTIL AUGUST
Over 4,100 paid adult admissions in 2 days at Lawton,
Okla.
SRO EVERY NIGHT
During Easter Week in Giddings, Caldwell,
Rockdale, Somerville and Thorndale. Texas.
SRO IN WICHITA FALLS
Why Wait — Date Now tor Fall Playdates
315 S. Lancaster DALLAS 8. TEXAS
as a side dish at a
W. R. TAYLOR
NEW IRWIN CHAIRS
. :
We Can Make Prompt
Delivery on All Types
OUR PRICES ARE STILL
LOW ON QUALITY SEATING
Complete Theatre Equipment & Service
Mox&esin Equipment Qo^mp.ami
214 South St. Paul Street
Phone Riverside 5009
Dallas 1. Texas
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
104-A
THEATRES WANTED
If your theatre is showing a profit
and priced right we can sell it for
you within 30 days.
Send complete information as we
have buyers waiting. All informa-
tion confidential.
Buyers, we have the theatre you
want. Contact us.
NO BROKERS, DIRECT DEALS ONLY
THEATRE ENTERPRISES
730 E. 1 1th Street Houston 8. Texas
Phones: V 2-2839 <S V 2-7841
POPCORN
South American — & — White Hull-less, $7.50
per 100. Write for sample.
HAYES SEED HOUSE
Topeka, Eas.
HERMAN BLUM
Engineer
Air-Conditioning and Heating Design
170814 Commerce St. Dallas, Texas
BOXES and BAGS
They Are Still in Short Supply But
We Have Them
Send Us Your Standing Order and Save 10%
Look at These Prices!
Standing Order
List Price Discount Net Price
BOXES— 5c size — Serially numbered, printed and colored
BOXES — 10c size — Printed red and white (4Vjx2x7)
BOXES— Carnival Size— 4xl3/8x5V2 — 1000 to case
JUMBO BAGS — 15" long x 41/2x1% — GOO to case
BAGS — 5c Johnny Boy — Red and white stripe (3x1 7/8x7) — 10.000 to case
BAGS — 10c Johnny Boy — Red and white stripe (3x2x9) — 3,000 to case
BAGS — Kraft, 1/2-lb. size (3xl%x6V2) — 10.000 per bale
BAGS — Kraft, %-lb. size (3x2x7 3/4) — 10,000 per bale
BAGS — Kraft. 10c size (33/4x2l/«x9)— 6.000 per bale
BAGS— Kraft. 10c size — Johnny Boy red stripe — 6,000 per bale
BAGS — 5c glassine — 12.000 to case (3x1 3/4x6%)
BAGS — 10c glassine — 8,000 to case, %-lb. (3%xl 3/4x7 3/4)
BAGS— 1 lb. glassine (31/2x21/4x7%)
BAGS — 2 lb. glassine— 6,000 to case
5.50
10%
4.95
8.65
10%
7.79
6.50M
10%
5.85M
6.75M
10%
6.08M
1.82M
10%
1.64M
2.35M
10%
2.12M
1.40M
10%
1.26M
1.50M
10%
1.35M
1.65M
10%
1.49M
2.20M
10%
1.98M
1.98M
10%
1.79M
2.88M
10%
2.60M
2.79M
10%
2.52M
3.31M
10%
2.98M
One-Day Service
Order Today
BLEVINS POPCORN CO.
31st & Charlotte
Dept. BB
Nashville, Tenn.
THE NEW POSTWAR
PG-200 SERIES
RCA Photophone Theatre Sound Systems
are now available for quick delivery .
Capacities to meet requirements from the PG-215
for small theatres thru the PG-251 for drive-ins.
SOUTHWESTERN THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
2010 Jackson St.
DALLAS 1. TEXAS
Tel: Central 8579
1416 Main St.
HOUSTON 2, TEXAS
Tel: Capitol 9906
D_ALL_AS
Jimmie Hill, partner in Southwestern Thea-
■* tre Equipment Co., and Mitchell Lewis,
operator of several Negro theatres, tied for
top honors at last week’s Variety Club golf
tournament in Houston. Both received gold
watches. Play was on the Westwood coun-
try club course. A dinner dance concluded the
affair. Charles E. Darden planed down to
Houston to attend the dinner. He returned
by plane with A1 Mortensen, chief barker of
the Houston tent, both attending the funeral
of Fred Larned, who was buried here.
N. Emile Savini, Astor Pictures auditor of
New York, has been visiting the local Astor
exchange, operated under franchise by John
Jenkins and O. K. Bourgeois. His brother
Bob is Astor president.
Henry Sorenson, owner of Modern Theatre
Equipment Co., was in west Texas, going as
far as El Paso and into Mexico, where he
has made several equipment installations re-
cently ... P. Ed Wilson of Enterprise Thea-
tres is driving a new automobile.
Work is going right along on remodeling
the Melrose Theatre by Interstate circuit,
which will open the house as the new Es-
quire. The entire inside was torn out and
everything in it will be all new. The cream
brick front will take on a more modern fin-
ish. Opening date may be three or four
months off.
J. R. Ramsey, veteran Railway Express
driver who has served Filmrow and Texas
exhibitors for many years, was awarded a
gold embossed merit card by the police de-
partment for driving his truck 12 years with-
out a mishap. The presentation was made
at a meeting in Hotel Jefferson. Ramsay,
driver of a truck that has transported thou-
sands of films, is credited with knowing much
about the industry.
Harold Russell, co-star of "The Best Years
of Our Lives,” here in connection with the
showing of that film, and his wife were honor
guests at a luncheon in the Adolphus hotel
given by RKO for the press and local theatre
men. Russell was proud of his new ten-gal-
lon western hat given him at the time. He
is on leave from studies at Harvard where
he is taking business administration and ad-
vertising, and hopes he may again be work-
ing for Samuel Goldwyn, in whose latest pic-
ture he won two Oscars.
Lloyd Pullen, manager of six theatres in
the Oak Cliff section for the Robb & Rowley
circuit, long had a close tieup with the
Kiwanis club, which has been giving benefit
shows in the Texas Theatre. The club just
announced net profits of nearly $5,000 from
recent shows in the theatre. Besides a film
program there are vaudeville and musical
acts, all by Kiwanians or by students or other
citizens. The funds are used by the club to
maintain its Youth center and for other
general expenses.
V. E. Hamm came down from Frederick,
Okla., where he owns and operates the Okla.
Hamm is also in Corsicana, with the
Texas Theatre, where he renewed an affilia-
tion of former years with Homer Gimlin, who
is managing that house. Hamm was attend-
ing to his film and booking chores but put
in a lot of his time on popcorn. He goes in
for the concessions angle in his theatres in
a big way.
P. K. Johnston, Interstate’s booking depart-
ment head, decided to go east for a three-
week rest, foregoing the lures of fishing
rodeos at Possum Kingdom and Texoma
lakes nearer home. He headed straight for
Marblehead, Mass., where national boat races
are in progress. Next stop will be in New
104-B
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Haven to see his granddaughter and his son,
attending Yale university, and his son’s wife.
“P.K.” likes to tell oldtime jokes of the show
business, this trip reminding him of one.
Said the straight man: “You know, there’s a
town in Massachusetts that reminds me of
you.” “Zat so?” answered the stooge.
“What’s the name of the honor city?” “It’s
Marblehead,” came the dry answer as both
ducked offstage.
M. R. “Duke” Clark, Paramount’s south-
western district manager, left here Tuesday
night, having been
called to New York by
top executives for con-
ferences. Before leav-
ing he had made no
intimation as to who
might be Fred
Larned’s successor as
manager of the local
branch, but this ap-
pointment is expected
soon after his return.
Larned was killed in
an automobile acci-
dent near Carmel,
Calif., two weeks ago. "DUKE" Clark
Don C. Douglas, public relations head for
Robb & Rowley, is back in harness after
three weeks in the hospital and at home
following a recent illness. He is looking well
but will soft pedal activities for awhile. He
attended the meeting here Tuesday of the
Motion Picture Foundation, of which he is a
committee chairman.
C. H. Jones of the Plaza Theatre, Weather-
ford; H. S. Usry and L. R. Kincaid of the
Majestic and Ritz, Decatur, and J. W. Curley
and son Steve of the new Arcadia Theatre in
Bridgeport were busy about Filmrow ... In
another exchange were seen H. A. Daniels of
the new Palace at Seguin, J. C. Chatmas of
the Palace at Marlin and Audrey Cox of the
Palace at Lamesa, the latter working fever-
ishly to get in all bookings in order before
taking off for the Kentucky derby at Louis-
ville.
Filmrow and all who walk those paths, in-
cluding visiting exhibitors, will soon be look-
ing at an architectural and religious gem now
under construction just across the street from
Herber Bros, and the Paramount exchange.
Millionaire R. B. George is building a little
shrine right next to the First Presbyterian
church in memory of his mother. He said
anyone who wants a few minutes with God
might enter this little chapel for prayer and
meditation.
He's Chief Eagle Beak,
This Bob Hope Person
Anadarko, Okla. — Bob Hope and his
radio sponsor, Charles Luckman, presi-
dent of Lever Bros., will attend the Indian
exposition here ih August. Both Lever
and Hope are members of the Kiowa
tribe. Luckman was inducted into the
tribe at Tulsa under the name of Chief
Great Heart. Hope is Chief Eagle Beak.
Don DeFore, film comedian, is an-
other new inductee into the Kiowa tribe.
He was made a chief in special rites at
the Midwest Theatre Saturday (19).
DeFore, who is in the cast of “It Hap-
pened on Fifth Avenue,” spent the day
here, doing radio shows and making per-
sonal appearances. His latest picture was
being premiered in Texas, so his presence
in this part of the country was due to
that. He and other Hollywood celebrities
in Dallas for the event put on a benefit
for Texas City blast victims.
SAM LEWIS
Remodeling and Decorating Theatres
“A Dollar’s Worth for Your Dollar ”
Phone Y2-7383
2810 Sharon Dallas 11, Texas
Sam A. Hobbs
Yale 2-1483
Eddie H. Shahan
Yale 2-0526
HOBBS & SHAHAN
Theatre Remodeling and Decorating
Draperies . . . Acoustical Correction
1224 So. Brighton
DALLAS 11, TEXAS
Is Your
Theatre
For Sale?
We Have
Buyers
With Cash
"JOE" JOSEPH
THEATRES
Let “Joe” Sell Your Show.
Theatres bought — sold — equipped — fire in-
ventories— consultant and equipment.
1003 Galloway St. Dallas, Tex.
Phone Yale 2-7650
Improve Your Projection With STRONG LAMPS
Immediate Delivery Out Of Dallas Stock
THE FAMOUS
STRONG
1 KW
LAMPS
and
RECTIFIERS
Known as the
Utility Intermedi-
ate High
Also
STRONG
LOW
LAMPS
and
RECTIFIERS
Known as the
Utility Low
Intensity
Strong Reflectors for Most Any Type Lamp House
Most Anything for the Theatre
HERBER BROTHERS
“Fair Treatment and Adequate Service for 25 Years’’
408 S. HARWOOD DALLAS 1. TEXAS
Theatre Seating Division
of
AMERICAN DESK MFG. COMPANY
Temple, Texas
Giving prompt, dependable delivery
on chair orders
CALL US FOR YOUR CHAIR NEEDS
Dallas Office
FORREST DUNLAP
2008 Jackson St.
R - 3595
Memphis Office
HARLAN H. DUNLAP
410 S. Second St.
8-1770
New Orleans Office
W. A. PREWITT
223 So. Liberty
Magnolia 6571
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
104-C
Heflin Visits Native Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY— Van Heflin, the MGM
star who was born in Walters, Okla., and lived
here during most of his childhood, came back
this week for a five-day visit, his first in his
native state since 1940. His fathffr, Dr.
Emmett Heflin, a dentist, practiced here 35
years.
A full schedule of parties and appearances,
first of which was a reception at the Variety
Club Monday night, kept him busy until he
departed by plane Friday night for Holly-
wood. His activities included visits to the
governor and mayor, at Will Rogers Memo-
rial hospital, several speeches, a trip to the
University of Oklahoma at Norman where he
was graduated in 1931, and a visit at Ard-
more with his 95-year-old grandmother, Mrs.
Alexander Heflin.
“It’s an odd thing about being reared in a
place like Oklahoma,” he remarked here,
“You never get over it. Oklahoma is still
home. And there is still a special feeling for
and among people from Oklahoma. I think
really that down-to-earthness of Oklahomans
has helped me in my acting. You know, most
audiences resent anyone who puts on airs.
And if I remember to act like an Oklahoman
I get along fine.”
Heflin will occupy the Bob Hope spot dur-
the summer months doing a radio presenta-
tion of the Philip Marlowe stories, he said
here.
Texlite Will Construct
Million Dollar Factory
DALLAS — Texlite, Inc., makers of porce-
lain enamel theatre fronts and signs, will
begin construction May 15 of a $1,000,000 fac-
tory building in the Love field industrial area,
not far from the plant it has occupied for 25
years.
The company started in 1879 as the Borich
Sign Co. and occupied a small building on
the site of the Adolphus hotel. Harold H.
Wineburgh is owner and president of the
company which does business well over the
U.S., in Latin America and other foreign
overseas. The company had been doing an
extensive theatre sign business for years, but
in 1930 entered the porcelain enamel field,
in which process they began making theatre
fronts as well as signs and other forms of
illumination.
Hensons Will Start Soon
On Project in Oakdale
SAN FRANCISCO— Work will be started
soon on the new theatre to be constructed in
Oakdale by Bert Henson Enterprises. The
$100,000 house will seat 660 and serve the
Modesto-Oakdale area.
Until recently Henson was associated with
Redwood Theatres of San Francisco. The
Having some fun at the Variety Club
party for Van Heflin were (left to right) :
Horace R. Falls, chief barker; Mrs. Morris
Loewenstein, wife of the TOO president,
and the MGM star.
Hensons plan to buy a home in Oakdale and
make that spot headquarters of their new
theatre circuit. Henson has taken a lease
on the Couchman community hall for a term
of years and work will start within a few
days to remodel and equip it. Total expendi-
ture will exceed $15,000.
Don Tigny Sells Don
In East Helena, Mont.
EAST HELENA, MONT.— The Don Theatre
in East Helena has been sold to Don Leibrand
and Tom Conboy of Scobey by Don Tigny.
Leibrand has been a theatre projectionist
and manager in Scobey for 17 years. Conboy
has been a rancher and business man in
Scobey for many -years.
Tigny reopened the house about a year ago,
naming it the Don. The building was com-
pletely remodeled and new equipment in-
stalled. Tigny has no definite plans for the
future but may open a new theatre in an-
other part of the state.
Weiss and Son Purchase
Mission in Las Cruces
LAS CRUCES, N. M.— The Mission Theatre
at Mesilla Park has been taken over from
J. B. McMahon by J. A. Weiss and his son
J. A. Weiss jr. Both are veterans in Show
business, having operated theatres in the Los
Angeles area and in Oklahoma City.
Westerns-Features-Serials
I Tower Pictures Co.
HAROLD SCHWARZ
3021/j S. Harwood St. C — 7357
DALLAS 1. TEXAS
BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT
10th FI.. 2nd Unit. Santa Fe Bldg. BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO*, INC. Dallas, Tex.
Detroit May Put Curb
On Signs, Marquees
From Mideast Edition
DETROIT — Opposition to large theatre
signs, both marquee and stickout types, on
principal streets in all parts of the city was
voiced in the common council recently by
Councilman Eugene Van Antwerp.
He made known his stand in connection
with a proposed amendment to existing ordi-
nances affecting Woodward avenue signs,
The amendment, offered by Raymond J.
Meurer, would allow a marquee to be erected
within the isosceles triangle extending from
three feet beyond the front of a theatre to a
maximum projection of 10y2 feet, provided it
did not come closer to the curb line than
three feet. This would favor V-type marquees
but also would allow smaller rectangular ones.
The amendment would permit changeable
marquee signs, but not stickout signs. The
change has been approved by the city fire
and building departments.
Van Antwerp indicated he would favor
elimination of large theatre signs and mar-
quees virtually everywhere in the city.
At least two instances have occurred re-
cently in which permits for signs and mar-
quees requiring special approval by the coun-
cil have been held up. Neither was near
Woodward avenue. Usually the council ap-
proves such signs if they have been okayed
by the proper city departments. One of the
two applications held up by the council was
voluntarily withdrawn the other day when
it was found that opposition existed in the
council.
The Meurer amendment affecting Wood-
ward avenue signs and marquees would not
affect marquees not used for advertising pur-
poses, such a6 those erected on department
stores. A subcommittee of the council re-
ported favorably upon it.
Directly affected would be some of the
city’s key theatres, among them the Avenue,
Empress, Palms-State, Fox, Stone, Colonial,
Fine Arts, Paradise, Garden, Majestic, Forest,
Norwood-Telenews, Center, Regent, Alhambra
and Rosedale.
Coaxial Cable This Year
To Link Chicago, Gotham
From Central Edition
CHICAGO — In the picture for Chicago
today is television all the way from New
York. This was seen in the announcement
of the Illinois Bell Telephone Co. that coaxial
cables will be laid this year to connect Chi-
cago with the east coast on a television cir-
cuit. New York, Philadelphia and New York,
already linked, will be hooked up in a net-
work with Chicago, via Cleveland, Toledo
and South Bend. By the year’s end, five
Chicago interests are expected to be in the
television field.
• NOW.
Your Theatre Can Be Sold
PRIVATELY at Top Market
Personal, Confidential Handling
Confidential correspondence invited
ARTHUR LEAR
BROKER
Theatre Sales Exclusively
3422 Kinmore SL Dallas 10, Texas
Dial T3-2026
104-D
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Miami Bows in Carnival Setting
Opening of Pride of Wometco Carries Out Showplace of Americas Theme
Tom Connors, vice-president in charge of distribution for 20th-Fox, congratulates
Sonny Shepherd, manager of Wometco’s new Miami Theatre, at the formal opening of
the theatre and of “Carnival in Costa Rica.” Back, 1. to r.: Paul Wilson, 20th-Fox
district manager; Harry G. Ballance, southern division sales manager, and Fred Dodson,
manager in Atlanta.
MIAMI— When this city’s first postwar
theatre, the Miami, was formally opened last
Friday (18), a dream the owners, Mitchell
Wolfson and Sidney Meyers, have had ever
since their partnership began in 1924, was
realized.
Their ambition has been to construct the
most comfortably appointed and modern
amusement house in greater Miami, and on
Miami’s principal thoroughfare, Flagler street.
The new Miami brilliantly fulfills that am-
bition. Proclaimed as “the showplace of the
Americas,” the Miami opened in a setting of
Latin American carnival and with prominent
figures of the entertainment world in at-
tendance.
Under construction more than a year, the
theatre is the 20th in the Wolfson-Meyers
Wometco chain, and the 25th in Miami.
CELESTE HOLM SINGS
Celeste Holm, one of the stars of 20th-Fox’s
“Carnival in Costa Rica,” made a personal
appearance and sang some of the numbers
which have carried her to film stardom. The
Miami’s first presentation was selected par-
ticularly to heighten the Latin American at-
mosphere of the city’s Fiesta de las Americas.
The opening was planned to be a part of the
fiesta program.
Miamians turned out by the thousands,
taxing police efforts to keep traffic moving
along Flagler street. Mayor Perrine Palmer
jr. cut a ribbon to officially open the theatre,
while newsreel cameramen, photographers
and broadcasters made a record of the event.
James Donn, president of Gulfstream race-
track, dedicated the theatre. It was Donn
who dedicated Wometco’s first theatre, the
Capitol, 22 years ago.
FILM NOTABLES ON HAND
Wolfson and Meyer told of the organiza-
tion’s pride at being able to contribute the
new theatre to Miami’s growing list of
achievements. Sharing the job as master
of ceremonies were Joey Adams and Don
Lanning.
Film notables on hand included Joe
Schenck, studio executive; Tom Connors, vice-
president in charge of distribution, and Harry
Ballance, southern division sales manager, all
of 20th-Fox, and Charles Moskowitz, vice-
president of MGM. Star Una Merkel con-
gratulated Wometco on its new theatre.
Beauties from Latin America made ap-
pearances. Esther Fernandez y de Armas,
the fiesta’s queen, and her court of honor
from Cuba, were introduced. Three senoritas
from Costa Rica — Lydia Soto-Harrison, Olga
Gutierrez Pacheco and Sonia Lizano— ap-
peared in native costume. They have been
on a tour of the U.S. as guests of 20th-Fox
in connection with the showing of “Carnival
in Costa Rica,” much of which was filmed in
their country.
SEATS 1,860 PERSONS
Others introduced included J. M. “Sonny”
Shepherd, managing director of the new
theatre; J. Y. Gooch, the contractor, and
Robert E. Collins, Miami architect who was
associated with S. Charles Lee of Hollywood
in designing the new Miami.
The Miami, seating 1,860, embodies many
new features available only since the end of
the war. Planned for more than five years
it was built despite recurrent threats of ma-
terial shortages.
To obtain equipment, and indeed nearly all
construction materials, Wolfson found it
necessary to make personal visits to factories
all over the eastern half of the nation. The
builder’s original chart gave December 1946
as the opening date, but until February of
this year no one would hazard a guess closer
than “some time in the spring.”
The Miami is unique in design from its sub-
terranean tunnel to the huge ceramic deco-
ration on its facade. Such architectural quirks
as these necessitated extra trips from Holly-
wood by Lee, the architect.
The tunnel under the building comes un-
der the heading of civic improvement. Most
merchants are obliged to put their trash and
garbage in containers along Flagler street’s
sidewalks. Trash and garbage from the thea-
tre, however, will be kept in refrigerated
vaults until collection time. Trash containers
One of the largest pieces of ceramic
decorations made in recent years adorns
the front of the new Miami Theatre.
will then move through the tunnel under the
auditorium, and a sidewalk elevator on a
side street will lift it up for collection.
The air conditioning system, in addition
to the usual filtering process which removes
dust and pollen, does two other things. One,
an electronics process, removes smoke from
the “used” air before recirculating it. An-
other, patterned after the principle of the
military gas mask, circulates air through a
series of cannisters of activated carbon to
remove odors and gases.
Lighting is nearly all neon. Stairways to
the mezzanine are illuminated by neon-
lighted handrails. In the auditorium bronze
figures, depicting the spirit of Miami, are
backlighted by colored neon. The foyer has
exotic coves containing neon of mixed colors
to give soft-lighted reflections.
The specifications for the acoustics, draft-
ed by a recognized authority, were drawn
first and the theatre built around the speci-
fications. “We wanted perfection in acous-
tics if we could get it,” said Wolfson. Spe-
cial materials were imported from Hawaii to
treat the walls.
INDUCTION HEARING AIDS
The Miami exemplifies a modem baroque
style. The facade is in two-tone terra cotta,
the lower floor in granite and marble. The
long, narrow auditorium, which is tops in visi-
bility because almost every spectator looks
straight toward the screen, is 65 feet wide.
The distance from the projection machine
to the screen is 199 feet.
All seats, except in the smoking loge, are
the recently developed pushbacks, making it
unnecessary for patrons to rise to let others
pass. Deep, upholstered chairs are installed
in the loge.
Following the European custom of com-
bining eating facilities with theatres, the
Miami was designed to incorporate Huyler’s
restaurant. Patrons may be served in the
theatre lobby and lounge or may enter from
the theatre to the restaurant.
“Over my dead body,” says Manager Shep-
c Continued on next page)
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
SE
105
Project in Chattanooga
Has West Coast Motif
CHATTANOOGA — Plans for an ultramod-
ern $500,000 motion picture theatre of a de-
sign “entirely new” to the southeast have
been announced for downtown Chattanooga
by Emmett R. Rogers, city manager of
Eastenn Theatres, Inc.
The site, leased on a long-term basis from
the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis rail-
road, fronts 60 feet on Market street between
Ninth and Tenth, and extends approximately
200 feet to Broad street. Said Rogers:
ENTIRELY NEW FOR REGION
“This theatre will be of a design that will
be entirely new for the southeast region, al-
though motion picture houses somewhat along
the same lines have been built on the west
coast.
“It will be completely modernistic in de-
sign. One of the unusual features will be the
front treatment, which will include a glass
tower rising above the marque roof and carry-
ing special lighting effects.”
Preliminary plans for the theatre are now
being prepared by an architectural firm under
the direction of the Wilby-Kincey Service
Corp. of Atlanta. Rogers added:
TO SEAT 1,200-1,500
“The theatre will have a seating capacity
of between 1,200 and 1,500 and will be of the
single-floor type which will permit unusual
and new treatment in the auditorium design.
It will, of course, contain the latest in fur-
nishings and equipment.
“Lighting will be indirect and the building
will be fully air conditioned. We expect to
start construction when the site is available,
plans are completed and approval of the Ci-
vilian Production administration is obtained.”
The Tivoli, State and Rialto theatres here
also are operated by Eastenn, and the firm
owns the Tivoli and Bijou theatres. It oper-
ated the Bijou here until a fire about two
years ago destroyed the building.
COMPANION TO THE TIVOLI
The new house, yet to be named, will be
a companion to the Tivoli in that it also will
show the best available pictures, Rogers said.
It was also pointed out that the new house
will not replace any of the company’s thea-
tres here.
Lease on the new site is effective Jan. 1.
1948, and runs until Dec. 26, 1969. The rail-
road is given an option to cancel the lease
in event that Eastenn has not prepared plans
and is not ready to start construction by
Jan. 1, 1949.
Panama Theatre Reopens
After Redecoration Job
PANAMA CITY, FLA. — The Panama Thea-
tre, closed for remodeling and redecorating,
has reopened. There still remains some work
to be done to the exterior of the building.
The lobby floor has been carpeted and the
balcony redecorated in an attractive combina-
tion of red, blue and green. In the lobby the
walls are of pastel shades of blue, with dark
blue edging, as are the walls of the audi-
torium. Lighting fixtures have been replaced.
To make room for a new fan room the screen
was moved forward. Air vents on either side
of the screen have been redesigned and will
be hung with red draperies. Shadow boxes
beneath the vents will give previows of com-
ing attractions.
Jack Jackson, manager, has been with the
Martin-Davis circuit about a year. He was
in Montgomery prior to the war.
TO HANDLE ROYALTY’ — Harvey
Smith, publicity director of Georgia Thea-
tre Co. here, has resigned to become spe-
cial representative and advertising man-
ager for the Duke of Paducah, Inc., the
Duke being the top humorist on Grand
Ole Opry over the NBC network, who
has taken a summer vacation from radio
to play theatres in the east. Smith served
as director in eight southern states for
the hospital motion picture service of the
Red Cross during the war. Previous to
that, he managed theatres for Wilby-
Kincey in the Carolinas. He will continue
to reside in Atlanta.
New Miami Makes Debut
In Gay Carnival Setting
(Continued from preceding page)
herd, “will popcorn ever get into this theatre.”
The new theatre presents the first postwar
installation of hearing aids which permits
the hard-of-hearing to sit anywhere in the
theatre. The system enables the listener to
pick up sound by induction. Older types of
aids required patrons to sit in certain seats
especially wired.
An unusual innovation is the junior drink-
ing fountain for small fry, tailored to size.
To emphasize the Florida atmosphere, the
architects made provision for a small aqua-
rium on each side of the mezzanine lounge,
and in these will swim tropical fish. Spanish-
speaking attendants are on duty, and a Pan-
American tropical garden is to be planted
in the lobby in soil collected from all the
American nations. There is a hometown reg-
ister in the lobby.
Wometco, in styling the Miami “the show-
place of the Americas,” adopted a permanent
policy of making the theatre an attraction to
visitors from Latin America.
It was five years ago that Wometco began
to cast about for a Flagler street location.
The search narrowed down to three sites but
the choice fell to the Halcyon Arcade build-
ing, demolished for the new structure. An
important angle in favor of this site was
the adjoining 500-car duPont Building
garage.
Waters Co. Purchases
Big Business Tract
BIRMINGHAM — Purchase by Waters The-
atre Co. “for investment purposes” of a
downtown corner business tract is one of the
recent major local real estate transactions.
Purchase price of the tract was reported
to be more than $300,000 and the transaction
also provided for the tradein by Waters of
another downtown tract to the sellers of the
property.
The site acquired is at Fourth avenue and
North 21st street, directly opposite the old
courthouse site where the Southern Natural
Gas Co. plans to construct a multicolored
office building, which also possibly will con-
tain a hotel and a theatre.
The property fronts 200 feet on Fourth
avenue and 140 feet on 21st street, housing
14 business establishments.
Operating 17 neighborhood theatres in
Birmingham and suburban areas, the Waters
company is a partnership composed of N. H.
Waters sr., Anna Lois Waters, and two sons,
J. R. Waters and N. H. Waters jr.
Waters, a native of Anniston, entered the
theatre business in Birmingham in 1932. He
said that he had purchased the property as an
investment “with the firm belief that Bir-
mingham is headed for a tremendous expan-
sion.”
It was announced that Wilmot C. Douglas
is architect for the new 1,000-seat theatre
which Waters is planning for North 76th
street and First avenue in the East Lake dis-
trict. Plans call for a building with concrete
and asphalt floors, of masonry construction,
with slab roof deck.
Safecrackers Take $4,449
From Little Rock Theatre
LITTLE ROCK — Police are attempting to
solve the robbery of Robb & Rowley’s Capitol
Theatre where safecrackers escaped with $4,-
449.45 cash. The robbery took place over the
weekend and was discovered by Manager
Harold Jones.
Tools for opening the safe were taken from
the basement of the theatre where air condi-
tioning men were impairing the cooling sys-
tem.
Advertising displays in front of the theatre
were heralding “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Ap-
parently the robbers agreed.
Holliday and Anderson
Will Open in Pamplico
PAMPLICO, S. C. — The CPA has approved
plans of John Holliday and Howard Anderson
to' build a theatre here. It would be the
first one in the city. The nearest theatre
now is 17 miles away. Holliday and Ander-
son are former service men.
Sues After a Fall
KNOXVILLE — Charging that she was
knocked unconscious by a fill from a backless
theatre seat as ‘she attempted to sit down to
watch a feature at the Joy Theatre last De-
cember 30, Clara Geraldine Britt has filed
suit for $5,000 damages against Denton Thea-
tres, Inc. Her husband, Paul Britt, asks $2,000
compensation.
Lawrenceburg Robbery
LAWRENCEBURG, TENN.— The safe of
the Princess Theatre here was battered open
by burglars and approximately $500 taken.
The intruders moved the safe down some
steps and an aisle to the stage, where they
knocked off the knob. They also entered
the theatre ticket booth, but took nothing.
106
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, TO47
Plenty of smart exhibitors in this
area are upping their receipts and
drawing holdout crowds ... by
showing the clearest, brightest,
steadiest pictures their audiences
have ever seen.
Their Brenkert "80” Projectors,
with the sensational Brenkert High
Intensity Lamps, are making ter-
rific headway with the public and
the box office.
You can get the same results.
See Your RCA Independent Theatre Supply Dealer
MONARCH THEATRE SUPPLY, INC.
492 S. 2nd St., Memphis, Tenn.
SOUTHEASTERN THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
209 South Poplar St., Charlotte, N. C.
201-3 Luckie St., N. W., Atlanta 1, Ga.
625 W. Bay St., Jacksonville, Fla.
MEMPHIS
•The Imperial Theatre, Whiteville, Tenn., has
been sold by Mrs. Justine Griffith to Mr.
and Mrs. Carlton Thomas . . . The Pine Bluff
arsenal theatre and the marine barracks
theatre at Shoemaker, Ark., were closed April
15. The Pine Bluff house was operated by
the arsenal and the Shoemaker show by the
navy.
A group of Memphis friends have returned
from the funeral of Fred Larned, Paramount
manager at Dallas. Among them were L. W.
McClintock, Memphis manager, and George
Gaughan, office manager. Joe Young, Tom
Donohue and Bob Gilmore, Paramount sales-
men here, also attended. W. C. Kroger, for-
mer Paramount salesman, now operator of the
Shannon and Maxon theatres in Portageville,
Mo., accompanied the Memphians.
Moses Sliman, Lux, Luxora, Ark., has re-
turned from a trip by air to his native land
of Syria, and was back on Memphis Filmrow
booking. Other exhibitors on the Row in-
cluded H. A. Cole, Cassiday, Webb, Miss.;
F. J. “Sunshine” Daugherty, Palace, West
Helena, Ark.; E. J. Pearre, Pearre, Jonestown,
Miss.; G. H. Goff, Rustic, Parsons, Tenn.;
N. B. Fair, Fair, Somerville, Tenn.
Also L. J. Bennett, YMCA, Bemis, Tenn;
Whyte Bedford, Marion, Hamilton, Ala.; W.
R. Lee, Gem and New, Heber Springs, Ark.;
Orris Collins, Majestic and Capitol, Para-
gould, Ark.; Donnie Vernon, Dixie, Potts
Camp, Miss.; W. F. Sonneman, Ozark Amuse-
ments Co., Fayetteville, Ark., and Leon
Roundtree, Grand and Valley at Water Valley,
Miss., and Holly at Holly Springs, Miss.
A. M. Avery, RKO manager, is limping
these days, but it isn’t gout. Avery hurt his
foot while bowling. It
was not serious enough
to keep him away from
work ... Ed William-
son, WB manager, was
in Nashville on busi-
ness.
Lauritz Melchior of
the Met was presented
in concert here last
week by I. L. Myers at
mns Auditorium. He
packed the house . . .
Bailey Prichard,
branch manager for ED Williamson
Monogram, was in Atlanta this week for a
sales meeting . . , The Strand Theatre’s ex-
tensive remodeling has been finished for the
scheduled opening April 25 of “The Best
Years of Our Lives,” at roadshow prices.
A1 Delcambre, district manager for David
O. Selznick, Dallas, was in Memphis on busi-
ness for “Duel in the Sun . . . Herman Chris-
man, branch manager, Republic, was in Little
Rock on business.
Also seen on the Row were John Harper,
Harper, White Oak, Mo.; E. J. Smith, V,
Altheimer, Ark.; Nathan S. Reiss, Bruce,
Bruce, Miss.; W. R. Tutt, Savoy, Tunica,
Miss.; Bill Huggins, Deering, Deering, Mo.;
Clyde Browning, Ecru, Ecru, Miss.; Roy Dil-
lard, Dillard, Wardell, Mo.; John Mohrstadt,
Mohrstadt circuit, Hayti, Mo.; Burris Smith,
Imperial, Pocahontas, Ark.
Leonard Shea, manager for PRC, was in
Little Rock . . . R. P. Dawson, manager for
Universal, is back from a business trip to
Little Rock.
Robert L. Pigue, booker for 20th-Fox, and
Mrs. Pigue are parents of Linda Parker,
born April 15 at Methodist hospital.
Still more out-of-town exhibitors on the
Row: Dr. R. W. Johnson, Shelby, Shelby,
Miss.; Mrs. Bill Ellis, Ellis, Cleveland, Miss.;
R. B. Cox, Batesville, Batesville, Miss.; Gor-
don Hutchins, State, Corning, Ark.; W. P.
Smith, Radio, Middleton, Tenn.; W. E. Malin,
Lura, Augusta, Ark.
Also K. K. Kinney, Hays, Hughes, Ark.;
H. G. Walden, Bay, Red Bay, Ala.; B. J.
Jackson, Delta, Ruleville, Miss.; C. J. Collier,
Globe, Shaw, Miss.; Mrs. Vallery Burke, Be-
noit, Benoit, Miss, and W. F. Ruffin jr„
Ruffin Amusements, Covington, Tenn.
Harry Martin, amusements editor of the
Commercial Appeal, has been ill with the flu
. . . Duke Hickey, MPA representative, com-
pleted a three-week survey of the Memphis
area in connection with the Children’s Film
library program recently launched by Eric
Johnston, MPA president. Before coming to
Memphis Hickey met with civic and film
leaders in the interest of this program and
conducted surveys in Chicago, Indianapolis
and St. Louis. He has gone on to New Orleans
and Dallas where special committees also
will be set up.
A1 Rotchchild, National Screen Service
manager at Memphis, and two of his sales-
men, Jack Lustig and Milton Kress, have
been to a business session in Chicago.
The Memphis board of censors, composed of
Lloyd T. Binford, Mrs. Sid Lew and Hodges
Honnoll, have started their enlarged task of
reviewing all motion pictures shown through-
out Shelby county as well as in the city.
Theatres in Shelby towns, such as Millington,
108
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
Collierville, Bartlett and Raleigh have been
uncensored in the past and were permitted
to show pictures banned in Memphis by the
censors. Now the city board has jurisdiction
over the entire county under authority of a
new state law.
Louis Ingram, MGM branch manager, has
LOUIS C. INGRAM
returned from a vacation in Atlanta . . .
J. R. Fly, head booker for MGM, and Mrs. Fly
are parents of a baby boy, J. R. Fly jr., born
April 13 at St. Joseph’s hospital.
Mrs. Merrill Parris Hudson, photoplay
chairman of the Better Films Council, spoke
to the organization’s April meeting on “How
to Review Pictures.” The council selects
suitable pictures for children, adults and
mixed audiences each week and the list i9
published in the Commercial Appeal.
“The Jolson Story” set some kind of rec-
ord in Memphis. After two weeks at Malco,
it was moved to the Strand where it now
winds up its fifth week on Main street.
Marita Farell, Metropolitan lyric soprano,
has been signed as leading lady in “The
Vagabond King,” in the Memphis Open Air
Theatre the week of August 11 . . . The New
York Philharmonic comes to the Ellis Audi-
torium April 29 . . . “My Sister Eileen,” Little
Theatre’s next undertaking, opens May 5.
More exhibitors on the Row: Mr. and Mrs.
D. H. Brown, Brown, Shirley, Ark.; J. E.
Singleton, Tyro, Tyronza, Ark.; Ernest Pol-
lock, Strand, Hohenwald, Tenn., and Pinkey
Tipton, New, Manila, Ark.
W. C. Handy Theatre this week is receiv-
ing final touches for its formal opening May
11. Nothing is being overlooked to make this
$200,000 1,100-seat all-Negro house the finest
in the country.
The Lightman family, Mr. and Mrs. M. A.
Lightman sr., M. A. Lightman jr. and Miss
Jean Lightman, college coed, were gathered
in New Orleans this week for a special oc-
casion. Richard Lightman, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Lightman and a junior executive in
Malco Theatres, Inc., himself, was to marry
Miss Jeanne Garretson of New Orleans
April 23.
The Memphis delegation to the National
Variety Clubs of America convention May
14-18 in Los Angeles will leave May 9 and
join a special Variety Club train at Kansas
City. Memphians who have made reservations
include Mr. and Mrs. Herb Kohn, Kohn is
chief barker of Memphis Tent 20, and an ex-
ecutive at Malco), Mr. and Mrs. Dave Flexer
(Flexer is head of Flexer Theatres, Inc.),
Bill Ramsey, Tom O’Ryan, Joe Simon, T.
Oscar Baldridge, M. A. Lightman sr., William
Goodman and Mr. and Mrs. Orris Collins,
Paragould, Ark.
Rebuilding of the Memphia Theatre, com-
pletely gutted by a recent fire in Memphis,
is on schedule and opening date has been
set for May 1 by M. A. Lightman jr., in charge
of construction for Malco Theatres, Inc.
Charles Moskowitz in Florida
CORAL GABLES — Charles C. Moskowitz of
New York is enjoying a southeastern Florida
vacation. He is Loew’s vice-president and
treasurer.
TRI-STATE THEATRE SERVICE
318 South Second Street
MEMPHIS 3. TENN.
EQUIPMENT — SUPPLIES
REPAIRS
MONARCH^
THEATRE SUPPLY, Inc.
Neil Blount
492 So. Second St.
Memphis, Tenn.
ORDER FROM YOUR
CAROLINA HEADQUARTERS
for
QUALITY POPPING PRODUCTS
★ BEE HIVE
hybrid popcorn
★ POPSIT PLUS!
liquid seasoning
★ SUPER STAR
popcorn machines
★ SAVOROL
powdered seasoning
Stars on Your Screen Mean Big Boxoffice — Stars in Your
Lobby Mean Big Concession Profits, Too! . . . BEE HIVE,
the nationally famous hybrid popcorn with the sensational
popping volume and delicious flavor, POPSIT PLUS!, the
liquid seasoning made from peanut oil temptingly flavored
and colored, and SUPER STAR, the attractive new postwar
popcorn machines with Two Heat Corn Warmers, Big Capac-
ity, and Foolproof Popping Units, are only three of the “stars"
on the Standard Theatre Supply Co. roster of quality con-
cession supplies and equipment. Don't take chances with
Grade B supplies. If it's connected with popcorn, we have
it — Boxes, Bags, Salt, Kettle Kleening Kits. Wire or Write
Today for Full Particulars.
Etandasid Supply Qa.
INDEPENDENT SUPPLY DEALERS
215 E. WASHINGTON ST.
GREENSBORO. NORTH CAROLINA
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
SE
109
BIRMINGHAM
The Temple Theatre will go dark for the
summer season on May 11 after present-
ing Nick Lucas as its final weekend vaude-
ville attraction. The house, which has been
booking in numerous midweek roadshow at-
tractions, played “Blossom Time” April 21.
Mr. and Mrs. William Phillip Lynch have
announced the engagement of their daughter
Marifrances to John Richard Waters, son of
Mr. and Mrs. Newman H. Waters sr. Young
Waters is booker for the Waters circuit; Miss
Lynch has been employed in the circuit offices
as a bookkeeper. The wedding will be held
in June.
Mr. and Mrs. Roger Butler of Selma, Ala.,
are the parents of Julia Allen, born April
13. Butler is city manager for Wilby-Kincey
Theatres in Selma . . . Neil Murphy of Little
Rock, representative of the Tri-States Thea-
tre Supply Co., Memphis, was a visitor.
Exploiteers in Birmingham on various cam-
paigns included J. D. Woodard, WB, “Hu-
moresque,” at the Ritz; Emory Austin, MGM,
“My Brother Talks to Horses,” at the Ritz,
and “Sea of Grass,” at the Alabama, and
Eddie Addison, Eagle-Lion and PRC, “Be-
delia” and “It’s a Joke, Son,” at the Strand.
Approximately 15 MPMO members visiting
here as delegates to the Alabama Federation
of Labor convention were feted at a lunch-
eon given by Local 236 at the Airdrome, Rob-
erts Field, April 21. Guests included City
Commissioner Eugene Connor and John
Busby, president of the Birmingham Federa-
YOU GET
THE RIGHT LAMP
FOR YOUR NEEDS!
As the only lamps manufactured complete
within one factory, they can be so engi-
neered as to guarantee the
best screen results.
^ WAtK-t&C&itKfiaMC STRON G 'tAe/oidu/le u Ajfc/ ^
ATLANTA 3, GA.— Capitol City Supply Co., 161 Walton St., N. W. Tele-
phone: Walnut 1244.
BIRMINGHAM 3, ALA. — Queen Feature Service, Inc., 1912'/2 Morris Ave.
Telephone: 3-S665.
CHARLOTTE 1, N. C.— Bryant Theatre Supply Co., 227 South Church St.
Telephone: Day, 2-4242; Night, 2838.
GRREENSBORO, N. C. — Standard Theatre Supply Company, 215 E. Washing-
ton St.
MEMPHIS, TENN.— Monarch Theatre Supply Co., 492 So. Second St.
MIAMI 36, FLA.— Joe Hornstein, Inc., 714 N. E. First Ave.
TAMPA 1, FLA. — United Theatre Supply Co., 110 Franklin Street. Tele-
phone: 3045.
tion of Labor and honorary MPMO member.
Wilby-Kincey, Acme and the Birmingham
Theatre treated the delegates to passes.
Merritt Davis, southern division manager
for Republic, and Jimmy Hobbs, Atlanta
branch manager, were visitors . . . Troy
Bullard, Capitol Theatre doorman, returned
to work April 20 after a long illness.
Ralph Root jr., a student at Georgia Tech,
Atlanta, visited several days with his father,
Ralph A. Root sr., Alabama projectionist and
business agent for MPMO Local 236 . . .
Thomas Wall, Temple projectionist, under-
went a tonsillectomy at St. Vincent hospital
April 21.
Oliver Naylor, Lyric manager, turned in a
nice promotion campaign on the reissued
“Magnificent Obsession” without benefit of
press books or mats. Naylor placed blowups
in all bookstores and distributed bookmarks
through the public library. The film drew
surprisingly well, it was reported.
“The Best Years of Our Lives” earned a
third week at the Birmingham, while “Sinbad
the Sailor” was held over for a third week at
the Melba . . . The Alabama Theatre was
one of the first to show newsreel shots of
the Texas City disaster. The shots were shown
April 20.
Tennessee's Governor
Presents Loew Pins
NASHVILLE— No less a personage than
Gov. Jim Nance McCord presented service
pins to five veteran employes of Loew’s Thea-
tre here in ceremonies arranged by Manager
Tom Delbridge.
W. H. Williams, projectionist for 28 years,
had the longest period of service. Tom Powell
received a pin for 23 years. Lewis Morgan
Jones and Ed Giddy both have 18 years to
their credit, while Robert Hardgrove was
awarded a pin for 17 years.
JACK DUMESTRE. Jr.
Southeastern Theatre
Equipment Co.
ATLANTA
CHARLOTTE
JACKSONVILLE
y^VVV\V\\\V\VV\\VVV%\!LV^
^ THE QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE, Inc.
1912V2 Morris Avenue Telephone 3-8665
Birmingham, Alabama
Complete Theatre Equipment and
Supplies
110
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Howard Waugh Quits
Job With City Parks
MEMPHIS— Howard Waugh, stormy petrel
of Memphis show business, has resigned as
manager of the Fairgrounds and Linden Ave-
nue amusement parks, charging inefficiency
and too much red tape on the part of the
city.
The jaunty showman, whose friends once
gave him a bronze plaque inscribed “To the
Greatest Showman in the World,” said, “I
neither deserve nor appreciate the lack of
confidence displayed.”
Waugh was for many years zone manager
for Warner Theatres in Tennessee and Ken-
tucky, and manager of the Warner in Mem-
phis. He quit and went to Mexico for a short
time to produce Spanish-language motion pic-
tures, then returned to Memphis and ac-
cepted the amusement park management for
$4,800 a year.
“I have been wanting to quit for some
time,” Waugh said of his city job. “Saturday
night was the payoff. I was sitting in my
office when Vesey (John Vesey, city parks
chairman) walked in. He sat around and we
talked for a while. Then Berry (Richard
Berry, secretary of the park commission)
came in. It was getting late and I wondered
what was up. Lewis (H. S. Lewis, parks sup-
erintendent) and his wife then came in to see
me.
“Vesey told Lewis to take his wife home
and come on back. I got curious. Then, at
midnight, when we closed down, they went
into the cashier’s cage and started checking
my cashiers. The girls are okay and I know
it. I put on my hat and took a walk.”
Seven Girls Are Chosen
For Miami Beach Film
MIAMI — William Forest Crouch, producer
of a musical comedy being filmed here, has
selected seven girls to play the parts of chorus
girls stranded on a tropical island. Four
blonds, two brunets, and a redhead were
picked from scores of candidates for seven
principal parts in the picture to be released
next fall.
Signed to one picture contract were: Lynn
Rani, 23, Philadelphia; Shirley Modell, 21,
Miami Beach; Joan Fogle, 19, Indianapolis,
student at Miami U.; Christine Germano, 23,
Hollywood; Leona Frederick, 21, Miami and
New York; Jini Boyd, 19, Miami Beach; Jeni
Freeland, 21, Miami.
The Crouch film, made under the Film-
craft studios label, will have its plot centering
in Miami Beach with name bands carrying
the principal theatre marquee attraction. It
will feature the song, “Miami Beach Rumba.”
M&M Annual Convention
Is Set for Panasoffkee
ATLANTA — Executives of M&M Theatres,
an affiliate of the Martin circuit at Atlanta,
announce that the annual managers meeting
will be held at Panasoffkee, Fla., May 5.
This is the second annual meeting of the
company’s managers. Last year the session
was so successful that it was determined to
hold a meeting annually. This year a good
time is promised for everyone. A room is being
set aside for an equipment company to set
; up headquarters.
Locations Around Laurel
Scouted for Tap Roots'
LAUREL, MISS. — Possible locations for the
filming of James Street’s novel, “Tap Roots,”
were sought by three representatives from
Universal Pictures who visited here recently.
The Universal men were Jack Lawton, A.
Rosenburg and Alex Golizan. They were
taken on a tour of DeSoto National forest,
Stafford Springs, Lake Waukaway and other
sites mentioned in Street’s novel.
Tf the scenes are shot here, it is proposed
to use more than 100 local persons in the
cast in May or June.
Show Cancer Film
FLORENCE, ALA. — A film concerning can-
cer, “Guard Those You Love,” is being shown
with “Sister Kenny” at the following Muscle
Shoals theatres: Princess, Florence; Strand,
Tuscumbia, and Colbert, Sheffield. Louis
Rosenbaum, head of Muscle Shoals Theatres,
is co-chairman of the American Cancer so-
ciety’s campaign in Alabama.
Sack to Distribute Five
Foreign Films in South
NEW YORK — Sack Amusement Co. will
distribute five of Distinguished Film’ releases
in 12 southern states through its exchanges
in Dallas, New Orleans, Charlotte and At-
lanta, according to Martin Levine, president
of Distinguished.
“Amok,” which is still being held up by New
York state censors, will be the first release.
“Les Miserables,” starring Harry Baur; “Car-
nival of Sinners,” starring Pierre Fresnay,
and “Her First Affair,” starring Danielle Dar-
rieux, will follow.
Levine has also closed a first run deal with
the Fine Arts Theatre, Boston, for “Her First
Affair,” “Carnival of Sinners” and “Clois-
tered.”
Southern Exhibitors ,
NOW INSTALLING
Sound Reproducing
Equipment
LICENSED UNDER WESTERN ELECTRIC CO. PATENTS
Distributed in the South by:
The QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE. Inc.
1912V2 Morris Ave., Birmingham, Ala.
STANDARD THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
215 E. Washington St., Greensboro, N. C.
JOE HORNSTEIN, Inc.
714 N. E. 1st Ave., Miami, Fla.
YOUR INDEPENDENT SUPPLY DEALERS
Serving Southern Showmen Satisfactorily
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
111
Malco and All Co-Defendants Deny
They Seek Memphis Film Monoply
MEMPHIS — Charges of conspiracy to mo-
nopolize film exhibition in Memphis have
been denied point-blank by M. A. Lightman,
his associates and eight major distributing
firms.
The blanket denials were filed in federal
court here in answer to a suit brought against
14 defendants for $2,910,600 by operators of
six Memphis neighborhood theatres.
Each answer asks dismissal of the suit.
Each takes exception to the decision of U.S.
Judge Marion S. Boyd to try the complaints as
a single lawsuit. Each charges that to hear
the complaints jointly will prejudice the
cases of many of the defendants.
TRIAL DATE SOON
With the charges and answers now before
the court, date for trial of the suit is expected
to be fixed within a few weeks by Judge
Boyd.
In each answer it was contended that “dam-
ages accrued prior to Aug. 22, 1943, are barred
by the Tennessee statute of limitations.” The
plaintiffs had charged that the conspiracy
had been in effect since some time prior to
1930.
Lightman, accused in the original complaint
of conspiring to force the Orpheum Theatre,
now the Malco, out of business, denied all
charges covering that theatre. Lightman’s
answer also denied ownership or control of
six other theatres in Memphis as charged
in the original lawsuit.
Violation of the Clayton and Sherman acts
was denied by stating that theatres involved
were not in interstate commerce since no
shipment of film prints from exchange to ex-
hibitor crosses the state lines insofar as de-
fendants are concerned.
Lightman also denied that he and Para-
mount, another of the defendants, operate
the Malco Theatre through the agency of
Malco, Inc., or that he and Paramount to-
gether own any stock of Malco Theatres, Inc.
Lightman’s answer states that Malco, Inc.,
operates Malco Theatre and that he as presi-
dent makes decisions in its operation.
Tne answer filed by L&L Theatres, a part-
nership, and Capitol Realty Co., states that
tne realty firm is merely tne trade name of
LasL, under wnich L&L owns the Capitol and
Joy theatres. This answer also denies owner-
snip of any theatres outside of Memphis. It
also denies that Lightman owns, operates or
controls six Memphis neighborhood theatres
as charged in the original complaint.
All answers say that clearance of pictures
for neighborhood houses has been reasonable
and deny that any theatres obtained ad-
vantage over competitors through any agree-
ment held with defendants.
All the film distributors — Paramount, Uni-
versal, 20th-Fox, Loew’s, Inc.; Warner Bros.,
United Artists, RKO and Columbia — deny
they conspired on distribution of films, stat-
ing they acted independently and in a man-
ner that did not deprive independent theatre
owners of an access to a free competitive
market.
The film distributors also say that inde-
pendent theatre owners bringing the suits
made large profits from exhibition of pictures
they produced.
PARTNERSHIP DENIED
Herbert Kohn’s answer stated that he was
improperly made a defendant. He says he has
no interest in L&L, that he is an employe of
Malco, Inc., and owns a small portion of
Malco stock.
Answers of Lightman, L&L, Capitol Realty,
Kohn, Edwin Sapinsley and Mose McCord all
deny that Lightman “dominates and controls
each of these companies and determines their
policies and puts them into effect,” as charged
in the suit.
It was also denied that either Kohn or
W. P. Zerilla are partners in L&L, which
operates Lamar, Linden Circle, Memphian,
Capitol, Joy and Rialto theatres in Memphis.
It was denied that Lightman and L&L, by
pooling buying power, and through Light-
man’s control of Malco Theatre, had been
BOXES and BAGS
They Are Still in Short Supply But
We Have Them
Send Us Your Standing Order and Save 10%
Look at These Prices!
BOXES — 5c size — Serially numbered, printed and colored
BOXES — 10c size — Printed red and white (4Vjx2x7)
BOXES — Carnival Size— 4xl%x5V2 — 1000 to case
IUMBO BAGS — 15" long x 4V2xl% — 600 to case
BAGS — 5c Johnny Boy — Red and white stripe (3x1 7/8x7) — 10.000 to case
BAGS— 10c Johnny Boy — Red and white stripe (3x2x9) — 3,000 to case
BAGS — Krait, l/j-lb. size (3xl3/4x6V2) — 10.000 per bale
BAGS — Krait. 3U-lb. size (3x2x7 3/4) — 10.000 per bale
BAGS — Kraft, 10c size (33/4x21/4x9)— -6.000 per bale
BAGS — Krait, 10c size — Johnny Boy red stripe — 6.000 per bale
BAGS — 5c glassine — 12.000 to case (3x1 3/4x63A)
BAGS — 10c glassine — 8,000 to case. %*lb. (3^x13/4x7 3/4)
BAGS — 1 lb. glassine ( 3I/zx21/4x7:1/4 )
BAGS — 2 lb. glassine — -6.000 to case
Standing Order
List Price Discount Net Price
5.50
10%
4.95
8.65
10%
7.79
6. SOM
10%
5.85M
6.75M
10%
6.08M
1.82M
10%
1.64M
2.35M
10%
2.12M
1.40M
10%
1.26M
1.50M
10%
1.35M
1.65M
10%
1.49M
2.20M
10%
1.98M
1.98M
10%
1.79M
2.88M
10%
2.60M
2.79M
10%
2.52M
3.31M
10%
2.98M
One-Day Service
Order Today
BLEVINS POPCORN CO.
31st & Charlotte
Dept. BB
Nashville, Tenn.
able to put pressure on distributors in obtain-
ing advantages and concessions over inde-
pendent neighborhood exhibitors.
Plaintiffs in the case are:
Chalmers Cullins, Nate Evans and Edward
Cullins, operating as Idiewild Theatre.
Kemmons Wilson, Mrs. Ruby L. Wilson and
Louie A. Weaver, operators of Airways Thea-
tre.
Augustine J. Cianciola and Agnes Cianciola,
Luciann Theatre.
James West, Hollywood Theatre.
E. R. Gillett, Bristol Theatre.
Mrs. Lebora Cianciola, executrix of the
estate of M. Cianciola, Rosemary Theatre.
Mrs. Lebora Cianciola as operator of Rose-
mary.
Theatre Man's Wit Halts
Bolting Miami Audience
MIAMI — But for the ready wit of Arthur
Bookbinder, manager of the Colony, Miami
Beach, there might have been a stampede
when the frightened patrons jumped from
their seats and started up the aisles in re-
sponse to someone’s shout of “Fire!” Smoke
was filtering out through the air condition-
ing vents, and Bookbinder grabbed a tele-
phone to make sure there was no fire in the
projection room.
What happened was that some careless pa-
tron had dropped a lighted match down a
grating and ignited a dust rag near the air
conditioning machinery which then blew the
smoke out the vents. While the crowd hesi-
tated in the aisles Bookbinder called out,
“Back to your seats and I’ll explain the
smoke.” Reluctantly the crowd returned to
their seats, while Bookbinder reiterated that
he wouldn’t make the explanation until
everyone was back.
He then explained: “In that last scene a
little while ago when Jennifer Jones was
dancing, and Gregory Peck was watching, the
censors forgot to cut out a couple of feet of
film. It got so hot it caught on fire, but
we’ve put it out.” The audience laughed and
relaxed.
Manager Bookbinder is a hero, not only to
the audience, but to the theatre owners. If
the patrons had left the theatre, they would
have had to be given either their money back
or return passes at advanced prices.
Stars Will Be Reunited
In Atlanta Next Month
ATLANTA — Two film stars will be reunited
here May 9, when Spike Jones arrives with
his band to open a week’s engagement at the
Fox Theatre, and DeForest Kelley, young
Atlantan, comes home to visit his parents,
the Rev. and Mrs. E. D. Kelley.
Jones and Kelley are starred in “Variety
Girl,” Paramount’s story of the Variety Clubs
of America, soon to be released. Kelley is
also the start of the same studio’s “Fear in
the Night,” a melodrama which will be the
Fox’s screen feature during the stay of Jones
and his City Slickers.
Jones has notified T. H. Read, operations
manager of the Georgia Theatre Co., to get
ready for “the biggest variety show” ever seen
at the Fox. In addition to the City Slickers,
he said, he is bringing with him to Atlanta
a number of other artists.
Kid Frolic Tiein
COLUMBUS, GA. — “Kartoon Frolics” are
a feature of the program every Saturday
morning at the Bradley. They are sponsored
by the Tiny Tot shoppe, which is giving 400
free tickets to juvenile patrons who call at
the store.
Assigned Musical Scoring
Musical scoring assignment in Universal’s
“Brute Force” has been handed Miklos Rozsa.
112
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
MIAMI
Two days before the opening of the Miami
A the Wometco organization gave a cocktail
party at the theatre for newspaper represent-
atives. Honor guests were the fiesta queens
from Havana and a party of 18 dignitaries
from Costa Rica, including the mayor of San
Jose. Preceding the gala opening April 18
the Mitchell Wolfsons entertained at dinner.
Guests included Una Merkel and Celeste
Holm.
“The Good Old Days,” a compilation of
film clips and features from the days when
pictures were in their infancy, is being shown
by the Claughtons at the Royal. “The Best
Years of Our Lives,” which has been play-
ing there at advanced prices, moves to the
Flamingo on the beach.
Allied Artists, born
of the erstwhile Mono-
gram studios, says
George Bourke, is cer-
tainly a grade-A con-
cern now. Steve ^roidy,
a recent visitor here,
reports AA has a
$5,000,000 backlog of
unreleased films . . .
Hugo Friedhofer,
whose score for “The
Best Years of Our
Lives” won an Oscar,
will arrive soon for a
six-week vacation. steve broidy
In “Pursued,” the old fellow who helps
Teresa Wright down from the wagon to view
the remains of her brother at the inquest
is the man who put George Bourke, Herald
amusement editor, through his first paces be-
fore a camera. Bourke, incidentally, wonders
how many people who have seen Eddie
Bracken in “Ladies’ Man” at the Paramount,
Sheridan or Beach, recognized Mae Busch,
former star, as the woman in the automat
scene.
Adele Mara, who was a hit with the service
men when she visited here during the war,
has posed for more than 4,000 bathing suit
pictures. She’s with Republic now . . . The
Bert Riesners of Miami Beach are related to
Director Chuck Riesner. They own the Big
Barn club.
Mayor Herbert Frink of Miami Beach was
pictured recently with Eades’ models, Joan
Gordon and Connie Cotman, wearing a $100
hat sent to him by David O. Selznick, pro-
ducer of “Duel in the Sun,” now showing at
the Colony at advanced prices. Arthur Book-
binder, manager of the Colony, incidentally,
has quite a reputation as a producer. He
wrote the script and directed the production
of a Variety show during his undergraduate
days at the University of Florida.
Fred Allen has written a story for the open-
ing issue of “Flotsam,” new magazine edited
and published by students at the University
of Miami.
Summer Fashion Review
MONTGOMERY— The Vanity Shop here
presented a summer fashion review on the
stage of the Paramount Theatre each night
during the three-day run of “Love Laughs
at Andy Hardy.” The show featured 18
models, an orchestra and several specialty
numbers.
Cover Girl in ‘The Wind'
June Bright, magazine cover girl, has been
set for a role in Universal’s “Something in
the Wind.”
Alabama City Greets
Wright's New Bama
ALABAMA CITY, ALA.— The new $120,000
Bama Theatre here has opened, with a week’s
run of “The Jolson Story” as one of its pre-
miere attractions.
The 960-seat Bama is owned by B. Ward
Wright, who also operates the new Coosa
Theatre in East Gadsden. It is completely
air conditioned, with main floor and balcony.
Front of the house, designed by Ben F.
Poblocki, carries out the color scheme of the
local Emma Sansom high school. Wright
maintains that its night lighting effect is
“second to no other house in the state.”
The C. E. Gibbs Construction Co. of Ala-
bama City was the contractor, and equipment
was supplied by the Southeastern Theatre
Equipment Co. of Atlanta. Plans were drawn
by the H. A. Jordan Capitol Construction Co.
of Atlanta. The new house features a free
parking lot for 250 cars.
The new Bama is the seventh theatre for
the Gadsden area. An eighth, the new Pitt-
man, is due to open soon on Broad street in
downtown Gadsden.
Musicians Union Prevents
Breden-Savoy Appearance
BIRMINGHAM — Through inability to reach
an agreement with the local musicians union,
the Temple Theatre canceled the three-night
Gilbert and Sullivan festival by the Breden-
Savoy Opera Co. April 14-16, according to
Manager Bickey Covey.
It was the second instance in recent weeks
in which the union protested the use of visit-
ing musicians without local “standbys.” Prev-
iously a threat had been made to withdraw
union projectionists from the Birmingham
Theatre unless eight “standbys” were hired
for the appearance of “Cannonball,” Western
pictures player.
“The Breden-Savoy Co. has been presenting
the Gilbert and Sullivan operas with two-
piano accompaniment,” Covey said. “The
local musicians union here required that we
hire eight orchestra men.
“Because the management did not feel that
the musicians could learn the scores of three
operas on such short notice and because we
felt that, without sufficient rehearsals, they
could not give performances up to the stand-
ards maintained for roadshow presentations
at the Temple, we arranged for the cancella-
tion.”
Merkel's Politics Contrast
To Role as Mrs. Claghorn
MIAMI — Una Merkel, described by Grace
Wing of the Daily News, as “the party from
the south whose accent sounds like something
to slather on a split-open sweet potato,” is
an energetic, speech-making Republican. She
was guest speaker at the luncheon of the
Greater Miami Republican club. Miss Wing
wonders how Una’s press agents are going to
keep her politics from leaking out when her
new film is released, in which she plays the
part of the wife of Senator Claghorn.
Theatre Project Rejected
JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — The citizens ad-
visory council committee of the office of the
housing expediter has rejected the applica-
tion of Beach Theatres, Inc., of Jacksonville
Beach, to construct a theatre there at a cost
of $137,500. The application was classed as
a nonhousing project.
"WE'VE GOT TO TAKE CHANCES
. . . THERE ARE LIVES AT STAKE!"
Hopalong Cassidy defies the prof-
iteering ranchers with a daring,
spectacular cattle drive to save a
drought-famished country.
WILLIAM
BOYD
GEO. "GABBY" HAYES
in
"TRAIL
DUST"
ANOTHER HOPALONG
CASSIDY THRILLER
Now Available
- - - - AND FOR ADDED
PROFITS ANY DAY DON'T
OVERLOOK
RUSSELL HAYDEN
IN TWO TERRIFIC
BOXOFFICE STREAMLINERS
"NORTH OF THE BORDER"
“ 'NEATH CANADIAN SKIES"
Screen Guild
Productions
ATLANTA - CHARLOTTE
NEW ORLEANS
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
112-A
Memphis New W. C. Handy Theatre
To Boast of a Footman, No Less
Here is an architect’s drawing of new W. C. Handy Theatre. Prof. W. C. Handy,
“daddy of the blues,” now a New York music publisher and former Memphian, will
make personal appearances at this new $200,000 theatre named in his honor. It seats
1,100 and will be opened with a week’s program of vaudeville as well as a feature picture.
MEMPHIS— When the new W. C. Handy
Theatre opens in Memphis May 11, there
will be a little extra something — a footman.
Memphis has never had a footman at a
theatre as far back as can be remembered.
The footman’s job, says Nate Evans, one
of the owners, will be to open the doors for
patrons to lend an air of dignity to the
establishment.
“We have already ordered the uniform,”
said Evans. “It will take a big man to fill it.
And we told them to put lots of brass on
the uniform.”
The footman’s uniform, like those of the
Diversified Prizes
CARROLLTON, ALA. — A radio, a side har-
row and a fruit juice extractor were the
prizes awarded when the Palace Theatre here
played Bob Burns in “The Windjammer,”
sponsored by the Kimbrell Tractor Co. of
Aliceville.
ushers and usherettes, will be aqua and gold,
harmonizing with the color scheme of the
theatre.
The theatre, started in March 1946, has
been finished at a cost of $200,000. It will
be completely air conditioned. It will seat
1,100.
W. C. Handy, daddy of the blues, a former
Memphian, now living in New York, will
make personal appearances at the new thea-
tre which was named in his honor.
There will be a stage show as well as films
the first week and this policy will be con-
tinued if attendance justifies.
Violet Ray Lights in Tallahassee
TALLAHASSEE — The State and Florida
theatres have been equipped with ultraviolet
ray fixtures, which is is claimed purify the
air. This gives all three of the Paramount
houses, which includes the Ritz, the same
service. A. P. Talley is manager.
Chillers Won't Be Shown
At Colbert on Saturdays
SHEFFIELD, ALA. — Horror pictures will
not be shown on Saturdays at the Colbert
Theatre here as a result of requests made
by members of the Sheffield Young Men's
club for an improvement in the programs, at
Sheffield, Florence and Tuscumbia.
The club’s commitee reported that the
theatre operators had agreed not to show
horror pictures on Saturdays, as that is the
day when most school children attend.
Stanley Rosenbaum of Muscle Shoals
Theatres told the club that many of the best
pictures will be shown earlier and a better
quality of films shown on Sundays.
In a six-page letter to the club Rosenbaum
explained how Sheffield's pictures are select-
ed and mentioned that 88 of the 115 A
pictures released by Hollywood in 1946 have
been shown here to date.
“Sheffield’s Colbert Theatre is the most
modern, safe and best theatre in Alabama,
north of Birmingham,” Rosenbaum told the
club, “and we show 208 pictures in Sheffield
each year. So, naturally when only 115 class
A pictures a year are made, we must select
some of the better class B pictures in order
to present a full program.”
Members of the club expressed satisfaction
with Rosenbaum’s response and plans for
future programs.
New Seats in Park Lobby
Advertise Reseating Job
TAMPA — Harvey Fleischman, manager of
the Park, has placed two new type pushback
chairs, with which the theatre soon is to be
furnished, in the lobby. A big poster states,
“Here’s comfort in this chair! ... Sit in it!
. . . Try it for size! ... See! You PUSH BACK
to let others pass you. No need to stand up.
You don’t have to ‘rhumba’ to get your seat.
The Park Theatre will be reseated with 1,300
’Pushback’ chairs like these.”
'Wild Life' to Remain
SUMMERVILLE, S. C.— New air condition-
ing and seats will soon be installed in the
Summerville Theatre, which recently ac-
quired a new marquee, acording to F. A. Blev-
ins, manager. He said that the collection of
mounted big game heads which adorn the
walls of the theatre will be retained in the
redecoration program. Local people have be-
come attached to the heads and want them to
remain, he said. They include the heads of
moose, hippopotami and smaller animals.
"Playing the market or reading the
Selling Seats section in BOXOFFICE?"
NOW is the time to Install
That Mighty 1947 Manley Popcorn Machine
Its beauty and quality give you Pride and Profits
WITH A MANLEY IT'S POPCORN PERFECTION
Z. C. (CURT) SHREVE
SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT MANAGER
102 Cain St., N. W. ' Atlanta 3, Ga. Phone Cypress 5116
COME AND SEE US
I
112-B
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
Film Department
Planned in Library
Beale Street's First World Premiere
Only Forerunner of More to Come
ATLANTA — A department of motion pic-
tures is in the blueprint stage as Atlanta’s
new public library project, it was disclosed
here by Aubrey Milam, president of the
Carnegie library board of trustees.
On a visit to Los Angeles last summer,
Milam saw a motion picture museum, and he
brought home the idea of creating a similar
project here. It would include historical data
on the development of the motion picture
industry, scenes from early films, small mod-
els of production lots, equipment used in the
making and projection of pictures, and similar
displays.
The city last summer voted $1,700,000 in
bonds for new libraries, including a new main
building and three branches. Milam said it
was hoped to establish the department of
motion pictures as a permanent department
of the main library.
“My conception of the functions of a li-
brary,” he said, “is that it should not only
be the source of the accumulated wisdom of
the ages, but also insofar as is practical it
should be an agency for the dissemination
of this wisdom by creating a more active
desire on the part of the public to use its
facilities.
“To this end, we already contemplate in the
new library as nearly a complete department
on music as can be arranged. I think the
application of motion picture photography in
teaching has only begun, and a department
of motion pictures would be something unique
in libraries in the south; maybe in the
country.”
LITTLE ROCK
Ooy Cochran, JuRoy Theatre, was singing
“River Stay Away Prom My Door” last
week as the result of a sudden cloudburst
which had the water pouring into his rear
exits, causing a slight delay to the evening
performances.
A Walt Disney color training film, “The
ABC of Hand Tools,” recently was shown by
the General Motors club of Little Rock at the
Hotel LaFayette with a group of educators
as guests. The picture was based on ex-
perience of General Motors during the war
in conducting training centers where more
than 40,000 army and navy men were in-
structed in theory and practical maintenance
of GM products.
Robb & Rowley’s Royal Theatre will road-
show “The Best Years of Our Lives” starting
April 27. Admission has been set at 75 cents
matinee and $1.20 evenings, for a grind policy.
Mrs. A1 Jolson was a recent visitor here.
She was in town for a few days visit with
friends she knew while she was Miss Erie
Galbreath of Little Rock. With her par-
ents, she is on her way to New York from
the west coast. She staunchly denied, wheh
interviewed by reporters, that her famous
husband has come back to motion pictures.
“Oh, don’t say he’s ‘back’'; he never was out
of pictures,” she said. “It’s just that he was
overseas so long.”
Ten-Year-Old in 'Shaggy'
George Nokes, 10-year-old Moppet, has
been chosen by Paramount to topline in the
color film, “Shaggy.”
MEMPHIS — Famous Beale street has had
its first world premiere and there are more
to come.
“Boy! What a Girl!” an all-Negro comedy
with music, had its first showing at the Beale
street Palace last Sunday.
Deac Watson, former star of the Ink Spots
and composer of "For Sentimental Reasons,”
one of the stars in the picture, made a per-
sonal appearance in connection with the pre-
miere. His new organization, the Brown
Dots, also appeared.
Arthur Leonard, producer-director of the
picture, said this was the first of six all-Negro
films produced by Herald Pictures, Inc. All
will have their world premiere at the Beale
street Palace in Memphis, he said.
“We selected Beale street in Memphis and
the Palace because of their colorful history
and background,” Leonard said. Leonard, a
producer of Warner Bros, short subjects for
nine years, said Beale street “it’s the birth-
place of the blues.”
Cooper to Topline
Gary Cooper has been ticketed to topline by
RKO in “Good Sam.”
Theatre Seating Division
\
of
AMERICAN DESK MFG. COMPANY
Temple, Texas
Giving prompt dependable delivery
on chair orders
CALL US FOR YOUR CHAIR NEEDS
Dallas Office
FORREST DUNLAP
2008 Jackson St.
R - 3595
Memphis Office
HARLAN H. DUNLAP
410 S. Second St.
8-1770
New Orleans Office
W. A. PREWITT
223 So. Liberty
Magnolia G571
_ u&mz 'ToWi£t
HADDON • TAYLOR
JULIAN RIVERO
NOT PRODUCED IN 1932,
'34 or '38 — BUT 1940-41 —
FAST HE-MAN WESTERNS
6 BOB STEELE'S
6 GEO. HOUSTON'S
8 RANGE BUSTERS
6 TIM McCOY'S
N
E
W
* The INTERNATIONAL -A
SWEETHEARTS OF RHYTHM
That Man
Of Mine
m
ALL COLORED CAST MUSICAL-
60 MINUTE FEATURE — WITH
HENRI WOODE AND HIS HEP-
CATS.
IT'S NEW—
IT'S RCA SOUND
ASTOR PICTURES CO.
OF GA.
163 Walton St.
3rd Floor
Main 9845 ATLANTA
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
112-C
Bill White Is New Manager ATI A hi T A
Of Southeastern Concern ■ —
CHARLOTTE— W. P. “Bill” White is the
new manager of the Southeastern Theatre
Equipment Co. here,
succeeding C, G.
“Hickey” Lawing. The
latter takes on new
duties as special repre-
sentative.
Jack Dumestre jr.,
president and general
manager of Southeast-
ern, with headquarters
in Atlanta, made the
announcement.
White is a veteran
equipment man. He
resigned recently as
manager of the local w. P. “BILL" white
branch of Wil-Kin Theatre Supply Co.
Films' Influence Is Great,
Often Bad, Panel Declares
From New England Edition
HARTFORD — The influence of motion pic-
tures on the lives of those who see them is
tremendous, but not always good, according
to a panel of high school students who dis-
cussed the question “Do Movies Influence Our
Lives?” In a Parade of Youth forum recently
broadcast over radio station WDRC under the
sponsorship of the Hartford Courant.
Highlight of the forum was the personal
appearance of three local theatre men who
said they had read an announcement of the
topic and, because it dealt with motion pic-
tures, decided to attend and hear the verdict
of the teen-age panel. The three were James
F. McCarthy, manager of the Strand Thea-
tre; Lou Cohen, manager of Loew’s Poli Thea-
tre, and George Landers, manager of E. M.
Loew’s Theatre.
Invited by the moderator, James F. Looby,
editor of the Courant Parade of Youth, to
address the forum, McCarthy, as spokesman
for the group, said he was representing not
only those present but also Walter Lloyd,
manager of the Allyn Theatre; Fred Green-
way, manager of Loew’s Poli Palace Theatre,
and Frank Morin, manager of the Regal
Theatre, in extending an invitation to all
panel members to be guests at these respective
theatres. He gave each panel member ad-
mission passes for each of the theatres.
Asked what type of film they preferred,
most panel members said they liked psycho-
logical dramas.
Patron Analyst Gives
'Sleeper' Definition
Miami — Mark Chartrand, Wometco’s
public relations man, was described by
Grace Wing of the News as picking up
a bit of surprising information as he
watched the opening run of a new picture
he’d worked hard to promote. It was a
clever comedy but with little known play-
ers, and Chartrand was suddenly con-
scious of the young lady seated behind
him who apparently fancied herself an
authority.
“This is a sleeper,” she informed her
companion. “When I hear a picture’s a
sleeper, I never miss it. They’re always
good.”
‘What’s a sleeper?” her companion
wanted to know.
Answered the self-styled critic in an
oh-you-dumb-cluck tone, “Why a sleeper
is a picture with a moral in it.”
2 summer season of light opera, similar to
presentations by the St. Louis and Mem-
phis companies, will be presented in the am-
phitheatre of North Fulton park beginning
June 15, with casts composed of popular
Broadway vocalists. This was learned this
week when Harold Jacobi, New York show-
man arrived here to complete contracts for
the North Fulton shell, and signed contracts
with musicians, stagehands and other groups
instrumental in staging the presentations.
H. E. Case, Delray, Fla., theatre owner,
visited Harry Diamond, Sack Amusement’s
salesman, returned from a trip through Ten-
nessee . . . Charlie Durmeyer, chief barker
of the Variety Club, and president of the
Southern Automatic Candy Co., is deep in last
minute plans for the Variety clubs’ national
session at Los Angeles. He says that this will
be the greatest meeting yet.
Kay Exchange notes: Ike and Harry Katz
visited their Washington branch last week,
and also went to New York. Ike then went
on a visit to the Memphis and New Orleans
offices; Harry to the Charlotte branch . . .
W. H. Rudisill, local manager, returned from
Nashville, where he contacted circuits . . .
Joan Howard, secretary to Dixie Graham,
office manager, returned to her desk after
a short illness.
Wil-Kin notes: Joe Reeves was just back
from a trip through central Georgia . . .
Jimmy Wilson was touring south Georgia
and northern Florida, demonstrating the new
Motiograph AA mechanisms . . . S. B. van
Delden, sales manager, has returned from
Charlotte . . . The firm has completed in-
stallation of stage and house draperies in
the new Edgewood Theatre at Jacksonville,
Fla. . . . Hubert Stone is back from the
Carolinas where he made some surveys on air
conditioning.
The Dunn boys, south Georgia theatre
owners, paid Filmrow a booking visit . . . Abe
Borisky, Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham,
and R. H. Haynes were also on the Row . . .
Jerry Clark, in accounting at U-I, has re-
signed . . . Nell Robertson, formerly with
Warner Bros., has an increase in the family:
a baby boy . . . Arthur Greenblatt, Mono-
gram’s home office representative, held a
sales meeting with Arthur C. Bromberg, O. S.
Barnett, Babe Cohen, Ben Jordan, O. B.
Coley, all of Atlanta; Hal Jordan, Charlotte;
Henry Glover, New Orleans, and Bailey
Prichard, Memphis.
W. L. Scott jr., Anniston, Ala., will soon
open the Vincent Theatre at Vincent, Ala.
. . . William Richardson, president of Astor
Pictures of Georgia, was back at his desk
after a business trip south . . . Col. Bert
Davis, former sales representative for United
Artists, has joined Selznick Releasing Or-
ganization . . . Bill Bradley, former theatre
manager and newspaper man, has returned
to Atlanta from New York.
G. A. Johnson, Center, Center, Ala., ha's
returned home after a siege of illness in a
Birmingham hospital . . . Ward Wright,
Bama and Coosa theatres, Gadsden, Ala.; A.
Hill and L. Cobb, Community, Ware Shoal,
S. C.; Eddie Watson, Strand, Montevallo,
Ala., and Benton Pierce, Gadsden, Gadsden.
Ala., were recent visitors.
Henry Knimm, southern district manager
for SRO, went to New Orleans on business
. . . N. E. Savini of Astor Pictures, New York,
has returned here from Charlotte.
Willie Wilson, owner of the Dale, Cotton-
dale, Ala., has closed that house . . . Having
overcome obstacles in obtaining building ma-
terials and equipment, Jack White and Her-
bert Glover, ex-GIs, have at last opened their
new theatre in Cleveland, Ga. . . . “The Year-
ling” will be premiered at Loew’s Grand
Theatre May 1.
Sam Kane, veteran theatre and radio exec-
utive, is acting manager of WATL, succeeding
Walter P. Speight jr., resigned . . . Francis
Bateman sales manager of Screen Guild,
visited John W. Mangham, president of
Screen Guild of Georgia, and waxed en-
thusiastic over “Scared to Death,” believed
to be the first “horror” feature filmed in
color. It stars Boris Karloff.
Christine Smith, film censor here, will not
make any serious changes in “Duel in the
Sun.” She took a squint at the film last
week and intimated if she did make any cuts
in the film they will be minor . . . Don Reid,
with Warner Bros., a few years ago, has been
appointed Florida representative for Co-
lumbia . . . C. O. Berry of the Berry Amuse-
ment Co., Hawthorne, Fla., and Walter
Morris, Knoxville, were visitors.
Charlie Lester, southern division manager
for National Screen Service, and his sales
force, Bob Langler, George Tarrant and
George Hoffman, returned from a sales meet-
ing in Chicago . . . Bob Cannon and his assist-
ant, Raymond Edwards, of the Cannon Thea-
tres of Live Oak and Lake City, Fla., were
visitors . . . Johnny Harrell, Mildred Castle-
berry and Velma Crooks of the local Martin
Theatres booking office visited E. D. Martin
at his home in Columbus.
K. T. Williams, owner of the Harlem Thea-
tre, Port St. Joe, Fla., has closed the house on
account of poor business . . . Gene Mcllwain,
LaFayette, Tenn., will start construction of
a new theatre there May 1, to open about
September 10 . . . Katie Evans, Screen Guild
of Georgia has returned from Chattanooga,
and Florence Roberts, same company, who
went to Asheville, N. C., also returned.
PORTRAIT OF KATHERINE — This
painting of Katherine Randle, booker-
salesman in the PRC Memphis branch,
was presented to the young lady as a
prize in the company’s December booker-
salesman drive. Charles Blaise of the
home office staff did the portrait from a
photograph.
112-D
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
Angus McCunn New
President of MPS
Teeth Put in Ontario Act
Requiring Adult Labels
TORONTO — Angus McCunn of the Fa-
mous Players Canadian head office here was
elected president of the Musical Protective
society, an organization formed by users of
copyright musical works to handle questions
involving the performing rights fees im-
posed by the Canadian Ass’n of Composers,
Authors and Publishers.
Col. John A. Cooper, secretary of the Ca-
nadian 16mm Motion Picture Distributors
Ass’n, was re-elected secretary-treasurer at
the 20th annual meeting here of the society.
The organization is composed of represent-
atives of radio broadcasters, hotels, night
clubs, fall fairs, theatres, exhibitions and
orchestras.
Directors include George H. Peters, director
of Odeon Theatres; W. R. Ostrom, Dominion
Sound Equipment, Ltd., and Arch H. Jolley,
executive secretary of the MPTA of Ontario.
The CAPAC recently extended its fee sys-
tem to include sports parks, arenas and open-
air places of entertainment.
The CAPAC has appealed for a writ here,
claiming $1,000 damages and asking for an
injunction against Otto C. Polenske, pro-
prietor of the theatre at Fort Frances in
northwest Ontario. The association claims
that the exhibitor played a number of mu-
sical compositions, including “Old Man River”
and “The Last Time I Saw Paris,” without
the plaintiff’s consent. The plaintiff asserts
that it controls the performing rights to the
songs.
IODE Asks Age Be Cut
To 14 in Juvenile Act
TORONTO — The Ontario chapter of the
Imperial Order, Daughters of the Empire, has
endorsed a petition presented by Mrs. D. W.
McGibbon to the provincial government to
lower the age limit from 16 to 14 years for
juveniles attending theatre performances at
night without adult escort. Mrs. McGibbon
of Toronto is convenor of the IODE films
committee. In her petition she expressed the
view that children of 14 today are of a higher
mental maturity than the juveniles of 16 a
score of years ago when the Ontario theatre
regulation became a law.
In addition, the petition stated, it is pre-
ferable for boys and girls 14 and 15 years of
age to have unrestricted admission to theatres
than to allow them to loiter on the streets
at night without supervision. The organiza-
tion, therefore, urged a revision of the On-
tario law to permit the attendance of children
above 13 years of age at theatres without the
necessity of a guardian or parent.
St. John Price Boost
ST. JOHN — The first postwar theatre price
boost in this district occurred at the Regent,
where the lower floor price has gone up to 35
cents and balcony to 30 cents. The raise in
both instances is a nickel. Franklin & Her-
schorn, owners, may soon make a similar
raise at the Family, Halifax.
Leduc House Modernized
LEDUC, ALTA.— The Telford Theatre here
has been stuccoed and given a modern front,
and a new inclined floor has been laid in
the auditorium.
Start in May on the Orpheus
HALIFAX — Current plans call for starting
construction of the FPC Orpheus in early
May. The start will likely be made at the
rear of the new building, and the demolition
of the present church structure will not be
started until after the new building is on
its way.
LABORATORY CHIEF — William J.
Risewick, who has resigned as general
manager of Film Laboratories of Can-
ada in Toronto to become general man-
ager of the laboratory division of Shelly
Films there. Shelly Films has its studio
at Long Beach.
Industrial Film Pool
Forming in Montreal
MONTREAL — Introduction of a Dominion-
wide industrial training film service, similar
to wartime operations of the National Film
board but on a vastly larger scale, is forecast
for “the very near future.”
Arrangements expected to be completed in
a few weeks call for the establishment here
of the nucleus of an organization. This group
is understood to have the full backing of the
film board, and in the initial stages is ex-
pected to furnish facilities, technical equip-
ment and operational advice. The organiza-
tion would have no direct connection with
the film board, but would make educational
pictures for use in Canadian peacetime in-
dustry similar to those made by the NFB for
training war workers.
Although no definite policy with regard to
financing has as yet been announced, in-
dications point to the probability that em-
ployers will contribute according to the num-
ber of their employes and the frequency that
the service will be used. Films would be
held in a central pool and released as and
when employers ask for them.
The project is said to be the center of con-
siderable interest in the Dominion Depart-
ment of Labor. Should it meet with success,
indications point to eventual operation of
similar establishments throughout all the
larger cities in the country.
Jack Stinson Will Build
Second St. Paul House
ST. PAUL, ALTA. — Jack Stinson, operator
of the Elite Theatre here, has selected the
plans for a new theatre here and intends to
proceed with construction in the near future.
TORONTO — From June 1, 1946, to March
31, 1947, the Ontario Board of Moving Picture
Censors classed 64 features as “adult enter-
tainment,” and the 430 theatre managers of
the province were directed to use the adult
label in all theatre-front and newspaper ad-
vertising on such pictures for the guidance
of the public.
During March, four more features were ap-
proved as adult pictures, these being “Brute
Man,” “Smash-Up,” “The Private Affairs of
Bel Ami” and “Swell Guy.”
Chairman O. J. Silverthorne of the censor
board has announced that a new section has
been incorporated into the theatres and cine-
matographs act to make it unlawful for an
exhibitor to show a graded film without prop-
erly advertising it as adult. The law, which
becomes effective June 1, calls for fines up
to $200 on conviction. In addition, the gov-
ernment may instruct distributing companies
not to ship any films to the offender.
One of the new requirements is that an ex-
hibitor will have to show the words, “adult
entertainment,” in both ends of his marquee.
If this is not possible, a double-sided swing
sign with these words will have to be hung
to the underside of the canopy so that it can
be seen by pedestrians from each direction.
Films which have already been classed as
“adult” are:
House of Horrors, Devil's Mask, Brief Encoun-
ter, Inside Job, Kitty, Mysterious Intruder, Wicked
Lady, Of Human Bondage, The Stranger, Murder Is
My Business, Queen of Burlesque, The Big Sleep, So
Dark the Night, Angel on My Shoulder, Rage in
Heaven, Deception, Dead Reckoning, Woman to
Woman, Blind Spot, Johnny O'Clock.
They Made Me a Killer, The Postman Always Rings
Twice, Lover Come Back, The Outlaw, The Blue
Dahlia, Scarlet Street, Don't Gamble With Strangers,
Deadline for Murder, Caravan, Notorious, Shadow
of a Woman, The Strange Love of Martha Ivers, The
Dark Mirror, Undercurrent.
Secret of the Whistler, Secrets of a Sorority Girl,
The Chase, Alias Mr. Twilight, The Beast With Five
Fingers, Nora Prentiss, The Dark Corner, Apology
for Murder, Suspense, Face of Marble, The Lost
Weekend, Catman 6f Paris, Mask of Diijon.
I Met a Murderer, Below the Deadline, Black Angel,
The Killers, Decoy, Bedelia, Nocturne, Her Sister's
Secret, Temptation, The Strange Woman, The Trap,
Accomplice, The Sea of Grass, Brute Man, Smash-Up,
Swell Guy, The Private Affairs of Bel Ami.
Odeon Movie Club Prices
Unchanged at 12 Cents
TORONTO— The recent advance in admis-
sion prices at many Canadian theatres has
not hit the members of Odeon Movie clubs
in their attendance at Saturday morning
shows. Individual managers have announced
that the club admission is still 12 cents which
includes the federal amusement tax.
Battle of Cowboy Stars
WINDSOR, ONT. — Rivalry between Roy
Rogers and Gene Autry reached the screen
of the Kent with the booking of a double bill
labeled “The Battle of the Western Stars.”
One feature was “Lights of Old Santa Fe,”
starring Rogers, and the other had Autry in
“Springtime in the Rockies.” The program
aroused plenty of audience reaction on the
two days (18, 19).
More Censorship Asked
TORONTO— The Ontario School Trustees
Ass’n, in annual convention here, adopted a
resolution which called for more rigid control
of films by the Ontario Board of Moving
Picture Censors. Strict censorship was asked,
it was stated, because of the influence of
films on the boys and girls of school age.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
E
113
ST.JOHN
fair St. John, is now furnished as an office.
Office facilities at this theatre have been in-
creased several times in recent years.
£Jomplaints have been made by exhibitors,
distributors and theatre patrons that the
supply of comedies, both long and short, has
been inadequate. Everyone seems definitely
in the mood for pictures based wholly or
mainly on comedy, but they have been hard
to get. It is also contended that many
dramatic productions sent out from Holly-
wood in the last six months are so heavy
patrons find it difficult to lift themselves
from the seats after absorbing some of the
weight from the screen.
New seats have been installed at the Em-
pire, Kentville, N. S. . . . Two Halifax thea-
tres converted from churches are being
wrecked this year and replaced by new thea-
tre buildings. The Community, formerly the
North End Baptist church, erected about 80
years ago, has been given the crowbar treat-
ment. The Orpheus, formerly the First
Baptist church, will also fade out under the
sledge. As a church it made its debut about
75 years ago. The start in construction of
the new Community, marks the 33rd anni-
versary of the entrance into Halifax of Joe
Franklin and Myer Herschorn, sponsors of
the old and new Community. Their first ap-
pearance was as partners in the Strand, now
the Garrick, with vaudeville and films. The
old and new Orpheus are and will be owned
by Famous Players, under the jurisdiction of
Bob Roddick, maritimes manager.
At the Brunswick Street Baptist church,
Halifax, screened a film story of “The Good
Samaritan.” The experiment met with ap-
proval and other religious films will be shown
fi'om time to time . . . Space hitherto used by a
jewelry store on the street floor in the May-
As the only lamps manufactured complete
within one factory, they can be so engi-
neered as to guarantee the
best screen results.
^ STRONG 'tAe/oiduie a kjfa/
CALGARY, ALBERTA, CAN. — Sharp’s Theatre Supplies, Film Exchanoe Bldg.
Telephone: M 4076.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CAN.— Perkins Electric Co.. Ltd., 2027 Bleury St.
TORONTO 2, ONT.— Perkins Electric Co., Ltd., 277 Victoria Street.
WINNIPEG, CAN. — J. M. Rice & Company, 202 Canada Bldg. Telephone: 88133.
YOU GET
THE RIGHT LAMP
FOR YOUR NEEDS!
There seems to be a difference of opinion
as to when the new Armview at Armdale,
Halifax, will be ready for opening by Affili-
ated Theatres. Present indications point to a
June or July debut.
A $1.20 top will prevail for the roadshowing
of “The Best Years of Our Lives” in the mari-
times, instead of $1.50 as had been reported.
A three-week booking has been arranged for
the Halifax Casino (Odeon), likely to be the
longest in this territory . . . Some exhibitors
and distributors estimate the gross paid ad-
missions for four days at the Strand, St.
John, where “Henry V” was roadshown, at
approximately 3,000, including about 1,000
students at reduced rate. The top was $1.96.
TORONTO
T\ visitor was John Hazza, once prominent
as a supervisor in western Canada for
Famous Players Canadian Corp. with head-
quarters in Calgary. Hazza, also famous as
a horseman, came from his home in Cali-
forna to see his many old friends here . . .
Lou Spector, who has been director of pub-
licity with Monogram of Canada the last
year, is resigning to enter a new field . . .
G. A. Matthews, Monogram Ontario manager,
has taken a month’s leave.
Astral Films, headed by the energetic Izzy
Allen, has secured Canadian distribution
rights of a Toronto-made musical production,
“Singing Stars of Tomorrow,” which features
four youthful vocalists with Rex Battle con-
ducting the orchestra at Massey Music Hall
here . . . Fast progress is being made on the
construction by Ben S. Okun of the Biltmore
at Yonge and Dundas streets downtown.
Mrs. Yvonne Taylor, manager of the Inter-
national Cinema, has lined up British, French
and Italian features to follow “The Way to
the Stars,” which has completed its seventh
week there . . . President Sam Fingold of
National Theatre Services is building a thea-
tre in Markham, not far from here, which is
scheduled to open about May 24 . . . James
Merlina, owner of the Uptown at Orangeville,
arranged to have Arch H. Jolley, executive
secretary of the MPTA of Ontario, as the
speaker before the Orangeville Board of
Trade. The subject of Jolley’s talk was “The
Motion Picture Industry Faces Its Respon-
sibility.”
The Lyric at Kitchener secured an exploi-
tation feature with the Kitchener Daily Rec-
ord on “The Jolson Story.” For several days
prior to opening, the newspaper ran a song
title from the picture in the classified ad-
vertising and the theatre gave six double
passes daily to the first readers to find the
hidden title. The Record provided nice space
for the theatre in playing up the contest.
Lou Rosefield of the Westdale, Hamilton,
and his wife are back from California where
they enjoyed a visit with their son . . . Dan
Krendal, Famous Players district manager,
and Mrs. Krendal were on a holiday visit to
New York.
Joe Laflamme Featured
OTTAWA — Joe Laflamme, the unofficial
mayor of Gogama in northern Ontario, was
featured at the Sportsmen’s show at the Coli-
seum here this week. Laflamme, who ap-
peared in a Warner Bros, short subject a year
ago and has figured as a stunt man for Glenn
Ireton, Warners’ publicist in Canada, brought
a live collection of moose, deer and bears to
the show.
114
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
OTTAWA
Julian Roffman, Ex-Montreal Youth ,
Gets Chance as Feature Producer
■Decently crowned world’s champion figure
skater at Stockholm, Barbara Ann Scott
of Ottawa appeared at the Crawley studio
here for a short subject being produced by
Audio Pictures under the personal direction
of Hans Tiesler, vice-president. Also present
was Stewart G. Gillespie, representing the
film division of McKim Advertising, Ltd.,
Toronto. Later the rushes were privately
screened at the Elgin here for the skater and
her mother, Mrs. Clyde Scott. The picture is
to be used for the forthcoming YMCA-YWCA
national financial campaign.
Manager Ernie Warren of the Elgin effect-
ed a nice tieup with the Ottawa Citizen in
a Movie Review contest on “Strange Woman”
for which he offered $50 in cash prizes.
Scores of patrons turned in reviews on the
picture. In addition to securing additional
space in the newspaper, the stunt resulted in
another review for the engagement when it
was extended for a second week with the
paper publishing the prize-winning criticism.
I. H. Allen, president of Astral Films, To-
ronto, was here to confer with Ross McLean,
head of the National Film board and other
officials. A recent NFB theatre release,
“Exercise Musk Ox,” a record of the Canadian
army’s Arctic expedition, has been secured
by Astral Films for Canadian distribution.
The premiere of the feature is scheduled for
May 5 at the Nelson here.
There was activity in 20th Century Thea-
tres circles when N. A. Taylor and Meyer
Axler, both high officials of the circuit, were
in Ottawa for special consultations, the na-
ture of which was not disclosed. The com-
pany plans to build a theatre annex to the
Elgin, for one thing.
Manager Casey Swedlove of the Little
Theatre presented another in his series of
Soviet pictures, “Stone Flower,” for four days
commencing April 23 at prices up to 90 cents.
The feature is distributed by Artkino.
After a long run of “The Jolson Story” at
another Ottawa theatre, Manager Morris
Berlin of the Nelson made a ten-strike by
playing “The Heart of New York” for one
week as a revival. Berlin played up the fact
that A1 Jolson was a member of the cast . . .
Manager Ernie Warren of the Elgin, a former
war pilot, played an air role in the Rideau
river flood. He piloted a plane which carried
a news photographer taking flood pictures.
Ottawa’s Suzanne Cloutier, daughter of Ed-
mond Cloutier, government official, is ex-
pected to have a leading role in “The Miracle
of the Bells.” Friends here are awaiting of-
ficial confirmation that Miss Cloutier, who
has been in Hollywood for a year, has landed
the assignment. She had a supporting role
in “Temptation.”
When the Trinity church was destroyed
by fire, D. B. Stapleton of the Centre offered
the use of the theatre to the congregation.
It was found that the parish hall could still
be used but at a church meeting formal
thanks were adopted for the offer . . . Leon-
ard W. Brockington, director of Odeon Thea-
tres, is scheduled to be the chief speaker at
Rideau Hall, the official residence of Gov-
ernor-General and Lady Alexander, on the
occasion of the 49th annual meeting there of
the Victorian Order of Nurses April 29.
Manager F. H. Gallop of the Avalon ar-
ranged a screening of “The Best Years of
Our Lives” for the press and invited guests.
The Academy award picture will open at the
Avalon April 28.
Percentage Pictures
Face Sales Decline
Vancouver — Exhibitors in British Co-
lumbia and Alberta are buying fewer per-
centage pictures this year despite the fact
that more are being released since the dis-
continuance of Canadian price ceilings.
Reports current here are that many
exhibitors, particularly in smaller towns
where business has declined, have decided
to pass up all percentage films.
Two Men Plead Guilty
In Holdup of Capitol
FREDERICTON, N. B.— Joseph A. L.
Ger?,rd, 33, and Paul Emile Bougie, 29, both
of Montreal, pleaded guilty in district court
to the holdup of the Capitol here. They
were remanded for nine days to await sen-
tence. The car they used for the get-away
was stolen at Edmundston, N. B.
When Mrs. Kay Burtt, cashier, was held up
in the boxoffice at the point of a pistol, she
hurried out to the street and saw the getaway.
She telephoned police, telling the way the
car was headed. The capture was made less
than two hours after the theft.
Robberies in Sister Cities
OTTAWA — Theatre robbers struck twice in
one week here. Bandits smashed the safe of
the Nelson, local neighborhood house recent-
ly opened by Morris Berlin, and then com-
mitted a similar crime at the Montcalm on
St. Joseph boulevard in Hull, which had been
opened only a few nights previously. Police
of the sister cities believe that the same gang
broke into both theatres.
The Montcalm is owned by Louis Bisson
and Eric Bendall. At the Nelson, the loss
was around $700 while the robbers secured
$325 at the Montcalm.
VICTORIA
Tl resolution that “no picture be permitted
■“"to be shown in British Columbia unless
it passes a code of standards based on the
production code of the Motion Picture Ass’n,”
was passed at the final session of the 25th
annual convention of the British Columbia
Parent-Teacher Federation.
A new international film division has been
inaugurated by Hilker Attractions to dis-
tribute outstanding European film hits for
roadshowings on a reserved-seat basis . . .
Mel Gow has installed Famous Players opera-
tions in Port Alberni following an agreement
with the Warren theatre interests whereby
FPC will assume an equal share of the opera-
tion of the three theatres formerly operated
by Mrs. Warren and her son.
Based on the paintings of Victoria artist
Emily Carr, the National Film board film,
“Klee Wyck,” received its first Canadian
showing in the ballroom of the Empress hotel
here. The film deals briefly with the early
life of the painter and shows examples of
her work, as well as British Columbia forest
and of Indian village scenes from which they
were painted.
MONTREAL — Julian Roffman, former
Montreal youth who has won fame as a pro-
ducer of documentary films, has obtained
his first big chance in the feature field as
the producer of a Latin-American musical
with a Hollywood cast in Havana. The film,
titled, “Samba,” stars Michael Whalen, Doris
“The Lost Weekend” Dowling, Ricardo Cor-
tez and Carol “Dr. Wassell” Thurston. Marion
Gering, who directed Lombard and Raft in
“Rumba,” is the director. He is now back
in New York for the cutting.
MONTREAL HIGH GRADUATE
Roffman, who is a graduate of Montreal
high school, is considered one of the out-
standing documentary directors in the U.S.
today. This is his first opportunity to use
this documentary technique in a feature
film.
At the outbreak of the war, Roffman, who
had been living in New York, returned to
Canada where he was drafted for the National
Film board as a producer. He made a Wac
recruiting short as well as many army train-
ing films. In 1944 he was sent overseas.
While filming action of the Canadians in Hol-
land he suffered 16 shrapnel wounds.
On the seriously wounded list for many
months, Roffman is now completely recov-
ered. Since his return he made “The To-
ronto Symphony” for the National Film
board, and shorts on New York’s Sydenham’s
hospital, the Farmers Union and others.
NOMINATED FOR AWARD
Prior to the war, Roffman made films for
the National Foundation for Infantile Para-
lysis and numerous other social and cultural
organizations. His “And So They Live,”
based on the living conditions of the “poor
whites” in the hills of Kentucky in 1938, was
nominated by the Academy of Motion Picture
Arts and Sciences as the best documentary
of the year, but was ruled out at the last
moment as being political.
It is understood that Gering and Roffman
will travel north to Canada upon completion
of “Samba” to produce a feature using au-
thentic Canadian background, people and
story.
A Sillery, Que., Project
MONTREAL — The private bills committee
of the Quebec legislature has introduced an
amendment to the Sillery measure which will
make possible the construction of a new thea-
tre in Sillery, Que., at the corner of St. CyriTle
street and Belvedere road. Municipal bylaws
of Sillery specify that no more than 25 per
sent of the land of a property can be used
for a building and the amendment will raise
the percentage to 50 per cent for the theatre
project.
HOME MOVIES
SUPPLIES
RCA 16mm Sound Film Projectors
8mm, 16mm Silent Cameras, Projectors
•
All purpose Film cement — 35c
2,000 Tickets — 50c per roll
•
Representing Astral Films
•
BOOTH FILM SERVICE, Ltd.
Phone M-4530 — Day or Night
803 Sixth Street West Calgary, Alta.
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
115
MONTREAL
Opring: fever has hit Filmrow. Exchange
^staffs are busy booking both out-of-
town and local exhibitors. New automobiles
are making their appearance and the lucky
owners, most of them exhibitors, are regarded
with envious eyes by those who are forced
to run the old cars for another year, or who,
even more unfortunately, have disposed of
their old cars before obtaining delivery of
new ones.
The British Broadcasting Corp. recently
televised Canada’s National Film board pro-
duction, “Out of the Ruins,” a documentary
which gives an account of how the people of
Greece are restoring their lives and their
land with the help of UNRRA.
“The Best Years of Our Lives,” which is
playing to big houses at the Kent, received a
promotional boost when Arthur Murray’s
Montreal dance studio, voicing an appeal
“Let’s Enjoy the Best Years of Our Lives,”
recalled that Myrna Loy who stars with Fred-
ric March in the picture, was an enthusiastic
pupil of Arthur Murray. Murray advertised:
“Like all other people in the spotlight, she
was extremely self-conscious until she felt
she could be proud of her dancing.”
Harold Dingman, Ottawa correspondent for
the Montreal Herald, in an article comment-
ing on John Grierson’s admission to the U.S.
on a diplomatic visa, reflected: “No Ameri-
can has yet explained the official grievance
against the former National Film board
chief. They hint darkly about his appear-
ance before the Canadian espionag? com-
mission, and they mutter about his use of
American documentary films. Grierson has
now returned from New York to Paris and
so long as he holds diplomatic credentials it
is likely he will be able to come and go in the
U.S. as he pleases.”
Gratien Gelinas, who under the pseudonym
Fridolin is French-Canada’s most popular
comedian, was guest at a gala dinner in his
honor at Kerhulu’s in Quebec. He spoke on
“Toward a Canadian Theatre.” Fridolin is
credited with film ambitions, but is making
so much money and is so busy with his revues
that his film plans have been retarded and
may not mature for a long time . . . Maurice
Chevalier is booked for a personal appearance
at the Plateau beginning May 22. It will be
his first visit to the second largest French
speaking city in the world.
J. Arthur Rank is expected to pay another
visit to Canada next month . . . Barbara Ann
Scott, world champion woman skater who
has turned offers from Hollywood down, at-
tended a screening in the Elgin at Ottawa
of a short film produced by a Toronto com-
pany to be used in the coming national YMCA
and YWCA fund campaigns. Ernie Warren,
manager of the Elgin, arranged the screening.
Mrs. F. W. Motton of the Quebec provincial
branch of the Daughters of the Empire, re-
ports that several chapters have put on film
programs in schools dealing with empire sub-
jects . . . The World Youth festival at Prague
will have as one of its attractions an eight-
piece Canadian swing and jazz band, which
later will tour Europe . . . Two Japanese-
Canadian soldiers have returned home with
Chinese war brides whose acquaintance they
made when the girls were cashiers at a thea-
tre in Singapore and the boys bought then-
tickets from them.
A theatre manager in Sydney, Australia,
G. W. A. Austin of the Empress, opened a
cupboard in the basement and was amazed to
find wrapped in a handkerchief, more than
$40,000 worth of jewelry stolen from a leading
Sydney jeweler. Detectives later found a
loaded revolver hidden in a cistern in the
theatre.
Toronto Trade Good
At All Boxoffices
TORONTO — “The Jolson Story turned in
a fifth good week at the Tivoli and Eglin-
ton and, judging by the regular lineups, the
picture is expected to run for some time yet.
“The Egg and I” was also solid in its third
week at Loew’s Uptown while “The Macomber
Affair” was good for a second week at Loew’s
in downtown Toronto. Shea’s had big busi-
ness for the opening of “13 Rue Madeleine”
while "Deception” brought crowds to the Im-
perial. “The Captive Heart” looked good at
the Capitol and Victoria.
(Average is 100)
Capitol and Victoria — The Captive Heart (U-I) 100
Eglinton — The Jolson Story (Col), 5th wk 95
Imperial — Deception (WB) 120
Loew's — The Macomber Affair (UA), 2nd wk 85
Shea's — 13 Rue Madeleine (20th-Fox) 125
Tivoli — The Jolson Story (Col), 5th wk 95
Uptown — The Egg and I (U-I), ?rd wk 90
All Montreal First Runs
Good Except 'Marriage'
MONTREAL — Good reports were received
from all first run theatres except one; the
Palace, where “The Perfect Marriage” failed
to attract. “The Razor’s Edge” was taken off
after a successful second week because, as
the management said, “we have too many
good pictures waiting.” “The Best Years of
Our Lives” continued into a successful second
week at the Kent. “San Francisco,” an MGM
French-language dubbed film, did remarkable
business at the Orpheum. “Nocturne” and
its companion film, “My Dog Shep,” were held
a second week at the Princess. Reissues of
“Arizona” and “Texas” drew good audiences
to the Imperial.
Capitol — My Favorite Brunette (Para),
2nd wk Did well
Imperial — Arizona (SR); Texas (SR) Verygoo^
Kent — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
2nd wk , Good
Loew's — The Razor's Edge (20th-Fox) Popular
Oroheum — San Francisco (MGM),
French dubbed Very good
Palace — The Perfect Marriage (Para) Not drawing
Princess — Nocturne (RKO), held over;
My Dog Shep (SG) Good
Balmy Weather Hits Vancouver
Daytime Trade; 'Years' Opens
VANCOUVER — Balmy weather has fur-
nished some competition to theatre business.
Night business has held steady, but daytime
grosses have slumped. “The Best Years of
Our Lives” opened on a roadshow basis at
Odeon Hastings, not doing the business ex-
pected of the Academy winner, but it was
expected to build by word-of-mouth adver-
tising.
Capitol — My Favorite Brunette (Para),
2nd wk Moderate
Dominion — Till the Clouds Roll By (MGM),
moveover, 2nd wk Fair
Hastings and Vogue — Temptation
(U-I) Below average
Orpheum — Gallant Bess (MGM) Fair
Plaza- — The Years Between (E-L);
Susie Steps Out (U-I) Moderate
Strand — San Quentin (RKO); Beat the Band
(RKO) Good
Calgary Business Responds
To the Springlike Weather
CALGARY — With springlike weather and
school holidays the theatres all did a thriving
business. Good attractions had been booked
for the first runs, adding to the drawing
power, and bringing in top returns. “Sinbad
the Sailor” raised the stature here of Doug
Fairbanks jr., who will certainly bring big
business in any similar picture. His leaping
agility, reminiscent of his father, caught the
fancy of the young generation. At the Grand
“The Dark Mirror” did so well it was held
over for an extra three days.
Capitol — Till the Clouds Roll By (MGM) Very good
Grand — The Dark Mirror (U-I), split with
Blondie's Big Moment (Col) and George
in Civvv Street (E-L) Good
Palace — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO) Excellent
VANCOUVER
Tack Wood of North American Productions,
and a group of skiers, including University
of British Columbia instructors and a UBC
ski team, will spend most of the month of
May in the snow-capped peaks of Garibaldi
park to make 16mm instructional and enter-
taining films for release by NAP.
John Rushton, 78, oldtime exhibitor who
once owned the Royal Theatre in New West-
minster, died in the Columbian hospital there.
He was well-known in musical circles as
bandmaster and conductor of the Royal City
orchestra.
British stars are now moneymakers and
able to carry their own weight in British
Columbia theatres. Top money-making Brit-
ish stars, a check shows, are James Mason,
Peggy Cummings, Margaret Lockwood, De-
borah Kerr, George Formby and Stewart
Granger . . . The Grant family is really sold
on the show business. Jim is doorman at the
Paradise and his wife is in charge of the
candy counter at the Plaza, both Odeon
spots.
Ross Beesley, ASN cameraman, returned
from a swing around the prairies as far as
Brandon, and reports winter still holds sway
on the wide open spaces. Beesley visited Cal-
gary, Regina and Saskatoon. While in Bran-
don he filmed ceremonies in conection with
the crowning of Canada’s Barley King by
James Gardiner, federal agriculture minister,
at the Winter fair there. The subject was
used in all major newsreels. Beesley will
speak at a board of trade meeting here
soon on gathering of news photos for the
world’s screens.
Theatre men have another headache to
contend with here — morons who molest girls
who sit beside them in downtown theatres.
Two were caught recently and turned over
to police. One was given a six-month and
the other a one-year jail term. Showmen
here contend these menaces should be put
out of circulation for good . . . The answer to
a cameraman’s dream was a recent assign-
ment at North American studios — the film-
ing of a bevy of beauties modeling the latest
Rose Marie Reid swim suit creations. The
film will be shown in the U.S. Shirl Wilson
was the lucky cameraman.
Joe Altamore, Natal theatre operator, has
completed alterations to the old roadshow
house at Fernie, B. C. It will be called the
Roxy and seat 450.
A decision is expected shortly from the
arbitration board sitting on the wage and
working dispute between Famous Players and
projectionists Local 348.
CALGARY
Robert Macleod, who has joined the Para-
mount staff here, started out on the road
last week on his first venture as a film sales-
man. The newcomer to the business was ac-
companied by Manager William O. Kelly, a
veteran in this territory.
Work has started on the new addition to
the Film Exchange Bldg, being erected along-
side the present structure. The addition will
have a basement and one-story and will have
the same depth as the Exchange Bldg. It
is being erected by the owner of the present
building, J. H. Hillier. The new office will
be occupied by PRC, which is managed by
Vernon Dixon.
116
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
\prina r^enouation
ISSUE OF APRIL
■ ■' '■
CfiOV'^-
cm*
".ztee
RCA
-CAR SPEAKERS
THE RCA IN-CAR SPEAKER per-
mits audiences to enjoy the show
with their car windows closed . . .
thus extending the regular operating
season many weeks in most localities
. . . provides more opportunities to
make more money.
RCA’s In-Car Speaker mounts in
pairs on a permanent parking-lot
pedestal between every two cars.
Convenient cradle-bracket makes it
easy and handy for patrons to pick
up and replace the speaker. The
entire assembly withstands extremes
of heat, cold and moisture far in ex-
cess of any conditions encountered
in actual operation.
The smartly styled speaker itself
is of special design for acoustically
correct in-car sound reproduction.
A support bracket makes it easy for
the patron to attach the speaker to
the car window or to any conven-
ient support within the car.
See your RCA Independent Thea-
tre Supply Dealer — for information
on RCA’s complete new line of drive-
in equipment — or write RCA Theatre
Equipment Section, Dept. 17-D,
RCA, Camden, New Jersey.
Get a copy of "The Drive-
In Theatre” Planning
Booklet for helpful aids in
building a profitable drive-
in theatre.
FREE BOOKLET
THEATRE EQUIPMENT
RADIO CORPORA TION of A MERIC A
ENGINEERING PRODUCTS DEPARTMENT. CAMDEN. N.J.
In Canada: RCA VICTOR Company Limited, Montreal
Striking Mohawk installation in the Loyola Theater, Los Angeles, Calif.
FOR OUTSTANDING CARPET PERFORMANCE
Like theater managers all over the country — you’ll find extra carpet
value in Mohawk Traffic-Tred Carpets.
You’ll find that a halance-constructed* Mohawk Carpet gives extra long wear for
heavy traffic locations. And you’ll find that a quality-woven Mohawk Carpet
gives extra beauty — the atmosphere of luxury that you want for your theater.
There's a Mohawk Traffic-Tred
Carpet to fill your needs — see your
Mohawk Contract Dealer now!
Write or wire for name
of nearest dealer.
*This is the
Mohawk
“Five Point”
Star of
Balanced
Construction
1 ★ Wool Blend
Pitch
Rows per Inch
4*+++ Yarn Size
§★★★★★ Pile Height
MOHAWK CARPET MILLS, INC., 295 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK
BOXOFFICE :: April 26, 1947
3
you'll attract
more customers...
with
HIGH INTENSITY
PROJECTION!
M
.anagers of small theatres find that Simplified High Intensity
Projection actually attracts more customers to their shows. The
reason?
Because this inexpensive form of high intensity projection gives
the movie-goer more for his money. It provides a brighter screen,
a sharper image. It makes available to the small theatre the same
perfection of modeling and detail . . . the same fidelity of color
reproduction . . . found in the larger theatres. This means more
audience relaxation and enjoyment . . . which means bigger box
office.
In spite of the obvious improvement that Simplified High In-
tensity Projection can make on your screen, it is actually low in
cost. In fact, just a few extra admissions per show will more than
pay for it.
Take the first step today toward attracting more and more cus-
tomers . . . Consult your supply house on the availability of High
Intensity Lamps.
The word " National ” is a registered trade-mark of
NATIONAL CARBON COMPANY, INC.
Unit of Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation
om
30 East 42nd Street, New York 17, N. Y.
Division Sales Offices: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City,
New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco
4
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
Fires can’t start or spread in noncombustible decorative hangings
Serious fires usually result from the rapid spread
of flames through materials that can burn.
Now, replace an inflammable material with one
that can’t burn — and you eliminate a fire hazard.
Decorative hangings woven from Fiberglas
yarns can’t burn. They’re glass. They’re
originally and permanently noncombustible.
Furthermore, in the midst of fire or searing hot
blasts, these fabrics of Fiberglas will not con-
tribute to the further depletion of oxygen, will
not give off suffocating smoke and fumes.
In hundreds of places of public assembly from
coast to coast — in hotels, restaurants, clubs,
schools, hospitals, auditoriums — architects,
decorators and owners are designing for safety,
including these decorative, noncombustible
OWENS-CORNING
Fiberglas
fabrics of Fiberglas in their plans.
Many attractive weaves and colorful patterns
are available — and expert fabric service shops
located in principal cities are ready to fashion
and hang the draperies you select for your
decorative scheme . . . write Owens-Corning
Fiberglas Corporation, Dept. 996, Toledo 1, 0.
Branch offices in principal cities.
In Canada : Fiberglas Canada Ltd., Toronto, Ontario
*Listed by Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc., “Noncombustible Fabric”.
Department 996,
Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation
Toledo, Ohio
Please send FREE your new informative booklet:
“Decorative Fabrics — They Can’t Burn — They’re Glass”.
Name
Street address
City
Zone State
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
5
Put punch in your entrance
displays to halt passersby . . . play up attractions
. . . draw crowds to your ticket window . . . with
versatile G-E Reflector Spot Lamps and Flood-Lamps.
As patrons pass from the marquee to the lobby and foyer,
impress them with an inviting atmosphere . . . highlight
coming attraction displays . . . build future box-office business.
You can do these things most effectively with G-E Lamps.
G-E Reflector Lamps are designed for easy maintenance . . .
the bulb is a complete unit with built-in reflector.
General Electric makes all the lamps your theatre needs, the popular
G-E Fluorescents, Slimlines, new Circlines, and the array of
filament lamps. Remember, G-E Lamps are constantly improved
by Research to
GE LAMPS
GENERAL® ELECTRIC
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
Greatest Wall Beauty!
Lowest Wall Upkeep!
Yes, you get maximum beauty plus lowest maintenance cost with this miracle wall
covering. Because Varlar’s practical beauty resists many injurious elements which
would destroy ordinary wall coverings... resists ever-present finger marks $
and beauty-effacing pencil and ink marks • Add to the countless enemies
-rTot
X
of beauty which Varlar defies . . . dirt abrasion . . . water . . . lipstick . . . perfume
-A'Auy • .
. . . piping hot kitchen grease . . . steam . . . vermin . . .
and bacteria. None of these can mar the beauty of Varlar!
Looks NEW After 25,000 Washings!
The above staining agents — and stains of all kinds — easily,
quickly wash clean from Varlar with ordinary soap and water.
Wash clean as many as 25,000 times without dimming Varlar’s
original good looks! But read the proof of performance — the
complete story of this amazing wall covering which begins a
new era of low-cost wall beauty and maintenance. Mail the
coupon below for your free copies of factual, impartial labora-
tory reports by independent testing laboratories.
VARLAR
VARLAR, INC., Dept. 133-447
Merchandise Mart, Chicago 54, Illinois
Please send me, without cost or obligation, the complete
independent test reports on Varlar.
Name ....
Address
VARLAR, Inc., Division of
United Wallpaper
Merchandise Mart, Chicago 54, III.
City
State
BOXOFFICE : : April 36, 1947
7
in gorgeous everlasting colors (red, blue, green)
which go all the way through, cannot chip or scale,
never require painting or other maintenance.
4", 10 and 17
Translucent Plastic Letters
All Available for IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
8" Size Available June 1st
Write today for prices and free catalog on the world's
largest and most complete line of quality equipment
for effective show selling.
"Wayae/i Siy*t Senvicc,
218 S. Hoyne Avenue
CHICAGO 12, ILL.
Avoid eye monotony and cash in on the tremendous
possibilities of the
Your changeable copy sign more than doubles its
effectiveness with the use of
WAGNER
MULTI-SIZE LETTERS
Sensational New
WAGNER 17"
Translucent Plastic Letters
8
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
PROJECTION LIGHTING EQUIPMENT
mm I
The National Four-l'ube
Rectifier for 40 and 50 am-
pere High Intensity Projec-
tion Arcs.
THEATRE SUPPLY
Diriiion No*i»nol ♦ Simple* • BludwoMh.lne
a Branch Near You”
The ndiftl National
Yes you of the best en-
gineering and production
tins in the. industry ,
■Mi
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
9
SoyaC
THE BALLANTYNE COMPANY
1707-11 DAVENPORT STREET OMAHA 2, NEBRASKA
Export Deportment, FRAZAR & HANSEN, Ltd.
301 Cloy Street Son Francisco 1 1, Californio, USA Cable Address "FRASEN',
*
Licensed Under U.S. Patents of Western Electric Co., Inc.
For Greater Listening Pleasure
Complete sound systems, two-way
horn systems, soundheads, amplifiers
and allied equipment available for
prompt delivery through the following
independent theatre supply dealers.
Albany, New York, Albany Theatre Supply
Atlanta, Ga.. Southeastern Theatre Equip. Co.
Birmingham. Ala., Queen Feature Service, Inc.
Boston. Mass., Independent Theatre Supply Co.
Charlotte. N. C., Southeastern Theatre Equip. Co.
Chicago, 111., Stanley Theatre Supply Co.
Cincinnati. Ohio, Midwest Theatre Supply Co.
Cleveland, Ohio, Cleveland Projector Co.
Columbus, Ohio, American Theatre Equip. Co.
Dallas. Texas, Hardin Theatre Supply Co.
Denver, Colo., Service Theatre Supply Co.
Fargo, N. D., McCarthy Theatre Supply Co.
Greensboro, N. C.. Theatre Suppliers, Inc.
Jacksonville. Fla., Southeastern Theatre Equip. Co.
Kansas City, Mo., Missouri Theatre Supply
Louisville. Ky„ Hadden Equipment Co.
Los Angeles, Cal., Projection Equip. Main. Co.
Memphis, Tenn.. Monarch Theatre Supply, Inc.
Miami, Fla., loe Hornstein, Inc.
Milwaukee. Wis., The Ray Smith Co.
Minneapolis, Minn., Norm Maintenance Co.
New Orleans. La., Delta Theatre Supply Co.
New York, N. Y., Amusement Supply Co.
New York, N. Y., K. Streuber
Norfolk. Va.. Norfolk Theatre Supply Co.
Oklahoma City, Okla., Okla. Theatre Supply Co.
Omaha, Nebraska. Scott-Ballantyne Co.
Portland, Ore., Theatre Utilities Serv. Co.
Salt Lake City, Utah. Service Theatre Supply Co.
San Francisco. Cal.. West. Theatrical Equip. Co.
Sioux Falls. S. D., American Theatre Sup. Co.
St. Louis, Mo., Cine Supply Co.
Tampa, Fla., United Theatre Supply Co.
Union City, Ind., Projection Equipment Co.
Washington. D. C., Elmer H. Brient & Sons
IN CANADA
Montreal. Que.. Perkins Electric Co., Ltd.
Toronto, Ont.. Perkins Electric Co., Ltd.
Vancouver. B. C.» Dominion Theatre Equip. Co.
Winnipeg, Man., J. M. Rice & Co.
EXPORT DEPARTMENT
San Francisco, Cal., Frazar & Hansen, Ltd., 301 Clay
'"The Golden Voice of the Silver
Screen”— whether expressed in the
strains of a mighty orchestra, or
as a lovely singing girl — means
Ballantyne Royal Soundmaster
Sound to the theatre owner. Bet'
ter boxoffice is the goal — and
Royal Soundmaster Sound is the
assurance that customers will be
back again and again! Royal
Soundmaster Sound enjoys its .rep'
utation for brilliant, life-like, de-
pen d a b 1 e sound reproduction
through tested performance in
bringing greater listening pleasure
to theatre audiences the world
over.
See Your Nearest Independent Theatre Supply
Dealer or Write Direct to
.
10
t
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE SECTION of BOXOFFICE
Issue o/ APRIL 26, 1947
J. HARRY TOLER, Managing Editor
JOHN H. TOLER, Asaoeiato Editor
Vol. XIV - No. 5
Topics:
Your Attention, Please! . . . To
Our Teen-Age Constituency 12)
by Helen Kent
*
Springtime Prescription for
Depressed Theatre Patronage 14
by Ansel M. Moore
*
New Safety Precaution for
Theatre Ceiling Construction 16
by A. R. Trinkle
*
The New Josephine: Example of
Thrift in Theatre Building 18
¥
Structural Renovation Re-Dates
Still Another RKO Theatre 20
¥
Don’t Wait! . . . A Timely
Discussion of Jobs That Need Doing 22
by Hanns R. Teichert
¥
Just Off the Boards 24
¥
A Community Atmospheric
Theatre in the Perspective 26
¥
Thermal Insulation First Aid
to Temperature Control 28
by Henry J. Wingate
¥
New Fiberglas -Cotton Fabrics
Reduce Fire Hazards 30
+
Plastic Wall Coverings Make
Better Housekeeping Easier 32
*
News of What’s New in Modern
Theatre Equipment 34
¥
New British Projector Designed
for Superior Eye Appeal 46
¥
A Further Clinical Discussion
of Electronic Arc Control 47
¥
The Quiz Pot 49
¥
About People and Product 53
Published 13 times yearly by Associated Publica-
tions every fourth Saturday as a section of BOX-
OFFICE Ond included in all Sectional Editions of
the AP group. Contents copyrighted, 1947; repro-
duction rights reserved. All editorial or general
business correspondence relating to The MODERN
THEATRE section should be addressed to Pub-
lisher's Representative Harrison Toler Company,
332 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago (4), 111., or Eastern
Representative: A. J. Stocker, 9 Rockefeller Plaza,
New York (20), N. Y.
Can Rural Communities Milord
Modern Theatres?
A well-meaning subscriber writes us to inquire why we don't publish
more drawings of small-town theatres that can be built and equipped for from
$40,000 to $60,000, stating that a figure beyond that is entirely out of reach
of the average small-town exhibitor.
We don't prepare and publish stock plans and specifications for theatres,
because that is the function of experienced theatre architects who make it their
business to secure maximum value for money invested by their clients.
Besides, in our opinion, based on years of observation and experience
that a modem theatre must be designed to fit its community, any suggestive
plans we might publish would serve no good purpose and could be grossly
misleading to inexperienced builders who might attempt to follow or adapt
them.
Furthermore, we have often published and will continue to present pic-
tures and particulars of prospected and completed theatre projects in small
towns.* Cost figures usually accompany such descriptions, and in most cases,
they are outstanding examples of modem theatre building and outfitting that
are paying handsome returns on their investment.
In behalf of the small-town devotees of modern motion picture entertain-
ment, as well as those ruralites who might become better motion picture fans
if they were given the urge, we beg to differ with the opinions of those who
claim that the average small town will support only the cheaply constructed
theatre. We have records to show the contrary.
A small theatre building might be erected even at today's high cost for
as little as $40,000, or even less. But a bare building does not make a modern
theatre. To properly furnish and equip the house for public service now
demanded with motion picture presentation, even in rural areas, would run
the minimum cost to a much higher total figure than our friend suggests.
Trouble is, too many small-town exhibitors are afraid, or timidly unwilling,
to provide what the rural motion picture patron goes for just as readily as
his city neighbor. That thing is House Appeal.
Hundreds of small-town exhibitors are still struggling along with drab
"store shows" and "shooting galleries," merely because they think their com-
munities won't support something better. Ruralites are no longer yokels. The
radio, and even the motion pictures we have shown them,
have wised them up and sold them the better ways of life.
Small wonder many of them travel miles to patronize the
nearest modern theatre — which could be yours.
*A worthy example in point is presented in the "JUST OFF THE
BOARDS" department of this issue, on page 24.
OUR TEEN-AGE CONSTITUENCY
^ / HERE IS A TRE-
MENDOUS goodwill op-
portunity facing all
theatre operators at
this time. It’s an op-
portunity which will
take a bit of invest-
ment— both time and
money — but the result
will so far outweigh
the investment that
it’s actually surprising
that more operators
haven’t heeded the call already. Some
have. We have a neat example to be taken
up anon.
The golden opportunity for our industry
is youth. We have all heard too much
about juvenile delinquency; that perplex-
ing problem which seems to equal the
atomic bomb in implications for the fu-
ture. Indeed, many have had first-hand
experience with rampant youth’s disre-
gard for property values. And as a mat-
ter of fact, our industry has also had some
of the blame for fostering wild ideas and
disregard of the amenities through some
of the movie fare served forth to im-
pressionable youth.
At any rate, the opportunity exists for
theatre operators actually to do something
constructive in nurturing youth and lead-
ing a large portion of it away from reck-
lessness, impudence and that devil-may-
care attitude which so many of the younger
set have adopted because they are con-
vinced that nobody cares about their fu-
ture anyhow. Fortunately, only a tiny
minority of youth is in the delinquent class
by HELEN KENT
at present, and the huge majority is sim-
ply clamoring for more attention on the
part of adults to their peculiar problems
of growing up.
Your Experience Qualifies
Because of your experience as operators
of theatres, it appears that it would be a
natural for you to initiate programs to
provide more for youth’s needs in your
communities. It cannot be overlooked that
theatres derive a major portion of their
profits from this very teen-age class of
patrons. Since motion pictures are ad-
mittedly the most popular pastime of
youth, and since as providers of this en-
tertainment you already hold such sway
with the young set, the opportunity to do
even more for them falls right in your lap.
The entire industry can well afford to
do more for the teen-agers. In connection
with the wholesome amusement places
already in existence — your theatres — en-
courage the teen-agers by providing some-
thing further to occupy their impression-
able minds during leisure time. Their
wants are exceedingly simple. Primarily,
the young crowd appreciates a refined
gathering place where they sip their cokes
Exterior of the Palace Teen Club in Fredericks-
burg, Texas, with a group of its proud supporters.
This pioneer building was converted by the man-
agement of the Palace Theatre into a much-
requested social gathering place restricted to
teen-agers. Its goodwill effect upon the theatre
has been marked.
and linger awhile to dance to a juke box.
A few recreation games, such as ping-pong,
are further lures to this easily-satisfied
constituency.
Throughout the country, community
leaders and businessmen are beginning to
take the youth problem seriously. Youth
Centers are springing up with rapidity. In
most cases, they have been highly suc-
cessful. But with the public experience
engendered by theatre operation, we would
boast that they could be even more suc-
cessful and popular if sponsored by thea-
tre men. Hence, it’s time to get in on the
ground floor in your community if some*
thing of the sort is not already in suc-
cessful operation.
Actual Profit Angle
In providing a social center for teen-
agers, it must be realized that the invest-
ment is not only in good will for your
theatre, because it is highly probable that
the enterprise will be profitable mone-
tarily as well. The theatre will draw more
teen-agers, more regularly, and it will have
made a tremendous bid for the patronage
of their parents as well. The refreshment
and juke-box business should practically
liquidate the money expended within a
short time anyhow.
The theatre which so appeals to youth
will soon find itself a small version of the
multiple-enterprise amusement center
project. By starting small, the multiple-
enterprise idea can be tested and proved a
gold mine. Most existing theatres have
some waste space which could be converted
into a gathering place for teen-agers. But
if space is at a premium, the theatre can
sponsor and operate such an enterprise
in another location. It will still reflect
favorably upon the sponsor and be a credit
to the community as well.
Kids Promote a Club
In many cases, you will find the young
folks urgently requesting a community
A group oi happy jitterbugs
shows its approval of the "reet"
canteen, which includes those
most desired qualifications — a
juke box, slick floor, cokes and
other refreshments, and a
minimum of adult supervision.
lust a few of the more than 230
regular dues-paying members
of the club. Besides a perfect
clubhouse, the Palace Teen
Club also has many sensible
rules and regulations to keep
it operating on a satisfactory
and proper basis.
12
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
gathering place. Such was the experience
of Walter Knoche, manager of the Palace
and Longhorn Theatres in Fredericksburg,
Tex. The teen-agers in that town wanted
a “social place” located conveniently
in the center of the community where they
could meet after school hours with a mini-
mum of adult supervision. A place where
they could have cokes, listen and dance to
juke-box music and while away their time.
This order literally fell right into Walter
Knoche’s hands. His company had recently
bought property on the main street of the
town with the intention of building a new
theatre. But with restrictions on con-
struction, they couldn’t do anything about
that plan, so it was decided to let the kids
have their way. An old building on the
site was easily revamped into a satisfac-
tory “Teen Club,” and everybody was
happy instanter.
The old building was among the first
constructed on Fredericksburg’s main
street by the early pioneers. It has 18-inch
thick native rock walls, which, with the
sheet-rock insulation now installed in the
ceiling, makes an ideally fireproof build-
ing for its new purpose. In the renovation,
much of the pioneer architecture and in-
terior treatment was preserved. A fresh
new paint job both outside and inside did
the rest.
The main hall of the “Palace Teen Club”
— which honors the theatre with its name
— is 55 by 25 feet, providing adequate
dancing space. The brand-new juke box is
the most important furnishing of this
room, although it is also equipped with
tables and chairs and sprightly new dra-
peries. The floor of the entire build-
ing is of concrete, with a very
slick finish for the dance floor. Beyond
the main room of the club are a number
of smaller rooms and rest rooms with all
new equipment. One of the smaller rooms,
which is 12 by 16 feet, contains a ping-
pong table and a number of electric games
are provided also. Another room of the
same size is fitted up with an attractive
ntispiec
A SPRING RENOVATION was
V applied early and extensively
this year to the RKO Hillstreet
Theatre in Los Angeles. A com-
pletely remodeled and modernized front
and lobby was the fruitful result, as
pictured and described in the accom-
panying article . . . Our cover picture
is a bit unusual since it reverses the
customary view of theatre lobbies and
depicts what the patrons see upon leav-
ing the theatre. The come-again urge
is prevalent in this spacious, uncluttered
lobby . . . Noteworthy is the beautifully
displayed and illuminated poster panel
at the rear of the boxoffice, inviting
all outgoing patrons to visit RKO’s
Pantages Theatre when in Hollywood.
... A complete description of the reno-
vation of the RKO Hillstreet’ s front and
lobby appears on Page 20 of this issue.
refreshment bar, serving cokes, pop, ice
cream and other youth’s delights.
Rules and Regulations
That is the physical property of the
Palace Teen Club. However, Exhibitor
Knoche found that there was infinitely
more to initiating such an enterprise than
merely providing a nice gathering place for
youth. There had to be certain policies
and rules that would be acceptable to the
young folks and the entire community as
well. There had to be definite qualities in
the project which would appeal to the
young folks and keep them coming back.
The motivating idea was to operate the
project as a real social club, with duly
elected council composed of student coun-
cil members at both Fredericksburg high
schools. In this way, the management as
well as the members are able to control
the membership and eliminate rowdyism.
The club dues are only 10 cents per month
and admittance to the club is by card.
Membership may be withdrawn from any
offending club member. This feature serves
to promote pride in the club and its prop-
erty, which is further reflected in foster-
ing pride in the community as a whole.
Age limits for the Teen Club are from 10
years to high school graduation. Another
important feature of the club organiza-
tion idea is that the project is not sub-
ject to the Federal Cabaret Tax.
The management of the club employs a
reputable young man who dispenses the re-
freshments and also supervises deport-
ment on the premises. No intoxicants nor
tobacco can be had or used in the club.
Hence, no trouble of any kind has been
encountered yet, nor is any expected. The
management and club members as well
maintain strict rules and regulations as to
behavior and entertainment pastimes.
Public Approval Immediate
The popular canteen is open daily on
week days from 3 to 9 p. m., on Fridays and
Saturdays from 3 to 11 p. m. and on Sun-
day afternoons from 2 to 5 p. m. only. Par-
ents have been urged to visit the club in the
mornings or afternoons before 3 p. m., and
they have given their whole-hearted ap-
proval to the entire project. Due to the
increasingly favorable comment which has
been expressed, Mr. Knoche is certain that
whatever contribution his company has
made has been more than repaid in good
will to the theatres.
Within one month after the Palace Teen
Club’s opening on January 24th of this
year, 230 teen-agers were members. Mr.
Knoche claims that he is not yet able to
predict the success of the enterprise, since
like everything else it has to become a
habit; but he feels that with the satisfac-
tion already shown on the part of both
the young folks and the public as well, it
should be a going concern within six
months.
As he stated in an “open letter” pub-
lished in the Fredericksburg daily news-
paper: “In view of our 17 years of thea-
tre operation experience in handling young
and old, we feel qualified in attempting to
open and operate this club on a proper
basis.” It is to be hoped that many more
theatre operators will feel so qualified,
thus to do something constructive for the
younger generation — our teen-age con-
stituency.
Architectural
Advisory Staii
THE PLANNING INSTITUTE is conducted in
collaboration with the following theatre
architects, structural designers and engineers
who have agreed to act as technical advisers
to the Institute and editorial text contributors
to The MODERN THEATRE section of BOX-
OFFICE from their respective localities.
ATLANTA, GA.
Tucker & Howell, Rhodes- Haverty Bldg.
CHARLOTTE, N. C.
M. R. Marsh, 509 Builders Bldg. 2
CHICAGO, ILL.
Roy B. Blass, 30 N. LaSalle St. 2
Erwin G. Fredrick, 225 N. Michigan Ave. 1
Edward Paul Lewin, 134 N. LaSalle St. 2
Rapp & Rapp, 230 N. Michigan Ave. 1
CINCINNATI, 0.
Grunkemeyer & Sullivan, 3717 Eastern Ave.
CLEVELAND, 0.
George A. Ebeling, Colonial Arcade 15
DALLAS, TEX.
Jack Corgan, 2008 Jackson St. 1
DECATUR, ALA.
Albert R. Frahn
DENVER. COLO.
Charles D. Strong, 416 C. A. Johnson Bldu.
DES MOINES, IA.
Wetherell & Harrison, 506 Shops Bldg.
DETROIT, MICH.
Charles N. Agree, 1140 Book Tower 26
Bennett & Straight, Schaefer Bldg., Dearborn.
HENDERSONVILLE, N. C.
Erie G. Stillwell, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA.
Roy A. Benjamin, Bisbee Bldg.
KANSAS CITY, M0.
Robert 0. Boiler, 7332 Brooklyn Ave.
KNOXVILLE, TENN.
Fred Manley Associates, 216 Twelfth St.
LOS ANGELES, CALIF.
S. Charles Lee, 1648 Wilshire Blvd. 14
Paul R. Williams, 3757 Wilshire Blvd.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.
Liebenberg & Kaplan, 710 McKnight Bldg.
MONTREAL, QUE., CAN.
Henry E. Greenspoon, 1434 St. Catherine W.
NASHVILLE, TENN.
Marr & Holman, 701 Stahlman Bldg. 3
NEW LONDON, CONN.
Arthur Deimel, Mohican Hotel Bldg.
NEW YORK, N. Y.
Michael J. DeAngelis, Paramount Bldg. 18
Wm. I. Hohauser, Inc., 1841 Broadway 23
OMAHA, NEB.
H. A. Raapke, 1611 Davenport St.
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
David Supowitz, 246 S. 15th St.
PITTSBURGH, PA.
Victor A. Rigaumont, 5471 Coral St.
PORTLAND, ORE.
J. W. DeYoung, 730 S. W. Salmon St.
ROCHESTER, N. Y.
Michael J. DeAngelis, Temple Bldg. 4
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Paul K. Evans, 246 E. First South St.
SAN ANTONIO, TEX.
N. Straus Nayfach, Alamo Nat. Bk. Bldg. 5
Spillman & Spillman, Chandler Bldg.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Vincent G. Raney, 233 Post St.
TORONTO, ONT., CAN.
Kaplan & Sprachman, 305 Dundee St., W.
NOTE: The Institute does not undertake the
professional functions of an architect or de-
signer. Its service is intended merely to
place our readers in touch with reliable local
sources of preliminary information and advice
on theatre planning and structural problems.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
13
Spnn cf tun e j-^reAcriptlon FOR
DEPRESSED THEATRE PATRONAGE
bove use of the word “depressed”
in no way alludes to an economic depres-
sion. Indeed, we have no intent at this
time, or ever, to encourage thoughts of a
business recession by writing or talking
about one; because the easiest and quick-
est way to bring about a “slump” is to talk
(and think) ourselves into it.
We give the word headline importance
merely to impress our readers with the
natural, although not necessarily unavoid-
able, decline of theatre attendance at the
season of the year when the passing of
winter and the approach of springtime
turns theatre patrons’ thoughts to outdoor
pastimes and pleasures. Winter-worn
theatre patronage is ripe for resurgence
with the appearance of the first red-
breasted robin and grows more harsh and
determined with the arrival of each new
harbinger of spring.
The seasonal transition is inevitable. So
we may as well make the best of it — and
by that we don’t mean to imply that we
should take it on the chin and do nothing
about it! Something — several somethings,
in fact — can and should be done about it;
and with a surprisingly stimulating effect
on boxoffice receipts at this time of the
year, as well as the more difficult months
soon to follow.
What’s the prescription? Diagnosing the
situation in generalities, which of course
is the best we can do without benefit of
individual case histories and symptoms, we
venture to opine that practically every
theatre now in operation is more or less
physically run down — winter-worn, so to
speak — and sorely in need of a Spring
Tonic. The dosage required must of neces-
sity depend on measures of maintenance
applied throughout the war years and
especially during the past season.
But the age and physical condition of the
place, new or old; good, bad or indifferent,
is not the real cause of the “summer com-
plaint” that will, as usual, attack many of
our theatres during the season that will
soon be with us, as we will now proceed to
point out.
The real crux of the problem picture
showmen encounter in leveling off the
peaks and valleys of patronage throughout
the year, is a matter of making the thea-
tre appear new in the eyes of the patrons
at the beginning of each season. Sounds
prohibitive, doesn’t it? But it isn’t; and in
practice it is quite as simple, comparatively,
as a change of stage scenery, once the
necessary props and settings are procured.
Spring Renovation is a traditional cus-
tom of good housekeeping, the main pur-
pose of which is to dispel the on-creeping
monotony of environment which finally
becomes so familiar that it palls on the
by ANSEL M. MOORE
occupants of the family home. Cleanliness
is important, of course; but the real ob-
jective of the astute housekeeper is to
create a new atmosphere — one that is in
keeping with the seasonal habits of family
and friends.
A complete change of appearance could
be given a theatre at the beginning of each
new season and with most salutary effect
on the regular and prospective patrons
thereof. Thus four times a year, at the
psychological period between seasons, the
reconditioned theatre could exploit a grand
opening — for the seasons of spring, sum-
mer, fall and winter.
This publication originally proposed and
these columns have consistently fostered
the idea that new theatres should be de-
signed (and old ones remodeled) with
structural and furnishing provision for
economically effecting seasonal changes in
appearance and atmosphere. Mother Na-
ture endowed the little chameleon with the
ability to change his color to suit his en-
vironment, as a matter of self protection;
other animals, for the same reason, change
their appearance with the seasons.
Why not emulate Dame Nature in sea-
sonally altering the physical aspects of
our theatres a?id then exploiting their new-
ness to the public? That would seem to be
a policy of wisdom in protecting boxoffice
receipts against seasonal slumps by keep-
ing public interest at the patronizing level.
Now to bring our prescription to the
point of fulfillment, let’s consider our pres-
ent situation with respect to the forth-
coming summer season. It’s a bit too late
now to discuss what might have been done
a month or so ago to help our business
through the transition from winter to
spring; but we can now think about that
summer slump and start doing things to
forestall it.
First, we should carefully and critically
inspect the entire house, with an idea of
seeing what can be done to alter its ap-
pearance, both outside and inside, and then
consider doing everything possible to create
a “summery effect” in direct contrast to
the wintry atmosphere that has prevailed
throughout the over-long indoor season.
Renovation should not be allowed to end
abruptly with mere housecleaning and air-
ing. That’s mighty important, of course.
But if you want your Spring Renovation job
to bear maximum fruit at the boxoffice
this summer, here are some of the more
obvious and exploitable things you can do:
1) Repaint : Change the color scheme
outside and throughout the house. If your
outdoor display effect is predominantly
red, brown or just dull drab, change to
green, blue, white — something different.
Even though the present surface coat may
still be in good condition, cover it up with
new colors that create a summer atmos-
phere about and throughout the house.
Divest your theatre of its winter overcoat
and give it gayer and more colorful and
comfortable sport clothes for the summer
months.
2) Redrape-. Lay aside those heavy-
weight draperies and valances and replace
them with gayer, lighter weight and
more summery fabrics and patterns.
Change the screen close-in curtain,
too. Match the summer draperies with
smart slip-on seat covers in colors com-
plimentary to the remainder of your sum-
mer decorative scheme. Seat covers not
only protect your property; they add im-
mensely to the needed change of atmos-
phere and give greater comfort to your
patrons throughout the hot-weather
months. But don’t stop with the audi-
torium. Lobbies, foyers, restrooms and all
points of public contact should be givea
the summer treatment.
3) Relamp: Remarkable transforma-
tions can many times be accomplished
easily and most economically by merely
changing light bulbs and/or fluorescent
lamps. Decorating with light is a novel
technique by which the entire room and
its furnishings may be altered in appear-
ance, and changed to conform to seasons.
Even the outdoor display can be trans-
formed merely by changing lamp colors.
Flood and spot lamps, directing public at-
tention to the theatre, can be used most
effectively during the summer months, and
for added color emphasis on program ad-
vertising, the new colored plastic marquee
sign letters are excellent for summer sales
promotion.
4) Revamp: Colorful rubber matting
for the entrance; new or refinished poster
and photo frames; colorful canvas snap-
on runners for carpeted aisles and other
areas; switching around of furniture or
replacement of it with new pieces; new art
objects and pictures; new directional signs;
“black lighting” effects and other innova-
tions; new convenience and comfort pro-
visions for the accommodation of patrons
— anything that changes the appearance
of the house creates new public interest
and more patronage, especially during the
summer months.
In no other place of business do changes
of physical appearance count for more
than in our motion picture theatres. The
more frequent the change, the better the
return at the boxoffice. If you <£on’t be-
lieve it; just try it once.
THIS THING CALLED COMFORT . . .
Will be psychoanalyzed and discussed boxofficewise by Ansel Moore in next
(May 24th) issue, which is the "Theatre Seating" number for 1947.
14
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
Beauty takes the floor in the Fifth Avenue, New York, showrooms of Prince Matchabelli
a showroom carpet with spare parts
Bigeloiv Sonata
■■ ■ rnthout tXiringZK P,ms ‘ha'™™ Zl°Jh'f‘ne S?U“r« that
Phn for beautv ' BlgeIo'v’s Carnet r 7 ' ' * aiways
and carpets
BIGELOW- SANFORD CARPET CO., Inc.
140 Madison Avc New York 16, N. Y.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
15
THEATRE CEILING CONSTRUCTION
(/ \S ith theatre owners constantly on
the watch for safer methods and materials
of construction, attention now is being
focused on many small but highly import-
ant items for new construction and mod-
ernization. A particular example is the
wire used to fasten metal lathing to furring
or hanger bars and carrier bars.
In theatres, as well as in other buildings,
a common practice is to provide, by means
of hanging ceilings, air spaces or chambers
where water piping, air conditioning ducts,
electrical wiring and similar accessories
can be hidden.
The ceilings are hung from hanger bars,
buried by the head, with a protruding end
in the concrete floor overhead. Standard
practice is to bolt carrier bars every five
feet to these hangers. Furring bars are
clipped at distances of one foot to the
carrier bars. Expanded metal lathing, to
which the plaster is applied, is then fas-
tened at six-inch intervals to the furring
bars with the tie-wire. The applied plaster,
of course, is forced through the mesh of
the lathing and locks itself tightly when
it hardens.
The Safety Factor
The matter of these tie-wires, more than
10 years ago became the object of thorough
study by engineers of New York City’s
Board of Education. At that time, it was
the practice to use galvanized steel wire of
No. 18 gauge for tie-wire purposes. Fall-
ing sections in two schools of relatively
recent construction, caused a thorough ex-
amination to be made in schools of all five
boroughs in which this type of construction
by A. R. TRINKLE*
was used. Each inspection revealed corro-
sion of the steel tie-wire at the point where
it came out of the plaster to loop around
the furring bars. This corrosion was caused
by the slow drying moisture of the plaster
which condensed on the metal in the air-
tight chamber.
Where failure had occurred, the weight
of the plaster — between 8 and 9 pounds a
square foot — had caused the corroded wire
to let go. Even where actual failure had
not occurred, the inspection revealed cor-
rosion in practically every case. Existing
specifications were rewritten by the
Board's architects and maintenance en-
gineers to include dead soft-annealed
Monel wire of the same gauge as a sub-
stitute for the steel. Since then, there
have been no further failures.
Used on Corn Poppers
Monel, a high nickel-copper alloy, is
familiar to many theatre operators. It
is a solid metal with no coating to crack
or peel off. Because of its silvery color and
the ease with which it is cleaned and kept
clean, it is used for trim on various vend-
ing machines, such as popcorn dispensers.
In the latter application, its use is dictated
not only by its appearance but also be-
cause of its resistance to the highly corro-
sive action of salt.
While the cost of the Monel tie-wire is
somewhat higher than that of the steel
wire, this additional charge represents only
a small fraction of the total cost of the
ceiling and is easily absorbed. This is true
*of the International Nickel Company, Inc.
even where appropriations for materials
are cut as closely as they are today in the
erection of all types of structures. Where
the steel wires fail, of course, the slight
saving made by their original use is more
than wiped out by repair costs, without
considering losses through damage pro-
ceedings.
Pliable, But Tough
Monel tie-wire is pliable and easily
threaded. It can be twisted and tightened
on the job to a snug fit without breakage
during installation. Tensile strength is
approximately 66,500 pounds per square
inch; and the wire can tolerate an elonga-
tion of 39 per cent with a 62 per cent re-
duction in area. The fatigue limit of
Monel — an indication of endurance under
bending or distortion — averages 35,000
pounds per square inch as compared with
approximately 24,000 for iron. Monel tie-
wire is uncoated and will not chip or peel
when bent. It is a tough metal and Monel
tie-wire is therefore highly resistant to
damage from sudden shock or sheer fail-
ure.
Weight of any type of tie-wire is com-
paratively insignificant in building con-
struction. Monel tie-wire of .0475 of an
inch diameter commonly used in building
weighs .0068 pounds per foot, or approxi-
mately one pound for 145 feet. In ordi-
nary practice, this would mean from 12 to
15 pounds of tie-wire per 100 square yards
of hung ceiling construction.
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
*^\\ >\\
tyurart
ALL PLASTIC
... a feature
attraction for
every theater
House appeal begins in your lobby — and
with Duran, the new wear-resistant, all-
plastic upholstery covering, it is the kind
of appeal that helps build steady box office
business. Duran is all-plastic, not a fabric,
consequently will not chip or peel. On
lobby showcases, couches and seats, its
lovely harmonizing colors provide an in-
stant impression of good taste and inviting
comfort — an attraction you can feature
throughout your theater on auditorium
seating, doors, ceilings and stage paneling.
Whether you plan new installation, re-up-
holstering or re-decorating, specify Duran.
Resistant to:
WATER • GREASE
ALCOHOL • PERSPIRATION
SCUFFING • FADING
WEAR
Photographs of Loyola
Theater, Los Angeles, Cal.,
by courtesy of Theater
Upholstering Go., Los
Angeles, Cal.
THE MASLAND DURALEATHER COMPANY, 3234-90 AMBER ST./ PHILADELPHIA 34, PA.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
17
THRIFT IN
Zslie ^I Jew Josephine: EXAMPLE OF
THEATRE BUILDING
IDENTIFICATION
THE JOSEPHINE THEATRE. San Antonio. Tex.
AIR CONDITIONING: Chrysler Airtemp.
ARCHITECTS: Noonen & Noonen.
CARPETS: Thomas L. Leedom Company.
EQUIPMENT CONTRACTOR: Modern Theatre Equip-
ment Company.
OWNERS: Eugene Muller and Robert Dennis.
PROJECTION & SOUND: Motiograph Model AA pro-
jectors with Mirrophonic sound and Altec-Lansing
"Voice of the Theatre" speakers; Strong lamps and
rectifiers; GoldE rewind and Neumade film cabi-
nets and rewind tables.
SEATING: Irwin Seating Company.
SIGN LETTERS: Wagner Sign Service Co., Inc.
Additional details on the project may be secured
upon request to the Modem Theatre Information
Bureau.
hrift is a good word that is too often
misused to express miserliness or cheap-
ness in trade relations, when as a matter
of fact, its true meaning is exactly the
reverse of any such construction. By con-
sulting Mr. Webster one will find that the
real definition of the word “thrift” runs
something like this: Economical manage-
ment in regard to property; economy;
frugality; the ability to discern sharply
between a mere bargain and a bona fide
offer of better value.
Thrift, in its true meaning, is some-
thing every theatre owner or prospective
theatre builder must practice faithfully in
these days of high costs and the ever-
narrowing profit gap between outgo and
the potential income of theatre operation.
There is no economy in doing something
cheaply that needs to be done well. The
thrifty exhibitor is the one who plans to
make every dollar spent produce a maxi-
mum return at the box-office. Therefore,
his quest is always for more quality and
he usually finds it, and at the right price.
The new Josephine Theatre recently
completed and opened in San Antonio,
Texas, is a case in point. Erected during
the peak period of high-cost construction
and belabored by material and labor scar-
cities, this new 854-seat suburban theatre
may be considered a fine example of thrift
in theatre construction. In proof of which
we present the accompanying illustrations
and description of the project.
But first, let’s introduce the proud pro-
prietors of the new Josephine and their
chief aides-de-camp in producing this mod-
ern little theatre at a cost of approximately
$175.00 per seat, completed equipped.
The owners, who have dreamed of then-
new theatre for several years are Gene
Muller and Bob Dennis, two of San An-
tone’s oldest practicing projectionists, both
of whom have been running picture ma-
chines in this area for over 25 years.
Mr. Muller officiated at the opening of
the then new Majestic Theatre in San
Antonio over 20 years ago and has been
on the job there up to the opening date
of his new theatre, the Josephine, Febru-
ary 19, 1947. Mr. Dennis spent two decades
as projectionist of the Texan Theatre and
resigned but recently to join his partner
in the new business venture. Both are
well-known and liked in San Antone thea-
tre circles and this, coupled with their
joint experience in theatre operation and
an excellent plant to work with, un-
doubtedly explains why the Josephine has
enjoyed exceptionally fine business since
it opened in February.
Architects Noonen & Noonen of San An-
tonio, were the designers of the Josephine
and the designing well expresses the idea
of thrifty and practical theatre planning.
All equipment for the new theatre was
supplied, installed and serviced by Modern
Theatre Equipment Company of Dallas,
Texas, under the direct supervision of the
veteran theatre supply man, Henry Soren-
son.
The Josephine is located at 300 West
Josephine Street, San Antonio, on a lot
190x150 feet, and was designed to serve
the neighborhood section within a drawing
radius comprising some 40,000 population.
The cost of the building was approximately
$110,000 and $39,000 was invested in equip-
ment and furnishings.
Of steel and concrete construction in
modern monolithic design, the Josephine’s
facade is simple but imposing with a high-
standing vertical main sign and ample
space on the marquee for advertising the
attractions on three -line attraction boards
with 10-inch red plastic letters. The name-
sign is illuminated with neon. The box-
At Left — The foyer of the new Josephine Theatre
at San Antonio, Texas, and below — the auditorium
and projection room, in which the architects and
outfitters of the project have expressed the prac-
tical ideas of the owners in getting full value for
their imvestment. (All photos courtesy Modern
Theatre Equipment Co., Dallas, Tex.)
There is a certain "personality" about the front
of the new Josephine Theatre that sets it apart
from the average neighborhood theatre facade.
It is simple; but highly imposing to the passerby.
office is positioned at the side for space-
saving and traffic convenience and the
cement sidewalk in front is cleverly marked
with directional stripes. Poster and photo
frames are strategically positioned.
The foyer is ample and tastefully fur-
nished. Modern concession vending equip-
ment including the popcorn machine and
candy case is so arranged that it does not
encroach on the traffic, but is still easily
accessible to the patrons. Indirect neon
lighting is coved in the foyer ceiling.
The Josephine provides other customer
conveniences such as a ladies’ powder
room, a “cry room” for mothers with small
children, a smoking lounge and two busi-
ness offices on the second floor.
The auditorium is purposefully plain in
decorative effect and furnishings. Stain-
less steel panels or picture frames on the
wall have sand-blasted mirrors high-
lighted by indirect neon. Each of these
panels carries a symbolic design, such as
the “Cat and the Fiddle” with the cow
(Continued on page 43)
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
ere id a
l iich not onlu pleaded
ad we
e dended
ALBION, MICH.
ATLANTA, GA.
BOSTON, MASS.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.
NEW ORLEANS, LA.
NEW YORK CITY, N.Y.
... do daid (Leruei riled an
7 Ilk aue leen dpeah
wet
mia
aue been dpealung oj the
^Hjeui (eij popcorn \ 1/Yjachine 1
/
The utility value, the functional design,
the efficiency of operations — all are
important. But there is one factor in the
selection of a popcorn machine that never
should be overlooked — its eye appeal.
Not only does the Manley machine dress
up a lobby, but its appearance truly
reflects the quality of its product, adding
a note of beauty and prestige to its sur-
roundings. Beauty sells, attracting people
and making popcorn more appetizing.
Colorful illuminated catalin to attract the
attention of potential customers . . .
gleaming chromium and plate glass,
assurance of cleanliness — like the spar-
kling kitchen of a conscientious house-
wife . . . modernly streamlined for post-
war, up-to-the-minute performance —
what machine, other than Manley — can
offer you this ?
CAMDEN, N.Y.
1 CHARLOTTE, N.C.
I CHICAGO, ILL.
I CLEVELAND, OHIO
J DALLAS, TEXAS
DENVER, COLO.
DES MOINES, IOWA
DETROIT, MICH.
INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
LOS ANGELES, CALIF.
mmum
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA.
OMAHA, NEBR.
ROANOKE, VA.
ST. LOUIS, MO.
SAN DIEGO, CALIF.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
SEATTLE, WASH.
TORONTO, CANADA
VANCOUVER, B.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
WINNSBORO, TEXAS
ctura
i Renovation
RE-DATES
STILL ANOTHER RKO THEATRE
T HAS BEEN INTERESTING tO follow the
postwar theatre modernization program
undertaken by RKO theatres throughout
the country. This program has been car-
ried out steadily since the war ended,
proving that smart renovation is possible,
and the great improvement shown by the
theatres treated thus far puts them in a
class with whatever the future may bring
in new construction.
Wisely, the program adopted by RKO
treats those most important parts of the
theatre from the public interest standpoint
first — the fronts, lobbies and foyers. Later
treatment, when structural modernization
is not so difficult to accomplish, will bring
the houses completely up to date.
Latest of the RKO group to be enhanced
by structural renovation is the Hillstreet
Theatre in Los Angeles. In this house, the
primary aims in redesigning of the front
entrance and lobby were, first, to eliminate
the dated Gothic architecture in the lobby,
and second, to open up the lobby and bring
the entrance into the street as a stunning
attraction point of the front.
Lobby Brought to Fore
The first object — eliminating the old-
time decor — was accomplished by the in-
tricate design of a lowered dome ceiling.
The dome contains indirect illumination
in a spiral cove running from the outer
edge of the circular ceiling and continuing
at the center down a structural column.
The column, which could not be eliminated
because of its need for support, thus was
made an integral part of the design. The
column was further functionalized by its
The spacious boxoffice anchored to an essential
center column shows apt modem design. Traific
lanes in colorful terrazzo flooring is another smart
installation. Entrance doors into the recently mod-
ernized foyer bring the theatre interior to the
fore also.
use as an anchor for the unusual new box-
office.
The second objective of the renovation
project was accomplished by demolishing
two side boxoffices and stripping the
column at the entranceway down to a
minimum. The result obtained is a spread
of 60 feet with clear opening from street
to lobby, whereas there was a width of
only 45 feet before modernization. The
ceiling was kept at the same level as the
marquee, to carry out the appearance of
bringing the lobby into the street. The
entrance pilasters, slanted to lead into the
house, are streamlined and each contains
two standard display frames in simple but
effective stainless steel, indirectly illumi-
nated.
Another eye-stopping feature of this
lobby and front is the non-slip terrazzo
floor designed in a pattern indicating traf-
fic lanes from sidewalk to entrance doors.
This colorful floor treatment is both un-
usual from the design standpoint and func-
tional as well. Wall surfaces of the lobby
are of polished terrazzo also, forming a
subtly modern background for a huge dis-
play case on one side and an enormous
matching mirrored panel opposite.
Lighting in the lobby aside from the in-
directly suffused illumination from the
spiral ceiling cove is provided by flood
View from the street into the newly modernized
lobby of the RKO Hillstreet Theatre in Los Angeles
shows the main redecorating and structural
changes accomplished. Domed ceiling with
spiral indirect lighting cove replaced former
Gothic decor.
lights recessed into the ceiling bordering
the dome. The studded floodlights give
just sufficient source of light to augment
the interesting all-over pattern of illumi-
nation in this part of the house.
Display Elements Foremost
Maximum efficiency and punch for ad-
vertising display that are in keeping with
good taste are a rule of this front and
lobby. The design of the RKO Hillstreet
renovation is up-to-date and exclusive.
Materials used will require a minimum of
maintenance and housekeeping and will
retain their original finish for a long time
to come.
There are a great many unusual and
somewhat special features incorporated in
the modernization which are not often en-
countered in theatre renovation projects.
And it is the unique features which will
enable this house to keep pace with what-
ever the near future may bring in modern
effects.
The attractive boxoffice is indicative of
the efficient and functional use to which
modern design was put in this case. The
boxoffice, as aforestated, is anchored to
20
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
the center column, and this location is ideal
from the standpoint of both design and
efficient operation. It is particularly at-
tractive and inviting in appearance and is
spacious enough to accommodate two cash-
iers and the manager when checking cash-
iers in and out, without interfering with
the sale of tickets. Yet, there is no bulky
appearance to this boxoffice.
For working efficiency, it contains a
built-in drop safe and has shelves and deal
plates of terrazzo. The large glass area
affords maximum visibility. A floating top
plate over the boxoffice is of a graceful
two-inch thickness, and the rest of the
plate is disguised with flexible mirrored
glass. Auxiliary floor lights are located in
proper. Opposite the large wall fame,
which is 20 feet long by 6 feet high, is an
immense wall mirror of equal size which
reflects the display in the frame. The dis-
play frame is equipped with sectional slid-
ing plate glass doors for easy servicing,
and this treatment further eliminates dis-
turbing division lines in the all-over dis-
play.
Entrance doors at the rear of the lobby
simulate a glass screen and permit maxi-
mum vision into the inner lobby. The
doors are of heavy polished plate glass set
in narrow non-ferrous frames. This type
of door screen is known as the Wanhein
screen and it is highly effective in an in-
stallation of this type where an inviting
Large wall frames which are exceptionally deep
permit three-dimensional advertising displays in
the lobby which is part of the front attraction.
The opposite wall contains a matching mirror to
reflect the intriguing displays.
the overhanging plate. And all the usual
modern features are incorporated in the
ticket office, such as ample toe space,
slanting wainscot and clean-cut appear-
ance.
Eye-Leading Lines
Entrance pilasters are prime display ele-
ments, setting an example of refined ele-
gance with modestly beautiful poster dis-
play frames in simple stainless steel. As a
most important part of the front attrac-
tion, these slanted pilasters lead the eye
directly into the theatre interior. The at-
tractive flooring with distinct traffic lanes
is also responsible in large measure for
leading the passersby into the house.
Within the lobby, large wall frames are
exceptionally deep to permit three-dimen-
sional poster displays of unusual beauty
and effectiveness. In this installation, all
trim was dispensed with, leaving terrazzo
returns into the display. This arrange-
ment thus focuses attention on the display
foyer is thus put on display at the front
of the house.
Recently Renovated Foyer
The inner lobby of the RKO Hillstreet
was recently modernized and it, too, con-
tains many interesting features. Its new
ceiling contains a series of coves and domes
cleverly designed to meet all requirements
and unusual conditions. One side wall
contains a candy counter in design remi-
niscent of a huge candy box with bold
modern Baroque outlines, mirrored glass
and a catchy display of merchandise. The
popcorn machine is built in inconspicuously
as part of the design.
The opposite wall of the foyer is com-
posed of mirrors, which reflect the decora-
tive beauty of the refreshment bar. Also
built into the mirrored wall are all-glass
jeweled cases for three-dimensional dis-
plays. An old dated wrought-iron railing
in the foyer was replaced with a cast
aluminum rail of modern design. The fin-
ished modernization project is the result
of the combined efforts of the Operating
and Construction Departments of RKO
Theatres and the Heinsbergen Decorating
Company of Los Angeles.
Plaque Presentation
The editor's formal presentation of The
Modern Theatre’s “Pioneer Award’’
to Balaban & Katz for their contribution
to the comfort and health of theatre pa-
trons during the past thirty years, will be
made on April 29th. Mr. Barney Balaban
pioneered the development of the present
high degree of year-round air conditioning
efficiency for motion picture theatres ’way
back in 1917. Chicago city officials and
public health authorities will participate
in the televised ceremonies attending the
award.
Many an old theatre has fine remodeling
possibilities, if placed in the hands of a
competent architect.
Avoid the danger of over-seating in your
community by doing now what you may be
forced to do later on — modernize.
SPRING RENOVATION !
Drawing by J. Radsky, Milwaukee, Wis.
"Yeah, Boss! But ya told me to patch
up all tha holes I could find, dintcha?"
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
21
THE ARTISTIC SIDE OF ARCHITECTURE
AS APPLIED TO THEATRE DECORATION
Don’t Wait!... A Timely Discussion of
Jobs That Need Doing
/ P R I N G HOUSE-
CLEANING! The very
phrase is enough to
send women off to the
movies to forget the
ordeal and to make
men remember a very
important date about
a hundred miles away.
Human nature being
what it is, it is nat-
ural for this need to
be put off until it truly
becomes a problem of formidable propor-
tions.
In this article we hope to offer a con-
structive approach to the subject, so as to
make the whole business so much less com-
plicated that it will be tackled at once.
It is this matter of facing the problem that
is the real difficulty, and once that is done
and a start made, the worst is over.
Delay Is Dangerous
So our first suggestion is: Don’t Wait!
Don’t permit yourself to say that you’ll
just let things go until you can start from
the beginning and renovate the theatre
from the inside out some one of these days.
For “some one of these days” in most cases
is doomsday indeed! Just take the attitude
that one of Chicago’s biggest department
stores has built much of its success upon:
That it is never finished; but always in
the process of improving and growing.
Using this “little-by-little” technique, and
without violent upheavals, it is possible for
you to keep your theatre smoothly flow-
ing forward with the times.
How to make a start? Consult your
architect or theatre decorator specialist
and together draw up a plan of procedure.
Decide what needs are to be met and in
what order. This business of having a co-
ordinated plan, rather than just taking
things hit or miss, ends in a very definite
economy inasmuch as operations taken in
the wrong order can cause previous work
to have to be redone in part.
A forward-looking plan having been es-
tablished, the first thing is to take care
of the worst offending feature of the in-
terior, so that the maximum improvement
in effect is secured. Say, for example, that
by HANNS R. TEICHERT*
your interior has dark and dated wood-
work that acts as a drawback to the rest
of the features. Bleaching or painting this
to blend with the decor would obviously
be a step of permanent and decisive im-
provement to your property. It would fur-
ther have the effect of making all the
rest of your furnishings appear in a new
and advantageous light. We have known
theatres to present their patrons with
amazingly improved settings by means of
this one change alone.
Spot Treatment
But perhaps that isn’t your problem.
Maybe the colors and furnishings of your
interior are modern and in perfect con-
temporary taste, but there may be focal
points of soil, discoloration, or handling
marks such as blackened areas over heat
vents or radiators, peeling of paint over
portions of damaged walls or ceilings, or
dirty or worn spots on doors or wain-
scoting. These eye-catchers are most
blatant in advertising the condition of
your house. Here, again, don’t permit
yourself to wait until the whole surround-
ing area is affected; but take care of it
at once with “spot handling.” Should the
area over a radiator or vent be beyond
washing, it still may not be necessary to
repaint the whole wall. Perhaps the de-
sign and color scheme of the room will
permit the addition of further decoration
here and a newly painted panel can be
superimposed over the soiled portion in a
manner that will blend with the rest of
the room and still cover the defective
portion. There have been instances where
improvements of this sort have not only
taken care of the immediate problem but
have added surprisingly to the interest of
the rest of the room.
But perhaps this, too, is not your prob-
lem and that spring housecleaning, in
your instance, means a lobby or foyer car-
peting badly winter-beaten and ground
down in portions beyond cleaning, while
the rest of it is in fair condition. Will
you just let it deteriorate further until a
complete and expensive recarpeting job is
called for? Here is where a Don’t Wait
'Theatre Decorating Specialist; Decorative Con-
sultant to The Modern Theatre Planning Institute.
policy can mean a substantial savings and
provide a great benefit to the appearance
of your interior at the same time.
Check Your Carpets
Suppose that some of your wall areas
are treated in modern motifs of flowing
leaf or scroll forms. Then have your rug
company cut out large scaled similar sec-
tions from the most spoiled portions of
your carpeting, taking care that the de-
sign flows along in harmony with the pro-
portions of the room and looks free and
graceful. Then have them set in similar
motifs of fresh carpeting in a contrasting
color that is used elsewhere in the deco-
rative scheme. For example, if the carpet
you now have in your lobby is a small
patterned design in sand, saddle brown
and cinnabar red, the plain color inset in
either of the latter two colors would be
most effective and practical.
Naturally, if your decorative scheme
does not use flowing leaf or scroll motifs,
you will not introduce that motif into the
carpet, but will use one that is already
employed. Sweeping series of elliptical in-
sets do well with most modern interiors,
though your architect or theatre decorator
specialist is your best guide here. The
point is that this apparent obstacle to a
fresh and smart interior needn’t be just
an unimaginative patch job; but with just
a little thought can actually be turned into
a visual asset as well as to give you double
life for your carpet money.
But maybe your spring housecleaning
problem is none of the above, but dull
winter-weary draperies and fabrics that
take the very life out of your interior.
Here is a case where the quickest and most
thorough cleaning is the best economy, for
fabrics once soiled beyond renovation will
never again have life or beauty, nor give
the service they might have, had they been
properly cared for. Here is a Don’t Wait
of prime importance. Get these perishable
fabrics right off to be cleaned so that they
have a renewed lease on life.
Slip Covers Suggested
Or should it be found that upholstered
pieces are beyond successful cleaning, have
well-fitting slip covers made at once. We
emphasize the importance of fit because
a slip cover, well-tailored to the piece for
which it is intended, slides about much
less, receives less strain, and besides look-
ing infinitely better, will outlast a badly
tailored cover by a substantial margin.
Another argument for the well done, color-
ful and attractive slip cover is that it sug-
gests a whole new spring and summer
decor and provides a freshness that bene-
fits the whole interior.
But perhaps none of these suggestions
are applicable to your theatre and that
your interior is in generally good condi-
ADVISORY SERVICE
As Decorative Consultant to the MODERN
THEATRE section. Hanns R. Teichert will be glad
to correspond with any of our readers who may
wish information and advice on decorating pro-
cedure. All such inquiries will be given proper
attention. Address your inquiry to The MOD-
ERN THEATRE, 322 S. Michigan Avenue, Chi-
cago, III. It will be immediately referred to Mr.
Teichert for analysis and advice, without obliga-
tion.
22
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
tion, with perhaps just a little extra at-
tention needed in the rooms receiving the
hardest usage. These, of course, are usual-
ly the men’s and ladies’ lounges, which
should be put in especially immaculate
condition in spring and summer when
freshness is everywhere apparent and ex-
pected. It cannot be emphasized too
strongly how much theatre patrons resent
neglect in these quarters. Women are es-
pecially particular about their accommo-
dations. It may be true that these same
women’s rooms are sometimes misused
by some of the patrons, with lipstick the
main weapon of offensee; but allowing this
condition to remain unremedied only
alienates the rest of the women patrons
who are the elite of the theatre’s patron-
age. So give rooms of this nature a really
critical looking over and be sure that they
meet the highest standards of cleanliness
and attractiveness this season.
Perhaps none of the above, but construc-
tive attention to lighting, seating or some
other phase of maintenance is your own
practical problem. But handling them in
the same Don’t Wait way will help to
keep them a minor instead of a major
operation. Let this big new postwar era
see you with a start on a postwar theatre
in every sense of the word. Don’t Wait
until you’re hopelessly left behind.
Plastic Upholstery
A New Note in Decor
A recently introduced all-plastic up-
holstery material, which it is claimed will
not chip or peel, suggests itself for a wide
variety of uses in theatre decoration be-
sides the usual application to theatre seat-
ing. It is available in a wealth of beauti-
ful and vibrant colors and highly recom-
mended for wearability on theatre chairs;
but that’s not all.
The new material already had been ap-
plied with striking effect on walls, ceilings,
JOLLY
*1IME
OPS
SELLS
MORE
BETTER
BETTER
PROFITS
Best pop corn for any machine
is Jolly Time because it pops
perfectly, gives bigger volume,
more profit. Packed in air-tite
bags -always ready to pop.
Big, tender, delicious kernels
- raised from our own spe-
cial seed. Millions know it
is America’s finest pop
corn. Write for money-
making prices on Jolly
Time Pop Corn, cartons,
sacks, oil, seasoning, salt.
AMERICAN POP CORN CO.
SIOUX CITY, IOWA
doors and other focal points in the thea-
tre. It lends itself readily to tufting,
scroll-work and the raised trapunto type
upholstery. The material has the appear-
ance of highly polished leather, thus put-
ting it into the luxury class decoratively,
although of course it does not approach
the costliness of leather used to achieve
similar effects.
Possibilities for use of pliable plastic ma-
terials in theatre decoration are almost
unlimited. Inasmuch as this new product
is said to be sag-proof, scuff resistant and
easily maintained by washing, it would
appear to answer many practical problems
as well.
What can you add to your theatre to
make it more convenient and comfortable
for the patrons? There’s a question that
concerns every exhibitor who plans prop-
erty improvement at this time.
Glass Is an Adept
Renovating Material
Structural glass in its wide variety of
forms — plate, mirrored, blocks, decorative
and so forth — is one of the more adapt-
able materials for consideration when reno-
vation or redecoration is contemplated.
Handsome effects may be achieved through
the use of glass for both exteriors and in-
teriors of theatres, and undeniably, glass
is one of the most up-to-date in appear-
ance of any of the structural or decorative
elements.
Colorful glass in the structural form is
relatively simple to install over old sur-
faces, thus making it ideal for theatre
front remodeling and interior wall re-
furbishing. Glass blocks also offer great
versatility in providing decorative punch
to both exterior and interior. Glass, in its
wide variety of applications, certainly
merits prime consideration in remodeling
activity as well as new construction.
with fabrics that CANNOT BURN
Too many tragedies have resulted from flameproofed organic fabrics that
could, and did, burn. For the efficiency of flameproofing depends entirely
upon the type of chemical used, and the length of time since the last treat-
ment. Moreover, lethal gases are generated when such fabrics are exposed
to flame, causing additional deaths from asphyxiation.
Fiberglas* fabrics, woven entirely of finely spun,
MADISON THEATRE inorganic glass filaments, are as naturally fireproof as
your drinking glass. They afford 3-way protection
in Covington, Ky. jn case Qf fire:
Wall coverings of Fiber-
glas* fabric were chosen to
assure maximum fire-safety.
They dramatize the modern
design of this new theatre
CK — blue and rose ash Trop-
ical Print, accented by
Fiberglas* stage curtains
of wide-striped lemon and
silver. Decorated by The
F & Y Building Service
Columbus, Ohio,
FIBERGLAS* Listed by Underwriters'
Laboratories, Inc., as “Non-Combustible
Fabric;" approved by the Bureau of Stand-
ards and Appeals, City of New York.
1— Permanent non-combustibility. Never require flameproofing;
immune to rot or decay; always operate at 100% efficiency.
2 — Minimize the hazard of suffocation from oxygen depletion in
the event of fire in enclosed places.
3 — Will not emit asphyxiating smoke and fumes if exposed to
flame. Cannot burn, smolder or propagate flame.
WRITE FOR SAMPLES AND INFORMATION
JflNHgrEL~
fireprMP^brics
ARCHITECTS BUILDING, 101 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK 17, N. Y. • LEXINGTON 2-0711
Safes representatives or recommended workrooms in : BOSTON, BUFFALO, CHICAGO, CINCINNATI, CLEVELAND,
DENVER, DETROIT, LOS ANGELES, NEW ORLEANS, OAKLAND, PHILADELPHIA, PITTSBURGH, ST. LOUIS, TOLEDO
*T.M. Reg. U. S. Pat. Off. Owens-Corning Fiberglas Cort>.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
23
JUST Off THE BOARDS
Architectural renderings in early-stage visualization of new
theatre building projects soon to be erected or now under
construction. The completed projects will be pictured and
described in greater detail in forthcoming issues of The
MODERN THEATRE section.
A SMARTLY MODERN SMALL - TOWN THEATRE
THE question, “Can
Small Towns Af-
ford Modem The-
atres?’’ is now being
answered affirmatively
in many sections of
the country by com-
pleted projects and
architectural plans
just recently off the
boards.
Typical is the above
perspective from the
boards of Architect
Erwin G. Fredrick of
Chicago for his client, Exhibitor K. H. Ball
of Brownstown, Indiana, a town of slightly
more than 2,000 population in the south-
ern part of the state. The new Home
Theatre, now well under construction will
have a seating capacity of 448, which is
expected to accommodate 6,000 patrons
within its rural drawing radii.
Modem and extremely functional in de-
sign, the new house is being constructed
of cement blocks, concrete, steel and wood
on a downtown business lot 48x138 feet,
with an adjacent parking space 100x150
feet. Estimated cost of the building is be-
tween $45,000 and $50,000.
The cement block exterior and facia will
be coated with waterproof white paint.
The marquee will be of wood and metal.
Interior lobby walls will be plastered and
floored with colorful asphalt tile.
Auditorium will have cement floors,
acoustical plaster walls and sand float
plaster ceiling, as will also the ladies’ and
men’s restrooms, which are provided.
Just around the corner from the main
theatre entrance is a smart candy shop
which will serve passersby, as well as pa-
trons of the theatre through a confection-
ery display unit and counter located in
the lobby.
When completed and equipped, the new
Home Theatre will be modern in every de-
tail; an excellent example of a sound
investment in small-town theatre planning
applied well in advance of construction.
TO BE CONTINUED
E. G. FREDRICK
Architect
THE EDITOR'S MONTHLY WEATHERVANE ON CURRENT
EVENTS IN THIS AND OTHER INDUSTRIES AFFECTING
THE INTERESTS OF THEATRE OPERATION
Scarcities and
High Costs Still Hinder
Theatre Building
New theatre construction as well as re-
modeling and modernization of existent thea-
tres is still stymied in certain sections by
building restrictions imposed by housing
expediters.
However, governmental restrictions on thea-
tre building and property improvement have
noticeably receded during the past few
months, and the major curbs on building
activity at this time seem to be material
scarcities and high costs.
Even the material situation has eased up
considerably. Lumber is becoming steadily
more available; steel is still a scarce item; but
on the whole equipment, except for such items
as air conditioning and other metal products,
is becoming more plentiful daily. Nothing is
too plentiful, of course, which tends to keep
construction costs considerably higher than
they might normally be.
High cost will probably continue to be a
drawback to theatre building for some time
to come. This will maintain until prospective
theatre builders become convinced that there
is going to be no drastic cut in the current
costs of materials and labor.
Prices might eventually be forced .down by
a buying strike, once the back orders are
all taken care of; but if prices are forced
down too sharply, another depression is in-
evitable and no one, none the less the theatre
owner, wants that to happen again.
As matters stand at present, it may be
many months before supply catches up with
demand, so that costs can be reduced ra-
tionally as a result of increased production.
It may not, therefore, be good business to
wait that long, especially in the case of thea-
tre property improvements needed now.
Costs of many items needed for property
renovation are not appreciably higher than
they were before or during the war. A close
study and investigation of the theatre equip-
ment and supply market will disclose a sur-
prising number of things that can be done
to improve our present theatres, if not actually
to rebuild or completely remodel them.
24
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
In Front of the 8-Ball
This 8-foot integrating black sphere is called the "8-ball" by
technicians in the Strong laboratories.
The inside of the sphere is painted white for perfect reflection
and diffusion of the light. Graphic meters record the volume,
intensity, stability and color of the light which is projected into it.
What do these graphs and this research mean to you? Well,
just consider that today you are paying 1/1 7th as much for each
unit of light as you were paying twenty years ago.
With Strong, it isn't just a matter of putting light on the screen,
but a job of delivering the most possible light, — light of the correct
characteristics and color, properly distributed, and at the lowest
possible cost consistent with desirable results.
THE STRONG
ELECTRIC CORP.
“The World’s largest Manufacturer of Projection Arc Lamps”
INTERESTING COMMENTARIES ON
CONTEMPORARY PLAN PROCEDURE
Theatre Corporation, of which William
Sussman is the head. Mr. Hohauser is a
member of the Architectural Advisory Staff
of The Modern Theatre Planning Insti-
tute.
The new Kisco Theatre, will be one of
the most up-to-date theatres of the day,
yet it is styled in the modified Colonial to
sustain the local atmosphere of the com-
munity which it is to serve.
A Community Atmospheric Theatre
The new theatre is to replace the present
Kisco Theatre. Removal and rebuilding
was necessitated by a new railroad right-
of-way that is to pass through the site of
the present theatre. The new house is
located on the south side of Moger Street
in the Village of Mt. Kisco.
ne of the secrets of successful thea-
tre planning, if indeed it is any longer a
secret, is to design a plant that fits its
environment aesthetically as well as eco-
nomically. It would be folly, of course, to
design a Colonial type of theatre for a site
in the Texas Panhandle, unless the most of
the residents of that community were all
directly connected by ancestry with the
Early American tradition. In which event
the design motif might be given just a
touch of the Colonial; but the local atmos-
phere of the Great Southwest would wisely
be the predominant theme.
The Tailored Theatre
Many theatre planners have made the
mistake of assuming that a socalled mod-
ern theatre can defy local atmosphere and
ignore historical tradition completely in its
conception, and that merely because a
house is modern in design and decorative
effect, it will fit into any locality.
The citzenry of every community, north,
west, south and east, is steeped in the his-
torical traditions of its own section of the
country, or of the city or neighborhood in
which it lives. Local climates and customs
must always be taken into account se-
riously in the planning of theatres and no
stock theatre plan, modern or otherwise,
can be devised to fit every community,
everywhere.
The Community Atmospheric type of
theatre, which cleverly combines modern
architecture with the local atmosphere and
sectional traditions of the locality comes
nearest to a solution of the “native son”
problem, and the technique wherever used
customarily results in an institution that
in the Perspective
The Hohauser sketches reproduced here-
with indicate the high points of the new
theatre which will have a seating capacity
of approximately 1,000. The open arcade
appeals strongly to the civic pride of the
surrounding area.
The Village of Mt.
Kisco, New York will
soon have such a mod-
ern theatre, designed
by Architect William
I. Hohauser of New
York City for the M. F.
lobby of the neatly curved front entrance
permits the patrons to pass through the
grand lounge into a one-floor auditorium.
A detailed presentation and pictures of
the completed Kisco Theatre in which the
final results of competent theatre planning
and engineering are illustrated and de-
sirable will appear in a later issue of The
Modern Theatre section.
WM. I. HOHAUSER
Architect
IN THEATRES, all over Amer-
ica new “Velnio” pile fab-
rics are used lor their per-
fect acoustical properties.
“Velnio” wears lor years,
cleans easily, gives patrons
utmost in comfort.
All GOODALL Pile Fabrics
are
BLENDED TO WEAR LONGER
Selected fibers are blended into yarns and
woven into special porous pile fabrics. Result:
luxurious softness plus amazing wear by fabrics
that breathe of comfort.
§r'1p*s/rt<is > . . the finest quality upholstery from
America’s leading quality weavers of pile fabrics. Specially
blended and woven for longer service and utmost comfort.
Easily cleaned. Guaranteed moth-proofed. Available in bright,
clear shades ... as color-fast as science can make them. Textures
and colors created by Dorothy Liebes, famous fabric stylist.
•Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.
BLENDED TO CLEAN EASILY
Special fiber construction makes these new
pile fabrics dirt -resistant. Result: ordinary
stains, dirt and grease disappear as if by magic.
BLENDED TO STAY COLOR BRIGHT
Goodall research develops special dyes and proc-
esses. Result: new pile fabrics whose colors stay
bright anywhere — seaside, desert or plain.
GOODALL FABRICS. INC. • BOSTON • NEW YORK • CHICAGO • DETROIT • LOS ANGELES
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
27
DEVOTED TO A BETTER UNDERSTANDING
DF TEMPERATURE CONTROL IN THEATRES
Thermal Insulation First Aid to
Temperature Control
by HENRY J. WINGATE
Architectural Engineer
any theatre owners who had ex-
pected to have air conditioning installed
this spring have learned in recent weeks
that such installations will not be forth-
coming because the enormous backlog of
orders for refrigeration machinery may
extend twelve to eighteen months ahead.
Some houses will be able to get the
equipment which was ordered months ago;
others won’t. This latter group can take
steps, however, to make their buildings
more comfortable during the hot summer
months by installing thermal insulation.
Properly placed in ceiling areas, this
application can make interior temperatures
as much as 15 degrees cooler than in an
uninsulated building, according to the Con-
struction Research Bureau of New York
which has made extensive studies of the
subject.
Reduces Penetration
The reason is that roof temperatures
often reach 140-150 degrees when the out-
side air temperature is no more than 70-80
degrees and a great amount of this heat
passes rapidly into the building and stead-
ily presses down from the ceiling until
the house becomes stifling. It is almost
impossible for fans to move out this super-
heated air.
A four-inch blanket of insulation com-
pletely covering the ceiling area, however,
reduces this penetration appreciably and
it is much easier to keep the theatre com-
fortable during all seasons of the year.
Insulation is not a makeshift treatment,
because it is virtually a must if and when
air conditioning is installed. Engineers
have found that it vastly increases the
efficiency of any air cooling equipment
and many theatre owners report that it
reduces the cost of operating such equip-
ment to such an extent that the cost of in-
sulation is paid for within a year or two.
Likewise, it permits installation of a
smaller air cooling system. For example,
the owner of a billiard hall in Omaha,
Nebraska, reported: “It enabled me to put
in a 20-ton cooling system instead of a
25-ton, and saved me 25 cents an hour on
operating cost.” The owner of the Town
Theatre in the same city said that the first
season after a four-inch layer of mineral
wool was placed above the ceiling, 20 tons
less refrigeration was used than before in-
sulation.
This is because when heat penetration is
stopped by a barrier of insulating material,
it is not necessary to run the refrigerating
machinery constantly or at full capacity.
Naturally, such intermittent operation
Here a small section of a theatre roof has been
removed and granular mineral wool is being
blown full-thick between roof members. The
layer of insulation thus formed will greatly in-
crease the performance of the air conditioning
units.
brings lower electric bills and years are
added to the life of the machinery.
Effective Fire Barrier
Most widely used material for insulating
all types of buildings is mineral wool. This
is a generic term which covers several
similar products which differ chiefly by
the raw materials from which they are
made — “rock wool” made of limestone and
other rock, “glass wool” made of sand, and
“slag wool” which is made from ore-smelt-
ing slag.
It is a light-weight, fluffy substance
having much the appearance of raw wool.
It is manufactured in batts or blankets
backed up with vapor-resistant paper and
in loose or granular form. This latter type
is most generally used for insulating ex-
isting structures, because it can be easily
and quickly blown through a hose into the
area to be insulated without interfering
with normal business routine or creating
any dirt or muss. The batts or blankets
are nailed in place if there is sufficient
Granular mineral wool insulation being blown
into the area between the ceiling and roof of a
theatre. A layer of this material four to six
inches thick is said to lower inside temperatures
as much as IS per cent below outside tempera-
tures during hottest weather.
space to accommodate a workman.
Because it cannot burn, mineral wool is
recognized by many administrators of
building codes as an effective fire-barrier.
National Bureau of Standards tests show
that a wood lath wall filled with the sub-
stance will stop the passage of fire for one
hour. This in itself is highly important to
(Continued on page 37)
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
Gulistan carpet installed by B. F. Shearer Company
Long-lived Gulistan Ridgefield Wilton, with a wine
colored base and a distinctive design of criss-crossing
gold and gray leaf patterns, gives the new Garland
Theatre in Spokane an air of quiet, luxurious comfort.
THEATRE
Widely acclaimed as one of the finest theatres in the West, nothing but the best was chosen
for the comfort and convenience of the patrons of Spokane’s new Garland Theatre.
"During the plan stage," says Frank Harris, manager, "our owners recognized the
need for rich, distinctive carpet as the basis for the Garland Theatre's whole decorative
scheme. Gulistan carpet was our choice .”
A stadium-type theatre seating 900, with the most modern projection and sound equipment
and comfortable opera chairs, the Garland Theatre is truly one of the "best in the West.”
Alert theatre owners know that fine carpet says, "Welcome . . . and come again!"
WOVEN ON POWER LOOMS IN THE U. S. A. BY A. & M. K A R AG H E U S I A N , INC., 295 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK 16, N. Y.
EOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
29
FABRICS AND FITTINGS THAT ENHANCE
THE HOUSE APPEAL OF MODERN THEATRES
New Fiberglas-Cotton Fabrics
Reduce Fire Hazards
ESEARCH INITIATED BEFORE the Wai',
interrupted by the war, and renewed at
the war’s end, has come up with a new
type of fire-resistive drapery and decora-
tive fabric.
Noncombustible Fiberglas yarns and
flame-proofed cotton yarns are combined
to provide materials that offer the style
and draping effects of other quality dra-
pery fabrics; yet they reduce fire and panic
hazards that are inevitable when inflam-
mable fabrics are used in buildings or
rooms where many persons congregate.
The new line of fire-resistive fabrics was
announced to the trade late last month by
the Turner Halsey Company, New York
City, selling agents for Plymouth Fabrics,
Fall River, Massachusetts, and Plymouth
Fire-Guard Fabrics. The line is designed
especially for use in such buildings as thea-
tres and night clubs, where fire- safety
must influence decorative effect.
Tested and Approved
Comprehensive tests have been made by
the Better Fabrics Testing Bureau and by
the Board of Standards and Appeals of
New York City. Under the trade name of
Plymouth Fire-Guard Fabrics, the new
materials were approved by the board as
fire-resistive and acceptable for use in
places of public assembly in New York City,
following a public hearing and standard
fire tests. New York City fire-safety re-
quirements are among the strictest in the
United States
In the fire tests made by the Board, the
fabric was brought in contact with the
flame of a Bunsen burner for a period of
12 seconds. No flashing occurred on the
lengths of the test specimens. After the
flame was withdrawn, the average contin-
uation of flaming usually observed was
nonexistent (zero). The average con-
tinuation of glow at the edge of the area
in which the cotton yarns had charred was
less than fourteen seconds and the glow
was confined strictly to the charred area.
Wide Range in Design
The new combination fabrics are avail-
able in a wide range of designs, colors and
shades. They are approximately sixty per
cent glass and forty per cent cotton. One
View of the loge seat section of the auditorium
of the new Crest Theatre in Long Beach, Calif.,
the walls and ceilings of which were treated with
Fiberglas fabrics.
of their unusual and cost-saving features
is that they can be dry-cleaned by ordi-
nary dry-cleaning processes without losing
their fire-resistive quality.
Other features claimed are that they will
not stretch, are highly resistant to fading,
and drape in soft folds. They can be cut,
sewed and ironed as easily as all-cotton
fabrics. Prices are said to be on the level
of other better-quality drapery fabrics.
Objective of Combination
Research aimed at combining Fiberglas
and other textile fibers, both natural and
synthetic, has been sponsored by Owens-
Corning Fiberglas Corporation, pioneer
manufacturer of Fiberglas yarns, working
in close cooperation with fabric producers,
finishers, printers and chemical concerns.
In the new Plymouth Fire-Guard Fab-
rics, the cotton fibers are said to improve
the handling of the fabrics. The glass
fibers reduce the potentially combustible
content of the fabrics, and make possible
unusually striking design effects by selec-
tive dyeing, and greatly increase tensile
strength.
The glass fibers are also responsible for
the high dimensional stability of the fab-
rics, which makes it possible for the dra-
peries to be cut and sewed to their required
finished dimensions without risk of stretch
after hanging.
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
See them now at your RCA Independent
Theatre Supply Dealer’s
INTERNATIONAL CHAIRS
"Spreading comfort to millions." Inter-
national Chairs are preferred everywhere for their
strength, durability, comfort and correct posture
pitch.
Hingeless Seat Suspension provides utmost
strength, silent action, and superior resistance to
repetitive seat movements.
Unit Assembly allows free interchanging of
seat cushions . . . equalizing upholstery wear in all
parts of the theatre. No bolts and nuts to tear
clothing . . . construction is solid steel.
Further refinement is the continuous steel up-
holstery-locking device. ..distributing tension and
saving upholstery from concentrated strains. Wide
choice of styles to harmonize with any theatre
interior.
See them . . . test them . . . you’ll want them !
Q SNOWHITE SCREENS
unequalled for reflection efficiency and
sound transmission. Complete color reflection
. . . scientific perforation . . . and pure white pig-
ment . . . combine to give your audience a bril-
liant picture, high in contrast, rich in photo-
graphic depth and detail. Their low cost permits
occasional changing for unvarying picture
quality.
•J CENTURY-ROTH MOTOR GENERATORS
for brilliant dear pictures. They supply a
continuously steady source of non-pulsating cur-
rent which reduces light flicker to a minimum . . .
even during changeover. Low and high current
types for multiple-arc supply. High overload ca-
pacity.
Q WESTINGKOUSE RECTIFIERS
Dependable power supply of the copper-
oxide type ... no moving parts ... no tube replace-
ments . . . compact and efficient.
MOHAWK "TRAFFIC TRED" CARPETS
for beauty and long wear. There is no
finer carpet made for the punishing traffic of
your theatre. With Mohawk Carpets you get low-
est cost per year — lasting appearance — efficient
sound absorption — less frequent replacement.
Choice of many handsome patterns.
RCA SERVICE. An RCA Service and Replacement
Parts Contract secures the services of a .fa
skilled technician . . . whose regular ' -
visits keep your sound equipment in
sparkling condition . . . prevent break-
downs. You also get all needed parts
for sound and projection equip-
ment . . . and emergency service
if required.
THEATRE EQUIPMENT
RADIO CORPORATION of AMERICA
ENGINEERING PRODUCTS DEPARTMENT. CAMDEN. N.J.
i
In Canada: RCA VICTOR Company limited, Montreal
SANITATION
EMPHASIZING THE ESSENTIALS OF HOUSE
HYGIENE IN THEATRE MAINTENANCE
Plastic Wall Coverings Make Better
Housekeeping Easier
pring housecleaning would be a snap
if it could all be accomplished with soap
and water. Unfortunately though, that is
so small a part of the whole Spring Reno-
vation job in most theatres that plain
ordinary soap is practically belittled as an
all-purpose cleaning agent. At this time
of year, it is customary to think of new
paint, scrubbing with abrasives, thorough
carpet cleaning, polishing and ad infinitum.
Which is all very well and highly neces-
sary, of course. But wouldn’t it be nice
to know that the interior walls in at least
some parts of the house required nothing
more than a good soap-and-water treat-
ment to restore original beauty? The sim-
plicity and ease of maintenance would
make these walls a permanent source of
beauty, where no drabness could concen-
trate to detract from the eye appeal of the
interior.
Such walls are possible when the interior
decorative scheme includes wall coverings
of the new plastic type, of which a myriad
of colors and patterns are available under
the trade name “Varlar.” Decorative
scheme or color effect is in no way ham-
pered by the application of such practical
wall covering materials. Indeed, the mod-
ern or conventional designs obtainable set
a decorative style of their own.
Wise Replacements
Because these wall coverings, which are
applied in the same manner as wallpaper,
are so outstanding from the decorative
standpoint, that feature shall be stressed
as foremost in this article; the practical
characteristics, while equally important,
will follow. Since Spring Renovation time
is also an opportunity to make wise re-
placements, it is hoped that the wall cov-
ering situation be not overlooked either.
Decoratively, there has been a long-felt
need in theatres for the type of wall treat-
ment which beautifully patterned wall-
paper could give. But obviously, ordinary
wallpaper simply could not provide the
long wear and service demanded where
public occupancy and carelessness are the
PATTERNS
1) The Magnolia pattern in stainproof wall cov-
ering is a beautiful reproduction of the showy
flower — ideal for decorative treatment of lounges,
rest rooms and so forth.
2) The Everglade design — a tropical treatment
ir. natural colors, smart for foyer, lounge, rest
rooms and stunning for refreshment rooms.
3) A Chintz pattern, conventional and colorful.
Suggestive of American Colonial but effective
also for modern treatments; adaptable to various
parts of the house.
4) The Maritime Weave, a texture-type wall
covering in monotone. Ideal for use throughout
the interior with special emphasis upon areas of
hard usage.
5) The Edinburgh pattern — a bold plaid in sub-
dued colors, adaptable to conventional or mod-
ern treatments and ideal for heavy trafficked
areas. Smart for refreshment and game rooms.
(All illustrations courtesy Varlar, Inc.)
rule. However, if a wall covering could
have the beauty of pattern, color and the
easy applicability of paper, and yet be
practical from the standpoint of hard
usage, then you would have something.
Now, we want to describe the decorative
beauty of certain new patterns of a wall
covering that is practical in such respects.
There is a stunning Magnolia pattern
which is ideally suited to modern theatre
decoration and furnishings. In almost per-
fect reproduction of the waxen flowers and
buttery leaves, the natural beauty of a per-
fect color scheme is suggested. This is a
large and showy pattern which lends itself
beautifully to lounge decoration or various
other parts of the house, depending upon
the effect desired.
Resplendent Patterns
Another massive pattern with the color
and showiness so adaptable to modern
decor is the Everglade design. This tropi-
cal pattern has all the verve of bright
coloration, but the effect is subdued
through the languid waving palm design.
This wall covering could be highly attrac-
tive in a foyer, lounge, or other public
rooms. It suggests itself ideally also for
refreshment rooms and other elements
of the multiple-enterprise project.
A Chintz pattern of small stylized flow-
ers in bright colors on a light background
is available for unusual decorative effects.
This charming pattern is conventional in
feeling, therefore well adapted to conven-
tional furnishings and decoration. Yet, it
is also suggestive of American Colonial
wall treatments and would be very effective
in a community atmospheric theatre of
that type. Nor is it entirely alien to mod-
ern decorative treatments. Because of its
graceful small pattern and overall effect,
this design would be adaptable to various
parts of the house.
The Maritime Weave pattern is most dis-
tinctive and applicable as a wall covering
where texture is desirable rather than de-
sign. It is a monotone weave in appear-
ance, yet with certain intricacies of pat-
tern which provide eye interest. Such a
wall covering material fits into the modern
or conventional scheme equally well and
may be used throughout the interior with
assurance that the effect will be pleasing
and highly practical.
The Edinburgh pattern has similar
points in its favor. This bold plaid in sub-
dued colors is a wall treatment which is
forever new-looking and adaptable to
32
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
either conventional or modern treatments
and furnishings. Such a pattern suggests
itself for well-trafficked areaways and for
lounges, rest rooms and so forth. Here
again is a stunning wall material for re-
freshment layouts, game rooms and other
multiple-enterprise features.
For Practical Purposes
From the angle of practicality, no other
wall treatment can approach the ease of
maintenance and durability of this new
product, which has been proved to be com-
pletely stainproof. The new wall coverings
are made by a patented thermo-plastic
process and secret formula which permits
the use of resins which have positive stain-
proof, greaseproof and mildewproof char-
acteristics. These resins are fused by a
new method on paper or cloth, with the
result that the finished product, often in
ten to fourteen colors, can be easily ap-
plied to walls and ceilings.
Although the product may be classed as
a thermoplastic wall covering because of
the use of these resins in its composition,
it should not be confused with so called
plastic-coated papers, which merely have
plastic or laminated coatings. Varlar is
a fusion of colors, paper and plastic resins;
accordingly there is no tendency to peel
or chip.
In laboratory tests, the new plastic wall
covering material has withstood extremes
of heat, cold, humidity and steam with no
effect. Fade tests also showed remarkable
results. It is vermin-resistant, light-fast,
colorfast and odorless. It is also fire-
resistant and extremely tough.
Yet, it is its washability which we believe
is the most remarkable qualification for
use in theatres. Any known kind of dirt
or stain, with but one or two exceptions,
can be washed off with soap and water.
Those troublesome lipstick stains, hand-
prints, chewing gum deposits, malicious
pencilings and even ink smudges can be
removed immediately with soap and a
damp cloth. For the general cleaning,
washing down the walls covered with such
a material is easier and quicker than any
other, and the results will be more satis-
factory.
Spring Cleaning time is certainly the
right time to consider ways and means
to make the job easier. If the application
of a new type of interior wall covering
material can do that as well as beautify
your theatre, so much the better.
thousands of theatres have abolished
and eliminated that old-fashioned
nightmare of periodical, seasonal house
cleaning.
Those theatres are always clean be-
cause they are
cleaned with the Su-
per Specialized Thea-
tre Cleaner which
keeps the dirt and
grime, dust and soot
out of carpets, fur-
nishings and furni-
ture.
It's such a quick easy
task to clean a thea-
tre with the Super.
No need to go over
and over the same
spot — one swipe
does it. Cleans
screen, lamphouse,
box fronts, walls,
drapes, upholstered
furniture. Picks up
popcorn, too. Ask your wholesaler for
5-day free trial or write
How To
Avoid
Spring
House
Cle-
n-
in
g
National Super Service Co., Inc.
1941 N. 12th St.
TOLEDO 2, OHIO
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY! Beautifies!
Skidproof, Safe , Reduces Cleaning Costs!
RUBBER L-l-N-K
FLOOR MAT
Used by leading theatres everywhere . . .
adrU extra life, rolls up easily for clean-
ing, saves expensive carpeting. Made to
your measurements, large selection in
colorful combination with name or letters.
5/s inch deep, highest quality rubber links
reinforced with brass
border plates, brass
clamping ends. Write,
wire for prices.
COPPER SAND URN. 19 in. high,
with brass lion-head trim. Re-
movable 12 in. wide brass pan.
Suppliers to the Nation's Institutions since 1QQ1
A. H. ALTSCHUL CO., Inc.
S-ll White Street New York 13, N. Y.
U.S. Rubber Company Will
Produce Fireproof Fabrics
Fireproof asbestos and glass drapery
fabrics for use in theatres and other places
of public assembly have been developed by
the textile division of the United States
Rubber Company. The fabrics are said
to be exceptionally light in weight and to
have excellent draping qualities, and the
company reports that they will be pro-
duced in gray goods form for dyeing and
printing.
Make cleanliness an inviolable “must”
in the management and maintenance of
your theatre. It’s the best way to build
and keep patronage.
Theatre Confections
Bars — Box Chocolates — Gum
Effective at once all standard 5c and
10c bars now 90c a box
f.o.b. Chicago, per case
NEW LOW PRICES:
Bubble Gum — 23 boxes (4600 balls to
case). Minimum order
12 boxes at $1.75 a box
f.o.b. Chicago, per case
Sorry, No C.O.D.s
KAYLINE COMPANY
Hollycourt 9009
1538 W. Jarvis Ave. Chicago 26, 111.
FOR QUALITY - - - - SPECIFY:
QL CROWD CONTROL ^
EQUIPMENT
THRU ALL
THEATRE SUPPLY DEALERS
FOR CATALOG. WRITE TO DEPT. M
LAWRENCE METAL PRODUCTS. Inc.
434 Broadway, New York 13, N. Y. rr
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
33
New Electronic Intercom
System Offered by Rauland
A completely new type of Amplicall elec-
tronic intercommunication system is an-
nounced by the Rauland Corporation of
Chicago. The new unit, here illustrated,
is housed in a striking modern case, styled
in distinctive-toned walnut plastic. New
electronic developments are incorporated
to achieve an unusual degree of con-
venience, more versatile operation, lifelike
speech, and remarkable economy of in-
stallation. The new line is announced as
a significant advance in the design of busi-
ness communication systems.
The Amplicall master station unit is
available with or without handset (for
completely private conversation) . Distinc-
tive new features include “visual” busy
signal, individual locking-type push-but-
tons for station selection, illuminated “on-
off” volume control, plug-in cable connec-
tions, and a balanced line wiring system
which not only reduces the cost of installa-
tion, but also prevents “cross-talk.”
The new communication systems are
available with facilities for the use of up
to 24 master stations, permitting as many
as 12 conversations to be carried on simul-
taneously. Versatile combinations of mas-
ter stations and sub-stations (styled to
harmonize with the master units) are
available to meet the specialized needs of
business for communication within depart-
ments and between departments, and are
said to be particularly useful in theatre
operation. Further information may be
had by writing the Rauland Corporation,
Chicago 41, 111.
Fluorescent Luminaries
Cleaned From Floor Level
The new hinged-glass Aristolite, recently
announced by the Edwin F. Guth Com-
pany, offers “Minute Maintenance!” The
new luminaire can be cleaned right from
the floor.
A handy servicing tool, as shown in illus-
tration, is used to clean the fixture from
the floor. One end of the tool is a simple
“gripper” for opening and closing the glass
panels. On the other end is a duster for
cleaning the Aristolite.
The exclusive hinging feature of the
Aristolite’s glass diffusers are also said
to save many steps and much “lost mo-
tion” in servicing the unit. The diffusers
are swung open and are held securely on
the luminaire while relamping or other
work is done. Extra trips up and down
ladders ai’e eliminated, and the danger
and damage in handling glass panels is
avoided.
In addition to low-cost maintenance, the
hinged-glass Aristolites are said to provide
good quality diffused illumination with ex-
ceptionally high lighting efficiency. These
Aristolites are available in 2, 3 or 4 40 -watt
(Continued on page 38)
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
A RESEARCH BUREAU
for MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS
ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION
The MODERN THEATRE PLANNING INSTITUTE
Room 334 — 332 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago 4, Illinois
4-26-47
Gentlemen:
Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU to receive information regularly, as re-
leased, on the following subjects for Theatre Planning:
□ Acoustics
□ Air Conditioning
□ Architectural Service
□ "Black" Lighting
□ Building Materials
□ Carpets
□ Coin Machines
□ Complete Remodeling
□ Decorating
□ Heating Equipment
□ Lighting Fixtures
□ Plumbing Fixtures
□ Projectors
□ Projection Lamps
□ Seating
□ Signs and Marquees
□ Sound Equipment
□ Television
□ Theatre Fronts
□ Vending Equipment
□ Other Subjects:
Theatre .
Address
Seating Capacity.
City
State..
Signed
(Owner -Manager)
iii no lonaesi jnit neioi
One month ago we made the statement that "Now you can build in less time and at
lower cost." We spoke in plain language about something new in theatre construction — a
better word would have been revolutionary; your response proves that. We said that
we have complete plans, specifications, and details which will enable you to build a pre-
fabricated theatre at a tremendous saving in time and money. The result was over-
whelming — a deluge of letters from all over the country proves the desire and need for
fine new theatres. It proves, too, that all we have to say is:
The plans and specifications are perfected and complete in every detail.
The plans and specifications are the result of long research and development by a firm
of architects with a nationwide reputation for excellence in theatre design.
Any good contractor can erect the theatre in one-half the time required to build the
conventional type.
The theatre can be built for one-third less than the cost of the conventional type theatre.
The building is a permanent structure where nothing has been sacrificed in good con-
struction, luxury, convenience, or functional utility.
The inside shape of the building is perfect for sound, heating, air conditioning and
ventilation.
Plans are available for theatres with 325, 425, 550, or 689 seats.
For more information contact your local author-
ized dealer or write to Poblocki and Sons, 2159 South
Kinnickinnic Avenue, Milwaukee 7, Wisconsin.
RESEARCHER RIPS MYSTERY FROM ELECTRONICS
N electronic tube is little more than
a glass bottle, a tin can, a bent hair-
pin and a piece of window screen, the
Balaban-Katz WBKB television audience
in Chicago was told recently.
Translating complicated scientific terms
into language easily understood by the lay-
man, Gordon Volkenant, associate director
of research for Minneapolis-Honeywell
Regulator Company, explained and dem-
onstrated “that electronics offers a method
of doing in a simple manner, things that
otherwise would be difficult or impossible.”
Speaking at a table crowded with sirens
that blew when anybody approached them,
whirling gyroscopes, the famous proximity
fuse and a model airplane, Volkenant ex-
plained how many of the hitherto unpub-
licized electronic war secrets already have
been adapted to peacetime living and will
soon appear in new shapes and foi’ms in
homes, offices, factories and theatres.
“Housewives will find that it is no trick
at all to cook a medium-rare steak in 10
seconds or well-done steak in 15 seconds
by using an electronic oven which employs
the same basic electronic principles that
were used to drop bombs on Tokyo and
direct the ‘drone’ planes through the atom
cloud at Bikini,” he said.
There is nothing fancy or mysterious
about an electronic tube, Volkenant said,
and proved it by making a tube out of
common ingredients, including a hotel
drinking glass and a tin can, which he
assembled before the television cameras.
“Yet those simple tubes,” he continued,
“can do almost anything man wants by
controlling industrial processes, airplanes,
domestic heat, or the amount of dust in
the air of a movie house or in a home.
“You can make a small electronic circuit,
using a couple of tubes, perform a multipli-
cation problem in a few minutes, which
otherwise would take several college math
professors months or years; and you can
be sure of the right answer, too,” he said.
“Yet, on the serious side, the key to guided
missiles and atomic energy, the key to our
world of tomorrow, is the little electronic
tube.”
The electronic Autopilot, which his com-
pany developed for all precision bombing
aircraft, had its beginnings in a furnace
control thermostat, he explained, while
“through-the-overcast bombing,” radar,
automatic engine control, and many of the
other “amazing” weapons of victory were
nothing more than specialized variations
of control devices developed by industry
long before Pearl Harbor.
“Between Pearl Harbor and V-J Day,
Minneapolis-Honeywell completed 441 sep-
arate development projects for the Air
Forces,” he said. “Most of these were elec-
tronic.
“The science of electronics began about
40 years ago, when someone became curious
to know just what happens to electric light
bulbs as they age and burn out and what
causes the inside of the bulb to blacken
with age. He discovered that as the tung-
sten filament within the bulb disintegrates
it throws off tiny particles that form the
blackening. Each particle is potent with
a millionth of a fly-power of energy capable
of developing into an elephant power and
each tiny particle or ion carries with it a
charge of electricity — hence the term elec-
tron— which means simply an electric
charge on an iron particle.
“Electronics is just another word for
‘control.’ Push-button controls are fast
becoming old-fashioned. The busy public
wants things to happen automatically.
Honeywell already makes more than 3,000
automatic control devices. And today the
circuits of the Autopilot, the blind-bombing
devices and many of the other weapons we
made for the armed services are being used
for peacetime living.
“You never know where you’re going to
end up in our business,” he concluded. “We
were asked by the Army to develop a gaso-
line gauge for the B-29 program. It was
quite a problem; but we solved it with
electrons and came out with a gauge that
reads within two per cent accuracy as com-
pared with a 15 per cent error in the best
of all previous gauges. The funny thing
about that gauge, however, is that we have
already found about 10 different industrial
uses for it. Just for example, people in
the grain industry have told us they would
like one version of the gauge to measure
the moisture content of wheat.”
" TACTFUL SANITATION” IN THEATRE HOUSEKEEPING
"MULTI-PURPOSE" ODORLESS ANTI-INFECTIVE
AND BACTERIAL DEODORANT
DISINFECTS AS IT DEODORIZES. LEAVES NO
FRIGHTENING OR EMBARRASSING ODOR.
“IT'S ODORLESS ”
NON-DAMAGING ON FINE SURFACES. FABRIC AND COLOR.
Mix One Part “Fort-A-Cide" Solution with Ten Parts Plain Water. Use in Sprayer on
Malodorous and Infected Plumbing. Leaves Microscopic inhibiting residue on sur-
faces after water evaporates. Replaces unsightly urinal blocks.
EFFECTIVE IN HOSPITAL AND PUBLIC LABORATORY TESTS ON
"SCALP RINGWORM." TUBERCULOSIS. STAPHYLOCOCCUS, STREP-
TOCOCCUS, DYSENTERIC-TYPHOID AND VENEREAL GERMS — ALL
COMMON IN RESTROOMS AND AUDITORIUMS.
Ideal for vomit eradication on seats and carpets, bacterial accumulations in air-
conditioning systems that cause foul odors, “stink bombs." A few ounces added to
pail of soap water performs dual action on floor and mop. Compatible with and re-
duces amount of soap. Contains detergents and penetrants.
ECONOMICAL: ONE CASE OF 4 GALLONS
MAKES 40 GALLONS OF "ON CONTACT"
1:10 DILUTION.
ORDER FROM YOUR SUPPLY DEALER OR CIRCUIT
FORT-A-CIDE CORPORATION, 160 East Illinois St., Chicago, 111.
Send me FREE Your 4 -Page Colored, Illustrated Folder, Showing How to
Use " Fort-A-Cide
NAME OF THEATRE ADDRESS
CITY STATE
36
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
Thermal Insulation First
Aid to Temperature
Control
(Continued from page 28)
theatres because of the ever-present danger
of flash fires.
The Comfort Angle
It is from the standpoint of patrons’
comfort, however, that most theatre own-
ers usually decide to insulate. They have
learned that a comfortable house helps
avoid summer slumps in business and that
their theatres are easier and more eco-
nomical to heat during the winter. Most
owners report fuel savings ranging up to
40 per cent.
It is impossible to generalize on the cost
of an insulating job because all theatres
are different in design, height, size and
construction. Whatever the cost, it usually
is paid for within three years, if one is to
judge by experience of exhibitors who have
installed insulation in existing buildings
and have compared their heating and cool-
ing bills after insulating with those before.
TESMA Trade Show Plans
Progressing Favorably
Boomer Busy Booming TESMA
Roy Boom-
er, secretary -
treasurer of
TESMA (The-
atre Equip-
ment & Sup-
ply Manufac-
turers’ Ass’n,
Inc. ) reports
that the larg-
est display of
theatre equip -
m e n t and
f u r n i shings
ever shown to
the t h e a t re
industry at
one time will
be exhibited
at the TESMA
National Trade Show to be held in joint
convention with the Theatre Equipment
Dealers’ Protective Association at the
Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D. C. on
September 2i4th to 29th, 1947.
An area to accommodate approximately
100 booths has been reserved for exhibition
purposes and probably more space will be
required. Mr. Boomer has been advised
that hotel reservations are coming in
earlier and in greater numbers than for
any previous trade show and convention
held by the two associations.
A prospectus of the TESMA Trade Show
including the exhibition hall layout will
be mailed to all TESMA members this
month, members having first choice of
exhibit spaces. Complete information and
details will accompany the prospectus.
Both domestic and foreign theatre own-
ers and theatre supply distributors are
being invited and many have already sig-
nified their intentions to attend, accord-
ing to Boomer, who has planned to accom-
modate over 1,000 theatre equipment
manufacturers, supply dealers, exhibitors,
projectionists and service men as well as
theatre architects, building contractors
and maintenance engineers, who are ex-
pected to attend the big show.
This will be the first time in many years
that an equipment convention has been
held on the Atlantic Seaboard and since
it is being held in the Nation’s capital it
will attract many delegates and their wives.
Further information on the TESMA Trade
Show may be obtained by writing Roy
Boomer, 4356 Washington Blvd., Chicago
24, 111.
Foam Rubber Cushions
Are Most Practical Too
It has been found that theatre chairs
upholstered and cushioned with foam rub-
ber are marvelously free of maintenance
problems. Because of the composition of
the foam rubber cushioning material, the
seats actually breathe and free themselves
from accumulations of dust, germs and
moths. Undoubtedly, this is the most sani-
tary cushioning ever developed. Long
wearability also characterizes the free
spring of the material and allows it to re-
main comfortable indefinitely, despite hard
usage.
theatre air conditioning system. Over 8000 Kooler-aire
systems installed coast to coast testify to
real box office earnings for
exhibitors. There’s a USAIRCO system for b
. I MieA States
,ype of ho,,se' M |
for box office stardom!
^J^-7
«OHTS^N THEATRE COOLING FOR THE EXHIBITOR 1 kmniapous, »mimi«o!»
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
37
News of What's New in
Modern Theatre
Equipment
( Continued from page 34)
lamp sizes. They can be arranged indi-
vidually or in continuous rows and
mounted direct to ceiling, or suspended on
Guth “one-man” hangers. Further in-
formation on the product may be obtained
by writing The Edwin F. Guth Co., 2615
Washington Ave., St. Louis 3, Mo.
New Plastic Finish a
Cleaning Economizer
Many theatres are now protecting
painted or varnished floors, walls, radia-
tors, seats and other equipment and cut-
ting cleaning time materially with a new
water-thin, non-inflammable, crystal-
clear plastic finish, which forms a brilliant,
durable coating on the surface covered.
Maintenance employees, it is claimed,
can quickly apply the plastic with a cloth
to walls, floors and other surfaces with-
out a brush and no skill is required. They
simply wipe it on with a cloth, and since
it flows out smoothly, the plastic can be
used on seats and other furnishings. Once
surfaces are covered, it is easy to keep them
%
,y/
The types of motion pictures that attract each member of the “great American
family’’ to the neighborhood theatre may differ. But about one attraction,
opinion is always unanimous . . . the ivashroom must be clean!
A clean washroom plays a vital role in keeping the great American family in
“box office” line. In getting Dad, Mother, Sis and Brother to return regularly.
In your own theatre . . . be sure that this sanitary atmosphere — the added
feature that never shows on the marquee — is included in the price of admission.
One of West’s functions is to help theatre washrooms pass the most critical
patrons “eye and nose” test. West Washroom Service is efficient, thorough,
economical and profitable. Consult one
of West’s trained representatives.
Products That Promote Sanitation
42-16 WEST STREET . LONG ISLAND CITY 1, N.Y.
WEST DISINFECTING CO. LTD.
MONTREAL, QUE., 5621-27 Casgrain Ave. • TORONTO, ONT., 2299 Dundee St. W.
CALGARY • EDMONTON - HALIFAX • REGINA • SASKATOON ■ VANCOUVER . WINNIPEG
CLEANSING DISINFECTANTS • INSECTICIDES • KOTEX VENDING MACHINES
PAPER TOWELS • AUTOMATIC DEODORIZING APPLIANCES • LIQUID SOAPS
clean with a wet cloth or damp mop.
The long-wear coating is said to resist
alcohol, alkalis and most chemicals. It
is not a paint or varnish and therefore
it will not crack, craze or flake off. Be-
comes touch dry in ten minutes and hard
dry in six hours.
Created by top-flight chemists, during
the war, the product was used to protect
certain types of shipments for ocean trans-
portation. Now available for civilian use,
it is manufactured by the Reyam Plastic
Products Co., 1525 E. 53rd St., Chicago, 111.
New Sponge Rubber Carpet
Underlay Now Available
To help meet the need for luxurious
carpet underlay that will resist heavy traf-
fic, United States Rubber Company is now
manufacturing chemically blown sponge
rubber for immediate delivery.
The new underlay is recommended for
use under carpets in theatres, public build-
ings and' other institutions, where carpets
must bear heavy traffic.
Tests indicate that it will increase car-
peting wear almost a third. It is said to
be permanently resilient, has luxurious
feeling, is washable and long-wearing.
Other qualities claimed are that it will
not pack down or sag with age and use,
and that it is lint-free, moth-proof and
vermin-proof.
The underlay is being marketed through
leading distributors of floor coverings and
is now on sale in the floor covering and
— and first in line with
features that will bring
you the hearty thanks
of every thirsty pa-
tron. The smooth, easy
dial-type bubbler con-
trol is just one feature
that quickly wins full
approval for OASIS
Electric Water Coolers.
Write for details on
the many EBCO ad-
vantages developed in
20 years of water-
cooler leadership.
MFG. CO
401 W. Town St., Columbus 8, 0
38
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
contract rug departments of some depart-
ment stores.
It is available in 36 and 53-inch widths
with a standard thickness of lA inch. It
can be supplied up to V2 inch in thickness
for special installations. Widths and
lengths can be joined with adhesive bind-
ing tape.
The gripping action of the sponge rubber
material is also said to prevent rugs from
slipping on highly polished wood or on
marbleized floors. To anchor scatter rugs,
it is being sold in 24, 43 and 54-inch
widths, 3/32 of an inch thick.
Improved Automaticket
By General Register Corp.
The development of a new improved,
electrically operated ticket register is an-
nounced by General Register Corporation,
New York. The latest model features a
new idea in ticket-issuing mechanism de-
sign; consisting of individually removable
and independently functioning ticket-
issuing units. This assures continuous,
uninterrupted service should any unit be-
come inoperative, since the functioning of
the other units would remain unimpaired.
The unit design makes replacement of
a unit a simple procedure, which can be
handled by anyone in the theatre. This
simple process of unit replacement is here
illustrated.
Automaticket’s outstanding advantage
is that replacement of a defective unit can
be made without removing the register
HEYWOOD-
WAKEF1ELD
■ 1 W
HALLMARK OF
BETTER SEATING
Theatre Seating Division
666 Lake Shore Drive. Chicago, lit.
from its position in the boxoffice. Theatre
supply dealers will have on hand new fac-
tory-sealed units for immediate replace-
ment of any unit that would have pre-
viously required factory repair.
Automaticket will be sold with a perma-
nent service guarantee. Any replacement
of units during the first year is made with-
out charge; thereafter the cost of replace-
ment is based on the length of use. The
new machines are now available to thea-
tres through theatre supply dealers.
Handsomely finished and sturdily built
to take hard handling, Automatickets are
made in one- to five-unit sizes. Further
details about the new Automaticket may be
obtained by writing to General Register
Corporation, 36-20 33rd St., Long Island
City 1, New York, or by visiting the nearest
theatre supply dealer.
DeVry in Production
On Two New Amplifiers
DeVry Corporation of Chicago, pioneer
manufacturers of motion picture equip-
ment, is now in production on two new
theatre amplifiers and announces readi-
ness to fill orders for the new units.
Model 2820 amplifier has 30 watts peak
output, 20 watts at 2% distortion based on
S.M.P.E. standards. Taps at 8, 16 500
ohms. Two high impedance P.E. cell in-
puts with means for balancing projector
outputs. Microphone and phonograph
jacks. Range, plus or minus 1 db from 50
to 10,000 cycles. Tubes, one two 5U4G,
two 6L6, one 6N7, one 6SF5, one 6J7, all
standard low cost, easily replaceable.
Equipped with master volume control,
(Continued on following page)
for Easy Sign Maintenance
"REMOVA-PANEL" permits all sign maintenance
simply by lifting the small, light glass panels from
the frames— allows easy access to any part of the
interior of the sign.
When you buy Adler equipment, you get
the benefit of sound, modern features, proven
successful by years of actual experience in
hundreds and hundreds of marquees all over
the country.
The true "THIRD DIMENSION" depth of Adler
Letters comes from the recessed face and
reflecting bevels — makes the letters stand out
in bold, easily readable, colorful display. Sold
under positive guarantee THAT FOR EVERY
ADLER LETTER YOU BREAK, WE GIVE YOU
A NEW ONE FREE! Write for information.
ADLER SILHOUETTE LETTER CO.
3021a West 36th St„ Chicago 32 1451a Broadway, New York 18
CHICAGO . . NEW YORK . . TORONTO. CANADA . . LONDON, ENGLAND
Covered by Patents Granted and Pending. Approved by Underwriters' Lab., Inc.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
39
WHAT ARE CLEANING COSTS?
Get a machine that has the
power to clean quickly and
properly, that is built to last and
that is provided with proper
vacuum tools for every surface
from bare floors to furniture
and equipment.
That is the Spen-
cer Portable —
used in thousands of
commercial buildings
and built by the
Company that has
pioneered in Vacuum
Cleaning for a quar-
ter century.
The Spencer Portable
costs less in the long
run — less in labor
and maintenance
and it does many
things that an ordi-
nary cleaner cannot
do. Ask for the bul-
letins. 278B
Briefly, they are labor,
maintenance of equip-
ment and the concealed
costs that result if a
building is poorly
cleaned.
SPENGER VACUUM
^ 1 HARTFORD ^ " \ CLEANING
News of What's New in
Modern Theatre
Equipment
(Continued from preceding page)
high frequency response control, low fre-
quency response control and two screw-
driver type P.E. cell voltage controls. Has
an 8-inch P.M. monitor speaker, mounted
over the amplifier with its volume control:
operating voltage, 105-125, 50-60 cycles,
A.C. Other frequencies also supplied. Cahi-
Upper view is Model 2820; below is Model 2823
net dimensions, 22x19 y2Xloy2 inches for
easy wall mounting. When used with a
good speaker system, it will adequately
serve 1,000 seats.
Model 2823 amplifier embodies two 30-
watt amplifiers mounted in one cabinet.
Easy switchover facilities provided for
changing from one amplifier to the other
Operators will especially appreciate the
standby amplifier, for with two amplifiers
emergency service is provided at all times.
Specifications are same as for Model 2820,
except it has two 5-inch P.M. monitor
speakers with self-contained volume con-
trol, each mounted in sides of amplifier
chassis.
Further information may be obtained by
writing DeVry Corp., Dept. MT-D3b, 1111
Armitage Ave., Chicago 14, 111.
National Broadsides the
Bevelite Plastic Letter
National Theatre Supply has prepared
an attractively illustrated 4-page folder
describing the Bevelite three-dimensional
40
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
marquee letters in plastic, manufactured
by Theatre Specialties, Inc., of Los Angeles.
Besides the third dimensional effect and
sharp visibility at greater distances, the
mailing piece also stresses the new Plexi-
glas background panels, designed to pro-
vide a clear, white translucent field for the
Bevelite letters.
Copies of the folder may be obtained by
writing National Theatre Supply, 92 Gold
Street, New York 7, N. Y.
New Slide Film Lamp
Announced by Westinghouse
A new high efficiency tungsten fila-
ment lamp for slide-film projectors that
is said to bring new sparkle and added
beauty to colored film is available from
the Westinghouse Electric Corporation.
The new lamp features several advan-
tages over those now used in slide-film
projectors, principal of which are: 1)
Forced ventilation is not required to cool
the lamp; 2) the eight-element biplane
filament, developed by Westinghouse 15
years ago, assures brighter screen illumina-
tion as there is less light lost in the op-
tical system; 3) the float mounting of the
biplane filament assures a more rugged
lamp; and, 4) the slightly larger bulb di-
ameter assures satisfactory lamp life with
very little depreciation throughout the life
of the lamp.
Essential data on this new projection
lamp are: 300 watts, 115, 120, 125 volts,
T-12 black top bulb, medium prefocus base,
C-13D biplane filament 6.7mm wide by
6.7mm high, 25 hours life, 25 lumens per
watt, 2-3/16 inches to light center and 5
inches overall length.
Further information on this projection
lamp may be obtained from the Lamp Di-
vision, Westinghouse Electric Corporation,
Bloomfield, New Jersey.
CRETORS
rfmenica'd *Pio4te&i ‘Ttta&en (fata 'PofifUny
‘TttacAined Since t$%5
The eye-arresting beauty of this modern corn pop-
ping machine with 10 streamlined features geared
for TOP PROFITS makes it a show stealer in ANY
theatre lobby. Made in natural walnut or stainless
steel finish to harmonize with your location, its
front or rear operation means speedier production,
greater profits!
Now Specializing '
in Refreshment
Concessions for
DRIVE-IN THEATRES;
I SPORTSERVICE, Inc. Jacobs bros.
| HURST BiDG. BUFFALO, N.- YV
CRETORS
C. CRETORS & CO., 600-620 W. CERMAK ROAD, CHICAGO 16, ILL.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
41
For the
impression of
Complete
Remodeling
YOU CAN NOW USE
BLACK
LIGHT
DECORATION
• Fascinating murals
• Dramatic atmospheric effects
• Illusion pf spaciousness are all oasily
and inexpensively created with
GLO-CRAFT
PERMANENT FLUORESCENT PAINTS
AND LACQUERS
and
THEATRICAL BLACK LIGHT EQUIPMENT
AVAILABLE NOW.1
Free Advisory Service
Expert layout and design engineering
Write today for full details.
SWITZER BROTHERS, INC.
1220 Huron Road e Cleveland 15, Ohio
DRAPED AND DECORATED FOR FIRE-SAFETY
The auditorium of the Madison Theatre at Covington. Ky., examples the current trend in decorating for
both beauty and safety. The side walls are covered with Fiberglas fireproof fabric in a tropical pattern
of blue on ash rose. Stage curtains and valances are also Fiberglas fabric in silver with a 50-inch
lemon-colored stripe. Installation by F&Y Building Service. Photo courtesy Thortel Fireproof Fabrics.
Three RCA Appointments
Made by Frank M. Folsom
John G. Wilson, operating vice-president
of the RCA Victor Division of RCA for the
past three years, has been appointed vice-
president and general manager. Announce-
ment of Mr. Wilson’s appointment was
made by Frank M. Folsom, executive vice-
president of RCA Victor Division, who also
announced the appointments of Fred D.
Wilson as vice-president in charge of op-
erations and Joseph H. McConnell as vice-
president in charge of law and finance.
Mr. Wilson has been with the Victor
Division since 1944. Prior to joining the
organization he was executive vice-pr«si-
dent of the United Wall Paper Company,
and previously he was vice-president and
general manager of Goldblatt Bros., in
Chicago. He was assistant comptroller of
Montgomery Ward & Company before he
joined the Goldblatt firm.
SIX PHASE FOR BETTER LIGHT
jy^otion picture projection has taken a stride forward!
Brilliant, flicker-free light can now be obtained from
rectified A.C. power. By doubling the number of impulses
per second, the "C<SC" Six-phase Rectifier eliminates rip-
ples and disturbing harmonics unavoidable in 3-phase
Rectifiers.
Experts in the field — leading studios and theatre circuits
— have already recognized the superiority of the Six-phase
full wave Rectifier. Progressive theatre owners are rapid-
ly taking advantage of this important improvement in mo-
tion picture projection.
For a more perfect light on your screen, investigate the
”C<5rC" Six-phase Rectifier today!
flV>Ute. jjOJi out, (lecstificn. Catalog!
This New Development in Motion Picture Projection Is Backed by
Over 15 Years of Research and Engineering in the Rectifier Field.
DISTRIBUTED BY NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY
McCO LPIN-CHRISTIE CO R P.
LOS ANGELES 3 7, CALIF.
MAKES THEATRE AIR AS
PURE AND REFRESHING
AS A MOUNTAIN BREEZE
ELECTRO-AIRE
OZONE EQUIPMENT
Cleans the air electrically. Posi-
tively eliminates all odors, includ-
ing those prevalent in restrooms
and from popcorn concessions.
No Chemicals
No Refills
No Extras Required
For literature and prices write
THE
ELECTROAIRE CORPORATION
41-38 37th Street
LONG ISLAND CITY 1, N. Y.
42
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
" THE BALLANTYNE GIRL "
The above picture will become increas-
ingly familiar to our readers, beginning
with this issue. It is “The Ballantyne
Girl,” who is to appear in the advertising
of The Ballantyne Company of Omaha,
manufacturers of theatre sound and pro-
jection equipment.
Drawn by Joyce Ballantyne, who has be-
come one of the leading commercial artists
and illustrators of the country, through
outstanding work for such accounts as
Studebaker, Maytag, Ovaltine, Bendix and
others, “The Ballantyne Girl” was created
for her father, R. S. (Bob) Ballantyne,
founder and head of the equipment com-
pany, who may well be proud of his tal-
ented daughter.
The New Josephine:
Example of Thrift in
Theatre Building
(Continued from page 18)
jumping over the moon; the “Three Wise
Fools,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” etc.
Each of them also carries an etched-in
musical score at the top, commemorating
the old song, “Josephine.” The auditorium
seats 864 all on one floor, and is air con-
ditioned for year-round comfort. Acousti-
cal plaster is used for sound correction.
The projection room is 32 feet wide by
17 feet deep and is equipped with all the
latest and best equipment and accessories
for finest screen presentation and sound
reproduction. The owners, Messrs. Muller
and Dennis, long experienced in the im-
portance of fine projection, have amply
provided what it takes in equipping their
new Josephine Theatre — our example of
thrift in small theatre planning, construc-
tion and outfitting. All concerned with
this job are to be complimented on their
joint accomplishment.
GREATER DRIVE-IN THEATRE PROFITS
with NATIONAL IN-A-CAR SPEAKERS!
More Shows ...
Longer Seasons • • .
Bigger Box Office . • •
National's ultra-modern, waterproof. Perma-
nent Magnet, In-A-Car Speakers with 6V2"
cones, bring to the Drive-In Theatre patron in-
comparable sound quality.
Ruggedly constructed, light in weight these
durable aluminum In-A-Car Speakers are pro-
vided with a handy control to make possible
adjustment of sound volume to satisfy the most
exacting patron.
The combination, heavy aluminum Shelter and Cou-
pling Unit has been designed to properly protect two
In-A-Car Speaker Units against the most adverse
weather conditions.
DISTRIBUTED BY
The complete National Drive-In Theatre line
includes: SIMPLEX PROJECTORS and SOUND
SYSTEMS, PEERLESS ARC LAMPS and HERTNER
TRANSVERTERS.
flLion mnnuFRCTURine co.
cmcC £quifr*He*it
|||2 ROSS- AVENUE « DALLAS 2, TtXAS • R H O N C RIVIRSIDt 3 4 9 1
AIR-CHAMP can be quickly installed in conjunction with your present Blower or can
replace your old Air Washer at a fraction of the original cost. Write or wire now for
prices and complete details to
CAPACITIES:
10.000 CFM
15.000 CFM
20.000 CFM
THE AIR-CHAMP
NEW. LOW-COSTING AIR WASHER IS EASY
TO INSTALL, EFFICIENT AND STURDY.
THEATRE
AIR
WASHERS
★ BEAT THE HEAT BY
INSTALLING Amu!
★ NEW, LOW COSTING
CONVENIENT COOLING!
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
43
STRONG]
TUBE TYPE and COPPER OXIDE ]
"THE WORLD’S LARGEST MANUFACTURER OF PROJECTION ARC LAMPS "
Designed specifically for converting A.C. to D.C. as the
dependable power supply for projection arc lamps.
# A model for every requirement.
# Low original, operating and mainte-
nance cost.
# Quiet operation.
Sold by Independent Theatre Supply Dealers.
THE STRONG ELECTRIC CORPORATION
87 CITY PARK AVE. TOLEDO 2, OHIO
Ben B PoblocKi & Son® C°’
2159 S. KinnicUnnic f-ve.
Milwaukee 7, Wisconsin
Pear Ben:
This is to let ^
You have done .^the^robleM of theatre
helping me with th JP call up0n you again.
that I feel that I stainless steel
I want to 0TdeT s for the space in
easel type poster case „lU remember
front of my north "all. previous order,
the floor fhXf rn deSnd "p^n you to
sug g est° thermo s t appropriate poster case.
The place is Joeter^aseradded so
your stainless steel P^ter^ ^ yQU
much to the building i dvloe yQU gave me.
enough of my friends about
w
Next week the
the theatre
delighte
lawks, Rass,
Owner-Manager,
Rapids Theatre,
Sauk Rapids, Minn.
A pat on the back is always encourag-
ing. Poblocki <5 Sons are grateful that
so many experienced showmen have found
that this company's products deserve
praise.
For our part, just let us say that we do
not intend to rest on our laurels. We will
continue to advance with products and
ideas that will keep you a jump ahead in
showmanship.
Available Through Leading
Theatre Supply Dealers
- rositive Friction . . .
will not clinch film
• "Tilt-Back” Case . . .
reels can’t fly off
• Reel-drive Dog prevents
broken keys
• Low Maintenance Cost
U. L. approved. Eliminates fire hazard.
Micro-Switch safety cut-off — when door
opens, motor stops! Motor does not transmit
torque to operating parts. Sturdy! Compact!
GoldE Manufacturing Co. 1220-A W. Madison St., Chicago 7,1
UNUSUAL USAGE
Royal Soundmaster soundheads, manu-
factured by the Ballantyne Company,
Omaha, Nebraska, are being put to a new
and unusual use. Standard theatre pro-
jection room units are being used by Holly-
wood studios in play-back units.
Movie stars Bill Lundigan and Janet
Blair are here seen listening to a DC -4
play-back unit, using a Royal Soundmaster
soundhead, while making their current hit,
“The Fabulous Dorseys,” a United Artists
release. At left in the picture is the play-
back operator. At the extreme right is
Lou Forbes, musical director.
Projection Equipment and Maintenance
Company of Los Angeles, Ballantyne dealer
who sold this soundhead, has installed sev-
eral such units which are now used as
standard equipment in motion picture
studios.
Ceramic Glazed Tile
EHectively Modern
In modern architecture, simplicity of
structural effect is a much-sought-after
achievement. For exteriors particularly,
simple lines and contours, with decorative
effect provided by color, texture, gleam or
other simplicities, are highly desirable. For
this reason, one of the oldest arts — ceramic
glazing of structural tiles — comes to the
fore again to offer complete exterior fin-
ish and effect.
Flexibility of design possibilities through
the use of structural tile is readily ob-
tainable because of a wide range of sizes
and colors. The modular design and soft,
warm tones of the material are particu-
larly adaptable to theatre front display and
lighting.
Ceramic glazed tiles have a lustrous fin-
ish, yet they are able to withstand hard
usage and will wear extremely well. Main-
tenance by occasional soap-and-water
treatment is all that is required to re-
store the original beauty, since the product
is not subject to cracking, crazing, scarring
or marring. This structural treatment of-
fers an economical solution for both new
construction and remodeling, because it
is permanent and completely timeless in
effect.
44
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
0^tl^uow T/c\
The New
AUTOMATICKET
Install the new unit-designed, electrically operated Automaticket in your box
office and your ticket dispensing problems are solved forever! No breakdowns.
No service delays. This latest model is the most practical, the most serviceable
ticket issuing machine ever built.
The unit-designed Automaticket never stops functioning. Removable
ticket issuing units operate separately and independently. Service is never
interrupted. In the event that a unit should fail to operate satisfactorily, the
remaining units continue to function smoothly and efficiently.
Unit-designed Automaticket never leaves the box office. Time-consuming
and costly repairs are eliminated. As simple as making a flashlight battery
refill-replacement of a unit may be made by anyone in the theatre. Continu-
ous, uninterrupted service is thus assured.
You get a life-time service guarantee with the new Automaticket.
Factory-sealed replacement units are available during the first year without
charge. Thereafter, your Theatre Supply Dealer keeps your Automaticket
in good working order, supplying
replacement units on a nominal cost
schedule.
UNIT- DESIGN means
NO BREAKDOWNS -NO DELAYS
Each ticket issuing
unit operates on its
own. Removal of one
does not affect the effi-
cient operation of the
remaining units.
No repairs. Defective
units are easily and
quickly removed, new
units slide smoothly
into place. And Auto-
maticket never leaves
the box office.
mmm
T-DE
AUTOMATICKETS in one to five unit sizes are now in
stock at your nearest Theatre Supply Dealer. All the Automaticket
features are also available in non-electrically operated models.
Get the full advantage of your Dealer's
experience and advice. See him today.
GENERAL REGISTER CORPORATION
36-20 33rd Street Long Island City 1 New York
The. New AUTOMATICKET
A Triumph of General Register Engineering l
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
45
Dear Subscriber: Please put a marker here and pass this issue on to Projection Room
cur CLINIC
PRACTICAL DISCUSSIONS ON MODERN
PROJECTION AND SOUND PRACTICES
New British Projector Designed for
Superior Eye Appeal
• V f ANY READERS OF THE CLINIC Will re-
call that during the late war, we and
numerous of our contributors indulged in
considerable anticipation and a lot of day-
dreaming anent the appearance of the
postwar projector. Several projectionists
sent us drawings and word pictures of
what, in their opinions and imaginations,
the picture machines of the future would
be like and some of them were published
herein.
The postwar period is now in its third
year and so far there haven't been any
marked upsets to the traditional in pro-
all-British Gaumont-Kalee “21" 35mm projection
by THE CONDUCTOR
jector design, aside from the noticeable
trend to streamlining that has appeared
in several new models of well-known
makes. Basically, the mechanisms remain
pretty much as they were before the war,
with certain smartly engineered improve-
ments in most of them to effect consider-
able improvement in performance.
But the streamlining has had some very
good effect, despite the fact that our do-
mestic projector manufacturers haven’t
so far seen fit to stress it as a selling
point. They prefer, and perhaps rightly, to
advertise the numerous improvements they
Kalee engineers and industrially designed by
Mr. Lonsdale-Hands, it represents high achieve-
ment in cinematograph equipment, both aesthet-
ically and in performance. This new equipment
is being produced for home and overseas markets.
have made on “the innards” of their new
models, and allow outside appearances to
speak for themselves.
There is no question, however, that a
good-looking package has a lot to do with
selling any product, and on this point,
their British contemporaries seem to have
stolen a march on American projector
manufacturers, at least in the matter of
emphasizing and openly admitting that
their new product is designed primarily for
“eye appeal.” It is assumed, of course,
that their new projector is in all particu-
lars as good as it looks.
No doubt many followers of the Clinic
will be interested in what has been done
overseas, as well as domestically, respect-
ing projection design and production.
Therefore, in accordance with our usual
custom we now yield the columns to a
spokesman for GB-Kalee, Ltd., projector
manufacturers of London, who outlines
this company's re-design objective as fol-
lows:
“The production of the first postwar
35mm cinematograph projection and sound
equipment by GB-Kalee, Ltd., well under-
lines the fact that British industralists in
many fields have heeded the Board of
Trade's injunctions to industrially design
their products.
“This equipment was planned from the
outset by its technical designers in the
fullest collaboration with Mr. Richard
Lonsdale-Hands, the well-known British
industrial designer. The resultant equip-
ment is of such striking appearance that it
constitutes a revolution in cinematograph
equipment. Certainly no equipment pro-
duced in America or elsewhere can claim
to appeal to the eye to anything like the
same degree.
“Photographs of this equipment, as here
shown, have already been circulated to
many countries throughout the world and
the response has been startling. It is an
object lesson to British manufacturers as
to how the appearance of their products
can influence the sales of it.
“This may be an occasion to indicate
what this company, which is a part of the
J. Arthur Rank Organization, is trying to
do. In prewar years, cinema equipment
business in England was conducted by a
number of firms of comparatively small
dimensions: much of the business in the
United Kingdom being in the hands of
branches of American companies. Export
of British-made equipment was of neg-
ligible proportions.
“During the war a few British manufac-
turers determined that such a situation
should not be permitted to continue, and
under the chairmanship of Mr. Arthur
Rank, GB-Kalee, Ltd., was formed with
the object of creating a group whose re-
sources, both financial and technical,
would be on the same plane as those of
the prewar German Zeiss-Ikon Company
and the American Western Electric and
RCA groups.
“Great progress has been made. Agents
have been established throughout the
world, including China, India, Australia,
New Zealand, France, Holland, Scandi-
navia, Spain, Canada, the Argentine, and
an export business of very considerable
dimensions is already in being.
“It is astonishing to find how little is
At left — This well-known British Kalee "12" projector combined with the “Duosonic" sound sys-
tem was current up to the introduction of the new Gaumont-Kalee “21" totally enclosed, in-
dustrially designed equipment, and is in use in hundreds of British cinemas. Compare the older
design with the postwar all-enclosed streamlined Gaumont-Kalee “21" ... At right — The postwar
and sound equipment is now in production.
Technically designed throughout by Gaumont-
46
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
known abroad of British resources in this
field, and it has been gratifying to find
how well British-made products have com-
pared with the equipment already installed
in those territories.
“Further great developments are being
planned. Film studio equipment of all
kinds are in the drawing offices, and, in
many cases are already in production. A
British studio camera comparable with
American products is now on the market.
“All of this is not, in itself, of great im-
portance outside the cinema industry; but
when it is realized that unless Great
Britain builds up a strong cinematograph
industrial machine, British film producers
will be dependent for their technical re-
sources upon companies whose main cus-
tomers are direct competitors to our pro-
ducers, it will be seen that these new de-
velopments are of the greatest importance
to the nation as a whole.
“If the British film is to get a place on
the world screens for which Mr. Rank and
his colleagues are striving, a strong and re-
sourceful cinematograph industry must be
there for them to rely upon. That is the
object, and the product here illustrated is
our first positive contribution to it.”
PROJECTIONISTS: The Cine Clinic Department
is wide open to you for discussion of your pres-
ent problems. Thru these columns you can either
ASK advice or GIVE it. We'll gladly answer
your questions or publish your suggestions for
the good of all concerned and with comment
and complimentary credit to you. Should you
desire private information or advice, enclose
stamps for reply. Address The MODERN THEA-
TRE. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago 4, 111.
A Further Clinical Discussion of the
Electronic Arc Control
<7
a. " INCE THE FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT Of the
Forest Electronic projection lamp in this
department late last year, we have received
numerous requests for further informa-
tion on the operating principles of the
electronic control. These have been re-
ferred to the manufacturer for reply; but
we believe the subject is of sufficient gen-
eral interest to justify a reappearance of
• Continued on following page)
solenoid
RATCHET
PAUL
POSITIVE MANUAL RE&ULATOR
negative CARBON
POSITIVE carbon
negative
MANUAL
REGULATOR
RATCHET
WHEEL
CARBON
CARRIER
CARRIAGE
reflector holder MOUNT
XfMareo uliutr/iuoh
Mechanical elements involved in the Forest Electronic Arc Control are indicated by this drawing.
BAUSCH & LOMB
OPTICAL COMPANY ROCHESTER 2, N. V.
PURPLE DOT means that Super Cinephor lens surfaces have been
Balcoted, which cuts to a minimum light loss due to reflection from
air-to-glass surfaces, increases light transmission 30%.
YELLOW DOT means that Super Cinephor lens elements have been
cemented by a special heat-resisting, permanently clear, synthetic
thermosetting cement, perfected by B&L. This cement withstands the
high heat of the arc without fracturing, blistering, or crystallizing.
Two "Mint Marks"
Bring Money to Your Box Office
• Two, tiny, colored dots on Super Cinephor lenses
mean the finest in motion picture projection . . . better
definition, contrast, more shadow detail, greater
purity of color, and long-lived high efficiency . . .
more box office appeal.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
47
Further Clinical Discussion
of the Electronic Control
(Continuation of The Cine Clinic)
Mi*. James K. Elderkin, head of Forest
Manufacturing Corp., to inform us anent
the operating principles of his company’s
new product. We now quote Mr. Elderkin:
“The new Forest Electronic projection
lamp, as described in a preceding issue, is
actuated and driven by solenoids instead
of the usual motor. In order for the sole-
noids to impart rotary motion to the worm
screw, which feeds the carbons, it is neces-
sary to feed the solenoid with impulses
of electrical energy.
1. Don’t fool yourself, sound trouble
could make this happen at your theatre.
*
3. Regular checkups by RCA experts
avert trouble— assure high-quality sound.
How to put an end
When you buy RCA Service, you
assure yourself of trouble-free oper-
ation, economical upkeep, and
Academy-approved tone adjust-
ments for your sound system.
In addition to regular checkups
by a skilled, well-equipped techni-
“As is well-known, a solenoid works on
the principle that when it is energized the
core will move in one direction until the
current is cut off and then the plunger
will return to its normal position. There-
fore, in order to obtain intermittent mo-
tion, it is necessary to energize the sole-
noid and then de-energize it so that the
plunger will move up and down at a speed
dependent upon the number of impulses
per minute fed to the solenoid coil. A de-
vice for producing these impulses has been
developed, and is called an electronic
timer. The circuit used in this timer is
new and patents are pending.
“The Forest electronic timer employs a
small thyratron tube in circuit with con-
densers and resistors in such manner that
the time current flows through the device
and the time that no current flows through
2. And result in lost receipts that bring
on box-office blues.
4. Continual, high-class showings please
patrons — bring them back.
to box-office blues
cian — you get fast service on parts
— prompt help in an emergency.
Unload your sound equipment
problems on RCA Service special-
ists. For the cost of a few admis-
sions per day, you may prevent
box-office blues.
the device can be regulated at will by
simply increasing or decreasing the amount
of resistance in the control circuit. By
simply turning the knob of the varible re-
sistor clockwise or counter-clockwise, the
number of impulses from the timer will be
increased or decreased so that the speed
of the lamp’s feed-mechanism can be per-
fectly and accurately controlled to feed
the carbon forward at the exact rate of its
consumption.
“The dial of the variable control is
graduated in arc amperage and type of
carbon so that it can be readily set to the
proper point for the arc current being
utilized in that lamp. A slight further ad-
justment of this control knob will then
maintain the feed at its proper speed and
no further change is necessary unless the
arc current or the size of carbons is
changed.
“The principles involved in the elec-
tronic timer are as follows: (1) Plate cur-
rent flows through a resistor and through
the load and the potential difference across
this resistor is fed to a condenser through
a second resistor; (2> the potential across
the condensor builds up gradually and is
fed to a second condenser through a third
resistor; (3» the potential across a second
condenser builds up gradually and reaches
the critical grid voltage of the tube and
causes the plate current through the load
to cease flowing; (4) the potential across
the condensers is gradually discharged
through the resistors and thus the control
grid potential is reduced to the point where
the plate current will again flow through
the load, starting a new cycle; (5) and
since the frequency of operation is de-
pendent upon the speed at which the po-
tential across the condenser changes, the
timing may be controlled by proper selec-
tion of a variation of resistors.
“The electronic timer used with the pro-
jection lamp is so designed by use of proper
resistors and capacity that a wide range of
adjustment is possible. The lower setting
gives a timing too low for feeding any of
the present carbon trims and its upper
limit gives a timing too fast for feeding
any of the present carbons. The inter-
mittent steps between the two extremes are
fine enough that exact timing for any car -
bon consumption can be obtained.
“The Forest Electronic projection lamp
employs two electronic timers, one for the
positive feed and one for the negative feed,
and they are built into the lamp in such
manner that they are removable as easily
as removing a tube from its socket.
“The life of the thyratron tube and the
associated parts of the timer is extremely
long and since the lamp itself has no fast-
moving parts, the combination makes a
true feeding, trouble free and extremely
simple projection lamp.”
There is no substitute
for a
Robin-Imperial STEDYPOWER
J. E. ROBIN, INC. • 330 W. 4!2nd Si, • New York City
RCA SERVICE COMPANY INC.
RADIO CORPORATION of AMERICA
CAMDEN. N. J.
48
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
THE
Q
VLLZ POT
* * * * cfiat/i SPta/i ^eatM/ieb
A CAULDRON FOR COOKING UP ANS-
WERS TO OTHER PEOPLES’ PROBLEMS
Address The MODERN THEATRE. 332 S. Michigan
Ave., Chicago 4. 111.
What Would You
Do About It?
Anent projector design for smarter looks,
more sales appeal and perhaps for greater
operating efficiency too, we hope, the aver-
age practicing projectionist might speak
with considerable authority. He wants
operational efficiency as well as stream-
lined prettiness.
That is not to say that he, the projec-
tionist, is not just as vulnerable to good
looks in a piece of equipment as his boss
may be; but since he has to make it work,
he naturally leans to the more practical
side of projection engineering.
of WLITB
Proj. Laverne Townsend, head operator
for Commonwealth Hoisington Theatre
Corp., at Hoisington, Kansas, leads off this
time with several things he would do about
this and that, addressing his remarks to
brother projectionists and their bosses, as
well as projector manufacturers and all
concerned. He writes:
“Dear Conductor: It has been some
time since I have written to you and in
the meantime I have run across several
operators and managers who still do not
know, for some unknown reason, that the
Cine Clinic and the Quiz Pot are regular
features of Boxoffice magazine.
“This is not fair to the industry, or to
the managers and operators who fail to
read and understand these columns be-
cause they don’t know about them. I
would like to say that other fellows like
myself can do a great deal to help the in-
dustry and especially our craft by reading
regularly what goes on in these columns,
and talking it up to all concerned.
“Well, I want to say first that the big
question — and looks like it may be big for
some time — is who is doing so much dam-
age to film and how can we stop it? Of
course, the trouble is not all due to film
damage; but many a good show is butch-
ered because the operator wants to get
out early, or by his fader playing because
he likes to amuse himself, or to see how
things work.
“I maintain that good operators are not
necessarily the ones who have worked all
their lives in the booth. On the other
hand, I don’t say that the young fellows
know all the answers; because after all,
experience is always a good teacher.
“Recently, I had an argument with the
manager of our ‘B’ house about changing
an intermittent. He is a former GI op-
erator with some previous experience. He
argued that a main drive gear would have
to be removed to change intermittents.
(Continued on following page)
These four star feaiures make SNAPLITE
£F/ie SPlojeclicn tHenb cfl Qtiulity
SNAPLITE
Series II
f/2.0
(•LLAOKClp! /
2 Franklin Avenue
Brooklyn 11, New York
CORPORATION
YOUR ASSURANCE OF THE BEST! I
j
Wenzel "BULL- DOG’’
"Will Never Lose Its Grip"
The Bull-Dog AR-15 — engineered by Wenzel to eliminate
key breakage on all types of shafts for winding film.
Also for use in the Lower Magazines to more evenly
distribute the pull strain. For automatic and hand re-
winds, too. When ordering give model number or make
of shaft, together with shaft diameter.
WENZEL PROJECTOR COMPANY Chicago 16, 111.
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
49
What Would You
Do About It?
(Continuation of The Quiz Pot)
The main gear does not have to be re-
moved; but the intermediate does. If
any operator doesn’t know how to do this,
I will be glad to show him. This applies to
Simplex; with which I am most familiar.
“I also argued with a bunch of fellow
operators in a neighboring town with three
houses of A, B and C classification, about
which was the most practical, a generator
or a rectifier, for better light and good
maintenance. Well, the vote was fifty-
fifty. I frankly prefer a rectifier, because
if operated at right voltages, they will do
all the manufacturers say they will do.
They are easier to operate, require less
maintenance, take up less space, do not
vibrate like a generator and usually are
cheaper to purchase. They all agreed to
this and one of the theatres was purchasing
a motor generator of far inferior quality
to replace copper-oxide rectifiers which
were five years old. The name plate on
them said General Electric, 75 amperes
output.
“Show me a generator that will put a
better picture on a screen at 105 feet from
the booth, at a 20-foot width on an RCA
screen, with Peerless Magnarc lamps, or
REPRODUCERS'
TODAY’S “BIG STEP” IN SOUND REPRODUCTION
Century excels in quality . . . quality that your eye
can see and your ear can hear. Century Master
Sound Reproducers are more dependable . . . more
durable. Your sound will be improved . . . repro-
duction more pleasing . . . you'll be in "step" with
Century.
SEE YOUR DEALER FOR DETAILS
Hollywood Studio and qualified Theatre Technicians
know that less than .07 per cent flutter is obtainable
only on Century Reproducers.
Designed in cooperation with Western
Electric Co., Inc. Licensed under
U. S. patents of American Telephone
and Telegraph Co. and Western Elec-
tric Co., Inc., for use only in connec-
tion with the exhibition of motion
pictures. 0
.07% Flutter Is Half the Standard Accepted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
CENTURY PROJECTOR CORPORATION, NEW YORK
that can do a better job more efficiently.
I don’t think you can. I may be wrong
and if so, I wish one of you boys would do
me a favor and tell me about it.
“Another thing I want to mention is de-
sign. Some of the equipment designers
must think the operator likes to play with
the durned things in their spare time, since
they put so many screws, nuts and bolts
in the mechanisms and soundheads.
“While the crackle finish looks nice, it
is hard to keep clean. Instead of using
projector oil to shine it up, try some paraf-
fin oil. It will be less messy, stay on longer
and will take up all the dust and dirt when
you apply it and it’s inexpensive. Clean
the inside of the lamps with it and they
won’t cloud up so easily either. The manu-
facturers have still to make a projector
that won’t leak oil in the soundhead or
somewhere else. The only one I know of
that will about fill the bill in this par-
ticular is the new Brenkert lamp.
“The idea of removing the sprocket from
the end of the shaft is another ‘blue rib-
bon’ for Brenkert. However, both the
Simplex E-7 and Brenkert projectors have
many features in common that the cheaper
models do not have.
“I personally like the Motiograph cylin-
der-type shutter, and if you ever saw it in
operation, you would marvel at the small
amount of grease and dirt that it picks up
in operation compared to the other rear
and front type shutter jobs.
“Here are some suggestions I’d like to
pass along to the designers of future pro-
jectors;
“By putting a crackle-finished stream-
lined case on the soundhead motors, a
neater job could be assured.
“A small V-belt, instead of the usual type
of take-up belt, would be more satisfac-
tory, have less slippage and wear longer
than most types now in use.
“Also, I believe that some of the lamp
feed systems could be improved. Per-
Gradual deterioration of projector arc lamp reflectors results m a cor-
responding loss in efficiency Since the only light which can reach
the screen must be reflected by the mirror, the loss in screen light is
in direct proportion to the loss in mirror efficiency
Endeavoring to make up this light loss through the use of more
current represents a pure waste in the form of unwarranted power
bills Periodic mirror replacement accordingly is a good investment.
Strong precision reflectors for all types and makes of lamps are
sold by independent theatre supply dealers
The
STRONG ELECTRIC CORPORATION
Toledo 2, Ohio
WOHIOS MBfiEST MAKEB Of PIUIJECTItIN ABCS
50
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
haps the new Forest electronic control will
accomplish this.
“How about an attachment that will fit
on the end of the lens holder and keep the
dust off them until the next show? This
should snap or clip on.
“How about a gadget that will line up
pad rollers with sprockets better than the
old hit-and-miss method? A lot of film
suffers this way by rolling up one side of
the sprockets.
“Why not build a mechanism in the
projector to automatically put out film
fires in case of one, and have it fused and
containing a harmless mixture, effective on
fires and easy on the mechanism?
“An automatic device to help set inter-
mi ttents more easily and accurately.
“Not until a few years ago was a sound
system assembled conveniently neat
enough and spaced right for best appear-
ance and efficiency. This can still be im-
proved in many ways. Late model systems
are really accomplishing something in this
particular.
“I also think that the doors on the op-
eration and gear side of the projector
could be arranged better and have less
screws and bolts to get out of control, or
fall out and leave a sagging door.
“How about the lower take-up clutch?
About half of them slip and bump the film.
Or they get so tight that the rollers sing
and the sprocket holes get larger.
“How about a special vacuum cleanser
attachment in lamphouses to prevent
smoke and gas accumulation and improve
cleanliness in operation?
“I think that some of the above things
would help the operator and the manufac-
turer as well. Things should be done to
eliminate dust accumulation.
“All you fellows should send in your
ideas to the Quiz Pot. It would help all
of us put on a better show. Although many
improvements are developing, many more
will come, I hope, that will help the op-
erator, instead of merely appealing to the
manager’s eye for beauty.
“All for now, and keep up the good
work you are doing with these columns.
I do hope that more of the fellows will
write in giving you their suggestions and
criticisms.”
Okay, Verne, we printed it, pretty much
as you said it and here’s hoping all your
suggestions will bear fruit.
Proj. Sid Coffey of the Rex Theatre at
Winnipegosis (Man.) Canada, asks for
some advice in the following:
“Will you please give me some advice
regarding Mazda lamphouses? I have two
Powers projectors, 51-foot throw, 190
seats, and good beaded sound screen, 110
volts A.C., using 1,000-watt bulbs.
“Manitoba government regulations will
not allow me to use carbons in my present
booth and I wish to improve the light on
the screen.
“Recently, I have heard of a constant
current regulator made by General Elec-
tric, which they said would improve the
light by using a different kind of bulb.
All the Mazda equipment I have seen is
the same as mine. Do you think this other
(Continued on following page)
Maybe that old projector equipment is still "getting by" — but replacing worn
parts with modern high precision La Vezzi parts would make many a show-
man's pictures better, his patrons happier, and his box office busier.
WITH AUPEft. PROJECTOR PAR
•Sf-Rvnce’
Available through
Independent Theatre
Equipment Dealers
LaVezzi Machine Works
4635 WEST LAKE STREET
CHICAGO 44, ILLINOIS
Watch The MODERN THEATRE for "News of What's New"
EVERYTHING FOR DRIVE-IN
THEATRE OPERATION
Drive-in theatre operators look to DeVry for more than de-
pendable moderately priced projection and amplifying equip-
ment. DeVry's new IN-CAR SPEAKERS for drive-in theatres
are another outstanding contribution by DeVry to the Ex-
hibitor's and Projectionist's goal — the perfect show.
DeVry IN-CAR SPEAKERS per-
mit closed windows in bad weath-
er: provide individual volume
control to patron's taste; confine
sound to immediate theatre area,
eliminating community complaints; give farthest-parked patron
uniform synchronization of sound with action. Don't delay . . .
Place your order for IN-CAR SPEAKERS now and assure on-time
delivery.
Send for specifications and prices on DeVry theatre projector
and sound systems, too — “The right pair to draw to for a full
house." DeVry Corporation, 1111 Armitage Ave., Chicago 14, 111.
For the Perfect Show HeVdV
Indoors or Out ' ^ l/C V If 1
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
51
NOW EVERY THEATRE CAN AFFORD
THE BEST IN PROJECTION AND SOUND
"AA" PROJECTOR
AND
MOTIOGRAPH -MIRROPHONIC
For sale now at leading
Independent Theatre
Supply Dealers.
What Would You
Do About It?
(Continuation of The Quiz Pot)
type bulb and regulator will improve my
light? Please give me all the information
you can on this subject.”
Some of you fellows who still use Mazda
lamp outfits ought to be able to give Sid
a helping hand. Let’s have it.
Proj. Louis Belval of 478 Church St.,
Whitinsville, Mass., comes to the aid of a
recent inquirer with the following. Says
he:
“I believe I have an answer to Proj.
Danny Menghini’s problem. I have made
a running-time indicator and end reel
signal combined. This consists of a grad-
uated dial and bell. The bell signal is one
minute before changeover time. The time
left on a reel can be seen from anywhere
at any time inside the booth.
“This time changeover signal device is
so constructed that you cannot load the
upper magazine without setting it, and
is mounted atop the upper magazine by
drilling one Ms-inch hole in the side of
magazine. It is all metal construction and
with reasonable care should last your life-
time. The price is $12.50 a pair. If in-
terested, state magazine size when order-
ing.”
The New and Highly Improved 6 -Tube Rectifier
Much obliged, Louie. Advertising rates
on request.
That’s all for this month, gang! But
more next month and it's your turn now.
So come on in and help us keep the Old
Pot a-bilin’ with interest. In so many
words, tell us: What Would You Do About
It?
SINGLE-TYPE 75-V-6 and TWIN TYPE 75-V-12. Embodying the advanced knowledge
gained from building rectifiers for radar and other highly scientific projects where
perfection of performance and reliability are of paramount importance. Designed
for all theatres using Suprex or Simplified High Intensity Projection. Built-in remote
control relays with provisions for operating spotlights. 40 to 75 amperes DC current.
3-phase rectification.
Also: LD-GO and LD-30 Bulb Type Rectifiers, SUPER MCS
Rectifiers, Rectifying Tubes, Sound Screens.
rotesr tin inns
The New Electronic Control Projection Lamp
The superiority of the Forest ELECTRONIC CONTROL Arc Lamp has become the
talk of the industry! It features a completely new and faultless method of feeding
positive and negative carbons by ELECTRONIC CONTROL, assuring arc control of
precision accuracy, maintaining the exact focal point necessary for producing
maximum light intensity at all times without constant watching and adjusting.
No carbon feed motor — no gears — no clutches — no cams — no gadgets — no fast
moving parts! Nothing to get out of order.
LARGE LAMP, 14" reflector. 1 KILOWATT, IOV4" reflector.
LOW INTENSITY, IOV4" reflector.
FOREST MFC. CORF.
60 PARK PL, NEWARK, N. J.
The new STAND-
STEEL is perfect for
your Autodrape.
Keeps it off the floor
to assure longer life.
Both STANDSTEEL &
AUTODRAPE are im-
portant to good house-
keeping.
AUTOMATIC DEVICES CO.
1035 Linden St. Allentown, Pa.
Export office 220 W. 42nd St., N.Y.C.
52
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
RAULAND Visitron
Phototubes have long
been the choice of dis-
criminating exhibitors
and projectionists
because of their uni-
formity, dependability
and high sensitivity.
There is a special type
of Visitron for every
application and every
make of sound-on-film
equipment.
RAULAND CORPORATION
CHICAGO 41, ILLINOIS
RJ010 R&uknd R#DAR
. SOUND • COMMUNICATIONS • TELEVISION .
£i4.,i4xlu'i 16mm
SOUND PROJECTORS
All Stand-
ard Makes
at These
Low Prices
Here’s only a partial i,si at the typical values:
AMPROSOUND model N or L $260
AMPROSOUND model UA 275
BELL & HOWELL Academy 295
BELL & HOWELL Utility 335
BELL & HOWELL 133C 225
DE VRY Challenger 225
DE VRY Sprocket inter 365
HOLMES Sprocket inter 375
VICTOR model 25 AC/DC 195
VICTOR model 40A 245
VICTOR model 40B 295
Special! RCA model PB80 (as is) .$149.50
Order Now while they are available. 25%
deposit with order assures prompt shipment.
S. 0. S. CINEMA SUPPLY CORP.
449 WEST 42ND ST„ NEW YORK IS, N. Y.
BE SURE TO TELL THEM YOU
READ ABOUT IT IN The
MODERN THEATRE section of
BOXOFFICE
American Seating Company • Grand Rapids 2, Michigan
/about
/PEOPLE
/and
PRODUCT
The Masland Duraleather Company,
Philadelphia, announces the appointment
of S. Ernest Kulp to the newly created of-
fice of Director of Sales. The position
of salesmanager vacated by Mr. Kulp will
be taken over by J. Ardell Shadle, who has
been associated with Masland for nineteen
years. The change is made to adjust or-
ganizational requirements of expanded
business incidental to the successful in-
troduction of Duran, the company’s new,
all-plastic upholstery covering.
Altec’s Philadelphia District welcomes a
new inspector in the person of Ed Perry,
a native of Norfolk who will be headquar-
tered in that city. Ed has had consider-
able experience in the sound game, having
had practical experience in this type of
work since boyhood and is at present a
member of the projectionist’s union. Frank
J. Homsher, Altec Inspector who has been
located in Baltimore under the jurisdic-
tion of the Philadelphia District, has re-
cently been transferred to Pittsburgh,
which makes him a member of the Cin-
cinnati District.
Schulen van Delden, formerly sales man-
ager for Norton Door Closer Co., and later
a Motiograph sales trainee, is now sales
manager for Wil-Kin Theatre Supply Co.,
of Atlanta, Ga., succeeding Harry Paul,
who recently went with RCA.
John F. Chester, recently resigned as
general business editor of The Associated
Press, has become director of public rela-
tions for the Carrier Corporation, manu-
facturer of air conditioning and refrigera-
tion equipment. His headquarters are in
Syracuse. He joined the AP’s Washington
Bureau in 1939, became head of the Boston
Bureau in 1936, and was a war correspond-
ent, beginning in 1943, in London and
Cairo. He became general business editor
in 1945.
Gordon S. Mitchell president of All-
Scope Pictures, Inc., of Hollywood an-
nounces the signing of a contract with
the California Prune & Apricot Growers
Association for production of an educa-
tional school film on the Sunsweet prune
process. Production of the film will start
immediately in the vicinity of San Jose.
California, under the supervision of B. F.
McEveety, vice-president in charge of pro-
duction for All-Scope Pictures. Script
for the film was written by R. F. Engel.
Frazer & Hansen, Ltd., of San Francisco
has been appointed sole foreign sales rep-
resentative for Motiograph products.
PUT MORE LIGHT
ON YOUR SCREEN
• All reflectors gradually deteri-
orate to a state where replace-
ment cost is insignificant. A drop
of only 10% in reflective efficiency
results in a corresponding de-
crease in screen brilliancy, and
represents a loss amounting to
10% of the cost of your current
and carbons. Replace yours now,
and regularly. Available for all
types and makes of arc lamps.
NATIONAL
THEATRE SUPPLY
Division of Notional • Simple* • Btu<4 worth, Inc.
"There's a Branch Near You"
BOXOFFICE : : April 26, 1947
E. O. Wilschke, operations supervisor for
(Continued on following page)
53
SlttlCt eOtPOHTIOI
TO YOUR
ALTEC
OFFICE
YOUR ALTEC
ENGINEER
KNOWS YOUR
EQUIPMENT
DELIVERING NOW
NEW IDEAL THEATRE CHAIRS
In Various Models
Post-War Design — Prewar Quality
JOE HORNSTEIN, Inc.
630 Ninth Avenue, New York, N. Y.
714 N. E. First Avenue, Miami, Fla.
About People and
Product
• Continued from preceding page)
Altec was confined to his home for a short
time last month as a result of an auto-
mobile accident in Philadelphia in which
he and his wife were badly shaken up; but
fortunately, neither was seriously hurt.
According to the TESMA TATTLER.
Larry Davee of the Century Projector
Corp., was recently elected Councilman of
the Borough of Tenafly, New Jersey.
• Police tickets definitely not fixed ! ) Larry
also celebrated his birthday on March
28th and they served ice cream and choco-
late cake in his office.
Erwin G. Fredrick, Chicago theatre
architect, recently returned from a trip
throughout the middle states, in which he
inspected numerous of his new theatre
and remodeling projects now under con-
struction, as well as conferring with other
prospective clients.
Fred Matthews, sales director for Motio-
graph, Inc., Chicago, has returned from a
trip to the Southeast, made in the inter-
ests of dealers who are distributing the
new Motiograph AA projector.
Miss Vivian Harwell, head of Queen Fea-
ture Service, Inc., Birmingham, Ala., has
completed her 25th year in theatre supply
business. Starting in the business as a
stenographer, Miss Harwell has been
eminently successful in theatre supply
business.
B&K to Build New
House in Toledo. O.
A 2,500-seat modern theatre for the
downtown district of Toledo, Ohio, is being
planned by Balaban & Katz, present lessee-
operators of the Paramount and Princess
theatres. The B&K lease on the 3,600-seat
Paramount expires in June, 1948.
The new theatre, to be located at Jack-
son and Superior streets in downtown To-
ledo, is expected to be ready for opening
early next year. Plan perspectives of the
project will be published in a later issue
of The Modern Theatre.
Color Opens the Doors
Of Your House to All
Imaginative color in your theatre in-
terior costs no more and it’s by far the
most helpful tool of the limited budget.
Color alone can make the difference be-
tween a smart and an undistinguished
theatre interior.
Plan your color scheme to be house-wide,
to carry through from entrance lobby to
auditorium. Thus the eye will move easily,
smoothly from one room to another. Your
entire house will seem more spacious.
DISASTROUS FILM FIRES
—DON'T JUST HAPPEN!
• PREVENTS FILM DAMAGE
• PREVENTS FILM FIRE
PRO-TEX REEL BAND CO.
200 Film Bldg. Cleveland 14, Ohio
INDEX
OF ADVERTISING IN THE MODERN
THEATRE SECTION
Page
Adler Silhouette Letter Co 39
Altec Lansing Corporation 54
Alton Mlg. Co 43
A. H. Altschul Co., Inc. 33
American Mat Corp 40
American Pop Corn Co. 23
American Seating Company 53
Automatic Devices Co 52
Ballantyne Co., The 10
Bausch <5r Lomb Optical Co. 47
Bigelow-Sanford Carpet Co., Inc. 15
Century Projector Corporation 50
C. Cretors <5» Co.. 41
DeVry Corporation 51
Droll Theatre Supply 53
Ebco Manufacturing Co., The 38
Electroaire Corporation, The 42
Forest Mfg. Co. 52
Fort-A-Cide Corporation 36
General Electric Company 6
General Register Corporation 45
GoldE Manufacturing Co. 44
Goodall Fabrics, Inc 27
Heywood-Wakefield 39
Homstein, Joe, Inc. 54
Ideal Seating Company 42
International Projector Corp. Back Cover
Karagheusian, Inc. A. & M. 29
Kayline Company 33
Kollmorgen Optical Corporation 49
LaVezzi Machine Works 51
Lawrence Metal Products, Inc. 33
Manley, Inc. 19
Masland Duraleather Company. The 17
McColpin-Christie Corp. 42
Mohawk Carpet Mills, Inc 3
Motiograph, Inc 52
National Carbon Company. Inc. 4
National Super Service Co.. Inc. 33
National Theatre Supply 9. 43, 53
Owens-Coming Fiberglas 5
Poblocki <5 Sons Co., Ben B. 35, 44
Pro-Tex Reel Band Co. 54
RCA Victor Division 2, 31
RCA Service Company, Inc 48
Rauland Corporation 53
Robin, Inc., J. E. 48
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp. 53
Spencer Turbine Company, The 40
Sportservice. Inc. 41
Strong Electric Corporation 25, 44, 50
Switzer Brothers, Inc. 42
Thortel Fireproof Fabrics 23
Union Carbide <£ Carbon Corp. 4
U. S. Air Conditioning Corp. 37
United Wallpaper, Inc. 7
Varlar, Inc 7
Wagner Sign Service, Inc. 8
Wenzel Projector Company 49
West Disinfecting Company 38
54
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
SfLLine SEATS
Practical Ideas by Practical Showmen
On Merchandising the Motion Picture
Edited by HUGH E. FRAZE
WALTER READE CIRCUIT OPENS
PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGN
Punchboard Passes
Spur Popcorn Sales
OSAWATOMIE, KAS.— The film, “Lady
Luck,” gave T. J. Campbell, manager of the
Osawa Theatre here, an opportunity to cap-
italize on the take-a-chance attitude of the
theatregoing public. His exploitation was di-
rected at that angle and his patrons showed
decided interest and response.
Ten days prior to playdate, Campbell
erected a standee next to his popcorn machine.
Attached to it were two punchboards. Copy
read: “With every purchase of popcorn try
your luck and win a free pass to ‘Lady Luck.’ ”
Campbell reports an increase in popcorn sales
as well as many favorable comments.
On the weekend prior to playdate Camp-
bell put on a street bally that was a crowd
stopper. Three boys carried a card table and
a chair around the business district. They
stopped at each corner, dealt out poker hands
and invited some passerby to deal one for
himself. On the back of each boy was this
sign: “Are you lucky? Deal yourself a good
hand and receive a pass to ‘Lady Luck.’ ”
Good hands were three of a kind, four of a
kind and royal flush.
Barrage of Toy Balloons
Hails Spring Festival
CORAL GABLES, FLA.— The Gables and
the Coral theatres here will release hun-
dreds of toy balloons from a central spot
in the city. Each balloon recaptured is good
for a free kiddy admission while some will
contain passes for use by an adult. It’s all
a part of a Spring Festival of Hit Shows
promoted by Paramount Theatres. Dan
Boone is manager of the Gables Theatre
and Fred Pope of the Coral, both Paramount
units.
Cars Tagged for 'Jolson'
FREDONIA, KAS. — Manager R. C. Jacobi
of the Kansan, in his exploitation for “The
Jolson Story,” had shipping tags printed with
copy reading “Don’t Park Here but instead
park yourself in the Kansan Theatre and see
‘The Jolson Story.’ The tags were fitted With
strings and hung from the door handles of all
parked cars. This was done the weekend
preceding playdate.
Pet Shop Displays on ‘Badman'
The Gail Russell and puppy still was blown
up to 30x40 for window displays in pet shops
on “Angel and the Badman” at Loew’s State
at Providence, R. I.
NEW YORK — The Walter Reade circuit, operating 40 theatres in New Jersey and New
York, has inaugurated a far-reaching public relations campaign which will stress, through
advertising and active cooperation with local educational, commercial and religious leaders,
the importance of theatres, particularly Reade houses, in community life.
“The public relations campaign,” explained
Walter Reade jr. at a special meeting of
Reade managers and executives at the home
office here last week, “attacks a problem
which has led to much of the petty and major
legislation that has and still is being imposed
on the entire motion picture industry, and
especially on the individual theatre.”
A special department consisting of himself
as director, Jim Brady, Reade field man in
the Asbury Park, N. J„ area, and Stephen W.
Brener, director of advertising and publicity,
will work out the initial plans. Each employe
of the circuit will be called on to play a defi-
nite part in carrying out the project.
“Our plans will place the theatres in an
important light in community affairs by
making managers active in civic groups, the
theatres a place of meeting and information
and the entire Reade staff ready and willing
to cooperate in all local promotion,” Reade
said.
In each situation pastors and church lead-
ers of all denominations will be contacted by
the Reade city manager and asked to form a
committee to help prepare a special trailer
which will stress to theatre audiences the
spiritual value of attending places of worship
each Sabbath.
It was planned to launch at once news-
paper advertising and publicity in all Reade
situations relating what the theatre is doing
to help each town grow and prosper and em-
phasizing that the theatre always —
1. Offers the best dollar entertain-
ment value.
2. Is safe for children and adults.
3. Maintains a courteous and helpful
staff.
4. Is clean and comfortable.
5. Is a leader in community life and
action.
Other projected activities in the theatre-
community public relations campaign follow:
Local merchants and chambers of com-
merce will be called upon by the Reade field
force and offered numerous cooperative sell-
ing aids.
Reade theatre and city managers in each
situation will meet with the officers of all
local charities and organize a committee
whose duty will be to formulate an agreeable
system of distributing funds collected in
local theatres on a selected week each year.
Schools will be given the use of theatre
auditoriums for special shows for which the
theatre will donate the services of its em-
ployes.
All members of Reade Theatres staffs will
be briefed on what they specifically are to
do in cooperation with this organized cam-
paign.
In towns where there are other theatres
special committees of Reade city and dis-
trict managers will meet with the other thea-
tre operators and invite them to participate
and cooperate “in this important, and long-
needed theatre-community campaign.”
Birthday of Exhibitor s Daughter
Ties Bonds of Public Relations
MARENGO, IND. — An excellent ex-
ample of good public relations was
achieved here recently by Eddie Orn-
stein of Ornstein Theatres, which op-
erates several houses in this area.
All school principals, the local news-
paper and film companies joined Orn-
stein in holding a birthday celebration
for Ornstein’s 11-year-old daughter
Frances.
The birthday party was held in the
Rialto Theatre here to which every
child under 12 in the Marengo territory
was invited. The newspaper front-
paged the invitation. Even the prin-
cipals of the schools cooperated, dis-
missing classes early on the day of the
party and authorizing use of school
buses for transporting children to the
theatre.
Film companies help provide a pro-
gram of shorts representing all the
well-known cartoon characters.
Every child was presented a birthday
favor on entering and later refresh-
ments were served in the auditorium.
The party pleased the entire com-
munity so much that Ornstein may
make it an annual affair, with future
parties “on” the Ornstein family.
Ornstein firmly believes in keeping
his theatre names continually before
the public. Recently he distributed
match books listing the names of his
various houses.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 26, 1947
1
Price Consistency Held
Key to Kiddy Patronage
DETROIT— “You have to be consistent
with prices on shows for youngsters,” a
spokesman for United Detroit Theatres said,
in pointing out the reasons for the steady
patronage by younger patrons in local houses.
“Children have just so much to spend, and
any change in prices is going to upset their
personal budgets very seriously.”
That factor is the keynote of the success-
fully steady level maintained by Michigan and
Detroit theatres especially, when other parts
of the country are reporting steady drops in
juvenile attendance.
COMMON IN MOST THEATRES
The idea is common to most theatres in
the area, but may be exemplified best in the
UDT group because of their large number of
local houses in several run classes.
Prices are 12 or 14 cents in the neighbor-
borhood house, while the second runs charge
only 20 cents. These have not been raised
since way back in the depression days, with
the exception of the addition of the federal
revenue tax. Young patrons appreciate this
“holding the line” on prices when everything
else has gone up, and have kept on coming
to the shows in the same numbers.
Occasionally there are shows at higher
prices; particularly Saturday morning spe-
cial cartoon shows, when the kids get double
value on the screen, and an increase in ad-
mission is justified and advertised well in
advance, so that they will save up for it.
DROP UNSUITABLE FILMS
Another important policy around the De-
troit territory is the widespread substitution
of pictures when a Saturday booking includes
a film unsuitable for youngsters. Instead,
they are given a Roy Rogers, typically, or
some good western which will appeal to them.
The sophisticated type of film is just taken
out of the Saturday matinee schedule, so the
youngsters will have a chance to enjoy some-
thing that will appeal to them especially.
This emphasis on minimum prices, plus
special program changes aimed at the young
trade, has kept this fairly constant, while
operators elsewhere have complained that
the lack of young interest in films has jeop-
ardized the juvenile boxoffice.
Study Guide on 'Daughter'
NEW YORK — RKO is circulating its sales
force with copies of the school and discus-
sion guide to “The Farmer’s Daughter,” which
was distributed to 16,000 teachers of photo-
play appreciation, and other interested school
executives and motion picture chairmen of
clubs, through the Motion Picture Ass’n. The
guide is accompanied by a letter from Arthur
H. DeBra, director of MPA’s community serv-
ice department, in which he points out the
fact that “sometimes comedy accomplishes
the truth more poignantly than serious
drama.”
Free Dude Ranch Stay
NEW YORK — A lucky patron of the Re-
public Theatre during the run of “The Last
of the Mohicans” and “Kit Carson” will
spend a weekend at the Manitou dude ranch
at Garrison-on-the-Hudson as guest of the
theatre and Producers Releasing Corp. All
patrons were asked to drop their names
in a box in the lobby, and Sunday night the
person whose name was drawn was awarded
a weekend vacation at the Manitou ranch.
Mother's Day
Catchlines
Following are suggested catchlines for ads
and lobby displays for Mother’s day, May 11:
AS A PERFECT MOTHER’S DAY
TREAT!
We suggest the outstanding holiday show
at (your name) Theatre.
* -* +
MAKE MOTHER’S DAY COMPLETE!
Treat HER to one of these great holiday
shows.
-Jc
A GIFT EVERY WOMAN WILL
ENJOY!
Take HER to see one of these special
Mother’s day shows.
-K * *
FOR YOUR FIRST SWEETHEART!
These outstanding Mother’s day shows.
* * *
TODAY IS YOUR MOTHER’S DAY!
Remember all those shows she used to take
you to? Now’s your chance to treat her!
Postal on Dark Mirror
Set in Inverted Type
OSHAWA, ONT.— Mel Jolley, pilot of the
Marks Theatre here, had an idea on “The
Dark Mirror,” two ideas, in fact, and he
employed both to good advantage. First, he
printed up some penny post cards in reverse
plate, so that the prospective patron had to
hold the card up to a looking-glass to read
the message. He used the same plate on
some heralds.
Since the opposition had not yet played
"To Each His Own,” Jolley boomed Olivia de
Havilland, star of “Mirror,” as a 1946 Acad-
emy award winner, a statement that was
quite true.
SELLS KIDDY TICKETS— A clown
gag was used to stimulate advance ticket
sales for children’s shows at the B&K
Berwyn Theatre in Chicago. E. F. Vraney,
assistant manager, played clown, while
A. J. “Happy” Meininger, manager, for-
merly with Ringling Bros, circus a long
time, made the pitch in the lobby of the
theatre. The stunt went over very big.
Best-Kept Secrets
Win Radio Awards
CHICAGO — One of the most interesting
radio contests ever staged here in connection
with a motion picture campaign was a “Nora
Prentiss” Best-Kept Secret contest put on
for the film at the Roosevelt Theatre.
The stunt revolved around persons who
choose to or are obliged to lead secret lives,
or who desire to keep certain incidents of
their past a secret. Rules of the contest were
approved by the FCC and the Post Office
department, and the promotion was carried
out by June Merrill on her Fireside Thoughts
program over WENR.
For the best-kept secret sent to her each
night, Miss Merrill offered two tickets to
“Nora Prentiss.” The grand prize in the con-
test was a dinner at the Pump room and
tickets to both the picture and a legitimate
show.
The contest began three days before the
opening of the picture and ran two weeks. In
return for the cooperation from the radio
station, Bill Hollander of Balaban & Katz
not only set up a 40x60 announcement of the
contest in the theatre lobby, but also ran a
trailer reading: “Now that you have dis-
covered Nora Prentiss’ secret, enter the Nora
Prentiss Best-Kept Secret contest over sta-
tion WENR.”
Comic Carnival Fills Up
Peffley's House Twice
FREMONT, OHIO — An Easter cartoon
show billed as the Comic Carnival, consisting
of 12 cartoons and two comedies, went over
in a big way at the Paramount Theatre where
Dick Peffley is manager. The house was
filled twice, once at a morning matinee and
again at midnight.
Besides newspaper ads, Peffley used 50
special window cards here and in surround-
ing towns. A special trailer was run during
eight days in advance, and a display made
up of handed painted cartoon characters was
used in the lobby.
School children were sold by an arrange-
ment with the high school paper featuring a
misspelled word contest. This resulted in an
assist that could not be bought for money;
namely, use of a dialog over the school public
address system plugging the show. Students
provided the voices. The contest is run
regularly in the paper.
Incidentally, Peffly received larger results
than he anticipated— a baby named David
Marc was born to the Peffleys while he was
in the midst of the cartoon carnival.
How to Get a Gal Contest
For 'Way With Women'
OKLAHOMA CITY— In connection with
the showing of “That Way With Women,”
a letter-writing contest on how to get a gal
was staged by the Warner Theatre. The
contest was promoted in cooperation with
the Advertiser, a weekly. Contestants ad-
dressed Dane Clark with letters starting,
“You may have ‘That Way With Women’ but
I have four rules on how to get a gal that’ll
beat yours any day.” He then listed the rules.
Imprinted Napkins for "Secret"
WATERBURY, CONN. — For the showing
of “Her Sister’s Secret,” at the Strand, Man-
ager Paul Klinger had 5,000 napkins im-
printed and distributed to local stores, res-
taurants, soda shops, etc. He used a man
in Mardi Gras costume carrying a sandwich
sign on the street.
2
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 26, 1947
Putting the Picture
on Display
The elaborate front constructed for the Rivoli
Theatre in New York for the opening of “The
Farmer’s Daughter” included special, huge mon-
tages on the sides in addition to the gigantic
sheet extending across the top front.
Right : Ray Conner
of the Palace, New
York, dressed his box-
office like the rear end
of a covered wagon for
“Trail Street.”
“Bedelia” was “adopted” by a fraternity at
the University of Richmond, Va. Nine-foot
lobby piece of Margaret Lockwood was pre-
sented to the fraternity at appropriate cere-
monies, arranged by Fabian exploiteer Floyd
Stawhls and E-L field man, Max Miller.
Street ballyhoo above was
conceived by Mike Guttman,
manager of the Century,
Minneapolis, and Dorothy
Jensen of the Minnesota
Amusement staff.
Display set up by Rudy Koutnik at the
Wisconsin, Milwaukee, for “It Happened in
Brooklyn” featured a five-foot revolving rec-
ord and simultaneous playing of hit songs.
Cutouts of the stars were weighted and re-
mained upright when the disc turned.
Lobby displays on “California” were set up by M. D. “Babe”
Cohn of the Newman, Kansas City, with the air of J. S. Castle,
Paramount field man.
t'iC
Front hailing return of Gene Autry at the Royal, Enid, Okla.,
was designed by Roy T. Shield, Griffith partner, and executed by
his assistant, Russell Acker.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 26, 1947
3
Fishing Gag Street Bally Helps Sell
'Sin of Diddlebock' at Portland
PORTLAND, ORE. — Manager George Ack-
erman of J. J. Parker’s Broadway Theatre
hired a young man for a three-hour bally,
attired him in a fishing outfit, and then had
him hang his fishing pole over the curb on
a main business corner. A wide orange som-
brero worn by the mock fisherman helped to
attract crowds of persons around the stunt
man, who wore a sign reading:
“I’m crazy because I’m not at the Broadway
Theatre seeing ‘Sin of Harold Diddlebock.’ ”
Every downtown parking meter carried
placards reading: “You’ll need two hours to
laugh at Harold Lloyd in ‘The Sin of Harold
Diddlebock.’ ” Soda fountains and cocktail
bars also got into the act by advertising the
“Diddlebock Drink — one to a customer.” A
sticker was printed in advance with copy:
“Kilroy’s gone — but Diddlebock’s at the
Broadway.”
Three different styles of special heralds
were drawn up and distributed in the Multno-
mah and Benson hotels to each person at-
tending the meetings of the Advertising club,
the Real Estate club, Kiwanis, Lions club,
Executive club and the Junior Chamber of
Commerce. The heralds were in the form
of gag cartoons with copy crediting the thea-
tre and picture. On the room clerks’ desks
of all hotels, too, were planted cards reading:
“Notice! Mr. Diddlebock has checked out
and can now be found at the Broadway Thea-
tre.”
Special screenings, one, three, six and 24-
sheets, citywide store tieups, newspaper ads
and radio spots supplemented the campaign,
which obtained all-around results.
Courtesy Stunt on 'Framed'
SPRINGFIELD, ILL.— The Senate Theatre
here promoted a courtesy contest here for
“Framed.” The local Junior Chamber of
Commerce sponsored the contest and ob-
tained the cooperation of the local paper
and WTAX. A Jaycee “courtesy scout” for
two weeks chose a local waitress as winner
of the Glenn Ford-Janis Carter courtesy
award, a two-month pass to the Senate.
“The Macomber Affair” was kicked off with
a variety of stunts and all around campaigns
conducted for its five day-and-date first en-
gagements in Toledo, Indianapolis, Dayton,
Richmond and Norfolk, Va.
Manager Ted Teschner of Loew’s Valen-
tine in Toledo worked tieups with the public
library to feature jungle books with stills
from the picture, which deals with an African
locale. Ernest Hemingway’s books were fea-
tured in all Toledo book stores and many
window and floor displays were arranged in
leading stores featuring the wearing apparel
of Joan Bennett, Gregory Peck and Robert
Preston.
In Indianapolis, Manager Boyd Sparrow of
Loew’s, had a Man on the Street radio show
announcer question passersby on the prin-
cipals in the cast with passes going to win-
ning contestants.
Manager Bill Reisinger of Loew’s in Day-
ton arranged for 50 stores to carry displays
of Joan Bennett in connection with the na-
tional Kellogg Pep package promotion. Stills
from the picture were planted in all down-
M AILING PIECES IN DISPLAY—
An example of the use to which RKO
mailing pieces can be utilized for theatre
promotion is shown in the accompanying
photograph of a lobby display devised by
Miss Thresa Mehalovitz, who manages
the Chief Theatre in Pueblo, Colo. When
she received the set of “keys” RKO mailed
on “Notorious,” she filed them away for
future use and requested additional copies
from the RKO publicity field man. The
original set was made into the display
shown and several additional sets were
used to advantage, hanging in the lobby
and foyer for several weeks in advance.
Editorial in B&K Ad
CHICAGO — The Daily News recently wrote
its lead editorial, titled, “As We See It — Jol-
son Postscript” around A1 Jolson’s meteoric
comeback. William K. Hollander, advertis-
ing chief for the B&K circuit, prepared a
two-column ad, quoting three paragraphs
from the editorial, on “The Jolson Story,”
currently running at the B&K Apollo.
town Galaher drug stores tying in with the
Cashmere Beau cake makeup worn by Miss
Bennett.
Co-op newspaper pages featured Manager
Milton Kaufman’s campaign for Loew’s State
in Norfolk. The Pontiac agency ran a 20-
inch ad on Gregory Peck, and a laundry, de-
partment store and jeweler broke co-op ads
opening day. A singing contest on WRVA
from the stage on opening day drew a large
audience. Prizes ranging up to $100 were
offered by local merchants. A Miss Pinup
Girl of Norfolk contest was tied in with the
newspaper copy on the film.
Manager George Peters of Loew’s in Rich-
mond concentrated on radio, obtaining extra
spots free of charge on WMBG. A “Battle of
the Crooners” on WLEE gave gratis plugs for
the picture, while WRVA offered free stills of
the “Macomber” stars five days daily in ad-
vance and through opening to the best re-
plies from listeners of the Jukebox program.
Eddie Weaver, organist at Loew’s, whose pro-
gram recently opened on WRVA, helped by
broadcasting questions on the film. He of-
fered passes to winning contestants.
Civic Groups Invited
To Use His Theatre
DETROIT — An open invitation to any civic
group in suburban Hazel Park to use the
Hazel Park Theatre without charge was
issued by H. B. Gordon, new owner of the
house. Through the local paper, the Palla-
dium, he said the theatre would be avail-
able merely by making arrangements with
him. Gordon has launched a well-rounded
program to make the house a focal point in
the community. Considerable physical im-
provement has been made and pictures are
being heavily exploited. Gordon ran a series
of talent shows for which the top prize was
a watch promoted from a jewelry store and
he also played an indoor circus for three days.
Cooperative Advertising
Aids 'Red House' Date
SAN FRANCISCO— The campaign that
Robert N. Patton put on for “The Red House”
in his Uptown Theatre, Sonora, and the
Angels Theatre, Angels Camp, was simply a
press agent’s dream that came true. The
picture was filmed almost in its entirety in
and about the Sonora and Angels Camp.
The campaign consisted mainly of coop-
erative advertising with merchants who more
or less profited from the Lesser company’s
stay in the locality, together with a tiein
with the Sonora Motion Picture Ass’n, an
organization working closely with the Holly-
wood studios, furnishing necessary locations,
etc.
Patton points out that over 250 recent mo-
tion pictures have been made in and about
the Angels Camp and Sonora area. He states
that he sincerely believes that “any exhibitor
fortunate enough to have such a situation
with regard to production of motion pic-
tures available to him, can profit largely and
handsomely by using the local production
angle to great advantage. In these opera-
tions, business was up at least 300 per cent
due to the additional time and effort used
in the campaign. A total of 90 per cent of
all advertising was of the cooperative type
and added practically nothing to my budget.”
A Three-Day Radio Contest
On Oklahoma City 'Clouds'
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Criterion staged
a three-day contest on the Man About
Town radio program for “Till the Clouds
Roll By.” Ducats and five record albums
were offered to the listeners identifying
Kern songs.
Robert A “Bob” Hynes, manager, also used
a nine-foot cutout of a girl holding an um-
brella, which was lettered with the picture’s
title, on the ends of the marquee. The col-
ors were bright red, yellow and white. A one-
half hour musical program was used the
night before the opening in return for the
theatre’s allowing the station to use its leased
wire for another program from the street.
For ten days before the opening, the thea-
tre used the theme song over the public ad-
dress system during the intermissions with a
platter cut at the radio station.
Disc jockeys on four of the local radio sta-
tions played the records from the Metro
album for one week in advance.
Trucks were bannered, 80 spots on KOCY
and KTOK during a two-day period were
used, an ad in color was used in the news-
paper on opening day, front page art in the
Shopping News, city weekly was obtained;
about 600 sheets and window cards were
posted, ads were placed in eight surrounding
small community weekly papers, displays in
hotels and a drug store were used.
Variety in Macomber Campaigns
4
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 26, 1947
Feature productions, listed by company, in order of release. Num-
ber in square is national release date. Production number is at
right. Number in parentheses is running time, as furnished by home
office of distributor; checkup with local exchanges is recommended.
R — is review date. PG — is Picture Guide page number. Symbol
indicates BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Symbol ©
indicates color photography.
BOOKING CHART
1 JUNE 29
JULY 6
JULY 13
JULY 20
JULY 27
AUGUST 3
AUGUST 10
AUGUST 17
| |7] (06) Drams 7032
9 THE RETURN OF
RUSTY
Ted Donaldson
John Litel
Mark Dennis
Barbara Woodell
R— July 6— PO-733
\J] (66) Mystery 7027
THE UNKNOWN
Karen Morley
Jim Bannon
Jeff Donnell
R— July 6— PG-734
[ii] (54) Western 7209
THE DESERT HORSE-
MAN
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
Adele Roberts
R— July 13— PO-735
|K (67) Act-Mus 7223
COWBOY BLUES
Ken Curtis
Jeff Donnell
Hoosler Hotshots
Guy Kibbee
R— July 13— PG-736
|K (73) Musical 7033
SING WHILE YOU
DANCE
Ellen Drew
Robert Stanton
Andrew Tombes
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
[U (68) Comedy 7039
PERSONALITY KID
Anita Louise
Michael Duane
Ted Donaldson
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
|K (54) Western 7201
HEADING WEST
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
SPECIAL:
|T| (126) Drama 623
OTHE GREEN YEARS
Charles Cobum
Tom Drake
Beverly Tyler
Hume Cronyn
Dean Stockwell
R— Mar. 16— PG-705
Block 17
|K (97) Drama 625
BOYS’ RANCH
James Craig
"Butch” Jenkins
R— May 4— PG-720
SPECIAL:
|K (110) Drama 624
©EASY TO WED
Esther Williams
Van Johnson
R— Apr. 13— PG-714
[Kj (93) Drama 626
©COURAGE OF LASSIE
Lassie
Elizabeth Taylor
Frank Morgan
Tom Drake
R— May 11— PG-721
H[ (66) Western 574
TRAIL TO MEXICO
Jimmy Wakely
[6] (61) Sea-Dr 521
STRANGE VOYAGE
Eddie Albert
Elena Verdugo
[13] (63) Drama 530
SOUTH OF MONTEREY
Gilbert Roland
Frank Yaconelli
|K (65) Act-Com 511
BOWERY BOMBSHELL
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
[27] (64) Mys-Dr 518
SHADOWS OVER
CHINATOWN
Sidney Toler
Victor Sen Young
[3] (65) Act-Dr 520
BELOW THE DEADLINE
Warren Douglas
Ramsay Ames
R— Oct. 5— PG-755
[IK (67) Western 567
SHADOWS ON THE
RANGE
Johnny Mack Brown
|K (60) Mys-Dr 525
MISSING LADY
Kane Richmond
Barbara Reed
Block 5
m (67) Aetlon-Dr 4523
HOT CARGO
William Gargan
Jean Rogers
1 Philip Reed
R— Mar. 16— PG-705
Block 5
[|] (122) Rom-Dr 4524
TO EACH HIS OWN
Olivia de HavUland
John Lund
Mary Anderson
Phillip Terry
Bill Goodwin
R— Mar. 16— PG-706
Block 6
|K (107) Aet-Dr 4526
O.S.S.
Alan Ladd
Geraldine Fitzgerald
R— May 11— PG-721
Block 6
|T| (107) Drama 4527
THE SEARCHING WIND
Robert Young
Sylvia Sidney
R— May 11— PG-722
|3o] (70) Drama
©COLORADO
SERENADE
Eddie Dean
A1 La Rue
R— July 6 — PG-733
|K <68) Mys-Dr
LARCENY IN HER
HEART
Hugh Beaumont
Cheryl Walker
R— May 25— PG-725
[17] (55) Western
PRAIRIE BADMEN
Buster Crabbe
A1 "Fuzzy” St. John
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
|K (67) Drama
QUEEN OF BURLESQUE
Evelyn Ankers
Carlton Young
R— July 6— PG-733
IK (55) Drama
TERRORS ON
HORSEBACK
Buster Crabbe
R— Apr. 27— PG-717
|K (75) Drama
DOWN MISSOURI WAY
Martha O’Driscoll
R— July 13— PG-736
|K ( . . ) Drama
SECRETS OF A
SORORITY GIRL
Rick Vallln
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
SPECIAL:
(95) Drama 683
THE STRANGER
Edward G. Robinson
Loretta Young
Orson Welles
R— May 25— PO-726
Group 6
(105) Drama 626
TILL THE END OF
TIME
Dorothy McGuire
Guy Madison
Robert Mitchum
Bill Williams
R— June 15— PG-730
Group 6
(68) Musical 630
THE BAMBOO BLONDE
Frances Langford
Ralph Edwards
Russell Wade
R— June 22— PG-732
|K (66) M’drama 522
TRAFFIC IN CRIME
Kane Richmond
Anne Nagel
Adele Mara
[si (60) Drama 524
SPECTER OF THE ROSE
Judith Anderson
Michael Chekhov
R— May 25— PG-726
|K (61) M’dr-Mus 523
NIGHT TRAIN TO
MEMPHIS
Roy Acuff
Allan Lane
|K (79) Outdr-Mus 5541
MY PAL TRIGGER
Roy Rogers
R— July 6— PG-734
|K (66) Western 568
CONQUEST OF
CHEYENNE
Bill Elliott
Bobby Blake
Alice Fleming
|K (89) Comedy 525
RENDEZVOUS WITH
ANNIE
Eddie Albert
Faye Marlowe
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
|K (55) Western 557
RED RIVER
RENEGADES
[7] (57) M’drama 526
THE INNER CIRCLE
Adele Mara
Warren Douglas
William Frawley
H] (07) M’drama 527
THE LAST CROOKED
MILE
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
|K (69) Com-Dr 528
G.l. WAR BRIDES
Anna Lee
James Ellison
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
(87) Drama 631
©SMOKY
Fred MacMurray
Anne Baxter
Bruce Cabot
J. Farrell MacDonald
R— June 22— PG-732
(70) Comedy 632
IT SHOULDN’T HAPPEN
TO A DOG
Carole Landis
Allyn Joslyn
Henry Morgan
Margo Wood
R— June 8 — PG-728
(102) Drama 633
©CENTENNIAL
SUMMER
Jeanne Crain
Cornel Wilde
Linda Darnell
William Eythe
R— June 8— PG-728
(128) Drama 634
OANNA AND THE
KING OF SIAM
Irene Dunne
Rex Harrison
Linda Darnell
R— June 8— PG-727
(65) Drama 635
DEADLINE FOR
MURDER
Paul Kelly
Kent Taylor
Sheila Ryan
Jerome Cowan
R — June 22 — PO-732
|K (100) M’drama
A SCANDAL IN PARIS
George Sanders
Signe Hasso
Carole Landis
R — July 20— PG-738
[2] (84) M’drama
MR. ACE
George Raft
Sylvia Sidney
Sid Silvers
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
SPECIAL:
|K (126) Drama
©CAESAR AND
CLEOPATRA
Vivien Leigh
Claude Rains
Stewart Granger
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
|K (66) Drama 537
INSIDE JOB
Ann Rutherford
Alan Curtis
Preston Foster
R— June 22— PG-731
[K] (76) Drama 538
HER ADVENTUROUS
NIGHT
Dennis O’Keefe i
Helen Walker
Tom Powers
R— July 6— PG-733
|K (60) Drama 539
DANGER WOMAN
Brenda Joyce
Don Porter
Milburn Stone
R— July 13— PG-736
IK (69) Drama 540
THE DARK HORSE
Phillip Terry
Ann Savage
Allen Jenkins
R— July 20— PG-738
IK (92) Drama 541
©CANYON PASSAGE
Dana Andrews
Brian Donlevy
R— July 27— PG-740
|K (61) Musical 542
CUBAN PETE
Desi Arnaz
R— July 27— PG-739
[|] (80) Drama 543
THE BLACK ANGEL
Dan Duryea
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
[2] (63) Drama 544
SLIGHTLY
SCANDALOUS
Fred Brady
Paula Drew
fK| (61) Drama 545
WILD BEAUTY
Don Porter
Lois Collier
Jacqueline De Wit
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
|K (82) Comedy 546
THE TIME OF THEIR
LIVES
Abbott and Costello
Binnie Barnes
Jess Barker
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
•
|~6~| (107) Drama 521
A STOLEN LIFE
Bette Davis
Glenn Ford
Dane Clark
Walter Brennan
Charlie Buggies
R— May 4— PG-719
|K (105) Drama 522
OF HUMAN BONDAGE
Paul Henreid
Eleanor Parker
Alexis Smith
Edmund Gwenn
Janis Paige
R— July 6— PG-734
|T| (128) Drama 523
©NIGHT AND DAY
Cary Grant
Alexis Smith
Monty Woolley
Mary Martin
R— July 13— PG-736
IK (90) Drama 524
TWO GUYS FROM
MILWAUKEE
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Joan Leslie
Janis Paige
S. Z. Sakall
Patti Brady
R— July 27— PG-739
S
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser April 26, 1947
RKO RADIO REPUBLIC 20TH-F0X UNITED ARTIST* UNIVERSAL TWARNER-
UNIVERSAL UNITED ARTISTS 20TH-F0X REPUBLIC RKO RADIO
r AUGUST 24
AUGUST 31
SEPTEMBER 7
SEPTEMBER 14
SEPTEMBER 21
SEPTEMBER 28
OCTOBER 5
OCTOBER 12
[12I (63) Comedy 7038
IT'S GREAT TO BE
YOUNG
Leslie Brooks
R— Sept. 7— PG-749
[12] (69) Western 7224
SINGING ON THE
TRAIL
Ken Curtis
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
|U (68) Drama 7002
GALLANT JOURNEY
Glenn Ford
Janet Blair
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
HU (70) M’Dr-Mys 7041
SHADOWED
Anita Louise
R— Oct. 5 — PG-756
HU (91) Musical 7006
THE THRILL OF
BRAZIL
Evelyn Keyes
Keenan Wynn
Ann Miller
Allyn Joslyn
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
[10] (71) Psych-Dr 805
SO DARK THE NIGHT
Steven Geray
Micheline Cheirel
Eugene Borden
Ann Codee
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
p (81) Drama 627
FAITHFUL IN MY
FASHION
Tom Drake
Donna Reed
R— June 15— PC-729
|2§] (92) Drama 628
C5THREE WISE FOOLS
Margaret O’Brien
Lionel Barrymore
Lewis Stone
Edward Arnold
Thomas Mitchell
R— June 15— PG-730
HU (127) Mus-Com 701
©HOLIDAY IN MEXICO
Walter Pidgeon
Jane Powell
Ilona Massey
Jose Iturbl
R— July 27— PO-740
(81) Comedy-Dr 703
THE COCKEYED
MIRACLE
Frank Morgan
Keenan Wynn
Audrey Totter
li— July 20— PG-737
|24j (68) Comedy 512
SPOOK BUSTERS
Leo Gorcey
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
Billy Benedict
David Gorcey
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
[7] (74) Com-Mus 517
HIGH SCHOOL HERO
Freddie Stewart
June Preisser
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
|H] (78) Mys-Dr 601
DECOY
Edward Norris
Jean Gillie
R. Armstrong
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
HU (64) Western 568
TRIGGER FINGERS
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
[5] (72) Act-Dr 602
GENTLEMAN JOE
PALOOKA
Joe Kirkwood jr.
Elyse Knox
Leon Errol
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
UU (66) Mys-Dr 603
DANGEROUS MONEY
Sidney Toler
Gloria Warren
Victor Sen Young
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
SPECIAL:
|3p| (93) Comedy 4532
MONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE
Bob Hope
Joan Caulfield
R— May 11— PG-721
Block 6
[|] (69) Act-Dr 4528
SWAMP FIRE
Johnny Weissmuller
Buster Crabbe
Block 6
[13] (117) Drama 4529
THE STRANGE LOVE
OF MARTHA IVERS
Barbara Stanwyck
Van Heflin
Lizabeth Scott
R— Mar. 16— PG-706
Reissue R5-3624
(113) Outdr-Drama
THE PLAINSMAN
Gary Cooper
Jean Arthur
Reissue R5-3620
(84) Adven-Drama
JUNGLE PRINCESS
Dorothy Lamour
Ray Milland
[21] (54) Act-West
OVERLAND RIDERS
Buster Crabbe
A1 "Fuzzy” St. John
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
H|] (68) Mys-Dr
BLONDE FOR A DAY
Hugh Beaumont
Kathryn Adams
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
f~2~] (56) Drama
STRANGE HOLIDAY
Claude Rains
R— Nov. 9 — PG-764
•
|23] (86) Drama SP71
HER SISTER’S
SECRET
Nancy Coleman
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
HU (56) Act-West
OUTLAW OF THE
PLAINS
Buster Crabbe
|T| (55) Outdr-Mus 741
DRIFTIN’ RIVER
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
|T| (58) Drama 714
THE BRUTE MAN
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
SPECIAL:
(103) Drama 761
NOTORIOUS
Ingrid Bergman
Cary Grant
Claude Rains
Louis Calhern
R— July 27— PG-739
Group 6
(93) Drama 627
CRACK-UP
Pat O’Brien
Claire Trevor
Herbert Marshall
R— June 15— PG-729
Group 1
(61) Drama 703
STEP BY STEP
Lawrence Tierney
Anne Jeffreys
Lowell Gilmore
R— July 20 — PG-737
Group 1
(59) Western 704
SUNSET PASS
James Warren
Nan Leslie
John Laurenz
Jane Greer
R— July 20— PG-738
Group 1
(97) Comedy 702
LADY LUCK
Robert Young
Barbara Hale
Frank Morgan
R— July 27— PG-739
Group 1
(116) Drama 701
tysSISTER KENNY
Rosalind Russell
Alexander Knox
Dean Jagger
R— July 20— PG-738
Group 1
(68) Drama 705
GREAT DAY
Eric Portman
Flora Robson
R— July 20— PG-737
[19] (57) Mys-Dr 529
THE INVISIBLE
INFORMER
Linda Stirling
William Henry
Gerald Mohr
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
HU (69) West-Mus 541
UNDER NEVADA SKIES
Roy Rogers
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
|~3] (56) Mystery 531
THE MYSTERIOUS MR.
VALENTINE
William Henry
Linda Stirling
[il (56) Western 558
RIO GRANDE RAIDERS
Sunset Carson
[iil (68) Outdr-Mus 542
ROLL ON TEXAS
MOON
Roy Rogers
Dale Evans
R— Sept. 28— PO-754
(74) Drama 636
BLACK BEAUTY
Mona Freeman
Richard Denning
Evelyn Ankers
R— July 20— PG-737
(78) Drama 637
CLAUDIA AND DAVID
Dorothy McGuire
Robert Young
Mary Astor
John Sutton
Gail Patrick
R— July 27— PG-740
(78) Musical 638
IF I’M LUCKY
Vivian Blaine
Perry Como
Harry James
Carmen Miranda
Phil Silvers
R— Sept. 7— PG-750
Reissue
(86) Musical 641
SUN VALLEY
SERENADE
Sonja Henie
John Payne
Milton Berle
Glenn MiUer & Orcb.
Joan Davis
(90) Musical 639
©THREE LITTLE GIRLS
IN BLUE
June Haver
George Montgomery
Vivian Blaine
Celeste Holm
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
(90) Drama 640
HOME SWEET
HOMICIDE
Peggy Ann Garner
Randolph Scott
Lynn Bari
Dean Stockwell
R— July 27— PG-740
[~6~| (98) Comedy
THE BACHELOR’S
DAUGHTERS
Gail RusseU
Claire Trevor
Adolphe Menjou
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
[20I (101) M’drama
ANGEL OS MY
SHOULDER
Paul Muni
Anne Baiter
R— Sept. 28— PO-754
|u) (57) Comedy
LITTLE IODINE
Jo Ann Marlowe
Eve Whitney
Marc Cramer
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
[22I (76) Drama 547
DEAD OF NIGHT
Merryn Johns
Roland Culver
Frederick Valk
R— July 6— PG-734
[30] (102) Drama 548
THE KILLERS
Burt Lancaster
Ava Gardner
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
HU (61) Drama 549
LITTLE MISS BIG
Beverly Simmons
R— Sept. 7 — PG-750
HU (74) Drama 550
WHITE TIE AND
TAILS
Dan Duryea
Ella Raines
William Bendlx
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
!U (108) Drama 1065
THEY WERE SISTERS
Phyllis Calvert
James Mason
Hugh Sinclair
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
|3l| (114) Drama 601
THE BIG SLEEP
Humphrey Bogart
Lauren Bacall
Martha Vickers
Dorothy Malone
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
5U (78) Drama 602
SHADOW OF A WOMAN
Andrea King
Helmut Dantine
William Prince
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
HU (106) Drama 603
CLOAK AND DAGGER
Gary Cooper
Robert Alda
Lilli Palmer
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
HU (100) Drama 604
NOBODY LIVES
FOREVER
John Garfield
Geraldine Fitzgerald
Walter Brennan
Faye Emerson
R— Oct. 5— PG-755
(57) Mus (New Rel)
(30) M-Rev (New Rel)
(10) Mus (New Rel)
(89) Reissue
(100) Drama Reissue
(55) M-Dr (New Rel)
BEWARE
EBONY PARADE
(1 Reel Spec)
JIMMY STEPS OUT
SCARFACE
STAIRWAY FOR A STAR
Louis Jordan
Cab Calloway
HERE’S RICHARD'S
Jimmy Stewart
Paul Muni
Cornel Wilde
O
Valerie Black
Count Basie
ANSWER
(83) Drama Reissue
George Raft
H
Mills Bros.
Stepin Fetchlt
LITTLE MEN
(48) Mus (New Rel)
co
(68) Drama Reissue
(86) Mus-Dr Reissue
TALL, TAN AND
Kf*
COURAGEOUS
(72) Comedy Reissue
(57) M-Dr (New Rel)
SECOND CHORUS
TERRIFIC
DR. CHRISTIAN
FLYING DEUCES
HOLLYWOOD BOUND
(86) Drama Reissue
Paulette Goddard
Mantan Moreland
Jean Hersholt
Laurel and Hardy
Betty Grable
ONE ROMANTIC NIGHT
Ilona Massey
Fred Astaire
Francine Everett
(50) M-Dr (New Rel)
THAT MAN OF MINE
Harrel Tillman
Ruby Dee
Anna Mae Winbum
(58) O’d-Dr (New Rel)
WHITE STALLION
Eddie Dean
6
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : April 26, 1947
OCTOBER 19 1 OCTOBER 26
NOVEMBER 2
NOVEMBER 9
NOVEMBER 16
NOVEMBER 23]
NOVEMBER 30
[It] (69) Comedy 806
BLOND IE KNOWS BEST
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
R— Oct. 5— PG-755
|ff] (53) Western 861
LANDRUSH
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
|5] (61) Mystery 816
CRIME DOCTOR’S
MANHUNT
Warner Baxter
Ellen Drew
William Frawley
Frank Sully
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
[7] (65) Mystery SIS
SECRET OF THE
WHISTLER
Richard Dix
Leslie Brooks
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
[21] (55) Western 862
TERROR TRAIL
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
R— Nov. 9— PG-764
HU (72) Musical 824
BETTY CO-ED
Jean Porter
Shirley Mills
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
(117) Musical 704
NO LEAVE, NO LOVE
Van Johnson
Keenan Wynn
Pat Kirkwood
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
Reissue
(84) Drama 705
RAGE IN HEAVEN
Robert Montgomery
Ingrid Bergman
George Sanders
(115) Drama 707
UNDERCURRENT
Katharine Hepburn
Robert Taylor
Robert Mitchum
R— Oct. 5— PG-756
(93) Drama 706
TWO SMART PEOPLE
Lucille Ball
John Hodiak
R— June 15— PG-730
[Y| (73) Drama 605
WIFE WANTED
Kay Francis
Paul Cavanagh
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
[9] (71) Outdr-Mus 531
BEAUTY AND THE
BANDIT
Gilbert Roland
Ramsay Ames
Frank Yaconelli
[lej (55) Western 563
SILVER RANGE
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
[23] (68) Comedy 604
BRINGING UP FATHER
Joe Yule
Renie Riano
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
[30] (68) Mystery 607
THE TRAP
Sidney Toler
Manton Moreland
Victor Sen Young
R— Jan 11— PG-779
HU (98) Sea Drama 4601
TWO YEARS BEFORE
THE MAST
Alan Ladd
William Bendix
Brian Donlevy
Barry Fitzgerald
Howard da Silva
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
[28| (68) Drama
GAS HOUSE KIDS
Billy Halop
Robert Lowery
Teala Loring
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
[5] (78) Drama
DON RICARDO
RETURNS
Fred Coby
HU (57) Western 743
STARS OVER TEXAS
Eddie Dean
Roscoe Ates
Shirley Patterson
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
HU (74) Drama
LADY CHASER
Robert Lowery
Ann Savage
Group 2
(62) Drama 709
CRIMINAL COURT
Tom Conway
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
HU (62) Com-Cbiller
GENIUS AT WORK
Wally Brown
Alan Carney
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
Group 2
(62) Drama 708
CHILD OF DIVORCE
Sharyn Moffett
Regis Toomey
Madge Meredith
Una O’Connor
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
•
Group 2
(87) Drama 706
NOCTURNE
George Raft
Lynn Bari
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
[21] (172) Drama 751
THE BEST YEARS OF
OUR LIVES
Myrna Loy
Fredric March
Dana Andrews
Teresa Wright
Virginia Mayo
R— Dee. 7— PG-769
HU (95) Mus-Dr 791
i|©S0NG OF THE
SOUTH
Bobby Driscoll
Luana Patten
Ruth Warrick
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
•
PH] (72) Special 5542
HOME IN OKLAHOMA
Roy Rogers
George "Gabby” Hayes
Dale Evans
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
[15] (56) Western 661
SANTA FE UPRISING
Allan Lane
Bobby Blake
HU (82) Drama 532
PLAINSMAN AND THE
LADY
William "Bill” Elliott
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
HU (68) Com-Mus 603
AFFAIRS OF
GERALDINE
Jane Withers
R— Nov. 30— PG-768
HU (69) Outdr-Mus 681
SIOUX CITY SUE
Gene Autry
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
Reissue
(84) Drama 642
THE BOWERY
Wallace Beery
George Raft
Jackie Cooper
Fay Wray
(91) Drama 644
WANTED FOR MURDER
Eric Portman
Dulcie Gray
Derek Farr
Roland Culver
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
(97) Drama 645
MY DARLING
CLEMENTINE
Henry Fonda
Linda Darnell
Victor Mature
Walter Brennan
Tim Holt
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
(94) Drama 646
©MARGIE
Jeanne Crain
Glenn Langan
Lynn Bari
Alan Young
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
HU (101) Drama
STRANGE WOMAN
Hedy Lamarr
George Sanders
Louis Hayward
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
HU (65) Western
THE DEVIL’S
PLAYGROUND
William Boyd
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
H|] (86) Drama
THE CHASE
Robert Cummings
Michele Morgan
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
(85) Drama 601
THE DARK MIRROR
Olivia de Havilland
Lew Ayres
Thomas Mitchell
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
Q] (108) Corn-Dr 1066
NOTORIOUS
GENTLEMAN
Rex Harrison
Lilli Palmer
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
(95) Drama 602
MAGNIFICENT DOLL
Ginger Rogers
Burgess Meredith
David Niven
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
H] (112) Drama 605
DECEPTION
Bette Davis
Paul Henreid
Claude Rains
R— Oct. 19— PG-780
[9] (97) Drama 606
NEVER SAY GOODBYE
Errol Flynn
Eleanor Parker
Lucile Watson
S. Z. Sakall
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
HU (86) Drama 607
THE VERDICT
Sydney Greenstreet
Peter Lorre
Joan Lorring
George Coulouris
Rosalind Ivan
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
DECEMBER 7
pf] (63) Act-Coin 6081
MR. HEX
Leo Gorcey
Huntz Hall
It— Dec. 21— PG-773
[T| (73) Outdr-Mus 7061
©WILD WEST
Eddie Dean
A1 La Rue
Robert “Buzzy” Henry
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
Outdr 5503 1
ID (67)
©OUT CALIFORNIA
WAY
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
[D (117) Drama 6011
©I’VE ALWAYS LOVED I
YOU
Catherine McLeod
R— Sept. 7— PG-749
(92) Mus-Fant
©WAKE UP AND
DREAM
June Haver
John Payne
Charlotte Greenwood
Connie Marshall
R— Nov. 30— PG-768
649
Reissues:
[7] (127) Drama 608!
KINGS ROW
Ann Sheridan
Ronald Reagan
pf] (72) M’drama 6091
WILD BILL HICKOK
RIDES
Bruce Cabot
Constance Bennett
C/3
U
(101) Drama Reissue
(80) Mus-Com Reissue
( . . ) Musical Reissue
(107) Drama Reissue
(109 Drama Reissue
(83) Drama Reissue
(104) Drama Reissue
DODSWORTH
PALMY DAYS
ROMAN SCANDALS
STELLA DALLAS
THE THIEF OF
WEDDING NIGHT
WITHERING HEIGHTS
Walter Huston
Eddie Cantor
Eddie Cantor
Barbara Stanwyck
BAGDAD
Gary Cooper
Laurence Olivier
C/3
David Niven
George Raft
Ruth Etting
John Boles
Sabu
Ralph Bellamy
Merle Oberon
C/3
<
John Payne
(109) Drama
(81) Reissue
THE RETURN OF THE
(98) Drama Reissue
(100) Musical Reissue
STRIKE ME PINK
Conrad Veidt
June Duprez
(102) Western Reissue
THE WESTERNER
(71) Comedy Reissue
i-J
O
NORTH STAR
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Eddie Cantor
Gary Cooper
WOMAN CHASES MAN
Anne Baxter
Barry Barnes
Merle Oberon
Brian Donlevy
THE UNHOLY GARDEN
Walter Brennan
Joel McCrea
Dana Andrews
James Mason
Leslie Howard
Ethel Merman
Ronald Colman
Dana Andrews
Miriam Hopkins
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 26, 1947
7
RKO RADIO REPUBLIC 20TH-F0X UNITED ARTISTS UNIVERSAL TWARNER-
UNIVERSAL UNITED ARTISTS 20TH-F0X REPUBLIC RKO RADIO
DECEMBER 14 DECEMBER 21
[12] (69) Mystery 822
BOSTON BLACKIE AND
THE LAW
Chester Morris
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
[l2| (68) West-Mus 854
LONE STAR
MOONLIGHT
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
(97) Drama 709
THE SECRET HEART
Claudette Colbert
Walter Pidgeon
June Allyson
Robert Sterling
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
Reissue:
fi7| (67) Western 612
SILVER STALLION
David Sharpe
Leroy Mason
[51 (65) Comedy
SUSIE STEPS OUT
Cleatus Caldwell
David Bruce
Nlta Hunter
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
(98) Drama
TEMPTATION
Merle Oberon
George Brent
Charles Korvin
Paul Lukas
R— Nov. 2 — PG-761
604
[19] (61) Western 863
THE FIGHTING
FRONTIERSMAN
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
[19] (69) M’drama 828
ALIAS MR. TWILIGHT
Michael Duane
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
DECEMBER 28 I JANUARY 4
|i] (83) Comedy 708
THE SHOW-OFF
Red Skelton
Marilyn Maxwell
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
(76) Dr-Mus 606
SWEETHEART OF
SIGMA CHI
Elyse Knox
Phil Brito
Phil Regan
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
|5 (132) Com-Dr 781
IT'S A WONDERFUL
LIFE
James Stewart
Donna Reed
Lionel Barrymore
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
(71) Dr-Com 604
FABULOUS SUZANNE
Barbara Britton
Rudy Vallee
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
(70) Outdr-Mus 543
HELDORADO
Roy Rogers
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
(69) Drama 648
DANGEROUS MILLIONS
Kent Taylor
Dona Drake
Tala Birell
James Tinling
Leonard Strong
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
Eel (64) Mus-Com 804
SINGIN’ IN THE CORN
Judy Canova
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
m (91) Mel’drama 829
THE RETURN OF
MONTE CRISTO
Louis Hayward
R— Nov. 30— PO-767
H] (55) Outdr-Mui 681
SONG OF THE SIERRAS
Jimmy Wakely
Lee “Lasses" White
Jean Carlin
|5 (104) Musical 4602
UOBLUE SKIES
Bing Crosby
Fred Astaire
Joan Caulfield
Billy De Wolfe
Olga San Juan
R— Sept. 28— PG-764
Group 3
(62) Drama
DICK TRACY VS.
CUEBALL
Morgan Conway
Anne Jeffreys
Lyle LateU
R— Nos. 9— PO-764
714
(95) Drama 533
THAT BRENNAN GIRL
R— Dec. 14 — PG-772
E5 (56) Western 662
STAGECOACH TO
DENVER
Allan Lane
Bobby Blake
R— Jan. 11— PO-780
(96) Com-Dr
ABIES IRISH ROSE
Joanne Dru
Richard Norris
R— Nov. 30— PO-767
§§ (105) Musical 610
©THE TIME.THE PLACE
AND THE GIRL
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Janis Paige
Martha Vickers
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
(135) Mus-Dr 71
©TILL THE CLOUDS
ROLL BY
Robert Walker
Van Heflin
Lucille Bremer
Van Johnson
Judy Garland
R— Nov. 23— PO-765
GINGER
Frank Albertson
Barbara Reed
Johnny Calkins
R— Apr. 19— PG-812
Group 3
(81) Drama
THE FALCON'S
ADVENTURE
Tom Conway
Madge Meredith
Edward 8. Brophy
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
715
(95) Drama 70
13 RUE MADELEINE
James Cagney
Annabella
Richard Conte
Walter Abel
Frank Latlmore
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
JANUARY 11
JANUARY 18
pTl (69) Comedy 807
BLONDIE'S BIG
MOMENT
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
Larry Simms
Marjorie Kent
Anita Louise
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
[lei (69) Mystery 823
LONE WOLF IN MEXICO
Gerald Mobr
Shirley Ryan
Jacqueline De Wit
Eric Blore
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
3 (99) Drama 702
©GALLANT BESS
Marshall Thompson
George Tobias
Clem Bevans
Donald Curtis
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
|i7[ (85) Drama 711
THE MIGHTY McGURK
Wallace Beery
Dean Stockwell
Edward Arnold
Aline MacMabon
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
? HU (61) Cisco Kid 610
RIDING THE
CALIFORNIA TRAIL
GUbert Roland
Inez Cooper
Frank YaconellJ
[i8l (58) Western 568
RAIDERS OF THE
SOUTH
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Reno Blair
[10) (83) Comedy 4603
CROSS MY HEART
Betty Hutton
Sonny Tufts
Michael Chekhov
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
[10] (74) Drama
LIGHTHOUSE
John Litel
June Lang
Don Castle
Marian Martin
|i2| (66) Drama 705
BORN TO SPEED
R— Jan. 25— PO-783
|T5 (57) Western 744
WILD COUNTRY
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
[15] (63) Comedy
IT’S A JOKE, SON
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
Group 3
(60) Comedy 713
VACATION IN RENO
Jack Haley
Anne Jeffreys
Wally Brown
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
Group 3
(66) Melodrama 712
SAN QUENTIN
Lawrence Tierney
Barton MacLane
Marian Carr
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
Re-Releases
( . . ) Drama 704
LES MISERABLES
Fredric March
Charles Laughton
(101) Drama 705
STANLEY AND
LIVINGSTONE
Spencer Tracy
Richard Greene
(146) Drama 701
THE RAZOR’S EDGE
Tyrone Power
Gene Tierney
John Payne
Clifton Webb
Anne Baxter
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
(86) Drama 606
SWELL GUY
Sonny Tufts
Ann Blyth
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
(93) Drama 607
I’LL BE YOURS
Deanna Durbin
Tom Drake
William Bendlx
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
[ill (96) Drama-Mus 611
THE MAN 1 LOVE
Ida Lupino
Robert Alda
Andrea King
Bruce Bennett
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
JANUARY 25 FEBRUARY 1
(128) Mus-Dr 831
©tJTHE JOLSON STORY
Larry Parks
Evelyn Keyes
William Demarest
Bill Goodwin
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
(103) Mystery 712
LADY IN THE LAKE
Robert Montgomery
Audrey Totter
Lloyd Nolan
R— Nov. 30— PG-776
(68) Teen-Ager 611
VACATION DAYS
June Preisser
Freddie Stewart
Frankie Darro
R— Apr. 5— PG-808
(87) Rom-Com 4604
THE PERFECT
MARRIAGE
Loretta Young
David Niven
Eddie Albert
Virginia Field
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
Group 3
(85) Drama
THE LOCKET
Laraine Day
Brian Aherne
Robert Mitchum
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
711
(67) Comedy 602
THE PILGRIM LADY
Lynne Roberts
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
| (67) Western 682
RAIL TO SAN
ANTONE
ene Autry
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
(85) Mus-Com 703
(THE SHOCKING
MISS PILGRIM
etty Qrable
Dick Haymes
(98) Drama 605
(125) Dra-Mus 612
HUMORESQUE
[30] (58) Western
SOUTH OF THE
CHISHOLM TRAIL
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
Nancy Saunders
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
EAGLE-LION
[29) (95) Drama 101
BEDELIA
Margaret Lockwood
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
|5 (88) Musical 607
CALENDAR GIRL
Jane Frazee
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
[T| (67) Western 5504
©LAST FRONTIER
UPRISING
Monte Hale
Adrian Booth
(88) Mystery
BOOMERANG
Dana Andrews
Jane Wyatt
Lee Cobb
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
706
[T] (63) Western
FOOL’S GOLD
William Boyd
Andy Clyde
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
(62) Outdoor Drama
©GOD’S COUNTRY
Robert Lowery
Helen Gilbert
R— June 22— PG-732
8/15 (72) Out-Dr 4604
©DEATH VALLEY
Robert Lowery
R— Dec. 14— PO-771
8/15 (75) Drama 4605
FLIGHT TO NOWHERE
Evelyn Ankers
Alan Curtis
10/15 (41) Out-Dr 4606
’NEATH CANADIAN
SKIES
Russell Hayden
Inez Cooper
11/1 (71) Drama 4607
ROLLING HOME
Jean Parker
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
11/15 (46) Outdr 4610
NORTH OF THE
BORDER
Russell Hayden
12/1 (60) Drama 4609
MY DOG SHEP
Tom Neal
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
12/25 (65) Drama 4612
RENEGADE GIRL
Ann Savage
R— Feb. 8— PG-787
1/15 (62) Drama 4611
QUEEN OF THE
AMAZONS
Robert Lowery
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
2/1 (65) Drama 4608
©SCARED TO DEATH
Bela Lugosi
Joyce Compton
2/15 (70) O’dr-Dr 4613
BUFFALO BILL
RIDES AGAIN
Richard Arlen
R— Apr. 5— PG-807
3/15 (65) Drama 4615
SHOOT TO KILL
Russell Wade
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
8
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 26, 1947
FEBRUARY 8
FEBRUARY 15 | FEBRUARY 22 MARCH 1
MARCH 8
MARCH 15
MARCH 22
MARCH 29
[6] (73) Myst-Dr
BLIND SPOT
Chester Morris
Constance Dowling
Steven Geray
R— Feb. 8— PG-787
[I|] (67) Mus-Dr
CIGARETTE GIRL
Leslie Brooks
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
[13] (63) West-Mus
OVER THE SANTA FE
TRAIL
Ken Curtis
R— Mar. 1— PG-796
(100) Mys-Dr 830
DEAD RECKONING
Humphrey Bogart
Lizabeth Scott
R— Jan. 18— PG-781
(82) Mys-Dr 832
MR. DISTRICT
ATTORNEY
Dennis O’Keefe
Marguerite Chapman
Adolphe Menjou
Michael O’Shea
R— Jan. 11— PG-779
|~6l (65) Mystery
THE THIRTEENTH
HOUR
Richard Dix
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
[|] (54) Western 866
THE LONE HAND
TEXAN
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
g (70) Drama
MILLIE’S DAUGHTER
Gladys George
Gay Nelson
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
(95) Mys-Dr
JOHNNY O'CLOCK
Dick Powell
Evelyn Keyes
R— Jan. 18— PG-781
[27] (57) Western
WEST OF DODGE CITY
Charles Starrett
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
[27] (79) Outdr-Dr 809
KING OF THE WILD
HORSES
Preston Foster
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
0 (93) Comedy 714
LOVE LAUGHS AT
ANDY HARDY
Mickey Rooney
Lewis Stone
Bonita Granville
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
[m] (93) Drama 715
MY BROTHER TALKS
TO HORSES
Butch Jenkins
Peter Lawford
Beverly Tyler
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
REPRINT:
HU (115) Drama 713
BOOM TOWN
Clark Gable
Spencer Tracy
Hedy Lamarr
(112) Drama 716
CJTHE BEGINNING OR
THE END
Robert Walker
Tom Drake
Brian Donlevy
Audrey Totter
R— Mar. 1— PO-794
Qj] (54) West-Mus 683
RAINBOW OVER THE
ROCKIES
Jimmy Wakely
Lee "Lasses” White
Pat Starling
[l5| (54) Western 675
VALLEY OF FEAR
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Reno Blair
(64) Drama 613
FALL GUY
Cliff Penn
Teala Loring
Robert Armstrong
R— Mar. 8— PG-800
[2§ (71) Drama 676
THE GUILTY
Bonita Granville
Don Castle
John Litel
R— Mar. 22— PG-804
I29] (68) Western 676
TRAILING DANGER
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Peggy Wynne
|T] (91) Comedy 4605
LADIES’ MAN
Eddie Bracken
Cass Daley
Virginia Welles
Spike Jones
Virginia Field
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
Hj| (97) O’tdr-Dr 4606
©CALIFORNIA
Ray Mllland
Barbara Stanwyck
Barry Fitzgerald
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
[T] (77) Comedy 4607
EASY COME, EASY GO
Barry Fitzgerald
Diana Lynn
Sonny Tufts
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
[21] (88) Rom-Com 4608
SUDDENLY IT’S
SPRING
Paulette Goddard
Fred MacMurray
Macdonald Carey
Arleen Whelan
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
|28| (72) Drama 4620
SEVEN WERE SAVED
Richard Denning
Catherine Craig
Russell Hayden
It— Mar. 1— PG-795
HD (54) Western 751
LAW OF THE LASH
A1 LaRue
A1 "Fuzzy” St. John
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
[¥] (67) Drama 701
DEVIL ON WHEELS
Noreen Nash
Darryl Hickman
Jan Ford
James Cardwell
R— Feb. 8— PG-788
[17] (54) Western 745
RANGE BEYOND
THE BLUE
Eddie Dean
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
[17] (98) Drama
THE ADVENTURESS
Deborah Kerr
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
H] (59) Drama SP72
UNTAMED FURY
R— Apr. 5— PG-808
Reissue
[22I (97) Western 731
KIT CARSON
[22] (94) Western 732
LAST OF THE
MOHICANS
(74) Drama
LOST HONEYMOON
Franchot Tone
Ann Richards
It— Mar. 15— PG-801
Group 3
(117) Fantasy 762
©SINBAD THE SAILOR
Douglas Fairbanks jr
Maureen O’Hara
Walter Slezak
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
Group 4
(67) Mus-Dr 718
BEAT THE BAND
Frances Langford
Ralph Edwards
Phillip Terry
Gene Krupa
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
Group 4
(63) Drama 719
THE DEVIL THUMBS
A RIDE
Lawrence Tierney
Ted North
R— Mar. 8 — PG-797
Group 4
(94) Com-Dr 716
THE FARMER’S
DAUGHTER
Loretta Young
Joseph Cotten
Ethel Barrymore
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
Group 4
(84) Western 717
TRAIL STREET
Randolph Scott
Robert Ryan
Anne Jeffreys
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
[15] (100) Western 60S
ANGEL & THE BADMAN
R— Mar. 1— PG-796
(lHj (74) Comedy 606
MAGNIFICENT ROGUE
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
i|| (75) Outdr-Mus 641
©APACHE ROSE
It— Mar. 22— PG-803
[is] (56) Outdoor 663
VIGILANTES OF
BOOMTOWN
Allan Lane
Bobby Blake
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
|T| (66) Com-Mua 605
THE GHOST GOES WILD
James Ellison
Anne Gwynne
Edward Everett Horton
Ruth Donnelly
Stephanie Bachelor
R— Apr. 12— PG-810
HU (90) Musical 610
HIT PARADE OF 1947
Eddie Albert
Constance Moore
Joan Edwards
(T| (71) West-Mus 683
TWILIGHT ON THE
RIO GRANDE
Gene Autry
Adele Mara
Sterling Holloway
R— Apr. 19— PG-811
(72) Mystery 707
THE BRASHER
DOUBLOON
George Montgomery
Nancy Guild
Conrad Janis
R— Feb. 15— PG-790
(67) Drama 708
STRANGE JOURNEY
Paul Kelly
Osa Massen
Hillary Brooke
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
Re-Release:
(106) Mus-Dr 709
ALEXANDER’S RAG-
TIME BAND
Tyrone Power
Alice Faye
Don Ameche
Ethel Merman
(66) Drama 711
BACKLASH
Jean Rogers
Richard Travis
Larry Blake
John Eldredge
Leonard Strong
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
[U (93) Drama
THE RED HOUSE
Edward G. Robinson
Lon McCallister
1— Feb. 1— PG-785
I22I (88) Mus-Dr
THE FABULOUS
DORSEYS
Tommy Dorsey
Jimmy Dorsey
Janet Blair
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
|T| (112) Drama
THE PRIVATE AFFAIRS
OF BEL AMI
George Sanders
Angela Lansbury
Ann Dvorak
R— Mar. 1— PG-793
[15] (93) Comedy
FUN ON A WEEKEND
Eddie Bracken
Priscilla Lane
I22] (89) Drama
THE MACOMBER
AFFAIR
Gregory Peck
Joan Bennett
Robert Preston
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
[5] (60) Western
UNEXPECTED GUEST
William Boyd
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
Reissue
(81) Outdoor-Drama
WHEN THE DALTONS
RODE
Randolph Scott
Kay Francis
(106) Dra-Mus 608
©SONG OF
SCHEHERAZADE
Yvonne De Carlo
Brian Donlevy
Jean Pierre Aumont
Eve Arden
Philip Reed
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
(103) Drama 609
SMASH-UP
Lee Bowman
Susan Hayward
Marsha Hunt
Eddie Albert
Carl Esmond
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
Reissue
(94) Outdoor-Drama
DESTRY RIDES AGAIN
Marlene Dietrich
James Stewart
(70) West Dr 610
©MICHIGAN KID
Jon Hall
Victor McLaglen
Rita Johnson
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
[J] (88) M’drama 613
THE BEAST WITH
FIVE FINGERS
Robert Alda
Andrea King
Peter Lorre
Victor Francen
J. Carrol Naish
R— Nov. 30— PG-766
§§ (HI) Drama 614
NORA PRENTISS
Ann Sheridan
Kent Smith
Bruce Bennett
Robert Alda
Rosemary DeCamp
R— Feb. 8— PG-787
[5] (101) Mel-Dram 615
PURSUED
Teresa Wright
Robert Mitchum
Judith Anderson
Dean Jagger
Alan Hale
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
[29] (84) Com-Dr 616
THAT WAY WITH
WOMEN
Dane Clark
Martha Vickers
Sydney Greenstreet
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
7
(88) Drama
W Ealing-AFE
yj THE HALFWAY HOUSE
Francoise Rosay
f*"1, Tom Walls
P5 Esmond Knight
PQ Valerie White
(78) Comedy
Eng. Films
THE RANDOLPH
FAMILY
Margaret Lockwood
Michael Wilding
u
2 0
§§
os
Is 3
<i g
35I
(74) French Fam. Int’l
DAWN OVER FRANCE
Raimu
Berval
(95) Russian Artklno
1812
Sergei Kournakoff
A. Dykki
(70) Russian Artklno
FALL OF BERLIN
War Documentary
( . . ) Italian Drama
FEDORA
Luisa Ferlda
Amadeo Nazzarl
R— Feb. 9 — PG-696
(90) Spanish Clasa
FLOR SILVESTRE
No subtitles
Dolores del Rio
(94) Russian Artkino
GIRL NO. 217
Elena Kuzmina
BOXOFFICE Showmcmdiser • • April 26, 1947
9
MISCELLANEOUS WAHNER-F, N. UNIVERSAL UNITED ARTISTS 20TH-F0X REPUBLIC RKO RADIO
APRIL 5
[4] (103) Musical 71S
IT HAPPENED IN
BROOKLYN
Frank Sinatra
Jimmy Durante
Kathryn Grayson
Peter Lawford
R— Mar. 8— PG-797
[5] (55) Western 6S4
SIX GUN SERENADE
Jimmy Wakely
Lee "Lasses” White
[4] (88) Comedy 4609
MY FAVORITE
BRUNETTE
Bob Hope
Dorothy Lamour
Peter Lorre
Lon Chaney
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
[5] (64) Drama 715
THREE ON A TICKET
Hugh Beaumont
Cheryl Walker
Paul Bryar
Ralph Dunn
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
|T| (58) Outdoor 664
HOMESTEADERS OF
PARADISE VALLEY
Allan Lane
R— Apr. 26— PG-813
[T) (71) Com-Dr 611
YANKEE FAKIR
Douglas Fowley
R— Apr. 12— PG-810
(95) Musical 710
©CARNIVAL IN COSTA
RICA
Dick Haytres
I Vera-Ellen
Cesar Romero
Celeste Holm
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
[5] (89) Comedy
THE SIN OF HAROLD
DIDDLEBOCK
Harold Lloyd
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
(78) Comedy
BUCK PRIVATES
COME HOME
Bud Abbott
Lou Costello
Tom Brown
Joan Fulton
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
612
APRIL 12
H (67) Comedy SOS
BLONDIE'S HOLIDAY
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
Larry Simms
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
|jl| (92) Drama
LITTLE MR. JIM
Butch Jenkins
James Craig
Frances Gifford
R — June 15 — PG-729
719
fn] (72) Drama
VIOLENCE
Nancy Coleman
Michael O'Shea
R— Apr. 19— PG-812
615
HI (61) Western
WEST TO GLORY
Eddie Dean
746
Group 4
(57) Western 72
CODE OF THE WEST
James Warren
Debra Alden
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
(98) Drama 7
THE LATE GEORGE
APLEY
Ronald Colman
Peggy Cummins
Vanessa Brown
Richard Haydn
Charles Russell
R— Feb. 8 — PG-788
Reissue
(73) Comedy
YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN
HONEST MAN
W. C. Fields
Edgar Bergen
Charlie McCarthy
fiil (97) Drama
STALLION ROAD
Ronald Reagan
Alexis Smith
Zachary Scott-
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
617
APRIL 19 \
APRIL 26 1
MAY 3
MAY 10 1
MAY 17 >
MAY 24
IT9] (83) Drama 836
THE GUILT OF JANET
AMES
Rosalind Russell
Melvyn Douglas
Sid Caesar
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
(82) Drama
FRAMED
Glenn Ford
Janis Carter
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
(59) Western
LAW OF THE CANYON
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
IT! (69) Drama
FOR THE LOVE OF
RUSTY
(77) Outdr Drama
©LAST OF TH’ REDMEN
H Mystery 1
BULLDOG DRUMMOND
AT BAY
( . . ) Outdr Drama
GUN FIGHTERS
m (131) Drama 720
SEA OF GRASS
Spencer Tracy
Katharine Hepburn
Robert Walker
Melvyn Douglas
R— Feb. 15— PG-790
[|] (91) Drama 721
HIGH BARBAREE
Van Johnson
June Allyson
Claude Jarman jr.
Thomas Mitchell
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
Reissue
[~3~| ( • • ) Drama
QUEEN OF THE
YUKON
Charles Bickford
Irene Rich
[T| (59) Western 671
LAND OF THE LAWLESS
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
[10] (63) Melodrama 616
HARD BOILED
MAHONEY
Leo Gorcey
Bowery Boys
Teala Loring
H (..) Teen-Ager
SARGE GOES TO
COLLEGE
Alan Hale jr.
June Preisser
H ( . . ) Western
BACKFIRE
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Pine-Thomas Prod.
(is] (72) Drama 4621
FEAR IN THE NIGHT
Paul Kelly
Kay Scott
DeForest Kelley
Ann Doran
R— Mar. 1— PG-795
|25) (97) Drama 4610
IMPERFECT LADY
Ray Milland
Teresa Wright
Virginia Field
Sir Cedric Hardwicke
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
|~2~| (91) Drama 4611
BLAZE OF NOON
Anne Baxter
William Holden
Sonny Tufts
William Bendix
Sterling Hayden
R— Mar. 8— PG-797
H (62) Mystery 707
PHILO VANCE’S
GAMBLE
[H] ( . . ) Mystery
PHILO VANCE
RETURNS
(i9| (63) Drama 702
THE BIG FIX
James Brown
H (38-39) Westerns
SIX BRONCO
BUCKAROO REISSUES
4 with Buster Crabbe and
Fuzzy St. John
2 with Tex O’Brien and
Jim Newhill
Group 5
(72) Adventure 723
TARZAN AND THE
HUNTRESS
Johnny WeissmuUer
Brenda Joyce
John Sheffield
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
Group 5
(92) Drama 722
BORN TO KILL
Lawrence Tierney
Claire Trevor
Walter Slezak
Phillip Terry
R— Apr. 26— PG-814
Group 5
(89) Comedy 724
A LIKELY STORY
Barbara Hale
BUI WiUiams
R— Apr. 19— PG-812
Group 5
(68) Musical 725
BANJO
Sharyn Moffett
Jacqueline White
Walter Reed
Una O'Connor
R— Apr. 26— PG-814
I24] (66) Drama 612
SPOILERS OF THE
NORTH
Paul Kelly
Adrian Booth
Evelyn Ankers
(76) Drama 714
SAN DEMETRIO,
LONDON
Walter Fitzgerald
Mervyn Johns
Ralph Michael
Robert Beatty
Charles Victor
R— Apr. 5 — PG-808
[19] (89) Musical
NEW ORLEANS
Arturo de Cordova
Dorothy Patrick
Qj] (94) Out’r-Dr
RAMROD
Joel McCrea
Veronica Lake
Don DeFore
Donald Crisp
R— Mar. 1— PG-793
Reissue
(78) Drama
1 STOLE A MILLION
George Raft
Claire Trevor
Victor Jory
Reissues:
ES (109) Drama 618
THE SEA HAWK
Errol Flynn
Claude Rains
H| (87) Drama 619
THE SEA WOLF
Edward G. Robinson
Ida Lupino
John Garfield
(83) Comedy 620
LOVE AND LEARN
Jack Carson
Robert Hutton
Martha Vickers
Janis Paige
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
U
O
u ^
K O
z
o
o
u.
z
<
(110) Span. RKO 461
GOYESCAS
Imperio Argentina
Rafael Rivelles
( . . ) Spanish Azteca
LA RIVAL DE SU HIJA
No subtitles
Anita Blanch
R— May 26— PG-629
(104) Spanish Clasa
LA VIRGEN QUE FORJO
UNA PATRIA
No subtitles
R— April 21— PG-623
(104) Spanish Clasa
LAS DOS HUERFANAS
No subtitles
R— Sept. 1— PG-653
(84) Russian Artkino
THE LAST HILL
Nikolai Kriuchkov
Marina Pastukhova
R— June 30— PG-640
(73) Russian Artkino
MILITARY SECRET
Sergei Lukianov
R— Sept. 1— PG-654
( . . ) Spanish Clasa
QUE LINDO ES
MICHOACAN
No subtitles
Tito Guizar
Gloria Marin
R— Mar. 31— PG-617
(93) Russian Artkino
THE RAINBOW
Natasha Ushvey
Natalia Alisova
(89) French Hoffberg
THREE HOURS
Jean Aumont
Betty Bovy
TIERRA DE PASIONES
No subtitles
R — June 9 — PG-633
(102) Spanish Clasa
TORES. AMOR Y
GLORIA
No subtitles
R— May 5— PG-627
THE URAL FRONT
R— July 14— PG-641
(87) Russian Artkino
WAIT FOR ME
R— Mar. 24— PG-615
(90) Russian Artkino
ZOYA
R— Apr. 21— PG-624
10
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 26, 1947
Short subjects listed by Company in order of release. Numeral is production
number. Running time follows title. First date is National release, second the
date of review in BOXOFFICE. The symbol between dates is rating from the
BOXOFFICE review. 44 Very Good, + Good, — Fair, Mediocre, — Poor, = Very
Poor. © Indicates color photography.
CHART
Columbia
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
ALL-STAR COMEDIES
8433 Slappily Married (J. De
Rita)
(16'/-)
11- 7
±2
4-19
8423 Reno-Vated (V. Vague)
(IS /,)
11-21
1- 4
8434 Moron Than Off (S. Holloway)
(17)
11-28
+
2- 8
8403 Three Little Pirates (Stooges)
(18)
12- 5
+
1-25
8435 Andy Plays Hookey (Andy
Clyde) (18)
12-19
2-15
8404 Half Wits’ Holiday
(Three Stooges) (Yl/z
1- 9
8436 Meet Mr. Mischief
(H. Von Zell) (Yl/z). .
1-23
4- 5
8424 Hot Heir (H. Herbert)
(16!/2)
2-13
3-22
S437 Scooper Dooper (S. Holloway)
(15) 2-27
8405 Fright Night (Stooges)
(17) 3-6
8438 The Good Bad Egg
(J. DeRita) (17) 3-20
8439 Bride and Gloom (S. Howard)
(16) 3-27
8440 Two Jills and a Jack
(A. Clyde) (. .) .... 4-17
8406 Out West (Stooges)
(VI/z) 4-24 +
8425 Cupid Goes Nuts (16).. 5- 1
8426 Nervous Shakedown (15J/2) 5- 8
COLOR PHANTASIES
8701 Fowl Brawl (6) .
8702 Uncultured Vulture (6) . . 2- 6
8703 Wacky Quacky (6).
8704 Leave Us Chase It (..)..
3- 20
4- 24
COLOR RHAPSODIES
(Technicolor)
8501 Loco Lobo (6) 1-9
8502 Cockatoos for Two (6) . . 2-13
8503 Big House Blues (7) 3- 6
8504 Mother Huba-Huba-Hubbard
(6) 5-29
COMMUNITY SING
8651 No. 1 The Gypsy (Leibert)
(9/z) 9-12
8652 No. 2 It's a Pity to Say Good-
4-12
1- 9 + 3-29
+ 4-19
± 12
14
night (Baker) (10 J/2) -
10-10
+
11
16
8653 No. 3 Surrender (Leibert)
(9/z)
11-14
+
4
19
8654 No. 4 Pretending (Baker)
(10)
12-19
+
4
9
8655 No. 5 Rumors Are Flying
(Leibert) (9/z)
1-23
8656 No. 6 Ole Buttermilk Sky
(Baker) (10)
2-27
8657 No. 7 The Coffee Song
(Leibert) (..) 3-13
8658 No. 8 I’ll Close My Eyes
(Baker) (..) 4-17
8659 No. 9 Mr. Leibert at the
Organ (10) 5-22
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
8852 No. 2 Looking Down on Holly-
wood (10) 10-3 + 11-30
8853 No. 3 Rodeo (10) 11- 7
8854 No. 4 Skolsky Party
(10) 12-26 ± 4-19
8855 No. 5 Movie Columnists
(9) 1-23
8856 No. 6 Behind the Mike (9) 2- 6
8857 No. 7 Holiday in Las Vegas
(10) 3-13 + 4-19
8858 No. 8 My Pal Ringeye
(10) 4-10
8859 No. 9 Famous Hollywood
Mothers (10) ,5-1
SPORT REELS
8801 Army Football Champions
(ID
8803 Hi Li (9/z)
9-19
+
11- 9
10-24
+
4-19
11-21
+
4-19
.12-12
. 1.30
2-20
3-20
4-24
5-29
8808 Goofy Golf ( . . )
THRILLS OF MUSIC
8951 Jerry Wald & Orch. (10) 9-12 + 11-23
8952 Machito & Orch. (10'/2) 10-17 ± 12-14
8953 Les Elgart & Orch. (10) . .11-28 + 4-19
8954 Ray McKinley & Orch.
(9'/2) 11-28 + 1-11
8955 Shorty Sherock & Orch.
(8'/2) 1-23
8956 Buddy Morrow & Orch.
(9J/2) 2-27
8957 George Towne & Orch. (. .) 3-27 ....
8958 Ray Anthony & Orch. (10) 5-22 ....
SERIALS
8120 Son of the Guardsman. . . .10-24 ± 10-19
15 Chapters
8140 Jack Armstrong 2-6 44 2-8
15 Chanters
8160 The Vigilante 5-22 ....
15 Chapters
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Prod. No.
Title
Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
FITZPATRICK TRAVELTALKS
(Technicolor)
T-713 Land of Mayas (..)..
. 1-26
T-714 Glimpses of Guatemala
(8)
. 2- 9
2-16
T-715 Visiting Vera Cruz (..
) 3-16
4+
2- 9
T-716The Mission Trail (..).
. 4-13
T-717 Looking at London (..)
. 6- 1
+
6- i
T-718 Over the Seas to Belfast
(•■)
. 8-31
T-811 Glimpses of California
(9)
.10-26
+
4-19
T-812 Calling on Costa Rica
(10)
. 3-15
+
3-29
MINIATURES
M-783 Musical Masterpieces
(10) 4-20
M-784 Bikini — The Atom Island 6-15
4- 6
6-15
MGM NEWS OF THE DAY
(Released Twice Weekly)
MGM SPECIALS
A-702 Purity Squad (20) 11-3 44
A-703 Traffic With the Devil
(17) 8-31 44
A-801 Luckiest Guy in the World
(21) 1-25
10- 3
9-14
MGM TECHNICOLOR CARTOONS
W-734 Lonesome Lenny (8)... 3- 9 4- 4-6
W-737 The Hick Chick (7) 6-15
W-739 Northwest Hounded Police
<••)
W-831 Henpecked Hoboes (7) . .10-26 44 4-19
W-834 Hound Hunters (7).... 4-12 ....
MGM TOM & JERRY CARTOONS
W-735 Springtime for Thomas
(9)
. 3-30
4-13
W-736 The Milky Waif (7) . .
. 5-18
+
7- 1
W-738 Trap Happy (7)
. . 6-29
W-740 Solid Serenade (..)..
. . 8-31
W-832 Cat Fishin’ (8)
. 2-22
-H-
4-3.9
W-S33 Part Time Pal (8) . .
. . 3-15
PASSING PARADE
K-775 Magic on a Stick (10).. 1- 9 44 2-16
K-776 Our Old Car (10) 5-11 44 4-6
K-871 A Really Important Person
(10) 1-11 ± 3-15
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
S-759 Equestrian Quiz (..)..
S-760 Treasures From Trash...
S-851 Football Thrills No. 9
(9)
S-852 Sure Cures (9)
S-S53 I Love My Husband
But (9)
S-854 Playing by Ear (..)....
S-855 Athletiquiz (9)
S-856 Diamond Demon (9) ....
S-857 Early Sports Quiz (9) . . .
S-858 I Love My Wife But (9)
S-859 Neighbor Pests (9) 5-3
1-19
-H-
1-26
5-11
+
7- 1
5-18
-H-
7- 1
6- 8
6- 1
9- 7
11- 2
12- 7
12-28
4+
1-25
1-11
+
4-19
2- 1
2-22
3- 1
4+
4- 5
4-15
44
4-12
Paramount
+ 4-13
44
4+
6- 8
5-18
12-14
2-15
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
GEORGE PAL PUPPETOONS
(Technicolor)
U5-3 Olio for Jasper (7) 4-19
U5-4 Together in the Weather
(7) 5-24
U5-5 Jasper’s Derby (8) 9-20
U5-6 John Henry and the Inky
Poo (7) 9-6
U5-7 Jasper in a Jam (7).... 10-18
U5-8 Shoe Shine Jasper (7)... 2-28
U6-1 Wilbur the Lion (10) .... 4-18
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
R5- 8 Riding the Hickories (9) 5-17
R5- 9 Birds Make Sport (9).. 6-21
R5-10 Feminine Class (10) .
R6- 1 Race Horses Are Born
(9)
R6- 2 Dive Hi Champs (10).. 10-11
R6- 3 Queens of the Court (10) 11-15
R6- 4 Like Father, Like Son
(10) 12-13
R6- 5 Jumping Jacks (9>/2) . . . 1-10
R6- 6 Selling the Sun (10) 1-31
R6- 7 Under White Sails (9).. 2-28
R6- Bleed Lightning (10).... 4-18
LITTLE LULU
(Technicolor)
D5-2 Bargain Counter Attack
(7)
D5-3 Bored of Education (7) .
D5-4 Chick and Double Chick
(6)
D5-5 Musica-Lulu (7)
D5-6 A Scout With the Gout
(7)
D6-1 Loose in the Caboose (8)
MUSICAL PAR
(Technicolor)
FF5-3 College Queen (19) 5-17
FF5-4 Tale of Two Cafes (18) “ “
FF5-5 Double Rhythm (20)... 8-23
FF5-6 Golden Slippers (17)
FF6-1 Sweet and Low (19) . .
NOVELTOON
(Technicolor)
P5-1 The Friendly Ghost (l/2) 4- 5
P5-2 Cheese Burglar (7) 5-17
P5-3 Old MacDonald Had a Farm
(7)
5-17
+
7- 1
6-21
+
6-29
7-19
+
7-20
10- 4
10- 5
10-11
44
12-14
11-15
+
1-18
.12-13
1-10
1-31
2-28
4-18
5- 3
44
4-13
7-26
5-18
8-16
-4-
7-27
1-24
44
2- 1
3- 7
3-15
) 5-23
ADES
5-17
-4-
5-25
7- 5
4-
7- 1
8-23
4-
7-20
12-13
12-13
3-28
4- 5
4- 5
+
2- 2
5-17
4-
4-13
P5-5 Goal Rush (6)
P5-6 Sudden Fried Chicken
P6-1 Spree for All
P6-2 Stupidstitious Cat (7) . . 4-25
P6-3 The Enchanted Square
(10) 5-9
PACEMAKERS
K6-1 Brooklyn, I Love You
6- 7
5-18
6-28
44
7- 1
. 9-27
10-18
4-
12-28
10-18
4-
10-26
(10)
10- 4
44
11- 2
K6-2 Love in
Tune
(9'/2).... 10-25
44
11- 9
K6-3 Radio, Take It Away (11) 1-31
44
4-19
K6-4 Try and
Catch
Me (9). . 2-14
PARAMOUNT NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
POPEYE CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
E5-2 Service With a Guile (6).
4-19
4-
4-13
E5-3 Klondike Casanova (8)-.
. 5-31
5-25
E5-4 Peep in the Deep (7)..
6- 7
44
7- 1
E5-5 Rocket to Mars (6) . . . .
8- 9
4-
6-29
E5-6 Rodeo Romeo (6)
8-16
7-20
E5-7 The Fistic Mystic (6).
2- 7
44
11-30
E5-S The Island Fling (7) . . .
3-14
44
12-21
E6-1 Abusement Park (7) . . . .
. 4-25
POPULAR SCIENCE
(Color)
J5-5 No. 5 (10) 6-21
J5-6 No. 6 (10 8-16
J6-1 No. 1 (11) 11- 1
J6-2 The Sponge Divers (11).. 1-17
J6-3 Air-Borne Pastures (11) . . 2-28
J6-4 Marine Miracles (10).... 4- 4
SPEAKING OF ANIMALS
Y5-4 In the Wilds (9) 5-10 ±
Y5-5 The Lonesome Stranger
(10) 6-14
Y5-6 Be Kind to Animals (10) 8-30
Y6-1 Stork Crazy (10) 10-18
Y6-2 Pooch Parade (10) 12-27
Y6-3 In Country Life (9) 2-21
Y6-4 They’re Not So Dumb (8) 3-28
TWO-REEL SPECIAL
T5-2 Don't Be a Sucker (18) . . 7- 4 44
37 Two Decades of History
(22'/,) 1-4
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS
(Color)
L5-4 No. 4 (10)
L5-5 No. 5 (10)
L5-6 No. 6 (10)
L6-1 No. 1 (10)
+ 6-29
44
+
+
12- 7
4-19
5- 18
6- 29
1-4
3- 22
4- 19
5- 11
L6-3G.I. Hobbies (11).
5-24
4-
4-13
7-12
4-
6-29
8-30
12-13
44
11-23
2-14
3-14
4-
3-29
RKO Radio
Prod. No.
6- 7
6-28
8-30
44
3- 9
4-
6-15
44
7- 6
4-
8-17
4-
9-17
4-
5-25
4-
1-25
7-27
11-23
4-
2-15
Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
DISNEY CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
64.105 In Dutch (7) 5-10
64.106 Squatter’s Rights (7) . .
64.107 Donald's Double Trouble
(7)
64.108 The Purloined Pup (7) . 7-19
64.109 Wet Paint (7)
64.110 Dumb Bell of the Yukon
(7)
64.111 Lighthouse Keeping (7) 9-20
64.112 Bath Day (7) 10-11
64.113 Frank Duck Brings 'Em
Back Alive (7) 11- 1
64.114 Double Dribble (7) . . . .11-29
64.115 Pluto’s Housewarming
(7) 12-20
64.116 Figaro and Frankie (7) . 2-27
64.117 Straight Shooters (6) . . 4-18
EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDIES
63.404 Wall Street Blues (17) 7-12 ± 7-27
63.405 Motor Maniacs (IS) ± 9-17
63.406 Noisy Neighbors (18) + 10-12
73.401 I'll Build It Myself
(15) 10-18 + 10-12
73.402 Do Or Diet (18) 2-10 ± 4-5
73.403 Social Terrors (18).... 4-11 ....
RAY WHITLEY WESTERN MUSICALS
73.502 Cupid Rides the Range
(IS)
73.503 Bandits and Ballads
(17)
73.504 Buckaroo Broadcast
(18)
SPECIAL
73,901 Football Highlights of
FLICKER FLASHBACKS
74.201 No. 1 (9) 9-13
74.202 No. 2 (9) 10-25
74.203 No. 3 (8) 12- 6
74.204 No. 4 (10) 1-17 ±
74.205 No. 5 (8) 2-28 ±
74.206 No. 6 (9) 4-11
HEADLINER REVIVALS
53.201 Songs of the Colleges
(15) 9-8
63.201 The Derby Decade (22) 9-21
63.202 Russian Dressing (18).. 11-23 cp
63.203 Twenty Girls and a Band
(IS) 1-18 +
63.204 Sea Melody (19) 3-15 m
63.205 Follow That Music (18) 1-31 ±
LEON ERROL COMEDIES
63,704 Twin Husbands (18).. 5-10 +
. 9- 6
11- 9
.10-11
.11-15
2+2
11-16
.12-20
4-
1- 4
.12-10
4-
12-21
63.705 I’ll Take Milk (18) 7-19
63.706 Follow That Blonde (18) 9-27
73.701 Borrowed Blonde (15) . . 3- 7
73.702 Wife Tames Wolf (17).. 3-28
+
4-19
4-19
12-29
2- 2
4-13
2- 8
6- 15
7- 27
9-28
3- 22
4- 12
5-17
4-
6-15
6-14
4-
7- 6
7-12
4-
8-24
7-31
•+-
12- 7
8-30
44
10-26
12-28
11-22
11-30
1-13
44
1-11
1-10
-h
4-19
MUSICAL FEATURETTES
73.201 Melody Time (IS) 11-29 + 12-28
73.202 Follow That Music (18) 1-31
PATHE NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
PATHE SPORTSCOPE
64.310 Aqua Queens (8)
64.311 Ben Hogan (8)
64.312 Palmetto Quail (8)...
64.313 Steeplechasers (8) ....
74.301 Skating Lady (8)
74.302 Hail Notre Dame (8).
74.303 Bowling Fever (9) ....
74.304 Kentucky Basketeers (8)
74.305 College Climbers (8) . .
74.306 Ski Champions (8) 1-10
74.307 Ice Skippers (8) 3-7
74.308 Wild Turkey (8) 4-4
THIS IS AMERICA
63.107 No Place Like Home
(16) 5-3 44
63.108 Panama (16) 5-31 ±
63.109 Port of New York (16) 6-28 44
63.110 Courtship to Courthouse (16) -f
63.111 Highway Mania (17) 44
63.112 White House (17) +
63.113 Northern Rampart (17) .... 44
73.101 Beauty for Sale (..)... 11-22 +
73.102 Germany Today (16) . . .12-13 44
73.103 A Nation Is Born (17) 1-17 -f-f
73.104 Campus Boom (16) .... 2- 7 44
73.105 San Francisco (16).. 3- 7 44
73.106 Forgotten Island (18).. 4- 4
5- 25
6- 15
7- 6
8- 17
9- 17
10- 5
11- 2
11-16
12-21
2- 1
3- 8
3-15
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: April 26, 1947
II
Miscellaneous
2-22
20th Century-Fox
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Ratino Rev’d.
DRIBBLE PUSS PARADE
6902 Muscle Maulers (8) 5-31
7901 Monkey-Tone News (9) . - 1-17
7951 Fisherman’s Nightmare (8) 5-2 4-
SPORTS
7301 Football Fanfare (9) 8-23 + 9-14
7351 Winter Holiday (8) 9-27
7352 Summer Trails (8) 11- S
7353 Playtime's Journey (8) . • .12-13
7302 Style of the Stars (10) . . 2- 7
7303Tanbark Champion (8) 5-23
FOX MOVIETONE NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
MARCH OF TIME
Vol. 12, No. 9 Wanted— More Homes!
(20) 4-19 44 4-20
Vol. 12, No. 10 Tomorrow's Mexico
(..) 5-17 -H- 5-18
Vol. 12, No. 11 Problem Drinkers
(19) 6-14 -H- 6-15
Vol. 12, No. 12 The New France 7-12 44 7-20
Vol. 12, No. 13 Atomic Power
(19) S- 9 + 8-10
Vol. 13, No. 1 Is Everybody Happy?
(-■) 9- 6
Vol. 13, No. 2 World Food Problem
(..) 10-4 + 10-12
Vol. 13, No. 3 The Soviet's Neighbor
(17?4) 11-1 -f 11-2
Vol. 13, No. 4 The American Cop
(..) 11-29 -H- U-30
Vol. 13, No. 5 Nobody’s Children
(..) 12-27 44 12-28
Vol. 13, No. 6 Germany — Handle
With Care (19) 1-24 + 1-25
Vol. 13, No. 7 Fashion Means
Business (..) 2-21 44 2-22
Vol. 13, No. 8 The Teachers’ Crisis
(..) 3-21 44 3-22
MOVIETONE ADVENTURES
(Color)
6259 Cradle of Liberty (8)... 6-21 ....
6260 Across the Great Divide
(8) 7-5
7251 Sons of Courage (8) 8-2 + 10-5
7252 Jamaica (..) 9-13
7253 Historic Capetown (..).. 10-18 ....
7254 Girl and Gags (8) 11-22 ± 4-12
7201 Fantasy of Siam (8) . ■ . . 1- 3 + 1-18
7202 Royalty of the Range (9) 3- 7 + 4-19
7255 The Cape of Good Hope (8) 4-11 + 4-19
7256 Zululand (8) 6-6
7257 Gardens of the Sea 6-13
7258 Romance of the Fjords
(..) 6-27
7203 Harvest of the Sea (9) .. 7- 4
TERRY-TOONS
(Technicolor)
6515 Mighty Mouse in Throwing
the Bull (7) 5-3 + 5-4
6516 Mighty Mouse In the Trojan
Horse (7) 7-26 + 6-8
6517 Dinky Finds a Home (7) 6-7 ± 7-20
6518 Mighty Mouse in the Johnstown
Flood (7) 6-28 -f 6-8
6519 Gandy Goose in Peacetime
Football (7) 7-19 44 6-8
6520 Gandy Goose in the Golden
Hen (7) 5-24 ± 4-27
7501 Mighty Meuse in Winning the
West (7) 8-16 -f 10-19
7502 The Tortoise Wins Again
(7) 8-30
7503 Mighty Mouse in the Electronic
Mouse Trap (7) 9-6
7504 Mighty Mouse in the Jail Break
(7) 9-20 + 9-21
7505 The Snow Man (7) 10-11
7506 The Housing Problem (7) 10-25 ■ • ••
7507 Mighty Mouse in the Crackpot
King (7) 11-15
7508 Talking Magpies in the Uninvited
Pests (7) 11-29 -f 2-15
7509 Mighty Mouse and the Hep Cat
(7) 12-6
7510 Beanstalk Jack (7) 12-20
7511 Mighty Mouse in Crying Wolf
(7) 1-10
7512 The Talking Magpies in
McDougal’s Rest Farm (7) 1-31 44 4-19
7513 Mighty Mouse in Dead End
Cats (7) 2-14
7514 The Talking Magpies in Happy
Go Lucky (7) 2-28
7515 Gandy Goose in Mexican
Baseball (7) 3-14
7516 Mighty Mouse in Aladdin's
Lamp (7) 3-28
7517 The Talking Magpies in Cat
Trouble (7) 4-11
7518 Mighty Mouse in Sky Is Falling
(7) 4-25
7519 Talking Magpies in the
Intruder (7) 5-9
7520 Mighty Mouse Meets Deadeye
Dick (7) 5-30
Universal-International
Prod. No.
Title
Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
ANSWER MAN SERIES
2391 Answer Man No. 1 (10) . .10-21 +
2392 No. 2 Nature’s Atom Bomb
(10) 12-30 +
2393 No. 3 The Jungle Gangster
(9) 3-3 ±
2394 No. 4 Red Fury (8) 3-24
JUVENILE JURY SERIES
2361 No. 1 (11) 12-16 +
2362 No. 2 (10) 3-31 +
LANTZ CARTUNES
(Technicolor)
2321 Fair Weather Fiends (7) . 11-18 44
2322 Wacky Weed (7) 12-16 +
2323 Musical Moments (8) 2-24
2324 Smoked Hams (7) 4-28
2325 Coo-Coo Bird ( . . ) 6- 9
NAME BAND MUSICALS
1308Takin’ the Breaks (15).. 5-22
Russ Morgan & Orch.
+
7- 1
1309 Banquet of Melody (15). 5-29
Matty Malneck & Orch.
+
4-27
1310 Swingin’ Down the Scale
(15) Alvino Rey & Orch. 6-26
+
7- 1
1311 Breakin’ It Down (15) . . 8-28
Del Courtney & Orch.
+
8-17
2301 Frontier Frolic (15).... 10- 9
Bob Wills & Orch.
+
1- 4
2302 Champagne Music (15).. 11-20
Lawrence Welk & Orch.
44
1-18
2303 Tumbleweed Tempos (16) 12- 4
Spade Cooley & Orch.
±
2- 1
2304 Moonlight Melodies (15) 12-18
Frankie Carle & Orch.
+
1-11
2305 Tex Beneke and the Glenn
Miller Orch. (15) . . . 3-26
44
4-19
2306 Melody Maestro (15) .... 4-2
2307 Tommy Tucker & Orch. (..)...
2308 Charlie Barnet & Orch.
(■■) 4-16
2309 Charlie Spivak & Orch.
(••)
5-14
PERSON-ODDITIES
1369 Scientifically Stung (9) .
1370 Lone Star Padre (9) . . .
6-10
. 6-17
4-
7- 1
1371 Artist’s Antics (9)
6-24
4-
7- 6
1372 Picture Pioneer (9)
7- 1
4-
7- 6
1373 Hobo Hound (9)
8-19
4-
9-28
1374 Sampson Junior (9) . . . .
8-19
10-19
1375 Rural Rhapsody (9)
8-26
-4-
10-26
SING AND BE HAPPY SERIES
2381 Bit of Blarney (10) 9-30 + 10-26
2382 The Singing Barbers (9) . . 2-17 + 2-22
2383 Let’s Sing a College Song
(••) 4-14
SPECIAL FEATURETTES (2 REELS)
1201 Tiny Terrors of the Timberlands
(20) 6-26 +4 4-6
UNIVERSAL NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
VARIETY NEWS
1349 Dog of the Seven Seas (9) 6-17
1350 Magic Mineral (9) 7-1
1351 Mr. Chimp at Home (9). 8-12
1352 Operation Holiday (9)... 8-26
1353 Mr. Chimp to the Rescue
(9) 8-26
1354 Mr. Chimp on Vacation
(10) 8-26
2341 Bear Facts (10) 2-24
2342 Pelican Pranks (9) 2-24
2343 Wild West Chimp (9)... 3-17
2344 Rhumba Holiday (9) 4-21
SERIALS
1681-1693 The Royal Mounted Rides
Again 10-23
13 Chapters
1781-1793 The Scarlet Horseman 1-22
13 Chapters
1881-1893 Lost City of the
Jungle 4-23
13 Chapters
2581-2593 Mysterious Mr. M... 7-23
± 11- 9
7-
6-
7-
10-
+
9-28
4-19
1-26
2-16
4-27
8-10
9-21
(Technicolor)
2310 Little Brother Rat (7)..
6- 8
4-
6-22
4-19
2311 Johnny Smith & Poker Huntas
(7) 6-22
4-
8-10
2312 Robin Hood Makes Good
(7)
7- 6
4-
8- 3
2313 Little Red Walking Hood
(7)
8-17
-4-
9-14
3301 Fox Pop (7)
9-28
44
10- 5
2- 8
3302 Wacky Worm (7)
10-12
4-
11- 9
4-19
3303 You’re an Education
(7)
10-26
4-
11-16
3304 Have You Got Any Castles
(7)
3305 Pigs Is Pigs (7)
2- 1
2-22
4-
4-i.9
1- 25
2- 15
3306 Cat’s Tale (7)
3307 Goofy Groceries (7) . . . .
3- 29
4- 19
Warner Bros.
Prod. No.
Title
Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
BLUE RIBBON HIT PARADE
BUGS BUNNY SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
2721 Hair Raising Hare (7).. 5-25 44
2722 Acrobatty Bunny (7) . . . . 6-29 4
2724 Big Snooze (7) 10-5 4
2725 Rhapsody Rabbit (7)... 11- 9 44
2726 Hare Grows in Manhattan
(7) 3-22
FEATURETTES
3101 Okay for Sound (20) ....
3103 Alice in Movieland (20)..
3104 Dog in the Orchard (20)
6- 1
6-22
12-28
1- 4
9- 7
44
7-20
12-21
1-11
44
3-29
2- 8
44
4-12
3106 Remember When (20) .... 4- 5
JOE McDOAKES COMEDIES
3401 So You Want to Keep Your
Hair (10) 12-7 ± 11-30
3402 So You Want to Play the
Horses (10) 10- 5 44 10-26
3403 So You Think You’re a
Nervous Wreck (10)... 12-28 ± 4-
MELODY MASTERS
2609 Musical Memories (10).. 7-6
2610 Enric Madriguera & Orch.
(10) 8-10 ± 8-24
3601 Desi Arnaz & Band (10). 10-12
3602 Melody of Youth (10).. 12-14 44 4-19
3603 Big Time Revue (10) 1-25 4- 3-8
3604 Stan Kenton & Orch. (10) 2-22 ± 4-19
3605 Vaudeville Revue (10) ... 4-12
MERRIE MELODIES
(Technicolor)
2702 Hollywood Daffy (7)
2703 Eager Beaver (7)
2704 Great Piggy Bank Robbery
(7)
2706 Of Thee I Sting (7) . . .
2707 Walky Talky Hawky (7) .
2708 Fair and Wormer (7) . . .
2711 Roughly Squeaking (7) . .
2712 One Meat Brawl (7)...
2714 Gay Anties (7)
2715 Scent- 1 mental Over You
(7)
2716 Birth of a Notion (7). .
6- 8
4-
6-22
6-22
4-
6-22
7-13
8- 3
7-20
4-
8-10
8- 3
8-24
8-17
8-31
8-31
44
9-14
9-28
10-19
44
12-2i
11- 2
12-14
11-23
4-19
1-18
1-25
2-15
4-i9
44
SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
2005 South of Monterrey (20). 6- 1
2006 Hawaiian Memories (20). 6-15
2007 Down Singapore Way (lO) 7-20
2806 Adventures in South America
(10) 8-10
2008 Men of Tomorrow (10).. 8-24
TWO-REEL SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
3001 Cinderella’s Feller (20).. 9-21 d
3002 The Last Bomb (20) 11- 2 d
3003 A Boy and His Dog (20). 4-26
3004 Saddle Up (20) 3- 1
SPORTS PARADE
2511 Beach Days (10) 7-13
2512 Ranch in White (10) 8- 3 d
2513 Dominion of Sports (10). 8-31 d
3501 King of the Everglades
(10) 9-14 d
3502 Lazy Hunter (10) 10-26 r
3503 Battle of Champs (10).. 1-18
3504 American Sports Album
(10) 3-8
3505 Let’s Go Swimming (10). 1- 4
3506 Arrow Magic (10) 3-22
3507 Harness Racing (10).... 5- 3
TECHNICOLOR ADVENTURES
3801 Star Spangled City (10). 10-19 44 l1" 2
3802 Rubber River (10) 11-16 ± 12-14
3803 Kingdom of the Wild (10) 3-15 -4 4-19
+
6-22
5-25
8- 3
8-31
7- 6
9-21
9-21
8-31
8-31
9-28
12- 7
3- 22
4- 19
SHORTS REVIEWS
Republic
SERIALS
584 The Crimson Ghost (..).. 10-26
12 Chapters
691 Son of Zorro ( . . ) 1-18
13 Chapters
12
692 Jungle Girl (..) rerelease. 4-19
15 Chapters
Jesse James Rides Again.
13 Chapters
The Black Widow
13 Chapters
G-Men Never Forget
13 Chapters
3-21
United Artists
DAFFY DITTIES
.The Lady Said No (8).. 4-26 44
. Choo Choo Amigo (8) . . 7- 5 44
.©Pepito’s Serenade (..). 8-16 44
LOEW MUSICOLOR
. Toccata and Fugue (10).. 10-15 44 10-19
4-27
7-20
9-14
Neighbor Pests
MGM 10 Mins.
(A Pete Smith Specialty)
Amusing. Pete Smith dwells on the
various species of annoying neigh-
bors. The hero of the film suffers un-
bearable hardships at the hands of
neighbors who use his telephone,
borrow his lawnmower and throw
wild parties until the wee hours of
the morning. The neighbor's snarl-
ing German police dog also gives the
hero nightmares.
Forgotten Island
RKO (This Is America) 18 Mins.
Very good. Another one of Ameri-
ca's problems, the island of Puerto
Rico, is treated in an informative
dramatic manner. Opening as a
travelog, the picture emphasizes the
stark poverty of the natives, all U.S.
citizens, as contrasted to the beauti-
ful scenery of the island. Over-
crowded slums that breed disease
must be cleared, the narrator says,
and new housing developments are
beginning to spring up. How to make
Puerto Rico self sufficient to some
degree is the major difficulty. While
natives depend on agriculture, fer-
tile land is scarce. Experimental sta-
tions have been set up to develop
new crops.
Zululand
20th-Fox 8 Mins.
(Movietone Adventures)
Interesting. Ed Thorgersen de-
scribes the customs and traditions
of the strange-looking Zulus, the most
famous of all the tribal peoples of
Africa. Today the Zulus, who had a
mighty warrior kingdom in days
gone by, enjoy autonomy and self-
rule under the government of South
Africa. The photographer has caught
some striking Technicolor shots of
the elaborate hairdos and costumes
of the village belles and the hand-
some (to the Zulus) male worriers.
Pelican Pranks
U-I (Variety Views) 9 Mins.
Fair. Although the cameraman has
caught some remarkable closeups of
pelicans snaring fish in their enor-
mous bills, these shots become repe-
titious in a short which has little else
to offer. However, the pelican is a
funny bird and his comic waddling
gets a few chuckles. Pelican Pete,
the "hero" of this picture, soars over
water and then plummets like a dive
bomber after his prey and even pan-
handles fish from children, dogs and
cats.
A Boy and His Dog
WB (Technicolor Special) 20 Mins.
Excellent. Winner of the 1946
Academy award in the two-reel di-
vision, this is a touching drama
about a youngster's devotion to a
friendless hound dog. Splendidly
photographed in Technicolor and
acted by a cast in which Harry Dav-
enport, as a kindly magistrate; Billy
Sheffield, as a barefoot country boy,
and Dorothy Adams, as his under-
standing mother, stand out, the fea-
turette can fill the’ supporting spot
on any neighborhood dual bill, es-
pecially where the main feature is
over-long. A boy frees a dog from
painful bondage to a cruel neighbor.
The latter goes to law to get the dog
back but a wise magistrate decides
otherwise.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser " April 20, 1947
PT TK ^FRVIPF Llsted herewith' alphabetically by companies, are all of the feature pictures
FJjUO OIjJI V luu reviewed in BOXOFFICE during the last twelve months. This is designed as a
further convenience for Picture Guide Users, the page numbers being the key to reviews kept therein.
Between quarters. Review Digest pages serve as accumulative P. G. index.
QUARTERLY INDEX
TO PICTURE GUIDE REVIEWS
First Quarter 1947 Jan. Thru March
United Artists
P. G. Page
Carnegie Hall 797
Dangerous Venture 793
Fabulous Dorseys, The 794
Macombor Affair, The 784
Other Love, The 810
Private Affairs of Bel Ami, The 793
Ramrod 793
Red House, The 785
Sin of Harold Diddlebock, The 792
QUARTERLY
INDEX
TO
PICTURE GUIDE REVIEWS
First Quarter 1947 Jan. Thru March
Universal-In ternational
Buck Privates Come Home 802
Egg and I, The 808
Great Expectations 807
I'll Be Yours 783
Michigan Kid 792
Odd Man Out 793
Overlanders, The 778
Smash-Up , 789
Song of Scheherazade 786
Time Out of Mind 804
Years Between, The 802
Warner Bros.
Love and Learn 806
Nora Prentiss 787
Pursued 791
Stallion Road 805
That Way With Women 791
Two Mrs. Carrolls. The 806
Miscellaneous
Angel and Sinner (A. F. E.) 800
Appassionato (Saga Films) 782
Before Him All Rome Trembled (Superfilm) 800
Boy. What a Girl (Herald) 790
Cage of Nightingales, A (Lopert) 800
Children of Paradise (Tricolor) 778
Clandestine (Western Hemisphere) 781
Devil's Hand, The (Distinguished) 781
Diary for Timothy, A (English Films) 782
Duel in the Sun (SRO) 780
Francis the First (Vog) 784
Her First Affair (Distinguished) 801
Man From Morocco, The (English Films) 778
Man's Hope (Lopert) 779
Murder in Reverse (Four Continents) 778
Queen for a Night (Saga) 792
Rosalinda (Azteca) 793
Stone Flower, The (Artkino) 799
4
J
QUARTERLY INDEX
TO PICTURE GUIDE REVIEWS
First Quarter 1947 Thru March
QUARTERLY INDEX
TO PICTURE GUIDE REVIEWS
First Quarter 1947 Jan. Thru March
Columbia
P. G. Page
Alias Mr. Twilight 777
Blind Spot 787
Blondie's Holiday 798
Cigarette Girl 789
Dead Reckoning 781
Framed 798
Guilt of Janet Ames, The 798
Johnny O'Clock 781
King of the Wild Horses 803
Lone Hand Texan, The 799
Lone Star Moonlight 777
Lone Wolf in Mexico, The 780
Millie's Daughter 798
Mr. District Attorney 779
Over the Santa Fe Trail 796
Singin' in the Com 777
South of the Chisholm Trail 788
Thirteenth Hour, The 792
West of Dodge City ... 808
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Amelo Affair, The 790
Beginning or the End, The 794
Dark Delusion 809
Gallant Bess 784
High Barbaree 801
It Happened in Brooklyn 797
Mighty McGurk, The 809
Sea of Grass, The 790
Monogram
Fall Guy 800
Guilty, The 804
High Conquest 804
It Happened on Fifth Avenue 788
Trap, The 779
Vacation Days 808
Paramount
Big Town 791
Blaze of Noon 797
Danger Street 796
Easy Come, Easy Go 785
Fear in the Night 795
I Cover Big Town 795
Imperfect Lady, The 802
Jungle Flight 795
Ladies' Man 780
My Favorite Brunette 791
Seven Were Saved 795
Suddenly It's- Spring 789
2
PRC Pictures
Adventuress, The (E-L)
Bedelia (E-L)
Born to Speed
Devil on Wheels, The
It's a Joke, Son (E-L)
Law of the Lash
Lost Honeymoon (E-L)
Range Beyond the Blue
Three on a Ticket
Untamed Fury
Wild Country
P. G. Page
801
786
783
788
783
799
801
802
809
808
785
RKO Radio
Beat the Band 794
Code of the West 799
Devil Thumbs a Ride, The 797
Farmer's Daughter, The 792
Sinbad the Sailor 782
Tarzan and the Huntress 806
Trail Street 794
Republic
Angel and the Badman 796
Apache Rose 803
Calendar Girl 789
Ghost Goes Wild, The 810
Heldorado 777
Magnificent Rogue 803
Pilgrim Lady, The 784
Stagecoach to Denver 780
That's My Man 810
Trail to San Antone 785
Vigilantes of Boomtown 799
Yankee Fakir 810
Screen Guild
Bells of San Fernando 807
Buffalo Bill Rides Again 807
Queen of the Amazons 805
Renegade Girl 787
Road to Hollywood 796
Shoot to Kill 809
20th Century-Fox
Backlash 805
Boomerang 786
Brasher Doubloon, The 790
Carnival in Costa Rica 805
Late George Apley, The 788
San Demetrio, London 808
Shocking Miss Pilgrim, The 779
Opinions on Current Productions , and
Exploitips for Selling to the Public
FEATURE REVIEWS
Welcome Stranger
Comedy
Paramount ( )
106 Minutes
Rel.
Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald, who to the delight of
millions matched wits and swapped affections in “Going My
Way," herein again are teamed to indulge in very similar
pursuits; only this time they are men of medicine instead of
the cloth. The results make a thoroughly enjoyable, heart-
warming, human document which certainly should not escape
being one of the season's most popular and profitable offer-
ings. Added to the fine-grained performances of the pair are
delineations of comparable worth by a carefully selected
supporting cast, a thoughtful screenplay which captures the
atmosphere of the small New England town in which the film
is localed and sensitive direction by Elliott Nugent. Perhaps
one of the photoplay's greatest assets is the fact that it is
never permitted to go melodramatic or maudlin, a develop-
ment which easily might have occurred had it been entrusted
to less expert hands. Der Bingle sings now and then.
Bing Crosby, Joan Caulfield, Barry Fitzgerald, Wanda Hendrix,
Frank Faylen, Elizabeth Patterson, Robert Shayne.
The Homestretch
Drama
20th-Fox (713)
99 Minutes
Rel. May '47
Down through the years while turf tales have been estab-
lishing themselves as virtually surefire screen material they
have adhered rather consistently to a set story line — boy-
meets-girl against a background of horse breeding, trading
and racing, that pursuit which race fans like to term the
sport of kings. As to such formula, this is no exception, but
the story is so handsomely mounted, ably scripted, expertly
directed and skillfully portrayed that the picture ranks among
the past best among racing films. Nor are its innumerable
entertainment and exhibition assets dimmed by the fact that
it is photographed in splashing Technicolor, which tint process
supplies an added fillip to the photoplay's suspenseful mo-
ments, the running of several turf classics, with a simulated
version of the Kentucky Derby as a climactic touch. Directed
by Bruce Humberstone.
Cornel Wilde, Maureen O'Hara, Glenn Langan, Helen Walker,
James Gleason, Henry Stephenson, Margaret Bannerman.
Born to Kill F Drama
RKO Radio (722) 92 Minutes Rel.
Much of the possible effectiveness of a somewhat sordid
but nonetheless engrossing story of murder and passion is
lost because as a starring vehicle for Lawrence Tierney if
poorly fits that actor's forte — a deadpan toughie. The de-
lineation of the egomaniacal, ruthless slayer and despoiler
of women called for more subtle stuff. So, as a result of such
unconvincing casting, the entire picture suffers and those to
whom it will appeal mostly are the customers who relish
plenty of gore regardless of how unnatural the situations
through which it is splattered. What small thespic honors
the film permits go unchallenged to Claire Trevor. The pic-
ture is lushly enough produced to justify the top spot bookings
indicated by its running time. Tierney, fleeing one senseless
double-murder in Reno, marries a San Francisco heiress and
is killed in a police duel. Directed by Robert Wise.
Lawrence Tierney, Claire Trevor, Walter Slezak, Phillip Terry,
Audrey Long, Elisha Cook jr., Isabel Jewell.
Comedy
Drama
Banjo F
RKO Radio (725) 67 Minutes Rel.
That infallible formula which blends tear-jerking with a
lad and his dog herein is changed only insofar as it is a
lass. Starring Moppet Sharyn Moffett, the picture should
prove highly acceptable to the juveniles because of the star
and the presence in the cast of several additional child mum-
mers, most especially two clever colored youngsters. Con-
sequently the film may be adjudged a choice matinee book-
ing. It is sufficiently weighty also to please the average
adult spectator who encounters the offering in the companion
spot on regular dual bills. Sharyn, an orphan, and her dog
come to live with a New England aunt who knows nothing of
children and cares nothing for dogs. They find it rough going
until the animal proves himself a hero and saves the child's
life in a hair-raising climax in which Banjo engages in a
fight with a wildcat. Directed by Richard Fleischer.
Sharyn Moffett, Jacqueline White, Walter Reed, Una O'Connor,
Louise Beavers, Ernest Whitman, Theron Jackson.
814 BOXOFFICE
Comedy
Drama
Monsieur Verdoux F
United Artists ( ) 120 Minutes Rel.
It's wonderful. Appraised simply as a boxoffice attrac-
tion, it promises to equal or exceed anything Charles Chaplin
has ever turned out. Any exhibitor with a long memory knows
what that means in cash revenue. Studied as an artistic
achievement, it is amazing. Chaplin really plays six different
roles. He is a boulevardier, he is a sea captain, a small
town citizen, a collector of antiques, a philpsopher with some
biting commentaries on modern life, a tragic figure at the
finish. The comedy scenes are so sharply contrasted with
the serious; they are so cleverly built up with touches of the
oldtime tricks that he used in his vagabond characterization
that they almost convulse the audience. Add all this to the
worldwide curiosity as to what he can turn out after the lapse
of so many years and it is plain that this is one of the major
attractions of the year. Martha Raye turns in a great per-
formance. Produced, directed and written by Charles Chaplin.
Charles Chaplin, Mady Correll. Allison Roddan, Robert Lewis,
Martha Raye, Isobel Elsom, Bernard Nedell.
Dishonored Lady
United Artists ( ) 86 Minutes
Drama
Rel.
Hedy Lamarr is put through an emotional wringer in a pic-
ture which twice switches its story line. In early sequences
it has the earmarks of another screen venture into psychiatry,
then it develops a situation based on the time-worn question
as to whether a woman with a past should tell all to the good
man she is going to marry. Comes next a “Trial of Mary
Dugan" angle with the innocent heroine on trial for murder.
To please the men. La Lamarr is as sexy and beautiful as
ever and for the femme customers she wears style creations
which will have them drooling. Those are the picture's best
assets. Upon them and the marquee value of the stars' names
hangs its chance for popularity. Based on stage play of the
same name, the film was unstintingly produced by Hunt
Stromberg but performances, scripting and direction fail to
substantiate the opulence. Robert Stevenson directed.
Hedy Lamarr, Dennis O'Keefe, John Loder, William Lundigan,
Morris Carnovsky, Paul Cavanagh, Natalie Schafer.
Cheyenne F
Warner Bros. ( ) 100 Minutes Rel.
Suckers for westerns — and who isn't? — are a cinch to ad-
judge this nothing short of excellent. Those who can take
their sagebrush or leave it alone will evaluate it as good,
actionful, engrossing entertainment. With such graduated
appeal, bolstered by marquee magnetism in the cast, the
film should be a solid property for profitable topside book-
ing in all houses, while in those where westerns habitually
hit bonus pay dirt, it must prove a standout attraction. The
story employs sufficient standard boots-and-saddles ingre-
dients to firmly establish the picture in its classification, but
wisely substitutes many straight dramatic situations for the
more overworked cliches of orthodox gallopers. It is richly
produced with nature, in a bountiful mood, serving as head
set decorator. Performances are sterling, most especially
that of Dennis Morgan who is surprisingly convincing in his
first free-from-music dramatic role. Raoul Walsh directed.
Dermis Morgan, Jane Wyman, Janis Paige, Bruce Bennett, Alan
Hale, Arthur Kennedy, John Ridgely, Barton MacLane.
Homesteaders of Paradise Valley F
Western
Republic (664)
58 Minutes
Rel. Apr. 1, '47
Its title telegraphs the fact that this is a western and at
the same time much of the nature of the formula plot — that
standard set of situations in which our hero saves the harassed
homesteaders from the machinations of the heavies who are
undertaking to gouge them by monopolizing the water rights.
In amplification of such routine ramifications, let it be noted
that the film is one of the Red Ryder series with Allan Lane
in the title role, riding on the side of right and justice and
accompanied by his juvenile saddle pal, Little Beaver. In
production values, scenic backgrounds, gun fights, chases and
general action, the picture rates a cut above the average
Ryder adventure and therefore can be considered dependable
fodder for the juveniles and those adults who dote on sage-
brush cinema. Directed by R. G. Springsteen.
Allan Lane, Bobby Blake, Martha Wentworth, Ann Todd, Gene
Stutenroth, John James, Mauritz Hugo, Emmett Vogan.
April 26, 1947
813
16
EXPLOITIPS
Suggestions for Selling the Picture;
Adlines for Newspaper and Programs
SELLING ANGLES: “Monsieur Verdoux"
Just play up Charles Chaplin. That's what he insisted on
at the opening in the Broadway Theatre, New York, and
United Artists will do this in forthcoming roadshow engage-
ments. One sign from the roof down to the marquee, and
three signs on the marquee flash CHARLES CHAPLIN in
twinkling white lights and alternate with the name of the
picture in red. The display was so simple it was outstand-
ing amid Broadway's garish light effects. This concentration
on a personality is novel, but there is no question that it
will work.
CATCHLINES:
Charlie Chaplin’s Greatest Achievement . . . His First Film
in Eight Years . . . “Monsieur Verdoux'' . . . It's Wonderful
. . . Excruciatingly Funny Comedy . . . Tragedy . . . Com-
mentary on Modern Life . . . Romance.
Tears and Laughter . . . Chaplin at His Magnificent Best —
Dude, Sardonic Devil, Lover . . . An Extraordinary Acting
Feat . . . Film Event of the Year.
SELLING ANGLES: “Dishonored Lady”
Hedy Lamarr's wardrobe offers plenty of chance for tie-
ups with dress and department stores. Promote a dress de-
signing contest in connection with local newspaper, having
fashion editor make selection of the winner. Arrange book-
store displays on psychiatric subjects. Sponsor a round-
table discussion among women as to whether women should
have a career outside the home or make a career of the home.
CATCHLINES:
Men Worshipped, Cursed, Hated and Loved Her . . . Not
Love, Nor Money but a Haunting Hunger Drove Her to Do
What She Did . . . She Was Restless, Insatiable, Bored With
Life ... So Easy to Fall in Love ... So Unsure of Any Real
Emotion . . . She Couldn't Make Up Her Own Mind.
He Considered Her a Voluptuous Pain in the Neck But He
Was Mad About Her — in His Own Foul Way . . . Prepare for
an Emotional Ride With This Probe Into the Soul of a Woman
Who Loved Too Easily.
SELLING ANGLES: "Cheyenne"
In lobby erect a giant map of Wyoming with Cheyenne
its bull's-eye. Give every customer a chance to throw darts
at it with free candy bars to those who score a bull's-eye. Yarn
is built around a mysterious highwayman known as “The
Poet” who leaves a couplet at each crime scene. Stressing
this story line, stage a jingles contest with suitable prizes.
Give front usual western dressing and use stagecoach for
street ballyhoo.
CATCHLINES:
Mighty Epic of America's Toughest Town, Rampant With
Violence and Sin . . . The Lusty Story of Those Lawless Days
When Frontier Wyoming Roared . . . Where the “Poet" Bandit
Terrorized Far and Wide . . . Until the Shooting Arm of the
Law Wrote History in the Making of a Mighty State.
The West's Toughest Town Where Badmen Ruled Till the
Trigger-Trained Fingers of the Law Tamed the Terrorists . . .
The Lusty Drama of a Nation’s Crossroads Where Law and
Order Wrote Finish to an Outlaw Era.
SELLING ANGLES: “Homesteaders of Paradise Valley”
Use blowups of the Red Ryder comic strip to decorate the
lobby and place cutouts of Ryder and Little Beaver in front
of the theatre. Tie in with the radio serial based on this
strip and spot announcements of the picture's playdates. Pro-
mote a cartoonist contest among the teen-agers, offering a
pair of ducats to the entry most nearly resembling the two
main characters.
CATCHLINES:
A Lawless Era Leaps to Lifel . . . Hot-Headed, Hot-Blooded
Gang of Hoodlums Hold a Valley in a Grip of Terror . . .
Until Little Beaver and Red Ryder Break Their Hold in a
Two-Fisted, Actionful, Gun-Blazing Finish ... A New Kind
of Western Packed With Thrills and Chills.
Daring, Dashing, Dangerous . . . They Lived, Loved, Died by
the Rule of the Gun ... A Rip-Roaring Western Saga of
Gunlaw, Good and Badl
SELLING ANGLES: “Welcome Stranger"
Promote a Welcome Stranger week and throw an after-
show party at the theatre for the purpose of having new-
comers to your town or neighborhood get acquainted with
other residents. The usual tieups with music and depart-
ment stores on Crosby recordings should be arranged. Make
the oldest and youngest doctors of your community guests of
honor at opening night. Drug store window displays are
indicated.
CATCHLINES:
They Were Priests in “Going My Way" and Now They're
Medicos . . . But Crosby and Fitzgerald Will Again Make
You Laugh a Lot and Cry a Little in This Heart-Warming
Story of Small-Town Life and Love.
He Hated the Small Town and It Hated Him . . . Until the
Prettiest School Teacher in the State Needed Attention Be-
cause Her Heart Was Giving Her Trouble . . . And It Wasn't
Angina Pectoris . . . Der Bingle — Crooning, Clowning and
Cajoling in His Best Manner.
SELLING ANGLES: “The Homestretch"
Dress the front to resemble a racing stable, horse blankets,
pieces of harness, etc. Dress attendants in gay jockey silks.
Conduct a sweepstakes in connection with picture's run with
winner to be selected by lot the last night. Cash or mer-
chandise prizes can be used. International facets of the story
and stills from foreign scenes lend themselves to tieups with
travel agencies.
CATCHLINES:
There They Go ... In the Most Fascinating and Fastest
Turf Tale Ever Filmed . . . Pounding Hooves and Hearts as
Men Whose Life Was Horse Racing Risk Love and Fortune
on a Bangtail's Speed.
He Loved His Wife, but Oh You Gee Geesl ... A Wife
Who Found That More Than Love Is Necessary for a Happy
Marriage ... It Was Chicken One Day, Feathers the Next
With Poignant Love and Unbridled Excitement Every Day . . .
Which Did She Marry, the Man or His Horses?
SELLING ANGLES: “Born to Kill" -
In the foyer erect a giant pair of papier-mache dice using
stills from the picture — including those with a Reno back-
ground— as spots. In drugstore window, a display of life-
saving drugs, such as penicillin, with explanation that they
are protection against the organism “Born to Kill." Make a
display of infamous Bluebeards of history with a blowup of
Tierney in the center. Miss Trevor's wardrobe permits of
dress shop tieups.
CATCHLINES:
One Man Offered Security, Love, Kindness — the Other
Strength, Excitement and Depravity . . . She Was an Iceberg
of a Woman, Rotten to the Core . . . Which Did She Choose?
. . . A Maniacal Killer, Mad With Lust and Power, His Brain
Awhirl With Every Whim ... To Conquer Women and Wealth.
He Crushed Hearts and Heads With Equal Recklessness
. . . But Women Found Him Irresistible So He Married a
Good Girl for Her Wealth and Made Love to Her Soulless
Sister.
SELLING ANGLES: “Banjo"
At a Saturday matinee, sponsor a dog show for kids, offer-
ing prizes for the best of breed and the best of mixed breeds,
having kennel owners do the judging. Promote a contest
to find the child who most closely resembles Sharyn Moffett,
tying in with merchants to offer a complete outfit as the prize
for the winner. Set up an exhibit in the lobby of the efforts
of local photographers on scenic beauties of the surrounding
country.
CATCHLINES:
She Was Little . . . But Oh, Myl . . . The Tender, Touching
Story of a Youngster's Puzzled Heart ... A Lonely Little Girl
and Her Dog Lost in the Fog of Grownup Bitterness . . . She
Untangled the Tangled Lives of Adults Who Should Have
Known Better.
The Simple, Heart-Warming Story of a Young Girl Whose
Greatest Love Was for Her Dog and From Whom Separation
Meant the End of Her World . . . You'll Mingle Tears With
Laughter.
The Industry's Market for Purchase or Sale of Equipment, Theatres, Service
• Classified Ads 10c Per Word, Payable in Advance. Minimum $1.00. Display Rates on Request •
ClfflRIHG HOUSE
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— USED
1. Hertner horizontal generator, 80-160 amps.
85 volts rheostats for Suprex operation, including
meter and voltage regulator panel. Guaranteed
condition. Ideal for drive-in or large theatre. A
buy at present day prices for $700. 2. Western
Electric sound equipment, serviced and guaranteed
condition. Wide range apertures, motor generator,
Brown & Brockmeyer motors, 75 watts of audio,
41, 42 and two 43 amplifiers modified. Ideal
for Drive-in or large theatre, $900. 3. Cincin-
nati Time recorder sound equipment, overhauled
and guaranteed condition. Two Scott Ballantyne
amplifiers. Excellent for small theatre, $350.
Public Chair Installation Co., 318 Film Bldg.
2108 Payne Ave., Cleveland, Ohio.
Complete portable 35mm sound projection out-
fit. Two 35mm Holmes lamp sound projectors
with 2m. ft. magazines. Amplifier and speaker in
case, $750. 8x10 Dalite beaded, roll-up type
screen in waterproof carrying case with screen
tripods, $75. Write, wire, phone, Jeanne Moore,
15 E. Ohio St., Chicago 11, 111. Superior 8222.
For Sale: Two complete Simplex projectors,
consisting of changeovers, lenses, magazines and
two General Electric copper oxide rectifiers. Good
condition. Inquire American Theatre, 3621 Main
St., East Chicago, Ind.
Bargain prices. Low intensity lamps, rectifiers,
motor generator sets, rheostats, sound heads, am-
plifiers, speakers, one syncrofilm portable 35mm
projector, sound. Pair Preddey DC HI lamps and
rectifiers. Many other items. Let us know your
needs. Stebbins Theatre Equipment Co., 1804
Wyandotte St., Kansas City 8. Mo,
Strong, low intensity arc lamps with rectifiers,
24/30 amps, $100 pr. Joyland Theatre, 614 So.
State St,, Chicago 5. 111.
Army surplus: DeVry, Holmes, Simplex- Acme,
write for prices. Gold seal 2 unit ticket ma-
chines, $175; Simplex 3 unit, $199.50; hand
I operated 2 unit $100, all completely rebuilt and
guaranteed; Golde ticket boxes, $12.50; Simplex
mechanisms, genuine rear shutters, double bear-
ing, spiral geard, completely rebuilt, $330; Powers,
$109.50. Liberal trades. Thousand other bar-
gains. Star Cinema Supply Co., 459 W. 46th St.,
New York 19, N. Y.
For Sale: Two Simplex machines complete with
sound equipment. RKO Pictures, Indianapolis. Ind.
Heavy Duty blowers, ball-bearing equipped,
15,000 cfm to 50,000 cfm. Air washers, all
sizes. Hydraulic drives two and four speed motors
and controls. Immediate delivery. Dealers wanted.
National Engineering and Mfg. Co.. 213 W. 19th
St., Kansas City, Mo.
First $500 cash. Two Powers mechanisms with
motors, stands, magazines, lenses, Filmspeaker
soundheads, two Mazda lamphouses, meters, regu-
lators. Jensen speaker and horn. Good operating
condition. Complete equipment except amplifier.
Extra head. E. B. Wacaster, Ozark Theatre,
Ozark, Ark.
A rare bargain: Two completely rebuilt Simplex
projectors with mechanisms having new rear shut-
ters and double bearing movements, new spiral
and shock-proof gears, five point pedestals with
16 in. magazines, with late type Western Electric
sound equipment complete. Two new Sup-R-Arc
high intensity Suprex lamps; two rebuilt three
tube 45 amp. rectifiers for above; two series II
projection lenses. A complete protection and sound
equipment, fully guaranteed for the total price of
$2,575. Theatre Equipment & Supply Co., 641
N. Seventh St.., Milwaukee 3, Wis.
Servicing booklets. Amplifiers, speakers, sound-
heads, $1. Any equipment. Wesley Trout, Engi-
neer, 575, Enid, Okla.
Pair high intensity Ashcraft lamps, complete
sound system, motor generator for low intensity
lamps. Oakwyn Theatre, 6817 Roosevelt Road,
Berwyn, 111.
Pair Simplex Acme projectors, sound equipment,
bases, low intensity lamps, automatic change-
overs. All in excellent condition ready to operate
in up to 1,000-seat theatre. $2,500. S. C.
Sunness, Jarvis Theatre, Binghamton, N, Y.
Complete booth equipment including Western
Electric 46C sound system with Universal bases.
Simplex standard mechanisms, rewind table, film
cabinet, hand rewind, Brenkert Econarc lamps with
rectifiers. Good condition, going for $2,000 f.o.b.
Huntsville. Avon Amusement Co., Box 311, Hunts-
vilie, Texas. Phone 157,
Complete booth equipment. Simplex E-7 pro-
jector, Peerless “Magnarcs,” Simplex SH 1,000
sound. Everything but rectifiers. New condition.
H. Soroko, 901 High St., Portsmouth, Va.
12 in. Jensen P. M. speaker. Used six months,
condition new. Price $15. Write Coleman Theatre,
Coleman, Wis.
THEATRE TICKETS
Prompt Service — Special printed roll tickets.
100,000, $19.90; 10.000, $5.95; 2,000, $3.75.
Each change in admission price including change
in color, $2.50 extra, double numbering extra.
Shipping charges paid to 1.000 miles. Cash with
order. Kansas City Ticket Co., Dept. 9, 1819
Central, Kansas City, Mo.
SIGNS
Easy Way to Paint signs. Use letter patterns.
Avoid sloppy work and wasted time. No experi-
ence needed for expert work. Write for free sam-
ples. John Rahn, B-1329 Central Ave., Chicago
51, HI.
THEATRE SEATING
Several thousand used upholstered opera chairs
on hand. We are headquarters for the cream of
the used chair crop. We pick the lots that we
think you will like. We furnish proper slope and
sections desired to fit your theatre. Our many
years experience in the seating business is your
guarantee. Write for exact photo and price. We
have parts for all makes of chairs. Also, leather-
ette 25x25 in. all colors, 55c ea. Good quality.
Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829 So. State St.,
Chicago 5, III.
Fensin Chair maintenance headquarters has all
parts and accessories for all chairs. Also uphol-
stery fabrics and theatre chair supplies. Send us
your sample for quotation. Repair service avail-
able right in your theatre also. Fensin Seating
Co.. 62 E. 13th St., Chicago 5, 111.
1,200 Used Spring cushioned theatre chairs,
$1.50 ea., and $3,50 ea., complete. Immediate
delivery. Russell Chair, 2567 McCleUan, Detroit,
Mich. Phone LENox 3445.
3.000 Hey wood chairs, complete, box spring
cushions. Also 8,000 Andrews and American seats,
late model complete for slope or level floor. Up-
holstering done by experts at your theatre or send
to us. One day service. Ace Chair k Carpet, Inc.,
1428 So. Wabash Ave., Chicago 5. Phone WEBster
3932 or HAHrison 4219.
Leatherette: Standard run, first quality, as-
sorted colors, 50 to 54 in. wide, suitable for
theatre seating, sold by yard or roll. All orders
shipped within 24 hours. Leatherette Mart of
Chicago, 1153 Belmont Ave., Chicago 13, 111.
Phone Buckingham 0030.
Theatre Chairs, 3,000 used spring cushioned
part full upholstered back and part insert panel
back, with spring edge and box spring cushions.
1,000 veneer chairs, 800 good backs, 500 spring
cushions and hinges. Write for prices and photo-
graphs. Immediate delivery, advise how many you
need. We export chairs anywhere. Jesse Cole, 2565
McClellan Ave., LEnox 3445, Detroit, Mich,
Sewn Delux seat covers and sewn slip covers,
reversible type, for all brands seats. Fred's Thea-
tre Service, Vina, Ala.
Clearance; 175 all veneer A-l condition, $2 ea.
400 Heywood box spring panel back, $2.50 ea.
Albany Theatre Supply Co., 1046 Broadway, Al-
bany, N. Y.
1.000 Velour covered backs box spring cushion,
excellent condition, $3 ea. Lease expired, must
act quick! Contact Mrs. Kelin, Albany 5-5056,
Albany, N. Y.
200 Heywood panel box spring cushion 19-20
in., like new, $3 ea. Albany Theatre Supply Co.,
1046 Broadway, Albany, N. Y.
1.000 Heywood Wakefield dull upholstered back,
boxspring cushion chairs, excellent, $4.95 (rebuilt
$6.50); 340 General full upholstered back, box-
spring cushion, rebuilt, $7.95; 200 veneers, ex-
cellent. $3.95. Wire for list. S.O.S. Cinema
Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St., New York 18.
300 Veneer seats. Will sell cheap if taken at
once. Miles Velharticky. Kensington, Kas.
2.000 good used all veneer chairs for slope and
level floor. These chairs have a 7/16 in. back.
Will sell any quantity. Available June 1st. Chairs
located in Oklahoma. Write for photo and price.
Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829 S. State St., Chi-
cago 5, 111.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— NEW
Poster Cases — Stainless steel, 40x65 glass size,
equipped with cold cathode tube illumination
around entire case. Immediate delivery. All other
sizes, delivery in 10 days. Literature upon re-
quest, Ben B Poblocki & Sons, 2159 South Kin-
nickinnic Ave., Milwaukee 7, Wis.
C/02 Extinguishers: Kidde Lux ten pound type,
10-S ready to use, $46 list, less 40%. Freight
prepaid on four or more. Condition guaranteed.
Albany Theatre Supply Co., 1046 Broadway,
Albany. N. 1'.
For Sale: Two 50 in. diameter, 20 in. inlet
genuine new anemostats, at $97.70 ea., f.o.b
Milwaukee, crated. Ben B. Poblocki & Sons Co.,
2159 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee 7, Wis.
AIR CONDITIONING
I have 150 used brass 2% to 3 gal. per minute
spray nozzles at $1 ea. Also have 400 % in.
Rainbow Mist spray nozzles, new brass. Water
broken fine misty spray. 1% gal. capacity; 750
nozzles, % in. capacity, 1 to 1% gal. per minute;
450 nozzles, % in. capacity. 1 gal. per minute.
Will sell all these sized nozzles 80c ea. while
they last. Shipment at once. Also I have some
Texrope drives. Bronze Randall Bearings, belts and
drives. G. A. Peterson, R2, Clinton, Mo.
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
Mister Exhibitor: Do you need a stimulant one
night a week? Play Screeno. The first screen
game and still the leader because Screeno cannot
be controlled. Screeno slides are operated by air
and not affected by electric current, therefore
cannot get out of order. Finest Bogus Bristol die
cut cards supplied with equipment. Give seating
capacity, secure attractive price. Screeno Amuse-
ment Co., Orleans-Huron Bldg., Chicago 10.
Phone DELaware 5953.
Bingo Cards, 100 or 75 number, $2.75 per M;
lots of 10M or more, $2.50 per M. 100 number
cards good for Keen-o game. Premium Products,
334 W. 44th St., New York City.
THEATRES FOR SALE
Theatre: Oregon county seat town. Owner says
cleared $500 last month after paying manager’s
salary and aU expenses. Nice new place to live
included in deal. $15,000 cash will handle. Thea-
tre: About one hour’s drive from metropolitan
Portland. An easy living can be made by most
anyone here. Situated in the heart of one of the
most scenic spots in America. $15,000 includes
modern building. Theatre: County seat town of
2,500 population. Owner selling on account of
other interests. Easy terms with only $5,000
down. Theatre: Portland suburban. New booth
equipment, good district. $32,500 full price.
Might consider some terms. Write us for infor-
mation on these and many other good theatre buys.
Theatre Exchange Co., 217 Governor Bldg., Port-
land 4. Ore.
Build double-parking drive-over ramp drive-in
theatres under franchise patent No. 2,102,718,
re-issue No. 22,756. Patent application No.
301,713. Gives up to 30% more seating capacity
without additional cost. Louis Josserand, archi-
tect, 628 M&M Bldg., Houston, Tex. 607 Ar-
chiteets Bldg., Los Angeles 13, Calif.
Only theatre growing town 2,500, southern New
Mexico. Excellent building, E-7 Simplex high
lamps. Exceptional climate, hunting, fishing.
Thorough investigation profits to qualified pros-
pects. $35,750. $23,500 cash down. Exclusive
with Arthur Leak, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex.
County seat eastern Kansas. Only theatre, good
equipment, business. Selling approximately one
year’s gross. $10,000 down. No brokers. B-2705,
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Two Theatres, latest equipment. One in county
seat, one air-conditioned, no competition, $100,000.
Ilox 471, Summerville, S. C.
Suburban, near Chicago. Simplex Western Elec-
tric, 625 Heywood seats, $41,500 terms. Others.
Savereide Theatre Brokers, 624 S. Mich., Chi-
cago. III.
Indiana city over 100,000. Brick building, three
sub-rentais, Hi-Simplex, over 600 seats, owner re-
tiring, $70,000 down. Savereide Theatre Brokers,
624 S. Mich., Chicago, 111.
Three theatres in Virginia, two in W. Va. Also
nice home. Prefer selling all together. B-2715,
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1,
Mo,
Lease Theatre: 400-600 seats with option to buy.
New York City or vicinity. Tell all first letter.
Box 1004, 1009 Fox Bldg., Detroit, Mich.
No Boom — No bust: Here’s a theatre that will
not make you a fortune but it does show a steady
moderate profit and not bad for your time and
the investment required. $15,000 cash for lease
and equipment. Just a small country town (about
1,000 population) central Ohio, center of thickly
populated rich farming area. Community owned
brick building (not new and not a palace), seats
500 on good veneer. Simplex, new lamps, new
carpeting and new popcorn machine. Operating
policy of three and four days per week established
for many years. Nets slightly better than $5,000
per year. Seventh year for present owner whose
health requires change of climate. Tax and other
records open to qualified buyers. $14,000 will not
buy so please don’t waste your time and mine
unless you have the cash and are definitely in-
terested in this type situation. Many theatres at
twice the price will not show a comparable profit.
First time advertised and will not be on the market
after June 1st. B-2719, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt
Blvd., Kansas City 1. Mo,
Theatres in the northwest. America's frontier
offers more living and business possibilities than
any other section. You will thrill to this ever-
green wonderland. Outdoor sports, pay rolls, in-
dustrial growth, everything. Investigate the north-
west this summer, now. We will advise best
routes, make hotel reservations and three full-time
theatre salesmen will be at your service upon
your arrival to personally conduct your inspection
of the theatre of your choice. Many, many list-
ings from which to choose from every section of
this favored area. Contact us now and take ad-
vantage of our exclusive theatre brokerage service.
Theatre Exchange Co., 217 Governor Bldg., Port-
land 4. Ore.
Half interest in four theatres in closed town
50 miles from Pittsburgh, grossing over $235,000
annually; bona fide leases, moderniy and newly
equipped; price $145,000. More information given
only to responsible person. Box F, Boxoffice, 86
Van Braam St., Pittsburgh 19, Pa.
Theatres in Pittsburgh territory: 400 seats, in-
cluding building, $44,000; 361 seats, $38,000;
565 seats, $75,000; three theatres in Ohio town,
grossing over $400,000, $638,000. Theatre Bro-
kers. 1711 Blvd. of Allies, Pittsburgh. Pa.
Theatres exclusively: Southwest Oklahoma, good
town, equipment, business. Super Simplex, 365
seats, $11,500 down. Illness. Also northeast
Oklahoma brick building, highly equipped, $250
weekly gross and badly neglected, $7,500 down.
Also highly profitable drive-in theatre city 55.000,
$20,000 down. Also six small towns under $7,000
down. Many others. Arthur Leak, 3422 Kinmore,
Dallas. Texas.
New 420-seat theatre in northeastern Wisconsin,
excellent territory in fast growing town, doing
good business, price $60,000. Half down. Com-
plete with new Simplex E-7 projectors and 4 star
A-15 sound system, Peerless magnarc lamps. Write
B-2717, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas
Citv 1. Mo.
For Rent: In one of the fastest growing towns
in famous Ozone belt near New Orleans, building
suitable for theatre. B-2718, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
THEATRES FOR SALE
300 upholstered seat theatre, 40x80 brick
building, in town of 800. Foundry located here.
Nearest theatre 15 miles. Will sell reasonable if
taken soon. Miles Velharticky, Kensington, Kas.
THEATRES WANTED
Sell Your Theatre Privately. Confidential cor-
respondence invited. References. Arthur Leak,
Theatres Exclusively. 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex.
Veteran has cash for theatres in Indiana, Ken-
tucky, Illinois, Ohio. Box 172, Linton, Ind.
Small profitable theatre wanted. Send details
Box 241. Broken Arrow. Okla.
Will pay cash for theatre, good town, 2,000 popu-
lation and over preferred, wiU consider competi-
tive spot or suburban theatre. C. P. Knudsen,
1110 N, St, Joe Ave., Hastings. Neb.
Will buy or lease small theatre in town of 1,000
or over, central Florida preferred. Give fullest
particulars in confidence. B-2720. Boxoffice, 825
Van Brunt Blvd.. Kansas City 1, Mo.
$150,000 will buy or lease your theatre. Will
pay up to $150,000 for the lease or purchase of
your theatre, regardless of climate or territory.
Every reply will be contacted personally by our
representative. B-2716, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt
Blvd.. Kansas City 1, Mo.
Individual interested in theatre business. Will
buy building and equipment. Missouri territory
preferred. Give details. P. 0. Box 246, Inde-
pendence, Mo.
HELP WANTED
Splendid opening for the right man: Field exec-
utive and office man for Independent Theatre
Owners of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan. Must
have theatre or sales experience in the motion
picture business. Apply Room 414, 709 N. 11th
St.. Milwaukee, Wis.
Wanted: Manager for permanent position for
second run theatre in city of 25,000 in Illinois.
Give qualifications, salary expected, age, married,
snapshot in first letter. B-2710, Boxoffice, 825
Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Wanted: Experienced theatre manager for per-
manent position. State age, experience, references,
married or single. Hudson Theatres Co., Rich-
mond, Ind.
POSITIONS WANTED
Man with ten years experience candy and pop-
corn concessions in theatres desires employment
with the theatre circuit. Go anywhere. B-2712,
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1,
Mo.
Manager: Available after August 1. Would pre-
fer small town. Can give recommendations from
present employer. B-2721, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
MISCELLANEOUS
Glazit with Glazore. Cleans and glazes lac-
quered, enameled, varnished surfaces, metals, tile,
glass, marble. Pints $1.50. Distributors wanted.
Write for particulars. Harry S. Cans, 326 W. 44t.h
St., New York 18.
POPCORN MACHINES
Burch — Manley — Cretors — Advances — All elec-
tric French fry types. Karmelkorn Equipment, 120
S. Halstead, Chicago 6, 111.
Rebuilt Popcorn Machines for sale. Fully guar-
anteed. Price from $150. CONSOLIDATED CON-
FECTIONS, 1314 S. Wabash. Chicago 5, III.
Blevins Is national headquarters for popcorn
machines. Silver Stars, Super Stars, Corn Cribs.
Old machines taken in trade. Blevins Popcorn Co.,
Nashville, Tenn.
Real Bargains used popcorn machines. Burch,
Cretor, Advance, guaranteed. Poppers Supply, Box
838. Atlanta. Ga.
Star popcorn machines. All models. Prunty
Seed & Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2,
Mo.
For Sale: 1946 Viking DeLuxe popcorn machine
used less than one year. Looks like new. Follett
Theatre, Follett, Tex.
THEATRE PRINTING
Window Cards, 3-sheets, photo offset house
programs, heralds, passes, etc. Cato Show Print-
ing Co., Cato, New York, or Tribune Press,
Fowler, Ind.
POPCORN SUPPLIES
Write for our special contract which guarantees
you more profits and greater savings on all yonr
popcorn and popcorn supplies. Blevins Bee Hive
Popcorn Co.. Nashville, Tenn.
Home of "Rush Hour" popcorn and popcorn
supplies. Send for price list. Prunty Seed &
Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2, Mo.
Established 1874.
Increase Popcorn Sales and profits. Today
hundreds of theatres are using our stunning flex-
glass heating and selling counters. Eliminate
waste, carpet damage and fire hazards. $225 gives
you de luxe popcorn merchandising. A few choice
territories still open to distributors and dealers.
II. M. McLaren Specialties, 3625 W. 26th Ave.,
Denver 11, Colo.
E OF LEADING EXHIBIT
SEE YOUR NEAREST NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY BRANCH
R t C’S-
Dfv> »•<>** of NolioAof ♦ Simpler » 8*w<Jw<3f«K, Jn<
MANUFACTURED BY
INTERNATIONAL PROJECTOR CORPORATION
A General Precision Equipment Corporation Subsidiary
55 LA FRANCE AVENUE • BLOOMFIELD, N. J.
YOU CAN READ THIS
IN TWO SHAKES OF A i
LAMB’S TAIL! 1
During the past few weeks in California
Preview audiences have witnessed
A succession of coming M-G-M pictures
Which have electrified all Hollywood!
Never— no never!— in all M-G-M annals
Has Leo revealed such product!
For instance, CLARK GABLE’S "THE HUCKSTERS
Oh how that audience cheered! {continued above)
( continued)
And equally sensational is "SONG OF LOVE.”
Its Preview was an historic occasion!
Remember these M-G-M titles!
They’re the talk of the West Coast!
"FIESTA,” Technicolor’s Biggest Spectacle!
"GREEN DOLPHIN STREET,” a Giant Drama
In M-G-M’s mightiest tradition.
"CYNTHIA”- with "Green Years” appeal!
"THE UNFINISHED DANCE” Technicolor wizardry!
"THE ROMANCE OF ROSY RIDGE” tremendous!
"LIVING IN A BIG WAY,” comedy smash!
One after another they thrilled Preview audiences
Just as they’ll thrill yours!
And watch for more big M-G-M news!
15 mighty productions under way—
A production program never— no never—
Witnessed before in this entire industry!
Oh Mister M-G-M Exhibitor, be proud!
Great hits are on the way from your pal—
Leo the Leader!
TWO MORE SHAKES TO TELL YOU ABOUT THE STAR CASTS!
"THE HUCKSTERS” — Clark Gable, Deborah Kerr, Sydney Greenstreet, Adolphe Menjou, Ava Gardner, Keenan Wynn,
Edward Arnold • "SONG OF LOVE” — Katharine Hepburn, Paul Henreid, Robert Walker • "FIESTA” (Technicolor) —
Esther Williams, Ricardo Montalban, Akim Tamiroff, Cyd Charisse, John Carroll, Mary Astor, Fortunio Bonanova
"GREEN DOLPHIN STREET” — Lana Turner, Van Heflin, Donna Reed, Richard Hart • "CYNTHIA” — Elizabeth Taylor,
George Murphy, S. Z. Sakall, Mary Astor • "THE UNFINISHED DANCE” (Technicolor) — Margaret O’Brien, Cyd Charisse,
Karin Booth, Danny Thomas • "THE ROMANCE OF ROSY RIDGE” — Van Johnson, Janet Leigh, Thomas Mitchell,
Marshall Thompson, Selena Royle, Dean Stockwell • "LIVING IN A BIG WAY” — Gene Kelly, Marie McDonald,
Charles Winninger, Phyllis Thaxter, Spring Byington
AY 22/
mlERE will
START IT ON ITS BREATHLESS WAY/ WATCH THISj1
FOR THE YEAR’S NO.l NATIONAL BALLYHOO!
THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
PUBLISHED IN NINE SECTIONAL EDITIONS
BEN SHLYEN
Editor-in-Chief cmd Publisher
JAMES M. JERAULD Editor
NATHAN COHEN Associate Editor
JESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor
IVAN SPEAR Western Editor
J. HARRY TOLER Equipment Editor
RAYMOND LEVY General Manager
Published Every Saturday by
ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS
Editorial Otiices: 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 20,
N. Y.; Raymond Levy, General Manager; James M.
Jerauld, Editor; A. J. Stocker, Eastern Representa-
tive. Telephone Columbus 5-6370, 5-6371, 5-6372.
Cable address: "BOXOFFICE, New York."
Central Offices: 332 South Michigan Blvd., Chicago
4, 111. J. Harry Toler,, Editor Modern Theatre Sec-
tion. Telephone WABash 4575.
Western Offices: 6404 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
28, Calif. Ivan Spear, Manager. Phone GLadstone
1186.
Washington Offices: 930 F Street, N. W. Lee L.
Garling, Manager. Telephone NAtional 3482. Film-
row: 932 New Jersey, N. W. Sara Young.
Publication Offices: 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City
1, Mo. Nathan Cohen, Associate Editor; Jesse Shlyen,
Managing Editor; A. Jules Benedic, Field Editor; Mor-
ris Schlozman, Business Manager. Telephone CHest-
nut 7777.
Other Publications: BOXOFFICE BAROMETER,
published in November as a section of BOXOFFICE;
THE MODERN THEATRE, published monthly as a
section of BOXOFFICE.
ALBANY — 21-23 Walter Ave., M. Berrigan.
ATLANTA— 163 Walton, N. W., P. H. Savin.
BALTIMORE— Upton Theatre. A. J. Wolf.
BIRMINGHAM — The News, Eddie Badger.
BOSTON — Hotel Vendome, Frances Harding.
BUFFALO — 20 St. Margaret's Court, Jim Schrader.
CHARLOTTE— 216 W. 4th, Pauline Griffith.
CHICAGO — 332 S. Michigan Blvd., Jonas Perlberg,
WABash 4575.
CINCINNATI — -1634 Central Parkway, Lillian Seltzer.
CLEVELAND — 2568 Overlook Road, Cleveland Heights,
Elsie Loeb, Fairmount 0046.
DALLAS — 408 S. Harwood, V. W. Crisp, Southwestern
editor, R-2312.
DENVER — 1645 Lafayette, Jack Rose, TA 8517.
DES MOINES — Register & Tribune Bldg., Russ Schoch.
DETROIT — 1009 Fox Theatre Bldg., H. F. Reves.
Telephones: RA 1100; Night, UN-4-0219.
INDIANAPOLIS — Rt. 8, Box 770, Howard M. Rudeaux.
LITTLE ROCK — Liberty Theatre, Herod Jimerson.
MIAMI — 66 S. Hibiscus Island, Mrs. Manton E. Har-
wood. 2952 Merrick Rd., Elizabeth Sudlow.
MEMPHIS — 707 Spring St., Null Adams, Tel. 48-5462.
MILWAUKEE — 5091 Plankinton Bldg., 161 W. Wiscon-
sin Ave., James R. Gahagan. Telephones: BR 4938
and MA 0297.
MINNEAPOLIS — 29 Washington Ave., So., Les Rees.
NEW HAVEN — 40 Whiting St., Ann Donner.
NEW ORLEANS — 218 So. Liberty St., Mrs. Jack Auslet.
Telephone MA 5812.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Daily Oklahoman, Polly Trindle.
OMAHA — Omaha World-Herald Bldg., Lou Gerdes.
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Record Bldg., Broad
and Wood Sts., J. M. Makler.
PITTSBURGH — 86 Van Braam St., R. F. Klingensmith,
c/o Monogram Pictures.
PORTLAND, ORE. — 425 SW Columbia, Room 11, J. C.
Bowen.
RICHMOND — National Theatre, R. W. Eagan, 2-2567.
ST. LOUIS — 5149 Rosa Ave., David F. Barrett, Flan-
ders_3727.
SALT LAKE CITY — Deseret News, Howard Pearson.
SAN ANTONIO— 531 North St., L. J. B. Ketner.
SAN FRANCISCO — 25 Taylor St., Gail Lipman,
ORdway 4812-4813.
SEATTLE— 928 N. 84th St., Willard Elsey.
TOLEDO — 4330 Willys Pkwy., Anna Kline.
IN CANADA
CALGARY — The Albertan, Wm. Campbell.
MONTREAL— 4330 Wilson Ave., N. D. G., Roy Car-
michael, Walnut 5519.
ST. JOHN — 116 Prince Edward St., Wm. J. McNulty.
TORONTO — 242 Milwood, Milton Galbraith.
VANCOUVER — 411 Lyric Theatre Bldg., Jack Droy.
VICTORIA — 938 Island Highway, Alec Merriman.
WINNIPEG — 709 Selkirk Ave., Ben Lepkin.
Member Audit Bureau of Circulations
Entered as Second Gass matter at Post Office, Kansas City, Mo.
Sectional Edition, $2.00 per year; National Edition, $7.50
Vol. 50 No. 26
MAY 3 , 1947
GETTING PERSONAL
HIS page is generally devoted to talking
about people and things — that is, people and things other
than ourself. But, with your kind indulgence, we'd like to talk
about ourself — BOXOFFICE. For it also concerns you — our
readers and subscribers.
What brings this about is several things. First, is the fact
that in this issue we are introducing some new service features,
along with a rearrangement and improvement of those service
features which long have been an integral and essential part
of this publication. Second, there is the fact that the paid
circulation of BOXOFFICE has attained the all-time high mark
of 22,438 — the highest ever achieved in this industry. There
is a close relationship in these two items, though there may
seem to be no connection. For each has brought about the
other.
You see — first we started a tradepaper, about 28 years
ago. Then we got subscribers. As the paper improved, we
got more subscribers. As their number increased, so, we felt,
did our obligation to them increase. As a result, we made
further improvements — to better serve our subscribers and to
better serve the industry.
In other words, we have endeavored to progress through
the rendition of greater service. And we like to feel — in fact
we do feel confidently — that the continued, and continuing,
growth of BOXOFFICE's circulation expresses our readers'
endorsement of the better trade journal we are constantly
striving to produce.
So, as we have been doing over the years, we are once
again putting more wool into the cloth. And, since the innova-
tions and changes are the result of suggestions that have
come from subscribers, we anticipate still further circulation
growth.
You can see for yourself the result of the changes made
in this issue. But, since we have gotten you this far, perhaps
you'll follow along on this verbal preview:
Something New Added
The SHOWMANDISER section has a new editor, Chester
Friedman. He has a fine background in the field of exhibition
and a thorough and practical working knowledge of theatre
management and its attendant phases of selling the picture
and the institution that surrounds it. Under this new editorial
direction. The SHOWMANDISER steps out in new garb, with
I
vd
ictute
color added for the emphasis that it gives to showmandising,
which is indeed a colorful phase of this business.
One of the new features of The SHOWMANDISER is the
permanizing of its content for continuing reference and use-
value provided in its format. This is in response to the requests
of many showmen who have sounded a long-felt need for
a self-perpetuating service of this kind.
Announced in this issue is the BOXOFFICE Bonus, planned
to encourage new ideas in showmandising. For the complete
details see page 36.
While The SHOWMANDISER section is considerably
expanded in this issue, it is but the beginning of many new
things to come. Some have long been planned; others will
come just naturally. If you have any suggestions, they'H be
welcome.
Other Improvements Made
Under the new main title of BOOKINGUIDE, with a trick
“G," we have put together into one section all information and
data pertaining to serve as a guide in the booking of pictures.
The BOXOFFICE BAROMETER leads off the section with reports
in percentages on first run engagements in key cities. The
EXHIBITOR HA.S HIS SAY, precisely what it designates, reports
on the success, or failure, of pictures in the subsequent runs.
The FEATURE CHART has been expanded to cover more
releases in that easy-to-check and fully-informative style that
has been of such great time-saving value.
The REVIEW DIGEST also covers more releases, alpha-
betically arranged so that anyone knowing title, but not com-
pany, may learn the distributor and thereafter check with the
Feature Chart. This department is looked upon by thousands
of exhibitors as a most reliable gauge in evaluating the merit
of individual attractions.
The SHORTS CHART, too, has had its columns lengthened
to cover more releases. And SHORTS REVIEWS have been
provided with more space for their better coverage.
FEATURE REVIEWS, backed up by EXPLOITIPS, continue
in their long-standing style of appraising the picture from the
standpoint of its saleability; with suggestions to aid in selling
the picture and adlines for use in newspaper or program copy.
Now you may turn the pages and have a look for yourself.
We hope you like the new SHOWMANDISER and BOOKIN-
GUIDE sections. And that the changes and improvements
made in them will make your daily work easier as well as
more profitable.
TPctC&e Seata
Paramount-Liberty Merger
Talks Near Conclusion
George Stevens withdrawing his objections
and this will clear way for Frank Capra, Wil-
liam Wyler and Samuel J. Briskin to transfer
their activities.
+
Exhibitor to Show Records
Before Answering Suit
Federal judge orders William Cox, operator
of Forum, Barstow, Calif., to produce theatre
records before answering fraud suits by 20th-
Fox, Paramount and Loew’s.
*
Technicolor Will Step Up
Its Print Output by 1948
Dr. Herbert T. Kalmus, in annual report,
says $3,500,000 expansion program will relieve
print tieup; company 1946 net is $436,168;
stockholders to meet May 1.
*
Declare a 37V2C Dividend
On WB Common Stock
Directors at April 30 meeting authorize
company to purchase its own common stock
to be held in treasury; Warners also prepay
$1,591,000 installment on term bank loan.
*
Eric Johnston Makes Plea
For Reciprocal Trading
Tells house ways and means committee in-
ternational agreements are vital for preserva-
tion of foreign markets and for progress
toward world recovery.
+
Paramount Executives Set
For Talks on Theatres
Will start four-day conference at Arrow-
head Springs, Calif., on problem of realign-
ing partnerships to fit operations into terms
of antitrust decree.
*
Gene Autry to Meet Press
First Time as Producer
Due in New York May 1 from benefit ap-
pearance tour in Texas the cowboy star will
detail plans for producing four westerns in
color per year for Columbia.
*
Mayor Invites Additional
Production in New York
William O’Dwyer cites “Carnegie Hall’’
(UA) as example of what city has to offer in
production backgrounds; will extend “every
possible cooperation” to Hollywood in future.
¥
MPA to Formulate Policy
Soon on German Films
Irving Maas, head of export association, ex-
pected back from Europe in a few days for
conferences with Eric Johnston and Francis
Harmon.
OPTIMISTIC PRODUCT OUTLOOK
REPORTED TO MGM SALES FORCE
Eric Johnston Is Surprise
Speaker at Company's
New York Session
NEW YORK — A note of aggressive op-
timism was evident in a number of talks
delivered to MGM division, district and ex-
change managers and bookers during their
sales meeting at the Hotel Astor this week.
William F. Rodgers, vice-president in
charge of distribution, declared with em-
phasis that the company intended to
maintain its position of leadership and said
the company was entering on a new period
of production activity that would dwarf
anything seen in years.
Several forthcoming pictures were screened
and discussed. Howard Dietz, vice-president
in charge of advertising, publicity and ex-
ploitation, discussed product and the means
for building it up before the public and ex-
hibitors. Silas F. Seadler, advertising man-
ager, who has been on the coast recently,
made enthusiastic reports on a number of pic-
tures he had seen in completed and rough
cut form. William R. Ferguson, exploitation
manager, also went into details on expanded
exploitation plans to be put into operation.
INDIVIDUAL MEETINGS HELD
During the first three days of the week
there were individual meetings of groups at-
tended by legal representatives for discussions
of selling problems brought about by the
antitrust decree.
At a luncheon Wednesday H. M. Richey in-
troduced to the tradepress 11 members of the
sales staff recently promoted. They were:
Burtus Bishop jr„ mid western sales manager;
Sam Gardner, assistant to George A. Hickey,
west coast sales manager; Thomas A. Aspell
jr., Los Angeles manager; Jerome Adams,
Washington manager; Jack Goldberg, Albany
manager; Charles D. Lyne, Oklahoma City
manager; Sam Davis, Seattle manager; M. L.
Simone and Maurice N. Wolf, assistants to
Richey. William Omstein presented the
tradepress representatives.
The meetings were to be continued until
(Continued on page 10)
An MGM executives’ group at luncheon during the sales conference. Left to right:
George Hickey, west coast sales manager; William B. Ferguson, exploitation director;
Ernest Emerling, Loew’s Theatres advertising chief; Howard Dietz, MGM vice-presi-
dent and director of advertising, publicity and exploitation; Oscar Doob, Loew’s general
theatre executive; Howard Strickling, studio publicity head; Si Seadler, advertising
director, and Leopold Friedman, general counsel for Loew’s.
12 Films Scheduled to Roll Soon
HOLLYWOOD— Production at MGM will
reach a high level within the next few months
and 12 new pictures will get rolling by mid-
August, it was announced at the studios this
week to coincide with the company’s sales
convention being held in New York.
Through the announcement came an indi-
cation that the company is anticipating an
early settlement to the drawn-out studio
strike.
“Alias a Gentleman” went before the cam-
eras this week, to join “Cass Timberlane,”
“Good News” and “The Pirate” in current
production. Twelve more are scheduled —
indicating that the MGM retrenchment pro-
gram has been halted.
It was revealed that Robert Taylor and
Van Johnson have been tentatively set to
appear with Robert Walker in a remake of
"The Three Musketeers” which Pandro S.
Berman will produce. Other castings an-
nounced included Margaret O’Brien and
Jimmy Durante in “Brothers of the East
Side,” an adaptation of Robert Nathan’s
novel, “Bridget,” and Sona Osato, dancer, for
a role in “The Kissing Bandit.”
Curtis Bernhard, formerly of Warners, will
direct “The High Wall” which will star Rob-
ert Taylor and Audrey Totter. This picture,
along with “The Kissing Bandit” and “If
Winter Comes” will be May starters on the
MGM lot. In June cameras will start on
“Virtuous,” an A1 Beich story which previous-
ly had been shelved; “Upward to the Stars”
and “On an Island With You.” In July,
“Luxury Liner,” “The Three Musketeers,”
“Speak to Me of Love” and “The Red Danube”
will roll and in August the lineup of starters
will include “Brothers of the East Side” and
“Hills of Home,” a dog picture.
The studio also revealed that two inde-
pendent pictures will be produced for MGM
release. One will be “State of the Union,”
which Frank Capra will direct, and a film
story of Joan of Arc which will star Ingrid
Bergman. Both are tentatively set for the
summer months.
Eric Johnston addressing the MGM sales conference this week.
Flanking him, left to right, are Rudy Berger, Howard Strickling,
E. M. Saunders, John E. Flynn, William F. Rodgers, E. W. Aaron
and Ted Gould. On the lower dais — Max Weinberg, William B.
Zoellner, Leonard Hirsch, Charles F. Deesen, Paul Richrath and Irv-
ing Helfont. It was Johnston’s first appearance at a sales conference.
8
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
FOREIGN FILMS NOT A THREAT;
THEY'RE A HELP , SAYS SKOURAS
NEW YORK — Development of foreign
film production is not a threat for Ameri-
can film distribution, but, on the contrary,
is a stimulant, declared Spyros P. Souras,
president of 20th-Fox, on his return from
a 28-day tour of Latin countries which
began in Mexico and took him to both
coasts of South America.
Films produced in Spanish-speaking
countries, he says, create new patrons and
spread interest; they stimulate theatre
building.
“We don’t have to worry about our ability
to compete in any country in the world,” he
declared. “Our problem is to see that our
pictures are the best we know how to make
and to help the industry to expand every-
where.”
Skouras said his company would not build
or buy theatres in South American countries.
To do so would, in effect, make American
companies absentee landlords.
ROOM FOR NEW THEATRES
“There is room for tremendous theatre ex-
pansion in South America,” he went on. “In
a vast continent where Brazil alone is greater
in area than the U.S., where there are 130,-
000,000 people, there are only about 10,000
theatres. There is room for seven to eight
thousand more. Exhibitors in those coun-
tries understand their own people; they
should be encouraged to build.”
Business with Spanish-speaking countries,
he said, is running from 12 V2 to 40 per cent
ahead of last year.
“The area has a great future,” he said
with emphasis. “I am more than optimistic
about it; I am enthusiastic. I think top
executives of all American companies should
visit South America and study the problems
first hand. It also would be good for inter-
national relations.
While on this topic Skouras said that
President Truman’s action in placing a
wreath on the monument to the youngsters
who defended Chapultepec during the U.S.-
Mexican war had a tremendous impact
throughout South America. He also digressed
to say that the President’s plea to set up a
barrier to the southward spread of Com-
munism in Greece and Turkey also had im-
pressed most of the South American coun-
tries, and that the cooperation on foreign
affairs between the Democratic and Re-
publican parties had made a deep impression.
Skouras revealed that 20-Fox had stopped
dubbing pictures into Spanish a year and
three months ago because the branch man-
agers in Murray Silverstone’s foreign de-
partment had insisted that the public pre-
ferred pictures in English with superimposed
titles.
Silverstone, who accompanied Skouras on
the trip, nodded in agreement and added
that he had been opposed to dubbing at the
start. He also said there was a universal
desire to learn English by listening to it in
films.
Both refused to state whether dubbing
would be used in the 16mm film program
which 20th-Fox is to carry out with Para-
mount. These films will be intended for use
in remote areas where there are now no
theatres and where there may be consider-
able illiteracy. Details of this joint venture
have not been worked out, they said.
In reply to a specific question as to whether
British pictures had cut into American dis-
tribution in South America Skouras said:
“There is no bottleneck for good pictures;
there is plenty of room for them, and the
British have been improving.”
He also was asked to comment on the
American military government’s decision to
facilitate worldwide distribution of German-
made pictures.
“They were never popular on this side of
the Atlantic,” he said, “and I can’t see any
reason why they should be now.”
In every country Skouras and Silverstone
MURRAY SILVERSTONE
At Trade Press Interview
visited they were received by either the
Presidents or leading officials. Skouras said
he personally visited nearly 500 theatres to
study operation and found the first runs in
large cities compared favorably with the best
in this country.
In Argentina he was surprised to learn that
the industry has had in operation for several
years an organization called Ass’n Cinema-
tographique Argentina which performs all
the functions of relief and assistance that
the proposed Motion Picture Foundation in-
tends to perform in this country. He said
he suggested that the Argentine industry
stage a big annual benefit for the benefit of
its fund and promised to contribute “Captain
From Castile” as a feature for the entertain-
ment. This will be the first serious picture
with a Latin background to be produced by
the American industry.
PRICES NEED ATTENTION
Silverstone advanced the suggestion that
American companies and representatives of
South American countries could work out
some more balanced system of admissions.
In some comparatively poor places, he said,
tickets sell for $1, while in others the price
is down to 30 cents in a wealthy city like Rio.
In Argentina, and Havana the price runs up
to $1. In Port-au-Spain, Trinidad, it is 83
cents.
Silverstone said there were betwen 300 and
400 theatres under construction in South
America and that there were between 30 and
32 new houses under way in the Federal Dis-
trict of Mexico alone.
John Eaton Enters Suit
In Memphis Litigation
MEMPHIS — John W. Eaton, owner and op-
erator of Peabody Theatre in Memphis for
20 years, has joined the list of plaintiffs in
the more than $3,000,000 suit of neighborhood
theatre operators against M. A. Lightman sr.,
his associates and eight major film com-
panies.
The amount of damages sought in the
federal court suit has been raised from
$2,910,600 to $3,378,600.
In an amended complaint filed by Walter
Armstrong jr., Eaton accuses Lightman
and the other defendant motion picture dis-
tributors of “block booking,” of releasing mo-
tion picture films only as “part of a block"
of five or more and only on condition that
plantiffs lease and contract for the exhibition
of all of the feature-length motion picture
films contained in that block.
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
9
MGM Conference
("Continued from page 8)
Foundation Plans Ahead
As Enthusiasm Rises
Leaders at the Albany meeting of the Foundation: Left to right — Saul J. Ullman,
upstate manager for Fabian Theatres, elected chairman of the executive committee;
Leonard Goldenson, Paramount vice-president who spoke at the meeting; Charles
McCarthy, business agent for the Troy projectionists, and Henry C. Harris of the
Albany stagehands’ union, chosen members of the executive committee.
NEW YORK — High enthusiasm for the
Motion Picture Foundation continues to
be recorded at various organization meet-
ings being conducted over the country.
Handicapped by lack of long distance
telephonic facilities, the meetings nonethe-
less are drawing representation from every
branch of the industry.
Indicative of the interest aroused in the
industry’s huge welfare project some 200
trade representatives gathered at the Cop-
ley Plaza in Boston Tuesday and elected
Harold Stoneman chairman of the Hub’s
MPF panel, naming Martin J. Mullin as
J. A. Becker (L) elected trustee at
Kansas City, and Arthur F. Cole, chosen
permanent chairman.
Martin J. Mullin (L), named trustee
at the Boston meeting this week, with
Harold Stoneham, elected chairman.
area trustee to serve on the national board.
Both elections were unanimous. By ballot
the following committeemen were named:
From Maine: C. J. Russell and Sam Kur-
son; New Hampshire: Edward Fahey; Ver-
mont: Joseph Mathieu; Rhode Island: Ed-
ward Fay and Meyer Stanzler; Massachu-
setts: A. C. Kilpatrick, Phil Smith, Ralph
Snider, Leonard Goldberg, Max Levinson, Ar-
thur Lockwood, J. Ford, C. Furtman, Max
Mellincoff, F. Boschetti, J. Deery, E. Groth,
Charles Morse, Phil Marget, E. M. Loew,
Walter Mitchell, Herman Rifkin, S. Gold-
stein, O. Ramsdel, Joe Cifre, William Scan-
lan, Herbert Schaefer, John Moore, Bill
Horan, Meyer Feltman and Ben Abrams.
Every circuit and every distributor was
represented at the Boston meeting, attended
also by many independent exhibitors, equip-
ment, tradepaper and union representatives.
NOVINS AT TWO SESSIONS
Introduced as the chief speaker at the Hub
gathering was Lou Novins, administrative as-
sistant to Barney Balaban, who, a native of
Boston, felt right at home.
Novins also spoke at the Washington, D. C.,
meeting last week, predicting that the Foun-
dation would become “the most honored po-
sition in the industry,” adding that the
project would result in excellent public re-
lations.
Kansas City’s panel, meeting Monday of
this week, elected Arthur Cole, Filmrow dean,
as its permanent chairman, the trusteeship
going to J. A. Becker, head of Associated
Theatres at Independence, Mo.
Sam Gillette, president of Intermountain
Theatres Ass’n, last weekend at Salt Lake
City was named temporary area trustee, to
serve until June, when permanent officers
will be chosen at the distributor-exhibitor
"Roundup” celebration to be held in Utah’s
capital city.
Michigan industry leaders chosen last week
at a representative meeting in the Variety
Club at Detroit met again Monday of this
week and elected Earl J. Hudson of United
Detroit Theatres as area trustee of the Foun-
dation, with C. L. Buermele, General Thea-
tres Service Corp., as chairman. Hudson will
represent Michigan at the coming meetings
of the trustee group, subsequently reporting
back to the area panel, which will then elect
a vice-chairman, secretary and treasurer.
Sunday when a banquet wound up the week-
long sessions.
One of the surprises of the opening session
was the appearance of Eric Johnston, MPA
president, who flew in from Washington to
address the gathering. It was the first time
he had appeared before any company sales
meet.
Johnston declared this industry would do
more than any other to “bring understand-
ing among the peoples of the world.” He
promised to see that the industry gets full
recognition in world affairs.
TO PRODUCE EDITORIALS
He also told the delegates that MGM would
produce the first of a series of editorials
which will relate the industry’s position on
important matters affecting the station.
William F. Rodgers, vice-president in charge
of distribution, launched into a discussion of
the antitrust decree problems and told those
present that the company could not wait for
a supreme court ruling before making its
sales plans. MGM will have to maintain a
position of leadership, he declared.
Rodgers introduced J. Robert Rubin, MGM
general counsel; Jay Eisenberg, Pincus Sober
and Ben Melniker of the legal staff.
Among those present were Howard Strick-
ling, in charge of studio publicity; Fred
Quimby, head of the short subjects depart-
ment, and George Murphy, MGM star.
Home office representatives present, in ad-
dition to those mentioned above, were: Ed-
ward M. Saunders and Edwin W. Aaron, as-
sistant general sales managers; H. M. Richey,
head of exhibitor relations; Howard Dietz,
vice-president and director of advertising,
publicity and exploitation; Silas F. Seadler,
advertising manager; William R. Ferguson,
exploitation manager; Herbert Crooker, pub-
licity manager; Mike L. Simons and Maurice
N. Wolf of the exhibitor relations depart-
ment; Alan F. Cummings, in charge of ex-
change operations; Joel Bezahler, Charles F.
Deesen, Irving Helfont, Leonard Hirsch and
Paul J. Richrath, home office assistants to
field sales managers; Jay Gove, sales re-
search manager; Harold Postman, assistant
to Cummings; William B. Zoellner, head of
reprints and importations; Max Wolff, pur-
chasing head, and Max Weinberg, short sub-
jects publicity manager.
GUESTS AT LUNCHEON
At the first day’s luncheon E. B. Hatrick,
vice-president and general manager of News
of the Day; Mike Clofine, editor; Walter
Bradin, assistant editor, and Arthur Lacks,
who handles News of the Day sales, were
guests.
During the afternoon individual sessions
were held between the five sales managers
and the district and branch managers under
their supervision, with head bookers from all
branches and a legal representative from the
home office present.
Luncheon during the conference: Ar-
thur M. Loew, president of Loew’s Inter-
national; (L) ; Morton Spring (C), vice-
president of Loew’s International, and
William F. Rodgers, vice-president and
general sales manager of Loew’s, Inc.
10
BOXOFFICE :: May 3, 1947
That is now the PAID circulation of
Nationally Extensive — Locally Intensive 1
99% CONCENTRATED
IN THE U S. and CANADA
INDEED -
Wherever There's a Theatre . . .
There's a
FOX WISCONSIN CUTS PRICES
IN KEY MILWAUKEE THEATRES
Three Downtown Houses
Trim Afternoon Ticket
Costs by 10 Cents
MILWAUKEE— In a surprise move, Fox
Wisconsin Amusement Corp. this week an-
nounced a 10-cent reduction in afternoon
and late Saturday night admission prices at
the Palace, Wisconsin and Strand, three
downtown theatres. It caught other exhibi-
tors completely unawares.
The new admission price will be 55 cents,
including a 9-cent tax, as compared with 65
cents previously, including an 11 -cent tax.
Children’s admissions also were cut, from 35
cents to 25 cents.
The new adult prices are for the Mondays-
through-Fridays period, from opening to 5
p. m. There is no time restrictions, however,
for children’s admissions. After 5 p. m., the
adult ticket cost will remain at 95 cents.
On Saturday, another price will go in effect
for the late shows. The same scale will pre-
vail until 10:30 p. m. when the admission
charge will drop to the afternoon level. On
Sundays, the 55-cent admission will continue
until 1 p. m. and then go to 95 cents until
closing.
Missouri Exhibitors Join
To Kill Censor Threat
JEFFERSON CITY, MO. — Independent
and circuit exhibitors were joined by civic
leaders in a successful attack on a state
house of representatives bill to create a
board of censors under the state department
of education here this week. The bill was
killed in committee after the hearing. The
exhibitors were well organized for their at-
tack, and their protest presentation was
effective. Among those who spoke against
the bill were Fred Wehrenberg, president of
MPTOA; Arthur Cole, industry representative
for Paramount in Kansas City; James Arthur,
St. Louis; Senn Lawler and R. R. Biechele,
Kansas City; Mrs. Arretus Burt, of the Na-
tional Federation of Women’s Clubs, and
Mrs. Robert Collyer, Legion of Decency, both
of St. Louis.
Bercovici-Chaplin Suit
Settled for $90,000
New York — The §5,000,000 breach of
contract suit filed by Konrad Bercovici,
writer, against Charles Chaplin over “The
Great Dictator,”
was settled Wed-
nesday night. Ber-
covici agreed to ac-
cept §90,000 in pay-
ment for two
scripts submitted
to Chaplin in 1937
and acknowledged
that Chaplin was
the sole author of
“The Great Dicta-
tor.” Costs of the
New York federal
court trial — §5,000
— also were paid by
Chaplin. The two
scripts were “Haymarket Riot” and “Cry
of the Wolf” or “Tinka.”
RCA Shows Color Video
On 7V2xl O-Foot Screen
Philadelphia — All-electronic color television pictures on a screen
seven and one-half feet high and ten feet wide were shown Wednesday
by RCA at the Franklin Institute. Engineers present
said the system was still in the experimental stage, but
David Sarnoff, RCA president, said that the develop-
ment could be hurried up for delivery inside of a year,
if sufficient demand should develop.
It was only a few weeks ago that RCA engineers
testified before the FCC that color television was five
years away.
National networks of theatres could be formed for
television use, Sarnoff said, and he expressed the opin-
ion that this would stimulate both the film and tele-
vision arts.
The projection apparatus can be changed from
color to black and white merely by pressing a button.
RCA is going to experiment with outdoor pickups
during the summer.
Four Foreign Film Distributors
Join to Facilitate U. S. Sales
NEW YORK — Distinguished Films, Siritzky
Int’l, Superfilm Distributing Corp. and Vog
Films, four of the leading distributors of
foreign-language film in the U. S„ plan to
set up a new cooperative agency for the
distribution of foreign product across the
country, according to Martin Levine, general
manager of the Brandt theatres and execu-
tive head of Distinguished. Tentatively known
as United Foreign Films Distributors, the
organization will be set up shortly after the
return to New York of Oliver Unger, Levine’s
assistant, who is now making a nationwide
survey of foreign film outlets.
Present plans call for offices in Los An-
geles and Chicago, in addition to a New York
home office, according to Levine, who said
that smaller foreign film distributors would
also be serviced by the new organization.
With a minimum of 18 films assured for the
first year, Levine said, the set-up would be
similar to United Artists’ operation in behalf
of independent producers. A joint selling ar-
rangement, with each distributor having the
right to approve or reject the contract, is
planned.
Levine attributed the rapid growth of for-
eign film showings in the U.S. to four rea-
sons: “Foreign films provide adult entertain-
ment and contain themes and situations
which cannot be censored by the Johnston
office; the deaf-and-dumb are attending in
great numbers; ex-GIs, who picked up for-
eign languages in Europe, are becoming steady
patrons, and many high school and college
students are being given time out from classes
to attend French-language showings.”
With the addition of another foreign film ,
house, the Times on West 42nd St., to the
Times Square area, New York now has 20
theatres playing foreign product. Los An-
geles has seven theatres playing French films
regularly or on a split-week basis, San Fran-
cisco has four and Philadelphia and Wash-
ington, D. C., have three each. There are
also 34 other foreign film theatres scattered
in cities throughout the country, according
to Levine’s list. He expects that, once the
new cooperative agency opens up territories
where foreign pictures have not been shown
in the past, there will be between 200 and
250 theatres showing foreign product before
the end of 1947.
Ryder Calls on Johnston
For Theatre Video Plan
WASHINGTON— Loren L. Ryder, president
of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers,
Tuesday called on Eric Johnston and recom-
mended that the combined motion picture
and television industries conduct a fact-find-
ing survey on the potential use of theatre
television. Ryder was accompanied by Paul
Larsen, chairman of the committee on theat-
rical television.
Johnston agreed that it would be a good
idea for the industries to work side by side
in developing theatre television. The MPA
president asked Ryder to submit to him his
plan in detail.
Set 30 'Dishonored' Dates
NEW YORK — UA has set 30 simultaneous
openings throughout the midwest, south and
southwest for “Dishonored Lady” starting the
week of May 12.
12
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
M-G-M TRADE SHOWINGS
DAY, DATE AND HOURS
OF SCREENING
*
CITY
PLACE
ADDRESS
CYNTHIA
ROMANCE OF
ROSY RIDGE
ALBANY
20th-Fox Screen Room
1052 Broadway
THUR. 5/15
8 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
8 P.M.
ATLANTA
20thFox Screen Room
197 Walton St., N.W.
THUR. 5/15
10 AM
TUES. 5/27
10 AM
BOSTON
M-G-M Screen Room
46 Church Street
THUR. 5/15
10:30 A.M.
and 2:15 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
10:30 A M.
and 2:15 P.M.
BUFFALO
20th-Fox Screen Room
290 Franklin Street
THUR. 5/15
2 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
2 P.M.
CHARLOTTE
20th-Fox Screen Room
308 South Church Street
THUR. 5/15
1.30 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
1.30 P.M.
CHICAGO
H. C. Igel’s Screen Room
1301 South Wabash Ave
THUR. 5/15
2 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
2 P.M.
CINCINNATI
RKO Screen Room
1 6 East Sixth Street
THUR. 5/15
8 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
8 P.M.
CLEVELAND
20th-Fox Screen Room
2219 Payne Avenue
THUR. 5/15
1 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
1 P.M.
DALLAS
20th-Fox Screen Room
1 803 Wood Street
THUR. 5/15
2.30 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
2:30 P.M.
DENVER
Paramount Screen Room
2100 Stout Street
THUR. 5/15
2 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
2 P.M.
DES MOINES
20th-Fox Screen Room
1 300 High Street
THUR. 5/15
1 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
1 P.M.
DETROIT
Max Blumenthal’s Sc. Rm.
2310 Cass Avenue
THUR. 5/15
1.30 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
1.30 P.M.
INDIANAPOLIS
20th-Fox Screen Room
326 No. Illinois Street
THUR. 5/15
2 P M.
TUES. 5/27
2 P.M.
KANSAS CITY
20th-Fox Screen Room
1720 Wyandotte Street
THUR. 5/15
1:30 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
1:30 P.M.
LOS ANGELES
20th-Fox Screen Room
2019 S. Vermont Ave.
MON. 5/12
145 A M.
MON. 5/26
10 30 A M.
MEMPHIS
20th-Fox Screen Room
151 Vance Avenue
THUR. 5/15
10 AM
TUES. 5/27
10 A.M.
MILWAUKEE
Warner Screen Room
212 W. Wisconsin Ave.
THUR. 5/15
1:30 P.M.
1UES. 5/27
1:30 P.M.
MINNEAPOLIS
20th-Fox Screen Room
1015 Currie Avenue
THUR. 5/15
2 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
2 P M.
NEW HAVEN
20th-Fox Screen Room
40 Whiting Street
THUR. 5/15
2 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
2 P.M.
NEW ORLEANS
20th-Fox Screen Room
200 South Liberty Street
THUR. 5/15
1 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
1 P.M.
NEW YORK 1
NEW JERSEY |
M-G-M Screen Room
630 Ninth Avenue
MON. 5/12
3:45 P.M.
MON. 5/26
10:30 A M.
OKLA’MA CITY
20th-Fox Screen Room
10 North Lee Street
THUR. 5/15
1 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
1 PM.
OMAHA
20th-Fox Screen Room
1502 Davenport Street
THUR. 5/15
1.30 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
1.30 P M.
PHILADELPHIA
M-G-M Screen Room
1233 Summer Street
THUR. 5/15
11 AM.
TUES. 5/27
11 AM.
PITTSBURGH
M-G-M Screen Room
1623 Blvd. of Allies
THUR. 5/15
2 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
2 P.M.
PORTLAND
B. F. Shearer Screen Room
1947 N.W. Kearney St
THUR. 5/15
2 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
2 PM.
ST. LOUIS
S’Renco Screen Room
3143 Olive Street
THUR. 5/15
1 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
1 P.M.
SALT LAKE CITY
20th-Fox Screen Room
216 East First Street, So.
THUR. 5/15
1 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
1 P.M.
S. FRANCISCO
20th-Fox Screen Room
245 Hyde Street
THUR. 5/15
1.30 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
1:30 P.M.
SEATTLE
Jewel Box Preview Theatre
2318 Second Ave.
THUR. 5/15
1 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
1 P.M.
WASHINGTON
20th-Fox Screen Room
932 New Jersey, N.W.
THUR. 5/15
1 P.M.
TUES. 5/27
1 P.M.
"CYNTHIA" — Elizabeth Taylor, George Murphy, S. Z. Sakall, Mary Astor.
"ROMANCE OF ROSY RIDGE" — Van Johnson, Janet Leigh, Thomas Mitchell, Marshall Thompson, Selena Royle, Dean Stockwell.
DISTRIBUTION HEADS PROTEST
EXPORT OF GERMAN-MADE FILM
J. H. Seidelman Declares
Nazi Films Are Against
Democratic Ideals
NEW YORK — The action of the Anglo-
American military government in Berlin
in arranging for the
worldwide distribu-
tion of selected Ger-
man films has been
protested by Ameri-
can film distributors
through the Motion
Picture Ass’n, accord-
ing to Joseph H. Sei-
delman, president of
Universal - Interna-
tional Film, Inc.
A cable transmitted
to Eric Johnston,
MPA president, from
Paris where foreign distribution managers
of American film companies recently held a
meeting, declared that “it would be psycho-
logically and politically unsound to show Ger-
man and Austrian films outside those coun-
tries for at least 20 years,” Seidelman said.
ALIEN TO OUR VIEWS
In their cable, the American film company
executives declared in part that “the proposed
worldwide export of old and new German pic-
tures, including many produced by Nazis
during and up to the end of war, is, in our
view, so diametrically opposed to Allied aims
and world interests as to require the most
careful consideration on the part of Ameri-
can authorities and companies.”
American and British military government
officials in Germany are understood to have
taken this move to bolster foreign exchange
and revenue in their occupied zones of Ger-
many. They are being prompted by financial
and economic reasons rather than psychologi-
cal, political or social considerations, ac-
cording to Seidelman, who said that “the
.ndustry should unite as a body to protest
any such movement.”
Seidelman, who returned to New York dur-
ing the week from a six-week trip to London
and Paris, has closed a deal with Phil Hyams,
who recently purchased Anglo-American
Films in England, to handle 90 Universal
reissues selected from the company’s product
from 1937-38 to 1942-43, inclusive, in the
United Kingdom. The ten-year franchise
deal was made with the knowledge and
approval of the J. Arthur Rank Organization,
according to Seidelman, and Hyams has
made a cash payment “in excess of $500,000”
for exclusive rights to the five years’ product.
PLAN NEW CORPORATION
A new corporation, as yet unnamed, will
take over Anglo-American, but Universal will
have a continuing interest in this business.
Warner Bros, has relinquished its distributing
interest in Anglo-American, but has retained
its producing interest in the company. No
reissue deals have been made with other
European countries, Seidelman said, but there
may be a market for them later and in a
smaller volume.
“The American film industry must take
definite action by allocating more playing
time to British films in order to generate
y&i
Mr. President!
The Bowie Majestic Theatre is ready to comply
with the recent request of President Truman, that
business men reduce their prices whereever they can,
just as quickly as they can, to help halt the spiraling
of prices upward.
The Bowie Majestic is just as willing to co-operate
with the government in these troubled post war years
as we were during the war. We are ready to con-
tribute our small share toward starting a trend of
prices downward to a level of sanity, safety and pros-
perity for all.
Therefore, effective Friday, April 25, adult ad-
mission prices to the Bowie Majestic Theatre will be
reduced from 40 cents to 3'/ cents. Don’t forget that
6 cents of that 37 cents will still go to Uncle Sam
Since children’s prices were reduced last December
from 12 cents to 9 cents we feel that they are just as
low as possible. In fact, all during the depression
years the standard admission for children remained
at 10 cents.
We are making this reduction even though all of
our operating expenses are at an all-time high and
we hope that it will contribute, in its small way, to the
welfare of our nation and community.
Sincerely,
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Benson,
L. D. Lutzer and J. H. Lutzer. .
Owners of Bowie Theatres Co.
Bowie. Texas
ANSWERS PRICE APPEAL
BOWIE, TEX. — The appeal by
President Truman for price-cutting
was answered by Manager Frank
Bensoyi of the Majestic Theatre here
with a public announcement that
admissio7is were to drop 3 cents per
ticket, from 40 cents to 37 cents. The
Majestic was believed to be the first
theatre in the country to publicly an-
nounce support of the price-cutting
campaign. The new policy was an-
nounced both in a newspaper adver-
tisement and through heralds, over
the 7iames of L. D. Lutzer, J. H.
Lutzer and Mr. and Mrs. Benson, the
joint owners. The copy of the adver-
tiseme7it is reproduced here.
dollars for the British industry,” according
to Seidelman, who said that the Bank of
England has requested a weekly report from
J. Arthur Rank on revenue being received
from British films being shown in the U.S.
The American companies have an oppor-
tunity to forestall more serious action from
the British film industry and must satisfy
the British government that a greater ef-
fort is being made to play its product here,
Seidelman says. England is now getting
$150,000 per week from American showings,
but Seidelman believes the yearly revenue
should reach closer to $10,000,000.
“Independent circuits must be made con-
scious of this problem, which is bound to
affect the financial structure of the entire
industry, according to Seidelman, who
recommended that exhibitors play the Brit-
American Industry Asked
To Give More Time to
British Product
ish films and let the public decide as to
their entertainment value. Circuits that have
played the British films have done very well
with such pictures as “The Seventh Veil,”
“Wicked Lady” and “Notorious Gentleman,”
already seen throughout the country, and
“Stairway to Heaven,” “Odd Man Out” and
“Great Expectations,” now getting early
bookings. Seidelman described “Black Nar-
cissus,” in Technicolor and starring Deborah
Kerr, which is just coming over to America,
as one of Britain’s finest films and an ex-
ample of the improved product with “greater
audience appeal for the U.S.”
VIEWS FRENCH PICTURE
Seidelman and the delegates from every
country in continental Europe who attended
the company’s first postwar international
sales convention in Paris saw the completed
print of U-I’s French picture, “Devil in the
Flesh,” starring Micheline Preisle, which is
being released in France by Transcontinental
Films. This may be handled in this country
by Prestige Pictures. Described by Seidelman
as “the most daring film” he has ever seen,
the picture cost 75,000,000 francs, more than
any picture ever made in France. According
to the agreement with the French treasury,
Universal can retain 50 per cent of the rev-
enue from this film, the balance going to
Transcontinental through the French gov-
ernment. Film-making costs have risen tre-
mendously since the war, Seidelman said, and,
although a large number of independents
made one of two pictures, there is no organ-
ized film industry in France.
MANY FILM RESTRICTIONS
There is now some form of restriction on
American films in every European country
except Belgium, according to Seidelman, who
mentioned, as an example, that Sweden is
attempting to put a ceiling on remittances
and is classifying pictures as a luxury. How-
ever, barring unforeseen restrictions, Ameri-
can companies can look for a normal increase
in revenue from these countries because the
public still likes good Hollywood product and
is in the market for zany comedies such as
“Hellzapoppin’ ” which is a big success over
there. There is also an increasing demand
for “two-gun” westerns in almost every
country, according to Alfred E. Daff, Univer-
sal vice-president, who returned to this
country by plane early in the week. Daff
covered every branch in England, in a spe-
cial booking analysis which “few American
sales managers have ever done,” Seidelman
said. The average Englishman is giving
greater support to British film product, Daff
said, and often attends the local product
out of a sincere desire to help his country
hold onto the dollars she pays for imports.
E-L Employes Write Song
NEW YORK — Patrece Snyder, radio pub-
licity manager for Eagle-Lion, and her as-
sistant, Ann Weingarten, have placed their
original song, “Repeat Performance,” inspired
by the E-L release of that name, with Bev-
erly Music Co., which is owned by Dick
Haymes, who will plug the song on his own
broadcasts.
JOSEPH H. SEIDELMAN
14
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
ATA Board Is Asked
To Set Convention
MPTOA Cool to Drive
For US. Health Week
NEW YORK — The American Theatres
Ass’n has asked its directors to suggest a date
and place for the annual convention.
Under the constitution and bylaws the board
of directors is to designate where and when
the yearly membership meeting shall be held.
The constitution also states that there shall
be a regular membership meeting once a year.
The last and first meeting was held April 1
and 2, 1946, in St. Louis.
It had originally been planned to meet in
Chicago or San Francisco early this April,
but the date was postponed pending supreme
court action on the antitrust appeal. The
ATA along with the defendant distributors
had asked for a stay of competitive bidding
until the court could decide on the appeals
from the decree.
The ATA also asked for permission to in-
tervene, a request that had been denied by
the New York statutory court.
NEW YORK — The MPTOA prefers local
charity drives to nationwide joint industry
campaigns.
This is what Herman Levy, general coun-
sel of the MPTOA, wrote to Robert W. Coyne,
executive director of the ATA. Levy made
this statement in his reply to Coyne’s letter
discussing the proposal for a joint national
Health week drive put forth by the Metro-
politan Motion Picture Theatres Ass’n.
Coyne had been authorized by the MMPTA
to sound out directors of the ATA and
MPTOA officials as to whether they favored
a national drive for health charities and re-
search foundations.
Basil O’Connor, chairman of the Ameri-
can Red Cross and March of Dimes, already
has said his organizations would stick to
their 1946 decision of not going along with
a joint industry campaign.
Levy did not close the door on future co-
operation for such a drive. He added that if
there is sufficient evidence of a desire for a
concerted industry campaign on behalf of
health charities, he would canvass the direc-
tors of the MPTOA on this question.
Coyne said that he hopes the ATA direc-
tors favor a national health drive.
Sioux Falls Is RKO Leader
NEW YORK— The RKO Sioux Falls ex-
change held first place in the 1947 Ned
Depinet drive, followed by Chicago, Denver
and Salt Lake City at the end of the 17th
week. S. W. Fitch is branch manager in
i-ioux Falls.
Indiana Protests Deal
Between U-L Purdue
LOUISVILLE — The Associated Theatre
Owners of Indiana are very much concerned
over the deal between Universal and Purdue
university for the showing of Rank’s Prestige
Pictures. The Purdue auditorium seats 6,146
persons, which is more than Radio City Music
Hall.
Universal has indicated that colleges will
be given pictures only in situations which do
not compete with regular theatres. Accord-
ing to ATOI, the students and faculty alone
that attend such an exhibition deprives the
regular exhibitor of a great number of pro-
spective customers.
The ATOI believes that it is a great
grievance for any institution constructed from
public funds and free of real estate taxes to
enter into competition with private business.
Burtus Bishop Jr. Promoted
To J. E. Flynn MGM Post
NEW YORK — John E. Flynn, MGM south-
western district manager who has been with
the company for the
past 27 years, will re-
tire, but will continue
in an advisory capac-
ity. He will be suc-
ceeded by Burtus
Bishop jr., who has
been southwestern dis-
trict manager with
headquarters in Dallas.
Flynn joined the old
Goldwyn company in
1918 and, with the
merger in 1924 with
the Metro company, he
continued as district
Two years later he was
appointed district manager for Detroit and.
in 1938, he was made central district man-
ager with headquarters in Chicago. In 1941
he was promoted to western sales manager,
continuing his Chicago office.
Bishop, who has been with MGM since
1926, when he took his first job as salesman
in the Charlotte branch, was promoted to
branch manager of the exchange ten years
later. In 1937 he was made Pittsburgh man-
ager and, in 1941, he was made midwest dis-
trict manager with headquarters in Kansas
City. In 1943, Bishop was promoted to south-
west district manager and moved his offices
to Dallas.
BURTUS BISHOP JR.
manager in St. Louis.
MGM TRADE SHOW
"THE PHILADELPHIA STORY"
AIBANY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1052 Broadway
THUR. 5/8
8 P.M.
ATLANTA
20th-Fox Screen Room, 197 Walton St., N. W.
THUR. 5/8
10 A.M.
BOSTON
M-G-M Screen Room, 46 Church Street
THUR. 5/8
10:30 A.M.
& 2:15 P.M.
BUFFALO
20th-Fox Screen Room, 290 Franklin Street
THUR. 5/8
2:30 P.M.
CHARLOTTE
20th-Fox Screen Room, 308 South Church Street
THUR. 5/8
1:30 P.M.
CHICAGO
H. C. Igel's Screen Room, 1301 South Wabash Ave.
THUR. 5/8
2 P.M.
CINCINNATI
RKO Screen Room, 16 East Sixth Street
THUR. 5/8
8 P.M.
CLEVELAND
20th-Fox Screen Room, 2219 Payne Avenue
THUR. 5/8
1 P.M.
DALLAS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1803 Wood Street
THUR. 5/8
2.30 P.M.
DENVER
Paramount Screen Room, 2100 Stout Street
THUR. 5/8
2 P.M.
DES MOINES
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1300 High Street
THUR. 5/8
1 P.M.
DETROIT
Max Blumenthal's Sc. Rm., 2310 Cass Avenue
THUR. 5/8
1:30 P.M.
INDIANAPOLIS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 326 North Illinois Street
THUR. 5/8
2 P.M.
KANSAS CITY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1720 Wyandotte Street
THUR. 5/8
1:30 P.M.
LOS ANGELES
20th-Fox Screen Room, 2019 So. Vermont Ave.
THUR. 5/8
2 P.M.
MEMPHIS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 151 Vance Avenue
THUR. 5/8
10 A.M.
MILWAUKEE
Warner Screen Room, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave.
THUR. 5/8
1:30 P.M.
MINNEAPOLIS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1015 Currie Avenue
THUR. 5/8
2 P.M.
NEW HAVEN
20th-Fox Screen Room, 40 Whiting Street
THUR. 5/8
2 P.M.
NEW ORLEANS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 200 South Liberty Street
THUR. 5/8
1 P.M.
NEW YORK l
NEW JERSEY \
M-G-M Screen Room, 630 Ninth Avenue
MON. 5/5
2:30 P.M.
OKLA'M A CITY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 10 North Lee Street
THUR. 5/8
1 P.M.
OMAHA
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1502 Davenport Street
THUR. 5/8
1:30 P.M.
PHILADELPHIA
M-G-M Screen Room, 1233 Summer Street
THUR. 5/8
11 A.M.
PITTSBURGH
M-G-M Screen Room, 1623 Blvd. of Allies
THUR. 5/8
2 P.M.
PORTLAND
B. F. Shearer Screen Room, 1947 N.W. Kearney St.
THUR. 5/8
2 P.M.
ST. LOUIS
S'Renco Screen Room, 3143 Olive Street
THUR. 5/8
1 P.M.
SALTLAKE CITY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 216 East First Street, So.
THUR. 5/8
1 P.M.
S. FRANCISCO
20th-Fox Screen Room, 245 Hyde Street
THUR. 5/8
1 30 P.M.
SEATTLE
Jewel Box Preview Theatre, 2318 Second Avenue
THUR. 5/8
1 P.M.
WASHINGTON
20th-Fox Screen Room, 932 New Jersey, N.W.
THUR. 5/8
1 P.M.
"THE PHILADELPHIA STORY" — Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
15
ELABORATE PROGRAM PLANNED
FOR THE VARIETY CONVENTION
LOS ANGELES — Details of program and
entertainment continue to shape up as the
date draws nearer for the annual conven-
tion of Variety Clubs International, which
this year for the first time will be held in
the southland, May 13-17.
Henry Ginsberg, Paramount production
executive, will host the delegates attending
at a luncheon on Friday, May 16, at the
Ambassador hotel. Among the Paramount
stars being invited to attend are Alan Ladd,
Betty Hutton, Joan Caulfield, Veronica Lake,
John Lund, Macdonald Carey, William Ben-
dix, Howard da Silva, Virginia Field, Sonny
Tufts, Barry Fitzgerald, Sterling Hayden,
William Holden, Diana Lynn, Mona Freeman,
Gail Russell, Robert Preston, Olga San Juan,
Virginia Welles, Billy De Wolfe, William
Demarest, Patric Knowles and others.
The largest neon display to be constructed
on the Pacific coast since the war will greet
convention visitors. Oscar Oldknow, presi-
dent of National Theatre Supply, and chair-
man of the convention decoration commit-
tee, has arranged for the sign, 40 feet high,
to be placed over and around the main
entrance of the Ambassador hotel. It will
spell out “Welcome Barkers” in eight-foot
high neon letters. Red and white, variety
colors, will prevail.
A1 Brick of Fox Movietone News has been
named coordinator of newsreel coverage for
the convention by Charles P. Skouras, exec-
utive convention chairman.
Adding his welcome to those extended by
virtually all studio heads, Dore Schary, RKO
Radio vice-president in charge of produc-
tion, called upon exhibitors and distributors
to join with producers in “breaking down old
concepts of what makes showmanship, box-
office and entertainment.”
Schary said:
“I believe that a convention such as this
is of great importance to those of us who
are picture makers and to you people whose
job it is to sell and distribute the films we
turn out.
“We can learn a good deal from you about
quality showmanship and boxoffice.
“I believe, too, that you can learn from
us in terms of trying to break down old con-
cepts of what makes showmanship, boxoffice
and entertainment. We want pictures to im-
prove, because in that way . we get more
money.”
RKO Managerial Changes
Made by Sol Schwartz
NEW YORK — Jay Golden, who was in
charge of a division of RKO Brooklyn thea-
tres, has been made RKO manager of the
west coast division, taking in San Francisco,
Los Angeles and Denver, by Sol A. Schwartz,
vice-president and general manager of RKO
Theatres.
Other RKO managerial assignments made
by Schwartz, all to become effective May 9,
are: Goodwin Sable, manager of Keith’s Day-
ton, becomes manager of Keith’s, Colonial
and State theatres in that city; Francis An-
derson, manager of the Palace, Rochester, be-
comes manager of the Palace and Temple
theatres; Harry Weiss, manager of RKO
Proctor’s, Newark, becomes Brooklyn division
manager for the Kenmore, Tilyou, Dyker
and Shore Road theatres with headquarters
at the Kenmore, and Charles Oelreich, man-
ager of the RKO Yonkers, becomes Bronx
division manager for the Fordham, Pelham,
Castle Hill and Marble Hill theatres with
headquarters at the Fordham.
Other promotions made by Schwartz in-
clude Harold Daly, who goes to Yonkers from
the 23rd St. Theatre; George Baldwin, who
goes to the 23rd St. from the Colonial; Ar-
thur Koch, assistant manager at the Coli-
seum, who becomes manager of the Colonial,
and Herbert Heintz, who goes from the Al-
hambra to Proctor’s, Newark.
Boxoffice Barometer
and
Exhibitor Has His Say
now in the new
BOOKINGUIDE
in the cream-colored section
FCC Still Awaits Decision
On Paramount Subsidiary
NEW YORK — Television Productions, Inc.,
Paramount’s wholly owned subsidiary, has
made no decision as yet on the FCC order
to either dispose of its interest in Allen B.
Du Mont Laboratories, Inc., or withdraw its
applications for television stations in Dallas,
Boston and Detroit. The FCC granted the
company 60 days from March 18 to choose one
alternative.
Paul Raibourn, president, is expected to
announce the Television Productions decision
shortly before the May 18 deadline. The com-
pany now has two wholly owned and operated
stations in Chicago and Hollywood. With
Interstate circuit of Dallas and Du Mont
Laboratories, Television Productions has filed
a total of 11 applications for additional sta-
tions. The FCC limits five stations to one
applicant.
Daylight Saving Time Adopted April 27 in 19 States
NEW YORK — Daylight saving time went
into effect Sunday, April 27, in 19 states,
either by state legislation or local order, and
will continue until Sunday, September 28
Approximately 650 communities in the U.S
and Canada turned clocks ahead one hour
Standard time will be followed throughout
the year in 29 states.
Advanced time is not being observed as
generally throughout the country this year,
as it was in 1946, according to the Commerce
and Industry Ass’n of New York. Last year
clocks were advanced an hour in several com-
munities in Florida, Louisiana, Ohio and
West Virginia. Reports received to date show
that of these four states, only in Ohio was
daylight saving time re-enacted in some
towns.
Daylight saving is observed on a statewide
basis in six states, including Connecticut,
Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New
Jersey and Rhode Island. In Maine it is
observed on an unofficial basis. In the re-
maining 13 states the daylight saving law is
permissible, giving municipalities the right
to decide for themselves.
During the past year some states have con-
sidered or passed laws providing for advanced
time, according to the Commerce and Indus-
try Ass’n. On April 20 bills still were pending
in the California and Minnesota state legis-
latures. Legislation approved in Maryland
authorizes the counties of Arundel, Baltimore,
Montgomery and Prince George to push the
clock ahead. In Rhode Island, where general
observance has been the rule for several years,
daylight saving was made official by an act
approved Apr. 24, 1946. Early this week the
status of Washington, D. C., was uncertain,
with a bill providing for daylight saving time
pending before the senate.
In the east and middle west particularly
the question of advanced time is left to the
individual communities. States empowering
municipalities to decide on daylight saving
time include Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New York,
Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont,
Virginia. Only one community in both Iowa
and Virginia reported the adoption of day-
light saving time to the Commerce and In-
dustry Ass’n.
In Canada the legislature of the province
of British Columbia approved province-wide
daylight saving from April 27 to October 26.
The New York state law, while it is per-
missive, stipulates that the period of ob-
servance must be between the last Sunday
in March and the last Sunday in October.
The schedule for all communities in the state
is April 27 to September 28, with the ex-
ception of Newburgh, where it starts May 27
In the 13 local option states the following
cities and towns of more than 2,500 popula-
tion reported the adoption of daylight sav-
ing time up to last week:
Delaware — 5, including Wilmington; Illi-
nois— 80, including Chicago, East St. Louis,
Evanston, Oak Park, Peoria, Rockford and
Springfield; Indiana — 49, including East Chi-
cago, Fort Wayne, Gary, Hammond, Indian-
apolis, Muncie and South Bend; Iowa — 1
( Clinton) ; Maryland — 2, comprising Annapolis
and Baltimore; Michigan — 10, including Es-
canaba, Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie;
Missouri— 12, including Clayton and St.
Louis; New York — 50; Ohio — 3, comprising
Cadiz, Martin’s Ferry and Steubenville;
Pennsylvania — 145, including Allentown, Al-
toona, Bethlehem, Chester, Easton, Harris-
burg, Lancaster, McKeesport, Philadelphia,
Pittsburgh, Reading, Wilkes-Barre and York:
Tennessee — 5, including Chattanooga and
Knoxville; Vermont — 14, including Barre,
Burlington and Rutland; Virginia — 1 (Wil-
liamsburg) .
In Michigan, communities in the lower
peninsula are on eastern standard time
throughout the year. In the upper peninsula
central standard time generally is followed
except for seven towns, which moved clocks
ahead one hour to eastern standard time.
16
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
BUFFALO!
NT SMASH!
LOUIS!
r
IN BOSTON!
CITY MUSIC HALU
wma i
CENTURY-FOX
DUUmEKHNV;
HE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR
IRACLE ON 34th STREET
HE HOMESTRETCH (In Technicolor)
Tftm and Sve*tt&
Lee Balsly Making
Countrywide Tour
What About Prices?
pRICES have become the livest discussion
topic in America in recent weeks. Presi-
dent Truman’s speech before newspaper
publishers removed the remaining re-
straints.
The following Thursday practically the
entire front page of the Wall Street Jour-
nal was devoted to price reduction news
and this spilled onto inside pages in vari-
ous forms. The New York Times devoted
columns to the topic. The Newburyport
plan for reducing all retail prices 10 per
cent or more for an experimental period
boosted business from 10 to 60 per cent
and spread to six other Massechusetts
cities in 48 hours and made such an im-
pression elsewhere in the country that the
New York Times on April 24 carried a two
column head, reading: “War on Inflation
Is Widened.”
Earl Bunting, president of the National
Ass'n of Manufacturers, tried to combat
this in a public speech by insisting prices
could not come down while wages were
going up and that there could be no cuts
at the manufacturing level. He apparently
forgot the recent Ford cuts.
How does this affect the film business?
Nobody knows. Every circuit operator
with headquarters in New York says busi-
ness is still tops for the best pictures, but
for the medium-grade attractions it is
definitely below the wartime level.
Both circuit operators and independents
say admission cuts cannot be made with
operating costs and film costs what they
are today.
They mean it, but they are worried, nev-
ertheless, by the enthusiastic support for
retail price cuts. It’s the retailers — and
theatres are retailers — who feel the first
impact of price resistance. The movements
which are now sweeping the country are
definitely emotional as well as economic.
When masses of people start looking for a
safety valve for their accumulated dis-
content the impact is terrific. Any politi-
cal leader who has been swept out of office
understands this.
Some cool study of public relations and
merchandising techniques will be in order
in the next few months.
* * *
Health Week
^*HAT suggestion for one national audi-
ence collection for organizations en-
gaged in health and welfare projects orig-
inally advanced about a year ago by Jack
Kirsch in Chicago has taken on new life.
It is now being sponsored under a new
name — “Health Week” — by the Metropoli-
tan Motion Picture Theatres Ass’n of New
York. ATA support is being sought.
Watching developments will be interest-
ing. Many thoughtful industry leaders felt
that the criticism which followed spotty
support for the last March of Dimes drive
was definitely harmful to the industry,
even though unjustified.
Many exhibitors who were hostile to
audience collections after the war because
By JAMES M. JERAULD
these had been overworked may have
changed their minds in the meantime.
* * *
Production Costs
^*HE editor of the New Rocky Mountain
Allied bulletin is one of those indi-
viduals who can say a lot with a few words.
Read this from bulletin No. 4:
“It stands to reason that if a star who
used to make two or three pictures a year,
now makes only one — then that star’s
yearly salary (sometimes as much as one-
half million dollars) is going to be tacked
onto the production cost of that one pic-
ture instead of being divided up between
two or three.
“In other words — by deliberately curtail-
ing production — the producers have added
to their own production costs per picture
and they pass it on to you with heart-
rending stories about how they have to
get more money out of you.”
* * *
Foreign Problems
gOME IDEA of the difficulties encoun-
tered in doing business in foreign coun-
tries is furnished by the RKO annual re-
port. Thirty-six foreign subsidiaries have
“remittances held in abeyance” — meaning
not transferred to this country for various
reasons — of $2,733,124.78. Of this total,
$1,806,818.20 is accounts receivable. Total
assets of all the foreign units are $2,409,-
684.74.
From this it can be deduced that the
foreign markets are largely a matter of
hope for the future.
In the meantime the domestic business
is so good that the company has working
capital of $40,000,000 and no funded debt.
* * *
Foundation Progresses
QRGANIZATION of the Motion Picture
Foundation is progressing with sur-
prising speed and with a minimum of fan-
fare. Eleven exchange areas have already
been organized and it is expected that the
remaining 20 will have chosen leaders be-
fore May 12 when it is hoped the national
trustees can be organized.
There has been no opposition to the
plan. Everyone agrees that it is a great
forward step in behalf of men and women
in the industry and will contribute much
to its public relations.
* * *
German Film Imports
£JREDIT all the Washington dispatches
and you will get the idea that German
film imports are about to flood the mar-
ket. The State department is reported to
be agitated about it.
According to the AP, the American mili-
tary government has decided “appropriate”
German films should be exported by Ger-
many to provide funds in occupied zones.
Nobody will need an adding machine to
total up all the funds German films can
garner in this market for some time to
come.
KANSAS CITY — Realizing a dream he’s
had for years, Lee D. Balsly, manager of the
Sedgwick Theatre in
the Germantown sec-
tion of Philadelphia
for Warner Bros., is
making a nationwide
tour in his brand new
Mercury and, with Mrs.
Balsly will take a lei-
surely 6,000-mile trip to
California. On the way
he stopped at Spring-
field, Mo., where he
entered the motion
picture business back
in 1910 as owner and
manager of the Alad-
din Theatre.
Balsly, real veteran with nearly four dec-
ades of experience in virtually every depart-
ment of the industry, visited Kansas City
over the weekend, renewing acquaintances
formed when he was advertising manager
for A. D. Flintom, former distributor for
Famous Players Pictures in the midwestern
area. His first stop was at Altoona, Pa., to see
R. R. Allison and his brother, then to Chicago,
Cincinnati and St. Louis; into Springfield
and Kansas City and then to the west coast.
Balsly left Flintom’s employ to become
branch manager for Metro at Kansas City
and it was during that connection that the
K. C. Film Board of Trade was formed with
Balsly as secretary. He was later manager of
the Liberty Theatre in Kansas City and then
went with Paramount. He was for a time
manager of advertising accessories for Uni-
versal.
In 1942-43 he joined up with Uncle Sam in
the air service command at Patterson Field,
Dayton, aligning with Warner theatre cir-
cuit in January of 1944 as manager of the
Sedgwick in the Quaker city.
Sam Rinzler to Receive
Annual Beacon Award
NEW YORK — Sam Rinzler will receive the
Motion Picture Associates’ Beacon award for
meritorious and distinguished service to the
industry at the organization’s annual affair
at the Waldorf-Astoria May 16, according
to Fred J. Schwartz, president. Rinzler, long
active in philanthropic and welfare drives
for the industry, was selected for the honor
at a membership meeting held recently.
This year, Motion Picture Associates is
combining the annual Beacon award dinner
with a tribute to the newly formed Motion
Picture Foundation.
Selznick Releasing Joins
Confidential Reports
NEW YORK — Selznick Releasing Organi-
zation has joined Confidential Reports, Inc.,
as a stockholder and subscriber, according to
Neil Agnew, president. SRO will start using
Confidential checkers with the release of
“Duel in the Sun.”
There are now ten subscribers to the Con-
fidential service, including Eagle-Lion, Re-
public, Warners, UA, Columbia, Paramount,
20th-Fox, RKO and Universal.
WB to Show 'Unfaithful'
NEW YORK— “The Unfaithful,” Warner
Bros, production starring Ann Sheridan, Lew
Ayres and Zachary Scott, will be nationally
tradeshown May 26.
LEE D. BALSLY
18
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
-0
|||
wmimM. t
:z>%$
\H «IS bl°od
yZe^U rur -&^e/ sCfa/ 0jf (^crt^l£j^ /2£/c£?fas Oyyi/pC
&//a/zsOs ^oru T//E //OMESfRETCM -oyi J&c^srtsOC# &t/
A glorious romance
that hits all the high spots
of the world ... set against the
breathless excitement of the
world’s most famous racing classics!
^1
L
I
ii
JU* 1! j(. K
TtcHNlC0L0R
with
Glenn Langan • Helen Walker
James Gleason • Henry Stephenson
Margaret Bannerman • Ethel Griff ies • Tommy Cook
Directed by BRUCE HUMBERSTONE
Produced by ROBERT BASSLER.
Original Screen Play by Wanda Tuchock
THERE’S NO COMPANY WITH SUCH GREAT TECHNICOLOR TRIUMPHS AS
BOB, SON OF BATTLE In Technicolor • FOREVER AMBER In Technicolor • MOTHER WORE TIGHTS In Technicolor
I WONDER WHO’S KISSING HER NOW In Technicolor • CAPTAIN FROM CASTILE In Technicolor
2a
CENTURY-FOX
printed in u. s. a
Choose 22 Governors
For Academy Units
HOLLYWOOD— With three tie votes as the
highlight, the Academy of Motion Picture
Arts and Sciences has elected 22 governors
to represent the organization’s 11 branches
In each branch two candidates were chosen,
the largest vote-getter being set for a two-
year term and the runnerup to serve one
year.
Ties occurred in the art directors, music
and executives and producers classifications.
The art directors voted Urie McCleary to
the two-year term while Robert Haas and
Richard Day polled equal votes for the one-
year stretch. Day declined, stating that busi-
ness pressure would prevent his doing full
justice to the office. Haas automatically se-
cured the short term.
MUSIC BRANCH RESULTS
In the music branch, Morris Stoloff won
the two-year term, with Harry Warren and
Charles Wolcott tied for the one-year office.
A run-off election will be held.
Donald Nelson and Walter Wanger scored
equally in the executives and producers
branch. Wanger offered to accept the one-
year term, which put Nelson in the longer
span.
Other results were:
Actors branch: Jean Hersholt returned for
a two-year term, George Murphy for one
year.
Charles G. Clarke will represent the cine-
matographers for two years and Farciot
Edouart for one.
William Wyler polled the highest vote in
the directors branch to get the two-year spot,
with Delmer Daves for one year.
Film editors: William W. Hornbeck takes
over for two years, Frederick B. Richards for
one.
Perry Lieber was voted the long term in
the public relations branch, with Howard
Strickling to serve one season.
QUIMBY LEADS SHORTS
The short subjects branch will be repre-
sented by Frederick C. Quimby for two
years and Louis Notarius for one.
Thomas T. Moulton will serve the sound
branch for the long term with Gordon Saw-
yer the short.
In the writers branch, Charles Brackett
was elected to the two-year spot, with Mary
C. McCall jr„ to serve one year.
The newly elected board of governors will
hold their first meeting Tuesday, May 6, at
which time officers of the Academy will be
elected from their ranks.
George Gallup Quits Post
With Young & Rubicam
NEW YORK — Dr. George Gallup, presi-
dent of Audience Research, Inc., has resigned
as vice-president of Young & Rubicam, Inc.,
to devote all his time to national polls. He
joined the advertising agency 15 years ago.
Gallup is in England now on a five-week
visit. He will attend the world conference of
research experts in England and will meet
with film executives on plans to start a motion
picture research service in Britain.
Bernstein Ascap Treasurer
NEW YORK — The board of directors of
Ascap on Tuesday (April 29) elected Louis
Bernstein treasurer. All other officers remain
the same, including Deems Taylor, president:
Gustave Schirmer, vice-president; Oscar
Hammerstein II, vice-president; George W.
Meyer, secretary; Donald Gray, assistant
secretary, and Ray Henderson, assistant
treasurer.
SMPE Honors Veteran Cameramen
Leaders in the film, equipment and pro-
duction branches of the motion picture in-
dustry honored two veteran cameramen dur-
ing the 61st semiannual convention of the
Society of Motion Picture Engineers in Chi-
cago last week. In the photo below, Loren
L. Ryder (center) SMPE president, chats with
the two honored guests. At the left is Oscar
B. Depue, partner of Burton Holmes since
1893, and Joseph Dubray (right) who began
his career as a cameraman in Paris about
the turn of the century. In the top panel, left
to right: Donald E. Hyndman of Eastman
Kodak Corp., past president of SMPE; Loren
L. Ryder of Paramount Pictures; Earl Spon-
able of 20th-Fox, SMPE executive vice-presi-
dent; and Abe Shapiro of Ampro Corp., chair-
man of SMPE’s midwest section.
Reagan Sets Branch Meeting Dates
For Paramount's Sales Contest
NEW YORK — Plans have been completed
by Charles M. Reagan, vice-president in
charge of distribution at Paramount, for a
series of branch meetings in advance of the
company’s 1947 sales drive which will be
called “Celebrating 35 Years of Leadership,”
August 31 to November 29.
The meetings will start May 5 and end
June 10. Reagan said prizes in the contest
will be the largest ever offered by the com-
pany.
Sessions called in Hugh Owens’ eastern and
southern division are: New Orleans, May 9-
10; Atlanta, May 12-14; Charlotte, May 15-16;
Buffalo, May 19-20; Albany, May 21; New
Haven, May 22; Boston, May 26-28: New
York, May 29-31.
Those scheduled for James J. Donohue’s
central division are: Dallas, May 26-27; Ok-
lahoma City, May 28-29; Memphis, May 30-
.31; Chicago, June 2-3; Milwaukee, June 4;
Minneapolis, June 5-6; Indianapolis, June 9-
10.
Scheduled for George S. Smith’s western
division are: Los Angeles, May 5-6; San Fran-
cisco, May 7-8; Portland, May 9; Seattle, May
10-12; Salt Lake City, May 14; Denver, May
15-16; Omaha, May 17; Kansas City, May 19-
20: Des Moines, May 21; St. Louis, May 22-23.
Prizes won during the 1946 sales contest
will be awarded at the meetings and the One
Hundred Per Cent Club pins will be dis-
tributed.
Keywood Simmons Is Named
Paramount Dallas Head
NEW YORK — Hey wood Simmons has been
named Paramount branch manager in Dallas
by Charles M. Reagan, vice-president in
charge of distribution, to fill the vacancy
caused by the death of Fred Larned, who was
killed in an auto accident in California.
Simmons has been sales manager in the
Dallas branch. His post will be taken by Tom
Bridge, who has been sales manager in San
Francisco for the past year. John Bowles,
assistant to George A. Smith, western di-
vision sales manager, will be moved from
Los Angeles to San Francisco to take the
job vacated by Bridge.
Pathe News Shows Russia
NEW YORK — The current issue of RKO
Pathe News includes an exclusive eyewitness
report by Julien Bryan, photographer-cor-
respondent, on religion in Russia. Bryan, who
has just returned from his ninth visit to
Russia, made uncensored films on the great
revival of religious worship there.
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
21
vj\\ot it means t0
There’s great business
'CHECK THIS ONE FOR BIG
TICKET SALES. A MUST!"
Film Daily
'A WHALE OF A GOOD SHOW:..
Premiered to boff business
at the Saenger Theatre, New Orleans
and a hundred other sock situations!
MISS New
n
when you ploy • • •
Here’s business from U A
PRIC JOHNSTON, president of the Motion
Picture Ass'n, is pleased at the increasing
number of theatres which provide children’s
shows on Saturday. Latest statistics show
that more than 6,000 theatres now have
Mickey Mouse clubs and other types of ex-
hibitors, where educational pictures are
t shown.
Attorney General Tom Clark told BOX-
OFFICE that the new educational film pro-
gram, planned by Johnston, “is one of the
finest steps taken in many months to combat
youth delinquency.”
Clark stated that many minor crimes, by
youth, occur on the children’s day off, which
is Saturday.
“The educational value of the pictures is
also important,” Clark said, “and I con-
gratulate the industry for its keen interest
in American youth.”
* * *
JOHN McCULLOUGH, acting director of
the MPA conservation department, was in
Washington this week attending the Presi-
dent’s conference on fire prevention.
Prevention of fire loss at film exchanges
is credited to the MPA. Gen. Philip Fleming,
Federal Works administrator, told BOXOF-
FICE that he considers the excellent fire
prevention recerd in the film industry “a
great accomplishment.”
Fleming said that other industries should
initiate programs to eliminate industrial fire
loss and personnel injury.
* * *
CONSTRUCTION PERMITS to four thea-
tres were approved this week by the Office
of Temporary Controls. Three of the permits
were to veterans as follows: Frederick Cross,
Marrero, La.; Ralph A. Hale. Lakin, Kas.;
and Frank Wilson, Detroit, Ore.
The fourth permit was considered an emer-
gency for the public welfare. It went to Sam
Carver of Brown City, Mich., amounting to
an estimated sum of $28,000.
There has been a ste.ady increase in the
number of theatre construction permits ren-
dered by the government. Controls, however,
may continue for an indefinite period de-
spite noticeable progress in the veterans
housing program.
THE AVERAGE AMERICAN citizen is
more capable of solving the many problems of
government as a result of informational
media, including the commercial motion pic-
ture. This was an assertion made this week
by Treasury Secretary Snyder.
Commenting on the value of pictures,
Snyder said: "We are fortunate that through
our educational motion pictures people are
in better position than ever before to under-
stand and to help solve the problems of
government.”
* * *
BECAUSE OF CRITICISM from Sen. Wil-
liam Langer (R-N.D. » the Federal Trade
commission has stepped up its “antimo-
nopoly” program. Eleven complaints were
filed by FTC this week.
Langer accused the Justice department
and FTC of protecting monopoly operations.
He asserted that the present antitrust ac-
tion against the film distributors has been
“imoroperly handled.”
The North Dakota senator attempted to
pass a measure last year which would pro-
vide theatre divorcement and ban block
booking. He didn’.t get far. Attorney Gen-
eral Tom Clark opposed the measure on the
^efeont
By LEE GARLING
grounds that nothing should be done about
the case because of the pending antitrust
suit.
Senator Langer agreed, but has been gun-
ning for the Justice department since. He
is now in a position to do something about
it. He insulted almost every witness ap-
pearing in behalf of an increase of personnel
in the antitrust division before his Civil
Service committee.
Major argument fostered by Langer is that
persons found violating the antitrust laws
should be sent to jail in addition to being as-
sessed a stiff fine. “The law is adequate. It
is just not properly enforced,” he stated.
* * *
AN OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM was in-
itiated this week by the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce. Too much government control
of industry, such as that suggested in the
New York court antitrust decree against the
industry, should be eliminated, according to
the chamber.
A right to own private property is of major
importance, also a free market with a right
to earn a profit, the Chamber said. “It is
proper to have necessary government super-
vision— but not government regulation or
control,” the Chamber policy statement read.
* * *
CONTINUED DISAGREEMENT results
over the double taxation treaty with France.
Confidential information concerning income
and other types of data is being asked by the
French government.
Representatives of American industry fear
that the data will be used against them. For
instance, a film distribitor could be required
to give a considerable amount of confidential
and personal information from his export
accounts.
# * ■*.
AMERICAN PROSPECTS in Latin America
are increasing, with more than 1,600 thea-
tres now in operation on that continent.
Nathan D. Golden, film consultant of the
Commerce department, reports that U.S.
films continue to take the biggest gross in
the south of the border market.
FRANK T. SURFACE, assistant to the
president of Standard Oil Co., this week
urged the Congress to provide funds for a
general census of major American industries
every five years. He said this would cost
less than the present arrangement of ten-
year censuses. Included in the Census bureau
plans is a study of the motion picture in-
dustry, the number of people it employs and
other factors of its business.
» » *
THE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE b
America to Greece, Turkey and other nations
will keep the high excise admissions tax rate
in force for probably two years to come, was
expressed here by leaders in Congress.
Treasury Secretary John Snyder points oW
that if continued assistance is given, taxes
must remain high. Hope for reduction of the
20 per cent theatre tax is slim: at least it
will not be done before 1948 or 49.
* * *
FINALLY THE GOVERNMENT has found
a distribution outlet for its picture, “Seeds
of Destiny.” It will be used in Canada, dis-
tributed by the government to willing ex-
hibitors. Despite approval from exhibitor
groups, the film never reached the commer-
cial screen in this country. It was a project
of the film section, now located in the Office
of Government Reports.
Art Film Roadshows
Set for 75 Cities
NEW YORK — Plans are being completed by
Brandon Films, Inc., to hold scheduled road-
shows of foreign language and art films in
75 cities beginning next fall. Thomas J.
Brandon, president-treasurer of the com-
pany, said he has been testing the idea dur-
ing the past two months in 12 cities in New
England; six in New York state and six
throughout the midwest.
Brandon either rented available theatres
for a weekend or several days during the week,
or when theatres were unavailable he rented
suitable public auditoriums. When neces-
sary he provided his own equipment, either
35 or 16mm.
Prevailing prices were charged, and will
continue to be charged.
He claimed that this roadshow plan will
not compete with regular exhibitors. The
only towns or cities he will concentrate on,
are those with potential foreign language or
art audiences who are unable to see certain
product because of theatre shortages.
Brandon is now negotiating deals with
the leading foreign language and art prod-
uct distributors for the roadshow rights to
their features. By next fall he hopes to have
15 top films for exhibition in the 75 cities.
'Carnegie Hall' to Play
Chile Houses Duty-Free
NEW YORK— “Carnegie Hall,” the Boris
Morros-William LeBaron musical being re-
leased by United Artists, will be admitted
duty-free into Chile and play all Chilean
theatres absolutely free of all taxes, accord-
ing to Walter Goulo*, foreign manager for
UA. This is the first time that a foreign
government has so honored a Hollywood pic-
ture, according to Arnoldo Binder, UA man-
ager in Chile, who has been unofficially ad-
vised that the Chilean government will award
a gold medal to “Carnegie Hall” for “ex-
traordinary artistic and cultural excellence"
at a later date.
Following the picture’s classification as
"de uso cultural” by customs and censorship
officials in Santiago, the government itself
decided to sponsor the simultaneous showing
at the Central Theatre, Santiago, and the
Valparaiso Theatre. Valparaiso, April 28.
which were under the sponsorship of Senora
Videla, wife of the president of Chile.
CONFER IN MEXICO CITY — James
Stewart, who went to Mexico City for the
opening of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” chats
with U.S. Ambassador Walter Thurston
at the embassy.
24
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
RKO RADIO PICTURES me
DICK TRACY’S
/aade
THEY WON’T
THUNDER
RKO
RADIO
THE WOMAN
OF FIVE
PRODUCTIONS
ALBANY
Fox Projection Room
1052 Broadway
ATLANTA
RKO Projection Room
1 95 Luckie Street
BOSTON
RKO Projection Room
122 Arlington St.
BUFFALO
Fox Projection Room
290 Franklin Street
CHARLOTTE
Fox Projection Room
308 So. Church St.
CHICAGO
RKO Projection Room
1300 So. Wabash Ave.
CINCINNATI
RKO Projection Room
12 E. 6th Street
CLEVELAND
Fox Projection Room
2219 Payne Ave.
DALLAS
Paramount Proj. Room
412 South Harwood St.
DENVER
Paramount Proj. Room
2100 Stout St.
DES MOINES
Fox Projection Room
1300 High Street
DETROIT
Blumenthal Proj. Room
2310 Cass Ave.
INDIANAPOLIS
Paramount Proj. Room
116 W. Michigan Street
KANSAS CITY
Paramount Proj. Room
1802 Wyandote
LOS ANGELES
RKO Projection Room
1980 So. Vermont Ave.
MEMPHIS
Fox Projection Room
151 Vance Ave.
MILWAUKEE
Warner Projection Room
212 W. Wisconsin Ave.
MINNEAPOLIS
Fox Projection Room
1015 Currie Ave.
NEW HAVEN
Fox Projection Room
40 Whiting Street
NEW ORLEANS
Fox Projection Room
200 So. Liberty Street
NEW YORK
RKO Projection Room
630 9th Ave.
Normandie Theatre
51 East 53rd Street
OKLAHOMA CITY
Fox Projection Room
10N. Lee Street
OMAHA
Fox Projection Room
1502 Davenport Street
PHILADELPHIA
RKO Projection Room
250 No. 13th Street
PITTSBURGH
Fox Projection Room
1715 Blvd. of Allies
PORTLAND
Star Preview Room
925 N.W. 19th Street
ST. LOUIS
S'Renco Proj. Room
3143 Olive Street
SALT LAKE CITY
Fox Projection Room
216 East 1st South Street
SAN FRANCISCO
RKO Projection Room
251 Hyde Street
SEATTLE
Jewel Box Projection Roon
2318 2nd Avenue
SIOUX FALLS
Hollywood Theatre
212 No. Philips Avenue
WASHINGTON
Fpx Projection Room
932 New Jersey Ave.
DILEMMA
Mon. 5/12 10:30 A.M.
BELIEVE ME
Mon. 5/1 2 2:30 P.M.
MOUNTAIN
Tues. 5/13 10:30 A.M.
ON THE
Tues. 5/13
BEACH
2:30 P.M.
DESPERATE
Wed. 5/14 10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/ 1 3
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/ 1 2
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/ 1 3
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/1 2
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/ 1 3
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/ 1 2
2:30 P.M.
Mon. 5/12
4:00 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
4:00 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
2:30 P.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M,
Mon. 5/12
2:00 P.M.
Mon. 5/ 1 2
3:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:00 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
3:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/1 4
2:00 P.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/ 1 3
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/ 1 4
10:30 A.M.
’Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
2:00 P.M.
Mon. 5/12
3:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:00 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
3:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
2:00 P.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/1 3
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/ 1 2
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
1 :00 P.M.
Mon. 5/12
2:00 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
1 :00 P.M.
Tues. 5/ 1 3
2:00 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
1 :00 P.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/1 2
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/ 1 3
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/1 2
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/1 3
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/ 1 2
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
10-30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
10/30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/1 2
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
Mon. 5/1 2
10:30 A.M.
2:30 P.M.
Mon. 5/12
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/ 1 3
Tues. 5/13
10:30 A.M.
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
Wed. 5/1 4
10:30 A.M.
2:30 P.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/ 1 3
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/ 1 3
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
1 :00 P.M.
Mon. 5/12
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
1 :00 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/ 1 4
1 :00 P.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
1 1 :30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
1 1:30 A.M.
Wed. 5/14
2:30 P.M.
Thurs. 5/15 1 1:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
1 :00 P.M.
Mon. 5/12
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
1 :00 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
1 :00 P.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
1 :30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
1 :30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
2:30 P.M.
Tues. 5/13
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Mon. 5/12
10:45 A.M.
Mon. 5/1 2
9:00 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
10:45 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
9:00 A.M.
Wed. 5/14
10:15 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
1 1 :4',5 A.M.
| Wed. 5/14
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
10:30 A.M.
Tues. 5/13
2:30 P.M.
Wed. 5/14
2:30 P.M.
Republic to Continue
Bs Plus Big Budgets
HOLLYWOOD — First suggestion of the line
to be followed by Republic’s 1947-48 produc-
tion program was given by President Herbert
J. Yates upon his return to the studio from
New York where he met with the company’s
eastern interests. Calling an immediate con-
ference of the studio’s production executives,
the Republic head man told them that in-
creased attention will be devoted to the policy
which has been in formation during recent
months and which provides for more con-
centration on high-budget pictures. The in-
timation was that a major source of the more
costly features will be through pacts with
established creative and star personalities
similar to the so-called package deal recently
signed with the Charles K. Feldman Group
productions.
Yates further informed his studio person-
nel that, following the assurance of many
circuit operators and independent exhibitors
that they are ready to give increased sup-
port to B pictures, the company has decided
to make at least 16 B films for the coming
season. He stated that he had received many
favorable reports from theatre men as a re-
sult of the discussions of B product, which
were a highlight of the company’s recent
regional sales meetings. The B subjects on
the coming schedule will rely heavily upon
exploitation themes and titles, he said.
The outdoor specials, starring Roy Rogers,
will be produced on special budgets and will
be given additional strength by utilization of
established personalities to support Rogers.
As an example, he pointed out that currently
Tito Guizar is joining Rogers in the cast
of “On the Old Spanish Trail.” Rogers’ pic-
tures will all be filmed in Republic’s own
color process, Yates said.
The complete outline of the 1947-48 pro-
gram is being determined during conferences
with studio officials, with an announcement
of the over-all program expected shortly.
New Telenews Digest Issue
Opens Throughout U.S.
NEW YORK — The first issue of Telenews
Digest, new newsreel produced by Telenews
Productions, opened in various key cities
throughout the country April 30-May 2. In
New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Wash-
ington, Newark and Boston the reel opened
Wednesday (April 30). It went into all Em-
bassy and Trans-Lux houses and the Grand
Central Newsreel Theatre in New York.
Other openings include Chicago, Detroit,
Cleveland, May 1, and Denver, Dallas, San
Francisco, Oakland, Seattle, Portland and Los
Angeles, May 2. The Digest will concentrate
on exclusive news stories from abroad and is
aimed to supplement regular newsreels.
Hitchcock Due East Soon
To Start New Company
NEW YORK — Alfred Hitchcock is due in
from Hollywood shortly to start organizing a
new independent company, Transatlantic Pic-
tures Corp. Sidney Bernstein, head of
Granada Theatres, British circuit, will arrive
from England shortly to join Hitchcock in the
new company.
The first picture to be made will be “Rope,”
followed by “Under Capricorn,” to be filmed
in England with Ingrid Bergman. Hitchcock
and Bernstein will announce financial and
distribution plans for the company following
the latter’s arrival in this country.
LETTERS
Comedies Need Recognition
TO BOXOFFICE:
Your recent editorial, titled “Wanted: More
Comedy,” concerning the dearth of comedies
on the release schedules, should be called
most strongly to the attention of those in
Hollywood who are responsible for the making
of motion pictures.
As you say, “Comparatively few outright
comedies have been released,” and "the com-
edy cycle, apparently, does not run as long
a course as do the other cycles.” The blame
lies fully upon those who have control of the
creating of production schedules, as well as
on the general industry attitude of giving
but slight recognition to comedy as achieve-
ment.
FEW AWARDS SINCE 1928
The latter is best illustrated in the records
of the awards of the Academy of Motion Pic-
ture Arts and Sciences. In 1928, when the
annual awards of merit were first given, the
Academy created a special award for com-
edy direction. That went to Lewis Milestone
for his “Two Arabian Knights.”
Since then, the Academy, composed of vari-
ous divisions of creators in the production
side of the industry but whose final say in
all major policies rests with the producers,
has consistently ignored the making of com-
edies, except for the memorable “It Happened
One Night” and “You Can’t Take It with
You,” both of which were voted the outstand-
ing production achievements of their re-
spective years, their participants also getting
awards in other divisions.
The Academy has failed, since its first year,
to give proper recognition to the art of
comedy. Even in the short subjects com-
petition, all two-reel short subjects, whether
they be novelties, travelogs or the slapstick
comedies which brighten so many theatre
programs, are lumped together into one clas-
sification by length. This, despite the loud
protests of the makers of comedy shorts.
IDEA MUST BE STRESSED
And stranger, too, is the fact that the early
growth of the popularity of motion pictures
is attributable in a large measure to the ap-
peal of slapstick and other forms of comedy
presented.
Voting by the Academy members is cited
only as an indication of what little respect
for comedy is shown by the makers of motion
pictures. Exhibitors can be crying for com-
edy stories but unless publications such as
yours loudly point out the need of such type
of entertainment, nothing may be done.
Scofield-Taylor Productions, Inc., for its
program of eight exploitation-type pictures,
has scheduled four comedies, first of which
will be “Las Vegas.”
EDWARD SCOFIELD,
Hollywood, Calif.
Plea For Dignified Ads
TO BOXOFFICE:
All exhibitors will agree with me that the
success or failure of a picture to be “top
boxoffice” depends to a very great extent on
the film’s advertising and exploitation in its
first run showings. This should include
proper handling and prudent judgment in
making the film known in a particular area.
True, long before its release, producers and
advertisers are advertising their pictures
through radio, national magazines and the
like, but the real burden of “getting his
house full” falls on the exhibitor.
The advertising of a picture in its first
run engagements, I repeat, can either make
or break a movie, regardless of its high pro-
duction qualities. May I cite an example of
this. Recently at a large first run house,
Republic’s “I’ve Always Loved You” was
shown. Here, indeed, is a striking example
of movie-making at its finest. In such a
film, an opportunity presented itself to win
the patronage of those highly cultured circles
who look upon the screen with disgust be-
cause of its lavish, spectacular, sexy adver-
tising.
Instead of capitalizing on the fine color,
story and marvelous recordings of the great
masters, as played by Rubinstein, the first
run theatre in question (which deserves to
remain unmentioned) took the opposite
course. Large gaudy layouts were used for
newspaper advertising, disregarding any
tone of refinement of which the picture had
a great deal. Catchlines were: “A gay musi-
cal! The fun and excitement you’ve been
waiting for!” Very little mention was made
of Artur Rubinstein and on some large ads,
none at all. The whole campaign lacked pol-
ish which the picture’s selling demanded
As a result, the movie was not done justice
and the run of the film in subsequent houses
was impaired.
FULL-SIDED COOPERATION
Further, may I state an incident regarding
this. Several people were looking at the
theatre page of our local newspaper in which
"IALY” was advertised. It was a large ad,
using a great deal of black copy. Nowhere
did it mention Rubinstein or the other fine
qualities of the film. Instead it carried the
copy described above. One lady said, “My
heavens, I shouldn't like to see this picture. ’
The other agreed readily. They were sur-
prised when I explained to them, the true
value of the film in its endeavor to bring fine,
cultural music to the screen. You see,
through its poor advertising, many others, I
am sure, would have by-passed the film.
I assure you, I am in no way endeavoring
to publicize “IALY.” There are many other
examples to cite regarding other films —
especially the J. Arthur Rank imports. These
fine cinemas are being given the cheap
Yankee “ballyhoo.”
In closing, might I add that to be a suc-
cess a picture must have cooperation from
all sides, so all may reap a profit, and first
run houses figure a great deal in this. Let’s
avoid undignified, cheap advertising, let’s do
away with vulgar catchlines such as “would
you keep your mouth shut?” Let’s have the
first run houses give subsequent runs a break.
Let’s wake up and give the industry a new
postwar streamlining!
Very truly yours,
RICHARD AVERSON,
President, Averson International,
Frankfort, N. Y.
Toddy Gets Royal Picture
NEW YORK — Toddy Pictures Co. has ac-
quired distribution rights to the Negro cast
16mm film, “Going to Glory,” produced by
Royal Gospel Productions. The picture has
just completed a prerelease day and date
run at three Alamo Theatre houses in Wash-
ington, D. C., including the Jewell, Strand
and Mid-City.
Technicolor Has Dividend
NEW YORK— Technicolor Motion Picture
Corp., Inc., has announced a dividend of 26
cents per share payable May 20, 1947, to stock-
holders of record May 9, according to Dr
Herbert T. Kalmus, president and general
manager of Technicolor, Inc.
26
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
‘Refront
By IVAN SPEAR
Screen Guild Closes Deal
With Audio Pictures
Screen Guild Productions, newest of the
industry’s nationwide distribution companies,
continues to attract to its fold newcomer
production organizations. Most recent film-
making outfit to ink a deal with SGP is Audio
Pictures, headed by Ferenz H. Fodor. Audio
was launched a few months ago at which
time it declared a policy of making both
16mm and 35mm subjects. It is building its
own studio on Robertson boulevard, the lot
to be equipped with at least two stages and
other appurtenances to production. Audio’s
first under the SGP banner will be titled
“Crisis of Dirk Diamond,” while under con-
sideration as a second feature is “Glass
House,” an original by John Bright. John
J. Jones, SGP president, closed the deal with
Fodor.
Stromberg Preparing Saga
About Baseball for UA
In the annals of Hollywood there was a
period when every spring would bring forth
a deluge of baseball pictures, and every
autumn a comparable flock of gridiron films.
While these seasonal trends long since were
discontinued, United Artists Producer Hunt
Stromberg proposes that baseball will have
another screen inning — and, apparently, an
important one. Stromberg has taken an
option on “Judge Landis and 25 Years of
Baseball,” a book written by J. G. Taylor
Spink, owner and publisher of The Sporting
News, oldtime weekly devoted to matters of
the diamond. The producer proposes making
the picture a saga of the American sport. A
timely sidelight on his plans is the disclosure
that he is trying to sign Leo Durocher to
play in or act as technical adviser on the
feature and further hopes to sign some of
baseball’s great to appear along with the
actors cast.
HIS FATHER’S SCABBARD! — Doug-
las Fairbanks jr., receiving a sword from
Clarence Erickson, his general manager,
prior to the start of “The Exile,” Fair-
banks’ first independent production for
Universal-International in which he will
star and produce. The sword was used
by Doug. sr. in “The Iron Mask” and will
be used again in “The Exile.” It had been
given to Erickson by the elder Fairbanks
with whom he had been associated for
20 years.
Screen Story Purveyors
Have Eventful Week
At first blush it might appear that when
producers start selling stories to one another
it becomes time to worry for that gentry that
regularly provides its borsht and bagels by
purveying literary properties for metamor-
phosis into screen fare.
While one such producer-to-producer story
sales was a highlight of the week’s story mart,
nevertheless it was another lush stanza for
the yarn peddlers.
Mary Pickford, a United Artists producer,
was the one to let go of a property. She sold
it to another UA producer, Sam Coslow, who,
incidentally, just signed a new deal to make
. quintet of pictures for UA. The first will
be “Champagne for Everybody,” an unpro-
duced play by Laszlo Vadnay and Max Lief,
which — it might be necessary to report — is the
vehicle sold by La Pickford.
There was a flurry of yarn shopping over
at Enterprise. Producer David Lewis bought
“Pursuit of Love,” English novel by Nancy
Mitford, and set Harry Brown to scribble a
screenplay therefrom, from which he hopes
to start a picture come fall. At the same
time, Robert Aldrich, executive assistant to
Eneprise Producer-Director Lewis Milestone,
acquired the film rights to “Double Image,"
novel by Arthur Herbert Bryant. While it
was a personal purchase, Enterprise has first
call on the property and probably will make
the film.
Edward L. Alperson, one of the few profit-
sharing producers operating under the ban-
ner of 20th-Fox, took the rubber band off
the bankroll long enough to buy “The Tender
Years,” by Jack Jungmeyer jr. Described as
a father and son story, it will be next on
Alperson’s schedule, pushing aside the pre-
viously announced “The Big Curtain.”
Although it is still a virgin as concerns
actual production, newcomer company Amer-
ican-Eagle continues to announce story buys,
most recent being “Dark Device,” psychologi-
cal murder story by Hannah Lees which ap-
peared in the Saturday Evening Post . . .
RKO Radio purchased “Evening in Modesto,”
an unpublished short story by Albert Maltz.
Story is a modern melodrama with Califor-
nia’s famous vineyards providing the setting.
Ralph Steiner will produce . . . Purchase of
a timely subject by Universal-International
indicates that studio will be the first to pro-
duce a picture with modern Palestine as its
background. “The Danger Line” is a melo-
drama adventure portraying the drama of
individuals as well as the entire conflict that
is currently in the headlines . . . “McGuffey
the Great,” backstage yarn of a Shake-
spearean actor who turns magician and a
young detective who poses as his assistant,
by Ralph McComb, went to Warner and will
be used to reunite Sydney Greenstreet and
Dane Clark as a team.
Producer Paul Malvern
Departs From U-I Lot
With the departure of Producer Paul Mal-
vern from Universal-International, the old
Universal productional regime virtually has
disappeared from the lot. Malvern had been
without an assignment for several months.
The studio settled his contract which had
but a short time to run ... By cablegram
from England, Hal Wallis, Paramount profit-
sharing producer, took up for another year the
option of Paul Nathan, his executive assist-
ant in charge of talent . . . William Pereira
has been signed to a new long-term producer
contract at RKO Radio and is preparing two
story properties for early production . . .
Producer Robert Bassler was handed a new
long-term contract by 20th-Fox.
D. O. Selznick to Make
Ibren's 'Doll House'
Like Shakespeare, Henrik Ibsen periodically
presents an attraction for some Hollywood
producer. This time the Ibsenian influence
reached to high places, way up to David
O. Selznick, in fact. Selznick has revealed
plans to make a screen version of Ibsen’s
“A Doll’s House.” Dorothy McGuire, a DOS
contractee, will portray the femme lead. “A
Doll’s House” was made as a silent film in
1916 with Dorothy Phillips, again in 1918
with Elsie Ferguson and still again in 1922
with the late Nazimova. The Selznick try
will be its first version in sound pictures.
Sharecropping Trend Continues
For the past two to three years independent production companies and units have
been springing up on the Hollywood scene like summer dandelions. Furthermore, a
good percentage of them have been organized by the industry’s top talent — both thespic
and creative. As oft has been explained the tax situation and a desire on the part of
filmdom’s elite to participate in the profits stemming from their efforts are the main
reasons for the precedential invasion of the pr . duction field, which previously was
limited to a comparatively few companies.
That being the situation, inevitable it was that sooner or later every distribution
company would be almost forced to take on some output of the newcomer share-
cropping film makers. Some companies, like RKO Radio and Universal-International,
at an early date adopted such policy, with the result that currently a dominant por-
tion of their product comes from the bigger independents. Other organizations —
Warners and 20th-Fox, for example — have kept their profit-sharing deals at a
minimum.
Longest holdout and most recent to succumb to the trend is MGM. But within
the course of as many weeks, Mighty Leo has signed distribution deals for two pic-
tures to be made by other than his own studio personnel. With the exception of an
occasional foreign-made film, they are the first of their kind for Metro since “Gone
With the Wind.”
Second of the distribution deals is for the forthcoming Technicolor picture based
on the life of Joan of Arc to be made by the new company organized by Ingrid
Bergman, Victor Fleming and Walter Wanger.
Production on the drama of faith is scheduled to begin July 15 at the Roach
studios, with Miss Bergman portraying the title role of St. Joan. She will leave her
engagement in the Maxwell Anderson play, “Joan of Lorraine,” during May to return
to Hollywood to prepare for the film. Anderson is already in Hollywood to write the
screenplay. Walter Wanger will produce, Fleming direct.
Earlier a contract was entered with Liberty Films for distribution of the screen
version of the Broadway play, “State of the Union.” Frank Capra, one of the four
partners in Liberty, is to produce “Union” on the Metro lot and the entire setup was
made possible because Liberty’s pact with RKO Radio, which distributes its output,
provides for an occasional outside deal.
28
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
"»*«*» with the grea
f all motion picture
ments! Something t<
a«*ence into cheers
’/h]
‘The best film
Pense . . . fi*wi
,,y susPenseful
of the year!”
). ARTHUR RANK presents
JAMES MASON
in CAROL (S ) REED’S Production
ODD MAN OUT
on advnluf /n ynfa#arab/e tutptnitl
also p|
starring IV
Cyril Cusack
f I McCormick
Wm. Hartnell
and Introducing I
A TWO CITIES FILM •
CAROL REED
Screaaplay by
Robt. sherIH
md R i Gteen
Released inrough
UNIVERSAL .>">
INIERNAIIONAl ^
Fay Compton • Elwyn Brook-Jonei
Denis O’Oea • Maureen Delany
W G Fay • RobL Beatty
KATHLEEN RYAN
• Produced and Directed by
Memphis Censors Again Place the Hex
On Anything Resembling Crime or Sex
FROM THE FILES OF
MEMPHIS — Films continued to be “Bin-
fordized” in Memphis this week as Lloyd
Binford, head of the censor board, and his
associates banned their fifth motion picture
within a week, placed the name of Jesse
James on the black list as far as film titles
are concerned, and approved another film
for a downtown theatre but not for the neigh-
borhoods.
Last week Binford ruled against “Duel in
the Sun,” a double feature consisting of
“Destry Rides Again” and “When the Dal-
tons Rode,” and so emasculated UA’s “The
Macomber Affair” that it was canceled by
Loew’s Palace Theatre. This week the censor
ruled that RKO’s “Born to Kill” could not
be shown in Memphis or Shelby county thea-
tres and then decided that he preferred not
to have any picture with the name of Jesse
James in the title shown in town.
The ultimatum on Jesse James was the
most surprising act of the week, a week in
which censorship has been a topic of civic
discussion and a target of continuous barbs
by Harry Martin, critic of the Press-Scimitar.
The Jesse James episode developed when
Nat Wyse, Republic’s branch manager, called
Binford and asked him to look at a 13-chap-
ter serial, “Jesse James Rides Again.” The
censor told him it would be “a waste of time”
to look at the picture since nothing with the
name of Jesse James in the title would pass
the board.
“We don’t want to glamorize gangsters,”
Binford said, adding that though the serial
was not banned officially, he thought it would
be if he and other members of the board
saw it.
Binford also said he was not totally satis-
fied with Warners’ “Pursued” as proper film
fare and he permitted the picture to be
shown this week at the Warner Theatre with
the understanding that it would not be shown
at the neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, taking advantage of the pub-
licity given “The Macomber Affair” by the
censor board, Cliff Peck, owner of the Gem
Theatre in Covington, Tenn. — 40 miles from
here — has booked the picture for May 5 and 6
and is expecting it to pay off heavily at the
boxoffice.
WCTU Asks for Federal Ban
Of Film Drinking Scenes
CHICAGO — If drinking can’t be banned in
taverns, at least it can be banned on the mo-
tion picture screens, the Women’s Christian
Temperance Union decided here at a meet-
ing held April 24.
From the WCTU hearquarters in Evanston
came the declaration that if the film pro-
ducers do not voluntarily eliminate “wet
propaganda” from the screen, the only alter-
native is federal censorship.
Mrs. D. Leigh Colvin, president of the or-
ganization, urged a ban on “drinking scenes
having no connection with the plot of the
story, and other acts tending to portray th°
use of liquor as the smart thing to do," she
added.
QTIS SKINNER, prominent in legitimate
theatre, says a time will come when the
public will tire of picture shows. “The motion
picture theatre does not take the place of
art,” declares Skinner. “It is simply a ma-
chine . . . The greatest of all motion picture
actors are babes and geese.” Skinner also
sees a time coming when vaudeville will lose
its popularity.
* * *
Earl Williams, famous matinee idol of the
screen, died recently in Los Angeles. He was
one of the few actors who maintained success
from the pioneer days of pictures to the
present ... An Irish director in Hollywood
is making a series of Jewish pictures. Leo
McCarey is preparing a Pathe series of laugh-
makers for Max Davidson, the diminutive
character actor.
* * *
The Fox-Case talking picture device, Movie-
tone, which records action and sound simul-
taneously on the film, will figure promi-
nently in future of issues of Fox News. The
first contract for Movietone was signed by
Karl Hoblitzelle, president of Interstate
Amusement Co., owner of a string of thea-
tres in the south.
* * #
The motion picture industry now ranks as
the fourth largest industry in the U.S. and
represents an invested capital of $1,500,000.
of which $1,250,000 is represented in thea-
tres, studios and distributing offices.
Columbia pictures announces that prints
OF THE FOLLOWING PICTURES ARE NOW
AVAILABLE IN OUR EXCHANGES FOR SCREENING!
Warner BAXTER
crime doctor.
NANCY SAUNDERS • CLEM BEVANS
GRIFF BARNETT - PAUL GUILF0YLE
Based on the radio program “Crime Doctor”
by Max Marcin
Screenplay by Raymond L. Schrock
Directed by GEORGE ARCHAINBAUD
Produced by RUDOLPH C. FL0TH0W
CHARLES SMILEY
STARRETT • BURNETTE
as The Durango Kid The West’s No. 1 Comic
with
NANCY SAUNDERS • ROBERT SCOTT
OZIE WATERS AND HIS COLORADO RANGERS
Original screenplay by Ed. Earl Repp
Directed by DERWIN ABRAHAMS
Produced by COLBERT CLARK
30
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Screen
Guilds,
— -
Produced and Directed by WILLIAM BERKE
Rochelle HUDSON Jack LaRUE
Austin WILLIS • Frank PERRY
Producer, LARRY CROMIEN
Associate Producer, JACK W. OGILVIE
Director, STERLING CAMPBELL
DETECTIVE ACTION STREAMLINERS
THE HAT BOX MYSTERY Pomelo BLAKE • Virginia SALE
\vrL r iiL D ADV CITTED" Tom NEAL • Allen JENKiNS
The Case of the BAB Y bl II tK Pame|a blare • Virginia sale
Executive Producer, MAURY NUNES • Produced by CARL HITTLEMAN • Directed by LAMBERT HILLYER
lo r<
Tnc ■
$
HOME OFFICE: 346 So. La Brea, Hollywood, California
FOREIGN DEPT.: 723 7th Avenue, New York City . . • CABLE ADDRESS: Guild Film
Its here -a new convenience on the C&O
NO TIPPING
of any C & 0 employee"
WHY should you — the paying
customer of the railroads — have
to shell out for so many of the ordi-
nary services you need when you
travel?
Why shouldn’t your rail ticket
entitle you to courteous personal
service — without extra charge?
The Chesapeake & Ohio does not
believe the travelers on its railroad
should have to tip — and is taking
the first step toward abolishing this
nuisance. Frmn vow on, you are
urgently requested not to tip C&O
employees for any of the services
they perform.
This means you won’t have to leave
a tip on the change tray when you eat
on a C&O diner. It means you won’t
have to dig down for change for the
porters who serve the coaches on
C&O crack trains.
We cannot extend the no-tipping
rule to union terminals shared by the
C&O with other railroads, since the
redcaps in these stations are not on
our pay roll. Nor can the no-tipping
rule apply on Pullmans, since the
porters are employed by the Pullman
Company — not by us.
But wherever C&O employees are
on hand to serve you, you’ll find no
outstretched palms — for we’ll com-
pensate these employees directly for
attending to your needs.
This move to end the tipping
nuisance is the latest, but not the
last, of many improvements in rail
travel offered by the C&O.
^Naturally, this does
not apply to Pullman
porters, or to redcaps
in union terminals,
since they are not
C&O employees.
CHESAPEAKE & OHIO RAILWAY
TERMINAL TOWER , CLEVELAND 1, OHIO
32
30X0FFICE : : May 3, 1947
Boston ' Duel ' Campaign
Sets a Good Pattern
Smoldering under a persistent national
campaign begun by home office exploiteers
more than a year ago, “Duel in the Sun” is
scheduled to open in hundreds of theatres
shortly to the accompaniment of strong local
exploitation which may erupt in volcano-like
fashion upon potential theatre patrons.
The fact that the distributor and producer
are providing an enlarged field staff and
generous advertising allocations has not been
lost on the exhibitor. More important the
average exhibitor realizes that he has an
unusual exploitation vehicle in “Duel’’ and is
determined to get maximum revenue from
his playdate.
In every section of the country, the thea-
tre men have enthusiastically turned to pre-
paring their campaigns to further whet the
appetites of patrons already sharpened by
advance publicity notices.
Typical of theatre promotions planned is
a comprehensive campaign which has been
set up for the Boston opening at Loew’s State
and Orpheum theatres by Joe DiPesa, adver-
tising-publicity manager for Loew’s in that
city in conjunction with United Artists’ field
representatives.
The campaign will have good newspaper
publicity as a result of two girl stunts. Models
from the local Hart agency will form a base-
ball team attired in “Duel in the Sun” T-
shirts and posed with the city recreation di-
rector for a sports page photo inaugurating
the Boston Park league baseball season.
Six Radcliffe college coeds from Texas
will be chosen to serve as hostesses on open-
ing night. They will be posed for a news-
paper photo.
FANFARE FOR OPENING NIGHT
Fanfare for opening night will include an
antiaircraft searchlight, borrowed from the
army recruiting office, for use in front; hook-
up with WBZ for lobby interviews with city,
state and military leaders invited to attend
the opening; coverage by society editors of
all Boston papers of the premiere events, and
a Western Union booth in the lobby for dis-
patch of form telegrams by patrons urging
their friends to see the picture.
Other activities planned follow;
Professional models dressed in a Jennifer
Jones costume, personally will invite all
critics and city editors to opening night. In-
vitations will be burned on leather.
Letters to advertising and promotion man-
agers of department stores suggesting that
they caption their summer clothes ads, “For
Your Duel in the Sun, etc.”
Opening of “Loew’s baby farm” at the
theatres with a registered nurse for three
days of first week. Doorman will attend this
baby carriage garage. Sunday feature story
was planned on this.
“Duel in the Sun” fashion show on the
theatre stage, sponsored by the big R. W.
White Co., featuring summer wear. White
windows to tie up with opening store’s beach
shop.
Auctioning of large autographed Stetson
hat at Children’s hospital charity luncheon.
A "Duel in the Sun” handicap race at Suf-
folk Downs.
Boston American will reprint a replate with
this headline, “Boston Acclaims ‘Duel in the
Sun,’ etc.,” for distribution to opening night
patrons.
Guessing contest in local paper on number
of hours and minutes the sun will shine from
a designated time to the opening of the film.
Cash to be awarded.
HELICOPTER BANNERED
Ushers to distribute 20,000 flyers obtained
from New York.
Place a sign, “Sky High in Entertainment,”
on a helicopter which flies from a downtown
garage to the Boston airport.
Radio contest on WORL’s Mary Ruth pro-
gram awarding 25 passes to listeners who
send in best answers to question, “Why I am
anticipating ‘Duel in the Sun.’ ”
Posters in all billiard halls showing Cotten
and Barrymore playing pool.
Co-op ad with local Ford dealers associa-
tion based on this suggested copy: “Smooth
Performances of ’47 . . . Jennifer Jones in
‘Duel in the Sun’ and the Ford town and
country sedan, etc.”
Pass out game schedules at both ball parks
with appropriate copy.
I. J. Fox Fur Co. and Crown Shade &
Screen Co. asked to use “For Your Summer
‘Duel in the Sun’ Smart People Wear, etc.,”
and “Keep Cool . . . For Your personal ‘Duel
in the Sun’ use Venetian blinds, etc.” copy
in ads.
Special attention has already been given
to the arrangement of window and merchant
tieups with special emphasis on tying the
picture title in with copy similar to that
being used in cooperative newspaper ads.
Outdoor advertising will be on an ex-
tensive scale with type and litho posters
contracted for on all local subway stations
and suburban transportation facilities.
Out-of-town newspapers are being serviced
with special art and stories to supplement
display advertisements.
— 1 —
Cilywide Promotion
Launches Duel' in
Miami Beach Bow
All Facets Employed
To Exploit Premiere
Of 'New Orleans'
Skillful preparation and execution of an
extensive campaign for the Miami Beach,
Fla., opening of “Duel in the Sun” by pub-
licist Tom Jefferson of the Colony Theatre
resulted in strong business for that film.
A series of striking newspaper ads backed
by special feature stories and art broke in all
daily newspapers well in advance. An air-
plane banner heralded the attraction as it
was towed along crowded beaches and over
race tracks where large crowds saw the mes-
sage. T-shirts imprinted with the picture
title served as walking billboards after a tie-
up with high school students provided for the
youngsters to wear the shirts daily for a week
in advance.
Facade display arid theatre front at the
Colony Theatre , Miami Beach, Fla.
The mayor was presented a Stetson hat, the
occasion bringing forth extra publicity stories
in the newspapers, and bumper strips were
used on local buses.
Wide distribution was accorded the special
tabloid throwaways and a Ronrico rum tieup
resulted in cocktail coasters being used in all
night clubs, hotels and bars throughout the
city. Plans were completed for the running
of the “Duel in the Sun" purse at Gulfstream
race track where an engraved cup was
awarded the owner of the winning horse.
Eight $10 tickets for the event were scattered
throughout the crowd of more than 25,000
persons.
Radio played an important part in the
campaign with special announcements break-
ing many times daily over the four local out-
lets; WIOD, WQAM, WGBS and WKAT.
All local merchants cooperated on the cam-
paign with special window displays featuring
the stars and the dramatic highlights of the
film. The lobby of the Colony was decorated
with overhead signs as well as special blow-
ups of the various stars in the film. Inside
the lobby were several attractive 40x60s and
other special art.
Books Sell 'Yearling' in Cleveland
For “The Yearling” Maurice Drucker, man-
ager, and Ed Fisher, publicity director of
Loew’s State in Cleveland, obtained special
displays in 22 book stores in the best sections
of the city.
SAVE IT!
* Beginning with this issue, save
every copy of the BOXOFFICE
Showmandiser section. It has
been designed to serve as a per-
manent handbook of theatre mer-
chandising.
* The pages will be numbered
consecutively throughout t h e
year.
* An index to these pages will be
published at regular intervals,
thus providing easy reference to
the various articles on showman-
dising of individual pictures, to
types of pictures and to all the
various phases of promotion.
* Theatre men and executives
who have long felt the need for an
up-to-the-minute, yet permanent
guide to boxoffice promotion ma-
terial, will recognize this latest
service innovation in BOXOFFICE
as an invaluable aid in their daily
showmandising efforts.
PRE-SELLING
The keynote of a national preselling cam-
paign initiated by Paramount’s exploitation
department for “The Imperfect Lady” will
be large-scale department store tieups keyed
to women’s fashions to create advance inter-
est in the film production.
A typical promotion has got under way in
New York City where the fashionable Arnold
Constable store has already devoted a bat-
tery of eight windows to show many of the
new creations adapted from the picture to
stimulate the sale of summer wear.
Full page cooperative newspaper ads by
the store in metropolitan dailies are an im-
portant part of the over-all campaign. Jer-
aldine Cooper, Paramount exploiteer is han-
dling the New York campaign.
ANGEL CONTEST FOR “STAIRWAY”
Through the cooperation of Universal-
International and National Tours, the Chi-
cago Daily News selected an “angel” to get
top billing at its Ninth Travel exposition at
the Coliseum April 23 in connection with
"Stairway to Heaven,” scheduled to open
shortly at the Apollo Theatre.
The “angel” was one of the 12 finalists in
the News “Stairway to Heaven” contest who
appeared on the exposition stage that night.
The “angel” received an all-expense trip to
Bermuda via New York City, and other gifts.
Entries in the contest were accepted with
photographs submitted to the Daily News.
Saunders Lands Full Page
Page Co-Op in Bridgeport
Matt Saunders of the Loew-Poli in Bridge-
port, Conn., planted a full-page co-op ad on
the “The Macomber Affair” in the Sunday
Herald. Among the tiein merchants were the
Congress candy, Lee Bros, radio and Mead’s
drug stores, the Poli shoe repair shop, Thea-
tre grill, Conlin paint and Vetro package
stores.
The world premiere of “New Orleans” at
the Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, La., was
highlighted by the personal appearance of
Dorothy Patrick, co-star of the film.
Holland Smith, manager of the theatre,
working with United Artist’s field man, Ben
Hill, arranged a series of personal appear-
ances for Miss Patrick which netted out-
standing publicity breaks.
The star, flown from Hollywood, was
starred in a huge fashion show sponsored
by Holmes department store at the City audi-
torium. The entire affair was tied in with
New Orleans’ annual spring fiesta. Miss Pat-
rick subsequently was feted lavishly by promi-
nent society and civic personalities, including
Mayor deLesseps S. Morrison, with resultant
photo and publicity breaks in the New Or-
leans Item, Times-Picayune and States, three
leading newspapers in the city.
JAZZ WEEK PROCLAIMED
A proclamation to all citizens of New Or-
leans signed by Mayor Morrison designated
“New Orleans" as the official picture of
National Jazz week, April 19-25, an innova-
tion expressly set up for the premiere. A
total of 70 radio producers and stars made
mention of the event on local and coast-to-
coast programs. In a network hookup, “New
Orleans” was featured on the Queen for a
Day broadcast from Hollywood with mention
of the theatre and cast given prominent at-
tention.
Station WSDU’s Ladies at Lunch and To-
day's Personality programs were devoted to
plugging the picture. Other radio breaks
arranged for the advance buildup of the
premiere broke on WNOE, WWL and WSMB
The newspaper campaign was one of the big-
gest ever conducted in the southeast with
all New Orleans papers devoting columns of
copy on the Jazz week tieup and the appear-
ance of Miss Patrick in New Orleans.
Cooperative advertising campaigns were
also stressed for the opening with the Holmes
department store leading the way through a
series of full-page ads in the New Orleans
States, Times-Picayune and Item.
A personal message to every patron who at-
tended the Orpheum Theatre in Wichita,
Kas., gave strong advance impetus to Man-
ager Howard Busey’s campaign on “Lady
in the Lake. The ingenious showman had
2,000 cards imprinted and fastened these to
the back of every chair in the house.
34
— 2—
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 3, 1947
CONTEST T1EUP, M. Hendricks, Mayfair, Baltimore
RADIO
cm
music
Mitt
'Msm
AlL-um if
GREATS | «l
TOGETHER [ i
W5$HKC« HI tm
rv^vcut Jim i&titxt
*mmu‘
m tfi?
STILL DISPLAY, Tony Peluso, Fox, St. Louis
IDEAS WHICH
CAN BE
USED
BANK PROMOTION, Fred Lynch, Radio City Music Hall
STREET BALLYHOOS FIND FAVOR AND PROVE EFFECTIVE AND ECONOMICAL
Bob Hynes, Criterion, Atchison, Kas. J. Brunette, Fox Wisconsin, Milwaukee Howard Busey, Orpheum, Wichita, Kas.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser May 3, 1947
— 3 —
35
HH44XU6MCilta
• To develop, on a broader scale, the ex-
change of exploitation ideas, both new and old,
and to encourage showmandising, BOXOFTICE
offers $100.00 in cash as a Bonus every month to
theatre men, for promotions of special merit.
• A promotion may consist of a single idea
substantiated by a photograph, house program,
newspaper ad or any other evidence to be eli-
gible for a Bonus; or it may include a complete
campaign on any picture, institutional accom-
plishment or public relations endeavor which
would be eligible for one or more Bonus pay-
ments.
THE
OXOFFICE
ONUS
HERE'S THE IDEA!
• The $100.00 Bonus will be divided among
theatre men for promotional efforts in each of
ten phases of merchandising. (Ten Bonuses of
$10.00 each).
• Bonus payments will be made on the basis
of material submitted to The Showmandiser.
• Theatre managers, their assistants and pub-
licity and advertising managers are eligible to
receive one or more Bonus payments each
month.
O There is no limit on the number of promo-
tions which may be submitted in any month.
# The exhibitor with a small or no-advertising
budget has the same opportunity to receive a
Bonus as the key-run manager with a substan-
tial appropriation.
• Bonus payments will be made on the basis
of individuality, originality and merit — with full
consideration for size of theatre, run, location
and other local factors.
O Recipients of Bonus payments for each
month will be announced in the second regular
issue of BOXOFFICE during the following
month.
sioom CASH
EVERY MONTH
HERE'S WHERE
HERE'S THE PAYOFF!
A $10.00 Bonus for Exceptional Promotions
in Each of the Following:
1. House Program
2. Lobby Display
3. Window Tieup
4. Theatre Front
5. Newspaper Ad
6. Ballyhoo
7. Original Idea
8. General Tieup
9. Cooperative Ad
10. Public Relations
T he Showmandiser , BOXOFFICE, 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 20, N. Y,
Grownups and Youngsters ^ibanyMakes Solid
Enjoy Owens Kid Shows Hit Wiih Children
A Kiddy Kartoon Karnival started two
years ago for “kids 6 to 60,” which is con-
ducted on Saturday mornings at the Ma-
jestic Theatre in Springfield, Ohio, is still
going strong as a boxoffice booster and also
serving to cut any trend toward juvenile
delinquency.
The kiddy show, for both children and
adults, is the brain child of energetic Wood-
row “Woody” Owens, manager. Owens re-
membered the success of kiddy shows some
years ago and being a kid enthusiast himself
besides the father of two children, he hit
upon the idea of a revival of the kid show in
the form now presented at the Majestic each
Saturday.
The kiddy show runs for three hours, with
one hour given over to showing of two car-
toons, a 17-minute serial, two more car-
toons and then a drawing. After this there
is a two-hour showing of the regular Ma-
jestic double feature booked for that day.
ASKS CONSENT OF PARENTS
If one of the pictures in the double feature
is undesirable for kiddies to see, Owens makes
such an announcement prior to start of the
double feature. Provision is made that chil-
dren may stay for the film if they have con-
sent of their parents. The picture not strictly
for children always is made the last attrac-
tion on the three-hour kiddy show.
Admission is 25 cents for children and 40
cents for adults in the Majestic, which has a
seating capacity of 735. However, this seating
capacity many times is exceeded, with top
attendance being around 1,000.
Bubble gum or candy is given to each child
attending, but there are many more prizes
given away weekly. The lineup of children
generally extends for a block or a block and a
half in the downtown area prior to start of
the show.
When each child enters the theatre, he re-
tains half of the admission ticket which bears
a number, and the management keeps the
other half with same number for the drawing.
The prizes at the drawings range from bal-
loons and roller skates to bicycles and Holly-
wood four-wheel jeeps. During the past 18
months 16 bicycles have been given to chil-
dren. The prizes are promoted through local
merchants with little or no cost to the thea-
tre management. Last month 40 kites were
awarded.
PULLING POWER CONTINUES
The adults also come in for prizes. There
are special gifts for 60-year-olds, including
nylons and hard-to-get items. An orchid is
awarded weekly to the oldest mother attend-
ing. Owens says that out of the 735 seating
capacity, the average is for 250 mothers and
parents to be in attendance.
Out of the lineup of children prior to the
start of the kiddy show, Owens appoints two
boys to serve as policemen for the lineup and
entrance to the theatre. As a reward the
two boys so designated get free admission.
The Kiddy Kartoon Karnival is considered
quite a feat, because its pulling power con-
tinues despite film shortages. Some chil-
dren have seen the same cartoons three and
four times, but that is no deterrent to their
weekly attendance. During the last year of
the war the kiddy show was a big help in get-
ting children off the streets and curbing
delinquency, according to Owens.
An inspection of the theatre after the
kiddy shows reveals no seat cutting or other
damage. The morale at the shows is high
and parents think it a fine thing. The Ma-
Children crowd around Woodrow “Woody”
Owens, manager of the Majestic Theatre
in Springfield, Ohio, shown at mike, at one
of weekly Kiddy Kartoon Karnivals.
jestic telephone starts ringing Friday of each
week with inquiries from children and par-
ents asking the time of the show and what is
planned on the program.
Recently as a feature of the kiddy show
there was a 15-minutes broadcast over WIZE
each Saturday for six weeks. During the
radio program the kiddies were interviewed
and they told their names, what they did at
home and school, their hobbies and pastimes.
took over
management of the Warner Madison Theatre.
Albany, N. Y„ hit a home run, scoring 1,400
paid children admissions at a novel Baseball
matinee which he introduced locally.
A capacity audience including 300 standees
turned up to greet the Albany ball club’s new
manager, Merrill May, the team’s star per-
formers and sports editors Charlie Young of
the Knickerbocker News and Dick Walsh of
the Times-Union.
Hutchison interviewed the celebrities on
the stage and added a touch of strictly thea-
tre promotion by having his assistant man-
ager Johnny Duffy participate in the pro-
gram. Duffy is a former outfielder of the old
New York state league and has maintained
his popularity with baseball fans.
Following the stage introductions and
speeches, the youngsters saw Walt Disney’s
short, “How to Play Baseball” and the short,
“I Love Brooklyn” with Leo Durocher and the
Dodgers. Additional shorts and “Song of the
South” rounded out the program.
The Baseball matinee was exploited with
theatre displays and heralds. Both news-
papers came through with advance and cur-
rent publicity and photos.
Hutchison is organizing a ball team among
his juvenile patrons to be called the Madison
Theatre Junior Senators.
Kleper Promotes Student
Snake Dance for 'McGurk'
For “The Mighty McGurk” at the College
Theatre in New Haven, Conn., Sid Kleper,
manager, arranged a parade and snake dance
by a group of local high school students
carrying appropriate signs. A youth dressed
in Bowery costume was used as a barker in
front of the theatre, sniped derbies were given
to newsboys and a horse and wagon was used
as a street bally. In addition Kleper ar-
ranged a Wallace Beery imitator contest at a
local night club which drew heavy attention.
Blakey Solves Problem of How to Get
Talent for His Amateur Show
Lack of talent is the greatest trouble thea-
tre managers face in presenting regular ama-
teur night stage shows, and this is true in
Kansas City, Kas., where Philip Blakey man-
ages the Midway, a Commonwealth neighbor-
hood house.
However, Blakey solved this problem by a
combination of his own personal enthusiasm
and ingenuity. Except for a lapse of several
weeks around Easter, amateur shows have
been presented at the Midway each Saturday
night since last September 27, shortly after
Blakey took over there.
Blakey is thoroughly convinced of the value
of live talent on the stage, and cites both his
previous experience and the growth of box-
office totals at the Midway as proof. He
became thoroughly schooled in the presenta-
tion of stage acts while serving as assistant
manager of the Tower Theatre, downtown
theatre in Kansas City, Mo., across the Mis-
souri river, which, until recently, featured a
weekly amateur night in connection with its
combination policy of professional acts and
screen features since the early 1930s.
A major factor in his success at the Mid-
way, Blakey explains, is his employment of
an experienced vaudeville showman to direct
the auditions and amateur shows, and to help
round up talent. His present amateur night
emcee, is Val Williams, professional master
of ceremonies, who followed Watty Watkins,
an oldtime vaudeville singer.
Around five acts, or 30 minutes of stage
time, are presented on the Discovery night
programs, with audience applause deciding
the distribution of $10 in prizes. Both Blakey
and the emcee visit dancing and music
schools and youth clubs where amateur acts
are available, requesting the better ones to
enter the Midway shows. Auditions are held
Friday afternoons for any juvenile or adult
desiring to take part.
A continuous display on the amateur pro-
gram is kept in the lobby, which also is pro-
moted by a special trailer and newspaper ad
inserts.
Patronage at the Midway has increased 100
per cent since starting of the amateur shows,
Blakey reports. Full cooperation is given
Blakey in his amateur policy by Eddie Mans-
field, division manager for Commonwealth
Theatres, which acquired the Midway more
than a year ago.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser
May 3, 1947
-5 —
37
THEY RACED ACROSS THE WORLD
' " "-3
c jfpl t^eae'
inxnm
Love more exciting
than the
Sport rff Kings __
they lived for! T
—
TOM’W
ROXY
doors open 10:30 A. M.
Last Day! ALEXANDER'S RAGTIUE HMD • Plus GALA STAGE
TIMELY FOR CURRENT RACING SEASON
HOW THEY'RE SELLING THE NEW PICTURES IN NEWSPAPERS
AT NEW YORK FIRST RUN THEATRES ALONG BROADWAY
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
Shu* place of tile Nation Rockefeller. Center
Announcing.
A captivating
film overflowing
with hilarious
comedy, spark-
ling romance . . .
•*fe“
uubr
STARTS THURSDAY
m *r V
CLAUDETTE FRED ^
COLBERT • MacMURRAY
W"
with MARJORIE MAIN ^
From the Best-Selling Book by Betty MucDonalcl
Produced and written for the screen by
CHESTER ERSkINE and FRED F FINKELHOF FE
Directed by Cheater E'rekino • A Universal-International Piclur
Thirteen
thousand feet
of thrills
DAVID 0. SELZNICK’S
IN TECHNICOLOR
ADVANCE TEASER
CONSERVATIVE AND DIGNIFIED
• Paramount Continues To Give You The
Nation’s Greatest Entertainment Bargain!
‘p/t&ZMO(//vn
Midnight Feature Nightly
TIMES
SQUARE
ENTERTAINMENT BARGAIN
MATINEE IDOL SHOULD ATTRACT THE MEN TOO
JftMKMASO"
W reaching
heights in —
character'zat'°n*
ILoew's Criterion will remain OPEN UNTIL 4 A.M.I
[during the engagement of this unusual attraction.
e in unbeoroble lyipentsfF
ROBERT NEWTON
i
|
i
ABOUT!
HER LOVE WAS AN EXOTIC TRAP!
INTERNATIONAL PICTURES- presents
AN INTERNATIONAL
S. PICTURE
BLACK AND WHITE TONES IN REVERSE
&
THEATRE
IN'b-*W
DISPLAY
Selected for their compelling art-
istry and attention value were
conceived and prepared by Jay
Wren, director of advertising-pub-
licity for Paramount Adams Thea-
tres, with headquarters at New-
ark, N. J.
NEW POLICY GETS BEN DAY APPLICATION
FIRST
RUN
Feature
Pictures
' Or STORY OF w
OT A GIRL THEY’RE % W
€> ^ ^ ^ ^ <%
S
JAMES DUNN §
(Academy Award Winner)
MONA FREEMAN a
(As Ziggy Brennan) ©
WILLIAM MARSHALL - JUKE DUPREZ (~\
Together
...The f re
Terrific!
UZABBTH
scorr
JOHN CROMWELL'S
ENTIRE SHOW ON SCREEN
EMPHASIZING ILLUSTRATION AND WHITE SPACE
1
WOMAN MANAGER
TOUGH THEATRE
CAN HANDLE
PROBLEMS
Unique among Detroit, Mich., theatre
executives is a girl who came to town a few
months ago with an unusual record of suc-
cessful management for major circuits — Ger-
trude Tracy, manager of the Van Dyke for
Associated Theatres. Her history of 18 years
experience in show business is almost in-
credible in contrast with her youthful and
highly pleasing appearance — but she started
young and literally worked up the hard way.
Her first job was back with Skouras Thea-
tres as cashier in the Capitol at Port Chester
N. Y.
Advancement came slowly then — in six
years she advanced to become secretary, chief
of service, assistant manager, and eventually
manager for the circuit.
Miss Tracy then left to go with the Loew
circuit working throughout the entire New
England division for a year. Her next as-
signment, and it was a big one, was to open
Loew’s Ohio Theatre in Cleveland as a first
run house. The house was remodeled from
a building formerly devoted to other uses, and
she found herself with the responsibilities of
a first opening on her hands, even to the
construction end.
This 1,300-seat house had a major prob-
lem— lack of product, so that special ex-
ploitation became a necessity. She attained
widespread recognition for her work in this
field. Her voluminous scrapbook, trade press
citations on her office walls, and a summary
of the activity bear witness to what was done.
AT HOME IN ANY SITUATION
She is definitely at home in a neighborhood
theatre, such as the Van Dyke, where she has
been situated, and versatile enough to do a
successful job in a downtown house. Her own
preference is for the latter type of theatre,
because it allows more opportunity to exer-
cise that inner flair for showmanship.
When Miss Tracy took over at the Van
Dyke several months ago, she faced two dis-
tinctive problems — how to attract the young-
sters to the theatre and how to exploit the
Gertrude Tracy
theatre’s continuous policy over abnormally
long operating hours. One of the major handi-
caps that confronted her was strong competi-
tion from across the street: the well-operated
Eastown Theatre under the management of
Joseph La Rose, a showman of long standing
and wide reputation in the community.
Operating with a problem not uncommon
to theatre men, Miss Tracy found she had a
limited amount of money to spend for ad-
vertising purposes. She decided to launch an
extensive campaign of throwaways to build
up attendance, always an inexpensive device
if properly prepared and distributed.
The throwaways have worked well. First
IKtATtt VAN or Hi ,* HAUK
C’MON KIDS . . . Attend
KIDDIE RACE MATINEE
EVERY SATURDAY AFTERNOON
WIN VALUABLE PRIZES
15 - BIG PRIZES EACH WEEK - 15
PLAY THE GAM€!
HAV€ FUN! WIN!
Hut OUR REGULAR BIO 5-UNIT SHOW—
1 DAfwtt«y» BUWNISV
2 5«>OK BUST Mi
3 BANDOY Of THE BADLANDS '
4 A U— uj» SON Of ZC#*©"
5 CARTOON — NEWS
Come • • • A *4 B-.-3 rw f.MwU F« . at,
F U N « F E S T end PRIZES!
VANDYKE :c
TNtATBC
Were You Here Las» Week ? ?
Did You Hove Fun . . . Win??
Well, Come Again Saturday!
Another b,9 Kiddie Race Day
15 - BIG PRIZES - 15
AWARDED TO WINNERS it* A 816
Comedy Race everybody Plays!
■, Plu» OUR REGULAR 8(5 5-UNIT SHOW—
/r 1- THE OEYiL'S MASK
I VDICK TRACT
3. 'MARSHAL Of LOREDO f'J
4 "SON Of ZORRO
5 CARTOON - NEWS
Come . • AND BRING VOi.R FRIENDS
Every Saturday
ADMISSION
VANDYKE
Circulars have proved economical and effective in focusing patron interest on special
features. Here are typical throwaways used by Miss Tracy to exploit kiddy programs
at the Van Dyke. They are imprinted in two colors to emphasize the sales message.
came a series of institutional pattern aimed
at selling the theatre policy of good enter-
tainment at low cost, the friendly atmosphere,
the comfortable environment, and change
days on which new programs opened.
Bold catchlines compelled reader attention,
leading off with “Did You Know?” followed
by the theatre’s features and concluding with
“Get into the Habit . . . Visit regularly, etc.”
The copy used to attract the kiddy patrons
was equally effective and attractively illus-
trated pointing up prizes, games and special
screen attractions.
Makeup of Miss Tracy's personality is inter-
esting— obviously one with much energy and
ambition. She is the “dynamic” type that
can make a pleasing impression upon every-
one she meets in business, and yet be the
efficient executive type, doing si difficult job
well, at the same time.
She works long hours because she likes the
work. Her day off is often devoted to seeing
more shows — the traditional showman’s holi-
day. But she finds her principal stimulation
in her work.
KEEPS PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT
Miss Tracy has been a frequent speaker be-
fore women’s clubs, civic groups and on the
air, usually discussing theatre management.
Incidentally, she is firmly against the idea
that there are special problems faced by the
woman in a theatre management post — she
hasn’t found them yet, and believes that the
problems are identical, whether faced by a
man or woman. She has had to settle fights
and repair broken plumbing, and she does
both as calmly as she greets customers, and
keeps the staff functioning smoothly.
Her first job as a cashier was, she was
warned, “just temporary”— but that was 18
years ago. Today, her ambition is to get into
either the production or distribution end of
the motion picture business. Don’t we all
feel that way?
Old Mule and Wagon Bally
Pays Off Big in Florida
An old idea stunt revised to fit the occasion
can pay big dividends at the boxoffice. Robert
M. Galt, manager of the Ritz in Clearwater,
Fla., put a mule and wagon on the street for
two days for “Singin’ in the Corn” and his
exceptionally good gross was proof that the
old bally clicked. The wagon carried one-
sheets with this hand-written sign, “Follow
Us to the Ritz to See ’Singin’ in the Corn,'
etc.” A couple in rustic costumes, a young
man and baby rode in the wagon.
Southern Circuits Start
July 4 Beauty Contest
A tristate beauty contest will be an attrac-
tion of a four-day Independence day celebra-
tion to be staged in Panama City, Fla., July
3-6. The Fred McClendon circuit is sponsor-
ing elimination contests in 16 Alabama cities
the circuit serves. The Martin-Davis chain
is sponsoring similar contests in 60 cities.
This will bring to 76 the number of contest-
ants in the finals in Panama City.
Sets Newspaper Tieup
For the opening chapter of the serial, “Son
of the Guardsman,” the Martin Theatre in
Dothan, Ala., admitted children on presenta-
tion of a newspaper coupon and five cents.
— 8—
40
BOXOFFICE Showmcmdiser :: May 3, 1947
Dallas Gels Thanks
Of Legion and Helps
Matinee Business
THE SOUTH acclaims
\ v 1 v n '
TOTAL OF
9,578
PERFORMANCES TO DATE
D
Increased attendance at his matinees by
mothers with small children and a con-
siderable amount of goodwill on the part of
this city’s veterans was gained by Dave
Dallas, city manager of the four Theatre En-
terprises, Inc., houses, Manhattan, Kas., due
to two trailers he donated to the American
Legion.
The first of these, shown alternately at all
theatres carried this copy with a background
of a baby’s nursery and with nursery music:
“ATTENTION — Veteran’s Wives — Now you
can attend our matinee performances — Park
the baby at the American Legion auxiliary
FREE NURSERY in the service men’s lounge.
Community Bldg., Fourth and Humbo'dt
Open daily, week days, 1:30 to 5:00 p. m. All
ages, prekindergarten. This FREE NUR-
SERY is open to all veterans’ families. Cour-
tesy American Legion and auxiliary.”
The second trailer plugged the use of the
service men’s lounge, a pet project of the local
Legion group, and carried this copy!
VETERANS AND FAMILIES . . . After the
show, walk over to Service Men’s Lounge in
the Community Bldg., Fourth and Humboldt
. . . Open every night until 11 o’clock or later!
Ex-service men invited . . . During April open
house from 9 p. m. to 11 p. m. . . . Eat a bowl
of popcorn and drink a cup of coffee on the
house . . . Snack Bar . . . Juke Box . . . Wood
fireplace. Drop in, it’s yours to use. Courtesy
American Legion and auxiliary.”
The officers of both the Legion and the
auxiliary officially thanked Dallas for this
service.
Detroit Teen-Agers Vie
In 'Red House' Contest
The United Detroit Theatres publicity di-
rector, Alice Gorham, scored another "first”
with exploitation on “Red House” when a
“new faces” preview was staged for high
school teen-agers in the UDT screening room.
Plenty of newspaper publicity resulted, in-
cluding stories on the teen-agers’ page of each
of the dailies.
Basis of the competition was to have the
high school reviewers choose which of the
new featured players in the film was sched-
uled for stardom in the opinion of the writ-
ers. Students were also asked to write com-
ments on the picture.
Len G. Shaw, dean of Detroit drama crit-
ics acted as a judge in the contest and John
Finlayson, assistant screen editor of the De-
troit News briefed the contestants before the
start of the show. The winner was awarded
a bond.
Tieup With Grocery Gives
Garrett Free Ad Space
Taking advantage of the fact that most
grocery stores in town offer week-day specials
to their customers, C. M. Garrett, manager of
the Yandell Theatre, El Paso, Tex., has ar-
ranged a unique tieup with a home-owned
company which operates 11 stores in the city
of El Paso.
Store customers who buy a certain amount
of groceries on specified days receive a guest
ticket to the Yandell Theatre. In return the
theatre benefits through large display ads in
which the grocery concern gives generous
mention of the free offer with current thea-
tre plugs. The device could be especially
effective in smaller communities where the
exhibitor usually operates on a limited budget.
BROKE ALL RECORDS IN MEMPHIS! GEORGIA CROWDS UNEQUALLED!
JACKSONVILLE PACKED ’EM IN! SHREVEPORT GROSS TREMENDOUS
MILLIONS OF PEOPLE CAN’T BE WRONG!
■y —
i
iQCcher
1 1 a,Ses ft i
m°ral <%dMJND DAD
aduIt °nd UCafi°nat
9nl sj °*e b
,WiiJ Prove e l
^nd. . .. a 9* eat help ,
™op- edim „
ALL-STAR HOLLYWOOD CAST
IN PERSON ON THE STAGE
ELLIOT FORBES
FEARLESS HYGIENE COMMENTATOR
*
Special Colored Theater Unit Starring
JESSE OWENS
World Famous Olympic Champion
Book It NOW!
WIRE ’ WRITE ’ CALL
HYGIENIC PRODUCTIONS
1. S. JOSSEY and KROGER RARR
Gen. Offices: Hygiene Bldg., Wilmington, Ohio
Los Angeles • Cleveland • Mexico City • Toronto
IOC-, ,.
This p*h‘n<i
^,c*u re/
Ceive* °UrM°M AND
n>ent. . ... Un1uali{;ed
Srecr,„£
Iacks°nvilie' Fil^' Ex-
^SUBJECT °AD WIL
AT^C K n,18 p*ctvre
e*vmVrklaNd p
Meyers Ela P(,st°
NOTE: THE producers of
“MOM AND DAD” BELIEVE A
THEATRE HAS TWO BASIC OBLIGA-
TIONS— FIRST, TO ENTERTAIN ITS
PATRONS AND SECOND, TO PER-
FORM A PUBLIC SERVICEI GUAR-
ANTEEING THE FIRST AND WITH
INTEREST IN THE SECOND YOU
K.CAN PRESENT THIS SIGNIFICANTLY^
VITAL MOTION
PICTUREI
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser May 3, 1947
— 9—
41
BOXOFFICE NUGGETS
At the Roxy Theatre, Atlanta, Ga., man-
ager Jimmy Scott promoted an old-fashioned
buggy and a gray mare with which to bally-
hoo “It’s a Joke, Son.” The stunt was a real
mirth-provoker.
An attractive lobby display featuring litho-
graph cutouts of Frank Sinatra, billed as
“the Voice” and Jimmy Durante as “the
Nose” helped the advance publicity on “It
Happened in Brooklyn” for Mollie Stickles,
manager of the Poll Theatre, Meriden, Conn.
The figures held song sheets from songs
heard in the film while a concealed borrowed
music box played the recordings.
Ray Connor, manager of the RKO Palace
Theatre in New York City decided to go in
for atmosphere for the showing of “Trail
Street.” The usherettes were dressed in west-
ern attire and the boxoffice was converted
to resemble the rear end of a covered wagon.
Exploitation in connection with the en-
gagement of “Bedelia” came in for special
attention from Manager Mike Guttman of the
Century Theatre, Minneapolis, Minn. Mike
created a special front featuring special pic-
torial art which was a real crowd stopper.
In Rochester, N. Y„ Manager Lester Pol-
lock featured the line “Nine Happy Song
Hits” in all advertising for his date on "It
Happened in Brooklyn.” Les used a pro-
fusion of scene stills from the picture to pro-
mote the attraction in lobby displays.
. . . has that rich , golden
color that makes 'em buy!
★ Uniform Quality always— in color
—in flavor— in consistency.
★ Colored at the refinery by expert
chemists*
Milwaukee Gimbel#s Gives
Extensive 'Years' Help
Roy Pierce, manager of the Riverside
Theatre, Milwaukee, Wis., tied up exclusively
with local Gimbel department store, effecting
comprehensive cooperative support for the
showing of “Best Years of Our Lives.”
Pierce garnered full window space with
prominent theatre credits well in advance of
his opening date. In addition, for four days
preceding the run, Gimbel’s used “Best
Years” headlines on ads in 15 pages of Mil-
waukee Journal display advertising. This
included extensive Sunday advertising. About
six of these pages used 8x10 still reproduc-
tions from “Best Years,” with appropriate
headlines featuring this copy: “For the Best
Years of Your Lives . . . The Best Years of
Their Lives . . . etc.” Men’s, women’s and
kiddy’s ads carried such copy.
In a storewide promotion, Gimbel’s devoted
at least one display case in each section, 40 in
all throughout the store, to “Best Years” ad-
vertising tied in with merchandise sales . . .
This was done for four consecutive days be-
fore playdate.
Radio, newspaper and bus and streetcar
advertising supplemented the Gimbel tieup.
Tieups in Des Moines
Net Extra Profits
For 'Wonderful'
Edward Holland, publicity manager of the
Orpheum in Des Moines, Iowa, put on a cam-
paign for “It’s a Wonderful Life” credited
with contributing to the exceptional busi-
ness done by the film during ten days of the
worst weather of the season.
Screenings for radio and newspaper repre-
sentatives resulted in specialized treatment
through both mediums.
In addition to the usual reviews, there was
considerable editorial comment on the whole-
some qualities portrayed in the comedy-
drama by Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed.
A tieup with Montgomery Ward resulted in
free air plugs and window displays with
credits. Stewart also appeared on the Ward
program over 104 radio stations and supplied
autographed pictures for listeners writing in.
A screening for the officers of the Des
Moines Ministerial Ass’n paid off in sermons
inspired by “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
A highlight of the campaign was a 15-
minute broadcast over KRNT by Betty Wells,
who has the highest Hooper rating of any
woman commentator in the U.S. Cooperation
of local building and loan groups was made.
Bulletin Reminds Ushers
Courtesy Sells Theatre
NEW BRITAIN, CONN.— Joe Miklos, man-
ager of the Embassy, is author of an instruc-
tion sheet posted on the bulletin board in the
ushers’ room at that Warner Theatre. En-
titled "It Pays Off,” the sheet reads:
“Every act of courtesy and kindness in
your daily work sooner or later pays off in
your contacts outside the theatre.
“By being courteous, obliging and kindly,
you sell yourself as well as you sell your
theatre.
“It does pay off! You satisfy yourself, your
patron, and your employer! . . . And it’s the
fellow with the ticket who pays you off!”
★ Packed in Open Head Pails and
drums for better accessibility.
★ Backed by 70 years "know how".
★ For those stales where colored oil is not sold
— use SIMKO brand, natural color
coconut oil seasoning.
2550 E. TIOGA ST. PHILADELPHIA 34, PA.
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
Improved
C. CRETORS. 6l CO.
604 W. Cermak Rd. Chicago 16, 111.
Twin Giant
Floor Model 42
Two improved Giant Model 41 poppers
mounted on a welded steel stand . . .
speedy, dependable large production
poppers that pop twice as much com as
the single model. One operator should
pop approximately 100 pounds of raw
com per hour. The popped corn is
emptied into two removable steel trays
with perforated bottoms. A shake or
two of the trays causes the unpopped
kernels to fall through into drawers
below. Used by wholesale operators
everywhere. Machine operated by bot-
tle gas or natural gas. Motor driven by
electricity. Gasoline extra. Overall di-
mensions 78 in. long by 30 in. deep.
jbau/Ue
POPCORN OUTPUT
POPCORN PROFITS
with Auxiliary
CRETORSy
dutce t$%5
—10—
42
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 3, 1947
Ballroom 'Disc Dig' in
Los Angeles Helps
Date on 'Dorsey'
A “Dorsey Disc Dig” was put over by Cliff
Geisemann, manager, for “The Fabulous
Dorseys” at the Four Music Hall theatres
in Los Angeles in a tiein with the Hollywood
Citizen News.
The huge Casino Garden ballroom was
secured for the occasion and an entrance fee
of 63 cents or a new recording was charged
visitors with proceeds going to a local charity.
The “Disc Dig” primarily was aimed at the
younger set in the community to afford them
opportunity of hearing each others’ collection
of recordings. The whole event was adver-
tised and conducted in conjunction with the
“Fabulous Dorsey’s engagement.
A big radio party, attended by all former
band members and singers of the Tommy and
Jimmy Dorsey bands, was given heavy pub-
licity in newspapers. A recording of the
festivities was made by A1 Jarvis of KLAC for
broadcast on a special half-hour program.
Window displays were! extensive with many
of the downtown merchants cooperating on
music displays, etc. Window cards placed
locally during “Dorsey” week went over the
300 mark.
Egg-Coloring Contest Sells
Detroit Showing of 'Egg'
Easter may be over but it’s in for a rousing,
up-to-date revival when they play “The Egg
and I,”’ if showmen follow the pattern of
promotion by which the picture was sold to
Detroit theatregoers.
For an advance contest, Dave Idzal, man-
ager of the Detroit Fox Theatre invited
patrons to participate in an egg-coloring con-
test. Prizes were offered for various classi-
fications; old-country style, still life, land-
scapes, portrait or figure and the best de-
sign. Extra prizes were offered to kinder-
garden pupils and students in the grade and
intermediate schools.
So novel were many of the designs sub-
mitted that a display was set up in the thea-
tre lobby with the press gladly cooperating
with publicity and photos.
Hartford Palace Tieup Set
By Fred Green way
A weekly radio plug for current attractions
at the Palace in Hartford, Conn., has been
arranged by Fred R. Greenway, manager,
and his assistant, Albert Lessow. In return
for issuing passes to listeners who guess the
titles of popular tunes played over WONS
Opportunity Tunes program, the station men-
tions the current Palace attractions.
t%3 HYDE ST. M GERALD L.KARSKI
S A N FRANCISCO (2) CAL. ' * ()ENER,AL MANAGER
outstanding
SIGNS...
Cat. No. M 756Vi
Cat. No. M 756
«
'/TVl
/, X-A__
rP /
fyAitfltdctf
Immediate delivery — beautifully
designed, aluminum finish, indirectly
lighted directional signs. Complete
with interchangeable, etched glass
name plates. Ideal for use in theatre
interiors, lobbies, corridors.
Distributors and jobbers write for
quantity price list.
ART METAL MFG. CO.
3110 Park Ave. • St. Louis 4, Mo.
This style available in double face
To Purchase, Lease or Exchange
New or Used, 35MM — 16MM Prints
Foreign or Domestic Silent or Sound
Department B.O.
INFORMATIONAL FILM ASSOCIATION
|^^128 Lexington Ave.
New York 18
Notv Specializing '
in Refreshment
Concessions for
DRIVE-IN THEATRES;
SPORTSERVICE, Inc. Jacobs bros.
t HURST BLDG. BUFFALO, IL L
, P O P C O R N
M A C H I N E S
Begs — % lb. $2.10 M in lots oi under 10 M
2.00 M over 10 M
P/2 oz. Trademark. 10c seller.
$3.30 per M
(Available only at Western Warehouses)
POPCORN
Manley's Jumbo Popcorn $8.00
Manley's Premium 9.25
Manley's Supreme (Middle-West)....10.5O
(Eastern) -.10.75
(Western) 11.00
Packed in double lined moisture proof
bags to preserve quality, high volume,
and to assure you of a tasty, tender
product.
FOR IMMEDIATE SERVICE
UNIFORMITY . . . DEPENDABLE PERFORMANCE
SEASONING
Manley's Pop-Co-Better .. 40c per lb.
The best that money can buy.
SALT
Refined and processed according to our
own specifications. Brings out the natural
flavor of your popcorn.
10c per 2-lb. box, in cases of 12 or 24.
WRITE NEAREST
EASTERN
Atlanta, Ga», Seutbefn Sates & Warehouse Co,, 1 71 Peters It., 5. W.
Binghampton, N« Y.* Manley, tire.* Sox No. 826
Boston, Mass., WLggtn Terminals, Inc.., 50 Terminal Si
Charlotte, N. Carolina Transfer & Storage Co., 1230 W. Morehead
Roanoke, Va*, Roanoke Public Warehouse
MIDDLE-WEST
Columbus, Ohio, Merchandise Warehouse, 370 W. Broad St,
Dallas,- Taieas* 7anes-Ewalt Warehouse;, 420': Laws- St*
Des Moines, tawa. Merchants Transfer & Storage Co.
Detroit, Mich., Edgar's Sugar House No. 2, 1900 Alfred Street
Indianapolis, Ind., St r ohm Warehouse & Cartage Co., 230 W. McCarty St.
WAREHOUSE
Kansas City, Me., Manley, Int,, 1920 Wyandotte ^t.
Memphis, Tenn., United Warehouse & Terminal Corp., 137 E. Calhoun
New Orleans, La., Douglas Public Service Corp., 118 N. Front St,
Oklahoma, City, Ok! a., O. K. Transfer & Storage Co., 531 W. Main
Peoria, III., Federal Warehouse Co., 800 South Adams
St. Paul, Minn,, Central Warehouse Co., University & Pillsbury Ave.
WESTERN
Denver, Colo., Weicker Transfer & Storage Co., 1 700 1 5th St.
Los Angeles, Calif., Jennings-Nibley Warehouse Co., Ltd.
Oakland, Calif., Haslett Warehouse Co., 51 Webster St.
Salt Lake City, Utah, Central Warehouse, 520 West 2nd South St.
Seattle, Wash., American Warehouse Co., 95 Connecticut St.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 3, 1947
—11 —
43
CLEARING HOUSE
(Continued from inside back cover)
SOUND EQUIPMENT
Late type RCA amplifiers, PA and soundiilnT,
$49.50 up; outdoor metal speakers, $3.95 up;
dosing out soundfilm amplifiers, $29.50 up; sound-
heads, $9.95 up; Western Electric 500 watt drive-
in amplifiers, $295; new Multicellular infrequency
horns, $75; 35mm sound projectors, $125 up;
new theatre amplifiers, 10 watt, $77.50; 17 watt.
$95. S.O.S, Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd
St., New York 18. ‘
Complete 16nim show — 1 DeVry projector, 60
watt amplifier, 2 speakers, record player, re-
wind and film splicer, 12x14 ft. screen. 30 col-
lapsible benches (steel frames), 300-seat capacity.
200 ft. sidewall (8 ft. high). All in good con-
ili.iuu, $1,200. Waco Drive-In Theatre, P.O.Box
1397, Waco, Tex.
MISCELLANEOUS
Glazit with Glazore. Cleans and glazes lac-
quered, enameled, varnished surfaces, metals, tile,
glass, marble. Pints $1.50. Distributors wanted.
Write for particulars. Harry S. Cans, 326 W. 44th
St., New York 18.
SIGNS
Easy Way to Paint Signs. Use letter patterns.
Avoid sloppy work and wasted time. No experi-
ence needed for expert work. Write for free sam-
ples. John Hahn, B-1329 Central Ave., Chicago
51, 111.
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
Mister Exhibitor: Do you need a stimulant one
night a week? Play Screeno. The first screen
game and still the leader because Screeno cannot
be controlled. Screeno slides are operated by air
and not affected by electric current, therefore
cannot get out of order. Finest Bogus Bristol die
cut, cards supplied with equipment. Give seating
capacity, secure attractive price. Screeno Amuse-
ment Co., Orleans-Huron Bldg., Chicago 10
Phone DELaware 5953, _
Bingo Cards, 100 or 75 number. $2.75 per M;
lots of 10M or more, $2.50 per M. 100 number
cards good fur Keen-o game. Premium Products,
354 W. 441 h St.. New York City.
AIR CONDITIONING
r have 150 used brass 2% to 3 gal. per minute
spray nozzles at $1 ea. .Also have 400 % in.
Rainbow Mist spray nozzles, new brass. Water
broken fine misty spray. 1% gal. capacity; 750
nozzles, % in. capacity, 1 to 1% gal. per minute;
450 nozzles, 44 in. capacity, 1 gal. per minute.
Will sell all these sized nozzles 80c ea. while
they last. Shipment at once. Also I have some
Texrupe drives. Bronze Randall Bearings, belts and
drives. G. A. Peterson. R2, Clinton, Mo.
For Sale; Cooling System — water washer and
fan, fan motor 71/, H.P.. fan blades, dia. 39 in.,
width blades, 34 in." Washer tank 7% ft. x 42 inches,
height of louvers — 5 ft. 3 H.P. Fairbanks Morse
motor and pump, all motors 220 volt. Fan and
washer not assembled. Priced to sell quick, $750.
j. P. Lannan. West Point, Neb.
THEATRE TICKETS
Prompt Service — Special printed roll tickets.
100,000, $19.90; 10,000. $5.95; 2.000. $3.75.
Each change in admission price including change
in color. $2.50 extra, double numbering extra.
Shipping charges paid to 1.000 miles. Cash with
order. Kansas City Ticket Co., Dept. 9. 1819
Central, Kansas City, Mo.
THEATRE PRINTING
Whitlow Cards, 3-sheets, photo offset house
programs, heralds, passes, etc. Cato Show Print-
ing Co.. Cato, New York, or Tribune Press,
Fo-ler, Ind.
MORE CLASSIFIED
INSIDE BACK COVER
fylaiii Point?
Users of POPSIT PLUS the
liquid popcorn seasoning
made from Peanut Oil, are
not worried about flash point-
POPSIT PLUS has a flash
point over 650°F. and a fire
point over 700°F.
Exhibitor in a Tough Spot' to Allow
Patrons to Decide Double Features
MIDDLETOWN, OHIO — Patrons them-
selves will decide the fate of double features
at the Paramount Theatre here. The thea-
tre has announced a plan to be followed for
seven weeks of showing single features three
times weekly and double features on the re-
maining four days.
Jack Keegan, Paramount district manager,
indicated that after the seven weeks he would
take a look at the boxoffice receipts to de-
cide whether that policy would be continued,
Still the most Economical because
whether single features all week would be
more profitable, or whether to go back to the
double feature bill at all times.
The latest plan of film fare was devised
after the Middletown Motion Picture council
here campaigned to oust double features. Peti-
tions were circulated and more than 4,000
signers obtained, with various Middletown
organizations, industrialists and business men
supporting the campaign.
The petitions also called for elimination of
the sale of popcorn and a differentiation of
prices on main floor and balcony seats. How-
ever, Keegan said popcorn sales would con-
tinue and there would be no change in the
price system.
"BMf 3<™*" POPCORN
TOP QUALITY Ohio Super Yellow
sp
*5* 500 lbs. or more, $Q5Q
per 100 lbs. U
Packed in convenient
50-pound
individual
bags
Packed in either 50 lb. or 100 lb. moisture-proof
bags at same price per 100 pounds.
Prices F.O.B. Marion, Ohio
*
" Jlau-Ana
Returnable Drums, 38V2 lb* Tins,
per lb
Cocoanut Oil
33c
POPCORN BOXES, Per 1000, $7.50
(F.O.B. CHICAGO)
(Prices Subject to Change)
+
Distributors lor
CRETORS Popcorn Machines
POPPER S BOY PRODUCTS CO.
58 E. 13th St. Chicago 5
of NEW DRASTICALLY
REDUCED PRICES
Our government has requested
price reductions to stem infla-
tion and we are going to help —
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
THE PRICE OF POPSIT PLUS IS
REDUCED APPROXIMATELY
15% — This brings the cost of
POPSIT PLUS close to the price
level of solid seasonings.
Warehouses in principal cities — cocst to coasf
C. F. Simonin’s Sons, Inc.
% r r?/lefeneM ^
4 9 l I S H C 0 '
2550 E. TIOGA ST. PHILADELPHIA 34, PA.
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
SAVE MONfYl
7/jp Jilntack’A Veu>
PREVUE
TRAILER
SERVICE
W COSTS ONLY 1
■w $450 cA?r I
■ free CSj. features!
Filmack 1327 S. Wabash Chicago
44
—12—
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser May 3, 1947
Ten Hollywood Stars
Will Eecite Rosary
ALBANY — Ten of Hollywood’s leading
stars will recite the rosary on a Mother’s
day broadcast which Father Patrick Peyton,
founder-director of the Family Rosary cru-
sade and of the Family Theatre, has planned
in conjunction with the Mutual Broadcasting
system. National headquarters of the Family
Rosary here made this announcement. Inter,
spersed with the actual recitation of the
rosary by Irene Dunne, Pat O’Brien, Loretta
Young, Rosalind Russell, Ethel Barrymore,
Ruth Hussey, Charles Boyer, Don Ameche
and George Murphy, will be the story of
“the world’s greatest mother” — the Blessed
Virgin.
A release suggested that every friend con-
tact individual stations in the Mutual net-
work, to have them carry the program. In
instances where a station may find it dif-
ficult to clear radio time at 3 p. m., EDST,
it would be possible to carry the special fea-
ture at a later hour by delayed broadcast or
transcription.
“This special Mother’s day broadcast while
distinct from Father Peyton’s present weekly
series of family prayer progress called the
Family Theatre,” said the release, “ is never-
theless a further effort to win the families of
America to the idea of family prayer, par-
ticularly the family rosary.”
Father Peyton’s goal, according to the
statement, is 10,000,000 homes listening to the
half-hour program. The Family Theatre has
been broadcast at 10 p. m. Thursdays over
Mutual for the last three months.
Brandt to Make Mayfair
Into First Run House
NEW YORK — The Mayfair, Broadway thea-
tre leased from Loew’s by the Brandt cir-
cuit, is expected to change soon from second
run dual policy to new product.
Three Get Citations
WASHINGTON— Si Fabian, R. B. Wilby
and E. V. Richards jr. received navy certifi-
cates here for “outstanding contributions”
to the war effort. The presentations were
made on behalf of the President by John L.
Sullivan, undersecretary of the navy.
Record in Antitrust Case
Costs $10 M0 to Print
New York — Record of the N. Y. anti-
trust case was sent to the clerk of the
supreme court May 2 to be printed in
conjunction with the appeals filed by the
eight defendants and the government.
Deadline for filing the record was May
10, but Justice Stanley Reed granted an-
other ten days if that time is needed.
The entire pretrial and trial testimony,
covering 4,000 pages, plus 476 government
and 150 defendant exhibits, filled four
cartons, each containing six cubic feet.
At the rate of $2.50 per page, printing
the testimony alone will cost $10,000. It
has not yet been decided whether to re-
produce the exhibits. Costs will be shared
by the defendants and the government.
20th-Fox, RKO, Loew’s, Paramount and
Warners will bear the major share.
The supreme court now has to agree to
hear the case, and is studying statements
of jurisdiction filed by the defendants and
government. Once a hearing date has
been set, the appellants must file briefs
with the court three weeks before the
hearing.
500 Entertainment Field Leaders
Pay Tributes to Weitman, Levin
Tuesday of this week in New York many prominent industry figures turned out
for the ceremonies marking the retirement of Jack H. Levin and the induction of Rob-
ert M. Weitman as president of Cinema Lodge, B’nai B’rith at the Hotel Astor. On the
upper dais (l.-r.) : Abraham Glovsky, Max A. Cohen, Ed Sullivan, Harry Brandt, Jack
Cohn, Barney Balaban, Levin, Weitman, Sam Rinzler, S. Arthur Glixon (standing), Si
Fabian, Alfred W. Schwalberg, Maurice A. Bergman, Jean Benoit-Levy. Lower dais,
left to right: Rabbi Ralph Silverstein, Albert A. Senft, Saul M. Rogers, Samuel Markle,
Alvin H. Kaplan, Sam Sievers, A. W. Rosenberg and Rabbi Bernard Birstein. Below,
Weitman responds to the felicitations.
NEW YORK — More than 500 leaders in the
entertainment field honored Robert M. Weit.
man, managing director of the New York and
Brooklyn Paramount theatres and newly
elected president of Cinema lodge, and Jack
H. Levin, Confidential Reports, Inc. vice-
president, at a dinner at the Hotel Astor Tues-
day (April 30). Levin retired as lodge head.
Weitman accepted a new gavel, symbol of
his office, from Maurice A. Bergman, U-I
eastern advertising and publicity director,
and urged increased membership in the lodge
and further support of B’nai B’rith. Barney
Balaban, Paramount president, lauded Weit-
man as a valued business associate and pre-
dicted Cinema lodge will achieve greater serv-
ice under his leadership.
Weitman outlined a nine-point program for
Cinema lodge during the coming year. He
stressed that American Jewry must combat
subversive influences on the American scene.
Ed Sullivan, columnist, was master of cere-
monies during the evening’s entertainment.
Sam Rinzler, Randforce Theatres head,
presented a parting gift to Levin from the
lodge and cited the outstanding achieve-
ments of the organization during the past
year under his leadership.
Abraham Glovsky, president of B’nai
B’rith, installed officers. In addition to Weit-
man, new lodge officials include the follow-
ing vice-presidents: Julius M. Collins, Ascap;
S. M. Chartock, theatrical producer; S.
Arthur Glixon, attorney; Bernard Goodman,
Warners; Leo Jaffe, Columbia; Marvin
Kirsch, Radio Daily; Martin Levine, Brandt
Theatres; Milton Livingston, Universal; Nat
K. Loder, Republic, and Louis A. Novins,
Paramount. Other officers installed at the
dinner were Max B. Blackman, Warners,
treasurer; Malvin T. Davidson, attorney, sec-
retary; Dr. Morris K. Silverman, monitor,
and Rabbis Ralph Silverstein and Bernard
Birstein, chaplains.
Special feature of the dinner was a cita-
tion to A1 H. Rosenberg, president of the
Universal Match Co., for “outstanding
achievement in furthering interfaith under-
standing and universal brotherhood.” The
Schutter Candy division of Universal Match
sponsors the ABC program, “David Harding,
Counterspy.” A dramatization of the radio
show was presented.
Phone Strike Over ; Service Crippled
NEW YORK — The New York telephone
strike, which had disrupted service for 24 days,
was settled April 30 after 1714 hours of al-
most continuous negotiations. Only 5,000 of
the 37,000 workers crossed picket lines and
returned to work May 1 and 2, however. Serv-
ice was continued, but manually operated
lines generally remained on an emergency
basis.
A joint statement from two U.S. conciliators
said that an agreement had been reached at
5.55 a. m. affecting employes in the southern
district of New York, which includes New York
City, Westchester, Suffolk and Nassau coun-
ties. It was pointed out, however, that the
settlement affected only employes of the New
York Telephone Co. and strikes elsewhere
would still curtail long distance service.
The Philadelphia telephone strike was also
settled and 600 plant and maintenance work-
ers returned to work April 30.
In New York about 500 theatres situated
in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and
Queens are covered by city dial telephones
and were unaffected by the strike.
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
N
45
BROADWAY
The Warners home office bowling team vied
with the company Philadelphia team for
the bowling trophy at Feibels Recreation
Center, Teaneck, N. J., Friday (May 2) . . .
Marion Doran who heads the Enterprise story
department is conferring here with Phyllis
Blum . . . Elliott Nugent is at the Warner
Bros, studio directing “Ever the Beginning”
for U.S. Pictures.
Edward L. Alperson, head of Alson Pro-
ductions, discussed his forthcoming 20th-Fox
production, “The Tender Years,” with Joe E.
Brown . . . Ray Milland landed in England
to start on “So Evil, My Love,” Hal Wallis
production . . . Louise Weyhrauch, Ed
Hinchy’s secretary at the Warner home office,
celebrated her 20th year with the company
Thursday (May 1).
Ann Miller is here for a two-week vaca-
tion . . . Charles Schwartz of the law firm
of Schwartz and Frohlich is due from the
coast over the weekend . . . Nate Blumberg
of U-I is here from Hollywood to meet J.
Arthur Rank. The British producer is ex-
pected on the Queen Elizabeth May 7. Blum-
berg will accompany him to the coast . , .
Louis Elliman, managing director of Odeon
Ireland, Ltd., circuit controlled by J. Arthur
Rank, is scheduled to arrive May 22.
Robert S. Wolff, RKO managing director
for the United Kingdom, came in from Holly-
wood . . . Edward L. Walton, Republic as-
sistant sales manager, spent a few days in
Chicago . . . Adelaide Bruns of the SRO New
York staff was married to Townsend George
Cann . . . Robert S. Brauninger son of A1
Brauninger of the WB 16mm department,
will soon be married to Doris Marie Wittnebel
of New Rochelle.
William Lyon of the MGM studio publicity
department spent a few days in Portsmouth,
N. H., before returning to Hollywood . . .
Sam Lefkowitz, eastern district manager for
Warners, is back from a trip to Buffalo and
Binghamton, N. Y.
C. J. Scollard, in charge of Paramount labor
relations, is back at his desk after a series of
coast conferences on new agreements cover-
ing white-collar workers at nine Los Angeles
exchanges with the Office Employes Inter-
national, IATSE , . . Sam Wolowitz of the
Warners accounting department, is the fa-
ther of a boy born at Israel Zion hospital,
Brooklyn . . . E. S. Seeley, Altec chief engi-
neer, is back from the semiannual meeting
of the SMPE in Chicago. G. L. Carrington,
Altec head, returned to the coast after a
three-week visit here.
Charles C. Moskowitz of Loew’s is back
from a Florida vacation . . . Margaret O’Brien
is visiting here from Hollywood . . . The 20th-
Fox women’s bowling team defeated the RKO
feminine bowlers at the Radio City alleys,
scoring two out of three victories for the
PRESENTS RED CROSS CHECK—
William A. White, general manager of the
Skouras Theatres in New York, presents
a check for $4,737.50 to Mrs. Bromwell
Ault, chairman of the field workers of
the Manhattan division of the Red Cross
1947 fund. Collections were made in the
theatres. (Paul Parker Photo.)
season . . . Nate B. Spingold of Columbia is
on a three-week visit to the coast.
Dr. Herbert T. Kalmus, Technicolor, Inc.,
head, is due back from a tour of the com-
pany Centerville, Mass., plant, May 8 . . .
Roger Williams, Paramount International
manager in Puerto Rico, flew back to his
headquarters after home office meetings . . .
William C. Gehring of 20th-Fox returned
from Cleveland . . . Arnold Pressburger is
expected from the coast Monday (May 5) en
route to England . . . Americo Aboaf, Uni-
versal foreign department representative, has
completed a six -week tour of Mexico, Puerto
Rico and Cuba.
Stanley H. Craig, Paramount general man.
ager for New Zealand, and William Hurworth
jr., assistant manager in Sydney, are due in
town this week . . . Walter Green and Oscar
Oldknow of National Theatre Supply are on
the coast.
Harry Goldstone Becomes
All American Sales Head
NEW YORK— Harry Goldstone of Famous
Pictures Film Exchanges has become eastern
sales manager in charge of sales and dis-
tribution for All American News, Inc., and
All American Pictures, covering the New
York, Philadelphia and Washington terri-
tories.
“Hi-De-Ho,” the first All American feature,
which stars Cab Calloway and his band and
Dusty (Open the Door) Fletcher, will open
at the Squire Theatre here May 9.
mm CROWDS LIKE MAGIC !
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Game
Probe of Communism
Due for Hollywood
WASHINGTON — A sweeping investigation
of Communism in Hollywood will begin on
the coast May 8, with a staff of un-American
activities committee investigators and mem-
bers of Congress participating.
Emphasis will be placed upon possible in-
clusion of Communist ideas in commercial ■
films. Another phase of the probe will be
into the activities of Hanns Eisler, brother
of Gerhard, the alleged No. 1 Russian agent
in this country.
J. Parnell Thomas (R-N.J.), chairman of
the committee, will head the investigation, as-
sisted by the group’s ace investigator, Robert
Stripling.
Sources close to the committee counsel pre-
dict that testimony from Hanns Eisler, cur-
rently writing for pictures on the coast, will
reveal the most confidential information yet
rendered on American connections with Mos-
cow and the Communist party there.
The May 6 hearing will be only a prelimi-
nary study, with a “full dress investigation”
to come later this year after Congress has
adjourned and members have more free time.
At first the Hollywood probe was not con-
sidered “high priority.” The Hanns Eisler
angle, however, may have made the commit-
tee reconsider its decision to uncover Com-
munists in the government and in education
first, going to Hollywood last.
The committee also expects to report to
Congressman Fred Hartley, chairman of the
labor committee, on the causes of the studio
jurisdictional strike. If the un-American
group finds any evidence to indicate foul
play in the strike, Hartley may send a labor
subcommittee to the coast to follow through.
The committee decision to probe the film
colony was made despite a recent statement
made to Congress by Eric Johnston, presi-
dent of the Motion Picture Ass’n, that “only
a few persons in minor positions” in Holly-
wood are Communists.
Johnston flatly asserted that no Com-
munist ideals have managed to get into pic-
tures produced on the coast. He went to
great length explaining to the house labor
committee that the Communist party often
attacks the film industry.
Elmer Sichel Joins E-L
After Leaving Century
NEW YORK— Elmer Sichel resigned April
28 as a Century Theatres booker to take a
position as salesman with Eagle -Lion and
PRC. He was succeeded by Ralph Lager, who
moved up from the Century advertising and
publicity department.
Sichel will work out of the E-L-PRC Al-
bany exchange.
20th-Fox Proxies Out
NEW YORK — Proxy statements have been
sent out by 20th-Fox for the annual stock-
holders meeting to be held here May 20.
Fourteen directors are to be elected. The
nominees are now directors. They are: Sher-
man Adams, Robert L. Clarkson, Thomas J.
Connors, John R. Dillon, Wilfred J. Eadie,
Daniel O. Hastings, Donald A. Henderson,
Robert Lehman, William C. Michel, William
P. Phillips, Seton Porter, Murray Silverstone,
Spyros P. Skouras and Darryl F. Zanuck.
Gulistan Wilton Theatre Carpet
JOE HORNSTEIN has it!
46
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
New B'way Features
Have Strong Week
NEW YORK — Business improved where
newcomers were brought in, and sagged gen-
erally where there were holdovers. The Cri-
terion did very well during the first week’s
run of “Odd Man Out,” the high grosses of-
fered evidence that Mason is solid boxoffice.
The Music Hall also had a good initial week
with “The Egg and I.” Business picked up,
too, at the Roxy, where “The Homestretch”
opened, and at the Paramount, for the first
seven days of “Calcutta.”
While most holdovers slipped along Broad-
way, “The Macomber Affair” at the Globe and
“Smash-Up” at the Capitol held nicely.
“Monsieur Verdoux” at the Broadway had
a below-average third week.
“The Best Years of Our Lives” dipped below
average for the first time since it opened 23
weeks ago.
This week saw the arrival of five new-
comers. These were “Born to Kill” at the
Palace; “Carnegie Hall” at the Park Avenue
and Winter Garden; “Love and Learn” at the
Strand; “The Big Fix” at the Rialto, and
“Hit Parade of 1947” at the Gotham.
(Average is 100)
Astor — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
23rd wk 97
Broadway — Monsieur Verdoux (UA), 3rd wk 85
Capitol — Smash-Up (U-I), plus stage show,
3rd wk .108
Criterion — Odd Man Out (U-I) 142
Globe — The Macomber Affair (UA), 2nd wk 130
Gotham — Tarzan and the Huntress (RKO), 4th wk... 70
Hollywood — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB), 4th wk... 86
Palace — Trail Street (RKO), 3rd wk 77
Paramount — Calcutta (Para), plus stage show 110
Park Avenue — Dead of Night (U-I), 2nd run 50
Radio City Music Hall — The Egg and I (U-I),
plus stage show 118
Rialto — Untamed Fury (PRC) 95
Rivoli — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO), 5th wk 88
Roxy — The Homestretch (20th-Fox),
plus stage show 98
Strand — Stallion Road (WB), plus stage show,
4th wk 90
Victoria — The Adventuress (E-L), 4th wk 90
Winter Garden — Buck Privates Come Home (U-I),
3rd wk 80
‘Grass' Grows in Second Week;
Others Average at Buffalo
BUFFALO — “The Sea of Grass” was strong
in a second week after having been moved
over to the Hippodrome. Other attractions
were close to average in cold spring weather.
Buffalo — The Macomber Affair (UA) 90
Great Lakes — The Late George Apley (20th-Fox)..100
Hippodrome — The Sea of Grass (MGM),
2nd d. t. wk.-_ 120
Lafayette — Smash-Up (U-I); Secrets of the
Whistler (Col), 2nd d. t. wk .100
Teck — To Each His Own (Para), 2nd run;
Wild West (PRC) - 90
20th Century — Trail Street (RKO);
Beat the Band (RKO) 90
Sam Farber to Represent
Filmack in Eastern Area
CHICAGO — Irving Mack of the Filmack
Trailer Corp. of Chicago has appointed Sam
P. Farber special sales representative in the
eastern division.
Farber is well known in exhibition circles
throughout the country, having spent many
years in distribution and exhibition as well
as in the frailer field. He will make his
headquarters in New York.
| rr
J
CLASS DISTRIBUTION FOR
THE ENTIRE SOUTH — thru
& B
(JOHN)
ENKINS
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HARWOOD & JACKSON STS. DALLAS 1, TFX
(O. K.)
OURGEOIS
Along New York's Filmrow
By WALTER WAI.BMAN
amblings with an exhibitor . . . Arthur L.
Mayer, managing director of the Rialto
Theatre, made quite a stir in local industry
circles some years ago with a profitable twin
horror bill policy for his theatre. Now that
he is about to branch out as the co-owner
and operator of a new foreign film house,
the enterprising Mayer has some fresh
ideas that should pay off in cash and pub-
licity . . . Most foreign theatre exhibitors
operate either in the vicinity of Greenwich
Village or in New York’s art and music cen-
ter around West 57th street . . . Not Mayer. He
will build his theatre on 42nd street near
Broadway . . . That’s where the crowds are,
he said. That’s where people come from the
Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, from all over the
country . . . One doesn’t have to live on
57th street or in the Village to appreciate
foreign films, he said.
he will put this idea into practice or not,
but it is still a good idea.
During his recent stay in Germany as an
American Red Cross director, Mayer had an
opportunity to study the Nazis and the effects
of Nazism. Based on what he saw, he doesn’t
think it would be wise to release Nazi-made
films in this country, as was suggested by the
Allied Military government . . . Assuming
that the pictures exported to the U.S. were
carefully screened and untainted by propa-
ganda, the American audiences could well
wonder about reports of Nazi atrocities. How
could a nation that makes such pleasant,
unbiased films, be as bad as the newspapers
and U.S. pictures painted them. This might
be an effect of German films in American
theatres, said Mayer.
Point two, admissions. Mayer thinks the
scale for foreign films is too high. Often
the exhibitor has no choice but to charge
higher prices, because his theatre has no
more than 300 or 400 seats . . . Mayer’s thea-
tre will have 600 seats. More customers, lower
prices, moderate profits. Furthermore, he is
opposed to high prices (above $1) because
they tend to exclude patrons who appreciate
foreign films, but cannot afford them. This
is undemocratic and nullifies the mass en-
tertainment aspect of motion pictures . . .
Mayer’s prices therefore will be less than
$1. All during the war he kept the Rialto
prices below $1.
As a linguist, Mayer likes to see foreign
language films without titles. Titles are dis-
tracting, he said. It would be a good idea
if the foreign theatre could hold special
shows without titles for those who under-
stand the language. He doesn’t know whether
News from 20th-Fox . . . James Victory
has replaced Joe Rosen as New Jersey sales-
man. Rosen was transferred to Albany . . .
Mildred Landau is resigning as New Jersey
biller. The reason, impending motherhood
. . . Lois Jackson, assistant to A1 Mendelson,
booker, will leave May 23 for a three-week
visit to her home town, Morgan, Ga. ... At
this time of the year you can expect Ken-
tucky Derby stories, so here’s ours. Nat Har-
ris, Brooklyn-Long Island salesman for 20th-
Fox, celebrates the ninth birthday of Jiis
son “Jay Jay” Derby day, Saturday, May 3.
One of the Derby entries is named “Double
Jay.” So you can just guess which horse
Nat picked to win . . . Speaking of races,
Seymour Florin, branch manager, was very
pleased that his exchange was leading at the
end of the 16th week of the 20th-Fox branch
managers drive . . . The first place of the
east New York district, headed by Ray Moon,
also was gratifying to the local boys.
THOSE EASTERN MGMers — From all parts of the country MGM representatives
converged on New York early in the week to attend the company’s first national
sales convention since the war. The cameraman snapped this group from eastern
points. In the usual order:
Paul J. Richrath, home office assistant to J. P. Byrne, eastern sales manager;
Jerome Adams, Washington manager; John S. Allen, district manager with headquar-
ters in Washington; Charles F. Deesen, home office assistant to John J. Maloney, cen-
tral sales manager; Herman Ripps, district manager with headquarters in Albany;
Edward Richter, N.Y.-N.J. booker; Ben Abner, branch manager in New Jersey; Beatta
Wingo, Buffalo booker; John P. Byrne, eastern sales manager; Ralph Pielow, New
York manager; J. J. Bowen, district manager, New York; Lou Formato, Philadelphia
manager; Jack Goldberg, Albany manager; Jack Mundstuk, Buffalo manager; Harry
Bache, Philadelphia booker; Bennett Goldstein, Albany booker; Robert Lynch, district
manager with headquarters in Philadelphia; Edward Kushner, Washington booker.
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
47
Upholds F oreign Trade
As Depression Killer
AT TRADESHOWING — Henry Randel and Myron Sattler at the tradeshowing of
Paramount’s “Welcome Stranger” at the Normandie. It was their first public appear-
ance since Randel was made district manager and Sattler was made branch manager
for the company in New York. Left to right: Jack Harris, general manager of the
Walter Reade circuit; Randel, Sattler, Eddie Stern, booker for Rugoff & Becker.
B&L Directors Name
Four New Officers
ROCHESTER — Ivan L. Nixon and Ben A.
Ramaker were elected vice-presidents of
Bausch & Lomb Optical Co. at a meeting of
directors following the annual meeting of
stockholders last week. William W. McQuil-
liken, company secretary, was elected assist-
ant treasurer and Joseph W. Taylor, a mem-
ber of the firm’s legal staff, was named as-
sistant secretary.
M. Herbert Eisenhart was re-elected presi-
dent and Joseph F. Taylor was re-elected
vice-president and treasurer. Other officers
re-elected at the meeting were Carl L. Bausch,
Theodore B, Drescher and Carl S. Hallauer,
vice-presidents, and Edmond S. LaRose, con-
troller.
Nixon, who was named manager of the in-
strument division several months ago, has
been engaged in sales activities since join-
ing Bausch & Lomb in 1907. Ramaker, who
has been with the optical firm since 1910, was
placed in charge of ophthalmic sales in 1933.
The Bausch & Lomb consolidated net loss
for the first quarter of 1947 amounted to only
$20,990 compared to a loss of $380,580 for the
same period last year, after providing for a
federal tax carry-back refund of $300 000
according to the stockholders’ report.
Set $1,750,000 Ad Budget
For 4 Enterprise Films
NEW YORK— Enterprise Prod, has set a
$1,750,000 advertising budget for “Arch of
Triumph,” “Ramrod,” “The Other Love” and
“Body and Soul,” according to Bob Taplinger,
vice-president in charge of advertising and
publicity for the producing company. He ar-
rived from the coast early this week for talks
with Paul Lazarus jr., UA ad-publicity di-
rector.
“ftamrod” has been scheduled for release
May 3. The picture stars Joel McCrea and
Veronica Lake. No dates have been set for
the remaining three pictures.
NEW MIRROPHONIC SOUND
10E HORNSTEIN, Inc.
630 Ninth Ave., New York City
Faber Will Be Associate
Of Sherman in Bureau
WASHINGTON — A1 Sherman, consultant
on screen media and film publicist, has ap-
pointed Marshall L. Faber, former motion
picture producer and specialist in industrial
films, as an associate, with offices at 2812
Wisconsin Ave.
Faber has produced pictures for such firms
as Merck & Co., Rahway, N. J., the Higgins
Industries, New Orleans, etc., as well as
training and industrial films for the army,
navy and War Production board. He re-
cently completed plans for the motion pic-
ture studio to be part of George Washington
university’s $5,000,000 hospital.
Faber will specialize in technical produc-
tion problems for clients now served by Sher-
man, veteran film consultant and screen
public relations specialist. Together they
offer 'consultative service as advisers to ad
agencies, national advertisers, trade and
civic associations, municipalities and foreign
governments, on sponsored industrial and
educational films and television.
Salvation Army Donations
Lagging in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA— Contributions to the film
industry participation in the 1947 Salvation
Army Maintenance Fund drive in the greater
Philadelphia area are lagging behind the
$15,000 quota, according to William Brooker
of Paramount. He is chairman of the motion
picture division of the campaign to raise
$750,000. Only eight per cent of the film in-
dustry quota has been made up so far, Brooker
declared.
He attributed the lack of enthusiastic re-
sponse from the industry to the fact that
pledge cards are laid aside, and has urged
every industry member in the area to return
pledge cards promptly with donations.
New Foreign Film House
Planned for 42nd St.
NEW YORK — A new theatre for foreign
films will be built on the south side of 42nd
street between Sixth avenue and Broadway.
It will be a 600-seat first run house. Con-
struction will begin as soon as materials be-
come available.
The operating company, Invincible Theatre
Corp., is headed by Arthur L. Mayer, man-
aging director of the Rialto; Sam Dembow
jr„ president of Edward A. Golden Produc-
tions, and M. B. Shanberg of Kansas City.
WASHINGTON — Eric Johnston, president
of the Motion Picture Ass’n, this week warned
Congress to continue the reciprocal trade pro_
gram or chance suffering a serious depres-
sion.
“I believe an expanding foreign trade is
one means to guard against a serious depres-
sion here at home,” Johnston told the house
ways and means committee, currently con-
ducting hearings on the State department
trade program.
Johnston pointed to the expanding world
market for motion pictures. “It is foreign
trade, in short, which permits our industry
to function on its present scale. If it had
to depend entirely on the domestic market,
it could not possibly maintain the high qual-
ity of its products or its high levels of em-
ployment, wages and salaries,” Johnston said.
He pointed out that hardly a community
in America has not had business stimulated
by the picture industry. “Our trade pub-
lications report that more than two and one-
half billion dollars are invested in the Ameri-
can film industry in all its branches. It gives
direct employment to more than 200,000 peo-
ple. The industry spends millions of dollars
in advertising, in rents, in construction, in
remodeling, in repairs, and for public utili-
ties,” he added.
The MPA leader said the film industry is
a “large and integral part of the whole Amer-
ican economic mosaic.”
Johnston told the committee that film
remittances from abroad last year ran about
$125,000,000, which is almost exactly the total
profit of the picture-producing companies for
the same period.
“Motion picture goers in Mexico, in Britain,
in France, in Denmark, for example, con-
tribute to the economy of this country,” he
said.
Johnston continued that the industry is
now confronted by barriers against the im-
portation of its product into many countries,
but he emphasized that picture distributors
ask no barriers against the importation of
foreign-made films into the United States.
“The rising volume of foreign pictures
shown in this country is evidence that our
industry believes in imports as well as in
exports, believes that the dollar must flow
out as well as flow in,” Johnston concluded.
That the industry hopes to see many bar-
riers lifted as a result of the Geneva trade
conference was expressed by Johnston. “Any-
thing which stifles an expanding foreign
trade today, in my opinion, contributes to un-
dermining our type of capitalism and retards
world recovery,” he added.
N.Y. Trust Calls in Part
Of Poli Circuit Bonds
NEW YORK— The New York Trust Co.,
corporate trustee of indentures of the Poli-
New England Theatres, Inc., will call in 324
of the theatre company’s first mortgage bonds
May 29, 1947. Seventy-eight of the $10,000
bonds will be retired in part, 199 of the $1,000
bonds will be retired in full, and 47 of the
$500 bonds, seven of the $250 bonds, one of
the $100 bonds and two of the $50 bonds will
also be retired in full.
The mortgage bonds, due Nov. 15, 1958, will
be retired out of the expended sinking fund
money and unexpended proceeds from the
sale of property released from the lien of the
indentures.
THE IDEAL THEATRE CHAIRS
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!
48
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Seven Generals Supervise
WB Show Business Drive
ALBANY — Warner Bros. Theatres 13-week
C. J. Latta Show Business drive in the Albany
zone is now being supervised by seven gen-
erals, each in charge of a minimum number
of theatres in order that direct help can
be given to the individual manager. The gen-
erals act as a clearing house and cabinet in
an endeavor to give the field more action and
quicker decisions. The managers report di-
rectly to the general in charge with refer-
ence to exploitation stunts, advertising tieups,
bookings and special events. The drive, which
started March 30, will end June 28.
Joe Weinstein, western upstate booker, has
charge of the Lafayette, Batavia; Strand, El-
mira, and Capitol, Dunkirk. Ralph E. Crab-
hill, western district manager, has charge of
the Keeney and Regent, Elmira, and the
Palace and Wintergarden, Jamestown. James
P. Faughnan, contact manager, has charge
of the Steuben and Strand, Hornell, and the
Temple and Babcock, Wellsville. Woodrow
Campbell, assistant booker, has charge of the
Haven and State, Olean, and the Diana,
Medina. Jerry Atkin, assistant advertising
manager, has charge of the Troy, Griswold,
Lincoln and American, Troy. Max Friedman,
booker and buyer, has charge of the Stanley,
Avon and Utica, and Charles A. Smakwitz,
assistant zone manager, has charge of the
Strand, Ritz, Madison and Delaware in
Albany.
Eugene Coen Quits MGM;
Beckett His Successor
NEW YORK — Eugene A. Coen, manager
for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in Puerto Rico,
has resigned to re-enter the travel business
for his own account. His successor is Nor-
man Beckett, former traveling auditor.
Joining MGM in December 1940 as a sales-
man, and after selling out of the Detroit,
Cleveland, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Pitts-
burgh offices, Coen entered the foreign field
in August 1945 as manager of the Trinidad,
B.W.I. office. In April 1946 he was trans-
ferred to Puerto Rico.
Coen established the Peerless Travel Bu-
reau, New York, in 1923, specializing in cater-
ing to the requirements of the motion picture
and theatrical trade.
Closed since Pearl Harbor, the Peerless
Travel Bureau reopened in January 1946 at
10 West 33rd St., New York City, under the
direction of John V. Kelly, long associated
with Coen. Both are well known to thou-
sands of people in show business whose travel
arrangements they handled for many years.
Atlantic City Advances
Referendum on Taxes
ATLANTIC CITY— The city commission has
passed on first and second reading an ordi-
nance aimed to hold a public referendum
June 3 on sales and admissions taxes au-
thorized recently by the legislature. If the
voters approve, the collections will start June
15.
The ticket tax schedule follows: From 12
to 25 cents, 1 cent tax; from 25 to 50 cents,
2 cents; 51 cents to $1, 3 cents.
Walter Doyle Purchases
The Rivoli at Troy
TROY — Walter Doyle, postoffice employe,
has purchased the Rivoli Theatre through
control of Amusement Center, Inc. The deal,
which includes the building as well as the
theatre, was closed with Mrs. Bessie Horo-
witz. Upstate Theatres, Inc., will continue
to book for the house.
GREETINGS— Milton Kramer (left),
chairman of the board of Selznick Re-
leasing Organization, is met at Heath
Row Airport, London, by W. H. Erbb,
U. K. representative for SRO.
Max Youngstein Promotes
Three on E-L Ad Staff
NEW YORK — Max E. Youngstein, Eagle-
Lion director of advertising, publicity and ex-
ploitation, made three promotions in his home
office staff before leaving to join A. W.
Schwalberg, vice-president and sales man-
ager, on a tour of the company’s exchanges.
Jonas Arnold, press book editor, has been
made assistant advertising manager under
Hal Danson; Lige Brien, home office exploita-
tion representative, has become assistant ex-
ploitation manager under Arthur Jeffrey, and
Leo Brody, publicity department magazine
contact, is now assistant publicity manager
under Jerry Pickman. In addition to their
new duties, Arnold, Brien and Brody con-
tinue in their present capacities.
Other Eagle-Lion promotions and staff ad-
ditions during the past two months include
Bob Young and Milton Skolsky, on the press-
book staff; Marilyn Baum, to the art depart-
ment; Bob Condon, to the publicity depart-
ment as news and feature writer, and Marie
Lowenthal as assistant to Bob Schwartz, ad-
vertising promotion manager.
Youngstein plans to return to New York
each weekend during his tour for home of-
fice conferences with field exploitation repre-
sentatives. The tour will wind up at the
Eagle-Lion studio in Hollywood where
Youngstein will confer with Sam Israel, stu-
dio publicity director, on plans for the show-
ing of “Repeat Performance” in Zanesville,
Ohio, May 22.
Harry Lowenstein to Head
N.J. Allied Committee
NEW YORK — Harry Lowenstein was named
chairman of the forthcoming convention of
the Allied Theatre Owners of New Jersey at
the general membership meeting held here
April 28. The convention, to be held at the
Ambassador hotel, Atlantic City, June 24 to
26, will include a tribute to Jack Kirsch,
national Allied president.
Lowenstein named the following members
to the convention committee: Dr. Henry
Brown, Haskell M. Block, Lou Martin, Sidney
Franklin, Lou Gold, Maury Miller, Basil Zieg-
ler, Wilbur Snaper, Joseph Siccardi and
Harry Kridel. Mrs. Edward Lachman, Mrs.
Harry Lowenstein, Mrs. Lou Gold, Mrs. Sam
Frank, Mrs. Irving Dollinger, Mrs. Haskell
Block and Mrs. Morris Fogelson were named
to the ladies committee.
The members voted to appoint a commit-
tee to study the advisability of instituting an
action against Ascap’s demands for increased
theatre music tax levies, according to Edward
Lachman, president.
WASHINGTON
The Red Cross reports that the Variety Club
women, headed by Sara Young, made a
splendid showing at the booth in the Carlton
hotel they manned during the recent drive
. . . Frank Hornig, Horn Theatre, Baltimore,
was in Maryland hospital . . . H. J. Fekas has
taken over the Center, Hampton, Va., where
he also owns the Lyric, a colored house . . .
Leonard Gordon, Newport News, was in to
buy and book.
John Caskey, 20th-Fox attorney, conferred
with Glenn Norris . . . John P. Clore has sev-
ered his connections with the Central Star
Theatre in Madison, Va. . . . Paramount’s of-
fice manager, Bob Cunningham, and George
Kelly, booker, went to Brunswick, Ga. . . .
Tom Baldridge, MGM exploiteer, played a
prominent part in the Apple Blossom festival
in Winchester last week.
Jerry Adams, Metro manager, was married
April 24 to Mrs. Araline McKeever Oyster . . .
Booker Eddie Kushner went up to New York
to attend the national bookers meeting. Dis-
trict Manager John Allen and local Man-
ager Adams also attended . . . MGM employes
had a swell time at their picnic at Sligo
Creek cabins.
Sidney Lust is building a 210-apartment
building in Green Meadows . . . Joe Walsh
will do the buying and booking for the D&L
Theatre, Solomons, which will open about
June 1 . . . Twentieth-Fox Manager Glenn
Norris went to Fredericksburg to visit Sen-
ator Ben Pitts.
Tent No. 11 members who plan to attend the
Variety Club convention in Los Angeles in-
clude Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Golden, Mr. and
Mrs. J. E. Fontaine, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Lust,
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Storty, Mr. and Mi's.
A. E. Lichtman, Mr. and Mrs. William Janof,
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kogod, Mr. and Mrs. Max
Burka, Jake Flax, Tom O’Donnell, Joe Mor-
gan, Mr. and Mrs. Sigmund Danzansky, Mr.
and Mrs. Robert Philipson, Iz Beiser, Mr.
and Mrs. Ned Bord, David Palfreyman,
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rosenthal, Mr. and
Mrs. Edward Ostrow, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard
Gordon, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Gordon, Mr. and
Mrs. Allen Saturn.
Floyd Haines, assistant manager of the
Earle, was guest conductor of the Chanters,
a choral group, on a broadcast in Winchester,
and a week later was guest conductor of the
group for closing ceremonies of the festival
of sacred music of the United Brethren
churches of Virginia.
Sylvan Danzansky and Harry Coonin, gen-
eral chairmen of the Variety Club associate
members’ Mothers day luncheon committee,
report reservations are coming in thick and
fast for the affair to be held in the Shore-
ham hotel. Serving on the committee are
Paul Rich and Philip Peyser, chairmen of
the gift committee; Milford Schwartz and
Maurice Salomon, escort committee; Herbert
and Benjamin Sauber, decoration and flow-
ers; Myron Ehrlich and Milton Kronheim,
guests; Lou Janof and Sol Kullen, publicity;
Robert Philipson and Fred Schnider, tickets.
Other associate members who will play an ac-
tive part are Harry Friend, David Frank,
Harry Racoosin, I. S. Burka, Isaac Jacobson,
Charles Rosenthal, Max Rosenberg, Cabot
Feldman, William Ross, Charles Walker, Jules
Rendelman, George Wasserman, Nathaniel
Aaronson, David Legum, Dan McCarthy and
William Janof.
"Voice of Theatre Speakers"
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!
BOXOFFICE :: May 3, 1947
49
PHILADELPHIA
J^alph W. Pitman, city treasurer, announced
1 last week that receipts from amusement
taxes for the three-month period ending
March 31, 1947, were $1,151,937.32, as com-
pared with $543,575.16 for the same period
of 1946.
Harold Russell, handless war veteran who
won two Academy awards for his work in
“The Best Years of Our Lives,” came to town
Tuesday . . . “Australia to Tokyo,” shown to
a capacity audience at the University Mu-
seum, featured a local boy, ex-Sgt. Austin
Gutman.
“Duel in the Sun” is reported to have ran
into an abundance of censor trouble in
Pennsylvania. Some of the scenes have been
cut to suit censor groups.
A 15-acre tract on Lincoln highway in
Bensalem township, Bucks county, has been
sold to Joseph D. Eagen for $17,500. The site
will be developed as an open-air motion pic-
ture theatre ... By the time this appears in
print, the Warner gang expects to be conduct-
ing operations from their new quarters. High-
light of the new offices is said to be the
desk of Bill Mansell, the branch manager.
The new quarters are supposed to be the
most modern in the country, and the last
word in everything.
Thieves who broke into the Casino Thea-
tre here looted the office without getting
anything of value . . . RKOites held a fare-
well party for Mrs. Virginia Everhart, head
inspector, who is resigning . . . Joe Quinlivan,
Warner booking clerk, is the father of a baby
boy . . . Dave Rosen, Clark Film supervisor,
was in New York last week helping to get
Clark Film’s Seventh avenue exchange under
way.
Sam Diamond Made Head
Of PRC in Philadelphia
NEW YORK — Sam E. Diamond has been
named Philadelphia branch manager for Pro-
ducers Releasing Corp. by Ralph H. Clark,
general sales manager.
Diamond, who resigned as Philadelphia
branch manager for 20th-Fox to join PRC,
is a veteran of the film industry since 1931
when he joined Universal Pictures home of-
fice staff. In 1933, he became ad sales man-
ager for 20th-Fox and, in 1935, he became the
company’s Baltimore sales representative.
Arrest Ends Long Vacation
Of Runaway Theatre Aide
PHILADELPHIA — Just about a month ago,
Charles Emery, who was then assistant man-
ager of the Tower Theatre, was given $6,700
of the theatre’s money to deposit in the bank.
He never appeared at the bank.
Last week, police following a trail of lavish
spending, caught up with him. Of the $6,700,
$6,200 had been frittered away in hotels and
night clubs here and in Pittsburgh. Emery
was held on $10,000 bail for further hearing.
Two Holdup Men Arrested
PHILADELPHIA — Two ex-convicts were
arrested in Carbondale, Pa., last week after
holding up Joseph T. Farrell, manager of the
Irving Theatre, and special officer Anthony
Sposito. The two men were taking $250 in
theatre receipts to the bank for deposit. The
money was recovered.
William Brooker to Head
Film Section of SA Drive
PHILADELPHIA — William F. Brooker,
Paramount exploitee'r, again heads the mo-
tion picture division of the Salvation Army
Maintenance Fund drive this year. He ex-
plained that the local motion picture indus-
try is asked for only $15,000 of the $750,000
goal.
“It seems to me,” Brooker said, “that this
should be a very easy job if we all pull to-
gether— distribution, exhibition, and theatre
supplies. It is my sincere hope that every
member of our industry will take this great
humanitarian cause to his heart. I should like
to feel that every person in our industry
would make himself a self-appointed assistant
chairman to participate actively in the drive.”
Pennsylvania House
Passes Nelson Bill
PHILADELPHIA— Two bills affecting the-
aters have been moved in the state legisla-
ture. The Nelson bill, permitting the ex-
hibition of religious motion pictures at any
time, was passed by the house of representa-
tives by a vote of 200 to 0. It was referred
to the senate committee on law and order.
The Smith-Sproul bill, regulating the sale
and resale for profit of tickets for admission
to places of amusement (motion picture
houses rank high on the list) was approved
unanimously by the house. The bill applies
only in first class cities. Persons engaging
in such business are required to pay an
annual fee of $50.
Five Recent Deaths Darken
Philadelphia Vine Street
PHILADELPHIA— Five deaths in the last
two weeks have cast a pall over Vine street.
The dead are William Friedman, who was
financial secretary-treasurer of Local 307 for
more than 20 years, and who had been ill
for several months before he died; Samuel
Dembow, who died in Atlantic City; Em-
manuel Magill, father of Mort Magill, UA
branch manager; Arlington Ray Trice, pro-
jectionist at the S-W Capitol, and Mrs.
Madeline Braca, mother of Louis Braca, well-
known theatre owner in Sea Isle City.
Studio Theatre Safe Foils
Robbers for Third Time
PHILADELPHIA — T hieves, hammering
away at the safe in the Studio Theatre for
the third time in less than a year, got just
as far as they had on the two previous oc-
casions: nowhere.
Benjamin Zimmerman gave the theatre a
once over before closing, and carefully locked
the safe, in which was $2,000. Despite his
vigilance, the burglars managed to hide. But
the safe, bolstered by two repair jobs, once
more proved impregnable.
Philadelphia's Salesmen
Vote to Join Colosseum
PHILADELPHIA — Eighty per cent of local
film salesmen voted in two meetings last
week to join the Colosseum of Motion Picture
Salesmen. A permanent Philadelphia lodge
will be set up soon. Anyone who sells film
is eligible to join. The purpose of the Colos-
seum is to form a national organization,
thereby to create a national voice for its
members, and to endeavor to improve rela-
tionships with employers and customers.
ALBANY
prank Coetzel, assistant to Larry Cowan,
managing director of the Proctor in Troy,
was confined three days with grippe ... A
midnight premiere of “Cheyenne” will be
held at the Warner in Troy June 7 under
auspices of the Troy Citizens corps. This is
the Collar city’s oldest military organization,
dating back to the early 1700s.
C. J. Latta, upstate zone manager for War-
ner Theatres, has been named as a member
of the new youth advisory board which will
work with the Albany Times-Union. That
newspaper assisted the Variety Club with a
Denial day campaign last fall that aided
the Variety-Albany Boys club summer camp
project.
The local Ritz had one of the biggest weeks
in its history with a revival bill, “Last of the
Mohicans” and “Kit Carson.” “Mohicans,”
incidentally, was adapted from James Feni-
more Cooper’s famous novel, written at
Cooperstown, 60 miles from Albany . . . The
aged mother of Comdr. Larry Cowan, man-
aging director of Proctor’s Troy and upstate
publicity director for Fabian, celebrated her
birthday upon returning from a winter vaca-
tion in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Joe Grand, former Albany manager of Tri-
state Automatic Candy Corp., is now man-
aging as well as operating the Eagle Theatre.
Wendell Proctor, who managed the house for
three years after Grand bought it from Abe
Stone, has retired from theatre business . . .
“The Late George Apley” did excellent busi-
ness at the Strand after a slow start. Word-
of-mouth comment helped the run.
The name of Milt Schosberg, Grand man-
ager, was inadvertently omitted from the list
in BOXOFFICE of those attending the area
luncheon meeting of Motion Picture Founda-
tion . . . Strand audiences found highly amus-
ing U-I’s short featuring the Juvenile Jury,
a Mutual network program in which a board
of youngsters passes on problems affecting
children . . . Engagement of Jack Lamont, as-
sistant manager of the Ritz here, to Helen
Damp, nurse supervisor at Brady maternity
hospital, has been announced.
Universal held a preview of “Smash-Up,”
arranged by Manager Gene Vogel . . . Jack
Goldberg, new MGM manager, has inaug-
urated an “open door” policy. “I am glad
to see and talk with anyone,” he remarks
. . . “The Best Years of Our Lives,” which
opened an indefinite engagement at Fabian’s
Grand May 2, will start a run at the Erie,
Schenectady, May 28. For the Albany run
a letter-writing contest was inaugurated in
conjunction with the Knickerbocker News,
with prizes ranging from passes to $50 in cash.
The Hoosick Falls Kiwanis club tied up
with the New Theatre for a benefit show.
Irving Barker manages the house for Eliza-
beth Graham . . . Returns from the Albany
district in the Greek relief drive are slowly
coming in, according to Ed Ruff, distributor
chairman. A sound truck recently worked
State and Pearl streets in an appeal for
donations.
William C. Smalley of Smalley circuit has
returned from a Florida vacation . . . The
branch managers’ drive at 20th-Fox closed
May 3 . . . “Welcome, Stranger” was pre-
viewed three times here, favorable comment
on the Bing Crosby opus following each show-
ing . . . Floyd Fitzsimmons, MGM exploiteer,
who is directing publicity for the Salvation
Army in its area fund-raising drive, ap-
peared in a photograph with Gov. Thomas
E. Dewey and a group of SA officials.
50
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
BUFFALO
■Dec ailing that one of the reasons Howard
,n Minsky of 20th-Fox left Buffalo was be-
cause he couldn’t find a place to live, and
that similar situations existed in other ex-
change centers, let Filmrow be informed
that BOXOFFICE’s Buffalo reporter is pre-
paring to sell his home and move to sub-
urban Snyder. The house will go on the
block any day. It is a six-room Colonial
style single conveniently located and is not
beyond the reach of the average family for
these times. Schrader found a place with
four bedrooms. (Note: This is an ADVER-
TISEMENT!)
Tent 7, Variety Club of Buffalo, observed
preconvention night, April 27, at a cocktail
paj^ty and buffet in the Delaware avenue
clubhouse . . . RKO’s bowling party has been
set for May 12.
Columbia: Charlie Harter and family
have moved into their new home in Ken-
more. The sidewalk has not yet been laid,
but Charlie doesn’t care. He is a veteran and
used to the lack of sidewalk.
Bob Ferguson is following in his father’s
footsteps and has become an apprentice
booker . . . Louise Heukrath, head inspector,
is an early bird. She’s already taken a week
of her vacation . . . Phil Fox brought his sons
to the exchange for a visit. The boys can
really sing. Ask Barbara Hartman.
Paramount: James McGovern, auditor
from the home office, was in town. So was
Andy Anderson of the accounting depart-
ment. He went over the Buffalo exchange’s
new system . . . Dave Freedman is flying to
Alabama to visit relatives in Anniston . . .
Eddie Walter, formerly head booker, has been
promoted to the post of Rochester salesman
. . . Dick Etkin has returned to the booking
department. Phyllis Sund is the new utility
girl . . . Sally Bifarella is back at her desk
after a ten-day illness.
Paramount’s screening last week of “Wel-
come, Stranger” was a whopping success.
Exchange personnel think it will be one of
the best years, and figure on grosses
passing even “Going My Way” . . . Para-
mount’s District Manager A1 Kane was in
town last week.
At 20th-Fox, James McConnell, mainte-
nance man, is reported ill at Deaconess hos-
pital. Inspector Evelyn Garnham is seriously
ill at Columbus hospital . . . Grosses are suf-
fering in Buffalo due to wet, uncomfortable
weather.
Award of Open Booking
To Ernie Dodds' House
ALBANY — A consent award has been made
in the AAA action instituted by Ernie Dodds
against the Big Five in behalf of his Palace
Theatre, Lake Placid, which gives that house
open booking along with Schine’s Pontiac at
Saranac lake from December 24 to February
15, and from June 15 to September 15. During
the balance of the year the Pontiac will have
three days clearance.
The situations are nine miles apart.
Altona Getting Theatre
ALTONA, N. Y. — F. and A. Deyo will open
the New Theatre here some time in June.
The Deyos are now buying product. An at-
tractive small house has been built by ex-GI
Deyo for a town heretofore theatreless.
SELLS FIRST POPPY— Anne Jeffreys,
featured in RKO’s “Trail Street,” sells
the first poppy of the annual drive to
Postmaster Albert Goldman of New York
City.
Smakwitz Given Thanks
In Nymegen Campaign
ALBANY — Albany’s campaign to help
Nymegen, Dutch city on which the American
82nd airborne division landed in September
1944 in one of the crucial battles of the war
on the western front, reached a climax at a
dinner here. Charles A. Smakwitz, assistant
zone manager for Warner Theatres, acted as
chairman of the mayor’s committee. He ar-
ranged the dinner in four days and worked
so hard he lost his voice the second day.
Smakwitz was officially thanked before 200
diners, including Maj. Gen. James M. Gavin,
commander of the 82nd division; Mayor
Erastus Corning and a representative of the
Dutch ambassador; by Toastmaster Albert E.
Oliver and John D. Hatch, who flew with
three Albany newspaper and radio men to
Nymegen on an inspection trip.
Albany theatres and radio stations, which
played an important part in the drive to
raise money and collect clothes for the needy
of bombed Nymegen, were also praised for
their contributions. Every local theatre ran
a short reel in which Mayor Corning appealed
to citizens for assistance. Three, the Palace,
Strand and Grand, also showed an excellent
short made in Nymegen under the direction
of Dorothy Maulsby of DPM Productions,
New York.
Charlie Charles and Wife
Have Been Wed 35 Years
ALBANY — Charlie Charles, partner, in Ad-
vertisers Distributing Corp., and his wife cele-
brated their 35th wedding anniversary Mon-
day. Charles recently returned to his Menands
home after a long stay in Mary Imogene Bas-
sett hospital at Cooperstown, following an
automobile accident.
Holbrook Bissell, partner in ADC, is also
home from the hospital. Charles and Bissell
were driving to Buffalo on business when the
crash occurred.
28 Years for Ullman
ALBANY — Saul Ullman, upstate general
manager of Fabian Theatres, will celebrate
his 28th anniversay with that circuit June 1.
He sold for First National in New York when
Si Fabian’s father held the metropolitan
franchise. Ullman has been division chief here
since 1944, after serving as Schenectady city
manager for a number of years.
bajjllkqai
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were in
town for a five-day visit. The duchess
is a local girl . . . Mickey Hendrix, Hicks cir-
cuit; Harry Silver, Overlea and Cluster thea-
tres, and Harry Vogelstein, Baltimore Poster
Co., went to New York ... A meeting was
held at the home of Milton Schwaber,
Schwaber circuit, at which committeemen
were announced for the local industry’s part
in the United Jewish Appeal . . . The estate
of the late Morris Rome, theatre owner and
attorney, was listed at $239,124.62.
The three grand prize winners, at Variety
Club’s event were Howard Savitz, New Nemo,
a new Buick; A1 Zalis, an Oldsmobile, and
Florence Schwaber, sister-in-law of Milton
Schwaber, a new Ford . . . Mark Silver was in
town last week . . . The Variety Club license
tags run from 110-000 to 110-099 . . . Business
in general is off . . . Rumor has it that “The
Jolson Story” is slated to return soon at one
of the downtown first run houses.
Jake Embry, WITH, was ill last week but
has recovered . . .-Walter Winchell and Bill
Corum are expected in town May 7 in con-
junction with the cancer drive . . . Henry
Matcher, Rivoli Theatre, recently celebrated
his 30th anniversary as manager.
Lauritz C. Garman, Uptown Theatre, cele-
brated his birthday last week . . . Paramount
decorators are making innovations at Walter
D. Pacy’s Garden Theatre . . . August
Buccheit, operator at the Pimlico, after
making all the improvements himself on his
new home on Covington street expects to
move in next week . . . Warners short, “Min-
strel Days,” making the rounds of the neigh-
borhoods, brought plaudits from the old-
timers.
Pimlico opened its spring meeting Monday
(28) with many local exhibitors in attendance
. . . Dorothy Lamour and husband Bill
Howard have been seen about the town quite
frequently . . . The Mills Bros, have returned
to Baltimore’s Chanticleer . . . Jeff Donnell,
Towson high school’s contribution to Holly-
wood, has changed her studio from Columbia
to RKO . . . The ice revue at the Sheraton
Belvedere is terrific.
“The Yearling” opened at the Century
Thursday (1) . . . Hippodrome is playing
“Framed” . . . Keith’s current attraction is
“Easy Come, Easy Go” . . . “The Late George
Apley” is currently playing at the New and
will be followed by “The Homestretch” . . .
Valencia is reviving “Destry Rides Again”
. . . Little Theatre is playing “The Raider” to
be followed by “Carmen” . . . After six weeks
of “The Best Years of Our Lives” the Town is
now playing “The Farmer’s Daughter” . . .
“The Fabulous Dorseys” is playing at the
Mayfair.
Curtain Falls on Kaufman;
33 Years in the Wings
BALTIMORE — The final curtain went
down on Harry Kaufman, head stagehand
at the Hippodrome, ending a career of 33
years in the wings.
Kaufman’s full name was Sidney H. Kauf-
man, but he never used his first name. He
said it was “too high-toned.”
Harry started at the turn of the century
as a young boy in the fly gallery at Ford’s
Theatre, later becoming stage carpenter. He
worked at several other Baltimore theatres
and had been with the Hippodrome since
1914.
One of his close friends was Ben Bernie,
whom he closely resembled. Bernie was mak-
ing $2,000 per week at the time he made a
special visit to Baltimore to see Harry.
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
51
Eastman Kodak Sales
Up for '47 Quarter
FLEMINGTON, N. J.— Eastman Kodak Co.
consolidated sales for the first quarter of
1947 totaled $71,500,000, an increase of $18,-
000,000 over the first three months last year,
Thomas J. Hargrave, president, told the an-
nual stockholders meeting here on Tuesday
(April 29). Consolidated sales for the first
quarter of 1946 were $53,000,000.
E-K stockholders approved a five-for-one
split of the 2,488,242 shares of common stock
into 12,441,210 common shares of $10 par value.
Authorized common stock was increased from
2,500,000 no par shares to 20,000,000 shares of
$10 per value. To preserve the relative vot-
ing rights between preferred and common,
the stockholders approved 50 votes per share
for common. The changes will become ef-
fective May 15.
Hargrave pointed out that sales have in-
creased despite a price rise of approximately
15 per cent during the past seven years. He
said that costs of materials have increased
60 per cent since 1939-40, and labor has gone
up about 75 per cent.
The company president warned against over
optimism concerning 1947 earnings and pre-
dicted a possible slack in demand for certain
products. He also stressed the fact that the
earning margin is steadily narrowing due
to increased material and labor costs.
Though the company European branches
are now operating profitably, Hargrave told
stockholders most of the earnings are being
used within the foreign countries for recon-
version and building new manufacturing fa-
cilities. He said that E-K has resumed opera-
tions in Manila, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singa-
pore, Batavia and Java.
Independent Slate Named
By Actors Equity Group
NEW YORK — A group of Actors Equity
Ass’n members has drawn up an independ-
ent slate in opposition to the regular ticket
as a result of the failure of the regular nomi-
nating committee to name Ilka Chase and
Aline MacMahon for re-election. The inde-
pendents feel that the omission of these two
council members was an injustice.
The other candidates on the independent
ticket are Ralph Bellamy, Alexander Kirk-
land, Mildred Natwick, David Wayne, Tom
Ewell and Helen Ray, who will run for elec-
tion to council June 2, when the organiza-
tion holds its annual meeting.
The independent ticket pledges to continue
to work for unity in Equity, for the im-
provement of working conditions and the
creation of new spheres of employment for
actors. The independents also endorse the
re-election of Raymond Massey and Elliott
Nugent, who will run on the regular ticket.
Jolson Attends Reopening
Of 'Story' on Broadway
NEW YORK — A1 Jolson attended the Vic-
toria Theatre opening of “The Jolson Story,”
which returned to Broadway May 1, six
months after its first showing at the Radio
City Music Hall in October. This is the first
film to open at a Broadway first run house
immediately after completing the tour of the
chain and neighborhood theatres, according
to Columbia Pictures.
Jolson has risen in popularity in the last
few months since he guest-starred on a num-
ber of radio programs, the phonograph rec-
ord albums of his songs have broken all rec-
ord sales and “The Anniversary Song,” which
he sings in the film, has been on the Hit
Parade radio program since February 15.
Ten Hollywood Films
Entered in Brussels
New York — Ten feature films produced
in Hollywood have been entered in the
Belgian Film Festival to be held in Brus-
sels next June, according to E. Lapinere,
Paris chairman of the MPA public rela-
tions committee.
The entries include: “Down to Earth”
(Col), “Song of the South” (RKO-Disney) ,
“The Best Years of Our Lives” (RKO-
Goldwyn), “The Yearling” (MGM), “To
Each His Own” (Para), “It’s a Wonderlul
Life” (RKO), “The Razor's Edge” (20th-
Fox), “The Egg and I” (U-I), “Hu-
moresque” (WB) and “Carnegie Hall”
(UA).
Notables at Dual Benefit
Opening of 'Carnegie'
NEW YORK — Civic officials, stage, screen
and society leaders attended the special
benefit openings of UA’s “Carnegie Hall” at
the Winter Garden and Park Avenue thea-
tres, Thursday (May 1). Proceeds from the
Winter Garden showing will go to the New
York Foundling hospital. The Park Avenue
receipts will be donated to the pension fund
of the New York Philharmonic-Symphony
orchestra.
Those present at the Winter Garden bene-
fit included Mayor William O’Dwyer, Kate
Smith, John Garfield, Dolores Moran, Fred
Waring, Mrs. Jan Peerce, Judge Dennis Coha-
lan, Edward Raftery, Paul N. Lazarus jr.,
Deems Taylor, Perry Como, Jimmy Dorsey,
Mrs. Ezio Pinza, Gradwell L. Sears, Sam
Dembow, Hans Yara, Pam Blumenthal and
Mrs. Rose Gershwin.
Among the benefit patrons at the Park
Avenue were Lily Pons and Andre Kostela-
netz, Fritz Reiner, Lucy Monroe, Walter
Reade, Anne Morgan, Mrs. Lytle Hull, Mrs.
Lewis Cass Ledyard, Judge Joseph Proskauer
and Mrs. Proskauer, Mrs. Harold Lehman,
Fritz Kreisler, Elsa Maxwell, Countess Cam-
argo, Mrs. John T. Pratt, Mrs. Arthur Leh-
man, Mrs. Edward Harkness, Mrs. Lauder
Greenway and Mrs. William Andrews Clark.
Six Warner Pictures Set
For London Showings
LONDON — Six Warner Bros, pictures have
been set to open at the Warner Theatre here
by Max Milder, managing director for Great
Britain.
“That Way With Women” opened May 2,
“Humoresque” will open May 9, “Stallion
Road” will open July 4 and “Two Guys From
Milwaukee,” which has been retitled “Royal
Flush” for release in England, will open July
18. “Nora Prentiss” will open August 8 and
“The Two Mrs. Carrolls” will open August 22.
“The Fugitive,” a British production, is
set for June 13 at the Warner Theatre and
another British film will go in July 25.
Last Rites for Friedman
NEW YORK — Funeral services have been
held for Samuel Friedman, 63, father of
Emanuel Friedman, Century Theatres Nassau
county district manager. Interment was at
Mount Hebron cemetery, Flushing, L. I.
Toscanini to Be at Golden
NEW YORK — Arturo Toscanini will be
among the guests at the opening of ‘The Bar-
ber of Seville” at the Golden Theatre, May 5.
Proceeds from the opening will go to Ameri-
can Relief for Italy.
'Duel' Dirigible Flies
Over Eastern Spots
NEW YORK— The “Duel in the Sun"
dirigible, which is 265 feet long and 60 feet
in diameter, made its first trip over Stamford
and Bridgeport April 30. The dirigible, which
is operated by the Douglas Leigh Sky Adver-
tising Corp., has a running sign 27 feet high,
and 170 feet long, and consists of 10,000 bulbs,
5,000 on each side.
The dirigible also visited New Haven and
Waterbury May 1, Hartford May 2, Perth
Amboy, Red Bank, Long Branch and Asbury
Park May 3 and New Brunswick, Morristown
and Flemington May 4. It will fly over New
York City May 5 and 6 and also May 7, the
day “Duel in the Sun” opens at the Capitol
and 38 other Loew houses. ^
Technicolor Laboratories have completed a
total of 305 prints of “Duel in the Sun,” the
largest number ever made for one feature.
Three hundred of these have been shipped to
the Selznick Releasing Organization’s offices
in the U.S. and five prints have been shipped
overseas to the Philippines and other Pacific
islands.
Many Openings for 'Duel';
Loew and Reade Included
NEW YORK— “Duel in the Sun” will open
May 7 at four St. Cloud circuit theatres in
New Jersey in addition to the simultaneous
openings in 47 other theatres in the metro-
politan area, according to Milton Kusell,
general sales manager for Selznick Releasing
Organization.
The four St. Cloud houses are St. Cloud,
Washington; Palace, Flemington; Gem,
Frenchtown, and Newton, Newton. The others
include 39 Loew houses in New York, headed
by the Capitol on Broadway, and eight Walter
Reade theatres in New York and New Jersey.
Warner Bros. Holds 2-Day
Meeting of Sound Men
NEW YORK — Warners held a two-day
meeting of theatre zone sound engineers
Monday and Tuesday (April 28, 29) at the
home office, with Col. Nathan Levinson, head
of sound activities at the studio, and Col.
Frank E. Cahill jr., director of sound for
Warner Theatres, presiding. Latest develop-
ments in sound equipment and modern im-
provements for projection booths were dis-
cussed.
Following the home office meeting, the
zone sound engineers held regional meetings
with their crews. There are more than 60
members of the circuit sound staff. Ernest
Royls, sound activities head for the company
in Great Britain, addressed the home office
meeting.
Engineers attending included J. V. Cole,
Albany; G. R. Beck, Milwaukee; R. H. Giles,
Cleveland; C. J. Bachman, Newark; C. P.
O’Toole, New Haven, W. J. Charles and
Henry Eberle, Philadelphia; P. J. De Iver-
nois, Pittsburgh; John A. Pratt and D. Fer-
guson, Washington, and Joe Florio, New
York.
Ticket-Taker, Operator Die
BUFFALO— A ticket-taker at Shea’s Elm-
wood Theatre for 15 years, Christopher Gib-
ney, 75, died at his home here Monday. J.
Aichinger, 51, projectionist at the Little Hip-
podrome Theatre, also died Monday. Aich-
inger was employed by various community
theatres and was an operator at the old
Shea’s Court Street Theatre, when it was a
preview house.
52
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
,*•■ , — ; • ,
NEWS AND VIEWS OF THE PRODUCTION CENTER
( Hollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.; Ivan Spear, Western Manager )
Research Council
Is Moved io MPA
HOLLYWOOD — Research on technical and
artistic improvements for motion pictures
henceforth will be under the jurisdiction of
the Motion Picture Ass’n instead of the Acad-
emy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The jurisdictional change was made to pro-
tect MPA’s investment of $100,000 for motion
picture study.
Some weeks ago it was decided that MPA
would appropriate the $100,000 as initial
financing of a fund to be devoted to research.
The appropriation was made at the suggestion
of Eric Johnston as part of his long-range
program for the industry. It now develops
that the sum is to be used to finance further
activities of the Academy’s research council,
whose work has been limited because the
Academy was unable to finance the council
to the full extent of its potential.
In view of the financing by MPA, chieftains
of that organization decided it best to have
the research council function under MPA
control rather than the Academy’s. Despite
the change in administration and supervision,
W. Frank Freeman continues as chairman
of the council and William F. Kelley will stay
on as its manager.
Bronston Sues Ed Peskay
For $625,000 Over Film
HOLLYWOOD — A picture long since for-
gotten became the basis of litigation when
Samuel Bronston, former United Artists pro-
ducer, filed a suit against Edward J. Peskay,
veteran distribution executive. Bronston
claims that he planned with Peskay for the
production of “And Then There Were None”
for 20th-Fox release after he had purchased
screen rights to the play, “Ten Little In-
dians.”
His complaint states that he then became
ill and Peskay took over the venture and
made the picture. Bronston seeks to recover
$500,000 in general damages, $100,000 for debts
and $25,000 which he alleges to have advanced
to Peskay.
Triangle Will Make First
On Stage at Roach Studio
HOLLYWOOD — Indicative of how inde-
pendent producers must jockey for space in
which to shoot their pictures is the fact
that Triangle, the Mary Pickford-Buddy
Rogers-Ralph Cohn company, has made ar-
rangements to shoot its first picture, “Sleep
My Love” at the Hal Roach studio in Culver
City. Triangle maintains its office head-
quarters on the Samuel Goldwyn lot, in which
Miss Pickford has an interest, but no stage
space is available there for the filming of its
first venture.
Cinecolor Sees Increase
In Raw Stock Supplies
HOLLYWOOD — Producers who desire to
make films in color but have been frustrated
by a dearth of tint photography facilities
can be encouraged by a disclosure by Cine-
color that it expected an increase of 25 to 30
per cent in raw film stock by May 1. This
will enable the company, its management
says, to increase its billings by 50 to 60 per
cent during the remainder of the fiscal year.
U-I Signs Karl Tunberg;
He'll Do 'Central Park'
HOLLYWOOD — Karl Tunberg, who re-
cently completed writing the screenplay of
"Thunder on the Hill” for Universal-Interna-
tional, has been signed to a writer-producer
contract by that studio. His first assign-
ment under the new deal will be the Sigmund
Romberg musical “Up in Central Park” which
will star Deanna Durbin with William Seiter
directing. It will be filmed in Technicolor.
Widder Joins Gene Autry
HOLLYWOOD— Lincoln Widder has left
Republic studio, where he was a production
executive, to become personal assistant to
Armand Schaefer, president of Gene Autry
Productions, which headquarters on the Co-
lumbia lot and is about to launch its pro-
gram of Autry starrers for distribution by
that company.
Texas Towns Stage
Fiestas for 'Duel'
HOLLYWOOD — Continuing its propensity
toward commanding a major share of the
limelight in any situation in which it figures,
David O. Selznick’s “Duel in the Sun” was
the entree on the week’s gala premiere menu.
Five days of fiesta were celebrated in five
Texas cities by proclamation of Gov. Buford
Jester and the quintet of mayors of the re-
spective cities of the Lone Star state when
“Duel” made its debut in Amarillo and fol-
lowed with gala premiere festivities in Fort
Worth, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio
Friday.
Stars who attended the festivities included
Gregory Peck, Joseph Gotten, Lillian Gish
and Guy Madison.
More than 100,000 citizens of Amarillo par-
ticipated in the festivities which included a
citywide barbecue, a civic celebration, various
day and evening parades in which Texas
Rangers, cowboys, Indians and others par-
ticipated and the heroes and outlaws of
Texas’ pioneer days were depicted.
A special reception for Peck, Cotten, Miss
Gish and Madison was held at Old Tascosa.
'Boatman' to Sail Again
HOLLYWOOD — Herman Millakowsky, in-
dependent producer, plans to produce a re-
make of “The Volga Boatman,” for which he
currently is seeking a release. The title will
be changed before production starts.
DISCUSS WARNER FILM — Producer Jerry Wald of Warner Bros, and his staff
are shown in conference for Warners’ “Up Till Now” which will be filmed in Boston.
Seen in Boston’s Parker House, left to right: Wald; Delmer Daves, director; David
Goodis, writer, and Leo Kuter, art director.
BOXOFFICL : : May 3, 1947
53
STUDIO PERSONNELITIES
Barnstormers
Metro
CLAUDE JARMAN JR set tor personal appearance
in connection with Saturday matinee showing of
"The Yearling" at the Hollywood, Egyptian and Tox
Wilshire theatres. He will be accompanied by
"Flag,” deer star of the film, and Chill Wills will
act as master of ceremonies at both houses.
Blurbers
Independent
VANCE KING, newspaper and publicity man,
signed as story editor of Scofield-Taylor Productions,
producing under the banner of Four Leaf Clover
Pictures. King will also supervise publicity and
public relations.
United Artists
JACK COOPER set as publicity director for Sam
Bischoff’s new production organization, "Star Films,
Inc."
Briefies
Columbia
Jules White will produce and direct "Sweet Vita-
Mine," a two-reeler whose script was written by
Felix Adler and which will star the Three Stooges,
Moe and Shemp Howard and Larry Fine. Others in
the cast are Emil Sitka and Christine McIntyre.
Metro
Latest Pete Smith Specialty two-reeler "Have You
Ever Wondered?" has gone before the cameras.
Pete Smith produces and narrates the short subject
' which is based on Pageant magazine's department
of the same title. Dave O'Brien has the featured
role. Screenplay is by Joe Ansen and David Bar-
clay, who directs.
RKO Radio
Before the cameras went "Blondes Away," a two-
reel comedy starring Leon Errol. Directed by Hal
Yates, the film is produced by George Bilson.
Warners
ARTHUR G. COLLINS, director currently living in
Australia, has been assigned to direct another
short on Australian winter sports. He recently com-
pleted a single-reeler entitled "Down Under."
Cleffers
Columbia
GEORGE DUNING set by Cornell Pictures to com-
pose background score for "Her Husband's Affairs."
Metro
GEORGIE STOLL set as musical director on "The
Kissing Bandit."
Musical director chore on "Cass Timberlane"
handed HERBERT STOTHART.
GEORGIE STOLL set as musical director on the
Joe Pasternak production "On an Island With You."
Universal-International
Musical director assignments: FRANK SKINNER to
"The Exile" and "Ride the Pink Horse"; FRANK
ROHUMAN to "The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap";
DANIEL AMFITHEATROF to "Ivy" and "The Lost
Moment"; MIKLOS ROZSA to "Imagination"; HANS
SALTER to "The Web" and "Singapore."
Warners
Cleffina chore on "The Voice of the Turtle" as-
signed MAX STEINER.
T.oanouts
Monogram
BILLY HOUSE, under contract to U-I, has been
borrowed bv Producer Hal E. Chester for a featured
role in "A Guy Named Joe Palooka."
United Artists
HELENA CARTER borrowed from Universal-Inter-
national by Producer Sam Bischoff to play opposite
George Raft in "Intrigue," which is under the
direction of Edwin L. Marin.
Universal-International
Borrowed from Curtiz Productions by Robert Mont-
gomery, FRED CLARK set for role in "Ride a Pink
Horse."
M*5 orders
Metro
ROY ROWLAND signed to meg the Mickey Rooney
starrer, "Killer McCoy," in which E'izabeth Taylor
will have the femme topline. Sam Zimbalist pro-
duces.
Paramount
Producer Hal Wallis has picked up the option
for another year of PAUL NATHAN, his executive
assistant in charge of talent.
WILLIAM THOMAS himself will continue as di-
rector of Big Town series, produced by Pine-Thomas,
for whom he has already megged two, "Big Town"
and “I Cover Big Town." Next in line is "Big
Town After Dark," starring Philip Reed, Hillary
Brooke and Virginia Welles, with a fourth, "Big
Town, Scandal" also on his directorial slate.
RKO Radio
RICHARD GOLDSTONE handed production chore
on "The Set-Up," recently purchased prizefight story
by Joseph Moncure March, which Shepard Traube
will direct. Art Cohn and Joe London are writing
the screenplay.
WILLIAM PEREIRA handed a new long-term pro-
ducer contract, and is preparing "Bed of Roses," by
Hagar Wilde and "The Captain Was a Lady," by
Neil Patterson.
EDWARD DMYTRYK set to produce and direct
"The Harder They Fall," screen version of the
forthcoming Budd Schulberg novel.
20th Century-Fox
Producer ROBERT BASSLER handed new long-
term contract. On his current production schedule
are "The Snake Pit" which he will co-produce with
Anatole Litvak and "Green Grass of Wyoming."
United Artists
Directorial assignment on the Federal Films pro-
duction "Babes in Toyland" handed EDGAH ULMER.
Universal-International
CLAUDE BINYON, recently signed to a director-
writer contract, has been delegated to handle these
chores on the MacKinlcfy Kantor novel, "Midnight
Lace," which Joseph Sistrom will produce.
Warners
Director VINCENT SHERMAN signed to new con-
tract.
Options
Columbia
ALAN MOWBRAY signed for supporting role in the
Sam Katzman production "The Prince of Thieves,"
Cinecolor action drama in which Jon Hall stars.
Femme leads handed PATRICIA MORISON and
ADELE JERGENS.
LYNN MERRICK set for featured role in the Cornell
Productions' "Double Take" which stars Franchot
Tone.
Featured roles in the Sam Katzman musical pro-
duction "Two Blondes and a Redhead" aiven JOHN
MEREDITH, JOANEE WAYNE and RICK VALLIN.
Eagle-Lion
MARCIA RALSTON, after six years of retirement,
given supporting role in "Out of the Blue."
Enterprise
Femme toplines opposite Toel McCrea in Harry
Sherman's production "They Passed This Way" tick-
eted for FRANCES DEE.
Metro
LEON AMES added to ’‘Alias a Gentleman" cast.
Monogram
TGEEPH CRFHAN, JEAN ANDRFN. GEORGE
CHANDLER. I. AWRY BLAKE, CHARLES McG^AW,
MTTRTEL KEARNEY, RICHARD REEVES ART FOSTER,
ANDY ANDREWS and KARL HACKETT added to the
cast of "The Hunted." Allied Artists film starring
Belifa and Preston Foster.
New castinas for "Robin Hood of Monterev" are
THORNTON EDWARDS. JULIAN RTVERO. FELIPE
TURICH, FRED CORDOVA and ERNIE ADAMS.
Paramount
JOHN ABBOTT and WALTER ABEL sianed for fea-
tured roles in the Betty Hutton starrer "Dream Girl."
ANNE GILLIS ticketed for featured role in the
Pine-Thomas production "Big Town After Dark."
Cast additions to the Alan Ladd-Preston Foster
co-starrer "WMsperinrr Smith" include JAMES DUN-
DEE and HANK WARDEN.
Bole in the Pine-Thomas color film "Shaggy" given
ALEX FRAZER.
PRC Pictures
JOHN IRELAND added to cast of "Tomorrow You
Die," which Anton Mann is directing for Producer
Chuck Riesner.
RKO Radio
TITO VUOLO set for role in the Samuel Goldwyn
production, "The Bishop's Wife."
LEE BAKER added to cast of "Mourning Becomes
Electro."
Republic
ADRIAN BOOTH draws too role in the mvsterx
melodrama, "It's Murder, She Says." WILLIAM
HEADE and BOB STEELE also signed for featured
roles.
H. B. WARNER inked for role in "Driftwood."
Allan Dwan is associate producer-director .
CHARLES McGRAW signed for role in "On the
Old Spanish Trail." Other additions to the cast are
FRED GRAHAM, MARSHALL REED and STEVE
DORRELL.
20th Century-Fox
Supporting roles in "The Foxes of Harrow" as-
signed CELIA LOVSKY and JOSEPH CREHAN.
RICHARD GAINES set for featured role in the
Sol M. Wurtzel production "Flamingo," which stars
Don Castle and Virginia Christine.
Joining the cast of "Off to Buffalo," which is
headed by Dan Dailey and Nancy Guild, are SIG
HUMAN. HARRY SEYMOUR, LELA BLISS, PAUL HAR-
VEY, HOWARD FREEMAN and GEORGIA CAINE.
FRANK LATIMORE, who had one of the top roles
in "13 Rue Madeleine," has had his option lifted.
PEGGY ANN GARNER and CONNIE MARSHALL,
moppets, handed featured roles in "Daisy Kenyon,"
which will star Joan Crawford, Dana Andrews and
Henry Fonda.
United Artists
JEANNE CAGNEY set for role in Saroyan’s "The
Time of Your LHe," which is under the guidance
of Director H. C. Potter.
Triangle Productions signed DON AMECHE to star
with Robert Cummings in "Sleep, My Love."
Universal-International
SIGNE HASSO ticketed for femme topline opposite
Ronald Coleman in Kanin Productions' "Imagina-
tion." George Cukor will direct.
Warners
BARTON MacLANE handed featured -role in "Silver
River," the Errol Flynn-Ann Sheridan starrer. NOR-
MAN JOLLEY set for role.
KYLE MacDONNELL, a former Conover model,
signed to a term contract.
DICK ALEXANDER set for role in "Two Guys From
Texas."
Scripters
Independent
FRANCIS SPENCER signed to write the screenplay
of the Herman Millakowsky production, "Fear."
RKO Radio
SAM FULLER inked to scribble "Mr. Whiskers,"
which Theron Worth will produce.
HERMAN J. MANKIEWICZ signed to write the
screenplay for the newly acquired Vicki Baum
novel "Mortgage on Life." Story appeared originally
in Collier's magazine as a serial under the title
"The Long Denial."
20th Century-Fox
RING LARDNER JR. signed to a new writer's con-
tract. He is_ currently scripting the Elizabeth Tane-
way novel, "Daisy Kenyon" and on its completion
he will write the screenplay for "Britannia Mews,"
the Margery Sharp novel.
Screenplay assianment on the Louise Baker novel
"Party Line" to DOROTHY HANNAH.
Universal'Intemational
Screenplay of "Winchester '73," Diana picture
which Fritz Lang will produce and direct, will be
written by SILVIA RICHARDS.
Story Buys
Independent
American Eagle Films has purchased the psycho-
logical murder story “Dark Device," by Hannah
Lees. Yarn appeared in the Saturday Evening Post.
"Double Image," novel by Arthur Herbert Bryant,
has been acguired by Robert Aldrich, executive as-
sistant to Director Lewis Milestone who recently
megged "Arch of Triumph." Yarn takes place in a
Florida motel during a 24-hour period and deals
with the readjustment problems of a war veteran.
Don Weiss has been set to collaborate with Aldrich
on the screenplay. Enterprise, by virtue of a prior
agreement, has initial submission rights.
Paramount
Pine-Thomas has acquired the screen rights to
"Special Agent," original by Milton Raison. Story
is gbout railroad detectives and will star Richard
Denning.
RKO Radio
"Evening in Modesto," an unpublished short story
by Albert Maltz, has been purchased. Story is a
modern melodrama with California's famous vine-
yards providing the setting. Ralph Steiner will pro-
duce.
Republic
"Crimes of Catalina," original story bv Martin
Van Lass, has been dcauired and set as the initial
Roy Roaers starrer in Trucolor on the 1947-48 pro-
gram. Yarn is a modern mystery melodrama with
a western background and will be filmed, for the
most, part, at Catalina. William Witney will direct
for Producer Edward J. White
United Artists
Indeoendent Producer Sam Coslow closed a deal
wherebv he has acquired the screen rights from
Mary Pickford of "Champagne for Everybody," an
54
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
unproduced play by Laszlo Vadnay and Max Lief.
Story is first of five under Coslow's new pact with
UA.
Universal-International
A story with modern Palestine as its background
entitled “The Danger Line" has been acquired and
plans indicate it will be a big-budget production.
No producer has as yet been assigned.
Technically
Columbia
CHARLES LAWTON chosen by Cornell Pictures as
cameraman on “Double Take," mystery thriller under
S. Sylvan Simon's direction. Assistant director's
chore handed EARL McEVOY.
Paramount
Production assistant assignment on the Pine-Thomas
color film “Shaggy'' handed MATTY ROUBERT.
Lensing assignment on “Dream Girl" handed DAN-
IEL C. FAPP.
Republic
JOHNNY GRUBBS assigned unit manager for Roy
Rogers-Tito Guizar starrer, "On the Old Spanish
Trail.'' Other assignments include JACK MARTA
as cameraman; FRANK HOTALING as art director,
and JACK LACEY as assistant director.
Universal-International
Head lensing assignment on the Douglas Fair-
banks jr., production “The Exile" handed FRANK
PLANER.
Warners
Art directors' assignments on four productions are:
HUGH RETICKER to "The Persian Cat"; JOHN
HUGHES to “The African Queen"; STANLEY
FLEISCHER to “That Hagen Girl," and ROBERT M.
HAAS to “Ever the Beginning."
Title Changes
Eagle-Lion
"Missouri Legend" is now TEXAS LEGEND.
RKO Radio
YOUR RED WAGON is the new handle for “Thieves
Like Us."
Republic
MAD VENTURE is the new handle for the W. Lee
Wilder production formerly known as “Complex."
20th Century-Fox
JULIE is the new handle for the George Jessel
production "Dancing in the Dark."
Ratoff Signed to Direct
'Cagliostro' for Small
HOLLYWOOD — Independent Producer
Edward Small has signed Gregory Ratoff to
direct his forthcoming film “Cagliostro,”
based on the Alexandre Dumas novel “The
Story of a Physician.” The picture is to be
made in Mexico and Ratoff is now in Mexico
City establishing his headquarters at the
Churubusco studios. Small is negotiating
with several top star names for leading roles
in the production which deals with a doctor
whose hypnotic powers bring ruin to people
he treats.
No release has as yet been set.
Monogram Men Meet
LOS ANGELES — Called by Steve Broidy,
president of Allied Artists and Monogram,
the west coast regional sales meetings for
those companies were to be held here over
the weekend. Broidy will preside at the
conclaves. Preceding the sessions, Howard
Stubbins and Mel Hulling, west coast fran-
chise owners, were to be hosts at a cocktail
party for personnel of the four coast offices
and studio executives.
Paul Malvern Quits U-I
HOLLYWOOD — Paul Malvern, producer at
Universal-International for the past five
years, has severed relationships with the
studio and checked off the lot. Malvern has
been without an assignment for the past sev-
eral months. No new affiliation has as yet
been revealed.
WITHIN the course of one week, three
of Hollywood’s ranking production
executives saw fit to issue statements
which, if taken seriously, could have a far-
reaching effect on the motion picture indus-
try’s future policies, politics and public rela-
tions. Because of their possible significance,
they rate some repetition and a touch of
analysis.
• — ->
Walter Wanger, appearing as guest speaker
at a luncheon of the Hollywood Advertising
club, urged that the industry devote a mil-
lion dollar annual advertising budget to im-
provement of Hollywood’s public relations.
Wanger opined: “I doubt that any industry
has ever been maligned as much as Holly-
wood and has done so little about it.
“The trouble with Hollywood, I think, is
that it has been so busy making and selling
its pictures that it has done virtually noth-
ing about selling itself. It has been sin-
gularly modest about its good points and has
permitted scandalmongers and muckrakers
to highlight its bad ones. Good advertising
can play an important role in correcting
this.”
No one will gainsay the general logic of
Wanger’s idea, most especially the part
thereof that holds forth on the merits of
“good advertising” and Hollywood’s need for
it. But, as concerns the prescribed chronol-
ogy of any campaign, he seems to be put-
ting the cart ahead of the horse. That Holly-
wood has its bad points he admits. When a
manufacturer has a product with bad points
he at least tries to eliminate them before
he undertakes to advertise his wares. Then
there remains nothing but good points about
which to shout.
Further, a million-dollar budget — or one
many times that amount — will not stop the
“scandalmongers and muckrakers” from
highlighting the film capital’s social, moral,
matrimonial and ideological vagaries. Per-
haps the princely annual advertising fund
which Wanger advocates might somewhat
discount the harm done by the scandal-
mongers and muckrakers but it could provide
no magic formula completely to offset it.
It might be a more consistent procedure —
and certainly a less expensive one — for Holly-
wood first to eliminate the scandal that is
being mongered and the muck that is being
raked. That would call for a little self-
policing and self-restraint; would mean the
obliteration of such situations as develop
periodically because of l’affaires Sinatra,
Flynn, Tierney, Chaplin, Hali — to name just
a few of comparatively recent vintage.
And, before it starts spending millions to
stress its good points, “modest” Hollywood
well might cogitate on the advisability of
excluding its periodical wars of ideologies.
At those times, some of the film capital’s
foremost people themselves indulge in a
bit of muckraking about one another, usually
in paid advertising space which comes to
the attention of and supplies potent am-
munition for the more professional muck-
rakers. Wanger has at times been promi-
nently identified with organizations engaged
in such ideology warfare.
Let Hollywood advertise, by all means, but
first let it get its house in better order so
that the article advertised will in every detail
fulfill the promise of the advertisements.
That’s fundamental merchandising proce-
dure.
From Jack Warner, vice-president in
charge of production at the studio bearing
his name, came advocacy of a militant fight
by the motion picture industry on un-Ameri-
can ideologies; an all-out expose, via the na-
tion’s screens, of “backslid Americans.”
“The backsliders, the in-betweeners and
the straddlers are too content to drift with
the dangerous tides the subversive elements
are stirring,” said Warner. “And too many
sound-to-the-core Americans are thought-
lessly ignoring those tides. We’ve got to jar
ourselves into alert awareness of what is
going on . . . We believe that our films must
reflect positive Americanism founded on the
fundamental principles of the Declaration of
Independence, our Constitution and our Bill
of Rights.”
Film Maker Warner’s call to arms contains
much to command the serious consideration
of industry leaders, who as individuals must
decide upon the wisdom of the course he
urges.
In view of the precedentary gravity of his
proposal, unfortunate it is, however, that
much of its inherent claim to attention was
discounted by the manner in which the pro-
poundment was announced.
Alex Evelove’s publicity department saw
fit to make of the Warnerian plea for screen
militancy against un-Americanism a medium
of too-obvious publicity for several of the
studio’s pictures, past, present and future-
most especially the upcoming “Up Until Now,”
which is just going into production and will
be an expose of the effects of communist and
fascist influence on American democracy.
->
Last, but certainly never least, there was
Samuel Goldwyn, whose “welcome” to the
delegates who will attend the National Va-
riety clubs convention went off on a char-
acteristically individualistic tangent. Com-
parable statements of welcome were issued
by the heads of all Hollywood studios. In
every case they were expectedly formulaic
in their cordial generalities, with only an
occasional pass at personal or studio publicity.
Not so Goldwyn. He made of his welcome
a vehicle through which to again urge Holly-
wood to “re-examine its methods” in order to
prevent a “recession which could be serious.”
The Goldwyn greeting to the convening
barkers differed but little from his views
anent Hollywood’s productional shortcomings
which he aired and which were widely printed
upon his recent visit to New York. At that
time, his opinions on the subject were roundly
scored by production genii of opposing beliefs.
Not the least of the rebuttals directed at him
was a charge of “publicity seeking.”
Regardless of who was right in that tea-
cup tempest, doubted is the good taste of
again dragging his opinions out of moth balls
and tying them into his hail to the show-
men who will attend the Variety conclave.
Again it is probably a manifestation of
overzealousness on the part of a publicity de-
partment.
BOXOFFICE :: May 3, 1947
55
■POP PERSONNEL of RKO studio trekked
eastward for business huddles in Gotham.
Making the trip were N. Peter Rathvon,
president; Dore Schary, executive vice-presi-
dent in charge of production, and Perry
Lieber, studio director of publicity.
Robert S. Wolff, RKO managing director
for the United Kingdom, trained out for
Manhattan after two weeks of studio con-
ferences.
The same goes for Jack M. Votion, RKO
production representative in Europe, who was
here for three weeks of powwows. He plans
to leave for his offices in London shortly.
John Harkins, director of advertising and
publicity for the sharecropping outfit of
Robert Riskin Productions, checked out for
a stay in Gotham. While there he plans to
meet with RKO executives in connection with
the forthcoming campaign on Riskin’s first
independent production, “Magic Town.”
* * *
Mighty Leo rolled out the red carpet for
Nicholas Schenck, president of Loew’s, Inc.,
who arrived from Gotham for confabs with
Louis B. Mayer and other MGM executives.
Fred Quimby, head of the short subject de-
partment at MGM, trained out for Manhat-
tan to confer with Admiral Byrd about pro-
duction of a two-reeler on the Antarctic.
* * *
Arthur Krim, Eagle-Lion president, checked
out for New York where he will meet with
J. Arthur Rank, chieftain of the English
outfit bearing his name. Krim recently held
several huddles in England with Rank re-
garding reciprocal releasing deals.
* * #
After completing Los Angeles Filmrow
labor contract negotiations, C. J. “Pat” Scol-
lard, Paramount home office executive, re-
turned to New York.
William Hurworth, general sales manager
for Paramount in Australia and New Zealand,
and Stanley H. Craig, general manager in
New Zealand, are expected in California
shortly. Upon arrival they plan to entrain
for New York for two weeks of conferences
and on their return to the coast, en route
home, will visit the studio.
* * *
William Z. Porter, contract manager at
Monogram, checked out for Chicago to con-
fer with home office executives of Ideal
Pictures Corp. Latter company several years
ago made deal for 16mm distribution of
Monogram output of noncommercial ac-
counts.
* * *
Nate Blumberg, Universal Pictures presi-
dent, trained for Manhattan after confer-
ring with production officials for the last
month.
Monroe Greenthal, head of his own adver-
tising and publicity outfit which handles U-I
campaigns, left for New York after hud-
dling with John Joseph, the company’s ad
and publicity head.
* * *
Lester Cowan, Artists Alliance co-owner
with Mary Pickford of AA, returned to his
desk after three weeks in Manhattan during
which time he interviewed artists and looked
over play properties.
* * *
Enterprise head men Charles Einfeld and
David Loew as well as Producer David Lewis
and Rudolph Polk, musical director, were
back at their desks after several weeks of
confabs in New York.
* * *
Sol Schwartz, vice-president in charge of
theatre operations for RKO, arrived from
Mexico City for a short stay before heading
for his Gotham headquarters. While in Mex-
ico he made an inspection tour of the studios.
* * *
Herbert J. Yates, president of Republic, and
William Saal, his executive aide, planed in
from New York after attending the initial
meeting of the newly elected board of di-
rectors.
* * *
Mitchell Hamilburg, vice-president of Gene
Autry Productions, trained out for Gotham
where he will confer with Autry, who is there
now, and A. Montague, general sales man-
ager of Columbia, on distribution of eight
western musicals which the cowboy star will
make during the next two years.
Hollywood Charity Group
To Elect Officers May 13
HOLLYWOOD— With the election of offi-
cers slated as the most important piece of
business, the annual meeting of the Per-
manent Charities committee will be held the
night of May 13 in the Screen Actors Guild
board room. Executive Vice-President Ed-
ward Arnold called the yearly conclave.
Other business to be handled at the meet-
ing will include seating of new committee
members, and consideration of the response
from 54 union, guild and industry groups
composing the committee to a proposal to
authorize distribution of campaign receipts
to worthy charities other than Community
Chest, Red Cross and National Foundation
for Infantile Paralysis.
Allocations of funds collected in the annual
charity drive in Hollywood studios originally
were made to the three charities, but alloca-
tions totaling $275,783 from the 1947 drive
have been rejected by the Red Cross and
Infantile Paralysis Foundation.
Committee directors decided March 23 to
request permission from union, guild and
industry groups to distribute this $275,783
among other worthy charities and to broaden
the solicitation in future campaigns to in-
clude other charity organizations.
20th-Fox Location Dep#t
Consolidated With Joy
HOLLYWOOD — The location department
at 20th-Fox has been consolidated with the
activities of Col. Jason Joy’s public relations
office. The merger was not brought about
as an economy move but to cordinate over-
lapping functions. Clarence Hutson becomes
manager of locations with W. F. Fitzgerald
as his assistant, and Don Bower, Pat O’Hara
and Ralph De Lara on the staff. Ray Moore
remains as manager of rail and air transpor-
tation department.
WB Uses Two-Way Radio
HOLLYWOOD — Warner Bros, now has in
use by its location company of the Errol
Flynn-Ann Sheridan starrer, “Silver River,”
the first mobile short-wave sending and re-
ceiving set for communication between the
outfit and the studio. The set has been li-
censed by the Federal Communications Com-
mission and is the first of four to be used
by the studio.
Stars Aid Benefit
HOLLYWOOD — Eddie Cantor, Jimmy and
Lucille Gleason, Peter Lind Hayes, Dennis
Day, Pearl Bailey and Eileen Barton enter-
tained at a B’nai B’rith benefit to raise
funds to aid hospitalized veterans.
Hugh Bruen Projects
To Cost Half-Million
WHITTIER, CALIF.— Hugh Bruen, veteran
western showman and sole owner of all of the
motion picture theatres in this city, plans an
expansion and building program which will
call for the expenditure of well over a half
million dollars.
He is to spend approximately $40,000 on his
three houses here — the Roxy, Wardman and
Whittier.
As soon as materials are available, he will
build a fourth house, budgeted at $350,000, to
be called the Dorland. It will be stadium
type and will utilize all of the latest develop-
ments in theatre construction. The Dorland
will seat 1,100.
Also in the planning stage is a 1,000-seater,
to cost $250,000 and to be built at Whittier
boulevard and San Gabriel in Pico, contiguous
city.
Mary Pickford Alleges
Actress Breached Pact
HOLLYWOOD — Reversing normal proce-
dure which provides for actors and actresses
suing studios, Mary Pickford through her
Pickford Corp. has filed suit alleging breach
of contract against actress Dorothy Hart.
The action undertakes to recover $79,300 and
is based on Miss Hart’s alleged failure to
fulfill a contract for appearance in “There
Goes Lona Henry,” which Miss Pickford pro-
posed producing.
The complaint states that Miss Hart was
tested for the part, agreed to play it and
subsequently refused. The amount of claimed
damages is represented as the money spent
in preparing the film for lensing.
Miss Hart subsequently made one picture
for Columbia and currently is under contract
to Universal-International.
* * *
U-I was made defendant in a suit brought
by Frederick Jackson who claims that the
studio used without his permission the title
of his play, “Slightly Scandalous.”
* * *
Seeking to recover $50,000 for alleged dam-
ages, Byron Morgan, screenwriter, brought
suit in superior court against Columbia Pic-
tures, which allegedly failed to accord hhn
proper screen credit for his work on that
studio’s “Gallant Journey.”
* * *
Sunset Productions, an independent com-
pany headed by Franklin Gilbert, named
PRC in an action asking $35,750 for alleged
breach of contract. Sunset’s complaint avers
that a deal had been entered through which
the company was to make two pictures for
PRC but that after one, “Lighthouse,” was
completed, PRC canceled arrangements for
the second, “True Story.”
Joe E. Brown Will Return
To Screen in 'The Years'
HOLLYWOOD — Joe E. Brown, who has not
made a picture in these many years, because
during the war he devoted all his time to the
entertainment of troops all over the world,
and more recently has been playing the lead
in the Chicago company of the stage play
“Harvey,” will return to the screen as one
of the stars of Edward L. Alperson’s produc-
tion, “The Tender Years,” which the latter
will make for 20th-Fox release. Brown will
portray a Protestant minister.
56
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
'Calcutta' Scores 175
In Opening at Frisco
SAN FRANCISCO — With the exception of
the top 250 per cent barometer reading for
the sixth week of “The Best Years of Our
Lives” at the United Nations, the opening of
“Calcutta” at the St. Francis breezed up a
slight storm with 175 per cent. The Esquire
wasn’t far behind with a reading of 165 for
its opening week of “The Macomber Affair.”
Esquire-Tivoli — The Macomber Affair (UA);
Blanche's Big Moment (Col) 165
Fox — The Sea of Grass (MGM);
The Guilty (Mono) 130
Golden Gate — The Devil Thumbs a Rid© (RKO);
stage' show - 140
Orpheum — Ramrod (UA); Shoot to Kill (SG) 160
Paramount — The Imperfect Lady (Para);
Easy Come, Easy Go (Para) 125
State — My Favorite Brunette (Para);
Blondi© Knows Best (Col), 4th wk 130
St. Francis — Calcutta (Para) v 175
United Artists — The Private Affairs of Bel Ami
(UA) , 115
United Nations — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 6th wk 250
Warfield — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM);
Jungle Flight (Pcfra) 120
‘Yearling' Tops Percentages
In Los Angeles Opening
LOS ANGELES — While the ray of sunshine
was comparatively pallid, for the first time
in several weeks local first run grosses showed
a tendency to climb, due largely to the scores
recorded by newcomers to the de luxe screens.
Topping everything was “The Yearling,” mak-
ing its debut here at popular prices. In most
instances holdovers also reflected a stronger
trend.
Belmont, El Rey, Orpheum — Tarzan and the
Huntress (RKO); The Devil Thumbs a Ride
(RKO) 175
Chinese, State, Uptown and Loyola — The Late
George Apley (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 140
Downtown Paramount — Hit Parade of 1947 (Rep);
Calendar Girl (Rep) 70
Egyptian, Wilshire and Los Angeles —
The Yearling (MGM) 200
Four Star — Johnny O'Clock (Col); Bulldog Drum-
mond at Bay (Col), 3rd d. t. wk 150
Vogue — Duel in the Sun (SRO), 17th wk Roadshow
Four Music Halls — The Private Affairs of Bel Ami
(UA), 2nd wk 150
Bruin, Ritz, United Artists, Studio City, Iris
and Carthay Circle — The Egg and I (U-I),
4th wk 125
Hillstreet — Framed (Col); King of the Wild
Horses (Col) - 150
Hollywood Paramount — Same as Downtown 100
Million Dollar — Lost Honeymoon (E-L);
It's a Joke, Son (E-L) 100
Pantages — Same as Hillstreet i - 150
Warners Downtown, Hollywood, Wiltern — The Sea
Hawk (WB); The Sea Wolf (WB), reissues 150
‘Best Years' Continues to Lead
Seattle Boxoffice Parade
SEATTLE — “The Best Years of Our Lives”
continued to lead the boxoffice parade by a
wide margin in the fourth week at the Music
Hall. “Dead Reckoning” at the Liberty was
the closest to it with 110 in a second week.
Blue Mouse — Open City (Mayer-Burstyn) , 2nd wk.„100
Fifth Avenue — Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox);
Jewels of Brandenburg (20th-Fox) 80
Liberty — Dead Reckoning (Col), 2nd wk.;
For the Love of Rusty (Col) : 110
Music Box — Alexander's Ragtime Band (20th-
Fox), reissue; The Brasher Doubloon (20th-Fox),
2nd d. t. wk - 55
Music Hall — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
4th wk., roadshow 160
Orpheum — Pursued (WB) 110
Palomar — Her Sister's Secret (PRC),
plus stage show 85
Paramount — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO), 2nd wk 80
Roosevelt — Song of Scheherazade (U-I),
3rd d. t. wk 90
‘Best Years' Still Top Grosser
In Seventh Week in Denver
DENVER — “The Best Years of Our Lives”
was held for its eighth week here, four at the
Aladdin and four at the Rialto.
Aladdin — Boomerang (20th-Fox); Cigarette Girl
(Col), 2nd d. t. wk ,...120
Bluebird — The Jolson Story (Col), 7th d. t. wk 90
Broadway — Gallant Bess (MGM);
First Coast ITO Meeting
Since 41 to Open May 5
FRED WEHRENBERG
LOREN L. RYDER
ROBERT H. POOLE
MORRIS LOEWENSTEIN
LOS ANGELES — Several independent ex-
hibitor groups from elsewhere in the nation
will be represented at the annual convention
of the Pacific Coast Conference of Inde-
pendent Theatre Owners, scheduled to open
here May 5.
Proximity of the coastal powwow to the
national convention of Variety Clubs which
follows shortly thereafter has been respon-
sible for a generally good response to
PCCITO’s invitation to other organizations
to send observers to the annual gathering,
the first to be held since 1941.
Among those listed as speakers are Robert
H. Poole, executive secretary, PCCITO; Fred
Wehrenberg, president, and Morris Loewen-
stein, secretary of MPTOA; Donald Nelson,
president of the Society of Independent Mo-
tion Picture Producers; Robert Graham,
lawyer, Seattle; Byron Bryant, lawyer, San
Francisco; and Loren Ryder, president of
Society of Motion Picture Engineers.
Mayor Fletcher Bowron will extend an
address of welcome on the convention’s open-
ing day, business of which will be limited to
registration and introduction of PCCITO
trustees and visitors from other exhibitor
groups. Business sessions will start the fol-
lowing day and carry through Thursday with
a closing banquet in the evening.
Subjects to be discussed by speakers and in
open forums include the federal court de-
cree, Ascap, local checkers, arbitration, state
and municipal admission taxes, clearances
and runs and “those unfair practices detri-
mentally affecting independent theatre op-
eration.”
Actors Nelson Eddy and Ronald Reagan
have agreed to make appearances at the con-
vention and other entertainment features
have been arranged for every day.
Others prominent in exhibitor group ac-
tivities who have agreed to attend:
Dr. J. B. Fishman, president, Allied Thea-
tre Owners of Connecticut.
Clarence J. Severson, president, Montana
Theatres Ass’n; heading the Montana dele-
gation of J. H. Moran, Rex Flint, Herb Boni-
fas, Jack Suckstorff, Hy Knutson, Hilmer
George, Hugo Jorgeson and Mrs. Flasted.
Mrs. Mildred Wall, president, Southern
Idaho Theatre Owners.
Sam Gillette, president, Intermountain
Theatre Ass’n.
Victor Anderson, president; Ralph Trathen,
secretary-treasurer, and Francis Feltch, di-
rector, Utah Theatres Ass’n.
Dave Palfreyman, Motion Picture Pro-
ducers Ass’n, Washington.
PCCITO trustees who will be in attendance
are L. O. Lukan, Seattle; Rotus Harvey, San
Francisco; William Graeper, Portland, and
Hugh Bruen, Los Angeles.
Born to Speed (PRC), 3rd wk 90
Denham — My Favorite Brunette (Para),
3rd wk 75
Denver and Webber — Alexander's Ragtime Band
(20th-Fox); The Brasher Doubloon (20th-Fox) 100
Esquire — Fantasia (RKO) 150
Orpheum — The Sea of Grass (MGM);
Secret of the Whistler (Col) 140
Paramount — Love and Learn (WB);
Fall Guy (Mono) 105
Rialto — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
7th d. t. wk 160
Starlets of Eagle-Lion
At Bow of 'Honeymoon'
PORTLAND — Eagle-Lion sent three cinema
ambassadors here last week for the northwest
premiere of “Lost Honeymoon” at the May-
fair Theatre. Making the publicity jaunt
were starlets Frances Rafferty and Chili
Williams and comedian Benny Rubin.
'Duel' Openings Set
PORTLAND — “Duel in the Sun” opens
simultaneously May 7 in three of Oregon’s
largest theatres, the Broadway in Portland,
and theatres in Pendleton and Astoria. All
are Parker houses.
Day-and-Date Bookings
Set for WB 'Cheyenne'
DENVER — Fox Intermountain Theatres has
set the first group of 24 day-and-date prere-
lease bookings of Warners’ “Cheyenne” for
May 25 to follow the opening in Cheyenne
May 22.
Theatres in this group, many of which have
deviated from customary policy in order to
open simultaneously on that day, include the
Boulder, Boulder; America, Sterling; Fox,
Trinidad; Kiva, Durango; America, Fort Col-
lins; Fox, Longmont; Fox, La Junta; Sky-
line, Canon City; Egyptian, Delta; Fox, Mont-
rose; Fox, Leadville, and Fox, Walsenberg, all
in Colorado.
Others are the Fox, Laramie; Rialto, Rock
Springs; Wyoming, Sheridan; Strand, Raw-
lins, and Victory, Kemmerer, all in Wyoming;
Paramount, North Platte; Fox, Sidney; Fox,
McCook; and Alliance, Alliance, all in Ne-
braska; Montana, Butte, Mont., and Rio
Grande, Las Cruces and Serf at Las Vegas,
N. M.
“Cheyenne” will premiere at the Lincoln,
Paramount and Princess theatres in Chey-
enne. Gov. Lester C. Hunt of Wyoming has
endorsed the film.
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 194
W
57
Evergreen Men at Portland Meet
A get-together of Evergreen State district managers with Charles P. Skouras,
head of National Theatres, was held recently at Portland. Chatting with Skouras
are, left to right: Herb Sobottka, assistant Seattle district manager; Carl Mahre,
Washington district; Skouras, and M. M. Mesher, Oregon district.
Here are several of the bookers and film buyers who attended the Portland meet-
ing. Left to right: Louis S. Metzelaar, Oregon district booker; Vic Gauntlett, Seattle
advertising manager; Eddie Zabel, film buyer for National Theatres; Irving Barry,
Seattle district booker; Frank X. Christie, Evergreen film buyer, and Doug Forbes,
Washington district booker.
Starlets of Eagle-Lion
Spur Seattle Premiere
SEATTLE — Eagle-Lion released “Lost
Honeymoon” and “It’s a Joke, Son!” in this
area following a whirlwind campaign over the
radio in the newspapers and with personal
appearances.
The bill opened at the Music Hall with
Frances Rafferty and Chili Williams, star-
lets, and Benny Rubin on the stage for two
days. Vern Berg, Eagle-Lion representative,
with the assistance of Vic Gauntlett, Ever-
green ad head, handled the campaign which
included press interviews and radio appear-
ances. Newspapers cooperated with all three
dailies giving news and art breaks to the
Hollywood visitors.
A cocktail party the day before opening
brought local exhibitors, newspaper men and
radio representatives together. The trio was
scheduled to appear in Wenatchee, Wash.,
simultaneously with the Wenatchee apple
blossom festival.
Linds in a Record
PORTLAND — Establishing a record night
club run for the Rose city are the three Lind
Bros., who have been playing the King o’
Clubs for the last 12 weeks. They are ex-
pected to close shortly due to film commit-
ments.
Performs Before Kids
HELENA, MONT. — Cal Shrum, screen, stage
and radio star, appearing here in person with
his musical show, gave a special children’s
program for children of St. Joseph’s and
Deaconess orphanages and Shodair hospital.
Mount Tabor Improved
PORTLAND — New sound and projector
equipment and a new screen has been in-
stalled in the Mount Tabor Theatre. Own-
ers are Carl F. Lowe and Eddie Boyer.
Showmen in Portland
Vision 'Fatted Calf'
PORTLAND — Theatre managers and own-
ers, big houses and small, are awaiting the
“fatted calf” come this June and July in the
Rose city — when Portland goes all out for its
biggest summer holiday season in a decade.
First to swell the city’s coffers and boost
business generally will be the city’s tradi-
tional Rose festival, June 10-15. Big day of
that celebration will be June 14, when the
city stages its mammoth floral parade, at-
tracting some 200,000 persons to downtown
streets. Every night during the festival sea-
son, large outdoor programs are planned,
which will keep Oregonians in a festive and
entertainment-seeking mood.
However, climaxing this year’s holiday
season will be the national Elks convention,
slated to be held in Portland July 13-18.
Some 50,000 Elks from every state in the
Union are expected to attend. Parades and
special programs are planned for this week.
According to Portland theatre heads, the
city’s theatres will be keyed to top pitch for
the expected skyhigh increase in boxoffice
intake. Outstanding pictures will be booked
with advertising budgets due to be doubled
for June and July.
“This is one of those years you dream
about,” one theatre manager explaimed. “We
can’t miss. This is our chance to really step
out and show what we can do to give the
public real entertainment and hospitality.”
Sidney Wieder to Top Post
Of Preferred Theatres
LOS ANGELES — Sidney R. Wieder, who
recently resigned as San Diego city manager
for Fox West Coast Theatres, has joined
Preferred Theatres Corp. as general manager
of five southern California film houses. The-
atres Wieder will take over for Preferred are
those being divorced from pooling arrange-
ments with FWC. Independent operation
starts July 1 and covers the Plaza, Mission
and Aztec in San Diego, the Palace, Long
Beach, and the Nile, Bakersfield.
Wieder will headquarter in San Diego.
Executives of FWC have decided not to fill
the position vacated by Wieder, due to their
anticipation of losing three local theatres
through a recent pool grouping. The Plaza,
Azteca and Mission are being returned to
former owner June 24.
NTS Meeting May 5
SAN FRANCISCO — National Theatre Sup-
ply Co. western branch managers will at-
tend a sales meeting in the Palace hotel here
May 5. Walter Green, NTS president, and
Oscar Oldknow, vice-president, will conduct
the sessions, aided by district managers Joe
Stone, Denver; Lloyd Ownbey, Los Angeles;
Oscar Chinniguy, Seattle, and Heaton Ran-
dall, San Francisco.
Downtown's Face Lifted
PORTLAND — The previously second run
Downtown Theatre has changed hands and
is being given a facelifting under the owner-
ship of Ted Gamble enterprises. The theatre,
to be named the New Century, will be first
run.
Mann Visits Portland
PORTLAND — Harold Mann, former Port-
land theatre man, visited here recently from
Hollywood, where he is in photography. He
filmed the Academy award dinner.
58
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Expansion of Films
Ciled by MPA Aide
LONG BEACH, CALIF— There is a cur-
rent worldwide awakening to a new three-
way interest in motion pictures as the modern
story teller, news reporter and classroom
teacher, Mrs. Alice Evans Field of the Mo-
tion Picture Ass’n declared in an address be-
fore the state convention of the California
Congress of Parents and Teachers.
“Inevitably the motion picture industry is
responding to this push,” Mrs. Field, director
of the MPA department of studio and public
service, said.
PRIMARILY ENTERTAINMENT
“Primarily a medium of entertainment for
the masses who reflect their satisfaction in a
weekly attendance of many millions, it is
constantly reaching out to attract new audi-
ences through the presentation of more ma-
ture themes and a more artistic expression.
“In so doing it invites the criticism of the
more thoughtful people. Some of that criti-
cism is sane and helpful. Some of it is of
the supercritical type that tries to crush all
life into its own narrow, personal point of
view.”
Mrs. Field told of the establishment by the
MPA of a Children’s Film library, including
film classics of other years to supplement
selected current pictures. The parents and
teachers who asked this program, she said,
must provide the constructive leadership for
its success.
CLASSROOM FILMS NEEDED
“Classroom films integrated with approved
courses of study,” Mrs. Field said, “are needed
if today’s children are to be properly trained
to meet conditions of a rapidly changing
world.”
“Working with the American Council of
Education,” she said, “the motion picture
industry is now embarked upon an experi-
mental film project, producing and testing
classroom films in four areas — world geog-
raphy, democracy, mathematics and art. To
date funds approximating half a million dol-
lars have been allocated by the industry to
finance this work.”
Virginia City Location
Planned for 'Montana'
GREAT FALLS, MONT.— Clarence Golder,
member of the Montana Chamber of Com-
merce, has been requested by A1 Schwalberg,
sales manager of Eagle-Lion, to supply his-
torical data and information concerning suit-
able locations for “Montana,” to be made
in Technicolor.
Virginia City probably will be the chief lo-
cation. Now a ghost town, Virginia City was
the scene of early day gold rushes and is
noted for being the home of Henry Plummer,
onetime sheriff-bandit, who with his gang of
road agents met a premature death at the
end of the vigilantes’ rope.
Bryan Foy is in charge of the production.
Golder is also manager of the Civic Center
Theatre in Great Falls.
Stanley Hawkins Rites Held
HOLLYWOOD — Funeral services for Stan-
ley E. Hawkins, 48, commercial manager and
secretary of Sound Services, Inc., were held
April 28 at Wee Kirk of the Heather, Forest
Lawn. He died April 24, following illness of
several weeks. Hawkins, who was long as-
sociated with Western Electric Co., and for
several years studio manager for General
Service studios, is survived by his widow,
mother, and three sons — Norman, Robert and
Donald.
SAN FRANCISCO
JJan McLean and Lee Dibble, owners, have
switched to a policy of second run quality
pictures at their Market street Embassy
Theatre . . . The T&D Theatre at 429
Eleventh St. in Oakland was robbed of $140.
At 1:45 a. m. a “nervous, left-handed” gun-
man flashed a pistol at cashier Fay Macarai,
who reports: “I gave him the money quick!”
Ann House, Warner exchange employe, left
for Honolulu to join her husband . . . Myron
Hopkins, shipper at Monogram, is vacation-
ing ... A crowd gathered in front of the
Monogram office to watch a sign painter
decorate the front window with, “Distribu-
tors of Allied Artists Productions.”
“The drive is on boys! The drive is on!”
sing the gay salesmen along the Row. War-
ners has started is April 27-July 26 anniver-
sary drive, and PRC is beating the drum for
its Pledge Record contract drive from April
23 to August 30 . . . The Motion Picture Col-
osseum of America’s local lodge had its
monthly meeting and dinner last week at
the Alexander Hamilton hotel. President
Floyd Bernard, who returned recently from
National Colosseum convention, reported that
film salesmen throughout the country were
organized over 60 per cent.
“That’s My Man,” Republic ace production
starring Don Ameche and Catherine McLeod,
has been booked far in advance for its Market
street debut . . . “The Last of the Mohicans”
and “Kit Carson” double bill has taken
Market street by storm . . . Cecelia DeMar-
tinia, secretary to Sid Martenstein, has re-
signed. She is expecting a baby . . . Pat
Evans and June Braden are new at the local
PRC Eagle-Lion office.
The new Del Rio Theatre in Riverbank
built by Frank Peters, owner of the Escalon
show house, was to open April 30. The house
is a 750-seater with Simplex booth equipment
and American Seating Co. chairs. Peters
expects to construct a theatre in Escalon but
is having difficulty in securing a location.
David A. Williams, owner of the new River
Theatre in Guerneville, expects the house to
open very shortly. It is a modern structure
having a tavern and restaurant in conjunction
with it. The theatre will cater to a high
type clientele, principally vacationers from
the Bay area. The buying and booking is
being handled by Ed Rowden Theatre Service.
Rodda Harvey brought to his Westland
Theatres home office a profusion of beauti-
ful roses grown at his home in Stockton . . .
Hannah Oppie, secretary at Independent
Theatres Owners office, is back on the Row
again . . . Rotus Harvey, head man at the
Westland Theatres who is the property
master of the new Variety Club here, is now
the owner of a magnificent mustache. Looks
swell, too!
The Farmersville Theatre project has re-
ceived its CPA approval and construction will
start immediately. The theatre, a member
of the Westland circuit, will seat 600, all on
one floor . . . Noline Etchegoyhen, manager of
the American Theatre in Winnemucca, Nev.,
went to Oakland for a one-day visit with
friends, but she contracted the mumps and
has been there much longer than she in-
wmm ATTRACTIVE POPCORN BOXES mm
Top Volume Popping Purdue Hybrid Popcorn.
Popsit Plus Popcorn Seasoning Cocoanut Oil in 50-lb. Cans.
Popcorn Salt — Scoops — Bags — Seasoning Measuring Cups
Best Quality Merchandise — Quick Service
ARTHUR UNGER CO.
105 Golden Gate Ave. San Francisco 2, Calif.
tended. Noline says that it never fails —
when she comes to California something
always happens.
Manager Edward Weber of the McCloud
Theatre in McCloud is the papa of a baby
boy named James Edward . . . The wife and
three children of Ray Kaliski, Screen Guild
salesman, who have been in Honolulu the
last month, will remain there six months.
Dr. Paul Singh, former professor of political
science at the College of Pacific in Stockton,
has a role in “Calcutta,” currently being
shown on Market street, although his primary
job was that of technical adviser . . . Peggy
Cummins, the British actress, was in town
last week to meet the local press at a lunch-
eon.
Schoolboy patrolmen of Central and Fre-
mont schools in Menlo Park will see a free
show every month through the courtesy of
A1 Laurice, manager of the new Park Theatre.
The first show was attended by 28 patrolmen.
Afterward they were treated to milkshakes
... A baby named Mary Katherine was born
to the Eddie Skolaks. He is president of the
Follies Theatre here . . . Sid Weisbaum, Sunny
Mount Theatres, was seen walking down
Market street with his arms loaded with
framed pictures. None of them were of
girls !
San Diego Fox Will Stage
Cripples' Benefit May 26
SAN DIEGO — The Fox Theatre here will
be the scene of a gala benefit show, featuring
Art Linkletter and a combination of his two
famous radio shows, “House Party” and “Peo-
ple Are Funny,” on May 26.
The event will be sponsored by the local
Thursday club, with proceeds going to the
Crippled Children’s home. The Fox Thea-
tre is donating the use of house as its con-
tribution to this worthy cause, according to
Manager Ray Lindsey.
A special preview will follow the two-hour
stage show. Lindsey added that this kind
of cooperation by the theatre more than
pays in goodwill.
"CENTURY"
THE MODERN PROJECTOR
187 Golden Gate Ave.,
San Francisco 2, Calif.
Phone Underhill 7571
\NE VT \
CAN GET IT !
OR WILL MAKE IT!
Wedwi IheGinicd
{equipment Co.
337 GOLDEN GATE AVE.
SAN FRANC/ SCO 2, CALIF.
+ FPkome HEmlock 8302
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
59
Uniform Censorship Over Australia
Is Being Considered in All States
By WILLIAM BEECHAM
Australian Bureau Boxoffice
PERTH, W. A. — The annual report of the
chief film censor (Mr. Alexander), shows that
imports of all classes of standard films in 1946
totaled 2,064,513 more than for the previous
12 months. Of these, 384 were feature films
— 319 from U.S.A., 42 from Great Britain and
23 from other countries. Nine films failed to
pass the censor, and nearly 230,000 feet were
cut from others.
Australia exported a total of 684 films
(1,558 reels), of which 107 went to the U.S.
Thirty-two went to other foreign countries,
and 545 to other parts of the British Empire.
Most were newsreels and documentaries.
“The Overlanders” and “Smithy” being the
only full-length films to be exported.
Of local production the censor reported:
“The standard of production so far achieved,
the wholesome choice of themes, and the
direction and portrayal of characters might
well be followed in all Australian produc-
tions. Any deterioration would be a retro-
grade step unacceptable to Australian audi-
ences and detrimental to Australian produc-
tions overseas.”
WANT UNIFORM CENSORSHIP
The chief censor reports that legislation to
make censorship uniform throughout Aus-
tralia is now being considered in all states,
and that the proposed legislation will be
based on the provisions of the Victorian
Theatres act.
He advocates Australia-wide extension of
Children’s Cinema clubs, and says:
“As programs suitable for children’s ses-
sions or matinees have, during recent years,
become a burning question with parents and
social organizations throughout the com-
monwealth, it is worthy of note that Hoyts
Theatres, Ltd., has inaugurated Children’s
Cinema clubs in key centers in New South
Wales which provide suitable children’s pro-
grams on Saturday mornings.
“Greater Union Theatres is also inaugurat-
ing a somewhat similar session on Saturday
afternoons. While still in the experimental
stage, this endeavor to cope with a contro-
versial social problem is worthy of the utmost
support, and is commended to parents of
young children and to those social organiza-
tions interested in child welfare with a view
to affording publicity and assistance in pro-
moting the greatest interest in these activ-
ities, sufficient to warrant their retention
and Australia-wide extension.”
BANNED FILMS UNREPORTED
The minister for trade and customs (Sen-
ator Courtice) replying to a recent question
in the federal house of representatives, said
that the commonwealth film censor was re-
sponsible to him, and that reports dealing
with film censorship were voluntarily sub-
mitted. “It is not proposed to ask the cen-
sor to report to parliament,” he said, “and
there is no obligation on him to report the
names of the films which he bans.”
* * *
The report of the commissioner of taxa-
tion, recently tabled in Canberra, discloses
that entertainments tax collected during the
period July 1, 1944, to June ,30, 1945, totaled
5,059,237 pounds ($24,284,337 at par). Of
this, 3,678,211 pounds ($17,655,413) came from
levies on attendances at motion picture thea-
tres. This was $792,441 greater than the
amount collected from cinemas during the
previous 12 months.
The number of admissions increased from
145,763,069 to 151,144,831, admissions in in-
dividual states being: New South Wales,
62,825,030; Victoria, 38,367,696; Queensland,
26,222,351; South Australia, 11,832,713; West-
ern Australia, 8,308,482; Tasmania, 3,400,276;
and Northern Territory, 188,283.
The Cinesound producer-director, Ken G.
Hall, recently returned from a tour of the
U.S. and Great Britain, where he spent in all
some $500,000 on studio equipment. He
states that the Rank-Rydge organization
hopes to start continuous production in Aus-
tralia within six months.
REPORT FEATURE SHORTAGE
It is revealed that the films division of the
department of information made 23 films at
a cost of $156,000 for the Australian National
Film Board during the 12 months ended
February 28.
* * *
The commonwealth treasury has given per-
mission for Greater Union Theatres Pty.,
to increase its nominal capital by 1,000,000
pounds by the creation of 1,000,000 5 per cent
cumulative preference shares of one pound
each. Consent has also been given for the
issue of 500,000 of these shares for cash
subscription, and these will be taken up at
par by Greater J. D. Williams Amusement
Co., Spencers Pictures, and Amalgamated
Pictures, in proportion to which they already
hold ordinary shares in GUT. The remaining
500,000 unissued preference shares are being
held in reserve, the first right to apply for
these being in favor of the J. Arthur Rank
organization in London.
* * *
Victorian exhibitors complain that there
is no surplus of feature films in that state.
At the moment they are having to rely on
San Francisco Theatres
Aid Texas City Victims
San Francisco — “Let’s fill it up!”
This message greets patrons of San
Francisco Theatres, Inc., as they are
given an oppor-
tunity to contrib-
ute funds to suf-
ferers of the Texas
City disaster. Lob-
by contri b u t i o n
jars have been
placed in six neigh-
borhood theatres
by Irving M. Levin,
divisional manager
of the firm.
Through both
lobby displays and
trailer messages
patrons are being
informed of the
drive. Total contri-
tions, after a two-
week campaign,
will be presented
to the Variety tent in Dallas to distribute
in the stricken area.
Theatres in the Bay region that are
acting in the drive include the Alex-
andria, Coliseum, Harding, Metro, Vogue
and Balboa. Each has installed large
glass jars for patrons’ contributions un-
der the “Let’s fill it up” slogan.
“San Francisco show people are at-
tempting to prove to the sufferers of
Texas City that traditions of mercy and
kindness in time of crisis have not been
forgotten in a city that underwent simi-
lar disaster in 1906,” stated Levin as the
campaign was launched.
revivals to enable them to keep their doors
open six nights a week.
Paramount officials George Weltner,
Clement S. Crystal and Albert Deane arrived
in Sydney recently on a brief business visit.
* * *
Phyllis Brown, usherette at His Majesty's
Theatre, Melbourne, recently purchased a
half-share in a winning state lottery ticket
Her winnings totaled some $25,000.
* * *
Harry Watt, Leslie Norman and W. Green-
wood are due shortly for the making of
“Eureka Stockade.”
New Para Managers
To Frisco Theatres
SAN FRANCISCO — New managers have
been appointed for the two Paramount down-
town theatres here.
John Eifert, army captain on terminal
leave, has been named manager of the St.
Francis Theatre. Eifert, prior to entering
the army six years ago, was assistant to Jerry
Zigmond, then manager of the Newman
Theatre in Kansas City. Zigmond now, is
head of Paramount Theatres here. Before
his service in Kansas City Eifert was with
the Balaban & Katz circuit in Chicago.
Earl Long, manager of the Norshor Thea-
tre, a Minnesota Amusement Co. house in
Duluth, Minn., has been named manager of
the Paramount here. Long has been with
Minnesota Amusement, a Paramount affil-
iate, 17 years, all in Duluth. Before that he
was with Paramount Publix in New York.
Robert Varney, formerly with the New York
office of Paramount Theatres, has been ap-
pointed publicity director for the local Para-
mount houses.
Student Veterans Operate
Housing Project Theatre
SAN DIEGO — Three veterans, all students
of San Diego State college, have opened a
neighborhood theatre in the Aztec Terrace
Housing project, which is occupied by vet-
erans and their families who are attending
the college. They call their theatre the
Montezuma.
The theatre, a converted recreation hall,
will be open to the public, featuring good
entertainment for all the family. There will
be a prize night each Friday and children’s
shows every Saturday.
Operators of the new enterprise are Willis
P. Smith, a former army air corps lieutenant
now studying commerce; Bernarr H. Hayden,
ex-staff sergeant, marine corps, and Robert
A. Fitzpatrick, former radioman in the navy,
now a studying psychology.
Selznick Opens Offices
In Three Locations
LOS ANGELES— Selznick Releasing Or-
ganization, the distribution company recently
formed to handle the film output of David O.
Selznick, has opened offices in San Fran-
cisco and Seattle, bringing its total exchanges
to 21.
Harry Hunsacker, former city salesman for
United Artists, has been named branch man-
ager in San Francisco, and the Seattle office
will be headed by James Walsh, formerly of
the Republic sales department.
A branch has opened at Seattle under
the management of James Walsh. It is
located in the Music Hall theatre build-
It is located in the Music Hall theatre build-
ing. The Northwest Film Service will handle
inspection and shipping of Selznick films in
this territory. John Howard, special repre-
sentative for Selznick, made arrangements
for the new branch. Walsh resigned from
Republic here to take over his new duties.
60
BOXOFFICE :: May 3, 1947
Carlsbad Operators
Will Settle Locally
CARLSBAD, N. M.— Motion picture ma-
chine operators of Carlsbad have withdrawn
from the National Labor Relations Board
their case against Theatre Enterprises, Inc.,
and will attempt to settle their controversy
locally through a citizens’ committee.
This announcement was made by Henry
Brackhahn, business agent for IATSE Local
806 following a trip to El Paso. He and
Verald Blandford and Jerry Doan, picketing
operators, conferred in El Paso with NLRB
officials.
The NLRB dispatched letters to union and
Theatre Enterprises officials asserting: “We
wish to advise that the charge in the above
entitled matter has been withdrawn without
prejudice and that the case now appears
closed on our records.”
NLRB A “STUMBLING BLOCK”
Brackhahn said the case was being with-
drawn from the NLRB “to remove a stum-
bling block” to settling the controversy on
local level. He said theatre company officials
repeatedly have asserted that their hands
were tied so long as the case was pending
before the NLRB.
The action was taken, he said, “after over
two months of picketing and hearing the
sentiment of the general public and the at-
titude the theatre management has ex-
pressed on every occasion in the press, in
presenting their views to the labor organi-
zations of Carlsbad and in the general com-
ment that they can do nothing as long as
the case is in the hands of the NLRB and
that it is their desire to come to an early
agreement.”
Local 806, he said, has “done everything
in its power to keep it as a Carlsbad con-
troversy. We have expressed our willing-
ness to be governed by the decision of a
local citizens committee, and to make the
action of that citizens committee final we
have withdrawn our case from the jurisdic-
tion of the NLRB. There will be no further
red tape than the management-operators and
a citizens committee to sit down and adjust
the difficulties that all three, the general
public, the management and the operators,
might demand of the others.”
STARTED PICKETING IN FEBRUARY
The operators started picketing all four
local theatres early in February, asserting
they had been fired for organizing a union
and presenting wage demands. Frank Maxey,
local manager for Theatre Enterprises, de-
nied the assertions, contending that some
of the operators were discharged for cause
and the others quit.
A citizens committee, designed to meet with
labor, management and city officials in an
effort to end the controversy, was named
by Carlsbad civic clubs. Members of the
committee are Ray Soladay, the Rev. Mau-
rus Hauer, the Rev. James Willeford and
George Stockton.
A 15-day truce on picketing was called fol-
lowing meetings of the citizens’ group held
April 22, and the pickets were removed from
the four local theatres where they had been
since February 1.
Engage Janssen as Conductor
PORTLAND — Werner Janssen, renowned
conductor and organizer of the Janssen sym-
phony in Los Angeles, has been engaged as
conductor of the Portland Symphony or-
chestra with the season beginning in late
October. A fund-raising campaign for the
symphony met with success, the latest con-
tribution being $10,000 from Harry Mittle-
man, Portland real estate executive. Total
sought is $135,000 for a complete 70-piece
orchestra.
SALT LAKE CITY
"LJoward Cahoon, who has a rich background
of varied experience on Filmrow, has been
named local representative for the Selznick
Releasing Organization. He is looking around
for some experienced office help and for
headquarters in an already-tight Filmrow.
Harry Ashton, the Uptown’s manager, and
Frank Jenkins, exploiteer for 20th-Fox in this
area, were involved in a humorous mixup last
week. Harry, who has booked “Carnival in
Costa Rica,” flew to Denver to confer with
Frank on a campaign for the picture, and
Frank, who had just set up the campaign in
Denver flew to Salt Lake to talk with Harry
over plans for exploiting the picture here.
They must have passed en route to their dif-
ferent destinations, so when Jenkins arrived
in Salt Lake and found Ashton in Denver, he
caught the next plane back to the Colorado
capital. He left Utah four hours after his
arrival.
Chester Price, manager of the Centre, has
received his sixth award from MGM for su-
perior exploitation. The prize — a check in a
national contest on “They Were Expendable”
—was given to Chet at a ceremony in the
office of his boss, Tracy Barham, vice-presi-
dent and general manager of Intermountain
Theatres, with Gus P. Backman, executive
secretary of the Salt Lake City chamber of
commerce, looking on.
Grosses in parts of the intermountain area
have hit the skids for losses ranging up to 30
per cent, according to several salesmen who
just returned to Salt Lake from their terri-
tory. However, the big pictures still draw
the crowds and keep the over-all net from
dropping too low, they report . . . The Cen-
tennial in Utah also is hurting business in
some towns somewhat, the salesmen say.
This especially was noticeable when a state-
sponsored production of “Blossom Time” was
taken on a tour of Utah. Theatres in towns
in which the play was shown reported a de-
cline in revenue.
Three drive-in theatres are nearing com-
pletion and will open in this area within the
next two or three weeks. Almost simulta-
neous openings are scheduled for a motor-in
theatre in southeast Salt Lake City, with
Erick Peterson as manager; one in Rich-
field, with Alvie Peterson as head man, and
one at Provo, to be bossed by Larry Beach.
James Ellett, who operates a theatre at
Loa, Utah, is building a house at Bicknell . .
Ivan Johnson has taken the lease on the
Aladdin Theatre at Parowan from Scott
Mitchell . . . Howard Matthews has reopened
the Roxy Theatre at Meridian after re-
building the house which was destroyed by
fire . . . A1 Knox of Service Theatre Supply
has returned from a trip into Idaho, during
which he equipped the Matthews house, in-
stalled new speaking equipment in Bill Lees’
Pix Theatre at Nampa, supervised equipping
of the Schubert Theatre at Gooding, which
will open with “The Jolson Story,” and in-
stalled new equipment in Kit Carson’s thea-
tre at Pinedale, Wyo.
William Firmage, Beaver and Milford op-
erator, was chairman of Beaver’s recent
cleanup campaign, during which all business
establishments in the town closed . . . Johnny
Rowberry, Cedar City operator, recently re-
turned from Lake Mead, and then flew into
Salt Lake City ... Hi Knudsen and Jack
Moran were on the Row from Montana.
Bill Gordon, Warner manager in Salt Lake
City, returned to his office this week after an
illness of several weeks . . . Spencer Burkin-
shaw, operator of theatres at Midvale, Sandy
and Riverton, soon will be married to Maurine
Ray of the local Paramount office staff.
Legitimate in Splurge
PORTLAND — The legitimate stage is
having its spring splurge here with prominent
New York thespians treading the Mayfair
Theatre boards. Just closed with a complete
three-day sellout was the “The Barretts of
Wimpole Street” starring Katharine Cornell.
Coming May 6 for a two-day sellout stay is
Louis Calhern in “Magnificent Yankee.” And
opening April 28 for 16 performances at the
Portland Civic Theatre is that theatre’s first
Shakespearean production since 1937, the
“Merchant of Venice.”
Uncertain on Rebuilding
PORTLAND — Plans have not been an-
nounced whether the 21st Avenue Theatre
will be rebuilt or remodeled following the
$20,000 fire which swept through the suburban
house last March 9. The fire occurred early
Sunday morning. No injuries were reported.
Leo Pallay is owner.
Trampe at Pin Tourney
LOS ANGELES— Charles W. Trampe, Mon-
ogram and Allied Artists franchise owner in
the Milwaukee territory, participated in the
tournament of the American Bowling con-
gress as a member of the team representing
the Monogram-Midwest Film Co. While here,
Trampe also conferred with President Steve
Broidy on Wisconsin distribution matters.
Baines. Replaces McGregor
PORTLAND — Keith Baines, San Fran-
cisco, will replace Don McGregor, RKO ex-
ploiteer here who has been transferred to
Cleveland.
America's Finest Screen Came
niki
AMUSEMENT CO., 831 S. WABASH AVE./CHICAG
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
60-A
DENVER
Thurston Wayner, telenews manager, is be-
ing transferred to Milwaukee, here he will
open a new Telenews theatre. He is suc-
ceeded by Gerald Shum, now manager of the
Telenews at Buffalo, N. Y. . . . Paul Hoppen,
who sustained a broken ankle and leg several
months ago, is able to get around with the aid
of crutches. Hoppen, owner of the Plaza
Theatre Bldg., was in the hospital for several
months.
C. J. Bell, Paramount manager, is finally
off on that postponed trip to the coast for a
meeting with Hugh Braly, district manager
. . . Len Gruenberg, RKO district manager,
left for New York to be installed as district
manager of the metropolitan New York area.
A1 Kolitz, new district manager here, has
been going over the details with Gruenberg.
Gene Gerbase, Republic manager, returned
from a studio meeting in Hollywood . . .
Edward Auger, RCA general sales manager,
New York, was here conferring with Sam
Langwith of Western Service and Supply
Co., and others . . . George McCormick has
installed new seats in the Rialto, Florence,
Colo., buying them from National Theatre
Supply.
New Chevrolets have been delivered to C.
J. Duer, special representative of Selznick
Releasing Organization, and John Vos, Para-
mount salesman . . . Addison Green, recent
Colorado university graduate, has been added
to the Paramount exchange as assistant
booker.
The Cinema Amusement Co. plans to re-
model the old Plaza, grind house on Curtis
street. Cinema recently leased the house
from Paul Hoppen.
Albert L. Phares has sold the Oliver, Pali-
sades, Neb., to James M. Williamson . . . Fred
Abelson, assistant to L. E. Goldhammer,
Eagle-Lion district manager, was in town for
talks with M. R. “Bud” Austin, PRC manager.
Exhibitors on the Row included Tom Love,
Hanna, Wyo.; John Bohanna, Hatch, N. M.;
Lynn Zorn, Julesburg, Colo.; Mrs. W. W. Wil-
liams, Eads, Colo.; George McCormick and
Dick Conley, Canon City, Colo.
Oregon Film Will Plug
Beaver State Wonders
PORTLAND — Oregon is readying for the
million-dollar trade boom expected this sum-
mer when thousands of tourists invade the
Beaver state. Cooperating in awakening the
state’s inhabitants to the coming tourist
boom, theatres throughout the state are
screening an Oregon Tourist week short sub-
ject attached to newsreels.
Russ Brown, Hamrick-Evergreen manager,
prepared the continuity, while Parris Emery,
local free-lance cinematographer, filmed
famous Oregon beauty spots for the tourist
screen plug.
Joseph Schenck Back
HOLLYWOOD — Joseph M. Schenck, execu-
tive head of production at 20th-Fox, returned
to his desk after a two-month absence, which
included a combined business and pleasure
trip to Mexico and a visit to the home offices
in New York where he conferred with Spyros
Skouras, Joseph Moskowitz and other com-
pany officials.
Orr Joins Warners
HOLLYWOOD — William T. Orr has joined
the staff of Warner Bros, studio as an ex-
ecutive in the talent department. His duties
will be directed toward the discovery and
development of new talent.
Allied Artists, Mono
In Joint Coast Meet
LOS ANGELES — Allied Artists and Mono-
gram held a joint west coast regional sales
meeting at the Ambassador hotel here Sat-
urday (3), with Steve Broidy, president of
both companies, presiding. Selling cam-
paigns for “It Happened on Fifth Avenue,”
“Black Gold,” “The Gangster,” “Tragic Sym-
phony” and “The Hunted” were discussed.
Sales plans for Monogram produced films
also were outlined. Howard Stubbins and
Mel Hulling, Monogram west coast franchise
holders, held a cocktail reception for the
Allied Artists and Monogram executives the
evening before the sales meeting.
Foreign Film Showcase
Will Open in L.A. May 8
LOS ANGELES — Sidney Pink and Paul
Schreibman, owners of International Thea-
tres, will open their newly-acquired Las Pal-
mas May 8 as a first run foreign film house.
Initial offering will be “Nais,” French
comedy, which will be given a kleig-lighted
first night. House is being completely re-
furbished and will have an enlarged seating
capacity.
Film Society Will Feature
Special Series at Coronet
HOLLYWOOD — Weekly showings of docu-
mentary and experimental subjects will be
featured by the Hollywood Film society, on
Thursdays and Fridays at the new Coronet
Theatre. The series, which begins May 8,
will continue for 14 weeks and will comprise
34 subjects selected under the supervision of
Irving Lerner, formerly in charge of pro-
duction for the OWI under Robert Riskin.
WAY OUT WEST, PODNER! — Countrywide in scope was the sales convention of
MGM held at the Hotel Astor, New York City, early in the week. Some of the western
personnel was caught by the cameraman. In the usual order:
L. C. Wingham, San Francisco manager; Irving Helfont, home office assistant to
George A. Hickey, west coast sales manager; Sam J. Gardner, San Francisco, assistant
to Hickey; Sam Davis, Seattle manager; Murray Niccolson, Portland head booker;
Don Hiatt, Seattle head booker; Thomas Aspell jr., Los Angeles manager; E. W.
Aaron, assistant general sales manager; Lou Amacher, Portland manager; Hickey;
Henry A. Friedel, district manager, Denver; Gerald Banta, Denver head booker; Carl
P. Nedley, Salt Lake City manager, and Dean Wilson, Salt Lake City head booker.
Wilshire Donates Proceeds
FULLERTON, CALIF.— The New Wilshire
Theatre, which opened here recently, do-
nated its entire opening night gross to the
Presbyterian hospital soon to be built at
Newport Beach. Tickets were sold through
local merchants at $1 each plus tax. No
tickets were sold at the boxoffice on the
night of the opening.
PORTLAND
B^y MacDonald, author of “The Egg and
I,” was wined and dined by the Oregon
Advertising club and various book stores on
her recent visit here before she departed for
Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood.
Frances Rafferty, Chili Williams and
Benny Rubin recently made personal appear-
ances at the Mayfair Theatre here in con-
nection with the new Eagle-Lion picture
“Lost Honeymoon.” The three were guests
of the Evergreen circuit, the J. J. Parker
circuit, radio station KOIN and the Oregon
Advertising club. They were greeted by Jack
Matlack, advertising and publicity director
for J. J. Parker Theatres, and Vern Berg,
publicity director for Eagle-Lion.
Art W. Adamson soon will make another
addition to his string of theatres in Wash-
ington and Oregon. Adamson has received
authority to build a $59,972 theatre building,
with space for two stores, at Albany, Ore.
The new house will seat 600.
60-B
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Work to Start Soon
On Lesser Circuit
LOS ANGELES — Plans are proceeding for
an early start in construction of theatres for
the new west coast circuit being organized
by Sol Lesser, veteran western showman.
Lesser was one of the founders of Fox West
Coast. He also has been an independent pro-
ducer.
His new chain, to be known as Standard
Theatres, Inc., has purchased sites in Bur-
bank, Bellflower and Indio, and is negotiating
for other properties in northern and southern
California.
Plans are being drawn by A. R. Walker for
three theatres soon to be started. In Bur-
bank, a lot containing 65,000 square feet and
facing on three main streets, Olive avenue,
Orange Grove and Great Oaks boulevard, has
been purchased. In Bellflower, the theatre
property will occupy 100,000 square feet at
the corner of Bellflower and Ramona. In
Indio, the Standard house will be located on
the west side of Towne avenue, between Miles
and Requa avenues.
The theatres will average 1,500 in seating
capacity. They will be of the latest design
as to comfort and equipment. Each will be
completely air conditioned, and will adjoin
adequate parking areas. Groundbreaking
ceremonies will be arranged in each com-
munity.
The new theatre project will not interfere
with Lesser’s production activities as the head
of Sol Lesser Productions, Inc., and Thalia
Productions, Inc.
Takes in Portland Zoom
During Six Quiz Shows
PORTLAND — Radio contest and quiz shows
have invaded Portland’s Hamrick-Evergreen
theatres, and quite successfully, with NBC’s
Dr. I.Q. holding the Paramount stage for six
weeks through May 12, and KALE’s-Mutual
Take the Air broadcasting from the Orpheum
Theatre for its fifth consecutive week.
The radio shows are timed so as not to in-
terfere with regular film schedules, and
Hamrick-Evergreen spokesmen speak hope-
fully for the fairly new combination, since
boxoffice receipts continually upswing on
radio-film nights.
Screens Aid 'Dress-Up'
PORTLAND — A Junior Chamber of Com-
merce campaign to “clean and paint up”
Portland for the coming summer holiday sea-
son was given added impetus when Hamrick-
Evergreen and J. J. Parker theatres an-
nounced plans to project slides on their
screens during the week of May 18-31, adver-
tising the citywide “dress-up” campaign.
Liberty Being Enlarged
SUNNYSIDE, WASH.— The Liberty Thea-
tre here is undergoing almost complete re-
vamping. The job calls for addition of 125
seats, a new boxoffice, window displays and
reupholstering of the old seats. The foyer
is being enlarged and redecorated and a con-
fection stand will be installed in space off the
lobby formerly occupied by a shoe shop.
LOS ANGELES
/"•eorge Smith, Paramount western division
^manager, went to New York for home office
confabs . . . A. O. Birnham, manager of the
Majestic in Santa Monica, was on the Row
booking . . . Richard Morgan of the Para-
mount home office legal department is in
Los Angeles for branch-manager confabs
. . . On the Row buying supplies for his Valley
Theatre in Lancaster was Dave Roach.
Earl Stein, who at one time was RKO man-
ager in San Francisco, is returning to the
Bay city as manager for PRC-Eagle-Lion. A1
Van Ravens was appointed publicity director
by the Pacific Coast Conference of Inde-
pendent Theatre Owners for its 1947 annual
convention to be held at the Ambassador
hotel May 6-8. He recently was engaged
by U-I as special exploiteer in southern Cali-
fornia on “The Egg and I.”
Van Alexander, owner of the Pamela Thea-
tre, Salina, Utah, was a visitor on the set of
Paramount’s “Whispering Smith” . . . Leo
Choquette, owner-operator of 21 theatres in
the province of Quebec, Canada, visited War-
ners’ “Whiplash” set as the guest of Alexis
Smith.
Paul Broder, Detroit theatre owner, brother
of Jack Broder and his partner in the In-
dependent exchange, planed in from Detroit
for a few days on the coast. Later, in New
York, he plans to meet Jack, who is there now
on exchange business . . . Doing some Row-
noting were Bob Mallon of the Lakewood
Theatre, Lakewood; Charles Maestri, Lippert
Theatres, Los Angeles; G. C. Murphy, Nace
Theatres, Phoenix; Frank Ullman, Broadway,
El Centro.
On the sick list is Sam Decker, Screen
Guild exchange executive . . . Sol Berns of
Detroit is the new manager of the Florance
Mills Theatre, owned by Jack Broder . . .
Marty Soloman, Monogram branch manager,
greatly missed during his long absence due
to illness, is back on the Row once more . . .
P. W. Trisko takes over the Ritz Theatre.
Jerome, Ariz., from Phil Pecharick . . . New
booker at PRC-Eagle-Lion is Marvin Beck
who is from Minneapolis.
Pat Patterson, owner of Astor Pictures, San
Francisco, was on the Row for a look into his
local exchange . . . Ben Fish, Goldwyn repre-
sentative, is back from a tour of exchanges.
Lack of Fireproofing
Cited in Fresno Fire
FRESNO, CALIF.— Fireproofing of stage
draperies would have restricted a fire at the
Fresno Theatre here to the soundbox, where
it started, and resulted in minor damage, the
fire marshal here asserted.
The Fresno sustained damages estimated
at $25,000 by flames believed to have origi-
nated from a short circuit in the soundbox in
the rear of the curtain. The house was
empty at the time. Harry Olmsted, manager,
said the screen, draperies, curtains and
sound equipment were destroyed, and water
damaged the stage extensively.
The Fresno was closed for repairs.
Oregon Showmen Aid
Children's Hospital
PORTLAND— The “Show of Shows,” spon-
sored by showmen of Oregon, is scheduled for
the Mayfair theatre here May 8. The entire
gross from the benefit — seats sell at $6 each —
will go toward an expansion program for
Portland’s Shrine hospital for crippled chil-
dren.
The entire entertainment industry in the
Portland area will donate acts and workers,
with the theatre being made available by the
J. J. Parker and Hamrick-Evergreen circuits.
Living expenses for guest artists will be ab-
sorbed by local hotels. A big-name star from
Hollywood will be billed along with special
vaudeville acts and a Hollywood prevue.
Following the Portland show, major thea-
tres of the state are planning to run motion
pictures with proceeds going to the Shrine
hospital fund.
All film company managers in Oregon are
cooperating in the fund drive, the largest of
its kind ever tried by the industry. The man-
agers include Lou Amacher, MGM; Charles
Powers, 20th-Fox; A. J. Sullivan, United
Artists; Joe Smith, RKO; Henry Hostine,
Paramount; A1 Oxtoby, Warner Bros.; R. O.
Wilson, U-I; Jimmy Beal, Columbia; Jack
Partin, Screen Classics, Mose Buries, Mono-
gram, and George Mitchell, Republic.
A booking committee, supplying pictures
for State theatres, includes as members A1
Forman, United Theatres Corp. of Oregon;
Jack Lovet, Oregon Theatre Cooperative;
William Graper jr., secretary of the Oregon
Exhibitors Ass’n, Lou Amacher and Charles
Powers.
Record "Years' and ’Jolson' Runs
PORTLAND — After playing one of the
longest engagements ever for a roadshow in
Portland, “The Best Years of Our Lives”
closed at the Music Box after a five-week
run. “The Jolson Story” closed at the Play-
house following a first run of eight weeks, in
which a record was set when the film played
two consecutive weeks, day and date, in two
of the northwest’s largest theatres, the
Paramount and Oriental.
Plays Camp Fire Hostess
PORTLAND — Mrs. J. J. Parker, president
of ' Parker Theatres, the northwest’s largest
independent chain, played hostess recently
to the Portland council of Camp Fire girls at
a special celebration at J. J. Parker’s Broad-
way Theatre. Two thousand service costumed
girls participated in the event at which
Mayor Earl Riley was speaker. A stage and
screen show rounded out the program. '
Count on us lor Quick Action! | nEAl KC
We
have the
for
YOUR
Our wide contacts with the exhibitors
assure you of satisfactory results.
THEATRE EXCHANGE CO.
408 S. W. 2nd Ave. Portland 4. Oregon 217 Governor Bldg.
J
We DECORATE While You
OPERATE — No Need to Close
HART THEATRICAL DECORATING CO.
1 925 - 21 St. - DENVER Ph. Tabor 4962)
^sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssS
Finest Manley Hybrid Popcorn
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
and
Cocoanut Oil Seasoning
Any Quantity
W. H. Turpie, Western Division Manager
1914 S. Vermont Los Angeles 7, Calif.
RCA Sound Systems
Brenkert Projection Equipment
USAIBCo Cooling Equipment
Blowers and Exhausters
WESTERN SERVICE & SUPPLY, INC.
IKE 8041
2120 Broadway
Denver 2. Colo. I
BOXOFFICE ;: May 3, 1947
60-C
Managers Request Charles Skouras:
Pay Us as Much as Janitors Make
LOS ANGELES — Apparently growing im-
patient, with the progress of their avowed
plan to “peacefully negotiate, if possible”
their differences with Fox West Coast Thea-
tres, the Associated Theatre Operating Man-
agers again has availed itself of tradepaper
advertising to address a militant “open letter”
to Charles P. Skouras, president of FWC and
National Theatres, its mother company.
ATOM some weeks ago threatened a strike
of FWC managers and assistant managers,
unless an adjustment is made on the loss of
revenue its members suffered when their
participation in candy sales profits was cut by
20 per cent. The union of managers then de-
clared the policy of first pursuing every ave-
nue toward peaceful settlement.
In ATOM’S most recent printed communi-
que addressed to Skouras, the organization
held that its members’ problem is the most
urgent and pressing of any FWC employe’s.
The letter continued, in part,
“In comparison with other employes in the
business they are consistently and patheti-
cally underpaid.
“For example: let us compare their lot to
that of the janitors. ■
“We remember when, prior to the time
they organized, the janitors were being paid
$18 per week for theatre work.
“But today, most of your janitors are earn-
ing $52 per week or more.
“Now, we ask, when are you going to pay
the men who have responsibility in the op-
eration of your theatres, as much as you pay
the janitors who clean them?”
FWC to Spend $150,000
On Fairmount Theatre
SAN DIEGO— Dick Smith, district manager
of Fox West Coast houses here, says CPA
approval had been received for the complete
remodeling of the Fairmount Theatre and
that work will begin in two weeks.
The Fairmount has been dark for more than
two years, awaiting CPA’s green light. FWC
will spend $150,000 to make it a topnotch
house.
Start Equipment Displays
SACRAMENTO— RCA and Western The-
atrical Equipment Co. held a three-day dem-
onstration and display of RCA and Brenkert
projection and sound equipment at the Sen-
ator hotel recently, attended by many pro-
jectionists and theatre managers. The latest
in postwar equipment and accessories were
demonstrated and explained. This demon-
stration was the first of a series arranged by
RCA and WE in selected towns. Harry Sar-
ber is president of Western Theatrical and
Bob Schultz is RCA district sales manager.
SEATTLE
JZjarl Keate, U-I representative, spent sev-
eral days in the hospital here for treat-
ment of severe burns suffered when he fell
asleep under an ultraviolet lamp . . . Mel
Hulling, western district sales manager for
Monogram, is visiting Ralph Abbett, branch
manager, here . . . Carl Mahne, Washington
district manager for Evergreen, has returned
from a vacation-in California.
Sam Davis has taken over as MGM manager
and will bring his family from Los Angeles
as soon as he locates a home for them . . .
James Walsh has moved into his new
offices in the Music
Hall Theatre to act as
branch manager for
David O. Selznick . . .
Tom Murray, U-I
branch operations
manager, left for Los
Angeles after visiting
here . . . Eleanor War-
ner has resigned from
the MGM billing de-
partment with the
nearing of a blessed
event.
SAM DAVIS
A1 Brake has sold his interest in Special
Attractions to Hal Boehme, who now has the
Northwest franchise . . . Cyril A. Cole, asso-
ciated with Joe Danz in operation of the
Embassy Theatre, was wed to Betty Ruth
Lipper last week . . . Bob Rosenberg, Sum-
ner exhibitor, a son of the late A1 Rosenberg,
is ill in Providence hospital . . . Jack Flan-
nery, branch manager, and Tony Hartford,
salesman, are back from attending National
Screen Service sales convention.
Dick Schuette, MGM representative, was
in town to prepare a
campaign for the open-
ing of “The Yearling”
at the Music Hall May
14 . . . Joe Smith,
RKO’s branch head in
Portland, conferred
with Ed Lamb of the
branch here . . . Ex-
hibitors on Filmrow
from out of town in-
cluded A1 Fernandez,
Clallam Bay. Art
Zabel, Olympia, and
Clarence Baur, Brem-
erton.
New House Gets Started
In Arroyo Grande Area
SAN FRANCISCO — Preliminary work on
a new theatre at Arroyo Grande has been
started. Location is the southwest corner
of Grand avenue and Alder street, Fair Oaks.
The property was bought recently by G. W.
Page who will build and operate the theatre.
Seating capacity will be approximately 600.
Dick Smith to Arizona
LOS ANGELES — Dick Smith, San Diego
district manager for Fox West Coast Thea-
tres, has been assigned the Arizona district,
replacing Lou Christ, who retired because of
illness.
Gene Autry Will Host
Variety Delegates
Los Angeles — Comes Thursday noon
during the Variety Club convention and
the delegates will be going that way to
partake of luncheon as the guests of Gene
Autry, cowpoke star and embryonic pro-
ducer. Autry and his newly formed Gene
Autry Productions will host the visiting
barkers at the Ambassador hotel.
Entertainment will be provided by
Autry’s radio troupe, including the Cass
County boys, the Pinafores, girls’ trio;
Johnny Bond and Carl Cottner’s orches-
tra.
Bulte Rio Will Open
As Hitching Poster
HELENA, MONT. — The Rio Theatre here,
a Fox Intermountain house, will open soon
as a “hitching post theatre,” to play action
westerns and action serials exclusively. The
house will be operated under the manage-
ment of Bob Rothwell. All personnel will
wear western costumes and spurs.
The Rio will be the first theatre in this
area to play westerns and action serials ex-
clusively, according to Hall Baetz, Fox In-
termountain manager, who noted that
“hitching post” houses of this type are
proving popular on the coast. He also said
there is a large audience for westerns in some
sections of the country; there are many
westerns and action serials on the market
and there seems to be a definite demand for
them in a community like Helena.
Special Plastic Screen
In Famous Tabernacle
SALT LAKE CITY — Three screen experts
from Hollywood are busy at the world-famed
Salt Lake Tabernacle installing a special
plastic screen for scenic effects to be used
in “The Message of the Ages,” a centennial
pageant to be sponsored by the Mormon
church. The screen is made of chemically
inert substances, put together in layers. It
is of a translucent material that will give
the same background effect as used in major
motion picture studios.
Special type projectors, to be installed
under the pipes of the Tabernacle organ,
will throw the background image on the
screen from behind. The screen, used for the
first time in this part of the country, will
allow the performers to act in full view of the
audience without interfering with the source
of light in the background. Because the pic-
ture the audience will see against the screen
will not be a reflected picture, there will not
be any distortion for those in side seats.
The centennial pageant will be presented
the first time May 5 and will continue five
nights a week through June 6.
The Hollywood experts here to install the
screen were B. M. Boddie jr., M. L. Epp and
Frank Volkel.
W. C. Dolan Opens Theatre
In Boulder Creek, Calif.
BOULDER CREEK, CALIF— The Dolan
Thearte was opened here recently by W. C.
Dolan, on a seven-day policy of three
changes a week. The buying and booking is
handled by Ed Rowden Theatre Service. The
new Dolan is the first quonset style theatre in
this territory.
It is a 400-seater with American Seating
Co. chairs and Simplex booth equipment.
Tent 32 Inaugural Dinner
In San Francisco May 12
SAN FRANCISCO— The Variety Club of
Northern California Tent 32 will hold its
inaugural dinner at the St. Francis hotel
May 12. R. J. O’Donnell, national chief
barker, and other visiting Variety leaders
will attend the charter presentation.
Edwards Chain to Add Link
SUNLAND, CALIF.— Drawings are being
prepared by Vernon W. Houghton, Los An-
geles architect, for construction of a 1,000-
seat theatre building on Foothill boulevard.
The house will be an Edwards Theatres
location.
60-D
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Censor Bill Opposed
At Jefferson Oily
ST. LOUIS— Fred Wehrenberg, president
of the MPTOA, and also of the local area
MPTO, and Mrs. A. F. Burt, founder of the
Better Films Council of Greater St. Louis,
headed delegations of exhibitors, members of
the council and representatives of various
civic organizations who went to Jefferson
City Wednesday (30) for the public hearing
on the state censorship measure introduced
by Representative Schendel of St. Louis.
Delegations from Kansas City also pre-
sented arguments as to why this bill should
not be passed.
FOUNDER WILL SPEAK
Mrs. Burt was to tell the members of the
house committee considering the bill that
there is not a better organization than the
Better Films Council to safeguard the
screens of the state against immoral and
improper pictures, especially since the lead-
ers of the motion picture industry, including
the exhibitors, have cooperated with the Bet-
ter Films councils, in the public interest.
A public hearing was to be held in the
upper house chamber the same night on the
measure that calls for the employment of
a uniformed fireman in all motion picture
theatres of the state, the larger houses to
have such watchers according to their seat-
ing capacity. This measure also calls for a
four-foot center aisle and three-foot side
aisles in all theatres.
The senate has killed a bill which would
>;ave increased the minimum safety require-
ments in all newly constructed places of
amusement and in the older theatres if and
when structural changes were made or there
was rearrangement or a replacement of the
seats.
Senators Crain and Webbe of St. Louis led
the fight against the bill after efforts to in-
clude the older houses in its provisions failed.
It finally was beaten, 16 to 11.
TWO-FOLD PURPOSE SEEN
Opponents of the bill charged that it had
a two-fold purpose to make it difficult and
costly to build theatres in opposition to those
now in operation, and secondly, to relieve
the theatre building owners and manage-
ments from liability for damages growing
out of a fire, or other cause. Senator Joslyn
charged that the second purpose would be
attained by the repeal of the present law
and the theatre owners would no longer be
under obligation to comply with its terms
“and they would not come under the new
law” until they sought to make major
changes in the structure.
Webbe has obtained from Senator Madison,
the author, he said, a declaration that 95 per
cent of the existing theatres had not com-
plied with the exising laws as to exits and
seating arrangements.
The new bill would have increased the
safety regulations for the entire state but
its provisions were not so stringent as the
building code requirements in St. Louis and
Kansas City and other large cities of Mis-
souri.
Fire Spares Theatre
CHICAGO — An early morning fire damaged
the building that houses the Shakespeare
Theatre, operated by the Schoenstadt cir-
cuit. Firemen checked the blaze before the
theatre was damaged. The fire chief said a
discarded cigaret started the blaze.
Air Conditioning Now
LACON, ILL. — New air conditioning has
been installed in the Shafer Theatre here.
Papas Walworth Theatre
Opens in Premiere Pomp
By JAMES GAHAGAN
WALWORTH, WIS— Residents of this
thriving little city (pop. 875) got what they
had long hoped for April 25 when the new
Walworth Theatre opened with all the color
and fanfare of a Hollywood premiere. Wal-
worthians had wanted a theatre for many
years.
The blare and ballyhoo on opening day lit-
erally left the townspeople breathless. Signs
were plastered all over town. The Walworth
high school band and a flashy kilted com-
bination from the Northwestern Military
academy went tooting through the bannered
streets.
SPEECHES OUT FRONT
From a raised platform in front of the thea-
tre, speeches were made by Mayor Clarence
Brown of Walworth, Constantine Papas,
owner of the new theatre, and Larry Law-
rence, editor of the Milwaukee Journal’s
Green Sheet, which penetrates to the remotest
villages, crossroads feed stores, and Indian
tepees in the state of Wisconsin. Mayor
Brown cut a ribbon to mark the official open-
ing of the Walworth, and bought the first
i ticket.
Of course the scheduled appearance of Don
DeFore, star of “Ramrod,” failed to jell be-
cause of his commitments in Texas, but that
didn’t dampen the spirits of .the worthy Wal-
worthians. They had so many other things
to be happy about — pushback seats by Kroeh-
ler, for instance, and painting and interior
decorating by Hanns Teichert, middle west-
ern interior decorator. Despite DeFore’s
absence, it was impossible not to be gay.
After all, only one other theatre in Wisconsin
has pushback seats by Kroehler.
HUNDREDS IN LINE
The Walworth’s 750 seats were quickly filled
for the first show. Outside, hundreds more
formed in long lines to await the second show
and pass the time by reading and rereading
the columns of type which the Walworth
Times devoted to the big event. Light to read
by came from giant searchlights manned by
soldiers from the disciplinary barracks in Mil-
waukee.
After the show, the residents drove the lo-
cal restaurant operators crazy with calls for
food and drink. Most of these spots had to
close earlier than expected, when food and
beverages ran out.
All performances for Friday, Saturday and
Sunday found each of the 750 seats filled.
There were no reserved seats for the opening,
and no children’s reduced admissions. Top
price was 44 cents.
Many patrons came from the swank resort
region around Lake Geneva, as well as from
farming communities and other small towns
in the area.
It looks like Connie Papas has been adopted
by Walworth. The people all feel that the
theatre is theirs and many local workmen
toiled endlessly in getting the house set for
the opening. In the beginning Papas had
estimated the cost of the Walworth at $65,000,
but it ran to well above $130,000 before the
job was done.
Papas is co-operator of the Towne Theatre
in Milwaukee and three theatres in Illinois,
one at Woodstock and two at Harvard.
E. L. Ornstein Sells Crane
To H. L. Wirth, Indianian
LOUISVILLE — E. L. Ornstein of the Om-
stein Theatres, Marengo, Ind., has reported
the sale of the Crane Theatre in Crane to
Homer L. Wirth of Charlestown, Ind. Om-
stein still controls the Rialto in Marengo,
State in Milltown, Ind., and the New Ace in
Brandenburg, Ky. Wirth, who assumed con-
trol April 27, has been affiliated with the
16mm circuit operating in southern Indiana
several years. This is his first venture into
the 35mm field.
Ellis Shafton Will Manage
St. Louis Branch of SRO
ST. LOUIS — Ellis N. Shafton, onetime
salesman for MGM and later owner of the
Lexington and Palm theatres in the north-
western part of St. Louis, is now St. Louis
manager for Selznick, with offices in the
Continental Bldg., 3615 Olive St.
Italian House Opens
CHICAGO— -An occasion for everyone in-
terested in Italian motion pictures, and for
music lovers, was the reopening of Charles
Lindau’s Annex Theatre here, which pre-
miered “I Live as I Please,” which stars Fer-
ruccio Tagliavini, new star of the Metropoli-
tan Opera. Tagliavini attended the premiere.
The Annex will offer first runs of the best in
Italian motion pictures.
Law Joins Bally for New Theatre
Milwaukee — Connie Papas, hastily
dashing here on advance chores on the
opening of his Walworth Theatre, Wal-
worth, ran afoul of Lake Geneva traf-
fic officers on a speeding charge. Or-
dered for a court appearance, Connie
arrived at noon to learn all traffic po-
lice in the area had been on the prowl
for him. After much talk, the bluecoats
called their men off, then spent hours
broadcasting:
“Attention, all cars! Don’t pick
Papas up . . . Fine paid and all for-
given, but don’t forget the Walworth
opening Friday!”
Papas was the happiest exhibitor in
the state at the opening of his beauti-
ful Walworth Theatre. Localites
stormed the doors after the unveiling
ceremonies, completely filling the house.
Others, starved for amusement, waited
in line for hours for the second show
and a view of the long-awaited house.
And it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy
than Papas, who gave Walworth a real
ultramodern theatre after more than
a year’s toil. The night before open-
ing, Papas helped a weary workman
sew a few rugs.
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
C
61
CHICAGO
£ol. Joseph Goetz, assistant to Frank Smith,
RKO division manager, left on an inspec-
tion tour of Denver and Kansas City theatres
. . . John Hodiak, the cinema star who got his
start here, appeared at the Ukrainian benefit
and attended the local AFRA (radio actors’
union) antics at the Medinah temple.
Because he is leaving “Harvey” in a few
weeks to make a picture in Hollywood, Joe E.
Brown played host to
125 friends, including
some of the biggest
names in Chicago, at
the Blacksone hotel
last weekend. Brown
said he will play a seri-
ous role, portraying a
minister in a film
based on the problems
of youth in “My Son
and I.” “But you know
how those Hollywood
titles are,” he said.
“They’re changed over
night.” Eddie Alper- JOE E. BROWN
son, the producer, was in town and was a
guest at the party.
Don DeFore, featured in “Ramrod,” was
in town for the midwest premiere at the
Palace. At a swank cocktail party in the
Polo room, DeFore was introduced to the
newspaper boys and girls by Chick Evens,
UA publicist . . . Jimmy Smith, formerly at
the Crown, is now assistant to Manager
Eugene Langenfeld at the Lake, Essaness cir-
cuit.
Leonard Utecht, manager, and staff mem-
bers of the Southern Theatre in Oak Park,
took time out to attend the wedding of Marry
Burt, cashier to Deward, Alexander, local
television engineer . . . “The Young Moderns,”
headed by Mrs. John Frazier, will stage a
UIU1ULIUL.O-— brokers
ls^ere'deTneahoitv^0
FEROIE mgr.
TTmTrmTTmmmiiiiimnnMiiiiiiimT
JOE WEISS
(Formerly with JacK
<irsch Theatres)
EXPERIENCED . .
. LICENSED
Insurance and Real
Estate Broker
Specializing in Theatre Properties
4060 Milwaukee Ave.
Phones: PAL 2102
Chicago 22. 111.
LAKeview 5958
1C AND
NATIONALLY ADVERTISED
BARS TO YOU AT
WHOLESALE PRICES
All Popular 5c & 10c Brands
- - IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT - -
H. & I. CONCESSIONS CO.
Theatre Concessionaires
1325 So. Wabash Ave.
Phone Harrison 9616 — Chicago 5
cocktail dance May 9 at the Variety Club’s
new headquarters. Proceeds of the party will
go to Variety’s pet charity, La Rabida Jack-
son Park sanitarium.
^Margaret O’Brien, 9-year-old star who just
finished a new MGM picture, “The Unfin-
ished Dance,” came in from the west coast
and was met at the station by Bill Bishop,
MGM publicist, who introduced her to a gang
of youngsters at the station. With her mother,
she was en route to New York for a vacation
. . . Local theatres are again running trailers
requesting the women to remove their hats.
Billy Weinberg, who now directs exploita-
tion for Hygienic Productions, is back in
town after a long absence. He will do some
work on “Mom and Dad,” which has not had
a showing in Chicago although it has played
to record business in the suburban area. The
local censor board has given the picture the
go sign.
The B&K employes club has formed a soft-
ball league with Jack DeWiggins of the Up-
town Theatre in charge . . . H. C. Young,
first manager of National Screen Service in
Chicago before he was transferred to the
New York office 15 years ago, was in town
for the NSS convention. A number of the
old gang from NSS got together for a lunch-
eon and presented Young a nice gift.
Virginia Mayo, screen actress, was a stop-
over last weekend en route to Princeton uni-
versity where she will reign over the school’s
200th anniversary celebration . . . State street
was transformed into “Stallion Road” by
B&K sparkplug Jack Garber and Warners’
Lucia Perrigo, the day “Stallion Road” can-
tered into the Roosevelt Theatre. A local
riding academy filly was named “Horse for
a Day” and paraded with 15 other bannered
equines to the Roosevelt. All papers galloped
to cover the gag.
“Duel in the Sun” is now In the hands of
the local censor board and the Selznick boys
are holding their breath. The betting is 8 to
5 the picture will pass with a pink permit
. . . Milt Kreinas, who prints the 20th-Fox
tradepaper ads, hosted a gala cocktail party
April 25 in the Sherman’s House on the Roof
to introduce his bride of three weeks.
Screen star Jimmy Dunn was a stopover
between trains and was escorted to the B&K
publicity department by A1 Winston, 20th-
Fox press agent. Jimmy Savage hauled out
the Dunn picture file at B&K and the star
found in it a picture of his mother. He
hadn’t a single picture of her himself and
was happy to run across a print. Jimmy
played in vaudeville here at the RKO Palace
during 1933.
Ed Seguin, Chicago Theatre publicist, had
no trouble locating ancient Maxwells for the
pending Jack Benny arrival, but he searched
the town in vain trying to get a speedboat
last week. For Guy Lombardo’s engagement,
Seguin had Guy primed to stage a race up
the Chicago river but no speedboat was
available. Guy won the last year’s Interna-
tional Gold Cup regatta, making the maestro
the world’s champion speedboat racer.
Granite City Drops Fast Time
GRANITE CITY, ILL.— The city council
has repealed the local daylight saving time
ordinance in response to the results of the
advisory election held on the subject April 1,
when residents of the city voted 2,516 to 2,185
against a continuation of fast time.
There are 90 producers of feature films in
Hollywood.
Cold and Rain Help
Chicago Grosses
CHICAGO — Cold, rainy weather most of the
week, with lots of wind, kept people off the
streets and the Loop houses had a very good
week. Among the new entries the Oriental
had a banner week with great stage show
headed by the Glenn Miller orchestra, plus
“Boomerang” on the screen, which got some
good notices from the critics. The Chicago
had a very fine week with Veloz and Yo-
landa heading the stage show and “The Guilt
of Janet Ames” on the screen. The RKO
Palace did okay with a twin bill, “Tarzan
and the Huntress” and “Affairs of Geraldine.”
“The Best Years of Our Lives” at the Woods
and “The Jolson Story” at the Apollo were
still strong holdovers with “Lady in the
Lake” at the United Artists and “California”
at the State-Lake holding up nicely.
(Average is 100)
Apollo — The Jolson Story (Col), 17th wk 120
Chicago — The Guilt of Janet Ames (Col),
plus stage show .140
Garrick — 13 Rue Madeleine (20th-Fox), 5th wk 100
Grand — Smash-Up (U-I), 5th wk 105
Oriental — Boomerang (20th-Fox), plus stage show.,150
Palace — Tarzan and the Huntress (RKO);
Affairs of Geraldine (Rep) 115
Roosevelt — Nora Prentiss (WB), 3rd wk 110
State-Lake — California (Para), 2nd wk 120
Studio — Sins of Bali (Rosenberg);
She-Devil Island (Rosenberg), 2nd wk 100
United Artists — Lady in the Lake (MGM), 2nd wk._.115
Woods — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 18th wk 155
World Playhouse — The Road Home (Art) 115
Milwaukeeans Take to Highways,
Leaving Theatres in the Lurch
MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Sentin-il’o
sports show and the advent of fair weather
hurt first run grosses here. The urge for
those long country drives, puttering with lake
cottages and golf cut some more. “The Best
Years of Our Lives,” after three weeks in the
Riverside at roadshow prices, went into the
Alhambra at popular price and drew long
waiting lines. A glamor-girl contest, pro-
moted by Buck Herzon, Sentinel columnist,
helped out “Smash-Up” at the Warner.
Alhambra — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
4th d. t. wk 150
Palace — The Westerner (FC);
Sweetheart of Sigma Chi (Mono) 100
Riverside — Trail Street (RKO) ;
Beat the Band (RKO) 100
Strand — Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox),
2nd d. t. wk.; Heldorado (Ren) 95
Towne — The Macomber Affair (UA) , 2nd wk 100
Warner — Smash-Up (U-I): Reneaade Girl (SG) 140
Wisconsin — The Sea of Grass (MGM);
Boston Blackie and the Law (Col) 140
Indianapolis Grosses Improve
Desmte Inclement Weather
INDIANAPOLIS — Grosses here showed a
slight improvement last week despite incle-
ment weather conditions. “The Egg and I”
completed its fourth and final week at Keith’s
with good results. Charlie Spivak was on
stage at the Circle.
Circle — Gentleman Joe Palooka (Mono);
stage show 100
Indiana1 — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO) 100
Keith's — The Eag and I (U-I). 2nd wk 180
Lo^w's — Love T aucrhs at Andy Hardv (MGM);
Mv F^other Tal^s to Horses (MOM) 95
Lvrir — That Wav With Women (WB),
The Devil Thumbs a Ride (RKO) 95
Union Head Asks Dismissal
ST. LOUIS — Frank Stickling, representa-
tive of the IATSE in charge of the affairs
of St. Louis Theatrical Brotherhood No. 6,
has filed a motion in U.S. court here asking
for the dismissal of the $109,750 damage suit
filed April 2 by Henry H. Klaverkamp against
Stickling and the IATSE. The suit is based
on the contention that Klaverkamp and
Ralph Bauer had to pay 15 per cent of their
wages as stagehands as union dues although
the assessment against members of Local 6
was only 5 per cent.
62
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Antilabor Measures
Protested in Chicago
CHICAGO — Joe E. Brown, veteran come-
dian and star of “Harvey,” did a handstand
and a backtwister to show what he thinks
of the antilabor bills now being considered
by congress. Brown was one of the stars of
stage and radio who addressed a joint open
membership meeting of eight unions in the
Selwyn Theatre here to protest against anti-
labor bills.
Among the others were Rudy Vallee, band
leader, Jan Sterling, and Lawrence Hugh
of “Born Yesterday,” and Augustan Duncan
of “Lute Song.”
The meeting was called by Actors Equity
Ass’n, the Chorus Equity Ass’n, the American
Federation of Radio Artists, the American
Guild of Variety Artists, the American Guild
of Musical Artists, the International Broth-
erhood of Electrical Workers, the American
Federation of Labor, and the National Ass’n
of Broadcast Engineers and Technicians, and
Radio Writers Guild, independent. Ben
Meyers, union attorney, asked theatre and
radio people to write personal letters and
send telegrams to their congressmen stating
their positions on the question of the present
labor bills.
A resolution was presented by Norman
Pierce of AFRA and adopted unanimously.
Adolescents Confused
By Films, Council Told
CHICAGO — Modern motion pictures con-
fuse adolescents’ ideas of acceptable morals,
make them discontented with their families’
standards of living and give them unfair car-
icatures of nationalities and races. These
criticisms were leveled by Bee Rudolph, 17,
a DePaul university freshman and one of
the teen-age film previewers for the Better
Films Council of Chicagoland.
She spoke at the council’s 14th annual
spring luncheon at Marshall Field & Co.
Eighty middle-aged council members ap-
plauded her remarks.
“Forty per cent of all motion pictures are
lovemaking pictures, showing long embraces
in automobiles and bedrooms,” the young
speaker estimated. When the best actors and
actresses in Hollywood are starred in sexy
pictures, you adults might as well expect an
outbreak of behavior like that by youth.”
Miss Rudolph said a survey of 2,000 Cath-
olic high school students in 200 different
schools showed five out of ten boys and girls
admit their moral standards are influenced
by what they see on the screen.
Twenty-four Chicago youth review Loop
films for the Better Films council and recom-
mend to interested Chicago families what to
see and what to skip.
Milwaukee Local No. 164
Elects Glenn Kalkhoff
MILWAUKEE — IATSE Local 164 elected
these officers: President, Glenn Kalkhoff;
business agent, Otto Trampe; vice-president,
Walter Behr; recording secretary, Robert
Lucht; treasurer, George Wittman; sergeant
at arms, August Mommer, and trustee, Har-
old Rustone.
To the examining board: Chester Millis,
Otto Trampe, Kenneth McLay, Theron Red-
ding and Joe Loui.
IATSE delegate: Walter Behr.
Delegates to Federated Trades Council:
John Kraczek, George Harris, Roy Bernier,
Otto Trampe, Walter Plato.
Alternate delegates to the Wisconsin Fed-
eration of Labor: Karl Miller, George Harris.
Executive board: John Black, Frank De-
Lorenzo, Norman Habersat.
S T. L O U I S
pantasia,” the Walt Disney-RKO record-
breaker, opened at Ruby S’Renco’s Art
Theatre April 26 at $1.22, reserved seats. This
marks the 37th week for the picture at this
theatre; it has played there a total of 36
weeks in years past.
On Filmrow: George Karsch of Farming-
ton, Mo., who several weeks ago sold his
Lead Belt Amusement
Co. and his Farming-
ton Entertainment Co.
houses to Tom Ed-
wards and Harold
Harris for a figure
which ran into six
digits. Karsch is de-
voting all his time now
to his real estate and
other nontheatrical
business holdings.
Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy
F r i s i n a and their
George karsch child will leave for the
west coast early in May. He plans to partici-
pate in some important amateur golf tourna-
ments while out there. In the meantime
he will play in a tournament at Little Rock,
Ark., opening on April 30.
Henry Halloway, who operates the Gem,
Overland, Mo., the Beverly in University City
and the Overland, in Overland, plans to visit
his brother in Hawaii after attending the Va-
riety convention in Los Angeles May 13-16.
His brother Edward Halloway is a former
band leader. Henry returned recently from a
vacation in Florida.
A general increase in employment in the
East St. Louis industrial area has been
reported by the Illinois Employment service,
which anticipates that by May 15 an addi-
tional increase of 665 workers will be needed.
The St. Louis Amusement Co. has awarded
a contract to Henry Linek, builder, for the
installation of an incinerator -at the Tivoli
Theatre . . . John J. Jones, president of
Screen Guild Productions, arrived here from
Hollywood to confer with Andy Dietz, local
SG manager.
The St. Louis Theatre at Grand and Del-
mar boulevards, flagship of the St. Louis
TEN-YEAR AWARDS— Herbert Ben-
nin, manager for MGM at St. Louis, pre-
sents salesman Harry Hopkins (left) with
a ten-year service emblem while Banks
Hudson looks on. Hudson and Robert
Jones, also salesmen, received ten-year
- service emblems earlier this year.
Amusement Co. fleet, under Fanchon &
Marco management, has raised its price scale
for adults to 50 cents and 75 cents, the same
as the other first run houses of the city.
Manager Herbert Bennin and A1 Coco went
to the MGM sales conference in New York
this week . . . Virginia Morrison, who re-
turned from New York recently, will assist
in choreography for Dr. Norman Ratcher’s
big barber shop quartet benefit at the
Esquire Theatre May 23 . . . RKO is producing
“Fighting Father Dunne,” based on the life
story of the founder of Father Dunne’s News-
boys home here. The producer is Phil L.
Ryan and Pat O’Brien is the star of the pic-
ture.
Jean Arthur, who is taking a course at
Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., has
moved from a dormitory which she shared
with 22 girls to a Columbia hotel because
“noise and confusion” in the dormitory inter-
fered with her studying. She is taking courses
in philosophy, biology, marriage and the
home.
Lou Walters of Cine Supply Co., RCA dis-
tributor, went to Chicago for the annual
meeting of the Society
of Motion Picture En-
gineers, April 21-25 . . .
Ray Colvin of Exhibi-
tors Supply Co. was at
the early sessions of
the Chicago gathering
but returned to St.
Louis April 23.
Tony Peluso, man-
ager of Fanchon &
Marco’s 5,000-seat Fox,
headed a committee of
Grand - Olive district
business men that pre- lou Walters
sented a large basket of flowers to Patrolman
Robert Paluczak, who directs traffic at the
busiest intersection in the city, on his 37th
anniversary with the police department.
Fred Wehrenberg and Mrs. Wehrenberg
have returned from a sojourn in Arizona.
The warm sunshine of Arizona has helped
Wehrenberg to recover from an attack of in-
fluenza and pneumonia which he suffered
late in the winter.
An application for permission to use a barn
at 136 North Price road as a theatre for a
summer stock company has been rejected by
the Ladue, Mo., city council. The city zoning
committee had previously recommended re-
jection of the application submitted by
Nicholas Bakewell, 4540 Lindell Blvd., St.
Louis, who has appeared in summer stock
companies in New England.
Blondie, an 18-foot reticulated python, one
of the big free attractions at the world-
famous St. Louis zoo in Forest park, has
gone through his last hunger strike. He died
a few days ago. The forced feeding of the big
snake at various times of the year was one
of the big thrills for visitors to the zoo.
A bill has been presented in the Illinois
legislature at Springfield to regulate indi-
viduals and firms selling theatre tickets as
a business or sideline. There is a provision
for a $100 annual license fee for each branch
office, with renewals to be reduced to $50
per year.
After Six Years' Retirement
Marcia Ralston, after six years of retire-
ment, will appear in a supporting role in
Eagle-Lion’s “Out of the Blue.”
BOXOFFICE :: May 3, 1947
63
MILWAUKEE
£Jharley Guelson of the Badger Theatre,
Stoughton, has donated his theatre for
Sunday services since one of the local
churches burned down three years back . . .
Alex Pukalo, former air corps officer, now
covers the northern territory for United Art-
ists. Pukalo, transferred from the Chicago
UA branch, speaks, reads and writes Rus-
sian. A graduate of Indiana university,
Pukalo, 31, is married and has one child.
Jack Kelley, MGM reprint and reissue de-
partment executive of Minneapolis, spent
several days in this territory . . . Jim Gal-
lagher of Gallagher Films, Green Bay, hud-
dled with Ray Bonner, Milwaukee representa-
tive, relative to remodeling the local branch
office and equipment store. Complete re-
vamping and modernization is planned if the
carpenters grow tired of striking.
Eddie Spiers of Chicago, Film Classics dis-
trict manager, was here to see Fred Good,
local manager . . . Jimmie Shufflebotham,
Warner sign artist, planed to Grand Rapids
. . . Dan Rosenberg, PRC field auditor, de-
parted.
Bob Allen, UA manager, is driving a new
Buick . . . Brown’s lake was selected as the
spot for the all-industry outing to be spon-
sored by the Independent Theatres of Wis-
consin and Upper Michigan. Golf, boating,
horseback riding, swimming and lots of food
and refreshments, with dancing in the eve-
ning are planned. The date will be announced
soon.
Dan Bennett bowed out of Film Arts, fa-
voring an airplane sales post with Anderson
Air Activities. The motion picture produced
by Anderson for Film Arts has gained na-
tional recognition as the best such film to
date . . . Art Krass, Republic salesman, was
nursing a terrific cold that interfered with his
chess game.
Gordon Hewitt unwrapped the golf clubs
for an early round at North Hills Country
club. Judging from his score, Hewitt must
have been in Biloxi all winter . . . J. Juell,
Garden, South Milwaukee, was in booking . . .
Iva Benning of National Screen departed for
a brief St. Louis stay . . . Ruth Matz joined
United Artists’ office staff . . . Charley
Trampe, Ray Trampe, Eddie Gavin and
Elmer Klase are on the coast for a whirl at
the ABC bowling session. While there
Charley Trampe was to attend the Mono-
gram board meeting.
“Cap” Thurwachter, who has controlled
the town in exhibition, has relinquished the
Avon, Park and Pix to Standard Theatres,
Milwaukee . . . Johnny Mednikow, National
Screen branch manager, dashed back from
St. Louis and talks with son Mel after the
NSS Windy city convention . . . Nick Meuren,
MGM shipper, was confined to bed with the
flu.
Jack Lorentz, 20th-Fox district manager,
huddled with Joe Neger, local manager . . .
Hilda Albrecht, MGM booker, intends blast-
ing par at Rivermore on returning from New
York . . . Jack Sullivan of the Carl Thelin
theatrical sign firm is back at his drawing
board, with that trick ankle bearing up well
. . . Walter Blaney, RKO office manager,
clipped Winnie DeLorenzo at three-cushion
billiards again. Winnie says his game was
better when he used a crutch.
Shortly after the current run of “The Best
Years of Our Lives” the Alhambra, one of
the oldest houses on the stem, will close for
remodeling . . . Bill McShea, RKO home of-
fice executive, was a stopover and bore the
blast of the Lou Elman humor.
Eddie Krofta, UA salesman, spent a wor-
ried night in Madison. After jamming his
hand against a frozen car lock, a highly
HUNTERS DINNER FOR “MACOMBER”— “The Macomber Affair” was previewed
at the Riccardo restaurant in Chicago before its opening Wednesday (23) in the RKO
Grand Theatre. In the photo Riccardo, restaurateur and big game hunter, explains the
intricacies of his rifle to (left to right), Matt Plunkett, RKO Theatres publicist;
Charles Harris, RKO assistant publicist; Col. Joe Goetz, assistant to Frank Smith,
RKO Theatres division manager; Bill Briscoe, manager of the Grand, and Lou Mayer,
manager of the RKO Palace. Riccardo was host at the preview and “hunters dinner”
for exhibitors and newspaper representatives.
valued diamond ring turned up missing.
Krofta notified the police and toured the
town searching for the ring, a gift from his
mother when the diminutive product seller
was 18. Falling into bed exhausted at 5 a. m.,
Krofta just started sleeping when a parking
lot attendant phoned he had found the ring
on the floorboard of Krofta’s car.
“Carnation” Charley Koehler and Sid Mar-
goles went round and round discussing the
merits of “Don't Open That Door, Richard”
. . . Since this scribe kicked off on that pro-
posed Oldtimers club proposal, interest has
mounted. If the group had been organized
now, they would have attended the last rites
for Bert Fischer in a body! Let’s have more
comments and suggestions from you oldtimers
with 20 or 25 years in the business. The first
meeting will be scheduled shortly.
Larry Lawrence, Journal Green Sheet edi-
tor who attended the Walworth Theatre
opening, misplaced his charming wife in one
of the town’s myriad antique shops. Law-
rence said: "Here’s a road map, son. Tour
those shops and see if you can locate an
antique woman. That’s my wife, but don’t
tell her I said this!”
Booking on the Row: Sam Miller of the
Rialto, Gladstone; Shirley Johnson, New
Adams, Adams; Ray Lenz, Pastime, Horicon;
Len Dorece, Crown, Racine; Joe Malits of
the Eighth Street, Sid Margoles of the Regal
and Helen Hanke of the Lyric, Milwaukee;
H. H. Otto, Clinton, Clinton; Charley Guel-
son, Badger, Stoughton; Barney Sherman,
Douglas, Racine; Frank Eckhart, Jefferson,
Jefferson; Augie Berkholtz, West Bend, West
Bend.
Also Lucille Fowler, Merrill circuit opera-
tor; W. C. Fischer, Campo, Campbellsport;
Walter and Don Baier, Fort, Fort Atkinson;
George Gonis, Liberty, Milwaukee; Eddie
Moyle and Johnny Schuyler, Delft circuit,
Marquette; A1 Leinhart, New Glarus, New
Glarus; Lon Housten, Troy, East Troy; Mr.
and Mrs. Harley Huebner, Strand, Oncono-
mowoc.
Sid Margoles, Regal operator, broke into
radio on WMLO’s Ton ’o Fun show, by
baffling announcer Skinner with his jive talk.
Margoles, billed as Tyrone Shapiro, stole the
act, but collected no prize . . . Eph Rosen,
MGM acting manager, and top booker Hilda
Albrecht shoved off for home office sales
confab in New York . . . Joe Imhof, PRC
manager, worked the territory about Beloit
and saw some of the prize steers Milt Ellis
has been boasting about.
Lou Orlove, MGM exploiteer, gave Charles
Hacker, Wisconsin Theatre manager, a din-
ner while pounding the drums on “The
Yearling” . . . “The Outlaw,” in a midweek
matinee opening at the Strand Theatre,
Oconomowoc, was uneventful. Four times
regular business was registered at the eve-
ning performances. The general comment of
patrons was “What’s all the shouting about?”
. . . The Harley Huebners are selling their
“dream home” in Oconomowoc and after
this scribe was conducted on a tour of the
home, he’s thinking about the same thing
you are. And, as Dave Ross would say: “The
price is right.”
Barney Sherman of the Douglas, Racine,
parked that trick Buick convertible near the
Safety building. George Edgerton, 20th-Fox
salesman, approached, chirped, “Don’t park
there, Sheriff Hanley will sell it!” Hanley
made quite a name for himself in new car
sales while enforcing law and order here.
In California Vineyards
“Evening in Modesta” with setting in Cali-
fornia’s famous vineyards, story by Albert
Maltz, has been purchased by RKO.
64
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
//VDMAMPOL/S
T B. Stine, operator of the Garfield Theatre,
* Terre Haute, and Carl Harthill, manager
of the Monogram exchange, spent the week
fishing at Reel Foot lake in Tennessee . . .
Mrs. W. K. Embleton, wife of the Monogram
salesman, has entered St. Elizabeth’s hospital
at Danville, 111., for a major operation.
Edna Merryman, inspector at Columbia, has
resigned her post and will join the National
Screen Service Corp. staff . . . Guy Craig,
Columbia manager, called on exhibitors in
Evansville during the week . . . Christine Kirk,
secretary of ATO of Indiana, went to Louis-
ville over the weekend to attend the races.
Joe Bohn, office manager for PRC, took
part in the 1947 Indianapolis chess tourna-
ment, held April 26 and 27 at the YMCA.
Bohn is treasurer of the Indianapolis Chess
and Checker club. There were 20 con-
testants . . . Mrs. Ora Meissner, Gibson,
Batesville, was in town to book and buy.
Andy Anderson, Kentucky circuit operator,
has begun work on his new theatre in Hodg-
enville, Ky. The Lincoln Theatre there,
which is now operationg, will be closed when
the new house is completed . . . Mrs. D. J.
Abbott, Batesville, booked . . . Earl Penrod,
Viking Popcorn Machines, is suffering with
an infected throat . . . Herman Hallberg,
booker at 20th-Fox, is moving into his new
home at 16th and Lafayette road on the
west side of the city . . . Arthur Clark of
Bloomington was on the Row to buy and
book.
A boy was born to Mrs. Burdette N. Peter-
son April 21 at St. Francis hospital, Beech
Grove, Ind. The father is the manager of
the National Theatre Supply Co. here.
A. M. Van Dyke, sales manager for the
Chicago branch of 20th-Fox, was a business
visitor at the local branch Monday . . . E. L.
Ornstein, Marengo, booked . . . The Parkview
Amusement Co., Louisville, has appointed
H. S. Davidson as manager of the Shelby
and Capitol theatres.
The next meeting of the board of directors
of the Associated Theatres of Indiana will
be held May 6 in the Hotel Antlers. Regular
luncheon is scheduled at 12 noon in parlors
C and D . . . A. B. Thompson, North Vernon,
booked.
Team 8 Rolls High Score
In Milwaukee League
MILWAUKEE — In the IATSE Bowling-
league, team 8, F. DeLorenzo, captain, rolled
the highest three-game score, with 2,732. No. 5
was runner up with 2,655, and No. 3, third,
with 2,617.
High single game score was rolled by No. 8,
with 959. No. 4 was second with 940 and No. 2,
third, with 922.
Elmer Klase rolled high three individual
games with 664. Bob Lucht was runnerup
with 619, and Chet Millis, third, with 617.
Millis copped high single, with 255. Art
Weaver was second with 246, and Bob Lucht
third with 922.
TEAM STANDINGS
Pin
No. 4
Won
Lost
Avg.
56
34
798
No. 6
S3
37
781
No. 5
42
800
No. 8
47
43
795
No. 1
45
45
773
No. 2
48
799
No. 3
38
52
772
No. 7
32
58
760
READY FOR BENNY — An ancient
Maxwell auto was discovered by B&K
press agents Ed Seguin and Jimmy Sav-
age (cranking car), for use in the parade
that will hail Jack Benny’s personal ap-
pearance at the Chicago Theatre May 9.
The ad lads arranged to borrow the car
from the Rosenwald Museum of Science
and History.
High Court Denies Pleas
Of Theatre in St. Louis
JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri supreme
court denied two applications for writs of
prohibition sought by the owners of the Robin
Theatre in St. Louis in their efforts to pre-
vent the city officials, police and fire depart-
ments from interfering with the continued
operation of that house, which was opened
some 30 years ago.
One application was directed against
Walter H. Kammann, city fire marshal, and
members of the St. Louis fire and police de-
partments, while the second named the city
and H. H. Baum, building commissioner, et al,
and was filed with the supreme court after
Baum had condemned the theatre building
for use as a place of public assembly of any
kind until it has conformed to certain pro-
visions of the new St. Louis building code.
From the
BOXOFFICE FILES
• * •
(Twenty Years Ago)
piLM delivery service in the flooded area in
southern Illinois and Missouri has con-
tinued without interruption, according to a
bulletin sent out by Harry Weiss, president
of the St. Louis Film Board of Trade. Many
of the towns are under more than 12 feet
of water. At New Madrid, Mo., where the
Mississippi usually is one mile wide, the river
is now 25 miles wide. For the first time,
films are being shipped via river boats. The
docks in many towns are under water, but
the boats get as close as possible to a landing
place.
« * *
A motion picture theatre at Riverton, 111.,
was put out of business when a tornado hit
that town last week . . . Paris, 111., has voted
against Sunday shows. Four thousand votes
were cast recently in an election following
a hot campaign . . . Frank Harris, formerly
manager of the Pathe exchange in St. Louis,
is now special representative for the Harold
Lloyd organization.
* # * \
Sam Pertle, Jerseyville, 111., and Ed Felles,
Hillsboro, 111., were among the few visitors
to St. Louis the past week . . . James Drake,
owner of the Gem in St. Louis and the New
Drake in East St. Louis, is reportedly the
purchaser of the Rialto in Granite City, 111.
The Crescent at St. Francisville has been
taken over by Anson Clark . . . The following
theatres have been closed because of flood
conditions: Rees, Cairo, 111.; Lyric, Mounds,
111.; Palm, Mound City, 111.; Kampsville,
Kampsville, 111.; Linn Creek, Linn Creek, Mo.
The Pauline Airdome, one of the largest
and best equipped open-air places in St. Louis,
has opened for the season by special request
of patrons. The theatre is owned by Charles
A. Kolbfell . . . Fire destroyed the Grand
Theatre at Mexico, Mo., with a loss estimated
at $90,000. The Grand was a unit in the
Universal chain.
When there are so many reasons
why it pays to own a " Manley "
CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO HAVE ONE?
THE MIGHTY 1947
MANLEY POPCORN MACHINE
See it today
A. T. ROWE
DIVISION MANAGER
1920 Wyandotte, Phone: HArrison 6155, Kansas City. Mo.
1611 Davenport, Omaha, Neb. — 3138 Olive, St. Louis, Mo.
812-824 Mulberry St., Des Moines, Iowa.
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 194
65
Lester Bona to Mark
40 Years in Industry
ST. LOUIS — Lester Bona, WB manager
here, will celebrate 40 years in the motion
picture business and 25 years with WB the
week of June 12. Bona has been in distribu-
tion 35 years.
Bona’s 40th anniversary also marks the
40th anniversary of the night that Roy An-
derson, veteran motion picture projectionist
and cameraman, started in as operator at
the original Merry Widow Theatre, a 100-
seater opened in 1906 by George and Harry
Hayes on Chouteau avenue at Dillon street.
On June 12, 1907, Bona, then a small boy,
walked into the Merry Widow to seek work
as an usher. Harry Hayes, the manager, was
having a tough time of it since his nonunion
projectionist was having difficulty keeping
the picture on the screen. About that time
Anderson walked into the theatre.
“If you get that fellow away from that
machine, I can help you,” Anderson said,
flashing his union membership card for Hayes
to see. In great relief Hayes agreed and in
about 10 or 15 minutes Anderson had the
show running smoothly. He was employed
as the regular projectionist and held the job
for some time thereafter. Hayes was in a
good humor, of course, and readily agreed to
give Bona the job as usher.
Back in 1906 a motion picture program con-
sisted of three reels, a two-reel feature and
a reel of shorts. Later illustrated songs
became popular and Bona was then promoted
to sing in addition to his duties as usher.
Bona recalls that over a period of 40 years
there have been four different theatres called
The Merry Widow on Chouteau avenue over a
stretch of two blocks.
The second Merry Widow was a 250-seater
three doors west of the original. It also was
run by the Hayes brothers.
John P. Murphy opened the third Merry
Widow, with 485 seats, at Chouteau and St.
Ange avenues. Later Murphy sold out to
the Johnston brothers, who in turn gave way
to Sam Komm.
Komm built the present New Merry Widow
Theatre at the northeast corner of Chouteau
avenue and Grattan street a few years ago.
It has about 900 seats.
St. Louis MOD Collections
Greater Than Last Year
ST. LOUIS — Metropolitan St. Louis led
the Missouri March of Dimes with a total of
$171,236 obtained through the Globe-Demo-
crat-KMOX drive, with some 110 motion pic-
ture theatres of St. Louis and St. Louis county
participating. The total is above the $159,338
collected in the city and county last year.
Robert T. Hensley, Missouri chairman, said
that the total for the state with 13 of the 114
counties still unreported is $469,000, or about
$111,000 above the 1946 state total of $358,000.
The final total for Missouri is expected to
pass the $500,000 mark, an all-time high for
the state.
Indianapolis House Loses
$2,000 to Safecrackers
INDIANAPOLIS — Cracksmen who battered
open the safe in the office of the Cinema
Theatre here Sunday night (20) took $2,000.
Manager James Coyle, who reported the
burglary, told police he found the safe
smashed and $1,600 in cash and checks for
bank deposits amounting to $400 missing
when he opened the office.
Meanwhile, two Indianapolis ex-convicts
with long police records, who were arrested
in connection with an alleged attempt to
burglarize a safe at the Strand Theatre, 1332
East Washington St., were arraigned in
municipal court on vagrancy charges.
Film Department
Planned in Library
From Southeast Edition
ATLANTA— A department of motion pic-
tures is in the blueprint stage as Atlanta’s
new public library project, it was disclosed
here by Aubrey Milam, president of the
Carnegie library board of trustees.
On a visit to Los Angeles last summer,
Milam saw a motion picture museum, and he
brought home the idea of creating a similar
project here. It would include historical data
on the development of the motion picture
industry, scenes from early films, small mod-
els of production lots, equipment used in the
making and projection of pictures, and similar
displays.
The city last summer voted $1,700,000 in
bonds for new libraries, including a new main
building and three branches. Milam said it
was hoped to establish the department of
motion pictures as a permanent department
of the main library.
“My conception of the functions of a li-
brary,” he said, “is that it should not only
be the source of the accumulated wisdom of
the ages, but also insofar as is practical it
should be an agency for the dissemination
of this wisdom by creating a more active
desire on the part of the public to use its
facilities.
“To this end, we already contemplate in the
new library as nearly a complete department
on music as can be arranged. I think the
application of motion picture photography in
teaching has only begun, and a department
of motion pictures would be something unique
in libraries in the south; maybe in the
country.”
George Cohan Jr. Bests
Famed Father's Record
From New England Edition
PROVIDENCE— George M. Cohan jr„ mak-
ing his debut as an entertainer, broke a long
standing tradition at Fays Theatre when
his vaudeville act was held over for a second
week. This was the first time in 31 years
that an act was held over more than a week
at Fays.
Throughout the first week of his engage-
ment here young Cohan appeared before ca-
pacity audiences, and the attendance held up
well during the second week. The balance
of the second-week bill was new.
Considerable publicity was given Cohan’s
vaudeville venture. Newspapers carried pic-
tures of him reading a plaque on the house
where his illustrious father was born in the
Fox Point section of the city, and he was
guest of honor at a luncheon given him by
the Town Criers of Rhode Island, who elected
him honorary chief crier.
Also, the city council adopted a measure
changing the name of Fox Point Boulevard to
George M. Cohan Boulevard in honor of the
senior Cohan.
Indianapolis Film Council
Luncheon Closes Season
INDIANAPOLIS— A luncheon April 26 was
to close the season for the Indianapolis group
of the National Screen Council.
New officers for the year are Mrs. E. L.
Burnett, president; Mrs. J. Francis Huff-
man, vice-president; Mrs. M. J. Spring, sec-
retary-treasurer; Mrs. Clayton H. Ridge, pub-
licity; Mrs. Emory Cowley, contact chair-
man; Mrs. Frederick Balz, legislative chair-
man, and Mrs. John Thistlehwaite, county
chairman. Directors named for the year
are Mrs. Emma Kominers, Mrs. Alvin H.
Johnson and Mrs. William H. Pearl.
WAHOO
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT CO.. 8 3 1 S. WABASH AYE., CHICAG
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 of which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE. DATE & RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE
NAME POSITION
66
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Indianians Oppose
'Neurotic' Pictures
FORT WAYNE— Northeastern Indiana ex-
hibitors went on record as opposing films
which depend upon neurotic and criminal
tendencies of characters for their interest,
and also condemned the policy of some pro-
ducers who, they said, “try to raise prices for
good or better pictures, but do not lower the
cost for poor or second-rate films.” The ac-
tion was taken at a luncheon meeting of the
second and fourth districts of the Ass’n of
Theatre Owners of Indiana, held in Hotel
Keenan here.
The group pointed out that audiences in
this section are composed of persons who
want entertainment in theatres, and are op-
posed to “unwholesome” productions.
The group further objected to the “medio-
crity” of some of the films they “must accept
if they are to show anything at all in their
theatres,” and said the policy of producers
in raising prices for good pictures should be
balanced by a lowering of prices for the lesser
grade films.
Roy Kalver, owner of the Adams and Cort
theatres in Decatur, vice-president of the
second district, presided. Trueman Rembush,
president of the Indiana group, discussed
aims and ideals of the association. Other
problems were discussed by Leo Jones of the
Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio.
Henry Ford Was a Patron
And Maker of Pictures
From Mideast Edition
DETROIT — The death of Henry Ford re-
moved from the motor city its most famous
motion picture fan — one who had more than
a passing connection with the industry in
various phases.
Typical was his quiet appearance at a
theatre when the picture was one that he
liked; done without ostentation, and so
deftly that he attracted little or no atten-
tion in the audience. He always managed
to slip out just before the crowd started to
leave. He was a patron of legitimate and
motion picture theatres alike. He used to go
sometimes to the Midway, a neighborhood
house only a few miles from his home in
Dearborn, usually to an early show. This
house is largely patronized by Ford factory
workers.
In 1940, when MGM staged many special
events for the premiere of “Young Tom
Edison” at Port Huron, Ford furnished
ancient trains and equipment from his Green-
field Village museum and met with the in-
dustry’s leaders here in the unique activities
that accompanied the celebration. His son,
the late Edsel Ford, took an even more promi-
nent part in the celebration. This film is a
tribute to Ford’s friend, the father of the
motion picture industry, Thomas Edison.
Ford as an industrialist was a pioneer in
the use of commercial motion pictures, using
many types of educational, narrative, docu-
mentary, news, and other pictures, dating
back at least 30 years. The Ford Co. came
to be one of the largest sponsors of com-
mercial films, both silent and talking, in in-
dustry.
Operating Without Permits
From Central Edition
DETROIT — Hugh J. O’Neil, state superin-
tendent of private employment bureaus, has
issued a ruling that no booking agency will
be allowed to operate in Michigan unless it
possesses a state license. O’Neil’s drive is
aimed at nationally known offices, which book
attractions into the state without a local li-
cense as well as the small agencies who do
not bother to get licenses.
Big Chicago Department Store Adds
To Tiein Promotions With Films
CHICAGO— The Goldblatt depart-
ment store chain, the largest local ad-
vertiser, is increasing its tieins on mo-
tion pictures, and distributors and the-
atres are reaping steady benefit from
the resultant gold mine of promotion.
The latest tiein was with U-I’s “Stair-
way to Heaven.” Goldblatt’s store do-
nated 12 bathing suits awarded the
winners in a contest for a “Chicago
Angel.” Grand prize was luggage.
Motion picture luminaries appear
regularly on Goldblatt’s two air shows,
the Teens and Tunes Club and Let’s
Have Fun, which are credited with
the largest listening audiences of any
local program.
ON AIR SHOWS REGULARLY
B&K circuit and RKO Theatres offer
passes and other prizes in tieups with
these shows.
Major film tieups are being worked
out for Goldblatt’s Star sale, which
will open in May and be promoted with
134 pages of newspaper advertising with
a reputed readership of 4,500,000, plus a
circular campaign to 2,000,000 more per-
sons. Chuck Jones, Goldblatt press
agent, plans to feature a picture of a
film or stage luminary daily saluting
the Star sale. He also is arranging
autographing parties and radio appear-
ances.
BIG GIVEAWAY ARRANGED
The 250,000th woman, “Mrs. Quarter
Million,” to attend a Let’s Have Fun
broadcast will receive the largest give-
away in local radio history — $3,000 in
gifts, an introduction to Joe E. Brown, a
free seat to see “Harvey,” free trip
to Hollywood, a dinner at Don the
Beachcomber’s cafe and a drive around
the city in a telephone -equipped
limousine. In Hollywood she will have
breakfast with Tom Breneman, visit
Earl Carroll’s and visit the studios and
stars.
The Let’s Have Fun show will open
another giveaway writein contest in
behalf of La Rabida sanitarium April
28. A half hour program on WGN with
no commercials will be turned over to
the Variety Club with stage, screen and
radio stars participating.
Always A Market
Find a Better Position
Locate Needed Help
Buy a Theatre
Buy Equipment and Parts
Sell Used Equipment
Lease Your Theatre
Secure Needed Service
Find Better Supplies
Sell Confections
- in -
Only 10c a Word — 4 Insertions for the Price of 3
Read and Use Classified
BOXOFFICE :: May 3, 1947
67
rablelheatrew
Ken Arrow. Okl.
Virgniu, h
selling aU
Brunl ^ |
W j\<\e\ ea
F $4 95 (rebuilt
' red back. bO.\-
.00 vencei s. ex-
SOS C mema
:nt— NEW
IENERAL E<
Ithwest
business
ss size
inatir i
1 othi"
Poblocki k Sons. 21.
•Milwaukee 7. Wis
tickinn1
machines. All
. 620 N 2nd
THEA'
Used s
Colem.
The Industry's Market tor Purchase or Sale oi Equipment, Theatres, Service
• Classified Ads 10c Per Word. Payable io Advance Minimum $ 1 .00. Display Rates on Request •
CUMIH6 HOUSE
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— USED
1. Hertner horizontal generator. 80-160 amps.
85 tolls rheostats for Suprex operation, including
meter and voltage regulator panel. Guaranteed
condition Ideal for drive-in or large theatre. A
buy at present day prices for $700. 2. Western
Electric sound equipment, serviced and guaranteed
condition. Wide range apertures, motor generator.
Brown k Bruckmeyer motors. 75 watts of audio,
41. 42 and two 43 amplifiers modified. Ideal
for Drive-in or large theatre, $000 3. Cincin-
nati lime recorder suund equipment, overhauled
and guaranteed condition, Two Scott Ballantyne
amplifiers. Excellent for small theatre, $350.
Public Chair Installation Co . 318 Film Bldg
2108 Payne Ave., Cleveland, Ohio.
Complete portable 35mm sound projection out-
fit. Two 35mm Holmes lamp sound projectors
with 2m ft. magazines. Amplifier and speaker In
case, $750. 8x10 Dallte beaded, roll-up type
screen In waterproof carrying case with screen
tripods. $75 Write, wire, phone, Jeanne Moore.
15 E Ohio St , Chicago 11, 111. Superior 8222.
For Sale Two complete Simplex projectors,
consisting of changeovers. lenses, magazines and
two General Electric copper oxide rectifiers. Good
condition. Inquire American Theatre, 3621 Main
St , East Chicago, lnd
Bargain prices. Low intensity lamps, rectifiers.
motor generator sets, rheostats, sound heads, am-
plifiers, speakers, one syncrofllro purtuble 35mm
projector, sound. Pair Preddey DC 1W lamps and
rectifiers Many othei items. Let us know yuur
needs Stebblris Theatre Equipment Co, 1804
Wyandot i e St.. Kansas City 8, Mo
strong, low intensity arc lamps with rectifiers,
24/30 amps. $100 pr. Joyland Theatre. 614 So
State ft , Chicago 5. 1)1
Army surplus: DeVry, Holmes, Simplex-Acme.
"i ite for prices. Gold seal 2 unit ticket ma-
chine?. $175; Simplex 3 unit $199 50; hand
operated 2 unit $100. all completely rebuilt and
guaranteed: Golde ticket boxes, -^^2 50; Simplex
mechanisms, genuine rear shutteBkdnuble bear
tng spiral gear?, completely rebuilfl^BSO : Power*,
S If 0.50 Libera] trades. Thousa^R other bar-
gain? Star Cinema Supply Co., 41
New York 19. N. Y.
nplex marl]gjjjj^^B_
ftTis. lnd
Heavy Duty blow _
15.000 cfm to 50,000 cfm
?izes Hydraulic drives two and four motor
and contiols Immediate delivery
National Engineering and Mfg Co 19th
St , Kan-a? City. Mo
First S500 cash Two Powers mech___
motors, stands, magazines, lenses, nKpeake
soundheads, two Mazda himphonses. ml^B. regu
'ti speakei and horn Goo^Herating
condition Complete equipment c.irepa^Bpljfier
Extra head E B Wacastei Oza
O/aik, Aik
A rare bargain: Two completely laBBkimplex
piojectors with mechanism? having nel^H shut
teis and double bearing movement?. spiral
and shock-proof gears, foe point pel^H- with
l'i iu magazines, with late t\pe Wes^^fclectric
'fund equipment complete Two new^^R-R-ArC
hinh intensity Suprex lamps: two i
tube 45 amp rectifiers foi above, t
r»t ejection lenses A complete pio ect sound
equipment, fully guaranteed
$2,575 Theatie Equipment & Supf
N Seventh St . Milwaukee 3. Wis
THEATRE SEATING
Several thousand used upholstered opera cha
on hand. We are headquarters for the cream ol
the used chair crop. We pick the lots that we
think you will like. We furnish proper slope and
sections desired to fit your theatre. Our many
years experience In the seating business Is your
guarantee. Write for exact photo and price. We
have parts for all makes of chairs Also, leather-
ette 25x25 In. all colors. 55c ea. Good quality
Chicago Used Chair Mart. 829 So State St ,
Chicago 5, 111.
Fens m Chair maimeD&uce headquarters has all
parts and accessories for all chairs. Also uphol-
stery fabrics and theatre chair supplies. Send us
your sample for quotation Repair service avail-
able right In your theatre also Fensln Sealing
Co.. 62 E. 13tb St., Chicago 5, ILL
1,200 Uved Spring cushioned theatre ohahj,
$150 ea . and $3 50 ea . complete Immediate
delivery. Russell Chair, 2567 McClellan, Detroit,
Vlich. Phone LENoi 3445.
3,000 Meywood chairs, compleie, box spring
cushions. Also 8,000 Andrews and American seats,
late model complete for slope or level floor. Up-
holstering done by experts at your theatre or send
to us. One day service Ace Chair k Caipet. Inc.,
1428 So. Wabash Ave., Chicago 5 Phone WEBsler
3932 or HAHrlson 4219
Leatherette. Standard run, first quality, as-
sorted colors. 60 to 64 In. wide, suitable tor
theatre seating, sold by yard or roll All orders
shipped within 24 hours. Leatherette Mart of
Chicago. 1153 Belmont Ave, Chicago 13, 111.
Phone Buckingham 0030.
Theatre Chairs, 3,000 used spring cu:
part full upholstered hack and part In;
hack, with spring edge and box
1,000 veneer chairs. 800 goo^tgd^^HjMfFlng
cushions and hinges. W r photo
graphs. Immediate many you
need. We export cb^B^^^P^Jesse Cole. 2565
McClellan Ave^jj^^^RWoT Detroit, Mich
and sewn slip covers,
all brands seats. Fred's Thea-
FT Vina, Ala.
Tarance: 175 all veneer A-l condition. $2 ea
400 Hevw*"'* box spring panel back. $2 50 ea
Supply Co., 1046 Broadway, >'
THEATRES FOR SALE
Theatre. Oregon county seal town, Owner says
cleared $500 last month after paying manager's
salary and all expenses. Nice new place to live
Included in deal. $15,000 cash will handle Thea-
tre: About one hour's drive from metropolitan
Portland. An easy living can be made by most
anyone here. Situated In the heart ol one of the
most scenic spots in America $15,000 Includes
modern building. Theatre: County seat . town of
2,500 population Owner selling on account ol
other Interests Easy terms with only $5,000
down. Theatre: Portland suburban New booth
equipment* good district. $32,500 full price
Might consider some terms Write us for Infor-
mation on these and many other good theatre buys
Theatre Exchange Co., 217 Covernor Bldg , Port-
land 4. Ore
Build double-parking drive-over ramp dr
theatres under Iranchise patent No. 2,102
re-lssue No 22.756 Patent appllcat
301,713. Gives up to 30% more
without additional cost. Louis Jos.;
628 MAM Bldg., Houston
chit ect Bldg , Los Angeles 1
Only theatre growing lowt^|TCM7ou(heiri New
exico Excellent bulhb^KJ^Psimplex high
lamps Exceptional mg, fishing.
Inn ig to qualified pro-
peel $35.750 down Exclu
vvHh Arthur Jg|^^pyT<lnmore. H.illas, Tex
Count^ Only theatre, goodl
Selling approximately
TO, 000 down No brokers B-2705J
t Rlvd , Kansas City 1 . Mi*
Theatres, latest equipment tine In i
, one air-conditioned, no competition, $100, OOi
,471. Summerville. S C
THEATRES FOR SALE
300 upholstered seat theatre, 40x80 brick
building, in town of 800. Foundty located here
Neatest theatre 15 mile-. -Will -ell reasonable if
taken soon. Mile. Velhartlcky, Kensington, Ka«
THEATRSB WANTED
Sell Your The^R^Privately. Confidential cor-
. pondence inv References Arthur Leak.
Theatres r—ngMy I Klnmure, Dallas. Tex
VeteraJ^g^HRli for theatres tit Indiana, Ken-
Ihio, Box 172. Linton. Ind
^ash for I heal t e. good town, 2.000 popu-
prtftrred, will consider compel i-
suburban theatre (‘ P Knudscn,
P^t Joe Ave , Hastings. Neb
~ lease small ihe.il te in town ol 1,000
i.d Kluiula pirfcneil Give fullc'l
in confidence B-2720. Boxotfice 825
B Ivd . K irt?.i? City 1, Mo
3.000 will buy oi lease join theatie Will
to $150,000 f"i the lease oi pm chase of
he.it i e. legal die?? of Climate or Icnitoiy
teply will he contacted pcisonally In our
Maine B-2710. Boxoflic 825 Van Burnt
Kan?.i- City 1, Mo
Idividual .jnleie?ted in theatre bii?ine?? Will
1 building and Mi nuri territoiy
details I’ 0 Box 246. Inde#
lienee. Mo
Suburban, tn
it Clnc.igu Simplex We.-tern E
trie, 625 Hem
cod seats. $41,500 terms. •'
Saverelde Thea
re Broker- 624 S Mich
cago. II)
JRHctur
HELP WANTED
100,000 Brick building, t
sub-rentals. Hi-Simplex, over COO seats, owner
tiring. $70,000 down Saverelde Theatre Brel
624 .8 Mich , Chicago, 111
Three tbeatr
nice home
•xoffice,
x/elour covered backs box spring cushior^
ondltlon, $3 ea. Lease expired.
Contact Mrs. Kelln. Albany 5-50 a
: 400-600 s ^^with opt
Y'J^.iy or vicinlt-^F ell all first
i 1 009 Fox Bldg^p (roit . Mich.
th.i
1.000 Hey
•oxspring cu
>') m 40 General full uph- j
hlon. rebuilt.
l heal .
) Joe? show a
for your t
5.000 cash 1
- .. count i y town
i.i'OO population) central Ohio, center of
populated tlch fanning area Community
| brick building (not new and not a palace)
2.000 good used all
These cha.
I ■ quantity.
" labor.
victno booklets Amplifier?,
SI Any equipment Wesley i
575 Enid Okla
| Engl-
mplete
(tensity
r Road.
jd veneei Simplex, new larnp?^
.. ind new pupcurn machine OpeL
of thief and four days per week establ
etter than $]
sent owner
.• Tax and I
$14,000 '
- v ..-..r time an_
«id are definitely]
■ them
able
Pair Simplex Acme piojectors. sound
•a?es low intensity lamp?, ault
vets All In excellent condition ready
a up in 1.000-seat theatre $2.50(|
iinne?? Jam? Theatre, Binghamton,
Complete booth equipment including!
Ucct lie 46C sound system with Univerf
implex Standard mechanisms, rewind
thine! , hand rewind. Brenkerl Econarc
cctifiris Good condition, going for S2.L
funt'vjile Avon Amusement Co.. Box 3 1 1
tile Texas Phone 157.
Complete booth equipment. Simplex
*ct ur. Pen le?s ’/Magnates. ” Simplex
mml Eveiyi-hincXhuU rectifiers New
I S.u'.ku ■ POT High St., Portsmouth.
THEATRE TICKETS
Prompt Service — Special piinted
• OhO, $19 90. 10.000, $5 95. 2.0l
■h change )n admission pi ice inclui|f
cnhii. $2 50 extra, double
PPing rhaige? paid to 1.000 i
Ticket Co
i M ,uisher s : Kldde Li
j 9 j use, $46 11^ |
on four or more Jfu.
Theatre Supply
pound type.
% Freight
guaranteed
Broadway,
irth-
he?t
Lthir full-time
-vice upon
f your inspection
"any, many list -
every section of
,ow and lake ad-
brokerage service,
trnor Bldg , Port-
IR CONDITIONING
SIGNS
Easy Way to Paint signs. I'-^^'.Hr pattern?
Avoid sloppy work and wasted time No experi-
ence needed for expert work Write for free sam-
ple? John Rahn, B-1329 Central Ave . Chicago
51. 111.
I have 150 used brass to 3 gdl
spray nozzles at SI ea 'Also have
Rainbow Mist pm> nozzle
broken fine- mi-ty sptay l^rf|H^Pacity . 750
nuzzles. % in capacitv^^BH^^fal per miriutt
450 nozzles, Vi gal per minute
Will sell all (^■l^rnuzzle? SOc ea
they last ^ ,
Texrope tze Randall Bearing?, belts and
drives ^dREK^CteriOn. R2, Clinton, Mo
JSINESS STIMULATORS
ITster Exhibitor: Do von need a stiniulant one
Fnlght a week? Play Screeno The first screen
game and still the leader because Screeno cannot
-be controlled Screeno slides are operated by air
and not affected by electric current, therefor e
cannot get out of order Finest Bogus Bristol die
cut cards supplied with equipment Give seating
capacity, secure attractive price Screeno Amuse-
ment Co , Orleans-Huron Bldg , Chicago 10
Phone DELaware 5953
Bingo Cards, 100 or 75 number. $2 75 per M
lots of 10M or more. $2 50 per M 100 number
cards good for Keen-o game Premium Products.
334 W 44th St . New York City
sumiu
routes, make hotel reservations
theatie salesmen will he at
your ai rival to peisonally coni'
of th<* theatre of your cholc* i
which to choo?e A
d area Contact m
ir exclusive tl M
See
_ TTy and newly
More intoim.it ion given
^person Box F, Boxoffice. 86
T St . Pittsburgh 19, Pa,
Theatres in Pitt?hurgh tenitory 400 seats, in-
cluding building. S44.000. 361 seats. $38,000
565 seats. $75,000. three theatres in Ohio town,
grossing oiei $400,000 $638,000. Theme Bio-
kers. 1711 Blvd of Allies. Pittsburgh. 1'
Theatres exclusively Southwest Okl.ihom.i grmd
town, equipment, business, Supei Simplex. 365
.-eats $11,500 down )llne^? Also muthe.iM
Okl. ilium. i biick building, highly etfliipped, $250
weekly gloss and badly neglected. $7 500 down
AI?o highly pi of it able dilve-ln theatie city 55 000
$20.00o down Mso six small towns undei $7,000
down Many other? Ailhui Leak, 3422 Kinmoto
H.illas Texas
New 420-seal theatie in nmthe.Mein Wisconsin,
excellent tenUoiy in fa?t gi owing town, doing
1 hii'lne— . puce $60,000 Half down Com-
plete with new Simplex E-7 pioicctors and 4 -i n
A- 15 sound svstem. F’eei les' magnate lamps Wiitc
B -27 1 7 Boxoffice 825 Van Burnt Blvd, Kansas
Citv 1 Mo
For Rent: In one of the fastest growing town?
in famous Ozone belt near New Orleans, building
f.u theatre. B-2718. Boxoffice, 825 Van
Burnt Blvd Kansas City 1. Mo
I Wanted : Manager for pet numi.t position for
Rcond run theatre in city of 25.000 In Illinois
ji6 qualifications, salary expected, age, married,
lapshol in first letter. B-2710. Boxoffice, 825
' a Brunt Blvd , Kansas City 1. Mo.
I Wanted: Expeiienced theatie man.iget for pet •
Linent poxilion Slate age. experience, icfei cnees,
ied or 'ingle HuiLon Theatie? Co . Rich-
lorn). lnd
POSITIONS WANTED
an with ten years experience candy and pop-
concessions in theatres desires employment
1th the theatre circuit. Go anywhere B -27 12.
|oxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd , Kansas City 1,
[ Manager \i.nlalilr ait. a \ugu?t 1 Would pre-
x m.i 1 1 town Can give recommendations fmm
at employer B 2721. Boxoffice. 825 Van
Blvd , Kansas City 1. Mo
MISCELLANEOUS
|Glazil with Gl.izoi c Clean? and glaze? lac-
red, enameled, varnished smf.iCes. metal-, tile,
larhle Pints ?1 50 Di'trihutois wanted
r for pnrtJCiil.n s ll.uiy S G.ut? 326 W 44th
I New Yoik 18
POPCORN MACHINES
h — Manley — Cretors — Advances — All elec-
trench fry types. Karmelkorn Equipment, 120
I t > ad. Chicago 6. Ill
bilt Popcorn Machines lor sale Fully guar-
f’rlce from $150 CONSOLIDATED CON
|N S , 1314 S Wabash, Chicago 5. Ill
Is national headquarters for popcorn
Silver Stars. Super Stars, Corn Cribs,
taken In trade. Blevins Popcorn Co ,
,Tenn
^^^^gains used popcorn machines. -Burch.
CretotSBince. guaranteed Poppers Supply. Box
838. M ~
For UeLuxe popcorn mactiine
used less nttflBn' car Looks like new Follett
Theatre, Folle^^^^
Window Cards. 3t?^:ts. photo off?et house
programs, herald? passemetc Cato Show Pi
Ing Co , Cat o. New Vow, oi Tiibune Pr
Fowler Ind
POPCORN SUPPLIES
Write lor our special contract which guarantees
you more profits and greater savings on all your
popcorn and popcorn supplies Blevins Bee Hive
Popcorn Co . Nashville, Tenn
Home of "Rush Hour" popcorn and popcorn
supplies Send for price list Piunty Seed k
Grain Co . 620 N 2nd St , St Louis 2 -Mo
Established 1874
Increate Popcorn Sales and piolit? Today
hundied? of thc.ilies aie using mir -tunning Ilex-
glass heating .md selling counlei?’ Eliminate
WH?le carpet damage and fire hazaid? $225 give?
ymi de luxe popcorn meiehandUing \ few choice
tenitoiies still open to disliihutois and dealei?
if M McL.uen Specialties. 3625 \\ 26th \ve
Pentei ]] Colo
68
BOXOFFICE :: May 3, 1947
Co/e, Becker Head MPF
In Kansas City Area
Kansas City Tower
To First Run Setup
KANSAS CITY— Following the run of
“Wake Up and Dream” at the local Tower
Theatre, Fox Midwest will return its large
downtown house to an A situation for the
first time since 1939. It will replace the
Esquire as the day-and-date house playing
with the Uptown and Fairway, first run resi-
dential and suburban houses respectively.
The Esquire will operate on a tentative
policy of single feature first runs, its first
attraction being “The Westerner,” a United
Artists reissue.
The Tower, originally called the Pantages.
was taken over by Fox in 1938. Barney Joffee,
present manager who will continue in that
capacity, was then managing the house with
Bill Reinke, who then left show business here.
Joffee has been at the theatre since about
1932.
Under its new ownership, the Tower was
utilized under a policy of single features plus
vaudeville. In 1939 that policy was altered
to include double features as well as stage
attractions. This policy held until the run
of “Best Years of Our Lives,” which ended
there last week.
The Esquire, a small theatre located next
door to the Tower, was originally named the
Twelfth Street and was a burlesque house.
In 1938 Fox Midwest purchased the loca-
tion, renaming it the Esquire and operating
it day and date with the Uptown. Buss Car-
roll, present manager, has been at the house
over two years.
Holdup Attempt in Duluth
Foiled by Theatre Man
DULUTH— A holdup attempt at the Strand
Theatre was foiled by quick action of a
Duluth theatre man and a suspect faces
charges in district court.
Harold Scoville, assistant manager of the
Strand, and John Cherne, assistant manager
of the Norshor, were accosted by a man with
his hand in his coat pocket as if he held a
weapon. Scoville, responding to questions,
said he had no money. Locking up Cherne
in a closet, the would-be robber ordered Sco-
ville downstairs from the theatre office. Sco-
ville dashed out of the building to call police.
The holdup man fled.
Half an hour later, police arrested Peter
Paul Harpet, 34, listed as a transient, in a
tavern.
Scoville last March 2 was slugged by a thug
who escaped with nearly $40 in cash.
Christensen in Omaha
OMAHA — N. P. Christensen, with the San
Francisco export firm of Fraser and Hansen,
spent several days here conferring with of-
ficials of the Ballantyne Co. The San Fran-
cisco firm exports products of the Omaha
Theatre Equipment Co.
To Open Monett Airdome
MONETT, MO. — Jack Stevenson, former
local Commonwealth Theatres manager, is
to open a new airdome situation here and
has purchased equipment from RCA. Steven-
son also recently purchased a theatre in
Pierce City.
Quits RKO Theatres Job
MINNEAPOLIS — A1 Bloom has resigned as
Orpheum and Pantages publicity man to join
the Mike Fadell advertising agency. No suc-
cessor will be appointed by RKO Theatres.
Film Rental $45 Weekly ,
But 'Twas Back in ’14
Grand Island, Neb. — Gene Rich, MGM
exploiteer, found records of the old Lyda
Theatre, on which now stands the mod-
em Grand, so interesting that he copied
down a few samples.
To those interested in cost of theatre
equipment and operations of the past as
compared to today, the following figures
are illuminating:
Simplex and Powers machines, $625;
seats (200), $520; Wurlitzer, $4,500; re-
decorating, $1,440; curtains ,$90; ticket-
sellers, $10 a week; film rental, $45 to $60
a week; building rent, $27.50; operators,
$2.50; ticket taker, $5.
The time, Aug. 23, 1914. The manager
and owner, the late Tynne Hayman.
Theatres Join Variety's
Fund-Raising Program
OMAHA — Fourteen local theatres joined the
Variety Club program for raising funds for
the Children’s Memorial hospital by staging
children’s matinees along with 77 theatres in
the territory. All proceeds went to the hos-
pital.
Dr. Harry A. Burke, Omaha school superin-
tendent, allowed all pupils wishing to attend
matinees to be dismissed at 2 p. m. The local
theatres volunteering their efforts included
the Avenue, Dundee, Military, Roseland, Ben-
son, Berkley, Corby, Lothrop, Circle, Beacon,
Admiral, North Star, Minnie Lusa and Muel-
ler.
Tickets were available in all schools as well
as at the theatres.
Record for Town of 585
BEEMER, NEB. — To a new exhibitor goes
the verbal orchid of the week.
Bruce W. Jones, new owner of the Bee
Theatre here, agreed to cooperate with the
Omaha Variety Club’s drive to aid the Chil-
dren’s Memorial hospital by staging children’s
benefit matinees.
In this town of 585 population and a thea-
tre seating 223 persons, Jones sold 500 tickets.
If the tickets hadn’t run out, he apologized,
he might have sold more.
Webster City, Iowa — A special matinee
was held at the Webster Theatre one day
last week for an audience consisting of
five children, their teacher and her
husband.
Percy Long, manager, found the group
from Dayton, Iowa, standing in front of
the theatre waiting to see a showing of
“Song of the South.” Some of the 8
to 10-year-olds were on the verge of tears
when Long explained that the Webster
had matinees only on Saturdays and
Sundays.
The teacher explained that she had
promised her charges she would bring
them to the show as a reward for their
good work in school. Her husband, a
KANSAS CITY— Veteran Arthur Cole, dean
of Kansas City’s Filmrow, was unanimously
elected permanent chairman of this exchange
area’s Motion Picture Foundation panel at an
enthusiastic meeting held Monday morning.
Unanimous, too, was selection of J. A.
Becker, head of Associated Theatres, Inde-
pendence, Mo., as area trustee.
TWO GROUPS OF COMMITTEES
Cole and Becker will serve as one-year com-
mitteemen, along with Clarence A. Schultz,
Sam Abend, M. D. Cohn, R. R. Biechele,
Felix Snow and A. Jules Benedic.
Two-year committeemen are L. J. Kimbriel,
T. R. Thompson, Frank Plumlee, Earl Dyson,
Robert F. Withers and Mike Cullen, all of
Kansas City, and Homer Strowig of Abilene,
Kas.
Benedic, who has been temporary chairman
of the Kansas City organization, will speak
on behalf of the Foundation at the annual
convention of the Allied Independent Thea-
tre Owners of Iowa and Nebraska, Inc., to
be held at Omaha May 5, 6.
VACANCIES TO BE FILLED
One vacancy exists in each of the two term
classifications. These will be filled at a later
meeting, it was announced.
Becker is leaving soon for an extended
vacation in California. However, he will fly
back to Kansas City for the next meeting
of the local panel, to be held in advance of
the meeting of national trustees. This latter
session was originally scheduled for May 12
at a city yet unnamed, but may be postponed
due to the telephone strike, which has crip-
pled attendance at some MPF organization
meetings held over the country.
In Quad-City Area
DES MOINES — G. Ralph Branton, Leo Mc-
Kechneay, A. G. Stolte and Dale MacFarland,
all of Tri-States Theatres Corp., were in
Davenport last week attending meetings with
their managers in the quad-city area.
Charles Finn to Gem Theatre
CHARLES CITY, IOWA— Charles Finn of
Clinton has taken over management of the
Gem Theatre here. Finn replaces Dale
Kemp, resigned, who came here from Bur-
lington a few months ago.
farmer, had left his work to drive them
here.
As the teacher had promised the par-
ents she would have the children back in
Dayton by evening, they couldn’t accept
the invitation which Long promptly ex-
tended for them to be his guests at the
regular evening performance. Sensing
the keenness of the children’s disappoint-
ment, Long located an operator, put on
the special matinee with the group as
his guests, and everyone was happy.
After the performance, Long learned
just how great a treat it was. Only one
of the five had seen a motion picture
before!
'South' Matinee for Five Children
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
MW
69
DES MOINES
jyjGM employes had a hamburger fry last
Thursday night at the airport shelter
house. All the office force attended and
reports indicate a good time was had by all
. . . Mrs. Hope Dananville is the new recep-
tionist at MGM. Her husband is an in-
structor in the naval reserve at Ames.
The management at the Center Theatre,
Grundy Center, has been spring houseclean-
ing. An inventory of the lost and found de-
partment was part of the job. Listed are
gloves, mittens, mufflers by the hundreds,
purses, billfolds, stocking caps and a child’s
sweater. One thing which brightened the
week at the Center was the receipt of a letter
by Manager Beckley from the mother of a
young patron. The letter enclosed 15 cents
with the explanation that her son had paid
only a junior admission charge when he at-
tended the theatre recently, instead of paying
the adult price as he should have. She was
sorry it had happened and hoped that 15
cents would square things. Needless to say,
Beckley has a renewed faith in humanity!
Tri- States gals honored Ann Groves, G.
Ralph Branton’s departing secretary, with a
party and screening Friday night. Ann will
stay home and await the stork’s expected visit
in early fall . . . Margaret Civitate is a new
mailing desk employe at Warners. She re-
places Wanda Reyes, who has resigned.
Jim McCann, MGM salesman, spent last
weekend in Kansas City . . . Bev Mahon,
The new Motiograph MODEL “AA”
" The Golden Anniversary Projector "
Des Moines Theatre Supply Co.
1121 High Street Des Moines, Iowa
Telephone 3-6520
second booker at Paramount, is resigning his
position. Bev also is owner of the theatre
at New Sharon . . . Also resigning at
Paramount is Judy Brooks. Judy plans to
be a full-time housewife after May 9. Mildred
“Billie” Mackey, ledger clerk, has been pro-
moted to Judy’s position.
Jack Tenovese is the new treasurer at the
Orpheum Theatre . . . Esther Huston, Uni-
versal cashier, is a busy person these days,
what with her night school classes at Drake
to keep her out of mischief.
Eloise Kamraz, Universal, is wearing a new
engagement ring. Her fiance is Don Katz
of Waterloo, Iowa . . . Helene Jacobs, Uni-
versal, underwent an operation last week at
Iowa Methodist hospital and will be away
from the office for about three weeks.
Iowa Rail Man Will Model
Terrytoon Statuettes
BOONE, IOWA — A hobby started by Guy
DuGan about eight years ago — molding tiny
figures out of clay — soon may turn into a
full-time, well-paid occupation and bring to
the screen another family of characters in
the well-known Terrytoon films.
DuGan, a fireman on the Chicago &
Northwestern railway for the last 18 years,
recently signed a contract with A1 Terry in
Hollywood, to produce the tiny models used
for the screen drawings.
His specialty will be “the Bob Burns fam-
ily,” which he started work on some time ago,
and which already is represented in his col-
lection of statuettes by the characters,
Grandpa Snazzy and Uncle Slug.
DuGan made a trip to Hollywood recently
and, at the suggestion of a sister there, visited
the film colony to exhibit his work. The
contract offer followed.
DuGan says he has developed his ability
to mold the miniatures only through con-
stant practice. His first statuette required
exactly eight months to complete. The tiny
figures he now moulds out of plastic take
only about three days, “if everything goes all
right.”
He plans to return to Hollywood in about
two months to begin work.
Booth in Mystery Melodrama
Adrian Booth has drawn a top role in Re-
public’s mystery melodrama, “It’s Murder,
She Says.”
COMPLETELY NEW
HORKY’S CAFE
Bigger and Better Than Ever
— Featuring 'Delish' Steaks
1202 High St. Des Moines, Iowa
“Where Filmrow Friends Gather"
Open Daily at 4 p. m.
We DECORATE While You
OPERATE — No Need to Close
HART THEATRICAL DECORATING CO.
925 - 21 St. - DENVER
Ph. Tabor 4962<j
70
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Foreign Films Show
Boxoffice Power
KANSAS CITY— The policy of foreign films
in a neighborhood location again proved its
mettle this week when “Carmen,” playing at
the Kimo, drew top figure for the stanza,
running up a score of 175. Downtown, the
top new film of the week was “Sea of Grass,”
coupled with “Bulldog Drummond at Bay,”
at the Midland.
“The Best Years of Our Lives” ended its
engagement at the Tower with 160 for the
fourth week and “The Egg and I” established
yet another record at the Fox Midwest day
and date locations by running a fourth week
at the Uptown, Esquire and Fairway. “Sud-
denly It’s Spring” was held over at the New-
man.
New films which moved in at the end of
the week were “The Yearling” at the Midland,
“The Farmer’s Daughter” at the Orpheum,
“Wake Up and Dream” at the Tower, and
“Alexander’s Ragtime Band” at the three Fox
A locations. "Before Him All Rome Trem-
bled,” an Italian film, moved into the Dickin-
son Tampico Friday following a one-week
moveover showing of “The Well-Digger’s
Daughter.”
Esquire, Uptown, Fairway — The Eqq and I
(U-I), 4th wk
Kimo — Carmen (Superfilm)
Midland — Sea of Grass (MGM);
Bulldog Drummond at Bay (Col). —
Newman — Suddenly It's Spring (Para)
Orpheum — Ramrod (UA); Vacation Days (Mono)....
Tampico — The Well-Digger's Daughter (Siritzky-
International) , moveover
Tower — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
roadshow, 4th wk
105
175
130
120
100
100
160
'Best Years' Breaks Records
In 2nd Des Moines Week
DES MOINES — “The Best Years of Our
Lives” continued to break records at the
Orpheum during its second week and Man-
ager Jerry Blaedow held it for a third. De-
spite roadshow prices and exceptionally fine
weather, with the mercury in the 70s patrons
continued to crowd the theatre and Blaedow
reported that business was twice normal dur-
ing the second week.
For the third week, a slight change in pro-
gram was planned. Doors were to open at
noon, with the final showing each day begin-
ning at 9 p. m. The Orpheum leased its
house to Sigmund Romberg and his concert
orchestra for two days, May 1, 2. On these
two days, the picture was to run in the day-
time only, with the house cleared at 6 p. m.
for the concert.
Figures for the downtown Tri-States Thea-
tres were not available. Showing at the Des
Moines was “The Macomber Affair” and at
the Paramount “Gallant Bess” and “Sweet-
heart of Sigma Chi.”
Orpheum — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
2nd wk 200
'Best Years' Still the Best
In Its Second Omaha Week
OMAHA — The second week of “The Best
Years of Our Lives” at the RKO-Brandeis
Theatre continued to do heavy business. It
will run a third week, Manager Will Singer
reports.
“The Macomber Affair” opened last Sun-
day at the Paramount — due to the five-day
“Oklahoma!” roadshow — and was off to a
strong start.
Weather was typically April.
Omaha— Pursued (WB); Bora to Speed (PRC),
2nd wk. 8 days....: 105
Orpheum— Abie's Irish Rose (UA);
The Devil on Wheels (PRC) 100
Paramount— The Macomber Affair (UA) 135
RKO-Brandeis — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 2nd wk 200
State — I've Always Loved You (Rep), 2nd run 115
Town — Law of the Lash (PRC); Found Alive
Ideal), reissue, split with The Face of Marble
(Mono); The Silver Fleet (PRC), 2nd run. 95
Twin City 'Outlaw' Furor Fizzles ;
Nothing to Ban , Mayor Concludes
'Outlaw' Led the Pack
In Minneapolis Smash
MINNEAPOLIS — “The Outlaw” was a box-
office smash at the Lyceum, legitimate road-
show house, leading the field by a wide
margin after much gratis newspaper publicity
arising from attempts to ban it.
Among the newcomers, “Sea of Grass” also
fared well and “Imperfect Lady” finished in
the money. It was the seventh week for “The
Best Years of Our Lives,” the fourth for “My
Favorite Brunette,” the third for “Stallion
Road” and the second for “Dead Reckoning.”
Aster — Millie's Daughter (UA);
Seven Were Saved (Para) 100
Century — Her Sister's Secret (PRC) 100
Gopher — It's a Joke, Son (E-L) 120
Lyceum — The Outlaw (UA) 175
Lyric — My Favorite Brunette (Para), 4th d. t. wk 100
Radio City- — The Imperfect Lady (Para) 110
RKO-Orpheum — Dead Reckoning (Col), 2nd wk 100
RKO-Pan — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
7th wk 125
State — The Sea of Grass (MGM) 150
World — Stallion Road (WB), 3rd d. t. wk 110
Selected Films Urged
By Deer for Children
OMAHA — The Rev. Irvin E. Deer, repre-
sentative of the Motion Picture Ass’n, spent
several days here from his headquarters in
Chicago, and the local press cooperated by
telling Omahans that they can reveal their
thinking about what kind of films their chil-
dren should be allowed to see. Dr. Deer said:
“If parents will encourage the screening of
a list of selected pictures I show you, their
children will be enriched in literature, fantasy
and fun.”
He said the list was available from major
studios and includes such pictures as “Huckle-
berry Finn,” “Anne of Green Gables,” “Blondie
Brings Up Baby,” “Knickerbocker Holiday,”
“The Human Comedy,” “Little Miss Marker,”
“Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm,” etc.
Omaha Residents Voting
On Question of DST
OMAHA — Residents of this city are receiv-
ing an opportunity to vote on whether they
want daylight saving time through a ballot
printed in the local press.
Mayor Charles Leeman has indicated he
would favor the change to daylight saving
time, but said that he will go on what most
of the people want.
For the theatre owners a change in time
would mean more competition from outside
daylight entertainment. Nebraska has been
off the daylight schedule since Sept. 29, 1945.
Cites Virginia, Minn.
MINNEAPOLIS — President Bennie Berger
of North Central Allied is more convinced
than ever that “the film monopoly is badly
bent and will soon be broken.” As tangible
benefits from the government antitrust, he’s
citing the case of Virginia, Minn., and he
declares that’s only a starter. In Virginia,
Paramount is selling half of its product to an
independent, although the Minnesota Amuse-
ment Co., one of its theatre-operating sub-
sidiaries, also operates houses there.
H. C. Van Sloun Dies
WAVERLY, MINN.— H. C. Van Sloun,
owner of the Waverly Theatre, passed away
after a lengthy illness. He was 55.
MINNEAPOLIS — Mayor H. H. Humphrey
gave a clean moral bill of health to “The
Outlaw” after he and a special committee
of 30 citizens he had appointed viewed the
picture, following 500 complaints received
against the film and requests to ban it.
Comprising police and sheriff department
representatives, PTA heads, churchmen,
newspaper critics, school principals, etc.,
the committee decided that while the picture
was “mediocre and in many judgments a poor
production, there is nothing in it that calls
for the exercise of police powers.”
PTA LEADER RESENTS ACTION
Hugh E. Flynn, chairman of the “crime
and horror” committee of the Minneapolis
PTA who had been among those urging the
ban, wrote an apology to the mayor for his
and other PTA groups’ protests. He wrote
the mayor that he had gone ahead without
too much investigation on his part and on
the strength of the advertising and “re-
grets” it.
Helen M. Lynch, secretary of the St. Paul
archdiocesan Legion of Decency, said that
group could not join with those who claim
the film is unobjectionable. A Catholic priest
on the committee, however, said he saw no
reason for banning the picture.
Before the screening the mayor had said
he would be guided, but not necessarily bound,
by his committee’s recommendation.
The picture was booked into the Lyceum,
legitimate roadshow house, on a percentage
deal when the Minnesota Amusement Co. re-
jected it.
FILM CRITIC RESENTS CENSORS
Even before he viewed “The Outlaw” as a
member of a special committee of citizens
to determine if it should be banned, Will
Jones, Morning Tribune film and radio col-
umnist, went on record against its prohibi-
tion and took a firm stand in opposition to
screen censorship.
“From all I’ve been able to gather without
actually seeing the thing, ‘The Outlaw’ is a
stinker of a movie and wherever it has been
shown the reviews have been bad,” wrote
Jones. “But whether I go to see the picture
or not is a decision I’d like to make myself.
DID LAND-OFFICE BUSINESS
“It bothers me that there are people around
town who want to decide for me that I am not
going to see ‘The Outlaw.’ If those people
succeed in getting ‘The Outlaw’ banned, in
effect they’ll have succeeded in telling me
and every other adult moviegoer in town they
don’t think we’re intelligent enough to choose
what movies we see. Whether it’s true or
not, it distresses me to be told directly, or by
implication, that I’m dumb.”
The newspapers apparently can’t hurt the
shows too badly. They gave much prominence
to the low appraisal of “The Outlaw” by the
mayor’s committee. The papers also included
slams of the picture by their critics and
columnists. Will Jones, Morning Tribune col-
umnist, who was a member of the mayor’s
committee, called it “dull, boresome, uninter-
esting, tiresome, poor, bad, inferior, stinko”
and said the committee agreed that “Howard
Hughes should stick to airplanes.” Never-
theless, the picture did a land-office business
its first week at the Lyceum and was held.
W. H. Cook to Churdan
CHURDAN, IOWA— W. H. Cook of Logan,
Iowa, has purchased a building here and
plans to convert it into a theatre. He expects
to open for business in about three months.
BOXOFFICE :: May 3, 1947
71
KANSAS CITY
£* *ol. Joseph F. Goetz, division manager for
RKO Theatres, was at the Orpheum last
Friday on a routine checkup with Manager
Lawrence Lehman. His trip from Chicago
headquarters included Des Moines as well
as this city . . . Don DeFore, star of “Ram-
rod,” made two personal appearances at the
Orpheum Monday afternoon and evening in
connection with the film, then playing at
the RKO first run.
Alfred W. Schwalberg, vice-president and
general manager of Eagle-Lion, was in the
local exchange on his
way to New York from
California . . . The
boys on the Row are
wondering if the fact
that the Common-
wealth cabin cruiser is
docked at Bagnell
dam had anything to
do with M. B. Smith,
central district man-
ager for the circuit,
calling his meeting
this week at the Lake
of the Ozarks.
A. W. SCHWALBERG George shflkett of
the Rex in Joplin is the owner of that flashy
new Chrysler town and country sedan seen
on the Row Monday afternoon . . . Mildred
Bond, 20th-Fox bookkeeper, is back at her
ledgers after a stay in the hospital . . . Bill
Kubitzki, new U-I salesman for western
Kansas, is still trying to get a better car.
Gil Canfield, RKO field representative,
was in Moberly, Mo., Muscatine, Iowa, Cres-
ton, Iowa, and Marshall, Mo., during the week
. . . Grace Roberts has won a two-week, ex-
penses-paid trip to New York for her suc-
cess as woman drive-leader for the Spyros
Skouras drive which ended December 28 at
20th-Fox. Grace left Saturday (3) and will
stop in Maine to visit her son Richard and
his new bride in Alfred, where he is a gov-
ernment forest ranger.
Beverly Miller, PRC division manager, in-
forms this correspondent that his studio has
obtained two live alligators, one seven feet
long and the other just a little larger, from
the Okefenokee swamp. The two monsters
of the murky waters are being shipped in
large tanks via train for exploitation of the
new PRC release, “Untamed Fury.”
Charles Crawford, 20th-Fox salesman, has
moved to Lake Tapawingo in a move to beat
the summer housing situation. Charles is
something of a boating enthusiast and owns
a flat-bottomed craft complete with outboard
motor . . . Jessie Sewall of 20th-Fox left last
Saturday for a two-week vacation in Mexico.
L. J. Kimbriel and his wife flew to Cali-
fornia last Wednesday to enjoy a much-
needed rest . . . Clarence Schultz of Com-
monwealth and R. R. “Dick” Biechele, Kan-
sas City, Kas., exhibitor and KMTA of-
ficial, both went to the Commonwealth dis-
trict meeting at Bagnell dam Thursday fol-
lowing the committee hearings in Jefferson
City the day before. Schultz then continued
on to Columbia and Higginsville to look at
the circuit houses in those towns.
TALKING TRAILERS. LOBBY PAPER
AND MATS
Write. Wire or Phone
PENNINGTON POSTER SERVICE
130 West 18th Phone: GRand 8625
Kansas City 8, Mo.
CDHT UltPTIPB
STAGE EQUIPMENT COMPANY
■UIILIil II LtllLIIII.
EVERYTHING FOR THE STAGE • AUDITORIUM • LOBBY
BOX OFFICE • 1324 Grand Ava.( Kansas City S, Mo.
Lauritz Melchior, star of the Metropolitan
Opera and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, stopped
off at the local airport en route to a personal
appearance in Omaha April 25. He and his
wife had just come from benefit performances
in Houston and Galveston for the blast vic-
tims of Texas City. Bernie Evens, MGM
publicist, met the Danish singer and his wife
at the air terminal.
The MGM Pep club has begun raising funds
Charles J. Feldman, western sales man-
ager for U-I, was in the local office last Fri-
day and Saturday.
Lewis Blumberg, son
of the studio’s presi-
dent and himself vice-
president of Prestige
Pictures, was in last
Tuesday . . . Marjorie
Mock, bookers’ secre-
tary at 20th-Fox, has
announced her en-
gagement to Edward
Jones.
Carl Bain, booker at
United Artists, was
called to El Paso Fri-
day of last week due Charles feldman
to his mother’s serious illness . . . Louellyn
Converse, RKO stenographer, was married
last Saturday to George Hamilton jr. She
will return to the exchange.
FLAMEPROOFING
CHEMICALS
with
Vinyl-Resinous Base
Will not Stain or Powder Off
THE CHEM-O-SCIEN CO.
807- A E. 31st St. Kansas City 3, Mo.
VAlentine 3765
Satisfaction — Always
Missouri Theatre Supply Co.
L. I. KIMBRIEL. Manager
Phone GRand 2864
— 115 W. 18th Kansas City 8. Mo. =
for sundry benefits and charities. First of
the campaigns will be for the Greek War Re-
lief drive. Inducement being utilized is a
punch board. A similar campaign will be
used to raise funds for the club’s picnic in
Swope park May 19.
Jack O’Brien, RCA general sales man-
ager, and Adolph Goodman, RCA Service Co.
official, both of Camden, N. J.; Harold Ren-
holm, regional manager, and Buck Lewis,
regional sales manager, both from Chicago;
L. J. Kimbriel and Francis Keilhack of the
local Missouri Theatre Supply Co., and Sam
Langwith, Denver RCA representative, will
meet here with Don “Hi Fi” Davis Monday
(5) for an annual sales session.
Robert Combe, new Kansas salesman for
Republic, is making his first trip out into the
wheat and oil country . . . Now that govern-
ment approval has been obtained for drive-in
construction, Missouri Motor Movies, Inc.,
headed by L. E. Pope of Fox Midwest, is going
ahead with grading and construction of its
open-airer near St. Joseph.
Visiting National Theatre Supply were F. A.
Lambert of the Lambert in Princeton, Mo.;
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wilson of the Pix,
Buffalo, Mo.; D. L. Faucett, roadshows at
Blue Springs, Mo.; J. W. Spielman, Gem,
Baldwin City, Kas.; Emory E. Duncan, Cozy,
Geneseo, Kas.; E. A. Peterson, Plaza, Green-
field, Mo.; A. N. Brown, Roxy, Franklin, Mo.;
John L. Whiting, Lido, Downs, Kas.; Dr.
Lizbona, Maitland, Maitland, Mo., and J. T.
Ghosen, Uptown, Sedalia, Mo.
From the
BOXOFFICE FILES
• • •
(Twenty Years Ago)
DRUCE FOWLER, manager of the Newman
Theatre, Kansas City, for the last two
years, will leave soon for the Pacific coast
for a vacation before becoming engaged in
theatre work again. Fowler will be succeeded
at the Newman by Jack McCurdy of Chicago.
* * *
F. Bradley Fish has succeeded John Nolan
as branch manager for Fox in Kansas City.
Nolan has gone to Buffalo to manage the
Fox office there . . . D. Sydney, formerly in
charge of the National Screen Service office
in Kansas City, resigned to take a similar
position with Ad-Vance Trailer Service. Syd-
ney left recently to work his way toward
Detroit. He came over from England six
months ago and his allotted time to stay in
the U.S. will expire May 21. He will cross
into Canada before his time expires.
* * *
W. J. Dehler has bought the Garden Thea-
tre at Colony, Kas. . . . Fanny Ward, 61-year-
old flapper, played at the Orpheum Theatre
in Kansas City recently . . . J. E. Jossey,
vice-president of Enterprise Film Corp., was
in Kansas City this week . . .Joe Rosenberg,
Universal salesman from the Kansas City
office, said when he sent his wife to Europe
this week: “And now my entire fortune is
spent. I shall continue my toils to make an-
other million.”
* * *
Roy Churchill, Film Booking office man-
ager, will attend the annual convention in
Los Angeles . . . Red Jones of Educational,
joined the “gang” from the east at Kansas
City and accompanied them on their way to
the Educational meeting in Los Angeles.
Topline in 'Flamingo'
Virginia Christine has been set by 20th-
Fox to topline opposite Don Castle in
“Flamingo.”
72
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Commonwealth Plans Terror in Glen Theatre Boxoffice
Annual Sun Contest
KANSAS CITY — Plans for Commonwealth
Theatres’ 15th annual King of the Sun con-
test were being com-
pleted this week and
last. This being the
crystal anniversary of
the summer event,
King of the Sun will
run for 15 weeks this
year, beginning May 4
and ending August 10.
Lloyd Morris, west-
ern division chief for
the circuit, held an all-
day meeting with 20
managers from the
area at Great Bend,
Kas., last Thursday.
clarence schultz Business sessions were
followed by a banquet that night. Attending
from the home office here were Bob Shelton,
film buyer; Walt Kirkham, western division
booker, and Francis Moore, accounting de-
partment chief.
MEET AT BAGNELL DAM
The meeting of central division managers
was held Thursday and Friday (1, 2) at Con-
rad Cabins, Bagnell Dam, in the Lake of the
Ozarks region of the state. Clarence Schultz,
president of the chain, and O. K. Mason,
vice-president, opened the meeting conducted
by M. B. Smith, division head.
The date for the city district meeting was
to have been set at a managers meeting Fri-
day, but Ed Mansfield, city district chief, said
that it would be held held the week of May 4
in either Kansas City or Excelsior Springs.
Rex Barrett, southern division manager in
Columbia, Mo., had not set a date at this
writing.
King of the Sun was instituted as an in-
centive to summer business when theatre
managers, before the days of air conditioning,
had the obstacle of beating the midwest heat.
A SPECIAL “MOVIE STA”
The contest, which is usually a three-month
event, has as awards a participation-bonus
plan for each manager over the drive period.
This year there will be a period known as
“Crystal Moviesta,” consisting of Managers
week and Employes week. Special cash
awards are to be given in addition to the
profit-sharing prizes for this portion of the
contest.
This year also a special feature, a Pet Idea
contest, will be instituted. Each of the cir-
cuits’ 62 managers is eligible for awards rang-
ing from $200 first prize to $50 fourth prize.
Each manager may enter his best exploitation
stunt at the fall meeting to be held here Sep-
tember 16. Entries are to be in the form of
a maximum of 12 photographic slides to be
shown at the meeting of all Commonwealth
managers. The managers themselves will
make the awards.
'Back to Okoboji' Drive
Gets Impetus in Omaha
OMAHA — Tri-State managers in this dis-
trict met here Tuesday, pointing to the Back
to Okoboji sales drive running this summer.
Among officials present for the meeting
were G. Ralph Branton, Tri-States general
manager; L. McKechneay, company treasurer;
Dale McFarland, circuit booker; Donald
Allen, advertising chief, and William Miskell,
Omaha district manager.
“It Happened on Fifth Avenue” was
screened for the managers while they were
in town.
When Boy Releases Six-Foot Snake
Missouri Showmen Fight
Fire, Censorship Bills
KANSAS CITY — To join Fred Wehrenberg,
MPTOA president, and Mrs. A. F. Burt,
founder of the Better Films Council of St.
Louis, several industry members from this
area went to Jefferson City Wednesday to
participate in committee hearings on Mis-
souri house measures regarding fire preven-
tion and state film censorship.
Included in the group were Senn Lawler
and Leon Robertson of Fox Midwest; Clar-
ence Schultz and Bob Shelton, Common-
wealth Theatres; R. R. Biechele, KMTA of-
ficial; J. A. Becker, Associated Theatres of
Independence, and Arthur Cole of Paramount
Pictures. Area exhibitors who went included
Elmer Bills of Salisbury; Harry Till, Hamil-
ton; Glenn Hall, Cass City; Glenn Caldwell,
Aurora; Virgil Harbison, Tarkio, and Frank
Weary of Richmond.
The house fire bill states that uniformed
fire attendants must be on duty in all thea-
tres, in such number as auditorium size re-
quires, and requires all theatres to have a
four-foot center aisle in addition to three-
foot side aisles.
The censorship measure sets up a state
board of film and motion picture advertising
censorship consisting of three members,
having salaries of $6,500 per year, appointed
by the governor. This is one of several such
measures proposed in the state legislature in
the last 15 years.
KANSAS CITY — A “perfectly harmless”
bullsnake caused considerable consternation
at the Glen Theatre boxoffice one night this
week. The creature was only six feet long
and was just curious about the light over
the cashier’s head, but the mere sight of him
scared Lucille Bohannon into a dead faint.
As patrons report the incident, Miss
Bohannon was issuing tickets and change
in the usual manner while seated alone in her
cage, secure from the elements outside
her booth. Then a young man stepped up,
placed an army barracks bag against the
hole in the front glass, and waited to see
what would happen.
Miss Bohannon took one look at six feet
of uncoiling serpent squirming its way toward
her, gave an unearthly scream, and fainted
dead away. The young man rewound his pet,
stuffed it back into the bag, and disappeared.
When Norris B. Cresswell, theatre manager,
got to the boxoffice to see what was wrong,
he found his young cashier unconscious on
the floor. Efforts by the theatre staff failed
to revive her and Cresswell took her to her
home and called a physician. Twenty min-
utes later, upon the arrival of police, Miss
Bohannon was still unconscious and when,
ten minutes later, she regained conscious-
ness, she was hysterical and required seda-
tives.
When apprehended by police later in the
evening, Joseph Mudder, Boy Scout of troop
142, readily admitted the incident but in-
sisted: “Anyone ought to know that a bull-
snake is harmless.”
Thieves Enter Film Offices,
Take $2 and Fountain Pen
KANSAS CITY — Losses totaling $2 and a
fountain pen were the result of a “tour of
inspection” by unknown persons last Wednes-
day night at 114 W. 18th St. That is the
address of Film Classics, Altec, Poppers
Supply, KMTA, and others.
Entering through a rear window they
broke, the thieves “inspected’’ nearly every
office in the building but took very little.
At Poppers Supply, a filing cabinet and the
desk of Jack Reitzes were jimmied open. One
dollar was taken from the office of Les Dur-
land, Film Classics manager, and the other
from the desk of Rose Marks of the conces-
sions firm. Reitzes lost the fountain pen.
Tom Wolf Joins Durwood
KANSAS CITY— Tom Wolf, formerly of
Northio Theatres in Ohio, has joined Dur-
wood Theatres here in an executive capacity.
The former manager of the State Theatre in
Bellevue, Ohio, and the Paramount in Hamil-
ton, Ohio, will double at the Liberty Theatre
and in the Durwood home offices.
In 'Cass Timberlane'
Metro has handed Albert Dekker a role in
“Cass Timberlane,” co-starring Spencer
Tracy and Lana Turner.
POPCORN . . Best Quality . . Guaranteed Volume
Paper Lined Bags — From New Processor
$9.25 per 100 Lbs., FOB. Kansas City
reve
THEATRE SUPPLY
• COMPANY •
217 W. 18th St.
Kansas City 8, Mo.
F. T. Harrisons Buy
LUVERNE, IOWA— Mr. and Mrs. Floyd T.
Harrison of Alma, Wis., have purchased the
theatre here from Cecil Joliffe.
TRAILERS
Your Own Copy
— Sudden Service —
HAL PARKER STUDIOS
Vi-So Productions
1719 Wyandotte Kansas City, Mo.
THEATRE INSURANCE Spedalist
POP CORN BOXES
10c Size
ATTRACTIVE DESIGN
IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT
Paper Supply Co.
505 Delaware Street
KANSAS CITY 6, MO.
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
73
OMAHA
No Iowa Bills Passed
Terry McGlynn, MGM manager, and Fred
^ Fejfar, head booker, went to New York for
a company convention . . Ben C. Marcus,
Columbia district manager from Kansas City,
is among those expected to be here during the
big two-state exhibitor meeting.
Carol Kearns Bisson, former Warner em-
ploye, has returned to work here replacing
Dorothy Munson as a booking clerk in the ex-
change . . . Eddie Heiber, U-I district man-
ager, accompanied Charles Feldman, western
division manager from New York, during a
visit here.
United Artists office is excited by an-
nouncement that its assistant cashier, Mary
Leary, will marry Winkie Boise, one of the
stars of the Omaha Knights hockey team.
The date hasn’t been announced yet, but
Mary will take her vacation starting May 30
and visit Winkie in Canada, where he lives.
M. A. Levy, 20th-Fox district manager from
Minneapolis, was in town Monday . . . Byron
Hopkins, Sidney exhibitor, is in Mercy hos-
pital in Council Bluffs for a checkup . . .
Sigmund Romberg’s concert orchestra will be
on the Paramount stage May 7, 8.
J. E. Macke has opened his Mullen Theatre
at Mullen. Quality Theatre Supply provided
P
O
P
c
o
R
N
QUALITY HYBRID
PRODUCED FROM KANSAS
AND INDIANA APPROVED
VARIETIES
EXCELLENT POPPING
CONDITION ASSURED ON
ALL SHIPMENTS.
WRITE
FOR QUOTATIONS ON L.C.L.
AND CARLOAD SHIPMENTS.
F.A.MANGELSDORF SEED CO.
ATCHISON, KANSAS
the equipment . . . Bert Beams, Red Cloud,
Neb., exhibitor, has purchased lamps and
rectifiers for his Lyric Theatre, Sutton . . .
Elmer Hanson, independent booker, blossomed
out with a new suit that caused considerable
comment along the Row . . . Mary Whalen
Hein, United Artists inspector, returned to
work following a honeymoon. She was mar-
ried April 19 to Lyle Hein.
Bill Gordon of the Bush Theatre Supply
Co. in St. Louis and Robert Butler of the
Butler Theatres, West Plains, Mo., arrived
.in town together . . . Leon Bamberger, RKO
advertising chief, will be in town for the
exhibitor convention . . . Glenn Leonard of
the State Theatre, Auburn, is in Excelsior
Springs due to illness. He is expected to re-
turn shortly.
Visitors along Filmrow included Herman
Field, Clarinda; Byron Hopkins, Sidney; F. A.
Bryceson, Moorhead; Bert Beams, Red Cloud;
Carl Johnson, Red Oak; Frank Good, Red
Oak; Eddie Kugel, Holstein; Doc Nulteus,
Mapleton; Bruce Jones, Beamer; Larry
Burke, Deshler; Lester L. Dutcher, Deshler;
Glen Kenyon, Genoa; Clifford Sherron,
Genoa; Phil Lannon, West Point; Ben Skid-
more, Whiting; Mel Krouse, Pierce; Jack
Riggs, Central City; George Scott, Grand
Island; Howard Brookings, Oakland; Mr. and
Mrs. A. L. Neuhaus, Polk, and Robert Bert-
ram, Schleswig.
William Youngclaus, owner of the Island
Theatre at Grand Island, who now lives in
California, spent a day in Omaha.
Wary of Campus Venture
MINNEAPOLIS — Some of local independ-
ent exhibitors aren’t too happy over the
University of Minnesota Film society’s entry
into the commercial film exhibition field,
although at present its offerings are con-
fined to foreign films, which usually are
booked in for a single day, with admission 50
cents, including tax, 20 cents under the down-
town house scale. The society advertises in the
downtown newspapers.
Miskell Reappointed
OMAHA — William Miskell, Tri-States Thea-
tres district manager, is one of five Omahans
reappointed by Mayor Charles Leeman to the
Omaha board of public welfare for a year’s
term.
R. J. Smith to Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS— R. J. Smith is the new
Paramount office manager, transferred here
from the west coast. He succeeds Bruce
Shubert who resigned.
... HANG- EM FROM THE BALCONY
* Ok&L
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Game
AMUSEMENT CO., 831 S. WABASH AVE., CHICAG
I
Affecting Film Trade
DES MOINES — The 52nd Iowa assembly
adjourned last Monday without having com-
pleted action on any of a group of measures
affecting the theatre industry in the state.
One bill would have set up a state board
of censorship over motion pictures and post-
ers, banners and other advertising in con-
nection with films showing in Iowa. A com-
panion bill, also written by Harvey Long
(Rep) of Clinton proposed an annual $1,000
license fee for all film distributors in the
state.
Neither of these bills reached the house
floor.
A third measure, in the form of a resolu-
tion, would have banned in Iowa all films
containing drinking scenes after a period of
two years had elapsed without action by
Hollywood.
This resolution, introduced by C. S. Van
Eaton (Rep) Sioux City, was approved by the
house but never reached the senate.
MAC Buys 'Best Years'
MINNEAPOLIS— “The Best Years of Our
Lives” has been bought by the Minnesota
Amusement Co. for all of its situations, ex-
cepting Twin City first runs and a few other
spots where opposition has first call on all
RKO product. It will go into MAC B houses
at $1.20 top with extended playing time. The
picture now is in its eighth week at the RKO
Pan here and its third at the St. Paul RKO
Orpheum.
Town Theatre Opened
CENTRAL CITY, IOWA— The new Town
Theatre held its grand opening on a recent
Saturday. The theatre, modern in every
detail, was built as a memorial to the dead
of all wars through the efforts of the citizens
of Central City. The Chamber of Commerce
sponsored a celebration during the day which
included a parade, band concert and free
coffee and doughnuts.
Velharticky Remodels
KENSINGTON, KAS. — Miles Velharticky,
new owner of the local theatre, is completely
remodeling his house. Closed for several
weeks, the theatre will be reopened in July.
Velharticky, who will handle the local situa-
tion as his first venture in show business,
bought the 300-seater from Weldon Pe'er.
Velharticky is from Osborne.
Sentenced to See Film
JEFFERSON CITY— Police Judge W. No-
land Chappel recently sentenced two traffic
violators to witness the showing of “Traffic
With the Devil” at the Capitol Theatre. The
short was being shown under the auspices
of the city safety council.
Play at Boys Town
OMAHA — The “Oklahoma!” cast took time
out from the Paramount stage here to give
an hour’s condensed version of the show for
the “residents” of Boys Town.
U-I Sales Meet in Des Moines
DES MOINES — Charles Feldman, Division
sales manager, and Ed Heiber, district man-
ager, were here last week conducting sales
meetings at the Universal exchange.
74
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Exhibitors Holding Childrens Shows
Call for Parent-School Support
One Buying Combine
Is Aim of NCA Heads
MINNEAPOLIS — Distributors here are ap-
prehensive regarding a move afoot to merge
three of the territory’s largest nonprofit buy-
ing and booking combines to create greater
buying power as a means of forcing down
film prices. President Bennie Berger and
other leaders of North Central Allied are
working to accomplish the union.
The goal, Berger said, is a single strong
buying combine for the territory in place of
the five groups which have come into ex-
istence during the past year and a half.
Such a single combine would represent nearly
200 theatres. It could exercise considerable
influence on distributors, virtually boycotting
unfair distributors and bad deals, Berger
said.
Berger hopes that buying combines through-
out the United States eventually can be
brought together at least for cooperative
purposes, including establishment of a cen-
tral clearing house. He is trying to get the
heads of combines interested in a proposed
convention to consider the matter of co-
operation.
North Central Allied is now engaged in
using its influence to bring all of the ter-
ritory’s independent exhibitors into the pres-
ent buying combines. At its convention here
speakers stressed that buying power was the
only practical way at this time to force down
film prices and that it could only be created
by combines.
New Corporation to Build
House in Mountain Home
KANSAS CITY — Clarence Schultz, exec-
utive of Commonwealth Amusement Co., said
this week that final arrangements are being
made for the formation of the Common-
wealth-Evans Theatre Corp. in Mountain
Home, Ark. The firm will take over the
present Evans Theatre and other real estate
in the town.
The creation of Commonwealth-Evans also
will give the go sign to new theatre construc-
tion in Mountain Home in the form of a
600-seat house to be named the Baxter. This
new location, to operate as the A house in
the town, will be completely air conditioned
and will have some of the finest appoint-
ments in the territory, according to Schultz.
The Evans will serve as a B house upon com-
pletion of the Baxter.
Officers of the firm and the date of final
incorporation will be announced as soon as
all legal procedure has been completed.
Circuit Raises Greek Funds
KANSAS CITY — Through special matinees
or morning shows, Commonwealth Amuse-
ment Co. has raised nearly $1,500 for the
Greek relief drive.
minmARQLJA
LJarry Seed, Warner district manager, was
■n‘ a visitor . . . The Paramount bunch gave
a party for Ev. Olson, exploiteer, prior to
his departure for Charlotte, N. C., where he
has been transferred® . . . Peck Gomersall
and Mannie Gottlieb, Universal assistant sales
manager and district manager, respectively,
here for a sales conference.
Mrs. Jack Cohen, wife of the 20th-Fox man-
ager, was in Asbury hospital for treatment
. . . “The Magnificent Yankee,” stage play,
is coming to the Lyceum May 21-24 with
Louis Calhern, who is well known to film
fans.
Exhibitors on Filmrow: Paul Sranek, Mead-
owland, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. F. Madsen, Hec-
tor, Minn., and Jack Heywood, New Richmond.
Wis. . . . Dick Scheinbaum, former Para-
mount city salesman who now is in the fur-
niture business, is in Asbury hospital following
a heart attack . . . Walter Hoffman, 20th-Fox
exploiteer, is going in for art and ukulele
playing. He’s teaching himself painting and
is taking ukulele lessons.
A1 Elewitz, former Sunday Tribune maga-
zine editor, now is doing free-lance publicity
. . . Harry B. French and Charles Winchell,
Minnesota Amusement Co. president and his
assistant, left for Los Angeles to attend the
Paramount Theatres meeting.
Ralph Maw, W. H. Workman and Mel
Turner, MGM district and branch managers
and head booker, respectively, were in New
York for the sales meeting . . . Bennie Berger’s
new lounge at his Sheik’s cafe is a replica
of that at the famous Club 21 in New York.
During his recent trip south and west, Berger
picked up many new service ideas for his
night club which supplements his theatre
holdings.
M. A. Levy, 20th-Fox district manager, vis-
ited the Omaha branch . . . Arline Greenberg,
20th-Fox contract clerk, resigned to resume
her studies at the University of Minnesota
. . . Paramount Pep club had its first wiener
roast of the season.
Filmrow was well represented at the wed-
ding of Elaine Workman, daughter of W. H.
Workman, MGM manager, to Dwain Lund,
and at the reception.
Max Roth, PRC eastern sales manager, was
a visitor . . . Northwest Variety Club has
Auzee Dial, talented pianist and song stylist,
for its Saturday night open houses . . . Abe
Engler, Hopkins, Minn., exhibitor, is vaca-
tioning at Tucson.
MINNEAPOLIS — ■ Independent exhibitors
here are urging increased parent and school
support of the Saturday children’s matinees
now being presented. The attendance since
the start of special children’s shows on Sat-
urday morning has been disappointing, ac-
cording to Janet Russell, Morning Tribune
staff writer, who has been interviewing the
exhibitors.
Miss Russell was told that the increased
cost of obtaining such special films as “Mrs.
Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch” and “Alice in
Wonderland” for the single showing, coupled
with equal or decreased attendance, results
in a financial loss to the exhibitor.
• e ^ ■
EXHIBITORS DON’T SEEK PROFIT
“Prospects for the continuation of the pro-
gram are good, however, since the exhibitors
said they had adopted a new policy of elim-
inating ‘crime and horror’ films from their
Saturday matinee fare not as a money-making
venture, but as a goodwill gesture,” Miss Rus-
sell wrote.
Martin Lebedoff, North Central Allied sec-
retary, explained to Miss Russell that the
organization took steps to obtain suitable
films after PTA protests against “thrillers”
and requests for better films. Upon the body’s
request, the Motion Picture Ass’n of America
made available 26 films judged suitable for
children.
Lebedoff told Miss Russell that these films
cost the exhibitors an additional $500 to $1,000
a year, but they haven’t improved the Satur-
day attendance. However, inasmuch as ex-
hibitors didn’t go into the thing for profit,
he said he hopes the Johnston office will
make another group of children’s films avail-
able after the current supply is exhausted.
CLEANER THE SHOW, FEWER THE KIDS
Owner of four neighborhood theatres de-
clared to Miss Russell that “the cleaner the
show, the fewer the kids.” The youngsters
seem to want murder films, according to this
exhibitor.
Charles Rubenstein, who operates the Hol-
lywood, neighborhood house, said only about
300 of his 950 seats were filled last Saturday
and he urged “the cooperation of the schools
and the PTAs who asked us to -change the
type of film we were showing.”
At the Varsity and Campus, two other
neighborhood theatres, children’s attendance
hasn’t improved on Saturdays, while adult
trade has fallen off, according to Sol Fisher,
owner. William Levy, Heights Theatre, said
there has been some improvement in at-
tendance, but not enough to offset the in-
creased cost.
However, Ben Friedman of the Edina and
Westgate theatres, said that in his section
the parents were cooperating excellently by
sending their children to the matinees now.
Several exhibitors deplored the fact that,
despite the special Saturday matinee shows,
the children were still flocking to the less
desirable Friday and Saturday night shows.
For Exceptional Results —
ADVERTISE REGULARLY IN BOXOFFICE
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
75
Earl Long Promoted
To Frisco Paramount
DULUTH — Assignment of Earl W. Long,
manager of the Norshor Theatre here since
it was opened in 1941, to the managership
of the Paramount Theatre, San Francisco,
involves several other changes, A. L. Anson,
northern district manager for the Minnesota
Amusement Co. here announced.
Dan J. Hudson, now manager of the Gar-
rick Theatre, Duluth, will succeed Long as
manager of the Norshor. The new manager
of the Garrick will he George Brown, now
manager of the Strand, Minot, N. D., who
returns to Duluth. The changes are effective
May 9.
Long came to Duluth 17 years ago from
Paramount Publix in New York to handle
advertising in Duluth for the Minnesota
Amusement Co. He later became Garrick
manager, and then in 1941 took over opera-
tional direction of the Norshor.
Hudson began his theatre career in 1930
as usher in the Lyceum Theatre here. He
became manager of the Strand, Duluth, in
1936 and the Garrick in 1941. He returned to
the Garrick early last year after three years’
service in the army.
Brown also began his theatre career in
Duluth as an usher at the Garrick and
Lyric. He joined the Minnesota Amusement
Co., in 1929. He is a veteran of World
War II.
Given Film Commentary Job
From New England Edition
PITTSFIELD, MASS.— William T. Powell,
49-year-old district manager for Western
Massachusetts Theatres, Inc., has been ap-
pointed by radio station WBEC to give a mo-
tion picture commentary each evening except
Sunday at 6:30.
Memphis' Famed Beale St.
Has First Film Debut
From Southeast Edition
MEMPHIS— Famous Beale street has had
its first world premiere and there are more
to come.
“Boy! What a Girl!” an all-Negro comedy
with music, had its first showing at the Beale
street Palace last Sunday. -
Deac Watson, former star of the Ink Spots
and composer of “For Sentimental Reasons,”
one of the stars in the picture, made a per-
sonal appearance in connection with the pre-
miere. His new organization, the Brown
Dots, also appeared.
Arthur Leonard, producer-director of the
picture, said this was the first of six all-Negro
films produced by Herald Pictures, Inc. All
will have their world premiere at the Beale
street Palace in Memphis, he said.
“We selected Beale street in Memphis and
the Palace because of their colorful history
and background,” Leonard said. Leonard, a
producer of Warner Bros, short subjects for
nine years, said Beale street is the “birth-
place of the blues.”
Quebec Bans Drive-Ins ;
One Sought at Toronto
From Canadian Edition
Toronto — A group of business men
from the U.S. has applied to the North
York council for a permit to establish a
drive-in theatre northeast of Toronto at
Dawes road and Sheppard avenue. The
application was laid over to permit near-
by residents to express their views. Mean-
while, the province of Quebec has placed
a ban on the operation of open-air mov-
ing picture theatres because of the
“noise.”
Canadian Television
"Noi Feasible Now"
From Canadian Edition
MONTREAL — Because of the high cost and
relatively small population, the planning of a
national network television service in Can-
ada at this time would be simply wishful
thinking, says G. W. Olive, chief engineer of
the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., in the cur-
rent issue of CBC’s staff publication Radio.
The CBC nevertheless is giving thought to
introduction of television, he said. The net-
work this year will install seven FM trans-
mitters across the Dominion and at the lo-
cations chosen sites will also be available for
experimental television service, Olive re-
ported. First television station probably
would be at Montreal.
With a population of some 20,000,000 or
more people, compared with the present 11,-
500,000, Canada will be much better able to
afford a national television service, and it
may be too much to hope that such a service
will be feasible within the next ten to 15 years,
said Olive.
George Cohan Jr. Follows
Path of Famous Parent
From New England Edition
PROVIDENCE — George M. Cohan jr., son
of the famous “song and dance man,” chose
Providence for his footlight career, just as
his father, a native son, did 60 years ago.
Young Cohan, appearing with his father’s
original pianist, John McLaughlin, opened a
week’s appearance at Fays Theatre here re-
cently to launch a nationwide vaudeville tour.
He has abandoned plans to revive his father’s
first full-length play, “The Governor’s Son,”
in favor of the tour.
TOP HITS of the Week
— Priceless previews of boxoffice
results on latest first-run films.
Boxoffice
Barometer
First Run Reports
These percentage reports
on actual showings in 21
leading cities are invalu-
able to every exhibitor.
Covering 41 pictures
Every week
in BOXOFFICE
76
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Miskinis Suit Settled
On Subkey Run Status
Saul Korman lo Build
Two Negro Houses
DETROIT — The author of the major post-
war expansion plan here is Saul Korman,
Detroit circuit operator, who also is active
in the Cleveland and Miami territories.
Korman will construct two de luxe 1,400-seat
theatres for colored patronage at a cost of
a quarter million dollars each.
Korman is one of largest independent
operators in this territory, if not in the
country, specializing in houses serving col-
ored patronage. Expressing his point of view
on this point, Korman said, “The colored peo-
ple are entitled to more modern theatres on
a par with the finest type of houses, and
we have spent large sums to bring this about
already in the rest of our chain.”
Korman is a partner in the Duke Thea-
tre with the Wisper & Wetsman circuit. This
first new house for Detroit’s colored trade in
the past ten years was slated to open
April 30.
The two new de luxe houses, in which
Korman will be associated with Ben Fish-
man, an insurance man who will not be ac-
tive in management, are expected to open
about the end of this year.
The houses will be in old, established col-
ored neighborhoods, three and five miles out
from downtown, respectively. The Pix will
be at Hastings and East Palmer avenues, and
the Republic at Oakland and Holbrook ave-
nues.
Korman also is changing the name of the
Sunbeam Theatre in Cleveland, which he has
operated since the first of the year, to the
King.
Second phase of Korman’s expansion pro-
gram is a step over into independent pro-
duction. He is currently dickering with
Arthur Leonard, independent producer, on
a deal for active operation in this field. He
will go to the coast next month for the
Variety Club national convention, when he
expects to complete the deal.
Detroit's Savoy Switches
To Belinsky Circuit
DETROIT — The Savoy Theatre, east side
house catering to a colored clientele, is being
switched to the Belinsky circuit, with Irving
Belinsky taking a major partnership in the
house with Donald B. Lovewell, who has
operated it for about three years. About
$5,000 will be spent on improvements, in-
cluding general redecorating, reseating, new
flooring, and a new front. Lovewell will re-
main as manager of the house.
Veteran Glenn J. Easter
Opens 16mm Exchange
REPUBLIC, PA. — Glenn J. Easter, who
pioneered in 16mm film exhibition in western
Pennsylvania and who has continued in this
field for a number of years, has branched out
into equipment and distribution branches.
The Easter Motion Picture Exchange here
represents Ampro, Natco and Valette 16mm
projectors for western Pennsylvania, West
Virginia and part of Maryland.
The exchange also is the representative
for Castle Films and other 16mm product.
Available through this exchange are more
than 100 features and 250 short subjects, all
sound and talking films.
Auto Voice for Geneva Drive-In
CLEVELAND — David Sandler, president of
the Drive-In Theatre Equipment Co., has
completed an Auto Voice installation in the
Geneva Drive-In owned by R. Manley of
the Skyway Theatre Corp. Manley also op-
erates the Skyway Drive-In at Madison, Ohio.
NTS Chiefs in Cleveland
For Two-Day Sales Meet
CLEVELAND— Walter E. Green, president
of National Theatre Supply Co., and Oscar
Oldknow, vice-president, conducted a regional
meeting of managers at the Cleveland hotel
last Friday and Saturday. Other meetings
will follow.
Green said that in his opinion product is
becoming more freely available than it has
been. He commented on the fact that all
booth equipment and accessories have been
used past their highest point of efficiency,
and predicted a general demand for pro-
jection equipment, booth accessories, carpets
and chairs.
Following the close of the two-day session
here, Green and Oldknow went to Chicago
to attend the final SMPE meetings.
Attending the Cleveland meeting were J.
W. Sevies of the home office and the follow-
ing branch managers: Detroit, Clarence
Williamson: Cincinnati, J. H. Kelly: In-
dianapolis, B. N. Peterson: Pittsburgh, W. C.
Jervis; Chicago, R. W. Dassow; Des Moines,
A. C. Schuyler; Milwaukee, A. J. Larson;
Cleveland, Frank Masek.
President Green was host at a dinner held
Friday night.
Trautenberg to Wed
CINCINNATI — Manuel J. Trautenberg,
Kentucky salesman for United Artists and a
recent navy dischargee, will wed Shirley
Sternberg of Cincinnati May 8, at the Alms
hotel. The couple will leave after the cere-
mony for a short honeymoon, after which they
will make their home here. Manny was guest
of honor at a stag party May 2, by Prof. Lu-
cien Cohen and Alfred D. Meitus.
White's Mother Dies
CINCINNATI — The mother of Maurice
White of the White-Libson circuit is dead at
72.
AT THE STUDIO— Max Schreiber,
manager of the Irving Theatre in De-
troit, with Roy Rogers on the Republic
set in Hollywood during Schreiber’s re-
cent visit to the west coast.
DETROIT— The $1,200,000 suit filed in fed-
eral court here by Joseph Miskinis sr. and
Joseph Miskinis jr., who operate the Civic
Theatre, was settled out of court last week-
end, and the case was withdrawn “with prej-
udice” so that it may not be reopened in the
future. The suit, filed last September, named
the eight major distributors, United Detroit
Theatres, the Wisper & Wetsman and Fred
Delodder circuits as defendants.
The Miskinises sought a key run for their
house, but were understood to have com-
promised in the settlement upon a subkey
status. Equal or prior run was sought for
the Vogue, Harper, Ramona, Alger and
Flamingo.
The Miskinises claimed that they had not
had over three full houses in five years of
operation, and that they were forced to re-
sort to dish giveaways because of unsatis-
factory picture runs, which were all they
were able to get since the house was opened
in 1941.
Similar charges of conspiracy, unreasonable
clearance and discriminatory prices were in-
volved, and the Miskinises contended that in
recent years no strictly independent local
house has been able to secure the run de-
sired except as the result of litigation. They
also invoked the privilege of separate bidding
on each picture, in accord with the New York
antitrust ruling.
While full details of the settlement were
not made public, the essential fact was that
the Alger, operated by UDT, and the Fla-
mingo, operated by the Delodder circuit,
waived any right to clearance over the Civic.
Accordingly, distributors will book films into
the Civic day and date with these two houses
upon a subkey run status.
B&K Ready for Bids Soon
On New House in Toledo
TOLEDO — Engineering surveys have begun
in preparation for the construction of the
new $2,000,000 Paramount Theatre on down-
town property acquired by Balaban & Katz.
The property is part of a large parking lot
occupying a vacant site.
Officials of the firm are expected to be
ready for construction bids about June 1. The
program calls for completion of the new house
by June 1, 1948 when B&K’s lease on the
3,000-seat Paramount expires. The latter
house has been leased to the Carl Schwyn
circuit of Bowling Green, Ohio, which oper-
ates the 1,900-seat State, a neighborhood
house here, as well as several other theatres
in northwestern Ohio.
The new B&K house will be ultramodern,
containing numerous features, including tele-
vision facilities, developed by the planning
board of the firm during the war.
Detroit Arabic Film Co.
Has U.S. Distribution
DETROIT — The Arabic Film Co., headed
by James A. Hager, Kemal Aladray and Alex
Albert, has been organized here with national
distributorship rights for Nahas Films of
Cairo. The company located at 1639 Wyom-
ing Rd., in the suburb of Dearborn, now has
half a dozen features produced in Egypt in
Arabic for theatrical distribution in all key
cities where there is any substantial Arabic
population. A Nahas feature opened Sunday
in the Forest Theatre, an independent house
operated by Edward Jacobson.
BOXOPFICE : : May 3, 1947
ME
77
CINCINNATI
Jtfelson Creswell of the Cozy Theatre, Cedar-
ville, Ohio, received sympathy of asso-
ciates and friends in the death of his mother.
Creswell himself is still suffering from a
broken leg, resulting from a fall . . . Billy
Wilson, former screen actor now advance
press agent for the Sparks circus, stopped at
the RKO office to say hello to Manager Stan-
ley Jacques on his way to Covington, Ky.
PRC-Eagle-Lion sales and office force are
all keyed up to put Cincinnati on top in the
current Harry Thomas drive which runs until
August 30 ... A. R. Belcher will open his
new drive-in eight miles from Bluefield in
May . . . C. O. Humston, Lyric Theatre, Law-
renceburg, Ky., has begun remodeling his
theatre. It will have a larger capacity. It will
be necessary to close the house during June
or July.
The son of A. W. Alexander, Altec Service
inspector in Middlesboro, Ky., was married
in Chattanooga in late April . . . Virgil War-
rex has opened a 200-seat house in David, Ky.
. . . Co-workers of Booker Walter Watson of
RKO were greatly surprised when Walter
displayed a gold band on his fourth finger,
left hand. He married Doris Anderson of
Cincinnati March 1, and kept his wedding a
secret until now.
Division Manager Earle Sweigert and Dis-
trict Manager Harry H. Goldstein of Para-
mount visited the Cincinnati branch . . . Ar-
thur Greenblatt, district manager for Mono-
gram Pictures, spent several days here . . .
Frank J. A. McCarthy, southern and Cana-
dian division sales manager for U-I, held a
sales confab with the local force, discussing
the year’s releases, particularly “The Egg
and I.”
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bowles visited the ex-
changes to book product for their new Ritz
Theatre in Beattyville, Ky., which opened
May 1 . . . Theatre Owners Corp. will now
handle booking and buying for Harold Bern-
stein of the Plaza, Norwood, Ohio . . . Mrs.
Mary Semelroth of Dayton, Ohio, and her
manager, Jimmie Herb, made one of their
infrequent visits to Cincinnati.
The local MGM club elected Mabel Rine-
hart as president and Henrietta Schulz and
Madeline Cuiccio chairmen of the welfare
and entertainment committees, respectively.
Plans are being discussed for the annual pic-
nic.
Friends of Mack C. Elliott, who operates
theatres in Wayland and Weeksbury, Ky.,
were shocked to hear of the automobile acci-
dent in which the mother and father of Mrs.
Elliott were killed ... A new employe at
Theatre Owners Corp. is Irene McKieman,
contract clerk . . . New members of Film
Classics’ force are George Vlachos, booker,
and Mary Ryan, cashier.
Lee J. Goldberg of Popular Pictures is leav-
ing May 8 with Mrs. Goldberg for California.
They will visit their son Jay, recently mar-
ried; and Goldberg will attend the Variety
Club convention in Los Angeles and a meet-
ing of independent exchange owners for
acquisition of product.
Bud Wessel and Meyer Adleman have the
franchise to handle the physical distribution
of Selznick pictures in the Cincinnati ter-
ritory for National Film Service, Inc. Their
offices are on the fourth floor of the Film
building, space formerly occupied by Popular
Pictures, which moved May 1 to the sec-
ond floor, previously occupied by Midwest
Theatre Supply Co. The latter company has
leased space at 1638 Central Parkway, the
former MGM quarters.
Fanny Voss, head inspector for Paramount,
celebrated her 31st anniversary with the com-
pany April 25. The girls in her department
presented a cake,) while office employes pre-
sented a bottle of champagne. Mrs. Voss is
the oldest employe in length of serice in Cin-
cinnati, where there are seven employes
who have been with Paramount 25 years or
longer.
Ella Miller, who operates the Film Center
restaurant, is breaking the news that there
will be no food served the first two weeks in
July. She is planning a vacation, and from
Miami intends to fly to Panama.
Stralie Walker, who operates the theatre in
Besoco, W. Va., is opening a new house in
Beaver, W. Va. . . . The Russell Theatre, Rus-
sell, Ky., has been closed for remodeling after
the recent fire.
Faces on Filmrow: Lloyd Rogers of Welch,
W. Va.; A. Buzlea, Bradshaw, W. Va.; Carl
Knab and Anne Kaiser, Chillicothe, Ohio;
Vernon Breese, New LaMax Theatre, Wil-
mington, Ohio; C. E. Harvey, Greenfield,
Ohio; Roy Wells, St. Paul, Dayton; Guy
Greathouse, Aurora, Ind.; Ralph Sacker,
Lawrenceburg, Ind.; Roland Macci, Green-
ville, Ohio; M. C. Burwell, Parkersburg, W.
Va.
Bob Harrell, Avalon Theatre, Cleves, Ohio,
has returned from Florida, where he spent the
last three months. He is rarin’ to go on his
large popcorn acreage . . . Lou Stewart of
Addyston and Sayler Park, Ohio, was sent to
St. Mary’s hospital for an emergency opera-
tion, but is reported on the mend . . . Don
Hall, MGM shipper, was in the hospital for
an emergency operation for a stomach ulcer.
E. M. Booth, branch manager of MGM, and
Robert Morrell, head booker, attended the
annual sales conference in New York . . .
Marion Conelly, cashier at Paramount, will
chauffeur several girls in the accounting de-
partment on a weekend trip to Mammoth
cave in her newly acquired Chevrolet con-
vertible . . . Herman Pack intends to open
the Van Lear Theatre, Van Lear, Ky., with
all new equipment, about June 1.
Date of the Variety Club picnic has been
changed from July 14 to July 21. Plans are
under way for Variety’s supper dance June 7,
at Pavilion Caprice . . . Lee Goldberg of Popu-
lar Pictures is extending operations to in-
clude Cleveland and Indianapolis territories.
Popular Pictures is now distributing gratis to
exhibitors, several single and two-reel spon-
sored subjects.
Irv Sochin, chief barker of Variety Club,
obtained publicity in the Cincinnati Post in
his appeal for clothing for the foundling home
babies, and as a result acquired enough cloth-
ing to provide for at least 15 babies . . . Bill
Blum, salesman for U-I, has recovered after a
recent operation . . . Charles Rich, Warners
district manager, flew in from Pittsburgh for
a session with Manager Jim Abrose here . . .
Ira Epstein, central division publicity repre-
sentative for Warners, has moved headquar-
ters from Indianapolis to Cincinnati.
Ralph Rinsler, Cincinnati exhibitor and ac-
tive Variety Club member, is motoring to
California with Mrs. Kinsler, and will attend
the national convention as a delegate of the
Cincinnati tent . . . William Gunzelman, of-
fice manager for 20th-Fox, spent a week in
the Cleveland exchange, assisting in install-
ing the new cashier in that office . . , Sym-
pathy of the entire 20th-Fox exchange has
been extended to Lillian Spencer, bookkeep-
ing machine operator, on the death of her
mother.
Mrs. Cora Mollitieri, office manager’s secre-
tary at 20th-Fox, will soon transfer to San
Francisco, where she will join her husband
in the navy . . . Friends of Dorothy Fisher,
veteran RKO employe, are glad to learn that
her condition is improving and that she may
soon be able to resume her duties after an
absence of a year.
Towne Hall of Prestonsburg, Ky., is build-
ing a new theatre at Allen, Ky. . . . Mrs. H. E.
Davis of Sharpies and Ethel, W. Va., is con-
fined to a hospital in Charleston, W. Va. . . .
Employes of the Cincinnati exchange of Na-
tional Screen Service were happy over bonus
checks received as their award in the recent
annual sales drive of the company.
Robert C. Wilson Opening
Rowlesburg Theatre
ROWLESBURG, W. VA. — Opening here
within the next ten days will be the new
Wilson, owned by Robert C. Wilson. The
theatre, seating 394, is modern, fireproof and
well constructed of concrete and brick.
The theatre is part of a new 62xl00-foot
building which includes an adjoining store
and -eight five-room apartments on the sec-
ond floor. The auditorium is modernly dec-
orated in cream color and there is a 14x32-
foot stage. Major equipment includes Sim-
plex projection and sound and American
Seating upholstered chairs. A Permastone
front is being installed. The lobby has a
candy bar.
Wilson, a native of Rowlesburg, is a whole-
saler of sporting goods and he is popular
throughout Preston county. The Wilson The-
atre is located directly across from the rail-
road station.
Tommy Harris of Detroit
Dies; Showman 50 Years
DETROIT— Tommy Harris, 68, died of a
heart attack at his home here last week.
A showman for 50 years, Harris formerly
was on the vaudeville stage in various song
and dance routines for many years, appearing
in the team of Harris and West with his late
wife. At various times he was with circus
and carnival organizations and for many
years was a character actor with the Harris
& Davis Stock Co. of Pittsburgh.
He was associated with various booking
offices in Detroit for a number of years and
for the last 15 years managed various vaude-
ville and motion picture theatres here, mainly
for Jacob Schreiber and the Midwest Thea-
tre circuit, operated by Raymond Schreiber.
He is survived by one daughter, who is a
circus performer.
Max Weinstein Is Dead
At 37 of Spinal Ailment
CLEVELAND— Max Weinstein, one of the
owners of the Ritz Theatre, died here last
week. Although seriously ill for the past eight
years with a spinal ailment, Weinstein has
continued to run his theatre from his bed,
to which he has been confined for months at
a time, and from a wheelchair, when he was
able to get about. His fortitude was the talk
of the industry, which held him in the high-
est respect. Only 37 years old at the time
of his death, he bore his illness with a smile
at all times.
Surviving are his wife Sadie and two chil-
dren, Milton and Adrienne.
78
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Academy Theatres
To Run of 'Heaven'
COLUMBUS — The new Esquire Theatre
will be one of five Academy houses to par-
ticipate in the simultaneous first run engage-
ment of U-I’s “Stairway to Heaven” here
May 7. This is the first time in local theatre
history that such a first run policy has been
attempted. The five engagements are for a
full week. Normal runs are two to three
days at the five houses.
Regular downtown first run prices of 65
cents for adults and 20 cents for children will
be in effect. The adult price is 20 cents
higher than the usual neighborhood scale.
Children’s price is the same.
The five theatres are Esquire, University,
Westmont, Beechwold and Boulevard. The
Esquire is being completed for its opening,
following the recent opening of the Univer-
sity. These are the first two postwar thea-
tres to be opened here.
Harry Keller, midwestern representative of
U-I, is in Columbus preparing for the open-
ings. U-I films usually have first runs here
at the RKO Palace and RKO Grand.
Western Pennsylvania
Towns Adopting DST
PITTSBURGH — W estern Pennsylvania
communities which adopted daylight saving
time include:
Aliquippa
Altoona
Ambridge
Apollo
Baden
Beaver Falls
Bellevue
Braddock
Bridgeville
Burgettstown
Butler
California
Canonsburg
Carmichaels
Charleroi
Connellsville
Coraopolis
Donora
Dormont
Duquesne
East Greenville
East Pittsburgh
Ellwood City
Emlenton
Emporium
Foxburg
Franklin
Greensburg
Greenville
Herminie
Homer City
Homestead
Indiana
Jeannette
Latrobe
Leechburg
Ligonier
Linesville
McDonald
McKees Rocks
McKeesport
Masontown
Meadville
Midland
Monongahela
Mount Lebanon
Mount Pleasant
Munhall
New Kensington
North Braddock
Oil City
Pittsburgh
Republic
Scottdale
Sewickley
Sharon
Sharpsburg
Stowe Township
Swissvale
Tarentum
Turtle Creek
Vandergrift
Verona
Warren
W ashington
Waynesburg
West Newton
Wilkinsburg
Jawarski Robbery Gang
Gets Long Prison Terms
PITTSBURGH — The Jawarski gang,
rounded up following the attempted robbery
of the Oaks Theatre, Oakmont, last Decem-
ber 9, drew long prison sentences from Judge
Frank P. Patterson. Three members of the
robber gang tutored by Thomas Jawarski
pleaded guilty to a series of robberies.
Joseph E. Cherniloger, 29, of Fisk street,
was sentenced to seven to 14 years, and John
Urmann, 26, a parole violator of Millvale, to
eight to 16 years in the penitentiary. Henry
Borgen, 26, of Millvale, was given seven to 14
years in the workhouse.
Steve Rodnok jr., manager of the Oakmont
Theatre, shot Cherniloger when an attempt
was made to crack the safe in the theatre
office. Cherniloger implicated Borgen and
Urmann. Jawarski was arrested later by
state police on a farm near Greensburg,
where he was found to be schooling the
younger men in safecracking.
Jawarski, cousin of Paul Jawarski, leader
of a holdup gang here a score of years ago,
was sentenced on April 8 to eight to 16 years
in the penitentiary.
COLUMBUS
£Jartoon shows are still popular in neigh-
borhood and downtown theatres. The
small Oak, a neighborhood, recently held a
two-hour cartoon show, and Manager Carl
Rogers of Loew’s Broad, highly pleased with
the success of his Easter Monday cartoon
show, is holding another on Saturday, May 10.
Harry Keller, midwestern field representa-
tive for U-I, was in town arranging details
of the five-theatre local premiere of “Stair-
way to Heaven” at Academy houses. Screen-
ing of the picture for press and local “names”
was held last week at the University Theatre.
Manager Walter Kessler of Loew’s Ohio
staged a contest with the Citizen to find a
local double of Claude Jarman jr. for the
Ohio’s showing of “The Yearling.” The win-
ner will receive a bicycle.
Both neighborhood and downtown houses
will benefit from extensions of local bus and
streetcar lines, announced both by the Co-
lumbus and Southern Ohio Co. and the
smaller Columbus-Celina bus line. Ex-
tensions planned for the next year will reach
virtually every outlying residential area with
faster and more convenient service. The new
Esquire near Eastmoor, the not-yet-com-
pleted Livingston in Driving Park, the Beech-
wold in north Clintonville and other theatres
will be on several of the extended routes.
Downton houses, plagued by limited parking
space, expect that many of their patrons will
use the trams to come downtown.
Local and state leaders were guests at the
local premiere of “The Way to Peace,” a
Technicolor film depicting world peace
through spiritual action. The showing was
held in Mees hall, Capital university. Lew
Ayres acted as narrator for the film, which
was produced in Hollywood.
Herbert Morgan, producer of the MGM
short, “Traffic With the Devil,” which won
the national theatrical award given by the
National Safety Council, has been invited
to attend a dinner to be held in the Hall of
Mirrors, Deshler-Wallick hotel, May 14. Win-
ner in the nontheatrical division of the same
classification is the 23-minute 16mm subject,
“Men Who Came Back,” produced by the di-
vision of safety and hygiene, State Industrial
Commission of Ohio. Ned Dearborn, presi-
dent of the National Safety Council, will
present the award to Gov. Thomas J. Herbert.
The subject, showing methods of safety in
Ohio industry, was shot in color in plants
throughout Ohio and is available for non-
theatrical exhibition.
Local theatre men are not too happy about
a department store ad, opposite theatre
pages, advertising oldtime Chaplin films.
“There is never an admission charge in our
assembly center” reads the ad. Managers
are wondering whether they shouldn’t, sell
yard goods, cosmetics, etc., in retaliation . . .
The Ohio censor board, which screened “Duel
in the Sun” more than two weeks ago, had
not announced at press time whether any cuts
would be ordered.
E. L. Ornstein Sells Crane
To H. L. Wirth, Indianian
LOUISVILLE— E. L. Ornstein of the Orn-
stein Theatres, Marengo, Ind., has reported
the sale of the Crane Theatre in Crane to
Homer L. Wirth of Charlestown, Ind. Orn-
stein still controls the Rialto in Marengo,
State in Milltown, Ind., and the New Ace in
Brandenburg, Ky. Wirth, who assumed con-
trol April 27, has been affiliated with a 16mm
circuit operating in southern Indiana several
years. This is his first venture into the 35mm
field.
Alexander Equips Drive-In
PITTSBURGH — Alexander Theatre Supply
will furnish all equipment for the drive-in
theatre to be opened near Irwin, Pa., by
Outdoor Theatre, Inc. RCA equipment, in-
cluding in-a-car speakers, will be features
Outdoor Theatre, Inc., also contemplates
opening a drive-in near New Castle.
DRIVE-IN and
THEATER EQUIPMENT
Drawings, specifications, blueprints to fit any expen-
diture for the simplest to the most complex theatre.
* DeVry Projectors and Amplifiers
* ALTEC LANSING Amplifiers and Speakers
* RADIANT Sound Screens + STRONG Lamps
* STRONG Rectifiers * National Carbons
* NEUMADE Accessories + GOLDE Supplies
* TIFFIN Draperies and Scenery
Complete Factory Service
Film Booking Service Available
"Before You Buy, See and Hear DeVry"
SHELDON
THEATER SUPPLIES
Office Phone: ADams 9644 — Nights cmd Sundays: TAylor 7511
1420 CANFIELD AVE. + DAYTON, OHIO
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
79
DETROIT
TTnder the Marquees: Helen Wajdziak, as-
sistant manager at the Center, is leaving
to get married May 10 to Matthew L. Swita-
norski . . . Elmer Berry, brother of Henry
Berry, manager of the Rouge, takes over as
assistant at the Center . . . Sam Greisman
reports new Kroehler pushback seats have
been installed in the Center . . . Maxie
Gealer has opened the Rialto in Flint after
much refurbishing following the flood.
Anthony Eugenio did the decorating job.
Howard Denial, who used to be assistant at
the RKO Uptown in Highland Park before
the war, is now managing the Iris, replacing
William M. Palmer, who has quit the show
business . . . Elliott R. Fine and Adrian D.
Rosen of the De Luxe sponsored a “good
fellowship party” Saturday at Variety with
Chuck Stanley as emcee.
Thomas W. Ryan, who recently took over
management of the Carlton for the new
owner, Jack Krass, got a nice sendoff in the
community paper for his background of
“deference for childrer?’ in weekend show
bookings . . . Earl Harris is reported a part-
ner in the Flo at Nashville, recently taken
—THEATRE CHAIRS
3000 Used Spring cushioned, part full
upholstered back and part insert
panel back, with spring edges and
box spring cushions.
1000 Veneer Chairs.
800 Good Backs.
500 Spring cushions, and hinges.
Write ]or Prices and Photographs
JESSE COLE Theatre Seating
2565 McClellan, Detroit Phone: LEnox 3445
LEONARD SOSKIN AGENCY
Retirement income, life, automobile,
fire, health and accident insurance.
541 Book Bldg. CA 3515, Detroit
LONG SIGN CO.
MARQUISE SIGNS
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
840 W. Baltimore, Detroit — TR 1-5477
FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS
The Showmen's Drug Store
Drugs .. Cosmetics .. Prescription*
Personal Service from Two Showmen —
MAX BERHBAUM JACK GALLAGHER
Pharmacist Manager
Phone CLiilord 1527. CLifford 3694
over by William Gregg . . . Frank Reno, who
is now assistant at the Strand, and in charge
on Ed Carlson’s night off on Tuesdays, got
his good training out at the Beverly under
Lou Mitchell.
Leo Rochkind is managing the Russell for
Irving Katcher, who recently took over the
Willis also . . . A1 Weiss is his new manager
at the Willis, with George Smith, who was
with the former owner, A1 Westaway, re-
maining as house manager . . . Moe Teitel of
the Warfield reports business very slow along
Hastings street.
Fred Pellerito, formerly of the Madison, is
new manager of the Regent, replacing Wil-
liam Ahrens, who moved to the Mel in Mel-
vindale. Edward James moved down from
the Cinderella to be his assistant . . . Kath-
erine Krueger, formerly of the Broadway-
Capitol, and John Sullivan are now the as-
sistants to William Kozaren at the Cin-
derella . . . girls who have left the UDT
roster of assistants for other fields, including
matrimony, are Barbara Amyon of the Regent
and Loleta Dodge and Betty DeErendel of
the Cinderella.
Richard Wren is remaining with the Vic-
tory as house manager under Lou Cohen, new
owner, who is taking over from Michael J.
Chargot. He succeeded Fred McDonald in his
post . . . Gertrude Tracy has resigned as
manager of the Van Dyke to go to California
with her husband. Claude Sanderson, former
manager of the Piccadilly, is taking her
place.
The late Tommy Harris of the Midwest cir-
cuit was an usher every Sunday for many
years at St. Patrick’s church, a little known
side of his activities . . . Michael Schoenherr,
dean of local theatre managers, who now is
retired and taking things easy, is in excellent
health, Ed Carlson reports . . . Bert Moeller,
former general manager of the MPTOA who
has been ill several months following collapse
of the right lung, has recovered and is back
doing radio writing at his studio here.
Exchanges: Manny Pearson of UA was in
town to handle special exploitation on “The
Fabulous Dorseys” and “Abie’s Irish Rose,”
strong double bill opening at the Michigan
. . . Mrs. Fred Sussner, cashier at Paramount,
is the mother of a baby named Gregory. Mrs.
Sussner has just been upped to cashier from
a post as assistant . . . Mary Lou Coles has a
hard time keeping the vital statistics up to
date around the exchanges . . . Bob Snyder,
representative for Dezel Productions, was
at the home office a few days.
Along the rialto: Arnold Gornall, formerly
with the Donahue Seating Service, has estab-
lished his own firm, Reliable Seating Service,
handling theatre installations exclusively, at
7361 Churchill Ave. . . . Charles F. Rulapaugh
is organizing Stereo Film, Inc., at 5840 Second
Blvd., to bring out some new developments in
stereoscopic or third-dimensional pictures.
Associated with him are Arthur Wright and
Patrick McKenna.
Bing Crosby, in town to sing for G. A.
Richards’ silver wedding party, was highly
pleased when the latter gave him a new
Cadillac. Harry Wismer acted as his per-
sonal guide around town, and took him on for
a golf game during his stay.
Up in the Booths: Elmer C. Biehl of the
Regent has joined the Studio Workers union
and plans to commute between here and Los
Angeles one of these days. His oldest son
is entering college, by the way . . . Roy Kin-
nell, his colleague at the Regent, is proud
of the new equipment in the booth there.
Exchanges: Warren Slee, MGM exploiteer
now stationed at Chicago, is the father of a
baby girl named Angela . . . Neil J. Higgins,
former MGM checker, has decided to give up
his show business connections . . . Charles
Garner, dean of independent film distributors,
is taking over the state of Michigan for
United World Films, with a library of some
1,700, 16mm features to be handled.
Max Blumenthal has done a beautiful job
of redecorating the Film Exchange projection
studio, with new screen, recarpeting, and in-
cidental equipment . . . Stanley Dudelson,
salesman for Albert Dezel Productions, is
leaving to drive to California, where he ex-
pects to settle down and enter the film busi-
ness— he’s in love with the country out there.
Earle Sweigert and Harry Goldstein are to be
in town May 13, 14 for the kickoff of the new
Paramount drive, manager H. Edward
Stuckey reports . . . LaVonne Friend, switch-
board operator at Paramount, will be married
June 21 to William Morrison of the Sun Oil
Co. . . . Wanda C. Oszustowicz, secretary to
the Paramount office manager, is being
married to Robert T. Wisz, assistant man-
ager of a Neisner store, the same day.
Eleanor Buckley, Paramount accounting
department, will be married September 6 to
Richard S. Griesbeck . . . Mary Jane Thomp-
son, bookkeeper, is the fourth bride-to-be at
Paramount. August 30 she’ll wed Robert W.
Henry, now at Delmar college . . . A1 Levy,
20th-Fox sales manager, returned after a two-
week vacation in the east.
Cooperative of Michigan
Convention Postponed
DETROIT — The annual meeting of Co-
operative Theatres of Michigan has been
postponed until May 27 to avoid conflict with
the convention of Variety Clubs International
at Los Angeles, according to David Newman,
general counsel.
To Use Deep Well to Cool
BEREA, KY. — A 200-foot well has been
dug at the rear of the Berea Theatre to pro-
vide water for the cooling system.
NED OGLESBY
Your Heywood - Wakelield
Seating Representative.
15808 Beatrice. Allen Park
(Detroit), Michigan.
Phone: EMpire 0555
/ »\ Difstrihiitors
TheatrpSign and Marquee Maintenance
(mOTJOflBBPfl)
Our Specialty
^^fjorstman Co.
RINGOLD THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
TEmple 2-6177 POntiac 3-4473
106 Michigan St., N. W„ Grand Rapids 2, Mich.
27 Eliot St. Detroit 1, Mich.
EXHIBITORS — PARK FREE AT
McArthur
THEAT RE
EQUIPMENT
COMPANY
454 COLUMBIA ST. WEST - DETROIT I. MlCH.
MOTIOGRAPH SERVICE
Phone: CAdillac 5524
80
BOXOFFICE :: May 3, 1947
Daily Drizzle Mires
Cleveland Business
CLEVELAND — Business on the whole
showed a drop last week, due in part to daily
rain and in part to. a general local condition
of selective buying. Of the new pictures
shown, “The Red House” was tops with 130
per cent at the Stillman — a guarantee of a
second week on the main stem. Credit Car-
men Cavallaro and his orchestra for the 105
per cent at the Palace, where it shared the
program with “The Brasher Doubloon.” “Pur-
sued” held strong in its third week on a move-
over to the Lake. Continuing strong in its
third week, day-and-date at the Lower Mall
downtown and the University uptown, was
“The Best Years of Our Lives.”
(Average is 100)
Allen — Trail Street (RKO) 90
Hippodrome — Stallion Road (WB) 80
Lake — Pursued (WB), 3rd d. t. wk 105
Lower Mall and University — The Best Years
of Our Lives (RKO), 3rd wk 175
Ohio — Angel and the Badman (Rep),
3rd d. t. wk 85
Palace — The Brasher Doubloon (20th-Fox);
stage show 105
State — The Yearling (MGM), 2nd wk 80
Stillman — The Red House (UA) 130
Stage Shows Return to Albee
With Lombardo Orchestra
CINCINNATI— -With Guy Lombardo and
his orchestra, stage attractions have been re-
sumed at the Albee Theatre after several
weeks of straight pictures. Business was just
under the previous high established in the
theatre with stage shows. “The Egg and I,”
in its third week at Keith’s, maintained the
level of the previous week, and a five-week
run is assured. “Boomerang” at the Grand
gave a fine accounting and was held over for
a second week.
Albee — Calendar Girl (Rep), stage show 300
Capitol — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
6th wk 120
Grand — Boomerang (20th-Fox). 150
Keith's — The Egg and I (U-I), 3rd wk 225
Lyric — Pursued (WB), 3rd d. t. wk 80
Palace — Trail Street (RKO) 120
Shubert — Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox),
2nd d. t. wk 90
Strong Films Do Good in Detroit
But General Level Slips
DETROIT — Strong attractions turned in
excellent business; notably, “The Egg and I”
at the Fox and “The Best Years of Our Lives”
at the Downtown, both in surprisingly long
runs. The consensus of reports from all types
of houses, however, showed the average busi-
ness level was slipping slightly after a brief
post-Easter pickup. Detail for week ended
April 24:
Adams — Stairway to Heaven (U-I);
North of the Border (SG), 3rd wk 100
B'way Capitol — Trail Street (RKO);
Web of Danger (Rep) 100
Cinema — Man's Hope (Lopert Films);
Extenuating Circumstances (Lopert Films),
2nd wk 100
Downtown — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 3rd wk 170
Fox — The Egg and I (U-I), 3rd wk 140
Michigan — Pursued (WB); Beat the Band (RKO).... 105
Palms-State — Stallion Road (WB);
Fear in the Night (Para), 2nd wk 95
United Artists — The Macomber Affair (UA);
The Devil Thumbs a Ride (RKO), 2nd wk 120
Boxoffices in Pittsburgh Area
Continuing on Sluggish Basis
PITTSBURGH — Sluggish boxoffice returns
continue at Golden Triangle theatres and
throughout the area.
Art Cinema — Henry V (UA), 6th wk., roadshow. ...Good
Fulton — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
6th wk., roadshow grind 140
Harris — Johnny O'Clock (Col) 105
Penn — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM) 80
Ritz — Lady in the Lake (MGM), 2nd d. t. wk 1 05
Senator — Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox),
2nd d. t. wk 85
Stanley — Stallion Road (WB) 85
Warner — The Locket (RKO) _ 10?
Navaris Open Eastwood;
Roxy Bows at Ford City
FORD CITY, PA. — The new Roxy opened
here the evening of April 24 with an overflow
audience and with numerous friends of the
management as guests. This modern house
seats 500 and additional seating may be in-
stalled at a later date. The opening picture
was Paramount’s “Northwest Mounted
Police.”
The marquee was brilliantly lighted but the
glass front was not installed at the opening.
Other finishing touches are being added. The
auditorium is completely outfitted and a
special house feature is a large lounge on the
second floor. From this lounge on either side
of the projection booth the picture may be
viewed through large plate glass windows.
Being installed is a ten-foot soda bar in the
rear of the projection rooms, which are
equipped with RCA sound, Brenkert lamps
and other RCA products.
REST ROOMS IN FRONT
Rest rooms are at the Roxy front, easily
reached from the inner lobby. Simboli Deco-
rating Co. and the American Theatrical Val-
ance Co. are responsible respectively for the
decorating and draperies. Chairs were in-
stalled by International Seating Co. Complete
equipment and fixtures were handled by
RCA.
The Roxy adjoins the Ritz, a Gibson-
Dipson house, managed by Rocco “Rox”
Serrao, who with his brother Fred owns and
manages the new Roxy. The Gibson-Dipson
enterprises also operate the Ford.
The Serrao family, including Mr. and Mrs.
Dom Serrao (he is the veteran exhibitor and
theatre contractor-builder), sons Fred and
Rocco, and William, New Kensington-Arnold
exhibitor, and others in the family were hosts
at a party in the Fifth Avenue hotel grill
after initial showing. The Serraos also
hosted a number of friends in the industry
at dinner early in the evening.
AMONG THOSE AT OPENING
Among those who attended the opening
were Sam Fineberg, Monogram; Max and
Martha Shulgold, Crown; Louis Averbach,
Paramount; David Silverman, RKO; James
H. Alexander and son, James jr., Alexander
Theatre Supply; Martin Terner and son
Allen, American Theatrical Valance Co.; Lou
and Roberta Hanna and Franklin and
Florence Anderson, Acme and Franklin ex-
changes; R. Simboli, decorator; Frank
Hamre, RCA; Blacky Bordonaro and F. P.
McCoy, IATSE Local 444; Blair “Red” An-
derson, Harold Foster and Jimmy Gallo,
IATSE Local 607; Mr. and Mrs. Steve Rod-
nok jr., and Mr. and Mrs. George Rodnok,
Oakmont; Mr. and Mrs. Bart Dattola and
daughter Laura, New Kensington; Anthony
and Milton Antonoplos, East Pittsburgh;
Robert F. Klingensmith, BOXOFFICE.
SUPER SIZE
POP CORN CO.
Ready Popped Corn
307 Boulevard Bldg. Detroit 3, Mich.
TRinity 2-3880 — 24 hour phone service
RUDY SCHR0EDER HERBERT MORGAN
PITTSBURGH — Navari Amusements, Inc.,
opening the Eastwood, 8905 Frankstown Rd.,
is owned and operated by the Navari broth-
ers, Rudolph, Samuel and Julius.
With the spotlight on the opening of
“the Theatre of Tomorrow” at the intersec-
tion of Frankstown and Verona roads, Penn
township, “Rudy” Navari is returning to ex-
hibition after a two-year layoff, during which
time he busied himself with duties in con-
nection with the building of the beautiful
Eastwood. He has a record of 32 years of
showmanship in the local area, having en-
tered the amusement industry at the old
Majestic in Belle Vernon. He served in the
army during World War I.
He opened the Pleasant Hour, Verona,
early in 1919 and a decade later remodeled
this property and renamed the theatre the
Olympic, which he operated until 1932. In
1921 he had purchased the Liberty, Verona,
which he managed until two years ago. In
1942 he married Renitha Quadraccia and
they are parents of Joseph Lincoln, four, and
Rudolph junior, three. He is president of
the new amusement corporation.
A partner in exhibition in Verona with
brother Rudy is Samuel C. Navari, who has
operated the Penn, Universal, for a decade.
He is unmarried and resides in Verona with
his mother, Mrs. Eleanor Navari. Sam is
treasurer of Navari Amusements, Inc.
The third brother is Julius C. Navari,
former Florida broker who has operated the
Flamingo roller palace, East Liberty, for five
years. Third vice-president of the United
Rink Operators of the U.S., he is vice-presi-
dent of the corporation.
Will Reopen Stockport
McCONNELSVILLE, OHIO— Delmar Walk-
er and Clell Benjamin have leased the Von-
dell Theatre at Stockport and plan to install
complete new equipment besides making other
improvements. The theatre has been closed
in order to install new projection and sound
equipment, and will reopen in May.
PERYL’S COSTUMES
UNIFORMS for Entire Theatre Staff.
Special Costumes for All Occasions. Acts and
Special Shows.
Peryl LaMarr, Prop. 3737 Woodward
Phone: TEmple 2-3948 Detroit, 1. Mich.
PLAN YOUR NEW THEATRE NOW
Herman Stahl Will Remodel
OIL CITY, PA.— Herman Stahl has plans
for remodeling and renovating the Lyric.
Included will be refurbishing and redecorat-
ing.
CHA RLES N. BOARD, Theatre Builder
PRospect 1064
Roseville 0243
East Detroit
Theatre Bldg.
Phones
A
ERNIE
FORBES
214 W. Montcalm
Detroit 1. Mich
Phone CAHilla.- 1127
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
81
CLEVELAND
^on Abeles has resigned as assistant man-
ager at Loew’s State to enter a new type
of business in Cincinnati. But before that
he is planning a June 1 wedding to Marie
Horvath, well known in local show circles.
Saul Minick, manager of “The Best Years
of Our Lives” in this area, reports a terrific
opening this week at the State in Toledo.
His next opening is scheduled May 8 at the
Palace Theatre, Youngstown. In Cleveland,
in its fifth week, business is holding up so
well that Minick predicts a run through the
summer.
Sanford Greenberger of the Fairmount
Theatre is recovering from a recurrence of
an old illness . . . Sam Weiss Film Classics
branch manager, has appointed Phillip
Greenberg as booker, succeeding Dick Lesnick,
resigned. Greenberg, former GI, is a new-
comer to the industry.
Leonard Mishkind, SRO local sales repre-
sentative, attended a meeting in New York to
discuss “Duel in the Sun,” soon to be shown
at the Stillman in Cleveland . . . Nate Schultz
is putting the finishing touches to a com-
plete remodeling job at the Ambassador. The
program included a new marquee, new car-
pets, new interior decorations, remodeling of
the rest rooms and a new popcorn stand.
This was all done without interfering with
daily operation.
Abe Kramer of Associated Theatres and
Mrs. Kramer announce the engagement of
their daughter Roselyn to Herbert Browar
of Los Angeles, member of the SRO produc-
tion unit. He is a son of Mark Browar, re-
tired Pittsburgh circuit owner. The bride-to-
be is the twin sister of Marilyn, married last
summer to A1 Kaufman of this city. An-
other sister, Hope, appeared in several films
prior to her marriage in July to Dr. Man-
ning Cohen of Cleveland.
Charles Deckman, with theatre and picture
interests, including “Mom and Dad,” a Hy-
gienic production, is back from a 15,000-mile
trailer trek across this country and through
Mexico, saying that’s the only way to travel
in comfort. However, when he leaves in mid-
dle May for a three-month visit to Alaska,
he will travel the more orthodox way — by
train and boat. The trip will combine pleas-
ure and business, with a possible eye to send-
ing a “Mom and Dad” unit to Alaska.
FREE! Give your patrons
Wear-Ever Pressure Cookers and All Metal Shop-
ping Carts worth $287.50. Write for details.
Coulter
Dinnerware
Theatre Films
403 Film Bldg.
Cleveland 14, Ohio
Theatre
Games
Maurice Bernstein, insurance man to a
large percentage of film folk, and his
bride, the former Irene Grabowski, have re-
turned from a Palm Springs honeymoon . . .
Harry Circosta, owner of the Ritz Theatre,
Shadyside, says it is purely coincidental that
he planned a trip to Florida right after hav-
ing a successful run of Universal’s “Canyon
Passage.”
R. M. Swanson, manager of the Paramount,
Steubenville, has left the Ohio Valley hos-
pital, where he underwent an operation, and
is now convalescing at his home . . . An-
other dismissed hospital patient is Harold
Raives, Schine Ohio zone manager. Raives
is reported to have recovered from his recent
illness and plans to be back at his Schine
desk in the Film Bldg, most any day now.
If Bud Friedman of Warner Bros, is grad-
ually going nuts, it’s no wonder, with this
calendar of events in May facing him. May 22
is the date for the opening of the Warners’
new Vogue Theatre in Shaker Heights, of
which Friedman has been named manager;
May 23 is his birthday and on May 31 he is
being married to Elayne Haerman.
Jerry Weschler, Warner branch manager,
and Dave Kaufman, salesman, made a tan-
dem trip through the territory last week . . .
Harry Schreiber, RKO Theatres district man-
ager, and Variety Club chief barker, did a
swell job of presiding at the Variety Club
luncheon last week, even though he says it’s
the first time he ever faced such a large
audience.
The Warner club spring dinner-dance at
Alpine Village last week was a great success.
More than 200 members and guests attended.
It was a double feature affair with the office
staff dining at 7 p. m. and the theatre staff
served with a complete dinner at 11:30 p. m.
Dick Wright, Warner club president, was on
hand to do the honors, as were also the
zone manager, Nat Wolf, and his wife.
Jack Lawrence, former local UA salesman
and now with Screen Guild in Los Angeles,
writes that he recently saw Jack Lefton, who
sold out all of his Cleveland and Florida in-
terests and has moved to the coast, and also
George Lefko, onetime local RKO manager,
and now with the west coast office of PRC
. . . Walter Katowitz of the Ross Theatre,
Rossford, is back on the job after an opera-
tion at St. Mary’s hospital, Toledo.
E-L-PRC office news: Virginia Roszko, con-
tract clerk, was married last week to Andrew
Vasil. After a New York honeymoon, she
will return to her desk. Geraldine Gindy,
clerk, can vote now. She celebrated her 21st
birthday the other day. Dorothy Greenberg
is the newest member of the organization.
George Bennett, field publicity director for
Eagle-Lion, was in New York over the week-
WAHOO '
'America's Finest Screen Came -
AMUSEMENT CO., 831 S. WABASH AVE CHICAG
end to attend a conference with Max Young-
stein, national E-L director of advertising and
publicity and Arthur Jeffrey, exploitation
manager, on details for the world premiere
of “Repeat Performance,” scheduled to be
held May 22 at the Liberty Theatres, Zanes-
ville.
Cleveland Variety
Helps Boys Camp
CLEVELAND — Harry Schreiber made his
first public appearance as chief barker of the
Variety Club at a luncheon held Friday in
the Carter hotel with more than 100 members
and their friends present to launch the
club’s new major heart projected; namely,
the support of the Paradise Valley Boys club,
operated by the police department for de-
linquent boys.
Harold Russell, Academy award winner in
“The Best Years of Our Lives,” which now is
in its fifth week at the Lower Mall and Uni-
versity theatres, was the guest of honor.
Speaking in support of boys camps, Russell, a
former camp counselor, said that “the future
of America lies with our young folk, and I
believe with Father Flanagan of Boys Town
that there are no bad boys.”
Russell, thrilled over a description of the
good the camp has accomplished during the
eight years since it was established by the
police department, said he wished this proj-
ect could be carried out all over the U.S.
The camp, it was explained by Capt. Arthur
Roth, head of the police crime prevention
bureau, and police Capt. Ed Flanigan is op-
erated entirely by voluntary service of mem-
bers of the police department, including the
cooking. “Every cent of contribution,” Roth
said “goes directly into camp improvements.”
Variety Club plans to provide the camp
with running water, quonset huts, sports fields
and equipment and whatever is required. The
Paradise Valley Boys camp is open all sum-
mer, and in winter on weekends.
As the first financial installment, Harry
Schreiber presented a check for $500 to Roth,
with further contributions to be made as
needed.
Honorary membership in the Variety Club
was extended to Captains Roth and Flanigan,
and Harold Russell presented to Roth for
permanent display in the camp headquarters
a signed plaque reading, “Always have com-
plete faith in yourself and God. Regardless
of the obstacles you may encounter in life,
that faith will see you through. Best of
luck.”
Russell made no other public appearance
but did make six radio appearances during
his 24-hour stay in Cleveland.
OLIVER THEATRE
SUPPLY CO.. INC.
M. H. FRITCHLE
Manager
23rd and Payne Avenue
Phone: PRospect 6934
CLEVELAND
A NEW SERVICE
35MM — 16MM
FILMS CLEANED AND PROCESSED
Prompt Guaranteed Service
Visual Communications, Inc.
303 Film Bldg. Phone: MAin 6247
Cleveland, Ohio
82
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Boroughs May Obtain
Ticket Tax Privilege
HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania municipal
admission taxes were being kicked around
this week in the general assembly. Several
acts were receiving strong backing.
The house committee on boroughs last week
approved legislation permitting boroughs to
tax amusements for general revenue purposes.
With the release of this bill by the commit-
tee, the fight was on.
No specific tax rate is provided in the meas-
ure authorizing the state’s 934 boroughs to
levy an amusement tax -for general revenue
purposes. The measure has been reported fa-
vorably in the house. The act, introduced by
John N. Hoffman of Bangor and John A.
Jones of Bath, was amended to let any
amusement tax ordinances adopted by the
boroughs stand regardless of any similar
levies imposed subsequently by the state.
Taxing power on amusements “shall be lib-
erally and broadly construed,” under terms
of the bill.
TAXING BILL BEING AMENDED
If adopted, the measure would remain in
force and could not be supplanted by any
other statute taxing amusements for state,
county or school purposes.
This bill was being amended and re-
amended, and probably the Messrs. Brunner
and Stonier, sponsors, will be unable to rec-
ognise their “baby.” Many independent thea-
tre owners contacted their representative here
urging defeat of the measure. The act em-
powers political subdivisions, except cities,
counties and school districts of the first class
to levy, assess and collect additional taxes
for general revenue purposes. The fight on
this bill has been carried on since March 19.
The house defeated an amendment to the
Sunday sports law which would have per-
mitted Sunday football and baseball games
between 1 and 8 p. m. The two sports may
now be played between 2 and 6 p. m. Rep.
Thomas Scanlon’s bill was defeated 101 to 59.
TICKET BILL IN CONFERENCE
House concurrence is required for the
Smith-Sproul act (H-532) regulating sale and
resale for profit of selling and reselling tick-
ets or other devices for admission to places
of amusement. This measure, also licensing
ticket agents, has passed both the house and
senate.
The Erb act (H-1178) authorizing school
districts to appropriate money to nonprofit
corporations for the construction and equip-
ment of school athletic stadia, is active on
the floor.
The Nelson act (which passed the house)
exempting the exhibition of religious motion
pictures by churches from provisions of the
Sunday act of 1935, now is awaiting passage
in the senate.
September 14 each year will be observed as
National Anthem day. Gov. James H. Duff
signed into law the bill which commemorates
the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner”
during the battle of Ft. McHenry in the War
of 1812.
Toledo Concert Shifted
TOLEDO — The Sigmund Romberg orches-
tra concert here May 15, originally scheduled
for the State, has been transferred to the 3,000-
seat Paramount Theatre because of the huge
demand. Carl H. Schwyn, who has presented
Romberg in the State on five previous occa-
sions, reported a tremendous advance inter-
est in Romberg’s appearance. He was forced
to turn away more than 1,000 persons at the
Lauritz Melchior concert in the State a few
weeks ago. The switch in theatres, which
was arranged through Marvin Harris, man-
ager of the Paramount, means that an addi-
tional 1,500 Toledoans will be able to hear
the Romberg troupe.
LOUISVILLE
according to the latest figures Kentucky
has 325 theatres with an aggregate seat-
ing for 153,800, plus quite a number of drive-
ins. Louisville has six of the 450 first run
theatres scattered among 95 cities of more
than 100,000 population.
Roy Watson, projectionist for the Eliza-
bethtown Amusement Co., underwent an
operation at Baptist hospital here . . . M. H.
Sparks reports his new Strand in Edmonton,
Ky., is now under roof and the contemplated
opening date only two months off.
Vernon Powell has resigned at the Cres-
cent Theatre here to assume the manage-
ment of the local Airway, purchased re-
cently by the Memphis Amusement Co. Lon-
nie Davis, former manager of the Airway,
will return to Memphis, Tenn. No succes-
sor was announced for the Crescent . . . Mr.
and Mrs. E. L. Ornstein, Ornstein Theatres,
Marengo, Ind., have motored to Florida for
a two-week vacation.
Several improvements are in store for the
Airway Theatre. A new marquee has been
added, a new front and display frames are
being installed and new seats are sched-
uled for the auditorium.
Carrollton; J. E. Elliott, Lincoln, Hodgenville;
D. G. Steinkamp, French Lick Amusement
Co., French Lick, Ind.; L. B. Fuqua, Ken-
tucky Theatre, Eddyville, Ky.; J. V. Snook,
Griffith, LaGrange; C. S. Caldwell, Caldwell
Theatres, Cave City; Oscar Hopper, Arista,
Lebanon; Ray Coleman, Swan, Edmonton;
A. N. Miles, Eminence; J. A. Aull, Swanson -
Nunn, Evansville, Ind.; James F. Willard,
Strong Electric Corp., Toledo.
G. N. May, Dream Theatre, Corydon, Ind.,
has purchased new Super-Simplex projectors
and Simplex sound equipment . . . Joining
Andy Anderson of Photoplay Theatres, Hart-
ford, as possible candidates for the Kentucky
legislature are W. Freeman Smith of the
Kentucky Theatre, Cadiz, and E. C. McLure
of Henderson. Smith is a proposed candidate
for the senate and McLure for the house.
The Vogue in St. Matthews is still featuring
its Cartoon Circus Saturday kiddy matinee,
and results are reported excellent . . . Maria
Jane Robertson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
R. H. Robertson of the Majestic Theatre,
Springfield, Ky., and granddaughter of the
late H. Robertson, pioneer theatre man there,
will be married to Ralph C. Quarles of that
city soon.
Lewis Baker of Orell, Ky., has purchased
the Star at West Point, Ky., from S. J. Brown
sr. . . . Recent visitors included Foster Lane,
Dixie Theatre, Williamsburg, Ky.; Robert
Enoch, State and Grand, Elizabethtown; A.
N. Miles, Eminence; Clyde Marshall, Co-
lumbia; R. H. Robertson, Majestic, Spring-
field, Ky.; Thomas Clausen, Bond, Bonnie-
ville.
“Duel in the Sun” opened at Loew’s May 1
on a continuous showing basis at advance
prices . . . “The Egg and I” was in its fourth
and final week at the National . . . “Boom-
erang” was moved over to the Brown. In
its second week was “Stallion Road” at the
Mary Anderson . . . “The Best Years of Our
Lives” closed at the Strand.
Joyce Ann Switow, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Harry R. Switow of the Switow Amuse-
ment Co., and Stanley T. Burkoff of Chicago
were married at the Standard Country club
here . . . Local theatre attendance was bol-
stered by the recent three-day convention
of the Kentucky Education Ass’n.
Guthrie Crowe, KATO’s president, reports
a very pleasant trip to Ashland and Win-
chester, Ky. From all reports he received,
the theatre business in these sections is
generally good.
As a promotional stunt for “Stallion Road”
Cliff Buechel of the Mary Anderson Theatre
here offered free tickets to senders of the
first 25 postmarked answers to the following
questions: 1. Name any two color types in
the “roan horse” family. 2. How is a horse’s
size measured? 3. What is a “stallion”? 4.
How many gaits has the average horse? 5.
What is a “pinto”? So many good answers
to the questions were received, which ex-
ceeded all expectations, that Cliff just mailed
pairs of passes to all 30 contestants whose
answers survived first judging.
Out-of-town interests are still dickering on
the Lincoln park project. Several drawings
show a possibility of a hotel there along with
two department stores, a theatre, and a large
restaurant. The others show how the property
might be similarly developed without the
hotel. An early decision on the project is
expected.
Recent visitors: Mr. and Mrs. Curt Davis,
Sandy Theatre, Sandy Hook, Ky.; Robert
Enoch, Kentucky Amusement Co., Elizabeth-
town; James Howe of the Richland Theatre,
Ben Reeves jr. of Stanford is “face-lifting”
his New Lincoln Theatre. The marquee, lobby
and interior are being redecorated, and the
stage curtains, which were damaged in a re-
cent fire, are being cleaned and repaired.
Other improvements are under consideration.
Ernie Forbes Supply Wins
Detroit Bowling Crown
DETROIT — The Nightingale club closed its
1947 bowling season April 14 at the Palmer
Park alleys with Ernie Forbes Theatre Sup-
ply winning the league championship.
Melvin E. Donlon, secretary of the club,
expressed thanks to advertisers and others for
their fine cooperation throughout the bowling
season.
The United Theatre Equipment finished
second. Final team standings:
Won Lost
Ernie Forbes Supply 54 30
United Theatre Equipment 50 34
Lorenzen Flower Shop 45 39
National Theatre Supply 41 43
Brenkert Light Projectors 41 43
Altec Sound Service 40 44
McArthur Theatre Supply 39 45
Projectionist, Local 199 38 46
George McArthur 38 46
National Carbon Co. 34 50
High scores were rolled by Goossen, 236;
Donlon, 235; M. Haskins, 233; Forest, 221;
Akins, 221; Lewis, 207; Larsen, 207; Thomp-
son, 201, and Colwell, 200.
Genera! Theatre
Equipment Co.
109 Michigan St. Toledo JL Ohio
ADams 855 — Nights and Sun. JOrdan 1662
A complete line of equipment and supplies.
CENTURY PROTECTORS
CENTURY SOUND SYSTEMS
IDEAL CHAIRS
STRONG LAMPS
24-hour Repair Service by Experienced
Projection and Sound Engineers.
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
83
PITTSBURGH
XATarner exchange was given a houseclean-
ing . . . Bill Jervis, NTS manager, at-
tended the company sales meeting in Cleve-
land last week ... A recent visitor was Joe
Burke, Batavia, 111., exhibitor and brother of
the veteran local showman and Filmrowite,
Ben Burke . . . Bill Feld resigned as Republic
manager, effective May 9 . . . Jules Lapidus,
Warner division manager, was here for busi-
ness sessions with F. D. Moore, local manager.
Mrs. Allan Wieder is recuperating in a Bos-
ton hospital after an operation last week.
Her husband is the RKO exploiteer here . . .
The 20th-Fox general office also was house-
cleaned last weekend . . . Frank A. Orban
jr„ Cairnbrook and Hooversville exhibitor
and a Somerset county member of the house
of representatives, played hooky from his
duties in Harrisburg last Thursday to attend
to personal business on Filmrow here.
Our report on the new theatre at Cochran-
ton was in error. The theatre has been
named by W. L. Dunn, owner, the Iris, not
the Irish, in honor of his wife. The Iris
opens May 12 . . . Bill Lane, Garden projec-
tionist, and May Coyne, Warner circuit tele-
phone operator, were married April 24 . . .
Don D'Carlo is forwarding his Miss America
beauty contest and the Pittsburgh Junior
Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the
event to be staged here.
creek, was flooded with one foot of water
. . . Mrs. William Richman, wife of the north
side exhibitor, and their daughter, Mrs. Ruth
Levy, are back home after vacationing in
California for three months . . . Wally Feld-
man, son of the Joe (Warner circuit) Feld-
mans, was presented in a piano recital May 1
in the Taylor Allderdice high school.
Maurice Fruhlinger, former Donora thea-
tre manager, was a Filmrow visitor. He is
managing the Met, Baltimore . . . Harry
Spang, veteran projectionist, has taken a
three-month leave of absence from his job at
the Senator . . . When the Nixon closes for
the summer months, the legitimate house
will undergo renovations. Major improve-
ments will include redecorating and the in-
stallation of new men’s and women’s lounges.
John Bello, son of Tom Bello, Nanty Glo
manager for the Blatt circuit, is the new as-
sistant manager at the Rowland, Wilkinsburg,
managed by George Josack. Tom Bello jr., is
assisting his dad at the Nanty Glo theatres
. . . Cliff Daniel, Variety Club’s chief barker
and WCAE manager, is taking his mother
along to the Variety International conven-
tion in Los Angeles . . . A. P. Gillespie, presi-
dent of the new Union bus terminal at Smith-
field and Water streets, is an oldtime busi-
ness associate of James M. Clark, veteran
exhibitor-distributor.
Delivered to downtown offices were special
memo sheets which attracted attention, com-
ment and business. The single sheet copy
was “Memo — from the Boss. During office
hours please don’t wisecrack about ‘The
Farmer’s Daughter’ ”... Jerome J. “Jerry”
Lamm, UA manager with “Henry V” in the
Art Cinema for eight weeks, has moved into
eastern Pennsylvania for additional road-
showing of the classic.
Another AFL teamster strike is on file for
May 23 against the Western Pennsylvania
Motor Carriers Ass’n and other trucking
firms . . . Carl T. McKnight, an employe of
the Erie railroad in Youngstown, and Carl
Blake, who has operated drive-in theatres in
Ohio several years, will open an outdoor thea-
tre on an eight-acre plot on the site of the
former Camp Reynolds, near Greenville, Pa.
Alexander Theatre Supply Co., RCA dis-
tributor, has been named as agent for RCA’s
16mm projectors . . . Joe Kaliski, veteran film
man of Pittsburgh who was named local SRO
manager, reports that furniture has been in-
stalled at the new Selznick office in the Clark
Bldg. . . . PRC’s move into the former RKO
quarters has been held up for weeks on ac-
count of the telephone strike. John Zomnir,
manager, says PRC cannot occupy the new
exchange until a switchboard has been in-
stalled.
Emil Foryan, Republic’s assistant shipper,
was initiated into Local Bll. The emcee
was Ed “Goodie” Good, PRC shipper . . .
Dave Silverman, RKO salesman, attended a
father-son dinner last weekend with one of
his boys.
The cottage of the F. E. Hasleys at Coch-
ranton, 14 feet above stream level on French
DELIVERING
the
Completely
NEW
"A A" Projector
ATLAS THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
425 Van Braam St. Pittsburgh
Stagehands, artists and stage craftsmen
are volunteering services for the annual mid-
night benefit show May 4 in the Stanley,
sponsored by the Hill City Youth Municipality
of Pittsburgh. The organization is devoted
to prevention of juvenile delinquency . . .
Charles P. “Chuck” Shannon, Warner cir-
cuit manager at Sharon, and Paul V. Shan-
non, KDKA announcer, are mourning the
loss of their brother, Stewart Shannon
jr., wounded on Iwo Jima, who died in
Aspinwall veterans hospital.
Joseph G. Seyboldt of the Gem at Erie, 82,
is in a hospital there . . . Norman and Mary
Huhn of the Grandview, Mount Washington,
and their two children are moving at last
to their new home in Mount Lebanon . . .
Saal Gottlieb, MGM manager, and Max Sha-
bason, chief booker, will be back on the job
Tuesday after an eight-day sales conference
in New York.
The Sam Wheelers celebrated their 25th
wedding aniversary last weekend in Wash-
ington and in attendance from Pittsburgh at
a dinner there in the Shoreham hotel were
Hymie and Yetta Wheeler and daughter
Jackie, Maurice and Wray Wheeler, Mrs.
Mary Chaban and daughter Marsha. ■ Sam
is general sales manager for Film Classics
. . . Harry Stahl reports the installation of
a popcorn warming unit and a candy bar
at the NuLuna, Sharon.
Carl M. Sherkel, former Houtzdale exhibi-
tor, suffered a slight stroke last week and his
speech was affected. He will be glad to wel-
come Filmrow friends. He was an exhibitor
for 30 years, having transferred his theatre
to the Midstate circuit in 1942. Since then
he has managed a store for a coal company.
Werner “Fuzzy” Lund, Dario “Danny”
Castelli and Wally Battiston are back at their
respective enterprises here after supervising
the opening of “Citizen Saint” at the Erlan-
ger and Midtown in Buffalo, and at the
Strand, Niagara Falls . . . Sam Galanty, Co-
lumbia district manager, is vacationing in
California . . . Earle W. Sweigert, Paramount
division manager, was expected here late in
the week to conduct a branch meeting.
S. A. Peters, Sistersville, W. Va„ exhibitor,
is recuperating from injuries sustained when
his new Cadillac was crowded off a highway
near his home town while returning from
Akron, Ohio. Four passengers were injured
and the car was completely wrecked in a
150-foot spill into a hollow.
John J. Maloney, MGM division manager,
following his yearly custom, attended last
weekend’s retreat at St. Paul’s monastery
. . . George Tice of Columbia is assisting the
Homestead Kiwanis club’s spring dance,
which will be staged in the William Penn
hotel May 14.
William Baer, former Pitt student, has
joined RKO as a student booker . . . Largest
crowd of the season attended the Monogram
night party at the Variety Club- . . . Mrs.
Herman Stahl, wife of the Oil City showman,
hosted a tea last Sunday in honor of Minna
Kember, Oil City senior high school teacher,
who will become Mrs. Jack Stahl. Son Jack,
who is in the jewelry business, and Minna,
will wed June 29 in the bride-elect’s home
town, Corry.
Papa Yates has a greatly improved film
color in Roy Rogers’ new musical western,
“The Bells of San Angelo.” Rogers’ second
Trucolor production is a swell show and the
color photography and dye processing is a
better job than “Apache Rose.” Roy is
bringing Trigger here for the police widows’
pension fund circus in Forbes Field the week
of July 14. Shuttle bus service will bring
Rogers fans from a radius of 100 miles for
the six evening performances and the Satur-
day matinee. A similar special service will
operate during the entire nine-week Pitt
Stadium operetta season.
Andrew McKinley of Verona sings the role
of Turiddu which opens June 2, in “Cavalleria
Rusticana” at Syria Mosque the evening of
May 10. The La Scala opera season opens
May 8 with seven presentations scheduled
and all tickets sold.
A1 Sunshine, Advanads manufacturer, was
here for several days on business with Lou
Hanna, local distributor . . . Laura Wells,
Enterprise exploiteer, visited local newspaper
offices . . . “Voice of the Turtle” opens a two-
week return engagement in the Nixon May 5
and “Lute Song” opens May 19 . . . The
Samuel Rothensteins, Evans City exhibitors,
are mourning the death of Rothenstein’s
brother-in-law, Moritz Herskovitz. Here for
the funeral with the Rothensteins were ex-
hibitor sons Abe of West Aliquippa, Lou of
Cambridge Springs, and Martin, Baden, and
other members of the family.
AMPTO Committee Named
PITTSBURGH— Morris M. Finkel, AMPTO
of W. Pa., president, has appointed a pub-
licity committee headed by Norman B. Mer-
vis, Pittsburgh, circuit exhibitor and Allied
director; George J. Corcoran, Uniontown,
also an Allied director, and Robert F. Kling-
ensmith, BOXOFFICE representative.
Suspends at Charlevoix
CHARLEVOIX, MICH.— The Palace Thea-
tre discontinued showings Tuesday, Wednes-
day and Thursday during April, Ed Sandie
explaining that lack of good films was par-
tially the reason. Sandie expected to resume
full-time operation later.
IA to Meet in Uniontown
UNIONTOWN, PA. — The annual Tristate
Ass’n of the IATSE convention will be held
here June 15. Last summer’s tristate meet-
ing was held in New Kensington.
‘Robin Hood' Castings
Among the new castings for Monogram’s
“Robin Hood of Monterey” are Thornton
Edwards, Julian Rivero and Ernie Adams.
84
BOXOFFICE :: May 3, 1947
New England States Wait
Massachusetts Tax Move
East Walpole Park
To Be Opened May 7
EAST WALPOLE, MASS— May 7 is the
date set for the opening of the new Park
Theatre. Roy A. Smith is owner. Smith, who
has been the manager of the Norwood, Nor-
wood, resigned some months ago when he
purchased property here and began erection
of the new house. It seats 630. Appoint-
ments include refrigerated air conditioning,
pushback seats, indirect lighting and the
latest marquee and improved lobby.
With a staff of seven, Smith will operate
and manage the house and will do his own
buying. He will play matinees with two shows
at night from 6:30 to 11. Sunday runs will
be continuous from 2 p. m.
Although he ran into many obstacles dur-
ing the construction period, Smith claims
that he was never discouraged.
“I always knew that the theatre would be
completed,” he said, “even if the opening was
delayed six months.”
Donald Wollins Promoted
To Boston Staff of E-L
NEW YORK — Donald J. Wollins, a mem-
ber of Eagle-Lion’s press book staff for the
last year, has been promoted to the post of
assistant field exploitation man in the Boston
territory, according to Max E. Youngstein.
director of advertising, publicity and ex-
ploitation. He will work under Joe Mans-
field, Boston field exploitation representative.
Star Film Distributing Co.
Appoints Klein Salesman
NEW HAVEN — Star Film Distributing Co.
has appointed Sanford “Sonny” Klein of
New Haven, as salesman and booker. New
to the field here, Klein recently was dis-
charged from the army air forces after
serving three and one-half years as a pilot
here and in Belgium, France and England.
New Concord Assistant
CONCORD, N. H. — Fred I. Baker, a Con-
cord high school graduate who served with
the army in Germany, has been appointed
assistant manager of the Star Theatre in this
city, according to Manager Alfred M. Stret-
ton. Baker takes the position held by War-
ren Towle, who has gone to Norwood, Mass.,
to take over the management of the Guild
Theatre there.
W. A. Stewart Promoted
SOUTHBRIDGE, MASS. — Walter A.
Stewart, general sales manager of American
Optical Co., makers of television receiver
parts, has been elected vice-president in
charge of sales and made a trustee of the cor-
poration.
New Britain Ad Rate Up
NEW BRITAIN— Effective June 1, the rate
for amusement and sports advertising will
be increased by local newspapers to $1.26 a
column inch, which is the base rate for retail
ads.
'Lloyds' Shown at Fairhaven
FAIRHAVEN, VT.— The film “Lloyds of
London” was shown in the high school audi-
torium here April 17. It was the last in a
series of films shown to raise funds for a pro-
jector and educational films for the ele-
mentary schools of the town.
Presque Isle Opera House
Is Destroyed by Flames
BOSTON— The Opera House in Presque
Isle, Me., was destroyed by fire April 25 with
a total loss of $150,000. The theatre was
owned by the Hone Bros, and was built many
years ago. It was the second major theatre
fire in Presque Isle. The State, owned by
Lloyd Bridgham, burned during the war. It
has since been rebuilt and is now operating.
A recent fire in the cellar of the Midway
Theatre at Oakland Beach, R. I., was brought
under control before any serious damage was
done. Joe Carrola, owner of the property,
stated that the house would be closed for
four or five days for repairs. Smoke and
water damage necessitated most of the re-
pair work.
Hartford Showmen Help
Draft Car Parking Plan
HARTFORD — A merchants committee has
been formed to draft a workable municipal
parking plan here, with William Savitt, jew-
eler, as chairman.
An all-day five-cent parking experiment
has started in the space behind the State
Armory on Broad street, with bus service
from the parking lot to the downtown area
for the car parkers.
Members of the newly organized commit-
tee include Henry L. Needles, district man-
ager for Warner Theatres, and Jim Mc-
Carthy, manager of the Strand.
Joe Faith Back From Florida
HARTFORD — Joe Faith, who operates the-
atres in Bristol, Collinsville, Unionville, and
Terryville, is back home following a Florida
vacation.
BOSTON — State sales taxes, if adopted at
all, should be uniform throughout New Eng-
land, the governors of the six New England
states are known to have agreed in a meet-
ing held here six weeks ago.
A number of sales tax proposals have been
heard since at the capitol here, but no new
taxes will be voted by the Massachusetts
legislature until Governor Bradford’s five-
man committee on state and municipal
finance makes its official report May 5.
Should the committee report that a sales tax
is the most feasible method of combating
the deficit problem, the governor is ex-
pected to recommend such a tax.
Governor Bradford several weeks ago rec-
ommended, in a preliminary “confidential”
report, a 1 per cent sales tax, among a num-
ber of other revenue measures. He has
stated unofficially that a 2 or 3 per cent sales
tax is “a possibility.”
It is becoming increasingly evident that no
New England state will move toward enact-
ment of a sales tax until Massachusetts does.
The Rhode Island general assembly has re-
cessed until May 27 to find out what Massa-
chusetts and Connecticut intend to do about
the problem. Maine moved closed to the
sales tax field when its legislators voted
unanimously in favor of a 2 per cent levy for
new revenue. It is believed that Connecticut
and Vermont will put through a sales tax
as soon as it becomes evident that Massa-
chusetts and Rhode Island will do likewise.
A commission appointed by Gov. Charles
M. Dale of New Hampshire reported some
time ago that no new revenue would be
needed for two years if expenses were kept
at a minimum. The situation in New Hamp-
shire, however, depends on the fate of about
a dozen appropriation measures pending in
the legislature at Concord.
The adoption of a general sales tax would
not affect theatres directly, it is understood,
and it undoubtedly would eliminate the ne-
cessity for all smaller “nuisance taxes,” in-
cluding further admission levies in the six
New England states.
BARKERS PLEDGE SUPPORT — Pledging financial aid to the Children’s hospital
blood research and blood bank, officials of the Variety Club of New England are de-
picted conferring with officials of the institution. During the ceremonies a plaque was
unveiled. In the usual order: Joe Cifre, Maurice N. Wolf, Phil Marget, Dr. H. Brown,
Murray Weiss, J. W. Farley, Dr. L. K. Diamond, John J. Dervin and William Koster.
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
NE
85
FALL RIVER
passes to the Durfee and Empire theatres
were presented to six students at the an-
nual Hilltop Review of the B.M.C. Durfee
high school at which cheer leader Wanda
Ziobro was chosen as “Miss Hilltop.” The
presentations were made by John S. McAvoy,
assistant to Paul Slayer, Durfee manager, and
Norman Zalkind, Park manager, who repre-
sented William S. Canning of the Yamins
circuit here.
A considerable portion of the more than
$5,000 donated by the public to fete the Bay
state basketball champions, the Durfee high
school team, was deposited by donors at the
Durfee, Empire, Capitol, Park, Strand and
other theatres during the short drive con-
ducted by William S. Canning. The team,
feted at a victory dance and dinner at the
State Armory, spent a full week taking in
the high spots in New York, to which mem-
bers were taken by plane.
Installation of a new marquee, an air con-
ditioning plant and cooling fountain system
is among improvements being made at the
Park, of which Norman Zalkind is manager.
Repairs and redecorating of the balcony
have been completed . . . Mrs. Catherine Wil-
kinson is the new cashier there, replacing
Juliette Courturier, who has gone to Hart-
ford . . . New relief cashiers are Mrs. Lena
Gagnon and Mrs. Helen Golen . . . William
Hughes, who served in the Pacific area with
the Sixth army, is assistant manager at the
Park.
All balcony seats have been removed at the
Strand of which James Knight is manager,
in preparation for major alterations. Con-
struction of a new roof is completed.
Children’s shows, with an admission of 15
cents, are being presented after school hours
at the New Embassy by William Purcell jr.,
manager . . . “The Best Years of Our Lives”
has completed a three-week engagement at
the Center, which has reverted to Wednesday
openings instead of on Fridays . . . George
Kelly and John Nealon are new doormen at
the Plaza, owned and operated by John
O’Connor.
Harry Zeitz of the Zeitz Theatres has left
St. Luke’s hospital in New Bedford and has
resumed his duties . . . The Academy per-
sonnel presented to Claude Shaw, student
manager, a cake on his 31st birthday.
Twelve petitions signed by 380 residents of
Somerset, adjacent to Fall River, favoring the
granting of a license for the proposed Somer-
set Theatre and ballroom, have been sub-
mitted to the board of selectmen. Action
was postponed for selectmen to investigate
the sentiment of the townspeople in the
matter.
'Ivan' Is Smash Hit
At Boston Kenmore
BOSTON — “Ivan the Terrible,” playing at
the uptown Kenmore, broke all house records
for the week, with schools and colleges help-
ing the attendance. “The Macomber Affair"
at the State and Orpheum was strong enough
to be held over. Frankie Carle was on stage
at the Boston.
(Average is 100)'
Boston — The Devil Thumbs a Ride (RKO),
plus stage show-....1. 130
Esquire — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
17th wk 135
Kenmore — Ivan the Terrible (Art) 250
Majestic — Bedelia (E-L); Untamed Fury (PRC) 130
Memorial — Song of Scheherazade (U-I);
Jewels of Brandenburg (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 95
Metropolitan — The Imperfect Lady (Para) 130
Old South — Children of Paradise (Tricolor Films),
3rd wk 100
Paramount and Fenway — The Late George Apley
(20th-Fox), 2nd d. t. wk.; Backlash (20th-Fox)....115
State and Orpheum— The Macomber Affair (UA);
Blondie's Holiday (Col) 140
'Brunette' and 'Macomber' Tops
For the Week at New Haven
NEW HAVEN — Second week of “My Favor-
ite Brunette” at the Paramount nosed out
“Macomber Affair” at the Loew’s Poli in the
percentage column. “Macomber” moved to the
College for a second week. Most houses re-
ported good business over a mild Saturday
and rainy, cold Sunday.
Bijou — Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (MGM);
Out California Way (Rep) 103
College — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM),
Backlash (20th-Fox), 2nd d. t. wk 110
Loew's Poli — The Macomber Affair (UA);
The Lone Wolf in Mexico (Col) 140
Paramount — My Favorite Brunette (Para);
Michigan Kid (U-I) , 2nd wk 150
Roger Sherman — Stallion Road (WB);
The Devil Thumbs a Ride (RKO), 2nd wk 95
'Smash Up' and 'Johnny O'Clock'
Held Over in Hartford
HARTFORD — “Smash-Up” and “Johnny
O’clock” were held over. The State had the
Spike Jones City Slickers on the stage and
“Philo Vance’s Gamble.”
Allyn — The Angel and the Badman (Rep);
The Ghost Goes Wild (Rep) 120
E. M. Loew's — Johnny O'Clock (Col);
Millie's Daughter (Col), 2nd wk 175
Loew's Poli — The Sea of Grass (MGM);
The Devil Thumbs a Ride (RKO) 150
Palace — The Late George Apley (20th-Fox);
Three on a Ticket (PRC), 2nd wk 110
Regal — Smash-Up (U-I), 3rd wk.. 200
Strand — The Macomber Affair (UA);
Banjo (RKO) -.140
Numbered Cards on 'Bedelia'
WATERBURY— For “Bedelia,” Paul O.
Klinger, manager of the Strand, mailed out to
150 selected names serially numbered pic-
torial post cards. Included was a note,
stating that if the number of the card cor-
responded with a list of 25 numbers posted
in the lobby the holder and a guest would be
admitted free to see the picture.
'BEAT? EVERYTHING
FOR THRILL’S »
WAHOO
America's finest Screen Came
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT CO., 831 S. WABASH AVE., CHICAG
WQ_RCJ_S1IB
QLene Trembley has recovered from an ill-
ness and has moved from the Plymouth
to the Royal, where he will be chief operator
. . . Both newspapers here have lifted the ban
on advertising, which affected the theatres
on Saturday nights and Monday mornings.
Erwin Neumann, manager of the Bradley
in Putnam, has made the house available for
the Putnam high school graduation exercises
June 19 . . . Vaughn Monroe and Phil
Spitalny, orchestra leaders were in town . . .
Albert Hill, veteran employe of the Plymouth,
has been on sick leave.
A columnist in the Sunday Telegram yearns
for “a theatre that would bring back the old
days of vaudeville at Poli’s and roadshows at
the Worcester” . . . Donna Wood, former
Orange singer who was a featured vocalist
with Horace Heidt’s orchestra, died recently
in Hollywood of a heart ailment.
Nate Goldberg, manager of the Plymouth,
reports a third week for “The Best Years of
Our Lives” . . . Hayden Rourke, formerly of
Boylston, has entered the cast of Eugene
O’Neill’s touring play, “The Iceman Cometh”
. . . Cledge Roberts will operate his stock
company in Marion again this summer.
Mrs. Margaret Sweeney, mother of Mary
Sweeney, cashier at the Elm Street, was
stranded for a while in midocean when the
boat carrying her home from a visit in Ire-
land developed boiler trouble . . . Manager
Bob Portle of the Elm Street reports a sec-
ond week for “The Macomber Affair.”
Alec DiRienzo, formerly of the Greendale,
has joined the Plymouth . . . The bowling
team representing the People’s in Maynard
won the Intertown League championship
with 68 points won and 32 lost. The People’s
had the third highest three- string total of
1,790.
Arthur M. Rosenbush, for the past year
manager of the Modern in Marlboro, has re-
signed, concluding his duties last week. He
returned to his home in Methuen for a vaca-
tion. His successor is Jack G. Wallens of „
Brookline, a veteran of 42 months with the
army.
Phil Levine of the Royal has succeeded the
late A1 Kelly in the booth at the Plymouth
. . . George Heeley, manager of the Marlboro
in that city, is awarding comic books and
Bugs Bunny dolls at his Saturday morning
shows . . . Nate Goldberg, manager of the
Plymouth, saw his long-awaited first big
league ball game of the season.
Mr. and Mrs. Alphonse A. Couture of Ashby
have purchased Shea’s in Fitchburg from
John F. Sullivan for $22,000, subject to a
lease held by the New Hampshire Theatres
which expires July 3. Couture will take over
early in June, make renovations and continue
the policy of first run pictures. At present
he operates the Strand, a neighborhood house
in the Cleghorn section of Fitchburg.
Hampton Beach Season Opens
HAMPTON BEACH, N. H.— The Casino
ballroom opened here April 19 with Ted
Herbert and his orchestra. This is considered
the opening gun at this resort. For the
present only the Saturday night dances will
be held but the season will get into full stride
after Memorial day. Vaughn Monroe and his
orchestra will be here for one concert in the
middle of May.
Lead in 'Missouri Legend'
Lynn Bari has been inked for a lead in
Eayle-Lion’s “Missouri Legend.”
86
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
At Boston Luncheon Given for Two Promoted MGM Men
Tear Campaigns' Increase
Disease, Writer Thinks
HARTFORD — A West Hartford business
man, Aaron G. Cohen, in a contribution to
the Letter to the Editor column of the Times,
declared that he resents the “fear campaign
now again being waged through newspapers,
radio programs, direct mail and more espe-
cially through the motion picture industry.”
“Last year, it was Spencer Tracy and this
year it is Irene Dunne, warning, ‘One in
eight will die of cancer; one dies of cancer
each three minutes,’ ” Cohen wrote.
“It is absolutely wrong to publicize disease
through erroneous impressions. They are apt
to make such deep impressions as to result
in more disease in the human body.
“If this continues, it will be more than ‘One
in eight’ that will die of cancer. Proof of
this is the increase in polio since the fear-
advertising which took place some years ago.”
The Harris brothers, owners of the State,
donated the use of theatre and personnel
Wednesday night (30) for a “Cash for Can-
cer” benefit show, featuring vaudeville. Local
84 of the stagehands union contributed serv-
ices of its members. Jack W. Gordon of
Gordon’s Entertainment bureau, contacted
New York vaudeville acts for benefit appear-
ances. Local talent rounded out the stage
show.
Worcester Police Make
Additions to 'Gray List'
WORCESTER — The police department has
placed three films on its “gray list” and has
notified all theatres they must not be
screened publicly until representatives of the
police have previewed them.
The pictures are UA’s “Private Affairs of
Bel Ami,” Columbia’s “Framed” and D. O.
Selznick’s “Duel in the Sun.” In addition,
“The Outlaw” has been on the “gray list”
for some time but no theatre here has shown
any desire to play the picture.
It is customary for the police to look over
questionable films in advance of their public
showings, with the result that sometimes they
are banned altogether or scenes are ordered
censored. The police previews, however, are
comparatively rare.
‘Old Homestead' Warmed Over Again
CHARLESTOWN, N. H.— A cast of Charles-
town players will present “The Old Home-
stead” May 15 and 16 for the benefit of the
Ladies Aid of the Charlestown church. This
is the 14th time the local cast has appeared in
the oldtime play.
New England exhibitors toasted two
MGM field executives recently promoted
by William F. Rodgers, vice-president and
general sales manager, at a luncheon at
the Copley Plaza, Boston. On the dais
may be seen Benn H. Rosenwald, new
Boston manager; Maurice N. Wolf, for-
mer Boston district manager, promoted
to assistant to H. M. Richey at the home
office; John P. Byrne, eastern sales man-
ager; Herman Ripps, district manager,
and Bert McKenzie,
those present were:
Chester Stoddard
Henry Schwartzberg
Abner Eilenberg
Sam Seletsky
Stanley Sumner
Max Levenson
Arthur Lockwood
Louis Gordon
Sol Edwards
Phil Smith
E. Harold Stoneman
Theodore Fleisher
Sam Kurson
Newell Kurson
Seth Fields
Larry Hermon
Herman Rifkin
Morris Pouzzner
George Markell
Herb Higgins
Hi Young
George Hackett
lames Tibbettes
exploiteer. Among
Jack Mercer
A. C. Kilpatrick
John Deery
Phil Bloomberg
lulius Rifkin
George Roberts
S. Eilenberg
Ray Feeley
Abe Garbose
Carl Zeitz
Alden Peterson
Nathan Yamins
William Sullivan
Richard Dobbyn
W. E. Mitchell
lohn Glazier
Leonard Goldberg
Herbert Kopelman
Arthur Frank
Shep Epstein
Frances W. Harding
Rudolph Elie
F. Hardine
Burns Theatre in Newport
Aids 2nd Fishing Contest
NEWPORT, VT. — In cooperation with five
mercantile establishments here, the Burns
Theatre has announced tlqe city’s second an-
nual salmon fishing contest. There will be
many prizes. Among the judges will be Dana
Kennan, manager of the Burns, and chair-
man of the affair. The prizes will be
awarded from the stage of the Burns May 1.
Coin Emblems to Kiddies
NEW BRITAIN — The Music Box Theatre
here is running Saturday afternoon kiddy
matinees. Coin emblems are being given to
youngsters attending ten consecutive mat-
inees. Les Markoski is manager.
Cheshire Fair Raises Premiums
KEENE, N. H. — The Cheshire Fair Ass’n
has voted to increase its premiums to more
than $10,000 for the 1947 exhibit, an increase
of about $3,000 over 1946. A new building is
being erected to house the educational de-
partment, which is one of the departments in
which a large increase has been made in
premiums.
Reservations Pouring In
For Lydon Testimonial
BOSTON — Reservations for the testimonial
luncheon for Frank Lydon to be held at Hotel
Bradford May 6 are coming in faster than
anticipated, according to executives of inde-
pendent Exhibitors, Inc., hosting the affair.
Acceptances have been received from man-
agers and salesmen as well as projectionists
and labor representatives.
Seated at the head table will be Arthur
Howard, Lydon’s former associate at Affil-
iated Theatres, Inc., and Tom Duane, di-
vision manager for Selznick, where Lydon
is now connected as special representative, as
well as the officers of Independent Exhibitors,
Inc.
New Hampshire House
Kills Lottery Proposal
CONCORD, N. H.— A bill which would have
established a state lottery system in New
Hampshire has been killed in the legislature
here, despite an offer of its sponsor, Rep.
Joseph H. Geisel of Manchester, to loan the
state $100,000 to get the proposed system in
operation. The house rejected the measure
by a vote of 192 to 125.
The house judiciary committee had made
a majority report that the measure was “in-
expedient to legislate,” but the sponsor urged
substitution of the minority report, calling
for passage of the bill.
Chase Barn School Opens July 8
WHITEFIELD, N. H.— The Chase Barn
Summer Theatre has announced the eighth
season of its apprentice school from July 8 to
August 30. Miss Gladys Bowen of New York
will head the school. Miss Bowen was con-
nected with Columbia university theatre ac-
tivities for ten years. Miss Margaret Hazle-
wood will be back this year as director.
Proprietor and director of the activities is
Mrs. Lucy Chase Sparks, who took over the
theatre from Will Chase. The theatre move-
ment here was started in 1934.
'Earnest' Will Tour Vermont
MIDDLEBURY, VT.— The Vermont Rep-
ertory Theatre, owned and managed by Dex-
ter Reynolds of this town, soon will estab-
lish headquarter^ here. The formal open-
ing will take place June 16, and the players
will tour the state. The company will be a
year-around feature and will open the sear
son with the Broadway hit, “The Importance
of Being Earnest.”
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
8?
BOSTON
The Nipmuc Theatre at Mendon has opened
for the summer season. Playing bur-
lesque and films, this house is one of the few
strictly summer “flesh and flickers” situa-
tions in the country. A weekly policy with a
stock line of 16 girls and no matinees is
the policy. Brad Angier is owner.
Fred Couture, owner of the State, Dover,
N. H„ and the Scenic, Pittsfield, N. H.,
has been in the entertainment field 40 years.
He started as a trick bicycle rider with A1
Jolson in vaudeville but acquired his first
theatre in Rochester, N. H., 20 years ago.
Later the house was sold to the Interstate
circuit. At one time he operated about a
dozen theatres in New Hampshire.
Mrs. A. A. Cook of the Moosehead, Green-
ville, Me., has turned over the management
of the house to her son-in-law, A. B. Hatha-
way . . . Andy St. Ledger of the Bijou, Pitts-
field, has returned after a ten-day vaca-
tion in Lowell, Mass. . . . Harold Marong,
Playhouse, Newport, Me., has installed a new
Viking popcorn machine.
Bob and Mary’s restaurant in Scarboro, Me.,
popular with exhibitors ' and salesmen, has
been put in readiness for the summer busi-
ness. The cafe is a few miles this side of
Portland . . . W. F. Goodwin who has op-
erated the Lyric, Kennebuck Port, for a num-
KR0KYN- BROWNE, Architects
Theatre Specialists and Consultants
NEW ADDRESS
184 Boylston Street at Park Square, Boston
Ajf / POPCORN
JVIatUeif, MACHINES
Tops for all showmen!
Ask the theatre that has one!
SAM HORENSTEIN
Pofxc&ut Man”
New England Representative
-* * *
Office and Showroom . . . 45 Church St.
Hancock 7419 Boiton
In the Heart of the Film District
Genuine
MANLEY SUPPLIES
jumiuumuuiuiiuiniiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiuimii ■
ber of years, is heading the house for an
early summer opening.
To honor his colleague, Sergei Prokofieff,
Russian composer of note, Dr. Serge Kousse-
vitzky cut short his regular rehearsal and
took the entire Boston Symphony orchestra
and personnel to view “Ivan the Terrible”
at the Kenmore Theatre. Prokofieff’s musi-
cal score is an outstanding feature of the
film.
United Artists held tradescreenings for
“Dishonored Lady,” “Fun on a Weekend,”
“Ramrod,” "The Affairs of Bel Ami,” “New
Orleans” and “Copocabana” . . . Lou Wechsler,
former sales manager at PRC, has resigned
. . . Phil Levine, former junior manager with
the Snider circuit, who has returned from
Florida, was in the district making inquiries
as to a managerial post in this territory.
by Charles E. Kane. The new owners, whose
names have not yet been divulged, were to
take over the property May 1 . . . Francis
Driscoll, booker at MGM, recently was pre-
sented a ten-year service by Benn H. Rosen-
wald, resident manager . . . Joe Stanzler of
East Greenwich, R. I., is doing a complete
redecorating and reseating job on his Green-
wich Theatre. There will be new lighting
effects and an entire paint job. Plans are
under way for structural changes to enlarge
the seating capacity as soon as approval
comes from the CPA. The house now seats
620.
Mrs. Kenneth Douglass, wife of the head of
the Capitol Supply Co. in this area, died re-
cently at the Brooks hospital in Brookline
after a long illness. The funeral was held
in Nashua, N. H., April 28.
After 27 Years at MGM,
Repec Goes With B&Q
UA’s district manager, Clayton Eastman,
has promoted the office manager, Jack
Meadow, to salesman in the Buffalo terri-
tory. He will make his headquarters in Syra-
cuse. The office staff presented him a gold
fountain pen. Jack Draddy, former sales-
man, will succeed him.
In Columbia’s bonus drive for salesmen
and bookers which concludes June 30, the
Boston territory is in second place. The
boys are hopeful they will move into the lead
. . . Mrs. Sarah Melincoff, mother of Max
Melincoff, manager of the Warner circuit
here, died in Los Angeles at the home of a
daughter, Mrs. E. Penn. Her body was sent
to Lawrence, Mass., for burial in the family
plot. She is survived by three sons, Max,
Dr. A. E. and Jack Melincoff.
A group of shippers and drivers has formed
a committee to take over the Frank “Red”
McBride fund. “Red” was a driver for
the Film Exchange Transfer Co. who died
in March from pneumonia. He left a wife,
four children and a lapsed insurance policy.
Heading the committee to raise money to
help pay for the funeral expenses is Sam
Paul, PRC head shipper. All donations should
be sent to him. Others working on the com-
mittee are John Foley and Phil Stern of
Film Transfer, Bill Lynde of 20th-Fox and
Bill Hutch of Regal Pictures.
BOSTON — Charles Repec, with MGM 27
years, has resigned to join the B&Q circuit
as booker. He will as-
sume the new duties
May 7.
A native of Buffalo,
Repec started his mo-
tion picture career
with General Films in
1919. A year later he
became shipper for
MGM in the Boston
office and had been
with that company
since he has been as-
sistant booker and
head booker and in
1941 joined the sales Charles repec
staff as city circuit contact man.
Repec is married and lives in Arlington.
Orphans Treated to 'Song'
WORCESTER — Sixty children from
Nazareth Home for Boys in Leicester and St.
Gabriel’s Home for Girls here attended
Loew’s Poli Theatre Saturday to see the
Walt Disney film “Song of the South.” The
theatre party for the orphanage children was
arranged by Harold H. Maloney, Loew’s Poli
manager, the Worcester Telegram and the
Evening Gazette.
The Park Theatre in Spencer has been sold
CZcr^/. art ccd af once
ONN. THEATRE
CANDY CO.
62 COMMERCE ST.
New Hoven.Conn. ,
Dartmouth Shows Foreign Films
HANOVER, N. H. — The foreign-language
department of Dartmouth college is present-
ing foreign films on Sunday afternoons. The
first in the series was the German film,
“Schrammeln,” which was shown April 13.
To Direct Short in Australia
Arthur G. Collins, currently living in Aus-
tralia, will direct a short on Australian winter
sports for Warners.
% avoid e.xce.AA'io-e A,en,iUce cha^ei.
it will pay dividends to- orutiult
Stocked With All
Necessary Repair
and Replacement
Parts for Any
Sound System.
'Sound'
linzz'iing Sz'iwicz
„ rQObtlQQQQ'iO
• ****?£?*?£&
Now Expanding
with Additional
personnel to cover
a Larger Service
Area.
‘‘Ask any
exhibitor using
our service”
On colt cct a n /./ Amt
LONquood 260 1
■W-flROLO DflVIDSOfV
1 3 S MOUNTFORT ST.
BROOKLINE 46.MRSS
Many theatres
under our
maintenance
88
BOXOFFICE :: May 3, 1947
Fall River Operator
In Business 40 Years
PALL RIVER — A projectionist in the
nickelodeon days had to be half octopus to
do a good job, running a projector with one
hand, rewinding with the other and then try-
ing to fix a break, all at the same time.
George Sullivan, now a projectionist at
the Center Theatre here, boasts 40 years in
the motion picture business. He started in
1906 and came to the old Nickelodeon here
in 1907. At that time admissions were five
cents, one-reel shows ran seven minutes and
machines were run by hand. The machines,
he recalls, were Vitagraphs, an Edison in-
vention.
George, as his many friends here call him,
relates the film came out of the machine and
dropped into a cloth bag. After a year or so,
an improvement was made — the film was
dropped into an ashcan.
REWOUND FILM ON PENCIL
Because of the fire danger the projectionist
rewound the film on a pencil as soon as it
was run.
From 1908 to 1921 Sullivan was chief opera-
tor for Marcus Loew in New England, then
worked at the State Theatre in New Bedford
until 1924, when he moved to the Electrical
Research Products Co., a subsidiary of West-
ern Electric, installing equipment in Penn-
sylvania, New York, North and South Caro-
lina and Illinois. He stayed with his com-
pany through the introduction of sound. He
came to the Center in 1938.
Recalling the early days of theatres here,
Sullivan said that in 1904, the Academy of
Music, now a Zeitz motion picture house,
presented Sunday performances of Shepard’s
motion pictures at 10 and 20 cents. In 1907,
he recalled, Sheedy’s vaudeville house was
showing six-minute newsreels at the end of
each show in the old Bijou Theatre.
VAUDEVILLE WITH FILMS
The Casto, then located on Rock street, was
also showing films with its regular vaudeville
show. This theatre, along with the old Dur-
fee and Rialto, was destroyed in the 1928
conflagration which swept the center of the
city.
Sullivan said the Rialto installed the first
sound equipment in this city. This went in
the fire, but in 1929 the theatre was rebuilt
and became the Durfee of today, at that
time one of the most modern and largest
theatres in New England.
Sullivan found it amusing to recall that
sometimes the old silent pictures came with-
out titles, making it necessary for the op-
erator to hang a megaphone in front of him
and write the titles on a piece of paper. At
the right moment, the operator would speak
the lines through the megaphone. His audi-
ence would never know, he recalled, if one
or two of the titles were missing.
Teachers Thank Showman
For Education Week Aid
From Western Edition
SAN ANGELO — John D. Jones, head of
Concho Theatres, Inc., operators of the Robb
& Rowley theatres here, has received a
heartening letter from the local teachers
association. The letter was an expression of
thanks from the teachers to Jones for show-
ing a film for American Education week.
“We are more and more aware,” said the
letter, “of the tremendous part which the
picture show plays in the education of both
children and adults, and it is extremely grati-
fying to us that you saw fit to use this
educational force to promote the work of
the public schools.”
H A R T F O R
£*eorge E. Landers, E. M. Loew’s manager,
^ reports the lobby has been remodeled
and a new candy concession stand installed
there . . . Fred R. Greenway of the Palace
and his assistant, Albert Lessow, had a street
gag on “Love Laughs at Andy Hardy,” con-
sisting of two ushers pushing a six foot
blowup of “Glamazon” Dorothy Ford on
wheels with appropriate copy.
Charlie Lowe, sound engineer for Warner
Theatres, was in Manchester and New Britain
. . . Martin H. Kelleher of the Princess made
a booking trip to New Haven.
Don Borenstein, 13-year-old son of Manager
Joe Borenstein of the Warner Strand in New
Britain, plays two mu-
sical instruments and
is studying now on a
third. Don has been
playing with local
bands and also with a
junior high school
band and orchestra.
Lou Weiner, former
praise agent in this
territory- for UA, who
is now in Hollywood,
wrote this correspon-
dent (Allen M. Wid-
em), that he had just
returned from a pub-
licity trip to Mexico
for William Rowland
Productions’ “Women
in the Night.”
Mrs. Carl Youngquist, Astor manager, re-
turned from a five-day visit with her hubby
in Cleveland. Son Carl jr„ handled the house
in her absence . . . Sam Schuboff, assistant
at the Poli in Waterbury, was on a vacation.
Tom Carey jr., son of the Tom Carey The-
atrical Promotions, Inc., head, was to be mar-
ried May 3 to Geraldine French of West
Hartford . . . Tom sr. is back in town, follow-
ing a trip through Massachusetts, Rhode
Island and eastern Connecticut. In Pitts-
field, Mass., Tom was at Station WBEC the
opening night of a new series of film com-
ment programs featuring his old pal, Bill
Powell, Western Mass. Theatres district man-
ager in Pittsfield.
Herb Lessow, brother of Albert, the Palace
assistant, has been awarded a Jacob Fox
Foundation college scholarship.
New Britain notes: Les Markoski, Music
Box Theatre manager, has purchased a new
home . . . Randy Mailer, for many years
2-06U2 Telephones ■- 32-9/6/
Entertainment Bureau
635 Main St., Hartford 3, Conn.
DON BORENSTEIN
D
manager of the Strand, and now with Van-
guard Pictures in California, was in New
Britain on a visit . . . Stanley Sinski of the
Arch Street Theatre is back from that Flor-
ida vacation . . . Johnnie D’Amato passed
his first anniversary as Palace manager.
Marjorie Lee Oakley, night club columnist
for the Courant, was married to J. Russell
Stafford. Many theatre men attended the
wedding reception . . . Mrs. Jennie Simons,
72, mother of Manager Jack A. Simons of the
Center Theatre, died in Pittsburgh. Simons
flew there for the funeral.
Warner Theatres executives visiting local
installations included I. J. Hoffman, Dan
Finn and Jim Bracken . . . Bucky Harris,
RKO praise agent, was at the Strand on a
“Song of the South” campaign.
A publicity meeting on “Duel in the Sun,”
booked for May 7 at the Poli here, was
held at Manager Lou Cohen’s office in the
Poli Theatre Bldg., with Cohen, Sam Horwitz,
Bob Worden, Jim Hughes and Rose Badalian
of the Poli, and Fred R. Greenway, Albert
Lessow and Martha Gilwech of the Palace
attending.
If and when Loew’s, Inc., acquires another
20 per cent of the holdings of the Poli-New
England Theatres to obtain the necessary 95
per cent controlling interest under the con-
sent decree, it will affect two houses here,
the Poli and the Elm Street . . . An opera bill
scheduled at the Auditorium was canceled by
the Connecticut Opera Ass’n.
Helmut Dantine Will Make
New Film in Switzerland
From Canadian Edition
TORONTO — Appearing with Tallulah
Bankhead in the stage show, “The Eagle
Has Two Heads,” at the Royal Alexandra
here, Helmut Dantine revealed that he has
signed a contract to go to Switzerland as soon
as his present tour concludes to make a pic-
ture with Henry Fonda and Lilli Palmer.
" CORSAGE "
POST-WAR
PATTERN
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
from
CAMEO SCREEN ATTRACTIONS, INC
50 Melrose St. Boston, Mass.
Samuel I. Davidson, Pres.
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
89
Bob Portle of Worcester Recalls
His Earltf Years With Roadshows
WORCESTER — Bob Portle, manager of the
Loew-Poli Elm Street, is the dean of Worces-
ter theatre men and
can look back on 43
years in show busi-
ness as an actor and
manager.
As advance man for
musical shows and as
a vaudeville performer,
he toured back and
forth across the coun-
try for 12 years. He
has served for 31 years
in the front offices of
theatres, usually as
manager.
Looking back on that
long experience, he
recalls two thrilling events that stand out
most vividly in his memory.
“One was the time in Boston when I
smashed my hand hitting a man who was
molesting a chorus girl, and the other was
when I was kidnaped by the Millen brothers
in the robbery of Poli’s in Franklin Square.”
The Millens were as cold-blooded a pair
of murderers as New England ever knew, so
it’s natural Portle still shudders at the
thought of them.
KNUCKLE STILL OUT OF PLACE
A knuckle in his left hand that is still
out of place serves as a reminder of the
chorus girl incident. He was traveling with
the “Parisian Belles” at the time. The show
was playing in a Boston theatre.
One night after the performance, he and
three of the chorus girls were passing Hollis
street when a fellow emerged from the shad-
ows, grabbed one of the girls and attempted
to drag her away.
Bob hit the fellow with a crashing left.
He went sprawling into the gutter, then arose
and fled. That would have been that, except
that Bob discovered he had broken a knuckle,
driving it back four inches from the joint. A
doctor placed it in a cast and eventually
brought the knuckle closer to its mooring,
but it never was right again. It still is an
inch away from the joint.
The episode of the Millens not only was
more exciting but it was more serious and
might have been fatal. For the Millens,
along with their accomplice, Abe Faber,
never hesitated to kill.
Bob was assistant manager of the Poli
back in 1932 when the Millens were at large.
The manager was Ralph McGowan, now a
film booker in New York.
One Sunday night after the last perform-
ance when the safe was bulging with the
weekend receipts, the Millen brothers kid-
naped Mr. and Mrs. McGowan as they were
driving home. When they found that only
Portle knew the combination to the safe, they
drove to his home and forced him into their
automobile.
A machine gun held against Bob’s ribs by
the Millens convinced him it was no time to
argue.
The Millens drove to the theatre and went
to the office. A policeman was on duty in-
side but when he heard the familiar voices
of McGowan and Portle telling him to open
up, he did so innocently and found two ma-
chine guns pointing at him.
HELPED IDENTIFY BANDITS
Bob unlocked the safe, the Millens scooped
several thousand dollars from it, locked Portle
and the others in a tiny closet and fled. The
holdup remained a mystery for several weeks.
In the meantime, the Millens and Faber
were robbing banks, theatres and stores, leav-
ing a trail of dead men. Eventually the three
were captured and sent to the electric chair.
Bob helped identify them.
While a senior at Classical high school in
September 1903, Bob entered show business
as chief usher at Lothrop’s Opera House, now
the Olympia. After attending Hinman’s
Business college, he became treasurer of the
house in 1904. That was the year young A1
Jolson came to Lothrop’s with “High Flyers”
and was stranded here briefly when the show
flopped.
Lothrop’s closed in 1904 and Bob moved to
the old Park as treasurer. The next year, he
moved to Brooklyn to manage the Columbia.
After that, he went on the road as lecturer
with the Gans-Nelson and O’Brien-Burns
fight films. Bob delivered the lectures so
many times that he still remembers them
word for word.
Portle spent a year as advance man for
"Parisian Belles.” He left San Francisco four
days before the great fire. It was in this show
that he turned actor. One night the straight
man was taken ill and Bob substituted. He
liked it, and stayed on.
In 1911 he went into vaudeville, taking the
name of Bob Thatcher and serving as straight
to a Jewish comic, Jack Burns, who is living
in Providence now.
Two years later he acquired a new partner,
and the billing read: Melvin and Thatcher,
the Baseball Fans.
In 1915 he teamed with Lew Dean. Bob
guaranteed to recite any poem named by a
member of the audience.
He played his home town three times at
the Elm Street and Plaza, both of which he
later managed.
Bob once had the unique experience of go-
ing into a theatre as an actor and staying
on as its manager. That was at Conn’s in
Concord, N. H.
It was the first world war that moved him
from the footlights to the front office for
good. He returned to Worcester in 1917 and
the following year became assistant to Tom
Meehan, who was managing the Elm Street.
The two were in charge of the new Poli when
it was opened in 1926.
In 1928 Portle took over the management
of the Plaza, and during its excursion into
burlesque, he played obscure performers
named Rags Ragland, Lou Costello, Joe Pen-
ner and Gypsy Rose Lee, who, up to that
time, had been an aspiring dramatic actress.
From 1941 to 1943 he directed the College
in New Haven, then returned here to the
Elm Street.
If he had it to do all over, he says he
wouldn’t change a day of his lifetime in the
theatre profession. He subscribes whole-
heartedly to Irving Berlin’s observation that:
There’s no business like show business.
Tent 31 Progresses;
Committees Named
NEW HAVEN— Variety Club of Con-
necticut, Tent 31, proceeded with its organiza-
tional activities last week at a luncheon
meeting which resulted in filling ten im-
portant committees.
Chief Barker Barney Pitkin reports that
the working organization of officers, direc-
tors, and committee men now includes capable
and representative men in the industry in
Connecticut and is a promising nucleus for
good work and good fellowship in the terri-
tory. The third Monday of each month has
been chosen as a regular luncheon meeting
date, and it is hoped that the next meeting,
May 19, will be the occasion for further dis-
cussion on quarters, charities and other events
and activities.
Appointments to committees were as fol-
lows:
Heart — Morris Bailey, chairman, and Max-
well Alderman, Leo Bonoff, Harry Lavietes
and Richard Davis.
Membership — Harry Rosenblatt, chairman,
and Tim O’Toole, A1 Schuman, Morris Jacob-
son and Louis Ginsburg.
Entertainment — Harry F. Shaw, chairman,
and Nathan Podoloff, James T. Milne, Ben
Segal, Morris Podoloff, Daggett Lee, David
Kramer and Rudy Frank.
Payoff — George Wilkinson, chairman, and
Arthur Greenfield, Bernard Levy, Roger
Mahan, Frank Meadow and Albert Pickus.
House — Carl Goe, chairman, ' and Sam
Bailey, William Brown, William Canelli, Mor-
ton Katz, Jerome Lewis, Louis Phillips and
George Wilkinson.
Publicity — Lou Brown, chairman, and
Franklin Ferguson, Edward Fitzpatrick, Rudy
Frank, Sidney Klepper, James T. Milne and
George Weber.
Special events — Henry Germaine, chair-
man, and Robert Elliano, Harry Gibbs,
Samuel Hadelman, William Hutchins, Sam
Rosen, Phil Sherman and Maurice Shulman.
Bylaws — Herman Levy, Maxwell Aider-
man, George Comden, Leo Ricci, Sherman
Rosenberg and Ben Simon.
Tickets — Hugh A. Maguire, chairman, and
Jack Brown, Jacob Fishman, Milton Hyams,
Israel Levine, John Pavone and E. Schweitzes.
Charity canvass — Jack Brown, chairman,
and Walter Silverman, George Reif, Max
Salzburg, Sidney Swirsky, Michael Tomasino,
William Vuono, John Perakos, William Brown
and N. E. Brickates.
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 of which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE, DATE <S RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE.
NAME POSITION
BOB PORTLE
90
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
NEW HAVEN
'Tim O’Toole, manager of the Columbia
Theatre, Walter Silverman, Columbia
salesman, and Bill Brown, manager of the
Bijou, represented the New Haven film in-
dustry at the golden anniversary testimonial
dinner to Edward Fay in the Sheraton-Bilt-
more hotel in Providence.
Allen Dowling of the Selznick office is
traveling the state doing advance exploitation
work for “Duel in the Sun.” The picture will
play single feature on a grind policy but ad-
vanced prices haven’t been set.
John Ricciuti, in the industry on Meadow
street and thereabouts for the past 23 years,
has been appointed booker and office man-
ager at PRC . . . Mildred Goldberg is the
new secretary to Ricciuti and to Max Salz-
berg, exchange manager . . . Mary Cascioli,
daughter-in-law of Mike Cascioli, formerly
of the Forest Theatre, now retired, is new sec-
retary at Amalgamated . . . Sonia Shindell is
the new bookkeeper at the Connecticut Candy
Co.
Bob Kaufmann, 20th-Fox exploiteer, re-
cently arranged a preview of “The Home-
stretch,” world premiered last week at the
Roxy, at the Fox screening room for 40
sportswriters from all parts of the state.
Ann Donner of 20th-Fox is back at her
desk after almost a month of tough sledding
at New Haven hospital and at home . . .
Hannah Ginsburg of Warners was out with
a cold . . . Domenic Somma, head shipper at
20th-Fox and Carline Funaro were to be
married May 3. They will spend part of their
honeymoon in New York.
Eleanor Nuzzo, inspector at Warners, is all
smiles about those old-fashioned wedding
plans for May 17, as is John Lawrence Mc-
Nulty of the Journal-Courier staff, who will
middle-aisle it with the dark-eyed Eleanor
at Our Lady of Victory church, Prospect
Beach. Afterwards thereuvill be a reception
at the Hotel Duncan, New Haven, and a
three-week wedding trip to Miami Beach . . .
Mrs. William Leach, the former Victoria
Cusanelli, once a Warner booker, is now a
resident of Upton, Me., where the Leaches
plan to open a gift shop and a tourist house.
Restrooms at the Poli are being completely
reconditioned and refurnished ... At the
Paramount a change in design of the new
de luxe marquee has delayed installation
several weeks. The marquee now will be
V-shaped, with the name, Paramount, in
lights topping each leg of the V. Inside, the
house has new spun glass fireproof drapes.
Approval of plans for renovation of the
lobbies is expected soon.
The drive’s the thing at: Columbia, where
the boys are third in their group in the sales
personnel bonus drive ending June 26; PRC,
where the Harry Thomas sales drive got off
to an enthusiastic start June 23; Warners,
where those neat-looking banners announce
the Anniversary drive, which began April 27;
and RKO, where the New Depinet drive has
been under way for several weeks now.
A new long-range project to make the New
Haven harbor one of the best on the Atlantic
coast will begin this month . . . Members of
the Hillhouse high state championship
basketball team were honored at the Para-
mount Theatre . . . The boys appeared on the
stage and were awarded season passes for
their work on the hardwood.
Herman Ripps, formerly MGM district
manager for Albany, New Haven, and Buffalo,
now has Boston added to his territory, while
Maurice N. Wolf, well-known in these parts,
moves on from Boston to executive in the ex-
hibitor and public relations department as of
May 1.
Eva Foti, 20th-Fox inspector, recently was
badly shaken up in an automobile accident
. . . Helen Beecher, formerly at MGM, is new
in the 20th-Fox back room . . . Marion Car-
ney, formerly at Whitney Blake, is a new
Warner inspector . . . Traveling Auditor
Douglas Collins in visiting the 20th-Fox
office.
On Filmrow: Mrs. Mary Vuono of the
Palace, Stamford; Martin Kelleher of the
Princess, Hartford; Brooky LeWitt of the
Strand, New Britain; Howard Richardson,
State, New Britain; Clayton Eastman, dis-
trict manager of UA, in from Boston, and
Frank Dervin, district manager of Republic,
also down from the Hub for a few days.
Mr. and Mrs. Russell Hess of Groton and
son Stuart visited the Amalgamated office
. . . Also the Schwartzes, Bob and Phil . . .
Traveling widely was Harry Shaw, divisional
manager of Loew-Poli, seen in Bridgeport,
Waterbury, Hartford, Meriden and Spring-
field.
Tony Masella, assistant at the Bijou, is
very proud of his sister Michelina,- concert
soprano, who gave a big benefit concert at
the Shubert here recently with Raymond
Gerosa, tenor, and Howard Boatwright, vio-
linist.
Take Romantic Leads
To Patricia Alphine and William Ching
Universal has given romantic leads in “The
Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap.”
NEW HAMPSHIRE
pine Island park, Manchester’s widely
known amusement center, opened its
45th season April 24 on New Hampshire’s
exclusive holiday, Fast day. More than
$100,000 has been spent in improving the -park
since the organization last fall of the Pine
Island Park Co., headed by Barney J. Wil-
liams of Manchester.
Frank B. Haynes, 92, who was an usher at
the old Boston Theatre and -chief usher at
the Globe in Boston in his early years, died
recently at his home in Allentown.
Theatres got their share of money spent on
amusements by Granite staters when they
observed their traditional Fast day April 24.
For many years this has been a holiday in
New Hampshire only, and as it comes too
early to draw throngs to the beaches, etc.,
many residents just stay in town and go to
the theatres.
Mrs. Lloyd Bridgham, wife of the owner of
the Uptown in Dover, was a member of the
nominating committee which brought in a
new slate of officers of the Dover PTA.
“Silent Service,” a film showing submarine
operations in the Pacific during the war, was
shown at a meeting of the Portsmouth Ex-
change club. In nearby Exeter, an MOT fea-
turing activities in that town was presented
at an American Legion auxiliary meeting.
Vaudeville has been forced to take a step-
child into its household in New Hampshire.
At the request of the state Athletic commis-
sion, the legislature passed a bill classifying
professional wrestling as “a vaudeville act,”
which will now be controlled by police author-
ities instead of the commission.
Georgia Girl, 11, Gets
$250-a-Week Contract
From Southeast Edition
COLUMBUS, GA.— Rita Woodall, a for-
mer Columbus girl who sang her way into
the hearts of more than 100,000 service men
at the Salvation Army’s Broadway USO dur-
ing the war, has been signed to a contract by
Universal studios, according to information
received here.
Rita is now studying dramatics under
Universal’s direction at Princeton university.
A lyric soprano, she is receiving $250 per
week, and her agent, John Luby, says that
she has a contract that will net her $500,000
by the time she is 21. She is only 11 now.
This Exhibitor Says —
Gentlemen:
Wouldn't be without the BOXOFF1CE from big shot to small
fry. It's a leader in promotion to better business. Thanks tre-
mendously.
Faithfully yours,
(Signed) JACK CRAWFORD,
Lewiston Theatre,
Lewiston, Mich.
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
91
A Message
for every business
which has some-
thing to sell to the
motion picture
industry.
0-
j0^
^.4 t 51°'“ 1
^ ^ V >v«V°V A &
^As®-5 "
\.X -
"D®
i®*
-6^C
.^S \\A
^OTC \q^ ,.e _ nSo
,i»V*. *«»»•.,*» W.® **’
•f v »'#S6® e^®rA S®Ae ^ ’
Al®
oe1°
> y.r,V> » ,
• o'^ i r! e ^ '
s^* 'S?1
\,YV®
®VUc®-
r.® •*
An®
* ^ ^ “'.****’ 1
*W»**
o^c
■aI<*
,0'tf
.CN»'
sW^
0\V
|dvert{s«r6
W bOxofhce ,
/Because it p*ys,
92
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
TEXAS SHOW BUSINESS RAISES
HUGE SUMS FOR GULF VICTIMS
Hollywood Sends Third Unit to Aid
Sufferers in Texas City Disaster
Hollywood Sends Stars;
Theatres Lend Aid to
Gigantic Benefits
DALLAS — Lone Star show business was in
its accustomed top position in the fund-rais-
ing moves that were sweeping the state this
week for the benefit of sufferers and victims
of the Texas City disaster. Special appear-
ances of film and radio stars in the flesh were
supplemented by theatres themselves, which
staged benefit performances and assembled
no small amount of cash.
The biggest array of stars ever to appear
in Texas was featured on the stage of the
City auditorium in Galveston Monday night
in a gigantic benefit performance. It was
the largest hall in the area, only ten miles
from Texas City, but it was not large enough.
Jack Benny, emcee and top artist for the
show, doubled up to go on the air to tell
the people of the nation all about it.
5,000 PACK AUDITORIUM
Benny said he had appeared on many bene-
fit and special shows over the country but
that Galveston’s was the biggest thing he
had ever been in. He said the auditorium
was jam-packed with 5,000 with more out-
side. He reported $28,222.50 had been col-
lected from the huge audience during the
performance.
Gov. Buford Jester flew from Austin to tell
the stars how grateful Texas was for their
appearance. It was a touching scene as he
talked to Rochester, reflecting the kindliest
feeling between a real southerner and a
Negro who had made good. On farms and
in business around Corsicana, his home, the
governor has known all kinds of Negroes. He
thanked Rochester for his fine parts in pic-
tures, on the radio and for his excellence as
an entertainer. Rochester thanked the gov-
ernor.
Other stars in the big show were Phil Har-
ris, Alice Faye, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Fidler,
Gene Autry, Marjorie Reynolds, Cass County
Boys, Burns and Allen, Diana Lynn and Phil
Silvers.
The area army air force command made
the big show possible by transporting stars
from Hollywood to Galveston since connec-
tions could have been made in no other way.
Phil Silvers closed the show by saying there
were more stars in Hollywood who would be
in Texas soon for more benefits.
Benny and his gang moved to Houston
Tuesday night for another big show at the
auditorium there, and repeated Wednesday
night in New Orleans.
THEATRES DRAW FIRST
Interstate circuit drew first blood in its
quickly executed maneuver to raise funds for
Texas City. By midnight on the first Satur-
day after the disaster Interstate had reeled
off 19 performances in as many cities and
big towns. Stage shows were top billed in
the key cities and a new picture was used
in the towns to raise more than $25,000,
which the circuit immediately turned over
to Texas City relief.
Red Skelton heard about the Interstate ef-
forts and sent his weekly pay check of over
$3,200 to R. J. O’Donnell, Interstate general
manager, to add to the fund.
The Arcadia Theatre here also held a bene-
fit show.
John Stiles, owner of the Plaza in Ennis,
was a leader in bringing a radio talent show
there for a benefit. The show was too small
HOLLYWOOD — Aid for the victims of the
Texas City explosions continued to be the
most pressing off-campus interest of the
film capital’s thespic elite.
Addition of a third benefit show by ten top
Hollywood stars and two musical groups to
aid sufferers of the holocaust was made by
the Hollywood Coordinating Committee. The
troupe was set to stage a show in New Orleans
April 30 after their benefit programs in
Galveston April 28 and Houston April 29.
Final lineup of the troupe included Jack
Benny, Frank Sinatra, Burns and Allen,
Gene Autry, Rochester, Phil Harris, Alice
Faye, Marjorie Reynolds, Phil Silvers, the
Page Cavanaugh Trio and the Cass County
Boys.
Bob Hope, in response to an appeal from
R. J. O’Donnell, Texas showman and head
of Variety Clubs International, agreed to
appear with his radio troupe at a series of
three special benefit performances in Texas
for relief of the Texas City disaster sufferers
and their families. The performances were
given April 21 in the Will Rogers Memorial
auditorium, Dallas, and April 23 at the Civic
auditorium, San Antonio. Ticket sales were
handled by the Variety Clubs of Texas in
conjunction with five universities.
Many other Texas and Louisiana towns
held their own Texas City benefits, ranging
from morning matinees to after-midnight
performances.
for the crowd which was piled into the local
auditorium. Other benefit shows were re-
ported at Beaumont and others were in the
making in other sections of the state.
'Billion Dollars in Talent'
At Two New Orleans Events
NEW ORLEANS — Motion picture interests
here, taking advantage of “a billion dollars
worth of talent” contributed by Hollywood,
went all out on two big benefit affairs here
Wednesday, April 30, that netted many thou-
sands of dollars for the Texas City relief
fund.
First, $100 a plate was charged for a din-
ner served in the Blue room of Hotel Roose-
velt. For that century note diners not only
had a fine meal, but were entertained by
such well-known stars as Frank Sinatra. Jack
Benny, Phil Harris, Alice Faye, Phil Silvers,
Gene Autry, Marjorie Reynolds, the Page
Cavanaugh Trio, the Cass County Boys, Burns
and Allen and Rochester.
$15,000 SOLD FIRST DAY
On the first day tickets were sold for the
dinner, $15,000 was realized, with a goal of
$50,000. Not all receipts were tabulated at
press time, but indications were that the lat-
ter sum would be exceeded, particularly since
the same stars appeared the same night at a
gigantic benefit in Municipal auditorium
for the city’s hoi polloi, or those who couldn’t
afford the hundred-dollar ducats.
For the auditorium show $5 was charged
for the first ten orchestra rows; $3 for the
next 15 rows; $2 for the front half of the
first balcony; $1 for remaining seats.
W. A. Coker was chairman of the benefit
dinner, assisted by Mayor deLesseps Morrison
and other civic leaders, while the gala show
at the auditorium was co-chairmanned by
Maurice F. Barr of Paramount-Richards;
Bert Kiem, R. J. Brunet jr. and A. Berenson.
At the last moment the music czar, Petrillo,
permitted Sinatra and his orchestra to fly
from Hollywood to the southwest by army
plane. Petrillo had formerly stated that
the group could come here only by commer-
cial plane, the expense of which Seymour
Weiss, president of Hotel Roosevelt, had
agreed to pay.
The Hotel Roosevelt show lasted 2% hours,
and the auditorium affair almost that long,
so it was the wee small hours of Thursday
before the tired stars and thousands of pa-
trons went to bed.
The appeal of helping the Gulf coast blast
victims reached not only the larger cities of
the southwest, such as Houston, Galveston
and New Orleans, but the little towns as well.
In Bossier City, La., for example, midnight
shows are taboo. Parish officials, however,
lifted the ruling and gave sanction to Doyle
Maynard for a special midnight show held
there the night of April 26. Tickets were 75
cents, the entire proceeds going to the relief
fund.
Funds Roll In at Houston;
Galveston Also Does Share
HOUSTON — A1 Lever, Interstate’s general
manager, and general chairman for the Texas
City relief program staged Tuesday (29), at
City auditorium, described the three-hour
show as the “most fabulous array of talent
ever to be presented to a Houston audience.”
The stars were Hollywood’s contribution.
About $50,000 in tickets were sold before the
opening.
The stars arrived by air Tuesday after their
appearance at Galveston Monday night.
Jack Benny headed the troupe. Those
scheduled to appear included also Frank Sin-
atra, Phil Harris and key members of his
band; Mary Livingstone and Rochester from
Benny’s radio show, Gene Autry and the
Cass County Kids, Alice Faye, George Burns,
Gracie Allen, Dennis Day, Marjorie Reynolds,
Phil Silvers and Paige Cavanaugh. Jerry
Wald and his orchestra, now appearing in
Galveston, played.
The troupe left Houston Wednesday for
New Orleans. Managers of the New Orleans
dinner announced that 200 plates had been
sold at $100 apiece, or $20,000 of the $50,000
goal set by the relief committee headed by
W. A. “Bill” Coker.
Frank Sinatra’s radio show, for which he is
taking an orchestra to New Orleans, was to
have been broadcast from the dinner.
Governor Beauford Jester of Texas and
General Jonathan Wainwright, hero of Ba-
taan, attended the show here.
The troupe’s Galveston benefit is expected
to attain $35,000, and Sam Maceo, owner of
the Balinese room, announced a $25 per plate
banquet for 125 persons before the show.
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
gw
'Captains Show' Deals
Closed by Don Cole
On a Bicycle Built for One
'Uncle Joe' Handled Special Delivery
DALLAS— J. E. “Uncle Joe” Luckett, 78-
year-old manager of the White Theatre here,
was the mailman (or boy) who delivered the
first special delivery letter to originate with
the U.S. postal service. He was talking to a
local newspaper reporter in front of the thea-
tre and both were admiring one of the new
streamlined bicycles parked in the iron rack.
It was a far cry from the old type 56-inch
wheeler he rode back in 1885, Luckett told
the newsman.
Luckett was an employe in the Washington,
D. C., post office when 15 years old and was
selected to deliver the first special delivery
letter. It was from Postmaster Frank Con-
ger to President Grover Cleveland. The un-
foreseen job of getting past one White House
guard after another before reaching the
President almost upset the schedule planned
for the delivery, he remembers. Uncle Joe, as
he has been known in the industry for half
a century, emphasizes that he soon got into
show business and hasn’t been a postal em-
ploye for 63 years.
Uncle Joe was manager of some of the big
Washington theatres many years ago, before
the flickers. As such he saw to it personally
that presidents, ambassadors and other dig-
nitaries were comfortably seated in their
boxes. He remembers proudly ushering not
only President Cleveland, but Presidents Mc-
Kinley, Teddy Roosevelt and Taft. Colonel
Roosevelt was the top theatre patron, he
said.
Within a few more years, when the stage
lost its top position, Luckett saw the future
of pictures and made connections with the
then industry leaders, one of them being D. W.
Griffith. He was a distributor for the next 25
years, but today is a capable manager for
Interstate circuit at the White.
It has been often said here that Luckett’s
early association with presidents and Wash-
ington society was continually reflected in
the gentlemanly atmosphere out front of the
South Dallas cinema.
Aryo and Ardoneaux Open
Theatre at Lake Arthur
LAKE ARTHUR, LA. — Aryo and Ardoneaux
opened the Lake Theatre here recently. A
contingent from New Orleans Filmrow was
here for the opening, including Joy Houck
of the Joy circuit; L. D. Landaiche, head of
the Independent Booking Co.; Jimmy Briant
of MGM and H. J. Bellam of Altec.
OKLAHOMA CITY— Three sets of impor-
tant Oklahoma bookings have been closed
on the unit shows dis-
tributed by Favorite
Pictures Corp., as re-
ported by Don Cole,
manager.
Leadoff of these unit
shows is the Captains
Show — “Captain Cau-
tion” and “Captain
Fury” — and five other
units now being
booked.
The deals include
first and subsequent
runs in Tulsa with the
Talbot group of
houses; the C&R houses in Oklahoma City
for both first and subsequent runs; the Grif-
fith Amusement Co. state houses, and two
independent runs in Anadarko with Wesley
Hodges, and in Lawton with Max Brock.
Ed Green, district manager, Dallas, as-
sisted Cole in closing the deals.
Church Shows Film From China
MARSHALL, TEX.— “The Bridge to Yin-
shi” was featured at the First Methodist
church here April 20. This is a sound motion
picture filmed in Yinshi, China.
DON COLE
"Imperial Hybrid Popcorn
is fbe best I have ever used
rr
says Reuben F. Warren
Rosebud, Texas
and then adds:
"All of my customers brag on it
//
You get more bags per 100 lbs. — you are able to please
more people — make more sales.
Seasoning
Salt - - - - Bags
Cartons
RIVERSIDE 6134
We serve you . . .
The Ideal Hybrid
with
MAXIMUM UNIFORMITY
GROWN-IN POPPING VOLUME
A QUALITY OF TASTE
you never have known before.
Chas. E. Darden & Co.
P. O. Box 2207
DALLAS 1, TEXAS
EQUIPMENT DISPLA
NEW Ma. 2102 — 1024 Bienville St.
ORLEANS L. C. Duckworth, Manager
Y — SALES
OKLA- j 4020 McArthur Blvd.
CITY Cecil Davis, Distributor
WAREHOUSES
lo/s™ tefeto St. 201 T.xa, St.
HOUSTON — BEAUMONT — LUBBOCK
94
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Franconi & Associates
Handling Dario Game
DALLAS — Darto, the theatre trade stimu-
lant game recently announced, has been
taken over by John L. Franconi and associ-
ates for distribution in Texas.
Darto is an audience participation game
in which darts are thrown at a numbered
board with the winners those who have the
most skill in piercing their own numbers on
the board. The game was devised by an
exhibitor in Kansas for his own use. It
proved to be highly audience acceptable and
stimulated trade, the originators say. It was
redesigned and put into production for na-
tional distribution.
Specimen sets have been received in Dallas
and are on display at the Screen Guild ex-
change. Wide interest has been shown in the
game by the Dallas offices of circuits and by
individual exhibitors who have investigated
it. Marketing in Texas will be through the
Screen Guild sales organization.
Bob Hope Sets 3 Benefits
To Aid Blast Sufferers
DALLAS — Bob Hope and his troupe have
scheduled three benefit performances for
the Texas City disaster victims in response
to an appeal by R. J. O’Donnell of Inter-
state circuit and head of Variety Clubs In-
ternational. The Variety Club of Texas and
five local universities are handling ticket
sales.
The benefits will be held atrthe Will Rogers
Memorial auditorium, Fort Worth, May 21;
Fair Park auditorium, Dallas, May 22, and
the Civic auditorium, San Antonio, May 23.
Oklahoma City Sales Tax
Proposal Given the Ax
OKLAHOMA CITY— Oklahoma City’s sales
tax proposal was killed by the house of rep-
resentatives last week. City officials are now
studying measures to increase city water,
garbage, license and other fees to augment
city revenues.
Meantime, a second bill allowing cities of
more than 150,000 population to levy a sales
tax without a vote of the people, but limiting
collections of the tax on sales made only to
residents within the territorial limits of the
city, was left on the calendar. It was intro-
duced by the committee on city revenues,
taxes and bonds, and embodied features
strongly opposed by city officials because they
fail to spread the proposed tax over the wide
base proposed in the city measure.
Sell Cretors Machines
NEW ORLEANS — Abner Horne, conces-
sionaire of the Southern Amusement Co. cir-
cuit, has received three additional Cretors
popcorn machines and Lake Pontchartrain
beach concession has also installed two Cre-
tors. The beach deal includes corn and sup-
plies for the full period of the current sea-
son’s operations at the beach. These deals
were handled by L. C. Duckworth, branch
manager of Chas. E. Darden & Co.
SG Lads Head West
DALLAS — Four representatives of Screen
Guild of Texas will attend the company’s
annual convention in Los Angeles May 10-16
and also take in the Variety convention.
John L. Franconi and his wife will leave
early and drive. W. J. Cammer, J. M. Reyn-
olds and Connie Dreher will fly.
WIFE AGREES, PARTLY — Jim
Barnes, manager of the Warner Theatre
in Oklahoma City, presented C. M. Mc-
Caslin with a portable radio for giving
the best advice on “how to win a gal.”
The onlooker is Mrs. McCaslin. The pres-
entation was made in the theatre lobby.
McCaslin was best in the theatres’ “Win
a Gal” contest staged in conjunction with
the showing of “That Way With Women.”
McCaslin believes that your age depends
on the rules one should follow. Mrs. Mc-
Caslin said her husband did not use the
four rules he submitted in the contest in
his effort to get her to say “yes”; how-
ever, she admitted that if the winning
rules were followed “it would help win
the gal.”
Adam Joseph Will Erect
Cedar Crest Area House
DALLAS — Plans have been drawn and con-
struction soon will start on this city’s new-
est neighborhood house, the Cedar Crest,
located just three blocks from the country
club bearing that name. It will seat 650 and
boast of the finest appointments obtainable.
A feature will be a large parking lot, fenced
and policed.
The theatre will be owned by Adam B. “Joe”
Joseph, local theatre broker, who is arranging
space in the building for his theatre broker-
age and equipment business.
Screen Guild Shifts
DALLAS — Personnel additions and shifts
at Screen Guild of Texas include; Elizabeth
Nichols, cashier-secretary; Lois Sutherland,
contract clerk; Lora S. McFarland, biller;
Leona L. Lam, assistant cashier; Edna Ruth
Morrow, inspector; John R. Motley, promoted
to booker, and Raymond Bradford added as
assistant shipper.
Buys Into Franchise
NEW ORLEANS— J. D. Jernigan, with
Warner Bros. Pictures for the last 20 years,
has acquired 33V3 per cent interest in the
Memphis franchise of Screen Guild Produc-
tions and Film Classics of the Southeast.
INSPIRED ENGINEERING HAS BROUGHT
TO YOU THE SUPREME PERFECTION
IN POPCORN MACHINES
Manley’s ’47 Model
Increase Your Profits
With a Manley
BOB WARNER
(Divisional Manager)
302 So. Harwood C-7536 Dallas, Texas
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Game
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue • Chicago, Illinois
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
95
OKLAHOMA CITY
Tin Oklahoma City pastor preached Sunday
(27) from the theme, “The Best Years of
Our Lives.” He was the Rev. J. Clyde Wheeler
of the Crown Heights Christian church . . .
Regna Simpson, former actress on the Bache-
lor’s Children radio program, lives here and
is an assistant coordinator of radio instruc-
tion at the University of Oklahoma, Norman.
About the Griffith circuit: The Dixie at
Chandler sustained some damage from smoke
and water in an early morning fire, one of the
worst in Chandler’s history, that threatened a
whole city block. Allen B. Dean is manager.
Damage to buildings in the block was esti-
mated at more than $100,000 . . . Claude F.
Motley, Griffith operations head, got quite
a kick out of his reunion with Van Heflin,
film star, who was guest of honor at a Variety
Club reception recently. Motley and Heflin
were in OU together . . . The Lions club’s
board of directors at Wink meets in the
Griffith Rig Theatre. Emmett Passmore is
manager of this house.
More Griffith grapevine: The juniors and
seniors of the Borger high school attended
a preview at the Rex Theatre, under man-
agement of Tom Davidson, to see “High
School Hero.” The party was sponsored by
the National Honor society of the school . . '.
John B. Cater is acting assistant manager
at Blackwell under Manager Gus Hoens-
cheidt . . . Idonna Groom and Billie Stauf-
facher, relief cashiers at the Griffith Rivoli
Theatre, are among 12 members of the senior
class of the Blackwell high school nominated
by the Jaycees as candidates for Sky Safari
queen . . . Shirley Akers, daughter of the
C. B. “Brownie” Akers of the city, was in
Blackwell to sing with the OCU choir, which
was on tour.
Baker Wesson of Midland, Tex., has been
bound over on charges of burglary in connec-
tion with the theft of $1,199.99 from the safe
of the Yucca Theatre in the Texas town April
13. The knob of the safe was knocked off.
Wesson was arrested 36 hours following the
haul by Midland police and Texas Rangers.
Upon arrest a search turned up $995.37 of
the loot hidden in a suitcase.
Griffith notes: Wedding bells are being
heard around the home office. Newlyweds
include Betty Jo Holman to Mike Hugo, and
Bob Aldridge to Esther Ella Wilmouth. Both
Mrs. Hugo and Aldridge are employed in the
accounting department . . . Helen Bunyard,
secretary to L. C. Griffith, has returned to
her desk after a two-week holiday in Chicago.
It was her “last year’s” vacation.
Roy Avey jr., home office booking depart-
ment, has been serving on the jury the last
two weeks . . . High intensity lamps have
been installed at the Erie in Hugo ... A new
screen and new seats also were added to the
theatre recently, and as soon as materials
are released, additional improvements are to
be made, Manager Hollis Herod said.
Griff shorts: John Monroe, Cuero man-
ager, is general chairman of the forthcoming
Lions club minstrel. Monroe recently made
several recordings of music played by an
orchestra for an American Legion dance,
and the records were played back for the
benefit of the dancers . . . The Technicolor
film “The Last Bomb,” brought back mem-
ories to Tel McLarty of Cuero when he
watched it on the screen of the Rialto there.
McLarty, ex-GI, was in Guam at the time
and helped fight the fire on the B29 after a
raid on Tokyo. Only one man of the li-
man crew came out alive, he recalled. The
film shows rescue of this airman.
Melvin Blackledge, Griffith manager in
Cushing, and his son Jimmy got applause
after rescuing a robin which hung upside
down, tangled in a mass of twine. They saw
the bird caught in a web of his own weaving
where he had a nest under construction in a
tree in their yard, and retrieved the new-
comer. It took 15 minutes to set him free by
unwinding the twine which had so completely
imprisoned the bird’s legs. They gave the
robin first aid upon finding him still alive.
As soon as the robin was back on his feet,
he made wings, but fast.
Because of the enthusiastic reception ac-
corded Paramount’s “California” two weeks
ago at the Will Rogers Theatre, neighbor-
hood house, the picture was returned for
three days starting Thursday (24) at the
house, according to R. L. “Bob” Browning
. . . The Will Rogers Theatre has started a
kiddy hour with extra cartoons every Sat-
urday and Sunday from 1 to 2 p. m ... At
the May, a kiddy hour is being held from 1
until 2 p. m. on Saturdays with free bubble
gum as an extra treat . . . The Agnew has
the same juvenile show policy as the May.
These three Griffith theatres furnish free
parking space and cry rooms.
“Stallion Road” closed at the Warner
Thursday night (1) in favor of “Love and
Learn” . . . “It Happened on Fifth Avenue”
opened Wednesday (30) at the Midwest, re-
placing “Stairway to Heaven,” which did a
nice business . . . “The Best Years of Our
Lives” closed at the Criterion after two weeks
of good boxoffice . . . “Suddenly It’s Spring"
replaced “Best Years” on the Criterion screen,
starting Wednesday (30). “Best Years” will
continue to play the Plaza Theatre, a C&R
neighborhood, indefinitely. The Plaza is
charging the same prices for this film as the
Criterion did.
“Overlanders,” an Australian film, opened
Step right up
GREATER
POPCORN PROFITS
with
R-B Brand
When you pop R-B Brand super-quality popcorn, you'll get about $120
to $125 from a 100-lb. bag! For R-B, processed exclusively from Mam-
moth Yellow Hybrid Popcorn, has a popping ratio of approximately 30
to 1. Seasoned with R-B Golden Liquid Seasoning, the large, fluffy
kernels have extra good flavor that brings customers back again and
again.
R-B Brand Seasoning is available in
gallons at 32 lbs. to the case or 5
gallon tins at 40 lbs. per case. Also
steel drums — 420 lbs.
% lb. printed white bags, $1.50 per
thousand; Morton's popcorn salt,
$1.80 per case. Let us quote on all
your needs.
Write for complete list of poppers'
supplies.
just one bag, to see
for yourself the superiority.
Only $9.80 per 100 lb. bag.
Per 100 lb. bag
in orders of
500 lbs. & up.
Consolidated
POPCORN COMPANY
2401 South Ervdy St. ★ Dallas 1, Texas
BUILT ON
EXTRA VALUE
SATISFACTION
96
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Tuesday (29) at the Victoria, the C&R cir-
cuit’s new first run house, replacing “Open
City” which played 11 days. The manage-
ment reports that this theatre has done sur-
prisingly well since its change in policy—
from a second run double feature house to a
first run single feature operation for for-
eign productions . . . M. D. Brazee, Warner
Bros. Theatres director for this district, has
returned from a trip to Chicago and other
points . . . “The Fabulous Dorseys” replaced
“The Guilt of Janet Ames” at the State
Wednesday (30).
Lillian Edwards, former Griffithite, mar-
ried Maj. Harry Reed of the marine air corps
in Illinois. Lillian resigned about two months
ago as assistant to L. A. Chatham, then pub-
lic relations director for Griffith Theatres.
Roger Rice was her successor in the depart-
ment which is now the company’s film mer-
chandising and advertising section. The
newlyweds are living near Chicago where
the major, a flyer and public relations man,
is stationed.
L. A. Chatham, with Griffith Theatres un-
til recently, is assisting with the drive for
cancer funds in Oklahoma . . . Vance Terry
of Woodward is a member of the Woodward
relief finance committee set up by the citi-
zens to receive and administer funds col-
lected in the drive for relief of the tornado
victims. All donations are to be made to the
Woodward relief fund . . . Virginia Ben-
benuto, Criterion cashier, was pictured in one
of the many photos carried by local papers
on Van Heflin while he was a visitor here.
The Folly’s recent double bill featured Bing
Crosby in “The Road to Hollywood,” and
A1 Jolson in “Heart of New York” ... A two-
column picture Sunday (27) showed Van
Heflin standing by a highly enlarged version
of himself, advertising “Till the Clouds Roll
By,” which followed “Boom Town” at the
Tower. Van left Oklahoma City last Friday
night after several days in his home town.
For one week starting May 14 “Carnegie
Hall” will show at the Villa Theatre as a
Boyle attraction. The picture was filmed
at Carnegie Hall and was recorded on the
new Fidelitone. All seats for the twice
daily showings will be reserved, according to
Jim Boyle . . . The latter is bringing “Bloomer
Girl” to the Municipal for two nights, May
26, 27. Prices range from $3.66 to $1.22.
A city girl, Anne Garris, attending Monti -
cello college, Godfrey, 111., was offered a
Hollywood screen test recently by a Warner
Bros, scout. She turned thumbs down on the
offer for she plans to attend OU at Nor-
man next semester.
Lauritz Melchior, who appeared here at the
Municipal auditorium, charmed a large audi-
ence which wouldn’t go home until “the
Great Dane” donned his hat and coat for his
final bow. Melchior was accompanied by a
concert orchestra directed by Otto Seyfert.
The attraction was sponsored by Jim Boyle.
When Van Heflin met a localite, Colonel H.
Nelson, at the Variety Club reception in his
honor, he said: “I still kind of get butter-
flies in my stomach when I meet a colonel,
because I was only a lieutenant in the army.”
Nelson explained that Colonel was his given
name and that it had caused him plenty of
confusion when he was in the army as he
held the ranks of lieutenant, captain, then
major. Nelson publishes This Week in Okla-
homa City, a capsule magazine with a cir-
culation of about 5,000. The magazine car-
ried art and a story on the Variety Club party.
'Egg's' Remarkable Run
OKLAHOMA CITY — “The Egg and I” com-
pleted a 20-day rim Saturday (26) at the
Home Theatre, registering a business com-
parable to “The Jolson Story.” Indications
are the picture will outpull Columbia’s “Jol-
son” which has been running almost con-
tinuously in various city theatres for the last
few months. At least 60,000 people saw “The
Egg” at the Home during its 20-day run.
Remodeled Lil Opens
MENA, ARK. — The remodeled and redec-
orated Lil Theatre has resumed operations
on a full-week basis after being closed for
several weeks.
Directs 'Sweet Vita-Mine'
Jules White will produce and direct "Sweet
Vita-Mine,” a two-reeler for Columbia.
CARE IS ESSENTIAL
Proper care of your equipment entails
proper upkeep and servicing by men
who are experienced and know what
they are doing.
Let Our "Know-How" Experts
Care for Your Equipment
OKLRHomR Theatre Supply
J. ELDON PEEK
TELEPHONE 7-86S1
708710 WEST GRAND AVENUE
OKLAHOMA CITY 2. OKLA.
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1047
97
SOME FROM THE DEEP SOUTH, SUH!— New Orleans, Dallas and Oklahoma
City, as well as the home office in New York, are represented in this photograph
of MGM personnel, snapped at the Hotel Astor, New York, during this week’s sales
convention. Left to right: C. Jimmy Briant, New Orleans manager; LeRoy Whitting-
ton, Dallas booker; Charlie Lyne, Oklahoma City manager; Enola Murray, New
Orleans booker; Rudolph Berger, southern sales manager with headquarters at New
Orleans; LeRoy Bickel, Dallas manager; Leonard Hirsch, home office assistant to
Berger; James Peacock, Oklahoma City booker.
Griffith Cowskin Lodge
Will Become a Resort
OKLAHOMA CITY— The Griffith Cowskin
lodge and about 100 acres of wooded penin-
sula on the east side of Grand lake have been
sold to Mr. and Mrs. Harry Herrlin of Mc-
Allen, Tex., for a resort. The tract and
lodge are about six miles north of Grove,
Okla., and the peninsula overlooks both
Grand lake to the west and the Cowskin
river bay on the north and east.
The Herrlins are reported planning inten-
sive development of the property and may
add additional guest lodges. Work has al-
ready started at the place to transform it
into a lake shore hotel.
The lodge has been owned for several years
by L. C. Griffith. It originally was a large
farm house in the Grand river valley, and
was moved to the peninsula site before the
lake was filled. He had bought it primarily
as a recreation center for Griffith employes
and their families, and had spent consider-
able money remodeling it and adapting it to
the use of large parties of guests.
In addition to the lodge proper, a two -story
building surrounded with porches on both
floors, the Griffith development boasted two
boathouses and docks, tenant houses, barns,
a laundry and two deep wells.
When the lodge was first established, it
was surrounded by about 17 acres of land.
From time to time Griffith would purchase
small additional tracts to round out the plot,
and at the ime of he sale it was reported to
include between 80 and 100 acres.
Buys Wortham Theatre
WORTHAM, TEX. — Truett Fulcher, athletic
instructor at the YMCA in Houston, has pur-
chased the Avon Theatre here from H. N.
Adams. The latter bought the theatre last
November from Mr. Shillings. “Joe” Joseph
was broker in the transaction.
"Ur
Improve Your Projection With STRONG LAMPS
Immediate Delivery Out Of Duilus Stock
THE FAMOUS
STRONG
1KW
LAMPS
and
RECTIFIERS
Known as the
Utility Intermedi-
ate High
Also
STRONG
LOW
LAMPS
and
RECTIFIERS
Known as the
Utility Low
Intensity
Strong Reflectors for Most Any Type Lamp House
Most Anything for the Theatre
HERBER BROTHERS
“Fair Treatment and Adequate Service for 25 Years’’
408 S. HARWOOD DALLAS 1, TEXAS
Caver Begins Erection
Of $100,000 Theatre
DALLAS — Construction on a $100,000 thea-
tre at 4923 Columbia Ave. in east Dallas was
started this week by C. V. Caver, who has ob-
tained a CPA permit. The completed theatre
will be operated by Caver and Phil Isley.
The latter owns the Granada here and a
small circuit over Texas as well as a couple
of houses in California.
The theatre, yet unnamed, will have 1,000
seats, and be of brick and hollow tile con-
struction with a porcelain front. Indirect
fluorescent and neon lighting, a balcony, rest
and cry rooms, elaborate concession depart-
ment, plus latest type projection, air con-
ditioning, sound and seating, will be featured.
Pettigrew & Worley are the architects and
Major Consruction Co. is the contractor.
Caver bought the Rita Theatre, a block
from the new house, about ten years ago and
operated it alone until a few months ago
when he made a deal with Isley, the two hav-
ing a joint operation since that time. They
then planned the new house and placed a
sign on the vacant lot. There was some delay
on both city and CPA permits and on ma-
terials, but now the materials are piled high
on the site and dozens of workmen are busy
on the job, which is expected to be com-
pleted in seven months.
Before coming to this city 20 years ago,
Caver had owned and operated the Majestic
in Comanche for ten years. He bought the
Trinity Theatre here, which he sold . before
buying the Rita.
Oklahomans Make Plans
To Attend Variety Meet
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahomans are mak-
ing plans to attend the national Variety Club
convention in Los Angeles May 14-17.
Official delegates from the Sooner tent are
Ralph Talbot, Tulsa, national canvasman;
Horace R. Falls, chief barker; C. H. “Buck”
Weaver, first assistant chief barker, and Ed
Kidwell, second assistant.
Falls and Kidwell plan to fly to Dallas to
accompany Bob O’Donnell’s special train to
the west coast.
Others planning to make the convention
include Mr. and Mrs. Morris Loewenstein,
Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Chatham of near Clare-
more, and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lowenstein,
Ardmore. Pat McGee of Denver also is plan-
ning to make the meeting.
Criterion Gives Benefit
For Victims of Tornado
OKLAHOMA CITY— The Criterion Thea-
tre presented a midnight benefit show for
Woodward, the Oklahoma town struck sev-
eral weeks ago by a tornado.
“Calcutta,” starring Alan Ladd, was the
feature, and the highlight of the evening was
the appearance of Van Heflin, MGM star,
who delayed his departure for the west coast
a few hours in order to appear in behalf of
the storm sufferers.
All proceeds went into the fund coffers
for assistance to Woodward.
98
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Buying-Booking Offices
Opened by G. J. Broggi
NEW ORLEANS— G. J. - Broggi, formerly
with 20th-Fox here, has opened an independ-
ent buying and book-
ing office in New Or-
leans. He has spent 30
years in the industry
and says he is ready
to render a real serv-
ice to the many inde-
pendent theatres pur-
chasing films on the
local market.
Now located at 3240
Gentilly highway,
Broggi will soon open
an office on the
Crescent city’s Film-
row.
He invites exhibitors who have booking
problems to contact him.
NEW ORLEANS
/"•onnee Boswell, another home town girl who
made good, is being accorded an enthusi-
astic welcome at the St. Charles Theatre,
where she is appearing on the stage. Connee,
who says she has no home other than New
Orleans, brought with her four big acts. On
the screen the feature was “Out West.’’
Local downtown theatres offered a variety
of entertainment this week. Loew’s had
“The Shocking Miss Pilgrim,” while the
Saenger presented “New Orleans” at a world
premiere showing. “Mr. District Attorney”
was at the Joy; the Orpheum played “The
Return of Monte Cristo.” Held over for its
fourth week at the Liberty was “The Best
Years of Our Lives,” while “Henry V” con-
tinued to show to packed houses at the Lake-
view. “Suspense” was at the Tudor and
“California” at the Globe. The Strand of-
fered a double bill, “Thunder in the City”
and “Land of the Outlaws.”
Elmer Wilsche, vice-president of Altec
Service Corp. of New York, and Jack Zern,
district manager, from Dallas, visited the
local office to confer with H. J. Bellam and
Mr. Gallagher. Bellam has just returned
from an extended trip through southwest
Louisiana, where he attended the opening
of the new Bruce Theatre at Rayne. He
negotiated a contract to service this house.
Roy Saxon of the Elroy Theatre at Frank-
linton, La., had quite an unusual experience.
After an unusually hard rainfall, drainage
backed up and covered his theatre with three
feet of water. For a while it looked as though
a water ballet was the only entertainment
he could offer.
Seen on the Row recently were George
Guzzard of Independence, La.; Nick Laman-
tia, Ritz, Bogalusa, and Charles Lamantia
of the Ritz, Hammond . . . L. C. Montgomery
is a busy man these days. A regular com-
muter, he keeps himself busy going from
theatre to theatre. Last week he covered
Rayne, La., and Natchez, Miss., in one day.
Don Buffington, new 20th-Fox salesman
covering the Louisiana territory, was trans-
ferred from Atlanta . . . Tom Neely, man-
ager of National Theatre Supply Co., spent
most of last week on the road. He contacted
operators of the approximately 25 new thea-
tres, either completed or in the process of
G. J. BROGGI
completion, in this territory ... At PRC
the Harry Thomas drive is in full swing.
The girls turned out one morning with large
badges and streamers, looking as though they
were taking part in the spring fiesta.
Mr. Prewitt of Associated Theatres is build-
ing a new office on the second floor at 221
South Liberty St. Prewitt also handles Amer-
ican Seating Co. products . . . John Jarvis,
Kay Films manager, has returned from a
business trip over the territory . . . Mr. and
Mrs. R. M. Muse, Denham Springs, La„ ex-
hibitors, were callers here.
The Crescent city’s new drive-in is nearly
ready for opening. It will be completed in
June. Equipment was furnished by Hodges
Theatre Supply Co. . . . Superintendent Kelly
of a state school at Madisonville, La., is
“doubling in brass” and will manage the
Madison Theatre in that city.
A decision from the Orleans parish court of
appeals relieved operators of the Saenger
Theatre of the liability for injuries suffered
by Mrs. John W. Luthjens in a fall sustained
in the foyer of the theatre. This was a re-
versal of an earlier decree by the district
court which awarded Mrs. Luthjens $5,500
damages.
N. D. Russell, representative of Altec Serv-
ice Corp., and Mrs. Russell left Sunday for
Atlanta, to which point Russell was trans-
ferred. G. R. Gallagher, formerly of Atlanta,
has been appointed to replace Russell in this
district . . . Milton Dureau, branch manager
of PRC, has returned from Dallas, where he
attended a sales meeting in behalf of Eagle-
Lion Pictures, which his firm distributes.
Pontchartrain beach opened its 1947 sea-
son April 26. Huge crowds graced the mid-
way opening day as well as on the Sunday
that followed. The beach affords clean fun
for all, although, of course, it hurts attend-
ance in most of the suburban houses . . .
E. J. Delaney, owner and manager of the
Pike Theatre at Magnolia, Miss., was in the
city recently on business.
Joy Theatres Purchase
Star at New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS — The Star Theatre has
been purchased by Joy Houck, L. W. Allen
and Carl Kingsbury. After the present lease
expires in October, it will be remodeled
throughout and leased to Joy Theatres, Inc.,
for screening better type films, especially
foreign productions.
The theatre contains approximately 1,400
seats and was originally built for the Shubert
circuit.
Is Your
Theatre
For Sale?
We Have
Buyers
With Cash
"JOE" JOSEPH
THEATRES
Let “Joe” Sell Your Show.
Theatres bought— sold— equipped— fire in-
ventories— consultant and equipment.
1003 Galloway St. Dallas, Tex.
Phone Yale 2-7650
BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT
10th FI.. 2nd Unit, Santa Fe Bldg. BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO*, INC. Dallas. Tex.
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Hard-Working Showman Lance Davis
Is Re-Elected as Mayor of Rotan
ROTAN, TEX. — Years ago Lance M. Davis
of the Majestic and Ritz theatres here was
known in this section and in the picture in-
dustry as “the mayor of Rotan.” The title
followed him to conventions, many of which
he attended in the old days. Waiters in the
Adolphus and Baker hotels in Dallas were
known to address the visiting exhibitor as
“mayor.”
Davis was a mayor shortly after he opened
the Majestic in 1920. He worked hard at the
job, but spent much of his time in overalls,
working in the cotton fields and operating
his gin. To him, farming in the plains coun-
try and running the town were bigger jobs
than running a theatre. That all changed in
time as the mayor acquired more of the art
of showmanship.
After the terrific depression of the 1930s
and with the scare of big oil development,
Davis teamed up with the Robb & Rowley
circuit and from then on the showmanship
angle was stressed. Lance had really gone
into show business. He and the circuit will
build a big new theatre this year.
Davis has a long record of public service.
He was war bond chairman for Rotan
throughout the war, once served as county
HOPKINS and McCREA in Hilarious Comedy
Exhibitors who have recently played this
smashing Goldwyn comedy with Miriam Hop-
kins and Joel McCrea tell us it is great enter-
tainment! Both box-office and audience are
more than satisfactory.
The title "WOMAN CHASES MAN" intrigues.
Others in the cast include Ella Logan, Broderick
Crawford and Charles Winninger.
Set early dates is our urgent suggestion! All
brand new prints. New trailers and new acces-
sories are available from National Screen
Service.
Released by FILM CLASSICS of Texas * Dallas
chairman for bond sales, headed Red Cross
drives and worked on any other wartime
money-raising tasks that came along.
In addition to his years as mayor, Davis
has served as a city councilman and was
president for two years of the Citizens Lunch-
eon club. He is also an active member of
the Methodist church and of its finance
committee, and a director of the West Texas
Chamber of Commerce.
His honorary title of mayor this year be-
came official once again. He was re-elected
to his old job in the Rotan city elections
this April.
Hardy and Broussard Open
New House in Rayne, La.
RAYNE, LA. — The new Bruce Theatre here
opened during the week of April 19. The
Bruce is owned by C. B. “Buck” Hardy of
Rayne and A. J. Broussard of Crowley, La.
THEATRES WANTED
If your theatre is showing a profit
and priced right we can sell it for
you within 30 days.
Send complete information as we
have buyers waiting. All informa-
tion confidential.
Buyers, we have the theatre you
want. Contact us.
NO BROKERS. DIRECT DEALS ONLY
THEATRE ENTERPRISES
730 E. 11th Street Houston 8. Texas
Phones: V 2-2839 & V 2-7841
FOR SEATING-WRITE NOW
DELIVERY
RIGHT NOW
WE OFFER
• Solid Tubular Standards.
• Resin Glued Plywoods.
• 9, 12 or 16-inch Spring Units.
• Plastic Coverings.
• Standards to Exact Incline.
• Last, but not least, the know-how
to put all these ingredients into
the nicest, sturdiest, most comfort-
able chair in its price range.
Call, Wire or Write
GRIGGS EQUIPMENT COMPANY
Box 630
Phone 630
Belton, Texas
100
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
D_AtLAS
■Dob Warner, Manley division manager, has
a new secretary, Mrs. Virginia Lamber-
ton . . . Katherine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Ed Blumenthal was hostess at the cocktail
party given in honor of Gail Storm and Don
DeFore in San Antonio for the opening of “It
Happened on Fifth Avenue.” Katherine is a
freshman in Texas university.
Forrest Dunlap’s new Port Airdome will
have its grand opening May 7 . . . Lou Bis-
singer, who owns and operates the Queen
Theatre, celebrated the 34th anniversary of
his acquisition of the house. The date also
marked his 40th year in show business . . .
Woodie Latimer of L&L Popcorn Co., Blue
Springs, Mo., was in Dallas and Houston the
last two weeks contacting theatres.
W. E. “Bill” Finch, who formerly was office
manager for Astor Pictures, has been made
office manager of PRC-Eagle-Lion. Bill
started with Selznick Pictures in 1922 and has
been in the film industry since with the ex-
ception of three years in the navy . . . A. J.
Mertz, former owner of the B&M Film Co., is
now the office manager for Astor . . . Tom
Guinon of PRC-Eagle-Lion has been in the
office here the past ten days.
Forrest Dunlap sent a truck load of equip-
ment to Port Aransas that will speed the
opening of his new airdome picture show
there. Bill Horton, who works for Dunlap in
Cisco, went down to help assemble equip-
ment . . . Tommie Thompson, manager for
Wade-Texas Theatres in Gainesville, was
here wearing his cheese knife as usual.
Floyd Shaefer, who was in the theatre re-
modeling and redecorating business here
about ten years ago, is back in town eyeing
the possibility of again setting up in that
trade.
Need
a Good
Man?
Read and Use
CLASSIFIED
ADS
in
BOXOFFICE
•
4 Insertions for
the Price of 3
STARS OVER TEXAS— Bob O’Donnell,
vice-president of Interstate circuit, gives
his blessing to Gale Storm, Don DeFore
and Bonita Granville at the cocktail
party held in the Mercantile Bank Bldg,
penthouse, Dallas, before the opening of
“It Happened on Fifth Avenue,” at which
Gale and Don made personal appear-
ances.
Bing Crosby Gets Lead
In 'Connecticut Yankee'
From Western Edition
HOLLYWOOD— Bing Crosby has been set
to star in a new Paramount adaptation of
Mark Twain’s immortal “A Connecticut
Yankee in King Arthur’s Court,” which is
being planned as a big-scale Technicolor
musical with Tay Garnett directing and
Robert Fellows producing. Edmund Beloin
is working on the adaptation and the film
is set for early fall production. Paramount
several months ago acquired the rights to
the Twain classic, complete with Rodgers and
Hart music and the Herbert Fields libretto of
the Broadway musical based on the story.
Two earlier versions have been brought to
the screen. One, a silent, starred Harry
Meyers in 1921. Will Rogers toplined a suc-
cessful talking adaptation a decade later.
REMODELING-DECORATING
Drapes — Frames — Lighting Fixtures
• LOWEST PRICES
LOPE ROMERO
4222 Lafayette Tt^n.M 4* tkX. T-086Q
Sam A. Hobbs
Yale 2-1483
Eddie H. Shah an
Yale 2-0526
HOBBS & SHAHAN
Theatre Remodeling and Decorating
Draperies . . . Acoustical Correction
1224 So. Brighton DALLAS 11, TEXAS
Westerns-Features-Serials
I Tower Pictures Co.
HAROLD SCHWARZ
302l/i S. Harwood St. C— 7357
DALLAS 1. TEXAS
Theatre's Burning Affects
Business in All Lines
From Central Edition
KANSAS, ILL.— Mr. and Mrs. M. W.
Jessup of Brazil, Ind., have purchased the
partially burned building housing the Joy
Theatre from Robert L. Bane and have let a
contract for rebuilding the structure. They
hope to resume operation of the theatre in
a few months.
Business men state that since the theatre
has not been operating trade has fallen off
considerably in all lines.
To Repair the Palace
TEXARKANA, TEX. — A permit for repairs
has been issued to the Palace Theatre.
SAM LEWIS
Remodeling and Decorating Theatres
“A Dollar’s Worth for Your Dollar "
Phone Y2-7383
2810 Sharon Dallas 11, Texas
HERMAN BLUM
Engineer
Air-Conditioning and Heating Design
170814 Commerce St. Dallas, Texas
-NOW-
Your Theatre Can Be Sold
PRIVATELY at Top Market
Personal, Confidential Handling
Confidential correspondence invited
ARTHUR LEAK
BROKER
Theatre Sales Exclusivelg
3422 Kinmore SI Dallas 10, Texas
Dial T3-2026
THEATRES FOR SALE
IN TEXAS
No. 1 — Neighborhood Theatre in Texas'
fastest growing city. 520 seats, new
equipment. Fire-proof building and
parking lot. All goes for low price
of $50,000.
No. 2 — Theatre in Central Texas town of
1.500 population. Major equipment,
345 new cushion seats, also owner's
two-story, colonial home, 11 rooms,
completely furnished. A good fam-
ily setup for only $32,500.
No. 3 — Money-making theatre. also in
Central Texas town of near 2,000
population, large trade area. New
equipment, 380 seats. Boxoffice gross
over $425 weekly, popcorn sales over
$80.00 weekly. For quick deal, will
sacrifice for $20,000.
WIRE OR PHONE
"IOE" IOSEPH
1003 Galloway St. Dallas, Texas
Phone Yale 2-7650
8W
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
104-A
NEW FACE AT DUMAS — Shown at left above is the new $100,000 Evelyn Theatre
at Dumas, Tex., owned by Mr. and Mrs. Bob Powell jr. When the Evelyn opened with
“The Time, the Place and the Girl” and a big stage show, the 670-seat theatre was
filled to overflowing despite a storm. H. S. McMurray, manager of the Evelyn and
the Star, the second local theatre, acted as master of ceremonies. The new house
is constructed of brick and tile. A view of the interior, finished in acoustical plaster,
is shown at right above. The Star, built in 1937, seats 620.
Former GIs Operating
Tulsa Cartoon Studio
TULSA — A group of former GIs in Tulsa
have the only animated cartoon studio out-
side of Hollywood, New York or Florida.
The studio, Filmcraft Productions, Inc., was
first started in 1939 for routine motion pic-
ture work. It was revitalized several months
ago after four years of inactivity because
members were in Uncle Sam’s service. The
animated cartoon idea was born during the
war when L. C. “Bud” Woods, Tulsa com-
mercial photographer, and Herb A. Lightman,
Hollywood cameraman, were buddies in Eu-
rope.
Rudy and Ruby Crude have the leading
roles in the full-color animated cartoon,
“The Adventures of Rudy Crude,” now in
production. It is being produced for the Mid-
Continent Petroleum Corp. It deals with the
history of oil, and its purpose is to acquaint
service station attendants, salesmen and the
general public with the story behind a gallon
of gasoline.
The studio has a staff of 16, including two
men who formerly worked with Walt Disney
in Hollywood. There are more than 12,000
separate pictures in the animated portion
of the Mid-Continent film, which lasts about
6V2 minutes.
New Orleans Rejects DST
NEW ORLEANS— Showmen are gratified
that the city council has rejected daylight
saving time, especially operators of suburban
houses. Louisiana and Mississippi will prac-
tically be all on the old time.
BOXES and BAGS
They Are Still in Short Supply But
We Have Them
Send Us Your Standing Order and Save 10%
Look at These Prices!
Standing Order
List Price Discount Net Price
BOXES — 5c size — Serially numbered, printed and colored
BOXES — 10c size — Printed red and white (4t/jx2x7)
BOXES — Carnival Size — 4xl%x5V2 — 1000 to case
JUMBO BAGS — 15" long x 4V2xl% — 600 to case
BAGS — 5c Johnny Boy — Red and wnite stripe (3x1 7/8x7) — 10,000 to case
BAGS — 10c Johnny Boy — Red and white stripe (3x2x9)— 3,000 to case
BAGS — Kraft, 1/2-lb. size (3xl%x61/2) — 10.000 per bale
BAGS — Kraft, 74-lb. size (3x2x7 3/4) — 10.000 per bale
BAGS — Kraft, 10c size ( 3%x2l/4x9) —6 .000 per bale
BAGS — Kraft, 10c size — Johnny Boy red stripe — 6,000 per bale
BAGS— 5c glassine — 12.000 to case (3x1 3/4x6%)
BAGS— 10c glassine— 8,000 to case, 3/,-lb. (3%xl 3/4x7 3/4)
BAGS— 1 lb. glassine (3l/2x2V4x7%)
BAGS — 2 lb. glassine — 0.000 to case
5.50
10%
4.95
8.65
10%
7.79
6.50M
10%
5.85M
6.75M
10%
6.08M
1.82M
10%
1.64M
2.35M
10%
2.12M
1.40M
10%
1.26M
1.50M
10%
1.35M
1.65M
10%
1.49M
2.20M
10%
1.98M
1.98M
10%
1.79M
2.88M
10%
2, SOM
2.79M
10%
2.52M
3.31M
10%
2.98M
One-Day Service
Order Today
BLEVINS POPCORN CO.
31st & Charlotte
Dept. BB
Nashville, Term.
Southeast Breezes
CHARLOTTE — Ray Ervin, 18 years a sales
representative for MGM, has resigned.
CHATTANOOGA — Evening services at the
West Side Baptist church here April 27 were
held in modern drive-in style. Worshippers
remained in their automobiles to hear the
Rev. Dale Godfrey give a sermon entitled
“Merrily We Go to Hell.”
DE FUNIAK SPRINGS, FLA.— Residents
of this city soon will be able to see films on
Sunday at a new theatre which the Martin
circuit will build just, outside town.
CHARLESTON, S. C. — The city council here
is considering a proposal to channel Sunday
theatre receipts into a special charity fund.
Under present ordinance, exhibitors distrib-
ute Sunday receipts less expenses to chari-
ties of their own choosing.
CHATTANOOGA — Independent Theatres,
Inc., soon will build a new $200,000 theatre
in the town of Rossville on the Tennessee-
Georgia state line as part of the circuit’s
$750,000 expansion program, according to Abe
Solomon, president.
ROCK HILL, S. C.— Rock Hill Theatres,
Inc., headed by Ben L. Strozier, soon will
build a 1,000-seat theatre in the new busi-
ness section here.
JACKSONVILLE, N. C.— A fire which
started on the stage curtain swept swiftly
through the Onslow Theatre here recently,
gutting the building and destroying the equip-
ment. The building itself, valued at $25,000,
was not damaged. Everett-Stewart Enter-
prises owns the house.
CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Variety Club
has moved its offices from 218 West Fourth
St. to 122 South Poplar St. The clubrooms
still are in the Hotel Charlotte.
MOUNT HOLLY, N. C. — Dave and Charles
Cash are rebuilding the Gaston Theatre here.
CHARLOTTE — Jack Sims, formerly with
MGM and more recently manager of Harry
Cooke’s Midway Theatre, Midway Park, N. C.,
has resigned to join WB’s booking depart-
ment.
MONTGOMERY — Montgomery county, vot-
ers in a recent special referendum defeated
a 1 per cent sales tax proposal by 3 to 1.
ATLANTA — Despite journalistic predictions
to the contrary, “Duel in the Sun” will be
shown in Atlanta. The film will open at
Loew’s Grand some time in May. Censor
Christine Smith has cut only two minutes
from the film.
SPRINGFIELD, TENN. — A referendum will
be held here June 7 to decide the Sunday
films question.
NASHVILLE — Tommy Delbridge, manager
of Loew’s Theatre here, and E. J. Jordan re-
cently arranged a special showing of “Duel in
the Sun” for patients at the veterans hospi-
tal in Belle Meade.
MIAMI — The E. N. Claughton interests soon
will build a new 1,000-seat theatre opposite
the Douglas entrance in Coral Gables at
Southwest Eighth street and Douglas road.
ATLANTA — Atlanta will have television by
1950, P. C. Caldwell and T. A. Elder, both of
the General Electric Co., told some 250 radio
men at the recent Broadcast Engineers con-
ference here.
AMPA, FLA. — Sid Leonard, former owner of
several theatres in Georgia, died here April 18.
GREENSBORO, N. C. — Max Zager, presi-
104-B
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
News Briefs Via Waco Grapevine
dent of the Standard Amusement Co. circuit
here, has announced that his company will
operate a $100,000 theatre seating 765 to be
built in a $1,000,000 business and recreation
center planned for the Lawndale drive sec-
tion of this city.
MIAMI — Newsreel shots of the opening of
Wometco’s new Miami are being screened at
the Miami, Lincoln, Town, State, Capitol and
Rosetta.
MIAMI — A Florida constitutional amend-
ment provides that motion picture studios
newly established in the state will be free of
ad valorem tax for their first 15 years. Re-
ports persist that a full-time studio will be
established here within a year.
KINGSPORT, TENN.— L. J. Pepper, long-
time employe of the Wilby-Kincey circuit,
has resigned as Kingsport city manager. He
may operate a new house which a local group
reportedly will build here.
BIRMINGHAM— Fan dancer Sally Rand
has been freed of burglary charges brought
in county misdemeanors court here by Harry
W. Hennies of Hennies Bros. Shows, who was
fined $50 and sentenced to five days in jail
for contempt of court in bringing the charges.
State’s attorneys charged the case was “a
malicious abuse of the processes of this court
. . . and partakes of a publicity stunt.”
CHARLOTTE — New theatres are being an-
nounced here every few weeks. When all are
built, the city, which now has 15, will have
25 or more.
Role in 'Whispering Smith'
John Eldredge has been inked by Para-
mount for a featured role in “Whispering
Smith.”
OOME more newsnotes from your hospital-
ized correspondent, and the first one is
from nearby Marlin, where the grapevine
tells us of the purchase of the Falls
Theatre there by Homer Walters from Donald
Watson of Waco. Walters has been projec-
tionist at the house since 1930 . . . Tom
Padgitt is now distributing Castle Films at
423 Franklin Ave., Waco.
“Outlaw” played a first run engagement
at the Dawn Theatre in nearby Natalia . . .
Shirley Larned, daughter of Fred Larned,
manager of the Paramount exchange in
Dallas, who was killed in a California auto
accident, lives in Waco . . . The Orpheum and
Waco theatres had Texas City disaster news-
reels on the screen three days before they
were shown at veterans hospital, where your
scribe is confined.
Projectionist Nixie Rutledge of the Peak
Theatre, Dallas, has entered veterans hos-
pital in Waco for a checkup and rest cure.
On the San Antonio scene, the first news
of importance is that exhibitors there are
none too happy since an enterprising Broad-
way eatery announced free showings of films
for patrons who munch sandwiches while they
sit in their cars. The sandwiches are NOT
free . . . “Oklahoma!” drew 20,000 patrons
during its run at the Texas.
Three major film companies are soon to
open exchanges in the Alamo city, according
to a well-authenticated report. These are
20th-Fox, Paramount and MGM. This move
might bring others to San Antonio, and, with
the Spanish-language setup already in the
Alamo city, the southwest Texas metropolis
might grow in exchange stature as a rival
to Dallas. Some 20 years ago both Universal
and Paramount maintained large exchanges
in San Antonio, but pulled out soon after the
advent of sound. _
A cashier at the Palace, San Antonio, was
held up and robbed of $57. Jean Bird, ticket-
seller, said the man drew a gun on her after
she had sold him a ticket. The robber over-
looked the money in the coin changer, being
anxious to get away . . . The Ham Candy Co.
sponsored a bubble gum blowing contest at
the Harlandale, neighborhood show. Grand
prizes are two bicycles and the kids are
really striving to win.
Our Austin grapeviner reports that the
Texas revived “Hollywood Canteen,” that the
Irish premiered “Vertigo” from Clasa-Mohme,
and that Harley Sadler will emcee the stage
show at the Gregory gym . . . Tripping down
to Temple, this same informant imparts that
the Arcadia Theatre there has inaugurated
a radio quiz game that is a winner. It is a
tune quiz over KTEM. Those guessing the
correct names of the songs played get free
tickets to the theatre. — Lester Ketner, Waco
Veterans hospital.
New Marshall House
MARSHALL, TEX.— Plans for the con-
struction of a modern theatre on North
Washington avenue were announced by East
Texas Theatres, Inc.
NEW IRWIN CHAIRS
We Can Make Prompt
Delivery on All Types
OUR PRICES ARE STILL
LOW ON QUALITY SEATING
•
Complete Theatre Equipment & Service
Mode/m ^heatsie Z equipment Qo^npanu
214 South St. Paul Street
Phone Riverside 5009
Dallas 1, Texas
tiiiMiiniiiimmHiiiimmMuiiimmiiiniiiiwiiiiiimninuiiiiiiMnHiMiiiiiniiiHiiMiiinmwMMiiiinminiiiiiiiimimiiiiiiiiiiniuiiimmMm
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
104-C
Groups Which Are
Bad Films Slow to
From Midwest Edition
KANSAS CITY — Civic groups who often are
the quickest to raise a public outcry when
one film comes to town that is of questionable
worth to the community give little or no
support to worthwhile pictures.
This significant fact was brought out in a
discussion at a luncheon recently at
the Woman’s City club arranged by Mrs.
Eleanore Walton, city censor, for the Rev.
Irvin E. Deer of Chicago, representative of
the Motion Picture Ass’n. Deer was here in
the interests of the Children’s Film library,
an MPA project which Deer says is of spe-
cial interest to Eric Johnston, president.
The local film industry and Kansas City
clubwomen were about equally represented at
the luncheon.
STILL IN MINISTRY
Deer, introduced as an old friend of Mrs.
Walton, said he was proud that his church
still lists him as one of its ministers (he was
secretary of the Kansas City Council of
Churches before taking up his present work
about 12 years ago), and still feels he is
carrying on his ministry in his present posi-
tion.
Deer explained the plan by which various
communities were putting on the Children’s
Film library product and told of the careful
study that had been made in order to select
not only those which older people believed to
be classic films for children, but which al-
lowed children to express their preferences.
A discussion followed which brought out
pertinent facts which would have to be borne
in mind for community sponsorship of such
15 is for
Exhibitor
Join the
Showmen
who report results on recent films.
With them comments and ideas on
patron reaction.
Every week
in BOXOFFICE
The Exhibitor
Has His Say.
Quick to Condemn
Aid Good Ones
special children program projects. He hopes
it will be taken up here.
Arthur Cole, Paramount representative,
pointed out the inadvisability of making this
venture in a downtown theatre because of the
traffic problem posed by a large group of
children on Saturday in the shopping area.
M. D. “Babe” Cohn, Newman manager speak-
ing for the Downtown Theatres Ass’n, said
that while he agreed with Cole that such
a project was better geared to one of the
neighborhood houses, that his organization
would be glad to lend screen trailer and other
active support of it.
Both he and Cole pointed out, however, that
the very places which could do the most to
put such a project over were closed for even
the smallest announcement — the public
schools.
BLAMES IT ON SCHOOL BOARD
Since Dewey Smith had been sent by Dr.
Herold C. Hunt, superintendent of the Kansas
City public schools, to represent him, it be-
came Smith’s duty to answer why it was that
no matter how worthy a picture is, no men-
tion of it may be made on public school
property — not even an approved list is per-
mitted on the premises.
Smith explained carefully to an audience
already overly conscious of recent local school
board difficulties, that it must be remembered
Dr. Hunt works within the framework of rules
made by the school board.
Cohn felt that because it did not play in his
theatre, he could call attention to the lack
of support given the film, “Sister Kenny,” one
with a message of interest to all, yet the very
groups who might have helped put it over
could not be reached.
“And, ladies,” Cohn went on, “I want you
to know that we try to run our business in a
worthy manner. But I don’t think it was fair
of the recent mother to call me and bawl me
out for letting her 16-year-old daughter
smoke In the ladies’ rest room at my theatre.
I think her daughter’s smoking is a family
matter that calls for training in the home.”
Deer criticized the general public attitude
toward motion pictures.
“In spite of the criticism one hears of some
films.” Deer said, “it has been found that more
than 600 films made originally for entertain-
ment purposes have educational value for the
teaching of certain phases of some subjects.
So these films have now been made available
by the industry for classroom use.
“Not only that, I can quote some other sta-
tistics that do not bear out the mass criticism
of motion pictures which is being broadcast
... I think you will agree that the Legion
of Decency has a pretty tough attitude about
motion pictures, yet its own ratings of pic-
tures released last year gave 40 per cent an
A rating, as being suitable for everybody, in-
cluding children, to see. Almost the same
ratio was given by Parents’ magazine, which
also keeps a tough eye on the Hollywood
product. Seems to me that’s a pretty good
percentage when you compare it with other
entertainment fields.”
“CLEANEST ART TODAY”
Mrs. George F. Gorton, civic leader who
was introduced as “representing all the women
of Kansas City,” spoke earnestly about the
value that the one motion picture theatre was
in the little town where her grandchildren
live and mentioned the variety of tastes that
are encountered in just one family and sug-
gested that it was quite a job for exhibitors
to cater to all these tastes.
Miss Genevieve Hackett, representative for
this diocese for the Legion of Decency, was
heard to say to several who sat near her.
“Pictures are the cleanest art there is today.”
CONTROLS TWO EXCHANGES—
George Pabst, New Orleans distribution
veteran, has bought control in the Cres-
cent city of Screen Guild Productions of
Louisiana and Film Classics of the
Southeast. Formerly owning a third of
the two companies, he purchased the re-
maining interests from Joy Houck and
E. V. Landaiche. Pabst has employed
Bill Thomas, formerly of Republic, as
salesman for Screen Guild.
Plays Downtown in Hub
After Run in Back Bay
From New England Edition
BOSTON — The Exeter Street Theatre
bought “Storm in a Teacup” and “South
Riding,” two English films distributed by
Devonshire Films which were played first
rim at the Back Bay house early in March.
Three weeks later the same show played the
Kenmore, an uptown subsequent run house,
for a week. On the day after the closing of
the bill at the Kenmore the bill was moved
to the Tremont in downtown Boston where
it played a week.
This is one of the few situations where a
bill played downtown Boston after the sub-
sequent run.
Patron Analyst Gives
' Sleeper Definition
From Southeast Edition -
Miami — Mark Chartrand, Wometco’s
public relations man, was described by
Grace Wing of the News as picking up
a bit of surprising information as he
watched the opening run of a new picture
he’d worked hard to promote. It was a
clever comedy but with little known play-
ers, and Chartrand was suddenly con-
scious of the young lady seated behind
him who apparently fancied herself an
authority.
“This is a sleeper,” she informed her
companion. “When I hear a picture’s a
sleeper, I never miss it. They’re always
good.”
“What’s a sleeper?” her companion
wanted to know.
Answered the self-styled critic in an
oh-you-dumb-cluck tone, “Why a sleeper
is a picture with a moral in it.”
104-D
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Independent Theatres
Miami Theatregoers
Pick Brunet Beauties
MIAMI — Voting for Miami’s “Favorite
Brunette” is under way at Paramount Enter-
prises’ 15 theatres, with pictures • of almost
100 candidates posted in each lobby. Ballots
are available at the boxoffices. Prizes are
$10,000 worth of Miami Fashion council ward-
robes, with winners getting a chance at a
screen test as well. The contest was stretched
to include brownets as well as brunets.
Tom Jefferson, publicist for Paramount,
wrote the rules for this contest and has been
swamped with photographs of eligible girls.
Grace Wing of the Daily News reports that
about 75 per cent of the entrants enclosed
photos of themselves in poses obviously imita-
tive of film stars; particularly of Lana Tur-
ner, of whom there were dozens.
Although the rules excluded married
women, one photo was of a brunet in bridal
costume, a wedding ring on her left hand and
a wine glass and cigaret in the other. An-
other young woman sent in a snapshot of
herself knee-deep in snow, wearing a bathing
suit, galoshes and a fur scarf. Another of a
girl, reclining upon the beach, states, “This
does not do justice to the lustrous brunet
curls that abound profusely from my shining
dome.”
The unanimous decision of the judges: All
American girls have beautiful figures.
Waugh to Go to New York
To Contact His Old Pals
MEMPHIS — Howard Waugh, for many
years manager of Warner Theare in Mem-
phis and zone manager for the company,
plans to go to New York soon to contact old
friends in show business.
Waugh quit a couple of years back to enter
the Spanish-language motion picture pro-
duction business in Mexico City, only to re-
turn to Memphis to manage the Fairgrounds
amusement park for the city. Recently he
resigned from his job “because of too much
red tape and inefficiency.”
Pepper Quits W-K Circuit;
No Successor Is Named
KINGSPORT, TENN. — L. J. Pepper, a long-
time employe of the Wilby-Kincey circuit, has
resigned as city manager in Kingsport.
It was understood that he would operate
a new theatre which a local group is plan-
ning to build here. Pepper’s successor was
not named immediately.
Meanwhile, it was announced that Wilby-
Kincey’s new Strand is nearing completion
and will have its grand opening about June 1.
W. D. Wade Dies
TAMPA, FLA. — W. D. Wade, 69, for 20 years
in the furniture business here, is dead. He
was once prominent in musical circles as a
song leader. He was also manager of the
Seminole Theatre for some years.
Sid Leonard Is Dead
TAMPA, FLA. — Sid Leonard, former owner
of several theatres in Georgia, died here
April 18.
Class Named After Sudekum
NASHVILLE! — The memory of the late Tony
Sudekum, former head of Crescent Amuse-
ment Co., was honored when the Masonic
class of the 78th semiannual reunion of Scot-
tish Rite bodies, Valley of Nashville, was
named for him.
To Build in
CHATTANOOGA — Independent Theatres,
Inc., soon will build a new $200,000 theatre
in the town of Rossville on the Tennessee-
Georgia state line as part of the circuit’s
$375,000 expansion program, according to Abe
Solomon, president.
Other projects previously announced by In-
dependent call for a new house in the Brain-
erd section, improvement of the Ritz here,
and remodeling of the Capitol here to in-
clude a new front.
The Rossville project will offer a new
theatre to the community, since Independ-
ent’s Ritz Theatre there will continue to be
operated by the company after remodeling
and improvement.
The site for the new Rossville house is in
the 5000 block on Rossville boulevard, a short
distance north of the state line. Fronting
100 feet on Rossville boulevard and 120 feet
deep, the project will provide space for a
small shop in front of the building, since the
theatre lobby will have a width of 60 feet.
Adjoining the theatre to the north will be
two modern stores having a combined width
of about 40 feet and a depth of 100 feet.
Selmon T. Franklin, Chattanooga architect,
said that the house will seat 900 and will in-
clude an ornamental tower which later can be
equipped to receive television for showing on
the theatre screen when this service becomes
available.
On the front will be a circular marquee of
the new type. The building will be com-
pletely fireproof. Air conditioning equipment
already has been received and placed in
storage until needed.
Franklin and Solomon have visited numer-
ous new theatres throughout the southeast
and will incorporate the latest ideas into
GETS $50 FOR QUESTION— The first
winner of Universal’s $50 prize offered to
theatregoers for submitting a question
chosen by the Answer Man for use in his
series of short subjects was William
Smith of Ridgeland, S. C. H. C. Hartz,
owner of the Coastal Theatre in Ridge-
land, is shown above presenting the prize
to Smith. The Answer Man offers the
$50 prize in a trailer attached to each
picture in the series.
Rossville
the Rossville house. In addition, Solomon
will leave May 12 for the west coast, where
he will study several outstanding theatres.
Solomon has announced that the $200,000
estimated cost of the Rossville house includes
building, taking in the store sections, and
equipment of the new house, but does not in-
clude the amount to be spent on the opposite
side of the street for a new Goodyear service
store. The Goodyear firm occupies the present
theatre site.
Independent Theatres was established in
Chattanooga 35 years ago and is home-owned
and operated. Solomon is one of the five
oldest exhibitors in point of service in the
industry in the southeast.
Company theatres are the Capitol, Park,
Riviera, Ritz, American, Cameo and Rivoli in
Chattanooga; the Liberty in Chickamauga,
Ga., and the Park in Trion, Ga. Its colored
theatres are the Liberty, Grand, Harlem
and Amusu, all in Chattanooga.
John Lakeman Begins Building
New Haleyville Theatre
HALEYVILLE, ALA.— Work was started
April 28 on the new Star Theatre to be built
here at a cost of $120,000, including equip-
ment, by John Lakeman.
Lakeman estimated cost of the building at
$100,000, with equipment amounting to an
additional $20,000. It will seat 700.
The 77-foot front will be of marble or
structural glass and the building will be 165
feet deep.- It will be air conditioned the year
around, cooled by mechanical refrigeration in
summer.
Among the novel features of the new house
will be a private party room to seat 30.
Members of the party will be able to see the
screen through plate glass and will hear
through a special speaker installed in the
room.
Offices will be located on the second floor,
and the building will include two business
places, a gift shop and a milk bar, on the
ground floor.
Martin Circuit Will Build
Near De Funiak Springs
DE FUNIAK SPRINGS, FLA.— Residents
of De Funiak Springs soon will be able to see
Sunday motion picture programs at a new
theatre just outside the city limits on the
west side of town.
Plans for the theatre have been announced
by Hugh Martin, operator of the Ritz Thea-
tre here, one of the Martin chain.
A De Funiak ordinance prohibits Sunday
films but Martin said the new house will op-
erate on the Sabbath, since it will be outside
the city limits.
Work on sidewalks, the foundation and
other preliminaries will be started imme-
diately. The remainder of the structure will
be completed as soon as building restrictions
permit and materials become available.
New Station at Gadsden
GADSDEN., ALA.— Station WGAD, owned
by E. L. Roberts, is now on the air here.
It is Gadsden’s second station. WGAD will
broadcast Mutual programs starting May 1.
Five-Cent Ticket at Dothan
DOTHAN, ALA.— Opening a 15-chapter se-
rial, “Son of the Guardsman,” the Martin
Theatre here admitted children on presenta-
tion of a newspaper coupon and 5 cents.
POXOFFICE :: May 3, 1947
SE
105
Maceri, Light man Split ;
L&l Will Be Dissolved
MEMPHIS — L&L Theatres, operators of
six neighborhood showhouses in Memphis,
will be dissolved. Joe Maceri, veteran neigh-
borhood showman, said he and his partner,
Paul Zerilla, are dissolving their partnership
with M. A. Lightman sr.
The Maceri-Zerilla combination, original
owners of the Lamar and Rialto theatres, had
joined Lightman, operator of the Linden
Circle, in acquiring the Memphian, Capitol
and Joy 16 years ago. All six were pooled
under the name of L&L (Lightman and
Lamar).
TO FORM NEW FIRM
Under the new arrangement Paul Maceri
and Zerilla, together with Frank Maceri and
Phil Zerilla, will form a new company and
take over full ownership and control of
four of the theatres, the Lamar, Rialto,
Capitol and Joy. Lightman and his in-
terests will take over sole ownership and op-
eration of the Memphian and Linden Circle.
The Lightman theatres will be operated by
Malco, Inc., headed by Lightman, which op-
erates three Main street theatres in Mem-
phis— Malco, Strand and Princess — along
with about 80 theatres in Arkansas, Kentucky
Mississippi and Tennessee.
“This division was occasioned by a friendly
disagreement,” Maceri said. “Lightman, with
whom we have operated pleasantly in part-
nership for many years, wanted us to go
in with him in the large theatre and business
building he has in preliminary stages at
Crosstown and Overton Park. We did not
wish to be included in it.
DRAW LOTS IN DEAL
“After Lightman decided to proceed with
the project without us, we came to feel that
it would not work for us to operate both
as partners of Lightman and as his com-
petitors in the same field. So we insisted on
dissolution of the partnership, and Lightman
agreed.
“We will take back full control of the
25th Charlotte Theatre ;
1 5 Are Operating Now
Charlotte — Practically every few weeks
there is an announcement of another new
theatre for Charlotte which, when all are
built, will bring the total number in the
city to 25. There are 15 operating now.
Latest announcement is a $100,000 thea-
tre being built in the 500 block of 36th
street in North Charlotte by Astor Pic-
tures Exchange. Construction to recon-
vert a building already standing is under
way.
Lamar and Rialto which were originally ours;
Lightman gets back his Linden Circle. We
agreed that one group would get the Capitol
and Joy, the other, the Memphian. Then we
drew lots to see who would take which.
Lightman drew the Memphian.
“No cash consideration was involved.”
L&L Theatres and Lightman and his as-
sociates are all defendants in a federal court
lawsuit now pending in Memphis, brought
by independent theatre operators and also
naming major film distributing companies
as defendants. This suit charges conspiracy
among the defendants to discriminate against
the plaintiffs in distribution of pictures.
DITS to Play Atlanta Soon;
Smith Cuts Two Minutes
ATLANTA— Despite journalistic predictions
to the contrary, “Duel in the Sun” will be
shown in Atlanta. The film will open at
Loew’s Grand some time in May.
Christine Smith, Atlanta city censor, has
disclosed that her shears have snipped out
less than two minutes of dialog from the
film, which censors in other towns have
hacked to pieces before allowing it to be ex-
hibited.
Claughton lo Build
Coral Gables Unit
MIAMI — A new motion picture theatre is
scheduled for erection by the E. N. Claughton
interests opposite the Douglas entrance in
Coral Gables at Southwest Eighth street and
Douglas road.
Plans for the theatre were disclosed when
99-year leases were executed. The total indi-
cated land rental involves an aggregate of
about $500,000.
In addition to the theatre, which will have
about 1,000 seats, a block of stores will be
built. The property has a combined frontage
of 20 feet on Eighth street and extends back
100 feet.
New Corporation to Build
House in Mountain Home
KANSAS CITY — Clarence Schultz, exec-
utive of Commonwealth Amusement Co.,
said this week that final arrangements are
being made for the formation of the Com-
monwealth-Evans Theatre Corp. in Mountain
Home, Ark. The firm will take over the
present Evans Theatre and other real estate
in the town.
The creation of Commonwealth-Evans also
will give the go sign to new theatre construc-
tion in Mountain Home in the form of a 600-
seat house to be named the Baxter. This new
location, to operate as the A house in the
town, will be completely air conditioned and
will have some of the finest appointments in
the territory, according to Schultz. The Evans
will serve as a B house upon completion of
the Baxter.
Officers of the firm and the date of final
incorporation will be announced as soon as
all legal procedure has been completed.
$100,000 Theatre Planned
For Greensboro District
GREENSBORO, N. C. — A project to be
called the Modern Center, embracing ji recre-
ation building, a frozen food store, super-
market, clothing stores and a $100,000 motion
picture theatre, has been announced for the
Lawndale drive section of this city. Costing
approximately $1,000,000, work on the business
block will begin as soon as regulations permit.
Max Zager, president of Standard Amuse-
ment Co. of Greensboro, announced that plans
are being drawn for the theatre, which will
be called the Acme and will seat 765. His com-
pany operates houses here, in High Point and
Burlington.
New Rock Hill Theatre
Is Planned by Strozier
ROCK HILL, S. C. — Ben L. Strozier, presi-
dent of Rock Hill Theatres, Inc., announces
the purchase of a large lot on Oakland ave-
nue where the firm plans a modern de luxe
theatre seating approximately 1,000 as soon
as materials are available.
The theatre will present stage shows as
well as screen attractions. It will be located
in the same block as Bob Bryant’s Pix Thea-
tre, in the new business section of Rock Hill
which is being developed rapidly.
Rock Hill Theatres, Inc., will continue to
operate the Stevenson and Carolina thea-
tres after the new house is opened.
Showman on Cleanup Drive
FLORENCE, ALA. — Stanley Rosenbloom of
Muscle Shoals Theatres has been named a
member of the publicity committee for the
citywide cleanup and paintup week, April
28 through May 3.
BOXES and BAGS
They Are Still in Short Supply But
We Have Them
Send Us Your Standing Order and Save 10%
Look at These Prices!
BOXES — 5a size — Serially numbered, printed and colored
BOXES — 10c size — Printed red and white (4%x2x7)
BOXES — Carnival Size— 4x1 5/8x51/2 — 1000 lo case
JTJMBO BAGS — 15" long x 41/2x1% — 600 to case
BAGS — 5c Johnny Boy— Red and white stripe (3x1 7/8x7) — 10.000 to case
BAGS — 10c Johnny Boy — Red and white stripe (3x2x9)— 3.000 to case
BAGS — Kraft, y2“lb. size (3xl%xBl/2) — 10.000 per bale
BAGS — Kraft, %-lb. size (3x2x7 3/4) — 10.000 per bale
BAGS — Kraft. 10c size (3%x2V4x9) — 6.000 per bale
BAGS — Kraft, 10c size — Johnny Boy red stnpe — 6,000 per bale
BAGS — 5c glassine — 12,000 to case (3x1 3/4x6%)
BAGS — 10c glassine — 8,000 to case, %-lb. (3%xl 3/4x7 3/4)
BAGS— 1 lb. glassine (31/2x21/4x7%)
BAGS — 2 lb. glassine — -6,000 to case
Standing Order
List Price Discount Net Price
5.50
10%
4.95
8.65
10%
7.79
6.50M
10%
5.85M
6.75M
10%
6.08M
1.82M
10%
1.64M
2.35M
10%
2.12M
1.40M
10%
1.26M
1.50M
10%
1.35M
1.65M
10%
1.49M
2.20M
10%
1.98M
1.98M
10%
1.79M
2.88M
10%
2.60M
2.79M
10%
2.52M
3.31M
10%
2.98M
One-Day Service
Order Today
31st & Charlotte
BLEVINS POPCORN CO
• Dept. BB •
Nashville, Tenn.
106
BOXOFFlCE : : May 3, 1947
MEMPHIS
^oak Roberts, WB district manager of
Dallas, visited Ed Williamson, local man-
ager . . . Ben Y. Cammack, district manager,
Dallas, was in the RKO exchange here for
conferences with A, M. Avery . . . Phil Long-
don, 20th-Fox district manager, Dallas, con-
ferred with Tom Young, local manager.
Oscar Morgan, New York, short subjects
manager, was in the local Paramount ex-
change for a discussion of new short subjects
with L. W. McClintock, manager; George
Gaughan, office manager; Fred Curd, book-
ing manager, and Salesmen Tom Donahue,
Joe Young and Bob Kilgore.
Midsouth exhibitors seen on the Row: J.
M. Mounger, Mart, Calhoun City, Miss.; T. E.
Morris, Honey, Indianola, Miss.; J. A. Owen,
Amory, Amory, Miss.; K. H. Kinney, Hays,
Hughes, Ark.; Joe Wofford, Jomac, Eupora,
Miss.; J. J. Sharum, Sharum, Walnut Ridge,
Ark.; Bill Malen, Lura, Augusta, Ark.; C. J.
Lichty, Pix, Fort Smith, Ark., and J. A.
Owen, Amory, Amory, Miss.
Also visiting and shopping were: Jesse
Moore, Ritz, Crenshaw, Miss.; E. H. Haynes,
Haynes circuit, Jonesboro, Ark.; Mrs. John
Keller, Joiner, Joiner, Ark.; E. E. Reeves,
Reeves circuit, Batesville, Ark.; Earl Vandiver,
Palace, Kennett, Mo.; H. W. Pickens, Lyle,
Crenshaw, Miss.; Sam Kirby, Nabor, Little
Rock; F. J. Adams, Tate, Coldwater, Miss.;
R. R. Clemmons, Dixie, Adamsville, Tenn.;
R. B. Cox, Eureka, Batesville, Miss.; G. C.
Pratt, Dixie, Fulton, Miss., and O. W. Mc-
Cutchen, Roxy, Blytheville, Ark.
Mark M. Sheridan, former salesman for
20th-Fox here, now branch manager for the
company at New Orleans, visited the Mem-
phis office with his wife and children ... A
fire in the booth at Harlem Theatre, Green-
ville, Miss., caused considerable damage . . .
Leonard Shea, PRC manager, was in El
Dorado, Ark., on business . . . S. E. Applegate,
Atlanta, southern division manager for J.
Arthur Rank, was here . . . R. S. McCoy,
Atlanta, Eagle-Lion representative, also was
in town.
More exhibitors on the Row: Bob Lee,
Dixie, Potts Camp, Miss.; Bill Kroger, Shan-
non, Portageville, Mo.; E. G. Jackson, Cave,
Cave City, Ark.; Aulton Sims, Robb & Row-
ley circuit; T. E. Shaw, Dixie, Fulton, Miss.;
C. B. Huber, Mohrstadt circuit booker, and
John Mohrstadt, Hayti, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs.
W. T. Ellis, Ellis and Regent, Cleveland, Miss.,
and G. H. Goff, Rustic, Parsons, Tenn.
Ed Williamson, Warner Bros, manager,
went to Little Rock . . . Jack Story, salesman,
Monarch Theatre Supply Co., was in Arkansas
and N. B. Blount, manager of Monarch, made
a trip to Mississippi.
Judge Camille Kelley of Memphis juvenile
court spoke to the Variety Club at Monday’s
meeting . . . Variety Club held another gay
Saturday night party at its clubrooms
in Hotel Gayoso . . . The W. C. Handy Thea-
tre opens May 11 in a new brick building with
1,100 seats, erected at a cost of $200,000. Prof.
W. C. Handy of New York, “daddy of the
blues,” will appear at the opening.
A group of Malco executives and their
families have returned from New Orleans
where they attended the wedding of Richard
Lightman, Malco official, to Jeanne Garret-
son of the Crescent city. Among those re-
turning were Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Lightman
sr., Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Lightman jr., Mr.
and Mrs. Herb Kohn, Mr. and Mrs. Myron
Meyer and Ed Sapinsley. The bride and groom
are honeymooning in Florida.
Leaving May 9 for the Variety Club con-
vention in Los Angeles May 14-18 will be Mr.
and Mrs. Dave Flexer, Mr. and Mrs. M. A.
Lightman sr., Mr. and Mrs. Herb Kohn, Bill
Ramsey, Tom O’Ryan, Joe Simon, Tommy
Baldridge, William Goodman and Mr. and
Mrs. Orris Collins . . . Mr. and Mrs. L. F.
Haven jr., Imperial, Forrest City, Ark., were
here on a combined business and pleasure
trip. They visited the Row and personal
friends.
Malco was so well pleased with “My Fa-
vorite Brunette,” the picture was booked for
a second week only a couple of days after it
opened. Ritz held over “Carmen,” a third
week because of good attendance. Loew’s
Palace, with “Ramrod,” and Loew’s State
with “Undercover Maisie,” reported fair at-
tendance. The Strand packed them in and
turned them away with a roadshow engage-
ment of “The Best Years of Our Lives.” The
Warner reported heavy attendance with
“Pursued” . . . Bill Brenner, president of
National Screen Service, was a visitor at the
local offices.
Springfield, Tenn., to Vote
On Sunday Film Shows
SPRINGFIELD, TENN. — Residents of
Springfield will vote June 7 on the question
of permitting Sunday motion picture shows.
The city commission, faced with three peti-
tions asking such a vote, set the referendum,
which is not binding upon the governing
body, however.
Clarksville Station Sold
CLARKSVILLE, TENN. — T r a n s f e r of
WJZM by Mayor William Kleeman to John
Perry Sheftall and Elmer T. Campbell has
been approved by the FCC. The transfer, it
was announced, involved a cash consideration
of $95,000, or $100,000 payable over a six-year
period. The commission also announced a
conditional grant for a new FM station,
WBIR, at Knoxville, to Scripps-Howard
Radio, Inc.
Merrily, Merrily, Merrily
CHATTANOOGA— Plans for novel Sunday
evening services at the West Side Baptist
church April 27 undoubtedly were inspired
by drive-in theatres. The services were held
on the church grounds, with the congregation
sitting in automobiles. The Rev. Dale God-
frey added emphasis to his sermon, “Merrily
We Go to Hell” by speaking in front of a
roaring bonfire.
'Duel' at Veterans Hospital
NASHVILLE — Tommy Delbridge, manager
of Loew’s Theatre here, and E. J. Jordan
arranged a special showing of “Duel in the
Sun,” recently banned in Memphis, for Vet-
erans administration hospital patients in
Belle Meade.
The average cost of a negative for feature
films in 1946 was $665,863.
Thrilling Actioj#
Songs of Tender Romance?
NOW AVAILABLE
DON'T OVERLOOK
THESE SERIAL BETS
GENE AUTRY
— in —
"PHANTOM EMPIRE"
“THE ADVENTURES
OF REX AND RINTY"
“THE LOST JUNGLE"
"LAW OF THE WILD"
12 CHAPTERS EACH
MONARCH
THEATRE SUPPLY. Inc.
Neil Blount
492 So. Second St.
Memphis, Tenn.
ASSOCIATED
FILM CLASSICS
ATLANTA — CHARLOTTE
MEMPHIS
BOXOFFICE :: May 3, 1947
107
MIAMI
Trudy Roe won the Paramount Theatres con-
test marking the showing of “Suddenly It’s
Spring” at the Sheridan, Paramount, and
Beach. Miss Roe, 28, is an artist employed
by the Carib Novelty Co., and has worked
for Fleischer cartoon studios here, and for
Warner Bros, cartoon studios in Hollywood.
Runnersup were awarded theatre tickets.
“Did ya ever see a lion and a fox sit down
to break bread together?” asks George Bourke.
gether here recently. Incidentally, Moskowitz’s
and 20th-Fox’s Spyros Skouras dined to-
gether here recently. Incidentally, Moskowitz’s
advice to Phil Foster to lose ten pounds is
rumored to be more than a health hint.
Arline Judge and Henry J. Topping, her ex-
brother-in-law, were married April 29 at the
Miami Beach home of John Paul Riddle . . .
The Kid quiz series of contests has begun on
the stage of the Grove Theatre. Youngsters
are selected at random from the audience
and there are prizes for all participants, a
bicycle being the first contest winner’s prize.
The Roland twins had the bad luck to
fluff their performance the other night when
a film big-shot was catching their act . . .
A prominent Beach resident recently parked
her car near the Mayfair Theatre, locking
the door. She found the interior torn to
pieces when she got back. Police have advised
those leaving their cars for as long an interval
as a theatre performance, not to lock their
doors. Prowling thieves, they said, immedi-
ately spot locked cars as containing valuables,
frequently indulging in vandalism out of
sheer meanness when they find nothing to
steal.
Una Merkel dropped around in person to
see the first showing of her new starring film,
“It’s a Joke, Son,” at the Cinema . . . Spyros
Skouras was host to a party at a local club
. . . Local theatregoers are being advised to
take a look at the current newsreels of the
Texas City blast and then make out a check
which will be forwarded by the Miami Beach
mayor to Texas City’s mayor.
Irving Harris left his gin rummy game with
Charles Moskowitz long enough to attend
graduation ceremonies at the Miami Beach
high school . . . Mrs. Minie Umanoff, a New
York visitor, died of a heart attack in a local
picture theatre recently . . . Ralph Danchez
left for St. Louis en route to the coast where
he will join his brothers Abe and George on
a film-making expedition to Alaska:
The Gables’ manager, Dan Boone, has added
four Bugs Bunny cartoons to the feature,
“Angel and the Badman” . . . Patrons who
tore out the Rex Theatre’s ad from news-
papers on a certain day and presented it at
the boxoffice received free frozen custard
cones.
Newsreel shots of the opening of Wometco’s
new Miami are being screened at the Miami,
Lincoln, Town, State, Capitol and Rosetta
. . . William Forest Crouch, who seems to
have a hex on him so far as Miami is con-
cerned, has called off the filming of those
Miami-made shorts. Jini Boyd, who had a
good part, is the saddest girl in town.
Strongly influenced by the Florida consti-
tutional amendment under which a motion
picture studio would be free of ad valorem
tax for 15 years, it has been reported by re-
liable sources in close touch with film ex-
ecutives here recently that within a year
there will be a full-time studio established
in Miami.
Ervin Quits MGM
CHARLOTTE — Ray .Ervin has resigned as
sales representative for MGM after serving
that company for 18 years. He will be as-
sociated with George W. Baxter, southern
district manager of the Zimmer Manufac-
turing Co., in the sale of orthopedic equip-
ment. Ervin, originally from Washington,
spent the last 11 years working out of Char-
lotte and will continue to make this city his
home.
Kansas Citian Signs Contract
Martha Ross, 22-year-old brunet of Kansas
City, has been signed for a long-term con-
tract by United Artists.
Meet up with K omance —
Drama — Musk —Laughs
The story of a de-
votion tl at mends
o broke i heart.
LOVETT
A STEPHENS-LANG Production • Directed by
ERIE C. KENTON • Screen Play by Peter Milne
and Maurict leo • Original Story by Peter Milne
ctn
One of the Doctor Christian
Series — Another Ready — Z
MELODY FOR THREE
2 of a Series of the Famous Country Doctor,
Music — Drama — Comedy
First
r itc'
READY FOR JUNE . . . IT’S NEW Run
WHITE STALLION
THE
First of a Series of 6 with
EDDIE DEAN — KEN MAYNARD
ROCKY CAMERON — MAX TERHUNE
COMING: RICHARD'S ANSWER
"I AIN'T GOING TO OPEN
THAT DOOR"
1 -sheets, 8x10, Trailers (9 Min.)
HIM
ASTOR PICTURES CO.
OF GA., INC.
Main
9845
163 Walton St.
3rd Floor
ATLANTA
A1 Duren Paramount
Jacksonville Head
NEW YORK — A1 Duren, sales manager for
Paramount at the Atlanta exchange, has
been named as manager in Jacksonville, Fla.,
by Charles M. Reagan, vice-president in
charge of distribution. The Jacksonville ex-
change will be reopened June 1.
Paramount has been operating a shipping
station in Jacksonville since 1939. Up to
that time it was an exchange.
Bill Holiday, salesman in the Charlotte ex-
change, will become Atlanta sales manager.
Lawrence Terrell, booking manager at Char-
lotte, will replace Holiday, and Joe E. Cutreli,
booker, will succeed Terrell.
Southwest Briefs
NEW ORLEANS — “Henry V” played re-
cently at the Lakeview Theatre here.
BATON ROUGE — Joseph Alex soon will
start building a modern theatre for Negroes
in the suburbs of this city.
NEW ORLEANS — Gene Youngblood, for-
mer New Orleans minstrel man whose son
Jesse is now assistant manager of the new
Joy Theatre on Canal street, died recently.
Oklahoma City — C. F. Motley, opera-
tions director for Griffith Theatres, re-
cently received a request for Contact,
the Griffith house organ, from W. J.
Rayner of the Rayner Cinemas circuit
in England, who wrote: “I would be
honored if you would send me your
house organ, Contact. I am very in-
terested in American showmanship.”
Several representative issues were sent.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Business leaders and
city officials here have asked the legisla-
ture to act quickly on a bill authorizing the
people of Oklahoma to vote on whether they
want a city sales tax.
DALLAS — Joe Joseph, local theatre broker,
will begin construction soon on a 650-seat
neighborhood theatre in fast-growing Cedar
Crest Country club. Plans are drawn and
CPA has approved.
PLAINVIEW, TEX.— W. R. Taylor, field
supervisor for Chas. E. Darden & Co., the
popcorn firm, spoke at a recent Kiwanis
meeting here.
ANADARKO, OKLA. — Bob Hope and his
radio sponsor, Charles Luckman, president of
Lever Bros., will attend the Indian exposition
here in August. Both are members of the
Kiowa tribe. Luckman was inducted under
the name of Chief Great Heart. Hope is
Chief Eagle Beak.
NEW ORLEANS — Don DeFore, film star,
was here with his wife on a short vacation.
DALLAS — Grosses at first runs here were
far under par the week of the disaster at
Texas City. Most residents were sitting at
their radios.
NEW ORLEANS — Aaron Rosenberg, Alex-
ander Golitzen and Jack Lawton of U-I
were here recently hunting locations for
scenes in Walter Wanger’s production of
“Tap Roots,” a novel based on the war be-
tween the states.
108
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
CHARLOTTE
tTariety Club has moved offices from 218
West Fourth St. to 122 South Poplar St.
Clubrooms are maintained in Hotel Charlotte.
Ruth Hardin is secretary in charge of the
headquarters office . . . The engagement of
Jeanette Wade, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
E. E. Wade to Keith Boone of Gibsonville,
has been announced. The wedding will take
place in June. Wade is owner of theatres
in Belmont, N. C. . . . Funeral services were
held for the father of E. M. Mobley, owner of
the Towne Theatre in Edgefield, S. C.
W. G. Driver, Screen Guild salesman, has
turned into a great newshound. He reports
this week: “If you want to see Fin Davis of
the Mimosa, Morganton, N. C., you’ll have
to go to Lake James. He has a new boat, and
a beauty, too.” Driver adds: “Dave and
Charles Cash are rebuilding the Gaston in
Mount Holly, N. C., and expect to open in
the late summer” . . . J. C. Greene of John-
son, S. C., will start building a new theatre in
about two weeks . . . Bert Ram, Patricia,
Aiken, S. C., will build a new theatre in
Langley, and Bert and his brother-in-law,
Sam Bogo, will build a new house in Bates-
burg.
RKO news: J. W. Loewe, southern sales
manager for Samuel Goldwyn Pictures, with
headquarters in Dallas, was here for confer-
ences with Branch Manager Rovy Branon.
Loewe is visiting offices in the southeastern
district, and left for the Atlanta branch . . .
Fieldman Frank Winsor was in Wilmington
this week setting up an extensive advertising
campaign on “The Best Years of Our Lives”
for the Manor Theatre. The picture opens
for an extended run there May 4 . . . Winsor
was in Hamlet this week setting up a cam-
paign on the picture for the Hamlet Theatre
. . . Premiere showing of “The Farmer’s
Daughter” was the Carolina Theatre, Char-
lotte, April 27.
Warner Bros, notes: Jack Frye, head book-
er, has resigned. His future plans have not
been announced . . . Jack Sims, formerly
with MGM and more recently manager of
Harry Cooke’s Midway Theatre, Midway
Park, N. C., has resigned to join Warners
booking department, replacing Harry Wayne,
resigned . . . Carl Kanup is a new employe
in the cashier department. He was formerly
with Universal . . . Ralph Iannuzzi, branch
manager, has returned from a trip in Ashe-
ville where he conferred with Carl Bamford.
John Thompson, secretary of the Motion
Picture Theatre Owners and Operators of
Georgia, is visiting Ben L. Strozier, presi-
dent of the Theatre Owners of North and
South Carolina in Rock Hill. Thompson is
from Vidalia, Ga., and is general manager
of the Pal Amusement Co. . . . William A.
Scully, vice-president and general sales man-
ager of Universal-International, is here for
conferences with the local manager, J. V.
Frew.
H. E. Wessinger of the Carolina, Lexington,
FDR 5PECIRL TR0ILER5 ITS
51
RIO
tlRNI
j
\
BOX 498
ATLANTA
THE LION ROARS! — Southeasterners were snapped at the sales convention of
MGM held at the Hotel Astor in New York early this week, and they are, in the usual
order: Jack C. ReVille, Charlotte manager; James E. Fly, Memphis booker; Charles
E. Kessnich, district manager with headquarters at Atlanta; James L. Stanton,
Atlanta booker; Irving Beck, Charlotte booker; Lou Ingram, Memphis manager.
S. C., recuperated from a ten-day siege of
flu, was on Filmrow this week . . . Visitors of
the Row: Fuller Sams, Statesville; Mrs.
Pearl Green, Hollywood Theatre, Manning;
J. K. Whitley, Swanee Theatre, Kannapolis;
Ben L. Strozier, Rock Hill; Mr. and Mrs. B. B.
Anderson and Howard Anderson, Anderson
circuit, Mullins; J. B. Harvey, Carolina Thea-
tre, Clover; Tom Fleming, Sylva Theatre,
York; Morris Littman, Sylvan Theatre,
Rutherfordton.
Take Roles in 'Dark Bullet'
Mary Brian and Douglas Blackley will take
featured roles in Screen Guild’s “Dark
Bullet.”
Lightman Visits Florida
HOLLYWOOD, FLA. — M. A. Lightman,
president of the Malco circuit of Memphis, is
spending a brief vacation at the Hollywood
Beach hotel, with occasional side trips to
Miami. Lightman has been participating in
a bridge tournament at the hotel. When he
leaves Florida toward the end of the month
he will travel to New Orleans, where he plans
to attend the marriage of his son, Richard.
The world gross of American motion pic-
tures is estimated to be $2,700,000,000 for 1946;
foreign markets took $900,000,000 worth of
films.
Wluf. ? ? ?
Why have many of Our Valued Accounts
bought this new Super
MANLEY POPCORN MACHINE
"by the dozen"?
If you don't know — let us tell you.
Z. C. (CURT) SHRIVE
Southeastern District Manager
102 Cain St. N. W. Atlanta 3, Ga.
Phone CYpress 5116
COME AND SEE US
BOXOFFICE :: May 3, 1947
109
BIRMINGHAM
prank V. Merritt, head of Acme Theatres,
spent several days in Atlanta. He was
accompanied by L. Spiegler, controller for
the circuit . . . Visitors here included Babe
Cohen, district manager for Monogram, and
Ben Jordan, Monogram salesman.
Rush P. Powell, owner of Powell Photo and
Sound Co., was a caller . . . Spence Pierce,
MGM publicist, also dropped in for a short
stay . . . Roland K. Stonebrook, former man-
ager of the Alabama here, has been made
manager of the Orpheum in Omaha, Neb.,
according to word received by friends. Stone-
brook formerly was manager of the Omaha
in Omaha . . . William H. Neal sr., Ritz pro-
jectionist, has been ill.
Oliver Naylor, Lyric manager, vacationed
in Philadelphia . . . Marvin Scarborough,
engineer for Acme Theatres, has been ill . . .
Another on the sitk list was Edward C. Vaught,
Melba doorman . . . Lauritz Melchior, who
scored a distinct hit with Birmingham audi-
ences in his concert at Municipal auditorium,
was made an honorary member of the Ala-
bama’s Mickey Mouse club during his stay
here.
MPMO members attending the Alabama
Federation of Labor convention here included
J. M. Stutts, Sheffield; Ed Tait and H.
Browne, Mobile; J. C. Mauney, Gadsden; T.
H. Lippman, Montgomery, and C. T. Gaston
and J. C. Mathews, Jasper. Tate was an
unsuccessful candidate for federation secre-
tary. The out-of-town delegates were hon-
ored at a luncheon by members of Local 236,
\ \
Serving Ike South With
MOTIOGRAPH
WIL-KIN DRAPERIES
PROJECTORS
DA-LITE SCREENS
MOTIOGRAPH
POP CORN
MIRROPHONIC
AND SUPPLIES
SOUND EQUIPMENT
CRETORS
ASHCRAFT LAMPS
POP CORN MACHINES
LIGHTING FIXTURES
ROBIN IMPERIAL
MOTOR GENERATORS
FLOOR COVERINGS
FINE FURNITURE
U. S. AIRCO
AIR CONDITIONING
WALL COVERINGS
STAGE RIGGING
HEYWOOD WAKEFIELD
CHAIRS
DECORATING
WIL-KfN
CHABLOTTE, N. C.
Everything for the theatre except film ”
ATLANTA. GA,
' .0 KKS.a -
110
including J. C. Harper sr., president; J. F.
Mankin, secretary; Ralph A. Root, business
agent, and F. E. Walker, former treasurer.
Mrs. Frank Savoldi, the former Gloria Root,
is now in Orlando, Fla., with her husband.
A former employe of the Associated Press in
Louisville, Ky., and the Louisville Courier-
Journal, Mrs. Savoldi is now writing script for
station WDBO, Orlando . . . A. S. Johnstone
of New Orleans, international representative
for MPMO, attended the meeting of Local 236
April 27.
John Douglas, assistant to Frank V. Mer-
ritt of Acme Theatres, and Francis S. Falken-
burg, Alabama manager, have been named to
the board of directors of the new press-radio-
advertising-amusement club. “The Downtown
Club” was selected by officers and directors
meeting at the home of President N. H.
Waters as the name of the new organization.
Negotiations are under way for quarters in
a downtown hotel. .
“The Best Years of Our Lives” was held at
the Birmingham for a fourth week, scheduled
to wind up the run. “Moonlight Sonata” was
booked to open Sunday, May 3 . . . “The
Razor’s Edge” moved to the Strand for a
third downtown week, while “Mr. District
Attorney” won a second downtown week at
the Capitol . . . “The Shocking Miss Pilgrim”
was held over at the Lyric after a week at
the Alabama, while “Humoresque” opened at
the Ritz . . . Frank Emerson, Royal projec-
tionist, has moved back to the Capitol.
Sally Rand Not a Burglar
Alabama Court Decides
BIRMINGHAM — Fan dancer Sally Rand
was freed of burglary charges in county mis-
demeanors court here, while Harry W. Hen-
nies, manager of Hennies Bros. Shows, was
fined $50 and sentenced to five days in jail
for contempt of court in having brought the
charges.
Hennies had accused Miss Rand of break-
ing into a show wagon containing costumes
and other equipment for her troupe during an
argument over a contract for the dancer to
appear with the carnival this season as a
midway attraction. Miss Rand maintained
the costumes were her property.
Hennies was released from jail after serv-
ing one day of the contempt sentence when
his attorneys filed mandamus proceedings
before the Alabama court of appeals. The
appellate court will hold a hearing on the
case May 11.
Just before Hennies was cited for contempt,
state’s attorneys charged that the case con-
stituted “a malicious abuse of the processes
of this court . . . and partakes of a pub-
licity stunt.”
Meanwhile, Miss Rand and Hennies left to
join the show for its opening in Terre Haute,
Ind. The show is scheduled to return to
Birmingham, where it winters, for an appear-
ance at the Alabama state fair next fall.
Lardner Signs Contract
Ring Lardner jr., has been signed to a new
writer’s contract by 20th-Fox and is scripting
“Daisy Kenyon.”
THE QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE, Inc.
1912V2 Morris Avenue Telephone 3-8665
Birmingham, Alabama
★ ★ ★
Complete Theatre Equipment and
Supplies VA
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Judge Camille Kelley
Says Censor Futile
MEMPHIS— “I do not think local censor-
ship is the answer,” Judge Camille Kelley,
Memphis world-famous juvenile court judge,
said Monday when asked about censorship at
the close of her speech before the Variety
Club Tent 20 during which she had paid a
remarkable tribute to the motion picture in-
dustry.
‘‘I am very fond of the members of the
censor board and I would not want anything
I say construed against them,” Judge Kelley
cautioned. “I think the censorship should
come from the beginning, when the picture
is being made. I do not approve of the way
dissipation has sometimes been made attrac-
tive, garlanded with roses and romance. I
do not think crime should be made attractive.
But if you get the wrong idea from one pic-
ture, the next one will set it straight again.
Local censorship is not the answer.”
Judge Kelley in her speech at the Ladies’
day luncheon Monday said that in the 45,000
cases that she has tried not “more than half
a dozen times” have the movies been named
as the cause of juvenile delinquency.
Judge Kelley told the motion picture men
that she took her boys to see western pictures
“when the westerns were so wild I had to sit
out front because I couldn’t stand the boom-
boom-boom.”
“We will always try to find excuses for do-
ing the wrong thing. ’Way back it was the
dime novels that were supposed to make the
little wildcat boys.
“People who decry pictures do not know
pictures.”
Just as everyone needs a corner for privacy,
she said, “you need to go to the picture show,
where you can let yourself down and be some-
one else for a little while.
“Movies are the only real relaxation from
the world of stress. And they are educational
as well as relaxing. I believe in recreation
and pleasure.
“If you think there are some things in the
movies which are bad and you are worried
about your children seeing them, go to the
movies with the children and point out and
emphasize the things that you think are good.
“Movies will make a maid a better maid, a
chauffeur a better chauffeur, a wife a better
wife and a husband a better husband just
as they will make a gangster a better gang-
ster.
“Movies have shown the inside of humble
homes and the inside of mansions and have
shown that the same love affairs, same jeal-
ousies, same romance, same murders are com-
mon to each.
“More people are bored to death than mur-
dered.”
Calling attention to the money and thought
put into production of movies, Judge Kelley
said “we should take lessons from the pic-
tures and give our children that same sort
of thought.”
“I am asked every day: ‘Do movies do
harm?’ There are not as many as half a
dozen cases in the 45,000 I have tried where
movies have even been brought into the case
as a contributing factor to the behavior prob-
lem.”
JACK DUMESTRE. Jr.
Southeastern Theatre
Equipment Co.
ATLANTA
CHARLOTTE
JACKSONVILLE
SWANK IS THE WORD— The Strand
Theatre in Memphis, completely remod-
eled inside and out, is depicted as it re-
opened this week with a roadshow en-
gagement of “The Best Years of Our
Lives.” This first run picture brings a
new policy to the Strand. The new lobby,
structural glass front and signs are shown
in the picture above. Inside there are new
seats, carpets, draperies, etc.
Charlotte Barkers Score
With Golf Tournament
CHARLOTTE— Variety Club’s annual golf
tournament and barbecue was a tremendous
success. Three handicap prizes were given.
A putter was won by Max Holder; a wind-
breaker by Cecil McCommons, and third place
was a five-way tie, all receiving golf balls.
They are Ralph Iannuzzi, Paul Cockrell, A. L.
Stout, Hugh Sykes and J. E. McLeroy.
The low gross prize, a windbreaker, was
won by Frank Winsor. First prize for horse-
shoe pitching went to Charlie Leonard and
second to Charles E. Myers jr. of Rich Square.
First in sweepstakes was won by George
Graves and second by Jimmie Austin of Clin-
ton, N. C.
In charge of various events were Joe Bishop
for horseshoe pitching; sweepstakes, Carl
Patterson and Charlie Leonard, with Gene
Dyer arranging for all prizes.
Scott Lett was general chairman; Marsh
Funderburk, A. B. Craver, Byron Adams, Max
Holder, Gene Dyer and Carl Patterson as-
sisted.
Atlanta to Have Television
By 1950, GE Experts Say
ATLANTA — Atlanta will have television by
1950, P. C. Caldwell and T. A. Elder, both of
the General Electric Co., told some 250 radio
men from 11 southern states at the conclud-
ing session of the recent Broadcast engineers
conference at the Biltmore hotel here.
Caldwell described television equipment lay-
outs and Elder told about high frequency
tubes. Both expressed optimism over the fu-
ture of this phase of electronics.
M. A. Honnell, professor of elcetronics at
Georgia Tech, told the results of a two-year
survey of frequency modulation possibilities
in the Atlanta area. With the usual type of
vertical polarization, he said, the trees of the
area would absorb a large volume of the FM
waves.
“But with horizontal polarization,” he con-
tinued, “there is no absorption at all and
thus there are no FM ‘dead spots’ in the At-
lanta area.”
The conference concluded with a public
exhibition of FM broadcasting, the first of
its kind in Atlanta. The FM station at Georgia
Tech broadcast an hour’s musical program
to the Pompeian room at the Biltmore.
Jacksonville, N. C., Fire
Guts Onslow Theatre
JACKSONVILLE, N. C. — Fire which started
on the stage curtain swept swiftly through
the Onslow Theatre here, gutting the build-
ing and destroying the equipment. The
building itself, valued at $25,000, was not
damaged. There was no estimate as to the
value of the equipment.
The Jacksonville volunteer fire depart-
ment, marine volunteers who were on liberty
from nearby Camp Lejeune and two truck-
loads of firemen from Lejeune battled the
stubborn blaze for nearly two hours in a suc-
cessful attempt to keep the fire from spread-
ing. The house is owned by Everett-Stewart
Enterprises.
Greenville, Miss., Fire
GREENVILLE, MISS. — Five reels of film
were burned and the projection booth dam-
aged, but employes and patrons escaped
without injury in a Sunday evening fire at
the Harlem Theatre here. Leon Brown,
Negro projectionist, was burned on one hand
when the film he was rewinding caught fire
and he attempted to quench the blaze with an
extinguisher.
TRI-STATE THEATRE SERVICE
318 South Second Street
MEMPHIS 3. TENN.
EQUIPMENT — SUPPLIES
REPAIRS
1AKE MORE MONEY PLAYING-
WAHOO
Ame/UcaX fyiAte&t Sc/ieesi Qcane
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
111
ATLANTA
E. Savini of Astor Pictures has left Atlanta
for Dallas to visit the Astor office there
. . . “Carnegie Hall” will be given its south-
ern premiere at the Peachtree Art Theatre
May 11.
Charlie Durmeyer, chief barker of the At-
lanta Variety Club and president of the
Southern Automatic Candy Co., made a fly-
ing trip to New York on business . . . John
Stillman, the Tennessee showman, and Carl
Floyd of the Stein & Floyd circuit in Florida
visited here recently . . . Benton Pierce of
the Crescent Amusement Co., Gadsden, Ala.,
will go to California with the Variety Club
delegation.
Cecil Cannon, maestro of the Paradise
room, is back at his left-hand table after a
long illness . . . “The Best Years of Our
Lives” will open here simultaneously in the
Rialto and Hilan theatres, according to W. T.
Murray, manager.
Vivian Teem, the lovely lark whose vocals
have charmed night club patrons here for
years, was married to George Emerson April
20. Vivian says she will continue her work
for a while . . . Christine Smith, the local
film censor, has put her okay on “Carmen,”
which, if the advance heralds mean anything,
is pretty risque. The ads carried in many of
the New York papers and reprinted in the
advertising literature, exclaim: “A quaintly
sex-conscious expercise ... A bewitching
actress, Vivian Romance . . . She’s flashily
voluptuous.” This from the New York Times.
But we all have an idea “Carmen” is not
nearly as naughty as they’d like you to be-
lieve. “Carmen” will open soon at the Peach-
tree Art Theatre here.
Blackie London, the boss of AGVA, was
here recently on his return to New York
. . . Tommy Read jr., son of the Georgia
Theatre Co. city manager, had the measles
. . . Sam George, Atlanta theatre manager,
his turned his talents to cabinetmaking and
fashioned a bar for his College Park home.
Look out, George, all Filmrow will soon be
out there to see you.
Arthur Greenblatt of Monogram’s home
office has returned to New York after a
sales meeting here with Monogram Southern
managers from Atlanta, Charlotte, Memphis
and New Orleans . . . Adolph Zukor II has re-
turned to New York after five weeks of
training in theatre maintenance and equip-
ment under Nash Weil of Wil-Kin Theatre
Supply, Inc. . . . Murphy Gwen of Houston,
Tex., has been at PRC.
Cleo Manley of the Buena Vista Theatre
in Buena Vista, Ga., was in on a pleasure
and booking trip . . . Also in town to book:
E. N. Barrett jr., Temple, Temple, Ga.; Mrs.
Ella Wright and Mr. Wright, Georgia tent-
show folk, and E. Martin, Grand Theatre,
Montezuma, Ga.
I. B. Kantor, general manager of the Bach
circuit, is confined to his home because of
illness . . . Leonard Allen, southern publicity
director for Paramount, went to Henderson-
ville, N. C., to judge a flower show.
Jane DeOvies, formerly with Paramount in
Charlotte, has joined with the Monogram
Southern booking department here . . . Bob
Helms of the RKO home office visited the
local branch.
C. T. Carter, general manager of the
Hackel circuit, was a recent visitor . . . Also
Mack Coker, Statham Theatre, Statham, Ga.
. . . Agnes Hurt and Elsie Steerman have
been added to the force at Republic here.
Bill Aiken and Dick Reeser, owners of the
Swan Theatre in Norcross, Ga., were in on
a pleasure and booking trip. Bill once man-
aged Loew’s Grand here . . . Mrs. Joseph
Bach, 78, died at her home here April 22.
Mrs. Bach was the mother of the late L. S.
Bach, founder of the Bach circuit.
J. J. Hughes of the UA home office visited
the local office . . . Johnnie Bachman, local
manager for the same company, visited
Florida with Carlos Moore, Florida represent-
ative.
John W. Mangham, president of Screen
Guild and Film Classics of Georgia, made a
business trip to New York . . . Walter Hickey
is back from a tour of Florida, where he
closed deals with circuits . . . Tom Gunin
of the PRC home office went to Dallas after
a visit here . . . Grover Parsons, southern
division manager for PRC, also was in Dallas
. . . R. L. McCoy of Eagle-Lion visited Dallas
on a business deal.
R. E. Almand, Savine Theatre, Marysville,
La., was here on a visit to his home town
and to see his mother . . . Laura Smith has
been added to the booking department at
Warners.
News from the Georgia Theatre circuit:
Mrs. Hal Bean, wife of the projectionist at
the Bijou Theatre, Brunswick, Ga., gave birth
to a baby daughter . . . James Grubbs, pro-
jectionist at the Ritz, Barnesville, Ga., re-
ports that two strange men came into the
theatre the other day and introduced them-
selves as Whitaker and Stembler. The man-
ager of the Ritz was away that day and
Grubbs says he felt rather abashed for a few
minutes, but soon realized that they were
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 oi which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE. DATE & RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE '
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE
NAME POSITION
“just members of the big Georgia Theatre
circuit family” . . . Lillian Browning, secre-
tary to Mrs. Alma King, manager of theatres
in Brunswick, Ga., is back on the job after
a minor operation.
Eddie Addison, southern publicity director
for Eagle-Lion and PRC, returned from a
tour of Florida and left for a meeting in
Dallas ... In the city: Walter Brackin and
Haywood Whaley, Ozark Theatre, Ozark, Ala.;
John McLellan, Drive-In, Leesburg, Ga., and
Mary Hayes Davis, LaBelle, LaBelle, Fla.
. . . Miss Florence Roberts, secretary to John
Mangham of Film Classics, has resigned.
And more from the Georgia circuit: John
Harrison is going through the headaches and
heartbreaks of building a new home. It’ll 5e
a brick job in the swank section of Waycross
. . . Charlie Powell is up to his ears in blue-
prints these days. He hopes to have refrig-
eration installed in the Colquitt at Moultrie,
Ga., before the heat wave hits.
Congratulations again to P. E. McCoy of
the Miller Theatres, Augusta, Ga., for his
first quarter award in one of the tradepaper
showmanship competitions. McCoy is a con-
sistent showman who is in there pitching
all the time with the top exploiteers of the
nation.
Charleston, S. C., Seeks
Receipts for Charity
CHARLESTON, S. C.— The Charleston city
council is considering a proposal to channel
receipts from Sunday theatre admissions into
a special charity fund.
Under the present ordinance, theatre op-
erators distribute the receipts of Sunday
shows, less actual expenses, to a charity of
their own choosing.
Carroll L. Williams, chairman of the city
finance committee, said the city’s charity
expenditures run to about $194,000 annually
and some relief must be obtained. A city
admissions tax of 1 cent raises about $48,000
annually.
Is Willie's Face Red? —
'Fortune' Is Only $4!
MEMPHIS — The mystery of how much
money was hidden in the crack in the box-
office floor at the Strand Theatre has been
solved.
Willie Webster, porter, asked the manage-
ment when the Strand was remodeled if he
could have all the money found in the crack.
The management agreed. Willie found $4.
Cashiers through the years had been much
more careful with change than Willie hoped.
Montgomery County Vote
Beats Sales Tax Scheme
MONTGOMERY— Voters of Montgomery
county defeated a proposed 1 per cent sales
tax by 3 to 1 in a special referendum. Revenue
from the tax was to have been earmarked
for increasing schoolteachers’ salaries and for
building a county hospital.
’Henry' to Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA — Eight performances of
“Henry V,” starring Laurence Olivier, have
been announced for the Riviera Theatre here
for four days starting May 13. Prices will be
$2.40 and $1.80 evenings and $1.80 and $1.25
matinees, with a 20 per cent discount for
student groups.
June Havoc in ’Intrigue'
United Artists has handed June Havoc a top
role in “Intrigue,” starring George Raft.
112
BOXOFFICE May 3, 1947
New Halifax Theatre
To Have Lobby Bar
HALIFAX— On innovation in the plans for
construction of a 1,000-seat brick, concrete
and steel theatre to replace the 76-year-old
Community here is a horshoe bar in the cen-
ter of the outer lobby. Patrons coming in
from the street will walk on both sides of the
bar, which will be operated by the theatre.
Full fountain service, light lunches, candy,
etc., will be merchandised to street and thea-
tre trade during and outside show hours. The
boxoffice, with summer and winter open-
ings, will be at the bar mouth. There will
be store space with basement storage under-
neath at the other side of the front.
Special attention has been paid to acous-
tics in the plans for the new stadium-type
building. Recessed vented walls with celotex
covering will be used. The heating, air con-
ditioning and ventilating are all incorporated
in one unit with circulation through thermo-
static diffusers in the ceiling.
The walls will be of concrete blocks with
brick facing, and the front of artificial stone
and black vitrolite, decorated with extruded
alumilited aluminum. The boxoffice will be
of corrugated stainless steel and plate glass,
and the slanted entrance doors of tuflex
glass. Steel columns and trusses are to be
installed throughout the building.
The suspended projection booth will allow
for seating underneath. The booth will be
of concrete and steel, with toilet, wash bowl,
and possibly a shower.
The lighting in the auditorium will be re-
cessed behind acoustical wall brakes, and with
operation by circuit dimmer control.
Franklin & Herschorn, sponsors of this re-
placement for a former church they operated
about 26 years, are considering changing the
name. The price will be upped 5 or 10 cents
above the Community 25 cents top.
Report Bogus Film Scout
Operating in Montreal
MONTREAL — Police have issued a warn-
ing to all high schools and department stores
concerning a bogus film scout who is re-
ported to be operating in the city. The sus-
pect is reported to have approached 15 girls
in the last few weeks, offering them roles in
a nonexisting film supposed to be shot soon
at St. Hyacinthe.
The “scout” claims he works for Quebec
Productions, Ltd., and that the film is to be
“Junior Prom” starring Jennifer Jones and
Cornel Wilde. No such film is planned, ac-
cording to Paul L’Anglais, head of the Quebec
Productions.
Police said that the man has already visited
several local high schools. In some cases, he
spoke to the principal requesting cooperation
in interviewing candidates. He also has
visited department stores offering screen tests
to salesgirls.
Officials of Quebec Productions suggest
that all girls approached by this “scout”
should contact their office for confirmation
or with police headquarters.
'Carmen' in Toronto
TORONTO — “The Way to the Stars” com-
pleted its local first run at the International
Cinema after seven weeks and was followed
with the Italian opera picture, “Carmen,”
which was accorded high praise in the press
reviews. This arty theatre has booked spe-
cial British, French and Italian features for
future weeks. Another Italian film opera,
“Mama,” is currently at the Hollywood, the
ace house of the Premier circuit, also in the
north end.
Ralph Foster of NFB Back
From Australian Mission
OTTAWA — After two years in Australia
Ralph Foster has returned to the adminis-
trative staff of the National Film board here.
A former Toronto and Windsor newspaper
man, Foster went to Australia for John
Grierson, then commissioner of the board,
to supervise distribution of Canadian gov-
ernment films.
Following his arrival Foster was invited to
become film commissioner of Australia and
was loaned to help organize film production
in that dominion. He reported that 30 films
had been made in Australia during one year’s
operations.
Appeal Filed to Prevent
New Theatre Erection
MONTREAL — An appeal has been filed in
the court of appeals on behalf of Mrs. Rose
Silverstone in a case in which she sought to
prevent the demolition of a building on St.
Catherine street and the construction of a
motion picture theatre on the spot.
In the superior court Mrs. Silverstone asked
for a writ of prohibition to prevent N. A.
Timmons, Ltd., owner of the building, from
ousting some 40 tenants. In addition to hous-
ing accommodations the building included
commercial premises.
Justice Pierre Casgrain refused to grant the
writ on the ground that the matter in dispute
lay entirely within the jurisdiction of the
rental administrator of the wartime prices
and trade board. A hearing already has been
held before the local rental administrator,
but his decision has not yet been given.
Fleeing Bandit Captured
In Imperial at Toronto
TORONTO — The big downtown Imperial
got a questionable “mention” when police
fired at two holdup men after they had
robbed a nearby restaurant, one of the rob-
bers dashing into the crowded theatre in a
getaway effort. The officers guarded the Im-
perial exits and eventually grabbed one of the
hunted men, Carl Miller of Calgary, who
was charged not only with robbery but with
illegal possession of narcotics.
The police refrained from use of firearms
in the immediate vicinity of the theatre and
there was no alarm among the patrons dur-
ing the chase.
CALGARY— Once again has Edmonton
put it over Calgary.
Calgary had a big argument over daylight
saving time last summer and the city council
decided to put the matter to the citizens.
An election was held last fall, and daylight
saving won handily. The decision then was
put up to the provincial government commit-
tee, which hemmed and hawed — thinking of
the strong farm bloc — but agreed that Cal-
gary was in the legal right. Despite strong
opposition, the government had to give in.
Calgary’s daylight saving time was saved—
after vast effort.
Edmonton citizens wanted to emulate Cal-
gary and also save time. But unlike Cal-
gary, its charter did not have the authority
to institute it, either with or without an
election. The provincial legislature, when
asked, flatly refused permission. It was
easier to stand pat with Edmonton than take
something away from Calgary. Edmonton
could not have daylight saving.
Fitzgibbons to Lead
Tent 28 Delegation
TORONTO — A substantial delegation will
represent Toronto Tent 28 at the annual con-
vention of the Variety Clubs International
May 13-17 at Los Angeles, although the Ca-
nadian branch is less than a year old and is
still struggling with the problem of securing
a permanent clubhouse.
Among Toronto members who have already
made reservations for the convention trip are
Chief Barker J. J. Fitzgibbons and R. W.
Bolstad, both of Famous Players; Nat Taylor,
Raoul Auerbach and Harry Mendell of 20th
Century Theatres, and Syd Samson, Canadian
general manager of 20th-Fox.
One of the messages that the Toronto tent
will take to the meeting is that it has adopted
as its chief project the establishment of a vo-
cational training center for disabled boys and
girls which would be operated in conjunction
with the Ontario Society for Crippled Chil-
dren. There has never been a training school
of this type in Ontario, and the members of
the local tent are keenly enthusiastic about
the program feature, which is expected to
have an initial cost of $30,000.
The Toronto tent is looking forward to the
playing in Canadian theatres of films which
will bring out the activities of the Variety
Clubs. A percentage of booking revenue is
to be diverted to the fund of the Toronto
organization in due course.
Day-Date Policy Succeeds
At FPC Winnipeg Houses
WINNIPEG — The new day and date policy,
which Famous Players has initiated at the
Metropolitan and Uptown, got away to a
tremendous start with “The Jolson Story,”
which both houses played for three weeks.
Famous Players offiicals concede that the
Jolson musical was not a good indication of
the ultimate success of the new policy, since
the picture was an unusually popular one.
However, they feel that indications point to
the long-term success of the policy.
The plan was initiated to take the load off
the Metropolitan, which has had difficulty
coping with the crowds turning out for some
of the pictures, and at the same time to build
the palatial Uptown to the status of a first
run house.
About 600 theatrical shorts are produced
each year in Hollywood studios.
“Oh, yeah?” Mayor Ainlay replied. He
announced almost immediately that if every
clock in the capital city were turned ahead
an hour, no law would be broken and Edmon-
ton actually would have fast time. In other
words, it was up to the people to go ahead
anyway if they wanted fast time, and he
advised them to do so. Recently he issued
an official proclamation to that effect.
Calgary citizens heard of the climax with
wry faces. A few days later, Premier Man-
ning announced that all the government of-
fices in Edmonton would go on daylight
saving time at the same time.
Everyone in both large Alberta cities is
pleased with the exception of exhibitors. Fast
time is just another nuisance to them. It will
help rival sports events, keep folk on the golf
courses, on tennis courts, out riding, and in
gardens. With the long summer daylight
hours here, last performances will be starting
before the sun sets.
All's Well Except for Exhibitors
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
K
113
VANCOUVER
^"•olumbia will do most of the location scenes
for “Smoke Bellew,” a Jack London story
of the gold rush days of ’98, in and around
British Columbia. Sidney Salkow, director,
and assistants have been in Vancouver check-
ing shooting spots.
Harvey Hunt, Odeon’s head booker and
buyer, is here from Toronto on his first Brit-
ish Columbia trip. He will visit Victoria and
Vancouver Island points before returning
east. Odeon’s Hastings, formerly the Beacon,
now on a straight picture policy, may revert
to vaudeville-film after the roadshow engage-
ment of “The Best Years of Our Lives.”
The downtown Strand is getting an interior
beauty treatment by the Girvan studios here.
The Strand, a Famous Players spot, is a
former Allan house and one of FPC’s con-
sistent money-makers . . . Lloyd Muir, RKO
western Canada exploiteer, did not miss out
on the Vancouver visit of stage and film star
Brian Aherne, here with Katharine Cornell
for three performances at the Lyric in “The
Barretts of Wimpole Street.” Across the
street, meanwhile, he was appearing at the
Orpheum in “The Locket.” Muir gave a
cocktail party for newspaper men and the
trade to meet Aherne. The stage show was
a sellout at the Lyric, and “The Locket”
opened to big business.
Local exhibitors noticed a sharp decline in
candy sales the first few days after the in-
creased prices of candy bars became effective.
However sales came back to average when
patrons resigned themselves to the situation.
Although candy counters have been installed
only a few months in the local houses, busi-
ness has been very good with sales increasing
monthly according to the product available.
One house in particular, the FPC Strand,
rates in the top draw for the Dominion for
sales, which proves that location of counter
plus merchandising pays off.
Lee Wakefield of Victoria will erect a drive-
in theatre near the capital city this summer
to accommodate 700 cars. Edmonton, Alta.,
also will have one if the proposition of Her-
bert Knowles to build a 900-car drive-in there
is granted a permit by the provincial license
committee.
The music of the hurdy-gurdy may be
stilled forever in the city parks and play-
grounds. Rowe Holland, park board chair-
man, said the board may refuse to allow
carnivals to operate in city parks. Decision
stems from the city council’s thumbs-dovpi
action on a license application from Crescent
Shows to operate in Vancouver city parks.
Theatre men are vitally interested as the
carnivals do cut into their business, especially
the juvenile trade.
They say every man is entitled to his day in
court. Hymie Singer, former owner of the
State vaudeville house here, went that one
better: he has had a week in court where he
is appealing from a three-month jail term
for a strip-tease conviction. No decision has
been given to da.te. Newspapers gave the case
front page mention.
Roy McLeod, manager of the Odeon Hast-
ings is a keen basketball fan. His son Bud
is a member of the Dominion’s champion
team, the local Meralomas who are playing
the Windsor, Ont., Assumptions in the finals
here this week.
Ross Beesley, ASN cameraman, was in the
news when he gave a talk, “Headline Hunt-
ing,” at the Board of Trade dinner at Hotel
Vancouver. Beesley, in slightly more than a
year, has made 51 newsreels in British Co-
lumbia for international distribution.
'California' Leads
Wet Toronto Week
TORONTO — Showery weather sent patrons
to theatres and away from outdoor activities
and business, generally, was steady with four
holdovers keeping up a fair pace. The Eglin-
ton and Tivoli had the sixth week of “The
Jolson Story” and the Uptown continued with
“The Egg and I” for a fourth week, with
Shea’s keeping “13 Rue Madeleine” for a sec-
ond week. The leader of the week looked to
be “California” at the Imperial. Sports oppo-
sition included the senior amateur hockey
playoffs between Montreal and Calgary at
Maple Leaf Gardens.
(Average is 100)
Capitol and Victoria — The Return of Monte
Cristo (Col) 95
Eglinton — The Jolson Story (Col), 6th wk 90
Imperial — California (Para) 110
Loew's — The Sea of Grass (MGM) 105
Shea’s — 13 Rue Madeleine (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 95
Tivoli — The Jolson Story (Col), 6th wk 90
Uptown — The Egg and I (U-I), 4th wk 90
Baseball, Daylight Saving
Cut Vancouver Grosses
VANCOUVER — It was another sad week
here for the show business with night base-
ball, daylight saving and the income tax bite
all to blame. Even ace attractions like “The
Best Years of Our Lives” at the Hastings,
and “Stairway to Heaven” at the Vogue did
not do any too well.
Capitol — It's a Wonderful Life (RKO) Moderate
Hastings — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO). ...Good
Orpheum — 13 Rue Madeleine (20th-Fox) Poor
Paradise — Devil Bat's Daughter (PRC);
The Face of Marble (Mono) Average
Plaza — That Brennan Girl (Rep);
The Ghost Goes Wild (Rep) Moderate
Strand — Les Miserables (PRC);
Stanley and Livingstone (PRC), reissues... Average
State — The Haunted Mine (Mono), plus
vaudeville Disappointing
Vogue — Stairway to Heaven (E-L) Good
Calgary Business More Normal
With Hockey Playoffs Ended
CALGARY — With hockey playoffs finished,
the theatre business has returned to a more
normal status as summer approaches. Indi-
cations are that more live, aggressive show-
manship will be needed. Revivals may be slip-
ping in public favor. “Captains Courageous,”
reissued by MGM, played but four days at
the Palace where “The Shocking Miss
Pilgrim” also failed to last out six days.
Capitol — The Razor’s Edge (20th-Fox)
Grand — The Magnificent Doll (U-I)
Palace — The Shocking Miss Pilgrim (20th-Fox)
.Good
...Fair
...Fair
Public Accepts Price Hikes
Made After Freeze Ended
WINNIPEG— About 70 per cent of Winni-
peg theatres have raised their admission
prices since the Dominion government lifted
the order freezing theatre prices, and so far
there have been no repercussions from the
public.
Famous Players were the first to increase
admissions, adjusting prices around April 1
to eliminate the inconvenience of handling
odd pennies. FPC officials prefer to regard
the new price scales as a “leveling” instead
of an actual increase. “The public has ac-
cepted the new prices with good grace,” a
Famous Players representative said this week.
Western Theatres also has made slight in-
creases at its houses.
Fitzgibbons Is Speaker
TORONTO — President J. J. Fitzgibbons of
Famous Players Canadian Corp., who’s as
Irish as they come, made a hit as the speaker
at a dinner meeting of the film division of
the United Jewish Appeal here. Sholome M.
Gelber also spoke. The assembly contributed
$23,000.
ST. JOHN
recent change in bookers at the Columbia
exchange here presaged a change in the
managership. Lou Simon, booker, trans-
ferred here from Columbia’s Winnipeg ex-
change, has been with the company in Can-
ada about 12 years. He started as a youth
and is now in his 30s. He probably will be
advanced to manager at the end of this year,
when Joshua “Joe” Lieberman, in the film
trade 30 years, is expected to leave distribu-
tion and concentrate on exhibition. Lieber-
man is a partner with Mitchell Bernstein,
also a former distributor in the B&L Thea-
tre circuit, operating a string of houses in a
number of small towns and villages in New
Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Participating in a series of huddles at Mon-
treal on final plans for the new Community
Theatre in Halifax were Mitchell Franklin of
St. John, Peter Herschorn of Halifax and
Ivan Haley of Dartmouth, representing the
Franklin & Herschorn circuit, and Luke,
Little & Mace, architects. The F&H exec-
utives also arranged for purchases of equip-
ment and fixtures for the Community ... A
dog was given away to the holder of a lucky
ticket on the opening night of the Gaiety
Theatre in Halifax.
Dr. Florence Murray of Halifax and Kent-
ville, N. S., who is returning to Korea for
medical missionary work, says Koreans and
Japs think the inhabitants of Canada are all
cowboys and Indians. They get that idea
from the U.S. films they see, which are
mostly westerns. Dr. Murray was in Korea
from 1921 until she was interned by the Japs
in 1942. She returned to Nova Scotia after
the Japs were defeated.
Patti Morgan of Hollywood visited her
mother, Mrs. Archie Wentzell of Indian Point,
N. B., recently after completing her first film
role, in a UA picture titled “Here Comes
Trouble.” She has returned to Hollywood.
Patti was in a New York night club chorus
before she went to Hollywood. Another Lun-
enberg county native, Hank Snow of Blue
Rocks, a warbler of cowboy ditties, was sup-
posed to have made his Hollywood debut re-
cently in a saddle saga.
Sentences of seven years each for armed
robbery have been given Joseph A. L. Gerard
and Paul Emile Bougie, both of Montreal,
who took $134 from the boxoffice of the
Capitol Theatre in Fredericton. They will
serve their sentences in the prison at
Dorchester, N. B. Gerard faces several other
theft charges in Canada and England and
Bougie is wanted by police in both the U.S.
and Canada. The seven-year sentence was
one of the toughest penalties for theft given
by the maritime courts in recent years.
WINNIPEG
The Dominion and Rialto have reached a
long way back for the revivals playing at
both houses. The Dominion’s bill has “My
Life With Caroline” on a double with “The
Devil and Daniel Webster.” The Rialto also
dug to the bottom of the vault for “Strike Me
Pink” and “Come and Get It.”
‘Tee Cycles of 1947” stayed a week at the
Amphitheatre to fair business . . . E. A. Zorn,
Famous Players division manager, was sick
. . . Vic Armand of Vancouver, Famous Play-
ers supervisor of construction, was in town.
Tito Guizar in 'Spanish Trail'
Republic has set Tito Guizar for a featured
role in “On the Old Spanish Trail.”
114
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
Scarboro Folk Fight
Drive-In Theatres
MONTREAL — Following the Quebec gov-
ernment’s ban on drive-in and open air thea-
tres, the town council of Scarboro, Ont., has
delayed action on two applications for per-
mits to build drive-ins after hearing protests
from a group of ratepayers.
An application was made two weeks ago by
a company which proposes to build on Mc-
Cowan’s side road north of No. 2 highway.
The building would be set in a 40-acre field
and would cost approximately $150,000. It
would feature individual car speakers and use
a 40x50-foot screen.
The delegations opposing this plan were
from the Gordonvale veterans subdivision and
from Scarboro Collegiate Heights Property
Owners Ass’n.
A resident of Gordonvale area told the
council: “Our organization has passed a reso-
lution against construction of this type of
theatre in any part of the township.
Reeve R. H. Palmer said that the company
proposing the theatre had been granted a li-
cense by the province to do so and that when
such a license was obtained municipal coun-
cils were obligated to allow the theatre to be
built in the township or incur a fine of $20.
A second application for such a theatre was
made by Spencer Clark of Scarboro, repre-
sentative of a syndicate which intends to
develop Cliffside Golf property at Scarboro
Bluffs. Clark showed plans for the theatre
which would be located at the eastern end of
the golf course.
Councilor Hilda Murray asked if his com-
pany had obtained a provincial license and
was informed that the company has made
application and has been informed that the
license would be granted. “If the province
is going to continue issuing these licenses,
some of us are going to start losing $20,” said
Reeve Palmer. Cries of “We’ll help you pay
it,” came from the delegations.
One delegate called the theatres “legalized
petting parking lots.”
Council decided to leave the matter in
abeyance until the next meeting.
Motion Pictures Get Home
In Far Northern Community
BEAVER LODGE, ALTA. — One of the best
community halls in a small Alberta town is
nearing completion in this far northern com-
munity.
The building is at the street corner and has
a 150-foot frontage which faces the intersec-
tion diagonally. The front is constructed of
split rough tree trunks in log cabin style,
covering a building of sound construction.
The building houses a 35mm theatre, now
completed and in operation, plus a dance hall
and coffee counter on the first floor. Above
are school rooms and space for fraternal and
club meetings, plus a chemical laboratory.
In the basement there will be a bowling alley,
school rooms and a teachers’ room.
Exhibition of motion pictures has been a
boon to social life in the community, and the
theatre is now one of the chief attractions
of the commounity house. The enterprise is
self-supporting.
NFB Film Televised
MONTREAL — The television service of the
British Broadcasting Corp. recently televised
Canada’s National Film board production
“Out of the Ruins,” a documentary film
which gives an account of how the people of
Greece are restoring their lives and land
with the help of UNRRA.
MONTREAL
Respite floods in Cartierville and a recent
severe and unexpected snowstorm a large
force of mechanics and artists are busily
renovating, repainting and beautifying Bel-
mont park for its “grand premiere” May 10.
11. After this preview the park will be closed
to the public until its official reopening May
17. Besides a variety of new attractions, Mart
Kenney and his Western Gentlemen, known
across the Dominion through coast-to-coast
broadcasts, will make a personal appearance
for the preview, coming direct to Montreal
from the Royal York, Toronto.
Filmrow notes with pleasure the return of
George Ganetakos, managing director of
United Amusement Corp. from an extended
holiday at Miami . . . Ameen Lawand, booker
at Confederation Amusements, has returned
from a month’s vacation at Daytona Beach,
Fla.
John Levitt, Columbia salesman, was in
New York to meet his wife on her return from
Mexico City. The reunion coincided with
their 25th wedding anniversary, and they
were given a party in the Bristol hotel by
New York friends who wished them many
more such pleasant occasions ... In town for
the premiere showing at His Majesty’s of “La
Forteresse,” which was produced at St. Hya-
cinthe by Quebec Productions Corp., were
F. H. Fisher, Canadian general manager of
Eagle-Lion, here from Toronto, and Ray
Lewis, owner of Alliance Films, from the
same city.
Ted Carey from the Toronto office of RKO
where he is assistant to Leo Devaney, Cana-
dian general manager, has returned to that
city after a month in Montreal checking
sales . . . Monique Ouellette is the new re-
viser at PRC ... I. Feldman, booker at PRC,
is on sick leave for a few days.
Simone Moreau, bookkeeper at the Monk-
land avenue office of 20th-Fox, has been
visiting New York as guest of the company.
She was winner of a contest, for which the
prize was a trip to New York, all expenses
paid by the company, which also provided an
escort for her during her stay in the Ameri-
can metropolis . . . Gwen Cameron assistant
cashier at Warners, has returned from a
vacation in Newfoundland.
Jean Morin, who has represented Foto-Nite
for two years, has left to become manager of
a new 600-seat Montreal theatre, the Bijou,
at the corner of Papineau avenue and Boule-
vard St. Joseph which will open shortly . . .
Frank Vaughan, Canadian general manager
of Monogram spent three days in Montreal
on business . . . Other visitors included Claude
Charbonneau, manager of the Madelon Thea-
tre, Cap-de-la-Madeleine, who is the father
of a little girl born a few weeks ago.
Armand Champagne of Asbestos, owner of
the Royal, East Angus, dropped in at Para-
mount office on Filmrow, and so also did
Georges Champagne of Shawinigan Falls,
owner of three theatres there, the Auditorium,
the Cartier and the Roxy . . . “The Best Years
of Our Lives,” which is running at the Kent,
opened at the Empire in Quebec with the en-
tire mezzanine on the opening night reserved
for distinguished guests ... A Veilleux from
St. Georges de Beauce, where he owns the St.
George’s theatre, visited Montreal on busi-
ness.
Mayor Camillien Houde, CBE, of Montreal,
was host at the city hall to the cast and di-
rectors of the Canadian-made film, “The
Stronghold,” and its French edition, “La
Forteresse,” made at St. Hyacinthe by Quebec
Productions. After wishing them success in
their venture, he invited them to sign the
city’s "golden book,” which contains the sig-
natures of royalty, and leading world
statesmen, generals and other distinguished
persons. Later the French consul in Mont-
real, Monsieur Gabar, arrived and also signed
the golden book.
Vancouver Showmen Say
Patrons Shun Reissues
VANCOUVER— Many exhibitors in this
area feel that reissues are getting out of hand.
Alleged indiscriminate releasing of old prod-
uct by certain distributors under the guise of
reissues is also creating concern among major
companies, who feel some of these obsolete
films will hurt the chances of their own
carefully selected reissues.
Many western Canada exhibitors booking
the oldies as second features on double bills
have lodged complaints with the exchanges,
figuring that their patrons won’t go for any
reissues if they’re fed a steady diet of the
ultra-oldies. Sales resistance is growing
against booking so many revivals in British
Columbia theatres and boxoffice receipts are
dropping off rapidly on the antiques, say
many showmen.
FOR SALE: THEATRE CHAIRS
We now have a very large stock of excellent
reconditioned (as new) Theatre Chairs
Quantities up to 1200 of a kind.
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
•
Good quantity of imported carpet direct from
England and Scotland
Inquiries Respectfully Solicited
"LA SALLE"
RECREATIONS LTD.
(Theatre Seating and Carpet Division)
S. A. LECHTZIER. Pres.
945 Granville St. Vancouver. B. C.
GET /N THE MONEY W/TH-
WAHOO
America's finest Screen Came
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue • Chicago, Illinois
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
115
TORONTO
“The Best Years of Our Lives” opened to
big business at four Odeon houses in east-
ern Canada; the Capitol at Hamilton, Avalon
at Ottawa, the Kent at Montreal and at Hali-
fax, following effective promotion work by
Gordon Berger of the New York home office
of RKO and the local managers.
Lloyd Mills, former manager of the Belsize,
spent several days in Montreal before re-
turning here April 26 without revealing plans
for his next theatre assignment. Mills re-
signed three months ago to enter another
business line, but has decided to return to
the theatre field.
Betty Bissland, long with Regal Films here,
has returned from an extensive holiday jaunt
during which she flew to New Orleans, then
enjoyed a boat cruise around the West
Indies.
The FPC Parkdale figured in an unusual
incident in which Brian Fox, a 4-year-old
boy, found himself locked in the theatre after
the last show. Police had searched the west
end for over four hours before a constable saw
his smiling face through the glass of the
front door. He could not be released until a
call had been sent to the manager, Walter
Graydon. Although his parents were frantic,
the boy was undisturbed, merely telling the
officers that he had seen the show twice
and he liked the horses and dogs in one pic-
ture.
'Shipsaw/ Power Dam Film,
Premiered at Arvida, Que.
MONTREAL — “Shipsaw,” documentary de-
picting the planning and building of the
power development project at Shipsaw, Que.,
was premiered at Arvida, Que., recently.
The film, produced by the Aluminum Co.
of Canada, has been shot in both English
and French for showing to schools, service
clubs and other fraternal organizations. It
shows the difficulties involved in completing
the project in record time and also how, be-
cause of previous enterprise, the first stage
of the development was completed and ready
long before war clouds appeared on the hori-
zon. Much of the footage was shot during
actual construction.
The premiere, sponsored by the Saguenay
Industrial Development Ass’n, was before a
gathering of industrialists and business men
as part of a program which included visits to
the aluminum, magnesium, aluminum sul-
phate and abrasives plants in Arvida.
Tells Where Dollars Go
WINNIPEG — The Garrick has taken extra
newspaper space in its ads plugging “The
Best Years of Our Lives” to tell patrons
where a large chunk of the admission prices
are going. The ads point out that of the
80 cents charged for matinees, the Dominion
tax is 12 cents and the provincial tax is 6
cents, leaving the actual admission charge
at 62 cents. Similarly, it is pointed out that
of the $1.30 charged for evenings, the house
collects only $1, with the Dominion taking
20 cents and the province getting another
10 cents.
The Tribune gave the Garrick’s current
showing of “The Best Years of Our Lives” a
big puff when it practically turned over its
entire Saturday motion picture page to the
film. In addition to a lengthy review extol-
ing the picture’s merits, the paper ran a
three-column cut of a scene from the film,
together with a long story about the Oscars
which it won.
No Commercial Bingo
In Quebec After Edict
MONTREAL— The Quebec provincial gov-
ernment’s ban on commercial bingo has
locked the door on an enterprise of major
proportions and left many religious and
charity organizations seeking other ways of
raising funds.
A provincial survey reveals that as far as
can be ascertained no commercial games have
been played in the province since Premier
Maurice Duplessis clamped down last month
and declared that such games are “an intoler-
able challenge to the respect of laws and
public interest, an intolerable danger to social
welfare.”
Some Quebec merchants complained that
women were spending ’ so much money on
bingo they had none left to pay their bills.
The provincial ban followed a local ban
imposed last year by police and Catholic
archdiocesan authorities. Bingo had become
a major source of revenue for a number of
Montreal parishes.
In the city of Quebec, probably the largest
bingo center in the province, scheduled games
were canceled after Duplessis’ announcement
and money was returned to players who had
bought tickets in advance.
The bingo halls ranged in size from church
basements to giant hockey arenas. The
largest bingo operator in Quebec was a grocer
who said his equipment included 32 tele-
phones and loudspeakers and 80,000 bingo
sheets, costing him $5,600. He started giant
games last November and ran them once
monthly until the ban.
Eight thousand players attended this op-
erator’s biggest game, staged for an ambu-
lance association, and the gross receipts were
$41,000. The ambulance society received
$20,500 from the game, the patrons got $12,-
500 and operator was left with $1,500 after
paying rent for the hall, his advertising and
miscellaneous expenses.
CALGARY
The Edmonton Theatre Five-Pin Bowling
League held its 13th annual banquet in
the Club Roosevelt this week. About 150
guests attended. R. Keil, league president,
presented the prizes. The cup went to the
Rialto A and second prize to Capitol B team.
Rialto A was the winner of the first half
playoff and in the second half, Capitol B
finished first.
R. Shipley, associate of the Sharp circuit,
has proven his worth as an amateur moving
picture man. He exhibited a finished film
in the exchange projection room where the
film exchange personnel got a view of them-
selves leaving work for the day. Quite a treat
for the staff as they picked out each other
hurrying off for bus or tram. The short
film session was completed with some excel-
lent shots taken by Bob of picturesque Banff,
the Stampede and oilfields at nearby Turner
valley.
I. F. Shacker of Hanna was in Calgary
booking films for his houses at Kindersley,
Saskatoon and Hanna, this week. He reports
business is recovering from recent storms.
Calgary motion picture industry contributed
generously to the Red Cross and Community
Chest drive, now closed. The totals con-
tributed brought congratulations from
pleased officials of the drive.
William Guss, manager of Regal Films, has
scant leisure hours these days. He has been
roped into much voluntary work this month
organizing meetings and collectors for various
welfare organizations.
OTTAWA
The National Film society has gone into the
film distribution business on a fairly large
scale. A booking list of 27 short subjects in
16mm has been issued, showing rentals of $1
to $3 a day. The same pictures are offered
for outright sale to community organizations
or individuals at $25 to $75 a print, all being
one-reel films.
Two service clubs at Kingston, the Kiwanis
at noon and the Kinsmen at night, heard
Arch H. Jolley, executive secretary of the
MPTA of Ontario, speak on the importance
of the film industry and its relation to the
community .... In playing “Ladies’ Man,”
Manager Henry Marshall of the Regent en-
joyed the cooperation of three music shops
in advertising and displays of records featur-
ing the Spike Jones City Slickers.
Manager H. Berlin of the Somerset, neigh-
borhood house which has had excellent suc-
cess since its opening 10 years ago, announced
price increases effective April 28, falling in
line with advances at local Famous Players
and Odeon houses.
“Mama,” the Italian opera film released in
Canada by Alliance Films, will open at the
Little Theatre May 7. Manager Casey Swed-
love, who is featuring foreign-language pic-
tures, played the Soviet picture, “Stone
Flower,” April 23-26. This feature was
credited with being a beautiful production.
The National Sportsmen’s show of Canada
was featured during the week of April 21 at
the Coliseum as the first postwar exhibition
in the capital. It drew tremendous crowds,
with the result that theatre patronage was off
during the whole week.
Manager Claude Hunter of the Odeon,
Kingston, caused a rush to his Movie club
Saturday morning performance when he of-
fered comic books to the first 500 patrons.
Mayer, Nephew, Finance
St. John Improvements
ST. JOHN — Louis B. Mayer, production
head of MGM, and his nephew, Jack Cum-
mings, an MGM producer, are sponsoring a
$15,000 improvement program for the Jewish
cemetery on the eastern outskirts. Each is
bearing half the cost.
Cummings is expected in St. John, his home
town, this summer, and will participate in
ceremonies at the cemetery. He will also
likely be guest of the city at a dinner. His
mother was a sister of Mayer, who was
brought to St. John by his parents from
Omsk, Russia, his birthplace, when he was a
boy. He left when he was a young man, and
his first affiliation with the industry was at
Haverhill, Mass. His mother is buried in the
Jewish cemetery here.
Cummings had been in the shoe trade and
later in' film distribution before joining his
uncle at Hollywood as an MGM producer.
Jerry Mayer, brother of L. B., is also on the
MGM staff in Hollywood.
Louis, Jerry and Rudy, brothers, had been
in the junk trade in St. John with their
father, who founded the business.
New Manitoba MPEA Constitution
WINNIPEG — The constitution committee
of the Manitoba Motion Picture Exhibitors
Ass’n has completed a draft of a new con-
stitution and soon will submit it to a mem-
bership meeting for ratification. Mesho
Triller of the Dominion here was elected
president of the organization at its recent
annual meeting here.
116
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
BOXOFFICE BAROMETER * EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
FEATURE CHART • REVIEW DIGEST • SHORTS CHART
SHORTS REVIEWS • FEATURE REVIEWS • EXPLOITIPS
BookinGuide
BOXOFFIC
FIRST RUN REPORTS
This chart shows the records made by
pictures in live or more of the 21 key cities
checked. As new runs are reported, ratings
are added and averages revised.
BAROMETER
TOP HIT OF THE WEEK
Boomerang —
Cincinnati 150
Computed in terms oi percentage in
relation to normal grosses. With 100
per cent as "normal," the figures
show the percentage above or below
that mark.
O
tn
o
CD
BUFFALO
CHICAGO
CINCINNATI
CLEVELAND
DALLAS
DENVER
DES MOINES
DETROIT
INDIANAPOLIS
KANSAS CITV
LDS ANGELES
MILWAUKEE
MINNEAPOLIS
NEW HAVE!
NEW YORK :
OMAHA
PHILADELPHIA
PITTSBURGH
SAN FRANCISCO
SEATTLE
| AVERAGE
Angel on My Shoulder (UA)
100
100
135
90
125
100
115
110
90
110
200
140
145
130
95
150
no
190
150
126
Backlash (20th-Fox)
100
71
100
100
80
90
♦Best Years of Our Lives, The (RKO)
200
200
200
300
300
200
500
300
175
325
175
250
180
275
210
310
600
250
275
Blind Spot (Col)
100
100
115
100
100
90
100
90
160
100
80
103
Boomerang (20th-Fox)
130
89
140
150
140
120
110
82
175
115
148
117
170
130
80
126
Boston Blackie and the Law (Col)
140
120
100
100
100
100
100
140
100
111
Calendar Girl (Rep)
100
140
100
85
100
105
California (Para)
190
137
125
150
100
140
165
110
120
85
185
225
190
150
125
145
no
130
160
144
Crime Doctor’s Manhunt (Col)
75
100
100
105
100
115
115
85
90
100
100
100
100
90
98
Dangerous Millions (20th-Fox)
100
57
115
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
95
100
100
100
80
97
Dead Reckoning (Col)
160
150
140
160
130
130
123
120
100
95
115
150
150
125
140
125
200
200
140
140
Devil on Wheels, The (PRC)
100
105
100
100
100
85
80
96
Devil Thumbs a Ride, The (RKO)
115
100
100
100
105
104
Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (RKO)
100
80
100
100
95
100
100
100
100
100
90
100
97
Egg and I, The (U-I)
250
150
250
220
200
214
Gallant Bess (MGM)
140
96
200
85
100
130
100
110
120
100
100
90
155
90
90
75
60
100
no
108
Little Iodine (UA)
100
100
100
100
100
100
90
100
100
99
Locket, The (RKO)
130
120
120
60
115
100
105
175
120
130
110
115
160
135
80
118
Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (MGM)
140
108
115
100
80
100
100
80
110
150
130
140
103
110
90
80
120
95
108
Macomber Affair, The (UA)
140
110
100
115
100
140
135
120
Mighty McGurk, The (MGM)
100
110
100
115
100
105
80
100
125
100
100
110
100
100
125
125
106
Mr. District Attorney (Col)
135
80
110
125
90
125
110
120
100
100
100
120
no
Out California Way (Rep)
100
100
115
100
100
60
96
Pilgrim Lady, The (Rep)
95
100
100
100
100
100
85
100
100
100
100
100
98
Pursued (WB)
130
88
125
140
100
95
100
175
120
135
120
95
180
100
120
122
Red House, The (UA)
140
120
100
100
105
110
175
100
130
140
190
128
Renegade Girl (SG)
100
100
100
90
100
100
80
96
Scandal in Paris, A (UA)
100
113
95
100
85
90
100
200
80
125
102
100
160
90
125
100
110
Sea of Grass, The (MGM)
130
140
175
140
108
139
Secret Heart, The (MGM)
190
100
120
180
100
125
105
100
125
110
175
125
150
155
140
105
170
85
130
75
128
Secret of the Whistler (Col)
100
100
115
100
100
110
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
95
100
75
100
Seven Were Saved (Para)
75
100
100
100
100
95
Smash-Up (U-I)
125
130
85
200
140
100
140
120
185
136
Sweetheart of Sigma Chi (Mono)
120
100
140
100
75
90
100
100
85
105
130
100
104
Tarzan and the Huntress (RKO)
140
115
100
125
90
114
Temptation (U-I)
130
125
110
70
120
90
100
75
75
150
100
80
85
95
105
145
60
150
70
102
Thirteenth Hour, The (Col)
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Trail Street (RKO)
105
115
120
115
125
125
135
100
106
135
150
121
Wake Up and Dream (20th-Fox)
90
92
140
90
95
75
100
95
175
95
90
130
90
no
no
100
no
80
104
Wicked Lady, The (U-I)
140
120
115
165
125
130
140
125
80
150
100
125
135
130
115
160
80
126
Wife Wanted (Mono)
84
70
87
100
80
110
100
95
150
100
98
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 3, 1947
Playing at advanced admission scales.
1
EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
ABOUT
PICTURES
One star after a picture report denotes an exhibitor who has only started
contributing to the department, two stars designate a contributor who has been
sending in reports from six months to a year, and three stars are for those of
veteran standing, from one to many years. When a contributor attains the three-
star standing, he may expect a token of our appreciation. Everybody welcome
COLUMBIA
Blazing the Western Trail (Col) — Charles
Starrett, Tex Harding, Carole Mathews. Good
old western — lots of gunplay and good box-
office reports. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Colder. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Til-
bury, Ont. General patronage. * * *
Gallant Journey (Col) — Glenn Ford, Janet
Blair, Charles Ruggles. What a nice picture
this could have been if there were some way
to get people to see Columbia's top bracket
product. The story is a most interesting tale
of early aviation. Glenn Ford does another
fine job, as does Janet Blair. A little bit of
thought in making up the trailer could have
helped get a few people out. I didn't make
expenses but I found most exhibitors saying
the same thing, yet we all praised the picture.
It's just one of those good ones that never
make the grade at the boxoffice. Played Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Clear and sunny. — R. C. Walk-
er, Rialto Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural pa-
tronage. * * *
Green Years, The (MGM) — Charles Coburn,
Beverly Tyler, Tom Drake. A good picture for
the older customers, and they all said it was
a good picture — a little too heavy for the
younger trade. Played Sat., Sun. Weather:
Good. — W. E. Knight, Havelock Theatre, Have-
lock, Iowa. Small town and rural patron-
age. * *
Jack Armstrong (Col) — Serial. If you want
an action-packed serial, this is it. Outside
of "Jungle Raiders" this is this company's best
for me. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair. —
Barney T. Holt, State Theatre, Boynton, Okla.
Small town and rural patronage. * * *
Lady in the Lake (MGM)' — Robert Mont-
gomery, Audrey Totter, Lloyd Nolan. Saw this
one at a tradeshowing some time ago. Would
advise anyone to play it as the price is right.
Bob Montgomery really gave the picture busi-
ness a new angle. It was just right for me—
I want to see it again. — Hugh A. Wood, Com-
munity Theatre, Holden, Utah. Small town
patronage. * *
Return of Monte Cristo, The (Col) — Louis
Hayward, Barbara Britton, George Macready.
Very good for our situation. Played midweek
but should have given it a weekend. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair. — R. C. Drayer,
Majestic Theatre, Frankfort, S. D. Rural and
small town patronage. * * *
Unknown, The (Col) — Karen Morley, Jim
Bannon, Jeff Donnell. A fair murder mystery
that went well on a weekend double bill.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair. — Ralph Raspa,
State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Small town
patronage. * * *
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Adventure (MGM) — Clark Gable, Greer
Gdrson, Joan Blondell. A swell picture but I
played it late, as MGM and I did not get to-
gether early — but there was not anything
wrong with the picture. Played preview Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Fair. — Barney T. Holt, State
Theatre, Boynton, Okla. Small town and rural
patronage. * * *
Cockeyed Miracle, The (MGM) — Frank Mor-
gan, Keenan Wynn, Audrey Totter. This is a
lulu. One of the best comedies I have seen
for a long time. The audience was in stitches
from start to finish. I operated the first night
and almost missed the cues several times.
Business above average. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Mild. — Carl E. Pehlman, Rio Theatre,
Edinburg, 111. Rural and small town patron-
age. *
No Leave, No Love (MGM) — Van Johnson,
Keenan Wynn, Pat Kirkwood. This drew well
but people complained that it was too
drawn out toward the end and it became
monotonous instead of funny. Keenan Wynn
is a fine comedian. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Cold. — Marcella Smith, Vinton Thea-
tre, McArthur, Ohio. Small town patron-
age. * * *
Portrait of Maria (MGM) — Dolores Del Rio,
Pedro Armendariz, Alberto Galan. Lady Luck
was with me (I was out of town when I played
this), for after giving them "The Last Chance"
the week before, it would have been suicide
to hang around after giving them the second
clinker in a week. About ten more like the
last three MGM has given me and my trou-
bles are over — I can give the sheriff the key
and join the 52-20 club. MGM's stock has
taken a real nose-dive here. I fail to see how
they can afford to allow such junk to carry
the MGM label. Don't run this one in fly time!
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Perfect. — R. C.
Walker, Rialto Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural
patronage. * * *
Undercurrent (MGM) — Katharine Hepburn,
Robert Taylor, Robert Mitchum. Hepburn is
poison to my boxoffice and Taylor has stayed
away too long. The picture was very heavy —
all .three added up to a nice loss. — Phil
Schwartz, Parkway Theatre, Bridgeport, Conn.
Suburban patronage. *
MONOGRAM
Fall Guy (Mono) — Clifford Penn, Robert
Armstrong, Teala Loring. Just another pic-
ture suitable only for double features in my
situation. Played Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather:
Good. — Terry Axley, New Theatre, England,
Ark. Rural and small town patronage. * * *
Riders of the Dawn (Mono) — Jimmy Wakely,
Lee "Lasses" White, Sarah Padden. Corn,
corn, corn — and do the people in my location
eat it up! Doubled with "Scarlet Street" (U-I)
and exploited it by playing a 16mm reel of
Jimmy Wakely's music on an automatic mo-
tion picture machine in the lobby, continu-
ously afternoon and night for several days
before the playdate. Best Fri., Sat. business
yet. Weather: Moderately cold. — Carl E. Pehl-
man, Rio Theatre, Edinburg, 111. Rural and
small town patronage. *
Valley of Fear (Mono) — Johnny Mack Brown,
Raymond Hatton, Christine Mclntire. Up to
standard for this series of westerns. Played
Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather: Good. — Terry Axley,
New Theatre, England, Ark. Rural and small
town patronage. * * *
PARAMOUNT
Call of the Wild (Para)- — Reissue. Clark
Gable, Loretta Young. Played this Wednes-
day only to a better than average house. The
many fine comments convinced me it would
have held up well a second night even in this
small town. As compared to the heavy fare
we have been getting, it would rate top play-
ing time. Weather: Cold. — Lloyd Lafond, Rim-
rock Theatre, Winnett, Mont. Rural and small
town patronage. * *
Easy Come, Easy Go (Para) — Barry Fitzger-
ald, Diana Lynn, Sonny Tufts. A light, en-
tertaining comedy. Audiences seemed
Watches This Department
For What Others Say
“The two stars make me feel like a vet-
eran in the business. I watch this depart-
ment every week, for I find in most in-
stances that if a picture smells in Po-
dunk, it won’t take on the fragrance of a
rose in Fruita, and vice versa, whereas
if it’s good for rural patronage in Pun-
kin Center, it usually is good in Fruita.” —
R. C. Walker, Rialto Theatre, Fruita, Colo.
Agrees With Jim Hanson:
Must Judge Own Films
“I agree perfectly with Jim Hanson of
Kerman, Calif. — you can’t take these film
salesmen’s words about a feature. A
greenhorn like myself tried it. I have
bought prints the salesmen said wouldn’t
pay expenses, yet these did better than
some prints they recommended. I have
found out your guess is as good as any-
one else’s when it comes to buying fea-
tures.”— C. M. Garrett, Yandell Theatre,
El Paso.
pleased. Played Wednesday. Weather: Cool
and clear. — J. E. Rongeau, Club Theatre,
Seven Sisters Falls, Manitoba. Small town
and rural patronage. * *
Rainbow Island (Para) — Dorothy Lamour,
Eddie Bracken, Gil Lamb. An oldie that I
picked up at a very reasonable price and
played to a good attendance that was en-
tirely satisfied. The first midweek feature
to pay for itself this year. Played Tues.,
Wed. Weather: Good. — Ralph Raspa, State
Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patron-
age. * * *
Searching Wind, The (Para) — Robert Young,
Sylvia Sidney, Ann Richards. This wind
turned out to be a mild breeze— with a slight
odor. Oh well, we weren't disappointed —
we didn't expect much and that's what we
got. Three persons told me they thought it
a very fine show but I find it hard to make
a living on the goodwill of three people.
Someone told me one time that willpower
was the ability to eat just one piece of pop-
corn. Staying in the lobby and facing the
patrons after throwing them a curve like this
isn't bad. Played Tues., Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Good. — Paul Ricketts, Charm Thea-
tre, Holyrood, Kas. Rural and small town
patronage.
Strange Love of Martha Ivers, The (Para) —
Barbara Stanwyck, Van Heflin, Lizabeth Scott.
This is a very good feature but I rather think
the title spoiled my crowd. Everyone liked
it who came. Played Sat., Sun., Mon. Weather:
Good. — R. C. Drayer, Majestic Theatre, Frank-
fort, S. D. Rural and small town patron-
age. * * *
They Made Me a Killer (Para) — Robert
Lowery, Barbara Britton, Frank Albertson.
This is very good and it took just as well as
a class A picture. It started to rain just a
couple of hours before the show started and
several could not come on account of the
roads being impassable — average attendance
only. Played Wednesday. Weather: Rain. —
W. H. Swan, Auditorium Theatre, Roscoe,
S. D. Rural patronage.
Tokyo Rose (Para) — Byron Barr, Osa Mas-
sen, Don Douglas. A very good little melo-
drama by Pine-Thomas, The title itself brought
the customers and any GI who was in the
Pacific knew who Tokyo Rose was, including
yours truly. The miserable times she gave us
on our short wave sets over there would
make any GI want to see a movie about her,
and most of the patrons were ex-GIs. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Rain. — R. V. Dinkle,
Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural and small
town patronage.
Two Years Before the Mast (Para) — Alan
Ladd, Brian Donleyy, William Bendix. This
didn't click — the ladies stayed away, Ladd or
no Ladd. The women don't care for this type
of story and there were not enough men to
hold up the boxoffice.— Phil Schwartz, Park-
way Theatre, Bridgeport, Conn. Suburban
patronage.
PRC PICTURES
Club Havana (PRC) — Tom Neal, Margaret
Lindsay, Don Douglas. Paid far more than
usual for this feature and received far less
than average— in fact, the attendance was
very poor. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Good.
— Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W.
Va. Rural patronage.
Danny Boy (PRC) — Robert "Buzzy" Henry,
Ralph Lewis, Sybil Merritt. A swell dog story
2
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 3, 1947
that will hold up any picture you are kick-
ing around. Played with "Nocturne" (RKO). —
Phil Schwartz, Parkway Theatre, Bridgeport,
Conn. Suburban patronage.
RKO RADIO
Bamboo Blonde, The (RKO) — Frances Lang-
ford, Ralph Edwards, Russell Wade. Far be-
low average attendance for this neat little
package. Every time the mines close here,
people tighten up on their pocketbooks. Played
Fri., Sat. Weather: Good.— Ralph Raspa, State
Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Rural patron-
★ * *
age.
Dick Tracy (RKO) — Morgan Conway, Anne
Jeffreys, Mike Mazurki. The only thing wrong
with this picture was no Ralph Byrd. He was
the gentleman who first started the Tracy pic-
tures and has played them all along for Re-
public. Now RKO puts Morgan Conway in
his role. Let's see Ralph Byrd in the next one.
The picture wasn't any too good but satisfied
those who saw it, we hope. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Good. — Dinkle & Lemaster, Ken
Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural and small town
patronage. *
Nocturne (RKO)— George Raft, Lynn Bari,
Virginia Huston. About average returns from
this detective story which mildly pleased our
action fans. Played Wednesday. Weather
Fair. — Chase Bros., Sokokis Theatre, Limerick,
Me. Rural and small town patronage.
Notorious (RKO) — Cary Grant, Ingrid Berg-
man, Claude Rains. Business was just fair
on this well-done drama. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Good. — E. M. Freiburger, Para-
mount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town
patronage. * * *
Show Business (RKO) — Eddie Cantor,
George Murphy. Price okay — both films in
very bad condition — attendance good. We had
some comment on the condition of the film
but almost all enjoyed “Show Business."
Played Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather: Clear.
— C. M. Garrett, Yandell Theatre, El Paso,
Tex. Family patronage. *
Song of the South (RKO) — Ruth Warrick,
Bobby Driscoll, James Baskett. This was my
second time to play this and again it was
tops. People just can't stay away from this
one — I think it's another "Snow White." It'll
be good for years to come, and as we have
a new generation occasionally, it will always
be good. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair
and cold. — L. E. Burkey, Ritz Theatre, Deshler,
Neb. Factory and rural patronage. * * *
Song of the South (RKO) — Ruth Warrick,
Bobby Driscoll, James Baskett — with Disney
cartoons. Terrific boxoffice the first and sec-
ond days — on the third day, another business-
killing blizzard. Played Thurs., Fri., Sat.
Weather: Fair the first two days. — C. V. Mar-
tina, Rialto Theatre, Albion, N. Y. Small town
patronage. * *
REPUBLIC
Daughter of Don Q (Rep)— Serial. A very
good serial. I am now on Chapter No. 7 and
the audience likes it. Played Fri., Sat. — Joe
Drury, Wells Theatre, St. Marys, Ga. Small
town patronage. * *
Earl Carroll Sketchbook (Rep) — Constance
Moore, William Marshall, Bill Goodwin. This
has swell music and fine dancing but just
didn't go over. The boys around here like
"blood and thunder," not “legs." Played pre-
view and Tuesday. Weather: Fair. — James E.
Davis, Rialto Theatre, Bennington, Okla. Rural
and small town patronage. *
G.I. War Brides (Rep) — Anna Lee, James
Ellison. This is a fair comedy but it will not
stand alone as it has neither length nor star
power. Business was below average. Played
Tuesday. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Thea-
tre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. * * *
Man From Rainbow Valley (Rep) — Monte
Hale, Adrian Booth, Jo Ann Marlowe. The
west in color draws my customers and they
all enjoyed this picture. Heard a lot of com-
ments for this one. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Very good. — Joe Drury, Wells Theatre, St.
Marys, Ga. Small town patronage.
Man From Rainbow Valley (Rep) — Monte
Hale, Adrian Booth, Jo Ann Marlowe. This is
Monte Hale's best — now if he can only learn
to act like a cowboyl This beautiful Magna-
color about a wild horse will please your
weekend customers. Played Fri., Sat. — James
C. Balkcom jr., Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. Small
town patronage. * * *
Exhibitor Gives Advice
To New Showmen
“Notice to all people who are in or
'thinking about going into the picture
business — subscribe for BOXOFFICE
magazine. This magazine has helped me
more than any other thing since the
opening of this theatre.” — C. M. Garrett,
Yandell Theatre, El Paso.
Out California Way (Rep) — Monte Hale,
Adrian Booth, Bobby Blake. These colored
westerns seem to please our people. We
played this one with "Little Iodine" (UA) and
it made a nice double bill. Played Wed.,
Thurs. Weather: Fair.— Hugh A. Wood, Com-
munity Theatre, Holden, Utah. Small town
patronage. * *
Sinbad the Sailor (RKO) — Douglas Fair-
banks jr., Maureen O'Hara, Walter Slezak.
This has been the best RKO release that has
ever been shown at this hospital since I
started work as chief of motion pictures here.'
The audience reaction was excellent. — James
E. Adams, Nichols Hospital Theatre, Louis-
ville, Ky. Hospital patronage.
Sun Valley Cyclone (Rep) — Bill Elliott, Alice
Fleming, Bobby Blake. Very good western
with plenty of action and beautiful scenery.
The horses pleased the kids. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Fair. — E. B. Wacaster, Ozark Thea-
tre, Ozark, Ark. Rural and small town pa-
tronage. * * *
20th CENTURY-FOX
Anna and the King of Siam (20th-Fox) —
Irene Dunne, Rex Harrison, Linda Darnell.
This picture didn't go over— our mistake. One
percentage picture we didn't mind, business
was so poor. Played Mon., Tues. Weather:
Cold and mild. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Thea-
tre, Tilbury, Ont. General patronage. * * *
My Darling Clementine (20th-Fox) — Henry
Fonda, Linda Darnell, Victor Mature. Had
good business but also a few complaints. The
majority of my customers were satisfied. Good
for a small town. Played Wed., Thurs. Weath-
er: Misting rain. — Joe Drury, Wells Theatre, St.
Marys, Ga. Small town patronage.
My Darling Clementine (20th-Fox) — Henry
Fonda, Linda Darnell, Victor Mature. A
strike right down the center of the alley. Not
gold, but silver, and that adds up at the box-
office. It will please ma, pa and the kids.
This type of picture will take seven days a
week. — Phil Schwartz, Parkway Theatre,
Bridgeport, Conn. Suburban patronage.
UNITED ARTISTS
Abie's Irish Rose (UA) — Joanne Dru, Rich-
ard Norris, Michael Chekhov. This was no
good for my town — too highbrow. It's possible
it did better in larger places but my boot-and-
saddle trade wouldn't go for it. Played Tues.,
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair. — Barney T. Holt,
State Theatre, Boynton, Okla. Small town and
rural patronage. * * *
Caesar and Cleopatra (UA) — Claude Rains,
Vivien Leigh, Stewart Granger. The high
school children were especially anxious to
see this. The power was off in our town
because of a storm Monday night, but we did
an average two-day business Tuesday night.
It was enjoyed by all that saw it. Played
Mon., Tues. Weather: Bad. — Mrs. M. D. Wil-
liams, Oliver Theatre, Oliver Springs, Tenn.
Small town patronage.
Devil's Playground, The (UA) — William
Boyd, Andy Clyde, Elaine Riley. They have
been waiting for Hopalong for some time and
did like to see him back. Some say, if it
were not for old "Gabby" the picture would
still not click right. I agree with them. Played
Wednesday. Weather: Good. — W. H. Swan,
Auditorium Theatre, Roscoe, S. D. Rural pa-
, * * *
tronage.
Little Iodine (UA) — Jo Ann Marlowe, Hobart
Cavanaugh, Irene Ryan. If you want to pack
your house and please all who come, show
this picture. It's a family picture and the
price is right. — Wilder S. Funk, Star Theatre,
St. Stephens, S. C. Small town and rural
patronage.
Susie Steps Out (UA) — David Bruce, Cleatus
Caldwell, Ann Hunter. This is a good small-
budget musical that anyone should be able
to use. We used it with a Rogers to make
a nice program. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Fair. — Hugh A. Wood, Community Theatre,
Holden, Utah. Small town patronage.
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Cuban Pete (U-I) — Desi Arnaz, Joan Fulton,
Beverly Simmons. A fair little picture that
has some amusing moments. However, for-
eign settings ruined it for us. Double fea-
tured, Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair. — E. B. Wa-
caster, Ozark Theatre, Ozark, Ark. Rural and
small town patronage.
Little Miss Big (U-I) — Beverly Simmons, Fay
Holden, Frank McHugh. This is much better
than most of Universal's A pictures. Used it
on my weekend double program and it re-
ceived many favorable comments. Played
Fri., Sat. — James C. Balkcom jr., Gray Theatre,
Gray, Ga. Small town patronage.
Wicked Lady, The (U-I) — Margaret Lock-
wood, James Mason, Patricia Roc. A bit of
nonsense that drew well when doubled with
PRC's "The Whispering Skull." U-I gave us
a reasonable price, although I found it a
trifle long for dualing in our situation. Not a
great film, but mildly entertaining. Played
Sat., Sun. Weather: Fair. — Gray Barker,
Lyric Theatre, Glenville, W. Va. Rural, small
town and college patronage.
Wild Beauty (U-I) — Lois Collier, Don Porter,
Robert Wilcox. Okay for the weekend —
packed them in. We need more horses for the
farm lads. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold. —
Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont.
General patronage.
Woman in the Window (U-I) — Edward G.
Robinson, Joan Bennett. Film good — Robinson
and cast tops. Friday business good — Satur-
day bad. Maybe everyone had seen it. It's
still a good feature to book — maybe on last
runs it should be doubled. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Clear. — C. M. Garrett, Yandell Thea-
tre, El Paso. Family patronage.
WARNER BROS.
Her Kind of Man (WB) — Dane Clark, Janis
Paige, Zachary Scott. I didn't get to see this
one, but the boxoffice report showed below
average business. For some reason or other
I have not been able to make any money on
Warner Bros, pictures. They have an excel-
lent product but they fail to draw in this loca-
tion. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Mild. —
Carl E. Pehlman, Rio Theatre, Edinburg, 111.
Rural and small town patronage.
Nobody Lives Forever (WB) — John Garfield,
Geraldine Fitzgerald, Walter Brennan. Good
melodrama which pleased average business.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good. — E. M.
Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage. * * *
Nobody Lives Forever (WB)— John Garfield,
Geraldine Fitzgerald, Walter Brennan. Swell
show for this town but it failed to bring them
in, making it four Warner shows out of five
that didn't meet expenses so far this year.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold. — Ralph
Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Small
town patronage. * * *
Verdict, The (WB) — Sydney Greenstreet,
Peter Lorre, Joan Lorring. This is a fair drama
which did average business. Just a program
picture. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Good.
— E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey,
Okla. Small town patronage.
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide : : May 3, 1947
3
•fox tscreenguildt republ
FEATURE CHART
Feature productions, listed by company, in order of release. Number in square is national
release date. Production number is at right. Number in parentheses is running time, as
furnished by home office of distributor; checkup with local exchanges is recommended.
R — is review date. PG — is Picture Guide page number. Symbol y indicates BOXOFFICE
Blue Ribbon Award Winner, Symbol © indicates color photography.
JULY 13
JULY 20
JULY 27
AUGUST 3
AUGUST 10
AUGUST 17
AUGUST 24
[ill (54) Western 7209
THE DESERT HORSE-
MAN
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
Adele Roberts
R— July 13— PO-735
HU (67) Act-Mus 7223
COWBOY BLUES
Ken Curtis
Jeff Donnell
Hoosier Hotshots
Guy Kibbee
R— July 13— PQ-736
H (73) Musical 7033
SING WHILE YOU
DANCE
Ellen Drew
Robert Stanton
Andrew Tombes
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
[7| (68) Comedy 7039
PERSONALITY KID
Anita Louise
Michael Duane
Ted Donaldson
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
|is| (54) Western 7201
HEADING WEST
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
i
Block 17
|jj] (97) Drama 625
BOYS’ RANCH
James Craig
"Butch” Jenkins
R— May 4— PG-720
SPECIAL:
[25] (110) Drama 624
©pASY TO WED
Esther Williams
Van Johnson
It— Apr. 13— PG-714
[~8~| (93) Drama 626
©COURAGE OF LASSIE
Lassie
Elizabeth Taylor
Frank Morgan
Tom Drake
R— May 11— PG-721
I22] (81) Drami 62‘
FAITHFUL IN MY
FASHION
Tom Drake
Donna Reed
R— June 15— PC-729
[13] (63) Drama 530
SOUTH OF MONTEREY
Gilbert Roland
Frank Yaconelli
|20| (66) Act-Corn 511
BOWERY BOMBSHELL
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
m (64) Mys-Dr 518
SHADOWS OVER
CHINATOWN
Sidney Toler
Victor Sen Young
[3] (65) Act-Dr 520
BELOW THE DEADLINE
Warren Douglas
Ramsay Ames
R— Oct. 5 — PG-755
JlO] (57) Western 567
SHADOWS ON THE
RANGE
Johnny Mack Brown
[fi] (60) Mys-Dr 525
MISSING LADY
Kane Richmond
Barbara Reed
HU (68) Comedy 511
SPOOK BUSTERS
Leo Gorcey
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
Billy Benedict
David Gorcey
R— Aug. 24— PO-745
Block 6
HU (107) Act-Dr 4526
O.S.S.
Alan Ladd
Geraldine Fitzgerald
R— May 11— PG-721
Block 6
pTI (107) Drama 4527
THE SEARCHING WIND
Robert Young
Sylvia Sidney
R— May 11— PG-722
[10| (08) Mys-Dr
LARCENY IN HER
HEART
Hugh Beaumont
Cheryl Walker
R— May 25— PG-725
[17] (55) Western
PRAIRIE BADMEN
Buster Crabbe
A1 "Fuzzy” St. John
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
|24| (67) Drama
QUEEN OF BURLESQUE
Evelyn Ankers
Carlton Young
R— July 6— PG-733
|iil (55) Drama
TERRORS ON
HORSEBACK
Buster Crabbe
R— Apr. 27— PG-717
j|U (75) Drama
DOWN MISSOURI WAY
Martha O'DriscoU
R— July 13— PG-735
HU (58) Drama
SECRETS OF A
SORORITY GIRL
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
HU (64) Act-West
OVERLAND RIDERS
Buster Crabbe
A1 “Fuzzy" St. John
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
j
SPECIAL:
(95) Drama 683
THE STRANGER
Edward G. Robinson
Loretta Young
Orson Welles
R— May 25— PG-726
Group 6
(105) Drama 626
TILL THE END OF
TIME
Dorothy McGuire
Guy Madison
Robert Mitchum
Bill WUliams
R— June 15— PG-730
Group 6
(68) Musical 630
THE BAMBOO BLONDE
Frances Langford
Ralph Edwards
RusseU Wade
R — June 22 — PG-732
HH (67) M’dr-Mus 523
NIGHT TRAIN TO
MEMPHIS
Roy Acuff
[lo] (79) Outdr-Mus 5541
MY PAL TRIGGER
Roy Rogers
R— July 6— PO-734
[22I (56) Western 568
CONQUEST OF
CHEYENNE
BUI Elliott
Bobby Blake
AUce Fleming
[22] (89) Comedy 525
RENDEZVOUS WITH
ANNIE
Eddie Albert
Faye Marlowe
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
[25] (55) Western 557
RED RIVER
RENEGADES
[7] (67) M’drama 526
THE INNER CIRCLE
Adele Mara
Warren Douglas
William Frawley
[9] (67) M’drama 527
LAST CROOKED MILE
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
H (69) Corn-Dr 528
G.l. WAR BRIDES
Anna Lee
James Ellison
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
H| (57) Mys-Dr 529
THE INVISIBLE
INFORMER
Linda Stirling
William Henry .
Gerald Mohr
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
Q] (75) Act-Dr 4605
FLIGHT TO NOWHERE
Evelyn Ankers
Alan Curtis
HU (72) Outdr-Dr 4604
©DEATH VALLEY
Robert Lowery
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
(70) Comedy 632
IT SHOULDN’T HAPPEN
TO A DOG
Carole Landis
Aliyn Joslyn
Henry Morgan
Margo Wood
R — June 8 — PG-728
(102) Drama 633
©CENTENNIAL
SUMMER
Jeanne Crain
Cornel WUde
Linda Darnell
WUliam Eythe
R— June 8— PG-728
(128) Drama 634
yANNA AND THE
KING OF SIAM
Irene Dunne
Rex Harrison
Linda Darnell
R— June 8— PG-727
(65) Drama 635
DEADLINE FOR
MURDER
Paul Kelly
Kent Taylor
Sheila Ryan
Jerome Cowan
R— June 22— PG-732
|xq[ (100) M’drama
A SCANDAL IN PARIS
George Sanders
Signe Hasso
Carole Landis
R— July 20— PG-738
2] (84) M’drama
MR. ACE
George Raft
Sylvia Sidney
Sid Silvers
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
SPECIAL:
I| (120) Drama
y ©CAESAR AND
CLEOPATRA
Vivien Leigh
Claude Rains
Stewart Granger
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
[12] (60) Drama 539
DANGER WOMAN
Brenda Joyce
Don Porter
Milhum Stone
R— July 13— PG-736
[l9| (69) Drama 545
THE DARK HORSE
Phillip Terry
Ann Savage
Allen Jenkins
R— July 20— PG-738
^6| (92) Drama 541
©CANYON PASSAGE
Andrews-Hayward
R— July 27— PG-740
[26] (61) Musical 542
CUBAN PETE
Desl Arnaz
R— July 27— PG-739
[2] (80) Drama 543
THE BLACK ANGEL
Dan Duryea
R— Aug. 10— PO-741
[2] (63) Drama 544
SLIGHTLY
SCANDALOUS
Fred Brady
[9] (01) Drama 545
WILD BEAUTY
Don Porter
Lois Collier
Jacqueline De Wit
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
[is) (82) Comedy 546
THE TIME OF THEIR
LIVES
Abbott and Costello
Binnle Barnes
Jess Barker
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
H| (76) Drama 547
DEAD OF NIGHT
Mervyn Johns
Roland Culver
Frederick Valk
R— July 6— PG-734
|2o| (105) Drama 522
OF HUMAN BONDAGE
Paul Henreid
Eleanor Parker
Alexis Smith
Edmund Gwenn
Janis Paige
R— July 6— PG-734
[~3~| (128) Drama 523
©NIGHT AND DAY
Cary Grant
Alexis Smith
Monty Woolley
Mary Martin
R — July 13— PG-736
[17] (90) Drama i&4
TWO GUYS FROM
MILWAUKEE
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Joan Leslie
Janis Paige
R— July 27— PG-739
THE UNKNOWN
Karen Morley
Jim Bannon
Jeff Donnell
R— July 6— PO-734
SPECIAL:
ilTHE GREEN YEARS
Charles Coburn
Tom Drake
Beverly Tyler
Hume Cronyn
R— Mar. 16— PCI-705
STRANGE VOYAGE
Eddie Albert
Elena Verdugo
Block 5
TO EACH HIS OWN
Olivia de Havliland
John Lund
Mary Anderson
Phillip Terry
R— Mar. 16— PG-706
] (70) Drama
I ©COLORADO
SERENADE
Eddie Dean
A1 La Rue
R— July 6— PG-733
[~5~1 (90) Drama 524
SPECTER OF THE ROSE
Judith Anderson
Michael Chekhov
R— May 26— PG-726
I (87) Drama
©SMOKY
Fred MacMurray
Anne Baxter
Bruce Cabot
J. Farrell MacDonald
R— June 22— PG-732
631
fsl (70) Drama 538
HER ADVENTUROUS
NIGHT
Dennis O’Keefe
Helen Walker
Tom Powers
R— July 6— PG-733
[|] (107) Drama 521
A STOLEN LIFE
Bette Davis
Glenn Ford
Dane Clark
Walter Brennan
Charlie Ruggles
R— May 4— PG-719
o
H
W
<
(57) Mus (New Rel)
BEWARE
Louis Jordan
(68) Drama Reissue
COURAGEOUS
DR. CHRISTIAN
Jean Hersholt
(30) M-Rev (New Rel)
EBONY PARADE
Cab Calloway
Count Basie
Mills Bros.
(72) Comedy Reissue
FLYING DEUCES
Laurel and Hardy
(10) Mus (New Rel)
(1 Reel Spec)
HERE’S RICHARD’S
ANSWER
Stepin Fetchit
(57) M-Dr (New Rel)
HOLLYWOOD BOUND
Betty Grable
(89) Reissue
JIMMY STEPS OUT
Jimmy Stewart
(83) Drama Reissue
LITTLE MEN
(86) Drama Reissue
ONE ROMANTIC NIGHT
Ilona Massey
(100) Drama Reissue
SCARFACE
Paul Muni
George Raft
(86) Mus-Dr Reissue
SECOND CHORUS
Paulette Goddard
Fred Astaire
(55) M-Dr (-New Rel)
STAIRWAY FOR A STAR
Cornel Wilde
(48) Mus (New Rel)
TALL, TAN AND
TERRIFIC
Mantan Moreland
Francine Everett
(50) M-Dr (New Rel
THAT MAN OF MINE
Harrel Tillman
Ruby Dee
Anna Mae Winburn
(58) 0’d-Dr (New Rel
WHITE STALLION
Eddie Dean
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide
May 3, 1947
KLU
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
AUGUST 31
SEPTEMBER 7
SEPTEMBER 14
SEPTEMBER 21
SEPTEMBER 28
OCTOBER 5
OCTOBER 12
OCTOBER 19 |
12] (63) Comedy 7038
rS GREAT TO BE
YOUNG
{—Sept. 7— PG-749
H] (69) Western 7224
SINGING ON THE
TRAIL
{—Sept 14— PG-752
|5] (68) Drama 7002
GALLANT JOURNEY
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
26] (70) M’Dr-Mys 7041
SHADOWED
Anita Louise
R— Oct. 5 — PG-756
30] (91) Musical 7006
rHE THRILL OF
BRAZIL
Ivelyn Keyes
Keenan Wynn
\nn Miller
\llyn Joslyn
t — Aug. 31— PG-747
10] (71) Psych-Dr 805
50 DARK THE NIGHT
Steven Geray
Hicheline Cheirel
Eugene Borden
\nn Codee
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
n] (69) Comedy 806
5L0NDIE KNOWS BEST
3ingleton-Lake
ft— Oct. 5— PO-755
^ (53) Western 861
LANDRUSH
Charles Starrett
|] (92) Drama 628
JTHREE WISE FOOLS
[argaret O’Brien
ionel Barrymore
ewis Stone ;
dward Arnold
homas Mitchell
—June 15— PG-730
15] (127) Mus-Com 701
©HOLIDAY IN MEXICO
Valter Pidgeon
Jane Powell
Ilona Massey
Jose Iturbl
R — July 27 — PG-740
(81) Comedy-Dr 703
THE COCKEYED
MIRACLE
frank Morgan
Keenan Wynn
Audrey Totter
R— July 20— PG-737
(117) Musical 704
NO LEAVE, NO LOVE
Jan Johnson
Keenan Wynn
Pat Kirkwood
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
7] (74) Com-Mus 517
HIGH SCHOOL HERO
Freddie Stewart
June Preisser
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
u] (76) Mys-Dr 601
DECOY
Ddward Norris
lean Gillie
R. Armstrong
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
2i| (54) Western 568
TRIGGER FINGERS
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
][] (72) Act-Dr 602
GENTLEMAN JOE
PALOOKA
Joe Kirkwood jr.
Elyse Knox
Leon Errol
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
I| (66) Mys-Dr 603
DANGEROUS MONEY
Sidney Toler
Gloria Warren
Victor Sen Young
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
>PECIAL:
jo] (93) Comedy 4532
lONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE
Job Hope
oan Caulfield
{—May 11— PG-721
Biock 6
[|] (69) Act-Dr 4528
SWAMP FIRE
Johnny Weissmuller
Buster Crabbe
Block 6
13] (117) Drama 4529
THE STRANGE LOVE
OF MARTHA IVERS
Barbara Stanwyck
Van Heflin
Lizabeth Scott
R— Mar. 16— PG-706 ;
Reissue R5-3624
(113) Outdr-Drama
THE PLAINSMAN
Gary Cooper
Jean Arthur
Reissue R5-3620
(84) Adven-Drama
JUNGLE PRINCESS
Dorothy Lamour
Ray Milland
29] (68) Mys-Dr
HIONDE FOR A DAY
lugh Beaumont
Kathryn Adams
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
nn (56) Drama
STRANGE HOLIDAY
Claude Rains
R— Nov. 9 — PG-764
[23] (86) Drama SP71
HER SISTER’S
SECRET
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
(22] (56) Act-West
OUTLAW OF THE
PLAINS
[T] (55) Outdr-Mus 741
DRIFTIN’ RIVER
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
[7] (58) Drama 714
THE BRUTE MAN
11— Nov. 2— PG-761
•
SPECIAL:
(103) Drama 761
NOTORIOUS
Ingrid Bergman
Jary Grant
Claude Bains
Louis Calhern
B — July 27— PG-739
Group 6
(93) Drama 627
CRACK-UP
Pat O’Brien
Claire Trevor
Herbert Marshall
R — June 15 — PG-729
Group 1
(61) Drama 703
STEP BY STEP
Lawrence Tierney
Anne Jeffreys
Lowell Gilmore
R— July 20— PG-737
Group 1
(59) Western 704
SUNSET PASS
James Warren
Nan Leslie
John Laurenz
Jane Greer
It— July 20— PG-738
Group 1
(97) Comedy 702
LADY LUCK
Robert Young
Barbara Hale
Frank Morgan
R— July 27— PG-739
Group 1
(116) Drama 701
1SSISTER KENNY
Rosalind RusseU
Alexander Knox
Dean Jagger
R— July 20— PG-738
Group 1
(68) Drama 705
GREAT DAY
Eric Portman
Flora Robson
R— July 20— PG-737
Group 2
(62) Drama 709
CRIMINAL COURT
Tom Conway
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
I|| (62) Com-Chiller
GENIUS AT WORK
W. Brown-A. Carney
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
26] (69) West-Mus 541
UNDER NEVADA SKIES
Boy Rogers
B— Aug. 31— PG-748
If] (56) Mystery 531
THE MYSTERIOUS MR.
VALENTINE
William Henry
Linda Stirling
9] (56) Western 558
RIO GRANDE RAIDERS
Sunset Carson
12] (68) Outdr-Mus 542
ROLL ON TEXAS
MOON
Roy Rogers-Dale Evans
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
T] (71) Drama 4607
ROLLING HOME
Jean Parker
Russell Hayden
It— Oct. 19— PG-760
j| (41) Out-Dr 4606
'NEATH CANADIAN
SKIES
RusseU Hayden
Inez Cooper
(74) Drama 636
BLACK BEAUTY
Mona Freeman
Richard Denning
Evelyn Ankers
R— July 20— PG-737
(78) Drama 637
CLAUDIA AND DAVID
Dorothy McGuire
Robert Young
Mary Astor
John Sutton
Gall Patrick
R— July 27— PG-746
(78) Musical 638
IF I’M LUCKY
Vivian Blaine
Perry Como
Harry James
Carmen Miranda
Phil Silvern
R— Sept. 7— PG-750
Reissue
(86) Musical 641
SUN VALLEY
SERENADE
Sonja Henie
John Payne
Milton Berle
Glenn Miller & Orch.
Joan Davis
(90) Musical 639
©THREE LITTLE GIRLS
IN BLUE
June Haver
George Montgomery
Vivian Blaine
Celeste Holm
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
(90) Drama 640
HOME SWEET
HOMICIDE
Peggy Ann Garner
Randolph Scott
Lynn Bari
Dean Stockwell
R— July 27— PG-740
Reissue
(84) Drama 642
THE BOWERY
Wallace Beery
George Raft
Jackie Cooper
Fay Wray
[T] (99) Comedy
THE BACHELOR’S
DAUGHTERS
Gall RusseU
Claire Trevor
Adolphe Menjou
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
||o] (101) M’ drama
ANGEL ON MY
SHOULDER
Paul Muni
Anne Baiter
R— Sept. 28— PO-754
[u] (57) Comedy
LITTLE IODINE
Jo Ann Marlowe
Eve Whitney
Marc Cramer
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
[30] (102) Drama 54f
THE KILLERS
Burt Lancaster
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
[30] (61) Drama 54!
LITTLE MISS BIG
R— Sept. 7 — PG-750
[30] (74) Drama 55(1
WHITE TIE AND
TAILS
Dan Duryea
Ella Raines
William Bendix
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
1
[20] (198) Drama 106!
THEY WERE SISTERS
Phyllis Calvert
James Mason
Hugh Sinclair
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
(114) Drama 601
THE BIG SLEEP
Humphrey Bogart
Lauren Bacall
Martha Vickers
Dorothy Malone
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
[ijl (78) Drama 602
SHADOW OF A WOMAN
Andrea King
Helmut Dantine
William Prince
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
HU (106) Drama 601
CLOAK AND DAGGER
Gary Cooper
Robert Alda
Lilli Palmer
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
[12] (100) Drama 60
NOBODY LIVES
FOREVER
John Garfield
Geraldine Fitzgerald
Walter Brennan
Faye Emerson
R— Oct. 5— PG-755
1
3
(101) Drama Reissue
(80) Mus-Com Reissue
(90) Musical Reissue
(107) Drama Reissue
(109) Drama Reissue
(83) Drama Reissue
(104) Drama Reissue
DODSWORTH
PALMY DAYS
ROMAN SCANDALS
STELLA DALLAS
THE THIEF OF
WEDDING NIGHT
WUTHERI NG HEIGHTS
^ M
Walter Huston
Eddie Cantor
Eddie Cantor
Barbara Stanwyck
BAGDAD
Gary Cooper
Laurence Olivier
Jonn Payne
George Raft
Ruth Etting
John Boles
Sabu
(102) Western Reissue
Merle Oberon
a co
Reissue
(81) Reissue
(98) Drama Reissue
(100) Musical Reissue
Conrad Veidt
THE WESTERNER
(71) Comedy Reissue
(Li <
(109) Drama Reissue
THE RETURN OF THE
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
STRIKE ME PINK
(77) Drama Reissue
Gary Cooper
WOMAN CHASES MAN
i-4
NORTH STAR
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Merle Oberon
Eddie Cantor
THE UNHOLY GARDEN
Walter Brennan
Joel McCrea
O
Dana Andrews
Barry Barnes
Leslie Howard
Brian Donlevy
Ronald Colman
Dana Andrews
Miriam Hopkins
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide
May 3, 1947
-FOX UNITED ARTISTS UNIV.-INT’L T WARNER-F.
on an d a m * anno nbbhos » xoj-hioz
FEATURE CHART
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
OCTOBER 26
i] (61) Mystery 816
| CRIME DOCTOR'S
MANHUNT
I Warner Baxter
mien Drew
William Frawley
Frank Sully
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
| Reissue
(84) Drama 705
RAGE IN HEAVEN
I Robert Montgomery
Ingrid Bergman
George Sanders
i] (101) Drama
I STRANGE WOMAN
Hedy Lamarr
George Sanders
Louis Hayward
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
(85) Drama 601
I THE DARK MIRROR
Olivia de Havilland
Lew Ayres
Thomas Mitchell
R— Oct. 12— PG-T58
DECEPTION
| Bette Davis
Paul Henreid
I Claude Rains
R— Oct. 19— PG-700
NOVEMBER
WIFE WANTED
Kay Francis
Paul Cavanagh
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
(68) Drama
GAS HOUSE KIDS
Billy Halop
Robert Lowery
Teala Lorlng
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
Group 2
(62) Drama 7(
CHILD OF DIVORCE
Sharyn Moffett
Regis Toomey
Madge Meredith
Una O’Connor
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
(91)
Drama
Eric Portman
Dulcie Gray
Derek Farr
Roland Culver
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
NOTORIOUS
GENTLEMAN
Rex Harrison
Lilli Palmer
R— Nov. 2 — PG-761
2 NOVEMBER J
NOVEMBER 1(
5 NOVEMBER 21
} NOVEMBER 3C
DECEMBER 7
DECEMBER 14
p7~| (65) Mystery 81
SECRET OF THE
WHISTLER
Richard Dix
Leslie Brooks
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
8
(55) Western 861
TERROR TRAIL
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
R— Nov. 9— PG-704
gfi] (T9) Musical 82
BETTY CO-ED
Jean Porter
Shirley Mills
R— Nov. 30— PG-787
[l^ (69) Mystery 822
BOSTON BLACKIE AND
THE LAW
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
|l2] (68) West-Mus 854
LONE STAR
MOONLIGHT
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
(115) Drama 707
UNDERCURRENT
Katharine Hepburn
Robert Taylor
Robert Mitchum
R — Oct. 5— PG-756
(93) Drama 70t
TWO SMART PEOPLE
LucUle Ball
John Hodlak
R— June 15— PG-730
(97) Drama 709
THE SECRET HEART
Claudette Colbert
Walter Pldgeon
June Allyson
Robert Sterling
R— Nov. 30 — PQ-767
35 [9] (71) Outdr-Mus 533
BEAUTY AND THE
BANDIT
Gilbert Roland
Ramsay Ames
Frank Yaconelll
|Tb] (55) Western 563
SILVER RANGE
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
[23] (68) Comedy 604
BRINGING UP FATHER
Joe Yule
Renie Riano
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
Eol (68) Mystery 607
THE TRAP
Sidney Toler
Manton Moreland
Victor Sen Young
R— Jan 11— PG-779
0 (63) Act-Com 608
MR. HEX
Leo Gorcey
Huntz Hall
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
Reissue:
(57) Western 612
SILVER STALLION
David 8harpe
Leroy Mason
|pj (98) 8ea Drama 4601
TWO YEARS BEFORE
THE MAST
Alan Ladd
WUliam Bendix
Brian Donlevy
Barry Fitzgerald
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
[5] (78) Drama
DON RICARDO
RETURNS
Fred Coby
[TsI (57) Western 743
STARS OVER TEXAS
Eddie Dean
Roscoe Ates
Shirley Patterson
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
|25] (74) Drama
LADY CHASER
Robert Lowery
Ann Savage
7] (73) Outdr-Mus 706
©WILD WEST
Eddie Dean
A1 La Rue
Robert "Buzzy” Henry
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
S
Group 2
(87) Drama 706
NOCTURNE
George Raft
Lynn Bari
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
21] (172) Drama 751
THE BEST YEARS OF
OUR LIVES
Myrna Loy
Fredric March
Dana Andrews
Teresa Wright
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
25] (95) Mus-Dr 791
y©S0NG OF THE
SOUTH
Bobby Driscoll
Luana Patten
Ruth Warrick
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
[g] (72) Special 5542
HOME IN OKLAHOMA
Roy Rogers
George "Gabby” Hayes
Dale Evans
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
[15] (56) Western 661
SANTA FE UPRISING
Allan Lane-Bobby Blake
15] (82) Drama 532
PLAINSMAN AND THE
LADY
William "BUI” ElUott
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
18] (68) Com-Mus 603
AFFAIRS OF
GERALDINE
R— Nov. 30— PG-768
in] (69) Outdr-Mus 681
SIOUX CITY SUE
Gene Autry
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
|] (67) Outdr 5503
©OUT CALIFORNIA
WAY
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
2] (117) Drama 601
©I’VE ALWAYS LOVED
YOU
R— Sept. 7 — PG-749
H] (46) Out-Dr 4610
NORTH OF THE
BORDER
Russell Hayden
T] (60) Drama 4609
MY DOG SHEP
Tom Neal
William Farnum
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
(97) Drama 645
MY DARLING
CLEMENTINE
Henry Fonda
Linda DarneU
Victor Mature
Walter Brennan
Tim Holt
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
(94) Drama 646
©MARGIE
Jeanne Crain
Glenn Langan
Lynn Bari
Alan Young
R— Oct. 19— PG-700
(92) Mus-Fant 649
©WAKE UP AND
DREAM
June Haver
John Payne
Charlotte Greenwood
Connie Marshall
R— Nov. 30— PG-768
|ib] (65) Western
THE DEVIL’S
PLAYGROUND
William Boyd
R— Sept. 28— PG-763
22] (86) Drama
THE CHASE
Robert Cummings
Michele Morgan
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
m] (65) Comedy ?
SUSIE STEPS OUT
Cleatus Caldwell
David Bruce
Nlta Hunter i
R— Nov. 23— PG-760
(95) Drama 602
MAGNIFICENT DOLL
Ginger Rogers
Burgess Meredith
David Niven
R— Nov. 23— PG-760
(98) Drama 604
TEMPTATION j
Merle Oberon j
leorge Brent ;
Ibarles Korvin
Paul Lukas
R— Nov. 2 — PG-761
|~9] (97) Drama 606
NEVER SAY GOODBYE
Errol Flynn
Eleanor Parker
LucUe Watson
S. Z. SakaU
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
23] (86) Drama 607
THE VERDICT
Sydney Greenstreet
Peter Lorre
Joan Lorring
George Coulourls
Rosalind Ivan
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
Reissues:
7] (127) Drama 608
Rings row
3heridan-Reagan
7] (72) M’drama 609
WILD BILL HICKOK
RIDES
Iruce Cabot-C. Bennett
(140) Drama
DUEL IN THE SUN
O Jennifer Jones
P3 Gregory Peck
t/5 Joseph Cotten
Lionel Barrymore
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
K
m
KH
H
CQ
(85) Drama
Prestige
BRIEF ENCOUNTER
It— Aug. 31— PG-748
(70) Melodrama
English
THE RAIDER
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
(89) Drama
Eng. Films
MAN FROM MOROCCO
R— Jan. 4— PG-778
(80) Melodrama
Four Cont.
MURDER IN REVERSE
R— Jan. 4— PG-778
(40) Doc-Dr
Eng. Films
DIARY FOR TIMOTHY
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide
May 3, 1947
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
i .
DECEMBER 21
DECEMBER 28
JANUARY 4 1
JANUARY 11
JANUARY 18
JANUARY 25 I
FEBRUARY 1
FEBRUARY 8
m] (61) Western 863
rHE FIGHTING
FRONTIERSMAN
Starrett-Burnette
l| (69) M’drama 828
ALIAS MR. TWILIGHT
Michael Duane
|26f (64) Mus-Com 804
SIN GIN’ IN THE CORN
Judy Canova
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
H (91) Mel’drama 829
THE RETURN OF
MONTE CRISTO
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
.
[9] (69) Comedy 807
BLONDIE’S BIG
MOMENT
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
Larry Simms
Marjorie Kent
It— Dec. 21— PG-773
H| (69) Mystery 823
LONE WOLF IN MEXICO
Gerald Mohr
Shirley Ryan
Jacqueline De Wit
Eric Blore
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
(128) Mus-Dr 831
©iUSTHE JOLSON STORY
Larry Parks
Evelyn Keyes
William Demarest
Bill Goodwin
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
H (58) Western
SOUTH OF THE
CHISHOLM TRAIL
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
Nancy Saunders
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
6] (73) Myst-Dr
BLIND SPOT
Chester Morris
lonstance Dowling
Steven Geray
R— Feb. 8— PG-787
!2j) (83) Comedy 70S
THE SHOW-OFF
ted Skelton
Marilyn Maxwell
3— Aug. 17— PG-743
(135) Mus-Dr 710
©TILL THE CLOUDS
ROLL BY
Robert Walker
Van Heflin
Lucille Bremer
Van Johnson
Judy Garland
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
(99) Drama 702
©GALLANT BESS
Marshall Thompson
George Tobias
Clem Bevans
Donald Curtis
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
H| (85) Drama 711
THE MIGHTY McGURK
Wallace Beery
Dean Stockwell
Edward Arnold
Aline MacMahon
R— Apr. 12— Pa-809
H| (103) Mystery 712
LADY IN THE LAKE
Robert Montgomery
Audrey Totter
Lloyd Nolan
R— Nov. 30— PG-776
T] (93) Comedy 714
LOVE LAUGHS AT
ANDY HARDY
Mickey Rooney
Lewis Stone
Bonita Granville
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
21] (76) Dr-Mus 606
SWEETHEART OF
SIGMA CHI
Ulyse Knox
Phil Brito 1
Phil Regan
t— Dec. 7— PG-770 ;
HU (55) Outdr-Mus 681
SONG OF THE SIERRAS
Jimmy Wakely
Lee "Lasses” White
Jean Carlin
[5] (67) Drama 609
GINGER
Frank Albertson
Barbara Reed
Johnny Calkins
R— Apr. 19— PG-812
HU (61) Cisco Kid 610
RIDING THE
CALIFORNIA TRAIL
Gilbert Roland
Inez Cooper
Frank Yaconelli
|j| (58) Western 568
RAIDERS OF THE
SOUTH
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Reno Blair
H| (68) Teen-Ager 611
VACATION DAYS
June Preisser
Freddie Stewart
Frankie Darro
R— Apr. 5— PG-808
♦
[g] (54) West-Mus 683
RAINBOW OVER THE
ROCKIES
Jimmy Wakely
Lee "Lasses" White
Pat Starling
^ (104) Musical 4602
1£©BLUE SKIES
Bing Crosby
Fred Astaire
Joan Caulfield
Billy De Wolfe |
Olga San Juan
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
[io| (83) Comedy 4603
CROSS MY HEART
Betty Hutton |
Sonny Tufts
Michael Chekhov
It— Nov. 23— PG-765
•
HI (87) Rom-Com 4604
THE PERFECT
MARRIAGE 1
Loretta Young
David Niven
Eddie Albert
Virginia Field
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
pT| (91) Comedy 4605
LADIES' MAN
Eddie Bracken
Cass Daley
Virginia Welles
Spike Jones
Virginia Field
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
H| (74) Drama
LIGHTHOUSE
John Litel
June Lang
H| (56) Drama 705
BORN TO SPEED
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
HU (57) Western 744
WILD COUNTRY
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
H| (63) Comedy
IT’S A JOKE, SON
R-Jan. 25— PG-783
EAGLE-LION
HU (95) Drama 101
BEDELIA
Margaret Lockwood
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
|j) (132) Com-Dr 781
ITS A WONDERFUL
LIFE
lames Stewart
ionna Reed
Lionel Barrymore
t— Dec. 21— PG-774
1
Group 3
(62) Drama 714
DICK TRACY VS.
CUEBALL
Morgan Conway
Anne Jeffreys
Lyle Latell
R— Nov. 9— PG-764
Group 3
(61) Drama 715
THE FALCON’S
ADVENTURE
Tom Conway
Madge Meredith
Edward S. Brophy
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
Group 3
(60) Comedy 713
VACATION IN RENO
Jack Haley
Anne Jeffreys
Wally Brown
R—Oct. 12— PG-757
Group 3
(66) Melodrama 712
SAN QUENTIN
Lawrence Tierney
Barton MacLane
Marian Carr
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
Group 3
(85) Drama 711
THE LOCKET
Laraine Day
Brian Aherne
Robert Mitchum
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
!|jj] (71) Dr-Com 604
FABULOUS SUZANNE
Barbara Britton
It — Dec. 28— PG-775
,;|| (70) Outdr-Mus 543
HELDORADO
itoy Rogers
t— Jan. 4— PO-777
H| (95) Drama 533
THAT BRENNAN GIRL
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
H| (56) Western 662
STAGECOACH TO
DENVER
Allan Lane
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
HU (67) Comedy 602
THE PILGRIM LADY
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
H| (67) Western 682
TRAIL TO SAN
ANTONE
Gene Autry
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
H| (88) Musical 607
CALENDAR GIRL
Jane Frazee
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
[T| (67) Western 5504
©LAST FRONTIER
UPRISING
Monte Hale
H| (65) Drama 4612
RENEGADE GIRL
Ann Savage
Alan Curtis
R— Feb. 8— PG-787 i
H| (62) Drama 4611
QUEEN OF THE
AMAZONS
Robert Lowery
Patricia Morison
It— Mar. 29— PG-805 .
[T] (70) Outdr-Dr. 4613
BUFFALO BILL RIDES
AGAIN
Richard Arlen
Jennifer Holt
R— Apr. 5— PG-807
(69) Drama 648
DANGEROUS MILLIONS
Cent Taylor
Oona Drake
jL'ala Birell
James Tinling
.eonard Strong
3— Dec. 14— PG-771
(95) Drama 702
13 RUE MADELEINE
James Cagney
Annabella
Richard Conte
Walter Abel
Frank Latimore
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
Re-Releases
( . . ) Drama 704
LES MISERABLES
Fredric March
(101) Drama 705
STANLEY AND
LIVINGSTONE
Spencer Tracy
(146) Drama 701
THE RAZOR’S EDGE
Tyrone Power
Gene Tierney
John Payne
Clifton Webb
Anne Baxter
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
(85) Mus-Com 703
©THE SHOCKING
MISS PILGRIM
Betty Grable
Dick Haymes
Anne Revere
Allyn Joslyn
R— Jan. 11— PG-779
(88) Mystery 706
BOOMERANG
Dana Andrews
Jane Wyatt
Lee Cobb
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
(72) Mystery 707
THE BRASHER
DOUBLOON
George Montgomery
Nancy Guild
Conrad Janis
R— Feb. 15— PG-790
H| (96) Com-Dr
ABIE’S IRISH ROSE
Joanne Dru
Richard Norris
R— Nov. 30— PQ-767
|~n (63) Western
FOOL’S GOLD
William Boyd
Andy Clyde
R—Oct. 12— PG-758
[8~1 (93) Drama
THE RED HOUSE
Edward G. Robinson
Lon McCallister
.1— Feb. 1— PG-785
(86) Drama 606
SWELL GUY
Sonny Tufts
Ann Blyth
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
(93) Drama 607
I’LL BE YOURS
Deanna Durbin
Tom Drake
William Bendix
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
(98) Drama 605
THE WICKED LADY
Margaret Lockwood
James Mason
Patricia Roc
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
■
H| (105) Musical 610
©THE TIME, THE PLACE
AND THE GIRL
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Janis Paige
Martha Vickers
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
H| (98) Drama-Mus 611
THE MAN 1 LOVE
Ida Lupino
Robert Alda
Andrea King
Bruce Bennett
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
H| (125) Dra-Mus 612
| HUMORESQUE
1 Joan Crawford
John Garfield
Oscar Levant
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
U] (88) M’drama 613
THE BEAST WITH
FIVE FINGERS
Robert Alda
Andrea King
Peter Lorre
Victor Francen
J. Carrol Naish
R— Nov. 30— PO-766
rtv S' (74) Rom-Dr
K S Vog
U 2. POSTMASTER’S
g S' DAUGHTER
O § R — Sept. 7— PG-749
[lH £
( . . ) Comedy
Azteca
AH I ESTA EL
DETALLE
R— Sept. 7— PG-750
(105) Musical
Azteca
SOTA CABALLY Y REY
R— Sept. 7— PG-750
(105) Drama
Azteca
HASTA QUE PERDIO
JALISCO
R—Oct. 5 — PG-755
(112) Drama
Siritzky-IntT
WELL-DIGGER'S
DAUGHTER
R—Oct. 5— PG-756
(107) War-Dr
Artkino
TURNING POINT
Rr— Nov. 9 — PG-763
(60) Docum.
Brandt-Chapel
STORY OF THE POPE
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
BOXOFFICE BooldnGuide
May 3, 1947
7
f PUBLIC SCREEN Gl)lLDT 20TH-F0X ^UNITED ARTISTS v UNIV.-INT’L T WARNER F.
FEATURE CHART
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
| FEBRUARY 15
FEBRUARY 22
MARCH 1
MARCH 8
MARCH 15
MARCH 22
MARCH 29
APRIL 5
9 [03] (67) Mus-Dr
9 CIGARETTE GIRL
■if Leslie Brooks
3 R— Feb. 15— PG-789
M [S] (63) West-Mus
H OVER THE SANTA FE
if TRAIL
■ R— Mar. 1— PG-796
(100) Mys-Dr 830
DEAD RECKONING
Humphrey Bogart
Llzabetb 8cott
R— Jan. 18— PG-781
(82) Mys-Dr 832
MR. DISTRICT
ATTORNEY
Dennis O'Keefe
Marguerite Chapman
Adolphe Menjou
Michael O’Shea
R— Jan. 11— PG-779
(T| (65) Mystery
THIRTEENTH HOUR
Richard Dix
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
[|] (54) Western 866
LONE HAND TEXAN
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
[20] (70) Drama
MILLIE'S DAUGHTER
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
(95) Mys-Dr
JOHNNY O'CLOCK
Dick Powell
Evelyn Keyes
R— Jan. 18— PG-781
HU (67) Western
WEST OF DODGE CITY
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
§7] (79) Outdr-Dr 809
KING OF THE WILD
HORSES
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
1 |m] (63) Drama 715
S MY BROTHER TALKS
TO HORSES
3 Butch Jenkins
m Peter Lawford
3 Beverly Tyler
■ R— Nov. 23— PG-766
REPRINT:
HD (118) Drama 713
BOOM TOWN
Clark Gable
Spencer Tracy
Hedy Lamarr
(112) Drama 716
^THE BEGINNING OR
THE END
Robert Walker
Tom Drake
Brian Donlevy
Audrey Totter
R— Mar. 1— PO-794
[T] (103) Musical 718
IT HAPPENED IN
BROOKLYN
Frank Sinatra
Jimmy Durante
Kathryn Grayson
Peter Lawford
R— Mar. 8— PG-797
5 [lHJ (84) Western 675
3 VALLEY OF FEAR
3 Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Reno Blair
[is] (64) Drama 613
FALL GUY
Cliff Penn
Teala Lorlng
Robert Armstrong
R— Mar. 8— PG-800
HU (71) Drama 676
THE GUILTY
Bonita Granville
Don Castle
John Lltel
R— Mar. 22— PG-804
HI (68) Western 676
TRAILING DANGER
Johnny Mack Brown
Itaymond Hatton
Peggy Wynne
[~5~1 (55) Western 684
SIX GUN SERENADE
Jimmy Wakeiy
Lee "Lasses” White
gj] (97) Ctdr-Dr 4606
©CALIFORNIA
Ray Mllland
Barbara Stanwyck
Barry Fitzgerald
R— Dee. 21— PO-774
m (77) Comedy 4607
EASY COME, EASY GO
Barry Fitzgerald
Diana Lynn
Sonny Tuftg
R— Feb. 1— PO-788
[21] (88) Rom-Com 4608
SUDDENLY ITS
SPRING
Paulette Goddard
Fred MacMurray
Macdonald Carey
Arleen Whelan
R— Feb. 15— PO-789
HU (72) Drama 4620
SEVEN WERE SAVED
Richard Denning
Catherine Craig
Russell Hayden
R— Mar. 1— PG-795
[4] (88) Comedy 4609
MY FAVORITE
BRUNETTE
Bob Hope
Dorothy Lamour
Peter Lorre
Lon Chaney
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
Hp (84) Western 751
LAW OF THE LASH
A1 LaRue
A1 "Fuzzy” St. John
R— Mar. 8— PO-799
|Y| (67) Drama 701
DEVIL ON WHEELS
Noreen Nash
Darryl Hickman
Jan Ford
James Cardwell
R— Feb. 8 — PG-788
[jyj (54) Western 745
RANGE BEYOND
THE BLUE
Eddie Dean
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
[it] (98) Drama
THE ADVENTURESS
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
HU (59) Drama SP72
UNTAMED FURY
R— Apr. 5— PG-808
Reissue
[22] (97) Western 731
KIT CARSON
(74) Drama
LOST HONEYMOON
Franchot Tone
Ann Richards
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
(94) Western 732
LAST OF THE
MOHICANS
[5] (64) Drama 715
THREE ON A TICKET
Hugh Beaumont
Cheryl Walker
Paul Bryar
Ralph Dunn
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
Group 3
(117) Fantasy 762
©SINBAD THE SAILOR
Douglas Fairbanks Jr
Maureen O’Hara
Walter Slezak
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
Group 4
(67) Mus-Dr 718
BEAT THE BAND
Frances Langford
Ralph Edwards
PhiUlp Terry
Gene Krupa
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
Group 4
(63) Drama 719
THE DEVIL THUMBS
A RIDE
Lawrence Tierney
Ted North
R— Mar. 8— PG-797
Group 4
(94) Com-Dr 716
THE FARMER’S
DAUGHTER
Loretta Young
Joseph Cotten
Ethel Barrymore
R— Feb. 22— PO-792
Group 4
(84) Western 717
TRAIL. STREET
Randolph Scott
Robert Ryan
Anne Jeffreys
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
9 IE f1®®) Western 608
■fl ANGEL & THE BADMAN
Hr— Mar. 1— PG-796
H HU (74) Comedy 606
H MAGNIFICENT ROGUE
JJ R— Mar. 22— PG-803
[is| (56) Outdoor 663
VIGILANTES OF
B00MT0WN
Allan Lane
R— Mar. 8— PO-799
[Isj (75) Outdr-Mus 641
©APACHE ROSE
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
m (66) Com-Mus 605
THE GHOST GOES WILD
James Ellison
Anne Gwynne
Edward Everett Horton
Ruth Donnelly
Stephanie Bachelor
R— Apr. 12— PG-810
HU (80) Musical 610
HIT PARADE OF 1947
Eddie Albert
Constance Moore
Joan Edwards
R— May 3— PG-818
[TJ (71) West-Mus 683
TWILIGHT ON THE
RIO GRANDE
Gene Autry
Adele Mara
Sterling Holloway
R— Apr. 19— PG-811
1 1 1 (58) Outdoor 664
HOMESTEADERS OF
PARADISE VALLEY
Allan Lane
R— Apr. 26— PG-813
fT] (71) Com-Dr 611
YANKEE FAKIR
R— Apr. 12— PG-810
[is] (65) Com-Dr 4608
©SCARED TO DEATH
Bela Lugosi
Joyce Compton
[15] (65) Drama 4615
SHOOT TO KILL
Russell Wade
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
[7] (74) Outdr-Dr 4614
BELLS OF SAN
FERNANDO
Donald Woods
Gloria Warren
R— Apr. 5— PG-807
(67) Drama 708
■1 STRANGE JOURNEY
wf Paul Kelly
■ Osa Massen
3 Hillary Brooke
9 R— Sept. 14— PG-781
Re-Release:
(106) Mus-Dr 709
ALEXANDER’S RAG-
TIME BAND
Tyrone Power
Alice Faye
Don Ameche
Ethel Merman
(66) Drama 711
BACKLASH
Jean Rogers
Richard Travis
Larry Blake
John Eldredge
Leonard Strong
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
(95) Musical 710
©CARNIVAL IN COSTA
RICA
Dick Haymes
Vera-Ellen
Cesar Romero
Celeste Holm
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
§fj (88) Mus-Dr
THE FABULOUS
DORSEYS
Tommy Dorsey
Jimmy Dorsey
Janet Blair
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
d] (112) Drama
THE PRIVATE AFFAIRS
OF BEL AMI
Ceorge Sanders
Angela Lansbury
Ann Dvorak
R— Mar. 1— PG-793
|d] (93) Comedy
FUN ON A WEEKEND
Eddie Bracken
Priscilla Lane
HU (89) Drama
THE MACOMBER
AFFAIR
Gregory Peck
Joan Bennett
Robert Preston
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
QTj (60) Western
UNEXPECTED GUEST
William Boyd
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
[5] (89) Comedy
1 HE SIN OF HAROLD
DIDDLEBOCK
Harold Lloyd
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
Reissue
(81) Outdoor-Drama
WHEN THE DALTONS
RODE
Randolph Scott
Kay Francis
(106) Dra-Mus 608
©SONG OF
SCHEHERAZADE
Yvonne De Carlo
Brian Donlevy
Jean Pierre Aumont
Eve Arden
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
(103) Drama 609
SMASH-UP
Lee Bowman
Susan Hayward
Marsha Hunt
Eddie Albert
Carl Esmond
R— Feb. 15— PO-789
(103) Drama 611
©STAIRWAY TO
HEAVEN
Dajrid Nivem-Kim Hunter
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
Reissue
(94) Outdoor-Drama
DESTRY RIDES AGAIN
Dietrich-Stewart
(70) West Dr 610
©MICHIGAN KID
Jon Hall
Victor McLaglen
Rita Johnson
11— Feb. 22— PG-792
(78) Comedy 612
BUCK PRIVATES
COME HOME
Bud Abbott
Lou Costello
Tom Brown
Joan Fulton
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
g| (111) Drama 614
NORA PRENTISS
Ann Sheridan
Kent Smith
Bruce Bennett
Robert Alda
Rosemary DeCamp
R— Feb. 8 — PG-787
[|] (101) Mel-Dram 615
PURSUED
Teresa Wright
Robert Mitchum
Judith Anderson
Dean Jagger
Alan Hale
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
HU (84) Com-Dr 616
THAT WAY WITH
WOMEN
Dane Clark
Martha Vickers
Sydney Greenstreet
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
53 &
t h ^
U 0 (162) Drama
□ 3 Tricolor
S & CHILDREN OF
q g PARADISE
R— Jan. 4— PG-778
(80) Drama
Lopert
MAN’S HOPE
R— Jan. 11— PG-779
(89) Operetta
Saga
QUEEN FOR A NIGHT
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
(93) Mus-Dr
Saga
APPASSIONATA
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
(85) Drama
West. Hem.
CLANDESTINE
R— Jan. 18— PG-781
(80) Fant-Dr
Distinguished
DEVIL’S HAND
R— Jan. 18— PG-781
(89) Fant-Com
Vog Film
FRANCIS THE FIRST
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide
May 3, 1947
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
APRIL 12
APRIL 19
APRIL 26
MAY 3
MAY 10
MAY 17
MAY 24
MAY 31 |
jo] (67) Comedy 808
BLONDIE’S HOLIDAY
?enny Singleton
Arthur Lake
uarry Simms
S— Mar. 8 — PG-798
(83) Drama 836
THE GUILT OF JANET
AMES
Rosalind Russell
Melvyn Douglas
Sid Caesar
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
(82) Drama
FRAMED
Glenn Ford
Janls Carter
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
[24] (59) Western
LAW OF THE CANYON
Starrett-Burnette
f~n (69) Drama
FOR THE LOVE OF
RUSTY
Ted Donaldson
Tom Powers
Ann Doran
(77) Outdr Drama
©LAST OF TH’ REDMEN
[is] (70) Mystery
BULLDOG DRUMMOND
AT BAY
Ron Randall
Anita Louise
Pat O’Moore
( . . ) Outdr Drama
GUN FIGHTERS
jj] (92) Drams 719
i.ITTLE MR. JIM
dutch Jenkins
tames Craig
Trances Gifford
t— — June 15 — PG-729
H (131) Drama 720
SEA OF GRASS
Spencer Tracy
Katharine Hepburn
Robert Walker
Melvyn Douglas
R— Feb. 15— PG-790
fij (91) Drama 721
HIGH BARBAREE
Van Johnson
June Allyson
Claude Jarman jr.
Thomas Mitchell
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
4
Reprint
(103) Musical 723
THE GREAT WALTZ
Luise Rainer
Fernand Gravet
ff] (72) Drama 615
MOLENCE
fancy Coleman
flichael O’Shea
t— Apr. 19— PG-812
Reissue t
[3] (••) Drama
QUEEN OF THE
YUKON |
Charles Bickford
[~3~] (59) Western 671
LAND OF THE LAWLESS
Johnny Mack Brown
[io] (63) Melodrama 616
HARD BOILED
MAHONEY
Leo Gcrcey
Bowery Boys
Teala Lorlng
R— May 3— PG-816
17] ( . . ) Teen-Ager 618
SARGE GOES TO
COLLEGE
Alan Hale jr.
June Preisser
24] ( • • ) Western
BACKFIRE
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
jj] ( . . ) Western
SONG OF THE
WASTELAND
Jimmy Wakely
Lee “Lasses” White
Pine-Thomas Prod.
[ja] (72) Drama 4621
FEAR IN THE NIGHT
Paul Kelly
Kay Scott
DeForest Kelley
Ann Doran i
R— Mar. 1— PG-795 j
[25] (97) Drama 4610
IMPERFECT LADY
Ray Milland
Teresa Wright
Virginia Field
Sir Cedric Hardwlcke
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
[2] (91) Drama 4611
BLAZE OF NOON
Anne Baxter
William Holden
Sonny Tufts
William Bendix
Sterling Hayden
R— Mar. 8 — PG-797
ii| (81) Western 746
fEST TO GLORY
sddie Dean
i— May 3— PG-816
1] (62) Mystery 707
S'HILO VANCE’S
GAMBLE
it— May 3— PG-815
|m] (..) Mystery j
PHILO VANCE
RETURNS
R— May 3— PG-815
|I5] (63) Drama 702
THE BIG FIX
James Brown
[26] (38-39) Westerns
SIX BRONCO
BUCKAROO REISSUES
4 with Buster Crabbe and
Fuzzy 8t. John
2 with Tex O’Brien and
Jim Newhill
roup 4
(57) Western 720
ODE OF THE WEST
ames Warren
lebra Alden
Mar. 8— PG-799
Group 5
(72) Adventure 723
TARZAN AND THE
HUNTRESS
Johnny Weissmuller
Brenda Joyce :
John Sheffield
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
Group 5
(89) Comedy 724
A LIKELY STORY
Barbara Hale
Bill Williams
R— Apr. 19— PG-812
Group 5
(68) Musical 725
BANJO
Sharyn Moffett
Jacqueline White
Walter Reed
Una O’Connor
R— Apr. 26— PG-814 j
Group 5
16] (92) Drama 722
BORN TO KILL
Lawrence Tierney
Claire Trevor
Walter Slezak
Phillip Terry
R— Apr. 20— PG-814
•
jgij] (66) Drama 612
SPOILERS OF THE
NORTH
Paul Kelly
Adrian Booth
Evelyn Ankers
jj] (58) Out’dr-Dr j
OREGON TRAIL SCOUTS
Allan Lane
Bobby Blake
jj] (71) Drama
WINTER WONDERLAND
Lynne Roberts
Charles Drake
| ’
|T| ( • • ) Outdr-Dr 4616
BUSH PILOT
Rochelle Hudson
Jack LaRue
jj] ( . . ) Mys-Com 4617
HATBOX MYSTERY
Tom Neal
Allen Jenkins
Virginia Sale j
22] ( • • ) Mys-Com 4618
CASE OF THE BABY
SITTER
Tom Neal
Allen Jenkins
Virginia Sale
1: (98) Drama 712
HE LATE GEORGE
APLEY
onald Colman
|eggy Cummins
lanessa Brown
Ichard Haydn
harles Russell
i — Feb. 8— PG-788
(76) Drama 714
SAN DEMETRIO,
LONDON
Walter Fitzgerald
Mervyn Johns
Ralph Michael
Robert Beatty
Charles Victor
R — Apr. 5 — PG-808
jjH (89) Musical
NEW ORLEANS
Arturo de Cordova
Dorothy Patrick
R— May 3— PG-815
(3] (94) Out’r-Dr
RAMROD
Joel McCrea
Veronica Lake
Don DeFore
Donald Crisp
R— Mar. 1— PG-793
[io] (65) Drama
ADVENTURES OF DON
COYOTE
Riehard Martin
Frances Rafferty
R— May 3— PG-815
(17] (85) Drama
DISHONORED LADY
Hedy Lamarr
Dennis O’Keefe
John Loder
K— Apr. 26— PG-813
ieissua
(73) Comedy 2793
QU CAN’T CHEAT AN
HONEST MAN
7. C. Fields
Idgar Bergen
harlie McCarthy
Reissue
(78) Drama 2794
1 STOLE A MILLION
George Raft
Claire Trevor
Victor Jory
(88) Drama
TIME OUT OF MIND
Phyllis Calvert
Robert Hutton
Ella Raines
R— Mar. 22— PG-804
( . . ) Drama
THE DARK WEB
Edmund O'Brien
Ella Raines
William Bendix
( . . ) Drama
©VIGILANTES RETURN
Jon Hall
Margaret Lindsay
Reissue
(101) Drama
MAGNIFICENT
OBSESSION
Irene Dunne
Robert Taylor
Reissue
(84) Mus-Dr
100 MEN AND A GIRL!
Deanna Durbin
Leopold Stokowski
Adolphe Menjou
jj (97) Drama 617
TALLION ROAD
onald Reagan
lexis Smith
achary Scott
—Mar. 29— PG-805
Reissues:
]26] (109) Drama 618
THE SEA HAWK
Errol Flynn
Claude Rains
HI (87) Drama 619
THE SEA WOLF
Edward G. Robinson
Ida Lupino-John Garfield
(83) Comedy 620
LOVE AND LEARN
Jack Carson
Robert Hutton
Martha Vickers
Janis Paige
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
I24] (99) Drama 621
TWO MRS. CARROLLS
Humphrey Bogart
Barbara Stanwyck
Alexis Smith
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
5? a
o 6
§ iy
2
(112) Melodrama
Aztecs
ROSALINDA
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
(88) Fantasy
Artkino
©STONE FLOWER
R— Feb. 8 — -PG-788
(110) Mus-Dr
Superfilm
BEFORE HIM ALL
ROWE TREMBLED
R— Mar. 8— PG-800
(87) Mus-Com
Lopert
CAGE OF
NIGHTINGALES
R— Mar. 8— PG-800
(85) Drama
A F E
ANGEL AND SINNER
R— Mar. 8— PG-800
(90) Comedy
Distinguished
HER FIRST AFFAIR
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
BOXOFFICE BookmGuide
May 3, 1947
9
REVIEW DIGEST
and Alphabetieal Picture Guide Index-
E
E
O
fe
M
_>»
-o
^ 5
1—
s
>.
O.
o
OT
E
c
3
3
1
s
o
3=
o
X
o
O
t ^
f5 n
>.
n
"ro
Q
E
§ fc
I1?
o S’
v,.e
sE
« «
n
£•
PS
E
E
a.
d
ol
c
c
c
a
JO
■8
£
6
o
E
o
g
"c
o
Z o
>»
Q
E
°
O QJ
1?
■5 g
QJ
v, .c
t M
§s
n
?
E
E
h-
fic
o
CD
ICC
>
iZ
O.S
zo
tn
V-
fic
o
fic
CD
zee
>
iZ
ZQC
0.2
ZQ
tn
767 Abie’s Irish Rose (96) UA
.11-30-46
+
=
—
+
4+ 6-
801 Adventuress, The (98) E-L
. 3-15-47
+
2+
+f
4+
44
9+ 2-
766 Affairs of Geraldine (68) Rep
.11-30-46
2+
+
-3f.
H-
H-
6+ 6-
777 Alias Mr. Twilight (69) Col
. 1- 4-47
2+
+
+4
6+ 3-
796 Angel and the Badman (100) Rep..
. 3- 1-47
+
+
+
+
44
8+ 2-
754 Angel on My Shoulder (101) UA...
727 Anna and the King of Siam
. 9-28-46
+
+
-H-
+
+
44
+
9+
(128) 20-Fox
. 6- 8-46
44
++
++
44
44
14+
803 Apache Rose (75) Rep
- 3-22-47
^t
+
+
H-
+
5+ 2-
NIGM .
790 Arnelo Affair, The (S6)
B
752 Bachelor’s Daughters, The (90) UA.. 9-14-46
805 Backlash (66 ) 20-Fox 3-29-47
2-15-47 + + -f + ± ±
6+ 2-
± + + 44 +
+
732 Bamboo Blonde, The (68) RKO
814 Banjo (67) RKO
766 Beast With Five Fingers, The (88)
WB
794 Beat the Band (67) RKO
Beauty and the Bandit (71) Mono,
786 Bedelia (95) E-L
6-22-46
4-26-47
11-30-46
3- 1-47
8+ 2-
± 5+6-
± ± 7+7-
5+ 5-
— efc 5+6-
± 6+6-
755 Below the Deadline (65) Mono...
769 Best Years of Our Lives, The (172)
RKO
767 Betty Co-Ed (71) Col
744 Big Sleep, The (114) WB
791 Big Town (60) Para
741 Black Angel (80) U-l
737 Black Beauty (74) 20-Fox
797 Blaze of Noon (90) Para
787 Blind Spot (73) Col
754 Blue Skies (102) Para
786 Boomerang (88) 20-Fox
814 Born to Kill (92) RKO
783 Born to Speed (59) PRC
790 Brasher Doubloon, The
748 Brief Encounter (85)
. 2- 1-47
+
+
+
*-r
5+ 2-
M 3- 1-47
++
+
4+
+
44
+
44
n+
. 4- 5-47
—
-+2
3+ 4-
.10- 5-46
+
PP
7+ 6-
■H
++
44-
44
44
44
14+
.11-30-46
±
+
6+ 5-
. 8-17-46
+
+1
++
+
+
44
4-
10+
. 2-22-47
hP
-f-
6+ 6-
. 8-10-46
±2
+
+
44
8+ 4-
. 7-20-46
-4-
■±:
+
+
+
7+ 4-
. 3- 8-47
+
+
+
+
7+ 3-
. 2- 8-47
Hh
+
+
5+ 3-
. 8-10-46
=4=
=j=
rp
6+ 6—
.10- 5-46
+
+
+
6+ 3-
.12-21-46
-+2
dt
4+ 4-
. 3- 8-47
q-
5+ 5-
. 9-28-46
+f
++
++
44
+
44
44
13+
. 2- 1-47
+
+f
4+
+
+
44
44
11+
4-26-47
Hh
=h
5+ 5-
. 1-25-47
±2
±:
6+ 6-
12-14-46
+
3+3
PP
6+ 5-
. 8-10-46
-+-
—
H+
hP
7+ 7-
2-15-47
+
-P
+
±:
6+ 4-
8-31-46
+
+
44
44
7+ 1-
.10-19-46
±
±:
4-
6+ 5-
761 Brute Man, The (58) PRC
802 Buck Privates Come Home (78) U-l.
807 Buffalo Bill Rides Again (70) SG..
Bulldog Drummond at Bay (70) Col.
c
744 Caesar and Cleopatra (126) UA...
811 Calcutta (83) Para
789 Calendar Girl (88) Rep
.11- 2-46
. 3-15-47
. 4- 5-47
8-17-46
4-19-47
2-15-47
744 California (97) Para 12-21-46
740 Canyon Passage (92) U-l 7-27-46
Captive Heart, The (82) U-l
797 Carnegie Hall (136) UA 3- 8-47
805 Carnival in Costa Rica (96) 20-Fox.. 3-29-47
728 Centennial Summer (102) 20-Fox... 6- 8-46
759 Chase, The (86) UA 10-19-46
813 Cheyenne (100) WB 4-26-47
760 Child of Divorce (62) RKO 10-19-46
789 Cigarette Girl (67) Col 2-15-47
44 ± + + 44
++
+ +
± +
+
+
+
44
+
+
44
+
44
± 44
4+ ±
+
44
+
±
44
+
+
44
+
+
44
44
+
44
4+ 7-
9+ 3-
2—
1+ 1-
10+ 1—
8+ 4-
7+ 6-
9+ 2-
9+ 2-
1+ 1-
9+ 2—
7+ 3-
10+
5+ 3-
6+ 1-
+ ±
7+
6+
740 Claudia and David (78) 20-Fox...
. 7-27-46
+
+
+
+
+
44
44
9+
752 Cloak and Dagger (106) WB
. 9-14-46
44
44
+
+
44
44
+
11+
737 Cockeyed Miracle, The (81) MGM..
. 7-20-46
+
4-
-+2
2+2
+
6+
799 Code of the West (57) RKO
. 3- 8-47
+
±2
-±2
2+2
^P
2+
6+
729 Crack-Up (93) RKO
. 6-15-46
+
-±2
2+2
2*22
+
+
7+
776 Crime Doctor’s Manhunt (61) Col..
. 12-28-46
■±2
+
2+2
2+
6+
742 Criminal Court (62) RKO
. 8-10-46
±
■±2
±2
+
+
6+
765 Cross My Heart (83) Para
.11-23-46
+
-±2
2+2
2+
—
+
6+
739 Cuban Pete (61) U-l
. 7-27-46
±2
pp
+1
2+
+
6+
D
796 Danger Street (66) Para
. . 3- 1-47
q=
2+
-4-
2+
2+
qr
736 Danger Woman (60) U-l
qr
—
qr
—
2+
±
771 Dangerous Millions (68) 20-Fox. .
. .12-14-46
2+
2+
2+
+
2+2
2+
qr
758 Dangerous Money (66) Mono
. JO-12-46
+
q:
2+2
^P
2+
793 Dangerous Venture (59) UA
. . 3- 1-47
2+
^P
2+
+
2+
809 Dark Delusion (90) MGM
. . 4-12-47
+
2+
-4-
2+
+
2+
738 Dark Horse, The (59) U-l
. . 7-20-46
—
2+
2+
—
2+
758 Dark Mirror, The (85) U-l
. .10-12-46
+
2+
+
44
44
+
734 Dead of Night (76) U-l
. . 7- 6-46
±
+
2+
+
2+
■±
+
781 Hpad PecVnninq (TOO) Col
. . 1-18-47
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
73? Deadline for Murder (66) 20-Fox. .
. . 6-22-46
—
2+
hP
2+
qr
qr
7G0 Oecertion (112) WB
. .10-19-46
+
2+2
+
+
+
+
+
751 Oecov (76) Mono
. . 9-14-46
2+
2+
+
+
+
—
+
Desirable Lady ( . . ) SG
qr
788 Devil on Wheels (67) PRC
. . 2- 8-47
=P
-4-
2+
44
797 Devil Thumbs a Ride, The (63) . .
. . 3- 8-47
4-
2+
4-
4-
2+
2+2
2+
3-
5—
4-
5-
6+ 6-
5+ 7-
7+ 6
5+ 5—
5+ 4-
6+ 4-
3+ 5-
8+ 1-
7+ 4-
7+
6+ 7-
7+ 1-
6+ 3-
1+ 1-
6+ 4-
7+ 4-
753 Devil’s Playground, The (60) UA-
Don Ricardo Returns (78) PRC.
757 Driftin’ River (55) PRC
780 Duel in the Sun (140) SRO
E
746 Earl Carroll Sketchbook (90) Rep. . .
794 Fabulous Dorseys, The (90) UA...
775 Fabulous Suzanne, The (71) RKO..
729 Faithful in My Fashion (81) MGM.
775 Falcon’s Adventure, The (61) RKO. -
BOO Fall Guy (64) Mono
792 Farmer’s Daughter, The (94) RKO.
Fighting Frontiersman, The (..)
758 Fool’s Gold (63) UA
798 Framed (80) Col
Fun on a Weekend (96) UA
G
784 Gallant Bess (101) MGM
759 Gas House Kids (68) PRC.
741 Genius at Work (62) RKO - -
812 Ginger (67) Mono....
746 G.l. War Brides (69)
798 Guilt of Janet Ames, The (81) Col. .
804 Guilty, The (71) Mono
H
Hard Boiled Mahoney (63) Mono..
745 Heading West (54) Col
777 Heldorado (70) Rep
753 Her Sister's Secret (86) PRC..
801 High Barbaree (92) MGM
804 High Conquest (83) Mono
745 High School Hero (74) Mono 8-24-46
740 Holiday in Mexico (128) MGM.
740 Home Sweet Homicide (90) 20-Fox.
813 Homesteaders of Paradise Valley (58)
Rep
814 Homestretch, The (106) Para..
812 Honeymoon (74) RKO
.. 9-28-46
2+
+
2+
2+
2+
5+ 4-
. .11- 9-46
2+
2+
+
2+
2+
—
2+
6+ 6—
. 4-26-47
+
2+
2+
44
5+ 2-
Pp
1+ 1-
. 7-13-46
2+
2+2
2+
+
+
—
5+ 4-
. .10-12-46
2+
2+
Pp
2+
4+ 4—
. 1-11-47
+f
+
44
44
2+
8+ 1-
8-24-46
PP
2+2
+
+
Pp
2+
+
7+ 4—
. 2- 1-47
2+
PP
2+
2+
2+
+
2+
7+ 6-
. 4- 5-47
4+
+
+
+
44
+
6+
. 3- 1-47
2+
2+2
2+
+
2+
+
6+ 4-
.12-28-46
2+
2+
2+
dr
2+
2+
—
6+ 7-
. 6-15-46
±
2+
2+
2+
—
+
+
6+ 5-
.12-28-46
^+
2+2
2+
2+
+
2+
2+
7+ 6—
. 3- 8-47
hP
2+
2+
+
Pp
PP
6+ 5—
. 2-22-47
+
+
+
+
4-
44
+
8+
. 3- 1-47
+
2+
+
+
+
2+
7+ 3-
)ol
2+
1+ 1-
.10-12-46
2+
2+
2+
+
+
5+ 3-
. 3- 8-47
2+
2+
+
+
2+
+
6+ 3-
+
+
+
44
5+
. 1-25-47
2+
2+
+
+
+
+
2+
7+ 3-
. 9-14-46
2+
PP
+
rt
+
2+
7+ 5-
.10-19-46
^+
2+
rt
Pp
2+
PP
6+ 6-
. 8-10-46
+1
—
Pp
pP
PP
Pp
=
5+ 8-
. 9-28-46
2+
2+
2+
2+
+
5+ 4-
. 4-12-47
2+
2+
2+
2+
qr
5+ 5-
. 4-19-47
^P
PP
rp
PP
4+ 4-
. 8-24-46
+
2+
2+
2+
2+
+
2+
7+ 5-
■ 4- 5-47
+
44
44
44
44
9+
. 3- 8-47
+
2+
2+
+
+
5+ 2-
. 3-22-47
+
+
2+
3+ 1-
—
Pp
1+ 2-
. 8-24-46
2+
—
+
2+ 2-
. 1- 4-47
2+
+
2+
2+
+
5+ 3-
. . 7-6-46
2+
2+2 »
2+
2+
2+
2+
6+ 6-
. 9-28-46
2+
2+
2+
+
+
+
2+
7+ 4-
. 3-15-47
2+
2+
+
+
44
44
8+ 2-
. 3-22-47
+t
+
+
+
2+
6+ 1-
. 8-24-46
4-
2+
PP
2+
2+
PP
Pp
7+ 6-
. 7-27-46
4+
44
44
44
44
44
44
14+
.11- 9-46
2+
+
^4-
2+
2+
5+ 4—
. 7-27-46
+
+
+
+
+
44
+
8+
2+2
+
+
3+ 1-
. 4-26-47
44
2+
2+
44
+
7+ 2-
4-19-47
+
2+
—
2+
qr
4+ 4-
.12-28-46
+
+
44
44
+
44
44
11+
795 I Cover Big Town (63) Para 3- 1-47
756 1 Know Where I’m Going (91) U-l. 10- 5-46
750 If I'm Lucky (78) 20-Fox 9- 7-46
783 I’ll Be Yours (83) U-l 1-25-47
802 Imperfect Lady, The (97) Para 3-15-47
— — + —
± + ±
+ ± ±
± + +
+
+
731 Inside Job (66) U-l
6-22-46 ± it :p
746 Invisible Informer. The (57) Rep 8-24-46 — ± pr ± — — :p
797 It Happened in Brooklyn (103) MGM 3- 8-47 +- + + +-+- + +
788 It Happened on Fifth Avenue (116)
Mono 2- 8-47 + + ±
783 It’s a Joke, Son (63) E-L 1-25-47 + ± — +
774 It’s a Wonderful Life (132) RKO .. 12-21-46 + -++•+■
749 It's Great to Be Young (63) Col 9- 7-46 ± — p=
749 I’ve Always Loved You (117) Rep... 9- 7-46 + ± ± + +
6+ 5-
2+ 2—
7+ 5-
7+ 5-
7+ 3-
5+ 6—
4+ 7-
10+
+
4+
811 Jewels of Brandenburg (65) 20-Fox.. 4-19-47 +
781 Johnny O’clock (95) Col 1-18-47 ±
753 Jolson Story. The (128) Col 9-28-46 +f
795 Jungle Flight (67) Para 3- 1-47 ± ±
K
743 Killers, The (102) U-l 8-17-46 + ft
803 Kino of the Wild Horses (79) Col... 3-22-47 ± pr
L
780 Ladies’ Man (91) Para 1-11-47 + ±
Lady Chaser (74) PRC p=
766 Lady in the Lake 1103) MGM 11-30-46
739 Lady Luck (97) RKO 7-27-46
757 Lady Surrenders. A (113) U-l 10-12-46 ±
746 Last crooked Mile. The (67) Rep... 8-24-46 pi ±
Last Frontier Unrisinq (67) Ren
788 Late George Arlev. The (98) 20-Fox 2- 8-47 + +
799 Law of the Lash (54) PRC 3- 8-47 ±
Lighthouse (74) PRC
81 2 Likely Storv. A (881 RKO 4-19-47 — ±
759 Little Iodine (57) UA 10-19-46 ± —
750 Little Miss Big (61) U-l 9- 7-46 zp ±
± + ±
+
+
±
+
5+ 2—
4+ 3-
44
44
44
13+
pc
5+ 6-
+
44
+
8+ 2—
4+ 3-
+
+
44
8+ 2—
44
44
44
14+
=*=
6+ 6—
+
+
+
8+ 1-
+
5+ 4-
7+ 5-
2+ 2-
44
+
+
8+
+
+
+
7+ 1-
■±
2+ 2—
cp
7+ 7-
1+ 1-
+
+
44
8+
—
—
PP
5+ 5-
qr
1+ 1-
44
5+ 3-
+
—
6+ 5—
—
+
5+ 5-
An interpretative analysis of opinions deduced from the language of lay
and trade press reviews. The plus andl minus signs indicate the degree
of favor or disfavor of the review. This department serves also as an
ALPHABETICAL INDEX to feature releases. Numeral preceding title is
Picture Guide Review page number. In parentheses after title is running
time. Date following- distributor is BOXOFFICE review date. Listings cover
current reviews. It is brought up to date regularly. The meaning of the
various signs and their combinations is as follows:
+ Very Good; + Good; ± Fair; + Mediocre; — Poor; = Very Poor.
In the summary +f is rated as 2 pluses; = as 2 minuses.
E
£
w
a.
1 3
Cl
1-
e»
c
*E
c
s
O
3
5
■g
1
£»
G»
E
o
§
~e
o
*r ©
»*
"tu
_>»
□
E
•a
o .
o S3
Ji’ o
a S
*</> *=
M
r* at
1
>%
>» j
1
E
G. Page
eo
f—
■»
c
5
ja
-a
£
o
O £
>.
0
E
0 fc
0
-£'n
5 £
1
n
5 “
>»
1
QC
a
cc
m
zee
>
u.
3 zee
O.S
ZQ
tn
a.'
Z
O
CC
CD
zoc
>
iZ
Z QC
r3
O.S
OJ CO
Z Q
cl
774 Locket, The (S5 RKO 12-21-46
799 Lone Hand Texan, The (57) Col 3- 8-47
777 Lone Star Moonlight (67) Col 1- 4-47
780 Lone Wolf in Mexico (70) Col 1-11-47
801 Lost Honeymoon (71) E-L 3-15-47
806 Love and Learn (85) WB 3-29-47
769 Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (93)
MGM 12- 7-46
M
794 Macomber Affair, The (90) DA 1-25-47
Magic Bow, The ( . . ) U-l
766 Magnificent Doll, The (94) U-l 11-23-46
803 Magnificent Rogue, The (75) Rep.... 3-22-47
776 Man I Love, The (96) WB 12-28-46
760 Margie (94) 20-Fox 10-19-46
792 Michigan Kid (70) U-l 2-22-47
809 Mighty McGurk, The (85) MGM 4-12-47
798 Millie’s Daughter (70) Col 3- 8-47
748 Mister Ace (84) UA 8-31-46
779 Mister District Attorney (81) Col... 1-11-47
773 Mister Hex (63) Mono 12-21-46
813 Monsieur Verdoux (120) UA 4-26-47
766 My Brother Talks to Horses (93)
MGM 11-23-46
758 My Darling Clementine (97 ) 20-Fox 10-12-46
791 My Favorite Brunette (87) Para. . . . 2-22-47
My Heart Goes Crazy (..) U-l
734 My Pal Trigger (79) Rep 7- 6-46
N
762 Never Say Goodbye (97) WB 11- 2-46
New Orleans (89) UA
736 Night and Day (128) WB 7-13-46
755 Nobody Lives Forever (100) WB....10- 5-46
757 Nocturne (87) RKO 10-12-46
747 No Leave, No Love (120) MGM... 8-31-46
787 Nora Prentiss (111) WB 2- 8-47
739 Notorious (103) RKO 7-27-46
761 Notorious Gentleman (108) U-l ... .11- 2-46
O
793 Odd Man Out (118) U-l 3- 1-47
734 Of Human Bondage (105) WB 7- 6-46
810 Other Love, The (95) UA 4-12-47
733 Out California Way (67) Rep 12-21-46
796 Over the Santa Fe Trail (63) Co! 3- 1-47
778 Overlanders, The (91) E-L 1- 4-47
P
765 Perfect Marriage, The (87) Para. . .r. 11-23-46
742 Personality Kid (68) Col 8-10-46
Philo Vance Returns (62) PRC
784 Pilgrim Lady, The (67) Rep 1-25-47
763 Plainsman and the Lady (82) Rep. . . .11- 9-46
741 Prairie Badmen (55) PRC 8-10-46
793 Private Affairs of Bel Ami, The (115)
UA 3- 1-47
791 Pursued (101) WB 2-22-47
Q
733 Queen of Burlesque (67) PRC 7- 6-46
805 Queen of the Amazons (61) SG 3-29-47
R
Raiders of the South (58) Mono
Rainbow Over the Rockies (54) Mono
793 Ramrod (94) UA 3- 1-47
802 Range Beyond the Blue (54) PRC. . . 3-15-47
770 Razor’s Edge, The (146) 20-Fox... 12- 7-46
785 Red House, The (93) UA 2- 1-47
744 Rendezvous With Annie (90) Rep... 8-17-46
787 Renegade Girl (65) SG 2- 8-47
767 Return of Monte Cristo, The (91) . .11-30-46
733 Return of Rusty (64) Col) 7- 6-46
Riding the California Trail (61) Mono
796 Road to Hollywood (61) SG 3- 1-47
754 Roll On Texas Moon (68) Rep 9-28-46
760 Rolling Home (71) SG 10-19-46
S
808 San Demetrio, London (78) 20-Fox.. 4- 5-47
769 San Quentin (66) RKO 12- 7-46
Santa Fe Uprising (56) Rep
738 Scandal in Paris, A (100) UA 7-20-46
790 Sea of Grass, The (123) MGM 2-15-47
767 Secret Heart, The (97) MGM 11-30-46
761 Secret of the Whistler (65) Col 11- 2-46
745 Secrets of a Sorority Girl (58) PRC. . 8-24-46
795 Seven Were Saved (72) Para 3- 1-47
744 Shadow of a Woman (79) WB 8-17-46
756 Shadowed (70) Col 10- 5-46
779 Shocking Miss Pilgrim, The (55)
20-Fox 1-11-47
809 Shoot to Kill (65) SG 4-12-47
743 Show-Off, The (84) MGM 8-17-46
Silver Range (55) Mono
792 Sin of Harold Diddlebock, The (94) . . 2-22-47
+
+
44
+
+
44
±
9+ 1-
— 1~
p
22+
22+
4+ 4—
P
1+ 1-
2+
P
2+
2+2
4+ 4—
2+
2+
+
+
+
7+ 2—
2+
2+
2+2
—
4+ 5-
2+
±2
+
22+2
44
8+ 5-
+
2+
+
+
44
8+ 3-
—
+
1+ 1-
+
2+
+
+
+
44
44
9+ 1-
-+
+
3+ 2—
2+
■±2
+
2±
P1
+
7+ 5-
+
44-
+
+
+
44
44
10+
±
-±2
± :
22+2
P1
T-
7+ 7-
+
±2
+
+
+
+
±
7+ 2-
±
±2
+
—
4+ 4—
+
2+
+
+
+
7+ 3-
2+
+
P1
7+ 6-
±
+
6+ 5—
4+
2+
44
P1
8+ 4—
+
2+
44
+
2+
+
7+ 2-
+
+
+
+
+
44
8+ 1-
+
+
+
+
+
44
44
9+
1+ 1-
+
+
2+
44
7+ 3-
+
+
P1
7+ 5-
1+ 1-
++
44
44
44
4+
44
44
14+
+
±2
+
+
+
+
7+ 2-
2+
2+
+
22+2
+
±
+
7+ 4-
+
+
44
+
2+
+
+
8+ 1-
2+
+
P1
+
7+ 5-
-H-
44
44
44
+
+
44
12+
+
+
+
+
44
44
s+
4+
+
44
-H-
44
44
11+
+
±2
2+2
P1
■+Z
+
7+ 5-
+
+
+
44
-H
44
9+
2+
-F
2+
2+2
+
5+ 4-
Hr-
+
P1
3+ 2-
2+
2+
+
2+
44
+
7+ 3-
2+
2+
Hh
+
+
22+
2+
' 7+ 5-
2+
P
P1
+
2+2
6+ 5—
P
2+
2+ 2—
2+
±2
2+
P1
2+
6+ 6—
2+
P
+
+
2+2
2+
7+ 5-
P
2+
2+2
p1
T
5+ 5-
2+
it
+
22+
44
7+ 4—
+
+
+
+
+
44
7+
2+
2+
2+
2+
2+
6+ 6-
P
22+
22+
—
3+ 4-
22+
2+2
P1
3+ 3—
P1
P1
3+ 3-
+
+
+
4-
+
6+ 1-
2+
+
2+
2+
4+ 3-
+f
2+
+
4+
+
7+ 1-
+
2±2
+
+
+
44
44
9+ 1-
+
+
+
+
+
+
6+
2+
H=
2+ 2—
2+
■±2
+
+
2+
44
P1
8+ 4—
2+
P
2+2
+
pi
5+ 4-
p1
1+ 1-
2+
1+ 1-
2+
±
2+
+
+
5+ 3-
2+
~ +
2+ 2—
2+
±2
44
+
P1
6+ 3-
pi
2±2
+
2+
+
22+
2+
7+ 5-
2+
± :
2+ 2—
+
2+
2+
P1
2+
+
7+ 5-
+
2+
+
+
+
44
9+ 1-
+
±2
44
+
+
+
7+ 1-
pi
P
2+2
H=
4+ 4—
P
=j=
T
22+
=
4+ 6-
pi
P
2+
+
+
4-
7+ 4-
2+
2±2
~h
2+
2+2
P1
+1
7+ 7-
2+
2+
+
2+
2+
5+ 4—
+
-±2
±2
■f
+
+
6+ 2-
2±2
+
+
2+2
4+ 2-
+
4*
+
2+
2+2
+
p1
7+ 3-
2+
2+
2+ 2~
+
+
+
+
+
+
6+
782 Sinbad the Sailor (117) RKO 1-18-47
741 Sing While You Dance (73) Col 8-18-46
777 Singin’ in the Corn (64) Col 1- 4-47
752 Singing on the Trail (69) Col 9-14-46
770 Sioux City Sue (69) Rep 12- 7-46
738 Sister Kenny (116) RKO 7-20-46
789 Smash-Up (103) U-l 2-15-47
732 Smoky (87) 20-Fox 6-22-46
765 So Dark the Night (70) Col 11-23-46
786 Song of Scheherazade (106) U-l.... 2- 1-47
Song of the Sierras (55) Mono
762 Song of the South (95) RKO 11- 1-46
786 South of the Chisholm Trail (58) Col. 2- 1-47
726 Specter of the Rose (90) Rep 5-25-46
745 Spook Busters (68) Mono 8-24-46
780 Stagecoach to Denver (56) Rep 1-11-47
773 Stairway to Heaven (104) U-l 12-21-46
805 Stallion Road (97) WB 3-29-47
775 Stars Over Texas (57) PRC 12-28-46
764 Strange Holiday (56) PRC 11- 9-46
751 Strange Journey (67) 20-Fox 9-14-46
762 Strange Woman, The (101) UA 11- 2-46
789 Suddenly It's Spring (87) Para 2-15-47
738 Sunset Pass (59) RKO 7-20-46
766 Susie Steps Out (65) UA 11-23-46
770 Sweetheart of Sigma Chi (76) Mono. 12- 7-46
771 Swell Guy (87) U-l 12-14-46
T
806 Tarzan and the Huntress (72) RKO.. 3-29-47
761 Temptation (100) U-l 11- 2-46
764 Terror Trail (55) Col 11- 9-46
772 That Brennan Girl (95) Rep 12-14-46
791 That Way With Women (85) WB... 2-22-47
810 That’s My Man (104) Rep 4-12-47
747 They Were Sisters (108) U-l 8-31-46
77513 Rue Madeleine (95) 20-Fox 12-28-46
792 Thirteenth Hour, The (62) Col 2-22-47
811 This Happy Breed (110) U-l 4-19-47
751 Three Little Girls in Blue (90)
20- Fox 9-14-46
809 Three on a Ticket (62) PRC 4-12-47
730 Three Wise Fools (92) MGM 6-15-46
747 Thrill of Brazil, The (91) Col 8-31-46
765 Till the Clouds Roll By (120) MGM. .11-23-46
730 Till the End of Time (105) RKO 6-15-46
743 Time of Their Lives, The (82) U-l.. 8-17-46
804 Time Out of Mind (89) U-l 3-22-47
772 Time, the Place and the Girl, The
(105) WB 12-14-46
794 Trail Street (S3) RKO 3- 1-47
785 Trail to San Antone (67) Rep 2- 1-47
Trailing Danger ( . . ) Mono
779 Trap, The (68) Mono 1-11-47
764 Tumbleweed Trails (57) PRC 11- 9-46
811 Twilight on the Rio Grande (71) Rep. 4-19-47
739 Two Guys From Milwaukee (90) WB . . 7-27-46
806 Two Mrs. Carrolls, The (100) WB . . 3-29-47
730 Two Smart People (93) MGM 6-15-46
748 Two Years Before the Mast (98)
Para 8-31-46
u
748 Under Nevada Skies (69) Rep 8-31-46
Undercover Maisie (93) MGM
756 Undercurrent (113) MGM 10- 5-46
772 Unexpected Guest (60) UA 12-14-46
734 Unknown, The (65) Col 7- 6-46
808 Untamed Fury (61) PRC 4- 5-47
V
808 Vacation Days (68) Mono 4- 5-47
757 Vacation in Reno (60) RKO 10-12-46
Valley of Fear (54) Mono
766 Verdict, The (86) WB 11-23-46
799 Vigilantes of Boomtown (96) Rep 3- 8-47
812 Violence (72) Mono.... 4-19-47
w
766 Wake Up and Dream (92) 20-Fox. . 11-30-46
763 Wanted for Murder (97) 20-Fox 11- 9-46
814 Welcome Stranger (106) Para 4-26-47
806 West of Dodge City (57) Col 3-29-47
751 White Tie and Tails (74) U-l 9-14-46
771 Wicked Lady, The (98) U-l 12-14-46
762 Wife Wanted (73) Mono 11- 2-46
743 Wild Beauty (61) U-l 8-17-46
785 Wild Country (57) PRC 2- 1-47
769 Wild West (73) PRC 12- 7-46
Woman on the Beach, The (■■) RKO
Y
810 Yankee Fakir (71) Rep 4-12-47
770 Yearling, The (135) MGM 12- 7-46
802 Years Between, The (88) U-l 3-15-47
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
7+
+22
P1
2+
P1
5+ 5—
P1
22+
2+
—
P1
4+ 5-
22+
2+ 2—
P1
2+
2+
+
5+ 4—
4+
-H-
44
44
44
-H-
-H-
14+
+
+
4-
+
+
-H-
-H-
10+
+
22+
4-
+
+
+
-H-
9+ 1-
+
22+
2+
+
+
+
P1
7+ 3-
+
2+
22+
+
+
+
7+ 3-
+
2+
2+ 1-
-H-
4+
44
44
44
■H-
-H-
14+
22+
pp
3+ 3-
P1
22+
2+
2+
•H-
7+ 5-
2+
2+
P1
2+
■+Z
7+ 7-
P1
22+
4-
5+ 4-
+
+
44
44
•H-
10+
2+
22+
22+
+
4-
+
+
7+ 3—
2+
2+ 2—
2+
2+
P1
2+
+
5+ 4-
2+
P1
~+~
2+
5+ 5—
+
2+
+
+
4-
+
+
7+ 1-
+
2+
4-
+
4-
+
+
7+ 1-
P1
±
2+
2+2
2+
6+ 6-
2+
2+
2+
2+
+1
6+ 6—
22+
22+
+
2+
2+
+
6+ 4-
2+
+
4-
+
4-
±
+t
8+ 2—
+
2+
2+
+
4-
6+ 4—
+
2+
22+
44
+
8+ A—
P1
2+
2+ 2—
2+
+
2+
+
2+
7+ 5-
2+2
2+
2+
4-
-H-
±Z
8+ 5—
+
4-
2+
+
4-
+
7+ 2-
+
2+
+
2+
+
+
6+ 2-
+
4-
4-
+
4-
-H
+f
9+ -
±
2+
—
P1
4+ 5-
+
2+
4-
+
P1
4+
•H-
9+ 2—
+
4-
4-
44
4-
4+
++
10+
+
2+
2+
4-
5+ 3-
22+
+
2+
+
4-
+
7+ 3-
+
2+2
2+
+
—
+
+
6+ 3-
44
+
44
44
-H-
+f
11+
44
2+
2+
+
44
-H-
+
10+ 2—
+
2+
2+
+
+
-tt
8+ 3-
+1
P1
P1
Ph
2+
±z
7+ 7-
22+
2+
+
+
4-
+
±
7+ 3-
2+2
22+
4-
2+
2+
+
6+ 4-
22+
2+
+
2+
+
5+ 3-
1+ 1-
1 p
—
P1
—
3+ 5-
q=
2+
±z
2+
4+ 4-
4-
2+
—
3+ 3-
+
4-
4-
+
+
2+
+
7+ 1-
+
~+~
2+
+
+
4+ 2-
22+
_4_5L-'
2+
±
2+
+
6+ 5—
2+
2+
44
+
+
•H-
-H-
10+ 2—
P1
2+
22fZ
3+ 3—
+
4-
+
P
4+ 1-
+
2+
+
44
4-
-H-
+
9+ 1-
2+
2+
2+
6+ 6-
22+
22+
2+
2+
2+
7+ 7-
+
22+
=*=
+
4-
5+ 3-
22+
2+
_
2+ 3—
qi
22+
2+
p
2+
—
7+ 7-
—
1+ 2-
+
2+2
2+
+
2+
+
+
7+ 3-
4-
2+
+
4-
5+ 2-
2+
22+
+
5+ 4-
2+
P1
+
++
8+ 5-
2+
2+
+
+
+
+
6+ 2-
44
+f
4+
22+
2+ 2—
22+
2+
+
+
dr
5+ 3-
4-
2+
p
+
+
6+ 3-
ifi
2+
2+
4+ 4—
p=
T-
p
+
■±z
5+ 4-
2+2
P1
p
4+ 4—
2+
4-
p
,5+ 4—
4-
1+
4-
22£
2+
±
4-
5+ 3-
44
44
4F
44
44
+f
■ff
14+
2+
2+
2+
+
-H-
7+ 4-
SHORTS CHART
Short subjects, listed by Company, in order of release. Running time follows
title. First date is National release, second the date of review in BOXOFFICE.
Symbol between dates is rating from the BOXOFFICE review: ffVery Good,
+ Good, — Fair, =P Mediocre, — Poor, = Very Poor. © Indicates color photography.
Columbia
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
ALL-STAR COMEDIES
8433 Slappily Married (J. De Rita)
(16!/2) 11-7 ± 4-19
8423 Reno-Vated (V. Vague)
(lS|/2) 11-21 ± 1-4
8434 Moron Than Off (S. Holloway)
(17) 11-28 -f 2-8
8403 Three Little Pirates (Stooges)
(18) 12-5 + 1-25
8435 Andy Plays Hookey (Andy
Clyde) (18) 12-19 ± 2-15
8404 Half Wits’ Holiday
(Three Stooges) 0^/2) 1-9
8436 Meet Mr. Mischief
(H. Von Zell) (17'/2).. 1-23 ± 4-5
8424 Hot Heir (H. Herbert)
(16'/2) 2-13 ± 3-22
8437 Scooper Dooper (S. Holloway)
(18) 2-27
8405 Fright Night (Stooges)
(17) 3-6
8438 The Good Bad Egg
(J. DeRita) (17) 3-20
8439 Bride and Gloom (S. Howard)
(16) 3-27
8440 Two Jills and a Jack
(A. Clyde) (. .) .... 4-17
8406 Out West (Stooges)
(17!/2) 4-24 + 4-12
8425 Cupid Goes Nuts (16).. 5- 1
8426 Nervous Shakedown (15J/2) 5- 8
COLOR PHANTASIES
8701 Fowl Brawl (6) 1-9 -f- 3-29
8702 Uncultured Vulture (6) . . 2- 6 — .
8703 Wacky Quacky (6) 3-20
8704 Leave Us Chase It (..).. 4-24 ....
COLOR RHAPSODIES
(Technicolor)
8501 Loco Lobo (6) 1-9 + 4-19
8502 Cockatoos for Two (6) ■ . 2-13 ....
8503 Big House Blues (7).... 3- 6 ....
8504 Mother Huba-Huha-Hubbard
(6) 5-29
COMMUNITY SING
8651 No. 1 The Gypsy (Leibert)
(9/2) 9-12 ± 12-14
8652 No. 2 It’s a Pity to Say Good-
night (Baker) (IO5/2) 10-10 + 11-16
8653 No. 3 Surrender (Leibert)
(9'/2) 11-14 + 4-19
8654 No. 4 Pretending (Baker)
(10) 12-19 -f 4-19
8655 No. 5 Rumors Are Flying
(Leibert) (9/z) 1-23
8656 No. 6 Ole Buttermilk Sky
(Baker) (10) 2-27
8657 No. 7 The Coffee Song
(Leibert) (..) 3-13
8658 No. 8 I’ll Close My Eyes
(Baker) (. .) 4-17
8659 No. 9 Mr. Leibert at the
Organ (10) 5-22
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Prod. No.
Title
Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
FITZPATRICK TRAVELTALKS
(Technicolor)
T-713 Land of Mayas (..)••• 1-26
T-714 Glimpses of Guatemala
(S)
T-715 Visiting Vera Cruz (..)
T-716 The Mission Trail (..)..
T-717 Looking at London (..).
T-71S Over the Seas to Belfast
<■•>
T-811 Glimpses of California
(9) ..1
T-812 Calling on Costa Rica
(10)
2- 9
2-16
3- 16
4- 13
ff
2- 9
6- 1
. 8-31
+
6- i
10-26
+
4-19
3-15
+
3-29
Paramount
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
GEORGE PAL PUPPETOONS
(Technicolor)
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
8852 No. 2 Looking Down on Holly-
wood (10) 10-3 -f
8853 No. 3 Rodeo (10) 11- 7
8854 No. 4Skolsky Party
(10) 12-26 ±
8855 No. 5 Movie Columnists
(9)
8856 No. 6 Behind the Mike
8857 No. 7 Holiday in Las Vegas
(10)
8858 No. 8 My Pal Ringeye
(10)
S859 No. 9 Famous Hollywood
Mothers (10)
SPORT REELS
8801 Army Football Champions
11-30
4-19
(ID
. 9-19
+
11- 9
8802 Ten Pin Magic (10)...
.10-24
+
4-19
8803 Hi Li (9|/2)
.11-21
+
4-19
8804 Best in Show Dogs (10)
.12-12
8805 Polo (10)
. 1.30
8806 Cue Tricks (9)
. 2-20
8807 Tennis Wizards (..)...
. 3-20
8808 Goofy Golf ( . . )
. 4-24
8809 Wrestling (9)
. 5-29
THRILLS OF MUSIC
8951 Jerry Wald & Orch. (10) 9-12 +
8952 Machito & Orch. (10'/2) 10-17 ±
8953 Les Elgart & Orch. (10) . .11-28 +
8954 Ray McKinley & Orch.
(9'/2) 11-28 -f
8955 Shorty Sherock & Orch.
(S!/2) 1-23
8956 Buddy Morrow & Orch.
(9J/2) 2-27
8957 George Towne & Orch. (. .) 3-27
8958 Ray Anthony & Orch. (10) 5-22
11- 23
12- 14
4-19
1-11
SERIALS
8120 Son of the Guardsman. . . .10-24 ± 10-19
15 Chapters
8140 Jack Armstrong .2-6 ff 2-8
15 Chanters
8160 The Vigilante 5-22 ....
15 Chapters
MINIATURES
M-783 Musical Masterpieces
(10) 4-20
M-784 Bikini— The Atom Island 6-15
4- 6
6-15
MGM NEWS OF THE DAY
(Released Twice Weekly)
MGM SPECIALS
ff
A-702 Purity Squad (20) 11-3
A-703 Traffic With the Devil
(17) 8-31 ff
A -801 Luckiest Guy in the World
(21) 1-25
10- 3
9-14
MGM TECHNICOLOR CARTOONS
W-734 Lonesome Lenny (8) ... 3- 9 + 4-6
W-737 The Hick Chick (7) 6-1S
W-739 Northwest Hounded Police
W-831 Henpecked Hoboes (7).. 10-26 ft 4-19
W-834 Hound Hunters (7) 4-12
MGM TOM & JERRY CARTOONS
1-23
W-735 Springtime for Thomas
3-30
+
4-13
(9)
2- 6
4-19
W-736 The Milky Waif (7)...
W-738 Trap Happy (7)
5- 18
6- 29
+
7- 1
3-iy +
W- 740 Solid Serenade (..)..•
W-S32 Cat Fishin’ (8)
8-31
2-22
ff
4-is>
4- 10
5- 1
W-S33 Part Time Pal (8) - . .
3-15
PASSING PARADE
K-775 Magic on a Stick (10).. 1- 9
K-776 Our Old Car (10) 5-11
K-871 A Really Important Person
(10) 1-11
2-16
4- 6
± 3-15
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
S-757 Fala at Hyde Park (9) . . 1-19 ff
S-75S Studio Visit (..) 5-11 +
S-759 Equestrian Quiz (..).. 5-18 ff
S-760 Treasures From Trash... 6- 8 ±
S-851 Football Thrills No. 9
(9) 9-7
S-852 Sure Cures (9) 11- 2
S-853 I Love My Husband
But (9) 12-7
S-854 Playing by Ear (..)... .12-28 ff
S-S55 Athletiquiz (9) 1-11 +
S-856 Diamond Demon (9) . . . . 2- 1 ±
S-857 Early Sports Quiz (9) ... 3- 1 ff
S-858 I Love My Wife But (9) 4-15 ff
S-859 Neighbor Pests (9) 5-3 ±
1-26
7- 1
7- 1
6- 1
1- 25
4-19
2- 22
4- 5
4-12
4-26
U5-3 Olio for Jasper (7) ....
U5-4 Together in the Weather
. 4-19
+
4-13
(7)
. 5-24
ff
6- 8
U5-5 Jasper's Derby (8)
U5-6 John Henry and the Inky
. 9-20
ff
5-18
Poo (7)
. 9- 6
U5-7 Jasper in a Jam (7) . . .
.10-18
ff
12-1.4
U5-8Shoe Shine Jasper (7)..
. 2-28
+
2-15
U6-1 Wilbur the Lion (10)...
. 4-18
5-17
+
7- 1
6-21
+
6-29
7-19
+
7-20
10- 4
10- 5
10-11
ff
12-14
11-15
+
1-18
12-13
1-10
1-31
2-28
. 4-18
5- 3
-H-
4-13
7-26
5-18
8-16
7-27
1-24
4+
2- 1
3- 7
3-15
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
R5- 8 Riding the Hickories (9) 5-17
R5- 9 Birds Make Sport (9) . . 6-21
R5-10 Feminine Class (10) . . . 7-19
R6- 1 Race Horses Are Born
(9)
R6- 2 Dive Hi Champs tlO) . . 10-11
R6- 3 Queens of the Court (10) 11-15
R6- 4 Like Father, Like Son
(10) 12-13
R6- 5 Jumping Jacks (9/z) ■ • • 1-10
R6- 6 Selling the Sun (10).
R6- 7 Under White Sails (9) . - 2-28
R6- 8 Iced Lightning (10)--.. 4-18
LITTLE LULU
(Technicolor)
D5-2 Bargain Counter Attack
(7)
D5-4 Chick and Double Chick
(6)
D5-5 Musica-Lulu (7)
D5-6A Scout With the Gout
(7)
D6-1 Loose in the Caboose (8) 5-23
MUSICAL PARADES
(Technicolor)
FF5-3 College Queen (19).... 5-17 ±
FF5-4 Tale of Two Cafes (18) 7- 5 +
FF5-5 Double Rhythm (20) . . . 8-23 +
FF5-6 Golden Slippers (17).. 12-13 ±
FF6-1 Sweet and Low (19) 3-28 ±
NOVELTOON
(Technicolor)
P5-1 The Friendly Ghost (7«/2) 4-5 4-
P5-2 Cheese Burglar (7) 5-17 +
P5-3 Old MacDonald Had a Farm
(7) 6-7 4-
P5-4 Sheep Shape (7) 6-28 ff
P5-5 Goal Rush (6) 9-27
P5-6 Sudden Fried Chicken
(7) 10-18 4-
P6-1 Spree for All (7) 10-18 +
P6-2 Stupidstitious Cat (7) . . 4-25
P6-3 The Enchanted Square
(10) 5-9
PACEMAKERS
K6-1 Brooklyn, I Love You
(10) 10-4 ff
K6-2 Love in Tune (9!/2) 10-25 ff
K6-3 Radio, Take It Away (11) 1-31 ff
K6-4 Try and Catch Me (9).. 2-14
PARAMOUNT NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
POPEYE CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
E5-2 Service With a Guile (6) . .
E5-3 Klondike Casanova (8) . . .
E5-4 Peep in the Deep (7) . . .
E5-5 Rocket to Mars (6)
E5-6 Rodeo Romeo (6)
E5-7 The Fistic Mystic (6)..
E5-8The Island Fling ff) . . . .
E6-1 Abusement Park (7)
POPULAR SCIENCE
(Color)
J5-5 No. 5 (10) 6-21
J5-6 No. 6 (10 8-16
J6-IN0. 1 (11) 11- 1
J6-2 The Sponge Divers (11).. 1-17
J6-3 Air-Borne Pastures (11) . . 2-28
J6-4 Marine Miracles (10).... 4- 4
RKO Radio
ff
3- 9
+
6-15
ff
7- 6
+
8-17
+
9-17
+
5-25
+
1-25
7-27
11-23
+
2-15
5-25
7- 1
7-20
12-13
4- 5
2- 2
4- 13
5- 18
7- 1
12-28
10-26
11- 2
11- 9
4-19
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
DISNEY CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
64.105 In Dutch (7) 5-10
64.106 Squatter’s Rights (7) . . 6- 7
64.107 Donald's Double Trouble
(7) 6-28
64.108 The Purloined Pup (7) . 7-19
64.109 Wet Paint (7)
64.110 Dumb Bell of the Yukon
(7) 8-30
64.111 Lighthouse Keeping (7) 9-20
64.112 Bath Day (7) 10-11
64.113 Frank Duck Brings ’Em
Back Alive (7) 11- 1
64.114 Double Dribble (7) 11-29
64.115 Pluto’s Housewarming
(7) 12-20
64.116 Figaro and Frankie (7). 2-27
64.117 Straight Shooters (6) . . 4-18
EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDIES
63.404 Wall Street Blues (17) 7-12 ± 7-27
63.405 Motor Maniacs (18) ± 9-17
63.406 Noisy Neighbors (18) + 10-12
73.401 I’ll Build It Myself
(15) 10-18 + 10-12
73.402 Do Or Diet (IS) 2-10 ± 4-5
73.403 Social Terrors (18) 4-11
RAY WHITLEY WESTERN MUSICALS
73.501 Bar Buckaroos (16) 9-6 ± 11-9
73.502 Cupid Rides the Range
(18) 10-11
73.503 Bandits and Ballads
(17) 11-15 ± 11-16
73.504 Buckaroo Broadcast
(18) 12-20 + 1-4
SPECIAL
73,901 Football Highlights of
1946 (18) 12-10 -I- 12-21
FLICKER FLASHBACKS
74.201 No. 1 (9) 9-13
74.202 No. 2 (9) 10-25
74.203 No. 3 (8) 12-6
74.204 No. 4 (10) 1-17 ± 4-19
74.205 No. 5 (8) 2-28 ±. 4-19
74.206 No. 6 (9) 4-11
HEADLINER REVIVALS
53.201 Songs of the Colleges
(15) 9-8
63.201 The Derby Decade (22) 9-21
63.202 Russian Dressing (18). .11-23 12-29
63.203 Twenty Girls and a Band
flS) 1-18 + 2-2
63.204 Sea Melody (19) 3-15 5: 4-13
63.205 Follow That Music (18) 1-31 ± 2-8
4-19
+
4-13
5-31
4*
5-25
6- 7
ff
7- 1
8- 9
+
6-29
8-16
-f
7-20
2- 7
ff
11-30
3-14
ff
12-21
4-25
+ 6-29
ff
12- 7
4-19
SPEAKING OF ANIMALS
Y5-4 In the Wilds (9) 5-10
Y5-5 The Lonesome Stranger
(10) 6-14 +
Y5-6 Be Kind to Animals (10) 8-30
Y6-1 Stork Crazy (10) 10-18 ±
Y6-2 Pooch Parade (10) 12-27 -f
Y6-3 In Country Life (9) 2-21 +
Y6-4 They’re Not So Dumb (8) 3-28
TWO-REEL SPECIAL
T5-2 Don’t Be a Sucker (IS) . . 7- 4 ff
37 Two Decades of History
(2214) 1- 4
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS
(Color)
L5-4 No. 4 (10) 5-24 +
L5-5NO. 5(10) 7-12 -f-
L5-6 No. 6 (10) 8-30
L6-IN0. 1(10) 12-13 ff
L6-2 Swedish Glass Makers (10) 2-14
L6-3G.I. Hobbies (11) 3-14 +
± 5-18
6-29
1- 4
3- 22
4- 19
5-11
4-13
6-29
11-23
3-29
LEON ERROL COMEDIES
63.704 Twin Husbands (18).. 5-10
63.705 I’ll Take Milk (18) .... 7-19
63.706 Follow That Blonde (18) 9-27
73.701 Borrowed Blonde (15) . . 3- 7
73.702 Wife Tames Wolf (17).. 3-28
6- 15
7- 27
9-28
3- 22
4- 12
MUSICAL FEATURETTES
73.201 Melody Time (18) ... .11-29 -f 12-28
73.202 Follow That Music (18) 1-31
PATHE NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
PATHE SPORTSCOPE
64.310 Aqua Queens (8)
64.311 Ben Hogan (8)
64.312 Palmetto Quail (8)..
64.31 3 Steeplechasers (8) ...
74.301 Skating Lady (8)
74.302 Hail Notre Dame (8)
74.303 Bowling Fever (9) . . .
74.304 Kentucky Basketeers (8
74.305 College Climbers (8) .
74.306 Ski Champions (8) 1-10
74.307 Ice Skippers (8) 3-7
74.308 Wild Turkey (8) 4- 4
THIS IS AMERICA
63.107 No Place Like Home
(16) 5-3 ff 5-25
63.108 Panama (16) 5-31 ± 6-15
63.109 Port of New York (16) 6-28 ff 7-6
63.110 Courtship to Courthouse (16) + 8-17
63.111 Highway Mania (17) ff 9-17
63.112 White House (17) -f 10- 5
63.113 Northern Rampart (17) ff 11-2
73.101 Beauty for Sale (..)... 11-22 -f 11-16
73.102 Germany Today (16) .. 12-13 ff 12-21
73.103 A Nation Is Born (17) 1-17 ff 2-1
73.104 Campus Boom (16).... 2- 7 ff 3-8
73.105 San Francisco (16).. 3- 7 ff 3-15
73.106 Forgotten Island (18) . 4- 4 ff 4-26
5-17
+
6-15
6-14
+
7- 6
7-12
+
8-24
7-31
-4-
12- 7
8-30
ff
10-26
12-28
11-22
11-30
1-13
ff
1-11
1-10
4-19
12
BOXOFFICE BcrokinGuide :: May 3, 1947
SHORTS CHART
20th Century-Fox
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev*d.
DRIBBLE PUSS PARADE
6902 Muscle Maulers (8) .... 5-31
7901 Monkey-Tone News (9) . . 1-17 ....
7951 Fisherman’s Nightmare (8) 5- 2 + 2-22
SPORTS
7301 Football Fanfare (9).... 8-23 + 9-14
7351 Winter Holiday (8) 9-27
7352 Summer Trails (8) 11- 8
7353 Playtime’s Journey (8) . . . 12-13
7302 Style of the Stars (10) . . 2- 7
7303 Tanbark Champion (8) 5-23 ....
FOX MOVIETONE NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
MARCH OF TIME
Vol. 12, No. 9 Wanted— More Homes!
(20) 4-19 -H- 4-20
Vol. 12, No. 10 Tomorrow's Mexico
(■•) 5-17 44 5-18
Vol. 12, No. 11 Problem Drinkers
(19) 6-14 44 6-15
Vol. 12, No. 12 The New France 7-12 44 7-20
Vol. 12, No. 13 Atomic Power
(19) 8-9 + 8-10
Vol. 13, No. 1 Is Everybody Happy?
( .) 9-6
Vol. 13, No. 2 World Food Problem
(..) 10-4 + 10-12
Vol. 13, No. 3 The Soviet's Neighbor
(17%) U- 1 -f 11-2
Vol. 13, No. 4 The American Cop
(..) 11-29 44 11-30
Vol. 13, No. 5 Nobody’s Children
(..) 12-27 44 12-28
Vol. 13, No. 6 Germany — Handle
With Care (19) 1-24 -f 1-25
Vol. 13, No. 7 Fashion Means
Business (..) 2-21 44 2-22
Vol. 13, No. 8 The Teachers’ Crisis
(..) 3-21 44 3-22
MOVIETONE ADVENTURES
(Color)
6259 Cradle of Liberty (8)... 6-21
6260 Across the Great Divide
(8)
. . . . 7-5
7251 Sons of Courage (8) .
...8-2
+
10- 5
7252 Jamaica ( . . )
. ... 9-13
7253 Historic Capetown (.
■)..10-18
7254 Girl and Gags (8) . .
...11-22
-4-
4-12
7201 Fantasy of Siam (8) .
... 1-3
+
1-18
7202 Royalty of the Range
(9) 3- 7
+
4-19
7255 The Cape of Good Hope (8) 4-11
+
4-19
7256 Zululand (8)
... 6-6
4-26
7257 Gardens of the Sea (..).. 6-13
7258 Romance of the Fjords
(..) 6-27
7203 Harvest of the Sea (9) . . 7- 4
TERRY-TOONS
(Technicolor)
6515 Mighty Mouse in Throwing
the Bull (7) 5-3 -f 5-4
6516 Mighty Mouse in the Trojan
Horse (7)
....7-26
+
6- 8
6517 Dinky Finds a Home
6518 Mighty Mouse in the
(7) 6- 7
Johnstown
7-20
Flood (7) 6-28
6519 Gandy Goose in Peacetime
+
6- 8
Football (7) ....
6520 Gandy Goose in the
. ... 7-19
Golden
44
6- 8
Hen (7)
. ... 5-24
4-27
7501 Mighty Mouse in Winning the
West (7) 8-16 + 10-19
7502 The Tortoise Wins Again
(7) 8-30
7503 Mighty Mouse in the Electronic
Mouse Trap (7) 9-6
7504 Mighty Mouse in the Jail Break
(7) 9-20 + 9-21
7505 The Snow Man (7) 10-11
7506 The Housing Problem (7) 10-25
7507 Mighty Mouse in the Crackpot
King (7) 11-15
7508 Talking Magpies in the Uninvited
Pests (7) 11-29 + 2-15
7509 Mighty Mouse and the Hep Cat
(7) 12-6
7510 Beanstalk Jack (7) 12-20
7511 Mighty Mouse in Crying Wolf
(7) 1-10
7512 The Talking Magpies in
McDougal’s Rest Farm (7) 1-31 44 4-19
7513 Mighty Mouse in Dead End
Cats (7) 2-14
7514 The Talking Magpies in Happy
Go Lucky (7) 2-28
7515 Gandy Goose in Mexican
Baseball (7) 3-14
7516 Mighty Mouse in Aladdin’s
Lamp (7) 3-28
7517 The Talking Magpies in Cat
Trouble (7) 4-11
7518 Mighty Mouse in Sky Is Falling
7519 Talking Magpies in the
Intruder (7) 5-9
7520 Mighty Mouse Meets Deadeye
Dick (7) 5-30
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide
Universal-International
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
ANSWER MAN SERIES
2391 Answer Man No. 1 (10).. 10-21 + 9-21
2392 No. 2 Nature’s Atom Bomb
(10) 12-30 + 1-4
2393 No. 3 The Jungle Gangster
(9) 3-3 ± 4-19
2394 No. 4 Red Fury (8) 3-24
JUVENILE JURY SERIES
2361 No. 1 (11) 12-16 + 2-8
2362 No. 2 (10) 3-31 + 4-19
LANTZ CARTUNES
(Technicolor)
2321 Fair Weather Fiends (7) .11-18 44 1-25
2322 Wacky Weed (7) 12-16 + 2-15
2323 Musical Moments (8).... 2-24
2324 Smoked Hams (7) 4-28
2325 Coo-Coo Bird ( . . ) 6-9
NAME BAND MUSICALS
1308 Takin’ the Breaks (15).. 5-22
Russ Morgan & Orch.
+
7- 1
1309 Banquet of Melody (15) . 5-29
Matty Malneck & Orch.
+
4-27
1310 Swingin' Down the Scale
(15) Alvino Rey & Orch. 6-26
+
7- 1
1311 Breakin’ It Down (15) . . 8-28
Del Courtney & Orch.
+
8-17
2301 Frontier Frolic (15) . . . .10- 9
Bob Wills & Orch.
+
1- 4
2302 Champagne Music (15) -.11-20
Lawrence Welk & Orch.
44
1-18
2303 Tumbleweed Tempos (16) 12- 4
Spade Cooley & Orch.
2- 1
2304 Moonlight Melodies (15) 12-18
Frankie Carle & Orch.
+
1-11
2305 Tex Beneke and the Glenn
Miller Orch. (15)... 3-26
44
4-19
2306 Melody Maestro (15) ... . 4-2
2307 Tommy Tucker & Orch. (..)...
2308 Charlie Barnet & Orch.
(••) 4-16
2309 Charlie Spivak & Orch.
(..) 5-14
PERSON-ODDITIES
1369 Scientifically Stung (9) .
6-10
+
7- 1
1370 Lone Star Padre (9) . . .
. 6-17
1371 Artist’s Antics (9)
6-24
+
7- 6
1372 Picture Pioneer (9) . . . .
7- 1
+
7- 6
1373 Hobo Hound (9)
8-19
+
9-28
1374 Sampson Junior (9) . . . .
. 8-19
10-19
1375 Rural Rhapsody (9)
. 8-26
10-26
SING AND BE HAPPY SERIES
2381 Bit of Blarney (10) .... 9-30 + 10-26
2382 The Singing Barbers (9) . . 2-17 + 2-22
2383 Let's Sing a College Song
( • •) 4-14
SPECIAL FEATURETTES (2 REELS)
1201 Tiny Terrors of the Timberlands
(20) 6-26 44 4-6
UNIVERSAL NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
VARIETY VIEWS
1349 Dog of the Seven Seas (9) 6-17 + 7-6
1350 Magic Mineral (9) 7-1 -f 6-1
1351 Mr. Chimp at Home (9) . 8-12 ± 7-6
1352 Operation Holiday (9) . . . 8-26 44 10- 5
1353 Mr. Chimp to the Rescue
(9) 8-26 ± 11- 9
1354 Mr. Chimp on Vacation
(10) 8-26 ± 9-28
2341 Bear Facts (10) 2-24 + 4-19
2342 Pelican Pranks (9) 2-24 ± 4-26
2343 Wild West Chimp (9)... 3-17
2344 Rhumba Holiday (9) . . . . 4-21
SERIALS
1681-1693 The Royal Mounted Rides
Again 10-23 + 1-26
13 Chapters
1781-1793 The Scarlet Horseman 1-22 4+ 2-16
13 Chapters
1881-1893 Lost City of the
Jungle 4-23 ± 4-27
13 Chapters
2581-2593 Mysterious Mr. M... 7-23 + 8-10
Warner Bros.
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
BLUE RIBBON HIT PARADE
(Technicolor)
2310 Little Brother Rat (7) . . 6- 8 + 6-22
2311 Johnny Smith & Poker Huntas
(7) 6-22 + 8-10
2312 Robin Hood Makes Good
(7) 7-6 + 8-3
2313 Little Red Walking Hood
(7) 8-17 ± 9-14
3301 Fox Pop (7) 9-28 44 10- 5
3302 Wacky Worm (7) 10-12 + 11-9
3303 You're an Education
(7) 10-26 + 11-16
3304 Have You Got Any Castles
(7) 2-1
3305 Pigs Is Pigs (7) 2-22 + 4-19
3306 Cat's Tale (7) 3-29
3307 Goofy Groceries (7) 4-19
BUGS BUNNY SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
2721 Hair Raising Hare (7) . . 5-25 44 6-1
2722 Acrobatty Bunny (7) . . . . 6-29 + 6-22
2724 Big Snooze (7) 10-5 + 12-28
2725 Rhapsody Rabbit (7)... 11- 9 4+ 1-4
2726 Hare Grows in Manhattan
(7) 3-22
FEATURETTES
3101 Okay for Sound (20) 9- 7 44 7-20
3103 Alice in Movieland (20) . .12-21
3104 Dog in the Orchard (20) 1-11 44 3-29
3105 Keystone Hotel (20) 2- 8 44 4-12
3106 Remember When (20) 4-5
JOE McDOAEES COMEDIES
3401 So You Want to Keep Your
Hair (10)
12- 7
11-30
3402 So You Want to Play the
Horses (10)
10- 5
44
10-26
3403 So You Think You're a
Nervous Wreck (10) . . .
12-28
4- 5
MELODY MASTERS
2609 Musical Memories (10) .
7- 6
2610 Enric Madriguera & Orch.
(10)
8-10
8-24
3601 Desi Arnaz & Band (10)
10-12
3602 Melody of Youth (10) .
12-14
44
4-19
3603 Big Time Revue (10) . . . .
1-25
+
3- 8
3604 Stan Kenton & Orch. (10)
2-22
-±_
4-19
3605 Vaudeville Revue (10) . .
4-12
MERRIE MELODIES
(Technicolor)
2701 Kitty Kornered (7)
6- 8
+
6-22
2702 Hollywood Daffy (7)
6-22
+
6-22
2703 Eager Beaver (7)
7-13
8- 3
2704 Great Piggy Bank Robbery
(7)
7-20
+
8-10
2705 Bacall to Arms (7)
8- 3
8-24
2706 Of Thee 1 Sting (7) . . .
8-17
8-31
2707 Walky Talky Hawky (7) .
8-31
44
9-14
2708 Fair and Wormer (7) . . .
9-28
2709 Mousmerized Cat (7)
10-19
44
12-2i
2710 Mouse Menace (7)
11- 2
12-14
2711 Roughly Squeaking (7) .
11-23
4-19
2712 One Meat Brawl (7) . . .
1-18
2713 Goofy Gophers (7)
1-25
2714 Gay Anties (7)
2-15
4-19
2715 Scent- 1 mental Over You
(7)
3- 8
2716 Birth of a Notion (7)..
4-12
SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
2005 South of Monterrey (20) . 6- 1 44 6-22
2006 Hawaiian Memories (20) . 6-15 44 5-25
2007 Down Singapore Way (10) 7-20 ± 8-3
2806 Adventures in South America
(10) 8-10 ± 8-31
2008 Men of Tomorrow (10).. 8-24 44 7-6
TWO-REEL SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
3001 Cinderella’s Feller (20).. 9-21 ± 9-21
3002 The Last Bomb (20) 11- 2 ± 9-21
3003 A Boy and His Dog (20). 4-26 44 4-26
3004 Saddle Up (20) 3-1
SPORTS PARADE
2511 Beach Days (10)
7-13
2512 Ranch in White (10) ....
8- 3
±2
8-3i
2513 Dominion of Sports (10)
.8-31
8-31
3501 King of the Everglades
GO)
9-14
9-28
3502 Lazy Hunter (10)
10-26
12- 7
3503 Battle of Champs (10) .
1-18
...
3504 American Sports Album
GO)
3- 8
+
3-22
3505 Let’s Go Swimming (10)
.1- 4
4-19
3506 Arrow Magic (10)
3-22
3507 Harness Racing (10)....
5- 3
TECHNICOLOR ADVENTURES
3801 Star Spangled City (10). 10-19 44 11- 2
3802 Rubber River (10) 11-16 rfc 12-14
3803 Kingdom of the Wild (10) 3-15 + 4-19
Miscellaneous
Republic
SERIALS
584 The Crimson Ghost (..).. 10-26
12 Chapters
691 Son of Zorro ( . . ) 1-18
13 Chapters
692 Jungle Girl (..) rerelease. 4-19 ....
15 Chapters
Jesse James Rides Again. . . 3-21 ....
13 Chapters
The Black Widow ....
13 Chapters
G-Men Never Forget ....
13 Chapters
United Artists
DAFFY DITTIES
The Lady Said No (8) . . 4-26 44 4-27
.... Choo Choo Amigo (8) . - 7- 5 44 7-20
. . . .©Pepito’s Serenade (..). 8-16 44 9-14
LOEW MUSICOLOR
.... Toccata and Fugue (10) . .10-15 44 10-19
IN THE NEWSREELS
Movietone News. No. 68: President Tru-
man says prices must be brought down;
Texas City digs out; wind-up of British
royal family's tour of South Africa; Lew
Lehr — mama dog who lost her litter turns
to cat napping; sports.
News of the Day, No. 266: Texas City
aftermath; Truman warns nation of danger
of high prices; liner Queen Elizabeth
aground; Moscow hit by floods; dervish
dance from Cyprus; Mickey Rooney aids
very worthy cause; new ideas in style
show.
Paramount News, No. 69: Hockey's world
series; Toronto wins Stanley cup; Mo-
rocco's sultan rallies Arabs; boy, boy, boy
meets girl, girl, girl; Truman calls for
slashing prices; Texas City aftermath.
Pathe News, No. 71: Sultan snubs France;
death camp bosses on trial; lost Czech
children see parents; machine promises
sun's power; Texas City aftermath.
Universal News, No. 32: Incredible
scenes of death and destruction in wake
of Texas City disaster; Truman urges price
cuts in address to members of the Asso-
ciated Press; eggs bounce off rubber mat
when dropped from ten-story building in
New York; Korean wins Boston marathon;
Maple Leafs win Stanley cup trophy at
Toronto.
•
Movietone News. No. 69: Campaign
starts for price cuts; Nazi stronghold of
Heligoland is blown up; Stalingrad to-
day; King Paul of Greece; future queen of
British Empire comes of age; sports for
kids — fishing and yachting; Movietone
cameraman enters gorilla's cage.
News of the Day, No. 267: Heligoland
blasted off map; Princess Elizabeth in
birthday message pledges life to Empire;
New England town declares war on high
rices; Stalingrad today rebels for future;
ying bomb hits target at 150 miles;
Adelaide Hawley's movie spotlight.
Paramount News, No. 70 — Midget racers
burn up speedway; Geneva group maps
world trade plans; first pictures — Stalin-
grad today; South Africa — royal family
ends tour; death of island — British dyna-
mite Heligoland.
Pathe News, No. 72: Uncensored films
of Stalingrad; Elizabeth pledges to Eng-
land; Newburyport reduces prices; trade
conference in Geneva; British wipe out
Heligoland; Cardinal Spellman and
Catholic charities; kids run own theatre.
Universal News, No. 33: Famed German
island, fortress of Heligoland, demolished
by tons of explosives; reconstruction of
Stalingrad; ceremonies saluting new King
of Denmark; Cardinal Spellman appeals
for needy; U.N. trade group meets at
Geneva; kids try luck at Passaic's an-
nual fishing contest; Chicago's tumbling
champs demonstrate finesse.
All American News, Vol. 5, No. 236:
Lincoln high in Kansas City is one of the
few high schools in the country where
learning how to drive a car is part of the
regular courses offered; baby needs shoes!,
Detroit; all those candles and no cake. —
Cleveland ex-slave is 110; educational
leaders — Pine Bluff, Ark.; trophies for top
piano thumpers, St. Louis; track staT
reigns supreme, Chicago; Robinson stars
I for Dodgers; Texas City disaster.
May 3, 1947
13
SHORTS REVIEWS
Opinions on the Current Short
Subjects
Cockatoos for Two
Col (Color Phantasy) 6 Mins.
Good. A lively cartoon subject in Techni-
color which the older patrons will enjoy as
well as the youngsters. A cold and hungry
pigeon, trying to obtain food and shelter,
changes places with a rare cockatoo, who is
being delivered to a wealthy owner. The lat-
ter, who has a craving for rare delicacies, fat-
tens up his victim before putting him in a
boiling caldron. The real cockatoo arrives in
time to save the frightened pigeon.
Shorty Sherock and
Orchestra
Col (Thrills of Music) 10 Mins.
Entertaining. Danny Daniels, young tap
dancer who won popularity in the stage musi-
cal, "Street Scene," dances to "You Were
Meant for Me," played by Shorty Sherock and
his orchestra. Frances Wayne sings "I'll Re-
member April," and the band plays "On the
Sunny Side of the Street," with an excellent
trumpet solo by Sherock.
The Uncultured Vulture
Col (Color-Phantasy) 6 Mins.
Amusing. A professor is stranded on a
desert island with a large-beaked vulture, a
prototype of Jimmy Durante. The tough bird
is waiting for the professor's demise so that
he may make stew of the unfortunate man.
The professor manages to outwit the vulture
and force him into a boiling caldron. The
bird's relatives arrive by blimp in time to
save him.
Part Time Pal
MGM (Tom & Jerry Cartoon) 8 Mins.
Hilarious. Tom Cat is assigned to guard the
refrigerator from the marauding Jerry Mouse.
The rodent tries to distract the cat's attention,
and in the ensuing chase, Tom falls into a
barrel of cider. He emerges thoroughly inebri-
ated, and in gesture of friendship, opens the
refrigerator and offers Jerry some tempting
delicacies. He sobers up long enough to
realize the damage he has done, and the
chase is on again.
Abusement Park
Para (Popeye Cartoon) 8 Mins.
Excellent. Popeye and his perennial foe,
Bluto, offer some hilarious situations in this
Cinecolor reel. The spinach-eating sailor at-
tempts to prove his strength at the various ma-
chines in an amusement park, but Bluto is
also out to impress Olive Oyl. There is an
amusing sequence in the Tunnel of Love, with
Popeye romancing a mermaid. The reel closes
with a wild ride on a roller coaster.
The Enchanted Square
Para (Noveltoon) 10 Mins.
Excellent. Appealing Raggedy Ann returns
in a charming tale of a poor little blind girl
who finally sees the world around her. A
heart-tugging song, "You Can See With Your
Heart," is sung by Raggedy Ann. Saddened
because she cannot see her mother's face,
Billie, a blind girl, meets Raggedy Ann, who
tells her to use her imagination to open her
eyes. Both of them imagine a Technicolor
world of ice cream, carnivals and beautiful
flowers, and Billie sees her mother as a beau-
tiful lady dressed in shimmering clothes. The
picture has all the charm of a fairy tale.
They're Not So Dumb
Para (Speaking of Animals) 8 Mins.
Good. Above-average version of the Jerry
Fairbanks series. The monkeys demonstrate
their brain power by spelling tough words like
cat and dog. There also are some wise say-
ings from a doe, lion, horse, fox, parrot and a
St. Bernard.
Clown of the Jungle
RKO (Walt Disney Cartoon) 6 Mins.
Hilarious. The crazy red-haired Aracuan
bird with the raucous manner, who made his
debut in Disney's "Saludos Amigos," returns
to plague Donald Duck. The latter is on an
expedition in the South American jungle,
where he hopes to photograph rare birds. The
Aracuan pops up just as Donald is about to
film a quartet of humming birds. He so com-
pletely frustrates Donald that the duck lures
the Aracuan to a machine gun. When the fire
dies down, Donald discovers he has destroyed
his camp, but the bird is unharmed. The film
closes with Donald going mad and imitating
the crazy Aracuan.
Harvest of the Sea
20th-Fox (Movietone Adventure) 9 Mins.
Good. An interesting pictorial trip to the
village of Namu in Canada's British Columbia,
a community that derives its entire livelihood
from the sea. When the boats are* not fishing,
the women of the village are repairing the
nets and they also help with the cleaning and
packing of the fish after the men bring in
their enormous catches of salmon. Another
colony of Greeks at Tarpon Springs, Fla., in
the Gulf of Mexico, follows an age-old cere-
monial tradition of throwing a golden cross
into the sea before starting out in their sponge-
fishing boats. This dangerous work is done
by divers who scoop a rich harvest for Ameri-
can markets.
Saddle Up
20th-Fox (Technicolor Special) 20 Mins.
Good. With Mexico increasing in importance
as a vacation spot, this short will give poten-
tial travelers a motion picture catalog of the
country's many scenic wonders. Although
the automobile, the railroad and the airplane
have modernized Mexican life, the horse is
still used to go along the tree-lined trails of
Chapultepec and to the far haciendas of the
border states. Spectators also see the horse
at the polo matches, the racetrack and the
bull-fighting ring.
Musical Moments
U-I (Walt Lantz Cartune) 8 Mins.
Very good. A lively and amusing cartune
in which Andy Panda and Woody Wood-
pecker let go with an excellent piano rendi-
tion of Chopin's "Fantasie Impromptu." Andy
is giving a concert for a barnyard audience
when Woody comes on stage and starts
polishing the piano. Later Woody pulls out his
own piano and, despite such disturbances as
a sneezing dog, a noisy candy wrapper and
a drunken horse who sets fire to the place,
the concert is finished without losing a note.
Red Fury
U-I (Answer Man No. 4) 8 Mins.
Interesting. The Answer 'Man devotes a
good portion of the footage in this reel to
answering the question, "Was the San Fran-
cisco fire the greatest fire we ever had?" He
also traces the story of the pinup girl from
the Civil War to World War II. An amusing
sequence proves that not all monkeys have
pug noses.
Wild West Chimp
U-I (Variety Views) 9 Mins.
Amusing. There are laughs a-plenty as
Shorty, the chimp, settles down in One Horse
Junction to learn the rudiments of roping,
shooting and riding. He dresses in typical
western garb, but is considered a tenderfoot
by the other hands until he single-handedly
captures a band of outlaws. There is a furi-
ous chase, with Shorty mounted on a balking
burro. The closing sequence finds him bask-
ing in glory and putting himself up as candi-
date for sheriff.
Battle of Champs
WB (Sports Parade) 10 Mins.
Interesting. Sports fans should prove most
enthusiastic about this Technicolor reel of a
five-man golf tournament. Only one member
of the group, Johnny Dawson, famous ama-
teur golfer, uses golf clubs. The others bat-
tle it out with Dawson on the fairway with
their own individual sports equipment. Lou
Novikoff, veteran batter in the Pacific Coast
league, uses a baseball bat; Dick Miller,
champion fly caster, uses rod and reel;
Charlie Stevens has a sling shot and Howard
Hill, leading archer, uses bow and arrow.
The latter wins this unusual contest.
Have You Any Castles?
WB (Blue Ribbon Cartoon) 7 Mins.
Very good. Assorted characters of popular
fiction step from the pages of novels on the
library shelves. They perform several singing
and dancing routines, making so much noise
that Rip Van Winkle is awakened. The "Three
Musketeers" free the "Prisoner of Zenda."
The rest of the characters give chase. Rip is
so outraged at the disturbance that he opens
the pages of "The Hurricane" and blows
everyone back to his proper place in fiction.
Remember When
WB (Classic of the Screen) 20 Mins.
Good. A rerelease of a featurette made
several years ago, this is set in the back-
ground of an oldtime dance and music hall
of the Gay Nineties. It's a succession of
standard vaudeville turns including one in
which the late "Rags" Ragland gets laughs
with the familiar "Who's on First Base" com-
edy routine. The finale is a real minstrel show
in which the Eaton Boys sing institutional pop
songs, Joe Sodja plays a mean banjo and the
Three Wiles contribute some neat hoofing.
Vaudeville Revue
WB (Melody Master Band) 10 Mins.
Fair. Starting off with customers arriving
in their "horse and buggy” to see an old-
fashioned, gas footlight variety show, this
promises to be an entertaining nostalgic short.
However, the music, the songs and dances and
the balancing and tumbling acts of this great
era are presented by commonplace present-
day performers. If they are typical of vaude-
ville performers, this form of entertainment
is not likely to stage a comeback.
Science Spins a Yarn
(American Viscose Corp.)
YMCA M. P. Bureau 23 Mins.
Very good. American Viscose, which de-
veloped the rayon industry, broadens its con-
sumer service with this interesting and in-
formative two-reeler which is suitable for
showing in the average film theatre. Pho-
tographed in Technicolor and employing a
Hollywood cast including Regis Toomey and
Julie London, the picture starts by showing an
average American family's modern-day uses
of rayon and then goes back to the problem
of early rayon scientists. The film has sev-
eral human interest touches and never be-
comes dull or technical. Available in both
35mm and 16mm, the short is distributed
through the YMCA motion picture bureau.
The Animals and the
Brigands
(Animated Cartoon in Color)
Prnka-Brandon JO Mins.
Good. Three little gnome-like men invade
the forest but are routed by the animals.
Delicate color work and a good musical back-
ground characterizes this Czech short. Pa-
trons of art houses should like this winner of
the "best cartoon" award at the Cannes
International Film Festival.
14
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 3, 1947
Opinions on Current Productions; Exploitips for Selling to the Public
FEATURE REVIEWS
Hit Parade of 1947 F
Republic (610) 90 Minutes Rel. Mar. 22. '47
The current year's entry in Republic's cavalcade of annual
film musicals bearing repetitious titles is far and away the
best to date. The story, while it clings to established back-
stage, boy-meets-girl theme, boasts a number of new twists
which contrive completely to free the yarn from the shackles
of formula. Because of one such original angle, the picture
is endowed with an above-average comedy content. It is
further praiseworthy because it introduces to the screen
Joan Edwards of the airways, whose performance and voice
make her a standout in a generally good cast. There is a
bevy of catchy new songs, one of which seems qualified for
hit classification. Specialties are bright and impressively
staged — with Woody Herman's band, Roy Rogers and the
Sons of the Pioneers highlighted. Produced and directed by
Frank McDonald.
Eddie Albert, Joan Edwards, Constance Moore, Gil Lamb,
Bill Goodwin, William Frawley, Richard Lane.
New Orleans F wi“c
United Artists 89 Minutes Rel. Apr. 19, '47
In this Jules Levey production there is a dual appeal which
should assure it enthusiastic audience reaction and, re-
sultantly, black-ink grosses. First, it rates well as a light
dramatic offering to cater to the tastes of those who enjoy
nostalgic presentations of lives and loves in America's more
romantic cities. Added to such almost universal urge, is an
unusual musical treat, most especially for the hepsters. This
facet — and it represents the picture's dominant theme —
records the birth and development of ragtime, later to be
known as jazz and the forerunner of the currently popular
boogie-woogie. To rule over those torridly tuneful interludes
! the producer rounded up the original New Orleans Dixieland
band, headed by Louis Armstrong, the hot licks of which
organization share the musical limelight with Woody Her-
man's aggregation of tunesters. Arthur Lubin directed.
Arturo de Cordova, Dorothy Patrick, Marjorie Lord, Irene Rich,
1 Richard Hageman, Jack Lambert, John Alexander.
The Captive Heart F
Univ-Int'l ( ) 87 Minutes Rel.
Unlikely it is that the average American motion picture
fan will get too excited over witnessing a detailed account
of the sufferings, courage and philosophies of British officers
and soldiers as they sweated out the recent world war in a
Nazi prison camp. For that reason, the offering is definitely
dated and its exhibition possibilities cannot be rated either
flexible or promising. The English feature (it's a J. Arthur
Rank presentation) has many commendable ingredients, most
especially an impressive reflection throughout of the British
film maker's meticulous attention to types and characteriza-
tions. Also in its favor are the performances which in the
main are highly acceptable, although they become too shrill
in some sequences. Michael Redgrave's name, not entirely
unknown to American audiences, should be of some help in
selling the picture. Directed by Basil Dearden.
Michael Redgrave, Mervyn Johns, Basil Radford, Jack Warner,
Jimmy Hanley, Rachel Kempson, Frederick Leister.
Adventures of Don Coyote F western
United Artists ( ) 66 Minutes Rel.
Had this been given just a little more in production values
and had it been treated to a name cast, the film easily could
have qualified for that designation so close to the heart of
Hollywood, to-wit, the super-western. As is, it rates as a
far-above-average galloper, amply endowed to be the sup-
porting pillar on the dualers and a can't-miss hit in the
houses where sagebrush goes topside as the piece de resist-
ance on all programs. Not the least of the feature's many
admirable qualities is photography in Cinecolor which tint
process herein achieves a new high of acceptability. Story
and direction are sterling, adding luster to praiseworthy per-
formances— most especially that by Richard Martin in the
title role. While the title indicates the possibility of a series,
such is not the intention of Producers Buddy Rogers and
Ralph Cohn. Directed by Reginald LeBorg.
Richard Martin, Frances Rafferty. Val Carlo, Bennie Bartlett,
Marc Cramer, Byron Foulger.
Hard-Boiled Mahoney F )
Monogram (616) 63 Minutes Rel. Apr. 27, '47
First they were the Dead End Kids, then the East Side Kids
and now they are the Bowery Boys, but they still resort to
mugging and the same brand of slapstick humor to get
laughs. While their latest knockabout programmer is too
juvenile for sophisticated patrons, it's made-to-order for the
neighborhood or small town houses where the youngsters
predominate. Four of the original 1937 Dead End Kids — Leo
Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Gabriel Dell and Bobby Jordan — have
grown much older, but they manage to act enough like noisy
urchins to make audiences howl with glee. Betty Compson,
silent days star, returns to effectively portray a double-
crossing blond. The boys enter the detective business and
attempt to solve the mystery of a beautiful girl's disappear-
ance. They run afoul of pseudo psychics before they restore
the girl to her husband. Directed by William Beaudine.
Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Gabriel Dell, Bobby Jordan, Betty
Compson, William Benedict, Teala Loring, Pierre Watkin.
Philo Vance Returns F Mystery
PRC Pictures ( ) 64 Minutes Rel. Apr. 14, '47
First of PRC's new Philo Vance mystery series is an in-
terest-holding programmer for the action devotees. Except
for the famous detective title, the picture is lacking in name
value and is best suited to the supporting spot on neighbor-
hood duals. Several murders take place during a story which
concentrates on thrills instead of wasting footage on ro-
mantic interest. However, Director William Beaudine takes
time out for some comedy relief before building up to the
fast and suspenseful climax. While William Wright lacks
suavity in the Vance role, Leon Belasco gets laughs with
the stock characterization of his blundering aide and Clara
Blandick is excellent in the key role of a vengeful old lady.
The latter calls in Philo Vance to solve the mysterious deaths
of her playboy son and his various ex-wives.
William Wright, Terry Austin, Leon Belasco, Clara Blandick.
Damian O'Flynn, Ramsay Ames, Frank Wilcox, Iris Adrian.
West to Glory F
PRC Pictures (746) 61 Minutes Rel. Apr. 19, '47
Several musical interludes and a western theme with a
novel twist (there are no cattle rustlers in this one) plus some
standard sagebrush excitement make for a pleasant mid-
week filler. Eddie Dean, his horse, Flash, and amusing Roscoe
Ates are given ample opportunity to display the talents that
have won popularity with western fans. The feminine foil in
this film is exotic-looking Dolores Castle. But Dean, always
a singing, fighting fool, won't allow romance to interfere
with the business of disposing of outlaws. Dean's delivery
of three original songs, one with the Sunshine Boys playing
an accompaniment, balances the action sequences. The story )
centers around the robbery of a valuable diamond, owned
by a Mexican ranchero. Dean and Ates expose the villains
after much shooting, fighting and several chases. Ray Taylor
directed.
Eddie Dean, Roscoe Ates. Dolores Castle, Gregg Barton, Jimmy
Martin, Alex Montoya, Casey MacGregor.
j 816 BOXOFFICE
Philo Vance's Gamble F Myste y
PRC Pictures (707) 62 Minutes Rel. Apr. 12. '47
Even the most enthusiastic of that's-the-one-wot-dunit fans
will find little in this one to strain their perspicacity, because
the picture telegraphs every move and situation. "Tele-
graphs" is loosely used, inasmuch as the story moves too
slowly to be described by any medium of rapid communica-
tion. Portraying the title role of S. S. Van Dine's (who,
incidentally, is given no screen credit) well-known super-
sleuth is Alan Curtis, representing a change of casting from
the initialer in the series in which Vance was .delineated
by William Wright. Curtis and other members of a rea-
\ sonably competent cast work hard but are immobilely help-
less against a cliche-laden screenplay and comparably
static direction. In this chapter, Vance sets out to recover
a stolen, fabulous emerald and to bring to justice the person
who has committed two murders. Basil Wrangell directed.
Alan Curtis, Terry Austin, Frank Jenks, Tala Birell, Gavin
Gordon, Cliff Clark, James Burke, Toni Todd.
May 3, 1947 815
16
EXPLOITIPS
o
Suggestions for Selling; Adlines for Newspaper and Programs
SELLING ANGLES: "New Orleans"
Emphasize the jazz music angle by staging a jam session
for teen-agers. Run two contests simultaneously to pick
the most talented local vocalist (one jazz and one classical).
Have them appear on stage and let the audience vote its
preference. Stage a special show for music appreciation
classes. Send through the streets a truck carrying a counter-
part of the original New Orleans Dixieland band, simulating
the one used for ballyhoo in the picture.
CATCHLINES:
Gay and Gorgeous, This Lyrical History of America's Most
Romantic City . . . He Was King of Wicked, Tuneful Basin
Street — But How the Gals From the Right Side of the Tracks
Wait for Him! . . . Classical Music Was Her Forte— Until She
Witnessed the Birth of Ragtime.
If Your Toes Don't Tingle to This Torrid, Tuneful Treat,
You'd Better See a Chiropodist . . . Romance and Ragtime
in New Orleans, Colorful City of Their Birth.
SELLING ANGLES: "Adventures of Don Coyote"
Hire two young men to impersonate Don Coyote and his
guitar-playing friend, Sancho. Have them dress in the Mexi-
can mode and ride through the streets singing the tunes
featured in the picture, and carry a sign — Share the "Adven-
tures of Don Coyote" at the Theatre. The western
trend in clothes might be used for tieups with local stores.
Other contacts could be with jewelers, as a gold chain and
locket play an important part in the story.
CATCHLINES:
In Hollywood They're Known as Wolves . . . But in Ro-
mantic Mexico It's Don Coyote, This Captivating Caballero
who Would Break a Damsel's Heart or a Badman's Arm at
the Drop of a Tamale . . . Colorful, Tuneful, Thrillful Story.
He Wooed With Music and Dancing and Fought With Bul-
lets and Fists . . . Don Coyote to the Rescue — Outshootin'
— Outfightin' — Outridin' — the West's Worst Badmen — to Win
the Gal He Loves.
SELLING ANGLES: "Philo Vance Returns"
Because cast names are weak, concentrate on the famous
detective angle by arranging a tieup with a local bookshop
for a window display of the paper-bound Philo Vance mys-
tery novels. Use a large frame containing the photos of the
murdered playboy's six beautiful wives asking patrons
to guess which was the killer. Have your local newspaper
run a mystery writer quiz with theatre tickets as prizes for
patrons correctly identifying the authors of such famous
detective characters as Sherlock Holmes, Bulldog Drummond,
Michael Shayne, Boston Blackie, The Thin Man, etc.
SELLING ANGLES: "Hit Parade of 1947"
A week before the picture's opening stage a "Hit Parade"
contest in connection with the radio show of the same name
. . . With a pair of free tickets to all entrants who make
100 per cent correct advance selections. Arrange unusual
tieup with music and department stores on the show's songs
and have a juke box in the lobby playing the numbers. Spot
radio announcements of the picture's playdates along with
any unusual radio show. Use cutouts of Joan Edwards, Roy
Rogers, etc., placing them in parade formation in the lobby.
CATCHLINES:
Musical Madness That's on the Beam ... To Make You
Beam With Delight . . . Let Yourself Glow ... To This Hep
and Happy Fun Show . . . Head and Shoulders Above Any
Musical Ever Filmed . . . It's Lush, Luscious, Lovely and
Lively . . . It's the Gayest, Swingingest, Most Hilarious
Rhythmic Romance.
It's a Wonderful Story . . . About a Swell Guy — Swell in
the Head, That Is — and a Glamor Gal Who Had Enough
Talent and Love for Both of Them.
SELLING ANGLES: “The Captive Heart"
If in your city or community there is an ex-GI who was a
prisoner of war, have him make a personal appearance and
tell of his experiences — or arrange to have him interviewed
by the local newspaper. String barbed-wire around an area
in the foyer and have a helmeted Nazi soldier carrying a
rifle parade up and down before it. Use a display of cap-
tured German arms and other war souvenirs in a show
window or the lobby.
CATCHLINES:
Men Who Refused to Lie Down to Fate but Faced a Living
Hell With a Song on Their Lips Because They Knew There
Would Always Be an England . . . They Made a Wire-
Enclosed Cinder Patch a Little Bit of the Homeland.
Desperate, Heartsick, Mistreated, They Were Forgotten Men
Whose Only Hope Stemmed From Thoughts of the Women
They Loved . . . He Stole a Man's Name and It Led Him to
a Great Love and a Good Woman.
SELLING ANGLES: "Hard-Boiled Mahoney"
With the Bowery Boys films most popular with the fans of
teen-age or younger, organize a Bowery Boys club in your
neighborhood with membership cards made from the mat
supplied by Monogram. Local sports stores may lend gym
equipment, and an empty store or hall could be used as a
clubroom. Give prizes for the closest doubles for Leo Gorcey,
Huntz Hall, Gabriel Dell and Bobby Jordan, all distinctive
types, and stage the finals in your theatre. Play up Betty
Compson, silent days star, to attract older patrons.
CATCHLINES:
Six Beautiful Women Prove Stumbling Blocks in Solving
the Mystery of the Wealthy Playboy Murder . . . Philo Vance,
Detective Favorite of Millions of Readers, Now on the Screen
. . . He Can't Turn His Back Without a Woman Going for
Him.
A Gentle Soul in Public, a Murdering Fiend in Private . . .
WelcomeYour Favorite Mystery Hero in a New Thriller.
SELLING ANGLES: "Philo Vance's Gamble"
Sleuths are supposed to know how to use disguises, and
.disguises make interesting exhibits. Display masks, false
beards, trick top hats and all the other material you can get
together. Tie in with bookstores and libraries for a display
of S. S. Van Dine books and stuff mystery and adventure
magazines with throwaways. Contact local merchants and
have them exhibit signs reading "Philo Vance's Gamble Is
Your Best Bet for Mystery and Thrills . . . But You're Not
Gambling When You Come to Blanks for the Best in Clothes."
CATCHLINES:
Philo Vance Finds His Greatest Adventure With a Death-
Dealing Adventuress! . . . She's a Lovely Clue to Follow . . .
But Her Kisses Are Murder . . . It's the Case of the Deadly
Toy Pistol! ... A Child's Plaything but Philo Knows the
Danger It Holds!
It's a Thrill-Filled, Gal-Filled Trail That Philo Vance Is
Following . . . Straight to Murder! ... He Plays for His
Greatest Stakes . . . His Path Is Crossed by a Bevy of Beauties
. . . But They're the Deadly Kind!
CATCHLINES:
The Bowery Boys Turn Sleuths — With Dire Detecting Results
. . . Hard-Boiled Mahoney Turns Soft Under the Spell of a
Beautiful Blond . . . The Boys Use Sherlock Holmes Equip-
ment Instead of Guns to Battle It Out with a Gang of Crooks.
Beautiful Girl Missing and Budding Detectives Go on a
Perilous Girl-Hunt . . . Hard-Boiled Mahoney, He's the Sleuth-
ing Terror of the Bowery . . . The Joint's Jumpin' with Pseudo
Psychics.
SELLING ANGLES: “West to Glory"
Emphasis on the angle of the diamond robbery should carry
over the idea this is not a standard western drama. You may
mount a piece of cut glass on a display board, with ap-
propriate art on Dean and the girl and the catchline: "Risking
All to Save the Fabulous Lopez Diamond." Dean's melodic
voice has won for him more feminine fans than the average
western hero. He and Ates make a popular team.
CATCHLINES:
"West to Glory," an Unforgettable Adventure . . . Matching
Wits and Daring With Ruthless Outlaws . . . Eddie Dean
Embarks on a New Kind of Adventure . . . Men Killed for
the Fabulous Lopez Diamond . . . Who Was This Woman
of Mystery?
The Singing Hero of the West Returns . . . Thrills — As Dean
Exposes the West's Most Vicious Outlaws . . . Romance — As
He Sings Haunting Ballads of the Plains . . . See Your Favorite
Hero in Action . . . Chill-Packed Drama.
The Industry's Market for Purchase or Sale of Equipment, Theatres, Service
• Classified Ads 10c Per Word, Payable in Advance. Minimum $1.00. Display Rates on Request •
CLtflflllG HOUSE
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— USED
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— NEW
THEATRES FOR SALE
THEATRES WANTED
Strong, low intensity arc ramps with rectifiers,
24/30 amps, $100 pr. Joyland Theatre, 614 So.
State St., Chicago 5, 111.
Army surplus: DeVry, Holmes, Simplex- Acme,
write for prices. Gold seal 2 unit ticket ma-
chines, $175; Simplex 3 unit, $199.50; hand
operated 2 unit $100, all completely rebuilt and
guaranteed; Golde ticket boxes, $12.50; Simplex
mechanisms, genuine rear shutters, double bear-
ing, spiral gears, completely rebuilt, $330; Powers,
$109.50. Liberal trades. Thousand other bar-
gains. Star Cinema Supply Co., 459 W. 46th St.,
New York 19, N. Y.
Heavy Duty blowers, ball-bearing equipped,
15,000 cfm to 50,000 cfm. Air washers, all
sizes. Hydraulic drives two and four speed motors
and controls. Immediate delivery. Dealers wanted.
National Engineering and Mfg. Co., 213 VV. 19th
St., Kansas City, Mo.
Complete booth equipment including Western
Electric 46C sound system with Universal bases,
Simplex standard mechanisms, rewind table, film
cabinet, hand rewind, Brenkert Econarc lamps with
rectifiers. Good condition, going for $2,000 f.o.b.
Huntsville. Avon Amusement Co., Box 311, Hunts-
ville, Texas. Phone 157.
For Sale: Two semiportable Simplex Projectors.
2M ft. Magazines. Amplifier and Speaker, $500.
Good condition. Victory Theatre, Marcola, Ore.
For Sale: Two Strong Baby Arc Lamps. Call
I Cherry 3075 or write Max Blumenthal, 2310 Cass,
Detroit, Mich.
One only DeVry 1,000 watt Mazda Semi-Profes-
sional 35mm sound pro.ector complete with am-
plifier and speaker and four-legged stand; in good
condition. List price $950.00, but will sell for
$275 Cash. H. It. Vogel, 641 No. 7th St., Mil-
waukee 3, Wis.
Sell — pair WE 35mm projectors, 2,000 ft., 900W,
30V complete; transformers, amplifier $250
A&T, Wickes, Ark.
To Trade: Man's 1%-earat diamond ring for
Booth Equipment or Seats. Value approximately
$900. G. A. Cole Motion Pictures, Box 691, New
Braunfels, Tex.
For Sale or Trade — Complete 16mm production
unit, Prof. RCA single system sound camera,
consists of the following: amplifier, power pack,
12 volt battery pack, 2 microphones, tripod, all
cables, 4 sets lenses, 15mm to 4-inch telephoto,
haze filters, exposure meter, light equip, for in-
side shots, approx. 2,000 feet raw stock, all in
cases and in new condition. $2,350 takes all, or
will trade on theatre in Texas, New Mexico, or
trade booth equipment and seats. No powers.
Box 2722, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt, K, C., Mo.
Sale or Trade — 1 strip film illustrator with
transcription turntable amplifier and speaker all
built into one case, one hour half transcribed
illustrated Dale Carnegie lecture with 3,000 illus-
trated heralds, also 45 min. hygiene illustrated
lecture all ready to start work $250, or trade
theatre equipment. G. A. Cole Motion Pictures,
Box 691, New Braunfels. Tex.
Victor 16mm sound projector. Model 40! New,
factory-guaranteed. First check for $449 takes it.
[fharlie Poorman, Schuylkill Haven, Pa.
Here is your chance to buy a variety of used
luipment. Simplex heads, Weaver changeovers, 3
lint basis, 2 pair Peerless hi lamps, Hallburg
j-A generator, 46-C Western Electric sound amp.
id two 555 speaker units. RCA soundheads,
obile PA system speakers, turntable and mike.
„>vo portable Deury 35mm projectors, one set
1320W 6 plate CH theatre dimmers, arcspot,
color wheel and iris, effect attachments, border
lights, foot lights, two 1.000W Olvettes and color
frames, 16 station dictograph selective intercom
set. Many other parts and equipment. One 10
KVA 110/220 volts 60 Y-3 phase power plant
for gas or gasoline and switch board. All for
$2,000. Without light plant, $1,000. Mr. Alber,
329 E. 55th St„ Kansas City, Mo., JA. 8600.
War surplus sound outfits. Sharp reductions.
16mm RCA $149.50; Relhowell, Ampro, Victor,
DeVry, $195 up. Amproarc HI, $1,295. 35mm
Holmes LI arc equipments, $1,295. DeVry HI
theatre equipments, $2,495: rebuilt super Simplex
RCA sound, $3,850: Simplex E7 ditto, $4,500.
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St.,
Ne»- York 18.
Fireproof booth shutters. 8 in sq.. $7.97:
12x14 in., $10.95; General two unit H ticket
machines, $99.50; Brenkert 50A HI rectifiers.
$99.75; series O lenses, $2.95: rebuilt projectors,
Century, Brenkert. Super Simplex, at low prices;
Kliegel arcspot, 100 amps., $125: footlights,
$14.50 section. Send for catalog. S.O.S. Cinema
Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St., New York 18.
EQUIPMENT WANTED
Used 35mm portables. Charles Finger, 54 Mc-
|wen St.. Warwick, N. Y.
Wanted : Two complete projectors with sound,
[ash at once for bargain. Box 563, Georgetown,
plif.
I 10S Siroeo Blower. Write Harold Harris, Ritz
Theatre, Farmington, Mo.
Wanted: Used upholstered or veneer theatre
chairs. Sabine Theatre, Merryville, La.
Poster Cases — Stainless steel, 40x65 glass size,
equipped with cold cathode tube illumination
around entire case. Immediate delivery. All other
sizes, delivery in 10 days. Literature upon re-
quest. Ben B. Poblocki & Sons, 2159 South Kin-
nickinnic Ave., -Milwaukee 7, Wis.
For Sale: Two 50 in. diameter, 20 in. inlet
genuine new anemostats, at $97.70 ea., f.o.b.
Milwaukee, crated. Ben B. Poblocki & Sons Co.,
2159 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee 7, Wis.
9x12 ft. silver perforated Lace & Grommet
screen. At sacrifice price. Academy Film Service,
2300 Payne Ave., Cleveland, Ohio.
New “Victor 60" 16mm Sound Projector
Princeton Theatre, Princeton, Wis.
Frequency Film (9,000) — instructions $1.50
Wesley Trout, Engineer. 575, Enid, Okla.
STUDIO EQUIPMENT
BH Eyemo turret camera, $395 less lens; Eye-
mo bombspotter cameras, $119.50 less lens; 35mm
positive stock, $11.95 per M; BH Hispeed shut-
tles, $195; WE dynamic microphones, $39.50;
Cine Kodak special camera, with 3 lenses and
case, $695; New Bell & Howell sound printers,
$3,250; Fresnellite studio spots, 2.000W, $67.50;
new Mitchell 24V motors, $295; Neumade 16mm
automatic film cleaners, $135; new 35mm film
phonographs, $795. Send for latest stocklist.
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St.,
New York 18.
CONFECTIONS
Standard brand candy bars, $10.50 per carton.
Also popcorn and seasoning F.O.B Chicago. Con-
fection Distributing Co., 717 W. 119th St., Chi-
cago 28, 111. Phone COMmodore 1727.
POPCORN MACHINES
Burch — Manley — Cretors — Advances — All elec-
tric French fry types. Karmelkorn Equipment, 120
S. Halstead, Chicago 6, Hi.
Rebuilt^ Popcorn Machines for sale. Fully guar-
anteed. Price from $150. Consolidated Confec-
tions, 1314 S. Wabash, Chicago 5, 111.
Blevins is national headquarters for popcorn
machines. Silver Stars, Super Stars, Corn Cribs.
Old machines taken in trade. Blevins Popcorn Co.,
Nashville, Tenn.
Real Bargains used popcorn machines. Burch,
Cretor, Advance, guaranteed. Poppers Supply, Box
838, Atlanta, Ga.
Star popcorn machines. All models. Prunty
Seed & Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2,
Mo.
For Sale: 1946 Viking DeLuxe popcorn machine
used less than one year. Looks like new. Follett
Theatre, Follett, Tex.
For Sale: Late model Star popcorn machine,
new kettle, first class condition, $250. Nile
Theatre, Winfield, Kas.
Good condition, clean. Will guarantee. Bar-
gain $135. Lincoln Theatre, Bunker Hill, 111.
HELP WANTED
Splendid opening for the right man; Field exec-
utive and office man for Independent Theatre
Owners of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan. Must
have theatre or sales experience in the motion
picture business. Apply Room 414, 709 N. 11th
St., Milwaukee, Wis.
Wanted : Expeienced theatre manager for per-
manent position. State age, experience, references,
married or single. Hudson Theatre Co., Rich-
Wanted: Experienced booker and buyer. State
age, experience and recommendations. Location in
Cleveland. Independent circuit. Excellent op-
portunity for young man seeking permanent con-
nection. Write Box 2724, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt. Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo,
Projectionist (small town). Must be coopera-
tive. Milo DeHaven, Waterville. Ohio.
Wanted: Experienced manager for permanent
position for Deluxe 1,800-seat neighborhood thea-
tre, Cleveland, Ohio. Must be exploitation man
and good house manager, honest, reliable, sober
and able to furnish bond. Give full qualifications
and send recent photo, and state salary expected.
All information will be held strictly confidential
Box 2723, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., K. C. 1, Mo.
Projectionist, experienced and reliable. M. R
Anderson, Mgr., Fulton Theatre, Cuba, 111.
POSITION WANTED
Manager. Age 34. Six years experience. De-
sires permanent connection with reliable exhibitor.
Anv size operation, large or small. Single, sober
and dependable. Personal interview at your con-
venience. Prefer Ohio, Virginia or West Virginia.
Box 2725. Boxoffice, 825 Van Brant B’vd.,
K. C. 1, Mo.
Projectionist, experienced, single, reliable. Pre-
fer Rocky Mountain States or Mid-West.. Consider
elsewhere. Dwight Conklin, Griswold, Iowa.
Build double-parking drive-over ramp drive-in
theatres under tranclnse patent No. 2,102,718,
re-issue No. 22,756. Patent application No.
301,713. Gives up to 30% more seating capacity
without additional cost. Louis Josserand, archi-
tect, 628 M&M Bldg., Houston, Tex. 607 Ar-
chitects Bldg., Los Angeles 13, Calif.
Only theatre growing town 2,500, southern New
Mexico. Excellent building, E-7 Simplex high
lamps. Exceptional climate, hunting, fishing.
Thorough investigation profits to qualified pros-
pects. $35,750. $23,500 cash down. Exclusive
with Arthur Leak, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex.
County seat eastern Kansas. Only theatre, good
equipment, business. Selling approximately one
year’s gross, $10,000 down. No brokers, B-2705,
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Two Theatres, latest equipment. One in county
seat, one air-conditioned, no competition, $100,000.
Box 471, Summerville, S. C.
Suburban, near Chicago. Simplex Western Elec-
tric, 625 Heywood seats. $41,500 terms. Others.
Saveride Theatre Brokers, 624 S. Mich., Chi-
cago. 111.
Indiana city over 100,000. Brick building, three
sub-rentals, Hi-Simplex, over 600 seats, owner re-
tiring. $70,000 down. Saveride Theatre Brokers,
624 S. Mich., Chicago, 111.
Three theatres in Virginia, two in W. Va. Also
nice home. Prefer selling all together. B-2715,
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1,
Mo.
Lease Theatre: 400-600 seats with option to buy.
New York City or vicinity. Tell all first letter.
Box 1004, 1009 Fox Bldg., Detroit, Mich.
Theatres in the northwest. America’s frontier
offers more living and business possibilities than
any other section. You will thrill to this ever-
green wonderland. Outdoor sports, pay rolls, in-
dustrial growth, everything. Investigate the north-
west this summer, now. We will advise best
routes, make hotel reservations and three full-time
theatre salesmen will be at. your service upon
your arrival to personally conduct your inspection
of the theatre of your choice. Many, many list-
ings from which to choose from every section of
this favored area. Contact us now and take ad-
vantage of our exclusive theatre brokerage service.
Theatre Exchange Co.. 217 Governor Bldg., Port-
land 4, Ore.
For Sale — 5 small leased theatres around Nor-
folk, Portsmouth and Newport News, Va., excep-
tional opportunity for experienced operator. Box
2729, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas
CPv 1 , Mo.
220-seat theatre, new equipment. Small town
southern section. North Carolina. $12,500 cash
Box 120, Gibson, N. C.
Only theatre in 2,500 pop. town near Salt Lake
City. Completely equipped and operating- Because
of additional business interests must. sell. 5-year
lease with option for more at. $50 month rent.
400 seats. $2,500. Owner, Sunset Motor Lodge,
4315 So. State, Murray, Utah.
For Sale: Traveling Picture Show. 7 good Ozark
towns, fully equipped, ready to open season. Sim-
plex portables, good sound. Bargain for quick
sale. Jim M. Owen, Branson, Mo.
Brick theatre building and equipment. 300
seats, four-room residence and cafe. The cafe
building can be leased. Phone 97, Aaron L.
Jones, Bunceton, Mn.
North Texas town 1,450. Well equipped. Only
theatre. RCA, Century. 1947 Manley. Showing
$10,000 yearly profit. Perfect, lease. $12,500
down. Also very nice three bedroom home to
theatre buyer, $4,000 with terms. Permanent
retirement forces sale. Wonderful opportunity,
invites thorough investigation. Box 2727, Box-
office, 825 Van Brunt. Blvd., K. C. 1, Mo.
225 seats. Only theatre in northwestern Iowa
town of 1,250. Good equipment. Long lease.
Priced lo sell $10,500 by o'raer. Box 2728,
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., K. <?. 1, Mo
POPCORN SUPPLIES
Write for our special contract which guarantees
you more profits and greater savings on all your
popcorn and popcorn supplies. Blevins Bee Hive
Popcorn Co.. Nashville, Tenn.
Home of “Rush Hour” popcorn and popcorn
supplies. Send for price list. Prunty Seed &
Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2, Mo.
Established 1874.
Popcorn: It pops! Our customers have popped
$133 out of one bag. Try it! Price f.o.b. $8.75.
The Ohio Popcorn Co., Arcanum. Ohio.
For Sale: Nearly new Crispette machine com-
plete. Candy furnace and copper kettle with
mfg. gas burner. Cheap. George MacDougall,
Mac’s Ice Cream Store, 210 E. Main St., Penn
Yan, N. Y.
For Sale: Karmel Korn outfit complete. Gas-
fired dry popper. Copper kettle. Display table.
Complete instructions. Sweet Shop, 103 E. North
St., Marshall, Mo.
Sell Your Theatre Privately. Confidential cor-
respondence invited. References. Arthur Leak,
Theatres Exclusively. 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex.
Veteran has cash for theatres in Indiana, Ken-
tucky, Illinois, Ohio. Box 172, Linton, Ind.
Will pay cash tor theatre, guod town, 2,000 popu-
lation and over preferred, will consider competi-
tive spot or suburban theatre. C. P. Knudsen,
1110 N. St. Joe Ave., Hastings, Neb.
$150,000 will buy or lease your theatre. Will
pay up to $150,000 for the lease or purchase of
your theatre, regardless of climate or territory.
Every reply will he contacted personally by our
representative. B-2716, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt
Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Lease Theatre, 400-600 seats with option to
buy, New York City or vicinity. Tell all first
letter. Box 1004, 1009 Fox Bldg., Detroit, Mich.
$150,000 will buy or lease your theatre. Will
pay up to $150,000 for the lease or purchase of
your theatre, regardless of climate or territory.
Every reply will be contacted personally by our
representative. Box 2716, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo,
Wanted to buy theatre in Texas or New Mexico
showing profit in town of 1,000 or more without
any close competition. Must have first class
equipment. Give full particulars. Box 2726,
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., K. C. 1, Mo.
Individual wishes to buy theatre located in
business block in town of 2,500 to 10,000.
Theatre and equipment must be modern and
building in good condition. Give complete details.
Box 182, Trotwood, Ohio.
Wanted theatre — buy or lease, California or
nearby. A. A. Kaplan, 814 Central Ave., San Fran-
cisco, Calif.
THEATRE SEATING
Several thousand used upholstered opera chairs
on hand. We are headquarters for the cream of
the used chair crop. We pick the lots that we
think you will like. We furnish proper slope and
sections desired to fit your theatre. Our many
years experience in the seating business is your
guarantee. Write for exact photo and price. We
have parts for all makes of chairs. Also, leather-
ette 25x25 in. all colors, 55c ea. Good quality.
Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829 So. State St.,
Chicago 5, 111.
Fensin Chair maintenance headquarters has all
parts and accessories for all chairs. Also uphol-
stery fabrics and theatre chair supplies. Send us
your sample for quotation. Repair service avail-
able right in your theatre also. Fensin Seating
Co., 62 E. 13th St., Chicago 5, 111.
1,200 Used Spring cushioned theatre chairs,
$1.50 ea., and $3.50 ea., complete. Immediate
delivery. Russell Chair. 2567 McClellan, Detroit,
Mich. Phone LENox 3445.
3.000 Heywood chairs, complete, box spring
cushions. Also 8,000 Andrews and American seats,
late model complete for slope or level floor. Up-
holstering done by experts at your theatre or send
to us. One day service. Ace Chair & Carpet, Inc.,
1428 So. Wabash Ave., Chicago 5. Phone WEBster
3932 or HARrison 4219.
Leatherette: Standard run, first quality, as-
sorted colors, 50 to 54 in. wide, suitable for
theatre seating, sold by yard or roll. All orders
shipped within 24 hours. Leatherette Mart of
Chicago. 1153 Belmont Ave., Chicago 13, 111.
Phone Buckingham 0030.
Theatre Chairs, 3,000 used spring cushioned
part full upholstered back and part insert panel
back, with spring edge and box spring cushions.
1,000 veneer chairs, 800 good backs, 500 spring
cushions and hinges. Write for prices and photo-
graphs. Immediate delivery, advise how many you
need. We export, chairs anywhere. Jesse Cole, 2565
McClellan Ave., Valley 2-3445, Detroit, Mich.
Sewn Delux seat covers and sewn slip covers,
reversible type, for all brands seats. Fred's Thea-
tre Service. Vina, Ala.
2.000 good used all veneer chairs for slope and
level floor. These chairs have a 7/16 in. back.
Will sell any quantity. Available June 1st. Chairs
located in Oklahoma. Write for photo and price.
Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829 S. State St., Clhi-
cago 5. 111.
$8.95 buys the new 16 spring Floating Com-
fort chair. Used chairs $1.50 up. Everything for
the little theatre. Arkansas Theatre Service and
Supply. Box 255. Gravette, Ark.
1.000 Heywood -Wakefield full upholstered
back, boxspring cushion chairs, excellent, $4 95
(rebuilt. $6.50); 340 General full upholstered
back, boxspring cushion, rebuilt, $7.95: 200 ve-
neers, excellent, $3.95. Wire for list. S.O.S.
Cinema Supply Corp.. 449 W. 42nd St., New
York 18.
MORE CLASSIFIED
ON PAGE 44
BOXOFFICE : : May 3, 1947
29
o Address copy to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Forms close Monday noon preceding publication date.
mmmiACtee/t service
PMZF BOBY OF TH€ IBDUSTRY
This kid’s got what it takes... to get PATRONS!...
The attention-getting GLAMOUR... of colorful
ACCESSORIES. ..the scene-sampling sock. ..of seat-
selling TRAILERS. ..an eye-and-ear-opening
combination... that SHOUTS from your Lobby!...
and YELLS from your Screen!. ... CLAMORING for
attention. ..and getting it. ..from EYE-and-EAR-
startled patrons. ..who come a-runnin’ to your Box
Office. ..to learn what the SHOUTIN's about. ..and
eager to lay their dough on the line!. ..Yep. ..that’s
The PRIZE BABY.. .always ready to raise-the-roof...
in behalf of your attractions .. .while earning a
reputation as... CLAMOR BOY of the Industry!
itKk
L. ••
iHrl
pv*,-
jp
BMBg
MANDISER
In This Issue
Now they call it
THE SEA
Of
the
way
it
Warners
PUT IT OH THE SCREEN
* •
DENNIS
HE CALLED HIMSELF
•ttiefoET:,*
co- starring
Screen Play by Alan LeMay and Thames Williamson • Frorrj
HK I
mjMiu t!eJ
i
i»n^
B
I
■ 'U-:
iliM: |
pli !
mm:, -:1g®
BP: ^*8$
■f BJ§§§
Bib ■ riwMm
'mm.
1
I
1
'*. 'vM? v*M|
Hr;<
Bj|Kf
1 1
■1=1
H::
H
|=P
1
1
KB
ws'-SferMBi
Pl^ll
1 :y
1 !
JANE
Directed by RAOUL Produced by ROBERT
a Story by Paul I Wellman • Music by Max Steiner
WARNERS ARE FAMED FOR
THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
PUBLISHED IN NINE SECTIONAL EDITIONS
BEN SHLYEN
Editor -in-Chief and Publisher
JAMES M. JERAULD Editor
NATHAN COHEN Associate Editor
JESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor
IVAN SPEAR Western Editor
J. HARRY TOLER Equipment Editor
RAYMOND LEVY General Manager
Published Every Saturday by
ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS
Editorial Offices: 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 20,
N. Y.; Raymond Levy, General Manager: James M.
Jerauld, Editor; A. J. Stocker, Eastern Representa-
tive. Telephone Columbus 5-6370, 5-6371, 5-6372.
Cable address: "BOXOFFICE, New York."
Central Offices: 332 South Michigan Blvd., Chicago
4, 111. J. Harry Toler, Editor Modern Theatre Sec-
tion. Telephone WABash 4575.
Western Offices: 6404 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
28, Calif. Ivan Spear, Manager. Phone GLadstone
1186.
Washington Offices: 930 F Street, N. W. Lee L.
Garling, Manager. Telephone NAtional 3482. Film-
row: 932 New Jersey, N. W. Sara Young.
Publication Offices: 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City
1, Mo. Nathan Cohen, Associate Editor; Jesse Shlyen,
Managing Editor; A. Jules Benedic, Field Editor; Mor-
ris Schlozman, Business Manager. Telephone CHest-
nut 7777.
Other Publications: BOXOFFICE BAROMETER,
published in November as a section of BOXOFFICE;
THE MODERN THEATRE, published monthly as a
section of BOXOFFICE.
ALBANY — 21-23 Walter Ave., M. Berrigan.
ATLANTA— 163 Walton, N. W., P. H. Savin.
BALTIMORE — Upton Theatre, A. J. Wolf.
BIRMINGHAM — The News, Eddie Badger.
BOSTON — Hotel Vendome, Frances Harding.
BUFFALO — 20 St. Margaret's Court, Jim Schrader.
CHARLOTTE— 216 W. 4th, Pauline Griffith.
CHICAGO — 332 S. Michigan Blvd., Jonas Perlberg,
WABash 4575.
CINCINNATI — 1634 Centred Parkway, Lillian Seltzer.
CLEVELAND — 2568 Overlook Road, Cleveland Heights,
Elsie Loeb, Fairmount 0046.
DALLAS — 408 S. Harwood, V. W. Crisp, Southwestern
editor, R-2312.
DENVER — 1645 Lafayette, Jack Rose, TA 8517.
DES MOINES — Register <S Tribune Bldg., Russ Schoch.
DETROIT — 1009 Fox Theatre Bldg., H. F. Reves.
Telephones: RA 1100; Night, UN-4-0219.
INDIANAPOLIS — Rt. 8, Box 770, Howard M. Rudeaux.
LITTLE ROCK — Liberty Theatre, Herod Jimerson.
MIAMI — 66 S. Hibiscus Island, Mrs. Manton E. Har-
wood. 2952 Merrick Rd., Elizabeth Sudlow.
MEMPHIS — 707 Spring St., Null Adams, Tel. 48-5462.
MILWAUKEE — 5091 Plankinton Bldg., 161 W. Wiscon-
sin Ave., James R. Gahagan. Telephones: BR 4938
and MA 0297.
MINNEAPOLIS — 29 Washington Ave., So., Les Rees.
NEW HAVEN — 40 Whiting St., Ann Donner.
NEW ORLEANS — 218 So. Liberty St., Mrs. Jack Auslet.
Telephone MA 5812.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Daily Oklahoman, Polly Trindle.
OMAHA — Omaha World-Herald Bldg., Lou Gerdes.
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Record Bldg., Broad
and Wood Sts., J. M. Makler.
PITTSBURGH — 86 Van Braam St., R. F. Klingensmith,
c/o Monogram Pictures.
PORTLAND, ORE. — 425 SW Columbia, Room 11, J. C.
Bowen.
RICHMOND— National Theatre, R. W. Eagan, 2-2567.
ST. LOUIS — 5149 Rosa Ave., David F. Barrett, Flan-
ders_3727.
SALT LAKE CITY — Deseret News, Howard Pearson.
SAN ANTONIO — 531 North St., L. J. B. Ketner.
^AN FRANCISCO — 25 Taylor St., Gail Lipman,
ORdway 4812-4813.
SEATTLE— 928 N. 84th St., Willard Elsey.
TOLEDO — 4330 Willys Pkwy., Anna Kline
IN CANADA
CALGARY — The Albertan, Wm. Campbell.
MONTREAL — 4330 Wilson Ave., N. D. G., Roy Car-
michael, Walnut 5519.
ST. JOHN — 116 Prince Edward St., Wm. J. McNulty.
TORONTO — 242 Milwood, Milton Galbraith.
VANCOUVER— 41 1 Lyric Theatre Bldg., Jack Droy.
VICTORIA — 938 Island Highway, Alec Merriman.
WINNIPEG — 709 Selkirk Ave., Ben Lepkin.
Member Audit Bureau of Circulations
Entered as Second Class matter at Post Office, Kansas City, Mo.
Sectional Edition, $2.00 per year; National Edition, $7.50
Vol. 51 No. 1
MAY 10, 1947
DISSERVICE!
HE board of directors of the ITO of Ohio played
directly into the hands of the muckrakers, when it released to
the lay press the text of its resolution advocating a ban — on a
nationwide scale — against the exhibition of Charles Chaplin's
“Monsieur Verdoux." The ITO called for this action on the basis
that Chaplin is not an American citizen, because of his alleged
conduct during the war, and “his personal conduct"; tying in,
of course, the implications that he has Communistic leanings.
The board of the ITO asks that the ban be invoked “until he
proves that he is worthy of the support of the American movie-
goers."
This is a surprising action which is a distinct disservice to
the motion picture industry. It is but another instance in which
industry members do their “dirty linen" washing in public, and
it openly invites public condemnation of the industry at large.
It is, indeed, a dangerous practice for any unit within the
industry, whether it be in production, distribution or exhibition.
For, on such a basis as the ITO of Ohio has used, there could
develop endless demands from exhibitor groups, from the press
and the public and from virtually any organization, which
wanted to get into the act, to boycott the pictures of any star,
director or producer, on one pretext or another. The industry
should shun, like the plague, anything that smacks of boycott.
This particular case is an open invitation to censorship on
grounds other than the morals of what is contained in motion
pictures.
By this time Ohio should know the cost of censorship,
which, in its own state takes in excess of $300,000 annually
from the industry. Yet, these spokesmen for some of the exhibi-
tors in the state have stuck the collective neck of the industry
into a censorship noose through an ill-timed and ill-advised
public statement. It strengthens the movement in censorship-
minded state and local governments.
If the ITO directors wished to recommend to its members,
or to other exhibitor organizations, that they refrain from play-
ing the Chaplin picture, why did they not confine the recom-
mendations strictly within the limits of the industry? Of course,
we can guess — they wanted to bring public pressure to bear;
and we'll wager that that “bear" is going to breed a lot of
“cubs" who will be nipping and biting at this industry for a
long time to come.
The statement could not have been released at a worse
time — at least for the industry. The so-called un-American
Committee of the House of Representatives and the Red-baiting
segment of the American press, along with a number of spe-
cJ.dudt
i
cial interest groups, are on the prowl for choice bits of industry
warfare such as this, and they undoubtedly will be delighted
to find us playing their game. Nothing helps a wrecking crew
better than a house divided against itself. The house is easier
to wreck when the foundation timbers have been split.
This, indeed, is a regrettable incident, and one which may
prove very costly to the industry. It again raises the age-old
question: When will the people in this business start pulling
together?
The Personal Touch
There's nothing like getting information first hand. So
Spyros Skouras and Murray Silverstone. president and vice-
president in charge of foreign distribution, respectively, made
a 28-day tour of Mexico, Central and South America. A per-
sonal visit to about 500 theatres revealed some facts that
otherwise could not have been obtained, not to mention the
goodwill values in such contacts.
Our neighbors to the south, in Brazil, especially, have
great new opportunities before them in expanding the field
of motion pictures. Mr. Skouras's plan to encourage exhibi-
tors in those countries to build new theatres, rather than to
see these markets invaded by American interests, is both a
diplomatic and good business stroke.
The preference for pictures with English dialog and su-
perimposed titles as against Spanish-dubbed films is a revela-
tion. A similar reaction is being experienced in this country
with foreign language films which currently are achieving a
new popularity. The belief was expressed that in South Amer-
ica there is a universal desire to learn English by listening
to it in films. That should help to make that country the great
market of the future for American (and British) films.
Film executives have been prone to get their information
on theatre conditions in the domestic market out of reports from
their own theatre organizations. Occasionally a sales execu-
tive has made an extended trip across the country, meeting
in the exchange centers with exhibitor groups. This has been
good, but it might now be extended to individual calls on
exhibitors in some of the “in-between" points. From such con-
tacts there would be gleaned much information that might
serve to improve conditions in the home market, at the same
time gaining much exhibitor goodwill.
‘Palae Weatt
ATA Directors for Delay
Of National Convention
Decide annual meeting should be postponed
to mid-July to give members further experi-
ence with antitrust decree, as this wi.l be
important topic.
*
Seek $1,200,000 Damages
In Chicago Trust Suit
New Rio Theatre Co., owned and operated
by Leo and Ethel Solomon, charge being
forced out of business by 16 of the major
motion picture distributors and exhibitors.
*
Massachusetts Film Men
Fight 10% Ticket Tax
Organize coordinating group to appear be-
fore legislative committee Monday in opposi-
tion to measure which would add this levy to
federal impost.
*
UA Board Will Not Discuss
Presidency on Tuesday
Reorganization details being discussed by
Pickford-Chaplin, but board member says
these have not progressed to point where de-
cision can be made.
*
FCC Will Deny Stations
Unless Paramount Acts
Paul Raibourn, president of Television Pro-
ductions, says Paramount must ask hearing
by May 18, or commission will refuse Detroit,
Boston, Dallas station applications.
*
Loew's Buys 1600 B'way
For New Departments
Well-known structure to house expanding
international department and offices of new
record company; many firms already in the
building.
*
Barney Balaban Predicts
Success for UA Drive
Tells amusement industry leaders of New
York goal of $65,000,000 will be reached, and
then leaves for St. Louis to make speech
in behalf of campaign.
*
French and Swedish Film
Remittances Live Topic
U.S. ambassador negotiating in Paris to get
release of funds, while in Stockholm, govern-
ment is considering limitation of remittances;
last year’s total $2,750,000.
*
British Company Obtains
42 Rank, U-I Reissues
Eros Films, Ltd., newly organized firm ir
England, acquires distribution rights from
American company and the J. Arthur Rank
interests.
J. ARTHUR RANK VISIT TO U.S.
IS A FAST SERIES OF MEETINGS
Luncheons, Board Sessions
To Crowd First Six Days
While in New York
NEW YORK — Believe the publicity an-
nouncements and you will be convinced
that J. Arthur Rank, who arrived Friday
(May 9) on the Queen Elizabeth is over
here for a vacation and a visit with his
granddaughter on the coast. Pay no at-
tention to the publicity stories and listen
to the uninterrupted gossip and you will
get the idea he is going to be very defi-
nitely busy until he starts his return trip
July 17.
Discount 90 per cent of the gossip and it
will still be a safe bet that during his stay
and after his departure there will be a series
of announcements about deals he has reached.
On this trip Rank is accompanied by John
Davis, chief executive officer of all Rank or-
ganizations, and by Mrs. Rank and Mrs.
Davis. This is the first trip for both Mrs.
Rank and Mrs. Davis.
MANY DEALS COMPLETED
When Rank made his first trip in June
1945 his associates suggested he had come
over principally to get acquainted and see
the country. In the course of a few days he
had been entertained at a dinner in the Union
club by Spyros P. Skouras, and his schedule,
with side trips accompanied by speeches, took
on the appearance of a presidential campaign
tour. In a matter of weeks thereafter, it de-
veloped that he had acquired control of the
Odeon circuit in Canada, had made an al-
liance with the Pathe interests, had reorgan-
ized Eagle-Lion and had made an arrange-
ment with United Artists to continue release
of top budget productions.
His schedule for the current trip is pretty
much like that for the first trip. He will be
in New York a total of six days. Following
his arrival, he was guest and speaker at a
luncheon given by the World Sunday School
Ass’n, of which he is an international officer,
at the Hotel Commodore. Later he attended
a meeting of the board of directors of the
J. Arthur Rank Organization, Inc. (the
American company), of which he is chairman
of the board and Robert S. Benjamin is presi-
dent.
GUESTS OF SKOURAS
On Saturday Rank and John Davis met
with officials of Universal Pictures for a dis-
cussion of future plans. On Sunday Rank
with Mrs. Rank, and Davis and Mrs. Davis
were guests of Spyros Skouras at his West-
chester home.
On Monday Rank will return to the city
and will spend practically the entire day with
Universal executives. He will be guest of the
board of directors at a private luncheon at
the Metropolitan club on upper Park avenue.
The luncheon will be followed in the after-
noon by a meeting of the Universal board, of
which he is a member. Monday evening Rank
and Davis will be guests of Eric Johnston
and the board of the Motion Picture Ass’n
at a dinner in the Waldorf-Astoria. Heads
of member companies, a number of vice-
presidents and foreign subsidiary heads have
been invited.
Tuesday, Arthur Krim, president, and A1
ON THE COVER
A recent portrait of J. Arthur Rank.
Davis Made Vice-Ch'rman
Of Rank American Board
New York — John Davis, managing di-
rector of the J. Arthur Rank Organiza-
tion , Ltd., was
elected vice-chair-
man of the board
of the J. Arthur
Rank Organiza-
tion, Inc., at a
meeting of the
American c o m -
pany’s board of di-
rectors during the
week. Davis ar-
rived in America
with Rank later in
the week for meet-
ings in this coun-
try.
William Heineman, general sales man-
ager for the Rank films in Universal-
International, was elected a member of
the board of directors and Robert Weait,
director of Latin-American and sub-
standard film activities for the Rank
organization here, was elected treasurer
of the American Rank organization board.
W. Schwalberg, vice-president of Eagle-Lion
Films, will confer with Rank and Davis and
there will be a meeting of the board of direc-
tors of Pathe Industries, controlled by the
Robert R. Young interests. On Tuesday, also.
Gus Eyssell, managing director of the Radio
City Music Hall, will be host to Rank at a
luncheon in the theatre. “Great Expectations”
is scheduled to play there at the close of the
present run of "The Egg and I.”
After a series of meetings on Wednesday
Rank and Mrs. Rank, accompanied by Davis
and Mrs. Davis, will leave for Chicago by
train to spend two days. While there Rank
will confer with J. H. McNabb, head of the
Bell & Howell Co., and A. N. Rauland, tele-
vision expert. Rauland’s company has the
American rights to the Baird television sys-
tem which was developed in Great Britain
and which has come under Rank control dur-
BULLETIN
New York — The ITO of Ohio recom-
mendation to its members to withhold
playing time on “Monsieur Verdoux” was
branded as an “abortive effort of a small,
vociferous, bigoted group to force its will
and judgment upon the American pub-
lic” by Gradwell Sears, UA vice-presi-
dent in charge of distribution. In a state-
ment issued late Friday, Sears said, “No
matter what they call it, it is still cen-
sorship.” He labeled the move as “pre-
sumptive and un-American.”
COLUMBUS — In a surprising resolution —
the full text of which was released to the
public press — the board of directors of the
ITO of Ohio this week urged exhibitors to
refuse to book the new Charles Chaplin pic-
ture, “Monsieur Verdoux,” because of the
ing the numerous company shifts which oc-
curred during the war. Rank also has a
heavy interest in the rival Scophony system.
The party will visit Toronto May 17 for a
series of meetings with officials of the Rank
interests there, which are headed by J. Earl
Lawson, president of the Odeon circuit.
MPA Boosts Membership
Of Board of Directors
NEW YORK — The membership committee
of the Motion Picture Ass'n approved an in-
crease in the number of directors from the
original 18 board members to from 21 to 36
additional directors at a meeting at associa-
tion headquarters here Thursday. The
members also approved a change in the
bylaws to conform with the increase.
A board meeting was held following the
membership session to elect the following
Class B members to fill the vacancies caused
by the increase in directors: Abe Schneider,
Joseph R. Vogel, Austin C. Keough, John W.
Whitaker, W. C. Michel and John J. O’Con-
nor.
W. B. Zoellner Elevated
As MGM Shorts Head
E. W. Aaron, assistant
general sales manager,
has been handling the
short subject sales for the
w. b. zoellner past year and a half.
actor’s alleged wartime record, his personal
conduct and his “refusal” to become an
American citizen.
The story was carried nationally by the
Associated Press and was given a big play
by the Chicago Tribune which recently has
been spotlighting anti-Chaplin articles. P. J.
Wood, the ITO secretary, indicated the or-
ganization hoped to launch a nationwide
boycott of the picture.
The resolution said that Chaplin “did lit-
tle or nothing during the war years to help
maintain the morale of service men and
women either at home or overseas.” The ITO
board said, “It is our belief that the valuable
screen time of the motion picture theatres
of the United States should not ... be dis-
sipated upon a screen personality such as a
Chaplin to his benefit.”
Board of IT O of Ohio Asks For a Ban
On Playing Time for Chaplin's Film
JOHN DAVIS
NEW YORK — William B. Zoellner, head
of MGM’s reprints and importations division,
has been named short
subjects sales manager.
He also will retain his
present duties. William
F. Rodgers, vice-president
and general sales man-
ager, made the shift
known at the sales con-
vention at the Hotel
As tor.
8
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
PCCITO BLASTS FILM RENTALS ,
DIVORCEMENT, LOCAL CHECKERS
At the PCCITO convention, left to right: front — M. W. Mattecheck, McMinnville,
Ore., of the Oregon ITO; R. H. Poole, executive secretary of the PCCITO and the
ITO of southern California; Miss Connie Auer, secretary of ITO of southern Cali-
fornia, voted “Queen of the Convention”; Sam Gillette, Utah, president of the Inter-
mountain Theatre Owners’ Ass’n; Ben Levin, San Francisco, ITO of northern Cali-
fornia George Diamos, Phoenix, ITO of Arizona and southern California. Rear row —
William Graeper jr., Portland, ITO of Oregon; Rotus Harvey, San Francisco, ITO
of northern California and Nevada; J. M. Hone, Seattle, executive secretary, ITO of
Washington, northern Idaho and Alaska; L. O. Lukan, PCCITO from Seattle; and
Hugh Bruen, Whittier, PCCITO treasurer and trustee for southern California. All
except Miss Auer are trustees of the conference.
Allied Polls Its Entire Membership
On Distributors Bidding Practices
Connecticut Allied Head
Declares Production
Must Be Increased
LOS ANGELES — Allegedly excessive
film rentals, divorcement of exhibition
from distribution, local checkers and sev-
eral other situations held to be “unfair
practices detrimentally affecting independ-
ent theatre operations” were among the
subjects discussed, and in most instances
thoroughly lambasted, at the annual con-
vention of the Pacific Coast Conference
of Theatre Owners held here.
Robert Poole, executive secretary of the
PCCITO and serving in a similar capacity
for the ITO of Southern California and
Arizona, sounded the militant keynote of the
convention by early statement that “film
rentals definitely will be dealt with at this
convention, along with other practices detri-
mental to the independent theatre owners.
The cause of the independent theatre owner
everywhere is the cause of the PCCITO and
to that we are dedicated.”
PLEA FOR MORE UNITY
An echoing plea for closer organization of
independent showmen was sounded by Sam
Gillette, president of Intermountain Thea-
tres Ass’n, who said, “Theatre owners must
organize for their own protection, cooperate
with each other, trust each other and form
a united front. All other fields are organ-
ized, why not us?”
Speaking on “The Allied Point of View,”
Dr. J. B. Fishman, president of Allied Thea-
tres of Connecticut and a director of na-
tional Allied, attacked what he termed “a
monopoly in production” and held that di-
vorcement is the solution. Dr. Fishman
claimed that as a result of the alleged mo-
nopoly, the producers and distributors can
control the industry to their own advantage.
Declaring that production must be increased,
he pointed out that Hollywood formerly
turned out 600 pictures a year which figure
has shrunk to less than half that number.
In Allied’s opinion, he declared, the only
solution is the divorcement of production
from exhibition which would result in more
and better pictures. Playing time should be
open in all theatres to all producers, he said.
Taking a slightly different view from that
exposed by Dr. Fishman, Morris Loewenstein,
Oklahoma independent and secretary of
MPTOA, held that “divorcement will not
solve distributor-exhibitor problems.” He
urged the two national independent groups
to “stop nurturing distrust of each other”
and cooperate more closely.
FORUM DELAY DEPLORED
Claiming that the 20 per cent admission
tax is unfair, Loewenstein blamed exhibitors
for not being sufficiently organized to com-
bat it. He held that “this industry remains
disorganized, helpless and impotent, as well
as blind to its own welfare, while almost
every legislature and city council and Con-
gress are assaulting it with unfair and un-
reasonable tax demands.”
Clarence J. Severson, president of ITO of
Montana, in his address declared, “We are
tired of paying through the nose for prod-
uct and definitely intend doing something
about it.”
NEW YORK — National Allied has made
an attempt, through a poll of its member-
ship, to determine whether distributors
now engaged in competitive bidding are
adhering to the procedures laid down in
the antitrust decree. A. F. Myers, Allied’s
general counsel, is now studying replies to
the questionnaire.
The questionnaire had gone out through
the regional Allied units at the request of
the national organization.
free: to use bidding
Bidding was stayed last month by the U.S.
supreme court, but the distributor-defend-
ants are free to use bidding at their own
discretion, according to their attorneys.
1. Was the competitive bidding initiated
by the distributor and not done in response
to the demand of any of the exhibitors in-
volved in the bidding?
2. Did the distributor announce to the ex-
hibitors in the competitive area, 30 days be-
fore the bidding was to take place, the names
of the pictures on which bids would be re-
ceived?
3. Did the distributor include in the bid-
ding notice the amount of flat rental as the
minimum film rental for a specified num-
ber of days?
4. Did the distributor’s notice include (a>
the time when the exhibition is to commence,
and (b) the availability and clearance, if any,
which will be granted for the run?
5. Did the distributor allow the exhibitor
at least 15 days after receipt of the notice
during which the exhibitor could submit his
bid?
6. Did the distributor withdraw any or all
of the pictures offered for bidding before the
time specified in the notice or within the
15-day period provided in the court decree
without any explanation for the withdrawal?
7. If there was a reason assigned for the
withdrawal of the pictures within the 15-day
period, what was the nature of the explana-
tion?
“It is Allied’s contention that ‘yes’ to any
of the above questions indicates that the
distributor is not adhering to the selling
method prescribed by the court.”
Since the stay, only 20th-Fox, Loew’s and
RKO are continuing to sell through bidding,
either in areas where bidding already has
been tried, or in new situations where ex-
hibitors demand better runs.
RKO has been listing five pictures at £L
time for bidding, each film subject to indi-
vidual negotiation. Bids for first runs must
be in by 20 days; subsequent runs, by 30 days.
Twentieth-Fox has been listing groups of
nine films for bidding, with a two-week dead-
line for answering bids.
Both companies have been asking exhibi-
tors to state a flat rental against a guar-
anteed percentage.
TWO INITIATED PRACTICE
Before competitive bidding was stayed by
the supreme court, two of the five distribu-
tors engaged in bidding at that time initi-
ated the bids themselves. The exhibitors
objected, and the distributors explained that
the move was being made to test the bidding
procedure in highly competitive areas.
In several instances exhibitors refused to
bid for product, thereby losing established
first runs. Rentals became too high, they
explained. One exhibitor not only refused
to bid but told the distributors’ salesmen
that he will not play their product after
his present contracts expire.
BOXOFFICE : : May 10, 1947
9
May Earn Negative Cost in Single Month
Mass ' Duel ' Dates Shatter
Distribution Techniques
By J. M. JERAULD
NEW YORK — This business is witnessing
a revolution in merchandising methods
almost as shattering for established tech-
niques as was the Hiroshima bomb on the
standard conceptions of military strategy.
Prerelease runs, roadshows, showcases,
old-fashioned clearances, the theory that
75 per cent of the revenue has to come
from key city runs, the advertising value
of long Broadway runs, and other formulae
of distribution are being jolted off their
foundations so fast that both distributors
and exhibitors find it dizzying.
At the moment the national excitement is
concentrated on David O. Selznick's ‘‘Duel in
the Sun.” In less than a month the negative
cost probably will be in the bank; in three
months it will have played in more than
4,000 theatres.
AVALANCHE OF PLAYDATES
Many in the industry who were worrying
a few weeks ago about how Selznick could
roadshow his tremendously expensive produc-
tion under the restrictions of the antitrust
decree are now wondering why nobody ever
before tried an avalanche of playdates for
a picture of this type.
The revolution is not being accomplished
without plenty of loud shouting from exhibi-
tors who never have played first runs on a
$1-$1.25 scale, plus tax, at high percentages.
Some of the protesting was done before the
exhibitors discovered how much they could
benefit from getting in on the gravy while
the advertising campaign was at its peak.
The appropriation for this campaign started
at $750,000 and it may go to $1,000,000. The
strategy changes from day to day, but it
clings to the theory of concentrated pressure.
Selznick followed established custom some
years ago with ‘‘Gone With the Wind” by
playing an entire season at advanced prices
on a two-a-day basis in key spots. This time
with “Duel” he completely disregards that
time-honored system of “establishing” a big
attraction.
For the week of May 4-11 the picture is
playing in 39 Loew’s theatres in the New
York area, including the Capitol, to 102,000
seats. In the surrounding metropolitan area
the Walter Reade circuit adds 13,400 seats.
In Boston 31 theatres, with 44,848 seats, and
228 other theatres in New England are play-
ing the picture with approximately 273,600
seats.
MANY CALIFORNIA OPENINGS
In southern California 44 theatres, with
55,156 seats, have the picture. In northern
California 19 theatres, with 28,000 seats, have
it. In Texas, where the mass opening began,
66 theatres, with 56,500 seats, have it on the
screens.
In the Pacific northwest 13, with 15,850
seats are showing the film. Five other mis-
cellaneous cities, with 13,100 seats, also are
showing it.
More than 300 Technicolor prints are in
use.
Everywhere the requirement is that admis-
sions shall be $1 to $1.25, plus tax, and the
deals are on percentage.
Any exhibitor can come in and make an
offer. It is the first time this has ever hap-
pened to a big picture like this. Clearances
in the ordinary sense don’t mean anything
Runs — especially in the big first run pal-
aces— may be shorter than would be cus-
tomary for a multimillion dollar special, but
that will make no difference.
Neil Agnew, president of Selznick Releas-
ing Organization, and Robert Gillham, head
of advertising and publicity, toured the
Loew’s houses by automobile Wednesday
morning and in a few hours knew the picture
was running ahead of “The Jolson Story,”
which holds the Loew’s circuit record.
In every theatre where the picture is play-
ing, performances run from four to five a
day. Multiply the number of seats by the
number of performances and strike any kind
of a conservative average for occupancy — as
a number of circuit executives and sales
managers have already done — and the total
receipts from day to day reach enormous
figures.
It has been the custom in the past three
or four years to go after showcases. Samuel
Goldwyn did this on “The Best Years of Our
Lives.” At midweek he had his Academy
award-winning picture playing in 212 situa-
tions. The day before “Duel” opened in
New York he reduced prices at the Astor
Theatre “for the summer.”
It has also been the custom for subsequent
runs to complain bitterly that long first runs
have held back product and also have milked
the big pictures dry. With this picture a
lot of milkers are working at the same time
and some of them are skimming cream while
the customers are in an excited mood wait-
ing to get into lines.
THERE WON’T BE ANY SUSPENSE
What this invasion of neighborhoods and
small towns on such a vast scale will do to
the later runs is anybody’s guess. They will
not have to spend many months waiting
to find out.
This novel approach to mass selling has
been done before. S. Barret McCormick tried
it on “Hitler’s Children," but spaced his
regional openings. “Duel” is being tossed onto
the market in one place after another in a
matter of days and weeks.
The recent series of developments in new
sales strategy have been growing rapidly
without attracting much attention. Out on
the coast Charles Skouras has been holding
city openings in four or five theatres at a
time for some time and business has been
phenomental. People like to go to the smaller
theatres; they like crowds. If business falls
off, the run can be cut down to three, two
and one theatres and the overhead goes
down with each step.
During the past year “Henry V” exploded
the theory that a series of key first run en-
gagements was the sole salvation of a big
production. “Henry” has yet to get into a
first run and the net is heading toward the
second million.
Then along came “The Jolson Story.” It
ran through the usual clearances and put
the sale of Jolson records back onto a hit
basis.
Maurice Maurer decided "Jolson” could be
brought back to Broadway, so he booked it
into the Victoria at the regular first run
scale, and business is remarkable. It is now
scheduled for a second swing of the subse-
quents in New York City. Columbia has de-
cided to rebook it all over the country. Six
and one-half months of releases have con-
Six column by 17 -inch advertisement
carried in New York dailies to announced
mass openings of “Duel in the Sun” early
this week.
vinced Columbia executives that custom can
be completely discarded.
Texas and New Mexico were chosen for the
first regional smash campaign for “Duel,"
with a rapid accumulation of dates there-
after. During the last four days of April
elaborate premieres were put on at Amarillo,
Fort Worth, Dallas and Wichita Falls in the
Interstate circuit, and at Plainview and
Odessa, Tex., and Carlsbad, Clovis, Roswell
and Hobbs, N. M., in the Griffith circuit.
Openings piled up rapidly in a few days,
28 in Interstate theatres, 17 in Griffith cir-
cuit, 23 in Robb & Rowley theatres, 22 in the
J. C. Long circuit, five in the H. S. Leon cir-
cuit, and five in the McLendon circuit. This
makes a total of 112 engagements in the
southwest.
IN COUNTRYWIDE TESTS
New York’s mass opening, as previously
stated, was May 7, but out-of-town Loew
houses also had the picture, thereby furnish-
ing scattered tests in Nashville, Louisville,
Norfolk and Richmond, Indianapolis and
Evansville the first week in May, with Balti-
more, Washington, Atlanta and Wilmington
following on May 22.
Small town test engagements were used in
upper New York and elsewhere. Because New
England is a concentrated population area
close to New York and is bound to feel the in-
fluence of the New York radio and news-
paper advertising, plus the local campaigns,
there were 21 openings May 7 through four
circuits and in one independent. On May 8
three more houses joined the parade, and
then the blanket coverage developed for the
whole area, including Loew’s Poli circuit and
others. These towns were large, medium and
small. In some of the smaller places the local
pride stirred up by simultaneous openings
with the large cities brought heavy audience
turnouts and helped in getting publicity in
newspapers and on the air to spark the ad-
vertising coverage.
10
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
RELATIONS WITH PUBLIC MOTIF
OF IOWA-NEBRASKA MEETING
AT THE OMAHA CONVENTION — This quintet figured prominently at the Omaha
convention of the AITO of Iowa and Nebraska. Left to right: Maurice N. Wolf of
MGM, who made his “maiden” address in his new exhibitor relations capacity; Wil-
liam L. Ainsworth, president, ITO of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, and treasurer
of National Allied; Colonel Harry A. Cole, ATO of Texas president and director in
National Allied; Howard Brookings and Leo F. Wolcott, re-elected AITO president and
board chairman respectively.
AITO Strikes at 50% Deals;
Scores Terms on 'Years'
And 'Duel in the Sun'
By A. JULES BENEDIC
Field Editor, Boxoffice
OMAHA — Greater utilization of public
relations, even to the extent, as President
Howard Brookings put it, “of giving serious
thought to setting up our own system of
censorship,” formed the motif of the an-
nual convention here Monday and Tues-
day of the Allied Independent Theatre
Owners of Iowa and Nebraska.
Revitalized since its re-enrollment 11
months ago into the ranks of National
Allied, AITO reported more than 225 thea-
tres in its ranks, with a goal of 400 quite
possible before the next annual convention,
set for Des Moines May 7, 8, 1948.
PUBLIC RELATIONS THEME
Speaker after speaker, including Dave Pal-
freyman of MPA, Maurice N. Wolf of MGM,
Leon C. Bamberger of RKO and Harold
Field of Minneapolis, plus half a dozen from
AITO’s own ranks, hammered away on pub-
lic relations to such an extent that the
Omaha press on the second day of the meet-
ing gave large space to the subject.
Brookings and his fellow officers have done
such a good job since the rebirth of AITO a
scant year ago that all were re-elected to
their respective posts. Leo F. Wolcott of
Eldora, Iowa, continues as chairman of the
board; George March of Vermillion, S. D„ re-
tains the vice-presidency, while Tim Evans
of Clinton, Iowa, keeps his post as treasurer
and executive secretary; Mel Kruse of Pierce,
Neb., being confirmed in his recently ap-
pointed job as assistant executive secretary.
Charles Niles of Anamosa, Iowa, was re-
elected chairman of the Caravan committee.
With state and county tax bugaboos loom-
ing in the two states, the directorate was
increased from 12 to 21. Those named are
directors, in addition to:
Herman Fields, Clarinda; A1 Myrick, Lake
Park; John La Due, Calmer; Charles Niles,
Anamosa; Bob Hutte, Osceola; Earl Kerr,
Des Moines; William Horstman, Odebolt;
J. H. Watts, Osage, and H. E. Rehfield,
Bloomfield, all in Iowa.
Martinez Biemond, Ord; Carl Mansfield,
Schuyler; Wally Gunther, Syracuse; John
Grabenstein, Eustis; George Hall, Franklin;
Wally Johnson, Friend, and Elmer Hunke,
Omaha, all in Nebraska.
Local checkers were lambasted; these mid-
westerns are simply agin the practice; dis-
tributors selling at what were called high
percentage terms were roundly scored and
this resolution was adopted:
PERCENTAGE TERMS HIT
“We pledge ourselves not to buy 50 per
cent pictures, and particularly condemn the
outrageous terms being asked for ‘The Best
Years of Our Lives’ and ‘Duel in the Sun.’ ”
Another resolution requested distributors to
equalize with eastern points the time allowed
for a distributor’s acceptance or rejection
of a film contract. East of the Mississippi it
is 14 days; west of that river 21, and the
resolution, asking for a 14-day maximum,
said “the pony express is gone; we now have
airmail.” Further the resolution suggests
that the exhibitor himself may reject the
contract if home office action is not taken
within the requested time limit.
Stressing heavily the need for showmen to
create community goodwill, President Brook-
ings said in his annual address that public
relations overshadow everything else on the
exhibitor’s calendar, adding:
“We need to utilize it much greater than
heretofore; both within our ranks and with
respect to the public at large. We need more
publicity for the good work in this industry —
less emphasis on the goings-on of the Holly-
wood colony — which, after all, are no worse
than the scandals of most communities, ex-
cept that the world’s spotlight is always on
Hollywood.
"The screen is a great instrument for en-
tertainment and visual education, greater
than radio or the press, because it combines
seeing and hearing, but the screen must re-
main free and unshackled by censorship from
ALEXANDRIA, LA. — Signalizing National
Allied’s first incursion into the deep south
for a number of years, the Allied Theatre
Owners of the Gulf States was formed here
Wednesday at the conclusion of a two-day
meeting held in Hotel Bentley. W. A. Pruitt
of Bay St. Louis, Miss., was named president.
Formation of the new Allied unit came
after a talk by Col. Harry A. Cole of Dallas,
president of Allied Theatre Owners of Texas
and an officer in National Allied, who made
a dramatic plane and automobile dash from
Omaha, where the AITO of Iowa and Ne-
braska, a comparatively new Allied unit, met
early this week.
Other officers chosen are Don George,
Shreveport, vice-president; Abe Barenson,
Gretna, La., secretary. These, with Bill But-
terfield, Ruston, La.; M. A. Commett, New-
without. Should we, as exhibitors, give seri-
ous thought to setting up our own system of
censorship? Should we regulate our own
screens in order to escape the repugnant
encroachment of do-gooders and fanatics
who will burden us with state and munici-
pally controlled censorship which we will
have to pay for and yet exercise no super-
vision over?”
Col. Harry A. Cole of Dallas, president of
Texas Allied, and William L. Ainsworth of
Fond du Lac, president of the ITO of Wis-
consin and Upper Michigan, both officers
in National Allied, were principal speakers.
Cole conducted the Monday afternoon session,
given over in toto to the workings of the Cara-
van, a feature, AITO members said, respon-
sible for the organization’s rapid increase in
membership. Ainsworth told of the success-
ful booking-buying operation being conducted
in his home territory.
ton, Miss.; Frank Corbitt, Laurel, Miss.; Mil-
ton Guidry, Lafayette, La.; Nick Lamantia,
Bogalusa, La.; Joe Guillory, Oakdale, La.;
D. B. Fish, Oak Grove, La., and Harold
Baily, New Orleans, constitute the board of
directors.
Twenty-five owners representing 100 thea-
tres were present at the meeting, held under
George’s temporary chairmanship. The new
association will open offices in New Orleans
with a full-time staff.
Allied’s newest member organization thus
joins the Rocky Mountain unit, organized
a few weeks ago, along with the Iowa-
Nebraska group, re-enrolled 11 months ago.
In addition, it is known that some midwest
and southeast states which have no Allied
units are flirting with the national organiza-
tion looking toward the organization of these
territories.
Allied Organizes Gulf States Unit,
With W. A. Pruitt As the President
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
11
mm
~j: . . : -
„ -w. * S
I -
mC*SSMSs
'' " 4 S I
Is
Jltwifl
„ ^ ■ ' -
ilfi
■ - ..■■■■*%
.
-'■■ ■ ' • ';■■■■'. :: : :
‘
IllSil
ar
imi turn
i\i w
With city o^®1” J,o
«rtin9«LOt4GER
,ep° "a »°*
^ ,e
*>®'°V'°
mi&* ■
Wmm ,
ilfpf W0
8£»sses:>,7 ■
IlSil-
SAMUEL GOLDWYN
presents
“The Best Years of Our Lives”
starring
Myrna Loy • Fredric March • Dana Andrews
Teresa Wright • Virginia Mayo • Hoagy Carmichael
and introducing Cathy O’Donnell and Harold Russell
#
Directed by William Wyler • Screen Play by Robert E. Sherwood
From a Novel by MacKinlay Kantor • Director of Photography Gregg Toland
To be released by RKO Radio Pictures, Inc.
rMcudemu *jdwa/idb
TfteM Met £vertt&
Curious Salesmanship
JN last week’s papers Joseph H. Seidelman,
head of Universal’s foreign distribution,
was quoted as saying American exhibitors
ought to play British pictures so Great
Britain could improve its foreign exchange
position and continue to import American
films.
Our idea of something funny would be to
listen in on a conversation between an ex-
hibitor and a salesman when a salesman
should walk in and say: “Now, George, you
should buy this picture because if you don’t
the British may not buy American films, or
their government may prevent the im-
portation of American films.”
It’s quite possible the exhibitor would
reply that he was risking his capital as a
theatre operator for the sake of profit.
In this land of free enterprise practically
everybody who has something to sdll ex-
pects a certain amount of sales resistance.
Usually he overcomes this by creating a
desire to buy. This takes the form of adver-
tising. How many retailers buy goods be-
fore they are convinced they will make a
profit on them?
British woolens, British soaps, British
crackers and biscuits, marmalades, pickles
and tea do a tremendous business in this
country, because the market for them has
been built up over a period of years by
persistent effort — not because some sales-
man came in and said the customer should
buy to improve the British exchange posi-
tion. Films are merchandise, too.
* * *
Record Print Order
CJOMETHING more than statistics is
involved in the announcement that 310
Technicolor prints have been delivered to
SRO on “Duel in the Sun.” It is a theory
of salesmanship.
Selznick played “Gone With the Wind”
out slowly and did not come down on the
prices for a full year. He set some all-time
records and could be pardoned for think-
ing he could repeat on his luck, but he
and Neil Agnew, his sales head, figure
times have changed. Mass openings with
tremendous ballyhoo all over the world,
they figure, will garner so much first run
revenue that the rest will be velvet. Some
of the advance reports on grosses seem to
prove they are right.
* * *
Television Prophecies
FEW weeks ago when CBS was urging
the Federal Communications commis-
sion to set color television standards, prac-
tically every other company in the business,
including RCA, insisted no standards
should be set now because another five
years of experiments should be made.
Wednesday ( April 30 > RCA demonstrated
color television on a theatre-size screen in
Philadelphia, and David Sarnoff said that
if a demand should develop the apparatus
could be put on the market this year.
A few days before, the SMPE went into
a discussion of television in Chicago. Late
in the week Don Hyndman of Eastman,
past president of SMPE, said limited in-
By JAMES M. JERAULD
stallments could be made in theatres within
a year, but that mass installations would
take longer. He gave no estimate of how
long. He also said Eastman would give a
public demonstration of its 15-second film
drying process designed for television use
in the near future.
Coincidental with these developments
came word from England that a new opti-
cal system for television in theatres is
being demonstrated.
Looks like the old television pot is boiling
again in a big way.
* * *
Those German Films
^•HERE are two schools of thought on the
proposal of the Allied military govern-
ments to send German films to this coun-
try to improve the exchange position of
Germany.
One reaction is violent opposition; the
other is complete indifference. The opposi-
tion school seems to feel that a large num-
ber of people would go to see the pictures,
if given an opportunity. The indifference
school asks: “What of it?”
Spyros P. Skouras, who ran a circuit of
theatres in St. Louis, where there is a
strong German population, between the
world wars says: “There never has been
much interest in German films in this
country.”
Some casual research among distributors
of foreign films discloses the fact that less
than 125 theatres are showing them. This
product includes French and Italian films.
One distributor in this field says: “Bring
on all the German films made from the
time Hitler started his rise until last week
and call for bids. How much do you sup-
pose the offer would be?”
He answered his own question by saying
it would be somewhat below the cost of
recovering the silver from processing the
negatives and positives.
* * *
Checking Costs
TREMENDOUS overhead is attached
to the playing of percentage pictures.
During the last fiscal year, according to the
proxy statement to stockholders, 20th-Fox
alone paid out a total of $995,962.19 for
checking — $109,783.37 to Ross Federal,
which did the checking before Confidential
Reports, Inc., took over and $886,178.82 to
Confidential.
MPA Theatre Survey
Covers Exchanges
New York — The MPA is making a study
of theatres and theatre policies in the 31
exchange centers. The first of these
studies will cover Buffalo and will be
published the first week of June.
The survey will include the following
information: number of first runs, sub-
sequent runs, seating capacity of each
theatre, prices, clearances and changes
per week.
According to the MPA, this is the first
such study made of the nation’s exchange
centers and theatres.
Rodgers Names Four
New MGM Field Men
HERMAN RIPPS RALPH W. MAW
JOHN S. ALLEN FRANK C. HENSLER
NEW YORK — Four more shifts have been
made in the MGM sales setup by William F.
Rodgers, vice-president in charge of distri-
bution, for the purpose of strengthening field
contacts and meeting new decree problems.
Herman Ripps, district manager with head-
quarters in the Albany exchange, has been
named field assistant to John F. Byrne, east-
ern sales manager, whose exchanges include
Boston, Philadelphia, Albany, Buffalo, New
Haven, New Jersey and New York. Ripps will
continue his headquarters in Albany.
MAW TO ASSIST BISHOP
Ralph W. Maw, district manager with head-
quarters in Minneapolis, has been made field
assistant to Burtus Bishop jr., new midwest-
ern sales manager. He will continue at Minne-
apolis, but his revised field of operations will
include Chicago, Des Moines, Milwaukee,
Minneapolis and Omaha.
John S. Allen, district manager at Wash-
ington, has been named field assistant to
Rudy Berger, southern sales manager. He
will move his headquarters to Dallas, and
Berger, who has had an office in New Or-
leans, will shift to Washington where he was
formerly located. Berger’s territory now in-
cludes Washington, New Orleans, Charlotte,
Atlanta, Memphis, Oklahoma City and Dallas.
Frank C. Hensler, district manager at De-
troit, is now field assistant to John J. Ma-
loney, central sales manager. He will con-
tinue to have an office at Detroit and Ma-
loney will remain in Pittsburgh. The Kansas
City exchange has been added to Maloney’s
division in lieu of Washington. He also will
cover St. Louis, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh,
Detroit, Cleveland and Cincinnati.
GARDNER TO SAN FRANCISCO
Sam J. Gardner, who was named field as-
sistant to George A. Hickey several weeks
ago will move his headquarters to San Fran-
cisco. The Salt Lake City and Denver
branches, formerly in the midwest division,
have been transferred to the coast division
under Hickey.
Home office assistants to the sales man-
agers continue unchanged. They are: Leonard
J. Hirsch, assistant to Berger; Irving Helfont,
assistant to Hickey: Paul J. Richrath, as-
sistant to Byrne; Charles F. Deesen, assist-
ant to Maloney, and Joel Besahler, assistant
to Bishop.
14
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Exhibitors Must Decide Now to Use
Theatre Television, Ryder Says
NEW YORK — Theatre men must decide
now whether they want theatre television —
and if they do, they
must decide how they
are going to blend this
new medium with film
entertainment, accord-
ing to Loren L. Ryder,
president of the Society
of Motion Picture En-
gineers. On his re-
turn from the SMPE
convention in Chicago,
and Washington talks
with Eric Johnston,
Ryder stressed the fact
that no theatre tele-
vision equipment will loren l. ryder
be produced on a mass scale until exhibitors
decide on the kind of theatre television they
want — whether they intend to use it to bring
sports events and spot news coverage to their
audiences, or to present complete programs
via the medium.
Theatre men are too complacent about
theatre television, he warned, and predicted
that unless they prepare to use it the me-
dium will catch the industry by surprise, as
did sound in the 20s. He echoed the views
expressed by Brig. Gen. David Sarnoff. Money
must be spent on experimentation before en-
gineers can devise equipment suitable to all
theatre needs, he added.
Another point the SMPE head empha-
sized is that exhibitors planning to erect new
theatres should be guided by the latest de-
velopments and discoveries in the field. In
line with this the society will feature thea-
tre television at its fall convention to be held
at the Hotel Pennsylvania, New York, Octo-
ber 20-24.
For the first time in the history of the
SMPE, theatre managers, theatre engineers
and chief projectionists, both circuit and in-
dependent, will be invited to view the latest
equipment and hear discussions of engineer-
ing papers on theatre television.
“At this early date it is impossible to pre-
dict what shape theatre television will take,”
Ryder said. “When it does come there proba-
bly will have to be some minor alterations
made in existing houses to accommodate tele-
vised screen entertainment.”
Discussing the recent RCA exhibition of
electronic theatre color television at Franklin
Institute, Philadelphia, Ryder said the sys-
tem “is sufficiently satisfactory for presenta-
tion in a motion picture theatre.” The RCA
demonstration was made on a screen 10x7%
feet.
Film Classics Acquires
San Francisco Branch
NEW YORK — Film Classics has acquired
the exchange and franchise in San Fran-
cisco from Robert Lippert. This completes
the acquisition of other key cities, says Sam
Wheeler, sales manager.
Boxoffice Barometer
and
Exhibitor Has His Say
now in the new
BOOKINGUIDE
in the cream-colored section
Criterion Cuts Admissions
20% in Oklahoma City
OKLAHOMA CITY — Admissions have been
cut an average of 20 per cent by the Cri-
terion here, a Standard Theatres house.
The new scale, effective May 1, follows:
40 cents until 1 p. m.; 50 from 1 to 6 p. m.,
and 65 after 6 p. m.
The largest reduction was extended to
matinee patrons, the 50-cent scale being
moved from 5 to 6 p. m.
Astor, N. Y., Lowers Prices
For Remaining 'Years' Run
NEW YORK — The Astor Theatre reduced
admission prices for “The Best Years of Our
Lives” on Friday (May 9). The prices on
“Best Years” were reduced in anticipation of
a summer business slump.
New summer prices start at 95 cents on
weekdays, continuing to $1.20 and later $1.50
from 6 p. m. to 10 p. m. This compares with
the former top evening price of $1.80. The
new prices for Saturdays and Sundays start
at 95 cents, continuing to $1.20, $1.50 and
later $1.80 during the evening business peak.
The old weekend admission prices started at
95 cents, advancing to a $2.40 top after 5 p. m,
Seven Areas Speed Organization of Foundation
NEW YORK — Steps to organize the Motion
Picture Foundation were taken in seven ex-
change areas this week, with permanent of-
ficers elected in Omaha, Detroit and Pitts-
burgh.
In Detroit, Carl W. Buermele, general man-
ager of General Theatre Service, was elected
chairman, and Earl J. Hudson, president of
United Detroit Theatres, was elected trustee.
The Omaha area organization was per-
fected at the AITO of Iowa and Nebraska
meeting this week. D. V. McLucas, United
Artists manager in Omaha, was elected chair-
man, with R. R. Livingston, veteran Lincoln
exhibitor, as area trustee. To serve with these
men as one-year board members will be
R. S. Ballantyne of the Ballantyne Co.;
Clyde Cooley, IATSE; Walt Green, Fepco
Theatre Advertisers, all of Omaha; Martinez
Biemond, Ord, Neb.; Walter Bradley, Neligh,
Neb.; Oky Goodman, Villisca, Iowa, and
George Hall, Franklin, Neb.
Elected for two years were Harold Johnson,
U-I branch manager; Regina Molseed, 20th-
Fox booker; William Miskell, Tri-States The-
atres; Fred Thortsen, MGM salesman; Sophie
Volkert, Local B47, all of Omaha; Phil
March, Wayne, Neb., and George Monroe jr.,
of Kearney, Neb.
Industry leaders in the Pittsburgh area
organized this week after hearing S. H.
Fabian speak on the principles of the Foun-
dation. M. A. Silver, Warner Theatres zone
manager, was named national trustee, and
Morris M. Finkel was elected area chairman
of the steering committee. Elected to the
area panel were William J. Blatt, Sam Fine-
berg, David Kimelman, James B. Clark, John
H. Harris, Robert S. Coyle, George Notopou-
los, Michael Manos, Perry Nathan, Morris
Lefko, James H. Alexander, Robert F. Kling-
ensmith, Lee M. Conrad, Bert M. Steam,
George Sallows and Fred A. Boodle.
F. D. Moore, Harry Feinstein and Joseph
Feldman were named alternates.
In Atlanta, William K. Jenkins, president
of Georgia Theatres Co., presided at an or-
ganizational meeting in that area. Approxi-
mately 125 persons attended. Elected to the
panel were: Two-year committeemen: Jenk-
ins; R. B. Wilby of Atlanta; E. D. Martin
of Columbus; O. C. Lam of Rome; Nat Wil-
liams of Thomasville; Frank Rogers of Jack-
sonville, Fla.; Charlie Lester of Atlanta, and
Mitchell Wolfson of Miami. One-year com-
mitteemen: John W. Mangham, president
Screen Guild and Film Classics, of Atlanta;
Lex Benton, Benton Bros. Film Express; Ker-
mit Stengel, Crescent Amusement Co., Nash-
ville, Tenn.; J. H. Thompson, Martin and
Thompson Theatres, Hawkinsville, Ga.; Mack
Jackson, president of CSA and theatre man,
Alexander City, Ala.; Herman Steinichen,
president of the Atlanta Federation of Musi-
cians; Jack Kirby, district manager Warner
Bros., Atlanta; N. H. Waters, Waters Thea-
tres, Birmingham, Ala., and Ike Katz, presi-
dent of Kay Film exchanges, Atlanta.
Steps to organize a Foundation group also
were taken in New Haven and Philadelphia.
I. J. Hoffman, Warner Theatres zone head,
and Dr. J. B. Fishman, general manager of
Fishman Theatres, were elected co-chairmen
of the New Haven area organizing commit-
tee while in Philadelphia. Jay Emanuel was
named temporary chairman of a steering
committee. He will be assisted by Martin
Ellis, Samuel Gross, Lewen Pizor and Lester
Wurtle.
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
15
I
presents
is
Fifth week of World Premiere
engagement as big as the first
... Sixth week’s figures match
the fifth’s— for the picture that’s
giving Broadway’s famous
long-run house its highest
sustained grosses in months!
. . . First Boston week hits top
money of biggest attractions —
as RKO’s newest box-office
pacemaker gets set for holdover
runs and peak grosses in first
runs everywhere!
Neighboring motion picture theatres along Cleveland’s Playhouse Square — the
RKO Palace, 3,193 seats; Loew’s State, which seats 3,570 patrons; the 1,300-seat Loew’s
Ohio Theatre; and at the extreme left, RKO’s Allen Theatre, with 3,000 seats.
By ELSIE LOEB
QNE HUNDRED and fifty years ago Moses
Cleveland, coming out of Connecticut,
foresaw that a community built on the shore
of Lake Erie, midway between the Atlantic
seaboard and the Mississippi river would be-
come one of the most important industrial
cities of the United States.
Today greater Cleveland with its popula-
tion of 1,300,000 persons, its factories num-
bering 3,000 and its industries doing an esti-
mated annual business of 1214 billion dollars,
is a living testimonial to his foresightedness.
During this 150 years Cleveland’s growth
has been gradual — from the slow-paced for-
est city of trees and stately homes and
small merchants when an evening’s enter-
tainment consisted of walk to the corner drug
store for a soda to a city of smoke stacks,
where industry provides goods that are sent
to every corner of the world.
Unlike many large cities, Cleveland’s in-
dustry is diversified. Lake shipping early be-
came a leading industry. M. A. Hanna, of
political and financial fame was a figure of
importance in establishing Cleveland as a
coal shipping center. John D. Rockefeller
started his oil company here. Nearby Paines-
ville, the home of President James A. Gar-
field, is still the home of the Garfield family
Steel products from tiny screws to heavj
mining machinery are made here. Midway
between New York and Chicago, Cleveland
is the east-west passenger and transportation
center of the country, both overland and by
air travel. The volume of air traffic, as given
out by the office of Major Berry, head of the
Cleveland airport, is the biggest in the United
States. In 1946 the Cleveland airport cleared
1,200,000 passengers. During that year, Cleve-
land airport handled 475,000 operations, with
La Guardia Field in New York, its closest
competitor, handling 196,382 operations.
TN SPITE of its growth, the city has con-
sistently maintained its rural way of living.
People own their own homes. They take
pride in their property. They are not con-
stantly on the march for entertainment be-
This great city of smokestacks
and culture is looking forward
to continued growth ... in
which the film industry will
play an important part.
cause of crowded living conditions. For this
reason Cleveland is known among the the-
atrical profession as a dud show town. From
the days when the town boasted one legiti-
mate theatre to the present day of one
legitimate theatre, one burlesque, 106 movies
and an endless number of night clubs, Cleve-
landers are entertainment shoppers — with
most of it concentrated over the weekends.
Like the city itself, the motion pictures
have grown from humble nickelodeon begin-
nings to be one of the mighty forces in the
educational and communal life of the city,
with the Cleveland public library, the
schools, and the women’s clubs supporting
pictures of educational and cultural value and
fostering junior cinema clubs to further film
discrimination among the young.
Forty years ago pioneer exhibitors like
Sam Bullock, Max Lefkowich, M. B. Horwitz,
Ernest Schwartz and other oldtimers didn’t
worry about runs, clearances, extended runs,
censor boards. They did worry about taxes,
however, and they long ago formed the Ex-
hibitors’ league, forerunner of the Cleveland
Motion Picture Exhibitors’ Ass’n. To go into
business they rented a store, put in some
kitchen chairs and ran a program of shorts
for a nickel admission. Henry Lustig’s Ave-
nue Theatre on Euclid avenue near Fourth
street was that kind of “theatre.”
Joe Grossman, now in California, built the
first theatre in Cleveland especially designed
to show films. It is the Standard Theatre
on Prospect avenue, now a Community circuit
house playing a grind policy. But back in
the old days, the Standard was a de luxe
film palace, with life-size painting of the
current stars of the day — Mary Pickford,
Theda Bara, William and Dustin Farnum,
Wally Reid — just to mention a few.
Then came the trend east, with the Knick-
erbocker and the Alhambra playing the lead-
ing theatre roles. Emanuel “Uncle Manny”
Mandelbaum, Mark Greenbaum, Fred Des-
berg, were names associated with these
houses. In turn, the Spitalny brothers— J.
Leopold, Phil and Maurice — occupied the
Knickerbocker pit.
With the coming of the film palaces 25 to
30 years ago, the business shifted downtown
once again. The Stillman, Euclid, Allen,
State and Palace were built, at a cost of many
millions. The Hippodrome was built about
1916 to house big stage spectacles, but it
eventually became the home of vaudeville,
later turning its leadership in this field over
to the Palace which E. F. Albee built as a
monument to B. F. Keith, the father of vaude-
ville.
The Allens of Canada were the original
owners of the Allen Theatre, but not for long.
Product scarcity prevailed even then. S. Bar-
ret McCormick, manager, made a valiant
but vain effort to divert the patrons from
(Continued on page 22)
Warners' Hippodrome, Largest First Run
Lower Mall, Plays Foreign Films Telenews Theatre
Warners' Lake, Moveover House
HARRY GOLDSTEIN
Paramount District Manager
SAUL FRIFIELD
Paramount Branch Manager
OSCAR RUBY
Columbia Branch Manager
JERRY WECHSLER
Warner Branch Manager
HARRY WALDERS MILTON COHEN
RKO Branch Manager RKO District Manager
I. J. SCHMERTZ (L). 20th Century-Fox Branch Manager
With (L to R) JOE COSLEY. FRANK HUNT. SAM LICHTER
LEFT: MARK GOLDMAN (seated), PRC branch manager, with Jack Greiner,
booker; George Bennett, publicity; Gordon Bugie, salesman, and the girls;
CENTER: The MGM crew, Nativa Roberts and Mollye Davis, seated, and Mildred
Flower, Louise Jade, George Tarassolf, Elsie Wilson and Anne Vickers;
JACK SOGG (R). MGM Manager NAT BARACH (R) , Nat'l Screen
DORSEY BROWN, Office Manager AUGUST ILG, Lorain Exhibitor
NATE SCHULTZ (C) . Monogram franchise holder,
Flankod by SAM SCHULTZ and NATE GERSON
RIGHT: At Paramount. Chris Lasher. Sally Katz. Rose Brown, Alice Schwaegerel,
Cyril Ryder, Anne Stromak. Evelyn Finger, Esther Voelker, Colleta Green. Vir-
ginia Baker, with Bob Zehrung, cashier, on extreme left, and on the right,
George Bressler, office manager.
MAX COHEN (L), U-I Manager BERNIE RUBIN (L), JOHN URBAN-
HERB HORSTMEIER, Office Mgr. SKY JR. (C), of Imperial Films.
LAURA KOVACH. Secretary with CASEY WEIN of IATSE
NORMAN LEVINE. Republic manager (L) and three United Artists
chiefs — JOE KRENETZ, city salesman; MATT GOODMAN, district
manager; MOE DUDELSON, district manager.
look by look
Kiss by Kiss,
HARD-BOILED REALISM THAT MAKES YOU
: . - .,7; v":v V"; v:'.
GASP -THIS SAVAGE DRAMA OF LIFE IN
THE RAW, WITH THE SCREEN’S “DILLINGER”
AS THE COLDEST KILLER A WOMAN
EVER LOVED, AND BEAUTEOUS CLAIRE
AS A FEMALE EVEN “DEADLIER
THAN THE MALE/
NATIONALLY ADVERTISED
with full page ads in LIFE — LOOK —
SATURDAY EVENING POST - LIBERTY,
and FAN MAGAZINES— -to a total circula-
tion of 21 ,857,396.
mm
PRESENTS
NCE CLAIRE WALTER
TIERNEY TREVOR -SLEZAK
BOHN m 111'
with
PHILLIP TERRY • AUDREY LONG
Produced by HERMAN SCHLOM • Directed by ROBERT WISE
Screen Play by EVE GREENE and RICHARD MACAULAY
JULIUS LAMM. Manager HOWARD HIGLEY (L), Mgr. of Allen EDDIE MILLER, Manager CHARLES BURRIS. Telenews Manager
Warners' Uptown Theatre RAY PORRIS. Asst. Manager Warners' Hippodrome FRANK KOZA (L), Asst. Manager
NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY'S Martha Loeffler. Betty
Rubin. Branch Manager Frank Masek and Jack Watts.
The smiles are lor recent business.
AT NATIONAL SCREEN SERVICE with Nat Barach (R).
manager, George Kendis. Ramona Welson. Hazel Mack,
Frances Graham and Eleanor Drapp.
VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 16mm firm. Margaret Mac-
say and Genevieve Burdel (seated), and (1. to r.) Harry
Urbansky. James Goodwin, Robert Huber, Bernie Payne.
(Continued from page 18)
poor screen fare by mighty stage presenta-
tions. So the Allen became a link in the
chain that Ed Strong, Fred Desberg, “Uncle
Manny” Mandelbaum and A1 Freedman were
forging, later to become units in the national
Loew circuit.
THIRTY YEARS AGO the film center ex-
tended from the Columbia building on the
Square where the Warner freres held forth
with some independent state right product,
to the Triangle building at Huron and Pros-
pect roads where Max Schachtel, Art Schmidt
and George W. Erdmann operated the Uni-
versal exchange, a state rights affair. The
Belmont building on the south side of Pros-
pect avenue and the Standard building on
the north side, were de luxe locations, where
Paramount opened its first Cleveland ex-
change.
Twenty-five years ago the industry moved,
bag and baggage, to the present Film build-
ing at Payne avenue and East 21st street.
All exchanges were under one roof and it
was all very cozy from the eighth floor oc-
cupied by Pathe to the Landy exchange on
the second floor. But as more theatres were
built to entertain more movie-minded audi-
ences, the exchanges outgrew their limited
space. They erected their own buildings so
that Filmrow is now an impressive line of
buildings extending to East 24th street. To-
day the only exchanges in the Film build-
ing are Columbia, Film Classics, Republic,
Monogram, Imperial and Eagle-Lion-PRC.
The Cleveland Motion Picture Exhibitors
Ass’n is one of the oldest in the country.
It is more than 30 years old. It was originally
called the Exhibitors league and its members
met regularly in the Colonial hotel and in
rooms over the Star Theatre, to gripe about
industry practices and to present a solid front
against encroachments on their investments.
Unique in organization practice was the as-
sociation unity to ban double features
throughout Cleveland for one year. It was
100 per cent successful, but was never re-
peated. Association leaders have numbered
Jack Harwood, Henry Lustig, O. E. Belles
and Ernest Schwartz . now serving his 13th
consecutive term as president. George W.
Erdmann had entered his 21st year as secre-
tary of the CMPEA when he died last month.
Co-ops, the newest style of wholesale film
buying, broke on the local horizon about four
years ago when Milt Mooney organized Co-
LEFT: Barney Nelson's Film Grill, where the big deals are made.
JOE LEAVITT
IATSE Veteran
Independent Screenings
GILBERT LEFTON
President
Academy Film Service
H. M. FRITCHLE, Manager
Oliver Theatre Supply
Peggy Cowhig, Secretary
22
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
FILMROWS OF AMERICA
Operative Theatres of Ohio. They said it
would never be a success. Today he employs
six bookers to handle his more than 100 ac-
counts.
(Continued)
LOEWS THEATRES: Charles Raymond (seated),
Loew's district manager, with (1. to r.) Cleveland's
house managers — Arnold Gates, Stillman Theatre;
Howard Burkhart, recently transferred to the Mid-
land in Kansas City; Maurice Druker, who succeeded
WARNER THEATRES: "Uncle" Nat Wolf, zone man-
ager (seated) surrounded by the executive staff for
the Cleveland area. Left to right: Marvin Samuel-
son, Lou Ratener, Tony Stern, D. Leonard Halper,
Dick Wright, Robert Giles, J. Knox Strachan and Bud
TWTANAGERS may come and managers may
go, but in Cleveland most of them stay
on for years. Nat Wolf just celebrated his
15th year as Warner zone manager. I. J.
Schmertz has headed the 20th-Fox branch
for almost 18 years. Jack Sogg has 20 years
credit as MGM city salesman and branch
manager. Nate Schultz started as shipper
with the old Lande Film exchange and now
owns the Monogram franchise for northern
Ohio. Saul Frifield has been Paramount
manager for the past five years and Harry
Goldstein has been Paramount district man-
ager for 13 years. Others who are veterans
in local movie service include Matt Goodman
of United Artists, Frank Hunt of 20th-Fox
now in his 26th year with the company, Otto
Braeunig of RKO, Howard Roth of Para-
mount, Eddie Bergman of PRC, Nat Barach
of NSS, Herb Horstmeier of Universal and
Oscar Ruby, now playing a return engage-
ment at Columbia, having previously been
Pathe branch manager here. Joe Leavitt, a
charter member of Local 160 IATSE, must
be included among the movie oldtimers.
Cleveland is now a city of circuits. Loew,
RKO and Warners operate all of the down-
town first run houses, numbering seven, with
the Lower Mall breaking into the first run
picture with foreign pictures and with road-
show engagements of ‘‘Henry V” and “The
Best Years of Our Lives.”
There are 106 movie theatres in operation
in the greater Cleveland area; 14 are affili-
ated. This includes the new Warner Vogue
Theatre in Shaker Heights, scheduled to
open in May. Of the remaining 91 houses,
most of the them belong to the Associated
circuit, headed by Meyer Fine, John D. Kala-
fat, Abe Kramer, John Urbansky sr., Sam
Stecker; the Community circuit, headed by
Henry Greenberger and Max Lefkowich; the
Washington circuit, headed by M. B. Horwitz;
the Scoville, Essick & Reif circuit, headed by
P. E. Essick, James E. Scoville and Howard
Reif; the Frank Gross circuit and the Paul
Gusdanovic circuit.
In volume of film business, the district
which includes Cleveland, Cincinnati and
Detroit, rates third in the country.
No Cleveland story is complete without
mention of the Telenews Theatre which is
unique in this neck of the woods. In addi-
tion to the newsreel programs, the theatre
has a downstairs lounge where paying guests
may sit and read the latest magazines, listen
to broadcasts from a specially constructed
booth, view changing art exhibits, or just rest
,in comfortable lounge chairs.
CLEVELAND has not reached its full growth.
Chamber of Commerce statistics show that
Cleveland began 1947 with 125 new manufac-
turing facilities, with expanded facilities in
507 firms. These new companies, during the
current year, reportedly have an annual pay-
roll of $3,520,700. W. J. Vanden Bosch, busi-
ness analyst of the Chamber of Commerce,
reports that industrial employment is within
80 to 90 per cent of the wartime peak. Weekly
payrolls of the estimated 216,000 hourly-paid
workers just misses $10,000,000, he reports.
The report is based on a monthly survey of
100 representative manufacturing plants.
Newest member of the Filmrow colony is
Academy Film Service, Inc., in the Warner
building, where Gilbert Lefton specializes in
16mm equipment of all kinds as well as the
sale and rental of 16mm films.
The old style curbstone conduct of the film
business has disappeared, in favor of the
lunchroom technique. Almost everybody in
the industry passes through Barney Nelson’s
Film grill in the Film building in the course
of a day and the biggest deals are discussed
across the lunch tables.
Photos by Harry Kaufman
Burkhart; A. Ludacer, Park, and Edward Richardson, Gilliam. Warners have six theatres in Cleveland and
Granada. 28 theatres in Ohio.
ASSOCIATED THEATRES: Snapped at a staff confer-
ence, left to right: Sam Stecker, Leroy Kendis, Abe
Kramer, John Urbansky and Meyer Fine, vice-presi-
dent and general manager.
COMMUNITY THEATRES: Max Lefkowich, president,
and his associates. Left to right: Harold Greenberger,
Leo Greenberger, Henry Greenberger, Bert Lefko-
wich and Leonard Greenberger.
SCOVILLE, ESSICK & REIF: The happy SE&F family,
left to right, includes John Achen, auditor; Mary Max-
well, secretary; George Blazer, accountant; “Zig"
Templeton, Ray Essick, Howard Reif, Jack Essick and
(seated) P. E. Essie!:. Jim Scoville was vacationing
when the cameraman was around.
COOPERATIVE THEATRES: Milt Mooney (seated left)
started the co-op buying firm when the idea was new
in Ohio. Now his staff consists of H. E. McManus
(seated) and (left to right), Fred Scheuerman, How-
ard Spiess, Grace McKee. Stella Smietanka, Mike
Blattner and Mike Levin.
M. B. HORWITZ
Washington Circuit
General Manager
HARRY SCHREIBER
Manager
RKO Theatres
MEYER FINE
General Manager, Associated
With young Errol Fine
Next in the "Filmrows of America" series: Detroit
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
23
PJRIC JOHNSTON, president of the Motion
Picture Ass’n, talked with Rep. J. Parnell
Thomas, chairman of the house un-American
activities committee this week and pledged
the “full cooperation” of that part of the
motion picture industry which the MPA rep-
resents in the investigation which will com-
mence next week in Hollywood.
Parnell Thomas is heading the sub-com-
mittee which will look very “extensively” into
all phases of the motion picture industry with
a view to uncovering possible infusion of
Communist ideas into commercial films. Also
the committee will concern itself with the
activities of Hans Eisler, brother of Gerhard,
alleged top Russian agent in this country.
Although Johnston earlier had expressed
belief that any investigation of Communism
in Hollywood would uncover little or noth-
ing in the way of effective influence on
motion pictures, he revealed to Representative
Thomas that the industry is ready and will-
ing to help uncover anything which might
exist where Communist subversive tactics are
undermining the American motion picture.
* * *
GOP STEAM ROLLER is being heated up
here to stampede Congress into adjourning
by July 20. Reasoning seems to be to get
out of town and stay out until January so
the spotlight will shift to the White House.
While Congress stays in session it gets all the
criticism, right or wrong. Truman’s popu-
larity has been rising while they have been
in session. GOP thinks people may start
blaming him (Truman) when any more bad
breaks occur.
If this quick adjournment takes place most
important legislation will not be passed this
session. The Republican policy committee,
however, definitely will try passing the fol-
lowing bills before they leave: Tax reduction
union control, federal aid to education, hous-
ing decontrol and presidential succession.
* * *
REP. HAROLD KNUTSON, chairman of
the ways and means committee of the house,
charged that the “President is playing parti-
san politics with the tax situation.”
The tax reduction bill which will go through
Congress soon probably will not include any
relief from admission taxes. Republicans are
looking ahead to 1948 vote count, therefore
any tax reduction will undoubtedly be mostly
personal income taxes.
Knutson asserted that he thought the ad-
ministration was trying to stall tax relief
until next year, an election year, thereby
getting credit for any reduction themselves.
“So long as taxes remain where they are,”
said Knutson, “there can be no incentive
for anyone to risk money in new ventures
and new business which will make more jobs.
Small business is under a great handicap.
When taxes are taken into consideration, the
returns are far too small by comparison with
the risks involved. The field thus is left to
the larger corporations, and that makes for
more and bigger monopolies.”
* • •
ANOTHER NATIONAL FIGURE striking
at big business is Wilson Harder, president
of the National Federation of Small Business,
who said that “most of today’s prices were
being held at artificially high levels by giant
corporations controlling whole industries.”
Harder called on President Truman to more
vigorously enforce the antitrust laws to bring
back competitive price levels.
Attorney General Tom Clark announced
a decision to cut appropriation requests of
— By LEE GARLING
the antitrust division of the Justice depart-
ment. Harder has protested this move of
Clark's as a method of stifling free competi-
tion in industry.
Harder pointed out to President Truman in
a telegram that “the National Federation of
Small Business has the largest individual
membership of any business organization in
America.” Included in the membership of
the association are many motion picture ex-
hibitors.
* * *
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES has
passed the housing bill which will end all
curbs on commercial building. Amusement
construction can still be held up, however, if
local agencies certify to material shortages.
The senate has not acted yet on their version
of the bill and anything can still happen.
Truman may veto it even though the bill
contains continuance of rent control.
Meanwhile, Housing Expediter Frank R.
Creedon announced that applications for sur-
plus war material and equipment will no
longer be accepted. He stated that the reason
for the action was due to the fact that pro-
duction of many building materials and equip-
ment are rapidly coming into balance with
demand, and that stocks of surplus war sup-
plies are beginning to dwindle.
Creedon pointed out that millions of dol-
lars worth of surplus materials and equip-
ment have been channeled into the housing
program through the use of the certificates.
Effect of this on construction of new thea-
tres will increase costs. Many prospective
exhibitors just granted permits for new thea-
tres counted on using some surplus material
and equipment.
* * *
SECRETARY OF STATE MARSHALL is
expected to put up one of his most strenuous
fights in or out of the army, when he goes
before the appropriation committee of the
house to protest the recommended cut in
his department.
The cut will reduce his staff about 25
per cent, virtually eliminating the much
discussed office of international information
and culture. GOP congressmen have been
gunning for this agency, which they call a
propaganda mill, for a long time.
Assistant Secretary of State Benton will
be the hardest hit if this goes through. It is
his office that administers that part of State
activities. Included are the educational films
which are sent to foreign countries by the
State department. Benton may still be able
to squeeze enough money out of his budget
to still send some, but with a cut of 2,800
employes he won’t have anybody to do the
work. It is estimated 100,000,000 persons see
the documentary films of the State depart-
ment each year.
Cut also by the appropriations committee
report is the Commerce department. Although
not quite as severely, about 7 per cent, Com-
merce will lose a lot of employes. Nathan D.
Golden, Commerce department motion pic-
ture consultant and his one secretary are not
expected to be affected.
* * *
THE INTERNAL REVENUE BUREAU re-
ports tax receipts for March were $33,223,139.
March a year ago they were $36,274,650. This
is an approximate three million dollar drop.
This may be first indication on a national
scale of the beginning of the much-talked-of
recession. Despite the fact that admissions
were slightly over last year’s figures for
January and February, admissions have
dropped off enough now to indicate that the
peak has passed.
U.S. Films Dominate
In 4 MPEA Areas
NEW YORK — American product is domi-
inating playing time in Holland, Czechoslo-
vakia, Hungary and Romania, according to
reports received by
Irving Maas, vice-
president and general
manager of the Mo-
tion Picture Export
Ass’n. Since the MPEA
has taken over distri-
bution in these areas,
competition from other
foreign countries and
native product has
been completely over-
come, the reports in-
dicate. The wide ac-
ceptance of U.S. pic-
tures has been attrib-
IRVING MAAS uted to the MPEA’s
careful selection of the
best of the film crop and the lack of suf-
ficient product from other countries, including
Russia, Britain and France.
HOLLAND SINCE JANUARY
In Holland, where MPEA releases have been
playing since January of this year, Hollywood
pictures are now playing first run and sub-
sequent houses in every major city. In all
key cities in Czechoslovakia product of the
MPEA member companies has consistently
played from seven to nine first run houses at
one time, since the first of this year. The
association began distributing in Czechoslo-
vakia, October 1946.
MPEA releases also are dominating the
Budapest first runs, with Hollywood films
playing in ten out of 13 houses during some
weeks. The association began distribution in
Hungary the latter part of last year. Since
the early part of 1947, when new product was
brought into the country, the American film
position has steadily improved, according to
the MPEA. Hollywood pictures play on the
average four out of six of the Budapest move-
over houses.
ROMANIA FOR PAST MONTH
The association has been releasing product
to Romania for the past month. Despite de-
laying import restrictions and customs rul-
ings, Hollywood films are gaining playing
time. During the week ending April 5 a total
of eight MPEA releases were showing in
Bucharest, compared to four pictures released
by other countries. The MPEA reports first
run attendance at American pictures in
Bucharest has about doubled since the pre-
war years.
Theatre Building Booms
Since New CPA Order
WASHINGTON— Recent action of the Ci-
vilian Production administration in approving
hundreds of applications has resulted in a
heavy increase of new theatre construction
activity throughout the nation. Hundreds of
other theatres are in the planning stage with
the start of construction awaiting only CPA
approval, which is still being withheld in some
sections of the cquntry where the shortage
of building material continues.
Meanwhile, relaxation by tire government of
a construction limitation order proved of
benefit to many commercial construction
projects including drive-in theatres and mo-
tion picture studio sets. The Office of the
Housing Expediter announced government au-
thorization no longer will be required for lay-
ing concrete surface or bases for drive-in
theatres. Single motion picture sets 10,000
square feet or smaller with a construction
price ceiling of $15,000 now are permitted.
Heretofore this size set was exempt, only if
the cost was less than $1,000.
24
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
NEW YORK TIMES, MAY 4, 1947
SOON! TO BE BROUGHT TO THE SCREEN BY
PRODUCED BY DARRYL F. ZANUCK
STARRING GREGORY PECK • DOROTHY McGUIRE
SCREEN PLAY TO BE WRITTEN BY MOSS HART
CENTURY-FOX
TO BE DIRECTED BY ELIA KAZAN
RKO Plans to Experiment
With Low-Budget Films
NEW YORK — RKO Radio’s entire program
for the following 18 months will be an-
nounced at the company’s July convention,
according to Dore Schary, executive vice-
president in charge of production, who made
his first visit to the east since assuming his
new post early this year. Schary, who is here
to attend conferences with home office ex-
ecutives on the 1947-48 program, said that
RKO will produce at least 12 A pictures for
'47-48, added to the independent produc-
tions released under the RKO banner. There
will also be a number of low-budget pictures
which Schary feels “should be experimental
in nature and give opportunity to new writ-
ers, directors and actors.” One of these, “The
Boy With the Green Hair,” is an antiwar
fantasy which is always “very difficult to pro-
ject on the screen,” and another is “Set-Up,”
a prizefight story, which will be filmed with
a continuous flow of action, much in the
manner of a stage play. RKO will also con-
tinue producing westerns for the 1947-48
program.
COSTS AT A PEAK
“Production costs have reached their peak,”
according to Schary, who believes that a drop
in costs can be achieved without severe re-
trenchment by everybody sharing the re-
sponsibility for making the pictures in less
time. As an example, Schary mentioned
“Cross-Fire,” recently completed by Director
Edward Dmytryk in 23 days’ shooting time,
which will be the first completed picture to
deal with anti-Semitism. He described the
picture as one of the “most daring” ever
made and a splendid plea for tolerance and
understanding.
“The screen is now beginning to grow up
and develop a point of view,” Schary said,
“and I would prefer to see RKO out in front,
shaping the product instead of following pat-
terns set by other producing companies.”
Schary believes that, by demonstrating a
progressive spirit, it is possible to attract
writers and directors with imagination.
“Some of their ideas may not be practical,
but the whole effect is stimulating. There are
many intelligent adult subjects not yet
DORE SCHARY
touched upon which have nothing to do with
censorship,” he said.
Gangster films, such as RKO’s own “Born
to Kill,” are doomed to oblivion, according
to Schary, who believes that the public is
becoming tired of violence merely for the
sake of violence. Schary also feels that we
are still too close to the late conflict for any
new war pictures. After the first world war,
the public was not ready to accept war films
until “The Big Parade” was released during
1925, he said, and it may take even longer
this time for people to forget the horrors of
the last war. However, when the public is
ready, he feels that the screen will have an
opportunity to mobilize public opinion against
potential dangers.
RKO now has 18 completed and unreleased
pictures in its backlog with five others shoot-
ing and four more set to go into production
during the next six weeks, Schary said.
Consider Exchanges
For Commercials
NEW YORK — The Association of National
Advertisers is investigating the possibility of
setting up a single distribution organization
for all the producers of commercial shorts.
The idea, according to Thomas Hope, chief
of the motion picture section of General Mills,
would be to establish branches in the 31 ex-
change cities. Management of the organi-
zation would be in the hands, either of a
cooperative group or a private company.
This point is still under discussion.
The commercial department of RKO Pathe
is all for the plan, said Phillip B. Nichols,
general manager.
The present distribution of commercial
films is “chaotic,” he said. Commercial films
need a coordinating association to put them
into every available projector.
Today, added Nichols, there are 40,000 to
50,000 projectors for 16mm film. Localities
which averaged less than 2,000 showings an-
nually before 1941 are now asking for 5,000.
A national distribution agency would be
able to service these markets, comprising ex-
hibitors, educational bodies and industrial
plants, he said.
FROM THE FILES OF
QHARLES “BUDDY” ROGERS of Olathe,
Kas., has been selected to play the lead-
ing part opposite Mary Pickford in a forth-
coming production. Rogers got his start in
pictures through the Paramount school and
immediately won favorable notice in “Fasci-
nating Youth.” He played opposite Clara Bow
in “Wings,” a Paramount war production.
While a student at the University of Kansas
two years ago, Rogers defrayed expenses
playing the drums in a college orchestra.
* * *
Phil Reisman will head Pathe distribution.
He is a veteran Paramount executive . . .
Dan Michalove of Atlanta has been appoint-
ed general manager of the Universal Chain
Theatres Corp., with a five-year contract and
an estimated salary and percentage of $100,-
000 a year.
* * *
The flood crisis in the St. Louis area has
passed after the worst floods in the history
of the Mississippi valley. It is estimated
that 150 persons lost their lives; 250,000 were
forced to abandon their homes and the prop-
erty loss may reach $250,000,000. May 7 has
been selected for flood relief shows by the
Hays organization, which has promised free
pictures to those exhibitors who will donate
their receipts to the Red Cross.
* * *
MGM will distribute a series of two-reel
films dealing with dramatic incidents in his-
tory. Such personages as Betsy Ross, Napo-
leon and Buffalo Bill will be illustrative mate-
rial and the process will be Technicolor. The
plan is to take six reels of thrills and boil
them down to about 2,000 feet.
* * *
Paramount’s list of new junior stars: James
Hall, Richard Arlen, Louise Brooks, Nancy
Phillips, Sally Blane. Jesse L. Lasky has
cast all five in one picture: “Rolled Stock-
ings.”
First Grierson Short Set
NEW YORK — “Wonder Eye,” first in a
series of short subjects produced by John
Grierson’s World Today, Inc., will be released
May 16 and will be distributed by UA.
RECEIVING THEIR CITATIONS — This was the scene when three of the coun-
try’s top exhibitors were presented with Presidential certificates of merit. Left to
right are: E. V. Richards jr., New Orleans, president of Paramount-Richards Corp.;
S. H. Fabian, president of Fabian Theatres; Robert Wilby of Atlanta, president of
Wilby-Kincey Service Corp. The presentations were made on behalf of the President
by the undersecretary of the navy, John L. Sullivan (right). At Sullivan’s right is
Captain Fitzhugh Lee, his aide.
26
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
&i/Us&s 0^ 'T^/c&fas arupC
^/>is M£ HOMESrtETCH
A glorious romance
that hits all the high spots
of the world . . . set against the
breathless excitement of the
world’s most famous racing classics !
CORNEL WILDE
tel
L
1
ll
¥/
1
m
\ ll j1
Technicolor
with
Glenn Langan • Helen Walker
James Gleason • Henry Stephenson
Margaret Bannerman • Ethel Griff ies • Tommy Cook
Directed by BRUCE HUMBERSTONE
Produced by ROBERT BASSLER.
Original Screen Play by Wanda Tuchock
THERE’S NO COMPANY WITH SUCH GREAT TECHNICOLOR TRIUMPHS AS
BOB, SON OF BATTLE In Technicolor • FOREVER AMBER In Technicolor • MOTHER WORE TIGHTS In Technicolor
I WONDER WHO’S KISSING HER NOW In Technicolor • CAPTAIN FROM CASTILE In Technicolor
2oit
CENTURY-FOX
Si
PRINTED IN U. S. A.
By IVAN SPEAR
Subjects Widely Varied
In Booming Story Mart
Wide variety of subjects and purchasers,
rather than the quality of the purchases,
characterized Hollywood’s still-booming story
market.
Edward Gross, who deserted the ranks of
Hollywood production executives some years
ago for a try at stage play producing on
Broadway, revealed his intentions to return
to the celluloid vineyards by acquiring the
screen rights to “Mrs. Mike," by Benedict and
Nancy Freedman. While he has no release
set for the picture, he says it will be in pro-
duction ere year’s end . . . Indicating that
still another mummer may turn producer.
Comedienne Vera Vague toook an option on
the book “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day,”
by Winifred Watson. La Vague was attracted
to the property because its title character so
closely resembles the parts she portrays on
screen and radio — despite which, she says,
she has the financial backing to produce
the picture independently . . . Harry Sher-
man, whose plans to cinematically mix cactus
and chili peppers are outlined elsewhere on
this page, bought “Ring Horse,” a novel by
Thomas W. Duncan. It, too, goes on Sher-
man’s 1948 Enterprise slate. Yarn has small
town locale and has three starring parts, a
young lawyer, an old clown and a ten-year-old
girl.
Paramount Sharecroppers Pine-Thomas
bought “The Man Who Stole a Dream,” by
L. S. Goldsmith. The story appeared in Pic
magazine and deals with a criminal who gains
access to the files of a psychologist, which
gives him possession of the personal secrets of
the doctor’s patients. P-T engaged Whitman
Chambers to do the screenplay. The same
Dollar Bills went for another yarn, “Special
Agent,” by Milton Raison, story about a
railroad dick . . . Producers Releasing Corp.
purchased an original story called “Angel
With an Anklet” from Dorcas Cochran and
signed the author to write the screenplay.
It deals with the experiences of airline hos-
tesses . . . “Chimes of Santa Catalina,” an
original by Martin Van Laas, went to Repub-
lic as the initial Roy Rogers starrer in Tru-
color on the studio’s 1947-48 program. It is a
modern mystery melodrama with a western
background.
and treatment have been assigned to Ladislas
Fodor. Lewis Milestone will produce and
direct.
‘Lewis and Clark' Set
For RKO Production
Those hardy trail blazers, Messrs. Meri-
wether Lewis and William Clark, who in-
dulged in a spot of transcontinental explor-
ing back in 1805, are once again going to have
their hardships and exploits brought to the
screen. Dore Schary, vice-president in charge
of production at RKO Radio, has scheduled
an adventure picture — to be titled, strange-
ly enough, “Lewis and Clark”— as one of the
top budgeters on the studio’s 1948 production
slate. Ernest Pascal has been signed to write
the screenplay and Stephen Ames will pro-
duce.
Plan Trucolor Process
On 3 Autry Westerns
Also newsworthy as concerns spurs-and-
lariats production plans is the disclosure of
a contract through which Trucolor will be
used on three of the musical westerns Gene
Autry will make under his own banner for
Columbia release. The Columbia deal with
Autry Productions call for eight tuneful gal-
lopers during the coming two years. Kickoff
film will be in black and white and the
following trio, first of which will be “The
Strawberry Roan,” will be given the tint
process.
LeRoy to Direct Gable
In New Film at MGM
Mervyn LeRoy’s initial assignment under
his new long-term MGM contract will be
to direct Clark Gable in Sidney Kingsley’s
“The Homecoming of Ulysses,” written ex-
pressly for Gable by the playwright . . . An-
other megging chore at Leo’s lair finds Curtis
Bernhardt signed for “The High Wall,” star-
ring Robert Taylor . . . Andrew Solt has
been engaged by Walter Wanger to work
on the screenplay of the Bergman-Fleming-
Wanger production based on the life of Joan
of Arc, which MGM will release . . . Norman
TO PRODUCE 'CARMEN'
IN WESTERN STYLE
Let those skeptics who hold that for
the time-honored western there is noth-
ing new under the sun (and that doesn’t
mean Selznick’s “Duel in the Sun”) for-
ever hold their peace. Their cynical
tongues should be stilled with the news
that the tried-and-true sagebrush saga
is going operatic, nothing less.
It’s Harry Sherman, veteran producer
of outdoor action pictures, who comes
forth with the formula-shattering idea.
Sherman is going to use the opera “Car-
men” as the basis of a high-budget west-
ern to be filmed in Technicolor on his
1948 production schedule for Enterprise
release. Writing of an original screen-
play based on Verdi’s immortal classic
has been assigned Graham Baker and
Teddi Sherman, the producer’s daughter.
Instead of a toreador, our hero will be
a cowpoke — of the crooning variety, no
doubt. And the title role of “Carmen
of the West” — that’s the tentative tag —
will be a dance hall gal instead of a
toiler in a cigaret mill. From then on,
almost anything can happen — and prob-
ably will.
As to the bull, nothing was said by
Sherman’s press agent. Daring Dave Ep-
stein, who revealed the producer’s revo-
lutionary idea. But, blurbers, when quali-
fied, have been known to double in brass
—and in this case qualification is self-
evident.
Z. McLeod was inked by Paramount to direct
Bob Hope’s next, “Paleface,” which will be
filmed in Technicolor. Robert Welch is the
producer . . . “G-Men Never Forget” has
been selected as the next in Republic’s series
of 13 -chapter serials. Fred Brannon and
Spencer Bennett were set to co-direct for
Associate Producer Mike Frankovich . . .
Jules Dassin was chosen to direct Producer
Mark Hellinger’s “Homicide” for Universal-
International release . . . Curt Siodmak and
James Gunn will write the screenplay for
“The Persian Cat,” an original by John
Larkin which William Jacobs will produce for
Warner . . . Signed to a writer-producer pact
by 20th-Fox was Edward Chodorov, formerly
a scrivener at MGM.
Martin Mooney to Produce
‘Hijackers' at Columbia
If Producer Martin Mooney, whose hat
currently is hanging on a Columbia peg,
doesn’t run out of years, he’s a cinch to go
down in history as the film maker whose
activities covered every racket known to mod-
ern man and many of the penal repercussions
thereof. Just added to his slate at the Gower
Gulch film bazaar — and the second to which
he has been assigned since joining Columbia
— is a newcomer entitled “The Hijackers,” a
yarn of diesel-powered grand larceny on the
highways. Matthew Rapf is doing the orig-
inal screenplay . . . Another newie at the
same studio is a proposed screen version of
Robert Louis Stevenson’s book, “Silverado
Squatters,” handed to the team of Ted Rich-
mond and Robert Cohn to produce from a
screenplay from the typewriter of Tom Kil-
patrick ... A third Columbia assignment
has Aubrey Wisberg scribbling the screenplay
for “The Wreck of the Hesperus,” from Long-
fellow’s poem . . . Enterprise plans a Tech-
nicolor picture based on the classic operetta,
“Tales of Hoffman,” by Offenbach. Being
considered is the possibility of modernizing
period and locale of the story. Screenplay
AFTER THE SIGNING — Jack Jungmeyer, writer; Edward Alperson, producer
with 20th-Fox; Harold Schuster, director, and Joe E. Brown after they had reached
an agreement in Chicago for Brown to appear in “The Tender Years.” Brown will
take time out from the stage play, “Harvey.”
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
29
(ol THIS IS THE FOURTEENTH IN A SERIES OF UNITED ARTISTS ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE TRADE
W HEN we call a motion picture "a natural”,
we mean it hits the target from any and every
angle. It is the belief of United Artists that
THE MACOMBER AFFAIR starring Gregory
Peck, Joan Bennett and Robert Preston, and
whose story is from the hard-hitting best-
selling pen of Ernest Hemingway, is “a natural”
— the best from every angle. What could be
more “natural” then that the producer of
THE MACOMBER AFFAIR, and coming
outstanding great hits, CHRISTMAS EVE
and A MIRACLE CAN HAPPEN,
Benedict Bogeaus releases thru United Artists.
<§>J
Artists
.
Since 1919, to foster the best
>-
o
<U
independent combinations
—
of producer, cast and story,
mmi
a — d
and with superior sales man-
power, to offer for distribu-
o
W
tion, motion pictures for the
Cl.
c
best possible boxoffice success
<
D
A TRADITION
•
1
Benedict Bogeaus presents
GREGORY PECK JOAN BENNETT
in Ernest Hemingway’s
"THE MACOMBER AFFAIR”
also starring ROBERT PRESTON
with Reginald Denny * Jean Gillie
Screenplay by Casey Robinson and Seymour Bennett
Adaptation by Seymour Bennett and Frank Arnold
Produced by BENEDICT BOGEAUS and CASEY ROBINSON
Directed by ZOLTAN KORDA
i
STUDIOS SCHEDULE 63 FILMS
FOR PRODUCTION DURING MAY
HOLLYWOOD — Prognosticating what Hol-
lywood is to do productionwise for any en-
suing 30-day period is unto itself consider-
able of a hit-or-miss chore, without the ad-
ditional hazard of trying to explain why, for
no apparent reason, the magi of production
have scheduled for May filming the longest
slate of features of the past several months —
63 to be exact.
Of that number, 14 are carried over from
April’s starting lineup, while the remaining 49
are newcomers. By studios they list as fol-
lows:
Columbia
Increasing its April slate by two, Columbia
has scheduled 11 films to go before the cam-
eras in May. Of this
number only four are
carryovers from the
preceding month: Cor-
nell Productions’ “Dou-
ble Take” which S.
Sylvan Simon is pro-
ducing and directing
with Franchot Tone
in the topline; Casey
Robinson’s “The Mat-
ing of Millie McGon-
igle” with Henry Levin
megging and Evelyn
Keyes in the starring
role; another in the
Bulldog Drummond
series, “Bulldog Drum-
mond Strikes Back”; and Don Hartmann’s
production “It Had to Be You,” formerly
titled “I Found a Dream,” in which Ginger
Rogers and Cornel Wilde co-star.
Heading the newcomers is the initialer by
Gene Autry Productions, tentatively titled
“The Last Roundup,” in which Gene, now
head of his own producing unit, will star.
Armand Schaefer, also one of the outfit’s
chieftains, will produce and John English,
recently with Republic as were all other
parties mentioned, has been slated to meg the
film. Yarn is a modern western and will be
shot entirely in Tucson, Ariz. Oh yes, won-
der horse Champion moved over to Colum-
bia on the deal too. Sam Katzman’s Kay
Productions will give the gun to “Prince of
Thieves” which story is based on an Alex-
andre Dumas yarn and has to do with a
Robin Hood type of character. Max Nosseck
will direct and casting includes Jon Hall,
Patricia Morison and Adele Jergens. To
make sure that Dumas will be May’s No. 1
literary character in Gower Gulch, Independ-
ent Producer Edward Small plans to roll
“D’Artagnan,” based on “The Three Mus-
keteers.” No cast or director has as yet been
set. “The Seahound,” a serial based on the
comic strip “Captain Silver and the Sea-
hound,” will get under way with Esskay
Productions, another of Katzman’s independ-
ent production units, responsible. Sam New-
field is slated to direct. No cast has as yet
been set. Two series pictures are on the
starting line: “The Lone Wolf in London”
(he certainly gets around) which Ted Rich-
mond and Robert Cohn are producing, with
Gerald Mohr enacting the title role, for
Director Les Goodwins; and “The Crime
Doctor’s Gamble,” under the productional
guidance of Rudolph Flothow with Warner
Baxter in the topline. William Castle has
been set to meg. Further of series ilk will be
the first on the 1947-48 program of the
Charles Starrett- Smiley Burnette westerns,
“Buckaroo From Powder River.” Colbert Clark
produces this action sagebrusher with Ray
Nazarro directing.
Eagle-Lion
Safe rather than spectacular is E-L’s
policy of scheduling one or two new produc-
tions to start each month — and then start-
ing them, as advertised. The studio lists two
newcomers on its agendum. First to roll will
be “Texas Legend,” picture based on the E. B.
Ginty stage play “Missouri Legend” which
Joseph Fields and Jerome Chodorov adapted
for filmization. Fields will produce and
Leigh Jason direct Lynn Bari and Johnny
Johnston in the toplines. Yarn narrates the
exploits of a sanctimonious bandit who quotes
the Bible, disperses bits of wisdom to his
victims and is known to the poor as an
“honest” man. In short, a show-me Robin
Hood yarn. "Clemmy,” formerly titled
“Clementine,” is the second picture due to
hear the starting gun. Yarn is adapted from
the novel by Peggy Goodins and relates the
efforts of a teen-aged tomboy in a small
midwestern town to marry off her father,
the widowed mayor. Lois Butler, 14-year-
old moppet who sings sensationally, accord-
ing to E-L’s press agents — debuts in the top-
line with Lynn Bari and Gene Raymond play-
ing the adult leads. Aubrey Schenck pro-
duces and Arthur Lubin will direct.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Showing signs of fulfilling his recently-
announced, ambitious
1947 productional pro-
gram, Mighty Leo has
five films at the start-
ing gate, two of which
have been carryovers
for two successive
months. The duo of
perennial carryovers
includes Pandro S.
Berman’s production
of the A. S. M. Hutch-
inson novel, “If Whi-
ter Comes,” which will
star British Deborah
Kerr and American
Walter Pidgeon; and
“Cass Timberlane,”
screen version of the
Sinclair Lewis novel,
to be produced by Arthur Hornblow jr., di-
rected by George Sidney, with Spencer Tracy
and Lana Turner in the starring spots. As
concerns cast, unusually noteworthy are the
three newcomers listed for May launchings.
Frank Sinatra — he of the lethal right hook —
and Songstress Kathryn Grayson will report
for a Producer Joe Pasternak filmusical en-
titled “The Kissing Bandit.” Its locale is
early California, whose beauties (Chamber of
Commerce, please note) will be portrayed in
Technicolor. The title is sufficient tipoff of
the plot and there is a strong suspicion that
it too will have a Robin Hood twist. Laslo
Benedek will pilot. “Killer McCoy,” a Mickey
Rooney starrer divorces that effervescent per-
sonality from the time-honored “Andy Hardy”
character and makes of him nothing less
than a prize fighter. Naturally he gets in-
volved with gamblers, because his weakling
father sells him down the river to the rack-
eteers; but, of course, he ultimately finds his
way back to the straight and narrow road of
clean sportsmanship through the guidance of
his girl friend and Roy Rowland who will
meg the opus of the squared-circle. Sam Zim-
balist produces. In the last of the debuting
trio, Hollywood inserts still another probing
finger into the greatly overworked field of
psychiatry. This time the vehicle is “High
Wall,” with Robert Taylor toplined, Curtis
Bernhardt directing and Robert Lord produc-
ing. The story opens with a macabre touch
and has Taylor driving around with his dead
wife’s body in the car. Everyone, including
Taylor, thinks he is as nutty as the prover-
bial fruit cake and he is convicted of first
degree murder and committed to an insane
asylum. Enters then the woman psychiatrist
who proves that our hero is neither a mur-
derer nor a screwball but that the crime was
committed by another — thus the whodunit
angle.
Monogram
If it weren’t for that redoubtable hombre
the Cisco Kid, Monogram could spend most
of May in bed. Taking considerable of a
Brody from its usual lineup of from four to
eight starters, the studio has a mere three
earmarked for kickoffs. Two of them are
Cisco Kid adventures. One is a carryover,
“Robin Hood of Monterey,” and the other the
lone newcomer, is entitled “King of the
Bandits” which will be piloted by Christy
Cabanne. Both of the C. K. episodes are be-
ing produced by Jeffrey Bernerd, who ap-
parently will spend the month up to his
withers in sagebrush. At which point, the w.k.
gentle reader undoubtedly notes that Mr.
Hood of Sherwood Forest again creeps into
these chroniclings. Completing the trio is an-
other heritage from April schedules, “A Guy
Named Joe Palooka” which Hal E. Chester
promises to produce.
Paramount
Jarring itself into unusual activity — which,
incidentally, takes on an international as-
pect— the Marathon street film bazaar comes
to bat with a quintet of debuters. Only one
of the five is a carryover, the Betty Hutton
starrer, “Sainted Sisters,” which will be
guided by the producer-director team of Val
Lewton and Mitchell Leisen. The same Betty
Hutton, who apparently will be busier than
that one-armed gentleman who hangs paper
and suffers from the hives, will star in one
of the four new arrivals. To be produced
by P. J. Wolfson and directed by Mitchell
Leisen it is the screen version of the Elmer
Rice Broadway play, “Dream Girl.” Mac-
donald Carey appears opposite the over-
worked La Hutton in the yarn about a sales-
girl in a bookstore who dreams and dreams
that she is a multitude of glamorous peo-
ple. Virginia Fields who originated the title
role on Broadway has a featured part. At
the Denham studio in England — this is the
international touch— Sharecropping Producer
Hal Wallis will give the starting gun to “So
Evil My Love,” with Lewis Allen wielding
the megaphone. Based on the Joseph Shear-
ing novel, “For Her to See,” toplines in the
cast are filled by Ray Milland, Ann Todd and
Geraldine Fitzgerald. Yarn is a romantic
mystery based on a famous London crime.
Tentatively set for a May start but with
a possibility it might not go until June is the
Val Lewton production “My Own True Love”
which English Director Compton Bennett
will pilot. Based on the Yolanda Foldes novel,
“Make You a Fine Wife,” it is a postwar
English story that involves an elderly man,
his young bride, and his war-veteran son.
Phyllis Calvert and Melvyn Douglas will co-
star. The Dollar Bills, Pine-Thomas, will
put the third of their Big Town series into
work with “Big Town After Dark.” William
Thomas will pilot Philip Reed, Hillary Brooke
(Continued on page 34)
32
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
SBAP®®
; WAV
■qmTn«ei BP
..DISHONORED ^.UA) r|
(Hunt Suombe^ cher,ok ||
P'oduc^ -'^Robert Stevenson M
?creenpioy..Wnn^d *orgaret ■
2»J, "d f
Sheldon Luc;en Andr.ot M
^cClc0ore....CPr^hnrF°oley fl
Edited by-- -- Dennts M
r„. Hedy Lam VVil'iom fe«
O'Keefe, •lohnrr°s Carnovsky-
?undiga0' ^atalie Scha- 1
Paul Cavanogh- Nj»r.ne( ^ar- M
Nicho,as Y< 1
I pannes ?>“v'{^e-87 minutes) |
I lRunmn9 -^TToppeoronce ■
I Hedy l»ma,r !JL of ''D,s- ■
I , ,he starring )( onder the
I honored >od^ Hunt Strom- B
1 p°esen'at'°" °y thing it take* «
■ herg, has ♦oo.qrossing o' H
■ to become :«'^ A,.U». » ■
■ traction t° ° Lamarr s acting —
■ follows Mis* n, °lso H
■ hit in ^he'rg9 picture- and |
■ » S,r“^e successor to ' a *£. I
■ *°f outdistances^ ^-,ginol. I
■ ] office take of , ,, \ends '* I
"Dishonored ° and res I
■ self '0/t^ double-borrel ed
Hi assured tha ^ be o'^ |
B "hibhor's ^eoftlte
S f"td.?ne P>°' iS b°perfo°med
9 & PK rCCorPne'i. firs.
' ■ '“Hi)" L"**'*d’
■ s,wsas^3!^
M ,OUI>dir>9>. “
■ identity- . decides to taKe
A Madeleine d poSes as «
■ another name t ,nher board
■ struggling o ' ee,s a doctc
>tBS ing house, she foils i
wm\ «j»£srsi
1» ■■
dramatic overtone oes ex, |
I Dennis O Keete serloUs |||
k tionalW well n ^ and 1||
1 assignment of thes ;mpr M
1 i0hn Loder g' . mi"100" I
I individuality -am lundigan ■
■ a-,re suitor- w editorial as
I “* spendid as th. n ,y but K
| sis, ant who s“rpkilter. He is fi|
H believably tu in e the ca- ■
| "°W ^e°HolW wo°d that was B
I Werrupjedbyh-'^^takes 1
1 every' °dv°n^°9®db'y his p°sY" I
■ portunities off ,ie Schafer |
■ chiatrist role- N° a clever I
W shines brightly de confi- I
A and ottrcc’iv® agh s an-
— dante. P°u' , bv Miss La- |
H| other man caug publisher-
°f*er XrVo^^amDougl«US^;
"« E ;» A--
;Cpe fbe ^duction6 design and
)paren* soff are ^“^boration, and
leine is ^thout ?ve e by Carmen
Lamarr k music sc Onobtru-
ible of Dragon and Chertok
7ndPH°o'f ^eSot^neede-
hv Elois is boxoffice- k 0. Gror
watch the
business May 15
at lO great
Loew openings!
HUNT
STROMBERG
Presents
Co-starring
William Lundigan ■ Morris Carnovsky • Paul Cavanagli • Natalie Schafer
PRODUCED BY JACK CHERTOK
Directed by Robert Stevenson • Screenplay by Edmund H. North
A HUNT STROMBERG Production
Studio Schedule
(Continued from page 32)
and Virginia Welles in the leading parts.
Story tells of the stalwart efforts of the D.A.
to thwart the gangster activities of a nasty
newspaper publisher who is ruining the
townspeople by his propaganda.
PRC Pictures
Finally getting on the production beam,
this studio offers four newies to make camera
bows during May. “Tomorrow You Die,” a
whodunit about a killer at large, to whom
mayhem is an everyday occurrence, is set
for Chuck Reisner to produce and An-
thony Mann to direct. Cast so far includes
John Ireland and Sheila Ryan. Another
mystery, but this time it has comedy in it
(they say) is “It’s Moider,” which will be
produced by Sam Baerwitz with Edward
Cahn directing the Gas House Kids adven-
ture. Michael Whalen also is in the cast.
Producer Jerry Thomas and Director Ray
Taylor will put two gallopers in work:
“Pirates of the Plains,” an outdoor action
musical with Lash LaRue and Fuzzy St.
John in the toplines, and an Eddie Dean-
Roscoe Ates musical sagebrusher, “Black
Hills.”
RKO Radio
Leftovers from April’s bountiful celluloid
repast will be the exclusive diet on Gower
street during May. Only three films are
scheduled for starting and each is a hold-
over. “I Remember Mama” is called a George
Stevens production but Stevens, on loan from
Liberty Films, will direct and Harriet Par-
sons draws credit as producer. Heading up
the cast are Irene Dunne, Barbara Bel Geddes
and Oscar Homolka. “Return of the Bad-
men,” a sequel to the studio’s successful
galloper, “Badman’s Territory,” will roll un-
der the productional guidance of Nat Holt
with Ray Enright directing. Randolph Scott
and George “Gabby” Hayes are again teamed
to respectively supply the heroics and com-
edy. From producer Sid Rogell’s B stable
will be entered “The White Swamp” with
Lizabeth Scott and Burt Lancaster top-
lining under the direction of Byron Haskins.
Republic
an eight-year-old girl who had been raised
in a ghost town by religious grandparents
only to create a small furor when she visits
relatives in another town and proceeds to
tell nothing but the truth. Ruth Warrick,
Dean Jagger, Natalie Wood, Walter Brennan
and Charlotte Greenwood already have been
cast. The inevitable mystery is again present
in “It’s Murder She Says” which has Adele
Mara in the starring role for Producer Wil-
liam J. O’Sullivan and Director George Blair.
It is the story of a lady “private eye” laid
against a New York background. Completing
the quartet and first in the new series of
Famous Western outdoor actioners will be
“Wild Frontier” under the productional
guidance of Gordon Kay, with Phil Ford
megging. Allan Lane has the starring role
in this yarn which tells of the struggles
of the settlers in the heyday of the old west.
Screen Guild
SGP continues to be Hollywood’s lusty
productional baby and has scheduled four
films for initiation in May. Melrose Pro-
ductions will start “Swamp Island” with Terry
Morse piloting. No cast has as yet been
set for the murder melodrama which is
localed in the Florida Everglades and runs
the gamut from death rays to kidnaping.
Screen Artist Pictures will give the gun to
two action streamliners about the Northwest
Mounted Police with Maury Nunes and Karl
Hittleman holding the producing reins. No
director or cast as yet. Last on the slate
is an Audio Pictures film entitled “Crisis
of Dirk Diamond” which is described as an
adventure comedy.
20th Century-Fox
Productionwise, May should be a note-
worthy month at the Valley studio if for
no other reason than
it will witness the de-
but of the initial ef-
fort under the widely
touted package deal
which Republic re-
cently entered with
Charles K. Feldman
G roup Productions.
The film is “The Red
Pony,” based on John
Steinbeck’s novel.
Lewis Milestone will
ride “Pony” as both
producer and director
and Myrna Loy and
Robert Mitchum will
star. Yarn has a Cali-
fornia ranch back-
ground and tells of a
small boy’s love for his pony and the hired
man, but whose faith in human nature is
shaken when the pony dies, only to be re-
stored through the efforts of his parents
and the beloved ranch hand. In addition to
the Steinbeck yarn there are three scheduled
starters and all of them are also newcomers
to production agenda. “Driftwood,” which
Allan Dwan will produce and direct is based
on the Mary Loos-Richard Sale novel,
“Heaven for Jenny” and tells the story of through UA have scheduled four for take-
LEWIS MILESTONE
Spring came to Westwood village and
bursting into bloom were the 20th Century-
Fox production buds which had laid dor-
mant through the winter months. In fact, no
less than six buds gave promise of full bloom
features scheduled for May starts. Most
lavish bloom, of course, is the one to be
hand and personally cultivated by Darryl
F. Zanuck, 20th Century Productions head
man. It is “Gentleman’s Agreement” based
on the Laura Hobson novel and to be writ-
ten for the screen by Moss Hart — he of
Broadway fame — in his first try at motion pic-
ture scrivening. Elia Kazan will direct Gregory
Peck and Dorothy McGuire who will star in
the story which is a plea for racial tolerance.
Otto Preminger will produce and direct the
Elizabeth Janeway novel, “Daisy Kenyon,” in
which Joan Crawford, Dana Andrews and
Henry Fonda co-star. Yarn tells of a girl
who falls in love with a wealthy married
man and a returned GI. Robert Bassler and
Anatole Litvak will collaborate as producer-
director on the controversial novel by Mary
Jane Ward, “The Snake Pit,” in which Olivia
de Havilland and Rex Harrison co-star. It
is the eye-witness story of a mentally-ill per-
son and her sojourn in an insance asylum.
George Jessel will roll “Nightmare Alley”
which Edmund Goulding will pilot. Anne
Baxter, Tyrone Power and Celeste Holm top-
line in this William Lindsay Gresham novel
which has to do with the degeneration of a
man whose own acts finally cause his death.
Scheduled also is “Off to Buffalo.” Lloyd Ba-
con handles the directorial chore on a story
which features a family of vaudevillians
(jugglers, no less), who finally find it neces-
sary to go into factory work in order to sup-
port themselves but never give up the thought
that vaudeville will come back. Dan Dailey,
Nancy Guild and Fay Bainter hold the top-
lines. Walter Morosco produces. Last of the
sextet will be the Sharecropper Sol M. Wurt-
zel production, “Flamingo,” with Don Castle
and Virginia Christine. To be directed by
Eugene Forde, film will be an action meller.
United Artists
Those top-hat independents who release
offs during May, only one of which is a
carryover, to wit, the Cagney production,
“The Time of Your Life,” which H. C. Potter
will meg. Brother and sister Jimmy and
Jeanne Cagney will topline a cast which in-
cludes James Barton and William Bendix.
First newcomer to the list is Triangle Pro-
ductions’ (headed by Mary Pickford, Buddy
Rogers and Ralph Cohn) “Sleep My Love.”
Douglas Sirk will pilot the Leo Rosten story
which appeared as a serial in Collier’s maga-
zine. Robert Cummings and Don Ameche
head the cast. Sol Bischoff’s Star Films will
give the gun to “Intrigue,” a story of the
black markets in Shanghai in which George
Raft and June Havoc play the toplines for
Director Edward L. Marin. An untitled Hopa-
long Cassidy picture with Lewis Rachmil
producing and George Archainbaud piloting
will go before the cameras. William Boyd
and Andy Clyde star in the oater.
Universal-International
Out at this valley lot, five films are on
the roster for starts in May. One of them
is a heritage from
April, “Thunder on the
Hill,” a Joseph Sistrom
production with Rob-
ert Siodmak directing.
Joan Fontaine stars in
the Technicolor yarn
which is a modern dra-
matic family story.
Initialer for Robert
Montgomery under his
new deal with U-I is
“Ride the Pink Horse”-
which Joan Harrison
wilt produce and in
which Montgomery
will not only head the
cast but direct as well. Based on the novel
by Wanda Hendrix, it describes a small town
in New Mexico. The Abbott and Costello
film, “Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap,” is set
to roll with Robert Arthur producing and
Charles Barton directing. Besides the zany
duo the cast includes Marjorie Main, Patricia
Alphin and William Ching. Walter Wanger
will roll “Tap Roots” on location in Missis-
sippi with George Marshall directing. Film
is based on the James Street novel and has
to do with hillbillies. Kanin Productions
initialer for U-I, “Imagination,” will go
before the cameras with George Cukor direct-
ing for Producer Michael Kanin. Garson
Kanin and Ruth Gordon scripted the film in
which Ronald Colman and Signe Hasso
topline. Yarn was formerly titled “Art of
Murder” and is a drama of New York and
vicinity.
Warner Bros.
After a couple of dull months, the Bur-
bank foundry has scheduled five films for
May lensing. Most significant and impor-
tant is the production “Up Until Now” which
is to be filmed mostly in Boston. “Ever
the Beginning,” a United States Pictures
production, will roll with Elliott Nugent
directing Lilli Palmer, Gale Robbins and
Dane Clark in the toplines. Based on the
play by Lillian S. Prumbs and Sara B.
Smith, it is about an immigrant who comes
to America at the turn of the century. Alex
Gottlieb will turn the lenses on the Techni-
color musical “Romance in High C” which
Michael Curtiz pilots. Jack Carson, Oscar
Levant and S. Z. Sakall are already set for
this nautical story with a South American
background. Another Alex Gottlieb produc-
tion to be given the gun will be “That Hagen
Girl.” Peter Godfrey directs this film which
is based on the Edith Roberts novel and has
to do with small town bigotry. No cast has as
yet been set. Last on the agendum is Pro-
ducer William Jacobs’ “The Persian Cat.”
No director or cast has been named for this
story of international intrigue among the
French underground in Iran.
34
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
TO THE THOUSANDS WHO THRONGED OUR “WELCOME STRANGER’’ TRADE-SHOWS:
Here is another equally important attraction you will want to be sure to see
and judge for yourself! Come May 23rd and inspect its wealth of entertain-
ment values— its fascinating inside story of the early days of Hollywood— the
romance of the little sweatshop slavey who became the first great queen of
the screen— and all the thrills and laughs that skyrocketed her pictures from
a custard pie to
a national institution!
TRADE-SHOWS
FRIDAY, MAY 23
Paramount’s
The
perils
The Wonder-Show of Today
About the First Wonder-Star
of the Screen!
CITY
PLACE
DATE
ALBANY.. ...FOX PROJ. ROOM, 1052 Broadway. FRI.
ATLANTA PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 154 Walton St., N.W FRI.
BOSTON. PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 58 Berkeley St FRI.
BUFFALO PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 464 Franklin St FRI.
CHARLOTTE PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 305 S. Church St FRI.
CHICAGO PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1306 S. Michigan Ave.....FRI.
CINCINNATI ..PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1214 Central Parkway FRI.
CLEVELAND........... PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1735 E. 23rd St... FRI.
DALLAS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 41 2 S. Harvyood St FRI.
DENVER. PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 2100 Stout St FRI.
DES MOINES PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1125 High St. FRI.
DETROIT.. PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 479 Ledyard Ave FRI.
INDIANAPOLIS .PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 116 W. Michigan St FRI.
KANSAS CITY. PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1800 Wyandotte St FRI.
LOS ANGELES .BOULEVARD THEATRE, Washington & Vermont Sts FRI.
MEMPHIS. PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 362 S. Second St FRI.
MILWAUKEE PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1121 N. 8th St FRI.
MINNEAPOLIS. .PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1201 Currie Ave FRI.
NEW HAVEN ...PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 82 State St FRI.
NEW ORLEANS........ PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 215 S. Liberty St FRI.
NEW YORK CITY NORMANDIE THEATRE, 51 E. 53rd St FRI.
OKLAHOMA CITY PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 701 W. Grand Ave FRI.
OMAHA ...PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1704 Davenport St FRI.
PHILADELPHIA PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 248 No. 12th St FRI.
PITTSBURGH PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1727 Blvd. of Allies . . .
PORTLAND... PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 909 N.W. 19th Ave..'..
ST. LOUIS ..PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 2949 Olive St
SALT LAKE CITY. .PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 270 E. 1st So. St
SAN FRANCISCO PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 205 Gold Gate Ave...
SEATTLE .PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 2330 First Ave
WASHINGTON PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 306 H St. N.W
.FRI.
.FRI.
.FRI.
.FRI.
.FRI.
.FRI.
.FRI.
MAY 23 2 P.M
MAY 23 2:30 P.M
MAY 23.... 2:30 P.M
MAY 23 2 P.M
MAY 23 1:30 P.M
MAY 23 7:30 P.M
MAY 23.... 2:30 P.M
MAY 23 2 P.M
MAY 23.... 2:30 P.M
MAY 23. ... ..2 P.M
MAY 23... 1 2:45 P.M
MAY 23 2 P.M
MAY 23 2 P.M
MAY 23 .2 P.M
MAY 23 7:30 P.M
MAY 23.... 2:30 P.M
MAY 23 2 P.M
MAY 23 7:30 P.M
MAY 23 2 P.M
MAY 23.... ..70 A. M
MAY 23.. .70:30 A.M
MAY 23. . .70:30 A M
MAY 23 7:30 P.M
MAY 23 2 P.M
MAY 23 2 P.M
MAY 23 2 P.M
MAY 23 7.-30 P.M
MAY 23 7 P.M
MAY 23 2 P.M
MAY 23 1 P.M
MAY 23.... 2:30 P.M
starring
BETTT
HUTTON
JOHN LUND
BILL/PeWOLFE
WilliaipPenjarest
(jopsfapce Collier
FrarjkFaylet;
Directed by
GEORGE MARSHALL
Screen Play by P. J. Wolfson and Frank Butler
Produced by Sol. C. Siegel
AnwfUiMcuta
OXOFFICE
HERE'S THE IDEA!
• To develop, on a broader scale, the ex-
change of exploitation ideas, both new and old,
and to encourage showmandising, BOXOFFICE
offers $100.00 in cash as a Bonus every month to
theatre men, for promotions of special merit.
O The $100.00 Bonus will be divided among
theatre men for promotional efforts in each of
ten phases of merchandising. (Ten Bonuses of
$10.00 each).
• Bonus payments will be made on the basis
of material submitted to The Showmandiser.
• Theatre managers, their assistants and pub-
licity and advertising managers are eligible to
receive one or more Bonus payments each
month.
• There is no limit on the number of promo-
tions which may be submitted in any month.
• A promotion may consist of a single idea
substantiated by a photograph, house program,
newspaper ad or any other evidence to be eli-
gible for a Bonus; or it may include a complete
campaign on any picture, institutional accom-
plishment or public relations endeavor which
would be eligible for one or more Bonus pay-
ments.
• The exhibitor with a small or no-advertising
budget has the same opportunity to receive a
Bonus as the key-run manager with a substan-
tial appropriation.
• Bonus payments will be made on the basis
of individuality, originality and merit — with full
consideration for size of theatre, run, location
and other local factors.
@ Recipients of Bonus payments for each
month will be announced in the second regular
issue of BOXOFFICE during the following
month.
S100U! CASH
EVERY MONTH
HERE'S WHERE
HERE'S THE
PAYOFF !
A $10.00 Bonus for Exceptional Promotions
in Each of the Following:
1. House Program
6. Ballyhoo
2. Lobby Display
7. Original Idea
3. ^Window Tieup
8. General Tieup
4. Theatre Front
9. Cooperative Ad
5. Newspaper Ad
10. Public Relations
■ i
T he Showmandiser, BOXOFFICE, 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 20, N. Y.
§mmmm
CHESTER FRIEDMAN
EDITOR
HUGH E. FRAZE
Associate Editor
o
o
irdi
Since this is the first time we are
writing from the New York address
of BOXOFFICE, we should, per-
haps, record the following among
our treasured “firsts.”
First official visitor was Mike
Nichols, who coincidentally is en-
joying his first week as assistant
advertising and publicity director
for the Century circuit in this city.
Mike was a competitor of ours in
Brooklyn 15 years ago, albeit a
friendly one. His new post is rec-
ognition for loyal and conscientious
application as a manager with the
circuit.
Bob Hynes, manager of the Cri-
terion, Oklahoma City, figures twice
in the “first” category. His was the
first campaign to reach us here. He
also has the dubious distinction of
figuring in our first geographical
error (the last, we hope!) In our
eagerness to get the first new Show-
mandiser section out last week, we
inadvertently moved him from
Oklahoma City to Atchison, Kas.
Our first official phone call came
from our good friend P. E. McCoy of
Augusta, Ga., whose promotional
ability — and eagerness to wish us
good luck — surmounted the tele-
phone strike.
It’s impossible to record the first
written or wired message of felicita-
tions we received since too many ar-
rived at the same time. We are
grateful, however, for all the kind
expressions received and have re-
solved to measure up to expecta-
tions in the best BOXOFFICE tradi-
tion. The esprit de corps which
permeates this entire organization
is highly contagious and we already
feel that nothing short of perfection
will be acceptable. It is toward
this goal our efforts will henceforth
be directed.
Theatre men playing current film
releases with Rita Hayworth, Jinx
Falkenburg or Evelyn Keyes can
take advantage of the fact that
beauticians who recently met in
New York at the International
Beauty show selected the three
Hollywood stars as America’s No. 1
blond, brunet and redhead, respec-
tively. The announcement lends it-
self to cooperative advertisements
with all local beauty shops.
— Gltei.te.'i tf-ruecLmati
Foreign Picture Theatre
Sets Promotion Pattern
With foreign import of film productions
accelerating at a steady tempo, American ex-
hibitors, particularly where overseating exists,
are turning to the exhibition of these pictures
as a steady and profitable policy.
The Century circuit, operating theatres in
Brooklyn and Long Island, recently decided
upon such a course, selecting the Vogue
Theatre in Brooklyn as a testing spot. Thus
far the results have been extremely grati-
fying, according to company executives.
There are many factors involved in setting
up a policy for these particular types of op-
eration. Having a potential number of people
in the area who would appreciate distinctive
foreign films is, of course, the prime con-
sideration.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
Prices, length of run and availability of a
consistent flow of product must be taken into
consideration, and one of the most important
factors is the theatre’s general architecture
and general atmosphere. The arty type of
patron usually likes his environment to be
above the commonplace.
The Vogue Theatre was completely reno-
vated to provide proper “tone” quality to the
exhibition of its class productions.
Next on the agenda was a saturation pro-
gram of advertising and publicity that could
reach into every possible home, school or
group which could contribute to patronage
and interest in the project.
This task fell to the circuit’s advertising
and publicity director, Edward Schreiber, who
promptly worked out and turned in an out-
standing all-around campaign. Using news-
papers, radio and special promotion ideas,
Schreiber succeeded in arousing wide interest
among foreign speaking elements in New
York and among students in intermediate
and advanced schools. Basically, his cam-
paign follows.
BIG AD CAMPAIGN USED
One week in advance of the opening of the
new policy at the Vogue, a large-scale news-
paper advertising campaign announcing the
new policy and the first attraction was
started. Papers in which the advertising ap-
peared were the New York Times, Herald
Tribune, Post, PM, Daily Worker and Brook-
lyn Eagle. These ads were 30x2 and 50x2
in size.
For the preparation of these ads, a script
format was decided upon as something dif-
ferent. This was eye appealing and resulted
in favorable comment.
In addition to the regular dailies, straight
type ads were placed in high school papers
and in the Brooklyn college paper.
A unique type of advance trailer was used
in 16 Century Brooklyn houses announcing
the new policy. This trailer was a panoram
of a typewritten memorandum from the ad-
vertising-publicity director to the head of
the circuit suggesting that a Century thea-
tre be selected to show foreign films exclu-
sively. The memorandum from the boss to
the advertising-publicity director followed,
approving the suggestion and advising that
the Vogue Theatre had been selected for
this policy, giving starting date and attrac-
tions.
After the opening of the new policy, these
houses ran trailerettes announcing the cur-
rent attraction at the Vogue. A special an-
nouncement trailer was also used in advance
at the Vogue.
The Vogue attractions were and are in-
cluded in the circuit program which is mailed
to 60,000 patrons. A good deal of space was
utilized through this medium to plug the new
policy.
It was deemed advisable to build up a
special Vogue mailing list in addition to the
one we had for our combined newsette. To
further this end, standee cutout signs were
set in the lobbies of all circuit theatres along
with program request blanks for the Vogue.
This was also used at the Vogue. In this
manner a sizable mailing list was developed
in a short time.
TO USE REGULAR PROGRAM
At present an informal post card program
is mailed to this list but a regular house pro-
gram will be used shortly.
To encourage the attendance of high school
and college students, 15 cent rebate tickets
were distributed at all high schools and at
Brooklyn college. Twenty thousand were
issued weekly. Since the features were listed
on these tickets, they served as an effective
throwaway also.
Stock window cards were distributed to
almost 500 merchants, 200 stock three-sheets
and 300 stock one- sheets were posted, 100
live three-sheets and 100 live one-sheets are
used weekly.
One thousand letters were sent to various
organizations, clubs and societies in Brooklyn.
The circuit’s weekly radio program every
Sunday night over WNEW carried a teaser
campaign three weeks in advance on the new
policy which built up to a strong plug on the
middle commercial prior to opening.
A special art exhibit consisting of the works
of a local artist was displayed in the theatre
for the opening.
At present an arrangement has been com-
pleted with Associated American Artists for
a display of contemporary American art
valued at $10,000.
—13—
Honey of a Picture... ,
*tV\eBo%Owce.
Ho«e^otl at
“Riotous comedy . . . will
mean more than average
at boxoffice!" - HOLLY-
WOOD REPORTER... "Audi-
ence fairly screamed!"—
FILM DAILY . . . "Names to
bill . . . and laughs for the
customers!" — MOTION PIC-
TURE DAILY . . . "Names for
the marquee ... a lot of
laughs!"— MOTION PICTURE
HERALD . . . "May well war-
rant extra playing time!"
SHOWMEN'S TRADE RE-
VIEW . . . "Should please
most audiences!" — EXHIBI-
TOR . . . "Three well-estab-
lished names for the mar-
quee!"—BOX OFFICE . . .
“Bright story . . . gags fly
thick and fast!"- INDE-
PENDENT . . . “Brightly pro-
duced, directed, enacted by
class talent . . . will click
with audiences!" — DAILY
VARIETY. .."Crammed with
amusing situations, spark-
ling dialog will delight
audiences!*” FILM BULLETIN
Eagle-Lion Films presents
FRANCHOT TONE
ANN RICHARDS
TOM CONWAY
a
with
FRANCES RAFFERTY
CLARENCE KOLB -UNA O’CONNOR • WINSTON SEVERN
Original Screenplay by Joseph Fields • Music by Werner Heymann • Produced by Lee Marcus • Directed by Leigh Jason
BRYAN FOY
in Charge of Production
Ballyhoo Roundup
Some late exploitation ideas which can be applied to
current film releases are depicted on this page. New
or old, most of these devices serve a useful purpose in
focusing extra attention on the theatre attractions.
At the Majestic Theatre in Springfield, Ohio, Manager
Woody Owens bannered a private ambulance on "It's
a Joke, Son" which was "reserved for those who get ill
from laughing."
Jack Randall, manager of the Strand, Vancouver, B. C.,
injected a bit of glamor into his campaign for “San
Quentin." Two of his usherettes attired as convicts
provoked good comment.
Fred Greenway of Loew's Poli Palace in Hartford,
Conn., mounted this giant size cutout on wheels, had
staff members rolling it through downtown section
where it attracted unusual attention.
A truck formerly used to repair trolley wires is ban-
nered to exploit "Odd Man Out" at the Criterion Thea-j
tre in New York City. Jerry Sager, publicity manager
at the Criterion, located the vehicle.
Always a good traffic stopper, this
stilt walker helped Manager Remmel
Young's date on "California" at the
Joie Theatre, Fort Smith, Ark.
w
SENSATIONAL BUSINESS IN
te-Released with pride by Producers Releasing Corporation .. Share the tremendous box-
CIRCUIT AFTER CIRCUIT
Loew . • • RKO . . • Warner ...M6*P... Brandt
• • • Fabian ... Great States ... Schine ... Fo*
— and other chains and independents now cash-
ing in on star-powered "Kit Carson" and "Last of
the Mohicans*—
singly or as the most terrific
package ever offered!
GRAND-SCALE
OUTDOOR ACTION
SMASH IN THE
EDWARD SMALL presents
with
JON HALL LYNN BARI
CURRENT
POPULARITY
TREND!
EDWARD
SMALL
presents
RANDOLPH W'th BINNIE
SCOn • BARNES
WILCOXON
HENRY
AND A CAST
OF THOUSANDS!
[fice business of these attractions with us..... contact your Exchange Immediately
Pollock's 'Duel' Campaign
Covers City Like Sun
Special feature layouts in all local news-
papers, numerous co-op ads and radio breaks
and heavy distribution of special heralds and
posters highlighted a campaign executed for
"Duel in the Sun” at Loew’s State in Roches-
ter, N. Y., by Lester Pollock, manager.
The ad schedule started in the Democrat
and Chronicle and the Times-Union a week
in advance. Feature stories and art reached
a climax with the opening day story in the
Democrat and Chronicle.
Presentation by Pollock of an autographed
Stetson hat to Tex Erwin of the city council
was good for two newspaper stories.
SEVERAL TWO-COLUMN CO-OPS
Among the co-op ads obtained were the
following — all two-column: A series with
Ralph Pontiac which ran for ten insertions in
both papers; another with the New York
Dance studio; one by Longman’s featuring a
Jennifer Jones-Gregory Peck clinch; another
by Edwards department store with a layout
on a hairdo, and the Sibley, Lindsay & Curr
store co-op on Chen- Yu lipstick.
Neisner’s store arranged a window display
tying in the book, a jigsaw puzzle and the
opening of the film. Edwards devoted a front
window to display of an original dress worn
by Jennifer Jones, plus stills. Sibley’s win-
dow was built around the autographed Stetson
hat.
Columbia and 25 RCA dealers got out win-
dows featuring the 30x40 posters and six stills
playing up the “Duel” music album. Twenty-
five other leading merchants used mounted
stills and credit cards.
CARDS ON LIGHT POSTS
Seven hundred special 11x28 processed cards
were mounted on light posts in the downtown
section; 25 news trucks carried banners and
posters furnished by the book publisher; 50
“Read the Book— See the Picture” cards were
distributed to book stores, and all hotel and
bus terminals used cards heralding the open-
ing.
Twenty-five thousand heralds were dis-
tributed, some to employes of Eastman Kodak,
Special 11x28 processed posters were sniped
on 700 city light posts in Rochester, N. Y .,
by Lester Pollock, manager of Loew’s State,
for his opening of “Duel in the Sun.”
Sunburst used on the marquee of Loew’s
State at Rochester, N. Y., is an unusual use
of the “Duel in the Sun” title theme.
Bausch & Lomb and Bond Clothing Mfg. Co.
and the remainder house to house.
Star enlargements similar to those used in
the national ads were mounted on the ten
main lobby doors leading into the theatre,
and used above sidewalk entrance doors.
Station WRNY conducted a very successful
contest on its Clock Watchers program. Lis-
teners were invited to select, in 25 words or
less, their favorite actor or actress from Jen-
nifer Jones, Gregory Peck, Joseph Cotten,
Lionel Barrymore and Lillian Gish. Five daily
winners were given passes. The five-day con-
test opened a week before opening with three-
minute announcements made four times daily
for the period. Other spot announcements,
plus the announcement of the daily winners,
netted 54 spots for the contest.
The musical album was played over three
other local stations.
STARS AT AMARILLO OPENING
The mayor, business men and the locally
famed Will Rogers Riders assisted in promo-
tion of the opening of “Duel in the Sun” at
the Paramount and State theatres in Ama-
rillo, Tex.
Three stars of the film, Joseph Cotten,
Gregory Peck and Guy Madison, were in the
city for the premiere. They participated in a
radio broadcast from the lobby, visited the
local veterans hospital and were guests at a
barbecue held in a local hotel.
Contest in Shopper Tells
Oklahoma City of 'Spring'
The Advertiser, shopper with more than
55,000 distribution, proved an effective me-
dium for a picture-identifying contest ar-
ranged by Robert Hynes, manager, for “Sud-
denly It’s Spring” at the Criterion Theatre
in Oklahoma City. Fifty passes were given
to readers who named the films indicated by
photos of Paulette Goddard which the shop-
per ran in an art spread. The shopper,
which appeared two days before the opening
of the film, published a front page box on
the contest, in addition to art and story
inside.
Warning to Gyp Artists
In Harrisburg Boosts
'Undercover Maisie'
An avalanche of smart promotion ideas and
ballyhoo stunts descended on the citizens of
Harrisburg, Pa., in connection with the open-
ing of “Undercover Maisie” at the Loew Co-
lonial Theatre. A lively campaign, the work
of Manager Sam Gilman and MGM exploiteer
Ed Gallner, had everyone in town talking and
created advance interest in the film.
Several days before opening, women were
asked through newspaper ads and heralds to
identify a “confidence man” who walked the
city streets. Proper identification won the
amateur sleuth a cash prize. The device was
used over a three-day period.
WARNING TO BUNCO ARTISTS
Tack cards were posted in and around the
city warning confidence men, pickpockets and
bunco artists to leave town as “Maisie is now
a cop in, etc.” 3,000 special heralds were
hand distributed. Front page copy read: “You
are under arrest.” The inside spread carried
picture and theatre announcements.
A screening for the local police department
with the chief as host received publicity men-
tion in the dailies. Each film critic in town
received a policeman’s badge with a note from
Maisie carrying tiein copy: “Us dames gotta
stick together. Let’s show them that crime
does not pay, etc.”
Merchants in the downtown shopping area
devoted 34 windows to promoting the picture
and numerous counter cards publicized the
film. Hotels also displayed posters.
A limerick contest, with cash offered to
those submitting winning lines was used in
the newspapers and two popular shops con-
tributed co-op newspaper ads tied in with the
playdate. Radio promotion included spot an-
nouncements and free time in the form of
platter contests over WHGB and WKBO.
POPULARITY CONTEST IN RICHMOND
Four nationally known tobacco companies
in Richmond, Va., were invited to enter their
representatives in a popularity contest to de-
cide who was “Richmond’s own Maisie” as
part of Manager George Peters’ campaign to
exploit the film at Loew’s Theatre in that
city.
Winners from each company were intro-
duced from the theatre stage, opening night
when they were guests of the management
as part of a special broadcast.
A tieup with a downtown furniture store
resulted in a huge window display featuring
a “sleeping Maisie” reclining on a bed with
passersby invited to guess the time she would
awaken. The device was augmented with
blowups from the picture and theatre credits.
Cash and guest tickets were the prizes.
For street ballyhoo, an attractive girl at-
tired in cop’s uniform distributed cards at
busy intersections with copy “No I’m not
‘Undercover Maisie’ but see her, etc.”
The police department furnished an ex-
hibit of firearms and criminal implements
which proved an unusual lobby attention-
getter.
As one of two radio contests, WLEE invited
listeners nicknamed Maisie to describe how
they received their nicknames. The winner
was offered the honor of bringing a theatre
party to the show on opening night. Run-
nersup received guest tickets.
The second radio contest, over WRVA,
asked listeners to name four of the titles of
previous Maisie pictures with musical clues
to each being furnished every morning on
organist Eddie Weaver’s regular 15-minute
solo.
Downtown and suburban street cabinets
were posted with silk-screen cards announc-
ing the run of the picture.
42
—18—
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 10, 1947
LOW COST STUNTS PAY HIGH
IN DURWOOD SPRING DRIVE
Under the leadership of Stanley Durwood,
general manager, and Jack Braunagel, assist-
ant, managers of the 11 Durwood circuit the-
atres in Jefferson City, Kansas City and St.
Joseph, Mo., and Leavenworth, Kas., are
waging a spring showmanship offensive in
which several newcomers to the Durwood
house management staff are pitting their
showmanly mettle against the circuit’s old-
timers.
Twenty cash and merchandise prizes are
being offered in the ten-week Spring Festival
drive, which will end June 14. Competition
is under the following classifications: Best
publicity campaign; best over-all job of ex-
ploitation during the ten weeks; best in-
dividual promotion, and best gross over quota.
PROMOTES A LOCAL ANGLE
Charles B. Boshart, one of the newer man-
agers in the Durwood chain who pilots the
ace house in St. Joseph, the Missouri, played
one of those films every showman likes to
promote occasionally — a picture with a local
angle. In this case it was “The Plainsman
and the Lady,” which deals with the organi-
zation of the Pony Express. St. Joseph was
the eastern terminus of the Pony Express; in
fact, the city recently acquired the original
Pony Express barn there and a large bronze
statue of the Pony Express rider stands in
the city hall plaza as the city’s pride.
To promote the film, Boshart obtained a
front page banner story in a local publication,
Seeing St. Joseph, invited the mayor and
council members as first-nighter guests, cir-
culated 1,000 midget heralds and set 100 win-
dow cards. The St. Joseph Chamber of
Commerce gave its support, resulting in sev-
eral co-op ads and nice spots for 11x14s. The
latter were sniped, “St. Joseph’s Own Story.”
The Pepsodent national tieup on “The
Farmer’s Daughter” was made use of by
Boshart to obtain date snipes on Pepsodent
back-to-back wire banner ads in the local
Katz and Herman drug stores.
For “Suddenly It’s Spring,” Boshart pro-
JHE HAPPY HAPPY HEm** maw
Capitol Theatre
SATURDAY 11
QaJla
"‘DISCOVERY NIGHT'
STAGE SCREEN
niDNIGHT SHOW/
On OuaS&l^i
6 BIG DISCOVERY
0IMIDEVILLE ACTS/
PlvsSutenShow - .
CHEER
rYOUR FAVORITES U
TO bam*
ABO PRIZES/
IN PERSON BROADCAST OF ACTS..
OVER STATION K-W-O-S
/Am sored By LANDWEHR’S DAIRY
you will nue mrt in the moadcast"
AIL SEATS 50* -TICKETS HOW OH SALE-
A mat cut of Paulette Goddard taken from
“Suddenly It’s Spring” press book ads was
used to illustrate a herald on an amateur
night show at the Capitol Theatre in Jef-
ferson City.
Wrecked motor car was obtained by Ar-
nold Gould, manager of the Capitol Thea-
tre in Jefferson City, for an out-front dis-
play in a tieup with the police traffic
safety campaign for “Traffic With the
Devil.”
moted several dozen carnations from the Park
Floral Co. and distributed them to women
on the streets. To each carnation was at-
tached two cards, one read, “Remember
Mother’s Day . . . Park Floral . . . For Laughs
and Love That Bloom Like Spring Flowers
See . . . Paulette Goddard, Fred MacMurray
in ‘Suddenly It’s Spring,’ etc.” The other
was Boshart’s personal calling card.
JUDGE GIVES “TRAFFIC” TICKETS
Arnold Gould, veteran in the Durwood
organization, manages the Capitol in Jeffer-
son City, the Missouri state capital. In his
campaign for “Traffic With the Devil,”
Gould made up a lobby display from pictures
furnished by the police of wrecked cars, and
tied in with the local safety drive. The
police furnished a wrecked car for out from,
while the city police judge gave all traffic of-
fenders theatre tickets to see the film. This
assured a front page story in the local news-
paper.
Gould executed a teaser ad campaign,
climaxing with an announcement of a
“Greater Movie Season,” to counteract
rumors that a price rise was imminent at the
Capitol. A series of teasers read, “Watch the
Capitol! Only Four More Days . . . When all
Jefferson City and its entire adjacent terri-
tory will hear the important announcement
that will thrill all moviegoers.” The next ad
read, “Only Three More Days,” etc. The
final ad announced the "Greater Movie Sea-
son,” listed the coming attractions and in
large type asserted they would be shown at
the usual Capitol prices.
Gould worked up exceptional interest on
“Sister Kenny” by executing an extensive
campaign based on this thought: “You, Too,
Will Join the Nation in Wondering . . . Why
Academy Award Nominee Rosalind Russell
Did Not Receive the Oscar for Her Brilliant
Performance in the Magnificent Picture,
‘Sister Kenny,’ etc.”
He used 1,000 post cards with the above
copy, mailing about 500 to a selected list of
women who he knew would be interested in
this type of picture. The two interview rec-
ords of Milland and Fitzgerald were spotted
on the local radio station, Catholic sisters
were invited to a screening.
ELECTRIC TRAIN FOR VACATION
For a novel lobby display on “Vacation in
Reno,” R. S. Howard, manager of the State
in Jefferson City mounted an electric train
around and under a poster which read: “It’s
a Trainload of Laffs . . . When You See . . .
‘Vacation in Reno.’ ”
Alongside the electric train was a piece of
compo board with the map of the U.S. on top.
Concentric circles were drawn around Reno
and the copy read, “Tops in Comedy,” with a
big arrow pointing to Reno. Underneath was
the copy, “It’s a Laugh-Spree in Reno.” On
either side were some travel maps fanned out
and tacked to the compo board. At the bot-
tom was the starting date.
The display was spotlighted and was the
center of attraction, especially for the young-
sters.
Howard has rearranged his schedule to
allow three-minute breaks after the first
afternoon and evening shows. During this
time, while patrons are finding seats, latest
recordings plugging coming shows are played
over the State’s public address system. When
street traffic is heavy the speaker on the
front of the theatre is connected to the public
address system during the playing of the rec-
ord plugs.
Campaign Costing Less Than $100
Pays Big Dividends on Double Bill
PLAINFIELD, N. J. — John Koehler, man-
ager of the Paramount Theatre, and Sabi
Conti, manager of the Oxford, under the di-
rection of Murry Meinberg, Reade circuit city
manager, executed a campaign that paid off
well at the boxoffice for the double feature,
“Temptation” and “Beat the Band,” which
played at the Paramount.
Its entire cost was under $100.
A co-op ad was sold to ten Plainfield mer-
chants under the heading “Things That
Tempt Women Most,” plus picture name,
theatre and play dates.
A drum contest was held on opening night
at the Paramount. Gregory’s music center
advertised the contest in the daily and gave
a drum set to the winner. There were seven
contestants on the stage competing for the
prize.
Window displays were obtained in a jewelry
store, picture frame, bakery, drug and book
stores, a beauty shop and Gregory’s music
center. All contained a 40x60 blowup.
A “Temptation” sundae and a “Tempta-
tion” sandwich were advertised as specials
by two restaurants.
The personal column of the Plainfield-
Courier was used for five teaser ads which
ran one each day as follows:
Dear Eve: Can't resist you any longer. Will see
you Thursday.— Adam.
Dear Delilah: I've no strength left to resist your
temptation. See you Thursday. — Sampson.
Cleopatra: Your temptation means more to me
than Caesar's glory. See you Thursday. — Antony.
Du Barry: Stop tempting those other guys. Save
your love for me on Thursday. — Louis.
Dear Merle: Will see you at the Paramount Thea-
tre tomorrow in "Temptation." — George.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : May 10, 1947
—19—
43
Femme Fans In Buffalo and Pittsburgh ,
Echo Daily Variety 's Applause for This Great
Paramount
teams stars of the two latest
Academy Award hits, in
Screen Play by Karl Tunberg
Larry Stewart Seeks
Claghorn Gags Via
Radio for 'Joke'
Texan's ’ Open Door' Front
Gets Forever' Business
Larry Stewart, manager of the Gopher
Theatre in Minneapolis, and Dorothy Jensen,
publicist, literally pulled gags out of the air
in their campaign for “It’s a Joke, Son.”
At the suggestion of the Gopher exploita-
tion team, Clellan Card, who conducts the
Morning Gab Fest over KSTP, one of the
most popular radio programs in the Minneap-
olis territory, started a quest for Senator
Claghorn gags two weeks in advance of the
opening. A record album and $15 were of-
fered to the listener who sent in the best
joke, or jokes; $10 and a record album to the
second prize winner, and record albums and
passes to other winners.
OVER 1,200 REPLIES RECEIVED
The prize winners were announced on the
day the picture opened. More than 1,200
replies were received. Kenny Delmar (Clag-
hom) asked that the prize winning gags be
sent to him for use on his radio show, and
this was plugged to stimulate interest in the
quest.
Play money in the form of $1 greenbacks
with appropriate copy was dropped on side-
walks where pedestrian traffic is heavy. It
was found that each greenback would be
picked up, looked at, refolded and dropped
again by as many as 11 persons.
A novel lobby piece was made up by snip-
ing several zippers and button cards at the
top of a standee, below which appeared this
copy:
GIRDLES VEST
ZIPPERS' BUTTONS
To Replace Those You Pop
Laughing At
Senator Claghorn
In
It's a Joke, Son.
The same sign was used in a street bally.
OLD GUESSING GAME HELPS
The old guessing game was dusted off for
an attention-getting window stunt at Mor-
row’s Nut House in the heart of the shopping
district. A large bowl of nuts containing a
cutout of Senator Claghorn was placed in the
window with a sign which read, “How Many
Nuts Are in This Bowl . . . Not Counting
Senator Claghorn, That Is . . . etc.” The
three persons guessing closest to the actual
number of nuts in the bowl were given passes.
National tieups were utilized to obtain ef-
fective poster coverage of the city. The
manufacturer of Personna safety razor
blades provided its tieup poster for 275 drug
stores; the Cigar Institute had its “It’s a
Good Cigar” sheet in 325 cigar stores; the
General Electric reproduction of the Satur-
day Evening Post ad in 60 hardware stores,
and the Southern Pacific Kenny Delmar
sheet in the offices of 20 travel agencies and
railroad stations.
Signed Message on 'Years'
Run by Walter Morris
When Walter L. Morris, owner-operator of
the Pike Theatre in Knoxville, Term., held
“The Best Years of Our Lives” for a third
week, he ran a two-column, six-inch ad fea-
turing the following signed message:
I SINCERELY BELIEVE
You who have seen "The Best Years of Our Lives"
should urge your friends to see the picture that's
making movie history in Knoxville.
It is touching, heart-warming entertainment of the
type one should see with a loved one. Its excep-
tional qualities are so numerous one should see it
more than once to get the most out of it. Please
see it soon, future commitments on other outstand-
ing attractions at the Pike, may take this rare Treat
from our screen. HURRY— It’s Guaranteed It's
Grand! IT'S GREAT!
'
1 '-i? mm X
fUsixalii
Nil i f ill 4NI
K Miami «*
till! Bill , t
lives Forever"
HMOm
One might never suspect that practically boarding up the theatre entrance could stimu-
late business, but in San Antonio, Tex., O. B. Thomas, manager of the State Theatre
converted the notion into a reality to exploit his engagement of “Nobody Lives For-
ever.” Apparently every Richard in the city and many other persons opened the door
leading to the boxoffice as the ingenious manager reports that attendance almost tripled
during a two-day run of the film. Managers might well check local fire department
regulations before undertaking this promotion.
save IT!
* Don't discard your BOXOFFICE.
Beginning with LAST WEEK'S IS-
SUE, the Showmandiser section
has been designed to serve as a
permanent handbook of theatre
merchandising.
* The pages will be numbered
consecutively throughout t h e
year.
* An index to these pages will be
published at regular intervals,
thus providing easy reference to
the various articles on showman-
dising of individual pictures, to
types of pictures and to all the
various phases of promotion.
* Theatre men and executives
who have long felt the need forjsn
up-to-the-minute, yet permanent
guide to boxoffice promotion ma-
terial, will recognize this latest
service innovation in BOXOFFICE
as an invaluable aid in their daily
showmandising efforts.
' Cowgirls' Usher for 'Trail'
Usherettes of the RKO-Brandeis Theatre
in Omaha were attired in western costumes
for “Trail Street.” Will Singer is manager.
Blond in Trailer Bed
Promoies 'Big Sleep'
Roland Pollitt, manager of the Roxy Thea-
tre in St. Petersburg, used one of the most
compelling street ballyhoos ever introduced
along the west coast of Florida to publicize
“The Big Sleep.”
Involved in the promotion was a trailer,
a bed and an attractive blond woman. The
trailer was towed through the streets with
the woman reclining in ease, simulating
sleep. She was attired in sheer pajamas
attracting attention everywhere.
St. Petersburg is not unused to beautiful
young women and brilliant pageantry but
Pollitt’s stunt created unusual comment.
Pollitt’s advance buildup for the picture’s
engagement included trailers.
Miss Charm Selected
In 'Daughter' Contest
The Lincoln in Trenton, N. J., conducted a
Loretta Young “Miss Charm” contest for
“The Farmer’s Daughter.” Lorstan photo-
graphic studios worked with James C. Conk-
lin, theatre manager, on the event. Photo-
graphs of the entrants, taken by Lorstan,
were displayed in the lobby . . . Patrons re-
ceived ballots as they entered the theatre
and were asked to examine the pictures and
pick their favorite “Miss Charm.”
First prize was $50, and others were $25, $15,
and $10.
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
—21—
45
At the World's
TWO p
LOS ANGELES and
W E E K AFTER
FINEST THEATRES, the
ARAMOUNTS
HOLLYWOOD • DAY & DATE
Oorfiosr
Preview Via Ad Sequence Sells The Farmer's Daughter'
STARTING TOMORROW
IN THE DETROIT NEWS
The Michigan Theatre
In Co-operation with RKO Radio Pictures
The First Sneak Newspaper Preview
Of A Distinguished
New Motion Picture
“THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER”
Mr. Joseph Cotten
Miss Loretta Young
and
Miss Ethel Barrymore
SEE TOMORROW’S NEWS
Don’t Do It, Katie!
(First Installment "The Farmer’s Daughter" )
Katie it a (armer't daughter. She't well-educated, the't beaut
and iho't heading for tcandal and heart-break when the lea
for the city to itudy nurting and accepts a ride from RH
WILLIAMS, a middle-aged wolf!
SEE TOMORROWS DETROIT NEWS
FOR SECOND INSTALLMENT
"THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER ”
Love Walks In!
(Third Installment "The Farmer’s Daughter” )
JOSEPH COTTEN hat a yen for Katie and the melts in hit
armt. Hit girl friend it jealout — and FURIOUS — when Katie
retcuct Joo from drowning and. incidentally, adminitlert a
Swedish massage!
SEE TOMORROWS NEWS TO FIND
OUT WHETHER HE’LL LEARN ABOUT
THAT NIGHT IN THE TOURIST CAMP!
Blackmail Pops Up!
(Fifth Installment "The Farmer’s Daughter" )
Jutf when Katie almoit hat JOSEPH COTTEN hooked (after
tho Swodish mattagol, the makes a mittako and innocontly gelt
involved with hit political opponontt. Sadly, Katie leavct the
Congrottman't house and becomot the opposition's candidate
for Congress!
SEE TOMORROWS NEWS TO LEARN
WHAT HAPPENS TO
"THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER"
Joseph Cotten Pursues!
(Sixth Installment "The Farmer’s Daughter” )
Ketio hat vanithed ! The tcandal growi! Her brotheri pursue
tho blackmailor and WHAM I Meanwhile JOSEPH COTTEN
is hot on Katio's trail I What happont? You'll find out when
you tee "THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER".
STARTING TOMORROW AT THE
MICHIGAN THEATRE!
Five of the seven 2x5 advertisements used by United Detroit Theatres in its sneak preview series.
United Detroit Theatres inaugurated a new
exploitation idea, a “newspaper sneak pre-
view,” in its campaign for “The Farmer’s
Daughter,” which opened at the Michigan
Theatre in Detroit May 2. Alice Gorham,
UDT, advertising manager, concocted the
idea.
The preview idea consisted of a series
of ads, written so that each ad teased readers
to watch for the one following on the next
day. The first ad announced the sneak,
while those following featured an episode
from the film worked out in condensed ad
form, 50 to 75 words, with dialog in regular
form.
In the case of “The Farmer’s Daughter,”
the series totaled seven under these catch-
lines: “A Night of Fear,” and on the fol-
lowing day, ‘‘Don’t Do It, Katie,” . . . “Love
Walks In,” etc.
Like the oldtime screen serials, the idea
was to get the reader back the next day to
see what happens.
By giving the public an inside view of the
story, this type of “newspaper sneak” is con-
sidered especially adapted to films whose
titles do not give a good idea of the story.
' Stallion ' at Horse Show
One of the feature events of the second
annual New England horse show held in the
Garden at Boston was a “Stallion Road”
open jumping stakes! with a “Stallion Road”
trophy being presented to the winner by
Robert M. Sternberg, district manager of
M&P Theatres. Before the show, the trophy
was displayed in a window layout at the
Jordan Marsh Co. store, while several other
downtown shops and stores devoted displays
to the film’s opening at the Metropolitan
Theatre.
Youths Under 16 Compete
For Prizes for Mother
Children under 16 years old were invited
to compete in a “Mother Knows Best” con-
test, and win Mother’s day prizes to present
to their mothers, by Mildred FitzGibbons,
manager of the Skouras Roosevelt Theatre in
Flushing, N. Y.
Contestants were asked to write a letter of
50 words or less listing their reasons “Why
you think mother knows best.” A committee
from the Queens branch of the American
Ass’n of University Women did the judging.
The first prize was a 17-jewel woman’s
wrist watch; second, another woman’s wrist
watch, and third, a fountain pen. The prizes
were donated by John Monten, Flushing
jeweler.
PARTNERS in TIME
L_
received more than one and a half
million dollars for their screen time in
1946. This year they will receive more
than two million dollars in screening
revenue. And those are PLUS PROFIT
DOLLARS, brothers!
Screening payment is guaranteed.
Many Alexander Theatre Partners have
been receiving regular monthly Alex-
ander screening checks for as many as
10-15-20 years.
—Screen Time
Alexander screen ads are short . . .
just 40 seconds screen time. These top
quality films, with RCA recording, are
produced and distributed from the
world's largest screen advertising stu-
dios, located at the foot of Pikes Peak
in Colorado.
Alexanders
Colorado Springs, Colorado
48
■24—
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
The modern and profitable method of serving your customers
crisp, fresh, better tasting popcorn.
NO ATTENDANT NEEDED: Fully automatic and vends crisp,
hot popcorn faster than any attendant can pop and box it. Your
EXTRA PROFITS
IN YOUR LOBBY!
'POP' CORN SEZ: My new, automatic
vending machine is the slickest way you theater
managers can make more money on popcorn.
Does away with all sorts of extra expenses. No
rancid grease smellin’ up the place. It’s so
dog-gone good-looking you'll want a couple of
’em in your lobby. Why don’t you drop me a
letter today for the full story?”
AUTOMATIC VENDING MACHINES
ALFRED SALES, INC., 1006 Main Street, Buffalo, New York, Western New
York State; B. E. BUCKMAN. 505 Chestnut St., Winnetka, ill.. State
ot Wisconsin; CONSOLIDATED POPCORN & SUPPLY CORP., 912 Canal St.,
New Orleans, La., City of New Orleans; EMERSON BROS. MANUFACTURING
CO., 2431 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif., State of California, HAR-
LAN FAIRBANKS CO., 116 Elliott Ave. W., Seattle, Washington, States of
Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming; DWIGHT HAMLIN
CO., 5958 Baum, Blvd., Pittsburgh, Pa., Pittsburgh, Pa. trading area; THE
KAY COMPANY, 33 Beale Ave., Memphis, Tennessee, State of Arkansas, and
Memphis; KING'S U-SELECT-IT CANDY SERVICE, 3321 W. 44th Ave , Denver
li, Colorado, State of Colorado; MAYBORN ASSOCIATES, INC., 6500 Harford
Road, Baltimore, Maryland, States of Maryland and Delaware; 'POP' CORN
SEZ, INC., OF PA., Delaware and Montrose Ave., Upper Darby, Penna., States
patrons will appreciate this quicker service. You will make
bigger profits.
LESS LOBBY SPACE: Requires only 18 inches of floor space.
No bulky equipment cluttering up the lobby.
NO INVESTMENT ; Vendor installed — free. Popcorn and
bags furnished free. Your patrons get fresh, hot, crisp popcorn.
You make bigger profits (and all net) without any investment
or labor.
of Pennsylvania and New Jersey; MERCHANDISER'S INC., 2124 Pennway,
Kansas City, Missouri, States of Kansas and Missouri; MIDWEST POPCORN
MACHINE CO., Saunders-Kennedy Bldg., Omaha, Nebraska, States of Iowa,
Nebraska and Minnesota; 'POP' CORN SEZ, INC. OF CHICAGO, 5755 Ogden
Ave., Chicago (50), ill., State of Illinois; S. T. ENTERPRISES, INC., Route 9,
Box 426-D, Phoenix, Ariz., State of Arizona; SUN PUFT POPCORN CO. OF
INDIANA, 714 E. 17th St., Indianapolis, Indiana, State of Indiana; SUN PUFT
POPCORN CO. OF FLORIDA, 1518 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, Fla , North-
ern Florida, SUN PUFT POPCORN CO. OF NEW MEXICO, 1 1 19 Gold St., Al-
buquerque, New Mexico, State of New Mexico; SUN PUFT POPCORN CO. OF
TEXAS, 1710 Harding Street, Dallas, Texas, State of Texas; VENDORS DIS-
TRIBUTORS, INC., 3128 Northeast 2nd Ave., Miami, Florida, States of North
and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Miami; JACKSON B.
WEAVER, ! 100 S. Eads, Arlington, Va., Washington, D. C.
NATIONAL PRESELLING
The U.S. Post Office department has made
available for the first time a new type of air
communication called “air letter,” and Co-
lumbia immediately seized upon ths newest
service for exploiting its “Down to Earth.”
Within hours after the first air letters were
placed on sale at the post office, hundreds
of them bearing personal messages from
Joseph A. McConville were on their way to
exhibitor friends in all countries where Co-
lumbia pictures are distributed.
* * *
Tied in with the general release of “Pos-
sessed,” Lux Soap has set a national advertis-
ing campaign featuring Joan Crawford, star
of the picture, with special mention of her
latest Warner Bros, production.
The picture is tentatively set for release
about the end of July, with ads appearing in
the August issues of Cosmopolitan, Good
Housekeeping, McCall’s, True Story, Seven-
teen, Screen Guide, the Fawcett Group and
other magazines, as well as newspapers. The
American Weekly, Sunday newspaper supple-
ment, will carry the ad in its August 24
issue.
* * *
RKO Radio is putting an extensive na-
tional advertising campaign behind “They
Won’t Believe Me,” starting with the May 13
issue of Look magazine. Full page ads will
also appear in Life, Saturday Evening Post,
American, True Story and True Confessions.
The schedule outlined by S. Barret Mc-
Cormick, director of advertising and pub-
licity, includes Screen Romances, Motion
3>aUle YOUR POPCORN “PROFITS”
With
CRETORS^ Auxiliary MOD. 41 POPCORN MACHINE
tZX5
• Pops 50 lbs. Raw Corn Per Hour
• Weight Equalizing Device -- Easy Pan Dump
Large production . . . Fast, efficient, trouble-
free. Pops corn direct in the seasoning and
salt. Pan easily dumped . . . Enclosed trans-
mission . . . Gears run in oil . . . Keeps heat
where needed . . . No pressure from popping
corn insures maximum popping volume.
Dump handle interchangeable — right or left
hand operation. Machines operated by bottle
gas or natural gas. Motor driven by elec-
tricity. Gasoline extra.
C. CRETORS & CO.
604 W. Cermak Rd. Chicago 16, 111.
Picture, Movie Story, True Confessions,
Photoplay, Movie Life, Movie Stars Parade
and Movies, the American Weekly and This
Week.
Sunday supplements will also be used to
presell this unusual romantic mystery.
An important feature of the campaign
consists of Pic-Tour ads in Life, Look and
Collier’s. A total circulation of over 60 mil-
lion already contracted for, will have the
added impetus of an additional group of
Canadian publications to be announced later.
Stair-Riser Teasers
Plug 'Bedelia' at Joy
Two weeks before the opening of “Bedelia”
at the Joy Theatre in New Orleans, Manager
E. A. McKenna placed teaser strips along the
stair risers leading to the mezzanine floor.
The cards read:
“Bedelia’ Is Trifling . . . ‘Bedelia’ Is
Wicked . . . ‘Bedelia’ Is Ravishing, etc.” The
stunt helped to build advance interest and
focus attention on the opening date.
A 40-foot banner covering the entire build-
ing facade heralded the film and was used
currently to exploit the film.
A radio contest was another feature of the
campaign with listeners asked to submit their
nominations for history’s “most wicked
woman who ever lived.”
Quality HI—
monon PICTURE SERVICE C».
m iii'niniii,[-i.jl.i iiiiiiiu mm
12$ HYDE ST. • • San Francisco (Z> Calif.
Note Specializing '
in Refreshment
Concessions for
DRIVE-IN THEATRES/
SPORTSERVICE, Inc. JACOBS BROS.
[HURST BLDG. BUFFALO, N. Y.
a P O P CORN
‘^MACHINES
Bsgs — % lb. $2.10 M in lots of under 10 M
2.00 M over 10 M
P/2 oz. Trademark, 10c seller,
$3.30 per M
(Available only at Western Warehouses)
POPCORN
Manley's Jumbo Popcorn $8.00
Manley's Premium 9.2S
Manley's Supreme (Middle-West) 10.50
(Eastern) 10.75
(Western).. 11.00
Packed in double lined moisture prool
bags to preserve quality, high volume,
and to assure you of a tasty, tender
product.
FOR IMMEDIATE SERVICE
UNIFORMITY . . . DEPENDABLE PERFORMANCE
SEASONING
Manley's Pop-Co-Better 40c per lb.
The best that money can buy.
SALT
Hefined and processed according to our
own specifications. Brings out the natural
flavor of your popcorn.
10c per 2-lb. box, in cases of 12 or 24.
WRITE NEAREST
EASTERN
Atlanta, Ga., Southern Sales & Warehouse Co., 171 Peters St., S. W.
Binghampton, N. Y„ Manley, Inc., Box No. 826
Boston, Mass., Wiggin Terminals, Inc., 50 Terminal St.
Charlotte, N. C., Carolina Transfer & Storage Co., 1230 W. Morehead
Roanoke, Va., Roanoke Public Warehouse
MIDDLE-WEST
Columbus, Ohio, Merchandise Warehouse, 370 W. Broad St.
Dallas, Texas, Zanes-Ewalt Warehouse, 420 Laws St.
Des Moines, Iowa, Merchants Transfer t Storage Co.
Detroit, Mich., Edgar's Sugar House No. 2, 1900 Alfred Street
Indianapolis, Ind., Strohm Warehouse A Cartage Co., 230 W. McCarty St.
WAREHOUSE
Kansas City, Mo., Manley, Inc., 1920 Wyandotte it.
Memphis, Tenn., United Warehouse & Terminal Corp., 137 E. Calhoun
New Orleans, La., Douglas Public Service Corp., 118 N. Front St.
Oklahoma, City, Okla., O. K. Transfer & Storage Co., 531 W. Main
Peoria, III., Federal Warehouse Co., 800 South Adams
St. Paul, Minn., Central Warehouse Co., University & Pillsbury Ave.
WESTERN
Denver, Colo., Weicker Transfer & Storage Co., 1700 15th St.
Los Angeles, Calif., Jennings-Nibley Warehouse Co., Ltd.
Oakland, Calif., Haslett Warehouse Co., 51 Webster St.
Salt Lake City, Utah, Central Warehouse, 520 West 2nd South St.
Seattle, Wash., American Warehouse Co., 95 Connecticut St.
O
50
26—
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 10, 1947
'Lady' Poster Immersed
In Patio's Lobby Pool
Allen Grant and Alfred Cohn, manager
and assistant of Century’s Patio Theatre, in
Brooklyn, took full advantage of a fountain
and pool in their lobby to work up a re-
sourceful stunt on “Lady in the Lake.”
A photo cutout of Audrey Totter, complete
with picture title and playdates was im-
mersed in the pool and covered with glass
to hold it in position. A large arrow, also
marked with playdates, clearly pointed out
the “lady in the lake.”
A mounted display was placed at the other
end of the pool, with water from the fountain
spraying over it. Arrows on pillars in the
theatre all pointed toward the pool. The
stunt drew quite a bit of favorable patron
reaction.
. . . has that rich, golden
color that makes ’em buy!
★ Uniform Quality always— in color
—in flavor— in consistency.
★ Colored at the refinery by expert
chemists*
★ Packed in Open Head Pails and
drums for better accessibility.
★ Backed by 70 years "know how".
★ For those states where colored oil is not sold
— use SIMKO brand, natural color
coconut oil seasoning.
2550 E. TIOGA ST. PHILADELPHIA 34, PA.
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
THE EAST acclaims
PERFORMANCES TO DATE
CONNECTICUT THEATRE TOO SMALL
MASSACHUSETTS CROWDS TERRIFIC
MILLIONS OF PEOPLE GAN T BE WRONG!
i
ALL-STAR HOLLYWOOD CAST
IN PERSON ON THE STAGE
ELLIOT FORBES
FEARLESS HYGIENE COMMENTATOR
¥
Special Colored Theater Unit Starring
JESSE OWENS
World Famous Olympic Champion
S°me Story,
°Ur «n-‘t ime10AND Dad
dy . . ... house recor(
D°W THE AT R
Ha^ord r ‘
C°nn
WhY No t?
rtstnouth.
~°rtQinly js.
'v°uflds up:;'"19 th",n
°ne thing / havUs today OJ
seen
DePt. of pf' HUg
Yorku™0'
Book It NOW!
WIRE * WRITE * GALL
HYGIENIC PRODUCTIONS
J. S. JOSSEY and KROGER BABB
Gen. Offices: Hygiene Bldg., Wilmington, Ohio
Los Angeles • Cleveland • Mexico City • Toronto
NOTE: THE PRODUCERS OF
“MOM AND DAD" BELIEVE A
THEATRE HAS TWO BASIC OBLIGA-
TIONS— FIRST, TO ENTERTAIN ITS
PATRONS AND SECOND, TO PER-
FORM A PUBLIC SERVICEI GUAR-
ANTEEING THE FIRST AND WITH
INTEREST IN THE SECOND YOU
^CAN PRESENT THIS SIGNIFICANTLY^
VITAL MOTION
PICTUREI
BOXOFTICE Showmandiser May 10, 1947
—27—
51
'Great Combination'
Ties Merchants to
Reade Twin Bill
Special stress was placed on outdoor ex-
ploitation to promote “The Beginning or the
End" at the Reade Oxford Theatre in Plain-
field, N. J., by Murry Meinberg, local man-
ager for the Reade circuit in that city.
A sound truck was bannered with signs
emphasizing “The Greatest Combination
Ever Offered.” Copy also mentioned the
associate feature, “The Show-Off.”
Express trucks throughout the area, which
were posted with lithos by the distributor,
were sniped with the local playdates and
theatre name.
A battery of window displays was effected
Still the most Economical because
of NEW DRASTICALLY
REDUCED PRICES
Our government has requested
price reductions to stem infla-
tion and we are going to help —
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
THE PRICE OF POPSIT PLUS IS
REDUCED APPROXIMATELY
15% — This brings the cost of
POPSIT PLUS close to the price
level of solid seasonings.
Warehouses in principal cities — coast to coast
2550 E. TIOGA ST. PHILADELPHIA 34, PA.
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
with music shops, fruit markets, barber shops,
restaurants and apparel stores, each carrying
a direct tiein through copy with the picture
title. In nearby Scotch Plains, a display was
set up in the main post office.
Teaser cards were imprinted and distrib-
uted in homes, offices and stores.
To sell the “combination” idea, Meinberg
tied up with restaurants, soda fountains and
taverns throughout the city and suburbs
with the merchants offering their own “Com-
bination Special” and suggesting that their
customers take advantage of the fine “com-
bination” program at the Oxford.
Banking Group Tieup Helps
Date on 'Wonderful Life'
The Academy theatre in Pasadena, Calif..
and the Pasadena Conference of Building and
Savings and Loan Ass’ns recently joined pro-
motional facilities to mutual advantage tied
in with the engagement of “It’s a Wonderful
Life.”
L. Laurent, manager of the Academy pro-
moted a cooperative display ad from the con-
ference which endorsed the picture in un-
qualified terms. This was supplemented by
a letter sent out to 300 member organizations
throughout the state of California with a
recommendation that they work out similar
promotions with their local theatre.
Laurent used some effective lobby displays
and a series of newspaper advertisements to
exploit the picture's date and arranged a
number of window tieups.
Good Grade
POPCORN
Over 25
Bags
Per 100 lbs.
$875
1 to 25
Bags per M
100 lbs. W
$075
rr
★
" JP-OrU-Ana*
COCOANUT OIL
Returnable Drums
per lb.
31’/2C
381/2 lb. Tins
per lb.
33c
POPCORN BOXES, Per 1000, $7.50
F.O.B. CHICAGO
(Prices subject to change)
Immediate Delivery
• Peanut Oil • Bags and Boxes
o Paper Cones • Salt Seasoning
Distributors for
CRETORS Popcorn Machines
POPPER’S BOY PRODUCTS CO.
58 E. 13th St., Chicago 5
tf-loiU fto-ittt?
Users of POPSIT PLUS the
liquid popcorn seasoning
made from Peanut Oil, are
not worried about flash point-
POPSIT PLUS has a flash
point over 650“F. and a fire
point over 700°F.
CLEflRinG HOUSE
(Continued from inside back cover)
SOUND EQUIPMENT
Late type RCA amplifiers, PA and soundfilm,
$49.50 up; outdoor metal speakers, $3.95 up;
closing out soundfilm amplifiers, $29.50 up; sound-
heads, $9.95 up; Western Electric 500 watt drive-
in amplifiers, $295; new Multicellular Hifrequency
horns, $75; 35mm sound projectors, $125 up;
new theatre amplifiers, 10 watt. $77.50; 17 watt,
$95. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd
St., New York 18.
MISCELLANEOUS
Glazit with Glazore. Cleans and glazes lac-
quered, enameled, varnished surfaces, metals, tile,
glass, marble. Pints $1.50. Distributors wanted.
Write for particulars. Harry S. Gans, 326 W. 44th
St., New Y7ork 18.
SIGNS
Easy Way to Paint Signs. Use letter patterns.
Avoid sloppy work and wasted time. No experi-
ence needed for expert work. Write for free sam-
ples. John Rahn, B-1329 Central Ave., Chicago
51, 111.
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
Mister Exhibitor: Do you need a stimulant one
night a week? Play Screeno. The first screen
game and still the leader because Screeno cannot
he controlled. Screeno slides are operated by air
and not affected by electric current, therefore
cannot get out of order. Finest Bogus Bristol die
cut cards supplied with equipment. Give seating
capacity, secure attractive price. Screeno Amuse-
ment Co., Orleans-Huron Bldg., Chicago 10.
Phone DELaware 5953.
Bingo Cards, 100 or 75 number, $2.75 per M;
lots of 10M or more, $2.50 per M. 100 number
cards good for Keen-o game. Premium Products,
354 W. 44th St., New York City.
Comic books again available as premiums, give-
aways at your kiddy shows. Large variety latest
48-page newsstand editions. Comics Premium Co.,
412 Greenwich St., New Y’ork City.
MORE CLASSIFIED
INSIDE BACK COVER
COMPLETE SEAT REBUILDING, YES!
Veneer Backs and Bot-
toms Made to Order —
Seat and Back Covers —
New Cushions — Uphol-
stering Supplies.
Write for Samples arid Prices
Cecil Davis
Theatre Seat and Equipment Co.
4020 MacArthur Oklahoma City, Okla.
SAVE MQNIYI
Vac Ji/mackli tteu>
PREVUE
TRAILER
SERVICE
Filmack 1327 S. Wabash Chicago
52
—28—
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Clear Legal Groundwork
For Antitrust Appeals
Big Companies Appeal
Verdict for Goldman
PHILADELPHIA — An appeal was filed
Wednesday (30) in the U.S. circuit court of
appeals by Warner Bros. Theatres and the
major distributors for a review of the anti-
trust suit which the court had decided in
favor of William Goldman, independent ex-
hibitor.
The defendants, who have been ordered to
pay $374,000 plus $60,000 in lawyers’ fees, are
asking a review on the contention that Gold-
man refused to open the Erlanger despite the
fact pictures were available for the house.
They claim that Goldman has been offered
first run product at the Erlanger which he
has rejected for that house but has pur-
chased for the Karlton, which formerly was
a subsequent run house.
Goldman’s action in passing by the Erlan-
ger for first run product, say the defendants,
justifies their original contention that the
house was not suitable for first run.
Goldman’s suit was based on the allega-
tion that the distributors had conspired to
freeze out the Erlanger from first run pic-
tures. The original suit was for $3,750,000
in treble damages.
There is another suit pending in federal
court, filed by Goldman in behalf of the
Erlanger. This one is for $8,600,000 in trebled
damages, based on the alleged loss at the
house from December 1942 to December 1946.
Defendants in the suit are Loew’s, Para-
mount, RKO, 20th Century-Fox, Columbia,
Warner Bros., Circuit Management Corp.,
Vitagraph, Stanley Co. of America, Universal
and United Artists.
New Lens for Televising
Simplifies Operation
NEW YORK — A new television lens which
can shift rapidly from close-ups to full-view
shots was demonstrated during the week at
the National Broadcasting Co. studios. The
instrument, called the Zoomar lens, will
greatly facilitate both outdoor and studio
televising, which ordinarily require separate
cameras with different lens attachments.
Owned by Jerry Fairbanks, independent pro-
ducer of film shorts for Paramount release,
the new lens is an adaptation of a 16mm mo-
tion picture camera lens and was perfected
recently by Dr. Frank G. Black.
Studio use of lens can, in certain cases, sub-
stitute for “dolly” shots in which cameras
are in constant motion and studio noise is
difficult to prevent. O. B. Hansen, vice-presi-
dent and chief engineer of NBC, predicted
that the Zoomar will become standard equip-
ment in all television cameras.
'Best Years' Audience Set
At 37,000,000 by Poll
NEW YORK — Approximately 37,000,000
filmgoers will see Samuel Goldwyn’s “The
Best Years of Our Lives,” according to a
survey completed by Audience Research, Inc.
This is one of the highest total audiences
ever forecast for a picture, according to the
ARI records.
Before the film won the Academy award,
the research organization estimated a po-
tential audience of from 32-33,000,000.
UN Buys WE Sound System
NEW YORK — The United Nations has pur-
chased a portable newsreel sound recording
system from Western Electric to be installed
at the UN headquarters at Lake Success, L. I.
The sound system and a Mitchell camera will
be used to record the UN sessions.
NEW YORK — The legal groundwork is be-
ing cleared for the supreme court appeal of
the antitrust decree which is expected to be
heard late this year or early in 1948.
The lawyers for the eight defendants and
the government have been busy deciding what
portions of the 4,000 pages of testimony and
626 exhibits they plan to use in arguing their
cases.
Once they make up their minds, the clerk
of the supreme court will have these' portions
incorporated into a record for the benefit of
the court. The law calls for 30 copies, but
because of the number of defendants and
widespread interest in the case, it is expected
that 50 to 60 copies will be reproduced at the
appellants’ expense.
LARGE CARTONS OF EXHIBITS
The appellants must tell the clerk what
part of the record they want printed within
15 days after the record has been filed with
him.
During the past week (May 4-10) the clerk
received four large cartons, containing the
entire testimony and exhibits which he filed.
The material was shipped the preceding Fri-
day.
The lawyers were beginning to become wor-
ried when they received word from Washing-
ton last Tuesday that the precious cargo had
not yet been received. The deadline originally
set by the New York three-judge statutory
court was Saturday, May 10.
UA and Columbia asked for and received
an additional ten-day stay from Justice Au-
gustus N. Hand of the New York court.
The other companies — Paramount, 20th-
Fox, RKO, Warners, Universal, Loew’s — also
were planning to ask for an extension of time
to file the case. Lawyers for the defendants
explained that the case could be post-
poned if the appellants failed to file the
complete record within the time limit set
by the three-judge court unless, however, ad-
ditional time was granted. The defendants
were taking no chances of any further delays
on the nine-year-old antitrust case.
40 COPIES TO BE FILED
The court has already acknowledged that it
will hear the case. This was done when Jus-
tice Reed heard the arguments for stays and
granted them as requested by the defendants.
The court will formally notify the appellants
that it has taken jurisdiction after all the
statements are finally filed. This notification
is expected to be received late this month or
early in June before the court recesses.
The final step before the actual hearing will
take place three weeks before that event when
the appellants file 40 copies of their brief with
the clerk of the court.
Receipt of Records Paves Way
For Decision on Jurisdiction
WASHINGTON — With receipt by the su-
preme court of records including testimony,
pleadings, answers and complaints in the
hearing before the New York federal court,
proceedings in the industry antitrust case
advanced a stage this week.
Receipt of the records paved the way for
the high court to decide on accepting juris-
diction of the case and hear appeals from
the New York court’s ruling. Acceptance of
jurisdiction by the supreme court is a virtual
certainty from all indications inasmuch as
the suit against the distributors involves in-
terpretation of the Sherman antitrust law.
plus the indicative action of the high court
in granting the recent stay order.
Justice Stanley Reed set May 20 as the
deadline for docketing of the case. Volumi-
nous exhibits in the case include 476 by the
government and 150 by the distributors. On
acceptance of the case by the supreme court
all parties involved would submit new briefs
elaborating on motions to appeal and the
issue probably would be argued during the
October term.
Suit Against 13 Companies
Continued Until June 17
SEATTLE — The $500,000 civil suit brought
by the Theatre Investment Co. and the
Venetian Theatre Co. against 13 motion pic-
ture producers, distributors and exhibitors
has been continued until June 17.
Meanwhile, the plaintiffs and defendants
have agreed to waive jury trial and submit
the case to the court for a decision, on con-
dition that oral arguments and further briefs
be considered. Federal Judge John C. Bowen
continued the proceedings in order to review
the first trial of the action which lasted eight
weeks and resulted in a mistrial last Novem-
ber when the jury failed to agree.
Paramount Publicity
Post to Ben Washer
NEW YORK — Ben Washer, who has been
doing publicity for Samuel Goldwyn Produc-
tions, late Friday was appointed eastern pub-
licity manager for Paramount by Curtis
Mitchell, director of advertising, publicity and
exploitation.
Gordon Swarthout continues as publicity
and exploitation coordinator; Sid Mesibov,
assistant manager of exploitation, and C. N.
Odell as New York press chief.
RKO Secures $10,000,000
Credit for Production
NEW YORK— RKO has secured a $10,000,-
000 credit, based on a minimum working
capital of $20,000,000, from the Bankers Trust
Co. of New York, who will manage the fund,
the First National Bank of Boston and the
Security-First National Bank of Los Angeles.
The credit will be used to maintain a sub-
stantial backlog of unreleased feature pic-
tures. No security was required.
The company feels this policy enables or-
derly marketing, planned exploitation and
maximum results from distribution. The new
credit automatically cancels an existing credit
agreement with the Bankers Trust Co. for
$5,000,000, scheduled to expire Dec. 22, 1948.
Eastern Screen Writers
Form New Association
NEW YORK— A group of eastern screen
writers has formed the Eastern Screen Writ-
ers Ass’n. Newton Meltzer is temporary
chairman.
A committee has been named to investi-
gate the possibilities of affiliation with other
writers’ organizations and report back to the
membership.
53
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
E
BROADWAY
alter Liebler, UA foreign controller, cele-
brated 25 years with the company on
Wednesday (May 7). He was originally hired
temporarily in 1922 for one week . . . Burtus
Bishop jr., midwestern sales head for MGM,
spent a few days with John E. Flynn in Chi-
cago before winding up his personal affairs
in Dallas . . . Bernard J. Gates is now in
Buenos Aires.
Sara Lefkowitz, eastern district manager for
Warners, returned from a brief trip to New
Haven and Boston . . . Leonard Hirsch, as-
sistant to Rudy Berger at the MGM home
office, was discharged from Post Graduate
hospital after a siege of pneumonia . . . Jules
K. Chapman of Film Classics is in Atlanta
conferring with John Mangham on sales
plans for “The Patient Vanishes.”
Howard Strickling is back at the studio
after the MGM sales meeting here . . . W.
Stewart McDonald wound up a visit to War-
ners exchanges in Pittsburgh and Chicago
. . . Bernard Goodwin, vice-president of
Famous Music Corp. and Paramount Music
Corp. and secretary of the Allen B. Du Mont
Laboratories, flew back from a two-week
coast visit.
Lige Brien of E-L is the father of a baby
boy weighing seven pounds, four ounces . . .
Roy Haines is touring WB branches in the
midwest.
Daniel J. Loventhal, sales executive for
RKO, returned from a brief business trip to
the Charlotte branch . . . William Maybery,
20th-Fox casting director, wound up his work
here on Darryl F. Zanuck’s “Gentleman’s
Agreement.”
Jack W. Votion, RKO production represent-
ative in Europe, returned to his London head-
quarters after studio conferences with N.
Peter Rathvon and Dore Schary . . . Llewellyn
Miller is vacationing here after completing
her assignment as special representative for
Samuel Goldwyn on “The Best Years of Our
Lives.”
Norman Ayers of Warners made a quick
tour of the Philadelphia and Washington
territories . . . N. Peter Rathvon is meeting
'Henry V Sets Run Record
Of 47 Weeks in New York
New York — “Henry V” closed at the
Golden Theatre Saturday night (May 3)
after 35 weeks in that spot.
The picture first opened at the City
Center Theatre and ran there for 12
weeks before moving over to the Golden.
The total was 47 weeks. This is claimed as
a record for a sound picture with dialog
in English.
“The Covered Wagon,” silent film of a
quarter of a century ago, ran over a year
at the Criterion.
with RKO home office heads . . . Rudolph
Weiss of Warners Theatres real estate de-
partment returned from a brief trip to Cleve-
land . . . William C. Gehring, 20th-Fox cen-
tral sales manager, is touring exchanges.
E. Z. Walters, Altec controller who has set
up offices in Hollywood, is visiting New York
headquarters . . . Dan S. Terrell of Loew’s
Theatres advertising department wound up
a theatre tour of New Orleans, Kansas City,
Houston, Evansville, Indianapolis, Dayton,
Toledo and Cleveland . . . James V. Pattinson,
sales director of 20th Century-Fox Film Co.,
Ltd., of Great Britain, and Mrs. Pattinson
will return to London next week. Pattinson
spent his U.S. visit conferring with Murray
Silverstone.
Charles C. Moskowitz and Jack Harris, di-
vision manager for Loew’s, are back from
Florida vacations . . . Tom A. Law, J. Arthur
Rank’s film equipment expert, is here for
conferences with Rank affiliate companies
and meetings with American acoustic and
technical trade heads. He will visit the Bell
& Howell plant in Chicago . . . Joseph J.
Deitch of Paramount Theatres Service Corp.
is convalescing at his home after an operation
at Polyclinic hospital.
Loren L. Ryder, SMPE president and head
of the Paramount studio sound department,
is back at his coast headquarters . . . Phil
Reisman, RKO foreign distribution head,
sailed for England on the Queen Elizabeth.
VISIT RKO’S MEXICAN STUDIO — Sol A. Schwartz (third from left), vice-
president and general manager of RKO Theatres, with Mrs. Schwartz, are shown
above during a visit at the RKO Churubusco Studio in Mexico City. They were the
guests of Emilio Azcarraga (extreme left), owner of the Alameda, Olympia and
Bucareli theatres in Mexico. Harry Davis (extreme right) is RKO Radio Pictures
manager in Mexico.
Mayer Is Named Film Head
Of New York Fund Drive
NEW YORK — Arthur L. Mayer, operator
of the Rialto Theatre, has been appointed
chairman of the motion picture drive for the
ARTHUR L. MAYER
Greater New York Fund. The industry drive
started Wednesday (May 7). Other members
of the industry committee include Leonard
H. Goldenson, co-chairman; Leo Brecher;
Gus Eyssell and Sam Rinzler.
Twentieth-Fox is preparing a film showing
the operations of the fund. This will be sub-
mitted to the Metropolitan Motion Picture
Theatres Ass’n for approval for showing in
all New York theatres from May 17 to June 8.
National Screen will handle distribution. The
fund goal for this year is $6,000,000.
NewsreeL Album Given
Truman on Birthday
WASHINGTON— President Truman this
week was presented with a motion picture
album as a birthday gift by members of the
Motion Picture Ass’n. A compilation of
sequences from five American newsreels made
up the album, which is a pictorial record and
highlights the chief executive’s public career.
The album runs 13 reels and covers all the
important events both home and abroad in
which the President participated.
The presentation was made at the White
House by Washington representatives of five
newsreels: Anthony Muto, 20th Century-
Fox Movietone News; J. C. Brown, MGM
News of the Day; Robert H. Denton, Para-
mount News; George Dorsey, RKO Pathe
News and James E. Lyons, Universal News-
reel. The album was prepared in New York
under the supervision of a newsreel editors
committee consisting of representatives of
five companies.
Jerry Pickman Promoted
To New Eagle-Lion Post
NEW YORK — Jerry Pickman, publicity
manager of Eagle-Lion Films since its incep-
tion last fall, has been promoted to the newly
created post of assistant director of adver-
tising, publicity and exploitation, under Max
Youngstein, advertising, publicity and ex-
ploitation head.
In addition to his new duties, Pickman is
continuing as E-L publicity manager, in which
capacity he is assisted by Leo Brody, who
was recently promoted to the post of assist-
ant publicity manager.
54
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Along New York's Filmrow
Rv WALTER WAT.nMAN
Rain Hurts Broadway,
But 'Carnegie' Is Hit
NEW YORK — Weekend rain held business
down at most Broadway first runs. Even some
of the newcomers showed below-average
grosses. Among them were “Love and Learn”
at the Strand, “The Hit Parade of 1947” at
the Gotham and “Born to Kill” at the Palace.
“Carnegie Hall,” despite poor notices, had
a strong first week at the continuous-run
Winter Garden and close to capacity at the
reserved-seat Park Avenue. “Odd Man Out”
at the Criterion, “The Egg and I” at the Radio
City Music Hall and “Calcutta” at the Para-
mount all held up well in their second weeks.
“Monsieur Verdoux” slipped badly in its
fourth week at the Broadway but “The Jol-
son Story” did good business in its return
to Broadway after seven weeks at the Radio
City Music Hall last fall, followed by neigh-
borhood runs.
(Average is 100)
Astor — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
24th wk 94
Broadway — Monsieur Verdoux (UA), 4th wk 65
Capitol — Smash-Up (U-I) stage show, 4th wk 95
Criterion — Odd Man Out (U-I), 2nd wk 135
Globe — The Macomber Affair (UA), 3rd wk 110
Gotham — Hit Parade of 1947 (Rep) 95
Hollywood — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB), 5th wk. 82
Palace^-Bom to Kill (RKO) 85
Paramount — Calcutta (Para); stage show,
2nd wk 101
Park Avenue — Carnegie Hall (UA),
rpcprvpH cpnt lflS
Radio City Music Kali— The Egg and I (U-I);'
stage show, 2nd wk 115
Rialto— The Big Fix (PRC) 97
Rivoli — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO), 6th wk 88
Roxy — The Homestretch (20th-Fox),
plus stage show, 2nd wk 85
Strand — Love and Learn (WB); stage show 95
Victoria — The Jolson Story (Col), 2nd run 95
Winter Garden — Carnegie Hall (UA) 145
’Homestretch' Is Brightest Spot
In Dull Philadelphia Report
PHILADELPHIA— Business was in a gen-
eral slump this week with only a few bright
spots to liven up the picture. “Homestretch”
was receiving the benefit of good selling, in
some measure compensating for rather cold
reviews. Other newcomers fared only so-so.
Holdover of “It Happened in Brooklyn” was
one of the higher spots.
Aldine — Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (MGM) 80
Arcadia and Pix — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 4th wk 140
Boyd — The Sea of Grass (MGM), 3rd wk 110
Earle — Calendar Girl (Rep), plus stage show 105
Fox — The Homestretch (20th-Fox) 150
Goldman — Suddenly It's Spring (Para), 2nd wk 100
Karlton — Buck Privates Come Home (U-I) 75
Keith's — Stallion Road (WB), 2nd run 95
Mastbaum — Love and Learn (WB) 100
Stanley — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM),
2nd wk 145
Stanton — Angel and the Badman (Rep), 2nd wk.. ..l20
THE NEW YORK branch of the Selznick
Releasing Organization is temporarily op-
erating out of home office headquarters at
400 Madison Ave. . . . Meanwhile Milton
Kusell, domestic sales chief, has scouts out
looking for office space nearer Filmrow on
West 44th street . . . Sales and booking
details for the New York branch are being
handled by Sidney Deneau, formerly with
the Schine circuit, and Ira Michaels, for-
merly circuit booker for Columbia. Deneau is
officially Kusell’s assistant in addition to his
local selling tasks. Michaels is office man-
ager of the New York branch, and booker.
Ralph Wolff of the Columbia home office,
replaced Michaels as circuit booker, and Sam
Fineblum, also a Columbia booker, has been
upped to salesman . . . Speaking of sales-
men, Tom McAndrews, former student sales-
man at Republic, is now a full-fledged sales-
man in Republic’s New Haven exchange. The
office staff gave him a sendoff at the Famous
Door . . . Hank Owen, another Republic
student salesman, is home recuperating from
an eye operation . . . Also on the sick list,
but much improved, is Jack Farkas, assistant
branch manager of Monogram . . . Jack has
been out nearly a month following an opera-
tion.
The MGM exchange was well represented
at the recent sales meeting at the Hotel
Astor. Jack Bowen, district manager; Ralph
Pielow, New York branch manager; Ben
Abner, New Jersey branch manager, and Ed
Richter, chief booker and short subjects
sales supervisor, carried the ball for the local
office . . . Richter did a lot of celebrating
this weekend. May 8 was the fourth birthday
of his daughter, Hazel, and May 11 (Mother’s
day) is the birthday of his wife Helen . . .
Sid Stockton, office manager of the MGM
New York and New Jersey exchanges, will
attend the company’s office managers meet-
ing at Cincinnati May 21-23. This will be
the first of two MGM office manager con-
ferences. The second one will take place at
Denver May 26-28 for branches not repre-
sented at Cincinnati.
Irving Kaplan of Randforce is busy re-
minding Filmrow of the spring windup party
to be held at the Hotel Taft June 30. There
will be dinner and dancing . . . Sam Rinzler
will leave for Saratoga Springs next Satur-
day (May 17), the day after he receives the
annual Beacon award from the Motion Pic-
ture Associates. He will be gone for two
weeks . . . Seen in the Film Center building:
Milton Colman and Maurice Brosky of the
State and Windsor theatres, West Orange;
Harry Friedman of the Academy Theatre,
Newburgh; Cliff Smith of the St. Cloud
circuit. This was Smith’s first visit in quite
a while. He had been touring Virginia and
West Virginia.
Phil Hodes, RKO branch manager, ap-
peared to be having a wonderful time at
the cocktail party at the 21 club last Tues-
day for Dore Schary, RKO vice-president in
charge of production . . . Instead of the usual
hors d’oeuvres, the hosts served turkey, Vir-
ginia ham, corned beef and lox. No wonder
Phil was happy.
There’s lots of rejoicing these days at the
20th-Fox exchange. The New Yorkers won
first place in the 18-week branch managers
drive . . . The payoff was three weeks’ salary.
Just to complete the celebrating, Ruth Bech-
told, 20th-Fox telephone operator, became a
mother-in-law May 3, when her son George
was married.
Joseph Baskay, former owner of the Islin
Theatre, Islin, N. J., is now in Tucson, Ariz.,
for his health. However, Baskay is planning
to return to New Jersey and build a new
theatre when his health improves and build-
ing costs come down . . . Harry Schochet,
Paramount accountant, recently passed out
cigars when his wife Claire gave birth to a
girl. This was his third child . . . George
Kemp, manager of the Paramount Theatre,
Staten Island, is back on the job following
a Miami Beach vacation.
Harold Bennett, National Screen branch
manager, and his staff had a busy week pre-
paring for the 50 day-and-date “Duel in the
Sun” openings. Orders kept pouring in for
accessories up through Tuesday night, the
eve of the mass openings in the metropolitan
area.
’Framed' and ’Millie's Daughter'
Lead First Runs in Buffalo
BUFFALO — “Framed” and “Millie’s Daugh-
ter” at the Lafayette were co-leaders here
with “The Farmer’s Daughter” and “The
Falcon’s Adventure” at the 20th Century.
“Suddenly It’s Spring” and “Easy Come, Easy
Go” were strong at the Great Lakes and
seemed assured of a moveover week.
Buffalo — Stallion Road (WB); Sweetheart of
Sigma Chi (Mono) 85
Great Lakes — Suddenly It's Spring (Para);
Easy Come, Easy Go (Para) 110
Hippodrome — The Sea of Grass (MGM),
3rd d. t. wk 85
Lafayette — Framed (Col);
Millie's Daughter (Col) 120
Teck — The Macomber Affair (UA), 2nd d. t. wk 90
20th Century — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
The Falcon's Adventure (RKO) 120
UA's 'Other Love' to Rivoli
NEW YORK — “The Other Love,” Enter-
prise production for UA release, will open at
the Rivoli Theatre May 14. The film stars
Barbara Stanwyck and David Niven.
AT “CARNEGIE HALL” PREMIERE — Sam Dembow, “Carnegie Hall” represent-
ative, with Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Thompson of RKO and guests at the Winter Garden
premiere.
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
55
Technicolor's Output
Stepped Up by 1948
Paramount Net for '46
Leaps to Nearly 150%
NEW YORK — Net profit of Paramount Pic-
tures, Inc., for the fiscal year (53 weeks) end-
ing Jan. 4, 1947^ reached a record-breaking
total of $44,042,106 after all charges, includ-
ing income taxes.
For the previous year the net was $17,952,-
432. The increase was $26,089,674, nearly 150
per cent.
The per-share earnings rate for the year
was $5.92 on the 7,443,772 shares outstanding.
For the previous year the rate per share was
$2.39 per shaVe on the 3,752,136 shares out-
standing at that time before the two-for-one
stock split.
OPERATING REVENUES
The year’s earnings include $4,843,000 rep-
resenting the company’s interest as a stock-
holder in the combined undistributed net
earnings for the year of partly owned non-
consolidated companies. The earnings for
1945 on the same basis were $17,952,432.
Operating revenues of consolidated com-
panies for 1946 were $194,701,099, compared
with $159,444,374 the previous year. Operat-
ing revenues of partly owned nonconsolidated
companies for 1946 were approximately $150,-
000,000, of which Paramount’s share was ap-
proximately $70,000,000.
Dividends paid during the year were $12,-
358,359, equivalent to $1.65 per share as con-
stituted after the stock split, which took place
July 8, 1946. This includes an extra dividend
of 25 cents per share in the fourth quarter.
Also in that quarter the regular dividend rate
was raised to 50 cents per share.
The consolidated balance sheet shows cash
and government securities on Jan. 4, 1947, of
$33,437,813, all located in the U.S. and Canada,
except $624,161 in Great Britain and $451,354
in other foreign countries, principally in the
western hemisphere. Total current assets are
given as $87,788,271 and current liabilities as
$14,225,972, leaving net working capital of
$73,562,299, an increase of $20,003,541 during
the year.
In the annual report Barney Balaban,
president, points out that the company has
completed a ten-year program of debt re-
duction and capital simplification. On Jan.
4, 1947, neither the company nor any of its
consolidated subsidiaries had outstanding any
interest bearing obligations or securities
senior to the common stock, other than
$2,000,000 of the parent company notes due
in 1951. These are convertible into common
stock. There also is outstanding $65,850 of
preferred stock of three Canadian subsid-
iaries.
COMPANY NOTES PAID
During 1946, Balaban states, the remaining
$5,000,000 of parent company notes payable
to banks, due 1947-1951, were paid in full.
Funded debt of Canadian subsidiaries
amounting to $5,074,801 at the beginning of
the year was paid in full from the proceeds
of $6,307,500 received in Canada by Famous
Players Canadian Corp., Ltd., and from the
sale of an additional 445,500 shares of its
stock to certain of the company officers.
This reduced Paramount’s stock interest in
the Canadian subsidiary from approximately
89 per cent to 66.67 per cent.
In discussing the recent acquisitions of
common stock Balaban saysT “The policy
of reacquiring common stock, which was
adopted in connection with our consideration
of effective and economical means of re-
arranging our holdings to conform to the
requirements of the decree in the pending
antitrust suit and of effecting acquisitions
of other interests which would benefit our
operations, is progressing. Commencing No-
vember 20 and continuing from time to time
to Jan. 4, 1947, the company purchased in
the open market 60,500 shares, leaving 7,443,-
772 shares outstanding and in the hands of
the public at the close of the fiscal year.
Continuing in 1947, an additional 198,000
shares had been acquired through April 28,
making a total of 258,500 shares at an ag-
gregate cost of $7,222,533, an average of $27.94
per share, not including the dividend saving
to date which amounted to $89,100.”
Paramount Quarter Profit
Drops Below Last Year
NEW YORK — Estimated net earnings for
Paramount Pictures, Inc., for the first quar-
ter of 1947 which ended April 5 are $9,522,000
after all charges including estimated income
taxes. This total includes $1,700,000 from
nonconsolidated partially owned subsidiaries.
For the same quarter in 1946 the net was
$11,587,000, a falling off of $2,065,000. Net
from subsidiaries for that period was $3,086,-
000, which shows that $1,386,000 of the de-
cline came from the subsidiaries — theatres.
The $9,522,000 was at the rate of $1.30 per
share on 7,303,972 shares oustanding and in
the hands of the public. This compares with
$1.54 per share on the number of shares out-
standing in the first quarter of 1946 before
the two-for-one stock split.
The board of directors has declared a quar-
terly dividend of 50 cents per share on the
common payable June 27 to stockholders of
record June 6.
RCA Quarter Net Profit
Gains Over Last Year
NEW YORK— Radio Corp. of America
earned a net profit of $4,680,065 for the first
quarter of 1947, compared with $3,160,224 for
the same period in 1946, David A. Sarnoff,
president, told stockholders at the annual
meeting during the week. This represents
28 cents per common share for the quarter
compared with 17 cents for the same period
in 1946.
The consolidated gross income for the 1947
quarter rose to $76,560,096, or 56 per cent
higher than the $48,972,924 figure for the
same period in 1946, Sarnoff reported.
Sarnoff said that television was making
progress on three fronts, research, by RCA
Laboratories, manufacturing by RCA Victor
and telecasting by National Broadcasting Co.
from its newly completed station in Wash-
ington, D. C., which is expected to go on the
air within a few weeks. The Washington sta-
tion will participate in telecasting the Re-
publican National Convention in 1948, Sar-
noff said.
Reisman Leaves for Europe
NEW YORK— Phil Reisman, RKO vice-
president in charge of distribution, accom-
panied by Robert Wolff, managing director
for Britain, and Jack Votion, European pro-
duction head, sailed Saturday (May 10) on
the Queen Elizabeth for a six-week tour of
Europe. He will visit Belgium, France and
England. Wolff and Votion spent four weeks
in the U.S. before returning to their head-
quarters.
NEW YORK — Technicolor print deliveries
will be speeded up late in 1947, when Techni-
color, Inc., will complete its $3,500,000 inter-
mediate expansion program, according to Dr.
Herbert T. Kalmus, president and general
manager. Strikes and increased demand for
Technicolor prints have delayed current de-
liveries about six months.
In a financial report to stockholders for the
year ended Dec. 31, 1946, Kalmus declared
that high construction costs and difficulty
in obtaining materials have forced the com-
pany to abandon its postwar expansion plans,
which called for an expenditure of close to
$7,000,000.
STRIKES CAUSE SLOWDOWN
Two strikes during 1946 contributed to the
Technicolor print slowdown. The first walk-
out early in the year lasted only two days,
but the second which began Oct. 11, 1946, at
the Hollywood plant still continues, and, ac-
cording to Kalmus, “has materially crippled
operations during the last quarter of the
year.”
At the height of the fall strike only 35
of the original 900 laboratory workers crossed
picket lines to report for duty. At present
the plant is operating at full capacity. Ex-
pansion plans call for installation of addi-
tional machines in the plant and a minimum
of new construction at a new site in Van Nuys,
about ten miles from Hollywood. This prop-
erty was recently purchased by the com-
pany.
Net profit for 1946 fiscal year totaled $436,-
168.21, compared to $667,441.54 for 1945. Last
year’s net earnings for capital stock were
$.48 per share, compared to $.74 per share
for 1945. The company showed “substantial
loss” during the last quarter of 1946, Kalmus
reported. Estimated earnings during the first
three months of 1947 total more than $400,000,
before provision for federal income taxes.
This first quarter total for 1947 reflects in-
creases in prices totaling 1% cents per foot
since March 1946. The latest Technicolor
price hike of % cent per foot became ef-
fective Mar. 21, 1947, retroactive to Jan-
uary 1.
Total revenue from net sales for 1946 was
$13,057,510, compared with $11,614,779 for the
preceding year. Labor costs have increased
from about one-third of the income from net
sales in 1943 to over one-half of the income
from net sales in 1946. During 1946 $778,598
was spent for expansion.
BIG BACKLOG MADE UP
When the coast strike started in October,
Technicolor print deliveries dropped to 50
per cent of normal. Kalmus pointed out that
the 1946 total of 165,000,000 feet of print
deliveries would have been greatly increased
over previous years if not for the walkout.
In 1945 approximately 160,000,000 feet were
delivered. Most of the output of the Techni-
color plant during 1946 was devoted toward
making up the backlog of 1945 orders, which
also had been delayed by a strike.
Kalmus attributed the current delivery
delay to the fact that the company began
receiving “substantially larger print orders
for domestic distribution” in 1945 in addi-
tion to increased orders for Technicolor
prints for the reopened foreign markets.
During 1946, 33 Technicolor features were
turned out, in addition to five from the com-
pany British affiliate, Technicolor, Ltd. The
1946 total was larger than any preceding
year. The Technicolor 1947 schedule calls for
37 features, with eight British Technicolor
films.
The report to stockholders stressed the fact
that the demands on Technicolor, Ltd., are
far greater than plant capacity.
56
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
VVTHEN Hitler danced atCompiegne
in 1940, the newsreel photog-
rapher was there ... as he is almost
always there, recording what happens
with unique reality and objectivity,
wherever history is being made.
Because of him, more people under-
stand more of what goes on in the
world — of the significant events in the
daily life of mankind. Handling his
equipment with skill and ingenuity . . .
surmounting the most adverse condi-
tions of light and weather ... he has an
important role in the creation of a
better-informed public.
If he is to get the most from this role
... to give the most to the public . . .
the newsreel photographer naturally
needs superior film. That’s why he pre-
fers to work with members of the large
and well-known family of Eastman
motion picture and sound films.
EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., DISTRIBUTORS
FORT LEE • CHICAGO • HOLLYWOOD
Wherever history is being made . . .
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1047
57
V
County, City Taxes
Stir Up Opposition
NEW YORK — All is not serene on the
county and municipal tax fronts in this
state and New Jersey. It was expected that
practically all of the opposition would have
to come from the film industry. Now it is
popping up from other sources.
In the first few days of the month 500
Central New York teachers meeting at Syra-
cuse attacked the Dewey-sponsored county
and city sales and ticket tax referendum
law passed at the last session of the legisla-
ture.
A resolution called the law “impractical,
obsolete, outmoded, costly to administer”
and held that it “violates the equalization
principle so long accepted as the foundation
of the state-aid program.” Repeal of the
measure was demanded.
Early last week the supervisor of West-
chester county, one of the most populous in
the state outside of the New York City limits,
attacked the law and the county board of
supervisors passed a resolution “rejecting”
all special school-aid taxes. It was stated
that civic organizations, business federations,
15 municipal school boards and many indi-
viduals were opposed to the taxes.
Another criticism that has been raised in
various places in New York state and New
Jersey is that these local sales taxes will
drive retail business and theatre patronage
into adjoining communities.
To date no county or city in New York
has made a move to have a referendum, but
in New Jersey, Atlantic City is hot for it
and the question will go on the ballots at the
June primary.
In the meantime, in Pennsylvania, where a
similar bill is pending in the legislature with
the promise that, if passed, it will raise
$175,000,000, a survey has been conducted by
the Home, Farm and Property Owners Ass’n.
The results, according to this group show
everybody is for this type of tax by a ratio of
50 to 1, but no definite sources are quoted.
Local Aid Is Promised
In N. J. Tax Battles
NEW YORK — The trustees of the Federa-
tion of New Jersey Theatre Owners will offer
assistance to exhibitors in the New Jersey
coastal towns which may plan to levy a 3
per cent tax on admissions.
So far only Atlantic City has scheduled a
vote on the tax. This resort and other fourth
class resort towns in seacoast counties were
recently empowered by the state legislature
to levy admission and sales taxes with the
approval of the voters. The Atlantic City
referendum will be held June 3, primary day.
Assistance will take the form of trailers,
ads and publicity, denouncing the admis-
sions tax as contrary to the public interest.
The trustees also have decided to make a
survey among New Jersey exhibitors to de-
termine whether the Federation should be
permanent or not. The organization was
established as a temporary body in March
to fight the admission tax bill then up before
the legislature. The federation now in-
cludes the Allied Theatre Owners of New
Jersey, the ITOA of New York, and officials
of RKO, Warners and Loew’s.
George Gold is chairman and the trustees
are: Edward Lachman, Harold Blumen-
thal, William Phillips, Louis Weber, Frank
Damis and Pete Gage.
Set All Bugs Bunny Show
NEW YORK — The Laff movie Theatre is
playing a two-hour program of Bugs Bunny
shorts for the week of May 8. The booking
was arranged to mark the fifth anniversary
of the Warner Bros, cartoon character.
AWARDS FOR SPRINGER—J. R.
Springer (left), general theatre manager
for Century Theatres, is pictured above
accepting a medal and citation from the
Treasury department for his promotion
and sale of war bonds. The presentation
was made in Springer’s office by Fred-
erick W. Gehle (center), Chase Bank
executive and former state chairman of
the War Finance committee, and Philip
M. Light (right), state director of the
Treasury’s savings bonds division.
1800 B'way Bought
For Loew's Int.
NEW YORK — Loew’s, Inc., has bought the
ten-story Mecca Bldg. (1600 Broadway) from
the Central Hanover Trust Co. to house
Loew’s International. The sales price was
not reported, but the building is assessed at
$1,625,000.
It had been originally planned to centralize
Loew's International, MGM Records Co. and
radio station WHN in a new 16-story build-
ing to be erected on 57th St., just east of
Broadway. But with the present uncertainty
surrounding construction work and costs,
Loew’s decided to acquire an existing struc-
ture as immediate headquarters for its ex-
panding international division. WHN and the
record company may eventually move in.
At present Loew’s International has de-
partments in the home office, 1540 Broadway;
the Mayfair Bldg., and the Capitol Theatre
Bldg.
Loew’s plans to move into its new building
in about eight months, and all international
activities will be under one roof.
Many of the present tenants are in the
film business, although none is a major dis-
tributor. The building also contains screen-
ing rooms used extensively by distributors of
foreign films, and also by PRC and several
independents.
The Mecca Bldg, has been a headquarters
of the film industry since 1912-13 when Uni-
versal. Pathe and other distributors took
space there following the migration from New
York’s original Filmrow around 14th and 23rd
Sts.
Bomb Kills 4 in Theatre
CAIRO, EGYPT — Four persons were killed
and 12 others were injured Tuesday night
when a bomb blasted the interior of Cairo’s
largest motion picture theatre, the American-
owned Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
'Dear Ruth' Out in July
NEW YORK — The film version of Nor-
man Krasna’s Broadway hit, “Dear Ruth,”
starring Joan Caulfield and William Holden,
will be released by Paramount July 18.
MPA Dinner to Honor
Visitor Arthur Rank
NEW YORK — Motion picture men here wel-
comed J. Arthur Rank with a crowded sched-
ule of luncheons and meetings. On the day
of his arrival he attended a meeting of the
board of directors of the J. Arthur Rank Or-
ganization, Inc. (the American company). On
Saturday Rank and his chief executive offi-
cer John Davis met with Universal officials.
Next day Rank and Davis and their wives
were guests of Spyros Skouras at his home
in Westchester.
On Monday Rank will return to the city,
where he will be the guest of the Universal
board of directors at a private luncheon at the
Metropolitan club on upper Park avenue.
There will be a Universal board meeting in
the afternoon and on Monday evening Rank
and Davis will be guests of Eric Johnston and
the MPA board at a dinner in the Waldorf.
Those who will be present at the dinner include
Johnston, John Davis, Robert Benjamin, Jock Law-
rence, J. Earl Lawson, Arthur Krim, Alfred W. S’chwal-
berg, Robert R. Young, Robert W. Purcell, Thomas J.
Deegan jr . , William J. Heineman, I. W. Schlesinger,
M. A. Schlesinger, Sir John Magowan,
Joyce O'Hara, Will H. Hays, Carl E. Milliken, Ger-
ald M. Mayer, John G. McCarthy, Sidney Schreiber,
Fred W. Duvall, Irving Maas, Jack Cohn, Abe Mon-
tague, Nicholas M. Schenck, Arthur M. Loew, Joseph
R. Vogel, Charles C. Moskowitz, J. Robert Rubin,
Adolph Zukor, Stanton Griffis, George Weltner, Paul
Raibourn, Fred Mohrhardt, Louis Phillips, Ned E.
Depinet, Robert Mochrie, Malcolm Kingsberg, Spyros
P. Skouras, William C. Michel, Murray Silverstone,
Tom J. Connors, Joseph H. Moskowitz, Otto Koegel,
William Kupper.
Edward C. Raftery Gradwell L. Sears, Nate J.
Blumberg, J. Cheever Cowdin, Joseph H, Seidenman,
William A. Scully, Matthew J. Fox, John J. O'Connor,
Charles Prutzman, Harry M. Warner, Maj. Albert War-
ner, Robert W. Perkins, Wolfe Cohen, Stanleigh
Friedman, Joseph Hazen, Herman Robbins, Maj. Gen.
E. P. Curtis, T. Kennedy Stevenson, Earle W. Ham-
mons, George J. Schaefer, William J. German, Gus
S. Eyssell and Pat Casey.
Industry Liaison Planned
To Ease Filming in N.Y.
NEW YORK — Representatives of the major
film companies who are cooperating in a
plan to facilitate the making of more pictures
in New York have recommended that an in-
dustry representative be designated by City
Commerce Commissioner George Sanders to
serve as liaison between the producers and
the co-ordinator who will represent the
various city departments, according to Sal
Scoppa of IATSE. Scoppa is a member of
the committee that has been discussing the
plans with Sanders, the others being Harold
Lewis, RKO Pathe; Steve Fitzgibbon, 20th-
Fox, and Judge McGuire, municipal labor
conciliator.
Following further conferences with San-
ders, the committee will submit the proposal
to Mayor William O’Dwyer for his approval.
O’Dwyer has already publicly encouraged
film production in the east.
David O. Selznick is producing “Portrait
of Jennie” at RKO Pathe Studios; 20th-Fox
is completing “Kiss of Death” in New York
and has recently made “Miracle on 34th
Street” and “Boomerang” in eastern loca-
tions, while MGM technical crews have just
completed shooting New York scenes for
“The Hucksters” and also spent ten weeks
shooting scenes here for “It Happened in
Brooklyn” earlier this year.
Wm. Healy's Mother Dies
NEW YORK— Mrs. Alice G. Healy, mother
of William Healy, assistant to Austin C.
Keough, Paramount vice-president in charge
of legal affairs, died here this week. Inter-
ment was in the Gate of Heaven cemetery
in Westchester following a high requiem mass
in the Roman Catholic church of Our Lady
of Victory.
58
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
WASHINGTON
Andy Smith, Clarence Hill, P. X. Carroll
and C. E. Peppiatt came from the home
office to conduct a sales meeting at the 20th-
Fox branch Wednesday. Present were Branch
Manager Glenn Norris, Sales Manager Gor-
don Contee, Office Manager John O’Leary,
Salesmen Fred Klein, Joe Cohan, Jerry
Murphy, Ira Sichelman and Emil Kashouty
and Bookers Sara Young, Anne Griffin,
Albert Landgraf and Student Booker Dick
Norris.
Bernie Depkin has opened his new Bee Dee
Theatre in Martinsville, Va. Seating 580,
the house was formerly the Starling, owned
by Mrs. Jessie Carper. It has been completely
remodeled and redecorated . . . Former U-I
Booker Harold Levy is now selling Film
Classics in Buffalo . . . Gerald Kerner is the
new assistant to Sam Galanty, mideast di-
vision manager of Columbia. Kerner has
been assigned from the home office and is
now visiting the various exchanges under
Galanty’s supervision. His first stop is Cleve-
land, then he will visit Pittsburgh and Cin-
cinnati.
Joe Walsh has been appointed booking and
buying representative for the Dixie Theatre,
Pocomoke City, Md., which caters to colored
patronage ... At Warners, Ethel Risdon is
vacationing . . . Frank Gormley is enjoying
his new farm near Poolesville, Md. . . . Many
happy returns to Sadie Bowles, who cele-
brated a birthday Tuesday . . . Lou Ramm
sends cards from Atlanta, Ga., and Aiken,
S. C.
Monogram office employes have joined the
ranks of Local F13, AFL. This completely
unionizes film office workers in Washington
. . . Edward Smith, Paramount shipper, un-
derwent an appendectomy at Georgetown
hospital . . . District Manager Earle Sweigert
is in town . . . The William Dalke jr’s have
a new son . . . Herb Moody, Wytheville, Va.,
has been stricken with yellow jaundice.
R. H. Bolling opened his new theatre at
Coeburn, Va., May 1. Jack Safer, Monogram
manager, visited the Wilby-Kincey and Cra-
ver offices in Charlotte last week . . . The
Hy Bettingers are expecting a visit from the
stork this month . . . Leona Gasser is plan-
ning a visit to her family in Pittsburgh this
month . . . Irving Hanover is becoming quite
a fisherman . . . Mike Zala was in from the
home office exploitation department to set
the stage for the opening of “It Happened on
Fifth Avenue” at the Metropolitan Theatre
Thursday. The picture was screened for
exhibitors and the press at the Jefferson
Theatre in Roanoke, Va., last week. Don
DeFore, one of the stars in “Fifth Avenue,”
made six personal appearances on opening
day at the Metropolitan.
Frank Boucher is chairman of the enter-
tainment committee for the Advertising
club’s jamboree to be held at the Statler
May 24. Assisting him are Bill Michalson,
20th-Fox exploiteer, and Arnold Fine . . .
Leon Bamberger sent all exhibitors giant-
sized blotters exploiting RKO’s new picture,
“Born to Kill.”
Fred Rohrs, PRC district manager, went to
CLASS DISTRIBUTION FOR
THE ENTIRE SOUTH — thru
J(IOHN) 0 (O.K.)
enkins oc Bourgeois
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HARWOOD & JACKSON STS.. DALLAS l. TEX
GREETINGS — S. Barret McCormick,
publicity, advertising and exploitation
director for RKO, and Jack Goldstein,
studio representative, meet Dore Schary,
new head of production, at Grand Cen-
tral. Left to right: Perry Lieber, Gold-
stein, Schary and McCormick.
Cumberland and Baltimore this week. He
headed a contingent attending a series of
meetings in Philadelphia this week. In-
cluded were David Rosenthal, Bob Grace,
Fred Sapperstein, Sylvester Sandy and Elmer
McKinley . . . Harry Welsh, Glenburnie, Md.,
will visit with his father, Producer Eddie
Welsh, when he attends the Variety Club
convention in Los Angeles next week.
Maxwell Gillis is coming from the Republic
home office to pinch-hit for Branch Man-
ager Jane Flax when the latter goes to Los
Angeles for the Variety convention . . . Clare
Cunningham is vacationing in Florida . . .
MGM Salesman Harry Buxbahm and Emily
Nailance, former secretary in the district
manager’s office, will be married in New
York Sunday (11).
Warner notes: Julian Brylawski is back
after a short illness . . . Doris Mullineaux
(advertising department) is wearing a dia-
mond. The lucky man is Charles K. Hewitt
. . . Pat Jones expects to be married in June.
That is, if her man can get leave from the
phone company . . . Armen Arselanian, sec-
retary to Charles McGowan, was given an
engagement ring by Skip Gamble, former
Warner employe . . . Happy birthday to Nat
Glasser, Pat Jones and Wara Rittenhouse
. . . Frank Sobotka, manager of the Avalon,
was chosen president of the Chevy Chase
Business Men’s Ass’n . . . Make Zala came in
to confer with Frank La Falce on publicity
for “It Happened on Fifth Avenue.”
Columbia chatter: Big Boss Sam Galanty
was off to Hollywood for a much deserved
vacation. He will meet the missus there . . .
Branch Manager Ben Caplon has been
making a tour of the territory . . . Pat Pum-
phrey is a rabid baseball fan . . . Alice Sauber
plans a trip to the Thousand Islands with her
daughter, Lucille . . . Lillian Levy plans to
go to Yellowstone Park . . . Cashier Anne
Snyder has a new apartment. Lucky girl!
. . . Sid Zins, publicity head, happy to have
his brother Les Sand over at WWDC on the
night shift as jockey in charge of discs . .
Charles Mitz is back in the shipping room
after a three-year stint in Japan with the
army . . . Wilmer Moore, shipping room, soon
will be a daddy . . . Happy returns to Bessie
Murdock, Elsie Balderson and Anna Cline.
B^AUJMOAE
jyjany local exhibitors spent the week mak-
ing last-minute preparations prior to
their departure for Los Angeles and the
Variety convention. A large party left Friday
(9) on a trip that calls for visits to scenes
of national interest . . . Mr. and Mrs. Philip
J. Schenk, New Theatre, announce the en-
gagement of their daughter Phyllis to Law-
rence Gent . . . Jane Myers replaces Sylvia
Resnick in the Rome Theatres office staff.
Jake Flax, Republic Washington manager,
was in Sinai hospital for a checkup.
Bing Crosby, Walter Winchell and A1 Jol-
son were guests of honor at a dinner given
by the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective
Ass’n at the Lord Baltimore as a benefit for
cancer and infantile paraysis funds. Among
the features were performances by the Mills
Bros, and Paul Winchell, ventriloquist, who
are appearing at the Chanticleer and Club
Charles, respectively, and Del Casino, singer,
and Stan Fisher, harmonicist, who came from
New York for the occasion.
The first runs: Century was strong with
"The Yearling,” to be followed by “Dis-
honored Lady” . . . Hippodrome follows
“Framed” with “Tarzan and the Huntress”
. . . Keith’s is showing “Buck Privates Come
Home” . . . “Ivan the Terrible” will follow
“Carmen” at the Little . . . Mayfair was in its
second week with “The Fabulous Dorseys”
. . . New Theatre was playing “Homestretch”
coincidental to the Maryland racing season
. . . The Town will present “Honeymoon”
following “The Farmer’s Daughter” . . .
Loew’s moved “The Sea of Grass” to the
Valencia after two weeks at the Century.
Among guests at the dinner for Frank A.
Hornig, president of the MPTO of Maryland,
were Sid Samuelson, Philadelphia; Frank H.
Durkee, Fred Schmuff, Elmer Nolte, Charles
E. Nolte, Walter Pacy, Harry Valentine, Leon
Back, Lou Gaertner, Lauritz Garman, Luke
Green, M. Baker, R. Wornman, Oscar Co-
blentz, I. M. Rappaport, Harry Silver, Robert
Gruver, Meyer Leventhal, Jack Levine, Arthur
B. Price, Frank H. Hornig sr., Sam Soltz,
Julius Goodman, Robert M. Scheck, B. Allen,
Herman Blum, T. D. Goldberg, Harry Cluster,
Paul Hornig, M. Stegler and Harry Vogel-
stein.
Mothers Day Luncheon
Held by Tent No. 11
WASHINGTON — The annual Variety Club
Mothers day luncheon of Tent No. 11 here
was held this week in the Blue room of Shore-
ham hotel and was sponsored by associate
members. Mrs. Clinton Anderson, wife of
the secretary of agriculture, was the “Guest
Mother” of the day.
More than 500 attended the cocktail party
and luncheon which was co-chairmanned by
Dr. Sylvan Danzansky and Harry Coonin.
Some 75 prizes were given to the lucky hold-
ers of ticket stubs. Gene Archer sang with
piano selections by Belle Fahnestock.
In addition to a brief talk by Mrs. Anderson
there was a talk by her husband, who also
attended. Father Hartcke, one of three
chaplains of the club, gave the invocation.
NEW MIRROPHONIC SOUND
JOE HORNSTEIN, Inc.
630 Ninth Ave., New York City
BOXOFFICE May 10, 1947
59
Neil Heilman Declares
Business Is Off 20%
ALBANY — Neil Heilman, operator of the
Royal and Paramount here and the Palace in
Troy and several drive-ins in which he is
pooled with Fabian, reports boxoffice receipts
are off 20 per cent from a year ago.
“The good picture does fair, the fair pic-
ture does poor, and the poor picture does
nothing,” is his observation. He blames poor
product as well as general economic condi-
tions.
Bad breaks in the weather have hurt the
drive-ins. Easter was the only good Sunday
the open-air places have enjoyed so far, he
said. The second Sunday was snowed out,
the third rained out, and others have been
little better.
Despite the weather breaks, Heilman is
looking for a successful season and says he
will have a better line on the complete sea-
son by July 4.
Other exhibitors here agree with him that
business has fallen off, but they are not so
pessimistic. They say a good picture always
does well, and it is “the in-betweeners and
clucks that die the death of a dog when the
supply of money begins to shrink.”
Albany Group Considers
Colosseum Organization
ALBANY — A three-hour meeting that was
described as “explanatory and exploratory”
was conducted here May 3 to test sentiment
for a local unit of the Colosseum of Motion
Picture Salesmen of America.
After the meeting local salesmen said they
would study the situation for a few days
before making a decision on whether to or-
ganize. The meeting was addressed by A. M.
Van Dyke, saleshian in Chicago for 20th-Fox.
who is Colosseum president; N. R. Provencher,
Milwaukee, UA salesman, who is secretary,
and a man from Boston whose name was not
learned.
The visitors explained that the Colosseum
is “not a labor union but a guild. Work per-
formed by film salesmen does not permit or-
ganization on a strictly union basis.”
Leishmans Are Visiting
England and Scotland
GLOVERSVILLE, N. Y.— Doug Leishman,
personnel director for the Schine circuit,
and Mrs. Leishman are on a six-week visit
to England and Scotland. Leishman is a
native of Scotland and this is his first trip
to the land of the heather in 11 years. He
will visit relatives in Glasgow, London and
Winchester. A party was tendered Leishman
at the Schine offices in Gloversville before
he and the missus sailed on the Queen Eliza-
beth. Department heads were among those
attending. George Hutchinson, new man-
ager of Warners’ Madison and for three
months in charge of Schine’s Malone in Ma-
lone, calls Leishman “a wonderful man.”
Markwell at Du Mont
NEW YORK— Norman M. Markwell, for-
merly connected with advertising agencies,
has joined Du Mont Laboratories as sales pro-
motion manager for the television receiver
division. Markwell has handled sales pro-
motion in the radio and piano industries.
"Voice of Theatre Speakers”
JOE HORNSTEIN has them !
Even White Mice Idea
Fails to Save Bingo
Madison — Bingo is now once again of-
ficially dead in Wisconsin — at least for
the time being.
The state senate killed a resolution
which would have informed law enforce-
ment officials that the legislature felt
the state’s antilottery laws had never
been meant to apply to bingo. The meas-
ure was killed by a 23 to 6 vote, despite
a rather unique plea from one senator to
“save this harmless little game . . . for
grandmothers and grandfathers who love
to play it.”
“We can insure that this little game
can’t be tampered with by gamblers,”
said another senator. “In Indiana the
gangsters play it by using white mice.
They release them and they run down
numbered holes.” He suggested that by
using mice there would be no risk of
making the game dishonest.
“What I want to know,” asked a third
senator, “is what would happen to the
grandmothers when the mice were re-
leased.”
Nephew Takes the Photos;
Uncle Uses 'Em in Lobby
IRVINGTON, N. J.— Joseph Gargullo of
Brooklyn, ex-GI and nephew of D. A. Basile,
owner of the Rex here, makes a hobby of
taking photos for his uncle, which are used
as displays with ads mentioning giveaways.
The Rex caters to children in its giveaways.
For three consecutive weeks in April, skates,
footballs and bicycles were awarded lucky
ticket holders. The Rex is practically the only
house in northern New Jersey to distribute
10-cent comic books free to juvenile patrons
every Saturday. Daily matinees will start
here at the close of school. Toys will again
be used as premiums in the fall but will be
discontinued in the summer. No dinnerware
premiums are used.
Warner Club Pays $132,000
In Gratuities to Members
NEW YORK — The Warner club, employes
social and welfare group, paid out more than
$132,000 in gratuities to members during 1945-
46, according to “Know Your Warner Club,”
new brochure issued by the organization. A
total of 922 members received $85,608 due to
illness; 461 received marriage gifts totaling
$23,050; 304 received birth gifts totaling $15,-
200; 119 received additional contributions to-
taling $7,540.
Loans totaling $13,709 were made to 102
members. The club membership exceeds 12,-
000. Officers include Stuart H. Aarons, presi-
dent; R. A. McGuire, Bernard Rosenzweig,
Ruth Weisberg, Fred Stengl and Harry Mayer,
vice-presidents; Robert Salomons, treasurer;
Sam Wolowitz, assistant treasurer, Theodore
R. Kupferman, secretary.
Bill Slater Starts Firm
For Publicity Accounts
NEW YORK — Bill Slater, who has resigned
from Columbia Pictures’ special events de-
partment, has opened his own publicity of-
fices to handle commercial and theatrical
accounts. The new firm, to be known as
United Publicity Bureau, with offices at 319
West 48th St., will handle the Broadway
opening of “The Patient Vanishes,” starring
James Mason, for Film Classics.
Paramount Production
Is Upped in Britain
LONDON — Frank Farley, who has been
European talent, story and research repre-
sentative of Paramount’s Hollywood studio,
with headquarters here since 1940, has been
named managing director and chairman of
the board of Paramount British Productions,
Ltd., the company’s British production sub-
sidiary. Prior to 1940, Farley was located in
Paris for about ten years as continental
European representative for the studio.
Producer Hal Wallis, who went abroad
last month to make “So Evil My Love” for
Paramount, shot the first scenes in sub-
urban London with Lewis Allen directing the
stars, Ray Milland and Ann Todd. After
making interiors at Denham Studios, near
London, Wallis will return to Hollywood.
Two other British pictures to be released
by Paramount in the making at studios in
the London vicinity are “Dancing With
Crime,” produced by Coronet Films with
Richard Attenborough heading the cast, and
“They Walk Alone,” which will be released
under a different title, produced by Kenil-
worth Films with Lance Comfort directing
and a new Irish star, Siobhan McKenna, in
the principal role. Both Coronet and Kenil-
worth are affiliated with Alfred S. Shipman,
who was connected with the production of
“The Seventh Veil” and who operates the
Twickerham, Riverside and Southhall
studios.
Hal Wallis’ partner, Joseph H. Hazen, ar-
rived in New York from London during the
week, and Russell Holman, Paramount’s east-
ern production manager, sailed for Eng-
land to check into the company’s British and
continental European production activities.
Stationary Engineers
Picket Newark Houses
NEWARK — A deadlock resulted at a meet-
ing held late last week to settle a strike of
stationary engineers here. The strikers, who
are asking for a 50-cent hourly increase, have
been picketing all the downtown theatres, in-
cluding Loew’s, the Adams, the Paramount,
Proctor’s and the Branford for the last three
days, but have not been picketing the Capitol.
At Proctor’s they caused considerable trou-
ble by shouting at people approaching the
boxoffice and telling them not to buy tickets.
It is rumored that projectionists may go out
on a sympathetic strike but exhibitors doubt
that they will be able to do so, due to the
provisions of the bylaws.
The strikers were offered an 18-cent in-
crease but turned this down.
Fabian Theatres Ups Two
Employes at Ritz, S.I.
NEW YORK — Marian Andrews, formerly
at Fabian’s Ritz Theatre, Staten Island, has
been promoted to the district advertising and
publicity office, while Frank Senerchia, Ritz
chief of service has been promoted to assist-
ant manager of the Stadium Theatre, Totter-
ville. The appointments were announced at
a meeting of Fabian managers.
Louis Goldberg, general manager of the
circuit, presided at the meeting and stressed
the importance or reviving old showmanship
methods. “Now is the time,” he said, “to
combat the downward trend in business
through the use of initiative and effort. If
we apply the same effort now that we did in
our successful bond drives during the war,
there will be no recession on Staten Island.”
60
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Latin-American Shifts
For 20ih-Fox Trio
NEW YORK — Three major changes in the
Latin-American distribution setup of 20th-
Pox have been made
by Murray Silverstone,
president of 20th-Fox
International and In-
ter-American, who re-
cently returned from
an air tour of the prin-
cipal Central and
South American coun-
tries with Spyros P.
Skouras, 20th-Fox
president.
Edward D. Cohen,
supervisor of several
South American terri-
tories, has been ap-
edward D. COHEN pointed as supervisor
for all Latin America and for the present will
have his headquarters in Buenos Aires.
William W. Sullivan has been promoted to
the post of district manager for Argentina,
Brazil, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay and
Uruguay, with headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.
He has been managing director for Argentina.
J. Carlo Bavetta,
now managing director
in Brazil, will become
district manager for
Central America and
the Caribbean area and
will have his head-
quarters in Mexico
City. His territory will
include Mexico, Pana-
ma, all the countries
in Central America,
Ecuador, Colombia,
Venezuela, Puerto Rico,
Dominican Republic,
Cuba and Trinidad.
Managers will be named later for Buenos
Aires and Rio de Janeiro to succeed Sullivan
and Bavetta. Silverstone indicated promo-
tions would be made from the ranks.
Cohen has been with the company since
1933 when he was in Panama. He has had
experience in many foreign situations, in-
cluding Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela. He
was named supervisor for South America in
1944.
Sullivan joined 20th-
Fox in 1930 and was
transferred to Buenos
Aires the following
year. He was in Pana-
ma when he joined the
navy during the last
world war. In 1939 he
was home office repre-
sentative for Central
and South America.
When he returned
from the war in 1946
he was appointed man-
ager in Mexico and
later that year became
managing director for Argentina.
Bavetla has been with the company since
1924 when he became a student in the do-
mestic market. In 1927 he was sent to Paris
to become manager for France. In 1935 he
was transferred to Rio as managing director
for Brazil.
WILLIAM W. SULLIVAN
J. CARLO BAVETTA
Rathvon Host to President Aleman
Miguel Aleman, chief executive of Mex-
ico, arrives with N. Peter Rathvon, presi-
dent of RKO Radio, at dinner and dance
given in his honor by Rathvon at the Ritz
Carlton, New York. Top, left to right:
Ambassador Paul Parrada, Rathvon and
President Aleman. Bottom, left to right:
Nate J. Blumberg, Universal-Interna-
tional president; Rathvon, and Malcolm
Kings berg, vice-president of Radio-Keith-
Orpheum Corp., chat briefly.
NEW YORK — President Miguel Aleman of
Mexico was guest of honor at a dinner, re-
ception and dance given May 4 by N. Peter
Rathvon, president of RKO Radio Pictures,
and Mrs. Rathvon for 170 guests at the Ritz
Carlton.
Among those present were H. E. Jaime Torres Bodet,
secretary for foreign affairs in the Aleman cabinet;
H. E. Ramon Boteta, secretary of finance; H. E.
Antonio Diaz Lombardo, secretary of social security;
H. E. Antonio Espinosa de Los Monteros, Mexican
ambassador to the United States; Assistant Secretary
of State Spruille Braden aind Mrs. Braden, and repre-
sentatives of the Mexican party and the state de-
partment.
Dinner was served in the Crystal room and
was followed by the screening of “The Pearl,”
John Steinbeck story recently filmed by RKO,
in its Churubusco studios. The screening was
preceded by a Pathe Newsreel showing the
highlights of President Aleman’s tour of this
country. Music was furnished by Nero Mor-
ales’ orchestra.
The guests included; Dr. Jorge Viesca, private sec-
retary to President Aleman; Dr. Rafael Fuentes,
chief of protocol; Lieut. Gen. Leobardo Ruiz, military
aide to the president; Rear Admiral Ignacio Garcia
Jurado, naval aide; Dr. Enrique Parra, special as-
sistant: Mai. Manuel Martinez Castro, assistant mili-
tary aide; Maj. Miguel Ramirez Ponce, assistant mili-
tary aide; Cant. Alfredo Valdes Flores, assistant
military aide; Dr. Carlos Soto Maynez, the presi-
dent’s physician.
Stanley Woodward, U.S. chief of protocol; Lieut.
Gen. Matthew B. Ridgway, U.S. military aide: Rear
Adm. James Cary Jones, U.S. naval aide; Robert
Breckinridge, assistant protocol officer; Dr. and Mrs.
Jose Lelo de Larrea, consul general of Mexico.
Gen. and Mrs. William J. Donovan, Gen. and Mrs.
Julius Ochs Adler, Thomas S. and Mrs. Lamont, John
Swope and Mrs. Swope, Gen. and Mrs. John Reed
Kilpatrick, Beardsley Ruml, Donald Nelson, Jennifer
Jones, David O. Selznick, Mrs. Floyd Odium, J.
Cheever and Mrs. Cowdin, Ingrid Bergman, Dolores
Del Rio, Gene Tierney, Ned E. and Mrs. Depinet,
A. P. Giannini, Barney and Mrs. Balaban, John and
Mrs. Steinbeck, Mrs. Margaret Emerson, Stanton
Griffis, Roy and Mrs. Howard, Lewis and Mrs.
Brown, Albert and Mrs. Lasker, Spyros P. and Mrs.
Skouras, Frederick and Mrs. Ehrman.
Richard Aldrich, Francis Alstock, Francisco Buch
de Parada, Nathaniel Benchley, Countess Aedita de
Beaumont, William R. and Mrs. Baker jr . , Nate J.
and Mrs. Blumberg, James and Mrs. Bruce, Jack and
Mrs. Bisco, Anita Colby, Skitch Henderson, Robert
and Mrs. Considine, Harry Evans, G. S. Eyssell,
Carmen Figueroa, Emerson and Mrs. Foote, Roland
George, Bernard and Mrs. Gimbel, L. Lawrence and
Mrs. Green, Jane Greer, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, L.
Boyd and Mrs. Hatch, John and Mrs. Hegeman,
Francis and Mrs. Harmon.
Eileen Herrick, Richard Cowell, Paul and Mrs.
Hollister, George Howard, Lowell and Mrs. Hall,
Mrs. Verbina Hebbard, Sandra Ingram, Sidney Smith,
Rado Irimescue, Oliver and Mrs. Jensen. Oswald
Johnson, Malcolm and Mrs. Kingsberg, Keith and
Mrs. McHugh, Robert and Mrs. Mochrie, Florence
Pritchett, Warren Johnson, Edward C. and Mrs;
Raftery, Philip Reisman and Mrs. Reisman, Frank
and Mrs. Stanton, Dore and Mrs. Schary. George and
Mrs. Shaw, Jean Sovatkin, Lloyd and Mrs. Stratton,
Richard and Mrs. Scandrett jr., Natalie Thompson,
George Stanford, Frederic and Mrs. Ullman, Clvde
and Mrs. Vandenburg, Henry and Mrs. Von Elm,
Mrs. Marauerita Villasenor. Frederick and Mrs.
Williams, Charles Woram, Robert Wolff, Mrs. Co-
bina Wright, Gordon and Mrs. Youngman.
Truman Sees Crosby Film
RKO Names Peruvian Head
NEW YORK — Hugo Stramer, RKO’s travel-
ing auditor in South America, has been made
manager for Peru by Phil Reisman, RKO
vice-president in charge of foreign distribu-
tion. Stramer replaces Ricardo Canals who
has taken over the company’s office in Colom-
bia.
'Pauline' Tradeshow Set
NEW YORK — Paramount will tradeshow
“The Perils of Pauline,” new Technicolor film
starring Betty Hutton, in all branch areas
on May 23. The picture was produced by Sol
C. Siegel and directed by George Marshall.
The New York showing will be held at the
Normandie Theatre.
WASHINGTON, D. C.— Paramount’s “Wel-
come Stranger,” featuring Bing Crosby and
Barry Fitzgerald, was screened at the White
House on Friday (May 9) for President Tru-
man as part of the chief executive’s birthday
celebration. Robert Denton, company repre-
sentative, arranged the showing.
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
N
60-A '
PHILADELPHIA
•Thieves broke into the Plaza, ransacked the
office, and escaped with about $250. Man-
ager William Hickey said that they had
missed between $4,000 and $5,000 in weekend
receipts . . . The Spruce was looted for the
second time within a month when burglars
broke in and got about $50 in cash. Louis
Foxmann, manager, said entry was made by
breaking a window ... A holdup of the New
Broadway was foiled last week as a cashier
ignored the threats of two holdup men and
summoned aid. She pressed a burglar alarm
button, and as owner Henry Rosinsky ar-
rived in answer, she fainted.
Bill Mansell, Warner manager, is afraid
to sit at his own desk. His new office is all
walnut paneling and natural leather furni-
ture. But, oh, that desk! It is a shelf-like
apparatus, attached at only one side, and
while extremely beautiful, is quite fearsome
... A power blackout affected several thea-
tres in Manayunk last week. Patrons sat
around for a while, and then accepted re-
funds or return passes.
Registered under the fictitious names act
was the Stenton Theatre, Stenton avenue
and Johnson street. Names of those inter-
ested are A. M. Ellis, H. H. Ellis, Edmund
Ellis, Martin B. Ellis, Sidney H. Ellis, Gloria
R. Cohen and Alma Cohen . . . Charles Hum-
phries was appointed by President Harry J.
Abbott as secretary-treasurer of IATSE
Local 307 projectionists, succeeding the late
William Friedman . . . Sam E. Diamond has
been named Philadelphia branch manager
for PRC, Ralph H. Clark, general sales man-
ager, announced.
Wilson Turner, U-I salesman in the Har-
risburg area, resigned . . . Morry Schwartz
severed connections with Price Premiums and
now is managing the New Broadway for
Henry Rosinsky.
George A. Welsh, secretary of the Phila-
delphia chapter of the National Foundation
for Infantile Paralysis, Inc., announced that
motion picture theatres contributed $25,-
563.85 to the 1947 campaign, of which the
total amounted to $142,385.62. Last year thea-
tres collected $147,000.
Schary to Hollywood
NEW YORK— Dore Schary, vice-president
in charge of production for RKO, is leaving
for Hollywood this weekend (May 11), fol-
lowing a week of home office conferences
here. He is accompanied by Perry Lieber,
studio publicity director.
Arthur Mayer to Texas
NEW YORK — Arthur Mayer, operator of
the Rialto Theatre, New York, and head of
Mayer-Burstyn, was scheduled to leave Sat-
urday (May 10) for Texas on a Red Cross
mission to survey the damage caused by the
Texas City disaster.
McCullough at Conference
WASHINGTON— John B. McCullough, di-
rector of conservation of the Motion Picture
Ass’n, attended as a delegate the fire pre-
vention conference here this week at the de-
partmental auditorium, at which President
Truman spoke on the subject to the throng of
nearly 1,800.
THE IDEAL THEATRE CHAIRS
JOE HORNSTEIN has them !
Rank Again Will Make
Religious Productions
New York — Production of religious films
will start again in July in a London stu-
dio, using the most modem equipment,
J. Arthur Rank told members of the
World’s Sunday School Ass’n at a lunch-
eon in his honor at Hotel Commodore, a
few hours after his arrival from England
May 9.
Rank, who was presented a scroll “in
recognition of his outstanding and un-
paralleled achievements in the field of
religious films,” by Dr. Forrest L. Knapp,
general secretary of the association, ex-
pressed his appreciation in a talk which
was broadcast over WOR and the Mutual
Broadcasting System.
“The war proved the value of films as
an instrument of teaching,” said Rank,
who added that there is at last a growing
realization of the part the film can play
in evangelism and Christian education.
In spite of the fact that very few re-
ligious films could be made in England
during the last seven years, due to the
requisition of studios for war purposes,
five pictures showing life in Palestine at
the time of our Lord were completed for
use in Sunday schools, Rank said.
All Color in 2 Years
At Republic— Yales
HOLLYWOOD — All Republic pictures will
be in color within two years, with the excep-
tion of certain films in which black and white
may be more desirable, according to Herbert
J. Yates, president. The company appropri-
ated $1,600,000 last October for laboratory ex-
pansion to handle Trucolor printing on a
new type of safety film.
Republic sponsored the development of the
Trucolor process at Consolidated Film Indus-
tries plants in Hollywood and Fort Lee, N. J.
The three-color method will be used in the
eight Roy Rogers films scheduled for pro-
duction.
After expansion is completed at New Jer-
sey, the plant will be eauipped to turn out
100,000,000 feet of color film per year.
Postpone Scophony Query
Tn Cross-Claims Suit
NEW YORK — The examination of Sco-
phony Corp. of America by the General Pre-
cision Equipment Corp., scheduled for May 8,
has been postponed until May 22.
SCA has a cross-claims suit against GPE,
Paramount Pictures. Television Productions
and Scophonv, Ltd., of Great Britain pending
in the federal district court here.
This was an outgrowth of the government’s
18-month-old antitrust suit against all these
parties, including SCA, over Scophony tele-
vision patents.
Scophony, Ltd., however, won a dismissal
of the government’s charges on the grounds
it was a foreign corporation not doing busi-
ness in the U.S. The government filed an
appeal with the supreme court, and is await-
ing a decision.
Meanwhile, reports persist of a settlement
of the antitrust suit against all the corpora-
tions and their officers. If no settlement is
reached, trial proceedings will get under way
after the supreme court decides the govern-
ment’s appeal over the dismissal of the case
against Scophony, Ltd.
60-B
ALB_AN_ V
Bm. Kraemer has been promoted from Schine
circuit head booker to contact assistant
under Louis W. Schine, according to reports
from Gloversville. Sid Deneau, who resigned
to join the Selznick Releasing Organization,
held a somewhat similar position for eight
months. Bemie Diamond, who was Kraemer ’s
assistant, has been made head booker.
The Ben Smith playdate drive, honoring
Film Classics’ local representative, is being
observed from May 17 to July 25. Smith is a
veteran of 35 years in film business . . . J. E.
Delson, Warner Theatres auditor, was in town
. . . The Ritz held “The Red House” a second
week . . . “The Sea of Grass” was single fea-
tured at the Palace. Joe Saperstein, Fabian
booker, surrounded it with shorts.
Tom Heritage and Bob Shattuck are re-
vamping the front of the Uptown in Rens-
selaer . . . Ralph Ripps, MGM salesman and
brother of Herman, Metro district manager,
played the violin in pit orchestras, in Loew
theatres in New York for almost 20 years. He
led the unit at Loew’s American for eight
years.
Generals in the Warner Theatres current
drive honoring C. J. Latta, zone chief, are
Charles A. Smakwitz, Latta’s assistant; Jim
Faughnan, contact manager; Max Friedman,
chief buyer; Joe Weinstein, short subject
booker; Jerry Atkin of the advertising and
publicity department, and Woodie Campbell
of Faughnan’s staff.
Laura Wells, the glamour gal who fronts
for Enterprise Pictures, gave the town her
special treatment. She gave a cocktail party
at the De Witt Clinton for newspaper and
radio people . . . Fabian and Warner circuits
were among 20-oad Albany enterprises that
sponsored a page newspaper ad on behalf of
the United Jewish Appeal . . . Warner Bros,
is one of the sponsors of I Am an American
week.
Elmer Sichel returns to Albany as salesman
for PRC. He was formerly a booker here for
20th-Fox. He left that post to join the Schine
organization in Gloversville and more recent-
ly he has been with a New York buying and
booking combine. In his new job he is work-
ing with Harry Alexander, also a former
20th-Fox man.
“Best Years” opened strong at the Grand
where it will play a minimum of three weeks.
Prices are 76 cents matinee and $1.20 night.
Milt Schosberg, Grand manager, and Lew
Allemann, field representative, arranged for
six cooperative windows at the Whitney de-
partment store and gave the picture strong
exploitation in all phases.
lack O'Brien Appointed
RCA Equipment Manager
CAMDEN, N. J.— Jack O’Brien, formerly
manager of RCA Theatre equipment sales,
has been made manager of the theatre equip-
ment section by J. R. Little, sales manager
of RCA Distributed Products.
O’Brien, who has been associated with the
RCA theatre equipment section since the first
days of theatre sound, has held sales posi-
tions for RCA in New York, Indianapolis,
St. Louis, Los Angeles and Chicago. He will
leave shortly for the west coast to visit RCA
equipment dealers and RCA district offices.
Gulistan Wilton Theatre Carpet
JOE HORNSTEIN has it!
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Paramount Partners
Confer on Coast
Educational Productions
Draw Spotlight in Test
ARROWHEAD HOT SPRINGS, CALIF —
Discussions of theatre operating problems
under the decree and a general analysis of
exhibition under changing postwar conditions
commanded the attention of the Paramount
home office executives and theatre partners
who checked in here for a week of business
conferences.
Due to attend the powwows at week’s end
were Barney Balaban, president of Para-
mount Pictures; Henry Ginsberg, vice-presi-
dent in charge of production and studio op-
erations, and Y. Frank Freeman, another
vice-president.
Already in attendance from the home office
were Leonard Goldenson, E. L. Hyman, Rob-
ert M. Weitman, Leon D. Netter, Hal Pereira,
Evans Perkins, Eugene Street, Monty Gow-
thorpe, Max Fellerman, Curtis Mitchell and
Robert Powers.
Theatre partners in attendance were: M. J. Mullin
and Sam Pinanski, M&P circuit, Boston; Sam Gold-
stein, Western Massachusetts Theatres, Inc., New
Haven and Springfield; Harry Royster, Netco Thea-
tres Corp., Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; Frank Walker, Com-
erford circuit, ' Scranton, Pa.; Earl Hudson, United
Detroit Theatres; John Balaban, Walter Immerman,
Dave Wallerstein and Henry Spickelmeier, Balaban
& Katz and Great States Theatres, Chicago; Harry
French and Charles Winchell, Minnesota Amusement
Co.; A. H. Blank, Myron Blank and Ralph Branton,
Tri-States and Central States Theatres of Iowa' and
Nebraska; M. A. Lightman, Malco Theatre, Memphis;
E. V. Richards, Turk Carter, Gaston Dureau and
A. H. Higgenbottom, Paramount-Richards circuit, New
Orleans; R. B. Wilby, H. F. Kincey, James Harrison,
Roy Smart and Richard Kennedy, Wilby-Kincey cir-
cuit, North and South Carolina, Tennessee and At-
lanta, Ga.; Fred Kent, Florida State Theatres; Karl
Hoblitzelle and R. J. O'Donnell, Interstate Theatres,
Texas; Julius Gordon, Sam Landrom and S. L. Oak-
ley, Jefferson Amusement Co., Beaumont, Tex.; Hunter
Perry, Charlottesville, Va.; Harry Nace and Harry
Nace jr., both with Paramount-Nace Theatres, Ariz-
ona; Tracy Barham and Ray Hendry, Intermountain
Theatres, Salt Lake City; William Jenkins, Fred
Storey and John Stembler, Lucas and Jenkins cir-
cuit, Ga.; Jack Keegan, Northio Theatres, Ohio, and
John Fitzgibbon, Famous Players Canadian Corp.,
Ltd.
Following the meeting here, virtually all of
the visitors planned to go to Los Angeles to
attend the annual convention of Variety
clubs.
NEW YORK— In discussing the importance
of publicity and advertising to the film in-
dustry, Howard Dietz, vice-president in
charge of the company’s promotion, told the
MGM sales forces that in the past 20 years
motion picture attendance has grown three
times in proportion to the population, “and
it is our job to continue to make more con-
verts to the movies.”
The convention was held last week in the
Hotel Astor.
Dietz declared that the war had proved
films are indispensable.
“The one thing the army wanted more than
anything else,” he said, “was films, and that
has been proven by the boys who came back.”
In a general discussion of the company’s
plans for advertising its coming product Dietz
said a series of stunts had been and would
continue to be used on “The Yearling,” “Sea
of Grass,” “Gallant Bess” and “It Happened
in Brooklyn.” In connection with the “Sea
of Grass” he presented deeds to an acre of
ground in New Mexico to each one of the men
present. This is the stunt that garnered so
much publicity in newspapers and on the air.
He said the company uses exclusive spot
announcements on 90 radio stations in 45
Samuel N. Burger Named
To Loew's IntT Board
NEW YORK— Samuel N. Burger, general
sales manager of Loew’s International, has
been named to the
board of directors, ac-
cording to Arthur M.
Loew, president.
Burger has been with
Loew’s since 1923 when
he did special sales
work and traveled ex-
tensively in this coun-
try. In 1926 he was
named eastern district
manager for domestic
sales.
He transferred to the
international depart-
ment of MGM in 1930 samuel n. burger
and became a special sales representative. In
1940 he was put in charge of sales for Latin
America, and in 1944 he became regional di-
rector for Latin America. He was appointed
general sales manager in March of this year.
250 Attend Testimonial
In Honor of Samuelson
PHILADELPHIA — Approximately 250 of the
New Jersey, western Pennsylvania, eastern
Pennsylvania and Baltimore Allied units and
film company guests gathered at the War-
wick hotel here for a testimonial banquet in
honor of Sidney E. Samuelson, general man-
ager of Allied of Eastern Pennsylvania.
Samuelson, honored for his services to Al-
lied, was presented with a gold watch, and he
and Mrs. Samuelson also were presented with
an ocean cruise.
cities and advertising in 60 city newspapers.
The company has 30 features in various stages
of work or nearing completion, he added.
Silas F. Seadler, advertising manager, de-
scribed company product he had seen on his
recent visit to the studio. He named “The
Birds and Bees,” “The Hucksters,” “Cynthia,”
“Romance of Rosy Ridge,” “Living in a Big
Way” and “Song of Love.” He also said he
had seen rough cuts of “Green Dolphin
Street” and “Unfinished Dance.”
William R. Ferguson, exploitation manager,
listed the “ten leadership commandments”
for exploitation and outlined a number of
national tieups and services being furnished
by his department.
Herbert Crooker, publicity manager, pre-
sented a tabulation on the various types
of publicity obtained by his department. It
was made by the Lloyd Hall Co. after an
analysis of 56 magazines in January, February
and March.
Ernest Emerling, publicity director for
Loew’s Theatres; Dr. Leo Handel of the re-
search bureau; Tom Gerety, editor of the
Lion’s Roar; O. A. Kingsbury of Donahue
& Coe, and Mel Hyman and Sid Goldstein
of the publicity department were presented.
NEW YORK — Free use of a Century circuit
theatre in Brooklyn by the New York board
of education for showing of films with edu-
cational value has begun to attract national
attention. An evaluation of the plan is now
being made by the board and J. R. Springer,
general theatre manager for the circuit, has
offered the use of more theatres in case the
educational authorities want them. The cir-
cuit bears all the expense.
Late last week License Commissioner
Benjamin F. Fielding issued a statement to
the press which received considerable space.
In it he said that 1,000 school children from
four schools have already attended the shows
during regular school hours accompanied and
supervised by their teachers and with spe-
cial details from the police, license and fire
departments.
NEXT SHOWING MAY 28
The showings were held February 21, March
24 and April 28, and the next one will be
May 28.
Pictures already exhibited have been “Tom
Sawyer,” “The Prince and the Pauper” and
"Huckleberry Finn.” The next feature will
be “Adventures of Mark Twain.”
Fielding calls this a “unique opportunity
for enriching the educational experience of
our school children by visual presentation
of great works of literature under careful
supervisory conditions.”
He says it is the policy of his department
to encourage these showings.
Springer says he will go along.
“It is our sincere hope,” says the Century
general manager, “that the board will express
a desire to broaden the base of the pro-
gram by increasing the number of schools
and the number of children. Century will be
delighted to make more theatres available.
DEEP RESERVOIR TO TAP
“We are convinced that there exists a deep
reservoir of regular entertainment films
which can be tapped for educational pur-
poses. Without trying to tell the educators
their business, it seems to me that the chil-
dren who saw ‘Tom Sawyer’ at the Rialto
will have a greater appreciation for the book.
What is true of the study of literature can
be true of history.”
“And the value of this experiment in public
relations for the industry seems beyond ques-
tion,” he continued. “There is nothing more
important than the instruction of the young,
and if there is public acceptance of films
and theatres as contributing factors to this
instruction, many of the evils which now
beset the industry from outside sources can
be dissipated.”
Eugene S. Gregg Leaves
On World Tour for W.E.
NEW YORK — Eugene S. Gregg, vice-presi-
dent of the Westrex Corp., foreign motion
picture equipment and service subsidiary of
the Western Electric Co., sailed on the U.S.S.
America for England during the week on the
first leg of a projected three-month round-
the-world trip.
After stopping at the London office, Gregg
will attend the annual meeting of the Inter-
national Chamber of Commerce at Montreux,
Switzerland, as a delegate from the U.S.
His trip will also include conferences with
local representatives at Western Electric of-
fices in London, Basle, Paris, Cairo, Bombay,
Calcutta, Rangoon, Singapore, Sidney and
Wellington, N. Z. He will return in August.
Film-Going Tripled in 20 Years ;
Continue Goodwill, Says Dietz
60-C
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Loew s 28-Week Net
Profit Under '46
NEW YORK — Loew’s, Inc., and its wholly
and partly owned subsidiaries reported a net
profit of $8,596,779 for the 28 weeks ended
March 13, 1947, a decrease of $655,277 com-
pared to the corresponding period last year.
The net profit for the 28-week period in 1947
is equal to $1.67 per share on common stock,
after depreciation, taxes and other deduc-
tions.
Net profit for the corresponding 28-week
period ended in 1946 was $8,952,056, equal to
$1.76 per share. The 1947 net profit is sub-
ject to year-end audit.
An increase was reported in gross sales
and operating revenues for the 16-week pe-
riod ended March 13, 1947, compared to the
same period in 1946. The total for the 16
weeks ended this year was $56,655,000, com-
pared to $55,335,000.
James V. Pattinson Feted
By 20th-Fox Executives
NEW YORK — James V. Pattinson, sales di-
rector of 20th Century-Fox Film Co., Ltd., of
Great Britain, who is in this country for a
brief visit, was guest of honor at a dinner
given by Spyros P. Skouras, president of 20th-
Fox Film Corp., and Murray Silverstone,
president of 20th-Fox International in the
Terrace room of the St. Moritz hotel during
the week.
Among those attending from the 20th-Fox
home office were W. C. Michel, Otto E. Koe-
gel, Thomas J. Connors, Donald A. Hender-
son, Joseph Moskowitz, Charles Schlaifer,
William J. Kupper, Edmund Reek, Wilfred
J. Eadie, A. J. Balaban, Dan Michalove, Leslie
Whelan, Emanuel Silverstone, Albert Corn-
field, Franklin Irby, Rodney Bush, Jules
Fields, Eddie Solomon, Joseph Pincus, Irving
Kahn, Christy Wilbert, Jonas Rosenfield, Sid
Blumenstock, Stirling Silliphant, Norman
Steinberg, Roger Ferri, Sam Shain, C. E. Mc-
Cartney, William Gehring, Andrew W. Smith
jr., Peter Levathes, Lamoyne Jones, Martin
Moskowitz, F. T. Kelly, J. H. Lang, Boris
Vermont, E. I. Sponable, Alan Freedman.
Ulric Bell, George Generalis and Morris
Kinzler.
Paramount Makes Change
In Exploitation Staff
NEW YORK — Three changes were made
affecting the Paramount exploitation de-
partment Monday (May 5), according to Sid
Mesibov, assistant exploitation manager.
Everett Olsen, who formerly worked out of
Minneapolis, was transferred to the southern
territory, with headquarters in Charlotte. He
is now in charge of the territories serviced by
the Charlotte and the New Orleans branches.
Leonard Allen, who had been covering
Charlotte, New Orleans and Atlanta, is now
covering Atlanta only.
E. G. Fitzgibbon, exploitation man for Chi-
cago and Milwaukee, has also been assigned
the Minneapolis branch.
Jules Levey Is Honored
NEW YORK — Jules Levey, independent pro-
ducer for United Artists, has been cited by
the National Jewish Recognition committee
for his outstanding welfare work in New
York and Los Angeles. The testimonial, given
by the committee in conjunction with the
United Jewish Welfare fund, was made pub-
lic on Levey’s return from New Orleans, where
his picture, “-New Orleans,” had its first
showing.
Rank Will Confer Here
On Theatre Television
New York — While in this country J.
Arthur Rank will confer with A. N.
Rauland, head of the Rauland Corp.,
which controls the American rights to the
Baird television system. This is the sys-
tem, which, with the Scophony system,
was being introduced in British theatres
at the start of the war.
There were reports in London last week
that Rank was prepared to erect a large
television studio to supply both films
and live shows for television use and
that he had plans for introducing large
screen television into British theatres.
Trading in Film Stocks
Shows Little Activity
PHILADELPHIA — Activity in film stocks
during the past month has been dull, ac-
cording to the report of the Securities and
Exchange commission. Harry M. Warner
reported the sales of 100 shares of Warner
Bros, common, leaving his total at 295,000.
His trust reported holding 16,000 shares.
Daniel M. Sheaffer, Philadelphia, dis-
posed of 300 shares of Universal common.
He now holds 17,407 shares. Charles D.
Prutzman, New York, reported holding 6,100
shares.
Spyros Skouras amended his report of
August 1946, revealing that he acquired
42,000 shares of 20th-Fox common through
the exercise of an option, making his total
in this security stand at 47,250 shares.
Two new directors of Republic Pictures
Corp. reported their holdings to the SEC.
They were Harry M. Goetz with 27,687 shares,
and Edwin Van Pelt with 400.
Activity in Monogram common was re-
stricted to the sale of 1,000 shares by W. Ray
Johnston, Hollywood, making his holdings
16,617 shares.
Onsrud Corp., Fort Lee, N. J., reported the
acquisition of 23,459 shares of Associated
Motion Picture Industries, Inc., in the stock
splitup by that company last October.
Films of Nations Enters
Theatrical 35mm Field
NEW YORK — Films of the Nations, non-
profit distribution firm for foreign govern-
ments, has entered the 35mm theatrical field,
with the release of a two-reel documentary
“Historic Switzerland.” The picture opened
at the Embassy newsreel theatres in New
York Thursday (May 8). The picture also
has been booked by eight houses outside ol
the metropolitan area.
The organization will add from 30 to 40 new
films to its 1947-48 release schedule. These
will be released to 35mm theatrical outlets in
addition to 16mm nontheatrical users.
Keith Goldsmith Is Liaison
For U-I in South Africa
NEW YORK— Keith Goldsmith has been
appointed South Africa representative for
U-I. The former India manager will be liai-
son between the company and African Con-
solidated Films, Schlesinger-U-I Rank com-
bine.
Vincent Palmeri has been named Mexico
manager. Karl Jungmarker succeeds Lio
Gussen in Sweden.
Loew's Books FC Reissue
NEW YORK — Loew’s Theatres will show
"Thief of Bagdad,” Film Classics reissue, be-
ginning June 2, throughout the entire metro-
politan area. The Technicolor film was pro-
duced by Alexander Korda.
Prosperous Outlook
Taken on Drive-Ins
ALBANY — “There is plenty of money to be
made in drive-ins and I am unselfish enough
to advise exhibitors to look over the field and
enter it at the right spots.”
So said Harry Heilman, Albany theatre
operator for 39 years, who has just returned
from a five-month vacation in Florida with
his wife. Heilman is pooled with Fabian in
three auto theatres and is building a fourth
near Philadelphia. He also has three stand-
ard theatres. His son Neil is associated with
him in the operations.
The senior Heilman thinks a lot of new
drive-ins will be built when materials become
more plentiful but he declines to estimate how
many of them the country will support. Right
now is a difficult time to build, he observed.
“It took 45 tons of steel for our screen, and
where are you going to lay your hands on that
much steel today?” he said.
Heilman’s interest in open air theatres
dates back more than 35 years. He had an
outdoor annex to the old Fairyland on South
Pearl street.
“It was two blocks from the Fairyland and
had a capacity of 350 — on benches,” he said.
"The capacity was too small to pay and I
closed it after one season.”
Joseph Borkin Is Named
Rank Consultant in U.S.
NEW YORK — Joseph Borkin, formerly
chief economic adviser and attorney in the
antitrust division of the Department of Jus-
tice and economist with the Federal Com-
munications commission, has been retained
as consulting economist by the J. Arthur
Rank Organization.
Borkin, who has offices in Washington,
D. C., and New York, will act as adviser to
Robert Benjamin, president, with respect to
all the J. Arthur Rank interests in this
country.
Bergman, Shapiro Elected
Lodge Vice-Presidents
NEW YORK — Maurice A. Bergman, eastern
advertising and publicity director for Uni-
versal Pictures, and Robert K. Shapiro, man-
ager of the New York Paramount Theatre,
have been named as vice-presidents of
Cinema lodge, B’nai B’rith.
D. A. Doran Honored
NEW YORK — Book publishers, magazine
editors, literary agents and the press at-
tended a Paramount cocktail reception on
Wednesday (May 7) in honor of D. A. Doran,
studio production executive, at the 1-2-3 club.
John Byram, chief of the company play de-
partment; Russell Holman, eastern produc-
tion head, and Alan Jackson, eastern story
editor, acted as hosts.
Universal Dividend
NEW YORK — Directors of Universal Pic-
tures Co., Inc., declared a quarterly dividend
of $1.0614 per share on the 414 per cent
cumulative preferred stock. The dividend is
payable June 2, 1947, to -stockholders of rec-
ord May 14, 1947.
Plunkett Back With Paramount
PARIS — Jack Plunkett, advertising director
for Paramount in Continental Europe, North
Africa and the Middle East for 13 years prior
to the war, has resumed his post, according
to John B. Nathan, division manager for the
territory.
60-D
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
PRODUCTION CENTER
( Hollywood Office — Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.; Ivan Spear, Western Manager )
Hersholt Lays Plans
For Academy Work
Nelson Concedes Paring
Of Film Costs Is Vital
HOLLYWOOD— Actor Jean Hersholt, hav-
ing been unanimously elected to the post,
will serve for another year as president of
the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences. Hersholt and other officers were
chosen at the first meeting of the recently
elected 22 governors of the organization.
The other officers include Charles Brack-
ett, first vice-president; Farciot Edouart
second vice-president; George Murphy, third
vice-president; William Wyler, fourth vice-
president; Mary C. McCall jr., secretary;
Donald Nelson, treasurer; Delmer Daves, as-
sistant secretary, and Frederick B. Richards
assistant treasurer.
FINANCE POST TO JACK WARNER
Hersholt said that he will again ask Jack
L. Warner to serve as chairman of the finance
committee. Perry Lieber and Howard Strick-
ling were named to replace Walter Wanger
and William Dozier on the public relations
committee serving with Miss McCall.
At the request of Eric Johnston of the
Motion Picture Ass’n, the board named
Hersholt, Wanger and Nelson to work with
the three-man committee to be selected by
Johnston to discuss various matters in which
both the Academy and the MPA are inter-
ested, including cooperation with educational
groups throughout the country and tighter
bond between the Academy and MPA in set-
ting annual awards.
TO RE-ESTABLISH SHOW
_ I
The new board also voted to re-establish
the annual still photography show inaugu-
rated several years ago by the late John Le-
Roy Johnston. The show was dropped dur-
ing the war. Statuettes will again be
awarded this year for best stills. The exhibit
will be held in August.
Awards for technical achievement will not
be affected by the new status of the research
council, President Hersholt stressed in com-
menting on the separation of the research
group from the Academy.
Division was made necessary by reason of
an eventual allocation of half a million dol-
lars annually for research work by the MPA.
Lantz Music Wins Citation
In Musical Courier Ballot
HOLLYWOOD — Walter Lantz was the win-
ner, in the short subject field, of the Musical
Courier’s citations for the best film music of
1945. The awards, which were given for
various branches of film music, were voted
on by the public in the first contest of its
kind the magazine has ever conducted.
Lantz and Darrell Calker, his musical di-
rector, were voted kudos for a film in the
musical miniatures series, “Chopin’s Musical
Moments.”
RARE FILMS TO ACADEMY— Ninety-
five reels of rare film have been acquired
by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts
and Sciences from Walter R. Greene and
will soon be available for screening to all
Academy members. Most of the reels are
28mm safety stock issued by Pathe
Freres of France in 1917 and must be
converted to 35mm before being shown
on modern projection equipment. Jean
Hersholt (right), Academy president,
accepts the celluloid from Greene.
Another Troupe to Texas
For Disaster Benefits
HOLLYWOOD — A second troupe of Holly-
wood stars was sent to stake two benefit en-
tertainment programs in Port Arthur and
Austin, Tex., with proceeds going for aid of
the Texas City explosion victims. Included
in the unit are Mickey Rooney, Kay Kyser,
Sonny Tufts, Jane Russell, Peter Lind Hayes,
Mary Healy, Ann Blyth, Diana Lynn, Marion
Morgan, Harry Babbitt, Abigail and Buddy
and Victor Borge. The first troupe headed by
Jack Benny and Frank Sinatra presented
benefit shows in Galveston, Houston and New
Orleans.
Jose Iturbi has revised his concert schedule
in order to do two recitals in Texas for the
benefit of the sufferers of the disaster. He
will do a recital in Houston either May 12 or
14, and a few days later will present a con-
cert with his sister Amparo in Galveston.
LOS ANGELES — Donald Nelson, president
of the Society of Independent Motion Picture
Producers, and Ronald Reagan, screen actor,
addressed delegates at the convention of the
Pacific Coast Conference of Independent
Theatre Owners.
Nelson said exhibitors as well as producers
and distributors have a definite stake in the
foreign market for American motion pictures
and the revenue which comes or fails to come
from that market. The SIMPP president held
further that the time has come for a sharp
trimming of costs in the production and dis-
tribution ends of the business.
FACING ECONOMIC PROBLEM
He made his point regarding the foreign
markets by reasoning that if the makers and
distributors of pictures are confronted with
declining revenues from abroad it will be
necessary for them either to make cheaper
and poorer pictures or to seek higher rentals
from the domestic market. Thus, he claimed,
in either event the business of the American
showman is directly affected.
The SIMPP head opined that the indus-
try’s days of exceptionally lush revenues is
over and that it is suicidal to pursue further
the tendency on the part of producers to
make less and less at more and more cost.
He said that many economies in production
can be effected through the elimination of
waste and that better pictures must be made
at lesser costs in order for films to continue
to enjoy satisfactory patronage. Another fac-
tor that will help the industry during the
months ahead and in meeting its postwar
problems is closer cooperation between ex-
hibitors and producers, Nelson suggested.
REAGAN VOICES APPRECIATION
Hollywood is not as full of Communists and
fellow travelers as some of the many in-
vestigations and widespread publicity thereon
might indicate, said Reagan, who appeared
before the assembled showmen in his ca-
pacity as president of the Screen Actors Guild
He assured the exhibitors that those who
work in the production end of the business,
especially the actors, have full appreciation
of the important part of the motion picture
industry contributed by the men who run
theatres.
In commenting on the impending investi-
gation anent Communist activities in the film
colony, Reagan said that SAG and the pro-
ducers are prepared to give every possible co-
operation to the house committee on un-
American affairs, but suggested that some
of the other widely publicized campaigns re-
garding alleged Red activity in the film cap-
ital were merely professional witch hunts
and should not be taken too seriously.
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
61
N HIS first public appearance since assum-
ing the directorship of the Motion Picture
Alliance, Dr. John R. Lechner became a
full-fledged, 33rd-degree member of Holly-
wood’s neck-out fraternity. Dr. Lechner was
principal speaker at one of the series of fo-
rums sponsored by that association, that film
capital right-of -center organization which has
been leveling its lances— mostly via vitriolic
advertisements in tradepapers — at comparably
militant and comparably unpopular leftist
groups.
Referring to some mysterious report that
has allegedly been made to the house com-
mittee on un-American activities, Dr. Lechner
named ten current or recent pictures which
said report lists as containing doses of Com-
munist propaganda. Included were “The Best
Years of Our Lives,” “Boomerang,” “Margie,”
“The Strange Love of Martha Ivers,” “A
Medal for Benny,” “The Searching Wind,”
“Watch on the Rhine,” “Pride of the Ma-
rines,” “North Star” and “Mission to Moscow.”
Charges that Samuel Goldwyn’s Academy
award-winning “Years” contained Com-
munist propaganda — or propaganda of any
kind for that matter— are too ludicrous to
merit much comment. Here’s a picture which
has been the recipient of almost precedentary
praise by press and public. Universally it
has been lauded as a human, heart-warming,
down-to-earth document, projecting more
effectively than any other film the problems
and hopes of postwar America. Few indeed
are the recognized annual kudos — climaxed
by the coveted Academy Oscar — that were not
showered on the Goldwyn masterpiece. If
“Years” is the purveyor of insidious Red
messages, stupid indeed are the vast majority
of those who have seen it and failed to rec-
ognize its insidiousness. And that, of course,
applies to Hollywood’s master minds — from
both sides of the ideologies road — who vote
in the annual Oscar sweepstakes.
Two of them, “Margie” and “Boomerang,”
came from 20th Century-Fox. The former was
a musical — and like most pictures of its ilk
was light, gay and tuneful, with few, if any
serious moments. The film was enthusias-
tically and generally acclaimed by critics no
matter what the political complexions of the
publications for which they write. What’s
more, the upper-bracket business “Margie”
enjoyed in virtually all of its bookings es-
tablishes that the public concurred in critical
appraisal. “Boomerang” was predicated upon
a factual incident in the career of former
U.S.. Attorney General Homer Cummings. It
too was the recipient of far-above-average
reviewers’ praise and public patronage. The
picture was produced by Louis de Rochemont,
past master of the documentary technique,
whose first claim to industry recognition
came through producing the “March of Time”
shorts, a by-product of politically arch-con-
servative Time magazine. Discerning the eye
or super-suspicious the mind that could see
Communist propaganda in either of these
popular pictures. And, as an interesting com-
mentary thereon, let it be remembered that
they were made by the studio whose produc-
tion activities are piloted by Darryl F. Zan-
uck who currently is bending his every ef-
fort to be first to bring to the screen a pic-
ture, “The Iron Curtain,” which will be an
expose of Russian espionage in this country
and Canada and the part American Com-
munists play in such spying. A somewhat
paradoxical situation, isn’t it?
Another pair, Paramount’s “The Searching
Wind” and Warners’ “Watch on the Rhine,”
were screen versions of popular stage plays.
Ever since the industry grew out of its tod-
dling clothes — and that was many years be-
fore anyone in Hollywood gave a passing
thought to propaganda in motion pictures —
it has been the practice of smart, money-
making producers to buy screen rights to
Broadway hits which in their opinions offer
good screen material. Such procedure always
has stemmed from the profit motive and it
seems reasonable to assume that in paying
top prices for the pair listed above, Para-
mount and Warner were stimulated by that
profit motive rather than a secret and in-
sidious desire to influence the ideological
thinking of the public.
True, both plays and the pictures based
thereon admittedly were anti-Fascist in theme.
But it must be remembered that when they
were written, when they appeared as plays,
and even when they were released as pic-
tures every good American’s thinking was very
definitely anti-Nazi and anti-Fascist.
Parenthetically, inclusion of “Rhine” and
“Wind” on the Alliance list adds con-
siderable weight to the objections and re-
sentments middle-of-the-road Hollywoodians
feel toward all of the ideology groups, whether
they veer toward the right or left. The right-
ists insist on hurling charges of “Commun-
ism” at the leftists, who retaliate with equally
loud accusations of “Fascism” directed at
members of the Alliance and kindred bodies.
Their confusing indictments and counter-
charges create the impression that toilers in
the celluloid vineyards must be fellow travel-
ers of one or the other. That’s ridiculously
far from the facts. Truth of the matter is
that a dominant majority of industry exec-
utives and workers are perfectly happy to
be just good Americans and take a pox-on-
both-your-houses attitude toward all of the
trouble-stirring ideology organizations, in-
cluding the Alliance.
Then there are Goldwyn’s “North Star”
and Warner’s “Mission to Moscow.” Both can
be interpreted as being strongly pro-Russian.
But again it must be remembered that they
were produced and distributed during an era
when Russia was our trusted, respected and
admired ally, fighting shoulder to shoulder
with the U.S. against those forces of evil.
And in the listing of that additional War-
ner production, more of paradox is dragged
into the situation. It was Jack Warner, head
of the studio’s production, who within the
month issued a lengthy statement strong-
ly urging that motion pictures undertake on
an industry-wide basis a militant fight against
un-American ideologies. In support of his
plea, Warner listed countless of his studio’s
pictures, past, present and future, which have
been messages on Americanism. And it’s the
same Jack Warner who has been more ac-
claimed and more decorated than any other
industry figure for his contributions to Ameri-
canism and the recent war effort.
Dr. Lechner informs that the author of the
mysterious report to the house committee on
un-American activities must remain anony-
mous until such a time as he appears before
that congressional group to repeat his accu-
sations as sworn testimony. As to his identity,
too many guesses shouldn’t be necessary for
those who have observed the birth, growth
and modus operandi of the Alliance. But who-
ever he may be. the author. Dr. Lechner and
the Alliance will have to dig a lot deeper, a
lot more productively and a lot more con-
vincingly ere the house committee or the
public will take seriously their fear-with-
alarm bleat that Hollywood’s output is being
honeycombed with Communist propaganda.
'Duel' in 24 Theatres
In Los Angeles Area
HOLLYWOOD— “Duel in the Sun” for the
second time in its exhibition history occupied
the center of the film capital’s limelight de-
voted to premieres, openings and debuts ex-
traordinary.
“Duel” opened simultaneously in 24 Los
Angeles theatres, including the Orpheum-
Belmont unit, reportedly the greatest num-
ber of picture" houses set to show a single
film in southern California history.
Over 200,000 seats were being made avail-
able every day. No residential district was
more than ten minutes away froth a theatre
showing the feature. Theatres include:
Orpheum, El Rey, Vogue, Fairfax and Bel-
mont in Los Angeles.
Alex in Glendale.
Academy and Pasadena in Pasadena.
El Portal, North Hollywood.
Westwood Village, Westwood.
United Artists in Englewood.
Fifth Avenue, Huntington Park.
Golden Gate, East Los Angeles.
Criterion, Santa Monica.
Granada, Wilmington.
Cabrillo, San Pedro.
West Coast, Long Beach.
Redondo, Redondo.
Redlands, Redlands.
Riverside, Riverside.
Arlington, Santa Barbara.
Broadway, Santa Ana.
La Reina, Van Nuys.
Fox, Pomona.
Granada, Ontario.
Village, Claremont. *
Fox, San Bernardino.
“It Happened on Fifth Avenue,” Allied Art-
ists-Monogram feature was set for a gala pre-
miere April 16 at Grauman’s Chinese in Holly-
wood prior to the start of its regular run
following day at that and three other houses.
In addition to numerous Hollywood stars who
will be on hand for the occasion, members of
the Variety Club here for their national con-
vention, are expected to attend.
A trio of Warner stars will go to Cheyenne
to participate in the world premiere there
May 22 of “Cheyenne,” the western, namely,
Dennis Morgan, Jack Carson and Janis Paige.
Western Leaders of SRO
Huddle in L. A. on 'Duel'
LOS ANGELES — Milton Kusell, general
manager for Selznick Releasing Organiza-
tion, called a conference here for May 11, 12,
of his west coast division and district man-
agers to discuss the best way of achieving
maximum grosses for “Duel in the Sun” in
smaller situations.
Attending the sessions are John Howard,
western division sales manager: District
Managers Harry Hunsaker, San Francisco:
Charles Duer, Denver; Howard Cahoon, Salt
Lake City, and Larry Doyle, San Francisco.
Other meetings on the same subject will be
held in districts throughout the country.
UA Distribution Contract
Signed by Hal Roach
HOLLYWOOD — Upon his return from New
York, Producer Hal Roach sr., revealed that
he had signed a releasing deal with United
Artists whereby the latter will distribute his
current program of pictures.
Under terms of agreement, UA will handle
“Curley,” “Here Comes Trouble,” “Fabulous
Joe,” and “Who Killed Doc Robin,” which al-
ready are completed, and two others.
Distribution deal had been agreed upon by
UA on April 17, but the pact did not become
effective until the producer actually signed
the contract.
62
BOXOFFICE " May 10, 1947
I
* * /
Wherever history is being made . . .
VV/HEN HitlerdancedatCompiegne
in 1940, the newsreel photog-
rapher was there ... as he is almost
always there, recording what happens
with unique reality and objectivity,
wherever history is being made.
Because of him, more people under-
stand more of what goes on in the
world — of the significant events in the
daily life of mankind. Handling his
equipment with skill and ingenuity . . .
surmounting the most adverse condi-
tions of light and weather ... he has an
important role in the creation of a
better-informed public.
If he is to get the most from this role
... to give the most to the public . . .
the newsreel photographer naturally
needs superior film. That’s why he pre-
fers to work with members of the large
and well-known family of Eastman
motion picture and sound films.
EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
ROCHESTER 4, N. Y.
J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., DISTRIBUTORS
FORT LEE • CHICAGO • HOLLYWOOD
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
63
STUDIO PERSONNELITIES
Barnstormers
Monogram
JIMMY WAKELY made a personal appearance at
Beverly Hills Hitching Post theatre when his west-
ern, "Saddle Serenade," opened there May 3. The
picture also opened on that date at Hitching Post
theatres in Hollywood and Santa Monica,
Blurbers
20th Century-Fox
HUGH LESTER, OLIVER HOPPS, JIM SIMMONS and
SHIRLEY POTASH have been dropped from the pub-
licity department in latest retrenchment move of the
studio.
Briefies
Metro
Cartoons "Lucky Ducky," "Lovey Dovey" and
“Oily to Bed," the latter featuring Droopy the Pon-
derous Pooch, set to roll with Fred Quimby pro-
ducing and Tex Avery directing.
Warners
"Hometown Circus," annual big top affair of
Gainesville, Tex., in which entire community par-
ticipates, will be filmed as a Technicolor two-reeler.
Gil DeWitt will direct.
"So You Want to Gamble," sixth in the Joe Mc-
Doakes series of short subjects, started lensing with
George O'Hanlon in the topline. Dick Bare and
Dave Swift scripted the two-reeler, which Bare di-
rects for Producer Gordon Hollingshead.
Cleffers
Metro
Musical director chores on “Tenth Avenue Angel"
and “Alias a Gentleman" handed RUDDY KOPP and
DAVID SNELL respectively.
United Artists
CARMEN DRAGON signed by William Cagney Pro-
ductions as musical director on "The Time of Your
Life."
Warners
FREDERICK HOLLANDER set to compose the score
for “Wallflower," comedy starring Robert Hutton,
Joyce Reynolds and Janis Paige.
Meggers
Columbia
“Silverado Squatters," upcoming film version of
Robert Louis Stevenson's book, has been placed on
the production schedule of TED RICHMOND and ROB-
ERT COHN. Screen treatment will be prepared by
Tom Kilpatrick.
LES GOODWINS, former RKO Radio contract di-
rector, ticketed to meg “The Lone Wolf in London,"
third in the new series of Lone Wolf features,
starring Gerald Mohr. Ted Richmond and Robert
Cohn produce.
NORMAN DEMING set as assistant to Producer Don
Hartmann on the Ginger Rogers-Cornel Wilde starrer
“It Had to Be You."
Second ^ production for Producer Martin Mooney's
slate is “The Hijackers," a yarn of diesel-powered
grand larceny on the highways. Matthew Rapf has
been signed to develop the original story.
Independent
VLADIMIR STRECHEWSKY, European director,
inked to a long-term contract by Producer Herman
Millakowsky.
Metro
CURTIS BERNHARDT set to meg “The High Wall"
in which Robert Taylor and Audrey Totter topline.
MERVYN LeROY set to meg the Clark Gable starrer
“The Homecoming of Ulysses." Assignment is Le-
Roy's first under his new contract with the outfit.
Sidney Franklin will produce.
Monogram
BERNARD BURTON, associate producer, given con-
tract extension foi; a year by Producer Hal E. Chester
and will serve in this capacity on “A Guy Named
Joe Palooka."
Paramount
Producer RICHARD MAIBAUM, who recently com-
pleted his assignment on “The Big Clock," has had
his option lifted.
NORMAN Z. McLEOD ticketed to meg the Bob Hope
Technicolor starrer “Paleface," which Robert Welch
will produce. This will be McLeod's second con-
secutive directorial assignment for the studio, on a
loanout agreement with Rainbow Productions, the
first being the recently completed “Road to Rio."
RKO Radio
Producer RICHARD BERGER gives an option lift.
He is now preparing to produce "Roughshod" which
Mark Robso will direct.
Director JACQUES TOURNEUR inked in a new term
contract calling for one picture a year for five years.
He recently finished “Out of the Past."
Universal-International
JULES DASSIN given megging assignment on Pro-
ducer Mark Hellinger's “Homicide" which will star
Barry Fitzgerald and Don Taylor. Most of the film
will be shot in New York with the cooperation of
that city's homicide squad.
Options
Columbia
RON RANDELL assigned role in support of Ginger
Rogers and Cornel Wilde in "It Had to Be You."
LOUIS HAYWARD signed for role in "The Black
Arrow." GRANT WHYlOCK will serve as Edward
Small's associate producer.
Supporting role in the Sam Katzman production,
"The Prince of Thieves," set tor H. B. WARNER.
LOWELL GILMORE and GAVIN MUIR set for roles.
Eagle-Lion
UNA MERKEL draws a part in "Texas Legend," a
Joseph Fields production, which Leigh Jason will
direct.
Enterprise
CHARLES BICKFORD signed to star with Joel
McCrea and F-rances Dee in the HcCrry Sherman pro-
duction "They Passed This Way." Featured role
given EVE NOVAK.
Metro
TREVOR BARDETTE set for role in "Alias a Gen-
tleman," starring Wallace Beery with Tom Drake
and Dorothy Patrick.
Cast additions to “Cass Timberlane" include MAR-
GARET LINDSAY and CAMERON MITCHELL.
Monogram
MORRIS CARNOVSKY, VINCE BARNETT and
BENNY BAKER signed for featured roles in the Hal
E. Chester production “A Guy Named Joe Palooka."
LOUIS WILLIAMS added to the cast of “The
Hunted," an Allied Artists film.
Paramount
JOHN DEHNER, GEORGIA BACKUS, HAL RAND
and CAROLYN BUTLER assigned roles in Betty Hutton
starrer “Dream Girl."
JAMES DAVIES, PERRY IVANS and PAT LANE
added to the cast of the Technicolor production
"Whispering Smith." ELMO LINCOLN and FRANK
MAYO set for parts.
Comedian BILLY DE WOLFE given option hoist.
Latest picture was “Variety Girl" in which he had
a featured spot.
Republic
Featured role in the Charles K. Feldman-Lewis
Milestone production “The Red Pony" set for LOUIS
CALHERN.
JACK HOLT ticketed for heavy role in “The Wild
Frontier," initialer in the new Famous Western
series starring Allan Lane.
FRED BRANNON and SPENCER BENNETT to co-
direct the 13-chapter serial, "G-Men Never Forget,"
which Mike Frankovich will produce as the next
chapter play on the studio's list.
ROBERT SCOTT and ROBERT ARMSTRONG inked
for roles in “It's Murder, She Says."
MARGARET HAMILTON, JAMES BELL and HOW-
LAND CHAMBERLAIN added to cast of "Driftwood."
Featured role given HOBART CAVANAUGH.
20th Century-Fox
EDWARD CLARK handed supporting role in the
Technicolor production “Off to Buffalo."
New term contract given BETTY GRABLE. She re-
cently completed the production “Mother Wore
Tights" and will probably go into the film “The
Blonde From Bashful Bend" in September. Miss
Grable has retired from the screen temporarily await-
ing the birth of her baby which is due in June.
IAN KEITH handed role in the Tyrone Power
starrer, "Nightmare Alley," which Edmund Goulding
will direct.
JEAN PETERS ticketed for top line with Clifton
Webb and John Payne in the George Jessel produc-
tion “Julie."
MARY CURRIER assigned role in “Foxes of Har-.
row."
GLENN LANGAN and KURT KREUGER inked to
new contracts.
United Artists
Cast additions to the Star Films production, “In-
trigue," include CHARLES LANE, REG BILLADO,
RALPH WINTERS, J. C. FLIPPIN and DAVID LEON-
ARD. MARVIN MILLER signed for role.
Warners
Additions to “Whiplash" cast include CEFERINO
GARCIA, ALDO SPALDI, JOEY GRAY, GEORGE
GOODMAN, HARVEY PERRY and JIM O'GATTY.
MONTE BLUE and JONATHAN HALE cast for roles
in "Silver River."
LANE CHANDLER, LOUIS MASON and BRANDON
HURST handed roles in "Two Guys From Texas."
Scripters
Columbia
AUBREY WISBERG set to script "The Wreck oi
the Hesperus," which Wallace MacDonald is pro-
ducing.
JERRY WARNER will do polish job on the screen-
play of "The Crime Doctor's Gamble," next in the
series starring Warner Baxter. Rudolph Flothow is
the producer.
Metro
ANDREW SOLT set to work on the screenplay of
the Ingrid Bergman-Victor Fleming-Walter Wanger
production based on the life of Joan of Arc, in which
Miss Bergman will star.
Paramount
JACK ROSE in collaboration with Norman Z. Mc-
Leod will do polish job on “Paleface" script. Mc-
Leod will direct and Robert Welch produce.
20th Century-Fox
JULES FURTHMAN signed to new contract. Under
the new pact, Furthman will travel to Hawaii where
he will gather material and write the screenplay for
"Song of the Islands."
Warners
RICHARD C. HUBLER joins company's roster of
writers.
CURT SIODMAK and JAMES GUNN will script
screenplay for “The Persian Cat," an original by
John Larkin which William Jacobs will produce.
Story Buys
Enterprise
"Ring Horse,"- a novel by Thomas W. Duncan, was
purchased by Producer Harry Sherman. Screen
adaptation will be written by team of Graham
Baker and Teddi Sherman.
Independent
Screen and Radio Actress Vera Vague has taken
an option on the novel “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a
Day," by Winifred Watson, and plans to produce it
independently. Main character in the book, which
Miss Vague will portray, is much like the zany
personality she plays in films and on the radio. No
release has as yet been set.
Screen rights to "Mrs. Mike," by Benedict and
Nancy Freedman, were purchased by Edward Gross,
who plans to base a feature on the novel. No re-
lease deal has been set.
Paramount
"The Man Wha Stole a Dream," by L. S. Gold-
smith, purchased by Pine-Thomas. Whitman Cham-
bers was set to write the screenplay. Story ap-
peared in Pic magazine and deals with a criminal
who gains access to the files of a psychologist.
PRC Pictures
"Angel With an Anklet," original by Dorcas Coch-
ran, is studio's most recent purchase. Story deals
with the experiences of airline hostesses. Miss
Cochran has been signed to write the screenplay.
United Artists
Producer Hunt Stromberg has taken an option on
J. G. Taylor Spink's book “Judge Landis and 25
Years of Baseball" and plans to make it as a top
budget picture. Producer is negotiating to get Leo
Durocher either for appearance in film or to act as
techical adviser.
"Hold It, Please," an original story by Francis
Swann, purchased by Comet Productions as a starrer
vehicle for Jackie Cooper on his new three-year
deal with the outfit.
Technically
Enterprise
Crew assignments on the Harry Sherman produc-
tion "They Passed This Way" given DUNCAN
CRAMER, art director; RUSSELL HARLAN, camera-
man, and NATE BARRAGAR, assistant director.
Metro
Lensing assignment on “If Winter Comes" given
GEORGE FOLSEY.
DOLPH ZIMMER named assistant director on the
Mickey Rooney starrer “Killer McCoy." SIDNEY
WAGNER set as cinematographer.
Art director assignments on “If Winter Comes" and
“Cass Timberlane" given HANS PETERS and DAN
CATHCART, respectively. JOHN DUNNING assigned
film editor for “Cass Timberlane."
Paramount
CHUCK HANSEN set as unit manager and ART
LUEKER as assistant director on United States Pic-
tures' production “Ever the Beginning."
Republic
Production crew on “The Fabulous Texan" in-
clude REGGIE FANNING, cameraman, and KENNY
HOLMES, unit manager.
TONY GAUDIO set as cameraman on the Charles
(Continued on next news page)
64
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
fm i gp i m pm pm g !§§§ m i — <
f HEART H
,, OF
show Business
ANGELES
GREATEST EVENT OF THE MOTION PICTURE YEAR!
Conciliator Named in SAG Dispute ;
Peace Parleys Mark Labor Scene
WASHINGTON — Frank E. Wenig has been
appointed conciliator of the labor dispute be-
tween the Screen Actors Guild and all the
motion picture producers, it was revealed by
the Department of Labor. Wenig will work
out of the San Francisco regional office for
the Labor department in the Los Angeles
area.
The waiting period after the strike notice
recently filed here at the Labor department
expires May 21 under the provisions of the
war labor disputes act.
The complaint signed by John Dales, ex-
ecutive secretary for SAG, cited wages, hours
and working conditions. An interesting array
of officers and directors of SAG comprises top
Hollywood stars, headed by Ronald Reagan,
president.
Union-Producer Parleys
Mostly in Star Chamber
HOLLYWOOD — If conferences can bring
lasting tranquility to the film capital’s tur-
bulent labor front, Hollywood should become
the permanent abode of the dove of peace.
On every side — and mostly in star chamber
sessions — meetings were being held to adjust
current union-producer battles and to ne-
gotiate contracts to safeguard against future
labor wars.
A committee representing the major Holly-
wood producers entered into collective bar-
gaining negotiations with Herbert Sorrell and
his committee from Painters Local 644. The
two groups made some headway, producer
headquarters reported, in their discussion of
the problems preventing the painters from
returning to work. The session ended after
an hour and a half, with the understanding
that the producers were willing to meet again
at any time at the request of Sorrell.
Even less informative — in fact, entirely
lacking — was news about the confabs between
the producers and the Screen Actors Guild
over the new contract being negotiated be-
tween them. SAG paused sufficiently long
in its negotiating to call attention to the fact
that AFL President William Green’s plan to
call a conference of the international presi-
dents of AFL unions and guilds in the Holly-
wood studios — for the purpose of setting up
permanent arbitration machinery for peace-
ful settlement of Hollywood jurisdictional
disputes — is a direct outcome of SAG’s ac-
tivities at the AFL convention in Chicago
last October.
It was recalled that the guild sent 12 stars
to Chicago to present and lobby for resolu-
tion No. 187, which called for the setting up
of such machinery. The resolution received
the unanimous approval of the convention—
and Green and the AFL executive council
are now proceeding to put the resolution into
effect.
Meanwhile, the monthly statistical bulletin
issued by the California department of labor
revealed that, despite all the labor differences,
toilers in the celluloid vineyards, specifically
the hourly workers, earned considerably more
in March of 1947 than the same month of
last year. Their weekly average pay check
amounted to $93.34, which was $13.56 more
than the $79.78 averaged for March 1946, and
was a slight increase over February 1947,
when the average was $91.41.
AFL Strike Action
Spurned by Walsh
NEW YORK— The latest attempt by the
AFL executive council to settle the Holly-
wood jurisdictional labor fight, was rejected
by Richard F. Walsh, president of the IATSE,
one of the warring unions.
Walsh said last Tuesday, May 5, that the
council’s decision to give the IATSE juris-
diction over assemblage of sets and the car-
penter’s union jurisdiction over the construc-
tion of sets would not bind the IATSE.
“It is unacceptable,” he declared.
This was a modification of the council’s
August 1946 ruling which also had been re-
jected by Walsh. The August ruling gave the
IATSE jurisdiction over the erection of sets
and the carpenters jurisdiction over all con-
struction work in the studios. The latest rul-
ing by the council substituted the word
“assemblage” for “erection.”
CmcutuAe
^naoele/M.
A FTER a two-week business trip to Gotham,
D. A. Doran, executive in the producing
department at Paramount, checked in at
his desk. He was accompanied by Mrs.
Doran.
Bernard Goodwin, vice-president of Fa-
mous and Paramount Music companies and
secretary of Du oMnt Film Laboratories, re-
turned to his New York headquarters follow-
ing business huddles here.
* * *
Nicholas Schenck, president of Loew’s, Inc.,
trained out for Manhattan after a week of
confabs with Louis B. Mayer and other Metro
toppers.
After holding sales conferences in New
York with Metro executives, Howard Strick-
ling, studio director of advertising and pub-
licity, returned to the lot.
* * *
Producer Hal Roach sr. trained in from ten
days in Gotham, where he discussed dis-
tribution deals for his comedies.
* * *
Stanley Kramer, head of Screen Plays, Inc.,
checked back at his desk after a trip to New
York. While there he conferred with former
Gov. A1 Smith’s heirs on converting the lat-
ter’s life story into a picture.
* * *
Arthur Krim, president of Eagle-Lion,
planed out for Gotham after an extended
series of confabs with Bryan Foy, vice-
president in charge of production, and other
studio executives. Krim returned to New
York to be on hand there for the arrival of
J. Arthur Rank, head of a British motion
picture outfit bearing his name, with whom
E-L is affiliated in distribution.
• • •
United Artists Producer Benedict Bogeaus
trained in from Manhattan after four weeks
of huddles there with Carl Leserman, vice-
president of Bogeaus Productions. Confabs
concerned, among other things, opening of
offices in London and Paris.
• * •
Mark Hellinger, independent producer for
Universal-International, planed out for
Gotham.
Monogram Will Reissue
Pair of Double Features
HOLLYWOOD — Monogram will reissue
four of its past films in the form of a pair of
double bills with “Queen of the Yukon” and
“Wolf Call” going into release May 31 and
“Dillinger” and “Mutiny in the Big House”
planned for late summer release.
Earl Muntz Enters
16mm With Shore
HOLLYWOOD — With everybody and his
brother forming independent 16mm" produc-
ing companies, it seems only right that south-
ern California’s automotive madman, Earl
Muntz, should join the ranks. In partner-
ship with Mike Shore, Muntz has concluded
purchase and lease negotiations for the
Audio Pictures studio. Incorporated as
Muntz-Shore Productions, they will produce
features, shorts and 16mm commercials, as
well as rent out space for independent pro-
duction.
Besides taking over Audio’s physical prop-
erties, Muntz-Shore acquired that outfit’s
accumulated story material. Audio’s chief-
tain, Ferenz Fodor, and Production Man-
ager Lou Brandt, will be retained in an op-
erational capacity. The company will re-
lease its features through Screen Guild, which
deal earlier was set up by Audio.
* * *
Allyn Butterfield, former editor of Pathe,
RKO and Universal newsreels, has formed
his own 16mm production company, Allyn
Butterfield Productions, and plans to pro-
duce short subjects and features. The com-
pany now has in work a two-reeler entitled
“Woman Speaks,” which is a screen digest of
women's activities and achievements. But-
terfield also has contracts to produce a series
of documentary films from leading universi-
ties, first of which will be made at Lafayette,
Ind., on the campus of Purdue university
entitled “Spirit of Purdue.”
» * *
United Productions of America, 16mm out-
fit, has signed an agreement with Ansco di-
vision of the General Aniline and Film Corp.,
whereby it will use the new Ansco color film
in the German version of “Brotherhood of
Man,” now being made for the civil affairs
division of the War department for distribu-
tion in German commercial film houses.
* * *
Producer Edward Nassour, launched a new
program of 16mm commercial films with the
start of a two-reeler for Fount-O-Ink Co.
He plans to combine commercial film making
with feature production.
In 1946 the Production Code Authority ap-
proved 425 pictures, of which 19 were foreign
pictures.
Studio Personnelities
(Continued from preceding news page)
K. Feldman-Lewis Milestone production "The Red
Pony."
20th Century-Fox
Production staff for the Tyrone Power starrer,
"Nightmare Alley/' will include SIDNEY BOWEN as
production manager; GASTON GLASS as assistant
director and LEE GARMES as cinematographer.
Title Changes
Columbia
MY AWFUL WIFE is the new tag given the Cor-
nell Pictures' comedy which was filmed as “Her
husband's Affairs,” and was at previous times
known as "The Mating Call," "The Yes Woman"
and "The Lady Knew How."
Metro
AS YOU DESIRE ME is the final handle for the
Greer Garson starrer formerly titled "Woman of
My Own."
THE NIGHT RAIDERS is the new handle for "Ro-
mance of Rosy Ridge" also formerly known as
"Clouds on the Sun" and "The Yankee."
Monogram
"Btfckfire" reverts to its original handle of THE
LAW COMES TO GUNSIGHT.
United Artists
"Personal Column," a Hunt Stromberg production,
will henceforth be known as LURED.
66
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
J. J. Jones Presides
At SGP Conference -
HOLLYWOOD— Everything was in readi-
ness for the first anniversary stockholders
meeting and sales conference of Screen Guild
Productions which was set to start here on
Monday, May 12. John J. Jones, president
of SGP, will preside at the meetings which
will last five days.
Monday franchise holders, directors, sales-
men and various officials were to register.
Tuesday was to be given over to a board of
directors meeting followed by a screening of
SGP’s newest pictures. Wednesday there was
to be a stockholders meeting, meeting of the
new board of directors and election of officers
followed by another screening. Thursday and
Friday were set for general sales conferences
with banquets in the evenings.
Harry James Will Form
Own Production Firm
HOLLYWOOD — Adding another name to
the ever growing list of independent produc-
ers, band leader Harry James plans to set up
his own production company upon comple-
tion of his present cross-country band tour.
Musical pictures only will be on his agendum
and, as his first property, he has purchased
“Downbeat for Two,” an original by Frank
Waldman.
No release has been set.
Edward Chodorov to Fox
HOLLYWOOD — Edward Chodorov, for-
merly with MGM, has been signed to a term
deal as a writer-producer by 20th-Fox. No
assignment has as yet been set.
SEATTLE
Eric Johnston Welcomes
Variety Club Delegates
Charles P. Skouras, president of Fox West Coast Theatres and chief barker of Los
Angeles Variety Club, was host at a luncheon given to acquaint Los Angeles news-
paper publishers and editors with the Variety convention, to be held in Los Angeles
May 13-17. X W"'!!
Left to right: Sherril Corwin, vice-president of Metropolitan Theatres and chair-
man of the Variety convention publicity committee; Seymour Peiser, advertising and
publicity director for FWC; D. G. Keeler, publisher, Herald -Express; Ray Van Ettisch,
managing editor of the Examiner; William Holden, assistant managing editor, Times;
Skouras; Judge Harlan Palmer, publisher, Hollywood Citizen News; Thornton Ser-
geant, director of public relations for National Theatres; Lee Payne, editor. Daily
News; J. B. T. Campbell, managing editor, Herald-Express; Floyd Maxwell, chairman,
Los Angeles Newspaper Publishers Ass’n, and James R. Luntzel, Hollywood Publicity
Associates.
shift in managers in Evergreen’s Wash-
ington district promotes Murt Makins
from assistant to manager at the Admiral in
Bremerton. Dan Putnam takes over as head
man at the Rialto, and Roland Rouse moves
from the Neptune, Seattle, to the Bay, also in
Bremerton . . . Herbert Kaufman, Para-
mount branch head, was in Los Angeles for
managers’ conference.
Walter Green, president of National Thea-
tre Supply, and Oscar Oldknow, vice-presi-
dent, arrived from New York to visit with
Oscar Chinniquy, local manager . . . DaVe
Golden, supervisor of branch operations for
National Screen Service, left for Los Angeles
after a two-week sojourn here . . . Ted
Galanter, MGM’s San Francisco exploitation
representative, formerly stationed here, was
in town for a short visit.
Bill Phillips, western director of exploita-
tion for U-I, conferred with Frank L. New-
man sr„ Evergreen president, and Vic Gaunt-
lett, advertising manager, while visiting here
. . . Claude Jensen and his wife were in town
from Portland to visit with Mr. and Mrs.
J. G. von Herberg . . . Ralph Abbott, Mono-
gram branch manager, and Ed Cruea, sales-
man, were in Los Angeles for sales confer-
ence.
Guy Kibbee, veteran comedian, passed
through here on his way to join Dan Duryea,
Chili Williams, Frances Rafferty and Benny
Rubin at the Wenatchee Apple Blossom festi-
val .. . Barney Rose, U-I western district
manager, has been visiting the local ex-
change . . . Exhibitors on Filmrow during
the week included W. A. Cochrane, Snoqual-
mie; Bud Hamilton, Darringer; Gene Groes-
beck, Enumclaw, and El Keys, Walla Walla.
LOS ANGELES — With a salute from Eric
Johnston, president of the Motion Picture
Ass’n of America, to Variety Clubs Interna-
tional, practically everyone of importance on
the Hollywood scene has voiced a hearty
welcome to the barkers who are to attend
the organization’s convention here May 13-17.
Final details of the business and social pro-
grams of the big powwow were virtually com-
pleted as the MPA chief added his note of
blessing. Said Johnston:
“I appreciate this chance to salute the
Variety Clubs International and on behalf
of the Motion Picture Ass’n of America to
welcome the national convention to Los An-
geles and Hollywood for the first time.
SHOW BUSINESS’S HEART
“To me, the Variety Clubs are truly the
heart of show business. There is no heart
more generous than the heart of Variety.
They have devoted themselves wholeheartedly
to a multitude of charities, asking nothing
but the chance to serve in good causes and
bring a greater measure of happiness to the
underprivileged, the distressed and the un-
fortunate. They have particularly enriched
the lives of children, and in so doing have
helped to build a brighter, better country for
us all.
“The warm heart of Variety is a shining
symbol of the traditional generosity of show
business.
“To the members of Variety, I want to say
this:
“Hollywood is the heart of motion picture
production. It creates the pictures which
you, as showmen, present to the public. We
need one another. Your convention is an
opportunity for all of us in the industry to
become better acquainted and to understand
and appreciate better one another’s work and
problems.”
Jack Carson has been set as master of
ceremonies, with Dennis Morgan, Janis Paige
and Penny Edwards as stars on the show
which will be staged for the visiting barkers
at the annual Humanitarian dinner at War-
ner studio. The show will be produced by
LeRoy Prinz and James V. Kern. Jack L.
Warner will be host to delegates and to 200
civic, state and film industry leaders. The
affair, a stage event, will be the windup of
the convention.
GRAUMAN TO HOST WIVES
Sid Grauman will be host to 400 wives of
delegates at Ken Murray’s “Blackouts” while
the barkers are attending the Humanitarian
Award dinner.
Indianapolis and Cincinnati barkers noti-
fied W. H. “Bud” Lollier, transportation
chairman for Los Angeles Tent 25, that they
will arrive in Los Angeles three days in ad-
vance of the main body of delegates.
Bob O'Donnell, national chief barker,
planed in from Dallas as the first national
officer of the showmen’s organization to
reach here for the convention. Charles E.
Lewis, national publicity director, also ar-
rived early.
EATRE
Our wide contacts with the exhibitors
assure you of satisfactory results.
THEATRE EXCHANGE CO.
408 S. W. 2nd Ave. Portland 4. Oregon 217 Governor Bldg.
i
X
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
67
Sam Goldwyn Blasts M. P. Alliance
On Alleged Communism in Films
HOLLYWOOD — Film makers of Olympian
stature became embroiled in one of the film
capital’s periodical teacup tempests over
ideologies when Samuel Goldwyn directed a
withering blast at the Motion Picture Alli-
ance, Hollywood rightist group, its executive
personnel and its modus operandi.
The Alliance chose to extend an olive
branch to several top-drawer producers, after
its new director, Dr. Lechner, had named in
open meeting a group of ten films purported
to contain Communist propaganda. Pro-
ducer Goldwyn, however, declined to have
any part of the peace offers.
The list of pictures, current and past, which
allegedly include Red preachment were “The
Best Years of Our Lives,” “Boomerang,”
“Margie,” “The Strange Love of Martha
Ivers,” “A Medal for Benny,” “The Search-
ing Wind,” “Watch on the Rhine,” “Pride of
the Marines,” “North Star” and “Mission to
Moscow.” This list, according to the Alliance
director, appears in a confidential — and some-
what mysterious — report which someone of
undisclosed identity has made to the house
committee on un-American activities. Dr.
Lechner made reference to the report and
cited the films while a speaker at an open
forum sponsored by the Alliance.
No sooner had the ink dried on reports
of the doctor’s observations when they were
branded as something of a faux pas by Ralph
Clare, chairman of Alliance’s board, who
addressed a letter to the producers concerned
and to the press in which an effort was made
to save face for Dr. Lechner and to gloss
over his remarks.
It was this face-saving gesture that brought
mmm ATTRACTIVE POPCORN BOXES mm
Top Volume Popping Purdue Hybrid Popcorn.
Popsit Plus Popcorn Seasoning Cocoanut Oil in 50-lb. Cans.
Popcorn Salt — Scoops — Bags — Seasoning Measuring Cups
Best Quality Merchandise — Quick Service
ARTHUR UNGER CO.
105 Golden Gate Ave. S»n Francisco 2, Calif.
"CENTURY"
THE MODERN PROJECTOR
187 Golden Gale Ave.,
San Francisco 2, Calif.
Phone Underhill 7571
militant, written retort from Goldwyn. In a
letter to Clare, he said:
“I have received a copy of a statement ad-
dressed to myself and others in which you
attempt to make belated and inadequate ex-
planations for the complete irresponsibility
of your executive director, whose outrageous
performance at your meeting last week was
an insult not only to Mr. Zanuck, Mr. Warner
and myself and the companies we represent,
but to the motion picture industry as a
whole. I must tell you that I cannot accept
your statement as even beginning to make
amends for the grave damage and injustice
which you permitted to be perpetrated.
“There cannot be the slightest excuse for
having given any currency whatever to such
a fantastic, ill-conceived and unworthy state-
ment as the one that my picture, ‘The Best
Years of Our Lives,’ is on a list of pictures
alleged to contain Communist propaganda.
You could not knowingly render a greater
disservice to American ideals (for whose pres-
ervation you purport to stand) and to the
motion picture industry than to permit such
baseless irresponsibility to be uttered about
a picture which has been unanimously ac-
claimed as exemplifying the very best of
America.
“The feeble disclaimer that ‘Dr. Lechner
did not endorse the accuracy of this report’
is only further proof of the total lack of
responsibility involved in his performance for
I cannot imagine how anyone could dare to
repeat the contents of such a report which
he himself did not believe.
“If, as you say, the executive committee
of the Motion Picture Alliance actually dis-
agrees with the charge of Communism ‘as it
applies to the majority of the pictures on the
list,’ it would seem to me that you would do
more than simply state that. As long as Dr.
Lechner continues to be associated with your
organization and as long as you continue to
permit lies to be spread publicly and then
try vainly to catch up with those lies by
feeble statements, you can rest assured that
few people in the industry will have the
slightest bit of confidence in what you are
doing.”
William Thedford Named
Aide to George Bowser
LOS ANGELES — William Thedford, Fox
West Coast district manager for southern
California’s citrus belt, has been promoted
to the newly created executive post as assis-
tant to George Bowser, general manager of
the circuit. With Thedford as his assistant,
Bowser will be able to give more time to
general supervisory duties and problems aris-
ing from consent decree operations.
Fred Glass, division manager of the north-
ern California valley district, shifts over into
the spot left vacant by Thedford.
THEY
CALL US FOR
THE
BIG ONES
Searchlite
Advertising
1
$
m
GO ANYWHERE—
Low
Short Notice
Rates
Service
FILM AD C0RP.
2134 Granville 25 Taylor. No. 200
Los Angeles 25 San Francisco 2
AShley 4-2442 ORdway 4812
Big Enterprise Sum
For Three Pictures
HOLLYWOOD — Plans for an advertising
budget of $1,750,000 for three pictures were
revealed by Robert S. Taplinger, vice-presi-
dent of Enterprise, following the return of
Charles Einfeld and David Loew from busi-
ness huddles in New York. The sum will be
devoted to merchandising “Arch of Triumph,”
“Body and Soul” and “The Other Love.”
Conferences in Manhattan between Ein-
feld, Loew, Distribution Chief George
Schaefer, executive of Donohue & Coe, United
Artists and Taplinger, produced policy of
five-way distribution of funds for each pic-
ture between magazines, local newspapers,
radio and trade papers, with $75,000 budgeted
for institutional advertising.
“Arch of Triumph” will have the largest
appropriation of $900,000, “The Other Love”
has a $400,000 budget and “Body and Soul”
will draw $450,000.
William E. Selwyn, talent director for En-
terprise, has terminated his contract with
that company by mutual consent. Selwyn
had been with Enterprise since its inception,
coming from MGM where he was assistant
casting director.
Managers Pass Handbills
Setting Forth Grievances
LOS ANGELES — Associated Theatre Oper-
ating Managers, the union of picture house
pilots whose membership largely is comprised
of Fox West Coast employes, is carrying its
differences with FWC direct to the patrons
of that circuit’s theatres in Los Angeles
county.
Approximately 100,000 copies of a handbill
setting forth the union’s grievances were
handed out by house managers and their
assistants to customers of FWC theatres in
Highland Park, Inglewood, Pasadena, East
Los Angeles, the San Fernando valley, as
well as the first run houses in downtown
Los Angeles and Hollywood. The program
was to be extended to all FWC houses in
Los Angeles county, according to James G.
Moran, secretary and spokesman for the
union.
Moran said the increase in union activity
resulted from continued refusal of FWC to
recognize or bargain with the union, which
he says represents more than 75 per cent of
all of the circuit’s managers and assistant
managers in the territory.
ATOM’S battle with the circuit came to a
head recently when the chain cut by 20 per
cent the managers’ participation in profits
from candy sales. The union is objecting
also to salary scale for assistant managers,
which, it points out, is less than that paid
to theatre janitors. Following the cut in
candy profits, union spokesmen declared that
they would try every avenue toward peaceful
settlement of their grievances before resort-
ing to strike action.
The union was scheduled for a hearing be-
fore the National Labor Relations board in
January of this year, but the meeting was
postponed because of the company’s claim
that managers were executives rather than
employes and, as such, were not subject to
the benefits of collective bargaining under
the Wagner act.
New Detroit Theatre Burns
DETROIT, ORE.— The newly opened De-
troit Theatre here was destroyed recently in
a spectacular fire which burned half the
town. Fred S. Wilson, manager, estimated
the loss at more than $50,000.
68
W
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
PLAN FOR “CHEYENNE” — Gibraltar Theatres, whose offices are in Denver, will
participate in the Rocky mountain preview of Warners’ “Cheyenne,” which will have
prerelease showings in more than 125 theatres in the region late this month. Fred
Knill (seated), Gibraltar general manager, presided at a recent meeting of circuit
executives to plan the “Cheyenne” showings. Standing, left to right, are Carroll
Wright, manager of the Rex in Rocky Ford, Colo.; Bob Sweeten, chief booker; Joe
Wylls, Loma Theatre, Socorro, N. M.; Margaret Fitzsimmons and Bob Clark, assistant
bookers, and William Simon, Grand Theatre, Rocky Ford.
ITA Will Take No Action
In Tears' Controversy
BOISE, IDAHO — The Idaho Theatres Ass'n
announced after its recent annual meeting
here that controversies over the distribution
of “The Best Years of Our Lives” are being
“adjusted” and that the organization would
take no action on the issue of whether the
film will be shown in Idaho.
Past President Mildred Wall of Lewiston
previously had said that some theatre man-
agers in the state had protested the increased
admissions which distributors have insisted
be charged for the film.
Discussion at the meeting centered on the
organization and scope of the association,
which soon will be incorporated.
Mrs. Wall was stricken ill upon her arrival
here and declined to be a candidate for the
position next year. She accepted a director-
ship.
Hugo Jorgenson of Rigby was elected presi-
dent; Mitt Bonecher, McCall, vice-president;
Roger Mendenhall, Boise, secretary, and I. H.
Harris, Burley, treasurer.
Directors elected were Harris A. Wagner,
Grangeville; Max Lloyd, Twin Falls; Bob
Anderson, Pocatello; Lawrence Jones, Malad
City, and Hilmer George, Rogby, Idaho.
Paramount Coast Parley
Is Held at Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES — Paramount branch man-
agers from the west coast district held a four-
day meeting at the exchange here to discuss
policies and methods of selling. George A.
Smith, division sales manager, and Richard
Morgan, home office attorney, conducted the
meetings.
Attending the sessions were Hugh Braly,
district manager, and branch managers Chet
Bell, Denver; Herb Kaufman, Seattle; Frank
Smith, Salt Lake City; Neal East, San Fran-
cisco; A1 Taylor, Los Angeles; Henry Hau-
stein, Portland, and Harold Wirthwein, as-
sistant district manager.
Constance Moore Settles
Contract With Republic
HOLLYWOOD — An amicable settlement of
contract has been reached between actress
Constance Moore and Republic. Miss Moore
checks off the lot after appearing in six
pictures, latest of which was “Hit Parade
of 1947.”
Luncheon for Elpidio Quirino
HOLLYWOOD — Philippine Vice-President
Elpidio Quirino and his party of 13 other
Philippine government leaders were lunch-
eon guests of the Association of Motion Pic-
ture Producers international committee upon
the party’s arrival in a chartered plane from
San Francisco. The group left for Wash-
ington after the luncheon and a studio tour.
Attending the luncheon in the Paramount
studio commissary were more than 40 in-
dustry leaders, studio executives and film
stars. Henry Ginsberg, as head of the host
studio, presided. Mayor Fletcher Bowron
welcomed the visitors.
There were 598 actors under term contracts
to Hollywood major studios in 1946.
Sp*S©SS®*SSSSSSS©SSSSSSSSSSSSS2
I We DECORATE While You «
» OPERATE — No Need to Close
| HART THEATRICAL DECORATING CO. I
925 - 21 St. - DENVER Ph. Tabor 4962,
Universal to Enlarge Power Plant
LOS ANGELES — Construction of an addi-
tion to the Universal studio power house at
3970 Lankershim Blvd., Universal City, has
been approved by the division office of the
housing expediter. The reinforced concrete
structure will add an area of 15x42 feet to
the building at a cost of $85,000.
Kennewick Drive-In Begun
KENNEWICK, WASH.— Work has begun
on a drive-in theatre to be located one mile
west of Kennewick on Kennewick avenue at
Kadow road on the West Highlands. It will
park 800 cars. The Midstate Amusement Co.
is owner.
M-G-M TRADE SHOW
SAN FRANCISCO
TERRITORY ONLY
"GONE WITH
THE WIND"
20th-FOX SCREEN ROOM
245 Hyde St., San Francisco, Cal.
TUESDAY, MAY 20
1:30 P. M.
David O. Selznick's production of Margaret Mitchell's Story
of the Old South, "Gone With the Wind" • In Technicolor
Starring Clark Gable as Rhett Butler • Leslie Howard
Olivia de Havilland • and presenting Vivien Leigh as Scarlett
O'Hara • A Selznick International Picture • Directed by
Victor Fleming • Screen Play by Sidney Howard • A Metro-
Goldwyn-Mayer Masterpiece Release • Music by Max Steiner
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
69
LOS ANGELES
Robert Lucas, chief technical adviser and
sound engineer for MGM theatres in
Australia, arrived via New York for confer-
ences with studio officials and to inspect
technical facilities at the Culver City plant
before returning to Australia.
As a community stunt, Lloyd Thayer, who
is manager of Grover Smith’s York Theatre,
will hold a wedding on the theatre’s stage at
one minute after midnight on May 31. It
will be the first wedding in the state for the
month of June.
Debbs Reynolds, Dallas, of the short sub-
ject department of Interstate Theatres, Inc.,
who was here for conferences on his produc-
tion, ‘-‘Birth of a Nation,” said the all-short
subject show was an instant boxoffice hit in
its initial presentation in the Texas and
southwestern territory. Comprising 90 min-
utes of diversified short subjects, the second
in the “Mirth of a Nation” series will feature
a subject from each of the MGM briefies
series as well as other studios product and is
scheduled to be narrated by radio’s Mel
Blanc.
Filmrow was visited by William Polus, who
is a Mexico City theatre owner . . . Return-
ing from a business trip up north, Don Mc-
Laren, of the Filbert Supply Co., reports
that business is very good . . . Earl Collins,
division manager of Republic Pictures, was
host to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gilmour, Den-
ver, at his cottage in La Jolla. Gilmour is
president of the Gilbraltar circuit in Denver.
Ralph Carmichael, manager for Republic,
is back from a second Phoenix trip in as many
weeks. What’s doing in Phoenix? . . . The
Western Amusement Co. has taken over the
Covina Theatre in Covina from William
Knotts . . . On the Row doing some booking
was Charlese Cabalarro of California Drive-In
Theatres, Harry Aurther of Fanchon-Marco,
who was in from St. Louis, and “Hap” Simp-
son of the Tracy Theatre, Long Beach.
Visitors here on business included Dick
Spear, San Francisco division manager for
Fox West Coast and his assistant, George
Milner; Arthur Sachson, general sales man-
ager for Sam Goldwyn, who was in from
New York, and A1 O’Keefe, who is assistant
to U-I’s Bill Scully.
M. C. Kennedy opened his new theatre,
the Melody, in Port Hueneme . . . Berny Cobb,
RKO salesman, is home again from a trip
into his territory . . . Harry Hollands ups
the seating capacity of his Bishop Theatre,
Bishop, from 450 seats to 900 . . . Film
Classics now has its own San Francisco ex-
change, which they acquired from Grubstack
and Lippert.
Dick Lang, RKO salesman, takes over the
sales manager spot vacated by Earl Stein
. . . Bill Flemion and Jack Broder planed to
New York on Broder exchange business . . .
Burton Jones was on the Row doing some
much needed booking for the La Mesa Thea-
tre, La Mesa.
Hillstreet Has a Birthday
LOS ANGELES— The RKO Hillstreet The-
atre celebrated the 25th anniversary of its
opening and the 12th year of its day and
date operating partnership with the Holly-
wood Pantages May 6. The date also marked
the 12th anniversary of M. A. “Andy” Ander-
son as manager of the house. The theatre
recently had a redecoration job both inside
and out in preparation for the celebration.
Widder Joins Autry Prod.
HOLLYWOOD — Lincoln Widder, former
production executive at Republic, has joined
Gene Autry Productions as assistant to
Armand Schaefer, president. The first inde-
pendent Autry film for release through Co-
lumbia will go into production May 15 at
Tucson, Ariz.
Abbott in ‘Dream Girl'
John Abbott has been given a featured role
in “Dream Girl” by Paramount.
Los Angeles Feels
Squeeze of Pennies
LOS ANGELES — After a one-week respite
from over-exercising their lachrymal glands,
local first run operators returned to their
well-worn place at the wailing wall this week
as grosses took another nosedive. A couple of
newcomers registered impressively but even
they were only slightly reminiscent of the
lush days. Holdovers, moveovers and reissues
apparently were just in to stay the ten rounds.
(Average is 100)
Belmont, El Rey, Orpheum — Tarzan and the
Huntress (RKO); The Devil Thumbs a Ride
(ROK), 2nd wk 100
Bruin, Hitz, United Artists, Studio City, Iris and
Carthay Circle — The Egg and I (U-I), 5th wk 100
Chinese, State, Uptown and Loyola — The
Homestretch (20th-Fox) , 175
Downtown Paramount — That's My Man (Rep);
Spoilers of the North (Rep) 65
Egyptian, Wilshire and Los Angeles — The
Yearling (MGM), 2nd wk 150
Four Music Halls — The Macomber Affair (UA) 175
Four Star— The Late George Apley (20th-Fox),
3rd d. t. wk 150
Hillstreet — Framed (Col); King of the Wild
Horses (Col), 2nd wk 90
Hollywood Paramount — Same as Downtown 100
Million Dollar — Same as Belmont, El Rey,
Orpheum 90
Pantages — Same as Hillstreet 150
Vogue — Duel in the Sim (RKO), 18th wk Roadshow
Warners Downtown, Hollywood, Wiltern- —
The Sea Hawk (WB); The Sea Wolf (WB),
reissues, 2nd wk - .100
‘Wonderful Life' Tops in Seattle;
First E-L Program a Failure
SEATTLE — “It’s a Wonderful Life,” RKO’s
first A product to play the Liberty for many
years, racked up a sizeable 160 to lead the
city during the week. “The Best Years of
Our Lives” was still going strong in its move-
over roadshow engagement at the Music Box
with 150. Biggest disappointment was Eagle-
Lion’s first program, “Lost Honeymoon” and
"It’s a Joke, Son,” which did a dismal 60 de-
spite the personal appearances of three Holly-
wood personalities the first two days.
Blue Mouse — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO), 3rd
d. t. wk 110
Fifth Avenue — The Macomber Affair (UA) 120
Liberty — It's a Wonderful Life (RKO) 160
Music Box — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
5th d. t. wk., roadshow 150
Music Hall — Lost Honeymoon (E-L); It's a Joke,
Son (E-L) 60
Orpheum — Pursued (WB), 2nd wk 90
Palomar — Lone Star Moonlight (Col); Fig Leaf
for Eve (Indie), plus stage show 100
Paramount — Captain Caution (FC); Captain
Fury (FC), reissues 110
Roosevelt — Song of Scheherazade (U-I), 4th
d. t. wk 90
‘Spring' a Holdover in Denver;
‘Best Years' in Eighth Week
DENVER— “Suddenly It’s Spring” was big
enough to hold over at the Denham. “Best
Years of Our Lives” goes into eighth week.
Aladdin — Fantasia (RKO), 2nd d. t. wk 150
Broadway — Gallant Bess (MGM); Born to
Speed (PRC), 4 days, 4th wk 90
Denham— -Suddenly It's Spring (Para) 150
Denver and Webber — Pursued (WB); Little
Iodine (UA), 2nd run 153
Esquire and Paramount — Carnival in Costa Rica
(20th-Fox); King of the Wild Horses (Col) ,110
Orpheum — The Sea of Grass (MGM); Secret of
the Whistler (Col), 2nd wk 110
Rialto — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
8th H. t. wk 160
Tabor — Mr. District Attorney (Col), plus
stage show 175
L. O. McCormick 111
ANTHONY, N. M. — L. O. McCormick, man-
ager of the New-Tex Theatre here, has been
sick the past three weeks and is confined
to his home. Projectionist at the New-Tex
is Orin J. Sears, lately returned from the
army, where he spent three years as nurse-
maid to a projector. Sears worked for Mc-
Cormick before going into the army.
SATISFACTIOM
GUARANTEED
or
YOUR MONEY BACK
All Manley Popcorn Supplies must give satisfaction or your money and
freight charges refunded.
USE ONLY THE BEST
MANLEY'S GUARANTEED POPCORN
AND SUPPLIES
Handy Warehouses to serve you.
Los Angeles - Denver - Oakland
Seattle - Salt Lake
*W. <Jf.
Western Division Manager
1914 South Vermont Los Angeles 7, California
REpublic 7528
70
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Circle in Portland
To Gamble Circuit
PORTLAND, ORE. — Ted Gamble of the
Gamble Theatre Enterprises announced the
acquisition of the Circle Theatre here to add
to his Pacific northwest circuit.
The Circle, reputed to be the oldest mo-
tion picture theatre on the coast, was acquired
from Col. G. T. Woodlaw, Oregon theatre
operator the last 35 years. Ralph Woods,
with the Woodlaw organization 25 years, has
managed the Circle 15 years.
Gamble will make extensive improvements
at the Circle.
DENVER
J^obert Sweeten, booker for Gibraltar Enter-
prises, has gone to Alamosa, where he
will make his headquarters as general man-
ager for the Tom Murphy group of theatres,
part of the Gibraltar group. Sweeten will
have charge of theatres in Alamosa and Del
Norte, Colo., and Raton and Clayton, N. M.
James Williamson, who recently bought the
Oliver, Palisades, Neb., has changed the name
to the Pal . . . Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lind of the
Ute, Rifle, Colo., have gone to California for
a leisurely vacation. Fred failed to convince
the CPA that he ought to be allowed to build
another theatre at Rifle, so he decided they
might as well take a vacation.
Cy Lee, owner the Poppers Supply Co., be-
came daddy of a son named Geoffry Wayne,
born at Mercy hospital April 28 . . . Wilbur
E. Cox has bought the Prince, Ault, Colo.,
from George Simms . . . The Hart Theatrical
Decorating & Display Co. has completed the
redecorating the Rex, Rapid City, S. D„ and
have moved over to start a similar job on
the Elks. Both are owned by the Black Hills
Amusement Co.
Mr. and Mrs. John Greve, owners of thea-
tres in northwestern Colorado, have returned
from an auto trip through the south and
Florida . . . Sam Langwith, owner the West-
ern Service and Supply Co., left for Kansas
City for a series of RCA sales meetings.
Henry Friedel, MGM district manager, and
Jerry Banta, booker, have returned from
New York where they attended sales meet-
ings . . . C. J. Feldman, western sales man-
ager for Universal, spent a few days in Den-
ver at a sales meeting . . . William Sombar,
Paramount salesman, won the $50 offered
for a slogan to use in the forthcoming Para-
mount drive. The slogan is “Celebrating
Paramount’s 35 years of leadership.”
C. J. Bell, branch manager of Paramount,
is back from a Los Angeles sales meeting . . .
The Paramount exchange crowd held a fare-
well party at the Press club Monday night
for C. J. Duer, salesman, who resigned to
become special representative for the Selz-
nick Releasing Organization. Duer was given
a desk set as a memento of the more than
24 years he spent with Paramount . . . Bob
Quinn, Paramount publicity man, is sport-
ing a new Oldsmobile — new to him, that is.
Exhibitors on Filmrow included W. H.
Ostenberg III and William Boston, Scotts-
bluff; Tom Knight, Riverton; Fred and Mary
Lind, Rifle; Mr. and Mrs. John Greve, Eagle;
Mr. and Mrs. Leon Coulter, Loveland; George
Nescher, Springfield, Colo.
Features Modern Palestine
Universal has acquired “The Danger Line,”
a story with modern Palestine as its back-
ground.
Fireman Discovers Fire ,
Directs Orderly Exit
Salt Lake City — Imagine having a fire-
man discover a small blaze in your thea-
tre and being alert enough to empty the
house without causing panic! Well
that’s what happened to Dan Kostopulos
at the Broadway recently. The fireman
was sitting in the theatre, noticed smoke
curling up between seats, walked to the
front, and calmly ordered the audience to
leave. They did so without panic. The
damage was small.
Baur Succeeds Selwyn
HOLLYWOOD — John Baur has been
named casting director for Enterprise re-
placing William E. Selwyn, who recently re-
signed. Baur was formerly Selwyn’s assistant.
One New Frisco Show;
'Year/ 'Calcutta' Lead
SAN FRANCISCO — The seventh week of
“The Best Years of Our Lives” at the United
Nations and the second week of “Calcutta”
grossed 50 per cent above average.
(Average is 100)
Esquire-Tivoli — The Macomber Affair (UA);
Blondie's Big Moment (Col), 2nd v.k 145
Fox — The Sea of Grass (MGM);
The Guilty (Mono), 2nd wk 120
Golden Gate — Beat the Band (RKO),
plus Vivian Blaine on stage 130
Orpheum — Ramrod (UA); Shoot to Kill (SG),
2nd wk 130
Paramount — Easy Come, Easy Go (Para);
The Imperfect Lady (Para), 2nd wk 100
St. Francis — Calcutta (Para), 2nd wk 150
United Artists — The Private Affairs of Bel Ami
(UA) , 2nd wk 115
United Nations — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 7th wk 150
Warfield — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM);
Jungle Flight (Para), 2nd wk 110
MEMO
MR. LIVEWIRE EXHIBITOR, THIS IS IT!
The COSMETICS of the STARS
NOW
AVAILABLE
FOR
THEATRE
DISTRIBUTION
THIS PREMIUM GIVEAWAY WILL PACK YOUR HOUSE
A PROVEN BOXOFFICE BUILDER
NATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS
WILTON DISTRIBUTING CORP.
1342 SO. LABREA AVE. WY. 2179 LOS ANGELES 36, CALIF.
LIMITED TERRITORIES NOW AVAILABLE
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
71
Australian Ealing Studios Expand ,
Seek Technicians and Buildings
By WILLIAM BEECHAM
Australian Bureau Boxoffice
PERTH, W. A. — Ealing studios is expected
to make a statement soon regarding its
Australian plans. The staff here is growing
day by day, and there is talk that a large
RAAF building at Darling Point, near Syd-
ney, may be taken over. The firm is seeking
technicians.
* * *
The Dominion government’s chief censor
recently reported that of the 384 feature films
imported last year, 319 came from the United
States, 42 from Great Britain, and the re-
mainder from other countries. In the first
instance nine were rejected, but two of these
were passed after reconstruction. Four, how-
ever, were rejected upon appeal, and for the
other three no appeal was lodged.
* * *
Embassy Pictures are to make a naval film,
“Another Dawn,” at Flinders naval base, Vic-
toria, with the cooperation of the Australian
navy. Producer will be T. O. McCreadie, and
it is expected that the picture will take six
months to complete.
* * *
Charles Chauval’s "Sons of Matthew” unit
which has been on location in Queensland
for some time, was delayed in its work re-
cently by two weeks of tropical rains and
flood. Daily takes are being flown to Sydney
by a special air shuttle service.
* * *
Norman Rydge of the Rank-Rydge organi-
zation, speaking recently at a 47 club lunch-
eon, pointed out that cinema business in all
parts of Australia is falling badly, that Aus-
tralian prices are far too low, that the
Australian exhibitor is the greatest unpaid
collector of government taxes ever known,
and that it is high time that exhibitors and
distributors get together in a cooperative ef-
fort to improve matters. He suggested that
distributors might assist independent exhibi-
tors by providing a common fund from which
would come money for exploitation and pub-
licity. He thought that distributors’ publicity
experts might map out campaigns for dif-
ferent types of audiences and districts. Stat-
ing that the average attendance in any dis-
trict still remains at about 40 per cent, Rydge
said that something should be done by the
trade to get out after the other 60 per cent.
* * *
The first screening of 16mm films by the
industry was held recently at Hill End, New
South Wales. Almost the entire population
of the old gold mining area turned out for
the event. Program consisted of MGM’s
“Naughty Marietta” and shorts.
* * *
The Adelaide Movie ball, an annual event
which always draws much attention to the
industry, will be held on June 4. Proceeds
usually go to the Motion Picture Benevolent
fund, but this year they will be devoted to
the Mothers and Babies of Britain fund.
* * *
Robert Catley of Fox West Coast Theatres
recently made a brief flying visit to Sydney
and Melbourne. Catley was chief booker for
the Australian Tivoli circuit many years ago.
- — * sic #
President Cyril Norton of the West Aus-
tralian Reelers club has been re-elected for
another term. Other officers for 1947 are:
vice-president, W. A. Nicholls; treasurer, J.
Scully, and secretary, W. Gray. Committee-
men are A. Chester, J. Coulter, T. Davidson,
M. Foster, W. Halliday, H. Keast, T. McCrae,
K. McKinley, G. Levy, R. Yelland and H.
Watts.
* * *
Jimmy Collins, M.B.E., for a long time in
charge of the State Theatre, Sydney, has
been appointed Victorian representative of
Greater Union Theatres. He will now be
located at the State Theatre, Melbourne.
Jimmy organized the pageantry for the Duke
of Gloucester’s visit to New South Wales in
1935 and was in charge of similar work for
that state’s 150th anniversary celebration.
* * *
The Victorian Cinematograph Exhibitors
Ass’n, in a recent statement on unionism,
said: “We believe that all members of thea-
tre staffs . . . should be encouraged to join
their appropriate union. We will use our best
offices to persuade prospective employes to
become members . . . Further, we will co-
operate with union representatives in their
efforts to persuade members of theatre staffs
to join their unions.”
* * *
E. J. Gravestock, well known in Australian
cinematic and theatrical activities, died re-
cently leaving two daughters.
* * *
Now that winter is setting in, some of the
cinema’s outdoor counterattractions will be
shutting down. Several of these, particularly
night trotting and dog racing, have been
making serious inroads into boxoffice receipts.
EXCHANGE GIRLS GATHER TO GREET VAN— Above photo shows San Fran-
cisco MGM exchange personnel — largely feminine — clustered about Van Johnson, who
called at the exchange during a recent visit to the city.
SALT LAKE CITY
Jnvitations to the exhibitor-distributor an-
A nual roundup here June 10-12 were mailed
out this week to motion picture people
throughout the country. C. Clare Woods,
chairman of arrangements for the affair and
president of the Motion Picture club, spon-
soring agency, said the roundup will include
a stag party, buffet dinner, handicap /golf
tournament, special parties for wives and
guests, a victory dinner and .special screen-
ings. More than 400 attended last year, but
more are expected this year.
Imagine how lost a Filmrow is without a
central beanery where branch managers,
bookers, salesmen and others can gather to
catch up on the Row’s latest gossip. Well,
that’s the status of Salt Lake’s Filmrow since
the Reelyn closed. Brig Hardy’s lease ran
out, but he may get it back. At least, he’s
trying hard, and the people on the Row are
backing him. The old place will be redecor-
ated before it is reopened, however. Mean-
while, there is that old something missing.
Lon Fidler, Monogram franchise holder in
this area, was one of the visitors along the
Row this week . . . Bill Lees was in from
Nampa; Howard Matthews dropped down
from Ontario, and Earl Whittaker was around
booking . . . RKO office personnel enter-
tained their mothers at a Mother’s day din-
ner and screening Friday.
Helen Remigi, inspector for Monogram the
last year, died in a local hospital after a
lingering illness. Before working for Mono-
gram, she was an inspector for 20th-Fox . . .
Howard Cahoon, Selznick’s representative
here, finally found an office. It isn’t on
Filmrow, but it’s downtown — a half block
west of Main street on Second South, in the
Atlas Bldg. . . . Sam Gillette, Tooele theatre
operator, is working hard to perfect a perma-
nent organization for the Motion Picture
Foundation in this area. He has been chosen
area chairman.
Charles M. Pincus of the Utah is directing
painting of his marquee and vertical in the
colors of the centennial. This is quite a
gracious move on his part, since he and other
theatre men stand to lose much business
this year because of the centennial. It seems
the celebration is getting out of hand, going
commercial and losing its religious signifi-
cance. Many entertainers are attempting to
crowd into the act with the result that
profits are being cut everywhere. The cen-
tennial, which has just officially opened, will
feature pageants, ice shows and carnivals,
outdoor shows, a gigantic fair, midways, pa-
rades and other shows from now until next
October, so theatre men here have more
than the usual business slump to combat.
“There’s no buyers strike in the show busi-
ness” reads a sign in the office of Pincus.
He said he put it there to remind all employes
that the business goes on as usual. He also
said he wanted to emphasize that prices re-
main the same, that there’s no need to cut
prices to get customers, that they’ll come
anyway to see a good show.
'Fifth Avenue' Booked
Into FWC First Runs
LOS ANGELES — Getting off to an aus-
picious start in its west coast bookings, Roy
Del Ruth’s “It Happened on Fifth Avenue,”
first production of the newly formed Allied
Artists Productions, sister company of Mono-
gram, has been booked to follow the current
run of 20th-Fox’s “The Homestretch” at a
Fox West Coast quartet of theatres; Grau-
man’s Chinese, Loew’s State, Fox Uptown and
Loyola.
72
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Former Mayor Kelly Honored by Chicago Variety Club
Scenes at Variety’s big dinner party last week. Left to right, top
row: R. J. O’Donnell, chief barker of Variety Clubs; George Jessel,
who was toastmaster, and Edward J. Kelly, who was the honor guest
are in the left photo. In the center, John Balaban is engaged in
conversation with Mrs. Kelly, and at the right, Arthur Schoenstadt
of the Schoenstadt circuit is chatting with William McCraw, exec-
utive secretary of Variety Clubs.
In the center panel, left to right, are Will Baker, J. Harold Stevens,
James E. Coston, Jack Kirsch, president of National Allied, and
Walter Immerman, first assistant chief barker. In the center photo,
Edwin Silverman (L) of the Essaness circuit and Thomas Flannery,
second assistant chief barker; and, at the right, Mr. and Mrs. Kelly
formally cut the ribbons to the new Variety clubrooms, with Jack
Rose, barker, looking on.
In the lower left photo are Richard F. Finnegan, Chicago Daily
Times publisher; Mrs. Corinne Murray and Lieut. General Walton
Walker, who represented the army; center are Vice-Admiral George
D. Murray, who represented the navy, and Mrs. Walton Walker;
while in the right photo (L to R) are Irving Mack, Benjamin Lourie
and Edward Brunell.
CHICAGO — Former Mayor Edward J.
Kelly and his wife were honor guests at a
dinner dance given April 28 by Tent 26 of
the Variety Club of Illinois. The testimonial
was to pay tribute to them for the reputation
for hospitality to service men earned by
Chicago through their efforts during World
War II and for their splendid cooperation
with show business.
George Jessel was here from Hollywood to
act as toastmaster for the 650 guests. Jack
Rose, chief barker, presided and Robert J.
O’Donnell, president of Variety International,
spoke briefly. Lieut. Gen. Walton H. Walker,
commanding the 5th army, spoke for the
army. Vice-Adm. George D. Murray acted
as the voice of the navy and presented a cita-
tion to Mr. and Mrs. Kelly for their war work.
John Balaban called the former mayor and
his wife a couple of grand troupers. So many
compliments were paid Kelly throughout the
evening that at one point Jessel stopped mid-
way in his speech and asked, “Say, does Ken-
nelly know he’s been elected mayor?” In in-
troducing Kelly, Jessel got off this nifty;
“And here is your former mayor, a man who
is as big as Jolson thinks HE is!”
Balaban told of the young soldier who
visited one of the service centers and then
told one of the hostesses that he’d like to
leave his money with her for safekeeping
while he toured Chicago after dark. The
hostess gladly consented to keep the money
for him.
“What’s your name?” asked the soldier.
“I’m Mrs. Kelly,” was the reply.
Whereupon Jessel leaped to his feet and
exclaimed: “That’s right — I was the young
soldier. Mrs. Kelly, I want my money back!”
In ribbing his boss, Darryl Zanuck, Jessel
explained that it was a relief to get away
from Hollywood and emcee a banquet else-
where, because then he didn’t have to open
the festivities by offering a toast to the
“greatest man in America — Darryl F.
Zanuck!”
Richard J. Finnegan, publisher of the Daily
Times and chairman of the board of La
Rabida sanitarium, told of the wonderful
work the show people are always doing for
the Jackson Park institution for children with
heart ailments.
At the close of the banquet Kelly was pre-
sented a mahogany desk .and a chair and
Mrs. Kelly was given a solid gold compact.
The presentation was made by John Balaban
on behalf of Variety Club.
Among those on the dais in addition to the
speakers were Thomas F. Flannery, second
assistant chief barker; Arthur Schoenstadt,
Schoenstadt circuit; Col. William McCraw,
executive secretary of Variety International;
Walter Immerman, first assistant chief
barker; Mrs. Walton H. Walker; Bill Hunt,
George Topper and Lester Simansky, Variety
canvasmen; J. Harold Stevens, property man;
Edward Brunell, Benjamin Lourie and Irving
Mack, Variety Club executives; Edwin Silver-
man, president of the Essaness circuit; Jack
Kirsch, Allied Theatres; James Coston, War-
ner Bros. Theatres, and William Baker, Re-
public.
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
C
73
M I L W A U K
Oince your scribe sounded off on the pro-
^ posed formation of an Oldtimers club in
this pillar a few editions back, the response
has been astounding. Never knew there were
so many oldtimers who felt the need of some
spot where they could convene as a unit.
With the phone strike limiting contact, many
indicated they wish the Oldtimers club were
now functioning. As previously announced,
the group will be limited in membership to
showmen with 25 years of service. Keep those
cards and notes with your suggestions coming.
That’s how we will know just what you want.
Date for organizational meeting, with place,
will appear in a future edition.
An heir is expected this month by Jack
Heineman, manager of the Towne Theatre,
and Mrs. Heineman.
Being a proud daddy
will not diminish
Heineman’s pride in
the fact that the
Towne is the only
house in this area run-
ning single features
exclusively. Before
taking over manage-
ment of Milwaukee’s
newest first run house,
he was manager of
theatres for Warner
Bros, and Fox Wiscon-
JACK heineman sin. Besides show
business, Heineman also is interested in flying
and holds a private pilot’s license. He finds
little time for such diversion these days,
however.
Bob Quick, former MGM booker who has
just returned from a year in Hawaii with
the army motion picture section, called on
Row friends, then left for Washington and
a new assignment . . . Ann Gonzales, 20th-
Fox inspector, will tour California and Mexico
during her vacation.
Gordon “Blue Blood” Hewitt, California’s
gift to Wisconsin showmen, joined North
Hills Country club. That’s the club where
you have to be born with a putter in your
hand and know the guy that invented golf
before you can enter . . . Bunny Palmer, Na-
tional Screen toiler, jumps into the orange
blossoms in August . . . N. Provencher bought
a home and quit smoking to help pay the
mortgage . . . Max Wiesner has been taking
X-ray treatments in Chicago for a throat
condition.
Charley Hacker, Wisconsin Theatre man-
ager, who is showing “The Yearling,” had
three days to recuperate from the Lou Orlove
treatment while the MGM exploiteer worked
the territory. Then, back to the traces for
Hacker.
Frank Fischer, National Screen salesman,
has been ill . . . Tire Erwin Theatre, Tomah,
Wis., a new house, is reported opening . .. .
Lou Elman, RKO manager, is wearing a bow
tie for the first time in his life . . . Barney
Sherman, Douglas Theatre, Racine, led a
contingent to Madison to do some lobbying
relative to vending. Harry Perlewitz, Inde-
pendent Theatres business manager, was
there, too.
Mrs. O. V. Kelly, Badger Theatre, Reeds-
burg, recently installed RCA sound and
Simplex projection equipment . . . William
Corboy, Paradise manager, left Fox Wis-
consin . . . G. Compston, Wabena, Lanona
and Crandon exhibitor, was in town.
Bill Clayson, 20th-Fox ad-sales supervisor,
planed in from Minneapolis for a whirl at the
Milwaukee branch , , , Jack Reeves one of
E E
RKO’s student exploiteer field men, got some
help from Fred Ford, the Memphis flash.
Reeves will spend 41 weeks of training around
the nation . . . Jack Douglas, former RKO
flack here who never wore anything but white
shirts and black ties, wired Ann Buffington,
secretary to Lou Elman, for the Milwaukee
address of that exclusive shirt tailor.
Booking on the Row: Ray Lenz, Pastime,
Horicon; J. S. Johnston, Victor, Hartland;
H. H. Otto, Clinton, Clinton; Erv Koenigs-
reiter, Greendale, Greendale; Barney Sher-
man, Douglas, Racine; Nick Michaels, Main
Street, Racine; George Gonis, Liberty, Mil-
waukee; Nick Berg, State, Sheboygan; Bill
Charboneau, Fenway, Fennimore; Mr. and
Mrs. A. Brungraber, of Sisters Bay and
Bailey’s Harbor; Roger Reinert, Majestic,
Algoma; Joe Malits, Eighth Street, Mil-
waukee.
In a move providing gold coasters with top
drawer first rim foreign and Hollywood films,
the Downer Theatre will do a name change
to Prestige Theatre in a few weeks. From
then on, only class features and shorts will
greet patrons.
A note from Hildegard Kuchler, MGM in-
spector vacationing on the coast, informs she
met Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn,
Irving Berlin, Margaret O'Brien, Jane Powell
and Lucille Bremer. Before returning, Hilde-
garde will also have a look at Mexico . . . Ann
Buffington’s sister was in from Canada and
the gals did the town . . . Johnny Mednikow
National Screen branch manager, returned
from St. Louis, changed clothes, and shoved
off for the territory.
A. K. Hadley of Film Arts purchased a
parka for fishing trips. He’s planning a
safari into northern Wisconsin wilds . . . Bob
Zielke is managing the New Bruce Theatre
at Ladysmith. The house opened early in
April . . . Martin Pflug, organist at Gimbel’s
Grill and Helen’s, was organist at the Wis-
consin several years back . . . Valerie Carter,
Otto Trampe’s secretary at the IATSE of-
fices, was at the Wisconsin Theatre before
shifting,
Fred Ford, RKO exploiteer, arranged for a
Girl’s Tech student to interview Harold Rus-
sell, handless ex-GI, when Russell was in
town. The lass wrote Ford, “Thanks for
your courtesy. It certainly was swell to be
treated like a lady by a gentleman.”
Bob Klein succeeded Nick Frank as man-
ager of the Ozaukee Theatre, Port Washing-
ton . . . The latest Billy Pierce ad in pro-
moting the Savoy read: “It’s a five-hand-
kerchief picture” . . . Fred Mollwitz of Film
Arts is angling for a new home at Granville.
Since returning from service, Fred and wife
have been living out of a two-suiter.
Jackie Ellis, golf expert son of Milt, the
Beloit circuit operator and stock fancier, is
back from Rochester, where he checked up
on a troublesome skin condition . . . Louis
Orlove sticks to his diet of corn flakes and
to date he’s shaved off ten pounds.
Looks like a big summer socially for show-
men. The ITO plans an all-industry outing
at Brown’s lake; an all-exchange picnic is in
the cards and the yearly industry golf tour-
ney comes up later . . . Elsie Seidel, MGM
bookers secretary, journeyed to Palmyra for
a brief stay . . . Paramount screening dates
include “Perils of Pauline” May 23 and “Dear
Ruth” June 6.
Ray Zahn left his theatre at Sheboygan
Falls for a look at “The Outlaw” when that
one showed at the Strand, Oconomowoc . . .
“Henry V,” did okay at the University Thea-
tre, Madison, where Ralph Kettering is at
the controls.
Now that Fox Wisconsin first runs have cut
matinee admissions, it looks as if rival houses
will follow. Neighborhoods are considering
evening reductions . . . Radio station WMAW
has the green light from FCC for a September
1 opening. The transmitter will be at Hales
Corners and studio at the Towne hotel.
28 From Indianapolis Go
To Variety Convention
INDIANAPOLIS — Twenty-eight members
of Variety Club tent 10 will attend the con-
vention of Variety Clubs International in
Los Angeles May 13-17. They were scheduled
to leave here Friday (9).
Heading the local delegation is Marc J. Wolf
national dough guy, and Mrs. Wolf, and these
local tent officers: Chief Barker Sam Switow
and Mrs. Switow, their daughter Marilyn, and
Switow’s mother, Mrs. M. Switow; treasurer
Albert and Mrs. Blocher and Russell Brent-
linger, assistant chief barker. Members
making the trip are Mr. and Mrs. Carl Niesse,
Senator and Mrs. Homer Capehart, Mr. and
Mrs. Mannie Marcus, Sol Greenberg, Mr. and
Mrs. Harry Kornblum, Mr. and Mrs. Isadore
Fine, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Caplan and Moe
Esserman.
Legislator Puts Lash
On Confection Sales
MADISON — A bill which would prohibit
theatres from selling popcorn, candy and
soft drinks to their patrons was given a hear-
ing here May 1 by the state assembly ju-
diciary committee.
Assemblyman Charles Westphal of Mil-
waukee, author of the measure, charged that
children smeared arms of theatre seats and
ruined patrons’ clothing with candy, and that
nervous people were sometimes driven fran-
tic by cracking popcorn during a show. He
charged theatres sometimes shut off the
drinking water so that patrons would be
forced to buy soft drinks, and said popcorn
was sold at 35 cents a package, a price so
high that parents could not afford it, thereby
tempting the children to steal the money.
Westphal was the only supporter of the bill.
Chicago Film Men Attend
Dinner for Judge Adcock
CHICAGO — More than 150 men prominent
in the amusement industry and legal fields
attended a surprise birthday dinner at the
Chicago club April 29, for Judge Edmond D.
Adcock, member of the law firm of Adcock,
Fink & Day, which has handled many im-
portant cases for the Paramount and Balaban
& Katz organizations in this area.
The guests presented Judge Adcock with a
General Electric television set as a gift for the
occasion.
Chicago Miss Filmrow
To Be Chosen May 24
Chicago — All the glamor girls in the
film industry aren’t in front of the cam-
eras, the Film Exchange Employes union
has decided. The girls in back of the
cameras are going to get their chance.
IATSE Local F45 is going to select “Miss
Filmrow of 1947.” Any girl employed in
the motion picture industry or an affili-
ated field in Chicago is eligible to enter.
The winner will be crowned at the union’s
dance in the Midland hotel May 24.
Entry blanks may be obtained from the
local 20th-Fox exchange.
74
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Loop Trade Warm
Despite Cold, Rain
CHICAGO — Business held up in most Loop
spots despite the cold, rainy weather. Chil-
dren out of school for a week’s vacation
boosted the matinee business and plenty of
out-of-towners crowded the early night shows.
Among the newcomers, “Cross My Heart” was
a standout at the Chicago, with a fine stage
show headed by Guy Lombardo and his band.
The Oriental had a fair second week with
“Boomerang,” plus the Tex Beneke orchestra
on stage. “The Macomber Affair,” with a
big advance publicity buildup, opened strong
at the RKO Grand, as did “Stallion Road”
at the Roosevelt. “Angel and the Badman”
opened nicely at the Garrick, and the twin
bill at the Palace, “Buck Privates Come
Home” plus “Madonna of the Seven Moons,”
was above average. “The Best Years of Our
Lives” at the Woods, and “The Jolson Story”
at the Apollo were still standouts and looked
good for many more weeks.
(Average is 100)
Apollo — The Jolson Story (Col), 18th wk 125
Chicago — Cross My Heart (Para), plus stage
show 155
Garrick — Angel and the Badman (Rep) 120
Grand — The Macomber Affair (UA) 120
Oriental— Boomerang (20ih-Fox), plus stage
show, 3rd wk 140
Palace — Buck Privates Come Home (U-I);
Madonna of the Seven Moons ( U-I ) 120
Roosevelt — Stallion Hoad (WB) , 120
State Lake — California (Para), 3rd wk 115
Studio — Sins of Bali (Rosenberg); She Devil
Island (R), 3rd wk 105
United Artists — Lady in the Lake (MGM), 3rd wk ..115
Woods — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
19th wk 145
World Playhouse — The Road Home (Artkino),
2nd wk 110
'Spring' and ‘Ramrod' Are Best
Among Milwaukee Newcomers
MILWAUKEE — Top pictures in the first run
houses last week again were “The Best Years
of Our Lives,” which is showing now at the
Alhambra at popular prices, and “The Jolson
Story,” which is at the Strand. “Best Years”
is in its fifth week and “Jolson” in a fourth.
Best showing among the newcomers was made
by “Ramrod” at the Towne and “Suddenly
It’s Spring” at the Palace.
Alhambra — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
5th d. t. wk 140
Palace — Suddenly It's Spring (Para);
Seven Were Saved (Para) ...100
Riverside — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
Step by Step (RKO) 95
Strand — The Jolson Story (Col), 4th d. t. wk 125
Towne — Ramrod (UA) 100
Warner — That Way With Women (WB);
That Brennan Girl (WB) 95
Wisconsin — Ladies' Man (Para);
Easy Come, Easy Go (Para) 95
‘Egg and I' Tops Indianapolis
Parade in Holdover Week
INDIANAPOLIS — “Egg and I” closed an-
other holdover week at Keith’s Theatre, top-
ping all grosses at first run houses.
Circle — Angel and the Badman (Rep);
The Ghost Goes Wild (Rep) .110
Indiana — Pursued (WB) 110
Keith's— The Egg and I (U-I), 3rd wk , 125
Loew's — The Sea of Grass (MGM); The Lone
Wolf in Mexico (Col) 100
Lyric — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO), 2nd d. t. wk 90
E. H. Kilbourne Purchases
Capitol Theatre Bldg.
FORT WAYNE — E. H. Kilbourne, vice-pres-
ident of Wayne Theatres, Inc., has purchased
the three-story brick building at 120 West
Berry St., which houses the Capitol Theatre,
at a cost of $50,000. Wayne Theatres has
operated .both the Capitol and the Eastern
theatres here since 1938. The Capitol Bldg,
was built in 1867.
CHICAGO
11 Winston, 20th-Fox exploiteer, and Paul
Montague spent so much time with
George Jessel during his two-day visit for
the Variety Club that both lads now talk
with the peculiar Jessel lisp. And just sound
an A and they’ll both start singing “My
Mother’s Eyes.”
Ted Todd, former Warner Bros, exploiteer,
was in town fronting a team of publicity men
ready to cut loose on the local campaign for
“Duel in the Sun.” No theatre or date for
picture will be revealed pending release of
print by the censor board . . . H. A. Simons,
office manager of the MGM exchange for
the last four years, has been appointed
traveling auditor. Edna Franks, booking
supervisor, succeeds him, and Clarence Keim
is now head booker.
Maurice Duke, the Monogram producer
who specializes in teen-ager flickers, was in
town studying the bobbysoxers here with a
view toward doing a picture about them. He
was accompanied by Monogram’s singing
star, Freddie Stewart . . . Coke Miller, vice-
president of Enterprise studio, planed into
town to visit his ailing father at West Sub-
urban hospital . . . For the first time in sev-
eral seasons, a photoplay will have a simul-
taneous premiere in two Loop first run thea-
tres when “The Egg and I” bows at the RKO
Grand and Palace theatres May 28. It will
be shown as a single feature at both houses.
Phil Zeller of the Woods staff is pinch-
hitting for Manager Stanley Kreuger at the
Sheridan. Krueger is taking over the duties
of Charles Shapira, Essaness supervisor, who
is on a month’s leave . . . Screen star Don
DeFore, who plays one of the leading roles
in “Ramrod,” made a personal appearance
on the stage of the RKO Palace last week
in connection with the midwest premiere of
the film . . . Manager Irving Mandel of the
Monogram exchange has returned from a
Florida trip . . . The Miller Theatre, operated
by Emil Ruberti in Miller, Ind., opened last
weekend. Si Greiver is doing the film book-
ing.
Harold Karneffel is now assistant at the
Will Rogers Theatre, replacing Charles Hub-
bard, resigned . . . Jimmy Savage was up to
his neck in bobbysoxers (and to him that
could happen literally!) for his opening of “It
Happened in Brooklyn” at the United Artists.
He hit the press by having the Sinatra ad-
dicts picket opening, protesting fact that
MGM lets Sinatra lose the girl to the other
guy in his pictures.
H. A. Spanuth, head of the Chicago Films
studio, is on a trip through eastern territory
in connection with his Woman Speaks
series . . . John F. O’Connor and D. E.
O’Connor have organized the Chicago Light-
ing and Equipment Co., with headquarters
at 642 North Central Ave. They will handle
theatre equipment . . . George Allen of Soun-
dies Corp., has left for the west coast on
business.
Jules Serkowich, Columbia press agent, has
returned from the Kansas City territory where
he sparked the campaign for “Johnny
O’clock.” Will Scranton, advertising man-
ager of Ampro Corp., is off to Hot Springs for
a three-week rest . . . Edward DeVry of De-
Vry Corp. has returned from a southern busi-
ness trip.
Marvin Salter, United Artists Theatre as-
sistant, is the original doctor jinx. Twice
he was scheduled for surgery and twice his
doctor took pneumonia. Marv is getting sick
of waiting for the doc to get well , , . Car-
men Cavallaro kept Chicago Theatre band-
wagon rolling merrily along after Guy Lom-
bardo’s very swell business. Chicago theatre
managers Ray Thompson and Chuck Nesbitt
were amazed at Lombardo’s charm — nary a
walkout at any stage performance. This
also meant holdovers that were the cause of
too many holdouts.
B&K auditor Sam Shapiro was married
April 29 to Sara Sosewitz and is honeymoon-
ing at Hot Springs . . . Regina Biesiada, sec-
retary to J. E. Flynn1, MGM western sales
manager, celebrated her birthday at a party
staged by her co-workers in the MGM club-
rooms last week . . . Two Loop stars are on
the verge of signing film contracts. Jan
Stirling of “Born Yesterday” is a red hot
prospect, with Lester Cowan anxious -to get
his name on the dotted line. And Monica
Lewis of the Rio Cabana is being shadowed
by Jack Marchelle, Columbia Pictures talent
scout . . . Maurice Golden, former talent
scout here for MGM before going to the west
coast, has returned and will purchase a
theatre here.
Without giving any reason, Howard Hughes
has withdrawn the new Harold Lloyd picture,
“The Sin of Harold Diddlebock,” from exhi-
bition— which means that the film, Lloyd’s
first in seven years, won’t be shown at the
Oriental May 1 as had been planned . . .
Fred Quimby, MGM producer, and wife were
stopovers on their way to New York.
Services were held at Holy Name cathedral
here April 30 for Lawrence “Larry” Strong,
59, who died April 27. Strong was president
of the S&A Electric Co. . . . Kittie Shapira,
wife of Charles Shapira, Essaness circuit su-
pervisor, died April 28. She was the mother
of Xena Lamke, Howard E. Orebelle, and
the late Jerome Shapira.
George Jessel, who always has had a soft
spot in his heart for Chicago and vice versa,
has received permission from Ernie Beifield
and Frank Bering, owners of the Sherman
hotel to use the hotel for his next motion pic-
ture production. This will mark the third
picture produced by Jessel with a Chicago
background, following the “Dolly Sisters” and
“I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now” the
story of songwriter Joe Howard.
JOE WEISS
(Formerly with Jack
Kirsch Theatres)
EXPERIENCED . .
. LICENSED
! Insurance and Real
Estate Broker
Specializing in Theatre Properties
4060 Milwaukee Ave.
Phones: PAL 2102
J Chicago 22, 111.
LAEeview 5958
CANDYM
• NATIONALLY ADVERTISED
© BARS TO YOU AT
6 WHOLESALE PRICES
® All Popular 5c <& 10c Brands
<£> - - IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT - -
H. & I. CONCESSIONS CO.
Theatre Concessionaires
1325 So. Wabash Ave.
Phone Harrison 9616 — Chicago 5
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
75
S T . LOJJJ_S
^•he Federal Reserve bank of St. Louis re-
ports the business picture is clouded “by
a growing concern with the present and fu-
ture level of prices. The bank’s monthly
statement said there is a fairly widespread
agreement in business, labor and govern-
ment circles and among consumers that
prices are generally too high, but there is a
lack of accord concerning the cause. During
March the levels of employment, industry and
trade continued to rise in the Eighth Fed-
eral Reserve district.
M. B. Orr, division manager for United
Artists, was here May 1, 2 . . . Ditto Chick
Allen, district manager, Kansas City . . . Lou
Walters, president of Cine Supply Co., at-
tended the Chicago convention of the Society
of Motion Picture Engineers . . . Barney
Rosenthal, Monogram manager, reports the
closing of 100 per cent contracts with the
Rodgers circuit, which has 18 theatres in
eight towns; the Fred Wehrenberg circuit of
nine houses, Sam Komm’s SK circuit of
eight houses, and the Goldman-Leventhal-
Tobin circuit of eight theatres in six towns.
The Variety Club opened its new headquar-
ters on the second floor of the Victorian Club
Bldg., at 3719 Washington Blvd. Tent 4 is
sending a large delegation to the amiual con-
vention of the Variety Clubs International in
Los Angeles . . . Earl Vandevort, Kennett, Mo.,
exhibitor, recently underwent an operation in
a Memphis hospital . . . Andy Dietz, Screen
Guild Productions, will combine his vacation
with the trip to California for the Variety
convention.
The father of Martin Operle, who operates
the Orris in Ste. Genevieve and the Plaza
in Illmo, Mo., died recently . . . Leo Burnstine,
who runs the State, Southtown and Tivoli
theatres in Springfield, 111., is improving at
St. John’s hospital there, where he has been
confined several weeks.
The State in Bloomfield, Mo., has been sold
by the Goldman-Leventhal-Tobin circuit to
theatrical interests represented by William
Sherman, district manager for PRC . . .
Irving Lesser of Sol Lesser Productions,
visited the local RKO and United Artists ex-
changes . . . Seen along Filmrow were Her-
man Tanner, Vandalia, 111., and Sam Pirtle,
Jerseyville, 111.
Eddie Rudolph has rejoined United Artists,
taking over the central Illinois territory for-
merly handled by the late Lou Kuttnauer. In
recent months Rudolph has been managing
theatres in Columbia and Waterloo for the
Goldman-Leventhal-Tobin circuit . . . Irvin
Good, 20th-Fox student salesman, completed
his period of training under Manager B. B.
Reingold and was assigned to a new sales
zone.
Johnny Walsh, Screen Guild Productions,
drove into Haiti, Mo., the night of April 30
just as a mild tornado struck that section. A
street carnival was the principal victim of
the windstorm.
Floods along the Missouri, Mississippi and
Meramec rivers during the last week did not
force any theatre served out of St. Louis to
close. The drivers for the film delivery com-
panies, through years of experience with high
waters in this area, know just how to detour
around the floods.
Jimmy Frisina will be in Los Angeles for
the graduation of his sister Rosemary from an
art college. Their father Dominic, head
of the Frisina Amusement Co., is looking for-
ward to the graduation of his talented
daughter.
Exhibitors Fight Tax
To Pay Soldier Bonus
MADISON — Wisconsin theatre operators
are joining other business men in opposition
to a proposed state bonus bill which would
impose additional taxes, including a 10 per
cent amusement tax, to raise money for pay-
ment of a bonus to veterans of World War II.
Theatre men who opposed bonus bills at a
state assembly veterans’ affairs committee
hearing April 30 included: William Ains-
worth, Fond du Lac, president of the Inde-
pendent Theatre Owners of Wisconsin: L.
V. Bergtold, Westby, Floyd Albert, Mt. Horeb;
Erwin Alfery, Plainfield: Sigmund Goldberg,
Wausau: F. J. McWilliams, Portage; Eric
Brown and W. V. Geehan of Fox Wisconsin.
The theatre men argued that their busi-
ness cannot take another 10 per cent tax on
admissions, in addition to the present 20
per cent federal tax, asserting that any addi-
tional levy would result in a drop in at-
tendance which would greatly damage their
business.
Sam Krimstein Quits Logan
For Job With Irving Davis
CHICAGO — Sam Krimstein, manager of the
Logan Theatre here for 14 years, has resigned
to accept an executive
post with Irving Davis,
theatre candy conces-
sioner. Krimstein was
very active in Logan
Square community and
civic affairs while
managing the Logan.
He was vice-president
of the Logan Square
Business Men’s Ass’n
for five years, a direc-
tor of the Milwaukee-
Diversey - Kimball
Chamber of Com-
merce, and was active >
in PTA groups in the sam kbimstein
vicinity of this theatre. He also was general
chairman of the greater Logan Square Red
Cross organization four years.
Krimstein got his start with Selznick Pic-
tures in 1924, followed by a job with Vita-
graph. His first theatre management as-
signment began at the Gold Theatre on West
Roosevelt road in 1925. Later he worked for
Lubliner & Trinz, Warner Theatres and the
GCS circuit.
Exhibitors Assert Staffs
Can Cope With Fire Peril
JEFFERSON CITY, MO. — Exhibitor
spokesmen from St. Louis and Kansas City
appeared before the house criminal juris-
prudence committee last week to offer testi-
mony at a hearing on house bill 250 providing
for employment by amusement places of uni-
formed watchmen to safeguard patrons in an
emergency.
The theatre men told the committee that
the motion picture theatres of the state for
years have drilled their workers to handle
fires and other emergencies and that from
five to 35 workers in each theatre have been
training through these drills. The committee
took the bill under advisement.
Representing the exhibitors were Fred
Wehrenberg, president of the MPTOA; James
H. Arthur of Fanchon & Marco, and Joe
Ansell of Ansell Theatres, all of St. Louis, and
Dick Biechele of the KMTA, Senn Lawler of
Fox Midwest and Arthur Cole of Paramount
Pictures, all of Kansas City.
INDIANAPOLIS
jyjrs. Norma Lattimore of the MGM staff is
recuperating at home after an appen-
dectomy in the Methodist hospital . . . Larry
Jacobs, manager for Screen Guild, will at-
tend the national convention of his company
Tuesday ( 13 > in Los Angeles, Calif. . . . Vance
Schwartz, Louisville, booked.
Herman Morgan, Republic salesman, was
rescued from near suffocation in the Terre
Haute House when fire broke out in the room
below the one he was occupying. The hotel
was filled with dense smoke. Herman, who
is hard to arouse from a deep sleep, was given
first aid when he was rescued.
Ed H. Brauer, manager for Republic, called
on Kermit C. Stengel, head of the Crescent
Amusement Corp., and Rockwood Amusement
Corp. in Nashville, Tenn. . . . Joe Schilling,
Connersville, bought and booked . . . G. N.
May, who operates the Dream Theatre, Cory-
don, Ind., has installed new Super Simplex
projectors and Simplex sound equipment . . .
Bus Miller of the Indiana in Marion, set dates
and booked.
Joyce Ann Switow, daughter of Harry
Switow of the Switow Amusement Co., Louis-
ville, and Stanley T. Burkoff, Chicago, were
married at the Standard Country club re-
cently . . . The new Lincoln Theatre, Stan-
ford, Ky., is being overhauled. The marquee
is being painted, lobby redecorated and the
interior renovated and redecorated. Ben
Reeves jr. is the operator.
Russell Brentlinger, RKO manager, went
to Cleveland for a business meeting with Dis-
trict Manager Milton Cohen . . . William Mor-
gan replaced Claude Hare as shipper at RKO.
here . . . Kenneth Law of the Cozy in Argos,
booked and bought . . . Don G. Steinkamp,
French Lick Amusement Co., spent several
days in Louisville on business.
Peter Rosian, district manager for U-I
spent several days at the local branch . . .
The completion of the new screening room at
U-I is being held up by the lack of equip-
ment . . . “The Egg and I” moved over to the
Lyric after four weeks at Keith’s.
Ira Epstein, exploiteer for Warner Bros, in
this area, has changed his headquarters and
residence to Cincinnati. His office now is at
the Warner exchange there . . . Charles Rich,
district manager for Warner Bros., was at
the local branch Wednesday through Friday
on business . . . John Bertotti of the Co-
lumbia in Clinton booked.
Ronald Karst, assistant shipper at 20th-
Fox, has joined the naval reserves and will
spend his two-week vacation on a training
cruise in the Caribbean . . . Bernice Gabe,
20th-Fox, has resigned and will become a
housewife. Patricia Cave succeeds here in
the contract department . . . F. J. A. Mc-
Carthy, southern sales manager for U-I con-
ducted a sales conference at the local branch
Monday through Wednesday last week. New
product and its selling points were under
discussion.
Eldon DeSilva Transferred
BENTON, ILL. — Eldon DeSilva, who has
managed the Fox Capitol and Star theatres
here the last five years, has been transferred
to Marion, 111., where he will manage the
Orpheum and the Plaza. DeSilva will be suc-
ceeded here by Richard L. Wright, native
of Springfield, Mo., who has been manager
of the theatres in Marion the last three years.
76
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Briefs From AITO Omaha Convention
OMAHA — Sidelights on the AITO of Ne-
braska and Iowa convention here:
Robert R. Livingston, veteran associate of
Cooper Theatres at Lincoln, told friends he
was observing his 40th anniversary in show
business. He began in Lincoln in. 1907 and
today is only one and one-half blocks from
his original location — isn’t that something?
Despite recession talk, high prices exhibi-
tors are paying, etc., there wasn’t a showman
present who wasn’t “in the dough.” The
Iowa-Nebraska exhibitors shared the mez-
zanine floor of the Fontenelle with the Ne-
braska Bakers Ass’n convention. Sooner or
later all the theatre men wandered into ses-
sions or exhibits of the bakers.
PROTEGE OF BARNEY JOFFEE
Mayor Charles Leeman, a friend of the
film industry, paid some nice tributes in
his welcome to the convention.
Bruce W. Jones, new. owner of the Bee at
Beemer, is a protege of Barney Joffee, Tower
Theatre, Kansas City, which just became a
Fox Midwest first run . . . Leon Bamberger,
head of RKO sales promotion, was on hand
as usual with two packs of fine playing cards
for each exhibitor.
It was a deserving tribute to Don V. Mc-
Lucas, dean of Omaha’s branch managers,
that he should be named to head the Motion
Picture Foundation unit. The MPF was or-
ganized smoothly without the least bit of
friction. Credit major assists to Lee Wolcott,
Eldorado, Iowa, AITO board chairman; A.
Jules Benedic, BOXOFFICE field editor who
had assisted in organizing the Kansas City
group, and Col. H. A. Cole, Texas Allied
president. All three were present at the first
Foundation meeting.
Gene Rich, MGM exploiteer, and Dee
Parks, Metro’s cutie hello girl, passed out
BAMBERGER’S IN THE DOUGH!—
So crowded were Omaha hotels when
the AITO of Iowa and Nebraska met
there Monday and Tuesday that the Ne-
braska Bakers Ass’n, also in convention,
used the same registration desk. Which
resulted in some amusing mixups, since
the convention badges for both organiza-
tions were likewise almost identical.
“Why not join forces?” said Leon Bam-
berger, right, as he shook hands with
James L. Carter of Omaha, president of
the Nebraska oven maestros.
List of Convention Registrants
OMAHA — The following were registered at
the annual meeting of the AITO of Iowa and
Nebraska here this week:
OMAHA
Hazel Andersen
H. B. Johnson
Dave Arthur
H. F. Leloltz
R. S. Ballantyne
Sidney E. McArdle
Bill Barker
Henry J. McGrath
Ralph Blank
D. V. McLucas
C. R. Blubauqh
S. A. Madsen
Howard E. Clark
John Matis
Ed Cohen
Leon Mendelson
Clyde Cooley
Joseph Meyer
Louis Dufour
Norm Nielsen
Mort Eichenberg
H. Novitsky
E N. Epley
Betty Pantier
Sam Epstein
Dee Parks
Paul Fine
C. F. Reese
S. J. Francis
Sol Reif
Nate Galbreath
A A. Renfro
Frank P. Gartner
Gene Rich
Jack Gibson
E. B. Rostermundt
Bill Haarmann
Wcfyne Stephenson
Pat Halloran
Sam C. Smead
Frank Hannon
J. E. Scott
O W. Hanson
I. Sokolof
W. H. Heath
M. L. Stern
Don Hicks
Tony Tedesco
Bob Hirz
Fred Thortsen
E. G. Huhnke
F. A. VanHusan
H Ironfield
I. M. Winer
Mort Ives
Frank Westbrook
J. H. Jacobs
W. D. Wink
OTHER
CITIES IN NEBRASKA
Jack Andrews
E. G, Gannon
A Beams
Mr., Mrs. G. G. Griffin
M Biemond
Margaret Hansen
Cork Biemond
H. F. Hirz
A Burrus
Wally Johnson
A. J Chantry
Mr., Mrs. Bruce W. Jones
Blanch L. Colbert
M. P. .King
H. S. Conroy
Mel Kruse
Bob Livingston
Mr., Mrs. Carl Mansfield
Philip L. March
Arnold Meierdierks
Mr., Mrs. Neil A. Munkres
H. O. Qualsett
Raymond E. Paulson
Pat Plummer
J. M. Reynolds
Mr., Mrs. Jack Riggs
Georgia O. Rasley
Ann C. Schreiber
Earl H. S'herman
Roy E. Syfert
Jeanette Schoeneman
Mons Thompson
Mr., Mrs. C. J. Wright
IOWA
Mr., Mrs. A. M. Black
Mr., Mrs. H. E. Brookings
Howard W. Briney
Mr., Mrs. F. A. Bryceson
Earl E. Cowden
Martha Davison
Dick DeVries
T. J. Evans
Mel Evidon
Milt Fineberg
Herman Fields
Marvin Fosse
Jack Greenberg
Harry Bamberg
Mr., Mrs. George D. Hart
W. G. Horstmah
Robert E. Hutte
Karl N. Johnson
Mr., Mrs. E. W. Kerr
Mr., Mrs. L. J. Kessler
Harold Klingman
Mr., Mrs. E. W. Kugel
L. Kuhl
John LaDue
Harry J. Lankhorst
W. Mansfield
Mr., Mrs. Victor Mantz
Mary Mason
Mr., Mrs. F. W. Naulteus
Mr., Mrs. Charles Niles
Mr., Mrs. H. L. Officer
Mr., Mrs. F. E. Pace
Mr., Mrs. E. A. Pannos
Jim Parsons
Mr., Mrs. Partlow
K. Van Patter
H. E. Rehfield
Harold D. Rogers
Max Rosenblatt
Nate Rosenthal
Maurice C. Smead
A. C. Smead
V. J. Shipwright
Vic Shipwright
Don J. Smith
Helen Thompson
Mr., Mrs. J. H. Watts
Grant D. West
Mr., Mrs. Leo Wolcott
H. G. Zieg jr.
OTHERS
William L. Ainsworth
Leon J. Bamberger
A. Jules Benedic
Jim Castle
Col. H. A. Cole
Harold D. Field
R. C. LiBeau
George L. March
Ben Marcus
Paul Mooney
David Palfreyman
J. L. Stern
John Wolfberg
Maurice N. Wolf
many a cigaret as part of Leo’s courtesy dur-
ing the two-day meeting . . . Maurice N. Wolf,
MGM’s assistant to Henderson Ritchie in the
exhibitor relations department, was on hand.
The Iowa-Nebraska meeting assumed na-
tional scope with such men as the following
oresent: Dave Palfreyman, MPA pub-
licity chief; William L. Ainsworth, Fond du
Lac, president of Independent Theatre Own-
ers of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan and
National Allied treasurer; John Wolfberg
of Denver, president of the new Allied unit
in the Rocky mountain area, Maurice N.
Wolf, and Colonel Cole, also Paul Mooney of
National Screen, and others.
HIS BUSIEST YEAR
President Howard Brookings, Oakland,
Iowa, is winding up the busiest year he has
ever known in show business. But, said
Howard, “I don’t regret this year in the
least.” He says it has give many new friends
and a better understanding of the business.
Bill Ainsworth devoted most of his talk
to humor. He told about an 80-year-old ex-
hibitor who finally married his opposition,
age 75. But he refused to move into the
only vacant bungalow in town because it was
too far from the school.
A. Jules Benedic kept bumping into old-
timers he had known in his 35 years in the
business. He had played at the theatres of
some — like Nate Rosenthal at Waterloo, Iowa,
and Charles Niles at Anamosa, Iowa — when
he managed a show.
Attendance set a new record . . . The all-
industry luncheon packed the hotel’s ball-
room. A similar event last year rated only
the smaller Black Mirror room . . . Wolcott
and others so brought out the spirit of the
MPF that much discussion was under way on
the Des Moines meeting coming up shortly.
Colonel Cole, for 25 more years president of
Texas Allied and past head of National Allied,
showed up as spry and active as ever ... He
had charted a heavier schedule than many
a young man would want to tackle. He left
town Monday night, flying to Dallas. There
by 30 minutes he would miss another plane
and so have to motor to Alexandria, La., for
a meeting opening there Tuesday.
At the same time the convention awarded
the 1948 sessions to Des Moines for May 7-8
it set several new policies. One, President
Howard Brookings said, will be to alternate
the annual meeting between Des Moines and
Omaha. Another will be to hold only one
(Continued on next page)
AITO THREESOME — Snapped on the
mezzanine of the Fontenelle hotel in
Omaha, in the usual order: Jack Renfro,
RKO manager in Omaha; Earl W. Kerr,
veteran Iowa exhibitor, and Morrie
Smead, ditto, who likewise is an exec-
utive of the Viking Popcorn Machine
Co.
BOXOFFICE ;; May 10, 1947
MW
77
KANSAS CITY
blew up just as if a bomb had gone off in-
side,” he said. ‘‘That was much too close
for comfort.”
flrlie Crites of Theatre Enterprises reports
that farmers in the area are behind in
their planting due to recent heavy rains in
Missouri. Crites, who just completed a tour
of the near south, was off again early in the
week for further investigation. He also looks
in on TEI theatres on these trips.
Alex Rogers, Theatre Enterprises manager
in Fayette, Mo., was in the local office as was
Frank Plumlee’s
brother • Earl, who
manages the chain’s
Paola situation . . . A1
Adler, MGM manager,
and Roger Leaton,
head booker in the
local Metro exchange,
returned from the
sales convention in
New York.
Bob Johns, northern
Kansas salesman for
MGM, won a radio in
a raffle held at the ex-
change in the inter-
ests of the Pep club there . . . June Howard,
PBX operator in the office, was on a week’s
vacation in Texas . . . L. J. Kimbriel, Missouri
Theatre Supply manager, returned from a
short vacation in California in time to at-
tend the RCA sessions held here at the be-
ginning of the week.
AL L. ADLER
The Kansas City Theatre committee met
Monday to hear a report on the full hearing
in Jefferson City regarding the threatened
shortage of air conditioning here this sum-
mer. No decision had been handed down by
the state power commission at this writing
. . . Francis Ward of the Attica, Attica, Kas.,
was on the Row.
Ed Kidwell, city manager for Cooper Foun-
dation theatres in Oklahoma City, was in last
week to investigate the Kimo policy of for-
eign product. Kidwell operates a theatre in
his home town similar to the local Dickinson
spot . . . Betty Drake, secretary to Ward
Scott, 20th-Fox district manager, has an-
nounced her engagement to Robert W. Combe,
new Kansas salesman for Republic. The
wedding will take place some time this fall.
Clarence Schultz, Commonwealth Theatres
president, and R. R. “Dick” Biechele, KMTA
executive, returned from the Commonwealth
central division meeting at Bagnell dam.
Both report a very satisfactory visit in the
Lake of the Ozarks region . . . National
Screen Service hoped to move its trailer de-
partment at the end of the week to the new
building at 18th and Baltimore.
Visiting Stebbins Theatre Supply this week
were Elmer Bills of the Lyric in Salisbury,
Mo.; Frank Weary of the Ferris, Richmond,
Mo.; Bill Presley, Globe, Savannah, Mo.; L.
Z. Henry, Lyric, Plattsburg, Mo.; R. C.
Davisson, Binney, Pattonsburg, Mo.; Carl
and M. B. “Pop” Presley, Madison, Huntsville,
Ark.
W. J. “Gus” Kubitzki, 20th-Fox salesman,
was so sore from intensive gardening over
the weekend that he could scarcely walk, so
he said . . . Gene Snitz, office manager and
city salesman for PRC, was forced off the
road while driving to Omaha over the week-
end. Damage to the car and minor injuries
to Snitz were caused by an approaching car
passing another on a hill.
Exhibitor names were in the news last week
as rescue workers in the recent tornado dis-
aster at Worth, Mo. T. A. Spurgin of the
Moderne at Stanberry and R. O. Robison of
the Grant, Grant City were among those
who helped revive the stricken community.
John Long, 20th-Fox salesman, was pre-
vented from lending his efforts when the
highway department blocked roads into the
disaster area.
In addition to his normal busy day as over-
seer of several PRC exchanges, Beverly Miller
added a new item
to his duties over the
weekend. After con-
ferring with the cu-
rator of reptiles at the
local zoo, Miller took
two live alligators, one
seven feet long and the
other a little larger,
home to his back yard.
While installing iron
grillwork tops on the
two large tanks in
which the reptiles ar-
rived, Miller and Alvin
Denebeim, salesman, beverly miller
almost got nipped on the instep by the
friendly monsters. The animals were taken
to the lobbies of the local Regent and Gem
theatres where they ushered in the new
PRC feature, “Untamed Fury.”
Gil Canfield, RKO field representative, re-
turned safely after feeling a breath of death
while driving between Muscatine and Creston,
Iowa, last week. Violent winds several times
almost lifted his car off the road, and fallen
debris dotted the landscape on all sides.
Once, while peering through the windshield
in an effort to locate the core of the baby
tornado, Canfield saw a haystack about 150
feet away explode from the suction. “It
Visiting NTS were Mrs. Chet Borg of the
Plaza in Appleton City, Mo.; Oscar Neu of
Neumade Products, New York City; Kenneth
Doty, Strand, Ransom, Kas.; J. E. Courter,
Courter, Gallatin, Mo.; M. Biemond, Ord,
Ord, Neb.; Ralph Larned, Paramount, La
Crosse, Kas.; W. W. Weldon, Joy, Lathrop,
Mo.; H. F. Allen, Erie, Erie, Kas.; Louis
Sosna, Sosna, Moberly, Mo.; Mrs. W. D.
Jackson, daughter of Walter Lovan, Park,
El Dorado, Kas., and W. B. Cook, Ideal, Hal-
stead, Kas.
Convention Highlights
(Continued from preceding page)
convention annually. Special meetings may
be called by the board.
Maurice Wolf, MGM exhibitor relations
department, New York, made his maiden
speech in his new job and created the im-
pression as fitting aptly with the goodwill of
Leo the Lion.
After Leo Wolcptt and Jules Benedic fin-
ished their presentation of the Motion Pic-
ture Foundation, exhibitors could agree with
the spirit of Spyros Skouras at New Orleans
when he said the Foundation could be capi-
talized at $100,000,000 instead of $10,000,000.
Appointment of Robert Livingston as area
trustee was welcomed by all. It was a rec-
ognizition of his 40 years in the business and
of his spendid work for the industry not only
in tax matters.
Re-election of all officers was labeled by
the introducer as one “real way” of ex-
pressing a vote of thanks for their pulling
AITO “up by its bootstraps during the past
year.”
Marking the most, successful convention of
the organization’s history, some 200 attended
the initial luncheon-meeting Monday noon,
with delegates being welcomed by Mayor
Charles W. Leeman of Omaha. Introduced
were John Wolfberg of Denver, president of
the new Rocky mountain unit of Allied, and
R. R. “Bob” Livingston, Lincoln, Neb., as-
sociate of the Cooper Foundation theatres.
Naming of a panel for the Motion Picture
Foundation was the convention’s initial ac-
tion, following a forum led by Leo F. Wolcott
of Eldora, Iowa.
Entertainment features included an all-in-
dustry “movie night” at Iowa’s famed Stork
club, on the Iowa side, where Eddie Pea-
body, banjo king, headed a large floor show.
Paramount under the aegis of Ralph LiBeau,
district manager, with his Omaha and Des
Moines staffs, held open house throughout
the convention, while MGM girls circulated
over the hall with cigarets.
LOBBY MATS AVAILABLE AGAIN!
CORRUGATED and PERFORATED
U. S. ROYAUTE QUALITY
in V4” — Yz" and V2” thickness. Cloth Inserted.
BLACK— MAROON— RED— WHITE— GREEN— YELLOW— BLUE— SALMON
MatKHf'iamd' - JletteSiUuf, - Cheche'iMaa'id
Durable, Slip-Proof, Decorative, Noiseless.
Send Measurements. Write for Information.
B. 0. MANN CABPET COMPANY
930 Central Kansas City, Mo.
Also Leather Cocoa, Rubber Link and
Woven Tire Mats
78
BOXOFFICE : : May 10„ 1947
'Yearling' Adds Color
To Dull K.C. Week
KANSAS CITY — On the whole, business
was slightly off here. Big attraction of the
week was “The Yearling,” playing with
MGM’s Academy award cartoon, “Cat Con-
certo,” at the Midland. Racking up 150 per
cent, the film was held over for a second
period. The second week of “Suddenly It’s
Spring” at the Newman fell down rather
badly but “The Farmer’s Daughter” on a
double bill at the Orpheum warranted an
extended run.
Among the foreign product in the city
this week, the second week of “Carmen” at
the Kimo was high with 150 and was held
over for a third chapter. “Before Him All
Rome Trembled,” a Superfilm release at the
Tampico, was replaced at the end of its
week run.
New films at the end of the week were
“The Imperfect Lady” at the Newman, “The
Late George Apley” as the first attraction
in the new Tower-Uptown-Fairway setup by
Fox Midwest, “The Westerner,” a Film
Classics reissue, as the initial film under the
new Esquire solo policy, and “The Baker’s
Wife,” a French release, at the Tampico.
(Average is 100)
Esquire, Uptown, Fairway — Alexander's Ragtime
Band (20th-Fox), reissue
Kimo — Carmen (Superiilm) , 2nd wk
Midland — The Yearling (MGM)
Newman — Suddenly It's Spring (Para), 2nd wk...
Orpheum — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
Accomplice (PRC)
Tampico — Before Him All Rome Trembled
(Superfilm)
Tower — Wake Up and Dream (20th-Fox)
85
150
150
85
115
125
85
'Best Years' in Fourth Week
Sets Des Moines Record
DES MOINES— “The Best Years of Our
Lives” Thursday started its fourth week at
the Orpheum Theatre here — the first picture
in the history of Des Moines to run four
consecutive weeks. Thus, “Best Years” has
broken the previous record held by “Bells of
St. Mary’s.” This picture ran for 23 days,
also at the Orpheum. The “Bells,” in turn,
had bested “Gone With the Wind” which ran
for three weeks at the Paramount Theatre.
The picture has broken all records for
gross return in Des Moines, a fact which is
somewhat offset by the advance in prices.
Manager Jerry Blaedow reported attendance
during the third week was “just at normal”
— somewhat of a record in itself after 21 con-
secutive days. The third week for “Best
Years” was shortened somewhat because of
two evening performances at the theatre of
Sigmund Romberg and his concert orchestra.
While these records were being set at the
Orpheum, other Des Moines theatres were
feeling the pinch. However, for the first
time since “Best Years” has been here, an-
other downtown house hit 100 per cent last
week. The picture was “Lady in the Lake”
at the Paramount.
“Stallion Road,” at the Des Moines, was
below average.
Des Moines — Stallion Road (WB) 95
Orpheum — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 3rd wk 100
Paramount — Lady in the Lake (MGM); The
Fabulous Suzanne (RKO) 100
'Pursued' in Strong Opening;
Lombardo Band Pulls Big
MINNEAPOLIS — Guy Lombardo’s orches-
tra and the picture “That Way With Women”
carried Radio City far out in front last week.
There were only two other important new-
comers, “Pursued” and the revived “Alex-
ander’s Ragtime Band.” The former did
particularly well. It was the eighth and
last week for the record-breaking “Best Years
of Our Lives,” the third for “Dead Reckoning”
and the second for “The Outlaw,” which has
chalked up smash business; “Sea of Grass,”
which also has given a good account of it-
self, and “Imperfect Lady.”
Aster — Strange Journey (20th-Fox), Renegade
Girl (SG) 100
Century — Alexanders' Ragtime Band ( 20th-
Fox), reissue 110
Gopher — Daniel Boone (RKO), reissue 80
Lyceum — The Outlaw (UA), 2nd wk 125
Lyric — The Imperfect Lady (Para), 2nd d. t. wk 90
Radio City — That Way With Women (WB),
plus Guy Lombardo on stage.. 200
RKO-Orpheum — Pursued (WB) 130
RKO-Pan — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
8th wk. 100
State — The Sea of Grass (MGM), 2nd wk 100
World — Dead Reckoning (Col), 3rd d. t. wk 100
'Best Years' Is Still Strong
In Third Week at Omaha
OMAHA — The third week of “The Best
Years of Our Lives” at the RKO-Brandeis
continued strong. Other bills were close to
average.
Omaha — 13 Rue Madeleine (20th-Fox);
Ginger (Mono) 1 105
Orpheum — Alexander's Ragtime Band (20th-Fox),
reissue; Dangerous Money (Mono) 100
Paramount — The Macomber Affair (UA),
2nd wk 110
RKO-Brandeis — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 3rd wk 175
State — Nora Prentiss (WB), 2nd run;
Don Ricardo Returns (PRC) 100
Asa J. French Dies
SALEM, S. D. — Asa J. French, 64, owner of
the local theatre for three years, died here
recently. Surviving are his wife, two sisters
and a brother.
TALKING TRAILERS, LOBBY PAPER
AND MATS
Write, Wire or Phone
PENNINGTON POSTER SERVICE
130 West 18th Phone: GRand 8626
Kansas City 8, Mo.
Satisfaction — Always
Missouri Theatre Supply Co.
L. J. KIMBRIEL. Manager
Phone GRand 2864
HZ 115 W. 18th Kansas City 8. Mo. t!^z
GOUT UICPTCDM
STAGE
IU IIM ■■ L ■ PK ■■
EQUIPMENT COMPANY
tUIILTT
1
HLUIL II.
EVERYTHING
BOX OFFICE
FOR
THE STAGE • AUDITORIUM • LOBBY
1324 Grand Avc., Kansas City 6, Mo.
POPCORN . . Best Quality . . Guaranteed Volume
Paper Lined Bags — From New Processor
$9.25 per 100 Lbs., FOB. Kansas City
ret/e
THEATRE SUPPLY
• COMPANY •
217 W. 18th St.
Kansas City 8. Mo.
Put Williams, Wife, Son
Tour Rio Grande Valley
KANSAS CITY — Heeding the call of the
open road, the Williams family — Put, his
wife, and son George — have sold their theatre
interests, purchased $25,000 worth of road-
show equipment, and have embarked on an
expedition through the Rio Grande valley in
order to bring the motion picture to hapless
inhabitants of that area.
Williams and his wife once owned a thea-
tre in Galena, Kas., and George just re-
cently sold his latest permanent structure,
the Delphus in Carthage, Mo., to Bill Brad-
field of Columbia.
Together with son George, Put has bought
a special outfit. Three huge trailers make
up the caravan. The largest is 28 feet long,
the smallest just eight feet shorter. One of
these three vans contains RCA sound and
projection equipment (35mm), folding chairs
for 600 persons and the big tent that makes
up the theatre. A second trailer is designed
specifically for Mrs. Williams, who is an in-
valid. The third is the house trailer con-
taining three double beds.
T R 0 I L i R I
Your Own Copy
- - Sudden Service ■
HAL PARKER STUDIOS
Vi-So Productions
1719 Wyandotte Kansas City, Mo.
POP CORN BOXES
10c Size
ATTRACTIVE DESIGN
IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT
Paper Supply Co.
505 Delaware Street
KANSAS CITY 6. MO.
FLAMEPROOFING
CHEMICALS
with Vinyl-Resinous Base
Wi 1 not Stain or Powder Off
Applied by
Experienced Applicators
or sold wholesale only.
All Work Guaranteed
THE CHEM -0-SCIEN CO.
807-A E. 31st St. Kansas City 3, Mo.
VAlentine 3765
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
79
Kansas City Regional Group Opens
First RCA Cooperative Sales Drive
KANSAS CITY — To inaugurate the first
RCA cooperative sales drive in the history
of the firm, service and sales officials and
RCA dealers opened the regional contest dur-
ing a two-day conclave here at the Continen-
tal hotel. Host for the meeting was Don
"Hi Fi” Davis, district manager of theatre
sales.
Touching off the drive, which will last from
May until July, was J. F. O’Brien, sales man-
ager of RCA Victor, from Camden, N. J.
Other RCA officials present were C. M. Lewis,
field sales manager from Chicago; Adolph
Goodman of RCA service in Camden; E. D.
Van Duyne, field supervisor from Kansas
City, and Paul Connett, district manager of
RCA Service Co., also of the local office.
Prizes for top records during the drive
period will consist of console radios, tele-
vision sets and bonds. Strictly a cooperative
measure, the contest will have no elements of
competition between sales department, serv-
ice company and dealers. Part of a nation-
wide program, the meeting here was for rep-
resentatives and dealers from Wyoming, South
Dakota, Arkansas, Minnesota, North Dakota,
Illinois, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kan-
sas, New Mexico, Colorado and Iowa.
Other sectional meetings are taking place
from May 2 to 12 in Philadelphia, Atlanta,
Cleveland, Dallas, New Orleans, Pittsburgh,
New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston,
Master Mesmerist Stars
In Paola Midnight Show
PAOLA, KAS. — As one of several Theatre
Enterprises playdates, the Great Valleau,
Master Mesmerist and professor of psy-
chology at the University of Ottawa, Canada,
was the feature attraction at a special mid-
night show at the local Paola.
Beginning his performance at 3:00 p. m.
Valleau hypnotized a girl in a display win-
dow of a local department store. At 11:00
p. m. an ambulance brought her, still hypno-
tized, to the theatre for the balance of the
45-minute performance. Film accompanying
the extra-fare attraction was “Cat Man of
Paris.’’
Other demonstrations of hypnotism were
on the stages of TEI locations in Slater,
Fayette, Osawatomie and Pleasant Hill.
Ruthven Theatre in Iowa
Is Detroyed by Flames
RUTHVEN, IOWA— Fire leveled the Ruth-
ven Theatre here May 2 causing damage es-
timated at $10,000. The blaze followed an
explosion shortly after a member of the
and Los Angeles.
The first session of the meeting here was
keynoted by an address by O’Brien. He was
followed by Lewis and Goodman. Monday
night’s meeting was around a banquet table
and was followed by a general sales cam-
paign lasting until the wee small hours. Sales
and service meetings wound up the gathering
Tuesday afternoon.
Representing the three divisions of RCA
activities here were Paul Connett, district
manager of RCA Service Co.; Don Davis, dis-
trict manager of theatre sales, and Elmer
Peek and L. J. Kimbriel of Missouri Theatre
Supply Co.
In the photograph, seated inside the table,
are, left to right, C. V. Miller, Kansas City;
W. F. Trunick, Chicago; Fred Gusler, Chi-
cago; C. L. Cochran, Chicago.
Seated outside the table, left to right: J. F.
Moore, Kansas City; Paul Connett, Kansas
City; Adolph Goodman, Camden, N. J.; C. M.
Lewis, Chicago; J. F. O’Brien, Camden; L. J.
Kimbriel, Kansas City; Eldon Peek, Okla-
homa City; B. D. Douglas, Des Moines.
Standing, left to right, are Francis Keil-
hack, Kansas City; F. M. Walls, Topeka; R. S.
Murphey, Wichita; M. W. Gieskieng, Denver;
Don Davis, Kansas City; S. R. Lang with, Den-
ver; Frank Glatz, Denver; E. D. Van Duyne,
Kansas City; C. W. Waller, Joplin; C. F.
Craig, Omaha; C. H. Atchisson, Kansas City.
theatre staff had left the lobby, where she
had gone to get some popcorn sacks.
Lyle Nolan, owner, was in Pocahontas at
the time of the blaze. He said the building
was insured, but the furnishings and equip-
ment were not.
The fire damaged the south wall of the
H&H grocery. Firemen were unable to check
the flames in the theatre, but managed to
save adjoining buildings.
The blaze was the fourth here in the last
three years. Like the others, the flames fol-
lowed an explosion and the cause was unde-
termined. The other fires destroyed the school
house, an elevator and a furniture store.
John Schnack Week Honor
To Lamed, Kas., Exhibitor
LARNED, KAS.— The mayor of Larned
has proclaimed the week of May 11 John
Schnack week in honor of the owner of the
Electric Theatre here and a veteran of over
45 years in show business.
By way of tribute to this old-time show-
man, the May 8 issue of Tiller and Toiler,
local newspaper, ran special pages of photo-
graphs, a feature story on Schnack’s career,
and several columns of congratulatory ads
from local merchants and friends.
Iowa Site Surveyed
For King Bros. Film
WEBSTER CITY, IOWA— MacKinlay Kan-
tor, author of 19 novels, many of them located
in Iowa, returned here last week to make a
survey of Webster City as a site for the
filming of a story about Iowa. Kantor was
reared in this central Iowa town.
Kantor was accompanied by George Wiles,
director, and several others connected with
King Bros., Hollywood producers.
“We’re anxious to get away from Holly-
wood sets,” commented Wiles, who won an
Academy award with “Transatlantic” in 1932
and has worked on pictures as varied as “The
Reluctant Dragon” and “The Picture of
Dorian Gray.”
FRANK KING IN PARTY
In addition to Wiles and Kantor, the group
here included Iowa theatre men and Gov.
Robert D. Blue; Frank King, one of the pro-
ducers; Paul Ivano, cameraman; Arthur
Gardiner, associated with the producer, and
Herman Webber, production manager.
Housing for at least 80 or 90 persons would
be needed if the picture were filmed here,
Kantor said.
Kantor said he hopes to produce a film
about a boy who couldn’t keep out of trouble,
a delinquency study developed from a short
story he wrote in 1939, titled “Gun Crazy.”
Kantor said he was “sick of seeing an Iowa
farmer depicted as a rube, with straw sticking
out of his ears and saying ‘by cracky’ and ‘by
gum.’ ”
MAY START IN JUNE
In the event that Webster City is selected
as the site, Kantor said filming probably
would start about June 1 and continue
through July.
While here Kantor revealed he is through
writing books for many years to come. “I
wrote a book called ‘Midnight Lace’ which
hasn’t been published yet, and that’s the last
book I intend to write for many years,” he
said.
Kantor is going all-out on picture produc-
tion. He says he either is going to make a
big success of it or a big failure.
He joined up last August with Frank and
Maurice King in King Bros. He said they
are low-cost producers who have been or-
ganized only since 1942 but have made
good thing out of every picture they have
produced.
Kantor doesn’t see why he can’t make good
pictures, too.
“It’s just telling a story, isn’t it?” he asked.
“Gun Crazy” isn’t a gangster yarn, he said.
It's a story about a Missouri-born lad who
goes wrong after coming to Iowa, in spite
of the efforts of the community and the
law enforcement officers.
Park Robuck, Des Moines,
Is Dead of Hemorrhage
DES MOINES — Park S. Robuck, 57, owner
and operator of the Ideal Theatre here, died
of a cerebral hemorrhage May 4 at Iowa
Methodist hospital. Burial was at Knoxville,
Iowa.
Mr. Robuck was born in Attica and was a
Des Moines resident 29 years. His survivors
include his wife, a son Glen of Des Moines, a
sister, Mrs. Frank Sweem of Knoxville, and
one grandchild.
Fred Brinkman, 81, Dies;
Bemidji, Minn., Pioneer
BEMIDJI, MINN. — Fred Brinkman, who
founded this city and at one time operated
three theatres, is dead. He was 81 years old.
80
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Verse on Marriage Wins
Contest on MGM Picture
DES MOINES— Mrs. J. C. Wilkinson has
been awarded a week’s all-expense-paid plane
trip to New York City as winner of the na-
tional contest on “What Would the Perfect
Marriage Consist Of?” The contest was
sponsored by Paramount Pictures and Movie
Story magazine in connection with “The Per-
fect Marriage.” Local sponsors were the Des
Moines Theatre and radio station KSO.
Mrs. Wilkinson will leave with her hus-
band May 16 for their first plane trip and
their second vacation since their marriage 19
years ago.
As an old contest hand, Mrs. Wilkinson
said she had won everything from a bottle
of chocolate milk to a radio and a record
player, but that this trip tops all her earlier
prizes. Mrs. Wilkinson explained she simply
used her own marital experience as the basis
of a verse entered three months ago in the
contest.
She won first local prize of $25 (and still
has some of it left) and the letter was en-
tered in the national contest, which she
won, too.
“Compromise is the basis of our marriage,”
Mrs. Wilkinson declared. “We try to re-
member we are two persons who do and see
things differently and we work on that theory.
Each of us expresses our opinion; then we
think over the question, and each one gives in
a little or admits he was wrong.”
Here is the verse which won Mrs. Wilkin-
son her prize:
The perfect marriage is a blend —
Of love and hate and lots of spunk;
Of patience and cheerfulness,
Of fortitude when all seems sunk."
Give, with good graciousness, and try
To overlook the faults of each.
Don't look for movie glamor
That's fragile as a hot-house peach.
Work side by side and always share
The good, right with the bad.
Mrs. Wilkinson is president of the Wallace
and treasurer of the East high school PTA.
A few months ago her son Bob, 10, won a
Collie pup in an MGM contest on “Why I
Want a Dog.”
Children's Hospital Fund
Passes $3,000 at Omaha
OMAHA — The first report on children's
matinee receipts for the Children’s Me-
morial hospital is in. M. L. Stern, Omaha
Variety Club treasurer and drive chairman,
said so far more than $3,000 has been turned
in.
Despite bad weather 13 matinees in Omaha
gained $1,100 for hospital equipment. Stern
listed these performances as outstanding.
Plattsmouth $160, Alexandria $56, Beemer
$125 and Ainsworth $110. Largest contribu-
tion in Omaha was $164 from the Avenue
Theatre.
Theatre to Be Erected
In Des Moines Suburb
DES MOINES — Permit for construction of
a new theatre in Urbandale, a suburb of Des
Moines, has been granted and work on the
new house will be started immediately, it was
announced here last week. The new building
will be on Douglas avenue, just west of the
Legion hall. Construction of the new theatre
has had the firm backing of several neigh-
borhood groups including the Urbandale Lions
club and Urbandale Citizens.
William Feld of Pittsburgh
Is Midwest Manager for E L
ST. LOUIS — William Feld, who resigned
in Pittsburgh May 9 as Republic manager,
has been named Eagle-Lion district manager
with headquarters here. Field’s territory in-
cludes St. Louis, Kansas City, Des Moines
and Omaha.
Buying Combine Cracks ;
Straying Member Ousted
Lyceum in Minneapolis
To Have Face Lifted
MINNEAPOLIS— Work on a $50,000 re-
modeling program at the Lyceum, local legi-
timate roadshow house which also presents
motion pictures occasionally, will start about
July 1, Leo Murray, manager, announced.
Better seeing and hearing are the aim, he
says. First-floor seats will be elevated and
rearranged and new-type push-back seats
will be installed. Walls will be treated
acoustically.
The theatre’s front also will be given a
face-lifting and downstairs restrooms in-
stalled. It is planned to have the work fin-
ished before the start of the fall season.
Built in 1905, the Lyceum originally had
two balconies. During the 1920s it was re-
modeled as a movie house and the two bal-
conies were made into one. Among the pic-
tures it has played recently are “Henry V,”
“The Outlaw” (current) and Scandinavian
language films.
Fred Thacker Will Open
Grand Junction Theatre
GRAND JUNCTION, IOWA— Fred Thack-
er, veteran Iowa theatre manager, has pur-
chased a building here which he will convert
into Grand Junction’s first modern motion
picture theatre.
The house will be in the Blaylock Bldg.,
which Thacker will remodel to include living
quarters for himself and his family.
Thacker has had 16 years experience in
the theatre business at Titonka, Lake View
and Gilmore City.
C. W. Van Sloun Dies
WAVERLY,, MINN.— C. W. Van Sloun,
owner of the Waverly Theatre, died after a
lengthy illness. He was 55 years old.
MINNEAPOLIS — Local trade circles be-
lieve the recently launched North Central
Allied cooperative buying setup received a
setback with the expulsion of Martin G.
Lebedoff, operator of two de luxe Minneap-
olis neighborhood theatres, from Independ-
ent Theatre Ass’n, nonprofit buying combine
that comprises most leading Twin City thea-
tre owners.
Lebedoff was expelled because he defied
other members and made a deal with Co-
lumbia for “The Jolson Story” for his two
theatres. He acceded to terms which other
members disapproved. “Hy” Chapman, Co-
lumbia branch manager, said it wasn’t a
percentage deal, but nevertheless one that
the company “wanted.”
The rift is considered all the more signi-
ficant because Lebedoff is North Central
Allied secretary. At its recent convention
here, the independent exhibitor body de-
cided on a drive to bring all independent ex-
hibitors into buying combines and then to
try to effect a merger of as many of the
groups as possible in order to create greater
buying power. That power is essential in
the fight to force down film prices and
eliminate percentage, President Bennie Ber-
ger believes.
Before Lebedoff went ahead on his own
and made the deal for “Jolson,” Casper
Chouinard, Independent Theatre Ass’n man-
ager, had threatened suit to force Columbia
to deliver “The Jolson Story” to Lebedoff at
terms which he claimed the company had ac-
cepted. Columbia branch manager Chapman
charged Chouinard with trying to dictate
terms.
Theatre Associates, another of the territory’s
largest and leading non-profit buying com-
bines, comprising nearly all of the leading
independent circuit, has finally capitulated
on “The Jolson Story” after long resistance
to Columbia’s terms. It was decided to buy
the picture on a Friday. Even before the
deal was signed, the Volk Brothers, inde-
pendent circuit owners, dated in the picture
to open at two of their local de luxe houses
the following day.
MEETING AT THE ASTOR — In New York last week to discuss MGM sales policy
with William F. Rogers, vice-president and general sales manager, and other home
office officials, were the following Metro managers and bookers from midwest ex-
changes:
Left to right: Gerald E. McGlynn, Omaha exchange manager; Fred Fejfar, Omaha
booker; Kenneth Weldon, Des Moines booker; Melvin Turner, Minneapolis booker;
Roger Leaton, Kansas City booker; Ralph Maw, district manager with headquarters
in Minneapolis; W. H. “Bob” Workman, Minneapolis manager; Alfred L. Adler, Kan-
sas City manager, and D. C. Kennedy, Des Moines manager.
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
81
DES MOINES
JJarry Hamburg, Paramount manager, won
a $50 prize offered for the best slogan
submitted for the new Paramount drive
which will start in August and run for three
months. Hamburg’s prize-winning slogan is
“Celebrating 35 years of Leadership.’’ Ham-
burg was in Omaha last week attending the
Allied Theatre convention . . . Also at the
convention was Mel Evidon, Columbia’s man-
ager.
Chuck Elder is back at the booking depart-
ment at Paramount after a brief try in the
insurance business. Chuck replaces Bev
Mahon who resigned last week . . . New
typist at Paramount is Betty Blake.
R. D. Graber jr., traveling auditor, was
working at the Monogram exchange last
week. Lou Spector, publicity man for “It
Happened on Fifth Avenue,” Monogram pic-
ture scheduled to open May 15 at the Des
Moines and Roosevelt theatres, was here last
week lining up campaigns.
Mrs. Helen Squire, MGM, was away from
her desk last week caring for her son, Warren,
who has measles . . . Howard Dunn, MGM
salesman, treated half of Filmrow to cokes
and coffee last Monday afternoon, though
it was not an invitational affair, but rather
that Howard was the victim of some schem-
ing associates.
Maxine Bird, MGM, spent last weekend in
Mount Ayr . . . 20th-Fox office employes held
an office party last Saturday morning . . .
Clyde Pratt, back from a sojourn in Florida
Des Moines Theatre Supply Co.
1121 High Street
Des Moines, Iowa
Telephone 3-6520
Jn advance it J tim
es
The new Motiograph MODEL “AA”
" The Golden Anniversary Projector "
and Texas, and his brother Ralph, who has
returned from Jefferson City, Mo., were on
the Row last week booking for their Wash-
ington, Iowa, house . . . Other visitors on the
Row last week included Stuart Peake, Maquo-
keta; Joe Stewart, Mystic, and L. E. Palmer,
Postville.
New stenographer at PRC is Lucra Gazzo
. . . Beverly Miller, PRC division manager,
spent several days here last week. With
him, Miller brought two live alligators and
a display for “Untamed Fury” which will open
late this month at the Garden Theatre . . .
In a preconvention drive contest, the Des
Moines PRC exchange won three out of five
prizes, Mike Lee. manager, announced.
Pat Probst, Universal, was wearing a cor-
sage last Monday in celebration of her birth-
day . . . Doris Wolf and Jane Frye, both of
Universal, are on vacation.
Mark Dersh is a new booker at Columbia
. . . There’s a double local angle to “Stallion
Road” now playing at the Des Moines and
Roosevelt Theatres. In the first place it
stars a former Des Moines man, Ronald
Reagan. And the technical adviser for the
animal phase of the film was Dr. A. Mack
Scott, son of the Joseph A. Scotts of this
city. Scott is a graduate of Iowa State col-
lege and recently opened a veterinary hos-
pital in Hollywood, and he and Reagan were
pals in Des Moines.
Harold Russell, one of the stars of “Best
Years,” was here last Friday night and Sat-
urday. Arriving with two Samuel Goldwyn
representatives, Russell met newspaper and
radio people, but made no public appearance.
. . . Although he is manager of the Des Moines
theatre and sees almost all of the movies
that come here, Harold Lyon has a hard and
fast rule that his 8-year-old daughter, Betsy,
can see only film recommended for chil-
dren by Parents’ magazine. And he never
overrules the magazine’s decisions.
Martin, S. D„ Theatre Sold
MARTIN, S. D. — C. E. Bradshaw has sold
the Martin Theatre here to Otto Einspacher.
The deal was to become effective May 10.
Starring Greer Garson
“As You Desire Me” is the new title for
Paramount’s “Woman of My Own” in which
Greer Garson stars.
COMPLETELY NEW
HORKY’S CAFE
Bigger and Better Than Ever
— Featuring 'Delish' Steaks
1202 High St. Dos Moines. Iowa
'Where Filmrow Friends Gather'
Open Daily at 4 p m
We DECORATE While You ®
OPERATE — No Need to Close Jt
HART THEATRICAL DECORATING CO. %
? 925 - 21 St. - DENVER Ph. Tabor 4962,$
82
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Combines Balk at 'Duel' and ' Years' ;
NCA Protests Prices to Truman
MINNEAPOLIS
prank Mclnerny, Minneapolis Times col-
* umnist and onetime theatre press agent
and manager, died after a long illness . . .
Radio City Theatre follows the successful
Guy Lombardo engagement with another
stage show topped by Frankie Carle’s or-
chestra the week of May 16.
LeRoy J. Miller, Universal manager, says
no successor has been named yet for Fred
Abelson, city salesman, who resigned to re-
main in Los Angeles. Fred’s brother Bob,
who used to be RKO city salesman here and
before that was a member of the local
Paramount sales staff, is now Film Classics
district manager in Los Angeles.
Among the Northwest Variety Club mem-
bers making the trek to the Variety conven-
tion in Los Angeles are Johnny Branton,
chief barker; Abe Kaplan, Sidney Volk, Sol
Torodor and Bill Levy.
The Sioux Falls, S. D., branch is current-
ly first in the RKO Ned Depinet sales drive,
now in its 17th week . . . Calvin Leader,
Warner home office booking secretary, was
a visitor . . . Harry Mandell, Eagle-Lion dis-
trict manager, was in town for conferences
with Abbott Swartz. Main topic of discus-
sion was doubtless E-L’s latest boxoffice
hits, “The Adventuress” and “Lost Honey-
moon.”
J. J. Donahue and Allen Usher, Paramount
division and district managers, respectively,
visited Ben Blotcky, local branch manager
. . . Glen Wood, Universal head booker, is
in Los Angeles to participate in the NBC
bowling tournament. His friends here are
confident he'll cop a prize . . . Out-of-town
exhibitors visiting Filmrow included Lauren
Lang, Grand Marais, Minn.; Leo Allender,
Northolm, Minn., and Floyd Perkins, Mora,
Minn. . . . Additions to the MGM office staff
include Jane Gauger and Dolores Sarell.
The Orpheum last week interrupted its film
policy to play Sigmund Romberg and his
orchestra for the fourth time. At $3.60 top,
Romberg again drew practically capacity both
nights.
Mayor H. Humphrey is trying to get 21
persons to donate $100 apiece for six nights’
rental of the municipal auditorium so that
the Minneapolis Symphony orchestra can
give six free concerts. The concerts are made
possible through allocation of $17,000 by the
AFL American Federation of Musicians Ass’n
from a fund for free concerts for the public.
The city council, however, insists that rent
be paid for use of the auditorium.
Omaha Filmrow Property
Nearer Condemnation
OMAHA — Land that includes two film
businesses and lies in the path of Filmrow
expansion west was nearer to condemnation
this week. The Omaha improvement com-
mission approved a site for the city audi-
torium approved earlier by the auditorium
commission. The city council now will be
asked to condemn the property on which
stand buildings of the Ballantyne Co. and
Paramount Pictures.
New Theatre for Audubon
AUDUBON, IOWA— A building formerly
occupied by Wagner’s variety store is being-
remodeled here and will be opened shortly
as the Isis Theatre. Owner of the building
which will house the new theatre is F. R.
Thomson who also owns the Rose Theatre
here.
MINNEAPOLIS — Two of the territory’s
largest buying combines, Independent Thea-
tre Ass’n and Theatre Associates, are on
“strike” against “The Best Years of Our
Lives” and “Duel in the Sun” because of the
percentage demands for these pictures. The
combines include most of the important
Twin city neighborhood houses and many of
the principal out-of-town independent situa-
tions.
The strike is in the face of the fact that
"Best Years,” in its Twin City first runs,
is now breaking boxoffice records. It’s in its
eighth week here and third in St. Paul.
In a letter to President Truman over the
signature of its head, Bennie Berger, North
Central Allied has asked for intercession to
eliminate the demands upon exhibitors for
increased admission prices for “Duel in the
Sun” and “Best Years of Our Lives.” It asks
the nation’s chief executive to urge David
Selznick and Samuel Goldwyn to “stop their
unfair demands.”
The letter brands the demands “cruel and
unpatriotic” and calls them “a slap” at the
President’s recent plea for price reductions.
It also mentions the film companies’ “un-
precedented earnings.”
“Our organization is vehemently opposed
to showing the above-named pictures at ad-
vanced admission prices, but we are help-
less,” said the letter. “Therefore, we would
welcome your intercession to urge the pro-
ducers to put a stop to their unfair demands.
If these companies are allowed to get away
with this ridiculous policy the rest of the
film companies will undoubtedly follow suit.”
In conclusion the “hope” is expressed that
the President will see fit to act “immediately.”
One of the buying combines, the Independ-
ent Theatre Ass’n, also is balking at “The
Jolson Story,” which has been chalking up
sensationally big grosses in the Twin cities
and in other spots throughout the territory.
A 35 per cent demand and other conditions
are stumbling blocks as far as “The Jolson
Story” is concerned. The asking price for
“Best Years” is 70 per cent.
"Duel in the Sun” will not be released in
this territory until next month, but it is being
sold now at 60 per cent. The combines have
declared they will not buy it at that price.
The Minnesota Amusement Co. and a large
number of independent exhibitors, not mem-
bers of a buying combine, have made deals
for all three pictures.
In Minneapolis and St. Paul, independent
exhibitors who have played “The Jolson
Story,” the only one of the three pictures
that has been available for them, have
cleaned up at the boxoffice. In every situa-
tion here, as well as out of town, it has done
top business.
Raymond Johnson Opens
Theatre in Nebraska
REPUBLICAN CITY, NEB. — Raymond
Johnson, who used to mdnage the Strand
Theatre at Hastings, was to open the Garden
Theatre here Thursday. He fixed up an
auditorium that will have a seating capacity
of about 300.
Bill Evidon to Coast
MINNEAPOLIS — Bill Evidon, Columbia
city salesman, has been promoted to Los
Angeles assistant branch manager. Sid Lax,
office manager, advances to the sales staff to
replace him. Bill Woods, formerly with Para-
mount and more recently an exhibitor at Lee
Center, Minn., has been named the new
office manager.
A1 Denebeim PRC Huckster
OMAHA — Alvin Denebeim is the new PRC
salesman having the northern territory out
of this city. Denebeim' has spent the last
two weeks in Kansas City learning the ropes
under the direction of Gene Snitz, city sales-
man there, and A1 Lies, southern Missouri
and southeast Kansas huckster.
Mthen there are so many reasons
why it pays to own a " Manley "
CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO HAVE ONE?
THE MIGHTY 1947
MANLEY POPCOBH MACHINE
&
See it today
A. T. ROWE
DIVISION MANAGER
1920 Wyandotte, Phone: HArrison 6155, Kansas City, Mo.
1611 Davenport, Omaha, Neb. — 3138 Olive, St. Louis, Mo.
812-824 Mulberry St„ Des Moines, Iowa.
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
83
OMAHA
Cummer seemed almost here Sunday with
the RKO-Brandeis turning on its air
conditioning for the first time. The next day
the heating system was back in use . . . Har-
old Russell, Oscar winner in “The Best Years
of Our Lives” was to be in town Thursday
to attend several civic meetings.
Exhibitors in town were too numerous to
mention with the big Nebraska-Iowa meet-
ing on. But Dale Goldie, Cherokee, visited
the city for the first time in three years —
and it wasn’t because of the AITO conven-
tion . . . Oscar Hanson, not to be outdone
by his brother, also flashed out in a new suit.
Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Johnson jr. of Minneap-
olis, son and daughter-in-law of the Universal
branch manager, spent the weekend in the
city. Julie Marie, their daughter, accom-
panied them . . . Will Singer, RKO-Brandeis
manager, was in Chicago . . . Inez Miller,
Universal inspector is vacationing . . . MGM’s
new stenographer is Anita Bruno . . . War-
ner Bros, has two employes out. Ruth Kruger
is seriously ill and Dorothy Paulsen went to
the hospital for an appendectomy.
E. Heiber arrived in time for the conven-
tion . . . Mary Leary called an offside on us
on hockey names. It’s Blinky, not Winkie,
Boyce she is to marry. There is a Winkie on
the team, Winkie Smith, but he’s already
across the blue line.
While Jean Usher, RKO-Brandeis cashier,
vacations at home a former cashier, Dorothy
Swisher, pinch-hits . . . Another former cash-
ier, Ruth Matejka, gave birth to a girl April
29, named Linda. Frank Pavelec, projec-
tionist at the theatre, also is on vacation.
Henry Monsky, National B’nai B’rith presi-
dent since 1938 who died in New York, is a
brother of Universal salesman Phil Monsky
here and Mayer Monsky, branch manager at
Denver . . . Children were polled in the local
press on their recreation needs in the city.
Among the long lists of sports one vote stood
out by a youngster who asked: “How about
a theatre for boys and girls only?”
The Ballantyne Co. is one of 66 firms ex-
porting in the Omaha area. It sends so mid
and projection equipment all over the world.
Ted Emerson, Tri-States publicity chief
here, and Rollin K. Stonebrook, Orpheum
manager, popped into the World-Herald of-
fice with a surprise this week. On each desk
was laid an egg advertising “The Egg and
I” . . . The kicker was that the eggs were still
warm — from boiling, that is. Emerson was
asked why he served hard boiled eggs. “That’s
in case you decide to throw them at us,” he
explained retreating . . . Stonebrook also has
a lobby display of live hens at the Orpheum
that attracts the young and old.
The mother of Mona Hanson, Universal
booker’s secretary, died in Fremont.
Kiddies Treated to Shows
For Cleaning Up Town
MANKATO, MINN— The State and Grand
theatres here held free “Clean Up week”
theatre parties for kiddies who helped to tidy
up the town. More than 1,500 youngsters
were the theatres’ guests.
Elk Theatre Improved
ELKTON, S. D. — M. Roggeman, owner of
the Elk Theatre, has completed improve-
ments which include new painting and reno-
vating, new marquee lights, addition of a
center door and 120 new seats.
William H. Hardman Dies;
Frankfort Kas., Veteran
FRANKFORT, KAS.— William H. Hard-
man, for many years owner of the local Royal
Theatre, died here last
week. His daughter
and son-in-law will
continue to operate
the theatre under the
policy set up by Hard-
man.
Beginning his career
here in 1917, William
Hardman took over an
airdome theatre which
at first he planned to
operate for only one
summer. However, the
business experience
w. h. HARDMAN during that time
proved so interesting that he decided to con-
tinue in show business with a permanent
motion picture house. His many years as
operator of the Royal was the result of this
decision.
A booster of KMTA, a member of the local
Rotary club and a Mason, Hardman leaves
his wife, daughter Marjorie and son Bill jr.,
who is RCA service manager in New York
City.
Max Torodor Sells Ritz,
Mill City Neighborhood
MINNEAPOLIS— The first sale of a de
luxe independent neighborhood theatre here
in many years transfers ownership of the
750-seat Ritz from Max Torodor to two rela-
tives, Elmer Meyers and Sol Fischer, at a
reported price of $135,000.
Starting as an exhibitor here 30 years ago
on the proverbial shoestring, Torodor has
had the Ritz Theatre for 24 years. He is re-
tiring and moving to California.
Fischer, one of the new proprietors, and his
father own two other Minneapolis neighbor-
hood theatres.
newspaperman to Independent
Vance King, newspaperman, has been
signed as story editor by Independent.
KANSAS CITY SRO CHIEF— R. R.
“Tommy” Thompson, who has been ap-
pointed sales manager for Selznick Re-
leasing Organization, has opened offices
in the R. A. Long Bldg, in Kansas City.
Thompson previously was with Universal
for 14 years.
Missourians Propose
School Tax Measure
JEFFERSON CITY — A bill permitting
school districts in Kansas City to levy sales
taxes on all retail sales, including theatre
tickets, has been introduced in the Missouri
senate by Senators Frank Lee Wilkinson and
Edgar J. Keating of Kansas City. The bill
is in the hands of the ways and means com-
mittee and while its wording does not men-
tion Kansas City, it restricts its action to
school districts located in a city having a
population of 200,000 and not more than
700,000. Kansas City is the only city in that
classification.
The decision to levy a sales tax and the
amount of tax (not to be more than 1 per
cent) shall be in the hands of the school
board, which then must submit the propo-
sition to the voters of the school district. The
tax is imposed on every retail sale within
the school district except sales to the state,
and feed for livestock and poultry.
Every person affected is required to make
a return and remit the collected taxes to
the school district under penalty of a $1,000
fine and any individual who refuses to pay
the tax when making a retail purchase may
be fined $1,000 for each offense.
The school district and its employes are
empowered to seize and examine any re-
tailer’s books, papers and records, including
federal and state tax returns, in order to
verify tax statements.
Full power is vested in the board of di-
rectors of the school district, which is not
only empowered to prescribe and enforce rules
and compute the tax, but has full power over
re-examinations and corrections of returns
and final say on under- and over-payment
claims.
Apparently under the provisions of the act
the sales tax will run forever or until the
board of directors decides to abandon the
tax. If it does that, it must then resubmit
a new tax proposal to the voters of the school
district.
M. B. Presley Reseats
HUNTSVILLE, ARK.— M. B. “Pop” Presley
has received the final shipment of chairs for
the current reseating project under way at
his Madison Theatre here. Presley and his
son Bill, who manages his house in Savannah.
Mo., recently returned from a hunting trip in
the state.
Gets Missouri Charter
JEFFERSON CITY, MO.— The Dickinson
Operating Co., Inc., Mission, Kas., has been
authorized to operate motion picture theatres
in Missouri as a foreign or out-of-state cor-
poration. Rolfe H. Starrett, Kansas City, was
designated as the principal Missouri agent
for the company.
'Years' at Grand Island
GRAND ISLAND, NEB.— “The Best Years
of Our Lives” will show at the Grand Thea-
tre for a week. Samuel Goldwyn has leased
the theatre from the Tri- States Theatres
Corp. for the showing, Wally Kemp, city
manager, said.
Tieup on Marbles Contest
PIERRE, S. D— A citywide marble tourna-
ment is being sponsored by the State and
Grand theatres here in~cooperation with the
city recreation supervisor, Wayne Parker.
The theatres are managed by Ken Peters.
84
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Newspaper Agitates
For Teen-Age Price
De Luxe Colored Theatre
Opens in Detroit Suburb
DETROIT — Establishment of a special
price scale for teen-agers is advocated as
the result of a poll of readers taken by the
East Side Shopper, Detroit community news-
paper. Arguments of readers as quoted were
unanimously in favor of some modification
in the present price structure. The only rep-
resentative of the teen-age group was quoted
as saying he was satisfied with paying the
full scale for evening shows. His position
was that Saturday matinees should be of-
fered to teens at the same price as to
younger children.
General feeling of theatre patrons quoted
was that a price around 25 cents was about
right. Objection was taken to the 70-cent
price on the ground that the youngsters
could not afford this from their own earn-
ings and that, at the same time, their fam-
ilies could not give them this much amuse-
ment spending money. One mother rem-
inisced about being able to pay a dime for
an afternoon show at one time, constrasting
it with present price scales.
Idea of a special price scale for adolescents
was advocated by one circuit here some years
ago, but ran into serious opposition on sev-
eral points and was abandoned.
Goodwin Sable Elevated
To Dayton City Manager
DAYTON — Goodwin Sable, Keith’s Thea-
tre manager, has been appointed city man-
ager of all three RKO theatres in Dayton.
He succeeds William A. Clark, who left Day-
ton last June to become assistant division
manager of RKO at Cincinnati. Sable is to
continue as manager of Keith’s in addition
to his new duties. He became associated with
Dayton theatres in 1934 as assistant manager
of the old Strand, an RKO affiliate, and
since has been manager of the State and
Colonial theatres.
William Scott, Pittsburgh
Veteran, Resigns UA Job
PITTSBURGH — William Scott, one of
Filmrow’s veteran and respected sales rep-
resentatives, who has been a fixture here for
a quarter of a century, has resigned sales
duties with United Artists after more than
23 years with this company. Bill says he is
entitled to a vacation and after resting at
his home for a month or so he plans to spend
some time in Florida. His resignation was
a surprise to most Filmrowites.
Nick Condello Is Winner
Of Chakeres Competition
LONDON, OHIO— Nick F. Condello, man-
ager of the Chakeres State Theatre here, has
been advised that he is the winner of the
circuitwide “Margie” contest in which 40
Chakeres theatres in Ohio and Kentucky
participated. The contest was based on the
amount of business done over that on “State
Fair,” and in advertising and exploiting the
picture. The prize is a $100 suit of clothing.
Blatts Give Away Fords
PITTSBURGH— Blatt Bros. Theatres will
award a sixth Ford automobile during the
week of May 20. Winners to date have been
from five different towns in which the cir-
cuit operates. The car giveaway substitutes
for game night throughout the circuit.
Strikes Put Suburbs
Out of This World !
Pittsburgh — Mathilda Kiel, AMPTO as-
sistant secretary who resides in Brent-
wood, was ready to come into the office,
but there was no bus service because of
a strike. She might have telephoned for
a taxi, except that manually operated
phones are crippled — because of a strike.
Even if she could have made her call, it
wouldn’t have done her any good.
The cab drivers were on strike.
Max Milbauer to Build
Dayton's Sixth Drive-In
DAYTON — A 600-car drive-in theatre, the
sixth in Dayton, will be constructed here by
Max Milbauer. It will have RCA equipment.
The Miami Cruise-In Theatre in nearby
Miamisburg has installed the new DeVry
in-a-car speakers. The Leesburg Theatre,
Leesburg, Ohio, has installed new Strong
lamps. The installations were made by Shel-
don Theatre Supply.
Abe Ludacer to Succeed
Teschner at Valentine
CLEVELAND — Abe Ludacer, manager of
Loew’s Park Theatre, has been transferred
to Loew’s Valentine, Toledo. He succeeds Ted
Teschner, resigned.
Ovid Theatre Is Sold
OVID, MICH. — The Ovid Theatre, operated
for the past eight years by Mr. and Mrs. Paul
Meder, has been sold to Mr. and Mrs. Edwin
Van Sickle of Pottersville, Mich. Edgar
Fremody, nephew of the Van Sickles, will be
in charge.
DETROIT — The Duke Theatre, 1,400-seat
house designed for Detroit’s colored patron-
age in the north end was opened Friday (2)
by the Wisper & Wetsman circuit in a gala
premiere that drew wide attention both in
the special community the house will serve
and in the film industry. House is located
at Eight Mile and Wyoming roads in Royal
Oak township, just across the street from
the Detroit city limits.
Saul Korman, operator of an independent
circuit in Detroit, Cleveland and Miami, also
has an interest in the new Duke. House will
be operated by the W&W circuit.
The building is of modernistic cinder block
construction, built on a de luxe scale. Total
cost of construction was estimated at close
to $300,000 at today’s scale of construction
costs. The building is one-story, and con-
tains space for one store in addition to the
theatre.
Charles N. Agree of the Modern Theatre
advisory board was architect. Simplex dual
sound and model E7 projectors, Peerless
Magnarc lamps, and Hertner transverter were
supplied by National Theatre Supply Co.;
drapes by Mork-Green studios; marquee and
sign by Long Sign Co.; chairs by American
Seating Co.
The house will be managed by Chester
Owens, a newcomer to show business, with
William Napier, formerly of the East Side
Drive-In, as projectionist.
Representing the operating circuit at the
opening were Frank Wetsman, Lew Wisper,
Saul Korman, Bill Kaplan, Daniel J. Lewis,
Victor Dodge, John Martin, Harry Clark and
Henry Koppin. Mrs. Wetsman, Mrs. Lewis,
and Lew Wisper’s parents and other mem-
bers of his family attended.
Among industry figures attending were
Alex Schreiber, Associated circuit general
manager; William Hurlbut, Monogram fran-
chise holder; Joseph J. Lee, 20th-Fox man-
ager; Jay Conover, 20th Fox salesman;
Edward Long, Long Sign Co., and Charles
N. Agree, architect.
CLEVELAND’S NO. 1 FILM FAMILY — Cleveland’s outstanding theatre family,
the Lefkowich -Greenberger clan of the Community circuit, poses with Harold Russell,
the handless Academy award winner in “The Best Years of Our Lives,” at the recent
Variety Club luncheon there, at which the Cleveland Variety launched its new project
supporting the police department’s Paradise Valley boys camp. Russell was the honor
guest at the luncheon, attended by more than 100 barkers and friends. Left to right:
Max Lefkowich, Henry Greenberger, Russell, Harold Greenberger, Leonard Green-
berger, Leo Greenberger and Bert Lefkowich. Max and Henry head the Community
circuit.
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
ME
85
Zanesville Will Welcome Local Boy
At 'Repeat Performance Premiere
ZANESVILLE, OHIO— Richard Basehart,
local boy who plays a featured role in “Re-
peat Performance,” an Eagle-Lion produc-
tion, will be the center of attention when the
film is given its world premiere at the Lib-
erty Theatre here May 22.
Working on the “welcome home” commit-
tee to honor the local boy who made good
are John Woodward, city manager for the
Shea chain of Zanesville houses, William
Corry, secretary of the Chamber of Com-
merce, and other industrial leaders.
Plans call for a typical Hollywood pre-
miere with klieg lights, speeches, a parade
and a series of social events. George Bennett,
Eagle-Lion field representative working un-
der Max Youngstein and Arthur Jeffrey, is
in charge of the publicity campaign.
FIRST HIT IN HASTY HEART’
Basehart was born in Zanesville 27 years
ago and attended St. Thomas high school
here. While a student he had a paper route,
delivering the Zanesville Times-Signal. After
graduating from high school he went to work
for the Times-Signal as a reporter. An in-
terest in dramatics led him to radio station
WHIZ, where he worked as an announcer.
Following the dramatic urge further, he be-
came an actor. His first hit was in “The
Hasty Heart,” which won mention in Life
magazine. It was his work in this play which
won him a screen contract.
Eagle-Lion has arranged extensive cover-
age of the opening by radio commentators,
syndicate representatives, feature and trade
press writers and syndicated columnists. The
group of New York correspondents covering
the opening will be flown to Zanesville from
LaGuardia field May 21 on an American Air-
lines DC3 plane, christened “Repeat Per-
formance.”
Zanesville and Ohio civic officials have set
the opening as the highlight of a statewide
celebration commemorating the 150th anni-
versary of the founding of the city.
E-L PUBLICISTS TO BE THERE
Members of the E-L publicity department
scheduled to direct the press include Patrece
Snyder, radio publicity manager; Marie Slate,
syndicate contact, and Jack Alicoate, trade
paper contact.
Radio coverage will be supplied by Maggi
McNellis, Bill Leonard and Delores Craig in
addition to local commentators. Syndicate
coverage will be handled by Inez Gerhardt,
Jay Breen, Douglas Anderson, Louis Messo-
longhitis and Dick Connors. Columnists pres-
ent at the opening will include Earl Wilson,
Robert C. Ruark, Betty Etter of Movie Life
magazine.
In addition to Hollywood personalities
scheduled to attend the opening Col. Philip
Cochran, inspiration for the “Terry and the
Pirates” comic strip character, Flip Corkin,
will be present.
Free U-I Records
CLEVELAND— U-I offers a record service
to schools, clubs and musical organizations in
connection with “Song of Scheherazade,”
currently showing at the Allen. Records of
three of the leading Rimski-Korsakoff num-
bers used in this story of the life of the
famous Russian composer, are available to
these groups free of charge, namely, “Flight
of the Bumble Bee,” “Song of India” and
“Scheherazade.” The songs are sung by the
Metropolitan opera star, Charles Kullman.
For exhibitor tieups U-I also has a radio
transcription of the three musical numbers.
Write to the advertising department, Uni-
versal-International Pictures, 1250 Sixth Ave.,
New York, for the records and transcriptions.
CAR FOR A SONG— Bing Crosby
created a stir in Detroit’s film and radio
circles when he came to town to sing at
the silver wedding anniversary of radio-
man G. A. Richards, right. While here,
he was presented a new Cadillac con-
vertible by Richards. Photo shows Harry
Wismer, newsreel and short subjects
special commentator, who is also assistant
to Richards, presenting the keys to Bing.
KMPC, Los Angeles, in which Crosby is
a stockholder, is one of the three Richards
stations, the others being WJR, Detroit,
and WGAR, Cleveland.
Pittsburgh Variety Tent
To Hold Tourney June 16
PITTSBURGH— Variety Club’s annual golf
tournament has been set for noon Monday,
June 16, at the Chartiers Heights Country
club. The event will be stag. Committee in-
cludes Tom Birks and Art Levy, co-chairmen;
Jules Green, prize chairman; Max Shulgold,
ticket chairman, and Art Morrone. Golf
and dinner tickets are $7.50. For those at-
tending the dinner only the fee will be $5.
TOLEDO
Ted Teschner, who recently resigned as man-
ager of Loew’s Valentine Theatre here,
has many friends who are wishing him luck
in the sign advertising business, which he
plans to enter shortly. Teschner has been
with Loew’s for 17 years and in Cleveland
since August 1942.
Milt Tarloff, promoter of the Toledo Sports
and Home show, came back to town recently
after a month in Daytona Beach, Fla. Tarloff
is the Toledo Variety Club’s delegate to the
national convention in Los Angeles and left
for the coast last week.
Joe E. Brown, star of stage and screen,
visited his mother here recently after appear-
ing in a benefit at Lima. Brown is a native
of Toledo . . . Ted Malone will do his network
broadcast from Grinnel Bros, music store
here at noon May 14.
A self-appointed advance agent for the
Sparks circus, who has cashed worthless
checks in Toledo for more than $200, was
being sought by police. Howard Ahrhart,
circus advertising director, said the check-
passer has been operating for several weeks.
Detroit Is Disturbed
By Business Slump
DETROIT — A continued slump in show
business since the Easter week spurt has
begun to worry exhibitors here. The drop-
off is evident in the big first run houses,
where even top attractions have been draw-
ing less than anticipated. Weather, with
multiple rain storms, has had something
to do with it, but the trend appears more
pronounced than a mere result of weather.
Detail for the week ending May 8:
(Average is 100)
Adams— Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (RKO);
The Locket (RKO) HO
B'way Capitol — Web of Danger (Rep);
Trail Street (RKO), 2nd wk 85
Cinema — Children of Paradise (Tricolor Films) .. .115
Downtown — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
4th wk. 140
Fox — The Egg and I (U-I), 4th wk 100
Michigan — Beat the Band (RKO); Pursued
(WB), 2nd wk 80
Palms-State — Winter Wonderland (Rep);
The Imperfect Lady (Para) 90
United Artists — The Macomber Affair (UA);
The Devil Thumbs a Ride (RKO), 3rd wk 95
'Yearling' Gathers Momentum
In Third Week at Cleveland
CLEVELAND — “The Yearling” gathered
momentum in its third week on a moveover,
coming through with 120 per cent in a week
when business generally was only fair. “The
Best Years of Our Lives,” in a dual engage-
ment at the Lower Mall and University thea-
tres, is holding up well in its fourth week
at advanced prices. The double feature re-
issue of “The Sea Hawk” and “The Sea
Wolf” pleased the Hippodrome customers
no end. Business, which has been slow at the
Hip during the past several weeks, took a
good spurt upward, resulting in besting the
house average by five per cent. The pro-
gram moved to the Lake for some more of
the same kind of business.
Allen — Song of Scheherazade (U-I) 110
Hippodrome — The Sea Wolf (WB); The Sea
Hawk (WB), reissues 105
Lake — Stallion Road (WB), 2nd d t. wk 90
Lower Mall — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 4th wk 125
Ohio — The Red House (UA), 2nd d. t. wk 85
Palace — Michigan Kid (U-I); stage show 100
State — The Sea of Grass (MGM) 90
Stillman — The Yearling (MGM), 3rd d t. wk 120
University — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 4th wk 135
Rains Cut Cincinnati Grosses;
Cavallaro, 'Egg' in Top Spots
CINCINNATI — The Carmen Cavallaro
show at the Albee rang the bell at the 220
mark. At Keith’s, “The Egg and I” hit 200 —
marking the two bright spots in an other-
wise dull week. Trouble was the unseasonable
weather, with almost daily downpours of
rain. “The Best Years of Our Lives” com-
pleted its downtown Cincinnati run after
seven weeks. “It Happened on Fifth Ave-
nue” was moved over from the Palace to
Shubert’s.
Albee— The Brasher Doubloon (20th-Fox),
plus Carmen Cavallaro on stage 220
Capitol — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
7th wk ....110
Grand — Boomerang (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 100
Keith's — The Egg and I (U-I), 4th wk 200
Lyric — Meet John Doe (WB), reissue;
Blondie's Holiday (Col) 80
Palace — It Happened on Fifth Avenue (Mono) 100
Shubert — Trail Street (RKO), 2nd d. t. wk 90
Grosses Down in Pittsburgh;
'Best Years' Still Leading /
PITTSBURGH — Grosses continued de-
pressed with six holdovers and two new of-
ferings on view.
Art Cinema — Henry V (UA), 7th wk Good
Fulton — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
7th wk. 125
Harris — Song of Scheherazade (U-I) 100
Penn- — The Macomber Affair (UA) 85
Ritz — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM),
2nd d. t. wk 80
Senator — Tohnny O'Clock (Col), 2nd d. t. wk 115
Stanley — Stallion Road (WB), 2nd wk 50
Warner — The Locket (RKO), 2nd wk 80
86
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Academy Launches
Columbus Esquire
COLUMBUS — The 1,000-seat Esquire,
eighth in the Academy circuit, was opened
last week with a showing of “A Night in Casa-
blanca” and “The Thirteenth Hour.” Cur-
rently the Esquire is one of five local Academy
houses playing a week’s first run engagement
of “Stairway to Heaven.”
The Esquire, located in the exclusive Bex-
ley-Eastmoor suburban area, is the only the-
atre on East Broad street east of the down-
town area. Built by the F&Y Building Serv-
ice, the Esquire is ultramodern in design. It
is constructed of buff brick and Columbus-
quarried limestone, which harmonizes with
the prevailing architecture of homes in its
vicinity. Trim is of terra cotta in powder
blue and wine.
Its auditorium has Kroehler pushback seats.
The curtain is of spun glass in hues of gold,
silver and mulberry. The walls are covered
in fireproof spun glass and are indirectly
lighted by baroque ornaments of cast plaster.
The theatre is air conditioned throughout
and has the latest in sound and projection
equipment.
The house opens at 6:45 p. m. daily and
at 1 p. m. on Sunday. Robert Little has
been named manager. The Esquire and the
Academy-owned University, which was
opened several weeks ago, are the only two
new houses to be opened here since the end
of the war.
Republic Names Sweeney
Pittsburgh Branch Head
PITTSBURGH — Irwin “Ike” Sweeney, vet-
eran film sales representative, has been
named manager for Republic here, according
to Sam Seplowin, district manager. Sweeney
succeeds William Feld, who has resigned to
accept a district sales post with another
company in the midwest.
Ike Sweeney has been a Filmrowite for 28
years and is “one of the boys.” He started
with the old Educational exchange. After
ten years there he joined the former Lew
Lefton office of Monarch Pictures and later
was in the theatre premium business for
several years with Aaron Wayne, now with
Paramount in Cleveland. Identified in re-
cent years with RKO as city salesman, he
was one of the company’s outstanding rep-
resentatives.
Seplowin was here two weeks in connection
with the branch head transfer. Floyd Kling-
ensmith, city salesman for Republic, and
Seplowin are assisting Sweeney in lining up
his new duties. RKO will announce a suc-
cessor to Sweeney at a later date.
Harry Burnstein Pilots
Penn in Ambridge, Pa.
AMBRIDGE, PA. — New manager of the
Penn here is Harry Burnstein, formerly with
Warner Bros. Theatres. He is not to be con-
fused with the Columbia exploitation repre-
sentative of the same name who headquar-
ters in Pittsburgh.
Burnstein succeeds Frank Austin, resigned,
who withdrew from theatre duties to rebuild
his health.
Henry Friedman, who operates the Penn
with his brother-in-law, Harry Norman Ball,
has negotiated product with at least five
major film distributors on auction bidding
basis. Prior to securing the first such
license, the theatre had been closed for
more than two years as the result of first
run tieups in Ambridge. The Penn owners
lost a federal court civic suit to obtain first
run product. At this writing the Penn is
exhibiting “The Best Years of Our Lives”
at increased admission prices.
CLEVELAND
T S. Jossey of Hygienic Productions reports
that his picture “Mom and Dad” is all set
for a tour of Alaska. The film will open
June 9 at Ketchikan and be followed by en-
gagements in other cities of Alaska. Charles
Deckman leaves May 14 as advance man for
the company, which is to follow him. Jossey
expects to join them later in the summer.
J. V. O’Gara, Republic central division sales
manager, and Sam Seplowin, district man-
ager, spent several days here last week in
conference with local branch manager Nor-
man Levin . . . Nat Levy, RKO eastern di-
vision sales manager, who seldom includes
Cleveland in his itinerary, conferred here
last week with district manager Milton Cohen
and branch manager Harry Walders on new
product policies.
Mrs. Hoy Russell of the Russell Theatre,
Millersburg, made her first tour of the ex-
changes following her recent operation. Mrs.
Russell has turned over the active manage-
ment of the theatre to her son Blair.
change rounds during the past week . . . Tony
Stern, Warner film buyer, and Marvin Sam-
uelson, booker, combined business with
pleasure during their trip to the southern
part of the state last week. The business end
of the trip was completed on Friday, just in
time to get to Louisville for the Derby.
A. M. Goodman, United Artists branch
manager, was away from his office last week
trying to get rid of a bad cold . . . Grover C.
Schaefer, SRO district manager, visited here
with Claude Morris. They were here to plan
the opening of “Duel in the Sun” at Loew’s
Stillman. The date is contingent upon the
censor board’s passing of the picture.
Dave Stern of U-I was in town laying the
foundations for several publicity campaigns
. . . “The Jolson Story” goes merrily on its
way chalking up new records. It was held
a second week at the Alhambra Theatre . . .
Nate Schultz, Monogram franchise owner,
will be moving next month into his new
home on Shaker boulevard.
The Sunbeam Theatre on Kinsman road
has been renamed the King by the new
owner, Saul Korman of Detroit. Oldtimers
will remember another King Theatre here.
It was located on East 79th street. Bert
Erlanger owned it and Joe Leavitt was both
manager and projectionist.
Those who happened to drop into Harry
Schreiber's office one day last week were
lucky enough to get a piece of the RKO
Theatres division manager’s birthday cake
. . . Mrs. A1 Kolitz is back from a visit with
her husband, now RKO Rocky mountain dis-
trict manager in Denver. She and the family
will join him permanently when living quar-
ters are available.
With the dismantling of the Star Theatre
in East Liverpool, the town no longer has
a neighborhood theatre. The Ceramic, Ameri-
can and Columbia are all downtown houses.
The building which housed the Star has been
acquired by the Salvation Army.
Variety Club may have a permanent home
by the time you read this. Negotiations are
under way for the purchase of a three-story
former mansion located on lower Euclid ave-
nue. If the deal goes through the local
Variety Club’s wandering days are over. In
the past the club has rented rooms in the
Statler, Hollenden and Carter hotels. Now
the club, revitalized by the enthusiasm of
Chief Barker Harry Schreiber, has the pros-
pect of settling down in a place of its own
. . . Warners’ Uptown Theatres has just
emerged from a complete job of redecoration.
Ernest Schwartz, president of the Cleveland
Motion Picture Exhibitors Ass’n, attended
the theatre tax hearing in Columbus last
week with Henry Greenberger, John D. Kala-
fat, Warner Ohio Zone Manager Nat Wolf,
and J. Knox Strachan, publicity director for
Warner Theatres. Theatre men are opposed
to repeal of the 3 per cent state amusement
tax, preferring it to the proposed bill to let
each city set its own amusement tax.
A. G. Constant, theatre circuit owner, and
George Delis, general manager, made the ex-
OLIVER THEATRE
SUPPLY CO., INC.
M. H. FRITCHLE
Manager
23rd and Payne Avenue
Phone: PRospect 6934
CLEVELAND
Associated circuit’s Port Clinton Theatre,
Port Clinton, is nearing completion. A late
May opening is planned . . . Ilene Sophos,
Republic receptionist, has moved over to
Paramount . . . Shirley Betz, biller, has re-
signed, leaving no forwarding address . . .
Gilbert Lefton of Academy Film Service,
Bernard W. Payne jr., of Visual Communi-
cations, Inc.,, and Mrs. Payne attended the
fourth annual meeting of the Film Library
Ass’n in Columbus last week . . . Howard
Roth, Paramount booker, left for a vaca-
tion in Texas.
Ticket Scalpers Checked
HARRISBURG — Ticket scalping for both
athletic events and shows will be virtually
prohibited under terms of a bill signed by
Gov. James Duff. This law provides for li-
censing of ticket brokers and directs that no
ticket shall be resold for more than one half
the original price or $1, whichever is less,
plus lawful taxes.
Directs Big Town Series
Paramount’s “Big Town Scandal” is on the
directional slate of William Thomas, along
with “Big Town After Dark.”
A NEW SERVICE ....
35MM — 16MM
FILMS CLEANED AND PROCESSED
Prompt Guaranteed Service
Visual Communications, Inc.
308 Film Bldg. Phone: MAin 6247
Cleveland, Ohio
FREE!
Give your patrons
Wear-Ever Pressure Cookers and All Metal Shop-
ping Carts worth $287.50. Write lor details.
Coulter
Theatre Films
Theatre
Dinnerware
403 Film Bldg.
Cleveland 14, Ohio
Games
ATTENTION 16mm roadshow operators! We
have New, Exclusive, Unrestricted 16mm
Features for your Circuits. Call or write
immediately for list and prices. Academy
Film Service, Inc., 2300 Payne Ave. Phone:
MAin 9173. Cleveland, Ohio.
BOXOFFICE May 10, 1947
87
DETROIT
TJnder the Marquees: Earl J. Hudson, who
W has so many civic duties and dignities
we’ve lost count, has just been elected vice-
president of the Detroit Civic Light Opera
Ass’n . . . Paul Morphew, who was at the
Royale before the war, is back in show busi-
ness after ten months in other fields. He is
the new manager of the Piccadilly for Wisper
& Wetsman, replacing Claude Sanderson, who
went to the Van Dyke.
Alex Schreiber, Associated circuit chieftain,
flew to Minneapolis for a couple of days.
His Lyceum Theatre there is enjoying a nice
run with “The Outlaw.” Schreiber, with his
flair for charitable activity, is now actively
leading in the UJA drive.
A1 Westaway, who recently sold the Willis
to Irving Katcher, has no immediate plans
but will probably be back in the business
one day soon . . . Fred Sweet of the Telenews
reminisced of his days at Willow Run . . .
Largest of seven new theatre projects just
authorized by the CPA is one for Sam Carver
at Brown City, Mich.
Theatrical Post Notes: The first annual
theati'ical post festival was scheduled in the
Fort Shelby hotel Monday (12). Committee
chairmen Gil Lubin and John Grubaugh said
profits will go to the rehabilitation program
of Texas City, Tex. . . . Nat Goldstaff is a
grandfather for the second time, which makes
son Bob an uncle . . . Tommy O’Toole, who
did a swan dive on Woodward avenue during
EXHIBITORS — PARK FREE AT
McArthur
THEATRE
EQUIPMENT
COMPANY
454 COLUMBIA ST. WEST - DETROIT I. MICH.
MOTIOQRAPH SERVICE
Phone: CAdillac 5524
ERNIE
FORBES
214 W. Montcalm
Detroit 1. Mich.
Phone CAdillac 1122
—THEATRE CHAIRS
3000 Used Spring cushioned, part full
upholstered back and part insert
panel back, with spring edges and
box spring cushions.
1000 Veneer Chairs.
800 Good Backs.
500 Spring cushions, and hinges.
Write for Prices and Photographs
JESSE COLE Theatre Seating
2565 McClellan, Detroit Phone: Valley 2-3445
the last rainstorm, accused Curley Kolin of
moving the curb.
Cliff Roebuck, who has been on and off
the sick list for the last few months, is com-
ing along fine now, especially since the fish-
ing season has started . . . Welber Haartge
will become a gypsy this summer when he
goes on his vacation . . . Max “Legal Beagle”
Kolin has successfully completed his first
case and is anxious to contact new clients
who can afford substantial retainer fees.
Exchanges: E. T. “Peck” Gomersall was due
in town for a visit to Universal offices . . .
Clair Townsend, PRC manager, is keeping
those Senator Claghorn banners flying . . .
Ed Lurie of the home office of Allied Artists
and Monogram was in town working on an
exploitation campaign with UDT’s Alice Gor-
ham on Allied’s first production, “It Hap-
pened on Fifth Avenue,” next feature at the
United Artists.
Ruth Steimnetz, secretary to Frank Downey
at MGM, is vacationing . . . Eddie Hochstim,
Columbia manager, is back from a trip in
the Grand Rapids territory . . . Bill Shirley
of Columbia is laying the groundwork for the
opening of “Johnny O’clock” at the Fox.
Albert Dezel, head of Dezel Productions, is
leaving for a month’s stay on the west coast,
where he will attend the Screen Guild con-
vention. Bob Snyder, special representative,
will be in charge of the home office in his
absence . . . Mrs. Leodora Woodard reports
much increased activity in the flag and dec-
oration field.
Chester Woodard is doing a special up-
holstery job for Paramount . . . Jerry Harris,
Republic shipper, has resigned to go into
the song publishing business.
Along the rialto: Virginia Jackson, for-
merly of Batton, Barton, Durstine and
Osborne in New York, joined the Jam Handy
advertising and promotion department . . .
Marian Messmore, formerly a social worker
in a Texas hospital, joined the Jam Handy
contact staff . . . Eric V. Hay, vice-president
of WJLB, and Joseph Denniston, Monroe ex-
hibitor, are new members of Michigan Va-
riety Club . . . Nate Kaufman, one of the
founders of the B’nai B’rith lodge here, re-
ports the cinema group will receive its charter
in about three weeks.
Nightingales of Detroit
Resume Annual Banquet
DETROIT — The 22nd annual banquet of
the Nightingale club, curtailed during the
war, was held in grand style. The event drew
a nearly 100 per cent attendance of the mem-
bers and their wives, together with a number
of sponsors of the bowling teams, and a small
number of guests.
Harry G. Brewer, who was president of the
club for its first five years after organiza-
tion in 1924, recalled its start as the first
film bowling group of its kind in the country,
and acted as master of ceremonies and toast-
master. Brewer’s task was performed, despite
serious illness — he had just risen from a sick-
bed— with a mixture of courtly graciousness
FOR SALE
SMALL BURCH POPCORN MACHINE
In Good Condition. Reasonable.
Call or Write C. R. WAXMAN
4000 S. Division — Phone: 3-7417 Grand Rapids, Mich.
and W. NC. Fields-style clowning that de-
lighted the Nightingales.
Special tribute was paid to the large num-
ber of war veterans who have returned as
active members of the Nightingales. Among
the people introduced were Leon Engerson,
Gil Light, H. S. Morton and Sam Cornelia,
all past presidents, and three sponsors, Fred
Dickely, George McArthur and Frank Kin-
sora.
Other banquet notes: Mrs. Roger Ken-
nedy wishes these oldtime parties were held
more often ... We met Timmie Sullivan’s
mother and found where he gets his lively
spirits . . . Mr. and Mrs. Jim Murtagh
reminisced of the first picture shows in town,
in 1906 . . . Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Brady of the
Eastown were at IA President Frank Kin-
sora’s table . . . Roy Ruben was unable to
put in his appearance as representative of
the Screen Craft club.
Edgar Douville, retiring president, greeted
all comers . . . Carroll Kemp of the Carmen
in Dearborn and Mrs. Kemp were celebrating
their 32nd wedding anniversary.
Gil Light and Leon Engerson were busy
comparing notes on mutual problems . . .
Owen Blough, who wasn’t able to bowl this
past year, had to get acquainted all over
again . . . F. H. Akins sent greetings clear
across the room . . . Roy Thompson enjoyed
some of the fast dance sets . . . Gil Lubin
of the Martha Washington is doubling as
manager of the Mantell Motor Sales, headed
by his chief, Florian Manteuffel . . . Ernie
Forbes was unable to come because of his
son’s illness.
Bob Seeley maintains his name is hard to
remember . . . George Haskin and Don Ken-
nedy have taken over the booth at the West
Side Drive-In, replacing B. E. Pool, now at
the State in Wayne, and Harry Owen, who
has moved out to the Grand in Highland
Park . . . Richard Connell of the Sheridan
is very pl'eased with the sanitary improve-
ments in his booth.
Borough Tax Scheme
Back io Committee
HARRISBURG — One of the amusement
tax bills went back to committee and other
tax acts moved ahead in the general assembly
last week. Pennsylvania lawmakers were in
their “hottest” session this week and any-
thing can happen with the accumulated
amusement tax bills in committee and on
the calendar. Other measures affecting the
motion picture industry also are on tap and
there is an undercurrent pressure which
bodes no good for enterprisers in film ex-
hibition.
The Hoff man- Jones measure (H-889)
authorizing boroughs to levy amusement
taxes, amended to provide that the act be
effective notwithstanding any other statute
taxing for state, county or school purposes,
was returned to the house committee on
boroughs.
The Root- Scanlon bill authorizing local
referendums to determine whether voters want
Sunday baseball and football was taken from
the house calendar and sent back to com-
mittee. Predictions are that it will die there.
At third reading of another bill allowing
school districts to appropriate money for
construction of athletic stadiums (H-1178) the
measure was removed from the calendar.
On second reading in the house was the act
providing for a referendum to decide upon the
question of standard or advanced time, the
Representative Worley measure (H-771).
88
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Numerous Changes
Made in UDT Posts
DETROIT— Numerous changes among the
managers and assistants of United Detroit
Theatres were reported this week.
New assignments are :
Charles Dwyer, assistant at the Alger; John
Williams, assistant at the Bloomfield and
Birmingham in Birmingham; Calvin Collard
and George Markey, assistants at the Broad-
way Capitol in place of Dan Reznik; Vir-
ginia Martin, assistant at the Madison, and
Ray Ledel, assistant at the Mel in Melvindale.
Former assistants Stolan Domingue, Mrs.
Julie Czarski and Barbara Winslow have left.
Gil Green has taken over the Michigan
assignment again, with Frank Upton as as-
sistant supervisor. Ben Johnson, Betty
Geary and Belvin Lyons are the assistants
here in place of Paul Widdis, Ronnie Frazer,
Mary Sweeney and Shirley Davis.
Charles Shafter has taken over Patricia
Clark’s assignment at the Norwest, with Ray
Ledel, former relief assistant, as his aide.
Richard Sklucki is the new assistant at the
Palms-State in place of Glenn Ramsey and
Robert Jackson.
At the Ramona, Jack Sage has taken over
as manager in place of Tom Byerle, with
Jennie Braga as assistant in place of Mrs.
Jennie Jump and Edwina Finney. Gene-
vieve Reid has replaced Harry Newman as
assistant at the Riviera. At the Royal, Her-
bert Gremel has replaced Evelyn Harbs and
Karl Forsythe. Barbara Norton is the new
assistant at United Artists in place of
Eleanor Bogust. August Hampe is assistant
at the Varsity. Eugene Darlow has taken
Jack Sage’s place at the Vogue, and Charles
Dwyer is his assistant.
Mrs. Ralph Kittle Reviews
31 Years of Cinema Club
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cinema club
recently held its 31st annual luncheon
at the Midday club. Mrs. Ralph Kittle, presi-
dent, reviewed the history of the club.
Thirty-one years ago Miss Bertelle Little,
a local clubwoman, decided that weekend
programs at neighborhood theatres should be
supervised, and interested a group of women
in forming a cinema club. Mrs. Elmer Derr
was its first president.
“During our 31 years of continued activity,”
Mrs. Kittle said, “we have made our influ-
ence felt both in Cleveland and with our
legislators in Columbus. The Cinema club was
the first to impress neighborhood theatre
owners with the good business practice of
offering approved family programs on Friday
and Saturday nights. It also initiated the
junior cinema plan in the schools, in which
high school students study motion pictures
from an artistic angle and learn to evaluate
pictures on a basis other than plot. It was
through the efforts of our members that the
state legislature put through a law requiring
a percentage of light in the auditorium at all
times.”
The Cleveland Cinema Bulletin has been
published monthly, except during the sum-
mer, ever since the club was founded. Its
main function is to classify pictures as to
audience suitability. Miss Little was editor
of the Bulletin for 30 years.
'Lady in Lake' Technique
Brings on Law Action
DETROIT— Mrs. Betty Brown Cadiff has
filed a lawsuit in the state circuit court here,
seeking an injunction against “Lady in the
Lake.” Mrs. Cadiff claims that the film
technique of having the audience participate
in filming was originated by her. She is
suing United Detroit Theatres, which ex-
hibited the film here, in addition to MGM
and Loew’s, Inc. Mrs. Cadiff asks for in-
junction against further use of the idea and
also for an accounting on the film’s profits.
She said that before coming to Detroit five
years ago she was in show business. She
formerly acted in vaudeville and on the
screen, and was at one time standin for
Marion Davies.
Ed Weisfeldt to Helm
Of Associated Chain
DETROIT— Edward J. Weisfeldt, formerly
of Milwaukee, has been named general man-
ager of the Associated Theatres circuit, oper-
ating houses in Detroit, several upstate
towns, Cincinnati, and Minneapolis. He suc-
ceeds Asher Shaw, who resigned several
months ago, to go into another theatre opera-
tion. Sam Greisman and George Bremen will
continue as supervisors of the two districts
into which the circuit is divided. Weisfeldt
was manager of the downtown Riverside The-
atre in that city before coming here. He is
a brother of Max Weisfeldt, Eagle-Lion sales
executive.
Da-Bel Selected as Name
Of Dayton's New House
DAYTON— Thirteen-year-old Carol Deitz
and Mrs. E. A. Tinnerman each received $50
for selecting the name Da-Bel for Dayton’s
newest theatre at Wayne Avenue and Smith-
ville road. Marie Frazier received a $25 prize
in the name contest, and a season pass was
awarded Nelson Sparks as runnerup.
A capacity house greeted the opening when
Charles Smith, city commissioner, presided
at the opening ceremonies. The theatre, seat-
ing 980, was constructed at a cost of $300,000.
It is owned by Maurice White and Nick
Shafer, both of Cincinnati, who also own the
Dale and Davue theatres here. Bob Tucker
is local manager.
Keller and Stock to Build
300-Seat House in Piqua
PIQUA, OHIO — A city building permit has
been issued here to F. E. Keller and J. H.
Stock of suburban Victory Heights for a new
motion picture theatre to be located on the
southeast corner of McKinley avenue and
South street. The new house will be of con-
crete block construction and will seat 300.
Opening is planned for October 1.
Wilford Arms Is Dead
YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO— Wilford P. Arms,
86, chairman of the board of the Palace
Realty Co., Youngstown, and the McCaskey
Register Co., Alliance, Ohio, died April 23.
Walter Koby Buys Roxy
BENWOOD, W. VA.— Walter Koby, ex-GI
of Bellaire, Ohio, has acquired the Roxy here.
The theatre had been operated by Allan
Ralston.
Pitt Operettas Announced
PITTSBURGH— Repertoire and featured
artists for the second season of All-Star Op-
erettas at Pitt Stadium are being announced
by William Wymetal, managing and pro-
ducing director. Nine operettas will be pre-
sented at six evening performances each:
"Desert Song” opens the season June 2, play-
ing through June 7; “The Cat and the Fid-
dle,” opens June 9; “Balalaika,” June 16;
“Roberta, ” June 23; “Rio Rita,” June 30;
“Countess Maritza,” July 7; “Rosalie,” July
14; “The Three Musketeers,” July 21, and
“The Great Waltz,” July 28.
SUPER SIZE
POP CORN CO.
Ready Popped Corn
307 Boulevard Bldg. Detroit 3, Mich.
TRinity 2-3880 — 24 hour phone service
RUDY SCHR0EDER HERBERT MORGAN
PERYL’S COSTUMES
UNIFORMS for Entire Theatre Staff.
Special Costumes tor All Occasions, Acts and
Special Shows.
Peryl LaMarr, Prop. 3737 Woodward
Phone: TEmple 2-3948 Detroit. 1. Mich.
Distributors
for the State of
Michigan
RINGOLD THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
106 Michigan St.. N. W., Grand Rapids 2, Mich.
FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS
The Showmen's Drug Store
Drugs .. Cosmetics .. Prescriptions
Personal Service from Two Showmen —
MAX BERNBAUM JACK GALLAGHER
Pharmacist Manager
Phone CLifford 1527. CLifford 3694
TheatrpSign and Marquee Maintenance
Our Specialty
%kJHorstman Co.
TEmple 2-6877
27 Eliot, St.
POntiac 3-4473
Detroit 1, Mich.
LEONARD SOSKIN AGENCY
Retirement income, life, automobile,
fire, health and accident insurance.
541 Book Bldg. CA 3515, Detroit
LONG SIGN CO.
MARQUISE SIGNS
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
840 W. Baltimore, Detroit — TR 1-5477
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
89
PITTSBURGH
plrner C. Wissner, office manager for Ben
Amdur’s Garden, north side, is accompany-
ing him to Los Angeles to attend the Variety
convention . . . R. D. Woods is reopening his
Del, La Jose, Pa., which has been closed since
early in the winter . . . Ken Woodward, vet-
eran in the industry who returned recently
from Ames, Iowa, where he managed four
theatres, was a Filmrow visitor. He resides
at 24 Lenox St., Uniontown, Pa.
Durward Coe, former coal miner who ac-
quired the Rialto, Daisytown, was here get-
ting acquainted . . . The M. A. Rosenbergs
have been vacationing in Atlantic City . . .
The Morris Finkels and the Bill Finkels are
home after vacationing in Florida.
“Uncle” Frank Biordi, Ellwood City ex-
hibitor, was a Filmrow visitor after return-
ing from a vacation in California and Ari-
zona . . . The Hiland on Freeport road, Na-
trona Heights, was being registered this week
with the owners listed as Joseph P. Benedek,
John Burin and Julius Burin.
Lawrence Lowstetter of the State, Meyers-
dale, pulled up to the film curb driving a new
Chrysler . . . Ken Hoel, Harris publicity di-
rector, was in Washington to take a peek at
the rodeo which opens in the Gardens here
May 15 . . . We previewed the Navari Amuse-
ment Co. new bowling alleys in the base-
ment of the grand Eastwood on Frankstown
road and enjoyed seeing the initial bowlers
in action. There are eight alleys.
Bob McCalmont of the Rialto, Brownsville
road, is celebrating his 30th anniversary in
the theatre business by attending the Variety
convention in Los Angeles. His Filmrow visit
this week was cut short as he had to hurry
home to get his clothes packed.
Marcia Cohen, having recuperated from an
illness, has rejoined PRC as a booker . . .
Allan Tolley of the MGM office is holding
down the catcher post for the Etna baseball
team in the American Legion league ... A
Columbia visitor the other day was Gerald
Kerner, assistant to Sam Galanty in the
Washington district office.
Norbert Sosinski of the MGM exchange
and Ethel Kozler were joined in marriage
May 7 . . . Thomas P. Coughlin, the National
Carbon representative, was a Filmrow visitor
. . . Just before departing for Los Angeles to
attend the Variety convention, Art Morrone
of Superior M. P. Supply received delivery on
his new Buick Eight . . . Julius Levin, UA
auditor, completed duties here and moved on
to another branch.
Mathilda Kiel is displaying a new R. C
Allen business machine at the AMPTO office
. . . New girl employed at the Columbia of-
fice in Monica Hoza . . . Joseph Migleozzi,
Harris Liberty assistant manager, and Fern
Cyphert, Montefiore hospital nurse, were
married last week.
Henry Friedman of the Penn, Ambridge,
now with Mrs. Friedman in Los Angeles at-
tending the Variety convention, expects to
make arrangements in Hollywood to produce
two-reel westerns.
Beautiful Beatrice Corcoran, daughter of
DELIVERING
the
Completely
NEW
"A A" Projector
ATLAS THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
425 Van Braam St. Pittsburgh
(flJ UT I 0 B fi fj ?}j
the George J. Corcorans, Uniontown, did
very well in a high school production of
“H. M. S. Pinafore.” Her role was Little But-
tercup ... A number of film distributors will
be subpoenaed in the antitrust case entered
in the federal court some years ago by
United Exhibitors. Inc.
Jack Mervis and his bride, the former
Lillian Taris, have returned from their east-
ern honeymoon ... In a large advertisement
in our western edition is the announcement
that Constance Bennett cosmetics are again
available to theatres. The owner-distributors
are former Pittsburghers, Pete Alderman and
Sam Fleishman . . . Modern Vornadofans are
on display at the Alexander Theatre Supply,
RCA products distributor.
Joe Sommers, former local area theatre
manager, is the new manager of the Royal,
Miami Beach . . . The stock company owning
the new radio station license at Charleroi
lists as a member of the corporation Earl
Eisenhower, brother of Gen. Dwight Eisen-
hower . . . The Junior Miss America contest,
will be staged here in Syria Mosque Septem-
ber 4-6. Pittsburgh Junior Chamber of Com-
merce is bringing the beauty pageant to this
city and Agent Don D’Carlo is arranging for
other sponsors.
An oil-soaked insulation in the ventilator
at Loew’s Penn was set afire by a spark from
a short circuit in the vent motor during the
dinner hour show Thursday last week, dam-
age being approximately $100. Russell C.
Shirer, assistant manager, announced from
the stage that the smoke in the theatre was
due to “an imperfect ventilator.” About 200
patrons withdrew and 800 others remained
in their seats.
Mrs. Sam Fineberg, wife of the Monogram
manager, was guest at a farewell party which
the Ladies Theatrical club staged for her a
few days before she departed for Phoenix,
Ariz., where she will reside temporarily to
seek relief of her sinus condition. Sons Jay
and Ronnie will join her at the end of the
school term, and Sam will fly there from
time to time for visits. Freda’s party had a
western atmosphere with cowgirl effects, sand
and cactus. Sam’s brothers Jerome, Irving,
Harry and Ted reside in Phoenix where they
operate a large industrial cleaning estab-
lishment. The Fineberg residence on Beech-
wood Blvd. has been sold, indicating that at
some future date Sam likely will pull stakes
and shake the smoke of Pittsburgh from his
clothes.
Representatives of Variety Club Tent No. 1
at the Variety International convention in
Los Angeles number approximately 70 and
include Joe Hiller, Elmer Ecker, Charles
Burstein, Herman Caplan, Joseph Misrach,
William Fried, Peter T. Dana, Mort England,
K. A. Vaveris, Andrew Battiston, Joseph Gell-
man, Theodore Grance, L. M. Conrad, Frank
Geisse, Dr. C. P. Church, Henry J. Little-
stone, Bert M. Stearn, Nat Reisberg, R. B.
Allison, Steven Rodnok sr., Joseph C.
Shapiro, Dominic Navarro, and their wives.
Among others in the delegation are John
Walsh, R. Clifton Daniel, his mother Mrs.
Virginia Daniel, John “Harp” Vaughn,
Michael J. Gallagher, Art Morrone, Leon
Reichblum and Sam Reichblum.
Abe Joseph of the Triangle, East Liberty,
reports that on his recent vacation in Florida
he was greeted by Ed Stuve. Stuve repre-
sented Paramount here for more than 30
years before his retirement.
Earle W. Sweigert, Paramount division
manager, was here May 8, 9 for a sales con-
ference . . . Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Grance,
Everett exhibitors who have been vacationing
in California for several weeks, are attend-
ing the Variety convention in Los Angeles
. . . Marshall W. Peterson, Johnsonburg and
Union City exhibitor, has been ill at his home
in Jamestown, N. Y., since he and Mrs.
Peterson returned from Florida.
June Turner and Holly Child will be mar-
ried the evening of June 12 in the Mount
Lebanon Presbyterian church, with a recep-
tion following at the Century club, Dormont.
The bride-to-be is a daughter of the Irwin
Turners . . . E. C. White states he is opening
the White Dattola Theatre, Oakmont . . .
Initial Telenews Digest, supplemental news-
reel, went on view May 3 in the Harris News-
reel, Diamond street. Hugh James is nar-
rator and local news coverage is promised.
Alice and Bill Ingram are parents of a son
born May 1. Alice formerly was employed at
the 20th-Fox exchange . . . K. A. “Gus”
Vaveris and his wife visited in Chicago with
the latter’s parents before going to the Va-
riety convention on the coast . . . Mrs. Morty
Henderson, wife of the Harris Perry manager,
recently entered St. Margaret’s hospital for
an operation. Her daughter was admitted the
same day with a broken leg.
Jimmy DiMauro, Vintondale exhibitor, is
mourning the loss of his father . . . George
Zeppos, Wheeling exhibitor, who attended
the Motion Picture Foundation meeting Mon-
day, reported the marriage of his nephew
George Petroplus, Elm Grove exhibitor, and
Irene Mandros of Pittsburgh. The ceremony
was performed here April 27 and the young
couple are honeymooning in the east.
Bob Hornick, South Fork exhibitor, who
was a Filmrow visitor, states that Fred
Barker, former theatre manager, is on the
road as an advance representative for the
Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey circus . . .
Bill Thomas, Zelienople hotel and theatre
owner, is building a new home on his farm
in Harmony near Zelienople . . . David Had-
burg, Hazelwood manager, is exploiting the
corner candy shop adjoining the theatre.
Jay “Stonewall Jason” Williams, Ligonier
exhibitor and proprietor of the community’s
de luxe women’s shop on the first floor of
the theatre, has his right hand in a bandage,
and he is signing checks with his left hand.
“Jason” was thrown by his show horse,
“Stonewall’s Choice,” sustaining a thumb dis-
location and other injuries, including that
of his pride . . . William Baer, after a week
in service at the RKO booking desk, has
resigned.
Ed Lebby, veteran local area film sales-
man, has joined the PRC sales staff at Los
Angeles. His boss is his former RKO boss
here, George Lefko . . . Ernest Lieberman,
Barnesboro exhibitor, is awaiting delivery on
a new Pontiac . . . M. A. Silver, Warner cir-
cuit zone manager, and his assistant, Harry
Feinstein, were in New York on business for
several days . . . The Crew of ’47 hosted the
Variety Club family night party May 9.
Liberty Broadcasting Co. has received an
FM permit from the FCC . . . John Walsh,
Fulton manager now attending the Variety
convention in Los Angeles, will be a papa
again in October . . . Mr. and Mrs. Joseph
Gellman expect to visit all the Hollywood
studios while in attendance at the Variety
International convention. The Duquesne
showman has served for many years as the
AMPTO treasurer.
Bill Blatt jr., son of the circuit exhibitor,
formerly enrolled at the Valley Forge mili-
tary academy, now is a student at St. Vin-
cent’s . . . L. M. Conrad, Meadville, tele-
graphed regrets that he could not attend the
recent AMPTO directors’ meeting. He and
Mrs. Conrad are with the Pittsburgh gang
at the Variety convention . . . Bill Zeilor,
Harris theatres city supervisor, is a “Pa Pitt
partner” in the spring cleanup of the Golden
Triangle.
90
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
CINCINNATI
£Mncinnatians learned recently through a
front page newspaper headline that the
RKO Lyric Theatre building will be razed
and construction of a million dollar film-
television theatre begun as soon as the
housing situation permits. Local RKO Thea-
tre officials had no definite information to
impart.
Maj. Virgil A. Jackson of Columbus and
his wife are back in the U.S. after an ab-
sence of several years. Major Jackson has
been stationed in the Far East, where Mrs.
Jackson joined him 14 months ago.
IATSE Local F37 chartered the Island
Queen for a moonlight river excursion
Wednesday night (30) . . . Milton E. Cohen,
district manager for RKO, spent Monday in
Cincinnati. He was recalled to Cleveland by
urgent business, later returned.
Manny Marcus has added the Zanger
Theatre, Indianapolis, to his circuit of houses
in Ohio and Indiana . . . Carnahan and
Hughes are building a new theatre in Mc-
Kee, Ky., which will open within the next
few months.
Gus J. Boudot, office manager for United
Artists, is motoring to Miami, Fla., with Mrs.
Boudot and their son Don, recently dis-
charged from the army. Boudot intends to
remain there a month for a vacation . . .
E. L. Keesling and Goode Homes of the New
bold circuit in West Virginia, were in Cincin-
nati. The McComas Theatre, McComas, W.
Va., a Newbold operation, was recently de-
stroyed by fire.
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Stout were in Cincinnati
completing arrangements for the opening of
their Melody Drive-In Theatre on Route 42
at Springfield . . . Don Reda, who operates
theatres in Vicco and Pineville, Ky., is con-
structing a new house in London, Ky.
Cincinnati friends and business associates
of Mike Chakeres, Springfield, Ohio, have
received invitations to attend his wedding
Sunday (18) to Anne Katris of Mount Vernon,
Ohio. The wedding will be held at the Greek
Orthodox church in Columbus and will be
followed by a reception at the Seneca hotel.
Goode Sable has been promoted to city
manager for RKO Theatres, Dayton, effec-
tive May 9. The position has been open
since William Clark was made assistant di-
vision manager.
Hugh MacKenzie, field representative for
RKO, conducted a novel contest on the air
in connection with the picture “The Farmer’s
Daughter.” Gruen watches and ten pairs
of tickets to the Palace during the showing
of the picture were awarded for the best let-
ters on “Who Makes the Best Cook — the
Farmer’s Daughter or the City Daughter?”
Over 3,200 letters were received. Malcolm
Richards, who has a four-hour morning show
on WCPO six days a week, plugged the con-
test on his program.
Henry M. Dollison of Charleston, W. Va., is
organizing a film delivery service which will
serve theatres from Nitro to Beckley, W. Va.,
and various off-route points in that area,
with overnight truck service. Operations
will be daily except Sunday.
Aileen Steinhauer, assistant cashier at
RKO, was radiating happiness over the rent-
ing of an apartment— for which she has been
hunting over a year . . . The Little Theatre,
Yellow Springs, Ohio, and the Elder Thea-
tre, Jackson Center, Ohio, have been added
to the Frisch Theatre Booking Service, a Jack
Frisch booking and buying combine.
Sol Hyman of Huntington, W. Va., has been
ill for the last few weeks. He is doing nicely
but probably will be confined to his bed for
another four or five weeks.
Willis Vance of the Vance circuit made a
business trip to Washington. Vance’s new
drive-in, the Dixie Garden, on the Dixie
highway, past Covington, is under construc-
tion and will be ready for operation within
30 days.
West Virginia exhibitors who attended the
Kentucky derby included William Thal-
heimer of Logan and Lloyd Rogers of Welch
. . . William Gehring, division manager for
20th Century-Fox, arrived in Cincinnati Fri-
day night (2) and remained several days.
The Fox Family club held a celebration and
presented a gift to Mary Ann Madewell, who
is being married May 11. On this occasion
Cora Mollitieri received a corsage and a toast
from the members, as she left on her trip to
California to join her sailor husband.
Goldie Clancy is' the new secretary to
Branch Manager William Onie of Mono-
gram . . . Bob Kolkmeyer is a new booker at
Columbia Pictures . . . Henry G. Plitt of
Northio Theatres made a hurried trip to New
York due to the death of his aunt.
Altec Service Corp. has servicing and parts
commitments with these exhibitors: Clyde
Marshall, Columbian Theatre, Columbia, Ky.;
Louis Wiethe, Ludlow Theatre, Ludlow, Ky.;
Paul Swinger, Salem Drive-In, Dayton; R. H.
Bolling, Coburn Theatre, Coburn, Va.; G. M.
Schultz, Speedway Drive-In, Greenville, and
W. D. Smith, Alhambra Theatre, Columbus
. . . M. G. Thomas, Cincinnati manager of
Altec, is spending the week in Pittsburgh.
Many Columbus and out-of-town town
friends of Leo Yassenoff attended the open-
ing of his new Esquire Theatre in Columbus
Thursday (1). As a special treat to the
guests, the new U-I picture, “Great Expec-
tations” was shown, and after the screening
a buffet supper was served at the Variety
Club. Cincinnatians who attended were
Louis Wiethe of the Wiethe circuit and
Stanley Jacques, branch manager of RKO.
“Stairway to Heaven” opened a week’s first
run engagement May 7 in five theatres in Co-
lumbus, the Esquire, University, Westmont,
Beechwold and Boulevard. This is the first
time in Columbus that a first run picture has
had a quintuple showing.
Tony Stern and Marvin Samuelson of War-
ner Theatres, Cleveland, were in town. Stern
has recovered from a recent operation and
looks quite trim with the loss of weight . . .
Paul Hollen of the Alpine circuit in West Vir-
ginia, was a visitor on Filmrow.
National Theatre Supply installed com-
plete equipment in the Beaver Theatre,
Beaver, W. Va.; sound and projection equip-
ment in the Sandra Gay Theatre, Louellen,
Ky.; and booth equipment in the St. Paul
Theatre, Dayton . . . Julian Silverstein, for-
merly general manager of the A. B. Hyman
Theatres in Huntington, W. Va., and subse-
quently an assistant director at MGM studios,
has returned to Huntington to resume his
former duties.
The Memos Renovated
LATROBE, PA.— The Manos here is being
renovated and is having its face lifted.
Poblocki & Sons is erecting a new porcelain
front, marquee and stainless steel poster
cases. Alexander Theatre Supply repre-
sents Poblocki, contractor for prefabricated
theatres.
Gets Musical Chore
Musical director chore on “Tenth Avenue
Angel” has been handed to Ruddy Kopp.
COLUMBUS
£^eo Yassenoff staged an open house preview
of his new Esquire Theatre, in the swank
Bexley-Eastmoor section, the night before the
public opening. This handsome suburban
1,000-seat theatre is finished in Columbus-
quarried limestone, stone which is used in
many of the homes in the area. Robert
Little is manager of the new house, second
to be opened here since the end of the war.
James Levine, new Paramount ad and pub-
licity representative for Paramount in Cleve-
land, dropped into town to renew old ac-
quaintances with local showfolk. He recalled
that he was advance man for the first Major
Bowes unit to play here back in 1935.
Robert Sokol, new assistant manager,
Loew’s Valentine, Toledo, stopped off at the
office of Martin C. Burnett, Loew’s central
division manager, before assuming his new
duties. He is former assistant manager at
Loew’s in Harrisburg and was student as-
sistant at the Palace and Columbia, Wash-
ington.
Larry Caplane is consorting with the spooks
with his midnight horror show at the Grand.
“I Walked With a Zombie” and “The Cat
People” were the two horrific features . . .
Charles Harper, veteran treasurer for the
Hartman, is taking hospital treatment for an
illness which has kept him away from his
post.
Floyd Gooding is chairman of the Variety
Club committee in charge of the charity fund
raffle . . . Rudolph Klemperer, general man-
ager of the May Association stores, is the
latest addition to the list of associate mem-
bers of Tent 2.
Campaign for funds for the educational
motion picture, “Tomorrow, Inc.,” has opened
in Franklin county under the sponsorship of
the League of Ohio Sportsmen. The picture
is planned to awaken interest in the con-
servation and restoration of Ohio’s natural
resources. When completed it will be made
available to schools, churches, civic clubs,
conservation groups and agricultural organi-
zations as well as other interested groups
throughout the state.
Station WHKC has been granted FCC ap-
proval to increase its full time strength to
5,000 watts. Permission also was granted the
local Mutual outlet to begin its FM construc-
tion, according to Manager Carl Everson.
Work on building the new equipment neces-
sary for the increased power will begin im-
mediately.
Central Ohio spelling champions in the
contest sponsored by the Citizen were guests
of the Grand, Ohio and Broad . . . Discus-
sion of the Educational Film Library Ass’n’s
participation in UNESCO, technical prob-
lems of teacher training, the use of film
and' radio in schools and other related mat-
ters were discussed at the EFLA meeting at
Ohio State university.
Qen&ial <rUieat'v& ZquifHnent Co.
109 Michigan St. Toledo 2# Ohio
ADams 8511 — Nights and Sun. JOrdan 1662
A complete line of equipment and supplies.
CENTURY PROJECTORS
CENTURY SOUND SYSTEMS
IDEAL CHAIRS
STRONG LAMPS
24-hour Repair Service by Experienced
Projection and Sound Engineers.
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
91
Tax Transfer Move
Advances in Ohio
COLUMBUS— By a vote of 16-0, the house
taxation committee approved the bill to repeal
the state’s 3 per cent admissions tax and
give cities authority to levy taxes in this
field. This was a reversal of a trend noted re-
cently among committee members, many of
whom were reported against repeal.
Ohio theatre men, meeting here at the call
of P. J. Wood, secretary of the Independent
Theatre Owners of Ohio, pledged a last-ditch
fight against repeal. The ITO is supporting
senate Bill 250, introduced by Robert L.
Quinn, Steubenville, which would continue
the state tax but return the tax money to
the county of origin.
The admissions tax as collected by the state
on a 3 per cent basis produces approximately
$3,000,000 a year. The repealer bill would
enable municipalities to levy similar taxes lo-
cally, fixing their own rates. It is feared that
many hard-pressed cities would up the rate
to as high as 10 per cent.
There is a minority sentiment in theatre
groups in the state for letting repeal go
through. It is argued that if a 10 per cent
tax were enacted in some communities, then
this tax could be passed on to the public, like
the present federal tax. At present, the 3
per cent tax generally is absorbed. But the
majority is against boosting prices the public
must pay, fearing bad reaction at this time
in the face of growing consumer resistance
to high prices.
Cleveland Theatre Owners
Say Business Is Dropping
CLEVELAND — Local theatre owners are
facing the fact that business is definitely on
the downgrade. The recession started at
the first of the year and has been getting
worse each month.
Several exhibitors report that there is a
decidedly unfavorable reaction to the number
of reissues on the screens. One says that on
numerous occasions patrons have phoned
the theatre to find out whether the feature
is new or a reissue. The theory that the public
wants to see the better pictures of previous
years is fallacious, according to many local
theatre owners.
Local subsequent theatre owners state that
business has dropped fully 15 per cent since
January 1.
SPRINGFIELD
lyjr. and Mrs. Phil Chakeres have returned
from a vacation of several months at
Miami Beach, Fla. . . . Because of too much
rain and mud at the fairgrounds, the Sparks
railroad circus canceled both its afternoon
and evening performances here and moved
on to Columbus.
Glen B. Parlette, 60, a projectionist at the
Hippodrome, died of a heart ailment in the
Springfield hospital. He was a member of
theatre orchestras in Flint, Mich., for many
years before coming to Springfield . . .
Bernice Dotters, 22, of Columbus, who fell
asleep while watching Rita Hayworth in
“Gilda” at the Liberty Theatre, was arrested
by police on a drunk and disorderly conduct
charge and fined $15 and costs on her guilty
plea in municipal court. Her escort, Joseph
Morgan, 21, of Xenia, who was unwilling to
remove her from the theatre, was given a
similar fine on the same charge.
City Manager William E. Lucas has sent a
telegram to Gov. Thomas J. Herbert urging
passage of pending legislation which, would
permit cities to impose admissions, utility,
cigaret licenses and other taxes.
LOUISVILLE
Johnson Musselman, alias Aska the Magician,
^ executive director of the Rialto Theatre
here, is reported to have received a feeler
on how he would like to take his magic show
on a world tour. The inquiry is from a show-
man who has handled some of the nation’s
topflight magicians, including Dante.
Whether to make the try at international
fame, or to stay on home ground and con-
tinue enjoying the nearby local audiences as
much as they enjoy him is the big question.
Mrs. Stanley Perry has resigned as man-
ager of the Lincoln, Hodgenville, Ky., owned
by Photoplay Theatres of Hartford, Ky. Her
successor will be Wayne Smith, manager of
the Kentucky, Hartford. No successor to
Wayne has been announced.
The tentative opening date for the New
Strand Theatre under construction in Ed-
monton, Ky., has been set for June 15. M. H.
Sparks is owner . . . Bertha Wolf has had
her Pastime Theatre in Owenton, Ky., re-
equipped . . . A. O. Perkins is building a new
theatre in Woodbine, Ky.
Ray Toepfer and Linda Cummins, opera-
tors of the Blue Grass Drive-In Theatre,
have secured a site in the south Lexington
suburbs and expect to start construction of
another drive-in within the next 30 days . . .
A new Swanson-Nunn marquee has been
purchased by the Bonnieville Amusement Co.
for their Bond Theatre, Bonnieville, Ky.
Recent visitors on the local scene included
Foster Lane, Dixie Theatre, Williamsburg,
Ky.; Sam Giltner, New Washington Theatre,
New Washington, Ind.; J. F. Carnahan, New
Manchester Theatre, Manchester, Ky.; Mr.
and Mrs. R. H. Robertson, Majestic, Spring-
field, Ky.; C. M. Caldwell, Ace, Cave City,
Ky.; C. O. Humston, Lyric, Lawrenceburg,
Ky.
Also J. E. Elliott, Lincoln, Hodgenville, Ky.;
C. S. Caldwell, Lyric, Scottsville, Ky.; Wil-
lard Gabhart, New Harrod, Harrodsburg, Ky.;
Oscar Hopper, Arista, Lebanon, Ky.; M. H.
Sparks New Strand, Edmonton, Ky.; Charles
H. Behlen, Nicholasville Amusement Co.,
Lexington, Ky.; Harry Congleton, Grand,
Lancaster, Ky.; R. L. Costello, Lincoln
Amusement Co., Lexington, Ky.
Mayor Leland Taylor of Louisville was pre-
sented a ten-gallon hat by Manager George
Hunt of Loew’s Theatre in connection witlr
the opening of “Duel in the Sun” . . . For
the benefit of the Derby visitors, Loew’s
scheduled an all-night derby eve showing of
“Duel in the Sun.” It was a continuous run
from 10 a. m. Friday morning until 5:30 a. m.
Saturday. It’s the first time in Louisville’s
history that an all-night showing of a motion
picture has been given.
After a rather lengthy run of feature pic-
tures, the Louisville Scoop Newsreel Thea-
tre has again returned to variety programs.
A charter has been granted to Amusements,
Inc., of Louisville, with $50,000 capital, to
operate motion picture and other amusement
places. The incorporators are Louis A. and
Josephine Arru and Anthony M. Kem.
Complete customer satisfaction with the
new in-car speakers has been reported by
Floyd Morrow, drive-in manager. Not only
the patrons like the change from the central
speaking system to the in-car system, but
so do the neighbors living within a half-mile
of the outdoor show. Also in recognition of
the new system, the projectionists’ union
notified Manager Morrow the day before
opening he would have to have two operators
instead of one as he has had in former years.
Party for Herrington
On 50th Wedding Day
PITTSBURGH— Allied MPTO of W. Pa.
this week announced that a banquet will be
staged on the occasion of the 50th wedding
anniversary of the organization’s secretary,
Fred J. Herrington, and Mrs. Herrington.
The committee in charge of arrangements
has secured the Urban room, William Penn
hotel, for the evening of Wednesday, June 4.
The dinner event is for all members of the
motion picture industry. Reservations are
now being taken. Members of the committee
state that the dinner and reception will be
the best event ever staged here in honor
of an industry member.
EXHIBITORS URGED TO AID
The golden wedding committee urged co-
operation of exhibitors, film distributors,
equipment and accessory agents and manu-
facturers in securing their reservations as
early as possible. Tickets are $5 each, $10 a
couple. They are available at the AMPTO
office, from local Allied directors and com-
mittee members. Checks should be made
payable to the AMPTO, 84 Van Braam St.,
Pittsburgh 19, Pa.
Norman B. Mervis, city area circuit exhibi-
tor, is chairman of the golden wedding anni-
versary committee, and William Finkel,
southside exhibitor, is co-chairman. William
J. Blatt of the Blatt Bros. Theatres and
Robert F. Klingensmith, BOXOFFICE rep-
resentative, are members of the committee.
“Here is the real opportunity for all mem-
bers of the motion picture industry together
with their wives and associates to partici-
pate and to pay respect to the exhibitor’s best
friend, Fred J. Herringon, pioneer in ex-
hibition and veteran secretary of the western
Pennsylvania unit of Allied theatre owners,”
said a committee statement.
STATEMENT BY COMMITTEE
“He has devoted most of his active life to
the interests of a greater motion picture in-
dustry. His influence and inspiration has
assisted materially in uplifting the once-lowly
flicker to the eminence and greatness of the
screen of today and to its greater industry
tomorrow.
“Through a score of legislative sessions he
has fought the good clean fight for a fair
and square deal for exhibitors and the various
departments of the industry, at the same
time giving full consideration to the public
interest. His valuable service is much ap-
preciated and it will be manifest at the June
4 banquet by the presence of hundreds of his
friends. Mr. and Mrs. Herrington actually
will observe their 50th wedding anniversary
on June 7, but the official celebration will
be staged at the William Penn hotel banquet
at 6:30 p. m. June 4.
“The golden wedding anniversary is an
event in which you will find much pride
and pleasure in attending and which you
and the honor guests will never forget. It
truly will be a night to remember.”
Mathilda Kiel, AMPTO assistant secretary,
will arrange hotel accommodations for out-
of-town friends who may seek such service
in connection with the Herrington event.
Ohio Censors Pass 'DITS'
CLEVELAND— The Ohio censor board has
passed “Duel in the Sun.” No deletions were
ordered. The picture will be shown as ap-
proved by the Legion of Decency. Loew’s
Stillman is now arranging an opening date
and price policy.
Sheldon Named Dealer
DAYTON— Sheldon Theatre Supply has
been appointed dealer for Automatic Devices,
which includes Stabilarc motor generators.
92
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Neglect of Safety Hazards
Dangerous , Says Levy
Peter M. Gagne Dies;
Somersworih Leader
SOMERSWORTH, N. H— Peter M. Gagne,
70, former operator of the Somersworth Thea-
tre died at his home here April 29 after a long
illness.
Gagne was one of Somersworth’s leading
citizens, having served 11 consecutive terms
as mayor and 33 years as a member of the
school board, of which he was chairman for
many years. Since 1933 he had been United
States collector of Internal revenue for the
state of New Hampshire. Gagne also served
several terms in the state legislature.
He was in the theatre business 35 years,
Survivors include his wife, two sons, Val-
mour G. Gagne of Somersworth and Rodolph
J. Gagne of Central Falls, R. I.; a daughter,
Mrs. Charles R. Chadbourne of Somersworth;
a brother, Archie Gagne of Somersworth, and
a sister, Mrs. Agelina Cathrinnia of El Monte,
Calif.
Samuel Y. Merchant Dies;
Operated in Manchester
MANCHESTER, N. H.— Samuel Y. Mer-
chant, who with his wife Charlotte operated
the Lyric Theatre here, died in a local hospi-
tal April 28.
He was a native of West Dennis, Mass.,
and had served as first chairman of Man-
chester’s fair rent and salvage committees
during the war. He also served as general
chairman of the March of Dimes dance spon-
sored by Manchester Elks in 1945 and was an
ardent supporter of St. Anselm college foot-
ball teams.
Besides his wife he leaves a sister, Mrs.
Alice Baker of West Dennis.
West Coast Branch Eyed
By Jack Gordon Bureau
HARTFORD— Charles Wakefield Gordon of
Los Angeles is a guest here of his cousin,
Jack W. Gordon, of Gordon’s Entertainment
bureau.
Charles has traveled extensively as a mer-
chant counsellor, publicity man, writer, lec-
turer, and public speaker. He is in town for
the purpose of familiarizing himself with the
entertainment bureau with the thought in
mind that GEB may expand and set up a
Pacific coast branch.
Gordon’s now has branches in New York
City and Springfield, Mass.
Attendance Rules Eased
HARTFORD — Gov. James L. McConaughy
of Connecticut has signed a bill which per-
mits children under the age of 14 to' attend
motion picture theatres unaccompanied by
an adult up to the hour of 6 p. m. After
6, children under 14 must be accompanied by
an adult. The law formerly prohibited chil-
dren under 14 from attending a theatre un-
accompanied by an adult before 6, while after
6 the same prohibition held for boys under
14 and girls under 16.
Auto Theatre Reopens
SALISBURY, MASS. — The Salisbury Auto
theatre, located on the Salisbury Beach high-
way, opened for the season April 26. Im-
provements made since last season include
new grading and landscaping, lighting, re-
modeling and painting. The theatre will open
nightly at 7 p. m., and continue until mid-
night. Programs are changed Sunday and
Wednesday.
Graphic and Loew Circuits
Will Build New Theatres
BOSTON — Plans have been announced re-
cently for two new theatres in New England.
• The Graphic circuit will erect a new theatre
in Newport, Vt., across the street from the
Burns, also operated by Graphic. The new
house will seat 1,200. A store and ten bowling
alleys also will be in the building. CPA per-
mission has not yet been granted.
The E. M. Loew circuit has completed plans
for the erection of a new theatre in Somer-
ville, Mass., on the site of the old Davis
Square Theatre, which burned to the ground
in 1941.
Charles Hodgdon, president of the Princess
Amusement Co., operating the Princess and
Wakefield theatres in Wakefield and the Mid-
dleboro, has purchased parcels of land next
door to and in front of the Middleboro for en-
largement of the house. Construction will
start after a CPA permit is granted.
Hartford Theatres Help
Solve Parking Problem
HARTFORD — Local theatres are cooper-
ating with a new campaign to help out the
downtown parking problem in Hartford.
A new park-all-day-for-5-cents policy has
been inaugurated at the state armory grounds
on Broad street and theatres are aiding the
drive by displaying posters.
Two theatre men are on the merchants
committee, Henry L. Needles, district man-
ager for Warner Theatres; and Jim Mc-
Carthy, manager of the Strand.
Jack A. Sanson Is Director
Of New Drug Company
HARTFORD — The Sanson Drug Co. of
Manchester, Conn., has been formed, with a
capital stock of $25,000, to manufacture and
sell medicine, drugs, and chemicals. It was
reported that the concern will introduce a
new drug developed by Manager Jack A. San-
son of the Warner State, Manchester, one
of the incorporators. Dr. A. Elmer Diskan
and Mrs. Eleanor I. Gee are other incor-
porators.
John Scanlon Is Replaced
By William Christianson
HARTFORD — Henry L. Needles, Hartford
district manager for Warner Theatres, has
appointed William Christianson, former chief
of service at the Warner, Torrington, as as-
sistant manager at that theatre, replacing
John Scanlon jr. who resigned to become
manager of the Perakos Strand in Thompson-
ville. Harold Freeman, assistant manager at
the Warner State in Manchester, has resigned
to return to California.
Move Starts in Springfield
To Aid Texas City Victims
SPRINGFIELD — In the start of a move to
raise funds here for use in relief work among
Texas City disaster victims, Western Massa-
chusetts Theatres, Inc., and the Springfield
newspapers have made a joint gift of $2,000
to such a fund. The newspapers and theatres
in the Western Massachusetts Theatres chain
are currently soliciting public subscription to
the fund.
HARTFORD — Some Connecticut theatre
owners are neglecting to correct safety haz-
ards pointed out to them by inspectors from
the department of state police, and such
neglect may lead to serious consequences,
Herman M. Levy, executive secretary of the
Connecticut MPTO, said in a bulletin mailed
to members of the organization.
Levy said he had been able to work out
satisfactorily with Commissioner Edward J.
Hickey problems arising in the industry and
said Hickey, had expressed gratification for
the cooperation shown by exhibitors.
MUST REFILL EXTINGUISHERS
“Two matters, however, are disturbing, and
I take this opportunity to report to you as
to both of them,” said Levy.
“First is the failure of theatre managers
to report to their employers or to their home
officers concerning ‘correction slips.’ These
slips are given to managers by state police
inspectors for minor infractions. In several
instances where these slips were not so re-
ported and the errors not corrected, serious
consequences almost resulted.
“Second is the failure to comply with good
housekeeping rules, such as failure to have
fire extinguishers refilled as required, the
presence of loose chairs, etc. Many of such
violations have been found each month by
the inspectors. A recent communication
from Commissioner Hickey discloses that in
February and March of this year 21 theatres
were found to have fire extinguishers that
had not been refilled within a year.”
COMPLAINTS INVITED
Continuing, Levy said, “Exhibitors have
from time to time registered with us some
justifiable complaints concerning the meth-
ods, manners and attitudes of inspectors.
All of these have been referred to Commis-
sioner Hickey and to Captain Urguhart and
in all instances, so far as we know, they have
been corrected.
“You are cordially invited to send to us
any such complaints. We shall go over them
with you and submit them to the proper
authorities. The state police department is
proud of Connecticut’s theatre safety record
and of the cooperation of the industry to-
ward that end and wants nothing to inter-
fere with either of those accomplishments.
The department also knows that the prime
objective of theatre operators is safety for
its patrons.”
Jakubson Heads F41
NEW HAVEN — Leon Jakubson, MGM
booker, was elected president and business
agent of front office workers’ Local F41 at
the annual election meeting held at the
Garde hotel April 30. Other officers elected;
Lucy Slotkowski, Universal, treasurer; Ann
Canelli, Columbia, secretary, and Helen
Gumbelevitch, Paramount, vice-president.
Offers Land to Veterans
SPRINGFIELD — Samuel Goldstein, presi-
dent of Western Massachusetts Theatres, Inc.,
has informed Mayor Daniel B. Brunton that
he has offered the use of 15 acres of land to
World War II veterans for gardening.
Exhibitor's Daughter Weds
FITCHBURG, MASS.— Antoinette Fasano,
whose father Michael Fasano owns the Cum-
mings Theatre here, recently became the
bride of Bernard D. Butler.
BOXOFFICE :: May 12, 1947
NE
93
BOSTON
JJerbert Schaefer, Republic manager, has ap-
,n pointed Wilfred Dufresne as salesman in
the New Hampshire and Vermont territories,
replacing A1 Fecke, who resigned to become
manager at PRC. Dufresne started his the-
atrical career at 11, when he played a violin
solo on the stage of the Bailey Square Thea-
tre in New Bedford. At 13 he became an
usher at the Bailey Square and worked his
way up to manager at 19. During the war
Dufresne enlisted and immediately was put
in special service arranging music and su-
pervising army bands for the First air force
for 45 months. His connection with Repub-
lic is his first taste of distribution work.
The climax of the second annual New Eng-
land horse show for the Archbishop Cushing
fund was the presentation of a huge copper
trophy by Warners to the winner of the “Stal-
lion Road” open jumper stake. Joan Mans-
field, comely secretary to Art Moger, publicist
at Warners, presented the cup to the winner,
Anne Morningstar of New York. The tiein
was arranged by Moger. “Stallion Road” is
now playing at the Metropolitan.
The Palace Theatre at Old Orchard Beach,
Me., a summer situation, has been leased by
Louis Stern, who is now renovating and re-
decorating the house. The 700-seat theatre
stands on the water’s edge and has long been
a popular rendezvous for summer patrons.
Stern has set June 15 as the opening date . . .
According to Fred Bragdon, New Hampshire
and Vermont salesman for Columbia, an ex-
hibitor in his territory has named his new
puppy after the Columbia Rusty series. Ber-
nard Stevens of the Hampton, Hampton,
N. H„ selected the name of Rusty for his
newly acquired puppy of uncertain pedigree.
The Shea Theatre, Fitchburg, has been
Mcuile
POPCORN
if MACHINES
Tops for all showmen!
Ask the theatre that has one!
SAM HORENSTEIN
"*7/te Popcosui Man”
New England Representative
Office and Showroom . . . 45 Church St.
Hancock 7419 Bo*ton
In the Heart of the Film District
Genuine
MANLEY SUPPLIES
94
taken over by Mrs. Lilian Couture, who also
operates the Strand there. The house for-
merly was run by the Maine and New Hamp-
shire circuit . . . Owen Moon, well-known
citizen of Woodstock, Vt., who operated the
Town Hall, died recently. His estate is now
managing the theatre ... It is now known
that the Park Theatre in Spencer has been
taken over by the Champ Amusement Corp.,
a group which also owns the Town Hall,
Barre, and the Town Hall, Oxford, all in
Massachusetts.
A new open air theatre is being built on the
Providence-Worcester turnpike by Wilfred
Bernard. The theatre is situated in Sutton,
Mass., near Millbury and will be called the
Motor-In. The opening is set for May 16.
Sam Paul, head shipper at PRC, who re-
cently was hit by an automobile, is back at his
job with his left leg tightly bandaged. There
are bruises and lacerations on his face. On
his first day back at work Paul spent some
time on the Frank “Red” McBride funeral
fund, of which he is chairman. The fund was
organized by a group of shippers and drivers
to aid the widow and four small children of
Frank McBride, who died recently of pneu-
monia leaving his family in dire need.
Mrs. Phil Engel, wife of the UA publicist
has returned to the hospital for a routine
checkup after an operation last October . . .
Clayton Eastman, district manager for United
Artists, left Wednesday for Syracuse, Bing-
hampton and Oneida, N. Y., for a few days.
Members and friends of Independent Ex-
hibitors of New England who have visited
the rooms of the organization during the past
week include: Len Goldberg, W. Mitchell,
Frank Lydon, Jim Guarino, Julian Rifkin,
Dan Murphy, Kay Avery, J. E. Charbonneau,
Les Bendslev, Tom Duane, Sam Haase, Bill
Soule, H. Davidson, Brad Angier, Ed Sellette,
Dave Youman, Nate Yamins, Adolph Haas,
Les Wysong, Bill Lavery, Eddie Klein, John
Hayes, his sister Mary Hayes Lynch, Charles
Hodgdon and his son Dave Hodgdon.
Dominic Turturro of the Elms, Millbury,
was here the first time since his recent hos-
pitalization to take in the organizational
luncheon of the Motion Picture Foundation at
the Copley-Plaza hotel. He attended the
luncheon with Mrs. Turturro, who has been,
operating the theatre during his illness.
Dominic says he feels fine . . . Also at the
luncheon was Sam Wheeler, general sales
manager for Film Classics, who attended with
Arthur Lockwood, Louis Gordon and A1
Swerdlove.
Irving “Mac” Farber of Regal Pictures Corp.
has taken over the entire building at 48 Mel-
rose St., because of the need for larger quar-
ters. Farber has been occupying the first
floor with the use of the basement for stor-
age space since the formation of the company
two years ago. He now will take in the large
office space on the second floor.
The Boston MPTOU Local 182 moved into
new headquarters in the Graden Bldg., 248
Boylston St., May 1. Joseph Nuzzolo is presi-
dent and Walter F. Diehl is corresponding
secretary . . . Sam Merchant, well-known
theatre man of Manchester, N. H„ died last
week. His wife will continue to operate the
Lyric Theatre . . . Lucien Descouteaux, Rex,
Manchester, N. H., recently suffered a bad
fall. Four of his ribs were broken.
B&Q’s latest addition to its fast-growing
chain of New England theatres is the Tre-
mont Theatre in downtown Boston, which
was reported taken over some weeks ago.
Probably its most ambitious project, B&Q
has announced that the Tremont will close
its doors June 1 for a complete renovation,
which will include structural changes . . .
William Riseman Associates of Wrentham
and Boston have drawn up the plans and will
do the work. Riseman also will renovate the
circuit’s Union, Attleboro, and the Warr,
Wareham, acquired by B&Q a short time ago.
The Warr will have its name changed to the
Wareham.
Michael Zaman, former booker at 20th-Fox,
has been promoted to salesman in the New
Hampshire and Vermont territories replac-
ing Ralph Pielow, who will take over Rhode
Island. Pielow replaces Sieg Horowitz, sales-
man for 20th-Fox in New England for 18
years, who resigned recently to become man-
ager at Screen Guild under A1 Swerdlove.
Don Wollins is now assistant to Joseph
Mansfield, advertising representative of
Eagle-Lion and PRC in the New England
area. Wollins comes in from the company’s
New York office . . . Morton Ladge, presi-
dent and sales manager of Pronto Popcorn
Sales, Inc., and his brother Morris, treasurer
and chief engineer, are planning to attend
the Paramount Theatres confection vending
convention in Chicago May 23, where they
will display their Pronto popcorn warmer
which is manufactured in Boston. The
Ladges have taken new and larger space for
office and sales at 702 Beacon St.
Mrs. I. A. Vincent, who operates the Empire
in St. Albans, Vt., and the Playhouse in
Enosburg, Vt., has taken over three small
theatres in the same state, the Community in
South Hero, the Mansfield in Underhill and
the Recreation in Milton . . . Jack Shea,
supervisor of the Jamestown Amusement Co.,
was on Filmrow last week.
George Ramsdell, director of the Middlesex
Amusement Co., who suffered a severe shock
about a year ago, is back at his Malden home
after a winter spent in Florida . . . The
snarled traffic on Piedmont street last week
was due to the ripping up of the street when
Metro installed direct current for more
efficient power service.
" CORSAGE "
POST-WAR
PATTERN
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
from
CAMEO SCREEN ATTRACTIONS, INC
50 Melrose St. Boston, Mass.
Samuel J. Davidson, Pres.
BOXOFFICE :: May 12, 1947
NEW HAVEN
'Farmer's Daughter'
Opens Big in Boston
BOSTON — “The Farmer’s Daughter” at the
Memorial was a smash in its first week.
“The Sea of Grass” at State and Orpheum
was rushed in after “The Macomber Affair”
was pulled on the second day of a holdover.
“The Best Years of Our Lives” at the Es-
quire has slipped off each week as sur-
rounding cities start playing the film. At the
Kenmore, “Ivan the Terrible” dropped de-
cisively after a smash first week.
(Average is 100)
Boston — Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox);
plus stctge show 100
Esquire — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
18th wk 130
Exeter Street — The Adventuress (E-L), 2nd
run; The Overlanders (U-I) 160
Kenmore — Ivan the Terrible (Art), 2nd wk 100
Majestic — Bedelia (E-L); Untamed Fury
(PRC), 2nd wk 110
Memorial — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
Banjo (RKO) 170
Metropolitan — Stallion Road (WB); Hard Boiled
Mahoney (Mono) 110
Old South — Children of Paradise (Tricolor
Films), 4th wk 75
Paramount and Fenway — Pursued (WB);
Winter Wonderland (Rep)-, 2nd d. t. wk.. 110
State and Orpheum — The Sea of Grass (MGM);
Bulldog Drummond at Bay (Col) 130
New Haven First Run Houses
Enjoy Solid Business Week
NEW HAVEN — Several of the downtowns
enjoyed a solid week of business, interrupted
only by a mild Sunday which lured the win-
ter-weary to the great outdoors. “It’s a Won-
derful Life” made best business at the Roger
Sherman but was not held over. At Loew’s
Poll “Sea of Grass” and “The Thirteenth
Hour” started well and built up, so that a
second week at the College was in order.
Bijou — Bedelia (E-L); It's a Joke, Son (E-L) 85
College — The Macomber Affair (UA);
The Lone Wolf in Mexico (Col), 2nd d. t. wk 105
Loew's Poli — The Sea of Grass (MGM);
The Thirteenth Hour (Col) 140
Paramount — Angel and the Badman (Rep);
The Ghost Goes Wild (Rep) 90
Roger Sherman — It's a Wonderful Life (RKO) 155
'Smash-Up' Rates Fourth Week,
'O'Clock' a Third in Hartford
HARTFORD — “Smash-Up” held for a
fourth week at the Warner Regal. E. M.
Loew’s had Columbia’s “Johnny O’clock” for
a third week.
Allyn — The Imperfect Lady (Para);
Winter Wonderland (Rep) 150
E. M. Loew's — johnny O'Clock (Col); Millie's
Daughter (Col), 3rd wk. 125
Loew's Poli — It's a Wonderful Life (RKO);
Jewels of Brandenburg (20th-Fox) 160
Palace — The Sea of Grass (MGM); Devil
Thumbs a Ride (RKO), 2nd wk 120
Regal — Smash-Up (U-I), 4th wk .125
Strand — Song of the South (RKO) 175
Irv Jacocks at Capitol
HARTFORD — Irving Jacocks, former Bran-
ford theatre man and state legislator, was
at the Capitol here the other day visiting
friends. Jacocks is treasurer of the Connec-
ticut MPTO.
A1 Monty in Mt. Vernon
HARTFORD — A1 Monty, former manager of
the Roxy, New Britain, and other theatres in
this territory, is now living in Mount Vernon
N. Y.
Draddy Is UA Office Head
BOSTON — John G. Draddy has been
named officer manager of the United Artists
exchange here under John Dervin, branch
manager.
Qtork Club: At the Sid Klepers’ it’s a baby
boy named Michael Lawrence. Sid is man-
ager of the Bijou, New Haven. Mrs. Kleper
was assistant at the Poli here during the war
years. They also have a 3 -year-old daughter,
Bonnie . . . Coming soon: newcomers at the
Mort Katzes, and the Frank Floods. Katz is
an MGM salesman and Flood is president of
the Warner club.
“Jericho,” a French film, was shown first
run at the Cameo in West Haven May 7, 8,
under the auspices of the Progressive Citi-
zens of America. Admission was 60 cents
. . . “The Battle of the Baritones,” a singing
competition, was held recently at the Forest
Theatre. Yale Music school professors acted
as judges. The program opened with “Wake
Up and Dream,” followed by the musical
feast at 8:30, and pictures again at 10, all
for 80 cents.
The Whitney Theatre in Hamden recently
put on a giant “Gra-Y benefit show.” On the
screen were “A Boy, a Girl and a Dog” and
“Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel.” A barber
shop quartet sang.
Arthur Moskowitz of the Loew’s New York
office brought news on his inspection tour
of Poli houses this week. There will be new
carpets soon for the Poli theatres in New
Haven, Waterbury and Bridgeport and the
Palace in Hartford. All the Poli houses are
competing for prizes in a spring cleanup
drive. After the drive the theatres will change
into summer garb, with new color combina-
tions and ushers’ uniforms.
Thomas McAndrews is the name of the new
Republic salesman, who comes straight from
the middle west to Jerry Lewis’ aid . . . Lor-
raine Canelli Brown has resigned from the
20th-Fox accounting department. Gloria Par-
ente takes over. Fay Spadoni moves from the
switchboard into Gloria’s old job in the con-
tract department . . . When Dorothy Breslav
resigned from the Paramount exchange staff,
the gang gave her a farewell party and gift
of a jewel box. Roth Gumbelevitch, new vice-
president of Local F41, takes Dorothy’s job.
Douglas Collins, 20th-Fox traveling auditor,
completed his audit here at the end of April
. . . Harry LaVine, former Monogram man-
ager here, now in the New York office, will be
celebrating his son’s marriage at the Hotel
Bancroft in New York Decoration day.
The Harry Shaws will attend from New
Haven . . . Barney Pitkin, RKO manager,
spent a few days in New York.
Mrs. Joel Levy, wife of the Loew theatre
booker, was a New Haven visitor . . . John
Scanlon jr., son of John Scanlon, manager
of the Warner, Torrington, is new manager
of the Strand, Thompsonville, replacing Tom
Grogan, resigned in favor of the auto busi-
ness.
Hugh Owen, eastern and southern division
sales manager for Paramount, is due in New
Haven May 22. Also A1 Kane, Boston district
manager . . . I. H. Rogovin, Columbia dis-
trict manager, visited Meadow street on May
day . . . Sam Seletsky was in town for B&Q,
which has just acquired new Cocalis theatres
in New Jersey.
Exhibitors on the Row: Ralph Pasho and
George Rabbott of Naugatuck, Jerry Mascola
and Billy Sirica of Waterbury, Steve Panora
of New Milford, John Dombi of Fairfield,
Ernie Dorau of Middletown, and A. L. Schu-
man, Maurice Shulman, M. J. Daly and Ernie
Grecula of Hartford . . . Harry Germaine of
Price Premiums was down from Boston . . .
Bill Vuono of Stamford and Art Smith of
Newtown were here.
George Weber, office manager at MGM, is
back at his desk after a battle with flu . . .
Alba Gionnotti, MGM inspector, went to
Grace hospital for a minor operation. Rose-
mary Patterson substituted . . . Rosemary
Carney is new in the back office at Warners.
Jim Mahan, Warner shipper, will lead off
the vacation parade. He’ll be in New Hamp-
shire between May 3 and May 17 . . . Air
conditioning equipment has been installed
at the MGM office . . . Billy Nutile, Para-
mount shipper, is still negotiating on the
building of his new home in West Haven.
Ed Lynch of the Roger Sherman says “It’s
a Wonderful Life” brought out a new type
of theatregoer — the sort that likes to mother
Jimmy Stewart . . . Norman Levenson, as-
sistant at the College, gets credit for the full
window which Woolworth’s devoted to “Sea
of Grass,” and also for music and book store
tieups on “Sinbad the Sailor.”
Margaret Glackin to Open
Theatre in Sound View
NEW BRITAIN — Mrs. Margaret Glackin,
widow of the late John S. P. Glackin, Con-
necticut theatre man, will open the Strand
Theatre, summer film house, in Sound View,
some time in June.
Levy Home Again
HARTFORD — Herman Levy, general coun-
sel for MPTOA, is back in Connecticut fol-
lowing a ten-day trip to San Francisco to at-
tend the convention of the National Whole-
sale Frozen Foods Distributors Ass’n. He is
executive secretary of the latter organization.
Daylight Time in Connecticut
HARTFORD — Daylight saving time went
into effect in this state on April 27.
*7a cukUcH excedliae de^uiice cha/iyed
it will pay diuidetuil to. ooftiult
Stocked With All
Necessary Repair
and Replacement
Parts for Any
Sound System.
“Ask any
exhibitor using
our service ”
l Sound '
^ncjinz-ziincj Szivicz
VAOVOL
On cedi cd cinif iimt,
^ vy&y LON qcjooc/ 26Q!
•HAROLD DflVIDSOh.
133 MOU NTFORT ST.
BROOKLINE S , NKl R B S.
Now Expanding
with Additional
personnel to cover
a Larger Service
Area.
Many theatres
under our
maintenance
BOXOFFICE :: May 12, 1947
95
HARTFORD
tjileen Grace, 7-year-old daughter of Man-
ager Tommy Grace of the Eastwood, and
Mrs. Grace, has been winning numerous com-
pliments for her ballet work . . . Bob Worden,
student assistant at Loew’s Poli, has a new
Studebaker . . . The office of Manager Jack
A. Simons at the Center has been redec-
orated . . . Assistant Manager Ben Lamo of
the Warner Strand made a couple of visits
to the hospital to see his sister Marie, who
was operated on for appendicitis.
Capt. Eddie Downs of the army, former
chief of service at Loew’s Poli, has been
awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Eddie lost his legs in Germany, when he
saved a tank column from a bazooka attack
. . . A new popcorn warmer has been in-
stalled at the Eastwood.
Assistant Manager Sam Horwitz of the
Loew’s Poli reports his sister gave birth to a
baby boy. Sam recently became a papa the
first time himself. It was a boy, too! . . .
Hillmer D. “Robbie” Robinson, former as-
sistant manager to George E. Landers at the
E. M. Loew’s, is selling typewriters in Hart-
ford nowadays.
Loew’s Poli had a number of visitors: Allen
Dowling, SRO praise agent; who was in to
huddle on “Duel in the Sun”; Max Furman,
Loew’s Poli circuit maintenance department,
and F. W. Boeltcher of Loew’s circuit pro-
jectionist and sound department.
New Britain items: Claire Chicker is the
new cashier at the Music Box Theatre, re-
placing Ellen Gillati, resigned . . . Lobby
frames at the Warner Embassy have been
redecorated . . . Projectionist George “Crash”
Dunnigan of the Warner Embassy has been
busy in his spare time booking his fair acts
(trapeze artists, etc.).
One thousand youngsters in Bristol’s first
ward were guests of Joseph P. Vetrano, the
district’s Republican chairman, at a program
of motion pictures last Saturday morning at
the Warner Cameo, Bristol.
Joe Boyle, manager of the Broadway, Nor-
wich, had a name guessing contest in the
dailies for “S.ea of Grass,” with the winners
receiving guest tickets. John Dubicki, as-
sistant to Manager Johnnie D’Amato of the
Norwich Palace, was married to Gloria Rowa.
Johnnie Matthews, manager of the Warner
Palace, Norwich, has a new Nash . . . Dean
Barrett, who used to manage the Rialto,
Hartford, and Astor, East Hartford, is now
special Connecticut representative for the
Chicago Hobby Horse Corp., and has a num-
ber of theatre deals in the territory.
Rube Lewis and Toby Sullivan of the Pal-
ace went fishing . . . Carl Cotia, brother of
Jimmie Cotia of the Warner Regal, was seri-
ously ill . . . Birthday greetings for Jim
O’Brien, Crown projectionist.
With vacation in public schools area last
week., a number of theatres ran special chil-
dren’s shows midweek . . . Martin H. Kelle-
her of the Princess reports Walter Silverman
of Columbia was in on a visit ... Ed Kelleher
took in a business and pleasure trip to Bos-
ton . . . Lill Kelleher attended a birthday
party in Bristol.
To Build a Seekonk Drive-In
SEEKONK, MASS.— The Seekonk board of
selectmen has granted Salvatore L. Romano
of Warren a letter of authority to build a
drive-in theatre on Fall River avenue here
provided that the work is begun in the next
60 days. Romano already has secured a CPA
permit for the project.
Independent Group Holds
Luncheon for F. C. Lydon
BOSTON — Independent Exhibitors of New
England gave a luncheon at the Hotel Brad-
ford Tuesday (6) for Frank C. Lydon, past
president of the organization and operator of
the Hamilton Theatre in Dorchester. Lydon
has joined the Selznick Releasing Organiza-
tion as special representative under Tom
Duane, division manager.
The luncheon was attended by over 100
friends and members of the organization.
Walter E. Mitchell, chairman of the affair,
was toastmaster and presented Lydon a gold
wrist watch. Among the speakers at the head
table who praised the efforts of Lydon in or-
ganizational activities were Arthur Howard,
his former associate in Affiliated Theatres:
Leonard Goldberg, president of Independent
Exhibitors; W. Leslie Bendslev; Daniel Mur-
phy; Julian Rifkin; Nathan Yamins; James
Guarino, and Tom Duane.
Lydon retains his membership in the inde-
pendent organization on the board of direc-
tors and as the operator of the Hamilton.
He continues as chairman of the newly-
formed Motion Picture Coordinating com-
mittee to combat adverse legislation. The
regular monthly business meeting of Inde-
pendent Exhibitors preceded the testimonial.
Term to Theatre Robber
HARTFORD — Judge P. O. O’Sullivan in
Hartford superior court last week imposed a
reformatory sentence of two years on Harold
Jones of New Bedford, Mass., and Hartford,
charged with breaking into the suburban
Newington Theatre, stealing cars, etc.
Gets Booking Tieup
HARTFORD — Martin H. Kelleher, Princess
manager, said last week that Amalgamated
Theatres is now working with him on book-
ings.
PORTLAND
^*lie Civic Theatre in Portland is holding a
series of children’s shows Saturday morn-
ings. A talent contest also is being conducted.
The contest is broadcast over station WPOR.
Three cash prizes are awarded at every morn-
ing show and a grand prize of $50 goes to the
winner of the finals.
“Open City,” which showed for the first
time in Maine at the Cameo Theatre here,
was well attended . . . “Brief Encounter” re-
cently was previewed here at a special screen-
ing for press and radio folk.
Ralph L. Tully, manager of the M&P State
Theatre, was recently the subject of an article
in the Portland Evening Express. Tully gave
the lowdown on usher training. Featured
with the article was a group picture of ushers
Martin I. McGurgan, Philip M. Tracy, Ralph
B. Anderson and Herbert L. Moon.
The Empire Theatre here recently featured
a personal appearance of Johnny Dunn and
his cadeteers in connection with “The
Brasher Doubloon” . . . Mary Clifford, chief
clerk at the Empire candy concession, was
pictured in the April 27 Sunday Telegram
turning the clock ahead for daylight saving
time. It was a plug for “Duel in the Sun.”
The idea was that Maine residents have won
their “duel with the sun.” Just another way
of saying that Maine exhibitors have lost
their duel with EDT . . . The Saco Motor-In
Theatre on the Portland road recently was
granted a license to operate this summer.
WORCESTER
Bob Portle, manager of the Elm Street, has
recovered from an eye infection that
troubled him for three weeks . . . Don
Gibson, formerly of the Playhouse, will be in
Mary Boland’s new Broadway play, “Open
House” . . . Nate Goldberg, manager of the
Plymouth and a heavy cigar smoker, is not
overfond of the age of many of the cigars
being sold over the counter.
Frank Clark and Irving Zeltner were in
town to help Manager Harold Maloney of
Loew’s Poli promote “Duel in the Sun” . . .
“Love and Obey,” a play by Worcester’s
Esther Forbes, has been taken over for Broad-
way production by Bernard Straus and Ro-
land Haas, probably in the fall.
The Nipmuc in Mendon, closed during the
winter, has been reopened, and will follow a
burlesque policy . . . Douglas Scott of this
city has joined the Debonairs, five-man dance
act playing at the Latin Quarter in New York
... A feature writer, observing that there’s
nothing permanent about theatre names,
points out that the Warner used to be the
Strand, Poli’s was the Palace, the Elm Street
was Poli’s, the Regent was the Steinberg,
the Family was the Palace and the Play-
house was the Little.
Bill Brown, manager of the Park and
Greendale, has made arrangements with the
school department, the Better Films council,
the public library and several other civic
organizations to screen special children’s
shows at both theatres on Saturday morn-
ings. A schedule for four weeks has been
drawn up, and the civic groups have shown
plenty of push in backing the experiment.
Harold Maloney of Loew’s Poli was the sub-
ject of an amusing cartoon drawn by Phil
Bissell, student assistant manager, that ap-
peared in the Sunday Telegram. Maloney has
been very proud of an “exclusive” topcoat he
wears, but Phil depicted him standing in front
of a truck horse which wore a blanket of the
same material. (The horse also wore a hat
like Maloney’s.)
Arthur Kennedy of Worcester will leave the
cast of the Broadway hit, “All My Sons,”
June 1 to return to Hollywood, where he will
make a picture, returning to Broadway in the
autumn.
There’s interest here in the fact that Kath-
leen Olsson Finnegan has become assistant
manager of the Court Square in Springfield.
Her late husband, Jerry Finnegan, was man-
ager of the Plymouth here when they were
married two years ago.
John H. Toomey, former mayor, has turned
over to Bob Portle, manager of the Elm Street,
a good-luck emblem that was distributed to
patrons the night the house opened in 1912.
As a boy, Toomey attended the premiere and
received one of the tokens, now believed to be
the only one in existence.
Vaughn Monroe drew a fair house at a
vaudeville date at the Auditorium . . . Select-
man George M. Beede of Westboro, former
owner of the Strand there, is now able to sit
up at his home and get outdoors in a wheel
chair. Beede was injured and his wife killed
in an automobile accident in Middleboro
March 18.
Quiz Contest Booked
NEW LONDON — Tom Carey, head of Tom
Carey Theatrical Promotions, has set a quiz
contest into the M&P Capitol, New London,
effective Monday (12). Sidney’s Home Cen-
ter, furniture store in that city, will sponsor
the contests. Art Ribner will be master of
ceremonies.
9G
BOXOFFICE :: May 12, 1947
Lou Bissinger Observes 34th Year
At the Queen Theatre in Dallas
Benefit Shows Set
For Woodward Aid
OKLAHOMA CITY— Twenty-five towns in
the Griffith circuit are having benefit shows
this month for the Woodward relief fund.
All the shows are being staged at 11:30
p. m. and feature pictures not previously
shown in the locations. Admission prices are
50 cents. All proceeds above the state and
federal taxes are being contributed to the
relief fund. Griffith’s A houses are being
used in all situations and in many cases the
program is augmented by stage shows.
Tickets are being sold in advance as well as
at the boxoffice.
Theatres which scheduled benefits are the
McSwain in Ada, the Tivoli in Ardmore,
Osage in Bartlesville, Rivoli in Blackwell,
H&S in Chandler, Washita in Chickasha,
Yale in Claremore, Del Rio in Clinton, Tower
in Drumright, Elk in Elk City, Aztec in
Enid, Tall Chief in Fairfax, Ramona in
Frederick, Blaine in Henryetta, Grand in
Holdensville, Pettit in Hominy, Erie in Hugo,
Temple in Mangum, Orpheum in Okmulgee,
Ki-He-Kah in Pawhuska, Yale in Sapulpa,
Seminole in Seminole, Bison in Shawnee,
Aggie in Stillwater, and the Key in Wewoka.
Collections are being taken at the Rocket
and Centre in El Reno.
Four Theatres Open
In Oklahoma in May
OKLAHOMA CITY— Four new theatres
are scheduled to open in Oklahoma this
month. Largest of these is the 450-seat Time,
which was slated to open May 10 in Wetumka.
This theatre is owned by W. T. Kirby, who
also has an interest in the Chief in Seminole.
Opening of the Time gives Wetumka two
picture shows.
At Quapaw, the Ryan also was scheduled
to open May 10. Alex Rowls, the owner, re-
modeled a 16mm house into a regular thea-
tre. The house has 260 seats to serve the
town’s 1,054 population.
Opening about May 15 is the Long in
Keyes. This will be the community’s first
theatre. Lewis W. Long is owner of the 250-
seat house. Keyes has a population of 227.
S. P. Doss is general manager of the new
Dream Theatre at Tahlequah, which is
slated to open about May 20. Doss is former
owner of the Chief in Eufaula. The new house
will seat 400 of the town’s 3,027 population.
Dallas Heat Unable
To Wilt 'Duel in Sun'
DALLAS — The city’s first 98-degree weath-
er of the year melted all but two Elm street
grosses down to nubbins last week. Only the
highly ballyhooed “Duel in the Sun,” whose
roadshow opening at the Melba was accom-
panied by the personal appearance of stars
Gregory Peck, Joseph Cotten and Guy Madi-
son, and “Calcutta” at the Majestic were
able to do better than average business. All
others were well below par, though the twin
bill of “The Vigilantes of Boomtown” and
“The Thirteenth Hour” held a week at the
Capitol, which ordinarily plays a split week
program. “Duel in the Sun” is showing at a
top price of $1.30, and did 50 per cent above
average on the basis of regular prices.
(Average is 100)
Capitol — The Vigilantes of Boomtown (Rep);
The Thirteenth Hour (Col) 90
Majestic — Calcutta (Para) .......105
Melba — Duel in the Sun (SRO) .....150
Palace — Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox) 80
Rialto — Cigarette Girl (Col); split with
Queen of the Amazons (SG) :... 90
Telenews — The Overlanders (U-I) 90
Tower — The Perfect Marriage (Para) 90
'Duel' a Big Hit in Houston
Though Stars Don't Show
HOUSTON — “Duel in the Sun” opened May
1 at the Kirby Theatre to very good audiences.
It replaced “The Best Years of Our Lives”
which showed four weeks. Hollywood stars of
the picture were supposed to come to Houston
for the opening but failed to keep the engage-
ment. The management offered to refund ad-
vance ticket sale money, but as far as could
be learned none had taken advantage of the
offer — all preferred to see the picture, with
or without stars.
Four performances of the “Original Nine-
ties” were staged at the Music Hall under the
sponsorship of the Houston Salesmanship
club at $1.30 to $2.60. The show consists of
oldtime vaudeville stars whose ages range
from 65 years to 83 years.
“The Sea of Grass” was held over at
Loew’s State until Thursday when “The Ma-
comber Affair” opened.
Decree to Ex-Press Agent
ATLANTA — James Clement Furman, for-
mer theatrical press agent who resigned his
position with Paramount here several years
ago to enter the ministry, soon will receive his
degree of bachelor of divinity at commence-
ment exercises of the Southern Baptist Theo-
logical seminary.
Ayers Back From South
NEW YORK — Norman Ayers, southern di-
vision sales manager for Warner Bros., re-
turned to New York late this week after hold-
ing meetings in Dallas and Oklahoma City in
connection with the company’s 1947 sales
drive.
FIRST RETIREMENT CHECKS —
James Joseph O’Donnell, projectionist at
the Reno Theatre in El Reno, Okla., who
started there as an usher 15 years ago,
will retire May 25 on a pension made pos-
sible by the retirement plan available in
170 theatres of the Griffith Consolidated
circuit, of which the Reno is a unit.
O’Donnell, who is 65, and his wife will
take an extended trip first, then “go
fishing.” Above, C. F. Motley, left, pre-
sents the first retirement pension check to
O’Connell. The portrait in the back-
ground is that of L. C. Griffith, president
of the Griffith organization.
LOU BISSINGER
DALLAS — Thirty-four years is quite a spell
to apply one’s energies along one line of
endeavor in one spot, but credit Lou Bis-
singer with having done it.
Bissinger is observing his 34th year as
head man of the Queen Theatre here. Fact
of the matter is that he has been in show
business 41 years. He was running an air-
dome in Houston back in 1906.
In 1908 he had the Crescent Theatre in
Houston but sold out to E. H. Hulsey, who
was well known here in film business up to
and after World War I. Bissinger took over
the Queen in 1913, three months after Hulsey
had remodeled a building and made it into
Dallas’ top picture theatre. E. V. Richards,
who now heads the Paramount-Richards
Theatres out of New Orleans, was Hulsey’s
manager.
Under Bissinger, Queen ushers in the early
days included Jean Finley, Bill Saul, Albert
Reynolds and Herschel and Buddy Stuart,
all of whom rose to high places in the in-
dustry.
Jordan Leaves Interstate,
Buys Business Printers
HOUSTON — Homer V. Jordan, publicity
director for Interstate Theatres, Inc., has
resigned to enter business for himself. He
had been with Interstate for almost 20 years.
Jordan has purchased Business Printers, a
commercial and advertising shop, and will
operate it himself with E. F. Spiller as fore-
man.
Jordan is well known in Houston for his
work with the theatres and his civic activities.
He has been very active in the junior cham-
ber of commerce and was president of the
organization in 1946. Jordan was offered the
presidency of the state junior chamber of
commerce at its recent convention, but re-
fused for lack of time to devote to the work.
Jordan has been associated with Interstate
theatres since early in 1928 when he got a
job as usher at the Metropolitan while still
in high school. During the years, he has
been worked in almost every department of
the theatre business. He was promoted from
usher at the Met to assistant manager of the
Kirby. Later he was transferred to the art
department and in 1931 became associated
with the advertising department, which he
headed when he resigned.
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
SW
97
DALLAS
Couvenir booklets of “Duel in the Sun” are
^ being sold in lobbies of Interstate Theatres
during the run of the picture, with funds
going to the relief of Texas City disaster
victims. It is expected that 100,000 booklets
will be sold by the circuit.
The King Cole trio appeared in the Fair
Park auditorium May 7 in a program that is
part of the Samuel Houston college artists
series . . . Signing of the famed Gainesville
community circus for a feature length mo-
tion picture by Marshall Grant Pictures of
Hollywood was announced here by Robert
L. Frost, assistant executive production man-
ager. The picture will be titled “Gainesville,
U. S. A.”
-NOW-
Your Theatre Can Be Sold
PRIVATELY at Top Market
Personal, Confidential Handling
Confidential correspondence invited
ARTHUR LEAK
BROKER
Theatre Sales Exclusivelg
3422 Kinmore SL Dallas 1 0, Texas
Dial T3-2026
Allen G. Smith, former War Production
board theatre equipment head and now cir-
cuit sales manager for National Theatre
Supply, is here on a two-week visit. Smith
was a member of the Dallas staff before going
into government service in 1942. He left
New York March 15 for a swing through the
southern states, including a trip to south
Texas with Sam Berry of the Dallas branch,
and expects to call on the branch offices in
Denver, Kansas City, Chicago and Detroit
before returning to the home office.
Duke Clark, district manager for Para-
mount, received a letter from Mrs. Fred
Larned, Who is in Permanente hospital, Oak-
land, Calif. She said she is doing very nicely
and asked to be remembered to everyone.
Mary Kay said she was most appreciative of
the cards, letters, wires, and flowers that
she had received during the time she has
been in the hospital. She hopes to be able
to return to Dallas soon after July 1.
The Melba Theatre in downtown Dallas
has installed new model AA Motiograph pro-
Westerns-Features-Serials
I Tower Pictures Co.
HAROLD SCHWARZ
302V, S. Harwood St. C— 7357
DALLAS 1. TEXAS
jectors. The installation was handled by
Henry Sorenson of Modem Theatre Equip-
ment Co. . . . Modem Theatre Equipment is
showing the new strong Mogul 70 ampere
lamp which is designed to take care of drive-
ins and other theatres having large screens.
W. L. Jones, vice-president of RCA, Cam-
den, N. J., opened the company’s cooperative
sales drive at a regional meeting here last
week. J. W. Cocke, Dallas regional manager,
presided. Those present included Alex Mc-
Kinzie, Houston; Bob Amos, Dallas, manager
of the equipment section; W. W. Gilreath, dis-
trict service manager, and all field engineers
from Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana.
Buddy Harris has sold his theatre in La-
donia to Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Shipp, who will
move to Ladonia from Oklahoma . . . W. F.
Bugie, manager of Warners in Memphis sev-
eral years and later Republic manager here,
died in Indianapolis recently after a long ill-
ness. Bugie is survived by his wife, one daugh-
ter and two brothers — one is PRC manager in
Cincinnati and the other 20th-Fox manager
in Cincinnati.
Lou Charninsky is back on Elm street after
spending several weeks in the hospital . . .
Jake Webb of the Bantex Theatre in Bandera
was on the Row two days booking . . . Gideon
Talley of Pleasanton and Victor Cornelius of
Eastland were other Row visitors . . . Two new
fathers; Sam Berry, a baby girl born May 3
named Carlyn Susan, and David Shipp,
MGM booker, a son named James Ronald,
May 6.
Floyd King, southern division manager for
Alexander Films, conferred with Fred Hargis
and Justin Mclnaney . . . Claude York, man-
Genuine Imported
Gocaanut OIL
— Colored a rich golden yellow.
— stays liquid in warm weather.
— remains fresh and sweet long after many oils
get rancid.
Available in
5 Gal. Cans — V2 Drums — Full Drums
SK for complete price list on all sup-
plies and machines for your needs.
We serve you . . .
The Ideal Hybrid
with
RIVERSIDE 6134
Bs
MAXIMUM UNIFORMITY
GROWN-IN POPPING VOLUME
A QUALITY OF TASTE
you never have known before.
Chas. E. Darden & Co.
P. O. Box 2207
DALLAS 1. TEXAS
EQUIPMENT DISPLAY — SALES
WAREHOUSES
HEW Ma. 2102 — 1024 Bienville St. 1 OKLA. 4020 McArthur Blvd.
102ps™?a5n3.os.. 201 ™2 T.xa, St.
ORLEANS L. C. Duckworth, Manager | CITY Cecil Davis, Distributor
HOUSTON — BEAUMONT — LUBBOCK
West Coast Distributor: Roy C. Garland, P. O. Box 647, Oxnard, California
98
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
ager of PRC -Eagle Lion in Oklahoma City,
and Jack Emenheiser, salesman, were here
two days to confer with Herman Beiersdorf.
Winners of the 1946 turtle derby ticket sales
prizes left Sunday for the Variety Interna-
tional convention in Los Angeles May 13-17,
all expenses paid. The winners: Clem Meyer;
Max Glazer, Lew Bray, Henry Stern, Eph
Charninsky, Benjamin Bickers, Fred Hoen-
scheidt, Lafe Pfeiffer, Louis Novy, Harold
Schwarz, Duke Evans, Lynn Stocker, Ray Hay,
Charles E. Darden, Frank Weatherford, Louis
Charninsky, B. E. Garner and Jack King.
Julius Schepps has been elected chairman
of the 1947 turtle derby committee, Conrad
Brady was chosen to take charge of the
arena arrangements, and Ray Beall will han-
dle all publicity.
WACO
Touis Novy, Interstate Theatres city man-
■“ ager in Austin, was in charge of the bene-
fit performance held in that city Saturday
with all proceeds going to the relief fund for
Texas City fire and explosion victims. Those
taking part in the show were Kay Kyser,
emcee; Victor Borge, Mickey Rooney, Sonny
Tufts, Jane Russell, Ann Blyth, Harry Bab-
bitt, Diana Lynn, Marion Morgan and Abi-
gail and Buddy.
San Antonio Interstate city manager
George Watson has been named on the pub-
licity committee of the San Antonio Com-
munity Chest . . . Three film stars who were
to appear with the opening of “Duel in the
Sun” at the Texas in the Alamo city, can-
celled their engagement due to other commit-
ments, it was announced in newspaper dis-
play ads.
Waco first runs last week included the fol-
lowing pictures: Orpheum, “Trail Street”;
Rivoli, “Love Laughs at Andy Hardy”; Strand,
“Dick Tracy vs. Cueball,” and Waco, “Smash-
Up.”
Sells at Morrilton
MORRILTON, ARK.— L. M. Mange of Mal-
vern, Ark., has sold his interest in the Petit
Jean Theatre here to Isaac H. Roland of Mal-
vern and O. G. Abernathy of Morrilton.
Sam A. Hobbs
Yale 2-1483
Eddie H. Shahan
Yale 2-0528
HOBBS & SHAHAN
Theatre Remodeling and Decorating
Draperies . . . Acoustical Correction
1224 So. Brighton DALLAS 11, TEXAS
SAM LEWIS
Remodeling and Decorating Theatres
“A Dollar’s Worth for Your Dollar”
Phone Y2-7383
2810 Sharon Dallas 11. Texas
HERMAN BLUM
Engineer
Air-Conditioning and Heating Design
1708^ Commerce St. Dallas. Texas
From the
BOXOFFICE FILES
• * *
(Twenty Years Ago)
'Pops' to Atlanta Fox
ATLANTA— The Fox Theatre here is do-
nating its house and staff for a series of free
“pop” concerts to be given by a 50-piece or-
chestra on six consecutive Sundays, starting
July 6.
A LVIN POWELL has two theatres at Guth-
rie, Okla., and in order to meet competi-
tion, with each paid admission to one thea-
tre, a pass is given to the other theatre . . .
The Empire Theatre at Eldorado, Okla., has
been purchased by Kingery and Kennedy . . .
The name of the Cozy Theatre at Shawnee,
Okla., has been changed to the Ritz.
* * *
Charles Kessnich, district manager for
MGM, was an Oklahoma City visitor over
the weekend . . . Ish Clark, manager for Lib-
erty-Specialty Film Co., at Oklahoma City,
visited Dallas on official business . . . Univer-
sal has appointed Hubert Carrigan as ship-
ping clerk at Oklahoma City . . . The Majes-
tic Theatre at Oklahoma City has a new
Peterson Freezum cooling system. >
* * *
Sunday shows went into effect at Shaw-
nee, Okla., as a result of the recent election
there . . . The Grand Theatre at Holdenville
is being newly refurnished ... A new thea-
tre is being built by J. D. Wineland at
Picher, Okla. ... A new 300-seat theatre at
Blanchard, Okla., is being built by W. C.
Francis . . . The new Rialto Theatre at Alva
has been opened by Davidson & Hayden.
/InMUuicinf the ofietuntf aj
A New Studio for the
Complete Renovation of Theatres
— including —
decorating in its entirety, draperies, carpets, acoustical
treatment, lighting fixtures, scale plans, and colored
sketches submitted.
No Obligation — Call, Write or Wire
J. H. (JACK) JACKSON
> 6035 Ellsworth
12 Years Experience
Union 6-4952
Dallas 6, Texas
-aJ
REMODELING DECORATING
Drapes — Frames — Lighting Fixtures
* LOWEST PRICES
LUPE ROMERO
4222 Latayetto DALLAS 4, TEX. T-0660
Is Your
Theatre
For Sale?
We Have
Buyers
With Cash
"JOE" JOSEPH
THEATRES
Let “Joe” Sell Your Show.
Theatres bought — sold — equipped — fire in-
ventories— consultant and equipment.
1003 Galloway St. Dallas, Tex.
Phone Yale 2-7650
NEW SEATS, YESI
21 Day Delivery
We represent the
GRIGGS EQUIP. CO.
in Oklahoma
CECIL DAVIS
Theatre Seat 6r Equipment Co.
4020 MacArthur Oklahoma City, Okla.
IN OUR STOCK
NOW -IMMEDIATE DELIVEBY
The New AUT0MATICKET
TICKET MACHINE
(See Boxoffice Modern Theatre Section of April 26th)
HERBER BROTHERS
“Fair Treatment and Adequate Service for 25 Years”
408 S. HARWOOD - DALLAS 1, TEXAS
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
99
A GREAT BOOK ... A TERRIFIC PICTURE!
"DODS WORTH," Sinclair Lewis' story of a
woman's passion emotionally undressed.
Walter Huston, David Niven, Mary Astor,
Ruth Chatterton, Paul Lukas and John Payne,
all big boxoffice names, a Goldwyn picture di-
rected by William Wyler.
This is the type of picture we like to recom-
mend to you, and you in turn can recommend
to your customers. It will do business and sat-
isfy 100%. New prints — new trailers — new
accessories. Early playdates mean quick profits.
Released by FILM CLASSICS of Texas * Dallas
toning
SEASON IS HERE
Install your U. S.
Air Conditioner
before hot weath-
er sets in. Washed
Air and Refrig-
eration units in
stock.
OKLRHomit Theatre Supplv
J. ELDON PEEK
TELEPHONE 7-6601
708-710 WEST GRAND AVENUE
OKLAHOMA CITY 2. OKLA.
OKLAHOMA CITY
jyTartin Feinstein, New York, publicist for
“Carnegie Hall,” is here in connection
with the local showing of the picture at the
Villa. The film, released through United
Artists, will have its western premiere here
May 14. It will play here for seven days.
Feinstein who plans to remain here through
the picture’s engagement, said the advance
sale of tickets has been slow. The picture
has had extensive play in local papers. About
10,000 pieces of mail, advertising the film,
have been circulated.
M. D. Brazee made a weekend trip to
Memphis . . . John Reynolds of the specialty
shipping department at NSS, is on a two-
week holiday in San Antonio . . . Ralph War-
ner is proving to be quite an angler. The
Manley Popcorn man took out for nearby
Lake Hefner during the weekend and found
the fish biting good enough to land a 6 %-
pound channel cat and some bass weighing
two pounds and better.
Visitors on the Row: Mrs. Sam Ridgeway,
Maysville; Mrs. C. W. Duncan, Weleetka;
H. S. McMurry, Dumas, Tex.; L. A. White,
Weatherford; Dudley Tucker jr., Pauls
Valley; Henry Henderson, manager of the
Alvo in Medford; L. G. Bumpers, Vian;
Leroy and Wesley Hodges, Anadarko; Ora
Peters, Wapanuoka; Lewis W. Long, Keyes;
Carl Phillips, Sallisaw; W. T. Kirby, We-
tumka; S. P. Doss, Tahlequah; C. L. Lance,
Ringling; Homer Jones, Alva; Don Aber-
nathy, Fairview, and A. R. Walker, Broken
Arrow.
The Hollis Herods in Hugo celebrated their
21st wedding anniversary April 19. Hollis is
manager of Griffith’s Erie . . . Billy Hugh
May, doorman at the Pettit, Griffith Theatre
in Hominy, has the lead in the high school
senior play . . . Bill Cleverdon, manager of
Griffith’s Hominy operation, is a member of
the committee making plans for a city Fourth
of July program . . . Griffithites, H. B.
Pettit, chairman, Curtis Cross and Bill Clev-
erdon, all of Hominy, worked on the Red
Cross drive to raise $1,240 . . . Cleverdon also
worked on the town’s chamber of commerce
100
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
budget drive which went over the top of its
$4,000 goal.
J. C. Duncan, city manager of Griffith
theatres in Tulsa, reports that employes of
the Tulsa and State held a surprise birthday
party for their manager, E. C. Lee, recently.
The party was held on the stage of the Tulsa
Theatre . . . Idonna D. Groom, relief cashier
for Griffith in Blackwell, won one of the 20
Irminda Banning $1,200 four-year scholar-
ships in Oklahoma City university.
Employes of the Tall Chief, Griffith house,
in Fairfax, held a picnic at the Fairfax lake.
Attending were the W. J. Moores, the Junior
Frank Loves and their children, Sandra and
Billy, the Charles Bowmans and children,
Francis, Billy Jo and Betty, and Bonnie
Elliott, Nancy Evans, Jean Noble, Sue Beree,
Vera Hunsaker, R. C. Carter, Jim Lockett,
Bob Evans, Dean Carter and Frank Evans.
Paul West, manager for Griffith in Fred-
erick, reports that $1,550 was raised in the
Tillman county cancer fund drive. West,
chairman, said the quota was over-subscribed
. . . Margaret Ward, relief cashier at the
Ramona and Ritz theatres, Griffith opera-
tions in Frederick, was one of seven in the
state winning a superior rating at the annual
Oklahoma Music meet on the University of
Oklahoma campus, Norman. She sings
soprano.
The Osage County Sales Ring in Fairfax
has been getting some publicity. It is re-
ported as a business enterprise started in
Fairfax last summer by W. J. Moore, partner
in the Griffith-Fairfax theatre operation,
and a rancher, Jess Thompson. The Ring
also is reported the best and largest in the
southwest . . . John Monroe, manager of
Griffith’s Cuero operation, reports that
c
IGNflTURE CUTS
rOQ YOM ADV£/)T/S//VO.,
send your theatres' names for
S/k£c/uS
X-rrmti.- il.e.oa\i^es
5663 MILITARY DALLAS 17. T
•50
already 166 persons have given more than
$1,200 to the Youth Recreation council fund
campaign. He’s secretary-treasurer ... A
meeting at the Griffith-Trot theatre in Cuero
featured a movie, “Clean Milking,” sponsored
by the Farmers Supply Co., San Antonio, and
the Cuero Chamber of Commerce.
Maj. and Mrs. Harry W. Reed are at home
in Glenview, 111. Mrs. Reed is the former
Lillian Edwards who worked for Griffith
Theatres in the home office as assistant to
L. A. Chatham. The Reeds were married
April 9 in Evanston. Major Reed, USMC,
is stationed at the naval air station at Glen-
view. When Lillian punched the clock for
the Griffith home office, she was assistant
in the public relations office. Roger Rice re-
placed her.
This week’s screen bills: “The Perfect Mar-
riage” opened Wednesday (7) at the Midwest,
and “Kit Carson” and “The Last of the Mo-
hicans,” reissues, opened Friday at the War-
ner. “The Locket,” was at the State, “The
Imperfect Lady” at the Criterion Wednes-
(Continued on next page)
THEATRES FOR SALE
IN TEXAS
No. 1 — Neighborhood Theatre in Texas'
fastest growing city. 520 seats, new
equipment. Fire-proof building and
parking lot. All goes for low price
of $50,000.
No. 2 — Theatre in Central Texas town of
1,500 population. Major equipment,
345 new cushion seats, also owner's
two-story, colonial home, 11 rooms,
completely furnished. A good fam-
ily setup for only $32,500.
No. 3 — Money-making theatre, also in
Central Texas town of near 2,000
population, large trade area. New
equipment. 380 seats. Boxoffice gross
over $425 weekly, popcorn sales over
$80.00 weekly. For quick deal, will
sacrifice for $20,000.
WIRE OR PHONE
"JOE” JOSEPH
1003 Galloway St. Dallas, Texas
Phone Yale 2-7650
I MANLEY S SUPREME HYBRID
POPCORN
COCONUT SEASONING
IN PAILS
38 lb. OR 45 lb.
WHITE PRINTED "HI POP" BAGS
★ ★ ★
i H IV I SION ,1 MAHAN EH
302 So. Harwood C-7536 Dallas, Texas
^/esterns
mm
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HARWOOD & JACKSON STS.
DALLAS 1 “Riverside Mi" TEXAS
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
OKLAHOMA CITY
(Continued from preceding page)
day, “Johnny Frenchman” at the Victoria,
“Carnival in Costa Rica” at the Home Thea-
tre Sunday and “Suddenly It’s Spring” moved
from the Criterion to the Tower for a second
week . . . “The Best Years of Our Lives”
closed Tuesday at the Plaza, a C&R theatre,
after three weeks there.
Pat McGee of Denver was expected here
this week to spend a few days ... Ed Kid-
well, general manager for C&R here and Mr.
and Mrs Morris Loewenstein, left for Los
Angeles and the-Variety International conven-
tion . . . Berlin Parks, projectionist at the
Tower, returned from California where he
took his family on a two-week holiday . . .
Jules Soule, former OCU student and dance
band drummer, is the new assistant manager
at the Tower . . . Mary Ann Mikeska is the
new candy attendant at the Tower.
“It Happened in Brooklyn” played two
weeks at the Home, closing Saturday night
(10). Spike Jones and his band will appear
at the Home the night of June 1. The pro-
gram is booked for the Municipal auditorium
where Boyle also is bringing “Bloomer Girl”
to play May 26, 27 . . . Charles Lyne and Jim
Peacock of MGM attended the MGM sales
confab in New York. Lyne is the new branch
manager here and Peacock is a salesman for
the exchange.
S. G. Rogers has sold the New Theatre at
Coalgate to Eddie Holt, owner of the Wig-
wam at Coalgate. The transfer was reported
to be effective about May 10 . . . Roma Lee
Wilkerson is a new MGM billing clerk . . .
Carr Scott, manager for Screen Guild Pro-
ductions here, went to Los Angeles to attend
a national meeting of Screen Guild and to
participate in the Variety International con-
vention . . . Charley Hudgens, Universal sales-
man, and Mrs. Hudgens are parents of a son
born Friday (2).
Mrs. Vera King, Checotah, was on the Row
two days . . . Alice Doerfler is the new booker-
stenographer at RKO . . . Mrs. Wilma Barnes,
RKO contract clerk, has resigned to move to
Kansas City . . . Norman J. Ayers of New
York, Warner division sales manager, and
Doak Roberts of Dallas, district manager for
Warner, were here Tuesday and Wednesday,
meeting Benjamin Kalmenson, WB general
sales manager, on one day.
Thompson Theatres, operating 13 houses,
has been incorporated by Glen Thompson.
The new Britton Theatre at Britton is open
as a combination first and second-run house.
The place, owned by Thompson, seats about
300 persons. He also owns the Ritz in Brit-
ton. Robert Edwards, formerly with Thomp-
son in Tishomingo, manages the two houses.
Willa Mae Bishop, formerly with the Glen
Thompson circuit, is a new stenographer at
PRC and Eagle-Lion . . . Eddie Jones of Sand
Springs has purchased some property at Mus-
kogee and may construct a theatre there . . .
Claude York, PRC and Eagle-Lion manager,
and Jack Emenhiser, salesman, returned from
Dallas . . . Bill Moran was on the Row. He
owned half interest in the theatres in Tulsa
which were sold several years ago to the Grif-
fith circuit. Phil Isley was a partner with
Moran.
D. F. McCrosky who owns shows in Boyn-
ton, Jenks and Fairland, is a partner of Paul
E. Bramblett on a roadshow entitled, “Let
There Be Light.” The show opened the last
week in April in Victoria, Tex. McCrosky
headquarters in Tulsa . . . Selected as This
Week’s cover girl for the May 3 issue was
Lois Balch of the Criterion Theatre. This
Week is a capsule city publication . . . Roger
Rice of Griffith’s home office staff made the
front page of the same magazine recently
when he was caught by a shutter snapper
dancing with a girl friend at the Rainbow
room atop the First National Bldg. Roger is
in Griff’s film merchandising and advertis-
ing department.
C. H. “Buck” Weaver, Paramount manager,
and his two sons, Bill and Carl, left for Los
Angeles via a new motor car. He will attend
the Variety convention . . . R. B. Williams,
exchange manager for RKO, underwent a
tonsillectomy . . . S. J. Francis, district man-
ager for Monogram, flew here for a few days.
Put Williams, Wife, Son
Tour Rio Grande Valley
KANSAS CITY— Heeding the call of the
open road, the Williams family — Put, his wife
and son George — have sold their theatre
interests, purchased $25,000 worth of road-
show equipment, and have embarked on an
expedition through the Rio Grande valley in
order to bring the motion picture to hapless
inhabitants of that area.
Williams and his wife once owned a theatre
in Galena, Kas., and George just recently
sold his latest permanent structure, the
Delphus in Carthage, Mo., to Bill Bradfield
of Columbia.
Together with son George, Put has bought
a special outfit. Three huge trailers make up
the caravan. The largest is 28 feet long, the
smallest just eight feet shorter. One of
these three vans contains RCA sound and
projection equipment (35mm), folding chairs
for 600 persons and the big tent that makes
up the theatre. A second trailer is designed
specifically for Mrs. Williams, who is an in-
valid. The third is the house trailer con-
taining three double beds.
NEW Equipment For
Delivery
Strong 1-kw Intermediate High Lamps
The NEW Strong 70 Ampere Super High Lamps
Strong 45 and 70 Ampere Rectifiers
Motor Generators — 50-100 Amps — 65-130 Amps
Mirrophonic Delux Sound Systems
Altec Lansing Speaker Systems
A. A. Motiograph Projectors
Ticket Machines & Change Machines
Automatic Enclosed Rewinds
Electric Changeovers
and
A Complete Stock of Theatre Supplies
PHONE OR WIRE NOW
MtuHehn ^lUeatn-e Zauipsnent Gosnp&mj,
214 South St. Paul Street
Phone Riverside 5009
Dallas 1, Texas
102
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
NEW ORLEANS
Jerry Jemigan, Memphis manager for Screen
Guild, was here several days in the local
Screen Guild office . . . A. C. Bromberg,
president of Monogram Southern, was at the
local branch conferring with Manager Henry
Glover.
Manager Milton Bureau of PRC has added
another salesman to his force, making three
in all. Mamie Lass has been promoted to
assistant booker for PRC . . . Alan Boyd of
Shreveport, a representative for Briggs chairs
and Weber and DeVry sound and projection
equipment, has been a busy man. He fur-
nished chairs for the Gay Theatre at Bossier
City, a colored house owned by S. L. Wil-
son and in operation now for three weeks; all
equipment for the Globe Theatre, Many, La.,
a colored house which was to open May 9,
and chairs for George Rivoire’s Teche Thea-
tre, which will open soon in Beau Bridge.
Boyd was here to call at this correspondent’s
office.
W. D. DuBose, manager of the Dixie Thea-
tre, colored house in Columbia, Miss., was
here making arrangements for reopening the
house May 15 . . . Exhibitor Conrad of Beau
Bridge, was a visitor . . . Back on Filmrow is
Joyce Fascio, now with Exhibitors Service . . .
John Jarvis, Kay Films manager, returned
from a visit to his home office in Atlanta.
The New Rex Theatre, Baton Rouge’s new-
est fireproof first run house, opened May 8.
J. J. Broggi is handling the booking for this
theatre . . . Roland C. Hoffman of Para-
mount Richards Theatres has been in
Mississippi inspecting several theatres.
Visitors to New Orleans, regardless of what
time of year they come, always have some
entertainment except during the lenten sea-
son, which is very closely observed in this
section. For example this week was Music
week. Sixteen bands paraded on Canal street
as the opening celebration, and during the
seven days every theatre and civic and social
organization will hold some kind of cele-
bration.
C. Jimmie Bryant, manager for MGM, at-
tended the New York sales convention. He
was accompanied by Enola Murray, booker,
and Roudolph Berger, southern sales man-
ager.
R. E. Fowler is the new owner of the Green
Frog Theatre, colored theatre which opened
several weeks ago at Tallulah, La. . . . P. J.
Wagner, who has picked up and delivered
film on the Row for a score of years, was
cited by the Railway Express Co., his em-
ployer, for his long services without an ac-
cident.
John Jenkins of Astor Pictures and treas-
urer of Dixie Film Corp. of New Orleans,
stopped' at the local Dixie office on his way
from Atlanta to Dallas, from where he
planned to leave for Hollywood to attend
the Variety Club convention there . . . Mr.
and Mrs. Neal Mixon of Mixon’s Drive-In
Theatre at Amite, La., spent several hours
on the Row.
Seen on Filmrow: Jeff Rebstock, Golden
Meadows; Charles Lamantia, Ritz Theatre,
Hammond, La.; Frank Olah, Star, Albany,
La. . . . John Jarvis, local manager of Kay
Films, went to Atlanta to visit his office
and to see his family ... Vic Maurin of the
Fox Theatre in Houma, La., was presented
the Terrebonne Press award for 1946, fol-
lowing his nomination by three civic or-
ganizations.
The Spike Jones City Slickers will appear at
the Municipal auditorium May 25 in a 13-
act show . . . Ella Raines, motion picture
star, and her husband, Maj. Robin Olds,
(Continued on next page)
BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT
10th FL, 2nd Unit, Santa Fe Bldg. BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO*, INC. Dallas. Tex.
BOXES and BAGS
They Are Still in Short Supply But
We Have Them -
Send Us Your Standing Order and Save 10%
Look at These Prices!
BOXES — So size — Serially numbered, printed and colored
BOXES — 10c size — Printed red and white (41/2x2x7)
BOXES— Carnival Size— 4xl5/8x5ty2 — 1000 to case
JUMBO BAGS— 15" long x 41/2x13/4 — 800 to case
BAGS — 5c Johnny Boy — Red and white stripe (3x1 7/8x7) — 10.000 to case
BAGS — 10c Johnny Boy — Red and white stripe (3x2x9) — 3,000 to case
Standing Order
List Price Discount Net Price
BAGS — Kraft, l/j-Ib. size (3xl3/4x6l/2) — 10.000 per bale
it, 3/4-lb. ’ “
■>/4-lt>. size (3x2x7 3/4) — 10,000 per bale
10c size (33Ax2V4x9) — 8,000 per bale
lize — Johnny Boy red stripe — 6,000 per bale
BAGS— Kraft
BAGS — Kraft
BAGS— Kraft. 10c S1Z6' J — j v ... - j, vvs ... t
BAGS — 5c glassine — 12,000 to case (3x1 3/4x63/,)
BAGS — 10c glassine — 8,000 to case, 3/j-lb. (3%xl 3/4x7 3/4)
BAGS— 1 lb. glassine (3y2x2l/4x73/4)
BAGS — 2 lb. glassine — 8,000 to case
5.50
10%
4.95
8.65
10%
7.79
6.50M
10%
5.85M
6.75M
10%
6.08M
1.82M
10%
1.64M
2.35M
10%
2.12M
1.40M
10%
1.26M
1.50M
10%
1.35M
1.65M
10%
1.49M
2.20M
10%
1.98M
1.98M
10%
1.79M
2.88M
10%
2.60M
2.79M •
10%
2.52M
3.31M
10%
2.98M
One-Day Service
Order Today
BLEVINS POPCORN CO.
31st & Charlotte
Dept. BB
Nashville, Tenn.
BOXOFFICE May 10, 1947
103
Falls , McKenna and Walker Acquire
First Theatres in Projected Circuit
OKLAHOMA CITY— Southwestern Thea-
tres Co., a three-way partnership composed of
Horace R. Falls, H. E. McKenna and E. L.
Walker, has been formed for the purpose of
buying theatres or partnerships in independ-
ent theatres. The first acquisitions, accord-
ing to Falls, are the Ritz and Harlem thea-
tres in Lawton, which the trio started op-
erating last weekend.
The 1,200-seat Ritz, which is a combination
first and second run theatre, has the largest
seating capacity of any Lawton theatre, Falls
said. The company assumed operation May
4. The Harlem is for colored patronage and
seats 276. It is the only colored theatre in
the county seat of Comanche county. Falls
said the house has been completely re-
modeled. It reopened under the new man-
agement May 3.
The two theatres were formerly owned by
L. L. Jones, who is retiring from the film ex-
hibition business, but who plans to continue
with his other Lawton interests.
“Deals are pending on two other situations
which we hope to close in the very near
future,” Falls said.
Falls will be in charge of buying and the
other two partners plan to divide the other
duties. “This will be a working organization
— not one with titles and officers,” declared
Falls. Walker, known as “Eb,” is managing
the two theatres at the present time.
In addition to operating theatres the
Southwestern Theatres Co. also will act as a
buying and booking agency for the inde-
pendent exhibitors in Oklahoma and the
Texas panhandle. This part of the organiza-
tion will be ready for operation June 1.
An affiliate, known as Variety Roadshow
Attractions, will continue to be operated by
the partnership. At the present time, accord-
ing to Falls, the company has one picture,
“Fools of Desire.” “However, we hope to ac-
quire^ additional independent product for
distribution in the state of Oklahoma,” he
said.
The company has taken increased office
space at 708 West Grand, the same building
as occupied by Screen Guild Productions.
McKenna and Walker are former PRC
franchise owners for Oklahoma. They sold
more than a year ago, and lately have been
handling road show films. Falls, chief barker
of the Oklahoma Variety Club, was with
Griffith Theatres’ buying department for 21
years until his recent resignation.
NEW ORLEANS
(Continued from preceding page)
stopped here briefly on a “second honey-
moon” tour.
Mrs. Henry V. Lazarus, owner and opera-
tor of the Lazarus circuit, returned recently
from a ten-day business trip to New York.
Joseph, business manager, attended a pop-
corn convention in Texas . . . Roy Flicken,
manager of Exhibitors Poster exchange, re-
turned recently from a two-week stay in
Los Angeles, where he participated in the
ABC bowling tournament.
N. C. “Turk” Carter and Gaston Dureau
of Paramount Richards Theatres left by
plane for Los Angeles to attend a meeting
of Paramount partners and take care of other
business on the coast . . . Rodney Toups,
manager of Loew’s State here 20 years, re-
ceived a special Loew’s citation for his loyal
service. Toups started with Loew’s as an
usher in the old Crescent Theatre near the
Roosevelt hotel.
Shreveport’s Dottye Brown, who got a
chance in Hollywood by winning a talent
contest, has completed an assignment in a
film in which she had the only feminine role,
“Song of the Wasteland,” a western starring
Jimmy Wakely. This was the second motion
picture Dottye has appeared in, having re-
cently completed a feature role in the Gov.
Jimmy Davis starring vehicle, “Louisiana.”
Dottye is under contract to Monogram. In
the Wakely picture Dottye plays a ranch-
owning woman and says that it was a lot
of fun, even though they didn’t let her ride
a horse . . . L. C. Montgomery and E. F.
Briwa were in Dallas last week.
CK
%
Come on in
the Popcorn’s
And the PROFITS Are Good, Too—
When R-B BRAND POPCORN
Is the "Added Attraction ” at Your Theatre
You build profits two ways when you pop R-B Brand Mammoth
Yellow Hybrid Popcorn. R-B's greater popping volume means extra
income . . . $120 to $125 from a 100-lb. bag. And R-B's greater taste
appeal adds to the favorable impression your theatre makes . . .
helps to bring customers back again and again! For higher pop-
corn yield and better popcorn flavor, get R-B Brand.
7*? just one bag, to see
for yourself the superiority.
Only $9.80 per 100 lb. bag.
Per 100 lb. bag
in orders of
500 lbs. & up.
R-B Brand Golden Liquid
POPCORN SEASONING
and
R-B Brand Pure
COCOANUT OIL
Available in gallons at 32 lbs. per case, 5-gallon
tins at 40 lbs. per case, steel drums at 420 lbs.
Morton's popcorn salt, $1.80 per case; %-lb. printed
white bags, $1.50 per thousand.
Write TODAY for Complete List of
POPPERS' SUPPLIES.
Consolidated
POPCORN COMPANY
BUILT ON
EXTRA VALUE
and
I SATISFACTION
2401 South Ervay St. ★ Dallas 1, Texas
POPCORN and SUPPLIES, YES!
We represent
Charles E. Darden & Co.
Cretors Popcorn Machines
Cecil Davis
Theatre Seat and Equipment Co.
4020 MacArthur Oklahoma City, Okla.
104
BOXOFFICE May 10, 1947
A. M. Avery Joins Flexer
In Big Drive-In Venture
A. M. Avery, RKO manager at Memphis since 1938 (left), resigned this week to
become associated with a new company, Flexer Drive-In Theatres, Inc., which plans
25 drive-ins throughout the U.S. Avery is shown here with Dave Flexer, Flexer
Theatres, Inc. (right), who is president of the company, as they go over blueprints for
the new modem drive-ills.
Plane Crash Claims
Richard Thomason
FRANKLIN, KY.— Richard H. Thomason,
owner of the Roxy Theatre in Gallatin, Tenn.,
and a friend and passenger, Ed Snow, opera-
tor of a confectionery store in Gallatin, were
killed when a small plane owned and operated
by Thomason crashed in an open field near
here April 29. The plane lost altitude, circled
the field once, and dived into the ground,
according to H. M. Phillips, a witness. The
plane was demolished but did not take fire.
Attendants at the Gallatin, Tenn., airport,
Which is jiist a few miles across the state
border from Franklin, Ky., reported that the
plane had left there just a few minu'.es be-
fore the crash. Thomason is survived by his
wife.
E. A. Woodward Succeeds
Heney at Beach Theatre
JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — E. A. Woodward
has been named manager of the Beach Thea-
tre here. Woodward has been serving as
assistant manager of the Florida Theatre
iil Jacksonville. His new appointment is in
the nature of a return to an old post. He
was connected with the Beach from 1939 to
1942, When he resigned to enter the army,
tlpon his discharge in 1945 he was named
maHager of the State Theatre in Gainesville,
and remained there until a few months ago,
when he was called to Jacksonville to become
assistant manager of the Florida.
At the Beach he replaces W. P. Heney, who
has resigned to become manager of the Jack-
sonville Beach Pier. Heney, well-known in
musical and entertainment circles, formerly
played trumpet in John Philip Sousa’s band.
Later he traveled with Tom Mix’s circus as
band director. Heney joined Florida State
Theatres in 1943.
Charles Moskowifz Stays
As Lone Tarleton Guest
MIAMI — The Jacobs clan has closed up the
Lord Tarleton, but allow one guest to stay on
who has agreed to run his own elevator, make
his own bed and perform other chores at-
tendant to occupying a $30-a-day room. The
obliging guest was Charles Moskowitz, vice-
president of MGM and Loew’s, Inc., who
maintains three homes, each completely
staffed with servants. The first time Mosko-
witz ran the elevator he received a dime tip
for his trouble.
Main Street Opens Doors
To Russellville Patrons
RUSSELLVILLE, ARK. — The Main Street
Theatre opened April 29. Cledvs Boswell and
E. R. Gillett are owners. Gillett owns and
operates other theatres in Arkansas, Tennes-
see and Missouri.
Buy Morrilton Theatre
MORRILTON, ARK.— L. M. Mange of
Malvern, Ark., has sold his interest in the
Petit Jean Theatre here, to Isaac H. Roland
of Malvern, and O. G. Abernathy of Morril-
ton. Management of the theatre has been
in the hands of Abernathy since last June.
Elmer Hecht to Pilot Park
TAMPA, FLA. — Elmer Hecht of Miami has
been appointed manager of the Park Theatre
here. The Park has been reconditioned
throughout and now shows first run pictures
only. Leonard Abess owns the house.
MEMPHIS— A chain of 25 drive-in motion
picture theatres in America’s largest cities is
the goal of Flexer Drive-In Theatres, Inc., a
new company formed in Memphis.
David Flexer, operator of a chain of ten
motion picture houses in Memphis and the
midsouth, is president of the new organiza-
tion which was incorporated under the laws
of Delaware. Cost of the chain will be
$2,500,000.
A. M. “Al” Avery, manager for RKO here
since 1938, has resigned this position to take
the job as vice-president, secretary and gen-
eral manager of the new outdoor movie cir-
cuit.
R. V. REAGIN RKO MANAGER
R. V. Reagin, office manager and salesman,
succeeds Avery as RKO manager.
The new company will have an office in
New York but its headquarters will be in
Memphis. Offices for the present will be in
the Dermon Bldg, in Memphis. This fall they
will be transferred to a new building which
Flexer .will build at Second and Talbot, di-
rectly across from Paramount, right in the
heart of Filmrow.
Claude Northern, architect, is now com-
pleting plans for this new Filmrow building
and construction will begin June 1, Flexer
said.
Flexer said that one site in a large city has
already been purchased and another deal for
property is nearing completion but that he
is not yet ready to name the cities in which
drive-ins will be constructed. Memphis is not
included in present plans for one of these
drive-ins.
AIR CONDITIONER, TOO
“Each of our drive-ins will be the last word
in modern open air theatres, handling 700 to
800 cars and using a new type of equipment
which permits the placing of small compact
speakers in every car,” Flexer said. “We
plan to have at least four or five of these new
outdoor theatres in operation before the end
of this summer and all 25 operating by the
start of summer in 1949.”
“We will give personalized service in every
theatre and will cater strictly to the family
trade. The approach, the grounds and the
structure will be most attractive. An at-
tendant will hook the speaker onto each car
window as the cars drive into the grounds.
These speakers are small metallic boxes, very
light and compact, and are built so that all
the car windows can be closed in case of cool
weather. Each will also have a tiny heater
attachment and fan so that each individual
car can be warmed or cooled in keeping with
the change in temperature.
“Trained concessioners operating on bi-
cycles, equipped with covered compartment
for both hot and cold food and drinks, will
circulate among the cars. We will install a
portable bottle-warmer service for parents
bringing babies and worried about a warm
bottle of milk at the proper time. There will
be a large grassy plot, like a park, for the
tiny tots who get tired of sitting in the cars,
and there will be benches for the grownups.
Outside we will have a big parking area for
cars waiting to enter.
“The main entrance will include a spacious
apartment for the manager and his family so
that we will have someone living on the site
12 months in the year.
MANAGER TO LIVE ON SITE
Flexer said the drive-in plan is only part
of his national expansion program which was
formed several months ago when he bought
out his partner, B. Haberfield, in Haber-
field-Flexer Theatres and formed Flexer Thea-
tres, Inc.
At that time Flexer acquired two more mid-
south theatres bringing his chain to ten. Two
are in Memphis, the Ritz, a suburban first-
run house, and the Peabody, a large neighbor-
hood theatre.
Besides his Memphis shows, Flexer has
houses in New Albany, Amory and Sardis in
Mississippi and in Waverly, Linden and
Watertown in Tennessee.
Avery is a veteran in Memphis film circles.
He entered the motion picture field 26 years
ago with the old Educational film exchange
in Dallas, managed distribution offices in
Dallas, Omaha and other cities before coming
to Memphis. A native of Kansas City, Avery
is a graduate of University of Kansas.
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
SE
105
CHARLOTTE
JWTr. and Mrs. D. B. Kizziah left last week
for Charleston, S. C., where they will
board the Alexander Film Co. yacht, Two
Smiles II. They planned to be away aboutr
two weeks. They invited Mr. and Mrs.
Byron Adams, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Griffith
and Ben L. Strozier to join them aboard the
yacht at Morehead City.
Steve Justice, former salesman for the local
Columbia office, stopped off en route to New
York to visit friends . . . Mrs. Etta Vickers, 81,
widow of E. L. Vickers, died last week at the
home of her son John H. Vickers, president
of the Carolina Delivery Service, with whom
she was living. Death resulted from a heart
attack. Funeral services and burial were in
Tifton, Ga. . . . John T. A. Lawing, father
of C. G. “Hickey” Lawing of the Southeastern
Theatre Equipment Co., died last week.
Joe R. Hayworth closed his Playhouse The-
atre in Pink Hill, N. C., May 3 and is going
back to his prewar business of handling
vaudeville shows . . . Bert Ram, the Patricia
in Aiken, S. C., has taken over the Liberty
in Johnson, S. C., from J. C. Greene. He has
closed the house and will reopen next month.
The Charlotte Theatre has completed a pro-
gram of modernization, Walter Griffith, man-
ager, announced. The interior has been re-
painted and new carpets laid. Seats have
been repaired and remounted and new light-
ing fixtures installed. The modernization has
been in progress for the past few weeks but
the. theatre has remained open while the
work was done. The 500-seat theatre is
owned by Tom A. Little.
Scott Lett, manager of Screen Guild, left
last week for Hollywood where he will attend
the national Screen Guild convention May
13-16. While there he will attend the Va-
riety convention. This trip is also a home-
coming as Scott’s parents live in West Los
Angeles, and he hasn’t seen them in seven
years. He will be accompanied by his wife
Helen and 11 -year-old son Duke. The Letts
expect Scott but Helen and Duke will be
a complete surprise. Helen hasn’t seen her
in-laws in 15 years and Duke has never seen
his grandparents.
Hugh Sykes, Screen Guild salesman, re-
ports that C. A. Turnage of the Turnage,
Washington, N. C., has returned from a ten-
day vacation in New York . . . Robert Baum
of the James, Goldsboro, N. C., and managers
from theatres in Kinston and Rocky Mount
met in Kinston this week for a golf tourna-
ment. They plan to make it a monthly affair
for managers of colored theatres.
W. G. Driver, South Carolina salesman for
Screen Guild, brings in his weekly observa-
tions: W. H. Smith, Pal, Fairfax, S. C., will
close June 1 for extensive repairs. Ira Smith,
Breeze, Beaufort, S. C., has purchased a bank
building which was closed years ago during
the bank holiday. To date the bank vaults
have never been opened. His first query to
each visiting salesman is, “You boys are
light-fingered artists, so how about opening
my vaults?” Last week one salesman sug-
gested he try his exhibitor pals.
J. R. Cook, Ritz, Walterboro, S .C., will
start construction of a new theatre shortly
. . . J. T. Greene jr., Greene, Branchville,
S. C., can’t be found there during the day
as he leaves before dawn for Williston, where
he is building a new house . . . J. W. Wactor,
New, Holly Hill, S. C., is also hard to locate
but his reason is different. He’s behind in
his fishing . . . Dr. J. T. Greene, Playland,
Elloree, S. C., fishes every day but last week
rocked the boat and nearly fell out. Now
he’s nursing badly bruised legs and knees.
T. Lee Little, Camden and Haigler, Cam-
den, S. C., has engineers staking his lot and
is practically ready to start building his new
theatre . . . Sam Reevin, Lyric, Sumter, S. C.,
is in Duke hospital in Durham, N. C., for
observation . . . W. S. Walker, Gem, Summer-
ton, S. C., is a partial shutin. He has low
blood pressure and ulcers . . . Joe Hand, Little,
Bamberg, S. C., is piloting his family in his
own plane to his wife’s family’s home in Mt.
Olive, N. C., this weekend.
G. F. Lundy, Dulame and Dane, Denmark,
S. C., can’t decide which is worse, his hay
fever or his neglect of fishing, which is due
to getting the new theatre open.
Charles E. Myers, Myers, Rich Square,
N. C., is taking over the booking and buying
for the new theatre in Hookerton, N. C. The
YOU CAN SAVE
TIME AND MONEY
by filling all your needs in
JANITOR SUPPLIES
from our complete stock
selected for the better
maintenance of theatres.
WlL-KIN
ATLANTA, GA.
CHARLOTTE. N. C.
"Everything for the theatre except film'
theatre was built by a local man and will
open soon. Population of Hookerton is 361.
Plans for the $125,000 theatre to be built
in North Charlotte by the Legendre-Trincher
Theatre Corp. have been completed by M. R
Marsh, architect. The building will contain
stores and a theatre. It will have a terra
cotta and brick front with glass marquee and
vertical sign. The theatre will seat 800 per-
sons in a stadium-type auditorium.
Distributors Take Beating
From Newspaper Critic
CHATTANOOGA — Marschal Rothe, amuse-
ment editor for the Chattanooga Times, had
some pertinent things to say in a recent col-
umn regarding motion picture distribution
and advertising, titled “Cinema Confusion.”
Quoting Roth: •
“Though the theatre managers don’t like
to draw any farfetched conclusions — quite
understandably — things look to them to be in
a deuce of a mess when it comes to film dis-
tribution and exhibition these days. A num-
ber of film makers have taken to marketing
their own product instead of releasing
through the old established channels and dis-
tributors, probably in the hope of cutting
down middleman costs.
“Accordingly, they are able to rent films
to small chains and houses for a higher per-
centage take inasmuch as such exhibitors are
anxious for the prestige of getting such
flickers. Too, there seems to be the feeling
on many theatre men’s part that many highly
touted films may be publicized beyond their
worth due to the new trend.
“But for the poor bedraggled viewer who
creeps into a quiet corner for two hours of
escape, all this palaver about exhibitors and
rentals will make little difference. All he
wants to see are the latest films obtainable
and the best ones.
“The complicated strings of the industry,
which are maneuvered by a few deft jerks in
Hollywood, are poor reading for a man who
realizes he has been high-pressured down to
the boxoffice by magazine ads, radio spots,
Oscar winners and newspaper predictions.”
Daughter for Gabels
ORLANDO, FLA. — Mr. and Mrs. Richard
Gabel have announced the arrival of a
daughter, at the Orange Memorial hospital.
Gabel is connected with Florida State Thea-
tres.
MIAMI
J^uel in the Sun,” in its fourth week at the
Colony, opens this week at the Rex, also.
This will be its first showing on the Miami
side of the bay.
Miami bobbysoxers call the top balcony of
a movie house a “cinemattic” . . . Col. Clyde
Beck, commandant of Pratt General hospital,
paid a nice tribute to local show business.
“Nowhere else in this country,” said he, “has
there been more faithful service to the hos-
pitalized vet’s cause than in Miami.”
The Brandt Theatre interests, now operat-
ing the Flamingo on Lincoln road, are re-
ported to have leased the 41st Street site
on which the GIs were entertained during
the war . . . Don Rice, who played in “Lady
Luck,” guest-columned for Dorothy Raymer
recently. He concluded by saying, “My en-
gagement at the Olympia was the happiest of
my life. It was like playing a USO date be-
cause so many pals from overseas were on
the bill.”
106
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Wilby Shifts Lineup
As Three Men Quit
BIRMINGHAM— Several personnel shifts
resulting from two new resignations and a
third previously announced have been made
-u the Alabama-Tennessee territory of Wilby-
Kincey Theatres.
A. B. “Bickey” Covey, manager of the Tem-
ple and Strand theatres here, has been named
city manager for the circuit’s houses in Kings-
port, Tenn. He succeeds L. J. Pepper, long-
time Wilby-Kincey employe, who resigned to
assume operation of a new house planned by
a group of Kingsport business men.
Sam Davis, an ex-service man and an em-
ploye of Wilby-Kincey for about ten years,
has resigned as city manager of the Bonnie
Kate and Ritz theatres at Kingsport, Tenn.
No successor has been named. j.
OLIVER NAYLOR RESIGNS
Third resignation is that of Oliver Naylor,
manager of the Lyric in Birmingham. He will
be succeeded by Ollie Haynes, who has been
manager of the Noble Theatre in Anniston,
Ala.
Fred McCallum, assistant manager of the
Alabama here, will succeed Covey as manager
of the Temple and Strand. Virgil O’Neill, who
has been assistant to Covey at the Temple
and Strand, will replace McCallum as assist-
ant manager at the Alabama. Mack Russell,
head usher at the Lyric, will move to the
Strand and Temple to assist McCallum.
Covey has been affiliated with the Wilby-
Kincey organization since 1931. Before en-
tering the navy during the war he served as
city manager at Kingsport for a period of
about 18 months. The circuit has three thea-
tres at Kingsport, the State, Rialto and Gem.
A fourth is scheduled to open in June on the
rebuilding of the Strand, which was de-
stroyed by fire.
TO JOIN BROTHER
Naylor has been with the Wilby-Kincey cir-
cuit for approximately five years. He resigned,
effective May 28, to become associated with
his brother Wilfred in the 16mm film busi-
ness here, and will travel the state of Ala-
bama doing sales promotion work. Naylor
also will promote the appearances of bands
and other musical attractions in Birmingham.
Before becoming manager of the Lyric he
directed his own orchestra here.
O’Neill is scheduled to replace McCallum
as “Uncle Mickey,” directing the activities of
the Alabama’s large Mickey Mouse club.
The various personnel shifts were an-
nounced by R. M. Kennedy, Alabama-Ten-
nessee district manager.
AGVA Gives Slow Sign
On Free Benefit Shows
MIAMI— Ernie Fast of the district AGVA
office was not sure at first if permission would
be given from New York for the appearance
of entertainers at the Texas City benefit party
at Miami Beach. Too many acts, he said,
have been imposed upon for drives with no
return booking or pay. He said eight acts
were in his office during the last week with
no work and no homeward-bound money.
“The little fellows can’t stand such kick-
ing around,” Fast said, “and they, as well as
the big name acts, have given everything in
the way of talent for countless benefits this
season. No agent or club should plan free
talent shows without consulting AGVA first.
My job is to help our artists. There are set
rules which must be observed for the good
of all acts.”
The Texas benefit, however, with blessing
of AGVA, took place. Those who had volun-
teered to appear included, Bob Eberly, Harry
THEATRE AIDS HEALTH PROGRAM — Negroes lined up in front of the Famous
Theatre in Birmingham, Ala., during National Negro Health week for a checkup by
the Jefferson County Antituberculosis Ass’n. Paul A. Engler, head of Jefferson
Amusement Co., cooperated in the campaign, which marked the first time a large
city has undertaken to X-ray its entire Negro population. As noted on the marquee,
he also ran a short subject on the tuberculosis program. More than 500 Negroes were
X-rayed by the portable unit during the first day of operation.
Savoy, the Paysees, Joe E. Ross, Lou Vogel,
Patsy Shaw, Casilda and Johnny Conrad.
Kitty Kallen, who had planned to attend,
was summoned back to Broadway to take over
the “Finian’s Rainbow” role again. Ten boys
from Pratt General were guests of Charles
and Martin Moskowitz.
The Birmingham Acquires
First Run on Republic
BIRMINGHAM — Harry W. Roberts, man-
ager of the Birmingham Theatre, has an-
nounced the acquisition of several Republic
first runs, together with Universal and Rank
pictures, to follow the showing of “Henry V”
May 13-16.
Roberts announced that all seats will be
reserved for “Henry V.” Price schedule will
be $2.40, $1.80 and $1.20 for night perform-
ances, and $1.80 and $1.20 for matinees.
Among the Republic first runs booked, Rob-
erts announced, are “Angel and the Badman,”
“Apache Rose,” “Sioux City Sue,” “Calendar
Girl,” and “Hit Parade of 1947.” The Bir-
mingham also has booked the 20th-Fox re-
issue, “Alexander’s Ragtime Band.”
Theatre in Moore Haven
Changes to 7-Day Policy
MOORE HAVEN, FLA.— The Glades Thea-
tre here has been placed on a new operating
schedule. From now on it will be running
seven days a week instead of the present six-
day program with Thursday night eliminated.
The same program will be given for two days,
beginning Sunday and Monday. The Satur-
day film will be shown the one day only.
First run pictures will be shown.
The house recently has undergone some
improvements and more are scheduled for the
near future.
Jack Burkette is the new manager.
Carl Christian Builds
TUCKERMAN, ARK. — -A new open air the-
atre is under construction on Main street by
Carl Christian, owner of the Tuckerman
Theatre.
1,000-Seat House Planned
For North Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, TENN.— This city’s thea-
tre construction balloon was further inflated
with the announcement by Independent Thea-
tres, Inc., of plans for a modern $100,000
house in North Chattanooga.
Independent previously announced a $375,-
000 building program for this area, including
a $20,000 house for Rossville, Ga. Another
circuit, Eastenn Theatres, Inc., has drawn
plans for a $500,000 theatre on Market street
in downtown Chattanooga.
Abe Solomon, Independent president, said
he expected construction of the North Chat-
tanooga house to begin in a few months. The
theatre, he said, will have a seating capacity
of about 1,000. Plans are to be prepared by
Selmon T. Franklin, Chattanooga architect,
who also is designing the Rossville project.
Site of the new house is in the business
section of North Chattanooga. It is adjacent
to the recently completed Parkway restau-
rant, on North Market street, a short distance
from Frazier avenue and the north end of
the Market street bridge.
JACK DUMESTRE, Jr.
Southeastern Theatre
Equipment Co.
ATLANTA
CHARLOTTE
JACKSONVILLE
FDR 5PECIHL TRAILERS ITS
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
107
ATLANTA
H°“ Gewinner jr., former company pub-
licist in Macon, has been promoted to
publicity director for the Georgia Theatre
Co. He succeeds Harvey Smith. Gewinner
has done publicity, newspaper and radio work
in Macon for ten years and has been active
there in civic affairs.
Sam George, manager of the Paramount,
received cuts on the face and hands recently
when a trolley pole on a trackless coach
swung wild and crashed into a whiteway
light globe near the theatre. George, who
was crossing the street, was struck by flying
glass.
The Katz brothers, owners of the Kay
Films, were guests at a luncheon given by the
Georgia Theatre Co. in the Atlanta Athletic
club. In the absence from the city of Wil-
liam K. Jenkins, president of Georgia Thea-
tres, his executive assistant, Willis Davis,
and the circuit’s chief booker, “Dusty”
Rhodes, conducted the affair. Guests in-
cluded Fred Story, Tom Jones, John Stem-
bler, Marc Barri and E. E. Whitaker, Georgia
Theatres executives; Dixie Graham and
Harvey Rudisill, Kay officials, and Fred D.
Moon, amusement editor, and Ernest Rogers,
columnist, of the Atlanta Journal.
James Clement Furman, former theatrical
press agent, who resigned his position with
Paramount here several years ago to enter
the ministry, will receive his degree of bache-
lor of divinity at commencement exercises of
the Southern Baptist Theological seminary.
Furman handled publicity for circuses and
legitimate shows as well as motion pictures
and was associated with a number of celeb-
rities, including Bob Hope.
Oscar Morgan, Paramount short subject
director, left for Charlotte after a visit at
the local exchange . . . Leonard Allen, Para-
mount publicity man, is back from a visit in
Hendersonville, N. C. . . . Jane de Ovies,
booker at Monogram Southern, was a visitor
in Raleigh, N. C. . . . C. D. Crumby of the
Roxy in Milan, Ga„ was here on a booking
trip . . . Another visitor was Hap Barnes, the
Montgomery, Ala., showman.
Frank J. A. McCarthy, Universal-Interna-
tional Canadian and southern sales manager,
and Pete Rosian, southern district manager,
visited the local exchange . . . New members
of the local IATSE are Buddy McMillen jr.,
and Rupert Anderson . . . Ralph Finch, a local
operator, is confined to his home by illness
. . . John Jenkins of the Dallas office of
Astor Pictures huddled here with William
Richardson, president of Astor Pictures of
Georgia.
Reg Wilson of the Strand Amusement Co.,
Jacksonville, was a Filmrow visitor . . . J. E.
Partlow, U-I branch manager, made calls
in Savannah . . . Perry Spencer, U-I pub-
licity man, is back at his desk after a swing
to Miami . . . Mr. and Mrs. Harlow Merryday
of the New Theatre, Palatka, Fla., toured
Filmrow.
Wil-Kin notes: Mrs. Ethel Toler is a new
addition to the sales department . . . Jimmy
Wilson was on a trip to Tennessee . . . Joe
Reeves is in south Georgia and Alabama
. . . Mr. Van Delden, sales manager, visited
the Charlotte office . . . Mrs. Lois West was
added to the office staff.
Boyd Fry, manager of Loew’s Grand, has
been decorated with a 17-year service pin
. . . Mrs. John Thomas, sister-in-law of
Tommy Read, city operations manager for
Georgia Theatres, hit the jackpot four days
in a row on the Winner Take All radio show
during a recent trip to New York.
Eddie Addison, Eagle-Lion publicist, is
sporting a diamond-studded 32nd degree
Masonic ring, a birthday gift from his mother.
She is the former Kathleen Barry and wore
the gems when playing opposite Richard
Mansfield, William Gillette and other greats
of the stage in bygone years.
The Fox Theatre is donating its house and
staff for a series of free “pop” concerts to
be given by a 50-piece orchestra on six con-
secutive Sundays starting July 6. The Atlanta
Federation of Musicians is giving $3,000 to
pay the musicians and the city is matching
this amount. The Fox will relinquish its
ManUuti
SUPREME HYBRID POPCORN
Highest Quality — Highest Popping Volume
Pop It For Profit
In That Mighty '47 Manley Popcorn Machine
Z. C. (curt) SHREVE
Southeastern District Manager
102 Cain St. N. W. Atlanta 3, Ga.
Phone CYpress 51 1G
COME AND SEE US
first show each Sunday afternoon and will
contribute its full staff. Arrangements for
the concerts were made by Mayor William B.
Hartsfield; T. H. Read, representing William
K. Jenkins of Georgia Theatres, and Her-
man Steinchen of the musicians union.
Dan Hornsby, the MGM record man, has
a new grandson, James Frederick Williams
of Birmingham . . . Babe Cohen, branch man-
ager, and Ben Jordan, sales representative
of Monogram Southern, closed several deals
in Alabama . . . A. C. Bromberg, president
of Monogram Southern, was in New Orleans.
Mark Hellinger, U-I producer, is due here
this month to beat the drums for his latest
job, “Brute Force” . . . Allen Sparrow, south-
ern division chief for Loew’s Theatres, was
host to his managers at a meeting in New
Orleans . . . Roy W. Mitchel, owner of the
Mountain Theatre, collaborated with the
Stone Mountain Lions club to stage a special
performance for the benefit of Pat Avery, a
Stone Mountain citizen who is fighting for
his life in Battey General hospital, Rome, Ga.
Proceeds will be used to buy a four-month
supply of streptomycin for Avery.
Paul Rubenstein, owner, has closed the
Harbor Theatre in Safety Harbor, Fla., for
lack of business . . . “The Best Years of Our
Lives” is showing at the Rialto and Hilan
Theatres. Charlie Kenny, RKO publicity
man, brought a facsimile of an Oscar here
for display as part of the promotion cam-
paign . . . Rory Mallinson, young Atlantan
whose latest film role was in “Nora Prentiss,”
is the subject of a picture spread in the Stars
of Tomorrow feature of the June edition of
Movie Fan magazine.
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Barrett (he is Florida
representative of Monogram Southern) have
returned to their home in Lakeland, Fla.,
after a visit here . . . G. Knox Haddow, Para-
mount service department representative,
was a visitor to the exchange here . . . Henry
Krumm, Selznick’s southern district man-
ager, is back at his desk after a New York
sales meeting . . . Col. Bert Davis of SRO is
back from Chattanooga.
Plan New Unit to Replace
Old Rex Theatre, Miami
MIAMI — The Rex Theatre on East Flagler
street here is flicking its last flicker, accord-
ing to Ferman Wilson, real estate editor of
the Herald. Work will start June 1 on a new
house to replace it. The new theatre will be
known as the Florida, and will be built by
Paramount Enterprises, headed here by
George Hoover, who says the new unit will
be a “dollhouse,” meaning a neat and nifty
job with pushback seats and everything.
Opening is anticipated by December 1.
Lamphouses Installed
GREENVILLE, ALA.— New high intensity
lamphouses have been installed at the Ritz
Theatre here at a cost of more than $1,000.
Merkel in 'Texas Legend'
Eagle-Lion has signed Una Merkel for a
part in “Texas Legend.”
^ THE QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE, Inc.^
1912V2 Morris Avenue Telephone 3-86G5
Birmingham, Alabama
★ ★ ★
Complete Theatre Equipment and
Supplies
108
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
MEMPHIS
Touis Ingram, local manager, and J. R. Fly,
“ head booker, attended the MGM sales
meeting in New York . . . J. B. Underwood,
Dallas district manager, was here for confer-
ences at the Columbia exchange . . . Earl
Vandiver of the Palace and Ritz in Kennett,
Mo., is recovering at Baptist hospital here
after an operation. John P. Wray, manager
of Vandiver’s shows, was on the Row on busi-
ness.
Doak Roberts of Dallas, Warner district
manager, was a visitor ... Ed Williamson,
WB branch manager, was on a trip to Helena,
Ark., and Dallas. Margaret Vetteto has been
employed at Warners as a stenographer to
replace Dorothy Davis who resigned to ac-
cept a position with the FBI. Mary Alice
Cunningham, Warner clerk, resigned to keep
house. Warner employes held a farewell
luncheon for the two employes who are
leaving.
Theatre attendance at first runs has picked
up with the warm spring weather. There
were two holdovers. The Warner held “Pur-
sued” a second week and the Strand kept
“The Best Years of Our Lives.” “This Happy
Breed” opened at the Ritz, “The Farmer’s
Daughter” at Loew’s State, “Alexander’s Rag-
time Band” at Loew’s Palace and “The Guilt
of Janet Ames” at the Malco.
In a ceremony May 3 in Linden Avenue
Christian church, Juanita Weaver, Monogram
stenographer, married James Stark, young
Memphis business man . . . Harry Epting,
Dallas, National Theatre Supply refrigeration
engineer, was at the local office this week . . .
Neil Blount, manager of Monarch Theatre
Supply, Inc., attended an air conditioning
convention at Oklahoma City and made a
business trip to Little Rock . . . S. C. Bulling-
ton, RCA engineer, was here for conferences
with Blount before he left on the trip.
M. A. Lightman jr., Malco executive in
charge of construction, announced that it will
be several weeks before rebuilding of the
Memphian will be completed. Lightman had
set May 1 as completion date but difficulties
arose and caused a delay. The Memphian
was gutted by fire recently and its entire
interior and furnishings are being replaced.
Midsouth exhibitors seen on the Row: J. F.
Adams of the Tate, Coldwater, Miss.; C. W.
Tipton and son Pinky of the New, Manila,
Ark.; Alfred Protas of the Dixy, Mansfield,
Ark.; Cliff Peck of the Gem, Covington,
Tenn.; Mr. and Mrs. William Seay of the
Grand, Cardwell, Mo., and W. F. Dougherty
of the Palace, West Helena, Ark.
Also Mr. and Mrs. Bill Malin of the Lura,
Augusta, Ark.; W. E. Ringer of the Gem,
Leechville, Ark.; Mrs. Wallace Nollan of the
Pix, Henning, Tenn.; I. A. Bishop of the
Houlka, Houlka, Miss.; T. N. Rossie of the
Rossie, Clarksdale, Miss.; Bruce Young of the
Ritz, Dyersburg, Tenn., and Don Landers of
the Landers circuit, Harrisburg, Ark.
Also Mrs. Juanita Seay of the Grand,
Cardwell, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Hutch-
ins and Mrs. Ann Hutchins of the State,
Corning, Ark.; John Mohrstadt of the Joy,
Hayti, Mo.; C. N. Eudy of the Ackerman,
Ackerman, Miss.; Paul Myers of the Belinda,
McCrory, Ark.; Mrs. Ethel Lobdell of the
Talisman, Rosedale, Miss., and J. K. Jame-
son of the Ritz, Bald Knob, Ark.
A recent storm at Tyronza, Ark., damaged
the store operated by J. E. Singleton, owner
of the Tyro Theatre . . . Stanley McCord has
been employed as assistant shipper at MGM.
Ike and Harry Katz, Atlanta, officials of
Kay Film, were in the Memphis office on
business . . . Grover Parson of Atlanta, di-
vision manager of PRC, visited the Memphis
exchange . . . The W. C. Handy Theatre,
named for Prof. W. C. Handy, daddy of the
blues, opens Sunday (11). The showhouse has
1,100 seats and cost $200,000. Prof. Handy has
promised to make a personal appearance with
his golden trumpet and play “The Memphis
Blues” at the opening.
The Memphis delegation to the Variety
convention in Los Angeles was scheduled to
leave May 9 and join a special train at Kan-
sas City. Among those going are Mr. and
Mrs. Dave Flexer, Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Light-
man sr., Mr. and Mrs. Herb Kohn, Mr. and
Mrs. Orris Collins, Bill Ramsey, Joe Simon,
Tom O’Ryan, William Goodman and Tommy
Baldridge.
Howard Waugh, former zone manager for
Warner Bros. Theatres here and later man-
ager of the fairgrounds, is now on a business
trip to New York. Waugh resigned his fair-
grounds position recently.
Farmer Is Key Man
MINNEAPOLIS— If the present good crop
prospects are realized, the film industry here
foresees a good boxoffice year ahead, in-
asmuch as the territory’s economic well-being
is geared to agricultural prosperity. The
leading crop bulletin, published by Cargill
Elevators, asserts that “despite the cold, wet
spring and consequent shifts in crop plant-
ings, there could be bumper harvests in
1947.”
Designs From Egypt
SIOUX FALLS, S. D. — Designs used in the
architecture of the Egyptian Theatre here
are authentic. They are copied from the
Dendera temple in Karnak, Egypt. The col-
umns are from the Hypostyle hall in Karnak.
Even the hieroglyphics are the same. But
Manager Jim Molohon can’t translate them.
Ritz Air Conditioned
BARTOW, FLA.— The Ritz Theatre here
has had a new Worthington air conditioner
installed. It is of the 40-ton capacity model,
which will purify the air as well as lower the
temperature in the theatre. This is the sec-
ond Polk county theatre to install this type
of air conditioning.
Seeks Favorite Orlando Brunet
ORLANDO, FLA. — A contest to find
Orlando’s “favorite brunet” is being spon-
sored by Florida State Theatres and Asso-
ciated Stores. Candidates will be narrowed
down to first and second place winners by
public voting. Voting booths have been set
up at Associated stores and all local Florida
State theatres.
MONARCH
THEATRE SUPPLY, lie.
Neil Blount
492 So. Second St.
Memphis, Tenn.
1
TRI-STATE THEATRE SERVICE
318 South Second Street
MEMPHIS 3, TENN.
EQUIPMENT — SUPPLIES
REPAIRS
NOW AVAILABLE
BOX-OFFICE SHORTS
2
Two Reel Specials
"HOME ON THE RANGE"
"WAY UP THAR' "
13
Two Reel Comedies
ANDY CLYDE
TORCHY
TWO BLACK CROWS
12
One Reel Specials
"WOMAN SPEAKS"
ASSOCIATED
FILM CLASSICS
ATLANTA — CHARLOTTE
MEMPHIS
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
109
BIRMINGHAM
Court Asked to Name
M. Kennedy, district manager for Wilby-
Kincey Theatres, and N. H. Waters, head
of Waters Theatre Co., are in Los Angeles at-
tending the Variety Club convention. They
plan to be away about two weeks . . . Syd
Laird, general manager for the L. J. Duncan
circuit of West Point, Ga., was in town for
the fifth and sixth district meetings of the
National Ass’n of Broadcasters. He is a son
of T. L. Laird, Royal doorman.
Spence Pierce, 20th-Fox; Leonard Allen,
Paramount; Eddie Addison, Eagle-Lion and
PRC; and Eddie Foster and Jimmie Hobbs,
Republic, were among the film company rep-
resentatives visiting local houses . . . Addison
arranged newspaper interviews for Una
Merkel when the actress stopped over at
municipal airport on a Miami-Hollywood
trip.
Don Waters, son of the circuit chief and
relief manager for the Waters circuit, was
hospitalized for a riiinor operation . . . W. E.
Craig, manager of Waters’ Wylam, was off
several days due to illness. Billy Latham,
Central Park assistant manager, subbed for
Craig.
Jack Fealy, chief usher at the Empire for
four years while attending Birmingham
Southern college, is resigning to enter George
Washington university medical school June 1
. . . Mrs. Beverly Davis, cashier at Waters’
Avondale, a recent bride, is resigning.
Mrs. Earl Bladorn, Empire cashier, and
her husband returned from a visit to New
Orleans . . . Mrs. Minnie Thomas has re-
turned as cashier at Acme’s Galax. Mrs.
Thomas recently lost her husband in a traffic
accident.
John Douglas, assistant manager of Acme
Theatres, and Harry M. Curl, Melba manager,
were hosts to Birmingham News-Age-Herald
oratorical contest finalists at a showing of
“The Locket” . . . O. D. Burns of the Acme
maintenance staff was off duty due to the
illness of his father.
“The Farmer’s Daughter” held for a second
week at the Empire and reportedly was doing
heavier business than the opening week.
"Humoresque” moved to the Strand after a
week at the Ritz, while “Moonlight Sonata”
moved into the Birmingham for a week after
the four-week run of “The Best Years of Our
Lives” . . . The Lyric, unable to play “Sea of
Grass” as a moveover from the Alabama,
drew well with a reissue, “Destry Rides
Again.”
Bickey Covey, Temple manager, reported
his vaudeville bill for the May 2 weekend,
headed by Buddy Ebsen, was one of the best
of the season. The Temple closed for the
summer season the weekend of May 9 with
a stage show headed by Nick Lucas. Plans
are to reopen the Temple with a vaude-
screen policy in October or November . . .
Francis S. Falkenburg, Alabama manager,
screened “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” and
“13 Rue Madeleine” for the press Sunday,
May 4.
Municipal auditorium attractions for April
drew 45,800 persons, including a total of 13,000
for the weekly wrestling shows, according to
Ted Brownell, manager. Dances and or-
chestras accounted for total attendance of
4,750, while the New York Philharmonic
attendance was set at 5,000.
Gene Autry’s radio show was broadcast
from Municipal auditorium May 4 before a
packed house. The western star was here for
daily appearances, along with a rodeo show,
at the Birmingham fat cattle show sponsored
by the chamber of commerce.
Show Rewards Students
With Perfect Records
EVERGREEN, ALA— Manager Bob Sims of
the Pix Theatre here recently arranged a
treat for 271 students in Conecuh county
schools who were neither absent nor tardy
during the year. The students with perfect
attendance were invited to a morning show-
ing of “Till the Clouds Roll By.” Each
student was given a perfect attendance cer-
tificate.
Meiselman Receiver
CHARLOTTE — Phillip Berler, Daisy Berler
and E. M. Loew last week filed suit in su-
perior court against H. B. Meiselman, Claire
Meiselman, Carolina Theatres, Inc., and
Manor Theatre, Inc., asking that a receiver
be appointed for the defendant companies.
The action resulted from a disagreement be-
tween Berler and Meiselman, who are alleged
to have had joint interests in the theatre
companies named. Loew, Boston, Mass.,
theatre man, became involved through cer-
tain stock transactions undertaken in con-
nection with theatre companies.
Two Mew Houses in Sight
Where Two Now Operate
ANDALUSIA, ALA. — Two new theatres are
in prospect for this south Alabama commun-
ity.
Roy E. Martin of Columbus, head of the
Martin circuit of 102 theatres in three South-
ern states, has announced the purchase of
two of Andalusia’s principal business build-
ings on South Cotton street. On the site, he
announced, the circuit will build a modern,
1,000-seat theatre.
Martin, who owns both of the local theatres,
the Martin and the Fox, plans to rebuild the
old City hotel structure, which was purchased
from W. K. Horton, of Evergreen, Ala. Con-
struction will begin, it was announced, as
soon as plans can be completed and labor
and material obtained.
No definite plans have been announced for
use of the other site, known as the Tisdale
building, which has been acquired by Martin.
An architect has been employed by a group
of business men to draw plans and specifica-
tions for a modern theatre to be built on
River Falls street. An option has been ob-
tained, it was announced, on part of a park-
ing lot owned by the Alabama Textile Prod-
ucts Corp. adjoining the site of the proposed
new theatre.
'Duel' Opens in Nashville
At Night Price of $1.25
NASHVILLE, TENN.— Billed as the South-
ern premiere of the film, “Duel in the Sun”
opened a run at Loew’s Theatre here on
May 1.
Showings were continuous, with a 90-cent
admission until 5 p. m. and $1.25 for night
performances.
Publicist Ed Stoller was here plugging the
film and Manager Tommy Delbridge of
Loew’s returned from a New Orleans trip in
time for the premiere.
Martha Sleeper in Miami
MIAMI — Martha Sleeper, who played the
distraught parent in “The Bells of St.
Mary’s,” is in Miami Beach for a spring holi-
day. She is the guest of her mother-in-law,
Mrs. Francis Deutschbein. Miss Sleeper had
just completed 156 performances on Broad-
way of “Christopher Blake.” Her summer
plans include playing the lead in a “straw
hat” theatre company production of “The
Little Foxes” at Mt. Kisco, N. Y.
WDIG Starts Broadcasts
BIRMINGHAM — Radio station WDIG, op-
erated by Houston Broadcasters, is now on
the air at Dothan, Ala. Carrying ABC pro-
grams, the outlet operates on 1450 kilocycles.
Jess Swicegood and J. P. Burnett are part-
ners in the operations.
BOXES and BAGS
They Are Still in Short Supply But
We Have Them
Send Us Your Standing Order and Save 10%
Look at These Prices!
BOXES— 5c size — Serially numbered, printed and colored
BOXES — 10c size — Printed red and white (4*/2x2x7)
BOXES — Carnival Size — 4xl5/gx5V2 — 1000 to case
JUMBO BAGS — 15" long x 4V2*l3/i — 600 to case
BAGS — 5c Johnny Boy — Red and white stripe (3x1 7/8x7) — 10,000 to case
BAGS — 10c Johnny Boy — Red and white stripe (3x2x9) — 3,000 to case
BAGS — Kraft, 1/2-lb. size (3xl3/jx6V2) — 10,000 per bale
BAGS — Kraft, 3/4-lb. size (3x2x7 3/4) — 10.000 per bale
BAGS — Kraft, 10c size (33/4x2l/4x9) — 6.000 per bale
BAGS — Kraft, 10c size — Johnny Boy red stripe — 6,000 per bale
BAGS — 5c glassine — 12.000 to case (3x1 3/4x63/4)
BAGS — 10c glassine — 8,000 to case, 3/4-lb. (3V2xl 3/4x7 3/4)
BAGS — 1 lb. c/las-,ine (3y2x2y4x73/4)
BAGS — 2 lb. glassine — 6,000 to case
Standing Order
List Price Discount Net Price
5.50
10%
4.95
8.G5
10%
7.79
6.50M
10%
5.85M
G.75M
10%
6.08M
1.82M
10%
1.64M
2.35M
10%
2.12M
1.40M
10%
1.26M
1.50M
10%
1.35M
1.65M
10%
1.49M
2.20M
10%
1.98M
1.98M
10%
1.79M
2.88M
10%
2.60M
2.79M
10%
2.52M
3.31M
10%
2.98M
One-Day Service
Order Today
BLEVINS POPCORN CO
31st & Charlotte
Dept. BB
Nashville, Tenn.
110
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Southwest Briefs
DALLAS — Building will start here soon on
theatre broker Adam B. Joseph’s new 650-
seat neighborhood theatre, the Cedar Crest.
The building will include space for Joseph’s
business.
WORTHAM, TEX. — Truett Fulcher, ath-
letic instructor at the YMCA in Houston, has
bought the Avon Theatre here from H. N.
Adams.
OKLAHOMA CITY— Oklahoma City’s sales
tax proposal has been killed in the house of
representatives.
OKLAHOMA CITY— The Griffith Cowskin
lodge and about 100 acres of wooded peninsula
on the east side of Grand lake have been sold
to Mr. and Mrs. Harry Herrlin of McAllen,
Tex., for a resort. L. C. Griffith had owned
the lodge for several years.
LAKE ARTHUR, LA.— The new Lake Thea-
tre here was recently opened by Aryo and
Ardoneaux.
OKLAHOMA CITY— Rev. J. Clyde Wheeler
of the Crown Heights Christian church
preached Sunday, April 27 on the theme, “The
Best Years of Our Lives.”
CHANDLER, OKLA.— The Dixie Theatre
sustained some smoke and water damage re-
cently in a fire which swept a city business
block causing damage estimated at more than
$100,000.
NEW ORLEANS — E. V. Richards, president
of the Paramount Richards circuit, recently
received a presidential certificate of merit in
Washington for his work in organizing the
War Activities committee in the motion pic-
ture industry.
BATON ROUGE — The New Rex Theatre,
first run, opened here May 8.
OKLAHOMA CITY— Southwestern Thea-
tres Co., a three-way partnership composed
of Horace R. Falls, H. E. McKenna and E. L.
Walker, has been formed for the purpose of
buying theatres or partnerships in independ-
ent theatres. First acquisitions are the Ritz
and Harlem theatres in Lawton.
DALLAS — Construction of a $100,000 thea-
tre on Columbia avenue in east Dallas was
started this week. The new house will seat
1,000 and will be operated by C. V. Caver and
Phil Isley.
NEW ORLEANS — The city council here has
rejected daylight saving time.
OKLAHOMA CITY— The Talbot, C&R and
Griffith circuits have closed deals with Man-
ager Don Cole of Favorite Films Corp. for
the Captains Show, “Captain Caution” and
“Captain Fury,” and five other units now
being booked.
DALLAS — Floyd Shaefer, who was in the
theatre remodeling and redecorating business
here about ten years ago, was back in town
looking over the chances of setting up again
in that trade.
NEW ORLEANS — J. D. Jernigan, with War-
ners here 20 years, has acquired a 3314 per
cent interest in the Memphis franchise of
Screen Guild Productions and Film Classics
of the southeast.
RAYNE, LA. — The new Bruce Theatre here
has opened. The house is owned by C. B.
Hardy of Rayne and A. J. Broussard of
Crowley.
NEW ORLEANS — G. J. Broggi, formerly
NEW HOUSE FOR CLINTON — Above is an architect’s drawing of the theatre to
be built in Clinton, S. C., by J. Leland Young, operator of the Casino and Broadway
theatres.
with 20th-Fox here, has opened an independ-
ent buying and booking office at 3240 Gen-
tilly highway.
TULSA — The only animated cartoon studio
outside Hollywood, New York or Florida is
Filmcraft Productions, Inc., of this city, oper-
ated by a group of former GIs. Filmcraft’s
staff of 16 is now producing a full-color
animated cartoon, “The Adventures of Rudy
Crude,” for the Mid-Continent Oil Corp.
NEW ORLEANS — Connee Boswell, another
home town girl who made good, was accorded
an enthusiastic welcome in a recent stage ap-
pearance at the St. Charles Theatre here.
Adolescents Confused
By Films, Council Told
From Central Edition
CHICAGO — Modern motion pictures con-
fuse adolescents’ ideas of acceptable morals,
make them discontented with their families’
standards of living and give them unfair car-
icatures of nationalities and races. These
criticisms were leveled by Bee Rudolph, 17,
a DePaul university freshman and one of
the teen-age film previewers for the Better
Films Council of Chicagoland.
She spoke at the council’s 14th annual
spring luncheon at Marshall Field & Co.
Eighty middle-aged council members ap-
plauded her remarks.
“Forty per cent of all motion pictures are
lovemaking pictures, showing long embraces
in automobiles and bedrooms,” the young
speaker estimated. When the best actors and
actresses in Hollywood are starred in sexy
pictures, you adults might as well expect an
outbreak of behavior like that by youth.”
Miss Rudolph said a survey of 2,000 Cath-
olic high school students in 200 different
schools showed five out of ten boys and girls
admit their moral standards are influenced
by what they see on the screen.
Twenty-four Chicago youth review Loop
films for the Better Films council and recom-
mend to interested Chicago families what to
see and what to skip.
Chuck Hansen Unit Manager
Paramount has set Chuck Hansen as unit
manager of “Ever the Beginning.”
P
I
I
I
I
I
B
fm
READY NOW — A NEW FEATURE
with IDA JAMES
JENI LE GON - PETERS SISTERS
MILLER BROTHERS and LOIS
DUSTY "Open the Door Richard" FLETCHER
GEORGE WILSHIRE - JAMES DUNMORE
AUGUSTUS SMITH and many more.
Directed by
JOSH BINNEY
Released thru All American News. Inc.
Original Story by
HAL SEEGER
ASTOR PICTURES Co. of Co. Inc.
163 WALTON ST. 3rd FLOOR MAIN 9845 ATLANTA
1
1
I
I
I
I
I
J
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
111
W 'V *** V '*•*>>
Vw >wwww
SUPER SALESMAN !
i|]
S 1
%
The Industry s Market for Purchase or Sale of Equipment. Theatres, Service
• Classified Ads 10c Pei Word. Payable in Advance. Minimum J1.00. Display Hales on Hequesl •
CLEflRine HOUSE
GENERAL EQUIPMENT — USED
1- Hertner horizontal generator. 80-160 amps.
85 volts rheostats for Suprex operation. Including
meter and voltage regulator panel. Guaranteed
condition. Ideal fur drive-in or large theatre A
buy at present day priced for $700. 2. Western
Electric sound equipment, serviced and guaranteed
condition. Wide range apertures, motor generator,
Brown & Brockmeyer motors, 75 waits of audio,
41. 42 and two 43 amplifiers modified. Ideal
lor Drive-in or large theatre. $000. 3. Cincin-
nati Time recorder sound equipment, overhauled
*nd guaranteed condiiion. Two Scott Ballantyne
amplifiers. Excellent for small theatre. $350
„,1«nC^Ch-ilr •nsullation Co. 318 Film Bldg.
2108 Payne Ave . Cleveland. Ohio,
Complete portable 35mm sound projection out-
fit. Two 35mm Holmes lamp sound projectors
with 2m. ft. magazines Amplifier and speaker In
ctise. $750 8x10 Dalite beaded, roll-up type
'oreen In waterproof carrying case with screen
tripods. $75 Write, wire, phone, Jeanne Moore,
15 E Ohio St . Chicago 11, HI Superior 8-222.
For Sale. Two complete Simplex projectors.
consisting of changeovers. lenses, magazines and
two General Electric copper oxide rectifiers Good
condition. Inquire American Theatre. 3621 Main
St . East Chicago. Ind
Bargain prices. Low intensity lamps, rectifiers
motor generator sets, rheostats, sound heads, am-
plifiers, speakers, one syncrofllra portable 35mm
projector, sound Pair Preddey DC HJ lamps and
rectifiers Many otliei items. Lei us know your
needs Stebblns Theatre Equipment Co . 1804
Wyandotte St.. Kansas City 8. Mo.
Strong, low intensity jrc lumps with rectifiers,
24/30 amps, $100 pr. Joyland Theatre. 614 So’
State St . Chicago 5. Ill
Army surplus: DeVrv. Holmes. Simplex-Acme.
"tile for pi ices Gold seal 2 unit ticket ma-
chines. SI 75; Simplex 3 unit SI 99 50 : hand
operated 2 unit $100. all compljAelv rebuilt and
guaranteed: Colde ticket boxes.'^^J 50. Simplex
ms. genuine rear shutte^K double bear-
"'C spiral gears, completely rebulll^830; Poweis,
$ 1 09. 50 Liberal trades. ThouslB other bar
gains Star Cinema Supply Co 459
New York 19. N Y.
For Sale Two Simplex
sound I mm Fli In
Heavy Duty blowflK^Z^ffbeui
l'1111"1 cfm to 50.000 cfm Ait
sizes Hydraulic drives two and four >
and conliols. Immediate delneiy Deu^Kw anted
National Eugineeiing .ind Mfg fo IC'tl
St . K in-. is City, Mo
First $500 cash Two Powers mech
motors, stands, magazines, lenses
soundheads, two Mazda lamphouses.
lalors Jensen speaker and horn Gook^perating
Condition Complete equipment excep«^K|)Iifier
F.vli.i head E B Wacaster OzaKflf'eat
Oz.uk. Aik
THEATRE SEATING
Several thousand used upholstered opera chjirs
on hand We are headquarters for the cream of
the used chair crop. We pick the lots that we
think you will like. We furnish propcf slofre and
sections desired to fit your theatre. Our many
years experience in the sealing business is your
guarantee. Write for exact photo and price. We
have parts for all makes of chairs Also, leather-
ette 25x25 In all colors. 55C ea Good quality
Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829 So. State St ,
Chicago 5, III.
Fensm Chair maintenance headquarters baa all
parts and accessories for all chairs. Also uphol-
stery fabrics and theatre chair supplies. Send us
your sample for quotation Repair service avail-
able right In your theatre also Fensin Seating
Co.. 62 K 13th 8t . Chicago 5, IU.
1,200 Used dpring cushioned theatre chair*.
$1.60 ea., and $3.50 ea.. complete. Immediate
delivery. Russell Chair. 2567 McClellan. Detroit,
Mich. Phone LENoi 3446.
3,000 Heywood chairs, complete, box spring
cushions. Also 8.000 Andrews and American seats,
late model complete for slope or level floor. Up-
holstering done by experts at your theatre or send
to us. One day service. Ace Chair & Caipet. Inc.,
1428 So. Wabash Ave., Chicago 5 Phone WEBster
3932 or HAHrlson 4219.
Leatherette: Standard run. first quality, as-
sorted colors. 60 to 54 In wide, suitable for
theatre sealing, sold by yard or roll. All orders
shipped within 24 hours. Leatherette Mart of
Chicago, 1153 Belmont Ave, Chicago 13, 111.
Phone Buckingham 0030.
Theatre Chairs, 3,000 used spring cusl
part full upholstered back and part ln^
back, with spring edge and box spj
1,000 veneer chairs. 800 goo<MuM^HH9Prlng
cushions and hinges W r photo-
graphs Immediate many you
need. We export ChM^^^^P^Jes9e Cole. 2665
McClellan Detroit . Mich
Sewn i ^^MH^P^'ers and sewn slip covers.
Tor all brands seats. Fred's Tbea-
” Vina, Ala.
earance: 175 all veneer A-l condition, $2 ea
400 Hew**"* box spring panel back. $2 50 ea
Supply Co.. 1046 Broadway,
THEATRES FOR SALE
Theatre. Iheg'oh bounty seat town. Owner says
Cleared §500 last month after paying manager's
salary and all expenses. Nice new place to live
included in deal. $15,000 cash will handle Thea-
tre: About one hour's drive from metropolitan
Portland. An easy living can be made by most
anyone here. Situated In the hetiH ol pm? of lift
most scenic spots in AtberlCa SlS.uOjO Includes
modern building Theatre: Cburtiy $Mi town of
2.500 population. OvVtVefr selling on account ol
other Wllw^sls Easy terras with only $5.00.0
doiVh. theatre Portland suburban. New booth
equipment, good district. $32,500 full price
Might consider some terras Write us for infor-
mation on these and many other good theatre buys
Theatre Exchange Co.. 217 Covernor Bldg.. Pori
land 4, Ore
Build double-parking drive-over ramp driv
theatres under franchise patent No 2,102jj
re-lssue No. 22,756 Patent applied!
301.713. Gives up to 30% more seatim
without additional cost. Louis Josstj^EMFchl-
tect. 628 M&M Bldg, Houston.
chllects Bldg , Los Angeles 1
Only the lire growing towj^n^Vnuthern New
Mexico Excellent bulkb^Hfl^^Slmplex high
lamps Exceptional ^^^■pVhintlng. fishing.
Thorough Invest IgaO^^^Hpio qualified pro-
pects. S35.750^^^^IVtash down Exclusive
with ArthuriJ^^Myicinmore, Dallas, Tex
Countj^^H^MPnKan-js. Only" theatre, good I
Selling approximately oneT
r.wl 0.000 down No brokers B-2705J
25 Van Bnthi Blvd,. Kansas City 1. Mq,
healres. latest equipment One In
, one air-conditioned, no Competition, $100. OOi
471. Summerville. S C
THEATRES FOR SALE
300 upholstered seat theatre. 40x80 liHck
building, in town of 800. FditlVdiy loc.lted, here
Neatest theatre 15 miles Will sell reayoh.ilil'e It
taken soon. Miles Velharticky. Kensington, Ka*
THEATRES WANTED
Sell Your ThetfJrPrivately. Confidential cor-
spondence Invjj^y References. Arthur Leak.
Theatres ExclijJ^E 3422 Klnmore, Dallas. Tex
Suburban, near Chicago Simplex Western Eljf
trie, 625 Heywood seats, >4 1,500 terms. Otlujf
S.iverelde Theatre Brokers. 624 S Mich ,
cago, 111
^elour covered backs box spring cushlor j
ondltlon. $3 ea Lease expired, mi
Contact Mrs Kelln, Albany 5-50 j
Indiana city over 100,000. Brick building, if
sub-rentals, Hi-Simplex, over 600 seats, owner*
tiring. $70,000 down Savereide Theatre Broj
624 S Mich , Chicago, 111.
Three tpeatr Virginia, two In W. Vrt.
nice home selling all imu-Mier B-J
v.xofflce. ,i Brunt _^^^^K.insa>
Lease '
: 400-600 s ^^.vTth option tl
_r.ty or vlclnlf^rell all first
' 009 Fox Bldg^^ troll. Mich
ish for theatre, good town. 2.000 popu-
Eover preferred, will cunsidcr competl-
Jfcr suburban theatre C P Knudsen,
pt Joe Ave . Hastings. Neb
Jly or leiM- 'mall the. die In Town ol 1,000
cent i d Floilda imfiiied Give fullest
< in confidence U-27'20, BuxotfiCe 823
;unt Blvd . K m-.h City 1 Mo
3.000 will Imy ol lease voiil lliealle IvTil
) -lo $ 1 50.000 Mi Hie lease oi piiichase of
lie. die. i eg, n die" ul clim.de of lellltoly
ie|ily will he cunlacli'd pei>ohally by oilr
•nlalive B 2716. BoMiHiee. 823 Van Biilnl
K nils as City 1, Mo .
IdividuaMinteie'ted ih tlie.il ic bn-ines'. Wifi
1 bui,ldlh|T .uni equipment Mi"Oiiri tenitoiy
HELP WANTED
[Splendid opening for the right man Field exec*
and office man for Independent Theatre
Iners of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan Must
ve theatre or sales experience in the motion
|cturc business Apply Room 414. 709 N. 11th
, .Milwaukee, Wis
I Wanted : Manager for permanent position for
|eond run theatre in city of 25.000 in Illinois
ive qualifications, salary expected, age, married,
lapshot ih first letter. B-2710, Boxoffice, 825
Brunt Blvd . Kansas City 1. Mo.
| Wanted. Expeiienced theatie m.inagei for per-
linent position State age, experience, icfeicnccs,
J. ci tied or 'ingle Hud'un Thedtiex Co . Rich-
lund, Ind
A rare bargain Two completely ina
piojectois with mechanisms having nei
teis and double bearing movements,!
and shock-proof gears, five point pel
16 in magazines, with late type Westl
-mind equipment complete Two newl
hiph intensity Sliptex lamps, iwi
tube 45 amp rectifiers foi above, .
pi o vert ion lenses A complete pioectt
equipment. fill!1, ijuurunteed foi the r
82.575 Theatie Equipment A Supra
N Seventh St Milwaukee 3. U is
Servicing booklets Amplifiers, spej
In. ul- >1 Any equipment Wesle;
neei 575 Enid Okla
Pair high intensity Ashcraft lampA
'Ound system, motor generator for lofl
Limn- O.lkwyn Theatre 6817 "
an, 111
Be
implex
shut -
spiral
• with
Electric
\ R-Arc
three
tie- II
mplete
lenslty
| Road.
1.000 Heywood vVikr.ield du
hnxspring cushion chairs, excell
'40 General full uph
•lilon, rebuilt. $7
. Wiie for
L9 W 42nd
2.000 good used all
or These cha,
• ^ \ quant Ity. Av
re&
theatie IhJ
) loes sluyvi a T
. ... for your tin#
f -15.000 cash fori
$4 95 (rebuilt
red hack, box-
^uid
back
Chairs
i.uOO population) cential Ohio, center of \
populated ilch fuming area Community t
lu irk building (not new and not a palace).'
on good veneei Simplex, new lamp-4
ing and new jjopeurn machine Opett
r ■ of thiee .md four day* per week establ
- - ' • ,'vetter than
sent owni.
• Tax and ._
$14,000 willfl
v your time and m
*id aie definitely j
• \tanv theatresi
ible prq
t
— . r ■ of thiee and four days pe
f-TrTTnd | . ..^iqs open to ..iled^^^^
POSITIONS WANTED
an with ten years experience candy and pop-
concessions in theatres desires employment
1th the theatre circuit Go anywhere B-2712,
[oxuffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd, Kansas City 1,
Manager: Available ultci August i Would pre-
'm.ill town Can give recommendations fiom
•sent employer B-2721, Boxoffice. 825 Van
unt Blvd . Kansas City 1 Mo
MISCELLANEOUS
[Glazit with GI.izoi e (leans and glazes lac-
ed, enameled, varnished sin faces, metals, tile,
narblc Pints >1 50 Di'tributors wanted
fete for particul.iis H.uiv S Gun 326 W 44th
1 New Yoik 18
Pair Simplex Acme piojectors. sound \
hasp- low intensity lamps, automat
ou-1- All in excellent condition ready
in up to 1.000-seat theatre S2.500I
Sunne's. J.uvis Theatre, Binghamton,
Complete booth equipment Including^Bestt
Elect i ic 46C sound system with C
Simplex standard mechanisms, rewii
c.ibinei , hand rewind, Brenkert Econarc i.^H with
teclifieis Good condition, going for .$2.^Hfob
lluni'Viile Avon Amusement Co Box 31^Hunts-
Vifle, Texas Phone 157,
Complete booth equipment. Simplex pio-
jecini Peel less "MagnarCS." Simplex ^^^.000
'ound Eveiytliing but rectifiers New
II Snmko, 901 High St , Portsmouth. \]
12 in. Jensen P M speaker UsedTsi^^Rths,
fjuishers: Kldde Lu- *c-' pound type,
use, $46 11^ I0Q/J % Freight
on four or more W>.. M \ guaranteed
Theatre 8upply Broadway,
r.fiirtit ir
Wis
P.
$15 Write Coleraai
THEATRE TICKETS
Prompt Service — Special piinled
D'OCMO. $19 90. 10 000, $5 95. 2.0|
E.icb change in ndmission price inclu
in color, $2 50 evti.i, double numbi
Shipping ch.uge' paid to 1.000 miles
■ u dei Kan'-.s City Ticket Co nJ^Vl819
Cential. K.m'.is City. Mo.
ythwest ' ^caT front
• business ^ abilities thafl
to this
•oils, ln-3
i north-
best
Cl
est till*
routes, make hotel reservations al^liir. full-time
theatie salesmen will be at yu^ service upon
your aiilv.d to peison.illy cond — your inspection
of th^theatre of your cliolc M any. many list -
i which to choose M every section ol
red area Contact M ,ow and take ad-
exclusive tl J biokerage service.
ernor Bldg , Port-
IR CONDITIONING
[ 5u mlh
1 annually.
I equipi
S€€
I have 150 used brass 2V£ to 3 gal
spray nozzles at $1 ea Also have.
Rainbow Mist -piay nozzles. nncJj^^BP^Vatcr
broken fine- ml«ty spiay t y . 750
nuzzles. % In Capacity per minute
450 nozzles. \\ in gal per minute
Will sell all th<^^^^rnozzles 80c ea while
they last once \l'0 I have some
Texrope dyMHpmze Randall Bearings, belts and
drlus ^^^QEottrson R2, Clinton. Mo
_ TTy and newly
^Morc Information given
^person Box F, Boxoffice. 86
r St , Pittsburgh 19. Pa
Theatres In Pittsburgh tenitoiy 400 seals, in-
cluding building. S44.000. 361 scats. S38.000
565 seats. $75,000. three theatres in Ohio town,
grossing ore i $400,000 $638,000. Theatie Bio-
kers, 1711 BM of Allies. Pitlsburgh. P.
POPCORN MACHINES
Irch — Manley — Cretors — Advances — All eke-
|rench fry types. Karmelkorn Equipment, 120
Jjstead. Chicago 6. Ill
jilt Popcorn Machines tor sale. Fully guar-
Price from $150 CONSOLIDATED CON
|NS. 1314 S Wabash. Chicago 5. Ill
Is national headquarters for popcorn
Silver 8tars. 8uper Stars, Corn Cribs,
les taken In trade. Blevins Popcorn Co.,
Jenn.
R^B|Kgains used popcorn machines • Burch.
Cretor^BBince. guaranteed Poppers Supply. Sox
838. m Ga
For^H^JBKMfking DeLuxe popcorn machine
used less Looks like new Follett
Theatre, Pollen
THEA1
SIGNS
Easy Way to Paint signs. U.^^tUr pattern-
Avoid sloppy work and wasted time. No experi-
ence needed for expert work. Write for free sam-
ples. John Rahn. B-1329 Cdtitral Ave . Chicago
JSINESS STIMULATORS
^ ster Exhibitor: Do you need a stimulant one
"night a week? Play Screeno The first screen
game and still the leader because Screeno cannot
be controlled Screeno slides are operated by air
and not affected by electric current, therefoie
cannot get out of order Finest Bogus Bristol die
cut cards supplied with equipment Give seating
capacity, secure attractive price Screeno Amuse-
ment Co . Orleans-Huron Bldg . Chicago 10
Phone DELaware 5953
Bingo Cards. 100 or 75 number, $2 75 per M.
lots of 10M or more, $2 50 per M 100 number
cards good for Keen-o game Premium Products
334 \Y 44th St . New York City
Theatres
xchi'ively Southw
e-t Oklahoma
gond
town.
equipment, business, Supei Simplex
365
-eats
$11,500 down lllne*
s. Al'O not
Ihc-i't
Oklalh
ma b
ick building, highly etfiiipped,
$2.01
weekly
Cl OSS
and badly negh
led $7 500
down
Al'O 1
ighly pi ol it able tlilve-in
heal le city 5
non
$20,000 dmv
i \l-o six small
towns iindn
7.onu
down
Many
Olliers Ail hin L
•-.k, 3422 Ki
Dallas
1 exa
New
420-s
eat thc.it le In nni
hei'tcm Wi*cnnsin.
excellent t
litoiy in f.i't gi
owing town,
doing
g<-d
tjusines
. puce $60.00U
Halt clown
Com-
plete
villi n
w Simplex E-7 pioicctors and
i -i 1 1
A -15
mind
vstem Peeiles- m
gn.uc lamps
Wule
B - 27 1
Boxoffice 825 Van 1
mnt Bhd . Kansas
City
Mn
For
Rent :
In one of the fa
lest growing
towns
in famous Ozone belt near Ne
- Orleans, building
suit dl
e f-
heatre. B-2718,
Boxoffice. 82
Van
Biunt
Blvd
Kansas City 1 M
Window Cards. 3VWets, photo ofDet hou-e
program*, herald* passv^etc Calo Show Pi Inl-
ine Co. Cato, New yow, oi Tnbune Press
_ POPCORN SUPPLIES
Write for our special coniract whlcB guarantees
you more profits and greater savings on all your
popcorn and popcorn supplies Blevins Bee Hive
Popcorn Co , Nashville. Tenn
Home of "Rush Hour” popcorn and popcorn
supplies Send for price list Piunty Seed &
Grain Co , 620 N 2nd St , St Louis 2 Mo
Established 1874
Increase Popcorn Sales and piofits Today
hundied* of the.dies <ne using our 'tunning Ilex-
glass heating and selling counlei- Eliminate
waste carpel damage and fire haznid* .$225 give*
you de luxe popcorn mcich.mdi'ing \ few choice
teuitoiies still open to ilistiibuluis and dealer.
II M McL.uen Specialties. 3625 \\ 2GHi W
Denm 11 Colo
112
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
Film in Two Languages
Given Canadian Preview
Vic Armand Aboard
Missing Airliner
VANCOUVER — Victor Armand, general
supervisor of construction and maintenance
for Famous Players in western Canada, was
one of the passengers on board a Trans-
Canada Airlines plane missing since early
last week. The plane was last sighted over
the Vancouver municipal airport shortly be-
fore it was to have landed. Search parties
organized by Trans-Canada Airlines and
Royal Canadian Air have scoured the Pacific
ocean and the rugged coastline interior for
more than a week in a vain effort to find
the ship. The search was continuing at this
writing, but slight hope was held out for the
survival of its 15 passengers and crew mem-
bers.
Armand left Winnipeg on a routine flight
to Vancouver, where he recently opened a
new branch office for Famous Players.
News of the plane’s disappearance came as
a shock to the entire film industry here,
which knew Armand well over a period of
many years. An official of FPC said Armand
was regarded by the organization as one
of its most valuable men. He was employed
by the company for more than 27 years, and
was a member of its 25-Year club.
He started as a projectionist at the Cap-
itol in Winnipeg, later transferring to the
company’s maintenance and construction di-
vision. More recently, he was placed in charge
of its maintenance and construction work in
western Canada. He also served Famous
Players at various times in the capacity of a
labor relations expert in negotiations with
the projectionists union.
Armand has always lived in Winnipeg,
leaving the city only on brief business trips.
He was in charge of the Vancouver branch
office and had been commuting between Van-
couver and Winnipeg for several years. Ac-
cording to reports, he was preparing to move
permanently to Vancouver.
He was married, but had no children. He
was 65 years old.
Canadian Visitor Amazed
At High Prices in U.S.
CALGARY — J. L. Murphy, owner of a cir-
cuit in south Saskatchewan, returned to his
home in Calgary after a seven-week visit in
California where he had gone to visit his
daughter, a school student, and some rela-
tives.
While J. L. remarked that his visit had
been pleasant and he had covered much of
the southern district such as Los Angeles and
Long Beach, his remarks were many about
high prices. “Boy, oh boy! were they high,”
he said. Chiefly residing with relatives eased
his cost, he said. You could get a room in a
hotel for four bucks — and paid six for one
with a window, he said. Oranges in Cali-
fornia were much higher than the same
brands in Calgary, while meats — “well, cattle
ranchers must be cleaning up.”
Murphy is one man who is reconciled to
Calgary’s present prices at which housewives
grumble.
Don Parnell Is Injured
In Auto Accident
CALGARY — Don Parnell of the Parnell cir-
cuit in the Crow’s Nest Pass is in the Holy
Cross hospital here, having his leg X-rayed.
He was brought by car into Calgary by his
brother Len, covering the 160 miles by road
from Blairmore. The injury was caused by
a car accident which split his kneecap. Len
reports that admissions over the Parnell cir-
cuit have all been raised 5 cents, with the
exception of tickets to students. Few com-
plaints have come from patrons.
7im' McGarrigle, 76, Dies;
Was Pioneer Showman
ST. JOHN — A colorful individual, with a
long and diversified experience in amuse-
ments, died recently in St. John. He was
James E. “Jim” McGarrigle, 76, of St. John.
He gave up a barber shop in the north
end to become a film pioneer. Four decades
ago he started exhibiting pictures in Liver-
pool and Bridgewater in Nova Scotia, and
Charlottetown, on Prince Edward island. He
was one of the first film exhibitors to screen
illustrated songs and was the first exhibitor
on Trinidad island, at Port of Spain. Racing
a competitor from New York by ship, he set
up his showplace in Port of Spain, but
couldn’t get chairs and asked the customers
to bring their own. They did, but not in
sufficient volume to make the venture prof-
itable, and so McGarrigle returned to St.
John. He was on the first film roadshowing
tour of Canada and from coast to coast.
His career later, covered jobs as advance
agent for traveling dramatic repertoire
groups, some acting, and tours with carnivals
as an advance agent, emcee and advertising
man.
McGarrigle was a mobile information bu-
reau on all forms of entertainment and of
boxing and baseball. Whether up or down,
and with the accent on the down, he had
the same cheery smile and laugh. He was
definitely an optimist. Surviving are four
sons, one daughter and six grandchildren.
Booth Men Get Kudos
In Newspaper Article
CALGARY — Belated recognition of the
forgotten men of motion picture houses, the
projectionists, came in generous space from
the Herald. The evening paper topped a
three-column head with a three-column cut
picturing two projectionists at work in the
Grand Theatre booth.
The column-long story below was devoted
to many technical details of projection work
— technical information about the unwinding
of the reels, the action of the sprockets, the
actual brief time each frame is exposed and
the lighting system. The mechanism of the
photoelectric cell, amplifiers and sound boxes
were also given in detail. Hours of work,
qualifications for the job and stories of vet-
erans of the union added the human interest.
Fire precautions were soothing to the women-
folk. The story was headed, “Using 93 Miles
of Film a Day,” causing much comment.
There are 34 operators working the 11 thea-
tres here, all members of IATSE Local 302.
Five-Cent Price Increase
Spreads in F-H Houses
ST. JOHN — Indications point to a complete
new price structure for the Franklin &
Herschorn theatres. The first to raise prices
was the Regent, St. John, with a nickel in-
crease. The Family, Halifax, also raised a
nickel and a 5-cent boost later was made at
the Community, Yarmouth. The same price
elevation is being considered for the Dundas
and Mayfair in Dartmouth. The new thea-
tre replacing the razed Community, Halifax,
will have a top either 5 or 10 cents above that
of its predecessor. There is a possibility that
the Mayfair, St. John, flagship of the chain,
will also be affected by the nickel upward
trend.
TORONTO— An event, unique in several re-
spects, was the screening of Quebec Produc-
tions’ Canadian-produced English and French
versions of the feature film, “Whispering
City” and “La Forteresse,” before a gather-
ing of 75 newspaper, magazine, radio and
tradepaper editors and reviewers of the To-
ronto district.
The previews took place at the Queensway
studios in Islington, owned by J. Arthur Rank,
who has signed a contract for world distri-
bution of the two films. Eagle-Lion Films’
general manager, A. J. Laurie, was the host
at the screening.
The press group first saw the English-lan-
guage version, had a buffet supper during an
intermission, then watched the unfolding of
the French version. Introductory remarks
were made by Frank O’Byrne, general man-
ager of the Queensway studios, which had an
important role in the production of the pic-
tures at St. Hyacinthe, Que., through a lend-
lease arrangement for technicians and equip-
ment. O’Byrne introduced the producers, Rene
Germain and Paul l’Anglais, president and
general manager of Quebec Productions.
The screenings were followed by voluble
descriptions in the daily press and the con-
sensus appeared to be a preference for the
French picture, “La Forteresse,” in which the
stars are Paul Dupuis, now with the Rank
organization in England, Nicole Germain and
Jacques Auger, all graduates from the ama-
teur ranks of French Canada. The stars of
“Whispering City” are Helmut Dantine, Mary
Anderson and Paul Lukas. One Toronto
newspaper went so far as to say that Nicole
Germain outshone Mary Anderson in their
respective leading role9 while there was gen-
eral native praise for Paul Dupuis who has
already been featured in “Johnny French-
man.”
The reviewers refrained from over-empha-
sis of the Canadian angles to the pictures
but described the screen outcome as a distinct
step in Canadian production, with “La For-
teresse” being called the superior film, quite
likely to make a distinct hit in foreign fields.
Because of the enthusiasm for the combined
features, there is a possibility that the pair
may be presented as a double bill for public
consumption.
Price Resistance Indicated
In Some Cities on Tears'
TORONTO — While “The Best Years of Our
Lives,” the Academy award picture, has drawn
big crowds at the Kent in Montreal, the box-
office results in other cities of the Dominion
have been varied, according to available re-
turns. The picture is being presented on a
continuous policy with an evening admission
price of $1.20 for adults after 5 p. m. In some
quarters there has been a suggestion of price
resistance on the part of the theatregoing
public and, if such is the case, it is a first
indication that the people are foregoing post-
war entertainment because of the cost.
Lapidus Holds Meet
TORONTO — Jules Lapidus, Warner Bros,
eastern and Canadian division sales man-
ager, held a two-day meeting Thursday and
Friday (May 1, 2) with Haskell Masters,
Canadian district manager, and other Do-
minion sales executives on the 1947 Ned
Depinet sales drive.
BOXOFFICE :: May 12, 1947
K
113
No Relief in Canada
On Nuisance Taxes
OTTAWA — Canadians generally were dis-
appointed that the federal budget for the
coming 12 months retained the nuisance taxes,
which are a relic of the war days when they
were paid without complaint because of the
patriotic cause.
While there has been no eruption of pro-
tests over continuance of the 20 per cent war
excise tax on theatre grosses, a buyers’ strike
along organized lines has become evident.
There have been parades and demonstrations
in many cities against the tax on chocolate
bars which have been selling for eight cents
instead of the original five cents.
NO ENTHUSIASM OVER SURPLUS
Complaints have been registered regarding
the government attitude with respect to the
price of certain foodstuffs, the continued tax
on watches and clocks and the tax-inflated
cost of other items.
There was no public enthusiasm over the
announcement that the fiscal year had closed
with a handsome surplus because of a feeling
that some of the excess could have been con-
verted to reduce taxes.
In connection with the 20 per cent amuse-
ment tax, the government is obviously opti-
mistic over the prospective revenue from the
theatre field. The budget estimates show an
expected $14,552,000 revenue from this tax
source in the 1947-48 fiscal year, compared
with receipts of $13,387,000 in the year end-
ing March 31, 1947, and the comparable total
of $12,284,000 in the preceding year.
THINK FIGURES OPTIMISTIC
The way the exhibitors look at it, the tax
reveals that aggregate gross of theatres dur-
ing the past fiscal period stands at around
$66,900,000 and the budget estimate would
have the theatres grossing $72,500,000 in the
new fiscal year, an increase of some $5,600,000
in ticket sales. The government is optimis-
tic, they say, in view of economic trends
generally.
Finance Minister D. C. Abbott announced
the abolishment of the 15 per cent excess
profits tax after Dec. 31, 1947, but the cor-
poration income tax of 30 per cent will be
unchanged. Personal income taxes are to be
reduced an average of 29 per cent, effective
July 1 and this move may be of slight ad-
vantage to the theatres.
On the other hand there will be no change
in postal rates, customs duties or the tax on
remittances to home offices in another coun-
try. This levy affects most film and theatre
companies in the Dominion.
Conciliators Offer Boost
Of 15c to Projectionists
VANCOUVER — A basic wage boost of 15
cents an hour and an annual two-week paid
vacation after three years employment are
recommended for Famous Players projection-
ists in British Columbia in a conciliation
board majority report. The employes’ nomi-
nee on the three-man board, in a minority
report, recommended a wage increase of 27
cents an hour and a two-week paid vacation
after one year’s service.
Dean Clement of the University of British
Columbia, was board chairman. The concila-
tion dispute developed from a dispute be-
tween Famous Players and members of pro-
jectionists Local 348, IATSE. The 15-cent-an-
hour increase would bring the basic pay in
the A houses to $1.85 an hour. The theatres
use two men in a booth.
The award is not binding on either party.
Both have 14 days to accept or reject.
TORONTO
L«u Spector, publicity director for Monogram
of Canada, has joined the home office
publicity department in New York. . . . Ed-
ward Schnitzer of United Artists, New York,
conferred with Charles Chaplin, Canadian
district manager . . . Ted Gould, general sales
manager of Regal Films, has returned from
New York where he attended an MGM sales
conference for the first time.
A visitor was Sam Swartz, proprietor of the
Rio at Winnipeg for many years. He reported
that business was holding up very well out
west.
The Kent at Windsor has fallen in line with
the current trend to special Saturday morn-
ing programs for juveniles . . . Manager Mel
Jolley of the Marks, Oshawa, is following a
similar policy for Saturdays, starting with a
cartoon program at 11:30 a. m. Jolley had
a nice tieup with an Oshawa music store in
advance of “The Jolson Story” with a con-
test on “Which Jolson Song Do You Like
Best and Why?”
The theatres inspection branch and censor
bureau of Ontario is moving from its office
in the Parliament Bldg, here to a new build-
ing in Leaside, a suburb, where two projec-
tion rooms will be available. The offices in
the Parliament Bldg, have long been consid-
ered unsafe, but construction of the new
place was delayed by the war.
Still more Toronto executives are heading
for the convention in Los Angeles of the Va-
riety Clubs of America, including Paul May-
nard of the Maynard Film Distributing Co.,
Harry J. Allen of Producers Releasing Corp.,
A. W. Perry of Empire-Universal, Lou Apple-
by of the Toronto Casino, and Hye Bossin,
film-paper editor.
Ralph Humphreys has been appointed man-
ager of the new Beam at Beamsville, Ont.,
which has been built and opened by Barnes
and Davidson, Toronto. The house seats 432
. . . Ben Okun of Biltmore Theatres has start-
ed construction of a theatre in New Toronto,
a suburb, which will seat 700 . . . The Allens’
Premier Operating Co. will shortly open a
small theatre in the northern mining center
of Virginiatown.
The new 20th Century Theatres unit at
Sudbury cannot be opened until August be-
cause of construction delays. The same situ-
ation applies to new independent theatres at
Wheatley and Belle River.
A. H. Jolley, secretary of the Motion Pic-
ture Theatres Ass’n of Ontario, spoke on a
film industry subject at a Rotary club meet-
ing in Thamesville, at the invitation of H.
Rankin, who opened the Joy at nearby Both-
well April 28.
Newsreel Shown Widely
VICTORIA — Through the medium of the
newsreel camera, current events in British
Columbia are now seen almost every week
by several millions of persons in 53 countries
of the world, according to Ross Beesley, As-
sociated Screen News cameraman.
In slightly more than a year, Beesley said,
he has made 51 newsreels in British Columbia
for international distribution.
Into Files of Psychologist
Paramount has set Whitman Chambers to
write the screenplay of “The Man Who Stole
a Dream,” which deals with the files of a
psychologist.
Vancouver Business
Sinks Into Deep Rut
VANCOUVER — Business is still in the low
brackets here. Not a single first run did even
average business last week. Too much outside
competition, daylight saving, rising costs of
living and balmy weather are the reasons
given by exhibitors for the slump. “The Best
Years of Our Lives,” in the third week at the
Hastings, and “Stairway to Heaven” at the
Vogue were the best draws. “Best Years” also
opened to good business at the Oak Bay in
Victoria.
Capital — Song of the South (RKO) Fair
Dominion — Adam Had Four Sons (PRC);
Howards of Virginia (20th-Fox) Fair
Hastings — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
3rd wk , Fair
Orpheum — The Locket (RKO) Below par
Plaza — George in Civvy Street (Col-British);
The Unknown (Rep) Fair
Strand — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO) .....Moderate
State — Shadows of the Range (Mono),
plus vaudeville Moderate
Vogue — Stairway to Heaven (Brit) 2nd wk ...Fair
Night Crowds Shy at Prices
On "Best Years of Our Lives"
CALGARY — Big news on the theatre front
last week was the opening of “The Best Years
of Our Lives” at roadshow prices. Playing
in the Odeon ace house, the Grand, “The
Best Years” was shown three times daily.
The matinee admission price was 80 cents,
and the two evening shows $1.30. Prices in-
cluded the 30 per cent taxes. Fans have packed
the matinee performances, but evening shows
did not reach capacity on any one night.
At these prices grosses have been good and
“Best Years” holds for a second week. Best
competition among the first runs came from
“Boomerang” at the Palace. The impact of
this mystery drew such business that it was
held over for three days. The Bob Hope
fans were undecided whether his new pic-
ture, “My Favorite Brunette,” was a mystery
or a comedy, confusion that flattened the
enthusiasm of his regular admirers.
Capitol — My Favorite Brunette (Para); Good
Grand — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO) - .Good
Palace — Her Sister's Secret (PRC);
'Neath Canadian Skies (SG) Fair
Palace — Boomerang (20th-Fox) Very good
‘Jolson Story' Continues Good
In Its Seventh Toronto Week
TORONTO — “The Jolson Story,” in its sev-
enth week at the Eglinton and Tivoli, con-
tinued good in spite of rain on several days,
while “The Egg and I” kept up a nice pace
in its fifth week at the Uptown. Loew’s also
had a holdover, “The Sea of Grass,” and the
Imperial repeated with “California.” The one
new big picture of the week was “It’s a Won-
derful Life” at Shea’s, while the Capitol and
Victoria doubled up with “The Man I Love”
and “Backlash.” New opposition developed
with the opening of the International League
baseball season.
(Average is 100)
Capitol — The Man I Love (WB);
Backlash (20th-Fox) 90
Eglinton — The lolson Story (Col), 7th wk 90
Imperial — California (Para), 2nd wk 85
Loew's — The Sea of Grass (MGM), 2nd wk 85
Shea's — It's a Wonderful Life (RKO) 120
Tivoli — The Jolson Story (Col), 7th wk 90
Uptown — The Egg and I (Univ), 5th wk 85
Victoria — The Man I Love (WB);
Backlash (20th-Fox) 90
New Opening in Peterborough
TORONTO — Considerable headway has been
made in the construction of the Odeon Thea-
tre at Peterborough, Ont., and the first unit
of the Arthur Rank circuit there is expected
to open soon.
114
BOXOFFICE :: May 12, 1947
VICTORIA
J^ecent increase in theatre prices came under
fire in a mass parade of teen-agers
through Victoria streets in a campaign to
boycott 8-cent chocolate bars. One section
of the three-block-long parade carried ban-
ners reading: “Don’t go to Shows. Use Some
Sence. Not so much c.”
The Cowichan recreational center has pur-
chased a combined projector and public ad-
dress system for community use . . . Man-
ager Mickey Goldin of the York has had a
sandwich man parading downtown streets to
advertise vaudeville shows.
Bradley Page, Hollywood actor, has been on
Vancouver island looking over locations for
a resort ranch. He attended the retriever
dog trials at Parksville during his visit . . .
Officials of the provincial department of
mines and trade and industry had a preview
last week of the British Columbia travel bu-
reau’s latest color picture, “Of Mines and
Men.”
The Victoria Amateur Movie club plans to
produce an 8(J0-foot film of the feature events
of the May 24 celebrations in Victoria. The
film will be in color ... A 16mm travelog
film of the country between Prince Rupert
and Prince George will be made by the Brit-
ish Columbia travel bureau this summer . . .
The West Coast Advocate at Port Albemi
gives away theatre tickets to the persons
giving them the best news tips during a week.
Oak Bay, Odeon Theatre, has installed ear-
phones for the hard-of-hearing . . . Theatre
showings at the York were canceled one day
last week due to the leasing of the theatre
to the First Church of Christ.
New Theatres Constructed
In Quebec Listed as 19
MONTREAL — Montreal Poster Exchange,
Ltd., furnishes the following list of 19 new
theatres constructed in the province of Que-
bec. The list is preceded by the names of the
proprietors and operators:
C. E. Charbonneau, Madelon, Cap de la Made-
leine, Quebec.
Frank Raymond, Makamik, Makamik, Quebec.
F. Gagnier, Au Fil de L'Eau, Oka, Quebec.
Guy Bachand, Rex, Sherbrooke, Quebec.
]. E. Cote, St. Chrysostome, St. Chrysostome, Que.
J. E. Dufort, SI. Joviet, St. Joviet, Quebec.
R. Lussier, Capitol, St. Remi, Que.
J. A. Daigle, Louise, Ste. Rose, Que.
J. Leo Gagnon, Plaza, Ste. Anne de la Perade, Que.
Donald Aikman, Alouette, St. Donat, Que.
E. Vachon, Royal, St. Evariste, Que.
A. Tramblay St. Felicien, St. Felicien, Que.
M. Puttman, Normandie, St. Eustache-sur-le-La'c,
Quebec.
E. Poulin, Elite, Black Lake, Que.
D. Leguerrier, Bryson, Bryson, Que.
Louis Wolfe, Paris Gatineau, Que.
Lacrois & Pacquette, Carleton, Carleton, Que.
E. Couture, Cinema, Disraeli, Que.
Eric Randall, Montcalm, Wrightville, Que.
Warners to Shoot Film
On Canadian Prairie
WINNIPEG— Keen interest is being shown
here in a Warners studio publicity release to
the effect that the company plans to film
“All My Harvests” in Manitoba.
Adding to the local interest is the further
announcement that the star of the proposed
picture will be Jack Carson, who was born
in Carmen, a town about 30 miles from
Winnipeg.
The story of the western wheat fields is
to have an all-Canadian complexion, accord-
ing to Warners. Plans are being made to
cast Alexis Smith, film star formerly of
Penticton, B. C„ opposite Carson, and also
call for Lois Maxwell, formerly of Toronto, to
play a leading role. Alan Jamieson, author
of the story, is also a Canadian.
Narrow Gauge Films
Will Be Bank Topic
MONTREAL — Production and distribution
of substandard size films of instructional, re-
ligious and documentary nature will be one
of the topics J. Arthur Rank will discuss with
Canadian and United States producers dur-
ing his spring visit to this continent.
A London informant close to Rank is
quoted as saying “an agreement recently was
concluded between Gaumont-British Instruc-
tional Films (one of the Rank string) and
United World Films of America for the joint,
worldwide distribution of substandard films.”
The agreement calls for a production pro-
gram starting with one film weekly from the
British and United States studios. Further
talks between Rank and United States pro-
ducers on substandard size celluloid could
have far-reaching effects, particularly in
countries where motion pictures are unknown
or relatively undeveloped.
ELABORATE EQUIPMENT UNNEEDED
The narrow films can be presented without
elaborate equipment or special theatres and
generation of power for the projectors is a
simple matter. Equipment can be carried in
an automobile and power can be generated
by the automobile’s engine.
Substandard size films are widely used in
the U.S. and Britain in schools and are re-
garded as a valuable educational aid.
In Toronto, Rank will meet a number of
film technicians with a view to encouraging
Canadian production. He will receive the re-
port of the Odeon Theatre’s construction pro-
gram under which 64 theatres will be built
in the Dominion in the next four years. Con-
sideration of Canadian production would
clearly have as a major topic the shooting of
bilingual (French and English) films. The
first of them, “Whispering City,” now is being
distributed.
TO ADDRESS CHURCH MEETING
One illustration of the success of past
negotiations between Rank and U.S. inter-
ests is the increasing number of British films
being featured on U.S. screens.
During his visit Rank will take time out
to address the World Sunday School Ass’n on
the growing importance of films in educa-
tion and religious instruction. It is a sub-
ject close to his interests. A Methodist, Rank
gives a weekly Bible talk to the Reigate, Sur-
rey, Sunday school, of which he is superin-
tendent.
George Beeston, Odeon Treasurer,
Will Retire Soon, Toronto Hears
TORONTO — George H. Beeston, treasurer
of Odeon Theatres of Canada, has tendered
his resignation, according to information in
well-informed trade circles here. It is un-
derstood his retirement will be announced
when J. Arthur Rank and John Davis arrive
here from England for important conferences.
Beeston was a brother-in-law of the late
Thomas J. Bragg who was secretary of the
Canadian Odeon and other companies at the
time of his death last year. Although he has
other business interests in Toronto, Beeston
has long been identified with film and theatre
companies which were in the organization
of the late N. L. Nathanson.
Beeston is a member and officer of the
Canadian Picture Pioneers and was active
in numerous patriotic and other campaigns
in which the film trade has had a part.
Clare J. Appel of Toronto, eastern division
manager for Odeon, has been ill and there
has been a possibility that he may find it
necessary to have an operation.
MOJNTREA1
The housing scarcity has been a problem
with film executives transferred to Mont-
real, or from Montreal to Toronto and other
cities. Jack Kroll, booker at Warner Bros.,
after spending a year looking for an apart-
ment for himself, wife and two children on
their arrival from England, has just secured a
six-room suite on Viau street, Hochelega. It’s
a long way from his work, but he will have
a roof over his head, which is more than
many apartment-seekers can find.
C. D. Munro, Canadian representative of
Gaumont-British, Inc., called at the local
Gaumont Kalee office . . . Francois Savard,
representative of Hanson 1 6mm, left May 5
for an indefinite business trip in the mari-
time provinces.
Orval Fruitman, who was at the Columbia
head office in Toronto more than three years,
is replacing Joseph Dolman, booker, who has
left to go into business for himself. Fruitman
is assisted by Ruby Rabinovich, who was
three years with Montreal Poster Exchange,
Ltd., and who was promoted to assistant
booker at Columbia two months ago.
John Vallin, PRC special representative
from Los Angeles, has been assigned to Can-
ada to set up certain operations for the new
Eagle -Lion American product, which is to be
distributed in the Dominion by PRC . . .
Simone Moreau, bookkeeper at 20th-Fox,
flew back to Montreal from New York, where
she was the guest of the company after win-
ning a contest.
J. Feldman, PRC booker, was confined to
his home by illness . . . PRC has its third
consecutive program at the Strand, each
earning a holdover for a second week. The
current program is a double bill, “Devil on
Wheels” and “Murder Is My Business.”
RKO’s Filmrow staff was host to the
Canadian general manager, Leo Devaney,
and A. A. Schubert, manager of exchange
operations, New York. Following a day spent
in Montreal they left for St. John . . . Har-
old Russell of “The Best Years of Our Lives,”
and his wife, attended a luncheon at the
Normandie Roof of the Mount Royal hotel
given in behalf of the “Save the Children”
fund.
Mark Berman, two years with the UA head
office in Toronto, has replaced as office man-
ager in Montreal Eddy Shrider, who is now
with Monogram . . . Ovila Cote, Quebec sec-
retary-treasurer of the Cartier and Empire
theatres there, visited Montreal’s Filmrow,
accompanied by Mrs. Cote.
Colbert in 'State of the Union'
Claudette Colbert has been signed to star
with Spencer Tracy in “State of the Union”
by Metro.
FOR SALE: THEATRE CHAIRS
W© now have a very large stock of excellent
reconditioned (as new) Theatre Chairs
Quantities up to 1200 of a kind.
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
«
Good quantity of imported carpet direct from
England and Scotland
Inquiries Respectfully Solicited
"LA SALLE"
RECREATIONS LTD.
(Theatre Seating and Carpet Division)
S. A. LECHTZIER, Pres.
945 Granville St. Vancouver, B. C.
BOXOFFICE :: May 12, 1947
115
Many Opportunities in Maritimes
For Playing Up Local Boy' Angle
ST. JOHN— Exhibitors throughout the mar-
itime provinces have numerous opportunities
to play up the “local boy” angle in promoting
motion pictures produced, directed or acted
in by former residents of maritime centers, a
few being natives.
Louis B. Mayer, MGM producing chief,
lived at St. John as boy and young man.
Walter Pidgeon, MGM star, was born in St.
John and lived there as boy and young man.
William Gargan, another veteran featured
player, was born at Halifax, and also lived
at Windsor, N. S.
Wallace MacDonald, veteran Columbia pro-
ducer and former featured player in the silent
films, is a Nova Scotian and lived at Halifax
and New Glasgow. Jack Cummings (Kom-
insky), was bom and lived here until head-
ing for Hollywood to become an MGM pro-
ducer under his uncle, Louis B. Mayer.
Jerry Mayer, brother of Louis, is on the
executive staff of MGM. He lived in St. John,
Halifax and Yarmouth. Mark Stevens, fea-
tured lead, whose parents and grandparents
were Nova Scotians, with homes at Halifax,
Truro, Yarmouth, has a great grandmother
who lives at Yarmouth.
Edward Ellis, long featured in character
roles, played leads in stock in St. John and
on the road for several seasons.
The late Sidney Toler, star of Charlie Chan
films, headed stock in Halifax four consecu-
tive seasons. Oscar O’Shea, playing charac-
ters, had his own stock at Halifax and did
some trouping. Frank McHugh, featured in
comedy roles, played juvenile parts with a
stock unit at St. John. Houston Richards,
screen writer, was an actor in stock at Hali-
fax. A1 Jolson has a maritime affiliation
because one of his wives, Ruby Keeler, was
born at Halifax. William Farnum, ex-star
and now playing characters in westerns and
others, was with Harkins troupe.
Frances Conley of St. John is making her
debut in a film megged by John Farrow, once
a naval officer out of Halifax.
Soldiers' Many 'Friends'
Jam Army Post Theatre
HALIFAX — Objection has been made by
local theatre men to the operations at the
Garrison Theatre, which opened recently
with shows booked every Sunday night for
soldiers, sailors and airmen “and their
friends.” It is pointed out that the number
of friends seems to be unlimited and there
appears to be no barrier to one service man,
permanent or reserve, bringing with him a
half dozen or more persons.
The first feature picture shown was “13
Rue Madeleine,” which played first run in
the local Capitol (FPC), starting five days
after the Garrison screening. Complaints
have been made to the Maritime Film board,
on the grounds (1) that the Garrison show-
ings are apparently semipublic; (2) that
there is no charge at all, and (3), that the
boxoffice values of the pictures shown are
lowered by the advance free showings. Pro-
jection is by army men.
During the war years, each service man was
limited to one civilian guest for the Sunday
night film programs at the Capitol. At some
centers, only men and women in uniform
were admitted. The pictures shown had
previously been screened in public theatres.
Staid Courtroom Is Scene
Of First Motion Picture
TORONTO— The staid and musty precincts
of Toronto’s Osgoode Hall, where for gener-
ations barristers in robes have argued before
learned justices, have seen the breaking of a
time-honored precedent in the showing of a
film in aid of the British flood victims. The
show, held May 2, was attended by justices of
the supreme court, judges of the lower courts,
benchers of the law society, representatives
of the attorney general’s department, law
students and others associated with the legal
profession.
New Bellevue Open
In East Montreal
MONTREAL — The Bellevue Theatre, the
only cinema east of Morgan boulevard, was
opened April 30 in the presence of federal,
provincial and civic officials. The new $200,-
000 picture house at 11570 East Notre Dame
St., just at the Pointe-aux-Trembles-Mon-
treal city limits, is a 500-seat fireproof
cinema owned by Jean Langelier and Leo
Choquette.
More than 200 attended the reception which
followed the first showing, including Joseph
Jean, solicitor general of Canada, and Mrs.
Jean; Omer Cote, Quebec provincial secre-
tary, and Mrs. Cote; Mayor Marcel Monette
of Pointe-aux-Trembles, and Mrs. Monette;
former Mayor J. E. Fortin, chairman of the
Pointe-aux-Trembles school commission, and
Mrs. Fortin, and members of the Montreal
city council. Flowers were presented to
Langelier and Choquette by J. Bagdoo and
Walter Brouillette.
OTTAWA
The Canadian first run of the reissue of
“The Private Life of Henry VIII” is sched-
uled for the Nelson here, which was opened
recently by Morris Berlin. The picture is be-
ing handled by Astral Films of which I. H.
Allen is president . . . Friday night (2) the
Nelson was packed for an amateur contest on
the stage sponsored by a commercial firm
and broadcast on the Stairway to Stardom
program. One of the judges was Mayor Stan-
ley Lewis.
The Somerset, a bright neighborhood thea-
tre which has been operating under the man-
agement of H. Berlin for ten years, has made
an upward revision of admission prices. Night
prices now range from 15 cents for juveniles
to 35 cents.
Manager Casey Swedlove of the Ottawa
Little screened “Mama,” the Italian feature
starring Beniamio Gigli, opera tenor, and se-
cured exceptionally fine newspaper reviews.
Swedlove is presenting “Mama” as a Mother’s
day special. Ray Lewis of Alliance Films was
here in advance of the playdate.
Manager Claude A. Hunter of the Odeon,
Kingston, secured an advertising tieup on
“Song of Scheherazade” with a Kingston
music store and, thanks to nice promotional
work, the picture was held for an extra three
days . . . The Kingston Odeon and the Bilt-
more both garnered an extra bid for juvenile
trade with the opening on the same Saturday
of a serial film. The Odeon started with
“Secret Agent X9” and the Biltmore intro-
duced “Black Arrow.”
George Degnon, RKO publicity director in
Canada, was here to check on promotion for
“Sinbad the Sailor,” which has been booked
into the Famous Players’ Capitol, largest thea-
tre in the capital city . . . Manager Paul
Leroux of the Pix in suburban Aylmer was
host to 500 children at a special show which
was arranged as a feature for the “Be Kind
to Animals” campaign in the community.
Films Shown Free
LEBANON, N. H.— Saturday morning free
shows at the Lebanon Theatre have included
such showings as “Tanbark Champions,”
“Royalty of the Range,” “A Really Important
Person,” and “Frank Buck Brings Them Back
Alive.”
Need Better Booking?
Scores of reviews, criticisms
and ratings on all current films,
in each issue of
BOXOFFICE
Booking is easy if you are fully informed. The constantly revised and
corrected booking information on features and shorts enables every ex-
hibitor to choose wisely for his own audiences. Nothing else in the
industry equals the thorough and efficient coverage offered by BOX-
OFFICE, the leading tradepaper in the industry.
116
BOXOFFICE :: May 12, 1947
Ticket Tax Slapped
On Benefit Shows
OTTAWA — The Canadian government has
clamped down on tax exemptions for benefit
performances. On the grounds that the time
has passed for patriotic shows, the govern-
ment has decided that it will no longer waive
the 20 per cent war excise tax on boxoffice
receipts when motion pictures, paid or pro-
fessional performers or horse racing are a
part of the program.
A government source explained that non-
profit organizations are liable to the excise
tax on grosses, too. Previously such organi-
zations were exempt from the tax. The power
of discretion has been granted the federal
revenue department to grant exception from
the amusement tax in extraordinary cases
but only on previous application to permit
study of performance conditions.
The new ruling is particularly important to
theatre proprietors, all of whom operate un-
der a government license which could be
canceled, and to such organizations as the
Canadian Picture Pioneers and the Variety
Club, which may want to stage benefit
shows.
ST. JO_H_N
getween 15 and 18 scenic films on Nova
Scotian subjects will be given wide dis-
tribution this year. Among them will be
shorts taken by Tom Courtney, former man-
ager of the Casino Theatre in Halifax, who
was recently named provincial director of
publicity. The film schedule of the Gaiety,
Halifax, was interrupted for a night by the
convention of Progressive Conservatives. One
of the leaders of the party is Malcolm
Walker, Gaiety owner, a defeated PG nomi-
nee at the most recent provincial elections.
A rumor that the Irving interests of St.
John were mulling over construction of a
rink here is being heard again after a lapse
of about six months. It is now claimed along
Rue Rumor that a piece of land known as
the old foundry yard has been bought as the
site for the rink . . . Because of transportation
difficulties, the Hollywood in Yarmouth failed
to get a print of the new Abbott and Costello
picture for a midnight show. The show had
to be canceled at the eleventh hour. It was
shown later ... At the Yarmouth Com-
munity, books of theatre tickets are being
stressed as suitable birthday gifts.
A theatre site in Halifax, bought several
years ago by Odeon for $25,500 is to be used
in part for a temporary tourist bureau for
the summer season. There seems to be little
likelihood that Odeon will start construction
this year.
Greek Government Honors
Two Canadian Exhibitors
MONTREAL — The Greek government has
recognized the services rendered to the Greek
Red Cross by George Ganetakos, managing
director of United Amusement Corp., chairman
of the Greek war relief fund, and B. C. Sala-
mis, proprietor and operator of the Fairyland
Theatre, secretary of the fund, by presenting
them with Greek Red Cross service medals.
Deputy Greek Consul D. Coulourides made the
presentation.
Ganetakos was also honored for his lead-
ership by the presentation of an oil portrait
of himself, painted by Mrs. Lightstone of To-
ronto. Salamis made the presentation on be-
half of the Greek war relief fund.
V A N C O U V
TJymie Singer, who recently bought the Rio
Theatre in Victoria, has appointed Henry
Goodman of Empire-Universal to manage
the house. He succeeds Tom' Oniell, who will
return to his former position as radio an-
nouncer in the capital city.
A film council was organized for the Surrey
district at Cloverdale. Delegates from all
over the municipality were in attendance.
Members of the National Film board ex-
plained the benefits and methods of opera-
tion of community film councils . . . Holly-
wood’s Oscar winner, “The Best Years of Our
Lives,” probably saved some years of life for
a Vancouver man. In Edmonton on business,
he intended to catch a plane, but friends
persuaded him to stay over and see the “Best
Years” at the Rialto. The plane he was to
take is still missing, with 15 persons aboard.
Local union officials have complained to
the minister of labor that the Odeon officials
have been intimidating employes in an effort
to undermine the union in contravention of
existing labor legislation. The local is organ-
izing all theatre employes outside of man-
agers.
Harvey Hunt, Odeon’s head buyer and
booker with offices in Toronto, visited Vic-
toria and Vancouver Island checking the cir-
cuit houses. Howard Boothe and Earl Hayter
of the British Columbia district office ac-
companied him.
Forty veterans from Shaughnessy military
hospital, were guests of Odeon Theatres at a
showing of “The Best Years of Our Lives” at
the Hastings. Roy McLeod, manager of the
theatre, arranged with hospital authorities
for other patients to see the show. Special
transportation is provided for amputation
cases. Most of the local theatres have com-
pletely forgotten the veterans now the war
is over . . . Cecil Cameron, manager of the
Kerrisdale, was off work with stomach trou-
ble and Larry New, manager of the Windsor,
was also out with illness. Both FPC men are
back on the job again.
Yvonne de. Carlo tried to sneak unobtru-
sively into Vancouver, her home town, but
ran smack into photographers and alert
newspaper men. “It shouldn’t happen to a
dog,” she remarked as she stepped off the
plane. She will be here for a week visiting
friends . . . Charlie Nelson, British Columbia
representative for Foto-Nite, who also opera-
ates the Mandarin Gardens night club, will
have to pay one of his patrons from Seattle
$4,075 for an eye injury caused in his night
club, the court decided last week.
Jack Armstrong, manager of the Odeon
E R
Paradise, and Edna Hughes of Odeon’s head
office here, will be married June 9 . . . Rose
Iannacone of Warners and Douglas Isman,
PRC booker, are also looking for an apart-
ment, Filmrow reports.
The majority of Odeon Movie clubs in
British Columbia have been operating for a
year, and, although they are not proving a
big financial success, Odeon considers them
sufficiently important to continue as a good-
will gesture and a guarantee to parents that
the theatre has the welfare of the kiddies at
heart.
Brian Aherne, star of “The Locket,” was in
Vancouver last week in connection with the
opening of the picture at the Orpheum. His
visit also was tied in with the opening of
the picture at the Capitol in Victoria. May-
nard Joiner, Famous Players district man-
ager here, and Lloyd Muir, RKO publicist,
arranged for a round of events and publicity,
highlighted by a cocktail party attended by
newspaper, radio and film people.
Walker Circuit Assigns
Two Men to Sackville
HALIFAX— A change in policy at Sackville,
N. B., involves naming of separate managers
for the Imperial and Vogue, Walker-Affili-
ated theatres. John Walsh has been trans-
ferred from the Hantsport, N. S. theatre to
the Imperial, and Dennis Murphy, for the
last seven years on the staff of the FPC
Capitol in Halifax, has been stationed at the
Vogue. The previous policy was to have both
Sackville houses under one manager.
A. R. Maclnnis has been named manager
of the new Armview in suburban Halifax,
which will be opened within the next two
months. In the meanwhile, he is acting as
publicity director for the Walker- Affiliated
chain.
The main lobby in the Halifax Gaiety is be-
ing remodeled and a new candy bar in-
stalled. Colored glass bricks make up the
bar front. The lighting is fluorescent and
makes the bar visible from the street. A
popcorn machine has been installed in the
lobby of the Gaiety, also. The Gaiety is the
flagship of the Walker-Affiliated theatres of
Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Unit Manager for 'Trail'
Johnny Grubbs has been assigned as unit
manager for Republic’s “On the Old Spanish
Trail.”
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 oi which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE, DATE & RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE
NAME POSITION
BOXOFFICE :: May 12, 1947
117
Children, Left in Theatre 12 Hours,
Turned Over to Brantford Police
BRANTFORD, ONT. — Police are confer-
ring with the Children’s Aid society over the
case of two children, 5 and 6 years old, who
were left by their mother without food in a
theatre nearly 12 hours on a recent weekend.
The woman took her youngsters to the
theatre at noon. She stayed with them until
3 o’clock, according to police, then took them
to another theatre where she left them, in-
structing them to wait until she returned.
At 7 p. m. an usher asked the children if
they shouldn’t go home. The boy explained
they were to wait until their mother came
for them. At midnight when the theatre
closed, the manager called the police.
“At 7 o’clock one of my assistants told me
about the two kiddies,” Manager Burke said.
“I suggested to the boy he should go home.
When he said he was with his sister, I
thought his sister was an adult. At 9 : 30 1 spoke
to him again and discovered the sister was
a child. They told me their mother was com-
ing for them, and I didn’t want to put them
out on the street.
“At 11 p. m. I went down to them again.
They were both in the front row. The boy
was awake but his little sister was soimd
asleep. I got their address from them and
told them I would send them home in a
taxi. But the little boy didn't want to go.
He said there was nobody home but his
puppy. I telephoned the police at 11:30 and
they took the children. In the meantime I
had called their house but nobody answered.”
The manager said they saw Gene Autry in
“Sioux City Sue” five times. Police took
them to their grandparents-, and when the
mother came home at 1 a. m. on Sunday she
told officers her car had broken down.
Canadians Cross to U.S.
To See 'Les Enfants'
OTTAWA — The French picture “Les En-
fants du Paradis,” banned by the provincial
censor of Quebec, has been seen by a number
of curious theatregoers of Windsor, Ont. The
explanation is that the controversial picture
is showing at the Cinema Theatre in Detroit
on the U.S. side of the Detroit river. A print
of the feature has been received in Toronto
from New York but the decision of the On-
tario board of censors has not been formally
announced. It is expected that “Les Enfants”
will have a theatre presentation in Ontario
shortly under the heading of “adult enter-
tainment.”
Reviewing Contest
OTTAWA — A competition that drew city-
wide attention, and stimulated attendance
so that the picture was held for a second
week, was the “movie review” contest staged
for “The Strange Woman” by Manager Ernie
Warren of the Elgin here, in cooperation with
the Evening Citizen. The newspaper devot-
ed considerable space to the contest and
received scores of entries. W. M. Gladish,
veteran film writer and BOXOFFICE repre-
sentative, was the judge. The Elgin awarded
three prizes totaling $50 and double passes
for the next 12 entries.
Several contestants suggested similar com-
petitions be encouraged to indicate to pro-
ducers the reaction of theatregoers generally.
Such contests would help to improve film
standards, it was said. Manager Warren
Toronto's School Board
Hits Youth Age Change
TORONTO — Shortly after the Imperial
Order, Daughters of the Empire, an important
women’s society in Canada, had petitioned
the Ontario government to lower the age
limit from 16 to 14 years for unaccompanied
children at moving picture theatres, the To-
ronto board of education announced opposi-
tion to the proposal.
The school trustees argued that boys and
girls of 14 years were not any more mature
than they were when the Ontario law was
passed 25 years ago. The IODE had con-
tended that the juveniles of today were more
advanced intellectually than those of a gen-
eration ago, but the school board said there
was no scientific proof to support the sug-
gestion.
On the other hand, the school trustees
recommended that the age restriction be
maintained and “that suitable movies should
be made available for special children’s Sat-
urday matinees.”
The weakness of this recommendation is
that exhibitors have been offering special
programs for juveniles on Saturdays for the
last two years through Movie clubs and car-
toon shows. The school board apparently did
not know, too, that theatres have been re-
moving “adult” features from Saturday shows
since last June in cooperation with the On-
tario censor board.
Leslie Howard's Widow
Is a Visitor in Toronto
TORONTO — Mrs. Leslie Howard, widow of
the British film personality who lost his life
in a mysterious airplane accident off the
west coast of Europe during the war, arrived
here from England for a month’s visit with
her daughter, Mrs. Spencer Dale-Harris, wife
of a Toronto war aviator, and a three-year-
old granddaughter, Carol. An occasion for the
visit was the fifth wedding anniversary of
her son-in-law and daughter. In due course,
Mrs. Howard is to proceed to Beverly Hills,
Calif., to establish a home. Mrs. Dale-Harris
has settled down to home life in Toronto and
made it clear that she is not thinking of a
screen career although she played a bit part
in one of her father’s pictures.
Hits Public Fancy
forwarded typical replies for the attention of
studio executives.
Some of the amateur reviewers merely re-
wrote the story and called it a film criticism;
other contestants made comparisons with
features which had not yet played the Elgin
or other theatres: some wrote editorials,
studies on psychology, book reviews and ser-
mons but not a film criticism; a number of
contestants tried to use big words, too intri-
cate for the purpose, and a few thought they
had to be ultracaustic in their comment.
The winner was Janet A. Morse, a middle-
aged woman, who had contributed a meaty
criticism of only 210 words, thus proving that
much can be said in a brief discussion. Sec-
ond prize went to a man, J. Warren Lang-
ford, and the third award was won by Mrs.
E. M. Garner, a young married woman.
Rank Defendants Seek
Injunction Suit Delay
TORONTO — Another round in the legal
battle between Paul Nathanson’s Empire-
Universal and the J. Arthur Rank interests
in Canada and elsewhere developed when
defendant Rank interests filed application for
extension of the time for appearance and for
“setting aside the concurrent writ.” D. Con-
ant, master in chambers, reserved decision.
The defendants are Rank, the J. Arthur
Rank Organization, Inc., General Cinema Fi-
nance Corp., Ltd., and Eagle-Lion Films, Inc.
Two of these companies are in the United
States.
The applicants were represented by D. L.
McCarthy and Peter Wright, Toronto barris-
ters, while the lawyers for the plaintiffs were
J. R. Cartwright, P. A. Hess and F. W. Fisher.
T. N. Phelan represented Eagle-Lion, and
G. F. Henderson, Monogram. This array of
legal celebrities indicated that the action will
proceed before the Ontario court and may not
be settled otherwise, as rumored.
The plaintiffs, Empire-Universal and
United World Pictures of Canada, claim dam-
ages and an injunction in an issue involving
Canadian distribution of product which, it is
said, was diverted to another channel. Among
the defendants are United World Pictures of
U. S., Universal Pictures and Odeon Theatres
of Canada.
The main action can hardly come before the
Ontario court before the autumn term, be-
cause of the summer recess.
B.C. Film Councils Study
Educational Film Use
VICTORIA— Delegates of films councils in
British Columbia recently attended a confer-
ence of the British Columbia Film council,
sponsored by the extension department of the
University of British Columbia and the Na-
tional Film board. The two-day “work shop”
was the first of its kind in the province.
The theme of the meeting was, “The better
informed we are, the better citizens we will
become — first as citizens of Canada, and then
of the united world of nations.”
The work shop is the result of a desire to
pool experiences of the 27 libraries and 36 vol-
unteer projection centers. There are 14 other
libraries being organized.
Delegates were introduced to the latest and
best types of equipment and how to handle
it with the least harm.
Featured were talks and discussions on the
means of exchanging and procuring films
from the various sources in the province and
Ottawa. The importance of the service given
by the film councils as a means for educa-
tion was dealt with extensively. Discussion
centered on how this service could be im-
proved from the standpoint of various types
of groups, citizenship, physical fitness and
medical studies, and discussion panels.
Officers Are Re-Elected
By United Amusements
MONTREAL — At the annual meeting of
shareholders of United Amusement Corp.
here, the board of directors re-elected for the
ensuing year was as follows: Ernest A. Cous-
ins, D. A. Murray, George Ganetakos, Wil-
liam Lester, S. Godin jr., J. J. Fitzgibbons,
R. W. Bolstad, Hugh Mackay, J. G. Ganetakos
and H. N. Chauvin. The executive officers
were re-elected as follows: Ernest A. Cousins,
president; D. A. Murray, vice-president and
controller; George Ganetakos, managing-di-
rector; W. H. Mannard, secretary-treasurer,
and William Deveault, assistant secretary-
treasurer.
118
BOXOFFICE :: May 12, 1947
Indianians Oppose
'Neurotic' Pictures
From Central Edition
FORT WAYNE— Northeastern Indiana ex-
hibitors went on record as opposing films
which depend upon neurotic and criminal
tendencies of characters for their interest,
and also condemned the policy of some pro-
ducers who, they said, “try to raise prices for
good or better pictures, but do not lower the
cost for poor or second-rate films.” The ac-
tion was taken at a luncheon meeting of the
second and fourth districts of the Ass’n of
Theatre Owners of Indiana, held in Hotel
Keenan here.
The group pointed out that audiences in
this section are composed of persons who
want entertainment in theatres, and are op-
posed to “unwholesome” productions.
The group further objected to the “medioc-
rity” of some of the films they “must accept
if they are to show anything at all in their
theatres,” and said the policy of producers
in raising prices for good pictures should be
balanced by a lowering of prices for the lesser
grade films.
Roy Kalver, owner of the Adams and Cort
theatres in Decatur, vice-president of the
second district, presided. Trueman Rembush,
president of the Indiana group, discussed
aims and ideals of the association. Other
problems were discussed by Leo Jones of the
Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio.
WINNIPEG
^^ith British films winning wider audiences
here, a column by Billy Rose in the
Tribune plugging the British product at-
tracted considerable attention. Odeon houses
have been playing British films with, on the
whole, excellent results. British stars are
catching on and in the case of James Mason,
at least, already rival the popularity of Holly-
wood’s leading men. Currently, the Odeon is
playing “Stairway to Heaven,” which has
been heralded with rave reviews by the local
critics. “Johnny Frenchman,” at the Rialto,
has also won praise. “Dead of Night,” an-
other British picture, is having its second
run at the Beacon.
A sportsmen’s show, along the model of
similar shows held in the United States, was
sponsored here last week by the Greater Win-
nipeg Game and Fish Ass’n and won en-
thusiastic support from local hunters and
fishermen as well as thousands who flocked
in just for the fun. A feature of the show
was the continuous showing of six selected
shorts on sports subjects.
The Academy award-winning, “The Best
Years of Our Lives” went into its third week
at the Garrick at roadshow prices . . . The
Winnipeg Ballet club gave two benefit per-
formances to raise funds for its proposed
trip to Denmark, where it has been invited
to participate in an international dance fes-
tival.
Price Increase Revoked
After Students Protest
VANCOUVER — A price increase on student
tickets by the Alberni district theatres was
taken off after high school students threat-
ened to boycott theatres. Exhibitors were
notified of the impending boycott following
a mass meeting of students who were op-
posed to the price hike to 26 cents.
Ex-Winnipeggers Praised
By Film Board Leader
WINNIPEG — Former Winnipeggers are do-
ing excellent work for the National Film
board, Norman Chamberlain, liaison officer
of the board, reported during a visit here.
Chamberlain announced that Gudrun and
Morton Parker, a husband-and-wife team,
have just finished work on two new pictures,
“The Policeman” and “The Postman,” for
the board’s series on civic affairs. Mrs.
Parker was on the staff of the Winnipeg Free
Press before joining the board. Parker was
publisher of an entertainment paper here.
Stanley Jackson, another local man, has
completed a film on “Occupational Therapy”
dealing with rehabilitation of veterans and
children which will be released only for pro-
fessional showings because of its technical
nature, Chamberlain said. Jackson was
previously a teacher at a local college.
The film board official was highly en-
thusiastic over the reception the board’s prod-
uct was receiving throughout Canada, and
particularly gratified at the excellent work
the regional offices were performing.
Chamberlain was well known here before
joining the film board as a public relations
officer with radio station CJRC.
Kansas City Tower
To First Run Setup
From Midwest Edition
KANSAS CITY — Following the run of
“Wake Up and Dream” at the local Tower
Theatre, Fox Midwest will return its large
downtown house to an A situation for the
first time since 1939. It will replace the
Esquire as the day-and-date house playing
with the Uptown and Fairway, first run resi-
dential and suburban houses respectively.
The Esquire will operate on a tentative
policy of single feature first runs, its first
attraction being “The Westerner,” a United
Artists reissue.
The Tower, originally called the Pantages,
was taken over by Fox in 1938. Barney Joffee,
present manager who will continue in that
capacity, was then managing the house with
Bill Reinke, who then left show business here.
Joffee has been at the theatre since about
1932.
Under its new ownership, the Tower was
utilized under a policy of single features plus
vaudeville. In 1939 that policy was altered
to include double features as well as stage
attractions. This policy held until the run
of “Best Years of Our Lives,” which ended
there recently.
War-Constructed Willow Run Theatre
Thrives on New Type of Patronage
From Mideast Edition
DETROIT — The Center in Willow
Run, the only permanent war-built
theatre in Michigan, is continuing op-
eration under the Butterfield circuit
banner.
Designed originally to serve the work-
ers in the big federal housing project
at Willow Village, it has undergone two
successive postwar changes of patron-
age source, and still enjoys good busi-
ness. The house is the second theatre
in the project which was named after
America’s most famous wartime indus-
trial center, actually located about three
miles away.
The theatre is about three miles also
from Ypsilanti, where Butterfield has
long operated the Wuerth and Martha
Washington theatres.
ORIGINAL THEATRE INACTIVE
The original Willow Run Theatre
was a 500-seat wooden auditorium, de-
signed for quick construction, and was
built when the wartime necessity de-
manded immediate settlement of war
workers in the project. The theatre
portion was really an afterthought,
with the booth just added on. During
the few months of its life It was oper-
ated by the Telenews organization, with
Fred Sweet as manager.
The original theatre today is part of
a warehouse for federal property. Many
of the other temporary buildings at
Willow Village have been torn down.
But the Center Theatre, in the busi-
ness center, Is of permanent cement
block construction, with 1,298 seats, de-
signed in a modernistic style and using
unusual applications of plans that are
closely related to the style of Frank
Lloyd Wright of Wisconsin. Some un-
usual features are the approach, which
is by way of a bridge across a
small creek from the parking lot, and
the huge glass-enclosed lobby, with the
walls set on an angle. This large glass
front, open to the view on three sides,
gives a unique appearance to the house,
and makes it an ideal waiting spot,
much used for parking baby carriages,
by the way.
ADMISSION IS 43 CENTS
The Center charges 43 cents admis-
sion, playing pictures a little after the
Ypsilanti houses, and usually picking
up one feature from each of the two
houses there. The Martha Washing-
ton, premiere house of the town, plays
single bill at a higher admission rate,
while the Wuerth, with an admission
scale lower than the Center, plays duals.
Business is drawn largely from the
immediate housing project, where the
original population of war workers has
been largely replaced by two groups:
first, veterans working in Detroit, who
commute back and forth daily (the dis-
tance is about 35 miles by bus), and
second, students from the University
of Michigan, ten miles west, who have
proved to be very good patrons at the
theatre.
In addition, there is considerable pa-
tronage from Ypsilanti, mainly of pa-
trons miss a picture there, and from
other surrounding towns within a ra-
dius of about ten miles. The Center
has very comfortable seating and good
projection and sound, so that it invites
patrons, even though the house is sev-
eral miles off the beaten path.
The theatre is being managed by Ed-
die Posh, with Ted Schiska as operator,
William Hackett, original manager of
the house when it opened, has been
transferred to Pontiac.
BOXOFFICE :: May 12, 1947
119
■
SOMETHING DIFFERENT
i
in BOXOFFICE
•r " n » II V
*ere
ls the
n*>ss
in
0tY of ,,
>he Hi
1o°si
’in b
let
Usj.
Sefi,
state
es
'Ac
tie* 6 ««'*«" c««' s!in°*snat tfi,’ee-hi
< £**»•£ ***» 0 4* ‘mo'J; in0*°°*
A’hat Pe's°tiai £*e "v Hariri H,tho<,, n
H‘ckel hfnt or,llt,e o/°>e,. ,„at tt)„ aH.V
o r*a7 si„
alm,
, a' WJe h
«4b*
'«anca> Wc?ea*:
,a,
rt? f»th.
°Viee
,st
& . scriD
^ its fii
They're All Talking
About This Series
The most talked-about series of articles
in the motion picture trade press is "Filmrows
of America/' currently running in BOXOFFICE.
Now, for the first time, the story of the men
and women who run the motion picture busi-
ness of the country is being graphically told
in articles written by a skilled staff of field
correspondents and through hundreds of pho-
tographs taken by staff cameramen who are
visiting every film exchange city in the United
States and Canada to photograph the film-
row personalities you read and hear about.
"Filmrows of America" is another special
BOXOFFICE feature — that extra dividend sub-
scribers receive from the No. 1 magazine in
field.
Gits
he , Th.
a fea
^cu^ets906
>&0'
2a, i
f/tv
'"ig.
<°nh
>egan i(at-
atiqf
'te,(a
tti m
*
tr,
ftJct
't'e.s'
off,
**nea
h°hs
e<f by'
H Ln tit
1919 aher
*Zte!
» , ‘“<K
Post
is
120
BOXOFFICE :: May 12, 1947
BOXOFFICE BAROMETER • EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
FEATURE CHART • REVIEW DIGEST • SHORTS CHART
SHORTS REVIEWS • FEATURE REVIEWS • EXPLOITIPS
Bookin uide
BOXOFFIC
FIRST RUN REPORTS
This chart shows the records made by
pictures in five or more of the 21 key cities
checked. As new runs are reported, ratings
are added and averages revised.
BAROMETER
TOP HIT OF THE WEEK
The Outlaw —
Minneapolis 175
Computed in terms of percentage in
relations to normal grosses. With 100
per cent as "normal," the figures
show the percentage above or below
that mark.
BOSTON
BUFFALO
CHICAGO
CINCINNATI
CLEVELAND
DALLAS
DENVER
DES MOINES
DETROIT
INDIANAPOLIS
KANSAS CITY
LOS ANGELES
MILWAUKEE
MINNEAPOLIS
NEW HAVEN
NEW YORK
OMAHA
PHILADELPHIA
PITTSBURGH
SAN FRANCISCO
SEATTLE
AVERAGE
Affairs of Geraldine (Rep)
100
100
100
90
100
100
100
100
100
99
Angel and the Badman (Rep)
120
120
100
130
130
95
110
112
153
100
125
140
120
Bachelor’s Daughters, The (UA)
110
175
175
130
85
100
95
90
85
90
80
120
100
145
109
85
110
120
130
112
Beat the Band (RKO)
170
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
200
85
100
100
113
Bedelia (Eagle-Lion)
130
92
120
150
110
150
110
105
135
122
*Best Years of Our Lives, The (RKO)
200
200
200
300
300
200
500
300
175
325
175
250
180
275
210
310
600
250
275
Blondie Knows Best (Col)
100
90
150
100
100
115
90
100
75
95
90
100
100
no
100
85
100
Blondie’s Big Moment (Col)
100
100
85
100
100
100
100
100
110
100
100
no
85
99
Brasher Doubloon, The (20th-Fox)
150
100
100
100
85
100
85
100
60
98
Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox)
100
120
100
110
150
115
96
170
125
80
117
Cross My Heart (Para)
130
90
145
80
70
95
110
85
95
100
125
130
145
76
105
110
95
100
100
105
Easy Come, Easy Go (Para)
115
110
93
105
120
100
107
Egg and I, The (U-I)
250
150
250
220
200
108
196
Face of Marble, The (Mono)
100
85
100
110
95
98
Gentleman Joe Palooka (Mono)
105
100
100
100
100
90
100
90
100
95
100
100
100
98
Ghost Goes Wild, The (Rep)
100
100
85
100
100
100
100
98
Her Sister’s Secret (PRC)
100
100
115
110
100 110
85
100
80
100
150
77
90
100
100
85
100
Home in Oklahoma (Rep)
105
75
125
80
100
80
94
It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM)
130
88
95
100
120
100
150
130
160
130
110
80
120
116
It’s a Joke, Son (Eagle-Lion)
100
92
100
100
100
120
115
50
60
93
It’s a Wonderful Life (RKO)
180
110
135
160
120
135
130
175
130
95
130
200
120
200
135
130
140
105
190
160
144
Johnny O’clock (Col)
140
140
70 110
100
115
175
110
135
110
170
105
210
130
Late George Apley, The (20th-Fox)
95
100
100
150
130
113
115
Lone Wolf in Mexico, The (Col)
100
90
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
175
75
103
Macomber Affair, The (UA)
140
90
120
110
100
115
100
140
135
135
85
165
120
120
Madonna of the Seven Moons (U-I)
100
100
100 100
90
85
100
90
100
95
100
100
97
Millie’s Daughter (Col)
100
80
100
100
100
150
105
Outlaw, The (UA)
150
225
150
135
150
175
150
250
173
Pursued (WB)
130
88
125
140
100
153
95
105
110
100
175
120
135
120
95
180
100
120
no
121
Red House, The (UA)
140
120
130 100
100
105
110
175
100
130
140
190
128
Sea of Grass, The (MGM)
130
130
140
100
130
175
140
150
108
130
133
Shadowed (Col)
100
105
100
100
100
80
100
100
100
95
100
100
98
Sinbad the Sailor (RKO)
150
100
125
160
145
120
145
90
130
100
160
175
165
130
168
115
170
105
150
140
137
Song of Scheherazade (U-I)
120
150
125
250
90
95
175
110
125
110
100
175
160
137
Stallion Road (WB)
110
120
80
115
100
75
130
125
100
105
170
85
120
118
Strange Journey (20th-Fox)
100
100
100
140
95
100
93
100
90
102
Suddenly It’s Spring (Para)
150
135
140
130
150
105
135
120
140
90
101
125
150
129
That Way With Women (WB)
60
95
95
100
85
98
130
65
91
Trail Street (RKO)
105
115
120
90
115
125
100
125
135
100
106
135
150
117
Vacation Days (Mono)
90
90
100
100
100
100
90
96
Wild West (PRC)
90
90
•
100
100
80
92
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 12, 1947
Playing at advanced admission scales.
l
EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
ABOUT
PICTURES
One star after a picture report denotes an exhibitor who has only started
contributing to the department, two stars designate a contributor who has been
sending in reports from six months to a year, and three stars are for those of
veteran standing, from one to many years. When a contributor attains the three-
star standing, he may expect a token of our appreciation. Everybody welcome
MONOflRAM
COLUMBIA
Johnny O'Clock (Col)— Dick Powell, Evelyn
Keyes, Lee J. Cobb. Here is a swell picture
from Columbia — do not pass this one. Powell
is tops in it. There was no one to see it but
that was not the fault of the picture — I just
have no business. Played Tues., Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Rain. — Barney T. Holt, State Theatre,
Boynton, Okla. Small town and rural patron-
* * *
age.
Jolson Story, The (Col) — Larry Parks, Evelyn
Keyes, William Demarest. I caught this one
out of town. It's truly a great picture and has
had some wonderful exploitation breaks.
Larry Parks plays Jolson with more originality
than the original. The color is perfect, music
enthralling, the cast does a swell job all the
way. I think it will do terrific business in cities
and larger towns but feel it won't do better
than average business in small rural situ-
ations like mine. If it would do what Colum-
bia claims I could take a month's vacation,
but I can't forget "A Song to Remember."
They offered this to me for just $12 less than
the highest Columbia gross I've ever had.
I'm afraid I'm passing. — R. C. Walker, Rialto
Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural patronage. * * *
METRO-GOLD WYN-MAYER
Courage of Lassie (MGM) — Elizabeth Tay-
lor, Frank Morgan, Tom Drake. This is a won-
derful dog story in color. Doubled with "Tomb-
stone Terror" (FC) with Bob Steele to fair
Fri., Sat. business. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Fair and cool. — Barney T. Holt, State Theatre,
Boynton, Okla. Small town and rural pa-
tronage. * * *
Faithful in My Fashion (MGM) — Donna
Reed, Tom Drake, Edward Everett Horton. This
is one of those pictures with a misleading
title. You don't expect much, but it turns out
to be a delightful and thoroughly entertain-
ing comedy-romance which you don't have to
be ashamed to play. I expected below aver-
age business because of the title and lack of
drawing power in the names, but was pleas-
antly surprised with average business for both
nights. I think the scenes of Edward Everett
Horton in the preview pulled them in. Played
Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair. — Carl E. Pehlman,
Rio Theatre, Edinburg, 111. Rural and small
town patronage.
Undercurrent (MGM) — Katharine Hepburn
Robert Taylor, Robert Mitchum. Hepburn is
not boxoffice in this community. However, we
had a better crowd than we expected — no
complaints, no walkouts. The children be-
came restless, of course, as it is strictly adult
fare. We are gla.d to see Robert Taylor back
and have a feeling he is going to help the
boxoffice receipts. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Nice. — Marcella Smith, Vinton Thea-
tre, McArthur, Ohio. Small town patron-
* * *
age.
Yearling, The (MGM) — Gregory Peck, Jane
Wyman, Claude Jarman jr. This should be a
small town natural if we get to play it some
time close to the year of "The Yearling." It's
the best thing I've ever seen for a small town
since "The Enchanted Forest." The acting
should have brought home three Oscars for
MGM in my opinion. They could have changed
the script and let the deer get lost and it
would help the kid attendance, for a lot of
mothers object to having their children at-
tend these tear-jerkers. This is Technicolor as
it should be. The scenery is awe-inspiring.
I don't think this will be a boxoffice record
breaker, but it should be a great relief after
"The Last Chance," "Portrait of Maria," etc.
Reviewed for exhibitors. — R. C. Walker, Ri-
alto Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural patron-
* * *
age.
Ginger (Mono) — Frank Albertson, Bar-
bara Reed, Johnny Calkins. A fair program
picture about a boy and his dog that should
do okay on double bills. Played Thurs., Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Good.— Terry Axley, New Thea-
tre, England, Ark. Rural and small town
patronage.
Vacation Days (Mono) — Freddie Stewart,
June Preisser, Frankie Darro. Very good in
this series, which is very popular here. Played
Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather: Good.— Terry Ax-
ley, New Theatre, England, Ark. Rural and
small town patronage.
PARAMOUNT
Blue Dahlia, The (Para) — Alan Ladd, Ve-
ronica Lake, William Bendix. An 'excellent
picture in all respects. This was one of Ladd's
best pictures in a long time. He is good box-
office, small or large towns. Bill Bendix,
as usual, turned in a sterling performance.
However, if we depended on Veronica Lake,
this picture would have been a flop. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Very good.— Dinkle &
Lemaster, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Ruraj
and small town patronage.
Cross My Heart (Para)— Betty Hutton, Sonny
Tufts, Howard Freeman. No good and plenty
silly— about Betty Hutton's worst _ from both
the picture and boxoffice standpoint. I paid
too much for this one. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Good.— Terry Axley, New Theatre,
England, Ark. Rural and small town Pah°n;
age.
Northwest Mounted Police (Para)— Reissue.
Gary Cooper, Madeleine Carroll, Paulette
Goddard. If you haven't brought this one
back, don't pass it up. It's still the grandest
of all color outdoor pictures, in my opinion.
It did better than average business^ and
helped me stand the loss I took on Stork
Uninhibited Exhibitors
Get Views Oh Chest
Pulling no punches, exhibitors have a
heyday in this department, letting down
the distributors’ and producers’ hair as
well as their own. Brickbats fly but so do
bouquets, and in addition to comments
used this week, these are coming up in
weeks to follow.
“The villain in ‘Roll On Texas Moon’
spoke with an English accent, so evi-
dently Hollywood is getting hard up for
American villains.” . . . “Our main in-
terest in running a theatre is to give
the people their money’s worth and with
pictures like ‘Sheriff of Redwood Valley
we can do just that.” . . . “Perhaps ‘The
Shocking Miss Pilgrim’ would be okay in
the east, but I don’t recommend it for a
small, midwestem town.” ..." ‘Spell-
bound’ is a grand picture and a credit to
the motion picture industry and I would
say, play it.” . , . “ ‘Destry Rides Again’ is
a reissue which brought the customers in
pleasing numbers and sent them away
happy.” ... “I believe that reissues are
good for business, as long as they don’t
bring back too many of them and stick
to good ones.” . . . “‘Nora Prentiss’ has
that quality which is missing in so many
dramatic films — the ability to hold the
audience’s interest from start to finish.
. . . “Those who saw ‘Polo Joe’ the first
night told everyone else — result, full
house the next.”
El Paso Exhibitor Says
Some Film Dangerous
“I believe we small independent opera-
tors should get together and figure out
some way to stop these film exchanges
from sending out films that are unfit and
dangerous. I have seen and received films
so bad that my operators would have to
spend two or three hours fixing it so it
could be run. We should adopt some kind
of resolution and work toward making it
a law.”— C. M. Garrett, Yandell Theatre,
El Paso.
Club" the following night. I ran too many
shorts with this one and thought I'd never
get out of the booth. Weather: Chilly. R. C.
Walker, Rialto Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural
patronage.
Strange Love of Martha Ivers, The (Para) —
Barbara Stanwyck, Van Heflin, Lizabeth Scott.
Paramount received its guarantee on this, Fox
was paid for the cartoon, MGM has money
to show for the news, but Phil has a hole in
his shoe and it will stay there if I have to
depend on the profits from the above men-
tioned picture. — Phil Schwartz, Parkway Thea-
tre, Bridgeport, Conn. Suburban patronage.
PRC PICTURES
Queen of Burlesque (PRC) — Evelyn Ankers,
Carleton Young, Craig Reynolds. Just a fair
show that brought in an average attendance.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Good.— Ralph
Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. ^Ru-
ral patronage.
Song of Old Wyoming (PRC)— Eddie Dean,
Sarah Padden, A1 La Rue. It got a fair crowd
out but the amateurish job of acting they do
in this tinted horse ooera is so lousy I'm not
resting ectsy until I find out if Dean has
learned to act by the time I got another one.
I've got more bought but they ve got to im-
prove a lot to do any more business. I d
skip this first one. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Good.— R. C. Walker, Rialto Theatre, Fruita,
Colo. Rural patronage.
Stars Over Texas (PRC)— Eddie Dean, Ros-
coe Ates, Shirley Patterson. This disappoint-
ed the Dean fans, due to the fact it wasn t
in color. This is the first one we've played
that wasn't in color, but it was good western
fare, with the usual amount of action, com-
edy, singing and romance. Dean's voice is
very good and seems to get better in each
picture. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Rain.
— E. V. Dinkle, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky.
Rural and small town patronage.
RKO PICTURES
Belle of the Yukon (RKO)— Randolph Scott,
Gypsy Rose Lee. Price okay— print in bad
condition, color dim. Randolph Scott has a
good following here. Gypsy Rose Lee should
be in more pictures. We never get tired of
Dinah Shore's singing — a good feature for
everyone to see. Played Fri., Sat. Weather.
Clear and windy.— C. M. Garrett, Yandeh
Theatre, El Paso. Family patronage.
Crack-Up (RKO)— Pat O'Brien, Claire Trevor,
Herbert Marshall. A fairly good show
that failed to draw. How's about another
football picture with Pat O'Brien in the lead?
Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Cool. — Ralph
Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. ^Ru-
ral patronage.
Crack-Up (RKO)— Pat O'Brien, Claire Trevor,
Herbert Marshall. This picture should
have cracked up before it was ever released
— a thorough waste of film, I would call it.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good— Terry
Axley, New Theatre, England, Ark. Rural pind
small town patronage.
Criminal Court (RKO)— Tom Conway, Mar-
tha O'Driscoll, Robert Armstrong. Tom Con-
way is well liked here. The picture was good
kept everyone interested from beginning to
end. Doubled with "Sunset Pass" (RKO).
2
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide : : May 12, 1947
Played Saturday. Weather: Clear and cool.
— J. E. Rongeau, Club Theatre, Seven Sisters
Falls, Manitoba. Small town and rural pa-
tronage.
Nocturne (RKO)— George Raft, Lynn Bari,
Virginia Huston. This is a good detective
story which will draw and please average
business. It is better than Mr. Ace. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Good. — E. M. Freibur-
ger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small
town patronage.
Notorious (RKO) — Cary Grant, Ingrid Berg-
man, Claude Rains. Word-of-mouth and Grant-
Bergman names brought slightly above aver-
age attendance. We believe extended and
prior runs in four neighboring cities within 30
miles skimmed most of the plus potential busi-
ness. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair.—
Chase Bros., Sokokis Theatre, Limerick, Me.
Rural and small town patronage.
Tarzan and the Leopard Woman (RKO) —
Johnny Weissmuller, Brenda Joyce, Johnny
Sheffield. As usual Tarzan proved very suc-
cessful at the boxoffice. Many men have
played Tarzan before (namely Elmo Lincoln,
Frank Merrill, Buster Crabbe, Bruce Bennett)
but Johnny W. has played him the longest
and his name is sure success, whether he
plays Tarzan or not. Too bad they don't put
out six or eight of these Tarzans a year.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Very good. —
R. V. Dinkle, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Ru-
ral and small town patronage. *
Tomorrow Is Forever (RKO) — Claudette Col-
bert, Orson Welles, George Brent. Don't pass
this one up, brethren. They liked it and came
out. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cold. —
Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, One.
General patronage. * * *
REPUBLIC
El Paso Kid, The (Rep) — Sunset Carson,
Marie Harmon, Tom London. Excellent west-
ern from Republic in all respects. They must
have spent a week filming this one instead
of the usual four or five days as it was bet-
ter than any other Carson western we have
played yet. The leading lady was pleasing
to look at, with no lens adjustments neces-
sary. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Fair. — R. V.
Dinkle, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural and
small town patronage. *
Invisible Informer, The (Rep) — Linda Ster-
ling, William Henry, Gerald Mohr. This was
a good little mystery. I double billed it with
a Sunset Carson and had a good house. I
don't know which picture drew them. Played
Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold. — Marcella Smith,
Vinton Theatre, McArthur, Ohio. Small town
patronage. * * *
Murder in the Music Hall (Rep) — Vera
Hruba Ralston, William Marshall, Helen
Walker. Pass this up or double bill it. We
starved and I took aspirin. Played Wed.,
Thurs. Weather: Rain.- — Harland Rankin, Plaza
Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. General patronage. * * *
Out California Way (Rep) — Monte Hale,
Adrian Booth, Bobby Blake. This is a nice
western in Trucolor which pleased the Fri.,
Sat. fans. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Thea-
tre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. * * *
Rendezvous With Annie (Rep) — Eddie
Albert, Faye Marlowe, Gail Patrick. This is
a good comedy — one of the few good pictures
we have had from Republic other than west-
erns. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair. —
Hugh A. Wood, Community Theatre, Holden,
Utah. Small town patronage. * *
That Brennan Girl (Rep) — James Dunn,
Mona Freeman, William Marshall. I watched
this from the beginning to the end — a radio
serial put on the screen — 100 per cent soap
opera, and what do you think? The women
ate it up and no complaints from the men.
Business was very satisfactory. I suggest a
few more like it. — Phil Schwartz, Parkway
Theatre, Bridgeport, Conn. Suburban pa-
tronage. *
20th CENTURY-FOX
Centennial Summer (20th-Fox) — Jeanne
"BOXOFFICE Valuable ;
Especially This Dep't"
“I have only been in the theatre busi-
ness a little over a year but in that time
have learned how valuable BOXOFFICE
is to me in my business. I especially en-
joy the Exhibitor Has His Say section. I
can read a few reports on a picture and
get a good idea of what I will do on a
given picture. Keep up the good work.”
— Wilder S. Funk, Star Theatre, St. Ste-
phens, S. C.
Crain, Cornel Wilde, Linda Darnell. Well re-
ceived with roads bad. Worth playing — wish
our weather had been better. Played Mon.,
Tues. Weather: Cold — Harland Rankin,
Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. General patron-
age. * * *
Strange Journey (20th-Fox) — Paul Kelly,
Osa Massen, Hillary Brooke. This is not a
bad picture, considering its small budget and
running time. But it will not draw and will
not stand alone. If you do not run double
features, better skip it. Played Tuesday.
Weather: Good. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patron-
UNITED ARTISTS
Chase, The (UA) — Robert Cummings,
Michele Morgan, Peter Lorre. Very well di-
rected and a different type of story but no
star value. However, with a light bit such as
"Rendezvous With Annie'' (Rep), it should
click. — Phil Schwartz, Parkway Theatre,
Bridgeport, Conn. Suburban patronage. *
Chase, The (UA) — Robert Cummings,
Michele Morgan, Peter Lorre. I'm rather sur-
prised this got by the censors in some spots,
but it drew better than I expected . and had
no walkouts — well worth what you'll pay for
it. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Nice. —
Marcella Smith, Vinton Theatre, McArthur,
Ohio. Small town patronage. * * *
Devil's Playground, The (UA) — William
Boyd, Andy Clyde, Elaine Riley. A fair west-
ern— not as good as Hoppy is in the habit of
producing. Doubled with "Little Iodine" (UA)
to average weekend business. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Fair. — Barney T. Holt, State
Theatre, Boynton, Okla. Small town and
rural patronage. * * *
Getting Gertie's Garter (UA) — Dennis
O'Keefe, Marie McDonald, Sheila Ryan. What
a show — and how they liked it. Why can't
more pictures like this be made? They are
still talking about it. UA, you make 'em the
way they like 'em. Played Sat., Sun. Weather:
Cool. — W. H. Swan, Auditorium Theatre, Ros-
coe, S. D. Rural patronage. * * *
Scandal in Paris (UA) — George Sanders,
Signe Hasso, Carole Landis. This is a fair
picture which failed to draw. I barely took
in film rental. George Sanders never draws
here. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Good. —
E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey,
Okla. Small town patronage. * * *
Strange Woman, The (UA) — Hedy Lamarr,
George Sanders, Louis Hayward. Playing so
late hurt this one. Most patrons thought the
picture was over-rated but enjoyed it. Played
Mon., Tues. — James C. Balkcom jr., Gray Thea-
tre, Gray, Ga. Small town patronage. * * *
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Canyon Passage (U-I) — Dana Andrews,
Brian Donlevy, Susan Hayward. This is a
good picture — swell color, but Universal got
stupid and wouldn't let me play it until every-
one else had — therefore no business, but after
they paid C.R.I., they lost money. Played
preview, Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair. — Barney
T. Holt, State Theatre, Boynton, Okla. Small
town and rural patronage. * * *
Little Giant (U-I) — Bud Abbott, Lou Costello,
Brenda Joyce. This is the finest Abbott and
Costello picture I have played and wound up
with a gross equal to the last Blondie picture
I played, which holds the record for a two-
day run. This is a good picture in which you
are kept busy throughout either laughing at
or feeling sorry for Costello. Played Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Mild, rain. — Carl E. Pehlman,
Rio Theatre, Edinburg, 111. Rural and small
town patronage.
Lover Come Back (U-I) — George Brent,
Lucille Ball, Vera Zorina. Very cute — the
audience seemed to love it even though it
is silly in spots. Ball and Brent make a good
comedy team. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Nice and cold.— Marcella Smith, Vinton Thea-
tre, McArthur, Ohio. Small town patron-
* * *
age.
Night in Paradise (U-I) — Merle Oberon,
Turhan Bey, Thomas Gomez. Wasted color
on this type of picture in small towns. Busi-
ness was below average. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Fair. — E. B. Wacaster, Ozark Thea-
tre, Ozark, Mo. Rural and small town pa-
tronage.
They Were Sisters (U-I) — Phyllis Calvert,
James Mason, Hugh Sinclair. Women enjoyed
this in spite of a bit of heavy British dialog.
This is not for action spots — okay maybe with
an action picture to hold the male trade.—
Phil Schwartz, Parkway Theatre, Bridgeport,
Conn. Suburban ,patronage.
WARNER BROS.
Her Kind of Man (WB) — Dane Clark, Janis
Paige, Zachary Scott. A fairly good picture,
bought reasonably and played to average
Wed., Thurs. business. It seemed to please
all who saw it. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Fair. — Carl E. Pehlman, Rio Theatre, Edin-
burg, 111. Rural and small town patronage. *
Humoresque (WB) — Joan Crawford, John
Garfield, Oscar Levant. This is tops for music
lovers. However, being in a neighborhood of
the not-so-up-and-up, I was down-and-down.
No money on this one. — Phil Schwartz, Park-
way Theatre, Bridgeport, Conn. Suburban pa-
tronage.
Janie (WB) — Joyce Reynolds, Robert Hutton.
First repeat picture I've played that didn't go
over. The flu is spreading fast through this
section and business is ou the rocks. Even
warm weather fails to bring them out. Played
Tues., Wed. Weather: Warm. — -Ralph Raspa,
State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Small town
patronage.
Man I Love, The (WB) — Ida Lupino, Robert
Alda, Andrea King. This drew very well.
Definitely not a child's picture — not enough
singing or piano either. Otherwise, a swell
picture. Good acting by all and definitely a
good buy — don't pass it up. Played Wed.,
Thurs. Weather: Nice. — Marcella Smith, Vin-
ton Theatre, McArthur, Ohio. Small town pa-
tronage.
Night and Day (WB) — Cary Grant, Alexis
Smith, Jane Wyman. Received a good print
and good comments from all. Very,^ood at-
tendance Sunday, not very good Monday.
The percentage was too high for the average
small theatre. It should be played for the
advertisement it will bring your house — word-
of-mouth. Weather: Clear. — C. M. Garrett,
Yandell Theatre, El Paso. Family patronage. *
Nora Prentiss (WB) — Robert Alda, Ann Sher-
idan, Kent Smith. Nora kept her mouth shut
but my first night customers didn't, as they
didn't recommend it. To my surprise most of
our second night crowd thought it superb. I
thought it was very good — a very unusual
picture. — James C. Balkcom, Gray, Theatre,
Gray, Ga. Small town patronage.
Wild Bill Hickok Rides (WB) — Reissue. Bruce
Cabot, Constance Bennett, Warren William.
These reissues do more business than most
of the new product and please better. Every-
one says the product became very shoddy
during the war and still is. So play this re-
issue, which has everything it takes to make
a good show — star power, length, story and
plenty of action. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Good. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre,
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 12, 1947
3
MISCELLANEOUStWA R N E R : F. nT U N I V.-IN T'L ▼UNITED ARTISTSt 20TH -F0X ^SCREEN GUILD
FEATURE CHART
Feature productions, listed by company, in order of release. Number in square is national
release date. Production number is at right. Number in parentheses is running time, as
iumished by home office of distributor; checkup with local exchanges is recommended.
R — is review date. PG — is Picture Guide page number. Symbol W indicates BOXOFFICE
Blue Ribbon Award Winner, Symbol © indicates color photography.
JULY 13
_] (54) Western 7209
THE DESERT HORSE-
MAN
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
Adele Roberts
R— July 13— PO-735
H (63) Drama 530
SOUTH OF MONTEREY
Gilbert Roland
Frank Yaconelli
[lo] (68) Mys-Dr
LARCENY IN HER
HEART
Hugh Beaumont
Cheryl Walker
R— May 25— PG-725
[ Special:
(95) Drama
I THE STRANGER
Edward G. Robinson
Loretta Young
Orson Welles
R— May 25— PG-726
683
NIGHT TRAIN TO
MEMPHIS
Roy Acuff
[lo] (79) Outdr-Mui 51
MY PAL TRIGGER
Roy Rogers
R — July 6— PO-734
(10) Comedy <
IT SHOULDN’T HAPP
TO A DOG
Carole Landis
AUyn Joslyn
Henry Morgan
Margo Wood
R— June 8— PG-728
DANGER WOMAN
Brenda Joyce
Don Porter
Milburn Stone
R— July 13— PG-736
PS
O
H
CO
<
(67) Mus (New Bel)
BEWARE
Louis Jordan
(67) Mus. (New Rel)
REET. PETITE AND
GONE
Louis Jordan
June Richmond
JULY 20
JULY 27
AUGUST 3
AUGUST 10
AUGUST 17
AUGUST 24
AUGUST 31
[I|] (67) Act-Mus 7223
COWBOY BLUES
Ken Curtis
Jeff Donnell
lloosier Hotshots
Guy Kibbee
R— July 13— PG-736
25] (73) Musical 7033
iING WHILE YOU
DANCE
Dllen Drew
tobert Stanton
Andrew Tombes
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
jjJ (68) Comedy 7039
’ERSONALITY KID
\nlta Louise
Michael Duane
Ted Donaldson
R— Aug. 10— PO-742
i|] (54) Western 7201
HEADING WEST
Jharles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
Block 17
j|] (97) Drama 625
BOYS' RANCH
James Craig
"Butch” Jenkins
R— May 4— PG-720
Special :
25] (110) Drama 624
©EASY TO WED
Esther Williams
Van Johnson
It— Apr. 13— PG-714
j] (98) Drama 626
©COURAGE OF LASSIE
Lassie
Elizabeth Taylor
Prank Morgan
Tom Drake
R— May 11— PG-721
22] (81) Drama 627
FAITHFUL IN MY
FASHION
Tom Drake
Donna Reed
R— June 15— PG-729
29] (92) Drama 628
Cjthree WISE FOOLS
Margaret O’Brien
Monel Barrymore
,ewls Stone ,
Hdward Arnold
Thomas Mitchell
R— June 15— PG-730
20] (66) Aet-Com 511
BOWERY BOMBSHELL
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
27] (64) Mys-Dr 518
SHADOWS OVER
CHINATOWN
Sidney Toler
Victor Sen Young
3] (65) Act-Dr 520
3EL0W THE DEADLINE
iVarren Douglas
Ramsay Ames
R— Oct. 6 — PG-755
xo] (57) Western 567
SHADOWS ON THE
RANGE
Johnny Mack Brown
n] (60) Mys-Dr 525
MISSING LADY
Kane Richmond
Barbara Reed
24] (68) Comedy 512
SPOOK BUSTERS
Leo Gorcey
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
Billy Benedict
David Gorcey
I! — Aug. 24 — PG-745
Block 6
26] (167) Aet-Dr 4526
O.S.S.
Alan Ladd
Geraldine Fitzgerald
R— May 11— PO-721
Block 6
9] (107) Drama 4527
THE SEARCHING WIND
Robert Young
Sylvia Sidney
R— May 11— PG-722
Special: 1
30] (93) Comedy 4532
MONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE
Bob Hope
Joan Caulfield ]
R— May 11— PG-721
n] (56) Western
PRAIRIE BADMEN
Buster Crabbe
A1 "Fuzzy” St. John
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
24] (67) Drama
QUEEN OF BURLESQUE
Evelyn Ankers
Carlton Young
R— July 6— PG-733
14] (55) Drama
TERRORS ON
HORSEBACK
Buster Crabbe
It— Apr. 27— PG-717
is] (75) Drama
DOWN MISSOURI WAY
Martha O’Driscoll
R— July 13— PG-739
15] (58) Drama
SECRETS OF A
SORORITY GIRL
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
|T] (54) Act-West
OVERLAND RIDERS
Buster Crabbe
A1 "Fuzzy” St. John
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
29] (68) Mys-Dr
BLONDE FOR A DAY
Hugh Beaumont
Kathryn Adams
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
Group 6
(105) Drama 626
TILL THE END OF
TIME
Dorothy McGuire
Guy Madison
Robert Mitchum
Bill Williams
R— June 15— PG-730
Group 6
(68) Musical 630
THE BAMBOO BLONDE
Frances Langford
Ralph Edwards
Russell Wade
R— June 22— PG-732
Special:
(103) Drama 761
NOTORIOUS
Ingrid Bergman s
Cary Grant
Claude Rains
Louis Calhern
R— July 27— PG-739
) |2§ (56) Western 568
CONQUEST OF
CHEYENNE
Bill Elliott
Bobby Blake
1 Alice Fleming
22] (89) Comedy 525
RENDEZVOUS WITH
ANNIE
Eddie Albert
Faye Marlowe
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
HH (65) Western 557
RED RIVER
RENEGADES
Sunset Carson
Peggy Stewart
[7] (67) M’drama 526
THE INNER CIRCLE
Adele Mara
Warren Douglas
William Frawley
[9] (67) M'drama 527
LAST CROOKED MILE
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
12] (69) Com- Dr 528
GTI. WAR BRIDES
Anna Lee
James ELlison
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
19] (57) Mys-Dr 529
THE INVISIBLE
INFORMER
Linda Stirling
William Henry
Gerald Mohr
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
26] (69) West-Mus 541
UNDER NEVADA SKIES
R-oy Rogers
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
[T] (75) Act-Dr 4605
FLIGHT TO NOWHERE
Evelyn Ankers
Alan Curtis
•
I| (72) Outdr-Dr 4604
©DEATH VALLEY
Robert Lowery
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
2
N
(102) Drama 633
©CENTENNIAL
SUMMER
Jeanne Crain
Cornel Wilde
Linda Darnell
William Eythe
K — June 8 — PG-728
(128) Drama 634
4>AN NA AND THE
KING OF SIAM
Irene Dunne
Rex Harrison
Linda Darnell
R— June 8— PG-727
(65) Drama 635
DEADLINE FOR
MURDER
Paul Kelly
Kent Taylor
Sbella Ryan
Jerome Cowan
R — June 22— PG-732
[19] (100) M'drsma
A SCANDAL IN PARIS
George Sanders
Slgne Hasso
Carole Landis
R— July 20— PO-738
[I] (84) M'drama
MR. ACE
George Raft
Sylvia Sidney
Sid Silvers
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
Special :
gj] (126) Drama
U©CAESAR AND
CLEOPATRA
Vivien Leigh
Claude Rains
Stewart Granger
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
l9 [i9| (59) Drama 54^
THE DARK HORSE
Phillip Terry
Ann Savage
Allen Jenkins
R— July 20 — PG-738
H (92) Drama 541
©CANYON PASSAGE
Andrews-Hayward
R— July 27— PG-740
H (61) Musical 542
CUBAN PETE
Desl Arnaz
R— July 27— PG-739
[|] (80) Drama 54.
THE BLACK ANGEL
Dan Duryea
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
[U (63) Drama 54-
SLIGHTLY
SCANDALOUS
Fred Brady
) [9] (61) Drama 545
WILD BEAUTY
Don Porter
Lois Collier
1 Jacqueline De Wit
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
[l6] (82) Comedy 546
THE TIME OF THEIR
LIVES
Abbott and Costello
Binnie Barnes
Jess Barker
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
ra (76) Drama 547
DEAD OF NIGHT
Mervyn Johns
Roland Culver
Frederick Valk
R— July 6— PG-734
[30] (102) Drama 548
THE KILLERS
Burt Lancaster
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
[30] (61) Drama 549
LITTLE MISS BIG
R— Sept. 7— PG-750
goj (105) Drama 522
OF HUMAN BONDAGE
Paul Henreid
Eleanor Parker
Alexis Smith
Edmund Gwenn
Janis Paige
R— July 6— PG-734
[3] (128) Drama 52.
©NIGHT AND DAY
Cary Grant
Alexis Smith
Monty Woolley
Mary Martin
R— July 13— PG-736
i
|17| (90) Drama 524
TWO GUYS FROM
MILWAUKEE
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Joan Leslie
Janis Paige
R— July 27— PG-739
inni Drama Reissue
f 551 M-Dr (-New Rel)
||l] (114) Drama 601
THE BIG SLEEP
Humphrey Bogart
Lauren Bacall
Martha Vickers
Dorothy Malone
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
(50) M-Dr (New Rel
(30) M-Rev (New Rel)
EBONY PARADE
Cab Calloway
Count Basie
Mills Bros.
(72) Comedy Reissue
FLYING DEUCES
Laurel and Hardy
(1 Reel Spec)
HERE'S RICHARD'S
ANSWER
Stepin Fetchlt
(57) M-Dr (New Rel)
HOLLYWOOD BOUND
Betty Grable
JIMMY STEPS OUT
Jimmy Stewart
(83) Drama Reissue
LITTLE MEN
(86) Drama Reissue
ONE ROMANTIC NIGHT
Uona Massey
SCARFACE
Paul Muni
George Raft
(86) Mus-Dr Reissue
SECOND CHORUS
Paulette Goddard
Fred Astaire
STAIRWAY FOR A STAR
Cornel Wilde
(48) Mus (New Rel)
TALL, TAN AND
TERRIFIC
Mantan Moreland
Francine Everett
Harrel Tillman
Ruby Dee
Anna Mae Winbum
(58) O’d-Dr (New Rel
WHITE STALLION
Eddie Dean
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide
May 12, 1947
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
SEPTEMBER 7
SEPTEMBER 14
SEPTEMBER 21
SEPTEMBER 28
OCTOBER 5
P (63) Comedy 7038
IT’S GREAT TO BE
YOUNG
R— Sept. 7— PG-749
p) (69) Western 7224
SINGING ON THE
TRAIL
R— Sept 14— PG-752
[24] (68) Drama 7002
GALLANT JOURNEY
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
P| (70) M’Dr-Mys 7041
SHADOWED
Anita Louise
R— Oct. 5— PG-756
p (91) Musical 7006
THE THRILL OF
BRAZIL
Evelyn Keyes
Keenan Wynn
Ann Miller
Aliyn Joslyn
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
•
(19) (127) Mus-Com 701
©HOLIDAY IN MEXICO
Walter Pidgeon
Jane Powell
Ilona Massey
Jose Iturbl
R — July 27— PG-740
[7] (74) Com-Mus 517
HIGH SCHOOL HERO
Freddie Stewart
June Preisser
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
P] (76) Mys-Dr 601
DECOY
Edward Norris
Jean Gillie
R. Armstrong
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
||i| (54) Western 568
TRIGGER FINGERS
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
[5] (72) Act-Dr 602
GENTLEMAN JOE
PALOOKA
Joe Kirkwood jr.
Elyse Knox
Leon Errol
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
Block 6
[U (69) Act-Dr 4528
SWAMP FIRE
Johnny Weissmuller
Buster Crabbe
Block 6
[13] (117) Drama 4529
THE STRANGE LOVE
OF MARTHA IVERS
Barbara Stanwyck
Van Heflin
Lizabeth Scott
R— Mar. 16— PG-706
Reissue R5-3624
(113) Outdr-Drama
THE PLAINSMAN
Gary Cooper
Jean Arthur
[|] (56) Drama
STRANGE HOLIDAY
Claude Rains
R— Nov. 9— PG-764
p (86) Drama SP71
HER SISTER’S
SECRET
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
p] (56) Act-West
OUTLAW OF THE
PLAINS
Crabbe-St. John
[T| (55) Outdr-Mus 741
DRIFTIN’ RIVER
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
|T| (58) Drama 714
THE BRUTE MAN
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
Group 6
(93) Drama 627
CRACK-UP
Pat O’Brien
Claire Trevor
Herbert Marshall
R — June 15 — PG-729
Group 1
(61) Drama 703
STEP BY STEP
Lawrence Tierney
Anne Jeffreys
Lowell Gilmore
R— July 20— PG-737
Group 1
(59) Western 704
SUNSET PASS
James Warren
Nan Leslie
John Laurenz
Jane Greer
R— July 20— PG-738
Group 1
(97) Comedy 702
LADY LUCK
Robert Young
Barbara Hale
Frank Morgan
R— July 27— PG-739
Group 1
(116) Drama 701
OSISTER KENNY
Rosalind Russell
Alexander Knox
Dean Jagger
R— July 20— PG-738
[3] (56) Mystery 531
THE MYSTERIOUS MR.
VALENTINE
William Henry
Linda Stirling
[9] (56) Western 558
RIO GRANDE RAIDERS
Sunset Carson
[12] (68) Outdr-Mus 542
ROLL ON TEXAS
MOON
Roy Rogers-Dale Evans
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
[T| (71) Drama 4607
ROLLING HOME
Jean Parker
Russell Hayden
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
(74) Drama 636
BLACK BEAUTY
Mona Freeman
Richard Denning
Evelyn Ankers
R— July 20— PG-737
(78) Drama 637
CLAUDIA AND DAVID
Dorothy McGuire
Robert Young
Mary Astor
John Sutton
Gail Patrick
R— July 27— PG-746
(78) Musical 638
IF I’M LUCKY
Vivian Blaine
Perry Como
Harry James
Carmen Miranda
Phil Silvern
R— -Sept. 7— PG-T50
Reissue
(86) Musical 641
SUN VALLEY
SERENADE
Sonja Henie
John Payne
Milton Berle
Glenn MiUer k Srcb.
Joan Davis
(90) Musical 639
©THREE LITTLE GIRLS
IN BLUE
June Haver
George Montgomery
Vivian Blaine
Celeste Holm
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
jj] (96) Comedy
THE BACHELOR'S
DAUGHTERS
Gail Russell
Claire Trevor
Adolphe Menjou
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
p| (101) M’drama
ANGEL ON MY
SHOULDER
Paul Muni
Anne Baxter
R — 8ept. 28 — PO-754
30) (74) Drama 550
WHITE TIE AND
TAILS
Dan Duryea
511a Raines
Viliiam Bendix
1— Sept. 14— PG-751
pj (1S8) Drama 1065
THEY WERE SISTERS
Phyllis Calvert
James Mason
Hugh Sinclair
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
m] (78) Drama 602
SHADOW OF A WOMAN
Andrea King
Helmut Dantine
William Prince
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
P (106) Drama 603
CLOAK AND DAGGER
Gary Cooper
Robert Alda
Lilli Palmer
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
OCTOBER 12
OCTOBER 19
P (71) Psych-Dr 805
SO DARK THE NIGHT
Steven Geray
Micheline Cheirel
Eugene Borden
Ann Codee
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
[i7| (69) Comedy 806
BLONDIE KNOWS BEST
Singleton-Lake
R— Oct. 5— PG-755
P (53) Western 861
LANDRUSH
Charles Starrett
(81) Comedy-Dr 703
THE COCKEYED
MIRACLE
Frank Morgan
Keenan Wynn
Audrey Totter
R— July 20— PG-737
(117) Musical 704
NO LEAVE, NO LOVE
Van Johnson
Keenan Wynn
Pat Kirkwood
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
P (66) Mys-Dr 603
DANGEROUS MONEY
Sidney Toler
Gloria Warren
Victor Sen Young
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
Reissue R5-3620
(84) Adven-Drama
JUNGLE PRINCESS
Dorothy Lamour
Ray Milland
Group 1
(68) Drama 705
GREAT DAY
Eric Portman
Flora Robson
R— July 20— PG-737
Group 2
(62) Drama 709
CRIMINAL COURT
Tom Conway
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
PI (62) Com-Chiller
GENIUS AT WORK
VV. Brown-A. Carney
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
PI (41) Out-Dr 4606
'NEATH CANADIAN
SKIES
Russell Hayden
Inez Cooper
(90) Drama 640
HOME SWEET
HOMICIDE
Peggy Ann Garner
Randolph Scott
Lynn Bari
Dean Stockwell
R— July 27— PG-740
Reissue
(84) Drama 642
THE BOWERY
Wallace Beery
George Raft
Jackie Cooper
Fay Wray
fill (57) Comedy
LITTLE IODINE
Jo Ann Marlowe
Eve Whitney
Marc Cramer
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
[ip (100) Drama 604
NOBODY LIVES
FOREVER
John Garfield
Geraldine Fitzgerald
Walter Brennan
Faye Emerson
R— Oct. 5— PG-755
5
w
in
<
i-j
u
(101) Drama Reissue
D0DSW0RTH
Walter Huston
.John Payne
Reissue
(109) Drama Reissue
NORTH STAR
Dana Andrews
(80) Mus-Com Reissue
PALMY DAYS
Eddie Cantor
George Raft
(81) Reissue
THE RETURN OF THE
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Barry Barnes
(90) Musical Reissue
ROMAN SCANDALS
Eddie Cantor
Ruth Etting
(98) Drama Reissue
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Merle Oberon
Leslie Howard
(107) Drama Reissue
STELLA DALLAS
Barbara Stanwyck
John Boles
(100) Musical Reissue
STRIKE ME PINK
Eddie Cantor
Brian Donlevy
(109) Drama Reissue
THE THIEF OF
BAGDAD
Sabu
Conrad Veidt
(77) Drama Reissue
THE UNHOLY GARDEN
Ronald Colman
(83) Drama Reissue
WEDDING NIGHT
Gary Cooper
(102) Western Reissue
THE WESTERNER
Gary Cooper
Walter Brennan
Dana Andrews
OCTOBER 2H
[24] (61) Mystery 816
CRIME DOCTOR’S
MANHUNT
Warner Baxter
Ellen Drew
William Frawley
Frank Sully
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
Reissue
(84) Drama 705
RAGE IN HEAVEN
Robert Montgomery
Ingrid Bergman
George Sanders
p] (101) Drama
STRANGE WOMAN
Hedy Lamarr
George Sanders
Louis Hayward
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
(85) Drama 601
THE DARK MIRROR
Olivia de Havilland
Lew Ayres
Thomas Mitchell
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
|26] (112) Drama 605
DECEPTION
Bette Davis
Paul Henreid
Claude Rains
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
(104) Drama Reissue
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
Laurence Olivier
Merle Oberon
(71) Comedy Reissue
WOMAN CHASES MAN
Joel McCrea
Miriam Hopkins
:: May 12, 1947
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide
2 0 T H • F 0 X T SCREEN GUILD
FEATURE CHART
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
NOVEMBER 2
NOVEMBER 9
NOVEMBER 16
NOVEMBER 23
NOVEMBER 30
DECEMBER 7
DECEMBER 14
DECEMBER 21
[7] (65) Mystery 818
SECRET OF THE
WHISTLER
Richard Dix
Leslie Brooks
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
[21] (55) Western 862
TERROR TRAIL
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
R— Nov. 9— PG-764
HU (72) Musical 824
BETTY CO-ED
Jean Porter
Shirley Mills
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
12) (69) Mystery 822
BOSTON BLACK IE AND
THE LAW
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
l|| (68) West-Mus 854
LONE STAR
MOONLIGHT
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
HU (61) Western 863
THE FIGHTING
FRONTIERSMAN
Starrett-Burnette
HU (89) M’drama 828
ALIAS MR. TWILIGHT
Michael Duane
R— Jan. 4— PO-777
(115) Drama 707
UNDERCURRENT
Katharine Hepburn
Robert Taylor
Robert Mitchum
R— Oct. 5 — PG-756
(93) Drama 706
TWO SMART PEOPLE
Lucille Ball
John Hodiak
R— June 15— PG-730
(97) Drama 709
THE SECRET HEART
Claudette Colbert
Walter Pidgeon
June Allyson
Robert Sterling
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
2i| (83) Comedy 708
THE SHOW-OFF
Red Skelton
Marilyn Maxwell
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
|~2~[ (73) Drama 605
WIFE WANTED
Kay Francis
Paul Cavanagh
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
[9] (71) Outdr-Mus 531
BEAUTY AND THE
BANDIT
Gilbert Roland
Ramsay Ames
Frank Yaconelll
|ie] (55) Western 563
SILVER RANGE
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
g (68) Comedy 604
BRINGING UP FATHER
Joe Yule
Ilenie Riano
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
|30] (68) Mystery 607
THE TRAP
Sidney Toler
Manton Moreland
Victor Sen Young
It— Jan 11— PG-779
[7] (63) Act-Corn 608
MR. HEX
Leo Gorcey
lluntz Hall
11— Dec. 21— PG-773
Reissue:
ii] (57) Western 612
SILVER STALLION
David Sharpe
Leroy Mason
2i] (76) Dr-Mus 606
SWEETHEART OF
SIGMA CHI
Elyse Knox
Phil Brito
Phil Regan
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
|22] (98) Sea Drama 4601
TWO YEARS BEFORE
THE MAST
Alan Ladd
William Bendix
Brian Donlevy
Barry Fitzgerald
R— Aug. 31— PO-748
HU (68) Drama
GAS HOUSE KIDS
Billy Halop
Robert Lowery
Teala Loring
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
[5] (78) Drama
DON RICARDO
RETURNS
Fred Coby
HU (57) Western 743
STARS OVER TEXAS
Eddie Dean
Roscoe Ates
Shirley Patterson
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
HU (74) Drama
LADY CHASER
Robert Lowery
Ann Savage
Q] (73) €utdr-Mus 706
©WILD WEST
Eddie Dean
A1 La Rue
Robert “Buzzy” Henry
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
*
HU (95) Mus-Dr 791
y©S0NG OF THE
SOUTH
Bobby Driscoll
Luana Patten
Ruth Warrick
11— Nov. 2— PG-762
HU (132) Com-Dr 781
ITS A WONDERFUL
LIFE
James Stewart
Donna Reed
Lionel Barrymore
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
HU (71) Dr-Com 604
FABULOUS SUZANNE
Barbara Britton
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
HU (70) Outdr-Mua 543
HELDORADO
Roy Rogers
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
Group 2
(62) Drama 708
CHILD OF DIVORCE
Sharyn Moffett
Regis Toomey
Madge Meredith
Una O’Connor
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
Group 2
(87) Drama 706
NOCTURNE
George Raft
Lynn Bari
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
[2j] (172) Drama 751
THE BEST YEARS OF
OUR LIVES
Myrna Loy,
Fredric March
Dana Andrews
Teresa Wright
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
[~8~| (72) Special 5542
HOME IN OKLAHOMA
Roy Rogers
George "Gabby” Hayes
Dale Evans
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
[i| (56) Western 661
SANTA FE UPRISING
Allan Lane-Bobby Blake
H (82) Drama 532
PLAINSMAN AND THE
LADY
William “Bill” Elliott
R — Nov. 9 — PG-763
HU (68) Com-Mus 603
AFFAIRS OF
GERALDINE
R— Nov. 30 — PG-768
HU (69) Outdr-Mus 681
SIOUX CITY SUE
Gene Autry
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
[J] (117) Drama 601
©I’VE ALWAYS LOVED
YOU
It — Sept. 7— I’G-749
[U) (67) Outdr 5503
©OUT CALIFORNIA
WAY
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
(91) Drama 644
WANTED FOR MURDER
Eric Portman
Dulcie Gray
Derek Farr
Roland Culver
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
[15] (46) Out-Dr 4610
NORTH OF THE
BORDER
Russell Hayden
[I] (60) Drama 4609
MY DOG SHEP
Tom Neal
William Farnum
11— Dec. 21— PG-774
•
(97) Drama 645
MY DARLING
CLEMENTINE
Henry Fonda
Linda Darnell
Victor Mature
Walter Brennan
Tim Holt
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
(94) Drama 646
©MARGIE
Jeanne Crain
Glenn Langan
Lynn Bari
Alan Young
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
(92) Mus-Fant 649
©WAKE UP AND
DREAM
June Haver
John Payne
Charlotte Greenwood
Connie Marshall
11— Nov. 30— PG-768
(69) Drama 648
DANGEROUS MILLIONS
Kent Taylor
Dona Drake
Tala Birell
James Tinllng
Leonard Strong
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
HU (65) Western
THE DEVIL'S
PLAYGROUND
William Boyd
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
g (86) Drama
THE CHASE
Robert Cummings
Michele Morgan
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
HU (65) Comedy
SUSIE STEPS OUT
Cleatus Caldwell
David Bruce
Nita Hunter
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
[7] (108) Com-Dr 1066
NOTORIOUS
GENTLEMAN
Rex Harrison
Lilli Palmer
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
[9] (97) Drama 606
NEVER SAY GOODBYE
Errol Flynn
Eleanor Parker
Lucile Watson
S. Z. Sakall
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
(95) Drama 602
MAGNIFICENT DOLL
Ginger Rogers
Burgess Meredith
David Niven
11— Nov. 23— PG-766
(98) Drama 604
TEMPTATION
Merle Oberon
George Brent
Charles Korvin
Paul Lukas
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
HU (86) Drama 607
THE VERDICT
Sydney Greenstreet
Peter Lorre
Joan Lorring
George Coulourls
Rosalind Ivan
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
Reissues:
[7] (127) Drama 608
KINGS ROW
Sheridan-Reagan
[7] (72) M’drama 609
WILD BILL HICKOK
RIDES
Bruce Cabot-C. Bennett
O
K
m
(140) Drama
DUEL IN THE SUN
Jennifer Jones
Gregory Peck
Joseph Cotten
Lionel Barrymore
(!— Jan. 11— PG-780
H
cd
PQ
(85) Drama
Prestige
BRIEF ENCOUNTER
Celia Johnson
Trevor Howard
R — Aug. 31— PG-748
(70) Melodrama
English
THE RAIDER
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
(89) Drama
Eng. Films
MAN FROM MOROCCO
Anton Walbrook
R— Jan. 4— PG-778
(80) Melodrama
Four Cont.
MURDER IN REVERSE
R— Jan. 4— PG-778
(40) Doc-Dr
Eng. Films
DIARY FOR TIMOTHY
John Gielgud
Dame Myre Hess
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
6
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide
May 12, 1947
i
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
DECEMBER 28
JANUARY 4
JANUARY 11
JANUARY 18
JANUARY 25
FEBRUARY 1
FEBRUARY 8
FEBRUARY 15 |
ggj (64) Mus-Com 804
SINGIN’ IN THE CORN
Judy Canova
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
g (91) Mel’drama 829
THE RETURN OF
MONTE CRISTO
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
[9] (69) Comedy 807
BLONDIE’S BIG
MOMENT
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
Larry Simms
Marjorie Kent
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
g|] (69) Mystery 823
LONE WOLF IN MEXICO
Gerald Mohr
Shirley Ryan
Jacqueline De Wit
Eric Blore
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
gs| (128) Mus-Dr 831
©||THE JOLSON STORY
Larry Parks
Evelyn Keyes
William Demarest
BUI Goodwin
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
|3o| (58) Western
SOUTH OF THE
CHISHOLM TRAIL
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
Nancy Saunders
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
gf] (73) Myst-Dr
BLIND SPOT
Chester Morris
Constance Dowling
Steven Geray
R— Feb. 8— PG-787
|13| (67) Mus-Dr
CIGARETTE GIRL
Leslie Brooks
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
g5] (63) West-Mus
OVER THE SANTA FE
TRAIL
R— Mar. 1— PG-796
(135) Mus-Dr 710
©TILL THE CLOUDS
ROLL BY
Robert Walker
Van Heflin
Lucille Bremer
Van Johnson
Judy Garland
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
(99) Drama 702
©GALLANT BESS
Marshall Thompson
George Tobias
Clem Bevans
Donald Curtis
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
[17] (85) Drama 711
THE MIGHTY McGURK
Wallace Beery
Dean Stockwell
Edward Arnold
Aline MacMabon
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
HI (103) Mystery 712
LADY IN THE LAKE
Robert Montgomery
Audrey Totter
Lloyd Nolan
R— Nov. 30— PG-776
|T| (93) Comedy 714
LOVE LAUGHS AT
ANDY HARDY
Mickey Rooney
Lewis Stone
Bonita GranvUle
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
g5] (93) Drama 715
MY BROTHER TALKS
TO HORSES
Butch Jenkins
Peter Lawford
Beverly Tyler
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
[28] (55) Outdr-Mus 681
SONG OF THE SIERRAS
Jimmy Wakely
Lee "Lasses” White
Jean Carlin
[4] (67) Drama 609
GINGER
Frank Albertson
Barbara Reed
Johnny Calkins
It— Apr. 19— PG-812
[n] (61) Cisco Kid 610
RIDING THE
CALIFORNIA TRAIL
Gilbert Roland
Inez Cooper
Frank Yaconelli
gf (58) Western 568
RAIDERS OF THE
SOUTH
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Reno Blair
go] (68) Teen-Ager 611
VACATION DAYS
June Preisser
Freddie Stewart
Frankie Darro
R— Apr. 5— PG-808
U] (54) West-Mus 683
RAINBOW OVER THE
ROCKIES
Jimmy Wakely
Lee "Lasses” White
Pat Starling
g|] (54) Western 675
VALLEY OF FEAR
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Reno Blair
[27] (104) Musical 4602
y©BLUE SKIES
Bing Crosby
Fred Astaire
Joan Caulfield
Billy De Wolfe
Olga San Juan
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
go] (83) Comedy 4603
CROSS MY HEART
Betty Hutton
Sonny Tufts
Michael Chekhov
It— Nov. 23— PG-765
H (87) Rom-Com 4604
THE PERFECT
MARRIAGE
Loretta Young
David Niven
Eddie Albert
Virginia Field
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
n (81) Comedy 4605
LADIES’ MAN
Eddie Bracken
Cass Daley
Virginia Welles
Spike Jones
Virginia Field
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
go] (74) Drama
LIGHTHOUSE
John Litel
June Lang
[12] (56) Drama 705
BORN TO SPEED
It— Jan. 25— PG-783
[17] (57) Western 744
WILD COUNTRY
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
Eagle-Lion
gg (63) Comedy
IT’S A JOKE, SON
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
EAGLE-LION
[29| (95) Drama 101
BEDELIA
Margaret Lockwood
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
Group 3
(62) Drama 714
DICK TRACY VS.
CUEBALL
Morgan Conway
Anne Jeffreys
Lyle Latell
R— Nov. 9— PG-764
Group 3
(61) Drama 715
THE FALCON’S
ADVENTURE
Tom Conway
Madge Meredith
Edward S. Brophy
It— Dec. 28— PG-775
Group 3
(60) Comedy 713
VACATION IN RENO
Jack Haley
Anne Jeffreys
Wally Brown
It— Oct. 12— PG-767
Group 3
(66) Melodrama 712
SAN QUENTIN
Lawrence Tierney
Barton MacLane
Marian Carr
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
Group 3
(85) Drama 711
THE LOCKET
Laraine Day
Brian Aherne
Robert Mitchum
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
[23I (95) Drama 533
THAT BRENNAN GIRL
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
(23] (56) Western 662
STAGECOACH TO
DENVER
Allan Lane
11— Jan. 11— PG-780
g| (67) Comedy 602
THE PILGRIM LADY
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
gs] (67) Western 682
TRAIL TO SAN
ANTONE
Gene Autry
It— Feb. 1— PG-785
gi] (88) Musical 607
CALENDAR GIRL
June Frazee
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
[T] (67) Western 5504
©LAST FRONTIER
UPRISING
Monte Hale
g|] (100) Western 608
ANGEL & THE BADMAN
R— Mar. 1— PG-796
gs] (74) Comedy 606
MAGNIFICENT ROGUE
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
[25] (65) Drama 4612
RENEGADE GIRL
Ann Savage
Alan Curtis
R— Feb. 8— PG-787
[15] (62) Drama 4611
QUEEN OF THE
AMAZONS
Robert Lowery
Patricia Morison
It— Mar. 29— PG-805
[l] (70) Outdr-Dr. 4613
BUFFALO BILL RIDES
AGAIN
Richard Arlen
Jennifer Holt
R— Apr. 5— PG-807
(95) Drama 702
13 RUE MADELEINE
James Cagney
Annabella
Richard Conte
Walter Abel
Frank Latimore
It— Dec. 28— PG-775
Re-Releases
(109) Drama 704
LES MISERABLES
Fredric March
(101) Drama 705
STANLEY AND
LIVINGSTONE
Spencer Tracy
(146) Drama 701
THE RAZOR’S EDGE
Tyrone Power
Gene Tierney
John Payne
Clifton Webb
Anne Baxter
R— Dec. 7— P0-770
(85) Mus-Com 703
©THE SHOCKING
MISS PILGRIM
Betty Grable
Dick Haymes
Anr.e Revere
AUyn Joslyn
R— Jan. 11— PO-779
(88) Mystery 706
BOOMERANG
Dana Andrews
Jane Wyatt
Lee Cobb
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
(72) Mystery 707
THE BRASHER
DOUBLOON
George Montgomery
Nancy Guild
Conrad Janis
R — Feb. 15 — PG-790
(67) Drama 708
STRANGE JOURNEY
Paul Kelly
Osa Massen
HUlary Brooke
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
[28] (96) Com-Dr
ABIE’S IRISH ROSE
Joanne Dru
Richard Norris
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
*
[T] (63) Western
FOOL’S GOLD
WUllam Boyd
Andy Clyde
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
[si (93) Drama
THE RED HOUSE
Edward G. Robinson
Lon McCalllster
1— Feb. 1— PG-785
(86) Drama 606
SWELL GUY
Sonny Tufts
Ann Blyth
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
(93) Drama 607
I’LL BE YOURS
Deanna Durbin
Tom Drake
William Bendix
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
(98) Drama 605
THE WICKED LADY
Margaret Lockwood
James Mason
Patricia Roc
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
gjj] (105) Musical 610
©THE TIME, THE PLACE
AND THE GIRL
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Janis Paige
Martha Vickers
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
|n] (98) Drama-Mus 611
THE MAN 1 LOVE
Ida Lupino
Robert Alda
Andrea King
Bruce Bennett
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
g5] (125) Dra-Mus 612
HUMORESQUE
Joan Crawford
John Garfield
Oscar Levant
R— Dec. 28— PG-770
[|] (88) M’drama 613
THE BEAST WITH
FIVE FINGERS
Robert Alda
Andrea King
Peter Lorre
Victor Francen
J. Carrol Naish
R— Nov. 30— PO-766
rfj ^ (74) Rom-Dr
S Vog
W r± POSTMASTER’S
K S’ DAUGHTER
O 5 R— Sept. 7 — PG-749
Uh
(105) Comedy
Azteca
AH I ESTA EL
DETALLE
Cantinflas
R— Sept. 7 — PG-750
(105) Musical
SOTA C A BALLY Y REY
R— Sept. 7 — PG-750
(105) Drama
Azteca
HASTA QUE PERDIO
JALISCO
Jorge Negrete
R— Oct. 5— PG-755
(112) Drama
Siritzky-IntT
WELL-DIGGER’S
DAUGHTER
Raimu-Fernandel
R— Oct. 5— PG-756
(107) War-Dr
Artkino
TURNING POINT
R— Nov. 9 — PG-763
(60) Docum.
Brandt-Chapel
STORY OF THE POPE
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide
May 12, 1947
7
EPUBLIC ^SCREEN GUILD ^ 20TH-F0X UNITED ARTISTS UNIV.INT’I
FEATURE CHART
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEBRUARY 22 I MARCH 1
(100) Mys-Dr
DEAD RECKONING
Humphrey Bogart
Lizabeth Scott
R— Jan. 18— PG-781
830
] (97) Outdr-Dr 4606
[©CALIFORNIA
Ray Milland
Barbara Stanwyck
Barry Fitzgerald
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
, Group 3
(117) Fantasy 762
I ©SINBAD THE SAILOR
] Douglas Fairbanks Jr
I Maureen O’Hara
Walter Slezak
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
J (66) Outdoor 663
[VIGILANTES OF
B00MT0WN
| Allan Lane
1 R— Mar. 8— PG-799
_) (T6) Outdr-Mus 641
I ©APACHE ROSE
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
| (88) Mus-Dr
. THE FABULOUS
DORSEYS
Tommy Dorsey
> Jimmy Dorsey
Janet Blair
! R— Mar. 1— PG-794
[22j (111) Drama fiL4
NORA PRENTISS
Ann Sheridan
Kent Smith
Bruce Bennett
Robert Alda
Rosemary DeCamp
R— Feb. 8— PG-787
(82) Mys-Dr
MR. DISTRICT
ATTORNEY
Dennis O'Keefe
Marguerite Chapman
Adolphe Menjou
Michael O’Shea
R— Jan. 11— PG-779
832
Reprint:
!|] (116) Drama 713
BOOM TOWN
Clark Gable
Spencer Tracy
Hedy Lamarr
(54) Western 751
LAW OF THE LASH
At LaRue
A1 ‘ Fuzzy” St. John
R— Mar. 8— PO-799
Group 4
(67) Mus-Dr
BEAT THE BAND
Frances Langford
Ralph Edwards
Phillip Terry
Gene Krupa
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
718
Re-Release:
(106) Mus-Dr 709
ALEXANDER'S RAG-
TIME BAND
Tyrone Power
Alice Faye
Don Ameche
Ethel Merman
Reissue
(81) Outdoor-Drama
WHEN THE DALTONS
RODE
Randolph Scott
Kay Francis
MARCH 8 | MARCH 15
[5] (65) Mystery
THIRTEENTH HOUR
Richard Dlx
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
[il (54) Western 866
LONE HAND TEXAN
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
(112) Drama 716
yTHE BEGINNING OR
THE END
Robert Walker
Tom Drake
Brian Donlevy
Audrey Totter
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
H| (64) Drama 613
FALL GUY
Cliff Penn
I’eala Lorlng
Robert Armstrong
R— Mar. 8— PG-800
m (77) Comedy 4607
EASY COME, EASY GO
Barry Fitzgerald
Diana Lynn
Sonny Tufts
R— Feb. 1— PO-T85
[2] (67) Drama 701
DEVIL ON WHEELS
Noreen Nash
Darryl Hickman
Jan Ford
James Cardwell
R— Feb. 8 — PO-788
H| (54) Western 745
RANGE BEYOND
THE BLUE
Eddie Dean
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
H| (98) Drama
ADVENTURESS (E-L)
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
Group 4
(63) Drama 719
THE DEVIL THUMBS
A RIDE
Lawrence Tierney
Ted North
R— Mar. 8 — PG-797
Group 4
(94) Com-Dr 716
THE FARMER’S
DAUGHTER
Loretta Young
Joseph Cotten
Ethel Barrymore
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
[g~| (66) Com-Mus 605
HIE GHOST GOES WILD
James FJllson
Anne Gwynne
Edward Everett Horton
Ruth Donnelly
Stephanie Bachelor
R— Apr. 12 — P 0-810
H| (66) Com-Dr 4608
©SCARED TO DEATH
Bela Lugosi
H| (65) Drama 4615
SHOOT TO KILL
Russell Wade
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
(66) Drama 711
BACKLASH
Jean Rogers
Richard Travis
Larry Blake
John El dr edge
Leonard 8trong
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
|i] (112) Drama
THE PRIVATE AFFAIRS
OF BEL AMI
George Sanders
Angela Lansbury
Ann Dvorak
R— Mar. 1— PO-793
H| (93) Comedy
FUN ON A WEEKEND
Eddie Bracken
Priscilla Lane
(106) Dra-Mus 608
©SONG OF
SCHEHERAZADE
Yvonne De Carlo
Brian Donlevy
Jean Pierre Aumont
Eve Arden
R— Feb. 1— PQ-786
(103) Drama 609
SMASH-UP
Lee Bowman
Susan Hayward
Marsha Hunt
Eddie Albert
Carl Esmond
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
[j] (101) Mel-Dram 615
PURSUED
Teresa Wright
Robert Mltchum
Judith Anderson
Dean Jagger
Alan Hale
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
MARCH 22
goj (70) Drama
MILLIE'S DAUGHTER
It— Mar. 8 — PU-798
(95) Mys-Dr
JOHNNY O’CLOCK
(lick Powell
Evelyn Keyes
It— Jan. 18— PG-781
|22| (71) Drama
THE GUILTY
Bonita Granville
Don Castle
John Lite!
R— Mar. 22— PG-804
676
[21] (88) Rom-Com 4608
SUDDENLY IT’S
SPRING
Paulette Goddard
Fred MacMurray
Macdonald Carey
Arleen Whelan
R— Feb 15— PO-789
SP72
|22j (69) Drama
UNTAMED FURY
R— Apr. 5 — PG-808
Reissue
[22] (97) Western 731
KIT CARSON
D. Andrews-J. Hall
H§| (90) Musical 610
HIT PARADE OF 1947
Eddie Albert
Constance Moore
Joan Edwards
R— May 3— PG-816
gjjj (89) Drama
THE MACOMBER
AFFAIR
Gregory Peck
Joan Bennett
Robert Preston
R— Jan 25— PG-784
611
(103) Drama
©STAIRWAY TO
HEAVEN
David Niven-Kim Hunter
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
Reissue
(94) Outdoor-Drama
DESTRY RIDES AGAIN
Dietrich-Stewart
MARCH 29
(57) Western
R— Mar. 29 — PG-806
KING OF THE WILD
HORSES
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
[29] (58) Western
TRAILING DANGER
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Peggy Wynne
[28] (72) Drama 4620
SEVEN WERE SAVED
Richard Denning
Catherine Craig
Russell Hayden
It— Mar. 1— PG-795
(74) Drama
LOST HONEYMOON
(E-L)
Franchot Tone
It— Mar. 15— PG-801
Reissue
|22| (94) Western 732
LAST of the
MOHICANS
Group 4
(84) Western
TRAIL STREET
Randolph Scott
Robert Ryan
Anne Jeffreys
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
717
[T] (71) West-Mus 683
TWILIGHT ON THE
RIO GRANDE
Gene Autry
Adele Mara
Sterling Holloway
R— Apr. 19— PG-811
[5] (60) Western
UNEXPECTED GUEST
William Boyd
It— Dec. 14— PG-772
(70) West Dr 610
©MICHIGAN KID
Jon Hall
Victor McLaglen
Rita Johnson
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
[29] (84) Com-Dr
THAT WAY WITH
WOMEN
Dane Clark
Martha Vickers
Sydney Greenstreet
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
616
APRIL 5
[4] (103) Musical 718
IT HAPPENED IN
BROOKLYN
Frank Sinatra
Jimmy Durante
Kathryn Grayson
Peter Lawford
R— Mar. 8— PG-797
[j] (55) Western 684
SIX GUN SERENADE
Jimmy Wakely
Lee “Lasses” White
[~4~1 (88) Comedy 4609
MY FAVORITE
BRUNETTE
Bob Hope
Dorothy Lamour
Peter Lorre
Lon Chaney
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
[5] (64) Drama 715
THREE ON A TICKET
Hugh Beaumont
Cheryl Walker
Paul Bryar
Ralph Dunn
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
m (68) Outdoor 664
HOMESTEADERS OF
PARADISE VALLEY
Allan Lane
R— Apr. 26— PG-813
|~n (71) Com-Dr 611
YANKEE FAKIR
R— Apr. 12— PG-810
[T| (74) Outdr-Dr 4614
BELLS OF SAN
FERNANDO
Donald Woods*
Gloria Warren
R— Apr. 5— PG-807
(95) Musical 710
©CARNIVAL IN COSTA
RICA
Dick Haymes
Vera-Ellen
Cesar Romero
Celeste Holm
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
d) (89) Comedy
THE SIN OF HAROLD
DIDDLEBOCK
Harold Lloyd
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
(78) Comedy 612
BUCK PRIVATES
COME HOME
Bud Abboft
Lou Costello
Tom Brown
Joan Fulton
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
APRIL 12
[15] (67) Comedy 808
BLONDIE'S HOLIDAY
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
Larry Simms
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
[il] (®2) Drama 719
LITTLE MR. JIM
Butch Jenkins
James Craig
Frances Gifford
K— June 15— PG-729
[ill (72) Drama 615
VIOLENCE
Nancy Coleman
Michael O’Shea
R— Apr. 19— PG-812
HI (61) Western 746
WEST TO GLORY
Eddie Dean
R— May 3— PG-816
[13] (62) Mystery 707
PHILO VANCE’S
GAMBLE
R— May 3— PG-815
Group 4
(57) Western 720
CODE OF THE WEST
James Warren
Debra Alden
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
(98) Drama 712
THE LATE GEORGE
APLEY
Ronald Colman
Peggy Cummins
Vanessa Brown
Richard Haydn
Charles Russell
R— Feb. 8— PG-788
Reissue
(73) Comedy 2793
YOU CAN'T CHEAT AN
HONEST MAN
W. C. Fields
Edgar Bergen
Charlie McCarthy
H| (97) Drama 617
STALLION ROAD
Ronald Reagan
Alexis Smith
Zachary Scott
It— Mar. 29 — PG»805
►7 ®
U 0 (162) Drama
£3 3 Tricolor
CD CHILDREN OF
- U-. _)
g C PARADISE
(80) Drama
Lopert
MAN’S HOPE
R— Jan. 11— PG-779
(89) Operetta
Saga
QUEEN FOR A NIGHT
R— .Ian. 18— PG-782
(93) Mus-Dr
APPASSIORATA
Viveca Lindfors
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
(85) Drama
West. Hem.
CLANDESTINE
R— Jan. 18— PG-781
(80) Fant-Dr
Distinguished
DEVIL’S HAND
R— Jan. 18— PG-781
(89) Fant-Com
Vog Film
FRANCIS THE FIRST
Fernandel
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
It— Jan. 4— PG-778
8
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 12, 1947
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
APRIL 19
APRIL 26
MAY 3
MAY 10
MAY 17
MAY 24
MAY 31
(88) Drama 836
THE GUILT OF JANET
AMES
Rosalind Russell
Melvyn Douglas
Sid Caesar
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
(82) Drama
FRAMED
Glenn Ford-Janis Carter
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
HU (59) Western
LAW OF THE CANYON
Starrett-Burnette
|p (69) Drama
FOR THE LOVE OF
RUSTY
Ted Donaldson
Tom Powers
Ann Doran
(77) Outdr Drama
©LAST OF TH’ REDMEN
Jon Hall
Michael O’Shea
Evelyn Ankers
HU (70) Mystery
BULLDOG DRUMMOND
AT BAY
Ron Randell
Anita Louise
Pat O’Moore
R— May 12— PG-818
( . . ) Outdr Drama
GUN FIGHTERS
Randolph Scott
Barbara Britton
Bruce Cabot
HU ( • • ) Mystery
THE MILLERSON CASE
Warner Baxter
Nancy Saunders
HU ( • ■ ) Western
PRAIRIE RAIDERS
Starrett-Burnette
HU (131) Drama 720
SEA OF GRASS
Spencer Tracy
Katharine Hepburn
Robert Walker
Melvyn Douglas
R— Feb. 15— PG-790
[2] (91) Drama 721
HIGH BARBAREE
Van Johnson
June Allyson
Claude Jarman jr.
Thomas Mitchell
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
Reprint
(103) Musical 723
THE GREAT WALTZ
Luise Rainer
Fernand Gravet
HU (90) Comedy 722
UNDERCOVER MAISIE
Ann Sothern
[~3~] (69) Western 671
LAND OF THE LAWLESS
Johnny Mack Brown
Reissue
fp ( . . ) Drama
QUEEN OF THE YUKON
Charles Bickford
|io| (63) Melodrama 616
HARD BOILED
MAHONEY
Leo Gcrcey
Bowery Boys
Teala Loring
R— May 3— PG-816
HU (63) Teen-Ager 618
SARGE GOES TO
COLLEGE
Alan Hale jr.
June Prelsser
R— May 12— PG-817
[24] ( • • ) Western
BACKFIRE
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
HU ( • ■ ) Western
SONG OF THE
WASTELAND
Jimmy Wakely
Lee "Lasses” White
Pine-Thomas Prod,
pi] (72) Drama 4621
FEAR IN THE NIGHT
Paul Kelly
Kay Scott
DeForest Kelley
Ann Doran
R— Mar. 1— PG-795
HU (97) Drama 4610
IMPERFECT LADY
Ray Milland
Teresa Wright
Virginia Field
Sir Cedric Hardwicke
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
|p (91) Drama 4611
BLAZE OF NOON
Anne Baxter
William Holden
Sonny Tufts
William Bendix
Sterling Hayden
R— Mar. 8— PG-797
|23| (60) M’drama 4622
BIG TOWN
Philip Reed
Hillary Brooke
Robert Lowery
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
HU (83) M’drama 4612
CALCUTTA
Alan Ladd
William Bendix
Gail Russell
11— Apr. 19— PG-811
pi (64) Mystery
PHILO VANCE
RETURNS
R— May 3— PG-815
[l9| (63) Drama 702
THE BIG FIX
James Brown
R— May 12— PG-817
H|] (38-39) Westerns
SIX BRONCO
BUCKAROO REISSUES
4 with Buster Crabbe and
Fuzzy St. John
2 with Tex O’Brien and
Jim Newhill
Group 5
(72) Adventure 723
TARZAN AND THE
HUNTRESS
Johnny Weissmuller
Brenda Joyce
John Sheffield
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
Group 5
(89) Comedy 724
A LIKELY STORY
Barbara Hale
Bill Williams
11— Apr. 19— PG-812
Group 5
(68) Musical 725
BANJO
Sharyn Moffett
Jacqueline White
Walter Reed
Una O’Connor
R— Apr. 26— PG-814
Group 5
HU (92) Drama 722
BORN TO KILL
R— Apr. 26— PG-814
(74) Comedy 721
HONEYMOON
Temple-Madison
R— Apr. 19— PG-812
|25| (66) Drama 612
SPOILERS OF THE
NORTH j
Paul Kelly
Adrian Booth
Evelyn Ankers ;
R— May 12— PG-817
jU (68) Out’dr-Dr 665
OREGON TRAIL SCOUTS
Allan Lane-Bobby Blake
HU (71) Drama 614
VINTER WONDERLAND
iU (66) Drama 609
©THAT’S MY GAL
Lynne Roberts
|p (..) Outdr-Dr 4616
BUSH PILOT
Rochelle Hudson
Jack LaRue
lU ( • • ) Mys-Com 4617
HATBOX MYSTERY
Tom Neal j
Allen Jenkins
Virginia Sale
|U ( • • ) Mys-Com 4618
CASE OF THE BABY
SITTER
Tom Neal
Allen Jenkins
Virginia Sale
(76) Drama 714
SAN DEMETRIO,
LONDON j
Walter Fitzgerald
Mervyn Johns
Ralph Michael
Robert Beatty
Charles Victor
R— Apr. 5— PG-808
p| (89) Musical
NEW ORLEANS
Arturo de Cordova
Dorothy Patrick
R— May 3— PG-815
Qj] (94) Out’r-Dr
RAMROD
Joel McCrea
Veronica Lake
Don DeFore
Donald Crisp
R— Mar. 1— PG-793
p] (65) Drama
ADVENTURES OF DON
COYOTE
Richard Martin
Frances Rafferty ;
R— May 3— PG-815
HU (85) Drama
DISHONORED LADY
Hedy Lamarr
Dennis O’Keefe
lohn Loder
ft— Apr. 26— PG-813
24] (59) Western
DANGEROUS VENTURE
William Boyd
Andy Clyde
R— Mar. 1— PG-793
Reissue
(78) Drama 2794
1 STOLE A MILLION
George Raft
Claire Trevor
Victor Jory
(88) Drama 614
TIME OUT OF MIND
Phyllis Calvert
Robert Hutton
Ella Raines
R— Mar. 22— PG-804
( . . ) Drama
THE DARK WEB
Edmund O’Brien
Ella Raines
William Bendix
( . . ) Drama
©VIGILANTES RETURN
Jon Hall
Margaret Lindsay
Reissue
(101) Drama
MAGNIFICENT
OBSESSION
Irene Dunne
Robert Taylor
Reissue
(84) Mus-Dr
100 MEN AND A GIRL
Deanna Durbin
Leopold Stokowski
Adolphe Menjou
Reissues:
pi (109) Drama 618
THE SEA HAWK
Errol Flynn-Claude Rains
HU (87) Drama 619
THE SEA WOLF
Edward G. Robinson
Ida Lupino-John Garfield
(83) Comedy 620
LOVE AND LEARN
Jack Carson
Robert Hutton
Martha Vickers
Janis Paige
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
HU (99) Drama 621
TWO MRS. CARROLLS
Humphrey Bogart
Barbara Stanwyck
Alexis Smith
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
JUNE 7 |
<D
&>
0
55
o
w
g S'
(112) Melodrama
Azteca
ROSALINDA
Maria Antonieta Pons
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
(88) Fantasy
Artkino
©STONE FLOWER
R— Feb. 8— PG-788
(110) Mus-Dr
Superfilm
BEFORE HIM ALL
ROME TREMBLED
Anna Magnani
R— Mar. 8— PG-800
(87) Mus-Com
Lopert
CAGE OF
NIGHTINGALES
R— Mar. 8 — PG-800
(85) Drama
A.F.E.
ANGEL AND SINNER
R— Mar. 8— PG-800
(90) Comedy
Distinguished
HER FIRST AFFAIR
Danielle Darrleux
Louis Jourdan
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide
May 12, 1947
9
REVIEW DIGEST
p and Alphabetical Picture Guide Index
CD
CL
o_}2
T o
k CL
> »
1=5
z o
o £
C Q.
>»
| =
Z O
A
767 Abie’s Irish Rose (96) UA
. .11-30-46
+
=
—
2*
-4
Hk
4+ 6-
815 Adventures of Don Coyote (66) UA.
... 5-3-47
+
2*2
-k
3+ 2-
801 Adventuress, The (98) E-L
.. 3-15-47
+
Hk
2*2
44
44
44
9+ 2-
766 Affairs of Geraldine (68) Rep
. .11-30-46
Hk
Z+i
-k
Hk
H-
2*2
6+ 6-
777 Alias Mr. Twilight (69) Col
. . 1- 4-47
Hk
2+2
2*2
-4
44
6+ 3-
796 Angel and the Badman (100) Rep.
. . 3- 1-47
+
2+z
+
-4
-4
44
2*2
8+ 2-
754 Angel on My Shoulder (101) UA..
. . 9-28-46
+
+
44
-4
+
44
-4
9-4
803 Apache Rose (75) Rep
.. 3-22-47
;k
+
-4
Hk
+
5+ 2-
790 Arnelo Affair, The (86) MGM
. . 2-15-47
+
+
+
-4
2t
2*2
6+ 2-
B
752 Bachelor’s Daughters, The (90) UA
.. 9-14-46
2*2
+
+
44
-4
2+2
-4
8+ 2-
805 Backlash (66) 20-Fox
. . 3-29-47
H1
Hk
2*2
2*
—
H-
5+ 6-
732 Bamboo Blonde, The (68) RKO
. . 6-22-46
-k
Hk
Hk
2*2
Hk
2*2
2*2
7-4 7-
814 Banjo (67) RKO
.. 4-26-47
2+2
H“
2*2
2*2
Hk
5+ 5-
766 Beast With Five Fingers, The (88)
WB
H-
^k
+
-k
—
—
2*2
5+ 6-
794 Beat the Band (67) RKO
. . 3- 1-47
Hr
-k
Hr
2*
2*2
2*2
6+ 6-
Beauty and the Bandit (71) Mono
Hk
-k
2+ 2-
786 Bedelia (95) E-L
+
-k
+
2t
-4
5-4 2-
794 Beginning or the End, The (112) MGM 3- 1-47
44
+
44
-4
44
+
44
11+
807 Bells of San Fernando (74) SG..
. . 4- 5-47
2+2
—
2*2
2*2
3-4 4-
755 Below the Deadline (65) Mono...
..10- 5-46
2*2
2+2
+
2*z
*k
Hk
T-
7-4 6-
769 Best Years of Our Lives, The (172)
RKO
.12- 7-46
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
14-4
767 Betty Co-Ed (71) Col
..11-30-46
Hk
T-
2*2
+
2*2
Hk
6+ 5-
744 Big Sleep, The (114) WB
. 8-17-46
+
44
44
+
+
44
+
10+
791 Big Town (60) Para
. 2-22-47
2+2
“k
2+2
2*2
2*2
6-f 6 —
741 Black Angel (SO) U-l
. 8-10-46
2+2
2+2
2*2
+
+
44
2*2
8+ 4-
737 Black Beauty (74) 20-Fox
. 7-20-46
H-
2*-
zq
+
-4
+
2*2
7+ 4-
797 Blaze of Noon (90) Para
. 3- 8-47
2*2
2+2
+
2*2
+
-4
-4
7+ 3-
787 Blind Spot (73) Col
. 2- 8-47
—
2+2
-4
-4
-k
5+ 3-
742 Blonde for a Day (68) PRC
. 8-10-46
H-
2*2
Z+-
T
H-
6+ 6—
755 Blondie Knows Best (69) Col
.10- 5-46
+
2*2
2*2
+
+
2*2
6+ 3-
773 Blondie's Big Moment (69) Col...
.12-21-46
2*2
2*2
2*2
4+ 4—
798 Blondie’s Holiday (67) Col
. 3- 8-47
±
^k
2*2
2*2
-k
5+ 5-
754 Blue Skies (102) Para
. 9-28-46
44
44
44
44
+
44
44
13+
786 Boomerang (88) 20-Fox
. 2- 1-47
+
44
44
-4
+
44
44
11+
814 Born to Kill (92) RKO
. 4-26-47
2+z
2*2
2*2
2*2
2*2
6+ 6-
783 Born to Speed (59) PRC
. 1-25-47
-k
-k
-k
-k
H-
H-
6+ 6-
772 Boston Blackie and the Law (69) Col
.12-14-46
H-
2*2
+
2+2
2+
Hk
6+ 5-
742 Bowery Bombshell (65) Mono
. 8-10-46
2+2
2*2
H-
2*2
-k
Hk
H-
7+ 7-
790 Brasher Doubloon, The (72) 20-Fox.
. 2-15-47
+
2+2
qz
+
2*2
2*2
6+ 4-
748 Brief Encounter (85) U-l
. 8-31-46
2*2
+
+
44
44
7+ 1-
759 Bringing Up Father (68) Mono....
.10-19-46
2+2
Hk
2*2
2*2
2*2
+
6+ 5-
761 Brute Man, The (58) PRC
.11- 2-46
2*2
H-
±
—
=
4+ 7-
802 Buck Privates Come Home (78) U-l.
. 3-15-47
44
2+2
+
-4
44
2*2
9+ 3-
807 Buffalo Bill Rides Again (70) SG..
. 4- 5-47
—
—
2-
Bulldog Drummond at Bay (70) Col
2*2
1+ 1-
744 Caesar and Cleopatra (126) UA...
. 8-17-46
4+
+
-4
44
2*2
44
-4
10+ 1—
811 Calcutta (83) Para
. 4-19-47
2*2
2*2
4-
Hk
44
2*2
+
8+ 4-
789 Calendar Girl (88) Rep
. 2-15-47
^k
^k
H-
2*2
-k
2*2
+
7+ 6—
744 California (97) Para
.12-21-46
+
•*2
2*2
-4
44
"1*
44
9+ 2-
740 Canyon Passage (92) U-l
. 7-27-46
+
HH
2*2
+
-4
44
44
9+ 2-
816 Captive Heart, The (87) U-l
. 5- 3-47
-k
Hk
+
2+2
44
6+ 3—
797 Carnegie Hall (136) UA
3- 8-47
2*2
2*2
-4
44
44
44
9+ 2-
805 Carnival in Costa Rica (96) 20-Fox.
3-29-47
2*2
-4
+
-4
+
2*2
7+ 3-
759 Chase, The (86) UA
.10-19-46
+
2*2
2*2
2+2
+
5+ 3-
813 Cheyenne (100) WB
. 4-26-47
44
2*2
+
-4
44
7+ 1-
760 Child of Divorce (62) RKO
.10-19-46
+
2*2
2*2
2*2
+
+
2*2
7+ 4-
789 Cigarette Girl (67) Col
2-15-47
H-
2*2
±
2*2
£4- 6-
740 Claudia and David (78) 20-Fox...
7-27-46
-4-
+
-4
-4
+
44
44
9+
752 Cloak and Dagger (106) WB
9-14-46
44
44
-4
+
44
44
+
11+
737 Cockeyed Miracle, The (81) MGM . .
7-20-46
Hr
+
+
2*2
2*2
-4
6+ 3-
799 Code of the West (57) RKO
3- 8-47
+
2*2
2*2
2*2
qz
2*2
6+ 5-
776 Crime Doctor's Manhunt (61) Col..
12-28-46
2+2
2*2
qz
-4
2*2
2*2
6+ 5—
742 Criminal Court (62) RKO
8-10-46
2+n
2*2
2*2
-4
+
-k
6+ 4-
765 Cross My Heart (S3) Para
11-23-46
+
2*2
2*2
2*2
2*2
—
4-
6+ 5-
739 Cuban Pete (61) U-l
7-27-46
2+2
Zq
2*2
2*2
-4
6+ 5-
796 Danger Street (66) Para
3- 1-47
2*2
2*2
2+
—
6+ 6-
736 Danger Woman (60) U-l
7-13-46
Hk
—
~
—
2t
2t
5+ 7-
771 Dangerous Millions (68) 20-Fox. . .
12-14-46
2*2
2*2
H-
-4
2*2
2*2
7+ 6-
758 Dangerous Money (66) Mono
10-12-46
+
~
2*2
Hk
2*2
5+ 5-
793 Dangerous Venture (59) UA
3- 1-47
■+2
—
2*2
-4
2*2
5+ 4—
809 Dark Delusion (90) MGM
4-12-47
+
2*2
2*
±2
-4
2*2
6+ 4-
738 Dark Horse, The (59) U-l
7-20-46
—
2*2
2*2
—
2*2
3+ 5-
758 Dark Mirror, The (85) U-l
10-12-46
+
2*2
-4
44
44
+
8+ 1-
734 Dead of Night (76) U-l
7- 6-46
2*2
4-
2*2
-4
2*2
2*2
+
7+ 4-
781 Dead Reckoning (100) Col
1-18-47
+
+
+
-4
+
-4
+
7+
732 Deadline for Murder (66) 20-Fox. . . .
6-22-46
—
2*2
2*:
zq
2*2
—
qz
6+ 7-
760 Deception (112) WB
10-19-46
+
2+2
-4
+
+
-4
+
7+ 1-
751 Decoy (76) Mono
9-14-46
2+2
2*2
-4
-4
+
—
-4
6+ 3-
Desirable Lady (. .) SG
—
1+ 1-
788 Devil on Wheels (67) PRC
2- 8-47
—
Hk
2*2
2*2
44
2*2
7+ 5-
797 Devil Thumbs a Ride. The (63)
3- 8-47
-4-
2*Z
-4
-4
2*2
2*2
2*2
7+ 4-
753 Devil’s Playground, The (60) UA-...
9-28-46
H;
-4
2*2
2+
2+
54- 4-
765 Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (62) RKO
11- 9-46
2*2
2*2
-4
2*2
2*2
—
2±
64- 6—
813 Dishonored Lady (86) UA
4-26-47
4-
2*2
2+:
-4
44
6+ 2-
Don Ricardo Returns (78) PRC
H-
1+ 1-
735 Down Missouri Way (S3) PRC 7-13-46 ±
757 Driftin’ River (55) PRC 10-12-46 ±
780 Duel in the Sun (140) SRO 1-11-47 -|-|.
E
746 Earl Carroll Sketchbook (90) Rep 8-24-46
785 Easy Come, Easy Go. (77) Para 2- 1-47 ±
808 Egg and I, The (108) U-l 4- 5-47 +■
F
794 Fabulous Dorseys, The (90) UA.... 3- 1-47 ±
775 Fabulous Suzanne, The (71) RK0 .. .12-28-46 ±
775 Falcon’s Adventure, The (61) R l< 0 ■ . .12-28-46
S00 Fall Guy (64) Mono 3- 8-47 qz
792 Farmer’s Daughter, The (94) RK0 . . 2-22-47 -f
795 Fear in the Night (71) Para 3- 1-47 +
Fighting Frontiersman, The (..) Col
758 Fool’s Gold (63) UA 10-12-46 ±
For the Love of Rusty (. .) Col
798 Framed (80) Col 3. 8-47 ±
Fun on a Weekend (96) UA
G
784 Gallant Bess (101) MGM 1-25-47 ±
752 Gallant Journey (86) Col 9-14-46 ±
759 Gas House Kids (68) PRC 10-19-46 qz
741 Genius at Work (62) Rl<0 8-10-46 —
753 Gentleman Joe Palooka (72) Mono... 9-28-46 zfc
810 Ghost Goes Wild, The (66) Rep 4-12-47 ±
Ghost of Hidden Valley (57) PRC
812 Ginger (67) Mono 4-19-47 q;
746 G.l. War Brides (69) Rep 8-24-46 +
807 Great Expectations (115) U-l 4- 5-47 4-
798 Guilt of Janet Ames, The (81) Col... 3- 8-47 +
804 Guilty, The (71) Mono 3-22-47 +
2*-
2*2
+
+
—
5+ 4 —
2*2
Hk
^k
4+ 4—
+
44
+f
Hk
8+ 1-
2+
+
+
-k
;+;
+
7+ 4-
H-
2+
2+2
HH
+
H;
7+ 6-
+
+
+
+f
+
+
9+
2*2
2*2
+
H;;
+
6+ 4-
2*2
2*2
2*2
H^
2*2
—
6+ 7-
2*2
2*2
+ v
2+
^k
7+ 6-
2*2
-4-
+
rk
H-
6+ 5—
+
+
+
+
44
+
8+
2+2
+
+
+
H;
Hr
7+ 3-
2+_
1+ 1-
2+2
2+2
+
+
5+ 3-
Hk
H-
2+ 2—
2+2
+
+
2*2
+
6+ 3-
+
+
+
++
5+
2+2
+
+
+
+
H;
7+3-
Hr
+
2*2
+
Hk
7+%-
2*2
2*2
H-
H;
H-
6+ 6-
—
H-
-k
-k
=
5+ 6-
2*2
H-
H-
+
5+ 4—
2+2
H-
H^
-k
5+ 5-
H-
1+ 1-
-k
-k
-k
4+ 4—
2*2
r
2+2
H~
+
H^
7+ 5-
4+
44
44
44
9+
2*2
±
+
+
5+ 2-
+
3+ 1-
H
816 Hard-Boiled Mahoney (63) Mono... 5-3-47
745 Heading West (54) Col 8-24-46
777 Heldorado (70) Rep 1- 4-47
733 Her Adventurous Night (76) U-l 7-6-46
753 Her Sister's Secret (86) PRC 9-28-46
801 High Barbaree (92) MGM 3-15-47
804 High Conquest (83) Mono 3-22-47
745 High School Hero (74) Mono 8-24-46
816 Hit Parade of 1947 (90) Rep 5- 3-47
740 Holiday in Mexico (128) MGM 7-27-46
763 Home in Oklahoma (72) Rep.. . . .11- 9-46
740 Home Sweet Homicide (90 ) 20- Fox. . 7-27-46
813 Homesteaders of Paradise Valley (58)
Rep 4-26-47
814 Homestretch, The (106) Para 4-26-47
812 Honeymoon (74) RKO 4-19-47
776 Humoresque (125) WB 12-28-46
2*2
—
H-
2+ 3-
2+2
—
+
2+ 2-
2+2
+
2*2
2*2
+
5+ 3-
H-
H-
-k
H-
H-
H-
6+ 6-
H^
H3
H^
+
+
+
7+ 4-
H;
+
+
44
44
8+ 2-
44
+
+
+
2+
6+ 1-
+
H^
H-
2+2
2+
-k
-k
7+ 6-
+
2*2
+
4+ 2-
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
14+
2*2
+
2*2
^k
H^
5+ 4—
+
+
+
+
+
44
+
8+
^k
+
+
3+ 1-
44
2*2
2*2
2*2
44
+
8+ 3-
+
2+2
—
2*2
-k
4+ 4-
+
+
44
44
+
44
44
11+
I
795 I Cover Big Town (63) Para 3- 1-47 ±
756 1 Know Where I’m Going (91) U-l . 10- 5-46 ztz
750 If I’m Lucky (78) 20-Fox 9- 7-46 +
783 I'll Be Yours (83) U-l ... 1-25-47 ±
802 Imperfect Lady, The (97) Para 3-15-47 +f
731 Inside Job (66) U-l 6-22-46 zfc
746 Invisible Informer, The (57) Rep 8-24-46 —
797 It Happened in Brooklyn (103) MGM 3- 8-47 ++
788 It Happened on Fifth Avenue (116)
Mono 2- 8-47 -f
783 It’s a Joke, Son (63) E-L 1-25-47 +
774 It’s a Wonderful Life (132) RKO . .12-21-46 +
749 It's Great to Be Young (63) Col 9- 7-46 zfc
749 I’ve Always Loved You (117) Rep. . . 9- 7-46 +
J
811 Jewels of Brandenburg (65) 20-Fox.. 4-19-47 +
781 Johnny O’Clock (95) Col 1-18-47 zfc
753 Jolson Story, The (128) Col 9-28-46 4+
795 Jungle Flight (67) Para 3- 1-47 zfc
K
743 Killers, The (102) U-l 8-17-46 +
803 King of the Wild Horses (79) Col. . . 3-22-47 zfc
L
780 Ladies’ Man (91) Para 1-11-47 +
Lady Chaser (74) PRC
766 Lady in the Lake (103) MGM 11-30-46 +
739 Lady Luck (97) RKO 7-27-46 +
757 Lady Surrenders. A (113) U-l 10-12-46 zfc
746 Last Crooked Mile, The (67) Rep... 8-24-46 —
Last Frontier Uprising (67) Rep
788 Late George Apley. The (98) 20-Fox 2- 8-47 +
799 Law of the Lash (54) PRC 3- 8-47 zfc
Lighthouse (74) PRC
812 Likely Story. A (88) RKO 4-19-47 -
759 Little Iodine (57) UA 10-19-46 ±
750 Little Miss Bin (61) U-l 9- 7-46 —
774 Locket The ( 85 RKO 12-21-46 -L
799 Lone Hand Texan The (57) Col 3- 8-47 rfc
7T7 Lone Star Moonlight (67) Col 1- 4-47 —
^k
4
2*2
2*2
6+ 5—
Hk
2+ 2—
H^
2+2
+
2+2
-*2
7+ 5-
^k
4
2*2
+
2*2
7+ 5-
2t
2*2
+
qz
+
7+ 3-
2*2
~
—
2*2
5+ 6-
2*2
qz
—
—
Hk
4+ 7-
+
4
44
+f
+
+
10+
4
2*2
+
5+ 2-
2*2
—
+
4+ 3-
-H-
4+
44
4f
44
44
13+
—
2±
Hk
5+ 6-
2*2
2+
+
4
44
+
8+ 2-
2*2
2*2
4+ 3-
+
4
-4-
4
+
44
8+ 2—
■H-
4f
44
+f
44
44
14+
H-
2+2
qr
6+ 6-
ff
4
+
4
+
H^
8+ 1-
4
5+ 4-
2+2
+
2+2
7+ 5-
zt
2+ 2-
4*
4
+
ff
+
4
8+
4
2*2
+
4
+
4
7+ 1-
2+2
2+ 2—
H^
2+2
2*2
H-
7+ 7-
2+2
1+ 1-
4
4
+
4
+
H-
8+
2+2
H=
—
5+ 5-
Hk
1+ 1-
2*2
4
-±
■Hr
5+ 3-
qz
—
4
q:
6+ 5-
2*2
2*2
—
—
+
5+ 5-
+-
u
4-
-U
44-
^k
9-4 1-
q:
r
4+ 4—
1+ 1-
An interpretative analysis of opinions deduced from the language of lay
and trade press reviews. The plus and minus signs indicate the degree
of favor or disfavor of the review. This department serves also as an
ALPHABETICAL INDEX to feature releases. Numeral preceding title is
Picture Guide Review page number. In parentheses after title is running
time. Date following distributor is BOXOFFICE review date. Listings cover
current reviews. It is brought up to date regularly. The meaning of the
various signs and their combinations is as follows:
+f Very Good; + Good; — F air; Mediocre; — Poor; = Very Poor.
In the summary ++ is rated as 2 pluses; = as 2 minuses.
780 Lone Wolf in Mexico (70) Col
1-11-47
±2
-4-
2*2
2+2
4+ 4—
782 Sinbad the Sailor (117) RKO
1-18-47
+
+
+
+
+
+
4-
74-
SOX Lost Honeymoon (71) E-L
3-15-47
2+
2+
+
+
44
4-
74- 2-
741 Sing While You Dance (73) Col....
8-18-46
2+2
H-
2t
2+
HH
5-4 5-
806 Love and Learn (85) WB
3-29-47
2+
HH
2+
2+2
— .
44- 5-
777 Singin' in the Corn (64) Col
1- 4-47
T
2+2
2+
—
H-
44- 5-
769 Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (93)
752 Singing on the Trail (69) Col
9-14-46
2*2
2+2
2+ 2-
MGM
12- 7-46
2+
+
2±2
H~
44
2+2
8+ 5-
770 Sioux City Sue (69) Rep
12- 7-46
-*-
2+2
2+
2*2
4-
5-4 4—
M
738 Sister Kenny (116) RKO
7-20-46
**
ft-
*+
44
44
44
44
144-
794 Macomber Affair, The (90) UA
1-25-47
+
-4-
_
+
+
-h
44
84- 3—
789 Smash-Up (103) U-l
2-15-47
+
-H-
+
+
+
44
44
10-4
Magic Bow, The ( . . ) U-l
+
14- 1-
732 Smoky (87) 20-Fox
6-22-46
+
2+
+
+
+
44
44
9-4 1-
766 Magnificent Doll, The (94) U-l. . . .
11-23-46
+
-4-
-4
+
-4
44
44
9-4 1-
765 So Dark the Night (70) Col
.11-23-46
+
2*2
it
+
+
4-
-H
7-4 3-
803 Magnificent Rogue, The (75) Rep...
3-22-47
+
3-4 2-
786 Song of Scheherazade (106) U-l...
2- 1-47
+
2+
2+2
+
+
4-
74- 3-
776 Man 1 Love, The (96) WB
12-28-46
-4
2+
4-
2+
74- 5-
Song of the Sierras (55) Mono
+
2+2
2-4 1-
760 Margie (94) 20-Fox
10-19-46
+
-H-
-4
+
+
44
44
104-
762 Song of the South (95) RKO
.11- 1-46
-H-
**
**
44
44
44
44
14-4
792 Michigan Kid (70) U-l
2-22-47
2+
2+
7-4 7-
786 South of the Chisholm Trail (58) Col. 2- 1-47
2*2
2+
H-
3-4 3-
809 Mighty McGurk, The (85) MGM...
4-12-47
+
2+
-4
+
-4
4-
2±2
7-4 2-
Spoilers of the North (66) Rep
2+2
2+ 2—
798 Millie’s Daughter (70) Col
3- 8-47
+
±2
44- 4—
745 Spook Busters (68) Mono
. 8-24-46
2+2
2+ ;
2+2
2*2
H-
2+2
74- 7-
748 Mister Ace (84) UA
8-31-46
+
±2
-4
-4
2+2
+
7-f 3-
780 Stagecoach to Denver (56) Rep. . . .
. 1-11-47
-*-
2+
2+
+
2+
5-4 4-
779 Mister District Attorney (81) Col..
1-11-47
-4-
2+
-4
2+2
-h
2+2
74- 6-
773 Stairway to Heaven (104) U-l
.12-21-46
+
+
44
44
44
44
10-4
773 Mister Hex (63) Mono
12-21-46
2+
2+
2+
2+2
4-
2+2
6-4 5-
805 Stallion Road (97) WB
. 3-29-47
2+2
2*2
2+
+
+
4-
4-
7-4 3-
813 Monsieur Verdoux (120) UA
4-26-47
-H-
2+
44
2+2
8+ 4-
775 Stars Over Texas (57) PRC
.12-28-46
±2
2+2
24- 2-
766 My Brother Talks to Horses (93)
764 Strange Holiday (56) PRC
.11- 9-46
±
2+2
2+2
4-
5-4 4 —
MGM
-4
2+
44
+
-h
+
7-4 2-
751 Strange Journey (67) 20-Fox
. 9-14-46
-+~
-+■
±
±
HH
5+ 5-
758 My Darling Clementine (97) 20-Fox
10-12-46
-4
+
+
-4
4-
44
2+2
8+ 1-
762 Strange Woman, The (101) UA...
.11- 2-46
+
2*2
+
+
+
4-
4-
7-4 X-
791 My Favorite Brunette (87) Para...
2-22-47
+
+
+
+
4-
44
44
9-4
789 Suddenly It’s Spring (87) Para....
. 2-15-47
+
2*2
+
+
+
4-
4-
7-4 1-
My Heart Goes Crazy (..) U-l. ..
1-4 1-
738 Sunset Pass (59) RKO
. 7-20-46
2*2
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+
6-f- 6 —
734 My Pal Trigger (79) Rep
7- 6-46
-4
-4
■+
44
-h
74- 3-
766 Susie Steps Out (65) UA
.11-23-46
2*2
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+
6-f 6—
N
770 Sweetheart of Sigma Chi (76) Mono.
12- 7-46
2+
2+2
+
2+
2+2
4-
64- 4-
771 Swell Guy (87) U-l
.12-14-46
2+2
+
+
+
+
2+
44
8+ 2-
762 Never Say Goodbye (97) WB
11- 2-46
+
2+
+
2+2
2*2
/-f- b —
815 New Orleans (89) UA
5- 3-47
-4
+
+
44
2+2
2+2
7-4 2-
T
736 Night and Day (128) WB
7-13-46
-H-
4+
44
44
44
44
44
144-
806 Tarzan and the Huntress (72) RKO.
. 3-29-47
+
2+2
2+
4-
"1“
2+
—
6-4 4—
755 Nobody Lives Forever (100) WB...
10- 5-46
-4
2+
-4
4-
4-
2+2
4-
7-4 2-
761 Temptation (100) U-l
.11- 2-46
+
2+2
2+
2+
44
+
8-4 4-
757 Nocturne (87) RK0
10-12-46
-1-
2+
+
-h
4-
2+2.
4-
74- 4-
764 Terror Trail (55) Col
.11- 9-46
2+ 2—
747 No Leave, No Love (120) MGM...
8-31-46
-4
+
44
-4
2+2
+
4-
8-4 1-
772 That Brennan Girl (95) Rep
.12-14-46
2+2
+
2+
+
2+
2+
7-4 5—
787 Nora Prentiss (111) WB
2- 8-47
-4-
-h
-4
—
+
2+2
7-4 5-
791 That Way With Women (85) WB. .
. 2-22-47
±2
2+2
+
44
8-h 5 —
739 Notorious (103) RKO
7-27-46
-H-
44
44
44
4-
+
44
12-4
810 That’s My Man (104) Rep
. 4-12-47
+
+
2+
+
4-
2+
4-
7-4 2-
761 Notorious Gentleman (108) U-l ■
11- 2-46
-4
+
+
-4
44
44
8-4
747 They Were Sisters (108) U-l
. 8-31-46
+
2+
+
*4“
+
6-4 2-
o
77513 Rue Madeleine (95) 20-Fox
.12-28-46
+
+
+
+
4-
44
44
9-4 -
792 Thirteenth Hour, The (62) Col
. 2-22-47
2*2
2+
2+
—
4-4 5-
793 Odd Man Out (118) U-l
3- 1-47
44
+
44
44
44
44
11-4
R11 This Hannv Breed (110) U-l
. 4-19-47
+
2+2
+
+
44
44
9-4 2-
734 Of Human Bondage (105) WB
7- 6-46
-4
2*22
2±
Hr
2+2
4-
/-f- b —
751 Three Little Girls in Blue (90) 20-Fox 9-14-46
+
+
+
44
4-
44
44
10-4
810 Other Love, The (95) UA
4-12-47
-4
+
-4
44
44
44
9-4
809 Three on a Ticket (62) PRC
. 4-12-47
+
2+2
2+
2+2
4-
5+ 3-
773 Out California Way (67) Rep
12-21-46
2+
2+2
2*2
4-
b-J- 4 —
730 Three Wise Fools (92) MGM
. 6-15-46
2*2
+
2+
+
4-
4-
2+2
7-4 3-
796 Over the Santa Fe Trail (63) Col.. . .
3- 1-47
±2
+
3-|- 2—
747 Thrill of Brazil, The (91) Col
. 8-31-46
+
-+
2+
-4
+
4-
6-4 3-
778 Overlanders, The (91) E-L
1- 4-47
HH
+
2+2
44
4-
74- 3-
765 Till the Clouds Roll By (120) MGM.
.11-23-46
-H-
+
44
44
44
44
11-4
P
730 Till the End of Time (105) RKO...
. 6-15-46
4+
2*2
2+
+
44
44
4-
10+ 2—
765 Perfect Marriage, The (87) Para...
11-23-46
2+
■±2
^H
+
4-
2t
2±
7-4 5-
743 Time of Their Lives, The (82) U-l.
. 8-17-46
+
2+2
2*2
+
4-
44
2+
8-4 3-
742 Personality Kid (68) Col
8-10-46
2+
H^
Hr
H1
+
2*2
6-)- 5—
804 Time Out of Mind (89) U-l
. 3-22-47
-+
—
2*2
HH
2+
2+
7-4 7-
815 Philo Vance Returns (64) PRC...
5- 3-47
2+
-H
H^
+
2+2
5-4 4-
772 Time, the Place and the Girl, The
815 Philo Vance’s Gamble (62) PRC...
5- 3-47
~
—
2*22
2*2
24- 4-
(105) WB
.12-14-46
2+
2+2
+
+
4-
4-
2+
7-4 3-
784 Pilgrim Lady, The (67) Rep
. 1-25-47
2+2
±2
2+2
2+2
H1
2*z
64- 6—
794 Trail Street (83) RKO
. 3- 1-47
2*2
2+
+
2+
2+
4-
6-4 4-
763 Plainsman and the Lady (82) Rep...
.11- 9-46
2+
H1
±
+
+
2±2
2+2
7-f 5-
785 Trail to San Antone (67) Rep
. 2- 1-47
2*2
2+2
-4
2+
4-
5-4 3-
741 Prairie Badmen (55) PRC
. 8-10-46
-H
2+2
2*2
~h
H^
5-4 5-
Trailing Danger (..) Mono
2+
1+ 1-
793 Private Affairs of Bel Ami, The (115)
779 Trap, The (68) Mono
. 1-11-47
—
2+2
—
3+ 5-
UA
2+
2+
2+2
+
2+2
44
74- 4-
764 Tumbleweed Trails (57) PRC....
.11- 9-46
2+2
2+
4+ 4—
791 Pursued (101) WB
. 2-22-47
+
+
+
4-
4-
44
7-4
811 Twilight on the Rio Grande (71) Rep. 4-19-47
+
2+
2+
—
3+ 3—
Q
739 Two Guys From Milwaukee (90) WB
. 7-27-46
+
+
+
4-
4-
2+
4-
7-4 1-
733 Queen of Burlesque (67) PRC
. 7- 6-46
2+
±2
2+2
2+
2+2
2*2
64- 6-
806 Two Mrs. Carrolls, The (100) WB
. 3-29-47
+
2+2
2+
4-
4-
4+ 2-
805 Queen of the Amazons (61) SG. . . .
. 3-29-47
-4-
±
2+2
—
3-4 4-
730 Two Smart People (93) MGM....
. 6-15-46
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+
4-
6-4 5-
R
748 Two Years Before the Mast (98)
Raiders of the South (58) Mono...
2+2
2+2
^H
3-f 3-
Para
2*2
2+2
4+
+
4-
44
44
10+ 2-
Rainbow Over the Rockies (54) Mono
Hh
H-
3-4 3-
u
793 Ramrod (94) UA
. 3- 1-47
+
2+
+
+
4-
4-
64- 1-
748 Under Nevada Skies (69) Rep
. 8-31-46
2+
3+ 3-
802 Range Beyond the Blue (54) PRC. ..
. 3-15-47
2+
+
2±
2+2
4-4 3-
Undercover Maisie (93) MGM
+
+
+
H-
4+ 1-
770 Razor’s Edge, The (146) 20-Fox. .
.12- 7-46
+4
2±2
+
44
+
7-4 1-
756 Undercurrent (113) MGM
.10- 5-46
+
2+2
+
44
4-
44
4-
9-4 1-
785 Red House, The (93) UA
. 2- 1-47
+
±2
+
+
4-
44
44
94- 1-
772 Unexpected Guest (60) UA
.12-14-46
±2
2+
2+2
2+
2+2
2+
6+ 6-
744 Rendezvous With Annie (90) Rep..
. 8-17-46
+
+
+
4-
4-
4-
6-4
734 Unknown, The (65) Col
. 7- 6-46
-+-
■+
-+
-+■
-+
-+
~+
7-4 7-
787 Renegade Girl (65) SG
. 2- 8-47
2+
24- 2-
80S Untamed Fury (61) PRC
. 4- 5-47
2+
+
+
2+
6+ 4-
767 Return of Monte Cristo, The (91) .
.11-30-46
±2
+
+
2+2
44
8-4 4-
V
733 Return of Rusty (64) Col)
. 7- 6-46
2*Z
2+2
4-
^h
54- 4—
808 Vacation Days (68) Mono
. 4- 5-47
2+2
2+2
2+ 3-
Riding the California Trail (61) Mono
~H
1-4 1-
757 Vacation in Reno (60) RKO
.10-12-46
2+
2+
2+2
2+
—
7+ 7-
796 Road to Hollywood (61) SG
. 3- 1-47
2+
14- 1-
Valley of Fear (54) Mono
—
2+
1+ 2-
754 Roll On Texas Moon (68) Rep
. 9-28-46
2+
2±
2+2
4-
+
54- 3—
766 Verdict, The (86) WB
.11-23-46
+
2+
2+2
+
2+2
4-
+
7+ 3-
760 Rolling Home (71) SG
.10-19-46
2+Z
2±
24 2-
799 Vigilantes of Boomtown (96) Rep. . .
+
2+2
+
+
2+
5+ 2-
s
812 Violence (72) Mono
. . 4-19-47
2+2
2+
+
2+2
2+
5+ 4-
808 San Demetrio, London (78) 20-Fox.
. 4- 5-47
2+
±2
44
+
H1
6-4 3-
w
769 San Quentin (66) RKO
.12- 7-46
~
2+2
+
^h
4-
2+
2+
7-f 5-
766 Wake Up and Dream (92) 20-Fox
.11-30-46
2*2
—
-4
44
2+
8-4 5-
Santa Fe Uprising (56) Rep
2+2
2+
24- 2—
763 Wanted for Murder (97) 20- Fox. .
.11- 9-46
2*2
2+
+
4-
4-
+
&+ 2-
738 Scandal in Paris, A (100) UA
. 7-20-46
+
2+2
2+2
22+2
H-
2+
4-
7-4 5-
814 Welcome Stranger (106) Para. . .
. 4-26-47
**
**
44
44
44
44
12+
790 Sea of Grass, The (123) MGM
. 2-15-47
+
2+2
+
+
4-
44
44
9-4 1-
806 West of Dodge City (57) Col
. 3-29-47
2+2
2+2
2+ 2-
767 Secret Heart, The (97) MGM
.11-30-46
+
±2
44
+
4-
4-
7-4 1-
816 West to Glory (61) PRC
. . 5- 3-47
2*2
2*2
2+2
3+ 3-
761 Secret of the Whistler (65) Col. . .
.11- 2-46
2+
—
4-|- 4 —
751 White Tie and Tails (74) U-l
. . 9-14-46
2+2
2+
4-
4-
2+
5+ 3-
745 Secrets of a Sorority Girl (58) PRC.
. 8-24-46
-H
“h
2+
=
44- 6-
771 Wicked Lady, The (98) U-l
. .12-14-46
+
2+
2+2
4-
+
6-4 3-
795 Seven Were Saved (72) Para
. 3- 1-47
-h
2+2
4-
4-
4-
74- 4—
762 Wife Wanted (73) Mono
. .11- 2-46
2+
2+2
2+
■4+ 4—
744 Shadow of a Woman (79) WB
. 8-17-46
2+
2+2
H-
2+2
2+
-H
7-4 7-
743 Wild Beauty (61) U-l
. . 8-17-46
—
4-
2+
5+ 4-
756 Shadowed (70) Col
.10- 5-46
2+
2+2
4-
2+2
2+2
5-4 4-
785 Wild Country (57) PRC
. . 2- 1-47
2+2
—
—
—
♦
4+ 4—
779 Shocking Miss Pilgrim, The (55)
769 Wild West (73) PRC
. .12- 7-46
2*2
+
2+2
5+ 4-
20- Fox
. 1-11-47
+
2+:
2+2
+
4-
4-
6+ 2-
Woman on the Beach, The (..) RKO
+
1+
809 Shoot to Kill (65) SG
. 4-12-47
-4
+
2+
44- 2-
T
743 Show-Off, The (84) MGM
. 8-17-46
+
+
+
2+2
2*2
4-
-h
7-4 3-
810 Yankee Fakir (71) Rep
. . 4-12-47
+
2+
2+2
4-
5-4 3-
Silver Range (55) Mono
2+2
2+2
2-4 2-
770 Yearling, The (135) MGM
. .12- 7-46
++
+f
44
44
44
44
44
14-4
792 Sin of Harold Diddlebock, The (94)
. 2-22-47
+
+
+
+
+
4-
6-4
802 Years Between, The (88) U-l
.. 3-15-47
2*2
2+2
2+
4-
44
7+ 4-
SHORTS CHART
Short subjects, listed by Company, in order of release. Running time follows
title. First date is National release, second the date of review in BOXOFFICE.
Symbol between dates is rating from the BOXOFFICE review: 44 Very Good,
+ Good, ^Fair, =i= Mediocre, — Poor, = Very Poor. ©Indicates color photography.
Columbia
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
ALL-STAR COMEDIES
8433 Slappily Married (J. De Rita)
(16'/z) 11-7 ± 4-19
8423 Reno-Vated (V. Vague)
(lgl/2) 11-21 ± 1-4
8434 Moron Than Off (S. Holloway)
(17) 11-28 + 2-8
8403 Three Little Pirates (Stooges)
(18) 12-5 + 1-25
8435 Andy Plays Hookey (Andy
Clyde) (IS) 12-19 ± 2-15
8404 Half Wits’ Holiday
(Three Stooges) (XlVz) 1-9 . ...
8436 Meet Mr. Mischief
(H. Von Zell) <17'/2) . . 1-23 ± 4-5
8424 Hot Heir (H. Herbert)
(16'/2) 2-13 ± 3-22
8437 Scooper Dooper (S. Holloway)
(15) 2-27
8405 Fright Night (Stooges)
(17) 3-6
8438 The Good Bad Egg
(J. DeRita) (17) 3-20
8439 Bride and Gloom (S. Howard)
(16) 3-27
8440 Two Jills and a Jack
(A. Clyde) (..) 4-17
8406 Out West (Stooges)
(17J/2) 4-24 +
8425 Cupid Goes Nuts (16).. 5- 1
8426 Nervous Shakedown (15'/^) 5- 8
COLOR PHANTASIES
8701 Fowl Brawl (6) 1-9 -4-
8702 Uncultured Vulture (6) . . 2- 6 ±
8703 Wacky Quacky (6) 3-20
8704 Leave Us Chase It (..).. 4-24
COLOR RHAPSODIES
(Technicolor)
8501 Loco Lobo (6) 1-9 +
8502 Cockatoos for Two (6).. .2-13 +
8503 Big House Blues (7) 3- 6
8504 Mother Huba-Huba-Hubbard
(6) 5-29
COMMUNITY SING
8651 No. 1 The Gypsy (Leibert)
(9/z) 9-12 ±
8652 No. 2 It's a Pity to Say Good-
night (Baker) (10}/2) • .10-10 -+-
8653 No. 3 Surrender (Leibert)
(9|/2) 11-14 +
8654 No. 4 Pretending (Baker)
(10) 12-19 +
8655 No. 5 Rumors Are Flying
(Leibert) (9'/2) 1-23
8656 No. 6 Ole Buttermilk Sky
(Baker) (10) 2-27
8657 No. 7 The Coffee Song
(Leibert) (..) 3-13
8658 No. 8 I'll Close My Eyes
(Baker) (. .) 4-17
8659 No. 9 Mr. Leibert at the
Organ (10) 5-22
Paramount
Prod. No.
Rel. Date Rating Rev’d. Prod. No.
Title
4-12
3-29
5- 3
4- 19
5- 3
12-14
11-16
4-19
4-19
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
8852 No. 2 Looking Down on Holly-
wood (10) 10-3 -+-
8853 No. 3 Rodeo (10) 11- 7
8854 No. 4 Skolsky Party
(10) 12-26 ±
8855 No. 5 Movie Columnists
(9) 1-23
8856 No. 6 Behind the Mike (9) 2- 6
8857 No. 7 Holiday in Las Vegas
(10) 3-13 +
8858 No. 8 My Pal Ringeye
(10) 4-10
8859 No. 9 Famous Hollywood
Mothers (10) 5- 1
SPORT REELS
8801 Army Football Champions
(11) 9-19 +
8802 Ten Pin Magic (10) 10-24 +
8803 Hi Li (9>/2) 11-21 +
8804 Best in Show Dogs (10). .12-12
8805 Polo (10) 1.30
8806 Cue Tricks (9) 2-20
8807 Tennis Wizards (. .) 3-20
8808 Goofy Golf (..) 4-24
8809 Wrestling (9) 5-29
THRILLS OF MUSIC
11-30
4-19
4-19
11- 9
4-19
4-19
8951 Jerry Wald & Orch. (10) 9-12
+
11-23
8952 Machito & Orch. (10'/2>
10-17
-4-
12-14
8953 Les Elgart & Orch. (10j.
8954 Ray McKinley & Orch.
11-28
+
4-19
<9'/2)
.11-28
+
1-11
8955 Shorty Sherock & Orch.
<8/z)
1-23
5- 3
8956 Buddy Morrow & Orch.
(9/z)
. 2-27
8957 George Towne & Orch. (. .
) 3-27
8958 Ray Anthony & Orch. (10) 5-22
SERIALS
8120 Son of the Guardsman. . .
.10-24
10-19
15 Chapters
8140 Jack Armstrong
2- 6
44
2- 8
15 Chapters
8160 The Vigilante
. 5-22
FITZPATRICK TRAVELTALKS
(Technicolor)
T-713 Land of Mayas (..)... 1-26
T-714 Glimpses of Guatemala
(8) 2-9 + 2-16
T-715 Visiting Vera Cruz (..) 3-16 ++ 2-9
T-716 The Mission Trail (..).. 4-13 ....
T-717 Looking at London (..). 6- 1 + 6-1
T-718 Over the Seas to Belfast
(--) 8-31
T-811 Glimpses of California
(9) 10-26 + 4-19
T-812 Calling on Costa Rica
(10) 3-15 + 3-29
MINIATURES
M-783 Musical Masterpieces
(10) 4-20 +4 4-6
M-784 Bikini — The Atom Island 6-15 -f 6-15
MGM NEWS OF THE DAY
(Released Twice Weekly)
MGM SPECIALS
A-702 Purity Squad (20) 11-3 44 10-3
A-703 Traffic With the Devil
(17) 8-31 44 9-14
A-801 Luckiest Guy in the World
(21) 1-25
MGM TECHNICOLOR CARTOONS
W-734 Lonesome Lenny (8) ... 3- 9 4- 4- 6
W-737 The Hick Chick (7) 6-15
W-739 Nortnwest Hounded Police
(••)
W-831 Henpecked Hoboes (7). .10-26 44 4-19
W-834 Hound Hunters (7).... 4-12 ....
MGM TOM & JERRY CARTOONS
Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
GEORGE PAL PUPPETOONS
(Technicolor)
RKO Radio
U5-3 Olio for Jasper (7)....
U5-4 Together in the Weather
4-19
+
4-13
(7)
5-24
44
6- 8
U5-5 Jasper's Derby (8)
U5-6 John Henry and the Inky
9-20
44
5-18
Poo (7)
. 9- 6
U5-7 Jasper in a Jam (7) . . .
.10-18
44
12-1.4
U5-8 Shoe Shine Jasper (7) . .
2-28
4-
2-15
U6-1 Wilbur the Lion (10) . . .
. 4-18
15 Chapters
W-735 Springtime for Thomas
(9) 3-30
W-736 The Milky Waif (7) 5-18
W-738 Trap Happy (7) 6-29
W-740 Solid Serenade (. .) 8-31
W-832 Cat Fishin’ (8) 2-22
W-833 Part Time Pal (8) 3-15
W-835 Cat Concerto (7) 4-26
PASSING PARADE
4-13
7- 1
4- 19
5- 3
K-775 Magic on a Stick (10). .
1- 9
44
2-16
K-776 Our Old Car (10)
5-11
44
4- 6
K-871 A Really Important Person
(10) 1-11
3-15
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
S-757 Fala at Hyde Park (9) . .
1-19
44
1-26
S-758 Studio Visit (..)
5-11
+
7- 1
S-759 Equestrian Quiz (..)..
5-18
44
7- 1
S-760 Treasures From Trash...
6- 8
6- 1
S-851 Football Thrills No. 9
(9)
9- 7
S-852 Sure Cures (9)
11- 2
S-853 1 Love My Husband
But (9)
12- 7
S-854 Playing by Ear (..)....
12-28
44
1-25
S-S55 Athletiquiz (9)
1-11
+
4-19
S-856 Diamond Demon (9) . . . .
2- 1
2-22
S-857 Early Sports Quiz (9) . . .
3- 1
44
4- 5
S-858 1 Love M.y Wife But (9)
4-15
44
4-12
S-859 Neighbor Pests (9)
5- 3
+
4-26
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
R5- 8 Riding the Hickories (9) 5-17 + 7-1
R5- 9 Birds Make Sport (9).. 6-21
R5-10 Feminine Class (10) . . . 7-19
R6- 1 Race Horses Are Born
(9) 10-4
R6- 2 Dive Hi Champs (10) . 10-11
R6- 3 Queens of the Court (10) 11-15
R6- 4 Like Father, Like Son
(10) 12-13
R6- 5 Jumping Jacks (9!/2) . . . 1-10
R6- 6 Selling the Sun (10) 1-31
7 Under White Sails (9) . . 2-28
+
+
44
+
6- 29
7- 20
10- 5
12-14
1-18
R6- Bleed Lightning (10).... 4-18
LITTLE LULU
(Technicolor)
D5-2 Bargain Counter Attack
(7)
5- 3
44
4-13
D5-3 Bored of Education (7) . .
D5-4 Chick and Double Chick
7-26
5-18
(6)
8-16
-4-
7-27
D5-5 Musica-Lulu (7)
D5-6A Scout With the Gout
1-24
44
2- 1
(7)
3- 7
3-15
D6-1 Loose in the Caboose (8)
5-23
MUSICAL PARADES
(Technicolor)
FF5-3 College Queen (19).... 5-17
FF5-4 Tale of Two Cafes (18) 7- 5
FF5-5 Double Rhythm (20)... 8-23
FF5-6 Golden Slippers (17).. 12-13
FF6-1 Sweet and Low (19) .... 3-28
FF6-2 Champagne for Two (20)
6-13
NOVELTOON
(Technicolor)
P5-2 Cheese Burglar (7) 5-17
P5-3 Old MacDonald Had a Farm
(7) 6-7
P5-4 Sheep Shape (7) 6-28
P5-5 Goal Rush (6) 9-27
P5-6 Sudden Fried Chicken
(7) 10-18
P6-1 Spree for All (7) 10-18
P6-2 Stupidstitious Cat (7) . . 4-25
P6-3 The Enchanted Square
(10) . . . .• 5-9
PACEMAKERS
K6-1 Brooklyn, I Love You
(10) 10-4
K6-2 Love in Tune (9'/2) ... .10-25
K6-3 Radio, Take It Away (11) 1-31
K6-4 Try and Catch Me (9).. 2-14
K6-5 Brains Can Be Beautiful
(9) 5-30
PARAMOUNT NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
POPEYE CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
E5-2 Service With a Guile (6) . . 4-19
E5-3 Klondike Casanova (8)... 5-31
E5-4 Peep in the Deep (7)... 6- 7
E5-5 Rocket to Mars (6) 8- 9
E5-6 Rodeo Romeo (6) 8-16
E5-7 The Fistic Mystic (6).. 2- 7
E5-8 The Island Fling (7) 3-14
E6-1 Abusement Park (7) 4-25
5-25
7- 1
7-20
12-13
4- 5
-44
3- 9
+
6-15
44
7- 6
+
8-17
+
9-17
+
5-25
+
1-25
7-27
11-23
+
2-15
+ 4-13
5-18
7- 1
12-28
10-26
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
DISNEY CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
64.105 In Dutch (7) 5-10
64.106 Squatter's Rights (7) . . 6- 7
64.107 Donald's Double Trouble
(7) 6-28
64.108 The Purloined Pup (7) . 7-19
64.109 Wet Paint (7)
64.110 Dumb Bell of the Yukon
(7) 8-30
64.111 Lighthouse Keeping (7) 9-20
64.112 Bath Day (7) 10-11
64.113 Frank Duck Brings ’Em
Back Alive (7) 11- 1
64.114 Double Dribble (7).... 11-29
64.115 Pluto’s Housewarming
(7) 12-20
64.116 Figaro and Frankie (7). 2-27
64.117 Straight Shooters (6) . . 4-18
EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDIES
63.404 Wall Street Blues (17) 7-12 ± 7-27
63.405 Motor Maniacs (18) ± 9-17
63.406 Noisy Neighbors (18) 4- 10-12
73.401 I'll Build It Myself
(15) 10-18 + 10-12
73.402 Do Or Diet (18) 2-10 ± 4-5
73.403 Social Terrors (18).... 4-11 ....
RAY WHITLEY WESTERN MUSICALS
73.501 Bar Buckaroos (16) .... 9- 6 ± 11- 9
73.502 Cupid Rides the Range
(18) >- 10-11
73.503 Bandits and Ballads
(17) 11-15 ± 11-16
73.504 Buckaroo Broadcast
(18) 12-20 + 1-4
SPECIAL
73,901 Football Highlights of
1946 (18) 12-10 4-
FLICKER FLASHBACKS
74.201 No. 1 (9) 9-13
74.202 No. 2 (9) 10-25
74.203 No. 3 (8) 12- 6
74.204 No. 4 (10) 1-17 ±
74.205 No. 5 (8) 2-28 ±
74.206 No. 6 (9) 4-11
4+ 5-3
11- 2
11- 9
4-19
4- 13
5- 25
7- 1
6- 29
7- 20
11- 30
12- 21
5- 3
POPULAR SCIENCE
(Color)
J5-5 No. 5 (10) 6-21 + 6-29
J5-6 No. 6 (10 8-16
J6-1 No. 1 (11) 11-1 4+ 12-7
J6-2 The Sponge Divers (11).. 1-17 ± 4-19
J6-3 Air-Borne Pastures (11) . . 2-28
J6-4 Marine Miracles (10).... 4-4
SPEAKING OF ANIMALS
Y5-4 In the Wilds (9) 5-10
Y5-5 The Lonesome Stranger
(10) 6-14 +
Y5-6 Be Kind to Animals (10) 8-30
Y6-1 Stork Crazy (10) 10-18 ±
Y6-2 Pooch Parade (10) 12-27 +
Y6-3 In Country Life (9) 2-21 +
Y6-4 They’re Not So Dumb (8) 3-28 +
TWO-REEL SPECIAL
T5-2 Don’t Be a Sucker (18) . . 7- 4 4+
37 Two Decades of History
(22/z) 1-4
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS
(Color)
L5-4 No. 4 (10) 5-24 +
L5-5 No. 5 (10) 7-12 +
L5-6 No. 6 (10) 8-30
L6-1 No. 1 (10) 12-13 44
L6-2 Swedish Glass Makers (10) 2-14
L6-3G.I. Hobbies fll) 3-14 +
L6-4 The Stunt Girl (. .) 5-2
± 5-18
6-29
1-4
3- 22
4- 19
5- 3
5-11
4-13
6-29
11-23
3-29
12-21
4-19
4-19
HEADLINER REVIVALS
53.201 Songs of the Colleges
(15) 9-8
63.201 The Derby Decade (22) 9-21
63.202 Russian Dressing (18) . .11-23 12-29
63.203 Twenty Girls and a Band
(18) 1-18 + 2-2
63.204 Sea Melody (19) 3-15 qp 4-13
63.205 Follow That Music (18) 1-31 ± 2-8
LEON ERROL COMEDIES
63.704 Twin Husbands (18).. 5-10 +
63.705 I’ll Take Milk (18) 7-19 +
63.706 Follow That Blonde (18) 9-27 ±
73.701 Borrowed Blonde (15) . . 3- 7 —
73.702 Wife Tames Wolf (17).. 3-28 ±
MUSICAL
FEATURETTES
(18).... 11-29 +
73.201 Melody Time
73.202 Follow That Music (IS) 1-31
PATHE NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
6- 15
7- 27
9-28
3- 22
4- 12
12-28
64.310
64.311
64.312
64.313
74.301
74.302
74.303
74.304
74.305
74.306
74.307
74.308
74.309
63.107
63.108
63.109
63.110
63.111
63.112
63.113
73.101
73.102
73.103
73.104
73.105
73.106
PATHE SPORTSCOPE
Aqua Queens (8)
Ben Hogan (8)
Palmetto Quail (8)..
Steeplechasers (8) ...
Hail Notre Dame
Bowling Fever (9
(8).
5-17
+
6-15
6-14
-4-
7- 6
7-12
+
8-24
7-31
-f-
12- 7
8-30
44
10-26
12-28
11-22
11-30
1-13
44
1-11
1-10
4-19
College Climbers (8)..
Ski Champions (8) 1-10
Ice Skippers (8) 3-7
Wild Turkey (8) 4- 4
Racing Sleuth (8) .... 5-9
THIS IS AMERICA
No Place Like Home
(16) 5-3 44 5-25
Panama (16) 5-31 ± 6-15
Port of New York (16) 6-28 44 7-6
Courtship to Courthouse (16) + 8-17
Highway Mania (17) ++ 9-17
White House (17) 4- 10-5
Northern Rampart (17) .... ++■ 11-2
Beauty for Sale (..).. .11-22 + 11-16
Germany Today (16) . . .12-13 (4 12-21
A Nation Is Born (17) 1-17 (4 2-1
Campus Boom (16).... 2- 7 jf 3-8
San Francisco (16).. 3-7+4 3-15
Forgotten Island (18) .4-4 44 4-26
12
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide
May 12, 1947
SHORTS CHART
20th Century-Fox
Prod. No.
Title
Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
DRIBBLE PUSS PARADE
6902 Muscle Maulers (8) .... 5-31
(9).. 1-17
+
7901 Monkey-Tone News (9).. 1-17
7951 Fisherman’s Nightmare (8) 5- 2
2-22
14
SPORTS
7301 Football Fanfare (9) 8-23 -f
7351 Winter Holiday (8) 9-27
7352 Summer Trails (8) 11- 8
7353 Playtime’s Journey (8) . . .12-13
7302 Style of the Stars (10) . . 2- 7
7303 Tanbark Champion (8). ...5-23
FOX MOVIETONE NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
MARCH OF TIME
Vol. 12, No. 9 Wanted — More Homes!
(20) 4-19
Vol. 12, No. 10 Tomorrow’s Mexico
(■•) 5-17
Vol. 12, No. 11 Problem Drinkers
(19) 6-14
Vol. 12, No. 12 The New France 7-12
Vol. 12, No. 13 Atomic Power
(19) 8-9
Vol. 13, No. 1 Is Everybody Happy?
(--) 9-6
Vol. 13, No. 2 World Food Problem
(-■) 10- 4
Vol. 13, No. 3 The Soviet's Neighbor
(17%) 11- 1
Vol. 13, No. 4 The American Cop
(••) 11-29
Vol. 13, No. 5 Nobody’s Children
(••) 12-27
Vol. 13, No. 6 Germany — Handle
With Care (19) 1-24
Vol. 13, No. 7 Fashion Means
Business (..) 2-21
Vol. 13, No. 8 The Teachers’ Crisis
(■•) 3-21
Vol. 13, No. 9 Storm Over Britain
(■•) 4-18
MOVIETONE ADVENTURES
(Color)
6259 Cradle of Liberty (8) . . . 6-21 ....
6260 Across the Great Divide
(8) 7-5
7251 Sous of Courage (8) .... 8- 2 + 10- 5
7252 Jamaica ( . . ) 9-13 ....
7253 Historic Capetown (..).. 10-18 ....
7254 Girl and Gaos (8) 11-22 ± 4-12
7201 Fantasy of Siam (8) .... 1- 3 -f- 1-18
7202 Royalty of the Range (9) 3-7 -j- 4-19
7255 The Cape of Good Hope (8) 4-11 + 4-19
7256 Zululand (8) 6-6 ± 4-26
7257 Gardens of the Sea 6-13 ....
7258 Romance of the Fjords
(..) 6-27
7203 Harvest of the Sea (9) . . 7- 4
Universal-International
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
ANSWER MAN SERIES
2391 Answer Man No. 1 (10) . .10-21 + 9-21
2392 No. 2 Nature's Atom Bomb
(10) 12-30 + 1-4
2393 No. 3 The Jungle Gangster
(9) 3-3 ± 4-19
2394 No. 4 Red Fury (8) 3-24 ± 5-3
JUVENILE JURY SERIES
2361 No. 1 (11) .12-16 +
2362 No. 2 (10) 3-31 +
LANTZ CARTUNES
(Technicolor)
2321 Fair Weather Fiends (7). 11-18
2322 Wacky Weed (7) 12-16
2323 Musical Moments (8)... 2-24
2324 Smoked Hams (7) 4-28
2325 Coo-Coo Bird (. .) 6- 9
2326 Overture to William Tell
(7) 6-16
2- 8
4-19
1- 25
2- 15
5- 3
-H-
4-20
■H-
5-18
NAME BAND MUSICALS
-H-
6-15
1308 Takin’ the Breaks (15) . . 5-22
+
7- 1
■H-
7-20
Russ Morgan & Orch.
+
8-10
1309 Banquet of Melody (15) . 5-29
+
4-27
Matty Malneck & Orch.
1310 Swingin' Down the Scale
+
10-12
(15) Alvino Rey & Orch. 6-26
+
7- 1
1311 Breakin’ It Down (15).. 8-28
+
6-17
+
11- 2
Del Courtney & Orch.
11-30
2301 Frontier Frolic (15) 10- 9
+
1- 4
Bob Wills & Orch.
+t
12-28
2302 Champagne Music (15).. 11-20
-H
1-18
+
1-25
Lawrence Welk & Orch.
2303 Tumbleweed Tempos (16) 12- 4
2- 1
2-22
Spade Cooley & Orch.
3-22
2304 Moonlight Melodies (15) 12-18
+
1-11
Frankie Carle & Orch.
-H-
4-19
2305 Tex Beneke and the Glenn
Miller Orch. (15) . . . 3-26
-H-
4-19
2306 Melody Maestro (15)
2307 Tommy Tucker & Orch
2308 Charlie Barnet & Orch
(■)
2309 Charlie Spivak & Orch
(--)
i 2310 Jitterumba ( . . ) .
4- 2
.)...
4- 16
5- 14
6- 25
TERRY-TOONS
(Technicolor)
6515 Mighty Mouse in Throwing
the Bull (7) 5-3
6516 Mighty Mouse in the Trojan
Horse (7) 7-26
6517 Dinky Finds a Home (7) 6- 7
6518 Mighty Mouse in the Johnstown
Flood (7) 6-28
6519 Gandy Goose in Peacetime
Football (7) 7-19
6520 Gandy Goose in the Golden
Hen (7) 5-24
7501 Mighty Mouse in Winning the
West (7) 8-16
7502 The Tortoise Wins Again
(7) 8-30
7503 Mighty Mouse in the Electronic
Mouse Trap (7) 9-6
7504 Mighty Mouse in the Jail Break
(7) 9-20
7505 The Snow Man (7) 10-11
7506 The Housing Problem (7) 10-25
7507 Mighty Mouse in the Crackpot
King (7) 11-15
7508 Talking Magpies in the Uninvited
Pests (7) 11-29
7509 Mighty Mouse and the Hep Cat
(7) 12- 6
7510 Beanstalk Jack (7) 12-20
7511 Mighty Mouse in Crying Wolf
(7) 1-10
7512 The Talking Magpies in
McDougal’s Rest Farm (7) 1-31
7513 Mighty Mouse in Dead End
Cats (7) 2-14
7514 The Talking Magpies in Happy
Go Lucky (7) 2-28
7515 Gandy Goose in Mexican
Baseball (7) 3-14
7516 Mighty Mouse in Aladdin’s
Lamp (7) 3-28
7517 The Talking Magpies in Cat
Trouble (7) 4-11
7518 Mighty Mouse in Sky Is Falling
(7) 4-25
7519 Talking Magpies in the
Intruder (7) 5-9
7520 Mighty Mouse Meets Deadeye
Dick (7) 5-30
5- 3
+ 5-4
+ 6-8
± 7-20
+
+
6- 8
6- 8
4-27
10-19
-j- 9-21
+ 2-15
tt 4-19
PERSON-ODDITIES
1369 Scientifically Stung (9) .
. 6-10
+
7- 1
1370 Lone Star Padre (9) . . .
. 6-17
1371 Artist's Antics (9)
. 6-24
+
7- 6
1372 Picture Pioneer (9) . . . .
. 7- 1
+
7- 6
1373 Hobo Hound (9)
. 8-19
+
9-28
1374 Sampson Junior (9)....
. 8-19
10-19
1375 Rural Rhapsody (9) . . . .
. 8-26
10-26
SING AND BE HAPPY SERIES
2381 Bit of Blarney (10) 9-30 + 10-26
2382 The Singing Barbers (9) . . 2-17 + 2-22
2383 Let's Sing a College Song
<•■) 4-14
2384 Let’s Sing a Western Song
(•■) 5-19
SPECIAL FEATURETTES (2 REELS)
1201 Tiny Terrors of the Timberlands
(20) 6-26 -H- 4-6
UNIVERSAL NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
VARIETY VIEWS
1349 Dog of the Seven Se
1350 Magic Mineral (9).
1353 Mr. Chimp to the Rescue
(9)
1354 Mr. Chimp on Vacation
(10)
2341 Bear Facts (10)
2342 Pelican Pranks (9)
2343 Wild West Chimp (9) . . .
SERIALS
1681-1693 The Royal Mounted Rides
Again 10-23 + 1-26
13 Chapters
1781-1793 The Scarlet Horseman 1-22 ++ 2-16
13 Chapters
1881-1893 Lost City of the
Jungle 4-23 ± 4-27
13 Chapters
2581-2593 Mysterious Mr. M.. . 7-23 + 8-10
Warner Bros.
Prod. No.
Title
Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
BLUE RIBBON HIT PARADE
(Technicolor)
2310 Little Brother Rat (7).. 6- 8
2311 Johnny Smith & Poker Huntas
(7)
2312 Rohm Hood Makes Good
(7)
2313 Little Red Walking Hood
(7)
3301 Fox Pop (7) 9-28
3302 wacky Worm (7) 10-12
3303 You re an Education
(7) 10-26
3304 Have You Got Any Castles
(7)
3305 Pigs Is Pigs (7) 2-22
3306 Cat's Tale (7) 3-29
3307 Goofy Groceries (7) 4-19
BUGS BUNNY SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
6- S
litas
+
6-22
6-22
+
8-10
7- 6
+
8- 3
8-17
9-14
9-28
++
10- 5
10-12
+
11- 9
10-26
+
11-16
2- 1
5- 3
2-22
, 3-29
. 4-19
+
4-19
2725 Rhapsody Rabbit (7) . . .
2726 Hare Grows in Manhattan
(7)
5-25
-H
6- 1
6-29
+
6-22
10- 5
-t-
12-28
11- 9
•ft
1- 4
3-22
FEATURETTES
3101 Okay for Sound (20) .
3103 Alice in Movieland (2C
3104 Dog in the Orchard (
9- 7
12-21
-H-
7-20
1-11
-H-
3-29
2- 8
-H-
4-12
3106 Remember When (20) .... 4-5
JOE McDOAKES COMEDIES
3401 So Yod Want to Keep Your
Hair (10) 12-7 3= 11-30
3402 So You Want to Play the
Horses (10) 10-5 ++ 10-26
3403 So You Think You're a
Nervous Wreck (10)... 12-28 it: 4-5
3404 So You’re Going to Be a Father
(10) 5-10
MELODY MASTERS
2609 Musical Memories (10).. 7-6 ....
2610 Enric Madriguera & Orch.
(10) 8-10 ct 8-24
3601 Desi Arnaz & Band (10). 10-12 ....
3602 Melody of Youth (10) - - 12-14 -H 4-19
3603 Big Time Revue (10) .... 1-25 -f- 3-8
3604 Stan Kenton & Orch. (10) 2-22 =£ 4-19
3605 Vaudeville Revue (10) . . . 4-12 ± 5-3
MERRIE MELODIES
(Technicolor)
2701 Kitty Kornered (7)
2702 Hollywood Daffy (7)....
2703 Eager Beaver (7)
2704 Great Piggy Bank Robbery
(7)
2705 Bacall to Arms (7)
2706 Of Thee I Sting (7)
2707 Walky Talky Hawky (7)..
2708 Fair and Wormer (7) . . . .
2709 Mousmerized Cat (7)....
2710 Mouse Menace (7)
2711 Roughly Squeaking (7) . .
2712 One Meat Brawl (7) . . . .
2713 Goofy Gophers (7)
2714 Gay Anties (7)
2715 Scent- 1 mental Over You
(7) 3- 8
2716 Birth of a Notion (7)... 4-12
2717 Tweetie Pie (7) 5-3
2718 Rabbit Transit (7) 5-10
2719 Hobo Bobo (7) 5-17
SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
6- 8
+
6-22
6-22
+
6-22
7-13
8- 3
7-20
+
8-10
8- 3
8-24
8-17
-f
8-31
8-31
-H-
9-14
. 9-28
10-19
-H-
12-2i
11- 2
12-14
11-23
4-19
. 1-18
. 1-25
2-15
4-1.9
2005 South of Monterrey
(20). 6- 1
-H
6-22
2006 Hawaiian Memories
(20). 6-15
++
5-25
2007 Down Singapore Way (10) 7-20
2806 Adventures in South America
8- 3
GO)
8-10
8-31
2008 Men of Tomorrow
(10). . 8-24
-H-
7- 6
TWO-REEL SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
3001 Cinderella’s Feller (20) .
3002 The Last Bomb (20) . . .
. 9-21
.11- 2
6-17
+
7- 6
3003 A Boy and His Dog (20) .
4-26
-H-
7- 1
+
6- 1
3004 Saddle Up (20)
3- 1
8-12
8-26
-H
7- 6
10- 5
3005 Song of a Nation (20) .
5-31
8-26
11- 9
SPORTS PARADE
2511 Beach Days (10) 7-13
. 8-26
-+-
9-28
2512 Ranch in White (10) . . . .
8- 3
. 2-24
. 2-24
+
4-19
4-26
2513 Dominion of Sports (10)
3501 King of the Everglades
.8-31
. 3-17
-4-
5- 3
GO)
9-14
. 4-21
3502 Lazy Hunter (10)
10-26
9-21
9-21
4-26
8-31
8- 31
9- 28
12- 7
5- 3
3- 22
4- 19
3503 Battle of Champs (10).. 1-18 ±
3504 American Sports Album
(10) 3-8 +
3505 Let’s Go Swimming (10). 1- 4 ±
3506 Arrow Magic (10) 3-22
3507 Harness Racing (10).... 5-3 ....
3508 Flying Sportsmen in Jamaica
(10) 5-24
TECHNICOLOR ADVENTURES
3801 Star Spangled City (10). 10- 19 ++ 11- 2
3802 Rubber River (10) 11-16 ± 12-14
3803 Kingdom of the Wild (10) 3-15 -f 4-19
Miscellaneous
Republic
SERIALS
584 The Crimson Ghost (..).. 10-26
12 Chapters
691 Son of Zorro ( . . ) 1-18
13 Chapters
692 Jungle Girl (..) rerelease. 4-19
15 Chapters
Jesse James Rides Again. . . 3-21
13 Chapters
The Black Widow. . . .
13 Chapter*
G-Men Never Forget.
13 Chapters
United Artists
DAFFY DITTIES
The Lady Said No (8).
. 4-26
++
4-27
Choo Choo Amigo (8) •
. 7- 5
++
7-20
©Pepito’s Serenade (..)
. 8-16
tt
9-14
LOEW MUSICOLOR
Toccata and Fugue (10) .
.10-15
•H-
10-19
Movietone News, No. 70: Marshall re-
turns from Moscow as parley fails; special
session of UN; train blown up in Palestine;
Moscow — behind the Iron Curtain; gale
wrecks British ship; mine safety equip-
ment; Lew Lehr; sports — Babe Ruth day.
News of the Day, No. 268: Palestine is-
sue goes to UN; terror flares anew in the
Holy land; Marshall home from Moscow,
Truman praises firm stand; Warspite on
rocks; mine perils demonstrated; sports.
Paramount News, No. 71: Drake relays
set pace for Olympics; spotlight on labor;
UN-Palestine session opens; Marshall re-
turns home with Moscow report; baseball
honors one and only Babe Ruth.
Pathe News, No. 73: Marshall home — re-
ports to the President; UN mission on
Palestine; baseball honors Babe Ruth;
religion in Russia.
Universal News, No. 34: UN general as-
sembly undertakes settlement of Palestine
question; train blown up as terrorists strike
again in Holy land; bureau of mines
re-creates coal mine explosions in demon-
stration tests; Marshall returns from tour-
power conference; bulletproof vest demon-
strated in Philadelphia; nation's baseball
fans honor Babe Ruth; Montreal team
wrestlers clash head on.
Movietone News, No. 71: Marshall re-
ports on failure of Moscow parley; re-
ligion— Charles Gilbert is installed as
bishop of Protestant church; Truman wel-
comes Mexican president to U.S.; Chiang
Kai-shek; British royal family — names in
the news; Australian girls wear scarves
for bathing suits; sports.
News of the Day, No. 269: Mexican
S resident gets huge ovation on visit to
. S . ; royal family sees Victoria falls;
religion in the news; Chiang on vacation;
strange visitors; British football classics.
Paramount News, No. 72: Viva Aleman —
capital hails Mexican president; royalty
meets in Rhodesia; animal world head-
lines; intimate films — Chiang visits birth-
place; 1947 pioneer-veteran wins stake in
rich acres.
Pathe News, No. 74: Czech collaborators
sentenced; Princess Catherine weds; as-
sembly line homes; Chiang on vacation;
Mexican president visits U.S.
Universal News, No. 35: Mexican presi-
dent welcomed to nation's capital; dyna-
mite blast set off by Palestine terrorists;
royal family visits Victoria falls; stirring
funeral rites for Danish king in Denmark;
General Franco reviews victory parade in
Madrid; Greek king takes oath in Athens;
Australia's "platypus" draws throngs to
Bronx zoo; Yo-Yo demonstration at Hous-
ton, Tex.
All American News, Vol. 5, No. 237: Chi-
cago's famous Sheil house is haven for
kids; Negro ball teams exhibit "stuff”;
the old Arkansas artist; the senator from
Detroit; the Penn relays.
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 12, 1947
13
SHORTS REVIEWS
Opinions on ihe Current Short Subjects
Rodeo
Col (Screen Snapshots, No. 3) 10 Mins.
Very good. The annual rodeo in Los An-
geles' Memorial Coliseum includes plenty ol
action shots of bronco busting, calf roping
and steer riding. Roy Rogers and Trigger ap-
pear and the horse goes through his paces.
Victor McLaglen's troopers perform maneuvers
on horseback, but the footage devoted to the
actors in the audience at the rodeo is kept
down to a minimum. Narration is directed
to the juvenile trade.
Best in Show (Dogs)
Col (Sports Reel) 10 Mins.
Good. Training and preparation of a dog
for show-ring competition are shown, with
commentary by Bill Stern. Dog owners will
get tips on handling their pets from the train-
ers at Kenneth Cobb's kennels. The process
of handling the animal from the time a three-
month old pup is taught to walk until he
emerges as winner of the blue ribbon as "best
in show" is covered.
Rumors Are Flying
Col (Community Sing, No. 5) 9i/2 Mins.
Entertaining. Audiences should enjoy join-
ing the Song Spinners in renditions of "Ru-
mors Are Flying" currently being played on
Hit Parade; "Either It's Love Or It Isn't";
"Theres Nothing the Matter With Me That
a Kiss Can't Cure"; "Pity the Poor Lobster"
and "Stars Fell on Alabama," a tune that was
popular several years ago. Musical back-
ground is supplied by Dick Leibert at the
organ.
Cat Concerto
MGM (Tom & Jerry Cartoon) 7 Mins.
Excellent. Expert animation and subtle
treatment of a musical theme make this
Academy award winning short tops in the
Tom & Jerry series. Tom Cat turns concert
pianist. His rendition of Liszt's Second Hun-
garian Rhapsody is in the true classical tra-
dition until Jerry Mouse does some impro-
vising of his own. Tom's efforts to chase Jerry
from the keyboard, and the mouse's antics
behind the scenes are hilarious. Jerry forces
Tom to play several exhausting cadenzas.
When the cat collapses from exhaustion Jerry
bows to the concert hall audience.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Mouse
MGM (Tom & Jerry Cartoon) 8 Mins.
Amusing. Tom tries to prevent Jerry from
drinking his milk by brewing a deadly potion
and pouring it into the milk dish. The mouse
happily dives in. A series of explosions fol-
low, and Jerry suddenly grows larger and
stronger. He begins beating Tom, but soon
the effects of the mixture wear off and the
mouse is again at the cat's mercy. Tom de-
cides to try the potion himself, but instead
of gaining strength, he shrinks to half Jerry's
size.
Hound Hunters
MGM (Technicolor Cartoon) 7 Mins.
Very good. George and Junior, the latter
a prototype of Finnegan in the Duffy's Tav-
ern radio show, weary of their vagabond
existence and take jobs as dog catchers. They
tangle with all the stray hounds in the neigh-
borhood, but fail to trap any. The laughs
mount as George and Junior disguise them-
selves as dogs, cats and fire hydrants in order
to lure the pooches into the net. Their venture
fails, and they once more hit the rails, this
time accompanied by a small dog they at-
tempted to catch.
Loose in the Caboose
Para (Little Lulu) 8 Mins.
Very good. Once more the mischievous imp,
Lulu, causes untold aggravation and hard-
ship as she plagues a train conductor. After
boarding a train she misplaces her ticket, and
the garrulous conductor throws her off. But
Lulu, with characteristic determination, climbs
back on the train and manages to elude the
conductor. She finds her ticket finally.
The Stupidstitious Cat
Para (Noveltoon) 7 Mins.
Fair. A superstitious cat captures Buzzy, the
wise-cracking crow, with the intention of hav-
ing him for breakfast. Once the bird realizes
the cat is superstitious, he plays on the feline's
weakness by leading him under a ladder and
forcing him to crash through a mirror. Buzzy
wards off the cat, but when the bird realizes
it is Friday, the 13th, he proceeds to throw
salt over his shoulder and rub a rabbit's foot.
Try and Catch Me
Para (Pacemakers) 9 Mins.
Good. Red Barber takes time out from his
sports announcing to describe the night life
of a raccoon. The poor raccoon has a hectic
session. After he steals an egg from a barn-
yard, the farmer sicks his dogs on him. Bar-
ber injects some of the excitement of his
sports narration into his description of the
chase and near disaster of the raccoon.
Ski Champion
RKO (Sportscope) 8 Mins.
Very good. Breathtaking photographic ef-
fects make this a superior skiing picture.
Filmed in the Swiss Alps, the snow-covered
mountains form a dramatic backdrop for Ru-
dolf Rominger, three times world ski champion.
He demonstrates his expert technique on the
hickories and makes several thrilling de-
scents on dangerous slopes.
Flicker Flashbacks
RKO (No. 6) 9 Mins.
Amusing. An old cops-and-robbers adven-
ture of vintage 1907 is dusted off and with
amusing narration, provides a few hearty guf-
faws. The first sequence shows how justice
inevitably triumphs, as police dogs track a
band of Paris thugs to its lair. "The Violinist,"
which follows, is a tragedy of the old school.
The narrator explains how a young deb falls
in love with a violinist, but there is some
confusion as to whether she dies of unre-
quited love or as a result of his torturous
playing.
Beanstalk Jack
20th-Fox (Terrytoon) 7 Mins.
Fair. Another fairy-tale adventure of String-
bean Jack, this is merely a time-filler best
suited to children. With the sheriff at the
front door and the wolf at the back door,
Jack and his impoverished family are so desti-
tute that even the goldfish in the bowl is
only a skeleton of his former self. In a vivid
dream, a jinni tells Jack to climb up the
beanstalk in his backyard where a massive
giant lives with his hen of golden egg fame.
Jack slides to the bottom of the beanstalk
holding the precious bird who helps him chase
both the sheriff and the wolf. Filmed in
Technicolor.
Happy Go Lucky
20th-Fox (Terrytoon) 7 Mins.
Fair. Heckle and Jeckle, the wise-cracking
magpies, invade a farmyard. They raid the
apple orchard, hen house and barn, until the
conscientious watchdog gets on the job. A
mad chase ensues, with the magpies doing
everything possible to discourage the dog.
The canine gives up, but the magpies' mis-
chief backfires when the dog tosses a lighted
firecracker at them.
Summer Trails
20th-Fox (Ed Thorgersen Sports) 8 Mins.
Fair. Four young men take a hike through
the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. They
see buffalo on the reservation and visit a
horse farm at Hanover, Pa. They meet a
group of trout fishermen. The Grand Canyon
of Pennsylvania at Wellsboro is shown.
Smoked Hams
U-I (Walt Lantz Cartune) 7 Mins.
Entertaining. Wally Walrus is on the verge
of a nervous breakdown due to the incessant
clatter made by Woody Woodpecker. Woody
knows Wally is on the night shift and sleeps
days, but he runs about the house singing at
the top of his voice and even mows the lawn
under Wally's window. The walrus evens
the score the next night by dropping Woody
into a contraption that punishes him with
boxing gloves, boat whistles, smudge pots,
a lawnmower haircut and a mechanical bird
that imitates Woody.
Rhumba Holiday
U-I (Variety Views) 9 Mins.
Good. The camera follows an airliner to
Cuba. Historic monuments and the beauti-
ful coastal scenery are shown. Closing scenes
feature shots of Havana and the hectic night
life there that draws fun-seeking crowds.
The city is noted for its famous rhumba
dancing. Highlight of the film is a torrid
rhumba by two nightclub entertainers.
Arrow Magic
WB (Sports Parade) 10 Mins.
Fair. A Technicolor short which shows Ande
Vale performing some neat tricks with his
bow and arrow in California's timber coun-
try. His targets are a pretty young com-
panion and Elmer, a dim-witted guide. Vale
shoots a steak out of the girl's hand right
into the frying pan, he puts an arrow through
a matchbox resting on Elmer's head and,
with one shot, he pierces five balloons, one
held in the lady's mouth. Finally, the archer
chases the frightened Elmer across the coun-
try with flying arrows.
Cat's Tale
WB (Blue Ribbon Hit Parade) 7 Mins.
Good. A succession of chases make this a
fast-moving cartoon. The little mouse gets
tired of continually running away from the
cat and decides to have a show-down. He
tells the cat to quit chasing him and tells the
dog to quit chasing the cat. However, the
big, burly bulldog refuses to listen to reason
and gives the cat a good beating. The latter
then resumes his chasing of the mouse.
Goofy Gophers
WB (Merrie Melodies) 7 Mins.
Excellent. Two marauding gophers make
life miserable for a watch dog who is guard-
ing a vegetable patch. He determines to rid
the patch of the gophers who are rapidly
devouring the prize vegetables. They lead
him a merry chase by leaping into their un-
derground network of gopher holes. When
the dog has fallen asleep, the mischievous
animals send him soaring to the moon on a
rocket.
One Meat Brawl
WB (Merrie Melodies) 7 Mins.
Amusing. Porky Pig and his dog, Man-
drake, set out to trap a groundhog on
February 2, knowing that the mischievous
animal is scheduled to appear in search of
his shadow. The groundhog successfully es-
capes his pursuers by tearfully describing the
hardships woodland creatures must endure
to the sympathetic Mandrake. The dog sides
with the groundhog, and Porky Pig is the
victim in a free-for-all brawl.
14
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 12, 1947
Opinions on Current Productions; Exploitips for Selling to the Public
FEATURE REVIEWS
Miracle on 34th Street F Comedy
20th-Fox (718) 96 Minutes Rel. June '47
A refreshingly different and thoroughly heart-warming com-
edy of New York life, this rates among the season's best.
Edmund Gwenn gives a benign and human portrayal of a
modern Santa Claus. Maureen O'Hara and John Payne
insure marquee draw. The picture is a genuine "sleeper"
which will continue to build on the favorable word-of-mouth
of delighted patrons in any type of theatre. Gene Lockhart's
befuddled supreme court judge is only one of a half-dozen
outstanding character portrayals. The pleasantly sentimental
story was written for the screen and directed by George
Seaton who has injected numerous satirical touches as well
as mirthful moments to keep the customers roaring with
laughter. Largely photographed in and around Manhattan
during the holiday season, the action starts with Macy's
Thanksgiving day parade and ends on Christmas eve.
John Payne, Maureen O'Hara, Edmund Gwenn, Gene Lock-
hart, Natalie Wood, Jerome Cowan, Porter Hall.
Bulldog Drummond at Bay F
Mystery
Columbia (820)
70 Minutes
Rel. May 17, '47
Just another spoonful of second-rate mystery mix, straight
from Vat B. The redeeming original twist, the exceptional
portrayal, the different little fillip which saves so many B
productions from themselves, does not appear. The plot, more
than usually contrived, complex, and confused, hinges ulti-
mately upon a British company's attempt to steal valuable
gems which are being brought into England from the Con-
tinent. The gems are intercepted by a Scotland Yard man.
The Yard man in his turn is intercepted by the bad men, who
shoot him up (in a clump of bushes outside Bulldog Drum-
mond's house), and carry him away to their hideout. Now
the Yard man s sister, Anita Louise, is employed by the com-
pany, and is forced to work in their interest, a painful situa-
tion for her. Ron Rand.ell embalms the Bulldog role. A weak
supporting feature, directed by Sidney Salkow.
Ron Randell, Anita Louise, Pat O'Moore, Terry Kilburn, Holmes.
Herbert, Lester Matthews, Leonard Mudie.
Torment
Oxford Films
A
Drama
95 Minutes
Rel.
This grim, slow-moving and intensely dramatic psychologi-
cal film is the first important entry from Swedish studios since
before the war. The picture will attract attention in the art
theatres because of its unusual photography, the adult treat-
ment of its adolescent love theme and its sensitive portrayals.
Although two of the players, Alf Kjellin and Mai Zetterling!
have been signed by Selznick and Rank, respectively, the film
will receive few other bookings except in Swedish-language
communities. Director Alf Sjoberg has achieved tremendous
realism in several scenes, some of which are still too daring
even though obviously censored for American audiences. The
students of a Swedish high school suffer under the sadistic
terrorism of one of their teachers. One persecuted student
falls in love with a frightened girl who is under the teacher's
domination. When the girl is found murdered, the vengeful
teacher tries to implicate the unhappy student.
Stig Jarrel, Alf Kjellin, Mai Zetterling, Olaf Winnerstrand.
Citizen Saint
Clyde Elliott-State Rights
F
65 Minutes
Documentary
Drama
Rel. May 15, '47
F semidocumentary feature dramatizing the life of Mother
Cabnni, America's first canonized saint, this inexpensively
produced picture is handicapped by several extremely ama-
teurish performances. The studio-made sequences are inter-
spersed with newsreel shots taken in New York and Rome
and the whole is episodic and lacking in sustained interest.
With its mild name value and specialized subject matter, the
picture will have scant appeal to general audiences. How-
ever it can be exploited to bring good returns in Catholic
neighborhoods and might serve as a supporting dualer in
family houses. Carla Dare, a newcomer, is adequate in the
early scenes but she never suggests the aging nun of the
later sequences and only Julie Haydon stands out as a dying
nun who is made well after seeing a vision of Mother Cabrini
The theme song is good. Directed by Harold Young.
Ccrrla Dare, Jed Prouty, Julie Haydon, William Harrigan, June
Harrison, Del Casino, Lucille Fenton, Loring Smith.
818 BOXOFFICE
Spoilers of the North
Drama
Republic (612)
66 Minutes
Rel. Apr. 24. ‘47
More interesting than exciting is this picture about the
salmon fishing industry, with stock shots of catching and
canning the fish commanding more attention than the human
performers. The cast works hard to make something of a
story which bogs down under a load of formula situations.
The offering moves too slowly for a picture of its type and
at no time is there the slightest element of suspense. Spec-
tators will know what is going to happen next every foot of
the way. Alaskan backgrounds give the film a slightly
redeeming atmosphere of productional opulence which should
aid somewhat in making it an acceptable companion piece
on average dualers. Paul Kelly plays the ruthless exploiteer
of the northland whose propensities toward poaching on
women and salmon leads to his slaying by a half-breed
beauty he has deceived. Directed by Richard Sale.
Paul Kelly, Adrian Booth, Evelyn Ankers, James A. Millican,
Roy Barcroft, Louis Jean Heydt, Ted Hecht.
Sarge Goes to College
Comedy
With Music
Monogram (618)
63 Minutes
Rel. May 17, '47
In virtually every entry in the Teen-Agers series there is a
stock story situation built around the adolescent cast's efforts
to stage amateur theatricals. Possibly such jousts with Thespis
are contagious because amateurish is certainly the only way
this chapter can be described. As concerns story, direction
and performances, the picture is probably the weakest of the
series. Bolstering its other productional shortcomings, how-
ever, is the presence of musical specialties such as Russ
Morgan and orchestra, Jack (Open the Door, Richard!) McVea
and likewise, and an aggregation of oldtime footers known as
"The Jam Session." The type and tempo of the musical
moments supplied by them will have considerable appeal
to the juvenile jive devotees. Since they constitute the main
market for. teen-ager offerings, the picture will serve as sat-
isfactorily as its predecessors. Directed by Will Jason.
Freddie Stewart, June Preisser, Frankie Darro, Warren Mills,
Noel Neill, Arthur Walsh, Alan Hale jr., Russ Morgan.
Drama
The Big Fix F
PRC Pictures (702) 63 Minutes Rel. Apr. 19, '47
Timely, engrossing and fast-moving is this picture about
crooked gamblers' efforts to mulct suckers by fixing amateur
sporting events through the bribery and corruption of young
American athletes. And in the market where the picture
should prove prime booking as a supporting feature, which
market dotes on action and excitement, there is an entertain-
ment bonus because of the authentically staged basketball
games around which the theme is woven. While none too
heavy in established names, the cast nonetheless does an
enthusiastic and praiseworthy job in interpreting a sensibSy
contrived screenplay. Story concerns a returned GI back at
his alma mater where he is basketball idol of the campus.
How the crooks try to get him to throw the big game by work-
ing through his sister contributes the plot. For good measure
a murder develops. Directed by James Flood.
James Brown, Sheila Ryan, Noreen Nash, Regis Toomey, Tom
Noonan, John Shelton. Charles McGrow, Charles Mitchell.
The Barber of Seville A
Excelsior ( ) 110 Minutes Rel.
Operatic
Comedy
As the first opera to be filmed in its entirety, this is an
interesting experiment which should attract new audiences
composed of opera enthusiasts. The Rossini score is sung
in Italian, as always, and English titles translate the meager
dialog. However it is Deems Taylor's concise, tongue-in-
cheek commentary before each of the three acts which will
really clarify the action for the average moviegoer. Starring
Ferruccio Tagliavini whose recordings and operatic and con-
cert appearances have made him a top musical name, the
picture should register strongly in art theatres and selected
first runs where Italian patrons and music students pre-
dominate. The film remains within the confines of the stage
action and the farcical plot is embroidered with low comedy
touches. Photography and sound are slightly below par.
Directed by Mario Costa.
Ferruccio Tagliavini, Nelly Corradi, Tito Gobbi, Italo Tajo.
'May 12, 1947 817
EXPLOITI PS
Suggestions for Selling; Adlines for Newspaper and Programs
SELLING ANGLES: "Spoilers of the North"
Sponsor a fly-tying contest offering free ducats to the win-
ners. Contact travel agencies and have them use a display
of stills from the picture in connection with trips to the north-
west and Alaska. Decorate the lobby with mounted, stuffed
fish which local fishing enthusiasts have caught and hold
a ''Fish Story" competition, with winners relating their prize-
winning stories on stage.
SELLING ANGLES: “Miracle on 34th Street"
Edmund Gwenn’s Kris Kringle portrayal can be utilized for
street ballyhoo with a man dressed in the traditional red suit
and beard attracting attention during the summer months.
The town's leading store should go for a goodwill campaign
with cooperative handbills plugging both the store and the
picture. Make tieups with toy shops for displays of giant
balloons, dolls or animals like those in the picture.
CATCHLINES:
Nature's Bounties and Women's Love Were His for the
Asking Until His Great Greed for Both Brought Ruin and
Violent Death . . . He Considered Himself Tough as a Walrus
and He Always Had an Angle — a Crooked One.
Fascinated She Watched the Death Ritual of Her People,
Little Suspecting That It Augured Doom for the Man She
Loved . . . Emotionally Snowbound Men Who Fought for
Riches and Lusted for the Soft Arms of Women.
SELLING ANGLES: “Sarge Goes to College"
Offer free tickets to all ex-GIs who are discharged with the
rank of sergeant and are attending schools or colleges in
your community. Stage a teen-ager jam session on the stage.
Usual tieups with music and department stores on records
and sheet music. Use spot announcements after radio shows
featuring swing bands. Put stills from pictures on juke boxes
in spots patronized by adolescents.
CATCHLINES:
Hold Onto Your Sharps and Flats! . . . The Elite of the
Downbeat are Meshin' in a Swing-Session Crammed With
Jam, lump 'n' Jive! . . . They're the Kings of the Swing Rings
. . . The Dukes of the Tukes . . . Champs of the Jive Camps
. . . The Reet Elite.
CATCHLINES:
A Merry Mixture of the Miraculous and the Realistic . . .
Santa Claus Turns Cupid to Bring Two Grownup Lovers To-
gether . . . Rivals Become Partners Under the Kindly Influence
of a White-Bearded Old Man.
Kris Kringle Brought to Trial Because He Dared to Bring
Happiness to Others . . . The Miracle on 34th Street Spread
Goodwill Throughout the Entire City ... A Jolly Cupid With a
Long White Beard — a Good Fellow in a Red Velvet Suit.
SELLING ANGLES: "Bulldog Drummond at Bay"
Anita Louise has endorsed Lux toilet soap. This makes
possible tieups with grocery, drug stores and department
stores. Get local bookstores to set up displays of Bulldog
Drummond novels. Place spot announcements on your local
Mutual station before and after the weekly Bulldog Drum-
mond radio program, other spots through the week plugging
both program and film, and tie up with local transit com-
panies for car cards. The program is sponsored jointly by
transit companies all over the nation.
CATCHLINES:
Fighting Bulldog Drummond . . . Hero of Your Favorite
Mystery Fiction ... In a Desperate Battle With International
Jewel Thieves . . . Just Out of the Army, He's Swept Into
a War With Gangdom!
A Slammin' Jam Combo, Zoot to the Roots and Sworn to
Keep the United Gates of America Swingin'! The Swayingest,
Laughingest, Most Musical Madhouse of Modern Youth.
SELLING ANGLES: “The Big Fix"
Use a lobby display combining stills from the picture and
blowups of recent headlines about attempted bribery in col-
lege basketball. On one side of the display use a cutout of
Grantland Rice, sports commentator who appears in the pic-
ture, at a microphone. For publicity get student leaders and
prominent athletes to issue statements on clean, honest sports-
manship. Use teaser ads on sports pages of your newspa-
pers. Stuff heralds in publications dealing with sports and
plant stills in barber shops, pool halls, etc.
CATCHLINES:
Sensational! . . . Shocking! . . . The Gambling Scandal That
Rocked College Basketball . . . Lured by Easy Money, Baited
by Girl Decoys . . . The Expose of the College Basketball
“Fix" That Shocked the Nation . . . You Read About It . . .
Now See It on the Screen!
It's Hard to Resist Easy Money . . . It's Harder to Resist
Where a Pretty Face Goes With It! . . . The Thrill-Rocking
Expose of the Basketball Racket That Was Tied Up With a
Gambling Syndicate and Murder!
SELLING ANGLES: “The Barber of Seville"
A Rapid-Fire Drama of Love and Crime . . . He's Tricked
by a Woman . . . Trapped by Thieves . . . And Shooting It
Out With Death . . . He's Battling for His Woman and His
Life — Bulldog Drummond . . . Trouble Won't Let Him Alone!
SELLING ANGLES: “Torment"
This Swedish film will get little playing time outside the
art theatres or foreign-language houses. Play up the fact
that as “Hets," the picture was awarded the Grand Prix ,du
Cinema at the Cannes International Film festival in 1946.
Alf Kjellin, the handsome male star, has been signed to a
term contract by David O. Selznick and Mai Zetterling, who
plays opposite him, was recently signed by J. Arthur Rank.
Use large^size cutouts of these two with copy telling your
patrons that they will soon be seeing them in English-speak-
ing films.
CATCHLINES:
The Magnificent Drama Which Was Awarded the Grand
Prix du Cinema at the Cannes International Film Festival
... A Stirring Psychological Drama of Two Tortured Souls
Who Found Relief in Love ... A Schoolboy Learns About
Life and Love.
Alf Kjellin, Signed by David O. Selznick, and Mai Zetterling,
Signed by J. Arthur Rank, as the Tortured Lovers Parted by
Fate.
SELLING ANGLES: "Citizen Saint"
Here is a picture made-to-order for opera enthusiasts so
publicize the fact that this is the first time an opera has been
filmed in its entirety. “The Barber of Seville" is a favorite
with all Italians so arrange tieups with local music shops
of albums of the complete Rossini score as well as the new
recordings by Ferruccio Tagliavini, the tenor who scored a
triumph at the Metropolitan Opera during the past season.
Deems Taylor is another name to attract patrons of the art
houses.
Julie Haydon, stage actress who played in many pictures
a decade ago, and Jed Prouty, who starred in a series of 20th-
Fox programmers, are the only familiar names in the cast.
Stress the Mother Cabrini religious angle by making tieups
with local shops for displays of religious articles and pic-
tures of America's first canonized saint. Contact Catholic
churches and societies to create interest in the film and ar-
range special matinees for Catholic school children.
CATCHLINES:
Now You Can Hear Ferruccio Tagliavini, Sensational New
Tenor of the Metropolitan Opera, Singing His Greatest Role
. . The Complete Rossini Opera Brought to the Screen for
the First Time in Film History.
Ferruccio Tagliavini and the Stars of the Royal Opera in
Rome in Rossini's Most Popular Opera . . . Deems Taylor's
Wise and Witty Commentary Makes the Action of “The
Barber of Seville" Clear to All.
CATCHLINES:
A Sincere Portrayal of the Three Miracles That Made
Mother Cabrini America's First Canonized Saint ... A Saintly
Woman Who Led a Life of Devotion to the Poor, the Sick and
the Oppressed . . . Her Star Shines in Heaven — Her Statue
Graces the Vatican in Rome.
See the True Story of the Miracles That Brought Sainthood
to Mother Francesca Cabrini . . . Her Warm and Human
Traits Set a Shining Example to Many.
The Industry's Market for Purchase or Sale of Equipment, Theatres, Service
• Classiiied Ads 10c Per Word, Payable in Advance. Minimum SI. 00. Display Rates on Request •
CLfflRMG HOUSE
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— USED
Strong, low intensity arc lamps with rectifiers,
24/30 amps, $100 pr. Joyland Theatre, 614 So.
State St., Chicago 5, 111.
Army surplus: DeVry, llolmes. Simplex- Acme,
write for prices. Gold seal 2 unit ticket ma-
chines, $175; Simplex 3 unit, $199.50; hand
operated 2 unit $100, all completely rebuilt and
guaranteed; Golde ticket boxes, $12.50; Simplex
mechanisms, genuine rear shutters, double bear-
ing, spiral gears, completely rebuilt, $330; Powers,
$109.50. Liberal trades. Thousand other bar-
gains. Star Cinema Supply Co., 459 W. 4tith St.,
New York 19, N. Y.
Heavy Duty blowers, ball-bearing equipped,
15,000 cfm to 50,000 cfm. Air washers, all
sizes. Hydraulic drives two and four speed motors
and controls. Immediate delivery. Dealers wanted.
National Engineering and Mfg. Co., 213 W. 19th
St., Kansas City, Mo.
For Sale: Two semiportable Simplex Projectors,
2M ft. Magazines, Amplifier and Speaker, $500.
Good condition. Victory Theatre, Marcola, Ore.
Sell — pair WE 35mm projectors, 2,000 ft., 900W,
30V complete; transformers, amplifier $250
A&T, Wickes, Ark.
Victor 16mm sound projector, Model 40! New,
factory-guaranteed. First check for $449 takes it.
Charlie Poorman, Schuylkill Haven, Pa.
War surplus sound outfits. Sharp reductions.
16mm KCA $149.50; Relhowell, Ampro, Victor,
DeVry, $195 up. Amproarc HI, $1,295. 35mm
Holmes LI arc equipments, $1,295. DeVry HI
theatre equipments, $2,495; rebuilt super Simplex
KCA sound, $3,850; Simplex E7 ditto. $4,500.
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St.,
New York 18.
Fireproof booth shutters, 8 in sq., $7.97;
12x14 in., $10.95; General two unit II ticket
machines, $99.50; Brenkert 50A HI rectifiers,
$99.75; series O lenses, $2.95; rebuilt projectors,
Century, Brenkert, Super Simplex, at low prices;
Kliegel arcspot, 100 amps., $125; footlights,
$14.50 section. Send for catalog. S.O.S. Cinema
Supply Corp., 449 VV. 42nd St., New York 18.
“As is’’ for sale, used theatre equipment:
cooling, electric motors, projection, sound, pop-
corn machines. List furnished upon request.
Malco Theatres, Inc., 207 Adams Ave., Memphis,
Tenn,
2 Holmes 35mm projectors, Mazda lamps. Good
condition, large magazines complete with speaker,
amplifier and all connecting cords and lenses.
Sell at $800. Box 2733, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
2 rear shutter, regular model Simplex pro-
jectors, Western Electric, Universal Base, sound
complete. Peerless low lamps and two 30 amp.
rectifiers. All rebuilt, first class condition, $1,850.
Box 2734, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas
City 1. Mo.
2 front shutter rebuilt Simplex projectors com-
plete with 206 Western Electric sound. Peerless
low lamps and rectifiers, lenses, 16-inch maga-
zines. $1,750. Box 2735, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
7 Benwood-Linze Rectifiers, type DBR76, Serial
No. 78. Will sell spare parts or complete recti-
fiers. Will guarantee satisfaction or refund price.
What do you need? H. Soroko, P. 0. Box 194,
Portsmouth, Va. _____
Like New, RCA latest sound amplifiers, monitor
and back stage speakers. Too big for me. Like
new, $600. Clare Winnie, Dale Theatre, 3301
Michigan Ave., Detroit 16, Mich.
Powers Heads — Cleveland and sound; Strong
low lamps; Powers stands, magazines, back stage
speakers, monitors. Make offer if you can use.
Clare Winnie. Dale Theatre, 3301 Michigan Ave.,
Detroit 16, Mich.
Awaken your screen: pair of Brenkert. Enarcs,
like new, with copper, oxide rectifiers; 220 volt,
3 phase. Save half. $800. Clare Winnie, Pale
Theatre. 3301 Michigan Ave., Detroit 16, Mich,
Two Powers projectors, RCA sound reflector arc
lamp, 110 volt rectifiers; can be seen in opera-
tion. K. C. territory, Price $950. Box 2736,
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd.. Kansas City 1,
Mo.
EQUIPMENT WANTED
Used 35mm portables. Charles Finger, 54 Mc-
Ewen St., Warwick, N. Y.
10S Siroco Blower. Write Harold Harris, Ritz
Theatre, Farmington, Mo.
AIR CONDITIONING
For Sale: Cooling System — water washer and
fan, fan motor 7% H.P., fan blades, dia. 39 in.,
width blades, 34 in. Washer tank 7% ft. i 42 inches,
height of louvers — 5 ft. 3 H.P. Fairbanks Morse
motor and pump, all motors 220 volt. Fan and
washer not assembled. Priced to sell quick, $750.
.1. P. Lannan. West Point, Neb.
Brand New. Never Out of the Crate. U.S. Airco
Blower. 35,000 cfm, vertical discharge. One 7%
h.p. motor, 60 cycle, 3 phase, 220V, V-belt,
hydraulic controls. $750. Hollywood Theatre,
Eau Claire, Wis.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— NEW
Poster Cases — -Stainless steel, 40x65 glass size,
equipped with cold cathode tube illumination
around entire case. Immediate delivery. All other
sizes, delivery in 10 days. Literature upon re-
quest. Ben B. Poblocki & Sons, 2159 South Kin-
nickinnic Ave., Milwaukee 7, Wis.
For Sale: Two 50 in. diameter, 20 in. inlet
genuine new anemostats, at $97.70 ea., f.o.b.
Milwaukee, crated. Ben B. Poblocki & Sons Co.,
2159 S. Kinniekinnic Ave., Milwaukee 7, Wis.
9x12 ft. silver perforated Lace & Grommet
screen. At sacrifice price. Academy Film Service,
2300 Payne Ave., Cleveland, Ohio.
New “Victor 60" 16mm Sound Projector.
Princeton Theatre, Princeton, Wis.
For Sale — 325 new drive-in car speakers, 4-in.
metal cabinets. Complete. Bargain. Box 241,
Plattsburg, New York.
For Sale — 2 new portable 35mm DeVry mo-
tion picture projectors with sound, 2,000 ft.
reel and screen. Complete outfit $1,000. Frank
Duggan, 698 W. Palmer, Detroit, Mich. Trinity
1-3054,
For Sale — New Holmes projectors, new record
players, motion picture film. Westerns, Comedies.
Lyric Theatre, Norfolk, Ark.
STUDIO EQUIPMENT
BH Eyemo turret camera, $395 less lens; Eye-
mo bombspotter cameras, $119.50 less lens; 35mm
positive stock, $11.95 per M; BH Hispeed shut-
tles, $195; WE dynamic microphones, $39.50;
Cine Kodak special camera, with 3 lenses and
case, $695; New Bell & Howell sound printers,
$3,250; Fresnellite studio spots, 2.000W, $67.50;
new Mitchell 24V motors, $295; Neumade 16mm
automatic film cleaners, $135; new 35mm film
phonographs, $795. Send for latest stocklist.
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St.,
New York 18.
CONFECTIONS
Standard brand candy, bars, $10.50 per carton.
Also popcorn and seasoning F.O.B Chicago. Con-
fection Distributing Co., 717 W. 119th St., Chi-
cago 28, 111. Phone COMmodore 1727.
POPCORN MACHINES
Burch — Manley — Cretors— Advances — All elec-
tric French fry types. Karmelkom Equipment, 120
S. Halstead. Chicago 6, 111.
Rebuilt Popcorn Machines for sale. Fully guar-
anteed. Price from $150. Consolidated Confec-
tions, 1314 S. Wabash, Chicago 5, 111.
Blevins is national headquarters for popcorn
machines. Silver Stars, Super Stars, Corn Cribs.
Old machines taken in trade. Blevins Popcorn Co.,
Nashville. Tenn.
Real Bargains used popcorn machines. Burch,
Cretor, Advance, guaranteed. Poppers Supply, Box
838, Atlanta, Ga.
Star popcorn machines. All models. Prunty
Seed & Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2,
Mo.
For Sale: Late model Star popcorn machine,
new kettle, first class condition, $250. Nile
Theatre, Winfield, Kas.
HELP WANTED
Splendid opening for the right man; Field exec-
utive and office man for Independent Theatre
Owners of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan. Must
have theatre or sales experience in the motion
picture business. Apply Room 414, 709 N. 11th
St., Milwaukee, Wis.
Wanted: Expeienced theatre manager for per-
manent position. State age, experience, references,
married or single. Hudson Theatre Co., Rich-
mond, Ind.
Wanted: Experienced booker and buyer. State
age, experience and recommendations. Location in
Cleveland. Independent circuit. Excellent op-
portunity for young man seeking permanent con-
nection. Write Box 2724, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Projectionist (small town). Must be coopera-
tive. Milo DeHaven, Waterville, Ohio.
Projectionist, experienced and reliable. M. R
Anderson. Mgr., Fulton Theatre, Cuba, 111.
Experienced assistant managers for theatres in
Brooklyn and Long Island. State qualifications.
Box 429, Boxoffice, 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New
York 20.
Projectionist at Ritz, Cameron. Mo., at once.
A. E. .Tarboe.
POSITION WANTED
Manager. Age 34. Six years experience. De-
sires permanent connection with reliable exhibitor.
Any size operation, large or small. Single, sober
and dependable. Personal interview at your con-
venience. Prefer Ohio, Virginia or West Virginia.
Box 2725, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd.,
K. C. 1, Mo.
THEATRES FOR SALE
Two Theatres, latest equipment. One in county
seat, one air-conditioned, no competition, $100,000.
Box 471, Summerville, S. C.
Suburban, near Chicago. Simplex Western Elec-
tric, 625 Heywood seats, $41,500 terms. Others.
Savereide Theatre Brokers, 624 S. Mich., Chi-
cago. 111.
Indiana city over 100,000. Brick building, three
sub-rentals, Hi-Simplex, over 600 seats, owner re-
tiring, $70,000 down. Savereide Theatre Brokers,
624 S. Mich., Chicago, 111.
Three theatres in Virginia, two in W. Va. Also
nice home. Prefer selling all together. B-2715,
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Bird., Kansas City 1,
Mo,
Lease Theatre: 400-600 seats with option to buy.
New York City or vicinity. Tell all first letter.
Box 1004, 1009 Fox Bldg., Detroit, Mich.
Theatres in the northwest. America’s frontier
offers more Uving and business possibilities than
any other section. You will thrill to this ever-
green wonderland. Outdoor sports, pay rolls, in-
dustrial growth, everything. Investigate the north-
west this summer, now. We will advise best
routes, make hotel reservations and three full-time
theatre salesmen will be at your service upon
your arrival to personally conduct your Inspection
of the theatre of your choice. Many, many list-
ings from which to choose from every section of
this favored area. Contact us now and take ad-
vantage of our exclusive theatre brokerage service.
Theatre Exchange Co., 217 Governor Bldg., Port-
land 4, Ore.
For Sale — 5 small leased theatres around Nor-
folk, Portsmouth and Newport News, Va., excep-
tional opportunity for experienced operator. Box
2729, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas
City 1, Mo.
Only theatre in 2,500 pop. town near Salt Lake
City. Completely equipped and operating Because
of additional business interests must sell. 5-yeai
lease with option for more at $50 month rent.
400 seats. $2,500. Owner, Sunset Motor Lodge,
4315 So. State, Murray, Utah.
For Sale: Traveling Picture Show, 7 good Ozark
towns, fully equipped, ready to open season. Sim-
plex portables, good sound. Bargain for quick
sale. .Urn M. Owen, Branson, Mo.
Brick theatre building and equipment. 300
seats, four-room residence and cafe. The cafe
building can be leased. Phone 97, Aaron L.
Jones, Bunceton, Mo.
North Texas town 1,450. Well equipped. Only
theatre. RCA, Century. 1947 Manley. Showing
$10,000 yearly profit. Perfect lease. $12,500
down. Also very nice three bedroom home to
theatre buyer, $4,000 with terms. Permanent
retirement forces sale. Wonderful opportunity,
invites thorough investigation. Box 2727, Box-
office, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., K. C. 1, Mo.
Only Drive-In theatre southern city 52.000
$500 weekly profit,. $20,000 down. Box 2730,
825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Only theatre southern New Mexico town 2,500.
New building, equipment. Perfect climate. $23,000
handles. Arthur Leak, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex.
For Sale: 300-seat theatre in live, growing
town in central Michigan. Finest equipment, gas
heat, long lease. Now operating seven days a
week. Box 2731. Boxoffice. 825 Van Brunt Blvd.,
Kansas City 1. Mo.
For Sale: Central Illinois, 400-seat theatre,
one of if not the best small town situation in the
state. Clearing over $14,000 a year. Twenty
miles from the nearest competition, is outside
clearance run of anyone. Eight small country towns
within seven-mile radius. Drawing population 6.000
to 8.000 people. Simplex and Strong equipment
in good condition. Price building and all $45,000.
$20,000 cash required: 4 years to pay balance if
desired; am retiring from business. No shoppers
please. Please state if you are an exhibitor nr not
when writing. Don’t bother if you haven’t $20,000.
This is a lifetime situation. Box 2732. Box-
office. 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo
POPCORN SUPPLIES
Write for our special contract which guarantees
you more profits and greater savings on all your
popcorn and popcorn supplies. Blevins Bee Hive
Popcorn Co.. Nashville, Tenn.
Home of "Rush Hour” popcorn and popcorn
supplies. Send for price list. Prunty Seed &
Grain Co.. 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2, Mo
Established 1874.
Popcorn: It pops! Our customers have popped
$133 out of one bag. Try it! Price f.o.b. $8.75.
The Ohio Popcorn Co., Arcanum, Ohio.
For Sale: Karmel Korn outfit complete. Gas-
fired dry popper. Copper kettle. Display table.
Complete instructions. Sweet Shop, 103 E. North
St., Marshall. Mo.
Give your Popcorn that real butter flavor and
color. Economical to use. The Perfection Co.,
Ltd., Waco, Tex.
THEATRES WANTED
Sell Your Theatre Privately. Confidential cor-
respondence invited. References. Arthur Leak,
Theatres Exclusively. 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex.
Will pay cash for theatre, good town, 2,000 popu-
lation and over preferred, will consider competi-
tive spot or suburban theatre. C. P. Knudsen,
1110 N. St. Joe Ave., Hastings, Neb.
Lease Theatre, 400-600 seats with option to
buy, New York City or vicinity. Tell all first
letter. Box 1004, 1009 Fox Bldg., Detroit, Mich.
$150,000 will buy or lease your theatre. Will
pay up to $150,000 for the lease or purchase of
your theatre, regardless of climate or territory.
Every reply will be contacted personally by our
representative. Box 2716, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Wanted to buy theatre in Texas or New Mexico
showing profit in town of 1,000 or more without
any close competition. Must have first class
equipment. Give full particulars. Box 2726,
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., K. C. 1, Mo.
Individual wishes to buy theatre located in
business block in town of 2,500 to 10,000.
Theatre and equipment must be modern and
building in good condition. Give complete details.
Box 182, Trotwood, Ohio.
Veteran — Buy (cash) or lease theatres in In-
diana, Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio. Box 172, Linton,
Indiana.
THEATRE SEATING
Several thousand used upholstered opera chairs
on hand. We are headquarters for the cream of
the used chair crop. We pick the lots that we
think you will like. We furnish proper slope and
sections desired to fit your theatre. Our many
years experience in the seating business is your
guarantee. Write for exact photo and price. We
have parts for all makes of chairs. Also, leather-
ette 25x25 in. all colors, 55c ea. Good quality.
Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829 So. State St.,
Chicago 5, 111.
Fensin Chair maintenance headquarters has all
parts and accessories for all chairs. Also uphol-
stery fabrics and theatre chair supplies. Send us
your sample for quotation. Repair service avail-
able right in your theatre also. Fensin Seating
Co., 62 E 13th St., Chicago 5, 111.
1,200 Used Spring cushioned theatre chairs,
$1.50 ea., and $3.50 ea., complete. Immediate
delivery. Russell Chair, 2567 McClellan, Detroit,
Mich. Phone LENox 3445.
Leatherette: Standard run, first quality, as-
sorted colors, 50 to 54 in. wide, suitable for
theatre seating, sold by yard or roll. All orders
shipped within 24 hours. Leatherette Mart of
Chicago. 1153 Belmont Ave., Chicago 13, 111.
Phone Buckingham 0030.
Theatre Chairs, 3,000 used spring cushioned
part full upholstered back and part insert panel
back, with spring edge and box spring cushions.
1,000 veneer chairs, 800 good backs, 500 spring
cushions and hinges. Write for prices and photo-
graphs. Immediate delivery, advise how many you
need. We export chairs anywhere. Jesse Cole. 2565
McClellan Ave., Valley 2-3445. Detroit, Mich.
Sewn Delux seat covers and sewn slip covers,
reversible type, for all brands seats. Fred’s Thea-
tre Service. Vina, Ala.
2.000 good used all veneer chairs for slope and
level floor. These chairs have a 7/16 in. back.
Will sell any quantity. Available June 1st. Chairs
located in Oklahoma. Write for photo and price.
Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829 S. State St., Chi-
cago 5, III.
1.000 Heywood -Wakefield full upholstered
back, boxspring cushion chairs, excellent, $4.95
(rebuilt $6.50); 340 General full upholstered
back, boxspring cushion, rebuilt, $7.95; 200 ve-
neers, excellent, $3.95. Wire for list. S.O.S.
Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St... New
York 18.
1.000 Heywood-Wakefield full upholstered
spring edge cushions, immediate delivery. Also
255 iate model American seats, full upholstered
back, spring edge cushions, 8 months old. Also
veneer chairs. Wire, write or phone, HARrison
4219. Ace Chair & Carpet, Inc., 1428 S.
Wabash Ave., Chicago 5, HI.
THEATRE PRINTING
Window Cards, 3-sheets, photo offset house
programs, heralds, passes, etc. Cato Show Print-
ing Co., Cato, New York, or Tribune Press,
Fowler, Ind.
MORE CLASSIFIED
ON PAGE 52
BOXOFFICE :: May 10, 1947
23
• Address copy to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Forms close Monday noon preceding publication date.
The same GLENN FORD
who tamed GlLDA
is 'fiRR/ffC
■ERAMEP
Check MIAMI
Check DETROIT
Check OKLAHOMA
CITY
Check WASHINGTON
Check BAY CITY, Mich.
Check SPRINGFIELD, III
Check LOS ANGELES
Check HAVERHILL , Mass.
Check LINCOLN , Neb.
Check HARRISBURG
COLUMBIA PICTURES presents
GLENN FORD
in
with
JANIS CARTER - BARRY SULLIVAN
EDGAR BUCHANAN
KAREN MORLEY ■ JIM BANNON
Screenplay by Ben Moddow
Directed by Produced by
RICHARD WALLACE • JULES SCHERMER
Okay Mr. and Mrs. America and offspring!
We want you to know that
M-G-M has launched the Biggest
Production Program in movie history!
Yes, Mr. M-G-M Exhibitor, your Friendly Studio
Is the busiest spot in California!
We safeguard your business future
With Big Stars in Big Entertainments!
Millions of dollars in star names and
Production values for your public!
BIG NEWS
FOR THE
FAMILY
TRADE!
(i continued )
( continued )
Within the next few weeks all these
Mighty attractions will be under way:
"HIGH WALL' — Robert Taylor • Audrey Totter
"IF WINTER COMES — Walter Pidgeon • Deborah Kerr • Angela Lansbury
"VIRTUOUS —Van Johnson • June Allyson
KILLER McCOY —Mickey Rooney • Elizabeth Taylor
'ALIAS THE GENTLEMAN''— Wallace Beery • Tom Drake
"CASS TIMBERLANE —Spencer Tracy • Lana Turner
"KISSING BANDIT' ( Technicolor ) Frank Sinatra • Kathryn Grayson
UPWARD TO THE STARS — Robert Walker • Donna Reed
ON AN ISLAND WITH YOU" ( Technicolor ) Esther Williams • Peter Lawford
Ricardo Montalban • Cyd Charisse • Jimmy Durante
SPEAK TO ME OF LOVE' — Greer Garson • Walter Pidgeon
THREE MUSKETEERS ( Technicolor ) Lana Turner • William Powell
Gene Kelly • Van Heflin
"B. F.’S DAUGHTER' -Katha rine Hepburn
"HOMECOMING OF ULYSSES"-Clark Gable • Deborah Kerr
1ST ATE OF THE UNION —Spencer Tracy • Claudette Colbert
Irving Berlin’s EASTER PARADE" ( Technicolor ) Judy Garland Gene Kelly
Peter Lawford • Cyd Charisse
Yes, it’s big news for America’s millions! And as usual,
M-G-M leads the way with optimism, daring and greatness!
FAN MAIL ! Last week we reported a series of Previews of completed M-G-M attractions that have thrilled theatre audiences.
We’re still getting fan mail about these big hits and so will you when you play them: "THE HUCKSTERS” — Clark Gable,
Deborah Kerr, Sydney Greenstreet, Adolphe Menjou, Ava Gardner, Keenan Wynn, Edward Arnold • "SONG OF LOVE” —
Katharine Hepburn, Paul Henreid, Rooert Walker • "FIESTA” (Technicolor) — Esther Williams, Ricardo Montalban, Akim
TamirofF, Cyd Charisse, John Carroll, Mary Astor, Fortunio Bonanova • "GREEN DOLPHIN STREET” — Lana Turner, Van Heflin,
Donna Reed, Richard Hart • "CYNTHIA” — Elizabeth Taylor, George Murphy, S. Z. Sakall, Mary Astor • "THE UNFINISHED
DANCE” (Technicolor) — Margaret O’Brien, Cyd Charisse, Karin Booth, Danny Thomas • “ROMANCE OF ROSY RIDGE’’—
Van Johnson, Janet Leigh, Thomas Mitchell, Marshall Thompson, Selena Royle, Dean Stockwell • "LIVING IN A BIG WAY” —
Gene Kelly, Marie McDonald, Charles Winninger, Phyllis Thaxter, Spring Byington *“THE BIRDS AND THE BEES” (Techni*
color)— Jeanette MacDonald, Jose Itnrbi, Jane Powell, Edward Arnold, Harry Davenport
CITY
PLACE OF SHOWING
ADDRESS
TIME
CITY
PLACE OF SHOWING
ADDRESS
Albany
Warner Screening Room
79 N. Pearl St.
12:30 P.M. I
1 Des Moines
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
1300 High St.
Atlanta
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
197 Walton St. N.W.
2:30 P.M. ]
Detroit
Film Exchange Bldg.
2310 Cass Ave.
Boston
RKO Screening Room
122 Arlington St.
2:30 P.M. |
| Indianapolis
Paramount Sc. Room
116 W. Michigan St.
Buffalo
Paramount Exchange
464 Franklin Street
2:00 P.M. 1
I Kansas City
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
1720 Wyandotte St.
Charlotte
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
308 S. Church St.
10:00A.M. 8
| Los Angeles
Warner Screening Rm.
2025 S. Vermont Ave.
Chicago
Warner Screening Rm.
1307 So. Wabash Ave.
1:30 P.M. |
* Memphis
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
151 Vance Ave.
Cincinnati
RKO Screening Room
Palace Th. Bldg. E. 6th
2:00 P.M. f
| Milwaukee
Warner Th. Sc. Rm.
212 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Cleveland
Warner Screening Rm.
2300 Payne Ave.
1:30 P.M. ^
| Minneapolis
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
1015 Currie Ave. N.
Dallas
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
1803 Wood St.
10:00 A.M.
| New Haven
Warner Th. Proj. Rm.
70 College St.
Denver
Paramount Sc. Room
2100 Stout St.
2:00 P.M.
* New Orleans
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
200 S, Liberty St.
tiers May 26 Trade Screening of
^ 4$ 4P HP liH PI 4P PI PP P^ PP P||: ||J| |p| j|
TIME
CITY
45 P.M
00 P.M
00 P.M
30 P.M
00 P.M
00A.M
00 P.M
00 P.M
00 P.M
30 P.M.
New York
Oklahoma
Omaha
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Portland
Salt Lake
San Francisco
Seattle
St. Louis
Washington
PLACE OF SHOWING
Home Office
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
Vine St. Sc. Room
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
Jewel Box Sc. Room
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
Republic Sc. Room
Jewel Box Sc. Room
S’renco Sc. Room
Earle Th. Bldg.
ADDRESS
321 W. 44th St.
10 North Lee St.
1502 Davenport St.
1220 Vine St.
1715 Blvd. of Allies
1947 N.W. Kearney St.
216 East 1st South
221 Golden Gate Ave.
2318 Second Ave.
3143 Olive St.
13th &. E Sts. N.W.
TIME
ANN
LEW
ZACHARY
2:30 P.M.
1:30 P.M.
1:00 P.M.
2:30 P.M.
1:30 P.M.
10:30A.M.
2:00 P.M.
1:30 P.M.
10:30A.M.
1:00 P.M.
10:30 A.M.
SHERIDAN AYRES SCOTT
nV«a<U»»|o
//
with
EVE ARDEN •
STEVEN GERAY
Original Screen Play by David Goodis and James Gunn . Music by Max Steiner
Directed by VINCENT SHERMAN • Produced by JERRY WALD
THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
PUBLISHED IN NINE SECTIONAL EDITIONS
BEN SHLYEN
EcLitor-in-Chiei and Publisher
JAMES M. JERAULD Editor
NATHAN COHEN Associate Editor
JESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor
IVAN SPEAR Western Editor
J. HARRY TOLER Equipment Editor
RAYMOND LEVY General Manager
Published Every Saturday fey
ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS
Editorial Offices: 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 20,
N. Y.; Raymond Levy, General Manager: James M.
Jerauld, Editor; A. J. Stocker, Eastern Representa-
tive. Telephone Columbus 5-6370, 5-6371, 5-6372.
Cable address: "BOXOFFICE, New York."
Central Offices: 332 South Michigan Blvd., Chicago
4, 111. J. Harry Toler, Editor Modern Theatre Sec-
tion. Telephone WABash 4575.
Western Offices: 6404 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
28, Calif. Ivan Spear, Manager. Phone GLadstone
1186.
Washington Offices: 930 F Street, N. W. Lee L.
Ga-rling, Manager. Telephone NAtional 3482. Film-
row: 932 New Jersey, N. W. Sara Young.
Publication Offices: 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City
1, Mo. Nathan Cohen, Associate Editor; Jesse Shlyen,
Managing Editor; A. Jules Benedic, Field Editor; Mor-
ris Schlozman, Business Manager. Telephone CHest-
nut 7777. ..j
Other Publications: BOXOFFICE BAROMETER,
published in November as a section of BOXOFFICE;
THE MODERN THEATRE, published monthly as a
section of BOXOFFICE.
ALBANY— 21-23 Walter Ave„ M. Berrigan.
ATLANTA— 163 Walton, N. W., P. H. Savin.
BALTIMORE— Upton Theatre, A. J. Wolf.
BIRMINGHAM — The News, Eddie Badger.
BOSTON — Hotel Vendome, Frances Harding.
BUFFALO — 20 St. Margaret's Court, Jim Schrader.
CHARLOTTE— 216 W. 4th, Pauline Griffith.
CHICAGO — 332 S. Michigan Blvd., Jonas Perlberg,
WABash 4575.
CINCINNATI — 1634 Centrsl Parkway, Lillian Seltzer.
CLEVELAND — 2568 Overlook Road, Cleveland Heights,
Elsie Loeb, Fairmount 0046.
DALLAS — 408 S. Harwood, V. W. Crisp, Southwestern
editor, R-2312.
DENVER — 1645 Lafayette, Jack Rose, TA 8517.
DES MOINES — Register <& Tribune Bldg., Russ Schoch.
DETROIT — 1009 Fox Theatre Bldg., H. F. Reves.
Telephones: RA 1100; Night, UN-4-0219.
INDlANAPOLIS-^rRt. 8, Box 770, Howard M. Rudeaux.
LITTLE ROCK — Liberty Theatre, Herod Jimerson.
MIAMI— 66 S. Hibiscus Island, Mrs. Manton E. Har-
wood. 2952 Merrick Rd., Elizabeth Sudlow.
MEMPHIS — 707 Spring St., Null Adams, Tel. 48-5462.
MILWAUKEE — 5091 Plankinton Bldg., 161 W. Wiscon-
sin Ave., James R. Gahagan. Telephones: BR 4938
and MA 0297.
MINNEAPOLIS — 29 Washington Ave., So., Les Rees.
NEW HAVEN — 40 Whiting St., Ann Donner.
NEW ORLEANS — 218 So. Liberty St., Mrs. Jack Auslet.
Telephone MA 5812.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Daily Oklahoman, Polly Trindle.
OMAHA — Omaha World-Herald Bldg., Lou Gerdes.
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Record Bldg., Broad
and Wood Sts., J. M. Makler.
PITTSBURGH — 86 Van Braam St., R. F. Klingensmith,
c/o Monogram Pictures.
PORTLAND, ORE. — 425 SW Columbia, Room 11, J. C.
Bowen.
RICHMOND— National Theatre, R. W. Eagan, 2-2567.
ST. LOUIS — 5149 Rosa Ave., David F. Barrett, Flan-
ders 3727.
SALT LAKE CITY — Deseret News, Howard Pearson.
SAN ANTONIO— 531 North St., L. J. B. Ketner.
SAN FRANCISCO — 25 Taylor St., Gail Lipman,
ORdway 4812-4813.
SEATTLE — 928 N. 84th St., Willard Elsey.
TOLEDO — 4330 Willys Pkwy., Anna Kline.
IN CANADA
CALGARY — The Albertan, Wm. Campbell.
MONTREAL — 4330 Wilson Ave., N. D. G., Roy Car-
michael, Walnut 5519.
ST. JOHN — 116 Prince Edward St., Wm. J. McNulty.
TORONTO — 242 Milwood, Milton Galbraith.
VANCOUVER — 411 Lyric Theatre Bldg., Jack Droy.
VICTORIA— 938 Island Highway, Alec Merriman.
WINNIPEG — 709 Selkirk Ave., Ben Lepkin.
Member Audit Bureau of Circulations
Entered as Second Class matter at Post Office, Kansas City, Mo.
Sectional Edition, $2.06 per year; National Edition, $7.50
Vol. 51 No. 2
MAY 17, 1947
SOMETHING NEW
J ATURATION selling" might be the term
to apply to the method being used to merchandise "Duel in the
Sun" in its across-the-boards openings on a gigantic scale.
There have been as many as 300-odd simultaneous key-run
openings of pictures before, but each has been in a different
city. There have been area openings in several score theatres
at one time; there have been day-and-date showings in a
handful of theatres in a single city and, perhaps, a dozen or
two in subsequent-run situations. But none has equalled the
big-scale, top-price sweep of David O. Selznick's much-dis-
cussed production.
The grossing record of the picture in its opening days has
been phenomenal. Whatever one may think of the picture from
the standpoint of merit or otherwise, a selling method has
been devised and successfully executed which may revolu-
tionize the whole structure of picture selling in the future. Of
course, this might apply only to productions of so-called road-
show calibre and in a limited number of instances yearly.
Yet it may lead to other changes, particularly as related to
clearance, which may solve some old problems — and at the
same time create some new ones.
The idea of simultaneous runs in noncompetitive situa-
tions as an offset to clearance controversies is not new. Nor
is the idea of joint advertising of such playdates, except for
its wide scale in the instance of “Duel." But there are those
in the industry who have held that playing a picture off too
quickly is as detrimental to its later runs as it is helpful to its
earlier ones. And Columbia seems to be providing an answer
to that in the return dates being given to "The Jolson Story" in
downtown locations after the picture has been played "around
the loop" from first to last run.
There's a phrase which says there is nothing new under
the sun, but it's a capsule of wisdom to which showmandisers
don't subscribe. They operate on the theory that there's plenty
new under the sun and that all it takes to prove the theory is
that extra bit of planning, that additional ounce of effort, that
continuous striving to sell the picture and bring the customer to
the theatre. Selznick's spectacular selling of "Duel in the Sun"
is just another example of the showmandiser's theory skillfully
put into practice.
wee
More Litigation
Not many weeks ago Eric Johnston made the remark that
"litigation breeds more litigation." That is very much borne
out by the large number of suits for damages brought against
major companies, their theatre affiliates and executives in just
the past few days. All are of the triple-damage order, run-
ning into the millions.
Perhaps, if the New York statutory court's decree had been
found workable and could have by now been made effective,
this new litigation might have been obviated — and much of
the old satisfactorily settled. But what's the use of conjectur-
ing. Nobody ever wins a lawsuit except the lawyers. But
there always will be those who will try.
Priceless Gift
The Variety Clubs have just concluded their eleventh an-
nual conclave in Los Angeles, the most successful and best
attended in its history. That should be gratifying to the men
of Variety who year in and year out exemplify the bigness
of this heart of showbusiness through their deeds and acts
on behalf of the needy, the sick and the lame. This takes in
many forms of helping the helpless. It is a giving and doing of
a kind that repays the giver and doer in the happiness that
he makes possible for others. It is an endeavor that warms
the heart of the individual Variety Barker and accrues a
priceless goodwill to the industry to which he belongs.
Richard A. Rowland
A pioneer in every sense of the word was Richard A.
Rowland. Dick entered the motion picture business when it
was barely two years old. He was aggressive and daring,
contributing much to the development of the theatre as well
as the motion picture. It was Dick Rowland who brought that
memorable "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" to the
screen and that picture led to the stardom of Valentino. He
discovered and developed many important players and, if
memory serves, encouraged the making of the first Technicolor
feature. Dick Rowland will be missed.
CL
T^cdae WeaU
Carolina Exhibitors Group
Drops Convention Plans
Long search for hotels is fruitless; even
Bermuda-bound boat is considered; some hos-
telries are dating sessions now for the 1948
season.
-K
Set Kansas-Missouri Ass'n
Convention in October
No definite date scheduled; exhibitor group
directors report no film bills introduced in
Kansas; one bill requiring uniformed fire
guards in theatres still pending in Missouri.
-K
Chicago Theatremen Meet
Mayor on Tax Problems
John Balaban, Edwin Silverman, James Cos-
ton, Jack Kirsch, Arthur Schoenstadt advise
Mayor Martin Kennedy against imposing city
amusement tax in face of falling business.
*
UA Setting 60 Openings
For ‘Verdoux' in Aug.
Chaplin film to end New York run late in
May; company will concentrate on extensive
ad campaign during June and July for day
and date openings.
*
‘Duel' Gets 11 Moveovers;
Five Holdovers in N. Y.
After week in 39 Loew’s houses and eight
Walter Reade houses David O. Selznick’s spe-
cial is continued in 16 houses, some for part
week and some seven days.
*
Vitalis L. Chalif Named
To United Artists Board
Member of the law firm of Leon, Weill and
Mahoney in New York elected representative
of Mary Pickford on the UA board of direc-
tors, replacing Herman Weisman, resigned.
+
Senate Approves Griffis
As Poland Ambassador
Upper house confirms nomination by Presi-
dent Truman of well-known film executive
and financier after recommendation by for-
eign relations committee.
*
Film Men Start Campaign
For N. Y. Heart Fund
Tom Connors, Donald Henderson, 20th-
Fox, and William White, Skouras Theatres,
comprise industry committee of city drive to
raise $500,000 for heart disease sufferers.
+
John C. Jackson a Victim
In Film Bldg. Holocaust
Director of British Lion among approxi-
mately 15 killed as fire ravages Minerva Film
Corp. structure in Rome, company that pro-
duced “Open City.”
RANK, FETED BY FILM LEADERS,
BEGINS HIS U. S. CONFERENCES
On Monday night, the Motion Picture
Ass’n board was host to J. Arthur Rank
(center) at a dinner. He is shown here
with Harry M. Warner (left) and Eric
A. Johnston, MPA president.
Here the British film magnate chats
with Nicholas Schenck (left) , president of
Loew’s, Inc., and Robert Young, head of
Pathe Industries, and more publicly iden-
tified with the Chesapeake and Ohio rail-
road.
John Davis, managing director of the
Rank enterprises, with Mrs. Davis as they
arrived in this country a week ago.
By J. M. JERAULD
NEW YORK — Press interviews reached
a new high for spectacular trimmings,
bright lights, attendance, protocol and re-
hearsed questions on Monday (May 12) at
the Sherry-Netherlands.
Eric Johnston was chairman, or master
of ceremonies. In the Vanity Fair room,
which has a balcony running around three
sides, the setting resembled a film studio.
Near the entrance was a row of newsreel
cameras and sound men. On the main floor
of the room there were a half dozen big
reflecting lights pointed in the direction
of a long table covered with green felt.
In back of this table was a map of the
world with tabs showing the far-flung
holdings of the J. Arthur Rank organiza-
tions.
LIST OF THOSE PRESENT
Seated at this table were Johnston, with
Rank, John Davis, managing director of the
Rank enterprises; Robert S. Benjamin, presi-
dent of J. Arthur Rank, Inc., and Arthur
B. Krim, president of Eagle-Lion, on his
right. On his left were: Robert R. Young,
chairman of the board of the Chesapeake
& Ohio railroad and head of Pathe Indus-
tries, Inc., which controls Eagle-Lion; Nate
J. Blumberg, president of Universal-Inter-
national; Matty Fox, vice-president, and
Joseph H. Seidelman, president of Universal
International Films, Inc., the export organi-
zation.
In general charge was Jock Lawrence, pub-
lic relations head of Rank’s organization
in this country, with Maurice Bergman, Mon-
roe Greenthal and others in charge of vari-
ous activities. Near the entrance was a table
with a row of mimeographed releases.
The newsreel lights were brilliant — also hot.
From about 9:45 to 10 a. m. the photogra-
phers flashed bulbs almost continuously. As
they paused, Joseph Birstien of Film Daily
rushed forward and handed copies of his
paper to each man at the table. The crowd
guffawed, but the men being photographed
picked up the papers and more flash bulbs
went off.
At 10 the trade press moved forward to-
ward the table. At 10:30 Johnston explained
how busy the executives were and asked the
trade press to move back in order to give
the daily press and the magazine writers a
chance. The trade press moved back. In the
meantime a crowd of more than 80 persons
had arrived.
JOHNSTON PRESIDES
Johnston started both interviews by ask-
ing several questions which Rank answered.
The British magnate said less than anyone
present and each time the questioning got
around to the subject of British exchange
and the moves in Parliament suggesting re-
strictions on American film imports to Great
Britain Matty Fox took up the replies.
Highlights of the replies to questions were
as follows:
Rank (in reply to a question from Johnston
as to why he was in this country) :
“I am trying to learn how the American
public is reacting to British pictures and to
confer with my good friends and associates.”
Young (also in reply to a question from
Johnston as to why he was present):
“I want to make it clear that my interest
in motion pictures antedates my interest in
railroads. I went into Pathe in 1932. Now
Pathe Industries, Inc., an outgrowth of Pathe,
owns all the stock in Eagle-Lion. I have had
some very pleasant business and personal re-
lationships with the men in the film busi-
ness.
‘‘The railroad industry can only survive
under • our system of free enterprise if we
solve our international problems. Failure to
solve them will destroy our own industries.
Prices are the result of world armament.
“We must exchange goods with other coun-
tries. We can no longer cling to the theory
that international commerce is a unilateral
process of selling and not buying anything.
“Anglo-American films are very important
in this connection. We must find some way
to bring British films here so that they can
buy ours.”
Young, also in reply to a question, said
that he had heard the American Railroad
Ass'n claimed the showing of films on cars
was an old idea first tried by the associa-
tion in 1936.
“And it was stopped by the association,”
Young said. “It was stopped by agreement
of western railroads headed by the present
secretary of commerce, Mr. Harriman.”
Nate J. Blumberg said that his first con-
nection with J. Arthur Rank had been in
1936 when Universal made an agreement for
distribution in Great Britain through Rank’s
company, General Film Distributors. Further
development of the relationship into produc-
tion and distribution came in 1945, he said.
A COMMITTEE SELECTS
At this point Rank was asked who decided
what British films Universal should get and
what other Eagle-Lion should get for distribu-
tion in this country. He replied that a com-
mittee consisting of himself, Fox and Krim
made the selections.
The question of British demands for greater
returns from the American market came up.
Rank was asked specifically if he had set
a figure for the returns he desired.
Rank said no figure had been set, but that
he wanted his pictures to “get a reasonable
return, not only for the purpose of profit but
also to develop friendships between the two
peoples.”
One correspondent interrupted to say that
Johnston had been quoted as saying the
British goal was $10,000,000.
Johnston made no comment. Fox inter-
rupted to say that the returns had been very
satisfactory, but that he did not want to give
any figure, because a number of the best
British pictures have gone into release since
the first of the year.
Rank commented that the progress had
been “very satisfactory.”
Another question was asked Rank about
the acquisition of showcases. Fox said that
this program had been interrupted by the
high costs. Prices for existing theatres had
slowed down the program, he said. It would
be continued when conditions changed, he
declared, and Universal would do the actual
buying.
A New York newspaper writer wanted to
know if Rank regarded stars or stories as
the more important. He replied that he
wanted to build up personalities and also
maintain due regard for story values.
8
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
VARIETY HUMANITARIAN HONOR
CONFERRED ON JAMES F. BYRNES
LOS ANGELES — James F. Byrnes, for-
mer secretary of state and a public servant
for many years, was the recipient of the
annual Humanitarian award bestowed each
year by Variety Clubs International upon
the individual who, in the opinion of Va-
riety’s membership, contributes the most
to humanity.
Announcement of the honor climaxed the
annual convention of the organization and
was made at the Humanitarian awards dinner
hosted by Jack L. Warner, vice-president in
charge of production at the studio bearing
his name. Chief Justice Vinson made the
Acme Photo
JAMES F. BYRNES
announcement and presentation in an ad-
dress piped to the convention from Washing-
ton and Byrnes’ acceptance speech likewise
was piped to the delegates. The chief justice
was introduced by Carter Barron, first as-
sistant national chief barker.
In accepting the honor, Byrnes paid tribute
to Variety and the philosophy behind the
organization. “Because I have had the op-
portunity to know of their good works, I ask
the privilege of giving the honorarium which
has been tendered me to the welfare fund
of the Washington unit of this organization,”
he told the convention.
The motion picture industry, he said, in an
address prepared for delivery, “now plays an
important part in our foreign relations. The
motion picture has become an unofficial am-
bassador to many countries, interpreting to
other people our American way of life.
“I am confident that those directing the
industry, as well as the artists and writers,
realize that with this great opportunity there
has come also a great responsibility, the re-
sponsibility of seeing to it that without sacri-
ficing the quality of entertainment that
makes American pictures welcome everywhere,
they do not misrepresent our American life.”
For the festive and climactic occasion,
stage two at the Burbank studio was made to
rival the biggest “big top” ever pitched. A
main entrance marquee, complete with bark-
ers, was flanked with sideshow banners with
a steam calliope contributing to the atmos-
phere. Inside the big sound stage, circus,
theatre and Hollywood aura were combined.
DRAW 1,200 VISITORS
Following the dinner which was a stag
affair a program produced by Warner Direc-
tor LeRoy Prinz featured stars Jack Carson,
Dennis Morgan, Janis Paige and others. Leo
Forbstein’s studio orchestra, garbed in red,
gold and white circus uniforms, furnished
the music. Attendance was estimated at ap-
proximately 1,400 which included the 1,200
visitors and delegates to the convention and
state, city and industry dignitaries.
The convention itself was a tremendous
success, as local barkers went all out to
welcome the 1,200 visitors from the United
States, Canada and Mexico. At the Ambas-
sador hotel, convention headquarters, the
largest neon sign ever built on the west
coast welcomed the delegates.
William McCraw was reappointed to serve
another year as Variety’s national executive
director, Chief Barker Bob O’Donnell an-
nounced at the opening session. O’Donnell
praised McCraw for his work during his first
year as the organization’s only salaried ex-
ecutive.
Plans were discussed for reviving the only
two inactive tents — Milwaukee and Kansas
City. National officers decided to convene
for an annual meeting between conventions
so as to keep more closely abreast of Va-
riety’s rapid growth and business problems.
Miami and Mexico City were making strong
bids for next year’s convention.
First business session of the conclave was
held Wednesday morning when national of-
ficers and national canvasmen convened, fol-
lowing which they were hosted by Darryl F.
Zanuck, production head of 20th-Fox studio,
at the 20th-Fox commissary. The afternoon
was devoted to further officer and canvasmen
business huddles. In the evening they were
entertained at dinner at the Beverly club
at which their host was Charles P. Skouras,
president of National Theatres and chief
barker of Los Angeles Tent No. 25, which
played host to the convention.
Thursday morning witnessed the first gen-
eral business session for official delegates to
the convention, which session was open to all
barkers. This was followed by a luncheon for
all conventioneers at which Gene Autry of
Gene Autry Productions was the host. In
HUMANITARIAN AWARD PLAQUE
the afternoon the general business session
was resumed for the reading of the annual
hearts reports from all tents from which re-
ports a committee selected the recipients of
the annual awards for outstanding charitable
activities. Social feature of Thursday came
in the evening when all convention visitors
and their ladies were entertained at dinner
at Earl Carroll’s Theatre restaurant where
their host was Steve Broidy, president of
Monogram and Allied Artists.
A general business session Friday morning
(Continued on next page)
h;;
fi
jp>
r
1
VARIETY’S NEWEST TENT — With so many national figures
on the west coast for the Variety convention, the inaugural banquet
of the Variety Club of Northern California drew a dais filled with
celebrities. The dinner scene Monday night is shown here. Left to
right: Rotus Harvey, president of the ITO of Northern California;
Jimmy O’Neil; William O’Donnell, Dallas, past chief barker of the
Variety Clubs of Texas; Sid Grauman, owner, Chinese Theatre, Hol-
lywood; William McCraw, executive director. National Variety; Abe
Blumenfeld, San Francisco, Blumenfeld circuit, named chief barker
of Tent No. 32; Robert J. O’Donnell, Dallas, national chief barker;
Charles Skouras, National Theatres head; Marc Wolf, general man-
ager of Y&W Management Corp. and chief dough guy of National
Variety; Charles E. Lewis, New York, publicity director, National
Variety; Jack Marpole, J. Leslie Jacobs and L. S. Hamm.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
9
Los Angeles in a Festive Welcome
Visiting barkers to the Variety Club convention were given a demonstration of
western showmanship the moment they alighted from their trains. A three-day fiesta
was staged in the patio of the station and colorful senoritas greeted the visitors. In
this photo Theodore Gildred, Mexico City, becomes the first delegate to register, as
Bob O’Donnell and Charles Skouras (R) look on.
At the left, Nat Taylor of the Toronto tent registered in full uniform of the Royal
Northwest Mounted Police. Billie Hunt wears the dress of the Canadian Islanders. The
center photos shows a Pittsburgh group (L to R) Mort England, Joe Shapiro, Joe
DeMann, Ben Ash, Bernard Lauth and Father Garrahan. At the right, Harry Nace
(R), Arizona circuit owner, poses with Sherrill Corwin, Los Angeles circuit operator.
In the left photo, George Hoover of Miami gets his badge as Dave Bershon, vet-
eran L. A. showman, looks on. At the right, C. B. Wolf, Baltimore tent property man (L)
poses with Marc Wolf, Indianapolis exhibitor, and Mrs. Wolf.
MGM to Release Six
In the Next Quarter
NEW YORK — MGM will release six pic-
tures during June, July and August at the
rate of two a month. These are in addition
to three new pictures and one reprint being
released in May.
The new May releases are “High Barbaree,”
starring Van Johnson with June Allyson,
Claude Jarman jr., Marilyn Maxwell and
Thomas Mitchell; “Undercover Maisie,” star-
ing Ann Sothern with Barry Nelson, Leon
Ames and Dick Simmons; “The Yearling,”
with Gregory Peck, Jane Wyman and Claude
Jarman jr., and the reprint is “The Great
Waltz,” with Luise Rainer, Fernand Gravet
and Miliza Korjus.
Scheduled for release in June are “Living
in a Big Way,” with Gene Kelly, Marie Mc-
Donald and Phyllis Thaxter, and “Dark
Delusion,” with James Craig, Lionel Barry-
more, Lucille Bremer, Jayne Meadows and
Keye Luke.
For release in July are “Fiesta,” in Techni-
color with Esther Williams, John Carroll,
Ricardo Montalban and Mary Astor, and
“Cynthia,” with Elizabeth Taylor, George
Murphy, Mary Astor and S. Z. Sakall. For
August there will be “The Hucksters,” star-
ring Clark Gable, Deborah Kerr, Adolphe
Menjou, Ava Gardner and Sydney Green-
street, and “Romance of Rosy Ridge,” star-
ring Van Johnson and Janet Leigh.
Ingrid Bergman, Crosby
Win Companion Ballot
NEW YORK — The National Poll of
Movie-Goers, published in the June issue
of Woman’s Home Companion, shows Ingrid
Bergman as the favorite actress and Bing
Crosby as the favorite actor. Six months ago,
the annual BOXOFFICE screen favorites poll
also listed these two as the top stars. In
the actress poll, particularly, did the results
of the two ballots coincide with Miss Berg-
man, Greer Garson, Bette Davis and Claud-
ette Colbert finishing in that order. Eight
of the BOXOFFICE winners were included
among the ten most popular actresses in the
magazine’s poll and seven of the most popular
actors. Only women cast their vote in the
Companion ballot.
Olivia de Havilland was given a special
Companion award for her rapid rise this year.
Changes were noted in preferences for cer-
tain types of pictures. Romantic dramas,
most popular last year, dropped to fourth,
musicals rose from second to the top place,
while psychological dramas rose from 1 per
cent of the vote last year to 42 per cent this
year.
Dave Lutzer and C. D. Leon, barkers from Texas, are greeted by two of the senoritas
who helped provide the festive air of the convention. A Mexican orchestra also was at
the station patio.
Variety Convention
(Continued from preceding page)
was followed by a luncheon for all registered
barkers as guests of Henry Ginsberg, vice-
president in charge of production, Paramount
studios. The convention’s final business gath-
ering with election of national officers and
canvasmen was held Friday afternoon.
All business behind them, the conven-
tioneers devoted Saturday to sightseeing.
There was a studio and beach trip which was
followed by a luncheon at the California
Cabana club, Santa Monica. Every visitor
was accorded an opportunity to see motion
pictures being made. They were divided into
smaller parties, each one of which was taken
to one of the major studios where a full com-
plement of personnel was on hand to officiate
at the sightseeing.
10
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
about the big- new Bouncing Ball song series
and the whole new streamlined line-up of
aramount
horts
FOR 1947- ’48
aramount
Increases the supply of its
leading audience favorites...
Adds an important new color-
cartoon series . . .
Strips down the number of series
for the most concentrated values
ever, in its . . .
64
New- eason
Shorts
m
Popeye
Cartoons
(8)
Yes, 8 instead of 6 because showmen can’t get
enough of the Strong Man of ticket-selling
laughter.
H
Noveltoons
(8)
Maintaining the recently announced increase
in number of releases from 6 to 8, because of
their overwhelming public acceptance. The
series that “discovered” The Bouncing Ball
and introduced other novelties.
* All Produced by Famous Studios
6
Musical arade
Featurettes
IN TECHNICOLOR
Made like features, cast like features with real
marquee star-names. Scored like features with
real hit music.
Produced by Harry Gray
6
Paramount
acemakers
GRANTLAND
RICE
portlights
Produced by Jack Eaton
A new series that has made good. So original
that these were the first shorts ever picture-
featured by “Life” Magazine.
The 27th year of America’s
unchallenged leader in its field.
And its field is America’s most
popular topic — sports.
I
6
Speaking of
Animals
Honored twice with Academy Awards, they
have highlighted with fun and interest every
show they’ve played.
6
Popular cience
IN M A GN A COLOR
Dramatizing the headlines of science in the
terms of every-day living, these fine Shorts as-
sure program diversity and high-level audience
interest.
Unusual
ccupations
IN MAGNACOLOR
\ our patrons meet such interesting people,
doing such fascinating things that this series
lias been audience-acclaimed for 10 years.
/
/ .
' /
UNO SING OUT
THE BIGGEST NEWS OF
* /
\'
AlID HERE’S A bR 10 HEW
PROGRAMMING IDIA...
Paramount
ews
THE E YES AND EARS
OF THE WORLD
Newsreels are not all alike because today no
other newsreel is like Paramount News. Un-
rivalled in coverage, unique in editing slants,
it scoops all competitors time after time. Your
patrons are missing something if you don’t
show Paramount News!
It takes your audience everywhere — shows
them more — shows it more dramatically. Its
best-on-film reporting points up every event
from human interest items to world-shaking
headlines. You’ll find everything important
to the public presented more importantly in
its 104 issues a year.
The Paramount
Shorts ackage
A Para mount-pioneered innovation
already popular with exhibitors as 2nd
feature substitutes, program balancers or
holiday, midnight, and kiddies’ specials.
The Boxoffice Will Sing With
64 horts
42 In Color — In 9 Series
Plus Paramount News
FIVE ANTITRUST SUITS SEEK
$7,125,000 TOTAL DAMAGES
Best Lineup of Films in Our History ,
Balaban Says of Forthcoming Product
Reade, Dickinson Chains,
Among the Plaintiffs in
New Monopoly Cases
Five antitrust suits, seeking a total of
$7,125,000 in damages, were filed by exhibi-
tors in widely separated situations during
the week against a variety of distributors
and circuit operators. In a sixth action,
an exhibitor went into the courts to appeal
the setting aside of a near-$l,000,000 ver-
dict by a federal court judge.
Developments of the week:
1. Walter Reade, as operator of the Strand
Theatre, Plainfield, N. J., filed a triple-
damage suit totaling $3,900,000 against the
eight majors and five other defendants in
which the court is asked to issue an in-
junction against the Newark clearance sys-
tem and an order to force RKO, Warners
and Loew’s to divest themselves of their in-
terests in the 20 theatres they operate in
Essex, Union and Middlesex counties.
DICKINSON GOES TO COURT
2. In Kansas City, the Dickinson circuit
filed two suits asking triple damages totaling
$1,575,000 against the major distributors, Na-
tional Theatres Corp. and four of its sub-
sidiaries: two corporations operating the Or-
pheum, Kansas City; Ward Scott, midwest
district manager of 20th-Fox, and E. C.
Rhoden, head of the Fox Midwest circuit, on
the grounds of alleged “unreasonable, unfair,
arbitrary and discriminatory” clearance in-
volving two Dickinson theatres in the Kan-
sas City area. One suit, for $1,050,000 dam-
ages, alleged that the clearance system forced
the circuit to close the Dickinson Theatre at
Mission, Kas., and the other, for $525,000
damages, contends that the Overland
Theatre at Overland Park, Kas., has been
unable to get new product because of the
alleged conspiracy.
3. In a San Francisco tribunal another
suit involving $1,050,000 damages for alleged
monopolistic practice in distribution and ex-
hibition was filed by Raymond J., William
and Pauline Syufy, owners of the Rita and
Victory theatres in Vallejo, Calif. The suit
was based on the charge that distributors
combining with Fox West Coast theatres have
attempted to put the plaintiff exhibitors out
of business.
4. In a Milwaukee court the Menasha The-
atre Co., of Menasha, Wis., asked for triple
damages in the amount of $600,000, charging
the major distributors and the Fox Wisconsin
circuit with conspiracy to keep product away
from the Brin Theatre in that town. The
suit alleged that the theatre was forced to
close because of the lack of product. The
house is now open again, but is being oper-
ated by a circuit which does not figure in
the present suit.
MOMAND FILES APPEAL
Meanwhile, in Boston, A. B. Momand filed
notice of appeal from the judgment entered
by Judge Wyzanski of federal district court
setting aside a verdict of triple damages
totaling almost $1,000,000 in Momand’s long
drawn-out suit against distributors, the Grif-
fith circuit and others, alleging that he had
been forced out of business years ago in a
number of Oklahoma situations. Momand’s
effort to revive the damage claims went to
the circuit court of appeals early in the week.
In the Walter Reade action, named as de-
HOLLYWOOD — Paramount features to be
released during the remainder of this year
and early in 1948 constitute the best lineup
of pictures in the history of the company,
Barney Balaban, president, told the Para-
mount theatre partners and associates at the
final sessions of their week-long meetings
with home office executives at Arrowhead
Springs.
The meetings concluded in time to permit
those attending to come to Los Angeles for
the Variety clubs convention.
Henry Ginsberg, vice-president in charge
of production and studio operations, in ad-
dressing the final sessions, discussed general
plans for future production and outlined pic-
tures to go before the cameras this spring
and summer.
Balaban informed that Paramount at this
time has ready or is preparing for release
"The Perils of Pauline,” “Welcome Stranger,”
“Dear Ruth,” "The Emperor Waltz,” the 36-
star "Variety Girl,” “Unconquered,” “Road to
Rio,” “The Big Clock,” “Golden Earrings,”
“Where There’s Life,” “Wild Harvest,” “I
Walk Alone” and “Desert Fury."
Included among these are two Technicolor
pictures which will be released this year as
holiday attractions. These are “The Perils
of Pauline,” starring Betty Hutton, to be re-
leased on Fourth of July, and Cecil B. De-
Mille’s “Unconquered,” starring Gary Cooper
fendants along with the major distributors
were the Stanley Corp. of America, Warner
Bros. Circuit Management Corp., RKO Thea-
tres Corp., Nu-Broad Theatre Co., operating
Loew’s State in Newark, and the Essex
Amusement Corp., operating the Paramount
Theatre in that city.
Circuit operator Reade asks for an injunc-
tion restraining maintenance of the Newark
clearance system, called “unreasonable.” He
asks that the 14-day clearance by Newark
over Plainfield be removed. Under the pres-
ent system both Plainfield and Elizabeth are
14 days behind Newark, while Elizabeth holds
a seven-day clearance over Cranford, 'N. J.
New Brunswick is ahead of Newark, enjoying
product on a territorial release date, accord-
ing to Reade’s attorney, Monroe Stein.
Reade says the clearance system benefits
the defendants’ houses in Elizabeth, Cranford
and New Brunswick, and that Reade’s Strand,
Oxford and Paramount in Plainfield are hurt
by the 14-day clearance because Plainfield
is not in the same competitive area as
Newark.
S. P. Halpern in association with L. B.
Schwarts, both theatrical attorneys of Min-
neapolis, filed the Kansas City and Menasha,
Wis., suits.
The Dickinson circuit claims that Fox Mid-
west erected a new house, the Fairway, in a
Kansas City suburb to play first run day
and date with two other FMW metropolitan-
area houses. The Fairway obtained a 56-day
clearance over the Dickinson Theatre in Mis-
sion, Kas., another Kansas City suburb, the
suit recites, whereupon business at the Dick-
inson, erected in 1938, dwindled to the point
where it had to close, according to the com-
and Paulette Goddard, which will be a
Thanksgiving release.
Curtis Mitchell, advertising and publicity
director, discussed special campaigns for up-
coming releases. Martin Lewis of the studio
publicity department demonstrated new ideas
in radio transcriptions intended to heighten
the radio campaign on Paramount pictures
throughout the country during the coming
year.
The meetings were presided over by Leon-
ard Goldenson, vice-president in charge of
theatre operations.
All Paramount Directors
Are Up for Re-Election
NEW YORK — Paramount stockholders will
vote on the re-election of all 16 board mem-
bers at the company annual stockholders
meeting, to be held here June 17. The direc-
tors will meet to elect officers following the
stockholders session.
Directors up for re-election include Barney
Balaban, Stephen Callaghan, Y. Frank Free-
man, Harvey D. Gibson, Leonard H. Golden-
son, A. Conger Goodyear, Stanton Griffis,
Duncan G. Harris, John D. Hertz, Austin C.
Keough, Earl I. McClintock, Maurice New-
ton, Charles M. Reagan, E. V. Richards,
Edwin L. Weisl and Adolph Zukor.
plaint, adding that the Overland Theatre in
Overland Park, Kas., Kansas City suburb,
remains open but with impaired business due
to the alleged acts of the defendants.
A “nationwide conspiracy to eliminate com-
petition,” in violation of the antitrust act, is
charged in the suit filed by the Syufys fam-
ily against Fox West Coast Theatres, National
Theatres Corp., 20th-Fox, MGM, RKO, War-
ner Bros., Paramount, Columbia and United
Artists. The suit further charges that “Fox
owns and operates or controls more than
600 theatres in the U.S. and that defendant
distributors and their subsidiaries distribute
80 per cent of the country's films.”
Supreme Court Agrees
Vo Hear Griffith Case
OKLAHOMA CITY — The U.S. supreme
court Monday (12) agreed to hear the gov-
ernment’s appeal in the suit brought in this
district in 1939 against the Griffith Amuse-
ment Co., Consolidated Theatres, Inc., R. E.
Griffith Theatres, Inc., and Westex Theatres,
Inc., and two individuals — L. C. Griffith and
H. J. Griffith.
Ruling that the defendants were “alert and
progressive and took such advantages only
as were natural in the industry,” Edgar S.
Vaught, federal district judge, dismissed the
suit.
Charles E. Dierker, who, as district attor-
ney, prosecuted the case, Monday said that
“the order doesn’t mean much,” as the case
went direct to the court from the western
district.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
15
V
JUNE DUPREZ
Lowell Gilmore • Edith King
Directed by JOHN FARROW
nd Written for the Screen by Seron 1. Miller
Produced a
WARNER BROTHERS TO BEGIN
NEWSREEL DURING NOVEMBER
Eagle-Lion to Produce
At Least 12 Majors
Project Under Discussion
For Several Years Now
Being Put in Shape
NEW YORK— Harry M. Warner has de-
cided to start a new newsreel in Novem-
ber. It will be called Warner Bros. News-
reel.
Rumors about the imminent start of a
Warner newsreel have risen and fallen
regularly for a number of years. Only a
few weeks ago it was stated that plans for
a new reel had been definitely dropped.
Then reports came in that some Warner
theatres were canceling their newsreel
contracts.
Before the war the company had definitely
decided to go into the newsreel business, but
when the conflict began it became apparent
immediately that neither the materials nor
the manpower necessary would be available
and the plan was dropped.
JAMES ALLEN AT HELM
James Allen, a member of the Warner
studio executive staff since 1943, and at one
time head of public relations in the Depart-
ment of Justice in Washington will head the
new organization. He has been in New York
for a week of conferences with Harry M.
Warner and has gone back to the coast for
further talks with Jack L. Warner, vice-
president in charge of production. He will
come back to New York next month to begin
assembling a newsreel staff. A number of
applicants for key spots are said to be under
consideration.
Headquarters of the reel will be in New
York and the laboratory work will be done
at the company’s plant in Brooklyn.
Technical details, including the necessary
laboratory equipment, have been worked out
by Col. Nathan Levinson, head of the War-
ner studio sound department. He has been
in the east for a month.
Distribution will be handled by the com-
pany’s short subjects department headed by
Norman H. Moray, short subject sales man-
ager.
TELENEWS REEL STARTED
Five other newsreels are now servicing
theatres. They are: News of the Day, dis-
tributed by Loew’s, Inc.; Movietonews, Inc.,
20th-Fox; Paramount News and Universal
Newsreel. March of Time comes out monthly
and is sold separately as a short subject. A
recent entry in the newsreel field is Telenews
Digest, produced by Telenews Prod., New
York. The reel is available to newsreel and
feature houses as a supplement to regular
newsreel services. The digest is issued once
a week, with emphasis on foreign coverage.
The first issue opened in New York on May
1. Telenews Prod, is an affiliate of the Tele-
news circuit.
Up until June 18, 1946 United Newsreel
Corp., organized in 1942, prepared newsreel
material for U.S. companies for distribution
in specific foreign countries. The Motion
Picture Export Ass’n took over this operation.
Interest in newsreel developments has been
keen for some time, because of the possi-
bility that instantaneous coverage of im-
portant happenings can be transmitted by
air or wire to a theatre projection booth or
a laboratory and transferred to film frcjjp.
a television set.
HOLLYWOOD — Approaching the end of its
first year of operations, which anniversary
will be celebrated in
July, Eagle-Lion re-
veals that during its
second year it will pro-
duce a minimum of 12
major films. Disclo-
sure of the 1947-48
schedule was made by
Bryan Foy, vice-presi-
dent in charge of pro-
duction, who revealed
that at least four of
the 12 would be made
in color.
In addition, Foy
pointed out, E-L will
release during the
coming year at least six films made by the
J. Arthur Rank organization in England. Two
of these films are already on hand, being
edited for the American market. They are
“Caravan,” starring Stewart Granger, and
“Green for Danger.”
Foy stated that the company’s budget for
advertising has been substantially increased
for the coming year in order to exploit the
pictures properly.
“The bulk of this advertising will go to the
newspapers and the trade press as we have
found these to be far and away the most
effective medium for reaching the movie-
going public,” Foy said.
“I believe,” he added, “that the best an-
swer to this fear-spreading talk of reces-
sion, as far as this industry is concerned,
lies in good pictures made as efficiently as
possible and properly exploited and adver-
tised through the medium of the press. Good
pictures create their own audiences, as has
been proved time and again, and our experi-
ences after our first year of operation has
MINNEAPOLIS — Even though it’s one of
the greatest boxoffice attractions in years in
this territory, 27 leading Minneapolis and St.
Paul theatres have decided to forego the
playing of “The Jolson Story” because they
disapprove Columbia’s terms for it.
The final decision of the theatres, members
of the nonprofit Independent Theatre Ass’n
buying combine, was reached after a confer-
ence with Bill Evidon, Columbia city sales-
man, who refused to alter the deal in a man-
ner demanded by the group.
This action followed the expulsion from the
combine of Martin G. Lebedoff who, in de-
fiance of the group, personally made a “Jol-
son Story” deal for his two Minneapolis
neighborhood theatres.
The Independent Theatre Ass’n also is
“striking” against two other of recent years’
convinced us that we can make such pic-
tures.”
Among pictures scheduled for the coming
year are: Louis Bromfield’s love story,
“Kenny,” starting July 1; “Montana,” a tale
of the copper barons to be made in color,
starting in August; "Rainbow Ridge,” based
on a Saturday Evening Post article titled
“Wild Horse Roundup,” which also will be
filmed in color beginning August 20, and
“Prince Valiant,” the world-syndicated ad-
venture strip dealing with the days of the
legendary King Arthur for which the studio
acquired the film rights several months ago
and scheduled for a September 15 start. The
studio is negotiating with J. Arthur Rank
for Stewart Granger to play “Prince Valiant.”
Other major pictures on the schedule are
“Madhouse”; “A Woman Remembers”;
“Clementine,” based on Peggy Goodin’s novel
which will star Lois Butler, a young screen
newcomer; “Corkscrew Alley” and “Career
in Manhattan,” two dramatic stories which
will star Richard Basehart; “Woman Hsmt,”
and “New Girl in Town.”
At present, two pictures are in production
while three others are being edited. Pictures
before the cameras are “A Texas Story,” star-
ring James Craig, Johnnie Johnston and
Lynn Bari, and “Adventures of Casanova,”
which is being filmed in its entirety at the
Churubusco studios in Mexico City with a
cast headed by Arturo de Cordova, Noreen
Nash, Lucille Bremer and Turhan Bey. These
pictures are scheduled to be completed by
July 1.
Pictures now in the editing stage are “Out
of the Blue” with George Brent, Virginia
Mayo, Turhan Bey and Carole Landis; “Love
From a Stranger,” with John Hodiak, Sylvia
Sidney and Ann Richards, and “The Red
Stallion,” a Cinecolor production filmed on
location.
best boxoffice pictures, “The Best Years of
Our Lives” and “Duel in the Sun.”
Still another of the territory’s largest non-
profit buying combines. Theatres Associates,
which includes the leading independent cir-
cuits and a number of Twin City and subur-
ban deluxe houses, finally made a “Jolson
Story” deal last week. Members lost no time
in dating the picture and it has been doing
smash business in all spots.
This same group also has given some
ground on “The Best Years of Our Lives” and
“Duel in the Sun” by deciding that these
should be considered “roadshows” with mem-
bers privileged to make individual deals.
The W. R. Frank circuit, member of Thea-
tre Associates, has bought “Duel in the Sun”
for three of its towns — Wilmar, Owatonna and
Hutchinson, Minn.
BRYAN FOY
Minneapolis Buying Combine Refuses
Jolson Story' Because of Terms
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
17
^yyow turn to the second chapter in
the blazing success story of this 6 -star
Paramount best-seller and you’ll find:
“Blaze of Noon’ at the Brooklyn
Paramount outgrossed ‘California’
and all other top Paramount
attractions since
‘Blue Skies’!
MPA Forms Alliance
With British Films
NEW YORK — The British Film Producers’
Ass’n and the Motion Picture Ass’n of Amer-
ica have established a joint standing advisory
committee for cooperation on interests af-
fecting them jointly.
Announcement of the formation of the
committee was made at a dinner given by
the MPA board for J. Arthur Rank at the
Waldorf-Astoria.
The six members are Eric Johnston,
Nicholas M. Schenck, Barney Balaban, rep-
resenting the MPA, and J. Arthur Rank, Sir
Alexander Korda and Sir Henry L. French,
representing the British. Deputies for each
member will be named later.
Johnston commented on the new move by
saying that he hoped the establishment of
this committee would promote interchange
of films among the peoples of the world and
make for an increasing contribution to world
understanding and peace.
Rank’s comment was: “Our two industries
are in competition. They will always remain
so. I feel that I am expressing your views
as well as my own when I say that such
competition is in the interests of both in-
dustries as well as of the public we serve.
Notwithstanding this, there is a large field
in which the aims of the two industries and
the interests of our public are identical and
not competitive.’’
The joint committee idea is the result of
a proposal made by Johnston in London last
November for the establishment of an Inter-
national Film Council. Later the UNESCO
conference in Paris adopted a resolution fa-
voring such a council.
First Meeting Scheduled
On Film Trade Shorts
HOLLYWOOD — Exhibitor and Hollywood
representatives named to consider the pos-
sibilities of presenting the industry’s story
in a series of short subjects planned to hold
their first meeting at the Beverly Hills hotel
Monday night, May 19. The theatremen were
to stay over for the meeting following the
Variety convention.
The committee was set up recently at the
request of Motion Picture Ass’n President
Eric Johnston, following informal prelimi-
nary sessions of production and talent guild
figures, with N. Peter Rathvon as chairman.
Exhibitor representatives scheduled to at-
tend were R. B. Wilby, American Theatre
Ass’n; Morris Loewenstein, MPTOA; Jack
Stewart and Sam Switow, Allied States Ass’n-
Hugh Bruen, PCCITO, and Claude Lee and
Thornton Sargent, affiliated theatre circuits.
Wells and Abbott Named
F or UN Film Positions
NEW YORK — William H. Wells, informa-
tion film director of UNRRA, has been ap-
pointed chief of the film section in the films
and visual information division of the United
Nations. He will step into his new position
as soon as he completes his current assign-
ment for UNRRA.
Wells succeeded Marion Dix, who recently
was named UN film production and distribu-
tion officer in India.
Another UN appointment was that of Fred-
erick K. Abbott, former editor and general
manager of the United Newsreel. He is now
newsreel and television liaison officer of the
films and visual information division.
Screen Guild Lines Up 30
For Its ' 47-48 Schedule
HOLLYWOOD — Screen Guild Produc-
tions will release 30 new feature pictures
and at least 12 rereleases on its 1947-48
program, John J. Jones, president, and
Robert L. Lippert, executive vice-president,
disclosed at the company’s first annual
sales convention here.
Already set for the coming season’s lineup
of pictures, some of which are now completed,
are “Hollywood Barn
Dance”; “Killer Dill”;
“Dark Bullets” (tenta-
tive title) ; “The Prai-
rie,” based on James
Fenimore C o o p e r’s
story; three features
adapted from James
Oliver Curwood stories,
one of which will be
“Kazan”; an exploita-
tion special to be pro-
duced by Walter
Colmes; two detective
action streamliners,
“Adventures of Archie”
and “Crisis Dirk Dia-
mond”; Cell Block”; Max Brand’s “Pillar
Mountain”; “Cannibal Island,” and “The
Glass House.”
JOHN J. JONES
TWO SCHWARZ FEATURES
Additionally, Jack Schwarz Productions
will turn out at least two features for the
1947-48 slate and three will be forthcoming
from Canadian producing companies. Pro-
ducers and subjects are still to be selected
for the balance of the 30 features.
Rereleases already set for the year include
12 Hopalong Cassidy westerns, starring Bill
Boyd. This will make the second group of
Hopalongs which SGP has released. The first
12 were on the 1946-47 program.
Discussions of sales policies for the forth-
coming season’s lineup of product and pre-
views of pictures already filmed featured the
sales convention attended by approximately
50 franchise holders, district sales managers,
home office executives and salesmen. In ad-
dition, many of those attending from out of
town were accompanied by their wives and
daughters.
Held at the same time was the annual
meeting of the board of directors, with Presi-
dent Jones presiding.
Officers of the company in attendance in-
cluded Jones; Robert L. Lippert, San Fran-
cisco, executive vice-president; Arthur Lock-
wood, Boston, vice-president; S. K. Decker,
Los Angeles, treasurer; John L. Franconi,
Dallas, secretary, and directors Bert M.
Stearn, Pittsburgh; J. Francis White, Char-
lotte; Jack Engel, Philadelphia, and Albert
Dezel, Detroit.
Eight members of the board of directors
were re-elected and one new member was
added. The new board then re-elected four
officers and three new officers were named.
Members of the board re-elected were Jones,
Lippert, White, Lockwood, Franconi, Stearn,
Dezel and Engel, while Francis A. Bateman
was named as the new member.
JONES RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT
Jones was re-elected president; Lippert was
re-elected executive vice-president; Lockwood
was re-elected vice-
president, and S. K.
Decker was re-elected
treasurer. I. H. Prinz-
metal was named sec-
retary, Madison
Schwer was elected as-
sistant secretary and
Bateman was named
assistant treasurer.
President Jones an-
nounced that Jack
Cartwright, who has
served as publicity and
advertising director for
the company during
the past year, has been
appointed to the new post of public relations
director, and that Jack Leewood, formerly
field publicity man for Warner, has joined
the company as publicity director.
ROBERT L. LIPPERT
Additionally on the agenda of the five-day
conclave were meetings and election of the
new board of directors.
For the visiting ladies there was a tour of
Hollywood and Beverly Hills with luncheon
at Hotel Miramar in Santa Monica, followed
by a radio show at American broadcasting
studios.
On the social side, producers whose pictures
are distributed by SGP were hosts at a din-
ner in the Terrace room of the Beverly Wil-
shire hotel.
House Committee Gets Its Inquiry
Under Way Calmly in Hollywood
! HOLLYWOOD — Considering the many and
widespread accusations concerning its alleged
communistic leanings, Hollywood accepted
with complete calm the arrival on the local
scene of Rep. J. Parnell Thomas and his
house committee on un-American activities.
And the long-threatened probe into activi-
ties of the film capital’s alleged subversive
elements apparently failed to unearth any
double-dyed plot to have cinemania secede
from the union to become one of the U.S.S.R.
True, upon his arrival here, Thomas made
it clear that the Hollywood end of the widely
heralded investigation was only for the pur-
pose of gathering information and that any-
thing resultantly revealed would have
thorough airing and consideration when his
committee holds its public hearings in Wash-
ington in June. The Red hunt was conducted
behind closed doors; despite this names were
given ■ of those who appeared to supply the
investigators with information.
Most of these were described as “friendly
witnesses” and among them were James K.
McGuinness, MGM production executive; Roy
M. Brewer, IATSE international representa-
tive, and actors Robert Taylor and Richard
Arlen.
Also summoned, but not designated as a
friendly purveyor of information, was Hans
Eisler, described as an occasional scorer of
films. It was revealed that Eisler will be
called to appear before the coup de grace
public hearings in Washington next month.
Thomas’ local sessions were to last ten
days and were more than half completed at
midweek. Here to assist him were Congress-
men John Wood and John McDowell, mem-
bers of the committee, and Robert Stribling
and Louis Russell, investigators.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
19
adapted
»WWJE
. -Anri “Beyond” bV
the short storV
Screen?*1* W
Mat* Retnarnue
e ft a^er
•mg, sensed
s Emp'te
lUes, london- ••
i „ -iV after
•<ou bave '°, nag'Hev< Vork
tecord-breafen9 e|iMErE
MVOU 1HEATR eroadwa/s
«hetetf5r „e«'
Brightest Bus, ness.
“LOVE” that UA!
Washington Is Setting
For Labor Progress
By LEE L. GARLING
Washington Bureau, Boxoffice
WASHINGTON — Major labor develop-
ments vitally affecting the motion picture
industry played an important role in the
Washington scene this week.
These developments were:
1. Senate passage by an overwhelming ma-
jority of a labor bill, which among other re-
strictions would bar jurisdictional strikes like
those which have so seriously hampered
Hollywood studios.
2. Unanimous decision of a conference
composed of representatives of 12 American
Federation of Labor unions whose members
are employed in the amusement industries
to draft a plan under which jurisdictional
strikes can be barred for all time to come
in the Hollywood studios.
FOUR-FOLD ASSIGNMENT
The two-day conference held at AFL head-
quarters here appointed a committee, com-
posed of tl\e presidents of five national and
international unions, and gave it a four-fold
assignment.
1. To study all phases of the jurisdic-
tional questions involved in the motion
picture industry.
2. To analyze the causes of disputes
among unions representing workers em-
ployed at the studios.
3. To draft a plan providing for the
peaceful settlement of all future disputes
* which would eliminate any possibility of
strikes for jurisdictional reasons in the
studios.
4. To submit this plan, when drafted,
for the approval of all national and inter-
national unions which have members
employed in the studios.
AFL President William Green, who pre-
sided over the conference, said:
“The special committee will proceed im-
mediately to carry out the decision of the
conference. We had a thorough discussion
at the conference of all the jurisdictional
problems involved in the motion picture in-
dustry. It was unanimously decided that the
time has come for action which will effec-
tively prevent any further jurisdictional
strikes in the Hollywood studios. The union
representatives in attendance showed a keen
appreciation of the need for such action. In
view of their unanimous desire to find a
solution for these jurisdictional difficulties
I feel that a great deal of progress already
has been accomplished.”
UNIONS REPRESENTED
The unions whose presidents make up the
special committee are: International Broth-
erhood of Electrical Workers, International
Brotherhood of Teamsters, International Al-
liance of Stage Employes and Moving Picture
Machine Operators, Brotherhood of Painters,
Decorators and Paperhangers, and the As-
sociated Actors and Artistes of America.
Representatives at the conference included:
Arthur D. Hill jr., F. A. Fitzgerald and L. O.
Wilson, International Union of Operating
Engineers; J. W. Garvey and Faust Moreschi,
Laborers International Union; John E.
Rooney, Walter A. Redmond and James M.
Myles, Operating Plasterers and Cement Fin-
ishers International Ass’n; Fred A. Tobin
and Charles E. Constable, Teamsters union;
W. H. Cooper, Building Service Employes’ In-
ternational Union; Paul Dullzell, Actors and
Artistes; Richard F. Walsh, International
Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes and
Motion Picture Operators; Pat Somerset and
Edward Arnold, Screen Actors Guild; L. P.
Lindelof, Herbert K. Sorrell, Ed Gilbert and
William J. Gallagher, Painters and Decora-
tors Union; Max J. Krug and Paul R.
Hutchings, Office Employes International
Union; A. Rex Riccardi, American Federa-
tion of Musicians; D. W. Tracy and C. P.
Hughes, Electrical Workers; W. C. O’Neill
and John L. Spalding, Plumbers International
Union; Earle L. M. McGill, Radio Directors
Guild.
The senate action came approximately a
month after the house had passed a stringent
labor bill also outlawing jurisdictional strikes.
A committee composed of house and senate
members plan to start work at once on a com-
promise bill.
Britain Postpones Parley
On Government Studios
LONDON — A Labor party proposal to estab-
lish government-owned studios and two 250-
theatre circuits will be discussed later this
year instead of this spring, as had been orig-
inally planned.
It is reported that Sir Stafford Cripps,
president of the Board of Trade, suggested
postponing a formal discussion of the proposal
made by a Labor party committee. He ex-
plained that the position of the British film
industry on this proposal would be clearer
later than at present.
ACADEMY OFFICERS— Some of the
new officers of the Academy of Motion
Picture Arts and Sciences chosen by the
newly elected board of governors. Left
to right, rear: William Wyler, repre-
senting the directors’ branch, elected
fourth vice-president; Donald Nelson,
representing the executive and producers’
branch, elected treasurer. Left to right,
front: George Murphy, representing the
actors’ branch, elected third vice-presi-
dent; Jean Hersholt, re-elected president;
Charles Brackett, representing the writ-
ers’ branch, elected first vice-president.
Bernsiein-Hitchcock
Lining Up 3 Films
NEW YORK — The new Transatlantic Pic-
tures Corp. formed by Sidney L. Bernstein,
British theatre circuit head, and Albert
Hitchcock, director, will be on a partner-
ship basis. Stars and writers will be taken
in as partners and will draw a percentage of
the gross on each of then- pictures. Ingrid
Bergman is the first of the company’s stars.
Bernstein and Hitchcock explained their
plans early in the week. They have three
pictures lined up to date: “Under Capri-
corn,” a novel by Helen Vinson, which will
be filmed in London in Technicolor with Miss
Bergman as star; “Rope,” a play by Patrick
Hamilton, which will be made in this coun-
try, and “I Confess,” an original by Louise
Verneuil, which also will be made in this
country. Hitchcock will produce these three.
Financing has been arranged through the
Bankers Trust Co.
Distribution plans have not been set, Bern-
stein said, but negotiations are on with an
American company. “Rope,” the first film on
the list, will be started in September. The
first three films have been budgeted at
$5,000,000, with an additional $1,000,000 for
advertising and exploitation.
Application has been made to the British
Board of Trade for priorities on materials to
build a studio in the Elstree area near
London.
Bernstein was reluctant to discuss the
British quota situation, but he said that he
personally thought the next British quota
would be on an unusual basis and would be
based on the realities of British production
and might go as high as 25 per cent for thea-
tres. The last quota, he pointed out, was
on a ten-year basis, and, because of setbacks
in the war, it is now impossible to live up to
it. There are not enough British pictures
available.
Palestine Appeal Film
Is Available in 16mm
NEW YORK — “Look Homeward, Wander-
ers,” the United Palestine Appeal documen-
tary film produced by RKO Pathe, will be
made available in 16mm sound prints to in-
terested organizations throughout the coun-
try, according to Dr. Israel Goldstein, na-
tional chairman of the UPA.
“Look Homeward, Wanderers,” which was
previewed here during the week, was writ-
ten by Marya Mannes, staff writer of the
New Yorker magazine, and narrated by Ray-
mond Edward Johnson, of the stage and
radio.
Pine-Thomas Complete 40
In 7 Years at Paramount
HOLLYWOOD — Producers William Pine
and William Thomas have celebrated the
seventh anniversary of their first co-produced
feature for Paramount May 9, 1940.
Since then, Pine-Thomas have made 40
features for the company, including the cur-
rent color film, “Shaggy,” and four others
awaiting release. These are “Danger Street,”
“I Cover Big Town,” “Jungle Flight” and
“Adventure Island.”
lacobson Quits E-L Post
To Go Into Production
NEW YORK— Benn Jacobson, Eagle-Lion
studio representative in New York, has re-
signed his post to go into production. Jacob-
son recently purchased film rights to “The
Master’s Chair,” psychological melodrama.
He is discussing distribution with PRC.
22
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
R. A. Rowland Dies;
Pioneer Producer
National Health Drive
T humbed Down by AT A
PITTSBURGH — Richard A. Rowland, “that
incurable romanticist,” returned in death at
midweek to his home
here, his final resting
place. He died early
Monday morning in
Beekman Hill hospital,
New York, at 66.
One of the industry’s
first millionaires, Dick
Rowland was an astute
yet happy - go - lucky
figure who successively
was a power in equip-
ment, exhibition and
distribution fields and
in production of fea-
richard A. ROWLAND ture motion pictures.
Pioneer in the true sense of the word (he
dated back to 1898, when he took over his
father’s carbon lamp business), Rowland
made and lost several fortunes.
Two years before the turn of the century
found Rowland turning his father’s carbon
light business into a theatre lighting con-
cern, with eight offices in the Pittsburgh
and Ohio areas. This was the Pittsburgh
Calcium Light Co., which also sold equip-
ment and rented films. In 1910 he sold this
firm to General Film and retired a million-
aire.
BECAME EXHIBITOR IN 1906
In the meantime, he was branching out
in exhibition. He began his theatrical career
in 1906, before motion pictures really be-
came commercialized. He operated a vaude-
ville theatre, being among the first to add
screen entertainment, in a day when “the
flickers” were used as chasers to get folks
out of the theatre so the next “flesh” per-
formance could open.
Still under 30, he erected the Rowland
Theatre here in 1912 and operated the Co-
lonial, which adjoined. He operated split
weeks, with an orchestra and pictures.
Rowland by this time was becoming so
important in the industry that he was rarely
seen about the premises of his two local
theatres. He went to the west coast, organ-
ized Elko Film Producing Co.; later organiz-
ing Metro Pictures Corp., serving as its presi-
dent. He sold Metro in 1919 to the late
Marcus Loew.
In the early 1920s he joined First National
Films as general manager and under his
aegis were developed such outstanding silent
era screen stars as Richard Barthelmess,
Doris Kenyon, Milton Sills, Dorothy Mackaill.
Ben Lyon and others.
THEATRES SOLD IN 1927
Rowland and Clark’s circuit of 28 theatres
was sold in 1927, and the fortune he made
from this deal was wiped out in the market
crash that cams two years later. Broken in
health, he was inactive for years. But he
staged a comeback and successively joined
Paramount Publix Corp. and Fox Film Corp.,
becoming vice-president of the latter com-
pany. He formed his own producing com-
pany in 1933 and the following year became
assistant producer for RKO. From there he
went to MGM in 1935 and 1936 to Paramount.
Some of the films he produced were “The
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” “I’d Give
My Life,” “Along Came Love,” “Cavalcade,”
and dozens of others. His final production,
"Cheers for Miss Bishop,” produced inde-
pendently in 1941, is being reissued on the
state rights market.
Of late years he was with Republic and
Edward Small Productions; he was a former
director of the Roxy Theatre Corp. He joined
20th-Fox in 1942 and at the time of his death
was a member of the eastern production staff
of that company.
William F. Bugie, Brother
Of Branch Managers, Dies
CINCINNATI— William F. Bugie died in
Indianapolis on May 5 at age of 58, after a
lingering illness. He was a branch manager
for Paramount in Memphis, Tenn., for many
years, and branch manager for Republic in
Dallas, Tex. Bugie is survived by his wife
and daughter and two brothers — L. J. Bugie,
branch manager for 20th-Fox, Cincinnati,
and Harry A. Bugie, branch manager of
PRO-Eagle-Lion, Cincinnati. Other survivors
are Gordon Bugie, a nephew, salesman for
PRC, Albany, N. Y.; Robert W. Bugie, also
a nephew, Fort Thomas, Ky„ and a sister.
Mrs. Frances Brown, Fort Thomas, Ky.
George Christos Is Dead;
Head of Chicago Circuit
CHICAGO — George C. Christos, 67, presi-
dent of the Rex Theatre Co., which operates
12 theatres in Chicago and suburbs, died
Wednesday night in St. Georges hospital fol-
lowing a heart attack.
Born in Greece, Christos was a railroad
laborer here before he opened his first thea-
tre, the old De Luxe at 63rd and Cottage
Grove avenue, in 1916. He was a member of
the Hellenic lodge No. 1684 of the Masons
and a charter member of Woodlawn chapter
No. 93 of the Order of Ahepa.
Surviving are his wife, a son and daughter.
Set 570 'Cheyenne' Dates
NEW YORK — A total of 570 bookings have
been set so far for “Cheyenne,” according to
the Warner Bros, playdate department, with
some dates set as far in advance as late
October. The picture will open in Cheyenne,
Wyo„ May 22.
NEW YORK — The prospects of a national
health week drive next fall, backed by thea-
tre collections, appear to be fading. The di-
rectors of the ATA are opposed to a nation-
wide campaign, according to letters now
being received by the national headquarters
here.
Most are taking the stand, recently adopted
by Herman M. Levy, general counsel of the
MPTOA, that if there are to be any charity
collections, they should be made on a local
level. A few ATA directors are opposed to
any collections whatsoever.
The points of view of the ATA directors
and Levy are stated in their replies to an
inquiry made by Robert W. Coyne, executive
director of the ATA, on behalf of the Metro-
politan Motion Picture Theaters Ass’n. This
organization of New York exhibitors sug-
gested the national drive at the last meeting
of its executive committee April 22.
It also had been decided at that meeting
to wait at least 30 days until exhibitor senti-
ment could be sounded out. The executive
committee now plans to meet the last week
of May or the first two weeks of June.
The MMPTA officers will discuss plans for
a local drive at this forthcoming meeting. If
they decide to sponsor local collections, they
may try to enlist the cooperation of the
Greater New York Fund, which campaigns
annually for 423 charities.
United Artists Approves
Two Distribution Deals
NEW YORK — The board of directors of
United Artists approved two distribution
deals at a meeting held during the week.
They are with George Pal, who will produce
two feature cartoons, “Tom Thumb” and
“Rip Van Winkle” in color, and with John
Ford, of Argosy Productions, who will pro-
duce “Last Outlaw,” also in color.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
23
cutd £vettt& w J Kuroer 10 Head
JA«» «. jerauld 20ih-Fox in Brihk
Splitting Hairs
'pHIS particular effort at hair-splitting is
legal in its nature. When it was stated
recently in the press that the supreme
court would soon take jurisdiction, or
decide whether or not to take jurisdiction,
of the appeals in the antitrust case some
laymen raised an eyebrow and others sim-
ply asked: “How come?”
Tire court already has granted a num-
ber of injunctions to facilitate the appeals:
it has ordered the record printed: it has
received a brief from Thurman Arnold, as
ATA counsel, etc. The man in the street
might be pardoned for assuming that that
was taking jurisdiction, or, if not jurisdic-
tion, a lot of action.
Close inquiry discloses the fact that there
is a rule — Rule 13, to be exact. Until Rule
13 is reached the case will be in a state of
“mechanical hiatus.”
Under Rule 13 the court has to take
formal action to "note” jurisdiction. The
formal “noting” will take place in late
May or early June.
In the meantime, if the defendant attor-
neys want to amend their appeal pleas,
they probably will be able to do so.
The documents that make up the record
filled several large cartons. The longest
novel ever written would be a mere short
story in comparison. It is going to take
months to print them. After that the
curious layman might inquire how long
it will take the judges to read them. If he
should inquire, he probably would be told
that comes under Rule 15B.
* * *
Theatre Building Check
J^ATE last week circuit and independent
operators who have been planning thea-
tre improvements since the close of the
war received another jolt. It was an-
nounced that the Building and Construc-
tion Trades Council of New York would
ask a reopening of its wage agreement in
the near future.
It is well known that dozens of lobby
improvements and structural changes in
the metropolitan area have been held up
for many months because of high materi-
als and labor costs. Several new theatre
projects announced late last year have
been dropped temporarily after receipt of
estimates because the builders could see no
possibility of profit.
* * *
Radio Exploitation
^•HEORIES about radio exploitation of
pictures wax and wane. At the moment
they are waxing, a pun if you insist, at
Paramount; and waning at MGM, and in
some of the other companies they are run-
ning along on what can be called a normal
basis — guest star appearances.
Curtis Mitchell, head of publicity, adver-
tising and exploitation for Paramount, told
the Paramount partners gathered at
Arrowhead Springs, Calif., that he intended
to use radio more than ever before during
the summer, because the air is then free
of some of the top programs. He asked the
partners to make use of the new radio
aids he has devised.
Some of the partners needed no such
urging. In four sections of the country
the partners own radio stations; some of
them have been using radio programs since
1928. In this respect it is interesting to
recall that Balaban & Katz staged the first
“radio preview” in July, 1930. The “Publix
Radio Frolic” was a regular feature of sta-
tions WHO, Des Moines, and WOC, Daven-
port. before 1930. Ralph Branton and A. H.
Blank are experts at radio exploitation.
Radio use reached a new high when Hal
Horne put on the "Wilson” campaign. The
most consistent and persistent user has
been Howard Dietz of MGM, but he has
tapered his radio use slightly in recent
months.
* * *
'Jolson Comeback
“The Jolson Story” continues to roll
up grosses on its return to first run
Broadway houses after completing the cir-
cuit of subsequents, sales executives be-
come more and more amazed. Return tests
in outlying communities tell the same
story.
Nobody could have predicted that the
youngsters would suddenly take to Jolson
songs — the same songs that pleased their
elders. Jolson’s frequent radio appear-
ances since release of the picture have
been smartly timed, and the Jolson records
are selling in fantastic numbers.
Columbia’s publicity and advertising
handling has been shrewd and there is no
way of telling where the picture will wind
up as a grosser. It promises to be immense.
* * *
202,000 Patrons
JN THE FIRST 15 hours of the “Duel in
the Sun” engagement in 38 Loew’s thea-
tres in New York 202,000 patrons bought
tickets. Loew's said this exceeded the at-
tendance for “Gone With the Wind” for
the same period by 104,000. That’s quite
possible. “Gone With the Wind” played on
a two-a-day basis at prices considerably
higher than “Duel.”
An extraordinary angle to this “Duel”
form of film showing is the fact that the
picture will be amortized so fast. Usually
a year is allowed for this. If this picture
maintains its present dizzy pace, David O.
Selznick will have the cost in the bank
in a period of weeks.
RKO to Hold Sales Meet
In New York July 7
NEW YORK — RKO will hold its annual
sales convention at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel
beginning July 7.
Dore Schary, vice-president in charge of
production, has returned to Hollywood after
his recent New York visit, but will come back
for the convention. Perry W. Lieber, direc-
tor of RKO studio publicity, also will attend.
NEW YORK — William J. Kupper has re-
signed as general sales manager of 20th-Fox
and has been named
managing director of
20th Century-Fox In-
ternational Corp. by
Murray Silverstone,
president. Kupper suc-
ceeds Otto W. Bolle,
who has resigned be-
cause of ill health.
Kupper also becomes
managing director of
British Movietone
News and will repre-
sent 20th-Fox as a
member of the Gau-
william j. kupper mont-British board of
directors in London.
Silverstone expressed his gratitude to Thomas
J. Connors, vice-president in charge of 20th-
Fox distribution, for making the new ar-
rangement possible and added that “Kupper’s
knowledge of the American market will be
valuable to the company’s production ar-
rangements in Great Britain.”
Kupper became general sales manager in
1942 after serving as western division man-
ager and as branch manager in Albany,
Charlotte, Pittsburgh and Chicago. He will
sail with Silverstone for London July 2.
Chaplin Refuses a Million
For Reissue Rights on Two
NEW YORK — Charles Chaplin has turned
down a $1,000,000 offer by William Brandt of
Brandt Theatres for the world distribution
rights to “City Lights” and “Modern Times.”
Chaplin is planning to reissue “City Lights”
himself. Brandt said the films, released in 1931
and 1936, respectively, could do “terrific busi-
ness among the vast audience that has grown
up since they were originally shown.” People
want comedies, and these Chaplin pictures are
some of the finest comedies ever made, said
Brandt. He observed that Chaplin shorts
still get a wonderful audience reaction every
time they are screened.
Town Meeting' Available
NEW YORK — “America’s Town Meeting of
the Screen,” produced by General Film Pro-
ductions Corp. and based on the radio pro-
gram, “America’s Town Meeting of the Air,”
is now available for release, according to
Harry A. Kapit, president of the company.
The film opened at the Ambassador Theatre
here Saturday. The theme of the reel
is “Are Parents or Society Responsible
for Juvenile Delinquency?”
Reward for Sharp Pain!
PORTLAND, ORE. — Mrs. J. J. Parker, head
of J. J. Parker Theatres, owned a $2,000 dia-
mond bar pin. She put it in the toe of a
shoe for safekeeping. She gave the shoe away
in a charity drive.
A reward is offered for return of the pin;
keep the shoe, says Mrs. Parker.
Myers Address in Record
WASHINGTON, D. C.— The speech deliv-
ered recently by Sen. Francis J. Myers of
Pennsylvania before the Ampa 30th anniver-
sary dinner has been inserted in the Con-
gressional Record.
24
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
Export of US. Films and Equipment in a Sharp Increase
WASHINGTON — A sharp increase in ex-
ports of motion picture films and equipment
during the first quarter of 1947 as compared
with the corresponding period last year is
revealed by preliminary statistics, Nathan
D. Golden, motion picture consultant for the
Department of Commerce, announced.
Exports of all types of motion picture films
totaled 207,000,000 linear feet valued at $3,844,-
369 as compared with 128,000,000 linear feet
valued at $2,475,856 in the first quarter of
1946. Exports of motion picture equipment
for the same period showed an increase of
166 per cent, totaling $3,357,792 in com-
parison with a total of only $1,260,088 in the
corresponding previous period.
Shipments of unexposed, sensitized motion
picture films (raw stock) amounted to 130,-
000,000 linear feet valued at $1,879,244 or
more than twice the amount exported in the
first quarter of 1946 when the totals were
64.000. 000 linear feet valued at $895,851. Larg-
est gain in exports of this type of film was
recorded in the 35mm positive film classifi-
cation with exports of 97,000,000 linear feet
valued at $1,032,522, an increase of 136 per
cent over the first quarter 1946 total of
41.000. 000 linear feet with a value of $399,369.
Exports of 35mm unexposed negative motion
picture films totaled almost 15,000,000 linear
feet valued at $449,716 as compared with less
than 12,000,000 linear feet valued at $320,530
in the earlier period.
With motion picture equipment becoming-
more readily available the foreign demand
was met in substantially increased exports
during the quarter, Golden said. Shipments
of motion picture cameras of all types totaled
3,408 with a value of $351. The total con-
sisted of 128 35mm cameras valued at $130,-
NATHAN D. GOLDEN
598; 1,194 were 16mm cameras worth $138,312,
and 2,086 were 8mm cameras with a valua-
tion of $83,031.
These shipments are in sharp contrast to
the first quarter of 1946 when only 107 mo-
tion picture cameras of all types were ex-
ported with 19 being 35mm cameras valued
at $44,095; 34 being 16mm worth $8,304, and
54 were 8mm at $7,247.
Exports of motion picture projectors of all
types during the quarter amounted to 7,963
with a value of $1,448,937. In the same pe-
riod last year 1,879 projectors of all types
valued at $538,510 were shipped.
Motion picture sound equipment exports
totaled $1,304,633 in the quarter, of which
$949,300 were sound reproducing equipment
and $355,333 was sound recording equipment.
This compared with a total of $562,027 in the
first quarter of 1946, composed of $475,392 of
sound reproducing equipment and $86,635 of
sound recording equipment.
Youth Movie Council Plans
Survey on Film Tastes
ATLANTA — The Youth Movie Council,
composed of representatives from most
schools in the city, plans an all-inclusive
survey of the film likes and dislikes of young
Atlantans.
This material when assembled will be sent
to Hollywood producers for their guidance
in the making of further pictures, if they
care to look upon the survey in that light.
Operating through “Y” clubs, the council
has prepared a lengthy questionnaire which
will be distributed to hundreds of school
children.
Christine Smith, the city’s film censor, is
helping in the survey.
Retitle Warner 2-Reeler
HOLLYWOOD — Warner Bros, has retitled
its two-reel Technicolor short, “Silver Bill,”
to “The Man From New Orleans.” Produc-
tion executives felt the previous title would
be confused with the feature title, “Silver
River.”
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
25
Gft
o
It's
LAVISH. ..LILTING
LAUGH-LADEN!
MGM's Short Subjects
Have 20th Birthday
By DORIS SULTAN
season marked the debut of Pete Smith
Specialties. "Killer Dog” was the first in
the series.
Sepia bowed in the following year, with 21
films in brown and tan tones, and MGM
shorts topped totals for all previous years,
with 98 scheduled for release. During 1937-
38 the late Robert Benchley started a special
comedy series; the Nostradamus films, pro-
duced under the direction of Carey Wilson,
NEW YORK — Another anniversary has
rolled around. It is the 20th anniversary of
the start of MGM shorts. They made their
bow Aug. 27, 1927, and in the intervening
two decades have rolled up an impressive
total of 1,446 subjects.
Fred Quimby, who now heads shorts pro-
duction at the studio, was at the helm when
MGM launched its shorts program. Under
his supervision 71 shorts were produced
for release during 1927-28. “An African
Adventure” in the old Oddities series was
the first to be released.
In the early days emphasis was on comedy,
with Charlie Chase, Maxwell Davidson and
the popular Our Gang series comprising 28
of the first season’s shorts releases. That was
the era when fi'mgoers also were avid fans
of the “mellerdrama.” Typical of the titles of
some of the early shorts are “Cleopatra,” “The
Virgin Queen” and “The Czarina’s Secret.”
Sound was coming in during the first year
of the shorts department, and MGM jumped
on the sound bandwagon in the 1928-29 sea-
son with “orchestrated” versions — music on
the sound track. That year 70 films were re-
leased and Hal Roach All-Star Comedies
made their debut. Laurel and Hardy joined
the star roster.
The introduction of sound was hastening
the death of vaudeville, and Quimby decided
audiences were ready for musical acts on
film. Phil Spitalny was signed, and several
shorts featuring Georgie Price in vaudeville
routines were released during 1929-30. That
season the Hal Roach comedies were all-
talking.
There was no standard sound equipment,
however, and MGM was forced to make its
talking shorts available with both sound track
and disc.
Cartoons and travelogs appeared for the
first time during the 1930-31 season. Flip,
the Frog was the first cartoon series, and
Burton Holmes inspired a series of narrated
geographical films.
It became apparent that shorts were here
to stay, and the MGM shorts department
executives stepped up production. A total
of 90 shorts was released during 1931-32, with
11 separate series. That year Pete Smith and
James FitzPatrick joined the department.
The former was responsible for a new sports
series, Fisherman’s Paradise. FitzPatrick
took over the travelogs.
The sports films were dropped the next
year. MGM then started two-reel musical
shorts. Taxi Boys comedies also were intro-
duced. Most of the comedies turned out
were two-reelers.
Something new was added in 1933-34 —
Technicolor. There were six Technicolor
films that season: two cartoons, three odd-
ities and one musical short. The following
season all the FitzPatrick reels and cartoons
were in Technicolor, in addition to six musi-
cal reviews, making a total of 26 color shorts.
Another event of note was the release of
“Buried Loot,” first film in the Crime Does
Not Pay series in 1935. The star of the reel
was a dark-haired young man named Robert
Taylor.
In 1936 MGM went into the field of cartoon
production. Fred Quimby established the new
department. Up to that time cartoon produc-
tion had been a specialty of independent pro-
ducers. Now the MGM cartoon studio em-
ploys a staff of 150 people. Quimby has won
five Academy awards in the cartoon field
alone.
About that time the company also began
developing informative shorts. The 1936-37
Scenes from two early MGM shorts.
Top, one of the first shorts issued in
Technicolor, “Jailbirds in Paradise,” a
subject in the Musical Revue series. It
was issued during the 1933-1934 season.
Left, “Devil’s Cabaret,” in the Colortone
Revue series, released in March 1931 — a
series stimulated by the introduction of
sound.
were introduced and the popular Captain and
the Kids comic strip made its film debut in
Technicolor.
Almost two-thirds of the shorts released
during the next two years were either in
sepia or Technicolor.
War broke out on Dec. 7, 1941, and 17 days
later, on December 24, the company released
“War Clouds in the Pacific.” The industry
began worrying about rawstock shortages.
James FitzPatrick confined his reels to the
U.S. and South America. The shorts depart-
ment began lining up subjects with a war
theme.
Pete Smith started introducing wartime
shortages and homefront problems in his
Specialties series. By this time all cartoons
and travelogs were in color. The Our Gang
shorts were dropped in the 1942-43 season.
Sepia died that year.
MGM shorts were hard hit by the rawstock
shortage during the 1944-45 season. The War
Production Board cut rawstock allotments,
and all available footage was used for fea-
tures. Only seven shorts were released that
entire season. Production slowed, and most
of the films completed that year were held up
until the following season.
The rawstock situation began easing the
next year. In 1945-46 MGM released 43
shorts. Nineteen were in color.
Eighteen of the 48 subjects scheduled for the
current season have been released so far.
MGM along with other major shorts pro-
ducers has been affected by the recent color
print tieup at the Technicolor, Inc., plant. At
the close of 1946 the company had piled up a
backlog of about eight Technicolor shorts.
The home office says Technicolor print de-
livery has improved in the past few months.
28
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
NEWYORK NY MAY 4 194 7
GRADWELL SEARS, UNITED ARTIST PICTURES
729 7 AVE NYK
BUILD A BETTER MOUSETRAP AND THE WORLD WILL BEAT A PATH TO YOUR DOOR IF
EVER THIS QUOTATION WAS CORRECT IT WAS CERTAINLY PROVEN BY CARNEGIE HALL
WHICH HAS SMASHED ALL PREVIOUS ATTENDANCE AND ADMISSION RECORDS PLUS THE
FACT THAT WE WERE COMPELLED TURN AWAY THOUSAND UPON THOUSANDS OF PATRONS
THE PARK AVENUE THEATRE HAS BEEN A COMPLETE SELLOUT AND THE ADVANCE SALE
IS VERY HEAVY IT MIGHT ALSO INTEREST YOU TO KNOW THAT NO AUDIENCE HAS
EVER ENJOYED A MOTION PICTURE LIKE CARNEGIE HALL AFTER EACH ARTISTS
PERFORMANCE THERE IS SPONTANEOUS APPLAUSE FROM THE ENTIRE AUDIENCE THIS IS
A MEW EXPERIENCE FOR A MOTION PICTURE THEATRE FURTHERMORE STRANGE AS IT
MAY SEEM CARNEGIE HALL IS NOT APPEALING TO A CLASS AUDIENCE ONLY BUT TO
THE MASSES TO SUM IT ALL UP CARNEGIE HALL IS A TREMENDOUS HIT AND I EXTEND
MY SINCEREST CONGRATULATIONS THROUGH YOU TO MISTER BOR I S TIORROS AMD MISTER
LEBARON WITH PERSONAL REGARDS TO YOU
BOB UNGER FELD MANAGING DIRECTOR OF WINTER
Boris Morros and William Le Baron Presents "CARNEGIE HALL" with Marsha Hunt* William Prince *Frank McHugh • Martha O'Driscoll
Hans YarayOlin Downes • Joseph BuloflF and in order of appearance WALTER DAMROSCH • BRUNO WALTER • NEW YORK
PHILHARMONIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA • LILY PONS • GREGOR PIATIGORSKY • RISE STEVENS • ARTUR RODZINSKI
ARTUR RUBINSTEIN • JAN PEERCE • EZIO PINZA • VAUGHN MONROE AND HIS ORCHESTRA • JASCHA HEIFETZ
FRITZ REINER • LEOPOLD STOKOWSKI and HARRY JAMES • Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer • Production Supervisor, Samuel Rheiner
Original Story by Seena Owen • Screenplay by Karl Kamb • A Federal Films Production • Released Thru United Artists
Pop Poblocki's Plenitude of Partners —
Stalwart Sportsman's Summer Stroke
Staggers Sextette of Striving Sons
Left to right: Ray, Billy, Ben, Jerry, Barney, Jimmy, Eddie Poblocki.
By JAMES GAHAGAN
MILWAUKEE— Ben Poblocki, head
of Poblocki & Sons, theatre supply
house, better known as “Pop,” is cer-
tainly a proud papa. Ben’s life at 50
is one of a year-around sports com-
petition, and it’s all in the family.
Continually matching Poblocki in
summer on Tuckaway Country club
golf course, and in weekly bowling bat-
tles are his six sons — Ray, Bill, Jerry,
Barney, Jim and Eddie.
In the golf department his boys just
can’t best "Pop,” an 80-shooter, whose
stellar brand of driving, pitching,
trouble shooting and greens work is just
too much for them. Speaking of his
low 80 game, Poblocki says:
“That’s just a little too good for the
boys right now. But they’re improving
right along, and they’ll be beating me
pretty soon, just as some of them do
on the alleys.”
A check of bowling league averages
shows Poblocki in fourth place spot.
It’s a 138 average for him to date. In
front of "Pop,” with an average of 156
is Eddie, 29 years old; Barney, 26, with
143, and Ray, 22, with 141. Behind
Poblocki in bowling averages are Jerry,
19, with 131; Jimmy, 17, with 130, and
Billy, 15, with 118.
Speaking of Billy, Poblocki says:
“He’s last now, but he’ll be coming
ahead fast. He’s learning how to throw
a hook, which is a pin-getter when it’s
rolling right, and with practice he’ll
be right up with the rest of us.”
The Poblocki gang roll in the league
as the Poblocki Mashies, and are now
in a tie for third place.
Incidentally, Mrs. Poblocki is a golfer
also. Thus the family has a double
foursome. She’s on hand as a bowling
rooter all the time, too.
There you have the Ben Poblocki
clan in the sports department. All the
boys are partners in the Poblocki busi-
ness as well. Billy, Jim and Jerry are
attending high school. Ray goes to
Marquette university, and helps with
the firm’s bookkeeping. Eddie is plant
superintendent, and Barney is sales
manager.
20th-Fox Promotional Meetings Held
Baptists Okay a Role
In Rating Pictures
ST. LOUIS — The possibility that Southern
Baptist churches may work more closely with
the Catholic Legion of Decency in evaluating
motion pictures loomed here this week as the
Baptist convention adopted a resolution con-
demning films which “glamorize organized
vice, gambling and drinking” and urged the
6,000,000 members of the church to take steps
through local churches to cooperate “locally
with the membership of other denominational
groups in setting up standards” for motion
pictures.
The 2,309 official delegates to the Baptist
meeting were frankly informed by M. A.
Huggins of Raleigh, N. C., chairman of the
resolutions committee, that the resolution
was drawn so as to encourage a working
relationship with such groups as the Legion
of Decency. A copy of the resolution was
forwarded to Eric Johnston, MPA president.
The resolutions committee originally had
called for a boycott of undesirable films
but later eliminated that word because the
committee wanted a more “positive” approach
to the problem. The members, however, were
urged to “use discrimination in the choices
of shows attended.”
Yorke Enters Short Film
In World Film Festival
NEW YORK — The Emerson Yorke Studio
has entered its informative short subject,
“Life Cycle of the Mosquito,” for competition
in the World Film Festival to be held in
Brussels June 1 to June 20. The picture was
produced with the cooperation of U.S. Public
Health Service, Washington, D. C.; New Jer-
sey State agricultural experimental station of
Rutgers university and the international
health division of the Rockefeller Founda-
tion.
In all, ten films produced in the U.S. be-
tween June 1, 1946, and April 30, 1947, will be
eligible to compete for the international
awards. Five categories of nonfiction films,
including scientific, documentary, educa-
tional, newsreel and advertising, have been
set up with a special category for animated
cartoons and puppet films in black-and-
white and color.
Palmer Williams to Make
Shorts for Cinemart
NEW YORK — Palmer Williams, associate
producer to Pare Lorentz, will head an ex-
pedition to the Caribbean area to film a
series of Kodachrome short subjects for Cine-
mart, Inc., producers of educational and in-
dustrial motion pictures. The expedition will
leave about November 1, immediately after
the end of the hurricane season, and will
visit Haiti, Cuba, Jamaica, the Virgin is-
lands and Guatemala, according to Andre H.
Carbe, in charge of production at Cinemart.
Williams, formerly associated with Frank
Capra and Garson Kanin, will combine the
functions of director and unit manager. The
camera work will be handled by Pete Smith,
formerly with MGM on the coast, who is cur-
rently engaged in industrial films.
Benny Breaks All Records
At B&K Chicago Theatre
CHICAGO — With sidewalk holdouts from
early morning until late evening, show busi-
ness here never experienced a boxoffice rush
like the one Jack Benny and his troupe
brought to the B&K Chicago Theatre this
week. He did 50 shows during the week.
NEW YORK — Charles Schlaifer, director of
advertising, publicity and exploitation for
20th-Fox, held meetings in Chicago and Kan-
sas City during the week with midwest ex-
ploiteers, exhibitors and local theatre adver-
tising heads in connection with campaigns
on “Miracle on 34th Street” and “The Ghost
and Mrs. Muir.” Christy Wilbert, advertising
manager; Morris Kinzler of the Kayton-
Spiero advertising agency, and Louis Shan-
field, art director, participated in both meet-
ings.
After the Kansas City conference, Schlaifer
and the home office group went on to the
Hollywood studio where they were joined by
Spyros Skouras, president; Thomas J. Con-
nors, vice-president in charge of distribu-
tion; William J. Kupper, former general sales
manager who was recently named managing
director of 20th-Fox Film Co., Ltd. of Great
Britain, and Murray Silverstone, president
of 20th-Fox International Corp., who flew on
from New York.
The entire group will discuss distribution
and advertising plans on forthcoming product
with Joseph M. Schenck, executive produc-
tion head; Darryl F. Zanuck, vice-president
in charge of production, and Harry Brand,
studio publicity director. They will also see
the recently completed “Forever Amber” and
“Captain From Castile” as well as “I Won-
der Who’s Kissing Her Now,” “Bob, Son of
Battle,” “Mother Wore Tights” and “Moss
Rose.”
30
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 19’47
comes upon a lover who won’t succumb to her charms!
comes upon a role to become the delight of your life!
comes upon them both . . . without the ghost of a chance!
From the best-seller that spread a sly grin across the face of America!
with
Km
. dodcdt rnrvrc ^
EDNA BEST • vanessa brown • anna lee • Robert coote
NATALIE WOOD • ISOBEL ELSOM • VICTORIA HORNE
L. MANKIEWICZ-pro^JRED KOHLMAR
Directed by JUU LI II L. ITIMI1IXI LIT IUL * Produced
Screen Play by Philip Dunne • From the Novel by R. A. Dick
'"yomintr
ill?®
rutaiiRf's
TVoA/Uttytoit
WTITH THE DOCKETING OF ALL appeals
vv in the industry antitrust suit here this
week, the supreme court will now study
the briefs before issuing its jurisdictional
statement. The high court presently sched-
uled to recess May 26 probably will take no
action before June 2, the date to convene
again.
It is expected that the court will “note”
jurisdiction almost as a formality inasmuch
as aspects of the case already h; ve been
recognized by the action of Justice Stanley
Reed in issuing the stay order.
Included among the apneals with those of
the defendants and the Department of Jus-
tice were the American Theatres Ass’n and
the Confederacy of Southern Ass’ns. The lat-
ter two appealed the federal district court’s
refusal to permit them to intervene. Hearing
of the case is not expected until fall, when
the next session of the court convenes.
The MGM, Warner Bros., RKO and 20th-
Fox appeal asked relief from the ban on
general clearance systems, the ban on admis-
sion price fixing, the ban on unreasonable
clearances, the ban on arbitration, the ban
on additional theatre acquisitions, the ban
on exhibitors performing existing contracts,
and the 95 per cent stock ownership require-
ment.
Paramount also appealed the above pro-
visions of the decree, in addition to com-
petitive bidding and block booking. Colum-
bia too appealed these provisions. United
Artists and Universal-International appealed
master agreements covering exhibition in two
or more theatres.
The Justice department asked for complete
divorcement, competitive bidding, flat rental,
and a ban on further acquisitions and all
clearances.
❖ * *
HOUSING EXPEDITER CREEDON ap-
proved 15 more theatre construction permits
during the week. They are as follows:
Guy A. Troyer, Rugby, N. D.; Denver
Drive-In Theatre Corp., Araphee county.
Colo.; Sno-King Theatres, Inc., Seattle.
Wash.; Bounds & Houck Theatres, Tex-
arkana, Tex.; Ernest Vanwey, Gotherburg.
Neb.; Albert Orear, Bonner Springs. Kas.;
Ike Weiner, Washington, D. C.; Vincent
Laica, New Baltimore, Mich.; Alexander
Kiriakides, Greenville, S. C.; Thomas Realty
Corp., Baltimore, Md.; J. C. Greene, John-
son, S. C.; Philip Brady, Rio Hondre, Tex :
W. F. Greene, Williston, S. C.: James B.
Howell jr., San Mateo county, Calif.; Bleecker
& Jones, La Mesa, Calif., and G. R. Bould.
Inc., Oakland, Me.
* * *
FINAL VOTE IS EXPECTED early this
week on the senate version of the labor bill.
Included in the bill is a Taft-sponsored
amendment passed this week, which allows
employers to sue unions for damages result-
ing from jurisdictional strikes and secondary
boycotts.
Hollywood’s now famous jurisdictional
strike has hampered the industry longer
than any other industry strike on record.
* * *
DALLAS HALVERSTADT, chief of the mo-
tion picture division of the Office of Govern-
ment Report, states that the Motion Picture
Industry Coordinating Committee probably
will cooperate if a decision is made to pro-
duce a film of the next harvest. Halverstadt
acts as liaison between the federal govern-
By LEE GARLING
ment and the industry when any motion
pictures are to be made depicting any gov-
ernment activity.
An executive order of the President has
set June 1 as the date for ending all war-
time economic controls. The Office of Tem-
porary Controls will be abolished.
Out goes OPA, CPA and OWMR for good.
Most of their activities will be transferred
to other agencies, however.
The motion picture division now under the
Office of Government Reports, however, will
not be affected. During the last shakeup the
motion pictures division was under the
OWMR, but was saved from any budget
slashes by being transferred to OGR under
the executive office of the President.
SINCE THE RECENT announcement by
Cc ngress of the proposed budget cut for the
State department, virtually wiping out As-
sistant Secretary Benton’s Office of Inter-
national Information and Cultural Affairs,
executives of that office have been inviting
congressmen to participate in overseas broad-
casts of Voice of America.
Clever method this, to lure support against
the pending budget cut.
Next the State department probably will
invite congressmen to appear in the docu-
mentary motion pictures this office produces,
which also is expected to receive the cut.
Congressmen in the movies, what next!
REP. HAROLD KNUTSON, chairman < .
the ways and means committee of the house
of representatives, told BOXOFFICE that
“any new tax relief bill next year probably
would include excise taxes,” meaning thea-
tre admissions.
The committee announced that a new bill
would be considered next year and would
be much broader than the one just reported
out by the committee. Personal income tax
cuts are the main provision of the current bill.
* ❖ *
WASHINGTON FINALLY is on daylight
saving time. Clocks were advanced one hour
on Sunday morning. Probably no other state
or municipality had such a hard time getting
it. It takes an act of Congress for the people
of the nation’s capital to even get a new
traffic light installed and that is what it
took to get the new time.
* * *
THERE IS NO PRODUCTION of motion
picture cameras in Mexico, it is reported by
Nathan D. Golden, motion picture consultant
for the Commerce department.
The announcement said that all imports
in Mexico of 35mm motion picture cameras
originated in the United States. Standard
35mm motion picture cameras are invariably
purchased directly by Mexican motion picture
studios. No stock of the cameras is kept in
Mexico.
* * :>
ANDREW R. KELLEY, 62, longtime news-
paper drama critic here, died at his home,
Hotel 2400, this week, after a long illness.
Kelley enjoyed a career of more than 30
years in newspaper work, most of it at the
drama desk. He acquired the close friend-
ship of hundreds of motion picture and show
people from Broadway to Hollywood. In 1940,
he was given a testimonial dinner by Tent
11 of the Variety Club in Washington and
tribute was paid to him for his work on
various charity drives.
* * *
JOHN F. SONNETT, assistant attorney
general, has been appointed by Att’y Gen.
Tom Clark to head the antitrust division of
the Justice department. He succeeds Wendell
Berge who resigned recently to go into
private business. Sonnett is the man who
won the recent supreme court victory over
John L. Lewis in the last winter’s coal strike
case.
5j{
THE NAVY DEPARTMENT held a review
last week of its film, “Antarctica,” documen-
tary pictures of Admiral Byrd’s recent ex-
pedition. Fred Quimby of MGM was in town
to see the reels and gave an indication that
he may make a series of shorts using the
navy’s product.
* * *
HEARINGS ARE BEING HELD this week
in Washington to consider a proposed in-
crease in license fee for motion picture thea-
tres. The fee is now $30 each and would be
increased to $75 under the proposal.
^ $
QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What is the
secret evidence uncovered by the house un-
American activities committee that packed
them off to Hollywood so suddenly?
FILM GIFT FOR PRESIDENT — Among the many gifts which President Truman
received on his 63rd birthday was 14 reels of film presented to him by the five news-
reel companies. The reels cover the time he was nominated vice-president to the
present time. Photo shows left to right: Robert Denton, Paramount News; President
Truman; James Lyons, Universal Newsreel; J. C. Brown, News of the Day, and George
Dorsey of Pathe News.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
35
*5 tolCtytuood ^efeont
Only Three Literary Buys
Recorded for the Week
The chamber of commerce to the contrary,
there was little sunshine to award the sellers
of screen sagas for their breastbeating. Holly-
wood’s literary mart went through a bearish
week during which a mere three purchases
were recorded.
Nunnally Johnson, who plows a share-
cropping acre on the Universal-International
estate, decided to take a chance on “The
Great Snow,” which he bought from its
author, Henry Morton Robinson, Literary
Digest editor. It’s a yarn about eight per-
sons who successfully fight the worst dis-
aster in New York’s history and then are
thrown for a loss by their own twisted com-
plexities, which rather fancy description by
U-I’s tub thumpers seems to be the tipoff
that the story has a psychiatric twist — hardly
a mark of distinction on past, present and
future production agenda.
“The Two Worlds of Johnny Truro,” novel
by George Sklar, was knocked down to War-
ners where Henry Blanke has been set to
produce a picture therefrom. It concerns a
young New Englander who goes romantic
over a middle-aged woman.
Last of the trio went to Comet Pictures, the
Buddy Rogers-Ralph Cohn outfit that used
United Artists as a distribution channel. The
story, which will be used as a starring vehicle
for Jackie Cooper, is “Hold It, Please,” a story
about a New York street photographer which
was written by Francis Swann from whose
typewriter will come also the screenplay.
Jack Jungmeyer Jr. Joins
Alperson as Executive
Edward L. Alperson, whose Alson produc-
tions is one of the few independent organi-
zations making pictures for distribution by
20th-Fox, is expanding as concerns both per-
sonnel and literary properties. Jack Jung-
meyer jr. has become associated with him
in the ownership and operation of the or-
ganization and will function as vice-president
and associate producer. Alson plans to make
five films during the next three years.
Jungmeyer wrote the original story for the
first of these, “The Tender Years,” a father
and son drama, which will star Joe E. Brown,
and which Harold Schuster will direct.
“Rose of Cimarron,” a western by Herman
Edwin Mootz, pioneer Oklahoma editor and
contemporary of Buffalo Bill Cody, Pawnee
Bill and other figures of 60 years ago, has
been purchased by Alson for the third of the
quintet. Story is a first hand account of the
struggles between forces of law and order
and the renegades who flocked to Oklahoma
from all parts of the country during the land
rush.
Howard Sheehan Promoted
To Sol Wurtzel's Aide
Howard Sheehan, brother of the late Win-
field Sheehan, who has been associated with
Sol Wurtzel productions, a 20th-Fox profit-
sharing unit, has been upped to be Wurtzel’s
executive assistant. The promotion was
marked by two milestones, Sheehan’s 31st
year in the picture business and Wurtzel’s
30th year as a producer . . . Probably be-
cause of the impending connection between
Paramount and Liberty Films, Lou Smith has
resigned as publicity and advertising chief
of the latter organization, a post he has oc-
cupied since Liberty’s founding by Frank
Capra, William Wyler, Samuel Briskin and
By IVAN SPEAR
\
George Stevens . . . Irving P. Lazar resigned
as executive assistant to Bryan Foy, head
man at Eagle-Lion. Lazar will not, however,
leave the E-L fold but will henceforth pro-
duce independently for that company . . .
Director Richard Fleischer has been signed
by RKO Radio to a new long-term contract
. . . Enterprise appointed John Baur as cast-
ing director to succeed William E. Selwyn,
resigned.
Robert Florey to Direct
Lesser's Next Tarzan
Sol Lesser, that double-gaited picture
maker who produces for both RKO Radio and
United Artists release, has set Robert Florey
to wield the megaphone on “Tarzan and the
Mermaids,” his next in the ape man series
. . . Henry and Phoebe Ephron, one of the
film capital’s papa-loves-mama scrivening
teams, were hired by Warners to do the
screenplay for Norman Krasna’s Broadway
play, “John Loves Mary,” production on
which has been entrusted to Jerry Wald . . .
Director Fred Brannon will hang his hat
at Republic studio for another year, his con-
tract at the Valley lot having been renewed.
His next chore will be a cliff-hanger, the
13-chapter serial, “G-Men Never Forget.”
Zenith to Make 3 Films
For Screen Guild List
Screen Guild productions seems to be to-
day’s best market for many of the newcomer
production companies. Hardly a week passes
but one or two of them are welcomed into
the Jones-Lippert fold. Witness: The outfit
signed a contract to distribute the output
of the recently formed Zenith Pictures, which
will produce three films for SGP release on
its 1947-48 program. The first will be James
Fenimore Cooper’s “The Prairie,” the script of
which is now in preparation. Frank Wisbar,
Sidney Smith and Arthur St. Claire are co-
owners of Zenith and Wisbar will direct “The
Prairie.” Other pictures on the new produc-
ing company’s schedule are a south seas ro-
mance and “Beyond the Darkness,” an orig-
inal.
Band Leader Harry James
To Produce Own Films
Not that there was a crying need for it,
but a new vein has been opened as a source
of the already-constant supply of creative,
thespic and musical talent which steadily is
swelling the ranks of independent producers
to precedentary proportions. Most recent to
declare intentions of hanging out his own
shingle as a maker of motion pictures is
Band Leader Harry James. The hot-licks cor-
netist revealed that he will blow himself
right into independent production just as
soon as he completes his current band tour.
First picture on James’ planned program
will be “Downbeat for Two,” an original by
Frank Waldman, which he recently pur-
chased. Who will distribute James’ film out-
put has not been determined.
William Powell on Loan
To U-I for a Period
MGM, mighty and justifiably proud of its
long and impressive list of contractee stars,
seldom loans one of its luminaries to another
studio. So newsworthy it is when Leo farms
out William Powell to Universal-Interna-
MONOGRAM-ALLIED
IN A CLOSEDOWN
Viewed by the more pessimistic of the
film capital’s railbirds as a harbinger of
what might be in
store at a iot of
the film foundries,
Monogram studio
has suspended all
picture - making
activities. In re-
vealing his plans
to call a sudden
and complete halt
on production,
President Steve
Broidy declared
that the shutdown
would stay in ef-
STEVE BROIDY feet until such a
time as definite
agreements are forthcoming from the
many current conferences between the
producer groups and various guilds and
unions and, resultantly, producers can
have a better idea of the future status
of labor and labor costs. Monogram is
the first studio to take such action and
unequivocally attribute it to the labor
situation. The decree from Broidy also
applies to Allied Artists, Monogram’s new
sister company, established to handle
production and distribution of the or-
ganization’s more costly picture.
At the time that President Broidy dis-
closed his decision virtually to shutter the
studio, three pictures were in production,
but all of them were to be completed
within ten days, and with the completion
of the last of the trio the shutdown was
to go into effect.
Just how many workers will be thrown
out of jobs as a result had not been esti-
mated. It will affect everyone directly
connected with picture making. Some
curtailment was expected in other de-
partments, such as studio maintenance,
auditing and publicity, but those branches
were to continue functioning.
Allied Artists has a backlog of three
finished features while Monogram has ten
in the cans, plus a number of reissues
which previously had been announced for
early release. Consequently the produc-
tion branch of the studio can remain idle
for considerable time without a shortage
of product for distribution.
tional for the topline in a number of forth-
coming pictures. Nunnally Johnson, who
sharecrops for U-I, will get Powell for the
first two productions on the loanout, “The
Senator Was Indiscreet” and “Mr. Peabody
and the Mermaid.” Following these, other
scripts will be ready for Powell by U-I pro-
ducers ... At Metro, Van Johnson and June
Allyson will be starred in “Virtuous,” an orig-
inal to be directed by Norman Taurog and
produced by William H. Wright, and Zachary
Scott has been cast in “Cass Timberlane”
. . . Richard Travis was signed for a featured
role in Pine-Thomas’ “Big Town After Dark,”
for Paramount release ... A trio of solid
names were signed for top roles in George
Stevens’ production of “I Remember Mama”
at RKO Radio with the casting of Philip
Dorn, Sir Cedric Hardwicke and Jessica
Tandy . . . Albert Dekker was inked for a
role in Republic’s “The Fabulous Texan” . . .
Warners picked Ronald Reagan and Geral-
dine Brooks for top spots in “Mary Hagen,”
which Peter Godfrey will direct and Alex
Gottlieb produce.
36
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
Reprinted in its entirety from
A“g two
n> b&k
i.AnS&ks
, rce»t in.
\Babora.
f televi,
1JS corn.
fe *°*k.
B.conJ
/ok year
t&JWzl
>,jiaais of i
, j>u re com. ^
/da*ned Z
Pare. ,n
fr a«*
J June 17
,,A> soiicl7
and frZ1
15. l0r*n
'>«Poro^i
V Group •
1 l
/
{Atlanta
,n com. 1
meeting, i
i P/e®- 1
s»K0re ,
Stives i
sf38 ««d
°® ses- ‘
Atlanta i
r b. 1
h Nat ,
’arles
’ two. ‘
iex
°J»p. 1
teiu.
and
’ear ,
*ere a9a; 011 04fJl Qx
*7 £il? "•» someth. str@et”
A fe» wort/, u ! Can shout / thlr>9 *° she *
30 f*r th/7 *h/,e num; /oud and / * °ut about
stands co Seas°n. Th?^8 have Co7 9’ ft rates
Ch'’'stniascerab,y abotg0"6 eas/,y t0ps°fi tbe lir>e
czzhe j^z:r *"■
'*olconie tH‘ "Wor ■; iT J“"e *nd <££"?
Many the dolclrun, ' 7" b<* »w
G"»lw, A"M things han ' °°' is tint
?tor*i carry th°y’S U"* (tfP,n '■•"In. Ma ,
suPPIies nalh «"x«s «... c“«om, te»,
«H»pr ove" fos end ald7 ar‘ 'cokin' ,tha> other
£ak*s everybl^eth odof/! • *nd not 07 eVen
. Stranger stin y c°ncern^ atiati"g cu7 d°es
sens' a ^ ^7*7 h»Ppy ^
be ejr /<!+„„ se and th„ . . c that y<
«nger s_. -r
tCST .“d S* 'oo» «da7vra^-
States Ma"?* °' sant, %“t'"at'cn 0J
Govetn™^ on > At
Prerrie Cm 7 and a// fh9ency of the i,y.the Ur>ited
d> strict a *7 hear/ng on rt'S br°u9bt 7'ted States
^m-AZr:ty £*ihrl?n» *'Zn An a Sn
bearded 0/d * to a menta, • °bta'b ^a C1 7b'cb the
What ° Imao vvho "a/, 7Sf/tbt/on f7t,f'Cate of
?fthe highlinr!tten above m h,niSe,f Kr/I La w,1'te-
taSk ofstolT*3- Tb/s°s a7ere,y touch ® Knn9'®-
'bte///ge . y'te///ng eauti fully , S °n a few
7/,/fb//y de/ °aC,ed vv/th 'S Spa^bng,y ?mp,'shed
'%Tc,codn‘ ^y huZZ^'ap.
h TI'C story J'°" in ai'^cc* that *nd
S'.® ■% £> for tt,!Very Case- ntai'’
another to X?"“ »'»t C "^oted
* "”"9 in sereeffo Of CWs;n,''-m,„uro
reen traatmenS^nay that is
S- 'be aud/.
7th ^llghT. .faSaC'bated( roc^
G^enn aso^"16^^^ ^ r°ar
°be Santa c?SKrin9le" eTy te"s that T
st o' n9 °ay P 7' He ^ intoT^ Sieves h^
tore- He <!+* ?de> 'ater taL * the Mart,’ Zh,IVself
Resting oth CS"at first GS a Jofa as Sant hanks'
P,ease their l ersh°Ps to hlZ^ ^arZ^ at
apPreciate h n9st^s H ned Mother Gnt by
76Pt- Tha/7 SUa9^‘ons Z6^' * e ZZ9 to
ery evident Z later be COni d.thanl< the 7 Pe°p,e
7Wepn bas 'h C Vu,et/de at 'fe/°b9 oust Pa9e'
atabe VVoL ,PlSe,f a t,7 ^^bbere n7 Plers <s
O'Hara Z d’ *h° is ah^ "akin* ?ervades and
y AnZd °f "-0 t d Se«". Snoods
°'Hara „S de /fsi, *Mr,m.nt ^er, Miss
Srbooth/y udn7°0d‘ Gwenn i?^ do°r to 7^ St°re-
an9les with +, shl°rtly b , 1as everyth in ° ^isses
sZothZ Woo’d G7es "ext ,
tangle, withal "’ort’y 6« '’** ’’•’’O'thin "“al‘
a r one S ' ^>7,71^
a lawyer u ■ a cane. u« ; PSychlatrir S ^ben he
ar’<' C; e"s?S «>• oa« ;a‘a'?n to e„re?jSer' do„:
777" that is 7Zal'<’al b,n,e!7e P^-,
7hs', °' tde be, {' With
'be I oCaia ■ st co mecjw ■ sflrewd
dnd ^eir lo‘S a!l Hew y0r, . 'P recent
y5-aroondc,t”aa"'
H\e
BoxoftUeJ^-
CenWD
-?ox
WOO* PREMIERE ■ ROXY THEATRE • JUNE
NICK (DURANTE) TAKES DANNY (SINATRA) UNDER HIS
WING ON RETURN— THEN DUKE'S GRANDSON ARRIVES.
Af-G-Af's It Happened in Brooklyn ’
Wins April Blue Ribbon Award
By VELMA WEST SYKES
JT HAPPENED in Brooklyn,” the wholesome musical flavored with romance in which
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer starred Frank Sinatra, Kathryn Grayson, Peter Lawford, and
Jimmy Durante, has been voted the BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award for April by the Na-
tional Screen Council. As the picture of the month which can be enjoyed by the whole family,
it is the second Metro film to be voted that honor this year. In fact, last month’s winner,
‘‘The Beginning or the End,” was also an MGM picture. The two pictures are strikingly dif-
ferent, having little in common from the entertainment standpoint — but the public has a
catholic taste in screen fare.
In spite of the real or alleged appeal which Frank Sinatra has for the bobbysox branch
of the family trade, this is the first Blue Ribbon picture in which he has played. For Kath-
ryn Grayson it is the second winner, as she won with “Two Sisters From Boston” (MGM)
last June. The same is true for Peter Lawford and in the same film, and for Jimmy Dur-
ante, only he also had a credit from “Phantom President” (Para) for October of 1932.
On the production staff, Louis B. Mayer,
executive producer, must make room for his
56th Blue Ribbon plaque and Richard Whorf,
director, for his second. His first was for
“Yankee Doodle Dandy” (WB) for January
of 1943. This is the first Blue Ribbon winner
for Producer Jack Cummings, as it is for
Screenplay Writer Isobel Lennart and for
John McGowan, who did the original story.
Reviewer Said "Great"
“It Happened in Brooklyn” has not been a
sensational boxoffice success but scores 118
per cent on first run reports from key cities
all over the country, which should be higher
on subsequent runs as it is the sort of picture
which will do well in the neighborhoods and
small town theatres. It has a 10-plus and
no-minus record in the BOXOFFICE Review
Digest, and when it was reviewed in the
March 8 issue, the reviewer said of it: “Great!
One of those exceptional pictures that bulge
theatre walls on weekends. It has Frank
Sinatra for the youngsters; Kathryn Grayson
for those who like classical music presented
by a fine-looking girl; Peter Lawford for a
romantic lead mixed with some fine comedy
. . . Jimmy Durante for laughs as well as
songs.”
. That it is a family entertainment film is
attested to by the fact that my own view of
the film was at the Plaza Theatre, de luxe
neighborhood house in Kansas City, on a Sun-
day afternoon. There were quite a few young-
sters present and many whole family groups
and everyone seemed to be enjoying the show
— no “purple” passion scenes, no posses on
horseback, no sinister murderers lurking
about, but plenty of action, music and danc-
ing as well as a plausible story acted out in
realistic fashion.
Dorothy S. Yetter of the Atlantic City
Press-Union probably sums up the average
impression which the winning picture made
on members of the Council with her com-
ment: “Good entertainment, although not
spectacular.” ... “A very human and amusing
story of ordinary people, constructive and
wholesome in its entertainment and moral
values,” is the way Mrs. C. M. Stewart of the
Lincoln (Neb.) Better Films Council puts it
. . . “This isn’t at all complicated — just an
enjoyable story with some nice music and
the folks I like. To me that’s a nice com-
bination,” says Mrs. Byron Mathews of the
Atlanta Better Films Council.
Clean Family Entertainment
“I’ll cheerfully settle for ‘It Happened in
Brooklyn,’ Frankie and all,” writes Mildred
Martin of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “In
fact, I really liked ‘The Voice’ this time.”
“An excellent film combining romance, mu-
sic and good fellowship — excellent family en-
tertainment,” is the opinion of Virginia M.
Beard of the film bureau at the Cleveland
public library.
This view is presented by Dennis R. Smith
of the Canton Repository who says of the
winning picture: “Ii is pleasant, clean enter-
tainment, which, afrer all, is the screen’s
chief business.”
The Cast
Danny Webson Miller.
Anne Fielding
Jamie Shellgrove
Nick Lombardi
Nurse
Rae Jakobi
Frank Sinatra
.Kathryn Grayson
Peter Lawford
Jimmy Durante
Gloria Grahame
Marcy McGuire
Digby John
Mrs. Kardos
Leo Kardos
Johnny O'Brien.
Police Sergeant..
Aubrey Mather
..Tamara Shayne
Billy Roy
Bobby Long
...William Haade
Production Staff
Executive Producer Louis B. Mayer
Producer Jack Cummings
Director Richard Whorf
Screenplay Isobel Lennart
Based on Original Story by
John McGowan
Musical Supervision, Direction and
Incidental Score Johnny Green
Orchestrations Ted Duncan
Frank Sinatra’s Vocal Orchestrations
Axel Stordahl
Piano Solos Played by Andre Previn
Musical Numbers Staged and
Directed by Jack Donohue
So7igs by Sammy Cahn and Julie Styne
Director of Photography
Robert Planck, A.S.C.
Art Direction
Cedric Gibbons and Leonid Vasian
Film Editor Blanche Sewell
Recording Director Douglas Shearer
Set Decorations Edwin B. Wills
Associate Alfred E. Spencer
Makeup Created by Jack Dawn
(J This Award is given each month by the National Screen Council on the basis of outstanding merit
and suitability for family entertainment. Council membership comprises motion picture editors, radio
film commentators, and representatives of batter film councils, civic and educational organizations.
Shirley is whirley about
,
the Guy who gives the girls
^ a big romantic bang!. .
|w ...in RKO’s
Miss Glamorous
and Mr. Amorous ... in a
gay elopement adventure
that makes Mexico
City blush . . . !
with LINA ROMAY • GENE LOCKHART
CORINNA MURA • GRANT MITCHELL
Produced by WARREN DUFF • Directed by WILLIAM KEIGHLEY
Screen Play by MICHAEL KANIN
Based on a story by VICKI BAUM
R K O
RADIO
PICTURES
to 106,513,385 CIRCULATION-in Life, Satur
. day Evening Post, Look, Liberty, Cosmo-
^ politan. Woman's Home Companion,
Ladies' Home Journal, Red Book, Fan
Magazines . , . American Weekly, This A
Week and Parade, circulated in 64
Hi important Sunday newspaper*.
rko's PIC-TOUR
OF THE
MONTH
SPINNING YARNS at party given by Charlie McCarthy, attended by
Mortimer Snerd, is many-voiced EDGAR BERGEN. Scene from
WALT DISNEY’s Fun and Fancy Free , full-iength Technicolor musical.
DINAH SHORE, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, also shine in cast.
PROUD PAPA is British film star JOHN MILLS, soon seen with daugh-
ter, above , in James Hilton’s So Well Remembered, filmed in England.
Anglo-American cast includes MARTHA SCOTT, PATRICIA ROC.,
TREVOR HOWARD, RICHARD CARLSON. An RKO-Rank Picture.
HAPPY HUNTING. True lovers always find their own Magic Town
JAMES STEWART, JANE WYMAN seek and find theirs in Magi
Town, film of many provocative situations, hailed the most unusual co
edy romance in years. An independent ROBERT RISKIN Producti
D Y
igi
1
LAUGHTER SUSPENDED on RKO’s The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer
set while SHIRLEY TEMPLE gets touch-up from studio make-up man.
Fun starts again when Shirley, as smitten bobby-soxer, begins swooning
over wary CARY GRANT. Brilliant star cast includes MYRNA LOY.
THESE BIG RKO PICTURES WILL
SOON BE SHOWN AT YOUR THEATRE
ic-Tour is RKO’s Dynamic Pre-Selling Advertising page running regularly in Laf®/ Look and Coll'er
CHESTER FRIEDMAN
HUGH E. FRAZE
PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN
Awards
Goodwill Promotion
With the help of Leo Durocher,
Brooklyn already has had its DAY.
Now it will have a
KNIGHT. The Ital-
ian government has
conferred the Order
of the Crown of Italy,
rank of knight, upon
Allen Grant, man-
ager of Century’s Pa-
tio Theatre in our
favorite boroughs of
ALLEN GRANT Brooklyn. The com-
mendation is for “meritorious serv-
ice” performed by the theatreman
after the liberation of Italy.
Grant had been previously hon-
ored by the American govern-
ment with the Bronze Star Medal for
“meritorious service in combat.” He
is apparently one of those efferves-
cent Brooklynites whom you just
can’t keep down. Like so many other
theatre managers, he started his ca-
reer in this business as an usher.
He is one of Century’s most promo-
tion-minded showmandisers.
Fred Perry, manager of the Lib-
erty Theatre, Cumberland, Md., won
top prize in his dis-
trict for exploitation
during the recent
Schine Silver Jubilee
drive put on by that
circuit. Taking a two-
week vacation in New
York, the energetic
theatreman came up
to say hello to us. He
had just left the
main office of McCrory’s, nation-
ally known department store opera-
tors, where he completed a tieup to
give away to his lucky young patrons
six bicycles and four Shetland ponies.
FRED PERRY
So convincing was he in selling his
idea that McCrory’s now is con-
sidering going into the promotion
with other theatres on a national
scale. The Schine circuit, of course,
will get first preference.
Irrepressible Morris Rosenthal,
manager of the Loew-Poli Theatre.
New Haven, Conn., after reading the
first announcement of the BOX-
OFFICE Bonus sent us this memo:
“That Bonus sounds great, please
send mine right away.”
Costs Little , But—
When an exhibitor books a big feature
production which has been getting high
grosses in the key run spots, he is not likely
to be concerned with his own business during
its engagement. It is the average run-of-
the-mill attraction which he must hope will
gross enough to meet his weekly overhead.
The smart showman, of course, is not trust-
ing to mere chance that his bread-and-
butter attractions are going to pull him into
the black; he is busy trying to build up a
nucleus of steady patronage which he knows
he can depend upon to stabilize his gross
consistently.
For the last two years, Hudson Edwards,
city manager for the Lucas Theatres in
Savannah, Ga., has been exercising a promo-
tion which has already created hundreds of
steady theatre patrons for his enterprise in
that city.
While his idea is not completely unknown
or untried by theatremen, Edwards has the
distinction of having initiated and main-
tained in his city a growing appreciation on
the part of the citizens for the theatres’ in-
terest in their personal welfare and interests.
Let the stork pay a visit to Savannah and
you may be sure that Edwards and his staff
will at once seek out this future patron.
Having ascertained the names of the for-
tunate parents and the location of their
domicile, a message is dispatched offering
the felicitations of the theatre staff and a
standing invitation for the new arrival to
make his initial visit to any of the Lucas
theatres in the city as a guest of the man-
agement.
The columns of the newspapers are scanned
each week for news of the arrival of full-
grown newcomers to the community who are
more immediate prospects as theatre patrons.
These are immediately the recipients of a
“Welcome” card.
Newlyweds, and residents who have recov-
ered and been released from local hospitals,
also fall into the plan and find themselves in-
vited to partake of the hospitality of the
Lucas Theatres.
The net result has been the creation of a
spirit of friendliness between the theatres
and the patron which is inestimable in terms
of cash.
29—
Newsmen and Stores
Assist Opening of
High Barbaree'
Photos of three local motion picture re-
viewers, each talking long distance to Van
Johnson in Hollywood, breaking in Harris-
burg, Pa., newspapers two days prior to the
opening of “High Barbaree” was one of the
highlights of an effective promotion cam-
paign for that picture’s opening at Loew’s
Regent Theatre. Speaking to the star for their
respective newspapers, the reviewers got ex-
clusive interviews for their readers.
A street banner 50 feet long, stretched
across three stores on Harrisburg’s main
street, helped to focus attention on the open-
ing a week in advance and attracted the eyes
of pedestrians, motorists and public utility
passengers.
MANY MERCHANT TIEUPS
Merchant tieups were numerous. The Pom-
eroy store covered 1,000 of its books in the
lending library with special “High Barbaree”
book jackets. The Ryder dairy pasted gummed
labels on all paper containers for milk. More
than 5,000 of these messages went into Har-
risburg homes with prominent mention of
the picture and playdates. The Penn Harris
hotel placed special doilies on tables in its
restaurants with picture mention.
The Murphy five and dime store distrib-
uted 5,000 imprinted bags plugging the at-
traction and the Arcade laundry inserted
5,000 heralds in bundles delivered to its cus-
tomers.
Post cards were imprinted with scene still
art from the picture and mailed to lists ob-
tained from local groups. Cooperative dis-
play ads were run by merchants tying their
products in with stars of the picture and
theatre credits.
ART IN LEADING HOTELS
Five leading hotels displayed art which pub-
licized the picture and numerous window and
counter displays were obtained in the down-
town section of Harrisburg.
A lobby stunt which helped to build ad-
vance interest in the picture was a large globe
of the world with “The Magic Island of Ever-
lasting Love” marked off. Patrons were in-
vited to spin the globe. If it came to rest with
the indicator pointing at the “Island” they
received a free guest ticket to the opening
of the picture.
The campaign in Harrisburg was handled
by Sam Gilman, manager of the Regent, and
Ed Gallner, MGM field exploiteer.
Jeep Ballyhoo in Boston
Sells #Macomber Affair'
Promoting a jeep for a “Macomber Affair”
ballyhoo created good comment for the pic-
ture at Loew’s State and Orpheum theatres
in Boston. Managers Jack Mercer and Jim
Tibbetts arranged to have the jeep tour Bos-
ton’s principal streets bannered with copy
reading: “Don’t miss ‘The Macomber Affair’
at Loew’s State and Orpheum.”
The jeep was covered with mud to resemble
a hunting car to tie in with the picture’s
theme. Rifles, stuffed animals and varied
hunting paraphernalia were used as orna-
mental decoration and provided an unusual
sight for staid old Boston citizens. The lobby
motif carried out the same theme with stuffed
animals adorning the front and inner lobby.
These were supplied by a local taxidermist
society.
The Ernest Hemingway book, “The Short.
Happy Life of Francis Macomber,” was put
to good use through several bookstore tieups.
A novel stunt which attracted attention was
front-of-the-theatre ballyhoo using a man in
African tribesman attire beating a tom-tom.
PAlSJJJJJjG
The biggest order for transcribed radio in-
terviews ever placed by Warner Bros., a total
of 1,500 pressings, will be turned out for use
in the Rocky mountain region in connection
with the world premiere of “Cheyenne” on
May 22 in Cheyenne, followed by prerelease
engagements throughout that region.
Three Warner stars, Dennis Morgan, Jack
Carson and Janis Paige, each have recorded
five 30-second spots on a single record, which
will be supplied to radio stations from Ne-
braska to the Pacific coast.
A special edition of the Cheyenne Tribune
will be published May 20 to herald the world
premiere. The special issue will be designated
the “Cheyenne premiere edition” and will
carry salutes from merchants, civic groups
and prominent individuals, along with the fe-
licitations of the governor of Wyoming and
the mayor of Cheyenne. The governor has
proclaimed May 22 as “Cheyenne” day in
honor of the premiere.
* * *
RKO RADIO LAUNCHES “BACHELOR”
RKO Radio is about to launch one of the
most ambitious advertising programs ever con-
ceived for any attraction on behalf of Dore
Schary’s “The Bachelor and the Bobbysoxer.”
This huge preselling campaign, prepared un-
der the direction of S. Barret McCormick, ad-
publicity head, includes the color comic sec-
tions “Puck,” in 15 cities; the Metropolitan
group embracing 40 papers in 36 cities, and
the independent newspapers with 52 papers
in 46 cities. This will supplement full page
ads in all the leading fan and national maga-
zines.
* * *
“QUEEN” GETS FREE TRIP ABROAD
For the first time, a lucky American girl
will be given an opportunity to take a free
trip to England as a result of a tieup be-
tween the Universal-International release of
J. Arthur Rank’s “Great Expectations,” and
the Mutual Broadcasting System’s network
radio program, Queen for a Day.
The visit which one of the “queens” to be
selected on the Queen for a Day program
within the next two weeks will make, will
be tied in with the American premiere of
“Great Expectations,” at Radio City Music
Hall.
Queen for a Day is carried over 275 sta-
tions of the MBS network Mondays through
Fridays. The promotion will be featured daily
for three weeks on the radio show.
Hang On to It!
* Don't discard your BOXOFFICE. The
Showmandiser section has been de-
signed to serve as a permanent hand-
book of theatre merchandising.
* The pages will be numbered consec-
utively throughout the year.
* An index to these pages will be pub-
lished at regular intervals, thus provid-
ing easy reference to the various arti-
cles on showmandising of individual
pictures, to types of pictures, and to all
the various phases of promotion.
* Theatremen and executives who
have long felt the need for an up-to-the-
minute, yet permanent guide to boxof-
fice promotion material, will recognize
this latest service innovation in BOX-
OFFICE as an invaluable aid in their
daily showmandising efforts.
Morton Promotes Grant
Tieup in Providence
For 'Trail Street'
Store posters exploit Bill Morton’s tieup
and color contest at Grant's in Providence.
Starting a week in advance, a coloring
contest was set on “Trail Street” for its en-
gagement at the RKO Albee Theatre in
Providence, R. I., by publicity director Bill
Morton, with the large downtown W. T.
Grant store.
While the contest is not the newest form
of picture exploitation the method of dis-
tribution of the coloring contest heralds,
reached a large number of people. In fact
the heralds went right into the homes of
every Grant customer.
When the arrangements were made, the
manager of the local store agreed to place
heralds in every purchase wrapped by sales
clerks thereby assuring distribution to many
thousands of patrons. The store also agreed
to use one of its main street windows. In
addition, a counter display was set in the
toy department. The counter in this case
was loaded with cap pistols.
That the tieup was a success was best
noted by the fact that the store management
reported a brisk sale of cap pistols. Through-
out the store, stills showing Randolph Scott
with a gun in each hand, were displayed.
A 15 minute transcribed radio version of
“Trail Street” was used on radio station
WHIM. Time was promoted free and was
landed the day before opening.
Five leading downtown restaurants car-
ried picture, playdate and theatre name
copy on the bottom of their menus. A five-
column piece of art was landed in the Provi-
dence Journal.
More than 550 double size cards were placed
in streetcars and buses running throughout
Rhode Island. An extensive program of spot
radio announcements blanketed three Provi-
dence radio stations.
Due to the fact that the previous show,
“Best Years of Our Lives” had a five-week
run “Trail Street” trailers and lobby dis-
plays were seen by patrons for a five-week
advance stretch.
'Due/' Windows
Johnny Balmer, Reade city manager in
Freehold, N. J., arranged for 12 full co-
operative windows, as well as merchant ads,
in conjunction with the opening of “Duel in
the Sun.” Duel T-shirts were worn by all
the local newsboys.
44
—30—
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 17, 1947
Rochester 'California BO XO F F I C E NUGGETS
Campaign Ups Gross
To Weekday Peak
The Rochester, N. Y„ campaign on “Cali-
fornia” was marked by a thoroughness that
made it possible for the production to chalk
up the biggest nonholiday opening in the his-
tory of the Century Theatre in that city.
Jimmy Eshelman, Paramount’s city man-
ager in Rochester, and Arthur Krolich, man-
ager of the Century, worked every possible
angle with the cooperation of Edward J. Wall,
Paramount Pictures representative, to make
the engagement successful. No medium for
selling the film to the public was slighted.
A hard-hitting newspaper ad campaign to
match the forcefulness of the picture’s action
started about a week before the opening of
the film. The local weekly shopping news,
circulating door to door, did a neat job of
whipping up interest in the film among
housewives. Publications serving veterans
and Catholic readers were also given impor-
tant consideration in mapping the advertising
drive.
A 20xl5-FOOT LOBBY DISPLAY
Three-frame trailers were screened at the
affiliated Capitol as well as at the Century.
A spectacular lobby display measuring
20x15 feet was set up three weeks ahead of
the opening. The display, so placed that the
patron could not avoid focusing his attention
on it, was given a treatment that made the
beholder feel “California” was big enter-
tainment.
The campaign called for the distribution of
500 window cards measuring 22 by 28. To
150 lamp posts on Rochester’s Main Street
were fastened directional arrows on which
appeared: “This way to CALIFORNIA—
Century NOW!”
The radio campaign provided for spot an-
nouncements on three stations— WSAY,
WRNY and WHAM. It also included a re-
corded interview with Ray Milland and Bar-
bara Stanwyck which was put on the air by
WSAY, and a 15-minute waxed dramatization
of the film broadcast by WRNY the day be-
fore the opening.
BULLETINS IN HOTEL LOBBIES
Bulletin announcements were posted in all
hotel lobbies, bus depots and leading res-
taurants. Special bookmarks containing the
copy “Take a Trip to ‘California’ and see,”
etc., were distributed at book departments of
a number of the city’s leading stores.
A tieup with American Airlines, making
capital of the title of the film and a display
of “California” luggage in the windows of one
of the city’s top luggage shops were among
other items in the campaign.
Radio 'Brunette' Contest
Aids Run in Harrisburg
Gerry Wollaston, manager of the State in
Harrisburg, Pa., took full advantage of the
“Favorite Brunette” contest on the radio and
the feud of the comedians with NBC to ad-
vertise “My Favorite Brunette,” which had a
successful run here.
Wollaston arranged with the local Chevro-
let dealers to banner several new cars touting
the contest, and tied in with drug stores and
counters in department stores to display
prominently the Pepsodent entry blanks and
signs.
A Paramount-prepared interview with Hope
was played over Dick Redmond’s local WHP
air show The World’s a Stage, spot announce-
ments followed Hope broadcasts on WKBO,
while a review and transcription of high-
lighted scenes from the film were aired on
WHGB.
“Should She Keep Her Mouth Shut,” used
as a marquee catchline caught the eye of
Chicago pedestrians and motorists as they
passed the Roosevelt Theatre recently dur-
ing the engagement of “Nora Prentiss.” The
copy was carried out also on billboards and
posters by Manager Bill Methe who set up
as additional advance ballyhoo a ten-day
contest over radio station WENR.
When "The Secret Heart” was booked into
the Capitol Theatre, Vancouver, B. C., re-
cently, Manager C. E. Doctor had his usher-
ettes don special headgear to publicize the
film. Attractive hats were fashioned in the
shape of a red heart with a surrounding bor-
der of white for special emphasis and visi-
bility inside the theatre. The hats were worn
by all women staff members for two weeks
prior to opening of the picture.
Caught with a sudden switch of bookings
on his hands, Harry Rose, manager of the
Majestic Theatre in Bridgeport, Conn., acted
swiftly to assure that his film would arrive
in time for the opening performance. He
arranged for a helicopter to deliver “The Late
George Apley,” had a photograph taken at
the airport and landed it in the local dailies
for a neat publicity break.
Banks are said to be difficult places from
which to extract money. Not so for Manager
Louis Marcks of the Colonial Theatre, Nor-
wich, N. Y. Lou recently tied up with the Na-
tional Bank & Trust Co. of Norwich, promot-
ing a quarter-page display ad in the Sun. The
ad was a direct endorsement of “Easy Come,
Easy Go” which was scheduled to open at the
Colonial two days later. The bank also dis-
played posters on its premises with illustra-
tions of Barry Fitzgerald from the film pro
duction, and full theatre mention.
A penny post card, some type, two staples
and a piece of string was the novelty ex-
ploitation used by Steve Rodnok jr., manager
of the Oaks, Oakmont, Pa., as a mailing piece
announcing the showing of the atomic bomb
picture. The copy, with dates, asked, re-
garding the six-inch piece of string: “Is
this the ‘Beginning or the End’? See for
yourself at the Oaks.”
To publicize the date on “Alexander’s Rag-
time Band” at the Northrup Theatre in
Syracuse, Kas., Manager Frank Northrup and
artist A. L. King collaborated on a two-
dimension idea for a lobby display with a
simple background. Its simplicity was the
main attraction of the setpiece, which con-
sisted of a broken-down board fence with the
title of the picture set in the foreground.
Sabie Conti, manager of Reade’s Oxford
Theatre, Plainfield, N. J„ promoted a type-
writer and worked out the following stunt for
“The Shocking Miss Pilgrim.” A letter-writ-
ing contest with the typewriter as a prize
was announced in newspaper ads taken by the
theatre and the typewriter store. This contest
was also plugged through special 40x60s which
were placed on Plainfield’s main street. Her-
alds were distributed in all of Plainfield’s
business and high schools.
In connection with the showing of “It Hap-
pened in Brooklyn” at the Loew-Poli Thea-
tre, Waterbury, Conn., Samuel Shubouf, as-
sistant manager, secured 15 attractive win-
dow displays as part of a general exploitation
campaign put on by Manager Ed Fitzpatrick.
An Old Spanish Custom
In Barcelona, Spain, “The Three Caballeros’’ received a
smartly handled exploitation campaign by Jose F. Arqaer,
manager of the Windsor Palace Theatre. Below are
photographs of a colorful window tieup featuring Disney
dolls — and the theatre front. At right, one of 63 columns
which were posted on main thoroughfares in the city.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser May 17, 1947
31—
45
Increasing Business
With Photo Offset
One of the Newer Graphic Arts Can Be
Utilized for Increasing Power of Theatre's
Selling Message in House Programs and
Other Advertising Matter. Economically
and Productively Excels Letterpress Printing.
The development of the motion picture
theatre house program as a medium for ex-
ploiting coming attractions dates back only
two decades. During the infancy of the motion
picture industry, the house program per-
formed exactly the same function as its pred-
ecessor — the program of the vaudeville
houses, the legitimate theatre and the stock
show — to provide the audience with cast of
characters, players’ identity and other infor-
mation pertinent to the current attraction.
It was not until many years later that the
house program was recognized as an impor-
tant factor in publicizing coming attractions
for the exhibitor. Today a majority of thea-
tres throughout the country use some form of
house program as an advance medium, in
many cases utilizing it for mailing lists and
distributing surplus supplies off the premises.
STARTED BEFORE WAR
A few years prior to the recent war, photo
offset began to replace letterpress printing-
in theatres on a large-scale basis in many
metropolitan areas, notably in the east. Prices
were comparable and managers were not con-
fined to using the regular mats made avail-
able by distributing companies. Keen com-
petition developed at the time among thea-
tremen who took pride in their layouts for
both house programs and other sales devices.
During the war years, other demands on
the manager's time prevented him from giv-
ing this sales medium much attention. The
busy theatreman found it more expedient to
phone his bookings and dates to the printer,
with unfortunate results. Left to his own re-
sources and handicapped by a manpower
shortage himself, the offset printer merely se-
lected convenient illustrations from the press
books, and with a minimum of attention and
art work, relegated the program to the status
and appearance of a regular letterpress job.
MORE ECONOMICAL
It is regrettable to note that this situation
still exists to a lamentable degree, both ex-
hibitor and manager apparently consc^ed by
the fact that offset today is more economical
than letterpress printing.
The art of photo offset is itself a compara-
tively recent innovation in the graphic arts
industry. Essentially, it is an indirect proc-
ess in which the subject matter is photo-
graphed on film which, when developed, pro-
duces a negative. A zinc plate is then pre-
pared with a chemically treated coating, mak-
ing it so sensitive that the negative can be
transferred to the plate by means of high in-
tensity arc lamps. A final chemical solution
produces the etching on the finished plate.
The actual printing process involves a trans-
fer of the subject matter from the plate to a
rubber blanket, thence to the paper.
The advantage of photo offset by compari-
son with regular printing for any type of
sales literature becomes increasingly impor-
tant to the motion picture exhibitor since in
offset the camera will faithfully record what-
ever material is selected for the subject mat-
ter, without the expensive preliminary costs
of buying mats or making engravings.
With a broader field of illustrative matter
to select from, the exhibitor can slant his
sales copy away from the distributor’s view-
point whenever he feels that by doing so, he
can inject more local appeal for his particu-
lar clientele. In fact, he is no longer bound
to use the identical mats which are made
available but can resort to scene illustrations;
he can feature illustrations of specific stars
in proportion to their value in his situation,
he can emphasize or play down any theme
depicted in the attraction, and he can inject
any personal ideas, cartoons or matter ob-
tained from trade or fan magazines which he
may feel will lower the sales resistance of his
patrons.
Copy lines from any number of ad mats can
be combined with illustrative material from
other sources, with reverse slugs to emphasize
important details, and the layouts can be set
against partial or complete backgrounds of
benday in various patterns. All or any part
of this procedure can be reversed or inter-
changed.
PRACTICAL FOR MANY TYPES
Offset is likewise practical for almost any
type of circular, handbill, mailing piece,
dodger — and reproduces equally well on news
or coated stock.
The time element involved in preparing
one’s own theatre programs is inconsequential
by comparison with the results obtainable.
The offset printer obligingly supplies dummy
forms, a variety of benday backgrounds, and
some art work. The manager’s requirements
are india ink, a ruler, art gum and a can of
rubber cement — plus a little time and his own
ingenuity — to get some astonishing effects in
his layouts.
Photo offset for theatre printing is a major
contribution to the art of selling. It is espe-
cially adaptable for the promotion-minded
exhibitor who believes in merchandising his
attractions along specific lines for his own
situation rather than following a prescribed
pattern of advertising established by the dis-
tributor. It is an “open seasame” to his
creative instincts. It can serve as a pleas-
urable hobby. Above all, it must be recognized
as a potent factor in directing added dollars
to the theatre gross through artful applica-
tion.
TEASER APPROACH
Llustrated above and below are
typical methods of preparing
the front page of a program
with teaser copy. In the above
illustration, adaptation of a
tradepaper advertisement
creates interest before the
reader opens to the center
spread. Below, focusing inter-
est on a particular objective — in
this case an exceptional cast.
The complete selling message
within the spread is thus made
to appear more impressive.
JOHN WAYNE
ROBERT PRESTON SUSAN HAYWARD
RAY MIllAND
The GREATEST
CAST EVER
ASSEMBLED ‘N
ONE PICTURE’.
at your naborhood
BOXOFFICE
THEATRE
9 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
RAYMOND MASSEY IYNNE OVERMAN CHARLES BICKFORD
46
—32
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 17, 1947
BOXOFFICE Theatre
DATE
9 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
Illustrations
In Offset Art
At the top of the page are program layouts almost
similar. The difference between the two lies in the
fact that the one at left typifies what the exhibitor
will get if he depends upon the offset printer to
select his material and prepare the layout. The re-
sults at right, with almost the same material, were
accomplished in less than ten minutes by a simple
rearrangement of the subject matter. At the bottom
of the page, left, the printer has taken illustrations
from two-column ad mats, pasted them on a dummy
sheet, inserted dates and a sig, with little or no con-
sideration for appearance or selling value. Next, at
right, one method of how the press-book material
could be put together to improve appearance and
highlight various selling points. Directly at right:
unorthodox folding arrangement provides more
space on front cover, less for center fold, more for
back page. The illustration is "borrowed" from an
old National Screen Service advertisement.
BOXOFFICE Theatre date
9 rockefeller PLAZA
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : May 17, 1947
33—
47
*Never before have so many
paid so much to see a
motion picture as have paid to see
“DUEL" during the past week
Serves Sports Fans
News on Durocher
For The Locket'
Herbert Graefe, manager of the Rapids
Theatre in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., took full
advantage of the fact that his theatre patrons
are also rabid baseball fans to effect a clever
bit of promotion in connection with his re-
cent engagement of “The Locket.”
The local baseball team, which is a farm
for the Chicago White Sox, gave Herb his
big chance. He had 1,500 special copies of a
weekly paper run off with a scarehead an-
nouncing that “Lippy” would be reinstated
with the Dodgers. “Lippy,” of course, is
Durocher, husband of Laraine Day who is
. . . has that rich, golden
color that makes 'em buy!
★ Uniform Quality always— in color
—in flavor— in consistency.
★ Colored at the refinery by expert
chemists*
★ Packed in Open Head Pails and
drums for better accessibility.
★ Backed by 70 years "know how".
+ For those states where colored oil is not sold
— use SIMKO brand, natural color
coconut oil seasoning
2550 E. TIOGA ST. PHILADELPHIA 34, PA.
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
starred in “The Locket.” A huge cut of the
motion picture star and special news stories
heralding the picture dominated the page.
Graefe distributed half of the special edi-
tion to shoppers on Saturday prior to open-
ing and the rest were passed out at the
local ball field two days before opening.
Going another step forward to attract the
sport fans, Graefe used a two-column display
ad with the magic name of Durocher promi-
nently across the top on the sports page of
the Daily Tribune on opening day of “The
Locket.”
Bubble Gum Contest Helps
Kaufman on 'Ramrod' Date
Keeping right in tune with the times, Man-
ager Milt Kaufman of Loew’s in Norfolk, Va.,
took advantage of the current bubble gum
craze to hold a contest on the stage in con-
nection with the opening of “Ramrod.”
Merchants donated the supply of bubble
gum and approximately 500 juvenile entrants
participated in the hour-long morning show
in competition for guest tickets to Loew’s. A
radio broadcast by Joe Brown and His Gang
from the stage aired proceedings over WRVA.
The Venetian Blind Corp. presented a Man
on the Street program from the lobby of the
theatre every morning during the entire run
of “Ramrod.” Another program, aired over
WLOW and called Wake Up Alarm Clock,
mentioned the picture several times with
name plugs for the cast.
Co-op ads were arranged with the Meekin-
Roughton Corp. on Veronica Lake and the
Triplex shoe store. Swartz’s department store
made up a huge luggage window using a 40x60
blowup of Joel McCrea and Miss Lake with
framed stills of the picture as decorative trim-
ming. Schneer’s jewelry, Woolworth’s, the
leading hotels in Norfolk and Dowdy’s beauty
salon gave windows, floor displays and
framed art signs.
Jolson Albums Offered
In conjunction with the Broadway re-en-
gagement of “The Jolson Story,” at the Vic-
toria Theatre, 50 of Decca’s A1 Jolson rec-
ord albums are being presented as prizes for
the best answers, in 50 words or less, to the
question, “Why is A1 Jolson one of the world’s
greatest entertainers?”
i Popcorn Seasoning
! MELTING URN
CRETORS Melting Urn is easy
to use. No mess ... no fuss.
Approximately 25 pounds ca-
pacity. When full, maximum
temperature approximately 180
degrees F. $OQ50
Priced at only
less thermostat
C. CRETORS & CO.
604 W. Cermak Road
Chicago 16, III.
—36—
Eggs-tra Promotion
Nets Extra Miami
'Egg' Publicity
The old adage that the way to a man’s
heart is through his stomach was put to prac-
tical use by Sonny Shepherd, manager of the
Wometco Miami Theatre in Miami, Fla., and
resulted in some outstanding publicity for
“The Egg and I” at the Miami.
While members of the staff of the Miami
Beach Sunday Sun-Star fourth estate were
busy calling for copy boys, proofs and were
clacking away at their typewriters the Sat-
urday before the picture’s local release, the
door opened, the newsmen looked up and saw
two pretty lassies enter with a mobile kitchen.
“How will you take your eggs,” said the
prettiest of the two, “Up or over?” Shortly
the entire news staff was enjoying fried eggs
inspired by the film production and Shep-
herd’s clever showmanship.
When the staff photographer had taken
enough material for cheesecake art in the
following morning’s issue, the lassies packed
up and moved on to the other newspaper
offices for a repeat performance. The thea-
tre, “The Egg and I” and the playdates came
in for prominent attention in all the news
stories.
Levy Gets Crown Cola
Tieup on 'Macomber'
Larry Levy, manager of the Colonial Thea-
tre in Reading, Pa„ set a neat bit of pro-
motion with local distributor of Royal Crown
Cola which resulted in the placement of 300
window cards for the theatre.
The tieup was set in conjunction with the
engagement of “The Macomber Affair.” The
distributor paid for the entire cost of the
promotion and placed the cards in local out-
lets handling the soft drink.
The deal also called for the placement of a
two-column by seven-inch cooperative dis-
play ad in the Reading Times for several
days concurrent with the picture’s playdate.
Levy used posters in streetcars and buses
to exploit the film and had 5,000 special fly-
ers handed out with bold copy reading,
“Men! Here’s How to Stay Out of Trouble”
on the front page as a teaser which opened
into a double spread of art and selling an-
nouncements.
50
BOXOFFICE Showmcmdiser :: May 17, 1947
Impressive lobby display for "Pursued" at the Michi-
gan Theatre in Detroit was created by Alice Gorham,
publicity director for UDT. >
| Below, 24-sheet mounted and cut in strips by A1
j Frank, manager of the Fond du Lac Theatre. Fond
du Lac, Wis., was animated as breeze blew through
i lobby, assuring special attention.
I
J. L. Shanberger, manager, Keith's Theatre, Baltimore, Md.
Manager Ray Meyers' eye-catching lobby piece on
The Egg and I" at the Golden Theatre in Philadel-
phia.
Attractive
Displays
Excellent examples of lobby and window dis-
plays shown on this page reflect the theatre-
man's adeptness at promoting current film
attractions.
Larry Stewart, manager. Gopher Theatre. Minneapolis. Minn.
f mm
iH®
ib w mi
P AJtf THFMr O
m this
. . . MOT COUNTING
SENATOR CtAGHORN, THAWS
♦ 1
m muf Guessm
CU&tSr W(U MM 70
MTS AjOKf SOT
■ n
W AT
tom. m mp ifAvf
YOUR mmhttS,.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : May 17, 1947
—37—
■W8|
VWHave
Right*0*
*>\ Guess
that Dream
;atswe6o\»
the Dogs”
with a host of
Santana
hit soij
Jimmy
Harold
Fligh and
rthson
EDDIE CONSTANCE JOAN
ALBERT • MOORE - EDWARDS
A REPUBLIC PICTURE
^ ON mt rocketing REPO®1"''’
FRAWLEY
i ORCHESTRA
AND REPUBLIC GUEST STARS
ROY ROGERS « TRIGGER
BOB NOLAN X! SONS OF THE PIONEERS
Screen Play by Mary Loos • Original Story by Parke Levy • Songs by Jimmy
McHugh and Harold Adamson • Associate Producer and Director, Frank McDonald
Canadian Students Picket Theatre,
Producer of India
Force Owner to Cut Prices Deeply
VICTORIA, B. C. — Drastic reductions in
admission prices to the Van Isle Theatre, in
Campbell River were made by owner E. W.
Bickle following demonstrations by Campbell
River youths in front of the theatre in pro-
test against the 75-cent admission price. The
new scale of prices is 35 cents for children
and 60 cents for adults on Monday, Wednes-
day, Thursday and Friday; 25 and 50 cents
for Saturday matinee; 60 cents for all seats
Tuesday and Saturday nights.
On Friday night the show played to a near
empty house as youths paraded in front of
the theatre carrying hand-made posters read-
ing: “We Want Cheaper Shows” and “Does
The LIQUID Popcorn
Seasoning with that
Better FLAVOR
Still the most Economical because
of NEW DRASTICALLY
REDUCED PRICES
Our government has requested
price reductions to stem infla-
tion and we are going to help —
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
THE PRICE OF POPSIT PLUS IS
REDUCED APPROXIMATELY
15% — This brings the cost of
POPSIT PLUS close to the price
level of solid seasonings.
Warehouses in principal cities — cooif to eooif
C.F.Simonin’s Sons, Inc.
% t A *
6 L l 5 H C &
2550 E. TIOGA ST. PHILADELPHIA 34, PA.
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
Bickle Want to Pay for His Theatre in
One Year?” Saturday night the perform-
ance was repeated, with a much larger group
carrying similar signs and milling about the
front of the theatre.
At the height of the demonstration Bickle
drove up in his car, got out and faced the
assembly. A small girl marched up to him
and shouted, “We want cheaper shows.” The
owner regarded her a moment and then
turned to a delegation of four high school
youths and requested them to state their
business. The spokesman replied that the
object of the demonstration was a “student’s
rate” for admission to the theatre.
Bickle said he would consider the matter
and that in the meantime 50-cent admissions
would be charged for everyone that night. At
this announcement, the crowd broke into
cheers and then dispersed. Individual mem-
bers of the crowd reappeared in a short time
and lined up in front of the ticket office
for the show.
Recently students at Port Alberni struck
against an increase in theatre admission by
Famous Players and won a “student rate” re-
duction. In Victoria, teen-agers paraded the
streets with placards protesting against the
increased cost of admission to theatres.
Prices Cut in Oak Ridge,
Cradle of Atomic Bomb
OAK RIDGE, TENN. — Prices have been
slashed at all three theatres in this mountain
home of the atom bomb.
The cuts were put into effect at the be-
ginning of the month by the Recreation and
Welfare Ass’n which operates the houses.
The Jefferson has cut its admission from
48 cents afternoon and evening to 36 cents
for evening shows and 25 for matinees. The
Grove and Ridge cut their matinee prices
from 48 to 36 cents but the evening price
remains at 48.
Children’s prices at all three were reduced
from 12 to 9 cents.
Canadian Shorts to Castle
NEW YORK — Castle Films, a division of
United World Films, Inc., has acquired the
distribution rights to four 16mm shorts on
industrial safety from the National Film
Board of Canada. The pictures were pro-
duced by the NFB for the Dominion depart-
ment of labor.
Brandon Gets Indian Film
NEW YORK— Brandon Films, Inc., will dis-
tribute “Children of India,” an Indian fea-
ture production. The picture arrived in the
U.S. following its recent opening in Bombay.
fylablt Paint?
Users of POPSIT PLUS the
liquid popcorn seasoning
made from Peanut Oil, are
not worried about flash point.
POPSIT PLUS has a flash
point over 650'F. and a fire
point over 700'F.
Cited by Skouras
NEW YORK— Spyros P. Skouras, 20th-Fox
president, on behalf of the India Society of
America, presented a scroll to Vijay Bhatt,
producer and director of Prakash Pictures,
Bombay, India, on Tuesday (May 6) at a
Waldorf-Astoria dinner. The affair high-
lighted the three-day India Film confer-
ence. Francis S. Harmon, MPA vice-presi-
dent, was one of the principal speakers. The
banquet was sponsored by the India society.
Skouras cited Bhatt for his work on behalf
of the betterment of India’s films. Harmon
spoke on the American industry’s interest in
Indian product and in presenting Hollywood
pictures to Indian audiences. Bhatt saluted
the American industry for serving as a source
of inspiration.
The purpose of the India Society confer-
ence, which started Monday (May 5) at the
Hotel Biltmore, was to bring to the attention
of the American public the scope of India’s
film industry and the possibility of using
Indian films to promote Indo-American cul-
tural ties.
Plans for using motion pictures for cul-
tural purposes in India were discussed during
the opening session of the conference by
India film representatives and U.S. docu-
mentary producers. Hari Govil, founder and
director of the India Society, said distribu-
tion problems are the chief obstacle to be
overcome. He pointed out that 85 per cent
of the population of 390,000,000 live in vil-
lages not readily accessible to theatres. Only
a small proportion of the population is easily
accessible by mobile 16mm units, he said.
Bhatt told the opening session that Indian
exhibitors cannot use documentary films, be-
cause domestic entertainment features are
too long, running at least two hours and
30 minutes. Thomas Brandon of Brandon
Films and Willard Van Dyke outlined a plan
to develop documentary programs and cau-
tioned Indian producers against tackling
these films in a “helter-skelter” fashion.
FROM THE FILES OF
20 l jar!
ALLAN S. GLENN, supervisor of exploita-
tion of First National Pictures, has re-
signed to become managing director of the
Circle Theatre, Indianapolis, where he will
be associated with Robert Lieber, chairman
of the board of directors of First National
Pictures.
* * *
“Mr. Wu” broke attendance records in St.
Louis recently. This drama of the Orient
stars Lon Chaney. Crowds stood in line for
hours. The stage play by the same name
was on Broadway and on the road for sev-
eral years. The cast includes Marie Dressier,
Renee Adoree, Gertrude Olmstead, Ralph
Forbes, Holmes Herbert and Anna May Wong.
* * *
Jetta Goudal, French actress termed by
Cecil B. DeMille as a “cocktail of emotions,”
has been signed by the DeMille studio . . .
Motion pictures showing the mannerisms and
peculiarities of the human being will shortly
replace the old-fashioned rogue’s gallery still
photos now being used by the St. Louis police
department.
* * *
“Children of the Ritz,” a novel by Cornell
Woolrich, 21, was the winner in the $10,000
prize story contest instituted by College
Humor and First National Pictures.
54
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
announces that prints of
“TIME OUT OF MIND”
are now available in our
exchanges for screenings.
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL presents
phyiiis CALVERT Robert HUTTON Ella RAINES
64
ime out ol /^incl
Ecldie
nth LEO G, CARROLL - HELENA CARTER • JOHN ABBOTT-
Produced and Directed by ROBERT SIODMAK who directed
"THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE" • "THE DARK MIRROR" • "THE KILLERS"
Screenplay by A8EM FlNKEL. ARNOLD PHILLIPS - Based on a novel by Rachel Field - A UNIVERSAL INTERNATIONAL PICTURE
Technicolor Print Tieup
Stalls 'GWTW' Reissue
NEW YORK — The print tieup at the Tech-
nicolor, Inc., plant is holding up reissue of
David O. Selznick’s “Gone With the Wind,”
according to MGM. The company does not
expect to have enough prints to rerelease
the picture generally until late this year.
MGM announced its intention of reissuing
the picture about a year ago at a Chicago
sales conference.
Britannica Will Release
First Color Films Soon
CHICAGO — Encyclopaedia Britannica
Films soon will release its first full color
sound films, it has been announced by H. R.
Lissack, vice-president of the educational
motion picture producing company, who re-
vealed that six color films are now in varying
stages of production.
In all, 20 educational motion pictures are
now in production at EBF studios and at
locations all over the world, Lissack said.
Four of the new color films are on art
subjects. “The Making of a Mural,” a one-
reel 16mm sound color film to be released
within the next two months shows the three-
dimensional technique of making a mural
painting. Subject for the film is “Achelous
and Hercules,” executed by one of America’s
leading painters, Thomas Hart Benton, for a
Kansas City store.
outstanding
SIGHS...
TSis style available in double face
tty Attl/fteJkal
Immediate delivery — beautifully
designed, aluminum finish, indirectly
lighted directional signs. Complete
with interchangeable, etched glass
name plates. Ideal for use in theatre
interiors, lobbies, corridors.
Distributors and jobbers write for
quantity price list.
ART METAL MFG. CO.
3110 Park Ave. • St. Louis 4, Mo.
i
'Betty fiane'
POPCORN
How
$97S
Top Quality Ohio Super Yellow
Packed in convenient 100 to 500 pounds
50-pound per 100 lbs.,
individual JgOO 500 lbs. or more. $Q50
JJJ 500 lbs. or more,
per 100 lbs.
Packed in either 50 lb. or 100 lb. moisture-proof
bags at same price per 100 pounds.
Prices F.O.B. Mafion, Ohio
"Jtou-/lna
Returnable Drums
per lb.
Cocoanut Oil
30’/4C 38perVinS: 33C
POPCORN BOXES. Per 1000. $7.50
(F.O.B. CHICAGO)
(Prices Subject to Change)
*
Distributors tor
CRETORS Popcorn Machines
POPPER’S BOY PRODUCTS CO.
58 E. 13th St. Chicago 5
FOR IMMEDIATE SERVICE
WRITE NEAREST WAREHOUSE
EASTERN
Atlanta, Ga.; Southern Sales & Warehouse Co., 171 Peters St., S. W.
Binghampton, N. Y., Manley, Inc., Box No. 826
Boston, Mass., Wiggin Terminals, Inc., 50 Terminal St.
Charlotte, N. C., Carolina Transfer & Storage Co., 1230 W. Morehead
Roanoke, Va., Roanoke Public Warehouse
MIDDLE-WEST
Columbus, Ohio, Merchandise Warehouse, 370 W. Broad St.
Dallas, Texas, Zanes-Ewalt Warehouse, 420 Laws St.
Des Moines, Iowa, Merchants Transfer & Storage Co.
Detroit, Mich., Edgar's Sugar House No. 2, 1900 Alfred Street
Indianapolis, Ind., Strohm Warehouse & Cartage Co., 230 W. McCarty St.
Kansas City, Mo., Manley, Inc., 1920 Wyandotte St.
Memphis, Tenn., United Warehouse & Terminal Corp., 137 E. Calhoun
New Orleans, La., Douglas Public Service Corp., 118 N. Front St.
Oklahoma, City, Okla., O. K. Transfer & Storage Co., 531 W. Main
Peoria, III., Federal Warehouse Co., 800 South Adams
St. Paul, Minn., Central Warehouse Co., University & Pillsbury Ave.
WESTERN
Denver, Colo., Weicker Transfer & Storage Co., 1700 15th St.
Los Angeles, Calif., Jennings-Nibley Warehouse Co., Ltd.
Oakland, Calif., Haslett Warehouse Co., 51 Webster St.
Salt Lake City, Utah, Central Warehouse, 520 West 2nd South St.
Seattle, Wash., American Warehouse Co., 95 Connecticut St.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
56
v
Adventure!
Action!
Romancel
cHOWUff**’5 6B°
*#£55
Greed!
Gold!
RICHARD ARLEN
Jennifer HOLT • Lee SHUMWA?
Gil PATRICK
Producer, JACK SCHWARZ
Director, BERNARD B. RAY
Fearless!
Daring!
Roaring!
Glamour! ?
San Fernando
Donald WOODS * Gloria WARREN
Shirley O’HARA • Anthony WARDE
Producer, JAMES S. BURKETT
Associate Producer
RENAULT DUNCAN
Director
TERRY MORSE
Rugged
Daredevils
of the
North!
Rochelle HUDSON Jack LaRUE
Austin WILLIS • Frank PERRY
Producer, LARRY CROMIEN
Associate Producer, JACK W. OGILVIE
Director, STERLING CAMPBELL
DETECTIVE ACTION STREAMLINERS
"TUE LI AT DAY AAVCTEDV^ ^om ^en ^KINS
I He HAI dUA MYjIeKY Pamela BLAKE * Virginia SALE
"The Case of the BABY SITTER" “tS
Executive Producer, MAURY NUNES • Produced by CARL HITTLEMAN • Directed by LAMBERT HILLYER
Distributed by
HOME OFFICE: 346 So. La Brea, Hollywood, California
FOREIGN DEPT.: 723 7th Avenue, New York City • • • CABLE ADDRESS: Guild Film
THE NORTH acclaims
PERFORMANCES TO DATE
SPECIAL FRONT AT INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
OHIO'S SPRINGFIELD ENGAGEMENT TOPS
SH'gfKIHG
uvtm*
1 6 * imS
**8t% *
kic : r rosuc&n
and DA®
1 ONLY *T ISfWI
THREE times in year bay CITY, MICH.
HOLDS ALL RECORDS THRU ILLINOIS
MILLIONS OF PEOPLE CAN T BE WRONG!
rn
1 1
i ]
* l
Book It NOW!
WIRE * WRITE * CALL
HYGIENIC PRODUCTIONS
Los Angeles • Cleveland • Mexjgo City • Toronto
Right He ht
*n'erigi^°gMandZDA>
Uve ij J d b,ghh
°‘ good . . 7.0,ng »
Prof- Paul S i
a,am^oo. Mic
ALL-STAR HOLLYWOOD CAST
IN PERSON ON THE STAGE
ELLIOT FORBES
FEARLESS HYGIENE COMMENTATOR
¥
Special Colored Theater Unit Starring
JESSE OWENS
World Famous Olympic Champion
Panics,
Sir!
Struct;
Can people . . .. °r ,he Ameri.
Z°yen
Hubuqug Iowa° lc Churcb
NOTE* THE producers of
'mom AND DAD” BELIEVE A
THEATRE HAS TWO BASIC OBLIGA-
TIONS— FIRST, TO ENTERTAIN ITS
PATRONS AND SECOND, TO PER-
FORM A PUBLIC SERVICEI GUAR-
ANTEEING THE FIRST AND WITH
INTEREST IN THE SECOND YOU
LCAN PRESENT THIS SIGNIFICANTLY^
VITAL MOTION
PICTURE!
E-L Contest Offers
$2,500 to Managers
NEW YORK — Eagle-Lion will offer $2,500
in prizes to local theatre managers and thea-
tre publicity men for the best exploitation
campaigns turned in on “Repeat Perform-
ance,” according to A. W. Schwalberg, vice-
president and general sales manager.
The prizes will be: First, $1,000; second,
$500; third, $200; fourth, $100; fifth, $100;
sixth, $100, and ten individual prizes of $50
each.
Max E. Youngstein, director of advertising,
publicity and exploitation, has not set the
closing date, but it will be far enough ahead
to permit the picture to run through all
first runs. Awards will be for the best pro-
portionate grosses and best proportionate
publicity reports. The two elements to be
considered will be the relation to the maxi-
mum possible gross for a particular house,
the completeness of the selling campaign,
which will include publicity space, adver-
tising, stunts, tieups, ballyhoos, etc., within
the limits of the particular theatre involved.
The premiere will be held at the Liberty
Theatre, Zanesville, Ohio, May 22 as a part
of the sesquicentennial celebration. It will
be on an elaborate scale.
U-I Ad Men to Tour Keys
On 'Odd Man' Selling
NEW YORK— Maurice Bergman, eastern
advertising and publicity director of Uni-
versal-International; A1 Horwits, publicity
manager, and Charles Simonelli, special
events director, will visit Detroit, Cleveland,
Cincinnati, Louisville, Indianapolis and Chi-
cago next week to lay the foundation for
future campaigns on J. Arthur Ranks Odd
Man Out.”
Working as a team, the three will show
“Odd Man Out” to the critics, radio com-
mentators and newspaper columnists in these
cities and discuss the advertising, publicity
and exploitation campaigns with local thea-
tre representatives. The campaigns de-
veloped at these meetings will be carried out
by the field men who will follow them into
these territories.
PRC Lists Four Features
For Release Next Month
NEW YORK— PRC has scheduled four
features for June release, with five already
on the May schedule. Two additional pic-
tures are now being edited, with three others
set to go into production early in June.
The June releases include “Stepchild, fea-
turing Brenda Joyce and Donald Woods, June
7- “Philo Vance Returns,” with William
Wright and Ramsay Ames, June ^
aches,” featuring Sheila Ryan and Chill Wills,
and “Pioneer Justice” with A1 Lash La Rue,
June 28.
May releases listed are “Border Feud,” May
10' “Two Many Winners,” “The Corsican
Brothers” and “International Lady,” May 24;
“Killer at Large/’ May 31. Films being edited
are “It’s Moider” and “Go West.”
'Ruth' Tradeshow June 7
NEW YORK — Paramount will hold a na-
tional tradeshow of “Dear Ruth” in all ex-
change areas, except New York, on June ■
The New York tradeshowing will be held
May 27 at the Normandie Theatre. The pic-
ture features Joan Caulfield and William
Holden and was produced by Paul Jones.
58
Union Talks in N. Y.
Are Still Unsettled
NEW YORK — Union contract negotiations
in New York by the Motion Picture Home
Office Employes Union, Local No. H-6,
IATSE, and the IATSE Motion Picture Lab-
oratory Technicians Union, Local No. 702,
were still unsettled at the weekend. Local
H-63 expects to wind up talks shortly with
News of the Day and the MGM music pub-
lishing subsidiary, Robbins, Feist & Miller,
on new contracts covering office workers. So
far Local 702 has reached no agreement in
its contract renewal discussions with 18 film
laboratories in the New York area. The lab-
oratory talks have been going on for several
weeks.
Until the laboratory workers’ contract re-
newals are settled Local H-63 will be unable
to reopen wage negotiations under existing
contracts with seven other companies, in-
cluding Universal, Warners, Paramount News,
Ace Film Laboratories in New York and
Brooklyn, Music Publishers Holding Co. and
Pathe Laboratories. The union board wants
uniform increases of 20 per cent for the office
workers at these companies, or a minimum
salary rise of $8.
A third local, the IATSE Moving Picture
Machine Operators Union Local No. 306, also
is planning talks soon with the Loew’s, RKO,
Skouras and Randforce circuits on contract
renewals for approximately 1,200 workers.
These contracts will expire August 31. The
present wage scale in effect for projectionists
at these circuits was agreed on Sept. 1, 1945.
Local 306 will seek a 5 per cent welfare fund
and is reported to be considering a request
for a 32 per cent wage increase. The local
has appointed a 13-man committee to out-
line a list of demands.
N.Y. B'nai B'rith Lodge
To Honor Its Late Head
NEW YORK — New York’s Cinema Lodge of
B’nai B’rith will show “This is B’nai B’rith”
in the auditorium of the Museum of Modern
Art May 19 in connection with a memorial
tribute to the late Henry Monsky, interna-
tional president of the lodge. Ira A. Hirsch-
mann, president of the Metropolitan Broad-
casting and Television, Inc., and formerly
special attache to the U.S. Embassy in
Ankara, special representative to the late
President Roosevelt’s war refugee board and
special inspector general of UNRRA, will be
the principal speaker of the evening.
Produced for the supreme lodge of B’nai
B’rith by film industry leaders, the 27-minute
film is being dedicated as a memorial to the
late President Monsky for showing before
the almost 400,000 members of B’nai B’rith
and before other inter-faith groups in the
U.S. and Canada.
Ellis and Emanuel Head
Philadelphia Foundation
PHILADELPHIA— Martin Ellis was elected
chairman of the Philadelphia exchange area
Motion Picture Foundation, the area trustee-
ship going to Jay Emanuel. Other officers
are: Ulrik Smith, vice-chairman; Lester
Murtele, secretary; Harry Abbott, president of
projectionists Local No. 307, treasurer.
Elected to the panel for a two-year term
were Ellis, Wurtele, Abbott, George Schwartz,
Lewen Pizor, Norman Lewis, Ted Schlanger
and Bud Hissner.
One-year members are Smith, Sidney E.
Samuelson, Alfred Davis, William Mansell,
Jack Greenberg, Samuel Gross, Samuel Zar-
balow and Ben Amsterdam.
Bill Vetoed by Maryland s Governor
Would Have Killed Saturday Shows
RELIGIOUS ASPECT— Judge Lewis
Fawcett, right, executive of the World’s
Sunday School Ass’n, greets Mr. and Mrs.
J. Arthur Rank as they stepped ashore at
New York.
Pennsylvania ITO Prepares
Battle on Amusement Tax
PHILADELPHIA — Allied Independent
Theatre Owners of Eastern Pennsylvania, in
a service bulletion last week, urged members
to contact their assemblymen and senators
immediately to protest the house bill which
will empower cities of the third class to levy
additional taxes for general revenue pur-
poses, with amusement taxes included, and
another house bill which empowers boroughs
to levy an amusement tax for general rev-
enue purposes.
The bulletin asked members to stress that
a 20 per cent federal tax is now being paid,
that films are not a luxury, that theatres
should not be singled out for discriminatory
taxation, and that during the war motion
pictures like newspapers were exempted from
price controls as essential means of mass
communication.
The bulletin also revealed that action by
Allied on the ban on the installation of pop-
corn machines in theatres has been post-
poned, since it will not affect a great number
of independent exhibitors.
Kleid Capitol Sales Head
NEW YORK — Barney Kleid has joined
Capitol Motion Picture Supply Corp. as sales
manager. He has been connected with the
industry for the past 20 years and was for-
merly with the National Theatre Supply
branch here.
15 Die in a Film Fire ;
John Jackson a Victim
Rome — John C. Jackson, director of
British Lion and associated with London
Film Productions since 1933, was killed
here May 14 in a fire at the offices of
Minerva Film Corp. Minerva Films pro-
duced “Open City,” now in its second
year at the World Theatre, New York.
At least 14 others were killed and 15
hospitalized when the fire ravaged the
five-story headquarters of Minerva Films
in the worst disaster in Rome, except
for wartime bombing, since 1938. The
fire apparently started in stocks of raw
and finished film stored in the building.
BALTIMORE — Gov. William P. Lane’s re-
cent veto of the bill which would have re-
quired special censorship of all motion pic-
tures shown on Saturday afternoons in Fred-
erick county means that the county may not
have had any Saturday films at all, it was
brought to light this week.
At least, that is the opinion of the Mary-
land board of censors as expressed in a letter
to the governor concerning House Bill 908,
now defunct.
ENTIRE STATE WAS AIM
It develops also that Horace M. Alexander,
delegate from Frederick, who introduced the
bill, intended originally that it apply to the
entire state, for the reason, as Alexander put
it, he wanted to rule out “gang-war” pictures
and “glorified horror” at matinees on what
he termed “children’s day” at Maryland thea-
tres.
In part, the censor board’s letter to the
governor states:
“It is our opinion that the purpose of this
bill is served by the present law, which pro-
vides that this board shall disapprove such
motion pictures as are sacrilegious, obscene,
indecent, inhuman or immoral, or such as
tend, in the judgment of the board, to debase
or corrupt morals or incite to crime.
“We should further like to direct your at-
tention to the difficulty of administering
such a law, since this board has neither the
authority to designate an audience classifica-
tion of the films it reviews nor can it direct
the distribution of films after they leave
our premises.
“In view of these matters we suggest that
if the bill is signed, its specific provisions
may prevent the showing of any films in
Frederick county on Saturday afternoons.”
CFL PROGRAMS URGED
However, there’s a silver lining in every
cloud, and Mrs. Helen C. Tingley, secretary
to the censor board, comes to the front with
the suggestion that the Motion Picture Ass’n
now is offering greater selectivity in pro-
grams for children, through the Children’s
Film Library.
Her suggestion is carrying a lot of weight,
according to local observers, and it is likely
that a number of special matinees for chil-
dren will result not only in Frederick county
theatres but in cinemas all over the state
as well.
Greater N.Y. Fund Trailer
Previewed at Luncheon
NEW YORK — Leaders of the Greater New
York Fund previewed the trailer for the 10th
annual campaign at a luncheon May 13 at
the Roosevelt hotel. The trailer was pro-
duced by Fox Movietone and distributed to
500 local theatres by National Screen. The
Metropolitan Motion Pictures Ass’n super-
vised the distribution.
Representing the film industry in the an-
nual drive are Joseph R. Vogel, vice-presi-
dent of Loew’s, Inc.; Leonard H. Goldenson,
vice-president of Paramount Pictures Thea-
tre Corp.; Arthur L. Mayer, managing di-
rector of the Rialto Theatre; Herman Rob-
bins, president of NSS; Leo Brecher, presi-
dent of the Leo Brecher Theatres; Gus S.
Eyssell, managing director of the Radio City
Music Hall; Sam Rinzler, president of the
Randforce Amusement Corp., and General
Rodney H. Smith, executive director of the
MMPTA,
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
N
58
1 Duel ' Grosses Are Fat
In Mass N. Y. Openings
NEW YORK — Loew’s, Selznick Releasing
Organization and Walter Reade executives
were more than pleased with the opening
week’s grosses chalked up by “Duel in the
Sun” in 47 day-and-date openings in the
metropolitan last week. Reports from the
field showed that 1,200,000 persons saw the
picture during the first seven days. They
paid 90 cents in the afternoon and $1.25 in
the evening, at all theatres except the Capitol
on Broadway, where admission was and still
is $1 until 6 p. m. and $1.50 until closing.
These admissions ran from 25 to 50 cents
above the usual scale.
The increased prices plus the effectiveness
of the high-powered promotion campaign be-
hind “Duel” were responsible for making
the film the top grosser in the Loew’s thea-
tres here, exceeding “The Jolson Story” and
“Gone With the Wind.” However, total
attendance for “The Jolson Story” at the
same 38 Loew’s theatres for a comparative
period was greater, according to certain
executives. As a second run film at the Vic-
toria this session, “Jolson” was weak.
(Average is 100)
Astor — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
25th wk 95
Broadway — Monsieur Verdoux (UA), 5th wk 60
Capitol — Duel in the Sun (SRO) 118
Criterion — Odd Man Out (U-I), 3rd wk 102
Globe — The Macomber Atiair (UA), 4th wk 110
Gotham — Hit Parade of 1947 (Rep), 2nd wk 75
Hollywood — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB),
6th wk 70
Palace — Bom to Kill (RKO), 2nd wk 50
Paramount — Calcutta (Para), plus stage show,
3rd wk ! 65
Park Avenue — Carnegie Hall (UA), 2nd wk 90
Radio City Music Hall — The Egg and I (U-I),
plus stage show, 3rd wk 115
Rialto — Violence (Mono) 95
Rivoli — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO), 7th wk 80
Roxy — The Homestretch (20th-Fox), plus stage
show, 3rd wk 70
Strand — Love and Learn (WB), plus stage show,
2nd wk 80
Victoria — The Jolson Story (Col), 2nd ran,
2nd wk 75
Winter Garden — Carnegie Hall (UA), 2nd wk 130
RECIPROCATION — Eric Johnston,
president of the Motion Picture Ass’n, is
seen checking over food packages which
he bought to be shipped to the doctor
and nurse and members of his staff in
London who helped him through a siege
of pneumonia on his recent European
trip. The food parcels, weighing 2714
pounds, contain 41,000 calories, which
CARE (Cooperative for American Remit-
tances to Europe, Inc.) distributes to Eng-
land, duty and ration free, under an
agreement with the British government.
The picture was taken at CARE head-
quarters, 50 Broad St., New York City.
Johnston is planning to leave for Europe
June 22. Gerald Mayer, foreign aide, and
Joyce O’Hara, executive assistant, will go
along.
Philadelphia Goes Rustic;
'Egg' and 'Daughter' Draw Best
PHILADELPHIA — The city is rustic in
attempt to get out of the doldrums along
the de luxe row this week. The rustic couplet,
“The Egg and I” and “The Farmer’s Daugh-
ter,” are hogging the spotlight. “Farmer’s
Daughter” got the best reviews for a comedy
in a long time, and is cashing in on same.
Aldine — It Happened on Fifth Avenue (Mono) 135
Arcadia — Best Years of Our Lives (RKO), 5th wk... .125
Boyd — Sea of Grass (MGM), 4th wk 100
Earle — Big Town (Para), pus stage show 115
Fox — The Homestretch (Para), 2nd wk 110
Goldman — The Egg and I (U-I) 175
Karlton — The Egg and I (U-I) 150
Keith's — The Late George Apley (20th-Fox),
2nd run 85
Mastbaum — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO). 150
Pix — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO), 5th wk 110
Stanley — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM), 3rd wk .120
Stanton — Angel and the Badman (Rep), 3rd wk 100
Business Picks Up in Buffalo;
'Stairway/ 'Red House' Good
BUFFALO— “That Way With Women,”
aided by Carmen Cavallaro and his orchestra
on the stage, was the leader here as business
picked up. Two reissues surprised at the
Teck. So did “The Red House” at the Hip-
podrome.
Buffalo— That Way With Women (WB),
plus Carmen Cavallaro on stage 175
Great Lakes — The Yearling (MGM), 2nd wk 100
HiDpodrome — The Red House (UA);
Three on a Ticket (PRC) 145
Lafayette — Stairway to Heaven (U-I);
Born to Speed (PRC) 150
Teck — Kit Carson (UA), The Last of the Mohicans
(UA), reissues 133
20th Century — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
The Falcon's Adventure (RKO), 3rd wk 100
BROADWAY
Daymond Massey will arrive here from the
coast May 21 to start rehearsals for a new
play . . . Mrs. Bill Dowling’s Mother’s day
present was Lorraine Ann. Proud papa is
with Warner Bros, film checking depart-
ment . . . Lucille Ball, MGM star, is here
from the coast for a short stay.
Eleanor Parker, Warner Bros, star, is in
London for several days. Before returning
home, she will visit Paris and other capitals,
and will make a personal appearance at the
World Film Festival in Brussels.
Irene Gibbons, head fashion designer for
MGM, is here from Hollywood for two weeks
. . . Walter L. Titus jr., southern division
manager for Republic, left for Mexico City
to join James R. Grainger, executive vice-
president in charge of sales and distribution.
Harriman E. Holtz, president of Screen
Adettes, is at the Roosevelt for ten days . . .
William W. Howard, assistant general man-
ager of RKO Theatres, left for Denver to
install Jay Golden as new division manager
of RKO west coast theatres. Before re-
turning home he will visit Chicago.
Isabel Jewell has returned to the coast for
her first film role in two years . . . Harold
Rodner, assistant general manager of War-
ner Bros. Service Corp., is in Albany . . .
Leonard Goldenson, head of Paramount
Theatres Service Corp., and his assistant,
Robert Powers, returned from the Arrow-
head Springs, Calif., theatre partners meet-
ing.
Hortense Weischel, secretary to Joel Levy,
Loew’s booker, has returned from a vaca-
tion trip to the Bahamas . . . William May-
berry, casting director on 20th-Fox’s “Gen-
tlemen’s Agreement,” left for Hollywood . . .
UA producer Seymour Nebenzal is in from
the coast . . . Gregory Peck and Mrs. Peck
will leave California for New York May 28.
Tom Cadwallader, U-I division manager
for Victoria, Tasmania and S.A., is at the
home office for distribution conferences . . .
Abbot A. Weisbrod of the MGM advertising
department designed and directed the art
work for the New York Infirmary’s souvenir
book benefit at Madison Square Garden
May 20.
Lou Ansell, president of Southern Cali-
fornia Pictures, and his brother Joseph of
Ansell Bros, circuit and vice-president of
SCP, met in Mexico City to supervise the
scoring of the first major film, “Women in
the Night” . . . George Sharf of the MGM
legal department has returned from New
Haven.
James R. Grainger, Republic executive vice-
president in charge of sales and distribution,
is visiting Mexico City and New Orleans be-
fore returning to the home office after a
seven-day visit to the North Hollywood stu-
dios . . . Francis S. Harmon, MPA vice-
president, was the principal speaker at a
dinner honoring Charles P. Taft in Cincinnati
on Monday (May 12). Taft was recently
elected president of the Federal Council of
Churches of Christ in America.
Hans Habe, Dutch novelist, checked in at
the Waldorf-Astoria for a few days on his
arrival from Rotterdam. He will leave for
the coast to work on a screen adaptation
of his new book, “Aftermath,” for U-I . . .
Edward L. Walton of Republic visited the
Seattle and Minneapolis branches . . . Edward
L. Hyman and Max Fellerman of Paramount
are touring the San Francisco, Salt Lake City,
Minneapolis and Kansas City areas before
returning to the home office . . . Melvyn
Douglas spent several days in town.
Stanley Shuford spent a week on the coast
discussing advertising plans for new product
with studio executives . . . Ann Sheridan is
back at the studio to start work in “Silver
River” . . . Kay Harrison, managing director
of Technicolor, Ltd., arrived on the Queen
Elizabeth for conferences with Dr. Herbert
T. Kalmus . . . William G. Brenner will
leave for the MGM Cincinnati exchange
May 20.
Margaret Sullavan is in town from Cali-
fornia . . . W. C. Gehring of 20th-Fox visited
the Kansas City exchange . . . Maury Orr
proceeded to Minneapolis after holding a sales
conference in Chicago with Rud Lohrenz, UA
midwest district manager. Orr will cover
the entire western territory before returning
to the home office.
Irving Greenfield of MGM is the father of
a girl born at Lenox Hill hospital. The baby
weighed seven pounds, 13 ounces . . . Dorothy
Ford, six-foot, four-inch actress, is vacation-
ing here after completing a role in “A Miracle
Can Happen” . . . John J. Maloney, MGM
central sales manager, is working at the
home office under the company plan for
rotating field sales managers. He is the
first field sales head to be transferred for a
30-day period.
Harold Weinberger, MGM’s checking su-
pervisor, is back at his coast headquarters
after a two-week vacation in Gotham . . .
Daniel J. Loventhal, sales executive for RKO,
was in Hartford on business.
60
BOXCPFICE :: May 17, 1947
LOUELLA IN LIMELIGHT— Louella
Parsons, spending some months in Balti-
more with her husband, is depicted pre-
senting Jockey Steve Manley with a
trophy incidental to his winning ride on
Agate in the “Carnival in Costa Rica”
handicap at Bowie. Morris Mechanic,
owner of the New Theatre in Baltimore,
is also in the picture.
Exhibition Hall Opened
By RCA in New York
NEW YORK— The RCA Exhibition Hall,
offering displays of radio, television and
other electronic developments, was opened to
the public by the Radio Corp. of America
May 14.
Highlights of the exhibit include a tele-
vision display where visitors may be televised
and simultaneously see their own images on
a screen, a section where the latest classical
and popular recordings can be requested and
heard at a personal amplifier and a display
where the story of radio and the people who
have been prominent in it is told through a
series of revolving stages.
The main floor of the hall is visible behind
a 200-foot window front on west 49th St. The
hall includes a public lounge containing
television and radio receivers and a studio
theatre, seating 84 persons, where daily show-
ings of current film subjects will serve to
demonstrate RCA sound and projection
equipment. The studio is also wired' for the
transmission of live talent radio and tele-
vision shows.
Frank M. Folsom, executive vice-president
in charge of the RCA-Victor division, will
manage the exhibit and John L. Crosby jr.
is resident manager.
Honor Schary at Luncheon
NEW YORK — Dore Schary, RKO vice-
president in charge of production, was hon-
ored at a luncheon given by Gus S. Eyssell,
president and managing director of the Music
Hall, in the studio apartment of the theatre,
Friday (May 9). Among those present were
N. Peter Rathvon, Ned E. Depinet, Robert
Mochrie, S. Barret McCormick, Perry Lieber,
Russell V. Downing, Jack F. Dailey and Fred
L. Lynch.
Ampa Honors Russell
NEW YORK — Harold Russell, handless vet-
eran who won an Academy award for his
role in “The Best Years of Our Lives,” was
awarded a certificate of life membership in
Ampa. Rutgers Neilson, Ampa president,
made the presentation on behalf of disabled
veterans working in film publicity.
Along New York's Filmrow
By WALTER WALDMAN
fl FTER three months, Phil Levine, new co-
owner of the Burke Theatre, Bronx, has
decided that being an exhibitor is a lot dif-
ferent from selling film. Until the end of last
year Levine was a salesman at the Astor
Exchange . . . For one thing, he has dis-
covered that hours mean nothing to a thea-
treman. However, the gruelling hours of a
one-man operation are halved thanks to his
partner, Bill Nennemmen, formerly of the
Orient Theatre . . . Despite working Sundays
and holidays Phil likes being his own boss
and driving to work ten minutes from his
home . . . The Burke, a 990-seat house,
shows Italian films on Tuesdays, and regu-
lar English-language productions the rest of
the week.
The Paramount choral society will give its
sixth annual concert next Friday, May 23, at
the Plaza hotel. Proceeds have been ear-
marked for refugee relief . . . Edith Morgan
Savage will direct the chorus and Michael
Markel will conduct the orchestra . . . Women
in the chorus are: Elsie Barbara, May
Brady, Charlotte Byrne, Agnes Cummings,
Mary Davitian, Josephine Dell ’Aria, Lee De
Pietri, Adeline Fanelli, Lee Fowler, Gloria
Giordano, Charlotte Heinlein, Francine
Hirsch, Vera Iacona Borsellino, Belle Jones,
Lillian Jacobs, Julia Keesling, Madeline Lang,
Stella Lichioveri, Gloria Lombardi, Mary
McDonough, Kay Moore, Harriett Miller,
Ruth Pettit, Theresa Priolo, Helen Pullin,
Helen Rasweiler, Lorraine Schiller.
Others in the women’s chorus are: Irma
Schmitz, Irene F. Scott, Evelyn Seeff, Ethel
Smallwood, Julia Sullivan, Marie Todd and
Emilie Ullman . . . The male end of the sing-
ing will be handled by Sal Asaro, James L.
Brown, Luis Fernandez, G. Knox Haddow,
Charles Iacona, Philip Kolm, Percy Lock-
wood, Frank McGuire, Arthur Pratchett,
Albert Sicignano, Kenneth Snyder and
Charles Strobel.
Harry Greenman, managing director of
the Capitol Theatre, enjoyed himself
thoroughly last Wednesday morning when he
helped select 75 beautiful girls out of hun-
dreds who crowded the Capitol rehearsal
hall. They will appear Monday, May 19, in
a torchlight parade on Fifth avenue for
the benefit of the New York Infirmary . . .
Sidney Piermont, manager of the Marcus
Loew Booking Agency; Paula Gould, pub-
licity director of the Capitol; Dorothy Kil-
gallen, newspaper columnist, and Antoinette
Donnelly, woman’s page editor, were also on
the judges’ stand.
Dave Fine, manager of the Stanley Thea-
tre, turned over 10 per cent of the house
gross last Thursday, May 14, to the New York
City Cancer Committee . . . The money was
from receipts taken in during the first day’s
run of “Native Land,” which is being re-
issued in the U.S. by Brandon Films, Inc.
. . . Incidentally, “Native Land” is the first
American made film exhibited at the Stanley
since it switched to Russian pictures in
1941.
George Haag is managing the Alan Thea-
tre, which opened May 15 at New Hyde
Park, L. I. The 600-seat Alan is the 37th
theatre in the Century Theatres chain . . .
The house has neither a balcony nor loge
. . . Off the main floor is a Tid-Bit Bar for
soft drinks, candy and popcorn. This bar
is in a room by itself opening into the outer
and inner lobbies ... A 110-foot sign will re-
place the old Loew’s State sign which came
down last week after 25 years service . . . The
new sign probably will be in place by the
middle of June.
Gertrude Demroff, UA city booker, will
marry Edward Elkind June 12 . . . Anne
Jones, secretary to Ray Moon, 20th-Fox dis-
trict manager, was given a surprise birthday
party last Wednesday at Louis Bergen’s . '. .
Ray Wylie, UA upstate salesman, lost his
aunt last week . . . Howard Lesser of the
Callicoon Theatre, Callicoon, N. Y., was a
recent visitor at the UA exchange . . . The
SOPEG units of the UA, 20th-Fox, MGM and
Columbia exchanges will join home office
employes at the Palm Gardens May 21 to
discuss labor legislation and contract re-
newals.
m m
MONOGRAM VISITORS — Don DeFore, star of Allied Artists “It Happened on
Fifth Avenue,” came in from the coast in connection with exploitation on the picture.
With Mrs. DeFore he visited the Monogram exchange. Left to right are Morey Gold-
stein, general sales manager; DeFore and his wife; Nat Furst, exchange manager, and
Ed Morey, vice-president and assistant to Steve Broidy, president of both Monogram
and Allied Artists.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
61
START VETERANS’ TRAINING — The District Theatre Corp., controlling 26
theatres in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, established a large-
scale on-the-job training program for veterans under the GI bill of rights. Shep
Allen, general supervisor for District Theatres, is shown, seated, signing the ap-
plication for the firm’s approval as a training establishment. John W. Holland,
training facilities officer (right, standing) represented the Veterans administra-
tion Washington, D. C., regional office. Joseph F. Albright (left), special assistant
to Gen. Omar N. Bradley, administrator of veterans’ affairs, also officiated. Vet-
erans under the training program receive, in addition to their training wages from
the corporation, a subsistence allowance from VA of up to $90 a month (if married)
or $65 a month (if without dependents).
Single Antenna Problem Eliminated
Through Use of Intra-Video Device
NEW YORK — The Telicon Intra-Video
master antenna television system, which of-
fers a solution to the problem which has
been vexing television manufacturers and en-
gineers and realty owners who refuse to per-
mit the erection of single individual aerials
on their roofs, will be demonstrated sometime
this month, according to Sol Sagall, presi-
dent of Intra-Video Corp. of America and
Telicon Corp. The demonstration of the
Intra-Video master antenna system will be
arranged in an apartnient house under typi-
cal reception conditions with outlets in the
offices of Intra-Video Corp. on Madison
avenue.
The Intra-Video system is based on the
invention of Dr. H. E. Kallman who devel-
oped it with the engineers of the Telicon
Corp. Intra-Video has arranged with leading
manufacturers of television receivers to sup-
ply them with a variety of models of re-
ceivers, all of which will be hooked up to
the Intra-Video network and will operate
simultaneously from a single antenna.
Paramount Australian Men
Hold Conferences in N. Y.
NEW YORK — Stanley H. Craig, Para-
mount’s general manager for New Zealand,
and William Hurworth, assistant manager
in Sydney, are here for two weeks of con-
ferences with George Weltner, president of
Paramount International, and other com-
pany officials.
This is the first visit to the U.S. for Craig
and Hurworth, who will visit the company’s
studios in Hollywood en route home.
Don McClure Named Head
Of Television Society
NEW YORK — Don McClure, director of
television at the N. W. Ayer agency, was
elected president of American Television So-
ciety, Inc., at the May meeting held at the
Advertising club.
Herbert E. Taylor jr., director of station
equipment sales for Allen B. DuMont, was
elected vice-president. Dian Dincin, affili-
ated with the pictorial research department
of the Louis de Rochemont industrial film
organization, was elected secretary. George
Shupert, president of ATS in 1945-46 and
1946-47 and with Paramount Pictures since
1940; Charles Alicoate, secretary of Radio
Daily; Paul Mowery, national manager of
ABC television; Ed Sobol, producer of dra-
matic shows at NBC; Charles J. Durban, as-
sistant director of advertising and director of
television for the U. S. Rubber Co.; Edward
Stasheff, program director for television for
WNYE, board of education in New York City,
and Jack Levine, chairman of the program
laboratory of ATS, were elected to the board
of directors.
Eldredge Joins Paramount
NEW YORK — E. P. Eldredge jr. has joined
the Paramount Int’l Latin American division.
He will serve as a trainee for about five
months at the home office. Eldredge served
in Rio de Janeiro and Cairo and Naples dur-
ing the war with the American embassy
and the war shipping administration.
N. Y. Hearings Slated
On Building Code
ALBANY — A series of public hearings on
proposed revision of the state’s standard
building code for places of public amuse-
ment will be held in various cities in the
state beginning in New York June 6.
Other meetings will be held June 9 in
Buffalo, June 10 in Rochester, June 11 in
Syracuse and June 12 in Albany.
As a guide to the hearings, the board of
standards and appeals of the department of
labor has published, “for public critical re-
view,” a 43-page book on proposed revision
of the code. The proposed changes were
recommended by committee, appointed in
1944, whose membership included four men
from theatre operating companies and two
from the Motion Picture Machine Operators
union. These men were Henry Anderson,
New York, of Paramount Theatres; Louis
Lazar, Gloversville, formerly of the Schine
circuit; Harry Moskowitz and Theodore Jung,
New York, of the Loew circuit; Richard
S. Hayes, Yonkers, of Local 650, MPMO,
and the late Glen S. Humphrey, Utica, of
Local 327, MPMO.
Big Benefit Show Is Set
For N.Y. Infirmary
NEW YORK — An in person show for the
benefit of the New York Infirmary Building
fund will be held at Madison Square Garden
Tuesday, May 20 at 8:15 p. m. The show
will be produced and staged by Marvin
Schenck, chairman of the entertainment
committee.
Among the stars who will appear are: the
Andrews Sisters, Lucille Ball, Fred Astaire,
Fred and Elaine Barry, Milton Berle, Lu-
cienne Boyer, Carmen Cavallaro, Joseph Cot-
ten, Brian Donlevy, Jessica Dragonette, Tony
and Sally De Marco, Duke Ellington and
orchestra, Stan Fisher, Helen Hayes, Jenni-
fer Jones, Bert Lahr, Ella Logan, Jackie
Miles, Victor Mature, Carmen Miranda, Ethel
Merman, Margaret O’Brien, Lew Parker, Jean
Parker, Louis Prima and orchestra, Bill
Robinson, Jimmy Stewart, the Rockettes, the
Roxyettes, Rosario and Antonio, Ed Sulli-
van, Hazel Scott, Fred Waring and orchestra
and Glee Club, Henny Youngman and the
production number from George Abbott’s
play, “Barefoot Boy With Cheek.”
Plan Film Scholarships
Through UN Facilities
NEW YORK — The United Nations Film
Board and member nations are planning to
provide 100 scholarships in film techniques
for students living in war devastated coun-
tries. This was reported by Jean Benoit-
Levy, director of the executive office -of the
board, at its second quarterly meeting.
Benoit-Levy also reported that research
work on 14 documentaries has been com-
pleted. Plans for these films were announced
last year. Actual production will be han-
dled by member nations having the facilities.
'Dear Ruth' for May 29
Marks Two Birthdays
NEW YORK — Paramount will open “Dear
Ruth” at the Mayfair Theatre, Asbury Park,
May 29.
The opening will mark the 20th anniversary
of the Mayfair, a Walter Reade house, and
the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of
the City of Asbury Park.
62
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
British Films Given Big Outdoor Space
For the first time in the history of film advertising in the mid-Manhattan area
British pictures are getting practically as much outdoor advertising space as Ameri-
can product. J. Arthur Rank’s arrival may have had something to do with this.
James Mason in “Odd Man Out” has space in three conspicuous spots — a double
display nine stories high on two sides of the Mayfair Theatre Bldg., a painter board
nearly a city block long atop the Bond Bldg., and a painted wall at 44th street and
Avenue of the Americas.
“Great Expectations,” next attraction at the Music Hall, was given a stretch
of board more than 150 feet long at 49th street and Broadway, and a wall at 52nd
street and Avenue of the Americas.
Over 400 at RKO's
15th Golf Tourney
NEW YORK — More than 400 RKO men and
representatives of other companies attended
the 15th annual RKO golf tournament at the
Westchester Country club Wednesday where
Ned E. Depinet was host.
As always, word went out in advance that
the tournament would be held rain or shine.
In the morning after a night of rain the out-
look could have been brighter, but this failed
to halt the enthusiasts. Golf began early and
was interrupted for luncheon. The playing
was resumed in the afternoon. The festivities
wound up with a dinner at which prizes were
presented.
Arrangements were in charge of John A.
Farmer and R. S. Gavin.
Among those present were: Neil Agnew, Gradwel!
Sears, Sam Dembow jr . , Joseph R. Vogel, W. H.
Clark, John Hertz jr., Edward A. Golden, Jack
Cohn, J. Henry Walters, Gordon Youngman, Malcolm
Kingsberg, A W. Schwalberg, William J. Heine-
man, Harry Brandt, Max A. Cohen, Garrett Van
Wagner, Robert Mochrie, Gus Eyssell, Ralph Aus-
trian, Gene Tunney, Harry Michalson, Walter Bran-
son, Harry Gittleson, Frank Drumm, Charles Boas-
berg, Carl Peppercorn, Sid Kramer, M. G. Poller,
A. A. Schubart, W. B. Levy, William German, Ed-
ward Hyman, Irving Lesser, Maj L. E. Thompson,
Frederick L. Ehrman, Thomas H. Martell, Gordon
McFarland, Sam Rinzler, Harry M. Durning, Paul
Hollister, Harold Holt.
P. N. Furber, George K. Garvin, Sol E. Schwartz,
S. Barret McCormick, Sidney Meyer, Frank L.
McNamee, Robert Hawkinson, Ned Clarke, Harry
Rosenquest, George Howard, Rutgers Neilson, O. C.
Johnston, Charles Levy, Jack Goldstein, Ted Schlan-
ger, Charles McDonald, Fred Schwartz, Jack Shea,
M. A. Silver, John Turner, William White, Max E.
Yellen, John Murphy, John J. Payette, I. Rappaport,
John Benas, Clayton E. Bond, George Crouch, Harry
Feinstein, Len S, Gruenberg, Nat Fellman, Phil
Hodes, Sam Rosen, Sam Goodman, E. C. Grainger,
I. J. Hoffman, Lou Golding, Harry Katz, Frederic
Ullman jr., Walton Ament, Harry Kalmine, A. J.
Kearney, Dan Treister, Lou Kaufman, Harry Mandel,
Frank Marshal, Jules Girden, John Cassidy, Herb
Copeland, Harry Kaplowitz, Charles Bryan, Jay
Bonafield, Nick Tronolone, Max Fellerman, Peter
Gage, William Gehring, Jack Level, Harry Gold,
E. T. Gomersdll, Frank Hirst.
Richard Huber, Rube Jackter, I. J. Jutkovitz, Ben
Kalmenson, Walter Derham, William Zimmerman,
William Kupper, Jules Lapidus, David Levy, Fred
Meyers, E. K. "Ted'' O'Shea, Joseph Walsh, Gene
Milford, Newman Fuchs, Walter Reade, Walter
Reade jr., Arthur Sachson, Abe Schneider, A W.
Smith, Louis Weinberg, Allen Wolf, Barney Pitkin
Ben Abner, Norman Ayers, Arthur Willi, Edwa'rd
Aaron, David Mack, Jack Bellman, Jack Bloom, Wil-
bur England, Vincent Borrelli, Jack Bowen, James
Herries, Jack Bvrne, Ralph Clark, Nat Cohen, Abe
Dickstein, Harold Dunn, Clarence Eiseman, Jack
Ellis, Don Prince, Joe Felder, Nat Furst, Seymour
Florin, Max Gillis, Morey Goldstein, Milton Maler.
Roy Haines, Clarence Hill, Moe Kerman, Bert
Kulick, Tom Kennedy, James M. Jerauld, Sam Le*-
kowitz, Lloyd Lind, E. A. McAvoy, Ray Moon, Nor-
man Moray, Ed Morey, Jacques Chabrier, William
Murphy, Hugh Owen, Ralph Pielow, William McShea,
Henry Randel, Moe Sanders, Jack Schlaifer, Edward
Schnitzer, Sol Trauner, Jack Wreqe, Edward L. Wal-
ton, Irving Wormser, Seymour Schussel, Robert Sher-
man, Bernard Kranze, Dave Bines, Jack Davies, John
Dugan, Harry Kalchiem, Nat Kalchiem, Miles Inaal's,
Leonard Romm, Sol Shapiro. Charles Yates, Hnnv
Romm, Willard Alexander, Harry Blair, Tom Ket-
tering, M. Kornbluth . M. Goldstein, Fred Waters!
Alexander E. Reoch, Mort Singer, G. C. DeCosterd.
'Dishonored Lady' Holds
Dav-and-Date Openings
NEW YORK — “Dishonored Lady,” the
Hunt Stromberg production for United Artists
release, opened at the Oriental Theatre,
Chicago, May 15, day-and-date with openings
over the Loew’s circuit in Nashville, Cleve-
land, Syracuse, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Read-
ing, Harrisburg and Baltimore.
Simultaneous openings will be held May
22 in Providence, Akron, Toledo, Kansas City,
Richmond, Indianapolis, Dayton, Memphis
and Norfolk.
All-Negro Film to Open
NEW YORK— “Boy, What a Girl!” Herald
Pictures’ first all-Negro feature, will open
May 21 at the reconverted Club Baron, 132nd
street and Lenox avenue, which will be known
as Cinema Cafe.
Frederick Polangin Gets
Enterprise Job in N. Y.
NEW YORK — Frederick N. Polangin has
been appointed eastern publicity director for
the Enterprise studios, according to Robert
S. Taplinger, vice-president in charge of ad-
vertising and publicity.
During the past year Polangin has handled
Enterprise publicity in Washington, where
he operated his own publicity firm. He was
formerly publicity director of the U.S. depart-
ment of commerce, under the late Harry L.
Hopkins; on the staff of the motion picture
division of the Office of War Information
in Hollywood, and served in the U.S. navy
motion picture division as a commissioned
officer.
Polangin will make his headquarters at the
Enterprise offices at 1560 Broadway.
Special Enterprise publicity in New York
will be continued to be handled by Friedberg
and Katz.
Weinberger Lectures Class
NEW YORK — Arthur Weinberger, office
manager at the Warner exchange, delivered a
lecture on film distribution to members of
the New York university motion picture class
on Wednesday (May 14). The class met at
the exchange.
'Henry V' Chalks Up
Record U.S. Gross
NEW YORK — Operating under a “five-
year plan” for showings in the United States,
“Henry V” celebrated its first anniversary in
April with a $2,750,000 gross and over $1,100,-
000 net profit, according to Gradwell L. Sears,
vice-president in charge of distribution for
United Artists. This figure was reached with
only 16 Technicolor prints available here.
Harold Auten, J. Arthur Rank representa-
tive, and Paul N. Lazarus jr., United Artists
advertising and publicity director, are now
planning a more widespread distribution of
“Henry V” with a large number of addi-
tional prints. By June 1, United Artists will
have played off 173 engagements, of which
52 will have been Canadian showings. This
summer, “Henry V” will be shown at moun-
tain and resort towns in the east and school
and college showings also will continue with
repeat engagements also scheduled.
Auten will continue to handle the bookings
and charting of playdates with Lazarus jr.
Howard E. Kohn II has been named by UA
to handle advertising and publicity on the
“Henry V” operations and the staff of ad-
vance agent representatives in the U.S. has
been increased to 23 men.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
63
MID-ATLANTIC STAFF MEETS — The Warner sales staff in the mid-Atlantic ter-
ritory met in Philadelphia, May 12, 13, to discuss the 1947 sales drive. Norman Ayers,
seated, division head, conducted the sessions. Standing, left to right, are W. G. Mansell,
Philadelphia branch head; W. W. Brumberg, drive captain; Fred Beiersdorf, Wash-
ington branch head, and Robert Smeltzer, district manager.
ALBA NY
DRC-Eagle-Lion now employs two salesmen
r in the Albany district, Gordon Bugie and
Elmer Sichel. Bugie joined the local staff a
month ago after covering the Toledo territory
from the Cincinnati exchange. He previously
worked for Film Classics. Sichel checked in
from New York after service as booker for
Century Theatres. He also was a booker here
for 20th-Fox and for the Schine circuit in
Gloversville. Elmer began with 20th-Fox as
a youngster in New York City.
Mrs. LaRose Fisher, an MGM employe for
several years, is now on the office staff of
PRC . . . Heilman’s Paramount here is re-
ported to have cleaned up with a midnight
spook show. Kirma, mind reader, was an
added attraction . . . Johnny Petuccio, treas-
urer of Fabian’s Grand, has been hospitalized.
He first entered Memorial hospital and later
was taken to Albany hospital for an opera-
tion by Dr. Eldridge Campbell.
Pauline Iveson, on the switchboard at the
Fabian division office in Albany, recently
celebrated her tenth anniversary with the
circuit. She is chief operator . . . Nat Lapkin,
chief of realty operations for Fabian Thea-
tres in New York, recently was passing out
cigars Tor the usual reason.
Bert Lawler, manager of Fabian’s Com-
1ST CLASS DISTRIBUTION FOR
Jl THE ENTIRE SOUTH — thru
J(IOHN) Q T} (O.K.)
enkins oc Bourgeois
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HABWOOD & JACKSON STS.. DALLAS 1. TEX.
munity Theatre in Catskill, was the first
manager in the circiut to complete his Greek
War Relief campaign. This involved raising
money to adopt an orphan for a year.
“The Voice of the Turtle,” the stage hit,
played to big business in its recent three-day
engagement at the Erie Theatre in Schenec-
tady, according to Manager Phil Rapp. The
Erie, a Fabian house, divides its time be-
tween pictures and road shows. Rapp also
manages the State, which is connected with
the Erie by an arcade.
The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo attracted
capacity business to Proctor’s Theatre in
Schenectady, according to City Manager Guy
Graves of the Fabian organization. The local
Smith College Alumnae Ass’n sponsored the
performance. The Smith groups are live
wires in concert and picture tieups, theatre-
men in this area have found. The Smith
unit in Albany gave Alex Sunshine Nyary,
exploiteer for “Henry V,” valuable assistance
during the film’s recent five-day engagement
at the Colonial Theatre here. They received
a cut on the tickets sold, the money going to
a Smith college fund being raised throughout
the country.
“The Best Years of Our Lives” was pre-
viewed in the 20th-Fox projection rooms, with
executives of the Warner and Fabian chains
among those in attendance . . . Evening pre-
views for RKO employes are now being held
in the 20th-Fox screening room.
Pressure of duties forced Charles A. Smak-
witz, assistant zone manager for Warners and
1946 chief barker of the Variety Club, to
cancel plans for attending the national con-
vention of the Variety clubs in Los Angeles
. . . Irene Smith, secretary to Smakwitz, re-
ceived condolences on the death of her
mother in Troy . . . Arthur Newman, Re-
public manager, is chairman of arrange-
ments for the annual Variety Club golf tour-
nament to be held in June. This is always a
big affair.
PHILADELPHIA
^•he town presented a Hollywood atmosphere
when Don DeFore, a rising young man
in the film firmament, was here for per-
sonal appearances at the opening of “It
Happened on Fifth Avenue” and Xavier
Cugat, who is heading for a career as a screen
comedian, brought his rumba band into
Frankie Palumbo’s Click. Cugat will fly back
to the coast as soon as his present engage-
ment ends to start work on his new picture.
“It’s the first time I find out if I’m an actor,”
he told us. “My name will not be Cugat.”
Cugat says folks like the rumba, but he
thinks he would have a heart attack if he
danced it the way most Americans do. "The
proper way is ‘subdued,’ ” he quipped. “A girl
likes to show herself off, and if she has a
nice — uh — dress, she can display it to ad-
vantage with the rumba.”
Gag of the week: Dick Mayers, Goldman
publicity man, presented portly Ed Rosen-
baum, Universal-International exploiteer,
with a two-wheel scooter so that Ed can cover
the simultaneous openings of “The Egg and I”
at both the Karlton and the Golden . . . “The
Yearling” has been secured for the Karlton.
and should open there about May 21. *Egg”
will continue on at the Goldman until “High
Barbaree” comes along to replace it.
This world of progress; Among the equip-
ment for the new drive-in on the Lincoln
highway will be bottle warmers. For mothers
bringing their infants along to the show.
Allied Theatre Owners of Eastern Pennsyl-
vania, Inc., held another in their series of
membership meetings at the Broadwood last
week. Discussed were the film situation and
the legislative situation as regards taxes, at
the moment prominent in the minds of all
film men. Representatives of some 97 thea-
tres attended, with Sidney Samuelson acting
as chairman. Another meeting is due later
in the month.
Meyer Adelman, New Jersey Messenger
Service, made stop press headlines last week
when he became a grandfather twice in three
days. First his daughter gave birth to a girl
then his son became the papa of a boy. Adel-
man just about burst with pride. At last
check-up, mothers, fathers, babies, and
grandpa were doing fine.
Opening of the new Warner exchange has
eased the Vine street situation somewhat.
After a lot of plain and fancy moving, Uni-
versal-International has taken over Warners’
old quarters, and Columbia is moving into
the old U-I setup.
Ev Callow, Warner publicity man, is on the
board of directors of the Better Philadelphia
Exhibition. It’s for the purpose of making
the town a better place to live in and to do
business in. Now if he would only tell us
where he will put the film colony . . . Locals
B100, F7 and B7, including office manager
Mildred Goodman, are safely enshrined in
their new quarters, third floor rear of 1225
Vine St. . . . Mike Felt, Felt Theatres, had
another birthday last week while brother
Cecil Felt and his wife celebrated their sec-
ond anniversary.
Rita Hankin is the new telephone operator
at Monogram . . . Stanley Kositsky was named
city salesman for Columbia last week . . .
Sam Diamond, 20th Century-Fox sales man-
ager, resigned to accept a similar post with
PRC. Salesmen and bookers of the 20th-Fox
exchange tendered him a farewell dinner at
the Latin Casino. The Family club also gave
him a party in the office.
"Voice of Theatre Speakers"
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!
64
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
MEMO
MR. LIVEWIRE EXHIBITOR, THIS IS IT!
The COSMETICS of the STARS
NOW
AVAILABLE
FOR
THEATRE
DISTRIBUTION
THIS PREMIUM GIVEAWAY WILL PACK YOUR HOUSE
A PROVEN BOXOFFICE BUILDER
NATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS
WILTON DISTRIBUTING CORP.
1342 SO. LABREA AVE. WY. 2179 LOS ANGELES 36. CALIF.
LIMITED TERRITORIES NOW AVAILABLE
WASHINGTON
Touis Bernheimer, head of the Bernheimer
" chain of theatres, was honored at a sur-
prise luncheon given him by his friends and
associates last week at the Mayflower hotel.
Those who extended greetings in behalf of
his friends were Ben Lust, Frank Storty,
Jesse Sherwood and Mary Agnes Sweeney.
In behalf of his employes, greetings were ex-
tended by Charles Errico, Academy Theatre;
Edward Pinkham, Jesse Theatre; Richard
Yerak, Newton Theatre; James Cook, Stanton
Theatre; John Hamilton, Sylvan Theatre;
Stanley Barlup, Vernon Theatre, Del Ray,
Va., and Harry March, Village Theatre.
Bernheimer was presented with a hand
painted portrait of himself.
Variety Club news: Plans are being made
by the Variety Club for a farewell party to
John Allen and a “welcome back” party for
Rudolph Berger in June . . . Sam Galanty and
John Payette are co-chairmen heading the
committee in charge of arrangements of the
stag party honoring Ed Fontaine which will
be held in the Variety clubrooms on May 26
. . . Variety Club open house was held on
Saturday night, May 17.
“Duel in the Sun” was trade shown at the
Apex Theatre on Wednesday night . . . Phylis
Ross, daughter of E. MacDonald (Virginia
censor board) is now living in Washington
. . . Dennis Cohalan, assistant to District
Manager C. E. Peppiatt, 20th-Fox, is visiting
the local exchange to get acquainted . . .
Emily Watts will replace Charles Mendelson
as cashier at 20th-Fox when Mendelson leaves
next week to sell for Screen Guild.
Charles Schlaifer, director of publicity, ad-
vertising, exploitation and radio for 20th
Century-Fox, spent the weekend in Wash-
ington conferring with Bill Michalson, Wash-
ington exploiteer, and Mike Weiss, Phila-
delphia exploitation head. Sid Blumenstock
and Eddie Solomon accompanied Schlaifer on
the trip. Purpose of the visit was to dis-
cuss plans for publicizing and exploiting “The
Miracle on 34th Street” and “The Ghost and
Mrs. Muir.” While Schlaifer was in town he
attended the Gridiron dinner with Anthony
Muto. Schlaifer left for the west coast, ac-
companied by Morris Kinzler and is ex-
pected to be back at his desk next Monday.
Ross Wheeler went to Los Angeles to at-
tend the Screen Guild Productions conven-
tion . . . Mr. and Mrs. Ben Lust and Mr. and
Mrs. Frank Storty send cards from Los An-
geles and vow they are having a wonderful
time . . . Bobby, son of RKO Booker Jesse
Smith, has returned home from the hospital
where he was taken after suffering injuries
incurred in a bicycle accident . . . Twentieth-
Fox Auditor Lou Lichtenstein is in town
making a routine audit . . . Anne Griffin is
entertaining her nephew, Ralph Flatley, who
has two weeks’ leave from the army.
Metro Items: Hazel McCarthy of the book-
ing department attended the Pimlico races
last Saturday and picked the Preakness win-
ner . . . Sympathy is extended to Inspector
Alice Clark, whose father died last week . . .
The office was saddened by the death of
Ernest Marlow, former porter . . . Marilyn
Knoll, secretary to the district manager, is
NEW MIRROPHONIC SOUND
JOE HORNSTEIN, Inc.
630 Ninth Ave., New York City
studying ballet . . . James Hollomon jr. is
training to be an auditor in the international
department.
Bob Tignor, navy booker, was married two
weeks ago to Elizabeth Huffman . . . Metro
Manager Jerry Adams was called to New
York due to the illness of his father ... At
RKO Shirley Mink was married recently to
Frank Johnson who is in the regular army
and stationed at Camp Springs . . . The RKO
office is proud of its new furniture and type-
writers.
John O’Leary, 20th-Fox office manager,
has a new Oldsmobile . . . Warners office
manager, Eddie Phillips, made two trips to
Philadelphia recently . . . Herbert Young,
manager of the new Malvern Theatre, Mal-
vern, L. I., came in with wife Selma to visit
his mother, Sara Young, on Mother’s day
. . . Biller Josphine Deavers has returned to
her desk after several weeks’ illness.
Hable Receives Permit
For Winchester House
WINCHESTER, VA.— Hable Theatres, Inc.,
has received a permit to build a 1,400-seat
theatre here, according to Herman Hable,
president. He said he expects to begin con-
struction work next month.
Cost of the theatre, which will cover a 185-
ft.x60-ft. site on South Loudoun St., is esti-
mated at $100,000. It will be a two-story
structure of brick and steel, and will include
television facilities.
Hable now operates the 738-seat Palace
Theatre here and Warners has the 1,000-seat
Capitol, the only other theatre in Winchester.
THE IDEAL THEATRE CHAIRS
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
65
Rank Films Plugged
In Special U-I Ad
NEW YORK — Universal - International
played up ten J. Arthur Rank productions in
a special ad placed with the New York dailies
Monday, May 12.
As it ran in the New York Times, the ad
was four columns wide by 14 and a fraction
inches deep.
The following films were mentioned: “Great
Expectations,” “Odd Man Out,” “Stairway to
Heaven,” “Brief Encounter,” “Notorious Gen-
tleman,” “The Years Between,” “This Happy
Breed,” “The Captive Heart,” “The Wicked
Lady” and "The Seventh Veil,” all U-I re-
leases.
The ad was in the name of the motion
picture theatres of New York, J. Arthur Rank
and U-I. The names of the theatres now
showing the films, or soon to show the films,
were mentioned.
Many Film Leaders Attend
Rites for R. A. Rowland
NEW YORK — Industry leaders who at-
tended funeral services of Richard A. Row-
land, veteran film producer, at the Frank
Campbell Funeral Church, 81st street and
Madison avenue, included Nicholas M.
Schenck, Ned E. Depinet, J. Robert Rubin,
George Skouras, Mrs. Spyros Skouras, Si
Fabian, E. J. Warner, Frederick Ullman jr.,
E. M. Saunders, Joseph Pincus, Joseph Mos-
kowitz, Tom Terris, Earl Wingart, Sam Dem-
bow jr., Richard Barthelmess, Bert Lytell,
Edward F. Churchill, Robert W. Perkins, Paul
C. Mooney sr„ Jules Levey, Walter Moore,
Harvey Day, Peter Levathes, Irving Lesser
and George Generalis.
The Rev. David Pyle of St. Thomas church
officiated and burial was in the family plot
in Homewood cemetery, Pittsburgh.
Ampa Will Honor Neilson
At Closed Meet in N.Y.
NEW YORK— The last meeting of the
Associated Motion Picture Advertisers for the
1946-47 season on May 20 will be a closed
session at the Town Hall club to pay tribute
to Rutgers Neilson, retiring president, for
his work during the past year.
Souvenir journals will be given to all mem-
bers who were unable to attend the recent
30th anniversary “salute to the presidents of
our industry” dinner-dance.
Roberts Leaves Columbia
As Mexican Supervisor
NEW YORK— Charles E. Roberts has re-
signed as head of operations in Mexico for
Columbia. He plans to enter distribution
and production there. Roberts joined Co-
lumbia 17 years ago as assistant foreign man-
ager. No successor has been named as yet.
Before joining Columbia Roberts was with
RKO Pathe as manager of foreign publicity
and later central European representative.
Phil Reisman Promotes
Two in Latin America
NEW YORK — Erich Steinberg, formerly
RKO sales manager in Brazil, has been pro-
moted to manager in Panama by Phil Reis-
man, vice-president in charge of foreign dis-
tribution.
Reisman has also named Joseph Rosen-
feld, chief accountant for RKO in Chile,
traveling auditor for Latin America.
PARTY FOR AUTRY — Gene Autry was
the guest of honor at a cocktail party in
New York celebrating his joining Colum-
bia Pictures as a producer-star. In the
picture the cowboy star is flanked by
Mitchell Hamilburg (left), vice-president
of Gene Autry Productions, and David
Whalen of the same company.
Name Harold L. Smith
To MPEA Berlin Post
NEW YORK— Harold L. Smith, former
MPEA representative in Paris, has been
named home office representative for MPEA
in Berlin where he will deal with the Ameri-
can military government in connection with
the demilitarization of American film dis-
tribution there, according to Irving Maas,
vice-president and general manager. Smith,
who has gone to Berlin instead of returning
here as he originally planned, succeeds Robert
Vining, who was civilian adviser to AMG on
the MPEA payroll.
The tentative date under which MPEA
would operate as a private enterprise for the
distribution of American films in Germany
is July 1, according to Maas, who was not
certain, as of May 12, whether the details of
the transfer could be effected by that date.
After MPEA receives OMGUS, or license
from the Office of Military Government of
U.S., to set up private distribution, the as-
sociation must be assured that AMG will be
“willing or in a position to make the nec-
essary facilities available to MPEA,” Maas
said. Facilities for personnel, branch office
quarters, vaults, typewriters, adding machines
and, most important to employes, one good
meal a day, are all lacking at present. Even
when branch offices are opened in Berlin,
Frankfort, Munich, Stuttgart and Berlin, it
may take 11 months before picures are titled,
delays in shipping are overcome, etc., Maas
said.
Adams Named N. Y. Head
Of J. Walter Thompson
NEW YORK — A1 Adams, recently with
Warner Bros, and RKO, has been named
head of the eastern motion picture adver-
tising unit of the J. Walter Thompson Co. He
starts his new duties June 2.
W. C. Lewellen, head of the company’s
west coast advertising unit with headquarters
in Los Angeles, has been here for the last
six weeks working with eastern executives
coordinating the work of both units.
Hosford Resigns Post
As Director of WE
NEW YORK — William F. Hosford has re-
signed as director and vice-president in
charge of operations for the Western Elec-
tric Co., effective May 31. Stanley Bracken,
vice-president in charge of manufacture,
has been elected to the post of executive vice-
president and H. C. Beal, engineer of manu-
facture, has been elected director and vice-
president to succeed Bracken. F. J. Feely,
who continues as manager of Western Elec-
tric’s Buffalo shops, will also become engineer
of manufacture.
Hosford, who retires after nearly 47 years
with the company, rose through the ranks
to become superintendent of development
at the Hawthorne Works in Chicago in 1922.
In 1926 he was made engineer of manufacture
with headquarters in New York and, in 1928,
he was elected a director and vice-president
to head Western Electric’s manufacturing
and engineering operations.
Bracken, who joined Western Electric im-
mediately after his graduation in 1912, was
assigned to development engineering until
1922 when he represented the company
abroad for three years. When Western Elec-
tric purchased the Teletype Corp. in 1930,
Bracken was named executive vice-president
and director of that company and later was
made president. In 1941, Bracken resigned
as president of Teletype to become a director
of Western Electric and general manager of
manufacture.
Beal, who joined the Western Electric Co.
in 1914, has been engineer of manufacture
since 1942, Frank J. Feely joined the Haw-
thorne Works as an engineer in 1921 and
was named manager of the electronics shops
in 1942.
RKO Theatres Associates
Hold Jay Golden Fete
NEW YORK — Jay Golden, newly promoted
RKO Theatres west coast division manager,
was guest of honor at a farewell luncheon at
the Hotel Warwick given by his associates
during the week.
Among those who attended were Malcolm
Kingsberg, Sol A. Schwartz, A. W. Dawson,
William W. Howard, Harry Mandel, W. B.
England, Major L. E. Thompson, O. R. Mc-
Mahon, Thomas O’Connor, David Canavan,
John Redmond, E. H. Groth, Robert Sher-
man, Matthew Polon, Joseph Becker, James
Roth, Dan Friendly, Sigurd Wexo, C. B. Mc-
Donald, H. D. Emde, Michael Edelstein, John
Hearns, Edward Sniderman, Joseph Di-
Lorenzo, Charles Oelrich and HaiTy Weiss.
RKO Sets 12th Boat Ride
For Its 2,000 Employes
NEW YORK— RKO will hold its 12th an-
nual boat ride in two groups May 19 and 26.
Invitations have been extended to 2,000 em-
ployes of RKO Radio Pictures, RKO Thea-
tres, RKO Pathe and the RKO film exchange.
The destination will be Bear Mountain.
Activities will be topped off with dinner at
the Bear Mountain inn.
The first group will leave on the Robert
Fulton May 19. The second group will travel
on the Peter Stuyvesant the following week.
UN Will Make India Films
NEW YORK — The United Nations Organi-
zation has set up a United Nations Informa-
tion Center in New Delhi, for the production
and distribution in India of a series of train-
ing films on social welfare. Marion Dix, chief
of the film section of the UN division of
films and visual information, will be in
charge of India film setup.
66
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
( Hollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.; Ivan Spear, Western Manager)
Hersholt Urges Academy
To Deglamorize Awards
SAG Talks Dragging;
Old Pact Extended
HOLLYWOOD— The Screen Actors Guild
and most of the producers agreed late this
week to extend for 30 days the actors’ con-
tract which expired Thursday.
Negotiations for a new contract have been
progressing behind closed doors and reported
to be going along peacefully and coopera-
tively. It was hoped to conclude the nego-
tiations by mid-May, but when the meetings
dragged out the 30-day extension to mid-
night June 14 was worked out. New con-
tract provisions will be retroactive.
The extension applies only to the members
of the Ass’n of Motion Picture Producers
and the Society of Independent Motion Pic-
ture Producers. Efforts to work out an agree-
ment for extension of the pact with the Inde-
pendent Motion Picture Producers Ass’n are
being held with I. E. Chadwick.
In order to complete the negotiations for
a new contract as quickly as possible, com-
mittees have begun working through smaller
subcommittees which discuss in detail cer-
tain sections of the Guild’s contract pro-
posals and report back to the full committee.
Meanwhile, Actor Edward Arnold and Pat
Somerset, assistant executive secretary of
SAG, went to Washington to represent the
guild at a special meeting of top APL union
leaders, which will seek to establish perma-
nent arbitration machinery for peaceful set-
tlement of jurisdictional quarrels in the mo-
tion picture industry. It was expected that
as a result of that meeting will come an end
of the dragging studio strike.
Cinecolor Sales for 1947
May Reach $2,700,000
HOLLYWOOD — A quarterly statement to
Cinecolor stockholders reveals that the com-
pany’s sales for the fiscal year ending Sept.
30, 1947, should reach $2,700,000. Karl Herzog,
treasurer, compared this estimated increase
against the $250,000 sales figure for 1945 and
$850,000 figure for 1946. The 1947 sales will
be an increase of approximately 318 per cent
over 1946 sales and 1,080 per cent over 1945
sales.
The letter to stockholders also stated that
sales for the 28-week period ending April
12, 1947, were $983,000.
Herzog expects Cinecolor sales to reach
$6,000,000 a year when all machinery and
equipment now on order is installed and raw
stock becomes available to utilize the present
capacity of the plant.
Lou Smith to Columbia
HOLLYWOOD — Lou Smith, who recently
resigned as publicity and advertising direc-
tor for Liberty Films, RKO sharecropper, has
been named publicity director for Columbia
studios to succeed Frank P. Rosenberg, who
resigned. Rosenberg has held the job since
January 1946.
HOLLYWOOD — Oscar, the film capital’s
most coveted male, henceforth will be be-
stowed with less glamor and less public par-
ticipation if Jean Hersholt has his way. Just
elected to another term as president of the
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences, Hersholt, in a report to the Acad-
emy, strongly recommended that the annual
awards event be staged with less pretentious-
ness than in former years.
Final decision of the location and aura of
the 20th annual awards presentation will be
determined by the representatives of each
of the 11 branches of the Academy.
Hersholt held that the awards had de-
parted considerably from the original intent
which was to honor equally the contributions
of all of the crafts represented. He stressed
the fact that his recommendation was a
purely personal one and that he had not con-
sulted any member of the previous board or
the newly elected governors.
PROFIT TO INDUSTRY GREAT
“In the past the awards have been pre-
sented in turn at a banquet, in a theatre, and
in a large auditorium, resulting in an in-
creased amount of publicity for Hollywood
and the industry and in a decreasing measure
for the true purpose for which the awards
were inaugurated,” Hersholt said. “Profit
to the industry has been enormous, but the
Academy has not profited financially from
MORE THAN AVERAGE!— Executive
Producer Sid Rogell (right) presents a
scroll to Edgar Kennedy at a party staged
to celebrate Kennedy’s 15th year as the
star of RKO Radio’s Average Man two-
reel comedies. The scroll was signed by
all 40 of the guests.
the presentations. This fact, coupled with
the minimizing of the achievements of our
less publicized branches prompted the sug-
gestion made in my report.
“Because of the worldwide interest which
has gro\yn up around the awards and be-
cause of the tremendous enthusiasm built
up by the industry in the actors and ac-
tresses, the acting branch has commanded
the spotlight while the important achieve-
ments of the other branches of the Academy
have not been received with the same interest
on the part of the public, a situation which
the Academy decries.
SEEKS EQUAL SHARE FOR ALL
“It is my hope that we can find some for-
mat for handling the awards which will per-
mit all branches of the Academy to share
equally in the public eye and offer better
accommodations for the press to which we
are indebted no end.
“The recommendation for holding the cere-
monies in our own theatre before an au-
dience of 1,000 is purely my own idea. It was
advanced without consulting either members
of the outgoing board of governors or the
newly elected governors to whom the recom-
mendation was made. As a matter of fact, I
know that may people closely associated with
me in the work of the Academy feel that if
any change is made, it should be made with
a view to presenting the awards on a larger
scale than before. My recommendation was
made in the hope that a less pretentious af-
fair would afford the Academy a better op-
portunity to focus public attention on all
achievements without emphasizing one above
another.”
James Normanly, 53, Dies;
Was Universal Executive
HOLLYWOOD — Following several years of
ill health, James P. Normanly, 53, retired
banker and former vice-president and general
manager of Universal, died of a heart attack
at his home here. Requiem mass was sung
at the Cathedral chapel with interment in
Cavalry cemetery. He is survived by his
wife and a son. Normanly, who was born in
New York, began his banking career with the
old New York Commercial Trust. The G'ian-
nini interests brought him to Los Angeles
with Bank of America in 1932 and made him
executive vice-prqsident in charge of all
branches. He joined Universal in 1936, con-
tinuing with the company until 1941.
Mrs. Golda Woolman Builds
DRAIN, ORE. — A quonset-type theatre is
being built here by Mrs. Golda Woolman.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
67
TJERE to confer with 20th-Fox studio heads
n Joseph M. Schenck and Darryl F. Zanuck
were President Spyros Skouras and other of-
ficials of 20th-Fox’s eastern office. Skouras
planed in with the following executives: Tom
Connors, vice-president in charge of sales;
Murray Silverstone, president, 20th-Fox In-
ternational Corp.; Charles Schlaifer, eastern
director of advertising and publicity; William
C. Gehring, central division sales manager;
Andy Smith jr., eastern division sales man-
ager; Sam Shain, director of trade relations;
Christy Wilbert, advertising manager; Louis
Shanfield, art director; William J. Kupper,
managing director of 20th-Fox, Ltd., of Great
Britain; Harry Ballance, southern division
sales manager, Atlanta, Ga.; and Herman
Wobber, western division sales manager, San
Francisco. They planned to confer here for
four days before returning to the home office.
Producer Sol Siegel and Writer Milton
Krims trained out for Ottawa, Canada, and
then Washington, D. C., to gather material
for Darryl Zanuck’s personally supervised pic-
ture, “The Iron Curtain.”
* * *
Charles M. Reagan, Paramount vice-presi-
dent in charge of distribution, and Claude
Lee, director of public relations, arrived from
their home office for business huddles.
Joseph H. Hazen, president of Hal Wallis
Productions, sharecropping outfit at Para-
mount now making a picture in England, re-
turned to New York from Britain and plans
to arrive here soon.
Stanley Shuford, Paramount advertising
manager in the Manhattan office, and mem-
bers of his staff were at the studio to map
campaigns on three forthcoming releases.
* * *
In town to attend the Variety convention
and to participate in production conferences
at the studio was James R. Grainger, Repub-
lic’s distribution head.
* * *
RKO biggies returned to the studio after
conferences in New York include N. Peter
Rath von, president; Dore Schary, vice-presi-
dent in charge of production, and Perry
Lieber, studio publicity director.
* * *
After four weeks in New York during which
time she conferred with her United Artists
partner, Charles Chaplin, who preceded her
back to the coast by one day, Mary Pickford
returned here.
* * *
Jules Seltzer, publicity-advertising director
for Producer Hal Roach, who has just signed
a UA releasing deal, left for Gotham for hud-
dles with UA executives on publicity-adver-
tising-exploitation campaigns to launch the
producer’s product.
Another UA producer, Seymour Nebenzal,
flew to Manhattan to confer with Budd Rog-
ers, his sales representative, and UA execu-
tives on sales plans for his production
“Heaven Only Knows.”
* * *
Independent Producer Mark Hellinger, who
makes pictures for U-I release, planed in
from New York where he completed arranger-
ments with that city’s police department to
cooperate in the lensing of his feature,
“Homicide.”
* * *
William Z. Porter, contract manager at
Monogram, returned from Chicago where he
made a check on the company’s 16mm situa-
tion in the middle west.
* * *
Ben Kalmenson, Warner Bros, general sales
manager, and Harry M. Kalmine, head of the
company’s theatre department, arrived at the
studio for conferences.
I. P. Lazar to Produce
HOLLYWOOD — Irving P. Lazar, who has
been executive assistant to Bryan Foy since
Eagle-Lion was established a year ago, has
resigned from the organization to become an
independent producer. He will make his
pictures on the E-L lot and for their release.
Off-Campus Activities
For Film Prominents
HOLLYWOOD— Disabled veterans and a
number of other meritorious causes demanded
much off-campus attention of film capital
prominents.
A dozen Hollywood stars and performers
trained north to entertain patients at the
Oakland and Livermore Veterans hospital.
The Hollywood Coordinating committee ar-
ranged the trek. Those putting on the shows
included Van Johnson, Jeanette MacDonald,
Gene Raymond, Virginia O’Brien, Reginald
Gardiner, Lina Romay, Donald O’Connor,
Monty Hale, Dee Turnella, Kay Thompson
and the Williams Bros.
Republic’s Dale Evans planed to Chicago
to appear on that city’s I Am an American
day program.
Edward Arnold planned to remain in
Washington after attending the AFL union
leaders meetings, to participate in the I
Am an American celebration at Monument
park.
Bob Hope trekked to Salt Lake City to
headline two cancer drive benefit perform-
ances.
Warner star Eleanor Parker took off as
the first representative of an American mo-
tion picture studio to leave for the world
film festival to be held in Brussels in June.
Franz Waxman, conductor-composer, di-
rected the orchestra at the Beverly Hills
music festival. The series of three concerts
was dedicated to broadening the cultural life
and musical activities of the community.
Rickenbacker Appearing
In New Aviation Film
HOLLYWOOD — Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker,
hero of two world wars, flew to Hollywood
to appear in a special motion picture filmed
by Jerry Fairbanks productions. The sub-
ject was made for Eastern Airlines, of which
Rickenbacker is president. Shot in color,
the film depicts the history and over-all im-
portance of aviation. Rickenbacker played
himself in scenes which show his 94th “Hat-
in-the-Ring” squadron Spad, the same type
of ship he flew while shooting down 26 enemy
planes during World War I.
Fairbanks revealed plans also to film a
picturization of the pineapple in a series of
commercial pictures for the Hawaiian Pine-
apple Co. Necessitating the largest location
trip ever made for commercial film, Fair-
banks will utilize the expedition to shoot
material for his Unusual Occupations and
Speaking of Animals series which are re-
leased by Paramount.
Paramount Studio Club
Revives Outing June 29
HOLLYWOOD — Postwar resumption of the
Paramount Studio club’s annual outing is
planned for Sunday, June 29, when 2,100 em-
ployes and their families will sail to Cata-
lina Island. A full day’s activities are sched-
uled with a baseball game in the morning
and other events at the ball park in the after-
noon. Prizes will be awarded in adults’ and
children’s events, with a grand prize.
FILIPINOS FETED — Elpidio Quirino, vice-president and secretary of foreign affairs
of the Philippine republic, was guest of the Hollywood motion picture industry during a
one-day stopover en route from Manila to Washington. He and his party of 13 gov-
ernment leaders were entertained at a luncheon given by the Ass’n of Motion Picture
Producers in the Paramount commissary. Left to right: Mayor Fletcher Bowron of
Los Angeles; Vice-President Quirino; Henry Ginsberg, vice-president and general man-
ager of Paramount studios.
More than a score of stars joined studio executives and industry leaders in acting
as hosts to the visitors. Among the stars present were Alan Ladd, Sue Carol, William
Demarest, Dan Duryea, Myrna Dell, Janis Carter, John Lund, Olga San Juan, Vera-
Ellen, Lina Romay, Edmund O’Brien, Agnes Moorehead, Corinne Calvet and Macdonald
Carey.
Charles Boyer in Topline
Of Aldous Huxley Story
HOLLYWOOD— Charles Boyer has been
inked for the starring role in U-I’s “The
Mortal Coil.” Story, by Aldous Huxley, was
formerly titled “The Giaconda Smile” and is
the first of Huxley’s own stories to be filmed,
although he has written a number of screen
plays. Zoltan Korda is set to direct from a
script which he and Huxley wrote.
68
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
PCC Working on Plan
For Rejected Funds
HOLLYWOOD — The Permanent Charities
committee will continue to hold the $278,467
of its allocations refused by the American Red
Cross and National Foundation for Infantile
Paralysis until the film industry and the
committee have worked out a plan for their
disposition prior to start of the 1948 cam-
paign next fall.
Such decision was revealed by M. C. Levee,
newly elected committee president, following
unanimous action at the annual meeting of
the group. Levee, veteran artists manager
who headed the 1947 charity campaign in the
industry, was elected president to succeed
actress Joan Crawford.
AN ALLOCATION IMPOSSIBLE
“We have scrutinized carefully the more
than 150 requests for this money which we
have received from throughout the country
as well as from any local charities, and we
feel that it will be impossible to make alloca-
tions which will be satisfactory and fair to
both the agencies which have requested al-
locations and to our more than 20,000 donors.”
Edward Arnold was re-elected Permanent
Charities executive vice-president and treas-
urer and Regis Toomey was re-elected secre-
tary.
The following directors were seated for the
ensuing year: Levee, Artists Managers Guild;
Marvin Ezzell, Ass’n of Motion Picture Pro-
ducers; Carl Cooper, labor’s executive com-
mittee; George Stevens, Screen Directors
Guild; Cecil Bardwell, allied industries; Ray
Young, Independent Motion Picture Produc-
ers Ass’n; Regis Toomey, Screen Actors Guild;
Sheridan Gibney, Screen Writers Guild, and
George Bagnall, Society of Independent Mo-
tion Picture Producers.
TO BROADEN NEXT CAMPAIGN
The committee also authorized Levee to ap-
point a special group to consider the question
of broadening next season’s campaign to in-
clude solicitation for other worthy national
and local charities and to submit recom-
mendations to be reviewed by the board of
directors and passed on to the committee’s
component union, guild and industry groups
for approval.
Levee appointed Bardwell chairman of the
special committee, with Ezzell, Gibney,
Cooper and Toomey as members.
Approximately 150 donors who designated
portions of their contributions for the Red
Cross and National Foundation will be asked
to release these designations because of the
refusal of the two organizations to accept
Permanent Charities allocations.
Enterprise Adds Musical
To Its Production Slate
HOLLYWOOD — Enterprise, which releases
through United Artists, has- added another
newie to its future production slate. To be
filmed in Technicolor, the picture will be
based on “Tales of Hoffman,” a classic op-
eretta by Offenbach. With the screenplay
and treatment assigned to Ladislas Fodor,
the studio is considering possibility of mod-
ernizing period and locale of the story. Lewis
Milestone will produce and direct.
WB Club Pays $132,000
HOLLYWOOD — More than $132,000 was
paid out in 1945-46 to its members by the
Warner club, social and welfare organization
of Warner Bros, employes. Benefits included
$85,608 to 922 members who were ill; $23,050
in marriage gifts; $15,200 in birth gifts and
$7,540 in other contributions. In addition,
loans totaling $13,709 were made to 102 mem-
bers.
ECAUSE of his piece de resistance ap-
proach to space snatching, Henry Rog-
ers, catch-as-catch-can press agent, is
a charter member in excellent standing of the
film capital’s neck-out fraternity. Handsome
Henry’s virtually only technique is the writ-
ing of a letter on behalf and over the signa-
ture of a client, which communique treats
with a provocative subject and will, it is hoped,
incite one of those teacup tempests so dear to
the heart of Cinemania— and so productive
of newspaper space.
This time the recipient of the hackneyed
Rogerian procedure is Curtis Bernhardt. In
letters to Eric Johnston, president of the Mo-
tion Picture Ass’n, and Donald Nelson, head
of the Society of Independent Motion Picture
Producers, the MGM director proposed “the
immediate establishment of a morals commis-
sion to protect Hollywood’s reputation . . .
Hollywood must banish those few irrespon-
sible citizens who are bringing disgrace to the
motion picture industry.”
Further opined the Rogers-Bernhardt billet-
doux: “time has come for Hollywood to get
tough . . . the private life of any one of our
fellow workers is no concern of ours until it
is brought into the public spotlight. Then it
does become our concern . . . For too long
we have watched the immoral, drunken and
loose-living few bring a constant barrage of
criticism upon the entire motion picture in-
dustry. We have done nothing about it. Now
this small group of recalcitrants must be
stopped.”
The MGM director proposed that the indus-
try set up a three-rwan morals commission
which would review tl&e actions of individuals
who bring discredit to Hollywood. “These men
and women,” he stated, “must be warned,
fined, suspended, and if necessary, expelled
from motion pictures.”
He suggested that the commission should be
comprised of one member representing guilds
and unions, one member representing the pro-
ducer associations, and an impartial third
person to be selected by the other two.
“It is deplorable,” continued Bernhardt,
“that 99 per cent of the people in our indus-
try, who are decent, self-respecting citizens,
must suffer in the eyes of the public from
the scandalous hell-raising of the conspicuous
minority.”
If for no other reason than the respect com-
manded by old age, one cannot scoff at the
merits of Director Bernhardt’s proposal. In
various forms it has been before proffered by
a wide variety of persons, including colum-
nists, radio commentators, and assorted toilers
in the celluloid vineyards. In fact, this space
touched on the same general ideal just a week
ago, in making comment on Walter Wanger’s
recent suggestion that Hollywood establish a
million-dollar-a-year advertising budget to
improve its public relations.
Unfortunately, however, on most of the
occasions when the “let’s-get-our-house-in-
order” recommendation came from an indus-
try personality — and via a blurber — it was so
distinctly labeled as a play for personal pub-
licity that, regardless of its obvious logic
and virtues, it could hope for little serious
attention.
Prior to the Rogers-Bernhardt gesture, the
most recent of such passes at righteousness
and newspaper space came from one Eddie
Rocco, a free-lance actor. In that instance the
press agent running interference for Rocco
was Ed Schofield, he who recently invaded
the production field after allegedly breaking
the bank at Las Vegas.
If memory serves right, Rocco’s advocacy of
a moral cleanup among actors was directed at
the Screen Actors Guild, which feet-on-
ground organization replied with indicated
disciplinary action. At last reports, ex-actor
Rocco was working as a photographer at Mo-
cambo, lush Sunset strip nitery.
Which invites cogitation upon the possible
spectacle of a top-drawer director as a func-
tionary in the wash room at Slapsy Maxie’s.
Despite the improbability of such contin-
gency, one thing is certain — Rogers’ current
sounding of his single note does nothing to
jeopardize his good standing in Nu Omicron
Phi, the aforementioned neck-out fraternity.
• —
As a neophytic pledge to the same fra-
ternity, cast an eye toward Jack Cartwright,
stress-agent-in-chief for Screen Guild Pro-
ductions, who informed a breathless universe
that his company soon was to distribute a
picture based on a tome by “John Fenimore
Cooper.” Alas, poor James . . .
>
That skin which even the most casual ob-
server will notice securely nailed to Holly-
wood’s barndoor belonged to none other than
Dr. Lechner, newcomer director of the rightist
Motion Picture Alliance, who, in a recent
public address, joined Nu Omicron Phi by
listing ten pictures which averredly contained
Communist propaganda.
The nailing was done by a refutatory letter
from Samuel Goldwyn, whose widely honored
“The Best Years of Our Lives” headed the
list of alleged Red-message features.
TITLE TINKERS CORNER:
Tied (at five each) as runnersup for the
all-time, title-changing championship are
Columbia’s “My Awful Wife” and MGM’s
“The Night Raiders.” The undisputed cham-
pion— with a score of six — is the forthcom-
ing release from Republic, “Northwest Out-
post.”
Leo’s entry went through this titular meta-
morphosis: “The Romance of Rosy Ridge,”
“The Yankee,” “Clouds on the Sun” and then
again “Romance of Rosy Ridge.”
Before “My Awful Wife” became the final
tag (doubted), the Columbia opus was known
as “Her Husband’s Affair,” “The Mating Call,”
“The Yes Woman” and “The Lady Knew
How.”
At least, in the Gower Gulch progression
the pornography purveyors will discover signs
of relativity.
Pancho Alliatim, formerly a maitre d’hotel
at Romanoffs and the Beverly Hills club, will
function as technical adviser for restaurant
scenes in Paramount’s “Dream Girl.”
Anyone who’s rubbed elbows with those
prices should be an expert on dreams — most
especially of nightmarish variety.
United Artists Producer Hunt Stromberg
plans to bring to the screen a panorama of
baseball which feature will be based on the
book, “Judge Landis and 25 Years of Base-
ball,” by J. G. Taylor Spink. Reportedly,
Stromberg is endeavoring to retain Leo Du-
rocher either to act in the picture, serve as
technical adviser, or both.
Should the pride of Brooklyn desert his
place in Happy Chandler’s doghouse for a
spot on Stromberg’s pay roll, he’ll find among
Hollywood’s blurbing gentry several chal-
lengers to his rights to the nickname “Lippy.”
Favorite among the contenders: George
Glass, with Jack Cartwright as alternate.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
69
STUDIO PERSONNELITIES
Barnstormers
Monogram
JIMMY WAKELY, western star, who is on a per-
sonal appearance tour, will cover Yakima, Portland,
Seattle, Vancouver, B. C., and Chicago, where he
will appear July 14-19 as guest star at rodeo staged
in Soldiers Field by American Legion.
Blurbers
RKO Radio
LOU SMITH, national advertising and publicity
chief of Liberty Films, resigned and plans to take a
month's vacation before seeking a new connection.
Briefies
Metro
"Bowling Tricks,'' a Pete Smith Specialty featur-
ing Bowlers Andy Varipapa and Buddy Bomer, has
gone before the cameras. Pete Smith produces and
narrates with David Barclay directing from the
screenplay by Joe Ansen and Barclay.
Warners
Handle on "Silver Bill/' short on silver mining,
changed to THE MAN FROM NEW ORLEANS.
"Fun at Sun Valley/' Technicolor one reeler on
all-year sports at Sun Valley, has been completed.
Cedric Francis directed for Producer Gordon Hollings-
head.
"So You Want to Gamble/' satire on various
systems of making a fast dollar, went before the
cameras. Two-reeler is sixth in the new Joe Mc-
Doakes series. George O'Hanlon is starred with
Dave Swift and Dick Bare scripting for Producer
Gordon Hollingshead. Bare also directs.
Cleffers
Columbia
M1SCHA BAKALEIN1KOFF given background scor-
ing chore on "Key Witness."
Paramount
DARRELL CALKER ticketed to compose original
music for Clarion Productions' Technicolor feature
“Aubuquerque."
Loanouts
RKO Radio
Borrowed from Paramount, HOWARD DE SILVA
will have role in "Your Red Wagon."
United Artists
WAYNE MORRIS borrowed from Warners by Wil-
liam Cagney productions for role in "The Time of
Your Life."
Universal-International
WILLIAM POWELL borrowed from MGM for a
number of pictures first of which will be the Nun-
nally Johnson production, "The Senator Was Indis-
creet," and second, another Johnson film, "Mr. Pea-
body and the Mermaid." Following these, other
scripts will be ready for Powell. George S. Kauf-
man will direct "Senator."
Meggers
Columbia
IRVING CUMMINGS JR., who has served as a writer
on several of the major lots, will make his debut
as associate producer on "Sign of the Ram," which
his father, Irving Cummings will produce.
MARTIN MOONEY adds third to his production
schedule — "I Shoot the News," whose plot concerns
the adventures of a newsreel cameraman. Lawrence
Taylor has been assigned to develop original story.
"Delinquency" added to production slate of MAR-
TIN MOONEY. Irwin Franklyn assigned to develop
original story.
RKO Radio
New long-term contract handed Director RICHARD
FLEISCHER.
ROBERT FLOREY inked to meg Sol Lesser Pro-
ductions' "Tarzan and the Mermaids."
Republic
NORMAN LLOYD named associate producer on the
Charles K. Feldman-Lewis Milestone production "The
Red Pony."
Option lift handed Director FRED BRANNON and
first assignment under new deal is megging chore
on the 13-chapter serial "G-Men Never Forget."
20th Century-Fox
ARTHUR PIERSON, Broadway stage director, bor-
rowed by Sol Wurtzel from Darryl Zanuck to meg
film, as yet untitled.
Options
Columbia
Role in "Sign of the Ram" handed MARGUERITE
CHAPMAN.
BUSTER CRABBE toplines in the 15-chapter serial,
"The Sea Hound," which is based on the comic
strip, “Captain Silver and the Sea Hound." JIMMY
LLOYD set for co-starring part in the Sam Katzman
serial. Part given RICK VALLIN. RALPH HODGES
inked for juvenile lead.
One of the top spots in "The Prince of Thieves"
ticketed for MICHAEL DUANE.
JEAN HEATHER and CAROL THURSTON signed for
top femme roles in Gene Autry's first independent
production as yet untitled. John English directs for
Producer Armand Schaefer. Film will be shot near
Tucson, Ariz.
Metro
VAN JOHNSON and JUNE ALLYSON topline in
"Virtuous," an original yarn by Albert Beich. Nor-
man Taurog will direct for Producer William H.
Wright.
Featured role in "Cass Timberlane" set for
ZACHARY SCOTT. Film co-stars Spencer Tracy and
Lana Turner. TOM DRAKE ticketed for role.
SHELDON LEONARD will play role in “Alias a
Gentleman."
Featured role in the Walter Pidgeon and Jane
Powell co-starrer, "Luxury Liner," handed TOM
BREEN.
Featured role in the Frank Sinatra-Kathryn Gray-
son co-starrer "The Kissing Bandit" set for come-
dian BILLY GILBERT.
Monogram
MARILYN and JANIS MALONE signed by Producer
Hal E. Chester for musical numbers in “A Guy
Named Joe Palooka." Cast additions include LEW
HEARN, CLARENCE MUSE, TRUDY MARSHALL,
JIMMY AMES and DAVE BARRY.
Paramount
Featured role in the Pine-Thomas production
"Shaggy" given DAN WHITE.
CAROLE MATHEWS, actress at the Pasadena Play-
house, given contract.
DOUGLAS BLACKLEY, new name for Actor Robert
Kent, set for featured role in the Pine-Thomas pro-
duction "Big Town After Dark."
Additions to “Dream Girl" cast are JERRY JAMES,
JOHN MARLOW, LOWELL GILMORE and MARY
MacLAREN.
EARL HODGES added to the cast of "Whispering
Smith," Alan Ladd-Robert Preston starrer.
Option lift handed JOHN LUND who recently ap-
peared in the cast of "Variety Girl."
PRC Pictures
JANE RANDOLPH and PEGGY CONVERSE added
to cast of "Tomorrow You Die," which Anton Mann
is directing and Chuck Riesner producing.
Signed to an eight picture deal by Producer
Jerry Thomas, The Plainsmen, radio and recording
artists, will appear with Eddie Dean in his outdoor
musical action films. They will first be seen in
"Black Hills."
BILL FAWCETT, LANE BRADFORD and STEVE
DRAKE added to the cast of the Eddie Dean out-
door musical “Black Hills."
RKO Radio
Topline in "Bodyguard" handed LAWRENCE TIER-
NEY. Robert Wise directs for Producer Sid Rogell.
It will be Tierney's first nonvillainous role.
PHILIP DORN, SIR CEDRIC HARDW1CKE and
JESSICA TANDY signed for top roles in George
Stevens' production of “I Remember Mama."
STEVE BRODIE given an option lift. Actor re-
cently completed a featured role in "Crossfire."
Cast additions to “Memory of Love” include
WYNDHAM STANDING, COLIN KENNY, ROBERT
HAINES, RICHARD R. NEILL and JACK RICHARDSON.
JACQUELINE WHITE ticketed for femme lead op-
posite Randolph Scott in "Return of the Badmen,"
with ROBERT RYAN handed heavy role in the same
production. Ray Enright directs for Producer Nat
Holt.
Republic
Featured roles in "The Fabulous Texan" slated for
ALBERT DEKKER and ANDY DEVINE.
20th Century-Fox
ANNE REVERE signed for featured role in "Gen-
tleman's Agreement/' which producer Darryl Za-
nuck will personally supervise. Elia' Kazan directs
Gregory Peck and Dorothy McGuire in the top-
lines.
United Artists
GALE PAGE ticketed for second femme lead in
William Cagney Productions' "The Time of Your
Life." Role is first for Miss Page after a seven-year
retirement from the screen. REGINALD BEANE
and PEDRO DE CORDOBA signed for parts.
Universal-International
Featured role in "Ride the Pink Horse," in which
Robert Montgomery is starring as well as directing,
set for ANDREA KING.
ALLA DUNN set by Douglas Fairbanks jr. to re-
place Michele Haley for role in "The Exile."
PERCY KILBRIDE inked for featured role in the
Dan Duryea, Yvonne De Carlo, Edmond O'Brien
starrer "Black Bart."
Toplines in the Walter Wanger Technicolor pro-
duction “Tap Roots" slated for SUSAN HAYWARD
and VAN HEFLIN. George Marshall directs. Heflin
borrowed from MGM for this role.
The Fairbanks Company lifts option on the con-
tract of PAULE CROSET, whom Douglas Fairbanks jr.
signed as his leading lady in "The Exile."
Warners
DANE CLARK inked to starring role with Lilli
Palmer in Milton Sperling's United States Pictures
production “Ever the Beginning." AKIM TAMIROFF
inked for featured role.
Leading role in “Mary Hagen" set for GERALDINE
BROOKS. Peter Godfrey directs for Producer Alex
Gottlieb.
ALAN BRIDGE handed featured role in "Silver
River" in which Errol Flynn, Ann Sheridan and
Thomas Mitchell topline. Cast additions include
IAN WOLFE and HARRY WOODS. BRUCE BENNETT
and Moppets ROBERT ANDERSON and BUDDY BUR-
ROUGHS set for roles.
Long term contract handed DORIS DAY, band
and supper club songstress, with first assignment
that of the femme topline opposite Jack Carson and
Oscar Levant in "Romance in High C."
RONALD REAGAN toplines opposite Geraldine
Brooks in "Mary Hagen." Peter Godfrey directs for
Producer Alex Gottlieb.
Scripters
Columbia
Screenplay assignment on the Irving Cummings in-
dependent production, "Sign of the Ram," handed
CHARLES BENNETT, British novelist.
RKO Radio
DAVID LANG set to write the 'screenplay for
"Bodyguard" which Sid Rogell will produce.
20th Century-Fox
ARTHUR LAWRENCE set to collaborate with Frank
Partos and Millen Brand on the script of "The Snake
Pit," which Anatole Litvak will direct and co-pro-
duce with Robert Bassler.
Universal-International
VLADIMIR POZNER signed to write the screenplay
of Lillian Heilman's stage play, "Another Part of
the Forest."
BUD BAUCHAMP signed to work on the script of
“River Lady" for Producer Leonard Goldstein.
Warners
HENRY and PHOEBE EPHRON set to write the
screenplay for Norman Krasna's Broadway show,
“John Loves Mary," which Jerry Wald will produce.
Story Buys
Columbia
“All the King's Men," Pulitzer prize-winning novel
by Robert Penn Warren, has been acquired. No
producer assigned.
Universal-International
Producer Nunnally Johnson purchased the screen
rights to "The Great Snow/' novel by Henry Morton
Robinson, Readers Digest editor. Story is about
eight people successfully fighting the worst disaster
in New York's history but unable to defend them-
selves against their own twisted complexities.
"Come Be My Love/' a forthcoming Saturday
Evening Post serial by Robert Carson, has been pur-
chased as a Robert Montgomery starrer. Montgom-
ery will also direct.
Warners
"The Two Worlds of Johnny Truro/' novel by
George Sklar, has been acquired and added to the
production slate of Producer Henry Blanke. Yarn is
located in New England and is the story of a young
man who falls in love with a middle-aged woman.
Technically
Columbia
HAROLD MacARTHUR given art director chore on
the first untitled western musical to be made by
Gene Autry Productions.
Metro
Unit manager assignments handed JACK GERTS-
MAN for "Virtuous" and ROBERT BARNES for "the
High Wall." SID SIDMAN named assistant director
for "Virtuous."
Lensing chore on the Frank Sinatra-Kathryn Gray-
son co-starrer, "The Kissing Bandit," given ROBERT
SURTEES.
RKO Radio
Production manager assignment on the Sol Lesser
Production, “Tarzan and the Mermaids," handed
RAY HEINZ.
SAM RUMAN and NAT LEVINSON named unit
manager and assistant director, respectively, on
"Roughshod."
WILLIAM DANIELS handed long-term contract by
Mark Hellinger productions. In addition to his own
camera work, Daniels will act as supervising di-
rector of photography on all Hellinger films.
70
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
Centennial Events Cut
Utah Theatre Grosses
Management Shifts
In Redwood Circuit
SAN FRANCISCO — A dozen or more man-
agerial changes and shifts have been an-
nounced by Redwood Theatres. These in-
clude:
James Gellatly goes to the Plaza in Healds-
burg.
James Marchman, a newcomer, has been
assigned to the Ceres at Ceres.
Don Stevens is assigned to the Liberty,
Eureka. He formerly was the Dinuba man-
ager in the town of that name. Leslie Horton
is assigned to the Tower in Eureka; William
Hayden will manage the Rialto.
Ray Jensen is transferred from the Lib-
erty in Eureka to the Fortuna, Fortuna.
James Cleveland is assigned to the Lyric
in Modesto as manager, with George Siciliano
to the Strand.
Vince Paskvan is shifted to management
of the Pelican at Klamath Falls; Helen Dean
is managing the Pinetree there, with Ted
Roberts shifted to the Tower, and Kenneth
Dennis, a newcomer, takes over at the Es-
quire; Robert Dodson the Rainbow.
Leonard DeVoy is transferred to the State
in Ukiah.
Donald Cristiansen is assigned to the Por-
ter, Woodland.
Zenith Pictures to Film
Three for SG Release
HOLLYWOOD — Screen Guild Productions
has signed a releasing deal with the newly
organized Zenith Pictures, which will pro-
duce three films for SG release on its
1947-48 program. The first will be James,
Fenimore Cooper’s “The Prairie,” the script
of which is now in preparation.
Frank Wisbar, Sidney Smith and Arthur
St. Claire are co-owners of Zenith. Wisbar
will direct “The Prairie.” Other pictures on
the new producing company’s schedule are
a South Seas romance and “Beyond the
Darkness,” an original for the screen.
Ads on Mass 'Duel' Billing
Hit by Catholic Newspaper
HOLLYWOOD— “Duel in the Sun,” which
is showing here in a precedentary, mass-
theatre first run engagement, has encoun-
tered another hurdle placed by local Catholic
leaders. The Tidings, official weekly publi-
cation of the archdiocese of Los Angeles, has
branded ads being run on “Duel” as mislead-
ing and the publication further revealed that
it had refused proffered advertising on the
picture. The local action parallels that taken
in the east regarding the alleged “mislead-
ing” facets of the advertising as it concerns
rating placed on the picture by the Catholic
Legion of Decency.
To Independent Ranks
HOLLYWOOD — Producer J. Robert Bren
has asked for and secured his release from
his RKO contract in order to engage in in-
dependent production.
Jean Hersholt to New York
HOLLYWOOD — Jean Hersholt, president
of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences, left for a six-week stay in New York
to confer on the Academy public relations
program for the coming year. Before depart-
ing, Hersholt appointed N. Peter Rathvon
chairman of the Academy finance committee
for the coming year.
NEW SIGN — Seen going up in front
of Seattle’s Fifth Avenue Theatre is a
new, 70-foot sign. Shirley Ackerman,
head usherette, takes a ride on the sec-
tion for newspaper publicity purposes.
The sign was constructed in the local
plant of Electrical Products Consolidated.
The fifth sign on top the Avenue is of
the oscillating type and is the first of
its kind in the northwest. Ruby and white
Zeon tubing, plus 600 scintillating lights,
will illuminate it. It replaces the original
sign put up when the house was opened
in 1925. The old sign was slightly dam-
aged by a fire in the wiring some months
ago.
Glenn Ford Burned by Fire
On Columbia Set; 500 Flee
HOLLYWOOD — Fire following a triple ex-
plosion, swept a Columbia studio outdoor set
recently, causing injury to -an extra player
and slightly burning the hand of Glenn Ford,
co-star of the film.
The studio had erected a Civil War town
and intended to burn it. Gasoline exploded
prematurely and scattered a crew of about
500.
Howard Sheehan Upped
HOLLYWOOD — Howard Sheehan, who has
been associated with Sol M. Wurtzel Pro-
ductions since the latter went into inde-
pendent production for 20th-Fox in 1945 has
been upped to the post of Wurtzel’s exec-
utive assistant. The promotion was revealed
during a joint party celebrating Sheehan’s
31st year in the picture business and Wurt-
zel’s 30th anniversary as a producer.
Susan Peters Signed
HOLLYWOOD — Independent Producer
Irving Cummings has signed Susan Peters to
star in “Sign of the Ram,” filmization of
Margaret Ferguson’s novel. The film will
be released through Columbia. The role is
the first for Miss Peters since she was
crippled more than two years ago in a hunt-
ing trip accident.
SALT LAKE CITY— Utah’s centennial,
rather than helping the theatre business, is
proving a definite worry to many exhibitors
in this state as the number of events in-
creases.
From ire, the attitude of many theatremen
in the state has changed to frank dismay at
the way centennial events are cutting into
their grosses, several of them have confided.
The event commemorates the 100th anni-
versary of the entrance of Brigham Young
and the Mormon pioneers into the valley.
Several attractions had been scheduled by
the centennial commission, headed by David
O. McKay, second counselor in the Mormon
church, and these had the centennial stamp
of approval.
ALL KINDS OF SHOWS GET IN
They consisted of a Passion play, traveling
shows, several sports events, a pageant, an
outdoor play and several other features.
Lately, the theatremen claim, all types of
shows have been coming into this area, giv-
ing the public the impression they are backed
by the centennial commission, and drawing
many customers away from theatres. The
showmen say the special attractions do this,
in some cases, without paying a city license.
They merely masquerade under the intimated
backing of the centennial commission.
The traveling stage shows, sponsored by
school and other groups are cutting into thea-
tre business throughout the state, theatremen
complain. One exhibitor points out that the
only business established in Utah, which is
being hurt by centennial attractions, is the
theatre business. He notes that no one has
been allowed to bring special “motor tours”
into Utah, and consequently other businesses
are not feeling the effects of “illegitimate”
competition as keenly as the theatre business.
JULY 24 PARADE AN EXAMPLE
Another showman points to the big parade
in July as another example of the way the
centennial hits the theatres more than other
businesses. In previous years, the July 24
parade has been held in the daytime. This
year, it will be held at night. Although this
will bring people downtown, it will keep their
interest until after the last shows, accord-
ing to some theatremen.
A sidelight on this centennial business
came the other day when the centennial com-
mission, of which Gus P. Backman is direc-
tor, asked that a suit against a Midway com-
pany, which proposes to operate at the fair-
grounds, be dismissed. The suit was brought
by five companies, including Intermountain
Theatres, Inc., and Uptown Theatre Co.
They contended that the centennial com-
mission does not have the right to grant a
lease to the Midway company to operate at-
tractions at the fairgrounds for five years.
The centennial commission maintains that
the theatres and other parties do not have
the right to sue the commission without con-
sent of the governor. So dismissal of the suit,
with prejudice, has been asked. No final ac-
tion has been taken on the request.
However, theatremen throughout the state
are looking to this development and the large
number of attractions scheduled here, won-
dering just how much more the centennial
will hurt their business.
Material Arrives in Philomath
PHILOMATH, ORE. — Material is arriving
for the theatre being built here by Everett
Mika. The theatre will be the first in town.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
71
Circuit Carries on Philanthropies
Conceived by J. H. Cooper, Founder
DENVER — J. H. Cooper, who oper-
ated theatres in Colorado, Nebraska
and Oklahoma in partnership with
Paramount, was a philanthropically
minded man, as is seen in the pro-
visions under which the theatres are
operated after his death.
Cooper died last year, and in his
will established a board of trustees con-
sisting of nine leading business men
of Lincoln. Neb., to administer the
trusts and bequests. These men gave
a contract to Pat McGee as general
manager, who maintains headquarters
in Denver; Ralph Ayer, assistant gen-
eral manager, and Frank Roberts, con-
troller. This trio forms the manage-
ment group solely responsible for thea-
tre operation.
EARNINGS GO TO CHARITY
The board of trustees disburses the
earnings from the theatres for various
charitable activities. At this moment
the Cooper Foundation is maintaining
six young women in a three-year
nurses’ training program in Colorado
hospitals, and three candidates are
being selected for training in Lincoln
hospitals.
Thev Kiwanis club of Pueblo has
formed a juvenile delinquency commit-
tee and is maintaining a number of
youngsters in foster homes, with half
of the needed funds supplied by the
Foundation. A similar arrangement
exists with the Kiwanis club of Greeley,
Colo. Two scholarships have been pro-
vided to the School of Music at Colo-
rado college, Colorado Springs, for a
GI and a Negro girl. Four scholar-
ships have been provided at the Colo-
rado State Teachers college at Greeley,
and two scholarships are being main-
tained at the University of Denver.
Seventeen South American exchange
scholars are enrolled at the University
of Nebraska, and these are supported
by the Foundation.
In addition, the Foundation main-
tains ten boys at Father Flanagan’s
Boys Town. Substantial contributions
have been made to the YWCA Girls
club in Colorado Springs, the new St.
Mary’s hospital in Grand Junction,
Colo., and national Catholic charities.
4-H CLUBS GET HELP
The main long-range activity of the
Cooper Foundation, however, centers
about a vigorous program of assistance
to 4-H clubs in Colorado and Nebraska.
The Cooper Foundation contributed
$80,000 for purchasing purebred Hol-
stein and Jersey bulls and cows, which
were given to the University of Ne-
braska Agricultural college. The pro-
fessors are working closely with county
agents and 4-H clubs to provide free
breeding with the idea of vastly im-
proving the dairy stocks of both states.
This program has just been started and
it will require a number of years to see
its successful completion. To assure
its success a fund of $250,000 has been
established for this work. This par-
ticular project was conceived by Cooper
and the trustees of the Foundation are
firm in their intention to see that it is
carried out.
In addition, 12 Brown Swiss bulls
have been donated to the Spyros
Skouras Greek dairy herd.
Censors Beam at 'Duel#
After a Second Squint
SEATTLE — “Duel in the Sun” had a brush
with the censors here but won out in time to
open its roadshow engagements at the Fifth
Avenue Theatre on schedule.
The film was scheduled to open Wednesday
(14). The board of theatre supervisors viewed
it on Thursday before and ordered several
deletions made. But before this could be done
the- board saw it again on Sunday and then
voted to reconsider the action at a Monday
meeting. It was then given an official okay
by a vote of 5 to 4.
Meanwhile, one afternoon daily had run a
story on page one about the first action. Any
adverse publicity was more than made up
when the second action was reported in two
of the papers.
Sam Bischoff to Produce
English-French Picture
HOLLYWOOD — Another international deal
— this time concerning the French film in-
dustry— has been added to the several which
Hollywood producers have been entering dur-
ing the past year.
Sam Bischoff, independent film maker,
whose current slate is earmarked for dis-
tribution by United Artists, and the Society
Nouvelle Pathe Cinema of Paris jointly and
simultaneously will film English and French
versions of “Adventure in Morocco” a story
of the French Foreign Legion. Entire pic-
ture will be shot on location in French Mo-
rocco under the supervision of the French
Foreign Legion, which has authorized the
venture.
An American cast and director, yet to be
chosen, will leave here before September 1
to meet a shooting date of September 15 in
Morocco. At the same time a French cast
will arrive from Paris to work under the
American director.
George Bricker has been signed to write
the screen play, to be based on the novel by
J. N. Ermolioff. It has not been determined
whether or not UA will release this Bischoff
film.
Flag's Stand-In Makes
A Hit in Portland
Portland — Flag, the original fawn of
“The Yearling,” couldn’t be in Portland
for the northwest premier of his picture
so Dick Schutte, local MGM publicist,
went out into the Oregon hinterlands and
brought back a reasonable facsimile, ac-
companied by its young mistress, Diana
Looney of Molalla, Ore.
Jack Matlack, publicity and advertis-
ing chief for J. J. Parker Theatres, was
enthused over the stunt and invited the
local press for a cocktail party as guests
of the fawn. And for three hours, the
press sipped cocktails, Matlack beamed,
“The Yearling” was publicized — and the
fawn wandered around the spacious hotel
suite aimlessly sniffing at everything and
everyone.
The picture opened the next day with
everyone happy.
New Fowler Theatre
Planned by Panero
SAN FRANCISCO — A new theatre is
planned for Fowler, according to August
Panero, vice-president of Panero Theatre
Co. Panero recently purchased property in
the town and will start on the project as
soon as approval is given. Present plans call
for the complete remodeling of a theatre
building.
The drive-in being built north of Boulder
Creek by Frank Panone, John Forde and
Harry Kornblum, will cost about $40,000. It
will hold about 320 cars. Due to a sound de-
vice plugged into each car, no fence will
be built around the four-acre tract. Lew
Hayes, builder and adviser for the new drive-
in, said that if deadheads try to see the
film it won’t make much sense to them be-
cause it will be like an oldtime film, sans
written captions.
Building permit for the $20,000 projection
room for an outdoor house was issued recent-
ly to the Starlite Theatres, Inc., by the Red-
wood City building inspector. The theatre
will be constructed on Harbor boulevard be-
tween Belmont and San Carlos. Contractor
i$ the Howell Co. of Redwood City.
Oldtimer Phil J. Pecharich
Sells Business to Triskos
JEROME, ARIZ. — Phil J. Pecharich, an ex-
hibitor of motion pictures since 1913, has re-
tired with the sale of
his Ritz Theatre here
to Mr. and Mrs. Don
W. Trisko and their
son John, former thea-
tre operators in North
Dakota.
Except for a five-year
period during which he
developed and sold a
60-acre subdivision in
Los Angeles, Pecharich
has devoted all his
years to motion pic-
tures. In 1921, while
his local property was
under lease, he built
the California Theatre in Long Beach. He
and Mrs. Pecharich, who had helped him in
the theatre operation, will continue to make
their home here.
Hope Paces Drive Banquet
SALT LAKE CITY— More than 500 persons
attended the Utah Cancer Society banquet at
which Bob Hope was guest speaker. After
being introduced by Hall Baetz, local Fox
Intermountain manager who is also state co-
chairman of the drive, Hope disclosed that
since his mother and younger brother had
both died of cancer, he had a deep personal
interest in the campaign to find a cure for
the disease.
E. J. Blaylocks Buy Court
ALAMOGORDO, N. M.— Mr. and Mrs. E. J.
Blaylock, who recently sold their interests in
the Pueblo and Apache theatres in Ruidoso
to Theatre Enterprises, has purchased the
Alamo Courts here from Mr. and Mrs. Mar-
shall Walz.
Amusement Tax Move Tabled
MARYSVILLE, CALIF.— The Marysville
city council has tabled a communication from
the Marysville Merchants Ass’n asking that
an amusement tax be levied to raise addi-
tional revenue.
PHIL J. PECHARICH
72
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
Variety Club of Northern California
Installs Officers at SRO Banquet
In the photograph, sitting, some of the officers of Tent No. 32, Variety Club
of Northern California; Homer Tegtmeier, Rotus Harvey, Jimmy O’Neil. Standing:
Jack Tillman, Abe Blumenfeld, elected chief barker; Roy Cooper.
Montana's ITO Mulls
PCC1T0 Affiliation
LOS ANGELES — Robert H. Poole and Hugh
Brueit, the latter a Whittier, Calif., exhibitor,
will function for the next year as executive
secretary and treasurer, respectively, of the
Pacific Coast Conference of Independent
Theatre Owners. They were re-elected to
the offices by the PCCITO trustees at their
annual meeting following the recent local
convention of the coast independent show-
men groups.
There appears considerable of a possi-
bility that the ITO of Montana will affiliate
itself with PCCITO. C. J. Severson, J. H.
Morgan, H. W. Knutson, Rex Flint and Clar-
ence Golder of the Montana group attended
the convention and one meeting of the trus-
tees. They will present for consideration by
their general membership meeting, May 28,
29, PCCITO’s affiliation invitation. Rufus
Harvey and William Graeper, PCCITO trus-
tees, will represent the coast groups at the
Montana annual conclave which is to be
held in Butte.
TAXES A “TERRIBLE BURDEN”
David Palfreyman, Washington, represent-
ing the exhibitor relations department of
the Motion Picture Ass’n, addressed one of
the closing sessions of the PCCITO conven-
tion.
“We have a sincere interest in the problems
of the theatre owners and are becoming
more and more deeply concerned regarding
public relations and theatre admission taxes,”
he said. “Taxation upon theatre admission
has become a very serious problem that will
be felt more and more as time goes on.
“Taxes are a terrible burden upon exhibi-
tors at present. More money was collected
in the form of various theatre taxes during
last year than was spent by Hollywood to
produce an entire year’s output of pictures.
“Exhibitors are urged more strongly to be-
come better acquainted with their civic, law-
making bodies and representatives. They will
then welcome and respect your opinion as
an exhibitor whenever a matter of lawa af-
fecting theatres is slated for consideration.”
JOIN MPA IN SCREEN STUDY
In response to an invitation from Eric
Johnston, president of MPA, PCCITO voted
to be represented on the exhibition section
of the industry committee which plans to
explore the possibilities of using the screen
to improve the industry’s public relations.
Hugh Bruen was selected as representative,
with Rotus Harvey as alternate.
George Murphy, president of the Holly-
wood Coordinating committee, served as mas-
ter of ceremonies at an entertainment pro-
gram put on by Hollywood stars to climax
the three-day convention. Appearing with
Murphy on the program were Jimmy Durante,
Victor Borge, Donald O’Connor, Janis Paige,
Olga San Juan, Alyce Tyrell and Pattye
Thomas.
Selznick Eyes Provo, Utah,
As Location for Picture
PROVO, UTAH— This steel city of Utah
may be the location for scenes in a forth-
coming Selznick production, Clayton Jenkins,
executive secretary of the Chamber of Com-
merce, has been advised.
Jenkins said he had received a telegram
from James D. Starkey, Selznick production
manager, asking for information concerning
the feasibility of photographing some of the
local scenery for use in a forthcoming film.
Jenkins said he was told if conditions are
satisfactory that Provo would be used as the
location center while the picture is being
made.
If Selznick decides to shoot sequences in
SAN FRANCISCO — Positively the greatest
show ever to play the Gold Coast hung out
an SRO sign here Monday night (12) in the
Colonial room of Hotel St. Francis. It was the
inaugural banquet and installation of offi-
cers of Variety International’s newest baby,
Tent No. 32, Variety Club of Northern Cali-
fornia, attended by some 200 members and
visiting dignitaries of the international or-
ganization, including R. J. “Bob” O’Donnell
of Dallas, chief barker, and Charles Skouras,
international canvasman.
Abe Blumenfeld, head of the theatre cir-
cuit bearing his name, was installed as chief
barker, with Jimmy O’Neil and Jack Marpole
as assistants; Rotus Harvey, property master;
J. Leslie Jacobs, dough guy, and Homer Tegt-
Provo, it will open a new area in this state
to pictures. The home of the Geneva steel
plant has beautiful mountain scenes within
five minutes’ ride; it has farming country
and industry. The development comes just
when Utah was expecting Hollywood to ignore
the state because of the fuss raised on the
premiere of “Ramrod.”
Pickets Back in Carlsbad
CARLSBAD, N. M. — Pickets last week re-
turned to the front of Carlsbad theatres as
negotiations between the management, labor
and a citizens committee broke down. Pickets
had been withdrawn during a 15-day truce.
Motion picture machine operators started
picketing the theatres, all Griffith-owned,
in February, claiming they were fired for
organizing a union. Management contends
certain of the men were discharged for cause.
Lester Wick to Hoquiam
HOQUIAM, WASH.— Lester Wick of Seattle
has replaced AI Schreiner as manager of the
New Hoquiam Theatre here. Schreiner has
been transferred to Aberdeen, Wash., to
manage a Warner house there.
meier, Neal East, Herman Kerskeri, Jack Till-
man, Roy Cooper and L. S. Hamm, canvas-
men.
Visitors included Bill O’Donnell, past chief
barker of the Dallas tent; Sid Grauman of
Los Angeles; Marc Wolf, head of Y&W Man-
agement Corp., Indianapolis, international
chief dough guy; Colonel William McCraw of
Dallas, international executive director; Mur-
ray Whiteman, Buffalo, Tent No. 7; Fred
Schweppe, Elmira, N. Y„ Tent No. 7; F. E.
Abelson, Minneapolis, Tent No. 12; Henry
Kalm, St. Louis, Tent No. 4, and Dick Owen
and Herman Beiersdorf of Dallas, Tent No. 17.
Permanent headquarters for the new club
is at 70 Eddy St.
Theatres Use Skywriting
To Exploit 'Macomber'
LOS ANGELES— Believed to be the first
time such exploitation was employed by a
group of local theatres, a two-day skywriting
campaign which covered the entire Los An-
geles area was staged by Clifford E. Giesse-
man, general manager of the four Music
Hall theatres, in connection with “The Ma-
comber Affair.”
Three airplanes, hired from Samuel D.
Steinberg of the Hollywood Advertising Co.,
which headquarters on Filmrow, took off si-
multaneously on the day preceding the film’s
opening to trace the following lengthy mes-
sage: “Greg Peck at four Music Halls in
‘Macomber Affair.’ ” It was written six times
in various areas. On the following day, the
planes traced the same sky message four
times, for a total of ten writings.
Peters to Build in Escalon
ESCALON, CALIF. — Frank Peters, owner of
a circuit of theatres in this area, announced
here that he has plans for building a new
house in Escalon, but is having some diffi-
culty finding a site. Peters now operates
theatres here and in Riverbank, Ripon and
Manteca.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
73
SAN FRANCISCO
Can Francisco Theatres, Inc. assisted suffer-
^ ers of the Texas City disaster through
lobby contribution jars placed in six neigh-
borhood houses. Contributions after the two-
week campaign were presented to the Dallas
Variety tent to distribute.
Passing through the local army motion pic-
ture service office on their way to various
assignmehts, were Alan McCarroll, deputy
chief of the service in Washington, D. C.;
Lawrence Dorman, in from Tokyo; Robert E.
Quick, Honolulu, and F. A. Rapp, en route
to Tokyo from Washington. M. J. Carney,
assistant regional manager, was kept busy
with all the visitors. Mike Smith, western
regional manager, was in Seattle, relieving
George Dorough, who was in Alaska on busi-
ness.
M. F. Gowthorpe, treasurer of Paramount
Pictures, Inc., was at the local office on a
visit from New York . . . Bob Skinner, ad
artist at the Paramount Theatre, is really
turning out some terrific ads.
Jack Erickson, 20th-Fox salesman, left on
a trip . . . Frank Jenkins, 20th-Fox pub-
licist, was out of town . . . Sid Schuster, MGM,
was out on the territory drumming up busi-
ness . . . Jess Levin took brother Ben to
the plane for the ITO convention in Los
Angeles . . . Rotus Harvey, ITO president
for northern California, also planed down to
the convention.
Phil Weinstein, Columbia salesman, was out
on the territory . . . Torrey Roberts, Sacra-
mento salesman for Columbia, was in the of-
fice reporting on all those dates ... Ed Mix,
MGM salesman, was back in the San Joachin
valley hitting exhibitors for dates . . . Floyd
Bernard, 20th-Fox salesman, was in from his
Reno trip . . . Jimmy Chapman, Paramount
salesman, came back after a short business
trip.
Along the Row last week were Clive Church,
Rio Theatre, Rodeo . . . Ralph Dostal was
in from his Brisbane Theatre, Brisbane . . .
Ray Syufy, Victory Theatre in Vallejo, was
on the Row, happy over the terrific results
obtained in showing “The Guilt of Janet
Ames.”
June . . . All circuit bookers last week viewed
the highly publicized “Duel in the Sun” at
the Paramount exchange where Harry Hun-
saker, district manager for SRO, beamed from
ear to ear over his company’s first release.
Mel Klein, Columbia office manager, had
lunch with Verne Taylor of Golden State
at the Palm gardens . . . Abe Swerdlew, U-I
salesman, is shouting the praises of “The Egg
and I” . . . Jack Frazer, Film Messenger
Service boss, is distributing the film “The
Raider.”
Charles Rose, Four Rose exchange, had
handbills printed for the new Kiddy matinee
gag and distributed them around the Row
. . . National Screen Service salesmen, Ed
Brody, Izzy Wolfe, Elmer Benjamin and
Branch Manager Jack Marpole, returned from
the convention in Chicago all pepped up . . .
Harry Cohn, New York supervisor, visited
the local NSS office, as did Dan Golden,
home office representative, and Bernie Wolf,
district manager.
California Theatres moved headquarters
from the Golden Gate Theatre Bldg, to 988
Market St. . . . Charles Thall, office man-
ager of California Theatres Ass’n, returned
from a six-week vacation . . . Congratula-
tions to James Stainton on the publication
The Close Up. It was a grand job of reporting.
The Esquire and Tivoli theatres previewed
“Dishonored Lady” last week . . . The United
Artists Theatre here played “The Private
Affairs of Bel Ami,” which received lukewarm
reviews from local critics. The Larkin Thea-
tre, playing foreign pictures, booked at the
same time the original “Bel Ami,” uncut,
uncensored European version of Maupassant’s
novel, produced in Vienna and starring Willi
Forst. Critics were somewhat kinder to the
imported version.
Golden State celebrated the 26th birthday
of the Irving Theatre with special attractions
and a huge birthday cake in the lobby . . .
New assistant booker at the PRC-Eagle-Lion
office is A1 Corley, formerly with Paramount
. . . Theatre owner Lester Blumenberg was
up from Los Angeles . . . Joe Myers was in
from Port Chicago . . . Jack Hillman was in
from Morgan Creek.
Gordon Allen, Motor Theatres, says ground
has been broken for the new drive-in theatre
in Hayward. Allen estimates it will open in
■i ATTRACTIVE POPCORN BOXES m
Top Volume Popping Purdue Hybrid Popcorn.
Popsit Plus Popcorn Seasoning Cocoanut Oil in 50-lb. Cans.
Popcorn Salt — Scoops — Bags — Seasoning Measuring Cups
Best Quality Merchandise — Quick Service
ARTHUR UNGER CO.
105 Golden Gate Ave. San Francisco 2, Calif.
VIE HTVsIE VT »
C*N GET IT !
OR WILL MAKE IT!
Wedrn Jheatmcd
) Equipment Co. {
337 GOLDEN GATE AVE. 1
SAN FRANCISCO 2. CALIF.
+ <Phxme HEmlock 8302
Jimmy Myers, branch manager at Mono-
gram; Clint Mecham, booker, and Howard
Buttler, salesman, attended the sales meet-
ing in Los Angeles . . . Jerry Slutsky, U-I
office manager, has been promoted to sales-
man . . . Tony Grabowy, from the Indian-
apolis U-I exchange, has been appointed new
office manager . . . The C. V. Taylor an-
niversary drive is in high gear. Entering its
sixth week, all districts are working hard.
Robert Benton, manager of the Redwood
Theatre down the peninsula, has been tak-
ing it on the chin from the press. Seems the
press and public are annoyed with the ad-
vance in prices for “The Best Years of Our
Lives.” Benton took all this in his stride
until some one called the Redwood a “second
"CENTURY"
THE MODERN PROJECTOR
187 Golden Gate Ave.,
San Francisco 2, Calif.
Phone Underhill 7571
rate” theatre. Benton put on the gloves and
argued it was a matter of definition. The
Redwood is a second run house, he said, but
with all modern conveniences and in good
repair.
Bud Parker is manager of the new Alisal
Theatre, two miles east of Salinas, latest
FWC house in the Monterey bay region. W. C.
Ricord jr. of San Jose is district manager
and Duncan Knowles is city manager.
Clayton Hickle is the new manager of the
State Theatre in Lodi. He succeeds Bert
Mudge, transferred to the Lodi Theatre. Dave
Reese continues as general manager for both
theatres . . . “Henry V” is making its exit
after 34 weeks at the Stage Door Theatre
here. It nearly doubled the previous long
run record for motion pictures in San Fran-
cisco.
Howard Newman is new manager at the
State here, appointed by the home office of
Paramount Pictures. Newman formerly man-
aged the Rialto for Fox West Coast ... A.
Zerga, owner of the Bridge and Rio thea-
tres here, is dead . . . A1 Adolph is the new
salesman at the Monogram exchange here.
“That is,” explained Al, “if I can find a place
to live.”
The Golden Gate Theatre is having its
lobby redone . . . Dick Sarber, Western The-
atrical Equipment Co., has returned from
Fresno . . . Helen Taylor, secretary at WTE,
returned from her vacation and maintains
she needs another one.
Sim Heller, vice-president of Motor Thea-
tres, Inc., was along the Row with Gordon
Allen. Heller is in from Minnesota. Inci-
dentally the new Motor In will open soon,
says Gordon . . . J. F. O’Brien and Ed Jones,
officials from the RCA office in Camden,
N. J., were in town last week . . . Phil Guss,
Intermountain Theatre Supply, was in from
Salt Lake . . . Sue Taylor is the new in-
spector at the Monogram office.
Harry Hunsaker and Larry Dole, SRO,
planed down to Los Angeles for a general
meeting called by Selznick . . . A. R. Peck,
manager of the Dixon, Dixon, was in town
last week. Also visiting the Row was August
Panero and V. E. Stebbins from the Green-
field Theatre, Greenfield.
Mervin Houser, assistant exploitation man-
ager for SRO, was here for local and regional
openings of “Duel in the Sun.” E. Taylor,
studio technical engineer for Selznick, was
up from Los Angeles to confer with theatre
men now running the picture.
L. Anthony Churnetski, former manager
of an Oakland theatre, has returned from
three months at sea. He visited Manila.
Anthony plans to attend the Northio theatres’
school which provides a six-month training
course for assistant managers.
News from T&D office: Mrs. Cathy Sturgill,
formerly with Birch, Carroll & Coile, the-
atrical chain in Rockhampton, Queensland,
Australia, is now secretary to Merrill Kaiser
. . . Jack Dobbs in the accounting office
has a new outboard motor . . . Norma Gal-
braith, in the pay roll department, will wed
soon . . . Lois Patterson was given a shower
by the accounting department in anticipa-
tion of her approaching marriage . . . Also
We
have the
uc
i d
i
lor Quick ActionI | n Cf
for
YOUR
EATRE
Count on us for
Our wide contacts with the exhibitors 4
assure you of satisfactory results.
THEATRE EXCHANGE CO.J
3 S. W. 2nd Ave. Portland 4. Oregon 217 Governor Bldg. J j
74
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
25 Roofed Arena Openings Planned
As Kickoffs for 'Body and Soul'
getting married this month is Aileen Ma-
honey . . . Phyllis Ruiz, receptionist, plans
on an October marriage.
Johnny Mitchell, formerly with Paramount
Pictures here, is now on the pay roll of San
Francisco Theatres . . . Adele Kotite, Golden
State booking department, is back at her
desk after being away for two weeks . . .
Micky Milner, secretary to James Stainton,
has returned to her desk after an illness . . .
Fred J. Dixon, T&D booking department
head, has previewed more than 5,000 fea-
tures since he has been in the business.
Hal Carlton, Australian exploitation spe-
cialist, learned a few tricks in American thea-
tre operation and promotion while on a visit
with District Manager Dave Petersen in
Modesto . . . The Redwood Theatres home
office has a new company plane. Cliff Mor-
ris is the pilot.
Terrific exploitation in Modesto for the
opening of “The Jolson Story’’ at the State
included a doorman, Bob Colbaugh, and a
head usherette, Alice Rees, dressed in black-
face, walking their way around town. Rose
Ciccarelli is manager of the State.
Don Stevens, manager of the Liberty in
Eureka, was married just recently. Kenneth
Dennis, manager of the Esquire, Klamath
Falls, plans to middle-aisle it soon . . . Earl
Baughman, Eureka district manager for Red-
wood circuit, is sporting a nice rosy glow but
it’s not what you think. He’s sunburned, that’s
all.
Arch Hurley of Tucumcari
Retires; Son Takes Over
TUCUMCARI, N. M.— Arch Hurley, veteran
Tucumcari showman and civic leader, has
retired from theatre operations to devote his
time to other enterprises. Control of the
Princess and Odeon theatres here has been
taken over by his son Milas Hurley, with
whom he had been in partnership. Father
and son were partners for 20 years.
The elder Hurley opened his first theatre
in Tucumcari, the Evans Opera House, 33
years ago. Newest of the two houses here
is the Princess, which was built in 1944 to
replace a building destroyed the previous
year by fire. The Odeon was built in 1938.
During the last 20 years Hurley has left
the theatre operations largely to his son and
has devoted much of his time to work on
the Tucumcari irrigation project for which
he was one of the principal promoters. He
has the pen used by the late President Roose-
velt in signing the bill authorizing construc-
tion of the Conchas dam, which made pos-
sible the irrigation project. Hurley will go
to Los Angeles for a while and may go into
motion picture production.
Inland Theatres Will Build
Second House in Spokane
SPOKANE, WASH.— Inland Theatres will
build a $300,000 neighborhood theatre as
soon as materials are available. A site has
been bought. The new theatre will seat 900
and will be built on the stadium plan. The
building will include a shopping center with
space for six stores, according to F. Frank
Harris, Inland manager. It will be the cir-
cuit’s second house here.
Theatreman Tries Again
UMATILLA, ORE. — Lloyd A. Moore of Her-
miston, Ore., has reapplied to the CPA for
permission to construct his proposed Uma-
tilla Theatre here. Moore’s building would
seat 636 persons and would house a watch-
maker’s shop and an electrical sales and
service store in addition to the theatre.
Frantic Manager Saved
By Twist of the Wrist
Clovis, N. M. — The manager of a local
theatre, Elmo Courtney, had a demon-
stration recently of the truth of the old
adage, “Anything can happen in show
business.”
Just prior to opening, a distressed cash-
ier reported that her ticket machine had
jammed. Acting promptly, Courtney took
the recalcitrant bit of mechanism to
his office. He removed his coat and set
to work with a screwdriver. He tightened
this, loosened that, pressed buttons and
did other things. All to no avail.
Two hours passed and the machine still
refused to work. Then came the discov-
ery. The cashier had forgotten to unlock
the mechanism.
Managerial Assignments
Made by Golden State
SAN FRANCISCO — Barney Gurnette, Santa
Cruz district manager for Golden State, has
appointed Richard Marberry manager of the
State and Liberty theatres.
Frank Nash is now at the Carmel Theatre,
Carmel; William Souther has been placed in
charge of the Monterey, Monterey; Jack Far-
rell Ts at the Grove in Pacific Grove, and
Harold Brazil is taking over the Rio in Monte-
rey. Joseph Wilson has been appointed man-
ager of the El Rey in Tulare.
Older Mothers Honored
HELENA, MONT. — Helena mothers, 60
years of age and over, were guests of the
Fox Helena theatres Mother’s day.
HOLLYWOOD — Enterprise is perfecting
plans for simultaneous 25 major city open-
ings in large prize fight stadia of the John
Garfield starrer, “Body and Soul.” Plans
call for one-night-only benefit showings in
roofed arenas to give the film an unusual
kickoff before moving it into theatres for
normal runs. The stunt will be coordinated
with sports editors of newspapers and maga-
zines nationally.
Premiere of Jack Wrather’s “The Guilty,”
in Dallas, home town of the Monogram pro-
ducer, was set for the Melba Theatre, Inter-
state circuit house.
Kenneth Thomson Joins
E-L as Foy's Assistant
HOLLYWOOD— Kenneth Thomson, until
recently a producer at Universal-Interna-
tional, has been signed by Eagle-Lion to act
as executive assistant to Bryan Foy, vice-
president in charge of production. Thomson
replaces Irving Lazar, who resigned to en-
ter independent production. In addition to
his regular duties, Thomson will act in an
advisory capacity for the development of
original stories and screenplays.
Denver's First Drive-In
Will Open About June 1
DENVER — This city Is getting its first
drive-in theatre. The Denver Drive-In Thea-
tre Corp., headed by John Wolfberg, Broadway
manager, and his cousin, Harold Cohen, for-
merly a Metro film salesman in Kansas City,
are building a 750-car drive-in at the east-
ern edge of Aurora, Colo., a Denver suburb.
The theatre, slated to open about June 1,
will cost about $115,000, and will be equipped
with individual car speakers. CPA has given
its approval of the project.
WORK ON “CHEYENNE” CAMPAIGN — Fox Intermountain personnel in Chey-
enne, Wyo., have joined forces with Warner Bros, representatives in the campaign
incidental to the combination world premiere and Rocky Mountain empire preview of
the WB picture named for the far western city.
L. to r. in the picture: Pete Foust, Lincoln Theatre manager; Donald Campbell,
Princess manager; Dick Stephens, WB field representative; Abe Kronenberg, direc-
tor of special events for WB; Ray Davis, FI district manager; Jack McGee, FI city
manager; Charles Wallace, Paramount Theatre manager.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
75
Managers Consider Bid
To Affiliate With CTO
LOS ANGELES — Associated Theatre Op-
erating Managers, the recently formed union
that has been waging a lone-hand fight to
win recognition from Fox West Coast Thea-
tres, has been offered a union affiliation to
strengthen its position and one which, if ac-
cepted, will add new fuel to the troubled
jurisdictional disputes within the motion pic-
ture industry.
Formal invitation for ATOM to affiliate
itself with the Office and Professional Work-
ers, a CIO union, was read at a mass meet-
ing of the full membership of ATOM, which
is comprised of local managers and assistant
managers, a dominant number of whom are
FWC employes.
Representing the CIO group and making
the offer of affiliation and support were Ber-
nard Lusher and Mrs. Celia Wilby, west coast
representatives of the office workers, who
pointed out that the affiliation would place
behind ATOM the strength of the industry
workers already members of OPW.
Spokesmen for ATOM declared that the
suggestion was enthusiatically received and
informed that they plan the organization of
ushers, doormen and cashiers in the imme-
diate area at an early date. As a first step
in the process of possible affiliation, a com-
mittee of seven men was appointed by ATOM
Vice-President George Miller who presided at
the meeting in the absence of Henry Pines,
president. That committee will make a
thorough study of the CIO proposal and re-
port back to the members within the next
ten days. On the committee are George Mil-
ler, vice-president, James Moran, secretary,
and George O’Brien, director, Alan Marten,
Stanley Kriner, Arthur Wachs, and Robert
Hughes. Aaron Sapiro, the union’s attorney
and Pines, were appointed as ex officio mem-
bers of the committee without power to vote.
'Road' Producer Resigns
HOLLYWOOD — Paul Jones, producer at
Paramount for the past 12 years and asso-
ciated with the outfit for 20 years, has ter-
minated his contract with the studio by mu-
tual agreement. The producer was respon-
sible for the Road series of pictures. His
latest effort was the film version of the Nor-
man Krasna play “Dear Ruth.”
MANLEY
yUpr GUARANTEED
WjJ POPCORN and SUPPLIES
SATISFACTION
OR YOUR MONEY BACK
W. H. Turpie, Western Division Manager
1914 South Vermont Los Angeles 7, Calif.
REpublic 7528
LOS ANGELES
Theatre folk on the Row were Henry Schu-
ette, owner of the Strand, San Pedro ; Mor-
rie Cohen, exhibitor, Council Bluffs, Iowa;
Morrie Smith, of the local Playhouse;
George Fink, Coronet, San Diego; Dwight
“Red” Harkins, Tempe, Tempe, Ariz.; Wade
Laudermilk, owner of two theatres in Buck-
eye, Ariz.; Leo Hamacher, Ramona, San
Diego, and W. G. Peck, LaMole, Atascadero,
Calif.
After flying from San Francisco to attend
the Variety Club convention here, Kroger
Babb, Hygienic Productions boss, planed to
visit San Diego and points in the southwest
before returning to his office in Cleveland
. . . “Uncle” Lou Krieger of the Independent
film exchanges returned from a successful
business trip to Denver and Salt Lake, where
he closed a deal for “The Raider” with the
Intermountain circuit . . . While visiting on
the Row, Earl Strebe, Palm Springs exhibitor,
told friends that his new theatre in Las
Vegas, Nev., will be named the Fremont, and
that the planned opening date is August 23.
Dave Canter, Pacific coast exploitation di-
rector for RKO, and Earl Collins, Republic
division manager, have returned from a tour
of their respective company’s exchanges . . .
Ed Lebby, PRC-Eagle-Lion salesman, is back
at his desk after a sales trip through south-
ern California . . . Home from the MGM
sales convention in New York were George
A. Hickey, MGM west coast sales manager,
his assistant, Samuel J. Gardner, and Thomas
A. Aspell jr., Los Angeles manager.
New manager of the Mayan Theatre is
Harry Zeidell . . . Jack Lawrence has been
added to PRC-Eagle-Lion’s salesmen roster
. . . Friends of Red Lentz, Columbia salesman,
were sorry to hear that he is on the sick
list . . . Bob Ableson, Film Classics manager,
took a trip to San Francisco the easy way —
via plane.
As guests of Dennis Morgan and Jack Car-
son, Col. and Mrs. Ernesto Rufino visited
Warners’ “Two Guys From Texas” set. Colo-
nel Rufino, who operates the major chain
of theatres in the Philippine Islands, is a
veteran of the “death march” that followed
the fall of Corrigidor. He entered the
Philippine army as a second lieutenant the
day the Japanese attacked his country.
Bandit Shot, Pal Captured
At Seattle Paramount
SEATTLE — One bandit was shot and a sus-
pect captured in the holdup of Evergreen’s
de luxe Paramount Theatre May 8. The first
was found dead next day in a car parked near
the house. He had killed himself with his own
gun.
The pair held up Ed Hamrick, assistant
manager, and Corrine Vickstrom, cashier, at
10:30 p. m. while they were in the boxoffice.
A rookie detective, Stanley Bowerman, who
was off duty and had just left the theatre,
spotted the robbery, whipped out a revolver
and opened fire.
One of the bandits fired back while fleeing
but was seen to stagger as if hit. The other
gave himself up. The first was found dead
with a bullet wound in his temple from his
own gun and two other wounds from the
policeman’s gun. Approximately $300, which
was the sum obtained in the robbery, was
found in his pocket. Police identified him as
Charles E. Robinson, Los Angeles.
SEATTLE
Theatre operators from the Pacific north-
west who attended the PCCITO conven-
tion in Los Angeles included: L. O. Lukan,
James A. Hone, H. L. Berg, B. C. Johnson,
Joe Danz and Jack Neville, Seattle; Junior
Mercy, Yakima; Arthur St. John, Chehalis;
Mike Barovic, Puyallup; Walter Graham,
Shelton; Howard Taylor, Sequim; Walter
Coy, White Center; Lionel Brown, Edmonds;
Irvin Fey, Renton; Robert Wall, Lewiston,
Ida., and Clarence Golden, Great Falls, Mont.
Hugh Braley, western district sales man-
ager for Paramount, and his assistant, Har-
old Wirthwein, were in town for presentation
of bonus checks to branch staffers as the
result of the exchange finishing second in
the recent sales drive, and for the launch-
ing of the new one, 35th Year of Leader-
ship. Herb Kaufman, manager; Bob Blair,
exploitation representative, and Max Had-
field, Johnny Kent, Larry Pulis and Hannah
Trager, sales staff, shared in the checks.
Other employes were given a week’s extra
pay.
Eugene O’Brien has joined the staff of
James Walsh, branch manager for SRO, as
booker. He formerly was with Columbia . . .
Frank Soule, supervisor of exchange opera-
tions for Eagle-Lion, is here from New York
visiting with Wally Rucker, branch manager
. . . E. L. Clawson is back from Portland
and is associated with Selom Burns in the
operation of the Little Victor preview theatre.
Yvonne De Carlo, U-I star, passed through
here after meeting with her future in-laws
and left for Denver with Phil Phillips, ex-
ploitation director, to make a personal ap-
pearance . . . The Northwest Film has inaugu-
rated a candlelight cocktail hour beginning
at 5:30 p. m. . . . Gerard Peterson of the
B. F. Shearer projection department was wed
to Ruth Whitaker.
Bob Rosenberg, Puyallup exhibitor, has re-
covered sufficiently from his illness to be
moved from Providence hospital here to his
home . . . Billy Stratton, Paramount head
shipper, is vacationing in Los Angeles . . .
Charles Feldman, U-I western division man-
ager, and Barney Rose, western district man-
ager, were in for conference with Art O’Con-
nell, branch manager . . . Les McEacheran has
resigned as salesman for PRC-E-L . . . U-I’s
“The Egg and I” has been booked to plav
day and date at the Orpheum and Palomar
Theatres.
GET /N THE MONEY W/TH-
WAHOO
America's finest Screen Game
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue • Chicago, Illinois
76
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
operators
'f°-Voice In n
^em. They n °r Spec
cold dam6"™'* pal
■otingseaT
>QyopenZVP05sible
,lrnes over i Teake
ixfra profits! 6 S(
Speaker g/ye<. t
zzh;0rf *
;er^C°'lZdh
. c ,n heater fj,.
(omplete f0r
* * speak*'
'’"•'td'a'; j7n,d »"/y"o
•°r two cars. $1(S °unit
*t6/ecf ch,
*r /„ »"rf
" /ore'9« co,
TENTS PEND/Ng
AUTO-VOICE
IN-CAR
SPEAKERS
in
DRIVE-IN THEATER EQUIPMENT CO.
2130 SUPERIOR AVENUE • PHONE CHerry 5573 • CLEVELAND 14, OHIO
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
77
SALT LAKE C/TY
T)an Cupid did a good week’s work at the
Paramount office here. Mary Needham,
switchboard operator; Jackie Boberg, assist-
ant contract clerk, and Magene Hortin, cash-
ier, all were married last week ... To top
off a frantic week Frank H. Smith, Para-
mount branch manager, became a grand-
father. Son Frank and his wife had a son,
their first.
Smith still was calm enough, though, to
conduct the branch sales meeting during the
week, when all the salesmen came into town
to hear Hugh Braly, division manager, and
Harold Wirthwein, district manager, tell them
of the company’s new product for the fall
season . . . Robert Quinn, district exploiteer,
came over from Denver to sit in on the meet-
ing . . . Paramount also has a new salesman
in part of the Montana area. He is Gilbert
Sessler, who replaces Jimmy French. The
latter has been transferred to San Francisco.
Jerry Safron, Columbia district manager,
was in town to confer with Bill Seib, branch
chief . . . Eddie Hyman of the New York
office of Paramount’s theatre department
dropped in at Intermountain Theatre head-
quarters on his return from a company con-
vention at Arrowhead. He was accompanied
here by Tracy Barham, Intermountain vice-
president and general manager, and Ray
Hendry, Barham's assistant, who also had
attended the convention.
Marie Boam, secretary to Clyde Blasius,
20th-Fox branch manager, has been trans-
ferred to the company’s Dallas office. Clyde’s
daughter, Beverly, replaces Marie.
Viva Rae Oldroyd has resigned as stenog-
rapher in the Monogram office here to go
on a mission for the Morman church . . .
Fox Movietone News will make a special
short subject on Utah’s centennial, Gus P.
Backman, director of the celebration, says
he has' been informed. The commission is
assembling material for the short, which will
show the trek from Nauvoo, 111., to Salt Lake
City, being re-enacted by a special church
group this year. Scenes of irrigation, started
in the west by the pioneers, also are expected
to be included in the film.
Jean Pierre Aumont, screen star, paid his
first visit to Salt Lake City last week and
found “it is everything I had heard it was.”
Golden State Chain Adds
Village at San Lorenzo
SAN FRANCISCO— The San Lorenzo Vil-
lage Theatre, a 931-seat stadium type house,
had a gala opening with R. A. McNeil, E. H.
Emmick and M. Naify, top executives of the
Golden State circuit, in attendance.
The house will be operated as a unit in
Dave Bolton’s division with Sol Bolnick as
manager. Jimmy Reed, manager of the Fruit-
vale Theatre, Oakland, acted as master of
ceremonies.
A feature of the new house is the black light
murals. Appointments are consistent with
Golden State’s policy of erecting the most
modern theatres possible.
RCA Sound Systems
Brenkert Projection Equipment
USAIHCo Cooling Equipment
Blowers and Exhausters
n
WESTERN SERVICE & SUPPLY. INC.
IKE 8041
2120 Broadway
Denver 2. Colo. I
Reduced-Price 'Duel'
Hot in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES — After playing 18 weeks
on a roadshow basis, “Duel in the Sun” opened
at popular prices in 24 metropolitan area
houses this week and even so was the top
grosser among the first run showcases. Most
of the new pictures, not competing against
themselves on such a wide front, did well.
(Average is 100)
Belmont, El Rey, Orpheum, Beverly and Vogue —
Duel in the Sun (S'RO), 19th d. t. wk 200
Bruin, Ritz, United Artists, Studio City, Iris
and CaTthay Circle — Odd Man Out (U-I) 175
Chinese, State, Uptown and Loyold — The
Homestretch (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 125
Downtown Paramount — Northwest Outpost
(Rep); The Fabulous Suzanne (Rep) 80
Egyptian, Wilshire and Los Angeles — The
Yearling (MGM), 3rd wk 100
Four Music Halls — The Macomber Affair
(UA), 2nd wk 125
Four Star — The Late George Apley (20th-Fox),
4th d. t. wk - 125
Hillstreet — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO) 175
Hollywood Paramount — Same as Downtown 100
Million. Dollar — Carmen (Superfilm);
Bedelia (E-L), 2nd run 100
Pantages — Same as Hillstreet 175
Warners Downtown, Hollywood, Wiltern — The
Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB) 150
’Egg' Smashes House Record
At San Francisco Orpheum
SAN FRANCISCO — Breaking all house rec-
ords for the opening day and for the week
was the opening of “The Egg and I” at the
Orpheum Theatre. The rest of the first runs
had a rather weak week.
Esquire-Tivoli — The Macomber Affair (UA);
Blondie's Big Moment (Col), 3rd wk 120
Fox — The Late George Apley (20th-Fox);
The [ewels of Brandenburg (20th-Fox) 100
Golden Gate^A Likely Story (RKO); stage show. .. 95
Orpheum — The Egg and I (U-I) 300
Paramount — Blaze of Noon (Para);
Ladies' Man (Para) .....110
St. Francis — Calcutta (Para), 3rd wk 135
United Artists — The Private Affairs of Bel Ami
(UA), 3rd wk HO
United Nations — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 8th wk 130
Warfield — Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox);
Backlash (20th-Fox) 100
Grosses at Denver Theatres
Hold Up Well Despite Rain
DENVER — Even with weekend rains most
of the first runs went above average. “My
Brother Talks to Horses” with “Lighthouse”
is holding at the Broadway.
Aladdin — The Macomber Affair (UA);
So Dark the Night (Col), 2nd d. t. wk 110
Broadway — My Brother Talks to Horses (MGM);
Lighthouse (PRC) 120
Denham — Suddenly It's Spring (Para); 3rd wk.;
Danger Street (Para) 110
Denver and Webber — Johnny O'Clock (Col);
The Ghost Goes Wild (Rep) 118
Esquire and Paramount — The Late George Apley
(20th-Fox); The Magnificent Rogue (Rep),
2nd wk 98
Orpheum — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
The Devil Thumbs a Ride (RKO), 2nd wk 100
Rialto — Pursued (WB); Little Iodine (UA), 2nd run.. 90
Tabor — Hit Parade of 1947 (Rep);
Spoilers of the North (Rep) 80
"Due)' Sets New Record
In Seattle Opening
SEATTLE — All midweek opening day rec-
ords for the Fifth Avenue Theatre were
smashed here when “Duel in the Sun” opened
its roadshow engagement to a shattering 260.
The gross not only topped the opening mark
of RKO’s “The Best Years of Our Lives” but
also that of “Gone With the Wind,” previous
title holder at the Fifth Avenue.
Blue Mouse — Captain Caution (FC);
Captain Fury (FC), reissues, 2nd d t. wk 90
Fifth Avenue — Duel in the Sun (SRO), roadshow.--.260
Liberty — It's a Wonderful Life (RKO), 2nd wk 120
Music Box — The Macomber Affair (UA),
2nd d. t. wk .100
Orpheum — Stallion Road (WB) 110
Palomar — Down Missouri Way (PRC);
Don Ricardo Returns (PRC), plus stage show 95
Paramount — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM);
Little Mr. Jim (MGM) 10(
Roosevelt — Smash-Up (U-I) 125
DENVER
H C. Stalcup, Fox Intermountain Theatres
city manager in North Platte, Neb., gave
the use of the Fox to the Rotary club for their
120th district conference.
City managers of the Cooper Foundation
Theatres in Colorado assembled in Denver for
a full day of short subject screenings. Attend-
ing were Jack Bruno, Greeley; Vern Austin,
Grand Junction; Kenneth Mead, Pueblo, and
Ike Hoig, Colorado Springs . . . Pat McGee,
general manager of Cooper, attended the Va-
riety convention in Los Angeles . . . Ralph
Ayer, assistant to McGee, made the rounds
of the Cooper theatres.
Godfrey “Buddy” Briggs has been named
assistant manager of the State. His dad,
“Buzz” Briggs, has been manager of the
theatre for many years . . . Film Exchange
Employes Local B29 observed its tenth anni-
versary with a dinner and entertainment at
the Albany hotel. Don Tweddale was master
of ceremonies. Ten new members were initi-
ated and several were present who were
charter members.
Sam Milner, district manager, and Frank
Soule, manager of exchange operations for
PRC, were in town for conferences with M. R.
“Bud” Austin . . . Joe Stone, manager of the
National Theatre Supply, attended the Los
Angeles sales meeting for the western part
of the country.
F. A. “Bud” Lewis, formerly a Manley
salesman in Indianapolis, has returned to
Colorado to be salesman for them here . . .
Barney Shooker, Columbia salesman, is re-
covering nicely from his recent operation, and
was down to the office this week.
The RKO exchange, headed by Tom Bailey,
established a 100 per cent record in sales of
the three specials in the recent Ned Depinet
drive. So the exchange is at least sure of
some of the money on this angle, since it
would be impossible to top 100 per cent . . .
Albert Kolitz, RKO district manager, has re-
turned from a Salt Lake City business trip,
and has accomplished what was thought t<
be impossible — he has found a house to rent
in Denver.
Paul Allmeyer, Paramount booker, is on
the committee for the Junior Chamber of
Commerce Gold Rush days, to be held in
Idaho Springs, Colo., June 21-27. The town
will be wide open for this affair, and theatre
men especially are invited . . . Mayer Monsky,
Universal branch manager, went to Omaha
to attend the funeral of his brother Henry
. . . John Denman, manager the Mayan,
member of the South Side Civic Ass’n, has
been named by that body to represent them
on the Denver tourists and convention bureau.
Norma Long is the new southern district
biller. Fox Intermountain Theatres, succeed-
ing Vivian Sodurlund, who is now secretary to
Milt Hossfeld, film buyer . . . The staff of
the Webber, of which Robert Lotito is man-
ager, have started a staff paper, holding a
contest to secure a name. Ruth Penn and
William McCarthy are co-editors.
Civic Showmen Injured
When Car Overturns
DENVER — A. P. Archer, president of Civic
Theatres; Arthur Sears, Civic auditor, and
his son, Charles Sears, were painfully injured
when the car in which they were riding
turned over four times as they were return-
ing from a Wyoming fishing trip. Archer suf-
fered a broken collar bone and three broken
ribs; Arthur Sears sustained a sprained
shoulder, and Charles Sears suffered a broken
shoulder.
78
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
Appeal Board Upholds
Milwaukee Decision
NEW YORK — The appeal board of the mo-
tion picture arbitration system upheld a
clearance award made by the Milwaukee ar-
bitrator in favor of Mars Theatre, Inc., op-
erating the Mars in Milwaukee. The arbi-
trator granted the Milwaukee and Hollywood
theatres 14-day clearance over the Burleigh;
gave the Hollywood 14-day clearance over
Mars and granted the Burleigh a one -day
clearance over the Mars.
The Milwaukee and Hollywood formerly
held a 21 -day clearance over the Burleigh,
with the Burleigh enjoying a seven-day clear-
ance over the Mars.
The appeal was taken by the complainant
and the intervenors, Milwaukee Theatre Co.
and the Hollywood Operating Co. The cost
of the appeal was shared equally by Langen-
reich Bros., operating the Burleigh Theatre;
Milwaukee Theatre Co.; Hollywood Operating
Co., the complainant, and Loew’s, Para-
mount and RKO. The original clearance
complaint named the Big Five as defendants.
William Valos to Enlarge
Geneva Capacity by 300
GENEVA, ILL. — Application has been made
to the city council by William Valos for per-
mission to remodel the Geneva Theatre and
increase its seating capacity by 300.
Plans call for reducing the size of the stage
to permit another 100 seats in front and for
moving the wall at the rear to provide for
another 200 seats in that section. Valos also
is planning to remodel the lobby and erect a
new porcelain front. Adjacent space will be
taken over by the theatre for a soda shop
which will be accessible from both the lobby
and the street.
Valos said the remodeling program would
cost about $10,000.
J. J. Overton Sells Share
In Winchester Theatre
WINCHESTER, ILL.— J. J. Overton recent-
ly sold his interest in the Lyric to Paul
Stehman of Chicago, who is returning to
make Winchester his home. Guy Faul, who
had been Overton’s partner in the ownership
of the Lyric and other theatres here since
April 3, 1914, will continue in business with
Stehman. The policy of the Lyric will re-
main as in the past. Faul & Overton pur-
chased the local theatre business from the
late Thomas Drake and had their first show
April 3, 1914, in the old opera house block.
They moved to the present location in October
of the following year.
Ben Mortenson Appointed
Assistant Lido Manager
MAYWOOD, ILL. — Ben Mortenson of Madi-
son, Wis., has been appointed assistant man-
ager of the Lido Theatre here. Mortenson
was chief of service at the Capitol Theatre
in Madison before the war and after his army
service worked in Milwaukee for the Stand-
ard Theatres circuit as assistant manager
of the Riverside and manager of the Times.
George Kerasotes Named
On Mayor's Labor Group
SPRINGFIELD, ILL. — George Kerasotes of
the Kerasotes Bros, circuit has been named
to the mayor’s labor committee, designed
to keep labor troubles in the Illinois capital at
a minimum.
Talkers in Theatres
Among Noise Peeves
Chicago — Different noises have differ-
ent effects on Chicagoans, the local noise
abatement commission has discovered.
Six judges will meet here at the beginning
of National Noise Abatement week, to de-
termine who has written the seven letters
best describing obnoxious sounds. One
boy protested the noise he most dislikes is
the voice of his mother calling him from
a softball field.
Another gave the distinction to his
sister’s piano playing. Another objected
to the popcorn crunchers, gum-crackers
and talkers in the motion picture thea-
tres. Many objected to the loud playing
of radios, door slammers, dripping water
faucets and high sopranos on the radios.
Rupp Succeeds Johnson
As Middletown Manager
MIDDLETON, WIS. — Harold “Happy”
Rupp has been appointed manager of the
Middleton Theatre here succeeding Man-
ager Johnson. Rupp has had experience as
assistant manager of a house in Madison
and more recently has been manager of the
Towne Theatre at New Holstein.
Kendallville Princess Open
KENDALLVILLE, IND.— The Princess
Theatre has been opened here for operation
five days a week, Thursday through Monday.
It is being handled by Cleon Point, who also
manages the Strand.
New Erie House Opens
ERIE, ILL. — Erie’s new theatre, the J&G,
opened last month. The house is owned and
operated by two brothers, John and George
Farral, who formerly operated grocery stores
in Kewanee.
New Stadium Opened
In Mount Vernon, 111.
MOUNT VERNON, ILL.— Fox Midwest The-
atres gave a preview opening of its beautiful
new Stadium Theatre here the evening of
Wednesday (14). Homer Marvel, local man-
ager for Fox West West, sent out invitations
for a special showing of “The Homestretch.”
The opening of the 700-seat Stadium gives
Mount Vernon one of the finest houses of
its size in the middle west. It was erected
on the site of the Fox Midwest Royal Theatre,
a 450-seater which was destroyed by fire
last November 11. The new house was de-
signed by Sam Bihr jr., Kansas City theatre
architect, while the general contractor was
Claude Fuller of Benton, 111.
The exterior neon lighting of the new
theatre is a distinct feature. The 60mm size
tubing used gives extraordinary illumination
for the front of the house. National Theatre
Supply Co. furnished the booth equipment,
the spun glass draperies came through Jack
Baker of the Theatrical Scenic Studios, St.
Louis. The sound and booth installation was
handled by Altec Service Corp. of St. Louis.
The interior decorations were carried out in
three colors — mulberry, off-white and char-
treuse.
The name was selected in a contest con-
ducted by the Mount Vernon Register, and
some 5,000 suggestions were received.
The opening night was a civic event with
Mayor Bishop and members of the city coun-
cil and local businessmen participating in
the opening festivities. The Fox Midwest
organization was represented by Lon Cox,
Senn Lawler and Lou Pope, of the Kansas
City FMW office, and Fred C. Souttar, dis-
trict manager, St. Louis.
Leon Koch, formerly manager of the Or-
pheum Theatre, Cape Girardeau, Mo.^ has
been transferred to Mount Vernon as man-
ager of the Stadium Theatre, Homer Morvel
is the city manager for Fox Midwest houses,
which now include the Stadium, Granada and
Plaza.
Bud Meyer, former assistant manager, Or-
pheum, Cape Girardeau, will be manager.
GREETING FIRST CHICAGO NSS MANAGER— The first manager of National
Screen Service in Chicago, Harold Young was transferred to the New York office 15
years ago and hasn’t been back since until the recent Windy city NSS convention.
The “old guard” from NSS, and some who don’t work there any more, arranged a
luncheon and gift for Young.
Front row, usual order: Chris Chinn, Columbia booker; Ida Durchslag, retired;
Henrietta Wenzel, NSS; Josephine Halik, Allied Theatres ^ Sammy Ember, NSS. Back
row: Angel Robinson, NSS; and Ethel Chez, NSS; Young; Rose Cogan, NSS; Ida
Granotti, retired; Capitola Shotwell, NSS,
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
c
79
sjrj^_g_u_LS
T ester Bona, Warner manager, is learning
the joys of home ownership. Currently he is
making repairs to window and door screens.
. . . Bona broke into the Dizzy Dean-Johnny
O’Hara baseball play-by-play broadcast from
Sportsmen’s park one night last week. Irv
Waterstreet, MGM exploiteer, dropped into
the Dean-O’Hara booth during a hot pitcher’s
battle between Bob Feller of Cleveland and
Cliff Fannin of the Browns. Bona sent a
note to Dizzy warning that Waterstreet’s
presence in the booth might prove a jinx to
the Brownies, and O’Hara promptly told the
listening world of its contents. Bona was
some prophet. The Browns lost 4 to 3, in 11
innings.
Johnny Walsh, Screen Guild, was a prophet
LET
IS
SHOW
YOU
Why they're all using
The Great
1947 MANLEY
POPCORN MACHINE
It's the
Thrill of a Lifetime
in
★ Beauty
★ Speed
★ Economy
★ Performance
A. T. ROWE
DIVISION MANAGER
1920 Wyandotte — HA. 6155
Kansas City, Mo.
1611 Davenport, Omaha, Neb.
3138 Olive, St. Louis, Mo.
812-824 Mulberry, Des Moines, Iowa
last week, too. He was discussing the prob-
able outcome of the Preakness, a few hours
before that classic was run at Baltimore
May 10. “You know those four horses are so
closely matched they could reverse their Ken-
tucky Derby run,” said Walsh. They fin-
ished Faultless, On Trust, Phalanx and Jet
Pilot in the Preakness and Jet Pilot, Pha-
lanx, On Trust and Faultless at Louisville.
The Jefferies in Piedmont, Mo., is under-
going extensive remodeling. A. B. Jeffries
is the owner . . . The Boone county fair in
Columbia, Mo., abandoned in 1916, will be re-
vived this year.' Dates are August 31 -Sep-
tember 2 . . . Eighty-three agricultural fairs,
eight more than in 1946, will be held in Illinois
this year.
No new tax legislation will be enacted by
the board of aldermen until the state supreme
court has decided the suit of the Carter
Carbureter Co. attacking the validity of the
city’s income and withholding tax ordinance.
Final arguments in the city’s appeal from
a circuit court decision holding the ordi-
nance unconstitutional were presented to the
supreme court at Jefferson City last week.
Tax bills killed at the 1946-47 session of the
aldermanic board included a 5 per cent tax
on amusements.
William C. Gehring, central sales manager,
and W. E. Scott, midwest district sales man-
ager, of 20th-Fox, were here May 9 and 10.
Gehring later went to Kansas City and
planned to fly from that city to California
. . . Eugene Fitzgibbons, 20th-Fox student
salesman, is traveling the various zones in
company with the regular salesmen and get-
ting acquainted with exhibitors and bookers.
He is a son of J. J. Fitzgibbons of Toronto,
president of Famous Players Canadian Corp.
Harry Hynes jr., Missouri salesman for
Universal, is back on the job, having re-
covered from injuries sustained April 15
when his 1942 Ford was sideswiped and
wrecked by a speeding driver near Cape
Girardeau . . . Hugh Nesbitt, St. Louis city
salesman for Universal, has recovered from
the illness that had him off the job for a
couple of weeks . . . F. J. A. McCarthy,
southern and Canadian division manager for
Universal, spent two days here.
Ted Barker, advertising and publicity man-
ager for Loew’s State and Orpheum, will
serve this summer as theatre relief manager
in Kansas City, Terre Taute, Indianapolis
and Louisville. He will take over the Loew’s
Midland, Kansas City, on May 24 and will not
return to St. Louis until September. He will
then be ready for his own vacation.
Flight demonstrations of the Phantom, the
new jet-propelled fighter plane used by the
navy, were shown in Technicolor films at the
St. Louis air fair this week ... A county fair,
with all of the traditional trappings, will be
staged by St. Louis county August 23 through
September 1 on the former parade grounds
at Jefferson Barracks, Mo.
Ralph Gray, amateur motion picture pro-
ducer of Mexico City, will give an exhibition
of his work here next month under the spon-
sorship of the Amateur Motion Picture club
of St. Louis . . . The Globe-Democrat an-
nounced that sound-color motion pictures of
the 1946 soap box derby in St. Louis and the
all-American finals in Akron, Ohio, are now
available for showing at club meetings and
other local gatherings.
Ruby S’Renco, owner of the Art Theatre,
and his daughter Charlotte returned recently
from a five-day trip to New York, where he
met Harry Greenman, manager of the N. Y.
Capitol who formerly managed Loew’s State
and the Fox theatre here. Ruby and his
wife were to leave this week for a vacation
in New Orleans.
Harry Miller has opened his new theatre
in Festus, Mo., the Miller Junior, a 500-seater,
formerly the Idle Hour . . . The Lookies Thea-
tre, Williamsville, Mo., has been closed . . .
Vincent “Red” Rost, owner of the Dixie Thea-
tre in New Madrid, Mo., is doing his part to
relieve the housing shortage by erecting five
homes to be occupied by war veterans and
their families. If materials become available
he may erect later a couple of dozen of the
frame cottages for the GIs.
Doc A. H. Mercier of Perryville is coming
along very nicely despite his long and pro-
tracted illness. He drops in at the Mercier
Theatre from time to time and keeps up with
current happenings in filmdom . . . Louis
Stahl, who at one time operated the Union,
Mikado and other theatres here, and his son
Maury, who was a prominent figure in the
Skouras Bros, organization here, were visitors.
Both now are interested in theatres in New
Jersey.
John Dickson, Elmo, St. Elmo, 111., and
Tilden Dickson, Crystal City, Mo., exhibitor,
are expected back from California this week,
where they went two weeks ago because of the
fatal illness of their mother.
Maryann Kaimann, daughter of Mrs. Ches-
ter S. Kaimann, is engaged to marry William
B. Bache, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carter Bache
of Nanticoke, Pa. She is a granddaughter
of the late Stephen A. Kaimann, who gave
North St. Louis its first motion picture houses.
Her father also was in the motion picture
business.
Robin Theatre Decision
Is Due Soon in St. Louis
ST. LOUIS — Judge Francis Williams has
taken under advisement the new action
brought by the owners of the Robin Theatre,
5479 Robin Ave., to compel the officials of
St. Louis to allow the house to reopen and
operate without further molestation.
Recently the police and fire departments
closed the theatre after Walter H. Kammann,
city fire marshal, and H. H. Baum, building
commissioner, charged that the 30-year-old
theatre did not conform to new provisions
of the city code.
The Missouri supreme court later denied
two applications of the theatre owners for
writs of prohibition against Kammann, Baum
and other representatives of the city and
police. The high court held that the owners
could not take a short-cut for a decision from
that tribunal but would have to file a suit in
the circuit court. Later, of course, either
the owners or the city may appeal.
A major question is whether the code pro-
visions the city is attempting to enforce are
retroactive. The Robin owners contend that
in order to comply they would have to tear
down and rebuild from the ground and their
$40,000 investment would be wiped out.
In the meantime the theatre is dark.
Carlisle Rebuilding Begun;
Will Reopen in 90 Days
CARLISLE, IND. — Rebuilding of the Vivian
Theatre is under way here. The new building
will be made of brick, cement blocks and con-
crete and will have a steel supported roof.
The front will be cream stucco and will be
enhanced by the use of glass. Stairways lead-
ing from the street will give entrance to the
balcony and projection booth. The main
entrance will contain an outer lobby, in which
the concession will be housed, and an in-
ner lobby. Reopening of the Vivian is ex-
pected in about 90 days. Owner of the house
is John Allison of Tell City.
80
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
Cold Weather Drives
Chicagoans to Films
CHICAGO — With plenty of cold weather,
baseball and other outdoor attractions were
not much opposition to show business. Con-
ventioneers gave Loop theatres a good play.
Business was brisk at the Chicago with
Carmen Cavallaro and band on stage plus
the screen attraction “Ladies’ Man.” The
Oriental had a very good week with the
Andrews Sisters heading the stage show, plus
“Michigan Kid” on the screen. “It Happened
in Brooklyn” bowed in great at the United
Artists, and the.RKO Palace did okay with a
twin bill, “Ramrod” and “Susie Steps Out.”
“The Best Years of Our Lives” at the Woods
and “The Jolson Story” at the Apollo were
still going strong.
(Average is 100)
Apollo — The Jolson Story (Col), 19th wk 120
Chicago — Ladies' Man (Para); stage show 145
Garrick — Angel and the Badman (Rep), 2nd wk 110
Grand — The Macomber Affair (UA)., 2nd wk 110
Ld Salle — Born to Speed (PRC); Devils on Wheels
(PRC) 110
Oriental — Michigan Kid (U-I); stage show 145
Palace — Ramrod (UA); Susie Steps Out (UA) 115
Roosevelt — Stallion Road (WB), 2nd wk 110
State-Lake — California (Para), 4th wk 110
Studio — Sins of Bali (Rosenberg); She Devil
Island (Rosenberg), 4th wk 105
United Artists — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM) ....125
Woods — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
20th wk 140
World Playhouse — Carmen (Super Films) 120
Indianapolis Grosses Spotty;
Neighborhoods Cry Blues
INDIANAPOLIS — Business was spotty and
the weather was cold and inclement. Neigh-
borhood theatres complained about poor
grosses.
Circle — Easy Come, Easy Go (Para), plus
Frankie Carle on stage 125
Indiana — Suddenly It's Spring (Para); Fear in the
Night (Para) 100
Keith's — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO) 225
Loew's — Johnny O'Clock (Col); Cigarette Girl
(Col) 85
Lyric — The Egg and I (U-I), 4th d. t. wk 100
Little Disturbance Created
By Quake in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE — The slight earth tremor
felt in Milwaukee and other parts of the state
had little effect on downtown theatres. Sev-
eral patrons left their seats at the Warner
Theatre and wanted to know what was going
on. The large sign at the Riverside, accord-
ing to the management, swung in pendulum
fashion and “seemed to be breaking loose from
its base.” The stage scenery at the Empress
“shook like palm trees in a big breeze,”
Charley Fox, operator, reported.
Fox Switches Managers
BENTON, ILL. — A switch in managers of
the Fox Midwest circuit in southern Illinois
has sent J. Eldon DeSilva, manager for the
circuit’s Capitol and Star theatres here for
the past five years, to Marion, 111., to take
over the direction of the Orpheum and Plaza
theatres. Richard L. Wright, manager of
the Marion houses for the past three years,
is now in charge of the Capitol and Star.
Jeff Theatre Reopens
CHICAGO — The Jeff Theatre in Jefferson
park, closed recently for installation of a new
sound system and screen, has reopened.
C. W. Brooks Buys Marshfield Site
MARSHFIELD, MO. — Land has been pur-
chased here by C. W. Brooks of the Ritz
Theatre for construction of a new showhouse
when building conditions are right.
St. Louis Film Industry
Begins Big UJA Drive
ST. LOUIS — Sparked by a conference with
Barney Balaban, national chairman of the
motion picture division, the St. Louis film
industry participation in the UJA got away
to a strong start at a meeting in the Chase
hotel. The conference was called by Joe
Ansell of the Ansell Brothers circuit, local
motion picture division chairman, when it
was learned that Balaban and Peter Colwin,
UJA national director of trades and industry,
and Sam Shain of 20th-Fox, would be here.
Sixty persons attended the meeting.
Ansell, who left May 10 for California,
appointed Sam Komm, head of the SK cir-
cuit, and Fred Wehrenberg, president of the
MPTOA, to serve as the local co-chairmen
while he is away.
Komm contributed $10,000 and his brother
Lou, president of Southern California Pic-
tures, made an initial gift of $3,000. Edward
B. Arthur gave $1,00(1 and Clarence Turley
$250.
Others who attended the meeting included
Tommy James, Herb Washburn, Maurice
Schweitzer, H. J. Bennin, Charley Goldman,
Nat Koplar, M. L. Plessner, Bob Johnson, A1
Poos, Mat Schulter and Joe Litvag.
Massac Theatres Buys
R. C. Cluster Houses
METROPOLIS, ILL. — The 600-seat Massac
Theatre, erected by Robert C. Cluster of Sa-
lem, 111., in 1938, and the 300-seat Royal
which he purchased in 1940, have been sold
by Cluster to the Massac Theatres, Inc.,
which has been organized by a group of
Metropolis business and civic leaders. Eddie
Clark, who has been managing the two thea-
tres for Cluster, continues as manager under
the new owners. Cluster owns the Globe,
Lyric and Salem in Salem, and the Palace in
Johnston City, 111.
Officers of Massac Theatres are President
Bernard Lurie and General Manager Eddie
Clark with Del Kreuter, Ray Harper, R. D.
Simmons, Lindell W. Sturgis, Lloyd Helm,
John Goodall, J. B. Humma, Ike Foreman,
Fred Benifield, Alfred Benifield, Ray Mitten-
dorf and H. C. Helm as stockholders.
In addition to the Massac and Royal thea-
tre properties the deal included the ground
on Market street on which the old Illinois
Theatre was located. That house, which had
been operated by O. Lessing of St. Louis,
burned several years ago.
The new company plans to remodel the
Royal as soon as possible, adding a balcony
and 100 seats. The balcony for colored people.
Melrose Theatre Remodeled
MELROSE PARK, ILL.— The interior of
the Melrose Theatre here has been redeco-
rated and a new front has been installed.
Cap Guns Now Legal
But Not in Theatres
Madison, Ind. — Madison youngsters
must surrender their “firearms” if they
want to see a motion picture at any of the
local theatres.
The order was issued by all managers
here who resented the competition of-
fered to horse opera greats every time the
shooting began on the screen. The shoot-
ing started after the recent session of the
Indiana legislature legalized the use of
cap pistols.
Now the theatre managers have posted
watchers to see that all toy firearms
are placed on a table near the door.
From the
BOXOFFICE FILES
(Twenty Years Ago)
JNDICATIONS are that the Skouras Bros.
will take over the Loew’s State Theatre in
St. Louis. If this happens, Skouras Bros,
will control the first run situation in St.
Louis practically 100 per cent.
It is known that Skouras Bros, do not look
with favor on the erection of a new 5,000-seat
house in St. Louis by William Fox, as it is
generally believed the city is now largely
overseated. The brothers have discussed the
first run situation with Fox and it is not
entirely beyond the realm of possibility that
some plan may be worked out for Fox pic-
tures without throwing another 5,000 seats
on the amusement world to be filled up twice
a day.
* * #
The lease of the Gayety Theatre, 14th
street and Locust boulevard, St. Louis, has
been sold to Sidney C. Anschell, operator of
the Star and Garter Theatre of Chicago.
The announcement was made by Roy Craw-
ford, vice-president of the Amusement Syndi-
cate Co., owners and managers of the Gayety
. . . Russell Sauvage, 20, associated with his
father, former Mayor William M. Sauvage of
Alton, 111., and Ruth Palmer, a chorus girl
with the Tad Wilkinson Musical Comedy Co.,
were married at Edwardsville, 111., recently.
* * *
Flood relief showsr were given recently by
75 theatres in the St. Louis territory. Most
of the theatres have reopened in the flooded
area.
* * *
The syndicate headed by Frank Sanders of
Edwardsville, 111., has had plans prepared
for a new theatre at Wood River, 111. The
new building will cost about $100,000.
* * *
Negotiations for the continuance of his
Columbia franchise in the St. Louis terri-
tory were concluded this week when Barney
Rosenthal signed a contract with Joe Brandt,
president of Columbia Pictures, for the dis-
tribution of “The Perfect Thirty” in his terri-
tory. Rosenthal has owned the Columbia
franchise in this district since the company’s
inception.
* * *
Stuart Barrie, organist at the Ambassador
Theatre in St. Louis, has signed with Skouras
Bros, for five years . . . The St. Louis Munici-
pal Theatre Ass’n has achieved a record in the
selling of $110,00 worth of tickets for the ninth
annual opera season, to start June 6.
* * *
The new Gem Theatre, Marissa, 111., was
opened April 30 by Frank Finger and Louis
Degen. It is now one of the most modern
theatres in this section of tbp country . . . S.
Sigoloff, through his architect, Otto J. Kreig,
922 Wainwright Bldg., has taken bids on a
new theatre building to be erected at the
southeast corner of 18th and Park avenue,
which will be known as the Elite Theatre.
* * *
Tom McKean, manager of the St. Louis;
FBO office, spent much of the past week in
the territory . . . J. Meador has taken over
the theatre at Macon, Mo. . . . One of the
famous taxicabs used to save Paris from the
Germans in the early days of the world war
was brought to St. Louis to exploit the show-
ing of “Seventh Heaven” . . . The Farmington
Entertainment Co. of Farmington, Mo., plans
to erect a new theatre there . . . The Minden
Amusement Co., Rollin Williams manager,
Minden, Mo., plans to rebuild its theatre at
once . . . Harry Kelley has just purchased
a site on West 12th street, Bentonville, Ark.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
81
CHICAGO
The Jack Benny show, at this writing, looked
like it would top the house record at the
Chicago by almost 10 per cent. There were
sidewalk and lobby holdouts most of the day
and night. Six-and-seven shows a day, plus
alert operation by Co-Managers Ray Thomp-
son and Charles Nesbitt, were important fac-
tors in cracking the record ... A fast date
set by Paramount gave the Chicago Theatre
the midwest premiere of “Calcutta” May 16.
William T. Gilliam, 17, died May 9. He was
the son of Tom Gilliam, 20th-Fox manager
. . . Seymour Simon, lawyer, and Van A.
Nomikos, Allied vice-president and head of
the C.V.N. circuit, have returned from a series
of conferences at the New York headquar-
ters of major film companies. Van Nomikos
is seeking improved clearances for his thea-
tres . . . Spyros Papas, Alliance circuit exec-
utive, went to Washington on an inspection
tour of theatres in that territory.
Great States circuit opened its run of
“Duel in the Sun” at the Colfax, South Bend,
May 15, and followed with the same picture
May 16 at Tivoli, Aurora; Castle, Blooming-
ton; Empress, Decatur, and West, Galesburg.
Matinee admission prices are 75 cents and
evening prices $1, plus tax . . . Edward Lev-
inger, Solomon Glick and S. Pollock have
organized the Amusement Enterprises with
headquarters at 200 Drexel Blvd.
Roy Haines, western division sales manager
for Warner Bros., was in town for a confab
with local branch executives Harry Seeds and
Jack Shumow. He is making a tour of the
midwest territory . . . William Saltiel, who
heads the Chicago-financed Marshall Grant
Productions, and Marshall Grant, producer,
planed to New York to make arrangements
for the film version of the late Damon Run-
yon’s life. A large portion of the film’s profit
will be donated to the Runyon cancer fund.
Cooking school sessions have been resumed
at the B&K Marbro Theatre. Two sessions
were held May 14 and 15, with cooperation of
two neighborhood newspapers, the Austinite
and Garfieldian. Joe Kelly of Quiz Kids
fame served as emcee.
“I Live as I Please,” Italian film produced
by Super Films, is being held over for a
third week at the Annex, the first time in
many years that a neighborhood house has
held a picture more than two weeks.
A deal moving the Chicago premiere of
“Duel in the Sun” into both the State-Lake
and Roosevelt Theatres May 16 gave the Selz-
nick exploitation team, Ted Tod and George
Woods, only a week to stage a worthy buildup.
With the help of B&Kers Jimmy Savage and
Jack Garber, the boys did their best to buck
the limited time for advance opening buildup.
CANDY
NATIONALLY ADVERTISED
BARS TO YOU AT
WHOLESALE PRICES
All Popular 5c <S 10c Brands
- - IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT - -
H. & I. CONCESSIONS CO.
Theatre Concessionaires
1325 So. Wabash Ave.
Phone Harrison 9616 — Chicago 5
Chicago Police Ban
SG's 'Shoot to Kiir
PLAY BALL! TELEVISED— Television
viewers now know it is official that
WBKB will televise home games played
by the Chicago Rockets at Soldiers Field.
Executives of the station and the club are
pictured signing the contract. Left to
right are John Balaban, executive head of
Balaban & Katz in Chicago, and James
H. Crowley, vice-president and general
manager of the Chicago All-American
Football club, seated; and O. O. Kessing,
deputy commissioner of the All-America
Football conference and Capt. W. C.
Eddy, director of WBKB, standing.
One break brought Joseph Cotten to town
May 12, prompting a press party that made
plenteous column copy. “Duel” has been
given a pink ticket by the Chicago police
censor board, which means adults only. Ad-
mission prices are: Morning, $1; afternoon,
$1.20, and evenings, $1.50.
W. Stewart McDonald, vice-president of
Warner Theatres, was in for a confab with
James Cotten, local zone manager. He was
en route east . . . Ben Katz, Universal ex-
ploiteer, arranged for Gov. Dwight H. Green
and Mayor Martin H. Kennedy to address
and “Egg and I” breakfast May 17 on the trad-
ing floor of the Chicago Mercantile exchange.
The breakfast was sponsored by leading or-
ganizations in the poultry and egg industry
in cooperation with Universal-International
Pictures.
Three film features were presented on last
week’s program of the Lake View branch
library’s information series at the library au-
ditorium. On the program were Frank Sina-
tra singing “The House I Live In,” “F.D.R.,”
a depiction of outstanding incidents in the
life of the late President, and “Now the
Peace,” a summary of the aims of the United
Nations.
Owensville Ritz Is Open
OWENSVILLE, IND.— The new 300-seat
Ritz Theatre here is now open. Owners are
Mr. and Mrs. Hollis Bass and Mr. and Mrs.
S. A. Blood.
JOE WEISS
(Formerly with Jack Kirsch Theatres)
EXPERIENCED . . . LICENSED
Insurance and Real Estate Broker
Specializing in Theatre Properties
4060 Milwaukee Ave. Phones: PAL 2102
Chicago 22, 111. LAKeview 5958
CHICAGO — The Chicago police motion pic-
ture censor board looked at 510,000 feet of
film, representing 108 releases, last month
and made 88 cuts. They rejected Screen
Guild’s “Shoot to Kill,” and classified five
for adults including, Monogram’s “The
Guilty,” Super-Films’ (Italian) “Life Begins
Anew,” Clasa’s (Mexican) “There Is the
Detail,” Screen Guild’s “Scared to Death,”
and Teitel’s (French) “Extenuating Circum-
stances.”
Film News Is Interesting
To Readers of Tribune
CHICAGO — Drama, music and motion pic-
ture news ranks high among the popular fea-
tures in the Chicago Tribune, a survey of the
Tribune’s 1946 reader response disclosed last
week.
Tribune readers contacted the newspaper
5,795,048 times during the year, the study
showed, which is an increase of more than
100.000 over the 1945 total of 5,652,301. Inter-
est in Tribune news and features accounted
for 3,199,017 of the 1946 total.
Interest in drama and music figured in
8,516 reader responses. Motion picture re-
views were factors in 6,907 comments or in-
quiries.
$100 License Fees Loom
For Cudahy, Wis., Houses
CUDAHY, WIS. — Theatres in this Mil-
waukee suburb will be required to buy op-
erating licenses under an ordinance proposed
to the city council. There are two theatres
in the community, the 500-seat Cudahy and
the 752-seat Majestic. The proposed ordi-
nance requires a fee of $50 for houses with
less than 200 seats, $75 for those having 200
to 499 seats, $100 for those having 500 to 999
seats, and $200 for those having more than
1.000 seats. The council also is studying an
ordinance to prohibit smoking in theatres.
Ernest A. Goad Is Made
Inspector for Altec Co.
CHICAGO — Ernest A. Goad of Sault Ste.
Marie, Mich., has been made an Altec Serv-
ice Co. inspector for the Chicago district with
headquarters at Iron Mountain, Mich.
Goad, who was projectionist for the Eskin
circuit at Richland Center, Wis., and the Soo
Amusement Co. at Sault Ste. Marie prior to
his employment by Altec, replaces G. B.
Brown, Altec inspector who died two weeks
ago.
Rebuilding Plans Put Off
GRANITE CITY, ILL. — Construction of a
new theatre on the site of the old Rialto,
operated by the Fanchon & Marco-St. Louis
Amusement Co. interests, has been indefinite-
ly delayed due to the government restrictions
on new building, and the high cost of mate-
rials and labor. The old theatre was razed
about three months ago. Plans and specifica-
tions for the new house will be prepared by
Lee Abrams of St. Louis.
Another Bagby Theatre
MADISON, MO. — S. H. Bagby, who op-
erates the Madison Theatre, has opened an-
other theatre in Harrisburg. He also op-
erates a house in Higbee.
82
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
'The Yearling' Opens
Nicely in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE — First run managers who
have been reporting business down as much
as 25 per cent in recent weeks had more
cheerful news last session. Despite cold and
lots of rain, grosses were up generally, though
still nothing to shout about. Neighborhood
business was up, too, the prices proving an
attraction. Among the newcomers in the
showcases, MGM’s “The Yearling” made the
smartest bow. It did 30 per cent over average
at the Wisconsin.
(Average is 100)
Alhambra — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
6th d. t. wk 135
Palace — Dead Reckoning (Col); For the
Love of Rusty (Col) 95
Riverside — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
Step by Step (RKO) 95
Strand — The Jolson Story (Col), 5th d. t. wk 100
Towne — Fun on a Weekend (UA);
Rolling Home (SG) 95
Warner — That Way With Women (WB);
That Brennan Girl (WB) 110
Wisconsin — The Yearling (MGM) 130
Edwards-Harris Circuit
Starts Remodeling Job
FARMINGTON, MO. — Tom Edwards and
Harold Harris have started an extensive re-
modeling program for their circuit of eight
theatres in Farmington, Bonne Terre, Elvins,
Flat River, Ironton, Bismarck, Desloge and
Leadwood. They also contemplate the erec-
tion of two new theatres if and when con-
ditions warrant that step and the construc-
tion costs are reasonable.
To Meet in Mexico City
ST. LOUIS — Before departing for San
Diego by plane May 10, Joe Ansell of Ansell
Bros, circuit, and vice-president of Southern
California Pictures, announced that he will
meet his brother Lou, president, Southern
California Pictures, in Mexico City, on May
18 to participate in the scoring of that com-
pany’s first big production, “Women in the
Night.” Other executives, stars, directors,
etc., of Southern California Pictures will at-
tend the Mexico meeting.
Anderson Incorporates
SPRINGFIELD, ILL.— The Anderson The-
atre Corp., Morris, 111., has filed incorpora-
tion papers with the secretary of state’s
office. It will have 1,000 shares of $100 par
value common stock. Incorporators are F.
W. Anderson, Irma L. Anderson and Daniel
R. LaBar. LaBar is an attorney with offices
at 135 North LaSalle St., Chicago, 111. An-
derson heads the Anderson Theatre Circuit,
118 East Jefferson, Morris, operating some 12
theatres in northern Illinois.
Tax Ceiling Approved
SPRINGFIELD— The Illinois senate has
passed a bill placing a ceiling on 1946 taxes
at 10 per cent above the levies for 1944 or
1945, whichever year was larger, despite the
contentions of opponents that the measure
is unconstitutional. Those counties which
have already collected 1946 taxes would have
to rebate amounts over the 10 per cent ceil-
ing.
Time Extension to Republic
ST. LOUIS — In the $600,000 antitrust suit
of Martin W. D’Arcy, who operated the Shu-
bert Theatre here for a brief period in the
fall of 1942, against Fanchon & Marco, Inc.,
et al., U. S. Judge George H. Moore has
granted Republic Pictures Corp., one of the
defendants, until June 1 to plead.
Fred Wehrenberg, MPTOA President ,
Also Wins Distinction as Banker
Theatres Get Reminder
On Safety Precautions
ST. LOUIS — Fred Wehrenberg, president
of MPTOA, has sent a special bulletin cov-
ering the subject of fire precaution and drills
to the manager of every motion picture thea-
tre in the St. Louis territory.
The bulletin contains the following sug-
gestions :
1. Clear all store rooms, stages and base-
ments of combustible materials, such as
paint, oil rags, gas or naphtha. Paint, oil
rags, gas or naphtha should be placed in a
metal container.
2. Check all fire extinguishers. Be sure
they are in working condition and that they
are in appropriate places and that all em-
ployes know where extinguishers are placed.
3. Familiarize yourself with closest fire
alarm box or fire department number.
4. Check all exit doors before the theatre
opens each day. Be sure they open freely
and that the panic bars are in working con-
dition. Also, that all hasps are open and not
larger than 3 inches.
5. Drill your staff regularly in preparation
for an emergency. Instruct each employe
what to do and what post to take in case of
a fire or an emergency. Also familiarize
them with the nearest fire alarm box and ex-
tinguishers. You and your staff should know
how to control the house lights in the event
of an emergency, to open exit doors, to put
out fires and to handle extinguishers for effi-
cient operation. It will be the duty of the
manager or assistant manager to make an-
nouncement telling everyone to take his time
— not to rush but to walk slowly to nearest
exit.
“This is very important . . . therefore give
it your immediate attention.”
Measure Aims at Integrity
In Biographical Films
SPRINGFIELD, ILL.— A bill to prohibit
the showing of motion pictures which falsely
portray events in the lives of past or present
presidents or vice-presidents of the U.S.,
members of Congress, governors of states,
members of the legislatures of states, or their
wives or children, has been introduced in
the house and will be studied by the commit-
tee on license and miscellany. The bill
(HB 498) sets forth the manner in which
the act is to be administered and provides for
judicial review of administrative decisions.
The act would be administered by a motion
picture investigation commission consisting
of three persons appointed by the governor.
ST. LOUIS — Twenty-five years ago Fred
Wehrenberg was trudging along the streets.
“ — “ making his way to the
Jefferson - Gravois
bank, where he was to
deposit receipts from
his Cherokee and
Melba theatres.
Arriving at the bank,
he found a frantic,
milling crowd of per-
sons in front of the
institution. It was an
old-fashioned “run on
the bank,” a senseless
action growing out of
confusion because the
FRED WEHRENBERG “S ^
lar to that of a trust
company named defendant in a receivership
and which had offices in the bank building.
ORDER OUT OF CHAOS
Wehrenberg rose to the occasion. He
mounted a box, and told the crowd he was,
perhaps, the largest depositor in the bank;
that it was sound financially; that instead
of withdrawing, he was going to put in more
funds. As a clincher, he told his audience:
“I will personally guarantee your deposits
up to a million dollars.”
The effect was electrifying. Virtually
everybody there knew Wehrenberg, from vis-
iting his shows; from his general reputation
as a square-shooter. The “run”’ was broken.
He had not only saved the bank but bene-
fited every other financial institution in south
St. Louis.
Grateful officials voted to make Wehren-
berg a director; he accepted. Later they
made him a vice-president, and he’s held
both offices to this day.
GRATEFUL TRIBUTES PAID
A few weeks ago the St. Louisan, who heads
a circuit of theatres here and is president
of the MPTOA, was tendered a testimonial
dinner at the Missouri Athletic club. Hosts
were the officers, directors and employes of
the bank. He was praised in speeches by the
president and other executives. He has made
many fine contributions to the growth of the
bank, and to St. Louis in general, over this
last quarter century, diners were told.
A cut glass bowl, filled with flowers, was
presented to him and Mrs. Wehrenberg.
Other members of the family were present.
It was a great evening for the showman.
Children's Films Shown at Muncie
MUNCIE, IND. — The Rivoli Theatre here
is now showing films from the MPA Chil-
dren’s Film library.
PRAVU5 mm$ LIKE MAGIC f
' WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Game
AMUSEMENT CO., 831 S. WABASH AVE., CHICAG
■
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
83
MILWAUKEE
prank Fischer, National Screen salesman, re-
A turned after illness . . . Ray Pfeiffer, former
Brillion Theatre operator, is now office man-
ager for R. N. Smith Theatres, Mission, Tex.
. . . Bill Ainsworth, Fond du Lac, planed to
Detroit . . . Irv Arnold, manager of the
Strand, Whitewater, reports installation of
modern projection equipment . . . Eddie Vol-
lendorf of Theatre Service returned from
Florida flashing a suntan of note.
Jack Frackman, who was the first film
salesman to use an automobile in his work
out of Chicago years
back, is about the old-
est branch manager in
years of service in the
Milwaukee exchange
area. He heads the
Republic exchange.
Frackman is well liked
in the industry as
well as in other circles.
His ready smile and
catalog of gags has
long since endeared
him to exhibitors. Bill
Ainsworth, Fond du
JACK frackman Lac exhibitor and pres-
ident of the ITO of Wisconsin & Upper Mich-
igan, tells this one: “I'd been flat on my
back with a serious illness. Could hardly lift
my head. Frackman was in town selling
film and called on me. You know, that So-
and-So took advantage of my condition and
made me sign contracts while lying in bed,
by guiding my shaking hand.”
Jack Yeo opened his Myra Theatre, Pal-
myra, May 16 . . . Mae Dalton, 20th-Fox ad
sales manager, sang with song slides in earlier
days . . . Ann Buffington, secretary to Lou
Elman, RKO manager, collected $25 in a
baseball pool . . . Harry Olshan, Columbia
branch manager, will attend the firm’s na-
tional branch and district managers meeting
in Chicago June 2. Olshan then will drive
to New Haven, Conn., for his son’s graduation
from high school and will bring the graduate
back to Milwaukee. Before doing all this,
Olshan went under the knife at a local hos-
pital.
Jack Bates, Republic office manager, blos-
somed out in a camel hair sports jacket that
has Jack Frackman and Bob Allen work-
ing overtime on their shopping tours . . .
Dave Ross and Lou Orlove of MGM are
reducing . . . Earl Bradley opens a summer
theatre at Cedarville, Mich., May 30. It’s a
civic project . . . “Perpetual Motion” Travis,
general manager of Milwaukee’s newest radio
station, WMLO, was with the 20th-Fox home
office in radio promotion.
Max Wiesner, who has been taking X-ray
treatments in Chicago for a throat condition,
was a Milwaukee weekender and reports
rapid recovery . . . Under the firm hand of
Joe Neger, 20th-Fox manager, Milwaukee just
copped the branch managers drive and all
office personnel gets three weeks’ extra pay
for the effort . . . Johnny Schuyler of the
Delft circuit, Marquette, Mich., recently won
several prizes in target shooting.
Jack Heineman, Towne manager, has a
meeting and recreation room back stage well
under way. Serving a dual purpose, the room
will give Towne employes a much appreciated
resting spot between shifts. Incidentally,
Heineman believes in innovating at least one
physical theatre change each week and pa-
trons tell him they appreciate the policy.
Your scribe was caught amidships on the
Wells street bridge, the span pointing toward
the sky as this Irishman dashed hurriedly
for street level and into the arms of Milt
Abram and Fred Mollwitz of Film Arts. Then
Abram nearly ran over us with his coffee
grinder.
Irv Clumb, Towne Theatre exploiteer, vaca-
tioned . . . Oliver Trampe, Monogram booker,
had a grudge golf match with a Rivermore
swinger . . . Allen Usher, Chicago Para-
mount district manager, and James J. Dono-
hue, New York, central division manager,
were in town.
John G. Kemptgen, MGM manager who is
on leave in an effort to regain good health,
sends postcards from Hot Springs that he is
feeling great and is really resting . . . Speak-
ing of cards, ex-MGM booker Bob Quick ar-
rived the same day Dave Ross received a
“Quick” card from China . . . Arnold Brum
of the Ritz, North Milwaukee, wants all to
know he sat on the chimney, not the flag-
pole, in the last bond drive.
Exhibitors booking on the Row: Barney
Sherman of the Douglas, Racine; Max Krofta
of the Crown, Racine; Sid Margoles, Regal,
Milwaukee; Don Deakin, Dells, Wisconsin
Dells; Mr. and Mrs. Art Brungraber of Sis-
ter’s Bay and Bailey’s Harbor; Nick Michaels,
Main Street, Racine; George Gonis, Liberty,
Milwaukee; Russ Leddy, Orpheum, Green
Bay; Erv Koenigsreiter, Greendale, Green-
dale.
Oscar Morgan, Paramount short subject
sales manager, outlined the 1947-48 lineup
while in town ... A note from Herb Graef,
manager of the Wisconsin Rapids Theatres,
Wisconsin Rapids, informs that Mrs. Hen-
rietta Eckart still operates the Wisconsin,
Rapids and Palace, with Ed Starkey doing
the purchasing.
The Oldtimer’s club, dreamed up by the
writer during a brain wave, is meeting with
good acceptance. A committee meeting with
one key representative each from exhibition,
distribution and projection will sit down
soon and make plans for a membership drive.
Meanwhile, oldtimers, keep your suggestions
THANKING THE GOVERNOR— Harry
Keller (center), U-I midwest field repre-
sentative, thanks Gov. Ralph F. Gates of
Indiana (left) on behalf of U-I and
Keith’s Theatre, for his statewide “Egg
and I Week” proclamation and the co-
operation extended by the Indiana poul-
try and egg industry in connection with
the premiere of the film comedy. Guest
at the “Egg and I” luncheon for 300
chicken and egg producers at the Lincoln
hotel was Marjorie Main, (right), come-
dienne of “The Egg and I.”
coming. The club is restricted to oldtimers
with at least 25 years service.
Charley Hacker, Wisconsin Theatre man-
ager, is taking a few mud baths at Waukesha
. . . Jean Pawlowski, MGM file and mail lass,
buries herself in orange blossoms on June 14
. . . Eddie Gavin, back from the coast where
he competed in the ABC bowling tourney
with Monogram’s team of Charley Trampe,
Ray Trampe and Hank Marino, reports good
Gavin, but poor team bowling.
Charley and Ray Trampe of Monogram re-
turned from Los Angeles via New Orleans and
collected Ray’s wife on the way . . . Plans
for the all-exchange one-day outing, prob-
ably d Clipper trip, are moving along, with
a tentative July date about set. All exchanges
will shutter either on a Monday or Friday
for the affair.
W. C. Fischer of the Campo, Campbells-
port, was in Milwaukee . . . Rosemary Fusso
joined MGM secretarial staff . . . Lorraine
Williams left the 20th-Fox accounting de-
partment and was given a farewell party by
the gang at the Towne room May 16 . . . Bryn
Griffiths, Fox Wisconsin exploiteer, was in
Chicago.
Princess patrons weren’t bothered by a
penthouse fire caused by a short circuit in
the air conditioning unit. Everyone remained
seated while firemen doused the blaze . . .
“Citizen Saint” had its midwest premiere
at the Pabst May 9.
The Alhambra utilized a street standee
with appropriate art and copy reading “For
the Best Years of Your Life, join the U.S.
marines” . . . Joe Klauzer, Fox Wisconsin
northwest city manager, is hard at work on
promotion stunts . . . Bob Gross, manager of
the Drive-In, is reported to have a contract
with the weather man guaranteeing the sun
will shine three days in July.
Speculation on the recent “Cap” Thur-
wachter deal relinquishing the Avon, Park
and Pix Theatres, Waukesha, to other inter-
ests has been confirmed. A new corporation
with L. F. Gran, Standard Theatres head,
A. Weis and C. M. Puls, incorporators, has
been formed. The group will lease, operate,
conduct and manage Thurwachter’s houses,
but the tipsters have it that “Cap” still holds
an interest.
In answer to many queries on why Reve
Spooner of Fox Wisconsin ad department
hasn’t been mentioned here for ages, we’ll
say the lass is lovelier than ever before. There,
I’ve done it again . . . Daylight saving time
in Chicago has local bookers on the spot.
Chicago’s RKO branch roused Walter Blaney,
local office manager, the other a. m., wanting
to know just what time he reached his desk.
Seems they had a rush print call. And
Blaney reaches his post each day at 7:30
a. m.! Bryn Griffiths, Fox Wisconsin ex-
ploiteer, celebrated his natal day by eating
lots of ice cream.
New Seats Planned
PINCKNEYVILLE, ILL.— Extensive remod-
eling and improvements for the Capitol Thea-
tre, operated by T. D. and Charles Beninati,
will get under way soon. Leather upholstered
Kroehler seats of the push-back type are to
be installed, 492 in all, increasing the capac-
ity of the house by 120 seats.
Steel Arrives in Princeton
PRINCETON, IND.— Steel is now arriving
here for rebuilding of the Princeton Theatre,
which was destroyed by fire last August. The
new Princeton will be a block south of the
old theatre and is expected to be ready for
operation in November.
84
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
Work to Begin July 1
On Wabash Theatre
WABASH, IND. — Construction of a new
theatre here, to be known as the Esquire,
will start about July 1. The project has been
approved by the Civilian Production admin-
istration. Plans for the house, to cost over
$150,000 including equipment, were drawn
several years ago but the war held up the
work. The theatre will be on the side of the
old Tremont hotel, which will be razed.
Syndicate Theatres of Ind.
Granted License by FCC
WASHINGTON — Granting of a proposed
radio broadcasting license to Syndicate Thea-
tres of Indiana was announced last week by
the Federal Communications commission. The
new station will be located at Columbus, Ind.
Trueman T. Rembusch, who is the secretary-
treasurer of the company, is also the newly
elected secretary of Allied States. The other
company officers are: Joseph P. Finneran,
president, and Grace Handley, vice-president.
Theatre in Marshall, 111.,
Boosts Seating Capacity
MARSHALL, ILL. — Remodeling of the
Strand Theatre to enlarge its seating capacity
is now in progress. The old balcony is to
be removed and to enlarge the seating on
the first floor the partitions to the north are
to be moved, taking in part of the office
space of J. Earl Finney and the room occu-
pied by the Christian Science church read-
ing room.
C. H. Wieck Takes Charge
Of Viroqua, Wis., Houses
VIROQUA, WIS.— Carl H. Wieck of Plym-
outh has been named manager of the
Temple and Vernon theatres here, succeed-
ing Sidney Scoville, who had managed the
houses for five years. Wieck had been asso-
ciated with the Plymouth theatre for eight
years before taking a position with the Mid-
dleton Theatre two years ago.
Jefferson City Open Airer
Reopens on 7-Day Policy
JEFFERSON CITY— The Highway Thea-
tre, open air house which started operations
here last summer, reopened for the season
May 2. The theatre is presenting two shows
nightly and a double feature every Friday
and Saturday. Admission prices are 35 cents
for adults and 10 cents for children.
To Film Arctic Scenes
KENOSHA, WIS. — Documentary films of
the Caribou Eskimos and the Barren Grounds
Caribou of the north territory of Canada will
be sought this summer by Lewis P. Rasmus-
sen, local wild-life photographer, and his wife
Betty, in a trek that will take them to the
Arctic circle. The couple will leave here in
June, heading for Eskimo Point, one of the
far north outposts of the Hudson’s Bay Co.
Rasmussen last year filmed the Ghost river
section of Canada.
Arrington Theatre Opens
NEW HAVEN, IND. — Tom Arrington’s new
Arrington Theatre here was to have opened
May 13.
INDIANAPOLIS
■pverett Barnes, formerly assistant manager
to Roy Duddy of Fox West Coast circuit
in Stockton, Calif., is the newly appointed
manager at the Ritz here . . . Lonnie Davis,
manager of the Airways, Louisville, has been
transferred to the Airways in Memphis. The
transfer takes Davis back to his home town.
Ward Farrar, United Artists exploiteer, is
in the city arranging the publicity for “Dis-
honored Lady,” which is booked for Loew’s
. . . Rex Carr, general manager of Marcus
Enterprises, spent several days in Dayton
with Albert Pond, former manager at the Ritz
in Indianapolis. Pond has been appointed
manager of the Columbia in Dayton, one
of the Marcus chain houses . . . Mrs. Annette
Kuebler, Jasper, booked.
H. L. Hancock, 20th-Fox salesman, has been
confined to his home by influenza . . . Guy
Craig, Columbia branch manager, spent the
week calling on exhibitors in Louisville and
southern Indiana . . . Bruce Kixmiller, Bick-
nell, bought and booked . . . H. M. Sparks is
building a new theatre in Edmonton, Ky.
Jules Goldman, Warner Bros, office man-
ager, is spending a week in the east on va-
cation . . . J. E. Stuckey, Princess, Cayuga,
was in booking . . . Ben Van Borssum, who
operates the Savoy in Terre Haute, is confined
to a hospital in Terre Haute after an auto
accident. His condition is reported serious
. . . Thomas “Tommy” Goodman, head booker
at Paramount, is the father of a baby girl
born April 13 in the Coleman hospital here.
J. Slutzky, who operates the Paramount
Theatre here, has acquired the Tacoma, for-
merly owned and operated by Albert Acker-
man. The Tuxedo will remain in the hands
of Ackerman . . . R. L. Hudson of the Hud-
son circuit, Richmond, was on Filmrow book-
ing.
J. J. Grady, mideast district manager of
20th-Fox, spent three days at the local branch
. . . Jack Springer of the Alliance circuit,
Chicago, booked . . . W. C. Gehring, central
division sales manager of 20th-Fox, was a
visitor.
Universal-International club was scheduled
to hold its annual summer outing Saturday
(17) at the Shades state park. Thelma Smith,
head of the employes group, had charge of
all arrangements . . . Charles Bowles of the
Victory, Vine Grove, Ky., made his annual
visit to Filmrow.
Fast time began in Bloomington, Ind.,
EXCEED ORPHAN QUOTA — Nick
Johnson, left, of the Strand Theatre,
Manitowoc, Wis., and Bob Guiterman,
right, of the Capitol there collected $2,240
in the Greek war orphan drive. The
Manitowoc quota for theatre men was $80
for each of eight orphans, or $640,
May 12. The city council voted to adopt the
daylight saving time . . . Arthur Clark, Bloom-
ington, was on the Row booking . . . Toy
cap guns are still “definitely illegal” in In-
diana, state officials announced during the
week. State and city police have been given
orders to clamp down on illegal sales or use
of the toy.
Samuel Wheeler, general sales manager of
Film Classics, and Ralph Peckham, local
manager, called on John Doerr, booker for
Alliance Theatres of Chicago . . . J. J. Grady,
mideast district manager of 20th-Fox, called
at the local exchange . . . Isaac T. Sollers,
Covington, bought and booked.
H. L. Hargis of Rockport
Gets Air Conditioning
ROCKPORT, IND. — After waiting more
than a year for delivery, H. L. Hargis, op-
erator of the Rio Theatre here, has received
delivery and installed air conditioning equip-
ment.
To Build in Fairfield
FAIRFIELD, ILL. — Barnes & Pitner have
purchased a site on West Main street here
across the highway from the Strand Thea-
tre and plan to build a new theatre seating
at least 1,000 patrons. The Uptown Thea-
tre here will be closed when the new structure
is completed.
Tax Values Increased
ST. LOUIS — Practically all of the 90-odd
motion picture theatres here will have to
pay taxes as a result of increases in real es-
tate assessments imposed by Eugene M. Guise,
assessor, totaling 100 million dollars. The in-
creases are expected to raise an additional
$2,700,000 for the city.
Matinees Made Flexible
BEAVER DAM, WIS.— The local Odeon
Theatre has adopted a flexible matinee policy.
While normally presenting shows nightly,
with matinees on Saturdays and a continuous
performance on Sundays, the theatre puts on
matinees daily when a picture of special in-
terest is shown.
Capitol Tries Amateurs
JEFFERSON CITY — Durwood’s Capitol
here is featuring a Saturday midnight ama-
teur show entitled “Discovery Night.” The
discovery acts are broadcast over KWOS.
Admission is 50 cents for all seats. One fea-
ture picture is shown.
Sells Hotel to College
COLUMBIA, MO. — Rex P. Barrett, local
motion picture theatre owner, has sold the
Broadway Hotel Bldg, to Stephens college,
which plans to remodel the wooden structure
for use of the college faculty.
Ray Herrington Promoted
NORMAL, ILL.— Ray Herrington has moved
up from assistant manager of the Irvin Thea-
tre to manager of the Normal. He succeeds
Frank Holliday.
Legion Installs Projector
LINDEN, WIS.— The local American Legion
post has installed a projector in the C. A.
Pauli auditorium here.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
85
FERENT
in BOXOFFICE
* *
it
VaHd p.,
O/rt , Jnt0
■ *anri **»<
at /i.
°zezo:>^
I he
e-C:6>
«ej
Shn.^ishZ
They're All Talking
About This Series
► scrib<
^ its fie
|
The most talked-about series of articles
in the motion picture trade press is "Filmrows
of America/' currently running in BOXOFFICE.
Now, for the first time, the story of the men
and women who run the motion picture busi-
ness of the country is being graphically told
in articles written by a skilled staff of field
correspondents and through hundreds of pho-
tographs taken by staff cameramen who are
visiting every film exchange city in the United
States and Canada to photograph the film-
row personalities you read and hear about.
"Filmrows of America" is another special
BOXOFFICE feature — that extra dividend sub-
scribers receive from the No. 1
its field.
magazine in
e<j aJ’ 0[fic
(ed the °Ve'' ‘ii --“in
s? ss 7*
J'aar.
86
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
O. F. Sullivan to Build
Large Wichita Center
K.C. $6,237 Greek Aid
Given Boost by lids
KANSAS CITY — Total exhibitor contribu-
tions and collections for the Greek War Or-
phans Relief drive in the Kansas City ter-
ritory were $6,237.02, Elmer C. Rhoden, area
exhibitor chairman, said this week. Figures
for distributors will be available next week.
Of the exhibitor total, $4,266.64 was con-
tributed by Fox Midwest, $1,686.49 by Com-
monwealth Amusement Co., and $294.41 by
four independent theatre owners participat-
ing in the drive. These were J. A. Becker of
Independence, Mo.; Ray Walsh, Chanute,
Kas.; Leo Hayob, Marshall, Mo., and R. R.
Biechele, Kansas City, Kas.
One of the outstanding fund-raising jobs
was turned in by Stanley Schwahn, Common-
wealth manager in Lawrence, Kas., who tied
up with the city school system on a city-
wide scrap paper drive. A free ticket to the
special matinee was given to each pupil bring-
ing 50 pounds of paper to his school. A total
of 452 children earned ducats by collecting
over 61,000 pounds of paper, amounting to
$370. In addition, 370 tickets totaling $74
were sold and advance ticket sales amounted
to another $26, making a total of $100.80 from
the theatre. All told, a total of 988 persons
were ticket holders, a little over theatre
capacity.
Following the success of this endeavor,
Schwahn said: “The tremendous success of
our drive convinced our superintendent of
schools that we knew how to follow through
to get the job done. Because of this, he
agreed to have his six schools sponsor the re-
maining 12 Kiddy Klassics for 25 per cent of
gross, or five cents on each admission, which
money goes to the sponsoring school each
week for school library and playground equip-
ment.”
Pioneer Is Remodeling
Tracy at Storm Lake
STORM LAKE, IOWA— The old Tracy
Theatre, dark for three years, is being re-
modeled by the Pioneer circuit and will re-
open in a short while. Its opening under a
new name not yet selected will give Storm
Lake three houses. The circuit now operates
the Lake and Vista theatres. Bill Hill is city
manager.
Bunches Shift Lee Policy
NEW LONDON, MO. — Mr. and Mrs. I. L.
Bunch, new owners of the Lee Theatre here,
inaugurated a policy of having three picture
changes a week. The Bunches, who moved
here from LaPlata this month, changed the
name of the theatre from the Gem to the
Lee soon after they acquired it from Mr. and
Mrs. Phil B. Conn last month. Conn is con-
tinuing his circuit of shows in towns in this
area.
L. O. Gill Wins Honor
BELOIT, KAS. — L. O. Gill, manager of the
Beloit Theatre, and his staff consisting of
Donald Clark, Carl Gildersleeve and Helen
Emmot, were named as “showmen of the
month” by Plan It, Theatre Enterprises house
organ. The citation was for their successful
campaign on “Margie.”
Lou DuFour on Job
OMAHA — Lou DuFour has arrived here
with Mrs. DuFour and will take over as RKO
exploiteer in the territory. He succeeds Keith
Bain who recently was transferred to Port-
land, Ore.
Spend Their Vacation So
Others Can Rest Better
Spalding, Net. — James and Richard
Carlin, students at Nebraska university,
spent the week of their recent spring va-
cation here installing seats in the Carlin
Theatre. Paul Semper, Pete Carlin and
Edsel Wibbels assisted in the work.
Merchant Baldwin Buys
Morris Beisner Houses
GLASCO, KAS.— H. W. Baldwin has pur-
chased the local Dream Theatre and the
Delpheum at Delphos from Morris Beisner,
who has been confined to a hospital. Bald-
win, a local merchant, has taken over the two
houses as his first venture in show business.
The Dream has been open about ten years
but the Delpheum has been open only since
Beisner’s return from service.
Superintendent of Schools
Quits, Buys Theatres
MINNEAPOLIS — E. O. Olson has resigned
as superintendent of schools in Deer River,
Minn., to become an exhibitor. At a price re-
ported to be more than $100,00 he has bought
the Grand and West End theatres, North-
field, from Everette Dilley, who is retiring
after 25 years in the show business.
Bonnie to Edgemont Post
EDGEMONT, S. D. — Wayne Bonnie, navy
war veteran, is now managing the Iris Thea-
tre here. The theatre was recently pur-
chased by Bonnie’s father-in-law, L. T. Rade-
macher, from Clarence Calland.
Goes to Two a Week
ANETA, N. D.— Two bills a week are now
being shown by Manager Art Brudvig at the
Aneta Theatre. The theatre operates every
night but Wednesday.
WICHITA— O. F. Sullivan, owner and
manager of Sullivan Independent Theatres,
will build a luxurious 1,500-seat theatre here
at the corner of Douglas and Glendale. Total
cost of the new house and parking facilities
will be approximately $400,000, according to
Sullivan.
The College Hill location, which as yet has
no name, will have a 75-foot front with ground
floor shops on either side. Built around a
frame of structural steel on a heavy concrete
foundation, the house will have 900 seats on
the main floor and 600 in a balcony.
Large foyer and lounges will be features of
interior appointments. Completely air con-
ditioned, the auditorium air will be changed
once each four minutes through a down-wind
feed cooling system. Black light will be used
extensively and concealed lighting will be
used throughout.
Color lighting will be an outstanding fea-
ture on the exterior. At either corner of the
building a tall glass lighting bay with vari-
ous colored lights will constantly blend colors.
The front of the house will be modernistic,
built of monolithic concrete trimmed with
stainless steel.
Sullivan is not new to the theatre business
here. He opened the first suburban house in
the city, the West Theatre on West Douglas,
21 years ago. In 1936 he built the Civic and
in 1941 he acquired the Crawford. In 1946
Sullivan, together with associates, built and
opened the 81 Drive-In Theatre, the first of
its type in the state.
Six From Omaha Attend
Variety Conclave in L.A.
OMAHA— This city’s Variety Club sent one
of its largest delegations ever to attend in-
ternational convention in Los Angeles. Those
who went from the local tent included Joe
Scott, 20th-Fox manager; M. G. Rogers, Film
Transport; Walter Creal, owner of the Bea-
con and North Star; Morris Smead, Council
Bluffs exhibitor and Viking Popcorn Co. of-
ficial; F. A. Van Husen,, Western Theatre
Supply owner, and Meyer Stern.
“HILL COUNTRY” LOBBY— At the Lyceum in Leavenworth, Kas., A. C. Wooten,
manager of the Durwood Theatres house, dressed his usherettes and doorman as “hill-
country” folk and placed a liberal supply of “jugs” throughout the lobby a week in ad-
vance of his playing “Singin’ in the Corn.”
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
MW
87
DES MOINES
T/en Waggoner, owner of the theatre at Wil-
ton Junction, Iowa, has started showing
his own newsreels. Each month he shows a
reel of local happenings, filmed with his own
camera. The shorts have met with much en-
thusiasm in his community.
Julius Geertz, Davenport theatre manager,
is in St. Luke’s hospital in that city, re-
covering from a major operation . . . A. J.
McGough, MGM exploiteer, was in Minne-
apolis for the funeral of his uncle, Frank
Mclnerney, well-known newspaper man in
the Twin cities.
Thelma Parsons of Osceola and Mr. and
Mrs. A. M. Black of Knoxville were among
the visitors on the Row . . . Ralph Maw, field
assistant to Burtus Bishop jr., midwest di-
vision manager, was a visitor at MGM.
Royce Winkelman, former manager of the
King Theatre in Albia and now manager at
Charles City, visited in Albia. His family is
remaining in Albia until a house can be lo-
cated in Charles City.
L. R. Falkoff, home office representative,
was a visitor at PRC this week . . . Betty
Cheeham, former employe at Republic, visit-
ed that exchange recently . . . Thelma Jolliffe,
manager’s secretary at Republic, spent the
weekend at her home in Havelock, Iowa.
Ludy Bosten, Fox partner at Muscatine and
owner of West Liberty, Columbus Junction
and Wapello, Iowa, theatres, is busy making
furniture for his lake home in northern
Minnesota . . . John Koletis, exhibitor in Rock
Island, is on an extended vacation in Hot
Springs . . . Butch DeFrenne, Nate Sandler,
Gordon Halloran and G. Ralph Branton are
attending the Variety Club convention in Los
Angeles.
Oscar A. Morgan, New York short subject
manager, was in Des Moines attending a sales
meeting at the Paramount exchange. Also
here for the meeting was District Manager
R. C. Libeau . . . Helen Hanson and husband,
Alfred, of MGM, spent the weekend in Minne-
apolis and Marie and Melvin Butcher jour-
neyed to Ames. Gwen Helverson, MGM in-
spector, is on a 90-day leave of absence be-
cause of ill health, and will spend the time
in California.
Phyllis Whistler, MGM, spent last weekend
in Omaha attending a sorority convention
. . . Mrs. W. H. Eddy, wife of the exhibitor
at Indianola, is in Lutheran hospital here
with a broken hip stuffered in a fall.
Columbia exchange here had new booking
booths installed last week . . . Oscar Galanter,
booker, spent two days in Minneapolis last
week . . . Betty Orr has resigned her po-
sition at Columbia.
Ruth Cook, secretary to Mel Evidon, will
leave on a five-week vacation May 24. She
and her husband plan an extended trip
through the south and west, coming home
by way of Yellowstone park . . . Dick Geis-
singer, Columbia shipper, is the father of a
daughter, born last Monday morning.
Waiting for a phone call at RKO was
salesman Sol Yeager, anticipating the stork’s
visit, also. The office staff at RKO had a
baby shower for Mrs. Yaeger a week ago . . .
Rose Kershner, contract clerk at RKO, has
resigned her position to await the birth of
her baby in July.
Filmrow extends sympathy to Rose Mary
Mazza, Columbia, whose mother died May 10
. . . Arnie Sharpin, Columbia booker, spent
the weekend in Minneapolis . . . Mary Pratt
is a new employe at the RKO exchange . . .
Harold Lyons, 20th-Fox salesman, who will
be married May 20 to Dorothy Abrams, was
guest at a bachelor party Sunday night in
the Kirkwood hotel.
Theatre Manager Is Fined
For Shielding Employe
DUBUQUE, IOWA— Edgar T. Horn, 31, de-
scribed by police as a theatre manager, for-
feited $10 bond here last week in police court
for violation of a law covering resistance to
a police officer.
When police went to the theatre to pick
up a juvenile for questioning, they said, Horn
told them he had never heard of the boy and
that he did not work there.
After nabbing the youngster as he attempt-
ed to slip out another door, and learning not
only that he did work in the theatre but
had been hired by Horn himself, officers
charged Horn with interfering with police.
Plays Opposite Colman
Signe Hasso has been ticketed for the
femme topline opposite Ronald Colman in
Universal’s “Imagination.”
COMPLETELY NEW
HORKY’S CAFE
Bigger and Better Than Ever
— Featuring 'Delish' Steaks
1202 High St. Des Moines, Iowa
“Where Filmrow Friends Gather"
Open Daily at 4 p. m.
Jn advance oj its times . . .
The new Motiograph MODEL “AA”
"The Golden Anniversary Projector"
Des Moines Theatre Supply Co.
1121 High Street
Des Moines, Iowa
Telephone 3-6520
88
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
Archeologist Floyd Schultz of Kansas
Left Exhibition to Take Up Shovel
CLAY CENTER, KAS.— Oftentimes
environment moms a man’s career,
mat of Floyd Scnultz, local exhibitor
ana archeologist, is no exception. Hav-
ing lived most of his life in the heart of
Kansas Indian-relic territory, it seems
somewhat natural to assume that
ocnuitz as a boy would find his curiosity
greatly aroused over the bits of stone
and bone easily uncovered in that area.
It was not until 1926, however, that
the well-known Kansas exhibitor be-
came seriously interested in archeology.
Until that time, Schultz had spent 15
years as an active exhibitor. Begin-
ning his career as a showman while
working for the Union Pacific railroad
in Grand Island, Neb., Schultz picked
up much of the “know how” from J. J.
McCarthy, part owner of the Lydia
Theatre there and film salesman out
of Kansas City.
Schultz opened his first theatre, the
Rex, here Sept. 1, 1911, running inde-
pendent film served from the Swanson
Film exchange in Denver. The present
Rex building was opened Nov. 9, 1920,
and stands today as one of the town’s
fine showcases.
After operating the Rex for about two
years, Schultz sold his theatre interest
to the Shanburg interests in 1928 and
began taking up his earthly searches in
earnest.
Interested in the American Indian
since cnildhood, it was only natural
that the exmuitor should locus ms at-
tention on eariy Indian civilizations in
western and central Kansas. His first
lencs came from the Wounded Knee
uattielieid near Junction City and the
prehistoric past of the lower republican
river valley soon became his favorite
territory for exploration. Very mucn
interested in tne arts, crafts and cere-
monials of the prairie branch of tne
Pottawatomies near Holton, Kas.,
Schultz does serious research here with
motion picture and still cameras as well
as an archeologist’s standard tools.
Hundreds of photographs and several
thousand feet of 16mm motion pictures
are now in his files.
Utilizing his experience and his pho-
tographic records, Schultz has written
several articles for books and maga-
zines. At present he is collaborating on
a new book with Dr. Albert C. Spalding,
head of the archeology department at
the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
A popular speaker, Schultz has spoken
at high schools and to nearly every cul-
tural group within 150 miles of Clay
Center.
An exhibitor, a stamp collector, pho-
tographer, railroad mechanic, Floyd
Schultz still finds the early American
Indian his favorite topic.
Heavy Mill City Play
For Foreign Films
MINNEAPOLIS — Because of their marked
improvement in quality and boxoffice value,
foreign films are in record demand in this
territory, whereas a few years ago most of the
territory’s exhibitors fought shy of them like
poison.
The improvement in the quality and box-
office worth of foreign pictures has caused
the World, local sure-seater, to revert in part
to its original policy of devoting a large part
of its season to them. Other first run houses
also are playing a considerable number of
them.
In recent years, the World has been largely
a moveover house, playing American films
almost exclusively. A few months ago, how-
ever, it played “Brief Encounter” for three
weeks to big business and its current attrac-
tion is “Open City,” which is also getting a
large play from the public. Ted Mann, who
now is operating the theatre, has announced
he will go to New York later this month to
try to clinch deals for more foreign product.
Among the foreign pictures that have done
well at the Minnesota Amusement Co. and
RKO Theatres first run houses recently are
“Wicked Lady,” “Notorious Gentleman” and
“Bedelia.”
Neighborhood exhibitors also are grabbing
up the foreign pictures eagerly. A factor, of
course, has been the decreased production of
Hollywood pictures, causing somewhat of a
product shortage.
Foreign films regarded as unsuitable for
regular theatres are getting a play from the
University Film society at the University of
Minnesota which is offering them at the
campus theatre or auditorium at an admis-
sion scale usually a trifle lower than that
of the downtown houses. A bid is made for
general public patronage through newspaper
advertisements.
Harold Russell Appears
In Hire-Disabled Picture
OMAHA — Academy award winner Harold
Russell drew more space in the local press
than any film actor to visit here in recent
years.
There were two front page stories and a
series of eight picture page pictures in ad-
dition to those on the front page. Mr. and
Mrs. Russell were accompanied by George
Wesseman of the Goldwyn office. They were
met here by Lou DuFour, RKO exploiteer.
Russell spoke to the Junior Chamber of
Commerce Greeters over KFAB at a Kiwanis
luncheon and visited Boys Town.
He also went before the camera again — but
this time as a payless actor to boost the
campaign of hiring disabled veterans. RKO
arranged for Russell to act in a documentary
film produced by the Omaha office of the
Nebraska state employment service. Man-
ager Russell A. Hand said the 35mm film
will be completed in about two weeks. It will
be shown to Omaha civic clubs to illustrate
the desirability of hiring the disabled.
Columnist Says Reissues
Are Getting Out of Hand
MINNEAPOLIS — At a time when three
Loop first run houses were playing reissues
of pictures that were not too highly re-
garded. when originally released, Bob Murphy,
Minneapolis Star screen writer and colum-
nist, expressed the opinion that “maybe this
reissue thing is getting out of hand.”
North Central Allied also has been prompt-
ed to claim that public resentment at the
flood of reissues is starting to make itself
felt at the boxoffice. It charges that cus-
tomers actually are being driven away from
theatres.
Heads of NCA point out that they do not
mind an “occasional” reissue of a picture
“worthy of revival” and they concede that
during the past several years some of these
have been boxoffice aces. They feel, how-
ever, that reissuing is being carried to excess
and is detrimental to patronage.
Deceptive advertising in connection with
some of the reissues is also drawing criti-
cism. This has to do with the occasional
failure of some theatres to make clear in ad-
vertising that the reissue is an oldie and
also with efforts to create the impression
that bit players, stars today, have important
roles in the revivals.
For some time, too, North Central has been
charging “profiteering” prices for the re-
issues.
Art Solomon Transferred
CHILLICOTHE, MO. — Art Solomon, local
projectionist, has been transferred to Ros-
well, N. M. Solomon is employed by Theatre
Enterprises, Inc.
Professor at Minnesota U
Writes Prize Film Yarn
MINNEAPOLIS — The novel “The King’s
Men,” in which Columbia bought the film
rights on a cash and percentage deal expected
to yield the author and publishers more than
$200,000, is from the pen of a University of
Minnesota professor, Robert Penn Warren.
The deal was made immediately after 'the
book received the Pulitzer prize award as the
year’s best novel. Reversing the usual pro-
cedure, Prof. Warren adapted the novel from
a play written by him several years ago.
The University of Minnesota Theatre gave
the play its world premiere here a few weeks
ago. The play has not been sold yet.
New Gaylord Owner
GAYLORD, MINN.— Keith Beluhery is the
new owner of Gaylord’s Legion Theatre. He
purchased it from Ralph J. Erwin and Wood-
row W. Jones.
•BEAT* EVERYTHING
FOR THRILL* f
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Game
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT CO., 831 S. WABASH AVE., CHICAG
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
89
MINNEAPOLIS
The Northwest Variety Club contingent at
A the convention in Los Angeles included Ben
Blotcky, Paramount manager, a former chief
barker here; Johnny Branton, Minnesota
Amusement Co. executive and present chief
barker, and exhibitors Abe Kaplan, Sol Toro-
dor, Sidney Volk and Will Levy.
Bill Sears, veteran showman, who was man-
ager of the Orpheum here for many years, is
now owner and operator of a combination
suburban motel-restaurant outside of St.
Paul. He is continuing his Minneapolis resi-
dence.
Harry Hirsch, lessee of the Alvin Theatre
and associated with boxing, wrestling and
roller derby, was ticket chairman for the local
Texas City benefit show. Jimmy Fidler, radio
columnist, came here from Hollywood to act
as master of ceremonies . . . After 13% years
with MGM here, in recent years as a booker,
Helen Paasch has resigned to devote herself
to domestic duties. She and her husband are
en route to Los Angeles on a vacation trip.
George Granstrom, circuit owner, left for
his northern Minnesota estate which he ac-
quired from the W. A. Steffes estate . . . Mel
Turner, MGM head booker, became the father
of a baby girl. It’s their second child, the
other one being a boy. It makes George
Turner, the MGM salesman, a grandpa sec-
ond time out,
A contingent of Warner officials were here
this week. It included Roy Haines and Harry
Seed, western division sales and district man-
ager, respectively; Bernard R. Goodman,
supervisor of exchange operations, and Her-
man Goldberg, supervisor of buildings.
Dolores Sarell is the new MGM booker sec-
retary . . . Bob Murphy, Star and Journal
critic, reports that Guy Lombardo, who played
at Radio City Theatre here last week, earned
the nod as probably the most cooperative
band leader ever to hit town. Besides 30 or
so shows, Lombardo kept so busy with extra
appointments, and without complaint, he had
no chance to eat a full meal until four days
P
O
P
c
o
R
N
QUALITY HYBRID
PRODUCED FROM KANSAS
AND INDIANA APPROVED
VARIETIES
EXCELLENT POPPINC
CONDITION ASSURED ON
ALL SHIPMENTS.
WRITE
FOR QUOTATIONS ON L.C.L.
AND CARLOAD SHIPMENTS.
F.A. MANGELSDORF SEED CO.
ATCHISON, KANSAS
SPRING BRIDE — Margaret Elaine
Workman, daughter of W. R. Workman,
MGM manager in Minneapolis, was mar-
ried recently at the Church of the Annun-
ciation there to Dwain C. Lund. College
classmates were bridesmaids. A wedding
reception was held at the Workman
home.
after he got here, and he had only 37 minutes
to gobble that, according to Murphy.
The small son of Ralph Maw, MGM district
manager, is the 88 -pound bantamweight box-
ing champion of his school. He won the title
in a recent tournament.
Among the audience at a 7:30 a. m. break-
fast that M. A. Levy and Jack Cohan, 20th-
Fox district and branch managers, respective-
ly, gave as a preliminary to the invitation
screening of “Boomerang” at the Century
Theatre were some 100 lawyers and policemen.
They were invited along with exhibitors be-
cause the picture has to do with police and
lawyers. The invitations, designed by Walter
Hoffman, exploiteer, were in the form of
legal summons.
S. G. Lebedoff, former veteran exhibitor
here and always prominent locally in ex-
hibitor activities, has joined the California
Independent Theatre Owners Ass’n. He plans
to enter the business on the west coast. Mar-
tin Lebedoff, his son, is handling his local
theatre interests.
Motion pictures here will have opposition
from a series of six free Minneapolis Sym-
phony orchestra concerts at the Municipal
auditorium. The concerts are being sponsored
by the local AFL musicians union and seats
will be available on a “first come, first choice”
basis. Orchestra members will receive full pay,
all costs of the concerts being covered by a
$10,000 fund which the union here has re-
ceived from the national body as its share
of recording royalties. The city council is
renting the auditorium to the union at “cost,”
amounting to $350 a concert. Evening con-
certs will be on May 16, 19, 24 and 28 and
afternoon concerts May 18 and 25.
Gordie Greene, one-time Minnesota thea-
tre (now Radio City) manager, is seeking
license to built a de luxe theatre at Golden
Valley, a suburb.
54 Houses Will Open
With 'Duel' June 20
MINNEAPOLIS — Motion picture history
will be made here June 20 when, for the first
time, two loop first run theatres, the Minne-
sota Amusement Co.’s Century and Lyric,
play the same picture, “Duel in the Sun,”
day and date. The picture will be scaled 90
cents to 5 p. m. and $1.50 thereafter, tax in-
cluded. “The Best Years of Our Lives” is
presently scaled similarly.
On June 20-24 other Minnesota Amusement
Co. theatres and 26 independent houses in
the territory also will open with the picture
day and date. The deals were set by Charlie
Weiner, local Selznick manager.
Weiner reports he had no difficulty in
selling the picture, although its asking price
is 60 per cent, one of the highest for any
film to date, and despite the fact that some
of the buying combines are balking at the
terms.
There is one current deal stiffer than that
on "Duel in the Sun.” “Best Years” is get-
ting 70 per cent.
Like “Best Years,” the presentation of “Duel
in the Sun” will be on a continuous showing
schedule with no reserved seats despite the
advanced admission prices.
Minneapolis Grows Bold
In Theatre Advertising
MINNEAPOLIS — Some of the theatres here
are becoming increasingly daring in their
newspaper advertising. What undoubtedly
are close to new highs were chalked up the
past week.
Ads on “The Outlaw,” which this week
concluded a highly profitable three-week run
at the Lyceum, boasted: “The Legion of
Decency has condemned this picture; 79,381
persons saw it the first two weeks. Now
you see it and judge.”
“Open City,” playing at the World to big
business, also went in for the sensational.
All of its newspaper ads contained the Life
quote: “Its plain sexiness has seldom been
approached by Hollywood.”
Will Jones, Tribune film critic, comment-
ed that it is “unfortunate” that the World
management “has seen fit” to advertise the
Italian film in that manner.
Towns in Duluth Area
Hear MPA Lecturer
DULUTH — The Motion Picture Ass’n of
America seeks only the best in entertain-
ment for its patrons, but prefers its own
censorship rather than governmental regula-
tions, said Dr. Irvin E. Deer, MPA lecturer,
speaking before service and luncheon clubs
in Duluth and notheastern Minnesota com-
munities.
Dr. Deer, speaking at Hibbing, was intro-
duced by Arthur Molstad, State Theatre man-
ager.
Added Dr. Deer: “To deprive the motion
picture industry of its right to pass judgment
on the product of its manufacturers would be
depriving this industry of the freedom ac-
corded to the press and speech, a right all
Americans hold dear.”
Republic Takes Screening
To Northeast Nebraska
OMAHA — Branch Manager Harry Lefholtz
of Republic is sending a screening out to meet
the exhibitor to add a new twist to the pub-
licity for a Roy Rogers picture. He has ar-
ranged a special northeast Nebraska screen-
ing of “The Bells of St. Angelo” to be held
at the Plains Theatre, Plainview, Neb., May
20. Claude Craig owns the theatre there.
90
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
From the BOXOFFICE Files
• • •
(Twenty Years Ago)
pRED WILLOUGHBY, Heywood-Wakefield
A representative, “lost in Oklahoma flood
district” for six weeks, returned to Kansas
City this week . . . M. M. Holstein is now
with the MGM sales organization in Kansas
City. He was transferred from the Dallas
branch. He formerly was manager of the
Oklahoma City office.
Jennie Krum has been appointed non-
theatrical representative for Pathe. She has
been with the organization about nine years
. . . Roy Churchill, FBO manager, left for
Chicago to attend the annual sales conven-
tion . . . The new Missouri Theatre, St. Jo-
seph, Mo., will open about the middle of
May. Among the features will be a Wurlitzer
organ . . . C. M. ^ays is contemplating a new
theatre at Great Bend, Kas. . . . Bernard C.
Cook of the Economy Film Service and
Doctor Zoglin have taken over the Ritz and
Mullikin theatres at Springfield, Mo. Walter
Fenney will manage both houses.
Rassliri Reptiles at the Regent
Left: Beverly Miller, Ed Mansfield, M. G. Shackelford and Virgil Pettigrew (in
order named) survey the alligator tank in the Kansas City Regent lobby. Right, Miller
(left) and Pettigrew wrestle an alligator out of a truck trailer.
* * *
Truly Wildman, former manager of the
Enterprise branch in Kansas City, called on
friends. He. was on his way to Dallas, where
he is manager of the Warner office . . . The
First National gang in Kansas City is all
agog over “Babe Comes Home,” a film star-
ring Babe Ruth and Anna Q. Nilsson. They
say Babe is a great surprise — he really can
act . . . F. M. Baxter, who joined Enterprise
sales force recently, has the northern Kansas
territory.
•k * *
Barney Dubinsky of Jefferson City was a
Kansas City visitor recently . . . The Ocaso
Theatre, 50th street and Prospect avenue,
in Kansas City, opened recently . . ■. The
Garden Theatre in Kansas City will close a
few weeks to install a new cooling and ven-
tilating system . . . W. H. Flynn, represent-
ing the National Film Boards of Trade, was
in Kansas City. He discussed bicycling.
* * *
Business has been at a new high level re-
cently, reports T. F. Cole, manager of Na-
tional Theatre Supply Co. in Kansas City . . .
W. J. Fowler of the company is handling the
Raven halftone screen on his own and he
had sold one of them to the new Rockhill
Theatre in Kansas City.
* * *
R. E. Churchill, manager, and William Ben-
jamin, special representative, have returned
from the Film Booking Offices sales conven-
tion at Chicago . . . Bill Warner, First Na-
tional manager in Kansas City, has purchased
a new Cadillac coupe ... Ed Safier, special
representative for Warner extended run pro-
ductions, was a Kansas City caller . . . Eph
Rosen, branch manager for Tiffany, was out
in the territory last week . . . The Orpheum
Theatre has closed for the summer season
. . . Art Levy, feature representative for
Pathe, was in southern Missouri last week.
* * *
Beverly Miller has succeeded D. Sydney as
manager of the National Screen Service in
Kansas City. Miller comes to Kansas City
from Chicago. His home is in St. Louis. He
will cover the entire Kansas City territory.
* * *
Vitaphone will make its initial presentation
in Kansas City on June 11. The film feature
will be “Don Juan,” with John Barrymore.
The entire accompaniment will be played
through the Vitaphone by the Philharmonic
orchestra of New York.
Glen Kready Buys Theatre
HOPE, KAS.— W. I. Lakey has sold his
Movi-Land to Glen L. Kready of Garnett.
The new owner will not change Lakey’s policy.
KANSAS CITY— Beverly Miller enjoys this
kind of thing (see above) : By trade Bev is
PRC district manager in Kansas City, but by
the looks of the exhibition that occurred at
the Regent Theatre one day last week, Miller
should be a ’gator tamer— if he had time,
that is.
From the far south Okefenokee swamp,
PRC obtained two live alligators, one about
seven feet long, the other a little larger, to
use at the opening of “Untamed Fury” at two
Kansas City situations. The day of the open-
ing, Miller and his assistants — M. G. “Shack”
Shackelford, PRC manager in Kansas City;
Ed Mansfield, manager of the Regent, and
Knopf Sells at Humboldt
HUMBOLDT, S. D.— The Legion Theatre in
Humboldt has been sold by J. K. Knopf of
Sioux Falls to Alan Johnson of Montrose. The
theatre has shows Saturday, Sunday,
Wednesday and Thursday.
Peaceful 'Gator Puzzles
Caretaker Bev Miller
Kansas City — Two live alligators gave
Beverly Miller, PRC district chief, quite a
tussle here over the weekend while being
transferred to local theatres for exploi-
tation on “Untamed Fury.”
But even nice quiet alligators bothered
Miller last week. When the two reptiles
arrived from the Okefenokee swamp area,
Miller and his cohorts at PRC transferred
them to the back yard of the Miller home.
After one of them broke loose and pro-
ceeded to chase his “keeper” all over the
yard, Miller felt his ’gator troubles were
at an end.
In the long run it was the second critter
that caused trouble. This one was the
placid silent type. In fact for a long
while it didn’t even move. A hasty call
to the curator of reptiles at the local zoo
convinced Miller that everything was all
right; after shipment, an alligator may lie
quietly, never moving, for a long period.
But at the end of three days, the ugly
brute began to emit a highly unpleasant
odor. Again worried that all was not
well with his pet, Miller called a veteri-
narian. Dr. Heinz Goldman took a deep
breath, winced, and breathed again. A
brief examination was all that was neces-
sary to determine the ’gator’s condition:
it was dead, and had been for three days!
Virgil Pettigrew, assistant director of the
Kansas City zoo— took one of the ’gators to
the Regent, prepared to load him into a tank
in the lobby.
During the transfer, throngs gathering to
witness the hair-raising maneuver saw a
demonstration of expert ’gator control on the
part of Miller and Pettigrew, who had just
a thin rope between life and mince meat.
Once inside the theatre, more ropes were
added to the jaws of the monster and he was
flipped into his tank with a minimum of
water-splashing and sign-ripping. No casu-
alties were reported and a good time was had
by all.
Film Gives British Methods
With Juvenile Delinquents
KANSAS CITY— British Consul H. Cotton
Minchin and Mrs. Minchin recently invited
representatives of interested organizations to
attend a private showing of “Children on
Trial” at the local YWCA. The film is a
16mm documentary dealing with British meth-
ods of handling juvenile delinquents in ap-
proved schools. About 100 attended the screen-
ing but part of the value of the film’s mes-
sage was lost because of technical troubles
and the difficult English-accent dialog. Con-
sul Minchin said the film would be available
for showing in this area on payment of a
five-dollar fee.
Open Star in Lucerne, Mo.
LUCERNE, MO.— O. T. Hughes, local post-
master, and Dr. G. A. Dale, local physician,
have opened the Star Theatre here in a lo-
cation formerly used for roadshows only.
With 243 seats in the newly redecorated brick
building, Hughes, who operates the house,
shows films Wednesday and Saturday nights.
The Star is Lucerne’s only theatre.
Skidmore Theatre Sold
SKIDMORE, MO. — Forrest White, owner of
theatres at Elmo and Burlington Junction,
has acquired the Skidmore Theatre here. Un-
like the former operators of the Skidmore,
White will use 35mm film.
New Sound at Summit
KANSAS CITY — Commonwealth Amuse-
ment Co. closed the local Summit Theatre
Thursday in order to install all new RCA
sound and projection equipment.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
91
KANSAS CITY
ic’d Bellew, United Artists exploiteer, was in
town to work on “Dishonored Lady,” which
opens soon at Loew’s Midland. Now in Louis-
ville, Ky., he will return in the near future
. . . Ed Lawson, exploiteer for “Henry V,”
recently finished arrangements in Tulsa for
booking the British film in this area. “Henry
V” played in Kansas City several months ago.
Jack Stewart, northern Kansas salesman
for Universal some 12 years ago and now
general manager of
Allied Theatres of
Michigan in Detroit,
was in town with his
wife and visited Ralph
Morrow, city salesman
at U-I, during the stop-
over of the Variety
Club special train en
route to the national
conclave in Los An-
geles.
Paul Mooney, Na-
tional Screen public
relations official from
JACK STEWART New York, was a visitor
in the local office last week while on his way
to the AITO convention in Omaha . . . Hall
Walsh, Warner Bros, district manager from
St. Louis, arrived last Monday night to talk
with Russell Borg, local manager.
Virginia Gaylord, former booker with Uni-
versal here, is now associated with Selznick
Releasing Organization at 608 R. A. Long
fi„tonjU°2ZL
THEATRE INSURANCE Specialist
Serving You Since 1918
Till* and Trust Bldg.
Kansas City 6, Mo.
TRAILERS
Your Own Copy
Sudden Service — —
HAL PARKER STUDIOS
Vi-So Productions
1719 Wyandotte Kansas City, Mo.
TALKING TRAILERS, LOBBY PAPER
AND MATS
Write, Wire or Phone
PENNINGTON POSTER SERVICE
130 West 18th Phone: GRaiid 862S
Kansas City 8, Mo.
Bldg, as secretary and booker. R. R. "Tommy”
Thompson, also formerly of U-I here, is man-
ager . . . Ethel Wilson, stenographer at PRC,
is now Mrs. William Clark. Julie Cresswell
of Universal was maid of honor at the cere-
mony Sunday.
Mrs. Peggy Nelson is District Manager C.
W. “Ching” Allen’s new secretary at UA . . .
Republic screened “That’s My Man” Monday
morning . . . Don Davis of RCA left last
Thursday for Denver . . . Lydia Wilson, biller,
and Dorothy James, switchboard tender, left
Universal this week for their annual vaca-
tions.
M. G. “Shack” Shackelford, PRC exchange
manager, and Beverly Miller, district chief,
conducted a sales meeting in the local office
last weekend. Attending were Gene Snitz,
city salesman; Harlan Everett, booker; John-
ny Johnson and A1 Lies of Wichita; Alvin
Denebeim of the local office, and Chauncey
Erickson of Topeka.
W. C. “Bill” Gehring, central division sales
manager for 20th-Fox, was in the local of-
fice Monday. Local
employes say he looks
very well since his se-
rious operation i n
March . . . A1 Adler,
Metro resident man-
ager, is struggling with
jury duty this week.
Joe Simon and Tom
Baldridge of Plexer
Theatres in Memphis
called Bernie Evens,
MGM publicist, during
the Variety Special
w. C. gehring stopover here Satur-
day. Baldridge spent an hour visiting at the
BOXOFFICE publication offices . . . Charles
Schlaifer, 20th-Fox head of exploitation, ad-
vertising, radio and publicity, who worked
for Abe Blank in Omaha at one time, went
through on the Chief en route to Los Angeles.
Spyros Skouras and Tom Connors, two
other 20th-Fox biggies, went through via Con-
stellation en route to the west coast Tues-
day night . . . Oscar A. Morgan, general man-
ager of Paramount’s short department, was
here Tuesday and Wednesday conferring with
Ralph C. LiBeau, district manager, and Ray
Copeland, branch manager.
Helen McNaron, booker at RKO, married
Roy Thomas last Saturday . . . Nadine Gar-
rett, stenographer at National Screen, re-
turned from a chilly vacation in Colorado
. . . Annabell Dix, NSS print control clerk,
left for her vacation this week . . . Frances
Wansch, cashier at Republic, suffered the
loss of her father here May 4.
Visiting NTS during the week were T. A.
Spurgin of the Moderne in Stanberry, Mo.;
Eugene C. Musgrave of the Ritz, Minneapolis,
Minn.; A. E. Jarboe, Ritz, Cameron, Mo.;
Charles Fisk, Fisk, Butler, Mo.; Mr. and
Mrs. John Travis, Carl, Carl Junction, Mo.;
Forrest White, Rex, Burlington Junction, Mo.;
Max P. Shelton, Cozy, Girard, Kas., and
Curly Wilson of Fox Midwest in Excelsior
Springs, Mo.
National Theatre Supply’s new telephone
directory is now available at the local office
. . . Leo Hayob of the Marilou in Marshall,
Mo., stopped in at Republic early in the week
. . . PRC’s three midwest exchanges (Kansas
City, Des Moines and Omaha) were three
of the eight branches throughout the country
that turned in records over the quota for
May 2 in the Harry Thomas sales drive. The
performance was repeated for the week of
May 9, incidentally.
Myron Talman, assistant manager of the
Newman, arranged a very attractive set of
windows at Berkson’s, utilizing Teresa
Wright’s original costumes from “The Im-
perfect Lady,” playing during the week at his
theatre. The display went in the day before
the opening and remained for the week’s run
. . . Talman also arranged a special screening
of “Blaze of Noon” for post office employes
Monday night. Alexander W. Graham, post-
master here, was among the 35 persons at-
tending.
Filmrow is now graced by a model agency
at 1719 Wyandotte. Under the name of the
Robert Glenn Holland agency, the firm will
supply models, male and female, for all pho-
tographic needs . . . Bob Howard, manager
of Durwood’s State Theatre in Jefferson City,
was in the home office last Tuesday . . .
Mrs. Jack Braunagel was filling in at the
Durwood office Tuesday.
Don Walker, Warner Bros, exploiteer, was
in San Francisco on business during the week
. . . Bill Jeffries, WB booker, was on vaca-
tion . . . Walter Lambader, local Screen Guild
chief, left for the firm’s convention in Los
Angeles . . . Eddie Golden, MGM city sales-
man, has a new 1947 Mercury convertible
with all the latest gadgets and trimmings.
Ben Blotcky, Paramount manager in Min-
neapolis and formerly of this city, passed
through Monday
night en route to Los
Angeles. During the
time between trains,
Blotcky visited A. F.
“Peck” Baker at his
farm west of Over-
land Park . . . Ben
Marcus, Columbia
district overseer, was
in Minneapolis early
in the week.
Clinton Weyer, sec-
retary of National Film
BEN BLOTCKY
Carriers, flew in from
Denver to see Earl E.
Jameson on matters pertaining to National
Film Service. Weyer left Wednesday for-
Philadelphia . . . Gladys Penrod, secretary
FLAMEPROOFING
POP CORN BOXES
CHEMICALS
10c Size
with Vinyl-Resinous Base
Will not Stain or Powder Off
ATTRACTIVE DESIGN
Applied by
IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT
Experienced Applicators
or sold wholesale only.
All Work Guaranteed
THE CHEM-O-SCIEN CO.
¥
Paper Supply Co.
807-A E. 31st St. Kansas City 3, Mo.
VAlentine 3765
505 Delaware Street
¥
KANSAS CITY 6, MO.
STEBBINS for WEBER
Syncroiilm
Projectors and Sound Equipment
In your service since 1899
STEBBINS THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
1804 Wyandotte St., Kansas City 8. Mo.
Clyde Badger, Manager
In your service at Stebbins since 1906
92
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
to Arthur Cole at Paramount, is on a two-
week siesta in Arizona . . . Milt Overman,
PRC exploiteer, was in Denver early in the
week.
“Duel in the Sun,” David O. Selznick’s
long awaited epic, will open here at Loew’s
Midland some time next month, according
to Howard Burkhardt, theatre manager. No
definite admission price has been set . . .
Clarence Schultz, president of Commonwealth
Theatres, has taken over the southern di-
vision chairmanship for the King of the Sun
contest following the resignation of Rex
Barrett ... Ed Mansfield and his boys had
a great time at Excelsior Springs during their
city district meeting of Commonwealth man-
agers last week.
Good Newcomer Lineup
In Minneapolis Week
MINNEAPOLIS — The best lineup of new-
comers in several months brought good busi-
ness. “The Farmer’s Daughter” led the field,
followed by “The Macomber Affair,” “Song
of Scheherazade” and “Open City,” all meri-
torious offerings. There were only two hold-
overs, the smallest number in a long time,
“The Outlaw” and “Alexander’s Ragtime
Band” being in their third and second weeks
respectively.
Aster — Unexpected Guest (UA), Hard-Boiled
Mahoney (Mono) 90
Century — Alexander's Ragtime Band (20th-
Fox), reissue, 2nd wk - 100
Gopher — Calendar Girl (Rep) 90
Lyceum — The Outlaw (UA), 3rd wk -.100
Lyric — Stella Dallas (FC), reissue 100
Radio City — The Macomber Aifair (UA) 115
RKO-Orpheum — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO) 150
RKO-Pdn— The Sea Hawk (WB); The Sea Wolf
(WB), reissues 100
State — Song of Scherherazade (U-I) 120
World — Open City (Mayer-Burstyn) 140
Water From Open Faucets
Floods Theatre in Iowa
EMMETSBURG, IOWA— The Iowa Theatre
here suffered damages amounting to several
hundred dollars when water from two open
faucets in a lavatory in the women’s rest-
room flooded most of the theatre last week.
So much water poured into the theatre
that it was ankle deep on the carpeting in
the lounge, the restroom and corridor. The
stream swept out into the street and down
the gutter.
Most of the damage was to carpeting and
walls. The taps were left open by a patron
who also failed to remove the plug in the
lavatory drain.
Harding Buys at Bison
BISON, S. D. — The Timber Lake Theatre
has been purchased from Mrs. Lee Elder by
Henry Harding of Dupree, owner of the West
River Telephone Co. Mrs. Elder has been
operating the theatre since the death of her
husband early this year.
Paul Phillips Buys Soldier
SOLDIER, IOWA — Paul Phillips of Onawa,
projectionist at the Iowa Theatre there for
several years, has purchased the Soldier
Theatre here from Conrad Evenson.
Satisfaction — Always
Missouri Theatre Supply Co.
L. J. KIMBRIEL. Manager
Phone GRand 2864
115 W. 18th Kansas City 8, Mo.
“HARVEY GIRLS” AWARD — Ludy
Bosten, city manager for Fox Midwest
at the Uptown in Muscatine, Iowa, was
second place winner in a national con-
test, sponsored by MGM and the World
Publishing Co. of Cleveland, in connec-
tion with book promotion on “The Harvey
Girls.” Here, Mayor Elmo Ferguson, left,
presents a $50 check to Bosten for his
exploitation.
Third prize was also from this area,
going to Willis Shaffer, manager of the
Orpheum in Atchison, Kas.
Grind House's 'Fury'
Doubles Usual Take
KANSAS CITY — Surprise of the week was
the outstanding business at the Regent, down-
town grind situation, which played “Un-
tamed Fury” on a double bill. At regular
prices, which are lower than those of the
A houses, “Fury” ran up a score of 200 per
cent. In the regular downtown first run lo-
cations, the second week of “The Yearling”
was high with 110 at Loew’s Midland. Ex-
cept for the third week of “Carmen,” a
French release at the Kimo, business was
slow throughout the city.
Although no average has been set for the
Esquire under its new solo policy, Leon Rob-
ertson, Fox Midwest city manager, said that
business there on “The Westerner” was about
25 per cent above the Tower’s gross under a
somewhat similar policy.
The Dickinson circuit, owners of the neigh-
borhood Tampico, which has been aning the
chain’s Kimo in a foreign film policy, an-
nounced this week that the former Spanish-
American house will revert to its original
policy May 26, leaving the Kimo as the city’s
only theatre playing foreign product other
than Spanish-American releases.
New attractions moving in at midweek were
“Boom Town” and “The Mighty McGurk” at
the Midland, “Blaze of Noon” at the Newman,
“Tarzan and the Huntress” and “Easy Come,
Easy Go” at the Orpheum, and “Carnival in
Costa Rica” at the Fox Midwest day and
date locations. New foreign films were “Be-
delia” at the Kimo and “Ravaged Earth” at
the Tampico.
(Average is 100)
Esquire — The Westerner (Film
Classics), reissue Avg. not set
Kimo — Carmen (Superfilm), 3rd wk 150
Midland — The Yearling (MGM), 2nd wk 110
Newman — The Imperfect Lady (Para) 85
Orpheum — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
Accomplice (PRC), 2nd wk 100
Regent — Untamed Fury (PRC);
Land of the Lawless (Mono) 200
Tampico — The Baker's Wife (Siritzky-
International) 110
Tower, Uptown, Fairway — The Late
George Apley (20th-Fox) 100
Air Conditioning for Mainstreet
BELOIT, KAS. — The application of George
Werts for permission to air condition the
Mainstreet Theatre has been approved by the
city council.
Minneapolis Meeting
On MPF Is May 19
MINNEAPOLIS — John Balaban, official of
Balaban & Katz Theatres, Chicago, will be
the principal speaker at the Motion Picture
Foundation luncheon at Hotel Nicollet here
May 19. Harry B. French is acting chairman
of the organizing committee for the Minne-
apolis film exchange territory which includes
Minnesota, the Dakotas and eastern Wiscon-
sin.
The luncheon has been arranged to elect
a local panel of 17 for the Foundation, being
organized to help those who are in need with-
in the industry because of sickness, old age
and misfortune. A further aim will be to
foster worthy projects in fields of research,
science and education.
Balaban, a member of the national commit-
tee on organization, will explain details of the
project which will encompass everyone in all
phases of the industry.
More than 100 will attend, representing all
fields and including theatre owners and em-
ployes, distributors and theatre equipment
companies, as well as union representatives.
In addition to French, members of the local
area organizing committee include Bennie
Berger and S. D. Kane of North Central Al-
lied; M. A. Levy, 20th-Fox district manager,
and Harold Field, independent circuit owner.
Bill Mussman Promoted
MINNEAPOLIS — Ben Blotcky, Paramount
manager, has announced the appointment of
Bill Mussman as sales manager. Mussman
has been covering the northern Minnesota
territory. His successor in that area has not
been named yet.
POPCORN . . Best Quality . . Guaranteed Volume
Paper Lined Bags — From New Processor
$9.25 per 100 Lbs., FOB. Kansas City
THEATRE SUPPLT
reue • company •
217 W. 18th St. Kansas City 8, Mo.
IMH UirPTIDM
STAGE EQUIPMENT COMPANY
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
93
OMAHA
■Dalph Maw, MGM district manager and
field assistant to the division manager, was
in the city . . . Bernard Goodman, New York
City, superintendent of Warner Bros, ex-
changes, arrived here for a day . . . Marvin
Graybeal, manager of the Capitol in Sioux
City, found himself in the same boat as a
number of other veterans and was forced to
buy a house there.
Harold Schnoonover, exhibitor in Aurora,
Neb., is remodeling a building there for a
theatre. He also will have three apartments,
which should help relieve the housing short-
age .. . Hazel Jensen, RKO biller, will be
married June 15 to Dwane Brown. Both live
in Council Bluffs and will be married there.
Harold Johnson, U-I manager, did some
pinch-hitting in the western Nebraska terri-
tory for salesman Phil Monsky, who has been
ill. . . . Mort Ives, Columbia booker-office
manager, left during the week for a vacation
at his old home, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Mrs. Joe Jacobs, wife of the Columbia man-
ager, is out of the hospital following an
operation and is reported recovering “nicely”
at home . . . Georgiana Berry has joined
Universal-International in the contract de-
partment . . . Roy Casey, 20th-Fox cashier,
spent the Mother’s day weekend at his home
in Cherokee, Iowa.
Jack Schweidelson, owner of the local Cass
Theatre, was at a decided disadvantage in
dealing with the distributors during the week.
He had a number of teeth removed . . . Bar-
bara Cohen, 8, daughter of Universal Sales-
man Ed Cohen, received her first communion
and was confirmed by the archbishop at St.
Margaret-Mary’s.
Quality Theatre Supply had a display of
the new series of DeVry projectors at the
AITO convention here. The machine was
brought here from Chicago . . . Lucille Soien-
son, secretary to Manager G. E. McGlynn at
MGM, is vacationing . . . Another MGM em-
ploye, inspector Ruby Swetala, is spending
her two weeks housecleaning . . . William
Miskell, Tri-States district manager, was in
Des Moines Monday.
Visitors along Filmrow included: W. F.
Groth, Schuyler; Cliff Sherron, Genoa; C. E.
Bradshaw, Clay Center; Carl Johnson, Red
Oak, Iowa; Edward Gannon, Schuyler; Jo-
seph Chantry, Osceola; R. V. Fletcher, Hart-
ington; Frank Good, Red Oak, Iowa; Elmer
Wulf, Kingsley, Iowa; John Preston, Hum-
phrey; Mel Kruse, Pierce; Robert Thompson,
Honey Creek, Iowa; Harold Schnoonover, Au-
rora; Jack Riggs, Central City; Earl Cow-
den, Sidney, Iowa; Otto Einspahr, Clay Cen-
ter; Harold Dunn, Valentine; William Bache,
Davenport, Iowa; Mudge Robinson, Blair, and
Nick Lysinger, Grand Island.
The Omaha Movie club chartered a special
train to attend the tulip festival in Pella,
Iowa . . . Another $1,000 from children’s mati-
nees in the territory for benefit of the
Children’s Memorial hospital has been re-
ported by Meyer Stern, drive chairman for
the Variety Club. Final report will come in
about two weeks.
Jake Rachman, local drama critic, says
that Norfolk, Neb., soon may be the site for
a world premiere. It is the home of Sharon
McManus, new child screen find . . . Seven-
teen straight home games by the Omaha
Cardinals of the revised Western league won’t
help receipts of theatres here and in Council
Bluffs this month. Early baseball crowds
have been good.
Mary Lindy has replaced Hazel Deines at
the Paramount information desk. The latter
was moved to the contract department, suc-
ceeding Rosaline Hendersen, who resigned . . .
Catherine Nodean, MGM shipper, was home
ill. . . . Lou Kozal', Tri-States Theatres artist,
has moved his office from the Orpheum to
the Omaha Theatre.
That long-pending deal between Cliff Sher-
ron and Tom Kenyon for Tom’s new Genoa
Theatre, Genoa, Neb., apparently has gone
through . . . Joseph Weiss, Warner Bros,
booker, who is now on vacation, will marry
Mary Barberick of Omaha here July 12 . . .
The Ballantyne Co. has a record shipment of
theatre equipment headed for India this
month.
Republic Closes Deals
With Minnesota Chains
MINNEAPOLIS — Joe Loeffler, Republic
manager, has closed circuit deals for his
company’s product with the Minnesota
Amusement Co. (except in Duluth, Fargo
and Superior) and Theatre Associates and
Frank Mantzke’s Northwest Theatres, com-
prising practically all of the important cir-
cuits and many of the leading individual
situations.
In Duluth, Republic product goes to the
Granada Theatre; in Superior, Wis., to the
Beacon, and in Fargo to the Isis.
With the entire Repuhlic output already
disposed thus, Loeffler is confident that
the local branch will set a 1947 sales record.
Outdoor Shows Arranged
WILMONT, S. D. — Perry Masek, Madison,
Ohio, new owner of the Trading Post at Hart-
ford Beach near here, has made arrange-
ments with Walter Aschwege to show out-
door movies near the Trading Post on Sun-
day evenings and on special occasions during
the summer.
ATOMIC CONTEST WINNER— Winner
of the “Beginning or the End” contest
sponsored by MGM and the Orpheum
Theatre in Wichita, Kas., Edward Shan-
non, right, is greeted in Washington by
Senator Arthur Capper of Kansas. Be-
cause of his prize-winning essay, “What
to Do With the Atomic Bomb,” Shannon
was awarded a three-day, expenses-paid
trip to the nation’s capital where he was
shown the sights by Brock Whitlock, pub-
licity director of Loew’s Theatres, and
spoke with Capper and Commissioner
W. W. Waymack of the Atomic Energy
commission.
'Besi Years' Jaunty
After Four Weeks
DES MOINES — “The Best Years of Our
Lives” finished its four week here Thursday
(15), still going strong. Manager Jerry Bloe-
dow reported the final week of the record
breaker was 25 per cent better than normal.
Here is the way the picture was received
in Des Moines: First week, 300 per cent;
second week, 200; third week, 100. Thus the
average for the four-week showing was 180
per cent, or nearly double that of a normal
week at the Orpheum. An interesting fact
was the showing in the final week — 25 per
cent better than the third week. Bloedow ex-
plained this spurt was due, in part, to the
personal appearance here of Harold Russell
May 9, 10.
Last week proved a good one at the Para-
mount, too. “Sea of Grass” did 105 per cent.
The Des Moines offering, “Smash-Up,” was
slightly below expectations.
(Average is 100)
Des Moines — Smash-Up (U-I) 95
Orpheum — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
4th wk. 125
Paramount — The Sea oi Grass (MGM) 105
Films Are on Program
Of Youth Conference
KANSAS CITY — A Youth Conference will
be held here on May 22 and 23 at the re-
quest of Mayor William E. Kemp. Mayor
Kemp will convene the Conference, the first
to be held in Kansas City, in the Council
Chamber on the 26th floor of the City Hall.
After a brief session those attending the
Conference will divide into ten groups to
discuss the preconference studies which have
been made during the past few months con-
cerning youth’s stake in 1) the Church,
2) Home, 3) School, 4) Case work and Guid-
ance, 5) Recreation, 6) Law Enforcement,
7) Juvenile Court, 8) Movies, Press and
Radio, 9) Health, and 10) Housing, Legisla-
tion and Employment.
Dr. Franc McCluer, president of Westmin-
ster college at Fulton, Mo., will speak at the
luncheon on that day to be held at 12:30 in
the YMCA, after which the groups will re-
convene to continue their deliberations and
make recommendations for future action in
Kansas City to assure the fullest development
of youth as good citizens. These recommen-
dations will be presented at the closing ses-
sion of the Conference on Friday, May 23,
when Attorney General Tom Clark will give
an address at 10 00 a. m. in the Music Hall.
Mrs. Harold Marshall, secretary of the com-
munity service division at the city hall, is in
charge of arrangements. Invitations have
been sent out to civic organizations by the
Central Co-Ordinating Youth council, over
the signature of Charles J. Epp, chairman.
All meetings are open to the public.
20th-Fox Drive to Mark
M. A. Levy's 25th Year
MINNEAPOLIS— Jack Cohan, 20th-Fox
branch manager, has designated the com-
pany’s annual sales drive from May 3 to
August 30 a Morton Levy silver anniversary
campaign. This is a tribute to the district
manager’s 25th year of service with 20th-
Fox.
M. A. Levy, known to the boys as Moe,
has been salesman and branch manager and
presently is district manager. He was branch
manager at the exchange here before being
promoted. He headquarters in Minneapolis.
Cohan said the entire booking staff will
act as drive captains, with Ben Lander, head
booker, and Glen Roberts supervising. Among
the releases during the drive will be “Home-
stretch,” “Mother Wore Tights,” “The Ghost
and Mrs. Muir” and “I Wonder Who’s Kiss-
ing Her Now.”
94
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
Silver and Finkel Head
Pittsburgh Foundation
Wood Protests Tax
As Discriminatory
COLUMBUS — Creation of a new tax and
discrimination against city theatres in favor
of circuses, baseball, dog tracks, race tracks,
outdoor theatres and other amusements out-
side city limits would be among the results
of repeal of the present 3 per cent state
admissions tax, P. J. Wood, secretary of the
Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio, said
in an open letter to house members of the
Ohio general assembly.
“Up to now theatres have absorbed the
state tax,” said Wood, “but in the event
that the statewide levy is repealed, any local
admission tax in excess of 3 per cent will be
passed on to the public, thus creating a new
tax. While the repeal of state tax will bene-
fit theatres and other amusement enterprises
in some counties, the eventual result will
be to impose a new tax on the theatregoing
public in those cities which enact local ad-
mission taxes.”
“No provision is made in house bill No.
398 for the right to tax amusement enter-
prises such as circuses, baseball, dog tracks,
race tracks, outdoor theatres, etc. outside of
municipal corporations or on state-owned
property, which now pay the 3 per cent tax.
Permitting cities to impose their own amuse-
ment taxes will result in a hodgepodge of
tax rates in the same county. As a matter
of fact, in many instances only the width of
a street will be the difference between a
taxed theatre and an untaxed one.”
Wood pointed out that since film theatres
in Ohio contribute 75 to 80 per cent of the
present state admission levy, any change in
the law is of vital concern to theatre owners.
He said that repeal would only partly solve
financial difficulties of cities and that it
would be unfair to place the entire burden
upon the customers in one line of business.
He urged house members to support senate
bill No. 250 under which the state would con-
tinue to collect the admissions tax but return
the same to the county of origin.
Stathis Takes Over Century
COOPERVILLE, MICH.— Mr. and Mrs.
James Stathis, operators the last five years
of the Century soda bar and bowling alleys,
now have leased the entire Century Bldg.,
including the beauty shop and the Century
Theatre, from owner T. H. Hefferan. They
will take over management of the theatre
June 1.
PITTSBURGH — The importance of the Mo-
tion Picture Foundation was stressed by the
approximately 70 representative members of
the industry who participated in organizing
the local area’s panel. The immediate na-
tional goal is a fund of $10,000,000, which may
be multiplied tenfold in later years. The
interest will be used for hospitalization and
for welfare of needy members of the indus-
try. Funds of MPF will supplement present
welfare or pension plans and will encourage
those companies which have no retirement
fund to make such provisions. Future plans
include scholarships, hospitals and all-indus-
try welfare activities.
No experience in the history of the industry
will compare in public relations to the good-
will possible under the MPF organization and
its successful enterprise and operation, said
those in attendance.
SILVER NAMED TRUSTEE
Here is the “who’s who” on the Pittsburgh
area panel:
National trustee — M. A. Silver, Warner cir-
cuit zone manager.
Chairman — Morris M. Finkel, Pittsburgh,
president of the AMPTO of W. Pa.
Members of the committee:
John H. Harris, general manager of the
Harris Amusement Co., ice show producer and
founder of Variety Club International.
Samuel A. Fineberg, Monogram manager.
Michael Manos, circuit head.
William J. Blatt, general manager of Blatt
Bros, circuit.
Fred A. Beedle, Canonsburg exhibitor and
AMPTO vice-president.
Perry Nathan, National Screen Service Co.
manager.
L. M. CONRAD ON COMMITTEE
James B. Clark, Pittsburgh and Braddock
exhibitor and a veteran in distribution and
production service.
L. M. Conrad, Meadville, 25 years a thea-
tre manager.
Bert M. Stearn, president of Cooperative
Theatre Service, licensing and booking or-
ganization.
Robert S. Coyle, owner of the Coyle Thea-
tre, Charleroi.
George H. Sallows, general manager of the
Morgantown (W. Va.) Amusement Co. and
vice-president West Virginia Theatre Man-
agers Ass’n, Allied group.
George Notopoulos, son of the circuit op-
erator.
James H. Alexander, theatre supply exec-
utive.
Morris L. Lefko, RKO manager.
David Kimelman, Paramount manager.
Robert H. Klingensmith, BOXOFFICE rep-
resentative at Pittsburgh, was named secre-
tary.
Allison Promises Full Support
To Motion Picture Foundation
ALTOONA, PA.— For a score of years an
advocate of the industry building an inner
organization for the purpose of protecting
members in event of sickness and death, R.
Allison, director of the Rivoli and Hollywood
circuits, pledged his support to the Motion
Picture Foundation. Since his film distribut-
ing days with Paramount more than 20 years
ago, Allison has recommended an organized
philanthropy to provide aid, relief and serv-
ices to those members of the industry in need
of such welfare.
“We have seen enough happen in both ends
of our business in the past 20 years that
should have prompted us to take action on
this important matter long before this. It is
unnecessary to enumerate specific cases,
where, if we hadTiad such an organization,
we could have done a lot of good for people
who have suffered both physically and fi-
nancially for lack of funds,” Allison states.
IATSE lo Meet June 15
PITTSBURGH — William Thompson,
IATSE’s fourth district secretary and busi-
ness agent for Local 171, and Irwin Turner
will represent this local as delegates to the
annual Tri-State Ass’n convention, IATSE,
in Uniontown, Pa., June 15. A large rep-
resentation of 171 members will attend.
Detroit Colonial Remodeled
DETROIT — The Colonial Theatre here, ace
house in the Midwest circuit, has been re-
modeled.
INDUSTRY FIGURES AT GOVERNOR’S MANSION— Luncheon
guests at the Pennsylvania executive mansion in Harrisburg the
other day included Fred J. Herrington, secretary of the AMPTO of
W. Pa., second from left, who with Mrs. Herrington will be honored
on the occasion of their golden wedding at a banquet in the William
Penn hotel, Pittsburgh, the evening of Wednesday, June 4. Gov.
James H. Duff is at the head of the table, and to his right are the
lieutenant governor and Douglas Beck, RKO exploiteer, formerly
of Pittsburgh, now stationed in Washington. Between Herrington
and Governor Duff are Adjt. Gen. Frank W. Weber of Beaver Falls,
and Harold Russell, handless veteran and winner of two Academy
awards for his performance in “The Best Years of Our Lives.”
ME
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
95
Savoy Retains Nostalgia
Two Sisters Now Operate Famous Louisville House
MRS. GRATIA B. LOCKE
By J. RAYMOND MATTINGLY
LOUISVILLE — According to legend, there
has never been a lull in the brilliant history
of Louisville’s Savoy Theatre. Certainly there
is no lull in its activity today, say the two
sisters who now operate the stately old house.
The Savoy had its beginning as the “old
opry house” at the turn of the century and
was in its heyday years later as the Bucking-
ham, when it was the home of burlesque and
the headquarters of a Louisville political ma-
chine. It was then a local institution whose
fame spread to all of Kentucky and beyond.
RETAINS OLD APPEARANCE
Through the years the theatre has under-
gone many changes and improvements (in
fact, it is now being redecorated and re-
carpeted), but it still retains its old form of
architecture and old-fashioned appearance.
It is still unique, too, in that it is today
solely under the ownership and active man-
agement of two sisters, possibly the only
women in Kentucky who claim such an en-
terprise.
The sisters who are partly responsible for
the growth and success of the new Savoy are
Mrs. Mary Williams and Mrs. Gratia Blake
Locke. The Savoy was inherited from their
father, Col. C. B. Blake, in 1940, and soon
thereafter, through progressive planning and
hand work, they managed to purchase the
building housing the theatre.
ONCE A BURLESQUE HOUSE
According to Mrs. Williams, their biggest
job has been to lift the theatre from its
earlier role as the home of burlesque shows
to that of a reputable motion picture thea-
tre. Through perseverance and a love of the
theatre they managed to weed out all unde-
sirable elements and to build the reputation
of the theatre up to its present day position.
Both Mrs. Locke and Mrs. Williams are
members of the Kentucky Ass’n of Theatre
Owners, in which they take an active part.
At the associations 1946 convention they were
the only women exhibitors present.
Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Locke both received
their early training in theatre management
from their father. According to Mrs. Locke,
MRS. MARY WILLIAMS
Colonel Blake turned from a college profes-
sorship to managing theatres after World
War I. Mrs. Locke’s first job was as pianist
in the orchestra. When sound equipment
was added, she operated the sound track,
which called for accurate timing with the
schedule for synchronization of sound and
film. On numerous occasions she ran the
complete projection equipment.
Just inside the lobby of the new Savoy is
a “cry room.” This room in the days when
the theatre was the Buckingham, was a
favorite spot where a well-known political
machine did business.
The old bar, with its long mirrors and
chandeliers, has been closed off from the
main part of the building for several years.
However, the boxes are still present — the
boxes where ladies could sit behind lace
curtains to watch the burlesque shows with-
out being seen by the rest of the audience.
In the boxes still are the pushbuttons which
were formerly used to summon the waiters
for drinks and other refreshments during
the performances.
STAGED WRESTLING SHOWS
For quite a number of years the theatre
staged big time wrestling shows.
The theatre now serves as a sort of a day
nursery. Mothers often bring their pre-
school-age children to the show while they
do their shopping. Ushers look after the
tots and see that they remain in their seats.
In addition to managing and directing the
theatre, the sisters also operate a conces-
sion that handles popcorn, candy and ice
cream. “It’s almost as remunerative as the
show,” commented Mrs. Williams.
The Savoy has the distinction of having the
newest and latest type of projection and
sound equipment. Several weeks ago com-
plete booth equipment consisting of Motio-
graph model AA projectors and Motiograph-
Mirrophonic sound was installed.
During Derby week many out-of-town
Derby visitors visited the Savoy. Many told
the sisters they used to come to the Buck-
ingham ye.ars ago and wanted to go inside for
another look at the place and to recapture
pleasant memories of years gone by.
'Green Grass' Filming
On Ohio Fairgrounds
LANCASTER, OHIO — Fairfield county’s
historic fairgrounds and nearby Mount
Pleasant will be the setting for 20th-Fox’s
version of Mary O’Hara’s new novel, “The
Green Grass of Wyoming.” The new film,
about horses and racing like Miss O’Hara’s
earlier stories, “My Friend Flicka” and
“Thunderhead,” will bring to Lancaster 125
actors and technicians from Hollywood for
the entire month of June.
The Lancaster fair board agreed to permit
the studio to use the fairgrounds without
charge during filming of the outdoor scenes,
the film company to pay for track main-
tenance and all other expenses incidental to
conducting a harness race meet which will
be run in conjunction with the filming.
Opening scenes will be taken from the sum-
mit of Mount Pleasant, which overlooks the
fairgrounds.
Several trained horses from Hollywood and
60 other trotters from Ohio and surround-
ing states will compete in the harness races.
Dr. Hugh M. Parshall of Urbana, Ohio, lead-
ing reinsman in the U.S., will have a promi-
nent part. Lancastrians will be admitted free
to the amphitheatre and grounds to provide
the crowd background for the filming of the
picture.
Although the locale of the O’Hara story is
Wyoming, Lancaster is to be the name of the
town in the film. Plot of “The Green Grass
of Wyoming” centers about the romance be-
tween a girl, whose father is a horse trainer,
and her sweetheart who buys a horse and
races it against her father’s track favorite.
In the book, saddle horses compete but the
film changes the events to harness races.
Selections for leading roles will be an-
nounced soon.
Running Theatre a Snap,
This Outsider Believes
CLEVELAND — From the outside looking in,
running a theatre is as easy as A B C. Every-
body thinks he can do the job at least as
well, if not better, than the chap who is
doing it. It looks so easy that, according to
the outsider, it takes no specialized knowl-
edge.
The other day Nat Wolf, Warner zone man-
ager, received the following letter from a
man who evidently wants to get into the act.
The letter says:
Dear Sir:
I am thinking of going into motion picture
show business and I have been told that you
handle the equipment there are several
little town around here that does not have
a picture show so I am thinking if I can get
the equipment I would show about 2 nights
in each little town a week the projector
would halft to be a portible one. Now I don’t
know any more about this business than a
hog knows about Sunday. What is it going
to cost me to get started with and outfit
that is dependible I mean a complete outfit.
One that shows the pictures does the talking
shoots the doins up in real cowboy picture
hopeing to hear from you soon I remain,
(signed) Earl Mayhugh,
Armstrong Mill, Ohio.
Rogers Take Over Center
LA CENTER, KY.-Mr. and Mrs. Floyd
Rogers are the new managers of the Center
Theatre here. Mrs. Rogers is handling the
tickets and floor and Rogers the projection
booth. They replaced James Ferguson and
Buddy Roach.
96
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
CINCINNATI
'Farmer's Daughter'
Hit in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH — RKO’s charming “Farm-
er’s Daughter” in a smaller capacity theatre
outgrossed any attraction in the Golden Tri-
angle and was continued on view. Another
winner was Columbia’s “Dead Reckoning.”
“Henry V” and “The Best Years of Our Lives”
each concluded long and successful runs, the
Samuel Goldwyn winner of nine Academy
awards having been viewed by nearly a quar-
ter of a million patrons. Stanley and Penn
continue in a slump and neighborhood
grosses are approximately 25 per cent under
average.
(Average is 100)
Art Cinema — Henry V (UA), roadshow, 8th wk—.Gbod
Fulton — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
8th wk 115
Harris — Dead Reckoning (Col) 140
Penn — The Sea of Grass (MGM) 85
Ritz — The Macomber Affair (UA),
2nd d. t. wk 75
Senator — Song of Scheherazade (U-I),
2nd d. t. wk., 4 days 50
Stanley — Suddenly It's Spring (Para) 75
Warner — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO) 130
Newcomers Flop in Cleveland
As Rain and Snow Chill City
CLEVELAND — Snow, rain and wind ganged
up to throw all entertainment business out
of gear. In addition to bad weather, public
interest was greater in the holdovers than in
the newly released product, so that the four
new pictures didn’t make as good a showing
as any of the five extended runs. Top honors
went to “The Sea of Grass,” hitting 130 per
cent at the Stillman in its second week on a
moveover from the State. “The Best Years
of Our Lives,” in its fifth week at the Mall
and University theatres, kept up its high
average. “The Yearling,” in its fourth week
and second moveover, made an excellent
showing with 115 per cent at the Ohio. Thea-
tre business generally is off, reflecting local
business conditions.
Allen — The Guilt of Janet Ames (Col) 75
Hippodrome — Love and Learn (WB) 90
Lake— The Sea Hawk (WB); The Sea Wolf (WB),
reissues, 2nd wk 100
Lower Mall and University — The Best Years of
Our Lives (RKO), 5th wk 105
Ohio — The Yearling (MGM), 4th d. t. wk 115
Palace — Buck Privates Come Home (U-I) 70
State — The Macomber Affair (UA) 85
Stillman — The Sea of Grass (MGM),
2nd d. t. wk 115
Good Business in Cincinnati;
Albee Back to Film Policy
CINCINNATI — Louis Jordan on the Albee
stage terminated the three-week run of
vaudeville at the house, and there will be a
straight picture policy for a time, starting
with “The Late George Apley.” Good busi-
ness prevailed generally in the downtown
houses.
“The Farmer’s Daughter” at the Palace
was moved over to Shubert’s, “The Sea of
Grass” remained for a second week at the
Capitol and “The Egg and I,” after five weeks
at Keith’s, was held for a sixth and final
week. This picture has maintained a high
level throughout its run, and in five weeks
showed to 165,000 patrons.
Albee— That Way With Women (WB),
plus stage show 180
Capitol — The Sea of Grass (MGM) 130
Grand — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM) 110
Keith's — The Egg and I (U-I), 5th wk 200
Lyric — Easy Come, Easy Go (Para);
Cigarette Girl (Col) 70
Palace — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO) 160
Shubert — It Happened on Fifth Avenue (Mono),
2nd d. t. wk 80
New Sound Installed at Galesburg
GALESBURG, MICH. — New sound has
been installed at the Gale Theatre here.
Trving Sochin has resigned as general man-
■*’ ager of Theatre Owners Corp. Louis
Wiethe, president, is assuming the duties at
this time.
Because of the telephone strike, Midwest
Theatre Supply Co. was unable to move to
its new quarters at 1638 Central Parkway,
formerly occupied by MGM. However, the
company hopes to be in the new offices by
the end of May, and will celebrate with a
grand opening. Popular Pictures will then
occupy the present Midwest space, and Na-
tional Film Service will move into the present
Popular quarters.
John Wooten, shipper for United Artists,
was married May 3 to Dorothy Scales of Day-
ton, Ky. The wedding took place at the St.
John Evangelical church in Dayton . . . New
theatres are under construction in Hyden,
Ky., and Eleanor, W. Va.
Donald Duff has been appointed sales man-
ager for Popular Pictures. Two new sales-
men have been added to the staff; Frank
Shephard, formerly with Paramount, who
will cover southern Ohio, and Pat Meadows,
manager of the Strand Theatre, Dawson
Springs, Ky., who will cover western Ken-
tucky and southern Indiana. Joseph Gold-
berg will cover eastern Kentucky and West
Virginia . . . H. B. Snook of Midwest Theatre
Supply spent several days in Cleveland at-
tending the RCA regional managers conven-
tion.
The father of Mrs. Helen Lyons, who op-
erates theatres in Pomeroy and Middleport,
Ohio, died May 5, after a short illness . . .
Mannie and Louis Shore of War and Holden,
W. Va., visited the local exchanges during the
week . . . Max Matz of Bluefield, W. Va., and
his manager, William Munsey, were in Cin-
cinnati. Matz recently returned from a stay
in Florida, and before arriving in Cincinnati
spent several days in Chicago. He also took
in the Kentucky Derby.
Irene Meek has resigned from her position
in the district department of 20th Century-
Fox and has joined Theatre Owners Corp.
as short subject and news booker. Miss Meek
was recently awarded a cash prize of $500 as
the woman leader in the Spyros Skouras drive
. . . Saul J. Krugman of Samuel Goldwyn
Productions made a trip in the Cincinnati
territory with Milton Cohen, district manager
for RKO, and Stanley Jacques, branch man-
ager, and arranged a number of roadshow
engagements of “The Best Years of Our
Lives.”
%
Mrs. Fon Sexton and A. J. Sexton jr. were
in Cincinnati. They recehtly purchased a
site for the construction of a new theatre in
Ironton, Ohio, on which work will begin as
soon as CPA approval is secured.
Construction is proceeding on the theatre
being built in New Boston, Ohio, by C. E.
Harvey, who also operates the Lyric in Green-
field . . . James C. Malavazos, who recently
took over the Lyric, New Boston, has closed
the house for renovating and remodeling.
The wife of Robert McNab, sales manager
of the local 20th-Fox branch, underwent a
major operation at Jewish hospital May 8.
Her condition is much improved . . . The hus-
band of Margaret Walker, inspector at RKO,
suffered a compound fracture of the foot in
a fall from a scaffold while doing construc-
tion work. He is confined in the Good
Samaritan hospital.
Robert C. Curtis of New York, one of the
new junior field representatives for RKO,
made several trips with Hugh MacKenzie,
regular Cincinnati field representative, and
will move on to other exchange centers until
he has covered the country. The junior rep-
resentatives will be out for 41 weeks working
with the established field men before they
begin to operate on their own . . . Harold Rus-
sell, handless war veteran and featured actor
in “The Best Years of Our Lives,” visited
Columbus and Dayton last week. He ap-
peared at the Veterans’ hospital in Dayton
and was on the air with the Shriners’ show
on a national hookup.
Jack Keegan, local manager for Para-
mount-Northio Theatres, is in California at-
tending a national Paramount theatre
managers convention . . . Eleanor Inkrat,
booker for Warners', plans to fly to California
in June to spend a vacation . . . Pat Williams,
head booker for National Screen, left for
Portsmouth, Ohio, to spend her vacation with
her family.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank McQuaid of the Mecca,
Huntington, W. Va., are the parents of a
baby boy, who arrived April 19 . . . Rumors
are thick in the West Virginia coal towns of
another coal miners’ walkout in July.
H. E. Davis sold his theatres in Ethel and
Shai’ples, W. Va. to Alex Phillips on May
1 . . . Mrs. John Walters of the Walters cir-
cuit of theatres is back in Huntington and is
gradually regaining her health.
Harold McCloud is constructing a new
theatre in Chapmansyille, W. Va., which he
will operate in conjunction with his theatre
in Verdunville, W. Va. . . . Charles Scott of
Vavay, Ind., an ace flyer with the AAF dur-
ing the war, is operating a flying school in
addition to running his Hoosier theatres.
Charles Rich, Warner district manager,
spent several days with Jim Abrose, branch
manager, covering Dayton and Springfield
and calling on Phil Chakeres, recently re-
turned from Florida . . . Pete Smith of Belle-
vue, Ky., veteran showman of the tristate
area, has recovered from his recent sickness
and hospitalization and is up and about
again.
Visitors on Filmrow: Orville Wood, Cam-
den, Ohio; Willard Gabhart, Harrodsburg,
Ky.; Christian Pfister, Troy, Ohio; Ray
Frisz, Springfield, Ohio.
National Theatre Supply has installed new
sound equipment at the Drexel Theatre,
Columbus; Simplex 4-Star sound equipment
at the Victor and Northern, Columbus; New
Manchester Theatre, Manchester, Ky., and
new projection equipment, lamp houses and
rectifiers at the McKee Theatre, McKee, Ky.
A1 Glaubinger, Dayton salesman for RKO,
flew to New York for the unveiling of his
mother’s stone Sunday, May 18 ... . Marie
Klag, RKO cashier, received a telegram an-
nouncing the birth of her sister’s baby in
Detroit but Marie is still in the dark as to
whether she is the aunt of a new niece -or
nephew.
Mitzi Green, former child star of pictures,
heads the new show at the Beverly Hills
Country club . . . Francis S. Harmon, vice-
president of the Motion Picture Ass’n of
America and the Motion Picture Export Ass’n,
delivered an address before the Council of
Churches of Greater Cincinnati Monday,
May 12. The dinner honored Charles P.
Taft, brother of Sen. Robert Taft and first
layman to serve as president of the Federal
Council of Churches of Christ in America.
Takes Role in the 'Thieves'
Alan Mowbray has been signed for a sup-
porting role in Columbia’s production, “The
Prince of Thieves.”
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
97
CLEVELAND
Sid Kramer in Cleveland
To Talk RKO 16mm Plan
pred Meyers, U-I eastern division sales man-
ager, held a meeting of the Cleveland sales
personnel last week for the usual periodic
policy discussions . . . Bill Twigg, booking
manager for the Pete Wellman circuit, made
his first trip in many weeks to the Pilmrow
beat. Bill had two battles with the flu and
he has been streamlined.
Look-alikes: Put dark hair on the head of
the RKO office manager, Otto Braeunig, and
you. get the new RKO branch manager,
Harry Walder . . . Absent minded, or what
have you: Pete Bathory, former RKO ex-
ploiteer now with the Mitchell McCandless
and Klaus advertising company, to J. Knox
Strachan, Warner Theatres publicity direc-
tor, “Goodbye, dear.”
Dick Wright, Warner assistant zone man-
ager; Strachan; Frank Harpster, central dis-
trict manager; Ray Brown, southern district
manager, all of the Ohio Warner zone, were
in Pittsburgh Monday to join the members
of the Pittsburgh zone in a meeting held by
Harry Goldbergr publicity head. The special
meeting was called to discuss promotion
plans.
Max Cohen, U-I manager, had cause to feel
jubilant last week. Three of the city’s down-
town first run houses were playing U-I pic-
tures. They were “Stairway to Heaven” at
the Allen, “Smash-Up” at the Hippodrome
and “Buck Privates Come Home” playing a
second week at the Lake following an opening
week at the Palace.
Edward Modi, owner of the State Theatre,
Bamesville, was for many years an electrical
engineer with Westinghouse. This accounts
for his many gadgets, including the installa-
tion of pipes under the sidewalk of his State
and Ohio theatres, through which he runs
Prestone all through the winter. Result, no
snow shoveling, no wet sidewalks and no
slush to be dragged into the theatres.
Abe Ludacer, manager of the Park for a
good many years, was transferred last week
to the Valentine in Toledo as successor to
Ted Teschner, who had been with Loew’s
for 17 years. Until a resident manager is
appointed to the Park, Vaughan O’Neill, Ohio
Theatre manager, is in charge . . . P. E.
Essick of the Scoville, Essick & Reif circuit
and Mrs. Essick are vacationing in Hot
Springs, Ark. . . . Dan Terrell, assistant to
MGM’s Ernest Emerling, made a short visit
to Cleveland during the week, returning to
New York after a swing around the terri-
tory.
Holbrook C. Bissell, who miraculously
escaped being fatally injured in an automo-
bile accident two months ago, paid his first
visit to exhibitors in this area in the interest
FREE!
Give your patrons
Wear-Ever Pressure Cookers and All Melal Shop-
ping Carts worth $287.50. Write for details.
Coulter
Theatre Films
Theatre
Dinnerware
403 Film Bldg.
Cleveland 14, Ohio
Games
OLIVER THEATRE
SUPPLY CO., INC.
M. H. FRITCHLE
Manager
23rd and Payne Avenue
Phone: PRospect 6934
CLEVELAND
of his screen advertising company since he
received his hospital discharge . . . Gertrude
Tracy, onetime manager of Loew’s Ohio The-
atre, Cleveland, and more recently manager
of the Van Dyke Theatre, Detroit, is back
in town. She will manage the Knickerbocker
Theatre, an Associated circuit house where
she succeeds Sam Gerace, who takes over as
manager of the Capitol, belonging to the same
chain.
Ernest Schwartz, president of the Cleve-
land Motion Picture Exhibitors Ass’n, and
Mrs. Schwartz were in Chicago over the
weekend to visit with their son and daughter
. . . Jack Sogg, MGM manager, returned from
his company’s meeting in New York full of
enthusiasm over the pictures screened.
“They’re all tops,” Sogg said, “and the meet-
ing was rich in the exchange of ideas and
the presentation of plans and policies.”
Leo Jones was on hand to see the comple-
tion of the installation of a new complete
4-Star Simplex sound system in his newly
acquired Upper Theatre, Upper Sandusky,
before leaving to join the Variety conven-
tioneers in Los Angeles. The installation was
made by National Theatre Supply under the
supervision of Manager Frank Masek.
Oscar Kantor, Warner city salesman and
president of the Salesmen’s club, is going in
for glamor. He has taken off 20 pounds, and
just in the right places, too, but still has
about 15 pounds to go . . . Charles Rich,
Warner district manager, varied his itinerary
somewhat last week. He was in Dayton to
confer with the heads of the Victory Theatre
and then on to visit Phil Chakeres in Spring-
field . . . Charles Mack has installed a new
plastic molded screen in his Strand Theatre,
Sebring. National Theatre Supply made the
installation.
James Hendel, PRC district manager, came
in to give his nod of approval to the com-
pletely renovized PRC office. You have to see
it for yourself to learn what paint, plywood
and effort can accomplish . . . Wade M. Carr,
Manley, Inc., district manager, is back at his
desk and once again in full command of his
territory, even though he requires the aid of
a pair of crutches to get around. His leg,
broken in an automobile accident, is still in
a harness. Warren Smith has been recalled
from the Cincinnati area to aid Carr in
Cleveland and John Stalker takes over as
sales representative in the Queen city.
Nate Schultz, Monogram franchise owner,
didn’t go to the Variety convention in Los
Angeles. At the last minute he turned in his
plane tickets for himself and Mrs. Schultz
because their son took sick . . . Bill Graner,
Pittsburgh representative for Jack Gertz The-
atre Premiums, broke into the territory with
a combination shopping cart and pressure
cooker deal at the Roxian, McKeesport. The
house is operated by Morris Naft, formerly
of Cleveland.
Julius Lamm, manager of the Warner Up-
town, and Mrs. Lamm left last week for a
two-week vacation trip to Los Angeles, where
they will visit with their son Irving, a thea-
tre manager there . . . Romance broke out in
the Schine office last week. Frances Fazekas,
secretary, flashed a solitaire, thereby con-
firming her engagement to Earl Hill of this
city. No wedding date is set . . . The newest
addition to the National Theatre Supply Co.
family is Patricia Oros.
To Produce 'Oily to Bed'
Metro has set Fred Quimby to produce “Oily
to Bed,” featuring Droopy, the ponderous
poooh.
CLEVELAND — Sid Kramer, assistant to
Harry Michaelson, RKO’s 16mm general sales
manager, has been in town to discuss with
various people an agency plan for the general
distribution of RKO 16mm product.
Kramer explained that the policy now un-
der consideration is to establish sales agents
in the key film centers. The agents will do
all of the selling and booking. The physical
handling, however, will be made by the RKO
exchange, as will all of the billing.
“In planning for general distribution of our
picture on 16mm film, our first aim is to pro-
tect not only our 35mm customers, but all
users of 35mm film,” Kramer said. “We want
all exhibitors to know that we will always
respect their theatre investments and will not
offer our 16mm product in competition to any
established exhibitors. But we feel that there
is a wide field outside any theatre competi-
tion for 16mm product. This includes schools,
churches, groups and home movies. It is im-
portant to reach these people with the type
of movie best adapted to their use — that is
the 16mm movie. But we want to stress the
point that we shall never sanction the use
of 16mm films in direct competition to 35mm
films.”
After interviewing local prospects, Kramer
returned to New York without announcing
any decisions as to sales representatives in
the Cleveland area.
Chancellor Brothers Mark
40ih Year in Arcanum
ARCANUM, OHIO — W. A. Chancellor and
Harry Chancellor, celebrated their 40th anni-
WILLIAM A. and
HARRY CHANCELLOR
the state at the same
versary in Theatre
business here May 9.
They started out May
9, 1907, as the Dream-
land Theatre, and op-
erated for 20 years
under that name, then
changed to the Ritz.
The first picture
shown in the house
was “Dick the News-
boy.” The Chancellor
brothers also operated
a theatre in Reading,
Mich., for a few years.
They claim to be the
oldest exhibitors in
stand.
New Exploitation Angles
Set for 'Mom and Dad'
CLEVELAND — Hygienic Productions, dis-
tributors of “Mom and Dad,” say the picture
will have an all new exploitation campaign
for its third international tour in 1948. A
complete art department has been installed
at the firm’s home offices in Wilmington,
Ohio, and H. C. “Hen” Stowell, commercial
artist formerly of Paramount studios in
Hollywood, and Theatre Service Trailer Co.,
San Francisco, heads the new department.
A new press book, newspaper ads, window
cards, lobby and posting paper, herald, trailer
and direct mail pieces are to be created dur-
ing the next six months.
ATTENTION 16mm roadshow operators! We
have New, Exclusive, Unrestricted 16mm
Features for your Circuits. Call or write
immediately for list and prices. Academy
Film Service, Inc., 2300 Payne Ave. Phone:
MAin 9173. Cleveland, Ohio.
98
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
operators
uPerat°rs prefer A .
he P^rons pref ' ^°-
ar windows ■ then
laking a longer oJe C°
e seoson yoo " Pera"
' themselves * °'V°‘
d bring con ny
"9 insistent extr
‘ Auto-VoiCe In-Car c
'k*r!the7„* ■? **>■*
rr?‘
•'°ur*°if2ndZ7ia*
"°9M of ff,,V B d"V
n9V low cos’ fi"e
> pwmif pa°rkoerS bec
°"P wooC0"’ ° <
ason Possible An’ Jr?
when the weattJ du>
■ Car Son ,afher is
sr the first tllUs f
.fife/ Sf season . .
'
complete for
speaker
heovy dlty Jn!ed *ype<
l^ol and twl J $Pec
J,recfs and restr'irfCti0n<
needed. pr;fl s so“r
eforfw otf **
Subject tr% L
*»* *' »
y c°unfries
STENTS PENDINg
DRIVE-IN THEATER EQUIPMENT CO.
2130 SUPERIOR AVENUE • PHONE CHerry 5573 • CLEVELAND 14, OHIO
AUTO-VOICE
IN-CAR
SPEAKERS
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
ME
99
PITTSBURGH
The better traffic committee film “Traffic
Can Be Tragic” is in release. The film, han-
dled by Jam Handy, employs photographs of
accidents taken from police files . . . The
Hill City charity group netted $3,000 from the
Stanley benefit show.
Tommy Bello jr., son of the Nanty-Glo
manager for the Blatt circuit, has joined the
Strand, Altoona, staff of Jake and Ike Sil-
verman. His brother John is assistant man-
ager of Warners’ Royland, Wilkinsburg . . .
H. A. Spanuth, producer of The Woman
Speaks short subject series, was here on
business with Franklin Anderson and Lou
Hanna.
Sammy Abrams, former local exhibitor,
visiting on Filmrow, says he expects to re-
turn to exhibition at an early date. He has
sold his restaurant business and recently
vacationed in Florida . . . C. E. Peppiatt, At-
lantic district manager for 20th-Fox, was here
on business this week.
Melvin Mann has returned to RKO as a
booker. Mann was an RKO booker here
before the war . . . Mark Silver and A1 Gor-
son, UA district manager and exploiteer
respectively, came from out of town to at-
tend the funeral service for the late Ira H.
Cohn. Practically all of Filmrow turned out
for the service. Cohn had been on Filmrow
15 years as branch manager, first for 20th-
Fox and then for UA.
Slim Bryant and His Wildcats have joined
the rodeo now being presented in the Gar-
dens . . . Norbert Stern, head of Interna-
tional Finance Co. and owner of the drive-in
near South Park, has purchased four apart-
ment buildings containing 50 dwelling units
in Hobart street, Squirrel Hill. Several
months ago Stern purchased the Medical Arts
building and garage in Oakland . . . WHJB,
Greenburg, has been granted increased
power.
WPIT, this city’s sixth standard wave sta-
tion also will operate on an FM license. KDKA
and WWSW also have standard and FM sta-
tions . . . Season’s windup in the Nixon is
"Laura,” opening May 19 . . . Mrs. Mort
Fordan, wife of the former manager of the
Ritz, downtown, died . . , American Legion’s
VE-day program Thursday last week, broad-
cast by WCAE, featured C. C. Kellenberg,
county commander and 20th-Fox’s local
sales manager for 20th-Fox.
Three Pullman cars on the John H. Harris
special pulled out of the Pennsylvania sta-
tion May 9 with Tent 1 delegates to the
Variety convention and were joined to cars
out of Philadelphia. The Pittsburgh gang
is indebted to I. Elmer Ecker, convention
committee chairman, for his usual swell job
on transportation.
The Ohio Valley General hospital will
benefit from a minstrel show which was
presented May 14 and 15 at the Roxian, Mc-
Kees Rocks. Proceeds will go to the build-
ing fund of the $850,000 structure now near-
ing completion in Kennedy township.
Dr. and Mrs. C. P. Church of Mannington,
W. Va„ are the only Mountain state repre-
sentatives with the local delegation attend-
ing the Variety Clubs international conven-
tion in Los Angeles . . . Helen Holiday, who
was employed by MGM some years ago, has
returned to Filmrow as secretary to John
Zomnir, PRC manager . . . Joe DeMann,
Warners’ chief projectionist, was unable to
attend the Variety convention because of an
attack of arthritis.
Ben Williams, Monogram franchise holder,
and his bride have covered 1,500 miles motor-
ing on the west coast .v. . Morris E. Lefko,
RKO manager, is making his trips in a new
Oldsmobile . . . M. G. Thomas, Altec district
manager, was a Filmrow visitor from his
headquarters in Cincinnati.
Lew Lefton, former independent film man
who is making his home in the southwest, is
here on personal business and will remain
in the city until late in June to attend the
wedding of his son Seymour C. Lefton and
Clara Gordon . . . Lou Marks, district repre-
sentative in charge of MGM’s reprints, was a
visitor at the branch exchange.
Bill McCabe, manager of Julius C. Navari’s
Flamingo roller palace, presented a very en-
tertaining show there this week, “Flamingo
Follies.” The Flamingo will be host July
8-12 to the United States amateur cham-
pionships . . . Margaret Truman, singing
daughter of President Truman, will make her
national concert debut here in Syria Mosque
the evening of May 20.
PRC has moved from Van Braam street to
the former RKO exchange quarters on the
Boulevard of the Allies. John Zomnir,
branch manager, supervised the move. PRC’s
new quarters are freshly decorated and as
clean and spotless as Pittsburgh permits
. . . Bill Jervis, National Theatre Supply
manager, was ill and off duty for several days
last week.
Cele Carp Abel, Republic booker, departed
for a vacation in the west with her husband.
She has a three-week leave of absence and
said she may not return ... Joe Minsky,
Eagle-Lion district manager, was here on
Everybody Will Be There !
Cjolden 'lAJeddin g sdnniuerdarg
Honoring
Wjr. & WjrS. Jred J?. Jderrinyton
BANQUET
URBAN ROOM
WEDNESDAY EVENING •
• WILLIAM PENN HOTEL ®
Reservations at the AMPTO
Best Wishes from Monogram Pictures, Pittsburgh
IUNE 4, 1947
PITTSBURGH
100
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
AT THE MGM SESSION — Leo’s mideast sales executives attended the recent
convention in New York of MGM at which sales policies for the coming season were
discussed.
In usual order: Frank C. Hensler, district manager, Detroit; Saal Gottlieb, Pitts-
burgh manager; Charles F. Deeson, home office assistant to John J. Maloney, central
sales manager; Earl England, Detroit head booker; Frank J. Downey, Detroit manager;
Edwin M. Booth, Cincinnati manager; Robert B. Morrell, Cincinnati head booker;
Max Shabason, Pittsburgh booker; Gerald E. Whitesell, Cleveland booker; Jack Sogg,
Cleveland manager.
business . . . “Lute Song” has been cancelled
for a Nixon engagement . . . Richard S. Rauh
has been named president of the Pittsburgh
Playhouse.
The whereabouts of William “Billy” ZeVan,
former theatre decorator of this area and a
former West Virginia exhibitor, are important
to the education of a child. Any information
regarding ZeVan would be appreciated by
this corner of BOXOFFICE.
Attorneys for film distributing companies
are making demands on more local area
theatres for production of account books and
records . . . Mrs. Georgia Cransfield, wife of
Joe Cransfield, former operator of the Film-
row lunchroom, has been seriously ill . . .
Melvin Mann, former RKO booker, resigned
booking duties for Co-Op after only one
week’s service.
Bart Dattola, New Kensington exhibitor,
had a number of guests at the opera here last
Saturday and he staged a party for some of
the stars . . . Now a weekly, the Bulletin
Index becomes a monthly magazine June 1
. . . Lige Brien, assistant exploitation man-
ager for Eagle-Lion and a former local War-
ner circuit house manager, again is the fa-
ther of a son.
John J. Maloney, central sales manager for
MGM, who headquarters here, is. spending a
month at the home office. He is first execu-
tive of the company from the sales field to be
called into New York under a new rotating
plan. Kansas City was added to Maloney’s
territory at the recent MGM eight-day con-
ference and Frank C. Hensler, Detroit district
manager, was named as his field assistant.
At least 15 Warner circuit theatres in the
area will premiere “Cheyenne” at midnight
shows and F. D. “Windy Dinty” Moore, ex-
change manager, is being kept busy, Satur-
days included, in answering demands for the
new Warner western feature starring Dennis
Morgan . . . Carl M. Persinger has received
CPA approval for construction of a new thea-
tre in Huntington, W. Va. . . . The Pennsyl-
vania censor board continues to withhold an
approval certificate for “Duel in the Sun.”
Harry Goldberg, Warner director of adver-
tising and publicity, conducted a meeting here
of circuit advertising representatives from
the local office and from Cleveland . . . Phil
Delvernois, sound projection chief for the
local Warner circuit, .attended a recent New
York meeting of zone sound engineers . . .
Filmrow has presented a new radio to Ed
Kelley, ill for two years with spinal arthritis.
Ed is a 30-year industry veteran.
The Republic office staff held a farewell
party in the Nixon cafe and presented a
cigaret lighter to Bill Feld, who resigned as
branch manager to join Eagle-Lion as a mid-
west district representative. Irwin “Ike”
Sweeney, former RKO city salesman, is the
new Republic manager.
RKO’s “San Quentin” goes into release in
more than 40 western Pennsylvania theatres
this weekend after a special radio campaign
and buildup . . . Season tickets for the sum-
mer light operas at Pitt stadium have been
on sale for a number of weeks and sale for
single tickets or more starts May 19.
David Kimelman, Paramount manager,
says his company’s 35 Years of Leadership
sales drive starts August 31 and continues
through November 29, the first week in Sep-
tember, as usual being tagged Paramount
week . . . Oscar Stiefel, Lock Haven and Mey-
ersdale exhibitor, was in Philadelphia for eye
examination and treatment . . . Rudy Navari
was on Filmrow this week endeavoring to
book a premiere attraction for the new East-
wood, Penn township.
Tom McCIeary, district manager for RCA,
conducted a regional meeting at the Roosevelt
hotel here May 8. In attendance were T. W.
Whitney and H. V. Somerville, Cleveland; F.
W. Wentker and L. B. Hart, Camden; James
H. Alexander, products distributor here;
Frank W. Hamre, local district service man-
ager, and nine local area service engineers.
Ohio Amusement Project
Apparently Abandoned
TOLEDO — Plans announced during the war
for the construction of a huge amusement
development project in east Toledo, to in-
clude a modern theatre, apparently have been
abandoned, with the announcement by Ed
Cannon, president of Crimson Coaches, Inc.,
tobacco firm, who owns the land, that he has
sold I8V2 acres of the site for the construc-
tion of a new sports arena. Previously the
sports arena was to have been built on
Cherry and Dancroft streets. The new site
will provide hard surface parking facilities
for 1,500 automobiles.
Sports Arena, Inc., headed by Virgil
Gladieux, is planning to complete construc-
tion of the arena by October 7, date for which
a ten-day ice show, Holiday on Ice, has been
booked. The arena will contain individual
stadium seats, with back and arm rests, and
will have a varying seating capacity — 6,000
for Ice events; 7,000 for basketball, and up
to 8,000 for boxing, wrestling and other events.
The arena will cost an estimated $500,000.
Architect for the project is W. E. Tolford,
Toledo, and the contractor is H. J. Spieker
and Co. of Toledo.
Dayton Scenes in Screen
DAYTON — This city was the scene recently
for shooting of a sequence for a motion pic-
ture. Two planes flew over the city at an
altitude of 1,500 to 2,000 feet to take photo-
flash pictures of Dayton to be included in a
20th-FoX' film short, “The AAF in Peace-
time,” to be released in September. Ninety
per cent of the film is to be shot at Wright
field and the remainder at other air force
stations, spokesmen for the field said.
Wauseon Theatres Sold
KENTON, OHIO— Mr. and Mrs. N. A. Nor-
ton, owners of the Ohio Theatre here, have
announced the purchase of the Princess and
Chief theatres in Wauseon, Ohio.
Fred Herrington Up
From Steel Mills
PITTSBURGH — A leader in the motion
picture industry for more than 40 years is
the record of Fred J. Herrington, who with
Mrs. Herrington will observe their golden
wedding anniversary as guests of the AMPTO
of W. Pa. at a dinner in the Urban room of
the William Penn hotel June 4.
A LEADER 38 YEARS
Respected throughout the industry for his
courage and aggressiveness in behalf of the
independent theatre owner, Herrington has
been a local area and national exhibitor or-
ganization leader for 38 years. He was born
in Bryn Mawr, Wales, and came to the U.S,
in his boyhood, receiving his education in
Cleveland. As a young man he worked in
Pittsburgh iron and steel mills.
In partnership with the late Oliver Mc-
Kee, he opened the Fairyland Theatre on
Warrington avenue early in 1906. Later he
opened the Casino in Mount Oliver. In 1910
Herrington built other theatres in Mount
Oliver and Oakdale. In 1909, he organized
and was the first president of the Motion
Picture Exhibitor league of Pennsylvania,
He was active in staging and participating in
the first national exhibitor convention which
was held in Cleveland in 1911. In 1915, at
the MPELA convention in San Francisco, he
was elected national president, and at the
following year’s convention in Chicago he
was named national exhibitor organizer.
TRAVELED WIDELY IN U.S.
With units of the MPELA withdrawn from
the body in 1917, the American Exhibitors
Ass’n was organized with Herrington serving
as a national director. He traveled through-
out the U.S. in the interest of independent
theatre owners.
The MPTO of West Pennsylvania, was or-
ganized in 1920 and Herrington was named
executive secretary. One of the first unit-
area groups to affiliate with a new national
organization, Allied States Ass’n of Motion
Picture Exhibitors, the western Pennsylvania
group later reincorporated as the AMPTO.
Herrington served as a national Allied di-
rector an$ has remained local organization
secretary through the years.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
101
COLUMBUS
Qpening of the World, formerly the Olen-
^tangy, as a British and foreign language
theatre has been delayed a week until May
21, according to Lee Hofheimer and A1 Sugar-
man, operators of the World. The 325-seat
North Side theatre is being redecorated and
renovated. First attraction will be Noel
Coward’s “Brief Encounter.”
The house agricultural committee of the
Ohio legislature unanimously recommended
for passage a measure creating a nine-mem-
ber commission to survey and purchase a
new state fairgrounds site. Four years ago a
similar commission was named which in-
vestigated five sites in Franklin county, in-
cluding a tract immediately north of the Don
Scott airfield, but the project was abandoned
because of high property valuations.
The cartoon show continues to spread in
local popularity. The Palace and the neigh-
borhood Hudson have scheduled animated
shows. Manager Carl Rogers of Loew’s
Broad reports good business for his recent
Saturday morning cartoon carnival.
Six candidates for May queen of Ohio State
university appeared on the stage at the Uni-
versity Theatre with Manager Roger Gar-
rett at the organ. The May queen will be a
Qe+iesicd Qo-.
109 Michigan St. Toledo 2, Ohio
ADams 8551 — Nights and Sun. JOrdan 1662
A complete line of equipment and supplies.
CENTURY PROJECTORS
CENTURY SOUND SYSTEMS
IDEAL CHAIRS
STRONG LAMPS
24-Hour Projection and Sound Service
guest at the world premiere of Eagle-Lion’s
“Repeat Performance” May 22 at the Liberty,
Zanesville. She will compete against May
queens of other Ohio colleges with a screen
test given by Eagle-Lion as the top prize.
Chet Long, WBNS newscaster and frequent
master of ceremonies on local stages, has
been named to a five-man board of directors
for the newly formed Ohio Ass’n of Radio
News Editors. Paul Wagner, director of
news at WOSU, is president; Bill Crooks,
WFMJ, Youngstown, secretary, and Fred
Brophy, WHIO, Dayton, treasurer. Other
members of the board of directors are: John
Murphy, WCKY, Cincinnati; Bruce Mac-
Donald, WJW, Cleveland; Charles Clear,
WRRN, Warren, and Francis McNerney,,
WTOL, Toledo.
Two screen celebrities visited Columbus
last week. Harold Russell, handless star of
“The Best Years of Our Lives,” made several
radio appearances and was interviewed by
the press with the Palace’s current run of the
Goldwyn Academy award-winner the bene-
ficiary. Six-year-old Larry Geiger, Warner
contract player and former Columbus resi-
dent, visited his sister, Mrs. William O. Riggs.
The youngster’s first film was “Shadow of
a Woman.”
Three holdovers ran simultaneously last
week here, something of a rarity in the past
months. “The Best Years of Our Lives”
played two weeks at the Palace, “The Year-
ling” moved to the Broad after a big first
week at the Ohio and “The Farmer’s Daugh-
ter” did three weeks at the Palace and Grand.
Jean Peters, Ohio State coed chosen “Miss
Ohio State” last year and soon to be seen
as Catana in 20th-Fox’s “The Captain From
Castile,” is touted for stardom in the cur-
rent issue of American magazine.
New House at Allen
ALLEN, KY. — Towne Hall of Prestonburg
is erecting a new theatre here.
DRIVE-IN and
THEATER EQUIPMENT
Drawings, specifications, blueprints to fit any expen-
diture for the simplest to the most complex theatre.
* DeVry Projectors and Amplifiers
* ALTEC LANSING Amplifiers and Speakers
* RADIANT Sound Screens + STRONG Lamps
STRONG Rectifiers * National Carbons
NEUMADE Accessories * GOLDE Supplies
TIFFIN Draperies and Scenery
Complete Factory Service
Film Booking Service Available
"Before You Buy, See and Hear DeVry"
SHELDON
THEATER SUPPLIES
Oflice Phone: ADams 9G44 — Nights and Sundays: TAylor 7511
1420 CANFIELD AVE. * DAYTON, OHIO
*
*
*
Eighty at Prenuptial Party
Given for M. H. Chakeres
SPRINGFIELD — Eighty representatives of
theatres and businessmen from this area at-
tended a party given for M. H. Chakeres, city
manager for Chakeres Theatres, in Hotel
Shawnee. Chakeres, planning marriage, was
presented a camera for some picture taking
on his honeymoon in Florida. All theatres
in the Chakeres circuit were represented at
the party. The Cleveland office of Warner
Bros, was represented by Tony Stern and
Louis Ratener. Also down from Cleveland
was Bill Sharten, district manager of Eagle-
Lion pictures.
Williston Enterprises Plans
New Theatre in Louisville
LOUISVILLE, KY.— Building will begin
here immediately on Williston Enterprises’
new Walnut Theatre, a 1,400-seater for Ne-
groes. The new theatre will have spacious
lounge and rest room facilities, electric-eye
doors, fluorescent carpets, and television.
Birth List Startling
COLUMBUS — Birth columns of local news-
papers read like a Hollywood gossip column
one day last week. Mr. and Mrs. Donald
O’Connor, Grove City, had a son in Mercy
hospital while Mr. and Mrs. Robert Taylor,
Lockbourne, became the parents of a daugh-
ter at St. Ann’s hospital.
Kiddy Show at Dayton Loew's
DAYTON — Loew’s Theatre here offered
youngsters an all-cartoon carnival last Sat-
urday (10) morning. Manager Bill Reisinger
said 15 cartoons were shown. An advance
sale of tickets was held.
TOLEDO
£jhief Barker Jack Lykes, manager of the
Colony, and his wife flew to Los Angeles,
where Lykes and Milton Tarloff, who left
earlier by automobile, will represent the To-
ledo tent Variety at the international con-
vention . . . When the Esquire played “The
Fabulous Dorseys” last week, in which two
Toledoans, Helen O’Connell and Arthur
Tatum, are featured, Manager Steve Toth
invited the families of these figures to at-
tend the opening performance.
A recent visitor was Dave Katz, Toledo’s
contribution to Broadway’s theatrical man-
agerial ranks. Dave was upped from man-
ager of the Roxy to executive assistant to
A. J. Balaban since his last visit to Toledo.
Katz was en route to Chicago to see the
Jack Benny stage show in the Chicago Thea-
tre, which is booked into the Roxy the week
of May 23.
In order to take care of a previous commit-
ment to the Society for the Preservation of
Barber Shop Singing in America, which
sponsored the Barber Shop Quartet festival
at the State May 10, “The Best Years of Our
Lives” was shown only twice that day . . .
Bob' Hope will make a personal appearance
in Toledo on behalf of the St. Vincent’s hos-
pital fund campaign. He will appear May 28
in a benefit. About 18 months ago, when his
brother, the late Sidney Hope, was a patient
at St. Vincent’s, Bob promised he would re-
turn to Toledo when the hospital’s expansion
program got under way.
The Toledo Council of Parent-Teacher
Ass’ns has circulated petitions calling upon
radio stations to halt objectionable programs
for children, particularly the dinner hour
crime and horror radio serials.
102
BOXOFFICE May 17, 1947
Michigan Owners Decide
To Meet Every Quarter
DETROIT — Michigan Independent Theatre
Owners held its first luncheon meeting May
6 in the Hotel Statler and adopted a revised
operating program calling for a general mem-
bership meeting covering the state once every
quarter and monthly directors meetings to
provide a skeleton organization to represent
the viewpoint of the small independent ex-
hibitor.
Under the new setup, ITO is designed to
carry weight in labor negotiations, legislative
matters, relations with distributors, and a
move launched here a month ago to void the
Ascap seat charge, collecting from producers
only.
Tax matters were given considerable dis-
cussion, as were new trends in contests and
giveaways and there was some exchange of
information among independents on terms
charged by distributors, but no formal or-
ganization was set up for this purpose. Until
the next quarterly meeting, present officers
under Sam Carver, president, will carry on.
New Sound at Royal Oak
ROYAL OAK, MICH. — New sound equip-
ment recently was installed in Wisper and
Wetsman’s Duke Theatre here.
LOUISVILLE
Johnson Musselman, better known as Aska
* the Magician, who pilots the Rialto Theatre
in Louisville between his jaunts as a semi-
professional magician, has been much in the
magical eye lately. Several weeks ago he
received a letter from Charles Hugo, a man-
ager of magicians at Los Angeles, saying
that he had picked Johnson to make a world
tour under his auspices. Hugo has handled
many famous magicians on world tours.
Musselman made two trips around the world
in bygone years. Johnson is mulling over
the offer.
New programs were in order for most of
the Louisville first runs. Only one hold-
over was recorded, “Duel in the Sun” at
Loew’s which was in its second week. The
Strand opened with “Bedelia,” the Mary An-
derson with “Mr. District Attorney!” the
Rialto with “The Farmer’s Daughter.” After
a successful run of “The Egg and I” the Na-
tional brought in “Smash-Up.”
Recent visitors included Robert Enoch,
State and Grand theatres, Elizabethtown,
Ky.; A. N. Miles, Eminence, Eminence, Ky.;
Thomas and Ralph Clausen, Bonnieville
Amusement Co., Bonnieville, Ky.; M. H.
Sparks, Strand, Edmonton, Ky.; Oscar Fine,
Premier Theatres, Evansville, Ind.; Ralph
Cundiff, Allen, Liberty, Ky.; Oscar Hopper,
Arista, Lebanon, Ky.; Curt Davis, Sandy
Theatre, Sandy Hook, Ky.; F. X. Merkley,
Rialto, Columbia, Ky.
Frank Riffle, Altec Service engineer in the
Louisville area, has returned from Cumber-
land, Md., and St. Louis . . . Robert Suell has
been named manager of the Park Theatre,
Nicholasville, Ky., owned by Charles H. Beh-
len, head of the Nicholasville Amusement Co.
McAdoo Bruington is proceeding with the
erection of his new theatre near Owensboro,
Ky., and an early opening is contemplated
. . . The Louisville Park Theatrical Ass’n,
operating the amphitheatre, plans a gay sea-
son with the following operettas: “Naughty
Marietta,” “Rio Rita,” “Sunny,” “The Vaga-
bond King,” “Queen High,” and “Rose
Marie.” The season opens July 1 and closes
August 10. Each production is to be for one
week only. Walter Cassel, Gil Lamb and
Andzia Kuzak are to return, and such stars
as Morton Bowe, Edward Roecker and Joy
Hodges are to appear.
DETROIT
Audrey Smith of the 20th-Fox office staff
was married Saturday to Allan Turner
. . . Winifred Wandrei, wife of veteran stage-
hand Gus Wandrei, is back on her job at
20th-Fox after an operation . . . Aileen Bres-
sahan of 20th-Fox has been spending her
vacation housecleaning . . . Jess Veldman,
20th-Fox cashier, is putting in his vacation
on a fishing trip.
A1 Levy of 20th-Fox has left to bring back
his 4-year-old daughter, who was taken ill in
New York . . . Helen Rose says she has missed
trailerman Pete Simon at his drafting board
. . . Josephine Gordano of PRC, who had a
tumor removed from her left leg, was back
on the job limping the next day . . . Gladys
Huntzinger is the new billing clerk at PRC,
replacing Rosalind Citorn.
Ruth Steinmetz, secretary to the MGM’s
manager, is back from her vacation, broke
. . . Marion Coley, RKO’s decorative booker,
has moved over to the cashier’s desk, replac-
ing Myrtle Heikka, who resigned to keep
house.
Drug Store Stuff: L. Kidle of Walker and
Co. says the short supply in materials in the
theatre sign field will last another two years
. . . Fred C. Dickely, Altec district manager,
was a radio operator on the high seas for
six years and is now a connoisseur of marine
painting . . . Joseph Busic, UDT supervisor,
entrained for the Variety convention in Los
Angeles in corduroy shirt and complete
California attire. Mrs. Busic went too . . .
Alice Gorham reports the revival of the No.
1 Sterling Hayden Fan club at the Palms-
State.
Leo Carrillo, closing a big week at the Bow-
ery for Frank Barbaro, headed west for the
latter’s new club at Las Vegas . . . Joseph
Mangiapane has closed the Crane . . . Betty
Brown Cadiff, who used to be on the screen
herself, is grooming Robert Poleno for char-
acter roles.
Under the Marquees: Vic Dodge of the
Westown has no middle initial “A,” it turns
out . . . Grant Hawkins reports no more fall-
ing ceilings at the Lakewood ... A son,
Thomas William by name, was born recently
to Mrs. William Campbell, wife of the assist-
ant manager of the Lakewood . . . Walter
Shaffer remains as the other assistant at the
Lakewood following the departure of Samuel
Haberman.
N. J. Aiello, former manager of the Im-
perial, who has been exhibiting films in local
schools, may return to theatre management
after the schools close in the next few weeks
. . . Mrs. Jack Krass is trying to plan some
excitement for the usually quiet Coliseum . . .
Frank Mellon, manager of the Nortown,
claims the busiest job in his end of town.
John Tatu, circuit owner, has just returned
from an extended trip to Florida and Wash-
ington . . . Vera Willis, cashier at the High-
land Park Theatre, thinks a phone call always
brings good business at the boxoffice.
Felix Goletz of the Courtesy Theatre says
business is holding up well on the west side
. . . Louis Parine says they’re still hibernat-
ing out at the East Side Drive-In, waiting
for some real driving weather . . . Sam
Baker, president of Martin Cinema Corp.,
operating the Cinema, came to town for a
few days and then headed back for New
York.
Edward Nielsen of the Victory reports that
new equipment is on the way since the house
was taken back by the Cohen circuit . . .
Fred Newman of the Courtesy has just re-
turned from a four-week motor tour to Cali-
fornia.
Joseph Kopach of Musicians Booking Serv-
ice was in Flint early this week . . . Harry
A. Dolan, formerly associated with John
Murphy’s Sunshine Theatre Service, is form-
ing the Dolan Theatre Service at 2175 Mor-
rell St. . . . Leon England is joining Johnnie
“Scat” Savage as a partner in Twentieth Cen-
tury Attractions.
Kemal Aladray has withdrawn from the
Arabic Film Co., national distributors for
Nahas Films of Cairo, leaving James A. Hager
and Alex Albart sole owners. The company is
moving to new offices at 7421 West McNichols
(Continued on next page)
—THEATRE CHAIRS—
3000 Used Spring cushioned, part full
upholstered back and part insert
panel back, with spring edges and
box spring cushions.
1000 Veneer Chairs.
800 Good Backs.
500 Spring cushions, and hinges.
Write lor Prices and Photographs
JESSE COLE Theatre Seating
2565 McClellan, Detroit Phone: Valley 2-3445
Distributors
for the State of
Michigan
RINGOLD THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
106 Michigan St., N. W.. Grand Rapids 2. Mich.
r ^
PLAN YOUR NEW THEATRE NOW
CHARLES N. BOARD, Theatre Builder
nast juetron , t-nospecr runs
Theatre Bldg. * Phones Roseville 0243
t A
SUPER SIZE
POP CORN CO.
Ready Popped Corn
307 Boulevard Bldg. Detroit 3, Mich.
TRinity 2-38S0 — 24 hour phone service
RUDY SCHROEDER HERBERT MORGAN
TheatrpSign and Marquee Maintenance
Our Specialty
%kJWorstman Co.
TEmple 2-6877
27 Eliot St.
POntiac 3-4473
Detroit 1, Mich.
PERYL’S COSTUMES
UNIFORMS for Entire Theatre Staff.
Special Costumes for All Occasions, Acts and
Special Shows.
Peryl LaMarr, Prop. 3737 Woodward
Phone: TEmple 2-3948 Detroit, 1, Mich.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
103
DETROIT
(Continued from preceding page)
Rd. . . . Peryl La Marr, theatrical costumer,
is leaving in July to spend six weeks in Mex-
ico.
Mrs. Houston S. Morton reports her hus-
band is recovering steadily from his long
illness. His plans are uncertain now . . .
Prank C. Irvine, famed dog illustrator, is
joining the art staff at Jam Handy . . . Bob
Dunbar, Warner manager, cooked up a spe-
cial party for the stay-at-homes Saturday
night at the Variety clubrooms while the con-
vention in Los Angeles was on.
Along the Rialto: Karl Bromel, who worked
with Bromel and Sons before the war, has
left his job with the MPE Co. and has set
up the Bromel-Knapp Corp. His hew cor-
poration takes over the former MPE building
at 8510 12th St., and will handle theatrical
display operations. The MPE Co., which
started as Robert Matson’s old Motion Picture
Engineering Co., has dropped its show busi-
ness lines entirely and is changing its name
to the Impel Manufacturing Co., handling
gas burners only.
MITO Luncheon Notes: Sam Ackerman is
back from Florida with his new car almost
worn out . . . Irving Katcher of the Willis
and Russell theatres has a busy life with
his new automatic ice cream soda and hot dog
sidelines . . . Clare Winnie has been out look-
ing for muskies up in Mitchell’s bay . . .
Hyman Gordon, newcomer to the business,
who recently took over the Hazel Park Thea-
tre from Asher Shaw, made his initial ap-
pearance at an industry gathering.
Nick George of the Allen Park Theatre ar-
rived after dessert but managed to get a full
course dinner . . . Oscar Gorelick presided
at the head of the table . . . H. O. Koch was
LEONARD SOSKIN AGENCY
Retirement income, life, automobile,
fire, health and accident insurance.
541 Book Bldg. CA 3515. Detroit
EXHIBITORS — PARK FREE AT
McArthur
THEATRE
EQUIPMENT
COMPANY
454 COLUMBIA ST. WEST - DETROIT I, MICH.
MOTIOGRAPH SERVICE
Phone: CAdillac 5524
FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS
The Showmen's Drug Store
Drugs .. Cosmetics .. Prescriptions
Personal Service trom Two Showmen —
MAX BERHBAUM JACK GALLAGHER
Pharmacist Manager
Phone CLifford 1527, Clifford 3694
LONG SIGN CO.
MARQUISE SIGNS
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
840 W. Baltimore, Detroit — TR 1-5477
busily discussing plans for his theatre . . .
Sam Carver, sparkplug of MITO, led the gen-
eral discussion . . . Joseph Ellul was the
quiet representative of the small independent
circuits.
Up in the Booths: Peter Burke of the
Lakewood is back on the job after a six-week
battle with flu . . . M. R. Lanker, former
relief operator, has the assignment at the
Coliseum formerly held by Fred Droege, who
has returned to Ann Arbor . . . William
Rennie of the Beechwood had John Tabor
of the Oliver and Eugene Haas of the Amster-
dam helping to put in those new bases in
his booth. Homer Dillenbeck of the Dox was
supposed to help, too, but didn’t wake up in
time.
Butterfield to Modernize
Grand Rapids Theatres
GRAND RAPIDS — Butterfield Theatres
will spend about $175,000 to $200,000 modern-
izing the Kent, Center and Majestic theatres
here, according to Walter Norris, city man-
ager.
Plans call for an entirely new front of glass
and a new marquee at the Kent, reseating of
the Kent and Center, increasing the seating
capacity of the Majestic, and modernizing
and retiling restrooms in all three theatres.
Part of the stage will be torn away to in-
crease the capacity of the Majestic from 1,-
136 to about 1,500.
Approval of housing authorities must be
obtained before work can start.
New Louisville Drive-In
To Open Early in June
LOUISVILLE — This city will have a new
drive-in theatre June 1. Louis A. Arru is
the owner and the location is on Bardstown
road and Hikes lane. Approval for construc-
tion of the screen tower and projection booth
has been granted. Construction of these con-
crete block buildings is to cost $10,880. Other
improvements totaled $40,000.
The Skyway Drive-In, as it is to be called,
will accommodate 520 automobiles, each with
individual speakers.
Academy Opens Branch
CLEVELAND — Gilbert Lefton, president of
Academy Film Service, Inc., 2300 Payne Ave.,
distributor of Ampro 16mm projectors and
home movie equipment, lias opened a branch
office in Shaker Heights at 15400 Kinsman
Rd., with Henry Hay as manager. The new
shop will specialize in all types of 16mm and
8 mm home service. This is to include the
sale and rentals of equipment and film.
Academy Film Service, Inc., now maintains
an extensive 16mm film library to which new
films are being added each week.
Detroiters to Make Films
DETROIT — M. L. Barnes, Ray Kelley,
Henry Rockwell and Tom Thomas of this
city have formed a company to be known as
Mercury Pictures. The new firm will make
commercial pictures and films, with or with-
out sound, of meetings and social gatherings.
ERNIE
FORBES
214 W. Montcalm
Detroit 1. Mich.
Phone CAdillac 1122
Detroit's Grosses
Continue to Fall
DETROIT— The trend of business at thea-
tres here was downward. “Fair” business re-
ports were exceptional at both first runs and
neighborhoods. Only general business con-
ditions could take the blame this time, as
weather conditions improved and no longer
provided an excuse for the slump.
(Average is 100)
Adams — Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (RKO);
The Locket (RKO), 2nd wk 100
Broadway Capitol — Yankee Fakir (Rep);
Boom Town (MGM); reissue „ 90
Downtown— The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
5th wk 140
Fox — Backlash (20th-Fox); Carnival in
Costa Rica (20th-Fox) 90
Michigan — Easy Come. Easy Go (Para);
stage show 100
Palms-State — The Fabulous Dorseys (UA);
Abie's Irish Rose (UA) 80
United Artists — Code of the West (RKO);
The Late George Apley (20th-Fox) ;.... 90
Fire Destroys the Ritz
At Hickman, Kentucky
HICKMAN, KY. — Electric power service was
cut off here for a time after a fire destroyed
the Ritz Theatre and threatened adjacent
buildings. Loss has been estimated at $25,-
000. The fire was believed to have started
in the cooling system.
The building is owned by the Ruffin Amuse-
ment Co., of Nashville, which operates a
chain of theatres in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Another Saginaw Theatre
SAGINAW, MICH.— Construction of a
1,500-seat theatre on the west side will be
undertaken if approved by the city. Norman
H. Henny, Saginaw realtor, told the city coun-
cil that a group of men for whom he was
spokesman would build the theatre on the
site of the old Arthur Hill high school pro-
viding the city permits a theatre in that
section.
Ten Owners, One Theatre
BONNIEVILLE, KY. — The Bonnieville
Amusement Co., which is completing its Bond
Theatre here, lists owners as follows: W. B.
Reynolds, Oscar Kessinger, Cleon Mage, Leon-
ard Highbaugh, Ralph Clausen, Ralph Cot-
trell, M. H. Ferriss, H. S. Jaggers, C. M. Wal-
ters and Herbert Clausen.
Stage Shows on Tour
PITTSBURGH— One-night stage shows are
making the rounds in this area. Now playing
14 Warner circuit houses for one-night
stands are Slim Bryant and his Wildcats,
popular western-hillbilly radio troupe, and
another unit headed by Mischa Auer and
Bonnie Baker.
Plans luly 4 Opening
FOWLER, MICH. — Work is progressing on
the theatre being built here by Clemens Fox
and he is making plans for a formal opening
about July 4. Fox hopes to have his dairy
bar next door built and ready to operate by
the same date.
New Film Cleansing Service
CLEVELAND — Visual Communications,
Inc., RCA 16mm projector and 16mm film
distributor, has established a new depart-
ment for cleaning and processing both 16mm
and 35mm motion picture film. Service
headquarters are at 308 Film Bldg.
104
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
Legislature Advances
Broad Tax Base Bill
HARRISBURG — Without a dissenting vote,
the Pennsylvania bill to create a broad tax
base for municipalities and elective school
districts passed second reading. Opposition
is on the ground that granting both school
districts and municipalities the same taxing
powers will create a race to put taxes on the
“easiest” subjects, and it is a well known fact
that theatre admission taxes are “easy” to
collect.
Most of the tax bills have been approved
by the legislature, and with the bonus acts
moving ahead, the other major issues this
week are labor, teachers’ pay and a fair
employment practices commission.
House Bill No. 800 applies to all municipal-
ities in the state except counties, and all
school districts except Pittsburgh and Phila-
delphia. Broader taxing powers for the city
of Pittsburgh are included. The measure
would allow Pittsburgh to collect taxes on
persons, transactions, operations, privileges,
subjects and personal property within its
limits and would permit a wage or a sales
tax.
CLAUSE ON DUPLICATION
Should the state, at a later date, impose
a tax similar to that settled by the city or
municipality, the local government would be
allowed to continue collecting that tax until
the end of the budget year, when the local
tax would be vacated. There was such a pro-
vision in the so-called “Pittsburgh Package”
bill, which has remained in committee.
The Stonier-Brunner bill (House 800) is a
temporary measure, extending only to June 1,
1951.
The administration tax program cleared
both houses of the general assembly and Gov-
ernor Duff has signed the acts. The program,
which provides more than $140,000,000 in new
levies, includes increased taxes on tobacco
and beer, a new tax on soft drinks and up-
ward adjustments in the corporate net in-
come tax.
Pittsburgh city council seeks a share of
the state’s tax money on cigarets. The for-
mer state tax was 2 cents on each package
of cigarets and the new state tax is 4 cents
per package of 20.
MAY VOTE ON DAYLIGHT TIME
The house passed a bill giving the voters
of Pennsylvania the right to decide next
November whether they want standard or
daylight saving time. The vote was 113 to
76 and the measure now is in the senate. In
former sessions, the issue was ignored.
There is pressure to pass Senate Bill 608
which would increase the annual salary of
the chairman of the Pennsylvania state
board of censors (Mrs. Edna Carroll) from
$4,800 to $6,000. There are three members of
the board, the vice-chairman and the sec-
retary each receiving $4,500. Mrs. Lucy H.
Love, secretary, who served eight years, has
resigned.
B&K's $2,000,000 Theatre
Step Nearer Completion
TOLEDO — Construction of the new $2,000,-
000 theatre here by Balaban & Katz came
a step nearer with completion of final details
of the purchase of the site. The architectural
firm of Holabird & Root, theatre specialists
of Chicago, has been engaged to prepare plans
for the 2,500-seat motion picture and tele-
vision house.
Engineering survey of the property at the
northwest corner of Superior and Jackson
streets has been completed. The house is
expected to be ready for occupancy by June
1948.
Lakewood Celebrates Anniversary
Of First Matinee for Children
Lane Erecting a Second
At Williamsburg, Ky.
WILLIAMSBURG, KY. — Foster Lane,
owner and operator of the Dixie Theatre, has
awarded a contract for the construction of a
new theatre here. The proposed house will
seat 624 on one floor, of deluxe type incor-
porating latest equipment.
Plans for the bui’ding were drawn by J. N.
Ingram, architect of Louisville. The site has
already been cleared and the grounds are be-
ing graded. Building will start immediately,
and it is hoped the structure will be com-
pleted in time for opening Thanksgiving day.
Lane advises he will operate both theatres
here. The new theatre will be called the
Lane.
Stewart Says Minors
'Cut Own Throats'
DETROIT — Direct demand for lower film
rentals from minor distributors was made
recently by Jack Stewart, general manager
of Allied Theatres of Michigan, who claims
that the smaller companies are charging
virtually the same rentals as the major com-
panies at this time.
Present conditions make such a short-
sighted policy possible, Stewart said. He pre-
dicted that conditions are bound to change
— to the small distributor's disadvantage.
“The smaller distributors are taking advan-
tage of the present lush market just the same
as the majors do,” he said. “What a pity
they don’t get wise and take over some of the
business that would surely come their way at
this time.
“Now the public does not shop for pictures
any more, it is a case of getting in where one
does not have to stand in line. It doesn’t
matter much whose picture is on the mar-
quee, it will do business. Therefore if the
small distributor would get after some of
that gravy and play ball with the independ-
ent exhibitor, it would seem to me that when
and if things ever come back to normal again,
that exhibitor would string along with him.
“Minor distributors never had a better
chance to get set for the future when the
saturation point is reached. Many independ-
ent exhibitors say that if the minor distribu-
tors would play ball with them now, they
would even eliminate some major product to
take advantage of the situation, but certainly
when all prices are the same, small exhibitors
will follow the trademark that has graced
their screens for many years.”
CLEVELAND — Lakewood, suburb of Cleve-
land, recently celebrated its first anniversary
of presenting special children’s matinees on
Saturday. Lakewood was the pioneer in this
move, with complete cooperation of the Hil-
liard Square Theatre, the superintendent of
schools and the PTA.
Paul A. Rehmus, superintendent of the
Lakewood schools, was the prime mover in
establishing the children’s matinee and is
largely responsible for its success throughout
its first year.
“We have come to the conclusion,” said
Rehmus, “that the only effective long run
censorship against low-grade films is to build
up in each individual boy and girl such good
taste that he'll want to see only the best
films.”
PTA HELPS PICK FILMS
It was from that angle that all of the
Lakewood schools, both public and parochial,
under the guidance of Rehmus and Mrs.
C. F. Brewer, head of the Lakewood PTA,
have cooperated in selecting programs and
then publicizing them in the schools.
Manager Fred Holzworth of the Hilliard
Square Theatre has established a policy of
submitting his Saturday program to the
group backing the children’s matinees. If
his regular Saturday picture is satisfactory
to this group, it stands as is. If it is not sat-
isfactory, he changes it.
The original plan of presenting these pro-
grams on Saturday morning was not suc-
cessful. When they were shifted to Saturday
afternoon they boomed. Now they have set-
tled down to what Holzworth calls a good
Saturday.
NOW SUPPORTING YEARLING’
The Lakewood group is now urging the
support of “The Yearling.” Stills from the
film are on display on high school bulletin
boards and all the teachers are making an-
nouncements about the picture and urging
the pupils to see it.
A special program was held at the Hilliard
Square last Saturday to celebrate the first
anniversary of the Lakewood plan. Mrs. H. D.
Abernethy of the Lakewood board of educa-
tion presented honor PTA emblems to
Rehmus and Holzworth. And as a surprise
entertainment, the nationality group of Har-
rison school presented a program of folk
dances.
Holzworth states that the Lakewood plan
as operated in cooperation with the school
heads and the PTA has been of great value.
Not only has it proved lucrative, but it has
promoted and cemented civic unity between
the theatre and the forces of education.
_ HANG 'EM FROM THE BALCONY
WAHOO
America’s Finest Screen Game
AMUSEMENT CO., 831 S. WABASH AVE . , CHICAG
1
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
105
How Children Wiggle Is Important
In MPA's Juvenile Picture Test
CLEVELAND — Mrs. H. Henry Dawson of
MPA, guest speaker at the recent luncheon
meeting of the Motion Picture Council of
Greater Cleveland, spoke in detail about the
association’s Children’s Film library, and
gave council members the lowdown on how
the films in the library are selected.
“The pictures were selected as the nucleus
for our Children’s Film library on the basis
of the ‘wiggle test,’ ” Mrs. Dawson told the
council. “We gathered together various
groups of youngsters from the public schools
of New York and showed them the films
that we thought suitable for the library.
Then we watched them carefully. As soon
as they became disinterested they began to
wiggle. After repeated tests, we made elim-
inations on the basis of the wiggle response.
LIKE TO SEE REPEATS
“In this way we learned what the children
actually like to see on the screen. And we
also made another important discovery. This
is that children like to see their favorite pic-
tures again and again.”
The difference between the American and
British plans for children’s shows was
brought out. “In England, J. Arthur Rank
produces pictures especially for children,”
Mrs. Dawson said. “In America, we believe
a better plan is to use and adapt (by dele-
tion) the product already produced. Our rea-
son for this attitude is that we do not en-
courage the attendance at theatres of chil-
dren under 8 years of age. Our programs
are aimed at the 8 to 12-year age, and children
in this age bracket do not want to be talked
down to as is apt to be the case with specially
produced children’s pictures.”
SAYS LIBRARY IS LIMITED
Stressing the success of the children’s pro-
grams nationally, Mrs. Dawson said that
there are now 1,040 theatres throughout the
nation showing special children’s shows. Be-
cause the Children’s Film library is too lim-
ited for this field, exhibitors are urged to
use their judgment in choosing films for
children’s shows from current product.
Mrs. Louis B. Seltzer, president of the
Federation of Women’s Clubs, and 'wife of
the editor of the Press, daily evening news-
paper, spoke briefly on the heavy social re-
sponsibility of groups like the Motion Picture
Council of Greater Cleveland. Mrs. Seltzer
expressed herself as opposed to state or gov-
ernment control of the motion picture indus-
try, but declared, “This freedom makes it
imperative that the council study the pictures
produced and accept the social responsibility
of supporting and recommending those of
which it approves.”
Ashmun Is Renovating
Two Michigan Theatres
TAWAS CITY, MICH.— The Rivola Thea-
tre, closed during the war years, is being re-
conditioned by Ashmun Theatres, which op-
erates the Family in East Tawas. It is ex-
pected to go back into use about June 15.
The Rivola is getting a new marquee and
sign, a fire resistant concrete booth, new
booth equipment, reconditioned box spring
seats and a new roof.
The Ashmun circuit also is remodeling its
Garden Theatre in Frankfort, having ob-
tained CPA approval for the work. The job
will include a new porcelain sign and mar-
quee, oil heating and cooling system, new
lighting fixtures throughout, 700 new seats,
which will be placed in a new staggered ar-
rangement, new lobby flooring and carpeting
throughout, and redecoration of the interior.
The boxoffice is being moved to the center
of the building, and extensive changes will
be made to the rear exit. There also will be
a new popcorn machine alongside the new
candy bar. The work is expected to be fin-
ished by June 1.
A. T. Worthington, 56, Dies;
Former Theatre Owner
CLEVELAND — A. T. Worthington, 56,
owner of the Star Theatre in Bluffton, Ohio,
until 1938, when he sold it to George Car-
nack, died at his home Saturday (10) of a
heart attack.
Since his retirement from theatre opera-
tion he has been affiliated with Lima Loco-
motive Works at Lima. Surviving are his
wife and daughter. Funeral services were
held Wednesday in Bluffton.
Pre-Fab at Mill Hall, Pa.,
Planned by C. D. Weiser
MILL HALL, PA.— C. D. Weiser of the Sky,
Altoona, will erect a prefabricated theatre
here, four miles from Lock Haven. Capacity
will be more than 400 seats. Weiser, formerly
an exhibitor at Middleburg, also has plans
for opening a theatre at Hyndman.
Sell at West Point
WEST POINT, KY.-S. J. Brown and Son
have sold their West Point Theatre here to
Louis Baker.
Sam Abrams Pulls Talent
For Phonograph Confab
CLEVELAND — Sam Abrams of the Ohio
Advertising Ass’n, whose extra curricular
activity is such a great interest in show
business that he is currently secretary of the
Variety Club, arranged and supervised a big
show held last Monday at the Carter hotel
as the outstanding event of the annual con-
vention of the Ohio Phonograph Ass’n. Read-
ing like who’s who in show business, the pro-
gram included Gene Krupa and his orchestra,
Eddie Howard and his orchestra, the Murphy
sisters, band leader Sam Donahue, pianist
Jack Fina and cowboy singer Tex Allen. In
addition to the amusements editors of the local
daily newspapers, several prominent picture
men were present, including Harry Schreiber,
Variety Club chief barker; Saul Minick, Gold-
wyn representative in charge of the local
engagement of “The Best Years of Our
Lives,” and Julius Lamm, manager of War-
ners’ Uptown.
Bill Feld Signs With E-L
As Manager in St. Louis
PITTSBURGH — Bill Feld, who resigned as
Republic manager, effective May 9, has
been named Eagle-Lion district manager
with headquarters in his home city, St. Louis.
Feld’s E-L district includes St. Louis, Kansas
City, Des Moines and Omaha. Irwin Sweeney
resigned as RKO city salesman to accept the
post as local Republic manager. Bob Munn,
Warner exchange accessory department man-
ager before going into the army, is returning
to Pittsburgh as a Republic salesman. Now
with Republic at Cleveland, Munn will cover
the West Virginia area.
Saginaw Theatres Will Bar
Children on-School Nights
SAGINAW, MICH.— Theatres here have
made an agreement with the city PTA not to
admit children under 12 years of age to thea-
tres after 6 p. m. on any evening preceding
a school day.
Veterans Acquire Theatres
UNIONTOWN, PA.— Two local theatres,
long dark and out of service, have been ac-
quired by veterans’ organizations. The Cap-
itol, under arrangement with the Pennstate
Amusement Co., has been leased to the Jocal
post of the American Legion. The old West
End building has been partially razed and
remodeled, and is the new permanent home
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Joins Dad in Firm
PITTSBURGH — Jimmy Alexander jr., son
of the Alexander Theatre Supply proprietor,
has joined the equipment company and he
will assist his father in all departments.
The junior Alexander, who recently received
his B.S. engineering degree at Northwestern
university, is spending a week or so at the
Brenkert factory in Detroit.
Pin to Moriarty
PITTSBURGH — Eddie Moriarty, MGM
sales representative, was awarded a 20-year
pin by Saal Gottlieb, branch manager, at a
pep meeting in Loew’s Little Theatre on Film-
row recently.
New Sound in Strand
UNION CITY, MICH.— Motiograph-Mirro-
phonic sound has been installed in the Strand
Theatre here, Homer Cox, manager, an-
nounced.
List of 'Sins Quells Youngsters
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Listing 13
5. Whistling.
offenses committed by children and
6. Property damage.
teen-agers in theatres, Fred Row-
7. Throwing things.
lands of the Main Theatre here re-
8. Smoking.
ports that since he placed the list
9. Using flashlights or lighting
in his boxoffice there has been a
matches.
decline in the number of violations
10. Everlastingly changing seats.
with greater peace and comfort for
11. Using bean shooters, water
his more sedate patrons.
guns or cap pistols.
The list:
12. Roaming the theatre for
dates.
1. Talking.
2. Running up and down aisles.
13. Disrespect to employes.
3. Gathering in groups.
Violation of these rules means
4. Cracking gum or disturbing
that the guilty person is told to leave
noise.
the theatre without refunds.
106
BOXOFFICE : : May 17, 1947
Champ Co. Forming
Bay Slate Circuit
WORCESTER — Organization of an inde-
pendent circuit of theatres in central Massa-
chusetts is under way with the purchase of
the Park in Spencer by the Champ-Amuse-
ment Corp. of Worcester. It is the firm’s
third house.
The Park, Spencer’s only theatre, was sold
by Charles M. Kane at an undisclosed price.
It was built in 1909 and has always been
owned by the Kane family. At first it was
used for roadshows, stock and vaudeville but
turned exclusively to pictures when sound
came in. It seats 600.
Fileno DiGregoria of Southbridge, presi-
dent of the United Lens Co. there, is presi-
dent of the purchasing corporation. Charles
Grace, Worcester attorney, is treasurer and
clerk. They said they expect to add other
houses.
At present they operate the Bane Town
Hall seven nights a week and the Oxford
Town Hall on weekends. Formerly they op-
erated at the Worcester Playhouse but this
is not always available.
Succeeding Kane as manager in Spencer
is Raymond M,angaudin, formerly of the
Warner here, who has been in charge at
Oxford. Miss Liberty Koskinos of Worcester
is the new manager in Oxford. Dorothy
Gengel of Worcester continues as manager in
Barre.
Thomas McAndrews, 24,
Is Republic Salesman
NEW HAVEN — Thomas McAndrews, new
salesman at Republic, is the youngest seller
of film to appear on the Row for some time.
At 24 he has a college education, a wartime
service record and a good foundation in the
film business.
Born and reared in Bell Harbor, L. I., Tom
wanted to be a businessman with a good
educational background. He attended St.
John’s college in Brooklyn and graduated
with a bachelor’s degree in economics. From
cap and gown there was a whirlwind change
to khaki, and he was an infantryman for
three and one-half years, two on the battle-
field.
From service, he stepped into the Republic
New York exchange, where he was put
through the paces — inspection, shipping,
cashier’s department, booking, and finally
student salesman. Before he left New York,
he was servicing his quota of theatres in the
city.
Jack Gordon's Daughter
To Springfield Staff
HARTFORD — Jack W. Gordon, general
manager of Gordon’s Entertainment bureau,
has announced the appointment of his
daughter Frances to the bureau’s staff at
Springfield. Frances will work with Eddie
Stone in the firm’s newly opened office at 144
Bridge St. there.
Phyllis Thaxter Returns
Home in #Sea of Grass'
PORTLAND, ME. — Phyllis Thaxter, daugh-
ter of Supreme 'Court Justice and Mrs. Sid-
ney St. Felix Thaxter of Portland, has an
important role in “Sea of Grass,” which
played at the State Theatre recently. Miss
Thaxter appears in the film as the daughter
of a cattle baron, played by Spencer Tracy.
PLENTY OF YEARS HERE— Manager
Fred R. Greenway of Loew’s Poli-Palace
in Hartford and his assistant, Albert
Lessow, had a total of 224 years of age
rounded up for this photo. Doormen, the
three men are John Rosenberg, 67;
Arthur L. Marks, 82; and Edward G.
Cram, 75. Cram and his wife are now ob-
serving their golden wedding anniversary.
Theatres Seek Permission
To Employ Own Police
LOWELL, MASS. — Several theatre man-
agers in this city have united in asking that
managers be allowed to hire their own
police officers. Cost of officers hired now is
$9.23 per day, and it is believed that this
figure can be shaded considerably if favor-
able action results from the request.
Carl Goldman to Wed
BOSTON — Carl Goldman, manager of the
Esquire here during the run of “The Best
Years of Our Lives,” will be married to Freda
Kaufman of Mattapan June 1 in Temple
Beth Hillel. Jack Markle, manager of the
Broadway Theatre, New York City, is plan-
ning to attend the wedding.
Drive-In for New Hartford
HARTFORD — Work has started on a new
drive-in theatre between New Hartford and
Winsted, Conn. A group of businessmen are
reported behind the move. The drive-in may
open this season.
Roy A. Smith Opens
Park, East Walpole
BOSTON — The Park Theatre, East Wal-
pole, was formally opened by Roy A. Smith,
president and manager, May 6. The house
has been under construction for over a year.
Harry J. Koslund of Norwood is the archi-
tect.
The site for the theatre was that of a
garage which had been gutted by fire, leaving
the three bare walls. The result is an at-
tractive ultramodern theatre seating 630
which has every modern device for the com-
fort of the patrons. There is no balcony.
The acoustics has been developed for 100
per cent reception. There are Kroehler push-
back seats and the temperature is controlled
by refrigerated air conditioning which
changes the air every ten minutes. Voice
of the Theatre sound system has been in-
stalled.
For the ceremonies for the grand opening,
Smith introduced Willis D. McLean, chair-
man of the Walpole board of selectmen, who
gave a short address. Smith has arranged
for special township nights to be carried out
during the first week. Thursday night was
Norwood and Westwood night when those
residents were welcomed with the chairman
of the board of selectmen, while Friday eve-
ning was Sharon and Canton night, and
Saturday night Dedham night. The picture
chosen for the opening four days was Co-
lumbia’s “Dead Reckoning.” “The Return
of Monte Cristo” played the next three days.
“The Razor’s Edge” is set for seven days be-
ginning the second week. The policy is for
one matinee and two evening shows daily
with continuous shows on Sundays and holi-
days.
Discuss Competitive Bids
At Independents' Session
BOSTON — Competitive bidding was dis-
cussed at the monthly meeting here of Inde-
pendent Exhibitors, Inc., and a poll was
taken to determine what companies are in-
viting bids and whether the bidding is in ac-
cordance with terms of the antitrust decree.
George Markell of the Hudson Theatre,
Hudson, Mass., was elected to membership. It
was decided to discontinue luncheon meet-
ings in June and July unless something spe-
cial arises.
Professors Lament That Theatres
Offer Too Many 'Amorous Dreams'
HARTFORD — The question, “What
is the influence of motion pictures, ra-
dio, and funnies on American life?” was
discussed by three cqllege professors
at a meeting of the Hartford Get-To-
gether club here last week.
Presiding at the meeting was Wilbert
Snow, former governor, poet and pro-
fessor, who declared that he knows
less about radio, film and the funnies
than anyone else in Connecticut.
Dr. Harry Overstreet, philosopher,
writer, and authority on behavior, de-
clared: “It is a damning indictment
that we are not great enough to pro-
duce great radio, great movies and great
humor.” He said that widespread dis-
content in American life seeks relief
in the compensation of romance, and
added, “We go to movies, and say, ‘I
am tired, give me an amorous dream.’ ”
Prof. Walter Pritchard Eaton, drama
critic and playwriting instructor at
Yale university, told the group that he
never had a radio at home, that he
goes to motion pictures only four times
a year “because they give me a head-
ache, but I read the funnies every day
and have found other members of the
Yale faculty doing the same.”
A Yale psychologist, Prof. Leonard V.
Doob, declared that surveys show that
few persons are dissatisfied by soap
operas, and he placed some blame on
entertainment by pointing out that “al-
though these mass media satisfy needs
in the people, they create appetite for
more.”
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
NE
107
BOSTON
Worcester District
Arthur Howard, president of Affiliated
Theatres, Inc., who underwent a serious
operation in April, has
returned to the New-
ton-Wellesley hospital
for more surgery after
-complications de-
veloped. During his
illness, Affiliated
Theatres has been in
the hands of Seth
Field who joined the
concern just prior to
Howard’s illness. Joe
Hochberg is assisting
Seth in the booking,
while Elinor Costello,
shorts booker, is also Arthur Howard
doing a fine job in the
emergency.
Louis Score of Portland, has announced the
sale of the Rialto, Westbrook, Me., to Mr. and
Mrs. Alfred Lahoulier. Score, who owns the
Opera House in Lakeport, N. H., is preparing
to reopen the Deering, Deering, Me., a sub-
urb of Portland. The latter houses are on
the market.
Paul Feeley, 8-year-old son of Ray Feeley,
business manager of Independent Exhibitors,
Inc., entered Milford hospital to have his
tonsils and adenoids removed . . . Charles
Hurley, manager of the Philips, Springfield,
a Rifkin house, was in town for the Frank
Lydon testimonial luncheon at Hotel Brad-
ford.
Hy Teich of the 4-Star Program Co. on
Filmrow wrote the book and the lyrics for
an original musical
comedy of two acts
and nine scenes which
was presented at Jor-
dan Hall May 7, 8.
Titled “All Those in
Favor,” the musical
had a cast of 50 and
was a sellout at each
performance. Hy is
retiring president of
the Kehillath Israel
Brotherhood of Brook-
line, sponsors of the
play, a satire based on
the growth of congre-
gations. It ribs the ac- HY TEICH
tivities that take place at various board meet-
ings.
Hy is well qualified in this theatrical ven-
ture as he attended Yeshiva college, New
York, and Hebrew Teachers college. He
taught at a Hebrew school and at one time
considered studying for the rabbinate. Instead
he came to Boston university to study jour-
nalism and later worked at editor of the New
Bedford Times and as a feature writer for the
Boston Post. He established the 4-Star firm
12 years ago with four employes and now has
a staff of 30, doing theatrical programs for
the New England sector.
Hub Children's Hospital
Aided by Variety Club
BOSTON — To assist the drive for funds for
the medical center connected with Children’s
hospital, the Variety Club of New England
has offered a service of free 16mm films to
be shown at private homes to anyone who
will pay a minimum of $100 to the drive. Bill
Koster, executive secretary of the club, and
Joe Cifre, tireless worker for the club’s
various philanthropies, are taking on this
new project. The club will pay all expenses
and the entire proceeds will go to the hos-
pital.
Mayor Curley made the first donation to
spearhead the project with a special screen-
ing for the children of the Mary E. Curley
school in Jamaica Plain. Boston’s Tent No.
23 is the first in the country to put on this
special drive and it is hoped that other tents
will soon follow suit in this national cause.
"CORSAGE"
POST-WAR
PATTERN
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
from
CAMEO SCREEN ATTRACTIONS, INC.
50 Melrose St. Boston, Mass.
Samuel J. Davidson, Pres.
Va avoid exceMive. le*utice. clta/u^ei.
it wilt pxuf, dividends to coniult
Stocked With All
Necessary Repair
and Replacement
Parts for Any
Sound System.
"Ask any
exhibitor using
our service ”
* Sound '
Sncjinzziinc) Szsivicz.
,
On cedi cd cintf lime-
LONguooc/ £60!
4_i.f=moLD DflViDsorv
13© MO U f'-vl T F O FR. T
OF^OOK.Lir'NJE 46, M R .
Now Expanding
with Additional
personnel to cover
a Larger Service
Area.
Many theatres
under our
maintenance
Gelling New Houses
NORTH GRAFTON, MASS.— This town is
soon to have its own theatre. George W.
Johnstone announced that the Johnstone
building, destroyed by fire in February, will
be rebuilt to include a house seating 450.
Bowling alleys and stores also will be con-
tained in the block. Worcester theatres here-
tofore have served the town.
The plan of E. M. Loew of Boston to build
a new neighborhood house in the Grafton
Hill section of Worcester has been held up
by CPA restrictions. The site has been chosen
and Loew is ready to go ahead as soon as
the federal ban is lifted. This house will be
in a thickly populated section and will seat
1,200.
Another theatre planned for the city will
be in the new business block to be erected
at Southbridge and Cambridge streets, near
Holy Cross college.
Opera House Building
In Milford Is Sold
MILFORD, MASS. — Papers have been
passed transferring the Opera House block
on Main street from the Markarian Bros.
Realty Corp. of Worcester to the Stoughton
Theatre Co., whose other Milford holding is
the State.
The Opera House building is a four-story
brick structure in the center of the business
district.
The theatre, located in the rear of the
block on the second floor with the balcony
extending up to the fourth floor, has not
been used for 14 years. The Milford Realty
Co. has had a lease on the house since 1929
but operated it only a few years after ob-
taining the lease.
The Opera House block was erected in
1879 and at first was known as the Music
Hall. Many celebrated stage stars appeared
there in the early days.
Boston Tent Sends 64
To Variety Convention
BOSTON — Sixty-four members of Boston
tent 23 of Variety attended the international
convention in Los Angeles. Among them
were Leonard Goldberg, Meyer and Joe
Stanzler, Joe Carrolo, Fred Greene, Ted
Fleischer, Herbie Higgins, William Deitch,
Harry Zeitz, Louis Gordon, Arthur Lock-
wood, Phil Bloomberg, Ben Abrams, Walter
Brown, Harry Gilman, Abe Yarchin, Morris
Safner, Dan Murphy, Dr. Sapherstein, A1
Gould, Ted Rosenblatt, Chester Currie, A1
Somerby, E. M. Loew, Ross Frisco, Martin
Mullin, Sam Pinanski, Harry Browning, Ben
Williams and Bill Koster, executive secretary
of the Boston tent.
lim Clancy Named to Post
With Society for Crippled
HARTFORD— Jim Clancy, who retired re-
cently as sales promotion manager of WTIC,
50,000-watt Hartford radio station, has been
appointed director of public relations for the
Connecticut Society for Crippled Children
and Adults.
Before he joined WTIC Clancy was asso-
ciated with the Poli and Keith Theatre cir-
cuits for almost 25 years. At one time, he was
manager of the downtown Poli here. He
was with the Paramount Pictures publicity
department in New York some years ago.
108
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
Harry Shaw 14 Years
In Poll Division Job
NEW HAVEN — May is for May day, flow-
ers, spring housecleaning, rose fever and
similar events, but,
more especially for
Harry Shaw, to draw a
circle around the 16th,
the anniversary of his
arrival in New Haven
to become Loew’s Poli
division manager. This
month marks Shaw’s
14th year in the Elm
city and his 18th with
Loew’s, Inc., which is
an occasion for “many
happy returns.”
Shaw supervises 17
HARRY SHAW houses in eight Con-
necticut and southern Massachusetts towns,
and some 650 employes. His supervision im-
plies constant contact by telephone, volumi-
nous correspondence, frequent meetings, and
hundreds of miles of travel in a continuous
personal inspection of the circuit houses in
Bridgeport, Waterbury, New Haven, Hart-
ford, Meriden, Springfield and Worcester.
Shaw is justly proud of the steadily improved
appearance of his houses, and of the scrupu-
lously clean conditions he insists on from
basement up. He also maintains a personal
relationship with most of the .division em-
ployes, taking an interest in their families
and their problems.
He derived most satisfaction during the
war years from his active part in the seven
war loans as head of the motion picture di-
vision for this territory. Working for and
with bond shows, big and small, emceeing
in all parts of the field, arranging luncheons,
guest star appearances, and all the other
inducements cooked up by show business to
bring in citizens’ dollars, Shaw was tireless
in his efforts and effective in his results. He
could easily have redecorated his office with
treasury department citations, but only one
neat certificate is in evidence.
Going on 14 years, and the cop on the cor-
ner still checks his timepiece at 7:45 o’clock
when Harry walks by to be in the office by
8 a. m. By 9 a. m. he has gone through his
mail and knows all the problems on the cir-
cuit. The same fresh carnation in his but-
tonhole every day, the cigar, and the largish
figure and broad smile add up, with the job
he has done, to a personality better known
in these parts than many who have lived
here a lifetime.
Form 16mm Circuit
HAVERHILL, MASS. — Two veterans of
this city, Joseph Roberts and Warren Henry,
have formed a partnership, known as the
Roberts and Henry circuit, and are showing
Hollywood-produced 16mm films in towns
surrounding Haverhill. Pictures are shown
once each week in Georgetown, Mass., and
Newton, Hampstead and Northwood, N. H.
Local Angle Helps
PITTSFIELD, MASS— The Palace Theatre
got extra publicity out of its showing of “13
Rue Madeleine” and extra attendance as
well, when it became known that Edward
Lankin, former resident and outstanding ath-
lete, was an extra in the film.
Bing Visits in Maine
SANFORD, ME. — Bing Crosby visited here
the weekend of May 3 with Elmer L. Ward,
president of the Goodall-Sanford Co.
Proper Staff Training Major Point
In Operation of Coolidge Corner
BROOKLINE, MASS. — Richard Penta, per-
sonnel director and chief of service at the
Coolidge Corner Theatre here, managed by
Bernard Stewart, is also an assistant profes-
sor of languages at Boston university, where
he teaches German to a class of 50 pupils.
Penta’s own college course at the university
was interrupted by the war. He was placed
in army intelligence and was sent to George-
town university to study Japanese. The
course took eight months, after which he was
sent to Japan to serve as an interpreter at
the signing of the surrender.
FORMER MEDFORD ASSISTANT
During his undergraduate days, Penta was
assistant manager at the Medford, Medford,
then managed by Stewart. When Penta was
discharged from the army, Stewart made
room for him at the Coolidge Corner, where
Penta now has charge of all the hiring and
firing of the help and the entire front house.
Working on exploitation with Stewart,
Penta has some definite ideas on the train-
ing of the theatre staff and the proper pres-
entation of films. He believes that word of
mouth is more profitable than the usual type
of direct advertising. Hence, he prepares the
staff for a thorough understanding of the
picture to be played before its first showing.
In connection with “The Song of Schehera-
zade,” he asked Serge Koussevitsky, conduc-
tor of the Boston symphony to appear before
the staff of 30 to explain the music of Rim-
sky-Korsakoff.
Other experts in other fields have addressed
the staff. Donald Bain, Hollywood sound ex-
pert and imitator of animal calls explained
the different animal sounds in a tiein with
“The Macomber Affair.”
BRINGS ACTOR TO STAGE
For exploitation of “The Late George
Apley,” Penta arranged for the personal ap-
pearance of Roger Clark, who has the lead
in the legitimate production of “The Picture
of Dorian Gray,” playing in a downtown thea-
tre. Clark spoke to the group on dramatic
speech, voice and dramatic subtlety, with
special emphasis on the importance of voice
subtlety in dealing with theatre audiences in
boxoffice lines, standees and in the lobby.
The following code of rules has been set
up by Stewart and Penta for the training
of a new employe:
I. PREPARE THE WORKER.
Put him at his ease.
Find out what he already knows about the job.
Oet him interested in learning the job.
Place him in the correct position.
II. PRESENT THE OPERATION.
Tell, show, illustrate and question carefully and
patiently.
Stress key points.
Instruct clearly and completely, taking up one
point at a time, but no more than he can
master.
III. TRY OUT PERFORMANCE.
Test him by having him perform the job.
Have him tell and show you, and have him ex-
plain key points.
Ask him questions and correct errors.
Continue until you are sure he knows.
IV. FOLLOWUP.
Put him on his own.
Check frequently — tell him to whom he goes
for help.
Encourage questions.
Get him to look for key points as he progresses.
KROKYN. BROWNE, Architects
Theatre Specialists and Consultants
NEW ADDRESS
184 Boylston Street at Park Square. Boston
Taper off extra coaching and close followup.
Some pointers on getting ready to instruct:
I. Have a time table. How much skill do you
expect the worker to have and how soon?
II. Break down the job.
List principal steps.
Pick out key points.
III. Have everything ready — the right tools, equip-
ment and materials.
IV. Have the work place properly arranged, just
as the worker will be expected to keep it.
Dishes for Giveaway
LEWISTON, ME. — The Ritz Theatre is ad-
vertising dinnerware as a giveaway.
Frances Roth to Arbitration Body
HARTFORD — Frances L. Roth, executive
secretary of the Municipal Court Judges Ass’n
of Connecticut, associate professor of law at
the Yale Law school and assistant to the
vice-president of the American Arbitration
Ass'n, has been named chairman of the com-
mittee on arbitration of the National Ass’n of
Women Lawyers.
Hartiord Circuit Men Meet
HARTFORD — A. M. Schuman, general
manager, presided at a Hartford Theatres
circuit meeting held at the Schuman home
in Hartford last week. Attending were Ernie
Grecula, Leon Schuman, Phyllis Selvin, Joe
Ruggerio, Hugh J. Campbell, Mrs. Kate
Treske, Pat Bucherri and George Smith.
Art Assignment to Hans Peters
Metro has given the art director assign-
ment on “If Winter Comes” to Hans Peters.
M i
POPCORN
JVIanleM
MACHINES
Tops for all showmen!
Ask the theatre that has one!
SAM HORENSTEIN
"7/te Pofxc&m Man”
New England Representative
* -*t *
Office and Showroom . . . 45 Church St.
Hancock 7419 Boston
In the Heart of the Film District
Genuine
MANLEY SUPPLIES
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
10
NEW HAVEN
Though the statewide business report for
the last few months has been slightly
down, the first week in May was generally
good . . . "Duel in the Sun” had a fine open-
ing day. The “Duel” mobile unit looked vainly
for a rainbow in every opening town. The
truck, which projects a 40-minute show to
sidewalk crowds, arrived everywhere in a
downpour which stymied all plans.
“It Happened on Fifth Avenue” opened at
the Warner and Merritt, Bridgeport, at 9
a. m. Harry Goldstein, exploiteer, arranged
a cocktail party at Hotel Barnum for Don
DeFore, star, with Nate Furst and John
Pavone representing the company. The
picture is playing as a single feature at the
Garde, New London.
The Arena finished up a week of Larry
Sunbrock’s rodeo and Nate Podoloff, manager,
reports it the most successful rodeo yet. The
horsemen’s show and powwow are scheduled
June attractions . . . Alfred Patricelli is run-
ning a series of Miss America pageants, in-
cluding selection of Miss Waterbury, Miss
New Haven, Miss Hamden and Miss West
Haven. The New Haven event May 14 at the
Arena also featured Don DeVeglia of “Follow
the Girls,” who was born in Hamden; June
Vane, Irish lullaby singer, Joan Turner (Miss
Connecticut of 1946) ; and Tony Lavelli, Yale
basketball star and accordion expert, all
under the sponsorship of the American
Legion.
Rumors are “The Jolson Story” will repeat
first run theatres in the near future . . . Cer-
tificates of incorporation for the Connecti-
cut Amusement Corp. and the Crystal Amuse-
ment Corp. in Bridgeport have been filed . . .
In the mail from MGM is that letter asking
for shorts bookings which may send Phil
Gravitz on a prizewinning trip to the coast
(Phil has never been west of the Bronx so
far) . . . Tying in Connecticut’s winning of
the traffic safety award for the third suc-
cessive year and the AAA award for being
the safest state for pedestrians and motorists,
Gravitz urges exhibitors to play “Traffic
With the Devil.”
Sympathy to Barney Pitkin, RKO manager,
on the death of his mother, Mrs. Ida Pitkin,
64 . . . Toots Marakian of the Cottage diner
was presented a radio by filmites who par-
take of her delicacies frequently, when news
leaked out she had been secretly married
and would live in Boston. Just to change
the diet, the girls and boys dined Toots at
Tony’s restaurant.
Glad news in the Morton Katz family was
the arrival of Nancy Estelle at Grace hos-
pital. He’s an MGM salesman . . . Operator
Fred Warner of the Paramount is on vaca-
tion, fishing the local streams, while Vincent
Monks subs for a week . . . Irving Horowitz of
Rosen Film Delivery fishes every chance
hereabouts, while Boss Sam Rosen aims for
virgin streams in Canada in August . . .
Henry Bruneau, United Artists booker, spent
his vacation in Elm City as of May 12 . . . Lea
Baldwin, secretary to Manager Meadows,
prefers Woodbridge as of May 19 . . . Dick
Cohen, Monogram booker and office man-
ager, is using the family cane after spraining
his ankle at the Arena . . . Columbia is still
in third place in the personnel bonus drive
which ends June 26 . . . Local B41 of ex-
change employes will hold its annual election
June 2, with Jim Mahan of Paramount pre-
siding.
Thelma Jaffe and Muriel Ketaineck of
MGM were a laugh riot at the Junior Hadas-
sah donor dinner last week, when they gave
old-fashioned costumes a new twist in the
fashion show . . . George Weber is off to
speak for New Haven at the MGM office
managers meet in Cincinnati . . . Dave
Kramer, Columbia salesman, knows the right
people; consequently he’s driving a new
Dodge . . . Harry Segal, Eagle-Lion district
manager, stopped in from Boston, to visit
with the Salzberg staff; then went on to
New York . . . Howard Richardson, in from
the State, New Britain, says business on
“The Jolson Story” dictated a holdover to
six days.
The A. L. Schumans of the Hartford circuit
plan an early trip to the coast and a visit to
the studios . . . The Dr. J. B. Fishmans came
back from the coast, the Grand Canyon, and
New Orleans May 16 . . . Seen at the Dominic
Somma wedding last week: George Somma,
Republic; Mr. and Mrs. Earl Wright, United
Artists; Mr. and Mrs. Morris Weinstein, PRC;
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Germain and Tommy Ger-
main, George Worcester, Nan Mclnerney,
Betty Kelleher, Sal Popolizio, Eva Foti, Jean
Paszko and Gloria Parente.
Replacing Fay Spadoni at the 20th-Fox
switchboard is Barbara Schwartzman . . .
The Paramount Theatre marquee was again
delayed but is definitely due to be finished
in a week or so ... At the Seven Gables
Towne House the women’s division of the
Jewish welfare fund showed “The Will to
Live,” starring Paul Muni as narrator, and a
short with Eddie Cantor to inspire the work-
ers . . . Frank X. Carroll, 20th-Fox sales
executive, visited Ben Simon and the others.
Around the district last week: Johnny
Siriad of the Lido, Waterbury; Bob Schwartz,
Park, Thomaston; Betty Knickerbocker and
Francis Boscardine, Colonial, Canaan; Wal-
ter J. Higgins, Prudential circuit, New York;
John Perakos, Perakos circuit, New Britain;
Jack Schwartz, West End, Bridgeport.
Big doings on “Homestretch,” which opened
in Stamford May 14, included promotion by
Exploiteer Bob Kauffman of a pony giveaway
. . . Just to be horsy, the Grand, New Haven,
also distributed hobby horses last Saturday
. . . Lou Brown promoted ten window dis-
fAKE MORE MONEY PLACING-
WAHOO
AmesUc&i fyisteAt Sc/iee*t Gcune
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue • Chicago, Illinois
plays for the Bijou on “The Fabulous Dor-
seys” as well as co-op ads . . . Tony Massella,
Bijou assistant, disregarding the high price
of flowers, promoted 100 roses for a Mothers
day giveaway to the first mammas lured into
the theatre . . . RKO provided interesting
reading when it used reprints of Billy Rose’s
article on “The Farmer’s Daughter” as a
mailing piece ... A record store co-op ad was
landed by Ed Fitzpatrick in Waterbury on
“Duel in the Sun.”
R. L. Putnam Will Publish
New Springfield Tabloid
SPRINGFIELD — An opportunity for the
city’s theatres to place advertising in a com-
petitive newspaper market again, after a lapse
of ten years, was assured recently when
former Mayor Roger L. Putnam announced
that the city would have a new evening news-
paper June 2.
Throwing the spirit of competition back into
the city’s news field, Putnam said he had
formed a corporation to publish the Spring-
field Sentinel, an independent tabloid sheet.
It will fight for circulation and advertising
lineage with the four Springfield newspapers
jointly owned by a management represented
by Sherman H. Bowles.
Putnam’s announcement came as the new-
est development in the city’s newspaper situ-
ation, which has been complicated by a seven-
month strike by three AFL mechanical unions
and the American Newspaper Guild, CIO.
Two of the four strike-bound papers — the
Evening News and the Morning Union — have
resumed publication in defiance of the strike,
carrying near-normal advertising lineage.
Although they have been publishing two
months, none of the theatres here has ad-
vertised, fearful of work stoppages from
unionized projectionists. Theatre men have
not said whether they would advertise in
Putnam’s paper, which, the former mayor
said, would be completely unionized.
Mrs. Kathleen O. Finnegan
Takes Husband's Old Post
SPRINGFIELD — Mrs. Kathleen Olsson Fin-
negan, widow of Gerald E. Finnegan, widely
known theatreman, is carrying on the family
tradition by taking her husband’s old post as
assistant manager of Court Square Theatre.
She knows that she is aiming at a high mark
in trying to emulate her husband’s career but
hopes to demonstrate, she says, that a woman
can “go places” in the administrative end of
theatre work.
Mrs. Finnegan worked as a cashier in a
Holyoke theatre for several years before her
marriage and helped her husband while he
was on the E. M. Loew circuit. Finnegan
spent one summer filling in for managers
during their vacations and Mrs. Finnegan
accompanied him on his various assignments
and often acted as his assistant. It was “great
fun,” she said.
Borenstein Aids Cancer Drive
NEW BRITAIN — Joe Borenstein, manager
of the Strand Theatre here, made up a spe-
cial trailer announcing a New Britain paper
collection day for the benefit of the cancer
campaign. All local theatres ran the trailer.
Big Names Visit Hartford Area
HARTFORD — The big name band season
is on again in the territory, with such names
as Vaughn Monroe, Harry James, and others
being booked into amusement parks and
ballrooms.
In 'Two Guys From Texas'
Warners has set Dick Alexander for a role
in “Two Guys From Texas.”
110
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
Salesman Nuzzola Began
Film Work 14 Years Ago
NEW HAVEN— Michael Nuzzola, newly ap-
pointed salesman for 20th-Fox here, comes to
the Elm city with a solid background of 14
years with 20th-Fox.
Nuzzola decided when he was 19 years old
that he wanted to learn the film business
from the back room out. Accordingly, he be-
came a film examiner on the night shift
in the 20th-Fox exchange in New York, and
worked his way through all the jobs in the
exchange — shipper, advertising salesman, stat-
istician, booker.
He was on his way up from there when
the war interrupted his career. Nuzzola en-
listed in the marines and served for three
and a half years, much of that time overseas
on Guam and Iwo Jima.
In January 1946, when he was discharged,
Nuzzola headed back to the 20th-Fox ex-
change in New York and a job in the sales
department, where he worked until he was
moved here to replace Earl Wright, now with
UA.
At school in his native New York, Nuzzola
made letters and records in many sports.
He excelled in basketball, football, track,
handball and golf. He’s still working on his
golf game and is a real threat to the local
appleknockers.
Recently, however, Nuzzola has been giving
most attention to his daughter Michael, born
six weeks ago. Like her father, Michael is
a native of New York. She’s still living in the
old home town, but plans to move to New
Haven when the housing shortage permits.
Mobile Unit Is Highlight
Of Poli 'DITS# Campaign
NEW HAVEN— In advance of the May 7
Poli circuit opening of “Duel in the Sun”
Allan Dowling and Irving Zeltner addressed
managers at a publicity meeting arranged by
Harry F. Shaw, Loew-Poli division manager,
and Lou Brown, publicity chief, here.
Highlight of the national stunts in which
Connecticut theatres participated was a visit
of the “Duel in the Sun” mobile unit, a 7x45-
foot truck with rear view projection, which
gives 40-minute shows of shots from the film
from 6 to 11 p. m. in front of theatres playing
the picture. The truck was to be on hand in
New Haven, Bridgeport, Worcester, Spring-
field, Hartford, and Norwich.
Morris Rosenthal’s advance publicity cam-
paign for New Haven included giveaways of
from 50 to 100 flowers on Mothers’ day to first
mothers buying tickets. A tieup was made
with Winchester Repeating Arms Co., whose
rifles are used in the picture, for attendance
in a theatre party by employes and generous
use of the plant and bulletin boards for ad-
vertising material. The Yale News ran a
contest on “Would you fight a duel over
Jennifer Jones?”
Sweater windows were placed in Gamble’s
and other stores, and a sweater contest was
held in a local night club. Groups of girls
wearing “Duel in the Sun” sweaters served
as street ballyhoo.
Adams Reseated
ADAMS, MASS. — Installation of 955 new
seats in the Adams Theatre is under way.
Seats are being installed at night to avoid
interruption of the show schedule. Kroehler
push-back seats are being placed. Prepara-
tions are also being made for recarpeting the
theatre, it was disclosed by Manager Albert F.
Winstrom.
Will Write Screenplay
Screenplay of “Winchester ’73” will be writ-
ten by Silvia Richards for Universal.
Connecticut's Perakos Observing
40 Years in Exhibition Business
HARTFORD — This year Peter Perakos of
Perakos Theatres is noting his 40th year as
an exhibitor in Connecticut. His first thea-
tre was the Bijou, a 190-seater in New Brit-
ain.
Later Perakos joined partnership with the
Contaras Bros, in New Britain, opening the
Scenic Theatre on Main there. After several
years, the partners purchased the Palace and
Strand theatres, adding the Capitol when
they became associated with the Hoffman
Bros, of New Haven. When Warners bought
control of the Strand and the Capitol, Perakos
obtained sole possession of the Palace.
Recently he has become interested in thea-
tres located in New Jersey and Massachusetts.
Associated with him in the operation of his
four Connecticut theatres are Sperie and
John Perakos.
Perakos is active in civic affairs. He is
president of the New Britain order of Ahepa
and St. George Greek Orthodox church. He
devotes considerable time to yachting.
Some time ago Pete built a home in Bran-
ford and now resides there as well as in New
Britain. Mr. and Mrs. Perakos have six
children including John and Sperie. The
others are Dr. George Perakos of New Brit-
ain; Mrs. Artemis Miller of Key West, Fla.;
Steven Perakos, a Boston university law stu-
PETER PERAKOS
dent, and Peter G. Perakos, a Wesleyan uni'
versity student.
FALL RIVER
pall River theatres have contributed to the
annual diocesan Catholic charities ap-
peal. Contributions include the Plaza, $50;
Durfee, $30; Empire, $30; Center, $25; Cap-
itol, $20; Park and Strand, $10 each.
The Dartmouth Auto Theatre, located half
way between this city and New Bedford on
GAR highway, recently opened for the season
with Ray Allard as manager. Allard also
heads the Center staff . . . Mr. and Mrs.
Harry Zeitz of the Zeitz chain, which op-
erates the Academy in this city, left for Holly-
wood, where Zeitz attended the Variety con-
vention.
One of the longest neon marquees in this
country will be erected in front of the State
Theatre, operated by the Zeitz organization,
in New Bedford, Carl Zeitz, manager of the
Academy in Fall River, reports. The mar-
quee will be 100 feet long and will be in-
stalled by the V. I. Brink Co. of Boston.
Excellent patronage was given “The Jolson
Story,” which ran for five instead of the
customary three days for feature pictures
at the Strand and Park Theatres . . . "Boom-
erang” has completed a successful three-week
run at the New Embassy of William C. Pur-
cell.
Nathan Yamins of the Yamins circuit com-
peted in the RKO golf tournament in New
York . . . John O’Connor of the Plaza, ac-
companied by Mrs. O’Connor, has returned
from a business trip to New York.
Plastering of auditorium walls at the Cap-
itol, replacing old type panel work, is nearing
completion . . . When the installation of the
air cooling system is completed at the Park,
all of the Yamins houses, excepting the
Strand, will have air conditioning.
Maureen Harrington, Empire cashier, was
replaced by Patricia O’Brien during a two-
week illness period . . . “Duel in the Sun”
showed to adult audiences only at 90 cents
matinees, and $1.25 evenings, tax included, at
the Center. Admission of children was
barred . . . The advent of good weather has
caused a slump in matinee attendance at
Fall River theatres. Audiences attending
night performances remain large.
Usher Bally for 'Apley'
HARTFORD — Fred R. Greenway, Loew’s
Poli-Palace manager, and his assistant, Al-
bert Lessow, for a gag on “The Late George
Apley,” sent an usher dressed as Ronald Col-
man parading through downtown streets, with
this sign on his back: “This is NOT George
Apley, but you can see him at the Palace!”
Film Critic Hospitalized
SPRINGFIELD — Louise Mace, dean of the
theatre reviewers in Springfield and motion
picture columnist and editor of the Spring-
field Morning Union, is currently in Spring-
field hospital, where she is recuperating fol-
lowing a major operation.
Marquees to Be Repaired
HARTFORD — Permits have been granted
for repairs to the marquees of both the Capi-
tol and Middlesex theatres, Middletown, Conn.
The cost is estimated at $1,700.
Rosenheimer Speaks in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — Arthur Rosenheimer, as-
sistant curator of the Museum of Modern
Art Film library in New York, recently ad-
dressed a meeting of the Springfield Motion
Picture council and showed a film titled “The
Movies March On.”
Stickles Uses 'Brunette' Contest
HARTFORD — Manager Mollie Stickles of
Loew’s Poli Palace in nearby Meriden ran
a popularity contest on stage in conjunction
with “My Favorite Brunette.” The most
popular brunet received a complete wardrobe
through courtesy of Harry Israel, clothier.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
111
NEW HAMPSHIRE
The Scenic in Keene and the Magnet in
Claremont are sponsoring a radio program,
Eric Entertains, over Station WKNE in
Keene, which features a pianist playing old
songs. Two passes are given listeners iden-
tifying the tunes.
The first New Hampshire showing of the
J. Arthur Rank picture, “I Know Where I’m
Going,” was held at the Rex in Manchester
. . . The State house of representatives passed
a resolution upon the death of Peter M. Cagne,
veteran Somersworth exhibitor, many times
mayor of Somersworth and former member of
the legislature.
Noel Coward’s “Cavalcade” was the feature
film at the Currier Gallery of Art in Man-
chester Sunday, May 4 . . . Riverside Manor,
a new amusement center, has been opened in
Farmington. Dancing, roller skating and
other amusements are offered.
Egbert L. Foster, 81, well-known muralist
and painter of stage scenery, is dead in Man-
chester. His murals adorn the Modern and
Granite Square theatres in Manchester. He
also painted the scenery for the old Park and
other theatres, as well as the auditorium
stages at West and Central high schools in
Manchester . . . “The Best Years of Our
Lives” had a full week’s run at the Strand
in Dover, where admission prices ranged
from 50 cents to $1.20.
Group trips to motion picture theatres have
proved enjoyable to guests at Woodbound Inn
in East Jaffrey, the proprietor, Edward
Brummer, told the N. H. Institute for Tourist
and Resort Operators convention at the Uni-
versity of New Hampshire. It was reported
that the summer recreation business brings
New Hampshire an annual income of
$75,000,000.
The Hillsborough county March of Dimes
drive, aided by a number of theatres, raised
$32,698.44, it has been announced by Hugh O.
Barndollar, general chairman . . . The newly
redecorated Pine Island ballroom in Man-
chester opened its season May 9 with Eddie
Hamilton’s band . . . An amendment tacked
onto the greyhound racing bill pending in
the legislature provides that no corporation
could conduct both dog and horse racing.
At least six summer theatres will be op-
erated in New Hampshire during July and
August, according to reports. They are the
Barnstormers, Tam worth; Forty-Niners,
Whitefield; Keene Summer Theatre, Keene;
New London Players, New London; Peter-
borough Players, Peterborough, and Wind-
AT SALES MEETING— New England-
ers at the recent MGM sales meeting in
New York are pictured here. Left to right
are Benn H. Rosenwald, Boston manager;
Paul J. Richrath, home office assistant
to John P. Byrne, eastern sales manager;
Harry Rosenblatt, New Haven manager,
and Nat Oberman, Boston booker.
ham Playhouse, Windham. *In addition, the
annual revival of the famous Denman
Thompson play, “The Old Homestead,” will
be held in the 5,000-seat Potash Bowl in
Swanzey.
Tom Donaldson, who resigned as MGM
manager here early in March, has joined PRC
as district manager here. He will replace A1
Herman, who goes to the Albany and Buffalo
territories as district manager. Exhibitors
were glad to hear Donaldson will remain in
Boston. He and Mrs. Donaldson recently
bought a home in West Roxbury and early
this spring Donaldson was elected president
of the Boston Kiwanis club. He will assume
his new duties shortly.
Members of the fire department and their
families have been offered a special ticket
rate for “Everything’s on Ice,” now at the
Center Theatre, to help raise funds for the
widow and children of Charles Buchanan
who was killed in a Brighton fire six weeks
ago. Fire Commissioner Russell Codman jr.
has arranged with E. M. Loew, owner of the
Center, for 60 cents of each special ticket
sold for all performances until the end of the
run to be donated to the Buchanan relief
fund.
“Duel in the Sun” broke opening day rec-
Free Kiddy Shows in Pawtucket
PAWTUCKET, R. I. — Theatre managers
are taking the initiative in a campaign to
combat juvenile delinquency here by staging
a series of 36 free, sponsored Saturday morn-
ing shows. The first of these was given May
10 at the Leroy Theatre.
Martin R. Toohey is chairman of a theatre
managers’ committee that is working with
Mayor Ambrose McCoy and Edward F. Mc-
Grath, chairman of a coordinating council in
arranging the shows. Expenses of the first
show were underwritten by the Pawtucket
lodge of Elks.
McGrath appealed to manufacturers, mer-
chants, public utilities and fraternal organi-
zations to sponsor succeeding shows. Par-
ticipating in the movement are all theatres
in the city, the Leroy, Strand, Capitol, Darl-
ton, Fairlawn and Broadway.
Four shows will be given in May, one each
at the Leroy, Strand, Capitol and Darlton.
The series will be resumed in September and
continue until May 1948. The Broadway and
Fairlawn theatres will start their presenta-
tions in September.
Programs will comprise western films, news
and sports reels, educational and special
films to be selected by the managers’ com-
mittee. Mayor McCoy offered the coopera-
tion of the city to the theatremen and
promised police and fire protection. Mem-
bers of various committees of the co-ordi-
nating council will assist.
The capacity of the theatres will de-
termine the number of tickets to be dis-
tributed by the principals of public and
parochial schools. The theatres will receive
no profit from the performances, but will
be reimbursed for expenses by the various
sponsors.
ords at Loew’s State and Orpheum' in Bos-
ton and reports from the surrounding cities
and towns where the picture opened the same
day are also record-breaking, according to
Tom Duane, division manager of Selzwick
Releasing Organization.
A double feature luncheon for Harry Segal,
newly appointed Eagle -Lion sales represen-
tative, and Albert Fecke, new branch man-
ager for PRC, will be held May 19 at the
Hotel Statler. Saul Simons, Columbia, is
the chairman. The luncheon is under the
auspices of the Motion Picture Salesmen’s
club of New England.
Ken Mayer, Maine salesman for Universal,
ran into three inches of snow on his recent
trip to the northern state. When he ex-
pressed surprise at this happening, he was
told by the natives that it was nothing un-
usual, as 18 inches fell on May 14 a few years
ago.
WORCESTER
gob Portle, manager of the Elm Street, had
Gold Star mothers of the city as his
guests on Mothers day ... A showing of
“Pinocchio” at the Regent was sponsored by
the Simmons College club . . . Manager Alec
Davis of the Warner reported a holdover on
“Smash-Up.”
The Nipmuc in Mendon, newly reopened, is
following a policy of two shows nightly and
a midnight show on Fridays. Dol Brissette,
formerly of Loew’s Poli, recalled old stage
shows there in an interview in the Sunday
Telegram . . . Mrs. Marion Burfitt of this
city has joined the script department at Uni-
versal studios, Hollywood.
The recent story in BOXOFFICE Show-
mandiser pertaining to Gertrude Tracy, man-
ager of the Van Dyke in Detroit, had interest
here as her first managerial post was at the
Elm Street here . . . John G. Wallens, new
manager of the Modern in Marlboro, is a
graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.
The Ringling circus will visit Worcester
this summer for the first time since the bad
fire of 1943. It has picked July 1 as the date
and is looking for a site . . . Michael Bartlett
of this city, former film player, sang this
week with the Pittsburgh Opera Co.
Worcester Yank carried an article about
the ushers of a theatre here who were noticed
walking up and down the aisles during a par-
ticularly sad scene. The writer inquired, and
discovered the ushers were competing at
finding the largest number of weeping women
in the audience.
Harold Maloney, manager of Loew’s Poli,
sponsored sidewalk films as a ballyhoo for
“Duel in the Sun.” An equipped trailer pro-
jected pictures on a screen at the rear of the
car by means of mirrors operated in front
of the theatre . . . Herman Queen of the
Hudson in that town was married in St.
Luke’s Episcopal church there to Esther L.
Gault.
Bob Daggett of New York announced the
Westboro Red Barn will open its season June
17 with William Corrigan in charge ... A
$50,000 fire broke out in a factory across the
street from the Park but did not affect the
house in any way, Manager Bill Brown said.
Bill Johnson of this city, brother of film
actress Rita Johnson, has completed a night
club engagement and has gone to San Fran-
cisco to sing in clubs and on the radio . . .
The Elm Street held over “Sea of Grass” . . .
Bernie Satz, manager of the Casino in Ware,
got newspaper mention for rounding out 26
years on the job.
112
BOXOFFICE May 17, 1947
R. V. Hammell Quits NTS
For Post in Winthrop
WINTHROP, ME. — R. V. Hammell has re-
signed from National Theatre Supply Co. in
Boston to take over management of the Gull
R. V. HAMMELL
Hammell will make
wife and daughter B;
Theatre here for
Katherine Avery. He
has been with the
equipment firm for 20
years in various ca-
pacities, starting at
Chicago in 1927. He
went to Boston in 1934
as office manager and
has been salesman and
assistant manager
there for the last sev-
eral years.
The Gull Theatre
was opened in 1945.
It is completely air
conditioned,
his home here with his
Juvenile Commission Says
'DITS' Challenges Morality
HARTFORD — Legislative leaders here last
week received a letter from the juvenile com-
mission of Hartford attacking “Duel in the
Sun” as a challenge to “standards of decent
conduct.” The commission made no specific
request for state censorship but favored ac-
tion by resolution or otherwise which would
tend to prevent showing of “dirty pictures” in
Connecticut. “DITS” opened here and in New
Haven and Bridgeport May 7. The telegram
follows:
“The juvenile commission of Hartford calls
to the attention of the Connecticut general
assembly the motion picture ‘Duel in the
Sun,’ now being shown in many Connecticut
theatres. It is our understanding that for
the most part these showings are the result
of decisions made outside the state rather
than through the managers or others within
the state.
“The picture itself challenges the stand-
ards of decent conduct that we know and
respect in Connecticut.
“This commission does not necessarily in-
sist that a censorship law is the remedy for
dirty pictures. There must, however, be some
way of preventing such an affront to moral
standards by persons whose only interest in
Connecticut is the amount of money that
can be drawn from our state.
“We petition the general assembly to take
proper action, through resolution or by
other means, and assure you that in making
this request, we know we speak for many
thousands of right-minded citizens.”
Legislator Puts Lash
On Confection Sales
From Central Edition
MADISON — A bill which would prohibit
theatres from selling popcorn, candy and
soft drinks to their patrons was given a hear-
ing here by the state assembly judiciary
committee.
Assemblyman Charles Westphal of Mil-
waukee, author of the measure, charged that
children smeared arms of theatre seats and
ruined patrons’ clothing with candy, and that
nervous people were sometimes driven fran-
tic by cracking popcorn during a show. He
charged theatres sometimes shut off the
drinking water so that patrons would be
forced to buy soft drinks, and said popcorn
was sold at 35 cents a package, a price so
high that parents could not afford it, thereby
tempting the children to steal the money.
Westphal was the only supporter of the bill.
HARTFORD
Prnie Grecula, Hartford Theatres’ advertis-
ing-publicity director, reports daughters
Venice and Penelope have recovered from a
long illness . . . Ernie’s boss, A. M. Schuman,
general manager of the circuit, and Mrs.
Schuman are back in Hartford following a
trip down to Miami Beach.
Lou Cohen, Loew’s Poli manager, had two
visitors, Harry F. Shaw, Loew’s Poli circuit
division manager, and Arthur Moskowitz of
Loew’s Theatres . . . Harry Green of Alex-
ander Film Co. was a visitor.
June Page is the new cashier at the East-
wood, East Hartford, replacing Diani Cam-
bria, resigned . . . Actor Richard Barthelmess
was in town to attend the opening of a
Trinity college play at the Avery Memorial.
He’s a Trinity graduate.
Pete Miller, manager of the Daly, had a
birthday . . . Manager Jack Simons of the
Center has had the marquee letters redeco-
rated . . . Sam Harris, secretary-treasurer of
the State Theatre, and Mrs. Harris have
checked in after a five-week vacation in
Florida . . . Bucky Harris, RKO praise agent,
was in town.
The Warner Theatres district office here
is being decorated . . . Fred Greenway, Palace
manager, is observing his tenth wedding
anniversary . . . Area Warner managers at-
tended a Connecticut circuit meeting in New
Haven. I. J. Hoffman presided.
Albert Lessow, assistant at the Palace, was
in Waterbury on his day off and dropped in
to see Ed Fitzpatrick at Loew’s Poli and
Paul O. Klinger at Loew’s Poli-Strand . . .
Sam Schuboff, assistant to Fitzpatrick in
Waterbury, is back from a vacation.
Tommy Williams, former electrician at
Loew’s Poli here, has returned to Hartford
after spending some time with the road tour
of the stage production, “Toplitzky of Notre
Dame” . . . Charlie Obert, president of IATSE
Local 84, plans to purchase a boat for that
fishing trip this summer . . . Evelyn Lewis,
daughter of Rube Lewis, business agent for
Local 84, has graduated from a nursing course
at Beth Israel hospital in Boston.
Jim McCarthy of the Warner Strand had
beauty shop co-op ads on “The Macomber
Affair” . . . George E. Landers of the E. M.
Loew’s was in Boston on a business trip.
John D’Amato, manager of the Palace in
New Britain, has opened a check room . . .
Helen Rovinski, cashier of the State there,
will be married this fall.
Earl Wright, UA salesman, visited New
Britain . . . Joe Boyle, manager of the Broad-
way in Norwich, had a name-guessing con-
test in the Norwich dailies for “Duel in the
Sun.”
Pete, Johnnie and Sperie Perakos visited
the Hub . . . Ralph Carenza, assistant to Joe
Borenstein at the Warner Strand in New
Britain is planning to visit Pittsburgh on his
vacation . . . Barbara Kneeland, daughter of
the maintenance man at the Warner Embassy
in New Britain, was on the sick list.
Tom Carey jr„ son of Tom Carey, head of
Tom Carey Theatrical Promotions, Hartford,
was married last week to Miss Geraldine
French of West Hartford. Before the wedding
Carey sr. and Johnny Carey, the other Carey
son, held a stag party at Les Shaw’s res-
taurant in West Hartford Center. Harry
Foster Welch, who has been appearing as
“Popeye the Sailor Man” at children’s shows
throughout the country, was a guest at the
party. Welch is under contract to Carey sr.
L. J. McGinley of Prestige Pictures, New
York, was a visitor . . . About 25 persons at-
tended a birthday party at the Villanova-
Empire restaurant in honor of Mrs. Lou
Cohen, wife of the Loew-Poli manager.
Paul Purdy, manager of the Newington
Theatre, and Mrs. Purdy are back from a
visit through New Hampshire. They stopped
into the Colonial Theatre, Laconia, N. H., to
renew old acquaintances . . . Tim O’Toole,
manager for Columbia in New Haven, was
in on business . . . Vaughn Monroe’s orchestra
is booked for May 25 at Lake Compounce,
Bristol.
Sid Alexander, former praise agent for Co-
lumbia, who now is operating his own adver-
tising agency in New York, stopped in to re-
new acquaintance with George E. Landers,
E. M. Loew’s manager.
The list of winners released by MGM in its
film book promotion contest held in connec-
tion with showings of “The Harvey Girls,”
“They Were Expendable” and “The Post-
man Always Rings Twice,” shows that Lou
Cohen, manager of Loew’s Poli here, won
fifth place for his work on “Postman.”
Mrs. Estelle O’Toole, executive secretary to
Henry L. Needles, Hartford district manager
of Warner Theatres, is making plans for a
summer boat cruise . . . Tommy Mailer, for-
merly manager of the Lenox and Lyric thea-
tres here, was in town on a visit from New
York. Tommy is in the paper box business
. . . Pearl Needles and Morris Tonken will
be married June 8 at the Hotel Bond.
“BAGDAD” DISCUSSION— Tony Ma-
sella, left, assistant manager of the Bijou
Theatre, New Haven, and Rex Ingram,
stage and screen star, are depicted dis-
cussing “The Thief of Bagdad,” current
attraction at the house. Ingram is in the
cast of “Anna Lucasta,” playing at the
Shubert in New Haven.
Ccx/l <w uj} a f once
ONN.THEATRE
CANDY CO.
62 COMMERCE ST.
New Haven, Conn.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
113
Boston's 'Best Years'
Stops at 20 Weeks
BOSTON — A week of continuous rain and
cold weather dropped grosses generally but at
the Boston, Vaughn Monroe’s band proved
such a popular draw that it went into the
higher brackets. At the Esquire, “The Best
Years of Our Lives” closed after playing 20
weeks to 180,000 persons. It could have con-
tinued longer except for the neighboring city
runs which cut in drastically on the draw.
At the Exeter Street, “This Happy Breed”
opened to top business and is expected to re-
main three weeks.
(Average is 100)
Boston — Temptation (U-I), plus Vaughn Monroe
on stage 190
Esquire — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
19th wk 105
Exeter Street — This Happy Breed (U-I) 190
Kenmore — Ivan the Terrible (Art), 3rd and
final week 80
Majestic — Bedelia (E-L); Untamed Fury
(PRC), 3rd wk 100
Memorial — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
Banjo (RKO), 2nd wk 140
Metropolitan — Blaze of Noon (Para);
That Way With Women (WB) 100
Old South — Carmen (Superfilm) 95
Paramount and Fenway — Stallion Road (WB);
The Imperfect Lady (Para) 110
State and Orpheum — The Sea of Grass (MGM);
Bulldog Drummond at Bay (Col), 2nd wk 120
’Grass' and ’13th Hour' Garner
Week's Top New Haven Gross
NEW HAVEN— Second week of “The Sea
of Grass” and “The Thirteenth Hour” at the
College did top business. At the Roger Sher-
man a big week was rung up with the re-
vival of “The Sea Hawk” and “The Sea Wolf.”
“Sinbad the Sailor” and “Dick Tracy vs.
Cueball” moved over from the Poli to the
College for a second week.
Bjiou — The Chase (UA); Along the
Navjo Trail (Rep) 105
College — The Sea of Grass (MGM);
The Thirteenth Hour (Col), 2nd d .t. wk 165
Loew's Poli — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO);
Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (RKO) 103
Paramount — Song of Scheherazade (U-I);
Swell Guy (U-I) 106
Roger Sherman' — The Sea Hawk (WB);
The Sea Wolf (WB), reissues 120
’Guilt of Janet Ames' Reaches
175 in First Hartford Week
HARTFORD — Only downtown holdover here
was RKO’s “It's a Wonderful Life” in a sec-
ond week at Loew’s Poli-Palace. Openings in-
cluded “Duel in the Sun” and “Guilt of Janet
Ames.”
Allyn — Abie's Irish Rose (UA);
Apache Rose (Rep) 110
E, M. Loew's — Guilt of Janet Ames (Col);
Blind Spot (Col) 175
Loew's Poli — Duel in the Sun (SRO) 225
Palace — It's a Wonderful Life (RKO);
Jewels of Brandenburg (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 150
Regal — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO) 160
Strand — The Sea Wolf (WB);
The Sea Hawk (WB), reissues 150
Famous Players Earnings
Run Ahead of Last Year
From Cancfdian Edition
MONTREAL — Earnings of Famous Players
Canadian Corp. for 1947 to date have been
running somewhat higher than for the same
period last year, President J. J. Fitzgibbons
reported at the company’s annual meeting.
The company’s stock has been increasingly
active and rose on news of a dividend of 20
cents a share plus an extra of five cents. This,
the second payment at this increased rate,
suggests a permanent $1 a share basis. At
current market levels of around 19% a share,
the yield is approximately 5.12 per cent.
Gross revenue for 1947 should equal that of
1946 in view of the great number of already
produced but unreleased high budget motion
picture attractions available, Fitzgibbons
said.
Cleveland Variety
Helps Boys Camp
From Mideast Edition
CLEVELAND — Harry Schreiber made his
first public appearance as chief barker of the
Variety Club at a luncheon recently in
the Carter hotel with more than 100 members
and their friends present to launch the
club’s new major heart projected; namely,
the support of the Paradise Valley Boys club,
operated by the police department for de-
linquent boys.
Harold Russell, Academy award winner in
“The Best Years of Our Lives,” which now is
in its fifth week at the Lower Mall and Uni-
versity theatres, was the guest of honor.
Speaking in support of boys camps, Russell, a
former camp counselor, said that “the future
of America lies with our young folk, and I
believe with Father Flanagan of Boys Town
that there are no bad boys.”
Russell, thrilled over a description of the
good the camp has accomplished during the
eight years since it was established by the
police department, said he wished this proj-
ect could be carried out all over the U.S.
The camp, it was explained by Capt. Arthur
Roth, head of the police crime prevention
bureau, and police Capt. Ed Flanigan is op-
erated entirely by voluntary service of mem-
bers of the police department, including the
cooking. “Every cent of contribution,” Roth
said “goes directly into camp improvements.”
Variety Club plans to provide the camp
with running water, quonset huts, sports fields
and equipment and whatever is required. The
Paradise Valley Boys camp is open all sum-
mer, and in winter on weekends.
As the first financial installment, Harry
Schreiber presented a check for $500 to Roth,
with further contributions to be made as
needed.
TOP HITS of the Week
- Priceless previews of boxoffice
latest first-run films.
< These percentage reports
on actual showings in 21
leading cities are invalu-
able to every exhibitor.
►
Covering 41 pictures
Every week
, in BOXOFFICE
results
on
Ooxi
Barometer
First Run Reports
114
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
New Dallas Paramount Executives
Pillman Bros. Open
Baion Rouge's Rex
BATON ROUGE — The Pittman Bros,
opened, their swank new Rex Theatre here
last Thursday night (8) with “I’ll Be Yours”
as the initial feature. V. L. Thibeau has
been named resident manager, with J. G.
Broggi of New Orleans as buyer and booker.
Three thousand persons crowded the new
house, many of these from the New Orleans
film colony. Following the opening per-
formance a group of about 50 attended a
supper and cocktail party at Mike & Tony’s
steak house.
The new Rex is fireproof, seats 1,200 and
has parking space for 900 automobiles. Its
appointments are the talk of the town. These
include a newly developed sound system
which eliminates flicker. The Pittmans spent
$350,000 on the project.
The theatre is a neighborhood house, lo-
cated at Plank road and Shelly avenue.
Bill Johnston, Jim Menutis
Take Over Publicity Job
HOUSTON — James Menutis, former treas-
urer at the University, was cleaning out the
desk vacated by Homer Jordan this week as
he moved into the city office for Interstate,
over the Majestic Theatre, to become assist-
ant to Bill Johnston, publicity director. John-
ston moved up a notch to take the place of
Jordan, who went into business for himself
a couple of weeks ago. Johnston liked his old
desk and sitting space so Menutis took over
the drawing board and varied ink of the
Jordan desk.
Johnston is so busy these days mapping
out his publicity programs that he hardly
takes time to go out to lunch.
As a result of Menutis’ promotion, Inter-
state shuffled its local theatre treasurers.
Lawrence Carnes goes from the Village to
Eastwood to take the place of L. C. Newton,
Henry Coleman goes from the Wayside to
the new Broadway, Robert Wolfe from the
Almeda to the Village, John Jones, a re-
turning service man, is taking Coleman’s
place at the Wayside, and Robert Patterson
goes to the University, replacing Menutis.
Interstate Inwood Opens;
Joe Jackson Manages
DALLAS — The Inwood, newest theatre in
the Interstate circuit, at Inwood road and
Lovers lane, opened with a gala fireworks
display and a radio broadcast originating in
front of the building.
Joe Jackson, who has previously managed
the Varsity, Melrose, Lawn and most recent-
ly the Village, has been named manager.
Red Skelton’s “The Show-Off” was the
opening picture at the new 1,000-seat theatre.
It has the latest projection equipment and
air purification and refrigeration systems
available, and the seats are staggered to in-
sure perfect sight line to the screen. Marine
murals decorate the interior walls.
Oklahoma Locales Viewed
By Officials of PRC
OKLAHOMA CITY — Harry Thomas, presi-
dent of PRC, and Bill Nolte, producer of
western pictures for PRC, visited Oklahoma’s
scenic sections for possible locations. Guests
of V. B. Likens, Davis rancher and close
friend of Governor Turner, they toured the
Likens ranch, the Turner ranch near Sulphur,
the refuge near Lawton, and Turner Falls.
The latter is a scenic spot near Davis. Likens
At left is Heywood Simmons, recently ap-
pointed manager of the Paramount exchange
in Dallas succeeding Fred Larned, who was
killed in an automobile accident. Simmons
started as advertising sales clerk at Dallas
22 years ago and advanced through the
booking department to head booker in 1930.
After two years he graduated to salesman
and three years ago was appointed sales
manager.
said the men were agreeably impressed and
talked favorably about shooting three or four
outdoor scenes in the state.
Likens just returned from the coast where
he discussed Oklahoma picture-making with
several different companies. He said Repub-
lic Pictures is discussing plans for a film,
“Fabulous Texan,” to be produced in this
state. He said plans call for a $1,500,000 pro-
duction.
'GWTW' to Be Presented
In Atlanta This Summer
ATLANTA — David O. Selznick’s production
of Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone With the Wind”
will be presented here again this summer.
The film, world premiered at Loew’s Grand
here in December 1939, has been shown to the
greatest audience the motion picture indus-
try has ever known. It was taken out of cir-
culation in 1940.
The revival is in line with Selznick’s de-
sire that the film be presented periodically,
that each new generation may see the pic-
ture.
Cecil Phipps Weds
GONZALES, TEX.— Jewel Hoffer, chief
operator of the telephone company here, was
recently married to Cecil Phipps, manager of
the Pix Theatre. Phipps also operates the
Texas Film Service truck in this region.
L. J. Piwetz in Hollywood
LOCKHART, TEX.— Mr. and Mrs. L. J.
Piwetz of the Baker and Pix theatres have
gone to California. They attended the
Variety convention and are visiting friends
in Hollywood.
Succeeding him as sales manager is Tom
Bridges, at right. Bridges started his career
with Paramount 18 years ago in San Antonio
as a member of the shipping department. In
1930 he entered the booking department and
became booking manager in 1935. «After two
years he joined the sales force and last year
was promoted to sales manager at San Fran-
cisco.
L. E. Newton Will Manage
Broadway for Interstate
HOUSTON — L. E. Newton has been named
manager of Interstate’s new Broadway Thea-
tre here, which will open May 23. This new-
est Interstate theatre has a seating capacity
of about 1,000 and is in the heart of a shop-
ping center with a large section from which
to draw patronage.
Newton managed the Wayside before the
Broadway and the Eastwood before the Way-
side. He joined the circuit when Interstate
took over the Blue Bonnet, of which he had
been owner and manager.
L. C. Newton, his son, will succeed him at
the Wayside. Young Newton has been work-
ing for the circuit as treasurer at the East-
wood.
This is the second Interstate suburban
theatre to open since September 1946 and
two more, the Garden Oaks and the Fulton,
are scheduled to open before the first of the
year. The Garden Oaks will be In a rich
new section where a new supermarket which
stays open 18 hours daily was recently opened.
Routt Is Left Speechless
At His Birthday Party
DALLAS — Representatives from all film
exchanges gathered in the J. G. Long book-
ing office to serenade Theo Routt, buyer and
booker for the Long circuit, with their ver-
sion of “The Birthday Song.”
On Theo’s return from lunch, he found his
office gaily decorated; a birthday cake and
presents neatly arranged on his desk.
Theo, who has been with the Long circuit
since way back when, celebrated his 44th
birthday. He was left quite speechless over
the turnout of his friends.
BW
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
115
NEW ORLEANS
The champion in each class of the citywide
marble tournament sponsored by the de-
partment of recreation, was awarded a trophy
donated by Claude Jarman jr., star of MGM’s
“The Yearling,” and in addition, talked with
the young actor in Hollywood over telephone.
Title contests in the tournament were played
last Wednesday at the home plate in Pelican
stadium prior to the New Orleans-Chatta-
nooga game.
Members of the staff of the new Independ-
ent Booking Co., under the supervision of
Russell Callen, are Yvonne A. Massicot, Elaine
Donner, Bob Saloy and Cathryn Clifton . . .
Phil Sliman has returned after spending the
weekend in New Iberia visiting his theatre
in that town, the Evangeline . . . E. J.
O’Donnell, general manager of Dixie Thea-
tres, was on the Row this week for one of
his rare visits . . . Jack Bernard has been
added to the sales staff of PRC, bringing the
total number of salesmen for this territory
to three.
Joy Houck, head of the Joy Theatre cir-
cuit, Mr. and Mrs. E. V. Landaiche and
daughter Janet <he is head of Independent
Booking Co.), and George Pabst, who recently
acquired sole interest in Screen Guild and
Film Classics, together with Jerry Jernigan
of the Memphis branch of Screen Guild and
Film Classics, left Saturday to attend an SG
convention on the west coast, also the Va-
riety Club convention. The group flew to
the coast in Houck’s new plane, piloted by
J. R. Jacobs.
A former resident of New Orleans, where
he was at one time branch manager of Film
Classics and Screen Guild, Claire Hilgers
is back in the city. He is now district man-
ager of Eagle-Lion Productions, whose prod-
uct is distributed through PRC. He also
owns an interest in the Joy Theatre on
Canal street . . . Mr. Watts, who has a
circuit of theatres with headquarters in Oil
City, La., was in the city and visited the Row.
Helen Gahagan Douglas, one time film
actress and now a noted congresswoman,
spoke Sunday at Touro Synagogue together
with Rabbi Loe Geiger, former army chaplain
just returned from Europe. Her address was
in conjunction with the Jewish welfare fund
campaign . . . Lawrence Lotz has opened
the new Overnight Service Co. at 336 Mil-
laudan St. and will transport films to points
in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Three special coaches on the L&N laid
over here en route to California. They were
conveying film folk to the Variety Club con-
vention. Among those present were some 50
from Atlanta, including Chief Barker Charles
Durmeyer and Mrs. Durmeyer; Mr. and Mrs.
Jack Dumestre, Mr. and Mrs. David Katz and
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Katz of Kay Films. Also
with the group were Mr. and Mrs. N. H.
Waters sr. of the Waters Theatres circuit in
Birmingham.
Seen on the Row were Nick Lamantia,
Bogalusa; Charlie Lamantia, Hammond, and
Mr. Walthal of the Walthal circuit . . .
Doyle Maynard, general manager of the Don
George circuit, with headquarters in Shreve-
port also was in the city . . . J. L. Weems,
operator of the Patsy Theatre in Osyka, Miss.,
visited Filmrow.
Charles Trampe, owner of several theatres
in Milwaukee, and a Monogram franchise
holder in that city, was in New Orleans, ac-
companied by Mrs. Trampe. He conferred
with Arthur C. Bromberg, president of Mono-
gram Southern, and Henry Glover, local
branch manager.
Downtown cinemas offered a week of di-
versified entertainment. The Saenger has
closed two successful weeks of “New Orleans”
and opened with "It Happened on Fifth Ave-
nue” and “Stallion Road.” The Tudor had
a revival of “Wild Bill Hickok Rides.” At
the Globe was “Pursued.” The Center of-
fered “Queen of the Amazons,” and the St.
Charles showed “Wages of Sin.” At the Joy
“Alexander’s Ragtime Band” was brought
back by request. “The Farmer’s Daughter”
was transferred to the Liberty for a second
week’s run. “The Guilt of Janet Ames” was
offered by the Orpheum, while Loew’s State
had the second week of “The Yearling.”
In referring to the activities of Mr. Prewitt
of Associated Theatres, mention was made of
his handling American Seating Co. products,
whereas American Desk Mfg. Co. was meant.
American Seating Co. products in the New
Orleans area are distributed by National
Theatre Supply Co.
Buses Aid Benefit Show
ORANGE, TEX. — In cooperation with the
Strand Theatre, the Orange City Transit
Co. ran special buses as a special inducement
to get the public to attend the Texas City
benefit show at the Strand recently. Victor
Lowrey is the manager.
H. J. Hoagland Killed
BEAUMONT, TEX. — Reports have been
here by friends of the death of Horace J.
Hoagland, 46, in an automobile accident on
the Baton Rouge-New Orleans highway April
11. Hoagland managed the Tivoli and Lamar
theatres here for four years.
Scott in Featured Role
Metro has set Zachary Scott for a featured
role in “Cass Timberlane.”
And the PROFITS Are Good, Too—
When R-B BRAND POPCORN
Is the "Added Attraction” at Your Theatre
You build profits two ways when you pop R-B Brand Mammoth
Yellow Hybrid Popcorn. R-B's greater popping volume means extra
income ... $120 to $125 from a 100-lb. bag. And R-B's greater taste
appeal adds to the favorable impression your theatre makes . . .
helps to bring customers back again and again! For higher pop-
corn yield and better popcorn flavor, get R-B Brand.
just one bag, to see
for yourself the superiority.
Only $9.80 per 100 lb. bag.
Per 100 lb. bag
in orders of
500 lbs. & up.
R-B Brand Golden Liquid
POPCORN SEASONING
and
R-B Brand Pure
COCOANUT OIL
Available in gallons at 32 lbs. per case, 5-gallon
tins at 40 lbs. per case, steel drums at 420 lbs.
Morton's popcorn salt, $1.80 per case; %-lb. printed
white bags, $1.50 per thousand.
Write TODAY lor Complete List of
POPPERS' SUPPLIES.
Consolidated
POPCORN com PAN Y
BUILT ON
EXTRA VALUE
SATISFACTION
2401 South Ervay St. ★ Dallas 1, Texas
116
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
Breezes From the
MIAMI — Paramount Enterprises will be-
gin work here June 1 on a new house to re-
place the Rex Theatre on East Flagler.
RUSSELLVILLE, ARK.— The Main Street
Theatre here opened April 29. Cledys Bos-
well and E. R. Gillett are owners.
MIAMI— The Brandt theatre interests, now
operating the Flamingo on Lincoln road, are
reported to have leased the 41st street site on
which GIs were entertained during the war.
RUSSELLVILLE, ARK.— Alfred E. Joplin,
65, operator of the first motion picture thea-
tre in Russellville, died at a local hospital
recently.
TUCKERMAN, ARK. — A new open air
theatre is under construction on Main street
by Carl Christian, owner of the Tuckerman
Theatre.
Knoxville — It’s been hinted here that
suits by theatres challenging the county
5 per cent amusement tax may provoke
suits testing the legality of Sunday shows
in Knoxville.
PINK HILL, N. C.— Joe R. Hayworth has
closed his Playhouse Theatre here and is
going back to his prewar business of han-
dling vaudeville shows.
JOHNSON, S. C. — Bert Ram of the Pa-
tricia Theatre in Aiken, S. C., has taken over
the Liberty Theatre here from J. C. Greene.
CHARLOTTE — Tom A. Little’s 500-seat
Charlotte Theatre here has been modernized.
CHARLOTTE — The Legendre-Trincher
Theatre Corp. soon will build here an 800-
seat stadium-type theatre to cost $125,000.
The building will have a front of brick and
terra cotta, with a glass marquee and ver-
tical sign, and will have room for stores.
ATLANTA — Frank Harris, former owner of
Harris’s Drive-In Theatres, is visiting with
Mr. and Mrs. Y. Frank Freeman of Para-
mount Pictures at their ranch near San Fer-
nando, Calif. He will be there several months.
ATLANTA — Film star Una Merkel was dis-
appointed during a four-hour layover at the
municipal airport here because she couldn’t
get an order of grits. “I thought you folks
ate grits at every meal,” she said.
CORAL GABLES, FLA.— Citizens of Coral
Gables who fear an objectionable parking
situation, have protested the Claughton inter-
ests’ plan to build a 900-seat theatre opposite
the famed Douglas entrance to the city.
EUTAW, ALA. — Roth E. Hook’s new 760-
seat Hook Theatre opened here May 9 with
“Song of the South” on the screen.
ALBANY, GA. — A. C. and I. C. Gortatov/sky,
brothers, have bought the Clair Theatre here
from J. E. Waters, owner of Georgian Thea-
tres, Inc.
WALTERBORO, S. C. — Dr. E. B. Funder-
burk hopes to open a 239-car drive-in, now
under construction here, some time this
month.
SILER CITY, N. C. — T. C. Frazier of this
city soon will build a 400-seat theatre here.
ASHBURN, GA. — L. A. Stein’s Ideal Thea-
tre here, heavily damaged by fire April 7,
is back in operation.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — E. A. Woodward,
assistant manager of the Florida Theatre,
Southeast
now has been appointed manager of the
Beach Theatre here succeeding W. P. Heney,
oldtime showman and musician, who has
resigned to become manager of the Jackson-
ville Beach Pier.
CLEVELAND, GA.— Jack White and Her-
bert Glover, war veterans, have opened the
Princess Theatre here.
EUSTIS, FLA. — Jimmie Dickson, former
manager of the Firestone store here, has been
named representative in Florida for Warner
Bros. His headquarters will be here.
SAVANNAH, GA. — R. Siegal has taken over
operation of the Rico Theatre here.
BIRMINGHAM— The Waters Theatre Co.
has donated a trophy to be presented an-
nually by the Alabama Federation of Wom-
en’s Club to the district doing the most to
promote film libraries, visual education, chil-
dren’s shows, and improvement of films.
MARION, ALA. — L. M. Neely, head of the
Neely circuit, is acting mayor of this city.
PENSACOLA, FLA. — Clinton Vucovich,
owner and manager of the Pen Theatre here,
has been buying space in local papers for in-
stitutional advertising stressing the theme,
“A safe place to send your child.” The ads
also plug coming pictures.
BIRMINGHAM — Western star Gene Autry
is the first honorary member of the Down-
town club, Birmingham’s new organization
of theatre, press, radio and advertising folk.
CHATTANOOGA — Independent Theatres,
Inc., will begin construction of a new 1,000-
seat $100,000 theatre in North Chattanooga
within the next few months.
Pensacola, Fla. — The Twin Theatre at
nearby Warrington has inaugurated “2-
for-1 days” every Tuesday and Wednes-
day. Two adults are admitted for one
adult ticket and two children for one
child’s ticket.
BIRMINGHAM — A. B. “Bickey” Covey,
manager of the Wilby-Kincey circuit’s Tem-
ple and Strand theatres here, has been named
city manager for the circuit’s houses in Kings-
port, Tenn., succeeding L. J. Pepper, resigned.
Sam Davis, manager of Wilby-Kincey’s Ritz
and Bonnie Kate theatres there, also has re-
signed. A third resignation is that of Oliver
Naylor, manager of the Lyric here. Fred Mc-
Callum, manager of the Alabama here, will
succeed Covey; Virgil O’Neill, former assist-
ant to Covey at the Temple and Strand, will
succeed McCallum; and Mack Russell, head
usher at the Lyric, will move to the Strand
and Temple to assist McCallum.
FRANKLIN, KY. — Richard H. Thomason,
owner of the Roxy Theatre in Gallatin, Tenn.,
and Ed Snow, operator of a confectionery
store in Gallatin, were killed when a small
plane owned and operated by Thomason
crashed near here April 29.
MEMPHIS — M. A. Lightman jr. has an-
nounced that it will be several weeks be-
fore the rebuilding of the Memphian will
be completed. The entire interior and fur-
nishings of the Memphian were burned out
in a recent fire.
MALVERN, ARK.— The Rio Theatre, a
500-seat Negro house, has opened here. The
house is operated by W. F. Caffey.
MEMPHIS — Ralph Carter, manager of the
Warner Theatre here, has been transferred
back to Oklahoma City. He is replaced by
Allen Smith.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
DALLAS
T7ic Jones, vice-president and general man-
ager of Robb & Rowley Theatres; J. D.
Jones, city manager at Palestine; Harry Har-
groves, city manager in Sherman; and James
May of the home office, returned from a
business trip and vacation on the west coast.
P. G. Cameron is the new owner of the
Lucas Theatre here. Cameron has just re-
turned from Hollywood. He sold his theatre
there. Guy Cameron, manager of the Holly-
wood house, returned with his father, and will
take over the management of the Lucas here.
Mrs. Ben Ferguson, College Station, for-
merly of Dallas, has been in the Herman hos-
Is Your
We Have
Theatre
Buyers
For Sale?
With Cash
pital in Houston. Ben was on the Row and
reports his wife is feeling fine . . . E. M. Rock-
ett of Ferris was here buying and booking
. . . J. Wheeler, RKO salesman from Hous-
ton, was in the office here for a few days last
week . . . Max Holstein, U-I salesman out of
San Antonio, was also here.
Eva Fuller, who recently resigned from
Tri-State Theatres, is now with Tower Pic-
tures . . . Bernice Gamble, formerly with
RKO, is secretary to Harold Schwarz of
Tower . . . Carl Garner of llano opened the
new Ritz Theatre there May 8 . . . Congratu-
lations are in order for Bob Hartgrove, Ind-
Ex Booking Service, and Ruth Buchanan,
Paramount Pictures, who were married last
week.
Sales forces of 20th-Fox are fishing at
Possum Kingdom for a few days . . . C. B.
Akers, executive of Griffith Theatres, Okla-
homa City, was on the Row en route to
Texas City . . . Interstate will open its new-
est theatre, the Broadway in Houston, May 23.
It seats 1,100. The Broadway is a suburban
house. Lem Newton, formerly manager of
the Wayside, Houston, will pilot the Broad-
way.
Happy birthday to the Filmrow gang just
the month and day — never the year: May 16
Viola Lott and Aline Harwood; May 17,
Evelyn Neeley; May 21, Laura Jane Fries;
May 20, Glenn Henderson.
Rubin Frels of Victoria was on the Row
on a buying and booking trip. Frels recently
bought the Oaks Theatre in Columbus from
T. J. Mattern and wife . . . A. R. Milentz,
owner of the Park Theatre in Liberty, Tex.,
was here on business . . . Other visitors were
Lee Threat, Lufkin, and Jack Holden, Mlazda
Theatre, Springtown.
Bruno Herber and wife are in south Texas
on a business trip. They planned to return
via Aransas Pass so they could do some
fishing . . . The New Greenville Theatre in
Greenville is due to open within the next
few days. This theatre replaces the Rita
that burned a few months back.
“JOE” JOSEPH
THEATRES
Let “Joe” Sell Your Show.
Theatres bought — sold — equipped — fire in-
ventories—consultant and equipment.
1003 Galloway St. Dallas, Tex.
Phone Yale 2-7650
Westerns-Features-Serials
I Tower Pictures Co.
HAROLD SCHWARZ
302l/i S. Harwood St. C— 7357
DALLAS 1. TEXAS
Paramount was happy to greet another re-
turning veteran, W. C. “Bill” Rau. Bill
was in the service for four and one-half
years. Now he’s back at his booker’s post
. . . Mitchell Lewis of Houston, was on the
Row doing some booking . . . R. M. Freed of
Royse City bought some equipment to go
into the new theatre he will open soon in
Royce City . . . Chester W. Neice, retired
showman of Hubbard, spent several days here.
Adjusted Prices/
On Popcorn Cartons
In stock at warehouses and can be shipped quickly. Economical carton
designed to fill to top for full measure — but without waste.
POPCORN POURS through opening without
rattling in your house.
Priced:
5M and over
Per 1000
1M to 5M
Per 1000
$825
$040
Ask ior our full price list on all supplies,
including oils, bags, salt, etc., and ma-
chines.
RIVERSIDE 6134
We serve you . . .
The Ideal Hybrid
with
MAXIMUM UNIFORMITY
GROWN-IN POPPING VOLUME
A QUALITY OF TASTE
have known before.
you
never
Chas. E. Darden & Co.
P. O. Box
DALLAS 1
2207
TEXAS
EQUIPMENT DISPLAY — SALES
WAREHOUSES
NEW Ma. 2102 — 1024 Bienville St. I OKLA. 4020 McArthur Blvd.
k/sS Jacinto^ St. 201 ™2 T.xa. Si.
ORLEANS L. C. Duckworth, Manager | CITY Cecil Davis, Distributor
HOUSTON — BEAUMONT — LUBBOCK
West Coast Distributor: Roy C. Garland,
P. O.
Box 647, Oxnard, California
118
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
Neice recently sold his theatres in Hubbard
to Johnny Padel.
Manley, Inc. visitors were Charles G. Man-
ley, Kansas City; B. J. McKenna, executive
vice-president; R. H. Ramsey, district man-
ager in Nashville, Tenn.; John Frank Saun-
ders of Louisiana and Arkansas, and several
district managers of the southern division
. . . G. D. Fintelman, manager of Temple
Theatre, Temple, -who received a rather severe
back injury the latter part of April, is con-
valescing at home.
Gene Hendon and Richard Lee Buell of
Big Spring were recent visitors on the Row
. . . Tom Treadaway, Purchasing Agent of
Jefferson Amusement Co., Beaumont, has
been in the local office on business . . . Frank
Fain is building a new theatre in Livingston;
A. E. Brunson has one going up in La Porte
and is remodeling one in Baytown.
Henry Hall is erecting a new theatre in
Three Rivers, and is doing a remodeling job
at Kerrville . . . Sam Schwartz is construct-
ing a theatre in Eagle Pass and is remodeling
the Aztec in the same town . . . Interstate is
building a modern drive-in in Albuquerque
. . . Henry Stein contemplates erecting a new
theatre in Luling.
Drive-In Neighbors Protest
Abandonment of Streets
EL PASO, TEX. — Residents of the Logan
Heights section threatened legal action here
after the Lone Star Theatres began closing
off two streets preliminary to construction
of a drive-in theatre.
The county authorized abandonment of
the two streets last August but about 45
residents whose main avenue to entrance to
highway 54 is cut off by the project claimed
they were not notified and had no knowledge
of the street abandonment until the streets
were closed.
W. J. Elliott, real estate man, who with
Charles Leavell purchased 1,500 lots in Logan
Heights with a view to developing low-cost
housing, an open air theatre and shopping
center, said owners of property abutting on
Wickham and Harper avenues had given
their written consent to the abandonment of
the thoroughfares. Property owners who re-
side further west on the same streets were
not consulted, he said, because “our attor-
neys didn’t advise that.”
Dallas Has Large Group
At Variety Convention
DALLAS — Tent 17 was well represented at
the Variety convention in Los Angeles. Those
attending were R. J. and William O’Donnell,
James O. Cherry, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Rust,
Harry Sachs, Fred Nahas, Mr. and Mrs. A. W.
Lilly, John Jenkins, Mr. and Mrs. John
Franconi, Jack Dudley, G. R. Lunsford, Mr.
and Mrs. C. D. Leon, H. H. Cluck, Ray Beall,
B. F. Graetz, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Thornily,
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Caffo, Mr. and Mrs. Charles
E. Darden, Mr. and__Mrs. Phil isley, Forrest
Dunlap sr., Forrest Dunlap jr., C. G. Manley,
Bob Warner, Richard Owen, Mr. and Mrs.
C. C. Ezell, Harry Myers, Rex R. McCulloh,
Paul R. Jones, Albert Susman, M. M. Lewis,
Carl Mabry, W. J. Gammer, L. J. Piwetz,
Dave Lutzer, Hiram Parks, Mr. and Mrs. Jack
Cohen, Mr. and Mrs. Julius Schepps, S. J.
Hodge, Conrad Dreher, Dr. and Mrs. Frank
B. Moon and Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Ray.
Sam A. Hobbs Eddie H. Shahan
Yale 2-1483 Yale 2-0526
HOBBS & SHAHAN
Theatre Remodeling and Decorating
Draperies . . . Acoustical Correction
1224 So. Brighton DALLAS 11, TEXAS
LOVE FINDS A WAY!— Observing his
wedding anniversary, Glen Beard, part-
ner in Chas. E. Darden & Co. at Dallas,
got a long distance call through to his
wife from his hotel room in St. Joseph,
Mo. Restrictions on calls made the con-
nection doubly enjoyable. Beard was on
a survey through the established popcorn
belt to assay prospect for the current
planting season.
A. J. Blanton Makes Ties
In New Texas Location
WAELDER, TEX.— A. J. Blanton, Wael-
Tex Theatre manager, and his wife visited
their old home, San Saba, Tex., recently.
Blanton has been here only a short time
but he has already taken a prominent part in
civic affairs. He is a new member of the
local Rotary club. The Wael-Tex manager,
through letting the Baptist Sunday school
meet in his house every Sunday morning, has
won much community goodwill and has at
least one prominent clergyman boosting for
his theatre.
PRC Building Opens Soon
OKLAHOMA CITY — The new brick struc-
ture going up on Filmrow for the PRC and
Eagle-Lion offices is expected to be ready for
occupancy June 5. Claude York is branch
manager for the two companies. Complete
new furnishings will go into the one-story
brick building, he said. A general office, ship-
ping room, four vaults and three private of-
fices will be housed in the 26x130 foot space.
The building will have refrigerated air con-
ditioning.
THEATRES FOR SALE
IN TEXAS
No. 1 — Neighborhood Theatre in Texas'
fastest growing city. 520 seats, new
equipment. Fire-proof building and
parking lot. All goes for low price
of $50,000.
No. 2 — Theatre in Central Texas town of
1.500 population. Major equipment.
345 new cushion seats, also owner's
two-story, colonial home, 11 rooms,
completely furnished. A good fam-
ily setup for only $32,500.
No. 3 — So you want in the show business?
Well, here's your chance. 200 cush-
ion seat theatre, good equipment,
brick building. Has operated at a
profit always. Will sell all. includ-
ing the building, for $6,950.00.
WIRE OR PHONE
"JOE" JOSEPH
1003 Galloway St. Dallas, Texas
Phone Yale 2-7650
Zoo Animals to Entertain
At Saturday Showings
OKLAHOMA CITY— The Home Theatre
plans an Uncle Leo club in connection with
its weekly Saturday morning fun parties for
juveniles. The club will be organized after
the current program terminates May 31.
“Uncle Leo” Blondin is Oklahoma City’s
zookeeper at Lincoln park and is a former
showman. Starting Saturday (17) he will at-
tend the Saturday morning shows to explain
plans for the club and to entertain the
youngsters with at least one animal each
Saturday. He will tell stories and audition
the children for stage shows which will be
given every week.
The Kiddy Hour now features a Jack Arm-
strong serial which ends May 31. At the
close of the current program, a bicycle will
be given away.
Waggoner Buys Coolidge
COOLIDGE, TEX. — Ted Waggoner, former
manager for the Blankenship circuit in west
Texas, has purchased the Coolidge Theatre
here from Ed Newman, circuit owner of
Waco. “Joe” Joseph was broker in the
transaction.
HERMAN BLUM
Engineer
Air-Conditioning and Heating Design
170814 Commerce St. Dallas, Texas
SAM LEWIS
Remodeling and Decorating Theatres
“A Dollar’s Worth for Your Dollar”
Phone Y2-7383
2810 Sharon Dallas 11, Texas
.NOW.
Your Theatre Can Be Sold
PRIVATELY at Top Market
Personal, Confidential Handling
Confidential correspondence invited
ARTHUR LEAR
BROKER
Theatre Sales Exclusively
3422 Kinmore SL Dallas 10, Texas
Dial T3-2026
_ ^
1 /J*uuuutcutp the ofieninff a ^ 4
A New Studio for the
Complete Renovation of Theatres
— including —
decorating in its entirety, draperies, carpets, acoustical
treatment, lighting fixtures, scale plans, and colored
sketches submitted.
No Obligation — Call, Write or Wire
J. H. (JACK) JACKSON
12 Years Experience
^ 6035 Ellsworth Union 6-4952 Dallas 6, Texas *
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
BW
119
OKLAHOMA
J ^ benefit rodeo for Woodward, featuring
Roy Rogers and other film stars, will be
held here June 9 and 10, according to Gov-
ernor Turner. Arrangements for the rodeo
were made by V. B. Likens, Davis rancher
and close friend of the Oklahoma governor,
who returned recently from California. The
governor said Likens and H. D. Binns, state
senator, would complete arrangements for
the rodeo. Rogers will be accompanied here
by Dale Evans, the Sons of the Pioneers,
and others.
R. Lewis Barton, owner of a circuit of
Oklahoma houses including the Home, Knob
Hill, Red Skin and Skytrain, is one of the
vice-presidents of a new insurance company
formed here under the name of the Empire
Life Insurance Co. The company is Okla-
homa-owned and operated. The firm is in-
corporated for an authorized capital of
$100,000, and will specialize in group life,
accident, health, hospitalization and other
types of insurance. Temporary offices are
in the Perrine Bldg.
During April, the Municipal auditorium at-
tracted 122,370 persons to its events, accord-
ing to Jim Burge, manager. He added that
the city realized a profit of $7,769.22 during
the month, compared with $5,715 for the same
period in 1946.
From the Did You Hear column in the
Cushing Daily Citizen: “The invariable
comment of those who sign the gigantic post
card to A1 Jolson in the lobby of the Dunkin
Theatre (Griffith operation) is — ‘Wonder
if he’ll write me back.’ The stunt of having
CITY
folks sign a post card to Jolson is, of course,
a publicity gag in connection with the coming
picture. But it is amazing how folks seem
to enjoy giving him their autograph.”
The Cuero Rotary club adjourned a regular
meeting recently to the Rialto theatre, to see
the latest March of Time film, "The Teach-
ers’ Crisis.” John Monroe, Griffith man-
ager in Cuero, reports that this courtesy to
the club merited four long paragraphs of
publicity in the local paper about the film.
The comments on the picture were tacked on
to the Rotary meeting news report . . . More
news from Monroe discloses that the Cuero
Youth Program fund drive, which he serves
as treasurer, has reached $2,112.58. The goal
is $3,000.
H. K. Buchanan, booking department man-
ager for the Paramount exchange, was ill at
home Monday with a cold . . . Paul Rice,
Paramount’s first booker, went on vacation
Friday (16) for two weeks. He took his wife
and son on a holiday to California . . . The
YWCA sold tickets for “Brief Encounter” and
“Open City,” both shown at the Victoria, to
stimulate interest in world events. The Y
received a commission on tickets sold . . .
Virginia Pulliam is new in the Paramount
billing department.
Mirna Ruth Liles, 8, city figure skater, has
started work in two pictures in Hollywood.
The young girl’s mother, Mrs. H. C. Liles, said
here that Mirna accepted the film offer after
being promised she would not be asked to
skate in a picture. “She doesn’t want to
skate in a picture because it would mean
the end of her amateur standing and she has
her heart set on the Olympics,” said Mrs.
Liles.
Ralph Ayers of Lincoln, Neb., visited C&R
officials here . . . Pat McGee, Denver, also was
in town this week on C&R business . . . The
Ralph Warners have been touring the Tulsa
territory. Ralph is with Manley . . . Mrs.
Izah Adams of Sulphur was here Monday
. . . C. B. Akers of Griffith Theatres left Sun-
day for Texas on a ten-day business trip
. . . New air conditioning equipment was
being installed in the Villa Theatre this week.
Fred Jack, district manager of United
Artists, flew into the city for the weekend
. . . “Carnegie Hall” which opened for one
week, Wednesday at the Villa, was screened
to a select group the preceding Thursday (8).
There is a new parkway in front of Na-
tional Theatre Supply, Columbia and RKO,
which has given considerable relief to the
parking problem on the Row. Cars now park
at an angle, and this allows several more
automobiles to use this area . . . Tommy
Majors, secretary to the Warner Bros, ex-
change manager, has resigned, effective May
29 to marry Jack Britain in Clairton, Pa.,
June 12. Tommy was secretary to the branch
manager at Republic prior to joining the WB
staff. She hails from Hydro, Okla. Britain
is with a textile company and the couple will
live in Detroit. Margaret Tullius, WB steno,
will succeed Tommy.
Oklahoma City theatres registered a box-
office slump on Mother’s day . . . The Villa’s
Kiddy Hour will be filmed by Melton Barker,
Dallas, when he’s in the city to make four
two-reel comedies. He will take pictures of
120
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
the children at this weekly Saturday morning
show May 31.
The Uptown reports the last six to eight
weeks have given them the best business in
years. However, many theatres, including
the downtown first runs, have been crying
the blues because of the slack in business. Bob
Busch, Uptown manager, says he has been
running his films a week instead of the usual
four days, and that his pictures have been
doing a smash business.
“San Quentin” opened Friday (16) at the
Warner, succeeding a double-bill revival, “Kit
Carson” and “Last of the Mohicans” . . .
Margaret Truman, daughter of the President,
will sing here May 30 in one of seven concert
appearances in the southwest. She will ap-
pear in the Municipal auditorium under the
sponsorship of Boyle Attractions. She also
will appear in Dallas, Fort Worth and
Amarillo . . . Springlake Amusement park,
which lost several of its main attractions in
a fire about a year ago, will reopen May 30
. . . The Criterion invited ten Oklahoma City
women, all over 83, to attend the theatre’s
Mother’s day dinner and party. This is an
annual event for the city’s oldest mothers.
They were given corsages.
The Rialto and Ranger theatres in Alva
have new booth equipment. The Howell
Theatre Supply Co. here installed new pro-
jection and sound equipment in both houses,
and will install booth equipment in the Ritz
theatre soon. Homer Jones manages the
theatres . . . Robert A. “Bob” Hynes, man-
ager of the Criterion, was home ill Monday
. . . Universal executives visited the local ex-
change Friday and Saturday (16 and 17).
They were Frank J. A. McCarthy, New York,
southern division sales manager, and Joe E.
Garrison, St. Louis, district manager.
Allen B. Dean, Griffith manager of the
H&S house at Chandler, entertained 24 em-
ployes and their guests at his home with a
party . . . New booth and sound equipment
has been installed in the Dixie Theatre at
Holdenville. Horace Clark manages this
Griffith house. This house also will get a
new marquee and letter run, now under
construction, and a balcony for colored pa-
trons. Griffith also is completely remodeling
the old Liberty at Holdenville, and is making
considerable improvements on the Grand
Theatre in Holdenville.
Abe Rosewall reports from Vinita that a
total of 253 awards were made from the Lyric
stage to Vinita Girl Scouts and Brownies . . .
Free to the kiddies was a cartoon-comedy
program Saturday (3) in the Tower Theatre
at Drumright. School children from Dum-
right and surrounding territory attended.
This was Manager Tom Kirkham’s way of
saying “this is the big thank you to all the
school children for the wonderful help arid
cooperation given during the cancer drive for
funds.”
Oklahoma City children are to star in films
which will be produced soon by Melton Bar-
NEW SEATS, YES!
21 Day Delivery
We represent the
GRIGGS EQUIP. CO.
in Oklahoma
CECIL DAVIS
Theatre Seat Cr Equipment Co.
4020 MacArthur Oklahoma City. Okla.
PRIZE TO OKLAHOMAN— Van Hef-
lin, the MGM star, presents a cash prize
to Robert A. Hynes, manager of the Cri-
terion Theatre, in Oklahoma City for
winning a national exploitation competi-
tion on “The Postman Always Rings
Twice.” The presentation was made
at a Variety Club party held for Heflin
in the Oklahoma capital city.
ker, Dallas. Four two-reel comedies are to be
produced, one for each of the following thea-
tries: Uptown, Villa, Home and Knob Hill.
Each film will be different, and all of the
pictures will be filmed here in the city with
about 100 children in each one. Children
between the ages of three and 14 may register
at one of the four theatres for tryouts, of-
ficials of the four theatres announced in a
large advertisement carried in a local paper.
“Sea of Grass” open Wednesday at the Cri-
terion, replacing “Imperfect Lady,” which
ran one week . . . Mary Simpson, Criterion
treasurer, has returned to her former box-
office duties. Robert Osmond, former as-
sistant manager at the Liberty, replaced Mary
as Criterion treasurer.
New faces around the Columbia exchange
include Betty Taylor, who has been employed
as assistant cashier- to replace Florence
Womack, and Louise Lovejoy, who has been
employed as contract clerk. The latter re-
places Wanda McClain who moved up in the
organization to be secretary to the manager.
Betty Mabry who was secretary to the man-
ager, resigned to go to California.
“The Two Mrs. Carrolls” opened Wednes-
day at the Midwest. This film replaced
“Perfect Marriage,” which played one week
“Farmer’s Daughter” moved into the
State Wednesday. “The Locket” played a
one-week stand preceding the new bill . . •
John Hart, office manager for Eagle-Lion
and PRC was ill Monday at home .
“Johnny Frenchman” closed at the Victoria
in favor of “Magic Bow,” a Rank picture,
which opened Thursday . . . The Tower held
“Suddenly It’s Spring” for a second week.
This film played the Criterion for one week
.before it moved over to the C&R neighbor-
hood house.
Jack Craig will be the new salesman for
PRC and Eagle -Lion in the eastern Okla-
homa area, effective May 26. He replaces
W. G. MacKemie who resigned to return to
Memphis . . . R. B. Williams, RKO manager,
is back in his office after being confined to
his home because of a tonsillectomy . . . On
the Row were W. H. Martin, Perkins; G. C.
Gray, Oilton; W. J. Barnes jr., Grove; J. B.
Terry, Perry, and L. B. Warren, Yukon.
“Carnival in Costa Rica” was held a second
week at the Home. Gene Hudgens, Home
manager, said “The Egg” will return to his
house on May 25 . . . Time Theatre in We-
tumka opened Saturday (10). W. T. Kirby,
co-partner in the Chief at Seminole, is the
owner . . . The Palace, a new 400-seat house
in Gruver, Tex., is to open June 1. Wright
Hale, who owns the Eyrie at Spearman, Tex.,
i^ opening this house, the first since sound
in Gruver, a town of about 800 population.
PATB0N COMFORT
IS ESSENTIAL
Keep it uppermost always!
Remember that your customers deserve the best in visual
and sound reproduction. Keep them happy and they'll
return again and again.
Now is the time to air condition !
OKLdHomn Theatre Supply
J. ELDON PEEK
TELEPHONE 7-8691
708-710 WEST GRAND AVENUE
OKLAHOMA CITY 2. OKLA.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
121
AMARILLO “DUEL” LUNCHEON — The mayor and newspaper representatives
greeted Selznick stars at a luncheon in Amarillo held in connection with the opening
of “Duel in the Sun.” Left to right: Clay Bailey, Dallas Times Herald; Jeanne Carroll;
Guy Madison; Ida Bell Hicks, Fort Worth Star Telegram; Joseph Cotten; Mayor Hagy;
Fairfax Nesbitt, Dallas News, and Gregory Peck.
HOUSTON
pjanns Kolmar of New York, United Artists
representative for “Henry V” arrived
here Monday (12) to discuss publicity for the
June opening v/ith Interstate’s publicity
man, Bill Johnston. A preview will be held
a week in advance. The Houston and Dallas
engagements will be the first in Texas, Kol-
mar said. Prices will be $2 top.
Vacation time has rolled around again at
Interstate and employes are lugging home
armloads of alluring circulars to help them
select spots to spend that two or three weeks
they have coming. Pete Hawkins, manager
of the Almeda is now on vacation. He is
being relieved by Alvin Guggenheim, treas-
urer of the Tower theatre.
John Arnold, manager of the Yale, is a
helpful showman. Arnold was standing out
in front of the neighborhood Yale recently
when in rushed a woman and small child. “I
have lost my purse,” she gasped. “It had my
two weeks’ pay in it.” Arnold took her to a
telephone. “Where did you leave it?” he
asked. “I think I left it on the counter of
IF
YOU
NEED
SEATING
★
Call - Wire - Write
GRIGGS EQUIPIM CO.
Belton, Texas
the food market.” Arnold got the name of
the food market, dialed for her and as she
talked she calmed materially. Her purse
had been found and she could see the picture
in peace.
Ross Vallone of the Eastwood, Russell
Rendy of the Tower and Howard Skelton of
the Village returned Monday from vacations
. . . “Duel in the Sun” is holding up. Public
opinion is varied. Some like it, some do not,
but they all went to see it and find out if it
is as bloody at the end as friends say it is.
All like Gregory Peck. It will stay awhile
longer at the Kirby.
Olney House Redecorated
OLNEY, TEX. — The Olney Theatre here
has just been redecorated. The front has
been painted a greenish blue and the lobby
done in cream with a red trim. The base
boards and doors are in tile red. The Westex
Theatre’s marquee has been painted black
and the lobby will be redone in the near
future. The two houses are TEI-operated.
Velma Theatre Opens
VELMA, OKLA. — C. A. Hammond is open-
ing the Velma Theatre here. Population is
about 225. This 25-seat house is the town’s
first cinema.
New Rex Theatre Burns
GOOSPORT, LA— The Rex Theatre, re-
cently built, was destroyed by fire May 6. The
Rex was owned and operated by Clyde Ste-
phens.
Acquires 'Two Worlds'
“The Two Worlds of Johnny Truro,” the
story of a young man who falls in love with a
middle-aged woman, has been acquired by
Warners.
POPCORN and SUPPLIES, YES!
We represent
Charles E. Darden & Co.
•
Cretors Popcorn Machines
Cecil Davis
Theatre Seat and Equipment Co.
4020 MacArthur Oklahoma City, Okla.
George Thornton Dies;
Buffalo Eng. Head
DALLAS — George W. Thornton, 60, gen-
eral manager of the Buffalo Engineering Co.
here, died last week in Oklahoma City.
Thornton, a native of Harkeyville, San Saba
county, had been a resident of Dallas 30 years,
most of the time in the air conditioning busi-
ness. In earlier years he was a film salesman
for Vitagraph and Enterprise Distributing
Corp. Soon after leaving Enterprise, Thorn-
ton opened his own Blizzard Sales Co. This
he sold to enter the air-conditioning business.
Thornton was factory representative of the
United States Air-Conditioning Corp.
Survivors include a daughter, Gloria Anne;
two sons, George W. jr., and Jack, Dallas;
two sisters, Mrs. Sterling B. Thompson, Tem-
plet Mrs. Mark Sessions, Brown wood; a
brother, R. D. Thornton, Austin, and his
parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. P. Thornton, Harkey-
ville.
Jim Barnes Transferred
To Manage the Midwest
OKLAHOMA CITY — Jim Barnes, manager
of the Warner, has been transferred to the
Midwest Theatre in a similar capacity. Also
moved in the general shift of managers were
Cornelius Szakatis, manager of the Liberty,
to the Warner as manager, and L. L. “Buddy”
Gary, Midwest house manager, to the Liberty
as manager.
Device Linked to Projector
Shows Progress of Film
EL PASO, TEX. — Fred A. Erhardt, chief
projectionist at the Ellanay Theatre, has
patented a device that indicates at a glance
to people outside the theatre how long it will
be before the show is over. The device is
synchronized with the projector and can be
placed in the boxoffice, on the marquee, or
anywhere the manager chooses to put it.
Feinberg to Distribute USAirCo
DALLAS — U.S. Air Conditioning Corp. has
announced appointment of Archie Feinberg
as wholesale distributor of its entire line of
air conditioning products for Texas and
Louisiana. Feinberg, a veteran of 24 years
in theatre cooling, and well known to ex-
hibitors throughout the southwest, will head-
quarter in Dallas. He will have direct su-
pervision over sales and engineering of his
company’s products.
Gale Page in Femme Lead
United Artists has ticketed Gale Page for
second femme lead in “The Time of Your
Life.”
SIGNATURE (TO
IL-a-rc"! *rofi yom A0vt/t//sz/vo
tlAAS SEND YOUR THEATRES' NAMES FOR
fr7 7*72131 HLJEyi
56^u™WDR%AU^5ltTEMJ
REMODELING - DECORATING
Drapes — Frames — Lighting Fixtures
»:■ LOWEST PRICES
LUPE ROMERO
4222 Lafayette DALLAS 4. TEX. T-0860
122
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
H. M. Levy Points Out Seriousness
Of Neglecting Housekeeping Rules
From New England Edition
HARTFORD — Some Connecticut theatre
owners are neglecting to correct safety haz-
ards pointed out to them by inspectors from
the department of state police, and such
neglect may lead to serious consequences,
Herman M. Levy, executive secretary of the
Connecticut MPTO, said in a bulletin mailed
to members of the organization.
Levy said he had been able to work out
satisfactorily with Commissioner Edward J.
Hickey problems arising in the industry and
said Hickey, had expressed gratification for
the cooperation shown by exhibitors.
“Two matters, however, are disturbing, and
I take this opportunity to report to you as
to both of them,” said Levy.
“First is the failure of theatre managers
to report to their employers or to their home
officers concerning ‘correction slips.’ These
slips are given to managers by state police
inspectors for minor infractions. In several
instances where these slips were not so re-
ported and the errors not corrected, serious
consequences almost resulted.
“Second is the failure to comply with good
housekeeping rules, such as failure to have
fire extinguishers refilled as required, the
presence of loose chairs, etc. Many of such
violations have been found each month by
the inspectors. A recent communication
from Commissioner Hickey discloses that in
February and March of this year 21 theatres
were found to have fire extinguishers that
had not been refilled within a year.”
Continuing, Levy said, “Exhibitors have
from time to time registered with us some
justifiable complaints concerning the meth-
ods, manners and attitudes of inspectors.
All of these have been referred to Commis-
sioner Hickey and to Captain Urguhart and
in all instances, so far as we know, they have
been corrected.
“You are cordially invited to send to us
any such complaints. We shall go over them
with you and submit them to the proper
authorities. The state police department is
proud of Connecticut’s theatre safety record
and of the cooperation of the industry to-
ward that end and wants nothing to inter-
fere with either of those accomplishments.
The department also knows that the prime
objective of theatre operators is safety for
its patrons.”
Cashier Faints at the Sight
As 'Patron' Flashes a Snake
From Midwest Edition
KANSAS CITY — A “perfectly harmless”
bullsnake caused considerable consternation
at the Glen Theatre boxoffice one night re-
cently. The creature was only six feet long
and was just curious about the light over
the cashier’s head, but the mere sight of him
scared Lucille Bohannon into a dead faint.
As patrons report the incident, Miss
Bohannon was issuing tickets and change
in the usual manner while seated alone in her
cage, secure from the elements outside
her booth. Then a young man stepped up,
placed an army barracks bag against the
hole in the front glass, and waited to see
what would happen.
Miss Bohannon took one look at six feet
of uncoiling serpent squirming its way toward
her, gave an unearthly scream, and fainted
dead away. The young man rewound his pet,
stuffed it back into the bag, and disappeared.
When Norris B. Cresswell, theatre manager,
got to the boxoffice to see what was wrong,
he found his young cashier unconscious on
the floor. Efforts by the theatre staff failed
to revive her and Cresswell took her to her
home and called a physician. Twenty min-
utes later, upon the arrival of police, Miss
Bohannon was still unconscious and when,
ten minutes later, she regained conscious-
ness, she was hysterical and required seda-
tives.
When apprehended by police later in the
evening, Joseph Mudder, Boy Scout of troop
142, readily admitted the incident but in-
sisted: “Anyone ought to know that a bull-
snake is harmless.”
BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT
10th FI.. 2nd Unit. Santa Fe Bldg. BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO«, INC. Dallas. Tex.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
122-A
'Duel' Retains Place
As Dallas Leader
DALLAS — “Duel in the Sun” led Elm Street
in gross this week. It did 20 per cent over
average at the Melba, where it was in its
second week. “High Barbaree” at the Majes-
tic was the only other top picture to do
average business.
(Average is 100)
Capitol — Texas Masquerade (UA), reissue;
The Falcon's Adventure (RKO) 100
Majestic — High Barbaree (MGM) 100
Melba — Duel in the Sun (SRO), 2nd wk 120
Palace — Imperfect Lady (Para) 85
Rialto — The Devil Thumbs a Ride (RKO);
Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (RKO) 90
Telenews — Dead of Night (U-I) 90'
New Halifax Theatre
To Have Lobby Bar
From Canadian Edition
HALIFAX — An innovation in the plans for
construction of a 1,000-seat brick, concrete
and steel theatre to replace the 76-year-old
Community here is a horseshoe bar in the cen-
ter of the outer lobby. Patrons coming in
from the street will walk on both sides of the
bar, which will be operated by the theatre.
Full fountain service, light lunches, candy,
etc., will be merchandised to street and thea-
tre trade during and outside show hours. The
boxoffice, with summer and winter open-
ings, will be at the bar mouth. There will
be store space with basement storage under-
neath at the other side of the front.
Special attention has been paid to acous-
tics in the plans for the new stadium-type
building. Recessed vented walls with celotex
covering will be used. The heating, air con-
ditioning and ventilating are all incorporated
in one unit with circulation through thermo-
static diffusers in the ceiling.
The walls will be of concrete blocks with
brick facing, and the front of artificial stone
and black vitrolite, decorated with extruded
alumilited aluminum. The boxoffice will be
of corrugated stainless steel and plate glass,
and the slanted entrance doors of tuflex
glass. Steel columns and trusses are to be
installed throughout the building.
The suspended projection booth will allow
for seating underneath.
The lighting in the auditorium will be re-
cessed behind acoustical wall breaks, and with
operation by circuit dimmer control.
Franklin & Herschorn, sponsors of this re-
placement for a former church they operated
about 26 years, are considering changing the
name. The price will be upped 5 or 10 cents
above the Community 25 cents top.
A Smarter Package with Manley’s
Red and White Printed "Hi-Pop" Cartons
Red and White Printed "Hi-Pop" Bags
WflW 1AJRRRIER o 1 V 1 SI 0 H A l MANAGER
302 So. Harwood C-7536 Dallas, Texas
“For years I have read BOXOFFICE and
“Feel almost lost without it”
BOXOFFICE.
825 Van Brunt Blvd.,
Kansas City 1, Mo.
My Dear Sirs:
For years I have read BOXOFFICE, and feel almost lost without it.
I have your record and date hook and have used the system for several
years. I get the other trade papers in the industry but in addition I want
your magazine and am sending my subscription herewith.
Thanking you for your good service in the past,
PAUL W. MOORE,
Paramount Theatre.
6650 Belair Rd.,
Baltimore 6, Md.
Be Sure to Read Every Issue of BOXOFFICE — It Pays
122-B
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
Judge Camille Kelley
Says Censor Futile
From Southeast Edition
MEMPHIS— “I do not think local censor-
ship is the answer,” Judge Camille Kelley,
Memphis world-famous juvenile court judge,
said Monday when asked about censorship at
the close of her speech before the Variety
Club Tent 20 during which she had paid a
remarkable tribute to the motion picture in-
dustry.
‘‘I am very fond of the members of the
censor board and I would not want anything
I say construed against them,” Judge Kelley
cautioned. “I think the censorship should
come from the beginning, when the picture
is being made. I do not approve of the way
dissipation has sometimes been made attrac-
tive, garlanded with roses and romance. I
do not think crime should be made attractive.
But if you get the wrong idea from one pic-
ture, the next one will set it straight again.
Local censorship is not the answer.”
Judge Kelley in her speech at the Ladies’
day luncheon Monday said that in the 45,000
cases that she has tried not “more than half
a dozen times” have the movies been named
as the cause of juvenile delinquency.
Judge Kelley told the motion picture men
that she took her boys to see western pictures
“when the westerns were so wild I had to sit
out front because I couldn’t stand the boom-
boom-boom.”
“We will always try to find excuses for do-
ing the wrong thing. ’Way back it was the
dime novels that were supposed to make the
little wildcat boys.
“People who decry pictures do not know
pictures.”
Just as everyone needs a corner for privacy,
she said, “you need to go to the picture show,
where you can let yourself down and be some-
one else for a little while.
“Movies are the only real relaxation from
the world of stress. And they are educational
as well as relaxing. I believe in recreation
and pleasure.
“If you think there are some things in the
movies which are bad and you are worried
about your children seeing them, go to the
movies with the children and point out and
emphasize the things that you think are good.
“Movies will make a maid a better maid, a
chauffeur a better chauffeur, a wife a better
wife and a husband a better husband just
as they will make a gangster a better gang-
ster.
“Movies have shown the inside of humble
homes and the inside of mansions and have
shown that the same love affairs, same jeal-
ousies, same romance, same murders are com-
mon to each.
“More people are bored to death than mur-
dered.”
Calling attention to the money and thought
put into production of movies, Judge Kelley
said “we should take lessons from the pic-
tures and give our children that same sort
of thought.”
“I am asked every day: ‘Do movies do
harm?’ There are not as many as half a
dozen cases in the 45,000 I have tried where
movies have even been brought into the case
as a contributing factor to the behavior prob-
lem.”
For Negroes in Alexandria
ALEXANDRIA, LA. — The Peabody Theatre,
for Negroes, will be built on Third street, by
C. L. Hayne.
Hecht Named Manager
TAMPA, FLA. — Elmer Hecht of Miami hvs
been appointed manager of the Park Theatre
here.
QUONSET THEATRE IN ABILENE—
I. B. Adelman has put into operation
the quonset-type theatre shown here in
a suburb of Abilene on the main street
leading toward San Angelo and Sweet-
water. The theatre seats 525 and the
parking area around it accommodates
100 cars. The false front houses the
boxoffice, confectionery counter and rest
rooms. L. O. Daniels jr., formerly with the
Adelman organization in Houston, is
managing the theatre.
School Police Honored
PENSACOLA — The Florida, Pen, Gulf and
Belmont theatres were hosts to members of
the Pensacola schoolboy patrol Saturday (10).
Negro members of the patrol attended the
Roxy, Ritz and Belmont.
STAN AND OLLIE ROLL ’EM IN THE AISLES IN THIS HIT
Laurel and Hardy in "THE BOHEMIAN
GIRL" are definitely a riotous laff hit! This is
a big full-length comedy feature, featuring the
tuneful ballads of yesteryear that will have
vour audiences laughing until their sides hurt.
It is top flight comedy enbellished with superb
music and hilarious harmony.
"THE BOHEMIAN GIRL” was produced by
Hal Roach, and is one of the longest, loudest
laff-movies he has ever produced. It's 90 mad,
merry musical moments that your audiences
will thoroughly enjoy!
Released by FILM CLASSICS of Texas ★ Dallas
Shout that again I
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Came
AMUSEMENT CO., 831 S. WABASH AVE., CHICAG
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
122-C
Have YOU submitted YOUR entry for a
HERE'S THE IDEA!
• To develop, on a broader scale, the ex-
change of exploitation ideas, both new and old,
and to encourage showmandising, BOXOFF1CE
offers $100.00 in cash as a Bonus every month to
theatremen, for promotions of special merit.
• The $100.00 Bonus will be divided among
theatremen for promotional efforts in each of
ten phases of merchandising. (Ten Bonuses of
$10.00 each.)
• Bonus payments will be made on the basis
of material submitted to The Showmandiser.
• Theatre managers, their assistants and pub-
licity and advertising managers are eligible to
receive one or more Bonus payments each
month.
• There is no limit on the number of promo-
tions which may be submitted in any month.
$10000 CASH
EVERY MONTH
HERE’S WHERE:
• A promotion may consist of a single idea
substantiated by a photograph, house program,
newspaper ad or any other evidence to be eli-
gible for a Bonus; or it may include a complete
campaign on any picture, institutional accom-
plishment or public relations endeavor which
would be eligible for one or more Bonus pay-
ments.
• The exhibitor with a small or no-advertising
budget has the same opportunity to receive a
Bonus as the key-run manager with a substan-
tial appropriation.
• Bonus payments will be made on the basis
of individuality, originality and merit — with full
consideration for size of theatre, run, location
and other local factors.
O Recipients of Bonus payments for each
month will be announced in the second regular
issue of BOXOFFICE during the following
month.
HERE'S THE
PAYOFF!
A $10.00 Bonus for Exceptional Promotions
in Each of the Following;
1. House Program
8. Ballyhoo
2. Lobby Display
7. Original Idea
3. Window Tieup
8. General Tieup
4. Theatre Front
9. "Cooperative Ad
5. Newspaper Ad
10. Public Relations
The Showmandiser, BOXOFFICE, 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 20, N. Y.
122-D
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
Brandt Circuit Plans
Second Miami Unit
MIAMI — Brandt Theatres, operators of a
chain of 160 theatres throughout the country,
soon will open a new house in Miami Beach.
The new theatre, with a seating capacity of
1,300, will bring the number of picture houses
on the Beach to 11.
Plans for the latest playhouse result from
two consecutive leases involving the south-
west corner of 41st street and Chase avenue,
226 feet on the street and extending back
100 feet to a driveway.
The first lease is for approximately 99 years
on the land and was made by Samuel G.
Jamison to Mr. and Mrs. Ed Singer, who will
erect the theatre. The latter has been taken
on a second lease by Brandt Theatres, who
also operate the Flamingo on Lincoln road.
Singer, who has been in Miami Beach for
15 years, has been prominent in hotel cir-
cles and at present operates the National
in Miami Beach.
The 41st street theatre is to be known as
the Venetian and will have 1,300 push-back
seats. The theatre will be equipped for tele-
vision. Designed to become one of the ultra-
modern show places of the south, the build-
ing will have a facade of glass 50 feet wide
and 50 high. A white marble winding stair-
way will be visible from the outside. Albert
Anis is the architect.
On the 180 feet adjoining the theatre the
Singers will erect stores and offices. Birn,
Berliner Co. negotiated the leases in co-
operation with Jamison.
Bob Donohue Jr. Will Film
Solar Eclipse Expedition
MIAMI — Bob Donohue' jr., RKO Pathe
News cameraman, will hop off from here
this month for Bocayuva, Brazil, where he
will participate in a major scientific expedi-
tion to photograph the sun in total' eclipse.
Donohue, ex-war correspondent and world
traveler of note, will accompany a joint Army
Air Forces-National Geographic society party,
composed of distinguished United States
astronomers and physicists.
Every detail of the expedition will be pho-
tographed for newsreel release. All stages
from the eclipsed sun’s corona to scenes of
the stars for a checkup on Einstein’s theory
of relativity, will be recorded on film. A fully
equipped and reconverted B17 is scheduled to
be available for photographing the sun from
a level of 30,000 feet above the earth.
Gortatowsky Brothers Buy
Waters' Clair in Albany
ALBANY, GA. — A. C. and I. C. Gortatow-
sky, brothers, have bought the Clair Theatre
on Broad avenue here from J. E. Waters,
owner of Georgian Theatres, Inc. With the
purchase of the Clair the Gortatowsky broth-
ers now own a chain of five theatres here.
New sound and projection equipment and a
new screen soon will be installed in the Clair.
Continue Kiddy Shows
COLUMBUS, GA.— The Bradley Theatre
here announced it had booked other suitable
pictures for a continuance of its Saturday
morning kiddy matinees. The theatre man-
agement said the new series was planned in
appreciation of the response and interest
shown in its previous Children’s Film Library
programs. The matinees are sponsored by the
Tiny Tot Shoppe.
QUEEN JOAN — Vivacious Joan Sam-
ple, brownet of Hendersonville, N. C., was
selected queen of Henderson county’s an-
nual Apple Blossom festival and as such
will be guest of the cities of Miami, Fla.,
and Havana, Cuba. She will be received
by President Grau San Martin of Cuba
and other dignitaries and will be guest
of honor in a swirl of parties. Among the
judges for the event in Hendersonville
were Leonard H. Allen, southeastern rep-
resentative of Paramount Pictures.
Transfer Allen to Atlanta;
Olson to Charlotte Post
CHARLOTTE— Everett Olson of Minneap-
olis has been named field representative for
Paramount Pictures in the Carolinas and as-
signed to Charlotte to replace Leonard Allen,
transferred to Atlanta. Allen formerly han-
dled both the Charlotte and Atlanta terri-
tory.
Bill Holliday, Charlotte salesman, has been
appointed sales manager at the Atlanta
branch. He is being succeeded here by A. C.
DeBerry, while Lawrence Terrell, who works
in the office, has been promoted to salesman.
Olson plans to travel extensively over the
Carolinas. He also has the New Orleans ter-
ritory and will make periodic visits to the
Crescent City Paramount branch.
WHBT Goes on the Air
HARRIMAN, TENN. — The Harriman
Broadcasting Co. station, WHBT, went on the
air here Tuesday (6) with full-time opera-
tion on 1,230 kilocycles and 250 watts of
power. Jere Brewer is president of the com-
pany.
Court Fight Is Hinted
Over Sunday Shows
Knoxville — Someone may test the legal-
ity of Sunday shows in Knoxville, City
Manager Morrison hinted.
Addressing the Knoxville Exchange
club, he said the idea was prompted by the
recent suits by Knoxville and Knox
county theatres challenging the validity
of the new countywide amusement tax
of 5 per cent.
Speaking on municipal problems in
general, Morrison estimated the theatre
tax would yield about $200,000 annually.
Rolh E. Hook Opens
Theatre in Eutaw
EUTAW, ALA. — Grand opening of the new
760-seat Hook Theatre, owned by Roth E.
Hook, was held here Friday (9) with “Song of
the South’’ as the screen attraction.
A feature of the house is the seating ar-
rangement, which permits perfect vision from
any part of the house. Spacing of 36 inches
from back to back of the Heywood-Wakefield
seats is ample to permit passage between
rows without disturbing seated patrons.
Other features include fireproof construc-
tion of acoustic blocks, brick, steel and ma-
sonry; a marble-stucco front and modern
neon marquee. A washed air system provides
cool air. Heating will be provided by thermo-
statically controlled butane units. Equip-
ment includes RCA sound and Brenkert pro-
jectors.
Hook announced that his architect, Wilmot
C. Douglas of Birmingham is preparing plans
for a similar theatre in Aliceville, Ala.
J. E. Gay is manager of the new theatre.
Gay served as manager of Hook’s other house
here, the Eutaw, while the owner was in
service for 47 months. Hook’s mother, Mrs.
A. J. Hook, also assisted in the operation of
the old theatre, while his father, A. J. Hook,
has taken an active part in construction of
the new house.
J. E. Johnson of York, Ala., was contractor
for the new theatre and Carl Finch jr. of
Demopolis was electrician.
Memphis Theatres Give
Check to Cancer Fund
MEMPHIS — Back in January, the motion
picture industry passed the hat in Memphis
theatres in a single audience collection for
various charities which were coming up for
contributions shortly. Recently the industry,
represented by E. P. Sapinsley, of Malco
Theatres, presented the American Cancer
society’s Memphis campaign with its portion
of the collection — a check for $1,393.50. This
was the largest single gift received by the
Memphis forces since the campaign for
$440,000 started.
Drive-In at Walterboro
Will Open This Month
WALTERBORO, S. C. — Four acres of land
here are being graded in preparation for
Walterboro’s first open air theatre. Dr. E. B.
Funderburk has been granted a franchise
from Park-In Theatres, Inc., of Camden,
N. J., which gives him drive-in theatre rights
within an 18-mile radius. Funderburk’s thea-
tre will park 239 cars. In-car speakers will
be provided. He hopes to open this month.
Writes Fan Article
MONTGOMERY, ALA. — Fields Varner,
Alabama Journal staff writer, is author of
an article entitled “Connie, the Colonel’s
Lady,” in the June issue of Screenland maga-
zine. The story tells of the life of actress
Constance Bennett in an apartment at Max-
well field, where her husband, Col. Jack
Coulter, is now stationed.
Ashburn House Reopens
ASHBURN, GA.— The Ideal Theatre, heav-
ily damaged by fire April 7, is back in opera-
tion here. L. A. Stein, owner, said he ex-
pects to build a new theatre here as soon
as material is more readily available. The
Ideal is managed by F. L. Alig.
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
SI
123
W. K. Jenkins Hosts Birthday Fete
Col. Robert L. Scott, author of “God Is My Co-Pilot,” is depicted receiving a birth-
day cake in Macon, Ga., at a dinner hosted by William K. Jenkins of Georgia Theatre
Co. in connection with the presentation of a Boy Scout award given yearly by GTC in
commemoration of the world premiere of the Warner picture in Macon in February
1945. Seated at left is Lamar Swift, Macon
MACON — To encourage the Boy Scout
movement in middle Georgia, the Robert L.
Scott annual award, inaugurated by William
K. Jenkins, president of Georgia Theatre
Co., in commemoration of the world premiere
of Warners’ “God Is My Co-Pilot,” was pre-
sented here recently.
The premiere was staged at the Grand
Theatre in Macon in February 1945 when the
first award was presented to the outstanding
Boy Scout in middle Georgia.
Col. Robert L. Scott, author of the best
selling novel from which the picture was
taken, presented this year’s award to young
James H. Alverson jr., selected by Boy Scout
area manager for GTC.
officials as the outstanding scout for the year.
A dinner honoring Alverson and Scout of-
ficials was given on Scott’s birthday by the
Georgia Theatre Co. preceding the presenta-
tion ceremonies at the Grand. The colonel
flew here for the affair.
Alverson earned the honor of “outstand-
ing scout” despite the fact he is blind in one
eye and has only 20 per cent vision in the
other. He had 20 merit badges over the
number required for his rank of Eagle. A
-native of Stone Mountain, Ga., Alverson is
a student at the Georgia Academy for the
Blind in Macon.
Clinton Vucovich Starts
Institutional Advertising
PENSACOLA, FLA. — “A safe place to send
your child” is the theme stressed by Clinton
Vucovich, manager and owner of the Pen
Theatre, in large display ads in the Pensa-
cola press.
The ads also stress the Pen as a home-
owned and operated theatre “offering the
most modern seat and seating arrangement,
plus the finest in RCA sound recording and
perfect projection.” Bodi-form seats are de-
scribed as “Pensacola’s outstanding attrac-
tion in seating comfort, giving you front-row
vision at any row.”
PE QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE, Inc.
1912'/2 Morris Avenue Telephone 3-8665
Birmingham. Alabama
Complete Theatre Equipment and
Supplies
Citizens of Coral Gables
Oppose Theatre Project
CORAL GABLES, FLA. — Plans for the
erection of a 900-seat theatre by the Edward
N. Claughton interests have been challenged
by citizens of Coral Gables. Site of the new
house is opposite the famed Douglas entrance
to Coral Gables, and while actually in the city
of Miami, will draw most of its patronage
from Coral Gables.
A protest from residents was brought to
the city commission meeting. Objections
were that the parking situation which, such
a project would create was objectionable to
home owners. The commissioners explained
that they were empowered only to designate
the area for business and could not regulate
the type of business. Claughton explained
that he intends to use the theatre as a
nucleus for an extensive business develop-
ment in the area.
Debut as Associate Producer
Irving Cummings jr. will make his debut as
associate producer for Columbia’s “Sign of the
Ram,” which his father, Irving Cummings,
will produce.
Memphians Leave Town
To Catch Up With 'Sin'
MEMPHIS — Local citizens are giving their
answer to the Memphis board of censors,
headed by Lloyd T. Binford, retired insur-
ance man and Baptist deacon, by taking short
automobile rides into Mississippi, Arkansas
and west Tennessee to see pictures that are
banned from the local screens.
Memphis crowds last week scurried into
Covington, Term. — 39 miles north of here —
to see “The Macomber Affair” at the Gem
Theatre, operated by Cliff Peck. “The
Macomber Affair,” was so badly slashed by
the Memphis censors that its booking was
cancelled. Later the censors barred it alto-
gether from screens of Memphis and Shelby
county.
Harry Martin, amusements editor of the
Commercial Appeal, who went to Covington
with one group, reported the > people were
puzzled as to why the picture should have
been slashed by the censors.
“The Outlaw,” also banned here by the
censors, was shown recently at the Von Thea-
tre, Hernando, Miss., about 28 miles away,
and attracted many Memphians. “The Out-
law,” this week is being shown at Turrell
Theatre, owned by W. L. Moxley. Turrell is
only 18 miles from Memphis in Arkansas.
Moxley has announced that his 600-seat
theatre will show all films banned in
Memphis. The Turrell Theatre was com-
pletely rebuilt and opened about two months
ago following a fire which destroyed the
showhouse. It is strictly modern.
Pensacola Firemen Drill
Saenger Theatre Staff
PENSACOLA — Employes of the Saenger
Theatre here were instructed in the use of
fire extinguishers by Chief Claude Wright
and Capt. R. G. Ward of the Pensacola fire
department. Mrs. Bonnie Belle Davenport,
manager of the theatre’s women employes,
and Mrs. Nina Brown, were featured in pho-
tographs of the drill taken by Pensacola
newspapers.
Jack White, Herbert Glover
Open House in Cleveland
CLEVELAND, GA.— Jack White and Her-
bert Glover, war veterans, have opened the
Princess Theatre here. They are presenting
two shows nightly except Sunday. The main
floor is for whites and a balcony accommo-
dates Negroes.
K&T Operates Randolph
ALBANY, GA. — The new 660-seat Ran-
dolph Theatre here, owned by Tucker Wat-
kins and Paul Edmunds sr., is under lease
to K&T Theatres of Kenbridge, Va.
New Theatre at Coeburn
COEBURN, VA. — The new Bolling building,
housing a theatre and a jewelry store, was to
have opened here May 1. The house seats 652.
MONARCH
THEATRE SUPPLY, Inc.
Neil Blount
492 So. Second St.
Memphis. Tenn.
124
BOXOtoCE :: May 17, 1847
Southwest Briefs
COOLIDGE, TEX. — Ted Waggoner, former
manager for the Blankenship circuit in west
Texas, has bought the Coolidge Theatre here
from Ed Newman, \Waco circuit owner.
DALLAS — U. S. Air Conditioning Corp. has
named Archie Feinberg wholesale distributor
of its entire line of products for Texas and
Louisiana.
HOUSTON — James Menutis, former treas-
urer for Interstate’s University Theatre here,
has been named assistant to Bill Johnston,
who has succeeded Homer Jordan as city
publicity director.
HOUSTON — L. E. Newton has been named
manager of Interstate’s new Broadway Thea-
tre, which opens here May 23.
DALLAS — Col. William McCraw, executive
director of Variety Clubs International, has
been notified by Maj. Gen. Edward F. Wet-
sell that he has been awarded the Bronze
Star for his outstanding work in supervising
the repair of fighting planes in the Pacific.
DALLAS — The 1,000-seat Inwood, newest
Interstate theatre here, is now open. Joe
Jackson manages.
OKLAHOMA CITY— A benefit rodeo for
Woodward, featuring Roy Rogers and other
film stars, will be held here June 9, 10.
OKLAHOMA CITY — R. Lewis Barton,
Oklahoma circuit owner, is one of the vice-
presidents of a new insurance company
formed here under the name of the Empire
Life Insurance Co.
LIVINGSTON, OKLA.— Frank Fain is
building a theatre here.
LA PORTE, OKLA. — A. E. Brunson is
building a theatre here and is remodeling his
house in Baytown.
DALLAS — Interstate is building a modern
drive-in in Albuquerque, N. M.
BATON ROUGE — Pittman Bros, opened
their swank new 2,200-seat Rex Theatre here
May 8. The house cost $350,000. V. L. Thi-
beau is manager and J. G. Broggi of New
Orleans is buyer and booker.
DALLAS — Building proceeds apace in this
area. Henry Hall is building a house at
Three Rivers, remodeling at Kerrville; Sam
Schwartz is building at Eagle Pass, remod-
eling his Aztec there.
LULING, TEX.— Henry Stein soon may
build a new theatre here. •
OKLAHOMA CITY — Four new theatres
were scheduled to open in Oklahoma this
month. They are the 450-seat Time, owned
by W. T. Kirby, in Wetumka; the 260-seat
Ryan, owned by Alex Rowls, in Quapaw; the
250-seat Long, owned by Lewis W. Long, in
Keyes, and the 400-seat Dream Theatre in
Tahlequah, managed by S. P. Doss.
DALLAS — Marshall Grant Pictures of
Hollywood has signed the famed Gainesville
community circus for a feature length mo-
tion picture. The film will be entitled
“Gainesville, U.S.A.”
ABILENE, TEX. — I. B. Adelman has
opened a 525 -seat quonset-type theatre on
the main street of Abilene. L. O. Daniels jr.
manages.
TALLULAH, LA. — R. E. Fowler is the new
owner of the Green Frog Theatre, colored
house which opened here several weeks ago.
R. V. Reagin Is a Veteran
Of 20 Years With RKO
MEMPHIS — R. V. Reagin, the new branch
manager here for RKO, was the company’s
office manager for 12
years and a salesman
out of the Memphis
office for the past
eight years. His pro-
motion to manager
was announced by
Charles Boasberg, di-
vision sales manager,
and Ben Y. Cammack,
district manager.
Reagin has been
salesman in the Ar-
kansas and southeast
Missouri territory in
recent years. He is
married and has his
Mr. and Mrs. Reagin
have one daughter, Mary Ann Reagin, who
attends Christian Junior college, Columbia,
Mo.
Reagin succeeds A. M. Avery, who resigned
to become vice-president and general man-
ager of Flexer Drive-In Theatres, Inc.
Alabama Makes Debut
In 20th-Fox 'Homestretch'
FORT PAYNE, ALA. — Former Lieut. Col.
Joe McPherson of Ft. Payne makes his first
screen appearance in the 20th-Fox picture,
“Homestretch,” with Cornel Wilde and Mau-
reen O’Hara. He also appears in the musical,
“I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now,” which
is scheduled for release soon.
Two New Houses Planned
JACKSONVILLE — As soon as the housing
expediter’s regional office gives the green
light, work will be started on the $175,000
theatre planned for Jacksonville Beach. An-
other new theatre will get under way at Nep-
tune Beach as soon as building restrictions
are lifted.
Theatre Starts a Policy ,
Two Persons a Ticket
Pensacola — The Twin Theatre at
nearby Warrington has inaugurated
“2-for-l days” every Tuesday and
Wednesday. Two adults are being ad-
mitted on one adult ticket and two chil-
dren on one child’s ticket.
Committee to Make Check
On Columbus Gross Tax
COLUMBUS, GA. — City commissioners
here took no action on the latest protest
against the city’s new gross receipts tax
although Commissioner Jesse Binns proposed
that no business pay more than two and
one-half times as much license as it did in
1946.
A first quarter report of taxes collected
under the new levy will be referred to an
existing 15-man citizens tax committee for
“study and recommendation.”
Commissioner Binns said he was opposed
to the gross receipts tax, which, he said was
passed by the commission with the idea that
adjustments would be made when inequities
arose. He said that the commission is “going
to have trouble with this license all along”
and told City Manager Marshall Morton he
had heard several merchants threaten to
move out of the city to escape it.
Thus far theatres, which are included in
the tax, have made no formal protest col-
lectively.
FDR SPECIAL TRIMERS ITS
BOX 49B HTtHNTR
R. V. REAGIN
home in Memphis.
When you want draperies
that fit right and look right,
that are made right and
priced right . . . get . . .
WIL-KIN DRAPERIES
WIL-KIK
CHARLOTTE, N. C.
ATLANTA, GA.
?<>.
" Everything for the theatre except film’
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
125
IT WASN’T GABRIEL — Prof. W. C. Handy, grand old man of famous Beale street,
blew his golden trumpet three times, and the W. C. Handy Theatre was officially opened
in Memphis last Sunday. Professor Handy, composer of “The St. Louis Blues” and
“Memphis Blues,” made the trip all the way from New York to participate in the open-
ing of the theatre, named in his honor. Later he took part in the Negro version of the
Memphis Cotton Carnival. “This is the happiest moment of my life,” he remarked at
the theatre opening.
MEMPHIS
^*he Rio Theatre, a 500-seat all-Negro
house, has opened in Malvern, Ark. The
house is operated by W. P. Caffey ... A
group of Memphians has returned from Jack-
son, Miss., where they attended the Missis-
sippi Theatre Owners meeting. Among the
Memphians who attended were Bailey Prich-
ard, branch manager, and Henry Hammond,
salesman, both from Monogram; and C. E.
Sumner, salesman, National Theatre Sup-
ply Co.
Memphis friends were grieved to hear of
the death in Indianapolis of W. F. Bugle,
veteran Filmrow executive. Bugie was for
several years branch manager of Paramount
in Memphis in the early thirties and later
worked here for Warner Bros. He also worker
in Dallas before going to Indianapolis.
Midsouth exhibitors visiting the Row in-
cluded Moses Sliman, Lux, Luxora, Ark.;
John Fisher, Jan, Como, Miss.; Orris Collins,
Capitol and Majestic, Paragould, Ark.; Ned
Green, Legion, Mayfield, Ky.; R. R. Mc-
Cormick, Gloria, Senatobia, Miss.; G. H.
Goff, Rustic, Parsons, Tenn.; W. R. Lee, Gem
and New, Monette, Ark.; Bob Lee, Dixie,
Potts Camp, Miss.; and Leon Roundtree,
Grand and Valley at Water Valley and Holly
at Holly Springs, Miss.
&£& O/OA.
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Game
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
Meet up with h omance —
Drama — Music —Laughs
The ttor • of a de-
votion ti it mend*
a broke t heart.
LOVETT
A STEPHENS-LANC Production • Directed by
ERIE C. KENTON • Screen Play by Peter Milne
ond Mourice leo • Original Story by Peter Milne
One of the Doctor Christian
Series — Another Ready —
MELODY FOR THREE
2 of a Series of the Famous Country Doctor,
Music — Drama — Comedy
READY FOR JUNE . . . IT'S NEW
THE WHITE STALLION
First of a Series of 6 with
EDDIE DEAN — KEN MAYNARD
ROCKY CAMERON — MAX TERHUNE
J. J. Sharum, Chandelle, Walnut Ridge,
Ark.; Lyle Richmond, Richmond, Senath,
Mo.; Roy Cochran, Juroy, North Little Rock,
Ark.; N. B. Fair, Fair, Somerville, Tenn.; Guy
B. Amis, Princess, Lexington, Tenn.; K. H.
Kinney, Hayes, Hughes, Ark.; Ernest Pollock,
Strand, Hohenwald, Tenn., and W. E. Malin,
Lura, Augusta, Ark.
W. C. Kroeger, Shannon, Portageville, Mo.;
Whyte Bedford, Marion, Hamilton, Ala.;
Roy Dillard, Dillard, Wardell, Mo.; Aubrey
Webb, Webb, Ripley, Tenn.; L. F. Haven jr„
Imperial, Forrest City, Ark.; R. R. Clemons,
Dixie, Adamsville, Tenn., and E. W. Savage,
Palace, Booneville, Miss.
Keene Duncan, star of westerns for Re-
public, visited the company’s exchange . . .
Ila Shelton, clerk, is a new employe at
Warner Bros. . . . Mrs. Rachel Wess, Co-
lumbia branch manager’s secretary, is ill in
Methodist hospital . . . “The Trouble With
Women,” was screened for the trade at
Paramount’s screening room this week.
Mrs. M. A. Lightman sr., wife of the Malco
president, was a winner in the Tennessee
Bridge Ass’n play at Hotel Chisca . . . L. W.
McClintock, Paramount branch manager,
has two trade screenings scheduled for the
Paramount screening room. They are:
“Perils of Pauline,” Friday, May 23 and
“Dear Ruth,” Friday, June 6. Both are at
2:30 p. m.
A. M. Avery, who left RKO as branch man-
ager to become vice-president and general
manager of Flexer Drive-In Theatres, Inc.,
will have his headquarters at Flexer Theatres,
Inc., Dermon Bldg., until the company’s nev
building on the Row is finished this fall.
COMING: RICHARD'S ANSWER
ASTOR PICTURES CO.
OF GA., INC.
”1 AIN'T GOING TO OPEN
163 Walton St. !
THAT DOOR"
Main
3rd Floor
1-sheets, 8x10, Trailers (9 Min.)
9845
ATLANTA
Jack Tunstill, manager of the Malco Thea-
tre, is vacationing in Washington and New
York . . . Col. Cecil Vogel, manager of Loew’s
Palace, and William Kemp, manager of
Loew’s State, are back from a managers con-
ference in New Orleans.
Neil Blount, manager of Monarch Thea-
tre Supply, and S. C. Bullington, RCA engi-
neer, flew to New Orleans to attend an RCA
meeting. On his return, Blount went to
Nashville on business. L. A. Mitchell sr.,
126
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
Monarch office manager, made a business
trip to Steele and Cooter, Mo.
This was Cotton Carnival week in Memphis
and day and night parades, a street carnival
and an endless chain of balls was on the
agenda. Thousands of visitors from all over
the midsouth were in attendance. This should
mean good theatre attendance but it doesn’t,
veteran theatre men say. People tire -them-
selves out and don’t go to the shows.
But in spite of this, steady attendance was
reported by all first-runs. “The Yearling”
opened at Loew’s Palace, “The Parmer’s
Daughter” was held over for a second week
at Loew’s State, “California” opened at the
Mlalco, “The Best Years of Our Lives” was
held another week at the Strand, “The Red
House” opened at the Warner and “The
Prisoner of Zenda” was brought back to
Ritz.
Ralph Carter, house manager, Warner
Theatre, has been transferred back to Okla-
homa City where he formerly worked. He
has been replaced by Allen Smith, who for-
merly was house manager at Memphis and
has been in Alabama. This change was an-
nounced by J. H. McCarthy, manager. M.
D. Brazee, district manager, Oklahoma City,
was a visitor in Memphis.
DEEP SOUTH HONOR— Western star
Gene Autry became the first honorary
member of the Downtown club, Birming-
ham’s new organization of theatre, press,
radio and advertising folk. He’s shown
above, right, as he received his member-
ship card from N. H. Waters sr., club
president and head of Waters Theatre Co.
Autry was in Birmingham for the cham-
ber of commerce fat cattle show and
rodeo.
'Duel' to Open Roadshow
In Birmingham May 22
BIRMINGHAM— “Duel in the Sun” has
been booked for a four-a-day run starling
May 22 at the Ritz Theatre, where Manager
Bill Coury is busy lining up a comprehensive
campaign.
Prices for adults will be 75 cents for mati-
nees and $1.20 for night performances, while
children’s tickets will be offered at 35 and
60 cents.
Announcement of the film was made when
Louise Hyde, “Miss Duel in the Sun,” came
here via PCA-Capital Airlines on the flight
of the DC4, “Southern Belle,” which she
christened at New York earlier in the day.
Coury is trying to arrange for her to return
here for the opening of the “Duel” and she
already has been invited to attend the Na-
tional air carnival next month.
Louise was “Miss Chattanooga of 1942” but
was disqualified because she was too young.
She was chosen “Miss Duel in the Sun” by
James Montgomery Flagg and Bradshaw
Crandall, artists; Sidney Blackmer, Broad-
way star, and Robert Ross of the Selznick
organization.
Leonard Shea, PRC branch manager, has
been on a trip to Little Rock, Ark. . . . Tom
Young, 20th-Fox branch manager, has been
on an extensive tour of Mississippi ... Ed
Williamson, branch manager of Warner
Bros., has been on an Arkansas tour . . .
Louis Ingram, branch manager, and J. R.
Ply, head booker, are back at MGM after
attending a company meeting in New York
. . . Kay Films exchange, 410 South Second,
is undergoing extensive remodeling and re-
decorating.
J. E. Garrison, St. Louis, Universal’s south-
ern division manager, and F. J. A. McCarthy,
general sales manager, were here to conduct a
special sales meeting. R. N. Wilkinson, C. R.
Ost and R. C. Settoon, Universal salesmen
out of the Memphis office, attended along
with R. P. Dawson, local branch manager
. . . Mrs. Ruth Hodges, Universal contract
clerk, had her 6-month-old baby in Baptist
hospital, ill.
GROWING EACH MONTH
A complete Buying, Booking and Accounting Service for
INDEPENDENT THEATRE OWNERS of the ATLANTA TERRITORY
CONTACT — TOM JONES
EXHIBITORS SERVICE CO.
216 Walton St., N= W. Atlanta 1. Ga.
Main 6903 (Just a step up from Filmrow) P. O. Box 2008
New Plant City Air Conditioning
PLANT CITY, FLA.— The Capitol Theatre
on West Reynolds street here is being
equipped with an air conditioning unit
brought over from Gainesville, where it has
been replaced by a larger unit in one of the
Florida State theatres. The Gainesville thea-
tre has been enlarged and remodeled so new
equipment was called for. The Capitol is a
700-seat house. C. L. King is manager.
TRI-STATE THEATRE SERVICE
318 South Second Street
MEMPHIS 3, TENN.
EQUIPMENT — SUPPLIES
REPAIRS
| JACK DUMESTRE. Jr.
i Southeastern Theatre
Equipment Co.
| ATLANTA
CHARLOTTE
JACKSONVILLE
| HALLMARK OF QUALITY
| IN POPCORN MACHINES
= See the Mighty 1947 Model on Display at
= our Sales Oifice, then talk to your friends
= who have them.
J Z. C. (Curt) Shreve
|H SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT Manager
=== 102 Cain Street N. W.
= Atlanta 3, Ga.
Z=k Phone CYpress 5116
^ COME AND SEE US
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
127
ATLANTA
ipiorence Chamblee has been appointed as-
sistant to O. S. Barnett, office manager
of Monogram South-
ern Exchanges in At-
lanta . . . R. Siegal has
taken over operation
of the Rico Theatre in
Savannah . . . Frank
Harris, former owner
of Harris’s Drive-In
Theatres, has left for
a stay of several
months at the San
Fernando, Calif.,
ranch of Mr. and Mrs.
Frank Freeman. Free-
man is the Paramount
Pictures’ executive.
Lex Benton of the film express line bear-
ing his name is at the Variety confab in Los
Angeles . . . Howard Wallace, branch man-
ager of Sack Amusement Enterprises, is on
a business trip through the Carolinas . . .
“Bedelia,” Eagle-Lion special, opened at the
Paramount Theatre May 15 . ; . Emil Pois-
son, “lightning” pianist with Buddy Sawyer’s
Paradise room orchestra, reports the arrival
of Emil jr. last Sunday evening.
This is all about William K. Jenkins, presi-
dent of Georgia Theatre Co. First, he’s
traveling considerably, having left Arrow-
head Lake in California, where he attended
a meeting of Paramount partners, for Los
Angeles and the Variety convention. Sec-
ond, Jenkins is getting nautically minded,
having recently been appointed naval aide to
Gov. M. E. Thompson, with the rank of com-
mander. This appointment was coincidental
with a trip Jenkins plans in his new house
boat, now docked at Miami.
And another paragraph about William
Richardson of Astor Pictures of Georgia, who
is all smiles over being a new grandpappy.
In addition, he isn’t the least bit displeased
over again hitting another jackpot after the
success scored with “Open the Door, Rich-
ard.” He expects to repeat with “Richard’s
Answer,” a short devoted to the theory that
Richard couldn’t open the door because he
was away on his honeymoon. Richardson
has just departed on a selling tour through
Alabama, Florida and Tennessee.
Una Merkel, star of a hundred or more pic-
tures, was disappointed during a four-hour
layover at the municipal airport because she
couldn’t get an order of grits. “I thought
you folks ate grits at every meal,” she said
. . . Arthur C. Bromberg, head of Monogram
Southern Exchanges, is back from a sales
meeting in New Orleans . . . DeForest Kelley,
who plays in “Fear in the Night,” is a Deca-
tur, Ga., youth who turned a west coast visit
into a Hollywood career. He started in show
business in Atlanta as usher at the Para-
mount Theatre.
Ben Jordan, Monogram special sales rep-
resentative, is back after closing several deals
in Alabama . . . Babe Cohen, manager of
Monogram Southern in Atlanta, and Mrs.
Cohen, are on vacation in Florida . . . Fred D.
Moon, motion picture editor of the Atlanta
Journal, has accepted an invitation from
Eagle-Lion to fly to Zanesville, Ohio, for the
two-day premiere of “Repeat Performance.”
Eleanor Field has been added to the book-
ing department of Republic . . . Walter Titus,
southern sales manager of Republic, has re-
turned to the New York office after visiting
here . . . K. Porter, owner of theatres in
Perry and Foley, Fla., visited 'Filmrow . . .
Screen Guild news: Mai Giles has been
added to the booking department . . . Joe
Fieldman, Florida sales representative, came
in for a few days to see the folks at the
office.
P. L. Taylor, Dixie, Columbus, visited Film-
row . . . Mr. and Mrs. Charles Durmeyer, (he
is chief barker of local Variety), were on the
special train to Los Angeles . . . Kay notes:
Ike and Harry Katz, have returned from their
Washington branch; W. H. Rudisill, Kay
manager, is making calls in key spots in
Alabama, David and Harry Katz and their
wives left Atlanta on the Variety special for
Hollywood. Ike joined them there. John
Jarvis, New Orleans manager, visited the
home office here.
Frank V. Merritt, president of Acme Thea-
tres, Birmingham, and L. Spiegler, head of
his accounting department, have returned
home after a visit here.
Palm Beaches Will Select
Towns' Favorite Brunet
WEST PALM BEACH, FLA.— The Palm
Beaches’ favorite brunet will get an all-
expense paid trip to Havana soon. All she
has to do to win the trip is to be first in
the contest being sponsored at the Florida
Theatre.
The affair is a publicity stunt in connec-
tion with the showing of Paramount’s “My
Favorite Brunette.”
Any brunet between the ages of 16 and 28
may compete. Each must submit a recent
photograph. Approximately 20 of these pic-
tures will be displayed in the lobby until
balloting is completed May 24.
The Scenic Shutters
LAKE WALES, FLA.— The Scenic Theatre
closed this week for the summer. Leslie Pen-
dleton is manager. The western series and
serial which have been running at the Scenic
will be transferred to the State.
Gets WB Sales Job
EUSTIS, FLA. — Jimmie Dickson, recently
resigned as manager of the Firestone store
here, has been named representative in
Florida for Warner Bros. Dickson will make
his headquarters here.
HEADS GEORGIA’S NAVY— William
K. Jenkins, president of the Georgia The-
atre Co., right, is depicted receiving his
commission as naval aide to Gov. M. E.
Thompson of Georgia. Presenting the
document is Georgia’s adjutant general,
Alpha Fowler jr., of a distinguished mo-
tion picture family in the Peach state.
The commission carries the rank of com-
mander. Jenkins’ boat, his personal prop-
erty, is a stunning 46-foot long craft now
docked on the Miami waterfront.
CJ±AB_LQUI
Congratulations from all sides are being re-
ceived by Ralph J. Iannuzzi, recently pro-
moted from salesman to branch managership
of the Warner ex-
change in Charlotte
. . . They couldn’t even
hire a boat! We refer
to officers of the
TON&SC, who tried to
charter a craft for
Bermuda, then hold a
summer business ses-
sion and funfest on
the way over. Good re-
sort hotels are likewise
booked ’way up to 1948.
So, it’s just about de-
cided that there won’t
be any summer con-
vention. If urgent
business arises, there’ll
at some centrally located city.
Max Bryant, owner of Bryant Theatre
Supply Co., is quite ill at his home in Rock
Hill . . . Cy Dillon, chief barker of Variety,
announces the following house committee:
J. V. Frew, chairman; A1 Burks, Bob Jeffress,
Norman Jactor, Bill White and Harry Jones
. . . Jack Kirby, Warner district manager, is
visiting the local office.
W. G. Fussell, owner of the Lyric in Bladen-
boro, has been elected mayor there . . . Dave
Cash is quite pleased with the new curved
screen installed in his Dixie in Kings Moun-
tain. It is called Nu-Screen, is made of spun
glass, and patented by Otto Hehn, a Kings
Mountain resident. It is the first installa-
tion in the south.
RKO News: Dan Loventhal of the legal
department spent several days in Charlotte
conferring with Branch Manager Rovy
Branon. Loventhal left for Washington by
plane . . . The RKO softball team played
its first contest with the strong Wilby-Kincey
outfit. For three innings the game was as
tight as Dick’s hat band, but before the end
of the contest, the RKO boys were hanging
- on the ropes . . . Word has been received from
Atlanta that District Manager Dave Prince
is the proud papa of a bouncing baby boy
who arrived Tuesday, May 6. Mrs. Prince and
the baby are doing splendidly . . . The tenth
annual Ned Depinet drive came to a close
May 8 with the Charlotte office well over its
assigned quota for the 20-week period, and
consequently among the leaders . . . Branon
called in salesmen for an important sales
meeting Monday launching a summer selling
and billing drive.
Jesse Cox and Hy Suritz are building a
quonset hut theatre for Negroes in Rock Hill.
It is the first quonset type theatre in the
Carolinas and will be named the Carver. It
will seat 494. Opening is scheduled for May
26. It will be managed by Cox, a veteran of
20 years in theatre business and now manager
of a house in Atlanta.
Grover C. Parsons, PRC-Eagle-Lion division
sales manager, Atlanta; Ralph McCoy, Eagle-
Lion representative, Atlanta, and Elmer Hol-
lander, New York sales representative, held
a three-day sales meeting with Manager Hal
Keeter, planning an expansion program for
the Charlotte branch . . . Jack Frye is the
new office manager for PRC-Eagle-Lion and
Charlie Hunsuck goes on the road as sales-
man.
Only One Show Daily
DOUBLE SPRINGS, ALA.— The Winston
Theatre began a summer policy May 1 that
calls for the showing of its feature attraction
only once nightly, starting at 8 p. m.
FLORENCE CHAMBLEE
R. J. IANNUZZI
be a one-day session
128
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947-
)
BIRMINGHAM
T ewis Worthington, owner-manager of the
drive-in theatre in Bessemer, was among
the Variety Club members from this area
attending the Variety convention at Los
Angeles. Others were N. H. Waters sr., head
of Waters Theatre Co., and R. M. Kennedy,
district manager for Wilby-Kincey.
Walter L. Walker, Columbia sales repre-
sentative; Nelson Toler, Atlanta branch man-
ager for PRC, and W. H. Rudisell, Kay Films,
were among recent visitors . . . Don Waters,
relief manager for Waters Theatres, returned
to work Monday (12) after an operation . . .
John Merritt, Royal manager, has a new
grandson. The child was born here to his
daughter, Mrs. Don Fulton. Merritt is the
father of four daughters and his only other
grandchild is a girl . . . W. H. Neal sr., Ritz
projectionist, has been off due to illness.
Farley Green, manager of the Wilby-
Kincey Rialto in Kingsport, Tenn., and Mrs.
Green are parents of a daughter born here.
Green is former assistant manager of the
Ritz here . . . The Royal Theatre has com-
pleted installation of a new screen and pro-
jectors.
When Johnny Price, baseball stunt man, was
signed to appear in the east-west baseball
game at Rickwood park June 20, it was a real
break for Bill Coury, Ritz manager. A Pete
Smith short starring Price, “Diamond
Demon,” was currently on the Ritz screen.
Coury placed a two-column cut on the News
sports pages and a lengthy story mentioning
the Ritz showing. He also invited officials
of the Birmingham Barons to see the short.
“The Farmer’s Daughter” proved exceed-
ingly popular with Birmingham audiences,
holding for a third week at the Empire. “Song
of Scheherazade” moved from the Alabama
to the Lyric for a second week, while the
reissue, “Destry Rides Again,” was held over
at the Strand after a week at the Lyric.
“It Happened on Fifth Avenue,” which
opened at the Alabama May 15, was given
something unusual for Birmingham in the
way of advance publicity treatment. Ads
were spotted in the local press for two weeks
in advance of the opening. Manager Francis
S. Falkenburg ran a trailer containing his
personal endorsement.
Fred McCallum, former Alabama Theatre
assistant manager, now managing the Strand,
is passing out the cigars after the birth of
a son May 10 at West End Baptist hospital.
Mrs. McCallum is the former Eunice Fancher,
a contestant for the “Miss Birmingham” title
last year . . . Ethel Knight, cashier at Waters’
Five Points Theatre, was called to Panama
City, Fla., where her parents were reported
to have been injured in a motor car accident.
L. M. Neely, head of the Neely circuit, is
acting mayor of Marion, Ala. . . . Sylacauga
Theatre at Sylacauga, Ala., is sponsoring an
amateur night on its stage each Thursday.
State Approves Riviera Sale
WEST POINT, GA.— A bill for the right
to sell the Riviera Theatre, West Point’s
recreation center, has been passed by the
Georgia legislature. This bill merely gives
the city the right to sell the building if the
city council sees fit to do so.
Frazier Will Build in Siler City
SILER CITY, N. C. — T. C. Frazier of this
city announced recently that he will build a
new theatre here soon. The new house will
seat 400. Blueprints have been drawn and
construction is expected to start this month.
NO HANDICAP HERE— Harold Rus-
sell, left, with no hands, and Mac P.
White, who has only one leg', are two
ex-GIs who make the most of everything.
They were photographed in Memphis
Monday at the Variety club, where they
were entertained by barkers of Tent 20.
Amputee Gets a Thrill
On 'Best Years' Trip
MEMPHIS — These are truly the best
years of our lives, said Mac P. White, Jack-
son, Tenn., and his wife after a two-day trip
to Memphis to receive a $100 savings bond
and enjoy a thrilling program of entertain-
ment.
White, an ex-GI, won first prize in an
essay contest staged by the Press-Scimitar
and Strand Theatre in connection with the
showing of “The Best Years of Our Lives”
at the Strand.
The contest was limited to men and women
who served in the armed forces during World
War II. Hundreds of letters were received
and the Press-Scimitar printed the best one
received each day for a ten-day period.
But there was more than the $100 bond for
White and his wife. Their expenses were
paid to Memphis for two full days at this
week’s Cotton carnival. They also saw the
picture at the Strand as guests of the man-
agement. And they met Harold Russell, who
played the role of “Homer” in the picture.
Russell was in Memphis. Variety Club en-
tertained him at a luncheon Monday at which
Mr. and Mrs. White were guests.
Russell has two hooks instead of hands.
He lost both members June 6, 1944, at Camp
Mackall, N. C., when a half pound charge
of TNT exploded in his grasp.
White, the contest winner, an infantry
captain, lost a leg in southern France. He
now uses his artificial limb as “a handy place
to jot down telephone numbers and ad-
dresses,” he said humorously. He and Mrs.
White have a 13-week-old daughter, Suzanne.
Alfred E. Joplin Dead
RUSSELLVILLE, ARK. — Alfred E. Joplin,
65 years of age, operator of the first motion
picture theatre in Russedville, died at a local
hospital. He was a native of Batesville. Ark.
Will Brown Transferred
ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. — Will Brown,
manager of the Capitol, has been transferred
to the Seminole in Miami. The Capitol has
been closed for the summer.
Hand-to-hand battles . . . gun fights . . .
hard-riding . . . music and romancel With
TEX RITTER fighting his way with fist and
gun to win the love of a beautiful girl!
AND HIS HORSE** WHITE FLASH**
heamn’r;
Rio CRANK
NOW AVAILABLE
GARY COOPER
in
"THE WESTERNER"
Have
You
Played
?
2
DOROTHY LAMOUR
Big
in
Hits
!
"HURRICANE"
ASSOCIATED
FILM CLASSICS
ATLANTA — CHARLOTTE
MEMPHIS
BOXOFTTCE :: May 17, 1947
129
Southern Variety Groups Greeted in Los Angeles
MEMPHIS
tent
. #20 v
MIAMI
fll Weiss, Olympia manager, who marked
a birthday recently, received a fountain
pen which the giver swore would write under
gravy.
A cartoon carnival soon to be held at the
Cinema, Boulevard, Shores, Dade, Coral and
Tivoli theatres here will be a benefit for the
South Florida Children’s hospital. The show
will consist of 90 minutes of cartoon favorites.
Admission is 25 cents. Adults will be admitted,
too.
Ralph Moni and staff of the Joan Abbott
gown shop are making up a complete ward-
robe for Martha Stewart for her next 20th-
Fox film . . . Clarissa, Hollywood starlet,
is here awaiting a call from MGM to com-
plete a role in “The Kissing Bandit.” Her
husband is PAA Pilot Capt. Lawrence Hollo-
way.
Charles Moskowitz, who has consistently
been getting his name spelled with a “c” in
one paper and a “k” in another, settles the
matter for all time. It’s a “k.”
Turner Murphy of the Hickory House staff
was once in pictures with the Keithleys team
. . . Bruce Parker’s school put on a show of
water skiing in Indian creek for the comple-
tion of a cinema short. More than 30 boats
with two skiers to each boat participated.
The fiesta spirit was dominant in the
welcoming of delegates to the convention
of Variety International at Los Angeles.
The two above delegations from the deep
south seemed deeply impressed on their
arrival at the Union depot. At top is the
Memphis group and at bottom representa-
tives of the Atlanta tent.
There was trick and fancy skiing, with high
and low jumps for thrills.
The honeymoon of Arline Judge and Bob
Topping continued after a brief threat of
interruption by a U.S. marshal. The latter
went aboard the Topping yacht to serve an
attachment in a suit filed by Tycoon Tackle
Co. for an unpaid bill of $5,530.90. It was
merely a delay; all bills are paid from New
York, explained Topping.
New summer prices have gone into effect
at the Royal and Variety, Claughton circuit.
Advertised to “help you enjoy vacation time
in Miami,” the new price scale is matinee
40 cents, evening 50 cents, children 14 cents.
On Wednesday nights children under 12 are
admitted free . . . Paramount’s Beach Thea-
tre here recently was voted the “perfect thea-
tre” by 100 architects.
After an 11-week run at the Colony and
two weeks at the Royal, “The Best Years of
Our Lives” is still playing at the Flamingo
Theatre in Miami Beach at advanced prices
. . . “Duel in the Sun” is in its fifth week
at the Colony and is also playing at the Rex
. . . Claughton’s Variety and Royal theatres
soon will issue complimentary tickets to grad-
uates of local schools.
Maurice Goeffrey, former Miamian, will
reopen his summer stock company, “Theatre
in the Sky,” at Waynesville, N. C., July 15,
with a professional cast of New York and
Hollywood personalities . . . The Raymer
Rumba, named for the amusements editor
of the Daily News, will be recorded soon.
Pete Peterson, bass player with the Four
Vagabonds, back here for the summer after
a movie stint in Hollywood, was presented
with a “Third Degree” document by Jeff
Davis, “King of the Hoboes of America” . . .
Leona Fredericks, Jeni Freeland, Jini Boyd
and Shirley Modell, local girls, have been
auditioned by Tommy Dorsey. If they sound
good they’ll go to Hollywood.
The B’nai B’rith benefit party for the
Texas blast victims, after 15 per cent was
taken out for AGVA charity, raised $2,600.
The News’ amusements editor, Dorothy Ray-
mer, did a rumba, and received the highest
bid for performance, $625. Jimmy Fidler’s
broadcast of the event was relayed to the
audience from the stage. The Florida Supper
Clubs Ass’n permitted contract performers
to take part.
Role in 'Silver River'
Alan Bridge has been handed a featured
role in “Silver River” by Warners.
130
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
VIEW U. S. PRODUCTION CODE
AS RESTRICTIVE INFLUENCE'
Ontario Report Emphasizes
'Striking Success' of
Non-Hollywood Films
TORONTO— The report of O. J. Silver-
thorne, chairman of the motion picture cen-
sorship and theatre inspection branch of the
Ontario government, for the fiscal year end-
ing March 31, 1947, contains considerable ma-
terial for thought on the part of the film
industry as a whole. His annual statement,
addressed to L. M. Frost, provincial treasurer,
expresses appreciation of the British and for-
eign films which the board reviewed during
the year and deals at length with the re-
strictive influence of the Production code
of the Motion Picture Ass’n in the United
States.
At the same time, he emphasized that the
comment represented the opinion of the On-
tario board and was not intended as a rec-
ommendation for the formulation of policy.
Declaring that “the striking success” of
films produced elsewhere than in the United
States was a significant aspect, Chairman
Silverthorne asserted that the technique of
British films was on a par with Hollywood
pictures while the language had proved no
handicap for films from the European con-
tinent.
ASK REVAMPING OF CODE
“Much of this success is due to the candid
way in which non-American producers ap-
proach their topics which are wider in range
than those permitted Hollywood craftsmen
as dramatic material,” the report said. “Those
who hail such films for their novelty and
freedom often condemn Hollywood for its
lack of imagination. The continued criticism
of Hollywood films as stereotyped has an-
gered American producers and directors,
many of whom are now demanding a re-
vamping of the present Production code
which has imposed restrictions on subject
material for a quarter of a century.”
Silverthorne cited venereal disease and the
drug traffic as examples of banned themes
under the code and added that films not
made in Hollywood do not suffer the same
number of restrictions, although those pro-
duced in Britain maintained discretion in
the treatment of provocative subjects. One
recent picture made use of four topics which
were not permitted for Hollywood studios.
British and foreign films accordingly had
what is regarded as novelty and realism.
SAYS CRITICISM UNFAIR
“The board ventures the opinion,” he con-
tinued, “that much criticism of Hollywood
film makers as men with limited imagination,
in the light of their handicaps, is often un-
fair . . . They are hindered to a great degree
by the limits placed upon them.”
Silverthorne continued: “Code restrictions
and unlimited criticism have now caused
producers to challenge any kind of censor-
ship to establish the principle of freedom
of expression. Now that films talk, certain
producers say that they will demand the
right of free speech accorded the public, the
radio and the press. The continuance of the
Production code is most vital and must be
endured as it is an agreed means to prevent
the misuse of the screen.
“It is not unlikely that restriction of sub-
ject matter is in some degree responsible for
the continued return to themes considered
Calls Nat'l Film Board
' Real White Elephant ’
Montreal — G. K. Fraser, member from
Peterborough West, told the Canadian
government in the house of commons that
it had a “real white elephant that eats
more than you ever saw.”
The elephant, he said during the budg-
et debate, is the National Film board,
which was asking this year for $815,000
more than its appropriation of a year ago.
He agreed that perhaps the board was
doing “some good” in providing films for
schools but said he thought the method
of processing film was too costly to war-
rant this production.
by many to be psychologically unhealthy,
such as homicide, domestic infidelity and
occasionally self-destruction, although there
is a great reduction in the number of gang-
ster films so prominent in the ’30s.”
The board chairman added that “homicide
seems an obsession of the producer . . . the
board believes that it cannot be without
effect of a pernicious nature upon youthful
and immature minds.”
The report further stated that “it is en-
tirely likely that, because of increasing inter-
est in the motion picture and influence by
many varied groups inside that industry and
out, the quality and character of films from
Hollywood may show some improvement dur-
ing the next decade.”
Pointing out that 64 of the 472 features
approved during the year were classed as
“adult entertainment,” the chairman said
such pictures were labeled because they con-
tained much crime, murder, suicide, exces-
sive use of alcoholic beverages, loose conduct
between men and women, and domestic in-
fidelity. None was suitable for juveniles.
Although a picture was marked “adult,” the
board could not bar children from theatres
and, beyond the point of advertising the
classification, parental control was necessary.
MORE JUVENILE SAFEGUARDS
Theatres and film exchanges were compli-
mented for their cooperation in substituting
juvenile programs for Saturday matinees and
other shows for which children are admitted
without adult escorts.
The report, issued May 12, contains an
outline of new and proposed regulations
slated to become effective June 1. The ad-
vertising requirement for theatres with re-
spect to “adult entertainment” features be-
comes actual law on that date although it
has been voluntarily followed since last June.
An entirely new clause, however, will require
the use of the “adult” label in advertising
for all subsequent run showings of such pic-
tures, whereas it was used previously in con-
nection with first run engagements.
Chairman Silverthorne reports that further
plans are being developed for the safeguard-
ing of juvenile patrons. It has been recom-
mended that a specific portion of a theatre
auditorium be marked off “for children only”
at matinee performances because of com-
plaints that children have been molested by
adults.
Another provision will require that thea-
tre matrons for juvenile or matinee per-
More Juvenile Safeguards
Recommended by Theatre
Inspection Branch
formances must be at least 21, have a good
character themselves, are properly and dis-
tinctively attired and be employed only after
obtaining a certificate that she is free from
any communicable disease.
Recommendation was made that a theatre
be compelled to employ a regular matron
for each floor when a balcony is in use.
With the tightening of regulation enforce-
ment, which had become eased during the
war because of labor and material shortage,
authority has been asked by the board for
the closing of a theatre from one to six days
as an added penalty when a theatre pro-
prietor or manager has been convicted a
second time for an offense, particularly on
charges of overcrowding or barred and ob-
structed exits.
NO FEATURE FILM BANNED
Announcement is made that a complete re-
vision of regulations under the theatres and
cinematographs act of Ontario will be under-
taken shortly. Among other things, the ap-
pearance of drive-in theatres, changes in
building design and the adoption of new con-
struction materials and equipment for thea-
tres have made the present code somewhat
obsolete.
The report shows that 1,867 film subjects
of all kinds were authorized for release while
87 various subjects were found unacceptable.
Of this approved total, 89 per cent were from
the U.S., 7 per cent originated in Great Brit-
ain and 4 per cent from Russia, Italy, Sweden,
Switzerland, Finland, Mexico and Czecho-
slovakia.
In addition the board received 672 16mm
film subjects, of which 633 were approved
in their original state. These films included
10 from Russia, six from Poland, nine from
Sweden, three from the Ukraine and three
from Czechoslovakia.
Of the 472 35mm features reviewed by the
board, 64 were marked “adult entertain-
ment.” While the report does not say so, it
is understood that no feature film was
banned.
During the year 421 theatre licenses were
issued and it is reported that 45 other thea-
tres were under construction in Ontario
March 31. Other licenses included: 904 pro-
jectionists, 162 apprentices, 104 traveling
shows, 16 35mm film exchanges, nine 16mm
film exchanges and 239 under the heading of
miscellaneous which included arenas and
halls.
16MM OPERATORS NUMEROUS
The report shows that 14 theatres were
prosecuted during the 12 months and 13 pro-
jectionists were temporarily suspended for
various infractions.
The report points out that itinerant opera-
tors in the 16mm field were more numerous
than at any time in the board’s history, par-
ticularly in the rural districts where 35mm
theatres are not practical.
The board examined 35,437 pieces of film
advertising, of which 721 posters or cards
were rejected in their entirety. It was also
stated that “the board ordered several pieces
deleted when they were found to have no
direct relationship to the film in question.”
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
K
131
Exhibitors Feel Squeeze ,
And Shop for Films
ST. JOHN — The mounting cost of living has
reacted sharply on patronage at theatres. It
is apparent that people have been cutting
down on the number of times they go to
shows. They are becoming more choosy than
at any time since 1939.
Particularly affected are afternoon grosses.
Houses find little ticket demand until the
school kids start to come shortly after 2:30.
There has also been a very noticeable drop
in night business.
As a result of this turn in events, exhibi-
tors are shopping for pictures and the price
is a vital factor in negotiations. Competition
between the exchanges has stiffened con-
siderably in recent months and the personal
contact angle is back on the scene.
CALGARY
Come building of smaller rural houses is re-
ported from the neighboring province of
Saskatchewan. In Lloydminster, construction
of a flat floor hall was started last week. It
will double as a dance hall and theatre . . .
Vic Pearsall is building at the summer resort
of Loon Lake on the site of a theatre that
burned out recently . . . George Larson start-
ed a building at St. Walburg to replace one
burned out last winter. George is also talk-
ing of starting an open air theatre at Loon
Lake, the Saskatchewan government having
approved his plans for a projection booth
there.
Bill Cheladyn of the Mayfair Theatre in
Olds was another visitor to Filmrow. Like
many rural exhibitors who depend upon the
farm trade, Bill states the spring slump has
hit him with the seeding season. Another
headache is the daylight saving time in small
communities.
FPC Gives Projectionists
20-Cent-an-Hour Raise
VANCOUVER — Projectionists local 348
has accepted Famous Players’ counter offer
to settle the wage and working condition dis-
pute. The new agreement, which will be in
force until August 1949, gives the operators
a 20-cent per hour increase, two weeks holi-
days with pay after three years of employ-
ment with the circuit, time and one-half
after 36 hours in the downtowners and the
same after 32 hours in suburbans and outside
towns. The increase is retroactive at 15 cents
per hour to January 13.
OTTAWA
gince F. H. Gallop took over management
of the Avalon here, there has been con-
siderable improvement in the attendance at
Saturday morning shows of the Odeon Movie
club. On May 10 he featured “The Music
Box” and played the last chapter of “Royal
Mounted Rides Again” and the first chapter
of “The Voyage of Peter Joe,” along with
other shorts, before a good crowd. Inci-
dentally, “The Best Years of Our Lives,” at
advanced prices, is in its third week at this
theatre.
A visitor was Ray Lewis of Alliance Films
who cooperated with Manager Casey Swed-
love in the presentation of the Italian film,
“Mama,” at the Little Theatre, the engage-
ment tying in with the observance of Mother’s
day.
Irving Herman of PRC, Toronto, was here
for a special screening of “Her Sister’s Secret”
to which officers of many local women’s or-
ganizations had been invited. The picture
will have regular playdates at Maurice Ber-
lin’s Nelson soon. Manager Berlin had an
unusual combination commencing May 12
with a double bill comprising the Canadian
premiere of “Exercise Musk-Ox,” the Arctic
picture, and the first reissue run of “The
Private Life of Henry VIII,” both released
by Astral Films.
The Centre had a special midnight screen-
ing of “Temptation.” A Aiember of the cast
is Susanne Cloutier, an Ottawa girl, whose
parents and immediate family were in at-
tendance at the advance showing. Her fa-
ther is Edmond Cloutier, who has a high gov-
ernment post. Miss Cloutier is to visit here
soon and it is expected the regular engage-
ment of the picture will coincide with her
arrival from Hollywood.
The Dominion Fire Prevention Ass’n re-
ports no fire loss was sustained during 1946
in any of the 60 branch offices of film ex-
change companies across Canada, thus re-
peating the record of the previous year . . .
Manager Gordon Beavis of the Ottawa Centre
and Mrs. Beavis are taking a needed vaca-
tion in their former home city of Peter-
borough, Ont. . . . Angelo Stevens, former
manager of the Rideau, is developing a 16mm
rural theatre circuit in eastern Ontario in
addition to carrying on his work as a film
booker for independent theatres.
THoic Caucfa. tkiilU okcC riececfrte cvitti
WAHOO
1$/ America's Finest
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
Rank's Visit to Canada
Mostly for Vacation
TORONTO — Prior to the arrival of J.
Arthur Rank from England on his second
visit to Canada, J. E. Lawson, president of
Odeon Theatres of Canada, issued a state-
ment pointing out that the trip was not pri-
marily a business tour and that it would be
practically Rank’s first vacation in almost
eight years.
“He has wanted for some years to see
Canada from coast to coast,” Lawson de-
clared. “On his first visit in 1945, he made
a trip across eastern Canada, stopping in
Montreal and Ottawa. This time he hopes
to cover the balance of the transcontinental
route, including northern Ontario, the west
and the Pacific coast.”
Rank is booked for two public speaking en-
gagements in Canada. In Toronto he will
address the Empire club at the Royal York
hotel May 19 and at Vancouver will be the
guest speaker before the Board of Trade and
Canadian club May 26.
After conferring with associates of the
U.S. industry at New York, including ex-
ecutives of the J. Arthur Rank Organiza-
tion, Inc., Universal-International and Eagle-
Lion Films, Inc., Rank will meet Lawson
and other Canadian officials at Toronto, after
which his tour will be mostly for pleasure.
TORONTO
*J*he Best Years of Our Lives” closed at the
Odeon Capitol in Hamilton after a two-
week run at advanced prices. “The Razor’s
Edge” continued for a third week at the
Hamilton Century from which Lloyd Gurr is
resigning shortly as manager to go into the
hotel business in Ontario. Hamilton man-
agers are giving him a farewell dinner at the
Royal Connaught hotel May 29.
At time of this writing there had been no
word regarding the fate of the missing Trans-
Canada airlines plane bearing 15 persons,
one of whom was Victor Armand, western
division maintenance and construction super-
visor of Famous Players Canadian Corp. . . .
Work is still proceeding slowly on a number
of Toronto theatre projects which were to
have been opened around May 1. These in-
clude Odeon’s Fairlawn in north Toronto, the
annex of Allen’s Hollywood and 20th Century
Theatres’ suburban house on Avenue road.
In each case the walls and roof have been
completed but windows, exit doors and en-
trances are lacking.
The front of the Imperial in downtown
Toronto looks quite bare following the re-
moval of the heavy marquee for the con-
struction of a new front . . . Minimum ad-
mission price for juveniles at both the Im-
perial and Shea’s of the Famous Players’
chain is now 20 cents; the early matinee
adult price has been raised from 30 cents
to 35 cents and the later afternoon admis-
sion is 45 cents, an increase of 3 cents.
President J. J. Fitzgibbons and Vice-Presi-
dent R. W. Bolstad of Famous Players do-
nated $1,000 and $500 respectively to the
United Jewish Welfare fund during the local
drive . . . Vic Growe has resigned as head
office radio program supervisor for Famous
Players Canadian Corp., but will continue to
arrange theatre broadcasts while doing other
organization work in conjunction with local
radio stations . . . Oscar Hanson, president
of Canadian Picture Pioneers, Toronto, is
attending a meeting of the Motion Picture
Foundation in the U.S. with a view to or-
ganizing a Canadian branch.
132
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
THEATRE SOUND SYSTEM
With
— R.C.A. assures that “the show goes on” with the most satisfactory
results. As a modern and progressive exhibitor, you are well aware of the im-
portance of having only the best in sound equipment for your theatre. And the best is R.C.A.
A vast fund of sound knowledge gained through years of manufacturing and field experience,
together with the advantages of tremendous research facilities, have resulted in the pro-
duction of equipment which goes far beyond ordinary commercial limits.
a 4, o o o o O Pop
Your patrons demand the best — R.C.A.
Photophone provides the best!
Ask for a demonstration
Bettesi Quality Bound
SesuUce
Dominion Sound Equipments
Limited
Head Office: 1620 Notre Dame St. West, Montreal
Branches at: Halifax,
Saint John,
Toronto, Winnipeg,
Calgary, Vancouver
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
133
ST. JOHN
Indications are that a new theatre being com-
pleted in Amherst, N. S., for Famous Play-
ers-Spencer will be opened during June or
July. Some delay has been caused by re-
ceipt of a shipment of ornamental glass from
overseas in damaged and destroyed condition.
This will be the third FPC-Spencer house in
Amherst, a town of 9,000 population. Odeon
has a site in Amherst but has announced
no plans for construction.
Before the current police chief of Halifax,
George C. Fox, joined the city police staff,
he was a special officer at the old King Ed-
ward Theatre, then offering a film-vaude
program . . . Admission prices for “The Best
Years of Our Lives” at the Halifax Casino
(Odeon) are 85 cents and $1.35 both afternoon
and evening. Ads declared that “Years” would
not be screened elsewhere in the district ex-
cept at advanced prices.
Members of a committee handling the Ki-
wanis Follies of ’47 for two consecutive nights
at the Dundas in Dartmouth, N. S., included
Ivan Haley, manager of the Dundas, and Pat
Dwyer, manager of the Family in Halifax.
Dwyer was chairman of the committee. He
had a daughter in the production.
Sidney J. Hall, Digby, N. S., theatre man-
ager, who was defeated in civic election in
February, was elected to the town council
without opposition in a special election ne-
cessitated by ineligibility of one of those
chosen in February . . . Sales of candy bars
in theatre lobbies have dropped from 30 to 50
per cent since the price per bar was lifted to
8 cents.
. Hollis Haskins, youthful son of Eddie Has-
kins, manager of the State in Calais for Lock-
wood & Gordon, spent a two-week furlough
with his parents. He has been transferred
from Texas to the Caribbean. The youth’s
father had visualized his son following him
into theatre work, but the lure of the army
was too bright . . . Bill “Jake” Whitebone,
St. John, whose diversified activities in
amusements included managing the Opera
House, is back in circulation after being side-
lined for eight months by stomach ulcers. His
long siege of illness caused him to lose about
43 pounds. Present weight 192.
Two of the senior broadcasting units in the
maritimes, CHNS, Halifax, and CHSJ, St.
John, have recently boosted power to 5,000
watts . . . Joe Lieberman and Mitch Bern-
stein, partners in the B&L Theatres, were
sidetracked simultaneously by illness. Lieber-
man is also Columbia exchange manager here
. . . John “Buddy” Babb, New York, who is
associated with Irving Browning in the pro-
duction of industrial and commercial films,
recently completed production of a short for
Knights of F^thias dealing with the work of
that order among underprivileged children.
He is a brother of Sam Babb, booking man-
ager for Franklin & Herschorn.
FOR SALE: THEATRE CHAIRS
We now have a very large stock of excellent
reconditioned (as new) Theatre Chairs
Quantities up to 1200 of a kind.
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
•
Good quantity of imported carpet direct from
England and Scotland
Inquiries Respectfully Solicited
"LA SALLE"
RECREATIONS LTD.
(Theatre Seating and Carpet Division)
S. A. LECHTZIER, Pres.
945 Granville St. Vancouver, B. C.
Four Toronto Houses
Play Holdover Films
TORONTO — Four of the eight first run To-
ronto theatres had repeats, with “The Jolson
Story” maintaining its ground in the eighth
week at both the Tivoli and Eglinton and
“The Egg and I” still at the Uptown for a
sixth week. “It’s a Wonderful Life” stayed
a second week at Shea’s.
Among the newcomers was “Humoresque”
at the Imperial and a double bill at Loew’s
topped by “The Red House.” Citizens are still
looking for real spring weather and the base-
ball schedule had been broken by several can-
cellations.
(Average is 100)
Capitol — Nocturne (RKO) 9C
Eglinton — The Jolson Story (Col), 8th wk 85
Imperial — Humoresque (WB) 105
Loew's — The Red House (UA),
Susie Steps Out (UA) 95
Shea's — It’s a Wonderful Life (RKO), 2nd wk 90
Tivoli — The Jolson Story (Col), 8th wk 85
Uptown — The Egg and I (U-I), 6th wk 85
Victoria — Nocturne (RKO) 90
'Smash-Up' and British Film
Pull Best in Vancouver
VANCOUVER — Of four newcomers in first
run houses, only “Smash-Up” at the Vogue
and “Theirs Is the Glory,” a British release at
the Plaza, did better than average. “The Best
Years of Our Lives” finished up a three and
a half weeks roadshow engagement at the
Odeon Hastings.
Capitol. — The Perfect Marriage (MGM) Moderate
Dominion — Secret of Stamboul (Brit);
Children on Trial (Brit) Poor
Hastings — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 3rd wk Good
Orpheum — Ladies' Man (Para) Fair
Plaza — Theirs Is the Glory (E-L). Good
Strand-1— Undercover Maisie (MGM);
The Secret Heart (MGM), moveover Moderate
Vogue — Smash-Up (U-I) Good
Fast Time Hurts Calgary;
’Boomerang' Top Performer
CALGARY — Theatres hit a tough week with
the start of daylight saving time. Broadcasts
of the hockey finals in Montreal cut evening
attendance. Attractions in the first runs were
tops and picked up towards the weekend.
“Best Years” at the Grand is slowing down
and will probably be taken off after nine
days; the sentimental marital reunion from
Metro, “The Secret Heart,” hit with the
ladies while the split-week Palace held over
with the top mystery, “Boomerang.”
Capitol — The Secret Heart (MGM) Good
Grand — Best Years of Our Lives (RKO), holdover,
roadshow prices Fair
Palace — Boomerang (20th-Fox) , Very good
WINNIPEG
Cam Miles, senior field representative of the
regional office of the National Film board,
won a trophy as champion bait caster in the
final competitions at the Manitoba Sports-
men’s show.
“Stairway to Heaven” was in a second week
at the Odeon, where business was reported
to be building after a fairly slow opening . . .
The Garrick completed its roadshow run
of “The Best Years of Our Lives” and dug
deep into the past for its current showing, a
revival of “Stella Dallas,” which it plugged
as “the greatest love story ever told.”
The British This Modern Age series is due
to play locally soon, Joe McPherson, Eagle-
Lion branch head, reports. The pictures are
said to be along the general pattern of the
March of Time . . . “Stone Flower,” Artkino’s
release of the prize Soviet color picture, will
play the Dominion for a week. The bill is
also carrying a short on Ukrainian festivi-
ties which includes shots of a number of
Winnipeg residents.
VANCOiTVER
£Jarmen Gentile, manager of the Odeon in
Noi'th Vancouver, is the daddy of a baby
girl born in North Vancouver hospital . . .
Millie Davidson, Orpheum usherette, was
married to George Roberts, a former U.S.
marine, and will reside in Seattle . . . Edith
Pahl, also of the Orpheum, was married here
last week. She will be back in the boxoffice
after the honeymoon.
Harry Howard of the Theatre Equipment
Supply Co. has re-equipped the Log Cabin
Theatre, Lillooet, and the Rex, Salmon Arm,
B. C., with new projectors and sound sys-
tems . . . Herb Woolfe, manager of the Odeon-
Cambie, is telling his friends he may be
down in Lake Louis as swimming instructor
again this summer, teaching the poor little
rich girls new and fancy strokes (nice work
if you can get it).
The Orpheum held a cartoon party which
was attended by 3,000 kiddies. Also on the
program was “A Boy and His Dog,” Academy
award winner ... In addition to feature
length films and shorts on a variety of sub-
jects, North American Productions of Van-
couver will soon be releasing a 16mm all-
Canadian newsreel for distribution in the
U.S. and Great Britain.
David Griesdorf, Canadian sales manager
for PRC, and his wife were Vancouver vis-
itors. They stopped off to check the local
branch before proceeding to the Variety
Club convention in Los Angeles . . . The State,
Vancouver’s only stage show house which
was taken over by Keith Linforth a few
months ago, reverted to the owner, Hymie
Singer, May 15. The State is a problem
house and has been in the red ever since
Linforth took it over.
Complaints have been made by exhibitors
in small towns in British Columbia with re-
gard to the current crop of films. They claim
they do not get enough comedy pictures. The
heavy dramas sent out by Hollywood are not
the bill of fare patrons want these days, ex-
hibitors say. Theatremen are also going sour
on so many oldies being released.
The plane carrying Victor Armand, Famous
Players equipment head, has not been found
to date. Veteran air force and civilian pilots
say the plane's fate may remain a mystery
for years, perhaps forever.
Calgary Film Board
Elects Vera Skorey
CALGARY — The Film Board of Trade has
elected a new set of officers to serve during
the next year. The board also altered its
organization by appointment of a girl secre-
tary to the honorary secretary, Reg Dodd-
ridge.
New officers are Vernon Skorey of 20th-
Fox, president; William Goss of Regal, vice-
president; Reg Doddridge, chairman of credit
committee, with Morris Saifer of Warner
Bros, and Cecil Black of Empire-Universal as
members; Max Shnier, Columbia, fire mar-
shal, and Nina Smedsted, secretary’s assist-
ant.
Retiring President Frank Scott of Mono-
gram reported briefly on the activities of the
past year and read a letter from the National
Film board congratulating the Calgary branch
on its efficiency this past season. Some dis-
cussion took place on the difficulty of keep-
ing pace with the constant changes in owner-
ship of theatres during the past 12 months.
Exhibition of motion pictures has attracted
many people entirely unfamiliar with the
business to the ownership of rural picture
houses. Many theatres are changing owners
at enhanced prices.
134
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
FEATURE CHART • REVIEW DIGEST • SHORTS CHART
SHORTS REVIEWS • FEATURE REVIEWS • EXPLOITIPS
Bookin uid
BOXOFFIC
FIRST RUN REPORTS
This chart shows the records made by
pictures in five or more of the 21 key cities
checked. As new runs are reported, ratings
are added and averages revised.
BAROMETER
TOP HIT OF THE WEEK
The Egg and I
Seen Francisco 300
Computed in terms of percentage in
relations to norma! grosses. With 100
per cent as "normal," the figures
show the percentage above or below
that mark.
BOSTON
BUFFALO
CHICAGO
CINCINNATI
CLEVELAND
DALLAS
DENVER
DES MOINES
DETROIT
INDIANAPOLIS
KANSAS CITY
LOS ANGELES
MILWAUKEE
MINNEAPOLIS
NEW HAVEN
NEW YORK
OMAHA
PHILADELPHIA
PITTSBURGH
SAN FRANCISCO
SEATTLE
AVERAGE
Abie’s Irish Rose (UA)
80
105
90
108
100
160
50
99
Accomplice (PRC)
no
85
100
100
100
100
100
70
96
Along the Navajo Trail (Rep)
85
no
no
90
90
100
100
no
75
97
"Best Years of Our Lives, The (RKO)
200
200
200
300
300
200
500
300
175
225
325
175
250
180
275
210
310
600
250
272
Buck Privates Come Home (U-I)
120
70
150
108
75
105
Calendar Girl (Rep)
100
140
100
85
85
100
100
101
Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox)
100
120
100
80
no
90
150
115
96
170
125
100
80
no
Chase, The (UA)
170
140
135
100
120
80
no
120
95
210
100
105
105
130
130
80
121
Cigarette Girl (Col)
100
100
80
100
100
85
100
90
100
100
100
100
80
95
Code of the West (RKO)
100
90
100
100
100
98
Dead Reckoning (Col)
160
150
140
160
130
130
123
120
100
95
115
150
95
150
125
140
125
200
140
200
140
138
Devil Thumbs a Ride, The (RKO)
115
100
100
100
95
100
100
105
130
105
Easy Come, Easy Go (Para)
115
100
70
no
100
no
93
95
105
120
100
102
Egg and I, The (U-I)
250
150
250
220
200
108
300
211
Fabulous Dorseys, The (UA)
80
200
135
100
150
133
Fabulous Suzanne, The (Rep)
100
79
85
100 100
95
95
90
100
100
115
100
105
97
Farmer’s Daughter, The (RKO)
170
120
130
115
95
108
130
124
Ginger (Mono)
100
95
95
100
100
98
Guilt of Janet Ames, The (Col)
90
130
75
75
150
104
Imperfect Lady, The (Para)
100
90
no
150
125
115
It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM)
130
88
125
110
95
100
120
100
150
130
160
130
no
145
80
120
118
It’s a Joke, Son (Eagle-Lion)
100
92
100
100
100
120
85
115
50
60
92
It’s a Wonderful Life (RKO)
180
110
135
160
120 135
130 175
130
95
130
200
120
200
155
135
130
140
105
190
160
145
Johnny O’CIock (Col)
140
140
70
no
100
85
115
175
no
135
no
170
105
210
127
Ladies’ Man (Para)
140
165
135
65
150
95
93
95
125
145
100
135
90
100
117
Lady in the Lake (MGM)
170
72
120
115
100 105
100 100
130
no
no
200
100
125
150
135
105
125
80
130
120
119
Late George Apley, The (20th-Fox)
95
100
100
125
90
150
130
113
'
100
111
Locket, The (RKO)
130
120
120
60
115 100
no
105
175
120
130
no
115
160
105
135
80 117
Macomber Affair, The (UA)
140
90
120
120
no
100
105
175
100
140
135
135
85
165
120
123
Michigan Kid (U-I)
100
135
95
100
no
no
125
100
150
125
115
Queen of the Amazons (SG)
110
100
100
100
no
104
Ramrod (UA)
115
130
95
100
100
160
117
Sea of Grass, The (MGM)
130
130
130
90
140
100
130
175
140
150
140
108
150
85
130
129
Sinbad the Sailor (RKO)
150
100
125
160
145 120
145
90
130
100
160
175
165
130
103
168
115
170
105
150
140 136
Song of Scheherazade (U-I)
120
150
125
250
110
90
95
175
no
106
125
no
100
175
160 133
Stallion Road (WB)
110
85
120
80
95
115
100
175
130
125
100
105
170
85
120
114
Step by Step (RKO)
100
100
100 100 100
90
100
95
100
115
95
155
no
90 104
Suddenly It’s Spring (Para)
150
110
135
140
130
150 105 135
100
120
100
140
90
101
125
115
75
150
121
Swell Guy (U-I)
165
160
125
165
70
125
100
95
50
150
100
100
100
120
100
165
100 117
13 Rue Madeleine (20th-Fox)
200
93
120
130
125 100
120
90 130 no
125
200
no
150
150
122
105
170
165
130
no m
Yearling, The (MGM)
135
115
150
200
130
118
141
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 17, 1947
Pianino at advanced admission scale &
1
EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
One star after a picture report denotes an exhibitor who has only started
contributing to the department, two stars designate a contributor who has been
sending in reports from six months to a year, and three stars are for those of
veteran standing, from one to many years. When a contributor attains the three-
star standing, he may expect a token of our appreciation. Everybody welcome
COLUMBIA
Galloping Thunder (Col) — Charles Starrett,
Smiley Burnette, Adele Roberts. Smiley Bur-
nette gives your fans a lot of laughs in this one.
It went over better than any of this series
I've run to date. Doubled with "That Texas
Jamboree," but they came out talking about
Smiley, so I guess he supplied the entertain-
ment. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Fine. — R. C.
Walker, Rialto Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural pa-
tronage. * *
King ol the Wild Horses (Col) — Preston Fos-
ter, Gail Patrick, Bill Sheffield. This is a nice
horse picture that did average business. The
small town theatre can't miss on a horse or
dog show. Played preview Sun., Mon.
Weather: Fair. — Barney T. Holt, State Thea-
tre, Boynton, Okla. Small town and rural
patronage. * * *
Personality Kid (Col) — Anita Louise, Michael
Duane, Ted Donaldson. No draw on the mid-
week here- — a few kicks, so I've got to cut out
such for the midweek, and slip in more action.
These rural communities want such so I've got
to give it to them. Played Wednesday. Weath-
er: Good. — W. H. Swan, Auditorium Theatre,
Roscoe, S. D. Rural patronage.
Renegades (Col) — Evelyn Keyes, Willard
Parker, Larry Parks. Good print, good sound,
and played before one of the best crowds we
ever had in this theatre. Beautiful Technicolor.
More of these colorful westerns should be
made. Played Friday. Could be played any
day and be profitable. — Arthur L. Goodman,
Edgewood Government Project Theatre, Edge-
wood, Md. Project and rural patronage.
Return of Monte Cristo, The (Col) — Louis
Hayward, Barbara Britton, George Macready,
There is plenty of action in this — enough to
satisfy anyone, and it was well liked. Played
Fri., Sat. — Hobart H. Gates, Garlock Theatre,
Custer, S. D. Small town patronage.
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Boys' Ranch (MGM) — Jackie "Butch" Jenk-
ins, Skippy Homeier, Dorothy Patrick. This
is a natural for a small town — good enter-
tainment which pleased all. Be sure to play
it. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Good. — E. M.
Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage. * * *
Boys' Ranch (MGM) — Jackie "Butch" Jenk-
ins, Skippy Homeier, Dorothy Patrick. This
one is different. A good picture but regard-
less of how good they are, you cannot just
get them in. The rush is over but it doesn't
faze the distributors, the prices they ask.
Played Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather: Good. —
Barney T. Holt, State Theatre, Boynton, Okla.
Small town and rural patronage.
Green Years, The (MGM) — Charles Coburn,
Beverly Tyler, Tom Drake. Business was far
below average for this one. Since this pic-
ture was first released I have heard and read
nothing but praise for it, but with the ex-
ception of two or three interesting scenes,
the picture bored me. The few people who
saw it stayed to the end and seemed to enjoy
it. The weather man threw the book at us on
the second day with, in the order named,
wind, rain, sleet, snow and icy streets.
Played Sun., Mon. — Carl E. Pehlman, Rio
Theatre, Edinburg, 111. Rural and small town
patronage. *
Harvey Girls, The (MGM) — Judy Garland,
John Hodiak, Ray Bolger. This is a combina-
tion of a colored western and a musical that
played to above average business here. Judy
is always good here, but there are two or
three musical numbers that drag out too long
and make an audience restless. I thought it
good entertainment but had more walkouts
than I've had since "The Last Chance." Had
several nice compliments on the picture from
a few, but had more tell me I didn't know
a good picture if I called this one good. I'd
say you are safer on this one than most
in getting them out' — but it may not satisfy.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Fine. — R. C.
Walker, Rialto Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural
patronage. * *
Rage in Heaven (MGM) — Reissue. Robert
Montgomery, Ingrid Bergman, George Sanders.
Leo treats us very fairly, so we won't lambaste
this "masterpiece reprint." Nevertheless, will
admonish prospective buyers not to give top
bracket rental, as we did. Played Tues., Wed.
— Gray Barker, Pictureland Theatre, Glen-
ville, W. Va. Rural, small town and college
patronage. * * *
MONOGRAM
Spook Busters (Mono) — Leo Gorcey, Huntz
Hall, Tanis Chandler. I thought the old
"Dead-Enders" were about at a dead end for
sure from results I've had on their last two
pictures. But when they get to "unhaunting"
a haunted house in this one they sell them-
selves strong again. Everyone liked it, in-
cluding my checkbook. Don't pass it up if
these mugs are popular in your situation, for
this is their best. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Rain. — R. C. Walker, Rialto Theatre, Fruita,
Colo. Rural patronage.
PARAMOUNT
Cross My Heart (Para) — Betty Hutton, Sonny
Tufts, Howard Freeman. Very disappointing
and word-of-mouth wasn't good, hence the
second day was poor. Played Sun., Mon. —
Hobart H. Gates, Garlock Theatre, Custer,
S. D. Small town patronage. * * *
Duffy's Tavern (Para) — Bing Crosby, Betty
Hutton, Alan Ladd. Another, very good picture
from Paramount. However, business wasn't
any too good on this one due to the fact it
had played all around us and most people
had seen it. Play it if you haven't already,
because it is plenty good. Played Tuesday.
Weather: Good. — Dinkle & Lemaster, Ken
Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural and small town
patronage.
Hold That Blonde (Para)— Eddie Bracken,
Veronica Lake, Albert Dekker. Suffered from
retentive memories of local show shoppers,
but received good comments and held around
average. Fast and furiously funny from leader
to tail. Played with serial Mon., Tues., Wed. —
Gray Barker, Lyric, Glenville, W. Va. Rural,
small town and college patronage.
Hot Cargo (Para) — William Gargan, Jean
Rogers, Philip Reed. A much better show
than I expected for a weekend, so it hap-
How Exhibitor Squibs
Treat Show Business
“They must have tried to make Jack
Haley into another Bob Hope in ‘Scared
Stiff,’ but it sure didn’t work.” . . . “More
colorful westerns like ‘Renegades’ should
be made.” . . . “Westerns are the best
shows we can have on a midweek, and
that means any on the market today.”
. . . “As long as Gary Cooper can get on
a horse we will keep on playing him.” . . .
“Word-of-mouth wasn’t good on ‘Cross
My Heart,’ hence the second day was
poor.”
pened my guess was not wrong after all. 1
must say pictures from Paramout are well
made and hold up as well or better than those
from most companies. The Technicolor com-
edy fit in just lovely. Played Sat., Sun.
Weather: Good. — W. H. Swan, Auditorium
Theatre, Roscoe, S. D. Rural patronage. * * *
Two Years Before the Mast (Para) — Alan
Ladd, Brian Donlevy, William Bendix. A great
picture reminiscent of "Mutiny on the Bounty."
A little too rough for the youngsters but the
acting was superb. Played Sun., Mon. —
Hobart H. Gates, Garlock Theatre, Custer,
S. D. Small town patronage.
Virginian, The (Para) — Joel McCrea, Brian
Donlevy, Sonny Tufts. A grand relief after
much of the product I've had from Paramount
this year. This story is always good. The
color was nice but I had many people say
that every time they remake "The Virginian"
they do a poorer job and I agree. However,
this will do good business in all small towns
and it's the kind we need more of. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Good. — R. C. Walker,
Rialto Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural patron-
rtrrct It it It
PRC PICTURES
Kit Carson (PRC)— Reissue. Jon Hall, Lynn
Bari, Dana Andrews. Another reissue that
proved a hit at the boxoffice. Formerly re-
leased through United Artists and produced
by Edward Small, it is no B picture by any
means. It was produced on a lavish scale
and with topnotch scenery and acting, plus
oodles of action. The print was brand, new
and the patrons seemed pleased with the
picture. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good. —
Dinkle & Lemaster, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky.
Rural and small town patronage.
RKO RADO
Casanova Brown (RKO) — Gary Cooper, Te-
resa Wright. Doubled with "It's a Pleasure"
(RKO). Both features reasonable, both films
scratched, bad patches, couple of misframes.
This did not stop everyone, young and old,
from enjoying this program. Either feature
is worth playing. My house was full all three
nights — third night best of all. Played Tues.,
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Clear. — C. M. Garrett,
Yandell Theatre, El Paso. Family patron-
age.
Partners in Time (RKO) — Chester Lauck,
Norris Goff, Pamela Blake. Your audience
will like this chance to see Lum & Abner
without their grease paint and wrinkles. We
ran it continuously Saturday only, for a
Consumer's Co-Op anniversary celebration.
It broke every house record we've ever had
for attendance and they went away pleased.
It's Lum & Abner's best yet. Weather: Per-
fect.— R. C. Walker, Rialto Theatre, Fruita,
Colo. Rural patronage.
Sister Kenny (RKO) — Rosalind Russell, Alex-
ander Knox, Dean Jagger. Coming in the
"prestige" category, this picture was dis-
appointing at the window. Thoroughly en-
joyed by the manager, but criticized by the
groundlings. Played Sat., Sun. — Gray Barker,
Lyric Theatre, Glenville, W. Va. Rural, small
town and college patronage.
Sister Kenny (RKO) — Rosalind Russell,
Alexander Knox, Dean Jagger. One of the
finest pictures ever to come out of Hollywood.
My patrons enjoyed same and told me so.
Not a super-grosser for small towns but tops
as a picture. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Good. — Terry Axley, New Theatre, England,
Ark. Rural and small town patronage. * * *
Stranger, The (RKO) — Edward G. Robinson,
Loretta Young, Orson Welles. This didn't do
so well — strangers didn't come. Played Wed.,
Thurs. Weather: Mild. — Harland Rankin,
Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. General patron-
* * *
age.
Sunset Pass (RKO) — James Warren, Nan
Leslie, John Laurenz. The best western from
RKO — enough music and songs for those that
like that type of western and the action fans
were not disappointed either. Doubled with
"Criminal Court" (RKO). Played Saturday.
Weather: Clear and cool. — J. E. Rongeau,
2
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 17, 1947
Club Theatre, Seven Sisters Falls, Manitoba.
Small town and rural patronage.
Truth About Murder, The (RKO) — Bonita
Granville, Morgan Conway. Doubled with
"Strange Triangle" (20th-Fox). Two good
films, price okay, but neither feature will hold
by itself. Will hold up midweek when dou-
bled. Played Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Windy and fair. — C. M. Garrett, Yandell Thea-
tre, El Paso. Family patronage.
Woman in the Window, The (RKO) — Edward
G. Robinson, Joan Bennett. Some liked it and
some did not. Those that didn't said "too
much murder and mystery" — about an even
break all around. "Suspense" is what BOX-
OFFICE rates it as, and that is just what it
is. Played Sat., Sun. Weather: Good. — W. H.
Swan, Auditorium Theatre, Roscoe, S. D.,
Rural patronage.
REPUBLIC
Fighting Seabees (Rep) — John Wayne, Su-
san Hayward, Dennis O'Keefe. This is one
of the best pictures Republic has put out.
Although it was several years old, it still
pulled the people in. Regardless of the age
of any picture with John Wayne, he has never
failed us in any of them. We felt that Mr.
O'Keefe was miscast in his role even though
he made the best of it. The running time was
a little too long. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Rain and chilly. — R. V. Dinkle, Ken Theatre,
Raceland, Ky. Rural and small town pa-
tronage. *
Sheriff of Redwood Valley (Rep) — Wild Bill
Elliott, Bobby Blake, Bob Steele. Another top-
notch western, Red Ryder style. The out-
standing feature about this one was Bob
Steele and his portrayal of "Reno Kid." Bob
has considerable boxoffice appeal as does
Wild Bill — and the two of them made good
with the customers. Our main interest in run-
ning a theatre is to give the people their
money's worth and with pictures like this we
can do just that. Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Good. — Dinkle & Lemaster, Ken Theatre, Race-
land, Ky. Rural and small town patronage. *
20th CENTURY-FOX
Claudia and David (20th-Fox)— Dorothy Mc-
Guire, Robert Young, Mary Astor. The picture
opened up fair the first night, died the second.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Mild. — Harland
Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. General
patronage. * * *
Margie (20th-Fox) — Jeanne Crain, Glenn
Langan, Lynn Bari. This is a swell musical
show in Technicolor, but a little light on star
power. Business was average, due to rain
both nights, which was no fault of the show.
Play it. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Rainy.
— E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey,
Okla. Small town patronage. * * *
Shocking- Miss Pilgrim, The (20th-Fox) — Betty
Grable, Dick Haymes, Anne Revere. Per-
haps this would be okay in the east, but I
don't recommend it for a small, midwestern
town. Also, the price was much too high.
Played Sun., Mon. — Hobart H. Gates, Garlock
Theatre, Custer, S. D. Small town patron-
UNITED ARTISTS
Abie's Irish Rose (UA) — Joanne Dru, Rich-
ard Norris, Michael Chekhov. Even free
passes to patrons, identifying West Virginia's
Joanne Dru, failed to excite attention and the
offering went down on our red list. Operatic
warbler at local college concert may have
helped do it. — Gray Barker, Pictureland Thea-
tre, Glenville, W. Va. Rural, small town and
college patronage. * * *
Fool's Gold (UA) — William Boyd, Andy
Clyde, Randy Brooks. A medium western not
as good as Hoppy used to make on four reels
when three would hold it. This I don't under-
stand unless they have plenty of reels and
the express company has to eat. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Rain. — Barney T. Holt, State
Theatre, Boynton, Okla. Small town and rural
patronage. * * *
Fool's Gold (UA) — William Boyd, Andy
Clyde, Randy Brooks. Business was above
average on Fri., Sat., but the picture did not
seem to be up to Hopalong's standard. Played
Fri., Sat. Weather: Good. — E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town
patronage.
Fool's Gold (UA) — William Boyd, Andy
Clyde, Randy Brooks. Second in the new
Hopalong series, this western brought above
average business when double billed with
RKO's musical "Ding Dong Williams." Beau-
tiful photography. Our patrons like the old-
time westerns as opposed to the trend toward
the "moderns.'' Played Fri., Sat. Weather:
Fair. — Chase Bros., Sokokis Theatre, Limerick,
Me. Rural and small town patronage.
Fool's Gold (UA) — William Boyd, Andy
Clyde, Randy Brooks. These new Hopalong
Cassidys are tops in westerns. Here's hop-
ing they keep producing them. Played Thurs.,
Fri., Sat. Weather: Good. — Terry Axley, New
Theatre, England, Ark. Rural and small town
patronage. * *
Rebecca (UA) — Laurence Olivier, Joan Fon-
taine, George Sanders. This is still a mag-
nificent picture and again it was well re-
ceived. Played Wed., Thurs. — Hobart H.
Gates, Garlock Theatre, Custer, S. D. Small
town patronage.
Spellbound (UA) — Ingrid Bergman, Gregory
Peck, Leo G. Carroll. Good is all I can hear
but the first night I thought I'd flop with it,
as so very few came, but after second thought,
remembered that the school play the night
before was what put a kibosh on my Satur-
day night crowd. However, it's a grand pic-
ture and a credit to the motion picture indus-
try and I would say, play it. Played Sat.,
Sun. Weather: Good. — W. H. Swan, Audi-
torium Theatre, Roscoe, S. D. Rural patron-
age. * * *
Susie Steps Out (UA) — David Bruce, Cleatus
Caldwell, Ann Hunter. Amateur night seems
very professional after suffering through this.
Played Tues. Weather: Fair. — L. D. Montgom-
ery, Tex Theatre, Poth, Tex. Small town pa-
tronage. *
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Black Angel (U-I) — Dan Duryea, June Vin-
cent, Peter Lorre. This is a good mystery
drama which probably wouldn't draw alone.
Played with "Destry Rides Again" (U-I) to
above average Fri., Sat. business. Weather:
Rain. — Carl E. Pehlman, Rio Theatre, Edin-
burg, 111. Rural and small town patronage. *
Ii I Had My Way (U-I) — Reissue. Bing
Crosby, Gloria Jean. I did a nice business on
this reissue. It is better than many new pic-
tures. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good. —
E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey,
Okla. Small town patronage.
Mummy's Curse, The (U-I) — Lon Chaney,
Peter Coe. We doubled this with "The Frozen
Ghost" (U-I) and advertised it as a double
horror show, with appropriate handbills, the
old smelling-salts-in-bag gag, special display,
and lost at least three ulcers when boxoffice
reports were checked. Universal was rea-
sonable about rental on these two pictures
on their 1945-46 agenda. This will make up
for what we lost on "Madonna of the Seven
Moons." You might not go wrong booking
them but might try another bottomside more
chilly than "The Frozen Ghost," which was
rather tame. Played Thurs., Fri. Weather:
Fair. — Gray Barker, Pictureland Theatre, Glen-
ville, W. Va. Rural, small town and college
patronage. * * *
Seventh Veil, The (U-I) — James Mason, Ann
Todd, Herbert Lom. Plenty of meat on this
one. The ladies enjoyed it very much — Mason
is certainly an okay star. This must be
booked with a man's motion picture for the
best results. — Phil Schwartz, Parkway Theatre,
Bridgeport, Conn. Suburban patronage.
She Wrote the Book (U-I) — Joan Davis, Jack
Oakie, Mischa Auer. I advised our booker to
single bill this, and against his wishes he did,
so it served me right when we didn't do busi-
ness. Played Mon., Tues. Weather: Cold. —
Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont.
General patronage. * * *
Swell Guy (U-I) — Sonny Tufts, Ann Blyth,
Ruth Warrick. Sonny Tufts' new role was
nothing to brag about, said the customers. It
was censored in Atlanta but that didn't help
much, as it wasn't bad enough to censor.
Thanks for the publicity try, Miss Smith. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Rain. — James C.
Balkcom, Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. Small town
patronage.
White Tie and Tails (U-I) — Dan Duryea, Ella
Raines, William Bendix. A pleasant little
program picture that generally pleased. Busi-
ness slightly above average. Played Tuesday.
Weather: Fair. — E. B. Wacaster, Ozark Thea-
tre, Ozark, Ark. Rural and small town pa-
tronage.
WARNER BROS.
Arsenic and Old Lace (WB) — Cary Grant,
Jack Carson, Raymond Massey. A very good
picture with a very good cast. If the stage
play was any better than the picture, then
we would like to have seen it. It was a little
old but those who saw it enjoyed it — and
some had seen it before. John Alexander was
outstanding with his portrayal of Teddy Roose-
velt. Played Tuesday. Weather: Very good.
— Dinkle & Lemaster, Ken Theatre, Raceland,
Ky. Rural and small town patronage.
Big Sleep, The (WB) — Humphrey Bogart,
Lauren Bacall, Martha Vickers. Many of my
patrons saw Humphrey Bogart for the first
time in this picture and left the theatre glad
they had invested in admission tickets. This
is a good mystery story which should do well
wherever Bogey is liked. Business average
for Sun., Mon. Weather: Rain. — Carl E. Pehl-
man, Rio Theatre, Edinburg, 111. Rural and
small town patronage.
Big Sleep, The (WB) — Humphrey Bogart,
Lauren Bacall, Martha Vickers. Business was
off on this, but then all Saturdays have been
that way lately. Bogart was fine in this and
the dialog was unusually clever. Played Fri.,
Sat. — Hobart H. Gates, Garlock Theatre, Cus-
ter, S. D. Small town patronage.
Kings Row (WB) — Ann Sheridan, Robert
Cummings, Ronald Reagan. Swell show and
it seemed to please all those that saw it,
which is unusual for a show of this type. The
first runs double billed this with "Wild Bill
Hickok," which proved to be a disadvantage
to me. Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Swell. —
Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W.
Va. Rural patronage.
Man I Love, The (WB) — Ida Lupino, Robert
Alda, Andrea King. Talk about a wish-wash,
this is it. There are 25 stories going 'round-
and-'round, ending no place. However, with
the all-cartoon Disney show to bring in the
kiddies (who in turn drag along the old man),
we held our own. — Phil Schwartz, Parkway
Theatre, Bridgeport, Conn. Suburban patron-
age.
Man I Love, The (WB) — Ida Lupino, Robert
Alda, Andrea King. Warners got top price
for this average melodrama that failed to meet
expenses. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good.
— Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W.
Va. Rural patronage.
Saratoga Trunk (WB) — Gary Cooper, Ingrid
Bergman, Flora Robson. A very good picture
all around. Book this when possible — the
percentage will make you work for Warners
but the outsiders you will bring in kind of
takes the sting off. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Clear. — C. M. Garrett, Yandell Theatre, El
Paso. Family patronage.
Shadow of a Woman (WB) — Helmut Dan-
tine, Andrea King, William Prince. This is
not a bad picture but business was very poor.
It is not the type of picture for a small town,
which wants action instead of drama. Played
Tuesday. Weather: Cold. — E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town
patronage.
Two Guys From Milwaukee (WB) — Dennis
Morgan, Joan Leslie, Jack Carson. This kept
them laughing and I wish we could get more
good comedies. Played Sun., Mon. — Hobart
H. Gates, Garlock Theatre, Custer, S. D. Small
town patronage.
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 17, 1947
3
FEATURE CHART
Feature productions, listed by company, in order of release. Number in square is national
release date. Production number is at right. Number in parentheses is running time, as
furnished by home office of distributor; checkup with local exchanges is recommended.
R — is review date. PG — is Picture Guide page number. Symbol indicates BOXOFFICE
Blue Ribbon Award Winner, Symbol © indicates color photography.
JULY 13
JULY 20
JULY 27
AUGUST 3
AUGUST 10
AUGUST 17
AUGUST 24
AUGUST 31
1 jn] (64) Western 7209
I THE DESERT HORSE-
MAN
1 Charles Starrett
I Smiley Burnette
1 Adele Roberts
I R— July 13— PG-735
HU (67) Act-Mus 7223
COWBOY BLUES
Ken Curtis
Jeff Donnell
Hoosier Hotshots
Guy Kibbee
R— July 13— PG-736
HU (73) Musical 7033
SING WHILE YOU
DANCE
Ellen Drew
Robert Stanton
Andrew Tombes
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
|~g] (68) Comedy 7039
PERSONALITY KID
Anita Louise
Michael Duane
Ted Donaldson
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
HU (54) Western 7201
HEADING WEST
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
Block 17
HU (97) Drama 625
BOYS’ RANCH
James Craig
“Butch” Jenkins
R— May 4— PQ-720
Special:
HU (110) Drama 624
©EASY TO WED
Esther Williams
Van Johnson
R— Apr. 13— PG-714
|~8~] (93) Drama 626
©COURAGE OF USSIE
Lassie
Elizabeth Taylor
Frank Morgan
Tom Drake
R— May 11— PG-721
I22] (81) Drama 627
FAITHFUL IN MY
FASHION
Tom Drake
Donna Reed
R— June 15— PG-729
[29] (92) Drama 628
tJTHREE WISE FOOLS
Margaret O’Brien •
Lionel Barrymore
Lewis Stone
Edward Arnold
Thomas Mitchell
R— June 15— PG-730
1 HU (63) Drama 530
| SOUTH OF MONTEREY
I Gilbert Roland
1 Frank Yaconelli
HU (65) Act-Corn 511
BOWERY BOMBSHELL
Hunts Hall
Bobby Jordan
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
|27] (64) Mys-Dr 518
SHADOWS OVER
CHINATOWN
Sidney Toler
Victor Sen Young
[|] (65) Act-Dr 520
BELOW THE DEADLINE
Warren Douglas
Ramsay Ames
R— Oct. 6— PG-765
HU (57) Western 567
SHADOWS ON THE
RANGE
Johnny Mack Brown
HU (60) Mys-Dr 525
MISSING LADY
Kane Richmond
Barbara Reed
[24] (68) Comedy 512
SPOOK BUSTERS
Leo Gorcey
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
Billy Benedict
David Gorcey
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
Block 6
HU (1*7) Act-Dr 4526
O.S.S.
Alan Ladd
Geraldine Fitzgerald
R— May 11— PO-7J1
Block 6
[9] (107) Drama 4527
THE SEARCHING WIND
Robert Young
Sylvia Sidney
R— May 11— PO-722
Special:
g (93) Comedy 4532
MONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE
Bob Hope
Joan Caulfield
R— May 11— PG-721
I |U l68> Myti-Df
g LARCENY IN HER
HEART
1 Hugh Beaumont
I Cheryl Walker
1 R — May 25— PQ-726
[it] (55) Westara
PRAIRIE BADMEN
Buster Crabbe
A1 "Fuzzy” St. John
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
HU (67) Drama
QUEEN OF BURLESQUE
Evelyn Ankera
Carlton Young
R— July 6— PO-783
HU (65) Drama
TERRORS ON
HORSEBACK
Buster Crabbe
R— Apr. 27— PG-717
HU (75) Drama
DOWN MISSOURI WAY
Martha O’Driscoll
R— July 13— PG-735
HU (58) Drama
SECRETS OF A
SORORITY GIRL
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
[21] (64) Act-West
OVERLAND RIDERS
Buster Crabbe
A1 "Fuzzy” St. John
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
(29] (68) Mys-Dr
BLONDE FOR A DAY
Hugh Beaumont
Kathryn Adams
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
1 Special:
I (95) Drama 683
1 THE STRANGER
I Edward G. Robinson
1 Loretta Young
I Orson Welles
I R— May 25— PG-726
Group 6
(105) Drama 626
TILL THE END OF
TIME
Dorothy McGuire
Guy Madison
Robert Mltcbum
B1U Williams
R — June 15 — PG-730
Group 6
(68) Musical 630
THE BAMBOO BLONDE
Frances Langford
Ralph Edwards
Russell Wade
R— June 22— PG-732
Special:
(103) Drama 761
NOTORIOUS
Ingrid Bergman
Cary Grant
Claude Rains
Louis Calhern
R— July 27— PG-739
I HU (67) M’dr-Mus 523
1 NIGHT TRAIN TO
1 MEMPHIS
1 Roy Acuff
1 H3 (79) Outdr-Mus 5541
1 MY PAL TRIGGER
1 Roy Rogers
1 R— July 6— PG-734
(56) Westers 568
CONQUEST OF
CHEYENNE
BUI Elliott
Bobby Blake
Alice Fleming
H§ (89) Comedy 525
RENDEZVOUS WITH
ANNIE
Eddie Albert
Faye Marlowe
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
HU (65) Western 557
RED RIVER
RENEGADES
Sunset Carson
Peggy Stewart
[7] (57) M’drama 526
THE INNER CIRCLE
Adele Mara
Warren Douglas
William Frawley
[9] (67) M’drama 527
LAST CROOKED MILE
It— Aug. 24— PG-746
HU (69) Com-Dr 528
G.l. WAR BRIDES
Anna Lee
James Ellison
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
H| (57) Mys-Dr 529
THE INVISIBLE
INFORMER
Linda Stirling
William Henry
Gerald Mohr
It— Aug. 24— PG-746
[26| (69) West-Mus 541
UNDER NEVADA SKIES
Itoy Rogers
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
[T] (75) Act-Dr 4605
FLIGHT TO NOWHERE
Evelyn Ankers
Alan Curtis
HU (72) Outdr-Dr 4604
©DEATH VALLEY
Robert Lowery
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
(70) Comedy 632
I IT SHOULDN'T HAPPEN
I TO A DOG
| Carole Landis
1 AJIyn Joslyn
| Henry Morgan
1 Margo Wood
I R— June 8 — PG-728
(102) Drama 633
©CENTENNIAL
SUMMER
Jeanne Crain
Cornel WUde
Linda DameU
William Eythe
R — June 8 — PQ-728 f
(128) Drama 634
QANNA AND THE
KING OF SIAM
Irene Dunne
Rex Harrison
Linda Darnell
R— June 8— PG-727
(65) Drama 635
DEADLINE FOR
MURDER
Paul Kelly
Kent Taylor
Sheila Ryan
Jerome Cowan
R— June 22— PG-732
HU (100) M’drama
A SCANDAL IN PARIS
George Sanders
Signe Hasso
Carole Landis
R — July 20— PQ-738
[Y| (84) M’drama
MR. ACE
George Raft
Sylvia Sidney
Sid SUvers
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
Special :
HU (128) Drama
(^©CAESAR AND
CLEOPATRA
Vivien Leigh
Claude Rains
Stewart Granger
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
| H§ (6°) Drama 539
I DANGER WOMAN
I Brenda Joyce
1 Don Porter
1 Milburn Stone
1 R — July 13— PG-736
(19) (59) Drama 540
THE DARK HORSE
Phillip Terry
Ann Savage
Allen Jenkins
R— July 20— PG-738
HU (") Drama 541
©CANYON PASSAGE
Andrews-Hayward
R— July 27— PG-740
HU (61) Musical 542
CUBAN PETE
Desl Arnaz
R— July 27— PG-739
[|] (80) Drama 543
THE BUCK ANGEL
Dan Duryea
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
[2] (63) Drama 544
SLIGHTLY
SCANDALOUS
Fred Brady
[9] (61) Drama 545
WILD BEAUTY
Don Porter
Lois Collier
Jacqueline De Wit
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
H«j (82) Comedy 546
THE TIME OF THEIR
LIVES
Abbott and Costello
Binnie Barnes
Jess Barker
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
[22I (7b) Drama 547
DEAD OF NIGHT
liervyn Johns
Roland Culver
Frederick Valk
R— July 6— PG-734
[30] (102) Drama 548
THE KILLERS
Burt Lancaster
It— Aug. 17— PG-743
g (61) Drama 549
LITTLE MISS BIG
It— Sept. 7 — PG-750
HU (105) Drama 522
OF HUMAN BONDAGE
Paul Henreid
Eleanor Parker
Alexis Smith
Edmund Gwenn
Janis Paige
R— July 6— PG-734
[3] (128) Drama 523
©NIGHT AND DAY
Cary Grant
Alexis Smith
Monty Woolley
Mary Martin
R— July 13— PG-736
|17| (90) Drama 524
TWO GUYS FROM
MILWAUKEE
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Joan Leslie
Janis Paige
It— July 27— PG-739
HU (114) Drama 601
THE BIG SLEEP
Humphrey Bogart
Lauren Bacall
Martha Vickers
Dorothy Malone
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
«
o
H
C/1
<
(57) Mus (New Relj
BEWARE
Louis Jordan
(30) M-Rev (New Bel)
EBONY PARADE
Cab Calloway
Count Basle
(72) Comedy Reissue
FLYING DEUCES
Laurel and Hardy
(10) Mus (New Rel)
(1 Reel Spec)
HERE'S RICHARD'S
ANSWER
Stepin Fetchlt
(57) M-Dr (New Rel)
HOLLYWOOD BOUND
Betty Grable
(89) Reissue
JIMMY STEPS OUT
Jimmy Stewart
(83) Drama Reissue
LITTLE MEN
(86) Drama Reissue
ONE ROMANTIC NIGHT
Ilona Massey
(67) Mus. (New Rel)
REET, PETITE AND
GONE
Louis Jordan
June Richmond
(100) Drama Reissue
SCARFACE
Paul Muni
George Raft
(86) Mus-Dr Reissue
SECOND CHORUS
Paulette Goddard
Fred Astaire
(55) M-Dr (•New Rel)
STAIRWAY FOR A STAR
Cornel Wilde
(48) Mus (New Rel)
TALL, TAN AND
TERRIFIC
Mantan Moreland
Francine Everett
(50) M-Dr (New Rel)
THAT MAN OF MINE
Harrel Tillman
Ruby Dee
Anna Mae Winbum
(58) 0’d-Dr (New R*l)
WHITE STALLION
Eddie Dean
4
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 17, 1947
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
SEPTEMBER 14
SEPTEMBER 21
SEPTEMBER 28
OCTOBER 5
OCTOBER 12
OCTOBER 19
(63) Comedy 7038
IT’S GREAT TO BE
YOUNG
R— Sept. 7 — PG-749
[12] (69) Western 7224
SINGING ON THE
| TRAIL
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
I24] (68) Drama 7002
GALLANT JOURNEY
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
[26] (70) M’Dr-Mys 7041
SHADOWED
Anita Louise
R— Oct. 5 — PG-756
[3o| (91) Musical 7006
THE THRILL OF
BRAZIL
Evelyn Keyes
Keenan Wynn
Ann Miller
Allyn Joslyn
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
go] (71) Psych-Dr 805
SO DARK THE NIGHT
Steven Geray
Michellne Chelrel
Eugene Borden
Ann Codee
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
g7| (69) Comedy 806
BLONDIE KNOWS BEST
Singleton-Lake
R— Oct. 5— PG-765
[l7| (83) Western 861
LANDRUSH
Charles Starrett
55] (127) Mua-Com 701
©HOLIDAY IN MEXICO
Walter Pidgeon
Jane Powell
Ilona Massey
Jose Iturbl
R — July 27— PG-740
(81) Comedy-Dr 703
THE COCKEYED
MIRACLE
Frank Morgan
Keenan Wynn
Audrey Totter
R— July 20 — PG-737
(117) Musical 704
NO LEAVE, NO LOVE
Van Johnson
Keenan Wynn
Pat Kirkwood
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
7 fu| (76) Mys-Dr 601
DECOY
Edward Norris
Jean Gillie
R. Armstrong
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
g (54) Western 568
TRIGGER FINGERS
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
[|] (72) Act-Dr 602
GENTLEMAN JOE
PALOOKA
Joe Kirkwood jr.
Elyse Knox
Leon Errol
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
[12] (66) Mys-Dr 603
DANGEROUS MONEY
Sidney Toler
Gloria Warren
Victor Sen Young
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
Block 6
8 pi (117) Drama 4529
THE STRANGE LOVE
OF MARTHA IVERS
Barbara Stanwyck
Van Heflin
Lizabeth Scott
R— Mar. 16— PG-706
Reissue R5-3624
(113) Outdr-Drama
THE PLAINSMAN
Gary Cooper
Jean Arthur
Reissue R5-3620
(84) Adven-Drama
JUNGLE PRINCESS
Dorothy Lamour
Ray Mllland
p] (86) Drama SP71
HER SISTER’S
SECRET
R— Sept. 28— PQ-753
gjjj (56) Act-West
OUTLAW OF THE
PLAINS
Crabbe-St. John
(T| (55) Outdr-Mus 741
DRIFTIN’ RIVER
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
[T[ (58) Drama 714
THE BRUTE MAN
R— Nov. 2 — PG-761
Group 1
7 (61) Drama 703
STEP BY STEP
Lawrence Tierney
Anne Jeffreys
Lowell Gilmore
R— July 20— PG-737
Group 1
(59) Western 704
SUNSET PASS
James Warren
Nan Leslie
John Laurenz
Jane Greer
R— July 20— PG-738
Group 1
(97) Comedy 702
LADY LUCK
Robert Young
Barbara Hale
Frank Morgan
R— July 27— PG-739
Group 1
(116) Drama 701
OSISTER KENNY
Rosalind Russell
Alexander Knox
Dean Jagger
R— July 20— PG-738
Group 1
(68) Drama 705
GREAT DAY
Eric Portman
Flora Robson
R— July 20— PG-737
Group 2
(62) Drama 709
CRIMINAL COURT
Tom Conway
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
gs] (62) Corn-Chiller
GENIUS AT WORK
W. Brown-A. Carney
R — Aug. 10 — PG-741
1 0 (56) Western 558
<• RIO GRANDE RAIDERS
Sunset Carson
[12I (68) Outdr-Mua 542
ROLL ON TEXAS
MOON
Roy Rogers-Dale Evans
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
[T] (71) Drama 4607
ROLLING HOME
Jean Parker
Russell Hayden
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
’
H (41) Out-Dr 4606
’NEATH CANADIAN
SKIES
Russell Hayden
Inez Cooper
6 (78) Drama 637
CLAUDIA AND DAVID
Dorothy McGuire
Robert Young
Mary Astor
John Sutton
Gall Patrick
R— July 27— PG-740
(78) Musical 638
IF I’M LUCKY
Vivian Blaine
Perry Como
Harry Jame3
Carmen Miranda
Phil Silvers
R— Sept. 7— PG-7BO
Reissue
(86) Musical 641
SUN VALLEY
SERENADE
Sonja Henie
John Payne
Milton Berle
Glenn Miller k *rch.
Joan Davis
(90) Musical 639
©THREE LITTLE GIRLS
IN BLUE
June Haver
George Montgomery
Vivian Blaine
Celeste Holm
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
(90) Drama 640
HOME SWEET
HOMICIDE
Peggy Ann Garner
Randolph Scott
Lynn Bari
Dean Stockwell
R— July 27— PG-740
Reissue
(84) Drama 642
THE BOWERY
Wallace Beery
George Raft
Jackie Cooper
Fay Wray
jaoj (101) K’drama
ANGEL OK MY
SHOULDER
Paul Muni
Anne Baxter
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
|ll| (57) Comedy
LITTLE IODINE
Jo Ann Marlowe
Eve Whitney
Marc Cramer
R— Oct. 19— PG-759 ,
0
g (1*1) Drama 1065
THEY WERE SISTERS
Phyllis Calvert
James Mason
Hugh Sinclair
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
[14] (78) Drama 602
SHADOW OF A WOMAN
Andrea King
Helmut Dantine
William Prince
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
HD (106) Drama 603
CLOAK AND DAGGER
Gary Cooper
Robert Alda
Lilli Palmer
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
jl|] (100) Drama 604
NOBODY LIVES
FOREVER
John Garfield
Geraldine Fitzgerald
Walter Brennan
Faye Emerson
R — Oct. 5— PG-755
SEPTEMBER 7
HIGH SCHOOL HERO
Freddie Stewart
June freisser
R — Aug. 24— PG-745
Block 6
[J] (69) Aet-Dr -
SWAMP FIRE
Johnny Weissmuller
Buster Crabbe
[|] (56) Drama
STRANGE HOLIDAY
Claude Rains
R— Nov. 9— PG-764
Group 6
(93) Drama 6
CRACK-UP
Pat O’Brien
Claire Trevor
Herbert Marshall
R— June 15— PG-729
VALENTINE
William Henry
Linda Stirling
(74) Drama 6
BLACK BEAUTY
Mona Freeman
Richard Denning
Evelyn Ankers
R— July 20— PG-737
(99) Comedy
THE BACHELOR’S
DAUGHTERS
Gall Russell
Claire Trevor
Adolphe Menjou
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
(74) Drama 5!
WHITE TIE AND
TAILS
Dan Duryea
Ella Raines
William Bendlx
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
OCTOBER 26 |
^4] (61) Mystery 816 \
CRIME DOCTOR’S
MANHUNT
Warner Baiter
Ellen Drew
William Frawley
Frank Sully
R— Dec. 28— PG-778
Reissue
(84) Drama 705 j
RAGE IN HEAVEN
Robert Montgomery
Ingrid Bergman
George Sanders
(101) Drama
STRANGE WOMAN
Hedy Lamarr
George Sanders
Louis Hayward
R— Nor. 2— PG-762
(85) Drama 601
THE DARK MIRROR
Olivia de HavUland
Low Ayres
Thoroaa Mitchell
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
(112) Drama 605 |
DECEPTION
Claude Rains
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
5
CO
CO
<
1-1
o
D0DSW0RTH
Walter Huston
John Payne
Reissue
(109) Drama Reissue
NORTH STAR
Dana Andrews
PALMY DAYS
Eddie Cantor
George Raft
(81) Reissue
THE RETURN OF THE
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Barry Barnes
ROMAN SCANDALS
Eddie Cantor
Ruth Etting
(98) Drama Reissue
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Merle Oberon
Leslie Howard
(107) Drama Reissue
STELLA DALLAS
Barbara Stanwyck
John Boles
(100) Musical Reissue
STRIKE ME PINK
Eddie Cantor
Brian Donlevy
(109) Drama Reissue
THE THIEF OF
BAGDAD
Sabu
Conrad Veidt
(77) Drama Reissue
THE UNHOLY GARDEN
Ronald Colman
(83) Drama Reissue
WEDDING NIGHT
Gary Cooper
(102) Western Reissue
THE WESTERNER
Gary Cooper
Walter Brennan
Dana Andrews
(104) Drama Reissue
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
Laurence Olivier
Merle Oberon
(71) Comedy Reissue
WOMAN CHASES MAN
Joel McCrea
Miriam Hopkins
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide
May 17, 1947
5
TH - FOX UNITED ARTISTS UNIV. INT I
■FOX T SCREEN GUILDT REPUBLIC T RKO RADIO T PR-C 1 PARAMOUN^MONOGRA
FEATURE CHART
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
NOVEMBER 2
NOVEMBER 9
NOVEMBER 16
NOVEMBER 23
NOVEMBER 30
DECEMBER 7
DECEMBER 14
DECEMBER 21
[7| (65) Mystery 818
SECRET OF THE
WHISTLER
Richard Dix
Leslie Brooks
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
[21] (55) Western 862
TERROR TRAIL
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
R— Nov. 9— PG-764
p| (72) Musical 824
BETTY CO-ED
Jean Porter
Shirley Mills
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
pi (69) Mystery 822
BOSTON BLACKIE AND
THE LAW
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
p| (68) West -Mus 854
LONE STAR
MOONLIGHT
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
P (01) Western 863
THE FIGHTING
FRONTIERSMAN
Starrett-Bumette
p] (69) M’drama 828
ALIAS MR. TWILIGHT
Michael Duane
R— Jan. 4 — PG-777
(115) Drama 707
UNDERCURRENT
Katharine Hepburn
Robert Taylor
Robert Mitchum
R— Oct. 5 — PQ-756
(93) Drama 706
TWO SMART PEOPLE
Lucille Ball
John Hodiak
R— June 15— PG-730
(97) Drama 709
THE SECRET HEART
Claudette Colbert
Walter Pidgeon
June Allyson
Robert Sterling
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
p (83) Comedy 708
THE SHOW-OFF
Red Skelton
Marilyn Maxwell
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
|~2~| (73) Drama 605
WIFE WANTED
Kay Francis
Paul Cavanagh
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
U| (71) Outdr-Mus 531
BEAUTY AND THE
BANDIT
Gilbert Roland
Ramsay Ames
Frank Yaconelli
lie] (55) Western 563
SILVER RANGE
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
m (68) Comedy 604
BRINGING UP FATHER
Joe Yule
Renie Riano
I!— Oct. 19— PG-759
p| (68) Mystery 607
THE TRAP
Sidney Toler
Manton Moreland
Victor Sen Young
R— Jan 11— PG-779
|~7~| (63) Act-Corn 608
MR. HEX
Leo Gorcey
Iluntz Hall
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
Reissue:
p| (57) Western 612
SILVER STALLION
David Sharpe
Leroy Mason
P (76) Dr-Mus 606
SWEETHEART OF
SIGMA CHI
Elyse Knox
Phil Brito
Phil Regan
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
p] (08) Sea Drama 4601
TWO YEARS BEFORE
THE MAST
Alan Ladd
William Bendix
Brian Donlevy
Barry Fitzgerald
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
p] (08) Drama
GAS HOUSE KIDS
Billy Halop
Robert Lowery
Teala Loring
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
|~5~| (78) Drama
DON RICARDO
RETURNS
Fred Coby
pi (57) Western 743
STARS OVER TEXAS
Eddie Dean
Roscoe Ates
Shirley Patterson
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
P (74) Drama
LADY CHASER
Robert Lowery
Ann Savage
fn (73) •utdr-Mua 706
©WILD WEST
Eddie Dean
Al La Rue
Robert "Buzzy” Henry
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
Group 2
(62) Drama 708
CHILD OF DIVORCE
Sharyn Moffett
Regis Toomey
Madge Meredith
Una O’Connor
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
Group 2
(87) Drama 706
NOCTURNE
George Raft
Lynn Bari
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
|2i| (172) Drama 751
THE BEST YEARS OF
OUR LIVES
Myrna Loy
Fredric March
Dana Andrews
Teresa Wright
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
p] (95) Mus-Dr 791
i*©S0NG OF THE
SOUTH
Bobby Driscoll
Luana Patten
Ruth Warrick
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
|p (132) Com-Dr 781
IT’S A WONDERFUL
LIFE
James Stewart
Donna Reed
Lionel Barrymore
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
[j] (72) Special 5542
HOME IN OKLAHOMA
Roy Rogers
George “Gabby” Hayes
Dale Evans
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
p (56) Western 661
SANTA FE UPRISING
Allan Lane-Bobby Blake
|l5| (82) Drama 532
PLAINSMAN AND THE
LADY
William “Bill” Elliott
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
p] (08) Com-Mus 603
AFFAIRS OF
GERALDINE
R— Nov. 30— PG-768
[21] (69) Outdr-Mus 681
SIOUX CITY SUE
Gene Autry
R — Dec. 7— PG-770
|~2] (117) Drama 601
©I'VE ALWAYS LOVED
YOU
R— Sept. 7— PG-749
|T) (67) Outdr 5503
©OUT CALIFORNIA
WAY
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
P (71) Dr-Com 604
FABULOUS SUZANNE
Barbara Britton
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
p] (70) Outdr-Mus 543
HELDORADO
Roy Rogers
R— Jan. 4— PO-777
p (46) Out-Dr 4610
NORTH OF THE
BORDER
Russell Hayden
|T| (60) Drama 4609
MY DOG SHEP
Tom Neal
William Farnum
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
(91) Drama 644
WANTED FOR MURDER
Eric Portman
Dulcie Gray
Derek Farr
Roland Culver
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
(97) Drama 645
MY DARLING
CLEMENTINE
Henry Fonda
Linda Darnell
Victor Mature
Walter Brennan
Tim Holt
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
(94) Drama 646
©MARGIE
Jeanne Crain
Glenn Langan
Lynn Bari
Alan Young
R — Oct. 19— PG-760
(92) Mus-Fant 649
©WAKE UP AND
DREAM
June Haver
John Payne
Charlotte Greenwood
Connie Marshall
R— Nov. 30— PG-768
(69) Drama 648
DANGEROUS MILLIONS
Kent Taylor
Dona Drake
Tala Birell
James Tinling
Leonard Strong
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
p (65) Western
THE DEVIL'S
PLAYGROUND
William Boyd
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
p| (86) Drama
THE CHASE
Robert Cummings
Michele Morgan
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
p (65) Comedy
SUSIE STEPS OUT
Cleatus Caldwell
David Bruce
Nita Hunter
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
(T) (108) Com-Dr 1066
NOTORIOUS
GENTLEMAN
Rex Harrison
LilU Palmer
R— Nov. 2 — PQ-761
(95) Drama 602
MAGNIFICENT DOLL
Ginger Rogers
Burgess Meredith
David Niven
R— Nov. 23— PG-760
(98) Drama 604
TEMPTATION
Merle Oberon
George Brent
Charles Korvln
Paul Lukas
R— Nov. 2— PG-701
fn (97) Drama 606
NEVER SAY GOODBYE
Errol Flynn
Eleanor Parker
Lucile Watson
8. Z. Sakall
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
p| (86) Drama 607
THE VERDICT
Sydney Greenstreet
Peter Lorre
Joan Lorrlng
George CoLlourls
Rosalind Ivan
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
Reissues:
[7] (127) Drama 608
KINGS ROW
Sheridan- Reagan
[7] (72) M’drama 609
WILD BILL HICKOK
RIDES
Bruce Cabot-C. Bennett
O
w
(140) Drama
DUEL IN THE SUN
Jennifer Jones
Gregory Peck
Joseph Cotten
Lionel Barrymore
ii— Jan. 11— PG-780
S (85) Drama
Vi Prestige
C brief encounter
Eh Celia Johnson
« Trevor Howard
« R— Aug. 31— PG-748
(70) Melodrama
English
THE RAIDER
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
(89) Drama
Eng. Films
MAN FROM MOROCCO
Anton Walbrook
R— Jan. 4— PG-778
(80) Melodrama
Four Cont.
MURDER IN REVERSE
R— Jan. 4— PG-778
(40) Doc-Dr
Eng. Films
DIARY FOR TIMOTHY
John Gielgud
Dame Myre Hess
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
(69) Mus-Com
Herald
o BOY, WHAT A GIRL!
R— Feb. 15— PG-790
►h (65) Doc-Dr
5 Elliott-St. Rts.
CITIZEN SAINT
R— May 10— PG-818
6
BOXOFFICE BookinGuid© :: May 17, 1947
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
DECEMBER 28
JANUARY 4
JANUARY 11
JANUARY 18
JANUARY 25
FEBRUARY 1
FEBRUARY 8
FEBRUARY 15
|jjj (64) Mus-Com 804
SINGIN’ IN THE CORN
ludy Canova
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
J2|] (91) Mel’drama 829
THE RETURN OF
MONTE CRISTO
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
[9] (69) Comedy 807
BLONDIE’S BIG
MOMENT
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
Larry Simms
Marjorie Kent
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
p (69) Mystery 823
LONE WOLF IN MEXICO
Gerald Mohr
Shirley Ryan
Jacqueline De Wit
Eric Blore
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
|e] (128) Mus-Dr 831
©t^THE JOLSON STORY
Larry Parks
Evelyn Keyes
William Demarest
Bill Goodwin
R— Sept. 28— PG-763
|3o| (58) Western
SOUTH OF THE
CHISHOLM TRAIL
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
Nancy Saunders
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
[~6~] (73) Myst-Dr
BLIND SPOT
Chester Morris
Constance Dowling
Steven Geray
R— Feb. 8— PO-787
P (67) Mus-Dr
CIGARETTE GIRL
Leslie Brooks
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
P (63) West-Mus
OVER THE SANTA FE
TRAIL
R— Mar. 1— PG-796
(135) Mus-Dr 710
©TILL THE CLOUDS
ROLL BY
Robert Walker
Van Heflin
Lucille Bremer
Van Johnson
Judy Garland
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
(99) Drama 702
©GALLANT BESS
Marshall Thompson
George Tobias
Clem Bevans
Donald Curtis
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
P (85) Drama 711
THE MIGHTY McGURK
WaUace Beery
Dean Stockwell
Edward Arnold
Aline MacMabon
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
P (103) Mystery 712
LADY IN THE LAKE
Robert Montgomery
Audrey Totter
Lloyd Nolan
R— Nov. 30— PG-776
|T] (93) Comedy 714
LOVE LAUGHS AT
ANDY HARDY
Mickey Rooney
Lewis Stone
Bonita Granville
R— Dec. 7— PO-769
P (93) Drama 715
MY BROTHER TALKS
TO HORSES
Butch Jenkins
Peter Lawford
Beverly Tyler
R— Nov. 23— PG-760
|28| (55) Outdr-Mus 681
SONG OF THE SIERRAS
Jimmy Wakely
Lee “Lasses” White
Jean Carlin
|~4~[ (67) Drama 609
GINGER
Frank Albertson
Barbara Reed
Johnny Calkins
R— Apr. 19— PG-812
[n] (61) Cisco Kid 610
RIDING THE
CALIFORNIA TRAIL
Gilbert Roland
Inez Cooper
Frank Yaconelli
P (58) Western 568
RAIDERS OF THE
SOUTH
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Reno Blair
|p (68) Teen-Ager 611
VACATION DAYS
June Preisser
Freddie Stewart
Frankie Darro
R— Apr. 5— PG-808
[|] (54) West-Mus 683
RAINBOW OVER THE
ROCKIES
Jimmy Wakely
Lee "Lasses" White
Pat Starling
P (54) Western 675
VALLEY OF FEAR
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Reno Blair
[27] (104) Musical 4602
^S©BLUE SKIES
Bing Crosby
Fred Astaire
Joan Caulfield
Billy De Wolfe
Olga San Juan
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
[To] (83) Comedy 4603
CROSS MY HEART
Betty Ilutton
Sonny Tufts
Michael Chekhov
Ii— Nov. 23— PG-765
P (87) Rom-Com 4604
THE PERFECT
MARRIAGE
Loretta Young
David Niven
Eddie Albert
Virginia Field
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
IT] (91) Comedy 4605
LADIES' MAN
Eddie Bracken
Cass Daley
Virginia Welles
Spike Jones
Virginia Field
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
[To] (74) Drama
LIGHTHOUSE
John Litel
June Lang
[12] (56) Drama 705
BORN TO SPEED
R— Jan. 25— l'G-783
Eagle-Lion
[15] (63) Comedy 102
IT’S A JOKE, SON
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
ITT] (57) Western 744
WILD COUNTRY
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
Eagle-Lion
[29] (95) Drama 101
BEDELIA
Margaret Lockwood
Ian Hunter
Barry K. Barnes
R— Feb. 1 — PG-780
•
Group 3
(62) Drama 714
DICK TRACY VS.
CUEBALL
Morgan Conway
Anne Jeffreys
Lyle Latell
11— Nov. 9— PG-764
Group 3
(61) Drama 715
THE FALCON’S
ADVENTURE
Tom Conway
Madge Meredith
Edward S. Brophy
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
Group 3
(60) Comedy 713
VACATION IN RENO
Jack Haley
Anne Jeffreys
Wally Brown
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
Group 3
(66) Melodrama 712
SAN QUENTIN
Lawrence Tierney
Barton MacLane
Marian Carr
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
Group 3
(85) Drama 711
THE LOCKET
Laraine Day
Brian Aherne
Robert Mitchum
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
|23| (95) Drama 533
THAT BRENNAN GIRL
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
I23] (56) Western 662
STAGECOACH TO
DENVER
Allan Lane
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
jp (67) Comedy 602
THE PILGRIM LADY
R— Jan. 25 — PG-784
P (67) Western 682
TRAIL TO SAN
ANTONE
Gene Autry
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
||i] (88) Musical 607
CALENDAR GIRL
Jane Frazee
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
(XI (67) Western 5504
©LAST FRONTIER
UPRISING
Monte Hale
P (100) Western 608
ANGEL & THE BADMAN
R— Mar. 1— PG-796
P (74) Comedy 606
MAGNIFICENT ROGUE
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
[25] (65) Drama 4612
RENEGADE GIRL
Ann Savage
Alan Curtis
R— Feb. 8— PG-787
[T5] (62) Drama 4611
QUEEN OF THE
AMAZONS
Robert Lowery
Patricia Morison
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
[T] (70) Outdr-Dr. 4613
BUFFALO BILL RIDES
AGAIN
Richard Arlen
Jennifer Holt
R— Apr. 5— PG-807
(95) Drama 702
13 RUE MADELEINE
James Cagney
Annabella
Richard Conte
Walter Abel
Frank Latimore
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
Re-Releases
(109) Drama 704
LES MISERABLES
Fredric March
(101) Drama 705
STANLEY AND
LIVINGSTONE
Spencer Tracy
(146) Drama 701
THE RAZOR’S EDGE
Tyrone Power
Gene Tierney
John Payne
Clifton Webb
Anne Baxter
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
(85) Mus-Com 703
©THE SHOCKING
MISS PILGRIM
Betty Grable
Dick Haymes
Anne Revere
Allyn Joslyn
R— Jan. 11— PG-779
(88) Mystery 706
BOOMERANG
Dana Andrews
Jane Wyatt
Lee Cobb
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
(72) Mystery 707
THE BRASHER
DOUBLOON
George Montgomery
Nancy Guild
Conrad Janis
R — Feb. 15 — PG-790
(67) Drama 708
STRANGE JOURNEY
Paul Kelly
Osa Massen
Hillary Brooke
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
[28] (96) Com-Dr
ABIE’S IRISH ROSE
Joanne Dru
Richard Norris
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
[T] (98) Westers
FOOL’S GOLD
William Boyd
Andy Clyde
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
[8] (93) Drama
THE RED HOUSE
Edward Q. Robinson
Lon McCallister
3— Feb. 1— PG-785
(86) Drama 606
SWELL GUY
Sonny Tufts
Ann Blyth
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
(93) Drama 607
I’LL BE YOURS
Deanna Durbin
Tom Drake
William Bendix
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
(98) Drama 605
THE WICKED LADY
Margaret Lockwood
James Mason
Patricia Roc
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
/
|28] (106) Musical 610
©THE TIME, THE PLACE
AND THE GIRL
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Janis Paige
Martha Vickers
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
[TT| (96) Drama-Mus 611
THE MAN 1 LOVE
Ida Luptno
Robert Alda
Andrea King
Bruce Bennett
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
p] (125) Dra-Mus 612
HUMORESQUE
Joan Crawford
John Garfield
Oscar Levant
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
1 8 1 (88) M’drama 613
THE BEAST WITH
FIVE FINGERS
Robert Alda
Andrea King
Peter J.orre
Victor Francen
J. Carrol Naish
R— Nov. 30— PG-766
0)
o
s
E3
« „
o S
Uh 1-1
(74) Rom-Dr
Vog
POSTMASTER’S
DAUGHTER
R— Sept. 7— PG-749
(105) Comedy
Azteca
AH I ESTA EL
DETALLE
Cantinflas
R— Sept. 7— PG-750
(105) Musical
SOTA CABALLO Y REY
R— Sept. 7— PG-750
(105) Drama
Azteca
HASTA QUE PERDIO
JALISCO
Jorge Negrete
R— Oct. 5 — PG-755
(112) Drama
Siritzky-Int’l
WELL-DIGGER’S
DAUGHTER
Raimu-Fernandel
R— Oct. 5 — PG-756
(107) War-Dr
Artkino
TURNING POINT
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
(60) Docum.
Brandt-Chapel
STORY OF THE POPE
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
(162) Drama
Tricolor
CHILDREN OF
PARADISE
R— Jan. 4— PG-778
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 17, 1947
KO RADIO T REPUBLIC T SCREEN GUILD T 20TH F0X ^UNITED ARTISTS^ UNIV. INT’L TWARNER-F.
MISCELLANEOUS1 WARNER- F. N.T UNIV.-INT’L
FEATURE CHART
fFEBRUARY 22 | MARCH 1
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
MARCH 8
MARCH 15
MARCH 22
MARCH 29
APRIL 5
APRIL 12
[e] (65) Mystery
THIRTEENTH HOUR
Richard Dix
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
[|] (64) Western 866
LONE HAND TEXAN
R— Mar. 8 — PG-799
go] (70) Drama
MILLIE’S DAUGHTER
K— Mar. 8— PG-798
(95) Mys-Dr
JOHNNY O'CLOCK
Dick Powell
Evelyn Keyes
It— Jan. 18— PG-781
[27] (67) Western
WEST OF DODGE CITY
R— Mar. 29 — PG-806
|27] (79) Outdr-Dr 809
KING OF THE WILD
HORSES
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
fio] (67) Comedy 808
BLONDIE’S HOLIDAY
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
Larry Simms
It— Mar. 8— PG-798
(112) Drama 716
tiTHE BEGINNING OR
THE END
Robert Walker
Tom Drake
Brian Donlevy
Audrey Totter
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
[4] (103) Musieal 718
IT HAPPENED IN
BROOKLYN
Frank Sinatra
Jimmy Durante
Kathryn Grayson
Peter Lawford
R— Mar. 8— PG-797
[li] (92) Drama 719
LITTLE MR. JIM
Butch Jenkins
James Craig
Frances Gifford
R— June 15— PG-729
[15] (64) Drama 613
FALL GUY
Cliff Penn
Teala Loring
Robert Armstrong
R— Mar. 8— PG-800
|22| (71) Drama 676
THE GUILTY
Bonita Granville
Don Castle
John Lltel
It— Mar. 22— PG-804
I29I (58) Western 676
TRAILING DANGER
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Peggy Wynne
|T) (55) Western 684
SIX GUN SERENADE
Jimmy Wakely
Lee “Lasses” White
[Tl] (72) Drama 615
VIOLENCE
Nancy Coleman
Michael O’Shea
R— Apr. 19— PG-812
[tJ (77) Comedy 4607
EASY COME, EASY GO
Barry Fitzgerald
Diana Lynn
Sonny Tufts
R— Feb. 1— PO-785
[21] (88) Rom-Com 4608
SUDDENLY IT’S
SPRING
Paulette Goddard
Fred MacMurray
Macdonald Carey
Arleen Whelan
It— Feb. 15— PO-789
|28l (72) Drama 4620
SEVEN WERE SAVED
Richard Denning
Catherine Craig
Russell Hayden
It— Mar. 1— PG-795
(H (88) Comedy 4609
MY FAVORITE
BRUNETTE
Bob Hope
Dorothy Lamour
Peter Lorre
Lon Chaney
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
[7| (67) Drama 701
DEVIL ON WHEELS
Noreen Nash
Darryl Hickman
Jan Ford
James Cardwell
R— Feb. 8— PG-788
S7] (54) Western 745
RANGE BEYOND
THE BLUE
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
Eagle-Lion
17] (98) Drama 103
ADVENTURESS
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
[2^ (59) Drama SP72
UNTAMED FURY
It— Apr. 5— PG-808
Reissue
H (97) Western 731
KIT CARSON
D. Andrews-J. Hall
Eagle-Lion
(74) Drama 104
LOST HONEYMOON
Franchot Tone
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
Reissue
§| (94) Western 732
LAST OF THE
MOHICANS
[b) (64) Drama 715
THREE ON A TICKET
Hugh Beaumont
Cheryl Walker
Paul Bryar
Ralph Dunn
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
[12] (61) Western 746
WEST TO GLORY
Eddie Dean
R— Mav 3— PG-816
[l2| (62) Mystery 707
PHILO VANCE’S
GAMBLE
R— May 3— PG-815
Group 4
(63) Drama 719
THE DEVIL THUMBS
A RIDE
Lawrence Tierney
Ted North
R— Mar. 8— PG-797
Group 4
(94) Corn-Dr 716
THE FARMER’S
DAUGHTER
Loretta Young
loseph Cotten
Ethel Barrymore
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
Group 4
(84) Western 717
TRAIL STREET
Randolph Scott
Robert Ryan
Anne Jeffreys
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
Group 4
(57) Western 720
CODE OF THE WEST
James Warren
Debra Alden
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
[g] (66) Com-Mui 605
THE GHOST GOES WILD
James Ellison
Anne Owynne
Edward Everett Horton
Ruth Donnelly
Stephanie Bachelor
R— Apr. 12— PG-810
fggj (90) Musical 616
HIT PARADE OF 1947
E. Albert-C. Moore
It— May 3— PG-816
[19] (78) Mus-West 642
©BELLS OF SAN
ANGELO
Hoy Rogers-Dale Evans
[I] (71) West-Mus 683
TWILIGHT ON THE
RIO GRANDE
Gene Autry
Adele Mara
Sterling Holloway
R— Apr. 19— PG-811
IT! (58) Outdoor 664
HOMESTEADERS OF
PARADISE VALLEY
Allan Lane
It— Apr. 26— PG-813
(Tj (71) Com-Dr 611
YANKEE FAKIR
It— Apr. 12— PG-810
(lg (66) Com-Dr 4608
©SCARED TO DEATH
Bela Lugosi
is] (65) Drama 4615
SHOOT TO KILL
Russell Wade
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
[T] (74) Outdr-Dr 4614
BELLS OF SAN
FERNANDO
Donald Woods
Gloria Warren
R— Apr. 5— PG-807
(66) Drama 711
BACKLASH
Jean Rogers
Richard Travis
Larry Blake
John Eldredge
Leonard Strong
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
(95) Musical 710
©CARNIVAL IN COSTA
RICA
Dick Haymes
Vera-EIlen
Cesar Romero
Celeste Holm
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
(98) Drama 712
THE LATE GEORGE
APLEY
Ronald Colman
Peggy Cummins
Vanessa Brown
Richard Haydn
Charles Russell
R— Feb. 8— PG-788
[]] (112) Drama
THE PRIVATE AFFAIRS
OF BEL AMI
George Sanders
Angela Lansbury
Ann Dvorak
R— Mar. 1— PG-793
15] (93) Comedy
FUN ON A WEEKEND
Eddie Bracken
Priscilla Lane
fgjjj (80) Drama
THE MACOMBER
AFFAIR
Gregory Peck
Joan Bennett
Robert Preston
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
[b] (60) Western
UNEXPECTED GUEST
William Boyd
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
(106) Dra-Mua 608
©SONG OF
SCHEHERAZADE
Yvonne De Carlo
Brian Donlevy
Jean Pierre Aumont
Eve Arden
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
(103) Drama 609
SMASH-UP
Lee Bowman
Susan Hayward
Marsha Hunt
Eddie Albert
Carl Esmond
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
(103) Drama 611
©STAIRWAY TO
HEAVEN
Dawld Nlven-Kim Hunter
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
Reissue
(94) Outdoor-Drama
DESTRY RIDES AGAIN
Dietrlch-Stewart
(70) West Dr 610
©MICHIGAN KID
Jon Hall
Victor McLaglen
Rita Johnson
It— Feb. 22— PG-792
(78) Comedy 612
BUCK PRIVATES
COME HOME
Bud Abbott
Lou Costello
Tom Brown
Joan Fulton
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
Reissue
(73) Comedy 2793
YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN
HONEST MAN
W. C. Fields
Edgar Bergen
Charlie McCarthy
g] (101) M’drama 615
PURSUED
Teresa Wright
Robert Mitchum
Judith Anderson
Dean Jagger
Alan Hale
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
I29] (84) Com-Dr 616
THAT WAY WITH
WOMEN
Dane Clark
Martha Vickers
Sydney Greenstreet
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
l|] (97) Drama 617
STALLION ROAD
Ronald Reagan
Alexis Smith
Zachary Scott
It— Mar. 29— PG-805
(100) Mys-Dr
DEAD RECKONING
Humphrey Bogart
Lizabeth Scott
R— Jan. 18— PG-T81
830
Reprint
§j] (115) Drama 713
BOOM TOWN
Clark Gable
Spencer Tracy
Hedy Lamarr
m (97) Outdr-Dr 4606
©CALIFORNIA
Ray Milland
Barbara Stanwyck
Barry Fitzgerald
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
Group 3
(117) Fantasy 762
©SINBAD THE SAILOR
Douglas Fairbanks jr.
Maureen O’Hara
Walter Slezak
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
fl5] (56) Outdoor 663
vTgilantes of
B00MT0WN
Allan Lane
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
fig (75) Outdr-Mus 641
©APACHE ROSE
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
(82) Mys-Dr
MR. DISTRICT
ATTORNEY
Dennis O'Keefe
Marguerite Chapman
Adolphe Menjou
Michael O'Shea
R— Jan. 11— PG-779
832
(54) Western 751
LAW OF THE LASH
A1 LaRue
A1 "Ftazy" St. John
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
Group 4
(67) Mus-Dr 718
BEAT THE BAND
Frances Langford
Ralph Edwards
Phillip Terry
Gene Krupa
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
I (88) Mus-Dr
| THE FABULOUS
DORSEYS
I Tommy Dorsey
I Jimmy Dorsey
I Janet Blair
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
H (111) Drama
NORA PRENTISS
Ann Sheridan
Kent Smith
Bruce Bennett
Robert Alda
Rosemary DeCamp
R— Feb. 8— PG-787
614
Re-Release:
(106) Mus-Dr 709
ALEXANDERS RAG-
TIME BAND
Tyrone Power
Alice Faye
Don Ameche
Ethel Merman
Reissue
(81) Outdoor-Drama
WHEN THE DALTONS
RODE
Randolph Scott
Kay Francis
g &
8 £
LJ 3
« j?
o g
(80) Drama
Lopert
MAN’S HOPE
R— Jan. 11— PG-779
(89) Operetta
Saga
QUEEN FOR A NIGHT
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
(93) Mus-Dr
Saga
APPASSIONATA
Viveca Lindfors
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
(85) Drama
West. Hem.
CLANDESTINE
R— Jan. 18— PG-781
(80) Fant-Dr
Distinguished
DEVIL’S HAND
R— Jan. 18— PG-781
(89) Fant-Com
Vog Film
FRANCIS THE FIRST
Fernandel
It— .Ian. 25— PG-784
(112) Melodrama
Azteca
ROSALINDA
Maria Antonieta Pons
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
(88) Fantasy
Artkino
©STONE FLOWER
R— Feb. 8— PG-788
8
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide
May 17, 1947
ttnKK
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
APRIL 19
APRIL 26
MAY 3
MAY 10
MAY 17
MAY 24
MAY 31 | JUNE 7 1
(83) Drama 836
THE GUILT OF JANET
AMES
Rosalind Russell
Melvyn Douglas
Sid Caesar
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
(82) Drama
FRAMED
Glenn Ford-Janis Carter
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
[24] (59) Western
LAW OF THE CANYON
Starrett-Burnette
|T| (69) Drama
FOR THE LOVE OF
RUSTY
Ted Donaldson
Tom Powers
Ann Doran
(77) ©utdr Drama
©LAST OF TH' REDMEN
Jon Hall
Michael O’Shea
Evelyn Ankers
g (70) Mystery
BULLDOG DRUMMOND
AT BAY
Ron Randell
Anita Louise
Pat O’Moore
R— May 12— PG-818
( . . ) Outdr Drama
GUN FIGHTERS
Randolph Scott
Barbara Britton
Bruce Cabot
HU ( • • ) Mystery
THE MILLERSON CASE
Warner Baxter
Nancy Suunders
HU ( . . ) Western
PRAIRIE RAIDERS
Starrett-Burnette
|25| (131) Drama 720
SEA OF GRASS
Spencer Tracy
Katharine Hepburn
Robert Walker
Melvyn Douglas
R— Feb. 15— PG-790
[~2~| (91) Drama 721
HIGH BARBAREE
Van Johnson
June Aliyson
Claude Jarman jr.
Thomas Mitchell
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
[Ssl (90) Comedy 722
UNDERCOVER MAISIE
Ann Sothern
Reprint
(103) Musical 723
THE GREAT WALTZ
Lulse Rainer
Fernand Gravet
[~3~| (59) Western 671
LAND OF THE LAWLESS
Johnny Mack Brown
Reissue
|~3~| (73) Drama
QUEEN OF THE YUKON
Charles Bickford
[So| (63) Melodrama 616
HARD BOILED
MAHONEY
Leo Gcrcey
Bowery Boys
Teala Lorlng
R— May 3— PG-816
[i7| (63) Teen-Ager 618
SARGE GOES TO
COLLEGE
Alan Hale jr.
June Preisser
R— May 12— PG-817
HU ( . . ) Western
LAW COMES TO
GUNSIGHT
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
HU (48) Drama
©THUNDERBOLT
James Stewart
gx| ( . . ) Western
SONG OF THE
WASTELAND
Jimmy Wakely
Lee ’’Lasses’’ White
Pine-Thomas Prod.
[H (72) Drama 4621
FEAR IN THE NIGHT
Paul Kelly
Kay Scott
DeForest Kelley
Ann Doran
R— Mar. 1— PG-795
HU (97) Drama 4610
IMPERFECT LADY
Ray Milland
Teresa Wright
Virginia Field
Sir Cedric Hardwicke
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
|~2~| (91) Drama 4611
BLAZE OF NOON
Anne Baxter
William Holden
Sonny Tufts
William Bendix
Sterling Hayden
R— Mar. 8— PG-797
[23] (60) M’drama 4622
BIG TOWN
Philip Reed
Hillary Brooke
Robert Lowery
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
30] (83) M’drama 4612
CALCUTTA
Alan Ladd
William Bendix
Gail Russell
R— Apr. 19— PG-811
lie] (63) Drama 702
THE BIG FIX
James Brown-Sheila Ryan
R— May 12— PG-817
ge| (38-39) Westerns
SIX BRONCO
BUCKAR00 REISSUES
4 with Buster Crabbe and
Fuzzy St. John
2 with Tex O'Brien and
Jim Newhill
[So] (55) Western 752
BORDER FEUD
A1 LaRue
A1 "Fuzzy” St. John
H] (60) Drama 716
TOO MANY WINNERS
Hugh Beaumont
Trudy Marshall
Reissues
H (111) Drama 733
CORSICAN BROTHERS
Douglas Fairbanks jr.
Akim Tamiroff
H5] (102) Drama 734
INTERNATIONAL LADY
G. Brent-I. Massey
3l| (63) Drama 717
KILLER AT LARGE
Robert Lowery
Anabel Shaw
T] (70) Drama 703
STEPCHILD
Irenda Joyce
lonald Woods
m] (64) Mystery 708
PHILO VANCE
RETURNS
R— May 3— PG-815
Group 5
(72) Adventure 723
TARZAN AND THE
; HUNTRESS
Johnny Weissmuller
Brenda Joyce
John Sheffield
R— Mar. 29— PG-800
Group 5
(89) Comedy 724
A LIKELY STORY
Barbara Hale
Bill Williams
It— Apr. 19— PG-812
Group 5
(68) Musical 725
BANJO
Sharyn Moffett
Jacqueline White
Walter Reed
Una O’Connor
It— Apr. 26— PG-814
Group 5
ge] (92) Drama 722
BORN TO KILL
R— Apr. 20— PG-814
(74) Comedy 721
HONEYMOON
Temple-Madison
R— Apr. 19— PG-812
j&] (60) Drama 612
SPOILERS OF THE
NORTH
Paul Kelly
Adrian Booth
Evelyn Ankers
R— May 12— PG-817
[S5| (58) Out'dr-Dr 665
OREGON TRAIL SCOUTS
Allan Lane-Bobby Blake
[l7| (71) Drama 614
WINTER WONDERLAND
[Ss] (66) Drama 609
©THAT’S MY GAL
Lynne Roberts
|T| ( • • ) Outdr-Dr 4616
BUSH PILOT
Rochelle Hudson
Jack LaRue
jl5| ( . . ) Mys-Com 4617
HATBOX MYSTERY
Tom Neal
Allen Jenkins
Virginia Sale
[22] ( • • ) Mys-Com 4618
CASE OF THE BABY
SITTER
Tom Neal
Allen Jenkins
Virginia Sale
(76) Drama 714
SAN DEMETRI0,
LONDON
Walter Fitzgerald
Mervyn Johns
Ralph Michael
Robert Beatty
Charles Victor
R— Apr. 5 — PG-808
|ifl| (89) Musical
NEW ORLEANS
Arturo de Cordova
Dorothy Patrick
R— May 3— PG-815
[H (94) Out’r-Dr
RAMROD
Joel McCrea
Veronica Lake
Don DeFore
Donald Crisp
R— Mar. 1— PG-793
[So] (85) Drama
ADVENTURES OF DON
COYOTE
Richard Martin
Frances Rafferty
R— May 3— PG-815
St] (85) Drama
DISHONORED LADY
Hedy Lamarr
Dennis O’Keefe
lobn Loder
ft— Apr. 26— PG-813
Hi] (59) Western
DANGEROUS VENTURE
William Boyd
Andy Clyde
it— Mar. 1— PG-793
|3l] (92) Musical
COPACABANA
Groucho Marx
Carmen Miranda
Andy Russell
Gloria Jean
Reissue
(78) Drama 2794
1 STOLE A MILLION
George Raft
Claire Trevor
Victor Jory
(88) Drama 614
TIME OUT OF MIND
Phyllis Calvert
Robert Hutton
Ella Raines
R— Mar. 22— PG-804
( ■ . 1 Drama
THE WEB
Edmund O’Brien
Ella Raines
William Bendix
( . . ) Drama
©VIGILANTES RETURN
Jon Hall
Margaret Lindsay
Reissue
(101) Drama
MAGNIFICENT
OBSESSION
Irene Dunne
Robert Taylor
Reissue
(84) Mus-Dr
100 MEN AND A GIRL
Deanna Durbin
Leopold Stokowski
Adolphe Menjou
Reissues:
|26| (109) Drama 618
THE SEA HAWK
Errol Flynn-Claude Rains
[26] (87) Drama 619
THE SEA WOLF
Edward G. Robinson
Ida Lupino-John Garfield
(83) Comedy 620
LOVE AND LEARN
Jack Carson
Robert Hutton
Martha Vickers
1 Janis Paige
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
HU (99) Drama 621
TWO MRS. CARROLLS
Humphrey Bogart
Barbara Stanwyck
Alexis Smith
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
o £
Q a,
o §
(110) Mus-Dr
Superfilra
BEFORE HIM ALL
ROME TREMBLED
Anna Magnani
R— Mar. 8— PC-800
(87) Mus-Com
Lopert
CAGE OF
NIGHTINGALES
R— Mar. 8— PG-800
(85) Drama
ANGEL AND SINNER
R— Mar. 8— PG-800
(90) Comedy
Distinguished
HER FIRST AFFAIR
Danielle Darrieux
Louis Jourdan
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
(95) Drama
Oxford
TORMENT
R— May 10— l’G-818
(110) Opera-Com
Exelsior
BARBER OF SEVILLE
Ferruccio Tagliavini
R— May 10— PG-817
BOXOFFICE BookinC-uide
May 17, 1947
9
REVIEW DIGEST
A
767 Abie's Irish Rose (96) UA
. .11-30-46
+
2+2
+
2+2
44- 6 —
780 Duel in the Sun (140) SRO
. . 1-11-47
44
+
44
44
+
+
m
9+
815 Adventures of Don Coyote (66) UA.
. .. 5-3-47
+
2+2
—
34- 2-
E
801 Adventuress, The (98) E-L
. . 3-15-47
+
2+2
2+2
44
4+
44
9+ 2-
746 Earl Carroll Sketchbook (90) Rep..
. ■ 8-24-46
H-
2+2
+
+
2+2
+
7+ 4-
766 Affairs of Geraldine (68) Rep
. .11-30-46
2+2
2+2
6+ 6-
785 Easy Come, Easy Go. (77) Para. . .
. . 2- 1-47
Hr-
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
7+ 6-
777 Alias Mr. Twilight (69) Col
. 1- 4-47
±2
2+2
2+2
+
44
6+ 3-
808 Egg and 1, The (108) U-l
• • 4- 5-47
44
+
+
-+
44
+
+
9+
796 Angel and the Badman (100) Rep.
. 3- 1-47
+
2+2
+
+
+
44
2+2
8+ 2-
F
754 Angel on My Shoulder (101) UA..
. 9-28-46
+
+
44
+
-+
44
4-
9+
794 Fabulous Dorseys, The (90) UA. .
.. 3- 1-47
H;
2+2
2+2
+
H-
+
64- 4 —
S03 Apache Rose (75) Rep
. . 3-22-47
H;
+
+
Hr
4-
54- 2-
775 Fabulous Suzanne, The (71) RKO.
. .12-28-46
H-
H-
H-
H-
-+-
64- 7
790 Arnelo Affair, The (86) MGM
. . 2-15-47
+
+
+
-+
2+2
2+2
6+ 2-
775 Falcon’s Adventure, The (61) RKO.
. .12-28-46
H-
2+2
2+2
+
H-
H-
74- 6—
B
800 Fall Guy (64) Mono
• . 3- 8-47
-+-
2+2
2+2
+
H-
_
6+ 5—
752 Bachelor's Daughters, The (90) UA
. . 9-14-46
2+2
+
+
44
+
2±
4-
8+ 2-
792 Farmer’s Daughter, The (94) RKO
.. 2-22-47
+
+
+
+
+
44
+
8+
805 Backlash (66) 20-Fox
- . 3-29-47
2+2
2+2
2+2
5+ 6-
795 Fear in the Night (71) Para
• . 3- 1-47
+
2+2
+
+
+
2t
2+2
7+ 3-
814 Banjo (67) Rl(0
. . 4-26-47
2+2
2+2
54- 5-
Fighting Frontiersman, The (61)
Col
2+2
1+ 1-
766 Beast With Five Fingers, The (88)
758 Fool’s Gold (63) UA
±2
2+2
2+2
+
+
5+ 3-
WB
1 1 .30-46
+
5+ 6—
6+ 6-
For the Love of Rusty (69) Col. . . .
3+ 3-
6+ 3-
794 Beat the Band (67) RKO
.. 3- 1-47
2+2
2+
2+2
798 Framed (80) Col
- - 3- 8-47
2+2
2+2
+
+
2+2
+
H-
Beauty and the Bandit (71) Mono
2+2
H-
24- 2-
Fun on a Weekend (96) UA
+
+
+
44
5+
786 Bedelia (95) E-L
. . 2- 1-47
+
2+2
+
2+
4-
5+ 2-
G
794 Beginning or the End, The (112) MGM 3- 1-47
44
+
++
+
++
+
44
11+
784 Gallant Bess (101) MGM
.. 1-25-47
2+2
2+2
+
+
+
+
2+2
7+ 3-
807 Bells of San Fernando (74) SG..
. . 4- 5-47
2t
2+2
3+ 4 —
752 Gallant Journey (86) Col
. . 9-14-46
2+2
H-
+
2+2
+
2+2
7+ *S-
755 Below the Deadline (65) Mono...
.10- 5-46
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
±
7+ 6-
759 Gas House Kids (68) PRC
• -10-19-46
H-
2+2
2±
—
6+ 6—
769 Best Years of Our Lives, The (172)
741 Genius at Work (62) RKO
. . 8-10-46
H-
—
Hh
H-
—
5+ 8—
RKO
. .12- 7-46
++
+1-
44
44
++
44
44
14+
753 Gentleman Joe Palooka (72) Mono.
• - 9-28-46
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
5+ 4-
767 Betty Co-Ed (71) Col
.11-30-46
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
6+ 5-
810 Ghost Goes Wild, The (66) Rep...
. . 4-12-47
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+z
5+ 5—
817 Big Fix, The (63) PRC
. 5-10-47
+
2+2
2+2
4+ 3-
Ghost of Hidden Valley (57) PRC. .
1+ 1-
744 Big Sleep, The (114) WB
. 8-17-46
+
44
++
+
+
44
4-
10+
812 Ginger (67) Mono
. . 4-19-47
H-
H-
4+ 4-
791 Big Town (60) Para
. 2-22-47
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
6+ 6-
746 G.l. War Brides (69) Rep
. . 8-24-46
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
7+ 5-
741 Black Angel (80) U-l
. 8-10-46
2+;
2+2
2+2
-+
44
2+2
8+ 4-
807 Great Expectations (115) U-l ... .
■ 4- 5-47
+
44
44
44
44
9+
737 Black Beauty (74) 20-Fox
. 7-20-46
2+2
2+2
+
+-
+
2+2
7+ 4-
798 Guilt of Janet Ames, The (81) Col.
.. 3- 8-47
+
2+2
2+2
+
+
5+ 2-
797 Blaze of Noon (90) Para
. 3- 8-47
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
+
4-
4-
7+ 3-
804 Guilty, The (71) Mono
. 3-22-47
+
+
+
2+2
4+ 1-
787 Blind Spot (73) Col
. 2- 8-47
H1
2+2
+
+-
Hr
5+ 3-
H
742 Blonde for a Day (68) PRC
. 8-10-46
H-
2+2
H^
T
-P
6+ 6-
816 Hard-Boiled Mahoney (63) Mono.
• 5- 3-47
2+2
_
2+ 3
755 Blondie Knows Best (69) Col
.10- 5-46
+
2+2
-+
+
2+2
6+ 3-
745 Heading West (54) Col
. 8-24-46
2+2
-f
2-f 2
773 Blondie's Big Moment (69) Col...
.12-21-46
2+2
2+2
2+;
4+ 4-
777 Heldorado (70) Rep
- - 1- 4-47
+
2+2
H-
+
5+ 3—
798 Blondie’s Holiday (67) Col
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
H-
5+ 5-
753 Her Sister’s Secret (86) PRC
. 9-28-46
H-
2+2
2+2
+
+
+
H-
7+ 4—
754 Blue Skies (102) Para.
. 9-28-46
-H-
++
++
++
+
44
44
13+
801 High Barbaree (92) MGM
. . 3-15-47
2+2
2+2
+
+
44
44
8+ 2-
786 Boomerang (88) 20-Fox
. 2- 1-47
+
44
++
+
+-
44
44
11+
804 High Conquest (83) Mono
. 3-22-47
+
+
+
+
2+2
5+ 1—
814 Born to Kill (92) RKO
. 4-26-47
-P
-+-
-+-
-+-
H-
H-
-+-
7+ 7-
745 High School Hero (74) Mono
. 8-24-46
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
—
_
7+ 6-
783 Born to Speed (59) PRC
. 1-25-47
-+-
-+-
-+-
-+-
-+-
-+-
6+ 6-
816 Hit Parade of 1947 (90) Rep
. 5- 3-47
+
2+2
2+2
+
+
5+ 2—
772 Boston Blackie and the Law (69) Col
.12-14-46
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
-P
6+ 5-
740 Holiday in Mexico (128) MGM..
. 7-27-46
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
14+
742 Bowery Bombshell (65) Mono
. 8-10-46
2+2
2+2
^P
2+
H~
7+ 7-
763 Home in Oklahoma (72) Rep
.11- 9-46
2+2
+
H;
H-
5+ 4—
790 Brasher Doubloon, The (72) 20-Fox.
. 2-15-47
4-
2+2
=P
+
2+
2+2
6+ 4-
740 Home Sweet Homicide (90) 20-Fox
. 7-27-46
+
+
+
+
+
44
+
8+
748 Brief Encounter (85) U-l
. 8-31-46
2+2
+
+
44
44
7+ 1-
813 Homesteaders of Paradise Valley (58)
759 Bringing Up Father (68) Mono...
.10-19-46
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
6+ 5-
Rep
2+2
+
3+ 2-
761 Brute Man, The (58) PRC
.11- 2-46
2+2
2+2
—
=
4+ 7-
814 Homestretch, The (106) 20-Fox..
. 4-26-47
44
2+2
2+2
2+2
44
+
8+ 3-
802 Buck Privates Come Home (78) U-l.
. 3-15-47
++
2+2
+
44
2+2
-P
9+ 3-
812 Honeymoon (74) RKO
. 4-19-47
+
2+2
2+2
+
5+ 4-
807 Buffalo Bill Rides Again (70) SG . .
. 4- 5-47
—
—
2-
Hoppy’s Holiday (60) UA
2+2
2+2
2+ 2-
818 Bulldog Drummond at Bay (70) Col. 5-10-47
2+
2+ 2-
776 Humoresque (125) WB
I
.12-28-46
+
+
4+
44
+
44
44
11+
17
744 Caesar and Cleopatra (126) UA...
. 8-17-46
++
+
+
++
2+2
44
4-
10+ 1-
795 1 Cover Big Town (63) Para
. 3- 1-47
2+2
2+2
+
2t
2t
H-
6+ 5—
811 Calcutta (83) Para
. 4-19-47
2+2
2+2
-+
2+
++
2+2 «
4-
8+ 4-
756 1 Know Where I’m Going (91) U-l
.10- 5-46
2+2
±2
2+ 2—
789 Calendar Girl (88) Rep
. 2-15-47
2+2
2+2
—
2+2
2+2
4-
7+ 6-
750 If I'm Lucky (78) 20-Fox
. 9- 7-46
+
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
H-
7+ 5—
744 California (97) Para
.12-21-46
+
2+2
2+2
-+
+4
4-
44
9+ 2-
783 I’ll Be Yours (83) U-l
2+2
2±2
+
2+2
2+2
+
H-
7+ 5-
740 Canyon Passage (92) U-l
. 7-27-46
-+
2+2
2+2
+
+
44
44
9+ 2-
802 Imperfect Lady, The (97) Para....
. 3-15-47
44
2+2
2+2
+
—
+
7+ 3-
816 Captive Heart, The (87) U-l
. 5- 3-47
+
2+2
+
2+2
44
6+ 3-
746 Invisible Informer, The (57) Rep.. .
. 8-24-46
—
2+2
—
2+2
—
4+ 7-
797 Carnegie Hall (136) UA
. 3- 8-47
2+2
2+2
+
++
44
44
44
11+ 2-
797 It Happened in Brooklyn (103) MGM 3- 8-47
44
+
+
44
44
+
+
10+
805 Carnival in Costa Rica (96) 20-Fox.
. 3-29-47
2+2
2+2
+
+
+
4-
2+2
7+ 3-
788 It Happened on Fifth Avenue (116)
759 Chase, The (86) UA
.10-19-46
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
4-
5+ 3-
Allied Artists
. 2- 8-47
++
++
+
44
+
+
9+
813 Cheyenne (100) WB
. 4-26-47
44
2+2
+
+
44
4-
8+ 1-
783 It’s a Joke, Son (63) E-L
. 1-25-47
+
2t
_
+
2+2
4+ 3-
760 Child of Divorce (62) RKO
.10-19-46
-+
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
+
2+2
7+ 4-
774 It’s a Wonderful Life (132) RKO.
.12-21-46
+
44
4+
44
44
44
44
13+
789 Cigarette Girl (67) Col
. 2-15-47
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
6+ 6-
749 It’s Great to Be Young (63) Col. . . .
. 9- 7-46
2+2
—
H^
■+2
5+ 6-
740 Claudia and David (78) 20-Fox...
. 7-27-46
-+
+
+
+
+-
44
44
9+
749 I’ve Always Loved You (117) Rep..
. 9- 7-46
+
2+2
2+2
+
+
44
+
8+ 2-
752 Cloak and Dagger (106) WB
. 9-14-46
++
4+
-+
+
44
44
4-
11+
J
737 Cockeyed Miracle, The (81) MGM..
. 7-20-46
2±;
+
+
2+2
2+2
4-
<9+ 3-
811 Jewels of Brandenburg (65) 20-Fox.
. 4-19-47
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
4+ 3—
799 Coda of the West (57) RKO
. 3- 8-47
-+
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
6+ 5-
781 Johnny O’clock (95) Col
• 1-18-47
2+2
+
+
2+2
+
+
44
8+ 2-
776 Crime Doctor's Manhunt (61) Col..
.12-28-46
2+2
2+2
+-
2+2
2+2
6+ 5-
753 Jolson Story, The (128) Col
. 9-28-46
-H-
4+
4+
44
44
44
44
14+
742 Criminal Court (62) RKO
. 8-10-46
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
4-
6+ 4-
795 Jungle Flight (67) Para
. 3- 1-47
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
6+ 6-
765 Cross My Heart (83) Para
.11-23-46
-+
2+2
2+2
2+
2+2
—
4-
6+ 5-
K
739 Cuban Pete (61) U-l
7-27-46
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
6+ 5-
Killer Dill (72) SG
+
1+
D
743 Killers, The (102) U-l
■ 8-17-46
+
44
+
+
+
+
8+ 1-
796 Danger Street (66) Para
3- 1-47
—
2+2
2+
2+2
6+ 6—
803 King of the Wild Horses (79) Col. .
. 3-22-47
2+2
+
■±2
5+ 4—
736 Danger Woman (60) U-l
7-13-46
—
—
2+2
2+2
5+ 7-
L
771 Dangerous Millions (68) 20-Fox. . .
12-14-46
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
7+ 6—
780 Ladies’ Man (91) Para
. 1-11-47
+
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
7+ 5-
758 Dangerous Money (66) Mono
10-12-46
+
2+2
Hp
2+2
5+ 5-
Lady Chaser (74) PRC
H-
2+ 2-
793 Dangerous Venture (59) UA
3- 1-47
2+2
—
2+2
+-
4-
5+ 3-
766 Lady in the Lake (103) MGM
.11-30-46
+
+
+
+
44
+
+
8+
809 Dark Delusion (90) MGM
4-12-47
+
2+2
-+2
2+2
+
2+2
6+ 4-
739 Lady Luck (97) RKO
7-27-46
+
+
2+2
+
+
+
+
7+ 1-
738 Dark Horse, The (59) U-l
7-20-46
—
2+2
2+2
—
2+2
3+ 5-
757 Lady Surrenders, A (113) U-l
10-12-46
2+2
2+2
2+ 2—
758 Dark Mirror, The (85) U-l
10-12-46
+
+
2+2
+
44
44
4-
9+ 1-
Land of the Lawless (..) Mono. ...
H-
1+ 1-
781 Dead Reckoning (100) Col
1-18-47
+
+
+
-+
+
+
4-
7+
746 Last Crooked Mile, The (67) Rep..
8-24-46
2+2
2+2
-±
2+2
—
7+ 7-
760 Deception (112) WB
10-19-46
+
2+2
+
+
4-
4-
+
7+ 1-
Last Frontier Uprising f67) Rep
2±
1+ 1-
751 Decoy (76) Mono
9-14-46
2+2
2+2
+
+
+
—
+
6+ 3-
788 Late George Anley. The (98) 20-Fox 2- 8-47
+
+
+
+
+
+
44
8+
Desirable Lady (68) SG
—
1+ 1-
799 Law of the La<h (54) PRC
3- 8-47
2+2
-±2
5+ 5-
788 Devil on Wheels (67) PRC
2- 8-47
—
—
2+2
2+2
44
2+:
7+ 5-
Lighthouse (74) PRC
1+ 1-
797 Devil Thumbs a Ride. The (63) . . .
3- 8-47
4-
2+1
+
+
2+2
2+2
2+:
74- 4-
812 Likely Story. A (88) RKO
4-19-47
—
2+2
+
2±:
44
5+ 3-
753 Devil’* Playqround. The (60) UA. . .
9-28-46
2+2
4-
2+
2+2
2+2
54- 4—
759 Little Iodine (57) UA
10-19-46
2+2
2+2
+
—
6+ 5-
765 Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (62) RKO. . .
11- 9-46
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
—
2+2
6+ 6-
750 Little Miss Big (61) U-l
9- 7-46
—
2t
2+2
+
5+ 5-
813 Dishonored Lady (86) UA
4-26-47
+
2±
2+2
-+
44
6+ 2-
Little Miss Broadwav (..) Col
—
1+ 1-
Don Ricardo Returns (78) PRC....
—
1+ 1-
774 Locket The (85 RKO
12-21-46
4-
4-
44
+
4-
44-
2+2
9+ 1-
735 Down Missouri Way (83) PRC
7-13-46
2+2
2+2
2t
+
+
_
5+ 4-
799 Lone Hand Texan. The (57) Col....
3- 8-47
2+2
2+2
2+2
4+ 4-
757 Driftin’ River (55) PRC
10-12-46
^2
2^
T
2+2
4+ 4-
777 Lone Star Moonlight (67) Col
1- 4-47
+
1+ 1-
An interpretative analysis of opinions deduced from the language of lay
and trade press reviews. The plus and minus signs indicate the degree
of favor or disfavor of the review. This department serves also as an
ALPHABETICAL INDEX to feature releases. Numeral preceding title is
Picture Guide Review page number. In parentheses after title is running
time. Date following distributor is BOXOFFICE review date. Listings cover
current reviews. It is brought up to date regularly. The meaning of the
various signs and their combinations is as follows:
++ Very Good; + Good; ± Fair; =P Mediocre; — Poor; = Very Poor.
In the summary 44 is rated as 2 pluses; = as 2 minuses.
rtJ
a.
lS
Cl
•O
1
CD
780 Lone Wolf in Mexico (70) Col 1-11-47
801 Lost Honeymoon (71) E-L 3-15-47
806 Love and Learn (85) WB 3-29-47
769 Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (93)
MGM 12- 7-46
M
794 Macomber Affair, The (90) UA 1-25-47
Magic Bow, The (. .) U-l
766 Magnificent Doll, The (94) U-l 11-23-46
803 Magnificent Rogue, The (75) Rep 3-22-47
776 Man I Love, The (96) WB ...12-28-46
760 Margie (94) 20-Fox 10-19-46
792 Michigan Kid (70) U-l 2-22-47
809 Mighty McGurk, The (85) MGM 4-12-47
798 Millie’s Daughter (70) Col 3- 8-47
818 Miracle on 34th Street (96)
20-Fox 5-10-47
748 Mister Ace (84) UA 8-31-46
779 Mister District Attorney (81) Col... 1-11-47
773 Mister Hex (63) Mono 12-21-46
813 Monsieur Verdoux (120) UA 4-26-47
766 My Brother Talks to Horses (93)
MGM 11-23-46
758 My Darling Clementine (97) 20-Fox 10-12-46
791 My Favorite Brunette (87) Para 2-22-47
My Heart Goes Crazy (..) U-l
734 My Pal Trigger (79) Rep 7- 6-46
N
762 Never Say Goodbye (97) WB 11- 2-46
815 New Orleans (89) UA 5- 3-47
736 Night and Day (128) WB 7-13-46
755 Nobody Lives Forever (100) WB....10- 5-46
757 Nocturne (87) RK0 10-12-46
747 No Leave, No Love (120) MGM 8-31-46
787 Nora Prentiss (111) WB 2- 8-47
Northwest Outpost (91) Rep
739 Notorious (103) Rl<0 7-27-46
761 Notorious Gentleman (108) U-l. .. .11- 2-46
O
793 Odd Man Out (118) U-l 3- 1-47
810 Other Love, The (95) UA 4-12-47
773 Out California Way (67) Rep 12-21-46
796 Over the Santa Fe Trail (63) Col 3- 1-47
778 Overlanders, The (91) E-L 1- 4-47
P
765 Perfect Marriage, The (87) Para 11-23-46
742 Personality Kid (68) Col 8-10-46
815 Philo Vance Returns (64) PRC 5- 3-47
815 Philo Vance’s Gamble (62) PRC.... 5- 3-47
784 Pilgrim Lady, The (67) Rep 1-25-47
763 Plainsman and the Lady (82) Rep 11- 9-46
741 Prairie Badmen (55) PRC 8-10-46
793 Private Affairs of Bel Ami, The (115)
UA 3. 1-47
791 Pursued (101) WB 2-22-47
Q
805 Queen of the Amazons (61) SG 3-29-47
R
Raiders of the South (58) Mono
Rainbow Over the Rockies (54) Mono
793 Ramrod (94) UA 3- 1.47
802 Range Beyond the Blue (54) PRC 3-15-47
770 Razor's Edge, The (146) 20- Fox... 12- 7-46
785 Red House, The (93) UA 2- 1-47
744 Rendezvous With Annie (90) Rep... 8-17-46
787 Renegade Girl (65) SG 2- 8-47
767 Return of Monte Cristo, The (91) . .11-30-46
Riding the California Trail (61) Mono
796 Road to Hollywood (61) SG 3- 1-47
754 Roll On Texas Moon (68) Rep 9-28-46
760 Rolling Home (71) SG 10-19-46
S
808 San Demetrio, London (78) 20-Fox.. 4- 5-47
769 San Quentin (66) Rl<0 12- 7-46
Santa Fe Uprising (56) Rep
817 Sarge Goes to College (63) Mono... 5-10-47
738 Scandal in Paris, A (100) UA 7-20-46
790 Sea of Grass, The (123) MGM 2-15-47
767 Secret Heart, The (97) MGM 11-30-46
761 Secret of the Whistler (65) Col 11- 2-46
745 Secrets of a Sorority Girl (58) PRC.. 8-24-46
795 Seven Were Saved (72) Para 3- 1-47
744 Shadow of a Woman (79) WB 8-17-46
756 Shadowed (70) Col 10- 5-46
779 Shocking Miss Pilgrim, The (55)
20-Fox 1-11-47
809 Shoot to Kill (65) SG 4-12-47
743 Show-Off, The (84) MGM 8-17-46
Silver Range (55) Mono
t
H-
zt
zt
4+ 4—
t
+
+
-H-
44
84- 2—
t
±:
zt
—
H-
5+ 6-
t
t
+
zt
Hh
44
zt
S+ 5-
+
t
-p
+
+
zt
+f
S+ 3-
—
+
1+ 1-
+
t
+
+
+
44
+f
9+ 1-
H-
+
3+ 2—
t
t
+
H1
+
zt
7-4 5-
+
44
+
+
+
44
-H-
10-4
t
±
H1
zt
7+ 7-
+
+
+
+
+
zt
7+ 2-
±
t
+
—
4+ 4—
44
44
44
44
++
10+
+
t
+
+
+
7+ 3-
t
+
H1
zt
7+ 6-
Hr
t
+
±
6+ 5-
44
t
^p
44
H1
zt
8+ 4-
+
t
44
+
zt
+
7+ 2-
+
+
+
+
+
44
zt
8+ 1-
+
+
+
+
+
44
9+
1+ 1-
+
+
zt
44
zt
7+ 3 —
+
t
+
H1
±
zt
7+ 5-
+
+
+
44
zt
7+ 2-
44
ff
44
44
■H
44
-ff
14+
+
t
+
+
+
+
7+ 2-
t
t
+
+
+
7+ 4-
+
+
44
+
zt
+
+
8+ 1-
±
+
H1
+
zt
7+ 5-
t
1+ 1-
44
4+
44
44
+
+
ff
12+
+
+
+
+
44
ff
8+
44
+
44
ff
44
ff
11+
+
+
+
44
4f
44
9+
t
H-
zt
zt
+
5+ 4-
t
+
H2
3+ 2-
t
t
+
zt
44
+
7+ 3-
t
t
H2
+
+
t
zt
7+ 5-
t
h1
H2
H2
+
zt
6+ 5—
t
h2
zt
+
zt
5+ 4—
~
—
zt
zt
zt
3+ 5-
t
t
Hz
zt
H1
6+ 6-
t
Hr
zt
+
+
zt
7+ 5-
H2
zt
Hr
H2
5+ 5-
t
zt
+
zt
44
7+ 4—
+
+
+
+
+
ff
7+
H2
zt
-
3+ 4-
zt
H2
3+ 3
H-
H2
3+ 3-
+
Hz
+
+
+
+
6+ 1-
t
+
4+ 3-
ff
t
+
-H-
+
7+ 1-
+
Hr
+
,+
+
44
ff
9+ 1-
4-
+
+
+
+
+
6+
t
H~
2+ 2—
t
Hz
+
+
zt
44
H2
8+ 4—
+
H2
2+ 1-
t
1+ 1-
t
zt
+
+
5+ 3-
t
Hz
2+ 2—
t
t
44
+
H-
6+ 3-
h2
Hz
+
+
zt
7+ 5-
zt
2+ 2-
Hz
zt
4+ 4—
+
H2
+
7+ 5-
+
+
+
+
44
ff
9+ 1-
+
Hz
44
+
+
+
7+ 1-
H2
H2
Hz '
4+ 4-
H2
H2
=
4+ 6-
H2
H2
+
+
-f
7+ 4-
■±
Hz
±
zt
H2
7+ 7-
t
zt
+
zt
5+ A—
+
■Hz
+
+
+
6+ 2-
t
+
+
zt
4+ 2-
+
+
+
zt
+
H2
7+ 3-
zt
zt
2+ 2-
792 Sin of Harold Diddlebock, The
(94) UA 2-22-47
782 Sin bad the Sailor (117) RK0 1-18-47
741 Sing While You Dance (73) Col 8-18-46
777 Singin’ in the Corn (64) Col 1- 4-47
752 Singing on the Trail (69) Col 9-14-46
770 Sioux City Sue (69) Rep 12- 7-46
738 Sister Kenny (116) RK0 7-20-46
Six Gun Serenade (53) Mono
789 Smash-Up (103) U-l 2-15-47
765 So Dark the Night (70) Col 11-23-46
786 Song of Scheherazade (106) U-l.... 2- 1-47
Song of the Sierras (55) Mono
762 Song of the South (95) RK0 11- 1-46
786 South of the Chisholm Trail (58) Col. 2- 1-47
817 Spoilers of the North (66) Rep 5-10-47
745 Spook Busters (68) Mono 8-24-46
780 Stagecoach to Denver (56) Rep 1-11-47
773 Stairway to Heaven (104) U-l 12-21-46
805 Stallion Road (97) WB 3-29-47
775 Stars Over Texas (57) PRC 12-28-46
764 Strange Holiday (56) PRC 11- 9-46
751 Strange Journey (67) 20-Fox 9-14-46
762 Strange Woman, The (101) UA 11- 2-46
789 Suddenly It's Spring (87) Para 2-15-47
738 Sunset Pass (59) RK0 7-20-46
766 Susie Steps Out (65) UA 11-23-46
770 Sweetheart of Sigma Chi (76) Mono. 12- 7-46
771 Swell Guy (87) U-l 12-14-46
T
S06Tarzan and the Huntress (72) RKO.. 3-29-47
761 Temptation (100) U-l 11-2-46
764 Terror Trail (55) Col 11- 9-46
772 That Brennan Girl (95) Rep 12-14-46
791 That Way With Women (85) WB... 2-22-47
810 That’s My Man (104) Rep 4-12-47
747 They Were Sisters (108) U-l 8-31-46
775 13 Rue Madeleine (95) 20-Fox 12-28-46
792 Thirteenth Hour, The (62) Col 2-22-47
811 This Happy Breed (110) U-l 4-19-47
751 Three Little Girls in Blue (90) 20-Fox 9-14-46
809 Three on a Ticket (62) PRC 4-12-47
747 Thrill of Brazil, The (91) Col 8-31-46
765 Till the Clouds Roll By (120) MGM . .11-23-46
743 Time of Their Lives, The (82) U-l . . 8-17-46
804 Time Out of Mind (89) U-l 3-22-47
772 Time, the Place and the Girl, The
(105) WB 12-14-46
794 Trail Street (S3) RKO 3- 1-47
785 Trail to San Antone (67) Rep 2- 1-47
Trailing Danger (58) Mono
779 Trap, The (68) Mono 1-11-47
Trouble With Women, The (80) Para
764 Tumbleweed Trails (57) PRC 11- 9-46
811 Twilight on the Rio Grande (71) Rep. 4-19-47
739 Two Guys From Milwaukee (90) WB. . 7-27-46
806 Two Mrs. Carrolls, The (100) WB.. 3-29-47
748 Two Years Before the Mast (98)
Para 8-31-46
U
748 Under Nevada Skies (69) Rep 8-31-46
Undercover Maisie (93) MGM
756 Undercurrent (113) MGM 10-5-46
772 Unexpected Guest (60) UA 12-14-46
734 Unknown, The (65) Col 7- 6-46
808 Untamed Fury (61) PRC 4- 5-47
V
808 Vacation Days (68) Mono 4- 5-47
757 Vacation in Reno (60) RKO. , ... .10-12-46
Valley of Fear (54) Mono
766 Verdict, The (86) WB 11-23-46
799 Vigilantes of Boomtown (96) Rep 3- 8-47
812 Violence (72) Mono 4-19-47
w
766 Wake Up and Dream (92) 20-Fox. .11-30-46
763 Wanted for Murder (97) 20-Fox 11- 9-46
814 Welcome Stranger (106) Para 4-26-47
806 West of Dodge City (57) Col 3-29-47
816 West to Glory (61) PRC 5- 3-47
Whispering City (..) E-L
751 White Tie and Tails (74) U-l 9-14-46
771 Wicked Lady, The (98) U-l 12-14-46
762 Wife Wanted (73) Mono 11- 2-46
743 Wild Beauty (61) U-l 8-17-46
785 Wild Country (57) PRC 2- 1-47
Woman on the Beach, The (..) RKO
Y
810 Yankee Fakir (71) Rep 4-12-47
770 Yearling, The (135) MGM 12-7-46
802 Years Between, The (88) U-l 3-15-47
E
0
1
+
+
H-
44
+
+
+
44
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
44
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
44
+
+
+4
-4-
°^2
E °
« S’
h
Jsfe
O S
!a ™
Q.Z
1-5
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
H2
t
zt
zt
t
zt
t
t
44
44
44
44
+
44
+
+
+
zt
zt
+
+
zt
zt
+
+
+
t
44
44
44
44
t
H-
-4-
zt
t
t
zt
t
+
+
44
44
zt
zt
+
+
t
zt
H2
t
H2
t
t
zt
+
+
+
zt
+
+
+
zt
zt
t
t
zt
zt
t
zt
+
t
t
+
+
+
+
zt
zt
+
+
zt
zt
t
44
t
+
zt
+
t
zt
zt
t
+
+
zt
+
+
zt
+
t
+
+
+
+
zt
t
—
zt
+
+
+
+
44
+
zt
zt
t
+
zt
zt
+
—
+
44
44
zt
zt
+
+
H2
H2
t
zt
+
+
+
zt
+
t
zt
+
t
-
t
Hr
zt
t
zt
t
—
+
+
+
+
zt
t
+
zt
44
+
+
-4-
+
+
+
H2
t
+
44
+
t
t
t
H-
H-
H-
H-
zt
H2
+
+
zt
_
zt
t
t
Hr
zt
t
+
t
t
+
+
zt
+
t
t
+
H-
H-
H-
zt
+
+
44
44
44
44
t
t
t
44
zt
+
zt
t
zt
t
t
H2
H2
H2
H2
H2
+
H2
t
t
+
44
44
44
44
Hz
±
t
+
6+
+
+
7+
t
H2
5+ 5-
Hr
4+ 5-
2+ 2-
+
5+ 4-
44
44
14+
1+
44
44
10+
+
Hr
7+ 3-
+
t
7+ 3-
2+ 1-
44
44
14+
Hr
3+ 3-
4+ 5-
H2
t
7+ 7-
t
5+ 4-
44
44
10+
+
+
7+ 3-
2+ 2-
+
5+ 4-
H2
5+ 5-
+
+
7+ 1-
+
+
7+ 1-
t
6+ 6-
t
6-f- 6—
+
6+ 4-
t
44
8+ 2-
H-
—
6+ 4-
+
t
8+ 4-
2+ 2-
t
t
7+ 5-
44
t
8+ 5-
t
+
7+ 2-
+
+
6+ 2-
44
44
9+ -
H2
4+ 5-
44
44
9+ 2-
44
44
10+
5+ 3-
+
+
6-f 3 —
44
44
11+
44
t
8+ 3-
t
t
7+ 7-
+
t
7+ 3-
t
+
6+ 4-
+
t
5+ 3-
1+ 1-
—
3+ 5-
+
1+
t
4+ 4—
t
4+ 4-
t
+
7+ 1-
+
+
6+ 2-
44
44
10+ 2-
«
3+ 3-
+
5+ 1-
44
+
9+ 1-
±
t
6+ 6-
H-
H-
7+ 7-
t
6+ 4-
H2
3+ 4-
t
H2
7+ 7-
t
1+ 2-
+
+
7+ 3-
t
5+ 2-
5+ 4-
44
t
8+ 5-
+
+
6+ 2-
44
12+
2+ 2-
3+ 3-
2+
+
t
5+ 3-
+
+
6+ 3-
4+ 4-
+
t
5+ 4-
4+ A—
1+
5+ 3-
44
44
14+
+
44
7+ 4-
SHORTS CHART
Short subjects, listed by Company, in order of release. Running time follows
title. First date is National release, second the date of review in BOXOFFICE.
Symbol between dates is rating from the BOXOFFICE review; ft- Very Good,
+ Good, ^^Fair, Mediocre, — Poor, = Very Poor. ©Indicates color photography.
± 4-5
± 3-22
Columbia
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
ALL-STAR COMEDIES
8433 Slappily Married (J. De Rita)
(16>/2) 11-7 ± 4-19
8423 Reno-Vated (V. Vague)
(1 S</2) 11-21 ± 1-4
8434 Moron Than Off (S. Holloway)
(17) 11-28 + 2-8
8403 Three Little Pirates (Stooges)
(18) 12-5 + 1-25
8435 Andy Plays Hookey (Andy
Clyde) (18) 12-19 ± 2-15
8404 Half Wits’ Holiday
(Three Stooges) (17|/2) 1-9
8436 Meet Mr. Mischief
(H. Von Zell) <17i/2). . 1-23
8424 Hot Heir (H. Herbert)
(16!/2) 2-13
8437 Scooper Dooper (S. Holloway)
(18) 2-27
8405 Fright Night (Stooges)
(17) 3-6
8438 The Good Bad Egg
(J. DeRita) (17) 3-20
8439 Bride and Gloom (S. Howard)
(16) 3-27
8440 Two Jills and a Jack
(A. Clyde) (18) .... 4-17
8406 Out West (Stooges)
(17l/2) 4-24 -f 4-12
8425 Cupid Goes Nuts (16).. 5- 1
8426 Nervous Shakedown (15'/2) 5- 8
8421 Pardon My Terror
(Schilling, Lane) (16'/2) 9-12 + 4-19
8431 Society Mugs (Howard)
(16) 9-19 ± 4-19
COLOR PHANTASIES
8701 Fowl Brawl (6) 1-9 +
8702 Uncultured Vulture (6) . . 2- 6 ±
8703 Wacky Quacky (6) 3-20
8704 Leave Us Chase It (6'/2) 4-24
COLOR RHAPSODIES
(Technicolor)
8501 Loco Lobo (6) 1-9 +
8502 Cockatoos for Two (6)... 2-13 +
8503 Big House Blues (7) 3- 6
8504 Mother Huba-Huba-Hubbard
(6) 5-29
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Prod. No.
Title
Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
FITZPATRICK TRAVELTALKS
T-713 Land of
(Technicolor)
Mayas (9) . . .
1-26
T-714 Glimpses of Guatemala
(8) •••
3-29
5- 3
4- 19
5- 3
2- 9
T-715 Visiting Vera Cruz (10) 3-16
T-716 The Mission Trail (..).. 4-13
T-717 Looking at London (10).
T-718 Over the Seas to Belfast
(9) 8-31
T-811 Glimpses of California
(9) 10-26
2-16
2- 9
6- 1 + 6-1
Paramount
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
GEORGE PAL PUPPETOONS
(Technicolor)
U5-4 Together in the Weather
(7) 5-24 4+ 6-8
U5-5 Jasper’s Derby (8) 9-20 44 5-18
U5-6 John Henry and the Inky
Poo (7) 9-6
U5-7 Jasper in a Jam (7).... 10-18 4+ 12-14
U5-8 Shoe Shine Jasper (7) . . . 2-28 + 2-15
U6-1 Wilbur the Lion (10) 4-18
U6-2 Tubby the Tuba UO) 7-11
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
RKO Radio
Prod. No.
Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
DISNEY CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
+ 4-19
T-812 Calling on Costa Rica
(10)
3-15 + 3-29
MINIATURES
M-783 Musical Masterpieces
(10)
4-20 44 4- 6
M-784 Bikini — The Atom Island
(10)
6-15 + 6-15
NEWS OF THE DAY
(Released Twice Weekly)
SPECIALS
A-702 Purity Squad (20).... 11- 3 44 10-3
A-703 Traffic With the Devil
(17)
8-31 44 9-14
A-801 Luckiest Guy in the World
(21)
1-25 ± 2-1
R5- 8 Riding the Hickories (9) 5-17
6-21
7-19
10- 4
.10-11
R5- 9 Birds Make Sport (9)
R5-10 Feminine Class (10) .
R6- 1 Race Horses Are Born
(9)
R6- 2 Dive Hi Champs (10)
R6- 3 Queens of the Court (10) 11-15
R6- 4 Like Father, Like Son
(10)
R6- 5 Jumping Jacks (9'/2) . .
R6- 6 Selling the Sun (10) . . .
R6- 7 Under White Sails (9) .
R6- 8 Iced Lightning (10)...
R6- 9 Making the Varsity (10)
R6-10 Running the Hounds (10) 7-18
LITTLE LULU
(Technicolor)
7- 1
6- 29
7- 20
10- 5
12-14
1-18
64,105 In Dutch (7)
5-10
-H-
3- 9
64.106 Squatter’s Rights (7) . .
64.107 Donald's Double Trouble
6- 7
+
6-15
(7)
6-28
44
7- 6
64,108 The Purloined Pup (7)
7-19
+
8-17
64,109 Wet Paint (7)
8- 9
+
9-17
64,110 Dumb Bell of the Yukon
(7)
8-30
+
5-25
64,111 Lighthouse Keeping (7)
9-20
+
1-25
64,112 Bath Day (7)
10-11
64,113 Frank Duck Brings ’Em
Back Alive (7)
11- 1
7-27
64,114 Double Dribble (7)
11-29
11-23
64,115 Pluto’s Housewarming
(7)
12-20
+
2-15
64,116 Figaro and Frankie (7)
2-27
64,117 Straight Shooters (6).
4-18
12-13
1-10
1- 31
2- 28
4-18
6-13
D5-3 Bored of Education (7) . .
D5-4 Chick and Double Chick
7-26
5-18
(6)
8-16
7-27
D5-5 Musica-Lulu (7)
D5-6 Scout With the Gout, A
1-24
44
2- 1
(7)
3- 7
3-15
D6-1 Loose in the Caboose (8)
5-23
-H-
5-10
COMMUNITY SING
8651 No. 1 The Gypsy (Leibert)
(9</2) 9-12 ± 12-14
8652 No. 2 It’s a Pity to Say Good-
night (Baker) (10|/2) . .10-10 + 11-16
8653 No. 3 Surrender (Leibert)
(9i/2) 11-14 -f 4-19
{654 No. 4 Pretending (Baker)
(10) 12-19 + 4-19
8655 No. 5 Rumors Are Flying
(Leibert) (9^2) 1-23 ± 5-10
8656 No. 6 Ole Buttermilk Sky
(Baker) (10) 2-27
8657 No. 7 The Coffee Song
(Leibert) (9) 3-13
8658 No. 8 I'll Close My Eyes
(Baker) (10) 4-17
8659 No. 9 Mr. Leibert at the
Organ (10) 5-22
TECHNICOLOR CARTOONS
11-30
5-10
4-19
+ 4-19
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
8852 No. 2 Looking Down on Holly-
wood (10) 10-3
8853 No. 3 Rodeo (10) 11-7
8854 No. 4 Skolsky Party
(10) 12-26 :
8855 No. 5 Movie Columnists
(9) 1-23
8856 No. 6 Behind the Mike (9) 2- 6
8857 No. 7 Holiday in Las Vegas
(10) 3-13
8858 No. 8 My Pal Rinoeye
(10) 4-10
8859 No. 9 Famous Hollywood
Mothers (10) 5- 1
SPORT REELS
8801 Army Football Champions
(ID
8802 Ten Pin Magic (10)...
8803 Hi Li <9i/2)
8804 Best in Show Dogs (10) .
8807 Tennis Wizards (9).
8808 Goofy Golf ( . . )
8951 Jerry Wald & Orch. (ll
8952 Maehito & Orch. (10'/2
8953 Les Elgart & Orch. (10)
8954 Ray McKinley & Orch.
(9/2)
8955 Shorty Sherock & Orch.
<S>/2)
8956 Buddy Morrow & Orch.
(9</2) 2-27
8957 George Towne & Orch. (10) 3-27
8958 Ray Anthony & Orch. (10) 5-22
SERIALS
8120 Son of the Guardsman. . . .10-24 ± 10-19
15 Chapters
8140 Jack Armstrong 2- 6 44 2-8
15 Chanters
8160 The Vigilante 5-22
15 Chapters
9-19
4-
11- 9
10-24
4-
4-19
11-21
+
4-19
12-12
+
5-10
1 . .
. 2-20
3-20
. 4-24
. 5-29
IUSIC
9-12
+
11-23
10-17
H-
12-14
11-28
+
4-19
U-28
+
1-11
1-23
5- 3
W-734 Lonesome Lenny (8) . . . 3-9
W-737 The Hick Chick (7) 6-15
W-739 Northwest Hounded Police
+ 4-6
(8)
8- 3
W-831 Henpecked Hoboes (7).. 10-26
W-834 Hound Hunters (7) . . • . 4-12
4- 19
5- 10
D6-2 Cad and Caddie (7) 7-18
MUSICAL PARADES
(Technicolor)
FF5-3 College Queen (19) 5-17
FF5-4 Tale of Two Cafes (18) 7- 5
FF5-5 Double Rhythm (20) . . . 8-23
FF5-6 Golden Slippers (17).. 12-13
FF6-1 Sweet and Low (19) .... 3-28
FF6-2 Champagne for Two (20) 6-13
NOVELTOON
(Technicolor)
5-25
7- 1
7-20
12-13
4-
EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDIES
63.404 Wall Street Blues (17) 7-12
63.405 Motor Maniacs (18) .. 7-20
63.406 Noisy Neighbors (18).. 9-20
73.401 I’ll Build It Myself
(15) 10-18
73.402 Do Or Diet (18) 2-10
73.403 Social Terrors (18) .... 4-11
+
7-27
9-17
10-12
10-12
4- 5
RAY WHITLEY WESTERN MUSICALS
73.501 Bar Buckaroos (16) .... 9- 6 ± 11- 9
73.502 Cupid Rides the Range
(18) 10-11
73.503 Bandits and Ballads
(17) 11-15
73.504 Buckaroo Broadcast
(18) 12-20
11-16
4- 1-4
SPECIAL
73,901 Football Highlights of
1946 (18) 12-10 + 12-21
FLICKER FLASHBACKS
(7)
P5-5 Goal Rush (6) .
P6-1 Spree for All (7)
P6-2 Stupidstitious Cat (7)..
P6-3 The Enchanted Square
(10)
P6-4 Madhattan Island (..)..
5-17
+
4-13
74.201 No. 1 (9)
74.202 No. 2 (9)
.... 9-13
10-25
m
6- 7
H"
5-18
74.203 No. 3 (8)
74.204 No. 4 (10)
. . . .12- 6
1-17
4-19
6-28
44
7- 1
74,205 No. 5 (8)
2-28
-4-
4-19
9-27
74,206 No. 6 (9)
4-11
5-10
10-18
10-18
4-25
+
4-
12-28
10-26
5-10
HEADLINER
REVIVALS
5- 9
6- 27
TOM & JERRY CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
PACEMAKERS
K6-1 Brooklyn, I Love You
(10) 10- 4
K6-2 Love in Tune (9'/2) .... 10-25
1(6-3 Radio, Take It Away (11) 1-31
K6-4 Try and Catch Me (9).. 2-14
K6-5 Brains Can Be Beautiful
44
5- 3
53,201 Songs of the Colleges
(15)
9- 8
63,201 The Derby Decade (22)
9-21
63.202 Russian Dressing (18).. 11-23
63.203 Twenty Girls and a Band
-+■
12-29
11- 2
(IS)
1-18
+
2- 2
11- 9
63,204 Sea Melody (19)
3-15
4-13
4- 19
5- 10
63,205 Follow That Music (IS)
1-31
2- 8
W-735 Springtime for Thomas
4-13
(9)
5-30
(9)
3-30
+
PARAMOUNT NEWS
W-736 The Milky Waif (7)
5-18
+
7- 1
(Released Twice Weekly)
W-73S Trap Happy (7)
6-29
POPEYE CARTOONS
W-740 Solid Serenade (8)
8-31
(Technicolor)
W-332 Cat Fishin’ (8)
2-22
44
4-19
E5-3 Klondike Casanova (8) . . .
5-31
+
5-25
E5-4 Peep in the Deep (7) . . .
6- 7
44
7- 1
W-S33 Part Time Pal (8)
3-15
4+
5- 3
E5-5 Rocket to Mars (6)
8- 9
4-
6-29
E5-6 Rodeo Romeo (6)
8-16
7-20
W-835 Cat Concerto (7)
4-26
-H-
5-10
E5-7 The Fistic Mystic (6)..
2- 7
44
11-30
E5-8 The Island Fling (7)
3-14
44
12-21
E6-1 Abusement Park (7)
4-25
44
5- 3
E6-2 I’ll Be Ski-ing Ya (8) . .
6-13
PASSING PARADE
POPULAR SCIENCE
K-775 Magic on a Stick (10). .
1- 9
44
2-16
(Color)
K-776 Our Old Car (10)
5-11
4+
4- 6
J5-5 No. 5 (10)
J5-6 No. 6 (10
6-21
8-16
4-
6-29
K-871 A Really Important Person
J6-1 No. 1 (11)
11- 1
44
12- 7
(10)
1-11
3-15
J6-2 The Sponge Divers (11)..
1-17
-±_
4-19
J6-3 Air-Borne Pastures (11).
2-28
J6-4 Marine Miracles (10)...
4- 4
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
J6-5 Moon Rockets (10)
6- 6
S-757 Fala at Hyde Park (9) . .
1-19
44
1-26
SPEAKING OF ANIMALS
S-75S Studio Visit (10)
5-11
+
7- 1
Y5-5 The Lonesome Stranger
(10)
6-14
+
6-29
S-759 Equestrian Quiz (10) - .
5-18
44-
7- 1
Y5-6 Be Kind to Animals (10
8-30
Y6-1 Stork Crazy (10)
10-18
-+-
1- 4
S-760 Treasures From Trash
Y6-2 Poocb Parade (10)
12-27
4-
3-22
(10)
6- 8
±
6- 1
Y6-3 In Country Life (9)
2-21
4-
4-19
S-851 Football Thrills No. 9
(9)
9- 7
Y6-4 They're Not So Dumb (8)
Y6-5 In Love (10)
3-28
5-30
4-
5- 3
S-852 Sure Cures (9)
11- 2
TWO-REEL SPECIAL
T5-2 Don’t Be a Sucker (IS) . .
7- 4
44
5-11
S-853 1 Love My Husband
37 Two Decades of History
But (9)
12- 7
(22'/z)
1- 4
S-854 Playing by Ear (10)
12-28
44
1-25
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS
S-855 Athletiquiz (9)
1-11
+
4-19
(Color)
5-24
4-
4-13
L5-4 No. 4 (10)
S-856 Diamond Demon (9) . . • .
2- 1
■±_
2-22
L5-5 No. 5 (10)
7-12
4-
6-29
S-857 Early Sports Quiz (9) . . .
3- 1
44
4- 5
L5-6 No. 6 (10)
L6-1 No. 1 (10)
8-30
12-13
44
11-23
S-858 1 Love M.y Wife But (9)
4-15
44-
4-12
L6-2 Swedish Glass Makers (10)
2-14
L6-3G.I. Hobbies (11>
3-14
4-
3-29
S-859 Neighbor Pests (9)....
5- 3
4-26
L6-4 The Stunt Girl (10)
5- 2
LEON ERROL COMEDIES
63.704 Twin Husbands (18) . . 5-10
63.705 I’ll Take Milk (IS) - - . . 7-19
63.706 Follow That Blonde (18) 9-27
73.701 Borrowed Blonde (15) . . 3- 7
73.702 Wife Tames Wolf (17).. 3-28
MUSICAL
FEATURETTES
+
73.201 Melody Time (18) 11-29
73.202 Follow That Music (18) 1-31
PATHE NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
PATHE SPORTSCOPE
64.310 Aqua Queens (8) 5-17 -4
64.311 Ben Hogan (8) 6-14 -4
64.312 Palmetto Quail (8) . . . 7-12 -4
64.313 Steeplechasers (8) 7-31 d
74.301 Skating Lady (8) 8-30 4
74.302 Hail Notre Dame (8) 10-18 d
74.303 Bowling Fever (9) . . . .11-22 d
74.304 Kentucky Basketeers (8) 1-13 4
74.305 College Climbers (8) ■ • 1-10 d
74.306 Ski Champion (8) 1-10 f
74.307 Ice Skippers (8) 3-7
74.308 Wild Turkey (8) 4-4
74.309 Racing Sleuth (8) 5-9
THIS IS AMERICA
63,107 No Place Like Home
(16)
6- 15
7- 27
9-28
3- 22
4- 12
12-28
6- 15
7- 6
8- 24
12- 7
10-26
12-28
11-30
1-11
4- 19
5- 10
63.111 Highway Mania (17)..
63.112 White House (17) ....
63.113 Northern Rampart (17)
73.101 Beauty for Sale (17)..
73.102 Germany Today (16) • .
73.103 A Nation Is Born (17)
73.104 Campus Boom (16) ....
73.105 San Francisco (16t .
73.106 Forgotten Island (18) .
73.107 Big Party (18) 5-2
5- 3
44
5-25
5-31
-+-
6-15
6-28
44
7- 6
(16)
4-
8-17
8-23
44
9-17
9-20
-4-
10- 5
10-17
44
11- 2
11-22
+
11-16
12-13
44
12-21
1-17
44
2- 1
2- 7
44
3- 8
3- 7
44
3-15
4- 4
44
4-26
12
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 17, 1947
g Rev’i
2-2
9-1.
5-il
4-2(
5-1?
6-1S
7-2C
S-1C
10-12
11- 2
11-30
12-2S
1-25
2-22
3-22
4-19
10- 5
4-i2
1-1S
4-19
4-19
4-26
5- '3
5- 4
6- 8
7-20
6- 8
6- 8
4-27
10-19
9-21
2-15
5-io
4-19
5-10
l\/To T7
Universal-International
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d
ANSWER MAN SERIES
2391 Answer Man No. 1 (10) . .10-21 + 9-21
2392 No. 2 Nature's Atom Bomb
(10) 12-30 + 1-
2393 No. 3 The Jungle Gangster
(9) 3-3 ± 4-19
2394 No. 4 Red Fury (8) 3-24 ± 5
JUVENILE JURY SERIES
2361 No. 1 (11) 12-16 + 2
2362 No. 2 (10) 3-31 + 4-19
LANTZ CARTUNES
(Technicolor)
2321 Fair Weather Fiends (7) .11-18 ++ 1-25
2322 Wacky Weed (7) 12-16 + 2-15
2323 Musical Moments (7)... 2-24 -ff 5-3
2324 Smoked Hams (7) 4-28 ± 5-10
2325 Coo-Coo Bird (7) 6-9
2326 Overture to William Tell
(7) 6-16
NAME BAND MUSICALS
1308 Takin’ the Breaks (15).. 5-22 + 7-1
Russ Morgan & Orch.
1309 Banquet of Melody (15). 5-29 + 4-27
Matty Malneck & Orch.
1310 Swingin’ Down the Scale
(15) Alvino Rey & Orch. 6-26 + 7-1
1311 Breakin’ It Down (15) . . 8-28 + 8-17
Del Courtney & Orch.
2301 Frontier Frolic (15) 10- 9 + 1-4
Bob Wills & Orch.
2302 Champagne Music (15).. 11-20 -J4 1-18
Lawrence Welk & Orch.
2303 Tumbleweed Tempos (16) 12- 4 ± 2-1
Spade Cooley & Orch.
2304 Moonlight Melodies (15) 12-18 + 1-11
Frankie Carle & Orch.
2305 Tex Beneke and the Glenn
Miller Orch. (15) . . . 3-26 -J+ 4-19
2306 Melody Maestro (15) 4-2
2307 Tommy Tucker & Orch.
(15) 4-9
2308 Charlie Barnet & Orch.
(15) 4-16
2309 Charlie Spivak & Orch.
(15) 5-14
2310 Jitterumba (15) 6-25
PERSON-ODDITIES
(Now Classified as VARIETY NEWS)
SING AND BE HAPPY SERIES
2381 Bit of Blarney (10) 9-30 + 10-26
2382 The Singing Barbers (9) . . 2-17 + 2-22
2383 Let’s Sing a College Song
(10) 4-14
2384 Let’s Sing a Western Song
(••) 5-19
SPECIAL FEATURETTES (2 REELS)
.201 Tiny Terrors of the Timberlands
(20) 6-26 # 4-6
UNIVERSAL NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
VARIETY VIEWS
.349 Dog of the Seven Seas (9)
350 Magic Mineral (9)
.351 Mr. Chimp at Home (9) .
352 Operation Holiday (9) . . .
.353 Mr. Chimp to the Rescue
(9)
.354 Mr. Chimp on Vacation
(10)
:341 Bear Facts (9)
342 Pelican Pranks (9)
343 Wild West Chimp (9) . . .
344 Rhumba Holiday (9) . . . .
.370 Lone Star Padre (9) . . .
.371 Artist's Antics (9)
372 Picture Pioneer (9) . . . .
SERIALS
81-1793 The Scarlet Horseman
13 Chapters
.881-1893 Lost City of the
Jungle
13 Chapters
2581-2593 Mysterious Mr. M...
13 Chapters
6-17
+
7- 6
7- 1
+
6- 1
8-12
7- 6
8-26
++
10- 5
8-26
11- 9
8-26
-+-
9-28
2-24
+
4-19
2-24
2+2
4-26
3-17
H~
5- 3
4-21
+
5-10
JDITIES)
6-10 +
7- 1
6-17
6-24
+
7-6
7- 1
+
7- 6
8-19
+
9-28
8-19
10-19
8-26
Hj
10-26
1-22
++
2-16
4-23
*+°
4-27
7-23
+
8-10
Warner Bros.
+
6-22
+
8-10
+
8- 3
-f-
9-14
-H-
10- 5
+
11- 9
+
11-16
-H-
S- 3
+
4-19
+
5-10
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
BLUE RIBBON HIT PARADE
(Technicolor)
2310 Little Brother Rat (7) . . 6- 8
2311 Johnny Smith & Poker Huntas
(7) 6-22
2312 Robin Hood Makes Good
(7) 7.6
2313 Little Red Walking Hood
(7) 8-17
3301 Fox Pop (7) 9-28
3302 Wacky Worm (7) 10-12
3303 You’re an Education
(7) 10-26
3304 Have You Got Any Castles
(7) 2-1
3305 Pigs Is Pigs (7) 2-22
3306 Cat’s Tale (7) 3-29
3307 Goofy Groceries (7) 4-19
BUGS BUNNY SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
2721 Hair Raising Hare (7).. 5-25 -H- 6-1
2722 Acrobatty Bunny (7) 6-29 + 6-22
2723 Racketeer Rabbit (7)... 9-14 4+ 9-21
2724 Big Snooze (7) 10-5 4- 12-28
2725 Rhapsody Rabbit (7)... 11- 9 4+ 1-4
2726 Hare Grows in Manhattan
(7) 3-22
FEATURETTES
3101 Okay for Sound (20) 9- 7
3102 Minstrel Days (20) 11-30
3103 Alice in Movieiand (20).. 12-21
3104 Dog in the Orchard (20) 1-11
3105 Keystone Hotel (20) 2-8
3106 Remember When (20) .... 4- 5
JOE McDOAKES COMEDIES
3401 So You Want to Keep Your
Hair (10) 12-7 ± 11-30
3402 So You Want to Play the
Horses (10) 10-5 4+ 10-26
3403 So You Think You’re a
Nervous Wreck (10) . . .12-28 ± 4-5
3404 So You’re Going to Be a Father
(10) 5-10
MELODY MASTERS
2609 Musical Memories (10) . . 7- 6 ....
2610 Enric Madriguera & Orch.
(10)
mc.vuj VI IVUlll
3603 Big Time Revue (10) . .
3604 Stan Kenton & Orch. (1<
3605 Vaudeville Revue (10) .
MERRIE MEL'
(Technicolor)
■H-
7-20
-H-
11-23
+f
3-29
-H-
4-12
+
5- 3
2702 Hollywood Daffy (7).
2704 Great Piggy Bank Robbery
(7)
2705 Bacall to Arms (7)
2706 Of Thee I Sting (7) . . . .
2710 Mouse Menace (7).
2712 One Meat Brawl (7) . .
2715 Scent- 1 mental Over You
(7)
2717 Tweetie Pie (7).
8-10
8-24
.10-12
.12-14
+f
4-1.9
1-25
+
3- 8
2-22
-4-
4-19
4-12
5- 3
>D£S
6- S
+
6-22
6-22
+
6-22
7-13
-t-
8- 3
7-20
+
8-10
8- 3
Hr-
8-24
8-17
“H
8-31
8-31
++
9-14
. 9-28
10-19
++
12-21.
11- 2
H-
12-14
11-23
H-
4-19
1-18
-+■
5-10
1-25
-H-
5-10
2-15
H;
4-19
3- 8
4-12
5- 3
. 5-10
5-17
++
SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
2005 South of Monterrey (20). 6- 1
2006 Hawaiian Memories (20) . 6-15
2007 Down Singapore Way (20) 7-20
2806 Adventures in South America
(10) 8-10
2008 Men of Tomorrow (20) . . 8-24
TWO-REEL SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
3001 Cinderella’s Feller (20) . . 9-21 ±
3002 The Last Bomb (20)-... 11- 2 ±
3003 A Boy and His Dog (20) . 4-26 4-f
3004 Saddle Up (20) 3- 1 +
3005 Song of a Nation (20).. 5-31
SPORTS PARADE
2511 Beach Days (10) 7-13
2512 Ranch in White (10) .... 8- 3 ±
2513 Dominion of Sports (10) 8-31 ±
3501 King of the Everglades
(10) 9-14 ±
3502 Lazy Hunter (10) 10-26 ±
3503 Battle of Champs (10) • . 1-18 ±
3504 American Sports Album
(10) 3-8 +
3505 Let’s Go Swimming (10). 1- 4 ±
3506 Arrow Magic (10) 3-22 ±
3507 Harness Racing (10) 5-3
3508 Flying Sportsmen in Jamaica
(10) 5-24
TECHNICOLOR ADVENTURES
3801 Star Spangled City (10). 10- 19 44- 11- 2
3802 Rubber River (10) 11-16 ± 12-14
3803 Kingdom of the WIW (10) 3-15 + 4-19
6-22
5-25
8- 3
8-31
7- 6
9-21
9-21
4- 26
5- 3
8-31
8- 31
9- 28
12- 7
5- 3
3- 22
4- 19
5- 10
SHORTS CHART
Miscellaneous
Republic
SERIALS
584 The Crimson Ghost 10-26
12 Chapters
691 Son of Zorro 1-lg
13 Chapters
692 Jungle Girl (rerelease).... 4-19
15 Chapters
Jesse James Rides Again. . . 3-21
13 Chapters
The Black Widow 6-10
13 Chapter*
G-Men Never Forget ....
13 Chapters
United Artists
DAFFY DITTIES
. . .©The Lady Said No (8) . . 4-26 # 4-27
• ..©Choo Choo Amigo (8).. 7- 5 44 7-20
. ..©Pepito’s Serenade (10).. 8-16 ++ 9-14
LOEW MUSICOLOR
...©Toccata and Fugue (10). 10-15 -H- 10-19
THE WORLD TODAY
. . . Wonder Eye (10) 5-16
m THE NEWSREELS
Movietone News. No. 72: High spot in
the visit of President Aleman; president
of France on tour of empire; Russian wives
wait to joint British husbands; tornado
wrecks town in northwest Missouri; Abbott
and Costello open youth center; bathing
fashions from Hollywood — don’t leave men;
Jet Pilot wins Kentucky Derby.
News ot the Day, No. 270: Thrilling films
of Kentucky Derby; inside Russia today;
Aleman's triumphal tour; strength of Gi-
braltar; Lou Costello's youth center; bon-
nets good enough to eat.
Paramount News, No. 73: Aleman sees
the sights; N. Y. C. pilot lands in traffic
jam; fashion news — Chicago says it with
hats; French president tours Africa; Ken-
tucky Derby — Jet Pilot wins in photo finish.
Paths News, No. 75: France's president
in Dakar; sumptuous club for Red army;
N. Y. cheers President Aleman; the Ken-
tucky Derby.
Universal News, No. 36: Record crowds
see Jet Pilot win Kentucky Derby; Mexi-
can president continues tour of U.S.; Presi-
dent Auriol tours French colonial posses-
sions; Los Angeles youth center opened by
Abbott and Costello; sugar cake millinery
novelties in Chicago.
•
Movietone News, No. 73: May day in
Europe and Japan; African natives dance
for French president; British royal family
sails for home; scientists sail on raft from
Peru to Tahiti; radar safety device tested
by Howard Hughes; French seaplane giant;
navy awards citations to motion picture
theatre officials; fashions in iurs; auto
Grand Prix; yachting regatta.
News of the Day, No. 271: New radar
ot Howard Hughes gives airliners seeing
eye; miracle healer rushed to U.S. from
Cairo to save millionaire; Palestine prison
blasted — British in big man hunt; May day
film reports from around the world; pei-
sonalities in the news — Argentina; hos-
pitalized navy vets design snappy hats.
Paramount News, No. 74: New airliner
safety through radar; theatre officials hon-
ored; 6 men on a raft; President Peron
hailed at wine festival; India — Mount-
batten visits throttled areas; May day
around the world.
Pathe News, No. 76: Royalty ends South
African tour; raft on 5,000-mile sail; dance
strikers in Congo line; May day pardes
around the world; healer ilies to aid;
steeple jacks repair tower; Ranier race for
silver skis.
Universal News, No. 37: Radar device
aids blind flying; May day celebrations
in Moscow and Trieste; modern explorers
set out in small rait to sail Pacific; African
natives perform for French president
Auriol; mermaids test waterproof hairdos
in L. A.; theatre officials receive certifi-
cates- of merit; porpoise roundup in
Florida.
All American News, Vol. 5, No. 238: Elk's
lodge chapter in Chattanooga, Tenn., puts
on a parade; Cecil Rowlette, brilliant
Negro lawyer in Detroit; drive for Negro
college funds in Chicago area; first Negro
graduate from Swathmore college in Phila-
delphia; Negro American League baseball
season opens.
, 1947
13
SHORTS REVIEWS]
Opinions on the Current Short Subjects
Movie Columnists
Col (Screen Snapshots, No. 5) 9 Mins,
Interesting. The reel features shots of wide-
ly read Hollywood columnists and critics.
Shown are Hedda Hopper, Edwin Schallert,
Harrison Carrol, Jimmie Fidler, Virginia Payne,
Florabelle Muir, Walter Ramsay, Louella Par-
sons and her daughter, Harriet, Grace Fish-
ier, Erskine Johnson, Virginia Wright, Len
Weisman, Sidney Skolsky, David Hanna, Joyce
Moss and others.
Behind the Mike
Col (Screen Snapshots, No. 6) 9 Mins.
Entertaining. Audiences should enjoy in-
formal shots of the nation's leading radio an-
nouncers. There is a lot of curiosity among
radio listeners to see these famous "voices."
Shown are Wendell and Ken Niles, Jim Ame-
che, Ken Carpenter, Ben Grauer, Harlow Wil-
cox, Ed Herlihy, Gene Baker, James Walling-
ton, Bill Goodwin, Ford Pearson, Ford Bond,
John Reed King, Howard Petrie, Lyle Van and
others.
Polo
Col (Sports Reel) 10 Mins.
Very good. Exciting action shots of polo,
as it is played by experts, should prove to
the public that it is a game requiring unusual
stamina and skill. Cecil Smith, top-ranking
polo star, demonstrates how polo ponies are
trained. Closing shots feature a thrilling
match between the leading teams of the U.S.
and Mexico.
Air-Borne Pastures
Para (Popular Science) 11 Mins,
Interesting. More informative than enter-
taining, this shows our government's efforts
to reclaim the desert wastelands in Ameri-
ca's southwest by scattering a hardy, newly
developed grass seed from airplanes over
the arid countryside. Shearing the Asiatic
sheep herds of their valuable Karakul fur is
also shown and, to make housewives envious,
the short closes with glimpses of an ultra-
modern kitchen with its marvelous new
gadgets to cut hours of tedious work to mere
minutes.
Like Father — Like Son
Par a (Grantland Rice Sportlight) 10 Mins.
Very good. Shots of famous father-and-son
teams should score well with family audi-
ences. Five young American athletes are
shown being trained by their dads. They in-
clude John B. Kelly jr., 19, expert oarsman
who holds the present international title; 10-
year-old Monty Montana jr., whose father has
taught him the intricacies of trick-riding; New-
ton Perry jr., five, who is rapidly becoming
as expert an underwater swimmer as his
father; Arthur Thorner, 11, son of Hans Thorn-
er, famous Swiss-American ski champion, and
Dennis Wilhelm, 12-year-old archery cham-
pion.
Under White Sails
Para (Grantland Rice Sportlight) 9 Mins.
Very good. Even if your community is miles
from the sea or a large lake, patrons will
enjoy these shots of graceful sailboats in
action. The footage was photographed at the
Noronton Yacht Club, Conn.; the Larchmont
and New York Yacht Clubs, N. Y.; and in
Buzzards Bay, off the Massachusetts coast.
Wilbur the Lion
Para (Puppetoon) 10 Mins.
Good. Wilbur, the veteran circus lion, is
retiring to his home in darkest Africa. On ar-
rival, he finds his friends resent his past suc-
cesses and ignore him. Wilbur is miserable,
until he allows himself to be recaptured by
a band of hunters, who turn him over to the
circus. Wilbur is happy once more, and out-
does himself performing juggling tricks for
the circus audience.
The Big Party
RKO (This Is America) 18 Mins.
Good. This colorful and interesting short
will give stay-at-home patrons the vicarious
thrill of a trip to New Orleans during the
fabulous Mardi Gras period. For the three
weeks just prior to the start of the Lenten
season, the city really lets itself go and the
natives indulge themselves by dressing up
in carnival costumes and frolicking in the
streets. The camera catches some unusual
shots of the street parades, the merrymakers
at play and the brilliant tableaux-balls in the
big hotels.
Ice Skippers
REO (Sportscope) 8 Mins.
Good. Thrilling scenes of iceboating on
Lake Winnebago, Wis., offer several exciting
moments. The sport requires skill and a lack
of concern over personal safety. There are
scenes of iceboat races, with frequent spills
adding to the excitement.
In Room 303
RKO (Leon Errol Comedy) 17 Mins.
Good. That always-reliable rubber-legged
comedian, Leon Errol, squeezes as many
laughs as possible out of the foolish and
familiar farce material in this two-reeler.
After some misunderstanding about a blond
who is seen dining with his engaged son,
Errol tries to buy her off with a mink coat
and then is forced to dodge in and out of
closets and behind sofas in an attempt to
get it back.
Straight Shooters
RKO (Disney Cartoon) 6 Mins.
Good. Typical Disney cartoon material in
which Donald Duck and his three mischievous
nephews run wild in a carnival shooting gal-
lery. Donald, who is having very little success
as a barker, entices his nephews to try their
luck. They break the clay pipes but are dis-
appointed at the small boxes of candy as
prizes. After they play all manner of tricks
on Donald, he finds himself being dunked
in the tank as the cartoon ends.
Playtime's Journey
20th-Fox (Movietone Sports Review) 8 Mins.
Fair. A series of sports events described
by Mel Allen which is similar to many recent
shorts on the same subjects. However, the
Technicolor camera gets some beautiful shots
of a summertime visit to the Palomino farm
of William H. Hill in Sellersville, Pa., and
the wide open spaces at Jackson's Hole, in
Wyoming, the one place where America's fast-
vanishing buffalo still roam. The short fin-
ishes with some exciting views of the famous
Engen Brothers skiing in the snow-packed hills
of Utah.
The Russians Nobody
Knows
20th-Fox (March of Time) 19 Mins.
Interesting. The 1,697 feet of film in this
latest March of Time short were selected from
the 15,000 feet shot by an official UNRRA
cameraman in the Ukraine last year. In ac-
cordance with UNRRA's agreement with Rus-
sia, the pictures were uncensored. Anyone
who expects to find any sensational develop-
ments in this film journey behind the so-
called “Iron Curtain" will be disappointed.
It is a mild, matter-of-fact account of the
Russians' efforts to rehabilitate their war-torn
land. There is great stress on the valuable
aid given by UNRRA to the Russians. There
are shots of people at work, at school, at
church and at their election polls. There is
an over-all impression that it will take Russia
a long time to recuperate from her war losses.
Wonder-Eye
UA (The World Today) 10 Mins.
Excellent. A fascinating study of natural
and man-made wonders as seen by a trick-
playing camera which travels from beneath
the earth's surface for a glimpse of the famous
sewers of Paris to stratospheric heights where
it catches glowing jets of gas blasted more
than 100,000 miles into space. In one se-
quence, the six-week battle between two
plants is concentrated into 60 seconds which
show the plant's violent traits. In another,
the X-ray camera shows tea sips entering
and going through a woman's body as she
swallows.
Charlie Spivak & His Orch.
U-I (Name Band Musical) 15 Mins.
Very good. Aided by the Stardreamers, vo-
cal quintet, Charlie Spivak and the band pro-
vide solid entertainment. The feminine mem-
bers of the quintet, Margaret Savage and
Jeanne Blanche, add interest. They sing “No,
No Nora," “K-K-K-Katy" and "Toot, Toot,
Tootsie," inviting the audience to join. "It's
My Lazy Day" is sung by Rusty Nichols in
an amusing manner.
The Coo-Coo Bird
U-I (Walt Lantz Cartune) 7 Mins.
Fair. Woody Woodpecker sets out to get
a good night's sleep before going quail hunt-
ing. He is annoyed by a flashing neon sign,
but when he ties the window shade to a radi-
ator the shade snaps up and tears the radiator
from its mooring. All is serene until a cuckoo
bird in a clock begins screaming at Woody's
ear. He tries to sleep on an automatic folding
table, but the table collapses and finally runs
off with Woody.
Let's Sing a Western Song
U-I (Sing and Be Happy) 10 Mins.
Good. The Gordonaires of Fred Waring's
Pennsylvanians sing "Deep in the Heart of
Texas," "Wagon Wheels," "Red River Valley"
and “Home on the Range." The music and
harmonizing are soothing. The lyrics are
flashed on the screen against beautiful west-
ern scenes.
Goofy Groceries
WB (Blue Ribbon Cartoon) 7 Mins.
Good. A novel Technicolor cartoon which
shows the various cans and packages of the
regular products on a grocery shelf coming
to life and cutting up outrageously. A fe-
rocious inmate of a box of animal crackers
breaks loose and almost succeeds in totally
destroying his neighbors but he is finally
overcome by the clever gag tricks of the
threatened victims.
Harness Racing
WB (Sports Parade) 10 Mins.
Good. This Technicolor short traces the ca-
reer of the "standard bred" horse from his
vigorous hours of training to the big day of
the race. Many of these superb horses trace
their ancestry back to Hambletonian, a great
sire of a century ago. Highlight of the film
is the Western Harness Racing Ass'n granc
circuit meet at the Santa Anita racetrack
in California and the camera gets some vivid
and exciting shots of the sulky races.
Scent-Imental Over You
WB (Merrie Melodies) 7 Mins.
Good. An amusing cartoon which has the
high-toned dogs in the Fifth Avenue fashion
parade showing off their fine fur coats. One
tiny hairless pup decides to borrow a skunk
pelt and then can't understand why every-
one shuns her, However, a real skunk spies
her and turns wolf to the point of pursuing
the frightened pup to a tree-trunk lair.
14
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 17, 1947
Opinions on Current Productions; Exploitips for Selling to the Public
FEATURE REVIEWS
They Wont Believe Me F Drama
RKO Radio ( ) 95 Minutes Rel.
Slick and brittle, with an emotional wallop that will have
the customers tense with interest and suspense, is this entry
in the cycle of new-technique crime pictures which has
been in vogue since "Double Indemnity." In fact, the
picture gives a new twist to that new twist and resultantly
rates high among the best of its ilk that have preceded it.
Such inherent worth, plus the fact that there are top names
for the marquee, seems gold-edged assurance of plenty
of business and plenty of praise from both critics and cus-
tomers. ^Produced by Joan Harrison, one of the trade's few
femme picture makers, the film is solidly mounted while
Irving Pichel's experienced direction keeps the engrossing
plot moving at just the right tempo to accent its suspenseful
and climactic sequences. Given such generalship and a
cleverly contrived script, the cast of sterling performers
could not escape splendid delineations.
Robert Young, Susan Hayward, Jane Greer, Rita Johnson,
Tom Powers, George Tyne, Don Beddoe, Frank Ferguson.
Cynthia F
MGM ( ) 102 Minutes Rel.
Economists are agreed that America's greatness lies in the
fact that its population is dominantly comprised of middle-
class families. Such statistics, plus a glance at the success
of similar earlier films, promise that there will be a limitless
and praise-shouting market for this screen version of Vina
Delmar's stageplay, "The Rich, Full Life." Unstintingly pro-
duced, limned and dialoged with flawless fidelity to atmos-
phere and circa, and magnificently enacted, it is the typical
story of the fears, frustrations, problems and — in greater num-
bers— the joys, loves and kindnesses of the average American
small town family. It is a prime example of the escapist en-
tertainment about which so much is said and too little done,
with nary an iota of message or preachment despite its com-
plete authenticity of detail. That it will be up front among
the season's hits seems a certainty. Dirested by Robert Z.
i Leonard.
Elizabeth Taylor, George Murphy, S. Z. Sakall, Mary Astor,
Gene Lockhart, Spring Byington, James Lydon.
The Woman on the Beach F Drama
RKO Radio ( ) 71 Minutes Rel.
If this one is successful in holding the interest of rank-and-
file buyers it probably will be because they are too busy
trying to figure out what it's all about to let their thoughts
wander elsewhere. Befuddled screenplay apparently was
making a pass at character study and soul searching, but
the picture never does make clear whose character is being
analyzed and whose soul is being surveyed. Adding to the
confusion which preceding sequences establish is an abrupt
and entirely inexplicable ending. Nor will the picture's gen-
eral appeal be enhanced by the fact that none of the three
top characters is a likable or sympathetic person. The pic-
ture is unqualified for the top billing its cast indicates. The
story concerns a blind former artist, his wife who hates him
and the attempts of her lover to prove that he is not sight-
less. Directed by Jean Renoir.
Joan Bennett, Robert Ryan, Charles Bickford, Nan Leslie,
Walter Sande, Irene Ryan, Glenn Vernon, Frank Darien.
The Trouble With Women F
Paramount ( ) 80 Minutes Rel.
An amusing and inconsequential farce comedy which will
satisfy entertainment-minded patrons. Ray Milland seems
wasted in the broadly drawn character of a mild-mannered
college professor, but his name draw, added to that of Teresa
Wright and Brian Donlevy, should insure above-average
grosses generally. Many of the situations are improbable
and repetitious and Director Sidney Lanfield frequently re-
sorts to slapstick antics to get laughs. The bright and
witty dialog is the picture's outstanding feature. The pretty
girl reporter on a college town newspaper is assigned to
interview the new professor of psychology whose book,
"Subjugation of Women," says that most women like men
to order them about. By using her feminine charms and by
enrolling in his class, the girl captures the professor's interest
until he learns that she is responsible for the articles.
Ray Millcmd, Teresa Wright, Brian Donlevy, Rose Hobart,
Rhys Williams, Frank Faylen, Iris Adrian, Lewis Russell.
Desperate F Melodrama
RKO Radio ( ) 73 Minutes Rel.
Usually reliable as an exciting, suspenseful motion picture
is the tried-and-true manhunt, which has been utilized in
several recent releases. Herein it is again employed and with
much effectiveness, considering the budgetary and cast lim-
itations of the film. Resultantly, the offering will add luster
to any double bill and it will not be a mistake to put it on
the top of the program in subsequent situations which accent
action pictures. Performances generally are competent and
convincing with top honors going to Raymond Burr as a
particularly menacing heavy. A newlywed and thoroughly
honest truck operator gets embroiled with mobsters who com-
mandeer his truck for a fur robbery. How he and his trusting
wife flee from the police and the vengeful gang chief until
his innocence can be proven supplies most of the plot and
action. Directed by Anthony Mann.
Steve Brodie, Audrey Long, Raymond Burr, Douglas Fowley,
William Challee, Jason Robards, Freddie Steele.
Northwest Outpost F “u»l
Republic ( ) 91 Minutes Rel.
Romance, music, Russian court intrigue and comedy com-
bined with a western theme, plus a substantial cast offers
wide appeal. Nelson Eddy returns to the screen after an
absence of several years. Rudolf Friml's musical score,
and songs by the American GI Chorus should draw classical
music enthusiasts. There are several melodic duets by Eddy
and beautiful Ilona Massey. Few elements of screen en-
tertainment are omitted, with rapid changes of pace from
romantic, to comic, to hectic chases. The ladies sport lavish
costumes. In the early 1800s Miss Massey arrives at Ft. Ross,
Russian-held outpost in California, to free her husband,
Joseph Schildkraut, from a penal colony. He threatens to
betray her father's plot against the czar. She and Eddy fall
in love. Schildkraut is killed. Allan Dwan directed.
Nelson Eddy, Ilona Massey, Joseph Schildkraut, Elsa Lan-
chester, Hugo Haas. Lenore Ulric, Peter Whitney.
Accomplice F
PRC Pictures (605) 68 Minutes Rel.
Another stereotyped answer to the demand for exciting
mystery films that move fast enough to keep the dual cus-
tomers interested. This can go on the lower half even in
de luxe houses. Richard Arlen in his role as "Simon Lash,
private detective," is roused from his book-browsing hobby,
proving most of history wrong, by a call from a former sweet-
heart, Veda Ann Borg. Her banker husband has disappeared,
she says. The rest of the picture concerns the search for this
husband, unearths a couple of murders, exposes Veda's
duplicity, and leads to a huge castle in the middle of the
Mojave desert run by a fantastic old codger as a crook's
hideout. Some comedy is provided by Tom Dugan as Lash's
stooge, Eddie, and by Earle Hodgins, combination crook
and town marshal and nephew of the castle owner. Good
scenic photograph. Walter Colmes directed.
Richard Arlen, Veda Ann Borg, Tom Dugan, Michael Branden,
Marjorie Manners, Earle Hodgins, Francis Fordu
820 BOXOFFICE
Killer Dill F
Screen Guild ( ) 72 Minutes Rel.
Without getting too far away from the action material which
thrives in SG's natural market. Producer Max King's initial
addition to that company's product lineup is first a satirical
comedy but pt the same time has plenty of derring-do, albeit
of tongue-in-cheek variety. The offering is a broad burlesque
of gangster epics of the lawless days when prohibition was
on the law books of the land, if not in the hearts of its cit-
izenry. There are plenty of laughs stemming from the basic
situation which has a milquetoast lingerie salesman suddenly
catapulted into the position of a public enemy. Stuart Erwin,
in his first screen appearance of many months, gives the
title role a fine-grained interpretation and the remainder
of the cast is sufficiently name-heavy and competent to add
materially to the picture's many other assets which make the
film a sterling companion piece. Directed by Lewis D. Collins.
Stuart Erwin, Anne Gwynne, Frank Albertson, Mike Mazurki,
Milburn Stone, Dorothy Granger, Anthony Warde.
May 17, 1947 819
EXPLOITI PS
Suggestions for Selling ; Adlines for Newspaper and Programs
SELLING ANGLES: "Cynthia"
Through the newspaper or a contest pick the most typical
average American family in your community and use them
as the nucleus of your campaign — prizes from merchants,
personal appearances, etc. Countless tieups are possible with
merchants serving the junior miss — most especially clothes.
For street ballyhoo organize a parade of high school kids'
jalopies with prizes to the owners who have the most hu-
morous inscriptions on the cars.
CATCHLINES:
You'll Hold Your Sides — But Have a Handkerchief Ready for
That Occasional Tear That Will Be Shed Over the Plight of
Cynthia With Whom the Whole Wide Country Will Fall in
Love.
The Youthful, Gay, Delightful and Delirious Story of an Ugly
Duckling Whom They Tried to Make a Hypochondriac But
Who Wound Up As Belle of the Ball ... A Brand New Star,
With a Brand New Love, in a Brand New Hit.
SELLING ANGLES: "The Trouble With Women"
Stress the fact that this farce comedy is a change of pace for
Ray Milland by using blowups of him as the bespectacled,
milquetoast professor. Teresa Wright is also a big marquee
name since her appearance in "The Best Years of Our Lives.”
The title lends itself to tieups with local department stores
or dress shops, etc., using dress stills of Teresa Wright on
ads or window cards, reading: "The Trouble With Women” Is
That They Don't Buy Their Clothes or Accessories at
CATCHLINES:
He Was a Professor of Psychology but a Pretty Newspaper
Girl Taught Him All About Love . . . He Came Out From
Behind His Books to Find That the Outside World Was Full
of Love and Laughter . . . When He Took Off His Glasses
She Saw the Devil in His Eye.
"The Lost Weekend” Guy and "The Best Years” Gal Tangle
in Some Merry Romantic Mixups . . . Watch Out When the
Mild-Mannered Worm Turns and Becomes a Battling He-Man.
SELLING ANGLES: "Northwest Outpost"
Though this is Eddy's first picture in some time his popu-
larity has been sustained by his recent radio program and
through record sales. Rudolf Friml music tieups and the
theme, "Hear Nelson Eddy's Golden Voice Again,” should
draw the musical crowd. For juveniles and action fans
the western elements may be played up. Tieups with history
teachers on the early Russian settlement in California are
indicated. The cast carries sufficient weight to be backed
by ads and exploitation for top weekend playing time.
CATCHLINES:
Wild Adventure in a Lonely Wilderness Outpost . . . Rus-
sian Exiles Condemned to Living Death . . . You'll Thrill
to Nelson Eddy's Voice . . . The American GI Chorus
Sings Rudolf Friml's Glorious Music.
SELLING ANGLES: "They Won't Believe Me"
In the lobby have blowups of the women whom Robert
Young, as Larry Ballantine the playboy stock broker, be-
trayed tacked on a board which is headlined — "He Wrecked
Their Lives — Which One Wrecked Him?” Start a contest
for the best written article, "They Won't Believe Me,” about
experiences people have had where no one would believe
their story. Publish the winning article in the local news-
paper. Do a radio “man on the street” interview with pedes-
trians, asking them to pass on Ballantine's guilt.
CATCHLINES:
He Was a Bad Husband ... A Bad Citizen ... He Violated
a Dozen Moral Laws ... He Lied ... He Cheated ... He Be-
trayed Those Who Loved Him — But Did He Commit Murder?
Whose Body Was Found in the Lake — His Wife's or the Other
Woman in His Misspent Life?
Women Could Not Resist His Fatal Fascination . . . He
Ruined Their Lives, But They Loved Him ... A Jury Found
Him Innocent of Murder But Fate and His Conscience Doomed
Him.
SELLING ANGLES: "The Woman on the Beach"
While the plot doesn't indicate it, a tieup on bathing suits
is possible because of the title: "You'll Be the Smartest
Woman on the Beach in a Blank Bathing Suit.” Offer prizes
for the longest list of historic triangles that brought tragedies.
Paintings play a major part in the story which should rate
displays in windows of art stores. Send a shapely gal in
scanty bathing suit through the streets carrying a beach
umbrella with billing.
CATCHLINES:
For Years This Ravishingly Beautiful Wife and the Husband
She Had Blinded Lived in a Strange State of Excitement . . .
Tender One Moment, Unbelievably Brutal the Next . . . Living
in Eternal Darkness, He Refused to Release the Woman Whose
Beauty He Could Still Envision as His Only Reason for Living.
Held by a Sense of Loyalty and Guilt She Was Wasting
Her Youth in a Man-Made Hell of Remorse.
SELLING ANGLES: "Desperate"
Because a man is being hunted all through the picture,
send an employe out on the street, having him stop people
and ask them "Do You Know Where Steve Is?" and then
hand out cards carrying theatre advertising. Tiein with mer-
chants and plant signs reading "You'll Never Be 'Desperate'
When Company Arrives Unexpectedly If You Trade at
Blanks.” Rig up an imitation electric chair in one corner
of the lobby and invite people to sit in it.
CATCHLINES:
Hard-Boiled Realism That Makes You Gasp — the Savage
Drama of the Coldest Killer Who Stalks His Prey Relentlessly
. . . Framed by a Gang of Brutal Thieves ... He Was Hunted,
Hounded, Shot at and Waylaid From Hideout to Hideout . . .
He Wanted to Protect His Wife and by So Doing Led a Life
of Endless Pursuit.
Her Flashing Beauty Brought Men to Her Feet . . . Nelson
Eddy and Ilona Massey in an Unforgettable Adventure . . .
Your Heart Will Sing to the Glory of Their Love and Music.
Fear Ran Rampant Through His Waking and Sleeping Hours
. . . For the Killers Were on the Move ... To Make His Wife
Pay for a Murder He Did Not Commit!
SELLING ANGLES:
"Killer Dill"
SELLING ANGLES:
"Accomplice"
A lingerie style show is featured in the picture. Try to get
a local merchant to stage one at your theatre; or, at least,
plant stills in windows of women's and specialty shops. In the
lobby erect an outsize salesman's sample trunk. Have the
door open to show the lingerie hanging inside and from
beneath it have extending the legs of a supposedly murdered
man. Stress fact it's Stu Erwin's comeback film.
CATCHLINES:
As with most other mysteries, the things to stress are the
exciting episodes which make for thrills and suspense. In
this instance, use stills of two motor cars speeding up and
down the mountain passes and around break-neck curves.
Also of the embattled desert castle where criminals and the
law shoot it out in dramatic fashion. Run teaser ads such
as: "What is an 'Accomplice?' You'll find out at
Theatre Friday night.”
Dame Trouble Was His Only Care Until a Murder Rap Made
Him Public Enemy No. 21, Who Wouldn't Kill an Anemic
Mosquito . . . Wanted by the Cops, Wanted by the Rival
Gang but Not Wanted by the Only Gal He Wanted.
It's Murder, and the Lethal Weapon Is a Continuous Belly
Laugh . . . When Mr. Milquetoast Decides He Has to Be
Rough and Tough to Get a Tumble From the Fetnmes the
Mobsters Run for Cover . . . Corset Cover.
CATCHLINES:
Racing Wheels . . . Bullet-Spitting Guns . . . Reawakened
Romance . . . Wanted by the Law, Hunted by the Lawless
. . . A Dangerous Woman Tries to Trap an Innocent Man:
A Detective in Love — With His Search for a Killer . . . Castle
Hideout in the Desert Till the Heat Is Off ... A Mad Dash
for Freedom, a Wild Chase Over the Passes.
HOUSE
The Industry's Market for Purchase or Sale of Equipment, Theatres, Service
• Classified Ads 10c Per Word, Payable in Advance. Minimum SI. 00. Display Rates on Request •
CLtfiRinG
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— USED
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— NEW
THEATRES FOR SALE
THEAT
Heavy Duty blowers, ball-bearing equipped,
15.UU0 dm to 50,000 elm, Air washers, all
sizes. Hydraulic drives two and four speed motors
and controls, immediate delivery. Dealers wanted.
National Engineering and Mfg. Co., 213 W. 10th
St., Kansas City, Mo.
For Sale: Two semiportable Simplex Projectors,
2M ft. Magazines, Amplifier and Speaker, $500.
Good condition. Victory Theatre, Marcola, Ore.
Sell — pair WE 35mm projectors, 2,000 ft., 000W,
30V complete; transformers, amplifier $250
A&T, Wickes, Ark.
Victor 10mm sound projector, Model 401 New,
factory-guaranteed. First check for $449 takes it.
Charlie Doorman, Schuylkill Haven, Pa.
War surplus souna outfits. Sharp reductions.
16mm UCA $149.50; Kelhowell, Ampro, Victor,
DeVry, $195 up. Amproarc HI, $1,295. 35mm
Holmes LI arc equipments, $1,295. DeVry HI
theatre equipments, $2,495; rebuilt super Simplex
RCA sound, $3,850; Simplex E7 ditto, $4,500.
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St.,
New York 18.
Fireproof booth shutters, S in sq., $7.97;
12x14 in., $10.95; General two unit II ticket
machines, $99.50; Brenkert 50A HI rectifiers,
$99.75; series O lenses, $2.95; rebuilt projectors.
Century, Brenkert, Super Simplex, at low prices;
Kliegel arespot, 100 amps., $125; footlights,
$14.50 section. Send for catalog. S.O.S. Cinema
Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St.. New York 18.
"As is” for sale, used theatre equipment;
cooling, electric motors, projection, sound, pop-
corn machines. List furnished upon request.
Malco Theatres, Inc., 207 Adams Ave., Memphis,
Tenn.
Practically new pair Brenkert Standard Intensity
Model E Lamps, 10% in. reflectors with Roth
Actodector, 30/50 amp. generator, complete ac-
cessories, just overhauled; guaranteed. First check
for $295 takes all. Best Theatre, Edinboro, Pa.
35mm and 16mm Sound Films and 16mm Sound
Machines and other equipment. Send stamps for
listings. Mertz Film Service, Springfield, III.
Will trade 35mm Sound Film for 16mm film.
What have you? Box 32, Springfield, 111,
Complete Powers equipment. Sound, projec-
tion, screen, in good shape. Edwards, Y2-3814.
211 So. Hampton, Dallas, Tex.
HELP WANTED
Wanted: Experienced theatre manager for per-
manent position. State age, experience, references,
married or single. Hudson Theatre Co., Rich-
mond, Ind.
Wanted : Experienced booker and buyer. State
age, experience and recommendations. Location in
Cleveland. Independent circuit. Excellent op-
portunity for young man seeking permanent con-
nection. Write Box 2724, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Projectionist (small town). Must be coopera-
tive. Milo DeHaven, Waterville, Ohio.
Excellent job for experienced theatre manager
capable of handling towns with two or more thea-
tres. Send applications and references to: Wallace
Theatres Circuit., 2701 21st St., Lubbock, Tex.
Theatre Manager. Not afraid of work, in Mis-
souri town of 20,000. Good salary and working
conditions. See or write Ed Hartman, 130 W. 18th
St., Kansas City, Mo.
POSITIONS WANTED
Projectionist desires connection in Carolinas.
Other locations considered. Age 42. Sober, re-
liable. References. Available two weeks notice.
Lucius Bateman, Stone Mountain, Ga.
Manager. Desires permanent connection with
reliable Independent exhibitor or circuit. Experi-
ence, single and dependable. Any location in New
Jersey. Excellent references. Write Box 2740,
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
EQUIPMENT WANTED
Used 35mm portables. Charles Finger, 54 Mc-
Ewen St., Warwick, N. Y.
SOUND EQUIPMENT
Late type RCA amplifiers, PA and soundfilm,
$49.50 up; outdoor metal speakers, $3.95 up;
closing out. soundfilm amplifiers, $29.50 up; sound-
heads, $9.95 up; Western Electric 500 watt drive-
in amplifiers, $295; new Multicellular Hifrequency
horns, $75; 35mm sound projectors, $125 up;
new theatre amplifiers, 10 watt, $77.50; 17 watt,
$95. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd
St., New York 18.
THEATRE PRINTING
Window Cards, 3-sheets, photo offet house
programs, heralds, passes, etc. Cato Show Print-
ing Co., Cato, New Y’ork, or Tribune Press,
Fowler, Ind.
Poster Cases — Stainless steel, 40x65 glass size,
equipped with cold cathode tube illumination
around entire case. Immediate delivery. All other
sizes, delivery in 10 days. Literature upon re-
quest. Ben B. Poblocki k Sons, 2159 South Kin-
nickinnic Ave., Milwaukee 7, Wis.
9x12 ft. silver perforated Lace k Grommet
screen. At sacrifice price. Academy Film Service,
2300 Payne Ave., Cleveland, Ohio.
New "Victor 60" 16mm Sound Projector.
Princeton Theatre, Princeton, Wis.
For Sale — 325 new drive-in car speakers, 4-in.
metal cabinets. Complete. Bargain. Box 241,
Plattsburg, New York.
STUDIO EQUIPMENT
BH Eyemo turret camera, $395 less lens; Eye-
mo bombspotter cameras, $119.50 less lens; 35mm
positive stock, $11.95 per M; BH Hispeed shut-
tles, $195; WE dynamic microphones, $39.50;
Cine Kodak special camera, with 3 lenses and
case, $695; New Bell & Howell sound printers,
$3,250; Fresnellite studio spots, 2.000W, $67.50;
new Mitchell 24V motors, $295; Neumade 16mm
automatic film cleaners, $135; new 35mm film
phonographs, $795. Send for latest stocklist.
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St.,
New York 18.
CONFECTIONS
Standard brand candy bars, $10.50 per carton.
Also popcorn and seasoning F.O.B Chicago. Con-
fection Distributing Co., 717 W. 119th St., Chi-
cago 28, 111. Phone COMmodore 1727.
POPCORN MACHINES
Burch — Manley — Cretors — Advances — All elec-
tric French fry types. Karmelkorn Equipment, 120
S. Halstead, Chicago 6, 111.
Rebuilt Popcorn Machines for sale. Fully guar-
anteed. Price from $150. Consolidated Confec-
tions, 1314 S. Wabash, Chicago 5, III.
Blevins is national headquarters for popcorn
machines. Silver Stars, Super Stars, Corn Cribs.
Old machines taken in trade. Blevins Popcorn Co.,
Nashville, Tenn.
Real Bargains used popcorn machines. Burch,
Cretor, Advance, guaranteed. Poppers Supply, Box
838, Atlanta, Ga.
Star popcorn machines. All models. Prunty
Seed & Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2,
Mo.
Lost concession lease. Sacrificing 10 Advance
Cretor and Burch machines (reconditioned). Free
supplies corn, seasoning, bags and salt when sold
will pay for machine. Send for list. I'. W. Little-
john. Box 231, LaGrange, Ga.
Manley Lifetime Popcorn Machine, like new.
Priced to sell. $385. Star Theatre. Natchez, Miss.
POPCORN SUPPLIES
Write for our special contract which guarantees
you more profits and greater savings on all your
popcorn and popcorn supplies. Blevins Bee Hive
Popcorn Co., Nashville, Tenn.
Home of "Rush Hour” popcorn and popcorn
supplies. Send for price list. Prunty Seed &
Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2, Mo.
Established 1874.
Popcorn: It pops! Our customers have popped
$133 out of one bag. Try it! Price f.o.b. $8.75.
The Ohio Popcorn Co., Arcanum, Ohio.
For Sale: Karmel Korn outfit complete. Gas-
fired dry popper. Copper kettle. Display table.
Complete instructions. Sweet Shop, 103 E. North
St., Marshall, Mo.
AIR CONDITIONING
For Sale: Cooling System — water washer and
fan, fan motor 7% H.P., fan blades, dia. 39 in.,
width blades, 34 in. Washer tank 7»/2 ft. x 42 Inches,
height of louvers — 5 ft. 3 H.P. Fairbanks Morse
motor and pump, all motors 220 volt. Fan and
washer not assembled. Priced to sell quick, $750.
•I. P. Lannan. West Point, Neb.
Brand New. Never Out of the Crate. U.S. Airco
Blower. 35,000 cfm, vertical discharge. One 7%
h.p. motor, 60 cycle, 3 phase, 220V, V-belt,
hydraulic controls. $750. Hollywood Theatre,
Eau Claire, Wis.
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
Bingo Cards, 100 or 75 number, $2.75 per M;
lots of 10M or more, $2.50 per M. 100 number
cards good for Keen-o game. Premium Products,
354 W, 44th St., New York City.
Comic books again available as premiums, give-
aways at your kiddy shows. Large variety latest
48-page newsstand editions. Comics Premium Co.,
412 Greenwich St., New York City.
Bingo with more action, $2.25 thousand cards.
Also other games. Novelty Games Co., 1434 Bed-
ford Ave., Brooklyn 16, N. Yr.
Theatres in the northwest. America’s frontier
offers more living and business possibilities than
any other section. You will thrill to this ever-
green wonderland. Outdoor sports, pay rolls, in-
dustrial growth, everything, investigate the north-
west this summer, now. We will advise best
routes, make hotel reservations and three full-time
theatre salesmen wUl be at your service upon
your arrival to personally conduct your inspection
of the theatre of your choice. Many, many list-
ings from which to choose from every section of
this favored area. Contact us now and take ad-
vantage of our exclusive theatre brokerage service.
Theatre Exchange Co., 217 Governor Bldg., Port-
land 4, Ore.
For Sale — 5 small leased theatres around Nor-
folk, Portsmouth and Newport News, Va., excep-
tional opportunity for experienced operator. Box
2729, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas
City 1, Mo.
North Texas town 1,450. Well equipped, only
theatre. RCA, Century. 1947 Manley. Showing
$10,000 yearly profit. Perfect lease. $12,500
down. Also very nice three bedroom home to
theatre buyer, $4,000 with terms. Permanent
retirement forces sale. Wonderful opportunity,
invites thorough investigation. Box 2727, Box-
office, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., K. C. 1, Mo.
Only Drive-In theatre southern city 52,000.
$500 weekly profit. $20,000 down. Box 2730,
825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Only theatre southern New Mexico town 2,500.
New building, equipment. Perfect climate. $23,000
handles. Arthur Leak, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex.
Small town, southwest Oklahoma; 175 seats
portable equipment, good condition; operating
4 nites weekly; showing profit. Other business
reason for selling. Price $4,000. Building rents
reasonable. Jim Mote, Box 91, Sterling, Okla.
West Texas city. 17,000. 450 cushion seats.
De luxe booth, RCA high lamps; action policy;
continuous. Neglected. $10,500. Terms. Arthur
Leak, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex,
Good Iowa town, 1,000 population. Building
remodeled 2 years ago; 225 seats. Good returns
for investment required. $16,000 takes all. Ken-
neth R. Hodges, Morning Sun, Iowa.
THEATRES WANTED
Sell Your Theatre Privately. Confidential cor-
respondence invited. References. Arthur Leak,
Theatres Exclusively. 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex,
Lease Theatre, 400-600 seats with option to
buy, New York City or vicinity. Tell all first
letter. Box 1004, 1009 Fox Bldg., Detroit, Mich.
$150,000 will buy or lease your theatre. Will
pay up to $150,000 for the lease or purchase of
your theatre, regardless of climate or territory.
Every reply will be contacted personally by our
representative. Box 2716, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Veteran — Buy (cash) or lease theatres in In-
diana, Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio. Box 172, Linton,
Indiana.
Want profitable theatre noncompetitive town
2,500 up. Prefer eastern Kansas, western Mis-
souri. Must be in good condition and stand rigid
investigation. Reply with full details. Box 2741,
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1,
Mo.
Oklahoma theatre wanted from owner. GI will
invest $14,000. Box 2738, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Lease Theatre, 400-600 seats, with option to
buy. Kansas City or vicinity. Private individual.
Box 2739. Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kan-
sas City 1. Mo.
Want to buy good theatre in Minnesota. Box
No. 2737, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas
City 1, Mo.
THEATRE TICKETS
Prompt Service — Special printed roll tickets,
100,000, $19.90; 10,000, $5.95; 2,000. $3.75.
Each change in admission price including change
in color, $2.50 extra; double numbering extra.
Shipping charges paid to 1,000 miles. Cash with
order. Kansas City Ticket Co.. Dept. 9, 1819
Central, Kansas City, Mo.
MISCELLANEOUS
Glazit with Glazore. Cleans and glazes lac-
quered, enameled, varnished surfaces, metals, tile,
glass, marble. Pints $1.50. Distributors wanted.
Write for particulars. Harry S. Cans, 326 W. 44th
St., New York 18.
SIGNS
Easy Way to Paint Signs. Use letter patterns.
Avoid sloppy work and wasted time. No experi-
ence needed for expert work. Write for free sam-
ples. John Rahn, B-1329 Central Ave., Chicago
51, 111.
SEATING
Several thousand used upholstered opera chairs
on hand. We are headquarters for the cream of
the used chair crop. We pick the lots that we
think you will like. We furnish proper slope and
sections desired to fit your theatre. Our many
years experience in the seating business is your
guarantee. Write for exact photo and price. We
have parts for all makes of chairs. Also, leather-
ette 25x25 in. all colors, 55c ea. Good quality.
Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829 So. State St.,
Chicago 5, 111.
Fensin Chair maintenance headquarters has all
parts and accessories for all chairs. Also uphol-
stery fabrics and theatre chair supplies. Send us
your sample for quotation. Repair service avail-
able right in your theatre also. Fensin Seating
Co., 62 E. 13th St,, Chicago 5, 111.
1,200 Used Spring cushioned theatre chairs,
$1.50 ea., and $3.50 ea., complete. Immediate
delivery. Russell Chair, 2567 McClellan, Detroit,
Mich. Rhone LENox 3445.
Leatherette: Standard run, first quality, as-
sorted colors, 50 to 54 in. wide, suitable for
theatre seating, sold by yard or roll. All orders
shipped within 24 hours. Leatherette Mart of
Chicago, 1153 Belmont Ave., Chicago 13. 111.
Phone Buckingham 0030.
Theatre Chairs, 3,000 used spring cushioned
part full upholstered back and part insert panel
back, with spring edge and box spring cushions.
1,000 veneer chairs, 800 good backs, 500 spring
cushions and hinges. Write for prices and photo-
graphs. Immediate delivery, advise how many you
need. We export chairs anywhere. Jesse Cole, 2565
McClellan Ave., Valley 2-3445, Detroit, Mich.
Sewn Delux seat covers and sewn slip covers,
reversible type, for all brands seats. Fred’s Thea-
tre Service, Vina, Ala.
2,000 good used all veneer chairs for slope and
level floor. These chairs have a 7 /16 in. back.
Will sell any quantity. Available June 1st. Chairs
located in Oklahoma. Write for photo and price.
Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829 S. State St., Chi-
cago 5, 111.
1,000 Heywood-Wakefield full upholstered
back, boxspring cushion chairs, excellent, $4.95
(rebuilt $6.50) ; 340 General full upholstered
back, boxspring cushion, rebuilt, $7.95; 200 ve-
neers, excellent, $3.95. Wire for list. S.O.S.
Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St., New
York 18.
1,623 American Seats, late model, insert panel,
spring edge cushions, immediate delivery. Also
255 late model American seats, full upholstered
back, spring edge cushions, 8 months old. Also
veneer chairs. Wire, write or phone, HARrison
4219. Ace Chair & Carpet, Inc., 1428 S.
Wabash Ave., Chicago 5, HI.
Why look all over the country for chair parts?
Send your worn or broken parts to us. If in stock,
quick service assured on backs, seats and brackets.
Original patented Patch-A-Seats available including
one quart of coating, any color. The original
Firmastone obtainable in 6 and 12 lb. boxes.
We carry a complete line of leatherette. General
Chair Co., 1308-22 Elston Ave., Chicago 22, 111.
For Sale: 300 theatre chairs, $2 per chair.
The Opera Block Co., Bellefontaine, Ohio.
*r%6e 'hJan.neci Qjou —
ABOUT NOT USING A BOX
NUMBER ON THAT AD YOU
RAN IN BOXOFFICE!"
BOXOFFICE :: May 17, 1947
&29
o Address copy to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Forms close Monday noon preceding publication date.
Based i
the nov
JIMMY J
Screenplay by George Bricker, Dwight Babcock
Directed by HENRY LEVIN • Produced by SAMUEL BISCHOFF
trfticm ms
f ® f
&!*
■ ■$/
Four years of preparation
are now concluded for
IN ALL YOUR LIFE YOU’VE SEEN
NO PORTRAYALS TO MATCH THE
THRILL OF THE UNQUENCHABLE
LOVE OF JOAN
A TREMENDOUS WARNER TEAMING/
DIRECTED BY PRODUCED BY
Screen Play by Silvia Richards and Ranald MacDougall • Based Upon a Story by Rita Weiman • Music by
Franz Waxman • Director of Photography Joseph Valentine, A.S.C.
WARNERS WORLD PREMIERE AT THE HOLLYWOOD THEA1
THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
PUBLISHED IN NINE SECTIONAL EDITIONS
BEN SHLYEN
Editor -in-Chief and Publisher
JAMES M. JERAULD Editor
NATHAN COHEN Associate Editor
JESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor
IVAN SPEAR Western Editor
J. HARRY TOLER Equipment Editor
RAYMOND LEVY General Manager
Published Every Saturday by
ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS
Editorial Oilices: 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 20,
N. Y.; Raymond Levy, General Manager; James M.
Jerauld, Editor; A. J. Stocker, Eastern Representa-
tive. Telephone Columbus 5-6370, 5-6371, 5-6372.
Cable address; "BOXOFFICE, New York."
Central Oilices: 332 South Michigan Blvd., Chicago
4, 111. J. Harry Toler, Editor Modern Theatre Sec-
tion. Telephone WABash 4575.
Western Oilices: 6404 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
28, Calif. Ivan Spear, Manager. Phone GLadstone
1186.
Washington Ofiices: 930 F Street, N. W. Lee L.
Ga'rling, Manager. Telephone NAtional 3482. Film-
iow: 932 New Jersey, N. W. Sara Young.
Publication Oilices: 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City
1, Mo. Nathan Cohen, Associate Editor; Jesse Shlyen,
Managing Editor; A. Jules Benedic, Field Editor; Mor-
ris Schlozman, Business Manager. Telephone CHest-
nut 7777.
Other Publications: BOXOFFICE BAROMETER,
published in November as a section of BOXOFFICE;
THE MODERN THEATRE, published monthly as a
section of BOXOFFICE.
ALBANY — 21-23 Walter Ave., M. Berrigan.
ATLANTA — 163 Walton, N. W., P. H. Savin.
BALTIMORE — Upton Theatre, A. J. Wolf.
BIRMINGHAM— The News, Eddie Badger.
BOSTON — Hotel Vendome, Frances Harding.
BUFFALO — 20 St. Margaret’s Court, Jim Schrader.
CHARLOTTE— 216 W. 4th, Pauline Griffith.
CHICAGO — 332 S. Michigan Blvd., Jonas Perlberg,
WABash 4575.
CINCINNATI — 1634 Central PaTkway, Lillian Seltzer.
CLEVELAND — 2568 Overlook Road, Cleveland Heights,
Elsie Loeb, Fairmount 0046.
DALLAS — 408 S. Harwood, V. W. Crisp, Southwestern
editor, R-2312.
DENVER — 1645 Lafayette, Jack Rose, TA 8517.
DES MOINES — Register & Tribune Bldg., Russ Schoch.
DETROIT- — 1009 Fox Theatre Bldg., H. F. Reves.
Telephones: RA 1100; Night, UN-4-0219.
INDIANAPOLIS— Rt. 8, Box 770, Howard M. Rudeaux.
LITTLE ROCK- — Liberty Theatre, Herod Jimerson.
MIAMI — 66 S. Hibiscus Island, Mrs. Manton E. Har-
wood. 2952 Merrick Rd., Elizabeth Sudlow.
MEMPHIS— 707 Spring St., Null Adams, Tel. 48-5462.
MILWAUKEE— 5091 Plankinton Bldg., 161 W. Wiscon-
sin Ave., James R. Gahagan. Telephones: BR 4938
and MA 0297.
MINNEAPOLIS — 29 Washington Ave., So., Les Rees.
NEW HAVEN — 42 Church St., Gertrude Lander.
NEW ORLEANS — 218 So. Liberty St., Mrs. Jack Auslet.
Telephone MA 5812.
OKLAHOMA CITY— 216 Terminal Bldg., Polly Trindle.
OMAHA — Omaha Werld-Herald Bldg., Lou Gerdes.
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Record Bldg., Broad
and Wood Sts., J. M. Makler.
PITTSBURGH — 86 Van Braam St., R. F. Klingensmith,
c/o Monogram Pictures.
PORTLAND, ORE. — YMCA, Jules Maitland.
RICHMOND — National Theatre, R. W. Eagan, 2-2567.
ST. LOUIS — 5149 Rosa Ave., David F. Barrett, Flan-
ders 3727.
SALT LAKE CITY — Deseret News, Howard Pearson.
SAN ANTONIO— 531 North St., L, J. B. Ketner.
SAN FRANCISCO — 25 Taylor St., Gail Lipman,
ORdway 4812-4813.
SEATTLE— 928 N. 84th St., Willard Elsey.
TOLEDO — 4330 Willys Pkwy., Anna Kline.
IN CANADA
CALGARY — The Albertan, Wm. Campbell.
MONTREAL— 4330 Wilson Ave., N. D. G„ Roy Car-
michael, Walnut 5519.
ST. JOHN — 116 Prince Edward St., Wm. J. McNulty.
TORONTO — 242 Milwood, Milton Galbraith.
VANCOUVER — 411 Lyric Theatre Bldg., Jack Droy.
VICTORIA — 938 Island Highway, Alec Merriman.
WINNIPEG — The Tribune, Ben Lepkin.
Member Audit Bureau op Circulations
Entered as Second Class matter at Post Office, Kansas City, Mo.
8ectlonal Edition, $2.00 per year; National Edition, $7.50
Vol. 51 No. 3
MAY 2 4, 1947
■MlriliM
SPREAD THE GOOD
/e
ECOGNITION of the greater need for
improved public relations endeavors on the part of the in-
dustry came from representatives of its various branches the
early part of this month. The occasion was the annual meet-
ing of the Allied Independent Theatre Owners of Iowa and
Nebraska at Omaha May 5, 6. First, Howard Brookings, presi-
dent of that organization, stressed the need for “more pub-
licity for the good work in this industry; less emphasis on the
goings-on of the Hollywood colony, which, after all are no
worse than the scandals of most communities, except that the
world's spotlight is always on Hollywood."
Second, Harold Field, independent theatre operator with
headquarters at Minneapolis, raised the point that “patronage
is absolutely incidental to theatre operation," adding that
“our (chief) business is one of public relations." Further he
said, if there is community cooperation with the theatre, pa-
tronage takes care of itself. In this he referred not to the “big
picture" days, but run-of-mill, 365-days-a-year operation. In
Mr. Field's estimation good public relations calls for doing
favors, not receiving them; taking an active part in local
civic campaigns; keeping up properties, not letting them run
down.
David Palfreyman, representing the Motion Picture Asso-
ciation; Leon J. Bamberger, RKO exhibitor relations head; and
Maurice N. Wolf, of MGM exhibitor relations department,
each touched upon different phases of public relations activi-
ties which complemented those points stressed by Messrs.
Brookings and Field.
In summary, it would seem to be agreed that the exhibi-
tor can be his own best public relations expert by making
himself and his theatre important cogs in the community
wheel. As for the rest of the industry, there's a very good point
in Mr. Brooking's suggestion of more publicity for the GOOD
work it does.
New Patterns for Old
Out of the welter of big talk about big productions, it is
refreshing to observe the remarks of Dore Schary, production
chief of RKO, who has reiterated his view on the need for
smaller, low-budget productions, sometimes referred to as B
pictures. Mr. Schary, who has contributed some important big
productions to the screen, earlier in his career demonstrated
his success in dealing with small-budget programmers, not
only from the standpoint of personal ability but from the point-
of-view of their values as entertainment, as well as in their
leading to the discovery and development of talent and new
ideas. Experimentally, things can be done at low cost which
cannot be risked at high cost. And, let it not be forgotten, that
many a designated B on the production schedule turns out to
be an A attraction at the boxoffice.
Mr. Schary, having been a successful screen writer with
a definite flair for the unusual in which he has successfully
demonstrated that a "thinking" motion picture can also be one
of entertainment, has ambitions for his company to shape new
patterns rather than follow those set by others. That type of
pattern-setting might serve to stimulate similar activity on
other production lots, with the resultant achievement of a
veering away from the stereotyping of story, character por-
trayals and all other earmarkings of sameness which have had
a detrimental business effect.
Anything that will contribute to breaking up that cycle
stigma which satiates public interest in certain types of plots
will render a great service to the industry and to the public as
well. Give the picturegoers too much of any one thing at one
time and it not only kills their taste for that particular thing, it
also kills their desire for the product as a whole. Better timing
on the releasing schedules would seem to be the answer to
that. But, even with the building up of huge backlogs of
product during the war years, the timing has not been well
applied.
Mr. Schary also had something to say about the heavy
type of film that deals with violence for violence's sake, namely,
that it is headed for oblivion. Gangster pictures, as such,
would not bring on the public indignation, if they were not
released all-in-a-bunch.
* *
Europe Bound
As you read this, we will be two days out on the Queen
Elizabeth, headed for England and France. The purpose of
our trip is to make a first-hand inspection of British and French
film production, with a particular eye cast in the direction of
the American market. We shall also look in on theatre opera-
tions in these countries in the hope of gleaning some helpful
suggestions for exhibitors on this side of the Atlantic.
In our absence a group of industry leaders will pinch-hit
for us in this space. These men, each representing a different
segment of the industry, have selected their own subjects with
which they will treat in their own individual ways. We are
grateful to them for having accepted our invitation to serve
as "Guest Editors" and we are confident that what each has
to say wjll be of great interest to our readers.
Cheerio and au revoir!
Pulte Seafo
Ted R. Gamble to Appear
At U.S. Tax Hearings
ATA chairman will testify on admission
levy before house of representatives ways
and means committee Wednesday, May 28;
considering over-all tax revisions.
*
UA Partners Get Offer
From S. H. Fabian
Proffer of presidency to exhibitor leader
followed by his proposal to purchase Pick-
ford-Chaplin shares, but it is reported they
turned thumbs down.
*
Scophony Antitrust Trial
Postponed Until Fall
Will await supreme court decision on U.S.
appeal of dismissal of Scophony, Ltd., of
Great Britain as a defendant; examination
by General Precision off until June 9.
-K
Warner Bros. Recognized
For Aiding Education
Bergen Junior college, Teaneck, N. J., pre-
sents annual citation to Harry M., Jack L.
and Albert Warner for educational shorts
and features.
*
William Wyler Awarded
AAF Legion of Merit
Lieut. Gen. Ira Eaker, army air forces
commander, cites Hollywood director for
“Memphis Belle” and service as motion
picture director with the Eighth air force.
*
British Oppose MPA Move
For Quota Extension Act
Various groups, including distributors,
labor and government officials say present
act is unworkable; proposal had been
awarded by Eric Johnston.
-K
Directors of MPA Discuss
International Problems
Special session for policy talks held prior
to westward hegira and dinner for J. Arthur
Rank, and in advance of Brussels and Geneva
gatherings.
*
Bernstein, Hitchcock Seek
Releasing Deal on Coast
Heads of new Transatlantic Pictures Corp.
leave New York Friday, May 23, to set
major distribution for “Rope” and “Under
Capricorn”; also seek studio space.
*
Louis Lewis Joins SRO
In Overseas Position
Becomes financial supervisor after resign-
ing as director and secretary of United
Artists, London, after 12 years with the com-
pany to take Selznick post in Europe.
MORE SUMMER FARE IN SIGHT
FOR THIS YEAR THAN IN 1946
Schedule Seven Reissues
From May Through Aug.;
None in Summer of '46
NEW YORK — Current speculation on
possible price cutting, business recession
and the amount and quality of forthcoming
product has industry members keeping a
vigilant eye on the boxoffice.
As far as product is concerned, ex-
hibitors will find more films available this
summer than during the warm months of
1946, according to tentative release sched-
ules of the major companies. A total of
seven reissues from MGM, Monogram, PRC
and U-I will help pad out warm weather
film fare during 1947. Between May and
August of 1946 no reissues were included in
the release schedules of any of the majors.
SOME LISTS INCOMPLETE
To date Columbia, PRC, RKO, UA, U-I
and Warners have not completed their July
and August listings. All pictures scheduled
so far for this coming summer total 115, in-
cluding “Duel in the Sun" from Selznick Re-
leasing Organization. A total of 139 films
was released by 11 companies between May
and August last year.
There are 45 films listed for May release
this year, compared to 33 available during
May 1946. During May of last year MGM
and PRC had no releases set. During this
current month there are four MGM films
and five PRC pictures available.
Most of the recent speculation has been
concentrated on falling boxoffice revenues.
There has been a noticeable lack of optimism
across the country. Both exhibitors and dis-
tributors are warning of boxoffice declines.
Neil Heilman, who operates houses in Albany
and Troy, N. Y., said boxoffice receipts are
20 per cent lower than last year. A survey
of theatre business by the Wall Street Jour-
nal indicates attendance has dropped from
7 to 35 per cent below 1946 levels. Carl Leser-
man, vice-president and sales head of Bene-
dict Bogeaus Productions, apparently con-
firms this with the recent statement that
there has been a pronounced decline in box-
office receipts during the past six to eight
weeks. He said this may be an indication of
a national downward trend.
While some industry members warn of a
slump, others insist good product is ade-
Van Nomikos Trust Suit
Dismissed by Court
Chicago — The suit of five motion pic-
ture distributing companies against Van
A. Nomikos, vice-president of Allied The-
atres of Illinois, and operator of seven
houses in the Chicago area, has been dis-
missed by Federal Judge Walter J. La-
Buy for want of jurisdiction.
The suit had charged Nomikos had
“under-reported” $2,000 in boxoffice re-
ceipts due the distributors on pictures
placed in his theatres on a percentage
basis. The suit was dismissed when
Nomikos’ attorney, Seymour Simon, ex-
plained the distributors since had ex-
amined the defendant’s books and had
found no basis for the suit.
Vogel Declines Oiler
To Become UA Chief
New York — Joseph R. Vogel, vice-presi-
dent of Loew’s, Inc., has turned down
an offer to be-
c o m e president
of United Artists.
In a letter to Ar-
nold Grant, at-
torney for UA and
member of the
board of direc-
tors, Vogel said,
“Your offer is
very tempting, I
admit, but I have
my heart and my
obligation with
Loew’s, where I
JOSEPH R. VOGEL intend to remain.”
The UA bid to
succeed Edward C. Raftery was made a
few weeks ago.
Vogel has been connected with Loew’s
since 1911. During his early years with
the organization he managed several
theatres in New York. He was named
vice-president of Loew’s in 1941. He is
general manager of the circuit outside of
New York and the Capitol and Astor
theatres here.
quate insurance against a decline. They offer
the assurance that a return to tried and true
showmanship methods and more emphasis
on exploitation will compensate for the post-
war drop in buying power.
In line with this there is a growing na-
tional tendency toward the use of premiums
and giveaways to stimulate business. A recent
BOXOFFICE survey showed giveaways are
being used most extensively in New Eng-
land. Many theatremen appeared ready to
start using premiums the moment business
takes a serious dip.
MORE ADMISSION SLASHES
Admission cuts have been reported in New
York, Oklahoma City and Milwaukee. The
downward admission trend was tried first
in New York several months ago when the
Paramount Theatre slashed prices. Since
then Fox Wisconsin Amusement Corp. has
announced a 10-cent reduction in afternoon
and late Saturday night admissions at three
houses in downtown Milwaukee; the Criterion
Theatre in Oklahoma City cut ticket prices
about 20 per cent; the Astor Theatre, New
York, reduced admission prices to “The Best
Years of Our Lives” in anticipation of a
“summer business slump”; United Artists cut
prices on “Monsieur Verdoux" at the Broad-
way Theatre on April 16, five days after the
picture opened, and dropped its reserved seat
policy.
Shortly after President Truman’s plea for
lowered prices, Oscar Doob, general theatre
executive for Loew’s, said there was no pros-
pect of admission cuts at the circuit houses.
Some exhibitors echoed the sentiments ex-
pressed by Arthur M. Rapf, president of the
Rapf & Ruden circuit, operating houses in
New York and New Jersey. He said he would
cut prices if the distributors cut theirs.
On the other hand there have been excel-
lent gross reports from other quarters. “Duel
in the Sun” scored highly satisfactory grosses
in 47 day-and-date openings in the New York
area during seven-day engagements. The fol-
Survey Indicates Theatre
Receipts Dipping From
Seven to 35 Per Cent
lowing week the picture was given 11 move-
over dates and five holdovers.
The Wall Street Journal quoted a Phila-
delphia exhibitor as follows: “People flock
to good pictures ... We are in the sixth
week of ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’ and
we're still packing them in. Our attendance
the past six weeks has been running 40 per
cent ahead of two months ago. Prior to that
it was 20 per cent behind last year.”
Reissues have been strongly criticized by
several exhibitor groups. Some blame reissues
for falling business. The Wall Street Journal
quoted one exhibitor as attributing the esti-
mated 15 per cent drop in theatre attendance
in the area to revivals. “People just don’t
attend the second time,” he said.
What seems to refute this theory are the
gross reports from the Victoria Theatre, New
York, on “The Jolson Story” (Col). The pic-
ture has completed a three-week run at the
house. It was released for a second time in
New York after completing the circuit of sub-
sequent houses in the city and after seven
weeks at the Radio City Music Hall last fall.
Returns from other second release engage-
ments in outlying communities also proved
profitable.
SPEED UP PRODUCTION
Another fact that apparently softens the
criticism of reissues is that Warners has
booked 150 first run engagements for its
combination reissue double bill, “The Sea
Hawk” and “The Sea Wolf.”
Reissues listed for this summer include
MGM — “The Great Waltz”; Monogram —
“Queen of the Yukon" and “Wolf Call”; PRC
— “Corsican Brothers” and “International
Lady"; U-I — “Magnificent Obsession” and
“100 Men and a Girl.”
The current talk of recession appears to
have affected production. Shooting schedules
are being speeded up to avoid wasted time
and effort. U-I is carefully avoiding plung-
ing lavish budgets on doubtful boxoffice at-
tractions, according to the Wall Street
Journal.
RKO recently completed shooting “Cross-
fire” in 22 days. According to the newspaper’s
survey this speedup in shooting time kept
the picture budget to $500,000, “about half
what might have been spent if it weren’t
such a speculative film.”
U-I Reverses Its Policy
On Selling to Purdue
Indianapolis — Universal-International
has reversed its decision to sell J. Arthur
Rank product for exhibition at the Pur-
due university auditorium, following dis-
cussions between L. J. McGinley, sales
manager for Prestige Pictures, and the
executive board of the Associated Thea-
tre Owners of Indiana.
The ruling now is that U-I will not sell
product to tax-free institutions where it
involves possible competition with reg-
ular exhibitors. The company at first
had not viewed the situation as a com-
petitive one, but apparently changed its
policy during the consultations between
McGinley and the AITO board.
8
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
EXHIBITOR DAMAGE CLAIMS HIT
$14,785,000 IN 12-WEEK PERIOD
AT A Continues Efforts
To Appeal the Decree
Ten Major Suits Are Filed;
California Exhibitor
Sues for $4,500,000
Antitrust suits against distributors and
affiliated theatre circuits, filed since
March 1, have asked for a total of $14,-
785,000 in damages — with the topper filed
during the past week by Simon M. Lazarus,
independent operator of theatres in the
Los Angeles area. He asked $4,500,000
from 11 defendants in the heftiest motion
picture antitrust suit ever filed in the
southland.
Altogether, the records show that ten
important suits have been filed with the
federal courts from New England to Cali-
fornia during the 12-week period. The
complaints, for the most part, run in the
same pattern — that alleged conspiracies
between distributors and affiliated thea-
tres and, in some instances, independent
circuits, have deprived the plaintiff of
product, forcing loss in earnings or the
closing of exhibition properties.
AN INDIVIDUAL TWIST
The Lazarus suit, however, had an in-
dividual twist to the charges leveled at the
distributors and two circuits. The exhibitor,
who operates the Rialto and Ritz in South
Pasadena and the Lyric and Monrovia in
Monrovia, claims that after he leased the
theatres he was refused films on an equitable
basis and was made to enter into a joint
operating pact with the South Theatre Corp.
and Fox West Coast, under which he was to
receive a salary and 49 per cent of the
profits.
In his suit he seeks to collect treble dam-
ages on $500,000, which he alleges the de-
fendants wrongfully obtained from him, and
an additional $1,000,000 for damages to his
business. Defendants include 20th-Fox,
National Theatres, Fox West Coast Theatre,
South Pasadena Theatres Corp., MGM,
Paramount Pictures, Paramount Film Dis-
tributing Corp., RKO Pictures, Warners,
Vitagraph, Columbia, Universal, Universal
Film Exchange and United Artists.
SCHOENSTADT SUIT PENDS
In addition to the $14,785,000 in damage
claims filed since March 1, distributors will
be in court within the next several weeks
in litigation involving another $7,200,000 in
claims.
On June 9, the $6,750,000 suit filed by the
Schoenstadt circuit against major distrib-
utors and affiliated circuits will get under way
in Chicago. The suit is based on alleged
losses in the Piccadilly Theatre during a five
year period ending September 1943. On June
3, the distributors will be in court in Phila-
delphia, this time on the offensive — for a re-
hearing of the Goldman-Erlanger suit, in
order to present new evidence. In their
petition for a rehearing, the eight defendant
distributors contended that William Gold-
man— who won a $450,000 damage suit — had
failed to bid or negotiate for a number of
films over a four-month period ending April
25 for exhibition at the Erlanger Theatre.
In the period since March 1, distributors
also have settled two suits brought under
provisions of the antitrust laws. In Green-
NEW YORK — The American Theatres
Ass’n, the Southern California Theatre Own-
ers and the Confederacy of Southern Ass’ns
have taken another step in their campaign to
appeal the antitrust decree.
The three exhibitor organizations have
filed a joint motion with the supreme court
for permission to intervene in the case. This
permission is necessary in order to permit
the exhibitor groups to appeal the decree.
They want the supreme court to eliminate
competitive bidding.
The organizations already have an appeal
pending against the decision of the New
York statutory court denying them permis-
sion to intervene.
As explained by George B. Brooks, attorney
for CSA, the petition just filed with the court
should strengthen the position of the ex-
hibitor organization as prospective appellant.
Precedent for direct intervention was estab-
lished some years ago in the St. Louis Ter-
minal case, he said.
The supreme court will decide the merits
of the latest legal move without holding
hearings, Brooks added.
He predicted that the court also would soon
decide on the motion filed several months ago
by the five majors to dismiss the appeal peti-
tions of the ATA, CSA and SCTO. This de-
cision should come before the court recesses
in June, he said.
Formalities of Appeal
Are Nearly Complete
NEW YORK — The defendants and the
government have completed another step in
complying with the formalities of filing a
supreme court appeal from the antitrust
decree.
During the past week (May 18-24) seven
defendants and the Department of Justice
filed what is known as a statement of points
to be relied on. Columbia had filed the
previous week. These points will be used
as the basis for arguments during the hear-
wich, Conn., Edward Peskay, operator of the
Pickwick Theatre, settled a $5,000,000 suit
for a reported $225,000; while in Detroit,
Joseph Miskini sr. and Joseph Miskini jr„
who operate the Civic Theatre, settled their
$1,200,000 suit out of court on a reported basis
which provided improved clearances.
Review of suits entered on court records
over the last 12 weeks shows this lineup of
litigation, in addition to the Lazarus case:
State Amusements, Inc., operating the
State Theatre in Bellows Falls, Vt., vs. In-
terstate Theatre Corp. and the Rockingham
circuit and nine distributors. No damage
figure named.
Shore Amusements, Inc., Milford, Del., vs.
the “Big Eight” distributors, Republic, and
the Schine circuit, $105,000 damages.
Brandon Community Theatre, Burling-
ton, Vt., vs. ten distributors and four ex-
ings next fall or winter. In addition, they
designated the portions of the 4,000 pages of
testimony and 700-odd exhibits to be printed
by the clerk of the supreme court for the
benefit of the justices and appellants. The
five majors filed a joint statement, the other
company acted individually.
Although the American Theatres Ass’n,
the Southern California Theatre Owners and
the Confederacy of Southern Ass’ns have not
been given permission to intervene, these
exhibitor organizations also filed a state-
ment of points to be relied on and designated
parts of the record to be printed.
Both the defendants and government in
choosing points to be relied on used the as-
signment of errors in the appeal papers filed
last February.
The majors covered price-fixing, clear-
ances, pools, theatre acquisitions and arbi-
tration. Paramount also added competitive
bidding.
Columbia covered conditional selling and
competitive bidding. Universal covered fran-
chises, price-fixing, clearances, competitive
bidding and conditional selling. United
Artists covered all these points except fran-
chises. The government covered everything
in its points to be relied on except arbitra-
tion.
The ATA, CSA and SCTO covered com-
petitive bidding, and also referred to docu-
ments filed by the government and defend-
ants.
Cost of printing the record will be shared
by the government and defendants. It has
been estimated that the printing bill may be
as high as $10,000.
All that now remains in completing the
appeal procedure is for the court to formally
notify the appellants that it has taken juris-
diction in the case, set a hearing date and
receive 40 copies of their briefs three weeks
before the hearing.
The court is expected to send out the
jurisdiction notice before it recesses next
month.
hibitors, $1,400,000 damages.
David N. Green, operating the Beacon
Theatre, Pittsburgh, vs. 15 distributing and
theatre operating companies, $450,000 dam-
ages.
New Rio Theatre, Chicago, vs. ten dis-
tributors, Balaban and Katz Corp. and War-
ner Bros. Theatres, $1,200,000 damages.
Walter Reade, New Jersey operator, vs.
all majors and four exhibition companies,
$3,900,000.
Dickinson circuit, Mission, Kas., vs. dis-
tributors, Fox Midwest, National Theatres
and others, $1,575,000.
Syufy interests, operating Rita and Victory
Theatres, Vallejo, Calif., vs. distributors and
Fox West Coast Theatres, $1,050,000 damages.
Menasha Theatre Corp., Menasha, Wis.,
$600,000 damages, from distributors and Fox
Wisconsin circuit.
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
9
$2,000,000 Pledged to Foundation
NEW YORK— Although still in its
swaddling clothes. Motion Picture Foun-
dation is developing into a lusty young-
ster, with announcement by national
headquarters this week that the industry’s
welfare organization has already been
pledged considerably more than $2,000,-
000 of the $10,000,000 figure set as a goal
by 1949.
Paramount Pictures, through its presi-
dent, Barney Balaban, has pledged $500,000
to the Foundation, this announcement
having been first made by E. V. Richards jr.
of New Orleans last weekend at the Los
Angeles convention of Variety Clubs Inter-
national. Richards made a plea for Variety
members everywhere to get firmly behind
the Foundation’s drive for the initial fund
of $10,000,000. Through the E. V. Richards
Foundation, the Orleanian has given $50,000,
and there have been several additional
pledges of similar amounts.
The Foundation also came into the lime-
light last weekend at a meeting of Motion
Picture Associates in the ballroom of New
York’s Waldorf-Astoria. There 700 topflight
industry folk had gathered to see Samuel
Rinzler receive the 1947 Beacon award. They
also heard Leonard H. Goldenson, vice-
president of Paramount, predict that the
Foundation will blaze a trail in industrial
relations, and that the eyes of the world’s
other great industries are on the great
humanitarian project undertaken by motion
picture interests.
He said that within five years the Founda-
tion will assume “the most honored place
in our industry,” adding that the common
meeting ground thus created will serve to
bury “differences which sometimes divide
us.”
Goldenson also discussed the possibility of
a merger with Motion Picture Associates, de-
claring that any such plans would await the
meeting of national trustees of MPF, due
for the near future, or when all of the 31 ex-
change areas shall have been organized.
Only a few territories have not been organ-
ized, but these are rapidly approaching that
status.
The Minneapolis exchange area elected a
permanent MPF panel this week, which was
to meet later and select a chairman, area
trustee and a welfare subcommittee. Elected
to two-year terms were Harry French,
Charles Winchell, Art Anderson, LeRoy J.
Miller, Walter Palm, Bennie Berger, Eddie
Ruben and William Elson. One-year mem-
bers are W. H. Workman, Tom Burke, Mait-
land Frosch, T. E. Mortenson, Harold Field,
Ernie Peaslee, Henry Greene and Leo Peter-
son.
Des Moines will select a panel at a meet-
ing called by the co-chairmen, A. H. Blank
and Leo F. Wolcott, for 10 a. m. Monday,
May 26, in the 20th-Fox projection room.
One of the speakers will be A. Jules Benedic,
member of the Kansas City panel, who has
attended numerous organization meetings.
Salt Lake City has broadcast invitations to
industry figures all over the country to at-
tend that exchange area’s exhibitor-dis-
tributor roundup June 10-12. Formation of
a Foundation panel possibly will be effected
the first day of the celebration. Sam Gil-
lette of Tooele, Utah, is temporary Founda-
tion chairman in that area.
All Facets of Industry Represented at Minneapolis Foundation Conference
INTERESTED— (L to R) George Granstrom,
St. Paul; Arthur Goldberg, Chicago; C. W.
Perrine, Minnesota Amusement; John Bala-
ban; L. J. Ludwig, Jamestown, N. D., E. A.
Peaslee, Stillwater, Minn., (seated) Clem Ja-
necki, Delano, Minn., all exhibitors.
JOIN HANDS — Walter Haesley, Roches-
ter, Minn., projectionists union; Balaban;
Frank Gullingsrud, veteran stagehand of
the Norshor Theatre, Duluth; and Irving
Austin, representing the stagehands union
in Superior, Wis.
ASSURING— Stan Kane, of North Cen-
tral Allied; Ben Berger, of the Berger
circuit; Balaban; and Harry French,
president of the Minnesota Amusement
Co. Berger heads the NCA and his sup-
port assures independent backing.
Film Leaders Back D of J Freedom Train Program
WASHINGTON — Motion picture industry
leading figures played an important role here
this week at a White House conference called
by Att’y Gen. Tom Clark, to lay plans for a
“year of rededication” to bring about a greater
awareness of the privileges we enjoy as Amer-
ican citizens. The meeting was attended by
over 125 leaders of American industry, labor,
religion, youth, veterans and communications,
who traveled to the conference from every
part of United States.
Opening the conference, Tom Clark an-
nounced the formation of the American Her-
itage Foundation by leading private citizens
for the purpose of organizing the American
Heritage program and inaugurating the Free-
dom Train to administer the forthcoming
“year of rededication.” This year will mark
a program on national and community levels
intended to rally the American people in an
inspiration and education program of un-
precedented scope, to dramatize the American
way of life and the American heritage of free-
dom, and, most importantly, to help raise the
level of active citizenship.
Louis A. Novins, vice-president and secre-
tary of the Foundation, and also a special
assistant to Barney Balaban of Paramount,
made one of the principal speeches in which
he said, “Motion picture trailers will herald
the coming of the Community Rededication
week a few weeks in advance. During the
week a powerful documentary film highlight-
ing the American Heritage will be made
available to motion picture theatres.”
Eric Johnston, president of MPA, spoke
and said the Freedom Train will help to make
our great experiment in democracy a success
and, “only through the extension of this ex-
periment will we have eventual peace in the
world.”
In unfolding plans for the tour of the
Fx-eedom Train and the multiple campaigns
attendant upon its visiting the 200 cities,
Louis Novins explained the plan to use all
media of education, communications and
community participation in a national pro-
gram. The Foundation’s plan will consist of
three phases, all merging in a unified pattern,
Novins said. First phase will be the tour of
the Freedom Train, second will be the re-
dedication weeks throughout the nation, of
which the Freedom Train will be the climactic
event, third will be the continuing national
education pi'ogram utilizing every medium for
a full year’s duration, all programs for mass
participation. “Each rededication week can be
a week’s revival meeting for American democ-
racy,” Novins said.
The train, which will carry 150 historic
documents including the Constitution, Declar-
ation of Independence and Washington’s fare-
well address, will leave Philadelphia Sept. 17.
1947, which is the 160th anniversary of the
adoption and signing of the Constitution.
Among the most auspicious list of citizens
ever to attend a gathei'ing in Washington
were the following motion picture industry
leaders; Edward Arnold, Barney Balaban,
Irving Bei'lin, Carter Bai'ron, Ned Depinet,
Eric Johnston, Jack Kirsch, Louis Novins,
David Selznick, Spyros Skouras, Albert
Warner, Fred Wehrenberg, Lawrence Tibbett
and Si Fabian.
10
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
HAVE YOU GOT
TROUBLE
WITH
If you haven’t, brother, it’s time
you did. Because here’s the
picture that lifts the lid on The
Trouble With Women .
ok now, Professor
nd...but your student
Teresa's having the best
time of her life since her
smash performance in "The
Best Years Of Our Lives."
.
Ray’s in stride on the
laughter side as a profes-
sor who writes on “How
To Tame Women”—
then gets a lesson in
caressin’ from his prize
pupil, Teresa!
1 .
with
ROSE HOBART - CHARLES SMITH
LEWIS RUSSELL
IRIS ADRIAN • FRANK FAYLEN
Directed by SIDNEY LANFIELD
Screen Play bv Arthur Sheekman^Produced by Harry Tugend
"0 .K. , Prof. . . So
you know women
like a book. . .But
how do you explain
that student
under the cover?"
■
"The Trouble With Women"
Paramount’s
Hilarious Harbinger of
These Sensational July and August Hits:
THE PERILS OF PAULINE In Technicolor
DEAR RUTH
WELCOME STRANGER
Hal Wallis' DESER T FURY In Technicolor
TAR IE TY GIRL
With 4 Dozen Stars!
URl
Jack Benny Makes Presentation^^1 ■ ■ ■ j
Modern Theatre Plaque
Presented to B & K
Variety Heart Award
Given Minneapolis
LOS ANGELES — Minneapolis Tent 12 was
chosen to be the recipient of the annual
Heart award for its work in raising $300,000
for establishment of a 100-bed hospital at
the University of Minnesota at the closing
sessions of Variety Clubs International con-
vention here. Honorable mention went to
Grand Rapids Tent 27 for its meritorious
work in checking juvenile delinquency in that
city.
ALL BUT ONE RE-ELECTED
All officers, with one exception, were re-
elected to serve another year. Although R. J.
O’Donnell had asked to be relieved of his
position as chief barker, he was drafted for
another term. The lone newcomer among the
officers is Jack Bereson of Philadelphia,
chosen property master to succeed William
K. Jenkins of Atlanta.
Miami was selected as the 1948 convention
city.
It was reported to the convention that
Paramount’s forthcoming release, “Variety
Girl,” will be made available to individual
clubs to be used as a means for them to raise
funds by staging gala premieres of the pic-
ture in their respective communities. For
this purpose, the week of August 29 has been
named by Paramount as Variety week and
the company plans to back up the proposed
multicity premieres with national advertis-
ing campaigns and exploitation helps. Plans
for the week and the part it can play in in-
dividual club’s campaigns were outlined to
the convention by Charles Reagan, Para-
mount distribution chief. At the same time,
George Dembow, National Screen Service,
stated that free trailers and other acces-
sories for the premieres would be made avail-
able by his company.
FILM ALBUM FROM SIMPP
Prom the Society of Independent Motion
Picture Producers, Variety is to receive an
album of motion picture footage furnishing
complete pictorial coverage of the convention.
Every event of importance during the annual
conclave was filmed by newsreel cameramen
and the exposed film will be edited to supply
a concise celluloid history of the convention.
Variety Clubs to Honor
Will Rogers' Memory
OKLAHOMA CITY — Variety Clubs Inter-
national will honor the memory of Will
Rogers, “world’s greatest showman,” with
ceremonies of nationwide significance mark-
ing presentation of a plaque at the Will
Rogers memorial building in Claremore.
These ceremonies are planned within the
next eight months, according to Horace
Falls, who has just returned from the meet-
ing of VCI in Hollywood, where a resolu-
tion to honor the departed Oklahoman was
passed unanimously.
The event will be attended by outstanding
entertainers who were close personal friends
of Rogers. A banquet for visiting celebrities
and delegates from the nation’s Variety tents
will be held in Tulsa the night of the day
that the plaque is unveiled.
Grant Gets Runyon Rights
HOLLYWOOD — Marshall Grant Pictures,
Inc., has purchased film rights to the life of
Damon Runyon from Damon Runyon jr.
William D. Saltiel, chairman of the board of
the film company, and Marshall Grant,
president, represented their organization.
Ten per cent of the earnings of the film will
go to the Damon Runyon Memorial Fund for
cancer research. Grant also will give $25,000
to the fund on the day production starts.
CHICAGO — With considerable fanfare, and
with Jack Benny making the presentation,
the first annual “pioneer” award of the
Modern Theatre section of BOXOFFICE was
formally given to Balaban and Katz in recog-
nition of 30 years leadership in introducing
and developing year-’round air conditioning
in motion picture theatres.
John Balaban, Chicago head of the B&K
circuit, accepted the award for the company
and Benny took time out from his heavy
round of activities to make the presentation
in behalf of J. Harry Toler, editor of The
Modern Theatre. The event was recorded
by an impressive battery of photographers
and editors representing all of Chicago’s
daily newspapers who jammed their way into
Balaban’s oak-paneled office overlooking
busy State street, atop the Chicago theatre.
It was fitting that Benny should have made
the presentation because it was he who pre-
sided at the Academy award ceremony in
Hollywood several months ago. The come-
dian recalled the “insufferable” days of the
theatre when vaudeville entertainers worked
40 weeks and nearly starved the remaining
12 because many theatres had to close for
the summer. It was in 1917 that Barney
Balaban took steps to change this condition
and introduced air conditioning in B&K’s
first de luxe theatre, the Central Park. Since
then, the circuit has led the “march of tern-
Mayer and Lavery
HOLLYWOOD — Leaving nothing in its
wake but a crop of innuendos, a few scat-
tered protests and little Of fear and trem-
bling, Hollywood’s most recent witch hunt
has come to an end. Returned to the na-
tion’s capital were Rep. J. Parnell Thomas
and the other members of his entourage,
which on behalf of the house committee on
un-American activities spent ten days in the
film capital gathering testimony on alleged
Communistic activities by Hollywoodians.
Most noteworthy of the reactions to the
probe came from Louis B. Mayer, studio chief
at MGM, as a result of reported testimony by
Actor Robert Taylor who appeared as one
of the latter-day witnesses before the Thomas
ferreting board. Mummer Taylor reportedly
testified that he had been pressured by a
“representative of the War Production board”
into accepting the male lead in Metro’s “Song
of Russia.” Widespread publicity on the Tay-
lor testimony spurred Head Man Mayer into
stating:
“I am assuming that the excitement grow-
ing out of Robert Taylor’s appearance before
the house un-American activities committee
was due to the mistaken belief that the film,
‘Song of Russia,’ was Communistic in plot
and action. The film is at the studio un-
changed since it was released in 1943 and
subsequently shown throughout a large por-
tion of the world. I would like to have the
members of the committee see it and decide
for themselves if it is Communistic.
“ ‘Song of Russia’ is simply a love story
about an American symphony conductor who
was invited to Russia to direct a series of
concerts. While there he met a young Rus-
sian girl, a music student, and they fell in
perature” to its present high point of effi-
ciency.
The “Pioneer” award is the first of a series
of annual presentations to be made by the
Modern Theatre section of BOXOFFICE as a
means of recognizing leadership in the field
of theatre maintenance and construction.
All of Chicago’s film critics were present
at the ceremony, among them being Anna
Nangle, the Tribune’s Mae Tinee; Ann Mar-
sters, Herald- American; Sam Lesner, Daily
News; Doris Arden, Times, and Henry Mur-
dock, Chicago Sun. In addition, William K.
Hollander, director of publicity and adver-
tising for B&K; Dave Balaban and Dave
Wallerstein, district managers; Nate Platt,
Chicago Theatre state producer, and Eddie
Seguin, Chicago Theatre publicist also were
among those present.
The story with pictures was carried by all
Chicago newspapers. The plaque itself will
be displayed at the Balaban and Katz flag-
ship theatre, with reproductions on the cir-
cuit’s summer cool posters, as well as in
amusement page advertisements exploiting
air conditioning.
ON THE COVER
The presentation ceremony, with Jack Benny mak-
ing the "Pioneer'' award to John Balaban (L), of
Balaban and Katz, in behalf of J. Harry Toler (R),
editor of the Modern Theatre section of BOXOFFICE.
in Answers
love. The picture contains no Russian ideol-
ogy to my knowledge.
Among others who appeared before the
committee during the closing days of the
probe — all of whom were described as
“friendly witnesses” supplying information —
were Jack L. Warner, Adolphe Menjou, Leo
McCarey, Rupert Hughes, Howard Emmett
Rogers and Leila Rogers, mother of Actress
Ginger Rogers.
Emmet Lavery, president of the Screen
Writers Guild, replied to Congressman
Thomas’ charge that “90 per cent of Com-
munist infiltration in Hollywood is to be
found among screen writers” with the sug-
gestion that the proper way to investigate
any truly subversive activity is to do it
through the accredited channels of the FBI.
“I doubt very much,” said Lavery, “if any
subversive elements are likely to be trapped
by punches telegraphed in advance by Con-
gressman Thomas in eight-column scare
headlines.”
“Writers are always being called Com-
munists,” Lavery continued. “It has been a
favorable indoor and outdoor sport for a good
many years. We may have a few Communists
in the Screen Writers Guild, just as there
may be a few Communists in all of the pro-
fessions and the arts. We do not employ
them; we do not qualify them for their
membership in this guild. Oddly enough, it
is the employing studios who qualify all of
our writers for active membership, for un-
less they are employed by a studio, they can-
not become active members. We accept all
our members without regard for political or
religious affiliation.
Red Probers Leave Hollywood ;
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
15
TREAT! THE PRODUCTION IS PRAISE-
WORTHY FOR ITS GOOD PERFORMANCES!
Box office
m
1ST RATE! VIOLENT MELODRAMA THAT WILL PLEASE!
"JEWELS OF BRANDENBURG" with RICHARD TRAVIS
MICHELINE CHEIREL • LEONARD STRONG • CAROL
THURSTON and Lewis L. Russell • Louis Mercier • Fernando
Alvarado • Directed by EUGENE FORDE • Produced by
SOL M. WURTZEL PRODUCTIONS, INC -Original Story by
Irving Cummings, Jr., and Robert G. North • Screenplay
°
by Irving Elman, Irving Cummings, Jr., and Robert G. North
Released by 20th Century-Fox
Rank Reveals His Plans
For Theatres and Films
J. Arthur Rank at his Chicago press conference. Left to right: E. H. Rausland,
president of the Rausland Corp.; John Davis, chief executive officer for the Rank or-
ganization; J. Arthur Rank; John McNabb,
Law, of Rank, Ltd.
J. Arthur Rank during the week continued
his whirlwind combined business and vacation
tour of United States and Canada, He met
with television and camera manufacturers in
Chicago, and went to Canada where he at-
tended a meeting of Odeon Theatres of Can-
ada and other of his Dominion enterprises in
Toronto, and in both cities held substantial
press conferences.
In this variety of meetings, the English
industry leader made these observations:
His interests are engaged in a $7,000,000
theatre construction project in Canada,
but he has no plans for theatre construc-
tion in the United States as his organiza-
tion and Universal-International have an
agreement which provides Rank product
with 50 per cent of playing time in U-I’s
major first run houses.
English theatres at present are show-
ing about 79 per cent American films and
21 per cent British pictures, but studies
disclose that English pictures are grossing
about $400 a week more than the average
Hollywood film.
The United Kingdom government has
no intention of socializing the British
What to Do With
Being Studied by
WASHINGTON — A representative of the
civil affairs division, film section, War de-
partment, is at present in Germany conduct-
ing discussions with American military gov-
ernment officials on all phases of the con-
troversial problem of the exportation of
films from Germany, S. J. Seborer, chief of
the Europe section, reports and analysis, re-
vealed.
The representative B. Lorwin, is expected
to make a report in about a week, and at that
time the War department will issue a state-
ment on the matter, he added. Seborer said
that Lorwin in his discussions will cover both
the exportation of films produced during the
Nazi regime and the possible exportation of
movies produced by a rebuilt German film
industry.
Lorwin will endeavor to learn what the
president of Bell & Howell Co., and Tom
film industry although “some back bench
Socialists have talked about it.” His
organization also is interested in parlia-
ment’s decision on a proposal to televise
dramatic programs into theatres. He
expects to open two television theatres
in London next fall.
His companies will produce about 30
pictures this year, with eight in color.
Within a month, his studios will start
turning out cartoon pictures; a start
has been made on some types of re-
ligious pictures and special films for
children.
During the week, Rank was elected a
director of Odeon Theatres of Canada and
chairman of the board of that theatre op-
erating company. It is the first time he has
personally held office in this group. Earl
Lawson was elected president, and directors
named included John Davis, who is Rank’s
chief executive officer; D. C. Coleman, J. S.
Duncan, Leonard Brockington, George
Peters and George Beeston.
In Chicago, following his press confer-
ence, Rank conferred with officials of Bell
& Howell Co. and the Rausland Corp., tele-
vision company.
German Films
U.S. Agent
plans are in regard to exportation of Ger-
man films and full details of the future pro-
gram for the German film industry, Seborer
said. Seborer expressed the opinion that
there was no intention of exporting Nazi
films as such — in other words films dissemi-
nating National Socialist propaganda.
Meanwhile, a formal protest from the Mo-
tion Picture Ass’n on the AMG decision to
rebuild the German film industry was held
in abeyance pending receipt of a complete
detailed report Assistant Secretary of War
Petersen is seeking from Berlin. Petersen
met with Francis Harmon, MPA vice-presi-
dent, recently and said he would supply the
information on the situation after he re-
ceived it from Brig. Gen. Robert A. McClure,
director of information control, AMG.
SAG Signs Contract
With Independents
HOLLYWOOD — Reaching of an agreement
between the Screen Actors Guild and the
Independent Motion Picture Producers Ass’n
removed the only barrier to continued peace-
ful and cooperative negotiations on the new
SAG contract which still looms as the most
important item on Hollywood’s fast-clearing
labor agenda.
The SAG-IMPPA agreement outlines the
basis of employment of actors by members
of the producer group during a 30-day period
while negotiations for a new contract are con-
tinuing. The deal with IMPPA applies to all
members of the association headed by I. E.
Chadwick, except Eagle-Lion, which previ-
ously had made an agreement with the Guild,
along with the Ass’n of Motion Picture Pro-
ducers, Society of Independent Motion Pic-
ture Producers and Enterprise Productions,
that the existing guild contract should be
extended for a 30-day period to midnight
June 14, and that minimum wage scales ne-
gotiated in the new contract shall be retro-
active to May 15.
As another sign of the peace that seems
to be in store for all film capital warring labor
factions, came a statement by Charles S.
Boren, labor relations manager for the
Ass’n of Motion Picture Producers:
“The major producers are very much grati-
fied over the progress that has been made
by the American Federation of Labor con-
ference in Washington toward settlement of
the jurisdictional troubles within the motion
picture industry. We hope sincerely that
these steps being taken by the AFL will lead
to harmony among the 43 unions in the Holly-
wood studios.”
Johnston Lauds Pat Casey.
Retiring Labor Leader
WASHINGTON — Paying a tribute to Pat
Casey who is retiring after having handled
motion picture labor relations for nearly 20
years, Eric Johnston, president of the Mo-
tion Picture Ass’n said “it will be a great
loss to the industry.”
Casey, chairman of the labor committee
of the Ass’n of Motion Picture Producers
since 1928, and labor relations representative
for the principal coast studios, recommended
Charles S. Boren, recently appointed man-
ager of the AMPP for his post. Boren has
assumed these duties.
However, Casey agreed to finish labor
negotiations on which he has been working
and to be available for consultation and
assistance, both in New York and Hollywood.
The exact date of his retirement will depend
on the conclusion of the labor negotiations.
Johnston-Marshall Talk
Has an Air of Secrecy
WASHINGTON — A “hush-hush” attitude
was maintained by Secretary of .State George
Marshall and Eric Johnston, president of
the Motion Picture Ass’n, following their
conference here.
Johnston’s office declined to reveal the
specific subjects discussed at the conference.
A spokesman said that the discussion dealt
both generally and specifically with the sit-
uations in Great Britain, Europe, the oc-
cupied countries and the Far East.
However, usually well informed sources
indicated that the Anglo-American film im-
port-export question was the focal point of
the discussion. State department backing
would prove of value to Johnston in his pro-
posals for extension of the British film quota
act for a year’s trial period.
Johnston leaves for Europe and the Geneva
international trade conferences next month.
18
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Reprinted in its entirety from
si#’ bas Deen
under
f e, hst are
\ Heart-
tndlins.
: &£
pyight,
A°ess er
f reP/aCe
§y °f the
i coca/ a„
fnts- Ten .
i Desmond
Vance of
Lwas in
[Century
Joe
fager of
sped to
Lee
;'fer and
r a,'a
(0n P/ans
• Process
| at the
fBrooE6
v-weeL
7
Pe a ) 7.
I- f°ur in
<Zece unit
7 at Billv
Xs out of
v a 'of
/Holly.
\ln'o an
fiC. f\fovv
c°rnbin -
rfB line
'before
r'f win
s
',°t the
’,ans to
'--Piece
d frem
i u .
oalled
Harold
'°fe s-
^arLs
nnig-
fQ
‘^«Qot ?Tth
ftr '•fe s r?-: r" - £
s?ss=as?s
° -8- "C ZtTJ^ZI
h°w o fe„0 ",OWS
e9Qlly ft b'°'e os a SanfQ ,??er1' work J £ 'vh°
self °w of ft 6 is 0 So Mac? ■ then l> ad nM°CV's
Ployed with he niJ,h°ese Th °0S ,fl order in Drove
f*M7 ° Ofofifyft 1 Th« ro/e of '° Oet him-
S SS Md <^3 fh°D'='V
G«"e ,t :"0Uish^ coie";1?; been b£d/°« by
Prerne court • °d' wfl° is n ' s°rne con l 'n b ls
J,he" ">ere ar'e^ New ytY°id
i7 °Tns °;ttZ:DH°"
deerer VVll'iam Fr~.. , "’onatiAr 9 ° Psy
■> ■ - c°^
.0 Zee°!1°^ ant?"*- «*,
Sh e is ft t. do with hirin P[ ,be 'dea that c°niPfele
aid n J " hS Pr°Ce“ of ft® ,lle °«eo° ?° hod
,e//'"9 fc/ds ^en/v!!!,n9 ^^ as 0^'°°*
- Ops,
thre
ning
rtfofr/a 7ft7P'oyee »«! '"""’oofs *
'ZJ°"de as h °n"0"s of be, o„
rd^'0 G™e C°«" 7,7 “ ° e«ar° 7.^
^'berf fc enrnan Qs fk ■ e pr°secutinn POltlcal
Seaton sr ° °re a!l 0„ IUni°r SantQ ' 9 attornev
change T'P! « <o ov'r 9!°°s ^1^°^
°u'dences fZ'" pr°b°bly °Z fd with fhem'th ^ the
Tbe entZh Pped off in L°°f harm fhe Prn tho t, f0r
°f proc. rtain^ent is dv°nce about th°W to h°ve
Pr°ceedi nas tl 9reoter thn , r fhe plot u ■
DayieS' Os. The o r/0/no/ 'he sf(np/e f ^s.
° sfpty by Vc
old Pfoco's o7d-° fhe
felling kid, e1-'t suddenlv S.missin9 him Qs Cl°us.
°f wanted Z ' C ^ ^ evv VorL UrnS °uf 'haf F' arm^e^s
«oCys",8d ,o« h oo e„oo,:0s:r s°,d cr °f
boyne is o „ 800d-“f' bo4;?d
OCr°ss f^e ho// ?Un9 att°rney ,(V °r
mc,;c,'r|g frio J r°m Miss rvli n9 in fhe n
course9 mnf0ds wifh her th H°ra ■ ;s ■ Part^ent
His b^f onnS >he mo*f of th°U9h her chv?65^ lp
firn, to b^^y poZs larriVQl of Kris P* °f
fully capita I, defense attorn ^ he quits lKr'nQle-
. Natalie WoZ^ >he authZZ 'he oxV^
;n f/le PQrf f °d '^presses Qs Q /' y of h/s r0/e ' P°yne
?ep She w,7/ k Suson' M'ss O’H °//y «/nocJ®‘ ,
when She an ^ °n bo nest L°ra S ^f-Qrade Z Child
,b7 ' belie888? ??oond '° < ^dfeoces" ft™0'1
8"ev0- 'oo. rO080'y eaounh ' be,'»ye. If! ^y,
I Met
f disf,
[ vvar
resfr
i easy
, a tevv
l Perr
dec/,
1 one
/ He
fheati
l fhe i
I Which,
f
tfed
s^.'oo.
PerTCT S di^'loe is aki >°
ZZlXh '%3 :: d-S7bv;bfcts7
• C^rant. 9e and Un.
WORLD PREMIERE - ROXY THEATRE - JUNE 4th
TUm and £ve*tt&
Paramount-Liberty
Deal Is Signed
Foundation Progresses
JJOW rapidly plans for the Motion Pic-
ture Foundation have advanced, the
scope of plans for its activities, and the
possibilities for future good within the in-
dustry were outlined brilliantly by Leonard
H. Goldenson before the Motion Picture
Associates at that organization’s annual
dinner.
It was a happy choice for a public re-
port, as the associates have been among
the pioneers in philanthropic work among
film workers. Its charitable activities prob-
ably will be merged into the foundation.
Goldenson stirred a spontaneous display
of enthusiasm when he predicted that
within five years “one of the most honored
positions in our industry will be member-
ship on the board of trustees of this foun-
dation. With the help of all of you, we are
going to create a new landmark in indus-
trial progress. This project does not be-
long to any special branch of the industry
It belongs to everybody.’’
Plans for formation of a board of trus-
tees have reached the point where a meet-
ing will be called soon for this purpose.
This group will consist of one member
from each of the 31 exchange areas. Each
area, representing all branches of the in-
dustry, will elect its own representative.
Ten trustees will be elected by distributor
organizations, and these 41 will elect ten
trustees at large, making the total 51.
* * *
Shorts Hit Hard
RISING costs of production have made
going rough for shorts in double fea-
ture areas during the past three years. In
addition, the features have become so long
that it has been increasingly difficult to
vary a program with suitable shorts.
As a result, managers in double feature
houses have come to look upon most shorts
as fillers in order to make four or five
shows balance out on a time schedule.
Just how pronounced this tendency has
become is indicated by the latest financial
repoi’t of Walt Disney Productions for the
26 weeks ending March 29 of this year. In-
come from feature film rentals was $1,817,-
279. Shorts accounted for $547,284. The
revenue from sale of government pictures
was $97,273. Income from commercial
pictures, comic strips and licensing of car-
toon characters was $524,261. In other
words the nontheatrical income was
slightly larger than the theatrical income
from shorts.
* * *
Television Schedule
gOME of the speculation and guesswork
will be taken out of the television out-
look early next month. The Federal Com-
munications commission has called a gen-
eral conference of all interested parties to
formulate a schedule for the creation of
intercity connections between television
stations. It will open June 3 in Wash-
ington.
In the meantime the Balaban & Katz
station in Chicago is stepping along at a
By JAMES M. JERAULD
lively rate. A radio relay link is being
completed to South Bend, Ind. This will
make it possible for the B&K television
station to put the Notre Dame football
games on the air this fall. If the shots
are transferred to film by means of the
quick-drying process the games may be
shown in one or more B&K theatres the
same day.
Capt. William C. Eddy, in charge of the
station, also is planning a connection to
Indianapolis for the Speedway races.
If these experiments are successful, quick
transfer of pictorial news from the scene of
action to theatre screens may get its first
important midwest test during the coming
autumn.
* * *
Hunting Headlines
THE house un-American activities sub-
committee is having a Hollywood field
day. Congressmen — especially members of
this committee — are experts at grabbing
headlines. That’s why they went out to
Hollywood. They want name value for
their witnesses.
And the witnesses! They are not only
expert headline grabbers; they also are
products of the world’s greatest publicity
machine.
It's more than likely that nothing ever
will come out of this investigation. There
may be communist sympathizers in Holly-
wood, but none of them will admit it on the
witness stand.
* * *
Another Quick Rerelease
THIS practice of playing a picture for all
it’s woi’th while it is still hot is spread-
ing. RKO has decided to bring back “Song
of the South” which opened at the Fox,
Atlanta, November 11. Since that time it
has played to first and subsequent runs in
all the exchange areas.
The company’s experiences with previous
Disney subjects — "Snow White and the
Seven Dwarfs” and others — have shown
they have a continuing value, but this is
the first time such a quick reissue has been
attempted.
Another distribution custom discarded!
* * *
An $18,000,000 Budget
JMMEDIATELY following J. Arthur
Rank’s first visit to this country there
was a flurry of announcements about new
companies and production plans. Rank’s
current short stay in New York has been
followed by news from Eagle-Lion that a
production budget of $18,000,000 has been
set up for next year for 12 features. Four
of these will be in color, says Bryan Foy,
and will be budgeted at $2,000,000 each.
This is a remarkable program for a com-
pany which hasn’t finished its first year.
Gildemeyer in New York
NEW YORK — Frederick H. Gildemeyer,
Puerto Rican manager of Western Electric,
has returned to New York for a series of
conferences. He has been in the Caribbean
area since 1937.
Leaders of Liberty Films, left to right:
President Frank Capra; William Wyler
and George Stevens, vice-presidents; and
Samuel J. Briskin, vice-president and
treasurer.
HOLLYWOOD — After kicking around for
weeks in the “it-is-reliably-reported” news
classification, finally comes official an-
nouncement of consummation of the long-
pending deal between Paramount Pictures
and Liberty Films.
Barney Balaban, Paramount president, dis-
closed the details of the transaction whereby
Paramount acquires all of the outstanding
stock of Liberty.
Liberty assets include interests in the fol-
lowing productions and properties: “It’s a
Wonderful Life,” starring James Stewart,
produced and directed by Frank Capra, dis-
tributed by RKO: “I Remember Mama,”
starring Irene Dunne, to be produced and
directed by George Stevens for RKO, and the
Pulitzer prize play of 1945, “State of the
Union,” starring Spencer Tracy and Claudette
Colbert which will be distributed by MGM.
LIST STORY PROPERTIES
The acquisition of Liberty brings to Para-
mount three producer - directors, Frank
Capra, William Wyler and George Stevens,
and one executive, Sam Briskin — the quartet
that founded Liberty.
Among the story properties included in
the deal are: “Friendly Persuasion,” a novel
by Jessamyn West; “No Other Man,” a novel
by Alfred Noyes; “Glory Shoes,” an original
by Ethel Hill; “He Ran All the Way,” a novel
by Sam Ross; “The Wayward Bus,” a novel
by John Steinbeck; and “Sister Carrie,” by
Theodore Dreiser.
Ted O’Shea, who has been associated with
Liberty in connection with the-distribution of
their films, will assume an executive posi-
tion in Paramount under Charles M. Reagan,
Paramount vice-president in charge of dis-
tribution.
Three writer contracts taken over are: Jo
Swerling, who wrote the screen play for
“Leave Her to Heaven”; Howard Koch, who
did the screenplay for “Casablanca,” and
Anthony Veiller, who did the scripts for “The
Killers” and “The Stranger.”
TO REVAMP STUDIO PLANS
Pacts with a number of writers, camera-
men, production executives, film editors and
others are included in the deal.
Balaban said he considered the deal as
“one of the most important steps yet taken
by us in accordance with a long range pro-
gram under which we will bring into our
organization the best obtainable creators,
artists and materials.”
Henry Ginsberg, vice-president in charge
of production and studio operations, said
production plans would be revamped to fit
the new manpower into the company’s forth-
coming product.
20
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
should have audiences
on
their funnybones c
ontinually. exhibitor
as
olid entertain
raent bet. F'LrA
a boxoffice natural. Hollywood reporter
. i;„a DAILY VARIED
1+5 that Vutiderf uL. FT UNderful.
and^w
sro^
ri-r^
kACKEN ■ lane
TOM CONWAY • ALLEN JENKINS • ARTHUR TREACHER • Clarence Kolb • Fritz Feld
T ANDREW STORE
mffotyil -from UA>
Warners
Entertains
Variety
On stage 2 of the Warner Bros, studios last
Saturday, Jack L. Warner was host to more
than 1,200 delegates to the Variety Interna-
tional convention. The occasion was the
annual Humanitarian dinner, and the studio
went all out with entertainment and hospi-
tality. Here are some photos taken at party.
Entering the Gay Nineties mood, left to right, are:
Jack Carson, who was master of ceremonies;
Charles Skouras, president of National Theatres;
Jack L. Warner, WB’s production chief; R. J. O’Don-
nell, chief barker; and Dennis Morgan, Warner star.
Jack Warner in a jovial mood greets Alan Hale (L) asks Milton Schwaber, Tent
John Harris, Variety’s Big Boss. 19, Baltimore, to try some of the popcorn.
Carson and Morgan in a bit of horseplay
with James Coston, WB Theatre executive.
Veteran Monte Blue as a barker points out the attractions to
(L to R) A. B. Paterson and E. V. Richards jr. of New Or-
leans; George Bowser, Fox West Coast general manager; and
Oscar OIdknow, Los Angeles.
From production and distribution, (L to R) Jack Karp, Para-
mount production executive; Charles M. Reagan, Paramount
distribution chief; Hal Roach, producer; LeRoy Prinz, WB
dance director; Henry Ginsberg, Paramount production head.
The impressive scene on stage No. 2 at the Warner Bros,
studio where the dinner was held. Over 1,200 guests were
seated. Outside, studio streets depicted a midway.
James P. Byrnes (L) receives the Humanitarian award from
Chief Justice Vinson as Carter Barron (R) Variety official
looks on. This ceremony was piped in from Washington.
^Mcfcmod ^efcont
By IVAN SPEAR
Lesser and Rossen Form
New Production Outfit
Comes that rare week when no newcomer
organizes a production outfit and — to keep it
from being a total loss
— an already estab-
lished maker of films
whips up a new unit —
just to make sure that
no week of 1947 shall
pass into oblivion
without at least one
additional name being
added to Hollywood’s
staggering list of in-
dependent producers.
It was Sol Lesser who
saved the day this
time. Already the
owner of or partner
sol lesser in two production
companies, he joined hands with Robert Ros-
sen to establish a third, unnamed. Rossen,
who directed Enterprise’s “Body and Soul”
and Columbia’s “Johnny O’clock,” will be
writer-director of the outfit. Who will dis-
tribute the Lesser-Rossen output is more of a
question than usual, inasmuch as Lesser
already is making pictures for two majoy
releases. His Tarzan adventure films, pro-
duced by Sol Lesser Productions, go to RKO
Radio, while the films from Thalia Produc-
tions, in which his partner is Edward G. Rob-
inson, are released by United Artists.
In view of his further recent disclosure of
plans to build a string of de luxe motion
picture theatres on the coast, looks like Lesser,
exhibitor-turned producer, will be busier than
that proverbial hanger of paper.
'Brick Bradford' Added
To Sam Katzman Slate
Another cliffhanger has been added to the
production slate of Sam Katzman who cur-
rently is plowing a sharecropping plot over
at Columbia. It is to be the first of a quartet
of serials Katzman will produce for the com-
pany’s 1947-48 program, will be titled “Brick
Bradford” and will be based on the newspaper
comic strip of the same name . . . Vying
with Katzman as the busiest hombre at the
Gower street studio is Martin Mooney to
whose program two more new features have
been added — both of them adventure yarns
with exotic settings. They are titled
“Martinique” and “Port Said.” Irwin Frank-
lyn was set to develop the original story for
the former, and Louis Pollock for the latter
. . . Two producer assignments at Republic:
“Last of the Westerners” will be entrusted
to Gordon Kay while “Come and Get Me,” a
romantic comedy by Milton Gunzberg, was
assigned Stephen Auer.
Kenneth Thomson Aide
To Foy at Eagle-Lion
Changes in important studio personnel
played a larger part in film capital news
than it has in several weeks. Kenneth
Thomson, formerly a production executive at
Universal-International and for ten years
executive secretary of the Screen Actors
Guild, joined Eagle-Lion studio as executive
assistant to Bryan Foy, vice-president in
charge of production. In addition to handling
negotiations on major story and talent deals,
Thomson will act in an advisory capacity in
the development of original stories and screen
plays and in supervising the training of new
talent. Thomson succeeds Irving Lazar as
Foy’s executive assistant. Lazar recently re-
signed to go into independent production.
A Paramounteer for 20 years, during the
latter 12 of which he was a producer, Paul
Jones terminated his connection with the
Marathon street film bazaar by mutual con-
sent. He has disclosed no future plans . . .
Lou Smith has returned to a job he held
once before, several years ago, as director of
advertising and publicity for Columbia studio.
He succeeds Frank P. Rosenberg, resigned.
Smith recently quit a similar post with Lib-
erty Films because of the looming absorption
of that outfit by Paramount . . . Chester
Erskine, co-writer, co-producer and director
of “The Egg and I,” signed a new three-
picture contract with U-I as writer and pro-
ducer. He then trained out for New York
to look over Broadway shows and possible
story properties.
Alan Ladd Goes Military
In New Paramount Film
Paramount’s Alan Ladd, who has been a
tough guy — good or bad — in innumerable lo-
cales and under virtually every set of cir-
cumstances (currently, he’s being filmed in
a galloper) is going military. He will star in
“The Long Grey Line,” story of a World War
II veteran at the United States Military
academy — West Point. Ladd’s assignment is
the first for the film, which Robert Fellows
produces from the screenplay by William
Wister Haines . . . Borrowed from Warners,
rotund Sydney Greenstreet gets a featured
spot in “Lucky Penny,” kickoff picture for
Independent Artists, new independent owned
by Cinemactress Rosalind Russell and her
husband, Frederick Brisson. Miss Russell will
star in the picture which is for RKO Radio
distribution . . . Steve Brodie, Richard Powers
and Robert Bray, RKO contract players, have
been cast as the three Younger brothers in
"Return of the Badmen" . . . Isabel Jewell
will return to the screen for a featured role
in Samuel Goldwyn’s “The Bishop’s Wife,”
another RKO profit-sharing release . . . When
Monogram gets back into action, a new-
comer, “Mysterious Island,” adventure novel
by Jules Verne, will be used by Producer
Lindsley Parsons as the basis of the second
film to star Roddy McDowall under the deal
where young McDowall functions also as
associate producer ... At the same studio,
Cannonball Taylor has been signed to be fea-
tured comedian with Jimmy Wakely in all
future Wakely sagebrush sagas.
Literary Property Sales
Have Prosperous Week
Wide smiles festooned the faces of the
breast-beaters who struggle to earn an hon-
est bob or two by selling the brain children
of the literati to the magi of production. It
was another bearish week for Hollywood’s
story mart, that fluctuating but infallible
barometer of what the far future holds in
store for exhibitors.
Alson Productions, the 20th Century-Fox
sharecropping unit owned by Edward L.
Alperson and Jack Jungmeyer jr., Alperson’s
new partner, released the moths sufficiently
long to buy a pair of properties. They were
“Beautiful Joe,” a dog story by the late Mar-
shall Saunders, and “Pawnee Bill,” a biog-
raphy of that famous gunslinger of the early
west, written by Herman Edwin Mootz. The
pair of purchases swelled to seven Alson’s
story backlog and therefrom it will make five
features during the next three years.
Another newcomer independent who made
news in the literary halls of commerce was
BISCHOFF TO MAKE
FILM IN MOROCCO
Again being given a tumble by Holly-
wood is the French Foreign Legion which
has been the back-
ground of innu-
merable preceding
motion pictures
and which at-
tained an all time
high as source
material in the
filming of the
“Beau” series
based on the ad-
venture yarns of
P e r c i v a 1 Wren.
This time the ro-
mantic and leg-
endary outfit has
attracted the ef-
forts of a top producer and his plans for
bringing it to the screen have an unusual
international twist.
Sam Bischoff, currently and independ-
ently making a series of features for
United Artists, concluded a deal with the
Societe Nouvelle Pathe Cinema of Paris
to film jointly “Adventure in Morocco”
on location in French Morocco.
An American cast and director, yet to
be chosen, will leave Hollywood before the
first of September and will start shoot-
ing in Morocco on September 15. The
troupe will work with the Legion which
has authorized the production and which
will supply locations and physical atmos-
phere. At the same time a French cast
will arrive from Paris to work under the
same American director in filming a
simultaneous French version of the pic-
ture. George Bricker has been signed
by Bischoff to write the screenplay based
on the original French novel by J. N.
Ermolioff. Whether the film will go to
UA or elsewhere has not been de-
termined.
Screen Plays, Inc., recently organized out-
fit headed by Stanley Kramer, which con-
cluded a package deal for purchase of stories
by the late Ring Lardner, including Lardner’s
novel, “The Big Town,” and the short story
“Champion.” This is the first time the
Lardner estate has agreed to relinquish rights
to a group of the author’s works. Kramer
said that Screen Plays, which so far has no
release, will head its program with “The Big
Town” and “Champion.”
Other story buys: “All the King’s Men,”
Pulitzer prize winning novel by Robert Penn
Warren, acquired by Columbia . . . “Come
Be My Love,” a forthcoming Saturday Eve-
ning Post serial by Robert Carson, was
knocked down to Universal-International as
a starring and directing vehicle for Robert
Montgomery . . . “The Man Who Couldn’t
Lose,” a novelette by Richard Harding Davis,
was bought by Nunnally Johnson, a U-I
profit-sharer. The story concerns the ad-
ventures of a struggling young writer who
finds himself the idol of thousands of peo-
ple because of his infallible ability to fore-
cast horse races.
Glenda Farrell Returns
In Role for Columbia
Following a two-year absence from the
screen, Glenda Farrell has been signed by
Cornell Pictures for a role in “The Double
Take,” whodunit with Franchot Tone in the
lead, which is for Columbia release . . . Also
at Columbia, Anna Q. Nilsson, star of the
silent films era, was added to the cast of
“It Had to Be You.”
SAM BISCHOFF
24
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
A MW COMET
'Comet's first tinter solid picture-making. Should
draw heavily. Gaily conceived, shrewdly turned out.
Should do well in majority of situations. Hot action.
TAU
*
derful-west
Well executed color!
Hollywood Variety
"A new and dashing character in the title role. Sure
to gain a large following!" — M. P . Daily
"A refreshing new entry, action-filled. A natural!"
-Ai. P. Herald
'•* "Unusually good western . . . fine portrayals . . . beau-
tiful Cinecolor . . . acceptable in any situation!"
—Showmen's
"For click potentialities. Superior western program
entertainment, should do very well!" —Film Daily
*•* "Will have the fans clamoring for more. Both exhibi-
tor and patron will go for it in a big way. Very fine
use of Cinecolor. Effects achieved are superb!"
Hjf —Independent
as DON COYOTE
they said it ... now you get it from UA
t
An Ex-GI Exhibitor Asks for Advice:
Shall I Build , Remodel or Sell Out?'
Editor’s Note: This is a letter received
this week from an ex-GI who put his
savmgs and hope into a small town
theatre. Now, after 18 months as an
exhibitor, he has some problems which,
undoubtedly , many other theatremen
in small towns have faced. He asks
advice. There ought to be a number
of exhibitors willing to write. The
name is W. Normark, Lake Theatre,
Powers Lake, N . D.
Gentlemen: Request your opinion on my
situation here. Shall I sell out, build, or try
and remodel? Here’s the situation as I
have found it:
In December of 1945 I got out of the
army, came back to the old home town of
Powers Lake, N. D„ and looked around. The
old Lyric here was for sale, and I took a
chance, borrowed $2,300, put in $1,000 of my
own and bought the thing. Here’s what I
have: a frame and shingle structure 24x60,
basement, hot-air furnace, 167 veneer seats,
two Powers Mazda projectors, Webster
sound, cloth screen, wooden floor and a
vacant lot adjoining 25x150, giving me 50x150
frontage on Main street.
My highest gross for two changes weekly
was a little better than $200. My gross for
NEW YORK — Net profit of 20th-Fox for
the first quarter of 1947 ending March 29
was $5,897,603, which was lower than the
first quarter for 1946 by $344,350.
For the last quarter of 1946 the net was
$6,399,720. The net for the first quarter of
1947 is under this by $502,117.
Gross income for the first 1947 quarter
from rentals of film and theatre receipts —
which include National Theatres — was $48,-
944,024.85. For the first 13 weeks of 1946
the gross income was $46,390,305.20. The de-
cline is $2,553,719.65.
Earnings per share on the common for
the first quarter of this year were at the
rate of $2.07, after deducting dividends on
prior preferred and convertible preferred.
This was on 2,765,813 shares. For the same
period of 1946 the earnings rate on 2,365,477
shares of common was $2.53 per share.
Columbia Estimated Net
For 39 Weeks Boosted
NEW YORK — Columbia Pictures Corp. re-
ported an estimated net profit of $2,935,000
for the 39 weeks ended March 29, 1947, an
increase of $620,000 over a net profit of
$2,315,000 for the corresponding period in
1946. The estimated net profit for the period
just ended is equal to $4.34 per share on
622,782 common shares outstanding. Net
profit for the 39 weeks ended March 30, 1946
was equal to $3.45 on 595,447 common shares.
Disney 26-Wk. Net Income
In Gain Over Last Year
HOLLYWOOD — Walt Disney Productions’
net income after all charges in the 26 weeks
ended March 29, 1947, first half of the 1947
fiscal year, was $264,383, President Roy O.
Disney disclosed in a letter to stockholders.
the first year of operation was $7,000 (straight
ticket sales).
The theatre is located in a town of 600,
with three theatres in a radius of 30 miles
(Stanley 28 miles south, Bowbells 30 miles
northeast, Columbus 28 miles north). Powers
Lake itself is a brisk, growing little town:
waterworks are coming in this year, the
state game and fish department is consider-
ing exploiting the lake here for a fishing
spot and summer resort, and there will per-
haps be a little paving done. To me, these
things are indications of the potential pos-
sibilities of the town. We have no other en-
tertainment outside of the theatre.
At present I am paying $40 monthly on
my loan — I can sell out for $6,700 now. Should
I stick my neck out, borrow more money and
put up a decent house of say, 225 seats with
all the trimmings, or should I attempt to
remodel and redecorate? I will need an
insulation job, new equipment, new seats
and a slanting floor in about two years for
sure — what’s my best bet?
With the above facts as set down at your
disposal I shall be glad to furnish additional'
details if you need them — I would like to
have your expert opinion as to what I should
do and what I could expect in the line of
increased business after I’ve done it, plus an
estimate of a 225 -seat theatre now, and what
it might cost in two years from now.
This was equal, after providing for preferred
dividends accumulated during the period, but
not paid, to 38 cents a share on the 652,840
common shares outstanding.
“For the corresponding period last year,
which was prior to the release of ‘Make Mine
Music,’ there was a loss of $22,261, represent-
ing a deficit of six cents a share on the out-
standing common shares after deducting pre-
ferred dividends accumulated in those weeks,
but not paid. In our business the results for
short periods frequently are distorted by the
timing of feature picture releases,” Disney’s
letter stated.
Paramount Planning
Stock for Key Men
NEW YORK — Stockholders of Paramount
Pictures, Inc., will be asked at the annual
meeting June 17 to approve incorporation
of a new unit to be called Employes Invest-
ment Co., so that selected key employes can
acquire stock in the new company at two
thirds of its par value.
Employes Investment Co. will invest in
Paramount stock through the New York
Stock Exchange, or through a formula fixed
in advance of purchase in the same way that
the board now buys Paramount stock for the
purpose of meeting the terms of the anti-
trust decree as they affect theatre holdings.
Stock held by Employes Investment will be
separate from the Paramount Pictures hold-
ings.
4 MILLION CAPITAL
The proposed corporation if authorized,
will be formed in New York, with an author-
ized capitalization of $4,000,000, consisting
of notes of $3,760,000 and 240,000 shares of
common stock with a par value of $1 per
share.
The Paramount board has decided that Y.
Frank Freeman, Leonard H. Goldenson,
Austin C. Keough and Charles M. Reagan
will be given an opportunity to buy 15,000
shares each; that Henry Ginsberg will be
offered 24,000 shares, and that other par-
ticipants will be selected later, with maximum
purchases for each fixed at 9,000 shares.
Any employe who leaves the company to
go to a competitor will sell his holdings to
Paramount at net asset value; contract em-
ployes who buy the stock will agree to give
the corporation an additional option of one
year on their contracts, and those not under
contract will agree to remain with the com-
pany for one year.
Balaban has sent letters to stockholders
urging approval of the proposal.
TO ELECT DIRECTORS
The only other business scheduled to come
before the meeting to date is the election of
16 directors, all of whom are now members
of the board. They are: Barney Balaban,
Stephen Callaghan, Y. Frank Freeman,
Harvey D. Gibson, Leonard H. Goldenson, A.
Conger Goodyear, Stanton Griffis, Duncan
G. Harris, John D. Hertz, Austin C. Keough,
Earl I. McClintock, Maurice Newton, Charles
M. Reagan, E. V. Richards, Edwin L. Weisl
and Adolph Zukor. Griffis will stand for
re-election in spite of the fact that he has
been named ambassador to Poland.
SCREEN GUILD HEADS — Officers of Screen Guild Productions post at the com-
pany’s first annual sales convention in Hollywood. Left to right, seated: I. H. Prinz-
metal, counsel and secretary; John J. Jones, president; John Franconi, secretary.
Standing, left to right: Jack Engel, director; Robert L. Lippert, executive vice-presi-
dent; Albert Dezel, director (bow tie); Arthur Lockwood, vice-president; Sam K.
Decker, treasurer; Albert Bezel, director; J. Francis White jr., director, and Francis A.
Bateman, assistant treasurer.
Madison Schwer, assistant secretary, is not in the photo.
20th-Fox First Quarter Net Drops ;
Disney and Columbia Report Gain
26
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Skouras Re-Elected
Head of 20lh-F ox
NEW YORK — Spyros P. Skouras was re-
elected president of 20th-Fox and 14 direc-
tors were elected by the stockholders to serve
until 1948 at the annual meeting held Tues-
day (May 20).
Directors elected were: L. Sherman
Adams, Robert L. Clarkson, Thomas J. Con-
nors, John R. Dillon, Wilfred J. Eadie,
Daniel O. Hastings, Donald A. Henderson,
Robert Lehman, William C. Michel, William
P. Philips, Seton Porter, Murray Silverstone.
Spyros P. Skouras and Darryl F. Zanuck.
Officers elected with Skouras at the board
meeting which followed the stockholders’
meeting were: William C. Michel, exec-
utive vice-president: Darryl F. Zanuck, vice-
president in charge of production; Thomas
J. Connors, vice-president in charge of sales:
Murray Silverstone, vice-president; Joseph
H. Moskowitz, vice-president; Donald A.
Henderson, treasurer and secretary; Wilfred
J. Eadie, controller and assistant treasurer;
Francis T. Kelly, assistant treasurer; Fred L.
Metzler, assistant treasurer; Read B. Simon-
son, assistant treasurer; C. Elwood McCart-
ney, assistant controller; J. Harold Lang,
assistant secretary; George F. Wasson jr., as-
sistant secretary, and William Werner, as-
sistant secretary.
Ascap Names Committee
To Conduct Affairs
NEW YORK — The board of directors of
the American Society of Composers, Authors
and Publishers has voted to discontinue the
office of general manager, left vacant by
the death of John G. Paine, and to conduct
the affairs of the organization through the
executive committee supervised by the board.
The executive committee appointed by the
board includes Herman Greenberg, sales
manager, to be in charge of all licensing ac-
tivities; George A. Hoffman, controller, to be
in charge of accounts, finance and general
personnel; Richard F. Murray, manager of
foreign relations, to be in charge of foreign
matters, all internal statistical departments
and the publicity department, and Herman
Finkelstein, resident counsel, to be in charge
of all legal activities carried on at the Ascap
premises. The law firm of Schwartz & Froh-
lich remains as general counsel in charge
of litigation.
Three U Films for 16mm
NEW YORK — United World Films has ac-
quired three pictures from the 1945-46 pro-
gram of Universal Pictures for 16mm release.
“Scarlet Street,” starring Edward G. Rob-
inson and Joan Bennett, will be available
June 28; “Girl on the Spot,” with Lois Col-
lier and Jess Barker, will be available July
11 and “Because of Him,” starring Deanna
Durbin and Charles Laughton, will be avail-
able July 18.
'Riffraff' Ads Start June
NEW YORK— RKO will start a series of
full page ads on “Riffraff,” featuring Pat
O’Brien and Walter Slezak, in Life, Look and
Liberty magazines in June. Ads also will be
placed in Photoplay, Modern Screen, Ideal
publications and Fawcett screen magazines.
Carmichael to St. Louis
CINCINNATI— W. G. Carmichael, U-I
manager here, has been transferred to a
like post at the St. Louis exchange.
Competition From Majors
No Worry to 16mm Field
NEW YORK — The narrow-gauge field is
facing a bright future, with no fear of com-
petition from the 35mm major companies
now engaged in 16mm operations. This
was the general sentiment expressed at the
recent four-day annual convention of the
Allied Non-Theatrical Film Ass’n at the Hotel
Vanderbilt here May 15-18.
In direct contrast to this note of optimism
was the warning voiced at the association
1946 convention that 16mm operators would
be facing stiff competition from major
companies within two years. At that time
Emerson Yorke, head of Emerson Yorke
Studios, advised ANFA members to seek
In this Issue
The MODERN THEATRE
immediately following the
LOCAL NEWS PAGES
Scientific Research Pro-
duces Public Seating Improve-
ments
by HELEN KENT
*
The Drawing Power of This
Thing Called Comfort
by ANSEL M. MOORE
-k
A Slide-Back Theatre Seat
Makes Its Bid for Attention
-k
Just Off the Boards
-k
Some Rules of Conduct for
Candy Vending in Theatres
by OSCAR TRUDEAU
-k
Assured Income: The Plan
Motive of the Multiple Enter-
prise
*
Greater House Appeal De-
pends on Scientific Air-Dif-
fusion
by LEONARD R. PHILLIPS
-k
Shall Our Theatre Lobbies
Become Merchandise Marts?
-k
The Starting Point of Suc-
cessful Theatre Planning
by HANNS R. TEICHERT
-k
News of What's New in
Modern Theatre Equipment
-k
Projection Lighting Effects
to Dress Up Screen Presenta-
tion
by THE CONDUCTOR
-k
Review of Papers Presented
at the S. M. P. E. Conference
-k
The Quiz Pot
-k
About People and Product
closer cooperation with the theatrical field.
In the past year major company activity
in the narrow-gauge field has proved a
stimulus to established 16mm operators, ac-
cording to Wilfred L. Knighton, executive
secretary of ANFA. Instead of cramping
established narrow-gauge activities, major
company entry in the field is creating a
wider market for 16mm films, he declared.
There was no discussion of competition at
the ANFA meet. Representatives of mo-
tion picture equipment manufacturers, film
producers, distributors, libraries, dealers, pro-
jection services and laboratories met to work
out problems confronting the 16mm industry.
The four-day meeting was divided into
various forum discussions.
DISCUSS HOT 16MM PRINTS’
One of the highlights of the convention
was a panel talk on “hot 16mm prints.”
Speakers included Edward A. Sargoy of
Sargoy & Stein, counsel for major film com-
panies in copyright protection matters, and
Edward Scheidt, special agent for the FBI.
The latter presented the views of the Depart-
ment of Justice on illegal disposal of armed
forces prints which were originally donated
by the industry for free entertainment.
Scheidt said the FBI is interested in in-
formation on the unauthorized use of copy-
righted films and promised immediate in-
vestigation. Sargoy added that stealing or
improper disposal of armed forces prints
would make the offender liable under the
U.S. criminal code.
The distributors forum discussed the dis-
tribution of sound 16mm films by local
camera stores. The theory that this is com-
petition was refuted by several distributors.
They claim it is an indication of the ex-
panding demand for 16mm product.
ALL OFFICERS RE-ELECTED
All officers of the association were re-
elected for the coming year. They include
Kruse, president; Stanley C. Atkinson and
Samuel Goldstein, vice-presidents; George
H. Cole, treasurer; Harold Baumstone, sec-
retary; Thomas J. Brandon, Kent D. Eastin,
Edward H. Stevens and E. E. Carter, direc-
tors; Bertram Willoughby, William K. Hed-
wig and Horace O. Jones, honorary presi-
dents.
RICO Sets Sales Meeting
In N.Y. for July 7 to 9
NEW YORK— RKO will hold its 16th an-
nual sales meeting July 7 to July 9, inclusive,
at the Waldorf-
Astoria hotel, accord-
ing to Robert Moch-
rie, vice-president and
general sales man-
ager.
Winners of the 1947
Ned E. Depinet drive
will be announced at
the meeting which
will be attended by
the division managers,
district managers,
branch managers,
salesmen and field
Robert mochrie men from exchanges
in the U.S. and Can-
ada. Representatives of the RKO producing
affiliates, including Samuel Goldwyn Prod.,
Walt Disney Prod, and Jesse L. Lasky-
Walter McEwen Prod., will also be on hand.
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
27
704A&t 'uyfott ^efaont
By LEE GARLING
JOSEPH D. NUNAN JR., commissioner of
* internal revenue, announced his resigna-
tion here this week, effective June 30. Nunan
is the man who ordered the discontinuation
of “personal film corporations.” Such cor-
porations have been established by Holly-
wood producers and stars to save tax money
on their huge salaries.
Look for John Wenchel, Bureau of Internal
Revenue counsel, to be leaving soon, too. It
was Wenchel who went to Hollywood to make
the investigations of the “personal corpora-
tions.”
GOP budget cutting is discouraging the top
echelon at the Bureau of Internal Revenue;
others will probably leave too.
George J. Schoeneman, already appointed
by President Truman, will succeed Nunan.
Nunan leaves quite a record of public serv-
ice behind him. He is also credited with in-
sisting on the setting up of standard prices
for theatre tickets to prevent under payments
of admission taxes.
* * *
ANOTHER RESIGNATION here this week
was that of Pare Lorentz, chief of the War
department’s civil affairs division’s film and
theatre section.
Lorentz, whose resignation is effective May
31, had a wide reputation for documentary
film production.
Evidence points to disagreements with top
policy officials in the War department.
Lorentz had been known to disagree with
certain film practices carried on in Germany
by the CAD.
=?S S*S
“THE PEOPLE’S LOBBY” has submitted
a statement to the congressional committees,
hearing testimony on antimerger legislation,
recommending that Congress:
“1. Decide what enterprises in order to be
efficiently and economically operated, must
be monopolies, and devise measures to pro-
tect the consumers of the products and serv-
ices thereof, either public ownership, or
equivalent government controls through par-
ticipation in management.
“2. Devise methods of enforcing genuine
competition between enterprises it decides
can best serve consumers through competi-
tion, which would automatically include out-
lawing those trade associations and similar
organizations designed to permit members
thereof to fix prices, assign territories and
quotas, and otherwise obtain for ‘innocent’
smallness the profit opportunities of
‘malevolent’ bigness.”
The motion picture industry’s experience
with the New York case has been influential
in this movement.
❖ * *
FIGHT OVER THE “to-be-or-not-to-be”
now famous State department-office of for-
eign information and cultural affairs con-
tinued this week as hearings were held on
the Mundt bill, to legally authorize the office.
Secretary of Commerce Harriman testified
in favor of the bill, stating that such gov-
ernment-produced films are necessary to
“round out” the impression left with foreign
countries by the product exported from
Hollywood.
Harriman, former ambassador to Britain,
criticized the choice of American films ex-
ported as being “high on profit but low on
depicting American life.”
* * *
WILLIAM FARR spoke at last week’s
luncheon of the Washington Film Council
on the efforts being made by UNESCO to
promote a “free flow of educational films
throughout the world.” Farr, chief of films
for UNESCO’s mass media division, asserted
that the convention they are sponsoring will
not be held until the conclusion of agree-
ments being made at the Geneva trade con-
ferences.
* * *
MUCH SPORT AND HORSEPLAY spot-
lighted the national celebrities golf tourna-
ment here over the weekend at the Columbia
Country club.
Bing Crosby emerged as the most popular
with the crowd of 7,500 spectators watching
the golf meet.
Edward Arnold covered the entire course
without playing a hole. He provided the most
amusement by letting Att’y Gen. Tom Clark
tee-off from his nose as he lay on the ground.
Other contestants were: Sen. Robert Taft,
Hildegarde, General Eisenhower, Jack Demp-
sey, Gene Tunney, Babe Didrickson, Gene
Sarazen, Walter Hagen jr., Bobby Jones,
Bobby Cruickshank, Happy Chandler, Gen-
eral Bradley, James Forestal, Admiral Nimitz,
Carl Hubbell, John Snyder, Ham Fisher and
many senators and representatives.
Best score for 18 holes was Gene Sarazen
with a 70. Worst score Tom Clark with 120,
probably more.
* * *
ERIC JOHNSTON, president of the Motion
Picture Ass’n, announced the beginning of
production of MPA’s “Screen Editorial” series
to be under the supervision of Edward Chey-
fitz, his assistant. Cheyfitz left for Holly-
wood this week and told BOXOFFICE that
they expect to begin shooting in about ten
days. After they are finished, another series
called "This Is Hollywood,” will be put in
production, he said.
Johnston’s trip to Europe is now sched-
uled for June 22 departure. Unless un-
foreseen developments again postpone the
trip, he will go directly to the Brussels Film
Festival in Belgium. He will also make stops
in England, Holland, Germany, France and
the Scandinavian countries, ending up at the
Geneva trade conference. Gerald Mayer and
Joyce O’Hara will accompany him.
* * *
THE HOUSING EXPEDITOR has ap-
proved eight more permits for new theatre
construction excluding repairs. All veterans,
they are:
Donald C. Hones and James D. Fitzpatrick
of Erie county, N. Y.; Daniel L. Francis, Perry
Johnson and Harding Duidry, Breaux Bridge,
La.; Manley I. Cark, Lawndale. N. C.; R. L.
Hawks, William J. Hawks, Delano, Kas.;
Arlington L. Howe, St. Leonards, Md.; L. W.
Richardson, Warrenton, Ore.; Lawson P.
Stine, Steele, Mo., and Harold Nusbaum,
Springfield, Ohio.
* * *
THE LONG TALKED-ABOUT screening
rooms for Congress will finally be a reality.
David Lynn, architect of the Capitol, an-
nounced his plans for remodeling both house
and senate caucus rooms for film projection,
plus some other additions in the senate
luncheonette, at a total cost of $84,000. Work
will be done this summer.
* * *
FEAR OF CRIPPLING the antitrust di-
vision of the Justice department by GOP
budget cuts has been dispelled. Only $100,000
was pared from their appropriations of
$2,500,000 which is their largest grant in his-
tory.
* * *
PASSAGE WAS EFFECTED this week in
the senate of the business census bill spon-
sored by Sen. Albert W. Hawkes (R-N.J.). The
census includes the motion picture industry
and will occur every five years.
RKO Pathe Gets Citation
ST. LOUIS — The American College Public
Relations Ass’n awarded a citation to Fred-
eric Ullman jr., RKO Pathe president, and
the This Is America series production staff
for distinguished service in interpreting
higher education through films. The award
was presented at the association 30th anni-
versary dinner held here recently. Phil Reis-
man jr., RKO Pathe editorial manager, ac-
cepted the citation for “Campus Boom,” re-
cent This Is America release.
POSTPONED
M-G-M TRADESHOWS
"ROMANCE OF
ROSY RIDGE"
originally advertised for tradeshowings in New York, New
Jersey and Los Angeles territories Monday, May 26, and else-
where nationwide May 27.
Watch for New Tradeshow Dates!
28
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
LASH! "FIESTA” selected as THE PICTURE
>F THE MONTH by Louella O. Parsons in
OSMOPOLITAN MAGAZINE.
U
CITY
PLACE AND ADDRESS
LIVING IN A
BIG WAY
FIESTA 1
ALBANY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1052 Broadway
MON. 6/9
8 P.M.
MON. 6/23
8 P.M.
ATLANTA
20th-Fox Screen Room, 197 Walton St., N. W.
MON. 6/9
70 A.M.
MON. 6/23
10 A.M. i
BOSTON
M-G-M Screen Room, 46 Church Street
MON. 6/9
10:30 A.M.
MON. 6/23 10:30 A.M.
and 2:15 P.M.
and
2:75 P.M.
BUFFALO
20th-Fox Screen Room, 290 Franklin Street
MON. 6/9
2:30 P.M.
MON. 6/23
2:30 P.M. I
CHARLOTTE
20th-Fox Screen Room, 308 South Church Street
MON. 6/9
7:30 P.M.
MON. 6/23
7:30 P.M.
CHICAGO
H. C. Igel's Screen Room, 1301 South Wabash Ave.
MON. 6/9
2 P.M.
MON. 6/23
2 P.M.
CINCINNATI
RKO Screen Room. 16 East Sixth Street
MON. 6/9
8 P.M.
MON. 6/23
8 P.M. ;
CLEVELAND
20th-Fox Screen Room, 2219 Payne Avenue
MON. 6/9
7 P.M.
MON. 6/23
7 P.M. ;
DALLAS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1 803 Wood Street
MON. 6/9
2.-30 P.M.
MON. 6/23
2:30 P.M.
DENVER
Paramount Screen Room, 2100 Stout Street
MON. 6/9
2 P.M.
MON. 6/23
2 P.M.
DES MOINES
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1300 High Street
MON. 6/9
7 P.M.
MON. 6/23
7 P.M.
DETROIT
Max Blumenthal's Screen Room, 2310 Cass Ave.
MON. 6/9
7.-30 P.M.
MON. 6/23
7:30 P.M.
INDIANAPOLIS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 326 North Illinois Street
MON. 6/9
2 P.M.
MON. 6/23
2 P.M.
KANSAS CITY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1720 Wyandotte St.
MON. 6/9
7:30 P.M.
MON. 6/23
7:30 P.M.
LOS ANGELES |
20th-Fox Screen Room, 2019 So. Vermont Ave.
TUES. 5/27
1:30 P.M.
WED. 6/11
2 P.M.
MEMPHIS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 151 Vance Avenue
MON. 6/9
70 A.M.
MON. 6/23
70 A.M.
MILWAUKEE
Warner Screen Room, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave.
MON. 6/9
7:30 P.M.
MON. 6/23
1:30 P.M.
MINNEAPOLIS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1015 Currie Avenue
MON. 6/9
2 P.M.
MON. 6/23
2 P.M.
NEW HAVEN
20th-Fox Screen Room, 40 Whiting Street
MON. 6/9
2 P.M.
MON. 6/23
2 P.M.
NEW ORLEANS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 200 South Liberty St.
MON. 6/9
7:30 P.M.
MON. 6/23
1:30 P.M.
NEW YORK l
M-G-M Screen Room, 630 Ninth Avenue
MON. 6/9
10:30 A.M.
WED. 6/11
70:30 A.M.
NEW JERSEY \
and 2:30 P.M.
and
2:30 P.M.
OKLA'MA CITY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 10 North Lee Street
MON. 6/9
7 P.M.
MON. 6/23
1 P.M.
OMAHA
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1502 Davenport St.
MON. 6/9
7:30 P.M.
MON. 6/23
1:30 P.M.
PHILADELPHIA
M-G-M Screen Room, 1233 Summer Street
MON. 6/9
77 A.M.
MON. 6/23
11 A.M.
PITTSBURGH
M-G-M Screen Room, 1623 Blvd. of Allies
MON. 6/9
2 P.M.
MON. 6/23
2 P.M.
PORTLAND
B. F. Shearer Screen Room, 1947 N.W. Kearney St.
MON. 6/9
2 P.M.
MON. 6/23
2 P.M.
ST. LOUIS
S'Renco Screen Room, 3143 Olive Street
MON. 6/9
I P.M.
MON. 6/23
7 P.M.
SALT LAKE CITY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 216 East First Street, So.
MON. 6/9
1 P.M.
MON. 6/23
7 P.M.
S. FRANCISCO
20th-Fox Screen Room, 245 Hyde Street
MON. 6/9
7:30 P.M.
MON. 6/23
7:30 P.M.
SEATTLE
Jewel Box Preview Theatre, 2318 Second Avenue
MON. 6/9
7 P.M.
MON. 6/23
7 P.M.
WASHINGTON
20th-Fox Screen Room, 932 New Jersey, N.W.
TUES. 6/10
7 P.M.
TUES.. 6/24
7 P.M.
Pennsylvania to Censor
Love Scenes in 'Duel'
PHILADELPHIA— “Duel in the Sun” will
have to be toned down before it can be shown
in Pennsylvania, the state board of motion
picture censors has decided. A number of new
cuts have been ordered in the widely bally-
hooed film as a condition of approval, it was
learned Wednesday.
The film is scheduled to open at the Fox
Theatre here May 29 and in 19 other Phila-
delphia and. suburban theatres on Memorial
day. Theatres which were booked for the
mass opening are the Byrd, Rivoli, Grand,
Suburban, Rockland, Renel, Davon, Over-
brook, Great Northern, Lawndale, Rialto,
Alden and Keswick within the immediate
city limits and the Darby, Anthony Wayne,
Suburban, Grand, Westmar and Savar in
the suburbs.
Members of the board of censors would say
only that the picture “is in the process of
censorship.” Many protests, it was learned,
have been received by the board from church
groups and women’s clubs objecting to the
showing of the film without major cuts in
the love scenes.
The Pennsylvania board has had the pic-
ture “in process of censorship” for about
two weeks.
Representatives of the Selznick Releasing
Organization have not yet agreed to make
the cuts ordered and presumably are hope-
ful that the board of censors will relax its
orders.
Harold Seidenberg, manager of the Fox,
said he had not been notified what cuts, if
any, have been ordered in the film.
MG M TRADE SHOW
"GONE WITH THE WIND"
ALBANY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1052 Broadway
TUES. 6/3
7:30
P.M ■
ATLANTA
20th-Fox Screen Room, 197 Walton St., N. W.
TUES. 6/3
70
A.M.
BOSTON
M-G-M Screen Room, 46 Church Street
TUES. 6/3
10
A.M.
& 2:30
P.M.
BUFFALO
20th-Fox Screen Room, 290 Franklin Street
TUES. 6/3
2
P.M.
CHARLOTTE
20th-Fox Screen Room, 308 South Church Street
TUES. 6/3
1:30
P.M.
CHICAGO
H. C. Igel’s Screen Room.,1301 South Wabash Ave.
TUES. 6/3
1:30
P.M.
CINCINNATI
RKO Screen Room, 16 East Sixth Street
TUES. 6/3
7
P.M.
CLEVELAND
20th-Fox Screen Room, 2219 Payne Avenue
TUES. 6/3
1
P.M.
DALLAS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1803 Wood Street
TUES. 6/3
2:30
P.M.
DENVER
Paramount Screen Room, 2100 Stout Street
TUES. 6/3
1
P.M.
DES MOINES
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1300 High Street
TUES. 6/3
1
P.M.
DETROIT
Max Blumenthal's Sc. Rm, 2310 Cass Avenue
TUES. 6/3
1:30
P.M.
INDIANAPOLIS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 326 North Illinois Street
TUES. 6/3
2
P.M.
KANSAS CITY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1720 Wyandotte Street
TUES. 6/3
1:30
P.M.
LOS ANGELES
20th-Fox Screen Room, 2019 So. Vermont Ave.
TUES. 6/3
1
P.M.
MEMPHIS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 151 Vance Avenue
TUES. 6/3
1
P.M.
MILWAUKEE
Warner Screen Room, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave.
TUES. 6/3
1:30
P.M.
MINNEAPOLIS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1015 Currie Avenue
TUES. 6/3
1
P.M.
NEW HAVEN
20th-Fox Screen Room, 40 Whiting Street
TUES. 6/3
1
P.M.
NEW ORLEANS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 200 South Liberty Street
TUES. 6/3
1
P.M.
NEW YORK )
NEW JERSEY \
M-G-M Screen Room, 630 Ninth Avenue
PREVIOUSLY TRADESHOWN
OKLA'MA CITY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 10 North Lee Street
TUES. 6/3
12 Noon
OMAHA
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1502 Davenport Street
TUES. 6/3
1:30
P.M.
PHILADELPHIA
M-G-M Screen Room, 1233 Summer Street
TUES. 6/3
11
A.M.
PITTSBURGH
M-G-M Screen Room, 1623 Blvd. of Allies
TUES. 6/3
2
P.M.
PORTLAND
B. F. Shearer Screen Room, 1947 N.W. Kearney St.
TUES. 6/3
2
P.M.
ST. LOUIS
S'Renco Screen Room, 3143 Olive Street
TUES. 6/3
1
P.M.
SALT LAKE CITY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 216 East First Street, So.
TUES. 6/3
1
P.M.
S. FRANCISCO
20th-Fox Screen Room, 245 Hyde Street
PREVIOUSLY TRADESHOWN
SEATTLE
Jewel Box Preview Theatre, 2318 Second Avenue
TUES. 6/3
1
P.M.
WASHINGTON
20th-Fox Screen Room, 932 New Jersey, N.W.
TUES. 6/3
. 1
P.M.
MGM Office Managers
Meef in Cincinnati
NEW YORK — The first of two MGM office
managers’ meetings was conducted at the
Netherlands Plaza hotel in Cincinnati during
the week by a home office group headed by
Charles K. Stern, Loew’s assistant treasurer,
and Alan F. Cummings, head of branch opera-
tions and maintenance. Others in the home
office group were W. G. Brenner, head of the
checking department; Charles O’Brien, di-
rector of industrial relations; William Orn-
stein, liaison between sales and publicity;
Harold Postman, assistant to Cummings, and
M. L. Simons, assistant to H. M. Richey and
editor of The Distributor, Loew’s sales publi-
cation. The second meeting will start May 26
at the Cosmopolitan hotel, Denver, with all
of the home office group but Brenner at-
tending.
Master bookers on hand for the three-day Cincin-
nati sessions were Parke D. Aanew and Arthur
Sterling. Field auditors included Charles Bell, H. C.
Gentzel, Irving Margolin, Charles School, Harry A.
Simons and Arthur Sklar. Office managers were
G. L. Becker, Detroit; M. N. Berger, Cincinnati; D. H.
Brown, Cleveland; J. E. Farrow, Philadelphia; L. R.
Gilland jr. , Charlotte; H. Holmes, Memphis; J.
Kronman, Washington; D. S. MacLeod, Indianapolis;
A. J. Mayer, Pittsburgh; H. P. Mosley, New Orleans;
Sam Perloff, Atlanta; Mary Ryan, Buffalo; Sidney
Stockton, New York; Edward Susse, Albany; G. E.
Weber, New Haven, and Ben Wolf, Boston.
Tom F. Grady, master booker, and John Ash, Oliver
C. Broughton, Willard Gillilan and Edward Urschel,
field auditors, will be among the 26 attending the
Denver meeting. The office managers present will
include HaZel Anderson, Omaha; Fred Armington jr.,
Des Moines; Walter Bennin, Milwaukee; J. E. Comer,
Seattle; John Coyne, San Francisco; G. A. Derrick,
Salt Lake City; Edna Frank, Chicago; A. V. Gross,
Denver; A. S. McCarl jr., Portland; Miss E. J. Brant-
ley, acting office manager who will pinch-hit for
L. W. Royalty, who is ill, Oklahoma City; V. Smith,
Kansas City; W. W. Spruce, Dallas; J. P. Valpey,
Los Angeles; J. H. Zimmerman, St. Louis, and A.
Zuelch, Minneapolis.
M. L. Simons Will Attend
Montana Exhibitor Meet
NEW YORK — M. L. Simons, assistant to
H. M. Richey and editor of the MGM sales
publication, “The Distributor,” will make his
first appearance before an exhibitor group in
his new post at the Montana Theatres Ass’n
convention at Boulder Springs May 28 and 29.
Simons will go to Boulder Springs after at-
tending the second of the office managers’
meetings at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Denver,
May 26 and 27.
Seeking General Release
Of Government Films
HOLLYWOOD — Patrons of motion pic-
ture theatres may be given an opportunity
in the near future to see some of the count-
less thousands of feet of film on various sub-
jects produced by Hollywood studios for the
wartime government. Marvin Faris, exec-
utive assistant to Donald Nelson, president of
the Society of Independent Motion Picture
Producers, is in Washington conferring with
Solon Buck, archivist of the Library of
Congress, anent the possibility of securing
release on some of the films which are frozen
because they are government property. Nel-
son and Faris are of the opinion that many
of the subjects have commercial and educa-
tional possibilities.
Set 'Copacabana' Dates
NEW YORK — “Copacabana,” a Sam Coslow
production released through UA, will open at
the Stanley Theatre in Philadelphia June 6,
and at the Uptown Theatre in Toronto June
7. These are the first two out-of-town en-
gagements for the film. “Copacabana” will
open at the Criterion Theatre in New York
May 28.
30
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
CHESTER FRIEDMAN
EDITOR
HUGH E. FRAZE
Associate Editor
o
o
*Vjew l^eiationd
The owner-manager of a small
new theatre in a southern state sent
in his bid for the public relations
Bonus for this month. He recently
made public an announcement that
he was taking a local church in as
a partner, giving it one cent on
every adult admission.
His letter states: “If the federal
and state governments can take a
big slice of the admission price, we
can just as well give a share to the
church where it will really do some
good.
“I think this public relations idea
of mine is original and that it is
much better to have the churches on
our side than to be fighting them
like exhibitors in most communities.
“Now I ask you,” he concludes in
his letter, “is that public relations or
not?”
That is a moot question to an-
swer. In a town such as the one
this particular exhibitor is located
in, the idea may have merit
although time and experience could
prove otherwise.
Also, it is possible that this ex-
hibitor’s own lack of theatre operat-
ing experience and what he un-
doubtedly intended as a goodwill
gesture might prove a boomerang.
What happens if other churches or
civic organizations devoted to char-
ities decide that they, too, should
be declared in as partners?
At RKO’s annual golf tourna-
ment last week, some of the circuit
theatre managers were explaining
their reluctance to submit promo-
tions to the trade magazines.
“Here in New York,” said one,
“our advertising is handled mainly
through the home office publicity
department. We do, of course, de-
vote ourselves to lobby displays,
special circulars and to occasional
tieups. The out-of-town managers
have more opportunity to display
their showmanship by comparison.”
But the RKO manager did admit
that the BOXOFFICE Bonus will
serve as an equalizer. The show-
man who is restricted to any one or
more mediums of promotion can
submit proof of his talents in these
phases to earn himself cash and
recognition for his effort. That is
exactly what the Bonus does.
Let’s hear from you.
— Gk&itesi tyniacttnout
Advertising Variety Cues
Dallas Telenews Success
Managing the Telenews Theatre in Dallas
is not exactly a pushover. Meet Ross Mc-
Causland who holds the fort as manager
and does a hangup job week after week, pro-
viding theatre patrons not only with the
latest global news but also selling whatever
product is not used by the bigger houses in
Dallas.
Originally devoted exclusively to the ex-
hibition of news events and short subjects,
the theatre is a successful venture since the
policy was changed with the addition of fea-
ture attractions to supplement the short pro-
gram. To the Telenews go a good many of
the foreign imports, and the competent show-
man who is in charge has done an excellent
job in putting over many of the English
film productions.
Some of his campaigns represent a credit-
able performance in the face of extreme
competition and the southerner’s normal re-
luctance to attend British films. McCausland
has made it a practice to select the out-
standing portion of a picture’s theme, or some
specific star, and concentrate his advertising
in that direction.
An amiable relationship which he has cre-
ated between the theatre and the newspaper
reviewers and editors is responsible for many
of the usual publicity breaks which his at-
tractions have received. Last month the
Telenews Theatre played “On Approval” as
the main attraction. A sneak preview in
advance of the regular opening helped to
create special interest in the film. In this
instance McCausland concentrated on the
popular Beatrice Lillie, star of the film, as
his main selling point. Limited in his ad-
vertising budget due to the small seating
capacity of the Telenews, McCausland made
the most of whatever space was available to
present Miss Lillie to Dallas audiences in a
manner predestined to great success.
Unusually good reviews in all of the Dallas
newspapers proved another factor in the suc-
cess of the picture. The Dallas Morning News
‘THE MOST DARING COMEDY OF A
DECADE... HILARIOUSLY AMUSING."
Irresistible .
Inimitable!
feeabUce.
LILLIE
“ON APPROVAL^
Telenews front on “Wicked Lady’
CLIVE BROOK
A Goofy Tale to
Gild The Lillie!
TELENEW
This Telenews ad was two columns.
broke a three-column art layout for Mc-
Causland, playing up all four stars who are
seen in the picture, while the other dailies
contributed additional publicity and art.
When “Wicked Lady” was the attraction
at the Telenews, James Mason, of course,
came in for the high spot on the selling
agenda.
After concentrating on newspaper pub-
licity and advertisements to publicize his at-
tractions, a small theatre like the Telenews
is likely to find its advertising budget rather
strained. For this reason, the lobby and
front receive special effort and attention so
as to attract both regular patrons and pas-
sersby from the busy thoroughfare. These
displays follow the pattern practiced in news-
paper advertisements, the theme or star se-
lected receiving concentrated effort.
Every bit of available space is utilized in
the lobby to exploit coming attractions, with
the same displays being used out front when
the picture is current. Photo enlargements,
action scenes and profuse displays of scene-
stills are favored by McCausland to focus
attention on his feature attractions, news-
reels and shorts.
In spite of the fact that all available space
is utilized, the theatre maintains a dignified
and businesslike appearance. Being in a
prominent location, with heavy traffic pass-
ing the theatre, the marquee is another
salient advertising medium. With four lines
on either side, McCausland takes full ad-
vantage of this space for punch copy and
whatever highlights occur in his current news.
On special occasions, McCausland has
found it feasible to tie up with outside sources
for extra exploitation.
—39—
Janot Puts on Battle of Cowboys'
To Gain Edge Over First Runs
Battle of Cowboys
OFFICIAL BALLOT
Mark an X After Your Choice
Roy Rogers 0.
Gene Autry Q
Deposit this ballot in the lobby of the Badger
Theatre and Win a Free Pass to see
THIS GREAT SHOW
Roy Rogers Gene Autry
IN IN
"Apache Rose" "Twilight on the
Rio Grande"
Starting Thursday, May 1st
WARNU BROS.
BADGER THEATRE
Name
Address..../..
Passes Will Be Mailed the Winners
25 free passes 25
Ballots Must Be In By Midnight Wed. April 30th
Managing one of three downtown first
run theatres when the other two get the
pick of product is no cinch. In Racine, Wis.,
Ervin Janot operates the Badger Theatre
which has just such a policy. Pictures avail-
able for weekend dates are not always Holly-
wood’s super productions, so Janot recently
decided to revive a “Battle of the Cowboys”
program which paid off handsomely.
The program consisted of Roy Rogers in
“Apache Rose” and Gene Autry in “Twilight
on the Rio Grande.” All advertising carried
the “Battle of the Cowboys” theme with
Janot getting a two-week advance start on
his campaign. Displays included a ther-
mometer for each cowboy star (left above),
with announcement for patrons to watch for
the results of balloting.
Printed ballots (right) were distributed in
schools, restaurants and drug stores with all
persons urged to vote for their favorite can-
didate as the most popular cowboy. An aver-
age of 300 ballots were received at the thea-
tre every day and the thermometers were
marked according to the latest vote. One day
prior to the opening of the program, 25 bal-
lots were selected from the box and those
whose names appeared on them as the voter
received guest tickets to see the show.
On Saturday, the third day of the pro-
gram, Janot added five cartoons to his pro-
gram and announced a special kiddy mati-
nee. Three thousand special color heralds
were imprinted and distributed at local
schools.
Janot reports that the results were ex-
tremely gratifying with the show playing to
capacity audiences throughout the engage-
ment. He credits his assistant, Robert W.
Monkman, with fine cooperation in putting
on the campaign and its ultimate success.
Star Appearance Assists
Trail Street' in Newark
Through the connivance of Fred Herkowitz,
RKO home office publicity, and Harry Weiss,
manager of the RKO Proctor’s Newark Thea-
tre, the presence of star Anne Jeffreys
was secured during the run of her latest
film, “Trail Street.” It proved a perfect
boost for business.
The star’s presence in Newark insured the
theatre of much publicity and interest when
her itinerary included personal visits to the
Newark News and the Newark Star-Ledger,
and a guest interview by Hal Tunis, popular
disc jockey over station WAAT. During the
interview, Miss Jeffreys offered autographed
pictures of herself to listeners.
The star was also interviewed at the news-
papers, with advance and followup publicity
totaling over 1,000 lines of copy. Rounding
out her day in Newark, Miss Jeffreys made
a personal appearance on the stage of the
RKO Proctor’s where she told some anecdotes
that occurred during the filming of “Trail
Street.”
Breakfast at Early Show
When Basil’s Lafayette Theatre, Buffalo,
dated “The Egg and I” recently, Bill Brereton,
advertising-publicity manager for the thea-
tre, and George MacKenna, manager, tied
up with Bob Wells radio show on WEBR in
a novel exploitation stunt which won wide
publicity for the picture, the theatremen
provided the audience with breakfast, with
eggs as the main course.
Double Feature Publicity
Lauded by Santeramo
A double newspaper scoop which resulted
in favorable publicity in connection with the
opening of “Stairway to Heaven” was put
over by Gene Santeramo, manager of the
State Theatre in Jersey City, N. J. He planted
a one -day contest with the Jersey Journal
in which readers were asked to list the vari-
ous steps (titles of pictures) which figured
in the rise to stardom of David Niven. A
bond was awarded to the winner, with guest
tickets going to runnersup.
The other break, a two-column feature
story, concerned a British war bride, an ex-
pectant mother, who was given a free phone
call to her mother in England.
Tin Cans for Tickets
Six hundred youngsters crowded into the
Palace Theatre in Phenix City, Ala., on a
recent Saturday with approximately 3,000 tin
cans as admission price, ending annual Jun-
ior Chamber of Commerce cleanup drive.
—40—
Fry of Atlanta Puts
'Macomber' on Four
Radio Stations
An example of the increasing prominence
of radio in motion picture promotion is the
campaign executed by Boyd Fry, manager of
Loew’s Grand at Atlanta, for “The Macom-
ber Affair.” Facilities of four stations were
utilized in an extensive exploitation of the
film.
Probably the most effective was a wild
animal identification program, which was
broadcast on WGST for five days in advance
of the opening.
WAGA’s popular Telefoto program, which
features money and theatre pass giveaways,
plugged the picture eight days in advance.
Normally this station gives equal breaks to
the Paramount, Fox, Capitol, Peachtree,
Rialto and Grand theatres, but in this in-
stance the Telephoto program tieup was de-
voted exclusively to “The Macomber Affair.”
JUNGLE ANGLE ON RADIO
WSB, using the primitive jungle angle of
the film as a background, gave 50 and 75-
word plugs daily starting five days in ad-
vance.
WATL’s Man on the Street program, origi-
nating daily in front of the Paramount Thea-
tre next door to Loew’s, plugged “The Ma-
comber Affair” with giveaways consisting of
certificates for soft drinks, cleaning and
pressing and theatre passes.
Between the main and semifinal event of
the weekly wrestling show at the City audi-
torium, which attracts a crowd of 5,000, the
public address announcer plugged the film
from a sports angle.
Beck & Greeg Hardware Co. put in a win-
dow, using stuffed bobcats, a fox, honey bears
and coyotes furnished by the Atlanta Taxi-
dermist Co. The large 11x14 art of Gregory
Peck, Preston Foster and Joan Bennett was
used with proper tieup copy.
Reeder & McCaughley, Inc., dealers in
sports wear, guns, ammunition, etc., used a
window tying up with 11x14 art of Peck and
others in the cast. Guns were the back-
ground for this display.
A HUNTING DISPLAY WINDOW
The King Hardware Co., used two windows
each with 8x10 and 11x14 art with guns,
ammunition, hunting clothes, boats and
buffalo heads. Tieup copy was prepared
and furnished by the theatre.
Sixteen downtown and residential beauty
salons used art of Miss Bennett with tieup
copy.
The Holzman Jewelry store used 22x28 art
of Miss Bennett in its window five days in
advance with prominent copy. The Crown
Jewelry Co., used art of Miss Bennett in a
wrist watch display.
Both the Journal and Constitution carried
art in Sunday’s papers a good two weeks in
advance and again on Wednesday before the
Thursday opening.
Plane Crash Pilot Sees
Screening of 'Heaven'
A plane crash at Newark, N. J., recently
in which the pilot and passengers were in-
jured but not killed, gave rise to a timely
bit of showmanship by Jay Wren, advertising-
publicity director for the Paramount Adams
Theatres.
There is a similar incident depicted in the
film production, “Stairway to Heaven,” which
was dated at the local Paramount Theatre.
Wren arranged a private screening of the
picture at St. James hospital for the un-
fortunate airmen and succeeded in landing
art break and credits in the Star-Ledger.
32
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 24, 1947
Uncle Remus He Say....
Iffen yo’ all
gits downtown .
don’ fail to see
Brer Rabbit in
Song of the South
windows at
*See, in these windows , the Walt Disney animals,
bigger than life, beautifully colored, just as in “ Song
of the South ” now at the Warner Theatre.
CO-OP
m
An excellent way to stretch the
advertising budget is exempli-
fied by cooperative merchant
ads on this page. These adver-
tisements serve to promote the
merchant's commodity by tying
it in with picture titles or, as in
the one below, a contest.
mm
JACK MATLACK, PUBLICITY DIRECTOR,
J. J. PARKER THEATRES, PORTLAND, ORE.
JAMES TOTMAN, PUBLICITY DIRECTOR, WARNER’S, PITTSBURGH, PA.
L. LAURENT, ACADEMY THEATRE, PASADENA, CALIF.
. ,ou I'*"—, V,*.” Oof’no
— — - ^ - - *• r
lo enjoy
„ all th* tomily
>t rou
the *«ock
■»» b.-‘ «• *• “,iT
And thonW you «0»
u_, tome o* og« to-
—
„ „ ,o»»» **•' >"-»"• «• “
dollof »olum* ol.home iofl, anUuHod to th«« commu
any ,otry»or the <*
1ion» note olloccounH upto>o.
A Wo nderM l',(
ie Povo-
deno o*eo «•>" *
n ploy»
, o,du«* ond -• *®P« *
i gtond P'e,u'’ ,0„ng« on»
, or. hoppy *<>f '0,# rt . „ gfeo, in-
’ Qfe p,oud. too. ot be.ng port o g
, u ond -• o»« P w,Uore and hopp'O*'*
itnbutod *o much to comt.un.nr
--Bjawssr*
tNO l
- — »u,U.l .UHO'HO M'
VINOS ."0 ‘°‘M .SSOCl.tlON Ol
*U‘«SOtl»«ON O' ,..*»•"* ,.s.0IN» .UlSOINO «N0 lO»H
<AVIH04 “WO l°*M ASSOCIATION
Of rASA0IN* juv.nOS A*0 tO*N
scvH »s...H»
j-ctribo'orS A Hfl'N®1*
•rtP ais** „A\cino»
a9aI! Ne^°on
ar\a°a' , teadv' t0t W*
,\erted a" poW'>^e' . oVer
jer v/oV bv J ,0 teach °
Ms ^dCcrotnit booW*-
W*8*« nOO readers- vl0|itffl*
\0,0°0, . 31 pa9® <0r use
,
^ ;tboo'cS»n . *uecrt*e “
Toerson«V‘*ed ' spec\a\
° . i ttvjeb poS'e'ond >«anV' uo0
y spe.c‘ Uf0'ds • j in 'be pfeSS
Mbers-o'"'5'6
COLUMBIA
SERIAL
BYRD • AMES!
Screenplay by George H. Plymp ,
Directed by WALLACE F0)J(
Clay and Arthur Hoerl
iced by SAM KATZMAN
ANOTHER SERIAL SCOOP
FROM COLUMBIA . . .
RIGHT ON THE HEELS OF
JACK ARMSTRONG ...again
designed to win the approval of
every showman . . . parent . . . and
child!
Wm ml ' I 1 Si I
m Wm ,
............... . •' , .
Based on The Vigilante
adventure feature ap-
pearing in Action
Comics Magazine
CTION HERO OF MILLIONS
RASHES TO THE SERI AL SCREEN !
Distributes Seeds as Street Ballyhoo,
Reaps 'Spring' Publicity Harvest
In the campaign promoting the engage-
ment of “Suddenly It’s Spring” at the Cri-
terion Theatre in Oklahoma City, Manager
Robert A. Hynes put into use several ideas
that clicked in a big way with the public.
Five days in advance Hynes had two girls
in bright-colored pedal-pushers pass out en-
velopes containing certified flower seeds con-
tributed by the Shannon Seed Co. The en-
velopes carried appropriate copy. For four
days the girls worked the suburban shopping
centers, operating one day in the main busi-
ness district downtown.
The distribution of 100,000 heralds as
bagstuffers was made possible through a tieup
with the Standard Humpty Dumpty stores.
Every purchase that left the grocery chain’s
25 stores in the city over a ten-day period
was accompanied by a stuffer. The heralds
were numbered. On opening day 250 win-
ning numbers were posted on “Suddenly It’s
Spring” cards in the stores. The holder of
each winning number received a free admis-
sion to the Criterion.
A Man About Town program over KOCY
had the announcer asking people the ques-
tion: “What is the most obnoxious thing
your husband does — (1) Drop ashes on the
rug? (2) Blow smoke in your face? (3)
Wear loud ties? (4) Monopolize the conver-
sation with old jokes?” After he had re-
ceived an answer to his question the an-
nouncer would tell each person to see how
Paulette Goddard handled Fred MacMurray
under these circumstances in “Suddenly It’s
Spring.” Cards reading “Reserved for Sweet-
hearts Because ‘Suddenly It’s Spring’ — Now at
Criterion” were posted on park benches in
the three recreation parks in the Oklahoma
City area during the run (above photo).
Five thousand penny post cards with a
reproduction of a Varga painting of Miss
Goddard were mailed to a local mailing
house’s list of female white collar workers.
Selling copy and matinee prices, which are
of particular interest to this group of work-
ers, also appeared on the cards.
During the opening day and for several
days after the opening Hynes had a boy
shuttle back and forth continuously between
the Criterion and the sign shop with a 24-
sheet cutout. A prominent feature of the dis-
play was a giant figure of Miss Goddard.
Fiddlers Roundup
Draw for Dallas
The personal appearance of the annual
Kaw Valley Fiddlers Roundup on the stage
of the State Theatre, Manhattan, Kas., was
the signal for Manager Dave Dallas to un-
leash his repertoire of exploitation stunts
which helped the theatre do a landslide
business at the boxoffice.
Dallas added a couple of extra attractions
to the program, a Rodeo Queen contest and
a competition to decide the best barber shop
quartet.
A trailer and banners strung around the
lobby helped start off the ballyhoo four
weeks in advance. Dallas then contacted of-
ficials of radio station WIBW in Topeka and
made arrangements to present the winner of
the fiddlers contest on WIBW’s Jamboree
program. Since the station also sponsors the
Eddie Dean Rodeo contest, the theatre re-
ceived gratis announcements.
The American Legion prize-winning barber
shop quartet agreed to appear as part of
Dallas’ program which garnered news and
art stories in the Kansas State Collegian and
local daily newspaper.
To insure an abundant number of entries
in the fiddlers contest, Dallas obtained the
names and addresses of fiddlers living in
adjacent communities and invited them to
participate.
Spellers See Free Show
William Kemp, manager of Loew’s State in
Memphis, arranged for the 47 county spell-
ing champions from the midsouth to be
his guests at “Undercover Maisie.” The spell-
ers were in Memphis for the Press-Scimitar’s
annual spelling bee.
Has Clubwomen Endorse
Showing of 'Best Years'
Outstanding publicity in local newspapers
and an all-embracing exploitation campaign
marked the engagement of “The Best Years
of Our Lives” at the Criterion Theatre, Okla-
homa City.
Manager Robert Hynes promoted displays
in hotels, windows, and with department
stores to sell the date. The Federation of
Women’s Clubs endorsed the picture and
phoned their friends to urge their attend-
ance at the Criterion.
The Man About Town radio program
plugged the picture for ten days with thea-
tre credits, offering guest tickets to listeners
providing the best answers to the question,
“What do you consider the Best Years of
Your Life?”
Screenings for officials and clergymen
netted additional publicity and several min-
isters referred to the film production in their
weekly sermons.
The many awards won by the picture were
highlighted in newspaper advertisements and
special art in the theatre lobby and out front.
During the current showing, the theatre was
decorated with pennants and two 24-sheets
were mounted on top of the marquee.
Carry Mat lor ' Grass'
Fred Greenway of Loew’s Poli Palace in
Hartford, Conn., tied up with a florist re-
cently for an original piece of street ballyhoo
on “The Sea of Grass.”
The florist supplied a large grass mat and
Greenway hired four models to carry it
through the streets of downtown Hartford.
Splashed on the mat were the words, “ ‘The
Sea of Grass’ Is Now Playing at Loew’s Poli
Palace.”
Exploits Historical
'Lady' Background
With Posters
Pressed with the problem of exploiting the
famous British-made film, “The Wicked
Lady,” without stressing the sensational ele-
ments that had created earlier controversy,
Walter Chenoweth, manager of the Alex-
andria Theatre in San Francisco, chose a
campaign sparked with lively historical in-
terest.
Colorful, eye-arresting 40x60 posters were
placed in nearby shop windows at busy trans-
fer points one week ahead of his run of
“The Wicked Lady” and maintained there
throughout the engagement. The posters were
spotted in positions that brought his pros-
pective customers in daily contact with the
material.
Impressed by one of the most picturesque
scenes from “The Wicked Lady,” showing
the gay and festive manner that hangings
were conducted in Restoration England,
Chenoweth showed replicas of the gallows
which, in those times, were sold as souvenirs.
Adhering to the historical theme but uti-
lizing a modern tiein, the Alexandria man-
ager, with another poster, presented an idea
of interesting parallel thought through the
centuries as he showed how 17th century
tales and ballads of highwaymen has a mod-
ern counterpart in current detective and
crime stories.
In both unique posters, while emphasizing
the historical angle, Chenoweth did not fail
to utilize the importance of the name of
James Mason, one of the leading actors, as
a selling factor in the film.
Promotes Quarter Page Ad
Tying up with a local concern that handles
music records, Roy Blumenheim, city man-
ager for the Reade theatres, Long Branch,
N. J., promoted a quarter-page display ad
in the Daily Record at no cost to the theatre.
The tieup was made in conjunction with “The
Fabulous Dorseys” at the Strand Theatre.
The ad featured illustrations of the stars
with the theatre’s playdates in a dominating
position, followed by merchant announce-
ments of records on sale.
TREASURE IT!
* Don't discard your BOXOFFICE. The
Showmandiser section has been de-
signed to serve as a permanent hand-
book of theatre merchandising.
* The pages will be numbered consec-
utively throughout the year.
+ An index to these pages will be pub-
lished at regular intervals, thus provid-
ing easy reference to the various arti-
cles on showmandising of individual
pictures, to types of pictures, and to all
the various phases of promotion.
* Theatremen and executives who
have long felt the need for an up-to-the-
minute, yet permanent guide to boxof-
fice promotion material, will recognize
this latest service innovation in BOX-
OFFICE as an invaluable aid in their
daily showmandising efforts.
36
44-
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser " May 24, 1947
Big 'Jolson' Buildup
In Milwaukee Beats
Bad Competition
Charles Hacker, manager of the Palace
Theatre in Milwaukee, assisted by Jules
Serkowitz, Columbia exploiteer, worked out a
campaign for “The Jolson Story,’’ marked
by heavy concentration on radio and news-
paper coverage, which paid off well during
a week of rain and strong outside competition.
Press material and art were planted with
the motion picture, radio and Green Sheet
editors of the Milwaukee Journal, the screen
and radio editors of the Sentinel and with
the Teen-Ager. This resulted in four ad-
vance art breaks and a Jolson biography and
art on Sunday in the Journal, and art and
a review in the Teen-Ager, a weekly with a
circulation of 20,000.
RADIO LETTER WRITING CONTEST
WTMJ conducted a letter writing contest
which extended through six days in which
listeners were asked to write letters on their
favorite Jolson song. Cash was awarded to
the best letter each day.
Complete orchestrations were furnished
the WTMJ musical director and tunes from
the film were played well in advance and
during the run. In addition the station used
the ten-minute “Jolson Story” transcription,
and Carla, announcer on a daily broadcast
for the three Schuster stores, reviewed the
film.
WISN played Jolson records in advance
and during the run.
WFOX used the ten-minute Jolson radio
show transcription twice in advance and on
opening day, plugged Jolson records frequent-
ly a full month in advance and featured sev-
eral 15-minute Jolson programs.
WEMP plugged “Jolson Story” song hits
nightly a month in advance and used the ten-
minute transcription once.
DECCA HOST AT SCREENING
A special screening was held in the Fox
screen room in the Varsity Bldg, for news-
paper record reviewers, film editors and
critics, radio program directors and band
leaders, with the invitations issued by the
Decca distributor.
The Schuster department stores gave full
window and department displays and news-
paper ad plugs. Sears, Gimbels, the Guiness
Music Co. and the Boston store gave window,
department and ad boosts. The Broadway
House of Music cooperated with window,
department and radio plugs. W. T. Grant
Co., Advance Radio, Esquire Radio Shop,
Alton Music Co., the Charles Nitzow and F.
W. Grand Co. also aided.
At the Palace, “Jolson” hits were played
over the public address system before show
time and during intermissions, two months
in advance. A record player in the lobby
played the “Jolson” hits ten days in advance.
A beautiful 40x60 art scroll announcing the
opening was used in the lobby ten days in
advance. A 22x3-foot banner was used over
the lobby exit three weeks in advance.
Orchestrations were furnished local night
club, ballroom and hotel dining room bands
“Jolson” tunes were played in advance and
during run by the dance bands at the Hotel
Schroeder, Wisconsin hotel, Lakota’s Theatre
restaurant, Tic Toe and Celebrity.
Anagram Contest
For “Boomerang” at the Park Theatre,
Brooklyn, Manager Harry Nestler instituted
an anagram contest. Patrons were invited
to submit lists of words formed from the
letters spelling “Boomerang.” Those sending
the largest lists were rewarded with two guest
tickets.
Preselling
Extensive newspaper and radio coverage was
set for the world premiere of Eagle-Lion’s
“Repeat Performance” at the Liberty Theatre
in Zanesville, Ohio, May 22. Top-ranking
radio commentators, syndicate representa-
tives, feature writers and nationally syndi-
cated columns covered the event.
The picture’s opening was celebrated by
Zanesville and Ohio officials as highlight of
the statewide sesquicentennial celebration
commemorating the founding of Zanesville
150 years ago.
Representatives of the press, the tradepress
and radio networks traveled from New
York aboard an American Airlines plane
rechristened “Repeat Performance” for the
Zanesville opening.
DRY GOODS TIEUP ON “MIRACLE”
In a return to showmanship in the old-
fashioned, grand manner, the 20th-Fox com-
edy-romance, “Miracle on 34th Street” will
premiere in key cities next month, backed by
a merchandising tieup.
Key to this promotional barrage set up by
Charles Schlaifer, director of advertising,
publicity and exploitation, is an arrangement
with the powerful National Retailers Dry
Goods Ass’n, numbering 7,500 member stores
throughout the country.
Described as a “miracle of entertainment,”
the picture has been strongly endorsed to all
NRDGA members by Lew Hahn, president of
the organization. In a letter to retailers,
Hahn has urged their fullest cooperation in
bringing to the public’s attention “a refresh-
ing theme revealing the possibilities of ro-
mance in important things which have grown
stale through familiarity.”
Jewelry ' Locket ' Tieup
Jewelers in Plainfield, N. J„ displayed
11x14 color photos of Laraine Day admiring
a locket which was stapled to a card with
theatre name and playdates of “The Locket.”
Sabi Conti, manager of the Oxford Theatre,
arranged the tieup.
Mayor's Appeal Helps
Orphans and Case's
Date on 'Dorseys'
To build advance interest in “The Fabu-
lous Dorseys” scheduled opening at the
Broadway Theatre, Kingston, N. Y., Bob
Case, city manager for the Reade circuit in
Kingston, enlisted for the support of Mayor
W. F. Edelmuth. The mayor issued a public
appeal to local citizens for old or discarded
musical instruments for orphans, to be used
to develop their creative talents in the field
of music.
The promotion was given wide publicity
locally with public-spirited citizens urged to
turn in their instruments to either of the
two Reade theatres in Kingston.
Radio station WKNY cooperated with a
total of 16 free announcements over a four-
day period with listeners also urged to pro-
vide for the kiddies and giving both the thea-
tres and picture prominent mention.
Additional exploitation for the picture in-
cluded gratis mention on the mailing list of
2,500 bulletins mailed to customers of Herzog’s
music shop and six cooperative newspaper
ads paid for by Herzog’s and Arace Bros.,
another music concern in Kingston plugging
the song hits heard in the film.
Detroit Telenews Airs
Tiger Games in Lobby
A promotion arranged by Norman F.
Wheaton, manager of the downtown Tele-
news Theatre in Detroit, has all out-of-town
major league baseball games played by the
Detroit Tigers aired directly from the lounge
of the theatre.
Harry Heilmann, former star of the Tigers
and now a veteran baseball sportscaster,
handles all broadcasts, receiving play-by-play
reports over Western Union. An attractive
booth has been set up in the theatre lounge,
with the entire show aired over WJLB,
Detroit.
A “Home Show” exhibit was one of the highlights of the campaign to exploit
“Buck Privates Come Home” at the RKO Palace Theatre in Chicago. Lou Mayer, man-
ager of the Palace, obtained army cooperation, too. Here, the wife of a former buck
private looks over part of the display.
BOXOFFICE Showmcmdiser :: May 24, 1947
—45—
37
Graduates Are Feted by Leo T. Jones
At Annual Supper-Theatre Party
Adams Hal Campaign
Tops as Goodwill
Business Spur
‘Straw Hat day,” which started as an
average idea in the brain of Elmer Adams jr.
manager of the Bison Theatre, Shawnee,
Okla., took on the momentum of a rolling
snowball a,nd developed as a citywide pro-
motion with enthusiastic merchants, the
mayor of Bison, newspapermen and radio
station KGFF all cooperating to make the
event one of the most publicized in the city.
The enterprising theatre manager wound
up with an excellent day’s business for “The
Michigan Kid” which ran concurrently.
Adams found little difficulty persuading
merchants dealing in men’s chapeaux to go
all-out in newspaper display advertisements
to publicize the event. They also cooperated
with window displays and announcements
in their ads informing the public that anyone
presenting a sales slip for a hat purchase on
Straw Hat day at any of the cooperating
stores would be admitted to the Bison Thea-
tre upon payment of a 10-cent charge to
handle taxes.
The mayor gave his endorsement to the
plan by issuing a proclamation which re-
ceived full news coverage.
Exemplifying the fine relationship which
a community theatre can maintain in its
relation with the public is the annual pro-
motion put on by Leo T. Jones, owner of
the Star Theatre, Upper Sandusky, Ohio.
May 19 junior-senior high school graduates
attended a buffet supper followed by a se-
lected preview feature. This gesture on the
part of Jones is the annual spring event of
the school term.
“It is not only a goodwill gesture,” reports
Jones, “it is done in the interest of public
welfare, for previously these high school
proms were often followed by tragedy, in-
cluding automobile accidents, and once by a
runaway marriage.
“Our supervised activities provide plenty of
entertainment and they keep things moving in
an organized way after the prom and until
3 a. m. when everybody returns to their
homes.”
The school superintendent and members of
the faculty cooperate in making arrange-
ments and are present to assist in the super-
vision of the festivities.
Through his spendid outlook, Jones makes
a better approach to strengthening his posi-
tion in community life. This year more than
200 students attended with the buffet being
served by attractively costumed volunteers
from the sophomore class.
Shabbily Dressed Manikin
Promotes Teacher Crisis'
Capitalizing on the nationwide interest in
the serious situation of schoolteachers and
the number of them who are striking for
better pay, City Manager Russel Ackley of
Portales, N. M., really went to town to exploit
the March of Time’s “Teacher Crisis,” shown
at his Yam Theatre*
Ackley made an announcement of the com-
ing of the film before the various school
assemblies. He stressed the importance of
the subject dealt with in the picture not
only to the teachers hut to the pupils as well.
He also spoke before the local Lions club,
since it has among its members several col-
lege and city teachers. The night prior to
opening he gave a special screening for all
Portales teachers.
Three days before playdate Ackley bor-
rowed a manikin and dressed it in well-worn
clothing. The manikin carried a picket sign
bearing this copy: “Keep me off the picket
line and I will keep your children from being
illiterate!” The model was placed in the
lobby of the Yam.
Style Show for 'Cheyenne'
Bathing suits with fringes at the top were
modeled on the stage of the Lincoln Thea-
tre in Cheyenne, Wyo., May 14 at a style
show as advance publicity for the world pre-
miere showing of “Cheyenne” May 22. Spe-
cial fabrics, to be known as “Cheyenne Pre-
miere Prints, were designed by an eastern
manufacturer especially for the occasion.
Tieing Up Window
A tieup with a local merchant and an
amusing lobby display helped sell “Vacation
Days” at the Avalon Theatre in Clarksville,
Tex. Manager A. A. Haley arranged for a
window display of sports clothes with a de-
partment store. The window, filled with
vacation costumes, carried a card, reading:
“The Koret Sports Clothes Displays Here
May Be Seen on Living Models When You
See ‘Vacation Days’ at the Avalon.” From
the same firm Haley promoted a dummy,
suitably dressed, to place in the lobby. A
placard beside the dummy read: “This lady
cannot see ‘Vacation Days.’ But she wears
Koret Sports Clothes, which are featured at
the Hub store.”
Effective treatment of the boxoffice with
special displays frequently offers theatre-
men an opportunity to attract extra atten-
tion to their attractions from passersby
and motorists. Here, Charles Bierbauer,
city manager, employs the device artfully
to promote “Bedelia” at Fabian’s State
Theatre, Allentown, Pa.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : May 24, 1947
—46—
g*™ UNFAIR, w
I F AAMK
| SWATRA
i «f. WE STAR —
m HE SHOOED
P Win WE 6)Rl l
PRANK -o*-jta|C»l»Sfiir
MNATKA."“** s Uffir :
SSS^HAJttldfi
£ MtVS«,
*TMt C-lfcl
Mother's Day Marked N U G G
By Showmen With
Special Events
E T S
Observance of Mother’s day through special
promotion by theatremen included the
selection of a “Pinup Mother for 1947 at
Skouras’ Ward Theatre in Bronx, N. Y.
Manager George Cockelf of the Ward in-
stituted the stunt in which patrons were
invited to submit their own candidates for
the title. Merchants and businessmen co-
operated by offering beautiful gifts to the
winner. Pictures of all entrants were dis-
played in the lobby, the merchants placed
cards in windows publicizing the contest and
the winner was presented on the theatre
stage on Mother’s day. ,
The winner received many fine gifts from
theatre patrons who attended the unique
community gathering at the Ward.
In Shawnee, Okla., Elmer Adams jr., man-
ager of the Bison Theatre, promoted free
chocolates for the oldest mother who at-
tended the theatre on Mother s day. Adams
tied up with the manufacturer of Pangburns
Classic chocolates and two drug stores who
donated the candy. An attractive lobby dis-
play publicized the event in advance, and
both cooperating merchants displayed signs
announcing Adams’ current film fare and
the gift offer. Newspaper ads and announce-
ments on the radio were also used to exploit
the giveaway.
Matt Saunders, manager of the Loew-Pon
Theatre, New Haven, Conn., tied in with a
local beauty shop and obtained a plug in
the studio’s regular newspaper ads for his
Mother’s day program. The ad featured a
cut of Evelyn Keyes, starred in “Johnny
. O’clock,” with theatre credits and suggested
) that mother be taken for a beauty treatment,
then to Loew’s on Mother’s day.
Another stunt which landed a three-
column art break in the Bridgeport Post for
Saunders was the selection of four typical
mothers who were treated to dinner at the
Stratford hotel on Mother’s day and then
taken to the theatre.
Equipped with a clanging cowbell, an all-
purpose tractor pulling a trailer adorned
with copy on “The Farmer’s Daughter was a
part of the promotional program for tha
fPnm at the Grenada Theatre in Duluth, Minn.
Bernard “Bud” Blackmore, manager at
tired in a straw hat and barn cloak, piloted
the tractor through the downtown section
Particularly appropriate was the tracto! trek
on May 9 when many rural residents were
in Duluth for the Farm and Home Labor
Saving and Safety show.
In Waycross, Ga„ John Harrison tied up
with the leading beauty shops of the city
and presented a hair style show. He had a
full house for the attraction, and received
“tremendous amount of pub. “W “
newspaper and on the radio tetta eariy-
ing an advance campaign lasting ten days.
This no cost stunt gave Harrison much
extra revenue at the boxoffice.
Organization of kiddy clubs has proved a
stimulant for Saturday afternoon business
at the Freeman and Findlay theatres, neig
borhood theatres in Cincinnati, operated y
Jack Frisch. Under Frisch’s direction the
clubs were organized with officers chosen by
the members, who must be 12 or under. The
clubs meet at 11 a. m., Saturdays.
Arcade Patrons Attend
'Whisker Night Party'
Waynesboro, Pa., is celebrating its sesqui-
centennial next July, and one of the stunts
the local committee has undertaken is the
formation of a Sesqui Whiskers club.
Don Nichols, manager of the Warner
Arcade Theatre in Waynesboro, decided to
capitalize on the stunt recently when he in-
vited all members of the group to attend
the theatre as his guests.
A section was reserved for the bewhiskered
members, which was extensively publicized
in the newspapers every day for over a week
prior to the big night. The newspapers urged
readers to attend the program in order to
get acquainted with the “Beards.” Nichols
introduced each member from the stage with
local nominees for the club being inducted
in special services. Nichols himself was
praised for his public spirit in helping to
boost the success of the coming sesqui cele-
bration.
A small handout offering charter member-
ships in the “Closed Eyes Kiss Club to femi-
nine patrons of the Westex Theatre, Olney.
Tex., attracted much amused comment from
ticket buyers and focused their attention o ^
the coming attraction, “Dead Reckoning.
Cards were passed out a week prior to play
daThe cards, bearing a cut of Bo®*1J ' ^
Scott in an embrace and decorated with the
most kissable of lips, carried this copy. Like
Lizabeth Scott, ‘I Close My Eyes When
Kissed’ . (then a blank for signature)
5 a charter member of Closed Eyes Kiss
Club. Lizabeth Scott, President.” Below was
a listing of the stars and the narne of the
film. At the bottom of the card and printed
in large letters: “FREE-FREE-FREE. T e
first ten ladies who sign their names on the
above line and present this at the boxoffic
on the opening day of this picture will l
ceive a free pass.”
A flash front and a clever teaser handout
card were the features of the campaign put
on for “The Time, the Place and the Gnl
by Ethelene E. Erwin of the Westex Theatre
in Olney, Tex. A huge board, painted with
a blue background and covered with sdver
star, 11x14 stills of the film and red cutout
lettering, covered the entire front of the
Olney. A week in advance the center board
were moved to the lobby. Copy read. You
have THE TIME, We have THE PLACE, You
brins THE GIHL.’ . ,
A week prior to showing 2x214 -inch cards
were given to each purchaser of adult tickets.
Srds carried this copy: “Don’t let the season
pass without seeing, etc.
Contest tor Cancer Drive
As a public service gesture and to promote
extra interest in the cancer drive, Bob Case,
city manager for the Reade circuit in Kings-
ton N Y., initiated a poster contest among
high school art students. Public-spirited citi-
zens donated cash prizes for the best posters
submitted and a committee of prominent
businessmen and artists judged the entries.
Gertrude Bunchez Ties Up
Radio Deal for Century
Loew’s Century Theatre in Baltimore has
inaugurated its first postwar man-on-tne-
street broadcast in conjunction with station
WCAO CBS outlet in Baltimore.
Gertrude Bunchez, publicity director for _ th
Century, arranged the promotion which
emanates from under the Century marque
each week on the day before opening of the
new program. The broadcast lasts ten min-
utes— participants receiving guest tickets.
*Ws»«
wfe Want mm
•R> WiN j§§§
i€ emu 1
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : ’• May 24, 1947
—47—
, tears . . • suspense.
ON picture hermo
"100% audience P,ct“re_jLfA BuLLETl
racetrack sequences.
u;«ti at box office.
"Rates high aT _,oORTEr
HOLLYWOOD REPORT
solid entry
boxoffice
"Heart warming
entertaining • •
. for top boX
SHOWMEN'S
"Please every
office grosses.
trade review
IG THEATRES FROM COAST TO COAST
Ex'
toith
^osco
■mom.
^45
'©« *iarring
C<*therine
't&H)
••"•• "•“.’i!'; fW- »,* ,,: p ---
Pr°duCet1 *tl0tiallv », ' ,,
Cecf afl(| n; ,Jr Fa»ioUfi » Joe *J
Bradl,
A i
«g
fiSCO
"OUj)
cer
II
"Box
otfice h°norSv
FtUA
Innovation in Style Show
Fills Town , Theatre Too
A multicolored background serves as
an effective eye-catcher to focus inter-
est on forthcoming screen attractions.
Four-pointed stars have metallic bor-
der and are replaceable.
A fillip for fashion shows, which not only
will boost the boxoffice take but also is just
as valuable in the eyes of the merchants who
usually sponsor such events, was worked out
in Morristown, N. J., recently in connection
with a spring style event at the Park Theatre.
The innovation is the idea of Guy Hevia,
city manager for the Walter Reade circuit
in Morristown, and Berney Feld, manager of
the Park. Their stunt brought a crowd that
included many people from surrounding com-
munities to the downtown section of Morris-
town one spring Sunday afternoon, and in-
creased patronage at the theatre the follow-
ing night.
Widely advertised in advance, 30 well
dressed women were awarded corsages by a
committee of fashion experts who were sta-
tioned on the main street between the hours
of 2 and 5 o’clock on Sunday afternoon.
The corsages signified that the recipient was
one of the best dressed women in Morris
county.
INVITATIONS WITH FLOWERS
With each corsage, the committee presented
an invitation for the chosen woman to ap-
pear on the stage of the Park the following
night, where three finalists would be chosen
by audience applause for three grand awards
as follows: First, spring suit or dress; sec-
ond, shoes and gloves, and third, a spring
handbag.
The invitation read: “Morristown’s First
Annual . . . Quest for Fashion . . . You have
been selected as one of Morristown’s best
dressed women and are requested to appear
on the stage of the Park Theatre (time and
date) to compete for the grand awards.’’ The
card then listed the prizes and concluded
with mention of the fact that Junure House,
women’s wear, had provided the three prizes
and that the flowers were from Wilson,
florist.
The stage event followed the regular elimi-
nation contest procedure.
The key to the success of the Park’s Quest
for Fashion, which can be adapted for use
with a fashion show any time of the year, is
the advance selling, which began two weeks
in advance at Morristown.
several Reade theatres in town ten days in
advance. In addition, the lobby was a focal
point in the promotion. Props and a fashion
model were obtained from a local merchant
for a lobby setup that emphasized the dress-
up-for-spring idea and the forthcoming selec-
tion of Morristown’s queen of fashion.
Heralds, 8l/4xlOV2, plugging the fashion quest
and grand awards were distributed in con-
nection wit hthe display. A revolving color
wheel drew attention to the setup.
AN APPEAL TO WOMEN
The herald wound up its explanation with
an appeal to the women thus: “Ladies! Here
is your chance to be considered one of the
best dressed ladies in Morris county, as well
as join in the thrilling moment when you
take home a valuable prize.
Three thousand heralds were distributed as
follows: 1,000 from the three theatres, 1,500
door to door, 250 to the florist for insertion in
all orders one week prior to the event, and
250 to Junure House for counter distribution.
Twenty-five special window cards were
placed around Morristown and vicinity.
The local newspaper ran a front page
article on the event ten days in advance at
the same time a two-column ad was used.
Stories also were planted in eight out-of-town
papers.
The Reade theatres in Morristown place
strong dependence on a weekly program.
The fashion quest, with credits to the par-
ticipating merchants, was featured in the
18,000 copies of this program.
Stage Set Over Marquee
Draws Attention to f Jolson'
An eye-arresting display was created for
“The Jolson Story’’ by Ben Holster, artist
and chief operator for the Avalon Theatre,
Clarksville, Tex.
Ten days prior to playdate Holster built
a false stage setting on top of the theatre’s
marquee. A cutout of Larry Parks was
placed in front of the stage setting. Parks,
in blackface, was in the famous Jolson posi-
tion, bended knees, arms outstretched. Be-
hind the cutout was a background of musi-
cal notes and silver stars. Wingwalls, on
each side of the false stage, carried picture
copy. In the center of the stage, just below
the Parks cutout, was a huge replica of a
record. On it, in white letters, appeared the
playdates and in a circle, around the center,
“The Jolson Story.” The title in large white
letters also appeared at the top of stage
setting.
According to C. N. Wolf, TEI city manager,
the display created a lot of attention and
many patrons thought it the work of a com-
mercial artist. Holster received many com-
pliments from friends and patrons of the
Avalon.
Special Section Heralds
New Lithia Reopening
When the Lithia Theatre recently re-
opened in Ashland, Ore., Gordon Gately,
manager of the newly renovated and mod-
ernized house, promoted a special section in
the Ashland Daily Tidings.
The section was devoted entirely to news
about the reopening, the innovations offered
for the comfort of local patrons and con-
gratulatory messages from companies which
worked on the project.
Shadow box illumination helps to
point up photographic display with
central theme of action and picture's
title. Black and white illustrations
stand out against colorful background.
Special trailers were started in each of the
Lettering which is legible and brief
carries a potent message with mini-
mum of gingerbread. Simplicity of de-
sign is another contributing factor in
good signwork.
42
—50—
BOXOFFICE Showmondiser :: May 24, 1947
Australian Curb Due
On Theatre Holdings
SYDNEY — The labor government, recently
re-elected in New South Wales, is planning to
introduce a bill limiting the number of thea-
tres which can be held by one individual or
company.
A promise to amend the theatres and public
halls act to limit theatre holdings was made
prior to the May 3 elections by John M.
Baddeley, chief secretary (deputy prime
minister).
A member of the legislature had com-
plained that the independent theatre owner
was being forced out in favor of “combines”
because of certain provision of the theatres
and public halls act. Baddeley said the gov-
ernment would remedy this condition if it
'Vc
. . . has that rich , golden
color that makes ’em buy!
★ Uniform Quality always— in color
—in flavor— in consistency.
★ Colored at the refinery by expert
chemists*
★ Packed in Open Head Pails and
drums for better accessibility.
★ Backed by 70 years "know how".
★ For those states where colored oil is not sold
— use SIMKO brand, natural color
coconut oil seasoning.
2550 E. TIOGA ST. PHILADELPHIA 34, PA.
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
were re-elected. Out of 90 members in the
legislature, the government won 59 seats.
Several independent laborites also can be
counted on to support this measure.
The new legislature is scheduled to meet
within the next two weeks and the proposal
to amend the theatres act is high on the
agenda.
In his pre-election promise, Baddeley ex-
pressed the view that license should not be
granted to persons owning two or more thea-
tres except under unusual circumstances.
Canadian Film Entered
In Belgian Festival
NEW YORK— “The Boy Who Stopped
Niagara,” made for the J. Arthur Rank Or-
ganization by the National Film Board of
Canada, has been entered in the Belgian
Film Festival which starts June 8 for a 19-
day period.
The film, which has an all-Canadian cast
and crew and was shot entirely in the Domin-
ion, will be shown by the J. Arthur Rank GB
Instructional, Ltd., around the British Em-
pire to the Odeon kiddy movie clubs. Leslie
McFarlane, Canadian writer, produced and
directed and wrote the script.
Cable to Curb Thieves
CLEVELAND — David Sandler, president of
Drive-In Theatre Equipment Co., has an-
nounced that he has the exclusive manufac-
turing rights to a device guaranteed to pro-
tect in-car speakers from theft. “We are now
making a theft-proof rubber-covered
armored cable which is attached to our
Auto Voice speakers,” Sandler says. Theft
of in-car speakers runs as high as 17 to 20 a
day, it is reported.
First Run for Roy Rogers
LOS ANGELES— “Bells of San Angelo”
opened day and date at the Paramount,
Hollywood, and the Downtown, Los Angeles,
May 22, the first time a Roy Rogers picture
was booked into an important first run on
the Pacific coast. “Trail to San Antone,”
starring Gene Autry, is being shown on the
same bill.
Negro Film Has 85 Dates
NEW YORK— Toddy Pictures Co. has
booked “Going to Glory,” the all-Negro
spiritual feature, in 85 Negro theatres
throughout the U.S. The picture has already
played day and date at the Harlem, Balti-
more, and three houses in Washington and
is now at four other theatres in Baltimore
and the Regent, Brooklyn.
WB Releases Set to July
NEW YORK — Warner Bros, has com-
pleted its release schedule through the mid-
dle of July, with a July 5 release date set
for “The Unfaithful,” featuring Ann Sheri-
dan and Lew Ayres. Other releases listed
between now and July are “The Two Mrs.
Carrolls,” May 24, and “Cheyenne,” June 14.
r
I QUALITY SHOWMANSHIP
L
IHiHI
ARTIST'C * VADfc TO ‘ Rl FR * SfftDY
J
>Ffi.V C £
monon PICTURE SERVICE C».
a
125 HYDE ST. * San FMnc7sco(2)*Cnli>]
approximately
TO THE CRUSADE
FOR PUBLIC VISUAL
EDUCATION
24Jours!
A Genuine
+ PUBLIC
SERVICE
r resented by the Theatres
S5/g^^e4K..that care about
America's future/
Produced and Distributed by..
J. S. JOSSEY and KROGER BABB
HYGIENIC
PRODUCTIONS
Hygiene Bldg Wilmington, Ohio
LOS ANGELES . . . CHICAGO . . . CLEVELAND
TORONTO . . . LONDON . . . MEXICO CITY
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
43
Critics' Praise for Foreign Films
Boosting Business , Asserts Unger
NEW YORK — Critics’ praise for foreign
films has been an important factor in devel-
oping this business in the U.S., according to
Oliver A. Unger, vice-president in charge of
sales of Distinguished Films. In 1944, he says,
there were only eight foreign film outlets.
Now every key city has one, he declares, and
the total is increasing rapidly.
Unger recently returned from a six-week
survey of foreign film outlets in this country.
He said there isn’t a key city without a for-
eign film house today. Kansas City, which
never before played foreign first runs, has
recently opened an art theatre and Washing-
Still the most Economical because
of NEW DRASTICALLY
REDUCED PRICES
Our government has requested
price reductions to stem infla-
tion and we are going to help —
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
THE PRICE OF POPSIT PLUS IS
REDUCED APPROXIMATELY
15% — This brings the cost of
POPSIT PLUS close to the price
level of solid seasonings.
Warehouses in principal cities — coast to coast
C.F.Simonin’sSons, Inc.
% t tflefoneM ^
6 i I 5 H t 0
2550 E. TIOGA ST. PHILADELPHIA 34, PA.
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
ton, D. C., now has two first run theatres
and four subsequents playing foreign product
exclusively with two more first run spots
to be opened by fall, Unger says. He esti-
mated that there are at least 60 theatres
playing foreign product exclusively and others
playing it part of the week.
United Foreign Films Distributors, the new
cooperative agency to be founded by Dis-
tinguished Films, Siritzky International, Su-
perfilm Distributing Corp. and Vog Films for
the distribution of foreign product across the
country, will be in operation by the fall, Unger
said. In addition to the New York home
office, branches will be opened in Los An-
geles and in Chicago, which has only one
theatre playing foreign films exclusively and
one other playing part-time. The new or-
ganization will seek booking term agreements
to insure theatres a consistent flow of prod-
uct. The theatres will be guaranteed 35 pic-
tures from the distributor-founders, plus an
occasional picture from an independent for-
eign distributor according to Unger. Each
picture will be sold individually in order to
control the methods of exploitation, which
most exhibitors know little or nothing about,
Unger said.
Starting from the east, Unger visited Balti-
more, Washington, Atlanta, Dallas, Los An-
geles, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Salt
Lake City, Kansas City and Chicago. He
also talked to circuit owners in Los Angeles
where Fox West Coast is now booking first
run French films at its Westwood house.
Unger said the Telenews theatres in Oak-
land, Tacoma and Dallas are trying foreign
product.
Distinguished Films may make a film in
Italy next winter in both Italian and Eng-
lish language versions. The Italian and
French producers expect more from the
American market in the future because of the
rising production costs, Unger said. He will
leave for Europe on a six-week trip in June.
COMPLETE SEAT REBUILDING, YESI
Veneer Backs and Bot-
toms Made to Order —
Seat and Back Covers —
New Cushions — Uphol-
stering Supplies.
Write for Samples and Prices
Cecil Davis
Theatre Seat and Equipment Co
4020 MacArthur Oklahoma City, Okla.
fyla&U Point?
Users of POPSIT PLUS the
liquid popcorn seasoning
made from Peanut Oil, are
not worried about flash point.
POPSIT PLUS has a flash
point over 650’F. and a fire
point over 700"F.
FROM THE FILES OF
UNIVERSAL’S building activity embraces
^ 23 theatres, involving $15,000,000, with a
number of new houses under consideration,
according to Dan Michalove, new manager of
the Universal circuit. Continued expansion
in Indiana is under way, while theatres in
Iowa and Nebraska are to undergo recon-
ditioning. Expansion is progressing rapidly
in the Indianapolis, Atlanta, Omaha and
Portland territories.
* * *
The third series of “The Collegians,” two-
reelers is promised by Carl Laemmle jr., who
wrote and supervised the first series.
* * *
Sid Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Holly-
wood opened Wednesday night with a pre-
miere of Cecil B. DeMille’s “The King of
Kings.” A distinguished audience was pres-
ent and Will Hays acted as master of cere-
monies.
if. * *
A nationwide search will be instituted for
the girl who can best personify Lorelei, the
blond heroine of “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,”
in the forthcoming Paramount film of the
Anita Loos best-seller. Brunets will not be
barred, but they must possess what Jesse
L. Lasky defined as “the blond personality.”
* * *
Sen. Reed Smoot has predicted an early
repeal of the federal tax bill on theatre ad-
missions . . . New faces are appearing in Our
Gang Pathe comedies. These additions will
be used as extra players and some day will be
principals.
* * *
Clarence Darrow has accepted the position
of legal counsel for the Ass’n Opposed to
Blue Laws, which has headquarters in Wash-
ington. Darrow’s services will be utilized in
the more important test cases involving Sun-
day baseball and Sunday motion pictures.
* * *
The fact that ventilation has permitted
theatres to remain open during uncom-
fortable weather has inspired the installation
of many cooling systems throughout the
country.
44
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Break Off Wage Talk
In 'Lab' Controversy
NEW YORK— Wage talks between the
Motion Picture Laboratory Technicians Local
No. 702, IATSE, and 18 eastern film, labora-
tories were broken off during the week.
Richard J. Walsh, IA’s international presi-
dent, is expected to intervene.
Negotiations started last March, after the
union threatened a strike of approximately
2,000 members. The union seeks wage in-
creases on par with recent hikes won by
west coast technicians. The union has re-
jected a 15 per cent salary increase offered
by employers. The coast wage scale is from
$1.65 to $2.10 an hour. Eastern workers get
about 40 per cent less.
Members of the Screen Office & Profes-
sional Employes Guild, Local 109, United
Office and Professional Workers of America,
CIO, have unanimously approved salary in-
crease proposals of $10, or 30 per cent,
which ever is higher. These proposals will
be submitted to nine companies under a
wage negotiation renewal clause effective
this summer. Companies involved include
Loew’s, 20th-Fox, RKO, Paramount, Co-
lumbia, UA, Republic and National Screen.
Members also approved a sliding scale assess-
ment for building a defense fund.
Thirty-eight members of the Screen Car-
toonists Guild, Local 1461, employed by
Terrytoons, Inc., are still on strike. The
cartoonists walked out May 16. The union
has been negotiating with the company the
last two years for a new contract. The old
one expired June 30, 1945. Pepe Ruiz, busi-
ness agent for the local, said the present
wage scale for the Terrytoon workers is 30
per cent under salaries granted by other
companies.
N.Y. Circuits Bidding
To Obtain Better Runs
NEW YORK— Within recent weeks local
circuits have started competitive bidding to
get better runs. Until that time bidding in
New York City had been limited to inde-
pendent theatres operating in the Court street
area of Brooklyn where three independents
are in competition and had only been used
for the product of 20th-Fox and RKO.
Now MGM has been drawn into the metro-
politan bidding as a result of the competi-
tion in Queens between the Brandt and Inter-
boro circuits.
The 1,500-seat Elmwood Theatre, Elmhurst,
operated by Interboro, follows the 585-seat
Drake, operated by Brandt. Thus far Inter-
boro has unsuccessfully bid for the prior run
held by the Drake for MGM product.
In spite of these setbacks, Interboro will
continue to bid for the run. And if it suc-
ceeds, the circuit will then go after the first
run now split by the Randforce Maspeth
Theatre, Maspeth, and the RKO Midway
Theatre, Forest Hills.
Alexandria Amusement
Opens Virginia Theatre
WASHINGTON — The Virginia Theatre in
Alexandria, Va., latest addition to the Alex-
andria Amusement Co. chain, opened in
grand style Thursday evening. Before the
opening Managing Director Frank Stover
invited a number of guests to a cocktail party
and dinner at the George Mason hotel in
Alexandria. Judge Howard Smith of the
eighth Virginia district, dedicated the house
and Paramount District Manager Earle
Sweigert made a five-minute address over
Station WPIK.
M. P. Associates Told
Foundation Progress
NEW YORK — The Motion Picture Foun-
dation took a front seat at the annual dinner-
dance May 16 of the Motion Picture Associ-
ates held in the ballroom of the Waldorf-
Astoria hotel.
The 700 guests who had come to see Sam-
uel Rinzler, president of the Randforce
Amusement Corp., received the 1947 Beacon
award, also heard Leonard H. Goldenson,
vice-president of Paramount, discuss the
value to the industry of the foundation.
Goldenson, chairman of the organizing
committee, stated that the foundation will
prove of great value in creating better public
relations for the industry and also will blaze
a trail in industrial relations.
PARAMOUNT PLEDGES $500,000
Although Goldenson discussed the progress
made in organizing the foundation in the
31 exchange centers, he did not mention
that Paramount had placed $500,000 in escrow
toward the start of the foundation. This was
reported by Fred J. Schwartz, president of
the MPA.
Operational details and plans for a merger
of the MPA with the foundation will be
discussed as soon as the board of trustees
meets.
In addition to 31 exchange area trustees,
who will represent exhibitors, there will be
ten trustees representing the distributors,
plus ten more trustees at large. These ten
will be elected by the 41 exhibitor and dis-
tributor trustees.
Goldenson stressed the local, or grass roots,
nature of the foundation. He reminded his
audience that administration of funds for
local aid and relief will be handled by the
local committees. Each exchange area will
receive a revolving fund from which it will
be able to draw.
He also emphasized that the foundation
is not designed to relieve any of the com-
panies of the obligations which they have
assumed in the various employe welfare pro-
grams now in existence. The foundation will
pick up where the obligation of the com-
panies leaves off.
No other industry has attempted a project
like this, said Goldenson. He was told this
by the Rockefeller Foundation, which added
that other industries would follow the ex-
ample of the film industry.
He predicted that within five years “the
most honored positions in our industry will
be membership on the board of trustees.”
“The foundation,” he said, “can serve as
the common meeting ground for everybody
in the industry. Here, the differences which
sometimes divide us, can be buried.”
Presentation of the Beacon award to Rinz-
ler was made by Si H. Fabian, 1946 winner.
The guests on the dais were: Harry Brandt,
Gus S. Eyssell, Fabian, Benjamin Fielding,
Emanuel Frisch, Francis S. Harmon, William
J. Heineman, Ray Moon, E. K. “Ted” O’Shea,
Harold Rinzler, Samuel Rinzler, Albert W,
Schwalberg, George J. Schaefer, Morris San-
ders, George P. Skouras, William A. White,
Sol A. Schwartz and Fred J. Schwartz.
LONG LIST OF GUESTS
Among others present were:
Edward W. Aaron, Ben Abner, Leon J. Bamberger
and wife, Harold Bennett, Charles Boasberg and
wife, Leo Brecher, Irving Dollinger and wife, Oscar
A. Doob, Jack Ellis, Joseph Felder and wife, Sey-
mour Florin and wife, Nat Furst and wife, Ben
Gladstone, Len Gruenberg and wife, Jack Harris
and wife, Walter Higgins and wife, Charles Hodes
and wife, Phil Hodes and wife, George Horn-
stein and wife, Irving Kaplan, Moe Kerinan and
wife, Arthur Krim, Moe Kurtz and wife, Louis Kutin-
, sky, Edward Lachman and wife, Ralph Lager, Harry
Lavine, Sam Lefkowitz and wife, Charles Penser,
Eugene Picker, Ralph Pielow and wife, Henry
Randel, Walter Reade sr. and wife, Dr. Seymour
Rinzler and wife, Montague Salmon, E. M. Saunders,
Edward Schreiber and wife, Seymour Schussel and
wife, Leslie Schwartz and wife, Joseph M. Seider
and wife, M. L. Simons, David Snaper, Wilbur
Snaper and wife, Joseph R. Springer and wife, George
Stamatis and wife, Gus Stamatis and wife, Milton
Stamatis and wife, James Stamatis and wife, Lou
Trachtman, Vincent Trotta, Joseph R. Vogel, A1
Wakoff and wife, George Waldman, James Watson
and wife, Louis Weber and wife, Sidney Weiner,
John Wenisch, Max Youngstein and wife and A1
Zimbalist and wife.
The following organizations had tables: Alden
Theatre Corp., Altec Service, American Theatres
Ass'n, Astor Films, Brandt Theatres, Century cir-
cuit, Cinema circuit, Columbia exchange, Eagle-
Lion-PRC, Fabian Theatres, Loew's exchange, Loew's
home office, National Screen Service, National The-
atre Supply, Paramount exchange, Paramount home
office, Paramount Theatres, President Theatre, Pru-
dential Theatres, Radio City Music Hall, Randforce
Amusement Corp., Walter Reade Theatres, Republic
home office, Rivoli Theatre, RKO exchange, RKO
home office, RKO Theatres; Rugoff & Becker, Skouras
Theatres, 20th-Fox exchange, 20th-Fox home office,
United Artists home office, Universal home office,
Warners exchange, Warners home office.
RECEIVES AWARD — Samuel Rinzler receives the Motion Picture Associates’
annual Beacon award for distinguished service to the industry at the MPA dinner
and dance at the Waldorf-Astoria. Looking on is Fred J. Schwartz, president, and in
the right hand corner is George Skouras. S. H. Fabian is making the presentation.
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
N
45
BROADWAY
("•ol. Nathan Levinson, sound activities head
of Warner Bros., left for the coast after
seven weeks of conferences here with sound
equipment engineers and manufacturers . . .
Eric Hodgins left for the coast for a four to
six-week stay to study the film version of his
book, “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream
House.” The script is being prepared by RKO.
Robert Fellows, William Wister Haines and
a Paramount camera crew leave New York
for West Point May 25 to photograph the
June week festivities . . . Jules Lapidus, east-
ern division sales manager for Warner Bros.,
returned from a tour of the Cleveland ter-
ritory . . . Patrick Hamilton flew from Lon-
don to confer with Alfred Hitchcock and Sid-
ney Bernstein, heads of Transatlantic Pic-
tures, about the screenplay of his play,
“Rope.”
Edwin Aaronoff of Warners’ publicity de-
partment is a pop again. His 4-year-old
daughter has a brother, bom May 15 at Israel
Zion hospital in Brooklyn . . . James Stewart
is in from the coast.
Tom O’Brien, general secretary of the Na-
tional Ass’n of Theatrical and Kine Employes,
arrived from England . . . M. Lebovitz, head
of Grand Amusement Co., Chattanooga, and
his wife are at the Roosevelt . . . George
Muchnic, vice-president of Loew’s Interna-
tional, is in Europe for a two-month tour
of MGM overseas offices.
William Wyler is in New York on his way
to Europe to make a survey of story material
. . . Nat Liebeskind sailed for Buenos Aires
for a two-month visit . . . Laraine Day and
Leo Durocher returned to the coast.
Herbert Wilcox, Anna Neagle, E. H. Lundy,
general supervisor of Gaumont-British; Mrs.
Lundy; Arthur Brown, G-B booker, and Mrs.
Brown arrived on the Queen Elizabeth . . .
Jean Hersholt is in from Hollywood . . . Bruce
Cabot is back on the coast.
Linda Darnell left New York for a three-
month vacation in Europe. It’s her first
in eight years . . . Karl MacDonald, vice-
president of Warner International and sales
manager for Latin America, left on a six-week
tour of Warner branches in South America.
George Bilson, head of RKO short subjects,
is in from Hollywood to confer with Harry
Michalson and other company officials . . .
FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE— Lucy
Monroe, singer, who has appeared at in-
numerable charitable and inter-faith
gatherings in the past few years, is pre-
sented a scroll by Robert M. Weitman,
president of Cinema Lodge, B’nai B’rith,
just before the opening of the B’nai
B’rith film, “This Is B’nai B’rith,” in the
auditorium of the Museum of Modem Art.
MANHATTAN GUESTS— Richard Wal-
lace, director, who recently completed
“Tycoon” for RKO, gets into town with
Mrs. Wallace intent upon seeking plays
and having a vacation.
Ben Joel, Loew’s booker, is back from an
Atlantic City vacation . . . Arthur S. Abeles
jr., general manager for Warner Bros, in
Argentina, is in New York to confer with
Wolfe Cohen, vice-president of Warner Inter-
national, and other home office executives.
John J. Maloney, central sales manager for
MGM, is back from a weekend visit to his
home in Pittsburgh . . . Charles Mack, Wash-
ington representative for News of the Day,
arrived from Sweden and Moscow.
Spyros P. Skouras, Murray Silverstone, An-
drew Smith jr., William Gehring and Sam
Shain returned from the coast . . . Otto
Preminger is here from Hollywood . . . Robert
Walker is in New York . . . Sam Lefkowitz,
Warner Bros, eastern district manager, visited
Albany and Gloversville.
Claude Jarman jr. canceled his proposed
trip to London for the opening of “The
Yearling” . . . Mitchell Rawson of the MGM
publicity department is on vacation . . . Roy
Haines, Warner Bros, western division sales
manager, returned from a midwest tour.
Charles Schlaifer is back from Hollywood
. . . Norman Elsom, vice-president of Trans-
Lux, is visiting Philadelphia, Washington and
Boston . . . Russell Stewart of the MGM pub-
licity staff is back from vacation . . . Rudy
Vallee is in town.
Dave Biederman of Carton Films is in New
York . . . Beatrice Ramos returned to Mex-
ico City . . . Nate J. Blumberg and Mrs.
Blumberg left for the coast . . . Steve Broidy,
Allied Artists-Monogram president, will leave
for England August 1 ... I. Rosenfeld, presi-
dent of Simplex Co., left for Paris. Before
returning late in August, he will visit all the
capitals of Europe.
Joanne Milniker has been appointed east-
ern entertainment editor for Look . . . Fred-
erick Gildemeyer, Puerto Rican manager of
Western Electric, is in New York to confer
with home office executives . . . Eddie Cline,
Monogram director, is back in Hollywood.
Claire Manheimer of Loew’s returned from
a vacation trip to Miami and Havana . . .
Antoinette Spitzer is doing the exploitation
and publicity for the fashion fair to be held
at Madison Square Garden June 12-21.
Governor Dewey is honorary ^chairman of the
committee and “Tex” McCrary is chairman.
Bernard R. Goodman, supervisor of Warner
Bros, exchanges, is back from a three-week
tour of the midwest and southwest territories
. . . Margaret O’Brien and her mother left
for a Bermuda vacation. They will return to
the coast July 1 . . . Stanley Rose of Screen
Plays, Inc., is at the Earle for several weeks
to confer with publishers, playwrights and
novelists on acquiring story properties.
A. J. O’Keefe, U-I assistant general sales
manager, is in Kansas City . . . Edward L.
Kingsley, vice-president of Oxford Films, is
on the coast . . . Lou Rodgers of 20th-Fox
visited New Haven . . . Conrad Baker, man-
ager of the Avenue Playhouse, and Raquel
Katz will be married June 1.
E. C. Wilsche, Altec operations supervisor,
is on the coast . . . Robert Goldfarb of UA
left for Cincinnati and Cleveland . . . C. J.
Feldman, U-I western division sales manager,
is back from Los Angeles.
Samuel N. Burger and David Lewis of Loew’s
International are in Europe on a business
trip . . . Edward A. Golden left for the coast
. . . Jules K. Chapman, Film Classics assistant
sales manager, is in Atlanta for sales confer-
ences with John Maugham ... Ed Durwood,
Kansas-Missouri circuit owner, is in town.
Marcello Girosi, president of Superfilms,
left for Italy and France to line up product
for distribution here . . . Maurice White, Cin-
cinnati circuit operator; Nick Schaefer and
Robert Libson are in town . . . Harry M.
Warner is back on the coast . . . Vernon
Caldwell, public relations director for Walt
Disney Products and Hank Porter, Disney
artist, are in New York to confer with S.
Barret McCormick.
Edward Arnold is in town . . . Herman Gold-
berg of Warners is back from a two-week
tour of midwest branch offices . . . Harold
Dunn, PRC assistant general sales manager,
and Fred Meyers, eastern sales manager, are
in Gloversville to confer with Schine circuit
executives.
Ben Kalmenson and Harry M. Kalmine are
back from Hollywood . . . Arthur Blutreich
of the Warner Theatre department is the
father of a seven and one-half pound boy,
his second, bom May 18.
Leo McCarey and Earl Rettig of Rainbow
Productions are back on the coast . . . Louis
J. Kaufman, Warner circuit executive, re-
turned from a trip from the Cleveland and
Pittsburgh areas . . . Jack Harris, New York
division manager for Loew’s Theatres, is back
from Florida.
Joseph Cotten and Mrs. Cotten arrived
from the coast . . . Jack Lavin of Walt Dis-
ney Productions, is at the Waldorf.
CHECK FOR $48,348— Nick John Mat-
soukas (left), representing George P.
Skouras, presents check to Dr. Howard
Rusk, head of the department of rehabili-
tation and physical medicine of N. Y.
University College of Medicine. The
check is the result of collections in the
metropolitan area in connection with
showings of “The Forgotten Casualty.”
46
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Along New York's Filmrow
: By WALTER WALDMAN
Heal Melts Grosses
Of B'way Theatres
NEW YORK — Grosses wilted with the heat
and were washed away by the rains. With
few exceptions Broadway first runs ran out
at the boxoffice, and in eight situations they
were replaced by new product.
The exceptions were “Carnegie Hall” at the
Winter Garden; “Duel in the Sun,” which
barely topped average at . the Capitol, and
“Honeymoon,” which did a brisk business at
the Palace despite a lambasting by the daily
film critics.
“The Best Years of Our Lives” passed its
half-year mark by doing as well as most of
the more recent holdovers.
The replacements during the week were
“The Imperfect Lady” at the Paramount;
“The Brasher Doubloon” at the Roxy; “Great
Expectations” at the Music Hall; “The Guilt
of Janet Ames” at Loew’s State; “The Pa-
tient Vanishes” at the Victoria; “Dishonored
Lady” at the Broadway; “Backlash” and
“Jewels of Brandenburg” at the Rialto, and
“Framed” at the Globe.
(Average is 100)
Astor — The Best Years oi Our Lives (RKO),
26th wk 90
Broadway — Monsieur Verdoux (UA), 6th wk 50
Capitol — Duel in the Sun (SRO), 2nd wk 101
Criterion — Odd Man Out (U-I), 4th wk 105
Globe — The Macoraber Aifair (UA), 5th wk 80
Gotham — The Guilty (Mono) 95
Hollywood — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB),
7th wk 70
Palace — Honeymoon (RKO) 115
Paramount — Calcutta (Para), plus stage show,
4th wk 75
Park Avenue — Carnegie Hall (UA), 3rd wk 60
Radio City Music Hall — The Egg and I (U-I),
plus stage show, 4th wk 90
Rialto — Shoot to Kill (SG) 90
Rivoli — The Other Love (UA) 90
Roxy — The Homestretch (20th-Fox), plus stage
show, 4th wk 60
Strand — Love and Learn (WB), plus stage show,
3rd wk 78
Victoria — The Jolson Story (Col), 3rd wk. of
2nd run 50
Winter Garden — Carnegie Hall (UA), 3rd wk 115
'Framed' Hot in Philadelphia;
Holdovers Dominate Picture
PHILADELPHIA — “Framed” is the real
hotshot of the week here. It broke house
records at the Stanton and provided a spark
to an otherwise dull session along the rialto.
Most of the other houses are featuring hold-
overs, with a lot of new shows advertised
for opening next week.
Aldine — It happened on Fifth Avenue (AA),
2nd wk 90
Arcadia — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
6th wk 110
Boyd — The Macomber Affair (UA) 135
Earle — Fun on a Weekend (UA), plus stage show.. 90
Fox — The Homestretch (20th-Fox), 3rd wk 90
Goldman — The Egg and I (U-I), 2nd wk 135
Karlton — The Egg and I (U-I), 2nd wk 110
Keith's — California (Para) , 75
Mastbaum — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO),
2nd wk 1 125
Pix — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO), 6th wk 110
Stanley — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM),
4th wk 105
Stanton — Framed (Col) 175
'Egg' and 'Mrs. Carrolls' Smart
In Opening Sessions in Buffalo
BUFFALO — “The Egg and I” at the Lafay-
ette and “The Two Mrs. Carrolls” at the
Great Lakes shared honors among first runs
last week. “The Yearling” rounded out a
three-week stay downtown with a fair figure
at the Hippodrome. So did “The Farmer’s
Daughter” and “Falcon’s Adventure” at the
20th Century. Weather has been overcast and
humid.
Buffalo — Blaze of Noon (Para); My Brother
Talks to Horses (MGM) 80
Great Lakes— The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB) 125
Hippodrome — The Yearling (MGM), 3rd d. t. wk... 85
Lafayette — The Egg and I (U-I) 137
Teck — The Red House (UA);
Three on a Ticket (PRC), 2nd wk 78
20th Century — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
The Falcon's Adventure (RKO), 3rd wk 87
•THERE will be a delegation of Filmrow
A notables and persons prominent in Asbury
Park civic affairs for the opening of “Dear
Ruth” at the Mayfair Theatre May 29. Head-
ing the Filmrow unit will be Henry Randel,
Paramount district manager, and Mrs. Ran-
del; Hugh Owen, eastern and southern division
manager for Paramount, and Mi's. Owen,
known professionally as Arleen Whelan; Wal-
ter Reade sr. and Mrs. Reade, Walter Reade
jr. and Mrs. Reade, Jack Harris, Reade film
buyer; Maj. Gen. Spencer B. Atin, chief
signal corps officer of the army, and Mrs.
Atin and Brig. Gen. McTager, commanding
officer of Fort Monmouth . . . The opening
will be tied in to celebrate the 50th anni-
versary of the incorporation of Asbury Park
as a city and the 20th anniversary of the
Mayfair Theatre.
Phil Chaiton, manager of the Tuxedo Thea-
tre, Bronx, is working hard for the United
Jewish Appeal. Right now he is busy assem-
bling a special show to be presented Monday
night (May 26) for the benefit of the UJA.
Henny Youngman, Don Tannen, Bess Myer-
son (Miss America 1945), Ed Marshal, Molly
Picone and William S. Gailmore have prom-
ised to appear. The screen attraction will
be “A Will to Live,” starring Paul Muni.
Admission has been upped to $1, and the en-
tire proceeds will be turned over to the UJA.
There’s another theatre manager in the
news this week — Teddy Peck of the Ace Thea-
tre, Bronx. The only reason he’s in the news
is that his wife gave birth to a girl, Randee
Jayne . . . George P. Skouras, president of
Skouras Theatres, knew what he was doing
when he “angeled” the prize-winning play,
“All My Sons.” Three of his assistants — An-
tonia Rossi, Andy Karabetsos and Nick Mat-
soukas — each contributed a share of the $20,-
000 the boss decided to invest in the Arthur
Miller play. To date they have gotten back
40 per cent of their investment, and the
play is still going strong.
Fred Bartholdi, Skouras division manager
for Westchester county and the east Bronx,
has been appointed manager of the first run
Park Plaza Theatre . . . Paul Laube, former
manager of the Park Plaza, is in the hos-
pital . . . Bob McGregor, assistant division
manager of Jersey City, has succeeded Bar-
tholdi as Westchester and east Bronx division
manager . . . George Nichols is back on his
old job as manager of the Liberty Theatre,
Elizabeth, N. J., following a leave of absence.
The Regent Theatre, Dunkirk, N. Y„ report-
ed that a recent Saturday morning package
show of 14 cartoons drew better business than
the average double feature Saturday after-
noon program . . . Allen Grant and Alfred
Cohn, manager and assistant manager of the
Patio Theatre, Brooklyn, recently became the
first three-time winners of the Century Thea-
tres weekly showmanship award.
Dave Fine, manager of the Stanley Theatre,
set up a preview Friday night, May 23, for a
new Russian documentary — “The Nuremberg
Trials.” It was a camera report of the famous
war crimes trials from the Russian point of
view . . . Jerry Sager, publicity director of
the Criterion, is still trying to top the suc-
cess of his recent tieup with the cast of
“Finian’s Rainbow.” The Irish backgrounds
of “Odd Man Out,” playing at the Criterion,
and of the musical “Finian’s Rainbow,” were
just too convenient to overlook. So Jerry
invited Ella Logan, Albert Sharpe, Donald
Richards and David Wayne of the “Finian’s
Rainbow” cast to attend a midnight screen-
ing of “Odd Man Out.” Even at that hour,
photographers from daily newspapers showed
up. The upshot was excellent picture cov-
erage in several of the afternoon dailies.
Arthur Jeffrey, E-L exploitation manager,
is off the sick list . . . Jack Ellis, UA New
York district manager, is back from Albany
. . . Arnold Grant is recuperating from an
appendectomy.
George Gunn, head of the camera depart-
ment of Technicolor Limited, arrived from
London. He will remain here a few days
and then will proceed to Hollywood.
AFTER THE SCREENING — Members of the United Artists publicity and ad-
vertising departments at the Copacabana club after attending a preview of “Copa-
cabana” at Loew’s 72nd St. Theatre. Left to right: Mrs. Howard LeSieur, Howard
LeSieur, Mrs. Paul N. Lazarus jr. and Paul N. Lazarus, and Mrs. Francis Winikus and
Francis Winikus.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
47
Stay Order Revocation
Asked by Goldman
PHILADELPHIA — Circuit owner William
Goldman made a double appearance in U.S.
circuit court last week, once in connection
with the Erlanger antitrust suit and a sec-
ond time in connection with the litigation
over purchase of the 69th Street Theatre.
In the Erlanger affair, arguments were
heard on the petition filed by the distributor
defendants, excepting 20th-Fox, for a bill of
review and stay granted by Judge Maris. The
defendants hope to introduce evidence that
will result in a modification of damages
allowed in the district court.
William A. Gray, counsel for Goldman,
pointed out that the defendants’ brief on
appeal to the circuit court was due April 30
and had not yet been filed, and asked that
the stay order be removed. He said it was a
delaying action and served as a restraining
order that was unjust to Goldman. The dis-
tributors’ argument on the unsuitability of
the Erlanger, he declared, was never men-
tioned in previous hearings. The issue was
brought up, he argued, only as a move to get
the case tried again.
Gray said Goldman is anxious to reopen
the Erlanger but does not want to do so until
he can be assured of an uninterrupted flow
of top product.
Bernard Segall, attorney for the distribu-
tors, replied that all pictures released since
the district court decree-injunction had been
offered to Goldman.
The court granted the defendants two
weeks more in which to file the appeal brief
and set June 3 as the date for rehearing of
the defendants’ petition for permission to file
a bill of review.
In his second appearance in court, Gold-
man presented arguments in his appeal from
the district court decision invalidating his
purchase of the 69th Street Theatre in favor
of Frank Blum and ordering him to pay dam-
ages. The court took the case under advise-
ment.
Leapard Opens on B'dway
NEW YORK — Arnold Leapard, former
manager of the Center Theatre in Hartford,
has entered the sign and display business
here. He has established business headquar-
ters in suite 242 at 1947 Broadway.
Eggstra! Eggstra !
New Haven — The lowly egg was egg-
salted at an “Egg and I” breakfast egg-
secuted and eggsploited by Manager Mor-
ris Rosenthal of the Loew-Poli with the
jolly backing of the Egg Dealers Ass’n,
sponsors.
Hizzoner the mayor, (William Celen-
tano), made an early morning eggs-
temporaneous speech at Hotel Garde, as
guest of honor, and eggschanged greet-
ings with Judith Ives of Woodbridge,
representing the 4H club of New Haven,
and crowned Miss Good Egg of New
Haven.
Hill Schulman, field representative of
the U-I publicity department, was in from
Boston all eggcited.
Other guests included Harry F. Shaw,
Lou Brown and Charles Gaudino, and the
boys from WNHC who saw to it that
even the airwaves eggsuded enthusiasm.
In short, eggscellent!
Raybond Will Build
Recreation Center
NEW YORK— The Raybond Theatre Corp.
will build a 1,100-seat theatre, bus terminal,
bowling alleys and roller-skating rink on a
recently acquired block at Westchester
Square, the Bronx.
The property, measuring 202x343, is as-
sessed at $250,000. Part of it is now covered
by a three-story building containing nine
stores and 18 apartments. It also includes a
22-foot arched opening near the center of
the block, originally built to serve as the
lobby for a motion picture theatre in the
rear, which was never built.
David Weinstock, president of Raybond,
does not plan to tear down the building, be-
cause there is sufficient unimproved property
back of the structure for the proposed theatre
and other projects.
No date has been set for construction work.
Variety Club Robbed
ALBANY — The Variety Club was robbed of
$23. The money was taken from a cabinet.
Taxpayer Plans Suit
To Slop N.J. Taxes
ATLANTIC CITY — A local taxpayer will
sue to stop the imposition of the three per
cent admissions and sales tax, scheduled for
local referendum at the June 3 primaries.
He is Thomas J. Karins, who won a N. J.
supreme court verdict against Atlantic City
in 1945 after the town had passed a sales
tax. The court declared the tax unconstitu-
tional.
Karins will maintain that the state law
permitting such taxes is class legislation be-
cause it applies only to fourth-class coastal
cities, and is therefore unconstitutional.
In 1945 he filed his suit on behalf of the
New Jersey Taxpayers Ass’n. It is reported
the new action also will be filed in the name
of the association. The taxpayers group al-
ready has gone on record against the tax in
local newspaper ads.
To date the various exhibitor organizations
which led the legislative fight against the
tax have not been asked to intervene in the
Atlantic City situation.
The Federation of New Jersey Theatre
Owners had promised to help local exhibitors
fight the tax if they should ask for such help.
Court Reserves Decision
On Reade RKO Appeal
NEW YORK — The appellate division of the
New York supreme court reserved decision
May 20 on the appeal filed by Walter Reade
in his two-year-old contract dispute with
RKO.
Reade had appealed the 1945 decision of
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Null denying
Reade’s motion to declare illegal the con-
tract he signed in 1942 with the B. F. Keith
Corp. and the estate of the late Frank V.
Storrs for the management of the Trenton-
New Brunswick Theatre Corp. Thirteen the-
atres in the Trenton-New Brunswick area are
involved.
Reade argued at that time that the B. F.
Keith directors on the board of the Trenton-
New Brunswick Theatre Corp. had violated
the New York state corporation law by per-
mitting Keith to run the circuit. According
to the law, the board of directors is sup-
posed to manage a corporation, said Reade.
The New York law was invoked because
Keith, as a New York corporation, could not
be reached in New Jersey.
Two of the directors were Keith appointees
and one each was appointed by Reade and
Storrs under the terms of the contract.
John W. Davis, who argued the appeal
May 20 for Reade, repeated the argument
advanced by Reade in 1945, that the viola-
tion of the corporation law justified calling
off the contract.
Washington Will Honor
Showman J. L. Fontaine
WASHINGTON— J. L. Fontaine, veteran
showman, will be given a stag party May 26
at 8 o’clock by members of the industry and
other friends. Fontaine is the new division
manager of Selznick Releasing Organization.
Sam Galanty and John J. Payette are co-
chairmen of the affair. Committee members
for the testimonial, to be held in Variety’s
clubroom, include: Frank Boucher, tickets;
Robert Denton and A1 Benson, guest commit-
tee; Sidney Lust, A. E. Lichtman, Fred Kogod,
arrangements; George Crouch, Joe Cronman,
Sam Epstein, door prizes; Carter T. Barron
and Gene Ford, entertainment and music;
Harry Bohmeyer, decorations; Frank LaFalce,
publicity; Crouch, LaFalce and Boucher,
menu.
AT SRO’S AD MEETING — Among the showmen who attended the advertising
and publicity meeting arranged in Philadelphia prior to the premiere of David O. Selz-
nick’s “Duel in the Sun,” standing, are: Harold Brason, Fox Theatre manager;
Irwin Zeltner, Selznick Releasing Organization exploitation representative; Harold W.
Seidenberg, Fox Theatres; Richard Pinner, Selznick representative; Harry Freeman,
advertising manager, Fox Theatres; Martin Ellis, Ellis Theatres; Albert Fischer, Kes-
wick Theatres; Carl Munzer, Darby Theatre; A1 Lidman, Overbrook Theatre; David
Milgrim, Affiliated Theatres; Mel Koff, Darby Theatre; George Rubins, Fans Theatre;
Jack Kraker, Selznick representative; Frank McNamara, Selznick representative; Phil
Gerson, Colonial Amusements. Among those seated: Lew Sablosky, Bristol; Nate
Sablosky, Grand Norristown; Harry MacKay, Arcadia Theatre; M. Wuertle, Great
Northern; M. Fried, Suburban Theatre; Charles Goldfine, Aldine Theatre.
48
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
SEEN AT THE RKO GOLF TOURNAMENT— More than 400
distribution executives, exhibitors and RKO employes turned out for
the 12th annual golf tournament of RKO at the Westchester Country
club. The day started off cold and cloudy, but cleared up later.
Luncheon was served at noon and dinner at night. Prizes were
awarded in all classes.
Top left panel, among those on the dais were Paul Hollister,
Charles Boasberg, Frederic Ullman jr., Malcolm Kingsberg, Ned E.
Depinet, Robert Mochrie, Sol Schwartz and Maj. L. E. Thompson
(the latter two standing). Top right panel, it’s no golf score; it’s a
gross report being studied by Robert Mochrie, Sol Schwartz, Ned E.
Depinet and Mike Poller.
Bottom left, athletes all, fresh and cheerful after 18 holes on a
wet course. Included are: Charles Boasberg, Nat Fellman, Frank
Marshall and Harry Rosenquest. The trio to the right demonstrate
what the well dressed spectators are wearing this season. Here are
Fred E. Meyers of Universal, Sam Rinzler, exhibitor leader, and Lou
Weinberg, Columbia.
Rank Urged to Heed
Hinterlands of U.S.
TROY — J. Arthur Rank and other pro-
ducers of British pictures would do them-
selves, the film industry and the American
public a favor if they toured the key cities
to ascertain the viewpoint of exhibitors and
managers — “the boys in the field.”
This was the suggestion of Larry Cowen,
managing director of Proctor’s Troy, as he
surveyed the week’s business for Rank’s
"Notorious Gentleman.” Cowen said the
Rex Harrison starrer “died, as have most
English pictures played in this territory, be-
cause the patrons can’t understand the Brit-
ish accents and they dislike the lack of en-
thusiasm on the part of the actors. British
casualness and reserve are carried too far.”
“Mr. Rank should remember,” said Cowen,
“that there are more Troys, Albanys and
Schenectadys in the U.S. than there are New
Yorks and Park Avenues. We appreciate
what Mr. Rank is trying to do; we have a
good idea of the money he is pouring into
the British product. We also want to make
money with his pictures, as with all others.
This we cannot do under the present setup.
‘The 39 Steps’ is the only British picture
with which I ever did business, and that had
zip and pace.”
Cowen suggested that British producers
aiming at the American market take a good
British actor like Harrison and surround him
with American players. “The fans here can
understand one such accent, but not 40 or
50,” he said. “Harrison was excellent in
‘Anna and the King of Siam.’ Why? Be-
cause American actors supported him. It’s
the same with Ronald Colman, Charles
Laughton, Vivien Leigh and others.”
SMPE October Convention
Will Have 80 Exhibits
NEW YORK — The 62nd semiannual con-
vention of the Society of Motion Picture
Engineers, to be held October 20 to October
24 at the Hotel Pennsylvania, will have ex-
hibition space sufficient to accommodate 80
booths, according to the general committee.
The committee for the fall convention con-
sists of James Frank jr., chairman; E. I.
Sponable, Don E. Hyndman, Clyde Keith,
W. C. Kunzmann, Harry Smith jr. and Boyce
Nemec.
The exhibit, tied in with the Theatre En-
gineering Conference which will feature the
fall convention of the SMPE, will be set up
in the roof garden of the Pennsylvania. In-
stead of being merely a display of materials
and equipment, this exhibit will be an edu-
cational and scientific presentation, with
demonstrations of the best recommended
practices for comfortable, safe and economi-
cal theatre planning, equipping, furnishing
and operation.
Demonstrations will include methods of
construction, most effective uses of modern
materials, best ways of installing seats, laying
carpets, hanging drapes, lighting, etc. A com-
mittee will be appointed shortly to work with
the papers committee in coordinating the dis-
cussion topics with the various exhibits and
demonstrations.
New Winter Garden Sign
NEW YORK — An illuminated sign, 170x40
feet was erected over the Winter Garden
Theatre to spell out the picture title, “Carne-
gie Hall.” The sign was constructed by Art-
kraft-Strauss. It uses 20,000 lamps, with 20,-
000,000 candle power and 2,000 feet of neon.
Exhibitors Put Over
Torchlight Parade
NEW YORK — Exhibitor showmanship
helped put across the first major torchlight
parade seen in this city since the turn of the
century. Nearly 250,000 persons stood in the
rain to see the event.
It was the parade on Fifth avenue held
Monday night (19) to open the $5,000,000
drive for a new medical center for the New
York infirmary, the first and only hospital
in New York staffed entirely by women.
Appropriately enough, most of the 3,000
marchers were women, and the grand marshal
of the parade was Lucille Ball, screen actress.
Among the marchers, most of whom rode on
illuminated floats, were 600 ushers and usher-
ettes from the Capitol Theatre and the Loew’p
circuit.
Each float honored women famous in
American history, past and present. The
music of 30 bands and a bugle corps accom-
panied the paraders.
The entire spectacle was staged by Edward
C. Dowden, assistant advertising and pub-
licity director of Loew’s. Harry Brandt of
Brandt Theatres was chairman of the parade
and of a benefit performance held Tuesday
night at Madison Square Garden for the
infirmary fund.
Among those in the reviewing stand in
front of the public library at 42nd street were
Mrs. Nicholas M. Schenck, vice-president and
treasurer of the campaign; Nicholas M.
Schenck, president of Loew’s, Inc.; Charles
C. Moskowitz, vice-president and treasurer of
Loew’s; Joseph R. Vogel, Oscar A. Doob,
Ernest Emerling and Eugene Picker, also of
Loew’s, and License Commissioner Benjamin
Fielding.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
E
49
bajlumqm
Three colored boys, all under 11, broke into
the Roosevelt Theatre, operated by Morris
Flacks, and were surprised in the act just
before they were about to push the safe from
the balcony to the first floor . . . A1 Vogel-
stein shopped around, for a place to spend
his vacation and spent some time at Gibson
island . . . Frank Hornig is now on the mend
at Bon Secours hospital.
“Odd Man Out,” the latest James Mason
film, opened at the Century . . . After showing
“Bedelia” the hippodrome offered “The Mil-
lerson Case” . . . Keith’s had “The Egg and
I” . . . Little was playing “Ivan the Terrible”
. . . “The Yearling” was in its third week at
the Valencia . . . “The Homestretch” was
playing for a second week at the New Theatre
and will follow with “Miracle on 34th Street”
... After holding over its twin bill of “The
Sea Hawk” and “The Sea Wolf” for a second
week, the Stanley opened showing “Love and
Learn” . . . The next at the Town, which was
in its third week of “The Farmer’s Daugh-
ter,” will be “Honeymoon.”
Arthur B. Price, Aurora, was one of the
two city councilmen who voted against park-
ing meters for Baltimore. The ordinance,
which received little public attention until
it was approved by the council, is now in the
hands of outgoing Mayor McKeldin to sign
or veto. A storm of public protest has been
showered upon the mayor to induce him to
veto the ordinance. Many business organiza-
tions throughout the city, supported by sev-
eral exhibitors, are back of the movement to
kill the bill. Several councilmen who voted for
the ordinance commented that should it be
thrown back into their laps they would vote
in the negative. -
A freak hailstorm with hail measuring the
size of half dollars fell upon Baltimore Sun-
day (18). At least one theatre reported pa-
trons becoming excited to the point of be-
lieving the building was on fire . . . The
Pimlico Theatre has installed fluorescents
in the theatre and lobby . . . Among those
marching in the I Am an American day
parade were A1 and Harry Vogelstein, Mid-
way Theatre . . . The death of Archbishop
Michael J. Curley was mourned by thousands
in Baltimore.
Fred Schanberger, chief barker of the
Variety Club, presented the Provident hos-
pital a check for $900 for the maternity ward.
Among those present were William K. Saxton,
Lauritz C. Garman and A1 Vogelstein . . .
Morris A. Mechanic, New Theatre, is chair -
man of the downtown theatre committee for
the Baltimore cancer fund.
Jack Stoops Purchases
East Arlington Theatre
EAST ARLINGTON, VT. — Jack Stoops,
former projectionist, has purchased the
Arlington Theatre here from Joseph Ward
Bird. Stoops is from Canada. He worked
as a projectionist in Montreal and also did
sound installation for RCA.
Bird still owns the Modern and Colonial
in Manchester Depot, Vt.
CLASS DISTRIBUTION FOR
THE ENTIRE SOUTH — thru
Matcher of Baltimore
30 Years at Rivoli
BALTIMORE— On May 18, 1917, Henry D.
Matcher, then a boy of 16, became an usher
in Baltimore’s Wilson
Theatre, now the Riv-
oli. Three years later
the old Church of the
Messiah was acquired
and the present Rivoli
erected under the
management of the
late Guy L. Wonders.
Here Fred Waring’s
Pennsylvanians made
their first stage ap-
pearance and Victor
Herbert conducted the
famous Rivoli orches-
tra on three different
occasions and on one
of these visits presented a baby buggy to
Matcher’s first born. Long before Rudy Vallee
became famous he appeared on the Rivoli
stage as just another musician.
During this time Matcher advanced from
usher to doorman and on up until he be-
came manager. When Joe Fields bought the
Embassy Theatre, directly across the street
from the Rivoli, Matcher became general
manager of both theatres, a position he still
holds.
HENRY MATCHER
Sunday, May 18, 1947, marked Henry’s 30th
anniversary at the Rivoli and in recognition
thereof his friends in and out of the theatri-
cal world honored him with a testimonial
party together with a suitable gift.
Matcher is 46; he and his wife Dora have
three daughters, Janis, Gloria and Rita. His
chief hobby is the Rivoli Theatre. His great-
est enjoyment comes from the twice weekly
visits of the children from St. Leo’s orphan-
age. Matcher arranged several years ago for
a special section of the theatre to be re-
served for these children as his personal
guests.
Tenants on Vine Street
To Hang on for Awhile
PHILADELPHIA — More than 800 tenants
of properties on Vine street which are sched-
uled to be razed in connection with the pro-
posed widening of the traffic lane into an
express highway received notices last week
that they will not be evicted June 30 as
previously scheduled.
According to Clarence W. Brinser, superin-
tendent of real estate for the state depart-
ment of property and supplies, the tenants
will receive new leases as soon as his office
can prepare them, probably within the next
two weeks.
Brinser estimated that the evictions will be
stayed from a year to 18 months, until the
work on the Reading railroad overpass is
completed.
Most of the 800 tenants will receive leases
on a month-to-month basis. Some lucky folk
nearer to Broad street may receive longer
leases.
Philip G. Caldwell Heads
GE Transmitter Sales
SYRACUSE — Philip G. Caldwell, formerly
sales manager of television equipment for the
General Electric Co. transmitter division, has
been named manager of sales. In this ca-
pacity, Caldwell will have responsibility for
sale of all the products of the division.
J(IOHN) Q (O K >
enkins oc Bourgeois
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HARWOOD & JACKSON STS.. DALLAS I TE-X
Child Actress in 'Your Life'
Child actress Marlene Aames has been
given a part in United Artists’ "The Time of
Your Life.”
TRENTON
Zeigler, manager of the Strand, noticed
that weekend patrons did not like to
fight their way up to the mechanical candy
machine. Last week he installed a larger
stand and hired an attendant to do the sell-
ing. The idea has paid off. During the first
weekend three times as much candy was sold.
A group of Trenton managers enjoyed a
get-together at Murphy’s Corner. Present
were Jim Conklin, Henry Josephich, Bill
Marsh, Joe Fitzpatrick, Fred E. Walters, and
though Henry Scholl couldn’t make it, he was
with the boys in spirit . . . The Mayfair will
get “Duel in the Sun,” but the opening date
has not been announced.
The Rivoli in New Brunswick keeps its pa-
trons up to date on world news. Five-minute
summaries broadcast over WCTC are ampli-
fied in the theatre before each newsreel . . .
Several weeks ago a delegation of school
teachers asked “Uncle Jack” Bodley to re-
quest kids attending his show to stop chew-
ing bubble gum in school. In return for
their cooperation the manager of the Reade
promised to sponsor a bubble gum contest.
Last Saturday 25 youngsters took part in
the contest, and the winner took home a
portable Victrola donated by a local store.
RKO is using WTTM for spots daily at
12:44 and 6:14 p. m. Oh Sunday the spots are
presented at 10:29 and 5:44 p. m. The an-
nouncer gives the name of the theatre, the
pictures which are playing, and the featured
stars.
The Yardley Theatre, a legitimate house,
opens its summer season June 14 . . . The
father of James C. Conklin, manager of the
Lincoln, died recently . . . William Kerchoff,
Lincoln and Trent superintendent, is back
after being ill for a week . . . John Bodley,
manager of the Reade, was interviewed by
Bill Slater on his WOR Luncheon at Sardi’s
air show last week. Life magazine will
take picture? of Bodley’s kiddy show at the
Reade June 7.
“Citizen Kane,” the Orson Welles picture,
played the Hamilton this week . . . WTTM
will plug “The Egg and I” during its Lincoln
run. A contest with live chicks and eggs as
prizes is planned . . . The Stacy is playing
“Kit Carson” and “Last of the Mohicans,”
two oldies.
Harry Warner Reduces
Holdings of Common
PHILADELPHIA — Activity in film stocks
during the past month has been dull, accord-
ing to the latest report of the Securities and
Exchange commission. Top item in the re-
port was the sale of 1,000 shares of Warner
Bros, common by Harry M. Warner, bringing
his total to 295,000. His trust reported holding
is 16,000 shares.
Daniel M. Sheaffer, Philadelphia, disposed
of 300 shares of Universal common. He now
holds 17,407 shares. Charles D. Prutzman,
New York, reported holding 6,100 shares.
Spyros Skouras amended his report of
August 1946, revealing that he acquired
42,000 shares of 20th-Fox common through
the exercise of option, making his total in
this security read 47,250 shares.
Two new directors of Republic Pictures
Corp. reported their holdings to the SEC.
They were Harry M. Goetz with 27,687 shares,
and Edwin Van Pelt with 400 shares of Re-
public common.
Activity in Monogram common was re-
stricted to the sale of 1,000 shares by W. Ray
Johnston, Hollywood, making his holdings
16,617 shares.
50
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
BRENKERT
1 Kilowatt
High-Intensity Arc Lamp
EZSl B2S3 r
NOW . . . PURE WHITE LIGHT FOR SMALL THEATRES
Brenkert’s Radarc is the only one-kilowatt, direct
current, high-intensity projection lamp in volume
production, specially designed from top to bottom for
this field alone.
Now medium-sized theatres, with seating capacity
up to 800 seats and screens up to 18 feet wide, can have
a truly high-intensity arc lamp of
superior design and construction.
SEE YOUR RCA INDEPENDENT THEATRE SUPPLY DEALER
UNITED PROJECTOR & FILM CORPORATION
228 Franklin St., Buffalo, N. Y.
BLUMBERG BROTHERS, INC.
1305-07 Vine St., Philadelphia 7, Pa.
CAPITOL MOTION PICTURE SUPPLY CORP. ELMER H. BRIENT & SONS
630 Ninth Avenue, New York 19, N. Y. 802 N. Capitol St., Washington, D. C.
Theatre Union Starts
Circuit Pact Talks
ALBANY — Representatives of the new the-
atre employes union, organized as an af-
filiate of projectionists Local 324, met last
week with Fabian and Warners officials in
the Warner zone office for preliminary con-
tract discussions.
The union agreed to put its demands in
writing and the meeting will be resumed upon
the return of C. J. Latta, Warner zone man-
ager, from the Variety convention in Los
Angeles.
Circuit officials attending the meeting were
Saul Ullman, upstate general manager for
Fabian, and Charles A. Smakwitz, assistant
to Ullman. The union was represented by
President Ed Foley, doorman at the Strand;
Albert Leech, doorman at the Ritz; Kevin
Kelsey, president of 324; Eddie Wendt, busi-
ness agent, and John McMahon, business
agent for the affiliate. The union takes in
cashiers, doormen, ushers, matrons and clean-
ing personnel.
I Am an American Week
Ends With State Fete
ALBANY — This city’s observance of I Am
an American week came to a dramatic climax
at the Strand Saturday morning (17), with
the presentation by students from three local
high schools of the tableaux, “Our Common
Heritage.” Other features were a recitation
of the pledge of allegiance, led by State Sen.
Peter J. Dalassandro, of Watervliet; an ad-
dress by former Mayor Frank S. Harris, read-
ing by School Superintendent John W. Park
of a message from Gen. Douglas MacArthur,
and musical excerpts by Fred Gillespie’s high
school Band of the Year.
The affair, staged in cooperation with the
Times-Union and Decca records, was another
in the series of special Saturday performances
for children which Manager A1 La Flamme
has arranged.
Albany Paramounteers
Discuss Coming Drive
ALBANY — Paramount employes at an all-
day meeting Wednesday heard Hugh Owen,
eastern division manager; A1 Kane, district
manager, and Ed Ruff, branch manager,
outline plans for the 35 Years of Leadership
drive which opens August 31. It will be on
sales and liquidations, with particular at-
tention to the dating of 1947-48 pictures.
Owen, Kane and Arleen Whelan, Owen’s
wife, arrived here Tuesday night from Buf-
falo. Ed Wall, director of publicity and ad-
vertising for Paramount in the Albany and
Buffalo districts, accompanied them to this
city. Ruff entertained them at a dinner in
Town House.
Following the meeting, Kane drove to
Pittsfield, where he was picked up for a
journey to New Haven.
E. X. Callahan in Buffalo
BUFFALO— E. X. Callahan, district man-
ager for 20th-Fox, visited the exchange here
this week and conferred with salesmen and
Branch Manager William Graham.
NEW MIRROPHONIC SOUND
I0E HORNSTEIN, Inc.
630 Ninth Ave., New York City
DISCUSS NEW ZEALAND— Stanley H.
Craig (left), Paramount general manager
in New Zealand, goes into conference with
George Weltner, head of Paramount In-
ternational, at the New York office.
BUFFALO
t*ilmrow here was saddened to learn of the
death in Pittsburgh of Ira D. Cohn,
United Artists district manager. Cohn left
Buffalo last January after serving three
years as branch manager for 20th-Fox.
George W. Ferguson, for 17 years city sales-
man for Columbia and one of the best known
film salesmen in New York state, left a gross
estate of $79,795. He died in March 1946.
James B. Wilson has been appointed re-
gional manager of the American Arbitration
Ass’n, succeeding John Lowell. Wilson is an
attorney and former football coach . . . The
facilities review committee of the housing
expediter’s office in Washington has approved
construction of a third drive-in theatre in
Erie county. The theatre will be veteran-
operated.
Show 'Children in Trouble'
At Two Albany Houses
ALBANY — “Children in Trouble,” a docu-
mentary short made by March of Time for
the New York Youth commission, screened
here as part of the regular program at the
Strand and Palace, has been rated by ob-
servers as “a fair documentary on a vital
subject which parents do not like to face.”
The picture, spotlighting the cause, pre-
vention and cure of juvenile delinquency, is
designed to show the need for psychiatric
treatment of children. The Albany Times-
Union, conducting a campaign for a child
guidance center, tied in with the Strand and
Palace showings.
Safecrackers Get $200
At Philadelphia Capitol
PHILADELPHIA — Safecrackers stole $200
at the Capitol Theatre Sunday night (18)
but missed a larger amount. The money was
in a petty cash box in a locked safe in the
manager’s office. The burglars dragged the
safe from the office into the hallway and
broke it open. In their haste to get away, the
thieves overlooked a compartment which
contained the weekend receipts.
Latta's Daughter in Film
ALBANY — Film colonists are watching for
the local showing of “Ever the Beginning,”
in which Dorothy Latta, daughter of C. J.
Latta, Warner zone manager, appears.
Dorothy, who worked for a short time in the
Warner Theatres offices following study at
the Yale School of the Drama in New Haven,
recently passed a screen test. A small part
in “Ever the Beginning” was then given to
her.
Video Group Names
Siowman President
PHILADELPHIA — The Television Ass’n of
Philadelphia, organized last month to further
interest in video, last week elected Kenneth
Stowman, director of television for WFIL, as
president.
Other officers are: Rolland V. Tooke,
WPTZ, vice-president and chairman of the
prbgram committee; Roy A. Meredith, pro-
duction manager of WPEN, secretary; Mrs.
William A. Farren, director of radio and
television for the Smith and Keene ad agency,
treasurer.
Membership in the organization is re-
stricted to television representatives of radio
stations, planning video adjuncts, stations
already in operation or under construction,
motion pictures, manufacturers and distribu-
tors of television sets, advertising agencies,
educational institutions, public utilities, and
the press.
David E. Rose jr. Dies;
Was With Paramount
NEW YORK — David Evert Rose jr., 31, a
Paramount International theatre department
trainee and son of David E. Rose, film pro-
ducer, and Mrs. Helen H. Rose, died at the
French hospital May 17.
Rose, who had been stationed in Havana
where he was undergoing Latin American
theatre operating training, was taken severely
ill three months ago and returned to New
York. Besides his parents, he is survived by
his wife, Martha; a son, David Evert m, and
a brother, Donald.
Private services were held at Campbell’s
Funeral Parlor, New York.
Morris L. Weiss
PHILADELPHIA — Morris “Murray” L.
Weiss, assistant purchasing agent for Warner
Bros. Theatres here, died of a heart attack
at his home last Saturday (17). He was 42.
Weiss was a member of the Warner club and
Joshua lodge, B’nai B’rith. He is survived
by his mother, Ida; a brother, Goodman, and
two sisters, Mrs. Anna Greenberg and Mrs.
Frances Straff, all of Philadelphia.
Mrs. Tohanna Zeller
NEW YORK — Funeral services will be held
Monday May 26 for Mrs. Johanna Zeller, 75,
mother of Carl Clausen of the advertising
budget department of Paramount, at the
John J. Healy Funeral Parlor, Brooklyn.
Burial will be at Greenwood cemetery,
Brooklyn. Mrs. Zeller is survived by an-
other son, Fred. She died at Kingsway
hospital.
Maxwell L. Levine
BUFFALO — Maxwell L. Levine, 60, operator
of the Masque Theatre for 20 years and a
former UA salesman, died last week. He was
a member of the Buffalo Variety Club.
Report on Nazi Films
Is Again Delayed
BULLETIN
Washington — The top drawer report on
the German film situation, which was to
have been released Friday, was delayed
again after trade press representatives
had cooled their heels in the Pentagon
building all day.
It is now expected that the report, deal-
ing with the distribution and export of
German pictures, will be reelased some
time next week.
52
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
ALBANY
•t’he Best Years of Our Lives” closed after
A a two-week engagement at the Grand.
Business the first week was excellent, but
dropped the second, due, it is believed, to the
advanced admissions scale.
Due here at weekend was Leo Abrams,
National Screen’s district manager . . . John
Bylancik’s daughter, Sister Mary Andrew,
has been assigned to St. Joseph’s school in
Cohoes. One of Bylancik’s sons, Brother
John Capistrano, is teaching in India . . .
Charles Dortic and Si Feld, Columbia sales-
men, have been pushing themselves to land in
the sales personnel drive prize money . . .
The 20th-Fox branch here, incidentally, fin-
ished in the money in the recently ended
branch managers’ drive.
Floyd Fitzsimmons, MGM exploiteer, left
for a tour of New England cities to work on
“The Yearling.” At “Yearling” showings at
the Schine Theatre in Little Falls and the
Paramount in Glens Falls, a live doe, ob-
tained through a farmer, is being used in
window displays . . . Herman Ripps is being
congratulated on his additional assignment
as assistant to the eastern division manager,
Jack Byrne. Only recently Ripps was given
the Boston exchange to supervise in addi-
tion to Albany, Buffalo and New Haven.
Gene Lowe, veteran portfolio carrier, is
breaking in A1 Myers, new U-I salesman, the
latter’s maiden tour being taken through the
northern country . . . Fred Sliter, 20th-Fox
salesman, is recovering from pneumonia in
Memorial hospital . . . Joe Swan, Palace
electrician, is reported due to be discharged
from Memorial.
Jake Crehan, another union electrician, is
a patient- in the same institution. He was
hit by a bus at Rensselaer . . . Chris Pope,
Schine feature booker, is reported to have
undergone an operation at Littauer hospital
in Gloversville.
Jack Bullwinkle, Columbia manager, hopped
to New York for a huddle with Harry Brandt
of the Brandt circuit . . . With work being
done at nights, the Columbia exchange has
been redone with silver paint . . . George
Goldberg, WB salesman, took a swing through
towns in the Plattsburgh-Champlain area.
Among exhibitors making Filmrow rounds
were Ernie Dodds, Palace, Lake Placid; Sam
Slotnick, Syracuse; Morris Koffsky, Casino
manager; Morris Slotnick, Utica, Oriskany
Falls and Waterville; Jerry LaRocque, Fairy-
land, Warrensburg; John Rossi, Strand,
Schroon Lake.
Significant sign of the times: Newspaper
ads of the Heilman Paramount announced
giveaways of glassware. The Paramount
mount has not used giveaways since before
the war . . . For “Thrill of Brazil,” the Sara-
toga Drive-In billed Evelyn Keyes as “Mrs.
Jolson” to take advantage of her popularity
in “The Jolson Story.”
George Burns, junior exploiteer for RKO,
checked into the local exchange for a brief
period of study under Lew Allemann, area
field representative ... A letter in the Troy
Record ridiculed the sale of popcorn in thea-
tres . . . The American, a downtown Warner
house in Troy, carried two large antivivisec-
tion posters in the lobby. They were placed
there by the Animal Defense league. Other
managers are reported to have been ap-
proached by the organization for the use of
lobby space.
About 50 per cent has been raised in the
Albany area’s drive to obtain enough money —
at $80 each — to pay for adoption of 250
Greek war orphans. Ed Ruff, Paramount
manager, who is distributor chairman, called
branch managers and salesmen together dur-
ing the week and asked for renewed effort
during the period before the campaign ends
two weeks hence.
Exhibitors here on booking trips Monday
included Mrs. L. J. Van Buren, Cairo; Harold
Stressman, Glens Falls and Fort Edward;
Fred Baroudi, North Creek, and Norm Pratt.
Lorand DeGri is studying operations at the
MGM exchange prior to taking a foreign as-
signment . . . Ray Smith, Warner branch
manager, is driving a new Buick. He made
calls on George Lynch and Lou Goldstein at
Schine headquarters in Gloversville and on
Harvey English of Hancock, who operates a
string of 11 houses in New York and Penn-
sylvania.
Frank Wieting of the Park, Cobleskill, is
the first independent to book the reissues,
“The Sea Hawk” and “The Sea Wolf,” which
have just completed excellent runs in the
Troy, Troy, and the Avon, Utica . . . Appoint-
ment of A1 Myers as Universal salesman in
the Albany area was announced by Manager
Gene Vogel. Universal has been without a
second salesman since Sylvan Leff resigned
a year ago to take over the Highland Thea-
tre in Utica.
Publicity pays, evidently. Howard Gold-
stein, RKO head booker and president of
F43, has been broadcasting the need for a
traffic light at Bridge street and Broadway,
in the heart of Filmrow, and now the city
has installed it.
ALBANY, N. Y. — Albany Theatre Supply Co., 1046
Broadway.
ALBANY 4, N. Y. — Empire Theatre Supply Co., 1003
Broadway. Telephone: 5-9507.
AUBURN, N. Y. — Auburn Theatre Equipment Co.,
5 Court Street. Telephone: No. 695. Emergency
Telephone: 1439.
BALTIMORE, MD. — J. F. Ousman, 2021 N. Charles
St.
FORTY FORT, PA. — Vincent M. Tate, 1620 Wyoming
Ave.
NEW YORK CITY — Amusement Supply Co., Inc., 341
West 44th St. Telephone: Circle 6-0850.
^ CQk&K-tJw STRON G ’tfo/oidute ta
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
53
WASHINGTON
Tack Fruchtman, owner of the New Thea-
■' tre in Leonardtown, Md., has been ap-
pointed booking and buying representative
for Jack Taylor’s Charles Theatre in LaPlata,
Md. . . . Local F13 held a regular monthly
executive board meeting Tuesday evening
. . . RKO Office Manager Joe Kushner is
very proud of his pedigreed English bull pup
which he just purchased . . . Carmen Soto
is the new bookkeeper at RKO . . . Ruth
Morgan was in the hospital for a minor op-
eration . . . Claude Ringer, assistant RKO
shipper, and Inspector Annie Vallone are
among the vacationists.
I. William Stempil of the Palm Theatre in
Del Ray, Va., underwent a major operation
at George Washington hospital Tuesday . . .
Ruth Smith is new in the Paramount con-
tract department . . . Ledger Clerk Fred Von
Langen is vacationing . . . Helen Schulz is
sending post cards from Miami, Fla. . . . The
20th-Fox Family club presented Charles
Mendelson with a beautiful briefcase when
he resigned . . . Eddie Bracken, motion pic-
ture star, was star of the Advertising club
jamboree which was held at the Statler hotel
Saturday. Other stars who appeared were
Hildegarde, Walter O’Keefe and Lanny Ross.
Frank Boucher was chairman of the enter-
tainment committee.
MGM items: Office Manager Joe Kron-
man recently completed 19 years of service
with MGM . . . Dorothea Pfluger, who left
her position in the accounting department
last November because of ill health, visited
the office last week . . . On vacation were
Hazel McLaran, inspector, and Jack Dean,
shipping department . . . An electric toaster
was presented to Branch Manager Jerry
Adams as a wedding gift.
Mrs. Virginia Stroman, inspector, made a
weekend visit to Farmville, Va. . . . Regina
Pearlman’s in-laws visited from New York
over the weekend . . . Hazel McCarthy visited
with Roberta Elson, of the New York home
office . . . Catherine Murphy’s daughter
Marsha Gwendolyn participated in a May
day procession at Holy Cross academy . . .
Sidney Frank, son of Rose Frank, booking
department, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah May
17. Relatives from New York, Philadelphia,
and Baltimore were in attendance.
Twentieth-Fox Branch Manager Glenn
Norris and District Manager C. E. Peppiatt
visited Baltimore exhibitors Wednesday . . .
Exploiteer Bill Michalson went over to dis-
cuss plans for a world premiere of “Moss
Rose” at the New Theatre . . . Bookers Sara
Young and Anne Griffin weekended in
New York. Anne visited Frances Levin, sec-
retary to Universal head William Scully . . .
Abraham Cohen will close his Alert Theatre
in Essex, Md., on June 1 for repairs.
Local 6 Sues AGVA
PHILADELPHIA— Sued for $1,000,000 by
its national headquarters, Local 6 of the
American Guild of Variety Artists answered
Saturday (17) with two countersuits for
$500,000 each. The suits were filed in federal
district court by Richard Jones, secretary-
treasurer of the local, and 15 of its members.
They name Matt Shelvey, national director,
and five other officers. The suits accuse
Shelvey of collecting tribute in an unlawful
manner, of being a “dictator,” and of putting
the local officers on a blacklist. The national
officers originally sued the local for alleged
defamation of character.
"Voice of Theatre Speakers"
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!
DISCUSS FATHER’S DAY — Jack
Eaton (left), producer of the Grantland
Rice Sportlights, receives a citation from
Babe Ruth (center) at a ceremony held
recently in New York. Oscar Morgan,
Paramount short subjects sales manager,
is looking on. A new Sportlights reel
called “Like Father, Like Son” has been
selected as the Father’s day picture of
the year by the National Father’s day
committee.
Guest List Growing
For N.J. Session
NEW YORK — Members and officials of
organizations affiliated with Allied are send-
ing in their reservations to the Ambassador
hotel for the annual convention of the Allied
Theatre Owners of New Jersey June 24-26.
Trade practices and the equipment situation
will be discussed.
To date the guest list includes: Abram F.
Myers, general counsel and chairman of the
board of Allied States Ass’n; Sidney E. Sam-
uelson, general manager of the ITO of East-
ern Pennsylvania, Inc.; Benny Berger, presi-
dent of North Central Allied, Minneapolis;
Meyer Leventhal, member of the board of the
MPTO of Maryland; Jesse L. Stern, general
counsel CIEA, and Van Nomikos, vice-presi-
dent, Allied Theatres of Illinois, Inq.
Reservations for space have been received
from the Coca-Cola Co., Stub Rod Control
Co., Mayfair Aluminumware, Inc.; Perfo
Mat and Rubber Co., Manley, Inc.; Capitol
Motion Picture Supply and Blumberg Bros.,
representing RCA Victor; Joe Hornstein, Inc.,
representing Motiograph, Inc.; Altec Service
Corp., Loew’s, Inc.; Monogram, RKO, Univer-
sal, Eagle-Lion-PRC, Vanguard, National
Screen and Republic.
Arbitrator Sets Clearance
Between Pontiac, Palace
ALBANY— The motion picture arbitration
board here has fixed a maximum clearance
of three days in favor of the Pontiac Thea-
tre, Saranac Lake, over the Palace Theatre,
Lake Placid. This clearance is to be effec-
tive between February 16 and June 14 and
September 16 and December 23.
The clearance complaint was brought by
the Adirondack Theatre Corp., was the inter-
venor. The complainant did not specify what
clearance he was subjected to in favor of
the Pontiac in his original complaint.
The arbitrator also ruled that the Pontiac
can enjoy no clearance over the Palace be-
tween December 24 and February 15 and be-
tween June 15 and September 15.
PHILADELPHIA
■penants of the Sheldrake thought the place
was falling down last week, but it was
only George Balkin exulting. Balkin is man-
ager of the Stanton, which is featuring
“Framed,” a show which broke house records.
Mrs. Arthur Goldsmith’s motion picture
preview group held its first postwar luncheon
at the Ritz-Carlton last week. More than 200
attended. Vine street was represented by
Lewen Pizor, Frank Buehler, Sidney Samuel-
son, Mrs. Edna Carroll, Edward Gabriel,
Addie Gottshalk, Eli Epstein, Milt Young,
Ed Rosenbaum, Tom Speck, Ben Zimmerman,
Sam Gross, Toby Goldstein, Mrs. John Golder,
Bill Brooker, Ulrik Smith, Florence Averell,
Jim Dormond, Regina Moskovitz, Mrs. Harry
Miller and Edgar Wolfe. A check for $100
was presented to the Settlement music school,
proceeds of the sale of programs for the re-
cent revival of “Fantasia.” The preview group
is 14 years old.
The Trans-Lux inaugurated a special chil-
dren’s hour of short subjects last Sunday
matinee. Tom Speck, manager of the house,
said it was so successful that the extra hour’s
show will be continue indefinitely . . . U-I is
building itself a new home at 13th and Sum-
mer streets, expected to be completed after
the new year.
Max Bronow, PRC-Eagle-Lion salesman,
had a unique accident. He fell off an operat-
ing table and fractured his jaw! . . . Doris
Jacobs, Dave Rosen’s secretary at Clark Film,
was on the sick list last week . . . Clark Film
has taken over the old Warners shipping
room at 1225 Vine in addition to the present
quarters in the second floor ... U-I exploiteer
Ed Rosenbaum arranged an “Egg and I” ban-
quet for the Philadelphia Produce Ass’n.
Elmer Hollander, PRC troubleshooter, re-
turned to New York . . . Harry Brillman,
Screen Guild-Film Classics office manager,
announced that FC has four 20th-Fox musical
westerns for reissue, as well as a featurette
version of “Tillie’s Punctured Romance,” with
Charlie Chaplin.
Tom Sweigert is new in the RKO shipping
room . . . Norman Ayres, division manager,
and Norman Moray, short subjects sales man-
ager, were in at the local Warner offices . . .
Earle Sweigert, Paramount mideastern di-
vision head, is starting his 31st year with
Paramount. He celebrated his anniversary
last week ... A new picture house to be
named the Marian Anderson Theatre in
honor of the famous Philadelphia singer will
be built in Wilmington in the near future.
Television Set Giveaway
Is Arranged by Warners
TROY, N. Y. — Four RCA-Victor television
sets and four RCA-Victor radio phonographs
will be given away May 26 by four Warner
theatres here in a tieup with six local radio
dealers. Manager Sid Sommers of the Troy
took a lead in arranging the $25,000 giveaway.
Tickets for a drawing, which will take place
on the stage of the Troy, are being distributed
at the Troy, Lincoln, American and Griswold,
as well as by the merchants. This is second
big “gift night” in Troy houses during the
past six months. An automobile was among
the awards in a joint pre-Christmas promo-
tion by Warners theatres and Proctor’s
(Fabian).
THE IDEAL THEATRE CHAIRS
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!
54
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Marian Jordan Heads
MPEA in Germany
NEW YORK— Marian F. Jordan, film dis-
tribution veteran of Paramount International
for the past 19 years, has been named man-
ager of the Motion Picture Export Ass’n in
Germany, according to Irving Maas, MPEA
vice-president and general manager. Jordan,
whose services were made available by ar-
rangement with George Weltner, president of
Paramount International, will proceed to
Berlin late this month following two weeks
of conferences at the MPEA home office.
Jordan will make immediate preparations
for implementing agreements reached in Ber-
lin last month between Maas and AMG offi-
cials. He will supervise distribution activities
there while Harold Smith, recently appointed
MPEA home office representative in Ger-
many, will serve as liaison of MPEA with
military authorities on policy and cultural
phases of MPEA operations.
Jordan joined Paramount International in
1928 and served successively as branch man-
ager in Poland, manager of Yugoslavia, gen-
eral manager of Poland, supervisor of western
India and, from 1942 to 1946, as general man-
ager of India, Burma and Ceylon. During the
past year, he was assigned special duties at
Paramount International’s New York office.
Progressive Citizens Plan
Drive for New Members
NEW YORK — A membership drive is be-
ing planned by the film division of the
Progressive Citizens of America.
Ed Schreiber, advertising and publicity di-
rector for Century circuit, was chairman of
the meeting at which the decision was
reached. Speakers were: Bosley Crowther,
film critic of the New York Times, and
Maurice Bergman, eastern advertising and
publicity director for Universal-International.
Bergman is chairman of the membership
committee. Other members are Morris Hel-
prin, Marvin Rothenberg, Phil Gerard, Ira
Tulipan, Max Weinberg, Marie Slate, Jeff
Livingston, William E. Kruse, Lora Hays and
Jack Bush.
City Investing to Permit
Use of Tele Antennas
NEW YORK — The City Investing Co.,
which controls 14 apartment houses in this
city and Washington, D. C., as well as other
large structures has reached an agreement
with the Television Broadcasters Ass’n to
permit installation of television antennas.
This is the first break in the unanimous
opposition to operators of large structures in
this area.
The TBA submitted an “interim plan” to
realtors several weeks ago for permission to
install temporarily a limited number of
dipoles until such time as master antenna
systems could be developed. Under this tem-
porary plan one or more set owners can con-
nect with the apparatus.
Marker Opens Own Office;
Leaves Justice Division
NEW YORK — Joseph B. Marker, former
special attorney in the antitrust division of
the Department of Justice, has returned to
the private practice of law at 60 Wall St.
While with the Justice department, he han-
dled the antitrust suit against the Scophony
Corp. of America television patents.
Marker will continue to handle television
matters as a private attorney.
HAIL AND FAREWELL! — Gus S.
Eyssell, managing director of the Radio
City Music Hall, greets Kathleen Mary
Hughes on her arrival from Hollywood en
route to London. She was chosen “Queen
for a Day” on a Mutual Broadcasting
System program and is on her way to
visit the J. Arthur Rank studios in Lon-
don where “Great Expectations” was pro-
duced.
Visual Education Meet
Set for August 3-6
TOLEDO — The 1947 convention and trade-
show of the National Ass’n of Visual Educa-
tion Dealers will be held at the Sherman
hotel, Chicago, August 3 to August 6, accord-
ing to Bernard A. Cousino, president.
The 1947 program will center around a
series of open forum discussions in which
those attending will take part. Dr. Robert
M. Hutchins, chancellor of the University
of Chicago and advocate of audio-visual
education, and Arthur H. “Red” Motley,
editor of Parade Magazine, will be among
the speakers.
The tradeshow will include 89 exhibits of
audio-visual equipment, films, materials and
supplies. Exhibitors’ films will be shown in
several preview theatres instead of in the
exhibit halls, which proved unsatisfactory
at the association’s previous meetings. Victor,
Bell & Howell, Natco, Ampro and other na-
tional equipment manufacturers have sched-
uled their sales meetings immediately before
or after the convention.
Sergio Kogan Is Manager
For Columbia in Mexico
NEW YORK — Sergio Kogan has been
named Columbia Pictures manager in Mexico
by Joseph A. McConville, head of Columbia
Pictures International.
Kogan has been with the company 11 years.
He started as a booker in Lima, Peru, in 1946.
He was made branch manager at Lima in
1942. Last year he was transferred from Lima
to Mexico as branch manager under the su-
pervision of Charles Roberts, recently re-
signed.
Ben Washer, Honored
NEW YORK — Ben Washer, who will become
publicity manager for Paramount early in
June, was guest of honor at a luncheon ten-
dered by James A. Mulvey, head of Samuel
Goldwyn Productions, Inc., and Lynn Farnol,
advertising and publicity director, at the
Chateaubriand, 121 East 56th St., on Thurs-
day. Those present included S. Barret Mc-
Cormick, Jack Harrison, Abel Green and
James M. Jerauld.
Head Equipment Post
To O'Brien of RCA
CAMDEN, N. J. — The appointment of J. F.
O’Brien as manager of the theatre equip-
ment section of the Radio Corp. of America
has been announced by J. R. Little, sales
manager of the company’s distributed prod-
ucts and former section head.
O’Brien has been closely associated with
the section he heads since the first days of
theatre sound and is widely known in the
theatre equipment field as a result of the
many trips he made as a special representa-
tive of the earlier Photophone organization.
Early in 1942 O'Brien came to the com-
pany’s headquarters here as sales manager
of the theatre equipment section and played
a leading role in the formation of the firm’s
dealer organization. In more recent years,
O’Brien has held sales positions for the com-
pany in New York, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Los
Angeles, and Chicago. Just before the war
he was New England theatre district man-
ager.
ENGINEERS PROMOTED
Six RCA engineers, all veteran employes of
the company, have been appointed to head
new sections. They are Virgil E. Trouant,
broadcast and industrial section; Robert R.
Welsh, communications and specialty section;
William J. Morlock, distributed products;
Clarence A. Gunther, in charge of govern-
ment equipment; Horace R. Dyson, govern-
ment radiation, and Stanley W. Cochran, gov-
ernment sound engineering.
R. L. Cleveland, formerly eastern regional
sales director of the Audio-Video Institute of
Dallas, has been named district representa-
tive for RCA 16mm motion picture equipment
sales in the western region. Cleveland will
headquarter in Los Angeles and will be re-
sponsible for RCA 16mm sales, and dealer
activities in nine western states.
Richard C. Colton has been named general
traffic manager of the RCA Victor division
of RCA. Colton formerly was assistant traffic
manager of the Western Electric Co., with
which he had been associated for 20 years.
NAME CREATO ATTORNEY
Daniel R. Creato, assistant general coun-
sel for the division since 1943, has been named
general attorney for the company. Before
joining RCA Creato was associated with the
law firm of Bleakley, Stockwell and Burling
and spent two years in private practice. He
joined the division’s legal department in
March 1935.
Jack M. Williams, with the division for 20
years, has been named advertising manager
for the home instrument department. Robert
M. Ryan has been promoted to director of
the finance department of the division, and
Noel D. Stafford has been named director
of the accounting department.
AAA Modifies Decision
In Gorham, N. H„ Case
NEW YORK — The AAA has modified the
Boston arbitrator’s decision in a clearance
complaint brought by Ritz Amusements, Inc.,
operating the Ritz Theatre, Gorham, N. H.,
against the Big Five. The board confirmed
the 21 -day clearance set by the arbitrator
in favor of the Strand Theatre, Berlin, N. H.,
but reduced the 21-day clearance granted in
favor of the Albert Theatre, Berlin, to 14
days. Both houses are operated by Allied
Theatres of Berlin.
In its original complaint, the Ritz asked
that the 30-day clearance granted by the Big
Five in favor of the Strand and Albert
theatres be reduced to seven days or elimi-
nated.
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
55
Technicolor's Output
Is on Prewar Basis
NEW YORK — Technicolor Corp. got back
to a “prestrike, prewar basis” in April, the
most successful business in its history, ac-
cording to Dr. Herbert T. Kalmus, president,
who said that over 18,000,000 feet of printed
film was delivered to bring in a profit of
over $300,000. Speaking at the annual meet-
ing of stockholders May 19, Dr. Kalmus said
that films in black-and-white are still Tech-
nicolor’s principal competition rather than
the other color processes on the market. A
black-and-white picture costs five cents less
per foot than a Technicolor film, he said.
The principal business of the meeting was
the election of Dr. Kalmus, L. G. Clark,
Eversley Childs and J. L. Anderson as di-
rectors of the corporation for a term of three
years each.
Smith, LeVien Go Abroad
For RKO Pathe Newsreel
NEW YORK — Two RKO Pathe News exec-
utives, Harry W. Smith, director and camera-
man, and John D. LeVien, news editor, left
for a four-week tour of Europe on Wednes-
day (May 14) to “tighten up news coverage
overseas.”
LeVien will visit the company London of-
fice and Pathe Journal in Paris. Smith
will cover assignments for forthcoming is-
sues of "This is America.”
William L. Bell to Take
Westrex Post in Paris
NEW YORK— William L. Bell has been ap-
pointed European recording manager of the
Westrex Corp., foreign motion picture equip-
ment and service subsidiary of the Western
Electric Co. Bell, who joined Erpi in 1923
and went to Western Electric when Erpi
merged with the parent company, has been
a member of Westrex since October 1946. He
is en route to Paris, with his wife and two
children, to set up headquarters there.
Dalton Here From England
NEW YORK — Emmet Dalton, sales repre-
sentative for Samuel Goldwyn Productions
in Great Britain, is here for conferences with
James A. Mulvey, president. He will spend a
week at the studio with Goldwyn to discuss
plans for the opening of the new company
office in London. Before joining Goldwyn,
Dalton served as supervisor for Paramount
in London.
Nebenzal East for Talks
NEW YORK — Seymour Nebenzal, inde-
pendent producer for UA, is here from Holly-
wood for sales meets with UA executives on
two of his forthcoming films, “Heaven Only
Knows” and “Atlantis.” The producer will
also confer with Budd Rogers, his eastern
representative.
Geiger Imports 'Paisa'
NEW YORK— Rod E. Geiger, who brought
the Italian film, “Open City,” to this country,
has acquired another Italian film called
"Paisa,” which will be distributed by Mayer
& Burstyn.
McGruder to Leader Post
BALTIMORE — Charles McGruder, assist-
ant manager of the Capitol, is the new man-
ager of the Leader, replacing Vincent Cin-
quegrani, resigned.
WATERS DONATES TROPHY—
Waters Theatre Co. at Birmingham has
donated a trophy to be presented annu-
ally by the Alabama Federation of Wom-
en’s Clubs to the district doing the most
in its community to promote film libraries
and otherwise further visual education.
The club’s program also calls for encour-
agement of better pictures, organization
of finer films for Saturday showings to
youngsters and other improvements, in-
cluding the elimination of drinking
scenes. Above, N. H. Waters jr. of the
Waters company is shown presenting the
trophy to Mrs. Grady Miller, Birming-
ham, state films director for the feder-
ated clubs.
Ampa Quits for Summer
To Meet Again in Sept.
NEW YORK — Ampa has adjourned for the
summer, with Arnold Stoltz, newly elected
president, calling the next association meet-
ing for September. The fall meeting will be
devoted to a discussion of the 16mm film mar-
ket, with Dave Bader as principal speaker.
Charles Alicoate and other members of the
Ampa relief fund committee will meet dur-
ing the summer to consider having the relief
fund administered by the Motion Picture
Foundation. Ampa reported a profit of more
than $4,500 for the past year under the ad-
ministration of Rutgers Neilson, past presi-
dent. There is more than $5,000 in the relief
fund.
20th-Fox Votes Dividends
NEW YORK — The 20th-Fox board voted
a quarterly dividend of $1.12% per share on
the prior preferred stock, payable June 16 to
stockholders of record at the close of busi-
ness June 4. On the convertible preferred a
dividend of 37% cents per share has been
voted. This will be payable June 30 to
stockholders of record at the close of busi-
ness June 16. On the common the dividend
is 75 cents per share payable June 30 to
holders of record at the close of business
June 16.
Sperling to Film in N.Y.
NEW YORK — “Ever the Beginning,” new
Warner picture to be produced by Milton
Sperling, will be partly filmed in New York.
The picture will star Lilli Palmer and Dane
Clark. Elliott Nugent will direct.
Hirliman Will Make
7 for Screen Guild
HOLLYWOOD — Continuing to add to its
roster of profit-sharing producers, Screen
Guild Productions revealed the signing of a
deal with George Hirliman, head of the pro-
duction company carrying his own name, un-
der which the latter will produce seven pic-
tures for SGP distribution during the next
two years. Hirliman, who will shoot his
complete schedule in the east, is expected
to start his first picture about September 1
for late fall delivery.
Hirliman, from whom SGP acquired 35
Hopalong Cassidy reissues for rerelease, has
been in the distribution end of the business
for the past several years. At one time he
was head of Film Classics, the outfit which'
Producer Edward Alperson is now taking
over.
Samuel Milbourne Heads
Export Buying Service
NEW YORK — Samuel C. Milbourne, for-
merly chief engineer for Eastern Amplifier
Corp., has joined K. Streuber & LaChicotte
as manager of their new engineering, consult-
ing and buying service, specializing in the
electric, electronic and motion picture fields.
Milbourne has also been service engineer
and project engineer for Supreme Instru-
ments Corp. and Bendix Aviation Corp.
Streuber previously was export manager for
National Theatre Supply Co. and later was
manager of the theatre and sound division of
RCA International, while LaChicotte pre-
viously was design engineer, project engineer
and domestic sales engineer for RCA.
Harold Wirthwein to Head
Paramount Sales Drive
NEW YORK— Harold Wirthwein, assist-
ant west coast district manager for Para-
mount, has been named captain of the com-
pany’s 1947 sales drive by Charles M. Reagan,
vice-president in charge of distribution.
Wirthwein, who headquarters in Los An-
geles, will begin a tour of the company’s
branches June 16 preliminary to the start of
the 13 weeks drive August 31. The tour will
follow the termination June 10 of the present
series of branch meetings being conducted in
the field by division sales managers.
Paramount Holds Meets
In Eastern Branches
NEW YORK — Hugh Owen, eastern and
southern sales manager for Paramount, con-
ducted branch meetings in Buffalo, Albany
and New Haven during the week as part of
the series held in advance of the opening of
the company’s 1947 Celebrating 35 Years of
Leadership sales drive August 31.
Earle W. Sweigert, eastern district man-
ager, also conducted a meeting in Cincinnati.
Airline to Make Picture
To Stimulate Travel
NEW YORK — Trans-World Airline, in co-
operation with Frank Donovan Associates, is
preparing a Kodachrome motion picture to
stimulate travel interest in the American
southwest. Using material gathered by
Frank Hargrove of TWA and Frank Donovan
on a tour of the area, the picture will be shot
partly on location and partly in the studio
with a cast of professional actors.
56
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
NEWS AND VIEWS OF THE PRODUCTION CENTER
( Hollywood Office — Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.; Ivan Spear, Western Manager)
Pledge of $1,000,000
Is Mel by Industry
HOLLYWOOD— The motion picture indus-
try has filled its pledge of $1,000,000 to sup-
port the 152 Red Feather services of the
Community Chest.
M. C. Levee, president of the Permanent
Charities committee, disclosed that the final
allocation to the Chest from the 1947 Annual
United Appeal in the film industry totaled
$1,002,046.
In a brief ceremony conducted in the of-
fices of A. J. Gock, chairman of the Com-
munity Chest campaign, Levee was presented
a scroll of appreciation recognizing the con-
tributions of the thousands of workers in the
film industry which will help support hos-
pitals, clinics, youth organizations and set-
tlements throughout the 35 associated town
and cities of the Los Angeles area.
“The loyal support of the workers of the
film industry augurs well for the solid growth
of health and welfare services in each com-
munity,” Gock said. “In the face of rising
costs and rapidly growing population, they
have recognized the urgency of our needs.
We are grateful for their help.”
Levee said that final subscriptions to the
Permanent Charities campaign had raised
the total pledged to $1,330,513 from 20,830
donors and had made possible increasing the
allocations to the Chest by $10,792 and to
American Red Cross from $245,783 to $248,467.
Both allocations represent approximately
15.43 per cent of the local goals of the two
organizations. The Red Cross has turned
down its allocation because of a national
policy.
Joan Fontaine Will Stay
At Rampart Productions
HOLLYWOOD — Due to the postponement
of Samuel Goldwyn’s “Earth and High
Heaven,” the deal whereby Rampart Produc-
tions, U-I sharecropper, was to have loaned
Joan Fontaine for the femme lead, has been
called off by mutual agreement.
Following her role in U-I’s Technicolor pro-
duction, “Thunder on the Hill,” Miss Fon-
taine will appear in either “Letters From an
Unknown Woman” or “Possession,” both
Rampart features for U-I release.
Three Stars Go to Denver,
Cheyenne for Premiere
HOLLYWOOD — Dennis Morgan and Janis
Paige went to Denver for a series of per-
sonal appearances and in connection with
the world premiere in Cheyenne of Warner’s
“Cheyenne.” The two stars were joined by
Jack Carson and visited veterans and chil-
drens hospitals, following which they drove to
Cheyenne for the three-house premiere fes-
tivities there.
SCROLL FOR SERVICE— M. C. Levee,
newly elected president of Hollywood’s
Permanent Charities committee, accepts
a scroll of appreciation from 7 -year-old
Nada Talbert, young patient from the Or-
thopaedic hospital, representing the 152
agencies of the Los Angeles Community
Chest. A total of $1,002,046 was allocated
to the Chest from the 1947 fund-raising
campaign in the studios. Film workers,
who make up about 4 per cent of the
Chest’s contributors, thus subscribed 15.43
per cent of the Chest’s local goal. A. J.
Gock, Chest campaign chairman, and Mrs.
Robert Burns, leading Chest volunteer,
participated in the ceremony.
Martin Mooney to Make
Two Adventure Stories
HOLLYWOOD— With J,he addition of two
new features, “Martinique” and “Port Said,”
both adventure yarns with exotic settings, to
the slate of Columbia Producer Martin
Mooney, he has five pictures in preparation.
These two features replace “Delinquency”
and “End of Devil’s Island” recently placed
on his'production schedule. Irwin Franklyn
has been set to develop the original story
for “Martinique” while Louis Pollock will
handle the same chore on “Port Said.” Other
three pictures in order of production are
“Devil Ship,” “The Hi-Jackers” and “I Shoot
the News.”
Selznick Signs Coach
HOLLYWOOD — Florence Cunningham,
founder of one of the first community thea-
tres in the U.S., “Playhouse-on-the Moors,”
and the Gloucester School of the Theatre in
Boston, has been named diction and drama
coach of Selznick studio.
Disney and Lou Bunin
Race to Film 'Alice'
HOLLYWOOD — Li’l Alice is not the only
one beset with wonderment. There seems to
be some slight bewilderment among cartoon
producers— and those who publicize and re-
port on their activities — over who is going
to produce a pen and ink screen version of
“Alice in Wonderland.”
The two entries in the race to bring “Alice”
to the screen are Walt Disney and a new-
comer independent, Lou Bunin Productions.
Bunin some time ago revealed his plans
for making the feature-length cartoon in
color with the actual filming to be done in
Paris, France. That original announcement
recently was followed by Bunin’s disclosure
that he is all set to take off for the French
capital, taking with him “virtually an entire
American studio” complete with his “staff of
20 artists and technicians.”
Whereupon Disney issued a statement de-
claring, “The position of the Walt Disney
studio regarding its production of ‘Alice in
Wonderland’ is quite clear. We are fully con-
fident as to our legal rights, not only with
respect to copyright and title registration;
but we also have other equitable protection.
The picture is actually in work now and our
production plans are such as to make it the
largest-budgeted feature in the history of our
studio.”
Which makes li’l Alice the most sought
after screen star ever to come from an ink
bottle.
Director Douglas Sirk
Forms His Own Firm
HOLLYWOOD — Director Douglas Sirk,
currently handling the megging chore on Tri-
angle Productions’ “Sleep My Love,” has
formed his own production concern to be
called Douglas Film Corp. Associated with
Sirk are Dr. Marcel Frym and Robert Erlik,
former European motion picture executive.
The first venture for the new firm will be
“Two Hearts in Three-Quarter Time,” a re-
make of the Viennese screen operetta of 15
years- ago. Robert Stolz, composer of the
waltz of the same name, is slated to write
new music and score for the film.
Curtiz Signs Lucas
HOLLYWOOD — John Meredyth Lucas,
managing director of the Gryphon Players,
summer stock theatre in Laguna Beach, has
been signed to a three-way contract as di-
rector, writer and dialog director by Michael
Curtiz Productions, sharecropping outfit at
Warners.
To Air Condition Arvada Theatre
ARVADA, COLO. — Lem Lee, manager of
the Arvada Theatre here, has installed a new
air conditioner.
BOXOFF1CE : : May 24, 1947
57
'Fifth Avenue' Given
Glittering Premiere
HOLLYWOOD— Although it is one of Hol-
lywood’s newer production companies and to
date has released only one picture, Allied
Artists, Monogram’s sister company, com-
pletely usurped that part of the film capital
limelight which plays upon one of Cine-
mania’s more popular pastimes — the gala pre-
miere. The occasion was the local debut of
AA’s “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” at Grau-
man’s Chinese Theatre.
The affair drew a large crowd of cinema
celebrities and a capacity sidewalk and
bleacher audience of spectators in addition
to a packed house.
Members of the picture’s cast, including Don
DeFore, Ann Harding, Charlie Ruggles and
Gale Storm, arrived at the premiere in one of
three double-deck buses retired last year from
active service on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue.
Among prominent film folk who attended
the premiere, in addition to the stars of the
picture, were:
Scott R. Dunlap
Angela Greene
Roy Del Ruth
Alan Hale jr
Charles Skouras
Eddie Ryan jr.
Darryl F. Zanuck
Robert Stack
William Bendix
Cathy Carter
Rosalind Russell
Warren Douglas
Eddie Cantor
Leo Gorcey
Maria Montez
Huntz Hall
Jean Pierre Aumont
J. Carrol Naish
Merle Oberon
Jack Wrather
Eddie Albert
Bonita Granville
Donald O'Connor
Jane Withers
Danny Thomas
Marie McDonald
Belita
Gail Patrick
Dan Duryea
James Dunn
Diana Lvnn
Gale Sherwood
Danny Kaye
Olga San Juan
Andrea King
Gail Russell
Mary Healy
Roddy McDowall
Peter Lind Hayes
Jacqueline White
Audrey Long
Rod Cameron
Elvse Knox
Esther Williams
William Demarest
Paul Kelly
Joan Caulfield
Lon Chanev jr.
Michael O'Shea
Brenda Joyce
Virginia Mayo
Richard Arlen
Charles Coburn
Binnie Barnes
Sydney Greenstreet
Teresa Wright
Robert Alda
Helen Forrest
Sonny Tufts
Johnny Mack Brown
Jerry Colonna
Jimmv Wakely
June Preisser
joe Kirkwood jr.
Barry Sullivan-
Leon Errol
Gilbert Roland
Freddie Stewart
Robert Mitchum
Gig Young
John Lund
Forrest Tucker
Arthur Lake
Philip Dorn
Penny Singleton
Jackie Cooper
Alan Hale
Steve Broidy
Screen Plays, Inc., Buys
Yarns by Ring Lardner
HOLLYWOOD — Screen Plays, Inc., re-
cently organized independent headed by
Stanley Kramer, has concluded a package
deal for purchase of stories by the late Ring
Lardner, including Lardner’s novel “The Big
Town” and the short story “Champion.”
Screen Plays, the deal provides, is given first
call on all other available Lardner short
stories.
This is the first time the Lardner estate
has agreed to relinquish rights to a group
of the author’s works. Warners some time
ago purchased screen rights to Lardner’s
“Alibi Ike” and “Haircut.”
Kramer said that Screen Plays will head
its program of independent production with
“The Big Town” and “Champion.”
Academy Gets Old Films
From Edward Nassour
HOLLYWOOD — Edward Nassour, pro-
ducer and owner of the Nassour studios, has
donated 500 reels of rare and historic films
to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences which has been requesting such
films for Academy archives. The gift in-
cludes full length features, some starring
Mary Pickford stock shots, sound tracks and
footage of early day California.
Makins and Putnam Pilot
Four Bremerton Houses
BREMERTON, WASH.— Murt Makins and
Dan Putnam now are managing the four local
theatres in the Evergreen circuit. Lynn L.
Peterson resigned a few weeks ago as city
manager for the Osran Theatre Corp., an
Evergreen subsidiary operating the Admiral,
Rialto, Bay and Rex theatres, necessitating
the change. Makins is now manager of the
Admiral and has been associated with Ever-
green as Peterson’s assistant for ten years.
Putnam has been manager of the Bay since
its opening and now takes over the Rialto
and the Rex. He was affiliated with Ever-
green Theatres in Spokane before he came
here two years ago.
Stars in Operetta
HOBBS, N. M. — Claribel King, pretty young
employe of the Scout Theatre here, had the
starring role in the local high school oper-
etta.
At Hollywood Avenue Premiere
‘FIFTH AVENUE’ GOES WEST — When Allied Artists, Monogram’s running-mate
company, with “It Happened on Fifth Avenue,” made its first bid for premiere
glamor, a la Holljwood, the cameraman caught: Top: A portion of the crowd of fans
that gathered at Grauman's Chinese Theatre to see the stars. Center: Roy Del Ruth,
who produced and directed the picture (left), and his son Richard. Bottom: Mono-
gram executive Scotty Dunlap (left), Lucille Ryman and John Carroll.
58
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Spencer Will Head
MPA's India Office
HOLLYWOOD— The Motion Picture Ass’n
soon will open an office in India. Gerald
M. Mayer, managing director of the associa-
tion’s international division, has appointed
Frederick Spencer to head the new office.
As a commander in the navy, Spencer was
in charge of public relations photography on
the atom bomb tests. During most of the
war he was with Capt. John Ford’s O.S.S.
unit and later he headed motion picture pro-
duction at Anacostia, D. C. Before his war
service, Spencer was in motion picture pro-
duction for 11 years. He Went into the navy
directly from the Paramount studio in 1941.
Spencer is spending three weeks in Holly-
wood in a general survey and study of condi-
tions. He then will spend a month at the
New York offices of MPA before leaving for
India.
Two More Members Join
Film Festival Committee
HOLLYWOOD— Mary C. McCall jr. and
Delmer Daves have joined the special com-
mittee consisting of Jean Hersholt, Walter
Wanger and Donald Nelson of the Academy
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to meet
with a three-man group selected by Eric
Johnston of the Motion Picture Ass’n to work
out various matters in which both the acad-
emy and the association are interested, in-
cluding cooperation with educational groups
and plans for an international film festival
which is being considered for Hollywood in
1948.
First meeting will take place as soon as
Johnston announces his committee.
Eric Johnston Will Fete
Rank and Young May 29
HOLLYWOOD— J. Arthur Rank and Rob-
ert R. Young of Pathe Industries and presi-
dent of the C&O railroad will be guests of
honor at a luncheon May 29 hosted by Eric
Johnston, president of MPA. The luncheon
will be preceded by a joint press conference,
which also will include Nate Blumberg of
Universal-International.
Luncheon guests will be executives of the
ten major studios and Rank’s organization.
At a recent dinner in New York a joint stand-
ing advisory committee was set up by the
British Film Producers Ass’n and the MPA.
The western luncheon meeting will further
the understandings reached in New York.
Lucile Gleason Buried
HOLLYWOOD — Funeral services for Lucile
Webster Gleason, 59, wife of James Gleason,
were held in St. Martin’s church with burial
in Calvary cemetery. Mrs. Gleason’s last
screen appearances were in “The Clock” and
“Don’t Fence Me In.” She was a Screen
Actors Guild vice-president and a member
of Hollywood USO and Veterans’ council.
During recent years, she had been active in
state politics. Besides her husband, she is
survived by a grandson, Michael Gleason of
New York, and a brother, Hugh Webster of
Oakland.
To Renovate in Chelan
CHELAN, WASH.— Peter F. Barnes and
Dr. D. W. Dewar have leased the Ruby Thea-
tre here from Mrs. Anna Kelsey for ten years.
A complete renovation is planned. New
sound and projection equipment, new seats
and a ventilating system will be installed,
and a new facade will be put up.
NE of the minor controversies currently
bubbling on the Hollywood scene con-
cerns which of a pair of contentious pro-
ducers is going to bring to the screen a fea-
ture-length cartoon version of “Alice in Won-
derland.” And thereby again is illustrated
another of Cinemania’s inexplicable vagaries.
A denizen of the public domain for many
years, Alice, on a trio of earlier occasions,
was given a tumble by the magi of produc-
tion. She debuted way back in 1865 when
Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, writing under
the pen name of Lewis Carroll, created her
in his “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”
Under the title “Alice in Wonderland,” she
has made three screen appearances — in 1927
(Pathe), 1931 (Unique-Fotofilms) and 1933
(Paramount).
For 14 years the magi of production have
shunned her. During that period, almost any
maker of cartoons sufficiently interested in
Alice’s charms and exploits probably could
have had her — stock, lock and Mad Hatter —
for the asking. But true to Hollywood form,
the moment one decided to make a pass at
li’l Alice, he find himself confronted with
a rival for her pen and ink affections.
One Lou Bunin, a newcomer to the inde-
pendent production field, has been trying to
make the Hollywood hills re-echo with brave
announcements anent his intentions to ani-
mate Alice, in color and in Paris. His most
recent proclamation disclosed that he, ac-
companied by 20 artists and technicians, is all
set to take off for the French capital, where
the film is to be produced in its entirety.
Such pronouncement brought from Walt
Disney, dean of the animated subjects, a re-
minder that for some time he has had in
work a feature of similar theme and title.
Disney declared that he is fully confident as
to his legal rights with respect to copyright
and title registration.
Regardless of the legal facets of the alter-
cation, any bookmaker who pays attention to
past performances, probably would lay an
attractive price that when Alice returns to
the screen via an ink bottle it will be under
the banner of Walt Disney Productions and
none other.
* * *
From Wonderland, a lassie named Alice
To a pair of producers brought malice
Each says she is hisn
On film to imprison
And they cling to their claims like a callus.
A heart-touching note from the Blurbers of
Burbank revealed “though still suffering from
laryngitis, and under doctor’s orders to do no
talking, Ann Sheridan reported to Warner
Bros, to begin her starring role opposite
Errol Flynn in ‘Silver River.’ ”
Apparently silent pictures are on their way
back.
>
“NUNNALLY JOHNSON BUYS
THE ‘BIG SNOW’ FOR
U-I RELEASE”
— John Joseph headline.
The Chamber of Commerce will never per-
mit it to be filmed in California.
TRUE CONFESSION HOUR:
Says a tidbit from Paul “Gadgets” Mac-
Namara, “ ‘Duel in the Sun’ is destined to be
the greatest grossing picture in the history
of the film industry, Selznick Releasing Or-
ganization executive admitted yesterday.”
Many observers of the Hollywood scene
have been prone to classify as unduly pessi-
mistic the persistent predictions that the film
capital is faced with a recession, with accom-
panying widespread unemployment and gen-
eral curtailment of production. During re-
cent weeks there have been several incidents
which lend substance to the viewers-with-
alarm prognostications. Scattered though
they have been, they still are indicative
straws.
Perhaps the most weighty of them is the
decision by Steve Broidy, president of Mono-
gram and its sister company, Allied Artists,
to suspend all film making by both com-
panies for an indefinite period. The present
labor situation and the inability of inde-
pendent producers to foresee labor costs
until -various union-producer contractual ar-
rangements are concluded was given by
Broidy as the reason for his drastic action.
If such is the case, film capital unionites
would do well to speed up their efforts to
adjust jurisdictional and contractual dif-
ferences lest they emerge from the jungle
of disputes through which they have been
struggling for too long a time only to find
that the lush pastures toward which they have
been fighting have gone barren.
On the other side of the ledger — and in-
spiringly encouraging as to Hollywood’s fu-
ture and still -existent opportunities — witness
the case of Screen Guild Productions, the in-
dustry’s youngest, fast-growing company
which recently celebrated its first birth-
day by holding its initial annual sales con-
vention in the film capital.
SGP was organized by groups of dis-
tributors and exhibitors throughout the
country approximately a year ago. Most of
the organizers have a two-way stake in the
new outfit. They have established com-
panies to produce features on a profit-shar-
ing basis and they hold territorial distribu-
tion franchises. What’s more, many of them
own and operate theatres or circuits which
offer a ready-made nucleus market for their
output.
SGP is headed by John J. Jones, president,
who formerly was connected with the ex-
hibition and distribution field in Chicago
and is still actively affiliated with the Jones,
Linick and Schaefer circuit. Robert L. Lip-
pert, head of Robert L. Lippert theatres of
northern California and Oregon, is executive
vice-president and distribution chief while
F. A. Bateman, formerly with Republic, is
general sales manager.
Encouraged by a first year in which it was
phenomenally successful in attracting sub-
stantial independent producers, in opening
an impressive number of theatre accounts and
in revealing a steady and marked improve-
ment in its product, SGP has launched a
second year schedule which calls for at least
30 new feature pictures and a minimum of
12 rereleases.
That’s a success story which Hollywood
will do well to note because it augurs that,
despite dire prophecies of recession, the film
capital’s present and future cannot be too
black.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
59
Executive, ^njcuveiesti.
J^FTER completing sales conferences in
connection with the release of six major
productions, Spyros Skouras, president of
20th-Fox, and Tom Connors, vice-president
in charge of sales, trained out for their New
York headquarters. Other executives here
for the powwows and returning to their
home offices included Murray Silverstone,
president of 20th-Fox International; William
J. Kupper, newly appointed manager of 20th-
Fox International; William C. Gehring, cen-
tral division sales manager; Andy Smith jr.,
eastern division sales manager; Sam Shain,
director of trade relations; Christy Wilbert,
advertising manager; Louis Shanfield, art di-
rector; Harry Ballance, southern division
sales manager of Atlanta, and Herman Wob-
ber, western division sales manager.
sfe 9)c
Paramount home office executives who
have been visiting at the studio and who
planed out for Gotham included Barney
Balaban, president; Charles M. Reagan, vice-
president in charge of distribution; Curtis
Mitchell, advertising and publicity director,
and Stanley Shuford, advertising manager.
Kathleen Selby, in charge of research for
Paramount in Great Britain, checked in at
the studio from England for a series of con-
ferences and to observe production operations.
* * *
Archie. Herzoff of Columbia’s advertising
department, left for Gotham for conferences
with home office advertising and sales ex-
ecutives.
* * *
In town to work in an advisory capacity on
the filmization of his book, “The Miracle of
the Bells,” was Author Russell Janney. RKO
Radio sharecropping producers, Jesse L.
Lasky and Walter McEwen, are readying his
novel for production.
« * * *
Eddie Cline, Monogram director, returned
from Manhattan after directing the stage
comedy “Heads or Tails.”
* * *
William Wyler, producer-director, who soon
joins Paramount as a result of that com-
pany’s acquisition of Liberty Films, trained
out for New York accompanied by Lester
Koenig, his associate producer. Wyler plans
to leave for Europe, after a short visit in
Gotham, for a three-month survey of story
properties, acting and writing talent for pos-
sible use in his future productions.
* * *
Herbert J. Yates, president of Republic,
left for the New York home offices to attend
a board meeting.
Sidney Myers, managing director of British
Lion Film Corp., and distributor of Republic
films in England, was visiting at the studio.
* * #
James Allen, newly appointed head of
Warners newsreel organization, trained in
from Gotham for huddles with Jack L.
Warner, studio chieftain, regarding the new
project, preparatory to returning to the east
where he will assemble his staff.
Col. Nathan Levinson, head of Warners’
sound department, arrived from Manhattan
after conferring with sound equipment manu-
facturers and sound engineers for Warner
Theatres . . . Entraining for New York was
Warner Producer William Jacobs. While in
the east he will be on a combined talent
hunt and vacation.
* * *
After completing the script for Darryl
Zanuck’s 20th-Fox production, “Gentleman’s
Agreement,” Playwright Moss Hart, accom-
panied by his wife Kitty Carlisle, planed out
for their home in Gotham.
* * *
Charles Schlaifer, eastern director of ad-
vertising and publicity for 20th-Fox, planed
out for home offices in Gotham.
* sjs #
Steve Broidy, president of Allied Artists and
Monogram, left for New York to confer with
John W. Davis, managing director for J. Ar-
thur Rank, regarding the Canadian franchise
for distribution of future product of the two
companies. George D. Burrows, executive
vice-president and treasurer of the com-
panies, plans to join Broidy in Manhattan
soon.
* * *
Paul Hollister, RKO studio representative
in New York, arrived for two weeks of hud-
dles with studio executives.
George Glass Is Elected
To Screen Plays' Post
HOLLYWOOD — George Glass, independent
press agent, has been named executive vice-
president of Screen Plays, Inc., newly formed
producing outfit headed by Stanley Kramer.
Glass, now director of publicity and adver-
tising for Artists Alliance, the Mary Pick-
ford-Lester Cowan combine, is resigning this
position as soon as his commitment is ful-
filled within a month to devote full time to
the new enterprise.
A former newspaperman, Glass at one time
or another has been associated with United
Artists, Samuel Goldwyn, Russell Birdwell
and has represented many of Hollywood’s
production luminaries.
'Duel' Exploitation Aired
At SRO Sales Meeting
LOS ANGELES — First of a series of coun-
trywide sales meetings in connection with
the promotion and exhibition of David O.
Selznick’s “Duel in the Sun” was held at the
Selznick Releasing Organization’s headquar-
ters here. John Howard, western district
sales chief, presided. Those in attendance
included the following branch managers: Jim
Walsh, Seattle; Harry Hunsaker, San Fran-
cisco; Charles Duer, Denver; Howard Ca-
hoon, Salt Lake City, and Paul Walsh, Los
Angeles. Also at the meetings were Larry
Doyle, office manager in San Francisco; Gail
Parker, office manager in Los Angeles, and
Morris Abrahams, representing the publicity
department.
Frank Orsatti
HOLLYWOOD — Funeral services for Frank
Orsatti, 55, talent representative who died of
a heart attack at his Santa Monica beach
home, were held in the Church of the Good
Shepherd, Beverly Hills. Orsatti, born in
Philadelphia, entered the talent field in 1930,
when he formed a partnership with Milton
Bren under the firm name of Orsatti and
Bren, which gave way to the present Orsatti
agency. He recently became one of the back-
ers of Signet productions, which he founded
in collaboration with Irving Cummings. He
is survived by his father Morris; two sisters,
Mrs. Stella Burress and Mrs. Carmen Cos-
griff, and three brothers, Victor, Ernest and
Alfred, all associates in the Orsatti agency.
Visits Mrs. J. J. Parker
PORTLAND — Henry Herbel, western dis-
trict manager for Warner Bros., visited Mrs.
J. J. Parker of the Parker Theatres here re-
cently, discussing new production releases.
HCC Is Busier Than Ever
With Benefit Programs
HOLLYWOOD— Screen colony personalities
contributing their services for military, vet-
erans, charity and other benefits during April
had their most active month since the Holly-
wood Coordinating committee was formed
early in 1946 to succeed the wartime Holly-
wood Victory committee in handling gratis
appearances.
George Murphy, HCC president, disclosed
that stars and other performers made 255 ap-
pearances in April, 88 per cent more than in •
March and 63 per cent more than the monthly
average since January 1946.
A total of 149 different artists appeared in
84 separate events, including 50 shows for
army and navy hospitals, army recruiting
programs, and entertainment and informa-
tion programs for the armed forces overseas
network. Sixty-three artists made their first
appearances through the HCC during the
month.
Upon special invitation from Governor Earl
Warren, four players went to Sacramento to
attend the Governor’s ball May 14. They were
Van Johnson, Jeanette MacDonald, Lina Ro-
may and Frankie Daye.
William Hebert, director of advertising and
publicity for Samuel Goldwyn, introduced
Harold Russell at a special dinner in Russell’s
honor tendered by the San Francisco Press
club May 16.
Jack Carson, Warner star, emceed a banquet
for the Pasadena Junior Chamber of Com-
merce. Funds from the banquet went toward
improving juvenile recreation facilities in
Pasadena.
Nicodemus and nine other members of an
all-colored USO-Camp Shows entertainment
unit left for Seattle to begin a three-month
tour of GI bases in Alaska. The three months
in Alaska and the Aleutians will be followed
by a three-month swing through Caribbean
bases. Other members of the troupe are
singer Mae Johnson, dancers Earl and
Francys, singer Julia Webb and Red Mack
and his orchestra.
Nine stars were set by HCC to take part
in an entertainment program in the Holly-
wood Bowl to raise funds for the Catholic
Youth Organization. Appearing with Frank
Sinatra on the show were Jimmy Durante,
Dinah Shore, Jane Powell, Danny Thomas,
Jo Stafford, Peter Lawford, Keenan Wynn,
Peggy Lee and the Bob Mitchell boys choir.
Continue Showing 'Oldies'
At the Academy Award
HOLLYWOOD — Showings of yesteryear’s
best photoplays Sunday evenings at the
Academy Award Theatre will be continued
as a result of the popularity of the first
series.
“Don Q, Son of Zorro,” starring Douglas
Fairbanks and Mary Astor, inaugurated the
new schedule May 25.. “Flesh and the Devil,”
co-starring John Gilbert and Greta Garbo,
will be offered to Academy membership June
1; “Metropolis,” June 8; “What Price Glory,’
June 15; “Monsieur Beaucaire,” starring Ru-
dolph Valentino and Bebe Daniels, June 22;
“The Covered Wagon,” June 29, and “Stella
Dallas,” July 6.
Salem Theatre Sold
SALEM, ORE. — George H. Wilcox and
M. A. Nelson have sold the Hollywood Thea-
tre here to E. H. Dickinson of Portland. Dick-
inson, who has been in the theatre business
for 20 years, says he plans no changes in
policy or staff. He will live in Salem and
manage the house himself. Nelson and his
father-in-law Wilcox bought the Hollywood
16 months ago from A1 Myers Theatres.
GO
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
1 Kilowatt
High-Intensity Arc Lamp
^ k - f" ] p— " — 1 r~r~ 73 f ■’ T'l f 1,1 "• ■) r P I"1'"' !'"i "" f f^'-WSWI f V * fjgl,1'ir"lV^ f
**— ■■ ■■ •* «■ — ■ --J l ■ i L — — J v— ^ - — J l. -J L- . - - -J l — U - — - v— — J L*~.. l. . ...:>. .. J w. ■■ ifcJ .ium/ 11 -ini ViimI V... .. . ... . J l. . . ..J >11 mhi»i# m.. m->J — - — ’ t.- — *
SEE YOUR RCA INDEPENDENT THEATRE SUPPLY DEALER
NOW . . . PURE WHITE LIGHT FOR SMALL THEATRES
Brenkert’s Radarc is the only one-kilowatt, direct
current, high-intensity projection lamp in volume
production, specially designed from top to bottom for
this field alone.
Now medium-sized theatres, with seating capacity
up to 800 seats and screens up to 18 feet wide, can have
a truly high-intensity arc lamp of
superior design and construction.
WESTERN SOUN& & EQUIPMENT CO.
144 E. First South St., Salt Lake City 1, Utah
WESTERN SERVICE & SUPPLY
2120 Broadway, Denver 2, Colo.
JOHN P. FILBERT CO.
2007 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles 7, Calif.
WESTERN THEATRICAL EQUIPMENT CO.
337 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco 2, Calif.
STUDIO PERSONNELITIES
Blurbers
Independent
Duncan R. Underhill, J. Fleetwood Alley and Dan-
iel Wheelan, ex-publicist, exploiteer and dd man,
respectively, have formed a publicity-exploitation
service for personalities and independent producers.
Paramount
WILL FOWLER, son of Gene Fowler, has joined
the publicity department. Fowler formerly was on
the editorial staff of the Los Angeles Examiner and
with the 20th-Fox publicity department.
Briefies
Paramount
Ken Carpenter set to narrate Jerry Fairbanks'
newest Unusual Occupations two-reeler, "Arctic
Artisan," which features Paul Larson, Lapland knife
maker.
Cleffers
Columbia
THE TEXAS RANGERS, radio western octet, signed
for featured spot in Gene Autry Productions’ first
picture "The Last Roundup."
Loanouts
Columbia
EVE MILLER borrowed from 20th-Fox for femme
topline in the first of the new series of Durango Kid
pictures, "Buckaroo From Powder River." Miss
Miller replaces Virginia -Hunter, who had been set
for the part but will not finish her current chore in
time to take the role.
RKO Radio
Sharecropping Producer Frederick Brisson, head of
Independent Artists, borrowed SYDNEY GREEN-
STREET from Warners for top featured role in
"Lucky Penny" in which Rosalind Russell stars.
20th Century-Fox
Borrowed from Metro, DEAN STOCKWELL will
play role of "Tommy,"* the son of Gregory Peck in
"Gentleman's Agreement."
Meggers
Columbia
Sharecropper Sam Katzman will produce "Brick
Bradford” as the first of four serials on his 1947-48
program. Serial will be based on the character in
the daily comic strip, the. film rights to which Katz-
man recently acquired.
Directorial chore on the second Gene Autry Produc-
tions feature, "The Strawberry Roan," given JOHN
ENGLISH. Arm and Schaefer produces this western
musical in Cinecolor.
Republic
"Come and Get Me," a romantic comedy by Mil-
ton Gunzberg, added to the slate of Producer
STEPHEN AUER. Story is of a young girl who has
a wartime romance with a GI in Europe, then follows
him to the United States and proceeds to woo him
away from his hometown sweetheart.
GORDON KAY set as producer on "Last of the
Westerners."
Universal-International
Producer Mark Hellinger named JULES BUCK as
associate producer on "Homicide," story of the
New York police force.
New three-picture contract handed writer-producer
CHESTER ERSKINE. No story has yet been selected
as his first under his new deal.
Options
Columbia
Femme topline in "When a Girl's Beautiful” set
for ADELE JERGENS. Wallace MacDonald produces.
Comedian ERIC BLORE handed featured role in
"The Lone Wolf in London" in which Gerald Mohr
plays the title role.
GLENDA FARRELL signed by Cornell Pictures for
featured role in "The Double Take,” mystery, with
Franchot Tone, Janet Blair, Janis Carter and Adele
Jergens in the leads. JOHN IRELAND inked for fea-
tured role.
PAMELA BLAKE signed for role in "The Sea
Hound."
MARK DANIELS set for featured role in the Gene
Autry Productions' initialer "The Last Roundup."
Part handed LEE BENNETT.
Metro
ROSE HOBART inked for featured role in the Lana
Turner-Spencer Tracy starrer "Cass Timberlane."
JOSEPH HUTCHINSON inked for role.
Part in “If Winter Comes" handed English
Actress VIRGINIA KEILEY.
DICK SIMMONS set for featured role in the Judy
Garland-Gene Kelly co-starrer "The Pirate."
Moppet BUTCH JENKINS inked for featured role
in the Vein Johnson-June Allyson co-starrer
"Virtuous."
Part in the Wallace Beery starrer, "Alias a Gen-
tleman," handed JOHN QUALEN.
Featured role in "The Kissing Bandit" set for
CLINTON SUNDBERG.
Monogram
Mysterious Island,” adventure novel by Jules
Verne, selected by Producer Lindsley Parsons as a
RODDY McDOWALL starrer.
CANNONBALL TAYLOR signed as featured come-
dian with Jimmy Wakely in all future Wakely west-
erns.
KANE RICHMOND inked to an extended-term con-
tract.
CHARLES SULLIVAN, ROBERT CONWAY, JAY NOR-
RIS, DANNY MORTON, HARRY STRANG, BERNIE
ADAMS, DAVID HOFFMAN and GEORGE HICKMAN
added to the cast of "A Guy Named Joe Palooka.”
Reginald LeBorg is directing for producer Hal E.
Chester.
Paramount
Set for the cast of "Dream Girl" were JEAN
ACKER, FRANKLIN FARNUM and CHARLES MERE-
DITH.
Role in "Whispering Smith" handed LESTER DORR.
ALAN LADD will star in "The Long Grey Line,"
epic story of a World War II veteran eft West Point
which Robert Fellows will produce.
CHARLES ARNT signed for role in "Big Town
After Dark," third in the Pine-Thomas series. VINCE
BARNETT will continue his role of the bail bondsman.
BARBARA BREWER, 18-year-old swimming cham-
pion, given option lift.
RKO Radio
Cast additions to "Return of the Badmen” in-
clude STEVE BRODfE, RICHARD POWERS and ROB-
ERT BRAY.
Featured role in the Samuel Goldwyn production
The Bishop's Wife" set for ISABEL JEWELL with
Moppet GEORGE NOKES also handed part.
Republic
SHEPPARD STRUDWICK handed featured role in
the Charles K. Feldman-Lewis Milestone production
"The Red Pony."
WILLIAM ELLIOTT and JOSEPH SCHILDKRAUT
given leading male roles in "Monterey” with ANDY
DEVINE handed top comedy part.
20th Century-Fox
COLEEN GRAY and LYDIA McKIM added to the
cast of "Nightmare Alley," which Edmound Goulding
directs.
MARTHA STEWART set by Producer-Director Otto
Preminger for role in "Daisy Kenyon," a Joan
Crawford-Dana Andrews-Henry Fonda starrer.
United Artists
Signed by William Cagney, MARLENE AAMES,
child actress, will have part in "The Time of Your
Life." JIMMY LYDON, juvenile player, ticketed for
featured role.
Star role ticketed for CLAUDETTE COLBERT in
"Sleep My Love," a Triangle production. Robert
Cummings and Don Ameche have male starring
roles. RITA JOHNSON inked for role.
Universal-International
FRANK WILSON, currently playing in the Pacific
coast company of "Anna Lucasta," signed by Pro-
ducer Walter Wanger for a featured role in James
Street's "Tap Roots."
Warners
SID TOMACK signed for featured role in United
States Picture’s "Ever the Beginning." Role ticketed
for HUGO HASS.
SAM HAYES, sports announcer, set to portray him-
self in "Whiplash," a fight film.
Part in the Dennis Morgan-Jack Carson starrer,
"Two Guys From Texas," handed CLEATUS CALD-
WELL.
Story Buys
Independent
"Ada," play by Carl Foreman, purchased by Screen
Plays, Inc., as third production of the recently
formed company. Play is based on the life of Ada
Menken, U.S. actress of the 1860s. Foreman will
write the screenplay of this musical drama.
20th Century-Fox
"Pawnee Bill," novel on the life of the famous
scout and gun fighter of the old west by Herman
Edwin Mootz, purchased by Alson Productions, in-
dependent producing outfit headed by Edward L.
Alperson and Jack Jungmeyer jr. Acquisition of
Bill” brings to seven the number of story prop-
erties firm has as a backlog.
"Beautiful Joe," classic dog story, purchased from
the estate of the late Marshall Saunders by Edward
L Alperson, president of Alson productions.
Universal-International
The Man Who Couldn't Lose," novelet written by
Journalist Richard Harding Davis, has been ac-
quired. A race track yarn, the story concerns the
adventures of a struggling young writer who finds
himself the idol of thousands of people because of
his infallible ability to forecast horse races.
Technically
Columbia
IRA MORGAN set by Sam Katzman to handle the
camera on "The Sea Hound."
Metro
Production crew assignments on "If Winter Comes"
include CHARLES LEVIN, unit manager; JACK
GREENWOOD-, assistant director; HANS PETERS, art
director, and GEORGE FOLSEY, cinematographer.
Film editor chore on "The Kissing Bandit" set ior
ADRIENNE FAZAN.
Paramount
Head cameraman assignment on Pine-Thomas' "Big
Town After Dark" given ELLIS CARTER. Film editor
chore slated for HOWARD SMITH.
RKO Radio
Production manager chore on Argosy Pictures'
"War Party" slated for BERNARD F. McEVEETY
Republic
Crew assignments on the Charles K. Feldman-
Lewis Milestone production "The Red Pony" in-
clude NATE WATT, unit manager, and HARRY
KELLER, film editor.
Warners
Crew assignments on Milton Sperling's "Ever the
Beginning" include CHUCK HANSEN, unit manager;
ERNIE HALLER, cameraman; ART LUEKER, assistant.
ELWOOD BREDELL given lensing chore on Tech-
nicolor musical, "Romance in High C,” a Michael
Curtiz production.
Title Changes
Eagle-Lion
RAINBOW RIDGE is the new title for "Wild Horse
Round-Up."
Republic
Final handle for "It's Murder, She Says," starring
Adele Mara and Robert Scott, is EXPOSED.
Universal-International
THE MORTAL COIL is the new title for the Aldous
Huxley story, "The Giaconda Smile," which Zoltan
Korda will direct.
Warners
New handle for "That Hagen Girl" is MARY
HAGEN
Film Firm in Honolulu
Opening Orient Branch
HONOLULU — E. J. Young, owner and
manager of Motion Picture Enterprises, and
Ms assistant, Miss Feme Jebens, are flying
to the Orient. In Hong Kong they will be
met by their representative and the party
will continue to Shanghai, Nanking and Ma-
nila on a survey in preparation for the open-
ing of a branch in the Far East.
While in China and the Philippines, they
will contact government officials, educational
and business institutions to find out their
needs in the motion picture field. They plan
to spend from six weeks to two months in
the Orient.
No Unemployment
For Carpenters
HOLLYWOOD — A development which
might have a significant bearing on studios’
future labor relations was the California
Department of Employment’s ruling that ap-
proximately 70 members of Local 946, United
Brotherhood of Carpenters, who were in-
volved in “hot set” strikes at the major
studios in September 1946, are not entitled
to unemployment insurance benefits. The
decision was the first issued by the depart-
ment on claims filed by participants in the
eight-month-old Hollywood studio strike.
62
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Foundation Selections
At Salt Lake Roundup
Films Use for Peace
Urged by UNESCO
DENVER — Resolutions were adopted at the
regional United Nations educational, scien-
tific and cultural organization meeting here
that call for the full utilization of films for
the cause of peace and better understanding
between nations as well as for better rela-
tionship between majority and minority
groups.
The meeting is one of several being held
through the country to better acquaint peo-
ple with the aims of the United Nations,
especially as it applies to the cause of peace.
More than 1,600 delegates were registered
from the eight states represented.
The film section, which held several ses-
sions, recommended:
1. The UNESCO national commission, at
the earliest possible date, take the necessary
steps to facilitate the maximum production,
procurement, distribution, and skillful utiliza-
tion of films for international understand-
ing.
2. Local communities be encouraged by
the representatives to this conference to form
film organizations to carry out the purposes
of the national commission.
3. Community surveys be made for the
purpose of determining sources of films, pro-
jectors, trained projectionists, and program
services, including speakers, resource leaders,
study and discussion guides.
4. Films be made available by the na-
tional commission that are descriptive of the
organization of the UN, UNESCO, and other
specialized agencies.
5. Local communities encourage local the-
atre managers to show all types of films,
both feature and short, for international un-
derstanding.
6. That the national commission and local
communities encourage the use of films for
understanding on all educational levels.
Another Spokane Theatre
Is Planned by Inland
SPOKANE — Inland Theatres will erect a
second neighborhood house here at a cost of
$300,000, according to Frank Harris, manager,
whose firm erected the Garland Theatre here
some 18 months ago.
The new house will follow the Garland
motif, but will embrace six stores instead of
two. The Garland property is recognized as
one of the finest suburban projects in the
Pacific northwest.
Roy Blair, James R. Crick sr., Lester John-
son and E. W. Johnson are owners of Inland
Theatres.
The new house is designed by G. A. Pehr-
son, will seat 900 and will be of a stadium
type.
lack Matlack Is Chairman
Of Rose Festival Event
PORTLAND — J. J. Parker’s Broadway The-
atre here was again chosen as the site for
the finals in the Junior Rose Festival Ass’n’s
contest to choose a prince and princess. Those
titles were won respectively by Frank Tarsia
and Kathryn York from a field of 28 entrants.
Jack Matlack of the Parker circuit, and
chairman of the festival elimination com-
mittee, presented the program with the as-
sistance of others from the Junior Court of
Rosaria.
To Install Air Conditioning
LOS ANGELES — Authorization has been
obtained for the installation of a new air-
conditioning system at Bard’s Adams Thea-
tre here, to cost $3,000.
TRANSFERRED— Earl W. Long, for-
merly manager of the Norshore Theatre
in Duluth, now is managing the Para-
mount Theatre in San Francisco. He is
working under Jerry Zigmond, recently
named division manager of Paramount
Theatres in the San Francisco area.
Competition From Majors
No Worry to 16mm Men
HOLLYWOOD — Narrow-gauge operators in
the west so far have encountered little com-
petition from the 35mm major companies
now engaged in 16mm operations in this
country, according to a forum discussion by
16mm men at the recent convention of the
National Ass’n of Visual Education Dealers.
The three-day meeting was held at the Holly-
wood-Roosevelt Hotel.
About 120 members of the narrow-gauge
field heard Bert Willoughby of Ideal Pictures
recommended that 16mm dealers cooperate
with the major companies by subrenting
films to them whenever possible. Willoughby
said his company had surveyed the 16mm
product available from 35mm exchanges and
found them lacking in many subjects. He
advised 16mm dealers to concentrate on sub-
jects not available from the major firms.
One of the highlights of the convention
was a round-table report on visual education
progress in various western states.
The state reports were as follows:
Arizona — There are now six educational
film libraries operating in the state, with
approximately 125 films each. Before the
war there was only one library. Approxi-
mately eight per cent of the churches are
equipped with projectors.
California — The California Audio-Visual
Education Dealers Ass’n is successfully fos-
tering closer relationships between the educa-
tors and 16mm dealers.
Oregon — Schools and churches are “square-
ly” behind a visual education program.
Utah — Nearly all high schools and junior
high schools have sound projectors. Salt
Lake City schools are 100 per cent equipped.
Washington — About three-quarters of the
schools have visual programs. Churches are
showing interest.
SALT LAKE CITY— A meeting to effect
permanent organization of the Motion Picture
Foundation in this area will be held here in
connection with the exhibitors-distributors
roundup, June 10-12.
More than 400 distributors and exhibitors
from all over the U.S. are expected, accord-
ing to the committee, headed by C. Clare
Woods. Frank H. Smith, chairman of the ac-
tivities committee, said applications for res-
ervations are coming in from all over the
country, and he expects the attendance to
break all records.
OPENS WITH LUNCHEON
The affair will open with a luncheon June
10 for Utah, Idaho and Montana exhibitors.
New officers of the Intermountain Theatres
Ass’n, probably will be chosen at this lunch-
eon. The two principal positions in the or-
ganization are due to go to Montana men,
succeeding Sam Gillette of Tooele, president,
and Ralph Trathen of Salt Lake City, secre-
tary-treasurer. Gillette is temporary national
director for the Foundation in this area, and
likely will be chosen to one of the top posts
when the welfare organization is permanent-
ly formed.
Open house will be held at the Motion Pic-
ture club Tuesday evening.
A stag cocktail party, tea and luncheon
for the women and a stag Calcutta buffet
dinner are scheduled for Wednesday. The
golf tournament is slated for Thursday, and
the Roundup will conclude with a victory
dance and presentation of prizes at Hotel
Utah Thursday evening. Continuous screen-
ings are planned for three days. All ex-
changes will display “welcome exhibitor”
cards and flags, and a large welcome sign is
scheduled to be placed across Filmrow.
The general committee includes C. Clare
Woods, chairman; Clyde Blasius, Giff Davi-
son, Si Sanders and Warren Butler. Mem-
bers of the individual committees follow:
INDIVIDUAL COMMITTEES
Finance — Blasius, chairman; Dave Edwards,
Hall Baetz, Tracy Barham, Vincent Gilhool,
Irving Gillman, W. G. Seib, Harry Swonson,
“Bus” Campbell, Kenny Lloyd, Keith Pack,
Wayne Theriot, W. W. McKendrick, Charles
L. Walker, Frank Smith, Carl Nedley, Car-
roll Trowbridge, Art Jolley, Emil de Nuff, Oren
Hazen, A1 Knox, Phil Guss, Butler, Chester
L. Price, Trathen, Harry Ashton and Harold
Chesler.
Attendance — Smith, chairman; Blasius,
Davison, William F. Gordon, Jolley, Nedley,
Joe Nercissian, T. A. McMahon, Mr. Seib,
Trowbridge, Don Tibbs and C. R. Wade.
Calcutta and victory dinner — Baetz, chair-
man; Tibbs, Roy Pickrell, Howard Pearson
and Joe Madsen.
Tournament — Wade, chairman; Nedley,
McMahon, George Derrick and Ed Montague.
Handicap and rules — Shirl Thayne, chair-
man; Ray M. Hendry, Theriot, Jack, K.
Swonson.
Publicity and program — Fred Weimar,
chairman; Stan Evans, Jerry Burns, Russ
Morgan and Howard Pearson.
Prizes — Davison, chairman; Sanders, But-
ler, Blasius, Wood.
Change at Choteau
CHOTEAU, MONT. — Hugh Reid, manager
of the Royal here, will go to Hollywood,
where he will be advance agent for Cal
Shrum and his Rhythm Rangers. He is
succeeded by Mrs. Cecil Huffman.
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
63
PORTLAND SET FOR DRIVE — At Paramount’s Portland branch meeting in ad-
vance of the start of the company’s 1947 “Celebrating 35 Years of Leadership” sales
drive, which opens August 31. Left to right: Luman Hummel, assistant booker; Les-
ter Lieberman, office manager; Hugh Braly, district manager; Harold Wirthwein,
assistant district manager; Glenn Brogger, sales representative; Henry Haustein,
Portland branch manager; Archie Hold, sales representative; Louis Stang, booking
manager.
Colonial Style Retained
By Lithia in Ashland
ASHLAND, ORE— Plans to streamline the
exterior of the Lithia Theatre here by the
use of tile, plastics and glass brick have been
abandoned on the advice of Gale' Santocono,
well-known west coast decorator, and the
original colonial design be restored, Jameson
Selleck, city manager for the Varsity and the
Lithia, said.
Exterior alterations therefore have been
quite simple — but effective. Four white poster
frames of colonial design have been erected,
cathode tubes have been installed on and
under the marquee, and the marquee and
the vertical sign have been repainted in
white with blue and red trim.
Major changes have been made inside the
building. A concrete floor has been put in-
side the orchestra section and new flooring
laid in the balcony to provide a base for
new seats. Stairways have been rebuilt and
the lobby enlarged by moving the auditorium
wall. The walls and the ceiling have been
redecorated and repainted.
Howell's Starlite Theatres
Will Open Drive-In July 1
BELMONT, CALIF.— James B. Howell jr„
president of the Starlite Theatre Corp., hopes
to open his company’s new $225,000 drive-in
theatre on Harbor boulevard between here
and San Carlos on July 1. The site is 12
acres in extent and will park 700 cars on in-
clined ramps. Individual speakers and sound
control will be provided for each car.
Howell says Starlite will build two more
drive-ins soon, one in San Mateo county and
the other in San Francisco.
Denver Wholesaler Plans
De Luxe First Run House
DENVER — As soon as conditions permit,
another first run theatre will be built in
Denver. Panayes G. Dikeyou, tobacco and
candy wholesaler, has commissioned archi-
tects to prepare plans for a 1,700-seat, half-
million dollar theatre on Welton between
16th and 17th, where he has bought three and
a half lots. Latest features will be used
throughout. Preparations will be made for
television.
Standard to Build Three
BURBANK, CALIF. — Preliminary plans
are being prepared by architects A. R. Walker
& Associates of Los Angeles for construction
of three new reinforced concrete theatre
buildings in Burbank, Bellflower and Indio,
Calif., for Standard Theatres, Inc.
McCarthy Upped
LOS ANGELES — M. J. E. McCarthy, sales
manager of Monogram’s exchange here, has
been upped to the position of branch man-
ager of that office. McCarthy takes over the
post vacated by Marty Solomon, now recu-
perating from a lengthy illness.
Don Armitage Buys Liberty
PORTLAND — Allen Burt of the Theatre
Exchange Co. here reports the sale by Irvin
Westenskow of the Liberty Theatre in Condon,
Ore., to Don Armitage, who has been in the
motel business the last several years.
C. T. Smith Transferred
LOVINGTON, N. M.— C. T. Smith has taken
over as manager of the Griffith-operated
Mesa Theatre. Smith came here from Carls-
bad, where he was assistant manager of the
Tower and Cactus theatres.
Race on to Build First
In Theatreless Town
Bingen, Wash. — Two groups are racing
to see who will be first to erect a theatre
here. Bingen has been without a theatre
since the Gorge was closed by George
Goldstein when he went into the army.
The building burned after he left.
Goldstein is seeking to build a new
house and has applied to the CPA office
in Portland for permission to erect a
$50,000 house.
Notice of intention to build a 503-seat
theatre has been filed with the city coun-
cil by Wally Stevenson, who with his
brother Bruce and Frank Daubenspeck
are partners in the venture. They plan to
make formal application for a building
permit as soon as architects’ plans are
ready.
Western Amusement
Buys in McKenzie
SPRINGFIELD, ORE. — Austin Dodge and
Roy Carpenter, builders of the new McKen-
zie Theatre here, have sold a half interest in
the house to the Western Amusement Co.,
operating theatres at LaGrande and Milton-
Freewater in Oregon and in various cities in
California, Arizona, New Mexico and Colo-
rado. The circuit has transferred Harrison
Dohrman here from Roswell, N. M., to man-
age the McKenzie.
Western Amusement is a cooperative con-
cern, all of whose managers own stock in the
company. Tom Blair of LaGrande is district
manager in this area.
Carpenter and Dodge first became inter-
ested in theatres here in August 1943 when
they bought the old Playmore Theatre from
Cleve Durkee, with a lease on the building,
which belonged to Coldren-Rogers, former
managers of the Crest, and V. Davies of Ger-
vais, Ore. Carpenter operated the house;
Dodge was running a house in Myrtle Point,
Ore.
In 1945 the two started work on the Mc-
Kenzie. Dodge moved here when the theatre
opened in September 1946. With the house
now in Dohrman’s charge, Dodge will take a
long vacation this summer to travel over the
country, then return to Myrtle Point next
winter.
Carpenter will stay here to supervise the
building of another theatre, close to the
present McKenzie on Main street. This new-
est theatre as well as the McKenzie will be
operated jointly by Dodge, Carpenter and the
Western Amusement Co.
The Playmore closed the night of April 30
after 30 years of operation.
SEATTLE
Trying Barry, Evergreen booker who recent-
■*’ ly sold a screenplay to E-L, is reported
working on a new one . . . Filmrow was
shocked last week by the death of Chalmer
Sinkey, Fox Movietone photographer . . .
Celia Estill, assistant booker at 20th-Fox, is
off for a vacation in Florida and way points.
Jack Engerman, director of advertising and
publicity for Sterling, has taken on more
duties as assistant to Zollie Volchek, city
manager . . . Returning from California last
week were Frank Christie, Evergreen film
buyer; Lionel Brown, Edmonds exhibitor;
James Walsh, SRO branch manager, and
Oscar Chiniquy, local head of National The-
atre Supply.
J. T. Sheffield is on a ten-day pleasure
trip to Skagway, Alaska . . . Carl Mahne,
Washington district manager for Evergreen,
had a group of out-of-town managers in for
a meeting . . . Sam Davis, MGM branch man-
ager, and Don Hiatt, booker, are back from
a sales conference in New York . . . U-I’s “The
Egg and I” has been booked day and date
June 19 for Evergreen’s Orpheum and Ster-
ling’s Palomar.
Ben and Florence Shearer are back from
Palm Springs where they spent the winter
. . . The biggest newspaper publicity campaign
in years was spread for the opening of MGM’s
“The Yearling” at the Music Hall . . . Out-
of-town visitors to Filmrow during the week
included Bill Evans, Chehalis; Emma Ridge-
way, Sedro-Wooley; Charles Grieme, Wenat-
chee; W. A. Cochrane, Snoqualmie, and Eddie
Snow, Mount Vernon.
w
64
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Better Producer-Exhibitor Relations
Should Result From Variety Session'
'Duel' and 'Daughter'
Stay in Top Bracket
LOS ANGELES — Holdovers, notably “Duel
in the Sun” and “The Farmer’s Daughter,”
shared with a pair of newcomers, “High
Barbaree” and “It Happened on Fifth Ave-
nue,” what small brightness was to be found
in another week of unimpressive business
done by local first run houses.
(Average is 100)
Belmont, El Rey, Orpheum, Beverly and Vogue —
Duel in the Sun (SRO), 2nd wk 150
Chinese, State, Uptown and Loyola — It Hap-
pened on Fifth Avenue (AA-Mono) 150
Downtown Paramount — Northwest Outpost (Rep);
The Fabulous Suzanne (Rep), 2nd wk 65
Egyptian, Wilshire and Los Angeles —
High Barbaree (MGM) 150
Four Music Halls— The Macomber Affair (UA),
3rd wk . 100
Four Star — The Homestretch (20th-Fox),
3rd d. t. wk 150
Guild, Ritz, United Artists, Studio City, Iris and
Carthay Circle — Odd Man Out (U-I), 2nd wk 125
Hillstreet — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO),
2nd wk.; The Millerson Case (Col).,. 150
Hollywood Paramount — Same as Downtown... 90
Million Dollar — The Scarlet Pimpernel (UA); The
Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel (FC), reissues 100
Pantages — Same as Hillstreet .150
Warners Downtown, Hollywood, Wiltern —
The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB), 2nd wk. 100
'DITS' Is Record-Smashing 250
In Second Week at Seattle
SEATTLE — “Duel in the Sun” continued
to smash records at the Fifth Avenue in the
second week of its roadshow engagement as
it racked up 250. But neither was there any-
thing wrong with the opening week of MGM’s
“The Yearling,” which did a wholesome 200
after a whirlwind campaign.
Blue Mouse — Stairway to Heaven (U-I) 50
Fifth Avenue — Duel in the Sun (SRO), 2nd
wk., roadshow ; 250
Liberty — It's a Wonderful Life (RKO), 3rd wk 100
Music Box — The Westerner (FC), reissue 80
Music Hall — The Yearling (MGM) ..2C0
Orpheum — Odd Man Out (U-I) 75
Palomar — Michigan Kid (U-I); stage show 80
Paramount — Suddenly It's Spring (Para);
The 13th Hour (Col) 80
Roosevelt — Stallion Road (WB), 2nd d. t. wk 70
'Egg and I' Continues to Take
Top Honors at Frisco
SAN FRANCISCO — “The Egg and I” con-
tinued to take top honors with a high of 260
per cent in its second week at the Orpheum
Theatre. Up in the top brackets was the
opening of “Duel in the Sun” at the Fox and
United Nations theatres.
Esquire-Tivoli — Buck Privates Come Home (U-I);
Bulldog Drummond at Bay (Col) 130
Fox — Duel in the Sun (SRO) 250
Golden Gate — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO),
stage show 135
Orpheum — The Egg and I (U-I), 2nd wk 260
Paramount — Bedelia (E-L); It's a Joke, Son (E-L) ...100
St. Francis — Calcutta (Para), 4th wk 110
United Artists — Fun on a Weekend (UA) 115
United Nations — Duel in the Sun (SRO) 175
Earl Stein to PRC-E-L
Post in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO — Earl Stein, formerly
with RKO at San Francisco and Los Angeles,
has been named branch manager of the PRC-
Eagle-Lion exchange here. He replaces Ralph
Clark, whose new position has not yet been
disclosed.
Sam Milner, district manager; L. E. Gold-
hammer, division manager; Harold Dunn, as-
sistant sales manager, and Frank Soule, in
charge of branch operations, all of PRC,
attended a conference held last week at the
exchange.
Nick Reck Sells Kalama
KALAMA, WASH. — Charley E. Maggard, a
Vancouver electrician, has purchased the
Kalama Theatre from Mr. and Mrs. Nick
Reck, who bought it last October.
LOS ANGELES — Closer understanding be-
tween producers and exhibitors should result
from the fact that the Variety clubs’ con-
vention was held in the film capital, in the
opinion of Donald M. Nelson, president of
the Society of Independent Motion Picture
Producers.
In a statement of welcome to the barkers,
Nelson said:
“From the Hollywood viewpoint, it is par-
ticularly good that Variety Clubs Interna-
tional are holding their convention in Los
Angeles this year.
“I have long felt that the production end
DENVER 9. COLO. — Graham Bros., 546 Lincoln St.
Telephone: TAbor 5467.
LOS ANGELES 7, CALIF. — Breck Photoplay Supply
Co., 1969 So. Vermont Ave. Telephone: REpublic
3151.
PORTLAND, ORE. — Portland Motion Picture Supply
Co., 916 N. W. 19th Ave.
PORTLAND 9, ORE.— Theatre Utilities Service Co.,
1935 N. W. Kearney. Telephone: BE. 4488.
PORTLAND. ORE. — Western Theatre Equipment Co.,
1923 N. W. Kearney St.
SALT LAKE CITY 1, UTAH — Service Theatre Supply
Co., 256 E. 1st South St.
of motion pictures should be in closer rela-
tion to the distribution and exhibition fields.
“It is my firm belief that when our pro-
ducers get to know Variety, motivated as it
is by such laudable humanitarian purposes,
that a warmer, closer understanding will re-
sult.
“I am sure that every independent pro-
ducer in Hollywood will recognize the far-
reaching significance of this conclave, and
that each joins me in extending a warm hand
of greeting and welcome to every barker who
attends the convention.”
SALT LAKE CITY 1, UTAH — Inter-Mountain Theatre
Supply Co., 142 East 1st South. Telephone: 4-7821.
SAN FRANCISCO 2, CALIF.— Walter G. Preddey
Theatre Supplies — R. 0. Bemis, Manager, 187
Golden Gate Avenue. Telephone: UNdrhil 7571.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. — Western Theatrical Equip-
ment Co., 222 Golden Gate Ave.
SAN FRANCISCO 2, CALIF. — United Theatre Equip-
ment Company, 121 Golden Gate Avenue. Tele-
phone MArket 1488, MArket 8986. ”24 Hour
Service.”
SEATTLE. WASH. — Western Theatre Equipment Co.,
2224 Second Ave.
t WheM-t/w fantfta <n& STRON G -tAe/outfitfe
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
65
SAN FRANCISCO
E*red Abelson, former Universal representa-
tive in Minneapolis, who has taken over
the Film Classics branch here under the new
setup, said a series of Korda pictures will be
released within ten days. AI Grubstick, who
sold the franchise to the parent company, will
devote his time to representing Screen Guild
Productions.
Guy W. Meek, owner of the San Jose Drive-
In Theatre, opened another auto spot, the
Peninsula Drive-In, on Bayshore south of
Palo Alto May 14. It accommodates 750 cars
. . . The drive-in being built by Starlite
Theatre Corp. midway between El Camino
Real and Bayshore is expected to open about
July 1. James Howell, head of the company,
is planning others in San Francisco and San
Mateo county.
The Marysville city council last week tabled
a communication from the local merchants
association urging a municipal amusement
tax . . . Daylight savings time was approved
by the assembly’s governmental efficiency and
economy committee. The bill is being fought
by the California Theatres Ass’n.
Gordon Kister is showing pictures three
nights a week in the Newcastle community
hall . . . North Beach Theatres, Inc., in-
voked an option recently to purchase the
Palace Theatre Bldg, on Powell street. Cost
was about $100,000. The 1,300-seat house is
operated by Golden State.
Clem Layritz has been made house man-
ager of the Park in Menlo Park . . . Bob Var-
ney, publicist here for Paramount Theatres,
is hunting an apartment and would appre-
ciate any leads. He can be reached at
PR. 5800.
Les Immerman, manager of the State in
South San Francisco, has offered to help the
city solve its parking problem. The State’s
parking lot is the only free one in the city
and Immerman said he would open it to day-
time use if the cost of an attendant and
maintenance can be raised. He specified,
however, that the lot would have to be cleared
for theatre patrons in the evening.
Milton Samis, theatre operator in the Hes-
ter district, and Jay McCabe, manager of the
San Jose municipal auditorium, have run
into a block in an effort to build a theatre
in San Jose’s south side. The county plan-
ATTRACTIVE POPCORN BOXES mm
Top Volume Popping Purdue Hybrid Popcorn.
Popsit Plus Popcorn Seasoning Cocoanut Oil in 50-lb. Cans.
Popcorn Salt — Scoops — Bags — Seasoning Measuring Cups
Best Quality Merchandise — Quick Service
ARTHUR UNGEB CO.
105 Golden Gate Ave. San Francisco 2, Calif.
ning commission refused to rezone the pro-
posed site to permit a theatre.
So confident was the St. Francis that critics
would be kind to “Odd Man Out” that ads
were taken in the various newspapers direct-
ing attention to the reviewer’s story elsewhere
in the same edition. The St. Francis also
offered passes to the writers of the best let-
ters on “Why I would like to join the James
Mason Fan club.”
Matt Freed, district manager for Lippert
Theatres in Oregon, planed in last week from
Honolulu after a few days’ vacation with his
wife and children, who are remaining in the
islands. Matt was here a few days before re-
turning to Oregon.
Bill and Dick Rose of the Four Roses ex-
change were in Los Angeles for a few days
. . . Jay Golden is returning to San Fran-
cisco to become west coast division manager
of RKO Theatres. He will have headquarters
here . . . M. McAlexander of the State Thea-
tre, Martinez, has a contest to keep the boys
and girls interested. He posts group photos
taken of the kids inside of the theatre and
encircles some of them. The kids identify
themselves and get in free the next Saturday.
Joe Wilson, who started as a relief doorman
at the Tulare Theatre in Tulare, has been
appointed manager of the El Rey there.
William Bendix was around town last week
. . . Mrs. Carrie Petersen, Alice Lane and May
McCurdy, all of the Petersen Theatres, are
vacationing in New York and Chicago . . .
E. I. Rubin, western division manager of In-
terstate Popcorn Co., left to attend sales
meetings in Chicago and Omaha . . . Charles
Sadler is the new shipper at Republic ex-
change. His wife, Nancylee Sadler, is secre-
tary at the local Monogram exchange.
Frieda Fleishman returned to National
Screen after an absence of about two years
. . . Grace Heller of United Artists exchange
is going to New York on her vacation . . .
Nancy Johnson is the new biller at United
Artists . . . Office Manager Harry Kaiser is
recovering from his recent illness . . . Leo Ad-
ler, auditor, is at the UA office . . . Matilda
Voaklander of Republic is going to Los An-
geles on her vacation.
Passing through town on their way home
from the Paramount Theatres meeting last
week at Arrowhead Springs were Edward L.
Hyman and Leon Netter, vice-presidents of
Paramount Theatre Service Corp. and Max
Fellerman and Evan Perkins, home office
executives . . . RCA and Western Theatrical
Equipment Co. held a sales meeting at the
Sir Francis Drake. Among those present were:
Jack O’Brien, theatre equipment section
manager of RCA; Bill Jones, vice-president
RCA service; Ed Auger of the RCA office,
New York; Hal Mag, western regional man-
ager of RCA; C. A. LaHar, Los Angeles sales
manager, and Stub Schultz and Bob Schultz,
local RCA representatives.
LOS MGELES
J^fter a four-week trip through Texas on
business concerning “It Happened on
Fifth Avenue,” Marty Ingram and Harry
Hollander, Allied Artists exploiteers, are back
at their studio desks . . . Fred Abelson was
installed as manager of Film Classics’ San
Francisco office by his brother Bob, Film
Classics’ local manager . . . Back from a tour
of exchanges made in connection with Shirley
Temple’s latest picture, “Honeymoon,” is
Dave Cantor, RKO-Radio’s Pacific coast ex-
ploitation manager. He has promoted a tieup
with Western air lines to give honeymoon
couples free trips.
Kroger Babb, Hygienic Productions adver-
tising manager, here on business, revealed,
before departing for home via Kansas City,
St. Louis and Toronto, that his company wili
hold a convention in Hollywood next Decem-
ber 8-14. Representatives from five nations
will attend. Babb said also that his company
would place a new educational picture in pro-
duction shortly.
Dick Currier has joined Hygienic as a spe-
cial representative. He was formerly chief
film editor at Monogram studio . . . When
Johnny Kenlo, unit manager for the same
outfit, opens a “Mom and Dad” show in
Bakersfield June 2, it will make a total of six
simultaneous bookings on the west coast. The
feature opens at the Mayan Theatre, Los
Angeles, June 2, and at the Tivoli and Esquire
theatres, San Francisco, in September.
Sherrill Corwin, Metropolitan Theatres, and
Seymour Peiser and staff, Fox West Coast
Theatres, are being praised by friends for
the great job they did in publicizing the Va-
riety convention . . . Roy Dickson, Cooperative
Theatres, returned from a San Diego busi-
ness trip . . . Edward Seeins has taken over
the La Salle Theatre, North Long Beach, from
E. E. Owens . . . New owner of the Aero Thea-
tre, Santa Monica, is C. A. Kennell . . . After
giving Paramount’s local exchange a look see,
Henry Goldberg, home office auditor, left for
Seattle . . . Giving the Row the once over were
Joe and Abe Blumenfield, San Francisco cir-
cuit operators . . . Booking and buying for the
La Tosca Theatre has been taken over by
Exhibitors, Inc. . . . Jack Goldberg, super-
visor for Eastland Theatres, trained out to
spend his vacation with his elderly parents
in New York.
Visiting friends on the Row were Myer
Stern, Hollywood Pictures Co., Omaha; Leon-
ard Kaplan, Kaplan Theatre circuit, Des
Moines; Sam Levishon, Chicago Used Chair
Mart, and Bill Forman, northwest theatre
operator . . . Visiting respective local ex-
changes were Jimmy Spears, Paramount
home office representative; Charles Feld-
man, U-I division manager, and Oscar Mor-
gan, Paramount short subjects manager.
HT\ME VT \
CAN GET IT !
OR 1 MILL MAHE IT f
W&rie/ui Iheaf/uaiL
) {equipment Co (
337 GOLDEN GATE AVE. ^
SAN FRANC/ SCO 2, CAL IF.
* iPhone HEmlock 8302
Chore on 'Key Witness'
Mischa Bakaleinikoff has been given the
background scoring chore on “Key Witness”
by Columbia.
"CENTURY"
THE MODERN PROJECTOR
187 Golden Gate Ave.,
San Francisco 2, Calii.
Phone Underhill 7571
In this country on a six-week visit to ob-
serve production and exhibition methods, Sam
S. King, of Shipman and King, operators
of a 35-theatre circuit in Great Britain, and
active in production, was a visitor on the
Paramount lot. Accompanying King was Ed-
ward F. Lyons, joint managing director of
Gaumont-British Kalee, manufacturer of
projection equipment in Britain, and J.
Arthur Rank affiliate.
Named chairman of a theatre committee
of the Academy of Television Arts and
Sciences, R. H. McCollough, National Thea-
tres television director and Fox West Coast
executive in charge of construction, main-
tenance and purchasing, will head a_group
investigating developments of theatre tele-
vision and which will set standards for thea-
tre-housed video.
66
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Five New Drive-Ins
For Salt Lake Area
SALT LAKE CITY — Five drive-ins are
scheduled to open in the Salt Lake exchange
area before the end of this month.
Stealing a march on all other builders of
the outdoor spots, Lawrence Beach and Mar-
vin R. Cox opened the Pioneer Drive-In on
a 29-acre tract south of Provo May 23. Eighty
miles to the north, Roy Tullis and J. W.
Naylor opened the Riverdale Drive-In just
south of Ogden on the same night. A second
outdoor theatre is scheduled to open in this
area within a week or two.
First drive-in to open in Salt Lake proper
will be the Motor-Vu Drive-In, to be operated
by Eric Peterson, just southeast of the city.
Roy Allsop is building a similar amusement
spot in the western part of the city- which
should be opened within a few weeks. Still
another drive-in is scheduled to be opened
May 28 in Richfield. Alvie Peterson will oper-
ate that house.
Drive-in operators here say they aren’t wor-
ried about the inclement weather and believe
they can remain open seven months out of
the year.
Woodlaw Sells Circle,
Portland, to Gamble
PORTLAND — Ted Gamble has bought the
Circle Theatre here from Col. G. T. Wood-
law. Ralph Wood will remain as manager
of the house under Willard Gamble, who
directs the Gamble enterprises in this part
of the country.
Remodeling of the Downtown Theatre here,
recently acquired by Gamble and renamed
the Century, is about half completed and the
house will be ready for opening May 31 as
a de luxe first run house. The first attrac-
tion will be “Ramrod.”
Television Station Manager
Addresses MP Engineers
LOS ANGELES — Members of the Pacific
coast section of the Society of Motion Picture
Engineers were given an insight into the
operations of television station KTLA when
Klaus Lansberg, manager of the station, ap-
peared as principal speaker at a regular meet-
ing of the organization. Lansberg demon-
strated his station’s facilities, including studio
installation and remote pickup equipment.
Wallace Wolfe was chairman of the meeting.
Meiers Buy at Harrison;
Stallmans Go to Lingle
HARRISON, NEB.— Mr. and Mrs. Melvin
.Meier, grocery store owners, have purchased
the theatre here from Joe and Eva Stallman
and are remodeling, with reopening set for
early June. The Stallmans then purchased a
lot on the main street of Lingle, Wyo., and
will erect a 300-seat theatre there.
Earl Berens Gives Party
For Employes of Hugro
HUGO, COLO. — Earl Berens, retiring owner
of the Gem Theatre, gave a dinner here for
his employes and the new owner, Clarence
Martin.
Fire Destroys Craig
CRAIG, COLO. — The Craig Theatre was
destroyed by fire recently. The house was
closed for extensive alterations. It is owned
by Gibraltar Enterprises.
List of 'Sins' Quells Youngsters
From Mideast Edition
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Listing 13
offenses committed by children and
teen-agers in theatres, Fred Row-
lands of the Main Theatre here re-
ports that since he placed the list
in his boxoffice there has been a
decline in the number of violations
with greater peace and comfort for
his more sedate patrons.
The list:
1. Talking.
2. Running up and down aisles.
3. Gathering in groups.
4. Cracking gum or disturbing
noise.
5. Whistling.
6. Property damage.
7. Throwing things.
8. Smoking.
9. Using flashlights or lighting
matches.
10. Everlastingly changing seats.
11. Using bean shooters, water
guns or cap pistols.
12. Roaming the theatre for
dates.
13. Disrespect to employes.
Violation of these rules means
that the guilty person is told to leave
the theatre without refunds.
Kenyon Talbott Named
Knutson Circuit Aide
LIVINGSTON, MONT.— Kenyon Talbott
of Livingston has been appointed manager
of the State Theatre here. Talbott will also
work with H. W. Knutson, owner of the State,
in conducting the several Knutson theatres
in Montana and Idaho.
Peases to Build in Exeter
EXETER, CALIF.— A building site on East
Pine street here has been purchased by Mr.
and Mrs. C. E. Pease, owners and operators
of the Exeter theatre, who will build a new
1,0'00-seat theatre on the property. The struc-
ture will be of fire-resistant basalt block, of
stadium-type architecture, with modern co-
lonial interior decoration. Construction will
begin as soon as building restrictions permit.
New sound, projection and cooling equipment
will be installed. Harvey Construction Co. of
San Francisco will erect the house.
Cooper Takes Over Avalon
GRAND JUNCTION, COLO.— Pat McGee,
general manager of Cooper Foundation The-
atres, announced during a recent visit here
that the Avalon Theatre here soon will be
renamed the Cooper and converted into a
streamlined motion picture house of severely
plain ultramodern design. The Cooper will
seat 1,500.
Selznick Seeks Location
BOZEMAN, MONT. — Bert Griffin, secre-
tary of the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce,
announced that he had been requested to
cooperate with the Selznick Studios in select-
ing a locale for a picture to be filmed in this
part of Montana. Details concerning the new
production have not yet been given out.
Building in Monte Vista
MONTE VISTA, COLO— A new 800-seat
theatre is being built here for George Kelloff
and Mitchell Kelloff jr., cousins, who several
months ago bought a choice site on First
avenue from Everett Cole, former Alamosa
theatreman.
Indoor Swimming Pool
Converted Into Theatre
Fullerton, Calif. — Mr. and Mrs. Bell
Kay have converted a former indoor-
swimming pool here into a 650-seat thea-
tre which they have named the Wilshire.
The Kays at one time owned the Keva
Theatre in Los Angeles.
Berens Sells Hugo Gem
HUGO, COLO. — Earl Berens of Denver,
operator of the Gem Theatre here for the
past four months, has sold the house to
Clarence Martin of Beverly, Mass. Martin
already has taken over.
Signs Ray Heinz
Production manager assignment on RKO’s
“Tarzan and the Mermaid9” has been handed
Ray Heinz.
Paramount studios paid the top price in
1946 for a produced Broadway play. It was
“State of the Union,” by Howard Lindsay
and Russel Crouse. The price was $300,000.
plus 50 per cent of gross after production.
MANLEY
guaranteed
ImJ/ POPCORN and SUPPLES
SATISFACTION
<?R YOUR MONEY BACK
W. H. Turpie. Western Division Manager
1914 South Vermont Los Angeles 7, Calif.
REpublic 7528
We
have the
ior
YOUR
Count on us for Quick Action!
Our wide contacts with the exhibitors
assure you oi satisfactory results.
MECTRE||
J S. W. 2nd Ave. Portland 4. Oregon 217 Governor Bldg, t
Extra Popcorn Dollars
FOR YOU!
Users of Manley's Supreme grade hy-
brid popcorn are getting MAXIMUM
POPCORN PROFITS. It pays to buy
quality!
“It’s Manley machines and Manley
supplies for PROFITS PLUS
in popcorn”
Manley, One
Arlie Beery — District Mgr.
2161 Broadway Denver 2, Colo.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
67
They're All Talking
About This Series
The most talked-about series oi articles
in the motion picture trade press is "Filmrows
oi America," currently running in BOXOFFICE.
Now, for the first time, the story of the men
and women who run the motion picture busi-
ness of the country is being graphically told
in articles written by a skilled staff of field
correspondents and through hundreds of pho-
tographs taken by staff cameramen who are
visiting every film exchange city in the United
States and Canada to photograph the film-
row personalities you read and hear about.
"Filmrows of America" is another special
BOXOFFICE feature — that extra dividend sub-
scribers receive from the No. 1 magazine in
its field.
ere
stQ
,h>fd ;
sew
tih
°°si,
b
er
es ob
Ur,
es ,q
rne
UtlcJ
riccj
Usb
the
° lit
exhibi
pr°d
Uces
°rpn,
°llSu
z*voe*»*
u'°c*
Un,
b"'< u,
"c*p/ ?et>i O, or _Unee,- ft* *»y <'*><, * vfj k
ce ktiL
'•^aC ;e,e;;y w
■«s «^!s ?et'-ic*h,ch Co com- u<?'e ' ar-’
tip
P7 , . . “ou . cou^ /o^-
*nj \y
i'k e-, te'
* 3,:c^ . e*-
m^on
>‘°*e%ayolis
T>>, ]j*b eo'l*ei''e a ^
Job 0f Uuck ,,t>y si}.
Of K ''
fvecy
op n*
t>dge
,(*an
a'i(j
>• H'j
'ho
a;-
Si*
lncj
/$20
;• ^hon.
68
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 194'
Jack Benny Very Big
At Chicago Theatre
CHICAGO— Show business has never ex-
perienced a boxoffice gold rush like the one
Jack Benny and his troupe brought to the
B&K Chicago Theatre.
Doing 50 shows last week at 95 cents ad-
mission, he bettered the house’s old mark set
by Danny Kaye and grossed an all-time rec-
ord for Loop theatres. Other Loop houses
got the overflow from the Chicago and they
also did well.
The only new bill was the RKO Palace with
a twin program, “Born to Kill” and “Likely
Story,” which had a fair week. The Oriental
did nicely in a second week with a stage
show headed by the Andrews Sisters plus
“Michigan Kid” on the screen. “The Jolson
Story,” at the Apollo, and “Best Years of Our
Lives” at the Woods are still boxoffice in a
big way.
“It Happened in Brooklyn” at United Art-
ists and “Carmen” at the World Playhouse
did okay and other holdovers bowed out to
make way for new attractions, which in-
cluded “Duel in the Sun,” “Calcutta” and
“The Farmer’s Daughter.”
(Average is 100)
Apollo — The lolson Story (Col), 20th wk 120
Chicago — Easy Come. Easy Go (Para), plus
stage show 195
Garrick — Angel and the Badman (Rep), 3rd wk 105
Grand — The Macomber Affair (UA), 3rd wk 110
Oriental — Michigan Kid (U-I), plus stage show,
2nd wk 140
Palace — Born to Kill (RKO); A Likely Story (RKO). .115
Roosevelt— Stallion Road (WB), 3rcf wk 105
State-Lake — California (Para), 5th wk 110
Studio — Sins of Bali (Rosenberg); She Devil
Island (R), 5th wk .100
United Artists — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM),
2nd wk 120
Woods — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
21st wk 145
World Playhouse — Carmen (Superfilms),
2nd wk 115
Buyer Resistance in Milwaukee;
Only Top Pictures Pull Crowds
MILWAUKEE — First runs and neighbor-
hoods alike report patrons definitely shop-
ping for their entertainment. Exhibitors say
their patrons will attend regularly only if
given top flight pictures. Warmer weather
has chased patrons to the country. “The
Yearling,” in the second week at the Wiscon-
sin, and “The Best Years of Our Lives,” in
the seventh week at the Alhambra, were the
only pictures to better par.
Alhambra — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO);
7th d. t. wk 130
Palace — My Favorite Brunette (Para);
Her Sister's Secret (PRC) 100
Riverside — Buck Privates Come Home ( U-I ) ;
Spoilers of the North (Rep) 95
Strand — Dead Reckoning (Col); For the Love
of Rusty (Col), 2nd d 1. wk 90
Towne — Dishonored Lady (UA) 20
Warner — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB);
Winter Wonderland (Rep) .100
Wisconsin — The Yearling (MGM), 2nd wk 125
'Duel' Best in Indianapolis;
Week Is Rather Spotty
INDIANAPOLIS — Business was spotty,
First run houses, with what the public
wanted to see, fared well to excellent. Loew’s
topped the list with “Duel in the Sun.”
Circle — The Late George Apley (20th-Fox);
The Brasher Doubloon (20th-Fox) 80
Indiana — Boomerang (20th-Fox); Backlash
(20th-Fox) 85
Keith's — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO);
2nd wk 120
Loew's — Duel in the Sun (SRO) 225
Lyric — My Favorite Brunette (Para) 75
Takes Over at Bloomfield
BLOOMFIELD, MO.— Mrs. William Sher-
man, the former Mrs. Margaret Bizzell of
Dongola, 111., has taken over the State here,
recently purchased by her husband, manager
in St. Louis for PRC, from the Tobin-Gold-
wyn-Leventhal interests. Mr. and Mrs. Sher-
man were married early this month.
Popcorn Boxes ' Menace /
She Charges in Suit
Fort Wayne, Ind. — Leora Lunsford has
filed suit for $2,500 damages against the
Harrison Theatre and Realty Corp. She
declares that while patronizing one of the
company’s houses, she got up to allow
another patron to pass by. As she did so,
she charges, she slipped on a cardboard
popcorn box, fell against a seat, and was
severely hurt.
She declared the company permits pop-
corn to be sold in its theatre, and charges
that it knew, “or should have known, that
patrons would scatter the popcorn boxes
about on the floor of the theatre to be-
come a menace to the safety of patrons.”
This is the second suit of its kind to be
filed against the firm.
Bernard Van Borssum, 72,
Dies of Traffic Injuries
TERRE HAUTE, IND. — Bernard Van
Borssum, 72, owner of the Savoy Theatre and
a figure in the theatre business 33 years, died
last week in St. Anthony’s hospital of injuries
suffered when he was struck by an automo-
bile May 3. According to the driver of the
car, rain obscured his sight and he did not
see Van Borssum. The theatreman is sur-
vived by the wife, one daughter and a son.
Sues for $25,000
MILWAUKEE — Cudahy Theatres, Inc., and
owners, Charles W., Raymond W. and Oliver
C. Trampe, have been named in a $25,000
damage suit in circuit court by Mi's. Susanne
T. Adams, La Jolla, Calif. Mrs. Adams has
charged that she slipped on the tile walk lead-
ing to the Majestic entrance on Apr. 11,
1945, and fractured her hip. Cudahy Thea-
tres, Inc., operate tjie Majestic.
Tiny Palmyra Greets
Opening of Theatre
PALMYRA, WIS. — Chilling winds and
threatened rain failed to deter sturdy towns-
folk of Palmyra (pop. 800) from attending
the opening of Jack Yeo’s Myra Theatre.
The event created more excitement than the
recent return of the village war ace. Every
shop in town shuttered for the affair.
As the Palmyra high school band paraded
out front, patrons clutching advance sale
tickets stormed the doors. The Myra’s 400
seats were filled for two shows, with many
standing in the aisles. Well-wishers kept Yeo
fluttering about like a whirling dervish. Of
course, the air conditioning failed to function
and the screen arrived just in time for in-
stallation, but that was nothing. This town
hadn’t had an honest-to-goodness cinema in
years. Yeo gave to the people in the Myra,
one of the most attractive small town houses
in the state.
Flowers filled the outer lobby, with more
inside on stage and near the stage. Inci-
dentally, the Myra resembles the venerable
Whitehouse in Milwaukee, in that the pic-
ture is projected at the front of the house.
Jimmie McCarthy, just out of the army, is
house manager. A girl from Patricia Stevens'
modeling school in Milwaukee greeted pa-
trons with cigars and candy. Engineered by
Louis Orlove, MGM exploiteer, the picture
was “Gallant Bess.”
Odette Oberlander, cashier from Yeo’s
Plaza, Burlington, was in the boxoffice. Mrs.
Jack Yeo welcomed first nighters from her
vantage point near the outer doors.
Yeo is constructing a modern bowling plant
beneath the Myra that will further enhance
the building as a community center.
Drake in 'Cass Timberlane'
Tom Drake has been ticketed for a role in
“Cass Timberlane” by Metro.
THE WINNAHS! — Two Fox Wisconsin managers, Harry Boesel, downtown district
pilot in Milwaukee, and Brad Stiles of the Braumart Theatre, Iron Mountain, Mich.,
won awards in the MGM pictorial promotion contest, Boesel for a “Gallant Bess” cam-
paign, Stiles for a ditto on “They Were Expendable.” Pictured here looking over the
awards are standing: Boesel; Bill Koster, FW theatre operation head; Louis Orlove,
MGM exploiteer; Stiles. Sitting is Harold J. Fitzgerald, FW president.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
c
69
INDIANAPOLIS
jDobert Hamed, operator of the Empire The-
ater, Sellersburg, Ind., has started con-
struction on his new Theatair Theatre on
state road 31 -E just north of Jeffersonville,
Ind. . . . Herman Hallberg, booker at 20th-Fox,
went on a one-week vacation . . . The Drive-
In Theatre, Anderson, being built by the
Alliance Theatre Corp. of Chicago, is near-
ing completion . . . Alex C. Kalafat, Gala,
Garrett, booked.
Laddy Hancock is recovering from an at-
tack of flu . . . Sam Oshrey, U-I salesman,
spent the weekend in Cincinnati visiting
friends . . . Owen Lindley of French Lick,
brother-in-law of George T. Landis, 20th-
Fox manager, died recently after a long ill-
ness . . . K. T. Ball, Royal at Browhstown, was
on the Row booking.
Ed L. Ornstein, operator of theatres in Ken-
tucky and Indiana, has returned after a
short vacation in Florida . . . Mildred Winer,
Monogram booker and office manager, is
vacationing in Florida with her mother . . .
Sam H. Abrams, manager for Eagle-Lion-
PRC, went to Tennessee on business and
will return to Indianapolis by way of Evans-
ville . . . Pete Panagos, Alliance, Chicago,
booked.
Harold Russell of “The Best Years of Our
Lives” visited the RKO branch for a general
handshake with employes . . . There is a
new bronze name plaque at the entrance of
the MGM exchange here . . . S. W. Goodman,
Marion, Poseyville, booked and set dates
. . . Herman Black, RKO salesman, is driving
a new car . . . Claude McKean went to
Chicago to visit circuit offices there . . .
F. C. Kohlhorst, Fairy, Napanee, booked . . .
Ed Campbell, Williston circuit, Louisville,
booked and set dates.
T. D. Hammer, Eagle-Lion-PRC salesman,
made his first business trip in northern In-
diana territory and was charmed by the
beautiful farm lands and scenery . . . R. L.
Hudson jr. of the Hudson circuit in Rich-
mond was on the Row to book . . . Bob
Hesseldenz, oldtimer in the theatre business,
was one of the speakers at the annual meet-
ing of the Indianapolis Indorsers of Photo-
plays, held in the Columbus club Tuesday.
“Theatres of Yesterday” was his subject.
Glen Schnarr, operator of the Daisy Thea-
tre on West Michigan street, has installed new
speakers, projectors and sound . . . Harry
Watts, Alhambra, Knightstown, was on the
Row booking.
Pauline Neese is substituting on the book-
er’s desk at Monogram exchange during the
absence of Mildred Winer . . . Joe Schilling,
Auditorium, Connersville, booked . . . The
new screening room at the U-I branch is
nearing completion. It will accommodate 60
persons, more than any other in Indianapolis
. . . A. B. Thompson, Park-Ritz, North Ver-
non, booked.
Lido Remodeling Program
To Double Size of House
INDIANAPOLIS — An extensive remodeling
and enlarging program has begun at the Lido
Theatre here. The present 400-seat capacity
of the house will be doubled, and the interior
will be redecorated. The engineers’ plans
will enable the workmen to build the new
house without interrupting daily presenta-
tions except in the last stages of the work.
The front of the Lido will be refinished in
glass and a porcelain marquee illuminated by
neon and indirect lighting will be installed.
Some jobs on the inside of the house
already have been completed. The booth has
been completely overhauled and new Simplex
E-7 projection and sound equipment in-
stalled.
When the work is complete, the Lido will
feature first run attractions. The house will
become the second largest all-Negro patron-
age theatre in downtown Indianapolis. The
Walker, operated by the same owners, Willis-
ton Enterprises, is the largest.
Enterprise Signs Bickford
Charles Bickford has been signed by Enter-
prise to star with Frances Dee and Joel Mc-
Crea in “They Passed This Way.”
Bruce, Wis., Gets Theatre;
Robert Zielke Is Manager
BRUCE, WIS. — Townspeople here are en-
joying their first home town theatre.
The 379-seat Bruce Theatre was opened
by H. E. Zielke, operator of the theatre at
Hawkins, and his son Robert, who is man-
aging the local house. The theatre is mod-
ern is design and construction and contains a
cry room, oil heating unit, and air cooling
system. The interior of the auditorium is of
nuwood and knotty pine.
The Bruce’s dedication program was
broadcast by station WJMC of Rice Lake and
included talks by Harold Mills, school prin-
cipal; Claire Towers, village president; Gor-
don McConnell, Fred Conover, George
Hagerty and other citizens of the community.
Businessmen here paid for a full page ad in
the News-Letter congratulating the new own-
ers on their enterprise.
Sam Taft Soon to Open
Drive-In at Springfield
.SPRINGFIELD, MO.— The S. M. Taft
Amusement Co. of St. Louis, headed by Sam
Taft, now manager of the drive-in at Des
Peres on the Manchester road, will soon open
a 750-car drive-in near the junction of Sun-
shine and Glenstone roads here.
Complete RCA drive-in equipment, includ-
ing the newest type in-the-car speakers, pro-
jection machines, screen and sound system,
will be installed. Taft purchased the equip-
ment through Lou H. Walters of Cine Supply
Co. at St. Louis. Taft will remain with the
St. Louis drive-in until his new project here
is in operation. He has been associated with
Phillip Smith Theatrical Enterprises at Bos-
ton in the operation of drive-in theatres in
the midwest area for several years, also
supervising its Drive-In Theatre at Indian-
apolis.
Drive-In at New Albany
To Be Called 'Theatair'
NEW ALBANY, IND. — The new drive-in
being constructed between Jeffersonville and
New Albany is expected to open in mid-June.
The theatre will have a 700-car capacity, and
will be called the Theatair. This is the first
time this name has been given to a drive-in
unit, and the name is being copyrighted.
The Theatair will be operated by Municipal
Enterprises, Inc. of New Albany, headed by
R. L. Harned and will serve the Falls Cities
area. In addition to his Theatair interests,
Harned also owns the Empire at Sellersburg,
Ind.
Fire Destroys the American,
Rodgers Unit in Charleston
CHARLESTON, MO.— The 600-seat Ameri-
can Theatre, a unit of the Rodgers Theatres
of Cairo, 111., was destroyed by fire May 12.
The fire was discovered about 11 a. m. and
had gained considerable headway before the
firefighters reached the scene. The Rodgers
circuit also owns the 300-seat New Theatre
here.
Mono Meeting July 18-20
MILWAUKEE — Monogram managers and
franchise holders will meet here July 18-20,
immediately preceding the Browns lake outing
sponsored by the ITO of Wisconsin and Up-
per Michigan. Monogram personnel are ex-
pected to stay over for the ITO event.
B0X0FFICE INSURANCE
For Your OFF NIGHTS —
INCREASE YOUR BOXOFFICE RECEIPTS-
KEEP THEM COMING TO YOUR THEATRE REGULARLY -
by using
THEATRE EMPLOYMENT NIGHT
(Copyrighted)
or
B1BTH-DATE DIVIDEND CLUB
(Copyrighted)
(Note: Both Copyrighted Plans provide lor the use ol "Proxy Cards" for the night and
matinee ahead of the night of selection.)
KEEP THEM IN THE HABIT OF ATTENDING EACH WEEK
Wire - Write - Phone
EARL W. PENROD
Affiliated AdvesUi'iintj, 2>idt^ituta^U
% 5780 Washington Blvd. Indianapolis, Indiana
ifesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss^
70 ...
BOXOFFICE May 24, 1947
BRENKERT
I Kilowatt
High-Intensity Arc Lamp
2238 £Z—D ES3 £223 FW1! Z&3M SH8H -.mm WmSt:
» csss es3> Baa ebsh
NOW . . . PURE WHITE LIGHT FOR SMALL THEATRES
Brenkert’s Radarc is the only one-kilowatt, direct
current, high-intensity projection lamp in volume
production, specially designed from top to bottom for
this field alone.
Now medium-sized theatres, with seating capacity
up to 800 seats and screens up to 18 feet wide, can have
a truly high-intensity arc lamp of
superior design and construction.
tSKSS E2*3 C2T3 C ZZZ3 £2i33 EE’
SEE YOUR RCA INDEPENDENT THEATRE SUPPLY DEALER
CHICAGO THEATRE SUPPLY CO,
1255 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicago 5, III.
CINE' SUPPLY COMPANY
3310 Olive St., St. Louis 3, Mo.
CHICAGO
J Arthur Rank, dominant figure in the Brit-
ish motion picture industry, and John
Davis, his managing director, were in town
last weekend consulting with J. H. McNabb,
head of the Bell & Howell Co., and A. N.
Rauland, television expert. They also at-
tended a press conference at the Blackstone
and were interviewed by some 40 newsmen.
They were accompanied by Mrs. Rank and
Mrs. Davis and Jock Lawrence, press rep-
resentative. The party left for Canadian
points, thence to Hollywood. The group will
return here next month for a series of meet-
ings and to make a survey of television prog-
ress.
Joe Cotten, one of the stars of "Duel in the
Sun,” is the first actor ever featured simul-
taneously in four Loop houses. The film pre-
miered last weekend at the State-Lake and
Roosevelt theatres. Cotten also appears in
“The Farmer’s Daughter,” currently at the
RKO Palace and Grand. All four houses had
sidewalk holdouts . . . Charles Schlaifer, di-
rector of ad-publicity and radio for 20th-Fox,
conferred with local flacks on exploitation
plans for “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir,” and
"Miracle on 34th Street.” He was en route
to the Hollywood studio . . . A1 Dezel, head of
Dezel Roadshow Productions, came in from
Detroit headquarters for a chat with local
executives Sam Kaplan and Sol Cohen. Dezel
was en route for Hollywood to attend the
Screen Guild convention. Sol Cohen went
to Kansas City for a week on business.
Claude Morris, Selznick field exploitation
chief, was at the opening of “Duel in the
Sun,” and left for Des Moines to spark 20
openings for Tri-States there . . . Will Scran-
ton, advertising director of Ampro Corp., re-
turned from a three-week vacation at Hot
Springs and found he had twice become a
grandpa. Will jr. is the father of a boy, named
Will Scranton III, and another son Paul is
the daddy of a baby girl named Virginia
Elizabeth.
These press agents can fix anything! Chilly
weather prevailed in Chicago for days and
days. The coldest April and May in 20 years,
the weather man said, then on May 15, a mild
heat wave greeted the formal presentation of
the air conditioning award from the Modern
Theatre section of BOXOFFICE to Balaban
& Katz. Scribes and photographers perspired
as they crowded into John Balaban’s office
JOE WEISS
(Formerly with Jack
Kirsch Theatres)
EXPERIENCED . .
. LICENSED
Insurance and Real
Estate Broker
Specializing in Theatre Properties
4060 Milwaukee Ave.
Phones: PAL 2102
Chicago 22. 111.
LAKeview 5958
mcANDY^m
NATIONALLY ADVERTISED •
BARS TO YOU AT •
WHOLESALE PRICES •
All Popular 5c & 10c Brands •
- - IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT - - «
H. & I. CONCESSIONS CO.
Theatre Concessionaires
1325 So. Wabash Ave.
Phone Harrison 9616 — Chicago 5
to see Jack Benny present the award in behalf
of J. Harry Toler— and B&K publicist Ed
Seguin beamed! Seguin had further reason
to beam when Benny gave him a nifty award
for the publicity campaign that resulted in
Benny’s record-breaking gross at the Chicago
Theatre!
First customer in to see “Calcutta” at the
Chicago Theatre was Bob Lee, emcee at the
Latin quarter. Bob was stationed in Calcutta
for three years while in the army . . . Chris
Demos has been appointed assistant manager
of Warners Avalon Theatre . . . Dr. Morton
A. Berman of Temple Isaiah Israel was prin-
cipal speaker at the meeting May 15 of
Cinema B’nai B’rith lodge with Jack Kirsch
presiding. The membership quota is 1,000
and Kirsch expects to attain this number by
July 1.
F. W. Anderson was elected president of the
newly organized Anderson Theatre Corp. at
Morris, 111. Irma L. Anderson is vice-presi-
dent and secretary of the new firm.
Billy De Wolfe has signed for two weeks of
personals at the Chicago Theatre, beginning
June 8, sharing billing with the Mills Bros.
. . . Ben Lyon, head of 20th-Fox’s talent de-
partment, looked over local talent and
scouted Herb Shriner, Empire room star, who
has the makings of another Will Rogers . . .
Henry Kaufman, Columbia executive, visited
the exchange.
James J. Donohue, western sales manager
of Paramount, will preside at the Chicago
exchange meeting June 2, 3 . . . Harold Mann
has been appointed chief industrial engineer
for the Farnsworth Corp. at Fort Wayne, Ind.
. . . “Jacare,” a full-length feature picture of
Frank Buck’s trip to the Amazon river jun-
gles, was presented to a teen-age audience
at the Chicago Academy of Sciences in Lin-
coln Park.
B&K executives, John Balaban, Walter
Immerman, Henry Stickelmier and Dave
Wallerstein attended the Paramount part-
ners convention at Arrowhead Springs, Calif.
. . . Jerry Weiss, Paramount booker here for
the last four years, has been shifted to
Minneapolis in the same capacity ... It will
be wedding bells August 3 for Pauline Barron
of the B&K accounting department and Phil
Wittert . . . Mrs. Joseph Chesser, president
of the Better Films Council of Chicago, an-
nounced the annual benefit literary tea will
be held Tuesday, June 10 at 1:30 p. m. in the
Woodrow Wilson room, International Rela-
tions center, 64 East Randolph St.
Herbert Crane, recently out of service and
now assistant to Manager Ed Masters at the
Lamar Theatre, Oak Park, was married to
Weth Baker . . . Dave Biederman, Cartoon
Film Productions, Hollywood, was a stopover
en route to New York . . . Burglars forced a
wall safe in the Tiffin Theatre and made off
with $500. They missed $1,800 more in an-
other safe. Howard Beck, owner, said the
burglars entered the theatre by sawing bars
off the window.
Richard Felix is now assistant to Norman
Kassel, Essaness publicity department . . .
Sam Wanamaker, youthful Chicagoan who
took Broadway by storm when he played
opposite Ingrid Bergman in “Joan of Lor-
raine,” was a visitor here last week. He told
the press at a cocktail luncheon in the Polo
room that he was en route to Hollywood to
discuss the lead role in “Ever the Beginning.”
Jack Benny and his all-star show hit a
high mark at the B&K Chicago Theatre, bet-
tering the old record hung up by the Andrews
Sisters, who, incidentally, played a two-week
engagement at the Oriental last week. Pre-
viously Frank Sinatra held the record at the
Chicago.
Chicago Union Selecting
Miss Filmrow of '47
CHICAGO — All glamor girls aren’t in front
of the cameras, the Film Exchange Employes
Union has decided. Accordingly, girls “in
back of the cameras” were to be given their
opportunity Saturday (24), when local F45 se-
lects its own Miss Filmrow of 1947.
Girls employed in the industry or af-
filiated fields entered the finals, held at the
union’s dinner-dance in Hotel Midland.
Among the entrants were Betty Small of
MGM, Ruth Nagg, Columbia; Jeanette Dal-
ton, 20th-Fox, and Shirley Grant, UA.
Leo T. Schauer, 20th-Fox, was chairman,
assisted by Florence Cohen, Warner Bros.;
George Rose, MGM; Mary Tulek, RKO, and
Norma Boyle, 20th-Fox.
McMahons Buy Theatre
At Granville, Illinois
GRANVILLE, ILL. — Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy
McMahon of Chicago have purchased the
Granda Theatre here from Mr. and Mrs.
Francis Ernat. The new owners are installing
upholstered seats, new screen and projectors,
and air conditioning.
The sale was made through the Chicago
office of Savereide Theatre Brokers, with
offices in Minneapolis, Minn., and Waterloo,
Iowa.
Feld Back in St. Louis
As E-L Area Manager
ST. LOUIS — William Feld, former Republic
manager in Pittsburgh, has resumed his du-
ties here as district manager for Eagle-Lion,
succeeding Mark Raymon, who resigned to
enter another line of business on the west
coast. His territory includes St. Louis, Kan-
sas City, Omaha and Des Moines.
Feld is no stranger to St. Louis, having
at one time been a salesman here for Republic
before going to Pittsburgh.
Second House Is Planned
By Cave-In-Rock Partners
CAVE-IN-ROCK, ILL. — Tom Partain,
owner of the 300-seat Ohio Theatre here, and
Carl Humm, a business associate, contem-
plate the erection of a new 500-seat theatre
here. They hope to have the house ready by
August 1.
Opening at Percy, 111.
PERCY, ILL. — The New Princess Theatre,
owned by H. E. Webster, opened last week,
replacing the old Princess, destroyed by fire
Dec. 11, 1945. The new house of modern con-
struction is 36 by 110 feet and has a seating
capacity of 500.
Buy at Manito, 111.
MANITO, ILL. — The 250-seat Lamar here
was sold by A. C. Struck of Mason City to
Harold Meyer and Harold Willett of Manito.
Struck owns the Arlee in Mason City.
Purchases the Alamo
STEWARDSON, ILL.— Harlan E. Renshaw
is the new owner of the 200-seat Alamo here.
72
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
EXTRA PROFITS
IN YOUR LOBBY!
'POP' CORN SEZ: "My new, automatic
vending machine is the slickest way you theater
managers can make more money on popcorn.
Does away with all sorts of extra expenses. No
rancid grease smellin’ up the place. It’s so
dog-gone good-looking you’ll want a couple of
’em in your lobby. Why don’t you drop me a
letter today for the full story?”
AUTOMATIC VENDING MACHINES
The modern and profitable method of serving your customers
crisp, fresh, better tasting popcorn.
NO ATTENDANT NEEDED: Fully automatic and vends crisp,
hot popcorn faster than any attendant can pop and box it. Your
patrons will appreciate this quicker service. You will make
bigger profits.
LESS LOBBY SPACE: Requires only 18 inches of floor space.
No bulky equipment cluttering up the lobby.
"POP" CORN SEZ:
"My Chicago office is John-
ny-on-tha-spot to take care of
your needs."
"CALL — WRITE — WIRE —STOP IN”
TOP’ CORN m INC. OF CHICAGO ——
Machines available for imme-
5755 W. OGDEN AVENUE diate delivery.
CICERO 50, ILLINOIS .
CRAWFORD 1042-3-5
OLYMPIC 8345
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
73
MILWAUKEE
l^ue to atmospheric conditions, the initial
performance of Lou Elman, RKO man-
ager, as a concert pianist was not heard by
many Row well-wishers. Elman’s program,
while aired over WRJN, Racine, was inter-
rupted by the earth tremor.
Horace Guthrie of the “kerosene” circuit
way up north toured the exchanges . . . Paul
Horwitz, veteran Milwaukee showman, cur-
rently runs a burlesque house for Charley
Fox in St. Paul . . . Hank Tolette, S&M Thea-
tres executive, was in town . . . Max Mazur is
now at Film Classics as manager. Fred Good
is handling sales in the territory.
The hard way to get some sleep: Johnny
Mednikow, National Screen Service manager,
was out working the territory and ran into
Lou Orlove, the MGM exploiteer. Comes time
to retire and Orlove said, “Don’t worry about
a thing. I’ll get a room.” So the two made
practically a circuit tour of the state search-
ing for a hotel room, but everything was com-
pletely filled up. Finally, about 3:30 a. m„
they arrived in Wausau and, as elsewhere,
all spots were full. So the exhausted gentle-
men roused a theatre manager and ended up
sleeping on the balcony.
Things are moving on that Oldtimers club
since this scribe dropped the suggestion a few
editions back. Acceptance of the px-oposed
club has met with surprisingly favorable re-
action. According to present plans, the first
meeting of the organizing committee consist-
ing of at least one representative from every
branch of the industry, comes up shortly.
Meanwhile, keep those suggestions coming
and remember that anyone with 25 years
service in the industry is eligible.
Fred Brown of the Plymouth Theatre in
Plymouth toured the Row with his recently
acquired California suntan. Other exhibitors
on the Row were L. V. Bergtold of the Westby
in Westby; Joe Malits, Eighth Street Theatre;
Sam Miller, Rialto, Gladstone; Floyd Albert,
Strand, Mount Horeb; George Panka, Metro,
Prairie du Chein; Sid Goldberg, Hollywood,
Wausau; F. J. McWilliams, Home, Portage;
Max Krofta, Capitol and Granada, Racine.
Also Don Deakin, Wisconsin Dells; “Red"
Erickson, Loyal, Loyal; Bob Guiterman, Cap-
itol, Manitowoc; Bill Exton, Roosevelt, Keno-
sha; Danny Kelliher, Sprague, Elkhorn; Wal-
ter Baier, Fort, Fort Atkinson; Bill Ains-
worth, Fond du Lac; Clem Kramer, Mars
and Fern, Milwaukee, and Barney Sherman,
Douglas, Racine.
The outing at Browns lake sponsored by the
Independent Theatre Owners of Wisconsin
and Upper Michigan is set for July 21. Golf,
boating, horseback riding, fishing, luncheon,
and dinner-dance in the evening will be the
major attractions . . . Mika Colla and Joe
Di Giorgia of National Screen caught Chi-
cago’s jive combos over the weekend . . . Next
meeting of the board of the ITO of Wisconsin
and Upper Michigan comes up at Charley
Trampe’s Phantom lake summer home.
Exhibitors dodged paint brushes and scaf-
folding at United Artists while decorators
gave the offices a complete new paint job
. . . Speaking of remodeling, Columbia’s car-
pentry is done and Dave Chapman slides his
chair from Harry Olshan’s office to the ship-
ping department regularly.
Joe Neger, 20th-Fox manager, worked the
territory . . . Patricia Jacobs joined Theatre
Service’s expanding secretarial staff . . . Jack
Sullivan of the Carl Thelin Sign firm, who
was burned in the fire that destroyed the
GRANDMA WINS— Phil Harris, who
was at the Chicago Theatre with the
Jack Benny troupe, presents awards to
Mrs. Clara O’Leary, 70-year-old grand-
mother. She was the 500,000th patron to
approach the boxoffice for a ticket to
“The Jolson Story,” now in its 21st week
at the Balaban & Katz Apollo Theatre.
She was awarded numerous gifts includ-
ing a radio, a coffee brewer, nylon rain-
coat, Jolson album of records and other
gifts. This was the 1,000th performance
of “The Jolson Story.” The affair,
planned by Dave Arlen of the B&K pub-
licity staff, got much free newspaper
space.
plant, is still recuperating in St. Michael’s
hospital . . . Carl Thelin and his entire staff
are doing a mountainous job in filling theat-
rical si^h commitments, working with prac-
tically no stock or supplies.
Lorraine Williams was given a farewell
party by fellow 20th-Fox employes at the
Towne room prior to leaving the firm . . .
Max Wiesner was in town and reports his
throat condition improving as the result of
X-ray treatments in Chicago . . . Louis
Machat informs that the Radio, operating
as a straight foreign film house, will go all-
American June 26. A 25-cent adult price will
prevail. Machat is offering $50 as a prize for
a new name for the Radio.
Sanford Vincient of Denmark and Winne-
conne and Irving Vincent, Ocoto Falls, were
in town . . . Mae Dalton, 20th-Fox ad sales
manager, celebrated a birthday.
Attending the board conclave of the ITO
were Bill Ainsworth, Fond du Lac; F. J.
McWilliams, Portage; L. V. Bergtold, Westby;
Sig Goldberg, Wausau; George Panka, Prairie
du Chein; Russ Leddy, Green Bay; Jack
Yeo, Burlington; Charles Trampe, George
Langheinrich, George Fischer, all Milwaukee,
and Floyd Albert, Mt. Horeb.
Bob Albert, son of Norma Albert, RKO in-
spector, recently attended an audience with
the Pope in the Vatican. Bob is on the USS
Providence . . . Joe Baish is doing a great job
managing the Pix, Avon and Park in Wauke-
sha. Your scribe dropped in following the
opening of Jack Yeo’s Myra Theatre and
found Joe buried in reports . . . Later the
same night we helped Rudy Koutnik lock the
Paradise doors out in West Allis. Rudy has
the town hopping with his top drawer ex-
ploitation. His latest stunt was a leg contest.
Charley, Ray and Oliver Trampe, com-
muting between Rivermore and Tuckaway
Country clubs, showed up late for the Myra
Theatre opening at Palmyra. They arrived
just in time for refreshments . . . Eph Rosen,
Lou Orlove and Johnny Mednikow kept
things humming at the opening after a hair-
raising trip with Orlove at the wheel. Jack
Yeo, operator of the Myra, was kept busy
rushing from the Myra to the town’s hotel,
where festivities were held. Your scribe got the
business and his nationality was questioned
for drinking soda. Palmyra people all but
buried the Myra under flowers. Orlove func-
tioned as doorman and general utility man.
Candy and cigars furnished by MGM were
dispensed by a tall, attractive lass from
Patricia Stevens’ modeling school.
Walter Baier of the Fort Theatre, Fort
Atkinson, shoved off for a month’s stay in
California . . . Roy Bernier, projectionist and
publicist for a local brewery, is general chair-
man of the current naval recruiting drive
in Milwaukee ... A feminine boxer has
loomed on the Row horizon in the person
of charming Esther Glowacki, RKO “hello
gal.” No, she doesn’t bounce exhibitors.
Just a hobby.
A. K. “Hypo” Hadley of Film Arts, led a
party consisting of son Roy and a few friends
on a northern Wisconsin fishing jaunt . . .
Milt Abram of Film Arts spent a week in
Ohio and Pennsylvania on a film location
commitment . . . Jack Kahn, United Art-
ists publicist, left his tub thumping for
the Towne for UA duties in Detroit, and is
due to transfer to Ohio later.
Mrs. Ross Is Re-Elected
As Indorsers' President
INDIANAPOLIS — New officers installed at
the 33rd annual meeting of the Indianapolis
Indorsers of Photoplays Tuesday at the Co-
lumbia club included Mrs. David Ross, presi-
dent; Mrs. Lee Wadell, first vice-president;
Mrs. Harry Rice, second vice-president; Mrs.
A. J. Hueber, third vice-president; Mrs. Laura
Bates, corresponding secretary; Mrs. John
Petry, recording secretary; Mrs. Alice P.
Ellison, treasurer; Mrs. Adam Honderich,
parliamentarian, and Mrs. Fred Duckwall,
membership chairman.
Earl Cunningham, general manager of
Fountain Square Theatres, gave a short talk
on theatre community service, and Rex Carr,
general manager, told of the advantages of
the Children’s Film Library and children’s
matinees. Officers were installed at the meet-
ing, which was attended by prominent per-
sons in the industry including Miss Marie
Lauk of the Legion of Decency, William Car-
roll and Miss Christine Kirk of the ATO of
Indiana. Mrs. Paul New of Greenfield, Ind.,
state president of the Indiana Indorsers of
Photoplays, spoke on service to the state.
More than 70 persons registered and were
greeted by Mrs. David Ross, now in her 33rd
year as president of the organization, and
one of the founders.
In 'Gentleman's Agreement'
Anne Revere has been signed for a featured
role in 20th-Fox’s “Gentleman’s Agreement.”
74
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
S & M Opens New Erwin Theatre
After extended delay due to materials shortages, the Erwin Theatre, operated by
Ben Marcus, head of S&M Theatres, was formally opened at Tomah, Wis. Construc-
tion began in 1945 and the opening was scheduled months ago.
The Erwin, of fireproof construction, with concrete sidewalls and ornamental
brick front, designed along highly modern lines inside and out, is an outstanding
building in Tomah. Elaborately decorated, the inviting lobby displays rich pile carpets,
as well as notable lighting effects. Equipped with the most comfortable seats obtain-
able, Ihe main auditorium seats 632.
Clarence Itoltze shifts from managerial chores at the Tomah Theatre, also
cperated by S&M Theatre, to similar duties at the Erwin.
Sf. Louis Tax Commission
Suggests Amusement Tax
ST. LOUIS — Mayor Aloys P. Kaufmann’s
citizen’s tax commission in its final report
recommended, among some eight other meas-
ures to increase revenue, a 5 per cent tax on
amusements, which would yield from $750,000
to $1,000,000 per year.
The commission also recommended a wide
range of economies and revision of the city
charter to permit a modem method of ad-
ministration.
The commission asked that the city con-
sider four taxes before adopting any others.
They were a city-imposed state-collected in-
come tax or a city earnings tax to raise $2,500,-
000 to $5,000,000, depending on the rate; an
increase in the city liquor license fees to
raise $500,000; a 5 per cent tax on amuse-
ments to yield from $750,000 to $1,000,000, and
a sewer service tax of 25 per cent of the
water bills to yield $1,000,000.
Other suggestions included extension of the
principle of city-imposed state-collected
taxes to gasoline taxes, driver’s licenses and
automobile licenses.
If all the suggested new taxes were adopted
the additional revenue would be about $10,-
000,000.
Lou H. Walters Resigns
As Head of Cine Supply
ST. LOUIS — Lou H. Walters, president and
manager of the Cine Supply Co. here, has re-
signed effective May
31. He is expected to
announce a new con-
nection soon.
The Cine Supply Co.,
a Missouri corporation,
opened for business in
September 1945 when
Walters came here
from Cleveland, where
he had served for ten
years as manager for
NTS and its drive-in
theatre department.
Walters sold his stock
in Cine Supply some
time ago to RCA of
Camden, N. J., which
lou h. Walters company now owns
Cine Supply 100 per cent.
Walters started his motion picture career
in St. Louis as a rewinder and general handy
boy at Lou Wagner’s the Alps, a tent show
on Easton avenue at Whittier street, some
38 years ago. Later he met Sam Lears, owner
of the Lears Theatre Supply Co., and was
employed as an office boy for that company.
During the following ten years he moved up
through the service and repair departments.
When Lears decided to abandon his policy
of selling only through the mails to the out-
of-town trade, Walters became the first mo-
tion picture equipment salesman to travel out
of St. Louis, making eastern Missouri, south-
ern Illinois and portions of Arkansas and
Kentucky for Lears.
When the Lears company was sold Walters
took a position with the St. Louis Equipment
Co. and later was with the Exhibitors Supply
Co. of St. Louis, which was absorbed in 1926
by National Theatre Supply Co. He remained
with the new owners for nine years as a
salesman in the St. Louis territory and in
1935 was transferred to Cleveland to take
over the management of the NTS branch in
that city.
New Equipment at Milltown
MILLTOWN, IND. — Complete new booth
equipment has been installed in the State
Theatre here by the Ornstein circuit. The
equipment was purchased through the Falls
City Theatre Equipment Co. at Louisville.
ST. LOUIS
TL tie, usually in a glen plaid, equipped with
two tiny red or pink bulbs connected
with a -battery in the wearer’s pocket, and
provided with a switch that permits the
wearer to blink the lights at will, is proving
quite effective in attracting the attention of
ushers in darkened theatres or waiters at
restaurants, roadhouses, etc. The tie was orig-
inally intended as a children’s item, but a
local department store that sold 1,000 very
quickly said practically all of the buyers
were adults.
The Esquire Theatre in Cape Girardeau,
controlled by Memphis interests, is now using
vaudeville acts in conjunction with first run
pictures. The house had been operating on a
basis of opening if and when first run pic-
tures were available . . . Lester Bona, War-
ner manager, was calling on exhibitors in
Paducah, Ky., and Cairo, Metropolis and Har-
risburg, 111. . . . Barney Rosenthal, Monogram
manager, has returned from Springfield, 111.
In the $600,000 antitrust suit of W. D’Arcy
vs. Fanchon & Marco et al., one of the de-
fendants, Monogram Pictures, has been
granted 20 days additional time from May
15 in which to plead.
Word comes from Jefferson City that Bing
Crosby recently contributed $50 as the initial
offering in a campaign to raise funds to de-
fray the cost of redecorating the chapel at
the Missouri state penitentiary. Ernest As-
pinwall, an inmate artist, became interested
in the plans of Rev. Edward B. Schlattmann,
Catholic chaplain, to redecorate the chapel
and wrote a letter to Bing asking for a do-
nation to help buy materials. Crosby replied
very quickly. Aspinwall is now working on
a series of 20 paintings to adorn the chapel
walls.
Mrs. Catherine Pasmezoglu, mother of the
late Hector M. E. Pasmezoglu, who at one
time operated the Delmar (now the Uptown)
and Criterion theatres here, and prior to that
Delmar Garden, died May 17 . . . John W.
Potter, 50, editor and co-publisher of the Rock
Island, 111., Argus and president of the Rock
Island Broadcasting Co., operators of radio
station WHBF, died May 17 in Minocqua,
Wis., where he had gone with his wife May 14
preparatory to opening their summer home
for the season.
Kahan Handling Selznick;
Makes Room for Others
ST. LOUIS — Harry Kahan Film Delivery
Service here is handling the inspection and
shipment of Selznick Releasing Organization
in the St. Louis territory and also their dis-
tribution, in conjunction with the National
Film Carriers Ass’n.
Kahan, who will continue film delivery-
services in the St. Louis territory, has pro-
vided facilities for vault space, inspection and
shipping facilities for other independent film
distributors in addition to Selznick, he stated.
Gives Machine to School
JASONVTLLE, IND.— William Passen, op-
erator of the Amus-U Theatre here, has pre-
sented the local high school with complete
booth equipment to be used for educational
purposes. The equipment is not to be re-
moved from the school building.
George Faith Buys the Linn
LINN, MO.— George L. Faith has purchased
the 210-seat Linn Theatre from Earl An-
derson.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
75
Additional 1% Sales Tax
Proposed in Missouri
JEFFERSON CITY — The house of repre-
sentatives has adopted a resolution calling
for the submission to Missouri voters of a
proposed constitutional amendment authoriz-
ing payment of a state soldier bonus esti-
mated to cost from $150,000,000 to $200,000,-
000, to be financed through the state income
tax and the imposition of an additional 1
per cent sales tax. Vote on the measure was
111 to 8.
The resolution now goes to the senate and
if approved will be put on the ballot at the
general election in November 1947 or voted
upon at a special election to be called by
Gov. Phil M. Donnelly.
Story purchases by Hollywood studios in
1946 totaled $6,750,000.
CHICAGO 5, ILLINOIS — Abbott Theatre Equipment
Co.. 1311 S. Wabash Ave. Telephone: Calumet 6160.
LOUISVILLE 2, KY. — Falls City Theatre Equipment
Co.. 427 Third St. Telephone: JAckson 7559.
Keeps Home Reels Turning
SHELBY VILLE — That part of the family
often referred to as “the little woman” is
keeping the Shelby Theatre going here. F. W.
Hamilton, manager, and son, Billy, who is 14,
have been doing radio and school entertain-
ing with the marimba and the piano. This
entertaining entails quite a bit of traveling;
hence Mrs. Hamilton has the theatre on her
hands and those galivantin’ boys of hers on
her mind.
Jean to Resume Studies
COLUMBIA, MO. — Actress Jean Arthur,
who has returned to Hollywood to resume
motion picture work, plans to return to
Stephens college here to continue studies in
psychology, philosophy, English literature and
biology when her new picture is finished.
ST. LOUIS 3, M0. — Exhibitors Supply Co., 3236 Olive
St. Telephone: Jefferson 5913.
UNION CITY. IND. — Projection Equipment Co.
$75,000 Fire Loss
By Thelin Sign Co.
MILWAUKEE — A three-alarm fire result-
ing in a $75,000 loss for the Carl Thelin Sign
Co., specialists in theatrical advertising, was
the most spectacular blaze in Milwaukee for
some time.
Jack Sullivan, partner of Carl Thelin, was
working in the spray room when he noted
the blaze. Before getting out Sullivan re-
ceived burns on the hands, face and knees.
Thelin sustained slight burns. His son and
Afton Crump, an employe, escaped without
injury. First Assistant Fire Chief Arthur G.
Pohl escaped being trapped and suffocated
while making an inspection as the fire raged.
New Granite City House
On Site of Old Rialto
GRANITE CITY, ILL.— Construction is
progressing on the $200,000 theatre being
erected here by the St. Louis Amusement
Co. on the site of the old Rialto which was
razed after it had been closed as unsafe last
year.
The New Rialto, designed by Leo F. Abrams,
St. Louis architect in association with Ray-
mond G. Johnson, local architect, will seat
about 750 and will be fireproof and contain
the latest type of projection and sound equip-
ment, seats, etc.
Merchants Welcome Reopening
KANSAS, ILL.— The Joy Theatre, re-
opened by Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Jessup May
2, has been doing fine business. The house
was damaged by fire early in the year. Mer-
cantile interests welcomed the reopening,
since there was a noticeable falling off in
out-of-town business after the theatre closed.
From the
BOXOFFICE FILES
(Twenty Years Ago)
A REPRESENTATIVE of United Artists was
in St. Louis recently, investigating pros-
pects for the erection of a new theatre with
seating capacity of 3,000. There is also a
possibility that the Fairbanks-Pickford, Chap-
lin-Swanson combination may purchase a
theatre already constructed.
* * * . *
The Dempsey -Tunney fight pictures are
now available to exhibitors in Missouri, ac-
cording to Sam Miller, distributor . . . The
Kingsland and Woodland theatres on Gravois
avenue, St. Louis, have now definitely come
under the banner of Skouras Bros, and Harry
Koplar. The Skouras-Koplar-Goldman com-
bination now has about 40 of the leading St.
Louis theatres under their wings.
* * :S»
A tornado at Poplar Bluffs, Mo., on May
3 killed 110 persons and injured hundreds
of others, but the picture houses operated by
Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Rodgers were not seri-
ously damaged.
* * *
Julius K. Johnson, organist, has returned
to the St. Louis Theatre, Grand boulevard at
Morgan street. He formerly was solo organist
at the Grauman Egyptian Theatre in Holly-
wood.
* * *
Police in St. Louis prevented the showing
of “Breaking Chains,” a Russian film. The
chief had not seen the film, but received a
letter which reported it as extremely radical.
Morros Becker, manager for the film in St.
Louis, has arranged to show the film and will
obtain a court injunction, if necessary, to
prevent interference.
STRON G ’tfe/oidute to kjfc/
76
BOXOFFICE :: May 24. 1947
M. P. Foundation Group
Named al Minneapolis
Reinstatemenl Plea
Is Refused by IT A
MINNEAPOLIS — Martin Lebedoff, operat-
ing two de luxe neighborhood houses here,
has twice been refused readmission to "Inde-
pendent Theatres Ass’n since being expelled
because he made a personal deal for “The
Jolson Story.”
ITA directors turned thumbs down on
Lebedoff’s appeals to have his membership
reinstated, ruling that “Lebedoff’s breach of
his contract with the combine” has rendered
him ineligible to any further membership, it
was announced.
When the combine failed to make a deal
for “The Jolson Story” Lebedoff bought it
alone and did smash business with it in his
two theatres.
Following Lebedoff’s action, the combine
announced that it would forego “The Jolson
Story” permanently for the other 27 theatres,
many of them leading Minneapolis and St.
Paul houses, although the picture has been
proving one of the best boxoffice attractions
in years. The reason for the decision, it was
stated, was dissatisfaction with Columbia’s
terms. The group is also passing up “Best
Years of Our Lives” and “Duel in the Sun” for
the same reason.
Another of the territory’s leading buying
combines, Theatres Associates, also has one
less prominent member. Jack Heywood.
owner of theatres at New Richmond and
Stanley, Wis., has resigned because of a de-
sire “to speed up deals” for his situations.
Verndale Has Face Lilted;
House to Reopen June 15
VERNDALE, MINN. — Remodeling of the
Verndale Theatre, recently purchased by Wil-
liam Payne from the Verndale Booster club,
is progressing and the house will reopen about
June 15. Payne said the theatre will have a
new front, all new seats, and an air condi-
tioning unit. The remodeling is taking about
six weeks.
Schwangler Will Manage
Theatre in Breckenridge
FARGO, N. D. — Joseph Schwangler has re-
signed as a laboratory worker at the vet-
erans hospital here to take over management
of the Ridge Theatre at Breckenridge, Minn.
He was formerly assistant manager of the
Valley and Ridge theatres there.
Theatre in Eddyville, Iowa,
Sold to Earl D. McConkey
EDDYVILLE, IOWA— The Eddy Theatre
here has been sold to Earl D. McConkey of
Ottumwa by Milton Paul. Paul plans to leave
for California after a visit with relatives in
Klemme, Iowa. He has made no business
plans for the future.
Baby Girl to Bullises
HARTLEY, IOWA— Mr. and Mrs. Perl Bul-
lis are celebrating the arrival of their first
baby girl, Bonita May. Bullis is projectionist
at the Capitol Theatre. The couple has been
married 20 years.
E. L. Doherty Advances
DES MOINES — E. L. Doherty, formerly as-
sistant manager of the Strand, has been pro-
moted to manager of the Garden. He replaces
Harry Brewer, who resigned. The theatres
are Tri-States operations.
MINNEAPOLIS— With the election of a
permanent committee at an all-industry
luncheon at Hotel Nicollet this week, wheels
have been set in motion for this exchange
area’s participation in the Motion Picture
Foundation. The committee was to meet
later to choose a chairman, a member of the
national board of trustees and a welfare sub-
committee.
Elected to the committee for two-year terms
are Harry French and Charlie Winchell,
Minnesota Amusement Co. heads; Art Ander-
son, Warner Bros, branch manager and for-
mer Northwest Variety Club chief barker;
LeRoy J. Miller, U-I branch manager; Walter
Palm, representing labor; Bennie Berger,
North Central Allied president; Eddie Ruben
and Bill Elson, independent exhibitors.
The one-year members selected are W. H.
Workman, MGM branch manager; Tom
Burke, buying combine executive manager;
Maitland Frosch, equipment company owner;
T. E. Mortenson, tradepaper publisher, and
Harold Field, Ernie Peaslee, Henry Greene
and Leo Peterson, independent exhibitors.
BALABAN, GOLDBERG SPEAK
John Balaban of Chicago, a member of the
national board of trustees, and Arthur Gold-
berg, also of Chicago, Balaban & Katz coun-
sel, were principal speakers at the luncheon
meeting which attracted a record crowd of
140 and which was presided over by French
and Berger, co-chairmen of the temporary
committee.
French said he considered the meeting one
of the most important ever held here by the
industry. Berger asserted he was strongly
for the Foundation because its prime purpose
was benevolence. Balaban and Goldberg ex-
plained the Foundation’s purposes, the man-
ner in which it is being organized and the
suggested setup for the local area.
“My fervent hope is that the Foundation
will become a strong reality, as I am sure it
will,” said Balaban. “Those in the Minne-
apolis exchange area can be pioneers in this
finest effort ever undertaken by this indus-
try— something that will give them much
spiritual and mental satisfaction.”
Balaban said his presence at the meeting
was due to a desire to be an individual part.
DECADE WITH LE O— Diamond-
studded ten-year service pins go to two
Omaha MGM employes, salesman How-
ard Clark (left) and head booker Fred
Fejfar (right). Branch Manager G. E.
McGlynn makes the presentation. Both
ten-year men have spent all their careers
in Omaha with MGM.
of an industry that wants to do great human-
itarian work. He acclaimed the Foundation
as the “grandest, most progressive step” that
the industry has ever taken and said that
such organizations as the Rockefeller Foun-
dation had been high in its praises and had
expressed the hope that other industries
would follow the motion picture industry’s
suit. He suggested that the committee to be
elected should be a cross-section of the in-
dustry, with distributors, exhibitors, equip-
ment companies, the trade press and labor
represented.
WILL BE INSPIRATION
It will be an inspiration to everybody to
know that there’s an organization within the
industry to which a person in need can come
for help, asserted Goldberg. Berger agreed
that it was time that the industry had an
intelligent way to handle its own members’
distress.
When. questions were invited, Martin Lebe-
doff, independent circuit operator, said he
agreed that the Foundation was “a fine step
forward for the industry,” but that he had
“a feeling of apprehension and distrust.” He
said he feared that it might become a “pres-
sure and lobbying group” for the distributors
“the same as the War Activities committee
and the Variety clubs.”
Lebedoff complained that North Central
Allied, the independent exhibitors’ organiza-
tion in the territory, hadn’t been consulted
and he felt that it should elect the exhibitor
members of the Foundation committee.
“North Central Allied was never contacted
or asked if it wishes to participate,” said
Lebedoff, who is secretary of the body.
Bill Elson pointed out that the distributors
and Minnesota Amusement Co. had a larger
representation at the meeting than North
Central Allied and that Lebedoff “probably
feared they’d sway the election.”
“But don’t get me wrong,” explained Elson.
“I'm wholly in favor of the Foundation and
pledge myself to do everything I can to help
it along. Also, I myself am not a member of
North Central Allied.”
“LAY POLITICS ASIDE”
Lebedoff made a motion to have the com-
mittee constituted with a specified number
of members representing the various indus-
try's branches. Berger, however, said he
wouldn't entertain the motion, although he
felt the same as Lebedoff about the Founda-
tion “becoming a distributor tool.”
“In electing the committee, however, I feel
that political considerations should be laid
entirely aside and the members chosen solely
on the basis of their fitness and ability,”
explained Berger. “I don’t want this to fall
apart for political reasons.”
There was no further objection from Lebe-
doff and the balloting then proceeded.
Harrison Bagley Buys
Parkersburg House
PARKERSBURG, IOWA— Charlie Huner-
berg has sold the Princess Theatre here to
Harrison Bagley, who will take over the
management June 1. Hunerberg will con-
tinue to live in Parkersburg.
For Musical Numbers
Marilyn and Janis Malone have been tick-
eted for musical numbers in Monogram’s "A
Guy Named Joe Palooka.”
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
MW
77
They Believe in Goodwill
Walter Lovans, Are Named 'Good Neighbors'
EL DORADO SPRINGS, MO.— During the
11 years Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lovan have
operated the Park Theatre here they have
earned the respect and friendship of the pub-
lic at large, which shows up in increased reve-
nue at the boxoffice.
This success, they believe, is due largely to
the goodwill relations maintained with their
patrons, prospective patrons and other resi-
dents of this town of 2,500 and its trade ter-
ritory.
As tokens of remembrance each year from
the Lovans, town children of gradeschool age
and those from nearby rural schools receive,
on their birthdays, free tickets to the theatre.
Through the teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Lovan
learn the birthday of each child.
Cooperating with El Dorado Springs mer-
chants during the holiday season in Decem-
ber, Mr. and Mrs. Lovan present free shows
on the two Saturdays before Christmas, one
for adults and one for children.
Only recently Mr. and Mrs. Lovan were
selected as “Good Neighbors” on the Tom
Breneman’s Breakfast in Hollywood radio
program.
Personally acquainted with most of their
customers, Mr. and Mrs. Lovan are on hand
each evening to welcome them to the theatre.
Special consideration is given elderly and
retired folks when they come to see a picture.
An ardent advocate for civic betterment,
Lovan is active in community affairs. He is
a member of the chamber of commerce and
Rotary club. In World War II he served as
county chairman for the war bond campaigns.
Teen-Agers Picket Theatre
Protesting 40-Cent Ticket
HAWLEY, MINN.— The Hawley, only thea-
tre here, was picketed by 14 high school stu-
dents last Friday night in protest against
present admission prices of 40 cents for all
over 12 years old.
The juvenile pickets, who said they repre-
sented the entire student body of the local
high school, claimed that only 14 or 15 per-
sons passed through their lines, bought tick-
ets and entered the theatre last Friday.
“Our folks are backing us up,” said 13-
year-old Charles McDonald, spokesman for
the group. “It’s a sort of secondary boycott
with them.”
The high school students first presented
a petition to R. H. Vieths, owner of the
theatre, asking for a reduction in the admis-
sion price.
“I'm ignoring them,” was Vieth’s only com-
ment.
Policemen in Des Moines
Must Be Different Breed
DES MOINES — Harold Lyon’s contest to
pick Des Moines’ friendliest person ended
last week with the choice of Anthony Mihalo-
vich, policeman. Lyon, manager of the Des
Moines Theatre, sponsored the contest to
MR. AND MRS. WALTER LOVAN
promote the picture, “It Happened on Fifth
Avenue.” Mihalovich will receive a wrist
watch as his prize. In addition he and his
wife will be taken to dinner and the show
as guests of Lyon and Tribune columnist
Gordon Gammack.
Tri-States Finds Slogan
For Safety Competition
DES MOINES — Tri-States Theatre Corn,
will use the slogan, "Safety Pays in Many
Ways” in its statewide $1,000 traffic safety
contest this summer. The slogan was selected
in a contest entered by hundreds in Des
Moines after citywide publicity in newspapers
and over the air. Winner of the $100 prize
for the slogan was Mrs. Osborn W. Johnson.
Tri- States will award its cash prize on Sep-
tember 1 to the city in Iowa which has main-
tained the best safety record.
Samuel J. Clark Buys
Finley, N. D., House
FINLEY, N. D. — Samuel J. Clark, an in-
structor in the Dakota Business college in
Fargo for 12 years, has purchased and taken
possession of the Finley Theatre. He made
the purchase from A. L. Archer whose home
he also bought.
The Archers are planning an extensive trip
through the west and southwest and will re-
turn here to make their home.
Ball Players See Short
OMAHA— The Omaha Cardinals of the
Western league had something of a busman’s
holiday here one afternoon — courtesy of Gene
Rich of MGM. They were guests at a special
screening of the short, “Diamond Demon.”
'Egg' Draws Flocks
At Omaha Opening
OMAHA — Theatre patrons here, alerted by
a loud publicity cackle, turned out in flocks
for “The Egg and I” at the Orpheum. “The
Best Years of Our Lives” carried through
fourth week at the RKO-Brandeis. Weather
was generally fair.
(Average is 100)
Omaha — I'll Be Yours (U-I); Madonna oi
the Seven Moons (U-I) 100
Orpheum — The Egg and I (U-I) 190
Paramount — Ramrod (UA) 100
RKO-Brandeis — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 4th wk .■ 105
State — Her Sister's Secret (PRC); Bringing Up
Father (Mono); split with The Dark Mirror
(U-I); Temptation (U-I), 2nd runs... 105
Town — Dangerous Intruder (PRC). 2nd run; Dan-
ger Signal (WB), 2nd run, Kid Courageous
(STI), reissue; split with Blue Montana Skies
(Rep), reissue; Confidential Agent (WB), 2nd run. 100
Boomerang' Sharp in Minneapolis;
Frankie Carle Band a Big Draw
MINNEAPOLIS — With Frankie Carle’s or-
chestra and acts on the stage and the screen
offering “Easy Come, Easy Go,” Radio City
was far out in front the past week. Second
honors went to “Boomerang,” which gave
the State seven big days. In a surprise move,
“The Outlaw” was shifted from the Lyceum,
legitimate roadshow house, where it had
played three weeks, to the Pix, newsreel house,
which has been using a subsequent run, dual
feature policy, for a fourth downtown week.
Other holdovers were “Farmer’s Daughter,”
“Open City,” “Macomber Affair” and “Song
of Scheherazade.”
Aster — Bulldog Drummond at Bay (Col);
Blondie's Holiday (Col) 100
Century — The Macomber Affair (UA),
2nd d. t wk 90
Gopher — Last of the Mohicans (PRC), reissue 90
Lyric — Song of Scheherazade (U-I), 2nd d. t. wk... 90
Pix — The Outlaw (UA), 4th d. t. wk 80
Radio City — Easy Come, Easy Go (Para), stage
show 200
RKO-Orpheum — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO),
2nd wk , ..110
RKO-Pan — Buck Privates Come Home (U-I) 90
State — Boomerang (20th-Fox) 150
World — Open City (Mayer-Burstyn) , 2nd wk 125
‘Blaze' Brightens K. C. Picture;
'Bedelia' Week's Only Holdover
KANSAS CITY — Except for “Blaze of Noon”
at the Newman, the average for the down-
town first runs was exactly average this
week. The Newman’s feature brightened the
scene somewhat, but could not be held over
due to previous bookings.
“Bedelia” led the field for all first run
houses this week when the Kimo’s attraction
scored 200 on the barometer clock. “Ravaged
Earth” at the Tampico marked the end of the
foreign art policy for that Dickinson house.
At the end of the week, Spanish-American
films exclusively once more moved into the
39th street house.
Esquire— The Fabulous Dorseys (UA); Strange
Journey (20th-Fox) Avg not set
Kimo — Bedelia (Eagle-Lion) 200'
Midland — Boom Town (MGM), reissue;
The Mighty McGurk (MGM) 110
Newman — Blaze of Noon (Para) 130
Omheum — Tarzan and the Huntress (RKO);
Easy Come, Easy Go (Para) 90
Tampico — Ravaged Earth (Crystal) 135
Tower, Uptown, Fairway — Carnival in Costa
Rica (20th-Fox)' .-. 100-
Des Moines Goes Strong
For ‘Farmer's Daughter'
DES MOINES — “The Fanner’s Daughter”
kept the crowds thronging to the Orpheum
Theatre here, as “Best Years” had done for
the four previous weeks. The Loretta Young
picture did 150 per cent business and went
into a second week Thursday.
Des Moines — It Happened on Fifth Avenue (AA) 100
Orpheum — The Farmer's Dauahter (RICO),
The Devil Thumbs a Ride (RKO).. 150
Paramount — Alexander's Ragtime Band (20th-
Fox), reissue; Blondie's Big Moment (Col) 100.
•78
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
BRENKERT
1 Kilowatt
High-Intensity Arc Lamp
NOW . . . PURE WHITE LIGHT FOR SMALL THEATRES
Brenkert’s Radarc is the only one-kilowatt, direct
current, high-intensity projection lamp in volume
production, specially designed from top to bottom for
this field alone.
Now medium-sized theatres, with seating capacity
up to 800 seats and screens up to 18 feet wide, can have
a truly high-intensity arc lamp of
superior design and construction.
m 1 5S3383 SSttSBBt 17“ •
r\r? trr:: 3 cm r
SEE YOUR RCA INDEPENDENT THEATRE SUPPLY DEALER
V * * • •
MISSOURI THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
115 W. 1 8th St., Kansas City 8, Mo.
THE WESTERN THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
214 N. 15th St., Omaha 2, Neb.
FROSCH THEATRE SUPPLY
1111 Currie Ave., Minneapolis 3, Minn.
D E S MOINES
£*alvin Leeder, home office representative for
Warner Bros., was a visitor at the ex-
change here last week . . . Home office audi-
tors now at Columbia are Gene Sichelman
and Jules Needleman . . . Tony Fursee, Co-
lumbia salesman, and Donna Badger, stenog-
rapher, are both owners of blue parakeets —
making the hobby almost 100 per cent at
Columbia.
Jim McCann, MGM salesman, spent last
weekend in Davenport . . . Maxine Bird trav-
eled to Pella, Iowa, where she observed the
tulip festival.
Lucille Wesp, advertising department sec-
retary at Tri-States, is a candidate for the
May Frolic queen here. Lucille is being spon-
sored by Orville Lowe, East Des Moines Ford
dealer . . . Russ Fraser spent several days in
Waterloo attending the United Commercial
Travelers convention.
Ed Heiber, Universal district manager, visit-
ed the exchange . . . Helene Jacobs is back
at her desk after several weeks absence . . .
Bill Dippert, Universal booker, is on vacation,
and Doris Wolf has returned from hers.
Nat Steinberg, Republic district manager,
visited the exchange here . . . The girls at
Republic and Zora Fini of Monogram had a
picnic Sunday at Greenwood Park . . . George
Smith, division manager from Los Angeles;
R. C. Libeau, district manager; Jim Castle,
exploiteer, and Howard Wirthman, assistant
district manager in Los Angeles, were all here
Wednesday attending a contest meeting at
the Paramount exchange . . . New switch-
board operator at Paramount is Camella
Cardamon . . . Bee Porter, Paramount in-
spector, is vacationing.
MGM announced several Photo-of-the-
Month winners last week. They include Ted
Emerson of the Orpheum, Omaha; Jimmie
Pickett of the Rivoli, Hastings, and Don
Shane of the Paramount, Omaha. All are
Tri-States men . . . Marvin Graybeal of the
Capitol, Sioux City, won a blue ribbon me-
dallion award from MGM for his stunt of a
man on the street radio program which was
arranged with an interviewer asking pedes-
trians, “Which movie star is the ‘Secret
Heart’ of your life?”
Don J. Smith, W. C. Arts and Delbert Far-
rell of Carroll, Iowa, recently attended a
managers meeting of Pioneer Theatres in
Storm Lake, Iowa . . . Barbara Boustead of
NSS was married May 23 to Duane Frye.
She will continue to work after a short honey-
moon . . . Eileen Tilton resigned her job at
NSS and Phyllis Berry is the new biller.
Herman Coffman, PRC, has returned from,
a fishing trip which Branch Manager Mike
Lee calls expensive but not too successful
from the number of fish caught . . . Jack
Siegel has set up his office at the rear of
Monogram’s rooms for his own candy busi-
ness.
Tri-States Drive Pushes
Summer Showmanship
DES MOINES — The Tri-States Theatre
Corp. has announced a theatre managers’
“Back to Okoboji” contest to run from May
10 to July 31.
The three Tri- States districts will com-
pete for a $150 first prize, $100 second prize
and $50 third prize. In addition to these
prizes, there are special showmanship awards
on a circuit-wide basis with first prize in the
A houses being $100 and second prizes $50.
In the B houses, first prize is $65 and second
prize $35.
For all managers, the executives are plan-
ning a three-day outing at Lake Okoboji,
similar to the one which was held in Sep-
tember 1946.
Webster City to Be Locale
Of Monogram Production
DES MOINES — Webster City, Iowa, will be
the locale of Monogram’s juvenile delinquency
film, “Gun Crazy.” Members of the staff of
King Bros., a producing unit of Monogram
Pictures, visited the Webster City area early
this month to survey the site. The film will
be based on the story by MacKinlay Kantor,
formerly of Webster City, who will serve as
an associate producer. It is expected work
will begin on the film early in the summer.
Joins Beloit Staff
BELOIT, KAS. — Carl Gildersleeve has
joined the staff of the Beloit Theatre here.
He is a brother of Marion Gildersleeve, as-
sistant manager for the Theatre Enterprises,
Inc., houses in Junction City, Kas.
Jn advance oj ltd timed . . .
The new Motiograph MODEL “AA”
" The Golden Anniversary Projector "
Des Moines Theatre Supply Co.
1121 High Street
Des Moines, Iowa
Telephone 3-6520
COMPLETELY NEW
HORKY’S CAFE
Bigger and Better Than Ever
— Featuring 'Delish' Steaks
1202 High St. Des Moines. Iowa
"Where Filmrow Friends Gather''
Open Daily at 4 p. m.
80
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Frank Goff, Omaha Film Centenarian,
Recalls When Indians Were Patrons
Berger Praises Anderson
For Heart Hospital Work
MINNEAPOLIS — The national Variety
Club award to the Minneapolis tent for
philanthropic endeavor led Bennie Berger,
presiding chairman at the Motion Picture
Foundation luncheon meeting, to single out
Art Anderson, Warner branch manager and
former chief barker here, for commendation.
Anderson got a big hand and took a bow.
Anderson was chief barker during the suc-
cessful campaign to raise $300,000 for a heart
hospital on the University of Minnesota cam-
pus, the achievement which led to the award.
“Art Anderson is at least 90 per cent re-
sponsible for the Minneapolis tent’s winning
this national award,” Berger told the 140
guests present, representing all industry
branches. “He’s entitled to a big hand. In
behalf of the industry, Art Anderson, I want
to thank you. You’ve done a wonderful job.”
John Balaban of Balaban & Katz, Chicago,
here to address the meeting, congratulated
the Minneapolis tent and said he was eager
to know Anderson.
“The Variety Club in Minneapolis and
everyone in the territory who had a part in
bringing the $300,000 heart hospital to realiza-
tion are entitled to much gratitude and
many congratulations,” said Balaban. “The
achievement has caused industry members in
Chicago to marvel.”
Monogram Sales Drive
Will Honor Steinman
MINNEAPOLIS— Jack Sohlaifer and Sol
Francis, Monogram director of sales and dis-
trict manager, respectively, are staging a
Morrie Steinman tenth anniversary drive in
connection with the company’s “Sweet 16”
campaign which started February 1 and con-
tinues through August 30 of this year. The
last 90 days, from June 1 to August 30, is
being set aside to commemorate the tenth
year in the film business for Steinman, now
Monogram branch manager here and one of
the territory’s best-liked and loveliest film
men.
Steinman started in the film business with
Monogram, going there from the St. Paul
Dispatch editorial department in July 1937
when Ben Nathanson was local Monogram
franchise holder. Except for a year and a half
with the Republic sales department, Stein-
man has been associated with Monogram
in a sales or executive capacity for the entire
ten years. In July 1945 Tom Burke, then
branch manager, appointed him sales man-
ager. When Burke resigned in July 1946,
Steinman was promoted to the post and has
occupied it ever since.
Pointing out that July apparently is his
lucky month, Steinman says he expects his
drive to get impetus from such releases as
“It Happened on Fifth Avenue,” “Black Gold,”
“The Hunted,” “Tragic Symphony,” “Sweet-
heart of Sigma Chi” and “Kilroy Was
Home.”
Paramount Ups Mussman
MINNEAPOLIS — Bill Mussman, who has
been a salesman since he joined Paramount
in 1943, has been promoted to sales manager.
He fills a post that has been vacant since
the resignation of Joe Loeffler several months
ago.
John Spencer to Manage Strand
HASTINGS, NEB. — John Spencer, former
manager of the Rivoli Theatre here, has been
appointed manager of the Strand. He suc-
ceeds Raymond Johnson, resigned. Both
houses are Tri-States theatres. C. L. Knud-
sen has sold the 275-seat State Theatre to
A. L. Stevens and G. H. Downey.
OMAHA — Frank E. Goff, Omaha’s grand
old man of the film industry, turned 100
May 20.
It was celebrated by open house at the home
of his daughter. Two days before the event
he told reporters:
The first hundred were fine. I want to
start my next hundred good and plump. I’m
God’s man and I’ve had a good life.”
Goff spoke as members of the family and
oldtimers in show business were seated around
them. He couldn’t see them any more. His
eyesight has grown too dim. But the memo-
ries of yesterday — of tent shows pitched from
here to Seattle and back and of Omaha’s
nickel movies at the old Alhambra were as
fresh as ever.
New Glass Front
PARKSTON, S. D. — A new glass front, de-
signed by the owner, A. P. Wuebben, has
been completed on the Alvero Theatre here.
The black glass facade has an ivory glass
trim. A large ivory- glass diamond is cen-
tered above the display case in the middle
panel. Showcases are mounted on both sides
of the chrome doors. A white neon sign,
combined with the black glass front, makes
the theatre one of the most distinctive build-
ings in the business district.
Roy Mundin Sells Okeh
LAKE ANDES, S. D.— Roy Mundin, who
has spent 27 years in the theatre business,
has sold the 250-seat Okeh Theatre here to
W. E. Wuest of Lake Andes, a newcomer to
the industry. Mundin will devote his time to
other local business interests.
FMW Closes Circus
KANSAS CITY — The local Circus Theatre,
owned by Fox Midwest, has been closed for
the summer. Move was necessitated by lack
of fans and air conditioning equipment.
'Gator Snubs Proteins ;
Popcorn? Yes , Indeed
Lawrence, Kas. — Everybody’s eatin’ it,
and alligators are no exception here. C. A.
Carmichael, manager of Commonwealth’s
Varsity Theatre, imported a live alligator
from PRC in Kansas City to attract pa-
trons to “Untamed Fury” playing at his
house. Placed in a large tank in the
lobby, the ’gator attracted children from
six to 60.
Carmichael, however, ran into a bit of
trouble: his exploitation wouldn’t eat.
Beef, pork, fish, horsemeat — all were re-
jected. Then Sunday night Carmichael
noticed a very remarkable thing. The
’gator, which for some time had lain
peacefully in his tank, began snapping at
white, fluffy objects floating on the water.
Stooping to see just what was proving
such a delicacy, Carmichael was astound-
ed to learn that the one thing craved by
this creature of the swamp was popcorn!
And the ’gator ate boxes of it. Carmichael
gave a sigh of relief and the children
from six to 60 had the time of their lives
feeding a live alligator from the nearby
concessions stand.
(P. S.: Carmichael said that the ’gator
would eat only Varsity popcorn, grown by
Commonwealth Theatres.)
“The Indians used to give us more trouble
than anybody,” he said. “They’d carry guns
inside the tent, and when some shooting pic-
ture was playing like ‘The Great Train Rob-
bery,’ they would join in the fight.
“But they were good customers. When the
show ended, they’d file outside and get back
in the ticket line. They’d keep it up all night.”
Goff came here 78 years ago to enter the
carnival business. After a decade on the road
he decided to settle down in Omaha and in-
vested in that flickering novelty of the day—
the motion picture theatre. He ran the first
5-cent theatre in Omaha, the Franklin. Later
he managed the Alhambra.
Almost 40 years ago he built two outdoor
theatres, the Airdomes. One was at 20th and
Clark streets, the other at 40th and Hamilton.
Sharon Theatre Owners
Buy Adjacent Building
NEW SHARON, IOWA— Robert Fridley and
Beverly Mahon, Sharon Theatre owners, have
purchased the Archie Long office building
here and will remodel it as a part of the
theatre which adjoins it.
The new proprietors will connect the two
buildings on the main floor from the lobby
of the Sharon and on the second floor will
cut a doorway leading from the theatre of-
fices to living quarters in the Long Bldg.
The waiting room of the Long structure
will be used as a confectionery and coffee
shop. Fridley and his mother will occupy the
apartment.
Everything Into 'Egg' Drive,
Even the Kitchen Stove
OMAHA — Now at last Rollin K. Stonebrook,
Orpheum manager, has gone and done it —
thrown everything including the kitchen stove
into the exploitation of a picture. That is
true literally, for Stonebrook has a kitchen
stove in the Orpheum lobby as one of a
dozen stunts that are making Omaha con-
scious of “The Egg and I.”
'Egg' Breaks Liberty High
LIBERTY, MO.— “The Egg and I” played
its second engagement in the Kansas City
exchange territory at the local Plaza last
week to capacity houses. Normally a split-
week house, the Plaza, managed by' M. S.
Heath, held the film six days to break all
existing records. Holdover was warranted by
Wednesday’s business being within $35 of
Sunday’s opening gross.
Cashier Gets an Earful
OSAWATOMIE, KAS— “Song of the South"
made a vast impression on the small-fry pa-
trons of the Osa Theatre here. Joan Grimes,
cashier, had these two comments on one of
her daily reports: “Mama, can I come to the
show again tomorrow?” And “Boo-hoo, I
don’t want to go home!”
Promote Baby Contest
MONTEZUMA, IOWA — A baby contest was
sponsored here recently by the Monte Theatre.
Children from five weeks to six years were
eligible to enter. Each contestant was pho-
tographed and his picture shown on the
screen.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
BfW ,
81
t
KANSAS CITY
Bob Hickey, RKO district exploitation chief
from Chicago, was in the local exchange
conferring with Gil Canfield . . . Mrs. Dorothy
Norton of the local United Artists exchange
visited the UA office in Omaha over the
weekend. Dorothy used to work there before
coming to Kansas City . . . William Truog,
chief of the UA office here, had a nasty in-
fection in his right eye during the week.
Arthur “Count” de Stefano, Smith was to be
in town all week.
Joe Garrison, Universal district manager
from St. Louis, and Jules Weill, J. Arthur
Rank representative from the same city, were
in the local U-I exchange Monday. Garrison
was district manager here until last fall . . .
Phyllis Whitecarver, bookkeeper at Warner
Bros., went to Atlanta, Ga., for her vacation.
Frank Plumlee, Theatre Enterprises man-
ager here, is in Dallas working on the cir-
cuit’s first general con-
vention, to be held at
the Baker hotel there
May 28-30. Doing ad-
vance preparation for
the conclave, Plumlee
does not yet know that
upon his return about
June 2 he is expected,
along with Earl E.
Jameson, Lees Sum-
mit exhibitor, to ram-
rod quarters for an-
other convention, the
October roundup of
KMTA.
FRANK PLUMLEE
A. G. Smith, manager of the circuit con-
tact department of National Theatre Supply
and former manager of the office here some
20 years ago, was in the local branch this
week. During the war Smith was directly
under Elmer Davis in the motion picture di-
vision of the OWI. Conferring with Manager
CDEIT UIEPTHUI
STAGE EQUIPMENT COMPANY
.tniLn
1
mu mi ii.
EVERYTHING
BOX OFFICE
FOR
THE STAGE • AUDITORIUM • LOBBY
1324 Grand Ave., Kansas City 6, Mo.
POP CORN BOXES
" 10c Size
ATTRACTIVE DESIGN
IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT
Paper Supply Co.
505 Delaware Street
KANSAS CITY 6, MO.
Dorothy Kobby, stenographer at RKO, mar-
ried Charles Stampfel last Saturday. She will
return to her desk after the honeymoon . . .
Mrs. Betty Leahy of 20th-Fox had to undergo
an operation at St. Mary’s hospital last Fri-
day. She hoped to return to her home at
the end of this week.
Local representatives attending the PRC-
Eagle-Lion meeting in Chicago Saturday (24)
were Beverly Miller, district chief for PRC;
M. G. Shackelford, branch manager; Gene
Snitz, city salesman, and C. E. Erickson, A1
Lies and Johnny Johnson, salesmen. Bill
Feld, Eagle-Lion district manager, also at-
tended.
Ed Mansfield, city manager for Common-
wealth Amusement Co. and manager of their
local Regent Theatre, turned trucker over the
weekend when he hired a truck and hauled
his front for “Untamed Fury” to the Varsity
in Lawrence, Kas., for the opening there.
In the truck was a live alligator, also em-
ployed at the Regent during the run there.
Another visitor at NTS was John Goshorn,
manager of the seating division, here from
Canal Fulton, Ohio, Wednesday. Goshorn,
who serves as liaison between NTS and
American Seating Co., was to be at the local
office for three or four days.
Manager Russell Borg of Warner Bros., who
is in charge of distributor contributions for
the Greek War Orphans Relief drive, reports
that all exchanges in his territory have not
sent in returns. All who have reported, how-
ever, have adopted a child. Any exhibitor or
distributor who wishes to send in a contribu-
tion may do so by mailing his check to Borg
at the local Warner exchange, 17th and
Wyandotte, or to Tom Connors, general chair -
POPCORN . . Best Quality . . Guaranteed Volume
Paper Lined Bags — From New Processor
$9.25 per 100 Lbs., FOB. Kansas City
reve
THEATRE SUPPLY
• COMPANY •
217 W. 18th St.
Kansas City 8. Mo.
man of the drive, at the 20th-Fox home of-
fice in New York City.
Helen Asbury, receptionist for the TEI
home offices here, is to be married to Dean
Brownie" Olson June 22. Helen and Brownie
both are from Hudson, Kas. . . . Mr. and Mrs.
Michael J. Cullen <he’s the Loew’s Theatres
district manager here) were visitors in Al-
bany last week. Mrs. Cullen, the former Kay
Steinbach, served as secretary to Moe Silver,
Warner zone manager there, before being
married a year and a half ago.
Theatre Enterprises managers in during the
week were Bill Hauber of Slater and Alex
Rogers of Fayette, Mo. Both were in town
for the Shriners meeting Monday . . . Vernon
Smith, office manager at MGM, was prepar-
ing to leave for the Metro office managers
meeting in Denver on the 26th.
A. J. O’Keefe, Universal assistant sales
manager from New York, was in the local
office Tuesday during
a pause en route from
Los Angeles to New
York . . . Wilma White,
assistant cashier at
MGM, is spending her
honeymoon in Cali-
fornia. She and Eddie
Edwards of Kansas
City were married in
Texas last Saturday
. . . The MGM Pep
club held its spring
picnic in Swope park
Monday afternoon.
With a wary eye on
the weather, a pleas-
ant time was had by all . . . Mrs. Betty Kali-
kow celebrated her first wedding anniversary
that night and was unable to attend.
Visiting NTS were Lewis Hickok of the
Dream in Effingham, Kas.; Harley Fryer of
the Orpheum, Neosho, Mo.; Mi-, and Mrs.
Howard Larsen, Civic, Webb City, Mo.; Rudy
F. Rose, Swan, La Cygne, Kas.; Mrs. O. A.
Russell, Ness, Ness City, Kas.; George
Nescher, Rio, Valley Falls, Kas.; Gene C.
Michael, Michlo, Braymer, Mo.; C. C. McCol-
lister, Nomar, Wichita, Kas.; O. A. Dickson,
Colonial, Elma, Kas.; W. W. Weldon, Joy,
Lathrop, Mo.
Glenn Hall and Bill Ward of the Hall
Theatre in Cassville went fishing last Fri-
day at Cecil Mayberry’s Lake Leatherwood.
According to witnesses, their prize catch was
a seven-and-a-half-pound bass, but by the
time they got the fish to the scales, the bass
weighed only five pounds. Robbed, they were,
said they.
Bill Feld, new Eagle-Lion district chief,
arrived Tuesday to spend several days with
Beverly Miller. They spent Wednesday and
Thursday in Omaha and then went to Chi-
cago for the Saturday PRC-Eagle-Lion con-
clave.
A. J. O'KEEFE
FLAMEPROOFING
CHEMICALS
with Vinyl-Resinous Base
Wi 1 not Stain or Powder Off
Applied by
Experienced Applicators
or sold wholesale only.
All Work Guaranteed
THE CHEM-O-SCIEN CO.
807-A E. 31st St. Kansas City 3, Mo.
VAlentine 3765
Tirt ton H. Jones
THEATRF JNSIJRANf E Spuivlht g
Serving Yt " Sine - 1918
■ TiH» *"d Tru«t Bldg. K»nni City 6, Mo.
Satisfaction — Always
Missouri Theatre Supply Co.
L. I. KIMBRIEL. Manager
Phone GRand 2864
“ 115 W. 18th Kansas City 8. Mo.
TRAILERS
Your Own Copy
...^^ Sudden Service
HAL PARKER STUDIOS
Vi-So Productions
1719 Wyandotte Kansas City, Mo.
TALKING TRAILERS, LOBBY PAPER
AND MATS
Write, Wire or Phone
PENNINGTON POSTER SERVICE
130 West 18th Phone: GRand 8626
Kansas City 8, Mo.
82
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
Exhibitor Is Success
As Writer for Films
KANSAS CITY — Forrest E. Judd, native
of Kansas City who ii
film trade of this area,
has been doing well in
Hollywood the last two
years as a screenplay
writer. He is now
story editor for Allied
Artists-Monogram, on
loanout to Roy Del
Ruth Productions for
the screenplay of
“M anhattan Love
Song” by Cornell
Woolrich. The film,
which will be pro-
duced by Allied Artists,
will be made as a
high-budget affair to
follow “It Happened on
well known in the
FORREST E. JUDD
Fifth Avenue.”
Three Monogram screenplays have been
written by Judd, “Below the Deadline,”
“Gates of San Quentin” and “Sixteen Fath-
oms Deep.” Judd did additional dialog on
“Mrs. Hoyle and the Hotel Barclay.”
Judd resides in Northridge, Calif., where
he built a house last year. One of the close
neighbors is Bill Youngclaus, erstwhile ex-
hibitor of Grand Island, Neb.
Former posts held by Judd have been ex-
ploitation manager at Monogram studios,
Monogram franchise holder for Iowa and
film distributor in Omaha. He was a wartime
sergeant with a signal photographic produc-
tion detachment stationed in Long Island,
N. Y., where he helped produce “Personal
Victory.” Approximately 20 years ago he
managed the old Maple Theatre in Kansas
City and was advertising accessories man-
ager at the old Fox Film exchange around
1929.
PTA Benefit at Midway
KANSAS CITY — A stage show to raise
funds for a local PTA group was held last
Tuesday and Wednesday nights at the Mid-
way Theatre, managed by Philip Blakey for
Commonwealth Theatres. Produced by Jo-
seph Allard, who is associated with R. R.
“Dick” Biechele, the vaudeville skits, dances
and recitals were held between showings of
“Rolling Home,” chosen by the PTA group,
and “The Man Who Dared.” On the program
were Melda and Jo-Ann Allard, 16- and 17-
year-old daughters respectively of the show’s
producer, and Virginia Brockman, 17-year-
old daughter of Fern Brockman, display artist
at the local Tower Theatre.
Gathers Gum by Gallon
Lipsticks and Nitwits Also Plague Larry Day
CLARION, IOWA — Members of the Rotary
club learned the theatre business is not a
bed of roses from Larry E. Day, manager of
the Clarion Theatre.
Day, whose topic as luncheon speaker was
“The Headaches of a Theatre Manager,”
told club members of some recent experience
he had with gum.
Gum, Day said, is No. 1 on the headache
list. For example, he recently set a crew of
boys to work “de-gumming” the seats in his
theatre. In one day, the crew gathered up
about four gallons of wads! A follow-up
campaign the next day brought in another
quart!
Day spoke feelingly of female patrons and
lipstick. He told of how they are inclined
to write with the red stuff on the walls of
the restrooms. It seems, Day said sadly,
that the stuff is impossible to remove.
Among the theatre’s lost and found articles,
Day said, are a Bible, 15 billfolds, 133 as-
sorted gloves, 26 scarfs, an apron, and 14
hats. One patron lost a Bull Durham sack
with $150 carefully tucked inside. Day found
the sack intact.
Along with the theati'e manager, Day said,
the cashier has her share of grief. This is
particularly true in Clarion, he explained, be-
cause of a certain class of wits who like to call
the cashier and ask the title of the current
showing.
When the reply is, “Do You Love Me” in the
lady cashier’s most pleasing voice, the wit’s
answer is not too difficult to guess. Or per-
haps, if the program has just changed to
“I’ve Always Loved You,” the man on the
phone becomes even more excruciating. Still
another picture title, "Too Young to Know,”
brought a lot of prompt rebuttal, Day ex-
plained.
Day hastened to assure his audience that
despite its headaches, the theatre business
is fascinating and that while problems come
and go, people go on and on just being people.
And Day likes people very much!
You Can Get Quick Delivery
LOBBY MATS AVAILABLE AGAIN!
CORRUGATED and PERFORATED
U. s. ROYALITE QUALITY
in V4” — %” and V2” thickness. Cloth Inserted.
BLACK—MAROON— RED— WHITE— GREEN— YELLOW— BLUE— SALMON
A/ostap4La#td - JleMesiinfy - GltecJzenJtaa/idt
Durable, Slip-Proof, Decorative, Noiseless.
Send Measurements. Write lor Information.
B. 0. MANN CABPET COMPANY
930 Central Kansas City, Mo.
Also Leathez Cocoa , Rubber Link and
Woven Tire Mats
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
83
OMAHA
^he stork is having quite a play at the com-
pany that advertises itself as the prize
baby. National Screen’s Allen Jacquist is
the father of a girl, Jean Sandra, and Secre-
tary Maxine Kemp will leave the office June
7 to await a blessed event.
Dr. and Mrs. John C. White and their two
babies are visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Carl White, Quality Theatre Supply owners.
John is stationed with the army at Little
Rock, Ark. . . . Carol Bisson, Warners book-
ing clerk, has been shifted to ledger clerk.
Vivian Thompson, a former employe, has
taken over the booking clerk spot.
R. D. Goldberg, owner of the theatre cir-
cuit bearing his name, is en route to New
York City . . . Ching Allen, United Artists
district manager from Kansas City, was in
town . . . R. E. Bradshaw, who recently sold
the Clay in Clay Center, Neb., will continue
to do the booking for the theatre.
Dorothy Pratt, secretary to Columbia
Branch Manager Joe Jacobs, will marry Joe
Linn of Omaha . . . M. E. Lee, Central States
Theatres booker who headquarters in Des
Moines, stopped here and in Fremont . . .
Bill Miskell, Tri-States Theatres district
chief, spent a day at Hastings and Grand
Island theatres.
Phillip Lees, Selznick representative from
California, arrived in town to work on “Duel
in the Sun,” which opens June 12 at the
Omaha . . . Columbia’s Omaha office is re-
taining its second sectional spot in the sales
KANSAS CITY 8, MO. — Stebbins Theatre Equipment
Co., 1804 Wyandotte St. Telephone: GRand 0134.
OMAHA 2, NEB— Quality Theatre Supply Co., 1511
Davenport St.
KANSAS CITY 8 MO. — Shreve Theatre Supply Co . SIOUX FALLS. S. 0. — American Theatre Supply Co.,
217 W. 18th St. 316 So. Main St.
DES MOINES 9, IOWA — Des Moines Theatre Supply
Co.. 1121 High St.
(Mken-t/ie famfw Me STRON G ~t6e /oidute ea kjfc/
personnel drive . . . Ruth Kruger, Warner
Bros, inspector who has been ill for four
weeks, returned to her job.
Joe Jacobs, Columbia district manager, will
be in Chicago June 2 for a sales meeting . . .
Mr. and Mrs. Carl White recently celebrated
a 29th wedding anniversary.
Harold Clingman has completed redecorat-
ing the Prim, Primghar, Iowa, and has re-
opened . . . Omaha’s Community Playhouse
awards “Oscars,” too. Harriet Walker and
Rudyard Norton are winners for the 1946-47
season.
Local theatres should get a boost from Iowa
business this fall when toll charges are
dropped on the Omaha and South Omaha
bridges . . . Sidney Meyers, one of the build-
ers of the swank new Miami Theatre, was
a 20th-Fox manager in Omaha some 20 years
ago . . . Riding boots used in “Stallion Road,”
now showing here, were made by the Dehner
Boot Co. of Omaha.
Theatres can expect a dent in business
starting next week with the opening of the
Ak-Sar-Ben racing season for six weeks . . .
Spike Jones and his gang, who usually spend
a week at a local theatre, will be at the
City Auditorium for a one-day stop June 8
. . . Gene Rich, MGM exploiteer, reports
hearing plenty of favorable comments on the
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser section from ex-
hibitors in the territory.
A three column picture in the local press
is headlined: “Omaha Grows as a Motion
Picture Equipment Distributor.” It shows a
ten-ton pile of projection and sound equip-
ment stacked in front of the Ballantyne Co.
They are headed for Bombay, India. More
than 30 tons have been shipped to that point
by the Omaha firm so far this year, General
Manager J. R. Hoff reported.
“The Egg and I” goes along with “Alex-
ander’s Ragtime Band” and “Blue Skies” as
the only pictures to ever play more than
one week at the Orpheum, the city’s largest
theatre . . . Circuit Owner R. D. Goldberg
is continuing to bring in the so-called arty
pictures by scheduling “The Overlanders,”
“The Last Chance” and “Open City.”
“Brief Encounter” will go into the Dundee
Theatre for a single performance the after-
noon of May 28 as a premiere showing. It
will be brought back later in the summer for
a longer run.
Visitors along Filmrow included: W. E.
Wuest and Roy Mundin, Lake Andes, S. D.;
Raymond Brown, Harlan, Iowa; Eddie Kugel,
Holstein, Iowa; Robert Bertram, Schleswig,
Iowa: Mr. and Mrs. John Noffsinger, Madi-
son; Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Johnson, Onawa,
Iowa; Andy Anderson, Sloan, Iowa; Tom
Sandberg, Anthon, Iowa; Carl Johnson, Red
Oak, Iowa, and Martin Fetch, Macedonia,
Iowa.
Film News Is Interesting
To Readers of Tribune
From Central Edition
CHICAGO— Drama, music and motion pic-
ture news ranks high among the popular fea-
tures in the Chicago Tribune, a survey of the
Tribune’s 1946 reader response disclosed re-
cently.
Tribune readers contacted the newspaper
5,795,048 times during the year, the study
showed, which is an increase of more than
100,000 over the 1945 total of 5,652,301. Inter-
est in Tribune news and features accounted
for 3,199,017 of the 1946 total.
Interest in drama and music figured in
8,516 reader responses. Motion picture re-
views were factors in 6,907 comments or in-
quiries.
84
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Lamed, Kas., Honors John Schnack
On 45th Year as an Exhibitor
CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARY — John Schnack, who this month celebrated his
45th anniversary as owner of the Electric Theatre in Larned, Kas., is shown with his
staff here in front of the theatre. Left to right are Alberta Knupp, Barbara Knupp,
Mrs. Vivian Cook, Schnack, Manager M. E. Bybee and projectionist Oscar Almquist.
LARNED, KAS. — Forty-five years in ex-
hibition is a distinction held by few showmen.
John Schnack of Larned is one of the dis-
tinguished few and this month Larned pro-
claimed John Schnack week in honor of his
long years as a “square shooter.”
By way of tribute to this oldtime showman,
the May 8 issues of the Tiller and Toiler and
the Chronoscope, local newspapers, ran spe-
cial pages of photographs and feature stories
on Schnack’s career as well as several col-
umns of congratulatory ads from local mer-
chants and friends.
Owner of the Electric Theatre here since
1912, Schnack began his film career in 1902
after seeing a primitive roadshow marking
the first appearance of motion pictures in
Larned. The following spring he and the late
R. T. Webb formed the Edison Exhibition Co.
and started on the road with a show of their
own. In 1906 Schnack moved into the Larned
opera house to give this town its first perma-
nent picture house. Six years later the Elec-
tric Theatre was opened.
CALCIUM LIMELIGHTS USED
In 1904 R. R. Smith replaced Webb in the
partnership. The two men toured the north
central states for the next two years, using
an Edison Kinetoscope with calcium lime-
light. Presenting their shows as self-styled
experts from the Edison factory at Orange,
N. J., Schnack and his partner offered 2,000
feet of 50- and 200-foot films for 10 and 25
cents in opera houses in such towns as Sleepy
Eye, Blue Earth and Pipestone, Minn.
According to Schnack, the public was skep-
tical of motion pictures in those days and
theatre managers were not receptive to the
idea. A typical theatre manager would say:
“You can’t do business with a picture show
in this town; we have had them before.”
“Then we asked him what cash rent he
would take for the theatre and he would feel
sorry for us and always made it pretty cheap,”
Schnack says.
The Larned men devised a novel method of
advertising to sell their wares in towns where
no one had heard of motion pictures and to
advertise “moving picture shows” meant
nothing. Schnack and his partner gave a free
show on the street a night or two before the
showing in the theatre. They set up their
projector on a transfer truck and threw pic-
tures on a screen erected on the side of a
building. As soon as a crowd had gathered,
one of the partners announced that the com-
plete show would be given a night or two
later in the local opera house.
CARRIED FIVE REELS
Their first films were short, 50 to 100 feet
long. Schnack and Webb carried five reels
with them, representing in those days a big
investment as all films had to be bought out-
right. Each reel contained from five to ten
separate and distinct pictures, mostly scenic
and of a freakish nature. In 1903 they bought
“The Great Train Robbery.” With Schnack
turning the crank on the projector and his
partner acting as narrator and announcer, the
partners opened the season in the spring at
Larned and closed with a final showing here
in the fall.
The roadshow continued until 1906 when
the partnership was dissolved, Schnack be-
coming sole owner. U that time he opened
his first permanent theatre on the second
floor of the Larned opera house, which was
owned by his father and of which Schnack
had been manager since 1891. Later the thea-
tre was moved to the first floor, which had
a seating capacity of 150. Capacity was sub-
sequently enlarged to 250 seats.
In 1912 Schnack moved into his present lo-
cation at the Electric, across the street from
the old opera house. In the early days he
rented film from St. Joseph and Joplin, Mo.,
and the General Film Co. in Denver. There
were not many pictures and prints were often
in bad condition. Usually, Schnack says, it
took most of the day to patch up the film for
the show that night.
But after nearly half a century John
Schnack still thinks show business is fasci-
nating. “I am glad to have been a small part
of it for the last 45 years,” he says.
Stagecoach Rolls Again
For 'Cheyenne' Stunt
DEADWOOD, S. D.— Oldtimers in this for-
mer gambling town of the Black Hills couldn’t
believe their eyes when they saw the original
Cheyenne-Ft. Laramie-Deadwood stagecoach
arrive in front of the local post office just as
it did in the good old days. As the cloud of
dust rose on the outskirts of the town May 16,
several old pioneers wiped a nostalgic tear
from their crinkled eyes.
It was all a stunt to publicize the western
opus, “Cheyenne,” which was scheduled to
have its premiere in Cheyenne, Wyo., May 22.
The stagecoach arrived here from Cheyenne
after a slightly different trip than it used to
make in the 70s. The coach was in such a
rickety condition that it was carried from
town to town along the route in a truck. Then
it was unloaded at the outskirts of each town
along the way, hitched to a four-horse team
and driven through the community.
Film, Newspapers Burn
When Truck Takes Fire
DES MOINES— Fire destroyed a truckload
of motion picture film and newspapers on the
highway east of Marengo recently, causing an
estimated damage of over $4,000.
David Gehrt, Des Moines, driver of the Iowa
Film Delivery Co. truck, said he tried to ex-
tinguish the fire but was halted when the
front gas tank exploded. The fire apparently
started near the engine, he said. He was un-
injured.
A1 Narland, manager of the film company,
said the truck was loaded with 50,000 feet of
motion picture film and 5,250 Des Moines
Registers. The truck was a total loss, he said.
Fargo Hears I. S. Deer
FARGO, N. D.— Irvin S. Deer of Chicago,
field representative of the Motion Picture
Ass’n of America, has spoken three times
recently here and in Moorhead, Minn. Deer
addressed a Minnesota State Teachers col-
lege convocation, a joint luncheon meeting of
Fargo service clubs and a PTA-sponsored
public school meeting.
Big Day for Mothers
DAYTON, IOWA— All mothers in this city
were guests of the Dayton Theatre and the
Dayton Review at a special showing of
“Three Little Girls in Blue” on Mother’s
day. The free show is a yearly feature here.
In connection with the show, free ice cream
and coffee were served by cafes adjoining the
theatre.
Change Site at Hays
HAYS, KAS— W. A. Snell has sold a pros-
pective theatre site here to another person
who plans to build a garage. Snell and his
partner F. L. Lowe, who operate the Star,
are expected to acquire a different site for
their proposed house.
Chore on ‘Remember Mama'
John Morris has been given the assistant
director chore on RKO’s “I Remember
Mama.”
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
84-A
Opening Kansas City, Omaha Drives
Top: Mock hanging of Manager Ray Copeland at Kansas City Paramount ex-
change opens local 35 Years of Leadership drive.
Bottom right: Kansas City Salesman M. G. “Andy” Anderson receives 100 Per
Cent club award from George A. Smith, western division sales manager.
Bottom left: Paramount committee to welcome Smith at the Omaha airport.
Bottom row, left to right: Jack Andrews, Wayne Stephenson and Frank Westbrook,
salesmen; Manager Don Hicks, and George Smith. Also shown is Marilyn Cupp, Mid-
continent hostess, flanked by two members of Mayor Charles Leeman’s official
delegation.
Two More Bills Dropped
In Missouri Committees
JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri legislation af-
fecting theatre owners so far has a batting
average of .000 for 1947. Two more bills were
killed in committee last week. They were
house bill 250, proposing fire wardens in all
theatres, and the senate measure asking a
school tax on all retail sales in Kansas City.
Only one other bill, senate bill 252 propos-
ing establishment of a state fire marshal’s
office, is pending. Final decision on this
measure will be postponed until the legisla-
ture reconvenes next January.
Film Player Booked
OMAHA — Olga San Juan, singing and
dancing star who was seen on the screen here
recently in “Blue Skies,” will be one of two
nationally known guests artists featured with
the Midwest summer music festival June 12.
Screen Guild Incorporates
JEFFERSON CITY — Incorporation papers
have been filed here by Screen Guild Produc-
tions of Kansas City. The firm will have 100
shares of no par value stock and is to com-
mence business with $5,000 paid capital. In-
corporators are Julian H. King and M. L.
King of Des Moines and Walter Lambader,
manager in Kansas City.
Paramount Leaders
Open 35-Year Drive
KANSAS CITY — Visiting the Kansas City
and Omaha Paramount exchanges this week
were George A. Smith, western division sales
manager, and Harold Wirthwein, national
drive captain in the firm’s new 35 Years of
Leadership campaign. Some sidelights of then-
visit are shown in the accompanying photos.
Kansas City Paramounteers were shown
what might happen ' to Manager Ray Cope-
land of Kansas City if his exchange does not
win first place in the drive. (This statement
is by Jim Castle, exploiteer at the exchange.)
Sentence in the mock ceremony (top photo)
was pronounced by “Chief Justice” Ralph C.
LiBeau, district manager (far right), and
“Associate Justices” Smith and Wirthwein,
all attired in their robes of office. Hangman
appointed by the tribunal was Arthur Cole,
industry representative. Opinion of those
Paramounteers attending the dry run was that
the local sales manager would be acquitted
when drive results are tabulated.
M. G. “Andy” Anderson, salesman from the
Kansas City exchange, received a sapphire
pin from Smith after being elected to the
100 Per Cent club (bottom right photo). This
is the second pin Andy has received. Still
the only salesman in this district to receive
the award, Andy first achieved the distinc-
tion in 1932 when he was booking manager
in the Des Moines branch. Beside the dou-
ble membership in the 100 Per Cent club,
Andy was given his prize money, in the form
of a check, for ranking third in the Para-
mount national contest for salesmen in 1946.
Witnessing the presentation were salesmen
Walt Clark, Jim States, Earl Ogan and Frank
Thomas.
From the
BOXOFFICE FILES
• * *
(Twenty Years Ago)
J^OUIS COPOULAS, Kansas City exhibitor,
provided a good laugh on Filmrow in Kan-
sas City recently by flourishing a big black
razor before Harry Taylor, Universal man-
ager, and demanding a “cut” on something
or other . . . Lawrence Cantrall has made
a number of improvements in the way of
ventilating, redecorating and seats at the
Palace, Spring Hill, Kas.
The Star at Warrensburg, Mo., is redeco-
rating and improving the lobby . . . The Pres-
cott, Prescott, Kas., has a new ventilating
system, new lighting and miscellaneous im-
provements . . . The Olympic, Ness, Kas.,
has a new ventilating system . . . New seats
have been added to the Empress Theatre,
Fort Scott, Kas. ... A ventilating system
has been installed at the Lyric Theatre, Glas-
co, Kas. ... Ed Smith has made extensive
improvements in the Cozy Theatre, Minne-
apolis, Kas.
# * *
The Golden Belt, Ellsworth, Kas., is being
redecorated . . . The Palace, Cowgill, Mo., has
a new ventilating system . . . The Banny at
Mansfield, Mo., is installing ventilation and
is being redecorated . . . The Kelley, Iola,
Kas., is getting a new ventilation system . .
At the Republic, Republic, Mo., a cooling
system and new equipment are being put in
. . . Seats and general refurnishing are the
order of the day at the Gem, Baldwin, Kas.
. . . The Strand, Greenfield, Mo., is being
improved with ventilation and equipment.
* * *
Exhibitors seen on Filmrow: L. Brueninger,
Topeka; Ed Peskay, St. Joseph; Frank Weary,
Richmond; Hugh Gardner, Neosho; Frank
Wittam, Bonner Springs; W. H. Weber, Great
Bend: George Montray, St. Joseph.
84-B
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
MINNEAPOLIS
John Balaban of the Balaban & Katz Chi-
cago circuit, here to explain the Motion
Picture Foundation to industry members, re-
vealed that back in 1932 he was a film sales-
man in Minneapolis for eight or nine months.
He was surprised to see at the meeting many
of the boys he knew at that time. This was
his first visit to Minneapolis since his de-
parture.
At the dinner meeting Bennie Berger, pre-
siding chairman, singled out “the little judge,”
Ben Meshbesher, salesman, as the man who
had done the best job in this territory for
the industry’s Greek orphans relief drive.
It was the second time he had complimented
Meshbesher for his efforts in the campaign’s
behalf. The other occasion was the North
Central Allied convention.
When L. J. Ludwig, former assistant man-
ager of the Minnesota Amusement Co., at-
tended the Motion Picture Foundation lunch-
eon, it marked the first time he had been in
the Variety Club in four years. Ludwig owns
and operates theatres at Jamestown, N. D.,
but lives in Minneapolis. Because of ill
health he keeps his activities at a minimum.
Joe Gines, J. Arthur Rank’s representative,
was in town to confer with LeRoy J. Miller,
U-I manager. He was jubilant because of
the boxoffice reception the Rank pictures
have had in the Twin cities and throughout
the territory.
Arthur Zuelch, MGM office manager in
Denver, attended his company's office man-
agers’ meeting . . . A. R. Thompson, Kennedy,
Minn., exhibitor, visited Filmrow . . . Ida
Shartin, Warner Bros.’ contract clerk, was
vacationing at Cleveland . . . Maury Orr and
Rud Lohrenz, United Artists’ western sales
and district managers, respectively, were visi-
tors . . . Joe Wolf, local Screen Guild fran-
chise owner, returned from the company’s
sales convention at Hollywood . . . North
Central Allied directors at their meeting this
week speculated about the impending new
MGM deal and also talked about ways and
means to fight increased admission demands
for pictures.
Confronted by applications for two addi-
tional theatre construction permits in addi-
tion to that of Gordon E. Greene, former
Minnesota Theatre manager, councilmen of
suburban Golden Valley, deferred action, re-
turning the applications to the planning com-
mission for further consideration and recom-
mendation. The applicants, in addition to
Greene, were Archie Whetstone and Paul K.
Enghauser.
Word has reached here that Fred Ableson,
who resigned as U-I city salesman in order
to make his home in California, has been
appointed San Francisco manager by his
brother, Art Ableson, FC district manager.
Art formerly was RKO city salesman here.
Ralph Maw, W. H. Workman and Melvin
Turner, MGM district branch and office
managers, respectively, returned from the
New York sales meeting . . . Harry French
and Charlie Winchell, Minnesota Amusement
Co. heads, returned from the Paramount
Theatres meeting in Los Angeles.
Warner Bros.’ new exchange building here
is expected to be ready for occupancy in
July . . . Indications are that Sherman
Fitch’s RKO branch in Sioux Falls, S. D.,
has finished first nationally in the annual
Ned Depinet drive . . . Harry Dryer is spend-
ing $15,000 to improve his Bijou, lower loop
grind house here . . . New nominee for the
title of Queen of Filmrow is Rita Gieske,
beautiful addition to the PRC office staff.
Newman Theatres Quiz Kid Panel
Making Name lor Itself on Air
KANSAS CITY— “The high schools must
be offering a course in cinema lore now.”
This suggestion was facetiously made by
Chuck Frizzell when his Newman Theatre
quiz kids responded brilliantly to questions
sent in by their listening public. But the
board of four experts, all high school stu-
dents, have made their own course. They
delve into all conceivable phases of filmland
and in versatility are close competitors of Joe
Kelly’s famous quiz kids or of the Informa-
tion Please panel.
The program is broadcast at 10 o’clock
every Saturday morning over KCMO and is
sponsored by the Newman Theatre, soon to
be known as the Paramount.
Each person whose questions are used re-
ceives two free tickets, and if his questions
stump the experts he receives $4. The pro-
gram is being used both to sell the Newman
as an institution and the current feature.
Most of the senders use the system of from
three to five questions in a group. They ask
for such information as this: “Do you know
where these stars were born — Robert Young,
Rex Harrison, Rita Hayworth, Olivia de Hav-
illand, Jimmy Stewart?” And it takes a well-
versed youngster to respond promptly with
the proper answers — America, England, Mex-
ico, Japan, America.
Then there comes one such as this: “Name
stars portraying a plumber, a milkman, an
author, cellist, psychiatrist.” Correct answers
again. Others call for identification of tunes
and the pictures in which they were used,
emblems of motion picture theatres, actors
who began their careers in childhood, three
features with angels in them, and father and
son combination.
But questions are not limited to film stars,
names of pictures, characters, song hits and
the like. To the inquiry, “What is the mean-
ing of ASC after a cameraman’s name?”
One member of the board of experts was
well enough informed to answer without
hesitation; “American Society of Cinema-
tographers.”
Every month a high school student is per-
mitted to be a guest of the Newman as t
member of the board, achieving this desire
by writing 50 words telling why he or she
would like to appear on the program.
Set Tentative KMTA Date
KANSAS CITY — At a meeting last week of
the directors of KMTA, Frank Plumlee of
Theatre Enterprises and Earl Jameson, area
exhibitor, were chosen to find quarters for
the annual fall convention of the exhibitor
association. Tentative date for the conclave
was set for October. Also on the agenda of
the meeting was a report on legislation pro-
posed or pending in the Missouri and Kansas
legislatures. No theatre legislation was passed
by the Kansas representatives during their
recent session and two fire-control measures
are still pending in the Missouri house and
senate.
No Fast Time in Omaha
OMAHA — Theatre owners breathed a lit-
tle easier recently with Mayor Charles
Leeman’s announcement that Omaha will not
have daylight saving time. The local news-
paper conducted a poll at the mayor’s request.
Results were so close the mayor said he did
not feel that any effort should be made this
year to make the change.
Paynes Buy Verndale
VERNDALE, MINN.— The Verndale Thea-
tre, for 13 years operated by the Verndale
Booster club and Verndale Commercial club,
has been sold to Mr. and Mrs. William Payne
of Bertha. The new owners plan to com-
pletely remodel the building.
Run Contest on 'Duel'
COLUMBUS, GA. — The Georgia Theatre
sponsored a word contest in connection with
the showing of “Duel in the Sun.” Ten
tickets were awarded those listing the most
words made from the title of the picture.
Ipswich Improvements
IPSWICH, S. D.— New sound has been in-
stalled in the State Theatre here and Gilbert
Roberts, owner, said new chairs had been
ordered for the entire house. The theatre is
managed by Robert Schwall jr.
Minnesota Amusement Co.
Denies Change in Policy
MINNEAPOLIS — Denying a report that
the circuit is going from two to three changes
a week in most of its present two-a-week
situations outside the larger cities, Charlie
Winchell, assistant to the general manager
and president of the Minnesota Amusement
Co., says the chain’s policy “will continue to
be to give pictures playing time that their
boxoffice value merits.
“As hitherto, it all will depend on pictures
in the majority of our situations as to
whether there will be two or three changes a
week,” says Winchell. “When pictures are
strong enough to hold up they’ll be played
three or four days or even longer, the same
as always. When necessary, there’ll be three
changes a week.”
Wyman Upholds Decision
In Hancer Damage Case
SIOUX FALLS, S. D.— Federal Judge A.
Lee Wyman has upheld a jury decision of
March 26 which awarded Hannah Hossack,
administratrix of the James W. Hancer es-
tate, $8,500 damages from Roy C. Metzger,
theatre owner at Gregory, S. D. Hancer lost
his life in a fire at the Gregory Theatre
Oct. 28, 1943. Attorneys for Metzger said they
would appeal to the circuit court of appeals.
If the appeal is made it will be the second
time the case has gone to that tribunal.
The two-year fight on the $10,000 damage
action presages a second suit which has de-
veloped out of the fire.
Mrs. Hancer, injured in the fire which took
her husband’s life, is asking $50,000 damages
from Metzger, charging negligence.
Arnold Thompson to Open
In Kennedy. Minn., June 15
KENNEDY, MINN.— This town in the
northwest corner of Minnesota will have its
own motion picture theatre for the first time
in two years when Arnold Thompson opens
his new Play House June 15.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
84-C
Harold Russell's Toughest Problem
Was Dropping His Boston Accent
DES MOINES — Harold Russell, handless
star of “The Best Years of Our Lives,” spent
several days here during the height of the
picture’s record run at the Orpheum. His
reception by the press was unprecedented.
"Of all the celebrities who have visited
Des Moines, I can’t recall a single one who
made a more solid impression than Russell,”
one columnist wrote enthusiastically.
While here, Russell kidded himself about
his Massachusetts accent. He told how no
'amount of coaching could rid him of it. In
one scene, he was supposed to say, “Look at
all the cars.” This word is a dead give-
away for a New Englander, and of course
Russell said it “cahs.” Director William
Wyler had him do it over and over, but it
still came out “cahs.” Finally Wyler gave up.
"Oh, hell,” he decided. “Change it to ‘Look
at all the automobiles.’ ”
Russell also told about the time he went
to the Astor in New York to see “Best Years.”
Two women sat in front of him and when
Russell’s “hooks” were first shown on the
screen, one of the women said to the other,
"Isn’t it wonderful what they can do in Holly-
wood? Why, you’d almost think that man
really didn’t have any hands.”
Bad Publicity Hurts Films,
Says John Balaban
MINNEAPOLIS — The motion picture in-
dustry is suffering from too much notoriety
caused by publicity given its divorces and
other unfavorable matters, according to John
Balaban of Balaban & Katz, Chicago, mem-
ber of the Motion Picture Foundation’s na-
tional board of trustees.
“Too often the blacker side of the industry
is painted,” said Balaban, addressing a lunch-
eon meeting to launch the foundation in this
area. “It’s high time the industry’s better
side be told.”
The Foundation is one of the steps being
taken to combat the unfavorable publicity
that the motion picture industry has been
receiving and it should go far to put the in-
dustry in a favorable light with the public,
Balaban asserted.
“We must also try to free the industry from
activities within it which give rise to adverse
criticism and place it in a bad light with the
public,” Balaban said.
Carl Larsens Will Operate
Auditorium in Volga, S. D.
VOLGA, S. D. — Mr. and Mrs. Carl Larsen,
operators of the theatre in Onida, S. D., for
several years, have taken over the Audito-
rium Theatre here from H. J. Givens.
Free Concerts No Menace
To Minneapolis Theatres
MINNEAPOLIS — Free concerts at the
Municipal auditorium with 71 members of
the Minneapolis Symphony orchestra, spon-
sored by the musicians union here, are not
pulling many people away from theatres.
The first attracted only 3,000 persons and the
second one less than 2,500. Three more are
scheduled.
The union is making a gift of the concerts
to the public and is spending $6,000 addi-
tional for a series of dances for young people
in the city’s parks.
Californians Buy Winthrop
From W. T. Reinhold
WINTHROP, IOWA— W. T. Reinhold has
sold the Winthrop Theatre to Patrick Reilly
and Steve Ogburn, both of Los Angeles. The
men took over the building and equipment
May 16. Plans are under way to show' pic-
tures Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and
Wednesday evenings, with roller skating on
Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Ogburn is
a native of Osceola.
Film Query to Burlington
BURLINGTON, IOWA— Burlington is be-
ing considered as the locale of a motion
picture, according to word received by the
chamber of commerce. The message from
William M. Rankin, West Los Angeles, Calif-
requested information about Burlington,
which he said is being considered as a film
locale. A guide book of Burlington, a folder
containing factual information about the
city and a city map have been sent to the
writer. In his communication, Rankin did
not identify himself with any studio or give
any particulars concerning the proposed pic-
ture.
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFTICE. 52 issues per year (13 of which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE. DATE & RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR Q $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
CD Remittance Enclosed Q Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE
NAME POSITION
SR0 Men Arranging
Openings for 'Duel'
KANSAS CITY — In town this week to work
on area openings of “Duel in the Sun” were
Claude Morris of New York and Ben Babb
and John Berry of Los Angeles, all repre-
senting David O. Selznick. The local SRO
office, managed by R. R. “Tommy” Thomp-
son, said this week that 60 day-and-date
openings have been set up throughout the
territory. Howard Burkhardt, manager of
the local Midland Theatre, said this week
that the film will open at his showcase June
12 at advanced admission prices, probably
90 cents for matinees and $1.25 for evenings.
Real Speed Is Employed
In Mullen's Reopening
MULLEN, NEB. — There’s' a story behind
the reopening of the remodeled Mullen Thea-
tre owned by J. E. Macke.
It was ready to do business again just one
year after it closed. The date also was an
anniversary of the original opening of the
theatre.
To meet this schedule called for some fancy
last-minute teamwork by Carl White, owner
of Quality Theatre Supply Co., and the DeVry
Co. DeVry, to meet the deadline, rushed its
own truck from Chicago with the first of a
series of new projectors. White timed his
trip west and arrived to help the company’s
chief engineer with the installation.
The new theatre seats 325.
St. Joseph Primping Ends;
Remodel in Jefferson City
KANSAS CITY — Redecoration of the Or-
pheum, Missouri and Electric theatres in St.
Joseph has now been completed, according
to the home office of Durwood Theatres.
These houses reopened recently during Dur-
wood Theatre week, proclaimed by the mayor
of St. Joseph.
The circuit also will reopen the Gem in
Jefferson City on or about June 1 after ex-
tensive remodeling. The theatre, shuttered
for more than seven years, will operate on a
second run action policy.
Wins 'Stallion' Award
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA — Ronald Reagan.
Warner Bros, star, recently awarded a “Stal-
lion Road” trophy to C. Russell Davis, owner
of Startling Kalarama 19272. The horse had
been judged national champion saddle horse
at the recent National Stallion show in
Waterloo. Work on “The Voice of the Turtle”
kept Reagan, a former Iowa resident, from
presenting the trophy in person, so Don
Walker, Kansas City Warner exploiteer, and
Francis Gilon, manager of the Paramount
Theatre here, made the award.
Silliphant Works 'Miracle'
KANSAS CITY — Stirling Silliphant, exec-
utive assistant to Charles Schlaifer, 20th-
Fox chief of exploitation, advertising and
publicity, was here Thursday to aid Sy Freed-
man, local exploiteer, in arranging a special
screening of "Miracle on 34th Street” for all
local department store executives. A sneak
preview and tradeshowing was held at the
Uptown Theatre Wednesday night. Both
Freedman and Silliphant left Friday for a
similar performance in St. Louis.
84-D
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Ohio House Votes
To Kill State Tax
COLUMBUS— By vote of 82 to 43, the Ohio
house passed the bill to repeal the present
3 per cent state admissions tax, leaving this
field wide open to cities without limitation.
The measure now goes to the senate. If it
becomes law, repeal would become effective
October 1.
Theatremen are supporting senate Bill 250,
which would continue the present state tax
but return the money raised to the county
of origin. Considerable administration pres-
sure is expected to be brought to bear to
induce the senate to concur in the house bill.
In his most recent bulletin to members of
the Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio,
P. J. Wood, secretary, declared that mem-
bers of the house responded to “tremendous
pressure” exerted by Gov. Thomas J. Herbert
to win passage of the repeal measure. “With
but few exceptions, all members of the Cuya-
hoga, Hamilton, Lucas and Franklin county
delegations voted for the bill,” said Wood.
He promised a “complete record” of the vote
for ITO members.
Cleveland Mayor Says City
Is Set for 3 Per Cent Tax
CLEVELAND — With the repeal of the state
3 per cent amusement tax passed by the
house and now up to the senate, Mayor
Thomas A. Burke of Cleveland says that the
city is ready to levy its own 3 per cent amuse-
ment tax. Burke estimates the tax will add
$700,000 to the city’s coffers. He wants the
money for city official pay raises amounting
to approximately $1,000,000.
City officials are also soliciting Gov.
Thomas J. Herbert’s aid in getting the state
to return to the cities the money collected
from this source for the first nine months
of this year.
Cleveland exhibitors have been worried
over the amusement tax situation. They fear
a city tax in excess of the present 3 per cent.
“With business on a steady down grade, we
will be forced to pass on any increased tax
to the public — a move which will only serve
to grease the boxoffice skids,” according to
a prominent theatre owner.
Exhibitors agree that although there is a
downward price trend in many commodities,
it is impossible for them to cut admissions
under present operating costs. If the city
sees fit to enact a 3 per cent amusement tax,
then the admission prices will stay as they
are. If, however, the admission tax should
exceed the present 3 per cent, then this in-
crease will have to be passed on to the
public.
P. R. Touney Sells Theatres
In Wauseon to N&N
KENTON, OHIO — The N&N Management
Co., Inc., operators of the Ohio Theatre here,
has bought the Chief and Princess theatres
in Wauseon from P. R. Touney, veteran ex-
hibitor who is retiring from the industry to
go into another field of endeavor. N&N plans
to build another theatre here when restric-
tions are lifted.
David Silverman Named
PITTSBURGH — David Silverman was
named by RKO to be city sales representative
here. This is in keeping with company policy
of advancing members of the staff. Silver-
man is a veteran of more than 20 years with
RKO and predecessor companies here. He
succeeds Irwin Sweeney, who resigned to
become Republic manager here.
ANNIVERSARY APPROACHES— Mr.
and Mrs. Fred J. Herrington, who will be
honored on the occasion of their golden
wedding anniversary at a banquet in the
William Penn hotel, Pittsburgh, June 4,
are pictured together on a recent Sunday
afternoon. The veteran AMPTO secretary
has spent most of the last 16 weeks in
Harrisburg fighting legislation adverse to
the industry. The Herringtons are plan-
ning a vacation in California this summer.
Hygienic Productions Gives
Quarterly Contest Awards
WILMINGTON, OHIO— Hygienic Produc-
tions, producer-distributor of “Mom and
Dad,” this week announced first-quarter con-
test leaders among agents and lecturers for
1947. Top ranking advance agents: January,
Bill Weinberg of Chicago; February, Floyd
Lewis, Seattle; March, Rocky Andrus, Joliet,
111., and April, Bob Hicks Page, Los Angeles.
Lecturer’s ratings showed Robert L. Hal-
stead of Flint, Mich., manager of the Ca-
nadian unit, in first place in January, Feb-
ruary and March, and Everett Adams of
Wilmington as the April leader.
Edward Salzberg Named
SRO Man in Cincinnati
CINCINNATI — Edward Salzberg has been
appointed special sales representative in this
area for Selznick Releasing Organization.
He will have offices at 317-19 Keith Bldg.
Salzberg resigned as branch manager for
Film Classics.
Lease Decision Postponed
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Baptist
Ass’n has postponed until June 13 a final de-
cision on offers by local interests to lease the
Euclid Avenue Baptist church at Euclid ave-
nue and East 18th street for use as a motion
picture theatre. The association originally
was to have announced its decision May 15.
Install New Seats at Marlette
MARLETTE, MICH. — New seats have been
installed in the Ashmun circuit’s Center
Theatre here. The house recently was re-
decorated.
Iris Makes Its Debut
In Cochranton, Pa.
COCHRANTON, PA. — This community’s
first theatre, the Iris, was opened May 12
and there was a large turnout for the pre-
miere. The theatre is an enterprise of W. L.
“Cubby” Dunn, Cochranton businessman,
and is named for his wife Iris. The firemen’s
band of Cochranton furnished music for the
opening and civic and education leaders spoke
in appreciation of the beautiful structure.
Initial feature was MGM’s “Gallant Bess.”
The Iris started in March 1946, is located
at Adams and Smith, across the street from
Dunn’s contracting office, garage and locker
plant. The neat brick structure is worthy of
the community’s pride. Capacity is 456 seats,
all on the auditorium floor in three sections
and all comfortably upholstered. Feature is
a modern cry room. There are four attrac-
tion frames in the front and a marquee with
the ’ theatre name on three sides, all with
neon trim. In the front is a coke and candy
bar.
Mark Kirkpatrick, named manager and
operator of the Iris, is an experienced ex-
hibitor, formerly employed by the Johnson-
burg Theatre Corp. for 11 years and manager
of the Main Street, Galeton, for many years.
He expects to bring his family here in the
near future.
The Iris will make three changes of pro-
gram weekly, on Wednesdays, Fridays and
Mondays. There will be two Shows each eve-
ning and a Saturday matinee. Prices are 17
cents for children and 44 cents for adults, tax
included. Equipment was installed by Na-
tional Theatre Supply.
The Cochranton Times, local weekly, pub-
lished a special edition in connection with
the opening. The front page contained seven
cut illustrations and heavy type. Seventy-
three merchants and organizations purchased
950 column inches of display space in extend-
ing congratulations to W. L. “Cubby” Dunn,
owner of the Iris.
Andrew R. Cherry, 68, Dies;
Ex-Film Man, Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH — Andrew R. Cherry, 68,
former film distributor here, died Monday
morning tl9i as the result of a heart attack.
For eight years he had been receptionist at
the district attorney’s office. He was at his
desk as usual shortly after 9 a. m., when he
collapsed.
Cherry’s film career began more than 30
years ago. He was connected with various
independent companies here as salesman
and manager, and also had experience in ex-
hibition. He was Universal manager here,
later joining the old Columbia Film Service,
which became Alexander Film Service, and
later Monogram Pictures. Before accepting
a political appointment, he had offered fight
pictures and other films in the state rights
market. His daughter Margie had just cele-
brated her 12th birthday.
Drive-In Nears Opening
CRANBERRY, PA. — A drive-in will be
opened here by Dr. R. B. Herrick, Meadville,
who is opening several other outdoor thea-
tres in this area. The Cranberry unit is
located between Oil City and Franklin.
Paul Clark Gets Supplies
SUTERVILLE, PA.— Atlas Theatre Supply
has installed new Motiograph lamps, Motio-
graph-Mirrophonic sound system and screen
in the Rex for Paul Clark.
ME
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
85
YOUR
BALLANTYNE
DEALER
will show you how
IN THE MIDEAST
Contact Today for Complete
Information
AKRON THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
1025 N. Main St., Akron, Ohio
AMERICAN THEATRE EQUIP. CO.
165 North High St.,
Columbus, Ohio
HADDEN EQUIPMENT CO.
Theatre Division,
423 West Liberty St.,
Louisville, Ky.
CLEVELAND PROJECTOR CO.
1723 East 86th St.,
Cleveland, Ohio
MIDWEST THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
1632 Central Parkway,
Cincinnati, Ohio
FORBES THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
214 W. Montcalm St.,
Detroit, Mich.
BALLANTYNE
SOUND EQUIPMENT
•AMPLIFIERS • SPEAKERS
•SOUNDHEADS • BASES
•COMPLETE SOUND SYSTEMS
•TWO-WAY HORNS
See the BALLANTYNE COMPANY
Advertisement in Modern Theatre Section
CINCINNATI
^ean Dennis and William Clingman are
opening the Xenia Auto-In Theatre on
the Cincinnati-Xenia pike June 6. Midwest
Theatre Supply Co. installed RCA in-a-car
speakers, complete sound equipment and
Brenkert projectors.
Gordon Edginton, Odeon Theatre, Augusta,
Ky., treated the girls
with the' scarce item —
bubble gum . . . Louis
Knostman, Crescent
Theatre, Minster, Ohio,
visited Filmrow . . .
Georgia Ray of the
RKO Midwest, had her
mother, who lives in
Atlanta, as a weekend
visitor.
Chakeres Theatres,
Springfield, has as-
sumed booking and
buying for Mrs. Minnie
Dwyer, Lake Theatre,
Celina ... An addition
to the Chakeres booking staff is Bill Giner,
who accompanied Ray Frisz and Bill Luibel
to Cincinnati . . . Columbia home office
representatives Martin Grogreen and Ray-
mond Brooks are working in the Cincinnati
exchange at this time . . . Neva Gronotte,
Columbia cashier, is vacationing at home.
new member of the organization is Abealon
Buzlea, Bradshaw, W. Va.
E. R. Custer, Charleston, W. Va., made a
trip to Washington on theatre business . . .
Florence Herrmann, MGM cashier, underwent
an operation Saturday (17) at Good Samari-
tan hospital . . . Paramount co-workers of
Franklin Sheppard presented him a traveling
bag as a farewell gift, and gave to Ruth
Huelsman a ball point pen.
Virginia Meyer, assistant cashier at 20th-
Fox, is leaving for a vacation in Florida
. . . Mr. and Mrs. Fred May, Royal Theatre,
Carrollton, Ky., were visitors on Filmrow . . .
Bob Stern is short subject booker for the local
Schine circuit . . . Myla Tacett is the new
secretary to Marvin Arent, the local Schine
booking manager.
Walter Wiens, branch manager of Para-
mount, made a trip in the Kentucky territory
with salesman James Doyle . . . Macklin and
Hill are opening their new drive-in in Flo-
rence, Ky., about June 1 . . . Sam Haber, for-
merly West Virginia salesman for Republic,
is traveling the Dayton, Columbus and Cin-
cinnati territory for PRC-Eagle-Lion . . .
Larry Brown, previously with MGM, is trav-
eling the West Virginia territory for Repub-
lic.
LOUIS KNOSTMAN
A1 Thalheimer of Logan, Frank Allara of
Matewan and Milt Levine of Williamson, W.
Va., made the rounds of the exchanges the
first of the week . . . Adele Haburton has
joined Film Classics as cashier . . . Ruth
Huelsman, formerly with Paramount, began
her new duties as secretary to Ed Salzberg,
recently appointed sales representative for
SRO.
Hymie Wheeler, Monogram manager in
Pittsburgh, and his wife were guests of
brother Ed Wheeler of Astor Pictures here.
The new offices of Astor Pictures will be on
the fourth floor of the Film Bldg., the pres-
ent location of Popular Pictures.
Max Milbauer, F. F. Doll and Joe Flory will
open their new Belmont Drive-In Theatre,
Dayton, in about 60 days. Midwest is in-
stalling the sound and projection equipment
. . . Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Sacker, Liberty Thea-
tre, Lawrenceburg, Ind., spent Monday (121
in Cincinnati attending to booking and buy-
ing.
Price Hill will have a new 600-seat theatre
as soon as the Pure Oil Co. receives the go-
ahead signal for construction of a filling sta-
tion, parking lot and theatre on West Eighth
street, east of Elberon avenue . . . Mrs. M. M.
Weinig, owner of the Western Plaza Theatre,
Price Hill, was ordered to the Good Samari-
tan hospital on advice of a physician, but
her condition is improving.
Mike Spanagel of the White-Libson circuit
is the hero of the recent bowling match be-
tween the theatre managers and the office
girls. He followed his bowling ball right down
the alley, to be sure of a strike for his side —
which, incidentally, won . . . Arnold Berger,
district manager for the Phil Smith Drive-In
Theatres, visited the exchanges . . . Maury
White, Nick Shafer and Bud Libson flew to
New York on business.
Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Baldwin, Paxton Theatre,
Bainbridge, Ohio, have changed their resi-
dence from Mechanicsburg to Bainbridge . . .
Ed White, formerly at the RKO Capitol, is
the new floor manager at the RKO Palace,
Cincinnati . . . Rube Shor, business manager
of the West Virginia Theatre Managers Ass’n,
visited members in central West Virginia. A
MGM home office executives held an office
managers’ convention here May 21-23 at
the Hotel Netherland Plaza with all offices
east of the Mississippi represented. Mike
Berger, local office manager, and Ed Booth,
branch manager, were in attendance. The
western offices will meet in Denver May 26-28.
E. W. Sweigert, division manager, and
Harry Goldstein, dis-
trict manager of Para-
mount, held a sales
meeting in the Cincin-
nati branch Monday
and Tuesday . . . The
National Screen office
girls, in their efforts to
institute a regular
bowling team, had a
swimming and bowl-
ing party Thursday
night (15) at the Friars
club.
The offices of Altec
Service are undergoing
a “paint up and clean up” campaign. Altec
has new servicing and parts commitments
with Winston Hamilton, Sandra Gay, Lou-
ellen, Ky., who recently installed new Simplex
sound and projection equipment; and with
A. G. Constant, Rex Theatre, Steubenville . . .
Richard Logan, Paramount, was promoted
from the shipping department to booker.
Norman De Witt is a new employe in the
shipping department.
Dave Stenger, Kentucky salesman for 20th-
Fox, suffered a broken rib and fractured leg
in an automobile accident at Sharonville May
10. His car was demolished . . . Charles
Touchon, UA home office representative, is
carrying on in Cincinnati at present . . .
Sophie Rakosi, Universal billing clerk, will be
a bride in June . . . Midwest Theatre Supply
is installing RCA sound equipment and new
chairs in the Lyric, New Boston, operated by
Jim Malavazos.
Hoy O. Simons, Fayette Theatre, Washing-
ton Courthouse, Ohio, is confined in the
Mount Sinai hospital, Columbus, with pneu-
monia.
86
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
BRENKERT
1 Kilowatt
High-Intensity Arc Lamp
NOW . . . PURE WHITE LIGHT FOR SMALL THEATRES
Brenkert’s Radarc is the only one-kilowatt, direct
current, high-intensity projection lamp in volume
production, specially designed from top to bottom for
this field alone.
Now medium-sized theatres, with seating capacity
up to 800 seats and screens up to 18 feet wide, can have
a truly high-intensity arc lamp of
superior design and construction.
^ '■ 'T'l ^ '• ' ~~~ : — ' r~" 7 ' r — - — ^ fr — ■ -- -j ^ ~
SEE YOUR RCA INDEPENDENT THEATRE SUPPLY DEALER
MID-WEST THEATRE SUPPLY CO., INC. OLIVER THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
1632 Central Parkway, Cincinnati 10, Ohio East 23rd & Payne Ave., Cleveland 14, Ohio
ERNIE FORBES THEATRE SUPPLY ALEXANDER THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
214 W. Montcalm St., Detroit, Mich. 1705 Boulevard of Allies Pittsburgh, Pa.
DETROIT
fl long the Rialto: Jake Hirschfield, recently
elected president of the Costumers Ass’n
of America, is making big plans for Detroit
to play host at the four-week convention next
spring . . . Grant Harris of Jam Handy was
host to groups of University of Detroit stu-
dents for two days, when classes in industrial
relations and personnel administration were
taken to see commercial films and studio fa-
cilities in the flesh.
Paul S. and George H. Amber are organiz-
ing the Amber Theatre Co. at 15889 Princeton
Ave. . . . James Niederlander of the Shubert-
Lafayette was out in the front row seats for
the opening of Barnes Bros, circus. Harry
Kelley was in from Hillsdale for the occasion
. . . Lee Johnson, USO director, was a good
understudy for the circus bandmaster . . .
Jack Dickstein, Michigan Showmen’s presi-
dent, and Mrs. Dickstein, who has been ill,
and Jim Bennett of the Chandler were visit-
ing over the coffee cups.
Harry Lee of Amusement Booking Service
was ribbing Vinegar Bill’s equine accomplish-
ments and trying to entice Alex Bagley for a
game of golf . . . Max Berbaum of Film Drugs
is keeping close tab on live shows around
town.
Exchanges: Earle Sweigert and Harry Gold-
LOWERS for
Every Occasion
LORENZEN'S
DETROIT'S THEATRICAL FLORIST
TOwnsend 8-6232
16457 Woodward Ave., Dehroit 3, Mich.
TheatrpSign and Marquee Maintenance
Our Specialty
%LlWorstman 4 Co.
TEmple 2-6877
27 Eliot St.
POntiac 3-4473
Detroit 1. Mich.
stein, Paramount executives, were in town for
a sales conference preliminary to the drive
starting August 31 . . . Robert Lamb, Para-
mount booker, became the father of a baby
girl, his first, May 9 . . . Edward M. Schnitzel-,
UA’s eastern and Canadian sales manager,
in town en route, to Canada.
Josephine Costyn is new secretary to the
office manager at PRC . . . Don Fill is moved
back to the general office, while Clair Town-
send, branch manager, moves into the inner
office formerly Anne O’Donnell’s sanctum
for years — all to enlarge PRC’s booking fa-
cilities . . . Sid Turer of Universal has a
hard time getting together with a certain of-
fice manager on the seventh floor.
A. Krikorian of the Holly Theatre at Holly
was in town visiting Charlie Garner . . .
Helen Parrish of MGM’s shipping department
is the perplexed owner of a whole acre all
her own out in the “Sea of Grass” . . . Ken-
neth Vogelheim is at the helm of the Rogers
at Rogers City, taking over May 15.
Under the Marquee: Philip McNamee has
resigned as manager of the Paradise, ace
house of the Cohen circuit, now closed for
the summer . . . Thomas MacFarlane, opera-
tor at the Downtown, and his wife have re-
turned from a six-week trip to southern Cali-
fornia, Oregon and Mexico . . . Wilson El-
liott, former assistant manager of the Fox,
took motion picture shots of Bob Anthony’s
wedding at the Little Flower chapel . . . That
new theatre designed by Charles N. Agree at
Seven Mile and Mack roads, is well under
way . . . The Komer and Goldberg families,
partners in Community Theatres, were hosts
Saturday evening at Variety Club . . . Wil-
liam Cadmus, manager of the Annex, will be
married June 28 to Balera Keenan of De-
troit.
Up in the Booths: Edgar Douville of the
Linwood La Salle says there’s nothing to
those reports of his retirement — he’s again
the very active president of the Nightingales
. . . E. Clyde Adler and Jerry Brie of the
stagehands local left for a Michigan IATSE
meeting . . . William J. Bayer of the Lake-
wood has moved out to the suburb of Grosse
Pointe Woods.
Theatrical Post notes: The grand ball in
SUPER
SIZE
POP CORN CO.
Ready Popped Corn
307 Boulevard Bldg.
Detroit 3, Mich.
TRinity 2-3880 — 24
hour phone service
RUDY SCHR0EDER
HERBERT MORGAN
ERNIE
FORBES
214 W. Montcalm
Detroit 1. Mich.
Phone CAdillac 1122
r_ i
PLAN YOUR NEW THEATRE NOW
LONG SIGN CO.
MARQUISE SIGNS
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
CHARLES N. BOARD, Theatre Builder
East Detroit . PRospect 1064
Theatre Bldg. * Phones Roseville 0243
k A
840 W. Baltimore, Detroit — TB 1-5477
PERYL’S COSTUMES
UNIFORMS for Entire Theatre Staff.
Special Costumes tor All Occasions. Acts and
Special Shows.
Peryl LaMarr, Prop. 3737 Woodward
Phone: TEmple 2-3948 Detroit. 1, Mich.
Distributors
for the State of
Michigan
RINGOLD THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
106 Michigan St., N. W., Grand Rapids 2, Mich.
.Hotel Fort Shelby drew an outstanding gath-
ering . . . Max Kolin, theatrical barrister,
knocked off work early to come down . . .
Wayne Roberts and Buddy Fields are tak-
ing turns at doing that post column . . .
Warren Carmer, former manager of the
Cinema, now of Los Angeles, will stop kid-
ding his Detroit friends about the weather
now . . . George Fredericks, formerly of the
Times Square, is still with the City . . . Diane
Dale is opening at the Burgundy room for
Buddy Fields . . - Jerry Siddock, former
Times Square manager, turned up, although
he’s now out of show business . . . Harry
Carson, past commander, was in Chicago.
Drug Store stuff: Charles McFeggan of
the Red Comet is developing a new model
for the market . . . Lester E. Martin, Arnold
F. Martin, and Gilbert E. Barge, who have
taken over the United Theatre Equipment
Co., have a background in the 16mm field
with the M.B.M. Motion Picture Co., which
they also continue to operate, moving that
company’s offices at 2501 Cass Ave. William
Clark, former partner in United, remains with
the new owners as a salesman, in addition to
operating his booking business.
Jack Zide, Variety Club’s property master,
informs your scribe he is on the club’s trade-
paper committee . . . Robert Nevin, manager
of Technical Service, Inc., — former Bromel &
Sons — reports the company settled in its new
plant on West Five Mile road, although phones
aren’t in, because of the strike . . . Leo Car-
rillo headed west by plane for Las Vegas
after one week at the Bowery — where he
played a near double for the owner, Frank
Barbaro.
John Loder, appearing at the Lafayette
with K. T. Stevens, saw a special preview of
“Dishonored Lady” — with himself and his
wife — Hedy Lamarr — over at UDT’s screening
room.
Leonard Brooks and Ralph Forman dining
in state at Variety clubrooms during the con-
vention . . . Edward Zablocki, former owner
of the Arcadia, is now operating a machine
shop with his brother on Charlevoix avenue
. . . David Flayer, rushing up Cadillac Square
on a cold morning — he’s busy being a bache-
lor, with his wife visiting her family down in
Florida.
'Safety Oscar' Is Won
By 'Priceless Cargo'
DETROIT — The National Committee on
Films for Safety has announced that “Price-
less Cargo,” a two-reel sound picture pro-
duced by Jam Handy for the Superior Coach
Corp., is the best nontheatrical motion pic-
ture on traffic safety produced during 1946.
Award for “Priceless Cargo” is the fourth
“safety oscar” within the last decade to be
presented to a Jam Handy production.
The film dramatizes the importance of in-
creased education for safe transportation of
school children and outlines one community’s
development of improved roads, safe cross-
ings and turns, woven into a story told by
a school bus driver.
^THEATRE CHAIRS—
3000 Used Spring cushioned, part full
upholstered back and part insert
panel back, with spring edges and
box spring cushions.
1000 Veneer Chairs.
800 Good Backs.
500 Spring cushions, and hinges.
Write lor Prices and Photographs
JESSE COLE Theatre Seating
2565 McClellan, Detroit Phone: Valley 2-3445
88
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Detroiters See Need
For Business Hypo
DETROIT — Business reports were not en-
couraging in Detroit houses. Spring weather
inspired the public to take to outdoor amuse-
ments on a grand scale for the first time
this year. Average business level is down in
both the first runs and the small houses.
Many exhibitors, off the record, are discuss-
ing changes of policy, ranging from dishes to
stage shows and cut prices, to meet the situa-
tion. Detail for week ending May 22:
Adams — The Locket (RKO); Dick Tracy vz.
Cueball (RKO), 3rd wk 85
B'way Capitol — Ramrod (UA); Hard-Boiled
Mahoney (Mono) 110
Cinema — Carmen (Superfilms) 120
Downtown — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
6th wk 140
Fox — Johnny O'Clock (Col); So Dark the
Night (Col) 110
Michigan — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
The Big Fix (PRC) 120
Palms-State — Blaze of Noon (Para);
Violence (Mono) 95
United Artists — It Happened on Fifth Avenue
(AA), Riding the California Train (Mono) 95
Pittsburgh Grosses Depressed;
’Daughter' Holds Up Strong
PITTSBURGH — Springtime grosses are de-
pressed at theatres throughout the area.
RKO’s “The Parmer’s Daughter” turned in
an excellent second week performance at the
Warner.
Fulton — The Shocking Miss Pilgrim (20th-Fox) 90
Harris — Dead Reckoning (Col), 2nd wk 90
Penn — The Imperfect Lady (Para) 60
Ritz — The Sea of Grass (MGM), 2nd d. t, wk 110
Senator — The Last of the Mohicans (SR);
Kit Carson (SR), reissues 150
Stanley — The Sea Hawk (WB); The Sea Wolf
(WB), reissues 70
Warner — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO), 2nd wk .125
’Smash-Up' Opens Big, Rates
A Holdover in Cleveland
CLEVELAND — First spring weekend of the
season hit the weak pictures, but “Smash-Up”
opened big at the Hippodrome and held
strong, ending its first week with a big 115
per cent and a guarantee of a holdover for
another week. “Sea of Grass” was strong
with 115 per cent in its third week and sec-
ond moveover, going from the State to the
Stillman and then to the Ohio for a final
showing on the main stem. “Best Years” con-
tinued to draw in its sixth day-and-date
week at the Lower Mall and University. Other
LEONARD SOSKIN AGENCY
Retirement income, life, automobile,
fire, health and accident insurance.
541 Book Bldg. CA 3515, Detroit
EXHIBITORS — PARK FREE AT
McArthur
THEATRE
EQUIPMENT
COMPANY
454 Columbia st. West - Detroit l, Mich.
MOTIOGRAPH SERVICE
Phone: CAdillac 5524
FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS
The Showmen 's Drug Store
Drugs .. Cosmetics .. Prescription*
Personal Service from Two Showmen —
MAX BERHBAUM JACK GALLAGHER
Pharmacist Manager
Phone CLiiiord 1527. Clifford 3694
theatres came through with about average
takes.
Allen — Stairway to Heaven (U-I) 90
Hippodrome — Smash-Up (U-I) 115
Lake — Buck Privates Come Home (U-I),
2nd d. t. wk 100
Mall — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO), 6th
wk., roadshow - 75
Ohio — The Sea of Grass (MGM), 3rd d. t. wk 115
Palace — Beat the Band (RKO). plus Louis
Jordan on stage 85
State — Suddenly It's Spring (Para) 85
Stillman — The Macomber Affair (UA), 2nd
d. t. wk 105
University — Best Years of Our Lives (RKO), 6th
wk., roadshow , 100
Cincinnati Slump Apparent;
Fine Weather One Reason
CINCINNATI — A slump was apparent here
last week. Only two current pictures were
held for additional weeks: “The Farmer’s
Daughter” for a second at Shubert’s, and the
third in town; and “The Sea of Grass,” for a
third at the Capitol.
After a siege of cool weather, and exces-
sive rainfall, two fine days at the weekend
brought folks out in their cars for drives
and picnics instead of into the theatres.
Albee — The Late George Apley (20th-Fox) 110
Capitol — The Sea of Grass (MGM), 2nd wk 100
Grand — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM), 2d wk 80
Keith's — The Egg and I (U-I), 6th wk 175
Lyric — Ladies' Man (Para); Bulldog Drummond
at Bay (Col) 90
Palace — Stallion Road (WB) 110
Shubert — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO), 2nd
d. t, wk 140
Shows CFL Programs
AKRON — Another neighborhood house
holding Saturday afternoon shows from the
Children’s Film library is the Cameo. This
is the fifth theatre adopting such a program
in the Akron area.
CHARLESTON 1, W. VA. — Charleston Theatre Supply
Co., 506 Lee Street. Telephone 34-413.
LOUISVILLE 2, KY. — Falls City Theatre Equipmeni
Company. 427 South Third St. Telephone: JAckson
7559.
CLEVELAND. OHIO — Cleveland Projector Co., 1723
E. 86th St.
PITTSBURGH 19— Atlas Theatre Supply Co.. 425
Van Braam St.
CLEVELAND 14, OHIO — Ohio Theatre Equipment Co.,
2108 Payne Ave.
DAYTON 6. OHIO — The Dayton Film, Inc., 2227
Hepburn Ave.
PITTSBURGH 19. PA. — Superior Motion Picture Sup-
ply Co.. 84 Van Braam St. Telephone: Grant
0724-25.
TOLEDO 2, OHIO — General Theatre Equipment &
GRAND RAPIDS 2, MICH. — Ringold Theatre Equip- Supply Co., 109 Michigan St.
ment Co., 106 Michigan St., N. W. Telephone
6-8515. TOLEDO 4, OHIO — American Theatre Supply Co., 519
E. Broadway.
fantfw a/& STR ON G ~t6e /oidit/ie (o
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
ME
89
PITTSBURGH
Dudy Navari, busy trying to open the beau-
tiful new Eastwood in Penn township,
took time off to attend at least one of last
week’s operas. Another evening we spotted
the M. N. Shapiros, Hazelwood exhibitors.
Frances Dana, wife of Peter Dana, UI dis-
trict manager, and Mrs. Perry Nathan, wife
of the NSS manager, are members of the
opera guild’s general committee. Bart
Dattola, New Kensington exhibitor, staged a
party for some of the opera stars, one of
whom was employed at his theatres not many
years ago.
George Stern, formerly identified with
Filmrow and the South Park Drive-In, grad-
uated this week from the engineering school
at the University of Pittsburgh . . . E. L. Oak-
ley, National Theatre Supply auditor, has
been on duty at the local office . . . Excava-
tion work was started on the drive-in near
Irwin for Outdoor Theatre, Inc. . . . William
Grande, veteran roadshow distributor, who
has been booking his offerings in West Vir-
ginia, is the father of a son born here May 6.
“Col.” Jim McGowan, 81 -year-old uncle of
Jim Alexander, is touring the south following
his attendance at the annual convention of
the Knights of the Road, Hoboes of America,
Inc., which was held in Miami. Colorful
“Uncle Jim” stole the show, as usual, from
Jeff Davis, “King of the Hoboes.”
Hymie and Yetta Wheeler visited in Cin-
cinnati with the local Monogram salesman’s
brother Eddie, who operates the Wheeler
Film Co., Astor distributor . . . Nick Dipson,
circuit exhibitor, is back on the job after
another visit in his native Greece . . . David
and Ruth Hadburg of the Hazelwood are
vacationing in Florida.
Mr. and Mrs. David Fineman, as in years
past, tagged Filmrow for the Home for Jew-
ish Babies fund . . . W. Stewart McDonald,
Warner circuit vice-president, was a visitor
. . . Joe Cevario, Brackenridge exhibitor, is
bringing his family to the Roy Rogers circus
and he will have several guests, children
patrons of the Valley Theatre.
Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Rosenberg report they
enjoyed their Atlantic City vacation . . . The
H. R. Cromwells, Bedford exhibitors, say they
had a grand time at the Hollywood studios
. . . National Theatre Supply reports that
Robert C. Wilson has changed the name of
his new theatre at Rowlesburg, W. Va., from
the Wilson to the Rowlesburg.
C. C. Kellenberg of Filmrow announces that
Gen. Brehon B. Somervell will be in charge
of arrangements for the state convention of
the American Legion here in August. “Kel”
is county Legion commander.
Fred A. Beedle, Canonsburg exhibitor and
AMPTO vice-president, spent most of last
week in Harrisburg, where he and Fred J.
Herrington, local Allied secretary, put up a
fight against house bill No. 800 ... At the
PRC-EL exchange, Ed “Goodie” Good has
the newest and roomiest shipping quarters on
Filmrow.
Arthur Greenblatt, Monogram’s district
representative, was here on business . . .
Crown exchange’s “Heart of New York,” with
A1 Jolson, and “The Road to Hollywood,”
with Bing Crosby, opened in the Art Cinema
. . . Corning Glass Works, Charleroi, has em-
barked on a half-million-dollar construc-
tion project to expand its plant and manu-
facture television bulbs for RCA, Du Mont
and other television companies.
Chuck Reichblum, son of the Leon Reich-
blums, a junior at the University of Syra-
cuse, has been selected as one of five students
who will manage WJIV, new FM station
set up on the campus by General Electric.
His father, Leon, who operates LeRich Thea-
tres, and his uncle Sam, Youngtown show-
man, were in attendance at the Variety con-
vention in Los Angeles.
Mrs. M. A. Silver was in the cast of a
dramatic production presented last week in
the YM&WHA auditorium . . . Local friends
of William J. Kupper, Fox manager here
some years ago, were pleased that “Bill” con-
tinues on the “up” with 20th-Fox, having
been named company head in Great Britain.
The RKO boys held a farewell dinner in the
Playhouse grill last Friday evening for Irwin
“Ike” Sweeney, who has joined Republic here
as manager. Present were Morris E. Lefko,
David Silverman, Irving Frankel, Russ Zebra,
Paul Reith, Allen Weider and Sanford Miller.
Following a gift presentation to Sweeney, the
gang took in a Pirate night game.
Bill Scott, who resigned UA sales duties
after upward of a quarter of a century, was
the first distributor to purchase a ticket for
the Herringtons’ 50th wedding anniversary
banquet. Bill departs for a Florida vacation
June 8 . . . Joe DeMann, Warner projectionist,
who had been laid up with arthritis, attended
the Variety convention in Los Angeles. Just
before the local delegation pulled out for
California, it was reported that he would be
unable to go, but he made it. Barkers of tent
No. 1 have returned from the big affair.
If you want the baseball lineup and all the
“dope” just get in touch with Bobby Lefko,
son of the RKO manager, who is a great
Pirate fan . . . Jimmy O’Keefe, veteran film
man, was a visitor on the celluloid market
. . . Eddie Singer has resigned as an assistant
RKO shipper to embark upon the auto parts-
accessories business in McKeesport, and
Louis Mastracci, formerly with Columbia
here, has replaced him.
Opening of the Iris, Cochranton, was at-
tended by a number of members of the in-
dustry, including George H. Sallows, Morgan-
town, W. Va., showman; Dewey Kelley, vet-
teran Morgantown projectionist; Bob Lynch,
Warner sales representative; Edgar E. Shaf-
fer, Slippery Rock exhibitor; Newt Williams,
National Theatre Supply; Ted Perrine, Sandy
Lake exhibitor, and others.
Charles Baron, MGM’s local area ex-
ploiteer, is working on his 2,501st campaign
for old Leo the Lion. The assignment is “The
Sea of Grass” . . . Sam Seplowin, Republic
district manager, was here looking after the
branch office until “Ike” Sweeney assumed
duties as manager May 19 . . . William Nes-
bitt, Republic auditor, was here on business.
John Mayer, Loew’s office manager, will
attend a company meeting in Cincinnati . . .
Tommy Bello jr., son of the Nanty-Glo
showman, isn’t joining the Silverman Bros.
Strand, Altoona, staff, but will join the
Blatt Bros, circuit in Altoona when the Blatt
drive-in theatre is opened late next month.
Harold Friedlander reported at the local
MGM office this week as a student salesman.
Formerly in New York with the company for
more than six years, he was in Uncle Sam’s
service for more than four years. After sev-
eral weeks in the office, Friedlander will ac-
company branch sales representatives on
business trips.
The Pittsburgh board of education is peti-
tioning the state legislature for the right to
levy a $5 head tax in 1948 to help support the
city’s public schools . . . Victor F. Cuneo,
Stanley stagehand for upward of 20 years,
died recently after a long illness . . . Roy
Rogers will bring Bob Nolan and the Sons of
the Pioneers here for the outdoor circus at
Forbes field in July.
Miss M. E. Shively of the Midstate circuit
invited friends in the trade to a beauty con-
test she staged the evening of May 23 in the
Ritz, Clearfield, to select a Miss Clearfield
and Miss Moshannon Valley.
The Max Ungers were hosts at the last
Variety Club family party.
Mrs. Oliver A. Kihchel, owner and man-
ager of the Princess, Jeannette, since the
death of her husband, was in Washington
last week to see her ill grandson, .Timmy, 3-
year-old son of O. A. “Buster” Kihchel jr.
and Mrs. Kihchel.
LOUISVILLE
T*he Dudley Williston Enterprises of Indian-
apolis, operating a chain of colored thea-
tres in Kentucky and Indiana, will construct
a theatre here with 1,400 seats. The building
will also contain two stores and eight office
units. The proposed house has been designed
by architects Ossian P. Ward and Walter B.
Rueve of Louisville. The Williston Enter-
prises also operate the Lyric, Palace and Dixie
theatre here, with A. E. Campbell as resident
manager.
“The Farmer’s Daughter,” after a success-
ful week’s run at the Rialto, was moved over
to the Brown for a second week . . . Still
going strong at the National was “Smash-Up”
. . . After completing the run of “Duel in the
Sun,” Loew’s brought in “Dishonored Lady”
and “Bulldog Drummond at Bay” on a double
bill ... At the Mary Anderson was “Love
and Learn” and at the Strand “Trail Street”
and “Beat the Band.”
Recent visitors included Bob Enoch, Eliza-
bethtown Amusement Co., Elizabethtown,
Ky.; M. H. Sparks, New Strand, Edmonton,
Ky.; Clyde Marshall, Columbian, Columbia,
Ky.; Oscar Hopper, Arista, Lebanon, Ky.;
A. N. Miles, Eminence Theatre, Eminence,
Ky.; D. G. Steinkamp, Dream, French Lick,
Ind.; T. N. Luckett, French Lick Amusement
Co., French Lick.
William R. Williams, executive director of
the Savoy Amusement Co., has returned from
Oklahoma City, where he renewed old
acquaintances. Williams was formerly a resi-
dent there.
Strand in Altoona Outbids
Publix on 20th-Fox Films
ALTOONA, PA— The Strand here entered
successful bids for two 2Qth-Fox produc-
tions, “Carnival in Costa Rica” and “Home-
stretch,” the latter opening May 29. The
20th-Fox product formerly was licensed to
the Altoona-Publix Corp. A. N. Notopoulos
circuit, and these are the first films from
this company to be licensed to the Silverman
Bros’ theatre.
Opening at David, Ky.
DAVID, KY.— Virgil Warex has opened
his new theatre here.
On the Life of Joan of Arc
Andrew Solt has been set to work on the
screenplay of the Metro production based on
the life of Joan of Arc.
90
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY JOINS
TVjr. Of Wjrd. Jred j}. Jderrlnyton
In Observing Their
The Allied MPTO of W. Pa. Invites You, Mr. and Mrs. Theatre Owner, Mr. and
Mrs. Film Distributor, and All Members of the Industry, to Participate
in This Grand Banquet Honoring the Veteran Independent
Exhibitor Organization Secretary and Mrs. Herrington.
Make Reservations Immediately
Banquet Tickets $5 each
ATTEND THE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY EVENT - “A NIGHT TO REMEMRER.”
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 1947 Six-Thirty P. M.
Urban Room
William Penn Hotel
Pittsburgh
Norman B. Mervis, Chairman
William Finkel, Co-Chairman
William J. Blatt
Robert F. Klingensmith
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
91
Roger Garrett, University Manager,
Doubles as the Theatre Organist
COLUMBUS — Roger Garrett, manager and
featured organist at the University, new
Academy house oppo-
site the campus of
Ohio State University,
believes he is one of
the very few managers
who also double as en-
tertainers.
Something of a
throwback to the days
when managers might
be cashiers, doormen,
ushers and pianists,
Garrett plays the
Hammond organ twice
nightly in the theatre
which he manages.
roger garrett Garrett’s songfests are
popular with his audiences, composed largely
of Ohio State students. For 10 years he
played similar song sessions at the console
of Loew’s Ohio.
Garrett started his theatre career at the
age of 12, still in knee pants, in his native
Springfield, Ohio, as pianist in silent movie
houses. He played with one eye on the screen
and the other watching for employment in-
spectors who might discover his tender years.
“Those were really the days,” Garrett rem-
inisced. “You had to be able to change the
mood of the music to fit the action. Tom
Mix, Buck Jones, Bill Hart and Hoot Gibson
w^ere the popular stars and they certainly
went in for action.”
Garrett is the only local entertainer ever
made honorary cheerleader of the Ohio State
university cheer leading staff. As such, he is
entitled to wear the official uniform and tote
the huge scarlet and gray megaphone. That’s
just what he used to do at the huge football
rallies held at the Ohio and it’s a fairly
safe bet he’ll be doing just that come next
football season.
Garrett’s first organ program each week-
night is broadcast over WOOL at 6:45. Spon-
sored by all the Academy theatres, the 15-
minute program gives news of current and
coming attractions. Patrons are admitted for
the broadcast and the first evening show be-
gins immediately after the broadcast. Gar-
rett uses slides in his organlogues and spe-
cializes in novelty and comic songs.
The organist-manager or manager-organist
would like to hear from other managers
throughout the country who also double be-
hind the footlights.
During the war, Garrett, who enlisted in
the marines in 1942, played the organ at
Parris Island, marine recruit training base,
and later joined a marine entertainment unit,
headed by Bob Crosby, in Hawaii.
YOUNGSTOWN
Dark Theatre offered the Shubert production
“Student Prince” on May 17, for matinee
and evening performances, with top of $2.50
and $3.10, respectively.
The Don McNeill Breakfast club, heard
daily over WFMJ, will come to Stambaugh
auditorium for two shows Saturday, June 7,
at 7 p. m. and 9:30 p. m., sponsored by the
Youngstown Newspaper Guild. Seats are
$1.50 and $2.
Earl Peitz, 51, manager of Craig Beach
park at Lake Milton, was burned in a gas
explosion w'hich wrecked the park’s office
building . . . Downtown Youngstown theatres
are showing a newsreel of the four Youngs-
town Symphony orchestra concerts played in
Stambaugh auditorium April 30-May 1 for
approximately 10,000 school children.
To Open at Van Lear
VAN LEAR, KY. — Herman Packs con-
templates opening his new Van Lear Theatre
June 1.
B0X0FFICE INSURANCE
For Your OFF NIGHTS -
INCREASE YOUR BOXOFFICE RECEIPTS—
KEEP THEM COMING TO YOUR THEATRE REGULARLY
by using
THEATRE EMPLOYMENT NIGHT
(Copyrighted)
or
BIRTH-DATE DIVIDEND CLUB
(Copyrighted)
(Note: Both Copyrighted Plans provide for the use of "Proxy Cards” for the night and
matinee ahead of the night of selection.)
KEEP THEM IN THE HABIT OF ATTENDING EACH WEEK
Wire - Write - Phone
EARL W. PENROD
/J^jilicUed Adu&UiA*in<f,
5780 Washington Blvd.
Indianapolis, Indiana
iSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS^)
COLUMBUS
J^oger Garrett, manager-organist at the Uni-
1 versity, featured the song, “I Had a Won-
derful Time in Columbus,” by Kermit Goell,
in a recent Sunday performance at the thea-
tre. The song tells the story of a vaudeville
performer who had a gala time during a
short stay in Columbus. Goell is the com-
poser of “Huggin’ and Chalkin’ ” and
“Slowly.”
The Palace has inaugurated a weekly series
of “Stars of the Future” stage shows and
radio broadcasts in cooperation with KHKC.
The stage show, in which local amateurs par-
ticipate, is held Saturday mornings . . .
Charles Richards, assistant manager of the
University, will wed Geneva Hinkle June 6.
Music for the ceremony will be played by
Roger Garrett, organist and manager of the
University.
Eleven-year-old Jimmy Lowery is winner
of the bicycle offered in the Claude Jarman
jr., resemblance contest conducted by Man-
ager Walter Kessler of the Ohio and the
Columbus Citizen . . . Bobby Jones, past chief
barker of the Variety Club, is back in town
after many months spent in Central Amer-
ica, where he was a stellar night club attrac-
tion . . . That Philco radio recently installed
in the Variety Club lounge is a gift of Fred
Oestreicher, Loew’s publicist.
Work on the multimillion-dollar Franklin
county veterans’ memorial is not expected to
start until 1949. High cost of material and
labor is delaying construction, although plans
are being drawn for the monumental struc-
ture, which will be in the Civic Center near
the theatre section.
Ultrahigh speed films which slow mile-a-
minute action to 26 feet a minute on the
screen were demonstrated at a meeting of the
Columbus section, American Institute of
Electrical Engineers. The demonstration was
given by H. D. McLarty, Buffalo, N. Y., who
has developed a camera which takes motion
pictures at the rate of 3,200 frames per second.
The new Esquire Theatre on East Broad
Street in the Bexley -Eastmoor suburban area
is the first new theatre here to benefit di-
rectly from expanding transit lines. The Co-
lumbus and Southern Ohio Electric Co. dur-
ing the past week inaugurated a semiexpress
bus service on East Broad, with James road,
several blocks beyond the theatre, as the
eastern terminus.
P. J. Wood, ITO secretary, urges members
planning to attend the state ITO convention
July 14-16 at Cedar Point, Ohio, to make
immediate reservations with Tom Sabrey,
manager of the Breakers, Cedar Point, men-
tioning the theatre owners convention. “And
don’t forget to bring your wife,” says Pete.
“It’ll be a second honeymoon.”
More Shea Houses Book
'Repeat Performance'
NEW YORK — “Repeat Performance,” which
opened at Shea’s Liberty Theatre in Zanes-
ville, Ohio, May 22, has been booked into
eight additional first run Shea circuit thea-
tres in Ohio, according to A. W. Schwalberg,
E-L vice-president and general sales manager.
The first run situations already set are at
the State Theatre, Cambridge, May 29; Mid-
land, Newark, June 1; Hippodrome, Marietta,
June 1; State, Conneaut, June 1; Bexly,
Dover, June 1; Shea, Geneva, June 1, and
Quaker, Philadelphia, midnight show May
31, followed by the regular run June 1.
92
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
GRAND RAPIDS BARKERS — Come out from behind those phony mustaches —
we know you. It’s the delegation from Tent 27, Grand Rapids, Mich., arriving to attend
the Variety convention in Los Angeles.
PRCEagle-Lion Members
At Cleveland Sales Meet
CLEVELAND— A. W. Schwalberg, Eagle-
Lion general sales manager, with his assist-
ant, Harold Dunne, conducted a sales meet-
ing at the Statler hotel Saturday to outline
policies for forthcoming E-L and PRC prod-
uct.
Present at the meeting were E-L district
managers Joe Minsky of Philadelphia, Harry
Mandel of Chicago, William Feld of Cin-
cinnati and William S. Shartin of Cleveland.
Also present were PRC district managers Max
Roth of Chicago, James Hendel of Pittsburgh,
and A1 Herman of Buffalo.
While Saturday was given over to business,
Sunday was a day of festivities. All of the
officials, as well as guests from Los Angeles,
Minneapolis, Chicago, San Antonio, Seattle,
Chicago and New York, were guests of Mr’,
and Mrs. William S. Shartin at the marriage
of their daughter Iris to Howard Goldstone
of Chicago.
The ceremony was performed in the Statler
hotel by Rabbi Harry Kaplan of Columbus,
a cousin of Bill Shartin. Geri Shartin, sister
of the bride, was maid of honor. A luncheon
was served after the ceremony.
Following a honeymoon in New York the
couple will live in Chicago, where they have
an apartment.
Old Friends in Pittsburgh
Attend Rowland Funeral
WILKINSBURG, PA.— Oldtimers, friends
and business associates, attended the service
here for Richard A. “Dick” Rowland, mo-
tion picture pioneer. James B. Clark, broth-
er-in-law and business partner of Rowland
through the years, and Mrs. Clark, arrived at
the funeral home with Mrs. Rowland and
members of the family.
Alice S. Ziegler was the first of the old-
timers here to view the remains of the noted
motion picture industry pioneer. Then came
Ben Burke, an original partner with Row-
land and Clark.
Others present for the service included
•such veterans and friends as Alexander
Parke, Thomas A. Gilbert, Arthur Vossberg,
Anthony Engstler, Thomas Edward Rhodes,
Mr. and Mrs. George F. Rhodes jr., Russ
Wehrle, Alex P. Gillespie, William M. Wood,
Dr. A. I. Wise, Mrs. Paul B. Jones, N. M.
McDowell, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Morton, Paul
Qualtrough, Mrs. Hunt Miller and Robert F.
Klingensmith.
Rowland, ill for upward of a year, died
in New York.
Franklin Film Exchange
Moves to New Quarters
PITTSBURGH — Franklin Film exchange is
occupying a Filmrow office at 70 Van Braam
St., second floor, above the LeViant Printing
Co. Louis E. Hanna and Franklin Anderson,
owners of the exchange, state they are a num-
ber of weeks late moving in due to the tele-
phone strike. Shipping quarters remain at
1027 Gibbon St., in the rear of old Filmrow
on Forbes street.
Post No. 357 Nominates
Blough as Commander
DETROIT — H. Owen Blough was nomi-
nated as commander of theatrical post No.
357 of the American Legion, at a meeting
here last week, with Gilbert Lubin as senior
vice-commander.
Other nominations: Junior vice-com-
mander, John Grubaugh and Robert Gold-
staff; adjutant, Welbert Haartge; finance
officer, George Turner; chaplain, Wayne
Roberts; historian, Lee Crowell; sergeant at
arms, Francis Light; trustees for three years,
John Williams and Bob Henri ^delegates to
the Detroit districts, Carson, Grubaugh.
Stolz, Goldstaff and Brewer; delegates to the
department, Gil Light, Harry Carson, Owen
Blough, George Fredericks, Bill Stolz, Bud
Cusick, Ed Waddell and Francis Light.
Annual school awards will again be given
to the St. Francis Home for Boys. A reso-
lution to raise dues to $7.50 a year was
passed. Next meeting will be held June 11.
'Years' Leaves University
CLEVELAND— “The Best Years of Our
Lives,” playing a day-and-date run at the
Lower Mall and University theatres for the
past six weeks, is now showing only at the
Lower Mall. The picture was withdrawn
from the University Theatre to make way for
“Fantasia,” which opened May 22.
Harold Russell Visits Dayton
DAYTON — Harold Russell, handless win-
ner of two Academy awards for his first pro-
fessional motion picture appearance in “The
Best Years of Our Lives,” came to Dayton
for press and radio interviews during show-
ings of the film at the RKO Colonial Thea-
tre.
In The Sea Hound'
Columbia has signed Pamela Blake for a
role in "The Sea Hound.”
Kentucky Group Opposes
Usherettes Pay Hikes
LOUISVILLE — Guthrie Crowe, president
of the Kentucky Ass’n of Theatre Owners,
has sent out a call to showmen to appear
at a hearing in Frankfort Monday morning
(26) in opposition to an order from the com-
missioner of industrial relations sharply in-
creasing compensation of minors and women
throughout the state. The order would raise
wages of usherettes, candy girls, etc., to an
extremely high figure, the theatre owners say.
The meeting was called in compliance with
a statute which requires the commissioner to
conduct a hearing before making a wage
order enforceable by punishment.
'Fifth Avenue' in Stanley
PITTSBURGH — Sam Fineberg, Monogram
manager, reports that the demand for Allied
Artists’ “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” has
increased from month to month since the
first of the year. Soon to be released, the
picture has been booked into the Stanley,
downtown, and will play early dates in key
cities in the area. The Roy Del Ruth comedy
is believed to be the second independent film
ever booked for the Stanley.
Gets Musical Chore
MGM has handed the musical director
chore on “Cass Timberlane” to Herbert
Stothart.
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFTICt:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 ol which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE. DATE & RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
CD Remittance Enclosed CD Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE
NAME POSITION
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
93
Four Decades at Arcanum
Chancellors Date Back to
By LILLIAN SELTZER
ARCANUM, OHIO — Admission was a nickel,
5 cents, the 20th part of a dollar, when the
Dreamland opened here May 9, 1907. Pa-
HARRY CHANCELLOR
trons not only were regaled with that de-
lightful novelty, moving pictures, but they
were further entertained with illustrated
songs.
A yellowed copy of the Arcanum Times,
carrying the first ad for the new theatre,
reveals that Helen Robbins was the singer,
with Charles Lowder at the piano. Said the
advertisement:
“High class entertainment given each eve-
ning and matinee Saturday evening.”
Ever since that day more than 40 years
ago, Harry and William Chancellor have
been running the Dreamland, or, as it be-
came known after a remodeling process in
1927, the Ritz. They had their ups and
downs, but they stick it out and today have
a prosperous business and enjoy the respect
of residents over a wide area.
Says the editor of the Times in a front
page story a few weeks ago congratulating
the Brothers Chancellor:
“. . . The writer can remember when, as
a kid, he sneaked in the back door, with the
help of his bosom buddy, Dick Ault, who
pumped away at the old player piano that sat
Babb Makes Arrangements
For Hygienic's Convention
WILMINGTON, OHIO — Hygienic Produc-
tions general manager Kroger Babb has com-
pleted arrangements for the 1947 convention
to be held at the Roosevelt hotel, Los Angeles,
during the week of December 7-14.
The company’s entire personnel of approxi-
mately 150 persons will attend and receive
their annual bonuses. Nightly entertainment
is planned for the entire convention period.
Last year Hygienic distributed $63,000 in
bonus bonds to employes. Company officials
estimate the employes’ extra dividends for
1947 will exceed $100,000, as there are now 15
units of ‘‘Mom and Dad” on tour.
Nickel Admission Days
near the exit, just to the right of the screen.
“There was a hand-operated picture ma-
chine, which was used for several years. The
film ran loose into a large metal tank. Pro-
grams consisted of one 10-minute reel and
WILLIAM CHANCELLOR
one set of colored song slides . . . Usually
the management did not know the title of
the next picture to be shown until the film
can was opened.
“Handbills for the opening show, ‘Dick the
Newsboy,’ were passed over town by Joe
Troxel and Howard Siler.
“The first feature-length picture to be
shown was Pathe’s hand-colored ‘Passion
Play.’ It was in three reels and was run as
serials are today. Part one was exhibited
Wednesday and Thursday, August 7, 8, 1907;
part two August 9, 10; part three August
12, 13.
“In 1927 the Dreamland gave way to the
march of progress, and complete remodeling
transformed it into a modern theatre which
was named the Ritz.
“The Chancellor brothers still own and
operate the Ritz, a record probably un-
equalled except in very few instances. The
Times congratulates these veteran show oper-
ators on their fine record in the business life
of Arcanum, and extends to them best wishes
for many more years of ‘showing the shows’
to this community.”
'Miracle' Previewed
PITTSBURGH— “Miracle on 34th Street”
was sneak-previewed Thursday evening (22)
in the J. P. Harris, and 20th-Fox also an-
nounced this as a tradeshowing. Rodney
Bush, exploitation head for 20th-Fox, was
here in connection with the sneak-preview
and local members of press and radio were
dinner guests prior to the exhibition of the
comedy.
Nortons Acquire Two
KENTON, OHIO— Mr. and Mrs. N. A. Nor-
ton, owners of the Ohio Theatre, have pur-
chased two additional houses, the Princess
and the Chief, in Wauseon, Ohio.
Bob Hope to Do Benefit
For Hospital in Toledo
TOLEDO — Bob Hope’s benefit show for the
St. Vincent’s hospital campaign fund will be
held in Swayne field, home of the Toledo
Mudhens, Wednesday evening (28). Hope is
donating his troupe’s services. The comedian
promised St. Vincent officials he would come
here to do a show for them several years ago,
when his brother Sidney was a patient in the
hospital.
Dr. Leo P. Dolan has been named honorary
chairman and Mitchell Woodbury, the Blade’s
theatre editor, chairman of the committee
staging the event.
Aiding Woodbury, who presented 75 shows
for service men under USO auspices during
the war years, are the following: Mrs. Flora
Ward Hineline, Sunny Miller, Dorman Rich-
ardson, Paul Spor, William Graesser, William
Bray, Glenn Jackson, Karl Nelson, William
Carlson, and the following theatre managers
—Howard Feigley, Rivoli; Marvin Harris,
Paramount; Giles Robb, Princess; Jack
Lykes, Colony; Abe Ludacer, Loew’s Valen-
tine; Jack O’Connell, Loop and Ohio;
Stephen Toth, Esquire, and Jack Armstrong,
State and Carl, Schwyn circuit.
Jay Jason, master of ceremonies at Kasee’s
night club, will do similar chores at the Bob
Hope show.
20th-Fox May Make Film
At Miami Fairgrounds
TROY, OHIO — The Miami county fair-
grounds here may be the setting of a future
motion picture. Eight representatives from
20th-Fox studios recently inspected the
grounds. They are planning a picture along
the lines of “Home in Indiana.”
Name Council Officers
DETROIT — The Greater Detroit Motion
Picture council has elected the following new
officers for 1947-48: President, Mrs. Wayne
Mohr; vice-presidents, Mrs. Roy Riddle and
Mrs. C. Lundy; recording secretary, Mrs. F.
C. Van Deusen; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
Clifford Reynolds; treasurer, Mrs. L. W. For-
rester.
SPRINGFIELD
M H. “Mike” Chakeres, city manager of
Chakeres Theatres, is honeymooning in
Miami Beach, Fla., for several weeks with his
bride, the former Anne Katris, daughter of
Mr. and M!rs. William Katris of Mount Ver-
non, Ohio. They were married May 18 in
the Greek Orthodox church in Columbus. The
Rev. John Kapenekas of Akron, great uncle
of the bride, officiated, assisted by the Rev.
S. Lavriotes of Columbus and the Rev. Zanos
Gougoutas of Mansfield. Preceding the ex-
change of vows, Oliver Nicklas, manager of
the State Theatre here, played a half hour of
organ wedding music. Duties of best man
were performed by George Settos, Indianap-
olis theatre executive. Chakeres is the son
of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Chakeres of Spring-
field.
Phil Chakeres, president of Chakeres Thea-
tres, left for a trip to New York City . . .
O. R. Bellamy, formerly an account executive
with the Frederick Ziv radio program agency
of Cincinnati, has been appointed general
manager of WWSO, new standard broadcast-
ing station which begins operations here this
summer. Gus Sun, head of the Gus Sun
booking agency here, is owner of the station.
94
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
C_LEJVJ_LA ND
parle Sweigert, Paramount eastern division
sales manager, held a two-day sales meet-
ing of the local exchange personnel during
the past week. Discussion centered on plans
for the Paramount 35-year anniversary drive.
A meeting in Detroit preceded the pne in
Cleveland, which in turn was followed by
another in Cincinnati.
Howard Rutherford is the new manager at
Loew’s Park Theatre, where he succeeds Abe
Ludacer, transferred to the Valentine, To-
ledo, succeeding Ted Teschner, who went into
the theatrical sign business. Rutherford, a
Loew veteran of 17 years, comes to Cleve-
land from New Orleans, where he was as-
sistant to Loew’s manager Rodney Toups. He
also served a tour of Loew duty in Louisville
and Atlanta.
Vaughan O’Neill, recently appointed man-
ager of Loew’s Ohio here in Cleveland, has
finally assembled his family under one roof.
He, his wife and two children have moved into
the apartment vacated by the Abe Ludacers
. . . Mike Blattner, Co-Op booker, was called
to Columbus last week by the death of his
father-in-law, Ernest Rhodes.
William S. Shartin, E-L district manager,
announces that he has set deals for “Bedelia,”
“Lost Honeymoon” and “It’s a Joke, Son”
with Warners in Akron, Canton and Youngs-
town ... In spite of rain every day last week,
a few hardy exhibitors ventured forth. They
included Jerry Anderson, Union Theatre,
Richwood; Albert Lucas, Grafton Theatre,
Grafton; Harry Crim, City Theatre, Bergholz;
H. C. Waggoner, Star Theatre, Amsterdam,
and the “regulars” from Akron.
Jules Lapidus, Warner eastern division sales
manager, visited Cleveland last week on his
routine tour of the territory, conferring with
district manager Charles Rich, branch man-
ager Jerry Wechsler and the Warner sales
personnel.
Louis Gross of Central Shipping Terminal
has changed his sports hobby. A former en-
thusiastic golfer, he now concentrates on fish-
ing. Gross says he doesn’t have to do so much
walking . . . Louis Van Baalen, out of the
industry since the start of the war, is playing
a return engagement. He has joined the PRC
sales force.
Following the opening of “The Best Years
of Our Lives” at Ed Prinsen’s Palace Theatre,
Youngstown, the Youngstown Vindicator came
out with an editorial comparing it with
“GWTW,” saying “ ‘The Best Years of Our
Lives’ is by far the finer play.”
Oscar Ruby, Columbia branch manager, will
be among those present at the Columbia sales
meeting in Chicago June 3-5 . . . Roger
Marsh, son of W. Ward Marsh, Plain Dealer
motion picture editor, is arms and ammuni-
tion editor of Hunting and Pishing Magazine
. . . P. J. Wood, ITO secretary, reminds all
exhibitors that July 14 isn’t so far off and
urges all who plan to attend the ITO con-
vention on that date in Cedar Point to make
their reservations immediately.
Sol Gardon has resigned from United Art-
ists to join the local Selznick Releasing Or-
ganization as office manager and booker. Dick
Dowdell, previously with Warners, succeeds
him as UA booker . . . Condolences to Mary
Presley of the Film Grille restaurant, whose
mother Mrs. Sillia Presley died recently.
Bob Snyder, assistant to Albert Dezel of
Albert Dezel Roadshow Attractions, was a
weekend visitor . . . Kroger Babb of Hygienic
Productions is now on the west coast com-
pleting preliminary arrangements for a new
Gus Sun at 80 Isn't at All Worried
Over the Future of Show Business
COLUMBUS — Gus Sun, Ohio's grand old
showman, isn’t worried about the future of
show business.
So reported Dud Chamberlain, Marietta
editor and Sunday columnist for the Colum-
bus Citizen. Chamberlain visited Sun in
Miami recently. “Show business will be dif-
ferent, of course,” Gus says, “as it always
has been. But it will still have its up and
downs; be lots of fun for everyone, make
good money for the good and a lot for the
good and lucky.”
“Mr. Sun has weathered the good and bad
of the business for almost 60 years, (writes
Chamberlain), and has enjoyed every minute
of it — juggling in refined vaudeville at Tony
Pastor’s, bucking the long muddy Ohio roads
with his own early wagon-circus, trouping
the forlorn one-night opry houses with the
famous Sun Minstrels and then his own chain
of theatres and the Gus Sun booking office.
“Now Mr. Sun, nearing 80, winters in Miami
and battles the surf every morning before
8. The great of the show world are guests
at his gracious home. Sophie Tucker dined
en famille recently. Our own too short eve-
ning was filled with fascinating reminiscence
and anecdote. His is an epic story, which
some bright young reporter ought to write
down. But much as he relishes these latter
days, Mr. Sun is sure he enjoyed the making
of his first million far more than he has its
ownership or spending.
“My only regret is that I can’t do it all
over again,” he said in parting.
feature production to get rolling in the fall.
On his flight west he stopped off to visit
“Mom and Dad” units and agents at St. Louis,
Kansas City, Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle,
Portland, Oakland and San Francisco. On his
return trip east he will make stops at San
Diego, Phoenix, El Paso, Fort Worth, New
Orleans and Memphis.
The Detroit Theatre here has installed a
new dual channel sound system ... A new
projector mechanism has been installed at the
University Theatre . . . The University has
ordered new carpets which will be laid as
soon as delivery can be made.
Nightingale Club Elects
Douville for 1947-1948
DETROIT — Edgar Douville of the Linwood-
LaSalle Theatre was elected president of the
Nightingale club for 1947-48.
Other new officers: Floyd Akins, Circle
Theatre, vice-president; Michael Badarak,
Nortown Theatre, treasurer; Jack Colwell,
Lincoln Theatre, financial secretary; Eddy
Waddell, Arcade Theatre, recording secre-
tary.
The Nightingale bowling league, now built
up to a full ten-team league, will resume
bowling early in the fall.
AKRON
The Highland Theatre, in accordance with
long custom, was donated for the annual
Children’s hospital benefit show last Satur-
day (17). Arnold’s animal frolics was pre-
sented for the children, who contributed to
the benefit fund . . . “The Best Years of Our
Lives” moved into the Colonial May 23, re-
placing “The Late George Apley.”
One of the few films to be held over at the
Colonial for more than two weeks was “The
Farmer’s Daughter,” which opened its third
week May 16 . . . Next stage show set for the
Palace is Louis Prima, coming June 26. Desi
Arnaz will arrive July 10 . . . "Abie’s Irish
Rose” began a first run showing at the
Allen May 22.
Modernize in Bentleyville
BENTLEYVILLE, PA.— Alex Silay and
Steve Medve have renovated and modern-
ized the Roosevelt here and have installed a
complete U.S. air conditioning system and
a dual - channel Motiograph - Mirrophonic
sound system, furnished by Atlas Theatre
Supply.
Juvenile in 'The Sea Hound'
Juvenile lead in “The Sea Hound,” a Co-
lumbia production, has been given Ralph
Hodges.
!
FREE! Give your patrons
Wear-Ever Pressure Cookers and All Metal Shop-
ping Carts worth $287.50. Write for details.
Coulter
Dinnerware
Theatre Films
403 Film Bldo
Cleveland 14. Ohio
Theatre
Games
Fight Tax Measure
HARRISBURG— Theatre owners and other
merchants this week were staging a fight
against Pennsylvania house bill 800. Prop-
erty owners charged that a “joker” in the bill
would exempt “nearly every” business from
a possible new tax. This real estate group
states that the amendment means that a
city seeking more revenue under this act will
not be able to tax any enterprise which pays
a state corporation tax, gross receipts tax or
income tax, or any type of state tax. Thus,
cities will not be able to tax utilities or trans-
portation companies. This exemption also
would extend to most theatres as the majority
pay the state corporation tax.
OLIVER THEATRE
SUPPLY CO., INC.
M. H. FRITCHLE
Manager
23rd and Payne Avenue
Phone: PRospect 6934
CLEVELAND
r -'"^I
Qene'ia.l “llteatsie. Zquifunent Go. u
\ 109 Michigan St. Toledo 2, Ohio »
i ADams 8551 — Nights and Sun. JOrdan 1662 yjj
A complete line of equipment and supplies, w
| CENTURY PROJECTORS $
[ CENTURY SOUND SYSTEMS |
IDEAL CHAIRS $
STRONG LAMPS 0
24-Hour Projection and Sound Service Yt
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
95
TOLEDO
The housing shortage is troubling Abe Lud-
ecar, manager of Loew’s Valentine, re-
cently transferred here from the Park in
Cleveland. Bert Sokol, assistant manager,
has found a room, though his extensive be-
longings are crowding him somewhat, he
says. Sokol comes from Loew’s in Harrisburg.
Next stage revue at the Paramount will be
headed by Louis Prima and his orchestra,
who are dated for June 21-23 . . . Fire in the
projection room of the Alan Theatre, a neigh-
borhood, caused an estimated loss of $2,150.
About 200 patrons were watching Bette Davis
in “Deception” and at first weren’t convinced
of the existence of the blaze. Frank Vanden
Eynden, operator, stopped the projector and
persuaded the patrons to leave in orderly
fashion.
“Open City,” the Italian film hailed by New
York critics, has been booked for the Palace
in the near future, said Howard Feigley,
manager of the Skirball houses here . . . Ann
Myers reported to police that someone cut
her coat, while she was wearing it, in the
Paramount Theatre. This is the first case
of its kind in a long time . . . Charles Smith,
Chicago advertising man, has been named
director of the Toledo Aquarama, an enter-
tainment festival to be held August 7-16.
New Face at Meyersdale
MEYERSDALE, PA.— The State Theatre,
recently renovated and redecorated, soon will
install a two-story glass front, according to
Lawrence Lowstetter, proprietor.
To Portray Himself
Warners has set Sam Hayes, sports an-
nouncer, to portray himself in “Whiplash.”
CINCINNATI U-I HEAD— Irving
Sochin, newly appointed U-I manager in
Cincinnati, hails from Boston where he
had many friends among film folk
through his show business affiliations.
His film career started in Cincinnati in
1938 when he joined United Artists as
West Virginia salesman; and from there
went to 20th-Fox as salesman in 1940.
In 1942 Sochin was promoted to sales
manager for the 20th-Fox Cincinnati
branch, and in 1945, assistant branch
manager in Indianapolis. In July 1946
Sochin became general manager for Thea-
tre Owners Corp. in Cincinnati, a book-
ing and buying combine. He is chief
barker of the Cincinnati Variety Club for
1947, is married and has two children.
Bill Scott to Be Honored
By Filmrow Friends
PITTSBURGH— Filmrow friends of Bill
Scott will give him a stag party in the Web-
ster Hall hotel Monday evening (26). Scott re-
cently resigned sales duties with United
Artists after nearly 25 years with the com-
pany here. Saul Perilman, Monogram, and
David Silverman, RKO, were in charge of the
dinner.
Homer Modernized
HOMER CITY, PA. — The Manos circuit
theatre here, known for a number of years
as the Empire and now named the Homer,
has been modernized with the installation of
Poblocki porcelain front, boxoffice, poster
cases and marquee.
Ideal Renovates Vernon
BARNESBORO, PA. — Ideal circuit’s Ver-
non here has been renovated and modernized
with a new glass front, electric sign and a
marquee. C. E. Picard, contractor, was in
charge of the remodeling.
Joins Film Industry
PITTSBURGH — From lawyer to film ex-
change student is the step taken by Aaron
Rosenzweig. The local attorney has joined
the PRC- Eagle -Lion branch and is applying
himself to general office duties.
Kanawha Theatre Modernized
GRANTSVILLE, W. VA— The Kanawha
here has been modernized by John M. Cook,
proprietor. National Theatre Supply in-
stalled Simplex sound equipment and pro-
jectors.
TOP HITS of the Week
— Priceless previews of boxoffice
results on latest first-run films.
Doxoffice
Barometer
First Run Reports
These percentage reports
on actual showings in 21
leading cities are invalu-
able to every exhibitor.
Covering 41 pictures
Every week
in BOXOFFICE
96
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
New Britain Clearances
Revised in Lob-Lee Case
Regulations Revised
By Publicists Group
BOSTON — Revision of the constitution and
bylaws to take care of the growth of the
national organization was decided upon at
the May meeting of Boston tub No. 1 and the
Tub Thumpers of America.
Rules for operation of the national organi-
zation as well as its subsidiaries were set
down. The changes were made necessary, it
was said, because the organization has grown
to such an extent that the national group
felt the need for better representation in each
of the local units.
Delegates to the national convention, who
will be known as pitchmen, must be the chief
tub thumper from each unit or a member
elected by the body at large. Nominees for
national officers, who will be known as hi
thumpers, must be a chief tub thumper or
past chief tub thumper. Tubs not repre-
sented at the convention by a pitchman will
not be entitled to a vote.
Rules also were set down for local elections
and committee organization.
Garbose Bros. Take Lease
On Athol Capitol Theatre
ATHOL, MASS. — Garbose Bros., operators
of the York and Capitol theatres, has nego-
tiated a 20-year lease with the Charles H.
Cooke estate for the Capitol.
Garbose Bros, has managed the theatre
for the past 15 years. The management plans
to renovate the theatre in the near future,
with a new marquee, and plans drapes as well
as stage and sound improvements.
A new emergency lighting system has just
been completed at the theatre.
Garbose Bros, may soon announce a new
policy at the Capitol. The theatre has been
in operation since 1930, all but the first two
years under the present management.
Peter Latchis Will Build
New House in Newport
NEWPORT, N. H.— Peter Latchis, operator
of theatres in Keene and Claremont and pro-
prietor of the Newport House will build
a new theatre here when materials and labor
are more plentiful. A barn at the rear of the
hotel is being removed to make room for the
proposed theatre.
Appointment of a committee to study plans
for a municipally owned and operated theatre
was authorized by the voters at the annual
town meeting held in March.
Eddie Maranski Appointed
As Manager of Plainfield
HARTFORD — Mickey Daly of the Daly
Theatres Corp. here has announced the ap-
pointment of Eddie Maranski as manager of
the Plainfield Theatre, Plainfield, succeeding
Eddie Pelinan, resigned. Maranski in the
past has been doing maintenance work for
the Daly interests in Hartford. At one time,
he was assistant manager at the Plainfield.
Needles Names Fantanello
As Manchester Assistant
HARTFORD — Henry Needles, district man-
ager for Warner theatres, reports Joe Fan-
tanello has been named assistant manager of
the State, Manchester, succeeding Harold
Freeman, resigned. Fantanello has been with
roadshows in the past.
VARIETY SHOWS ITS HEART— Joe
Cifre, Variety Club assistant chief barker
(background, left); A1 Goldman, projec-
tionist (center), and Mrs. Mary Curley
Donnelly, daughter of Mayor Curley, are
shown entertaining the children at the
Industrial School for Crippled and De-
formed Children, Boston, with an after-
noon of films. Samuel Lowe jr. of Thea-
tre Candy Co. donated refreshments for
the affair. The special screening was
made possible by a personal donation of
Mayor Curley to aid the campaign for
the Children’s hospital drive. Bill Koster,
Variety Club executive secretary, and
Cifre have arranged for home motion
pictures to be shown to anyone who will
donate a minimum of $100 to the Chil-
dren’s hospital medical center fund.
Stanley Sinskie Promoted
To District Managership
NEW BRITAIN — Brookie LeWitt of the
Glackin & LeWitt Theatres has announced
the promotion of Stanley Sinskie, assistant
manager at G&L’s Arch Street Theatre, New
Britain, to the position of district manager
over New Britain, Plainville, and Sound View.
Sinskie will work under LeWitt.
Sinskie has been on the Arch Street staff
for a number of years.
Le Witt’s Strand Theatre in Plainville will
drop matinees on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and
Thursdays in about a month.
Admission prices have been dropped five
cents at the Arch Street, New Britain, and
Strand, Plainville. The New Britain house is
the first local theatre to come down on thea-
tre admissions.
Walter Flowers has rejoined the Arch
Street staff as assistant manager. He was
on the staff before the war.
Du Pont Opens New Office
BOSTON — E. I. Du Pont de Nemours &
Co.’s photo products department has opened
a new New England district sales office here.
Frederick B. Astley, former eastern district
X-ray sales manager, has been named dis-
trict manager. William J. Cannon succeeds
Astley.
NEW HAVEN — A constant award in the
arbitration action of Lob-Lee Theatres vs.
five major distributors, now awaiting signa-
ture and final disposal, fixes maximum
clearances of New Britain theatres and pro-
vides that failure to book within a certain
period set for any theatre, waives that thea-
tre’s clearance.
Accordingly, the Palace follows the first run
Strand and Embassy seven days, and must
book within 35 days or waive its clearance;
the Arch Street follows the Palace seven days,
and must book within 21 days; the State fol-
lows the Arch Street seven days, and must
book within 21 days, and the Music Box fol-
lows the State seven days.
The hearing, at which Lou Ginsberg and
Bernard Levy of the complainant corpora-
tion spoke, revealed that many pictures were
not available to them until 420 days and 450
days after first run, in one instance, 530 days.
The complaint sought to have the Music Box
availability altered to seven days after the
Palace and not later than 37 days after first
run.
PERSONNEL IN PROCEEDINGS
Intervenors were Connecticut Theatre
Corp., for the Embassy and Strand, repre-
sented by Attorney Morris Ruff; Peter Pe-
rakos for the Palace Theatre, represented by
Herman M. Levy; Richardson & Teffs, for
the State Theatre. John Dunne appeared
for 20t,h-Fox, George Sharf for Loew’s, Inc.,
Henry Germaine for Paramount, and Barney
Pitkin for RKO. The arbitrator was Herbert
S. MacDonald, New Haven attorney, judge
of the town court of North Haven.
In the matter of the Princess Theatre,
Hartford vs. the five major distributors, the
complaint is reported settled and dismissed.
The complaint stated that the seven-day
clearance over the Princess by the Colonial
caused hardship in booking, and sought to
have its clearance set at 30 days after first
run. The complaint was filed Feb. 26, 1947,
and no hearing was had.
RIVOLI MATTER HANGS FIRE
The Rivoli (Hartford! complaint against
the five majors still awaits appointment of
an arbitrator and setting of a hearing date.
Joseph Shulman states the run and clearance
granted the Hartford Theatre circuit is un-
reasonable and arbitrary.
The Lyric plays 37 days after the first run.
with seven days’ clearance over the Rivoli.
thereby preventing the Rivoli from booking
or playing pictures prior to 47 days after
first run, the complaint alleges, and a clear-
ance of 30 days after first run is sought for
the Rivoli. It is explained that the Rivoli
and Lyric are in separate neighborhoods,
more than 1 1/10 miles apart, separated by a
park, factories and railroad crossing occupy-
ing one-half mile along Park street.
It is further complained that the companies
by licensing pictures to the Lyric 37 days
after first run, with seven days’ clearance
over the Rivoli, are preventing the Rivoli
from buying or competing with a 30-day run
or with any other run with an availability
earlier than 47 days after first run, and the
Rivoli is, as a result, placed at a competitive
disadvantage to all five theatres operated by
the Hartford Operating Co. and all other
subsequent theatres having an availability
earlier than that of the Rivoli.
Elimination is sought of the clearance as
between the Lyric and Rivoli, and granting
to the Rivoli a clearance of 30 days after
first run.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
NE
97
HARTFORD STAGEHANDS CELEBRATE — More than 100 persons attended a
dinner in Hartford which marked the 45th anniversary of the establishment of stage-
hands Local 84 of IATSE. Shown here at the head table are, left to right, Richard
Walsh, international president; Hy Fine, district manager for M&P Theatres, who
served as toastmaster; Tom Shea, assistant to Walsh, and Ed Comminsky of the Hart-
ford city council.
WORCESTER
J^lbert J. Dulmaine of the Elm Street and
Mrs. Dulmaine announce the engage-
ment of their daughter, Shirley T. Dulmaine,
to James C. Gillespie jr., of this city, a
naval air corps veteran . . . Nate Goldberg,
manager of the Plymouth, had the parents
of Rita Johnson in to see her latest, “The
Michigan Kid.”
Guy Palmerton has changed the date of
the opening of the Playhouse to May 26
. . . The Whalom in Fitchburg may have
Miriam Hopkins and Frank McHugh in this
summer to make guest appearances . . .
Tommy Tucker, the maestro, was in Marl-
boro.
Edward McEvoy, Universal’s short subjects
chief, who is inaugurating a series of two-
reel westerns, is a former Leominster man
and his family still operates the Plymouth
and Rialto there . . . Mary Roche of this
city has left the ingenue lead of “Sweet-
hearts” in New York because of a strep
throat.
Leo Lajoie, manager of the Capitol, pur-
chased a new bicycle for his son, who then
was made unhappy by ten consecutive days
of rain . . . White City park has started its
regular season, playing a new circus act
each week . . . Albert Hill has resumed at
the Plymouth after a leave of absence due
to illness.
A man approached another in a restaurant
recently, according to Worcester Yank, as
the latter was struggling into a topcoat that
had been hanging on a hook. “Are you Bob
Portle?” the first inquired. “No, I’m not,”
answered the other. “Well, I am and that’s
my coat you’re putting on,” said Portle, man-
ager of the Elm Street, as he took over the
coat.
Fred Waring’s vaudeville date at the Audi-
torium was no success and left everybody,
including the audience, in an upset frame of
mind. Playing at a $4.80 top, the band
drew a skimpy crowd of 2,200 in the 3,500-
seater. Waring spoke sarcastically to the
audience on the poor attendance and rubbed
it in until the audience obviously became
nettled. Name bands usually are sure-fire in
Worcester but theatremen figure Waring’s
$4.80 top scared ’em away.
Phil Bissell has resigned as chief of serv-
ice at Loew’s Poli and Angelo Pappas has
been promoted to succeed him . . . Henry
Sullivan of this city has completed the score
for “Auld Lang Syne,” which John Murray
Anderson will direct either in New York or
London in the fall.
Nate Goldberg of the Plymouth was inter-
viewed by the Telegram on his recollections
of Bert Fitzgibbon, the zany stage comedian
. . . With the Park in Spencer having been
taken over by the Champ Amusement Corp.
of Worcester, the theatre’s name has been
changed to the Champ . . . Harold Maloney,
manager of Loew’s Poli, is a sun-lamp dev-
otee.
Mrs. Carolyn K. Staff has been re-elected
president of the Better Films Council. Others
named are: Mrs. Harris A. Smith, vice-
president; Mrs. Stephen P. Foster, corre-
sponding secretary; Mrs. Eric W. Nygren, re-
cording secretary, and Mrs. Leslie B. Philips,
treasurer. The revised bylaws were ac-
cepted.
Norwich Dailies Cooperate
With Contest on 'Sinbad'
NORWICH, CONN. — Joe Boyle, manager of
the Broadway, recently worked out a contest
with the Norwich dailies on “Sinbad the
Sailor.”
Names of a number of local residents were
scattered on a classified ad page in the Nor-
wich papers, with this note in a box near the
top of the page:
“Would you like to attend Loew’s Poli
Broadway Theatre as the guest of the Bulle-
tin Record?
“Scattered on this page are five names and
addresses taken at random from local direc-
tories. Read the page thoroughly Sunday
and Monday and if you find your name and
address listed, simply call at the Bulletin of-
fice, identify yourself, and receive two free
tickets, good for any day this week, up to
and including Wednesday.”
Following were picture plugs.
Topline in 'Virtuous'
Van Johnson and June Allyson will topline
in Metro’s “Virtuous.”
'Duel' Bow in Boston
Grabs Top Position
BOSTON — “Duel in the Sun” was the big
news here last week as it got off to a record-
breaking first week at Loew’s State and Or-
pheum. Second in line is “This Happy Breed,”
in its second week at the Exeter Street. With
the closing of “The Best Years of Our Lives,"
the Esquire went dark for a few weeks for
renovations. “The Farmer’s Daughter” earned
a fourth week at the Memorial.
(Average is 100)
Boston — Smash-Up (U-l), plus stage show 160
Esquire — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
20th wk 95
Exeter Street — This Happy Breed (U-I), 2nd wk 165
Majestic — The Corsican Brothers (UA);
International Lady (UA), reissues 110
Memorial — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
Banjo (RKO), 3rd wk 120
Metropolitan — The Homestretch (20th-Fox);
San Demetrio, London (20th-Fox) 130
Old South — Carmen (Superfilm), 2nd wk 95
Paramount and Fenway — The Sea Wolf (WB);
The Sea Hawk (WB), reissues 100
State and Orpheum — Duel in the Sun (SRO) 220
New Haven Has Poor Week;
'Duel' Below Expectations
NEW HAVEN — Business was average or be-
low in downtown and neighborhood houses
last week. “Duel in the Sun,” at 90 cents and
$1.25 admissions, held up on the weekend at
Loew’s Poli but was under expectations oth-
erwise. At doubled prices it rated 210 on the
boxoffice barometer. The feature moved to
the College for a second week where it opened
big. The rodeo at the Arena, laying to from
4,000 to 5,000 customers nightly, cut deeply
into theatre grosses. Detail for the week
ended May 14:
Bijou — The Fabulous Dorseys (UA);
God's Country (SG) 90
College — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO);
Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (RKO), 2nd d. t. wk 80
Loew's Poli — Duel in the Sun (SRO) 210
Paramount — Buck Privates Come Home (U-I);
Shoot to Kill (SG) 90
Roger Sherman — The Locket (RKO);
Code of the West (RKO) 90
'DITS' Held Over for 2nd Week
At Hartford Palace Theatre
HARTFORD — Holding over at the down-
towns were “Duel in the Sun,” “The Guilt of
Janet Ames” and “Sinbad the Sailor.” First
temperatures in the 80s really hit the trade.
Allyn — Blaze of Noon (Para); Fear in the Night
(Para) 140
E M. Loew's — The Guilt of Janet Ames (Col);
Blind Spot (Col), 2nd wk 160
Poli — Carnival in Costa Rica (20lh-Fox);
The Brasher Doubloon (20th-Fox) 125
Palace — Duel in the Sun (SRO), 2nd wk 175
Regal — Sinbad the Sailor (RKO), 2nd wk 110
Strand — The Egg and I (U-I) 150
Music Box Is Rendezvous
For Old Industry Friends
NEW BRITAIN — One of those unscheduled
"industry conferences” took place in front
of the Music Box Theatre here one night
last week.
Bernie Levy and Lou Ginsburg of Amalga-
mated Theatres were talking with Les Marko-
ski. Music Box manager, when Joe Spivak
of the Connecticut Theatre Candy Co. hap-
pened to come on the scene. A little later,
Nick Kounaris, partner in the Newington
Theatre, happened to walk by.
It seems that the Music Box is a gathering
spot for old pals. The -next day, Allen M.
Widem, Hartford area correspondent for
BOXOFFICE, was talking with Markoski in
the Music Box lobby when Joe Rader, a thea-
tre sign artist a number of years back when
Les was assistant manager at the Proven
Pictures Theatre, Hartford, came by to say
hello. Joe is a cigar salesman now.
98
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
BRENKERT
1 Kilowatt
High-Intensity Arc Lamp
NOW . . . PURE WHITE LIGHT FOR SMALL THEATRES
Brenkert’s Radarc is the only one-kilowatt, direct
current, high-intensity projection lamp in volume
production, specially designed from top to bottom for
this field alone.
Now medium-sized theatres, with seating capacity
up to 800 seats and screens up to 18 feet wide, can have
a truly high-intensity arc lamp of
superior design and construction.
EE3 Pn BO ETTZS EZO ETZ3 cm ETS3 trm EZS5 g'-'.sa r.m G233 f~rm r-^rn c.,."r?a crrz> ee^j Cj
SEE YOUR RCA INDEPENDENT THEATRE SUPPLY DEALER
CAPITOL THEATRE SUPPLY CO
28 Piedmont St.
Boston 16, Moss.
NEW HAVEN
jyjilton Hyams, MGM salesman here the last
* 14 years, has been promoted to the New
York exchange . . . When the new PRC Bos-
ton-New Haven district manager comes
around to visit the Elm city, film men will
see a familiar face, Tom Donaldson, former
MGM manager here, and more recently Leo’s
manager in Boston.
Sports department: Barney Pitkin, RKO
manager, was a guest at the RKO annual
golf tournament in Westchester . . . Exploiteer
Bob Kaufmann of 20th-Fox and Nick Fran-
zone, Stamford Theatre publicist, saw the
possibilities of Circle E dude ranch, and pro-
moted a week’s riding vacation as prize for
the winner of a contest run in connection
with "Homestretch” at the theatre.
The Poli, New Haven, baseball nine refuses
to take defeat from the College team, cap-
tained by William Ferrigno, and a return en-
gagement to wipe out that 13-8 score was
scheduled . . . Auto race enthusiasts at the
Rock will see bannered cars and boys in spe-
cial sweatshirts, all ballyhooing “Duel in the
Sun” . . . For indoor sports: MGM has padded
gin rummy score sheets headed “Can you
beat this score? 17 Oscars in 11 years!” . . .
The SPCA prohibited the pony drawing at
the Stamford.
Mike Nuzzola, 20th-Fox salesman, just re-
fused $7,000 for his wonder dog, Boot, re-
cently discharged from the marines . . .
Rosalyn Schiff of Modern Theatre Supply
and Caroline Marra of Republic are sun-
bathing at their adjoining cottages at Pros-
pect beach, and even listening in on the same
party line . . . Belief is the rodeo’s success
was no help to boxoffices last week, to say
nothing of the boys from the audience who
tried to ride the bucking bulls and won’t be
able to go to the films or anywhere else for
weeks!
Travelog: The Dr. J. B. Fishmans are back
from a whirlwind 19-day trip to the Grand
Canyon; San Francisco and Los Angeles,
where the Allied president addressed the west
coast exhibitors in convention, and where
they saw the stars and the studios; New Or-
leans, and points between . . . Lou Cohen,
manager of the Poli, Hartford, is off for an
auto trip to Maryland and Virginia, while
Fred Greenway keeps one eye on each of
the two Poli houses.
The Lou Browns of the Bijou will spend
their 29th anniversary doing a few New York
high spots . . . Joe Mansfield of Eagle-Lion
was in town to prepare the town for “Ad-
venturess” at the Bijou; also visiting his
old friend, Sid Kleper . . . -Tom Duane, dis-
trict manager of Selznick, and Assistant
Frank Lydon were in from Boston ... Ed
Fitzgerald, former booker at New Haven
Paramount exchange, more recently on the
Boston sales staff, is now in Atlanta as booker
at that branch . . . Harry Germaine came in
from Boston aglow with popcorn activity . . .
Arthur Ehrlich, student auditor, was in from
New York for a few months’ stay at the New
Haven MGM exchange.
Paul Glasso, on furlough from the marine
corps, stopped in to say hello to his former
20th-Fox buddies . . . E. X. Callahan was also
in to see the Foxites on a regular district
manager’s call from Boston . . . Allen Widern,
BOXOFFICE correspondent at Hartford,
breezed in for a visit . . . Lou Rogers, eastern
ad sales supervisor, was another visitor at
20th-Fox.
Groundwork: Special screening last Fri-
day for top exhibitors in the area was ar-
ranged by Bucky Harris of RKO on “Long
Night,” due here in August. Following the
showing the showmen were guests at a Hotel
Taft luncheon, hosted by Terry Turner of
York, RKO field head, and Harry Reiners,
eastern supervisor of the field staff.
For “The Best Years of Our Lives,” Bucky
Harris landed a six-town tiein with First
National Stores, including Madison, Say-
brook, Deep River, Essex, Clinton and Guil-
ford, arranging for these stores to place
heralds on the two engagements in each gro-
cery bag. The picture will play Madison
and Saybrook each four days, following three
weeks at the Klein Memorial, Bridgeport;
two at the Bushnell Memorial, Hartford, two
at the Victory, New London, the Shubert, New
Haven, has the feature for four weeks. In
the window of the I. J. Segal jewelry store
at New Haven, Harris planted a large Oscar
replica.
Poli managers Matt Saunders, Bridgeport;
Morris Rosenthal, New Haven; Ed Fitzpatrick,
Waterbury; Mollie Stickles, Meriden; George
Freeman, Springfield; Monk Maloney,
Worcester, and Joe Boyle, Norwich, will be
at Boss Harry Shaw’s office for a special
meeting and screening of “Homestretch.”
That same night they will attend a sneak
preview at the Strand, Hamden, of “Miracle
on 34th Street.”
Bob Kaufmann, who racks his brain for
dear old 20th-Fox, is getting together 30
merchants for a screening of “Miracle” May
27, since the picture has a department store
background. The rest will be easy — just walk
in and get the co-op ads . . . Sid Kleper and
Norman Levenson at the Bijou piled on
tricks to boost the second week of “Duel in
the Sun.” WNHC and WELI both carried
contests. “Duel” trailers and lobby displays
were prominent at the Poli and Bijou.
Miscellany: Co-chairman for the women’s
special gifts division, New Haven Jewish wel-
fare fund, is Mrs. Dan Pouzzner (Middletown
theatres) ; and team commanders include
Mrs. Samuel Bailey (Westville Theatre) ; Her-
man M. Levy, (Connecticut MPTO executive
secretary), and Barney Pitkin, RKO man-
ager . . . Leonard Sampson, cooperator of the
Lincoln, was interviewed and “mugged” for
Glimpse last week, gave the distaff side a
deal: “I'm a sensible person, so why not
vote for a woman as mayor? A woman can
do a job as well as a man — certainly in poli-
tics” . . . The Victory celebrated Mother’s
day appropriately with “Mamma,” starring
Beniamino Gigli.
That alert attitude in the PRC office is
happiness over attaining third place in the
Harry Thomas drive, and determination to
wind up first . . . Phil Gravitz, MGM booker,
is dreamy about that trip to the coast he
may win in the bookers’ drive if exhibitors
continue to cooperate. Phil is now second,
but that doesn’t get him far enough west . . .
Sam Wasserman opens the Clinton Playhouse
for stock June 23, with Carol Hughes as lead-
ing lady.
Marc Connelly to Post
In Yale Drama Dep#t
NEW HAVEN — Marc Connelly, known to
Hollywood chiefly as author of “Captains
Courageous” and author and director of “The
Green Pastures,” will be associate professor
of playwriting at the Yale university depart-
ment of drama as of next fall, filling the va-
cancy caused by the retirement of Walter
Prichard Eaton.
“Connelly’s interest in helping young play-
wrights was the deciding factor in his ac-
ceptance of the post at Yale,” commented
Prof. Boyd M. Smith, chairman of the de-
partment.
The new appointee is president of the Au-
thors' League of America, director and treas-
urer of the Dramatists guild and a member
of the National Institute of Arts and Letters.
Levy Invites Complaints
On Theatre Inspections
NEW HAVEN— Herman M. Levy, MPTO
executive secretary, invites exhibitors to reg-
ister complaints with him on methods, man-
ners or attitudes of state police inspectors.
In the past, he states, such complaints have
resulted in correction of the situation, since
the department is “proud of Connecticut’s
theatre safety record and the cooperation of
the industry toward that end wants nothing
to interfere with either of those accomplish-
ments.”
Exhibitors are urged to watch refilling of
fire extinguishers and reporting by managers
of “correction slips.”
Town Sues Theatremen
For Damage to House
WORCESTER — Following more than two
years of controversy between the selectmen
of Orange, Mass., and the Garbose Bros.,
who formerly operated the Orange Town Hall
Theatre, the selectmen have brought suit
against them, seeking damages of $20,000.
The action is returnable August 4. The select-
men say the alleged damage occurred in
1945 when the Garbose Bros, moved out of
the town hall following a court eviction order.
In the process of moving, they are charged
with destroying the projector booth and
causing other damage.
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 of which con-
tain The MODERN THEATRE Section), including the NEW BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE. DATE <S RECORD BOOK.
□ $2.00 FOR 1 YEAR □ $3.50 FOR 2 YEARS □ $5.00 FOR 3 YEARS
□ Remittance Enclosed □ Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE
NAME POSITION
100
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Hartford Columnist Assails
Trend to Longer Pictures
HARTFORD — Charles Niles, Hartford
Times columnist, had this to say under the
heading of “Protest on Seeing Double”:
“A present-day trend of thought in picture-
making is that a movie to be good must be
long. That makes a great many films far
too lengthy. Yet there are fine films which
require length. Point is, however, that most
theatre programs have an extra long feature
picture on view and what happens? They
are asked by their district offices and ex-
changes to add a secondary feature which
in most cases shouldn’t happen to a man-
ager, let alone a moviegoer.
“As a result, countless admirable short
films are going to waste because there’s no
room on the average movie bill. Such a
waste ought to be stopped, and could be, if
all theatre circuits would get together. Even
the small minority — and we believe it is
small — which demands double features, would
take the single bill and like it.
“There’s only one good reason for running
a co-feature film, and that is if the main
talkie happens to be a ‘smellie.’ But that
isn’t very often, and would be less frequent
as time went on, under the single bill pro-
gram. Wonder what other moviegoers think
about this?”
Springfield Critic Applauds
Influx of British Pictures
SPRINGFIELD — Hailing the advent of
British films as “a healthy condition,” W.
Harley Rudkin, theatre critic for the Daily
News, recently said that such productions
should provide “competition for Hollywood.”
Writing in his weekly column Off Stage,
Rudkin discussed the “so-called invasion of
foreign movies in the American market.” He
wrote :
“Of interest to Springfield theatregoers will
be the news that a series of English-made
films will soon be making their appearance at
the Broadway Theatre, starting with Noel
Coward’s ‘Brief Encounter.’ Whether the
pictures are good or bad, this seems a good
omen, particularly in view of the fact that
we are hearing a great deal these days about
the so-called ‘invasion’ of foreign movies in
the American market.
“These pictures, which are under the aegis
of the J. Arthur Rank Organization, will be
released largely through a company known
as Prestige Pictures, Inc., and according to a
representative of that company, who called
on me this week, the Broadway showings
will consist of the best of the importations.
“He said that Springfield can expect to
"Playing the market or reading the
Selling Seats section in BOXOFFICE?"
see such pictures as ‘This Happy Breed,’
The Adventuress,’ ‘Odd Man Out’ (if New
York ever gets through with it), ‘Great Ex-
pectations,’ ‘Black Narcissus,’ ‘Daybreak’ and
others which have been receiving a con-
siderable critical acclaim.
“This advent of British films is a healthy
condition, if only to provide competition for
Hollywood. I have noticed in the past that
English-made movies seem to fall into two
distinct categories: Very good and terrible,
with nothing in between. I would like to
see ‘The Scoundrel’ come back, if only to
discover whether the enthusiasm I lavished
on it then can hold over to today.”
New Seats Installed at Baltic
HARTFORD — The Jodoin Theatre, Baltic,
Conn., was closed several days recently while
new seats were being installed.
Hartford Takes No Action
On Censorship Proposal
HARTFORD — The city council adjourned
its meeting last week without taking action
on a request of the Juvenile Commission of
Hartford that a board of review be named
to pass on motion pictures shown here. Mrs.
Robert F. Gadd, a member of the commis-
sion, explained in caucus that the request
was prompted by showings of the film “Duel
in the Sun,” which she described as “obscene
and full of sex.”
Stresses Old Jolson Songs
ALBANY — Paul Wallen, manager of the
Leland, arranged a special newspaper adver-
tising campaign for the revival of A1 Jolson’s
old starrer, “Hearts of New York.” Copy
played up the list of Jolson song hits.
I BUY PROJECTION
LAMPS MADE BY STRONG
and sold by , , , ^
BOSTON 16, MASS.— Independent Theatre Supply Co.,
Inc.. 28 Winchester St. Telephone: LIBerty 0051.
BOSTON 16, MASS. — Joe Cifre, Inc., Complete Thea-
tre Equipment, 44 Winchester St. Office Tele-
phone: LIBerty 0445. Emergency Telephone
PREsident 1799.
WheM~tAe a/ic STRON G ’tfe/oidute to
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
101
BOSTON
XXTellesley College is establishing a summer
theatre and school to operate under
Eldon Winkler, director of the Wellesley The-
atre workshop and the Wellesley Barnswal-
lows. Also on the staff will be Professors
Frank McMullan and Edward C. Cole of Yale
and Prof. Charles Rogers of Amherst. Class-
room instruction will be supplemented with
actual experience in the college’s summer
theatre. There will be a small resident com-
pany of professional actors and technicians
with visiting guest stars. The summer thea-
tre will present five productions in Alumnae
hall starting early in July.
Nick Boschetti, manager of the Star in Law-
rence and son of Frank Boschetti, owner of
the Star and Premiere, is in a hospital after
an appendectomy. The Boschettis have had
a bit of hard luck lately, as Frank has just
been discharged from the hospital after an
attack of pneumonia . . . Lionel Irwin, son of
Mrs. Helen Irwin of the Palace, Penacook,
A A / POPCORN
/VlatUeif, MACHINES
Tops for all showmen!
Ask the theatre that has one!
SAM HORENSTEIN
Pofxc&u t Man”
New England Representative
* * *
Office and Showroom . . . 45 Church St.
Hancock 7419 Boilon
In the Heart of the Film District
Genuine
MANLEY SUPPLIES
iiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinniiiimmmmuimnni
N. H., was booking . . . Mike Bruno, Tilton,
Tilton, N. H„ was showing off his box seats
for the Red Sox- Yankee game at Fenway
park.
Roy Smith, owner of the new Park, East
Wa.pole, accepted congratulations from Film-
row friends after his grand opening. The
Park is an attractive suburban theatre.
Construction has started on a new theatre
in Enfield, N. H., adjoining Lebanon. THe
house will seat about 400 and is expected to
open in the fall. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Archam-
beault and Mr. and Mrs. Morris LeBlanc are
owners. Archambeault was formerly with the
Opera House, Lebanon.
Edward Dobkin, in charge of maintenance
at MGM, w’as presented a 20-year pin by Jack
Byrne, eastern division manager, with Her-
man Ripps, district manager and Benn H.
Rosenwald, resident manager, and other
members of the MGM family offering con-
gratulations . . . Jasper Hone of Presque
Isle, Me., will rebuild his theatre, burned to
the ground in April . . . Mrs. Lillian Kegan,
Gaiety, Van Buren, Me., has purchased a new
Frazer automobile . . . Nellie Shea, of the
Wilbur, Eastport, Me., and the Eagle, Lubec,
Me., is up and around again after her recent
illness. Mrs. Shea is a veteran exhibitor.
A. C. O’Neil of Saco, Me., has reopened the
Auto Theatre, Maine’S only drive-in . . . “Art”
Bowen, Oakfield, Oakfield, Me., and “Dutch”
Millett, State, Bridgton, Me., are working on
their fishing gear in preparation for a private
fishing party as soon as weather permits.
The government’s plan to build a huge air-
port for overseas planes at Limestone, Me.,
definitely favors Noel Leighton, owner of the
Star, the only theatre in the town . . . Wil-
bur Peterson, who recently sold the Orpheum,
Somerville, to Louis Stern, visited his old
friend, Sam Horenstein, Manley representa-
tive . . . Marion Bell, MGM secretary, is
planning a vacation in Bermuda. She and a
girl friend are taking a ship to the island, to
remain there nine days and will then fly back
to New York. They are leaving May 28.
“The Best Years of Our Lives” closed after
a 20-week successful run at the Esquire. The
house will remain dark for a few weeks for
renovations. A major company is reported
dickering with the owners to show a top pic-
ture on a roadshow basis. “Best Years” opened
May 22 at the Keith-Boston at regular prices.
The usual vaudeville bill was dropped for the
run.
Harry Goldstein, eastern exploitation repre-
sentative for Allied Artists and Monogram,
was in town on the advance for “It Happened
on Fifth Avenue,” which opened at the Para-
mount and Fenway . . . A1 Fowler, 20th-Fox
publicist, arranged a screening of “Miracle on
34th Street,” followed by a buffet luncheon
* 7a avoid exceA.-Liue, ±e>ivice diGSujeA.
Stocked With All
Necessary Repair
and Replacement
Parts for Any
Sound System.
“Ask any
exhibitor using
our service”
Sound
^5ontiooooooO'J“_“ S'!5
^ * ua « v>QW5-
Now Expanding
with Additional
personnel to cover
a Larger Service
Area.
Wr \ On cclLL ct{ ant/ itmt-
M y'ds/ LONquooc/ 260!
Many theatres
under our
maintenance
-H-fl-RO LD D-RVIDSCm
133 MOU NTFORT ST.
RRDOKLlNE F=* S S .
— —
at the screening room for members of the
Boston Retail Board of Trade.
A get-together meeting and dinner was held
in the -Statler for representatives of RCA;
its New England theatre supply dealers,
the Capitol Theatre Supply Co. of Boston,
Louis Phillips, Inc., of New Haven, and the
RCA Service Co., Inc., of Camden and Boston.
Among those present were: M. F. Blakeslee,
New York, regional manager of RCA; A. Jo-
sephson, New York, regional sales manager;
M. H. Bennett, New York, district sales man-
ager; Kenneth Douglass, manager, Capitol
Supply; Louis Phillips, New Haven; J. Mau-
ran, Boston, district manager, RCA Service,
and C. Johnson, W. W. Jones, F. Gray, W.
Hawkins, D. Falco, W. Spear, W. Gliggett, C.
Fish, N. Barberi, L. Cimikowski, W. Arm-
strong, H. Burgess, F. Gookin and L. Lake-
witz.
A tradeshowing of Admiral Byrd’s “Dis-
covery” was given by Embassy Pictures Corp.
Tuesday (20) with Joe Levine, president, and
Harry “Zippie” Goldman, vice-president,
hosting the affair. A gala opening night is
planned for the picture June 5 at the Center
Theatre. Admiral Byrd will make a personal
appearance.
The condition of Arthur Howard, president
of Affiliated Theatres, Inc., who went back
to the Newton-Wellesley hospital for a second
major operation, is considered encouraging.
He is showing marked improvement for the
first time since he was taken seriously ill.
Devonshire Film Co. has granted franchise
on its reissues to the Capitol Film Co. of Chi-
cago, operated by Henri Elman, and in Pitts-
burgh to the Crown Film Co., operated by
Max Shulgold.
Regal Pictures Corp., headed by Irving
"Mac” Farber, announced the first run show-
ing of the Italian film, “The Barber of Se-
ville,” will be at the Kenmore starting May 25.
The operatic picture stars Tagliavini, Gobbi
and Nellie Corradi and has narration by
Deems Taylor.
News from United Artists: Mr. and Mrs.
Clayton Eastman celebrated their 20th wed-
ding anniversary . . . John Dervin took Mrs.
Dervin and two children Brenda and Johnny
jr. to the circus . . . Phil Engel spent a few
days in New York on company business.
While there he went in to see his old friend,
Jack Markle, manager of the Broadway Thea-
tre, who is enjoying his first Broadway man-
agerial post. Phil also reports the following
UA pictures will play in Boston within the
next few weeks: “Ramrod,” “The Red House,”
"Fun on a Weekend,” “Carnegie Hall” and
“Dishonored Lady.”
Frank Meadows, New Haven manager, was
in town conferring with District Manager
Clayton Eastman . . . Julius Levine, home
office auditor, was in for a few days.
Victoria the Locale
For 'Smoke Belle w'
From Canadian Edition
VICTORIA — Sidney Salkow of Columbia
Pictures, Hollywood, has been here arrang-
ing production of the new Jack London
film “Smoke Bellew,” a rough-and-tumble
novel of the days of the Yukon gold rush
of 1898.
“We were faced with either making the
picture on the back lots of Hollywood or get-
ting its original background on film,” Sal-
kow explained, “and that’s why Hollywood,
for a time at least, has come to Victoria
and the island.
“If we went to the Yukon, the original
background of this story, we would be faced
with adverse weather conditions as well as
the fact that we could not obtain the per-
sonnel for the general shots of the story.”
102
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Lou Phillips Acquires
Equipment Concern
NEW HAVEN— Lou Phillips, in the theatre
equipment business on Meadow street for the
last 18 years, has become owner of the
Modem Theatre Equipment Corp. of which
he has been general manager since 1934
and vice-president since 1937. In addition
to equipment lines that have been handled by
the concern, the franchise for Connecticut
has been acquired for all RCA products. The
new setup will operate under the name of Lou
Phillips Theatre Supplies, Inc., with Phillips
as president.
The business will continue at 130 Meadow
St., where the offices will be completely reno-
vated, the inventory considerably enlarged,
and the office staff increased. Says Phillips:
"Five RCA engineers will be maintained in
the field, and we will meet in every respect
theatre needs and new ideas for progress
which in so many instances have been await-
ing the end of the war to be adequately ful-
filled.”
Phillips looks forward to offering RCA tele-
vision equipment, in both black and white
and color. He feels television is making sen-
sational strides which will later make it of
great concern to theatres. Meantime he con-
siders sound, expert equipment installation
and modernization as a "must” to the exhibi-
tors who cater to patrons becoming more and
more discriminating.
Phillips first learned equipment as booth
operator at the old Star, New London, 30
years ago. Discovering he had a definite me-
chanical flair, as well as a laugh-producing
comedy act, he sold himself to the Majestic
Theatre Co., operating out of Providence, as
a “dual feature,” running the motion picture
shows from the booth, then snapping into his
act on the stage. He later became manager
of the Westerly Theatre and of the Opera
House in Exeter, N. H., for Sam and Nate
Goldstein. His first venture in the supply
business was to open a New Haven branch
of Harry Asher’s Boston Motion Picture Sup-
ply Co. on Meadow street; later ventures in-
cluding the Independent Movie Supply Co.;
sale of his business to National Theatre Sup-
ply Co. for which he managed here seven
years, and association with New York in-
terests in Modern Theatre Equipment Corp.
Theatre Rumors Plentiful
In Hartford Trade Area
HARTFORD — Reports of proposed new
theatre construction in this area continue.
The usual rumors of impending construc-
tion in Bloomfield, Rocky Hill, and other
suburbs without theatres are heard- per-
sistently. At present none of these projects
has gone beyond the conversational stage.
Right now, here’s the box score of actual
projects in the works in this territory:
E. M. Loew’s Drive-In, in suburban New-
ington, has not opened yet, although con-
struction got under way last year.
A group of businessmen has been going
ahead on a new open-air theatre between
New Hartford and Winsted.
J. George Schilke, West Hartford realtor,
still has a sign on a New Britain avenue,
Elmwood, site, announcing that a 1, 000-seat
theatre and stores will go up.
Just when the above three locations — and
rumored others- — will open for business re-
mains a question.
Borrows From Warners
United Artists has borrowed Wayne Morris
from Warners for a role in "The Time of
Your Life.”
Deletion of 10% City Tax
In Bay State Bill Asked
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Otage and screen celebrities who have visited
** in New Hampshire were named by Edward
J. Gallagher, Laconia newspaper publisher, in
a speech at the recent Vacation Business con-
ference in Gilford. Among them were
Bette Davis, Will Cressy, Fanny Brice and
Billy B. Van . . . The newsprint shortage has
forced the Rochester Courier to make drastic
cuts in news copy and to advance its adver-
tising deadline.
Jtiverside Manor, new amusement spot in
Farmington, opened May 23 with a floor show
and dance music . . . The State Theatre in
Manchester was packed during the recent en-
gagement of “The Best Years of Our Lives”
. . . “The Jolson Story” has been brought back
to the Manchester Palace.
Dates for New Hampshire county fairs to be
held next fall have been announced. They are:
Sandwich Town and Grange fair, Sandwich,
October 13; Union Grange Fair Ass’n, Plym-
outh, September 9-12; Rochester Agricultural
fair, Rochester, September 15-20; Chesire
Fair Ass’n, Keene, September 4-6; Coos and
Essex Agricultural society, Lancaster, Au-
gust 29-September 1; Contoocook Valley fair,
Contoocook, August 30-September 2; Deer-
field Fair Ass’n, Deerfield, September 26-28;
Mascoma Valley Fair Ass’n, Canaan, August
26-28, and Pittsfield Agricultural fair, Pitts-
field, August 26-30.
Reports of strong support for a proposal to
license bookmakers in Massachusetts have
started rumors in the New Hampshire legis-
lature that legislation may be introduced to
legalize bookmaking in this state ... A new
projector, ordered some time ago for the
schools in Barrington, has arrived.
Benjamin F. Swiezynski jr., who has re-
sumed film production work in Exeter after
serving as a pilot with the army air corps
in the war, entertained a recent assembly of
Exeter High school students with a color film
taken on the Hump flight from India to
China. Swiezynski narrated the 45-minute
film and used recordings as musical back-
ground.
Lone Star ranch, popular outdoor theatre
between Manchester and Nashua, where radio
hillbilly troupes are featured, opened for the
new season May 18 . . . The New Hampshire
Fire Insurance Co. of Manchester insures the
jewels and personal property of a number oi
Hollywood stars, including Sonja Henie,
Edgar Bergen and Bette Davis.
School children of Portsmouth recently were
given a theatre party at the Civic Theatre
as guests of the management and the Ex-
change club, as a reward for their work in
the Portsmouth cleanup campaign.
Joe Levine, president of Embassy Pictures
here and also of the newly formed Discovery
Pictures Corp. with offices at 1560 Broadway,
New York, has returned from New York,
where he made arrangements for the world
premiere of “Discovery.” The picture will
open at the Center Theatre, Boston, June 5,
with Admiral Byrd appearing in person.
“Discovery” is based on the two books,
“Alone” and “Discovery,” written by Admiral
Byrd describing his trips to Antarctica.
BOSTON — Theatremen over Massachu-
setts are breathing somewhat easier since
the action last week of Mayor McLean of
Beverly, who asked a legislative committee
to accept his recommendation that the 10
per cent municipal tax on admissions in-
serted in house Bill 1,393 be deleted.
With McLean at the state house hearings
were proponents of the bill, which has been
sponsored by the Mayors Ass’n of Massachu-
setts. They were introduced by McLean and
all spoke.
McLean said that the 10 per cent admission
tax clause was inserted into the 42-page bill
at a time when there was considerable pub-
licity being given to the possible reduction
of the 20 per cent federal impost. Since this
latter reduction has not yet materialized, it
was McLean’s attitude that the additional
10 per cent municipal impost be abandoned.
The bill now will be considered along with
a report from Governor Bradford’s special
commission studying Massachusetts tax
structures. Observers say it is doubtful if the
admissions tax will be included at that time.
If the governor’s commission refuses to
recognize the admissions clause, there will be
no more legislative matters affecting the in-
dustry to come before the present session at
the state house.
To Film Arctic Scenes
From Central Edition
KENOSHA, WIS.— Documentary films of
the Caribou Eskimos and the Barren Grounds
Caribou of the north territory of Canada will
be sought this summer by Lewis P. Rasmus-
sen, local wild-life photographer, and his wife
Betty, in a trek that will take them to the
Arctic circle. The couple will leave here in
June, heading for Eskimo Point, one of the
far north outposts of the Hudson’s Bay Co.
" CORSAGE "
POST-WAR
PATTERN
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
from
CAMEO SCREEN ATTRACTIONS, INC.
50 Melrose St. Boston, Mass.
Samuel J. Davidson, Pres.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
103
HARTFORD
JJarry F. Shaw, division manager for Loew’s Britain, has opened a new tobacco and nov-
Poli Theatres, visited Lou Cohen of elty store on Main street there near the
Loew’s Poli and Fred R. Greenway of Loew’s State . . . Ernie Grecula. used a street gag
Poli-Palace . . . Phyllis Selvin, secretary to on “Blue Skies,” playing at the Rialto, in the
A. M. Schuman, Hartford Theatres, has re- south end, with an usher carrying a sandwich
turned from vacation. sign through the streets.
New faces: Barbara Gelty, candy girl, and Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Schuman and Ernie
Joe Lang, new usher, Loew’s Poli . . . The Grecula recently attended a special screening
husband of Elsie Jardin, Loew’s Poli cashier, of “The Egg and I” at the U-I exchange in
is off the sick list. New Haven.
Howard Harrison, manager of the State
Theatre in New Britain, made a nice deal
with Bimbaum’s furniture store in downtown
New Britain on “The Jolson Story.” Howard
ran a trailer plugging the store on the screen
and the store in turn came through with
window displays and time on the store’s radio
program. A record title-guessing contest also
was promoted, with winners getting records at
the store.
Walter Lloyd of the Allyn reports Milt Mil-
cowitz, who was formerly on Walter’s staff at
the theatre, is now in the frozen foods business
at Barrington, Mass.
Joe Borenstein of the Warner Strand in
New Britain and Joe Miklos of the Warner
Embassy recently attended a circuit managers
meeting in New Haven . . . Ernie Grecula,
the Hartford Theatres advertising-publicity
director, is noting his 11th wedding anniver-
sary.
Helen Rowinski, cashier at the State Thea-
tre in New Britain, will be married Septem-
ber 6 to Bill Fearn of Meriden.
New lobby transparencies have been in-
stalled at the Colonial . . . Jon, 2-year-old
son of Gene Caron, Colonial, and Mrs. Caron,
has recovered from an illness . . . Pat Mc-
Mahon, owner of the State Theatre in New
ADS
in
BOXOFFICE
4 Insertions for
the Price of 3
Candy prices have been dropped from six
cents to five cents at the Arch Street, State
and Music Box theatres in New Britain . . .
Adeline Miekowski is the new cashier at the
Music Box.
Max Abramson, UA praise agent from New
York, was here on “The Fabulous Dorseys”
. . . George Franklin is new doorman at the
Regal . . . Carl Cotia, brother of Jimmie Cotia
of the Regal, is recovering after that serious
operation.
Johnnie D’Amato, manager of the Palace
Theatre in New Britain, reports collection of
$70 at the recent personal appearance of actor
Charles Quigley at the Palace . . . Johnnie’s
office has been redecorated.
Marie Lamo has been recuperating from an
appendectomy . . . Harry Hoff, the Strand’s
electrician, tells us that the theatre has a
new house cat, called Henry Lord II, and
“gymnastically inclined.”
John Dubicki, assistant manager of the
Palace Theatre in New Britain, and his
bride, the former Gloria Rowa, have returned
from their honeymoon.
Frank Daly, assistant to Joe diLorenzo,
Connecticut district manager for Daly Thea-
tres Corp., had an operation last week . . .
“Bones” Hamilton, whose dad Bob, manages
the Gem, Willimantic, is singing with a band
in northeastern Connecticut.
Lester Markoski, manager of the Music
Box Theatre in New Britain, and Herm
Doucette, assistant manager, have bought a
two-family house in New Britain and soon
will move their families into town.
Pat Buccheri, manager of the Rialto Thea-
tre here, was married last week to Estelle
J. Wendish . . . Lou Cohen of Loew’s Poli
and Mrs. Cohen were on a one-week vacation
. . . Mr. and Mrs. Homer Ball, old friends
of Ernie Grecula, visited Hartford briefly
last week. Ball was a fellow usher of Grec-
ula’s 15 years ago at the Cameo Theatre
down in Bridgeport. Mrs. Ball is godmother
of Penny Grecula, one of the two Grecula
girls.
Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Schuman, Ernie Grec-
ula and Jim McCarthy were among Hart-
ford area show folk attending a special
luncheon and screening of “The Long Night”
given by RKO in New Haven last week.
Dean Barrett, formerly manager of the
Rialto here and the Astor in East Hartford,
is now a junior partner and vice-president
of Maurice Zell’s Theatrical Enterprises, New
York. Zell handles theatre promotions.
Sound View House to Reopen
SOUND VIEW, CONN.— Mrs. Margaret
Glackin will reopen the local Strand Thea-
tre, a summer film house, some time in June.
Dunn Replaces Haley
Alla Dunn has been set by Douglas Fair-
banks jr., to replace Michele Haley in Uni-
versal’s “The Exile.”
Restrictions on Materials
Don't Faze Drive-In Men
WORCESTER, MASS. — Any plans for new
theatres in Worcester must remain in the
formative stage because of official restric-
tions, but the shortage of critical materials
is not holding up the building of open-air
film theatres. Three new ones are under
way in the area.
Down in Millbury, Wilfred Bernard is al-
most ready to open a 500-car drive-in on the
Worcester-Providence turnpike. It will be
known as the Motor Inn. In Mendon, Fred
Parker of Bellingham will operate a drive-in
opposite the Mendon airport. And in Lun-
enburg, near Whalom Park, two Leominster
war veterans are working on a drive-in that
they expect will be ready for the warm
weather.
North Grafton is looking ahead to the day
when it will have its own indoor theatre.
George W. Johnstone has announced that
the Johnstone building, destroyed by fire in
February, will be rebuilt to include a film
theatre seating 450 persons.
The plan of E. M. Loew to erect a theatre
on Grafton hill in this city is being held up
' by the Office of the Housing Expeditor,
which does not permit scarce building ma-
terials to be used for new amusement enter-
prises. Max Finn, general manager for E. M.
Loew, said he does not know of a new thea-
tre being built in New England due to re-
strictions. However, the Grafton hill house,
seating about 1,200, will get under way as soon
as the government drops its limitations.
Another indoor theatre is planned in the
new business building at Southbridge and
Cambridge streets here.
Name Stays With Theatre,
Judge Goodnow Decides
MANCHESTER, N. H.— Mrs. Catherine
Bruno, who recently reopened the former
Empire Theatre here as the East Manchester
Neighborhood Theatre, still retains the right
to exclusive use of the name “Empire Thea-
tre” in Manchester, according to a decision
recently handed down in superior court here
by Justice John R. Goodnow, who permanent-
ly enjoined Lucien Descoteaux, who formerly
operated the house, from using the name.
Mrs. Bruno has announced she soon will
change the name of her theatre back to the
Empire. It was reported that Descoteaux had
planned to give the name to a new theatre
which he intended to build in the same
section.
To reach his decision Goodnow went
through a maze of leases dating back to 1914,
when Andrew Bruno built the first Empire
Theatre. Descoteaux, who also owns the Rex
Theatre here, leased the Empire from 1930
to 1946, when he and the Bruno heirs re-
portedly disagreed on the terms of a new
lease.
Bruno fought the use of the name “Empire”
when Mrs. Bruno reopened the theatre, on
the ground that he had spent considerable
money on advertising the name, and Mrs.
Bruno decided to call it by another name.
Goodnow’s decision said: “The name Em-
pire, as placed upon the building originally
by Mr. Bruno, was intended to describe the
theatre building erected and owned by him,
and not the person who might be carrying on
the theatre business in the building from time
to time.”
Variety Meeting Set
NEW HAVEN — Variety Club members will
have luncheon May 26 at the Seven Gables
Towne House here. Barney Pitkin, presi-
dent, urges members to attend so that club
events may be discussed. Permanent quar-
ters also will be considered.
104
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Meeting of Gulf Allied
In New Orleans June 3
New Houston Drive-In
Is Officially Opened
HOUSTON — The Shepherd, Houston’s new-
est drive-in, located on North Shepherd
drive just beyond the city limits, was opened
Friday, May 23.
It is the second de luxe drive-in to be
opened in Houston by Underwood & Ezell
this year and the third operated in Houston
by this company. They also operate drive-in
theatres in Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio,
Waco and Pharr.
The modern design of the Shepherd com-
bines both beauty and operating efficiency.
Designed by Jack Corgan of Dallas, it offers
the newest developments in drive-in theatre
engineering. The arena is paved throughout
and each ramp has been engineered to a
fraction of an inch to insure perfect vision
for each patron. Special lighting makes it
possible for cars to move in and out of the
theatre with safety. Each car is provided
with an individual speaker with a sound -
volume-control button to adjust the sound
to the exact volume desired.
A snack bar is located in the center of the
park where cold drinks, popcorn and candy
may be sold.
The Shepherd will change programs four
times each week.
Sales Tax Shows Rise
In Oklahoma Theatres
OKLAHOMA CITY — Theatres and tent
shows recorded an increase in sales tax and a
decrease in use tax for the month of March
as compared to the same month in 1946, ac-
cording to the Oklahoma Tax commission’s
research division.
There was an increase in both sales tax
returns and sales tax collections for theatres
and tent shows. The report showed 363 re-
turns filed for $28,488.30 as compared to 308
returns for $26,118.79 for March 1946. This
is a 9.07 per cent increase.
Other amusements and athletic events also
showed an increase of 1.17 per cent in sales
tax returns.
Theatres, tent shows, other amusements
and athletic events, all showed a loss in use
tax collections for the month.
C. W. Owens' Giant Project
Approved by Washington
NEW ORLEANS — Chester W. Owens, prom-
inent New Orleans real estate owner, has
received federal permission to begin work on a
$7,600,000 building project on Paris avenue
at Mirabeau and Duplessis streets, to include
1034 apartment dwellings and a tremendous
shopping center, in which there will be a
theatre seating about 5,000, a super market,
a department store, a beauty parlor, a barber
shop, a laundry, and a dry cleaning shop.
NEW ORLEANS — The recently organized
Allied Theatre Owners of the Gulf States
will meet here June 3 at the Jung hotel.
The new association will open a permanent
W. A. PREWITT JR.
office in New Orleans and will engage a
full-time office staff to coordinate the group’s
work on legislation and on exhibition prob-
lems confronting the industry. The organiza-
tion will be affiliated with National Allied.
The first meeting of the group was held
May 6, 7 at the Bentley hotel in Alexandria.
Officers elected were W. A. Prewitt jr„ New
Orleans, president; Don George, Shreveport,
La., vice-president, and Abe Berenson, New
Orleans, secretary-treasurer. Directors elected
were Max A. Connett, Newton, Miss.; Milton
Guidry, Erfath, La. ; Nick Lamantia, Bogalusa,
La.; Joe Guillory, Oakdale, La.; D. B. Fiske,
Oak Grove, La.; Harold Bailey, New Orleans;
Frank Corbitt, Laurel, Miss., and Bill Butter-
field, Ruston, La.
These officers and directors will serve for
a period of six months. At the end of this
time new officers will be elected at a general
meeting to be attended by all exhibitor mem-
bers from the gulf states area, covering all
theatres served out of the New Orleans ex-
changes. Prewitt also has invited all theatre
owners in the gulf area who do not use the
New Orleans exchanges to join the organiza-
tion.
Prewitt is president of Associated Theatres,
a circuit of ten houses, and sales manager
ABE BERENSON
of the American Desk Mfg. Co., for whom
he came to New Orleans in 1937. He built his
first theatre in Francisville in partnership
with Lionel J. Langlois of New Roads, La.,
and since has built seven other theatres, most
of them in Mississippi. During the war
Prewitt was active with the Civil Air Patrol,
joining in December 1941 as a buck private
and emerging in 1946 as commander of the
Louisiana wing with the rank of lieutenant
colonel.
He is a director of the local chapter of the
National Aeronautics Ass’n and a member
of the Rotary club, Variety Club, Young
Men’s Business club and Filmrow Social club.
He flies his own twin-engine Cessna plane,
holds a flight instructor’s rating, and is a
special deputy sheriff of McClellan county,
Texas.
Berenson, who owns the Tower and Holly-
wood theatres in Gretna, La., is a member
of the Louisiana Bar Ass’n. He served as
a lieutenant in the navy, doing duty in the
motion picture division in the western Pa-
cific and China.
Goodwill Gesture Brings
Latin Star to Houston
HOUSTON— Fernando Rosas, radio and
film star of Mexico, was presented at the
Uptown Theatre all this week under the
sponsorship of the Mexico Bello club, Lulas
club and the Latin-American Goodwill club.
He was invited to Houston by city officials,
who heard him in Monterrey when they were
there for the recent Cinco de Mayo celebra-
tion.
Rosas started his career when he won a
contest in his home town of Acapulco, which
resulted in an engagement on the Mexico City
radio station XEW. Later he won a contest
which gave him an opportunity to appear
on NBC in New York.
He is popular in Mexico as a recording
artist, having already made more than 300
records of popular Mexican songs. He is
under contract to make records in this coun-
try for RCA and Decca.
His best known pictures are “Holiday in
Mexico,” in which Walter Pidgeon was
starred, and “The Garcias Have Come Back,”
a Mexican-made picture.
Texas City Given $2,719
By Jefferson Amusement
BEAUMONT, TEX. — The Jefferson
Amusement Co.’s check for $2,717.20 has
been sent to the Texas City relief fund. This
amount, less federal tax, was collected at
benefit shows held in company theatres in
Beaumont, Silsbee, Orange and Anahuac.
Anadarko's New Theatre
Includes Radio Station
ANADARKO, OKLA.— The Miller Theatre,
a new de luxe house, will open May 27 with
“It’s a Wonderful Life.” Morris DeFord,
owner, has booked “Song of the South” for
his second bill.
The Miller is the latest in theatre con-
struction. It has about 800 seats, a snack bar
with fountain, and Indian paintings are used
for decor. DeFord also is opening a 100-watt
radio station in connection with the theatre.
Plan Cottondale Opening
COTTONDALE, FLA.— Preston D. Sawell
expects to open his new theatre here June 9.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
8W
105
Colemans Sell Hico;
Other Texas Deals
Colonel McCraw Honored
For Pacific War Work
DALLAS — Col. William McCraw, executive
director of the Variety Clubs International,
has been notified by Maj. Gen. Edward F.
COLONEL McCRAW
Wetsell that he has been awarded the Bronze
Star for his outstanding work in supervising
the repair of fighting planes in the Pacific.
During the war, McCraw was commanding
officer of the Second aircraft repair unit,
which was located on a large ship. He and
his men were given much credit for keeping
both bombers and fighters in the air with
their speedy and efficient repair service.
Pelican Corp. to Produce
Shorts in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS — A producing company to
be known as Pelican Pictures Corp. is being
organized here by Jack Auslet of Dixie Films
Corp. A prominent New Orleans businessman
is associated with Auslet in the enterprise.
Production will start soon on both white and
colored shorts. The white subjects will be
set in the bayou country and the colored
shorts will be plantation comedies.
Films will also be available in 16mm for
non theatrical and foreign use. Auslet says
that the talent in New Orleans, especially
that for colored pictures, is the best to be
had. He has secured the services of a colored
producer known to the profession as Mem-
phis. Memphis has produced many colored
shows for leading colored theatres. Negotia-
tions are being conducted for productions,
prints, etc., as well as posters and accessories.
Distribution in the New Orleans territory
will be handled through the Dixie Film Corp.,
and in Dallas, Oklahoma City, Memphis, and
Atlanta by the Astor Pictures offices in those
cities.
To Appear in 'Cass Timberlane'
Josephine Hutchinson has been inked for
a role in Metro’s “Cass Timberlane.”
DALLAS — Several Texas theatres have
changed hands in the last few days.
Miss Anna Coleman and Tom Coleman
have sold their Hico Theatre to J. T. Hitt.
The Colemans have their eyes set for a small
two-theatre Texas town.
Don Buffo of Deport has purchased the
Bogata Theatre in Bogata from Mrs. Effie
Blankenship.
Mrs. J. B. Joyce sold her Parkway Theatre
in Iowa Park to Leroy Daniel and Albert
Reed.
School Patrol at Preview
KNOXVILLE— Approximately 800 Knox-
ville and Knox county school safety patrol
members, concluding a parade through the
city, attended a private first showing of
“Devils on Wheels” at the Pike Theatre here.
Free prizes were given and refreshments
served.
Projectionist Drowns
SILSBEE, TEX. — Charles Lindbergh Bush.
19, motion picture operator for the Jeffer-
son Amusement Co. here, drowned in Vil-
lage creek May 11.
Cartons
reduced in price
•
Oils
Salt
Bags
Machines
Ask for —
full price list on any pop-
corn supplies you need.
IN STOCK—
0 thoroughly rebuilt
machines.
Guaranteed as good as
these machines were
originally.
RIVERSIDE 6134
9mp&Ucd
West Texas Popcorn is grown
under Ideal conditions.
SELECTED SEED— Purdue Hybrid No. 38 is
the only area adapted hybrid seed to any
agricultural conditions in the whole of the
United States. Irrigation-controlled mois-
ture— a dry climate which precludes even
the presence of weevil, makes it possible for
us to guarantee to you that
WE SERVE YOU
The Ideal Hybrid
with
MAXIMUM UNIFORMITY
GROWN-IN POPPING VOLUME
A QUALITY OF TASTE
you never have known before.
Chas. E. Darden & Co.
P. O. Box 2207
DALLAS 1, TEXAS
EQUIPMENT DISPLAY — SALES
WAREHOUSES
NEW Ma. 2102 — 1024 Bienville St. 1 OKLA. 4020 McArthur Blvd.
102Ps£?ad“oS.. MI B°”' 702 Texas St.
ORLEANS L. C. Duckworth, Manager | CITY Cecil Davis, Distributor
HOUSTON — BEAUMONT — LUBBOCK
West Coast Distributor: Roy C. Garland, P. O. Box 647, Oxnard, California
106
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
BRENKERT
1 Kilowatt
High-Intensity Arc Lamp
NOW . . . PURE WHITE LIGHT FOR SMALL THEATRES
Brenkert’s Radarc is the only one-kilowatt, direct
current, high-intensity projection lamp in volume
production, specially designed from top to bottom for
this field alone.
Now medium-sized theatres, with seating capacity
up to 800 seats and screens up to 18 feet wide, can have
a truly high-intensity arc lamp of
superior design and construction.
t
mwm jtL"'r£a gsres imam es wmz eei er
SEE YOUR RCA INDEPENDENT THEATRE SUPPLY DEALER
v * t •
SOUTHWESTERN THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
2010 Jackson St., Dallas 1, Texas
1416 Main St., Houston 2, Texas
OKLAHOMA THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
628 W. Grand Ave., Oklahoma City 2, Okla.
DELTA THEATRE SUPPLY
214 S. Liberty St., New Orleans 13, La
Floyd Barton at Radio Day and Night
Helping Texas City During Disaster
REFUGIO, TEX— Doing a job of public
relations frequently involves the theatreman
in an all embracing program of activities.
Floyd Barton, manager of the Griffith cir-
cuit’s Rialto Theatre here, is a radio amateur
and member of the South Texas Emergency
Net, an organization 'of “hams” who volun-
tarily assist in handling messages during
emergencies when no other means of com-
munication exist.
The recent Texas City disaster was just
such an emergency, and a big one. The thea-
tre manager played an important role in
facilitating messages during and after the
emergency. In his own words he tells the
story in “Contact,” house organ published
by Griffith Theatres in Oklahoma City. Says
Floyd :
“Primarily, the South Texas Emergency
Net is a hurricane and storm net but can
serve in any emergency. We hold drills every
week at which time we practice handling
messages. All operators are capable of han-
dling messages, either by phone or inter-
national code, and most have portable emer-
gency equipment which can be taken -to any
disaster area and set up.
“As for Texas City . . . the control station
alerted our entire net and within three hours
we had three men in Texas City with portable
equipment. I was control station for one zone
and handled all traffic going into Texas City
And the PROFITS Are Good, Too—
When R-B BRAND POPCORN
Is the "Added Attraction” at Your Theatre
You build profits two ways when you pop R-B Brand Mammoth
Yellow Hybrid Popcorn. R-B's greater popping volume means extra
income . . . $120 to $125 from a 100-lb. bag. And R-B's greater taste
appeal adds to the favorable impression your theatre makes . . .
helps to bring customers back again and again! For higher pop-
corn yield and better popcorn flavor, get R-B Brand.
just one bag, to see
for yourself the superiority.
Only $9.80 per 100 lb. bag.
Per 100 lb. bag
in orders of
500 lbs. & up.
R-B Brand Golden Liquid
POPCORN SEASONING
and
R-B Brand Pure
COCOANUT OIL
Available in gallons at 32 lbs. per case, 5-gallon
tins at 40 lbs. per case, steel drums at- 420 lbs.
Morton's popcorn salt, $1.80 per case; %-lb. printed
white bags, $1.50 per thousand.
Write TODAY lor Complete List ol
POPPERS' SUPPLIES.
Conso/tdated
POPCORN COMPANY
2401 South Ervay St. ★ Dallas 1, Texas
\
BUILT ON
EXTRA VALUE
and
SATISFACTION
from Galveston. My transmitter was on the
air almost continuously for three days and
nights, with relief operators sent up here
from the Corpus Christi radio club.
“Most of the messages we handled at first
were inquiry messages, with a few offering
assistance from agencies.
"The Federal Communications commission
restricted certain frequencies in the ama-
teur bands to provide us with clear channels
to operate on. We also received assistance
from the Oklahoma state net. We handled
several thousand messages and I believe we
served a real need during the chaotic time
before commercial facilities were restored.
The Red Cross recognizes us as a useful
agency in time of need. I am still receiving
answers to messages sent out during the
emergency and relaying them to the station
of origin.”
Modest Campaign Pays
BURKBURNETT, TEX. — A wooden horse,
life size and saddled, was an attraction-get-
ting lobby display for the showing of “Gallant
Bess” at the Palace Theatre. The horse, pro-
moted from a saddle shop, was background
for a large sign bearing this copy: “Bess the
Smartest Horse in the World Is Coming
• playdates).” Louis Littlef air, Palace manager,
had horseshoe prints stenciled on all side-
walks of Burkburnett, particular attention
being paid to sidewalks around schools. Also
stenciled on the sidewalks was this copy:
“Gallant Bess Has Been Here on Her Way
to the Palace Theatre (Playdates).” Win-
dow cards, a cutout taken from the film’s six-
sheet, and a few teasers in the want-ad sec-
tion of the local paper were also used. Lit-
tlefair asserts this modest campaign really
paid off.
Moppets in 'Silver River’
Moppets Robert Anderson and Buddy Bur-
roughs have been inked for roles in Warner’s
“Silver River.”
SAM LEWIS
Remodeling and Decorating Theatres
“A Dollar’s Worth for Your Dollar"
Phone Y2-7383
2810 Sharon Dallas 11. Texas
Sam A. Hobbs
Yale 2-1483
Eddie H. Shahan
Yale 2-0526
HOBBS & SHAHAN
Theatre Remodeling and Decorating
Draperies . . . Acoustical Correction
1224 So. Brighton DALLAS 11, TEXAS
/Iwiausici+ttf the Ofxe+iUtcj, oj
A New Studio for the
Complete Renovation of Theatres
— including —
decorating in its entirety, draperies, carpets, acoustical
treatment, lighting fixtures, scale plans, and colored
sketches submitted.
No Obligation — Call, Write or Wire
J. H. (JACK) JACKSON
12 Years Experience
6035 Ellsworth Union 6-4952 Dallas 6, Texas
108
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
The NEW STRONG MOGUL LAMP
For 70 ampere burning of =
~ the improved Suprex Carbons
IS NOW AVAILABLE AND READY FOR
Immediate Delivery
Designed for Drive-Ins and theatres desiring the very best .
These lamps with the new Strong 80 ampere tube rectifier give a picture
so bright on a 48 foot screen you can see all details 500 feet
back — at 65 amps on a 24 foot screen they will knock Wl
^\J your eye right out. ^\J
Get away from that yellowish tint in your picture by replacing old
lamps with the new improved Strong 1-KW medium high utility lamp —
for small theatres this is the ultimate in projection.
Write in lor further details and prices .
DISTRIBUTED IN TEXAS ALONG WITH THE FAMOUS
Century Projectors & Ballantyne Sound Systems
All Kinds of Theatre Equipment
30 Years at the Same Place
714 So. Hampton RcL
Dallas, Texas
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
109
DALLAS
£harles Cooper reports he will open his new
theatre, the Mart, in Mart, Tex., about
July 8. Cooper already has one house, the
Queen, in Mart . . . Bob Yancey says he
will have his new house in Oakwood ready
to go into operation in about two weeks.
Vic Barroce is remodeling his Rex Theatre
in Houston . . . Olivia Stock of the Relax in
Muenster was on the Row last week looking
mighty good. It was the first time she had
been on the Row in several weeks . . . Jerry
Jobe recently opened a new colored house in
Terrell.
Julius H. Gordon, president, and S. L. Oak-
ley, vice-president, of the Jefferson Amuse-
ment Co., were in town for a couple of days
en route from California to their homes in
Beaumont . . . J. Weldon Jones, native of
Farmersville who is now assistant director
of the U.S. budget, was in town last week
and was given a dinner at the Variety Club
by Raymond F. Cornes, owner of the Cornes
and Palace theatres in Farmersville.
Among visitors on the Row were R. M.
Freed of Royce City; Johnnie Fadel of the
Crystal in Hubbard, Roy Deviney of the Hawk
in Hawkins, Posey Williams of the Roxy in
Munday, Mary Spears of the State in Sher-
man, L. T. McDaniel of the Rains in Emory,
C. E. Pacey of the Texan in Sanger, L. C.
Dennis of Gainesville.
Also Dale Wilson of the Eltex in Elgin,
Frank Benson of the Bowie and Majestic in
Bowie, Cleddie Webb of the Texas in St. Joe,
W. L. Embrey of the Queen in Ferris, C. R.
Sandridge of the Village in Fort Worth,
Stephen Curley of Bridgeport, W. T. Ash of
the Ford in Big Lake, W. C. Dorbandt of
Athens, James Riggs of the Texas in Mes-
quite, J. C. Chatmas of the Palace and
Strand in Marlin, Aubrey Cox of Lamesa,
Ralph Labutis of San Antonio.
Also W. O. Bearden of Lubbock, John Fos-
ter of Odessa, J. Howard Hodge of Midland,
C. E. Crockett of the Como in Fort Worth,
C. C. Hamm of the Majestic in Vernon and
Jack Jackson of Interstate’s Texan in
Houston.
Bill Arthur is remodeling his Grand Thea-
tre in Granger . . . Leslie Moore, operator of
the Alamo in Bartlett, is in the hospital in
Temple . . . Walter L. Titus jr., vice-president
and divisional sales manager of Republic
Pictures, was here for a conference with N. J.
Colquhoun, district manager, after which they
left for Mexico City . . . Nancy Simmons,
daughter of the Haywood Simmonses, is in
the hospital . . . Leonard Duckworth, repre-
sentative of the Charles E. Darden Co., in
New Orleans, was in the home office last
week for conferences.
The entire sales force of PRC-Eagle-Lion
was in the branch office here Monday, in-
cluding the east Texas salesman, Clyde Hous-
ton, who recently was discharged from Bay-
lor hospital. Also on hand were Arthur Sauls,
west Texas; Raymond Willie jr., north Texas,
Fort Worth and Dallas; A1 Pickens, south
Texas, and Robert Cox.
and other officers of Screen Guild on new
product and to visit with Robert L. Lippert,
general manager, producer and holder of the
San Francisco franchise. Franconi will re-
turn about June 1. W. J. “Dutch” Cammer,
who headed the contingent returning here,
said the company will have from 26 to 40
new features for release next season. Other
SG men at the meeting were Connie Dreher
and J. M. “Soda” Reynolds.
Charles E. Darden remained over after the
Variety convention to huddle with his west
coast representative, Roy C. Garland of
Oxnard, Calif.
R. L. “Bob” Bostick, manager of the
Memphis Theatre Supply house, was in town
last week . . . Ray Parnell and Victor Cor-
nelius of Eastland were on the Row . . . F. W.
“Doc” Allen received a special delivery letter
one day last week notifying him that he is
now a special deputy constable of Precinct No.
1. Better watch that jay walking.
The Starlight operetta season seat sale
opened Monday (19). The season runs from
June 16 through August 24.
Happy birthday to the Filmrow gang.
Celebrating this month are: May 19,
Neweta Hart, MGM, and Pauline Morris,
Paramount; May 21, Lillie Mae Sexton, MGM,
and Hazel Bryom; May 23, I. B. Adelman,
Adelman Theatres; May 25, Eulalie Sample,
MGM; May 27, Harry Suttle, Manley, Inc.,
and C. M. Miller, Universal; May 28, Helen
Lichtenwald, Paramount, and Lloyd Rust,
Monogram; May 29, E. B. Coleman, MGM
exploiteer, and Mildred Hope, Universal; May
30, Ola Morgan, RKO; Frank Rule, Para-
mount, and W. R. Taylor, Charles E. Darden
Co.; May 31, G. E. Wiltse, branch manager
of Altec Service.
The trip home from the Los Angeles con-
vention was the first J. M. “Soda” Reynolds
ever made by air. He says he is not against
flying and won’t refuse another ride, but “I
will not go out of my way to buy space on a
plane.”
Fort Keith of the Palace, Granbury, was in
town for a week buying and booking . . .
Mary Williamson has resigned from the Leon
Theatres and Beulah Bess Bell is replacing
her . . . Charlie Brent, who recently bought
the Sunset Theatre, is doing a complete re-
modeling job, including enlarging the house.
W. V. Ratcliff, Epsom Drive-In, Houston,
was on the Row. Ratcliff has added a rodeo
Is Your
WKmm We Have
Theatre
BHiii Buyers
For Sale?
WKBtBKm With Cash
JOE" JOSEPH
THEATRES
Full of enthusiasm, the sales contingent of
Screen Guild of Texas returned from the
simultaneous conventions of Screen Guild
Productions and Variety International in Los
Angeles. John L. Franconi, franchise holder,
remained over to check with John J. Jones
Let “Joe” Sell Your Show.
Theatres bought — sold — equipped — fire in-
ventories— consultant and equipment.
1003 Galloway St. Dallas, Tex.
Phone Yale 2-7650
BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT
1 0th FI. 2nd Unit, Santa Fe Bldg. BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO», INC. Dallas. Tex.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
arena in the rear of his grounds. The arena
seats 15,000. He held a successful opening
rodeo and plans a big celebration for July
4, 5.
M. Benitez of Weslaco has opened a new
theatre, the Roxy, at Elsa, in the Rio Grande
valley ... A new second run house, the Sun-
shine, has been completed in Clovis, N. M.,' by
Lloyd Franklin . . . W. T. Ash is the new
owner of the Majestic, Amherst, purchasing
that house from H. A. Hubbard . . . W. R.
Barclay recently bought the Star in Florence.
Southeast Breezes
MIAMI — Brandt Theatres soon will open
a new 1,300-seat theatre here. It will be
known as the Venetian.
MIAMI— Paramount’s Beach Theatre here
recently was voted the “perfect theatre” by
100 architects.
BLANDENBORO, N. C.— Owner W. G. Fus-
sell of the Lyric Theatre here has been elect-
ed mayor.
ROCK HILL, S. C. — Jesse Cox and Hy
Suritz were to open their new Carver Theatre
here, a 494-seat quonset hut structure for
Negroes, on May 26. Cox will manage.
CHARLOTTE — Everett Olson of Minne-
apolis has been named Paramount field rep-
resentative in the Carolinas, replacing Leon-
ard Allen, transferred to Atlanta.
ATLANTA — Bill Holliday, Paramount sales-
man in Charlotte, has been named sales
manager here.
MONTGOMERY, ALA. — Marvin Warren,
former house manager of Wilby-Kincey’s
Paramount Theatre here, who married
Eleanor Rushing Meriwether of this city
May 7, has succeeded Sam Davis as the cir-
cuit’s city manager in Elizabethton, Tenn.
George Loften, former chief usher, succeeds
Warren at the Paramount.
LOXLEY, ALA. — Judge H. T. Childress,
owner and manager, will rebuild the Victory
Theatre here, which was virtually destroyed
by a recent $16,000 fire. The house was
built in August 1945. The Fred T. McLendon
circuit owns two-thirds of the equipment.
KNOXVILLE, TENN. — Imported name
bands find tough going here. Promoters
have lost money on six of 12 top bands
brought to Chilhowee park here since last
November.
PENSACOLA, FLA. — The Twin Theatre
here, which recently started admitting two
on each ticket two days a week, now has re-
duced its whole price scale in line with
President Truman’s request for lower prices.
Gets Top Comedy Part
Andy Devine will play the top comedy part
in Republic’s “Monterey.”
POPCORN and SUPPLIES, YES!
We represent
Charles E. Darden & Co.
Cretors Popcorn Machines
Cecil Davis
Theatre Seat and Equipment Co.
4020 MacArthur Oklahoma City, Okla.
Two Mrs. Carrolls' Best
In So-So Dallas Session
DALLAS — '“The Two Mrs. Carrolls” had a
nice week at the Majestic, but business was
pretty spotty elsewhere along Elm Street.
(Average is 100)
Capitol — Stars Over Texas (PRC);
Spoilers ol the North (Rep) 110
Majestic — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB) 115
Melba — Bedelia (E-L) 75
Palace — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM) 100
Rialto — Apache Rose (Rep);
Beat the Band (RKO) 80
Telenews — This Happy Breed (U-I) 75
Tower — Michigan Kid ( U- 1 ) 100
To Topline in ‘Sea Hound'
Buster Crabbe will topline in Columbia’s
“The Sea Hound.”
NEW SEATS, YES!
21 Day Delivery
We represent the
GRIGGS EQUIP. CO.
in Oklahoma
CECIL DAVIS
Theatre Seat Cr Equipment Co.
4020 MacArthur Oklahoma City, Okla.
REMODELING - DECORATING
■ ■ • ' ■ .• .■ . ; '. . .
Drapes — Frames — Lighting fixtures
*■ LOWEST PRICES
LUPE ROMERO
4222 Lafayette DALLAS 4. TEX. T-0060
HERMAN BLUM
Engineer
Air-Conditioning and Heating Design
170814 Commerce St. Dallas, Texas
EXCITING ADVENTURE IN THE NORTH WOODS
Here is one that will satisfy and entertain the
entire family! "RENFREW OF THE ROYAL
MOUNTED" with Jimmy Newill and Carol
Hughes. Fabulous scenic beauty in the Cana-
dian Northwest. Highly recommended family
enlertainment. Also, featuring "LIGHTNING,"
the almost human dog star.
But that isn't all, for as an added attraction
with "RENFREW OF THE ROYAL MOUNTED,"
you give them "WAY UP THAR," one ol the
funniest comedies ever produced, featuring
Sons of the Pioneers and Joan Davis! It is a
guaranteed program.
Released hy FILM CLASSICS of Texas Dallas
ANOTHER WILLING WORKER
FOR BIGGER PROFITS
MANLEY’S ’47 PERFECTION
IN POPCORN MACHINES
BQJB jyjl, DIVISIONAL MANAGER
302 So. Harwood C-7536 Dallas, Texas
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
111
NEW ORLEANS
A. Prewitt jr. of Associated Theatres,
New Orleans, left May 17 for Washington
to attend a Congressional dinner as one of
the 48 wing commanders. Prewitt is com-
mander of the Louisiana wing of the Civil
Air patrol. He will be host to senators and
representatives of Louisiana. Many high
ranking officers will attend, including Gen.
Carl A. Spaatz and the new CAP national
commander, Brig. Gen. P. H. Smith jr.
Colonel Prewitt will also attend a four-day
conference of the commanders, to be held at
Bolling field and the Pentagon Bldg.
The Saenger featured "Stallion Road” with
“The Imperfect Lady” as its next attraction.
Loew’s State had “The Red House.” “Trail
Street” completed its run at the Orpheum
as did “The Farmer’s Daughter” at the Lib-
erty, and “Smash-Up” was billed as the next
attraction for both houses. “Carnival in
Costa Rica” was at the Joy, and at the
Strand “The Jolson Story” began its seventh
downtown week. “Suddenly It’s Spring” was
offered at the Tudor; “Apache Rose” at tne
Globe. The St. Charles returned temporarily
to vaudeville, and offered four acts together
with the screen attraction, “Les Miserables.”
At the Center was “Dangerous Millions.”
while the Rio offered a double bill. “In Old
Sacramento” and “Crimson Canary ”
George Pabst, local franchise holder for
Screen Guild; J. Y. Jernigan, Memphis fran-
chise holder; Mr. and Mrs. Landaich and
daughter Janet, and Joy Houck, all of whom
attended the Screen Guild convention in Hol-
lywood, returned to New Orleans after stop-
ping over in Texas on their return flight in
Houck’s plane. They are all pepped up and
state that they will have 35 new pictures for
the coming season.
A small fire at Consolidated Popcorn Sup-
ply Co. ruined a small quantity of corn . . .
Tom Watson, RKO salesman at Charlotte, has
been transferred to New Orleans where he
replaces Collins Reilly, who in turn replaces
Watson in Charlotte ... V. Smolcich, man-
ager of the Roxy, Biloxi, was in town . . . Mr.
Brown, who operates Brown’s roadshow in
Oak Ridge, La., has purchased the Ace Thea-
tre at Ferriday, La. . . . Cecile Robbins, with
Dixie Films for several years in the inspec-
tion department, has returned to her old po-
sition after an absence of about two months.
A new addition to the department is Marie
Carite ... A tradescreening was held of
“Duel in the Sun” with many exhibitors
present.
R. M. Savini, president of Astor Pictures,
was in Hollywood for the Variety Club con-
vention, and mixed business with pleasure.
John Jenkins, also of Astor at Dallas and
New Orleans, took care of business while en-
joying the social aspects of the convention.
Ike Katz of the Kay Films office in Atlanta
stopped over at the local office for a few
hours Wednesday on his way to the Variety
Club convention in California. Katz expects
to remain on the coast a few days after the
convention ends to transact business.
The first motion picture theatre in this sec-
tion of the country to sponsor a bowling team
is the Joy, Canal street’s newest house. Man-
ager Ed McKinnon has made a deal with
Mrs. Ruth Bohne, daughter of Jack Auslet
of Dixie Film Corp., to sponsor her team,
which won the championship last season, for
the coming season. The first meet was held
May 14 at Fazzio’s bowling alley and the Joy
team won three straight games, again leading
the league in their class. Mrs. Bohne, for-
merly Ruth Auslet, was once cashier of the
Pathe exchange in Kansas City and was also
bookkeeper for Exhibitor’s Delivery Service
of that city.
Scroll Pays Tribute
To Larned Memory
DALLAS — Paying tribute to the memory of
Fred Larned, former branch manager of
Paramount here who was killed in a Cali-
fornia auto accident, a scroll entitled “In the
Heart of Variety” has been presented to
Tent 17 here by Johnny Long, head of a south
Texas theatre circuit.
Written by Verne Trembley, the tribute
reads:
“Not an obituary nor a eulogy, for neither
would be in keeping with the Fred Larned
his brothers and sisters of Tent 17 knew so
well. An obituary is not in order for a man
who always lives. So long as there is one
beating heart in the Tent 17 of yesterday
and today, to be quickened with warmth
and laughter when the talk of showfolk turns
to the things he said and in things he did,
Fred Larned will yet be with us.
“Not a eulogy . . . for Fred was not the
sort of guy one could praise with impunity.
He looked at himself and his fellows with
complete honesty. He had no pretenses. With-
out vanity or affectation, but with genuine
candor, he called the turn as he saw it.
You could like him or dislike him; he left
that choice to you, but of his sincerity there
could never be any doubt. The fact that his
friends were legion is sufficient attestation
to his way of life.
“Not an obituary, not a eulogy . . . but
a modest salute to a beloved comrade from
those who carry on until they, too, will
lay aside the barker’s hat and cane to ‘Go
on the Road.’ You were a swell guy, Fred,
and you did a grand job, a real barker who
lived Variety’s code — that of making folks
happy. You’re playing the ‘Big Time’ now
and we know that same pixy-like spirit we
knew so well is getting the laughs and ap-
plause at every show. Do us a favor, will
you Fred? Reserve some seats for us, front
row center? . . . We know it’s a sellout and we
know, too, that Fred Larned is doing his
best to give all the boys a break on the play-
dates.
“So long, fellow. Thanks for the memories,
and until the Big Boss sends us our book-
ings, keep ’em laughing.”
112
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Heavy Mill Gily Play
For Foreign Films
Interstate's 16th Theatre in Houston,
The Broadway, Makes Formal Bow
From Midwest Edition
MINNEAPOLIS — Because of their marked
improvement in quality and boxoffice value,
foreign films are in record demand in this
territory, whereas a few years ago most of the
territory’s exhibitors fought shy of them like
poison.
The improvement in the quality and box-
office worth of foreign pictures has caused
the World, local sure-seater, to revert in part
to its original policy of devoting a large part
of its season to them. Other first run houses
also are playing a considerable number of
them.
In recent years, the World has been largely
a moveover house, playing American films
almost exclusively. A few months ago, how-
ever, it played “Brief Encounter” for three
weeks to big business and its current attrac-
tion is “Open City,” which is also getting a
large play from the public. Ted Mann, who
now is operating the theatre, has announced
he will go to New York later this month to
try to clinch deals for more foreign product.
Among the foreign pictures that have done
well at the Minnesota Amusement Co. and
RKO Theatres first run houses recently are
“Wicked Lady,” “Notorious Gentleman" and
“Bedelia.”
Neighborhood exhibitors also are grabbing
up the foreign pictures eagerly. A factor, of
course, has been the decreased production of
Hollywood pictures, causing somewhat of a
product shortage.
Foreign films regarded as unsuitable for
regular theatres are getting a play from the
University Film society at the University of
Minnesota.
HOUSTON — Sixteenth in a group of thea-
tres opened here by Interstate circuit, the
Broadway, named for that thoroughfare,
made its bow recently. It is equipped with
the latest developments in sound, projection
and air conditioning and seats 1,200, with
an arrangement designed to afford plenty of
knee room and give an unobstructed view
of the screen.
One service offered by the Broadway is a
hard-surfaced parking lot accommodating
500 cars, a brilliantly lighted area offered
without charge to patrons.
The theatre front is decorated with green
structural glass and enameled porcelain. A
V-shaped marquee features the latest type
attraction board and letters. A 60-foot verti-
cal sign on the theatre front, enhanced by
several hundred feet of varicolored neon tub-
ing, affords a brilliant nighttime spectacle.
The cashier’s booth, located at the left
side of the entrance to the theatre, is a de-
parture from the conventional theatre design
where the boxoffice is placed in the center
of the theatre entrance.
The entrance and inner lobbies have been
finished with beautifully designed terrazzo
floors. Inside the auditorium, the walls are
decorated with unusual floral murals. The
red velour seats blend with the dark carpets.
Indirect lighting is featured throughout.
L. E. Newton, a native Houstonian and resi-
dent of the east end since 1921, is manager
of the Broadway. A veteran showman, he be-
gan his managerial career at the original
Broadway Theatre in 1927. In 1928 he became
manager of the Bluebonnet and since 1942
he has been manager of the Wayside. He will
be replaced at the Wayside by his son, L. C.
Newton, who has been serving as assistant
manager of the Eastwood. He started his
association with Interstate ten years ago, and
after four years in the armed forces, resumed
his career at the Eastwood.
The new theatre will follow the same policy
of other Interstate neighborhood houses, New-
ton announced. It will open daily at 12:45
p. m. The opening attraction was Walt Dis-
ney’s version of the Uncle Remus tales, “Song
of the South.”
The theatre was designed by architects Pet-
tigrew and Worley, and built by the O’Rourke
Construction Co. Eugene Gilboe, nationally
known decorator, executed the murals.
TELL IT! SELL IT!
Use Classified Ads
for selling in-the-way items
around your premises.
iMBBNBBBBBBirBBBBBBBBBBaBBBBBBBBaBBBBMBBBHBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBaBBBBBBBBBBBfliBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBflBBBBBBBBBBBBaBBBaflBBBBBBflBBBBBBBBflBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBaBBBBBBaBBtt
NEW Equipment For
Delivery
Strong 1-kw Intermediate High Lamps
The NEW Strong 70 Ampere Super High Lamps
Strong 45 and 70 Ampere Rectifiers
Motor Generators — 50-100 Amps — 65-130 Amps
Mirrophonic Delux Sound Systems
Altec Lansing Speaker Systems
A. A. Motiograph Projectors
Ticket Machines & Change Machines
Automatic Enclosed Rewinds
Electric Changeovers
and
A Complete Stock of Theatre Supplies
PHONE OR WIRE NOW
Afoaetot
214 South St. Paul Street
Phone Riverside 5009
Dallas 1. Texas
s
laBaBaaBaaaBaaaaBaaaaBBaaaaBaBaBaBaaaaaBaBaBaaBBaaaaaaaBBBBaBaBBaBBiBBBBBBBaBaBBBaBaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaBaBaaBBaaBaaBaBBaBBaaBBBBBBBaaaaaaaaBaaaaBBBaBBBaBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB"
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
112-A
OKLAHOMA CITY
pilmrow visitors: T. H. Peterson, Reydon;
John Gray, Chickasha; E. V. Weaver, Shid-
ler; L. A. White, Weatherford; L. D. Burns,
Temple; H. P. McKelroy, new owner of the
Alamo and White Way theatres in Marlow;
Jack Pierce, Stigler; Wesley Hodges, Ana-
darko; Eddie Jones, Sand Springs; Mr. and
Mrs. Claud Thorpe, Ryan; S. P. Doss, Eufau-
la; P. H. Houck, Eldorado; Oda Terry, Kona-
wa; J. B. Terry, Perry; John D. Carter, Com-
merce; Virby Conley, Perry ton, Tex.; J. R.
Smith, Mountain View; L. B. Warren, Yukon
The Victoria Theatre changed its screen
bill Thursday (22) from “Magic Bow” to
“Man in Grey,” a Rank film . . . The Tower
DALLAS 11, TEX.— Hardin Theatre Supply, Mr. J. H.
Hardin. 714 South Hampton Rd. Telephone: M-2235.
DALLAS 2. TEX.— Herber Bros., 408 So. Harwood St.
HOUSTON 2, TEX. — Southwestern Theatre Equipment
Co., 1416 Main St.
opened Tuesday (20) with “My Favorite
Brunette" after two weeks of “Suddenly It’s
Spring.” The latter film played one week
at the Criterion before it was moved over
to the Tower . . . “The Egg and I” returned
Sunday (25i to the Home for its second ap-
pearance in the city.
Carr Scott, Screen Guild branch head here,
and Paul W. Myers, salesman, returned Mon-
day from Los Angeles where they attended
a company convention . . . C. A. Gibbs, Co-
lumbia manager, will be in Chicago for his
company’s convention which starts June 1
and continues three days . . . Max Frost,
assistant shipper at Columbia, a recent bride-
NEW ORLEANS 8, LA.— Electrical Supply Co., 201
Magazine St. Telephone: Raymond 7272.
OKLAHOMA CITY 2, OKLA.— Oklahoma Theatre Sup-
ply Co., 708 W. Grand Ave. Telephone: 7-8691.
groom, is on a week’s holiday . . . C. F.
Motley, operations head for Griffith Theatres,
spent ten days recently in Warm Springs, Ga.,
with his wife.
Charles Smith of Independent Poster Serv-
ice and Ruth Reynerson were married Sat-
urday (24) here. They planned to honeymoon
at Lake Spavinaw near Tulsa ... Ed Kidwell,
general manager of C&R Theatres here, re-
turned Monday night (19) from Los Angeles
where he attended Variety’s international
parley . . . Martin Feinstein, publicist with
the United Artists release, “Carnegie Hall,”
left Tuesday night (20) for New York. The
film, which played the Villa Theatre one
week, did a poor business here, partly due,
perhaps, to the bad weather. Daily down-
pours have been recorded the past week.
Advance sales for the appearance here of
Spike Jones and his orchestra, a Boyle and
Cravens show, is reported fine. He’s booked
for the Municipal auditorium June 1 . . .
Also good is the advance sale for “Bloomer
Girl,” slated for the auditorium, under the
auspices of Boyle and Cravens, May 26, 27
. . . Paul Rice and family left Friday (16)
on a two-week vacation to California. Rice
is first booker for the Paramount exchange
here . . . C. H. “Buck” Weaver, Paramount
exchange head, returned Tuesday (20) from
Los Angeles where he attended the Variety
confab.
Ramona Yergler, secretary to S. B. Rucker,
Paramount office manager, and Earl Stone,
Chickasha, were married Saturday (17) in a
large wedding here. Mrs. Stone, a Delta
Delta Delta sorority member and affiliate
of the French Heels club here, was replaced
at Paramount by Kay Bowie, who was pro-
moted to the secretarial post from the office
staff. The Stones will live in Chickasha.
Leonard Jones, Lawton, who sold his thea-
tre in Lawton recently to Harry McKenna,
Horace Falls and Eb Walker, was on the
THEATRE BARGAINS
In TEXAS
Investigate these for a good sound
investment.
No. 1 — North Texas Town, all cushion seats.
nice brick bldg. Good equipment.
Sell Bldg., and all for $6,950.
No. 2 — East Texas, near big Rockland Dam
Project, good payroll year around,
also large lot for future theatre
site. $13,900.
No. 3 — East Texas, making good profit. Good
equipment. Three bedroom apartment
in theatre bldg. Will sell theatre,
bldg., apt., and all for $21,500.
No. 4 — Central Texas, 380 cushion seats, lat-
est equipment, all modern, making
plenty money, good lease, $19,950.
No. 5 — Two Theatres in good central Texas
town, large trade area, both first run
houses. One other theatre in the
town. Long lease on both bldgs. Best
theatre buy on the market — $35,950.
PHONE OR WIRE FOR APPOINTMENT
"/ee" faepA
Theatre Sales - Equipment - Consultant
1003 Galloway St. Dallas, Texas
Ph. Yale 2-7650
STRON G T4e /oidube ta tuyfc/
4Mm‘S
wma BwmoR
112-B
BOXOFFICE May 24, 1947
Row closing his film accounts. He said he
planned “to take it easy for three or four
years.”
The rains have slowed down construction
work on the Odom Drive-In Theatre, orig-
inally scheduled to open in May. R. Lewis
Barton, who has controlling interest in the
1,000-car theatre, said the Odom would open
soon after June 15. Also- interested ip this
theatre are two Wichita, Kas., men, H. A.
Swim and H. R. McCollister . . . New carpets
are being laid in the Home Theatre and a
new $165,000 refrigeration plant is to be in-
stalled within the next week . . . Maj. and
Mrs. Harry Reed of Glenview, 111., are visit-
ing here. Mrs. Reed is the former Lillian
Edwards of the Griffith home office. An
open house Sunday (25) honored the newly-
weds.
James E. Coston of Warner Bros. Theatres,
Chicago, made a brief stop here en route to
the west coast . . . Harold Russell, star of
“Best Years,” and his wife stopped here brief-
ly en route to San Francisco where he went
to appear on the American day program.
Margaret Snell, RKO cashier, spent the
weekend in Kansas City . . . The Morris
Loewensteins returned Wednesday (21) from
Los Angeles where they attended the Variety
convention . . . “Homestretch” moved into
the Midwest Theatre Wednesday. “The Two
Mrs. Carrolls,” which played this house a
week, moved over to the Liberty for its second
week in the city.
Leo Young of RKO returned from a junket
which included Oklahoma and the panhan-
dle of Texas, in connection with “Best Years.”
He visited all Griffith towns in this area
and some towns having independent houses
. . . “San Quentin” closed at the Warner
in favor of “Lost Honeymoon” and “Spoilers
of the North” which opened Friday (23) . . .
M. W. Osborne, 20th-Fox branch manager,
left Tuesday (20) to attend a sales meeting
in Atlanta . . . Sam Caporal has installed
Manley popcorn machines in his Yale and
Bison theatres, and plans to install one later
in the Mayflower.
The rains and high water didn’t stop Ralph
Warner last weekend when he started for
Lawton. At Chickasha, Ralph was stopped
and informed that the roads were impassable.
He hired a plane to ease the situation, and
after flying down the road a piece, discovered
how to get through to Medicine Park, and on
to Lawton — so he returned to the Chickasha
airport, picked up his car and passengers
and drove on through to Lawton. With him
were Harry McKenna, Mrs. Dink Dyer of
20th-Fox, who went to Lawton to visit her
husband over the weekend, and Mrs. Warner.
The Warners celebrated Mrs. Warner's birth-
day Saturday (17) fishing at Lake Lawtonka
where they hooked bass and channel cat.
They returned to the city Sunday.
“The Farmer’s Daughter” was held a sec-
ond week at the State. Next in this house
will be “The Red House” . . . Ralph Warner
of Manley, Inc., announces a price reduc-
tion in all popcorn supplies.
Combination barometers and thermometers
were installed in front of several Cuero busi-
ness houses through courtesy of the Trot and
Rialto theatres, Griffith operations in Cuero.
The barometer indicates what the weather
will be for the next eight to 24 hours and also
has space for the advertising of coming at-
tractions to the two theatres.
The Liberty, Griffith house in Holdenville,
has reopened for full-time operation. It is
playing second run at admission of 10 and 25
cents, according to Horace Clark, manager.
This Hughes county community, once a boom
(Continued on next page)
■ NOW.
Your Theatre Can Be Sold
PRIVATELY at Top Market
Personal, Confidential Handling
Confidential correspondence invited
ARTHUR LEAK
BROKER
Theatre Sales Exclusively
3422 Kinmore St Dallas 10, Texas
IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT OUT OF DALLAS STOCK
PROJECTOR PARTS
Simplex and Powers
LAMPHOUSE PARTS
Strong, Peerless,
Mazda
REFLECTORS
Strong, Peerless,
Mazda. Gardner &
Others
CARBONS
For all lamps
PROJECTION LENSES
All sizes in Coated
Series I & II. Also
Used Lens
Complete Projection
And
Sound Equipments
And
Screens
STRONG LAMPS
&
RECTIFIERS
and
COMPLETE WEBER
SYNCROFILM
SOUND EQUIPMENTS
and
WENZEL PROJECTORS
and
STAR POPCORN
MACHINES
EXTRAS
Exit Lights
Rewinds
Perfumes & Deodorants
Thumb Tacks
Record Ledgers
Fire Extinguishers
Film Splicers
Photo Electric Cells
Exciter Lamps
Admission Signs
Goldberg Reels
Westinghouse Rectifier
Bulbs
Film Tables
Ticket Machines
Ticket Boxes
Sand Urns
HERBER BROTHERS
“Fair Treatment and Adequate Service for 25 Yearn”
408 S. HARWOOD DALLAS 1. TEXAS
YOUR
BALLANTYNE
DEALER
will show you how
IN THE SOUTHWEST
Contact Today for Complete
Information
DELTA THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
214 South Liberty,
New Orleans, La.
HARDIN THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
714 Hampton Road,
Dallas, Texas „
OKLAHOMA THEATRE SUPPLY
COMPANY
628 West Grand Avenue,
Oklahoma City, Okla.
BALLANTYNE
SOUND EQUIPMENT
•AMPLIFIERS • SPEAKERS
•SOUNDHEADS -BASES
•COMPLETE SOUND SYSTEMS
•TWO-WAY HORNS
See the BALLANTYNE COMPANY
Advertisement in Modern Theatre Section
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
112-C’
Westerns-Features-Serials
I Tower Pictures Co.
HAROLD SCHWARZ
302l/i S. Harwood St. C — 7357
DALLAS 1. TEXAS
J(JOHN) 0 n (O.K.)
enkins & Bourgeois
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HARWOOD <S JACKSON STS.
DALLAS 1 “Riverside 1884" TEXAS
OKLAHOMA CITY
(Continued from preceding page)
town, is lively again with extensive oil op-
erations in the vicinity. The Liberty, closed
about five years ago, was remodeled and re-
opened during the town’s seventh annual
Arkansas day celebration.
Tom Kirkham, manager of the Griffith’s
Tower in Drumright, entertained 604 elemen-
tary school children at a Saturday morning
show as a reward for their assistance in the
recent cancer drive . . . Abe Rosewall, manager
of Griffith operations in Vinita and presi-
dent of the Chamber of Commerce in that
city, spoke on the program of the White Oak
high school junior-senior banquet and also
gave the welcome address at the commence-
ment program of the Craig county eighth
grade.
“Duel in the Sun” will open in Oklahoma
City June 4, playing day and date in the Cri-
terion and Tower, C&R houses, at roadshow
prices . . . Pat McGee, head of the Cooper
Foundation, Denver, left Saturday (17) after
a business visit here . . . "Sea of Grass” was
held a second week at the Criterion . . . Jack
Swigert, who went into the Victoria recently
as manager, has resigned and is reported in
Texas. W. A. Smith, his assistant, is acting
manager. The Victoria shows foreign films.
Rex Ochs, formerly of the Victoria Theatre,
is now assistant manager at the Criterion,
Robert A. “Bob” Hynes, Criterion manager,
announced this week. Also new at the Cri-
terion is Bob Osmond, treasurer. He was
assistant manager at the Liberty . . . M. D.
Brazee of Warner Bros. Theatres made a
business trip to Chicago . . . Elvera Oetken,
relief cashier at the Brauntex in New Braun-
fels, Tex., is valedictorian of the New Braun-
fels high school graduating class of 1947.
Another feather in this young lady’s cap,
Manager Mac H. Wood informed the Griffith
home office here, is possession of third place
award in the Texas state high school short-
hand competition . . . The front of the build-
ing, the marquee and inner lobby and foyer
of the Brauntex have been repainted.
THEATRE CARPET
Several Excellent Patterns
now nvaiiaaiE
Carpet in stock
Samples on our floor
See them today
SOUTHWESTERN THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
2010 Jackson St.
DALLAS 1. TEXAS
Tel: Central 8579
1416 Main St.
HOUSTON 2, TEXAS
Tel: Capitol 9906
LETTERS
COMPLAINT ON ROADSHOWS
To BOXOFFICE:
Exhibitors and exchange men of the New
Orleans territory are facing a menace which
should be rectified immediately.
It has come to my attention that two states,
Louisiana and Mississippi, have been flooded
with 16mm roadshows which are going beyond
the limits, actually playing duplicate shows
several days ahead of 35mm houses in the
same towns. For instance, at Maringouin, La.,
where we (Dixie Films) had booked "New
Adventures of Tarzan” and “Open the Door,
Richard,” a traveling show came in and
played the same program on 16mm film at
three shows in and near this town prior to
our playdate.
The roadshows play anywhere, at night
clubs, in empty buildings, schoolhouses and
tents. They pay practically no taxes. Natu-
rally, the exhibitors and exchange men feel
the injustice of this. Having no Film Board
of Trade, the exchange men are not or-
ganized; however, the recently organized Al-
lied Theatre Owners of the Gulf States may
to some extent offer protection for the ex-
hibitor.
The seriousness of this situation must be
called to the attention of the producers who
sell 16mm film indiscriminately to any and
all buyers. Further example of the extent to
which these roadshows are hurting the ex-
change end of the business is indicated by
the fact that an exhibitor who owns thea-
tres in four towns recently made the state-
ment to me that it was foolish for him to
pay for 35mm films when he can show the
same subjects on 16mm. When I talked with
one distributor of this product I was told
that it “won’t hurt anybody.” Naturally, it
will not hurt the distributor. It will, how-
ever, hurt the exchange men in loss of book-
ings.
I think that BOXOFFICE, with its power-
ful influence over exhibitors and exchange
men alike, should lend its aid in bringing the
importance of governing this situation to the
attention of all concerned. It is quite pos-
sible that just such a condition exists in
other territories.
There is still another menace confronting
us and one which we must overcome quickly.
The 16mm operators have called on the
poster exchanges and bought up the product
on hand for the distribution to 35mm book-
ings. These items of advertising have been
ordered by our exchanges, yet when we re-
quest one-sheets, etc., we are told that the
supply is exhausted or has been junked.
Mr. Exhibitor and Mr. Exchange Man, let’s
get together and do away with this terrible
menace confronting our financial well-being.
JACK AUSLET
Dixie Films,
New Orleans, La. r\W
U.S. features planned for 1947 production
totaled 501, divided as follows: MGM, 24:
Warners, 20; Universal-International. 26;
Paramount, 27; United Artists, 36; RKO Ra-
dio, 46; Columbia, 44; Republic, 60; Mono-
gram, 53; PRC Pictures, 43; Eagle-Lion, 10;
SRO, 7-10; Samuel Goldwyn, 4.
112-D
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Jacksonville Branch
Will Open June 9
ATLANTA — Paramount’s branch office in
Jacksonville, Fla., will be opened June 9 or
thereabout. The office staff for the Florida
branch is being trained here.
Bob Stevens, transferred from Boston, will
be office manager, with Bert Tergeon as sales
representative.
Among others definitely billed for the
branch are Jack Riggs and Ken McCarthy,
booking department; Tony Hansman, ac-
counting department; Jeannette Hollister,
Jewel Nelson, Virginia Japoun, Clarice Hol-
land and Mary Dietz.
Virginia Hardwick, president of the Para-
mount Pep club, says May 30 has been
selected as the date for the barbecue and
dance honoring employes of the new branch.
The affair will be held at the Venetian club.
Wometco Shifts Pilots,
Promotes From Within
MIAMI — Pursuing their policy of building
up executives from within the organization,
Wometco Theatres has made the following
promotions: Gordon Spradley has become
manager of the Capitol, William Goller man-
ager of the Tower and Dana Bradford man-
ager of the Grove. Claude Woods was trans-
ferred to assistant manager of the Capitol.
Jack Kernell, absent for some time, has been
re-employed as relief manager for the col-
ored theatres. George West temporarily filled
in at the Capitol while changes were being
made. West is relief manager for the down-
town theatres, Tower, Capitol and State.
Cartoon Show Is Given
As Goodwill Gesture
CORAL GABLES, FLA. — Bugs Bunny,
Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Popeye and a
host of other cartoon favorites were presented
in a 90-minute cartoon carnival at the Coral
Theatre for the benefit of the South Florida
Children’s hospital. Admission was 25 cents,
but any amount over and above was ac-
ceptable. Adults, too, were admitted at the
“25-cents or more” price.
The performance was a goodwill gesture
on the part of the theatre management.
W. J. Brackins in L. A.
OZARK, ALA. — Mr. and Mrs. Walter J.
Brackin of Ozark attended the Variety Club
convention in Los Angeles. Brackin is owner
of the Dale and Brackin theatres here. The
Brackin brought “Duel in the Sun” to its
screen on May 22-23.
T. G. Coleman Named
ANNISTON, ALA. — T. G. Coleman, city
manager for Wilby-Kincey Theatres here, has
been named a member of the educational
committee of the Anniston Chamber of Com-
merce.
Savannah House Opens
SAVANNAH— The Rico Theatre, owned by
Ruben Seigel, was opened May 23. It is for
Negro patronage and seats 400.
In-Car Speakers at Shaw's Skyway
CHATTANOOGA — Don Shaw, manager of
the Skyway Theatre here, a drive-in, has
installed in-car speakers.
The theatre grounds have been extended to
provide space for approximately 485 auto-
mobiles. There are two shows nightly.
Sidewalk Club Formed
By Theatre Builder
Eutaw, Ala. — Building a new theatre
in a small town?
Why not form a Sidewalk Superintend-
ents’ club?
Roth E. Hook, owner of the new Hook
Theatre here, found such an organiza-
tion successful in stimulating interest in
the new house.
“Advice on all last-minute changes in
plans for construction of the new theatre
was furnished by holders of the following
card.” Hook said :
Sidewalk Superintendent Club . . .
Eutaw Chapter No. 3 . . . Eutaw, Ala. . , .
J. E. Johnson, Contractor, York, Ala. . .
The Best Pilots Stand on the Shore . . .
Small, medium and large peepholes avail-
able by appointment. (Signed) Roth E.
Hook, Entrepreneur.
Ritter's Horse Whiteflash
Bruised in Trailer Upset
ATLANTA — Western star Tex Ritter’s horse
Whiteflash was bruised severely May 16
when a trailer in which he was being trans-
ported from Waycross to Columbus over-
turned near Sylvester, Ga.
The animal was taken from the trailer
after the top was removed and was led about
a mile into Sylvester.
In Sylvester a second accident occurred.
The trailer broke loose from Ritter’s auto-
mobile and struck a telephone pole and an-
other automobile. Ritter is traveling with a
stage crew of nine.
Ella Raines Vacations
PANAMA CITY, FLA— Ella Raines, Uni-
versal star, is vacationing here with her hus-
band of three months, Maj. Robin Olds, who
is a member of the new class at Tyndall
field’s army air force tactical school. Olds
was an all-America football star at West
Point in 1942.
Court Battle Looms
Over Republic Runs
BIRMINGHAM — Possibility of a booking
battle was seen here after Acme Theatres
succeeded in obtaining at least three Re-
public first runs which the Birmingham
Theatre previously had announced for June
showings.
Harry W. Roberts, Birmingham manager,
said the films were booked into the house on
an oral contract with Republic offices In
Atlanta. Roberts said, however, that when
the time came to set the dates for the films,
he learned that the Republic offices in New
York had declined to approve the pact.
Roberts added that the matter had been
referred to the theatre’s attorney.
It was understood that the action of Re-
public’s New York office was taken after
Frank V. Merritt, Acme general manager,
had lodged a strong protest.
Acme has announced that one of the films,
"Angel and the Badman,” had been booked
into the Melba, while the other two, “Hit
Parade of 1947” and “Calendar Girl,” would
be shown at the Empire.
Roberts two weeks ago announced he had
obtained those three films along with two
other Republic first runs, “Sioux City Sue”
and “Apache Rose,” Whether Acme would
go after the latter two films remained to be
seen.
Visitors Coming and Going
In Coral Gables Region
CORAL GABLES, FLA.— Visitors keep
coming and going with a regularity that
shows they like peninsula state sunshine and
hospitality. Among recent arrivals was Nat
Levy, RKO eastern division sales manager.
He planned a two-week vacation in this area.
Back to Hartford and a belated spring went
A. M. Schuman, general manager of the
Hartford Theatres circuit. He was accom-
panied by his wife.
Joseph M. Franklin, president of Franklin
& Herschorn Theatres, Ltd., operators of a
Canadian circuit, who was in southeastern
Florida for a time, has returned to his Ca-
nadian home.
VERY FIRST CUSTOMER— Nationally known Wally Butts, football coach for the
University of Georgia, buys the firsi box of popcorn sold over the new concessions
counter at the Falacc Theatre, Athens, Ga. Dan Hill is Athens city manager for the
Georgia Theatre Co.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
SE
113
ATLANTA
£*uy Brown, manager here for Motion Pic-
ture Advertising Co., a great handicapper,
picked Faultless to cop the Preakness, then
had a bad moment when Clem McCarthy
overlooked the Jones’ horse in the stretch,
naming Jet Pilot, an also-ranner, as the
winner. It was the prize radio boner of this
or any other year. Everything turned out all
right, however, when Clem corrected his mis-
take, and Guy is now being accused of having
a Brother Who Talks to Horses.
Amusement Co., Carrollton, Ga., were in the
city on a booking trip. Other visitors in-
cluded Howard Schuessler, Lam Amusement
Co., Rome; Fred Jack, southern district man-
ager, UA; O. C. Lam, Rome; Carl Floyd of
the Floyd & Stein circuit in Florida; R. L.
Bailey, Eagle, Blountstown, Fla.; M. C. Hart-
man, Victory, Louisville, Ala.; Mr. Tankersley,
Ellijay, Ga.; D. L. Bogbel, Ritz, Dadesville,
Ala.; K. K. Timberlake, Stevenson, Ala.; E. P.
Clay, Clay’s circuit in Georgia.
southern district manager for SRO, has
moved into his new offices in the Walton
Bldg. . . . Velma Crooks of Martin Theatres’
booking office, has welcomed home her hus-
band, returned from overseas.
Wil-Kin Theatre Supply notes: Joe Reeves
and T. C. DeLoache have returned from a
trip through south Georgia . . . Jimmy Wilson
of the sales department attended the opening
of the new Grand Theatre in Montezuma,
and the opening of the new Davy Crockett
Theatre ... An addition to the Atlanta sales
department is Joe Meyer . . . Carl Campbell
has joined the Charlotte sales force.
“Carnegie Hall,” which had its southern
premiere at the Peachtree Art Theatre, and
was originally scheduled for an extended run
here, was discontinued after a week’s run
. . . Kate Wright, for years with Monogram
Southern exchanges, is leaving for an ex-
tended tour of Europe and will visit her na-
tive home in County Cork, Ireland . . . Mrs.
Danny Etheridge, another MSE employe, is
spending a vacation in Savannah.
Among visitors on the Row were Mr. and
Mrs. Wallace Smith of the Gem in Barnes-
ville, Ga. . . . J. K. Chapman, assistant gen-
eral manager of Film Classics, was a guest
of John W. Mangham, head of Film Classics
of Georgia . . . Arleen Whelan, willowy flame-
haired film beauty, spent two days in At-
lanta, not under that name, but simply as
Mrs. Hugh Owen, wife of Paramount’s sales
manager. During a luncheon, here she lis-
tened eagerly as Mrs. Leonard Allen, wife of
Paramount’s southern public relations chief,
describe southern skillet biscuits, while Mrs.
Fred D. Moon, wife of the Journal’s film edi-
tor, told how to fry golden-brown fried
chicken.
Fred Moon, incidentally, was among those
flying to Zanesville, Ohio, for the premiere
of E-L's “Repeat Performance” . . . Z. C.
“Curt” Shreve, southeastern district manager
of Manley Popcorn Co., back from a swing
over the territory, says that theatres are sell-
ing more popcorn than ever and that it looks
like a tremendous summer season for the
confection.
Sidney Laird, general manager of Al-Dun
Amusement Co., West Point, Ga., and Clyde
Samples, general manager of the Duncan
Columbia clippings: Grace Woolley, secre-
tary to R. J. Ingram, southern district man-
ager, has returned after spending some time
in Key West on company business ... Nell
Almond is back from a vacation at St. Marys,
Ga. . . . Estelle Turner has been added to
the booking department . . . Walter Walker,
special sales representative, is all smiles over
the arrival of a new baby boy at his home.
Nash Weil, vice-president of Wil-Kin Thea-
tre Supply Co., flew to Dallas to spend Moth-
er’s day with his mother, remaining for a
few days on business . . . Fred Young, Atlanta
popcorn representative, has returned from a
Hollywood visit . . . O. B. Corley, Monogram’s
Alabama representative, came here for a few
days’ rest . . . Walter Hickey, former sales
manager for Film Classics and Screen Guild,
has resigned . . . E. E. Whitaker, Georgia
Theatre Co. official, has named his new coun-
try place “Whit-acres.”
Kate Tanner and Ruby Tumlin have re-
signed from Columbia Pictures and joined
PRC . . . Flossie Kile has been added at
Film Classics . . . Leonard Allen, publicity
director for Paramount in Atlanta, and his
wife entertained Mr. and Mrs. Babe Cohen
and Herman Silverman at a cocktail party
. . . Johnny Harrell, booker for Martin Thea-
tres, and his wife have returned from Holly-
wood . . . C. T. Kantor, general manager of
Bach Theatres, Atlanta, will go to Florida for
his health . . . Seventy strong, barkers of
Atlanta Variety have returned from the VCI
convention in Hollywood.
William M. Richardson, president of Astor
Pictures of Georgia, returning from a trip to
Florida, says the fish are really biting in
Peninsula state waters . . . Henry Krumm,
J. Partlow of U-I has returned from Miami
and Jacksonville, Fla,
New Savage Theatre
Opens in Booneville
BOONEVILLE, ARK. — “Finest in western
Arkansas” is the manner in which resi-
dents of this area are describing the beauti-
ful new Savage Theatre, which was offi-
cially opened with appropriate ceremonies
Tuesday, May 20.
Symbol of their belief in the future of
this fast-growing town, the Savage is named
for the local owners, Mr. and Mrs. E. W.
Savage. It seats 624 downstairs and incor-
porates latest improvements from street to
sheet.
In honor of the opening the Booneville
Democrat published an 18-page special edi-
tion, filled with merchants’ congratulatory
ads, among these being a large space from
J. Eldon Peek of Oklahoma Theatre Supply
Co., Oklahoma City, which furnished the
Heywood-Wakefield seats.
A malt shop is on the ground floor, offer-
ing a variety of soft drinks.
MIAMI
The sports trend in pictures is beginning to
be noticed in Miami where the current
fare includes “The Homestretch,” “Rolling
Home” and “Stallion Road” . . . Ernest
Fanton Pegram, member of the Coral Gables
police department who has been writing songs
off and on all his life, has had two of his
latest accepted by a Hollywood firm for re-
cording. They are “The Lost Weekend” and
“On Mother’s Mind.”
Sonny Shepherd, managing director of Wo-
metco’s Miami, had a nice note from an RKO
executive congratulating Wometco on the
opening, but pointing out a slight billing
error. The souvenir programs printed a sa-
lute to Latin American republics, listing Gen-
eral Manuel Avila Camacho as president of
Mexico instead of Miguel Aleman, who suc-
ceeded him.
Herb Elisburg, who is trying to promote a
legit theatre for Miami Beach, is basically a
film man. His father, Louis A. Elisburg, was
a pioneer in the film business, starting with
the Baird Theatre in Oak Park, 111., in 1910.
Later, according to George Bourke, Herb pio-
neered the talkies with the Essaness outfit
in Chicago.
Miamians who have seen “The Chase” at
the Miami and the Lincoln agree it must be
a very thrilling life they lead down here.
Locale is laid in Miami, starts on Flagler
street and takes in island homes, gangsters
and other local flora and fauna . . . Edward
Claughton, who owns a chain of theatres,
distributed free popcorn and passes to the
youngsters at the Fiesta Teen-Ager dance.
J 4>
For Dependable
Efficient Screen Lighting
long service and simplicity in operation
we recommend
ASHCRAFT
SUPREX PROJECTION LAMPS
WIL-KIN
CHABLOTTE. N. C.
Everything for the theatre except film
114
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
BRENKERT
1 Kilowatt
High<-lntensity Arc Lamp
NOW
PURE WHITE LIGHT FOR SMALL THEATRES
Brenkert’s Radarc is the only one-kilowatt, direct
current, high-intensity projection lamp in volume
production, specially designed from top to bottom for
this field alone.
Now medium-sized theatres, with seating capacity
up to 800 seats and screens up to 18 feet wide, can have
a truly high-intensity arc lamp of
superior design and construction.
ES3 era €2zzi czzz rr:zi etzi cizzj c~n3 cssia m ezra esa esa ess
••••
SEE YOUR RCA INDEPENDENT THEATRE SUPPLY DEALER
v* ii « * $ 0 » *y
SOUTHEASTERN THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO. MONARCH THEATRE SUPPLY, INC.
209 South Poplar St., Charlotte, N. C. 492 S. 2nd St., Memphis, Tenn.
201-3 Luckie St., N. W., Atlanta 1, Ga.
625 W. Bay St., Jacksonville, Fla.
CHARLOTTE
J^rleen Whelan, the actress, was in Charlotte
last week with her husband, Hugh
Owen, eastern sales manager of Paramount.
No personal appearance tour was involved.
She was accompanying her husband on a
business trip throughout the southern states.
Rovy F. Branon, RKO manager, and his
wife entertained last week for their son Frost
on his fifth birthday anniversary . . . “Open
City,” the Italian picture, opened at the Dil-
worth Sunday for a five-day engagement . . .
The new Drive-In at Lancaster, S. C., opened
last week.
The Carolinas premiere of “The Yearling”
was held Sunday at the Carolina.
Mrs. Tiller White Arenson, mother of Her-
man Arenson, is dead . . . Mr. and Mrs.
Worth Stewart, Stewart-Everett Enterprises,
have moved their home from Dunn to Char-
lotte.
Col. J. B. Harvey of the Carolina, Clover,
S. C., and his family have returned from a
weekend in Jacksonville, Fla. . . . The Pastime
Theatre, the smaller theatre in Boone, N. C.,
will open for the summer June 7. R. E. Agle
is city manager in Boone and will manage the
Pastime as well as the Appalachian Theatre.
C. H. Trotter is circuit manager. The thea-
tres are owned by A. Fuller Sams jr.
The Pelzer Theatre at Pelzer, S. C., is
Southern Exhibitors,
NOW INSTALLING
Sound Reproducing
Equipment
LICENSED UNDER WESTERN ELECTRIC CO. PATENTS
Distributed in the South by:
The QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE, Inc.
1912V2 Morris Ave., Birmingham. Ala.
STANDARD THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
215 E. Washington St., Greensboro, N. C.
IOE HORNSTEIN, Inc.
714 N. E. 1st Ave., Miami, Fla.
YOUR INDEPENDENT SUPPLY DEALERS
Serving Southern Showmen Satisfactorily
closed. Fire destroyed the roof. It was op-
erated by L. A. Linder of Williamston, S. C.
. . . John F. Kirby, Warners district manager;
Norman Ayers, division manager and I. M.
Dolid, assistant general sales manager, con-
ferred here with the local manager, Ralph
Iannuzzi, and circuit heads.
S. B. van Delden, general sales manager of
Wil-Kin Theatre Supply Co., Atlanta, was
here and made a trip into the territory with
W. F. Harris, local manager . . . Hank Hearn
is still attending to business despite a bad
cold . . . National Screen Service notes: Mary
Vidol Geel, head booker, recently married
and has resigned to join her husband, a
salesman traveling out of Asheville, N. C. . . .
Mrs. Pauline Culp, second booker, resigned
because of approaching motherhood . . .
Emily Lowe, preparer, has been promoted to
head booker and Viola Fender, Elliott-Fisher
operator, was promoted to second booker . . .
Manager Bob Simril is adding another trailer
shipper and general office clerk to his staff.
Visitors on the Row: Mr. and Mrs. J. B.
McIntyre, Raeford, Raeford; Harold Armi-
stead, Lyric, Easley; Harold Hall, Dixie, West
Columbia; Charles E. Myers and Charles E.
Myers jr., Myers, Rich Square; H. P. Howell,
Howell, Smithfield; Bill Webb, Imperial,
Kings Mountain; R. Glenn Davis, Louisburg,
Louisburg; Lyle M. Wilson, Peoples, Roanoke
Rapids; Roy P. Rosser, Temple, Sanford; L.
B. Richardson, Wallace, Jonesville; Chester
Glenn, Criterion, Greensboro.
Former Berlin Showman
Heads Wometco's State
MIAMI — Eugene Racz, who recently as-
sumed managership of Wometco’s State
Theatre in the heart of Miami, formerly ran
some of the largest picture houses in Ber-
lin and Paris. Since his arrival in this coun-
try a few years ago he has been associated
with Wometco Theatres. During the war he
managed the Grand, a colored theatre in
West Palm Beach, where he made an out-
standing record of war bond sales and of
other drives in connection with the war effort.
Royal Goes to Creek
WEST TAMPA, FLA. — N. E. Creek, owner
of the Casino Theatre at Ybor City, has
taken over the Royal in West Tampa.
Mrs. Rouss to Roshon Post
LITTLE ROCK — Mrs. M. Rouss, former
booker and office manager for PRC here,
has been appointed branch manager for the
Roshon 16mm exchange in Little Rock, re-
placing Ernest K. Pearson, who is being
transferred to New York as branch manager.
1
RI-STATE THEATRE SERVICE
318 South Second Street
MEMPHIS 3. TENN.
EQUIPMENT — SUPPLIES
REPAIRS
| JACK DUMESTRE, Jr
® Southeastern Theatre
» Equipment Co.
® ATLANTA
| CHARLOTTE
| JACKSONVILLE
i(
n
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Miami Conslruction
Gets U.S. Approval
MIAMI — Approval has been given by
Prank R. Creedon, housing expediter in
Washington, for an early start on construc-
tion of a 1,000-seat downtown theatre here.
Charles Abel, Miami agent for Amman
Bros, of Bluefield, W. Va., said work would
be started quickly on the foundation and
framework. The permit was issued for that
much of the construction in order to relieve
“excessive unemployment among heavy con-
struction trades.”
The theatre, which will be known as the
Dixie, will be on First avenue between N. E.
Second and Third streets and will be operated
on lease by Bernstein Southern Theatres,
with Bob Bernstein, vice-president, as man-
aging director. The Bernsteins operate a
circuit in the midwest.
It is planned to keep the theatre on a
schedule running to 3 a. m. A moderate
schedule of prices was promised.
CPA Approves Building
Of Birmingham Theatre
BIRMINGHAM — Following CPA approval
of a new $75,000 neighborhood theatre in the
Woodlawn district, construction is expected
to start immediately.
The building, located at 5531 First Ave.
south, will be built of steel and reinforced
concrete, seating about 1,000. It is being
built by J. C. White and Mrs. Ethel M. White
under 15-year lease to Waters Theatre Co.,
which operates 17 other suburban houses
here.
Construction features include a nursery
room, party room and a shopping area in
the front of the building.
Waters is awaiting CPA approval of a
$75,000 theatre in East Lake and has an-
nounced plans for a $100,000 house in Fair-
field. The circuit has older houses in the
Woodlawn, East Lake and Fairfield districts
in operation.
Loxley House Destroyed;
Owner Plans to Rebuild
LOXLEY, ALA. — Judge H. T. Childress,
owner and manager, has announced plans for
immediate rebuilding of the Victory Theatre,
which was virtually destroyed by fire. Damage
was estimated at $12,000 to the building and
$4,000 to equipment.
The fire was believed by Judge Childress
to have started in a stack of paper bags in
the rear of the theatre and was discovered by
his 12-year-old daughter, Pearl Childress, as
she was sweeping out the building.
Firemen extinguished the blaze after a
battle lasting an hour and a half.
Childress said he owned one-third of the
equipment, with the remainder belonging to
the Fred T. McLendon circuit. The equip-
ment was insured, but the building was not,
Childress said. The Victory, Loxley’s only
theatre, was built in August 1945.
Another McLendon house in Baldwin
county, the Rex at Bay Minette, was de-
stroyed by fire in 1943.
Opening at Montezuma
MONTEZUMA, GA.— J. E. Martin opened
his new house here May 15 with “The Farm-
er’s Daughter” as the initial attraction. Film-
row executives from Atlanta, press and radio
representatives attended.
Tears' to Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA— The State Theatre here
will show “The Best Years of Our Lives” one
week beginning May 24 at $1.20 top.
Land Leased for Drive-In
WINTER HAVEN, FLA— Land has been
leased on the Auburndale road for a new
drive-in. Work is to start soon.
ATLANTA 3. GA. — Capitol City Supply Co., 161
Walton St., N. W. Telephone: Walnut 1244.
BIRMINGHAM 3, ALA. — Queen Feature Service. Inc.,
1912!/2 Morris Ave. Telephone: 3-8665.
Price Schedule Trimmed
By Twin in Pensacola
PENSACOLA, FLA. — The Twin Theatre,
which recently announced two admissions for
the price of one each Tuesday and Wednes-
day, has adopted a new scale in line with
President Truman’s request for lower prices.
New prices for adults are 25 cents for mati-
nees and 35 cents at night, with children
being admitted for 15 cents at all times. The
Twin announced a return showing of "The
Outlaw.”
New House for Belle Glade
BELLE GLADE, FLA. — Plans for the erec-
tion of a new theatre here have been ap-
proved and work is scheduled to start imme-
diately.
GREENSBORO, N. C. — Standard Theatre Supply Com-
pany, 215 E. Washington St.
MEMPHIS, TENN. — Monarch Theatre Supply Co., 492
So. Second St.
MONARCH
THEATRE SUPPLY, Inc.
Neil Blount
492 So. Second St.
Memphis, Tenn.
CHARLOTTE 1, N. C. — Bryant Theatre Supply Co.,
227 South Church St. Telephone: Day, 2-4242; MIAMI 36, FLA. — Joe Hornstein, Inc., 714 N. E.
Night, 2838. First Ave.
TAMPA 1, FLA. — United Theatre Supply Co., 110
Franklin Street. Telephone: 3045.
^ STRONG "tfe /oidUfie u
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
117
BIRMINGHAM
Hand-to-hand battles . . . gun fights . . .
hard-riding . . . music and romancel With
TEX RITTER fighting his way with fist and
gun to win the love of a beautiful girl!
AND HIS HORSE** WHITE FLASH**
HEADING
Rio GRANDE
•pile Downtown club’s treasury was swelled
by $2,552 after Promoter Joe Gunther
staged a wrestling match for benefit of the
press-radio-amusement-advertising organiza-
tion. The American Legion, Veterans of
Foreign Wars and Disabled American Vet-
erans, sponsors of the matches at Municipal
auditorium, donated their share of the gate
and employes donated their services . . . Local
theatre circuits are planning benefit attrac-
tions in the near future for the homeless or-
ganization, which still is seeking downtown
quarters.
Frank V. Merritt, general manager of Acme
Theatres; Mrs. Mildred Geiger, his secre-
tary; Mr. Geiger and Miss M. Smith attended
the recent Strawberry festival in Cullman,
Ala., where Acme operates the Cullman and
Lyric theatres. Geiger was a judge for the
“battle of bands” which was a feature of the
festival. He also was director of the band
which played at the Gene Autry rodeo at the
state fairgrounds here.
J. K. Jackson, Georgia Tech student and
chief engineer at radio station WMOC at
Covington, Ga., flew here for a weekend visit
with his father J. A. Jackson, Empire man-
ager, and Mrs. Jackson . . . Harry M. Curl,
Melba manager; Mrs. Curl, assistant man-
ager at the Royal, and John Merritt of Acme
Theatres helped Ida Mary Martin celebrate
her first anniversary as Melba cashier with
an impromptu party at a downtown night
spot.
Ray Stegall, former manager of the Strand
here, who is now in the banking business in
Johnson City, Tenn., visited acquaintances
in the industry. Stegall also formerly man-
aged Wilby-Kincey houses in Chattanooga
and Elizabethton, Tenn . . . Other recent
visitors included O. L. Redfern of the Star
Theatre, Parrish, Ala., and Mrs. Watson,
Lincoln, Ala., exhibitor.
N. L. Mower, branch manager for Altec
Service Corp., Atlanta, and Paul Thomas,
general secretary and treasurer of the firm
in New York, called here . . . Julian L. Harper
jr., projectionist who has been operating a
jewelry store at Five Points, returned to the
booth at the Royal.
Harry M. Paul, division manager for South-
eastern Theatre Supply and RCA in Atlanta,
was seen making the rounds here. He is
former district manager for Wil-Kin Theatre
Supply . . . Jerry Wilkey has been named
chief usher at the Lyric, succeeding Mack
Russell, who has been named assistant man-
ager at the Strand.
B. E. Patterson, owner-manager, has re-
opened the Pinson theatre at nearby Pinson.
The house was heavily damaged by fire sev-
eral months ago . . . Irene McDanal, Capitol
cashier, was off several days due to illness.
Claudine Harmon is new cashier at Acme’s
Galax, replacing Betty Posey, who resigned to
enter other work . . . Galax Theatre, an-
nouncing a new policy, said the house would
show outstanding first run pictures, changing-
programs only once each week instead of
thrice weekly. First picture shown under
the new policy was “The Locket,” moved
over from the Melba for a second downtown
week . . . Only other holdover was the sur-
prising film, “The Farmer’s Daughter,” which
went into a fourth downtown week at the
Capitol after three weeks at the Empire.
Harry W. Roberts, Birmingham Theatre,
reported the house did “better than expected”
during the four-day run of “Henry V” at
roadshow prices. The Birmingham followed
the attraction with a reissue, “Alexander’s
Ragtime Band” . . . “It Happened on Fifth
Avenue” was reported doing unusual business
at the Alabama. Other attractions on down-
town screens: Melba, “Framed;” Ritz,
“Boomerang;” Empire, “The Guilt of Janet
Ames;” Lyric, “If I Had My Way,” and
Strand, “The Beast With Five Fingers.”
Sue Donegan of Gadsden, Ala., who was
chosen “Miss Birmingham of 1946” in the
contest sponsored by the Alabama Theatre,
Birmingham News and Age-Herald, and sta-
tion WSGN, has won new honors. A 19-year-
old freshman at the University of Alabama,
she was chosen Miss Dixie Belle over 43
other Southern finalists in the Cotton car-
nival at Memphis. She received a five-day,
expense-paid trip to Hollywood as a result of
her triumph.
NOW AVAILABLE
GARY COOPER
1 in
“THE WESTERNER"
Have
You
Played
■?
2
Big
T
1 DOROTHY LAMOUR
in
“HURRICANE"
ASSOCIATED
FILM CLASSICS
ATLANTA — CHARLOTTE
MEMPHIS
Why is MANLEY the LEADER
ot Ail Popcorn Machines?
Because there's LASTING SATISFACTION
in owning a
o
3
o
o
8
o
Z. C. (curt) SHREVE
Southeastern District Manager
102 Cain St. N. W. Atlanta 3, Ga.
Phone CYpress 5116
COME AND SEE US
118
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Variety in Charlotte
Names Committees
CHARLOTTE — Under the sponsorship of
Chief Barker Cy Dillon and his crew, the Va-
riety Club is making ambitious plans for a
full summer season of activities.
Recently the personnel of a dozen commit-
tees was announced, with James V. Frew as
chairman of the important house committee.
He is being assisted by A1 Burks, Bob Jeffress,
Norman Jackter, Bill White, Harry Jones and
Cecil McCommons.
Other committees, the chairman being given
first:
Heart — Frank Beddingfield, and George
Roscoe, co-chairman; Tom Little, Bert Adams,
Max Bryant, Skinner Williamson, Barney
Slaughter, John Vickers, Earl Mulwee, Lester
Sipe.
Clinic — John Vickers, Byron Adams.
Polio — George Roscoe, Jay Schrader, Bob
Saunders, Hap Bell, Norman Jackter, Roy
Bradley.
Mobile — Don Graham, Sam Hinson, Hank
Hearn, Hickey Lawing, Bob Kidd, Bill Bay-
nard, Bob Saunders.
Membership — Hal Keeter, Skinner William-
son, Jack London, George Ebersole, Sam
Hinson.
Special Events and Outside Entertainment
— Scott Lett, Marsh Funderburk, Carl Patter-
son, A. B. Craver, Byron Adams, Barney Ross,
Max Holder, Charlie Leonard.
Ways and Means — Bob Jeffress, Walter
Griffith, Olin Mock, Cecil McCommons.
Publicity — Walter Griffith, Emery Wister,
Dick Pitts.
Bulletin — Emery Wister, Dick Pitts, Walter
Griffith.
Seventh Anniversary and Party — Heck
Everett, Lester Sipe, Frank Beddingfield.
Marvin Warren Promoted,
Wed in Period of Days
MONTGOMERY, ALA.— Marvin Warren,
former house manager of Wilby-Kincey’s
Paramount here won himself a promotion
and a bride within a period of a few days.
The promotion came when Warren was
made city manager for the circuit at Eliza -
bethton, Tenn. He succeeded Sam Davis,
who resigned recently. Wilby-Kincey op-
erates the Ritz and Bonnie Kate theatres in
Elizabethton.
Warren and Eleanor Rushing Meriwether,
FDR 5PECIRL TRAILERS ITS
$T
Rl
ICK1RND
J
BOX 498 HTLHNTH
® THE QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE, Inc. ®
19121/2 Morris Avenue Telephone 3-8665
Birmingham, Alabama
Complete Theatre Equipment and
Supplies
EMULATING GABRIEL — With the king and queen of the Cotton Makers jubilee,
Negro version of the Memphis Cotton carnival, in attendance. Prof. W. C. Handy,
“daddy of the blues,” raised his golden trumpet and started a tune. The event was the
opening of W. C. Handy Theatre, named for the famous Memphis Negro, in the Ten-
nessee metropolis. Handy came to Memphis to help dedicate the new $200,000 show-
house. He has no linancial interest in the theatre.
were married at Trinity Presbyterian church
Wednesday, May 7, by the pastor, Dr. Henry
Edward Russe. Miss Meriwether, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Elbert R. Meriwether of Mont-
gomery, was given in marriage by her brother
Thomas. W. D. Lagomarsino jr. was best
man.
Immediately after the wedding, the couple
left for a wedding trip to include visits in
Tennessee before making their home in
Elizabethton.
George Loften, former chief usher at the
Paramount here, has succeeded Warren as
house manager.
Pen in Pensacola Starts
Saturday Kiddy Klub
PENSACOLA, FLA. — The Pen Theatre,
owned and operated by Clinton Vucovich, in-
augurated a series of Kiddy Klub programs
here Saturday (17). Club sessions last from
9:30 until 11 a. m.
Stage programs held in connection with a
feature picture are broadcast over station
WEAR, with Jack Petree as master of cere-
monies. Prizes are awarded the young win-
ners in the talent contests.
!■■■
I
I
I
I
I
I
fm
READY NOW — A NEW FEATURE
*
ALL AMERICAN
presents
with IDA JAMES
JENI LE GON • PETERS SISTERS
MILLER BROTHERS and LOIS
DUSTY "Open the Door Richard" FLETCHER
GEORGE WILSHIRE - JAMES DUNMORE
AUGUSTUS SMITH and many more.
Directed by
JOSH BINNEY
Released thru All American News, Inc.
Original Story by
HAL SEEGER
ASTOR PICTURES Co. of Go. Inc.
163 WALTON ST. 3rd FLOOR MAIN 9845 ATLANTA
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
119
YOUR
BALLANTYNE
DEALER
will show you how
mn
IN THE SOUTHEAST
Contact Today for Complete
Information
JOE HORNSTEIN, Inc.
1417 N. E. Second St., Miami, Florida
SOUTHEASTERN THEATRE EQUIP-
MENT CO.
201 Luckie St., N. W., Atlanta, Georgia
SOUTHEASTERN THEATRE EQUIP-
MENT CO.
209 S. Poplar St., Charlotte, N. C.
SOUTHEASTERN THEATRE EQUIP-
MENT CO.
625 West Bay St., Jacksonville, Fla.
THEATRE SUPPLIERS, INC.
304 So. Davie St., Greensboro, N. C.
UNITED THEATRE SUPPLY CO.,
110 Franklin St., Tampa, Florida
QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE, INC.
Birmingham, Alabama
MONARCH THEATRE SUPPLY, INC.
492 S. 2nd St., Memphis, Tenn.
BALLANTYNE
SOUND EQUIPMENT
•AMPLIFIERS •SPEAKERS
•SOUNDHEADS *BASES
•COMPLETE SOUND SYSTEMS
• TWO-WAY HORNS
See the BALLANTYNE COMPANY
Advertisement in Modern Theatre Section
MEMPHIS
TM'idsouth exhibitors on the Row included
J. F. Singleton. Tyro, Tyronza, Ark.;
Leon Roundtree, Grand, Water Valley, Miss.;
W. F. Sonneman, Ozark, Fayetteville, Ark.;
Cliff Peck, Gem, Covington, Tenn.; Louis
Haven jr„ Imperial, Forrest City, Ark.; Louise
Mask, Luez, Bolivar, Tenn.
Also J. J. Sharum, Metro, Walnut Ridge,
Ark.; Roy Cochran, JuRoy, North Little Rock,
Ark.; Mr. and Mrs. A. Azar, Harlem, Green-
ville, Miss., and C. N. Eudy, Ackerman, Acker-
man, Miss.
The Memphis delegation to the Variety
Clubs International convention was heard
from almost the day of arrival. The Los
Angeles Times for May 13 carried on its first
page a picture of Herb Kohn, Memphis chief
barker, and Tommy Baldridge, Flexer Thea-
tres, Inc., with Maria Arias passing them
some California oranges. These clippings
came home by air and friends are passing
them around.
R. B. Gooch, owner of the Savannah at
Savannah, Tenn., and Ritz, Selmer, Tenn.,
was on the Row with his chief booker, Neely
Bradford.
Leonard Shea, branch manager for PRC,
was in Little Rock on business . . . Addie
Addison, Atlanta, PRC and Eagle-Lion, is
in town with “Last of the Mohicans” and
"Kit Carson,” which have received the okay
of Memphis censors.
W. J. MacKemie, Ripley, Tenn., is the new
salesman at RKO. He succeeds R. V. Reagin,
promoted to branch manager. Reagin re-
cently succeeded A. M. Avery. The latter
has gone to Flexer-Drive-In Theatres, Inc.
A farewell party for Avery, also honoring
Reagin, was given by employes.
Warner Bros, exchange has two new em-
ployes, Margaret Vetteo, stenographer, and
Ilah Shelton, information desk . . . P. H.
Holmes, office manager, MGM, was to attend
an office managers’ convention May 21-23 at
Cincinnati.
More exhibitors on the Row included W. C.
Kroger, Shannon, Portageville, Mo.; Roy
Dillard. Dillard, Wardell, Mo.; Moses Sliman,
Lux, Luxora, Ark.; J. B. Adams, Tate, Cold-
water, Miss.; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Malin, Lura,
Augusta, Ark.; Dr. R. W. Johnson, Shelby,
Shelby, Miss.; J. F. Wofford, Eupora, Eupora,
Miss.; J. M. Mounger, City, Calhoun City,
Miss.; C. J. Collier, Globe, Shaw, Miss.; Bern
Jackson, Delta, Ruleville, Miss., and G. H.
Goff, Rustic, Parsons, Tenn.
Charles Regenald, manager, announces his
new open air (but not a drive-in) Rosalie
Theatre on Highway 61 south of Memphis
is open for business. And the first few days
of business has been fine. The theatre con-
sists of a high wooden fence around a grassy
plot filled with benches and chairs. The
projection booth and equipment and screen
are quite modern. And patrons like it so
well another such airdome will be erected on
Peeples avenue soon, he says.
Often a publicity man comes to town with
a picture. Sometimes, he has a couple of
pictures. But Perry Spencer, U-I, Atlanta,
is in town with four pictures. They are:
“Stairway to Heaven,” at Strand: “Song of
Scheherazade,” at the Malco; “Odd Man
Out,” which opens soon at one of the Loew’s
theatres and “White Tie and Tails,” now
showing at the Ritz.
First run business was off during the Cot-
ton carnival in Memphis in spite of well
selected pictures and thousands of visitors
who came from all parts of seven states for
the week’s festivities. Only one theatre re-
ported good business and that was Loew’s
Palace with “The Yearling.” Attendance
has, however, picked up since close of the
carnival.
Howard Rutherford, who started as an
usher and worked his way up to assistant
manager of Loew’s Palace in Memphis, has
been promoted to manager of Loew’s Park,
Cleveland. Rutherford goes to Cleveland from
New Orleans where he has been assistant
manager for some time. Buford Cranch, as-
sistant manager of Loew’s Palace in Memphis,
has been transferred to New Orleans to suc-
ceed Rutherford, Col. Cecil Vogel, Palace
manager, said.
Stuart Terrin has resigned as a salesman
for RKO and has gone to work for Monarch
Theatre Supply Co. as salesman in the Ar-
kansas territory. Terrin formerly worked for
Republic and Alexander as a salesman.
Paul Smith and Louis Lawson have bought
the Jug Theatre in West Helena, Ark., from
Ed Blair. Smith and Lawson plan to open a
new showhouse in West Helena soon, to be
known as the Silver Star Theatre.
Two new employes started work at Mono-
gram this week. They are Frances Savakerly
and Velma Welch, stenographers . . . James
Smith, shipper at Paramount, is vacationing
. . . Rachel Wess, branch manager’s secretary
at Columbia, is ill.
Two new theatres, the Joy at Nettleton,
Miss., and the Jan at Como, Miss., are doing
a fine business, according to reports reach-
ing Filmrow. Charles Boren jr. is owner of
the Joy, and Franklin Fisher owns the Jan . . .
Poppers Supply Co. opened its new clubrooms
at 408 S. Second St., this week for visiting ex-
hibitors from the midsouth who come to the
Row to visit and shop. There are comfortable
chairs, writing pads and pencils and fans to
keep visitors cool. A fine place to chat about
this and that.
The Kay Film is remodeling its Memphis
offices and will have the job finished in a
few weeks . . . MGM tradescreened “Cynthia”
at the 20th-Fox screening room May 15.
The Ritz Theatre, one of the David Flexer
chain, has reduced its prices. Adult matinee
tickets were reduced from 50 cents to 40 cents
and adult night admissions from 60 to 50
cents. Admission for children remains 12
cents at all times. Officials of Flexer Thea-
tres, Inc., said the reduction was made in re-
sponse to President Truman’s request for re-
ductions in prices.
Lloyd T. Binford, often criticized in the
newspapers for his activities as chairman
of the Memphis board of censors, recently
was praised from the pulpit of the First Bap-
tist church here. Dr. R. Paul Caudill, pastor,
said: “There is a tragic unconcern on the
part of movie producers for the moral and
spiritual welfare of the youth of our land.
Unless they are willing to provide adequate
censorship for their own productions, then
the public will have to provide its own cen-
sorship. I would like to pay tribute to Lloyd
T. Binford for his decision in regard to ‘Duel
in the Sun.’ ” Binford and the members of
the Memphis board banned “Duel in the
Sun,” in Memphis.
The Ritz Theatre at Hickman, Ky., op-
erated by the W. F. Ruffin circuit, was
damaged recently by fire . . . May 30 and 31
have been set as dates for Paramount’s 1947
sales drive meeting in Memphis.
Col. William W. Goodman, Variety Club at-
torney and worker, has been made an officer
of the Order of the British Empire, another
decoration to add to several he already has
received for war service. The award was
made at the British Embassy in Washington.
120
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
British Film Expansion
E lates J. Arthur Rank
Morbid Themes Hit
By Manitoba Board
WINNIPEG — Cruel, morbid, antisocial
themes led the Manitoba board of censors
to reject 32 motion pictures last year as com-
pared with only seven the year before, ac-
cording to the board’s annual report issued
last week.
Of the 32 pictures rejected, three were
later approved on appeal but three others
that were appealed were turned down.
DOCUMENTARIES GET APPROVAL
While much of the year’s offerings was
viewed as “distressing,” the board said of
documentary-background films, “Personality
is at least being caught and interpreted by
the camera. This is the outstanding con-
tribution of the year.”
Said the board in its year-end report:
“New and very serious social comment
began to be shown on the screen, such as
spectacular adventures in postwar areas. Re-
turned men were highlighted in mischance.
“Psychiatric situations arising out of
broken marriages, fear neurosis and all its
aftereffects, became the atmosphere of this
type of film.
“Accompanying this distressing and very
disturbing screen fare, was an increasing
number of clinical situations, cruel and anti-
social, and totally morbid in effect.
REVIEWERS ALMOST BAFFLED
“The continuing exploitation of the neu-
rotic drew into its sinister presentation
cruelty and criminal menace and abnormal
terrifying monster scenes that during the
year built up a type of picture that almost
baffled the reyiewers. This increased our re-
jections from seven in the previous year to
32 in this period. Three of these were later
passed by the appeal board, and three were
also rejected by the appeal board.
Besides rejecting 32, the board altered 44
pictures and passed 1,739 without change.
Of those rejected, 15 were dramas, seven
were episodes of serials, and ten were trailers.
The board’s report also covered is work
in the 16mm field. Only one narrow-gauge
picture was rejected during the year.
Check on New Film Pacts
Asked by Ontario MPTA
TORONTO — Members of the Motion Pic-
ture Theatres Ass’n of Ontario have been ad-
vised of the decision of N. A. Taylor to re-
quest all film distributing companies to
submit copies of their new rental contracts
to the association before they are used for
the coming film year. Taylor is chairman
of a special committee which will check the
clauses of new contracts to determine any
objections, the findings to be passed on to
MPTA members for their guidance.
Until the present, the major exchanges
had used a standard form of rental license
agreement but this document has been
dropped following a strong protest last winter
over the inclusion of subsidiary income of
theatres in determining percentage.
Taylor is the head of 20th Century Thea-
tres, a circuit affiliated with Famous Play-
ers Canadian.
Four Films for Adults
TORONTO — In April, the first month of
the government’s fiscal year, the Ontario
board of moving picture censors classed four
features as “adult entertainment,” these
being “Backlash,” “Destry Rides Again,”
“Fall Guy” and “I Stole a Million.” Ex-
hibitors are required to advertise these pic-
tures as suitable for adult audiences.
TORONTO — J. Arthur Rank, film magnate,
at a press conference following his arrival
here from England on a tour of North Amer-
ica, voiced open satisfaction with the steady
expansion of the British film industry. Un-
like his uncertainty when interviewed here
two years ago, Rank was frank and confident
in his expressions this time.
Rank declared that British product was
outgrossing American pictures in England
by £100 a theatre each week on the average,
adding that bookings of British films had
reached a ratio of 30 per cent which would
be increased as the pictures showed continued
improvement. The required film quota was
17% per cent.
The British trade leader said he was grati-
fied, but not yet satisfied, with the reception
which had been accorded British films in the
United States and other overseas markets.
The reaction was about the same throughout
the world, he said.
“VEIL” BEST ALL-AROUND FILM
The largest returns from North America
had been secured with “Henry V” but the
greatest all-around success had been re-
corded by “The Seventh Veil.” He admitted
that “Anthony and Cleopatra” would not
meet its high production cost of $6,000,000
which had been largely caused by wartime
conditions and problems. Rank emphasized
the economic benefit accomplished by the
British film industry in bringing U.S. dollars
to England.
In contrast with American-made pictures,
British films possess realism, Rank said, but
admitted that British themes were inclined
to be “rather grim.” Comedy has been lack-
ing but this situation was receiving attention,
he asserted.
Pictures must be entertainment, but per-
sonally Rank would like to present some
themes such as religion and imperialism.
Rank revealed a number of production1 de-
velopments. Some cartoon pictures have
been produced largely for commercial adver-
tising, but a studio will start turning out en-
tertainment cartoons ini June, he revealed. A
start also was being made on certain types
of religious pictures. Plans have been pre-
pared for a studio to produce children’s fea-
tures, and special juvenile programs will be
available in due time.
NO NATIONALIZATION SOON
Rank said he did not believe there would
be nationalization of the film industry by
the British government for the present, at
least. An educational film is being produced
each week under the cooperative supervision
of a committee of the British Ministry of
Education. Incidentally, Canada eventually
will be represented in the Modern Age series
of releases which deal with topical situations,
he disclosed.
There has been some drain by Hollywood
on British talent but Rank said he did not
oppose the migration of British players to
Hollywood because they gained experience
there. Considerable talent is retained in
England under contract, usually for ten
years. A few directors but practically no pro-
ducers are under contract in Britain.
A school for talent has been established
in England with contract players being paid
while training and while gaining experience
in minor pictures.
Considerable progress has been achieved in
British television and two theatres in London
will play television features starting in the
fall. Television rights have not yet been
settled with the British Broadcasting Co., he
said.
Rank’s companies will produce 30 pictures
this year, including eight Technicolor pro-
ductions. He expects to get more theatre
outlets in both Canada and the United States
and, as the quality of British product im-
proved, more playing time will be assured. He
said that resistance to British pictures in the
U.S. has dropped appreciably.
In addition to competing with American
product, a purpose of British films was to
present to the world the British common-
wealth life and outlook, he asserted.
He had no comment to make regarding the
lawsuit of Paul L. Nathanson, Rank’s former
associate in Odeon Theatres of Canada, re-
garding distribution rights in the Dominion.
Traveling with Rank is John Davis, man-
aging director of J. Arthur Rank Organiza-
tion.
Dorothy Patrick Sponsors
Show for Needy Kiddies
WINNIPEG — Winnipeg-born star Dorothy
Patrick played hostess td the city’s under-
privileged children at a special screening of
her musical, “Till the Clouds Roll By” at
the Capitol.
The star was a hostess by proxy since she
was not present at the screening, but it was
arranged at her request by the Tribune. The
paper acted on Miss Patrick’s behalf in
reply to the following wire from her from
Culver City:
“You will make me very happy indeed by
acting as host on my behalf at a private
showing for Winnipeg orphans at the Capitol
Theatre on Saturday morning, May 17, of the
MGM Technicolor production ‘Till the Clouds
Roll By,’ in which I appear as English bride
of composer Jerome Kern. Metro-Goldwyn-
Mayer has graciously given their permission
and the theatre has been made available by
Famous Players. I regret that I will be
unable to be there personally, and assure you
of my sincerest appreciation of your efforts
to provide a special entertainment treat for
those who unfortunately are unable to at-
tend the movies regularly. With best wishes
to the people of my native city.”
Falls 80 Feet to Death
VANCOUVER — Dennis MacCarthy, 65-
year-old electrician, plunged to his death at
the Orpheum Theatre. He was working atop
a vertical sign when he fell 80 feet to the
marquee in broad daylight. The accident
went unnoticed and his body was not found
until two hours after the plunge.
To Build at Kelowna
KELOWNA, B. C. — Contracts for the con-
struction of the new Famous Players theatre
here have been asked, Frank Gow, district
manager, announced.
Visits Parents in England
VANCOUVER— Cecil Neville, B. C. district
booker for Famous Players, has left for a
long-delayed trip to England to visit his par-
ents, both more than 90 years old. He will
be away about two months. Lou Karp is
pinch-hitting for him.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
K
121
OTTAWA
II n important construction development in
the heart of Ottawa was revealed in the
announcement of the purchase of a large
business property adjacent the Centre Thea-
tre by the Centre Amusement Co., of which
Donn B. Stapleton is president. The trans-
action is the forerunner to enlargement of
the Centre. This theatre has long been op-
erated by the Stapleton family, first by
Donn’s father, the late Ben Stapleton, a
pioneer Ottawa exhibitor. The Centre op-
erates in partnership with the Odeon circuit.
“Exercise Musk Ox,” government film re-
cording the Arctic military expedition last
year, had its Canadian theatre premiere at
the Nelson along with a reissue of “The Pri-
vate Life of Henry VIII.” I. H. Allen of
Astral Films announced that “Exercise Musk
Ox” had been set for showing in the Odeon
circuit across Canada, which gives it ap-
proximately 100 dates.
Manager Henry Marshall of the Famous
Players’ Regent has promised early completion
of an attractive ladies’ retiring room, con-
struction of which has been under way for
a considerable time.
The Imperial entered the Saturday-morn-
ing juvenile arena with a bang May 17 with
the staging of a film-stage program to start
the Young Ottawa club in cooperation
with radio station CKCO, through which the
boys and girls obtained free admission. There
were prizes for the new club members and it
was announced that the shows would be con-
tinued each Saturday morning with the pro-
grams including stunts as well as entertain-
ment.
Two exchange visitors were Harry Ginsler
of Astral Films and Irving Herman of Pro-
ducers’ Releasing Corp., both Toronto. Her-
man worked on advance promotion for “Her
Sister’s Secret,” which opened at the Nelson
May 19. He ran a newspaper teaser cam-
paign and had a special screening for local
women’s organizations . . . Mrs. J. W. Delaney
HOME MOVIES
SUPPLIES
RCA 16mm Sound Film Projectors
8mm, 16mm Silent Cameras, Projectors
•
All purpose Film cement — 35c
2.000 Tickets — 50c per roll
•
Representing Astral Films
•
BOOTH FILM SERVICE, Ltd.
Phone M-4530 — Day or Night
B03 Sixth Street West Calgary, Alta.
of Delaney’s Theatre, Gananoque, has
branched out into stage presentations, start-
ing with an amateur night scheduled for
May 29.
Harry Yuden, manager of the Centre in
Peterborough, has been elected president of
the Optimists’ Service club, which is promi-
nent in community work . . . The new Figaro
in Hull is showing both English and French
films, starting with “La Premiere Romance”
. . . The Eastview, new suburban house in
Ottawa, is also playing occasional French
product and the Rideau is playing French
programs one day each week.
WINNIPEG
JJ A. Morton, managing director of Manitoba
^ Theatres, Ltd., went to Toronto where he
met J. Arthur Rank, British film magnate.
Morton said that plans for future Odeon ac-
tivities would be discussed at the conference
with the head of the British film industry.
J. McPherson, Eagle-Lion branch head, an-
nounced that his exchange will handle This
Modern Age, the equivalent of the March of
Time series, now being produced by the Rank
organization in Great Britain. First of the
series to be shown here, “Palestine,” is booked
for an early run at the Garrick.
James Mason, English actor, is getting a
strong run here. Besides staining in “Odd
Man Out” at the Odeon, Mason is also on the
Rialto’s bill in “They Were Sisters” and the
Dominion has taken extra space to run ad-
vance ads announcing the coming showing at
that house of his “Secret Mission” . . . “The
Jolson Story” is returning for a downtown
engagement after its sensationally successful
Easter run, when it played the Met and Up-
town simultaneously.
Pictures have been getting some stiff op-
position this week from the E. J. Casey
shows circus.
A group of Winnipeg Ukrainians are seeing
themselves on the screen this week at the
Dominion. They took part in the making of
a National film board short, “Ukrainian Fes-
tival,” made quite a while ago . . . “Odd Man
Out” opened at the Odeon to rave reviews
and enthusiastic word-of-mouth comment is
building up the picture . . . “Stone Flower,”
the Soviet color film which won a special
prize at the International Cinema Festival
at Cannes, is being shown at Mesho Triller’s
Dominion.
Borrowed for "Palooka’
Billy House, under contract to Universal,
has been borrowed by Producer Hal E. Ches-
ter for a featured role in “A Guy Named Joe
Palooka.”
'Suddenly It's Spring'
Is Balmy in Toronto
TORONTO — “The Jolson Story,” continued
as the only holdover of the week in Toronto,
remaining on the screen of the Tivoli and
Eglinton for a ninth week. The boxoffice
leader was “Suddenly It’s Spring” at Shea’s.
“Smash-Up” brought nice traffic to the Up-
town. The Capitol and Victoria had an at-
tractive short in “Heir to the Throne” to go
along with “Murder in Reverse.”
(Average is 100)
Capitol — Murder in Reverse (PRC) 85
Eglinton — The Jolson Story (Col), 9th wk 80
Imperial — The Shocking Miss Pilgrim (20th-Fox)....105
Loew's — Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (MGM);
The Westerner (SG), reissue 90
Shea's — Suddenly It's Spring (Para) 115
Tivoli — The Jolson Story (Col), 9th wk 85
Uptown — Smash-Up (U-I) 110
Victoria — Murder in Reverse (PRC) 80
Vancouver Still on Downbeat;
Most Spots Below Average
VANCOUVER — Show business still was on
the downbeat here. Most spots were below
average. The best patronized offerings were
“Smash-Up” in its second week at the Vogue;
“Johnny O’clock” at the Hastings and “The
Jolson Story” on a moveover at the Strand.
Capitol — Nora Prentiss (WB) Fair
Dominion — Gallant Bess (MGM); The Shocking
Miss Pilgrim (20th-Fox), moveovers Fair
Hastings — Johnny O'Clock (Col);
Down Missouri Way (Col) Good
Orpheum — Lady in the Lake (MGM) !.. Average
Plaza — Calendar Girl (Col);
Winter Wonderland (Rep) ..Moderate
Strand — The Jolson Story (Col),
moveover Good
Vogue — Smash-Up (U-I), 2nd wk Good
Quebec Rejects Picture
Made by Film Board
OTTAWA — J. J. McCann, minister of na-
tional revenue and committee chairman of
the National Film board admitted in the
house of commons that the Quebec provincial
government had banned the NFB release,
“Our Northern Neighbor,” which deals with
the history of the Soviet Union and relations
between Russia and Canada.
Strongly Catholic in policy and principles,
the Quebec authorities took exception to
some of the Communist references.
This is not the first time that a National
Film board subject had been prohibited by a
provincial government in Canada. Early in
the war, the Ontario government, then
headed by Mitchell Hepburn, rejected a film
on the ground that it was political in nature
and had been produced to extol the Canadian
premier, W. L. M. King. Hepburn said at
the time that the screens of Ontario thea-
tres would not be used for political purposes.
There has been no discussion between the
federal and provincial governments regarding
the banning of “Our Northern Neighbor”
and the film will probably remain on Quebec’s
prohibited list.
Most of Canada’s Newest Theatres Are Being Perkins Equipped
The finest in Sound — Ballantyne Sound Master
The finest in Light — Strong Electric
A COMPLETE THEATRE SERVICE
PERKINS ELECTRIC COMPANY LTD. PERKINS ELECTRIC COMPANY LTD.
2027 Bleury Street, 277 Victoria Street,
Montreal, Que. Toronto, Ont.
Alice Finlayson Elected
By Calgary Film Club
CALGARY — The Film Exchange club held
its annual meeting and banquet last week
and the following executives were appointed
for next season; _
President, Alice Finlayson, Warner Bros.;
vice-president, Maurice Cohen, Columbia:
treasurer, Alice Madorsky, Monogram, and
secretary, Shirley Stevens, Sharp’s Theatre
Supplies.
A social and sports organization for the
personnel of the film exchanges, the club
busied itself during the war with contribut-
ing for overseas work and gifts. Such dona-
tions still continue but are now confined to
local welfare funds.
122
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
Ten Theatres Started
For Famous Players
MONTREAL — With ten new theatres under
construction, others in the blueprint stage
and extensive renovation of a number of
theatres in progress, the postwar program
of Famous Players Canadian is well under
way. Theatres are being built for the com-
pany and associates in Chilliwack and
Kelowna, B. C.; Port Arthur, Peterborough,
Toronto, Rouyn, St. John, N. B. and New
Waterford, N. S.
In Toronto, the Nortown, a de luxe neigh-
borhood house, has progressed to the stage
where the walls and roof are completed.
Work on the Vaughan, being built for the
company’s associates, B&F Theatres, has
been proceeding for several months and with
the walls and roof completed, work on the
interior has been started. Excavation for
the foundation of the new University has
been finished and footings installed. A
contract has been let for the Donlands for
B&F Theatres. Steel and walls have been
erected for the Glendale, being built for
20th Century Theatres. At the Paramount
in St. John, excavation for the foundation
has started. A new theatre is being built for
associates in New Waterford, N. S. The
Orpheus is being rebuilt in Halifax. A new
theatre will be erected at Port Arthur and
foundations are in for the Centre in Windsor
for associates. A new drive-in theatre is
planned for Windsor this summer and work
will proceed on the building of a theatre at
Rouyn, Que.
Canada’s largest theatre, the Imperial in
Toronto, is undergoing a face-lifting job.
The Alhambra is being practically rebuilt,
while extensive renovations are planned for
the Palace, Cornwall, Imperial Sarnia, and
Runnymede, Beach and Capital in Toronto.
TORONTO
Oympathy from the whole industry was ex-
tended to Jack Allen, proprietor of the
Tivoli in Thorold, and Mrs. Allen, in the
death of their son John Samuel, 6, at the St.
Catharines General hospital. There was a
large attendance at the funeral in St. An-
drews Presbyterian church in Thorold.
Howard Wilson Elliott, 40, projectionist at
the Metro, died in St. Michael’s hospital. A
native of Toronto, he had been an operator
for 15 years . . . Considerable interest was
aroused by screen fare at the big Imperial by
reason of the fact that the whole program,
with exception of the newsreel, was in Tech-
nicolor. The feature, “The Shocking Miss
Pilgrim,” was augmented by three shorts.
Head office officials of Famous Players
Canadian have given up hope for Victor
Armand, western supervisor of construction
and maintenance and a member of the com-
pany’s 25-year club, who was one of 15 pas-
FOR SALE: THEATRE CHAIRS
We now have a very large slock of excellent
reconditioned (as new) Theatre Chairs
Quantities up to 1200 of a kind
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
NOW — New all-steel construction spring-
edge, Highest quality theatre chairs available.
7500 yards of imported carpet direct from
England and Scotland
Inquiries Respectfully Solicited
LA SALLE RECREATIONS LTD.
(Theatre Seating and Carpet Division)
S. A. LECHTZIER, Pres.
945 Granville St. Vancouver, B. C.
sengers on a trans-Canada airplane which
disappeared four weeks ago on the Pacific
coast . . . Albert Glazer, president of Peerless
Laboratories, is celebrating the arrival of a
son — which makes a grandfather of Sam
Glazer, general sales manager of Columbia
Pictures of Canada.
After touring the western provinces, “Mom
and Dad” has returned to the screens of
eastern Canadian theatres with a five-day
engagement at the Biltmore, Oshawa . . .
I. H. Allen, president of Astral Films, has re-
turned from a business trip to New York
where he signed up a number of British and
European films for Canada . . . Haskell M.
Masters, Canadian general manager of War-
ner Bros., and Mrs. Masters, have returned
from a vacation trip to England and the con-
tinent ... I. “Babe” Coval, manager at War-
ners, was in New York for a few days.
Recent visitors were Ed Schnitzer and Joe
Unger from the New York home office of
United Artists . . . H. J. Bailey of 20th Cen-
tury-Fox has been elected president of the
Film Board of Trade and the vice-president
is Garfield Cass of Regal Films Corp. . . .
Odeon Theatres of Canada has started con-
struction of a new unit at Yonge street and
St. Clair avenue, its third theatre project
here.
Collect Food for Britain
KITCHENER, ONT.— The Capitol con-
ducted a Saturday morning show for juveniles
for which the admission was one or more
cans of foodstuff which were contributed to
the “Help" the Kids in Britain” drive. The
screen program was topped by a western
feature.
CALGARY, ALBERTA, CAN.— Sharp’s Theatre Sup-
plies, Film Exchange Bldg. Telephone: M 4076.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CAN— Perkins Electric Co.,
Ltd., 2027 Bleury St.
TORONTO 2, ONT.— Perkins Electric Co., Ltd., 277
Victoria Street.
WINNIPEG. CAN. — J. M. Rice & Company, 202 Can-
ada Bldg. Telephone: 88133.
STRON G ~t6e pidccte a faffa/
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
123
VANCOUVER
gtrawhat theatre companies are springing
up this summer in British Columbia. This
is something new out this way. One will
play at the Island Theatre on Bowen island
and another at the Community hall, Horse-
shoe Bay, both in the Vancouver district . . .
Frank Soltice, British Columbia manager for
Eagle-Lion, has done such a good selling job
here that he has been transferred to cover
the three prairie provinces for E-L. He ex-
pects to be away three months.
Phyllis McLeod, Paradise Theatre cashier,
was married to Gerry Ross, and Edith Pahl,
Orpheum cashier, married Jerry Williams,
both on May 17 . . . Maud Smith, Odeon’s
manager at the Capitol, Duncan, is doing a
first class job in the Vancouver island town
and is quite popular in this very English spot.
She is on her toes with publicity and is suc-
cessful with the youngsters attending the
Odeon Movie club. Many of her juvenile pa-
trons are from the three Indian reservations
near Duncan.
Leo Devaney, RKO Canadian manager, is
on his annual visit to the coast, conferring
with his new British Columbia manager,
Jimmy Davie, and visiting circuit heads . . .
Odeon officials report that Norman Reay,
manager of the Odeon Theatre at Ladysmith,
Vancouver Island, is making a success of the
theatre . . . The new twin action bills and
reduced price policy at the Odeon-Hastings
Theatre is proving a success and seems to be
what the doctor ordered for this East End
house.
Kiddies picketing the Van Isle Theatre at
Campbell River accomplished their objective:
admissions were reduced from 75 cents for
adults to 60 cents, and the juvenile price
was set at 25 cents.
Trixie Thompson, 20th-Fox cashier, has re-
signed and is moving to Qualicum Beach, a
summer resort on Vancouver Island, where
she will be secretary at a resort hotel . . .
The Vancouver city council approved an
amendment permitting cabarets to remain
open, while daylight saving is in effect, until
2 a. m. The Lord’s Day Alliance had made
a protest over Sunday laws being broken, so
the clubs will close at midnight Saturdays
. . . Saturday night film entertainment will
be provided at the Community hall in the
upcoast town of Van Anda, made possible
through the mining company there.
Amusement interests will hold a fishing
derby this summer at Horseshoe Bay, near
here. Anyone interested should get in touch
with Lou Karp. Famous Players; Jack Jack-
son, Regal Films; Fred Stone, Sovereign
Films, or Max Sheine of Monogram.
Day-Dale Policy Dropped;
Hastings Prices Are Cut
VANCOUVER — The Odeon Hastings, which
has operated day and date with the Vogue
since its opening several months ago, got a
new manager and new operating policy re-
cently, and a new, lower price schedule, too.
The Hastings, located in the east end of
town, will hereafter play first run double
features. Opening program under this ar-
rangement consisted of “Angel and the Bad-
man” and “Blonde for a Day.” The new
price schedule is 25 cents to 4 p. m., 35 cents
until 6, and after that hour, 50 cents on the
lower floor and 40 in the upper balcony.
In making the operating change, Odeon
shifted Roy McLeod from the Hastings to the
Vogue, the circuit’s ace house here, and
moved A1 Jenkins from the Vogue to the
Hastings.
Ottawa Avalon Shifts
To First Run Policy
OTTAWA — At the close of a three- week
engagement May 17 of “The Best Years of
Our Lives” at the Avalon, Manager F. H.
Gallop announced the adoption of a perma-
nent first run policy for the Odeon unit, the
next attraction being “I See a Dark
Stranger.” Previous to “Best Years,” which
drew fair attendance at $1.20 top, the theatre
had played subsequent run programs fox-
years. The new admission scale is 30 cents
at matinees and 35 cents at night for adults,
15 cents for children at any time and 25
cents for high school students.
Mrs. Lennox Retires
From Censor Board
WINNIPEG — Mrs. Gertrude Lennox, a
member of the Manitoba board of moving
pictime censors for the last 19 years, retired
last week. She will be succeeded by Mrs.
Norman Young.
The censor board will consist of C. Rice-
Jones, chairman, Mrs. D. L. McLeod and Mrs.
Young.
Mrs. Lennox, who is retiring on pension,
has been employed on a temporary basis since
1944, when she reached the retiring age under
the civil service act.
She is a native of Huron county, Ont.,
where she was born on Feb. 8, 1879. She was
educated at Winnipeg Collegiate and gradu-
ated from the University of Manitoba, later
getting a master of arts degree from Colum-
bia university. Mrs. Lennox taught public
and high school students at Winnipeg and
Brandon for ,a number of years, and was a
general tutor in English and modern lan-
guages. She was appointed to the censor
board March 16, 1928.
Mrs. Young is the widow of Capt. Norman
Young who was killed at Dieppe in August,
1942. She is a graduate of Kelvin Technical
high school and attended McGill university
where she majored in English. From 1920
to 1924 she was reference librarian at the
Winnipeg public library, and in charge of the
library from 1924 to 1925. She married in
1925.
With her husband, she carried on educa-
tional work at Achimota college in the Gold
Coast colony between 1925 and 1928, return-
ing to Winnipeg the following year. She was
associated with Captain Young in founding
Ravenscourt school, a boy’s school here, of
which he was headmaster. From 1942 to
1945, Mrs. Young was war services secretary
of the YWCA.
Canadian Theatres Paying
More Taxes Than Wages
TORONTO — Arch H. Jolley, executive sec-
retary of the Motion Picture Theatres Ass’n
of Ontario, told the Lions club in Brampton
that Canada has 1,323 theatres which directly
employ 11,000 persons and have an annual
payroll of $10,000,000.
“Last year the dominion government col-
lected more than $14,000,000 in the amuse-
ment tax,” he continued. “It can be seen
that from a start with a nickelodeon in
Ottawa in 1896, the motion picture industry
is really grown up.”
Secretary Jolley was introduced at the
meeting by Keith Wilson, recently appointed
manager of the Odeon Capitol in Brampton.
Previously, Jolley addressed a Rotary club
meeting at Thamesville, Ont., which was at-
tended by 35 members. This was the fifth
time in comparatively recent weeks that he
had spoken before a community organiza-
tion in centers in the Chatham district of
western Ontario.
MONTREAL
^an Wallace, 36-year-old Rhodes scholar,
and native of Halifax, resigned last week as
secretary of the National Film board. Wal-
lace offered his name for nomination as
Liberal candidate for Halifax by election but
ran second and gave his support to the lead-
ing candidate.
Warner Bros, has tentatively scheduled a
convention for July 15 at the Mount Royal
hotel . . . The Warner drive is still on and
the Filmrow staff is on its toes ... A recep-
tion at the Ritz social club followed the
opening of the Ritz, a new theatre at Granby,
owned and operated by R. Robert . . . Gisele
Morency, reviser at Warners, is on holiday.
Armand Champagne of Asbestos, owner of
several theatres in the eastern townships,
was a visitor at 20th-Fox . . . Other Filmrow
visitors included Mr. and Mrs. George Oulla-
han of Toronto and Dr. Armand Gingras of
the Canada Theatre in Levis . . . The local
office of RKO moved into first place in the
Ned Depinet drive and expects to remain in
that position when final results are made
known in New York. “The Best Years of
Our Lives” is running its sixth week at the
Kent.
Isidore Feldman of PRC is leaving Film-
row and will be replaced as booker by Doug-
las Bray, formerly with RKO, who by. a coin-
cidence has just had his engagement to
Audrey Cowley announced. Feldman has
been ill for some time but returned to his desk
for a few days before severing his connec-
tion . . . Hearing an unfounded rumor that
subversive films were to be shown on St.
Helen’s island, a squad from the local police
made a descent on the entertainment only to
find it consisted of a Frank Sinatra film.
United Amusement Corp. directors declared
semiannual dividend of 50 cents a share on
the “A,” “B” and voting trust shares, pay-
able May 31 to shareholders of record May 16
. . . Lady Yule, wealthy Scottish widow of an
East Indian nabob, is reported to be financing
a studio to produce British films in Canada.
The manager of her British National Films,
Louis Jackson, is expected in Montreal
shortly.
The Bijou, new theatre on Papineau ave-
nue, opened its doors with a French language
production, “L’Eternel Retour.” It claims to
be the first theatre in Montreal equipped
with push-back chairs. It is managed by
J. B. Morin.
Toronto Suburb Refuses
Drive-In Theatre Permit
TORONTO — Bedlam broke forth at a
meeting of the township council in the Scar-
borough suburb when a resolution was
adopted to forbid the erection of a drive-in
theatre within 1,000 feet of the main high-
way, Kingston road, and to reject the appli-
cation for a permit for a private entrance to
the theatre site from that highway. There
were cries of “dictatorship” and “lack of con-
fidence” at Reeve R. H. Palmer when the
subject reached a climax.
Deputy Reeve O. E. Crockford told the
meeting that he “had every reason to be-
lieve” that the promoter, James Brandon of
the Drive-In Theatre Co., would go to court
to enforce its rights, pointing out there were
no building restrictions for the area where
the proposed theatre was to be erected.
Previously a deputation of property owners
are protesting against the theatre project.
124
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
INTERNATIONAL CHAIRS
More " in-the-chair” comfort luxury.
More restful and natural form-
fitting support. Better pleased
patrons. These are box-office attrac-
tions you bring to your theatre when
you install International Chairs.
Patron-appeal features are only
one of many reasons why you’ll find
International Chairs a good invest-
ment. You get these dependability
and economy features.
UNIT CONSTRUCTION
Built of steel, welded into strong units
. . . the back and seat . . . the "T” stand-
ards . . . are locked together by arm
rests. No exposed bolts, nuts or screws.
HINGELESS SEAT SUSPENSION
The seat operates around a center axis
rod, equipped with greaseless bushings.
No hinge noise. No oiling.
FULL-COIL, SPRING-EDGE SEAT
CUSHIONS Long accepted by automo-
bile and furniture industries as best for
durability and comfort. Easily removed
seat cushions permit shifting of cush-
ions to equalize wear.
TACKLESS UPHOLSTERY ASSEMBLY
Continuous steel binding rod locks fab-
ric to steel back with smooth, even ten-
sion on fabric at all points. Wide choice
of new upholstery materials.
For patron-comfort, durability and
charm in theatre seating, consult your
RCA INDEPENDENT THEATRE SUP-
PLY DEALER today. Or write Dept.
17-E, RCA Theatre Equipment Section,
Camden, N. J.
THEATRE EQUIPMENT
RADIO CORPORATION of AMERICA
ENGINEERING PRODUCTS DEPARTMENT. CAMDEN. N.J.
In Canada: RCA VICTOR Company Limited, Montreal
CARPET
at leading theaters
MOHAWK*
mohawk
Outstanding Mohawk installation at the Sunset Theater, Cincinnati, Ohio
Theater managers everywhere are capitalizing
on Mohawk’s double attraction of extra wear
plus extra beauty!
The long-term wear of Mohawk Traffie-Tred
Carpets is due to Mohawk’s “Five Point” Star
of balanced construction.
1 ★ Wool blend
2 ★★ Pitch
3 ★★★ Rows per inch
4 ★★★★ Yarn size
5 ★★★★★ Pile height
Their enduring beauty comes from the rich col-
ors, the varied patterns, the unusual textures
which are characteristic of all Mohawk Carpets.
For a Double Feature with a Double Future —
See your Mohawk Contract Dealer now!
Write or wire for the name of nearest dealer
MOHAWK'S Sefoct&L DISTRIBUTORS
Allison-Erwin Company
Charlotte, N. C.
Goldsboro, N. C.
High Point, N. C.
Greenville, S. C.
Buhl Sons Company
Detroit, Mich.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Toledo, Ohio
Butler Brothers
Chicago, III.
Minneapolis, Minn.
Philadelphia, Penn.
St. Louis, Mo.
San Francisco, Calif.
Columbia Distributing Co.
Allentown, Penn.
Binghamton, N.Y.
Harrisburg, Penn.
Columbia Distributing Co.
Reading, Penn.
Scranton, Penn.
Crockett & Buss, Inc.
New York City, N.Y.
Glabman Brothers, Inc.
Chicago, III.
Guthrie-Morris-Campbell Co.
Charleston, W. Va.
Parkersburg, W. Va.
J. J. Haines & Company
Atlanta, Ga.
Baltimore, Md.
Chattanooga, Tenn.
Knoxville, Tenn.
Norfolk, Va.
Richmond, Va.
Lack Carpet Co. Inc.
New York City, N.Y.
Lott & Geckler, Inc.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Detroit, Mich.
Erie, Penn.
Murray B. Marsh Co. Inc.
Los Angeles, Calif.
Portland, Ore.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Seattle, Wash.
Spokane, Wash.
Momsen-Dunnegan-Ryan Co.
El Paso, Tex.
Phoenix, Ariz.
Neidhoefer & Company
Chicago, III.
Milwaukee, Wis.
Orchard & Wilhelm
Denver, Colo.
Kansas City, Mo.
Omaha, Neb.
Peaslee-Gaulbert Corp.
Dallas, Tex.
Houston, Tex.
Jacksonville, Fla.
Louisville, Ky.
Memphis, Tenn.
Miami, Fla.
Nashville, Tenn.
New Orleans, La.
Oklahoma City, Okla.
San Antonio, Tex.
Tampa, Fla.
Prescott & Company
Boston, Mass.
Rumsey Distributors Inc.,
Albany, N.Y.
Hartford, Conn.
Rochester, N.Y.
Syracuse, N.Y.
Utica, N.Y.
Schmitt & Henry Mfg. Co.
Des Moines, Iowa
Small & Schelosky Company
Evansville, Ind.
Indianapolis, Ind.
George Wehn & Company
Pittsburgh, Penn.
MOHAWK CARPET MILLS, INC., 295 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
yiu^P
%ue
SOUND AMPLIFICATION
LICENSED UNDER U. S. PATENTS
OF WESTERN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
Read What
Users Say
about the clarity ,
brilliance and
n aturalness of
SOUND SYSTEMS
* A THEATRE MANAGER
March 8, 1947
"Thank you for so promptly complying with
our request for the advertising mats. We
have been featuring in our newspaper ads the
installation of THE ROYAL SOUNDMASTER
Sound System.
Now that we have had ample opportunity
to test the equipment with several types
of recording, both music and dialogue, we
find ourselves completely satisfied with the
results. Of more importance, however, is the
response from our patrons to the improvement.
We have had nothing but praise from them.
"We especially like the clarity of tone from
the lowest bass notes to the highest treble
notes and without the slightest trace of flutter
or fuzziness. Dialogue is reproduced clear
and sharp, but with perfect naturalness at all
times.
"In other words, we're sold on THE ROYAL
SOUNDMASTER and so are our patrons.
"With best regards, we are
M. R. Harrington, Manager
Avalon Theatre
Clatskanie, Oregon"
+ A THEATRE OWNER
PD-50 SERIES AMPLIFIER
The PD-50 Series Amplifier has a world-wide reputation for trouble-free,
uninterrupted, faithful, life-like reproduction. Such accepted superiority is
possible because of features like these: (1) Transformers and chokes
“Climatite” treated to resist any weather conditions. . . . (2) Plug-in type
filter condensers (3) Calibrated step-type volume control. . . . (4) Wide
range tone control. . . . (5) Exciter lamp balance. . . . (6) Exciter supply
voltage control. . . . (8) Photo-electric cell voltage control. . . . (9) Auxil-
iary volume control. . . . (10) Sound change-over in photo-electric circuit.
...(11) Built-in booth monitor and monitor amplifier. ... (12) Complete
extra chassis. . . . (13) All connections from chassis to cabinet plug-in
type. ...(14) Gray crackle finish to match your projection equipment.
Start your modernization plans with a Royal Soundmaster Amplifier. See
what remarkable improvement it makes in your sound system. Later add
the Soundheads and the Two-Way Horn System to complete your Royal
Soundmaster Sound System — the ultimate in sound reproduction.
FOR GREATER LISTENING PLEASURE
See your Independent Theatre Supply Dealer or write
direct to The Ballantyne Company. Your inquiry
will receive immediate and courteous attention.
January 31 1947
"Have installed the Hi-fidelity XH-4 Speaker
Unit and will say that the results now are
remarkable.
"Any adjective you can use, lifelike, brilliant,
realistic, etc., is none too much for this re-
markably fine ‘ROYAL SOUNDMASTER' com-
plete unit.
"I will be only too glad at any time to have
you refer to my installation for demonstration,
as I feel I have finer sound than any theatre.
Very sincerely,
Leo J. Guerrein,
HILLCREST THEATRE
Erie, Pa."
* A THEATRE DEALER
April 15, 1947
"Just a word to let you know that we re-
ceived the sound equipment tor the Joyner
Theatre, Emporia, Virginia, on schedule.
"The installation was made without any dif-
ficulty and when the theatre opened on Easter
Sunday, we found that the equipment worked
perfectly and gave excellent satisfaction.
The customer was highly pleased.
"We were handicapped in getting the in-
stallation stcrted, because power was not cut
into the building until noon on Friday and
the theatre opened at noon on Sunday.
"The excellent manner in which the equip-
ment arrived and the quality of the equipment
made it possible to make this hasty installa-
tion without difficulty.
"Kindest regards.
Yours very truly,
E. H. Brient,
Elmer H. Brient & Sons
Washington, D. C."
THE BALLANTYNE COMPANY
1707-11 DAVENPORT STREET OMAHA 2, NEBRASKA
Export Department, FRAZAR & HANSEN, Ltd.
301 Clay Street San Francisco 1 1, California, USA Cable Address "FRASEN ,
■
4
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
of two Type CSl Ammo*
stats installed in Paramount's
New York Pre-view Theatre,
which assure complete air-
comfort. Chas. C. Burton,
Architect.
■■
■H|
The problem of air-distribution in combi-
nation with indirect lighting in this modern
Pre-view Theatre of Paramount Pictures,
Inc., was solved by the use of Anemostats
to the complete satisfaction of the owners.
The Anemostats provide equal distribu-
tion of the conditioned air — both winter
and summer — free from annoying and
harmful drafts. Lighting units concealed
behind the outer cones of the Anemostat
throw light on a plaster cove. With this
“Anemostat Lighting Combination” many
unusual and colorful lighting effects are
obtainable by the insertion of colored
lamps in alternate sockets.
Engineered to meet the individual re-
quirements of each theatre — new or re-
modeled— Anemostat air-diffusers distri-
bute the conditioned air in pre-determined
patterns: No drafts . . . No stale air-
pockets . . . Constant temperature and
humidity equalization!
Our staff of engineers is devoted solely
to the science of air-distribution. Backed
by 25 years’ experience in the solution
of air-diffusion problems, these experts
are particularly qualified to assist you.
A consultation may be arranged without
obligation.
Write for full details.
PROMPT DELIVERIES
All Anemostats are spe-
cially designed to solve
individual air-diffusion
problems. However, the
great variety of models
that have been developed
and standardized, often
permits us to assure
prompt deliveries from
stock.
„.coh»««oh,mg
THAN ns T,0n ,
« * pat orr.
ANEMOSTAT CORPORATION OF AMERICA
10 East 39th Street, New York 16, N. Y.
REPRESENTATIVES IN PRINCIPAL CITIES
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
5
6SS&
HIGH INTENSITY PROJECTION
FOR the added cost of one or two admis-
sions per day, you can make every black-
and-white picture sparkle with detail . . .
give rich, brilliant overtones to your color
pictures . . . and bring more people to your
box office!
You do it with High Intensity Projection.
For example, One-Kilowatt High Inten-
sity Projection provides a 50-100 per cent
brighter screen. It makes available to the
small theatre the same impressive visibility
and fidelity of color found on the screens of
the largest big-city theatres. This means
more pleasure for your audiences . . . and a
consistently bigger box office!
Take advantage of the profits to be had
from High Intensity Projection. Consult
your supply house immediately on the avail-
ability of High Intensity lamps.
NATIONAL CARBON COMPANY, INC.
Unit of Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation
EH3
30 East 42nd Street, New York 17, N. Y.
Division Sales Offices : Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco
6
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
(With a Manley Popcorn Machine!
Ten square feet of floor space and up to TWENTY
PER CENT INCREASE IN NET PROFITS! What more profitable
investment can a theatre owner ask? A 2’leamin0'
attractive, eye-catching addition to his lobby, offering a universally popular
service to his patrons that will add to their enjoyment
of the evening. The important thing to remember, however, is to be sure of
the quality, the performance and the reputation of the
popcorn machine itself — if you demand the best — get a Manley!
ALBION, MICH.
ATLANTA, GA.
BOSTON, MASS.
CAMDEN, N. Y
CHARLOTTE, N. C.
CHICAGO, ILL.
CLEVELAND, OHIO
DALLAS, TEXAS
DENVER, COLO
DES MOINES, IOWA
DETROIT, MICH.
INDIANAPOLIS, IND
LOS ANGELES, CALIF.
MEMPHIS, TENN.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.
NEW ORLEANS, LA.
NEW YORK CITY, N. Y.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA.
OMAHA, NEBR.
ROANOKE, VA.
ST. LOUIS, MO.
SAN DIEGO, CALIF.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
SEATTLE, WASH.
TORONTO, CANADA
VANCOUVER, B. C.
WASHINGTON, D. C.
WINNSBORO, TEXAS
WAGNER 17" TRANSLUCENT PLASTIC LETTERS
tosether with Wagner 4” and 10“ Plastic Letters
MORE THAN DOUBLE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF YOUR DISPLAY
by avoiding the eye monotony of one size letter copy
8" LETTERS AVAILABLE JUNE 1ST
THEY ATTRACT MORE ATTENTION THAN ANY
OTHER LETTERS because they're in gorgeous everlast-
ing colors — red, green and blue. The colors go all
the way through the letters, cannot chip or scale,
NEVER REQUIRE PAINTING OR OTHER MAINTE-
NANCE.
No other letters afford such complete safety! Wag-
ner's exclusive slotted method of mounting allows more
than 6 times the bearing surface of the lug-type letter.
Wagner letters cannot freeze to the sign as in the case
of letters designed for mounting arrangements which
employ channels.
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY!
Write today for prices and big free catalog on
the world's largest and most complete line of
quality equipment for effective show selling.
8
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
u^CYC'APPCAL„/uoli^ aKcl(>ut...
aekb \ti&ie, <dtadl&c. . . and wu>n^vau>cm/
■ When you remodel your theatre —
inside and out— with Pittsburgh Glass
and Pittco Store Front Metal, you at-
tract more showgoers, from a wider area,
and increase profits. Do as many thou-
sands of successful showmen have done:
modernize now and reap all the rewards
that come to a forward-looking operator.
Consult an architect for a well-planned,
economical design. Our staff will gladly
cooperate with you and with him. And,
if you desire, you can arrange for con-
venient terms through the Pittsburgh
Time Payment Plan. Meanwhile, fill in
and return the coupon below for your
free copy of our interesting booklet con-
taining illustrations, facts and figures on
many “Pittsburgh” modernization jobs.
YOUR PROFITS SOAR ... you
build up your showgoer traffic,
and bring in patrons from a larger
area . . . when you modernize
your theatre — inside and out —
with Pittsburgh Glass and Pittco
Store Front Metal. Here's an ex-
ample of "Pittsburgh" remodeling
in Braddock, Pa. Architect: Samuel
Barbalat.
w
PITTSBURGH
STORE FRONTS
AND INTERIORS
//
Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company
2154-7 Grant Building, Pittsburgh 19, Pa.
Without obligation on my part, please send me a FREE copy of your
illustrated brochure, “How Eye-Appeal — Inside and Out Increases
Retail Sales.”
Name
Address
City State
PITTSBURGH " s^u/s fit <y6tss
PITTSBURGH
i
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
9
ALLOWS 100% MORE PASSING SPACE
THAN CONVENTIONAL CHAIRS
when occupied, and 50% more when unoccupied. Positively
eliminates the necessity of standing to allow others to pass.
Normal position is automatically resumed after a person passes.
The illustrations at the right show chairs
* spaced only 32 inches back to back!
THE ONLY CHAIR OF ANY TYPE THAT
AFFORDS 100% SAFETY
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
The seat automatically
and silently slides back,
rises and locks into posi-
tion when unoccupied, au-
tomatically disengaging
as the patron lowers it for
occupancy.
Full-length, die formed
steel back panel entirely
covers the seat cushion.
There are no pinching
hazards, no sharp edges
to bump shins, no under-
structure to hamper clean-
ing.
SIMPLE IN CONSTRUCTION ^ ONLY 3 MORE
MOVING PARTS THAN CONVENTIONAL CHAIRS
Built for long, positively trouble-free service, without mainte-
nance, adjustments, or replacement of moving parts. Special
bearings require no lubrication.
Easily installed. No specialized mechanics necessary.
Adjustable to meet all conditions and inclines. Can be used as a
stationary chair in balconies with high risers.
"Built to Excel — Not Just to Compete," here is a chair with deep-
spring cushion construction that provides good posture and the
utmost in comfort.
A variety of models, end standards and upholstering materials.
Write for further details. Sold by leading In-
dependent Theatre Equipment Supply Dealers.
A merican Seating Company’s Spring-
il. back Bodiform is equipped with re-
silient pillow-spring chair back and spring-
arch seat covered with “soft-as-air” foam
rubber for ultra-luxurious comfort.
This modern Spring-back Bodiform
chair features automatic safe-fold seat —
extended rear panel covering the seat —
and smooth seat bottom and back panel
completely free of snagging hazards.
There’s dramatically “different” new
beauty in the Spring-back Bodiform Chair,
too, and amazing wearability that means
long, profitable service.
12
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
Issue of MAY 24, 1947
MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE SECTION of BOXOFFICE
I. HARRY TOLER, Managing Editor
JOHN H. TOLER, Associate Editor
Vol. XIV - No. 6
Topics:
Scientific Research Produces
Public Seating Improvements 14
by Helen Kent
■St
The Drawing Power of This
Thing Called Comfort.... : 16
by Ansel M. Moore
A Slide-Back Theatre Seat Makes
Its Bid for Attention 18
■St
Just Off The Boards 22
M
Some Rules of Conduct for Candy
Vending in Theatres 24
by Oscar Trudeau
■a
Assured Income: The Plan Motive
of the Multiple Enterprise 26
•n
Greater House Appeal Depends on
Scientific Air-Diffusion 28
by Leonard R. Phillips
■St
Shall Our Theatre Lobbies Become
Merchandise Marts? 30
C
The Starting Point of Successful
Theatre Planning 32
by Hanns R. Teichert
■it
News of What’s New in Modern
Theatre Equipment 34
*
Projection Lighting Effects to
Dress Up Screen Presentation 46
by The Conductor
*
Review of Papers Presented at
the S. M. P. E. Conference 47
*
The Quiz Pot 52
■St
About People and Product 54
Published 13 times yearly by Associated Publica-
tions every fourth Saturday as a section of BOX-
OFFICE and included in all Sectional Editions of
the AP group. Contents copyrighted, 1947; repro-
duction rights reserved. All editorial or general
business correspondence relating to The MODERN
THEATRE section should be addressed to Pub-
lisher's Representative Harrison Toler Company,
332 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago (4), 111., or Eastern
Representative: A. J. Stocker, 9 Rockefeller Plaza,
New York (20), N. Y.
Poll the Neighborhood Beiore
You Prepare to Build
Millions of dollars have been squandered on misfit theatres in the past,
because the builders neglected to apply a cardinal safety rule of good busi-
ness— prospecting !
No theatre of any type or size, regardless of location, should even be
projected on paper until after the immediate neighborhood and its surround-
ing area has been carefully polled, person to person, to find out what the
people want in the way of amusement facilities.
The old system of clocking street corners for pedestrian traffic and check-
ing highway intersections for transportation trends is ineffective because it
doesn't go far enough. It doesn't tell the prospective investor what he needs
to know. There is but one way he can find out with certainty, and that is by
putting it up to the public point blank.
Obviously, therefore, if the prospective builder would first go to the public
with his idea of what the community needed in the way of an entertainment
plant, he would be able to plan and build what the majority of his future
patrons have expressed their preference for. Or, he might even decide, before
it's too late, not to build at all.
Polling the populace should be the first preliminary step toward the
planning of a new theatre, or the modernization of an old one. No plans
should be drawn prior to the poll. If the right questions are asked, it will
determine the size of the house, its proper locations, the style of its architec-
ture, what it should provide in the way of entertainment, refinements, con-
veniences and finally, whether or not and to what extent it will pay off as an
investment.
Going directly to the public in this manner, the investigator will learn also
what it takes, besides motion pictures, to attract the maximum number of
shekels from the family amusement budget. In fact, he may find in polling
the pastime habits of his potential patrons that a model candy shop, bowling
lanes, billiard room, ballroom, roller rink or numerous other highly profitable
amusement or commercial enterprises might be added to his theatre building
plans before it becomes too late to change them.
The community might not be in urgent need of just another movie thea-
tre. Or perhaps it might not be possible to secure suitable picture product for
the area. But a first-hand feel of the public pulse may disclose that a com-
munity center multiple-enterprise amusement plant, with a modern second or
third run theatre as its drawing card, would be the cor-
rect answer to local public demand.
At any rate, investigate! This entire industry needs
to get closer to the public, thus to find out what it wants.
^cienti^ic IPeAearcli PRODUCES (
PUBLIC SEATING IMPROVEMENTS
by HELEN KENT
tre seating since the early days of opera-
tion.
Public Wises Up
Transportation companies also soon
noted the trend toward public demand for
comfort. In the old days, trains and busses
were notably lacking in comfort; but when
auto and airline travel threatened, the
older forms of transportation outdid them-
selves to catch up. Now we find all forms
of public conveyance wooing the public
through comfortable seats.
Anything less than the utmost in seat-
ing comfort offered to the public today
simply will not be acceptable, be it in
amusement places, transportation, restau-
rants or elsewhere. Patronage can ac-
tually be gauged by the amount of posture-
correct comfort provided in public seating.
Inasmuch as the public has sampled the
best that scientific research can provide in
this respect, it is not surprising that the
demand is for the best everywhere.
In theatres, this increasing demand for
comfort on the part of patrons has been
The lush Park Avenue Theatre in New York City
is furnished for comfort with spacious love seats
that are cushioned with Firestone's Foamex. In
addition to the completely cushioned comfortable
love seats, the new theatre provides hearing
aids, telephone service direct to seats, art ex-
hibits, free coffee and cookies and free cos-
metics. (Picture by Firestone)
o
P
/ AMPERING THE PUBLIC
must be the motive of
those who produce
public seating of all
types. It is obvious
that the comfort we
know in public seating
did not just happen.
Chairs were just chairs
for thousands of years.
Even Chippendale
couldn’t make a chair
that was actually com-
fortable, although the old boy put enduring
style and beauty into the ones he turned
out.
It remained for American ingenuity to
turn the chair from an instrument of re-
fined torture into a seat which really
caresses the body and envelopes it in bil-
lowing comfort. Scientific research into
the ways and means of best achieving
bodily comfort led the way to the perfect
chairs we have today for public occupancy.
When it was discovered that seating com-
fort exerted such tremendous influence
upon patronage, it did not take the pro-
ducers of this commodity long to utilize all
that science could offer toward improving
their products. Theatres were among the
first in which this patronage trend was
noted. Hence, theatre owners were prompt
in their demand for comfortable audi-
torium chairs. We have all seen and felt
the changes that have taken place in thea-
More than 25,000 babies have had their diapers
changed in this Firestone Velon upholstered
nursery room of the Pennsylvania Station in New
York, but the upholstery apparently will never
need a change. Plastic fiber Velon upholstery
was used in the nursery lounge and pillows be-
cause it was moisture-proof and stain-proof and
sanitary. It can be kept cleaner than fabrics pre-
viously used. (Picture by Firestone)
particularly notable. Perhaps that is one
reason why the improvement in theatre
chairs has been so marked and steady. It
is not beyond most people’s memories to
recall the small beginnings of the theatre
industry, when benches first served the
spectators. The benches were forthwith
replaced by the earliest individual theatre
chairs of veneer, shaped somewhat to con-
form to the supposed average shape.
Comfort Emerges
Thence we came to the stage where a
little comfort was added by padding the
seats — and just the seats. The chairs re-
mained rather skimpy, with hard backs at
varying angles and few pretensions toward
posture. They were rickety,' ill-spaced
and unbearable under present standards —
but they were cheap, and the standards of
the public were not very high either.
Shortly thereafter, the theatre industry
began taking comfort seriously and the
seating companies decided to take it
seriously too. About this time, scientific
research was brought into the picture. With
theatre owners finally wanting to provide
comfort for their patrons, who were voci-
ferously demanding more of it, the pro-
ducers of theatre seats were quick to coun-
ter with the best their scientific minds
could offer. Posture-correctness and com-
fortable upholstery of seats for theatres be-
came the motives behind production.
The design of theatre chairs really un-
derwent great changes when science took a
hand. As a matter of fact, the design for
comfort and posture has altered but little
since its inception. But from that time,
great improvements have been made in
upholstering for comfort, beautification
and modernization of lines. When scien-
tific research dictated, theatre chairs were
made roomier, they were adjusted to the
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
THE CAVALON TESTS referred to in th© accompanying article: (A) Edge Wear Test: Electrically operated
pad rubs over upholstery secured to metal edge of machine. Action is comparable to edge-wear of
theatre seat, but more destructive. (B) Accelerated Age Test, in violet ray exposure machine, subjects
sample to same effects as natural aging. Upholstery samples are secured to strips which revolve
around violet ray lamp. (C) Adhesion Test, measures pounds of pull per inch necessary to strip the
coating from the base fabric. (D) Bodiform Theatre Chair with "Cavalon" seat upholstery. Pictures
by American Seating Company.
average figure, but with room to spare;
their backs, seats and arms were corre-
lated to fit the ideal sitting posture, com-
fortably, and without strain.
Seats Influence Theatres
New theatres which were built and
others in which it was desired to provide
the utmost in comfortable seating had lay-
outs and floor plans adjusted to accom-
modate the better seats. For perhaps the
first time, proper sight-lines could be as-
sured in all parts of an auditorium, be-
cause seats were standard in posture and
built to remain that way. Since that time,
scientific research has recommended much
wider back-to-back spacing of theatre
chairs for both comfort and convenience.
Seats such as the popular “push-backs,”
slide-backs and retractibles and three-
quarter risers have been developed to as-
sure convenience of patrons and provide a
h Theatre Seating has long been
*7 a subject of intense research
/JT and product development for
* ^ the greater comfort of motion
picture patrons. Since physical relaxa-
tion is now recognized as the determin-
ing condition for complete enjoyment of
motion picture presentation, the quest
for ways and means of making theatre
chairs ever more comely to look at, con-
venient to reach and comfortable to sit
in, may be expected to continue . . . Our
cover picture shows Henry A. Nordmark,
noted theatre chair designer, reviewing
with William A. Gedris, (standing),
president of Ideal Seating Company,
the several unique features of the new
Ideal “Slide-Back” theatre chair, which
makes its debut with this issue. Thus
another postwar product, in which the
design motive is more house appeal,
emerges auspiciously for the attention
of the theatre industry.
more comfortable width between rows of
seats.
In the beginning, of course, the better
type theatre seats went into the better and
more pretentious houses. Obviously, they
had to be more expensive than their prede-
cessors. Not only had the original scien-
tific research to be paid for, but the ma-
terials which went into the new chairs
were of better quality. Spring construction
and luxurious upholstery materials added
to the cost of really comfortable chairs.
But it was soon discovered that the invest-
ment in good seating was wise because they
outlived the former chairs several times
over and were a tremendous draw to pa-
tronage as well.
Today, with costs of production on com-
fortable seats at a fair par, even the small-
est theatres can provide the finest for
their patrons. Indeed, the most modest
small house cannot afford to provide any-
thing less than comfortable seats. In this
day when bodily comfort reigns supreme
and the public is used to sitting easily in
their own fireside chairs as well as in
automobiles, trains and busses, the de-
mand for equal comfort in their places of
amusement is but natural.
Comfort in Small Houses
The small theatre, in which many of the
luxury items of decoration and furnish-
ings have to be passed up because of pro-
hibitive cost, can get by very well with the
public if only the auditorium chairs are
up to expectations. Even the finest thea-
tre seats are never a luxury item; be-
cause what has been put into their con-
struction repays the expense many times
over in long wear and easy maintenance.
The theatre, large or small, which is not
well-seated is wasting one of its most in-
viting and exploitable qualities.
Of course, there are grades and price
lists in the latest models produced by the
seating companies. However, it will be
found that value is never superseded by
price. The scientific research that has
brought about improvement in theatre
chairs applies to practically all models
now produced. The sliding scale in price
largely affects finishing materials and
ornamental devices. Hence, the most mod-
est budget can be met with comfort and
wearability, if not with luxury finishes.
Current models of theatre chairs are
beautiful. They have the sleek, stream-
lined appearance which lends decorative
effect and is easily maintained in original
glory. Everything that intensive research
can thus far attain has gone into the de-
sign and efficiency of the postwar seats.
Many small refinements have resulted
from discoveries made during the war years
which set these new models a bit ahead
of their prewar predecessors.
Serviceability of the new public seating
has advanced greatly due to many new
materials now available. Among uphol-
stering materials, for example, the war
brought about many findings and severe
tests through which greater service and
wearability may be expected henceforth.
Plastics were formerly just a bright spot
on the horizon, yet now we see these fab-
ricated materials being put to work in a
wide variety of ways.
Material Considerations
Among the new materials particularly
adaptable to the beautification and in-
creased efficiency of public seating is a
thermo-plastic called “Velon.” This ver-
satile discovery may be used as a fila-
(Continued on page 20)
Coming Event
A new line of theatre chairs will
be introduced to theatre trade next
month by Heywood-Wakefield Com-
pany, in which several outstanding
achievements in styling for beauty
and comfort are to be announced.
Details concerning the new prod-
ucts were not available at the time
of going to press with this, our Thea-
tre Seating issue; but we are in-
formed that pictures and full par-
ticulars of the new H-W theatre
chair models will be released in time
to appear in the forthcoming (June
21st) issue of The Modern Theatre —
Editor.
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
15
Zjhe eJ^rciwina flower OF
THIS THING CALLED COMFORT
f or several years now smart motion
picture theatre operators have been ex-
ploiting their places of business as good
places in which to rest and relax, forget
all worries and wrap oneself contentedly
in the film fare provided on the screen.
Unfortunately, such sales promotion falls
far short of its potential effectiveness in
many instances, simply because the house
fails to back up the advertising on that
very important selling point. In fact, we
know of many theatres where one may
find but small comfort in the patronage
thereof.
But more unfortunate still is the fact
that comparably few of those exhibitors
who can truthfully boast about the com-
fort-giving facilities of their theatres,
rarely ever devote any of their advertising
space to telling the public about it.
The entire exhibition branch of our in-
dustry is entirely too lax in the promotion
of that thing called comfort, without which
no theatre can now successfully compete
for public favor. Of the relatively few who
ever make any reference to comfort in their
exploitation, too many fail to provide it;
others ignore it entirely in their advertising
and a very few ever give it top billing over
the pictures they play; and even then on
but rare occasion.
House Appeal — sensible provision of all
things that induce mental and physical re-
laxation— is the most exploitable attraction
a theatre can have, particularly in this
day and age when people are accustomed to
comfort as a part of entertainment. Yet,
pictures are superlatively exploited in our
newspaper ads and on our marquees and
the comfort-conscious public is left to find
out for itself where it may best go for its
relaxation.
The “better mouse trap” theory that the
customers need not be told about the
physical refinements and comforts of our
theatres is no good. Exploitation of house
appeal — provided the theatre has it — has
been known to create a beaten path to the
boxoffice, when all other methods have
proved of no avail. There should be more
of it.
This thing called COMFORT has more
to do with the true enjoyment of that
superlatively exploited picture than you
may think. Matter of fact, many a fea-
ture picture has been turned into a flop-
peroo locally, because comfort was the miss-
ing link in its screen presentation. In other
words, comfort, as hereinafter defined, is
the thing that creates a receptive mood
for the picture, which may be either a
“socko” or a “stinker.” It works for or
against either of them as well as the
by ANSEL M. MOORE
“so-and-so’s” in between the two extremes.
This thing called comfort is the principal
ingredient of what we call “House Appeal.”
It is the essence of relaxation, which mod-
ern theatres have for sale; but which man-
agement seldom tries to sell. It is the thing
that makes patrons easier to please with
pictures and consequently induces them to
come again, and more often. How do we
get it?
First, let’s consider the matter from the
standpoint of the patron as he approaches
the theatre. Admitting that picture ad-
vertising may have induced his first visit
to your theatre, what happens thereafter?
Will he be sufficiently impressed and
pleased with the picture (plus the com-
fort you may have provided) to decide on
a return visit?
A pleasant atmosphere; a clean well-
kept theatre front starts a train of im-
pressions that add up to the final answer.
Decorations, lighting, air conditioning,
acoustics, projection — most everything has
something to do with the comfort needed
to set the mood for the patron’s enjoyment
of the picture. Little things and seemingly
inconsequential things all count.
But the final pay-off is the chair you
have provided for him <or her) to sit in
for an hour or two of the performance.
All other things are atmospheric and as
such they are mighty important; but the
chair is a cardinal physical “must” re-
quirement. It can either cap or uncap
the climax.
The theatre chair is the one piece of
theatre property with which the bodies of
the customers come into actual physical
contact, to remain that way throughout the
entire show. Because of this most intimate
relation, a theatre chair must look com-
fortable at the patron’s first approach and
it must not fool him in that particular at
the end of an hour or so in its close em-
brace.
Theatre seating is properly the most ex-
pensive part of furnishing a modern thea-
tre— and by modern, we mean a theatre
that provides comfort plus. Poorly de-
signed and cheaply constructed seats are
not comfortable and are therefore a poor
investment in a theatre of any size or
situation.
If theatre chairs were made only to look
at, there might be some reason for buying
them on the basis of “beauty at a bargain.”
But since our patrons are the ones who give
them the acid test for that thing called
comfort, there must be no doubt concern-
ing both the good looks of the chair and
the comfort it gives.
Some owners of small theatres complain
about the high cost of seating. Like all
things today, theatre chairs are costly and
represent a major portion of the installa-
tion budget. But the most costly purchase
is the one in which low price is the chief
selling point. A high quality theatre chair
may cost a bit more in the beginning; but
the comfort it contributes in behalf of the
boxoffice more than compensates for the
difference in cost.
The small theatre, to be successful fi-
nancially, must provide seating comfort
comparable, if not more pronounced than
that of the large-capacity metropolitan
theatre. At so much per seat, which is the
standard price all must pay for House
Appeal, there seems no good reason why a
house of small capacity can’t have all of
what it takes to make big theatres suc-
cessful.
A really comfortable theatre seat, even
at the higher price a theatre owner must
pay for it at the beginning, more quickly
amortizes and pays back its investment than
a cheaper product. This is so because the
comfort quality gives has a continuous fa-
vorable reaction at the boxoffice. It not
only produces prestige for the theatre, in-
ducing return patronage and creating
word-of-mouth publicity for the house;
but actually increases the appreciation of
all pictures presented on the screen.
It has been proven time and again that
the reseating of theatres for greater com-
fort, in fact as well as in appearance, has
increased business at the boxoffice to such
an extent that the seat which cost a bit
more in the beginning, was by far the best
bargain in the end.
It is well to bear in mind when buying
theatre chairs that here is one item of
equipment on which it is dangerous to
skimp, because you can’t kid the public into
believing a chair is comfortable when it
isn’t.
This thing called comfort has become
highly important to all sizes and classes
of houses wherein motion pictures are de-
livered to the public. It’s a thing no longer
to be trifled with in outfitting the theatre
of the future.
CENTERS OF ATTRACTION
will be the theme of Moore's article for the June 21st issue, in which he will
further interpret the Multiple-Enterprise idea of modern theatre planning for
more profit and greater public service. It's the "Floor Covering" issue
for 1947.
16
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
TOLEX makes a distinctive door-
way— used as wall covering and
wainscoting.
UPHOLSTERY
You can be sure of the results — rich-looking ... long-wearing ... wherever you have TOLEX
upholstery or wall covering!
Backed by Textileather’s 3 5 years of leadership in leathercloth manufacture ... TOLEX is ideal
for theater seating and decoration! Easy to clean . . . washable . . . vermin-proof . . . stain-resistant . . .
can be flame-proofed. (Meets New York City’s and Boston’s fire resistant requirements). Striking
range of colors and effects.
Specify TOLEX upholstery for new equipment or replacement. Write for T
samples and more details. Textileather Corporation, Toledo, Ohio.
'Reg. U.S. Pat. Ofl.
35 'tyea/u 'Pu&tcc s4ccefita*tce
TEXTILEATHER
NOT LEATH ER
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
17
^iicle-d^acL ^Jlieatre ^eat
MAKES ITS BID FOR ATTENTION
a
WILLIAM A. GEDRIS
EVELOPMENT AND
completion of a new
type of theatre chair,
known as the Ideal
“Slide-Back” chair, is
formally announced in
this issue by William
A. Gedris, president of
the Ideal Seating
Company, Grand
Rapids, Michigan.
The announcement
climaxes more than
two years of product
designing and engi-
neering launched by Mr. Gedris as a post-
war contribution to improvement in thea-
tre seating. Early pattern models were
privately exhibited and demonstrated to
Ideal Seating Company’s distributors at
the TESMA National Trade Show held in
Toledo, Ohio, last fall. Since then numer-
ous improvements and refinements have
been added to the finished product.
The new Ideal Slide-Back theatre chair
now makes its bow as the most radical
change in theatre seating for several years,
and as will be noted from the following de-
scription supplied by its producer, its
innovations are most practical and inter-
esting.
Retractability Described
Spaced the customary 32 inches, back-
to-back, the new Slide-Back chair affords
more than six inches of smooth, effortless
★ ★
seat retraction on a horizontal plane, with
no humps and no jarring. The chair when
occupied, allows 100 per cent more passing
space than do conventional chairs. When
unoccupied, there is a gain in space of over
50 per cent. Thus, the necessity of stand-
ing to allow others to pass is actually, and
not just theoretically, eliminated. Further-
more, the operation of the chair in no way
disturbs those in the row behind. Normal
position of the chair is automatically re-
sumed after a person passes.
When unoccupied, the seat automati-
cally and silently slides back, rises and
locks into position, thus making it the only
chair of any type that affords complete
safety in case of emergency. The seat
automatically disengages as the patron
lowers it for occupancy.
A full-length, die-formed steel back
panel entirely covers the back edge of the
seat cushion. There are no pinching
hazards, no sharp edges to bump shins
and no understructure to hamper clean-
ing.
Simplified Construction
Simple in construction, the Ideal Slide-
Back chair has only three more moving
parts than conventional theatre chairs. It
has been sturdily built for long and posi-
Two of the new Ideal Slide-Back chairs in juxta-
position, spaced 32 inches back to back, as they
will appear in installation. At left the chair is
shown as unoccupied, while the other is shown
in occupied position for correct posture of the
patron.
o
tively trouble-free service, without main-
tenance, adjustments, or replacements of
any moving parts. The special bearings
require no lubrication. Easy to install, the
chair does not require the services of
specialized mechanics.
The Ideal Slide-Back chair is adjustable
to meet all theatre seating requirements,
all arrangements, all floor inclines, and can
be used as a stationary chair in balconies
with high risers.
Providing good posture, the chair has
cushions of comfortable deep-spring con-
struction. It is being offered in a variety
of models, with a wide selection of end
standards and upholstering materials. Dis-
tribution will be through independent the-
atre equipment and supply dealers.
“Make the old aoor more attractive with
an application of Tolex plastic leather-
cloth,” is now suggested as a solution to
the recent national problem of how to get
Richard to cooperate.
As shown above, the results are quite
pleasing and practical. “Tolex,” a new ma-
terial being widely used for seating up-
holstery and wall covering, is rich-looking
and colorful. It is available in a great
variety of colors, patterns and finishes to
harmonize with most any decorative
scheme. It is also claimed to be outstand-
ing in ability to withstand many types of
rough-and-tough wear, including flexing
and abrasion. It doesn’t scuff, cleans
easily with a damp cloth and is stain-
resistant, and flame-proofed so that it
meets New York City’s and Boston’s fire-
resistant requirements.
A product of Textileather Corporation,
Toledo, Ohio, “Tolex” is available through
distributors in principal cities. The com-
pany has been a leader in the develop-
ment and manufacture of leathercloth for
35 years.
18
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
PROJECTION ARC LAMPS
— deliver the snow-white light essential to
satisfactory projection of Technicolor. Low
intensity light is yellow by comparison and
changes the color values.
Distributed Exclusively by
NATIONAL
y— —
THEATRE SUPPLY
Division ol National • Simplex • Blud worth, Inc
"There's a Branch Near You"
NOW CELEBRATING OUR 20TH
Scientific Research
Produces Public Seating
Improvement
(Continued from page 15)
ment which is woven into a fine upholstery
material or it may be formed into a sheet
which is either embossed to simulate leath-
er or gloss finished as a heavy upholstery.
As a textile or as a sheet, the plastic prod-
uct offers many maintenance and wear
qualifications. It is stainproof, non-ab-
sorbent and fire-resistant. A myriad col-
ors and color combinations are obtainable,
and because of easy cleanability even the
popular light colors are practical.
An important feature of the American
Seating Company’s Bodiform theatre chair
is the new postwar “Cavalon” upholstery,
now being used for most Bodiform seats.
“We have tested the new ‘Cavalon’ both
in our own laboratory and on many in-
stallations,” the American Seating Com-
pany reports, “and we find that it meets
the requirements very well. Research and
scientific development since the war have
resulted in great improvement of this
product, some of its outstanding qualities
being flexibility, resistance to perspira-
tion and to the effects of age, especially
cracking. It has also measured up excep-
tionally well in surface-wear, edge-wear
and adhesion tests. It is especially satis-
factory in its resistance to ‘peeling’ or
separation of coating from the fabric base.
“Our tests are purposely severe, far more
rigorous than the hardest actual wear:
2,000,000 cycles in the surface-wear test,
for instance, and another 40,000 cycles in
the edge-wear test. ‘Cavalon’ survives
these tests without appreciable wear.”
Since its introduction over a year ago,
“Duran,” an all-plastic upholstery cover-
ing, has been helping to provide distinctive
house appeal for many show places
throughout the country.
This new covering is entirely a plastic,
not a coated fabric, and comes in a range
of rich colors and finishes to blend with
every type of lighting effect and keynote
every style of auditorium decor. Because
of its remarkable resiliency, the material
makes possible new and striking upholstery
effects. On theatre seating it relaxes
gently to bodily weight at the right places
to permit soothing relaxation. Subjected
to flex and scrub tests, the material with-
stands an unusual degree of surface abra-
sion and flexing without visible failure.
Besides being highly resistant to wear,
scuffing, fading and damage by water,
grease, alcohol and body acids, it requires
only the minimum of maintenance. Soap
and water removes dust, grime and ordi-
nary stains to quickly restore Duran’s fresh
colorful beauty.
With today’s widespread emphasis on
greater house appeal through renovation,
redecoration and new installation, Duran
is expected to play an ever-increasing role
for theatre owners in providing the kind of
appeal that means steady satisfied patrons
and a new source of pride in smart show-
manship.
One of the original plastic upholstery
materials, introduced even before the war
for use on theatre seats, is “Naugahyde.”
This is one of the toughest materials ever
devised and has withstood hardest usage
in theatres as well as on bus seats. It is
deep-grained with a heavy leather appear-
ance and comes in a range of colors from
bright to pastel. Typical of all plastic
materials, it is completely washable and
fire-resistant.
New long-wearing seating materials such
as “Tolex” plastic leathercloth are getting
wide acclaim today among theatre op-
erators in all parts of the country. “Tolex”
is a vinyl-coated fabric developed by Tex-
tileather Corporation, which was among
the first to introduce this type of super-
tough plastic coated material.
As one of the leading producers of leath-
er-like fabrics since the early days of
pyroxylin coating 35 years ago, this com-
pany had started its research and proving-
ground work on vinyl-coated materials be-
fore the war. Hence, war’s outbreak found
the product all ready for duty. Military
demands soon required the entire produc-
tion for uses such as Army and Navy rain-
wear, aircraft and weasel upholstery, and
a host of other wartime requirements.
Vinyl-coated fabrics for seat upholstery,
wall covering and decoration offer sev-
eral reputed advantages: 1) They are be-
coming increasingly available today despite
the shortage of vinyl resins, plasticizers
and stabilizers: 2) Cinyl-coated fabric
compares favorably in price with other up-
holstery materials; 3) It can be cut like
cloth with little waste; 4) It does not crack,
crock or stain — alcohol, blood, acids can be
easily wiped off without staining; 5) It
can be flameproofed, attested by the fact
that “Tolex” meets New York City’s and
Boston’s stringent requirements for fire
resistance; 6) It has brilliant and perma-
nent color appeal.
In there still pitching in the seat up-
holstery field, however, are the beautiful
pile fabrics. Distinctive and indicative
of what is offered in the fabric line is
“Velmo,” a new material of selected fibers
which are blended and woven into a porous
pile. Soft pile upholstery materials have
always had perfect acoustical properties
which are highly desirable in many thea-
tre installations; there is also a decided
luxury appeal to such fabrics. The new
materials now available have a number of
plus values as well; such as special fiber
construction for dire-resistance, insuring
ease of maintenance, perfected dyes as-
suring color-fastness in a wide variety of
bright, clear shades, and guaranteed moth-
proofing.
Cushioning Revolution
What goes underneath the upholstery
material is also highly important and
largely a determinant of the comfort to
be found in any chair. Outstanding as an
example of improvement through scientific
research along this line is foam rubber
cushioning. This perfect product, from
the standpoint of public seating comfort,
was introduced before the war and was
gaining wide usage. Then came the in-
evitable bottleneck. But now once again
the natural rubber product is available,
(Continued on page 36).
A POSTWAR CONCEPTION OF THEATRE SEATING
The auditorium of the beautiful Midwest Theatre at Scottsbluff,
Nebraska, one of the earlier postwar theatre completions (1946),
provides an example of the rising regard for seating comfort in
theatres of moderate and small capacity. The Midwest, a
property of the Gibraltar Enterprises, Inc., has 930 Kroehler
Push-Back chairs of the model shown in close-up by inset.
Pictures by Kroehler.
20
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
uran
ALL PLASTIC
a feature attraction for every theatre
lon°*£h*'c%fCr*» ”>*ofre t0|
3es,
Duran Upholstered Panel in Front of
Stage in Crest Theatre, Long Beach, Calif.
A sensation among showmen everywhere, the new
prefabricated Crest Theatre of Long Beach, California,
is a model of outstanding showmanship. It was
natural that Duran should be selected to emphasize the
interior decor of lobby, lounge and auditorium in this unique showplace.
Duran is all-plastic, not a coated fabric, consequently, will not chip or peel.
Arrestingly beautiful, resilient and marvelously resistant to wear, fading
and perspiration, Duran provides a compelling invitation to luxurious ease
for theatre seating . . new and unusual effects on doors, walls and ceilings.
Duran is scuff resistant and easy to wash. Availa de now
in many beautiful colors to harmonize with you: interior styling.
Consult your contractor, designer o • decorator.
Crest
Contractor for Duran Upholstered Work
was Theatre Upholstering Co., lo* Angeles.
MASLAND DURALEATHER COMPANY, 3234-90 Amber Street, Philadelphia 34, Pa.
24
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
JUS! Off 1HE BOARDS
Architectural renderings in early-stage visualization of new
theatre building projects soon to be erected or now under
construction. The completed projects will be pictured and
described in greater detail in forthcoming issues of The
MODERN THEATRE section.
BETTE DAVIS NOV.'
SUSPICION'.' PLUS
CARTOON _ - NEWS
rt DAViS •'
■ SplClQN
|l? - ) ictured above is a perspective by S.
R. Marsh, theatre architect, of Char-
lotte, N. C., visualizing a new modern
theatre to be erected in Union, S. C., for
Rialto Theatres, Inc. Of modern design,
brick, concrete and frame construction,
seating 875 on main floor and balcony,
the estimated cost of the project is $95,000
for the building and $65,000 for equipment
and furnishings.
Located on a lot 55x200 feet in the down-
town section of Union, a textile center, the
new Rialto will have ample parking facil-
ities, plus all the modern provisions for
the convenience and comfort of its patrons.
The balcony reserved for Negroes will seat
250 patrons, who are to be served from a
separate boxoffice.
Confectionery room provisions include a
modern candy bar and popcorn sales
space located just off the lobby to serve
white patrons from one side and Negro
patrons from the other. Another candy
bar will be located in the foyer.
The entire building will be air condi-
tioned for both summer and winter sea-
sons, using refrigerated cooling and steam
heat, interchangeably supplied through the
same duct system. Architect Marsh is a
member of the Advisory Staff of The
Modern Theatre Planning Institute.
TO BE CONTINUED
Architectural
Advisory Staii
THE PLANNING INSTITUTE is conducted in
collaboration with the following theatre
architects, structural designers and engineers
who have agreed to act as technical advisers
to the Institute and editorial text contributors
to The MODERN THEATRE section of BOX-
OFFICE from their respective localities.
ATLANTA, GA.
Tucker & Howell, Rhodes- Haverty Bldg.
CHARLOTTE, N. C.
M. R. Marsh, 509 Builders Bldg. 2
CHICAGO. ILL.
Roy B. Blass, 1167 Wilmette, Wilmette, III.
Erwin G. Fredrick, 225 N. Michigan Ave. 1
Edward Paul Lewin. 134 N. LaSalle St. 2
Rapp & Rapp, 230 N. Michigan Ave. 1
CINCINNATI, 0.
Grunkemeyer & Sullivan, 3717 Eastern Ave.
CLEVELAND, 0.
George A. Ebeling, Colonial Arcade 15
DALLAS, TEX.
Jack Corgan, 2008 Jackson St. 1
DECATUR, ALA.
Albert R. Frahn
DENVER, COLO.
Charles D. Strong, 416 C. A. Johnson Bldg.
DES MOINES. IA.
Wetherell & Harrison, 506 Shops Bldg.
DETROIT, MICH.
Charles N. Agree, 1140 Book Tower 26
Bennett & Straight, Schaefer Bldg.. Dearborn.
HENDERSONVILLE, N. C.
Erie G. Stillwell, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE. FLA.
Roy A. Benjamin, Bisbee Bldg.
KANSAS CITY, M0.
Robert 0. Boiler, 7332 Brooklyn Ave.
KNOXVILLE, TENN.
Fred Manley Associates, 216 Twelfth St.
LOS ANGELES, CALIF.
S. Charles Lee, 1648 Wilshire Blvd. 14
Paul R. Williams, 3757 Wilshire Blvd.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.
Liebenberg & Kaplan, 710 McKnight Bldg
MONTREAL, QUE., CAN.
Henry E. Greenspoon, 1434 St. Catherine W.
NASHVILLE. TENN.
Marr & Holman, 701 Stahlman Bldg. 3
NEW LONDON, CONN.
Arthur Deimel, Mohican Hotel Bldg.
NEW YORK, N. Y.
Michael J. DeAngelis, Paramount Bldg. 18
Wm. I. Hohauser, Inc., 1841 Broadway 23
OMAHA, NEB.
H. A. Raapke, 1611 Davenport St.
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
David Supowitz, 246 S. 15th St.
PITTSBURGH, PA.
Victor A. Rigaumont, 5471 Coral St.
PORTLAND, ORE.
J. W. DeYoung, 730 S. W. Salmon St.
ROCHESTER, N. Y.
Michael J. DeAngelis, Temple Bldg. 4
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Paul K. Evans, 246 E. First South St.
SAN ANTONIO, TEX.
N. Straus Nayfach, Alamo Nat. Bk. Bldg. 5
Spillman & Spillman, Chandler Bldg.
SAN FRANCISCO. CALIF.
Vincent G. Raney, 233 Post St.
TORONTO, 0NT., CAN.
Kaplan & Sprachman, 305 Dundee St., W.
NOTE: The Institute does not undertake the
professional functions of an architect or de-
signer. Its service is intended merely to
place our readers in touch with reliable local
sources of preliminary information and advice
on theatre planning and structural problems.
22
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
"Wkats yoiny on
inside dot se/is
so many tickets ? "
IT’S THE EVER-FRESH COLORS OF
Tinstone
There’s more to Velon fabrics than eye-appeal!
These fabrics can’t split, crack or fray with use
. . . don’t crease, buckle, fade or stain with
abuse! And short of vandalism, fabrics woven
of Velon fibres will outlast the furniture . . .
wipe clean with a damp cloth. What could be
better for you than these low-maintenance,
minimum -cost fabrics?
•trace mark
IT’S THE EVER-LASTING COMFORT OF
firestone Foam ex’
There’s more to Foamex cushioning than deep-
down comfort. This modern one-piece foamed
latex is self-cleaning . . . moth, disease and ver-
min-proof! No springs, no stuffings to need re-
pairs . . . Foamex, too, outlasts the furniture it’s
on. Ask your resources about Velon and Fdamex
or write Firestone, Akron for full-color booklets.
LISTEN TO THE VOICE OF FIRESTONE MONDAT EVENINGS OVER NBC
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
23
CANDY VENDING IN THEATRES
he vending of candy in theatre lob-
bies has changed from an insignificant
sideline to an integral part of the operation
of any motion picture house. Theatre vend-
ing has reached proportions of a major
industry and the sale of candy to patrons
is still increasing. Approximately 85% of
the nation’s 16,000 movie houses are sell-
ing candy to satisfied customers. So large
is this phase of theatre management that
some of the larger chains of theatres have
established separate warehouses and set up
special staffs to handle the merchandising
of candy alone.
Since the beginning of the war in 1941,
shortages and restrictions placed on the
various ingredients of candy have held the
supply far below the demands for candy
products. With the increase of sugar
quotas from 60% in 1946 to 75% in the
second quarter of this year, and with pos-
sibility for another 10% increase before
the close of 1947, the outlook for an in-
crease in candy production seems definitely
brighter.
An Extra Measure
Theatre managers appear to agree that
candy goes hand-in-hand with one’s en-
joyment of a picture. “By making candy
available in the theatres,” they assert, “we
are adding an extra measure of enjoyment
for our patrons.” A greater interest is
being shown in the latest method of mer-
chandising, for the weekly gross from
by OSCAR TRUDEAU
Vice-Chairman, Council on Candy
candy sales ranges from $50 in the smaller
establishments to several thousand dol-
lars in the larger movie houses. As an ex-
ample, the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, a
theatre seating 5.000 people, reported gross
averages of $4,000 a week from sales to its
candy-buying customers.
Many a theatre takes in more at the
candy booth than at the boxoffice during
the Saturday matinees. Of course, at these
matinees, children are the big customers
and the increase in volume of sales prob-
ably is a direct result of the favorable pub-
licity given to candy as a food and to the
part candy played in the battle rations of
our fighting forces overseas. Parents have
become war-educated to the nutritional
values of candy.
An Impulse Item
In the vending of candy it should be re-
membered that candy is an “impulse” item.
Although many people enter theatres plan-
ning to purchase candy, a majority make
such a purchase on the spur of the moment.
This means that the better the merchan-
dising, the greater the profits. After all,
people are people even when they go to
the movies. The same principles of good
merchandising which sell candy in the drug
store, candy store, grocery or super-market,
will sell candy in the theatre lobby. How
elaborate your display should be depends
largely on the clientele your theatre at-
tracts and the selling ability of the per-
THEYRE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO BUY CANDY,
although the young fellow in the foreground
seems to be having difficulty in deciding which
type of sweetmeat he would enjoy the most.
This clean, well-stocked candy counter is main-
tained by the Des Plaines Theatre located in Des
Plaines, Illinois. The "Candy Cupboard" next
door is also operated for theatre patrons' en-
joyment. Greater profits are grossed from this
counter than from the adjoining “sweet shop."
A wide variety of candy is offered to appeal to
the tastes of both young and old by Robert S.
Currier, who manages both the theatre and the
sweet shop next door.
sons in charge. Highly trained personnel
are not necessary, for after all, common
sense is a prerequisite of clever merchan-
dising.
Location of the candy display, seasonal
“touches” and even psychology greatly af-
fect candy sales. One of the best locations
<
A RATHER UNIQUE METHOD OF MAKING CANDY
AVAILABLE to theatre patrons is utilized by the
Des Plaines Theatre, at Des Plaines. Illinois. The
theatre managed by Robert S. Currier, also owns
and operates the candy and coke shop next door.
This well-stocked display counter is placed im-
mediately behind the ticket taker and opens
into the “Candy Cupboard" next door. Man-
agement need not employ additional sales per-
sonnel singe the sales girls may serve customers
at both locations without difficulty.
in a theatre lobby for a candy display is as
close to the boxoffice as possible. This is
done so that the prospective customer has
no chance to stow away his change too
securely. Make this display as attactive as
possible. In the Midwest and along the
Pacific Coast, lavish candy displays and
service counters often make use of neon
tubing lights to attract patrons.
One large circuit of Western theatres fea-
tures “sweet treat” intermissions. After each
performance, the houselights are turned
up and pretty “candy butchers,” dressed in
evening growns, pass up and down the
aisles. These are but two methods of crea-
t Continued on page 36 »
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
No Theater Is Truly Modern Without KROEHLER
PUSH-BACK, the greatest theater improvement since air conditioning!
It’s the only seat that combines real lounge-chair comfort, with the
box-office attractions of the exclusive Push-Back feature.
FREE BOOKLET gives all details. Write to one of our Kroehler Public
Seating Division Offices: 666 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago 11, Illinois;
2028 South Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles 7, California; 206 Lexington
Avenue, New York 16, New York.
Here’s the normal,
comfortable lounge-
chair position of the
Push- Back Theater
Seat. When a patron
enters or leaves —
Seated patrons need
not stand — a gentle
movement of the
body slides the seat
back, providing ade-
quate passing space.
Relax, chair slides
back to normal, com-
fortable position — no
standing up, no in-
terrupted vision and
no inconvenience.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
25
P L HU H
INTERESTING COMMENTARIES ON
CONTEMPORARY PLAN PROCEDURE
Assured Income: The Plan Motive of the
Multiple Enterprise
■
^ n years past the principal object of
theatre planning was to contrive some-
thing which, because of its size or beauty
or spectacularity, would awe the public
into a state of complete submission and
cause them to form long waiting lines for
admittance to the inner chambers of our
cinemas of art.
The wonder cycle soon passed, however,
with the discovery that small and less
pretentious motion picture houses could be
built, not to daze the passerby with syn-
thetic beauty alone, but to create more last-
ing effect with the practical provisions of
comfort, convenience, safety and all other
known constituents of House Appeal. Func-
tional theatre architecture has gradually
replaced all former flights of florid imagi-
nation in theatre building.
The functional theatre building is here
to stay and will grow still more functional
with the times. The rhyme of good reason
for everything in theatre planning has be-
come familiar to most all of those who now
successfully practice the profession of
theatre architecture.
The Main Problem
There is, however, one discordant note in
the process of planning our functional
theatres of today — and perhaps those of
tomorrow, too. The persistent attempts
to plan theatre buildings solely for the ex-
hibition of motion pictures is creating the
discord; because it is doubtful that such
theatres can be realized as profitable pay-
ing investments.
The high cost of construction and the
necessary provision of modern conveni-
ences and refinements that must go with
successful theatre operation, rather effec-
tively prohibits the erection of one-purpose
theatre buildings.
To compensate for higher costs of con-
struction, maintenance and operation, ad-
mission prices would have to be raised far
above their present status. And that event
is most unlikely, because to remain the
popular form of amusement, movie admis-
sion prices must go no higher than they
are at present.
The most sensible and dependable an-
swer to the problem would be to provide
more income possibilities for theatre op-
erators than can be secured from picture
exhibition alone. A safe and satisfactory
return on investment hinges directly on
planning and building for greater income
from plant operations.
The functional theatre above referred to
need not be replaced. It is still what the
public wants; but unless it can be most un-
usually located, it will be hard-pressed to
pay off as an investment. Hence, it needs
the support of kindred amusement or com-
mercial enterprises that usually congre-
gate in the vicinity of a popular picture
theatre. Isolated theatres are risky in-
vestments.
The multiple-enterprise idea in theatre
planning is a practical approach to relief
from the present high cost of initial con-
struction and outfitting as well as to the
need for greater drawing power and more
profit from theatre operation. It simply
means adding other income-bearing enter-
prises, which ordinarily compete with the
theatre for the amusement dollar.
Example Solution
We have for ex-
ample, at this writing,
a modified example of
multiple - enterprise
planning by Theatre
Architect Michael J.
DeAngelis of Rochester
and New York City, a
member of the Ad-
visory Staff of The
Modern Theatre Plan-
ning Institute. The ex-
ample stresses the
point that multiple-
enterprise amusement
center planning can be modified and made
adaptable to most any situation. The idea
is widely flexible as to size of project and
the elements it may contain is equally
adaptive to metropolitan areas, suburban
communities and smaller towns.
M. I. DeANGELIS
Architect
We here illustrate the preliminary front
Front elevation perspective of a modified mul-
tiple-enterprise project for a suburb of Rochester,
New York, in which a modern theatre is the
main attraction. Reciprocating will be the beau-
tiful equipment show room seen at the rear. A
huge parking area lies behind. A candy store
is located in the lobby and there is a possibility
that the final plan, executed by Theatre Archi-
tect Michael J. DeAngelis. will include other en-
terprises and innovations for public interest and
service.
elevation perspective of a combination
modern theatre and an implement show
room as the principal elements, designed
by Mr. DeAngelis, to be located in a sub-
urb of Rochester, New York. The project
was planned for George E. Hazard & Co.,
manufacturers and distributors of all types
of farm equipment. The show room will
be reserved for their own use and the thea-
tre portion will be leased to a theatre op-
erating company.
Obviously, the builder in this instance,
properly evaluates the theatre as a crowd-
gathering attraction for his equipment dis-
plays and sales rooms, and with good judg-
ment and foresight he has allowed the
theatre to dominate the scene. Yet, it is a
(Continued on page 31)
26
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
THE STRONG ELECTRIC CORPORATION
WORLD'S LARGEST MANUFACTURER OF PROJECTION ARC LAMPS
TOLEDO 2, OHIO
DEVOTED TO A BETTER UNDERSTANDING
OF TEMPERATURE CONTROL IN THEATRES
Greater House Appeal Depends on Scien-
tific Air-Diffusion
{/^ 7 eginning this year, motion picture
exhibitors will spend $12-million annually
to install air-conditioning in their thea-
tres for greater House Appeal, according
to authenticated reports recently released.
This will be the largest annual expenditure
made for air-conditioning equipment by
any single classification of American busi-
ness. Evidently, then, motion picture ex-
ecutives need not be sold on the impor-
tance of air-conditioning to House Appeal.
However, air-conditioning is constantly
being improved like any other mechanical
equipment. And, just as in other equip-
ment, the purchaser of air-conditioning
gets only what he pays for.
Systems Obsolete
Yet oddly enough, theatre owners who
would laugh at the idea of using projection
and sound equipment designed in the early
1930s, often try to “get by” with air-con-
ditioning that is just as obsolete. Some-
times these systems have become obsolete
only because owners have neglected to
modernize them. But even a new system
can be obsolete when installed if it fails
to utilize modern methods of distributing
the conditioned air.
The public knows the difference between
modern and old style air-conditioning, just
as it knows the difference between new and
old pictures. However, a movie revival can
oy LEONARD R. PHILLIPS*
Consulting Engineer
*Mr. Phillips is a member
of the American Society of
Heating and Ventilating En-
gineers, and the New York
Society of Professional En-
gineers. For many years, in
partnership with an associ-
ate engineer, he was en-
gaged in the cold storage
insulation construction busi-
ness and his firm became
a leader in its field. In an
early association with the
Dry Ice Corporation of
America, he contributed im-
portantly to the original development of applications
and equipment for refrigeration with solid carbon
dioxide. For several years before the war he did
considerable consultant work in the commercial re-
frigeration and air-conditioning field. Since 1942 Mr.
Phillips has been in charge of the Research and
Development Department of the Anemostat Corpora-
tion of America, guiding the development of new
methods of controlling air with air-diffusion devices.
be amusing and may bring a fair box-
office; but there is nothing amusing about
obsolete air-conditioning, as the box-office
will invariably show.
Early air-conditioning — with cooling as
its primary function — increased box-office
receipts merely because it was a novelty.
Now, with air-conditioning so common in
At left: Efficient air-diffusion insures ideal climatic conditions throughout the Naylor Theatre, the most
modern neighborhood movie house in Washington, D. C. An Anemostat can be seen here in the
“Congressional Room" — for private parties. Additional Anemostats can be seen over the orchestra.
Center: The Anemostat air-diffusers on this ceiling of the Hollywood Theatre, Sioux Falls, South Dakota,
insure uniform, draftless distribution of conditioned air. At right: Wall-type Anemostats provide draft-
less, uniform distribution of conditioned air here in the Luna Theatre, Chicago. These devices re-
placed conventional grilles when patronage began to fall off because of drafts.
Metal cones of this Anemostat air-diffuser are
designed so that the passage of incoming air
(black arrows) through them siphons a series
of counter-currents of room air (white arrows)
back into the cones. Simultaneously, air-ex-
pansion within the cones greatly reduces the in-
coming air-velocity. In his way the supply air is
pre-mixed with about a third of its volume of
room air within the diffuser before the mixture
is slowly and thoroughly spread throughout the
room in a draftless pattern.
theatres and elsewhere, a system must do
much more than cool the air if it is to
increase theatre profits.
Comfort is now the key to successful air-
conditioning. And, according to modern
standards, efficient air-conditioning af-
fords maximum comfort during perform-
ances, while enabling patrons to enter or
leave the theatre without feeling the im-
pact of sudden climatic change.
Complications make this a difficult air-
conditioning problem. One of the first fac-
tors to be considered is that interior cli-
matic conditions must be changed as ex-
terior conditions change.
Comfort Formula
Here are the typical indoor and outdoor
climatic comparisons for maximum theatre
comfort:
Outdoor
average
Indoor conditions
maximum
conditions
to be maintained
dry bulb
wet bulb
dry bulb
wet bulb
r.h.*
°F.
°F.
°F.
° F.
%
75
. .61 to 70
73. .
63
. .59
80
. .65 to 75
74. .
63
. 55
85
. . 68 to 77
75. .
63
. .52
90
. . 70 to 79
76. .
64
. .52
95
. .72 to 80
78. .
65
. .50
100
. . 72 to 80
82. .
67
. . .45
* Relative humidity. '
After studying the above table, it be-
comes obvious why such signs as “20 De-
( Continued on page 38)
“THE INSIDE STORY”
al PnelcM SuccedA...
Owners and managers of successful theatres throughout the country know that
spacious, attractive and comfortable interiors are as vitally important to boxoffice re-
ceipts as appealing outside construction and decoration. Because Poblocki prefabri-
cated theatres combine inside and outside perfection with low cost and durability,
prospective buyers have swamped the office with inquiries and orders. That's the
inside . . . and the "outside" . . . story of prefab success. Here are the reasons why
you, too, should look into the matter:
• You can get 323, 423, 550, or 689 seat theatre plans and specifications, per-
fect and complete in every detail.
• Peacock and Belongia, a firm of architects with twenty-five years of experi-
ence in theatre design behind them, created the plans and specifications.
• Any good contractor can erect the theatre in 1/2 the time and at 1/3 less
than the cost of the conventional type theatre.
• The building is a permanent structure where nothing has been sacrificed
in good construction, luxury, convenience, or functional utility.
• The inside shape of the building is perfect for sound, heating, air condition-
ing and ventilation.
For more information contact your local authorized dealer or write directly to Poblocki and Sons. 2159 S.
Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee 7, Wisconsin.
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
29
COIFICTIONS
Shall Our Theatre Lobbies Become
Merchandise Marts?
heatre lobbies are mighty fine places
to sell merchandise — consumable or other-
wise — because motion pictures produce
crowds and wherever the crowds collect
is a good place to “get the money.” The
extra “take” is becoming more temptatious
to picture showmen day by day.
But, exhibitors who are the least bit
concerned about the future of the business
they’re in (or are they?) must surely soon
begin to view with alarm what outsiders
have been saying about our industry for
some time.
This, For Instance
For instance, suppose we now quote
verbatim an inspired article which ap-
peared in the magazine BUSINESS WEEK
of March 15, 1947. Boldly captioned “Cash
in the Lobby,” it sub-heads its topic with
"Movie theatre operators may add phono-
graph records and cosmetics to candy and
popcorn — already big profit-makers” and
then goes on to say:
“Candy and popcorn sales in the lobby
have long been an important source of ad-
ditional revenue for the movie theatre
operator. Now, threatened by a decline in
boxoffice receipts, some operators are con-
sidering adding other merchandise which
could be handled without appreciable in-
crease in overhead.
“Maybe Even Cosmetics — Phonograph
records seem first in line for a tryout.
They have a logical tie-in, they are easily
handled, and they are pre-sold by juke
boxes and radio programs. Other likely
products are popular-priced cosmetics and
toilet articles.
“One theatre chain executive has sug-
gested that lobby displays of such goods
be tied in with advertising trailers plug-
ging them on the screen.
“Substantial Profits — Promotions such
as these would add substantially to candy
and popcorn profits, which already total
millions of dollars annually. In deluxe,
first-run houses with adult clientele paying
about $1 admission, candy and popcorn
sales average 3% to 6% of the weekly gross
of $12,000 to $30,000. But in small, neigh-
borhood houses they are proportionately
higher: from 12% to 25% of the box-
office.
“Since these sales involve little increase
in operating expense, net profits are fig-
ured at about 25%. In lean times many
an exhibitor paid his rent from lobby sales.
“Margin Favors Popcorn — The wartime
candy shortage prejudiced many theatre
operators in favor of popcorn. It was a
bonanza in 1941 and 1942i, when the price
of corn allowed an 8c profit on a 10c bag.
Even later, when higher corn prices re-
duced the profit to 5c or 6c, it was still
more profitable to sell popcorn than candy.
“Most major circuits and many inde-
pendent exhibitors operate their own candy
counters or vending machines and pur-
chase supplies from wholesalers. Others
farm out the candy concession to a vend-
ing machine and take 25% of the gross.
“Huge Volume — In either case it’s no
small-time business. In one large theatre
circuit, candy and popcorn sales average
a 5c purchase for every admission.
“Another chain estimates that one out
of eight patrons buys candy or popcorn.
Still another, with more than 500 houses
across the country, showed annual net
profits of over $500,000 for its candy de-
partment even during the war when candy
was scarce.
“Paramount acknowledges that its gross
intake from lobby sales in its 1,900 thea-
tres runs into millions of dollars annually.”
Public Reaction
And now, may we recite a reader’s re-
action to the foregoing tirade against pres-
ent methods of dispensing the toothsome
confection, which appeared in a later
(April 5, 1947) issue of Business Week. We
hardly think the letter to the editor of
B. W. represents a prevalent public feeling;
but it certainly suggests the need for some
constructive thinking on the part of thea-
tre men. Under the title “Sound Effects ”
the letter follows:
“Sirs: In reading your report on the
rising sale of candy, popcorn and other
items in motion picture theatre lobbies
(B.W. — Mar. 15, 1947, Page 22), I am re-
minded that, after several disagreeable ex-
periences with popcorn crunchers in local
movie houses, this family has cut down on
its attendance at the picture shows by 75%
to 90%. If theatre managers have no more
consideration for the pleasure of their pa-
trons than to tempt every kid and bobby-
soxer — and their parents — to fill up on
popcorn during the presentation of the
pictures, we are just one family in a million
that can get along quite nicely without the
movies.
“Not content with raising prices 75% to
100% — and running Grade D films — thea-
tre management must further impose on
the public with the popcorn racket. We
can take our films or leave them. Under
the circumstances, we are leaving them —
to empty seats. — H. Tom Collord, Protec-
tive Coatings, Inc., Detroit, Mich.”
The B. W. editor’s comment thereon:
“The motion picture houses — feeling that
their boxoffice receipts may soon drop off
— are employing every device they can to
keep their revenues up.”
Commentary
We're neither going to dispute nor con-
firm the foregoing. We frankly admit there
is “pay dirt” aplenty in and around our
theatres and the goose hangs high; BUT
we wonder how much longer it will take
to slay the old bird and stop this tem-
porary flow of golden eggs.
With our already cramped lobbies full
of vending machines, sales counters and
display cases and shoppers and consumers,
there may be little room left in which to
exploit attractions, sell admission tickets
or even show motion pictures. At this point
the old goose will expire, and with her the
last opportunity to sell motion picture en-
tertainment or anything else.
Let’s be sensible about commodity selling
in our theatres from now on. Do it by all
means — even more of it; but for Pete's
sake, let’s first plan for it and build for it.
The Multiple - Enterprise Amusement
Center plant is advocated for those thea-
tre men who want to profitably supply
merchandise and services to their patrons
without destroying the thing that creates
all the patronage — motion pictures.
DOMINANT DISPLAY
Pictured above is the new marquee display board
of the Parkway Theatre, Madison, Wisconsin, on
which the new Wagner 17-inch colored translu-
cent plastic changeable letters are used.
30
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
Assured Income: The Plan
Motive of the Multiple
Enterprise
(Continued from page 26)
foregone conclusion that the implement
exhibition will feed many new patrons to
the theatre. A fully reciprocating project
is the result.
Mecca for Motorists
Located on a well-traveled thoroughfare,
the main building, pleasingly integrated in
design, will have a huge auto parking lot
at the rear. While the project is only now
in the preliminary stage, Mr. DeAngelis
reports the possibility that other income-
bearing enterprises may be added in final
plans. A smart confectionery sales room,
accessible to outgoing and incoming thea-
tre patrons, as well as to passersby, is an
example of several other innovations which
may be included later.
Present theatre owners who are prospec-
tive builders of new houses would do well to
look into the matter of multiple-enter-p'f&e
planning, which has for its motive the
raising of income to meet the high cost of
theatre construction and operation. Pres-
ent intentions to build need not be aban-
doned. They should be changed to suit
the situation; before some smart investor
discovers from the outside what every
smart showman ought to know, i.e. Where
the Crowds Gather is the Right Place to Do
Business at a Profit.
Also fine for use on stairs. Good scrapeage. Lies flat. Comes in sections
29" x 62" x 9/64". Can be laid side by side for larger areas or trimmed
for smaller or odd-shaped areas.
ALSO
AMERICAN COUNTER-TRED MATTING TUF-TRED TIRE FABRIC MATTING
for use at candy counters and popcorn machines. for safety on wet floors.
EZY-RUG RUBBER LINK MATTING “WALRUS HIDE” ROLL RUBBER MATTING
for lobbies. for aisles, as carpet protection and at fountains.
For prices and folder, "A Mat for Every Purpose" for promoting safety
and sanitation, write
1719 Adams Street
“America’s Largest Matting Specialists"
Toledo 2, Ohio
An Ideal Mat for Theatre Entrances
and in Front of Box Offices !
Jack O'Brien Made RCA
Theatre Equipment Mgr.
The appointment of
Jack O’Brien as man-
ager of RCA’s Theatre
Equipment Section is
announced by J. R.
Little, sales manager
of RCA distributed
products. Formerly
manager of RCA thea-
tre equipment sales,
O’Brien succeeds Mir.
Little as manager of
the section.
Jack O’Brien has
been associated with the RCA Theatre
Equipment section since the very first days
of theatre sound, and is widely known
throughout the theatre equipment field. As
a special representative of the RCA Photo-
phone Company, he visited practically
every town in the country in which a thea-
tre was located.
Early in 1942, Mr. O’Brien came to RCA’s
Camden headquarters as sales manager of
the theatre equipment section and in this
capacity, played a leading role in the for-
mation of the RCA dealer organization. In
more recent years, he has held sales posi-
tions for RCA in New York, Indianapolis.
St. Louis, Los Angeles and Chicago. Just
prior to the war, he was RCA New Eng-
land theatre district manager. Mr. O’Brien
will leave shortly for the west coast to
visit RCA theatre equipment dealers, RCA
district offices, and several of the film
studios.
JACK O'BRIEN
Advertisements are NEWS ! ...
If you are looking for Better Value in equipment and materials READ THE
ADVERTISEMENTS — all of them — and when you write or call the advertiser,
just tell him you saw it in The MODERN THEATRE section of BOXOFFICE.
Because of greater demand and increased volume.
Poblocki <S Sons is happy to announce price reduc-
tions on the Model A (EASEL TYPE) poster
case, in trend with the times. Now is the
time to redecorate and take advantage of
the same high quality at new low prices.
For full information on all Poblocki products write to
jzrvtffcrZis AM? sons
2159 S. KINNICKINNIC AVE.
THE SAME HIGH QUALITY
High quality will always be descriptive of POB-
LOCKI poster cases. Owners of these superb cases
realize their value as an investment in patron at-
traction.
Shown here is the Poblocki-designed Model A
(EASEL TYPE) poster case. It, like all Poblocki poster
cases, has (1) stainless steel construction, (2) water-
tight, dustproof, can't-sag doors, (3) cold cathode
round-the-case lighting. (4) the 10-second set screw
for quick removal of the entire door, and (5) is com-
pletely wired, ready for use. Alert exhibitors readily
recognize its use in brightening up unattractive spots
and its adaptability to unusual displays. Remember
POBLOCKI for high quality.
AT NEW LOW PRICES
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
31
THE ARTISTIC SIDE OF ARCHITECTURE
AS APPLIED TO THEATRE DECORATION
The Starting Point of Success-
ful Theatre Planning
HERE HAS BEEN
increasing interest
throughout the indus-
try in the new theatre
of the smaller cities
and towns. These have
been the centers where
war-time expansion
has brought acute need
for up-to-date movie
entertainment. While
the flood of post-war
building of this type
has not materialized to the extent of the
need, mostly due to unsettled labor and
material costs, still a few courageous and
farsighted managements have pushed their
houses through ahead of competition and
stand ready to profit on their enterprise.
One of these is the Dipson’s Batavia
Theatre of Batavia, New York, one of a
chain owned and operated by The Dipson
Theatres. The interest of this house to
others in the same field lies in the fact
that it is no re-hash of formulas worn thin
before the war outdated them, but is truly
a postwar house in every sense of the word.
And the first and most important sense of
that word is “planning.”
Strategic Plotting
It is that factor alone that we wish to
refer to in this article, for it is the starting
point of every successful theatre, large or
by HANNS R. TEICHERT*
small, and, unfortunately, one that is given
the quickest possible brush-off before get-
ting down to the business of putting up
walls and some sort of color on them. In
this case, Dipson’s Batavia Theatre was
under the supervision, from the idea stage,
of Mr. William Dipson, with architecture
handled by Mr. Russell Larke, of Niagara
Palls, N. Y„ and interior design and color
coordination by Mr. Rex Davis, of the
Hanns R. Teichert Studios of Chicago.
Right at the beginning these men got to-
gether and put down on paper their con-
cepts of what this specific house should
offer this specific community.
From the very first it was decided that
this would not be just another theatre, im-
possible to differentiate from the thou-
sands of its fellows in other similar com-
munities. This theatre was to express the
best tastes of its patrons, cater to the par-
ticular needs and comforts, and make them
feel like honored guests in their favorite
club. But above all, it was to key in with
Batavia’s past and be a part of its future.
Let us see how all these requirements and
conditions were met, while still confining
ourselves to the planning aspects. For that
reason, we submit the preliminary sketches
made for Dipson’s Batavia Theatre, and in
a later article we will offer photographs
* Theatre Decorating Specialist; Decorative Con-
sultant to The Modern Theatre Planning Institute.
Sketch No. 1
of the finished house with descriptions of
its equally dynamic color schemes.
Effects Visualized
The first illustration shows what was
planned for the outer lobby. In general,
this included a free vista from the sidewalk
to the interior, an interior so attractive in
warm color and smart design as to prove
an active drawing power, a candy and pop-
corn counter at the point of greatest con-
venience without disturbing the aesthetics
of the area, indirect but brilliant lighting
as a built-in feature of ceiling and coming
attraction boards rather than dust-catch-
ing additions, and recessed advertising
matter compellingly presented but also
with reference to the whole design.
The second illustration will show the
candy lobby, an area extending back from
the aforementioned candy counter and a
unique feature of the theatre. This lounge
offers the patron various kinds of refresh-
ment, a convenient waiting place out of
traffic, and a club-like atmosphere of
pleasant comfort. This thumb-nail sketch
shows only the lounge wall of the area, the
refreshment counters being opposite.
Reference to the third illustration will
show the inner lobby where, tickets bought,
refreshments purchased, and comfortably
sheltered from whatever weather may lay
outside, the patron is in the mood to relax
and really notice what lies about him as
he progresses. This room is therefore the
logical key-in with the community, so in
great bands on the surrounding walls a
mural is painted depicting the interesting
points of Batavia history up to date. Every
community has some distinctive story of
its own that sets it apart from all others,
and Batavia’s is especially so, being rich
with early Indian history, picturesque
Sketch No. 2
Sketch No. 3
Sketch No. 4
TESMA BOARD SETS PLANS FOR BIG TRADE SHOW
TESMA BOARD MEMBERS (left to right, clockwise): H. H. Engel, Erwin Wagner, E. J. Vallen, Roy
Boomer, Sec'y-Treas.; Oscar F. Neu. Pres.; W. A. Gedris, Vice-Pres.; Carl M. Weber, V. J. Nolan.
Harry Strong, ninth member of the board, was absent because oi illness in the family.
pioneers and first settlers, and historical
incidents and personages that give it great
flavor.
Civic Pride Appeal
It is just a matter of presenting these
facts as dramatically and interestingly
as possible to have them at once recognized
and appreciated by all who see them. There
rests a very natural pride in these things
among the populations of communities this
size where leading families and events are
a matter of interest to all, and it rebounds
as a great satisfaction and credit to the
theatre when some incident can be un-
covered from the local library or old news-
papers or other records that is not gen-
erally known. The interest aroused over
such a find, and the mural generally, is of
really gratifying nature.
The fourth illustration shows the pre-
liminary planning for the auditorium
where the first requirements were a feel-
ing for dynamic simplicity, with again
great emphasis on distinctiveness. With-
out going into the details of the color
scheme, which is a major feature of the
room, it will be seen that the simplicity is
not bareness, and that there is a very fine
feeling of balance in the design without
even registering the colors to complete
that feeling.
What is more, while lightness has been
logically confined to where it will not be
an undue care, it can be seen that the areas
likely to show the greatest wear are the
darkest in tone. Lighting is indirect from
the troughs running the lengths of the side
auditorium walls, and this is adequate to
pick out the decorative black light murals
that flank the proscenium. That last area
is played up as the focus of attention with
luxuriant color and draping but still ad-
heres to the planning for restrained good
taste.
These were the over-all first ideas, and
while something of texture has been added
here, and something of line to balance
there, in the main the general draft has
been held not only adequate but good.
ADVISORY SERVICE
As Decorative Consultant to the MODERN
THEATRE section, Haims R. Teichert wi be gad
to correspond with any of our readers who may
wish information and advice on decorating pro-
cedure. All such inquiries will be given proper
attention. Address your inquiry to The MOD-
ERN THEATRE, 322 S. Michigan Avenue, Chi-
cago, 111. It will be immediatey referred to Mr.
Teichert for analysis and advice, without obliga-
tion.
The board of directors of TESMA
(Theatre Equipment & Supply
Manufacturers Association, Inc.)
convened at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, on
Sunday, April 20th. Members present in-
cluded V. J. Nolan, National Carbon Corp.;
Carl M. Weber, Weber Machine Corp.; E.
J. Vallen, Vallen, Inc.; H. B. Engel DeVry
Corp.; Erwin Wagner, Wagner Sign Service,
Inc.; Oscar P. Neu, president; W. A. Gedris,
vice-president; Roy Boomer, secretary.
Harry Strong, president of Strong Electric
Corp., was unable to attend.
Final arrangements for the 1947 Trade
Show and Convention were completed. Ray
G. Colvin, president of The Theatre Equip-
ment Dealers Protective Association, whose
organization, representing the supply deal-
ers of the industry, will meet jointly with
TESMA, was present to discuss mutual
problems concerning the convention.
The meeting was presided over by Oscar
F. Neu, president of TESMA. Rates for
exhibit space, registration fees, entertain-
ment activities and many other convention
matters were discussed and decided upon.
Roy Boomer, secretary of TESMA, an-
nounced that invitations to foreign theatre
supply dealers and theatre owners have
already been extended and that invitations
to all theatre supply dealers, theatre own-
ers, architects, theatre builders, projec-
tionists and maintenance engineers in the
United States and Canada will soon be
issued. In addition, building materials and
furnishings will also be displayed at the
International Trade Show which will be
held at the Shoreham Hotel in Washington,
D. C„ September 24-25-26-27-28-29, 1947.
It is the plan of TESMA to conduct one
giant trade show annually, in which all
mechanical interests of the motion picture
industry will be represented. Here the
theatre owner and his architect will be able
to see the various types of modern equip-
ment and building materials and obtain
first-hand information from the manufac-
turer as to the installation methods and
merits of the product.
Although the 1946 trade show enjoyed
a record attendance, the exposition this
year will, according to a statement issued
by the TESMA board of directors, far ex-
ceed any other ever held in the industry.
Information and reservation details re-
garding the TESMA Trade Show may be
obtained by addressing Roy Boomer, Sec’y..
4356 Washington Blvd., Chicago 24. 111.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
33
Dispensing Machine for
Women's Rest Rooms
Tampax, Incorporated, of Palmer, Mas-
sachusetts, has announced the appoint-
ment of The Hospital Specialty Company,
Cleveland, Ohio, as exclusive distributors
of “Tampax,” internally-worn sanitary
protection, through dispensing machines.
The Tampax Vendor, designed, manufac-
tured and distributed by The Hospital Spe-
cialty Company, leading distributors of
sanitary napkin vending machines for
almost 30 years, is now ready for distribu-
tion to theatre trade.
The entry of The Hospital Specialty Co.,
into this field marks the first time in-
ternally worn sanitary protection has been
available in women’s rest rooms on a
nation-wide scale.
Dispensing 25 individually sealed cylin-
drical tubes, each containing one regular
Tampax and instructions for use, the ven-
dor is a streamlined, sparkling white ma-
A RESEARCH BUREAU
for MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS
ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION
The MODERN THEATRE PLANNING INSTITUTE 5-24-47
Room 334 — 332 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago 4, Illinois
Gentlemen:
Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU to receive information regularly, as re-
leased, on the following s
□ Acoustics
□ Air Conditioning
□ Architectural Service
□ "Black" Lighting
□ Building Materials
□ Carpets
□ Coin Machines
5 for Theatre Planning:
□ Complete Remodeling
□ Decorating
□ Heating Equipment
□ Lighting Fixtures
□ Plumbing Fixtures
□ Projectors
□ Projection Lamps
□ Seating
□ Signs and Marquees
□ Seund Equipment
□ Television
□ Theatre Fronts
□ Vending Equipment
□ Other Subjects:
Theatre
Address
City
Seating Capacity
State
Signed
(Owner-Manager)
chine 25" high, 6V2" wide and 4V2" deep.
All metal, the dispenser is finished in
baked white enamel with chrome trim on
lock and handle. Features of the unit in-
clude locked compartment for coins, sep-
arate keys for outside and inside locked
compartments and guaranteed coin return
if machine is empty.
In adding this new line, The Hospital
Specialty Company becomes the first dis-
tributor to offer a complete line of sani-
tary protection equipment for women’s
rest rooms in motion picture theatres. In-
quiries may be addressed to the Hospital
Specialty Co., Cleveland, Ohio.
New Fluorescent Lamp Folder
Available
“A Miracle of Light” is the title of a new
folder on fluorescent lamps just issued by
Lustra Corporation of America, describing
the four classes of Daylight, 3500° white,
soft-white and 4500° white Lustra tube
combining the blue-white of daylight with
the warmness and liveness of white light;
providing a proper balance of both for dis-
play and interior illumination.
For illumination in theatres, the soft-
white tube is recommended and described
as slightly tinged with a warmness of tone
that is exceedingly flattering to decorative
effects, as well as to the human com-
plexion.
The daylight is recommended for use
where color correction and blending with
normal daylight is necessary, while the
3500°' white, reported as having a higher
light output than the previous three types,
is offered as the standard tube most com-
monly used for all general and commercial
illumination.
Sizes range from 14 up to 100 watts in
all four types, and in blue, green, pink,
gold and red colors from 15 to 40 watts.
Two types of Lustra fluorescent starters
are also described in this folder, a copy
of which may be obtained by addressing re-
quests to Lustra Corporation of America, 40
W. 25th St., New York 10, N. Y.
Crowd Control Equipment and
Theatre Hardware
Such hard-to-get crowd control and the-
atre hardware items as chain core ropes,
posts, rope ends, sand urns and ticket office
and stair railings are now said to be avail-
able at reasonable prices.
This is explained in “Crowd Control
Equipment and Decorative Hardware,” an
illustrated brochure put out by the Hupp
Metals Works Company. Thousands of
these brochures already have been sent out
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
and are said to have been received en-
thusiastically by theatres all over the
country.
Founded on the policy of maintaining
quality, but keeping prices down by elim-
inating middleman mark-ups, the com-
pany’s stocks also include door grips and
“Push” and “Pull” bars in a variety of
styles and metals.
Complete merchandise and price infor-
mation may be had by writing for the
brochure on your letterhead, addressing it
Hupp Metal Works Co., 1123 Broadway,
New York 10. N. Y.
mirror replot®men*
is a good
investment
STRONG
PRECISION
REF LECTOR S
for all types and makes
of lamps are sold by
Independent Theatre
Supply Dealers every-
where.
They are the logical
choice for replacement
as they are manufac-
tured by protection
equipment specialists.
Gradual deterioration of projector arc lamp
reflectors results in a corresponding loss in effi-
ciency. Since the only light which can reach the
screen must be reflected by the mirror, the loss in
screen light is in direct proportion to the loss in
mirror efficiency. Endeavoring to make up this
light loss through the use of more current repre-
sents a pure waste in the form of unwarranted
power bills.
THE STRONG ELECTRIC CORPORATION
87 CITY PARK AVE.
TOLEDO 2, OHIO
THE WORLD’S LARGEST MANUFACTURER OF PROJECTION ARC LAMPS
Lotior. Dispenser Helps to
Build Good Will
An inexpensive device for creating good
will among lady patrons is the new Bob-
rick hand lotion dispenser, here illustrated.
Installed in theatres and wherever favor-
able public relations are vital, the new dis-
penser is designed for convenience in wom-
en’s washrooms and other appropriate
places.
Customers receive a measured amount of
(Continued on page 40)
News of What's New and Needed!
The Research Bureau of The MODERN THEATRE PLANNING INSTITUTE
is continually combing the equipment and materials markets in order to keep
you informed What is New and What is Needed to make your theatre more
profitable.
A limited number of
ReqtuilclU BLOWERS
available for immediate shipment .
For cooling, ventilating, exhaust, circulating of warm air in
winter and with washed air and refrigeration. Quiet, vibra-
tionless. economical.
Model
Master No. 36
30.000 CFM
Price F.O.B.
Grand Rapids
$290.00
Master No. 32
20.000 CFM
190.00
Model M
12.500 CFM •
175.00
Model G
..... 10.000 CFM
150.00
Model F
7,500 CFM
102.50
Model A
5,000 CFM
82.50
Prices include belts and motor pulleys.
R&fMoUU ManujjOctuAi*i(f, Go-.
412 Prospect N. E. Grand Rapids, Mich.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
35
® LISTEN, SHOWMEN
jomarmvki
saving /
wr:S\
America's Smartest Corn Popping Ma-
chine! In satin finish striped stainless
steel, designed to beautify your location.
Fast and economical. With 10 new, im-
proved streamlined features — the culmin-
ation of Cretors 60-year engineering
know-how — that make it America's most
profitable buy!
Write to Dept. 4
Scientific Research
Produces Public Seating
Improvements
• Continued from page 20)
and with a number of war-proved improve-
ments. Costs are a bit too high; but the
value is there.
In principle, the material consists of
latex whipped into millions of tiny air
bubbles, which form an odorless air cush-
ion. Because of its valve-like construc-
tion, the material is relatively air-cooled,
dust-free, dampproof, mothproof, vermin-
proof, sagproof and lump-free. Now the
new product also has two added advantages
which improve its efficiency. It contains
the rubber vitamin Vitalin; and it is vul-
canized by a new and superior electronic
process. Foamed rubber cushioning can be
made in any degree of softness and can
be molded to any shape, size or contour.
Scientific research has wrought numer-
ous other important improvements in pub-
lic seating within the past few years.
Among them are better spring and hinge
construction. The seating manufacturers
have achieved completely noiseless opera-
tion of all mechanical parts of their chairs.
Most mechanical or moving parts of the
chairs are completely enclosed to avoid
maintenance problems as well as the in-
evitable cloth-tearing hazard.
Because of continuous research into
better production methods, better materials
and better design, the theatre seating now
being produced is more beautiful in ap-
pearance. more practical and longer wear-
ing. The new models will give better value
in service than any seats that have ever
been installed in theatres, and they will
promote return patronage in a bigger way
than has even been contemplated.
Rules of Conduct for Candy
Vending in Theatres
(Continued from page 24)
tive selling planned to stimulate sales and
increase gross candy profits.
The latest innovation in merchandising
used at many theatre counters is the fea-
turing of seasonal displays. That is, on
Easter, Mother’s day, Halloween, Christ-
mas and other local and national holidays,
displays of candy specialties are placed in
the counter. Today it’s nothing out of the
ordinary to sell special, attractively
wrapped pound boxes of candy for $2 or
even $3.
There is a psychological approach to
vending in theatres also. It has been dem-
onstrated that the type of picture a thea-
tre is showing has a great deal to do with
the type and amount of candy sold. For
example, if the feature for the week is a
blood-curdler, “soft-centered candies which
are not individually wrapped will sell the
greatest quantity. The reason given for
this is that theatregoers don’t want to be
36
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
distracted to the extent of unwrapping each
piece separately. Musicals, on the other
hand, are rated among the type of features
that promote general candy sales.
Rules of Conduct
A few basic precepts of good merchan-
dising that apply to selling in lobbies as
well as in other phases of candy selling,
include: 1) keeping a full assortment of
good quality, fresh candy that will appeal
to a variety of consumer tastes; 2) having
a neat, clean display; 3) making frequent
change in display areas, and 4) the use of
selling aids to promote sales.
The first of these, keeping a full assort-
ment of good quality, fresh candy allows
customers to buy the item they desire to
fill their craving for a definite type of
candy. Candy tastes vary from season
to season and it is best to experiment with
a variety of stock now available to de-
termine the candy preferences within a
certain locality during a definite season.
Also of basic importance is the necessity
for maintaining a clean, neat display area.
Display counter glasses should be kept
spotless and personnel making candy sales
must be neatly groomed. In connection
with a clean, neat appearing display, show
cases should not be allowed to get an empty
look. Bars and small packets of candy
sell better when the counters are nearly
full. Replenish display stocks often.
Prom time to time, displays should be
shifted so that customers may recognize
the fact that stocks are constantly moving
and are not becoming stagnant. Placement
of stocks within the show cases themselves
often aids in moving slower items. The
best “selling space” lies in the front areas
of the display, nearest to sight and reach.
Articles placed in this area will move much
faster than items in other locations of the
display.
Be sure to use selling aids such as coun-
ter cards, etc., for these are “silent sales-
men” that will greatly increase sales
volume. Counter cards featuring reprints
of Council on Candy advertising messages
are available through the National Con-
fectioners’ Association headquarters, 1 N.
LaSalle St., Chicago 2, 111. These counter
cards emphasize candy’s nutritional and
quick-energy values. They contain no
manufacturers’ names or products, but
stress the values of all types of candy. The
prices for these selling aids is nominal, 15c
for single cards and when larger quantities
are desired special rates are made.
Automatic Vending
The use of coin-operated vending ma-
chines in connection with theatre opera-
tions must also be stressed for coin ma-
chines play a part in most theatre candy
set-ups. The demand on the part of the
public for the various popular brands of
candy bars is filled by the design of selec-
tive type vending machines. The extent
of profits from automatic units as far as
the theatres are concerned is limited only
by the size of the theatre itself.
Vending machines long have been ac-
cepted by many of the smaller theatre own-
ers as a method of supplying their pa-
trons’ demands. The whole population
frequenting the theatre will patronize the
confectionery machines, for most people,
young and old, male and female, like and
buy candy. They will not only buy candy
from machines to eat on the premises, but
to take home as well.
The installation of coin-operated ma-
chines in a theatre already equipped with a
candy counter, will not conflict with ven-
dors and lobby counters. Each helps the
other. In many theatres located in Ameri-
ca’s larger cities, coin-operated machines
are placed in niches along the balcony and
mezzanine halls for the use of patrons who
do not wish to leave the feature to go down
into the foyer or lobby to visit a candy
counter. By placing these vending ma-
chines in spots where attention is drawn to
them, additional profits may be grossed by
increased candy sales that would have
otherwise been missed. Placement of ad-
ditional machines in smoking and rest
rooms will also show greater profits.
Wagner Reduces Prices
On Plastic Sign Letters
Effective this month a general price re-
duction on translucent plastic sign letters
in all sizes is announced by Wagner Sign
Service, Inc., Chicago.
According to E. Wagner, head of the
company, the list price reduction is made
possible by four favorable factors, i.e., 1)
original mold costs for the plastic letters
have now been virtually amortized; 2) a
new building and expanded factory facil-
ities has, and will further, increase volume
of sales; 3) the continued one-price-no-
discount policy of the company has re-
duced sales cost, and 4) a desire to coop-
erate with the national effort to reduce
prices wherever possible.
*
Let Me Show You
HOW TO INCREASE
POPCORN PROFITS
JUST clip the coupon from
this ad, mail it to me today,
and I’ll show you how many
machine operators have ac-
tually doubled their pop corn
profits my easy way.
I have no special equip-
ment to sell, no extras of any
kind. I just want the oppor-
tunity to tell you about my
improved methods and amaz-
ing BIG POPPING CORN.
HOWARD C. SMITH
President
PATENTED PROCESS
No other pop corn is like it. Produced under
our own exclusive, patented VOLUMIZING
PROCESS. Pops enormous volume. More ten-
der, delicious. Everyone who tries it wants
more.
NATIONAL
ADVERTISING
Also, I will send you details
of national advertising plan to
help you increase sales. Send
coupon now. No obligation of
any kind, and no salesman will
call. Just clip the coupon and
mail it to me today. I’ll reply
by return mail.
MAIL COUPON NOW!
74e Ctdy
uOlU MU®
POP CORN
This special strain pop corn
pops up 25% to 35% MORE
than ordinary kinds. Easily
steps up your profits that much.
The only VOLUMIZED pop
corn sold. Processed under ex-
clusive patent rights and pro-
duced by world’s largest pop
corn company. Strategically lo-
cated branch offices give you
speedy service, minimum trans-
portation costs. Write today.
Get complete details, free.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
HOWARD C. SMITH, Pres.
AMERICAN POP CORN CO.
SIOUX CITY 6, IOWA
You bet we want to know about your special methods and
exclusive BIG POPPING CORN. Send details and sales
plans today. We use a Popping Machine.
NAME
TITLE THEATRE..
STREET
TOWN STATE..
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
37
Greater House Appeal
Depends on Scientific
Air-Diffusion
(Continued from page 28)
grees Cooler Inside” have almost disap-
peared from marquees.
Maintaining these recommended cli-
matic conditions is no easy task. For one
thing, most municipalities have regulations
governing minimum fresh air requirements
for theatres. Although ordinances differ,
a fair criterion is 15 cfm per person where
smoking is prohibited, and 30 cfm per per-
son where smoking is permitted.
Usually, high air-duct velocities cannot
be employed because noise levels must be
held at 35 to 40 decibels or below. There-
fore, main trunk-line velocities are nor-
mally kept lower than 1200 fpm, with
branch air-duct velocities further de-
creased. Sound-absorbing material may be
used on ducts, but if placed inside them,
their interior dimensions are naturally re-
duced, which further complicates the prob-
lem. However, this latter factor can be en-
gineered if larger duct sizes are feasible.
Considerable Factors
Other factors must also be considered if
air is to be distributed so that proper cli-
matic conditions are maintained through-
out the theatre. These factors include seat-
ing capacities of the theatre, maximum
and minimum attendance periods, areas
of ceilings, height of ceilings, design of
ceilings, location of duct openings, duct
sizes, duct velocities, the location of col-
umns and balconies, permissible sound
levels and permissible air velocities in va-
rious parts of the house, appearance, cost,
the location, type and heat-load of light-
ing fixtures, location of exhaust outlets,
RUN IT ONCE...
and Sweep up the
ROACHES!
Just one spraying of West Vaposector Fluid through the new West
Vapomat will make “panic-stricken” roaches, within an area of 50,000
cubic feet, come crawling out of their hiding places to be killed easily.
Other crawling insects get a taste of the same “medicine.”
Also, a “once over” with this 2-weapon offensive has enough concen-
trated killing power to achieve a “ positive kill ” of flying insects within
areas of 500,000 cubic feet.
Perfected by West as the perfect partner to Vaposector Fluid . . .
quick, light to handle, automatic and economical . . . the new electrically
operated West Vapomat requires no manual attendance in operation.
Just fill it . . . plug it into AC or DC outlet and set the time clock for sure
guaranteed results. ODORLESS Vaposector Fluid is harmless to food
cincl fabric*.
One of over 475 West representatives throughout
the country will he glad to discuss with you the
merits of both the West Vapomat and Vaposector
Fluid. Fill in coupon below for free demonstration!
CLIP TO YOUR LETTERHEAD
42-16 WEST STREET
LONG ISLAND CITY 1, N.Y., DEPT.
We are interested in a demonstration of the new
West VAPOMAT Q Please send Literature Q
Name.
Position-
CLEANSING DISINFECTANTS • INSECTICIDES . KOTEX VENDING MACHINES
PAPER TOWELS . AUTOMATIC DEODORIZING APPLIANCES • LIQUID SOAPS
Temperature and humidity are accurately con-
trolled by scientific air-distribution throughout
this Trans-Lux Theatre. Madison Avenue at 85th
Street, New York City. In this view, Anemostat
air-diffusers are shown over the balcony.
solar radiation on roof and walls, and other
related items.
Obviously, by taking all factors into con-
sideration and then solving the problems
they present, air-distribution becomes an
exact science rather than a hit-or-miss
proposition. Yet this has been done only
in recent years, and perhaps in too few
instances.
Prior to the development of scientific
air-diffusion about ten years ago, cooled
air was usually discharged into a theatre
through grilles, registers, and other con-
ventional fixtures. On leaving such air-
duct openings, the cold air generally sweeps
to the floor and forces warmer room air
to the ceiling.
Until the velocity of the cold incoming
air subsides, it cannot mix with the warmer
MAKES THEATRE AIR AS
PURE AND REFRESHING
AS A MOUNTAIN BREEZE
ELECTRO-AIRE
OZONE EQUIPMENT
Cleans the air electrically. Posi-
tively eliminates all odors, includ-
ing those prevalent in restrooms
and from popcorn concessions.
No Chemicals
No Refills
No Extras Required
For literature and prices write
THE
ELECTR0AIRE CORPORATION
41-38 37th Street
LONG ISLAND CITY 1, N. Y.
38
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
room air. This results in drafts — the sen-
sation caused by impact on the human
skin of low temperatures combined with
high air-motion. Where there are drafts,
temperature differentials are great
throughout the room; humidity is un-
equalized, and stuffy air-pockets are prev-
alent.
“Tinkering” Futile
Long ago, attempts were made to rec-
tify such conditions by placing baffle
plates or plaques in front of air-duct open-
ings, by closing old openings, by making
new ones, by increasing or decreasing duct
velocities, and by various other means — in
sheer desperation. However, nothing
brought the desired results, for when con-
ditions improved in one section of the thea-
tre, new trouble-spots usually developed
elsewhere as a result of the “tinkering.”
Eventually air-conditioning specialists
determined that such unsatisfactory con-
ditions could be rectified only by the
thorough mixing of the theatre air with
incoming air from ducts well above the
audience occupancy level. They also de-
termined that air-duct velocities should be
simultaneously reduced. Only then could
conditioned air be distributed in a uniform,
draftless pattern.
These conclusions, followed by exhaustive
research and experimentation, eventually
led to the development of a device that
met all their requirements: the Anemostat
air-diffuser.
This patented device is attached to an
air-duct opening. Though seemingly sim-
ple, its scientific design instantly causes a
velocity-reduction of the incoming air pass-
ing through it. Simultaneously, air from
the room — equal to about 35 per cent of
the incoming air — is siphoned into the dif-
fuser, where it is mixed with the incom-
ing air stream.
A “Settling” Effect
The pre-mixed air then leaves the device
in a series of planes traveling in all direc-
tions at low velocity. It might be said that
the air-mixture then “settles” into the
room (instead of “sweeping” in, as it often
does when conventional fixtures are used
at duct openings). Therefore, such ob-
stacles as columns do not deflect the air-
flow. Since air can then be rapidly
changed without drafts resulting, auras
around human bodies are dissipated and
stuffy air pockets are eliminated.
The over-all result is even, draftless air-
distribution that causes both temperature
and humidity to be equalized promptly
throughout the theatre. This is important
to the maintenance of maximum comfort,
but it must be remembered that interior
climatic conditions should be changed as
exterior conditions change.
As previously stated, theatre owners are
now investing large sums in air-condition-
ing. The percentage of return on indi-
vidual investments will vary, depending on
how much an air-conditioning installa-
tion builds up boxoffice. But it’s a safe
bet that maximum returns on air-condi-
tioning investments — Greater House Ap-
peal— will come from installations that
distribute air scientifically.
Use more mirrors as decorative spice in
your theatre. Their practicability is
always appreciated by the patrons and
they are smartly modern in effect.
Reveals Innovations in
Chair Factory Methods
The mass-production methods of the
automotive industry has come to theatre
trade with the announcement by the In-
ternational Seat Corporation of) a com-
plete assembly-line installation of new fac-
tory equipment for cleaning, painting and
drying of all metal chair parts. In addi-
tion, the company, whose line of theatre
chairs is distributed nation-wide by the
RCA Theatre Equipment Section, through
independent RCA theatre supply dealers,
reveals a number of innovations in new
products.
Featuring automatic paint-spraying and
drying equipment, International’s new fac-
• One single compact unit has
every major part of a complete
refrigerated air conditioning sys-
tem. This complete, balanced
unit construction offers advan-
tages in lower first cost, lower
installation costs and lower oper-
ating costs. The refrigeration
and compression units combine
to give efficient refrigeration
cooling — the evaporative con-
densing section saves water,
saves money in operation.
Here’s Air Conditioning at its
best — self-contained — self-
supporting — self-sufficient.
tory techniques have provided a baked
enamel finish on the company’s current
line of chairs, which is said to be far su-
perior to the prewar lacquer finish com-
monly used in the theatre chair industry.
Theatre chairs undergo considerable
damage when youngsters brace their feet
on the chair backs and push until some-
thing gives. A new structural improve-
ment in International chair backs promises
to end this damage. Steel supports have
been welded to the inside of the back shell
at strategic points to provide strength equal
to the demands of this kind of treatment.
A “finger-saver” design for ushers and
others charged with the changing of light
bulbs in aisle lights is included in the lat-
est International aisle seats.
Cooperative engineering coun-
sel gives you the experience
and knowledge of usAIRco
engineers. Get acquainted with
your nearest usAIRco repre-
sentative. United States Air
Conditioning Corporation,
Como Avenue S.E. at 33rd,
Minneapolis 14, Minn.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
39
News oi What's New in
Modern Theatre
Equipment
(Continued from page 35)
hand lotion quickly and cleanly. Using the
dispenser permits easy application of the
lotion, and saves carrying in the purse —
two features that encourage repeat visits.
Management favors the lotion dispenser
because it avoids waste and mess, and dis-
penses any of the numerous brands of
lotion obtainable in bulk at moderate cost.
Where employees need protective or germi-
cidal lotion, Bob ricks are installed for both
men and women.
All working parts of this smartly-styled,
wall-type dispenser are of durable stainless
steel. The device is manufactured by the
Bobrick Manufacturing Corp., Los Angeles,
Calif., and is available through all leading
sanitary supply dealers.
Cretors Offers Two New Improved
Corn Poppers
C. Cretors and Company of Chicago,
pioneer maker of corn-popping machines
since 1885, announces two modern, im-
proved models “that cover every phase
and need of popcorn making.”
A certain “show stealer” in any theatre
Super 60 Model
lobby is Cretors’ Super 60 Model. Its eye-
appeal beauty and streamlined features
make it an outstanding machine. Avail-
able in a natural walnut finish that will
harmonize with any location, its attrac-
tiveness is further enhanced through in-
genious concealment of unsightly wiring
and mechanism.
The other Cretors development is the
new auxiliary Giant Model 41, which pro-
vides large production quickly and easily.
It is a fast, efficient, trouble-free popper
that pops corn direct in the seasoning and
salt, popping approximately two pounds
Giant Model 41
of raw corn each popping. With a capacity
for popping about 50 pounds of raw corn
per hour, the Giant Model gives about 13
bushels of popped corn during that period.
Both the Super 60 and Giant Model 41,
here pictured, assure speedier production
and guaranteed freshness, with all kernels
seasoned alike. Further information may
be obtained from C. Cretors & Co., 604 W
Cermak Road, Chicago 16, 111.
"TACTFUL SANITATION” IN THEATRE HOUSEKEEPING
Reg. U.S. Pat. office. Patents applied lor.
"MULTI-PURPOSE” ODORLESS ANTI-INFECTIVE
AND BACTERIAL DEODORANT
DISINFECTS AS IT DEODORIZES. LEAVES J^O
FRIGHTENING OR EMBARRASSING ODOR.
“IT'S ODORLESS”
NON-DAMAGING ON FINE SURFACES, FABRIC AND COLOR.
Mix One Part “Fort-A-Cide" Solution with Ten Parts Plain Water. Use in Sprayer on
Malodorous and Infected Plumbing. Leaves Microscopic inhibiting residue on sur-
faces after water evaporates. Replaces unsightly urinal blocks.
EFFECTIVE IN HOSPITAL AND PUBLIC LABORATORY TESTS ON
"SCALP RINGWORM." TUBERCULOSIS. STAPHYLOCOCCUS. STREP-
TOCOCCUS. DYSENTERIC-TYPHOID AND VENEREAL GERMS — ALL
COMMON IN RESTROOMS AND AUDITORIUMS.
Ideal for vomit eradication on seats and carpets, bacterial accumulations in air-
conditioning systems that cause foul odors, "stink bombs." A few ounces added to
pail of soap water performs dual action on floor and mop. Compatible with and re-
duces amount of soap. Contains detergents and penetrants.
ECONOMICAL: ONE CASE OF 4 GALLONS
MAKES 40 GALLONS OF "ON CONTACT"
1:10 DILUTION.
ORDER FROM YOUR SUPPLY DEALER OR CIRCUIT
FORT-A-CIDE CORPORATION. 160 East Illinois St.. Chicago. 111.
Send me FREE Your 4- Page Colored, Illustrated Folder, Showing How to
Use "Fort-A-Cide.”
NAME OF THEATRE ADDRESS
CITY STATE
40
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
Packaged Recorder Unit
Unveiled in Chicago
Weight-saving methods of the aircraft
industry are being applied to the produc-
tion of motion picture sound recording
equipment, it was revealed last month
when the RCA Film Recording Depart-
ment exhibited for a group of motion pic-
ture producers at the Drake Hotel in Chi-
cago, a new line of magnesium alloy re-
corders and associated equipment.
Following a luncheon for more than 25
leaders in the motion picture production
field who use RCA film recording equip-
ment, two new 35mm recorders, 16mm re-
corder and a unit-construction recording
rack were shown, as well as new light mi-
crophones, and current models of an RCA
future additions to the RCA’s recording
equipment line.
Representatives who acted as hosts in-
cluded, in addition to Mr. Kreuzer, H. D.
Bradbury, Manager of RCA Film Record-
ing Sales, Harold A. Renholme and C. M.
Lewis, Chicago regional executives.
Six More Manufacturers
Become TESMA Members
The roster of the Theatre Equipment
and Supply Manufacturers Ass’n, Inc.,
increased by six new members in April, to
a total of 86 and applications are coming
in at an accelerated pace, according to
TESMA secretary, Roy Boomer.
New members include: Dependable
Manufacturing Co., Omaha, Neb., chrome
furniture, boxoffice chairs and stools;
Dunlop Tire & Rubber Corp., Buffalo, N. Y.,
Pillo-Foam seat cushioning; Champion
Moulding Manufacturing Co., New York
City, metal moulding, display frames,
easels, etc.; Mitchell Camera Corp., Glen-
dale, Calif., 35mm-16mm projectors,
cameras, etc.; Mole-Richardson Co., Holly-
wood, Calif., studio lighting equipment,
microphone booms, power equipment, etc.;
Vocalite Screen Corp., Roosevelt, N. Y„
motion picture projection sound screens.
Foam rubber cushioning for theatre
seats and furniture is the latest pure com-
fort medium devised. It is softer and more
practical because it gives!
This streamlined unit-construction film recording
rack, embodying power supply, amplifiers and
recorder in a compact assembly of matched units,
was shown to motion picture producers for the
first time at an exhibit of new equipment staged
by the RCA Film Recording Department at the
Drake Hotel, Chicago, last month. RCA's new
deluxe 35mm recorder is seen in the center of
the assembly.
16mm projector and a Brenkert 35mm pro-
jector.
The use of magnesium alloy, it was ex-
plained by Barton Kreuzer, manager of
RCA film recording activities, has made it
possible to reduce the weight of recorders
to as little as one-fifth the weight of pre-
war models. The 35mm recorder here
shown weighs only about 40 pounds.
The unit construction rack constitutes a
complete recording equipment in a single
“package,” including power supply and
amplifiers. It can be used as a stationary
unit in studios, or, placed in a truck, it be-
comes the heart of a “studio on wheels”
such as the custom built mobile unit which
RCA recently delivered to Coronet Films,
of Chicago. The Coronet truck was also
displayed on Walton Place across from the
Drake Hotel.
In addition to reduced weight, all of the
new equipment shown features high-fidel-
ity performance, sturdy construction and
simplified operation. The visiting produc-
ers, who in addition to local studios, in-
cluded Col. Nathan Levinson, Sound Direc-
tor of Warner Bros. Studios, and Ernest
Royls, Warner Bros. Technical Supervisor
in England, were also briefed on plans for
<U<f YOU CAN’T DO WITHOUT
the new AUTOMATICKET
because
AUTOMATICKET
IS UNIT-DESIGNED
Individual ticket issuing units operate in-
dependently. This enables your register to
function smoothly even though a unit may
fail. Extra units may be added as needed.
SERVICE IS CONTINUOUS
No breakdowns. Your register never stops
functioning. Units may be replaced with-
out interrupting service.
NEVER LEAVES THE BOX OFFICE
No time lost in repairs. Defective units
can be replaced without shifting your
register from its position. So simple, any-
one can remove a unit and slide another
into place.
AUTOMATICKET!
IS SERVICE GUARANTEED FOREVER
Your dealer always has new factory-
sealed units in stock. He will replace any
unit free of charge for the first year.
Thereafter, units are replaced at a cost
based on length of service.
Ticket issuing units are easily atid quickly replaced.
AUT0MAT1CKETS in one to five unit sizes are now in stock at your
Theatre Supply Dealer. Registers are available in electrical and
non-electrical models for 1 inch and 2 inch wide tickets.
AUTOMATICKET
AUTOMATICKET
GENERAL REGISTER CORPORATION
36-20 33rd Street Long Island City 1 New York
| The New AUTOMATICKET . . . A Triumph of General Register Engineering!
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
41
SERVING THROUGH SCIENCE
NAUGAHYDE
IS “BOX OFFICE” WITH
THEATRE OWNERS
You may not be able to keep
your patrons from putting
their feet on the seats, but
here's what you can do:
Have seats covered with
Plastic Naugahyde. This
deep grained fabric is tough
to scuff because it “gives”
with every indentation, then
snaps back for more.
N augahyde is safe because
it’s flame resistant. It’s a
clean cover, too. Chemicals,
dirt and grease easily and
quickly removed with soap
and water. Naugahyde is
beautiful. In rich colors or
gay pastels, it stays fresh
and luxuriant year after
year. Your upholsterers like
to work with Naugahyde be-
cause it lets them do their
best work.
Distributors in all principal cities
UNITED STATES RUBBER COMPANY
Coated Fabrics Division Mishawaka, Indiana
H - - - AND HIGH WATER; BUT ON WITH THE SHOW
Auditorium of the Rialto Theatre at Flint, Michigan, during the big Spring Flood. Push-back chairs
were inundated for a period of four days; but were quickly reclaimed.
An example of service in emergency,
unusual in these turbulent times, is
afforded by what happened to the Rialto
Theatre in Flint, Michigan. As a result
of the recent deluge of spring rains, the
following action took place, as related by
H. W. Peterson, of the Public Seating Di-
vision of Kroehler Mfg. Co., producers of
“Push-Back” theatre seating.
“On Wednesday April 8th, we received
an emergency call from Max Gealer, Flint
City Manager for Associated Theatres
• Alex Schreiber) of Detroit, to the effect
that his Rialto Theatre at Flint had been
under water for four days and they were
then getting it pumped out of the audi-
torium. He was interested in finding out
what could be done to get the chairs back
in condition so they could reopen the thea-
tre. I took the first available plane to
Flint, surveyed the job and found that
307 seats had been submerged and sat-
urated with silt and floodwater for the
four-day period.
“We removed one chair and flew it back
to Chicago by PCA airline for factory tests
to determine how much of the seat could
be salvaged. We ran the units through
oven and research tests and found that the
metal parts were in good shape; but that
the upholstery materials were damaged be-
yond repair. We notified the owners of
our findings on Thursday evening, and by
Friday night the seat and back units were
on their way to Chicago by truck. We ran
overtime at the plant, taking the units
apart, cleansing and repainting all metal
parts to prevent rust, manufacturing new
seat and back units to replace those sat-
urated by floodwater.
“By the following Wednesday, the seat
units were back at the theatre and rein-
stalled. By that time, Mr. Gealer had the
theatre cleaned out, the stage rebuilt, new
wiring, and also was in the process of re-
decorating the theatre. The theatre was
reopened by the end of that week in good
shape.”
All of which elicited the following ap-
preciative message from Mgr. Max Gealer:
“And now in behalf of the Associated
Theatres, I want to take this opportunity
to offer my sincere thanks for the wonder-
ful service you rendered to us. There is
no doubt in my mind that you went to a
lot of trouble and inconvenience to see
that we got our seats back in the shortest
possible time, and only by your quick ac-
tion were we able to open again as soon as
we did. I also want to thank your Mr.
Peterson for his help and understanding of
our desperate situation.”
Good seating is a bulwark of your busi-
ness. With it, success is almost assured;
without it, failure is inevitable.
Theatre Confections
Bars — Box Chocolates — Gum
NEW LOW PRICES:
ALL TOP STANDARD
5 & 10c BARS
90 Cents a Box $
f.o.b. Chicago, per case
KAYLINE COMPANY
Hollycourt 9009
1538 W. Jarvis Ave. Chicago 26. Dl.
42
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
Seating Installations
Steadily Increasing
Current reports indicate that the worst
is past, respecting the long-endured short-
age of theatre seating. Manufacturers are
steadily reducing their back-logs of orders
and delivery time in being reduced sub-
stantially as the result of increasing pro-
duction.
An example of such improvement is given
by a report from B. B. Buchanan of the
Public Seating Division of Kroehler Manu-
facturing Company, who lists the following
recent installations of Kroehler Push Back
theatre chairs: Center Theatre, Detroit,
Mich., for Associated Theatres: Rex Thea-
tre, Havana, Cuba; University Theatre,
Columbus, O., for Academy Theatres;
Karlton Theatre, Philadelphia, Pa., for
Wm. Goldman Theatres; Catalina Thea-
tre, Tucson, Ariz., for Paramount-Nace
Theatres; Avenue Theatre, Montreal,
Canada; Edgewood Theatre, Jacksonville,
Fla., for Florida State Theatres; Arden
Theatre, Lynwood, Calif., for Albert Han-
son; Chief Theatre, Omaha, Nebr., for
Ralph Blank, Park Theatre, East Walpole,
Mass.; Steelton Theatre, Steelton, Pa.;
Grove Theatre, Groveland, Fla.; Miami
Theatre, Miami, Fla.; Huber Theatre,
Hicksville, Ohio; Jarvis Theatre, Bing-
hamton, N. Y.; Holly Theatre, Medford,
Oregon; Lithia Theatre, Ashland, Oregon;
Walworth Theatre, Walworth, Wis.; Es-
quire Theatre, Columbus, Ohio; Bijou
Theatre, Montreal, Canada; El Lago Thea-
tre, Minneapolis, Minn.; Adams Theatre,
Adams, Mass.; Strand Theatre, Freehold,
N. J.; Hillside Theatre, Jamaica, L. I.;
Oriental Theatre, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Benham Made Managerial
Assistant to Brenkert
The appointment of H. J. Benham as
assistant to the president of the Brenkert
Light Projection Company, RCA Victor
Division subsidiary in Detroit, Mich., is
reported by J. R. Little, sales manager of
RCA’s Distributed Products section. In
his new capacity, Mr. Benham will make
a general study of the Detroit plant and
take an active part in its management, re-
porting directly to Karl Brenkert, presi-
dent of the company.
Formerly commercial engineer for RCA’s
Theatre Equipment section in Camden,
N. J., Mr. Benham has been with RCA
since 1930 when he joined the field or-
ganization of the RCA Service Company,
servicing theatre sound systems. In 1937,
he was promoted to the position of service
manager of the Cleveland region, and in
1940 became district sales engineer for
RCA’s Commercial Sound Department in
Cleveland. During the early negotiations
for the Brenkert plant in 1941, Mr. Benham
was assigned to make a study of the plant
for RCA. In 1942, when the facilities of
the Brenkert plant were turned over to war
work, Benham became the commercial en-
gineer for the theatre equipment section
working closely with the government on
the distribution of sound systems for
Armed Forces theatres.
Equipment Exhibition
At Next SMPE Meeting
Exhibition and demonstration of thea-
tre materials and equipment will be one of
the features of the 62d Semiannual Con-
vention of the Society of Motion Picture
Engineers, to be held October 20-24 at the
Hotel Pennsylvania, New York. Arrange-
ments have been made for exhibition space
sufficient to accommodate 80 booths, it is
announced by the general committee for
the convention.
The exhibit, tied in with the Theatre
Engineering Conference which will fea-
ture the Society’s fall convention, will be
set up in the Penn Top (roof garden) of
the Hotel Pennsylvania. Instead of a mere
display of materials and equipment, the
exhibit will be an educational and scien-
tific presentation, with demonstrations of
the best recommended practices for com-
fortable, safe and economical theatre plan-
ning, equipping, furnishing and operation,
according to the committee.
HAPPY LANDING
In keeping with the traditional slogan
“The Show Must Go On,” Altec Lansing
Corporation carved another notch in the
records of the motion picture industry re-
cently in connection with the opening of
Charlie Chaplin’s new picture “Monsieur
Verdoux,” which had its world premiere at
the Broadway Theatre, New York, last
month.
Due to the shortness of time between the
scheduled opening date and the final ar-
rangements for equipment, which included
a “Voice of the Theatre” loudspeaker sys-
tem, it appeared for a while as though time
and distance from the West Coast would
be a major stumbling block to the arrival
of the equipment for the premiere per-
formance. However, United Artists in-
sisted on the opening date as set.
As a result, immediate arrangements
were made to transport the equipment by
overnight air freight from the Altec Lans-
ing plant in Hollywood. Other methods of
transportation would not have met the
opening date. The shipment was made via
the famous Flying Tiger air freight service,
arriving at Teterboro airport in Hasbrook
Heights, New Jersey, where it was met by a
truck, as pictured above, and transported
quickly to the Broadway Theatre. The
total time involved from departure to the
delivery at the stage door of the theatre
was a little more than 36 hours.
SUNROC is ready to make immediate
delivery of 10-gallon-per-hour
pressure -type water coolers at
the lowest retail price for any
such cooler on the market — 1235
F.O.B. Glen Riddle, Pa.
SUNROC is ready with water coolers
that provide trouble-free service
and low-cost operation.
SUNROC is ready with the most
complete line of water coolers in
America — 10 different models in
a wide range of sizes and capacities.
SUNROC is ready to send you com-
plete details. Write Dept. BO-7,
Sunroc Refrigeration Company,
Glen Riddle, Pa.
Sunroc
GLEN RIDDLE, PA.
Sunroc Branch Offices in Principal Cities
Standard
Model Water
Cooler NM2B
$235 F.O.B.
Glen Biddle,
Penna.
“SUNROC SERVES
THE WORLD...
a cool drink of water'
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
43
You and your patrons
both will find extra satis-
faction in OASIS Electric
Water Cooler perform-
ance. They will like the
smooth, easy action of the
dial -type bubbler control
■ • • the steady, splash-
free flow of cool, clean
water. You’ll cheer its
durable stainless steel
top. rugged space-saving
design, trouble-free quiet
efficiency, and the many
other features developed
in EBCO s 20-year lead-
ership in water cooler
manufacture. Write for
details.
401 W. Town St.
Columbus 8, 0.
ELECTRIC WATER COOlfM
Tfatw,
For the
impression of
Complete
Remodeling
YOU CAN NOW USE
BLACK
LIGHT
DECORATION
• Fascinating murals
• Dramatic atmospheric effects
• Illusion pf spaciousness are all oasily
and inexpensively created with
GLO-CRAFT
PERMANENT FLUORESCENT PAINTS
AND LACQUERS
and
THEATRICAL BLACK LIGHT EQUIPMENT
AVAILABLE NOW !
Free Advisory Service
Expert layout and design engineering
Write today for full details.
SWITZER BROTHERS, INC.
1220 Huron Road e Cleveland 15, Ohio
American Seating Co.
Elects 3 New Otticers
At the annual meet-
ing of the directors
and stockholders of
the American Seating
Company, April 16th,
Harry M. Taliaferro,
president, announced
that Jas. M. Ver-
Meulen, general sales
manager, and Geo. H.
Roderick, research and
development engineer
were named vice-presi- mr. VerMEULEN
dents. E. M. Mootz,
treasurer, was elected a director and made
secretary of the company. Mr. VerMeulen
was also elected a director.
Mr. VerMeulen started with the company
in the factory, in 1927. He was for a num-
ber of years sales manager of the Eastern
Division in New York City. During the
war he returned to Grand Rapids to be-
come superintendent of manufacturing op-
erations and became general sales manager
in 1945. VerMeulen
MR. RODERICK
was graduated from
Hope college in 1926.
Geo. H. Roderick,
who for a period of 14
years was works engi-
neer, was in charge of
the company’s war
products division dur-
ing the war. Mr. Rod-
erick was graduated as
a mechanical engineer
from the University of
Michigan in 1921.
E. M. Mootz has
been treasurer since
1923. He has come up
through the general
accounting depart-
ments of the company
since he started in the
Chicago office back in
1904.
The following direc-
tors were re-elected:
Harry M. Taliaferro,
Grand Rapids, presi-
dent and general man-
ager; R. K. Merrill, Grand Rapids, works
manager; Heber W. Curtis, Grand Rapids,
president of Old Kent Bank; John E. Mar-
tin, Birmingham, Mich., banker; W. B.
Turner, Dayton, Ohio, senior partner of
E. H. and W. B. Turner, attorneys.
President Taliaferro reported that al-
though there is a very satisfactory demand
for public seating products and the com-
pany has a sizable backlog of orders, oper-
ation has been seriously handicapped by
material shortages, particularly sheet steel.
For centuries artists have searched, unsuccessfully, for
a way to achieve three-dimensional realism on a flat
surface; for the blazing color of sunsets; the glowing silver
of moonlight and stars; the shimmering of sunlight through
tree leaves; and other subjects beyond the power of paints.
Now that dream has come true. Scenery can be painted
on the walls of your auditorium in mysterious glowing colors
of unearthly, beauty, that very nearly rival the brilliance of
a technicolor film, with the added attraction of having so
much depth, that your walls, instead of being an empty
blackness and a strain on the eyes in contrast to the pic-
ture, become filled with the reality of Nature and disappear
altogether in miles of distance. Figures appear so real and
solid that they almost move.
You have not seen Black Light until you have seen Don
Hill’s Black-Light Murals. They are not limited to audi-
toriums, but can be used in lobbies, foyers, lounges, and
other places with some artificial illumination. They do not
affect acoustics and, though brilliant enough to be used
for illumination, thus eliminating groping in the dark, it
has been proved that they will not affect projection on the
screen or distract the attention of patrons from the screen.
Long recognized as
one of the most effi-
cient motor generators
in the trade, STABIL-
ARC is constantly be-
ing improved upon by
engineers whose
ideas are modern and
farsighted toward fu-
ture trends.
DES MOINES THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
1121 High St. Des Moines, Iowa
Exclusive Dealers Des Moines area.
Mid. by Automatic Devices Co., Allentown, Pa.
Every issue of The MODERN THEATRE section of BOXOFFICE is a Most
Effective BUYERS' GUIDE. There are no "regular" issues in The MODERN
THEATRE schedule. Feature subject for June 21st:
"Floor Covering "
44
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
THE EDITOR’S MONTHLY WEATHERVANE ON CURRENT
EVENTS IN THIS AND OTHER INDUSTRIES AFFECTING
THE INTERESTS OF THEATRE OPERATION
TESMA Moves Against
Black Market in Basic
Materials
Currently, one of the chief discouragements
to theatre building, modernization and equip-
ment replacement is a shortage of a few basic
materials, the principal of which is known to
be steel, and a few other critical metals need-
ed for building fabrication as well as the
manufacture of equipment.
Steel may be purchased, of course, by the
highest bidders from warehousing concerns
who have practically cornered the market, but
at stratospheric prices. The average equip-
ment manufacturer and building contractor
must either "pay through the nose" or pass
up the business.
The board of directors of Theatre Equipment
and Supply Manufacturers' Ass'n, Inc., took
special cognizance of the situation at their
meeting in Chicago last month. Roy Boomer,
secretary-treasurer of TESMA, wrote a letter
to the Small Business Committee at Wash-
ington, D. C., of which Senator Martin is chair-
man. Omitting salutation, Mr. Boomer's letter
follows:
"The above association is composed of ap-
proximately 100 manufacturers whose prod-
ucts are used in theatres and the theatrical
industry.
"During the war years the majority of these
manufacturers devoted their entire time and
production to the war effort, and many re-
ceived the highest awards from our govern-
ment. For this reason very few theatres were
built and very little theatre equipment was
manufactured. In order to build new theatres
and manufacture new equipment for these
theatres, steel and other materials must be
made available for this use.
"Our members find it extrexiely difficult to
purchase steel at mill prices and we believe
an effort on the part of the Small Business
Committee could make this material available
to our industry, so that theatres could be built
and this needed equipment manufactured on
a basis that would keep the price from being
prohibitive to the purchaser.
"We will be glad to know what action your
committee will take on this matter and a reply
to this letter will be greatly appreciated."
Members of TESMA were also urged to write
senatorial members of the Committee from
their states and ask specifically for investi-
gation of and action for possible relief from
what practically constitutes a stalemate on
theatre building and property improvement at
this time.
NATIONAL SUPER
SERVICE CO., INC.
1941 N. 12th Street
Toledo 2, Ohio
Don't Let Dirt
Keep Folks Away
Protect your patrons light summer clothes with a Spe-
cialized Super Theatre Cleaner. Delicate colors and
fabrics can be ruined in one visit to a dirty theatre.
There will be no dirt, dust or grime to come off
on light summer outfits if you keep your
floors, carpets, upholstered furniture,
drapes, and other furniture spic and
span with a Super. It's easy. Works
fast. Picks up even popcorn. Try
a Super 5 days
free — all risk ours.
Ask your whole-
saler or write.
Clean your screen with
this Super Screen Brush,
one of many special the-
atre cleaning tools which
are standard equipment.
HEYWOOD-
WAKEFIELD
11 w
HALLMARK OF
BETTER SEATING
Theatre Seating Division
r 666 Lake Shore Drive. Chicago, III.
ADLER mTSl?
DIMENSION"
SILHOUETTE LETTERS
and Exclusive
"REMOVA-PANEL" Glass -in-Frame Units
ADLER SILHOUETTE LETTER CO.
302 I W. 36th St., Chicago 1451 B'way.N.Y.C.
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
45
Oear Subscriber: Please put a marker here and pass this issue on to Projection Room
CIO' CLIIIC
PRACTICAL DISCUSSIONS ON MODERN
PROJECTION AND SOUND PRACTICES
Projection Lighting Effects to Dress Up
Screen Presentation
ur Clinical Discussions of the past,
have covered many angles of the subject
of screen presentation, mechanical and
otherwise, all with the avowed purpose
of bringing to the attention of our readers
every possible means of making motion
pictures more pleasing to the patrons.
Through the years we have treated
herein, with a minimum of technicality,
such contributory subjects as projection
room planning, new product developments,
installation and wiring data, sound repro-
duction, fire safety, film splicing, current
transformation, film mutilation, and
numerous other phases of mechanical apti-
ture, including many worthy “kinks and
gadgets’’ contributed by our projectionist
readers. Not a few of the “kinks” have
suggested needs for mechanical improve-
ments that have since been adapted as
standard equipment.
Management-projectionist relations —
the idea of greater cooperation between the
projection room and the business office —
have also been given frequent expression
in these clinical discussions, all for the
by THE CONDUCTOR
purpose of exciting mutual interest in the
better screen presentation of motion pic-
tures in all of our theatres — including the
very smallest of them!
We feel fortunate at this time in being
able to present another of those interesting
instances to indicate the ingenuity and
willingness of most projectionists to work
for the advancement of their craft toward
better screen presentation and hence
greater returns at the boxoffice.
Proj. Fred Bendell, 533 N. Alfred St„
Kingston, Ont., Can., now takes over the
columns for a discussion of his hobby,
which we believe is worthy of coverage in
The Clinic. We quote:
“I’m submitting an idea to you for pub-
lication, if you think it of sufficient interest
to your readers.
“My hobby around the projection room
at the Biltmore Theatre is lighting effects.
I have worked out at least one original idea,
a ‘Star Effect,’ described here along with
other effects I have produced.
“I have only a 1,000-watt Golde Stereop-
ticon, rigged up with two lenses, one for
1) Special eflect for “Black Angel"; curtains flooded blue, also blue footlights on; white stars faded
in and out on feature titles. 2) Design for special picture. “Captain Kidd"; green back background,
yellow eye sockets, etc. 3) Easter design; curtain flooded yellow; grass made from green gelatin at
bottom. 4) Valentine design; curtain flooded pink; red heart. S) Hallowe'en: curtains flooded orange;
ran Saturday before Hallowe'en for kid shows and matinees. 6) Christmas design; blue flooded on
curtains. 7) Christmas design; curtain flooded green, using red footlights. 8) New Year's Eve design;
figures black silhouettes; balloons made from various colored gelatin, also confetti colored gelatin.
slides, the other an 11 -inch lens to flood
the entire proscenium opening. You can
see the setup in accompanying snaps of
it; also a ‘mug shot’ of myself that I once
sent in to ‘Sound Track.’
“I deplore the idea common in most thea-
tres of just slapping from one feature to
the next, without any attempt to dress up
the screen or curtains with light. I’ve
visited theatres where there have been
footlights, effect projectors and curtains,
all of which were operated from the booth,
and noiie of them being used.
“I follow much the same projection pro-
cedure with effects as Proj. J. W. Toler of
the Santa Maria Theatre, Santa Maria,
Calif., does, as he described in his article in
the Cine Clinic of August 17, 1946.
“I make up my own slides, using differ-
ent designs for the various holidays, etc.,
using Vitrolite glass patterns which gives
some variety from just colors.
“The enclosed snaps illustrate some of
the designs I have made. Needless to say,
the juvenile trade gets
a big kick out of Hal-
loween, Valentine and
Easter designs. I de-
signed a star die, pic-
ture of which is en-
closed, which punches
out stars in blue gela-
tin and when pro-
jected on the screen
around main feature
titles, using blue foots,
it is very effective. I
have two rheostats
i£,t'bi;r,h.”f£ taken from an N s.
motor control cabinet
wired to the stereopticon and consequently
I fade the stars in and out. I strive to vary
the effects as much as possible, as we do
not have a transient audience; but enter-
tain the same patrons nearly all the time.
“I took a few lectures on physical optics
at Queens University here, endeavoring to
get new ideas and a better understanding
of light, optics and color effects. In the
physics lab I witnessed an experiment in
colors that I thought was astounding. Here
is what I’ve tried with it to date:
“I bought a Polaroid sun visor, which
gave me enough material to work with. I
cut one piece out of it the size of a stand-
ard slide and another round piece as large
as I could get from what was left of the
(Continued on page 50)
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
Review of Papers Presented at the
S.M.P.E. Conference
our Conductor attended the 61st
Semi-Annual Convention of the Society of
Motion Picture Engineers, held April 21-25,
at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, with his
nose and ears slanted for news and views
that would be of interest to readers of, and
contributors to, the Cine Clinic.
Our search was not entirely unavailing,
although a majority of the papers and pro-
posals included in the well-packed pro-
gram covered subjects quite foreign to the
field of professional motion picture projec-
tion as presently constituted.
jection was described, with particular rela-
tion to the importance of proper circuit
and equipment design, the phenomena as-
sociated with striking the arc, and the
physical processes responsible for the
spectral character and high brilliance of
the source. Manufacturing processes and
industrial applications were reviewed.
Robert G. Hufford, Eastman Kodak Co.,
Robert V. McKie, RCA Victor Division,
Radio Corporation of America and Nor-
wood L. Simmons, Eastman Kodak Co.,
Hollywood, Calif., collaborated in present-
ing “35mm Black-and-White Variable
Area Sound Track Requirements for Op-
tical Reduction Printing Onto 16mm Dup-
licating Kodachrome.” Cross-modulation
and listening tests have been made on
16mm Kodachrome printed at carying ex-
posure levels by optical reduction from
35mm black-and-white variable area
sound prints. The 35mm black-and-white
prints were made at densities ranging from
that used for normal release prints upward
to extremely high values. The data in-
dicate the need for a black-and-white
print containing considerable image spread
(Continued on following page)
Visual education (8mm and 16mm sound
and cinematography) seemed to have
stolen the show at this session, although
there were interesting discussions on tele-
vision, color photography, studio tech-
niques and practices and other subjects not
too far remote from problems now or later
to be encountered in theatre projection
rooms.
To briefly catalog some of the high
points of the convention in reference to
those papers presented which are closest
to the interests of our readers at this time
— meaning 35mm theatre screen presenta-
tion— we present the following resume of
papers presented:
J. G. Frayne, Chairman of the S.M.P.E.
Sound Committee, opened the technical
sessions with a report on “Flutter Defini-
tions and Measurement Standardization.”
R. J. Cashman, Northwestern University,
Evanston, 111., discussed “Lead Sulfide
Photoconductive Cells for Sound Repro-
duction.” Lead sulfide photoconductive
cells developed at Northwestern University
during the war show considerable promise
in sound reproduction. These cells in con-
trast with Caesium oxide phototubes used
in present systems exhibit a much higher
signal to noise output and a lower im-
pedence. The cell noise is not increased in
the presence of background radiation. The
frequency response is excellent and the
sensitive surface is undamaged by high
light levels. As a result of the high in-
frared sensitivity of these cells, an in-
directly heated exciter lamp has been de-
veloped which operates with an ordinary
60-cycle filament transformer. Rf or dc
heating of exciter lamps is thus not re-
quired. A demonstration of the cell and
lamp was given.
F. T. Bowditch, Research Laboratories,
National Carbon Co., Cleveland, O., pre-
sented “Elements of the Theory and Per-
formance of Carbon Arcs.” The funda-
mental behaviour of the carbon arc as used
in motion picture photography and pro-
PROJECTIONISTS; The Cine Clinic Department
is wide ©pen to you for discussion ©I your pres-
ent problems. Thru these columns you can either
ASK advice or GIVE it. We'll gladly answer
your questions ©r publish your suggestions for
the good ©I all concerned and with comment
and complimentary credit to you. Should you
desire private information or advice, enclose
stamps for reply. Address The MODERN THEA-
TRE, 332 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago 4, 111.
IBad sound breeds audience indignation—
results in refund demands or stay-aways.
3 RCA Service is your safeguard— your pro-
tection against sound breakdowns.
It will not be rundown, worn out,
when you buy RCA Service. An
RCA Service Contract provides
regular check-ups by a skilled,
well-equipped technician to make
sure equipment meets top stand-
ards of performance. You get fast
2 May even close yoor theatre at the peak
of a smash-hit run.
Keeps your box office busy catering to pa-
trons who make your theatre their favorite.
service on replacement parts . . .
prompt help in an emergency. F or
but a few admissions per day, you
prevent trouble . . . prevent expen-
sive repairs. Join the thousands
who find RCA Service their best
box-office protection.
RCA SERVICE COMPANY INC.
RADIO CORPORATION of AMERICA
CAMDEN. N.J.
What shape is your sound in today?
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
47
Review of Papers Presented
at the S.M.P.E. Conference
(Continuation of the Cine Clinic)
in order to give satisfactory cancellation
on the Kodachrome print when it is printed
to the proper density to give sufficient out-
put.
Otto Hehn, Nu-Screen Corp., New York,
N. Y., explained a "New Concave-Convex
Fiberglas Screen for Exhibiting Motion
Pictures.” The purpose of this paper was
to tell of the new concave-convex fiberglas
screen, which is a scientifically and mathe-
matically designed surface based on the
teachings of Helmholtz. According to Mr.
Hehn, this screen, specially constructed,
eliminates distortion, hot spot, and im-
proves sound. It produces a more brilliant,
clear picture, enhancing whatever illusion
of depth is inherent in the film being pro-
jected.
Capt. William C. Eddy, USN (ret.), Di-
rector of Television, WBKB, Chicago, 111.,
presented “Television Studio Lighting.”
The three basic laws of television, i.e.,
mobility, flexibility, and instaneity, are
best represented in the requirements for
a satisfactory lighting system for the Video
medium. While the fundamentals of
lighting techniques for the stage and for
motion pictures remain unchanged, the
presently accepted system of remote con-
WBBBWm
_
we are gradually catching up ^
on orders for the HERTNER
PROJECTION
There’s a
IransVertcK
for every projection
room requirement
Transverter Type C.P. (90-100 volt) or
M. A. — for high - intensity con-
denser (straight high intensity).
Transverter Universal Type (45-48
and 90-96 volt) — for Suprex Pro-
jectors. Spot Lamps, Dissolvers and
all types of projection lamps.
Transverter Type H.I. (42-50 volt)
for Suprex Projectors.
Transverter Type H. I. H. (60-70
volt) — for Suprex Projectors and
Spot Lamps with 40-50 volt arc.
Transverter Type "LV” (33 volt) —
for low-voltage, high-intensity pro-
jector (1 K.W. arc).
J
at low operating cost
• In spite of many difficulties, deliveries on
Hertner Transverters are running much bet-
ter than they were at the beginning of the year.
We suggest that you get the facts NOW
about Transverter equipment for your pro-
jection room.
With Transverter equipment you are sure of:
1. Reliable Performance,
2. Constant Screen Illumination,
3. Quiet Operation,
4. Low Operating Cost, and
5. Long Life.
Distributed by
NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY
In Canada: GENERAL THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY
THE
rTHmal
ELECTRIC COMPANY
Exclusive Manufacturer of the Transverter
12600 ELMWOOD AVENUE
A General Precisian Equipment Corporation Subsidiary
) D AVENUE • CLEVELAND 11, OHIO
trol overhead lighting in television rele-
gates to one operator both the control and
complete operation of the entire system.
By flying equipment from a unique grid-
iron, the studio floor is left clear for
camera operation and stage settings, while
from an overhead observation and control
position, the lighting control engineer can,
at a flick of the finger, create and recreate
at will, the lighting effects required at a
given moment.
Captain Eddy also acted as host to mem-
bers and guests of the Society invited for
a visit to Television WBKB to witness a
television show. The program was opened
with an introduction and a short survey
of television progress by Captain Eddy.
O. E. Conklin, E. I. du Pont de Nemours
& Co., Inc., Parlin, N. J., discussed “Two
Microscopes for Measuring the Dimensions
of 35mm Cine Film.” In this paper two
microscopes designed for factory control
of the dimensions of 35mm cinefilm were
described. One microscope measures the
transverse dimensions of films such as
width, width pitch and the centering of the
perforations. The other microscope meas-
ures length pitch and its variations from
perforation to perforation.
A Symposium on Picture and Sound Test
Films for Maintenance and Manufacturing
Control was conducted at the Esquire
Theatre at which 35mm and 16mm picture
and sound test films for maintenance and
repair of projectors and sound reproducers
in the field and for controlling the quality
of such equipment in manufacture, were
described. This section was of particular
interest to engineers, equipment manufac-
turers, and those who maintain 16mm and
35mm projectors in theatre circuits and
for vocational use.
M. T. Jones, Research Laboratories, Na-
tional Carbon Co., Cleveland, O., offered
“Calculation of the Light Distribution on
a Motion Picture Screen from Brightness
Measurements of the Carbon Arc Crater.”
A method for computing the distribution
and amount of light projected on a motion
picture screen from suitable brightness
measurements of the carbon arc crater.
These brightness data are combined with
the characteristics of the light collection
system to determine the light distribution
over the film gate. The present treatment is
confined to a consideration of the ellip-
soidal mirror and the light collecting ele-
ments, although generalization to con-
denser systems can be made with reason-
able accuracy.
J. K. Elderkin, Forest Manufacturing
Corp., Newark, N. J., presented a paper
describing “An Electronic Carbon Arc Feed
Mechanism.” An electronic means for
effecting the individual and separate feed-
ing of arc carbons. A simple and compact
electronic generator is utilized to vary the
number of feeding impulses from 20 to 120
per minute, encompassing the required
range of any arc lamp used presently or
now contemplated. Once the control is set
for the individual average condition, it will
maintain that setting indefinitely without
requiring any attention. This feed mech-
anism uses no reduction gears, clutches, or
fast-moving parts, thus reducing frictional
wear to a minimum. A demonstration of
the control was given during the presenta-
tion.
R. W. Lee, General Precision Laboratory,
48
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
Inc., Pleasantville, N. Y., offered “Some
New Uses of Inverse Feedback in Theatre
Sound Systems.” The use of negative feed-
back in audio amplifier systems has be-
come standard rather than a novel feature.
However, the application of feedback has
been more or less restricted to the reduc-
tion of distortion, hum, noise, etc., asso-
ciated with the vacuum tubes which make
up the amplifier. It was the purpose of
this paper to present a number of arrange-
ments where negative feedback has been
found quite useful in other respects, i.e., for
the cancellation of capacity in high-im-
pedance circuits, for the reduction of dis-
tortion in gas photocells, etc. A full real-
ization of the usefulness of a cathode fol-
lower as an impedance changer also leads
to some new circuitry, the advantages and
disadvantages of which were discussed.
Harry Hollander and L. Kenneth
Mayer, Manufacturers’ Machine & Tool
Co., Mt. Vernon, N. Y., presented “A New
35mm Projector Mechanism,” embracing
a new and different design for the proper
presentation of the film and impx-oving on
all projector mechanisms currently used.
The method used is new, yet simple and is
designed to simplify the work of the pro-
jectionist. Other engineering character-
istics were described and parts of the
mechanism exhibited.
Arthur Hayek, General Precision Lab-
oratory, Inc., Pleasantville, N. Y., discussed
“Design Factors in 35mm Intermittent
Mechanisms.” Reducing pulldown time
permits the use of smaller width shutter
blades, thus increasing screen brightness.
If the pull-down time is reduced too much,
however, the film will be subjected to ex-
cessive acceleration, resulting in too much
wear and shortened film life. Several
methods of reducing the pulldown time
were discussed which will permit the use
of smaller shutter blades and yet not sub-
ject the film to more stress than does the
present four-slot Geneva intermittent now
commonly used for 35mm projection.
Lloyd Mannon, Control Engineering
Corp., San Francisco, Calif., presented
“Elimination of the Fire Hazard of Pro-
jectors Using Nitrate Film.” An auto-
matic safety sprocket was described to-
gether with attachments and adapters to
fit it to all types of 35mm projector mech-
anisms. The conditions which cause the
mechanism to operate to prevent film fires
were discussed and a detailed description
of the operations required to successfully
prevent projector fires was given.
HERE'S WHY THE
KOUAIOIMiGN /
2 Franklin Avenue
Brooklyn 11 New York
OKPOKATIOK
A true Anastigmat for pictures wire-sharp to the very
corners ... in black-and-white or color!
No dust or oil can enter the Super-Snaplite ... it never
needs to be taken apart for cleaning!
This sturdy all-aluminum one-piece mounting can't
loosen up or leak oil!
The gleaming gold finish of the Super-Snaplite is an in-
tegral part of the aluminum ... it can't chip or flake off!
Durable anti-reflection coating on each glass-to-air opti-
cal surface nearly double s the light transmission . . .
gives brighter pictures, higher contrast!
Exceptional speed for the utmost in screen brilliance
without extra current consumption!
ONE-PIECE
MOUNT
ANODIZED
FINISH
Super-Snaplite lenses are stocked in focal lengths from
2" through 5" in Vi" steps. Speed of f/1.9 is main-
tained in all focal lengths from 2" through 4 Vi" Other
Snaplite lenses include the Series I and the f/2.0 Series
II. For complete details on all Snaplite lenses, get Bulle-
tin 203 from your local supply dealer.
SEALED
HERMETICALLY
COATED
OPTICS
IT PAYS TO PATRONIZE THOSE FIRMS THAT ADVERTISE
Interior decoration of your house should
never be static. Change the decorative
effects frequently for the delight of your
patrons.
SPECIAL FOR THE MONTH
2 Strong Intermediate High Inten-
sity (1KW) Arc Lamps, 2 Strong
40 amp. (1KW) Rectifiers com-
plete with S bulbs. Excellent con-
dition $695
Whatever your need may be, if it's
in theatre equipment, we have it
. . . and at a saving of 25% to
40%. Try us!
S. 0. S. CINEMA SUPPLY CORP.
449 WEST 42nd $l.LOngacre3-4040 NEW YORK 18
r
i
i
i
i
l
YOUR ASSURANCE OF THE BEST! <
j
WENZEL
"Smooth-Running”
PROJECTOR
You are assured of "Smooth-Running" perform-
ance with the Wenzel time-proven projector.
Use Wenzel's precision replacement parts . . .
and your present equipment will do a smoother
running job.
WENZEL PROJECTOR COMPANY^
2509-19 S. State St.
Chicago 16. Ill
J
BOXOFFICE :: May 24, 1947
49
LaVezzi Machine Works
\
3 5
WEST LAKE STREET • CHIC A-G ty ' 4 4 , ILLINOIS
Watch The MODERN THEATRE for "News of What's New"
EVERYTHING FOR DRIVE-IN
THEATRE OPERATION
Drive-in theatre operators look to DeVry for more than de-
pendable moderately priced projection and amplifying equip-
ment. DeVry's new IN-CAR SPEAKERS for drive-in theatres
are another outstanding contribution by DeVry to the Ex-
hibitor's and Projectionist's goal — the perfect show.
DeVry IN-CAR SPEAKERS per-
mit closed windows in bad weath-
er; provide individual volume
control to patron's taste; confine
sound to immediate theatre area,
eliminating community complaints; give farthest-parked patron
uniform synchronization of sound with action. Don't delay . . .
Place your order for IN-CAR SPEAKERS now and assure on-time
delivery.
Send for specifications and prices on DeVry theatre projector
and sound systems, too — "The right pair to draw to for a full
house." DeVry Corporation, 1111 Armitage Ave., Chicago 14, 111.
For the Perfect Show I\eVdV
Indoors or Out ' ^ ^ a ¥ K 1
Projection Lighting Effects
to Dress Up Screen
Presentation
(Continuation of Cine Clinic)
visor. In case you would like to try it, here
is the procedure: Hold one piece of the
Polaroid over another and up to a light.
Rotate one piece. In one position the two
pieces are transparent and transmit light.
As one of the pieces is rotated through
90°, the light gradually fades to virtual
extinction; keep rotating it and it again
transmits light.
“Now take a piece of Cellophane, which
is colorless, and fold it three or four times
and place it between the two pieces of
Polaroid. The colorless Cellophane ap-
pears brilliantly colored; the colors de-
pending on the number of layers into which
it is folded. When either piece of Polaroid
is rotated through 90° the colors change
to their complementary, giving a beautiful
effect.
‘‘I put one piece, the side of a slide, in
the slide carrier, and the round piece I
attached to a Honeywell motor, which
drives it very slowly. I placed this in front
of the lens. The Cellophane was folded
differently and placed in front of the
Polaroid in the slide carrier and when pro-
jected I had a different color effect than
when held up to the light, as the cellophane
had been folded a few more times. It’s
as simple as that to change your color pat-
tern when you are tired of it.
“As I had only a 1,000-watt light source
and a throw of 105 feet, the effect was lost
due to insufficient light. Next I put a
small piece of Polaroid in the aperture of
my Motiograph projector with folded Cello-
phane in front of it and the other piece in
front of objective lens. When the Cyclex
arc was struck, dowser opened and pro-
jector run so shutter would have some cool-
ing effect, I got a beautiful effect; but the
heat was terrific and the Polaroid in the
aperture melted out to a white crystalline
lump.
“So there is my problem, to get sufficient
light to make the effect stand out and yet
cut down heat by a jet blast of cool air,
or some such setup. Any of you boys who
have a Brenkert F7, or a rigged-up arc
reflector type slide projector, or a short
throw, could get some wonderful effects
with this material after a little experiment-
ing.
“Cellophane and Celenite are doubly re-
fractive materials, and used with Polaroid
or crystals of sulphate of sodaquinine in a
film base (sun visor) creates the color
effect. The theory is rather involved and
it would serve no useful purpose in dis-
cussing it here. Celenite may be procured
from Ward’s Museum of Natural Science
at Rochester, N. Y., for about 40 cents a
pound and it can easily be cut into various
thicknesses and shapes. It seems to be
more doubly refractive than the Cellophane
and gives better results. It is easier to glue
on a slide to make up designs.
“For example, sketch out a maple leaf
on glass, blank out all of slide except its
outline, draw in viens with India ink, then
50
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
build up leaf and stem with pieces of
Celenite cut into different thicknesses.
Place in front of Polaroid in slide carrier
and project on curtain a beautifully colored
maple leaf. As front piece of Polaroid is
revolved, the leaf will change colors, giving
a startling effect. I can readily think of a
hundred designs that would be effective —
a bowl of flowers, outline of a Gothic win-
dow, etc.
“So there it is fellows. I hope some of
you who make a hobby of effects will give
it a try and let me know what type of light
source you used and the results on color
effects from colorless materials you get.
I’m now trying to dig up some old equip-
ment to continue my own experiments
with.
“To you, Mr. Conductor, next time you
visit a garage, ask to see two Polaroid sun
visors and slip some folded Cellophane
between them. Hold them up to the light
and revolve one and see the effect for
yourself.”
Thank you, Fred, for a very interesting
contribution to the Clinic. In our opinion,
you have brought up a subject that de-
serves further consideration in these
columns. Lighting effects for screen pre-
sentation have noticeably declined in
popularity during the war years and prior
thereto. We think the practice should be
revived and improved by our projectionists.
The New and Highly Improved 6 -Tube Rectifier
SINGLE-TYPE 75-V-6 and TWIN TYPE 75-V-12. Embodying the advanced knowledge
ggined from building rectifiers for radar and other highly scientific projects where
perfection of performance and reliability are of paramount importance. Designed
for all theatres using Suprex or Simplified High Intensity Projection. Built-in remote
control relays with provisions for operating spotlights. 40 to 75 amperes DC current,
3-phase rectification.
Also: LD-GO and LD-30 Bulb Type Rectifiers. SUPER MCS
Rectifiers, Rectifying Tubes, Sound Screens.
The New Electronic Control Projection Lamp
The superiority oi the Forest ELECTRONIC CONTROL Arc Lamp has become the
talk of the industry! It features a completely new and faultless method of feeding
positive and negative carbons by ELECTRONIC CONTROL, assuring arc control of
precision accuracy, maintaining the exact focal point necessary for producing
maximum light intensity at all times without constant watching and adjusting.
No carbon teed motor — no gears — no clutches — no cams — no gadgets — no fast
moving parts! Nothing to get out of order.
LARGE LAMP, 14" reflector. 1 KILOWATT, lO1/*" reflector.
LOW INTENSITY. 10 1/4'' reflector.
National Carbon Co.'s
Service Group Expanded
Announcement is
made by National Car-
bon Company, Inc., of
the appointment of C.
E. Heppberger of Na-
tional Carbon's Chi-
cago Division office to
the Technical Special-
ist Group that offers
special service to the
industry in techni-
cal matters pertain-
ing to all light-
ing carbon applica-
tions. Others in this
group are C. W. Handley, who serves the
Western portion of the country, P. D. Ries,
who serves the East, and W. C. Kunzmann,
who covers nation-wide general activities.
The group is directed by E. R. Geib from
the company’s Cleveland office.
Mr. Heppberger’s activities will parallel
those of Mr. Handley and M'r. Reis, but
he will operate in the middle west with
headquarters in Chicago. Mr. Kunzmann,
part of whose work has covered the middle
west, will now devote all of his time to his
nation-wide activities. A graduate of
Ohio State University in 1931, Mr. Hepp-
berger first joined National Carbon Com-
pany, Inc., in 1940. He entered the Navy
in June, 1943, and returned to the com-
pany on January 1st, 1946.
The Technical Specialists Group acts
with projectionists and distributors on the
scientific aspects, best utilization and un-
usual applications of the carbon arc for
projection in all kinds of existing and new
equipment, and works with motion picture
studio technicians. In general, the work
of the group supplements that of the light-
ing carbon salesmen.
MR. HEPPBERGER
FOREST MFC. (Ml*.
60 PARK PL, NEWARK, N. i.
PRODUCING THE BETTER PROJECTORS FOR OVER 50 YEARS
NOW EVERY THEATRE CAN AFFORD
THE BEST IN PROJECTION AND SOUND
"AA" PROJECTOR
AND
MOTIOGRAPH -MIRROPHONIC
For sale now at leading
Independent Theatre
Supply Dealers.
MOTIOGRAPH, INC.
CHICAGO, ILL.
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
51
s^mcccoTpo±ilJJJi
' n-;v '
MOST OF
AMERICA’S
THEATRES
CHOOSE
ALTEC
TO SERVICE
SOUND
AND BOOTH
EQUIPMENT
THE
Q,
VUZ POT
A CAULDRON FOR COOKING UP ANS-
WERS TO OTHER PEOPLES’ PROBLEMS
Address The MODERN THEATRE, 332 S. Michigan
Ave., Chicago 4. 111.
DELIVERING NOW
NEW IDEAL THEATRE CHAIRS
In Various Models
Post-War Design — Prewar Quality
JOE HORNSTEIN, Inc.
838 Ninth Avonuo, New York. N. Y.
714 R. E. First Avenue. Miami. Fla.
What Would You
Do About It?
Bubble, bubble; toil and trouble! That's
the song of the Ol' Pot. But that’s what
it’s here for — to stew up the brew and send
off the right answers to all of you who are
helping to keep it perking. And maybe
that goes, too, for some of you readers who
are too proud for bashful) to lay your
problems (or answers) on the line. But
here we go again.
Proj. Richard N. Berg, of the New Lake
Theatre at Rib Lake, Wis., comes in with
the following:
"In answer to Proj. Laverne Townsend
in April 26th issue, I might say about the
clutch trouble he talks of, no doubt his
leathers are badly burned, if there is very
much left of them. Get two new ones for
each machine and put them in a small dish
of neatsfoot oil. Then change them each
week. Let one leather soak in the oil while
running the other. When you take them
out to put on, wipe as dry as possible so no
oil will drip on the floor or fly around the
projection room. Then when you put on
a new set of leathers, put just as little
tension on them as possible.
“When I take hold of my take-up
sprocket, I can spin it with an empty spool
on it; yet I never have any excess pull or
jumping at the film, and my clutches never
even get warm, because I have so little
tension on them. But remember, neatsfoot
oil is the only oil that feeds leather and
keeps it alive.
"I am operating a pair of Brenkert
‘80’s’ and brother, they are tops in op-
eration; equipped with round belts in a V
pulley so I never have any clutch or take-
up trouble. But my pet peeve is the ship-
ping spools I sometimes receive. They are
.so badly bent at times, it is almost impos-
sible to get the film off them.
"About vacuum cleaning for lamphouses,
if you have them piped to an adequate ex-
haust fan, no fumes or dirt will be left in
the lamphouse. I have a turbine-type fan
and brother, you can really keep them
clean with a minimum of effort.
"You who are operating H. I. lamps and
using the old type carbons and not the pro-
cessed type, don’t know what fun you are
missing. I never have any ends left, nor
do I shut down during a reel because I
thought the carbon was long enough to
take it through. Better look up the ad of
the company that sells processed carbons,
and enjoy them. They’re sure tops.”
Thanks, Richard, for “opening the door”
and letting in some more light on problems
encountered by Bro. Townsend and other
colleagues of the craft. Come in again
sometime.
Proj. James E. Huckleberry, 252 N. Han-
cock St., Gary, Ind., also tenders some ad-
vice to a brother craftsman, in the follow-
ing:
"I am sending in a few comments anent
Mazda lamps, which I hope will be of some
aid to our Canadian friend, Proj. Sid
Coffey.
“It has been several years since I worked
with Mazda equipment, but I believe the
equipment can still be had. The equip-
ment I have in mind is the G. E. Mazda
lamp which uses a 900-watt, 30-volt, 30-
ampere lamp, which will give a satisfactory
light on a short throw and a moderate sized
picture of up to 12 feet in width. If pos-
sible to still obtain a pair, and if they were
equipped with Bausch and Lomb Cinephor
lenses, they would be okay; but the ones
having the corrugated condenser will still
give much more light than his present
direct-off-the-line 1000-watt lamps.
"These results are due to the more con-
centrated filament of the lower voltage
lamp and are therefore able to concen-
trate more of the effective light on the
aperture. These lamps come equipped
with a controller (auto transformer) and
the voltage used and line frequency would
be necessary information to give when
ordering.
"It is impossible, I think, now to buy
these lamps new; but some time ago they
could be had through S.O.S. Cinema Sup-
NOW IN PRODUCTION!
The NEW
$«#****
• Double Bearing Intermittent.
• New Rear Shutter.
• Steel and Phenolic Gears.
• Hardened and Ground Shafts.
• Mount for New F.2 Lenses.
• Fits Standard Base and Drives.
Sold THRU YOUR Independent Dealer
BLUE SEAL CINE DEVICES, Inc.
5-45 49th Ave., Long Island City 1, N. Y.
Cable: "SOUNDFILM”
52
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
ply in New York and in all probability still
can be.
“I hope the above information will be of
assistance to Mr. Coffey, and if there is
any other information I can give him, or
find for him, a personal letter to my home
address will be answered.”
Very good, Huck, and we’re sure Sid
Coffey will appreciate your communique.
It may be helpful to others, too.
Proj. James Robert Knight, of the U.S.S.
Shangri-La, c/o Fleet Postoffice, San Fran-
cisco, Calif., and a member of I.A.T.S.E.M.
P.M.D., Local 584, wants info. He writes:
“I have been informed that there is such
a thing as a 60mm motion picture machine.
“We, the motion picture projectionists
of the U.S.S. Shangri La, all having been
projectionists in civilian life prior to enter-
ing the Navy, have never heard of one. We
are wondering if you could inform us on
the subject.”
Okay, Jim. We’ll try to get some an-
swers. Come on gang. Give for the gobs.
And, by the way, Proj. Fred Bendell of
533 N. Alfred St., Kingston, Ont,, Can.,
whose article on Color Effects appears in
the Cine Clinic just ahead of this, wants
to read more about “Third Dimensional
Pictures.” He says:
“Would appreciate reading in the Cine
Clinic some time soon an article on the
socalled ‘Third Dimensional Picture.’ There
seems to be very little data on it.
“Do you know if Hollywood is working
on it? I see by press reports the Russians
have it and one correspondent reported it
was very good. They showed “Robinson
Crusoe” in Moscow, and he compared it to
the first Jolson talking picture and says it
has a lot of technical handicaps to over-
come.
“I imagine we’ll see it in the average
theatre before television. If a slump comes
after this boom, it would sure draw them
in between now and the arrival of theatre
television. What information have you
on the whole subject? Or is it all hush
hush?”
There’s your cue, men. Let’s give Fred
(these Canadian boys are sure on the
beam) something to read on third dimen-
sion. You Hollywood Helpers, please note.
Or is it still too hush hush? Be seeing you
all in June with more of What Would You
Do About It?
Television Intrigues
SMPE Delegates
The Balaban & Katz Television Station,
WBKB, in Chicago, entertained its largest
studio audience last month when more
than 250 members of the Society of Mo-
tion Picture Engineers inspected the
studios as guests of Capt. William C. “Bill”
Eddy, managing director of the station, and
witnessed a special show produced and
telecast to WBKB’s audience of 22,000 in
the Chicago area, as a feature of SMPE’s
61st semianual convention, in progress at
the Drake Hotel, April 21-25.
The station’s evening television program
opened with a half hour show starring
Oscar B. Depue, pioneer motion picture
cameraman and partner of Burton Holmes,
of travelogue fame. Following an inter-
view conducted by Russ Davis of WBKB,
Mr. Depue, who is a member of SMPE, ap-
peared in a skit dramatizing the advances
in photography in the last half century.
In the televised skit, Mr. Depue was seen
operating the first Burton Holmes motion
picture camera, which he purchased from
Leon Gaumont in Paris in 1897, while Art
Kambs, WBKB cameraman, appeared at
the controls of the ultra-modern RCA
Image Orthicon television camera. Both
cameras were focused on a beach scene
glamorized by bathing beauties Gladys
Keig and Marge Mahoney, in costumes of
vintage 1897 and 1947, respectively.
Also featured in the show, which was
produced by Beulah Zachary of the WBKB
staff, were Paul Battenfield and Echo
Hawk, cartoonists of the Chicago Times.
The 1897 camera was loaned for the oc-
casion from the historical collection of the
Burton Holmes Laboratories of this city.
A later show the same evening featured
Loren L. Ryder, president of SMPE, in an
interview on early motion pictures, con-
ducted by Dave Garroway, WGN radio
personality, and illustrated by televised
sequences from the “Great Train Robbery”
and an early Chaplin comedy.
Nothing reflects so tellingly upon the ap-
pearance of a theatre as the condition of
its floor coverings. Now that new carpet is
becoming available again, get your order
in for earliest improvement in your thea-
tre’s appearance.
In 21 of the 28
New Theatres
Of the 28 new theatres described in the 1946-47 issue of Theatre Catalog,
2 1 are equipped with Bausch & Lomb projection lenses of the Cinephor and
Super Cinephor series.
Every theatre owner and manager knows that it’s good box office to
present a screen image of uniform brilliant illumination, critically defined,
easy and pleasant to look at. For all-important image quality on your screen,
go along with the leaders — specify projection lenses by Bausch & Lomb.
Bausch & Lomb Optical Co., 720-E St. Paul St., Rochester 2, N. Y.
BAUSCH & LOMB
BOXOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
53
WANT TO SAVE
MONEY ON CARBONS?
The price of carbons has been
raised, but our processing charge
of $1 per hundred has not been
raised. Using
DROLL
PROCESSED
CARBONS
you are enabled to burn the en-
tire carbon stick.
Available for these H. I. trims:
Negatives Positives
6 mm. x 9" 7 mm. x 12" x 14"
7 mm. x 9" 8 mm. x 12" x 14"
and 13.6 mm. x 22" (machined
for adapters) to provide 20 min-
utes more burning time.
Shipped f.o.b. Chicago at reg-
ular carbon list prices, plus $1
per hundred for milling, drilling
and clips, (on 13.6 mm. x 22",
$1.25 per hundred), less 5% on
carbons. 10 days.
DROLL THEATRE SUPPLY CO
925 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago 7, 111.
/about
/PEOPLE
J and
PRODUCT
Emil A. Kern has been appointed Presi-
dent and General Manager of J. E. Robin,
Inc., New York, export and domestic dis-
tributors of theatre equipment and sup-
plies.
L. D. (Larry) Strong, founder and owner
of the Essannay Electric Manufacturing
Company, Chicago, died at the age of 58
on Sunday, April 27th. Death was caused
by a heart condition resulting from a stroke
suffered shortly after his return from
Florida late in January. Born in South
Bend. Indiana, Mr. Strong came to Chi-
cago 35 years ago. He worked as a pro-
jectionist in Chicago’s early motion picture
theatres until he started his own business
27 years ago, devoted to building equip-
ment designed to help projectionists attain
the high goal of “a perfect show.”
H. B. (Bob) Engel, general sales man-
ager and Marvin Paarmann, service engi-
neer, for the DeVry Corporation, Chicago,
are on an extended sales-service trip
through the southwestern part of the
country.
RAULAND Visitron
Phototubes have long
been the choice of dis-
criminating exhibitors
and projectionists
because of their uni-
formity, dependability
and high sensitivity.
There is a special type
of Visitron for every
application and every
make of sound-on-film
equipment.
RAULAND CORPORATION
CHICAGO 41, ILLINOIS
fl&uknd
. RADIO ^ " RADAR
L SoUriD • COMMUNICATIONS • TELEVISION.
Herbert R. Ebenstein, executive director
of ABC Group Service Agency, theatre con-
cessionaires, was in Chicago early this
month to confer with Thos. A. Ryan, local
manager and others concerning plans for
service expansion. Mr. Ebenstein's or-
ganization now services the confectionery
sales of more than 3,200 theatres through-
out the United States.
James A. Frank, jr.. New York branch
manager for National Theatre Supply, at-
tended the SMPE annual convention in
Chicago last month. Mr. Frank is chair-
man of the Theatre Engineering Confer-
ence of SMPE to be held at the Pennsyl-
vania Hotel in New York City. October
20-24, 1947, an official announcement of
which is to be made shortly.
Erwin Wagner of Wagner Sign Service,
Inc., and Elizabeth Day, sales manager for
the company, were united in marriage on
Tuesday, April 22nd. Many friends through-
out the industry will extend congratula-
tions to a swell couple.
AVOID ARC POWER FAILURES!
Install a
Robin-Imperial STEDYPOWER
J. E. ROBIN, INC. • 330 W. 42nd SI. • New York City
Oliver N. Wilton is announced as gen-
eral sales manager for Da-Lite Screen Co..
Chicago, by Chester Cooley, president of
the pioneer screen company.
Blue Seal Cine Devices, Inc., reports re-
cent removal to a new, modern factory at
5-45 49th Ave., Long Island City, N. Y.
DISASTROUS FILM FIRES -DON’T JUST HAPPEN!
• PREVENTS FILM DAMAGE • PREVENTS FILM FIRE
PRO-TEX REEL BAND CO.
200 Film Bldg. Cleveland 14, Ohio
INDEX
OF ADVERTISING IN THE MODERN
THEATRE SECTION
Page
Adler Silhouette Letter Co. 45
Altec Service Corporation 52
American Mat Corp. 31
American Pop Com Co 37
American Seating Company 12
Anemostat Corporation of America 5
Automatic Devices Co. 44
Ballantyne Co., The 4
Bausch & Lomb Optical Co. 53
Blue Seal Cine Devices, Inc. 52
C. Cretors <£ Co 36
DeVry Corporation 50
Droll Theatre Supply 54
Ebco Manufacturing Co., The 44
Electroaire Corporation, The 38
Firestone Industrial Products .23
Forest Mfg. Co. ..51
Fort-A-Cide Corporation 40
General Register Corporation 41
Hertner Electric Co. 48
Heywood-Wakefield 45
Hill Black Light Murals, Don 44
Hornstein, Joe, Inc 52
Ideal Seating Company 10-11
International Projector Corp. Back Cover
h
Kayline Company 42
Kollmorgen Optical Corporation 49
Kroehler Mfg. Co. 25
LaVezzi Machine Works 50
Manley, Inc. 7
Masland Duraleather Company, The 21
Mohawk Carpet Mills, Inc. 3
Motiograph, Inc. 51
National Carbon Company, Inc. 6
National Super Service Co., Inc. 45
National Theatre Supply 19, 45
Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company 9
Poblocki <£ Sons Co., Ben B. 29, 31
Pro-Tex Reel Band Co. 54
RCA Service Company, Inc.. 47
RCA Victor Division 2
Rauland Corporation 54
Reynolds Mfg. Co 35
Robin, Inc., J. E 54
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp. 49
Strong Electric Corporation 27, 35
Sunroc Refrigeration Co. 43
Switzer Brothers, Inc. 44
Textileather Corporation 17
Union Carbide <& Carbon Corp. 6
U. S. Air Conditioning Corp. 39
United States Rubber Company 42
Wagner Sign Service, Inc. 8
Wenzel Projector Company 49
West Disinfecting Company 38
54
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION
FEATURE CHART • REVIEW DIGEST • SHORTS CHART
SHORTS REVIEWS • FEATURE REVIEWS • EXPLOITIPS
BookinCruide
BOXOFFICE
FIRST RUN REPORTS
This chart shows the records made by
pictures in five or more oi the 21 key cities
checked. As new runs are reported, ratings
are added and averages revised.
BAROMETER
*DueI in the Sun —
Indianapolis
The Farmer's Daughter-
Los Angeles
Computed in terms of percentage in
relations to normal grosses. With 100
per cent as "normal/' the figures
show the percentage above or below
that mark.
BOSTON
BUFFALO
CHICAGO
CINCINNATI
CLEVELAND
DALLAS
DENVER
DES MOINES
DETROIT
INDIANAPOLIS
KANSAS CITY
LOS ANGELES
MILWAUKEE
MINNEAPOLIS
NEW HAVEN
NEW YORK
OMAHA
PHILADELPHIA
PITTSBURGH
SAN FRANCISCO
SEATTLE
AVERAGE
Backlash (20th-Fox)
100
71
90
85
100
100
100
80
91
Big Town (Para)
90
95
105
100
90
96
Boomerang (20th-Fox)
130
89
140 150
140
120
no
85
82
175
115
148
117
170
130
80
124
Born to Speed (PRC)
100
110
100
100
80
100
95
98
Buck Privates Come Home (U-I)
120
70'
150
95
90
108
75
130
105
Bulldog Drummond at Bay (Col)
100
90
100
100
100
98
Carmen (Superfilm)
95
120
120
175
100
122
Dangerous Money (Mono)
100
84 100
no ioo
100
100
100
100
100
75
97
Don Ricardo Returns (PRC)
100
100
105
100
95
100
*Duel in the Sun (SRO)
220
150
225
275
210
118
213
260
209
Egg and I, The (U-I)
250
150
250
220
200
108
163
300
205
Fabulous Suzanne, The (Rep)
100
79
85
100
100
95
95
90
90
100
100
115
100
105
97
Falcon’s Adventure, The (RKO)
140
100
100
240
125
100
100
100
115
100
100
100
100
95
100
150
120
75
114
Farmer’s Daughter, The (RKO)
170
120
160
130
120
115
175
95
150
108
150
130
125
134
God’s Country (SG)
100
80
115
105
100
100
105
100
80
90
105
100
98
Imperfect Lady, The (Para)
100
60
85
90
85
no
150
60
125
96
It’s a Joke, Son (Eagle-Lion)
100
92
100
100
100
120
85
115
50
100
60
93
Late George Apley, The (20th-Fox)
95
100
110
100
125
90
80
100
150
130
113
85
100
106
Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (MGM)
140
108
115
100
80
100
100
80
95
no
150
130
140
103
no
90
80
80
120
95
106
Macomber Affair, The (UA)
140
90
120
85
120
no
100
115
175
100
115
140
135
135
85
165
120
121
Red House, The (UA)
100
100
80
100
100
100
150
104
My Favorite Brunette (Para)
175
114
145
160
95
135
150
130
75
150
195
100
165
150
no
180
120
150
160
140
Open City (Mayer-Burstyn)
170
135
160
300
120
175
100
140
150
161
Perfect Marriage, The (Para)
150
112
120
80
no
no
90
90
no
100
125
145
80
100
120
no
90
108
Plainsman and the Lady (Rep)
100
56
130
125
120
95
90
100
100
100
100
100
97
100
100
100
70
99
Pursued (WB)
130
88
125
140
100
153
95
105
no
100
175
120
130
135
120
95
180
100
120
no
122
Red House, The (UA)
145
140
120
130
100
100
105
no
175
100
130
140
190
130
Sea of Grass, The (MGM)
130
130
130
90
140
105
100
130
175
140
150
140
108
150
85
130
127
Seven Were Saved (Para)
75
100
100
100
100
100
100
96
Smash-Up (U-I)
150
125
130
115
95
85
200
140
100
140
120
185
125
132
So Dark the Night (Col)
100
90
no
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Stairway to Heaven (U-I)
130
150
90
100
102
130
155
50
113
Stallion Road (WB)
110
85
120
110
80
95
115
100
175
130
125
100
105
170
85
120
no
114
Strange Journey (20th-Fox)
100
100
100
140
95
100
100
93
100
90
102
Susie Steps Out (UA)
100
100
100
100
100
100
95
100
100
100
80
98
Sweetheart of Sigma Chi (Mono)
120
85
100
140
100
75
90
100
100
85
105
130
100
102
Tarzan and the Huntress (RKO)
140
115
100
175
125
90
124
That Brennan Girl (Rep)
115
56
140
90
95
100
90
100
85
148
100
140
105
90
100
50
120
no
102
That Way With Women (WB)
100
160
150
60
95
95
100
no
150
85
98
130
65
108
Thirteenth Hour, The (Col)
100
100
90
100
100
100
100
100
100
80
97
Yearling, The (MGM)
118
135
115
150
200
130
118
200
146
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 24, 1947 •Playing at advanced admission scales . J
EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
ABOUT
PICTURES
Just as the Barometer page shows first run reports on current pictures, this
department is devoted for the most part to reports on subsequent runs, made by
exhibitors themselves. A one-star contributor is new, two stars mean the exhibitor
has been writing in for six months or longer, and a three-star contributor is a
regular of one year or more, who receives a token of our appreciation. All exhibitors
welcome.
COLUMBIA
Bandit of Sherwood Forest, The (Col) — Cor-
nel Wilde, Anita Louise, Jill Esmond. I picked
this picture up for a preview to our grand
opening and did very well. It is definitely
fine entertainment. Played Mon., Tues., Wed.
Weather: Cool. — Harland Rankin, Joy Theatre,
Bothwell, Ont. General patronage.
Return of Monte Cristo, The (Col) — Louis
Hayward, Barbara Britton, George Macready.
Not so hot. I got fast-talked on this one. Just
another "costumer" that is poison at the box-
office. Some poor sound recording on the
print we had. Played Tues., Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Good.- — Paul Ricketts, Charm Thea-
tre, Holyrood, Kas. Rural and small town
patronage. * *
Terror Trail (Col) — Charles Starrett, Smiley
Burnette, Barbara Pepper. A nice little west-
ern that will suit in any situation and you can
buy it right. Westerns are the best shows we
can have on a midweek, and that means any
on the market today. The “Community Sing"
from Columbia was very well liked, too.
Played Wednesday. Weather: Good but cold.
— W. H. Swan, Auditorium Theatre, Roscoe,
S. D. Rural patronage.
That Texas Jamboree (Col) — Ken Curtis, Jeff
Donnell, Andy Clyde. This is a good western
with lots of shooting — that's what they like.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Mild. — Harland Ran-
kin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. General pa-
tronage.
Throw a Saddle on a Star (Col) — Jeff Don-
nell, Ken Curtis, Guinn Williams. The Hoosier
Hotshots do another bang-up job, and my audi-
ence left pleased. These don't bring out the
crowds like they should here, but those who
do come go away well pleased, and I'd say
this is the best of the series that I've run
so far. Business was above average on this
one for a change. Played Wed., Thurs. Weath-
er: Perfect. — R. C. Walker, Rialto Theatre,
Fruita, Colo. Rural patronage.
FILM CLASSICS
Westerner, The (FC) — Reissue. Gary Cooper,
Walter Brennan, Dana Andrews. This one
was well worth reissuing despite the fact
that it was several years (and then some) of
age. Gary Cooper is always a big draw in a
good western. Most people had forgotten
"Casanova Brown" and were willing to for-
give him for his role in that picture. As long
as he can get on a horse we will keep on
playing him. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Good. — Dinkle & LeMaster, Ken Theatre, Race-
land, Ky. Rural and small town patronage. *
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Flirty Birdy (MGM) — -Technicolor cartoon.
Metro really gets the job done on their car-
toons, as well as the features. Thanks, Leo,
for a job well done. Played Tues., Wed.,
Thurs. Weather: Cool. — Barney T. Holt, State
Theatre, Boynton, Okla. Small town and rural
patronage.
Gallant Bess (MGM) — Marshall Thompson,
George Tobias, Clem Bevans. An excellent
horse picture in Technicolor — a small town
natural. Business was very good. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Good. — E. M. Freibur-
ger. Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small
town patronage.
Holiday in Mexico (MGM) — Walter Pidgeon,
Jose Iturbi, Ilona Massey. I didn't get to see
this one, but from all reports the audience
was held thoroughly interested throughout the
picture with its breath-taking color, excellent
music, and the acting of Jose Iturbi, Jane
Powell, Walter Pidgeon and Roddy McDow-
all. Business was poor on the first night but
soared to a near record on the second night.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Moderately cold.
— Carl E. Pehlman, Rio Theatre, Edinburg, 111.
Rural and small town patronage.
Last Chance, The (MGM) — E. G. Morrison,
John Hay, Luisa Rossi. After the second reel
I placed a banner out front: "You enter at
your own risk as this is positively the worst
picture I've ever had the misfortune to run."
They walked out on this one faster than they
came in. Maybe MGM hasn't heard about
Warner's 20th anniversary of sound pictures.
Anyway, brother exhibitors, here's the first
silent picture I've ever played with sound
effects — they only expect your audience to
listen to every language in Europe. Read the
dialog and try to tell what gives. Acting?
It stinks. Any critic that raved about this one
belongs in a padded cell. Played Wed.,
Thurs. Weather: Perfect. — R. C. Walker, Rialto
Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural patronage. * * *
MONOGRAM
Under Arizona Skies (Mono)-— Johnny Mack
Brown, Reno Blair, Raymond Hatton. This is a
fair western and an inexpensive picture which
did a fair business here. I would like to see
less shooting, though. Played Saturday.
Weather: Stormy. — Harold J. Johnson, Elberta
Theatre, Palisade, Colo. Rural patronage. * *
PARAMOUNT
Monsieur Beaucaire (Para) — Bob Hope, Joan
Caulfield, Patric Knowles. Low gross for Hope.'
Costume drama background hurt business, but
the audience was satisfied. — Gray Barker,
Pictureland Theatre, Glenville, W. Va. Rural,
small town and college patronage.
My Favorite Brunette (Para) — Bob Hope,
Dorothy Lamour. This is a very good comedy
as are all Bob Hope pictures. But this one
did not do so well as it should have here.
Anyway, it's a good picture and was liked
by those who saw it. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Fair. — Orin J. Sears, New-Tex Thea-
tre, Anthony, N. M. Small town patronage. *
O.S.S. (Para) — Alan Ladd, Geraldine Fitz-
gerald, Patric Knowles. This one is a war pic-
ture but one that you won't have to back down
on. It should bring you business. Alan Ladd
is very good. This picture will stand alone,
any day or days in the week. Played Thurs.,
Fri. Weather: Fair. — Harold J. Johnson, Elberta
Theatre, Palisade, Colo. Rural patronage. * *
Our Hearts Were Growing Up (Para) —
Diana Lynn, Gail Russell, William Demarest.
This was one of the best pictures shown here
for some time and all commented highly on
Tent Show , Fiesta , Circus
All Competing at Once
SAN ANTONIO (WB) — Errol Flynn,
Alexis Smith, S. Z. Sakall. I bought this
one late and at a fair price so I was sav-
ing it until business got a little better.
However, we got wind of a 16mm tent
show coming into town so I revised the
booking and threw this in on Sun., Mon.
We did average business which, consider-
ing the Festival in Los Banos (which drew
35,000 people), a circus in Fresno, and the
above-mentioned, cut-rate tent show a
block down the street, I think is pretty
good. At least I can sincerely recommend
“San Antonio” to any exhibitor who
hasn’t played it, even if it is late. Weath-
er: Fair and warm. — Jim Hanson, Cali-
fornia Theatre, Kerman, Calif. Small
town and rural patronage. *
He Recommends Serial
To Bring Patrons Back
JESSE JAMES RIDES AGAIN (Rep) —
Serial. Judging by the first three chap-
ters of this new serial from Republic, it’s
an outstanding action thriller that will
bring my customers back for more. John
Compton is exceptionally good in his role
— watch him go places. Played Friday,
Saturday. — R. W. Hailey, Lott Theatre,
Lott, Tex. Small town patronage.
it. Give it your best playing time — plenty of
comedy and not a dull moment. Played Sat.,
Sun. Weather: Good. — W. H. Swan, Audito-
rium Theatre, Roscoe, S. D. Rural patron-
age. * * *
Rainbow Island (Para) — Dorothy Lamour,
Eddie Bracken. Grab this by all means if
you can, but don't double it, as I did. It's
worth a spot by itself if Paramount will give
you a good price as they did us. Played
with "Prairie Rustlers" (PRC). Played Sat.,
Sun. — Gray Barker, Lyric Theatre, Glenville,
W. Va. Rural, small town and college pa-
tronage. * * *
Scared Stiff (Para) — Jack Haley, Ann Sav-
age, Barton MacLane. Pine-Thomas could have
done better than this. They must have tried
to make Jack Haley into another Bob Hope,
but it sure didn't work. The title and preview
scared more away from it than came to see
it. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Very good. —
Dinkle & LeMaster, Ken Theatre, Raceland,
Ky. Rural and small town patronage.
Searching Wind, The (Para) — Robert Young,
Sylvia Sidney, Ann Richards. The price was
right, the print was fair — attendance fair ex-
cept the night of the sandstorm. Maybe it's
a little late for this type of picture, but all
who saw it enjoyed it very much, especially
the women, as the love story is very good.
Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Clear, sand-
storm, clear. — C. M. Garrett, Yandell, El Paso.
Family patronage.
Two Years Before the Mast (Para) — Alan
Ladd, Brian Donlevy, William Bendix. This
feature has a powerful cast and the story was
well known but the lady customers would not
come in. It was well liked by the small crowd
that did attend. Played Tues., Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Fair. — R. W. Hailey, Lott Theatre,
Lott, Tex. Small town patronage.
RKO RADIO
Bells of St. Mary's, The (RKO) — Bing Crosby,
Ingrid Bergman, Una O'Connor. After play-
ing this one, it was the bells (and gongs) for
us. The picture was excellent in all respects
but it didn't appeal to our patrons in the least.
Ingrid Bergman is poison for our boxoffice
and Bing brought in the few who did see it,
but most favorable remarks received by those
who did see it. This picture went over big
in the larger cities but not in small towns.
Stay away from it unless you are running
a free picture show. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Very good. — Dinkle & LeMaster,
Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural and small
town patronage.
Crack-Up (RKO) — Pat O'Brien, Claire Trevor,
Herbert Marshall. This is really a "crack-
down" instead of "up," as far as my boxoffice
shows. Pat should retire if that is the best
they can offer him after all these grand years
of showmanship he has given his public. No
good for a small town. Played Saturday only.
Weather: Fair. — Harold J. Johnson, Elberta
Theatre, Palisade, Colo. Rural patronage. * *
Criminal Court (RKO) — Tom Conway, Mar-
tha O'Driscoll, Robert Armstrong. This was a
very good feature for Fri., Sat. doubled with
a western. Tom Conway really is a good ac-
tor when he gets away from the Falcon series.
Weather: Warm. — Jim Hanson, California
Theatre, Kerman, Calif. Small town and rural
patronage.
Those Endearing Young Charms (RKO)—
Robert Young, Laraine Day. An old picture
which did well both days. The film in fair
2
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 24, 1947
condition. Robert Young and Laraine Day
make a very good couple. I noticed my at-
tendance both days was two-thirds women.
This would do well on a double. Played Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Fair — slight wind. — C. M. Gar-
rett, Yandell Theatre, El Paso. Family patron-
age.
REPUBLIC
Earl Carroll Sketchbook (Rep) — Constance
Moore, William Marshall, Bill Goodwin. Earl
Carroll has always been in the doghouse and
he still is as far as business is concerned.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Mild. — Harland
Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. General
patronage.
Under Fiesta Stars (Rep) — Reissue. Gene
Autry, Smiley Burnette. We had the biggest
crowd in our theatre — broke all of our box-
office records. Other theatres can have Roy
Rogers but we will take good old Gene Autry,
the original and first singing cowboy, who has
more on the ball than Roy Rogers will eyer
have. We would also like to thank Mr. Autry
for the kind letter he sent us. Now if he will
only send us an autographed picture to put
in our lobby, we will be happy. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Very good. — Dinkle & LeMaster,
Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural and small
town patronage.
20th CENTURY-FOX
Black Beauty (20th-Fox) — Mona Freeman,
Richard Denning, Evelyn Ankers. This is a
good picture which they enjoyed on the week-
end with selected shorts. Played Thurs.,
Fri., Sat. Weather: Mild.— Harland Ran-
kin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. General pa-
tronage.
Claudia and David (20th-Fox) — Dorothy Mc-
Guire, Robert Young, Mary Astor. I think this
was a pretty good picture if we had been
able to see and hear it — 7,020 feet of film and
7,070 splices. This is the condition of most
Fox film we have had in recent months. We
have written them about it, even sending an
inspection seal and a sample of film that was
doubled back over itself and almost tied in a
bow knot, but apparently they didn't get the
letters, as we got no reply and no improve-
ment in film. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Good. — Paul Ricketts, Charm Theatre, Holy-
rood, Kas. Rural and small town patron-
age.
Home Sweet Homicide (20th-Fox) — Peggy
Ann Garner, Randolph Scott, Lynn Bari. A
new and different formula for a murder story,
this feature was a very pleasant surprise to
our customers. The kids were great as ama-
teur sleuths. Some of the dialog was missing
from the print served us. Played Sun., Mon.-
Weather: Fair. — R. W. Hailey, Lott Theatre,
Lott, Tex. Small town patronage.
Wake Up and Dream (20th-Fox) — John
Payne, June Haver, Charlotte Greenwood. A
nice picture in color which will please the
average family trade. This is no super-duper,
but it is worth showing. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Good.— E. M. Freiburger, Para-
mount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town
patronage. * * *
UNITED ARTISTS
Abie's Irish Rose (UA) — Joanne Dru, Richard
Norris, Michael Chekhov. This is a good com-
edy but it lacks star power. Business was
average. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good.
— E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dew-
ey, Okla. Small town patronage.
Night in Casablanca, A (UA)— Marx Bros.,
Lois Collier. The price was too high „ for a
neighborhood last run house but the film was
in very good condition and enjoyed by all.
Sunday had very good attendance — Monday
no good. Weather: Clear. — C. M. Garrett,
Yandell Theatre, El Paso, Tex. Family pa-
tronage. *
Red House, The (UA) — Edward G. Robinson,
Lon McCallister, Judith Anderson. Here is a
swell suspense picture that pleased the few
that saw it, but it won't stand against a carni-
val, two church revivals, etc. Played preview,
Sun., Mon. Weather: Rain. — Barney T. Holt,
State Theatre, Boynton, Okla. Small town and
rural patronage.
Sundown (UA) — Reissue. Gene Tierney,
Bruce Cabot, George Sanders. This’ is an
excellent reissue and we did an outstanding
business on it. Other exhibitors may have
their say-so too, but we will take an old
picture any old day in preference to the new
ones. Our money has always been made
with old pictures— never new ones. Played
Tuesday. Weather: Snow — and how! — Dinkle
& LeMaster, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural
and small town patronage.
Susie Steps Out (UA) — David Bruce, Cleatus
Caldwell, Ann Hunter. This is just another
program picture which wasn't worth what I
paid for same. Good-looking girls but some
over-acting. Played Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather:
Good. — Terry Axley, New Theatre, England,
Ark. Rural and small town patronage. * *
Susie Steps Out (UA) — David Bruce, Cleatus
Caldwell, Ann Hunter. A nice program pic-
ture we played with a western. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Rain. — Harland Rankin, Plaza
Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. General patronage. * * *
Toccata and Fugue (UA) — Short. It took
courage to make such a short and courage to
show it here, but it didn't hurt us any and
pleased a music-loving minority. The Cine-
color effects are amazing and Bach's sym-
phonic background is something not heard
often from the screen. Book it, then sue me.
Bouquet of the Week
To Western 'Corn
ROCKIN’ IN THE ROCKIES (Col) —
Mary Beth Hughes, Jay Kirby, Three
Stooges. If we played pictures like this
every day, our income tax would be as
high as L. B. Mayer’s. It was all corn
but do they love it in Raceland! These
Stooge boys are always a big draw down
here and this time they outdrew our ex-
pectations. We surely hope Columbia will
put them in some more features such as
this one. The songs which were in the
picture (“Rockin’ in the Rockies” espe-
cially) are still being hummed around our
town. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Rainy. — Dinkle & LeMaster, Ken Theatre,
Raceland, Ky. Rural and small town pa-
tronage. *
Played Tues., Wed. — Gray Barker, Pictureland
Theatre, Glenville, W. Va. Rural, small town
and college patronage.
Unexpected Guest (UA) — Bill Boyd, Randy
Brooks, Patricia Tate. These new Cassidys
are tops in westerns and this one is no ex-
ception. Played Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather:
Good. — Terry Axley, New Theatre, England,
Ark. Rural and small town patronage. * * *
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Destry Rides Again (U-I) — Reissue. James
Stewart, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Winninger.
A reissue which brought the customers in
pleasing numbers and sent them away very
happy. I believe that reissues are good for
business, as long as they don't bring back
too many of them and stick to pictures as good
as this one. Played this with “Black Angel''
(U-I) to above average Fri., Sat. business.
Weather: Rain. — Carl E. Pehlman, Rio Theatre,
Edinburg, 111. Rural and small town patron-
age. *
Shadow of a Doubt (U-I) — Joseph Cotten,
Teresa Wright, Macdonald Carey. This is a
good picture but business was light on this
reissue, as it is the wrong type of picture
for a small town. Played Tuesday. Weather:
Good. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre,
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. * * *
WARNER BROS.
Kings Row (WB) — Reissue. Ann Sheridan,
Robert Cummings, Ronald Reagan. This is a
reissue but it is still a good picture. Busi-
ness was average. Played Wed., Thurs.
Brickbat of the Week
Goes to a Newsreel
MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 58 (20th-Fox)
— Newsreel. The most biased piece of
newsreel reporting I have ever seen. Un-
der a heading “Academy Awards Oscars,”
they show only the minor awards which
went to Fox studios, completely ignoring
all the major awards. Is the purpose of
a newsreel to report the news or to plug
the distributor’s pictures? If they couldn’t
stand to give credit to rival producers,
wouldn’t it have been better to leave it
out altogether? This sounds like the Rus-
sians’ newsreel coverage of the Jap sur-
render, as reported in a recent issue of
Reader’s Digest. Played Tues., Wed.,
Thurs. Weather: Good.— Paul Ricketts,
Charm Theatre, Holyrood, Kas. Rural and
small town patronage.
Weather: Good. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patron-
age.
Kings Row (WB) — Reissue. Ann Sheridan,
Robert Cummings, Ronald Reagan. A re-
peater that is a little too long and heavy for
small town fare. I played it to the best Wed.,
Thurs. business yet by exploiting the MGM
short, "Traffic With the Devil,'' on the same
program. Weather: Rain. — Carl E. Pehlman,
Rio Theatre, Edinburg, 111. Rural and small
town patronage.
Last Ride, The (WB) — Richard Travis, Elea-
nor Parker. This is an oldie I substituted
for "Of Human Bondage" and did above aver-
age business. I still can't figure out why but
ran an hour's program of shorts with this and
the people left satisfied. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Fair. — Carl E. Pehlman, Rio Theatre,
Edinburg, 111. Rural and small town patron-
age.
Never Say Goodbye (WB) — Errol Flynn,
Eleanor Parker, Lucille Watson. I thought
that this would surely break my house record
after Easter but due to all the night clubs and
big dances taking place, this feature failed
to do average business. It pleased all those
that saw it. Played Sun., Mon. Weather:
Warm. — Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rives-
ville, W. Va. Rural patronage.
Night and Day (WB) — Cary Grant, Alexis
Smith, Jane Wyman. This is a lavish Techni-
color production with plenty of names and
good music, but for my theatre it was just too
high class. Business below average. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold. — Carl E. Pehlman,
Rio Theatre, Edinburg, 111. Rural and small
town patronage.
Nobody Lives Forever (WB) — John Garfield,
Geraldine Fitzgerald, Walter Brennan. This
proved only mediocre attraction. We haven t
been getting the crowds on war product of
late. Played Mon., Tues. Weather: Mild. —
Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont.
General patronage.
Polo Joe (WB) — Reissue. Joe E. Brown, Carol
Hughes, Gordon Elliot. For once we are go-
ing to give Warner Bros, a good comment and
it is on this picture. We had the biggest Wed.,
Thurs. crowd ever yet. Wednesday was aver-
age but Thursday they really poured in. Those
who saw it the first night told everyone else —
result, full house the next. It was the funniest
picture we have ever played and for once
we take off our hats to WB for giving us a
good picture. Weather: Rainy. — Dinkle & Le-
Master, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural and
small town patronage.
Verdict, The (WB) — Sydney Greenstreet,
Peter Lorre, Joan Lorring. It took a lot of pub-
licity to lift the midweek business to near
average, although the audience found the item
satisfactory. The price was almost right and
we made enough to buy meals until Saturday.
Played Thurs., Fri. Weather: Fair. — Gray Bar-
ker, Pictureland Theatre, Glenville, W. Va.
Rural small town, and college patron-
* it *
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 24, 1947
3
UNITED ARTISTS7 2 0 T H • F 0 X 7 SCREEN GUILD7 R E P U
FEATURE CHART
i euuue productions, nsiea d y company, an order ot release. Number in square is national
release date. Production number is at right. Number in parentheses is running time, as
furnished by home office of distributor; checkup with local exchanges is recommended.
R is review date. PG — is Picture Guide page number. Symbol indicates BOXOFFICE
Blue Ribbon Award Winner, Symbol 0 indicates color photography.
r
JULY 20
HU (67) Act-Mus 7223
COWBOY BLUES
Ken Curtis
Jeff Donnell
Hoosier Hotshots
Giw Kibbee
R— July 13— PO-736
Block 17
H (97) Drama
BOYS' RANCH
| Janies Craig
"Butch” Jenkins
R— May 4— PG-726
625
[20] (65) Act-Com 511
BOWERY BOMBSHELL
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
[17] (55) Western
PRAIRIE BADMEN
Buster Crabbe
A1 "Fuzzy” St. John
R— Aug. 10— PO-741
CONQUEST OF
CHEYENNE
BUI Elliott
Bobby Blake
Alice Fleming
|j<j] (10U) M'drama
A SCANDAL IN PARIS
George Sanders
Signe Hasso
Carole Landis
R— July 20— PO-738
jl9j (Ob) Drama &
THE DARK HORSE
Phillip Terry
Ann Savage
Allen Jenkins
R— July 20— PG-738
OF HUMAN BONDAGE
Paul Henreid
Eleanor Parker
Alexis Smith
Edmund Gwenn
Janis Paige
B— July 6 — PG-734
JULY 27
AUGUST 3
AUGUST 10
AUGUST 17
AUGUST 24
AUGUST 31
SEPTEMBER 7
|26] (73) Musical 7033
SING WHILE YOU
DANCE
Ellen Drew
Robert Stanton
Andrew Tombes
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
| g | (68) Comedy 7039
PERSONALITY KID
Anita Louise
Michael Duane
Ted Donaldson
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
16] (54) Western 7201
HEADING WEST
Charles Starrett
SmUey Burnette
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
Special:
|U (HO) Drama 624
©EASY TO WED
Esther Williams
Van Johnson
R— Apr. 13— PG-714
(~8~1 (93) Drama 626
©COURAGE OF LASSIE
Lassie
Elizabeth Taylor
Frank Morgan
Tom Drake
R— May 11— PG-721
22] (81) Drama 627
FAITHFUL IN MY
FASHION
Tom Drake
Donna Reed
R— June 15— PG-729
29| (92) Drama 628
OTHREE WISE FOOLS
Vlargaret O’Brien
Lionel Barrymore
Lewis Stone
Edward Arnold
Thomas Mitchell
R— June 15— PG-730
[27] (64) Mys-Dr 51S
SHADOWS OVER
CHINATOWN
Sidney Toler
Victor Sen Young
T] (65) Act-Dr 520
BELOW THE DEADLINE
Warren Douglas
Ramsay Ames
R— Oct. 5— PG-755
[10] (57) Western 567
SHADOWS ON THE
RANGE
Johnny Mack Brown
n] (60) Mys-Dr 525
MISSING LADY
Kane Richmond
Barbara Reed
24] (68) Comedy 512
SPOOK BUSTERS
Leo Gorcey
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
Billy Benedict
David Gorcey
R— Aug. 24— PO-745
7] (74) Coin-Mufl 517
HIGH SCHOOL HERO
Freddie Stewart
June Prelsser
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
Block 6
|26] (1*7) Act-Dr 4526
O.S.S.
Alan Ladd
Geraldine Fitzgerald
R— May 11— PG-721
Block 6
[9] (107) Drama 4527
THE SEARCHING WIND
Robert Young
Sylvia Sidney
R— May 11— PG-722
Special :
30] (93) Comedy 4532
MONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE
Bob Hope
Joan Caulfield
R— May 11— PO-721
Block 6
6] (69) Act-Dr 4528
SWAMP FIRE
Johnny Weissmuller
Buster Crabbe
(67) Drama
QUEEN OF BURLESQUE
Evelyn Ankers
Carlton Young
R— July 6— PG-733
[m] (66) Drama
TERRORS ON
HORSEBACK
Buster Crabbe
R— Apr. 27— PG-717
jU (15) Drama
DOWN MISSOURI WAY
Martha O’Driscoll
R— July 13— PG-735
15] (68) Drama
SECRETS OF A
SORORITY GIRL
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
21] (54) Act- West
OVERLAND RIDERS
Blister Crabbe
A1 "Fuzzy” St. John
It— Aug. 31— PG-747
29] (68) Mys-Dr
BLONDE FOR A DAY
Hugh Beaumont
Kathryn Adams
R— Aug. 10 — PG-742
Y\ (56) Dram*
STRANGE HOLIDAY
Claude Rains
R— Nov. 9 — PG-764
Group 6
(105) Drama 626
TILL THE END OF
TIME
Dorothy McGuire
Guy Madison
Robert Mltcbum
Bill Williams
R— June 15— PG-730
Group 6
(68) Musical 630
THE BAMBOO BLONDE
Frances Langford
Ralph Edwards
Russell Wade
R— June 22— PG-732
Special:
(103) Drama 761
NOTORIOUS
Ingrid Bergman
Cary Grant
Claude Rains
Louis Calhern
R— July 27— PG-739
Group 6
(93) Drama 627
CRACK-UP
Pat O’Brien
Claire Trevor
Herbert Marshall
R — June 15 — PG-729
H| (89) Comedy 525
RENDEZVOUS WITH
ANNIE
Eddie Albert
Faye Marlowe
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
25] (55) Western 557
RED RIVER
RENEGADES
Sunset Carson
Peggy Stewart
p7~| (57) M’drama 526
THE INNER CIRCLE
Adele Mara
Warren Douglas
William Frawley
[9] (67) M'drama 527
LAST CROOKED MILE
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
12] (69) Com-Dr 528
G.l. WAR BRIDES
Anna Lee
James EUlson
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
19] (57) Mys-Dr 529
THE INVISIBLE
INFORMER
Linda Stirling
William Henry
Gerald Mohr
It— Aug. 24— PG-746
26] (69) West-Mus 541
UNDER NEVADA SKIES
R-oy Rogers
It— Aug. 31— PG-748
3] (56) Mystery 531
THE MYSTERIOUS MR.
VALENTINE
William Henry
Linda Stirling
[T) (75) Act-Dr 4605
RllGHT TO NOWHERE
Evelyn Ankers
Alan Curtis
jjj] (72) Outdr-Dr 4604
©DEATH VALLEY
Robert Lowery
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
UU2) Drama 633
©CENTENNIAL
SUMMER
Jeanne Crain
Cornel WUde
Linda Darnell
WUliam Eythe
R— June 8— PG-728
(128) Drama 634
tlANNA AND THE
KING OF SIAM
Irene Dunne
Rex Harrison
Linda Darnell
R— June 8— PG-727
(66) Drama 635
DEADLINE FOR
MURDER
Paul KeUy
K ent Taylor
Sbeila Ryan
Jerome Cowan
R— June 22— PG-732
(74) Drama 636
BLACK BEAUTY
Mona Freeman
Richard Denning
Evelyn Ankers
R— July 20— PG-737
[2] (84) M'drama
MR. ACE
George Raft
Sylvia Sidney
Sid SUvers
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
Special:
[Je] (126) Drama
y©CAESAR AND
CLEOPATRA
Vivien Leigh
Claude Rains
Stewart Granger
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
|6~| (9S) Comedy
THE BACHELOR’S
DAUGHTERS
Gail Russell
Claire Trevor
Adolphe Menjou
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
HU (92) Drama 541
©CANYON PASSAGE
Andrews-Hayward
R— July 27— PG-740
H| (61) Musical 542
CUBAN PETE
Desi Arnaz
R— July 27— PG-739
[2] (80) Drama 543
THE BLACK ANGEL
Dan Duryea
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
[2] (63) Drama 544
SLIGHTLY
SCANDALOUS
Fred Brady
[~9~| (61) Drama 545
WILD BEAUTY
Don Porter
Lois Collier
Jacqueline De Wit
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
[l6] (82) Comedy 546
THE TIME OF THEIR
LIVES
Abbott and Costello
Rinnie Barnes
Jess Barker
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
ra (76) Drama 547
DEAD OF NIGHT
Mervyn Johns
Roland Culver
Frederick Valk
R— July 6— PG-734
|5| (102) Drama 548
THE KILLERS
Burt Lancaster
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
[30] (61) Drama 549
LITTLE MISS BIG
R— Sept. 7— PG-750
||^ (T4) Drama 550
WHITE TIE AND
TAILS
Dan Duryea
Ella Raines
William Bendix
R — Sept. 14 — PQ-751
2
[3] (128) Drama 523
©NIGHT AND DAY
Cary Grant
Alexis Smith
Monty Woolley
Mary Martin
R— July 13— PO-736
[i7| (90) Drama 524
TWO GUYS FROM
MILWAUKEE
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Joan Leslie
Janis Paige
R— July 27— PG-739
|3l] (114) Drama 601
THE BIG SLEEP
Humphrey Bogart
Lauren Bacall
Martha Vickers
Dorothy Malone
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
»
03
o
H
C/3
<
(67) Mus (New Rel)
BEWARE
Louis Jordan
(30) M-Rev (New Rel)
EBONY PARADE
Cab Calloway
Count Basle
(72) Comedv Reissue
FLYING DEUCES
Laurel and Hardy
(10) Mus (New Rel)
(1 Reel Spec)
HERE'S RICHARD'S
ANSWER
Stepin Fetcbit
(57) M-Dr (New Rel)
HOLLYWOOD BOUND
Betty Grable
(89) Reissue
JIMMY STEPS OUT
Jimmy Stewart
(83) Drama Reissue
LITTLE MEN
(86) Drama Reissue
ONE ROMANTIC NIGHT
Hona Massey
(07) Mus. (New Rel)
REET, PETITE AND
GONE
Louis Jordan
June Richmond
(100) Drama Reissue
SCARFACE
Paul Muni
George Raft
(86) Mus-Dr Reissue
SECOND CHORUS
Paulette Goddard
Fred Astaire
(55) M-Dr (-New Rel)
STAIRWAY FOR A STAR
Cornel WUde
(48) Mus (New Rel)
TALL, TAN AND
TERRIFIC
Mantan Moreland
Francine Everett
(50) M-Dr (New Rel
THAT MAN OF MINE
Harrel TUlman
Ruby Dee
Anna Mae Winbum
(58) O’d-Dr (New Rel
WHITE STALLION
Eddie Dean
4
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 24, 1947
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
(SEPTEMBER 28
OCTOBER 5
OCTOBER 12
OCTOBER 19
OCTOBER 26
NOVEMBER 2 |
^4| (68) Drama 7002
GALLANT JOURNEY
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
|26| (70) M'Dr-Mys 7041
SHADOWED
Anita Louise
R— Oct. 5 — PG-756
30j (91) Musical 7006
THE THRILL OF
BRAZIL
Evelyn Keyes
veenan Wynn
Inn Miller
Ulvn Joslyn
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
10] (71) Psycb-Dr 805
SO DARK THE NIGHT
Steven Geray
Mieheline Cheirel
Eugene Borden
\nn Codee
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
17] (69) Comedy 806
3L0NDIE KNOWS BEST
Singleton-Lake
R— Oct. 5— PG-755
17] (53) Western 861
LANDRUSH
Charles Starrett
24] (61) Mystery 816
CRIME DOCTOR’S
MANHUNT
Varner Baxter
Ellen Drew
Villiam Frawley
Frank Sully
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
(81) Comedy-Dr 703
THE COCKEYED
MIRACLE
Prank Morgan
Keenan Wynn
Audrey Totter
R— July 20— PG-737
(117) Musical 704
NO LEAVE, NO LOVE
Van Johnson
Keenan Wynn
Pat Kirkwood
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
Reissue
(84) Drama 705
RAGE IN HEAVEN
Robert Montgomery
Ingrid Bergman
George Sanders
g (72) Act-Dr 602
GENTLEMAN JOE
PALOOKA
Joe Kirkwood jr.
Elyse Knox
Leon Errol
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
|i| (66) Mys-Dr 603
DANGEROUS MONEY
Sidney Toler
Gloria Warren
Victor Sen Young
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
[|] (73) Drama 605 1
WIFE WANTED fc
Kay Francis
Paul Cavanagb fc
R— Nov. 2— PG-762 C
Reissue R5-3624
(113) Outdr-Draraa
THE PLAINSMAN
Gary Cooper
Jean Arthur
Reissue R5-3620
(84) Adven-Drama
JUNGLE PRINCESS
Dorothy Lamour
Ray Mil I and
1
i
H| (86) Drama SP71
HER SISTER’S
SECRET
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
H (56) Act- West
OUTLAW OF THE
PLAINS
Crabbe-St. John
[T] (55) Outdr-Mus 741
DRIFTIN’ RIVER
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
[T| (58) Drama 714
THE BRUTE MAN
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
||] (68) Drama
GAS HOUSE KIDS
Billy Halop
Robert Lowery
I’eala Lorlng
li— Oct. 19— PG-769
Group 1
4 (97) Comedy 702
LADY LUCK
Robert Young
Barbara Hale
Prank Morgan
R— July 27— PG-739
Group 1
(116) Drama 701
OSISTER KENNY
Rosalind Russell
Alexander Knox
Dean Jagger
R— July 20— PG-738
Group 1
(68) Drama 705
GREAT DAY
Eric Portman
Flora Robson
R— July 20— PG-737
Group 2
(62) Drama 709
CRIMINAL COURT
Tom Conway
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
[is] (62) Com-Cbiller
GENIUS AT WORK
W. Brown-A. Carney
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
Group 2
(62) Drama 708
CHILD OF DIVORCE
Sharyn Moffett
Regis Toomey
Madge Meredith
Una O’Connor
It— Oct. 19— PG-760
|T| (71) Drama 4607
ROLLING HOME
Jean Parker
Russell Hayden
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
|is| (41) Out-Dr 4606
’NEATH CANADIAN
SKIES
Russell Hayden
Inez Cooper
o Reissue
(86) Musical 641
SUN VALLEY
SERENADE
Sonja Henie
John Payne
Milton Berle
Glenn Miller & Orch.
Joan Davis
(90) Musical 639
©THREE LITTLE GIRLS
IN BLUE
June Haver
George Montgomery
Vivian Blaine
Celeste Holm
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
(90) Drama 64C
HOME SWEET
HOMICIDE
Peggy Ann Garner
Randolph Scott
Lynn Bari
Dean Stockwell
R— July 27— PG-740
Reissue
(84) Drama 642
THE BOWERY
Wallace Beery
George Raft
Jackie Cooper
Fay Wray
(91) Drama 644
WANTED FOR MURDER
Eric Portman
Dulcle Gray
Derek Farr
Roland Culver
11— Nov. 9— PG-763
[u] (57) Comedy
LITTLE IODINE
Jo Ann Marlowe
Eve Whitney
Marc Cramer
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
§5] (101) Drama
STRANGE WOMAN
Hedy Lamarr
George Sanders
Louis Hayward
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
i5
(86) Drama 601
THE DARK MIRROR
Olivia de Havilland
Lew Ayres
Thomas Mitchell
11— Oct. 12— PG-758
(T) (108) Com-Dr 1066
NOTORIOUS
GENTLEMAN
Rex Harrison
Lilli Palmer
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
[2§| (100) Drama 603
CLOAK AND DAGGER
Gary Cooper
Robert Alda
Lilli Palmer
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
[i2| (100) Drama 60^
NOBODY LIVES
FOREVER
John Garfield
Geraldine Fitzgerald
Walter Brennan
Faye Emerson
R— Oct. 5— PG-755
[26] (112) Drama 605
DECEPTION
Bette Davis
Paul Henreid
Claude Rains
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
HD (63) Comedy 7038
IT’S GREAT TO BE
YOUNG
R— Sept. 7— PO-749
[l2j (69) Western 7224
SINGING ON THE
TRAIL
R— Sept 14— PG-752
|4] (76) Mys-Dr 601
DECOY
Edward Norris
Jean Gillie
R. Armstrong
R — Sept. 14 — PG-751
3 lock 6
I§] (117) Drama 4529
THE STRANGE LOVE
OF MARTHA IVERS
3arbara Stanwyck
Jan Heflin
nzabeth Scott
1— Mar. 16— PG-706
Group 1
(61) Drama
STEP BY STEP
Lawrence Tierney
Anne Jeffreys
Lowell Gilmore
R— July 20— PG-737
703
[|] (66) Western 558
RIO GRANDE RAIDERS
Sunset Carson
|i2| (68) Outdr-Mus 542
ROLL ON TEXAS
MOON
Roy Rogers-Dale Evans
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
(187) Mua-Con 701
©HOLIDAY IN MEXICO
Walter Pidgeon
Jane Powell
Ilona Massey
Jose Iturbi
R — July 27— PG-740
TRIGGER FINGERS
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Group 1
(59) Western 7
SUNSET PASS
James Warren
Nan Leslie
John Laurenz
Jane Greer
R— July 20— PG-738
(78) Drama 637
CLAUDIA AND DAVID
Dorothy McGuire
Robert Young
Mary Astor
John Sutton
Gall Patrick
R— July 27— PG-740
[14] (78) Drama 602
SHADOW OF A WOMAN
Andrea King
Helmut Dantine
William Prince
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
(78) Musical 6
IF I’M LUCKY
Vivian Blaine
Perry Como
Harry James
Carmen Miranda
Phil Silvers
R— Sept. 7 — PG-760
pigj (101) M’drama
ANGEL ON MY
SHOULDER
Paul Muni
Anne Baxter
R— Sept. 28— PG-764
THEY WERE SISTERS
Phyllis Calvert
James Mason
Hugh Sinclair
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
(101) Drama Reissue
DODSWORTH
Walter Huston
Jonn Payne
Reissue
(109) Drama Reissue
NORTH STAR
Dana Andrews
(80) Mus-Com Reissue
PALMY DAYS
Eddie Cantor
George Raft
(81) Reissue
THE RETURN OF THE
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Barry Barnes
ROMAN SCANDALS
Eddie Cantor
Ruth Etting
(98) Drama Reissue
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Merle Oberon
Leslie Howard
STELLA DALLAS
Barbara Stanwyck
John Boles
(100) Musical Reissue
STRIKE ME PINK
Eddie Cantor
Brian Donlevy
THE THIEF OF
BAGDAD
Sabu
Conrad Veidt
(77) Drama Reissue
THE UNHOLY GARDEN
Ronald Colman
WEDDING NIGHT
Gary Cooper
(102) Western Reissue
THE WESTERNER
Gary Cooper
Walter Brennan
Dana Andrews
(104) Drama Reissue
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
Laurence Olivier
Merle Oberon
(71) Comedy Reissue
WOMAN CHASES MAN
Joel McCrea
Miriam Hopkins
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 24, 1947
FEATURE CHART
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
SECRET OF THE
WHISTLER
Richard Dix
Leslie Brooks
R— Nov. 2— PQ-761
BEAUTY AND THE
BANDIT
Gilbert Roland
Ramsay Ames
Frank Yaconelll
_] (78) Drama
DON RICARDO
RETURNS
Fred Coby
HOME IN OKLAHOMA
Roy Rogers
George “Gabby” Hayes
Dale Evans
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
(97) Drama
MY DARLING
CLEMENTINE
Henry Fonda
Linda Darnell
Victor Mature
Walter Brennan
Tim Holt
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
645
[9] (87) Drama 606
NEVER SAY GOODBYE
Errol Flynn
Eleanor Parker
Lucile Watson
S. Z. Sakall
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
) NOVEMBER 16
NOVEMBER 23 j NOVEMBER 30
DECEMBER 7
DECEMBER 14
1 DECEMBER 21
DECEMBER 28
8
HU (55) Western 862
TERROR TRAIL
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
R— Nov. 9— PG-764
HU (72) Musical 824
BETTY CO-ED
Jean Porter
Shirley Mills
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
HU (69) Mystery 822
BOSTON BLACK IE AND
THE LAW
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
HU (68) West-Mus 854
LONE STAR
MOONLIGHT
R— Jan. 4 — PG-777
HU (61) Western 863
THE FIGHTING
FRONTIERSMAN
Starrett-Burnette
HU (69) M’drama 828
ALIAS MR. TWILIGHT
Michael Duane
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
HU (64) Mus-Com 804
SINGIN' IN THE CORN
Judy Canova
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
HU (91) Mel’drama 829
THE RETURN OF
MONTE CRISTO
R— Nov. 30— PO-767
(115) Drama 707
UNDERCURRENT
Katharine Hepburn
Robert Taylor
Robert Mitchum
R— Oct. 5— PG-756
(93) Drama 706
TWO SMART PEOPLE
Lucille Ball
John Hodiak
R— June 15— PG-730
(97) Drama 709
THE SECRET HEART
Claudette Colbert
Walter Pidgeon
June Allyson
Robert Sterling
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
HU (83) Comedy 708
THE SHOW-OFF
Red Skelton
Marilyn Maxwell
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
1 HU (65) Western 563
SILVER RANGE
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
HU (68) Comedy 604
BRINGING UP FATHER
Joe Yule
Renie Rlano
R— Oct. 19— PO-759
HU (68) Mystery 607
THE TRAP
Sidney Toler
Manton Moreland
Victor Sen Young
R— Jan 11— PG-779
[7] (63) Act-Corn 608
MR. HEX
Leo Gorcey
Huntz Hall
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
Reissue:
HU (57) Western 612
SILVER STALLION
David Sharpe
Leroy Mason
HU (76) Dr-Mus 606
SWEETHEART OF
SIGMA CHI
Elyse Knox
Phil Brito
Phil Regan
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
HU (55) Outdr-Mus 681
SONG OF THE SIERRAS
Jimmy Wakely
Lee “Lasses" White
Jean Carlin
H§ (98) Sea Drama 4601
TWO YEARS BEFORE
THE MAST
Alan Ladd
William Bendlx
Brian Donlevy
Barry Fitzgerald
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
HU (104) Musical 4602
U©BLUE SKIES
Bing Crosby
Fred Astaire
Joan Caulfield
Billy De Wolfe
Oiga San Juan
R-— Sept. 28 — PQ-754
HU (67) Western 743
STARS OVER TEXAS
Eddie Dean
Roscoe Ates
Shirley Patterson
R— Dec. 28 — PG-775
HU (74) Drama
LADY CHASER
Robert Lowery
Ann Savage
|T| (73) tutdr-Mus 706
©WILD WEST
Eddie Dean
A1 La Rue
Robert “Buzzy” Henry
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
•
Group 2
(87) Drama 706
NOCTURNE
George Raft
Lynn Bari
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
HU (172) Drama 751
THE BEST YEARS OF
OUR LIVES
Myrna Loy
Fredric March
Dana Andrews
Teresa Wright
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
HU (95) Mus-Dr 791
O0SONG OF THE
SOUTH
Bobby Driscoll
Luana Patten
Ruth Warrick
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
S
HU (132) Corn-Dr 781
IT'S A WONDERFUL
LIFE
James Stewart
Donna Reed
Lionel Barrymore
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
Group 3
(62) Drama 714
DICK TRACY VS.
CUEBALL
Morgan Conway
Anne Jeffreys
Lyle Latell
R— Nov. 9— PG-764
HU (71) Dr-Com 604
FABULOUS SUZANNE
Barbara Britton
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
HU (70) Outdr-Mus 543
HELDORADO
Roy Rogers
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
HU (95) Drama 533
THAT BRENNAN GIRL
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
HU (56) Western 662
STAGECOACH TO
DENVER
Allan Lane
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
HU (56) Western 661
SANTA FE UPRISING
Allan Lane-Bobby Blake
H|] (82) Drama 532
PLAINSMAN AND THE
LADY
William "Bill” Elliott
R— Nov. 9— PG-763
HU (68) Com-Mus 603
AFFAIRS OF
GERALDINE
R— Nov. 30— PG-768
HU (69) Outdr-Mus 681
SIOUX CITY SUE
Gene Autry
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
m (117) Drama 601
©I’VE ALWAYS LOVED
YOU
R— Sept. 7— PG-749
[|] (67) Outdr 5503
©OUT CALIFORNIA
WAY
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
H|] (46) Out-Dr 4610
NORTH OF THE
BORDER
Russell Hayden
T] (60) Drama 4609
MY DOG SHEP
Tom Neal
William Farnum
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
HU (65) Drama 4612 -
RENEGADE GIRL
Ann Savage
Alan Curtis
R— Feb. 8— PG-787
(94) Drama 646
©MARGIE
Jeanne Crain
Glenn Langan
Lynn Bari
Alan Young
R— Oct. 19— PQ-760
(92) Mus-Fant 649
©WAKE UP AND
DREAM
June Haver
John Payne
Charlotte Greenwood
Connie Marshall
R— Nov. 30— PG-768
(69) Drama 648
DANGEROUS MILLIONS
Kent Taylor
Dona Drake
Tala Birell
James Tinling
Leonard Strong
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
11
lit
b
St
til
to
U
HU (65) Western
THE DEVIL'S
PLAYGROUND
William Boyd
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
HU (86) Drama
THE CHASE
Robert Cummings
Michele Morgan
R— Oct. 19— PG-759
m] (65) Comedy
SUSIE STEPS OUT
Cleatus Caldwell
David Bruce
Nita Hunter
R— Nov. 23— PG-768
HU (96) Com-Dr
ABIE’S IRISH ROSE
Joanne Dru
Richard Norris
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
(95) Drama 602
MAGNIFICENT DOLL
Ginger Rogers
Burgess Meredith
David Niven
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
(98) Drama 604
TEMPTATION
Merle Oberon
George Brent
Charles Korvin
Paul Lukas
R— Nov. 2— PG-761
Reissues:
(127) Drama 608
KINGS ROW
Sheridan- Reagan
Y\ (72) M’drama 609 j
WILD BILL HICKOK
RIDES
Bruce Cabot-C. Bennett |
gU (105) Musical 61
©THE TIME.THE PLAC ~~
AND THE GIRL
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Janis Paige
Martha Vickers
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
HU (86) Drama 607
THE VERDICT
Sydney Greenstreet
Peter Lorre
Joan Lorring
George Coulouris
Rosalind Ivan
R— Nov. 23— PG-T66
(140) Drama
DUEL IN THE SUN
O Jennifer Jones
Gregory Peck
C/2 Joseph Cotten
Lionel Barrymore
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
£ (85) Drama
CO Prestige
BRIEF ENCOUNTER
Celia Johnson
Trevor Howard
M R— Aug. 31— PG-748
(70) Melodrama
English
THE RAIDER
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
(89) Drama
Eng. Films
MAN FROM MOROCCO
Anton Walbrook
R— Jan. 4— PG-778
(80) Melodrama
Four Cont.
MURDER IN REVERSE
R— Jan. 4— PG-778
(40) Doc-Dr
Eng. Films
DIARY FOR TIMOTHY
John Gielgud
Dame Myre Hess
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
u
tfi
(69) Mus-Com
Herald
BOY, WHAT A GIRL!
R— Feb. 15— PG-790
(65) Doc-Dr
Elliott-St. Rtf
CITIZEN SAINT
R— May 10— PG-818
6
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 24, 1947
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
JANUARY 4
JANUARY 11
JANUARY 18
JANUARY 25 | FEBRUARY 1 |
FEBRUARY 8
FEBRUARY 15
FEBRUARY 22
[|] (69) Comedy 807
BLONDIE'S BIG
MOMENT
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
Larry Simms
Marjorie Kent
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
H] (69) Mystery 823
LONE WOLF IN MEXICO
Gerald Mohr
Shirley Ryan
Jacqueline De Wit
Eric Blore
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
||] (128) Mus-Dr 831
©tiTHE JOLSON STORY
Larry Parks
Evelyn Keyes
William Demarest
Bill Goodwin
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
3oj (58) Western
SOUTH OF THE
CHISHOLM TRAIL
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
Nancy Saunders
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
IF] (73) Myst-Dr
BLIND SPOT
Chester Morris
Constance Dowling
Steven Geray
R— Feb. 8— PG-787
F5] (67) Mus-Dr
JIGARETTE GIRL
Leslie Brooks
R— Feb. 15— PO-789
13] (63) West-Mus
OVER THE SANTA FE
TRAIL
R— Mar. 1— PG-796
(100) Mys-Dr 830
DEAD RECKONING
Humphrey Bogart
Lizabeth Scott
R— Jan. 18— PG-781
(135) Mus-Dr 710
1TILL THE CLOUDS
ROLL BY
obert Walker
an Heflin
ucille Bremer
an Johnson
idy Garland
—Nov. 23— PO-765
(99) Drama 702
©GALLANT BESS
Marshall Thompson
George Tobla3
Clem Bevans
Donald Curtis
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
[17] (85) Drama 711
THE MIGHTY McGURK
Wallace Beery
Dean Stockwell
Edward Arnold
Aline MacMabon
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
g7[ (103) Mystery 712
LADY IN THE LAKE
Robert Montgomery
Audrey Totter
Lloyd Nolan
R— Nov. 30— PG-776
[T| (93) Comedy 714'
LOVE LAUGHS AT
ANDY HARDY
Mickey Rooney
Lewis Stone
Bonita Granville
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
H] (93) Drama 715
MY BROTHER TALKS
TO HORSES
Butch Jenkins
Peter Lawford
Beverly Tyler
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
[] (67) Drama 609
INGER
rank Albertson
arbara Reed
Dhnny Calkins
—Apr. 19— PG-812
[jj] (61) Cisco Kid 610
RIDING THE
CALIFORNIA TRAIL
Gilbert Roland
Inez Cooper
Frank Yaconelll
[is] (58) Western 568
RAIDERS OF THE
SOUTH
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Reno Blair
go| (68) Teen-Ager 611
VACATION DAYS
June Preisser
Freddie Stewart
Frankie Darro
R— Apr. 5— PG-808
[|] (54) West-Mus 683
RAINBOW OVER THE
ROCKIES
Jimmy Wakely
Lee "Lasses" White
Pat Starling
[is] (54) Western 675
VALLEY OF FEAR
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Reno Blair
[xo| (83) Comedy 4603
CROSS MY HEART
Betty Hutton
Sonny Tufts
Michael Chekhov
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
^ (87) Rom-Com 4604
THE PERFECT
MARRIAGE
Loretta Young
David Niven
Eddie Albert
Virginia Field
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
|~7~| (91) Comedy 4605
LADIES’ MAN
Eddie Bracken
Cass Daley
Virginia Welles
Spike Jones
Virginia Field
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
[|T| (97) Outdr-Dr 4606
©CALIFORNIA
Ray Mllland
Barbara Stanwyck
Barry Fitzgerald
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
jio] (74) Drama
LIGHTHOUSE
John Litel
June Lang
lip (56) Drama 705
BORN TO SPEED
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
Eagle-Lion
(63) Comedy 102
IT’S A JOKE, SON
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
fi7] (57) Western 744
WILD COUNTRY
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
Eagle-Lion
[29] (95) Drama 101
BEDELIA
Margaret Lockwood
Ian Hunter
Barry K. Barnes
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
iroup 3
(61) Drama 715
rHE FALCON’S
ADVENTURE
’om Conway
rladge Meredith
Idward S. Brophy
1— Dec. 28— PG-775
Group 3
(60) Comedy 713
VACATION IN RENO
Jack Haley
Anne Jeffreys
Wally Brown
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
Group 3
(66) Melodrama 712
SAN QUENTIN
Lawrence Tierney
Barton MacLane
Marian Carr
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
Group 3
(85) Drama 711
THE LOCKET
Laraine Day
Brian Aberne
Robert Mitchum
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
Group 3
(117) Fantasy 762
©SINBAD THE SAILOR
Douglas Fairbanks jr.
Maureen O’Hara
Walter Slezak
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
[22] (67) Comedy 602
THE PILGRIM LADY
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
Esl (67) Western 682
TRAIL TO SAN
ANTONE
Gene Autry
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
H (88) Musical 607
CALENDAR GIRL
Jane Frazee
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
[T] (67) Western 5504
©LAST FRONTIER
UPRISING
Monte Hale
[is| (100) Western 608
ANGEL & THE BADMAN
R— Mar. 1— PG-796
[Ib] (74) Comedy 606
MAGNIFICENT ROGUE
R— Mar. 22— PC-803
[15] (56) Outdoor 663
VIGILANTES OF
B00MT0WN
Allan Lane
R — Mar. 8— PG-799
|l6] (75) Outdr-Mus 641
©APACHE ROSE
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
[15] (62) Drama 4611
QUEEN OF THE
AMAZONS
Robert Lowery
Patricia Morison
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
(95) Drama 702
3 RUE MADELEINE
ames Cagney
innabella
tichard Conte
Valter Abel
'rank Latimore
t— Dec. 28— PG-775
Rerelease
(109) Drama 704
LES MISERABLES
Fredric March
(101) Drama 705
STANLEY AND
LIVINGSTONE
Spencer Tracy
(146) Drama 701
THE RAZOR’S EDGE
Tyrone Power
Gene Tierney
John Payne
Clifton Webb
Anne Baxter
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
(85) Mus-Com 703
©THE SHOCKING
MISS PILGRIM
Betty Grable
Dick Haymes
Anne Revere
Allyn Joslyn
R— Jan. 11— PO-779
(88) Mystery 706
BOOMERANG
Dana Andrews
Jane Wyatt
Lee Cobb
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
(72) Mystery 707
THE BRASHER
DOUBLOON
George Montgomery
Nancy Guild
Conrad Janis
R— Feb. 15— PG-790
(67) Drama 708
STRANGE JOURNEY
Paul Kelly
Osa Massen
Hillary Brooke
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
[7] (63) Western
FOOL’S GOLD
William Boyd
Andy Clyde
R— Oct. 12— PG-768
[¥] (93) Drama
1 HE RED HOUSE
Edward Q. Robinson
Lon McCallister
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
]22] (88) Mus-Dr
THE FABULOUS
DORSEYS
Tommy Dorsey
Jimmy Dorsey
Janet Blair
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
(86) Drama 606
SWELL GUY
Sonny Tufts
Ann Blyth
R— Dee. 14— PG-771
(93) Drama 607
I’LL BE YOURS
Deanna Durbin
Tom Drake
William Bendix
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
(98) Drama 605
THE WICKED LADY
Margaret Lockwood
James Mason
Patricia Roc
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
[u] (96) Drama-Mus 611
THE MAN 1 LOVE
Ida Luplno
Robert Alda
Andrea King
Bruce Bennett
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
H| (125) Dra-Mus 612
HUMORESQUE
Joan Crawford
John Garfield
Oscar Levant
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
[5] (88) M’drama 613
THE BEAST WITH
FIVE FINGERS
Robert Alda
Andrea King
Peter Lorre
Victor Francen
J. Carrol Naish
R— Nov 30— PG-766
HH (111) Drama 614
NORA PRENTISS
Ann Sheridan
Kent Smith
Bruce Bennett
Robert Alda
Rosemary DeCamp
R— Feb. 8— PG-787
(74) Rom-Dr
Vog
POSTMASTER’S
§ DAUGHTER
R— Sept. 7 — PG-749
Uh ^
(105) Comedy
Azteca
AH I ESTA EL
DETALLE
Cantinflas
R— Sept. 7— PG-750
(105) Musical
SOTA CABALLO Y REY
R— Sept. 7— PG-750
(105) Drama
A <7 fppq
HASTA QUE PERDIO
JALISCO
Jorge Negrete
R— Oct. 5— PG-755
(112) Drama
Siritzky-IntT
WELL-DIGGER’S
DAUGHTER
Raimu-Fernandel
R— Oct. 5 — PG-756
(107) War-Dr
Artkino
TURNING POINT
R— Nov. 9 — PG-763
(60) Docum.
Brandt-Chapel
STORY OF THE POPE
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
(162) Drama
Tricolor
CHILDREN OF
PARADISE
R— Jan. 4 — PG-778
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide
May 24, 1947
EPUBLIC ^ SCREEN GUILD* 20TH-F0X UNITED ARTISTS* UNIV. INT'I
20TH -FOX ^SCREEN GUILD
FEATURE CHART
I MARCH 1
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
(82) Mys-Dr 832
MR. DISTRICT
ATTORNEY
Dennis O'Keefe
I Marguerite Chapman
Adolphe Menjou
Michael O’Shea
R— Jan. 11— PG-779
MARCH 8
MARCH 15
Reprint
III (116) Drama 713
BOOM TOWN
| Clark Gable
Spencer Tracy
I Hedy Lamarr
_j (54) Wertern 751
| LAW OF THE LASH
A1 LaRue
A1 “Fuzzy" St. John
R— Mar. 8 — PQ-799
i Group 4
(67) Mus-Dr
I BEAT THE BAND
I Frances Langford
] Ralph Edwards
Phillip Terry
Gene Krupa
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
718
[U (66) Mystery
THIRTEENTH HOUR
Richard Dix
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
[|] (54) Western 8 66
LONE HAND TEXAN
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
(112) Drama 716
yTHE BEGINNING OR
THE END
Robert Walker
Tom Drake
Brian Donlevy
Audrey Totter
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
[t] (77) Comedy 4607
EASY COME, EASY GO
Barry Fitzgerald
Diana Lynn
Sonny Tufts
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
MARCH 22
ID (64) Drama 613
FALL GUY
Cliff Penn
Teala Loring
Robert Armstrong
R— Mar. 8— PG-800
m (67) Drama 701
hiVIL ON WHEELS
oreen Nash
Darryl Hickman
Jan Ford
James Cardwell
R — Feb. 8 — PG-788
Group 4
(63) Drama 719
THE DEVIL THUMBS
A RIDE
Lawrence Tierney
Ted North
-Mar. 8— PG-797
Rerelease
(106) Mus-Dr 709
ALEXANDER’S RAG-
TIME BAND
Tyrone Power
Alice Faye
Don Ameche
Ethel Merman
Reissue
(81) Outdoor- Drama
WHEN THE DALTONS
RODE
Randolph Scott
Kay Francis
U) (68) Com-Mus 605
HIE GHOST GOES WILD
James Ellison
Anne Gwynne
Edward Everett Horton
Ruth Donnelly
Stephanie Bachelor
R— Apr. 12— PG-810
[*] (118) Drama
THE PRIVATE AFFAIRS
OF BEL AMI
George Sander*
Angela Lansbury
Ann Dvorak
R— Mar. 1— PG-793
(106) Dra-Mus 608
©SONG OF
SCHEHERAZADE
Yvonne De Carlo
Brian Donlevy
Jean Pierre Aumont
Eve Arden
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
][] (101) M’drama 615
PURSUED
Teresa Wright
Robert Mitchum
Judith Anderson
Dean Jagger
Alan Hale
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
[It] (54) Western 745
RANGE BEYOND
THE BLUE
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
Eagle-Lion
n] (98) Drama 103
ADVENTURESS
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
Group 4
(94) Com-Dr
THE FARMER’S
DAUGHTER
Loretta Young
Joseph Cotten
Ethel Barrymore
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
716
go] (70) Drama
MILLIE’S DAUGHTER
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
(95) Mys-Dr
JOHNNY O’CLOCK
Dick Powell
Evelyn Keyes
It— Jan. 18— PG-781
HU (71) Drama 6
THE GUILTY
Bonita Granville
Don Castle
John Lltel
R— Mar. 22— PG-804
SUDDENLY IT’S
SPRING
Paulette Goddard
Fred MacMurray
Macdonald Carey
Arleen Whelan
R— Feb. 16— PG-789
UNTAMED FURY
R— Apr. 5— PG-808
Reissue
KIT CARSON
D. Andrews-J. Hall
Rerelease
(60) Western HC07
MJSTLER’S VALLEY
William Boyd
George Hayes
Russell Hayden
(66) Drama
BACKLASH
Jean Rogers
Richard Travis
Larry Blake
John Eldredge
Leonard Strong
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
711
IB] (93) Comedy
FUN ON A WEEKEND
Eddie Bracken
Priscilla Lane
(103) Drama
SMASH-UP
Lee Bowman
Susan Hayward
Marsha Hunt
Eddie Albert
Carl Esmond
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
609
[22] (90) Musica
HIT PARADE OF 1947
E. Albert-C. Moore
R— May 3— PG-816
©BELLS OF SAN
ANGELO
Roy Rogers-Dale Evans )
(89) Drama
THE MACOMBER
AFFAIR
Gregory Peck
Joan Bennett
Robert Preston
R— Jan 25— PG-784
(103) Drama 611
©STAIRWAY TO
HEAVEN
David Niven-Kim Hunter
R— Dee. 21— PG-773
Reissue
(94) Outdoor-Drama
DESTRY RIDES AGAIN
Dietrich-Stewart
MARCH 29
APRIL 5 |
[27] (57) Western
WEST OF DODGE CITY
R— Mar. 29 — PG-806
§7] (79) Outdr-Dr 809
KING OF THE WILD
HORSES
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
[T] (103) Musleal 718
t*HT HAPPENED IN
BROOKLYN
Frank Sinatra
Jimmy Durante
Kathryn Grayson
Peter Lawford
R— Mar. 8— PG-797
6 [29] (58) Western 676
TRAILING DANGER
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Peggy Wynne
[FJ (65) Western 684
SIX GUN SERENADE
Jimmy Wakely
Lee “Lasses” White
) [28] (72) Drama 4620
SEVEN WERE SAVED
Richard Denning
Catherine Craig
Russell Hayden
R— Mar. 1— PG-795
|T| (88) Comedy 4609
MY FAVORITE
BRUNETTE
Bob Hope
Dorothy Lamour
Peter Lorre
Lon Chaney
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
2 Eagle-Lion
(74) Drama 104
LOST HONEYMOON
Franchot Tone
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
Reissue
g <94> We*1*”1 732
LAST OF THE
MOHICANS
[5J (64) Drama 715
THREE ON A TICKET
Hugh Beaumont
Cheryl Walker
Paul Bryar
Ralph Dunn
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
Group 4
(84) Western 717
TRAIL STREET
Randolph Scott
Robert Ryan
Anne Jeffreys
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
.
|T1 (71) West-Mus 683
TWILIGHT ON THE
RIO GRANDE
Gene Autry
Adele Mara
Sterling Holloway
It— Apr. 19— PG-811
l
T] (58) Outdoor 664
HOMESTEADERS OF
PARADISE VALLEY
Allan Lane
R— Apr. 26— PG-813
7] (71) Com-Dr 611
YANKEE FAKIR
R— Apr. 12— PG-810
n (69) Outdr-Dr 4614
BELLS OF SAN
FERNANDO
Donald Woods \
Gloria Warren j
R— Apr. 5— PG-807 c
(95) Musical 710 T
©CARNIVAL IN COSTA 1
RICA
Dick Haymes p
Vera-Ellen .
Cesar Romero
Celeste Holm r
R— Mar. 29— PG-805 j
[5] (60) Western
UNEXPECTED GUEST
William Boyd
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
(70) West Dr 610
©MICHIGAN KID
Jon Hall
Victor McLaglen
Rita Johnson
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
(78) Comedy 612 R
BUCK PRIVATES
COME HOME Y
Bud Abbott
Lou Costello V
Tom Brown E
loan Fulton C
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
I29] (84) Com-Dr 616
THAT WAY WITH
WOMEN
Dane Clark
Martha Vickers
Sydney Greenstreet
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
S
R
A
Z
R
APRIL 12
APRIL 19
[To] (67) Comedy 808
BLONDIE’S HOLIDAY
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
Larry Simms
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
[HI (92) Drama
LITTLE MR. JIM
Butch Jenkins
James Craig
Frances Gifford
R— June 15— PG-729
719
(72) Drama
VIOLENCE
Nancy Coleman
Michael O’Shea
R— Apr. 19— PG-812
615
(61) Western 746
(62) Mystery 707
GAMBLE
(57) Western 720
(98)
Drama 712
APLEY
(73) Comedy 2793
HONEST MAN
-Mar. 29— PG-805
(83) Drama 836
THE GUILT OF JANET
AMES
Rosalind Russell
Melvyn Douglas
Sid Caesar
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
Allied Artists
(116) Comedy
IT HAPPENED ON
FIFTH AVENUE
Don DeFore
Ann Harding
Victor Moore
R— Feb. 8— PG-788
Plne-Thomas Prod.
||] (72) Drama 4621
FEAR IN THE NIGHT
Paul Kelly
Kay Scott
DeForest Kelley
Ann Doran
R— Mar. 1— PG-795
702
19] (63) Drama
THE BIG FIX
ames Brown-Sheila Ryan
R— May 12— PG-817
Group 5
(72) Adventure 723
TARZAN AND THE
HUNTRESS
Johnny Weissmuller
Brenda Joyce
John Sheffield
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
Ijj] (66) Outdr-Dr 4613
BUFFALO BILL RIDES
AGAIN
Richard Arlen
Jennifer Holt
R— Apr. 5 — PG-807
(76) Drama
SAN DEMETRIO,
LONDON
Walter Fitzgerald
Mervyn Johns
Ralph Michael
Robert Beatty
Charles Victor
R— Apr. 5— PG-808
714
19] (89) Musical
NEW ORLEANS
Arturo de Cordova
Dorothy Patrick
R— May 3— PG-815
Reissue
(78) Drama 279-
STOLE A MILLION
George Raft
Claire Trevor
Victor Jory
li
O d
1— 1 X
W 3
w
0)
A C
P 3
Ijh
(80) Drama
Lopert
MAN’S HOPE
R— Jan. 11— PG-779
(89) Operetta
Saga
QUEEN FOR A NIGHT
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
(93) Mus-Dr
Saga
APPASSIONATA
Viveca Lindfors
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
(85) Drama
West. Hem.
CLANDESTINE
R— Jan. 18— PG-781
(80) Fant-Dr
Distinguished
DEVIL’S HAND
R— Jan. 18— PG-781
(89) Fant-Com
Vog Film
FRANCIS THE FIRST
Femandel
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
(112) Melodrama
Azteca
ROSALINDA
Maria Antonieta Pons
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
(88) Fantasy
Artkino
©STONE FLOWER
R— Feb. 8— PG-788
8
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide
May 24, 1947
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
APRIL 26
MAY 3
MAY 10
(82) Drama
RAMED
.enn Ford-Janis Carter
—Mar. 8— PC-798
4] (59) Western
AW OF THE CANYON
tarrett-Burnette
[T] (69) Drama
FOR THE LOVE OF
RUSTY
Ted Donaldson
Tom Powers
Ann Doran
(77) Outdr Drama
©LAST OF TH’ REDMEN
Jon Hall
Michael O’Shea
Evelyn Ankers
| (131) Drama 720
EA OF GRASS
oencer Tracy !
atharine Hepburn
obert Walker
elvyn Douglas
—Feb. 15— PG-790
U] (91) Drama 721
HIGH BARBAREE
Van Johnson
June Allyson
Claude Jarman jr.
Thomas Mitchell
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
6] (59) Western 671
\ND OF THE LAWLESS
hnny Mack Brown
Reissue
T] (73) Drama
QUEEN OF THE YUKON
Charles Bickford
ioj (63) Melodrama 616
HARD BOILED
MAHONEY
Leo Gcrcey
Bowery Boys
Teala Loring
R— May 3— PG-816 ;
| (97) Drama 4610
^PERFECT LADY
ay Milland
sresa Wright
rginia Field
r Cedric Hardwlcke
-Mar. 15— PG-802
[2] (91) Drama 4611
BLAZE OF NOON
Anne Baxter |
William Holden
Sonny Tufts
William Bendix
Sterling Hayden
R— Mar. 8— PG-797
j] (38-39) Westerns
X BRONCO 1
BUCKAROO REISSUES
with Buster Crabbe and
Fuzzy St. John
with Tex O’Brien and
Jim Newhill
10] (55) Western 752
BORDER FEUD
A1 LaRue
A1 “Fuzzy” St. John
R— May 24— PG-822
Group 5
(89) Comedy 724
A LIKELY STORY
Barbara Hale
Bill Williams
R— Apr. 19— PG-812
Group 5
(68) Musical 725
BANJO ;
Sharyn Moffett
Jacqueline White
Walter Reed
Una O’Connor
R— Apr. 26— PG-814
5] (66) Drama 612
POILERS OF THE
NORTH
aul Kelly
drian Booth
relyn Ankers
—May 12— PG-817
erelease
j| (71) Western HC09
ARTNERS OF THE
PLAINS
’illiam Boyd
arvey Clark
ussell Hayden
[3] (65) Horror-Dr 4608
©SCARED TO DEATH
Bela Lugosi
Joyce Compton
Rerelease !
[lo] (59) Western HC10
CASSIDY OF BAR 20
William Boyd
Russell Hayden
Frank Darien
[3] (94) Out’r-Dr
RAMROD
Joel McCrea
Veronica Lake
Don DeFore
Donald Crisp
R— Mar. 1— PO-793
[To| (65) Drama j
ADVENTURES OF DON
COYOTE
Richard Martin
Frances Rafferty
R— May 3— PG-815
(88) Drama 614
TIME OUT OF MIND
Phyllis Calvert
Robert Hutton
Ella Raines
R— Mar. 22— PG-804
( . . ) Drama
THE WEB
Edmund O’Brien
Ella Raines i
William Bendix
leissues:
26] (109) Drama 618
’HE SEA HAWK
irrol Flynn-Claude Rains
2e] (87) Drama 619
HE SEA WOLF
idward G. Robinson
da Lupino-John Garfielr
(83) Comedy 620
LOVE AND LEARN
Jack Carson
Robert Hutton
Martha Vickers
Janis Paige
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
g g> (HO)
Q 3 BEFORE
Sj tJl ROME
t-\ (3 Anna Mag
^ 0 R— Mar.
M* i-4
Mus-Dr (87) Mus-Com
Superfilm T.onert
TRFMRlVn CAGE °F
TREMBLED NIGHTINGALES
nan1 R— Mar. 8 — PG-800
8 — PG-800
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 24, 1947
MAY 17
BULLDOG DRUMMOND
AT BAY
Comedy 722
COLLEGE
(60) Drama 716
Group 5
16] (92) Drama 722
BORN TO KILL
R— Apr. 26— PG-814
MAY 24
( . . ) Outdr Drama
GUN FIGHTERS
Randolph Scott
Barbara Britton
Bruce Cabot
Reprint
(103) Musical 723
THE GREAT WALTZ
Luise Rainer
Fernand Gravet
( . . ) Western
LAW COMES TO
GUNSIGHT
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
(48) Drama
©THUNDERBOLT
James Stewart
[23[ (60) M'drama 4622
BIG TOWN
Philip Reed
Hillary Brooke
Robert Lowery
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
Reissues
H! (111) Drama 733
CORSICAN BROTHERS
Douglas Fairbanks jr.
Akim Tarairoff
|24| (102) Drama 71
INTERNATIONAL LAD
G. Brent-I. Massey
(74) Comedy
HONEYMOON
Shirley Temple
Guy Madison
Franchot Tone
R— Apr. 19— PG-812
721
(58) Out’dr-Dr 665
OREGON TRAIL SCOUTS
Allan Lane-Bobby Blake
R— May 24— PG-821
17] (71) Drama 614
INTER WONDERLAND
16] (66) Drama 609
©THAT’S MY GAL
17] (60) Drama 4615
SHOOT TO KILL
Russell Wade
Susan Walters
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
17] (85) Drama
DISHONORED LADY
Hedy Lamarr
Dennis O’Keefe
lohn Loder
R— Apr. 26— PG-813
( . . ) Drama
©VIGILANTES RETURN
Jon Hall
Margaret Lindsay
(59) Western
'JGEROUS VENTUI
William Boyd
Andy Clyde
R— Mar. 1— PG-793
Reissue
(101) Drama
MAGNIFICENT
OBSESSION
Irene Dunne
Robert Taylor
Humphrey Bogart
Barbara Stanwyck
Alexis Smith
R— Mar. 29— PG-80S
MAY 31
JUNE 7
j29| (72) Mystery
THE MILLERSON CASE
Warner Baxter
Nancy Saunders
|29| (54) Western
PRAIRIE RAIDERS
Starrett-Burnette
^ ( . . ) Western
SONG OF THE
WASTELAND
Jimmy Wakely
Lee "Lasses” White
§5] (83) M’drama 4612
CALCUTTA
Alan Ladd
William Bendix
Gail Russell
R— Apr. 19— PG-811
|sH (63) Drama 717
KILLER AT LARGE
Robert Lowery
Anabel Shaw
Tj (10) Drama 703 [
STEPCHILD
Brenda Joyce '
Donald Woods
T] (99) Com*Dr 613
THAT’S MY MAN
Don Ameche
Catherine McLeod
R— Apr. 12— PG-810
[t] (60) Outdr-Dr 4616
BUSH PILOT
Rochelle Hudson i
Jack LaRue
||ij (92) Musical
COPACABANA
Oroucho Marx
Carmen Miranda
Andy Russell
Gloria Jean
Reissue
! (84) Mus-Dr
100 MEN AND A GIRL
Deanna Durbin
Leopold Stokowski
Adolphe Menjou
1
JUNE 14
j] (64) Mystery
HILO VANCE
RETURNS
—May 3— PG-815
(58) Drama 616]
Rerelease
(68) Western HC11
HEART OF ARIZONA
William Boyd
George Hayes
Russell Hayden
(85) Drama
A.F.E.
ANGEL AND SINNER
R— Mar. 8— PG-800
(90) Comedy
Distinguished
HER FIRST AFFAIR
Danielle Darrleux
Louis Jourdan
R— Mar. 15— PG-881
(95) Drama
Oxford
TORMENT
R— May 10— PG-818
(110) Opera-Com
Exelsior
BARBER OF SEVILLE
Ferruccio Tagliavini
R— May 10— PG-817
MONOGRAM T PARAMOUNT
REVIEW DIGEST
V
and Alphabetical Picture Guide Index
A
767 Abie’s Irish Rose (96) UA
.11-30-46
+
_
HH
4-
H;
4+ 6-
780 Duel in the Sun (140) SRO
. 1-11-47
-H-
+
44
44
+
+
9+
815 Adventures of Don Coyote (66) UA.
. 5- 3-47
+
44
5+ 2-
E
801 Adventuress, The (98) E-L
. 3-15-47
+
H;
44
44
44
9+ 2-
746 Earl Carroll Sketchbook (90) Rep..
. 8-24-46
H-
^H
+
+
-H
2*2
+
7+ 4-
766 Affairs of Geraldine (68) Rep
.11-30-46
H^
Sj" 6
785 Easy Come, Easy Go. (77) Para....
. 2- 1-47
H^
H-
±2
^H
+
2*2
7+ 6-
777 Alias Mr. Twilight (69) Col
. 1- 4-47
2*2
2*2
-4
44
6+ 3-
808 Egg and 1, The (108) U-l
. 4- 5-47
+
+
+
+
44
+
+
9+
796 Angel and the Badman (100) Rep..
. 3- 1-47
+
2*2
+
-4
-4
44
H;
8+ 2-
F
754 Angel on My Shoulder (101) UA...
. 9-28-46
+
+
44
-4
+
44
-4
9+
794 Fabulous Dorseys, The (90) UA..
. 3- 1-47
+
^H
+
6+ 4-
803 Apache Rose (75) Rep
. 3-22-47
+
-4
Hh
+
5+ 2-
775 Fabulous Suzanne, The (71) RKO.
.12-28-46
H-
-H
-H
-H
-H
-H
6+ 7-
790 Arnelo Affair, The (86) MGM
. 2-15-47
+
+
+
-4
Hu
&4 2-
775 Falcon’s Adventure, The (61) RKO.
.12-28-46
HH
^H
+
2*2
2*2
7+ 6-
B
800 Fall Guy (64) Mono
. 3- 8-47
HH
-H
+
2*2
6+ 5-
752 Bachelor's Daughters, The (90) UA.
. 9-14-46
H;
+
+
44
+
H;
•4
84- 2-
792 Farmer's Daughter, The (94) RKO
. 2-22-47
+
+
+
+
+
44
+
8+
805 Backlash (66) 20-Fox
. 3-29-47
H;
dr
H;
H^
84 6-
795 Fear in the Night (71) Para
. 3- 1-47
+
+
+
+
2*2
2+2
7+ 3-
814 Banjo (67) RKO
. 4-26-47
2*2
2*2
H^
5+ 5-
Fighting Frontiersman, The (61)
Col
HH
1+ 1-
766 Beast With Five Fingers, The (88)
758 Fool's Gold (63) UA
;H
+
+
5+ 3-
WB
.11-30-46
2*2
+
jh
5+ 6-
For the Love of Rusty (69) Col.. . .
-+
2*2
-H
3+ 3-
794 Beat the Band (67) RKO
. 3- 1-47
HH
2*2
H;
6+ 6-
798 Framed (80) Col
. 3- 8-47
+
+
2*2
+
6+ 3-
Beauty and the Bandit (71) Mono
Hh
2+ 2-
Fun on a Weekend (96) UA
+
+
+
44
5+
786 Bedelia (95) E-L
. 2- 1-47
+
+
H;
-4
54- 2-
G
794 Beginning or the End, The (112) MGM 3- 1-47
44
+
44
-4
44
-4
44
11-4
784 Gallant Bess (101) MGM
.. 1-25-47
H^
+
+
+
+
2*2
7+ 3-
807 Bells of San Fernando (74) SG . .
. 4- 5-47
2*2
2*2
H^
3+ 4-
752 Gallant Journey (86) Col
. . 9-14-46
HH
H-
+
2*2
+
2*2
7+%—
755 Below the Deadline (65) Mono....
.10- 5-46
±
+
2*2
±
7+ 6-
759 Gas House Kids (68) PRC
■ .10-19-46
H1
HH
Hr
2*2
H-
6+ 6-
769 Best Years of Our Lives, The (172)
741 Genius at Work (62) RKO
. . 8-10-46
H-
—
-H
-H
qz
H-
—
5+ 8-
RKO
44
44
4+
44
44
44
44
14+
753 Gentleman Joe Palooka (72) Mono.
. . 9-28-46
±
^H
±2
2+2
+
5+ 4-
767 Betty Co-Ed (71) Col
.11-30-46
2*2
H;
-4
H;
H;
6+ 5-
810 Ghost Goes Wild, The (66) Rep...
. . 4-12-47
HH
ip
5+ 5-
817 Big Fix, The (63) PRC
. 5-10-47
+
-4
5+ 3-
812 Ginger (67) Mono
. . 4-19-47
H-
H-
H-
-H
4+ 4-
744 Big Sleep, The (114) WB
. 8-17-46
+
44
4+
-4
-4
44
+
10+
746 G.l. War Brides (69) Rep
. . 8-24-46
+
HH
2*2
+
HH
7+ 5—
791 Big Town (60) Para
2*2
H;
2*2
H;
H;
6+ 6-
807 Great Expectations (115) U-l ... .
. . 4- 5-47
+
-H-
44
44
44
9+
741 Black Angel (80) U-l
. 8-10-46
2*2
H;
-4
-4
44
8+ 4-
798 Guilt of Janet Ames, The (81) Col.
.. 3- 8-47
+
±
+
+
5+ 2-
737 Black Beauty (74) 20-Fox
. 7-20-46
2*2
H-
-4
-4
+
Hu
7+ 4-
804 Guilty, The (71) Mono
. . 3-22-47
+
+
+
2*2
4+ 1-
797 Blaze of Noon (90) Para
. 3- 8-47
2*2
dr
+
HH
-4
+
+
7+ 3-
H
787 Blind Spot (73) Col
. 2- 8-47
-E
2*2
-4
-4
H-
5+ 3-
816 Hard-Boiled Mahoney (63) Mono.
. . 5- 3-47
■±2
—
2+ 3-
742 Blonde for a Day (68) PRC
. 8-10-46
HH
2*2
Hr
H-
H-
6+ 6-
745 Heading West (54) Col
. . 8-24-46
■±2
—
+
2+ 2-
755 Blondie Knows Best (69) Col
.10- 5-46
+
HH
+
-4
H;
64- 3-
777 Heldorado (70) Rep
. . 1- 4-47
•±2
+
-H
2*2
+
5+ 3-
773 Blondie's Big Moment (69) Col....
.12-21-46
2*2
2*2
dr
-h
4+ 4-
753 Her Sister’s Secret (86) PRC....
. . 9-28-46
^H
+
+
+
2*2
7+ 4-
798 Blondie's Holiday (67) Col
. 3- 8-47
2*2
2*2
Hh
~h
5+ 5-
801 High Barbaree (92) MGM
. . 3-15-47
+
+
44
44
8+ 2-
754 Blue Skies (102) Para.
. 9-28-46
44
44
44
44
-4
44
44
13+
804 High Conquest (83) Mono
. . 3-22-47
+
+
+
+
2±2
5+ 1-
786 Boomerang (88) 20-Fox
. 2- 1-47
+
-H-
44
+
-4
44
44
11+
745 High School Hero (74) Mono
. . 8-24-46
+
-+-
H-
2*2
HH
HH
7+ 6-
Border Feud (. .) PRC
H-
1+ 1-
816 Hit Parade of 1947 (90) Rep
. . 5- 3-47
+
+
+
+
6+ 2-
814 Born to Kill (92) RKO
. 4-26-47
H^
2*2
2*2
H;
Hh
H;
H;
7+ 7-
740 Holiday in Mexico (128) MGM..
. . 7-27-46
-H-
4+
44
44
44
44
44
14+
783 Born to Speed (59) PRC
. 1-25-47
-4-
H-
H-
H-
H-
H-
7+ 7-
763 Home in Oklahoma (72) Rep
. .11- 9-46
+
±2
2±2
2*2
5+ 4—
772 Boston Blackie and the Law (69) Col
.12-14-46
dr
H^
+
H;
H^
H-
6+ 5-
740 Home Sweet Homicide (90) 20-Fox
. . 7-27-46
+
+
+
+
+
44
+
8+
742 Bowery Bombshell (65) Mono
. 8-10-46
dr
2*2
H“
HH
-h
7+ 7-
813 Homesteaders of Paradise Valley (58)
790 Brasher Doubloon, The (72) 20-Fox.
. 2-15-47
+
2*2
-H
-4
H;
H;
6+ 4-
Rep
+
2*2
3+ 2-
748 Brief Encounter (85) U-l
. 8-31-46
2*2
+
-4
44
44
7+ 1-
814 Homestretch, The (106) 20-Fox..
. 4-26-47
+
44
+
8+ 3-
759 Bringing Up Father (68) Mono....
.10-19-46
2+2
2*2
HH
H;
+
6+ 5-
812 Honeymoon (74) RKO
. 4-19-47
+
^H
—
±2
HH
+
5+ 4-
761 Brute Man, The (58) PRC
.11- 2-46
2*2
dr
—
=:
4+ 7-
Hoppy’s Holiday (60) UA
2*2
2+ 2-
802 Buck Privates Come Home (78) U-l.
. 3-15-47
4+
■±
-4
-4
44
H;
H-
9+ 3—
776 Humoresque (125) WB
.12-28-46
+
+
44
44
+
44
44
11+
807 Buffalo Bill Rides Again (70) SG..
. 4- 5-47
—
—
2-
I
818 Bulldog Drummond at Bay (70) Col. 5-10-47
H;
2+ 2-
795 1 Cover Big Town (63) Para
. 3- 1-47
+
2±
H—
2*2
6+ 5-
c
756 1 Know Where I’m Going (91) U-l
.10- 5-46
^H
2*2
2+ 2-
744 Caesar and Cleopatra (126) UA...
. 8-17-46
44
+
+
44
H;
44
-4
10+ 1-
750 If I’m Lucky (78) 20-Fox
. 9- 7-46
+
+
2*2
2*2
;H
7+ 5-
811 Calcutta (83) Para
. 4-19-47
2*2
HH
+
H;
44
Hh
-4
8+ 4-
783 I’ll Be Yours (83) U-l
. 1-25-47
HH
+
2±2
2*2
+
^H
7+ 5-
789 Calendar Girl (88) Rep
. 2-15-47
2*2
H;
H-
2*2
Hh
H;
-4
7+ 6—
802 Imperfect Lady, The (97) Para...
. 3-15-47
,+f
^H
^H
+
-H
+
7+ 3-
744 California (97) Para
.12-21-46
+
HH
2*2
-4
44
-4
44
9+ 2-
746 Invisible Informer, The (57) Rep.. .
. 8-24-46
—
2±
—
—
HH
4+ 7-
740 Canyon Passage (92) U-l
. 7-27-46
+
2*2
2*2
+
+
44
44
9+ 2-
797 It Happened in Brooklyn (103) MGM 3- 8-47
4t
+
+
44
44
+
+
10+
816 Captive Heart, The (87) U-l
. 5- 3-47
HH
HH
-4
H;
44
6+ 3-
788 It Happened on Fifth Avenue (116)
797 Carnegie Hall (136) UA
. 3- 8-47
2*2
+
44
44
44
44
11+ 2-
Allied Artists
. 2- 8-47
++
-H-
+
44
+
+
9+
805 Carnival in Costa Rica (96) 20-Fox.
3-29-47
H;
2*2
-4
-4
+
-4
Uh
7+ 3-
783 It’s a Joke, Son (63) E-L
. 1-25-47
+
—
+
2*2
4+ 3-
759 Chase, The (86) UA
.10-19-46
+
HH
Hh
Hu
+
5+ 3-
774 It’s a Wonderful Life (132) RKO
.12-21-46
+
4+
44
44
44
44
44
13+
813 Cheyenne (100) WB
4-26-47
-H-
2*2
+
-4
44
-4
8+ 1-
749 It’s Great to Be Young (63) Col. . .
. 9- 7-46
H-
—
2*2
2*2
H-
5+ 6-
760 Child of Divorce (62) RKO
.10-19-46
+
H~
2*2
2*2
+
-4
H;
7+ 4-
749 I've Always Loved You (117) Rep.
. 9- 7-46
+
HH
+
+
44
+
8+ 2-
789 Cigarette Girl (67) Col
2-15-47
HH
HH
2t
H^
Hu
-h
6+ 6-
J
740 Claudia and David (78) 20-Fox...
7-27-46
+
+
+
+
+
44
44
9+
811 Jewels of Brandenburg (65) 20-Fox
. 4-19-47
+
HH
2t
4+ 3 —
752 Cloak and Dagger (106) WB
9-14-46
-H-
44
+
-4
44
44
-4
11+
781 Johnny O'clock (95) Col
. 1-18-47
-H
+
+
±2
+
+
44
8+ 2-
799 Code of the West (57) RKO
3- 8-47
+
2*2
H;
6-f 5 —
753 Jolson Story, The (128) Col
. 9-28-46
4t
44
44
44
44
44
44
14+
776 Crime Doctor's Manhunt (61) Col..
12-28-46
2*2
+
—
-4
Hu
H;
6+ 5-
795 Jungle Flight (67) Para
. 3- 1-47
+
HH
rH
~
6+ 6-
742 Criminal Court (62) RKO
8-10-46
HH
Hh
H-
+
+
84 4-
K
765 Cross My Heart (83) Para
11-23-46
+
2*2
Hu
H-
^h
—
-4
6+ 5-
819 Killer Dill (72) SG
. 5-17-47
+
+
3+ 1-
739 Cuban Pete (61) U-l
7-27-46
-+■
H;
-4
6+ 5-
743 Killers, The (102) U-l
. 8-17-46
+
44
+
+
+
+
H^
8+ 1-
819 Cynthia (102) MGM
5-17-47
44
+
+
44
6+
803 King of the Wild Horses (79) Col..
T.
. 3-22-47
^H
+
2*2
5+ 4-
D
796 Danger Street (66) Para
3- 1-47
rp
H;
Hh
H;
Hh
6+ 6-
780 Ladies' Man (91) Para
. 1-11-47
+
^H
+
2*2
2*2
HH
7+ 5-
771 Dangerous Millions (68) 20-Fox. . .
12-14-46
-±
2*2
2*2
-4
^h
Hh
7+ 8-
Lady Chaser (74) PRC
HH
2+ 2-
758 Dangerous Money (66) Mono
10-12-46
+
HH
dr
Hh
5+ 5-
766 Lady in the Lake (103) MGM
.11-30-46
+
+
+
+
44
+
+
8+
793 Dangerous Venture (59) UA
3- 1-47
H;
-H
+
+
5+ 3-
739 Lady Luck (97) RKO . v
. 7-27-46
+
+
^H
+
+
+
+
7+ 1-
809 Dark Delusion (90) MGM
4-12-47
+
HU
+
uh
6+ 4-
757 Lady Surrenders, A (113) U-l
.10-12-46
-±
2*2
2+ 2-
738 Dark Horse, The (59) U-l
7-20-46
—
HU
H-
_
H;
3+ 5-
Land of the Lawless (..) Mono....
H-
1+ 1-
758 Dark Mirror, The (85) U-l
10-12-46
+
+
2*2
-4
44
44
-4
9+ 1-
746 Last Crooked Mile, The (67) Rep..
. 8-24-46
±:
2*2
7+ 7-
781 Dead Reckoning (100) Col
1-18-47
+
+
-4
-4
+
+
-4
7+
Last Frontier Uprising (67) Rep.. . .
2*2
1+ 1-
760 Deception (112) WB
10-19-46
+
2*b
+
-4
+
-4
-4
7+ 1-
788 Late George Apley, The (98) 20-Fox 2- 8-47
+
+
+
+
+
+
44
8+
751 Decoy (76) Mono
9-14-46
2*2
2*2
-4
+
+
—
-4
6+ 3-
799 Law of the Lash (54) PRC
. 3- 8-47
•±
H-
-H
H-
5+ 5-
820 Desperate (73) RKO
5-17-47
+
2*2
2*2
3+ 2-
Lighthouse (74) PRC
1+ 1-
788 Devil on Wheels (67) PRC
2- 8-47
2*2
H;
44
^h
7+ 5-
812 Likely Story. A (88) RKO
. 4-19-47
—
+
±2
44
5+ 3-
797 Devil Thumbs a Ride, The (63) . . . .
3- 8-47
+
2*2
+
-4
H;
H;
H;
7+ 4-
759 Little Iodine (57) UA
.10-19-46
^H
H-
—
2±2
+
6+ 5-
753 Devil's Playground, The (60) UA
9-28-46
2*2
+
Hu
Hh
H^
5+ 4-
750 Little Miss Big (61) U-l
. 9- 7-46
-H
HH
T-
—
+
5+ 5—
765 Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (62) RKO
11- 9-46
2*2
+
2*2
Hh
—
6+ 6-
Little Miss Broadway (..) Col
HH
1+ 1-
Dick Tracy’s Dilemma (60) RKO..
2*2
2*2
+
3+ 2-
774 Locket. The (85 RKO
.12-21-46
+
4
44
+
+
44
9+ 1-
813 Dishonored Lady (86) UA
4-26-47
+
2*2
Hu
+
44
6+ 2-
799 Lone Hand Texan. The (57) Col....
3- 8-47
2*2
2*2
4+ 4-
Don Ricardo Returns (78) PRC
T
1+ 1-
777 Lone Star Moonlight (67) Col
1- 4-47
—
14- 1-
757 Driftin’ River (55) PRC 10-12-46
H;
-h
H^
4+ 4-
780 Lone Wolf in Mexico (70) Col
1-11-47
^H
HH
2*2
2*2
4+ 4-
An interpretative analysis of opinions deduced from the language of lay
and trade press reviews. The plus and minus signs indicate the degree
of favor or disfavor of the review. This department serves also as an
ALPHABETICAL INDEX to feature releases. Numeral preceding title is
Picture Guide Review page number. In parentheses after title is running
time. Date following distributor is BOXOFFICE review date. Listings cover
current reviews. It is brought up to date regularly. The meaning of the
various signs and their combinations is as follows:
++ Very Good; + Good; — Fair; + Mediocre; — Poor; — Very Poor.
In the summary ft is rated as 2 pluses; = as 2 minuses.
A „
E
HI
£
G. Patje
<p
1-
c
c
c
o
3
•a
5
1
o
X
o
'Z. o
(3 S'
>»
*3
'cc
a
E
ollywood
epcrter
c
c
lew York
laily New;
>.
1
E
IX
CD
«
h-
E
c
3
o
3
£
■a
5
a>
<E|
o
8
C
o
E |
>»
s
’ro
Q
E
■a
is
o S
*lo C
g'S
^ |
n
&
ra
E
E
a.
l-
X
a
K
m
XK
>
Lu
XX
cn
h-
X
O
X
00
XX
>
c.
XX
a.2E
SEQ
m
801 Lost Honeymoon (71) E-L
3-15-47
±
2+2
+
+
tt
tt
8+ 2-
I 806 Love and Learn (85) WB
3-29-47
±
2+2
-+2
2+
—
•+■
5+ 6-
i 769 Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (93)
MGM
.12- 7-46
Hh
±
+
2+
F1
tt
2+2
8+ 5-
M
794 Macomber Affair, The (90) UA
1-25-47
+
2+2
F1
+
+
2+2
tt
8+ 3-
Magic Bow, The (. .) U-l
—
+
1+ 1-
|J'766 Magnificent Doll, The (94) U-l....
11-23-46
+
2+2
+
+
+
tt
tt
9+ 1-
803 Magnificent Rogue, The (75) Rep...
3-22-47
-h
+
F1
3+ 2-
776 Man 1 Love, The (96) WB
12-28-46
2+2
+
2+2
F1
+
2+
7+ 5-
1 760 Margie (94) 20-Fox
10-19-46
+
■ft
+
+
+
tt
tt
10+
K792 Michigan Kid (70) U-l
2-22-47
Hh
2+2
2+2
2+2
F1
F1
2+
7+ 7-
■809 Mighty McGurk, The (85) MGM...
4-12-47
+
2+2
+
+
+
+
2+2
7+ 2-
Millerson Case, The (72) Col
F1
1+ 1-
798 Millie’s Daughter (70) Col
3- 8-47
H;
2+2
+
—
2+2
4+ 4-
K818 Miracle on 34th Street (96)
20- Fox
-H-
■ft
tt
tt
tt
10+
■748 Mister Ace (84) UA
8-31-46
+
2+2
2+_
+
+
2+
+
7+ 3-
779 Mister District Attorney (81) Col..
1-11-47
2+2
+
2+
F1
2+2
2+2
7+ 6-
■773 Mister Hex (63) Mono
12-21-46
Hh
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
6-}" 5 —
I 813 Monsieur Verdoux (120) UA
4-26-47
tt
2+2
F1
tt
F=
2+
8+ 4-
766 My Brother Talks to Horses (93)
MGM
+
2+2
tt
+
2+
+
7+ 2-
758 My Darling Clementine (97) 20-Fox
10-12-46
+
+
+
+
+
tt
2+2
8+ 1-
791 My Favorite Brunette (87) Para. . .
2-22-47
+
+
+
+
+
tt
tt
9+
My Heart Goes Crazy (..) U-l
hF
1-+- 1
» N
762 Never Say Goodbye (97) WB
11- 2-46
+
2+2
2+2
+
F1
2+
2+
J-\- b —
815 New Orleans (89) UA
5- 3-47
+
+
+
tt
2+2
2+2
7+ 2-
1 755 Nobody Lives Forever (100) WB...
10- 5-46
+
2+2
+
+
+
2+2
+
7+ 2-
757 Nocturne (87) RK0
10-12-46
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
+
2+
+
7+ 4-
■747 No Leave, No Love (120) MGM...
8-31-46
+
+
tt
+
2+
+
+
8+ 1-
787 Nora Prentiss (111) WB
2- 8-47
2+2
2+
+
F1
+
2+2
/-f- b
819 Northwest Outpost (91) Rep
5-17-47
+
2+
2+2
~t~
4+ 3—
739 Notorious (103) Rl<0
7-27-46
-H-
ft
tt
tt
+
+
tt
12+
761 Notorious Gentleman (108) U-l...
11- 2-46
+
+
+
+
tt
tt
s+
O
793 Odd Man Out (118) U-l
3- 1-47
tt
+
tt
tt
tt
tt
11+
810 Other Love, The (95) UA
4-12-47
+
+
+
tt
tt
tt
+
10+
773 Out California Way (67) Rep
12-21-46
^h
F1
2+2
2+2
+
5+ 4-
796 Over the Santa Fe Trail (63) Col. . . .
3- 1-47
2+2
+
F1
3+ 2—
778 Overlanders, The (91) E-L
1- 4-47
±2
2+2
+
2+2
tt
+
7+ 3-
P
765 Perfect Marriage, The (87) Para. . -
11-23-46
2+2
2+2
F1
+
+
2+
2+2
7+ 5-
742 Personality Kid (68) Col
8-10-46
hF
F1
F1
+
2+2
6+ 5-
815 Philo Vance Returns (64) PRC...
5- 3-47
-F
2+
+
2+2
5+ 4-
815 Philo Vance’s Gamble (62) PRC...
5- 3-47
—
—
2+2
2+
2+2
2+2
4+ 6-
784 Pilgrim Lady, The (67) Rep
1-25-47
2+2
2+
2+2
2+2
F1
2+2
6+ 6-
763 Plainsman and the Lady (82) Rep.. .
11- 9-46
2+2
F1
2+2
+
+
2+2
2+2
7+ 5-
741 Prairie Badmen (55) PRC
8-10-46
“F
2+2
2+2
F1
F1
5+ 5-
793 Private Affairs of Bel Ami, The (115)
UA
3- 1-47
2+:
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
tt
7+ 4-
791 Pursued (101) WB
2-22-47
+
+
+
+
+
tt
7+
Q
805 Queen of the Amazons (61) SG
3-29-47
2+
2*z
3+ 4-
R
Raiders of the South (58) Mono...
2+
2+z
F1
3+ 3-
Rainbow Over the Rockies (54) Mono
F1
2+2
F1
3+ 3-
793 Ramrod (94) UA
3- 1-47
+
2+
+
+
+
+
6+ 1-
802 Range Beyond the Blue (54) PRC. . .
. 3-15-47
2+2
+
±
2+2
4+ 3-
770 Razor’s Edge, The (146) 20-Fox. .
.12- 7-46
ft
2+2
+
tt
+
7+ 1-
785 Red House, The (93) UA
. 2- 1-47
+
2+
+
+
+
tt
tt
9+ 1-
744 Rendezvous With Annie (90) Rep..
. 8-17-46
+
+
+
+
+
+
6+
787 Renegade Girl (65) SG
. 2- 8-47
2+2
F1
2+ 2-
767 Return of Monte Cristo, The (91).
.11-30-46
2+2
2+
+
+
2+2
tt
F1
8+ 4—
Riding the California Trail (61) Mono
+
F1
2+ 1-
796 Road to Hollywood (61) SG
. 3- 1-47
2±2
1+ 1-
754 Roll On Texas Moon (68) Rep
. 9-28-46
2+2
2+2
2+
+
+
5+ 3-
760 Rolling Home (71) SG
.10-19-46
2+2
2+2
2+ 2-
s
808 San Demetrio, London (78) 20-Fox.
. 4- 5-47
2+2
2+
tt
+
6+ 3—
769 San Quentin (66) RK0
.12- 7-46
F-
2+
+
2+
+
2+2
2+2
7+ 5-
Santa Fe Uprising (56) Rep
2+
2+2
2+ 2-
817 Sarge Goes to College (63) Mono..
. 5-10-47
F—
2±
2+2
2+2
2+2
5+ 5-
738 Scandal in Paris, A (100) UA
. 7-20-46
+
2+2
2+
2+2
F1
2+
+
7+ 5-
790 Sea of Grass, The (123) MGM
. 2-15-47
+
2+2
+
+
+
tt
tt
9+ 1-
767 Secret Heart, The (97) MGM
.11-30-46
+
2±2
tt
+
+
+
7+ 1-
761 Secret of the Whistler (65) Col. . . .
.11- 2-46
—
Hh
2+2
F1
4+ 4—
745 Secrets of a Sorority Girl (58) PRC.
. 8-24-46
F-
2+2
=
4+ 6-
795 Seven Were Saved (72) Para
. 3- 1-47
F-
F-
HH
2+2
+
+
+
7+ 4-
744 Shadow of a Woman (79) WB
. 8-17-46
2+2
2+
Fh
2+2
2+
F1
7+ 7-
756 Shadowed (70) Col
.10- 5-46
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
2+
5+ 4—
779 Shocking Miss Pilgrim, The (55)
20-Fox
+
2+2
2+2
+
+
+
6+ 2-
809 Shoot to Kill (65) SG
. 4-12-47
±2
+
+
±2
4+ 2-
743 Show-Off, The (84) MGM
. 8-17-46
+
+
+
2+2
2+2
+
F1
7+ 3-
Silver Range (55) Mono
2+2
2+
2+ 2-
792 Sin of Harold Diddlebock, The
(94) UA
+
+
+
+
+
+
6+
782 Sinbad the Sailor (117) RK0
. 1-18-47
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
7+
741 Sing While You Dance (73) Col....
. 8-18-46
2+
F1
2+2
2+2
F1
5+ 5-
777 Singin’ in the Corn (64) Col
. 1- 4-47
F1
2+2
2+2
—
F1
4+ 5-
752 Singing on the Trail (69) Col
. 9-14-46
2+2
2+2
2+ 2-
770 Sioux City Sue (69) Rep
.12- 7-46
F1
2+2
2+2
2*2
+
5+ 4—
738 Sister Kenny (116) RK0
. 7-20-46
tt
tt
tt
tt
tt
tt
tt
14+
Six Gun Serenade (53) Mono
+
1+
789 Smash- Up (103) U-l
. 2-15-47
+
tt
+
+
+
tt
tt
10+
765 So Dark the Night (70) Col
.11-23-46
+
2+
2+2
+
+
+
F1
7+ 3-
786 Song of Scheherazade (106) U-l...
. 2- 1-47
+
2+
2+
+
+
+
2+2
7+ 3-
Song of the Sierras (55) Mono
+
2+2
2+ 1-
762 Song of the South (95) RK0
.11- 1-46
tt
tt
tt
tt
tt
tt
tt
14+
786 South of the Chisholm Trail (58) Col. 2- 1-47
2+
2+2
F1
3+ 3-
817 Spoilers of the North (66) Rep....
. 5-10-47
F1
2+
2+2
+
F1
—
5+ 5-
745 Spook Busters (68) Mono
. 8-24-46
2+
2+2
F:
2+
2+2
Fh
2+2
7+ 7-
780 Stagecoach to Denver (56) Rep....
. 1-11-47
F1
2+
2+2
+
2+2
5+ 4-
773 Stairway to Heaven (104) U-l
.12-21-46
+
+
tt
tt
tt
tt
10+
805 Stallion Road (97) WB
. 3-29-47
2+
2+2
2+2
+
+
+
+
7+ 3-
775 Stars Over Texas (57) PRC
.12-28-46
2+2
2+2
2+ 2-
764 Strange Holiday (56) PRC
.11- 9-46
±2
2t
F1
2+2
+
5+ 4-
751 Strange Journey (67) 20-Fox
. 9-14-46
2+2
F1
2+2
2+2
F1
5+ 5-
762 Strange Woman, The (101) UA...
.11- 2-46
+
2+2
+
+
+
+
+
7+ 1-
789 Suddenly It’s Spring (87) Para....
. 2-15-47
+
2+2
+
+
+
+
+
7+ 1-
738 Sunset Pass (59) Rl<0
. 7-20-46
F^
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
±2
6+ 6-
766 Susie Steps Out (65) UA
.11-23-46
2+2
2+2
± 2
2+
2+2
6+ 6-
770 Sweetheart of Sigma Chi (76) Mono.
12- 7-46
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
+
6+ 4-
771 Swell Guy (87) U-l
.12-14-46
2+2
+
+
+
+
2+2
tt
8+ 2-
X
806 Tarzan and the Huntress (72) RKO.
. 3-29-47
+
2+2
2+
+
+
2+2
6+ 4-
761 Temptation (100) U-l
.11- 2-46
+
22+2
2+2
tt
+
8+ 4-
764 Terror Trail (55) Col
.11- 9-46
F^
2+2
2+ 2-
772 That Brennan Girl (95) Rep
.12-14-46
2+2
+
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
7+ 5-
791 That Way With Women (85) WB..
. 2-22-47
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
tt
±
8+ 5-
810 That’s My Man (104) Rep
. 4-12-47
+
+
2+2
+
+
Hh
+
7+ 2-
747 They Were Sisters (108) U-l
. 8-31-46
+
2+2
+
2+2
+
+
6+ 2-
820 They Won’t Believe Me (95) RKO..
. 5-17-47
tt
+
tt
tt
7+
775 13 Rue Madeleine (95) 20-Fox....
.12-28-46
+
+
+
+
+
tt
tt
9+ -
792 Thirteenth Hour, The (62) Col....
. 2-22-47
2+:
2+2
2+
—
T-
4+ 5-
811 This Happy Breed (110) U-l
. 4-19-47
+
2+2
+
+
~
tt
tt
9+ 2-
751 Three Little Girls in Blue (90) 20-Fox 9-14-46
+
+
+
tt
+
tt
tt
10+
809 Three on a Ticket (62) PRC
. 4-12-47
+
2+2
2+
2+2
+
5+ 3-
747 Thrill of Brazil, The (91) Col
. 8-31-46
+
2+2
2+
+
-i-
+
+
6+ 3-
Thunder Mountain (60) RKO
2+2
+
tt
4+ 1-
765 Till the Clouds Roll By (120) MGM.
.11-23-46
tt
+
tt
tt
tt
tt
11+
743 Time of Their Lives, The (82) U-l.
. 8-17-46
+
2+2
2+2
+
+
-tt
Hh
8+ 3-
804 Time Out of Mind (89) U-l
. 3-22-47
F1
F1
2+2
F^
2+2
2+2
7+ 7-
772 Time, the Place and the Girl, The
(105) WB
.12-14-46
2+2
2+2
+
+
+
+
2+2
7+ 3-
794 Trail Street (83) RKO
. 3- 1-47
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
+
6+ 4-
785 Trail to San Antone (67) Rep
. 2- 1-47
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
+
5+ 3-
Trailing Danger (58) Mono
2+2
1+ 1-
779 Trap, The (68) Mono
. 1-11-47
F:
—
2*2
—
3+ 5-
819 Trouble With Women, The (80) Para. 5-17-47
+
=p
tt
+
5+ 1-
764 Tumbleweed Trails (57) PRC
.11- 9-46
F1
2+2
2+
2+2
4+ 4-
811 Twilight on the Rio Grande (71) Rep. 4-19-47
+
2+2
2+
—
2+2
4+ 4-
739 Two Guys From Milwaukee (90) WB.
. 7-27-46
+
+
+
+
+
2+2
+
7+ 1-
806 Two Mrs. Carrolls, The (100) WB.
. 3-29-47
+
2+2
2+2
+
+
+
6+ 2-
748 Two Years Before the Mast (98)
Para
2+2
2+2
tt
+
+
tt
tt
10+ 2-
U
748 Under Nevada Skies (69) Rep
. 8-31-46
F:
2+
3+ 3-
Undercover Maisie (93) MGM....
+
+
+
+
5+ 1-
756 Undercurrent (113) MGM
.10- 5-46
+
2+2
+
tt
+
tt
+
9+ 1-
772 Unexpected Guest (60) UA
.12-14-46
2+z
2+2
2+2
2+2
Hh
2+2
6+ 6-
808 Untamed Fury (61) PRC
. 4- 5-47
F:
2+2
+
+
H-
6+ 4-
V
808 Vacation Days (68) Mono
. 4- 5-47
2+2
2+z
F:
3+ 4-
757 Vacation in Reno (60) RKO
.10-12-46
Fh
2±
2+2
2t
2+2
Hh
7+ 7-
Valley of Fear (54) Mono
—
2+2
1+ 2-
766 Verdict, The (86) WB
.11-23-46
+
2+2
2+
+
2+2
+
+
7+ 3-
799 Vigilantes of Boomtown (96) Rep.. ..
. 3- 8-47
+
2+2
+
+
2+2
5+ 2-
812 Violence (72) Mono
. . 4-19-47
2+z
2+z
+
2+z
2+2
F=
6+ 5-
w
766 Wake Up and Dream (92) 20-Fox.
.11-30-46
2+2
H-
+
tt
2+2
8+ 5-
763 Wanted for Murder (97) 20-Fox. . .
.11- 9-46
2+2
2+2
+
+
+
+
6+ 2-
814 Welcome Stranger (106) Para. . . .
. 4-26-47
tt
tt
ft
tt
tt
tt
12+
806 West of Dodge City (57) Col
. . 3-29-47
2+2
2+2
+
3+ 2-
816 West to Glory (61) PRC
. . 5- 3-47
2+2
2+2
2+2
3+ 3-
Whispering City (..) E-L
tt
2+
751 White Tie and Tails (74) U-l
. . 9-14-46
2+2
2+2
+
+
2+2
5+ 3-
771 Wicked Lady, The (98) U-l....
. .12-14-46
+
2+2
2+2
+
+
6+ 3-
762 Wife Wanted (73) Mono
. .11- 2-46
—
2+
2+2
2+2
4+ 4—
743 Wild Beauty (61) U-l
. . 8-17-46
T-
F~
+
2+2
5+ 4-
785 Wild Country (57) PRC
. . 2- 1-47
2+2
F^
4+ 4-
769 Wild West (73) PRC
. . 12- 7-46
2+
+
2+2
—
2+2
5+ 4-
820 Woman on the Beach, The (71) RKO 5-17-47
—
2+
_ +
+
—
3+ 3-
810 Yankee Fakir (71) Rep
. . 4-12-47
+
F1
2+
2+2
+
5+ 3-
770 Yearling, The (135) MGM
..12- 7-46
tt
ft
tt
tt
tt
tt
tt
14+
802 Years Between, The (88) U-l ... .
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
+
tt
7+ 4-
SHORTS CHART
Short subjects, listed by Company, in order of release. Running time follows
title. First date is National release, second the date of review in BOXOFFICE.
Symbol between dates is rating from the BOXOFFICE review: 44 Very Good,
+ Good, — Fair, Mediocre, — Poor, = Very Poor. ©Indicates color photography.
Columbia
Prod. No.
+
Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d
ALL-STAR COMEDIES
8421 Pardon My Terror
(Schilling, Lane) <16'/2) 9-12
8431 Society Mugs (Howard)
(16) 9-19
8433 Slappily Married (J. De Rita)
(16'/2> 11- 7
8423 Reno-Vated (V. Vague)
(18i/2) H-21
8434 Moron Than Off (S. Holloway)
(17) 11-28
8403 Three Little Pirates (Stooges)
(18) 12- 5
8435 Andy Plays Hookey (Andy
Clyde) (18) 12-19
8404 Half Wits' Holiday
(Three Stooges) (17(/2) 1- 9
8436 Meet Mr. Mischief
(H. Von Zell) (Yl'/z) ■ ■ 1-23
8424 Hot Heir (H. Herbert)
(16i/2) 2-13
8437 Scooper Dooper (S. Holloway)
+
+
4-19
4-19
4-19
1- 4
2- 8
1- 25
2- 15
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Prod. No.
Title
Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
Paramount
4- 5
3-22
(18)
8405 Fright Night (Stooges)
(17)
8438 The Good Bad Egg
(J. DeRita) (17)...
8439 Bride and Gloom (S.
(16)
8440 Two Jills and a Jack
(A. Clyde) (18) ..
8406 Out West (Stooges)
2-27
3- 6
. . 3-20
Howard)
.. 3-27
8425 Cupid Goes Nuts (16)..
8426 Nervous Shakedown (15'/2)
5- 8
COLOR PHANTASIES
8701 Fowl Brawl (6) 1-9 +
8702 Uncultured Vulture (6) . . 2- 6 ±
8703 Wacky Quacky (6) 3-20
8704 Leave Us Chase It (6'/2) 4-24
8705 Tooth or Consequences
(• •) 6-5
COLOR RHAPSODIES
(Technicolor)
8501 Loco Lobo (6) 1-9 +
8502 Cockatoos for Two (6)... 2-13 -j-
8503 Big House Blues (7) 3- 6
8504 Mother Huba-Huba-Hubbard
(6) 5-29
3-29
5- 3
FITZPATRICK TRAVELTALKS
(Technicolor)
T-713 Land of Mayas (9) . . . 1-26
T-714 Glrmpses of Guatemala
(8) 2-9 + 2-16
T-715 Visiting Vera Cruz (10) 3-16 44 2-9
T-716 The Mission Trail (10).. 4-13
T-717 Looking at London (10). 6- 1 + 6-1
T-718 Over the Seas to Belfast
(9) 8-31
T-811 Glimpses of California
(9) 10-26 + 4-19
T-812 Calling on Costa Rica
(10) 3-15 + 3-29
T-813 Around the World in California
(9) 5-17
MINIATURES
4-17
(10) :..
4-20
44
4- 6
4- 24 +
5- 1
4-12
M-784 Bikini — The Atom
(10)
Island
6-15
+
6-15
NEWS OF THE DAY
(Released Twice Weekly)
4- 19
5- 3
COMMUNITY SING
8652 No. 2 It’s a Pity to Say Good-
night (Baker) (10'/2) . .10-10 +
8653 No. 3 Surrender (Leibert)
(9'/2) 11-14 +
56 54 No. 4 Pretending (Baker)
(10) 12-19 +
8655 No. 5 Rumors Are Flying
(Leibert) (9/z) 1-23 ±
8656 No. 6 Ole Buttermilk Sky
(Baker) (10) 2-27
8657 No. 7 The Coffee Song
(Leibert) (9) 3-13
8658 No. 8 I’ll Close My Eyes
(Baker) (10) 4-17
8659 No. 9 Mr. Leibert at the
Orpan (10) 5-22
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
8852 No. 2 Looking Down on Holly-
wood (10) 10-3 +
8853 No. 3 Rodeo (10) 11-7 44
8854 No. 4 Skolsky Party
(10) 12-26 ±
8855 No. 5 Movie Columnists
(9) 1-23 ±
8856 No. 6 Behind the Mike (9) 2- 6 ±
8857 No. 7 Holiday in Las Vegas
(10) 3-13 +
8858 No. 8 My Pal Ringeye
(10) 4-10
8859 No. 9 Famous Hollywood
Mothers (10) 5- 1
8860 So This Is 'Ollywood
( ■ ■) 6-12
SPORT REELS
8802 Ten Pin Magic (10) ... .10-24 +
8803 Hi Li (9'/2) 11-21 -f
8804 Best in Show Dogs (10) . .12-12 -f
8805 Polo (10) 1-30 -H-
8806 Cue Tricks (9) 2-20
8807 Tennis Wizards (9) 3-20
8808 Goofy Golf ( . . ) 4-24
8809 Grappling Groaners (9).. 5-29
11-16
4-19
4- 19
5- 10
(9) "
. 3-30
+
4-13
W-736 The Milky Waif (7) . .
. 5-18
+
7- 1
11-30
W-738Trap Happy (7)....
. . 6-29
5-10
W-740 Solid Serenade (8)..
. . 8-31
4-19
W-832 Cat Fishin’ (8)
. 2-22
44
4-19
5-17
W-833 Part Time Pal (8) . .
. 3-15
44
5- 3
5-17
W-S35 Cat Concerto (7) . . . .
. 4-26
44
5-10
4-19
4-19
4- 19
5- 10
5-17
THRILLS OF MUSIC
8952 Machito & Orch. (10'/2)
10-17
12-14
8953 Les Elgart & Orch. (10) .
11-28
+
4-19
8954 Ray McKinley & Orch.
<9'/2)
11-28
+
1-11
8955 Shorty Sherock & Orch.
(S'/2)
1-23
5- 3
8956 Buddy Morrow & Orch.
(9'/2) 2-27
8957 George Towne & Orch. (10) 3-27
8958 Ray Anthony & Orch. (10) 5-22
SERIALS
8120 Son of the Guardsman. . . .10-24
15 Chapters
8140 Jack Armstrong 2- 6
15 Chanters
8160 The Vigilante 5-22
15 Chapters
44
10-19
2- 8
SPECIALS
A-702 Purity Squad (20).... 11- 3 44 10-3
8-31 -H- 9-14
A-703 Traffic With the Devil
(17)
A-801 Luckiest Guy in the World
(21) 1-25 ± 2-1
TECHNICOLOR CARTOONS
+ 4-
W-734 Lonesome Lenny (8) . . . 3-9
W-737 The Hick Chick (7) 6-15
W-739 Northwest Hounded Police
(8) 8-3
W-831 Henpecked Hoboes (7).. 10-26
W-S34 Hound Hunters (7).... 4-12
4- 19
5- 10
TOM & JERRY CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
PASSING PARADE
K-775 Magic on a Stick (10). . 1- 9 44
K-776 Our Old Car (10) 5-11 44
K-871 A Really Important Person
(10) 1-11 ±
2-16
4- 6
3-15
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
S-757 Fala at Hyde Park (9) .
S-75S Studio Visit (10)
S-759 Equestrian Quiz (10) .
S-760 '
i Treasures From Trash
GO)
S-851 Football Thrills No.
(9)
S-852 Sure Cures
S-853 I Love ivij
S-SF4 , . -ar (.
S-855 Athletinniz (9)
S-856 Diamond Demon
S-857 Early Sports Quiz
S-858 I Love My Wife
S-859 Neighbor Pests
1-19
44
1-26
5-11
+
7- 1
5-18
44
7- 1
6- 8
6- 1
9- 7
11- 2
12- 7
12-28
44
1-25
1-11
+
4-19
2- 1
2-22
3- 1
44
4- 5
4-15
44
4-12
5- 3
4-26
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
GEORGE PAL PUPPETOONS
(Technicolor)
U5-4 Together in the Weather
(7)
5-24
44
6- 8
U5-5 Jasper’s Derby (8)
9-20
44
5-18
U5-6 John Henry and the Inky
Poo (7)
9- 6
U5-7 Jasper in a Jam (7) . . . .
10-18
44
12-1.4
U5-8 Shoe Shine Jasper (7)...
2-28
-4
2-15
U6-1 Wilbur the Lion (10) . . . .
4-18
+
5-17
U6-2 Tubby the Tuba (10)...
7-11
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
R5- 8 Riding the Hickories (9)
5-17
+
7- 1
R5- 9 Birds Make Sport (9) .
6-21
-4
6-29
R5-10 Feminine Class (10) . .
7-19
-4
7-20
R6- 1 Race Horses Are Born
(9)
10- 4
-t-
10- 5
R6- 2 Dive Hi Champs (10).
10-11
44
12-14
R6- 3 Queens of the Court (10) lL-15
-4
1-18
R6- 4 Like Father, Like Son
(10)
12-13
44
5-17
R6- 5 Jumping Jacks (9/z) . .
1-10
R6- 6 Selling the Sun (10) . . .
1-31
R6- 7 Under White Sails (9) .
2-28
44
5-1.7
R6- 8 Iced Lightning (10)...
. 4-18
R6- 9 Making the Varsity (10)
. 6-13
R6-10 Running the Hounds (10) 7-18
RKO Radio
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
DISNEY CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
LITTLE LULU
(Technicolor)
D5-3 Bored of Education (7) . . 7-26
D5-4 Chick and Double Chick
(6)
D5-5 Musica-Lulu (7)
D5-6 Scout With the Gout (7)
D6-1 Loose in the Caboose (8)
D6-2 Cad and Caddie (7)....
± 5-18
8-16
1-24
3- 7
5-23
7-18
44
44
7-27
2- 1
3-15
5-10
MUSICAL PARADES
(Technicolor)
FF5-3 College Queen (19) 5-17
FF5-4 Tale of Two Cafes (18) 7- 5
FF5-5 Double Rhythm (20) . . . 8-23
FF5-6 Golden Slippers (17).. 12-13
FF6-1 Sweet and Low (19) 3-28
FF6-2 Champagne for Two (20) 6-13
5-25
7- 1
7-20
12-13
4- 5
NOVELTOON
(Technicolor)
P5-2 Cheese Burglar (7) 5-17
P5-3 Old MacDonald Had a Farm
(7) 6-7
P5-4 Sheep Shape (7) 6-28
P5-5 Goal Rush (6) 9-27
P5-6 Sudden Fried Chicken (7) 10-18
P6-1 Spree for All (7) 10-18
P6-2 Stupidstitious Cat (7) . . 4-25
P6-3 The Enchanted Square
(10) 5-9
P6-4 Madhattan Island (..).. 6-27
+ 4-13
5-18
7- 1
12-28
10-26
5-10
64.106 Squatter's Rights (7)..
6- 7
+
6-15
64,107 Donald’s Double Trouble
(7)
6-28
44
7- 6
64,108 The Purloined Pup (7) .
7-19
-4
8-17
64,109 Wet Paint (7)
8- 9
+
9-17
64,110 Dumb Bell of the Yukon
(7)
8-30
+
5-25
64,111 Lighthouse Keeping (7)
9-20
+
1-25
64,112 Bath Day (7)
10-11
64,113 Frank Duck Brings ’Em
Back Alive (7)
11- 1
7-27
64,114 Double Dribble (7)
11-29
11-23
64,115 Pluto’s Housewarming
(7)
12-20
“1“
2-15
64.116 Rescue Dog (7)
3-21
44
4-19
64,117 Straight Shooters (6) . .
4-18
-4
5-17
64.118 Sleepy Time Donald (7)
5- 9
4-19
74.101 Figaro and Frankie (7
5-30
74,102 Clown of the Jungle (7)
6-20
5-i6
4+ 5-3
PACEMAKERS
K6-1 Brooklyn, I Love You
(10) 10- 4
K6-2 Love in Tune (9'/2) 10-25
K6-3 Radio, Take It Away (11) 1-31
K6-4 Try and Catch Me (9).. 2-14
K6-5 Brains Can Be Beautiful
(9) 5-30
11- 2
11- 9
4- 19
5- 10
PARAMOUNT NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
POPEYE CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
E5-3 Klondike Casanova (8) . .
. 5-31
+
5-25
E5-4 Peep in the Deep (7) . .
. 6- 7
44
7- 1
E5-5 Rocket to Mars (6) . . . .
. 8- 9
+
6-29
E5-6 Rodeo Romeo (6)
. 8-16
+
7-20
E5-7 The Fistic Mystic (6).
. 2- 7
44
11-30
E5-8 The Island Fling (7)...
. 3-14
44
12-21
E6-1 Abusement Park (7) . . . .
. 4-25
44
5- 3
E6-2 I’ll Be Ski-ing Ya (8) . .
. 6-13
POPULAR SCIENCE
(Color)
J5-5 No. 5 (10) 6-21
J5-6 No. 6 (10 8-16
J6-1 No. 1 (11) 11- 1
J6-2 The Sponge DIvws (11) . . 1-17
J6-3 Air-Borne Pastures (11).. 2-28
J6-4 Marine Miracles (10).... 4- 4
J6-5 Moon Rockets (10) 6- 6
+ 6-29
4+
12- 7
4- 19
5- 17
SPEAKING OF ANIMALS
Y5-5 The Lonesome Stranger
(10) 6-14
Y5-6 Be Kind to Animals (10) 8-30
Y6-1 Stork Crazy (10) 10-18
Y6-2 Pooch Parade (10) 12-27
Y6-3 In Country Life (9) 2-21
Y6-4 They’re Not So Dumb (8) 3-28
Y6-5 In Love (10) 5-30
+ 6-29
+
+
+
1- 4
3- 22
4- 19
5- 3
TWO-REEL SPECIAL
T5-2 Don’t Be a Sucker (18) . . 7- 4 44
37 Two Decades of History
(22'/z) 1-4
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS
(Color)
L5-4 No. 4 (10) 5-24 +
L5-5 No. 5 (10) 7-12 +
L5-6 No. 6 (10) 8-30
L6-1 No. 1 (10) 12-13
L6-2 Swedish Glass Makers (10) 2-14
L6-3G.I. Hobbies (11) 3-14
L6-4 The Stunt Girl (10) 5- 2
5-11
4-13
6-29
44 11-23
+ 3-29
EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDIES
63.404 Wall Street Blues (17) 7-12 ± 7-27
63.405 Motor Maniacs (18) . . 7-20 ± 9-17
63.406 Noisy Neighbors (18).. 9-20 + 10-12
73.401 I’ll Build It Myself
(15) 10-18
73.402 Do Or Diet (18) 2-10
73.403 Social Terrors (18) 4-11
+
10-12
4- 5
RAY WHITLEY WESTERN MUSICALS
73.501 Bar Buckaroos (16) .... 9- 6 ± 11-9
73.502 Cupid Rides the Range
(18) 10-11
73.503 Bandits and Ballads
(17) 11-15 ± 11-16
73.504 Buckaroo Broadcast
(18) 12-20 -4 1-4
SPECIAL
73,901 Football Highlights of
1946 (18) 12-10 -4-
FLICKER FLASHBACKS
74.201 No. 1 (9) 9-13
74.202 No. 2 (9) 10-25
74.203 No. 3 (8) 12- 6
74.204 No. 4 (10) 1-17 ±
74.205 No. 5 (8) 2-28 ±
74.206 No. 6 (9) 4-11 ±
12-21
LEON ERROL COMEDIES
63,705 I’ll Take Milk (18) 7-19 +
63,706 Follow That Blonde (18) 9-27
73.701 Borrowed Blonde (15) . . 3- 7
73.702 Wife Tames Wolf (17).. 3-28
73,202 Follow That Music (18) 1-31
PATHE NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
PATHE SPORTSCOPE
64,310 Aqua Queens (8)
5-17
+
6-15
64,311 Ben Hogan (8)
6-14
+
7- 6
64,312 Palmetto Quail (8)...
7-12
+
8-24
64,313 Steeplechasers (8)
7-31
-4-
12- 7
74,301 Skating Lady (8)
8-30
44
10-26
74,302 Hail Notre Dame (8)
10-18
12-28
74,303 Bowling Fever (9)....
11-22
-+-
11-30
74,304 Kentucky Basketeers (8)
1-13
44
1-11
74,305 College Climbers (8) . .
1-10
-4-
4-19
74,306 Ski Champion (8)....
1-10
44
5-10
74,307 Ice Skippers (8)
3- 7
+
5-17
74,308 Wild Turkey (8)
. 4- 4
74,309 Racing Sleuth (8)
5- 9
63.108
63.109
63.110
63.111
63.112
63.113
73.101
73.102
73.103
73.104
73.105
73.106
73.107
THIS IS AMERICA
Panama (16)
Port of New York (16)
Courtship to Courthouse
Highway Mania (17)..
White House (17) ....
Northern Rampart (17)
Beauty for Sale (17) . .
Germany Today (16) . .
A Nation Is Born (17)
Campus Boom (16) ....
San Francisco (16)..
Forgotten Island (18) .
Big Party (18)
5-31
-+-
6-15
6-28
44
7- 6
(16)
+
8-17
8-23
44
9-17
9-20
4-
10- 5
10-17
44
11- 2
11-22
-j-
11-16
12-13
44
12-21
1-17
44
2- 1
2- 7
44
3- 8
3- 7
44
3-15
4- 4
44
4-26
5- 2
+
5-17
4-19
4- 19
5- 10
HEADLINER REVIVALS
53.201 Songs of the Colleges
(15) 9-8
63.201 The Derby Decade (22) 9-21
63.202 Russian Dressing (IS). .11-23 + 12-29
63.203 Twenty Girls and a Band
(18) 1-18 +
63.204 Sea Melody (19) 3-15 rc
63.205 Follow That Music (IS) 1-31 ±
2- 2
4-13
2- 8
7-27
9-28
3- 22
4- 12
MUSICAL FEATURETTES
73,201 Melody Time (18) 11-29 + 12-28
12
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 24, 1947
3JEBBT
SHORTS CHART
20th Century-Fox
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
DRIBBLE PUSS PARADE
6902 Muscle Maulers (S) .... 5-31 ....
7901 Monkey-Tone News (9) . . 1-17 ....
7951 Fisherman’s Nightmare (8) 5- 2 + 2-22
SPORTS
7301 Football Fanfare (9) 8-23 + 9-14
7351 Winter Holiday (8) 9-27
7352 Summer Trails (8) 11-8 ± 5-10
7353 Playtime’s Journey (8) . .12-13 ± 5-17
7302 Style of the Stars (10) . . 2- 7
7303 Tanbark Champions (8) . . 5-23 ....
MOVIETONE NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
MARCH OF TIME
Vol. 12, No. 9 Wanted — More Homes!
(20) 4-19 -H- 4-20
Vol. 12, No. 10 Tomorrow’s Mexico
(20) 5-17 -H- 5-18
Vol. 12, No. 11 Problem Drinkers
(19) 6-14 -H- 6-15
Vol. 12, No. 12 The New France
(19) 7-12 -H- 7-20
Vol. 12, No. 13 Atomic Power
(19) 8-9 + 8-10
Vol. 13, No. 1 Is Everybody Happy?
(1714) 9-6
Vol. 13, No. 2 World Food Problem
(17) 10-4 + 10-12
Vol. 13, No. 3 The Soviet’s Neighbor
(17%) 11-1 + 11-2
Vol. 13, No. 4 The American Cop
(18) 11-29 -H- 11-30
Vol. 13, No. 5 Nobody's Children
(17) 12-27 -H- 12-28
Vol. 13, No. 6 Germany — Handle
With Care (19) 1-24 + 1-25
Vol. 13, No. 7 Fashion Means
Business (18) 2-21 -H- 2-22
Vol. 13, No. 8 The Teachers' Crisis
(16!/2) 3-21 -H- 3-22
Vol. 13, No. 9 Storm Over Britain
(18) 4-18 |+ 4-19
MOVIETONE ADVENTURES
(Color)
6259 Cradle of Liberty (8) . . . 6-21
6260 Across the Great Divide
(8) 7-5
7251 Sons of Courage (8) . . . .
8- 2
+
10- 5
7252 Jamaica (8)
9-13
....
7253 Historic Capetown (8)...
10-18
7254 Girl and Gags (8)
11-22
-4-
4-1.2
7201 Fantasy of Siam (8) . . . .
1- 3
+
1-18
7202 Royalty of the Range (9)
3- 7
+
4-19
7255 The Cape of Good Hope (8) 4-11
+
4-19
7256 Zululand (8)
6- 6
4-26
7257 Gardens of tha Sea (..)..
. 6-13
7258 Romance of the Fjords
(••)
. 6-27
7203 Harvest of the Sea (9) . .
7- 4
+
5- 3
TERRY-TOONS
(Technicolor)
6515 Mighty Mouse in Throwing
the Bull (7)
5-3
+
5- 4
6516 Mighty Mouse
in the Trojan
Horse (7) .
7-26
+
6- 8
6517 Dinky Finds a
Home (7) 6- 7
it
7-20
6518 Mighty Mouse
in the Johnstown
Flood (7) .
6-28
+
6- 8
6519 Gandy Goose in
Peacetime
Football (7)
7-19
44
6- 8
6520 Gandy Goose in the Golden
Hen (7) ..
5-24
4-27
7501 Mighty Meuse
in Winning the
West (7) .
8-16
+
10-19
7502 The Tortoise Wins Again
(7) 8-30
7503 Mighty Mouse in the Electronic
Mouse Trap (7) 9-6 ....
7504 Mighty Mouse in the Jail Break
(7) 9-20 + 9-21
7505 The Snow Man (7) 10-11
7506 The Housing Problem (7) 10-25
7507 Mighty Mouse in the Crackpot
King (7) 11-15
7508 Talking Magpies in the Uninvited
Pests (7) 11-29 +
7509 Mighty Mouse and the Hep Cat
(7) 12-6
7510 Beanstalk Jack (7) 12-20 ±
7511 Mighty Mouse in Crying Wolf
(7) 1-10
7512 The Talking Magpies in
McDougal’s Rest Farm (7) 1-31 44
7513 Mighty Mouse in Dead End
Cats (7) 2-14
7514 The Talking Magpies in Happy
Go Lucky (7) 2-28 ±
7515 Gandy Goose in Mexican
Baseball (7) 3-14
7516 Mighty Mouse in Aladdin’s
Lamp (7) 3-28
7517 The Talking Magpies in Cat
Trouble (7) 4-11
7518 Mighty Mouse in Sky Is Falling
(7) 4-25
7519 Talking Magpies in the
Intruder (7) 5-9
7520 Mighty Mouse Meets Deadeye
Diek (7) 5-30
Universal-International
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
ANSWER MAN SERIES
2391 Answer Man No. 1 (10) . .
10-21
+
9-21
2392 No. 2 Nature's Atom Bomb
(10)
12-30
+
1- 4
2393 No. 3 The Jungle Gangster
(9)
3- 3
4-19
2394 No. 4 Red Fury (8)
3-24
it
5- 3
JUVENILE JURY SERIES
2361 No. 1 (11) 12-16 + 2-8
2362 No. 2 (10) 3-31 + 4-19
LANTZ CARTUNES
(Technicolor)
2321 Fair Weather Fiends (7) .11-18
2322 Wacky Weed (7) 12-16
2323 Musical Moments (7)... 2-24
2324 Smoked Hams (7) 4-28
2325 Coo-Coo Bird (7) 6-9
2326 Overture to William Tell
(7) 6-16
-H-
+
-H-
it
1- 25
2- 15
5- 3
5-10
5-17
NAME BAND MUSICALS
1308 Takin’ the Breaks (15).. 5-22
Russ Morgan & Orch.
+
7- 1
1309 Banquet of Melody (15) . 5-29
Matty Malneck & Orch.
+
4-27
1310 Swingin’ Down the Scale
(15) Alvino Rey & Orch. 6-26
+
7- 1
1311 Breakin’ It Down (15) . . 8-28
Del Courtney & Orch.
+
8-17
2301 Frontier Frolic (15) 10- 9
Bob Wills & Orch.
+
1- 4
2302 Champagne Music (15).. 11-20
Lawrence Welk & Orch.
44
1-18
2303 Tumbleweed Tempos (16) 12- 4
Spade Cooley & Orch.
2- 1
2304 Moonlight Melodies (15) 12-18
Frankie Carle & Orch.
+
1-11
2305 Tex Beneke and the Glenn
Miller Orch. (15)... 3-26
4+
4-19
2306 Melody Maestro (15) 4- 2
2307 Tommy Tucker & Orch.
(15) 4-9
....
2308 Charlie Barnet & Orch.
(15) 4-16
2309 Charlie Spivak & Orch.
(15) 5-14
44
5-17
2310 Jitterumba (15) 6-25
PERSON-ODDITIES
(Now Classified as VARIETY VIEWS)
SING AND BE HAPPY SERIES
2381 Bit of Blarney (10)
9-30
+
10-26
2382 The Singing Barbers (9) . .
2-17
+
2-22
2383 Let’s Sing a College Song
(10)
4-14
2384 Let’s Sing a Western Song
(10)
5-19
+
5-17
SPECIAL FEATURETTES (2 REELS)
1201 Tiny Terrors of the Timberlands
(20) 6-26 44 4-6
UNIVERSAL NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
VARIETY VIEWS
1349 Dog of the Seven Seas (9) 6-17 + 7-6
1350 Magic Mineral (9) 7-1 + 6-1
1351 Mr. Chimp at Home (9). 8-12 ± 7-6
1352 Operation Holiday (9) . . . 8-26 44 10- 5
1353 Mr. Chimp to the Rescue
(9) 8-26 ± 11- 9
1354 Mr. Chimp on Vacation
(10) 8-26 ± 9-28
2341 Bear Facts (9) 2-24 + 4-19
2342 Pelican Pranks (9) 2-24 ± 4-26
2343 Wild West Chimp (9) . . . 3-17 ± 5-3
2344 Rhumba Holiday (9) 4-21 + 5-10
(Formerly PERSON-ODDITIES)
1369 Scientifically Stung (9) . . 6-10 + 7-1
1370 Lone Star Padre (9) . . . . 6-17 ....
1371 Artist's Antics (9) 6-24 -f 7-6
1372 Picture Pioneer (9) 7-1 -j- 7-6
1373 Hobo Hound (9) 8-19 + 9-28
1374 Sampson Junior (9) 8-19 ± 10-19
1375 Rural Rhapsody (9) 8-26 ± 10-26
SERIALS
1781-1793 The Scarlet Horseman 1-22 # 2-16
13 Chapters
1881-1893 Lost City of the
Jungle 4-23 ±
13 Chapters
2581-2593 Mysterious Mr. M... 7-23 +
13 Chapters
Warner Bros.
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
BLUE RIBBON HIT PARADE
(Technicolor)
2312 Robin Hood Makes Good
(7)
7- 6
+
8- 3
2313 Little Red Walking Hood
(7)
8-17
-+■
9-14
3301 Fox Pop (7)
9-28
44
10- 5
3302 Wacky Worm (7)
10-12
+
11- 9
3303 You're an Education
(7)
10-26
+
11-16
3304 Have You Got Any Castles
(7)
2- 1
44
5- 3
3305 Pigs Is Pigs (7)
2-22
+
4-19
3306 Cat’s Tale (7)
3-29
-4
5-10
3307 Goofy Groceries (7) . . . .
4-19
+
5-17
3308 Doggone Modern (7)...
6-14
BUGS BUNNY SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
2722 Acrobatty Bunny (7)....
6-29
-f
6-22
2723 Racketeer Rabbit (7) . . .
9-14
44
9-21
2724 Big Snooze (7) .
10- 5
-4
12-28
2725 Rhapsody Rabbit (7) . . .
11- 9
44
1- 4
2726 Hare Grows in Manhattan
(7)
3-22
3719 Easter Yeggs (7)
6-28
FEATURETTES
3101 Okay for Sound (20) 9-7
44
7-20
3102 Minstrel Days (20)....
11-30
44
11-23
3103 Alice in Movieland (20).
12-21
3104 Dog in the Orchard (20)
1-11
44
3-29
3105 Keystone Hotel (20)
2- 8
44
4-12
3106 Remember When (20) . . . .
4- 5
+
5- 3
JOE McDOAKES COMEDIES
3401 So You Want to Keep Your
Hair (10)
12- 7
-+-
11-30
3402 So You Want to Play the
Horses (10)
10- 5
44
10-26
3403 So You Think You're a
Nervous Wreck (10) . .
12-28
it
4- 5
3404 So You're Going to Be a
Father
(10)
5-10
3405 So You Want to Be in
Pictures (10)
6- 7
MELODY MASTERS
2609 Musical Memories (10) .
7- 6
2610 Enric Madriguera & Orch.
(10)
8-10
it
8-24
3601 Desi Arnaz & Band (10)
10-12
3602 Melody of Youth (10).
12-14
44
4-i.9
3603 Big Time Revue (10) . . . .
1-25
+
3- 8
3604 Stan Kenton & Orch. (10)
2-22
it
4-19
3605 Vaudeville Revue (10) . .
4-12
it
5- 3
MERRIE MELODIES
(Technicolor;
2703 Eager Beaver (7)
7-13
it
8- 3
2704 Great Piggy Bank Robbery
(7)
7-20
-4
8-10
2705 Bacall to Arms (7) . . . .
8- 3
it
8-24
2706 Of Thee 1 Sting (7) . . .
8-17
“j-
8-31
2707 Walky Talky Hawky (7).
8-31
44
9-14
2708 Fair and Wormer (7)...
9-28
2709 Mousmerized Cat (7)...
10-19
44
12-2i
2710 Mouse Menace (7)
11- 2
tl
12-14
2711 Roughly Squeaking (7).
11-23
±
4-19
2712 One Meat Brawl (7)...
1-18
-4-
5-10
2713 Goofy Gophers (7)
1-25
44
5-10
2714 Gay Anties (7)
2-15
4-19
2715 Scent- 1 mental Over You
(7)
3- 8
+
5-17
2716 Birth of a Notion (7). .
4-12
2717 Tweetie Pie (7)
5- 3
2718 Rabbit Transit (7)
5-10
2719 Hobo Lobo (7)
5-17
SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
2007 Down Singapore Way (20) 7-20 ± 8-3
2806 Adventures in South America
(10) 8-10 ± 8-31
2008 Men of Tomorrow (20).. 8-24 44 7-6
TWO-REEL SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
3001 Cinderella’s Feller (20) . . 9-21 ± 9-21
3002 The Last Bomb (20) 11- 2 rt 9-21
3003 A Boy and His Dog (20). 4-26 44 4-26
3004 Saddle Up (20) 3- 1 + 5-3
3005 Song of a Nation (20) . . 5-31 ....
SPORTS PARADE
2511 Beach Days (10) 7-13
2512 Ranch in White (10) 8-3 ± 8-31
2513 Dominion of Sports (10) . 8-31 ± 8-31
3501 King of the Everglades
(10) 9-14 ± 9-28
3502 Lazy Hunter (10) 10-26 ± 12-7
3503 Battle of Champs (10).. 1-18 ± 5-3
3504 American Sports Album
do) ...:
. . . . 3-8
+
3-22
3505 Let’s Go Swimming
(10) . 1- 4
it
4-19
3506 Arrow Magic (10) . .
. . . . 3-22
it
5-10
3507 Harness Racing (10)
5-3
+
5-17
3508 Flying Sportsmen in
Jamaica
(10)
.... 5-24
3509 A Day at Hollywood
Park
(10)
.... 6- 7
3510 Tennis Town (10).
.... 6-21
TECHNICOLOR ADVENTURES
3801 Star Spangled City (10). 10- 19 44 11- 2
3802 Rubber (fiver (10) 11-16 ± 12-14
3803 Kingdom of the Wild (10) 3-15 + 4-19
3804 Circus Horse (10) 6-28
Miscellaneous
Republic
SERIALS
584 The Crimson Ghost 10-26
12 Chapters
691 Son of Zorro 1-18
13 Chapters
692 Jungle Girl (rerelease).... 4-19
15 Chapters
Jesse James Rides Again. . . 3-21
13 Chapters
The Black Widow 6-10
13 Chapters
G-Men Never Forget
13 Chapters
United Artists
DAFFY DITTIES
. . .©The Lady Said No (8) . . 4-26 4+ 4-27
. . .©Choo Choo Amigo (8).. 7- 5 4+ 7-20
...©Pepito’s Serenade (10).. 8-16 44 9-14
LOEW MUSICOLOR
...©Toccata and Fugue (10). 10-15 44 10-19
THE WORLD TODAY
...Wonder Eye (10) 516 4+ 5-17
IN THE NEWSREELS
Movietone News. No. 74: UN committee
hears Jews and Arabs on Palestine prob-
lem; film reports from Japan — democratic
elections, fire in heart of Tokyo; visitors
from abroad — J. Arthur Rank, Egypt's
queen mother; photographic show picks
model girl for pictures; mama cat runs
into a peck of trouble over her kittens;
sports — the Preakness.
News of the Day, No. 272: UN hears
pleas for Palestine; Communists in Japan
defeated as nation elects — parliament;
Egypt's queen mother arrives in Boston;
Chicago's chqmpion Mom; Buchenwald
avenged; Preakness turf classic; crackup
champs.
Paramount News, No. 75: Presenting
death dodgers with a new twist; veteran
finds new way of panning gold; UN hears
both sides on Palestine; Nazi loot —
U.S. army takes inventory; Tokyo — 30
buildings leveled in downtown blaze;
Preakness.
Pathe News, No. 77: Japanese at polls;
British film mogul in N. Y.; Jews and
Arabs on Palestine; fire sweeps Tokyo
main street; Preakness.
Universal News, No. 38: Forty thousand
fans see Faultless win Preakness at Pim-
lico; J. Arthur Rank, British film leader
visits U.S.; colorful ceremony of Swiss
guards at Vatican city; blessing of animals
at Barcelona; Tokyo shopping district
gutted by fire; mother honored by her 18
children; death dodgers stunt woman bad-
ly hurt during dynamite explosion stunt.
•
Movietone News, No. 75: Churchill
awarded France's highest military medal;
England gives royal family tremendous
welcome; navy pictures just released of
Byrd at South Pole; sports.
News of the Day, No. 273: With Admiral
Byrd in the Antarctic; millions in Britain
hail royal family ending tour; Winston
Churchill gets French military honors;
sport carnival in Africa thrills French
president.
Paramount News. No. 76: France honors
Churchill; collapsible auto makes debut;
people in the eyes of the world; Byrd
expedition report from Antarctica; Eng-
land's royal family welcomed home.
Pathe News, No. 78: Royal family re-
turns; pageant portrays Christ's life; set
up film advisory committee; Churchill hon-
ored by France; new film on Byrd expe-
dition; 31 on trial for lynching; Australia
rides to the hounds.
Universal News, No. 39: Royal family
greeted on return from South Africa tour;
highlights of the Byrd expedition to the
South Pole; British film producer honored
by film leaders; President Auriol witnesses
natives taunting fierce hyenas; Churchill
receives French medal in Paris; life of
Christ re-enacted in Bruges, Belgium; new
Polish envoy approved.
•
All American News, Vol. 5, No. 239:
House of Promise at Indianapolis; GI
songfest, Birmingham; National Institute
of Science meets in Washington; big man-
big steel, Pittsburgh; female and the
fighter; honors from Liberia.
2-15
5-io
4- 19
5- 10
4-27
8-10
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide
May 24, 1947
13
SHORTS REVIEWS
v
Opinions on the Current Short Subjects
Famous Hollywood
Mothers
Col (Screen Snapshots) 10 Mins.
Good. Here is a bevy of Hollywood ac-
tresses shown with their children. The list is
made up of Ginny Simms, Rosalind Russell,
Eleanor Powell, Constance Moore, Judy Can-
ova, Rosemary DeCamp, Bebe Daniels, Nancy
Coleman, Georgia Carroll Kyser, Brenda
Marshall, Gale Storm, Leslie Brooks, Lynn
Roberts, Jeff Donnell, Eve Arden, Elyse Knox,
and a grandmother, Irene Rich.
Goofy Golf
Col (Sport Reels) 9 Mins.
Good. Nongolfers as well as golfers will
get a laugh out of this amusing short. It
features Joe Ezar, a trick-shot artist, who imper-
sonates various types of golfers. There is the
dub, the slugger, the player with lots of form
and no results, and the drunk. In addition,
Ezar performs golf miracles that will be the
envy of any player who has ever tried a
trick shot.
The Vigilante
Col (Serial)
Good. Surefire kid attraction based on the
widely distributed Action Comics magazine
character. The opening chapter is 30 min-
utes; the average length of the 14 subsequent
chapters will be 23 minutes. The title role
is handled by Ralph Byrd who doubles as a
government agent and cowboy singing star.
He operates against a modern western back-
ground. The chief "heavy" is Lyle Talbot,
who poses as a respectable ranch owner.
Feminine interest is provided by Ramsay
Ames, an attractive rodeo rider. Columbia is
pushing the serial via a full line of acces-
sories and press book.
The Enchanted Square
Para (Noveltoon) 10 Mins.
Excellent. Appealing Raggedy Ann returns
in a charming tale of a poor little blind girl
who finally sees the world around her. A
heart-tugging song, "You Can See With Your
Heart," is sung by Raggedy Ann. Saddened
because she cannot see her mother's face,
Billie, a blind girl, meets Raggedy Ann, who
tells her to use her imagination to bpen her
eyes. Both of them imagine a Technicolor
world of ice cream, carnivals and beautiful
flowers, and Billie sees her mother as a beauti-
ful lady dressed in shimmering clothes. The
picture has all the charm of a fairy tale.
Jumping Jacks
Para (Grantland Rice Sportlight) 10 Mins.
Good. Stand-out athletes from the Lone Star
state and a remarkable group of teen-age
youngsters from Dallas put on a spectacular
show doing all variations of flip flops and
even double somersaults. Among those shown
are Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan, golf cham-
pions, and Babe Didrickson, the greatest “all-
around" woman athlete the world has ever
known. Unusual photographic angles and the
humorous comment make this an entertain-
ing filler for average patrons as well as
sports-lovers.
Marine Miracles
Para (Popular Science) 10 Mins.
Interesting. Magnacolor scenes of scientific
research under water are featured in this film.
Scientists of the Institutum Divi Thomae are
shown on board a floating laboratory in
southern waters, where a diver stalks the
deep sea creatures. Once the fish are brought
on board they are carried to a laboratory
where they are carefully studied by scientists.
Some experiments have resulted in the de-
velopment of a healing salve for humans.
Other scenes deal with the latest gadgets to
make milady beautiful.
Swedish Glassmakers
Para (Unusual Occupations) 10 Mins.
Good. Glassmaking by highly skilled arti-
sans living in the Swedish village of Orrefors
on the Baltic sea is only a small portion of
this interesting short photographed in Magna-
color. Quaint and artistic wood-carvings fash-
ioned by an old westerner known only as
"Andy” and some forerunners of our modern
devices, recently disposed of by the U.S. pat-
ent office, are also shown and women patrons
will enjoy the intimate glimpses of the elab-
orate hairdos worn by Nipponese women.
Donald's Dilemna
RKO (Disney Cartoon) 7 Mins.
Very good. Walt Disney cleverly satirizes
the current craze for psychiatry in this en-
tertaining Donald Duck cartoon. Daisy Duck
tells her psychiatrist how she and Donald
were in love until a sudden blow on his head
makes him believe he is the world's greatest
singer. He ignores Daisy completely while
autograph hounds besiege him. The psychia-
trist tells her another blow will cause his
transformation. Daisy does this and Donald's
voice changes back to a duck's quack for a
happy fadeout.
Wild Turkey
RKO (Sportscope) 8 Mins.
Fair. Wild turkey hunting in the wooded
hills along the Potomac River in Maryland is
featured in this reel. Two expert game hunt-
ers of the Woodmont Rod and Gun Club of
Hancock, M.d., are shown stalking the wily
woodland birds. It takes a sharp eye and
steady trigger finger to bag these birds. The
average wild turkey tips the scale at 25
pounds.
Gandy Goose in
Mexican Baseball
20th-Fox (Terrytoon) 7 Mins.
Hilarious. A clever take-off on the Anglo-
Mexican baseball games, this reel should
keep audiences in a constant state of laugh-
ter. Gandy Goose and his feline friend,
Sourpuss, take on the Mexican League Bulls.
As the band plays "Yankee Doodle," our
friends continue scoring home runs until the
bulls are snorting with anger. When the
band switches to a fast conga beat, Gandy
and Sourpuss join the Bulls in a conga line
around the baseball diamond.
Mighty Mouse and the
Hep Cat
20th-Fox (Terrytoon) 7 Mins.
Fair. Unable to win by fair means, a cat
poses as the Pied Piper and lures the mice
away from their happy homes and into a
cauldron over a fire. Other cats are sitting
around the table ready for a feast when
Mighty Mouse appears cfnd rescues the mice.
The cats attack him with a steam shovel,
but he wins the fight.
Mighty Mouse in the
Electronic Mousetrap
20th-Fox (Terrytoon) 7 Mins.
Fair. A group of evil cats use modern
science to develop an electronic mouse-
catcher which draws the mice into the ma-
chine, and packs them into boxes. The ma-
chine has a snout like a dragon and a body
like an army tank. Mighty Mouse rushes to
the rescue and is caught by the machine,
but he turns it on its • owners and triumphs
in the end.
The Talking Magpies
in Cat Trouble
20th-Fox (Terrytoon) 7 Mins.
Amusing. The talking magpies run into
trouble when they attempt to save a young
bird from a hungry cat. The baby bird ex-
cuses the scrapes he gets into with the com-
ment that he is only "three-and-a-half years
old." The cat rigs up several intricate de-
vices to trap the bird and manages to scare
off the magpies. When it looks as though the
cat has cornered his quarry, the little bird
gives him a thorough trouncing.
Tanbark Champions
20th-Fox (Movietone Sports Review) 8 Mins.
Good. The finest horseflesh in the country
is paraded across the arena at the American
Royal Horse Show in Kansas City. The thor-
oughbreds are paced before critical judges,
and the winning owner is presented with
flower wreaths and cash prizes. Highlight of
the reel is a riding exhibition by a three-
year-old girl, who fearlessly mounts a pranc-
ing horse.
Charlie Barnet & His Orch.
U-I (Name Band Musical) 15 Mins.
Good. Interesting photograph treatments
and Barnet's popular orchestra should be well
received. Igor and Tania, expert dance team,
perform an exotic rumba. Sentimental bal-
lads are sung by Rita Shore and Della Norell,
singing wife of Andy Russell, crooner. Jeanne
Blanche does a tap ballet to "I Believe in
Miracles." In one sequence Miss Norell' leads
the audience in a community sing. The reel
closes with Barnet and the orchestra playing
"Murder at Peyton Hall."
Desi Arnaz & His Orch .
U-I (Name Band Musical) 15 Mins.
Excellent. With dynamic Desi Arnaz carry-
ing most of the proceedings, this reel turns
out to be one of the best in the series. The
band leader possesses remarkable singing,
dancing and comedy talent. The reel is filmed
in a night club setting, with Desi ■ singing
"El Cumbanchero" and "I'll Take the Rumba,"
aided by beautiful Dulcina, formerly vocalist
with Xavier Cugat's orchestra. Highlight of
the reel is the musical number, "Managua
Nicaragua." The scene fades to a classroom,
with Arnaz, in cap and gown, giving a musi-
cal geography lecture. A rumba by Dulcina
and Arnaz is effective.
Birth of a Notion
WB (Merrie Melodies) 7 Mins.
Good. Daffy Duck, who is becoming almost
as popular with movie patrons as Donald
Duck, has another of his fantastic adventures.
Daffy decides to defy his normal instincts by
not going south with the normal ducks, since
he can be house guest in the warm home of
a scientist. But the latter turns out to be Peter
Lorre, who has a definite use for Daffy in his
experiments. Daffy finally spouts jet-pro-
pelled wings and joins his feathered friends.
What's on Your Mind
(Canada Carries On)
Nat'l Film Board of Canada 10 Mins.
Very good. Dramatic and factual presenta-
tion of the progress being made in the field
of psychiatrics in Canada's major hospitals,
this should provide interesting film fare. The
picture touches on problems of modern living
as they affect emotionally unstable indi-
viduals. Several amusing sequences deal
with "quack" fortune tellers and advisers on
matrimonial relationships. Closing scenes em-
phasize the importance of proper emotional
development during childhood to insure men-
tal stability in later life.
14
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 24, 1947
Opinions on Current Productions; Exploitips for Selling to the Public
[ FEATURE REVIEWS
Perils of Pauline F Comedy
Paramount (4615) 93 Minutes Rel.
In the quantity and quality of nostalgia and comedy con-
tent the picture delivers, it appraises as excellent entertain-
ment. Alone, those two ingredients are sufficient to guaran-
tee great popularity and paralleling profits in all showings.
As a second line of assurance, however, there are brilliant
Technicolor photography, handsome production values and a
characteristically vital and ingratiating performance by Betty
Hutton. Slightly discounting those aforementioned assets,
however, is the weak support given La Hutton and the fact
that the story goes serious — and in the end a bit maudlin —
through the introduction of an inevitable backstage boy-
meets-girl twist. The screenplay is based on and roughly
adheres to the life and career of Pearl White and that affords
hilarious glances into picture-making methods of three dec-
ades ago. Ably directed by George Marshall.
Betty Hutton, John Lund, Constance Collier, Billy De Wolfe,
William Demarest, Frank Faylen.
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir F
20th-Fox (715) 104 Minutes Rel. May '47
Fantasy with a delightfully human approach, this unusual
picture is noteworthy for its sly, satiric touches and expert
characterizations. Rex Harrison, who contributes another
splendid portrayal which should increase his popularity in
this country. Gene Tierney and George Sanders will insure
strong grosses generally. As directed by Joseph L. Mankie-
wicz, the story has great charm and an imaginative quality
throughout. Only the action-minded fans may find it occa-
sionally slow moving and overburdened with dialog. Laid
in London, around the turn of the century, the story deals with
a defiant young widow who moves into a mansion by the
sea determined to meet the ghost who has long haunted the
place. The ghost collaborates with the widow on a swash-
buckling autobiography which rescues her from financial
difficulties. Only death finally reunites them.
Rex Harrison, Gene Tierney, George Sanders, Edna Best,
Vanessa Brown, Natalie Wood, Robert Coote, Anna Lee.
Dick Tracy's Dilemma ' F
RKO Radio (729) GO Minutes Rel. May 26. '47
Those who are ardent followers of the exploits of Chester
Gould's indomitable pen-and-ink hero will love this episode,
which rates high among the best of the series. Furthermore,
it has plenty of action, suspense and excitement for average
seekers of cops-and-robbers films even though they may not
be regular readers of the newspaper career of Tracy and his
entourage of fantastically named playmates. Ralph Byrd
again demonstrates that he was a happy choice for the title
role and delivers a characteristic, square-jawed, rugged per-
formance. This time the super sleuth goes out to outwit
and capture a dastard called "The Claw'' among whose many
accomplishments are murder — four, no less — robbery, bilking
insurance companies and other assorted nefarious pursuits.
Does Tracy miss? Certainly notl He gets his man in a whirl-
wind climax. Directed by John Rawlins.
Ralph Byrd, Lyle Latell, Kay Christopher, Jack Lambert, Ian
Keith, Bernadene Hayes, Jimmy Conlin, William Davidson.
Moss Rose F
20th-Fox (717) 82 Minutes Rel. June '47
On this rose grows several velvety luxurious petals which
will make its beauty and fragrance a joy for those who like
to talk about and, in some cases, appreciate good cinema.
Foremost among them are a pair of sterling performances by
Peggy Cummins and Ethel Barrymore and meticulous atten-
tion to atmosphere and period. But like all its species, the
lush bloom from the 20th-Fox gardens is not without its
thorns and they are very apt to lodge themselves firmly and
unpleasantly in the sides of confirmed mystery fans. Not
the least of these are the many loose ends that the screen-
play fails to gather up, comes the denouement. So eager
was the script to project a surprise finish that whodunit dev-
otees will leave the theatre asking themselves plenty of
questions. Probably best for first runs with subsequent show-
ings, depending on the cast magnetism. Gregory Ratoff
directed.
Peggy Cummins, Victor Mature, Ethel Barrymore, Vincent
Price, Margo Woode, Patric O'Moore, Rhys Williams.
Thunder Mountain F Westcrn
RKO Radio (730) 60 Minutes Rel. May 28, '47
There's a Martin-Coyish family feud to add a fillip to
sagebrush saga formula No. 4-B, that one in which the ruth-
less saloon keepers, aided and abetted by a crooked sheriff,
are trying to gobble up the ranch which is soon to become
valuable because of an impending irrigation project. Need
it be recorded that right prevails? And in bringing the vil-
lains to their well-earned violent end, Tim Holt will greatly
please the juveniles and the action lovers as a hard-hitting,
fast-riding, straight-shooting, strong, silent "our hero." Other
assets which accent the standard boots-and-spurs ingredients
(all of which are present in satisfactory quantities) include i
unusually breathtaking natural backgrounds, an above-aver-
age supporting cast and the fact that the picture stems from
a Zane Grey novel. Where such westerns hit pay dirt, this
won't miss. Directed by Lew Landers.
Tim Holt, Martha Hyer, Richard Martin, Steve Brodie, Virginia
Owen, Harry Woods, Jason Robards, Robert Clarke.
Hoppy's Holiday F Weste n
United Artists (562) 60 Minutes Rel.
As its title implies, the latest Hopalong Cassidy western
is less concerned with riding, shooting and fisticuffs than it
is with the lighter side of cowboy life. While not up to the
high action standard set by William Boyd's recent films, his
name and that of the series will guarantee good business
wherever westerns are favored. Although Andy Clyde's
irascible old codger gets much of the footage in the introduc-
tory scenes, Boyd takes over later with some detecting work
which reveals the identity of the bank robbers. A novel
touch in the climactic chase has the robbers using a horse-
less carriage (early-day auto) to effect their escape. Hoppy's
planned holiday in a frontier town is interrupted when he
finds that the natives are victims of a swindling racket. Mary
Ware's minor feminine role is devoid of romantic interest.
George Archainbaud directed.
William Boyd, Andy Clyde, Rand Brooks, Andrew Tombes,
Mary Ware, Leonard Penn, Jeff Corey, Donald Kirke.
Border Feud F Western
PRC Pictures (752) 55 Minutes Rel. May 10, '47
Here is a fast moving film with enough action to please
avid western fans. It tells the story of a gold town feud be-
tween mine owners, the Condens and Harts, who are egged
on by an outlaw, plotting to take over their mine after the
partners kill each other off. Just when it seems the outlaw
will succeed, along comes "Lash" La Rue to expose the plot
and capture the outlaw. He is aided by A1 "Fuzzy" St. John,
the sheriff of the town. La Rue plays the role of a marshal
in a tough, tight-lipped fashion. His acting and mannerisms
remind one of Humphrey Bogart. The outlaw chief, Ian
Keith, would be more at home in a British film than he is here.
His henchman, Bob Duncan, is in the real western tradition
as a slick, gun-slinging saloon operator. Ray Taylor directed.
"Lash" La Rue, A1 "Fuzzy" St. John, Bob Duncan, Brad Slavin, ,
Kenneth Farrell, Gloria Marlen, Casey MacGregor, Ian Keith.
822 BOXOFFICE
Oregon Trail Scouts F
Republic (665) 58 Minutes Rel. May 15, '47
No matter what line of endeavor Red Ryder engages in,
he's a leadpipe cinch to be top dog and to eventually out-
smart, outride, outfight and outshoot those rapscallions who
are trying to turn his business into a racket. This time he's
a fur trapper and his fight is to outwit the heavies in trading
with the Indians for trapping rights. And, oh, boy, those
Indians. Their presence gives the adventure an added luster
which will make it rate high in the estimation of oater fans.
There is a standard quota of gunplay, chases, fisticuffs and
what do you want from a western? One slant to the story
will plant a question mark in the minds of Ryder followers.
It tells of how he first meets Little Beaver which seems a bit
inconsistent since that moppet redskin appeared as his
saddle pal in several preceding chapters. Directed by R. G.
Springsteen.
Allan Lane, Bobby Blake, Martha Wentworth, Roy Barcroft,
Emmett Lynn, Edmund Cobb, Earle Hodgins.
May 24, 1947 > 821
EXPLOITIPS
ft
Suggestions for Selling;
Adlines for
Newspaper and Programs
i
SELLING ANGLES: "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir"
Rex Harrison, since his appearance in "Anna and the King
of Siam" and "Notorious Gentleman," has become a top star.
Use large-size cutouts of him as the King, the gentleman and
the bearded sea captain of "The Ghost" to show his versa-
tility. A young girl dressed in widow's weeds like Gene
Tierney wears could be used to distribute handbills. Stress
the romantic angle between Miss Tierney and George
Sanders to attract women fans.
CATCHLINES:
The Spirit Was So Willing But the Flesh Was So Weak . . .
Torn Between Her Love for Two Men — a Fascinating Ghost
and an Attractive Man About Town . . . He Was Out of This
World and She Was Down to Earth.
When She Met the Delightful Ghost Her Earthly Lover Didn't
Have a Ghost of a Chance . . . That Notorious Gentleman,
King of Siam Rex Harrison in His Latest and Most Engaging
Portrayal . . . The Strangest Story Ever Told — by the Man
Only She Could See.
SELLING ANGLES: "Moss Rose"
Flood town with throwaways on which is printed a moss
rose and this copy: "Warning! — Beware of this Flower!" In
small type in lower corner print: "Until you have seen the
'Moss Rose' at the Blank Theatre." Place an ad under the
personal column in the classified section of your newspaper
reading: "Information wanted that will lead to apprehension
of murderer who leaves a moss rose at scene of crime." Make
a display of flowers — centering a moss rose — that have fig-
ured in murder mysteries, real or fictive, such as "Blue
Dahlia," etc.
CATCHLINES:
That's How It All Began — a Moss Rose ... A Bible . . . And
a Corpse . . . His Arms Offered Love But His Kiss Meant
Death ... A Mouth Like Hers Was for Kissing Not for Telling.
Have You Ever Been Wanted for Murder? . . . No! . . . But
Suppose the Evidence Was Enough to Have You Convicted
. . . A Story So Deep in Hatred It Brought Death to Innocent
Women . . . They Took Their Lives in Their Hands When
They Took Him in Their Arms.
SELLING ANGLES: "Hoppy's Holiday"
The title suggests numerous tieups with local travel agen-
cies for window cards reading "Hoppy's Holiday" is at
Theatre. Take your holiday in California, Florida or
nearby spots. As the action employs an old horseless car-
riage in the chase sequences, try to hire an early type of
motor vehicle to drive through the streets with passengers
in western outfits and appropriate theatre copy. Or give free
tickets to any patron who can drive up to the theatre in an
ancient vehicle.
CATCHLINES:
Here Comes Hoppy, the Fightingest, Shootingest Man in
the Old West . . . The Greatest Cowboy of Them All Rides
the Range to Right a Wrong . . . Hoppy's Holiday Turns
Into Hair-Raising Adventure.
All the Thrills of a Rip-Roaring Western With Some Smart
Detecting by Hoppy for Good Measure . . . Hoppy's Horse,
Topper, Overtakes the Bad Men in Their Horseless Carriage.
SELLING ANGLES: "The Perils of Pauline"
In an early vintage open car, plant a group dressed and
equipped as an oldtime camera crew. Have car following
pretty blonde on motorcycle, apparently photographing her.
Car carries sign: "See this scene in 'Perils of Pauline' at
the Ritz tonight." Over public address system constantly
play "Poor Pauline" and spot that ancient song on radio
programs. In foyer, line up wheel chairs with message: "If
you can't take the thrills and/or laughs, we'll send you home
in one of these."
CATCHLINES:
You Have a Date With Danger! . . . Shades of Pearl White,
Hutton's on a Mad Rampage of Thrills, Laughter and Ex-
citement . . . Peerless Pauline's Biggest Peril Is Man Trouble
. . . He Was a Hard Guy to Catch Until She Trapped Him
in a Runaway Balloon.
She Could Hurl Pies . . . Knock Down Props . . . Bowl Over
Actors and Kick Lions — But She Met Her Match When She
Met That Lund Lad . . . Hutton Will Make Your Spine Chill
With Her Daredevil Stunts!
SELLING ANGLES: "Dick Tracy's Dilemma"
As the insurance racket on furs is the basis of the picture,
tie in with insurance outfits using the slogan "Insure Your
Furs With Us and Dick Tracy Won't Have to Solve Your Prob-
lems." In various parts of the lobby have claws reaching out
as if to grab patrons as they walk by. Use spot announce-
ments of the picture's playdates in connection with the radio
program. Stage an amateur cartoonist contest, awarding free
ducats to the entry that most closely resembles the Dick
Tracy strip character.
CATCHLINES:
America's Top Detective Alive on the Screen! . . . The
Mighty Man Who Holds Millions Breathless Every Day, Here
in the Biggest, Bravest, Fastest and Most Baffling Crime Story
of Them A 111 . . . Dauntless Dick's Most Daring Adventure
. . . The Detective Hero of a Hundred Million Hearts.
It's Dick in the Flesh! . . . Your Favorite Detective of the
Cartoon Come to Life on the Screen, in His Most Exciting
Adventure of All . . . The Reckless Hero of a Thousand Thrills.
SELLING ANGLES: "Thunder Mountain"
Stills of scenes shot in the High Sierra country near Mt.
Whitney lend themselves to tieups with travel agencies. Dress
theatre front to resemble oldtime gambling house and sa-
loon. Offer a prize for the best juvenile impersonators of
Tim Holt. Have usherettes dressed as dance-hall girls. Have
three men dressed in western clothes, one as a sheriff, walk
through the streets with signs on their backs, " 'Thunder
Mountain' is getting too hot for us. We're getting out of town!"
CATCHLINES:
A-feudin' and a-fightin'- — in Thunder Mountain Country
You're Either an In-Law or an Out-Law . . . She Was Out to
Get Him — But With a Gun . . . He Gets Involved in an Old
Feud With a Pretty Girl and Her Two Brothers — Really In-
volved— He Falls in Love With the Gal.
Watch How Those Dance-Hall Cuties Tumble for That
Rough, Rugged Tim Holt Guy ... He Never Carried a Gun
But He Pulled the First Punch . . . See the Crooks, Those
Meanies, Get Caught in Their Own Trap.
H
5,1
iz(
nd
a
It
!)
fli
t
V
id
[:
'.:
a
oil
U
CA
in
fi
i !il
id
1 13.
at
it
i
oli
to
ill
nr
: 3i
id
1 til
w
m
2
I xii
Fo
fit
u
) 0
fci
C:
Ai
SELLING ANGLES: "Oregon Trail Scouts"
As there are an unusual number of Indians in this Red
Ryder western, give the lobby an Indian atmosphere by set-
ting up a tepee outside the theatre with a smoke pot inside
it for added realism. At night use lighting to illuminate a
silhouette of an Indian. Plant spot announcements, in connec-
tion with the radio program, and stuff western magazines.
For a kids' matinee have a toy horse-riding race, promoting
three or four hobby horses from your local store and offering
free ducats as prizes.
CATCHLINES:
It's Red Ryder and Little Beaver Riding Rampant Over the
Western Territory to Outwit an Unscrupulous Gang Who Tried
to Steal the Indian's Fur Trapping Lands . . . The Kind of Out-
door Action That Thrills You . . . It's a Battle of Sur-
vival and the Best Men Win.
Rip-Roaring Action Against Lawlessness and Treachery . . .
As Red and Little Beaver Capture a Gang of Outlaws Who
Tried to Put the Blame on Peaceful Indian Tribes . . . Thrills,
Chills, Blazing Excitement.
c
SELLING ANGLES: "Border Feud"
Most of the familiar stunts used to sell a second feature
western could be effectively applied to this picture. These
could include lobby displays of western regalia, stills of
action shots, an usher dressed as a cowboy. Play up the fact
that "Lash" La Rue is the toughest film gunman since
Humphrey Bogart. Use stills of La Rue in some of the action
poses. His resembance to Bogart is striking.
CATCHLINES:
"Lash" La Rue, the Toughest Gunman Since Bogart, Tames
the Roughest Gang Since the Daltons . . . Here's Action for
the Most Avid Western Fan . . . Blazing Guns Bring Law to
the Lawless West ... A Fast Moving Film Packed With
Excitement.
A Western That's Different ... A Western That Will Lift
You Out of Your Seat ... A Western That Will Set Your
Heart Pounding . . . Here's a Feud More Murderous Than
the Battles of the Hatfields and the McCoys.
S':
fl.
!
):
‘he Industry's Market for Purchase or Sale of Equipment, Theatres, Service
) Classified Ads 10c Per Word, Payable in Advance. Minimum $1.00. Display Rates on Request •
CLiam house
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— USED
Heavy Duty blowers, ball-bearing equipped.
i.OOO cfm to 50,000 cfm. Air wasbers, all
tes. Hydraulic drives two and four speed motors
id controls. Immediate delivery. Dealers wanted,
ltional Engineering and Mfg. Co., 213 W. 19th
., Kansas City, Mo.
For Sale: Two semiportable Simplex Projectors,
:1 ft. Magazines, Amplifier and Speaker, $500.
iod condition. Victory Theatre, Marcola, Ore.
Sell — pair WE 35mm projectors, 2,000 ft., 900W,
>V complete; transformers, amplifier $250.
IcT, Wickes, Ark.
Victor 16mm sound projector, Model 40! New,
ttory-guaranteed. First check for $449 takes it.
arlie Poorman, Schuylkill Haven, Pa.
War surplus sound outfits. Sharp reductions,
imm 11CA $149.50; Relbowell, Ampro, Victor,
Vry, $195 up. Amproarc HI, $1,295. 35mm
limes LI arc equipments, $1,295. DeVry HI
:atre equipments, $2,495; rebuilt super Simplex
A sound, $3,850; Simplex E7 ditto, $4,500.
).S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St.,
w York 18.
Fireproof booth shutters, S in sq., $7.97;
tl4 in., $10.95; General two unit H ticket
chines, $99.50; Brenkert 50A HI rectifiers,
1.75; series O lenses, $2.95; rebuilt projectors,
itury, Brenkert, Super Simplex, at low prices;
icgel arcspot, 100 amps., $125; footlights,
1.50 section. Send for catalog. S.O.S. Cinema
rply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St., New York 18.
As is” for sale, used theatre equipment :
ling, electric motors, projection, sound, pop-
jn machines. List furnished upon request,
jlco Theatres, Inc., 207 Adams Ave. , Memphis,
up
15mm and 16mm Sound Films and 16mm Sound
'chines and other equipment. Send stamps for
ings. Mertz Film Service. Springfield. 111.
Vill trade 35mm Sound Film for 16mm film,
at have you? Box 32, Springfield, 111.
I Holmes 35mm Projectors, Mazda lamps, 2,000
reels, metal bases, sound, complete with
rker, monitor speaker and connections. Good
dition. $775. Union Theatre, Uniontown, Ky.
'or Sale: Practically new pair of DeVry port-
} 35mm projectors, complete with amplifier
speaker. Price $1,000. Write to Lane Audio-
[ual Co., Carroll, Iowa.
Three coin-operated 16mm movie machines
jnorams). Perfect working condition. Solo-vue
!0pen Screen. The 16mm RCA sound projector,
ning 6 PM speakers with continuous self-
ding reel, worth more than price. Profitable
line or ideal for advertising. $275 each,
ity of film. P. O. Box 98. Gassaway, W. Va.
ine pair Simplex-Acme projectors, completely
nditioned. Hertner Converter. Strong Lamps,
6 RCA sound, H. L. Speakers, rewinds and
ces, $1,950. Box 2742, Boxoffice, 825 Van
nt. Bird., Kansas City 1, Mo.
'owers Intermittent $12; lower Simplex maga-
; $5; 9,000 Film & Instructions, $1.50.
ley Trout. 575, Enid, Okla.
bmplete booth equipment, including Simplex
lectors, double channel Picturefone sound,
en and accessories. Bargain. $2,500. D.
lo, 3547 East 147th St., Cleveland, Ohio.
ne LOngacre 3648.
irmy Surplus: Late DeVry and Holmes pro-
ors at bargain prices! Gold Seal 2 unit ticket
hines, rebuilt, $175: General 112 unit, $90;
ly others; Golde ticket boxes. $12.50; Weaver
tgeovers, complete, $24.50; Simplex intermit-
s, $4.95; pair Brenkert Suprex lamphouses
■ t Benwood-Linze rectifiers, excellent, $425.
• Cinema Supply, 459 West 46th St., New
k City 19.
complete booth equipment with modified West-
Electric sound system, universal base like new,
factory rebuilt Motiograph projectors, 2,000
. magazines. Bargain, all for $750. Write
2746. Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas
1. Mo.
HELP WANTED
Vanted : Experienced theatre manager for per-
ent position. State age, experience, references,
ried or single. Hudson Theatre Co., Rieh-
d, Ind.
/anted: Experienced booker and buyer. State
experience and recommendations Location in
eland. Independent circuit. Excellent op-
unity for young man seeking permanent con-
ion. Write Box 2724, Boxoffice, 825 Van
it Bird.. Kansas City 1. Mo.
rojectionist (small town). Must be coopera-
Milo DeHaven, Waterville, Ohio.
xcellent job for experienced theatre manager
ible of handling towns with two or more thea-
Send applications and references to: Wallace
rtres Circuit, 2701 21st St., Lubbock, Tex.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— NEW
Poster Cases — Stainless steel, 40x65 glass size,
equipped with cold cathode tube illumination
around entire case. Immediate delivery. All other
sizes, delivery in 10 days. Literature upon re-
quest. Ben B. Poblocki & Sons, 2159 South Kin-
nickinnic Ave., Milwaukee 7, Wis.
9x12 ft. silver perforated Lace & Grommet
screen. At sacrifice price. Academy Film Service,
2300 Payne Ave., Cleveland, Ohio,
New "Victor 60” 16mm Sound Projector.
Princeton Theatre, Princeton, Wis.
New low intensity rectifiers. Strong, Delaware
or Forest LD-30, per pair, $127. Graham Bros.,
546 Lincoln St., Denver 9, Colo.
STUDIO EQUIPMENT
BH Eyemo turret camera, $395 less lens; Eye-
mo bombspotter cameras, $119.50 less lens; 35mm
positive stock, $11.95 per M; BH Hispeed shut-
tles, $195; WE dynamic microphones, $39.50;
Cine Kodak special camera, with 3 lenses and
case, $695; New Bell & Howell sound printers,
$3,250; Fresnellite studio spots, 2.000W, $67.50;
new Mitchell 24V motors, $295; Neumade 16mm
automatic film cleaners, $135; new 35mm film
phonographs, $795. Send for latest stocklist.
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St.,
New York 18.
CONFECTIONS
Standard brand candy bars. $10. 50 per carton.
Also popcorn and seasoning F.0.B Chicago. Con-
fection Distributing Co., 717 W. 119th St., Chi-
cago 28. 111. Phone COMmodore 1727.
POPCORN MACHINES
Burch — Manley — Cretors — Advances — All elec-
tric French fry types. Karmelkorn Equipment. 120
S. Halstead, Chicago 6, 111.
Rebuilt Popcorn Machines for sale. Fully guar-
anteed. Price from $150. Consolidated Confec-
tions, 1314 S. Wabash. Chicago 5, III.
Blevins is national headquarters for popcorn
machines. Silver Stars, Super Slats, Corn Cribs.
Old machines taken in trade. Blevins Popcorn Co.,
Nashville, Tenn.
Real Bargains used popcorn machines. Burch,
Cretor, Advance, guaranteed. Poppers Supply, Box
838. Atlanta, Ga.
Star popcorn machines. All models. Prunty
Seed & Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2,
Mo.
Lost concession lease. Sacrificing 10 Advance
Cretor and Burch machines (reconditioned). Free
supplies corn, seasoning, bags and salt when sold
will pay for machine. Send for list. P. W. Little-
john, Box 231, LaGrange, Ga.
Manley Lifetime Popcorn Machine, like new.
Priced to sell. $385. Star Theatre, Natchez, Miss.
POPCORN SUPPLIES
Write for our special contract which guarantees
you more profits and greater savings on all your
popcorn and popcorn supplies. Blevins Bee Hive
Popcorn Co.. Nashville, Tenn.
Home of “Rush Hour” popcorn and popcorn
supplies. Send for price list. Prunty Seed &
Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2, Mo.
Established 1874.
Popcorn: It pops! Our customers have popped
$133 out of one bag. Try it! Price f.o.b. $8.75.
The Ohio Popcorn Co., Arcanum, Ohio.
For Sale: Karmel Korn outfit complete. Gas-
fired dry popper. Copper kettle. Display table.
Complete instructions. Sweet Shop, 103 E. North
St., Marshall, Mo.
AIR CONDITIONING
For Sale: Cooling System — water washer and
fan, fan motor 7% H.P., fan blades, dia. 39 in.,
width blades, 34 in. Washer tank 7% ft. x 42 inches,
height of louvers — 5 ft. 3 H.P. Fairbanks Morse
motor and pump, all motors 220 volt. Fan and
washer not assembled. Priced to sell quick, $750.
J. P. Lannan. West Point, Neb
Brand New. Never Out of the Crate. U.S. Airco
Blower. 35,000 cfm. vertical discharge. One 7%
h.p. motor, 60 cycle. 3 phase, 220V, V-belt”,
hydraulic controls. $750. Hollywood Theatre,
Eau Claire. Wis.
For Sale: U. S. Air Conditioner and Combina-
tion Mueller Furnace. Good condition. Write Box
631, El Reno, Okla., for specifications, dimensions,
etc.
THEATRES FOR SALE
For Sale — 5 small leased theatres around Nor-
folk, Portsmouth and Newport News, Va., excep-
tional opportunity for experienced operator. Box
2729, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas
City 1, Mo.
North Texas town 1,45U. Well equipped. Only
theatre. RCA, Century. 1947 Manley. Showing
$10,000 yearly profit. Perfect lease. $12,500
down. Also very nice three bedroom home to
theatre buyer, $4,000 with terms. Permanent
retirement forces sale. Wonderful opportunity,
invites thorough investigation. Box 2727, Box-
office, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., K. C. 1, Mo.
Only Drive-In theatre southern city 52,000.
$500 weekly profit. $20,000 down. Box 2730,
825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Only theatre southern New Mexico town 2,500.
New building, equipment. Perfect climate. $23,000
handles. Arthur Leak, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, lex.
West Texas city, 17,000. 450 cushion seats.
De luxe booth, RCA high lamps; action policy;
continuous. Neglected. $10,500. Terms. Arthur
Leak. 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex.
For Sale: New 300-seat theatre in central Mis-
souri. Operating 7 nights a week. New brick
building, new Erwin cushion seats, Simplex pro-
jectors, new 1947 Manley popcorn machine. Very
good drawing town 4 miles, which has new shoe
factory. Box 2743. Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt
Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Southwest Oklahoma, thriving town 1,300. Four
elevators, four gins. Large territory. 360 seats.
Simplex. $11,500 down. Small home available.
Illness. Arthur Leak, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex.
Texas town 1.000. New booth, sound, screen,
air conditioning. Good return on investment.
$3,500 down. Box 2744, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt, Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Only theatre, town slightly less than 1,000.
Price less than year’s gross. Excellent possi-
bilities. Now clearing $500 monthly. Western
Missouri. Box 2745, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt
Bird.. Kansas City 1, Mo.
Theatre for Sale: Building containing three
business rooms, three modern apartments, 300-
seat capacity theatre. Located in Ohio county
seat town of over 40.000. For details write
Trenton M. Bridge, Broker, 50% No. Detroit St.,
Kenton, Ohio.
THEATRES WANTED
Sell Your Theatre Privately. Confidential cor-
respondence invited. References. Arthur Leak,
Theatres Exclusively. 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex,
Veteran — Buy (cash) or lease theatres in In-
diana, Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio. Box 172, Linton,
Indiana.
Oklahoma theatre wanted from owner. GI will
invest $14,000. Box 2738, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt. Blvd., Kansas City 1. Mo.
Will Buy or Lease for cash, profitable 400-600
seat theatre within 200 miles NYC. Give full
particulars. Box 515, Boxoffice, 9 Rockefeller
Plaza, N. Y. 20.
POSITION WANTED
Projectionist desires connection in Carolinas.
Other locations considered. Age 42. Sober, re-
liable. References. Available two weeks notice.
Lucius Bateman. Stone Mountain. Ga.
Projectionist: Married, sober, reliable. Avail-
able immediately. 12 years experience. George
Tabor, Box 62, New Haven. Ind.
Projectionist, 25 years experience, Ohio, Penn.,
W. Va., available; married, sober, family. Write
Box 36, Boxoffice, 86 Van Braam, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Manager: Age 37, experienced projectionist;
sound technician. Married, sober, dependable.
Ed Wilkins. Beeville. Tex.
Projectionist 24 years experience. Maintenance,
machine-sound repairs, manage. Interview any
distance. Projectionist, 2212 Orchard, Chicago.
Experienced theatre man interested in theatre
management in small theatre chain operations or
for a reliable exhibitor who prefers one thor-
oughly experienced in booth equipment, or will
accept an assistant managerial position in a large
theatre chain. Executive type, reliable, forcefully
energetic, do not drink. Will go anywhere in U.S. A.
and Canada. Salary in accordance with theatre
and town. Give particulars and state the wages
you’re willing to pay in first letter. Floyd E.
Birmingham. Hotel Kaukauna, Kaukanna. Wis.
Projectionist, 6 years experience. Willing to
learn more. References. Russell G. Butz, Ridge-
way, Iowa.
SIGNS
Easy Way to Paint Signs. Use letter patterns.
Avoid sloppy work and wasted time. No experi-
ence needed for expert work. Write for free sam-
ples. John Rahn, B-1329 Central Ave., Chicago
51. 111.
THEATRE SEATING
900 18-in. opera chairs. Veneer seat and
back. Bargain. Sell any amount or alL Gem
Theatre, 1615 East 18th St., Kansas City, Mo.
Several thousand used upholstered opera chairs
on hand. We are headquarters for the cream of
the used chair crop. We pick the lots that we
think you will like. We furnish proper slope and
sections desired to fit your theatre. Our many
years experience in the seating business is your
guarantee. Write for exact photo and price. We
have parts for all makes of chairs. Also, leather-
ette 25x25 in. all colors, 55c ea. Good quality.
Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829 So. State St.,
Chicago 5, 111.
Fensin Chair maintenance headquarters has all
parts and accessories for all chairs. Also uphol-
stery fabrics and theatre chair supplies. Send us
your sample for quotation. Repair service avail-
able right in your theatre also. Fensin Seating
Co.. 62 E, 13th St., Chicago 5, 111.
1,200 Used Spring cushioned theatre chairs,
$1.50 ea., and $3.50 ea., complete. Immediate
delivery. Russell Chair, 2567 McClellan, Detroit,
Mich. Phone LENox 3445.
Leatherette: Standard run, first quality, as-
sorted colors, 50 to 54 in. wide, suitable for
theatre seating, sold by yard or roll. All orders
shipped within 24 hours. Leatherette Mart of
Chicago, 1153 Belmont Ave., Chicago 13, 111.
Phone Buckingham 0030.
Theatre Chairs, 3,000 used spring cushioned
part full upholstered back and part insert panel
back, with spring edge and box spring cushions.
1,000 veneer chairs, 800 good backs, 500 spring
cushions and hinges. Write for prices and photo-
graphs. Immediate delivery, advise how many you
need. We export chairs anywhere. Jesse Cole, 2565
McClellan Ave., Valley 2-3445, Detroit, Mich.
Sewn Delux seat covers and sewn slip covers,
reversible type, for all brands seats. Fred’s Thea-
tre Service, Vina, Ala.
1,000 Heywood-Wakefield full upholstered
back, boxspring cushion chairs, excellent. $4.95
(rebuilt $6.50); 340 General full upholstered
back, boxspring cushion, rebuilt, $7.95; 200 ve-
neers, excellent, $3.95. Wire for list. S.Q.S.
Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St., New
York 18.
1,623 American Seats, late model, insert panel,
spring edge cushions, immediate delivery. Also
255 late model American seats, full upholstered
back, spring edge cushions, 8 months old. Also
veneer chairs. Wire, write or phone, HARrison
4219. Ace Chair & Carpet, Inc., 1428 S.
Wabash Ave., Chicago 5, HI.
Why look all over the country for chair parts?
Send your worn or broken parts to us. If in stock,
quick service assured on backs, seats and brackets.
Original patented Patch-A-Seats available including
one quart of coating, any color. The original
Firmastone obtainable in 6 and 12 lb. boxes.
We carry a complete line of leatherette. General
Chair Co., 1308-22 Elston Ave., Chicago 22, 111.
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
Comic books again available as premiums, give-
aways at your kiddy shows. Large variety latest
48-page newsstand editions. Comics Premium Co..
412 Greenwich St., New York City.
Bingo with more action, $2.25 thousand cards.
Also other games. Novelty Games Co., 1434 Bed-
ford Ave., Brooklyn 16. N. Y.
Bingo Games. No license necessary. Screen
Dial $20. Cards for 75 or 100 number game,
$2.75 per thousand. Ten thousand or more.
$2.50 per thousand. Premium Products, 354
West 44th St., New York City.
SOUND EQUIPMENT
Late type RCA amplifiers, PA and soundfilm,
$49.50 up; outdoor metal speakers. $3.95 up;
closing out soundfilm amplifiers, $29.50 up; sound-
heads, $9.95 up; Western Electric 500 watt drive-
in amplifiers, $295; new Multicellular Hifrequency
horns, $75; 35mm sound projectors. $125 up;
new theatre amplifiers, 10 watt, $77.50; 17 watt,
$95. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd
St., New York 18.
THEATRE PRINTING
Window Cards, 3-sheets, photo offet house
programs, heralds, passes, etc. Cato Show Print-
ing Co., Cato, New York, or Tribune Press,
Fowler, Ind.
EQUIPMENT WANTED
Used 35mm portables. Charles Finger, 54 Me'
Ewen St.. Warwick, N. Y.
XOFFICE : : May 24, 1947
• Address copy to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Forms close Monday noon preceding publication date.
DISCOVERED BY SO MANY
An adventure in smooth operation — in screen
steadiness — picture brilliance and, above all,
long life. Here is a projector, indeed! To own
and operate a SIMPLEX is a realization of high
hopes fulfilled.
INTERNATIONAL PROJECTOR CORPORATION
Bloomfield, New Jersey
MICE
the
exchange cities.
.... IN THIS ISSUE
: ; . ' - - .. ^ .
asm
’
mam
THE SHAPE OF
THINGS TO COME!
Does the upward curve of a bathing suit
mean the downward curve of your attendance?
Does the crack of a baseball bat mean a
crack in your receipts?
If vacation-time and outdoor competition give you
the jitters, forget it! That’s where Leo, the Friendly Lion,
comes in!
RELAX! LOOK WHAT’S HERE!
CO
CLARK GABLE
DEBORAH KERR
GREGORY PECK
i1
ESTHER WILLIAMS
ELIZABETH TAYLOR
GENE KELLY
WMM,
VAN JOHNSON
JUNE ALLYSON
Happy M-G-M showmen! Leo brings you plenty of top product during coming
months to keep your customers movie-minded! It’s an old M-G-M custom!
M-G-M RELEASES! JUNE! JULY! AUGUST!
CLARK GABLE • DEBORAH KERR
Sydney Greenstreef • Adolphe Menjou • Ava Gardner
Keenan Wynn • Edward Arnold
"THE HUCKSTERS"
★
GREGORY PECK • JANE WYMAN
"THE YEARLING" (Technicolor)
with Claude Jarman, Jr.
★
ESTHER WILLIAMS
' FI EST A (Technicolor)
introducing Ricardo Montalban
★
VAN JOHNSON • JUNE ALLYSON
"HIGH BARBAREE
★
DARK DELUSION'
Lionel Barrymore • James Craig • Lucille Bremer
★
ELIZABETH TAYLOR
"CYNTHIA"
★
GENE KELLY • MARIE McDONALD ( BODY")
"LIVING IN A BIG WAY"
★
SPENCER TRACY • KATHARINE HEPBURN
ROBERT WALKER • MELVYN DOUGLAS
"THE SEA OF GRASS"
★
VAN JOHNSON
"THE ROMANCE OF ROSY RIDGE"
M-G-M
Friendly in the Summer Too!
SPENCER TRACY
KATHARINE HEPBURN
ROBERT WALKER
marie McDonald
TREMENDOUS
STARTED ON ENGAGEMENT NO.1
Screen Play by Silvia Richards and Ranald MacDougall • Based Upon a Story by Rita Weiman • Music by Franz Waxma
if&sm*.
OLLYWOOD
PRODUCED BY
tography Joseph Valentine, A.S.C.
THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
PUBLISHED IN NINE SECTIONAL EDITIONS
BEN SHLYEN
Editor -in-Chief and Publisher
JAMES M. JERAULD Editor
NATHAN COHEN Associate Editor
JESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor
IVAN SPEAR Western Editor
J. HARRY TOLER Equipment Editor
RAYMOND LEVY General Manager
Published Every Saturday by
ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS
Editorial Oitices: 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 20,
N. Y.; Raymond Levy, General Manager; James M.
Jerauld, Editor; A. J. Stocker, Eastern Representa-
tive. Telephone Columbus 5-6370, 5-6371, 5-6372.
Cable address: "BOXOFFICE, New York.”
Central Oliices: 332 South Michigan Blvd., Chicago
4, 111. J. Harry Toler, Editor Modern Theatre Sec-
tion. Telephone WABash 4575.
Western Offices: 6404 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
28, Calit. Ivan Spear, Manager. Phone GLadstone
1186.
Washington Offices: 930 F Street, N. W. Lee L.
Garling, Manager. Telephone NAtional 3482. Film-
row: 932 New Jersey, N. W. Sara Young.
Publication Offices: 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City
1, Mo. Nathan Cohen, Associate Editor; Jesse Shlyen,
Managing Editor; A. Jules Benedic, Field Editor; Mor-
ris Schlozman, Business Manager. Telephone CHest-
nut 7777.
Other Publications: BOXOFFICE BAROMETER,
published in November as a section of BOXOFFICE;
THE MODERN THEATRE, published monthly as a
section ol BOXOFFICE.
ALBANY — 21-23 Walter Ave., M. Berrigan.
ATLANTA— 163 Walton, N. W., P. H. Savin.
BALTIMORE— Upton Theatre, A. J. Wolf.
BIRMINGHAM — The News, Eddie Badger.
BOSTON — Hotel Vendome, Frances Harding.
BUFFALO — 20 St. Margaret's Court, Jim Schrader.
CHARLOTTE— 216 W. 4th, Pauline Griffith.
CHICAGO — 332 S. Michigan Blvd., Jonas Perlberg,
WABash 4575.
CINCINNATI— 1634 Central Parkway, Lillian Seltzer.
CLEVELAND — 2568 Overlook Road, Cleveland Heights,
Elsie Loeb, Fairmount 0046.
DALLAS — 408 S. Harwood, V. W. Crisp, Southwestern
editor, R-2312.
DENVER— 1645 Lafayette, Jack Rose, TA 8517.
DES MOINES — Register & Tribune Bldg., Russ Schoch.
DETROIT — 1009 Fox Theatre Bldg., H. F. Reves.
Telephones: RA 1100; Night, UN-4-0219.
INDIANAPOLIS— Rt. 8, Box 770, Howard M. Rudeaux.
LITTLE ROCK — Liberty Theatre, Herod Jimerson.
MIAMI — 66 S. Hibiscus Island, Mrs. Manton E. Har-
wood. 2952 Merrick Rd., Elizabeth Sudlow.
MEMPHIS— 707 Spring St., Null Adams, Tel. 48-5462.
MILWAUKEE— 5091 Plankinton Bldg., 161 W. Wiscon-
sin Ave., James R. Gahagan. Telephones: BR 4938
and MA 0297
MINNEAPOLIS — 29 Washington Ave., So.. Les Rees.
NEW HAVEN — 42 Church St., Gertrude Lander.
NEW ORLEANS — 218 So. Liberty St., Mrs. Jack Auslet.
Telephone MA 58 12
OKLAHOMA CITY — 216 Terminal Bldg., Polly Trindle.
OMAHA — Omaha World-Herald Bldg., Lou Gerdes.
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Record Bldg., Broad
and Wood Sts., J. M. Makler.
PITTSBURGH — 86 Van Braam St., R. F. Klingensmith,
c/o Monogram Pictures.
PORTLAND, ORE. — YMCA, Jules Maitland.
RICHMOND — National Theatre, R. W. Eagan, 2-2567.
ST. LOUIS — 5149 Rosa Ave., David F. Barrett, Flan-
ders 3727.
SALT LAKE CITY — Deseret News, Howard Pearson.
SAN ANTONIO— 531 North St., L. J. B. Ketner.
SAN FRANCISCO — 25 Taylor St., Gail Lipman,
ORdway 4812-4813.
SEATTLE— 928 N. 84th St., WillaTd Elsey.
TOLEDO — 4330 Willys Pkwy., Anna Kline.
IN CANADA
CALGARY — The Albertan, Wm. Campbell.
MONTREAL — 4330 Wilson Ave., N. D. G., Roy Car-
michael, Walnut 5519.
ST. JOHN — 116 Prince Edward St., Wm. J. McNulty.
TORONTO — 242 Milwood, Milton Galbraith.
VANCOUVER — 411 Lyric Theatre Bldg., Jack Droy.
VICTORIA — 938 Island Highway, Alec Merriman.
WINNIPEG — The Tribune, Ben Lepkin.
Member Audit Bureau of Circulations
Entered as Second Class matter at Post Office, Kansas City, Mo.
Sectional Edition, $2.00 per year; National Edition, $7.50
No. 4
19 4 7
Guest Editorial
By FRED WEHRENBERG
President, Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America
YEAR has now elapsed since the momentous
decision in the case of the U.S.A. vs. Paramount, et al., was
handed down by the New York statutory court, and confusion
and anxiety still grips the industry in all of its branches; with
little indication of developments in the immediate future which
will lift that confusion and anxiety.
I believe there has been a sincere effort on the part of all
branches of our industry to adjust themselves to a decision
and decree which leave much to be desired. We are in an
industry which is based on both genius and fantasy. It is not
mechanical; it does not lend itself to being governed and con-
trolled by the judicial process any more than by the legislative
process. It is stifled by both, and its only hope lies in honest
self-regulation.
Stays have now been granted by the supreme court on
the more stringent provisions of the decree, and that is good
news. The dissolution of the arbitration machinery has been
halted, and competitive bidding — attacked on all sides and by
all interests, with the attacks varying only in degree — is not
compulsory.
Naturally, the question of what the supreme court decision
on the appeals will be is completely in the realm of wild con-
jecture. No one at this point is able to predict the final de-
termination of the many questions involved; and the statements
of predictions being indulged in by some are dangerous.
Whatever the results, however, one thing is certain: The
industry will, for purposes of self-preservation, have to unite
in the era that lies ahead. If chaos is to be averted, distribu-
tion and exhibition will have to sit around the table to hear
complaints, to solve the immediate and long range problems.
Ben Shlyen, publisher and editor-in-chief of BOXOFFICE, is in
Europe and during his absence guest editorials written by a number
of well-known executives will appear on these pages.
Vol. 51
MAY 31
and to formulate plans for the common good and for the bet-
terment of our industry.
At the moment, we remain at the crossroads. One path
leads to litigation and to more litigation; the other, to at least
an opportunity for amicable adjustment of differences and for
harmony. We shall have to have either a sacrifice of sov-
ereignty by all, or an industry good for none. Whether this
movement for unity is patterned after the idea of a Motion
Picture Forum, proposed by MPTOA last September, and
deferred temporarily until the supreme court acts on the anti-
trust case, or some other form, is not too material. But such a
plan must be carried forward, it seems to me. The hearty and
cooperative response received from almost all segments of the
industry when the Forum idea was first projected disclosed the
almost universal appeal of this program.
The total collapse of plans for creating a system of indus-
try arbitration to take the place of the one discarded by the
final decree, and the absence of a united front to fight aggres-
sively against unjust invasions such as the proposed Ascap
assessment increases, both highlighted the manifestly sad lack
of a united industry front.
These expressions may sound a cynical and defeatist note.
This has not been my intention. There is in me now, as always,
a fundamental feeling of optimism regarding the future of the
motion picture industry. The industry is growing and blossom-
ing from deep pioneer roots. It has withstood many major
blows, and it has conquered seemingly insurmountable
obstacles. All of this it did with great effort and energy along
lines dictated by circumstances and necessity. In the future,
confronted by new obstacles and problems arising out of the
supreme court decision, we will again be required to meet
and conquer many obstacles.
Passivity and indifference will lead only to chaos and ruin.
I ask only, and hope, that the pathway to be followed will be
that which leads to the peace table, where all interests will
be represented for action along the lines already discussed.
This industry must be spared its countless, wasted trips to the
courthouse, trips which threaten to sap its lifeblood. But I
must frankly admit that this in the only available alternative,
if distribution and exhibition do not get together.
Delay Probe oS Pressure
By Government on Films
Un-American Committee cancels imme-
diate investigation to determine extent and
responsibility of alleged influence on “Com-
munist propaganda” in motion pictures.
*
Detailed Theatre Figures
From MPA to Start Soon
Buffalo scheduled to be first exchange area
completed as result of Robert W. Chambers’
study; others will follow at rate of one each
week.
*
American Theatres Ass'n
Member Drive Delayed
Directors vote to suspend campaign for
present time because of unsettled trade con-
ditions while antitrust case is pending, Ted R.
Gamble, board chairman, disclosed.
-K
Sales Meetings Scheduled
By Warners, Columbia
Warners session of district managers and
home office executives set June 5, 6, in New
York; Columbia confab to be at the Drake
hotel in Chicago June 3-6.
*
Harold J. Mirisch Becomes
Official o! Allied Artists
Former head buyer for RKO Theatres
named vice-president and will act as pro-
ducer-contact with the sales department; will
make his headquarters in Hollywood.
*
Edward Small Will Start
Valentino Film July 9
Scenes for “The Life of Rudolph Valen-
tino” will be made in Rome, Paris and Lon-
don; Archie Mayo will direct most of the
picture in Hollywood for UA release.
*
Delay German Film Talks
Until Petersen Returns
Undersecretary of war now in Germany for
conferences with the American military gov-
ernment and his return is scheduled for the
middle of June.
*
Eric Pommer Says 'Bel Ami'
German-Made, Asks Ban
Declares it is Nazi film in report to Depart-
ment of Justice; also insists some prints here
are unauthorized and that the film is barred
in Germany.
*
'Henry V' Is Going Back
To B'way After 47 Weeks
Already has played 12 weeks at City Center
and 35 weeks at Golden Theatre; resumes
June 17 at Broadway Theatre after absence
of 45 days.
FILM INDUSTRY OPENS FIGHT
TO KILL WARTIME TICKET TAX
MPTOA and ATA Leaders —
Are the First to Testify r* LI' r± ± * *\r\M «
Before House GrouD Gamble s Statement on 20% Levy
WASHINGTON — The motion picture in-
dustry, with its biggest guns trained on
the federal excise amusement tax of 20
per cent launched its drive for a reduction
to the prewar rate of 10 per cent before
the house ways and means committee this
week. A. Julian Brylawski of Washington,
vice-president of the MPTOA, made the
first presentation.
The very least Congress should do is
restore the prewar rate, Brylawski de-
clared, stating that “posting an admis-
sion tax schedule on the boxoffice is a
constant reminder of the excessive cost of
government.”
GAMBLE TESTIFIES
Ted R. Gamble, president of the American
Theatres Ass’n, in a prepared statement re-
leased on Thursday,
declared that “the 20
per cent admissions
tax is discriminatory
legislation in that it is
tantamount to a 20 per
per cent gross sales tax
and forces the motion
picture industry to
compete with other in-
dustries under an un-
fair handicap.”
Brylawski and Gam-
ble were but two lead-
ers scheduled to ap-
A. Julian brylawski pear before the com-
mittee, in a hearing
which will not wind up until next week. Join-
ing with film executives to fight continuation
of the wartime tax are representatives of
other amusement associations.
Brylawski emphasized that the MPTOA
exhibitors were not trying to get out of pay-
ing their fair share of the necessary taxes,
nor to oppose any and all taxes on them.
He said that the exhibitors wanted' the com-
mittee to get a clear picture of their situa-
tion today, so that the committee would
realize how much of a tax burden theatres
can carry, and that there is a limit to the
amount of taxes they can pay and stay in
business.
REALIZES RESPONSIBILITY
“We realize the tremendous responsibility
this committee has in trying to raise the
huge revenues necessary to carry on the gov-
ernment, and how difficult your job is. We
know the need and we expect to pay our
share — and more. But, it is quite obvious
that there is a limit somewhere to the
amount of special excise taxes on admis-
sions that the motion picture theatres can
carry. We doubt if anyone knows exactly
where that limit is even in a partifcular thea-
tre, but we believe that the present federal
tax, which takes about 20 per cent of our
total cash intake, is definitely exceeding
that in all too many instances and should be
abolished completely or at the very least go
back to prewar rates of 1 cent on each 10
cents.”
The witness pointed out that this is not
a tax on the producers of motion pictures
or on Hollywood salaries, but a levy on the
theatres and the theatre patrons and on the
The following statement on the
need for reduction in theatre taxes
was prepared for presentation to
the House ways and means committee
by Ted R. Gamble, president of the
American Theatres Ass’n.
“The 20 per cent admissions tax is
discriminatory legislation in that it
is tantamount to a 20 per cent gross
sales tax and forces the motion pic-
ture industry that bears it to compete
with other industries under an unfair
handicap.
“The position I take concerning the
present 20 per cent tax is motivated
primarily by the fact that it is bad for
the theatre business, which has seen de-
creases ranging from 15 per cent to 35
per cent in the last few months.
“The theatre business is quite unique
among industries. It differs from many
businesses in that, in most businesses,
smaller grosses mean smaller profits
with the businesses involved capable
of telescoping down in labor costs, over-
head, etc., to some degree in syn-
chronism with decreased revenue. It is
almost singular to the theatre busi-
ness that profit is confined to the top
layer of the gross business. Any fac-
tor affecting the top layer of aggregate
revenue cuts sharply and dispropor-
tionately into the area of profit. We
see, therefore, the example of a 20
per cent decrease in admission totals
wiping out not 20 per cent of the profit
but the entire profit.
“The average motion picture thea-
tre is a small business with seating
capacities averaging less than 600.
The admissions question should not
be judged by the $1.00 and more ad-
missions charged in a few de luxe
theatres. The average admssion to-
boxoffice cash receipts of every theatre, taken
out before any of the gross receipts can be
used by the theatre owner for payroll, film
rental, or operating expenses.
Meanwhile, the Treasury department re-
ported federal commission tax collection in
April, based principally on March boxoffice
receipts, totaled $33,412,813, an increase of
$4,615,988 over the previous month. Treasury
officials explained, however, that it is some-
times misleading to compare succeeding
months since the carryover from month to
month is often large. They also pointed out
that February has fewer days than March.
The April total was the first time the Treas-
ury department released official figures solely
for admission taxes. The current figures in-
clude sporting events, concerts, stage shows
and some other events, in addition to film
admissions but exclude cabaret and other
taxes.
The over-all figure for April collections, in-
cluding cabaret and other taxes, was $38,619,-
325, compared with $36,472,413 in April 1946.
day, less tax, is 34 cents. It should not
be assumed that a 20 per cent tax
automatically makes available 20 per
cent more dollars to be spent on the
movies. It can be reasonably assumed
that there exists a more or less fixed
number of entertainment dollars and
the 20 per cent tax is, directly or in-
directly, absorbed by the industry. In-
deed, this is borne out with emphasis
where an additional 5 per cent levy has
been followed by an immediate decrease
in business of 15 per cent.
“Far from being a luxury, as the war-
rant for admissions taxes presupposes,
the movies today are a necessity in the
life of ordinary people. They are as
much a part of the average life as are
radio and magazines and books. This
is borne out by their subsidy by col-
leges and government in those loca-
tions where the motion picture thea-
tre is not commercially feasible. Their
morale building values are attested by
military authorities, educators and
civic and political leaders.
“With the exception of a downward
revision in personal income taxes, there
is no tax reduction that would be so
popular with so many people as elimi-
nation of the 20 per cent admission tax
on movie tickets. Such tax elimina-
tion would be brought to the attention
of millions of men, women and children
constantly, week after week.
“Any tax elimination would be im-
mediately reflected in reduced admis-
sion costs to the public. Theatres would
naturally use their screens, lobbies,
boxoffice signs and all other means of
publicity to inform the millions of
moviegoers of the tax elimination and
the resultant saving to them. No tax
change would be more conspicuous for
so long and constantly affect so large
a portion of the public.”
65.4% Rise in Admissions
Since 1940, Study Shows
WASHINGTON — Admission prices of
United States theatres are 65.4 per cent above
the index normal of 100 established by the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for 1936
through 1939, a report released by the agency
for the first quarter of 1947 shows. This is
in comparison with a 56 per cent above-nor-
mal average for the first quarter of 1946.
At the end of 1946 the index was 163.7, rose
to 164.9 in January, to 165.1 in February and
165.4 in March. The adult price index rose
from 161.3 last November to 164 in December,
165.1 in January, 165.3 in February and
165.7 in March. The children’s price index
was 162.5 in January, 162.8 in February and
dropped to 162.5 in March. In compiling the
admission price index, the bureau weighs
adult prices at approximately seven-to-one
against children’s prices.
8
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
REISSUES IN CURRENT YEAR
FOUR TIMES OVER 1945-46
Pickford, Chaplin Mull
$12,000,000 UA Offer
Major Companies List 33
Revivals, Compared to
8 During Last Year
NEW YORK — There are four times as
many reissues scheduled by the major
companies during the current season as
there were during 1945-46.
A total of 33 reissues has been set by
seven companies for 1946-47. Last year
four companies, Republic, 20th-Fox, UA
and Warners, listed eight. This year PRC
set ten reissues, almost twice the number
listed by any other company. The break-
down for the current season is as follows:
MGM— 3; Monogram— 3; ‘Paramount— 2 ;
PRC— 10; 20th-Fox — 5; U-I— 6; Warners— 4.
MGM, Monogram, Paramount, PRC and
U-I did not have any reissues last year.
OPINION IS DIVIDED
Industry opinion is divided on the value of
reissues. One Detroit exhibitor recently was
quoted as attributing the estimated 15 per
cent drop in attendance in the area to re-
vivals. In New York seven out of 16 first
run theatres gave reissues or revivals a total
of 32 weeks playing time up to the first week
in June.
Jacques Kopfstein, executive vice-president
of Astor Pictures Corp., declared reissue busi-
ness has increased “tremendously” over last
year. Film Classics reported no startling in-
crease in reissue bookings over 1945-46.
Reissues have been strongly criticized by
several exhibitor groups. Some share the
opinion of the Detroit exhibitor and blame
reissues for falling business. North Central
Allied recently issued a warning that the
“current flood” of reissues is a threat to the
boxoffice and trade relations. The exhibitor
group conceded that outstanding pictures of
former years with big names have been doing
very well, but declared many of the present
reissues did not draw when originally re-
leased. Some industry members point out
there is a reissue market in the youngsters
that have become regular filmgoers in the
past few years.
The reissue lineup for 1946-47 includes:
MGM — “Rage in Heaven,” “Boom Town,”
“The Great Waltz.”
Monogram— “Silver Stallion,” “Queen of
the Yukon,” “Wolf Call.”
Paramount — “The Plainsman,” “Jungle
Princess.”
PRC — “Kit Carson,” “Last of the Mo-
hicans,” six Bronco Buckaroo reissues,
“Corsican Brothers,” “International Lady.”
Twentieth-Fox — “Sun Valley Serenade,”
“The Bowery,” “Les Miserables,” “Stanley
and Livingstone.”
U-I PRODUCT LISTED
U-I— “When the Daltons Rode,” “Destry
Rides Again,” “I Stole a Million,” “You Can’t
Cheat an Honest Man,” “Magnificent Obses-
sion,” “100 Men and a GirL”
Warners — “Kings Row,” “Wild Bill Hickok
Rides” and the double bill, “The Sea Hawk”
and “The Sea Wolf.” The Warner Bros, re-
issue dual has been booked at 150 first run
houses.
Toward the end of last year first run re-
ports from BOXOFFICE correspondents in
Kansas City, Vancouver, Des Moines, Cleve-
land and Minneapolis showed reissue bills
were playing to capacity audiences. In Cleve-
NEW YORK — A decision on whether or not
United Artists will be sold to a group headed
by S. H. Fabian, head of the Fabian circuit
and president of the American Theatres
Ass’n may be known within the next two
weeks.
Charles Chaplin and Mary Pickford now
have a detailed offer before them which is
said to total $12,000,000 for the distribution
company.
Payment of $5,000,000 in cash with the
remaining $7,000,000 to be paid over a period
of years for an issue of preferred stock are
said to be the principal features of the offer.
The details of the offer were agreed upon
Wednesday night at a meeting at the home
of Arnold Grant, Miss Pickford’s attorney,
in Rye, N. Y. Arnold has been recovering
from an operation, hence the session at his
home. Present at the meeting besides Fa-
bian and Grant were Charles Schwartz of
the firm of Schwartz and Froelich, Chaplin’s
attorneys, and Serge Semenko, vice-president
of the First National Bank of Boston which
is involved in the financing program.
Past attempts to buy United Artists have
foundered when the partners have failed to
agree. Chaplin and Miss Pickford are now
the only two remaining partners.
Meanwhile, in Hollywood, Miss Pickford
land during the week of December 21, three
first run houses turned to reissues. During
November an Astor Pictures double bill re-
issue, “Captain Caution” and “Captain Fury,”
both originally released in the early ’30s,
topped the weekly first run grosses in Kan-
sas City at the Orpheum Theatre. The run-
nerup that week was the Midland Theatre,
which played the MGM reissue, “Rage in
Heaven,” with “Shadowed” (Col).
The following month two reissues running
at the Orpheum Theatre, Des Moines, led
gross reports. The pictures were “The
Westerner” (FC> and “The Secret of the
Whistler” (Col).
The week of May 30 found three Broad-
way theatres playing reissue double bills. The
Strand Theatre booked “The Sea Hawk” and
“The Sea Wolf” for two weeks starting May
23 and dropped its stage show; the Gotham
booked “Magnificent Obsession” and “I Stole
a Million,” starting May 30; the Rialto
opened with an RKO horror double bill, “The
Body Snatcher” and “Isle of the Dead.”
Eighteen weeks, or more than one-third of
the Victoria Theatre playing time since June,
1946, has been given over to reissues or re-
turn engagements. Starting with Film Clas-
sics’ “The Westerner,” which ran for eight
weeks in October and November 1946, the
theatre played “Kings Row,” a Warner Bros,
reissue, for three weeks in December and
Film Classics’ “The Thief of Bagdad” for
four weeks in March and April. These were
followed by a return engagement of “The
Jolson Story” for three weeks in May, less
than six months after it had its first run
engagement at the Radio City Music Hall
declared that she has “an open mind” and is
“interested” in the offer made in the east by
Si Fabian and his associates. She said that
if negotiations were consummated to her sat-
isfaction, she was willing to give her imme-
diate approval to the sale.
While the producer-owner refused to dis-
cuss what she considered satisfactory terms,
sources close to her amplified on her position
with the information that she had set a
value of $15,000,000 on the company.
It was reported in Hollywood that if at the
conference at Attorney Grant’s home, the
original offer was upped to meet Miss Pick-
ford’s $15,000,000 evaluation. Grant had au-
thority to accept for her. In the event a com-
promise offer was made — which probably
would be the case — Grant would then submit
the new offer to Miss Pickford for further
consideration. In view of which, her asso-
ciates were of the opinion that it was unlikely
the deal could be closed at this time.
Chaplin, her partner in UA, was not avail-
able for comment on the deal. It is generally
known, however, that he is willing to settle
for a figure under the $15,000,000 set by Miss
Pickford. Consequently, it is probable that
any compromise offer which she might find
acceptable will be satisfactory to him.
and then played the entire Loew’s circuit.
The Capitol played “Rage in Heaven,” an
MGM reprint starring Ingrid Bergman and
Robert Montgomery for three weeks in No-
vember 1946. Business was above average for
the first two weeks and near average for the
third stanza. It was a different story at the
Roxy, where “Alexander’s Ragtime Band”
played only one week in April of this year.
The Park Avenue, which started a reserved
seat, first run policy on Christmas, 1946,
brought in a return engagement of “Dead of
Night.” It played one week. The Republic,
which plays an occasional first run, has been
faring well during most of the year with dou-
ble bills of reissues, the latest being “Kit
Carson” and “The Last of the Mohicans,”
two Edward Small productions.
Only the Radio City Music Hall and the
Paramount, both screen and stage show
houses, and the Astor, Criterion, Globe,
Hollywood, Palace, Rivoli and Winter Gar-
den, played new pictures exclusively during
the 1946-47 season.
Warner Sets Double Bill
Of Reissues, for Summer
NEW YORK — Warner Bros, has scheduled
another combination reissue double bill for
release this summer. “Go Into Your Dance,”
with A1 Jolson, originally released in April
1935, and “Sing Me a Love Song,” first re-
leased in December 1936, comprise the bill.
The latter feature stars James Melton and
features ZaSu Pitts, Hugh Herbert, Allen
Jenkins, Patricia Ellis. Both are musicals.
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
9
Not to Enter Production
In U.S., Rank Declares
HOLLYWOOD — J. Arthur Rank has no in-
tentions of entering the American production
field, he declared upon his arrival here
amplifying such declaration to completely
discount the currently prevalent rumors that
one purpose of his visit to America is to
purchase Republic and/or Monogram.
The British film magnate answered ques-
tions as to his plans, policies and viewpoints
at a press conference which was the most
widely attended of any in Hollywood’s his-
tory. Much of the information he disclosed
was repetitious of that coming out of a
recent similar gathering in New York.
Rank said that his organization has no
plans for acquiring additional theatre hold-
ings on this continent over and above the
Canadian houses whose purchase already has
been revealed. Any expansion of his interest
in American exhibition will be through his
affiliation with Universal, he said.
He repeated that he is not satisfied with
the playing time American screens are ac-
cording his British-made pictures but com-
mented that some progress was being made
to improve that situation.
Also available for questioning at the gath-
ering was Robert Young, principal owner of
BOULDER HOT SPRINGS, MONT.— The
state’s exhibitors, meeting here in conven-
tion Wednesday and Thursday, voted unani-
mously to affiliate with the Pacific Coast
Conference of Independent Theatre Owners
(PCCITO) and adopted the name, Independ-
ent Theatre Owners Ass'n of Montana.
Clarence Severson of Wolf Point, who
headed the Montana Theatre Owners Ass’n,
was elected president; Rex Flint, Baker, vice-
president, and J. M. Suckstorff, Sidney, sec-
retary. Elected to the board were Herb
Bonifas, Chinook; H. E. Wells, Hardin; Carl
Anderson, Kalispell; Fred Arnst, Fort Ben-
ton; Joseph Moore, Havre; Ed Davison, Glas-
gow; J. H. Moran, Laurel; H. W. Knutson,
Livingston, and N. M. Stubblefield, St.
Ignatius.
Action to affiliate with PCCITO came after
presentations by Rotus Harvey, San Fran-
cisco, and William Graeper, Portland, trus-
tees for the conference.
The exhibitors at their business session
protested the poor condition of prints being
shipped to Montana theatres, and them-
selves pledged to take the best possible care
of prints.
M. L. Simons, assistant to H. M. Richey,
head of MGM exhibitor relations, was the
principal speaker at the session. Speaking
on the public relations job to be done in the
industry, he said MGM believes that the
distributor and the exhibitor should work
together to iron out troubles “which beset
our common ambitions.”
By adhering to this practice, he said, the
film business can take its troubles out of the
courts and legislative halls and “keep it out.”
Few law suits, he said, in the long run have
benefited neither the exhibitor nor the dis-
tributor.
“The war boom is over,” Simons said, “but
showmanship can maintain the patronage
that the war years built up for us and thea-
Pathe industries of which Eagle-Lion and
PRC are subsidiaries.
Young pointed out that the friendly and
cooperative relationships between the British
and American motion picture industries sets
an example which other businesses must fol-
low and which the film trade must expand
to stop the current degeneracy of foreign
trade, which, unless checked, will result in
complete disruption of worldwide trade and
economics. He deplored America’s tendency
toward unilateral foreign trade practices and
argued that they must be put on a bilateral
basis before the world can enjoy economic
improvements.
Indicative of how important was considered
the press huddle for Rank and Young was
the presence of Eric Johnston, president of
the Motion Picture Ass’n, to supervise and
emcee the gathering. Other industry lead-
ers who shared the podium with the dis-
tinguished visitors were J. Cheever Cowdin,
chairman; Nate J. Blumberg, president, and
William Goetz, production chief of Univer-
sal-International: Arthur Krim, president;
Bryan Foy, vice-president, and Aubrey
Schenck, executive producer, Eagle-Lion
Films.
tre grosses can level off at a much higher
point than the prewar years — if every pic-
ture is sold to every potential patron.
“Ours is not a ‘feast or famine’ business.
It is a good, steady, dependable business —
worthy of your continuing best efforts every
day in the year, whether in the buying of
your product, its advertising and promotion
to your public, the maintenance of your
theatre as truly the showplace of your town,
the settlement within our ranks of our own
family problems or the protection of our in-
dustry’s good name. These are thfe principles
which we submit can — and eventually will — •
bring stabilization and more happiness to our
business and to everyone in it.”
Minnesota Teen-Agers
Picket for Price Cut
MINNEAPOLIS — Picketing of the Garrick
Theatre, Hawley, Minn., by teen-agers de-
manding a cut in the present admission price
of 40 cents for all persons over 12 years of
age, still in progress, is “a straw in the wind,”
it’s felt by North Central Allied heads here.
Heads of the independent exhibitor body
believe that this is a precursor of a general
move on the public’s part to bring down mo-
tion picture theatre admission prices. They
call it an indication of the mounting pres-
sure for reductions.
W. Vet. Theatre Destroyed
GRAFTON, W. VA.— An entire city block
here was in ruins Wednesday morning fol-
lowing a disastrous fire which destroyed
numerous business properties, including the
Grafton Theatre owned by Gene Basle and
Ted Laskey.
End to Building Ban
By Sept. 1 Forecast
CHATTANOOGA, TENN.— Federal restric-
tions on building and building supplies will be
removed within the next two or three months
and the CPA will be out by Sept. 1.
Those predictions were made before the
Southern Wholesale Lumber Ass’n’s annual
convention here by U.S. Rep. Estes Kefauver,
(Dem., Tenn.).
Before hearing Mr. Kefauver, the conven-
tion had adopted a resolution petitioning the
national housing expediter to “remove imme-
diately ail federal restrictions on construc-
tion.”
Rep. Kefauver is a member of the lumber
subcommittee of the House Small Business
committee. He said a consensus of the sub-
committee membership at recent hearings
was that restrictions should be removed
immediately.
“I have talked to officials of the Civilian
Production Administration and found that
in their opinion the CPA will be out by
Sept. 1,” Rep. Kefauver said.
Salesmen's Union Ruling
Is Expected in June
NEW YORK — The National Labor Rela-
tions Board will decide late in June whether
the Colosseum of Motion Picture Salesmen of
America will be recognized as the official
bargaining agent of approximately 1,000 film
salesmen throughout the country, according
to Arthur Younger, field examiner for the
second region of the NLRB.
The board recently held informal hearings
in New York with David Beznor, attorney for
Colosseum, and home office representatives
of Paramount, Loew’s, Republic, UA, Uni-
versal, 20th-Fox, Columbia, Monogram, War-
ners, RKO, PRC and National Screen.
Younger said the board may make its de-
cision after studying documents to be sub-
mitted by Colosseum and the film companies,
instead of holding a second hearing here.
The proposed salesmen union has head-
quarters in Chicago and says it has set up
lodges in Albany, Des Moines, Denver, Pitts-
burgh and Philadelphia. A new lodge in
Charlotte is now being formed, according to
Collosseum.
FWC Employes Form
New Theatre Union
LOS ANGELES— Fox West Coast Theatres,
already being intensively harassed by the
fight for recognition by the Associated Thea-
tre Operating Managers, now faces a similar
campaign by a new organization of cashiers,
doormen, candy girls and ushers. As a result
of activities by ATOM, many FWC workers
in those classifications have been organized
into a new union calling itself Associated
Theatre Employes. Admittedly, ATOM’S
move in organizing the other theatre em-
ployes was designed to strengthen its hand
in the game it is playing with the circuit.
While there exists no direct affiliation be-
tween ATOM and the new ATE, the manner
in which the latter was set up indicates that
the two groups will cooperate in efforts to
win recognition and demands for upped pay
and improved working conditions.
De Rochemont Signs Pact
For 72 U-I Teaching Films
NEW YORK — Louis de Rochemont, 20th-
Fox producer, has signed a two-year contract
with United World Films, U-I educational
film subsidiary, to produce 86 geographical
teaching shorts in color. Negotiations have
been going on for two months.
Montana Exhibitors Join PCCITO,
With Clarence Severson as Head
10
BOXOFFICE May 31, 1947
ROMANTIC TRIUMPH IS
CENTURY-FOX
THE
THE
THE
THE
COMEDY SMASH IS
SUSPENSE HIT IS
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE IS....
MUSICAL SENSATION IS..
CORNEL WILDE • MAUREEN O’HARA in “THE HOMESTRETCH” in TECHNICOLOR
with GLENN LANGAN • HELEN WALKER • James Gleason * Henry Stephenson
Margaret Bannerman • Ethel Griffies • Tommy Cook • Directed by BRUCE
HUMBERSTONE • Produced by ROBERT BASSLER • Original Screen Play by
Wanda Tuchock
MAUREEN O’HARA • JOHN PAYNE in “MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET” with EDMUND
GWENN • Gene Lockhart • Natalie Wood • Porter Hall • William Frawley • Jerome
Cowan * Philip Tonge • Written for the Screen and Directed by GEORGE SEATON
Produced by WILLIAM PERLBERG * Story by Valentine Davies
PEGGY CUMMINS • VICTOR MATURE • ETHEL BARRYMORE in “MOSS ROSE” with
VINCENT PRICE • Margo Woode • George Zucco * Patricia Medina * Rhys Williams
Directed by GREGORY RATOFF • Produced by GENE MARKEY • Screen Play
by Jules Furthman and Tom Reed * Adaptation by Niven Busch • From the Novel
by Joseph Shearing
“BOB, SON OF BATTLE” in TECHNICOLOR * Starring LON McCALLISTER with
Peggy Ann Garner • Edmund Gwenn • Reginald Owen • Charles Irwin • Directed
by LOUIS KING • Produced by ROBERT BASSLER • Screen Play by Jerome Cady
Based on the Novel by Alfred Ollivant
“I WONDER WHO’S KISSING HER NOW” in TECHNICOLOR* Starring JUNE HAVER
MARK STEVENS with MARTHA STEWART • REGINALD GARDINER • Lenore Aubert
William Frawley • Gene Nelson * Truman Bradley • George Cleveland • Directed
by LLOYD BACON * Produced by GEORGE JESSEL • Original Screen Play by Lewis
R. Foster • Additional Dialogue by Marion Turk • Dances Staged by Hermes Pan
ROAOWAV
'
• t it '{■ \ J> '•■■M *4 Jktt$ 4^
V Wij
R V X, *&££*
-VsItV Xt, '
\ 1 i NJ" ■
IOWA IN FOUNDATION PARADE ;
BULWARK AGAINST SOCIALISM'
TALLCORN FOUNDATIONITES— Eleven members of the Des
Moines area Motion Picture Foundation, plus a temporary co-
chairman, are depicted in this shot, taken immediately after the
panel was formed Monday noon. Standing, I. to r.: Charles lies,
J. H. Foley, D. C. Kennedy, William Johnson, Ted Mendenhall,
G. Ralph Branton, Lou Levy and Laurence Dunn, all of Des Moines.
Sitting: Leo F. Wolcott of Eldora, temporary co-chairman and
organizer; A. H. Blank, elected area trustee; Nathan Sandler,
named permanent chairman, and Rudy G. Faulds. The latter three
are from Des Moines. Six other panel members are not shown.
By A. JULES BENEDIC
Field Editor, Boxoffice
This Motion Picture Foundation might
well serve as an industry bulwark in a
country headed for social legislation in one
form or another, said Nathan Sandler of
Des Moines at a meeting held Monday in
that city.
Sandler was elected permanent chair-
man of that area’s MPF panel, the trus-
teeship going to A. H. Blank, veteran head
of Tri-States and Central States circuits,
following a lively session attended by some
40 Tallcorn staters whose from-the-floor
remarks virtually stole the show away
from a quartet on the rostrum there to
make the pitch.
Owner of a circuit of four theatres in small
Iowa towns, Sandler presented his refreshing
viewpoint on the Foundation in arguing
against a motion to postpone formation of a
panel until a “more representative” meeting
could be assembled, with “big shots” from the
Foundation invited to address the Iowans.
During the- discussion a lone but represent-
ative exhibitor, backed by a lone distributor,
remarked that what he had read of the
Foundation’s aims were simply “too fantastic
and Utopian” for him to assimilate.
Whereupon the rostrum quartet, consisting
of the two Blanks — “A. H.” and son Myron —
plus Leo F. Wolcott and your correspondent,
did their homespun best to convince the mi-
nority segment that the millions of dollars
in sight for the Foundation, pegged for wel-
fare purposes, is a project based more on
fact than fantasy, and that searchers for
“the gimmick” would find that device non-
existent. In this they were aided by a
rapidly-growing-more-numerous “amen” cor-
ner.
In fact, so contagious was the combined
enthusiasm any Foundation meeting seem-
ingly generates, that the very proponents of
postponement later gave the green light to
immediate organization, effected with the
addition of their own names on the panel,
plus the congregation's blessing anent the
latter: “and they’ll be good workers, too.”
Thus a tongue-in-cheek session ended in
what might be termed a lovefeast, with
friendly balloting deciding Sandler winner
of the chairmanship over a second nominee,
Rudy Faulds. The senior Blank, one of the
original suggesters (two years ago), of the
Foundation idea, and a stanch supporter
ever since, was swept into the trusteeship
unanimously.
One-year Class A members along with
Sandler are:
G. Ralph Branton, general manager of Tri-
States; D. C. Kennedy, MGM manager; J. H.
Foley, Paramount Pictures’ booking man-
ager; Eddie Faulks, president of Local No.
286; William Johnson, Monogram salesman,
all of Des Moines; Mrs. A. M. Black, Grand
Theatre, Knoxville, and L. A. Kuhl, American
Theatre, Corning.
Serving with Blank as two-year Class B
members:
Lou Levy, U-I manager; Rudy G. Faulds,
co-owner of the Des Moines Theatre Supply
Co.; Charles lies, co-owner, Film Transpor-
tation Co.; Laurence Dunn, business agent.
LOS ANGELES — Executives high in the
councils of National Theatres admitted the
likelihood that Charles Skouras, NT president,
might decide within the next few weeks to
throw the support of his company behind
the proposed Motion Picture Foundation.
Such admission resulted from reports that
Spyros Skouras, president of 20th Century-
Fox, and E. V. Richards, Paramount partner
in New Orleans, would make an effort to
convince the NT chief to get behind the
movement.
To date Charles Skouras has been noncom-
mittal as concerns the Foundation. While
he has ever openly declared his or his com-
pany’s policy toward the project, those in a
Local B39; Ted Mendenhall, UA salesman,
all of Des Moines; Nate Rosenthal, Iowa
Theatre, Waterloo, Iowa; Wesley Mansfield,
Mills Theatre, Tama, Iowa, and Barney Brot-
man, Brotman circuit, Moline, 111.
At Memphis this week a midsouth chap-
ter of the Foundation was set in motion with
Edward P. Sapinsley as chairman of a com-
mittee of 11 which will administer the Foun-
dation’s affairs in those portions of Mis-
souri, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee and
Kentucky served by the Memphis exchanges.
M. A. Lightman sr. was named area trustee.
Seventy-five industry leaders attended the
meeting, called under auspices of Variety
Club’s Tent 20. It was decided, due to the
wide geographical setup of the Memphis ex-
change area, to hold regional meetings in
various cities, the first planned for next week
at Little Rock.
In Minneapolis Harold Field, elected chair-
man at the first meeting, was this week
named permanent chairman of the Founda-
tion panel, with Bill Elson as trustee and
LeRoy J. Miller, vice-chairman. Harry B.
French is treasurer and S. D. Kane is secre-
tary.
position to know his viewpoint say that he
has been, at best, luke warm on the proposi-
tion. His indifference, they say, stems from
an opinion that the Foundation plans to do
something for industry workers which each
company in itself should do for its own em-
ployes. In which connection, it was pointed
out, many of the proposed functions of the
Foundation already are an established part
of National Theatres’ policies in its employe
relationships.
Despite such beliefs, his associates say,
Skouras has an open mind on the matter and,
if the pressure from his brother and Rich-
ards is sufficiently strong, he probably can
be sold the idea of tossing his support to the
Foundation.
Vision NT Support for Foundation
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
15
$960,000 Damage Suit
Filed in New Orleans
—Johnston to Un-American Committee:" —
Let's Have a Fair Trial
Before Convicting Films
HOLLYWOOD — Eric A. Johnston, presi-
dent of the Motion Picture Ass’n, who ar-
rived in Hollywood simultaneously with the
issuance of the widely printed report of the
house committee on un-American activities
took immediate steps to challenge the
charges that Communists have captured the
American screen. Johnston urged that the
Thomas committee bring its investigation
into the open.
In his official MPA statement, Johnston
said:
“In the best American tradition, Holly-
wood is entitled to a fair trial before it is
convicted.
“The millions of Americans who go to the
movies every week would not tolerate Com-
munism on the screen. Neither would Holly-
wood producers. They have come up the hard
way. They know the benefits of the Ameri-
can system and are deeply concerned with
protecting and advancing it. That is the
reason they are offering the fullest coopera-
tion to the committee. They are just as
anxious as any member of the committee to
expose any threat to the screen and the
American design of living.
“We know that there are Communists in
Hollywood as in other American industries.
They would like to capture the American
screen as they would like to capture the
screen of any free country. But we are alert
to this threat. Awareness is the first step
to combat Communism, and Hollywood is
aware.
“We agree with the house committee on
un-American activities that the proper way
to fight Communism in this country is to
expose it fearlessly. Turn the spotlight on a
Communist and he becomes ineffective. Like
any termite, he works best in the dark.
“Nothing can be accomplished by script-
burning, head-hunting and publicity-seeking.
Only a fair, dignified and objective investi-
gation will reveal the facts. We whole-
heartedly invite such an investigation and
NEW YORK — Paramount and Barney
Balaban are profiled in the June issue of
Fortune magazine in an article which pays
high tribute to the executives of the or-
ganization for the ten-year job of raising a
$100,000,000 bankruptcy to the top earning
film company.
Some of the points revealed through the
article are:
Paramount’s theatre properties are carried
on the books at $65,000,000 but are actually
worth much more, some estimates ranging
as high as five times as much.
The theatre affiliates made from 60 to 65
per cent of Paramount’s profits last year.
While no one can predict what is the com-
pany’s policy in carrying out theatre-owning
provisions of the decree, the most intelligent
guess is that the company will buy up most
of its circuits, theatre by theatre, after in-
tensive study of the economic prospects of
local situations.
Stanton Griffis, chairman of the board,
calls Balaban a “devil with figures” because
pledge our complete aid.”
Thomas, earlier in the week, had issued an-
other blast at Communism in Hollywood,
stating he was calling a full-scale hearing in
Washington, but his public announcement
carried no evidences to document his charges.
Chicago Times Chides
Latest Hunt for Reds
Chicago — In both cartoon and editorial,
the Chicago Times has been kidding the
house un-American activities commit-
tee for its alleged exposure of Commun-
ism in Hollywood. In its latest editorial,
the Times points out that “whenever the
panting professional Red-hunters ran out
of other quarry, they can always whip up
the horses and hounds and start running
Hollywood to earth.”
Commenting on the committee’s charge
that “Song of Russia” was Soviet propa-
ganda, the Times says that anyone who
can read “pro-Communist” into the pic-
ture “could qualify as a master gnat-
strainer in any league.”
“Sure,” comments the Times, “there
are ‘Reds’ in Hollywood. There are Com-
munists in the Screen Writers Guild and
among the actors and directors. If there
weren’t it would be most astonishing.
Creative writers and artists generally
tend toward ‘left of center* and some of
them, naturally, go too far left.
“And it is not the writers who control
the Hollywood output. Producers and
studio heads do that. At his palmiest
day not even Martin Dies could make
‘Reds’ out of such persons as Louis B.
Mayer of MGM, Y. Frank Freeman of
Paramount, any of the Warners brothers,
Sam Goldwyn or any of the others who
actually dictate the form and substance
of the Hollywood product.”
of the company president’s penchant for
having available at all times the most minute
details about the Paramount operation on
every level, and in every section of the
country. According to Fortune, Balaban
gets daily reports on all checks over $100
paid out the previous day by the parent
company in Manhattan, on cash on hand in
New York banks, on gross receipts of all
theatres compared to the same day previous
year. Once a week, he gets a detailed cost
report on every phase of operation showing
where every dollar went and why. Balaban’s
comment on his desire to get every detail is
“You can bury a lot of dead bodies under a
total.”
Fortune gives high praise to Balaban. Of
him, the magazine says: “Barney Balaban
is an extraordinarily modest man. In a
business where flattery is a business, his
supreme immunity to it is eccentric. He
treats praise as dandruff, to be brushed off
unobtrusively: he nips eulogies by changing
the subject. In an industry whose brief his-
tory is the record of countless Napoleons, he
is the least Napoleonic.”
NEW ORLEANS — Treble damages
amounting to $960,000 were asked in fed-
eral district court here this week in an
antitrust action filed by Lakeview Thea-
tres, Inc., against E. V. Richards jr., head
of Paramount-Richards Theatres, the
United Theatre circuit, and the RKO,
Paramount and Warner Bros, distributing
organizations.
Lakeview Theatres, which is headed by
Robert E. Smith, also asked for an order
to restrain the defendants from continuing
present film distribution practices, which
he alleged are in violation of the Sherman
and Clayton antitrust acts and the Robin-
son-Patman act.
FIFTEEN MILLION TOTAL
With the filing of this suit, the total of
damages asked in theatre antitrust suits
throughout the country in the last three
months rose to $15,745,000.
The suit revolves around the Lakeview
Theatre at 800 Harrison Ave., which is about
400 feet from United’s Beacon. Lakeview
contends it has been discriminated against
in leasing of pictures, and charges further
that it was threatened with being forced to
close.
After setting forth that Richards is the
principal stockholder in United Theatres,
whose president is Harry Jacobs, and that
he also is a stockholder and member of the
board of directors of Paramount, the com-
plaint charges:
1. That, when the Lakeview corporation
was formulating plans for the erection of the
theatre, it received assurances from the de-
fendant producers that pictures would be
available at reasonable terms.
2. That “as soon as plaintiff’s intention to
erect was generally known, United purchased
a lot approximately 400 feet away and erected
the Beacon.”
3. That threats were made to force the
Lakeview out of business unless it was con-
solidated with the United chain in New
Orleans.
A THREAT IS ALLEGED
4. That Jacobs told Smith unless satis-
factory arrangements of consolidation were
reached, United, with the other defendants,
would force the plaintiff out of business “at
a substantial loss.” Jacobs also was charged
with having told Smith that New Orleans
independent motion picture operators “had
to clear through Richards.”
As a result of discrimination by the de-
fendants in favor of the Beacon, the com-
plaint continues, the Lakeview was forced
to exhibit inferior pictures of little boxoffice
value, causing the owners to suffer losses
totaling approximately $320,000. Treble dam-
ages were asked.
Monogram 39-Week Profit
Up 5% Over Last Year
NEW YORK — Monogram Pictures Corp. re-
ported a consolidated net profit of $260,991
for the 39 weeks ended March 29, 1947, an
increase of $12,015 over a net profit of $248,-
976 for the corresponding period last year.
Before provision for federal income taxes the
net profit for the period just ended was
$414,042, compared to $511,176 for the 39
weeks ended March 1946.
Steve Broidy, president of Monogram and
Allied Artists Prod., Inc., said the company
subsidiary has completed five pictures. “It
Happened on Fifth Avenue,” the first, has
opened at Grauman’s Chinese in Los Angeles
and is booked for a June opening at the Rivoli
Theatre here.
Fortune's Profile on Paramount
Hails a 10-Year Success Story
16
BOXOFFICE : : May 31, 1947
MOTION PICTURE
Reprinted in its entirety from m A T ■ ^7"
er— — UAl JL I
|3 StUdy
,#• news, I
u i merfi.' '
Jug tw0
fy B&k j
^tiracff} ~~ " - — - __
Tl/fF ati^*eran<Js
a<fSo iemn d Se«timent
a Sam-, r-/. ' °n o/ u,l..
Atlanta
ln con j.
leoting
1
natives 1
if13 and
ae ses-
Lt/anta .
R- B.
?» Nat i
^arieg
" two. 1
£ex j
?«?P-
euj. J
and
ear
*», tfe®, °r!""!Xhibi'o‘ t 31 af,P«' O/ rt Wer
reen O'H a,s° on hand M’ort with i„ S,ory
latter „ ^ M, pai, rf Sua> Perform ’ “P'olta-
_ , as a vWmp , , . ayne and Fn, mers as Ala,,
and a rn • re'W/),si. u * arrnincl n iau-
llC?nv'« o„ ,ha r Kd m*n Wit/, a .GlVenn, rte
J,rt a *of 'be story / ' rea,,J’ « Sa„ta c?"1''1 sn'He
and cf^'- and ^ ,a ldacy?'a «aus.
annua, serves <-r'0<i Ween Tj, y°rl -s
does e I'' 'nto <*. roYJt"" •**$?*•*■.
store's with L . n'a Claus o * h^-
the st„„ d^tn,e„t is l k'ddks 'hat a S° Pop"'ar
w/jr, cA. ^ r about ,v ***■ birinp riara
fae/'c ,v i . eco/Hmen »• 3s rarA • ^^nta
r°°n ,evea/s itT redco^merlen ^ obje«
eputdti0n of th Cn0rn^us Va/ /sh°c^ngat,
ensu/np., , f/)e Sfo . a/»e t0r , zzt first,
Poetic? ^ °f/)er stores /arc/ca/ cow-^ f/,e
^ere\Sa
CanjeraWork S°°d deal 0/ eSanje
-ec°gniti0n ■ 35 VVe// as t/le f/le'Spot rea/. .
4/o^ J,vr a// */,o I 3/0^e- t|J ? ,n f/*
sfo" f/,e Sa-ta t^re **n C y^ ^ke
and pa H rorr,antic an i ^ f^ere is Pi °7^ ^'ty,
ern” 7ne‘ /r Sc^s t/, ^e involvine into
^ * ri/^^ssO’Hl ^0’Har°a
er Ww«oUS , tenfi;-w
e daughter,
‘Va'a'« Wood ,
no Santa P/ ’ /r°ni aW /am .
Payne /las r 3US a',f/’ a/so fl, aS'eS’ te//s Per f/,
a,» iCSnp'v’ *o-4 1, „ r a,,d
a',s«- U„de; “les satiVe a;e°'*e Sea,„„ wh
■■*wo *r tp Cd ccfto,o^ut^°:ap-
5° 6°°t 4 Zf"'1’ u't;r; ■' "’"^ZTr"'
banta k v more r/„ , rr,aniarai as a
Santa ao, • bearing p_ a rnental ; ■ f ,n
n>ust fen . ' Solomon;c j . e,,sives o,* -k ,C ,
o>i«,o„rot2 - « 4*C,S»" whirl 1' **"'«
besides 1 *'* must ,'f °;,e- » there l Jurfge
•^ ■*"*■*
^re^ - ^'^S'ee/e ctij ’ *nd
fore the jud "Ch b°unty of , S'0xv
for f/j renders a U |°A‘son7e r;,
Santa C/ est0ration G/ /;>.,erc//ct fAat pave^u ^ 6e'
^ io 2*]*.^ ^ w::;r ; e ^
Words ,0 Iss food's s,p ta>ne real/zes I, '
ab'y-Perf‘ 'SS°'Hara'sr *’ *th'r*nd Jh^ H’°U'<1
and ^onTceaStanGeneTofadS' °<bZ7, t
7 3 S'°'y Z VT . ^"onn r‘^ Sorter Ha '
Pro<'l,ced’
e'CaS^a'e,JUne.S-G-a(aud,cncec;as
MANNy ueRBSIMAN
The,
Jroiw.
MBMIL
WORLD PREMIERE - ROXY THEATRE - JUNE 4tli
> >
World Theatres: 86,640;
27 % Increase Since 40
WASHINGTON — • Emphasizing that
American motion pictures today are facing
the most intensive competition that they
have ever confronted in markets abroad,
Nathan D. Golden, motion picture con-
sultant for the Department of Commerce,
this week released results of a governmen-
tal world survey of theatres.
The data gathered by United Foreign
Service representatives and forwarded to
Washington by cable shows that, as of Jan.
1, 1947, the world had a total of 86,640
motion picture theatres, an increase of
18,643 over the aggregate of 67,997 re-
corded on Jan. 1, 1940. Total seating ca-
pacity of the 86.640 theatres was 38,353,678
persons. The report stated that accurate
data on seating capacity as of 1940 was not
available.
Golden said that the United States indus-
try, in its effort to present the Hollywood
product to world audiences is compelled to
cope with a variety of perplexing problems.
“Chief among these, of course, is the com-
petitive situation arising from the manifest
aim in numerous world areas of fostering
domestic production.”
He said the survey of the number of thea-
tres in foreign countries was undertaken to
provide key information in answer to the
following questions about the worldwide mo-
tion picture problem.
“If competition is thus obviously heighten-
ing, what compensatory factors exist?”
“Is the market as a whole expanding
notably?”
“Is there a general broadening of potential
or actual opportunities abroad?”
“Do the physical facilities now exist for
a much larger number of showings of enter-
tainment films of every sort than was the
case before World War II?”
The survey shows that Europe in 1947 has
51,227 theatres having 16,708,907 seats. This
is in comparison with 36,779 theatres in 1940.
The large increase in Europe is attributed to
more accurate figures from Russia which
1940 reports listed as having but 3,000 com-
mercial motion picture theatres whereas the
1947 survey total is 17,500.
The comparative 1940 and 1947 figures for
other major countries includes: United
States, 17,003 and 18,765; United Kingdom,
5,300 and 4,800; France, 4,650 and 5,403; Ger-
many, 5,506 and 3,703; Italy, 4,013 and 5,400;
Spain, 2,852 and 3,143; Australia, 1,400 and
1,600; India, 1,030 and 1,605; China, 225 and
163, and Japan, 1,875 and 1,603.
RKO to Stress Star Values
In Two-Reel Comedies
NEW YORK — RKO is aiming for higher
quality shorts with better star value on the
theory that exhibitors are willing to pay
extra rentals for shorts with definite box-
office appeal, according to George Bilson,
producer of RKO two-reel comedies. Bilson
arrived from Hollywood recently to discuss
short subject advertising and publicity plans
with S. Barret McCormick.
He pointed out that short subjects must
not only reflect entertainment qualities of
an entire film program, but also must con-
tain definite boxoffice values to attract ad-
ditional business. In line with this, RKO’s
program for next season “will be designed
to give exhibitors ticket-selling values with
increased star power, subject matter and
timely novelty,” he added.
Commercial Picture Matinee Shows
Start at San Francisco Theatre
SAN FRANCISCO — The Vogue Theatre,
375-seat neighborhood house operated by
San Francisco Theatres, Inc., has started
regular matinee showings of industrial and
educational films for various firms. Anyone
who wants to show a film for business pur-
poses can rent the house for $100 an after-
noon. In the evening the theatre reverts to
theatrical fare.
The idea was originated by Samuel H.
Levin, president of the circuit. He claims it
serves a double purpose by giving business
firms a chance to show films inexpensively
with comfortable accommodations and by
providing additional revenue for the theatre.
John C. Mitchell, manager of the theatre,
says smaller houses are best suited to these
showings. You can’t fill a larger house for
business film showings, and a small audi-
ence gets lost in a big theatre, he explained.
A business organization can show a picture
to more people at less cost than by putting
on a screening in a hotel, he declared. The
Vogue has been showing commercial pictures
for the past four weeks.
The first client was Cresta Blanca Wine
Co., which approached the circuit asking for
a small theatre to show a documentary film.
Other bookings have come from an oil com-
pany, a paper products concern and a wel-
fare agency, with additional companies show-
ing considerable interest. More than six
showings already have been booked.
Once the film is provided, the theatre does
the rest. Projection equipment, ushers and
projectionists are provided. Lobby displays
are set up by the theatre staff at the request
of a client. Two 16mm machines have been
installed in the projection booth, in addition
to the two 35mm projectors.
Mitchell feels every large city will eventu-
ally adopt the Vogue business show policy.
He believes the business film is growing up.
The one handicap, he says, is the lack of
distribution facilities in the industrial film
field.
Levin gave the industrial film showings a
strong buildup. He mailed 20,000 brochures
to all prospective clients and placed ads in
trade journals. He also secured a list of all
firms that have produced 16mm films and
contacted them. He keeps in close touch with
the San Francisco Convention and Tourist
bureau in order to keep up on trade associa-
tion meetings.
TRevceca
< <
LONG NIGHT, THE (RKO) — So eager were
the creators to establish moods and back-
ground characterizations that the film re-
sembles more a surrealist painting than a
motion picture. The story is hysterically,
noisily and vertiginously told and is un-
usually difficult to follow because of the
use of flashbacks within flashbacks within
still other flashbacks. Henry Fonda, Bar-
bara Bel Geddes, Ann Dvorak, Vincent
Price. Anatole Litvak directed.
NUREMBERG TRIALS, THE (Artkino) —
The trials of the chief Nazi war criminals
dragged on for ten months, but here, in a
little over an hour of running time, is a
vivid presentation of the highlights sur-
rounding the prosecution of Hitler’s hench-
men. It is the first complete film report
in English of the event. The “stars” are
familiar to the American public. They in-
clude some of the Nazi chiefs who ter-
rorized the world for years — Goering, Hess,
Von Ribbentrop, Streicher, Jodi, Keitel,
Frank and Doenitz.
POSSESSED (WB) — Joan Crawford has an-
other magnificent opportunity to run the
gamut of emotions in this dramatic story
in the psychological film cycle. Her fine
portrayal of a possessive, frustrated woman
is matched by Van Heflin’s convincing
performance as an attractive heel and by
Raymond Massey, who adds power and dig-
nity to the role of a middle-aged suitor.
Joan Crawford, Van Heflin, Raymond Mas-
sey. Curtis Bernhardt directed.
THAT’S MY GAL (Rep) — What might have
developed into considerable of an asset, to
wit, a refreshing new slant on the in-
evitable film musical boy-meets-girl-back-
stage situation, is completely discounted
through lack of persuasiveness of most per-
formances. Weighing its vices against its
virtues, the picture assays as nothing bet-
ter than a tail-ender on the less important
double bills. Lynn Roberts, Donald Barry,
Pinky Lee, Jan Savitt’s band. George Blair
directed.
VIGILANTES RETURN, THE (U-I)— Be-
cause of the picture’s length and paucity
of marquee dynamite in its cast, the offer-
ing probably will find itself in the sup-
porting spot in most bookings — and it seems
a pity that its worth should be wasted
there. As sagebrush entertainment goes,
it is thoroughly qualified to go topside in
most situations — and with a fanfare ac-
companiment in the houses which special-
ize in action programs. Jon Hall, Margaret
Lindsay, Paula Drew, Andy Devine. Ray
Taylor directed.
WINTER WONDERLAND (Rep)— Here’s an-
other illustration of how a film maker,
confronted with a limited budget, turned
to the beauties of nature for enhancement
of productional values and found that those
beauties became the star of his picture —
an entirely happy development for all
concerned. Many thrilling skiing se-
quences highlight the picture. Lynn Rob-
erts, Charles Drake, Roman Bohnen.
Bernard Vorhaus directed.
These reviews will appear in full in
a forthcoming issue of Boxoffice
18
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
"You’ll have America’s outstanding exhibitors
flocking to see you at the PARAMOUNT coast - to - coast
TRADE SHOWS
FRIDAY, JUNE 6th
because they know that ten million tickets were sold on Broadway and
on the road to see you as a smash stage comedy hit — and the word’s gone
out that you’re going to be an even bigger sensation on the screen!’’
CITY
PLACE OF SCREENING
BOSTON PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 58 Berkeley St FRI. JUNE 6 2:30 P.M.
BUFFALO PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 464 Franklin St FRI. JUNE 6 2 P.M.
CHARLOTTE PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 305 S. Church St FRI. JUNE 6 1:30 P.M.
CHICAGO PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1306 S. Michigan Ave FRI. JUNE 6 1:30 P.M.
CINCINNATI..... PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1214 Central Parkway FRI. JUNE 6 2.30 P.M.
CLEVELAND PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1735 E. 23rd St FRI. JUNE 6 2 P.M.
DALLAS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 412 S. Harwood St FRI. JUNE 6 2:30 P.M.
DENVER PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 2100 Stout St FRI. JUNE 6 2 P.M.
DES MOINES PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1125 High St FRI. JUNE 6 12:45 P.M.
DETROIT PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 479 Ledyard Ave FRI. JUNE 6 2 P.M.
INDIANAPOLIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 116 W. Michigan St FRI. JUNE 6 2 P.M.
KANSAS CITY PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1800 Wyandotte St FRI. JUNE 6 2 P.M.
LOS ANGELES BOULEVARD THEATRE, Washington & Vermont Sts FRI. JUNE 6 J.30 P.M.
MEMPHIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 362 S. Second St FRI. JUNE 6 2:30 P.M.
MILWAUKEE PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1121 N. 8th St FRI. JUNE 6 2 P.M
MINNEAPOLIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1201 Currie Ave FRI. JUNE 6 1:30 P.M.
NEW HAVEN PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 82 State St FRI. JUNE 6 2 P.M.
NEW ORLEANS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 215 S. Liberty St FRI. JUNE 6 10 A. M
OKLAHOMA CITY.... . .PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 701 W. Grand Ave FRI. JUNE 6 10:30 A.M.
OMAHA PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1704 Davenport St FRI. JUNE 6 1:30 P.M.
PHILADELPHIA PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 248 No. 12th St FRI. JUNE 6 2 P.M
PITTSBURGH PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 1727 Blvd. of Allies. FRI. JUNE 6 2 P.M
PORTLAND PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 909 N.W. 19th Ave FRI. JUNE 6 2 P.M
ST. LOUIS PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 2949 Olive St FRI. JUNE 6 1:30 P.M
SALT LAKE CITY PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 270 E. 1st So. St FRI. JUNE 6 1 P.M
SAN FRANCISCO PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 205 Golden Gate Ave.... MON. JUNE 2 2 P.M
SEATTLE PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 2330 First Ave FRI. JUNE 6 2 P.M
WASHINGTON PARAMOUNT PROJ. ROOM, 306 H St. N.W FRI. JUNE 6 2:30 P.M
William JEolden
Joan Caulfield
wuh Billy DeWolfe
EdwardjIrnold
Mona TBeeman
Mary Phillips • Virginia Welles
Kenny O’Morrison • Produced bv Paul Jones
Directed by WILLIAM D. RUSSELL
Screen Play by Arthur Sheekman
Based on the Play by Norman Krasna
Previously Trade Shown in New York City
Tftcn and £vent&
Interesting, If True
JS^ NY ATTEMPT to analyze the theatre
statistics released by the Department
of Commerce last week will lead the an-
alyst into a maze of contradictions. He
may wind up with the conclusion that the
whole thing is cockeyed.
Nathan Golden’s report states that
world theatres increased from 67,997 to
86,640 from 1940 to 1947. He lists world
areas by regions — Europe, Central and
South America, Far East, South Pacific,
Middle East, Africa, Caribbean, Atlantic
Islands, Canada, United States and Puerto
Rico. This does not make sense.
Europe, he reports, had 36,770 theatres
in 1940 and 51,227 in 1947. How come?
The war started in 1939. What combina-
tion of European countries built 14,457
after that?
One explanation offered is a mistaken
report on the number of Russian theatres
existing in 1940. That figure was given as
3,000. Now it is claimed there are 17,500,
but this total is for all of Russia, which
takes in Asia. Obviously Russia did not
build theatres during the war. Other
authoritative sources estimate that the
total of Russian theatres is 15,000. No
official figures are available.
In France, before the war, there were
5,000 theatres, with 347 in the North Afri-
can French area. More than 400 were de-
stroyed in France during the war. No new
ones were built. In Czechoslovakia there
were 1,400 theatres at the start of the war.
Today it is estimated that about 800 are
open.
In Italy 20 per cent of the theatre were
desti'oyed and many large ones were req-
uisitioned by the government and are still
used for various governmental purposes.
In Poland the prewar theatre total was
about 800. Only about 120 remained at
the close of the war.
Sweden had a business boom during the
war and had building materials available.
At the end of 1944 a total of 107 new
houses had been added to the existent
2,351.
In England, Scotland, Wales, North Ire-
land and Eire there are now 5,455. This
is lower than the prewar total of hundreds
of theatres, due to bombings. The exact
losses are not available, but are believed
to be about 400. No new houses have been
built.
Belgium, Holland, Hungary and Austria
lost theatres during the war.
The Commerce department figures list
the total for the United States as 18,765.
During the war the War Activities com-
mittee assembled a mailing list of theatres
with the cooperation of all the distributors
and found there were 16,891 houses which
received mail. This is the list now being
used by the American Theatres Ass’n.
# * *
Ads on Per Seat Basis
piGURING advertising costs on a per
seat basis for regional mass showings
of films is something new in this business.
By JAMES M. JERAULD
It is a variation of the co-op ad idea with a
powerful punch.
Instead of using the standard distributor
formula of offering to pay 50 per cent of
a theatre’s ad costs over the normal budg-
et, Robert M. Gillham, eastern ad and
publicity head for Selznick, has been
slapping full page ads into leading news-
papers along with the other varied fea-
tures of the regional campaigns. Because
so many theatres in each area are used
day-and-date this stunt gives an adver-
tising smash that dwarfs competing at-
tractions.
Figured in relation to the revenue possi-
bilities per seat the costs are not excessive.
The results will be studied carefully.
* * *
Commercial Showings
CJMALL centrally located theatres — espe-
cially the so-called art houses which
have light matinee attendance — may find
a new and unlooked for source of revenue
opening to them. Makers of sponsored
films, whether for advertising, for instruc-
tion of dealers, or welfare projects, or
other purposes have been hiring halls or
large hotel rooms for their screenings.
Often the sound has been bad.
In San Francisco Irvin M. Levine, district
manager of San Francisco Theatres, Inc.,
has been leasing the Vogue, a 375-seat
house, for $100 an afternoon to firms de-
siring to put on business film shows. The
Vogue personnel goes with the house.
* * *
Stolen Prints
gLACK market psychology, common
throughout the world, has been ap-
plied to the circulation of 16mm prints of
entertainment features. Australia is now
having the same trouble in this connection
that developed here some months ago
when it was discovered that prints of films
originally intended for army use were
being sold or rented in various parts of
the country. The Australian Motion Pic-
ture Distributors Ass’n has discovered
that some of the unauthorized prints in
circulation there were imported from Pa-
cific islands where they were sent origi-
nally for entertainment of the armed
forces.
As 16mm distribution of major company
product spreads throughout the world,
this trouble probably will increase, because
the places where 16mm films are shown
are not supervised as closely as perma-
nently located theatres.
Goldwyn-RKO Extension
HOLLYWOOD— Samuel Goldwyn’s output
will be released by RKO Radio for another
year. The existent distribution deal between
the two companies has been extended to
cover the year beginning July 1, 1947. This
marks the seventh consecutive year that
RKO has released Goldwyn product, starting
with “The Little Foxes” in 1941 and culmi-
nating in the current “The Best Years of Our
Lives.”
Bernhard Is Elected
To Wanger Board
NEW YORK— Joseph Bernhard, president
of Film Classics, has been elected a director
of Walter Wanger Pic-
tures, Inc., and David
Tannenbaum, treas-
urer and secretary of
the latter producing
company, has become
a member of the board
of Film Classics.
Wanger has produc-
ing deals with both
Universal-Internation-
al and United Artists.
He recently completed
“Lost Moment” and
will shortly start film-
ing "Tap Roots” for
U-I. His distribu-
tion deal with United
Artists, announced last October, calls for two
to four features. Reports that Wanger will
produce for Film Classics could not be con-
firmed in New York.
JOSEPH BERNHARD
Maurice Green Is Named
FC#s District Manager
BOSTON — Maurice Green has been named
district manager for Film Classics here, and
will build up his own
organization with ap-
pointments to be an-
nounced later. Head-
quarters will be main-
tained at 56 Piedmont
St., with Screen Guild
and Federal Film. A1
Swerdlove remains as
manager of the latter
companies.
Green has been
with Paramount as as-
sistant to A1 Kane,
district manager,
since 1943. Granted a
14-month leave of ab-
MAURICE GREEN
sence, he served as director of recreation for
the War Production board. Formerly he was
an exhibitor and was associated with his
brother in operation of the Irving Green
circuit.
Lane J. Patton Appointed
Altec Atlanta Manager
NEW YORK — Lane J. Patton, who has had
approximately 20 years of experience in the
sound motion picture industry, has been
named district manager for Altec in Atlanta
by H. M. Bessey, vice-president.
In 1928, Patton was transferred to Erpi
from the engineering department of the
Western Electric Co. where he had previously
been employed for several years. His first
Erpi assignment was with the operating de-
partment and he later transferred to the
service department in Detroit and in Pitts-
burgh.
In 1931, when Erpi organized a divisional
setup, he was transferred to Washington as
southern division superintendent and, in
1936, he was given a special assignment to
travel over the country conducting technical
sessions for field engineers. After being as-
signed to the field engineering group of Erpi,
he went to Altec in 1937 to continue this ac-
tivity. Later, Patton became branch man-
ager of the New York district.
While located in Washington, Patton
started the “Melting Pot,” a house organ
which later became nationwide in scope
under the title of “Altec Exchange.”
20
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Looking west on Bagley avenue in Detroit, from Grand Circus
park — the United Artists Theatre (2,024 seats), in the foreground
and the Michigan Theatre (4,029 seats) in the background. These
first run theatres opened at nearly the same time twenty years ago
and are characteristic of the city’s best in super de luxe construction
and operation. (All photos for BOXOFFICE by Harry Kaufman.)
By H. F. REVES
ETROIT'S film industry is integrated
into a little world of its own, operat-
ing so smoothly most of the time that
the average citizen has little knowledge of its
existence, aside from his contacts as the ulti-
mate consumer in the theatres. The people
who work in the industry include pioneers
who have seen history made, and newcomers
of recent years who usually fit into a pattern
of friendly operation. There is competition,
plenty of it, sometimes intense personal ri-
valry, but the bitterest competitors and hard-
est bargainers often meet later for a game
of cards over at the Variety Club or a cup
of coffee in the Film Drug store.
Typifying this unity of feeling was the
close cooperation that characterized wartime
activities. This was in large measure a direct
product of the personal attitudes of and rela-
tions between local industry leaders — notably,
in the exhibition field, Ray Branch of Allied
Theatres, Earl Hudson of United Detroit,
David M. Idzal of the Fox, James F. Sharkey
of Co-Operative, the late Edward C. Beatty
of Butterfield, and Carl W. Buermele of
General Theatre Service. A few minutes on
the telephone network could secure virtual
100 per cent support for any worthy cause.
Exhibitor organization as it is known today
was a Michigan contribution to the indus-
try, according to A. J. “Bert” Moeller, who
headed the early group here at the time of
World War I, and went on to become national
manager of MPTOA, and has returned here
to live. James C. Ritter and Henderson M.
Richey, now assistant to the sales manager
of MGM who later held top posts in Na-
tional Allied, were other exhibitor leaders
from Detroit.
Michigan Allied has long been the predom-
inant trade organization here with Ray
Branch as president— for 16 years — and Jack
Stewart as general manager. The late Ed-
ward C. Beatty, president of Butterfield —
some of whose individual houses or partners
are affiliated with Allied — was long vice-
president of MPTOA. Recently there has
been some proliferation of trade associations,
with the Michigan Independent Theatre
Owners, now practically dormant, organized
under the aegis of Joseph P. Uvick, now a
director of Allied, and the Independent The-
atre Owners, headed by Sam Carver, taking
shape a year ago with a membership largely
in the Detroit independent field. There is
cooperation of effort and overlapping of
membership rather than rivalry here.
Film booking and buying services are
especially characteristic here, with probably
75 per cent of Detroit’s independent theatres
so grouped. The pattern of booking coopera-
tives, originated here and spread to other
key cities. Largest group is Co-Operative
with 105 theatres, followed by Mutual Thea-
tres and General Theatre Service with about
40 each, and the newly organized Allied
Theatre Service now being established di-
rectly for Allied members. MITO is discuss-
ing plans for still another buying service.
^JO-OPERATIVE, the true pioneer in its
field, started as a booking service for the
Kunsky circuit, and also served about 50
other local theatres, until the circuit was
taken over by Paramount, about 1930. The
name was changed to Mid-States when it
was bought out by the independents then,
under the management of Carl W. Buermele,
and later switched back to Co-Op.
Oldest theatre in the state is the Avenue,
dating from the ’70s, now showing pictures
Next in Series: New York
in combination with burlesque. Earlier it
was the Wonderland, a combination museum,
hippodrome and music hall, succeeded later
by a new house of that name, where the first
motion pictures were shown in Detroit, about
1898, in the old Edison view machines by the
late Gus Greening. Later, the new Wonder-
land dropped the other attractions and be-
came the Temple Theatre, where some of the
first projected films were shown as after-
pieces to a high class vaudeville show, early
in the century. The Temple was later taken
over by the Keith circuit — a tradition carried
forward today in RKO operation of the Up-
town, a suburban second run house, and
This is the Film Exchange building
which houses all except three distributors.
It was built in 1927 at a cost of $1,500,—
000 by Walter R. Stebbins.
RKO’s stock interest in the Butterfield cir-
cuit resulting from their former operation
of some upstate houses.
Michigan’s outstanding early contribution
to the industry was a butcher boy on a train
running from Detroit to Port Huron, who was
reading through a semipublic library — located
in one of the buildings constituting the
Avenue Theatre group — shelf by shelf, for his
education — Thomas Edison. Interestingly
enough, Detroit’s first theatre building was
operated in 1833, again on the Avenue site.
Motion pictures became a business instead
of a vaudeville trailer in 1905. There is some
dispute between the memories of oldtimers
over the first motion picture theatres in De-
troit, and prior rights are sometimes claimed
for one or more upstate theatres which had
pictures in addition to other attractions, like
the Temple. Research by the present writer
some years ago among tlie records and mem-
ories of still older oldtimers then active,
resulted in the statement that “Arthur Caille
and John H. Kunsky opened the Casino
Theatre in Detroit, next door to the present
Bijou, said to be the second program movie
house in the country (following only Harry
Davis’ Pittsburgh house).” (This was in
March 1906.) Other early Detroit exhibitors
included William Klatt with the Bijou, Tom
Lancaster with the Grande, and Sam Acker-
man with the East Side, which he still op-
erates on the same site, though the present
structure is new.
Kunsky (now King) and Caille, deceased,
clearly established the first circuit here, and
probably the first film exchange. The circuit
grew, and has been the leading factor in
motion picture exhibition in Detroit for 42
years. Today it operates four of the city’s
seven regular first run houses — the Michigan,
United Artists, Palms-State and Broadway-
Capitol — and 16 other second run and key
or subkey houses, as United Detroit Theatres,
operated by Paramount.
The tradition of continuity is also repre-
sented by the mammoth 6,000-seat Fox Thea-
tre, which follows the earlier Fox-Washing-
ton, as a major first run. The Balaban inter-
ests operate the Adams and Downtown, also
first runs. Only the Downtown and, rarely,
the Michigan, has occasional stage shows.
At one time there were a dozen downtown
stage show houses, at about the dawn of talk-
ing pictures.
'T’HERE are two specialized first runs — the
Paradise, operated by the Lou Cohen cir-
cuit, devoted to all-colored stage shows and,
normally, B pictures, and the Cinema, oper-
ated by Sam Baker Enterprises, to foreign
and specialized appeal films.
There are a number of various-sized cir-
;uits operating houses around Detroit — As-
( Continued on page 25)
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
21
MGM's district manager, Frank
Hensler (seated left) , with Frank
Downey, branch manager, and
(standing) Jack Morgan, sales man-
ager, and Charles Dietz, exploiteer.
Joseph J. Lee, 20th-Fox
manager, meets with
Jack Sturm, salesman
(L) and James F. Shar-
key .ir., son of the Co-Op
At United Artists: (seated), Moe Du-
delson, district manager; Sydney Bow-
man, branch manager; Sid Cooper,
salesman; (standing) Ralph Forman,
salesman; Jack Lothamer, booker.
Robert Dunbar,
who is Warners’
branch manager.
Irwin Pollard, Republic manager,
flanked by two of his bookers, Mar-
garet Studebaker, Bert Holmes.
At Paramount: Mary Lou Coles, secre-
tary; Lloyd Henrich, office manager;
John Gentile, booking manager, and H.
Edward Stuckey, who is the branch
manager.
NTERTAINMEMT
I Leader *
Hatton Taylor (seated), RKO branch
manager, makes a point that is inter-
esting to Marian Coley, Walter Goryl,
Eric Clarry, Harvey Trombley.
LEFT — Columbia’s force looks
over sales reports — Raymond
Brooks, auditor; Edward
Hochstim, branch manager:
George Rossman, office man-
ager.
Jack Zide, owner
and manager of
the Allied Film
Exchange, with
Booker Dorothy
Harrison.
Arvid Kantor, manager of National Screen
Service, who recently dropped his reign as
chief barker of Variety.
RIGHT — Don Fill, booker at
PRC, points out some selling
features of new product to his
branch manager, Clair Town-
send.
wm
Detroit
Exchanges
Ben Robins, Universal’s branch
manager (center), with Milton
Zimmerman (L), salesman, and
Eugene Alexander, of Vanguard.
Charles Garner,
the dean of inde-
pendent exchange
operators.
M. Harlan Starr (R), Mono-
gram manager, Filmrow dean,
with Jack Saxe and Gertrude
Applebaum.
Albert Dezel, top independent film
exchange operator, with Ethel
Hale and Margaret Rice, head
booker.
22
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Leaders in Detroit Exhibition
Earl J. Hudson, pres-
ident of United De-
troit Theatres, and a
leading- Detroit civic
figure.
Four executives of the Associated Theatres
circuit, which operates 19 theatres, L to R,
George Bremen, supervisor; Harold Smilay
and Alex Schreiber, partners, and Sam
Greisman, supervisor.
David M. Idzal, man-
aging director of the
6,000-seat Fox Thea-
tre, and prominent
industryite.
Father and son team —
Milton London confers
with father Julius, who
is one of Detroit’s famed
original London broth-
ers, pioneer exhibitors.
The Krass family — all exhibi-
tors. Marvin, the son, man-
ages the Dix Theatre; Jack
Krass manages the circuit and
Mrs. Krass has run the Coli-
seum Theatre for years.
Saul Korman (L), oper-
ator of a sizeable string
of theatres, talks over
new properties in Miami
and Cleveland with Sam
Green, his manager.
A quartet of United Detroit Theatres exec-
utives— Alice Gorham, advertising man-
ager; Frank Upton, assistant supervisor;
Harold Brown, film buyer; and Joseph
Busic, supervisor.
Three partners in the operation of Com-
munity Theatres, a circuit of six theatres,
operating in four communities. L to R,
Adolph Goldberg, A. Kcmer, Irving Gold-
berg.
At top left are the key figures in Co-Operative Theatres of Michigan, buying and
booking for over 100 theatres. Left to right, Leland Sanshie, Henry Zapp and Sam
Barrett. Top right: A busy moment at Cooperative Pictures with Fred Sturgess, Myrtle
Clements, David Newman and Daniel Lewis.
Bottom left. Allied Theatres executives — Jack Stewart, general manager; Lawrence
Shubnell, manager, and Joseph P. Uvick, director; center, Alden Smith and Allen Dowzer
of Mutual Theatres, another buying-booking firm; and lower right, at General Theatre
Service, Carl W. Buermele (L), general manager, talks a contract with A1 Ruttenberg
as son Robert Buermele looks on.
Jacob E. Stocker,
pioneer exhibitor,
who owns the
Maple Theatre
and is a long-time
director of Michi-
gan Allied.
Boris Bernardi,
general manager
of Midwest Thea-
tres, schooled in
legitimate theatre
as well as in mo-
tion pictures.
Raymond Schrei-
ber, head of Mid-
west Theatres, op-
erates neighbor-
hoods, comes from
a pioneer theatre
family.
Sam Carver, presi-
dent of Michigan
ITO, is author of
a comprehensive
textbook on oper-
ating a theatre.
Arthur Leazenby,
manager of the
Cinema Theatre,
which has been
successful in play-
ing foreign films.
Charles Perry,
managing director
of the first run
Downtown and
Adams theatres,
operated by Harry
and Elmer Bala-
ban.
FILMROWS OF AMERICA... (Continued)
niyi—i
24
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Snapshot
Personalities
Beginning with photo at the left: (1) Pete
Simon of Film Service, unchallenged local
leader in preparation of special trailers; (2)
Max Blumenthal, who has operated Filmrow’s
projection studio for 25 years; (3) Charles
Dietz, brother of MGM’s Howard Dietz,
Metro’s exploiteer in Detroit; (4) Ralph Ras-
kin, long a premium distributor; (5) Ralph
Ruben, head of Amusement Supply Co.
(1) Mrs. Julia Sturdevant, Ernie H. Forbes
and son Howie Forbes, at the Forbes supply
house; (2) Clarence Williamson (C), National
Theatre Supply manager confers with Julius
London and son, Miiton; (3) the NTS staff —
Serge Carpenter, George Hackett, Gus Stude-
baker, Jerry Boehm and Clarence Rowston.
(1) At the Film Exchange drug store, Vinegar
Bill looks on as Max Bernbaum makes a sale
to Leonard Soskin, theatrical insurance man;
(2) Fred Dickley, Altec’s district manager;
(3) The ladies run the business at Film Truck
Service — three of staff with Jane Robinson
who with a sister, Mrs. Gladys Pike, owns the
service. (L to R) Mrs. Laura Hunt, Edith
Hicks, Mrs. Edwin Cox, Jane Robinson.
(1) Detroit’s censor board — Inspector Charles
Snyder (seated), George Fdrsythe, John
Fleishans, and Lieut. Herbert Case; (2) the
McArthurs, George and James, who run the
McArthur supply house, the only such firm
owning its own building; (3) Charles Simp-
son (center) of Central Shipping Bureau,
which handles physical loading of all film for
exchanges in Film Building, confers with
Arthur Lehr and Frank Kashin.
(1) Officers of the projectionists union — Roger
M. Kennedy, business agent and an interna-
tional vice-president; Ray Gagnon and Frank
Kinsora, the president; (2) Variety barkers
at a committee meeting — Arthur Robinson,
Paul Broder, Ralph Raskin, Irwin Pollard,
Harry Gilbert, Hatton Taylor, Irving Belin-
sky, Jack Zide, Lou Mitchell, Charles Perry
and (with backs to camera) Leonard Soskin
and Arvid Kantor; (3) A group of Variety
members meet for a noonday chat — Harry
Lush, Arthur Robinson, Sol Krim, Harold
Sandelman, Irving Belinsky, Paul Broder, and
Lou Mitchell.
(Continued from page 21)
sociated Theatres (William A. London, Alex
Schreiber, Harold H. Smilay), 19 houses;
Broder Theatres, 9; Lou Cohen, 7; DeLodder
Theatres, 7; Raymond Schreiber, 6; Com-
munity Theatres, 6; Saul Korman, 7; William
Schulte, 20, mostly smaller upstate houses,
and Wisper & Wetsman, 20, nearly all
among the most important independent
neighborhood houses in the metropolitan
area, making this by far the leading inde-
pendent circuit in the state. Other circuits
operating in the state include Harry Hobolth,
William A. Cassidy and Michael J. Chargot.
Medium-sized circuits are the rule here, with
plenty of small operators with only one
house, or two at most.
Associated Theatres operates in Cincinnati
and Minneapolis, as well as upstate. Saul
Korman recently took over houses in Cleve-
land and Miami, and is currently negotiating
to go into independent production on the
coast. Jack and Paul Broder recently went
into independent distribution, as well as pro-
duction, with Melrose Productions and
Broder-International, now being established.
Through the state, the dominating factor
is the Butterfield circuit, with 119 theatres,
in most cases including the first run houses
in medium size and smaller towns, and an
outstanding city group of balanced runs in
larger cities. Butterfield operates no houses
in Detroit or suburbs. This circuit was
started about 1909, when the late Col. W. S.
Butterfield opened the Bijou in Battle
Creek. The circuit later became affiliated
with Paramount, in addition to the RKO
interest mentioned, but is, for all practical
purposes, operated as an independent circuit,
peculiarly “Michigan’s own.” Heading the or-
ganization is Laurence E. Gordon, who be-
came president on Beatty’s death a few
months ago.
TATEST tabulations show 703 theatres in
Michigan, with 487,755 seats. Approxi-
mately 600 of these are in the Lower Penin-
sula— 200 of them in the Detroit metropoli-
tan area. The remaining houses are in the
upper peninsula, and are served by Mil-
waukee exchanges, rather than Detroit, with
the exception of one house in Saint Ignace,
on the Straits of Mackinac, and one or two
scattered exceptions with individual ex-
changes. Reason is the great distance caused
by funneling of traffic through the straits —
some remote towns in Michigan are farther
from Detroit than New York, Washington, or
even Boston, over 750 miles.
Detroit’s position as the only great city
on the border of Canada, which paradoxi-
cally, lies south at this point, gives it an
international perspective, that has been felt
in the industry occasionally, as in the plans
projected by Lloyd Hammond, early Detroit
independent producer, still active, for estab-
lishment of a production center for the Brit-
ish empire in Windsor, just across the river.
The exchanges that serve this area include
all the national companies and three inde-
pendents — Albert Dezel Productions whose
home office was moved here from Chicago
two years ago. Jack Zide’s Allied Films, and
Charles A. Garner. All these exchanges, ex-
cept three, are located in the Film Exchange
Bldg, at 2310 Cass Ave., on the fringe of
the downtown district. Across the street is
the 20th-Fox building, while the Paramount
exchange building is three blocks up and
around the corner. Selznick just opened up
in the Donovan building on Woodward ave-
nue, the only one to break away from this
center.
Delivery, supply and premium companies
are located in or near the seven-story Film
building. All booking group offices, several
major circuits, and a large number of other
firms, including BOXOFFICE, doing business
with showmen are located in the Fox Theatre
building on Woodward, two blocks from the
Film building.
The present structure was built by Walter
R. Stebbins in 1927 at a cost of one and a
half million dollars. Architect was C. Howard
Crane and the contractor, H. G. Christman.
The building is now owned by Mrs. Walter
Stebbins. On completion of the Film build-
ing, exchanges were moved from the Joseph
Mack (now Red Cross) building at 153 East
Elizabeth St. This building, more commonly
known then as the (old) Film Exchange
Bldg., was occupied about 1916, when ex-
changes were centralized. Earlier exchanges
were scattered in various buildings, and were
ultimately declared a fire hazard, leading to
modern exchange provision in the Mack
building, itself condemned for this purpose
a few years later as fire prevention became
more important.
^JREDIT for the first state film exchange
is probably due to H. A. Gilligham, who
established the Vaudette exchange in Grand
Rapids about 1910, according to M. Harlan
Starr, Monogram manager, who came into
the territory with fight pictures at that time.
Gilligham also had the first picture house in
Grand Rapids. The Vaudette was combined
with the General Film Co. in Detroit, which
bought up a number of local independent
exchanges, in the early phase of industry
consolidation. Gilligham came to Detroit as
manager of General, and also bought the Em-
pire Theatre. The latter house, with Starr
as manager, was one of the three first runs
in town, about 1910; the others were the
Empress, now operated by Joseph Ellul as a
burlesque house without pictures, and the
Princess.
The Detroit territory has contributed many
leaders to the national industry, men who
grew up, at least in a business sense, here.
Among them are Sam K. Decker, treasurer
of Screen Guild; George W. Weeks, producer;
Otto Bolle, 20th-Fox managing director in
London; Joseph Friedman, Columbia man-
aging director in London; C. Howard Crane,
designer of many major Detroit houses, now
leading London theatre architect, whose
firm still carries on his name here; Harry
Ross, head of Ross Federal Service; John
Flynn, midwest sales manager for Loew’s;
Jack Goldhar, former eastern division man-
ager for United Artists; Jules Levey, pro-
ducer, and his brother, Nat Levy, eastern
divisional manager for RKO; Raymond E.
Moon, Fox district manager, New York City;
David Palfreyman, MPA executive, and
John McPherson, National Screen Service
executive.
Another national leader still active in De-
troit is Roger M. Kennedy, vice-president
of the IATSE who, together with President
Frank Kinsora, has led the Detroit local as
business agent for 19 years. Comparatively
smooth, mature labor relations have char-
acterized this phase of the industry for years,
with both sides able to arrive at an acceptable
solution after thoroughly two-fisted negotia-
tions.
Among other pioneers of the industry still
active here are Edgar E. Kirchner, who has
run the Family Theatre for 37 years; Wesley
Schram, circuit operator, and Harry Irons,
early booker, now with Ernie Forbes Theatre
Supply.
Local showmen have grouped in numerous
special organizations, including Daylight Ma-
sonic lodge, which meets at 11 a. m.; Russell
Johnson Theatrical post of the American
Legion, which formerly met at midnight,
named for a veteran killed in World War I,
who was projectionist at the Frontenac (now
Ace) Theatre; a special chapter of the
American Veterans committee; a newly or-
ganized B’nai B’rith lodge; the Nightingales,
an operators’ bowling club, which used to
roll at 1 a. m„ believed to be the first bowling
league in the industry; Film Bowling league,
and the Screencraft club, another projec-
tionists’ bowling group, inactive during the
war.
ON THE COVER
View of Detroit from water front. By Manning Bros.
Courtesy Detroit Convention and Tourist Bureau.
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
25
U o you know of any picture that was ever received
more enthusiastically than “Great Expectations”?
Kate Cameron in the DAILY NEWS
• “ ‘Great Expectations’ is as brilliant a transposition of novel
to screen as any in the history of moving pictures. ... I
recommend with all my heart to those to whom Dickens is
still a closed book, a visit to the Music Hall, where they may
make a short cut to the acquaintance of one of the great
novelists of the Victorian era. 1 he picture is an enchanting
reproduction of the book in that it demands your full attention
. . . The story is guaranteed to keep you enthralled during its
two hours of running time.”
Archer Winsten in the N. Y. POST
® ‘‘The arrival of the British film, ‘Great Expectations’ at
the Music Hall marks nothing less than a new era in the trans-
fer of literary masterpieces to the screen. . . . For delight in
sheer perfection of movie making, the movie ‘Great Expecta-
tions’ is breath-taking.”
Cecelia Ager in PM
• “ ‘Great Expectations’ is a lovable giant of a picture, great
in conception, great in execution, great in the thousands of
satisfactions it accords. Rich, substantial, savory: soundly
built, beautifully lucid, infinitely tender, it is a masterpiece of
the story telling art, a great movie that does a great novel full
justice, and more. It takes a classic of English literature and
out of its appreciation and enjoyment of it, out of its under-
standing love for it, dramatizes, points up, and intensifies its
values. 1 he basic quality of ‘Great Expectations’ is romantic
entertainment: it is full of the joy and richness of life. ... In
direction, mood, production, acting, writing, sound, photog-
raphy, it is very nearly flawless.”
Eileen Creelman in the N . Y. SUN
at space
nit us to
;viesvs of
y motion
in full, but
:hat these
erpts will
eneral idea
3 quality ot
onpicture"‘
• “ ‘Great Expectations’ is one of the top English films, a
pleasure to Dickens’ readers, a picture that may send millions
back to re-reading the classics.”
Of course, this reception by the press is a
being done by “Great Expectations” a
Bosley Crowther in the N . Y. TIMES
• “If there is any lingering necessity of inspiring more Charles
Dickens fans — not to mention more fans for British movies —
the thing that should certainly do the job is the film made from
‘Great Expectations’, which came to the Music Hall yester-
day. For here in a perfect motion picture, made in England
(where it should have been made), the British have done tor
Dickens what they did for Shakespeare with ‘Henry V’: they
have proved that his works have more life in them than almost
anything now written for the screen.’’
Howard Barnes in the N. Y. HERALD TRIBUNE
• “A celebrated novel has been served superlatively in the
screen adaptation of ‘Great Expectations’. The new British
film at the Music Hall realizes the heart, humor and dramatic
excitement of the Dickens work in engrossing cinematic terms.
. . . In short, this J. Arthur Rank Cineguijd Production is a
rare and memorable motion picture. Good sense and artistry
have gone into every reel of the film. ... A screen entertain-
ment of stature and irresistible appeal has come to town.’’
Frank Quinn in the DAIL Y MIRROR
• “The Universal-International release of the British-filmed
novel has the quality of enduring greatness. All the characters
get the breath of life in this celluloid rebirth. . . . ‘Great Ex-
pectations’ is a great picture, fulfilling, with no trace of
dissapointment, the promise of its title.”
Rose Pelswick in the N. Y. JOURNAL-AMERICAN
• “ ‘Great Expectations’ is a screen classic, a beautiful, sensi-
tive translation of the novel by Charles Dickens. All the
characters, the quiet charm and the well-knit melodramatics
of the novel are spun out with wondrous skill.”
Alton Cook in the N. Y. WORLD-TELEGRAM
• “Hail to the luck and the art that have made the English
version of ‘Great Expectations’ such a good picture. The
people at the Music Hall choose carefully, with an inspectorial
eye about stars and box office values. But as the Music Hall
people knew when they booked ‘Great Expectations’, the news
of a good picture gets around in phenomenally short time . . .
Here is the realm of great movie entertainment — and, why
don’t we have more of it.”
ARTHu
Han
iO//\ esc ms
A"" S ■ KOUI'U
'GREAT
being reflected in the wonderful business
the Radio City Music Hall.
mh ts .
> ^'reeled
' oductr A
C'negui
4
^ottqto&od ^cfront
By IVAN SPEAR
Director Douglas Sirk
Forms Own Outfit
The obvious growing tendency on the part
of top producers to steer a cautious financial
course, failed to act as a deterrent to the
steady flow of newcomer independent film-
making companies. Most recent of the cre-
ative fraternity to hang out his shingle is
Director Douglas Sirk. He organized a com-
pany under the banner of Douglas Film
Corp., in which proposition his associates are
Dr. Marcel Frym and Robert Erlik, erstwhile
European film executive. Douglas’ kickoff
film will be a new screen version of the
operetta “Two Hearts in Three-Quarter
Time.” Sirk and his partners apparently
plan to launch their celluloid waltz without
a releasing deal — which is usually the case
with most of the new independent units.
Screen Guild Signs Deal
With Hirliman for Seven
Another in-and-out veteran of production
has chosen Screen Guild Productions as the
affiliate through which he will make his next
pitch. A releasing deal has been signed be-
tween SGP and George A. Hirliman which
provides for Hirliman to produce seven pic-
tures during the next two years.
Hirliman started in the motion picture
business in 1916 and for a number of years
operated his own laboratories. He has pro-
duced for MGM, RKO-Radio and Grand
National but during the past few years has
operated his own distributing company. In
1943 he organized and became head of Film
Classics, Inc., which Joseph Bernhard is now
operating.
Another SGP unit, Somerset Pictures,
seems to have crept up on a sleeper with
A CENTURY BEHIND THEM— Here
are three men with a century of Holly-
wood history behind them and a close re-
lationship of 30 years. On the set of
Sol M. Wurtzel Productions’ “The In-
visible Wall” Producer Wurtzel (left)
celebrates his 30th anniversary in pic-
tures. At one time head of Fox studios,
he now heads his own production unit,
and is embarking on his 1,000th picture in
30 years. Next to him is Wurtzel’s long-
time associate, Howard Sheehan, brother
of the former Fox head, Winfield Shee-
han, and one-time executive vice-presi-
dent of Fox West Coast Theatres. He
has been associated with Wurtzel in one
capacity or another for some 25 years
and this year is celebrating his 30th
year in the business. On the right is
Director Eugene Forde who has been
making pictures — or acting in them — for
Wurtzel for a quarter of a century.
the launching of the first picture dealing
with the present-day Ku Klux Klan. Titled
“The Burning Cross,” shooting is under way
at the new Motion Picture Center, making it
the first film to be photographed at that
studio. Somerset’s organizer, Walter Colmes,
is producing and directing from a story by
Aubrey Wisberg.
Out of Four Story Buys
For Week UA Buys Pair
Only the openhandedness of United Art-
ists producers saved the story peddlers from
a trip to the breadline. Out of four story
buys recorded during the week, two of them
were by UA film makers.
Enterprise purchased from galley proofs
Lion Feuchtwanger’s forthcoming novel,
“Proud Destiny.” Lewis Milestone will pro-
duce and direct the film version. It is a
romance set in France, and is the story of the
love of French Dramatist Beaumarchais and
Actress Desiree. A succession of historical
characters flow through the book, includ-
ing Benjamin Franklin, King Louis, Marie
Antoinette and Silas Deane. Picture will be
Milestone’s first production for Enterprise
under his new contract . . . United California
Productions acquired the Charles Marquis
Warren Saturday Evening Post story “Bull-
head.” The film, like the story, will deal
with the sports editor of a metropolitan daily
whose nickname provides the title.
One of the remaining pair of story buys
was made by the recently formed Screen
Plays, Inc., which closed a deal for Carl
Foreman’s play, “Ada,” based on the life of
Ada Menken, U.S. actress of the 1860s. Fore-
man will tackle the screenplay of his opus.
It will be third on program set up by Stanley
Kramer, president and executive producer of
Screen Plays . . . Last of the quartet, “Cali-
fornia Firebrand,” an original screenplay by
Royal Cole, was bought by Republic and
assigned to Associate Producer Mel Tucker
as the third in studio’s series of Trucolor
musical westerns starring Monte Hale and
Adrian Booth.
MGM Schedules "Red Mill"
With Skelton and Wynn
In the golden days of the theatah, a pair
of popular comedians, Dave Montgomery and
Fred Stone, attained the pinnacle of their
musical comedy stage success in a Victor
Herbert operetta, “The Red Mill,” a film ver-
sion of which is on MGM’s future produc-
tion slate. Leo has decided that two of his
funnymen contractees, Red Skelton and
Keenan Wynn, are best equipped to recreate
the Montgomery and Stone roles. Skelton
will appear as Kid Conner and Wynn as
Con Kidder. The film will be produced by
Samuel Marx . . . Edward G. Robinson will
star in Paramount’s psychological drama,
“Night Has a Thousand Eyes,” which John
Farrow will direct, and John Lund draws a
topline in the same film . . . Edgar Bergen,
absent from the screen for some time, was
inked by RKO Radio to portray the timid,
lovelorn Norwegian undertaker in George
Stevens’ production of “I Remember Mama”
. . . John Garfield was signed by 20th-Fox
for a co-starring role with Gregory Peck in
Darryl Zanuck’s production of “Gentleman’s
Agreement” . . . U-I Producer Mark Hellinger
assigned to Howard Duff the romantic lead
opposite Dorothy Hart in “Homicide” . . .
Warners pacted Shirley Temple for the title
role in “Mary Hagen.” Peter Godfrey directs
and Alex Gottlieb produces.
PRODUCERS WATCH
BUDGETS CLOSELY
From two sources came further indi-
cations that producers are keeping a
sharper eye on budgets than at any time
during the past several lush years, and
that they are prepared to trim sails
when production sq u a 1 1 s seem to
threaten.
Indicating that long engagements
apparently are as hazardous in film
making as they are in romances, Uni-
versal-International and Michael Todd
by mutual consent have torn up the deal
which provided for the Broadway pro-
ducer to make a pair of features for the
company on a profit-sharing basis. First
of Todd’s screen efforts was to have been
based on Edna FerbeFs best seller, “Great
Son,” which he acquired many months
ago, and reportedly at a princely price.
Since then, while the Broadwayite head-
quartered on the U-I lot (in the studio’s
newest and lushest bungalow) the forth-
coming screen version of the Ferber yarn
has been given a top-drawer publicity
buildup, as, betimes, a number of writers
were said to be sweating over a script.
Failure to squeeze a satisfactory screen-
play out of the comparatively brief novel
and everyone’s disinclination to gamble
a top budgetary bankroll on the venture
was given as the reason for the amiable
termination of the U-I-Todd betrothal.
Whether Todd will return his affections
to his first love, the stage, or will start
flirting with another connection to
launch his career as a film producer was
not disclosed. The future of “Great Son”
as a celluloid property was comparably
obscure.
The second application of productional
brakes came from a more seasoned maker
of films. Darryl F. Zanuck, head man at
20th-Fox, revealed his decision to aban-
don plans to make — at a planned cost of
several millions — “The Black Rose,”
which was slated as a Technicolor star-
rer for Cornel Wilde and Peggy Cum-
mins. Zanuck frankly admitted that
“the uncertainty of prevailing business
conditions throughout the country” was
the reason why “Rose” would not be per-
mitted to bloom at this time. The 20th-
Fox executive declared that the venture
was not being permanently shelved and
that it might be revived under more
promising conditions — but it appeared
certain that a lot more financial fer-
tilizer from the nation’s boxoffices
would have to be delivered before the
ebony posie would again start sprouting.
Tim Whalen to Meg Film
At Fox British Studio
Further emphasizing the growing tendency
on the part of the British and American
film industries to exchange top thespic and
creative talent, Tim Whalen has been set
to direct “That Was a Woman,” based on an
English stage play, for Producer Marcel
Heilman at 20th-Fox, Ltd., in London ... A
pair of piloting chores at Columbia: John
English signed by Armand Schaefer, presi-
dent of Autry Productions, to direct “The
Strawberry Roan;” and Frank McDonald
assigned to direct “When a Girl’s Beautiful,”
romantic comedy to be produced by Wallace
MacDonald . . . Lawrence Hazard drew the
scripting chore on Republic’s forthcoming
“Wake of the Red Witch” to follow “The
Fabulous Texan” on the schedule of Asso-
ciate Producer Edmund Grainger ... At the
same studio “Pride of Kentucky” and “City
Slicker” were assigned to Associate Producer
Sidney Picker.
28
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
MPA Studies
British Films’
Playing Piijife
Directors Discuss Manifs
Plea for Better Deals
Board members of the Motion
Picture Association met here yes-
terday with Eric A,. Johnston, pres-
ident, in a discussion of inter na-
tional trade with particular considera-
tion given to J. Arthur Rank’s decla-
ration of a week ago that “we will
have to have more playing' time” for
British pictures in the U, S. market.
The meeting is believed to have
been the first concerted effort in that
direction and will, be followed next
week by a series ©t conferences be-
tween Rank and Johnston on the
Coast Johnston will leave Washing-
ton for Hollywood this weekend.
Lagt week Rank declared he had
(Contimed ox page 5)
A r g e n t i n. e Q u o.ta
Law Is ‘Imminent*
Adoption of a SO per cent quota on
foreign film imports by the Argentine
government was described here yes-
terday as “imminent'’ by Ignacio
Moehrie to Pr
At KILO Condition
Var
annual . sales
uly 7-9 in the
here. It will
Robert Mochrie,
1 sales riian-
the first national
ion to he conducted
assuming his present
946.
felons to be vepre-
Western and East-
by Nat Levy and
respectively, and
division, headed by
sberg District managers,
salesmen and field
fpom all of the com-
nge centers in the U S.
About 500 delegates are
of the 1947 “Ned Depinet
be announced at the
and -prizes will be awarded
met. RKO executive vice-
Mehphis Meet Mon,
Fern Foundation Unit
RKO Radio’s 1
meeting will - be he!
Waldorf-Astoria
be presided over
vice-president a
ager, and it w
RKO sales
by Mochrie si
post on Feb.
Three sal
seated aid
era divisio
Walter B
the North
Charles
Postponement of AT A
Convention Favored
Farther postponement of
the first convention of the
American Theatres Associa-
tion since its organization in
St. Louis in April, 1946, is
favored fey a good number of
the board members whose
view's on the subject have
been solicited by New York
headquarters. Unsettled con-
ditions within the industry
because of the New fork
anti-trust decision and pend-
ing appeals is given as the
principal reason.
branch
men win
pany s
and
Lewis Quits UA for
jSlIG Post in Eiirop
his. May 21 A meeting of
Club Tent 20 is set for May
Memphis committee for
Picture Foundation unit,
•was called by Chid: Bar-
:>hu. M. A. Lightman has
to distributor represents-
> exhibitors urging that
attend.
Louis Lewis will take charge of ail
financial and related matters of the
Seknick Releasing Organization in
the United Kingdom and on the Con-
tinent, it was announced here yester-
day by Neil F. Agnew. SRO presi-
dent.
Lewis has resigned as director and
secretary of United Artists Corp,,
London, and affiliated companies, with
which he has been connected for over
12 years. Before joining United Art-
ists, Lewis was an accountant in the
Paris office of Price, Waterhouse and
Co.
Fabian Group
In |15 Million
Bid for U. A.
First of Boston Would
Finance , If Owners Sell
The First National Bank of Bos-
ton. represented by Serge Serne-
nenko, is reliably reported prepared
to , -finance acquisition of United
Artists by a syndicate headed by S.
H. Fabian, president of the Eastern
Seaboard circuit bearing bis name, to
the tune ©f $15,000,000.
Of this total. $10,000,000 would ap-
ply to the purchase of the two-thirds
interest held by Mary Bickford and
Charles Chaplin and to the final one-
third n<3w held in the company’s treas-
ury. The remaining $5,000,000 would
be set" up as a revolving fund under
an arrangement which would make it
possible for UA. as distributor, to
participate in production financing
Thus, the Fabian negotiations are
not cold. But whether or not the
Pickford-Chaplin control will be
available for final sale is highly un-
certain. Both partners, down through
(Continued on pane S)
To Report Later
On Industry Series
Kronenberg, a leading independent dis-
tributor of that country, who has ar-
rived in New York from Buenos
Aires. . Legislation for such a quota is
now before the Argentine Congress,
and although President Juan Peron is
(Continued ox page S)
ABPC Aims at World
Market Through WB
London, May 21. — Associ-
ated British Pictures Corp.,
in which Warner Brothers
has a W/z per cent interest,
is embarking on & new long-
term “star-making” policy,
thereby hoping, through War- |
ner distribution, to achieve a j
world market. Last ’ Janu-
ary'. Jack Warner disclosed
plans for ABPC to produce
six pictures which will be
shown “throughout the War-
ner circuit in America and
all other theatres in the
U. S. and Canada which the
WB distribution organization
services.”
“The Web ”
[ Universal-International ] — Tip Top Entertainment
WITH William Bendix, Vincent Price, Ella Raines and Edmond
O’Brien co-starred against an admirably balanced cast, “The
Web,” first Jerry Bresler production for U-I, and the first screen
directorial undertaking by Broadway’s Michael Gordon, rates high
among the year’s best melodramas. Interest holds as tight as a fiddle
string from start to finish, with all principals turning in top portrayals.
The picture may be expected to prosper as it plays.
The screenplay, by William Bowers and Bertram Millhauser, opens in
humorous vein, with O’Brien, a struggling attorney, hiring out to Price,
millionaire industrialist, as bodyguard for a fortnight. Almost imme-
diately he saves his employer’s life by slaying an ex-convict assailant,
and then finds himself under suspicion of murder as policeman Bendix,
his personal friend, digs into the dead man’s past and fails to discover
the million dollars which he is supposed to have stolen. Miss Raines,
Price’s secretary, finally decides to assist O’Brien in sifting the back-
ground, and both are accused of a second murder committed by Price,
i In contrast to most melodrama, this one lets the audience know the
guilty party, but builds suspense by making a case against the innocent
| seem too tight to be upset.
Production is superb in every respect, from balanced dialogue to richly i
accoutered sets, the whole equaling tip-top entertainment.
Running time, 91 minutes. General audience classification. May
[release. William R. Weavei
Hollywood, May 21 — Representa-
tives of. the Motion Picture Theatre
Owners of America, the American
Theatres Association, Allied States
and the Pacific. Coast Conference of
Independent Theatre Owners, who
met here tins week with producers,
talent guild representatives and Mo-
(Continued ox page 5)
Johnston Trip May
Bar Tax Testimony
Washington," May 21. — With Eric
Johnston, Motion Picture Association
president, slated to be on the West
Coast next Wednesday and Thursday
— the days set aside by the House
Ways and Means Committee for testi-
mony on admission taxes plans to
(Continued on page S>
in This issue
j “Copaeabana” is reviewed on
| page 4; “Moss Rose” and .
| “Dick Tracy’s Dilemma” on
| page 7. Key city reports are
1 mi page 6.
By LEE GARLING
^ITH THE FAVORABLE “reporting out”
of the Mundt bill the past week by the
house foreign affairs committee, sentiment
is changing favorably toward State depart-
ment's much debated Office of International
Information and Cultural Affairs which dis-
tributes documentary films.
The Mundt bill would legalize the activity
by creating a new and similar office to be
known as the Office of Information and
Educational Exchange — OIEE. Under the bill
“private agencies” would be used.
Chances of its becoming law are good. A
new appropriation would have to be asked
for but Representative Taber (Rep. N.Y.),
chairman of the appropriations committee,
who has been its chief opponent, now would
favor it with reservations.
Taber told BOXOPFICE that he would
approve about $5,000,000 for the program if
all “leftists” were dismissed from State de-
partment and that the propaganda dissemi-
nated is all favorable to U.S.
Appropriation asked for was $31,000,000.
Taber’s new attitude is considered a good
sign, however.
* * *
AS EVIDENCED by this column some time
ago suggesting a resignation by Assistant
State Secretary William Benton, if Congress
eliminated his office by budget cut, indica-
tions now are that he will return to private
business in July.
Benton virtually owns Encyclopaedia
Britannica and Britannica Films. He pos-
sesses all common stock, is board chairman
and president of the corporation. Encyclo-
paedia Britannica had been given to the
University of Chicago by Sears, Roebuck,
while Benton was an officer of the univer-
sity.
WITH ALL THE APPELLANTS in the in-
dustry equity case having filed their “state-
ments of points” with the supreme court, the
next step is to await the completing of the
printing of the record.
This printing is said to be one of the big-
gest in court history. As soon as it is fin-
ished the court is expected to “note” juris-
diction in the case. The date will be either
June 2 or 9, according to the clerk.
* * *
MOTION PICTURE SETS will be more
easily designed and painted from now on.
A demonstration here of a newly perfected
color system which produces 1,000 different
tints, tones and shades of paint, made-to-
order on the spot, proved successful.
The new machine showed how anyone can
match paint colors with microscopic ac-
curacy. Top national figures attended the
demonstration in the basement of Woodward
and Lothrop department store.
* * *
ERIC JOHNSTON, president of the Motion
Picture Ass’n, left Washington, for Chicago,
arriving May 26 for a board of directors meet-
ing of the United Airlines of which he is a
director. He arrived May 28 in Hollywood
for the J. Arthur Rank dinner on May 29.
He will stay there until June 7, when he
will go to Milwaukee for a talk before the
Young Republic National Federation. Then
to Spokane, Wash., his home, on June 8,
where he will stay until June 16 when he will
go to Pullman, Wash., to make the com-
mencement address at Washington State col-
lege. He then goes back to Spokane until he
returns to Washington on June 21 and leaves
the next day for New York and Europe.
* * *
TOM O’BRIEN, general secretary of the
NATKE — National Ass’n of Theatrical and
Kine Employes — from Britain, had dinner
with Eric Johnston and congressmen this
week. Nothing significant is seen in the
meeting with Johnston. O’Brien is here prin-
cipally to confer with Richard F. Walsh,
IATSE president.
* * *
FIVE NEW PERMITS for theatre construc-
tion approved by the housing expediter this
week were: $52,000 — Northern Arizona Thea-
tres, Inc., Flagstaff, Ariz.; $52,000 — Dayshore
Amusement Co., Millbrae, Calif.; $90,000 —
Thomas E. Orr, Attalia, Ala.; $10,000 — Mor-
ris Kleinman and Millard Jones, Odessa,
Tex.; $5,000 — Elmer C. Rhoden jr., Joplin, Mo.
* *
REP. J. PARNELL THOMAS, chairman of
the house un-American activities committee,
will begin full committee hearings here June
16 on alleged Communist activity in Holly-
wood.
Thomas said the results of his investiga-
tion in Hollywood “have caused the committee
to broaden its field investigations which cer-
tainly will result in hundreds of Hollywood
Communists being subpoenaed for the public
hearing in Washington.”
Lowell Mellett here denied the charge of
Robert Taylor before the committee that Mel-
lett forced him to act in the pro-Soviet film
“Song of Russia.”
COLUMBIA PICTURES ANNOUNCES THAT PRINTS
OF THE FOLLOWING PICTURES ARE NOW
AVAILABLE IN OUR EXCHANGES FOR SCREENING
30
BOXOFFICE : : May 31, 1947
CHESTER FRIEDMAN
EDITOR
HUGH E. FRAZE
Associate Editor
PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN
Miami Votes Title , Prizes
To Favorite Brunette
Promotion for “My Favorite Brunette” in
Miami Beach included one of the strongest
forms of theatre tieup, the highly valuable
fashion contest.
The contest itself was a personal tribute to
the efforts of Tom Jefferson, advertising and
publicity director for the theatres of Para-
mount Enterprises which played the picture
simultaneously in its three local houses — the
Sheridan, the Paramount and the Beach. Carl
Jamorga, manager of the Sheridan; Art
Schwartz, manager of the Beach, and Charlie
Whitaker, manager of the Paramount, worked
together on the over-all campaign, with Jef-
ferson concentrating on the contest.
The contest was first sold to the Miami
Beach Fashion council, nationally recognized
group of Miami dress manufacturers. The
organization immediately adopted the idea
and agreed to give $10,000 worth of ward-
robes for women in prizes to winners of the
“Favorite Brunette” contest. In exchange, the
council received screen and lobby advertis-
ing in affiliated theatres of the Paramount
circuit in greater Miami.
The Miami Herald and the Miami Daily
News cooperated with daily announcements
as the contest got under way, and invited
readers who could qualify as brunets between
the ages of 18 and 26 to enter the contest.
The theatres’ radio time was also utilized
at this stage to publicize the event. All
facets of theatre advertising, including the
screen and lobby, were employed. Three hun-
dred silk-screened cards inviting entries were
placed near schools and stores, at YWCA
branches and other prominent locations.
All promotion carried announcements that
first prize would be a complete wardrobe
valued at $1,000, second a wardrobe valued
at $500, third and fourth $250 in merchan-
dise, and fifth, $150. Thirty additional prizes
of clothing and accessories were awarded to
runnersup.
The theatre managers then got busy tying
up every women’s store and department
store which features Miami Fashion council
wardrobes. The result was some outstanding
window displays, cooperative newspaper ad-
vertisements and many other tieups.
The national Pepsodent campaign was tied
in through lobby displays, with streamers
placed in 60 drug stores, and a new Chevrolet
which Art Schwartz placed on exhibition in
the lobby of the Beach Theatre. Jamorga
of the Sheridan got two Chevrolet dealers to
run a three-column by 11-inch cooperative
newspaper ad playing up the picture and ty-
ing in the car giveaway with prominent pic-
ture and theatre credits. This ad ran in the
Miami Daily News.
He also promoted from Zissen’s Bowery, a
night club which uses amusing ads, humorous
copy on how they handle brunets at the club.
Whitaker made important window tieups
with beauty shops and music stores, and set
up an actual beach scene in the lobby of the
Beach Theatre, with a live brunet handing
out entry blanks for the contest.
Decals, bumper strips, 60 additional window
displays, imprinted matchbook covers and an
illuminated ballyhoo sign on the back of a car
also helped to sell the attraction.
More than 300 girls entered the contest
from which 80 were chosen to take part in
the final balloting. Their pictures were dis-
played in the lobbies of all Paramount thea-
tres in this city. Theatregoers were urged
through every media of advertising and pub-
licity to vote for their favorites.
Theatre lobby display exhibits photos of entrants in “ My Favorite Brunette ” contest.
At right, typical of merchant support is this beautiful window display in Hartley s,
leading women s shop, in Miami.
51—
STRONG BALLYHOO IS SCORED
FOR NEW PICTURE OPENINGS
The exploitation for “Repeat Performance,”
which was world premiered at the Weller,
Quimby and Liberty theatres in Zanesville,
Ohio, May 22, aroused statewide interest and
received the personal support of Gov. Thomas
J. Herbert of Ohio and Mayor William G.
Watson of Zanesville.
All of the activities centered around the
personal appearance of Richard Basehart, a
native of Zanesville, who makes his starring
debut in the picture. Basehart made personal
appearances at numerous parties, dances and
dinners given to honor him as a native son
and to celebrate the world premiere of the
picture.
All local business concerns and civic or-
ganizations enthusiastically supported the
opening. The Retail Merchants Ass’n con-
tributed several thousand dollars to help fi-
nance a citywide decoration of flags, bunt-
ing, banners and signs. Almost every store
in downtown Zanesville displayed posters
and blowup art of Basehart and the other
stars with picture and theatre credits.
BASEHART AT BALL GAME
On the Tuesday before opening, Basehart
appeared at a baseball game between two
local teams, threw out the first ball, auc-
tioned off a baseball autographed by himself
and posed for photographs. Chili Williams
and Frances Rafferty, recently placed under
contract to Eagle-Lion, also attended the
game. The starlets kissed Zanesville’s out-
standing players, which event was duly re-
corded by the photographers for publication
in local papers.
The following day a series of events was
set up, including a cocktail party for the stars
and Hollywood and New York newspaper and
radio representatives and others invited to
the premiere. In the evening the group at-
tended a dance at the Municipal auditorium
attended by almost a thousand persons. The
stars made personal appearances. Governor
Herbert was introduced to the audience. All
receipts from the premiere dance went to the
Junior Chamber of Commerce’s program to
curb juvenile delinquency.
BIG PARADE STAGED
WHIZ of Zanesville kept up a running com-
mentary of each event. The newspaper space
in all three local papers included front page
stories and art which began almost a week
before the opening and continued right
through to the day following the premiere.
On the day the picture opened a citywide
parade was staged in honor of the stars and
the premiere, which culminated in the se-
lection of “Miss Repeat Performance” who
is to be given a screen test by Eagle-Lion.
In addition to the festive air about town
provided by the bunting and banners, all
buses and taxis carried tieup cards.
The over-all campaign was the joint work
of Zanesville Theatres, Inc., under John T.
Woodward, general manager, and the pub-
licity and exploitation staff of Eagle-Lion
under the direction of Max E. Youngstein,
director of advertising and publicity, and his
assistant, Jerry Rickman.
Biq Ads Pay Off
G. E. Rathman of the New Marion Theatre
in Marion, Iowa won first prize money in a
contest for business increases among nine
houses, using page ads in his home town
newspaper as well as the Gazette at nearby
Cedar Rapids. He also used house-to-house
heralds and window cards placed in his own
and surrounding towns.
32
Cheyenne , Wyo.. newsboys help to exploit
“ Cheyenne opening with bike panels.
Broadway Rebooking
Of Jolson' Given
Big Campaign
A precedent was established recently when
"The Jolson Story” was rebooked on Broad-
way at the Victoria Theatre directly follow-
ing bookings of circuit and subsequent run
theatres in New York City. The picture re-
ceived an extensive advertising and exploita-
tion campaign comparable to that given a
new release.
“What makes Jolson one of the greatest
entertainers of all time?” was used as the
basis of a citywide contest conducted over
the radio, in newspapers and with the co-
operation of record dealers throughout the
city. Station WNEW plugged the contest
for two full weeks on its Anything Goes
program. Heralds on the contest were dis-
tributed by the Decca company to record
dealers, and newspapers carried publicity
stories. A 40x60 display giving details of the
competition was featured in the Victoria
lobby.
Decca Jolson albums were awarded as
prizes for those submitting the best letters
of 50 words or less. Window promotion was
extensive, with many large establishments in
the Times Square area providing space to
tieins on all forms of merchandise and music.
During the current engagement of the pic-
ture, a record player featuring Jolson records
was played in the lobby and ballyhooed over
loudspeakers in the street.
Maurice Mowrer, manager of the Victoria,
working in collaboration with Columbia ex-
ploiteers, handled the campaign.
70 Blow Gum on Stage
Fourteen-year-old Susan Tyler is today
bubble gum champion of Ocala, Fla., after
besting 70 other bubble gum blowers in a com-
petition on the stage of the Ritz Theatre
there. Susan huffed and puffed her bubble
gum until she had a “balloon” that measured
12 inches in diameter. The runnerup, a boy,
could only produce a ten-inch balloon. Susan
collected a two-week theatre pass for her
efforts. Local merchants donated prizes of
candy and gum to other contestants.
—52—
An official celebration marked the world
premiere of “Cheyenne” May 22 at the Lin-
coln, Paramount and Princess theatres in
Cheyenne, Wyo. The city was the focal point
of a ballyhoo campaign designed to promote
the picture’s opening in 150 theatres during
the next few weeks in the western states. The
governor of Wyoming, Lester G. Hunt, and
the mayor of Cheyenne, J. J. Mclnerney,
headed the list of officials who paid special
tribute to the film.
“Cheyenne day,” proclaimed by the gov-
ernor, was marked by many special events
starting with the arrival of Warner stars
Dennis Morgan, Jack Carson and Janis Paige.
The stars were met at the station by a re-
ception committee, paraded to the state capi-
tal where the governor received them, and
later taken to city hall where the mayor
presented them the keys to the city.
STARS INTO INDIAN TRIBE
During the afternoon the stars attended a
barbecue at which they were inducted into
an Indian tribe, participated in square dances
and awarded special prizes to winners of sev-
eral contests conducted in advance of the
premiere.
In the evening the Hollywood guests made
personal appearances at the three theatres
where the film premiered.
The buildup and ballyhoo was begun sev-
eral weeks in advance with Warner exploi-
teers and Fox Intermountain theatremen
collaborating.
Among the newspaper and radio features
promoted for the film was a limerick contest
which ran for more than two weeks. Special
awards were offered to art students for
original paintings depicting the history of
“Cheyenne.” Merchants competed for addi-
tional awards given for outstanding window
displays dedicated to the picture. A rodeo
was one of the advance ballyhoos which added
extra interest.
CONTINUOUS RADIO MENTION
Newspapers and radio commentators main-
tained a steady flow of comment concerning
the premiere activities. Wire services also
covered many of the events.
On the day before opening, the Wyoming
Eagle published a special section which in-
cluded art and stories on the film and mer-
chant advertising welcoming the stars and
the picture. The Wyoming State Journal also
came through with outstanding news cov-
erage and art, supplemented by congratula-
tory messages from local advertisers.
Cuban Radio Promotion
Aids 'Child of Divorce'
Pedro Saenz, RKO manager in Cuba,
created unusual local interest in “Child of
Divorce” at the Radio Cine Theatre in
Havana by means of a radio promotion. The
story of a little girl whose life is uprooted
by the divorce of her parents was serialized
and ran for nine consecutive days over
Cuba’s leading RHC Blue network. It was
so effective that the station prepared added
angles to the story and continued broad-
casting it, giving credit to the picture.
A letter-writing contest sponsored in con-
junction with the broadcasts brought in the
record total of more than 40,000 letters.
Much interest in the picture was worked up
throughout the entire island as a result of
the promotion.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 31, 1947
/
Press Book Masthead
With RKO Overseas
RKO Radio foreign branch managers are exerting special influ-
ence over exhibitors abroad to promote their attractions as illus-
trated in these photographs. Above, theatre front designed by Wu
Shun Tak, manager of the Queen's Theatre, Hong Kong, China.
On 'Spring' Used as
Kroger Shifter
A merchant’s co-op masthead was one of
the Paramount press book ideas put to effec-
tive and novel use in the campaign for
“Suddenly It’s Spring” at the Kentucky
Theatre in Lexington, Ky., by Bob Cox, city
manager for Schine’s Theatres.
The masthead, measuring 17x4% inches,
was employed as a window streamer and
package stuffer at all the Kroger markets
in the city in advance and throughout the
run of the film. Twenty thousand of the
mastheads were distributed, and they were
paid for by Kroger. The promotion built up
a big following for the picture among house-
wives.
Except for an announcement of the en-
gagement, which was in small type, the copy
read: “‘Suddenly It’s Spring’ . . . Wise
birds will get ready for it by shopping for
Kroger values every day.”
Also of aid to the engagement was a co-op
ad on the opening of a smart bar and res-
taurant, the Golden Horseshoe. The copy
read: “‘Suddenly It’s Spring’ and time to
announce the gay opening of the Golden
Horseshoe.”
Other copy called attention to the engage-
ment of the film at the Kentucky Theatre.
One corner of the six-column ad contained
a reproduction of a Varga painting of Pau-
lette Goddard. The ad ran for two days at
the start of the run and was paid for in full
by the restaurant.
The campaign spread publicity on the pic-
ture into thousands of homes all over the
city, and because of the seasonal timeliness
of the film there was excellent response in
patronage at the Miller Theatre.
'Blaze of Noon' Localized
At Birthplace of Airmail
Nevin McCord, manager of the Ada Thea-
tre, an Intermountain house in Boise, Idaho,
developed a novel local idea to exploit “Blaze
of Noon.”
The airmail service had its beginning in
the Utah-Idaho area, and McCord obtained
permission from Paramount’s home office to
localize his ads on the picture, playing on
the history of the service in this area. His
ads carried stories and pictures of early fliers
in this territory, tying them up with “Blaze
of Noon,” a picture of those who pioneered
with airmail. He also set up a large display
of pictures of pioneer fliers of the past in
this area and large blowups of the stars
from the film.
Intermountain's office in Salt Lake City
said his idea paid off at the boxoffice, too.
Overtime Parking Nickel
In 'Nora Prentiss' Stunt
Charlie Doctor, manager of the Capitol
Theatre, Vancouver, B. C., spent 50 cents on
a last minute stunt which resulted in plenty
of news space and air time by local news
commentators. For “Nora Prentiss,” Doctor
delegated his ushers to scour the town in
search of cars parked overtime in the city’s
new metered curb stalls. Finding such de-
linquents, the ushers dropped nickels into
the meters, saving them from receiving park-
ing tickets, and left a card stating that
“Nora Prentiss,” now at the Capitol Theatre,
was their guardian angel.
Because of the fact that the meters only
recently had been installed in their city, both
newspapers and radio commentators gave the
stunt wide publicity.
Street ballyhoo, left, employed by Siro Raissi, manager of the
Cinema Diana, Cairo, Egypt, was inspired by RKO Manager Greg-
ory Georgoussy. Right, in Namur, Belgium, the Eden Cinema had
24-sheets mounted on trolley to exploit "Tarzan's Triumph." L. E.
Piret, RKO Brussels manager, and M. Courtois of the Eden worked
together on this stunt.
In Nathania, Palestine, posters and stills substitute for scarce ac-
cessory items and art work in the lobby of the newly opened Studio
Theatre. Owner Ben Resnick, shown above, finds it advantageous
to work closely with his local exchange men.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser May 31, 1947
—53—
33
Lobby Ideas
Laff week display used on “The Show-Off" by Rollie Stone-
brook. Orpheum, Omaha. Keystone cop helped carry out
the comedy idea.
Advance setpiece for "California" at Malco Theatre, Mem-
phis, was designed by Elliott Johnson, advertising director.
Ballyhoo
Right: Manager
Mike Guttmann
hired five -piece
orchestra to call
attention to "Alex-
ander's Ragtime
Band" at Century
Theatre in Minne-
apolis. Band en-
tertained crowds
at busy corners.
Left: "Stallion
Road" ballyhoo
for Bill Methe at
the Roosevelt in
Chicago. Had lo-
cal riding club
making its first
spring ride down
State street with
banners plugging
picture.
Poster and Art Work
At Paramount Theatre, Denver, this color-
ful front was designed by Bernie Hynes to
exploit "Carnival in Costa Rica."
T. W. Hanlon, State in Bridg-
ton. Me., dusted off old Popeye
cutout to publicize kid shows.
This 24-sheet traffic-stopper in San Fran-
cisco was the idea of Jack Blumenfeld of
the Orpheum. The film — "The Egg and I."
Risilur -- Kid -er
34
—54—
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 31, 1947
with
NANCY CLEM GRIFE PAUL
SAUNDERS • BEVANS • BARNETT • GUILFOK
Screenplay by Raymond L.Schrock
Directed by GEORGE ARCHAINBAUD
Produced by RUDOLPH C. FLOTHOW
Chicago Equestrians, 1
Humane Group Aid i
'Stallion Road' 1
_ I
Promotion for “Stallion Road” at the
Roosevelt Theatre in Chicago was concen- I
trated on local equestrian groups, the
Humane society and riding academies. I
The campaign started with two screenings, .
one for Col. E. E. Wentworth, president, and ‘
other officers of the Town and Country ,
Equestrian Ass’n, and prominent Chicago
persons. |
The other screening was arranged for rep- 1
resentatives of 43 riding academies in the i
city and suburbs. ,
At the screening for the equestrian or-
ganization, which has 6,000 members, a “Stal-
lion Road” award for the finest stallion in
Chicago was announced.
Ray Knotts, chief editorial writer of Her-
ald-American, attended the screening and
wrote an editorial on how the picture was
made under the sponsorship of the American
Humane Ass’n.
Wayne Dinsmore, Chicago socialite and
head of the Horse and Mule Ass’n, offered
the cooperation of his organization in behalf
of “Stallion Road.”
George Scott, head of the Illinois Humane
Society, recommended the picture by special
letter to all members of his group.
Cirasio Edits Fight Film
For Main Attraction
Radio Song Hit Event
And Page Ad Tieup
Sell 'Clouds'
Radio tieups highlighted a series of promo-
tions for “Till the Clouds Roll By” at the
Miller Theatre, Augusta, Ga. Manager P. E.
McCoy hooked up with radio station WEDW
and the Colonial Baking Co., which sponsors
the Showboat Hour every Thursday night, in
a singing contest featuring the song hits from
the film exclusively.
Listeners wrote in votes for their favorites.
Winners were presented cash awards by the
sponsor on the theatre stage on the opening
night of the picture. The cooperating station
made transcripts of the broadcasts which
were played back on other station -sponsored
programs. McCoy also arranged for the hit
tunes to be featured on several popular pro-
grams over WBBQ.
Five attractive young women were engaged
to stage a daily umbrella parade in the
downtown district with each umbrella carry-
ing special copy on the theatre and picture.
A tieup was set with the Davison Pakon
department store for window displays and
large co-op ads tying in the music score with
the playdates.
The Augusta Chronicle came through with
another fine tieup in which a full page of
merchant ads were interspersed with plugs
for the picture. Readers were offered free
theatre tickets by the paper if they presented
the ad and made a purchase at any of the
stores listed on the page. Intended as a pro-
motion for and by the Chronicle, the theatre
benefited widely.
Express trucks carried theatre banners and
an illuminated 24-sheet was hung over the en-
trance to the Western Union Bldg.
Reviewing Contest Stirs
'Strange Woman' Interest
An amateur Movie Reviewing contest,
sponsored by the Evening Citizen in Ottawa,
Canada, attracted exceptional attention in
connection with the showing of “The Strange
Woman” at the Elgin Theatre. Prizes
totaling $50 and 12 pairs of passes were
awarded to the best reviews among the scores
received by the newspaper.
P. E. McCoy, manager of the Miller Thea-
tre in Augusta, Ga., put five girls on the
streets carrying umbrellas properly im-
printed with " Till the Clouds Roll By” copy.
How a little time spent in research will
pay dividends in word-of-mouth advertising
and community goodwill was demonstrated
recently by Bill Marshall of the Wareham
Theatre, Manhattan, Kas. Marshall, house
manager of the Theatre Enterprises, Inc.,
showcase, prior to the billing of “The Per-
fect Marriage” at his theatre, searched the
records in the local courthouse for the names
and addresses of couples whose anniversaries
fell on the film’s playdates.
A week prior to playdate he sent to each
such couple a letter of congratulations and
invited them to be the theatre’s guest on the
night of their anniversary. The signed letter
read:
“Dear Mr. and Mrs
“We of the Wareham Theatre are taking
this opportunity to congratulate you on your
anniversary. May We want you to be
our guest that evening to see 'The Perfect
Marriage.’ It is, we think, the ‘perfect’ pic-
ture for a 'perfect’ occasion. Once again,
congratulations and best wishes.”
Tom Cirasio, manager of the Alhambra
Theatre, Philadelphia, dipped into his show-
man’s portfolio recently and came up with N
an idea that paid off handsomely at the box- yj
office.
Cirasio gathered prints of official fight
films taken during the past 20 years. He
edited them, spliced them together and made
a complete 40-minute subject from them. He
then sold this as a main attraction on a
double feature bill.
In addition to his regular media of ex-
ploitation, Cirasio created a special display
board for his lobby that attracted unusual
attention.
Anniversaries' Research
Pays Off for Marshall
Exploitation in Times Square
"The Adventuress," currently being exhibited at the Victoria
Theatre, received special art treatment, as illustrated in
photo at right. Maurice Mowrer is manager. In center is a
street ballyhoo arranged by publicist Jerry Sager at Loew's
Criterion for “The Show-Off." Right, the eye-catching Rivoli
Theatre front heralds "The Other Love." The huge display
stretches from the sidewalk to the top of the theatre. Monty
Salmon is manager and Syd Gross handles publicity.
36
—56—
BOXOFFICE Showmandiaer :: May 31, 1947
School's Out Party
Expands Goodwill
For Theatre
South Carolina’s Darlington county school
children are rarely absent from lessons, and
rarely tardy, for there’s a big prize at the end
of the term for all those who miss fewer than
six days of school. They go to a free picture
show, are entertained by Uncle Ray’s Kiddy
Hour over the Hartsville, S. C., radio station,
and finally enjoy a picnic lunch.
On a recent Saturday, more than 1,200 chil-
dren were entertained at the Center Theatre
by Bacot Allston, manager, who showed “My
Dog Shep,” a feature furnished by Scott Lett
of Screen Guild. Just before the picture went
on the Kiddy Hour was broadcast from the
stage, with actors selected from juveniles in
the audience.
This tiein with the school authorities and
radio station, Allston reports, is one of the
finest goodwill gestures his theatre has ever
undertaken. It wins the gratitude of the par-
ents, and the youngsters are simply over-
whelmed by one of the biggest days in their
young lives.
Three-Foot Wedding Cake
In Lobby for 'Marriage'
Spencer Bregoff, manager of the Palace
in Staten Island, N. Y., tied up with a local
bakery for his engagement of “The Perfect
Marriage.” A three-foot wedding cake with
the picture’s title was displayed in the
foyer ten days in advance. A 30x40-inch
wedding invitation, inviting patrons to the
“Perfect Marriage,” was set up next to the
cake. During the run, the display was set
up in the bake shop window. In addition,
Bregoff used strips on his balcony stair
risers with this copy: “What Makes the Per-
fect Marriage? ... Is Yours the Perfect
Marriage? . . . When Is the Perfect Mar-
riage? . . . See It Here,” etc.
PressSheet Not Available,
Steve Brener Designs Own
THURSDAY MAY 29
WORLD PREMIERE
/‘"CAULFIELD
*at1lOLDEN
^DE WOLFE
Arnold
America's Hilarious
Letter Writing
Lovers f
Walter Reader MAYFAIR Theatre
IN CELEBRATION OF
Anniversary Week
WEEK l
Begins THURSDAY, MAY 29
WITH THE
WORLD PREMIERE
CAULFIELD
fy/l&catn
HOLDEN
DE WOLFE O
ZrfuWuT j, A"-' Mk
ARNOLD
in Paramount Pictured
/A
Broadways Famous
14UGH/N6 - LCVlA/G H \ Tj
WALTER READES
MAYFAIR
ASBURY PARK Phone Asbury Park 2-8881
Steve Brener, advertising director for Walter Reade Theatres, New York, faced the
problem, not uncommon to showmen, of how to sell a world premiere before press mate-
rial is available from the distributor. Steve designed his own press sheet, made his own
ad layouts, two of which are illustrated above. These were two columns in width. 7 he
premiere was coincident with the circuit’s 20 th anniversary week, for which occasion
Paramount provided “ Dear Ruth ” at the M '.y fair Theatre, Asbury Park, N. J.
Shirley Fishman's Track Tieups
Assure Run for 'Homestretch'
Bike Giveaway Swamps
Theatre and Merchants
James Morgan, manager of Warners’ Dela-
ware in Albany, N. Y., promoted in co-
operation with four neighborhood pharma-
cists a bicycle and ice cream giveaway that
drew a capacity Saturday matinee audience.
Each merchant contributed $10 to help de-
fray the expense of the promotion, and also
gave 50 dixie cups or cones apiece. Youngsters
received tickets for the drawing from the
pharmacists, who were swamped. The stores
received advertising on a trailer and also
were furnished cards announcing the pro-
motion. Morgan arranged the gift perform-
ance as part of the C. J. Latta business
stimulator drive.
Personal Endorsement
In 'Boomerang' Display
A personal endorsement of “Boomerang,”
publicized through a special lobby display,
helped to boost business on that film for
Manager Mark Allen of the Austin Theatre,
Kew Gardens, N. Y. Allen recommended the
picture to his patrons in flattering tones.
For his recent showing of the dual, “Per-
fect Marriage” and “Cross My Heart,” Allen
designed a special accordion fold herald, on
the front page of which was a provocative
illustration of Betty Hutton and copv, "Cross
My Heart — The Perfect Marriage IS Possible.”
The inside fold carried illustrative material
from the press sheets.
Lady Luck may not smile on everybody
every day, especially in the sport of kings,
but she certainly did her best for Shirley
Fishman, publicity director for the RKO
Theatres in Cleveland recently. A benign
combination of circumstances set the local
first run opening of “Homestretch” at the
Palace Theatre a day prior to the opening
of the season at the Randall race track.
Immediately aware of the rich possibilities
in this event, off she went like a thorough-
bred and came up with a number of fine
promotions.
On the opening day of the races Miss Fish-
man set up a registration booth in the
theatre lobby. All who registered were
transported from the Palace to the track free
of charge. Race track officials cooperated by
permitting all occupants of the special Palace
bus to enter the grounds without paying ad-
mission.
A “Homestretch” handicap, with picture
and play date credits printed on the program,
were sold or handed out in and around the
track. Credits were also used on racetrack
forms. Large “Homestretch” signs were erect-
ed at the entrance of the track a week in
advance.
Radio was used extensively. The broadcast
of the opening day race described the “Home-
stretch” handicap. Track spot announcements
on the handicap were carried by Cleveland
and Akron stations four days before the pic-
ture opened.
Rounding out the campaign, several elab-
orate window displays were promoted at lead-
ing department stores, including Halle Bros.,
Higbee Co., the May Co. and Newman Stern
Co. A spicy touch was added by planting
pretty usherettes from the Palace at the
race track, handing out heralds to each car
as it came along.
Miss Fishman was rewarded by seeing the
picture open to fine business.
Exploits Stage Special
George Kemp, Paramount Theatre man-
ager, Staten Island, N. Y., got behind the
personal appearance of Bob Eberly on Kemp’s
regular Thursday night vaudeville show with
good boxoffice results. Announcements from
the stage by the emcee on two previous
Thursdays, a special lobby display and a
trailer stressing Eberly’s popular prewar re-
cordings, and talking to patrons personally
as they came in and telling them of the per-
sonal appearance, created advance word-of-
mouth advertising.
—57—
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 31, 1947
37
is a 4*
■eat ti0 a/onderfm
- ' " ’ ' '
• ■ '
“Should be o
“Should find favor amon
“Far and aw
A
Sparkling . . .
“Tops in entertainmem.
“Pleasant and
BOXOFFICE NUGGETS
A1 Wheeler, manager of the Ambassador
Theatre in St. Louis, promoted a “Love and
Learn” dance contest. He tied up with a local
dance studio and representatives of Arthur
Murray who acted as judges. The theatre re-
ceived wide publicity on the stunt.
Election day in Nova Scotia recently gave
Tiff Cook, assistant manager of the Capitol
Theatre in Halifax, an opportunity to pro-
mote his current attraction through special
election posters. With “Margie” dated for
four days, Tiff floated several thousand cir-
culars tagged “Vote for ‘Margie,’ ” and fol-
lowed up by mounting 50 of these on cards
and spotting them in windows and tacking
them on lamp poles.
Booking two Tarzan pictures on one pro-
gram proved a business boom for Manager
Bill Hamborsky of the Capitol Theatre, Staten
Island, N. Y. Bill plugged the show by per-
sonally contacting schools, arranging lobby
displays and using special newspaper ads.
Giant banners posted on local Royal Crown
Cola trucks were a big help in exploiting
“Humoresque” for Manager Curtis H. Miller
of the State Theatre, Tampa, Fla. The bot-
tling company also distributed 300 reprints
to its dealers of the full page color ad re-
cently run in Life magazine.
To help promote the showing of “It’s a
Wonderful Life” at the Penn Theatre, New
Castle, Pa., Manager James G. Bell tied up
with the First Federal Savings bank in that
city for an outstanding display with full
credits in the main lobby of the bank. An
advance teaser newspaper campaign also
helped to publicize the attraction.
Grant Martin, manager of the RKO Vir-
ginia Theatre, Champaign, 111., turned in a
neat cooperative display ad in connection
with “It Happened in Brooklyn.” A piano
company devoted a major share of the space
in the ad to cut of Frank Sinatra who stars
in the film, with picture and theatre credits.
The balance of copy referred to records from
the picture’s song hits, which were available
for purchase.
During the engagement of “Alexander’s
Ragtime Band” at the Joy Theatre in New
Orleans, Manager McKennon hired Phil
Zitto’s ragtime band and had them in front
of the theatre playing numbers requested
by passersby.
Herb Sumby, assistant manager of the
Grove Theatre in Brooklyn, used a tailor’s
dummy to sew up a smart piece of lobby ex-
ploitation for "It’s a Wonderful Life.” The
dummy was dressed in suit coat, topcoat,
and a bow tie that flashed on and off. Head
and arms of the dummy were missing. Copy
read: “Have just seen 'It’s a Wonderful
Life.’ I lost my head with enthusiasm,
clapped my hands off applauding, and ran
my legs off telling friends about this wonder-
ful picture.”
Ben Mindlin, manager of Century’s Valley
Stream Theatre, Valley Stream, N. Y., used
a peek show to exploit "Strange Woman.”
Using his former Bond booth, with a cutout
slit, copy read: “Take a peek. Preview of
scenes from the coming film hit.” Inside
was a set of 11x14 color stills and insert
cards.
A local bank sponsored a herald plugging
"It’s a Wonderful Life” for Lou Hartmann,
manager of the Floral Theatre, Floral Park,
N. Y. The circular tied in copy for the bank-
ing institution, the picture, and a special
kiddy show promotion.
SELLING THE HORROR SHOW
A recent horror program booked at the Gary Theatre in Gary, Ind., by Manager A I
England was well publicized. Advance lobby piece , below; at right is reproduction of
an 8x14 -inch circular also printed on card for display in store windows and on
counters.
File It
* Don't discard your BOXOFFICE. The
Showmandiser section has been de-
signed to serve as a permanent hand-
book of theatre merchandising.
* The pages will be numbered consec-
utively throughout the year.
* An index to these pages will be pub-
lished at regular intervals, thus provid-
ing easy reference to the various arti-
cles on showmandising of individual
pictures, to types of pictures, and to all
the various phases of promotion.
* Theatremen and executives who
have long felt the need for an up-to-the-
minute. yet permanent guide to boxof-
fice promotion material, will recognize
this latest service innovation in BOX-
OFFICE as an invaluable aid in their
daily showmandising efforts.
Nurse Promotes #Kenny'
As Entertainment Dose
A prescription that turned out to be a
shot in the arm for the boxoffice was com-
pounded by Manager Cliff Mann of the El
Rancho Theatre, Deming, N. M., for the
showing of “Sister Kenny.” Two days prior
to opening with this film Mann stationed a
girl, dressed in nurse’s uniform, to pass out
cards at the door of his house. Cards bore
this copy:
“Your prescription for 3 days of Good
Entertainment: 3 parts: Sun-Mon-Tues.
1 part: (Admission Price), 1 part: Rosa-
lind Russell . . . The dose for Adults and
Children.
‘SISTER KENNY,’
El Rancho Theatre.”
In addition to this stunt, Mann tied in
with a local drug store for a window display.
Against a background of pestles, mortars,
graduated glasses, bottles, etc., he placed stills
from the film, date strips and a cast listing.
Ill Famed House of Horror
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: May 31, 1947
40
M-G-M presents
CLARK GABLE
DEBORAH KERR
SYDNEY GREENSTREET
ADOLPHE MENJOU
AVA GARDNER
KEENAN WYNN
EDWARD ARNOLD
in
SELENA ROYLE BEAN
MANETLEIGH
iiill'imMO
RSn WM HANGS
THE HUCKSTERS"
Screen Play by Luther Davis
Adaptation by Edward Chodorov and George Wells
Based on the Novel by Frederic Wakeman
Directed by JACK CONWAY
Produced by ARTHUR HORNBLOW, Jr.
A Metro-Go Id wyn-Mayer Picture
CITY
PLACE AND ADDRESS
THE HUCKSTERS
ROMANCE OF ROSY RIDGE
ALBANY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1052 Broadway
TUES. 6/17
8 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
8 P.M.
ATLANTA
20th-Fox Screen Room, 197 Walton St., N. W.
TUES. 6/17
10 A.M.
TUES. 7/1
10 A.M.
BOSTON
M-G-M Screen Room, 46 Church Street
TUES. 6/17 10.-30 A.M.
and 2:15 P.M.
TUES. 7/1 10:30 A.M.
and 2:15 P.M.
BUFFALO
20th-Fox Screen Room, 290 Franklin Street
TUES. 6/17
2:30 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
2:30 P.M.
CHARLOTTE
20th-Fox Screen Room, 308 South Church Street
TUES. 6/17
1:30 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
1:30 P.M.
CHICAGO
H. C. Igel’s Screen Room, 1301 South Wabash Ave.
TUES. 6/17
2 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
2 P.M.
CINCINNATI
RKO Screen Room. 16 East Sixth Street
TUES. 6/17
8 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
8 P.M.
CLEVELAND
20th-Fox Screen Room, 2219 Payne Avenue
TUES. 6/17
1 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
1 P.M.
DALLAS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1803 Wood Street
TUES. 6/17
2:30 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
2:30 P.M.
DENVER
Paramount Screen Room, 2100 Stout Street
TUES. 6/17
2 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
2 P.M.
DES MOINES
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1300 High Street
TUES. 6/17
1 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
1 P.M.
DETROIT
Max Blumenthal's Screen Robm, 2310 Cass Ave.
TUES. 6/17
1:30 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
1:30 P.M.
INDIANAPOLIS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 326 North Illinois Street
TUES. 6/17
2 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
2 P.M.
KANSAS CITY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1720 Wyandotte St.
TUES. 6/17
1:30 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
1:30 P.M.
LOS ANGELES
20th-Fox Screen Room, 2019 So. Vermont Ave.
TUES. 6/17
2 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
2 P.M.
MEMPHIS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 151 Vance Avenue
TUES. 6/17
10 A.M.
TUES. 7/1
10 A.M.
MILWAUKEE
Warner Screen Room, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave.
TUES. 6/17
1:30 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
1:30 P.M.
MINNEAPOLIS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1015 Currie Avenue
TUES. 6/17
2 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
2 P.M.
NEW HAVEN
20th-Fox Screen Room, 40 Whiting Street
TUES. 6/17
2 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
2 P.M.
NEW ORLEANS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 200 South Liberty St.
TUES. 6/17
1:30 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
1:30 P.M.
NEW YORK i
NEW JERSEY (
M-G-M Screen Room, 630 Ninth Avenue
TUES. 6/17 10:30 A.M.
and 2:30 P.M.
TUES. 7/1 10:30 A.M.
and 2:30 P.M.
OKLA'MA CITY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 10 North Lee Street
TUES. 6/17
1 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
1 P.M.
OMAHA
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1 502 Davenport St.
TUES. 6/17
1:30 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
1:30 P.M.
PHILADELPHIA
M-G-M Screen Room, 1233 Summer Street
TUES. 6/17
11 A.M.
TUES. 7/1
11 A.M.
PITTSBURGH
M-G-M Screen Room, 1623 Blvd. of Allies
TUES. 6/17
2 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
2 P.M.
PORTLAND
B. F. Shearer Screen Room, 1947 N.W. Kearney St.
TUES. 6/17
2 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
2 P.M.
ST. LOUIS
S'Renco Screen Room, 3143 Olive Street
TUES. 6/17
1 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
1 P.M.
SALT LAKE CITY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 216 East First Street, So.
TUES. 6/17
1 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
1 P.M.
S. FRANCISCO
20th-Fox Screen Room, 245 Hyde Street
TUES. 6/17
1:30 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
1:30 P.M.
SEATTLE
Jewel Box Preview Theatre, 2318 Second Avenue
TUES. 6/17
1 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
1 P.M.
WASHINGTON
20th-Fox Screen Room, 932 New Jersey, N.W.
TUES. 6/17
1 P.M.
TUES. 7/1
1 P.M.
THE AT RE MEN BURN UP CITIES
WITH HOT TIEUPS ON DUEL'
“Duel in the Sun’’ exploitation continues to
be big news for theatremen, with showmen
in all sections of the country reporting big
grosses when effort has been placed behind
the picture.
At Loew’s State in Providence, R. I., Man-
ager J. G. Samartano put over a well-
rounded campaign which reflected its re-
sults at the boxoffice. The highlight was a
“casting director’s contest” arranged with
the cooperation of the W. T. Grant store in
which the public was invited to submit
names of stars who might fit into the various
. . . has that rich , golden
color that makes 'em buy!
★ Uniform Quality always— in color
—in flavor— in consistency.
★ Colored at the refinery by expert
chemists*
★ Packed in Open Head Pails and
drums for better accessibility.
★ Backed by 70 years "know how".
★ For those stales where colored oil is nof sold
— use SIMKO brand, natural color
coconut oil seasoning.
2550 E. TIOGA ST. PHILADELPHIA 34, PA.
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
roles portrayed in the picture. This focused
interest in the engagement and accounted
for lavish displays in the store, distribution of
1,500 entry blanks and special eight-page
tabloid heralds.
Co-op ads, all carrying full credits on
“Duel” were arranged with Gerber’s jewelry
store, Antone's beauty shop, Arthur Murray
dance school, Lincoln book shop and RCA
dealers on the music albums. Attractive
window displays, utilizing scene stills, were
placed in many downtown locations.
“Duel in the Sun” cloth banners were car-
ried on both sides of the Royal Crown Cola
trucks, and the Rhode Island News Co. used
posters on its 11 trucks in conjunction with
the Popular Library book. More than 70
spot announcements were used on three local
stations. Several days prior to the opening,
feature stories with art were placed in the
Journal-Bulletin, Pawtucket Times and all
suburban papers. The front of the house was
decorated with special “Duel” cards hung
from electric light bulbs and a 12x8-foot
shadowbox was used in the lobby.
5,000 BOOK SALES
In Corpus Christi, Tex., Manager Sam
Stokes built his campaign for the opening
at the Palace Theatre around strong radio
promotion. Spot announcements saturated
local radio stations, and Stokes tied in im-
portant merchants for music and jewelry
displays. A restaurant displayed balloons,
which spelled out the picture title and thea-
tre playdate. On opening day a private
plane dropped special “Duel” heralds on the
city.
At the Martini Theatre, Galveston, Man-
ager John Browning promoted an advance
sale of 5,000 copies of the “Duel in the Sun”
book with proceeds going to survivors of
victims of the recent Texas City disaster.
Another Texas showman, John Hausman,
manager of the Ora Theatre in Freeport,
arranged for the distribution of 3,000 special
heralds on “Duel,” mailed out 2,000 post cards
with a message on the film and theatre
playdates and arranged for the display of a
3xl0-foot banner over the Missouri-Pacific
trestle. Hausman had a mounted cowboy
in full regalia parade the city streets with
signs heralding the picture opening.
Morris Rosenthal, manager of Loew's Poli
Theatre, New Haven, was another who uti-
lized every possible medium of promotion to
roll up record grosses.
T-SHIRTS AT PARKS
Supplementing extra-budget newspaper
and radio advertising, Rosenthal hooked up
with merchant displays and co-op advertise-
ments, placed posters on the bulletin board
of the Winchester factory, imprinted bags
for a dozen music shops with theatre copy;
hooked in on the national bowling tieup with
four alleys for displays of art and posters
and had his usher staff wear badges for ten
days prior to opening.
He also set up a display of stills and art
at the library, arranged for employes of
amusement parks to wear “Duel” T-shirts;
posted 24-sheets in prominent locations and
had 5,000 heralds inserted in newspapers sold
on stands in the business section.
Rosenthal also was successful in promoting
two radio contests and special art features
both in local dailies and an Italian publica-
tion in addition to utilizing national tieups
for window and counter displays.
At the Poli Palace Theatre, Meriden, Conn.,
Manager Mollie Stickles also connected for
a record number of tieups with merchants
Rollod Bang* . < . Low Bangt . . . Cascade Bangs
. . . with a Basic Anton's All-Kreem Permanent Wave
for casual Spring Hair-dos.
Rhode Island’s Leading Hairdresser* Over 30 Years
Makes You Beautiful
• 290 Westminster St., opp. Gladding'*
• 165 Angell St., next Churchill House
• 500 Angell St., at Wayland Manor
® 1818 Broad St., Edgewood
• 222 Bellevue Avenue, Newport
• CLOSED MONDAYS— OPEN THURSDAY EVENINGS •
One of the co-op ads promoted by J. G.
Samartano, Loew’s State, Providence, R. 1.
on books, music and nationally set promo-
tions.
Miss Stickles provided shoe shine boys in
the downtown area with aprons imprinted
with title and playdates. Sidewalks were
stenciled, 5 and 10 cent stores wrapped pur-
chases in imprinted bags and utilized lobby
and mirrors to exploit the opening well in
advance. Three businessmen came through
with two-column newspaper co-op advertise-’
ments, two 40x60 displays were placed in the
railroad station, announcements were ob-
tained over the public address system at a
local fight arena and restaurants and taverns
in the city used coasters publicizing the film.
“ Duel in the Sundae ” was a concoction of-
fered at soda fountains in Nashville, T enn.,
to help manager Tommy Delbridge ex-
ploit the picture at the Vendome Theatre.
42
—62—
BOXOFFICE Showmcmdiser :: May 31, 1947
TYPHOON
answer to Small Theatre
Attic Space-
' I
Typhoon
Al R CoHDlTlONtM o
Typhoon |
AIR CONPITIOMMI
UNIT 0,1
Longitudinal Section
Typhoon
Air comditioNim&
pLAM OF Oec+VE<=TRA -
Suggested arrangement oi TYPHOON Self-Contained Units in typi-
cal small one floor theatre to provide satisfactory air conditioning.
TYPHOON self-contained air conditioning units embody engineer-
ing achievements resulting from over 35 years experience in theatre and
allied fields. They combine rugged construction, with dependable, trouble-
free performance at a modest cost.
These attractive self-contained units are ideally suited for air con-
ditioning and heating the small and Quonset-type theatres with seating
capacities up to 600 seats. The same units cool, filter, de-humidify and
circulate the air in the summer, and heat in the winter. The large coils,
condensers and other oversized parts are built to give service and deliver
full rated capacity under the most trying conditions.
Compact, efficient, flexible, easy to install, inexpensive to operate,
moving parts completely accessible. Self-contained units operate smoothly
and quietly with a minimum of servicing.
For Complete Information Write
TYPHOON AIR CONDITIONING CO., INC.
Division of ICE AIR CONDITIONING CO., INC.
794 Union Street • Brooklyn 15, N. Y.
Am4 Space
LsccLen^h r*ssr-
"TranS VERSE SECTION*
3
3
2
t
"**0
Available in 3, 5, 7 ton sizes.
vsr«*v
Mote:
’§ Owners, builders
and architects of small thea-
tres ( 200-600 seats) write
TYPHOON for suggested
theatre arrangements of self-
contained units.
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
43
Outstanding Radio Coverage Helped
Bring Back The Jo! son Story
By WALTER WALDMAN
NEW YORK — The boxoffice payoff reaped
by “The Jolson Story” was stimulated to a
great extent by the widespread radio pub-
licity given the film and A1 Jolson, according
to advertising and publicity executives of
Columbia Pictures.
Although the company exceeded all its
previous radio commercial budgets to adver-
tise this film, the sum spent could have
bought only a fraction of the free air time
received between May 1946, and May 1947,
the promotion men pointed out.
During this 12-month period, the title of
' \ \ \ 3
The LIQUID Popcorn
Seasoning with that
Better FLAVOR
Still the most Economical because
of NEW DRASTICALLY
REDUCED PRICES
Our government has requested
price reductions to stem infla-
tion and we are going to help —
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
THE PRICE OF POPSIT PLUS IS
REDUCED APPROXIMATELY
15% — This brings the cost of
POPSIT PLUS close to the price
level of solid seasonings.
Warehouses in principal cities — coast to coast
C. F. Simonin’s Sons, Inc.
Z/lefeneM ^
* e t I S H t ° '
2550 E. TIOGA ST. PHILADELPHIA 34, PA.
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
the picture and the name and voice of A1
Jolson were heard over the air on 460 sep-
arate occasions over 29 network and 74 local
programs, according to Columbia estimates.
These programs included some of the most
expensive on the air broadcast during the
most popular listening hours. They were
the Jack Benny, Bing Crosby, Eddie Cantor,
Walter Winchell, Lux Radio Theatre, Amos
’n' Andy, Burns and Allen. Kate Smith and
Kay Kyser programs.
Jolson appeared on all but the Kate Smith
and Kay Kyser programs. And each time he
appeared, five times with Bing Crosby, he
managed to work in a plug for “The Jolson
Story” or to sing a number from its score.
One of the most impressive examples of
network promotion was the coast-to-coast
Mutual broadcast last October of the testi-
monial dinner given A1 Jolson by the Ameri-
can Veterans committee. The broadcast
originated in New York, Hollywood and San
Francisco, and featured Jolson, George
Jessel, Eddie Cantor and the late ex-Mayor
James J. Walker of New York.
Coverage on the 74 local programs also
has been extensive. These local programs
have included some of the most popular
disc jockey shows in their areas. In New
York these have been The Make Believe
Ballroom, Milkman’s Matinee, Robert Q.
Lewis and the 1280 Club. Time and again
these record programs have devoted entire
sessions to the album of Decca records fea-
turing songs from “The Jolson Story” with
Jolson handling the vocals. There is hardly
a disc jockey who hasn’t played “The Anni-
versary Song” at least once.
In addition to this musical promotion,
Jolson and the film have received hours of
publicity on breakfast and gossip programs.
Among the big names in this field have been
Hi Jinx, Dorothy and Dick Kollmar, Louella
Parsons, Adrienne Ames, Maggi McNellis,
Paula Stone, Erskine Johnson, Margaret
Arlen, Allen Prescott and Dorothy Day.
Some of these programs have plugged the
film or Jolson on four or five separate oc-
casions.
A Columbia statistician figured out that
Jolson and the film received publicity breaks
on a total of 4,049 stations in the course of
one year. There are only about 1,200 sta-
tions in the country, but the statistician
reached his figure by adding all the stations
covered in each network broadcast plus each
local station that ever carried Jolson pub-
licity.
Jolson Reissue Set by WB
NEW YORK — “Go Into Your Dance,”
starring A1 Jolson, will be reissued by War-
ner Bros, during the summer.
tf-lollt Point?
Users of POPSIT PLUS the
liquid popcorn seasoning
made from Peanut Oil, are
not worried about flash point.
POPSIT PLUS has a flash
point over 650‘F. and a fire
point over 700°F.
CLtflfiinG HOUSE
(Continued from inside back cover)
POPCORN MACHINES
Burch — Manley — Cretors — Advances — -All electric
French fry types. Karmelkorn Equipment, 120
S. Halstead, Chicago 6, 111.
Rebuilt Popcorn Machines for sale. Fully guar-
anteed. Price from $150. Consolidated Confec-
tions. 1314 S. Wabash, Chicago 5, 111.
Blevins is national headquarters for popcorn
machines. Silver Stars, Super Stars, Corn Cribs.
Old machines taken in trade. Blevins Popcorn Co.,
Nashville, Tenn.
Real Bargains used popcorn machines. Burch.
Cretors, Advance, guaranteed. Poppers Supply. Box
838, Atlanta, Ga.
Star popcorn machines. All models. Prunty
Seed & Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2,
Mo.
Lost concession lease. Sacrificing 10 Advance,
Cretors and Burch machines (reconditioned). Free
supplies corn, seasoning, bags and salt when sold
will pay for machine. Send for list, P. VV. Little-
iohn, Box 231, LaGrange, Ga.
Manley Lifetime Popcorn Machine, like new,
Priced to sell. $385. Star Theatre, Natchez, Miss
For Sale: Counter model Advance popper. Good
condition: new motor, heating element. $100 cash.
Owen Theatre. Seymour. Mo.
POPCORN SUPPLIES
Write for our special contract which guarantees
you more profits and greater savings on all your
popcorn and popcorn supplies. Blevins Bee Hive
Popcorn Co., Nashville, Tenn.
Home or “Rush Hour” popcorn and popcorn
supplies. Send for price list. Prunty Seed &
Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2, Mo.
Established 1874.
All-Electric Popcorn Units, popping kettles,
copper caramelcorn, candy kettles, peanut roasters,
display cases, lowest prices. Northside Popcorn
Co., Indianola, Iowa.
Popcorn: It pops! Our customers have popped
$133 out of one hag. Try it! Price f.o.h., $8.75.
Ohio Popcorn Co., Arcanum, Ohio.
Increase popcorn sales and profits. Today hun-
dreds of theatres are using our stunning flexglass
heating and selling counters. Eliminate waste,
carpet damage and fire hazards. $225 gives you
de luxe popcorn merchandising. A few choice ter-
ritories still open to distributors and dealers.
H. M. McLaren Specialties, 3625 W. 26th Ave.,
Denver 11, Colo.
AIR CONDITIONING
For Sale: Cooling System — -water washer and
fan, fan motor 7% H.P., fan blades, dia. 39 in.,
width blades, 34 in. Washer tank 7% ft. x 42
inches, height of louvers — 5 ft. 3 H.P. Fairbanks
Morse motor and pump, all motors 220 volt. Fan
and washer not assembled. Priced to sell quick,
$750. .1. P. Lannan, West Point, Neb.
Brand New. Never Out of the Crate. U S. Airco
Blower. 35,000 cfm, vertical discharge. One 7%
h.p. motor, 60 cycle, 3 phase, 220V, V-belt,
hydraulic controls. $750. Hollywood Theatre,
Eau Claire, Wis.
1 Used washed air condition system. Includes
blower, pumps, sprays, motors. Will cool up to
300-seat theatre. Good condition. $500. Univer-
sal Sound Movie Co., Ft. Branch, Ind.
1 Factory crated 7% ton U. S. Air Conditioning
Unit. Ready to connect to power, water and air
duct. $2,500. Universal Sound Movie Co., Ft.
Branch, Ind.
Prompt Shipment — Allsteel Blowers with motor,
5.500 cfm, $127.80: 8,500 cfm, $172.20; 11,000
cfm. $228.90; 13,500 cfm, $276; other sizes
available. Latest Dual Air Washers, 5,000 cfm,
$138; 7,000 cfm, $168; 10,000 cfm, $204;
15,000 cfm, $240; 20,000 cfm, $276. Diffusers,
recirculating pumps, exhaust fans, available. S.O.S
Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St., New
York 18.
REAL ESTATE
Consisting of: Grocery Store. Drug Store, Serv-
ice Station, 3 Complete Office Suites, Stock Ware-
house, Radio Shop, 3 bedroom residence; easily
converted to Clinic. Conservative rental income.
$9,700 annually. Located in one of the fastest
growing industrial and seaport cities in the south.
For a quick sale, a sacrifice at $85,000. Terms.
Box 2757, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kan-
sas City 1, Mo.
MORE CLASSIFIED
INSIDE BACK COVER
44
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Reade Will Construct
Largest N. J. House
NEW YORK — Walter Reade, who now
operates 42 theatres in New York and New
Jersey, will rebuild the Main Street Theatre,
Asbury Park, directly opposite the entrance
to Ocean Grove, as soon as necessary per-
mits and materials are made available. Plans
call for 3,500 seats, the largest theatre in the
state.
Work, in the form of demolition and clean-
ing up, has already commenced on this site
and application has been made for permits
to proceed with construction. The theatre
will have complete air conditioning and the
latest type of seating arrangement and cos-
metic and play rooms. One of the features
will be an elevator and escalator to the mez-
zanine and second floors.
The exterior will be similar to the Jef-
fersonian-Virginia atmosphere employed in
Walter Reade theatres in other cities. The
five-story office portion of the structure will
be occupied by the general offices of the
Walter Reade Theatre Enterprises, which will
move to Asbury Park and conduct all audit-
ing, bookkeeping and general office work
from this location. The theatre will be of
the “community type,” similar to theatres
Reade has constructed in Morristown, Toms
River and Trenton, and will be used for first
run pictures and other attractions available
to coincide with the profitable seasonable
periods of the year, Reade said.
$60,000 Home Purchased
By Cleveland Variety
CLEVELAND — The Variety Club has exer-
cised its option and has completed arrange-
ments for the purchase of Greystone Mansion,
a 20-room, three-story house at 3730 Euclid
Ave., as a permanent home. Purchase price
is approximately $60,000. This includes the
furnishings, valued at $45,000, which were
purchased last year by the present tenant.
Harry Schreiber, chief barker, says that
Cleveland is the first Variety Club in the
country to purchase permanent club space.
Heretofore, space has been leased variously
in the Statler, Hollenden, Allerton and Car-
ter hotels.
It is the aim of the club to maintain a res-
taurant for its members, and to provide rec-
reation rooms. The mansion has a spacious
ballroom on its third floor.
NAVED Membership
Is 275, Report Shows
NEW YORK — The National Ass’n of Visual
Education Dealers now has 275 dealer mem-
bers, 52 advisory members and 175 associate
members, according to a membership report
submitted at the recent quarterly meeting of
the association directors. The meeting was
held in connection with the Allied Non-The-
atrical Film Ass'n convention.
Two new directors were elected to fill va-
cancies caused by resignations. A. K. Evers
of Sunray Films, Cleveland, is the new mid-
west regional director; A. H. Rice is the new
New England regional director.
i Popcorn Seasoning
! MELTING URN
CRETORS Melting Urn is easy
to use. No mess ... no fuss.
Approximately 25 pounds ca-
pacity. When full, maximum
temperature approximately 180
degrees F. $0050
Priced at only
less thermostat
C. CRETORS
& CO.
604 W. Cermak Road
Chicago 16. III.
Joins 'Big Town' Cast
John Travis has joined the cast of Para-
mount’s. “Big Town After Dark.”
( Advertisement )
0NE COWBOY TELLS ANOTHER
AND THEY RODE FOR MILES
TO SEE THIS GREAT
EDUCATIONAL SHOW
7heti/U£on4.7fc*cA&is
OUR SINCERE APPRECIATION to the famous western artist Bob Petley for thinking so much of “MOM AND DAD" he made it the subject
matter of a series of cartoons. Mr. Exhibitor — you can render your community a genuine public service and also make your bank balance
a bit more healthy by booking this tremendously popular educational attraction. WRITE OR WIRE TODAY for available dates in your
state. HYGIENIC PRODUCTIONS: Home Offices — Hygiene Bldg., Wilmington, Ohio. Branch Offices: Cleveland, Los Angeles, Seattle,
Chicago, Toronto and Mexico City.
BOXOFFICE : : May 31, 1947
45
Tradeshows Scheduled
June 3-Aug. 5 by MGM
NEW YORK — MGM will hold ten trade-
shows between June 3 and August 5. Dates
have been set on nine.
“Gone With the Wind” will be screened
June 3 in all but the New York and San
Francisco branches. “Living in a Big Way”
will be screened in Washington June 10 and
in all other exchanges June 9; “The Huck-
sters,” nationally, June 17; “Fiesta,” in
Washington June 24, in all other exchanges
June 23; “The Night Raiders,” formerly
titled "The Romance of Rosy Ridge,” na-
tionally, June 1; “Song of the Thin Man,”
nationally, July 17; “Merton of the Movies,”
nationally, July 22; “Tenth Avenue Angel,”
in Washington July 29, elsewhere July 28,
and “Unfinished Dance,” nationally,
August 5.
June 17 tradeshows for “Song of Love”
have been cancelled. A new date will be
announced shortly.
Liner Is Back on Service
NEW YORK— The Cunard White Star
liner, Queen Mary, will resume transatlantic
service on July 31, when she sails from South-
ampton, England, for New York. The ship
has accommodations for approximately 2,100
passengers. She is scheduled to make two
round-trip crossings per month. The ship
will sail from New York on August 8, August
27, September 11, September 26, October 11,
October 29.
Set Thunderbolt' Aug. 1
NEW YORK — “Thunderbolt,” Monogram
Technicolor film produced by Carl Kreuger,
will be released nationally on August 1. The
date marks the annual celebration of the
founding of the army air forces. Jimmy
Stewart did the narration. William Wyler
directed.
SIGNS...
fyAttWldal
This style (available in double face
Immediate delivery — beautifully
designed, aluminum finish, indirectly
lighted directional signs. Complete
with interchangeable, etched glass
name plates. Ideal for use in theatre
interiors, lobbies, corridors.
Distributors and jobbers write for
quantity price list.
ART METAL MFG. CO.
3110 Park Ave. • St. Louis 4, Mo.
FROM THE FILES OF
PARAMOUNT will release 297 pictures as
the output for the new year, which in-
cludes 80 features and 217 shorts. The new
"whole show” policy has been described by
Sidney R. Kent, general manager of the
Paramount organization, as “Paramount’s
100 per cent program.” One of the attrac-
tions is “Abie’s Irish Rose,” which has been
a Broadway attraction over five years. Anne
Nichols, author, will supervise production.
Prominent names on the actor list: Rich-
ard Dix,. Thomas Meighan, Clara Bow, Wal-
lace Beery, Bebe Daniels, Adolphe Menjou,
Eddie Cantor, Esther Ralston, Florence
Vidor, W. C. Fields, Jack Luden, Raymond
Hatton, Chester Conklin, George Bancroft,
Poli Negri, Fred Thomson.
* * sje
MGM will release 50 two-reel Hal Roach
comedies during the coming year, 10 Hal
Roach westerns, 10 Max Davidson charac-
ter comedies, 10 Hal Roach all-star come-
dies, 10 Hal Roach-Charley Chase comedies,
10 Hal Roach Our Gang comedies. In addi-
tion, there will be 104 issues of the MGM
newsreels, 25 MGM oddities, 6 great events
in Technicolor.
* * *
Ivan Mosjukine, whose name was short-
ened by Universal at the time of his ar-
rival here from Russia to Ivan Moskine, has
again had his name changed to Mosjukine.
The final change was made because of the
similiarity of the name to that of Ivan Mosk-
vin. Mosjukine starred in the French pro-
duction, “Michael Strogoff.”
Bugs — 3/4 lb. $2.10 M in lots of under 10 M
2.00 M over 10 M
ll/j oz. Trademark, 10c seller,
$3.30 per M
(Available only at Western Warehouses)
FOR IMMEDIATE SERVICE
WRITE NEAREST WAREHOU
EASTERN
Atlanta, Ga., Southern Sales & Warehouse Co., 171 Peters St., S. W.
Binghampton, N. Y., Manley, Inc., Box No. 826
Boston, Mass., Wiggin Terminals, Inc., 50 Terminal St.
Charlotte, N. C., Carolina Transfer & Storage Co., 1230 W. Morehead
Roanoke, Va., Roanoke Public Warehouse
MIDDLE-WEST
Columbus, Ohio, Merchandise Warehouse, 370 W. Broad St.
Dallas, Texas, Zanes-Ewalt Warehouse, 420 Laws St.
Des Moines, Iowa, Merchants Transfer & Storage Co.
Detroit, Mich., Edgar's Sugar House No. 2, 1900 Alfred Street
Indianapolis, Ind., Strohm Warehouse & Cartage Co., 230 W. McCarty St.
WAREHOUSE
Kansas City, Mo., Manley, Inc., 1920 Wyandotte St.
Memphis, Tenn., United Warehouse & Terminal Corp., 137 E. Calhoun
New Orleans, La., Douglas Public Service Corp., 118 N. Front St.
Oklahoma, City, Okla., O. K. Transfer & Storage Co., 531 W. Main
Peoria, III., Federal Warehouse Co., 800 South Adams
St. Paul, Minn., Central Warehouse Co., University & Pillsbury Ave.
WESTERN
Denver, Colo., Weicker Transfer & Storage Co., 1700 1 5th St.
Los Angeles, Calif., Jennings-Nibley Warehouse Co., Ltd.
Oakland, Calif., Haslett Warehouse Co., 51 Webster St.
Salt Lake City, Utah, Central Warehouse, 520 West 2nd South St.
Seattle, Wash., American Warehouse Co., 95 Connecticut St.
46
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Payette and Barron
Head Capital MPF
1 Per Cent Sales Tax
Voted in Erie County
WASHINGTON — Organization of a Motion
Picture Foundation panel for the Washington
exchange area was completed Wednesday with
the naming of John J. Payette as permanent
chairman, the vice-chairman being A. Julian
Brylawski.
Carter T. Barron of Washington was elected
area trustee with Morton Thalhimer of Rich-
mond as alternate.
New members elected are Edward Evans
of Milford, Del.; Benjamin T. Pitts, Fred-
ericksburg, Va.; Hunter Perry, Charlottesville,
Va.; Elmo Heins, Roanoke, Va., and Rudy
Berger, Thomas Reed and Morton Gerber, ail
of Washington.
Other members, elected at a previous meet-
ing, are Sam Galanty and Sidney Lust of
Washington; A. J. DeFiore, Wilmington, Del.;
William Crockett, Virginia Beach, Va., and
Lawrence Schanberger and Lauritz Garman
of Baltimore.
Musicians Will Assist
United Jewish Appeal
NEW YORK — The musicians division of
the United Jewish Appeal of Greater New
York will hold a luncheon at the Park Cen-
tral hotel June 4 to launch a drive for the
UJA, according to Richard McCann, presi-
dent of the Associated Musicians of Greater
New York, Local 802.
Charles R. Iucci, secretary of Local 802, is
chairman of the group. Members of the ex-
ecutive committee are: Jerry Alexander, Max
Arons, Edwin Bachman, Emil G. Balzer,
Howard Barlow, Blue Barron, Leonard Bern-
stein, Abram Chasins, Jack Downey, Al
Goodman, Morton Gould, Isidore Gusikoff,
Guy Lombardo, Roy Shields, Don Voorhees
and Fred Waring.
Robert M. Weitman, managing director of
the Paramount Theatre, is chairman of the
cinema group, and members of the executive
committee are: John Dugan, Nat Kalcheim,
Harry Levine, Harry Mayer, Sidney Pier-
mont and Sam Rauch.
William Feinberg of General Artists Corp.
is chairman of the talent agency group, and
members of the executive committee are:
Nat Abramson, Moe Gale, Joe Glaser, Sol
Hurok, Arthur Judson, Harry Romm, Mary
L. Shank and Stan Zucker.
'Duel' Into the Victoria
After Run at Capitol
NEW YORK — “Duel in the Sun’’ will open
at the Victoria Theatre on Broadway some
time after June 12. The film is scheduled to
end its current Broadway run June 5 at the
Capitol Theatre, where it is now in its third
week.
The picture was originally scheduled to
open day-and-date at the Victoria and Astor
theatres last fall. At that time David O.
Selznick and Samuel Goldwyn leased the
Astor jointly from the City Entertainment
Corp., operator of both theatres. Selznick,
however, could not get “Duel” ready when
it was his turn to put a picture into the
house, so Goldwyn took over with “The Best
Years of Our Lives,” which is now in its
27th week.
Selznick’s lease with City Entertainment
expired April 15. Goldwyn’s will continue as
long as “Best Years” remains at the Astor.
When “Duel” opens at the Victoria, the
theatre will be the only one in the^~metro-
politan area showing the film, according • to
the present booking schedule of the Selz-
nick Releasing Organization.
The film is now at three metropolitan
Loew’s theatres in addition to the Capitol.
Maryland MPTO Head,
Frank Hornig Is Dead
BALTIMORE — Frank A. Hornig, president
of the MPTO of Maryland for the last 14
years, died Friday,
May 23, at Maryland
General hospital and
was buried May 26.
Native of Baltimore
and owner of the Horn
Theatre here for the
last 37 years, Hornig
was 68 years old and
one of the best known
independent exhibi-
tors in this area.
He is survived by
his wife, Mrs. Helen
M. Hornig and a son,
Frank A. Hornig jr.
Dr. Tipton of WR Receives
Army Meritorious Awards
PRINCETON — Dr. Laurence B. Tipton,
Warner Bros, home office executive, was
given a citation and the Army Commendation
Ribbon in recognition of exceptionally meri-
torious services during World War II at spe-
cial ceremonies on the Princeton university
campus May 24. The presentation was made
by Col. Miles A. Cowles, head of the depart-
ment of military science and tactics, repre-
senting Secretary-of War Robert Patterson.
Dr. Tipton, who is the recipient of various
medals and citations for his work during
World War II, was formerly a colonel with
the office of the Chief of Staff, Washing-
ton, D. C.
Air Conditioning in Arbutus
ARBUTUS, MD. — New air conditioning has
been installed in the Hollywood, it was an-
nounced by V. H. Savadow, manager.
ALBANY — Erie county, including the city
of Buffalo, voted Tuesday to levy a sales
tax of 1 per cent, but opinion is expressed by
William J. Embler, executive director of the
Citizens Public Expenditure Survey, Inc.,
that there is little present likelihood that
other countries, or cities with population of
100,000 or more, will vote imposts under the
Burney law, with possibly one or two excep-
tions.
In the meantime the State Tax commission
prepared to release copies of suggested model
local ordinances for a sales levy and compen-
sating use tax, as well as a tax on motor
vehicles.
Embler added that Yonkers might elect
to impose some of the taxes, because its
budget is out of balance. It is reported that
Westchester officially decided against voting
the taxes.
Under the Burney bill, which Governor
Dewey supported, a city of 100,000 or more
may vote a sales tax, a tax on food and drinks
costing more than $1; an admissions tax, a
tax on retail liquor licenses and motor
vehicles, if the county in which it is situated
does not chose to make the impost.
A front page story in the May issue of New
York State Taxpayer, said that a drive had
been launched by educators in several parts
of the state to have a special session of the
legislature called to provide “still more state
aid for schools.”
Actors Group Plans Shrine
NEW YORK — The Genesians, newly or-
ganized group of Catholic radio, stage and
screen performers, is outlining plans to build
a shrine to St. Genesius, patron saint of ac-
tors. The first site under consideration is
the former Charles M. Schwab estate,
Loretto, Pa. George Buck, executive secre-
tary of the Catholic Actors Guild of America,
is serving as temporary chairman of the new
group, with headquarters at the Hotel Astor
here.
AT THEATRE OPENING — Century Theatres recently opened its new 600-seat
Alan Theatre, New Hyde Park, L. I. Present opening night were, left to right, Martin
H. Newman, circuit controller; Mrs. Leslie R. Schwartz; J. R. Springer, general theatre
manager; Mrs. Leonard Satz; Leslie Schwartz, head of Andrews, Inc., Century circuit
affiliate; Leonard Satz, purchasing and maintenance director.
FRANK A. HORNIG
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
N
47
BROADWAY
"Dudy Burger, MGM southern sales manager,
and his assistant, John S. Allen, are
at the Oklahoma City branch office . . . Wil-
liam Jacobs, Warner Bros, producer, re-
turned to the coast . . . P. F. Thomas, Altec
Service Corp. treasurer, is back from a south-
ern trip.
Leon J. Bamberger, RKO sales promotion
manager, will speak at the convention of the
ITO of Ohio June 3, 4 . . . Anne Jeffreys has
returned to Hollywood following the summer
closing of ‘‘Street Scene,” in which she had
one of the leading roles.
Carol Brandt, eastern story head for MGM,
flew in from London . . . Norman Ayers,
southern division sales manager for Warner
Bros., is visiting New Orleans and Memphis
. . . Sid Goldstein of the MGM publicity de-
partment had his appendix removed.
Dean Stockwell is in New York . . . H. M.
Bessey, vice-president of Altec Service Corp.,
and L. J. Patton, district manager, drove to
Atlanta. On the way they visited several
territory inspectors.
Ann Strauss of the MGM studio publicity
department is spending her vacation in New
York.
Dick Wright of the Warner Theatres
Cleveland office was in town . . . H. Alban-
Mestanza, president of Foreign Screen Corp.,
and Mrs. Mestanza are vacationing at Cape
Cod . . . J. J. Unger, general sales manager
for UA, is in Chicago for sales conferences
with Rud Lohrenz, midwest district manager.
Bert Sanford, theatrical sales manager for
Altec Service Corp., is touring the midwest
. . . Edward M. Schnitzer, eastern and
Canadian sales manager for UA, is back
from Philadelphia . . . Maury Orr, western
sales manager for UA, is in Los Angeles.
Nat D. Fellman, Warner Theatres execu-
tive, is back from Cleveland . . . Jules Lapi-
dus, eastern division sales manager for
Warner Bros., was in Pittsburgh Tuesday
. . . Ben Joel, Loew’s out-of-town booker, is
on vacation in Carolina.
Jesse L. Lasky and Irving Pichel were in
town to interview actors for featured roles
in “Miracle of the Bells” . . . Uric McCleary
of the Ass’n of Motion Picture Art. Directors
is in from Hollywood.
Donald Nelson, president of the SIMPP,
is here from the coast . . . Charles H. Rose
of Four Roses Film Exchange is at the Astor
. . . Eugene Frenke, Robert Cummings and
Philip Yordan for United California Produc-
tions are here to confer with eastern rep-
resentatives of Discovery, Inc.
Bill Ornstein of MGM is in Chicago . . .
A1 Zimbalist, publicity director for Film
Classics, left for the coast . . . Ika and Harry
Katz, executives of Kay Film Exchanges, are
at the Astor.
Ed Beloin, who wrote the screenplay for
“A Connecticut Yankee,” is ini New York
. . . Hal Horne, executive producer for Story
Productions, and Mrs. Horne will attend
the graduation of Mrs. Horne’s daughter at
Durham, N. C., June 2 . . . James R. Grainger,
executive vice-president in charge of sales
and distribution for Republic, returned from
a visit to the coast and Mexico City.
William M. Levy, UA division manager for
Europe and the Near East, is in London en
route to Paris and Brussels to represent UA
at the Belgian film festival in June. Levy’s
assistant, Maj. Harold William Auten, is in
Athens for discussions with local distributors.
Alfredo Holguin Is Named
SRO Mexican Sales Head
NEW YORK — Alfredo Holguin, formerly
manager of Francia Films de Mexico, has
joined Selznick Re-
leasing Organization
as manager in Mexico.
He will set up head-
quarters in Mexico
City, working under
Manny Reiner, Latin
American general sales
head for the com-
pany.
Holguin started in
the industry in 1930.
Before joining Fran-
cia Films he worked
as assistant manager
in Mexico for MGM
and Pan - American
Harry Smith Leaves SMPE
NEW YORK — Harry Smith jr., executive
secretary of the Society of Motion Picture
Engineers and editor of the monthly journal
for the past four years, will leave the or-
ganization July 1 to go into business for
himself. Smith joined the society as exec-
utive secretary in March 1943, after being
associated with the Hays office for several
years. In October 1943, he also took over
the editorship of the SMPE journal.
Local 306 Asks Boost
NEW YORK — Motion picture machine op-
erators union, Local 306, IATSE, is seeking a
34 per cent wage raise and five per cent for
a welfare fund from Loew’s, RKO, Skouras
and Randforce circuits, with time and one-
half for Saturday work and double time for
Sundays. The union contract will expire
August 31.
. HANS 'EM FROM TAB BALCONY
eetcCA.
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Game
Strausherg Services
Held in Brooklyn
NEW YORK — Funeral services were held
at the Brooklyn Jewish Center Tuesday,
May 27, for Samuel
Strausberg, president
of Interboro Circuit,
Inc., who died May 23
after a four-month ill-
ness. He was 65.
At the time of his
death Strausberg
headed a circuit,
which owned or oper-
ated approximately 50
theatres in Brooklyn,
the Bronx, Westches-
ter county and Long
Island. He also was
president of Beth-El
Strausberg came to this country from
Poland 40 years ago. He first earned his liv-
ing here as a tailor, but in 1913 opened a
nickelodeon on Myrtle avenue, Brooklyn.
This theatre failed, but he soon opened
another, also on Myrtle avenue.
UNDETERRED BY CRASH
This theatre proved to be the first of a
chain of 30 theatres that Strausberg eventu-
ally leased to William Fox in 1927.
A few years later, after the 1929 crash,
Strausberg was back in the theatre business,
and remained a theatre operator until his
death.
Before he died, he had approved plans for
12 additional theatres in the metropolitan
area.
However, the Beth-El hospital and phil-
anthropic affairs claimed most of Straus-
berg’s time during the last years of his life.
He left many of the details of operating
the circuit to his sons, Morris O. and Solo-
mon M., and his son-in-law, Stanley Kolbert,
who were officers of Interboro.
Since 1933, Strausberg had been a mem-
ber of the board of directors of Beth-El hos-
pital, and president of that institution for the
past seven years.
INTERESTED IN HOSPITAL
He was chairman of the $2,500,000 building
fund campaign for the hospital. During his
administration as president, a new nurses’
home, and a training school for practical
nurses was built. An addition to the mater-
nity hospital was constructed and two floors
of the hospital were modernized. A new
medical library also was added.
Other posts held by Strausberg include
membership on the board of governors of the
Brooklyn Jewish Center, membership on the
Brooklyn war memorial committee, member-
ship on the Brooklyn citizens committee of
the navy relief fund.
For these activities, Strausberg was se-
lected Brooklyn’s outstanding citizen of 1946
by the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.
In addition to his two sons, he is survived
by his wife, Rebecca, and two daughters,
Mrs. Stanley Kolbert and Mrs. Elias Bloom-
garden.
During the services Tuesday, all Interboro
theatres were closed until late afternoon.
1ST CLASS DISTRIBUTION for
1 THE ENTIRE SOUTH — thru
J(IOHN) Q *0 (O. K.)
enkins oc .Bourgeois
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HARWOOD & JACKSON STS.. DALLAS 1. TEX.
SAMUEL STRAUSBERG
hospital, Brooklyn.
48
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Along New York's Filmrow
By WALTER WALDMAN
Benny Big at Roxy;
Broadway in Slump
NEW YORK — Jack Benny and his radio
show sent the Roxy grosses soaring. But they
did not quite reach the record-breaking fig-
ure set last winter during the second week
of “The Razor’s Edge.” Elsewhere the mid-
town picture was gloomy with three excep-
tions— the Music Hall, where “Great Expec-
tations” did excellent business; the Winter
Garden, which had a good fourth week with
“Carnegie Hall,” and the Globe, where
“Framed” opened strong.
Replacements during the week were "Pos-
sessed” at the Hollywood; “The Fabulous
Dorseys” at the State, and reissue bills con-
sisting of “Magnificent Obsession” and “I
Stole a Million” at the Gotham, and “Isle
of the Dead” and “Body Snatchers” at the
Rialto.
(Average is 100)
Astor — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
27th wk ! 90
Broadway — Dishonored Lady (UA) 60
Capitol- — Duel in the Sun (SRO), 3rd wk 60
Criterion — Odd Man Out (U-I), 5th wk 95
Globe — Framed (Col) 110
Gotham — The Guilty (Mono), 2nd wk 50
Hollywood — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB),
8th wk 70
Loew's State — The Guilt oi Janet Ames (Col),
plus stage show , 95
Palace — Honeymoon (RKO), 2nd wk 95
Paramount— The Imperfect Lady (Para),
plus stage show „ 82
Park Avenue — Carnegie Hall (UA), 4th wk 50
Radio City Music Hall — Great Expectations (U-I),
plus stage show 120
Rialto — Backlash (20th-Fox); Jewels of
Brandenburg (20th-Fox) 85
Rivoli — The Other Love (UA), 2nd wk 82
Roxy — The Brasher Doubloon (20th-Fox),
plus stage show 170
Strand— The Sea Wolf (WB);
The Sea Hawk (WB), reissues 87
Victoria — The Patient Vanishes (FC) 65
Winter Garden — Carnegie Hall (UA), 4th wk 115
’Yearling' Smash in Philadelphia;
Other New Offerings Are Weak
PHILADELPHIA — For the second week in
succession, house records were smashed here.
First it was the Stanley-Wamer Stanton fea-
turing “Framed,” which by the way, was
doing swell in its second week. Last week
“The Yearling” smashed the house records
at William Goldman’s Karlton. The only other
bright spot in the local picture was “Cal-
cutta” at the Stanley. Only other newcomers
were “The Private Affairs of Bel Ami” at
the Aldine where it got a poor reception, and
the reissue of “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,”
which was weak at the Fox.
Aldine — Private Affairs of Bel Ami (UA) 70
Arcadia and Pix — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 8th wk ; 110
Boyd — The Macomber Affair (UA), 2nd wk 110
Earle — Undercover Maisie (MGM),
plus stage show 100
Fox — Alexander's Ragtime Band (20th-Fox)
reissue 90
Goldman — The Egg and I (U-I), 3rd wk 120
Karlton — The Yearling (MGM) 230
Keith's- — Sea of Grass (MGM), 2nd run 140
Mastbaum — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO),
3rd wk 100
Stanley — Calcutta (Para) 170
Stanton — Framed (Col), 2nd wk 160
Buffalo Has Soggy Week;
’Fifth Avenue' Top Film
BUFFALO — A dull week was reported here
in consistently rainy weather. Top picture
was “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” at the
20th Century. “The Egg and I” held up fairly
well in its second week at the Lafayette.
Buffalo — Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox);
Undercover Maisie (MGM) 80
Great Lakes — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB),
2nd wk. .., „ 80
Hippodrome — Love and Learn (WB);
The Big Fix (PRC) 70
Lafayette — The Egg and I (U-I), 2nd wk 108
Teck — The Thief of Bagdad (FC);
The Ghost Goes Wild (Rep) 80
20th Century — It Happened on Fifth Avenue
(AA-Mono); Mr. Hex (Mono) 110
^*HE DEATH last Friday of Samuel Straus-
berg, president of Interboro Circuit, Inc.,
was deeply mourned by employes and ex-
employes who remembered his many gracious
deeds . . . For example, there is a former
Interboro manager, active as a union organ-
izer when he worked for the circuit. This
manager called a strike that cost the circuit
thousands of dollars daily in lost boxoffice
revenues . . . After the strike was over and
the men returned to work, this manager re-
signed and left New York for several months.
When he returned to the city, he was unable
to get a job with any circuit or independent
because of his union activities. Word of this
situation reached Strausberg. The circuit
president was indignant. He summoned his
sons, Solomon and Morris, and ordered them
to rehire the former manager. “No capable
theatre manager should be without a job
because of his social or political views,”
Strausberg declared.
Another favorite story told about the late
Interboro president concerns a cashier. Some
years ago Strausberg added four theatres
to his circuit. Just a few weeks after the
deal was signed, one of his district managers
overheard this cashier talk about her daugh-
ter, who had suddenly become desperately
ill. The girl needed an operation and the
mother was panicky. The district manager
called the home office and told the story to
Strausberg, who immediately ordered an
ambulance from Beth-El hospital, Brooklyn.
The girl was taken to the hospital and
operated on by the personal surgeon of the
president of the hospital — Samuel Straus-
berg. When she recovered, the girl was sent
to a convalescent home for four weeks. All
the bills were paid by Strausberg . . . The
managers of Interboro will not forget that
while other circuits and independent thea-
tres were cutting salaries by as much as
40 per cent during the depression, their
wages remained at predepression levels . . .
And the office girls remember Strausberg
for still another reason. Every December 24
he held a big Christmas party for the home
office staff. There was dancing, and Straus-
berg conga-ed and rhumba-ed with all the
girls before he called it a day.
Louis Sattenstein, father-in-law of Harry
Brandt, circuit exhibitor, died Monday. He
was president of American Book, Stratford
Press, a publishing company. Services were
held Wednesday at the Temple Rodeth
Sholem, New York, and the burial was at the
Union Field cemetery, Queens . . . The
deaths of Strausberg and Sattenstein forced
the directors of the Metropolitan Motion Pic-
ture Theatres Ass’n to postpone a meeting
scheduled for the week of May 26. Brandt
and Solomon Strausberg, son of the Inter-
boro president, are directors. The meeting
is now tentatively scheduled for the first or
second week in June . . . The directors will
discuss plans for a local health week drive
next fall, with metropolitan theatres holding-
charity collections.
The MGM New York branch ranks first
on seven out of 12 features, according to the
last consolidated sales report. These pictures
are: “Holiday in Mexico,” “The Cockeyed
Miracle,” “Rage in Heaven,” “Undercurrent,”
“The Secret Heart,” “Till the Clouds Roll
By” and “Lady in the Lake” . . . Rose Mor-
gan, secretary to Jack Byrne, eastern sales
manager of MGM, is still wondering who
sent her a gold heart charm bracelet for her
birthday. There was no card, only a friendly
inscription . . . MGM birthdays soon to be
celebrated will be those of Esther Ackerman,
Rose Fusso, Carmen Trink, Abe Negrin and
Eleanor Moserowitz . . . On June 7, William
F. Rodgers, vice-president in charge of sales
and distribution, also will celebrate his
birthday.
A. J. Balaban, managing director of the
Roxy Theatre, reported that 1,005 comment
cards were turned in following the recent
preview there of “Miracle on 34th Street”
(20th-Fox). The picture will open at the
Roxy June 4 . . . Twentieth-Fox also held
a preview at the Academy of Music on East
14th street. The picture was “Meet Me at
Dawn,” and 783 comment cards were filed.
At the last official tally, New York was
in second place, or .6 of a point behind San
Francisco on contracts signed for “The
Razor’s Edge” . . . Stanley Yentes, student
booker at 20th-Fox, has been assigned to the
Albany branch . . . Joe Rosen, Albany
branch manager, visited Ray Moon and Sey-
mour Florin in New York.
Henry Sattler, Paramount branch man-
ager, and Henry Randel, new district man-
ager, huddled this week with Hugh Owen,
eastern and southern division manager, on
the 1947 sales drive which will begin in
August . . . There have been two additions
to the Paramount 25-Year club, bringing the
total to 12. The new members are Albert
Gebhardt, New Jersey salesman, ’ and Har-
riet Costello, supervisor of film inspectors.
FAREWELL LUNCHEON — Jay Golden (seated on extreme right), newly appointed
west coast division manager for RKO Theatres, was guest at a luncheon at the Warwick
hotel before his departure for the coast. Left to right: Malcolm Kingsberg, president;
Alvin W. Dawson, treasurer, and Sol A. Schwartz, general manager.
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
49
U.S.-British Unions
Work on Swap Deal
NEW YORK — An Anglo-American agree-
ment on the interchange of motion picture
technicians is being worked out here by
Richard F. Walsh, president of the IATSE,
and Tom O’Brien, general secretary of the
National Ass’n of Theatrical and Kine Em-
ployes of Great Britain.
They seek a reciprocal labor agreement so
British and American companies can swap
studio personnel. They want to include
actors, directors, cameramen and special
studio technicians.
British technicians walked out recently
when Paulette Goddard arrived at a British
studio with her own hairdresser from the
U.S. O’Brien settled this row.
The studio unions of France and Czecho-
slovakia are working on similar agreements.
O’Brien has come out in favor of cooperat-
ing with these unions.
First he wants to settle the Anglo-American
pact, which actually has been under consid-
eration since last fall, when O’Brien first
opened discussions in New York with Walsh.
Walsh also would like to work out an ex-
change agreement with Mexican unions. He
sent out feelers for such arrangement when
he was in Mexico last March, but discov-
ered) that the time was not ripe for an
agreement. The matter is still being studied.
Walsh and O'Brien were guests of honor
at a luncheon given by Gerald Mayer, man-
aging director of the MPA international di-
vision, on Thursday (May 29) at the Har-
vard club. Film company and MPA execu-
tives attended.
Those present were: Columbia — Joseph A.
McConville, J. Segal, A. M. Picker; Loew’s —
Charles Goldsmith; Paramount — J. W. Piper,
Albert Deane; RKO — Robert K. Hawkinson,
Bev D. Lion; 20th-Fox — Murray Silverstone,
Emanuel Silverstone; Universal — Joseph H.
Seidelman, Alfred A. Daff, C. A. Kirby;
Warners — John J. Glynn; Walt Disney Pro-
ductions— Leo F. Samuels, William Levy;
MPA— Francis Harmon, Sidney Schreiber,
Fred W. Du Vail, Theodore Smith, Glendon
Allvine.
Lloyd Goes to Uptown
BALTIMORE — Charles Lloyd, former
doorman at the Pimlico, has been upped to
assistant manager of the Uptown. Lewis E.
Hamley replaces Lloyd.
MALAYA HEADS IN N. Y.— Ong Chin
Kun, left, and Paul Domingo, far right,
director and manager, respectively, of
Malaya Film Service, distributor for
Monogram in Malaya, Siam, Borneo and
Sarawak, are stopping off for talks at the
Monogram home office on their three-
month trip around the world. They are
discussing distribution with Norton V.
Ritchey, center, president of Monogram
Int’l Corp.
Blue Seal Devices Moves
NEW YORK — Blue Seal Cine Devices, Inc.,
manufacturers of projectors and sound re-
cording and reproducing equipment, has
transferred its offices and shops to new
headquarters at 4-45 49th Ave., Long Island
City, N. Y. The new factory site is 10,000
square feet. The company was previously
located at 137-74 Northern Blvd., Flushing.
'New Orleans' Set for N.Y.
NEW YORK — “New Orleans,” Jules Levey’s
production for United Artists release, will
open at the Winter Garden following the cur-
rent UA release, “Carnegie Hall.” “New
Orleans” has also been set for early June
openings at the Majestic, Dallas; the Music
Hall, Los Angeles, and the United Artists,
San Francisco.
'Copa' Opening Postponed
NEW YORK — Loew’s Criterion Theatre has
postponed the opening date of “Copacabana”
(UA) until June 4. The film was originally
scheduled to open on May 28. The film fea-
tures Groucho Marx and Carmen Miranda.
Century Offers NYC
Additional Houses
NEW YORK — Century Theatres has of-
fered the board of education the use of 20
additional theatres as motion picture class-
rooms, if the board decides to continue the
educational project recently tested at the
Rialto Theatre, Brooklyn.
Fred J. Schwartz, vice-president of the cir-
cuit, made the offer May 28 in a letter to
the board.
Acceptance of the offer will depend upon a
report now being prepared on the experiment
by representatives of the board, principals
of the schools involved and members of
parent-teacher associations, according to
Paul A. Kennedy, an assistant superintendent
of schools.
Arthur Bowie, a superintendent, will super-
vise the report which is expected to be com-
pleted by the end of June. Before it reaches
the board, the report will first have to be
okayed by Stephen S. Bayne, director of
audio-visual instruction.
Kennedy said that the board of educa-
tion wants the report to answer a number
of questions. Were the two hours spent by
the 4,800 pupils who participated in the
four-month experiment used to the best
advantage? Would the students have got-
ten more out of two hours spent in the class-
room on formal school subjects? Would a
long-range theatre classroom program make
better behaved audiences of the children?
Would it improve their taste in films? Have
the film versions of school books (“The Ad-
ventures of Tom Sawyer,” “The Adventures
of Mark Twain,” etc.) helped the students
understand the books or stimulated class-
room discussion?
Teachers and members of parent-teacher
associations are divided on the program. In
informal discussions, some were in favor of
bringing the classroom to the theatre, others
were against it.
If the final report advises the board to
continue the program, Century will be able
to get sufficient product to extend the proj-
ect. Distributors have said they will con-
tinue to provide film at nominal flat rental
prices, as they had been doing since February.
Schools and school boards outside of New
York City are interested in the project.
They have been asking Century for details
of the program.
Subways Pick 'Miracle'
NEW YORK — “Miracle on 34th Street” has
been selected as the “Go See” picture for
June by the New York Subways system.
Posting of cards in all cars of the metro-
politan underground transit system will be
timed to coincide with the opening of the
picture at the Roxy June 4.
'Jolson Story' Back in N.Y.
NEW YORK — “The Jolson Story” opened
at the Fox Theatre, Brooklyn, May 21 after
a three-week engagement at the Victoria
Theatre. Sharing the bill is “The Thirteenth
Hour” (Col), starring Richard Dix.
'Jealousy' to Open in N.Y.
NEW YORK — “Jealousy,” Italian film with
English titles released by Film Rights In-
ternational, will open at the Times Theatre
following the completion of the run of “Two
Anonymous Letters.”
WB After Drive Prize
ALBANY — The local WB exchange fin-
ished on top in two of the first three weeks
of the 13-week 20th anniversary drive for
billings.
SEE PERILS OF PAULINE — Attending the recent Paramount tradeshow of “The
Perils of Pauline” at the Normandie Theatre, New York, were, left to right, Sidney
Gottlieb, general manager of the Cosmo Theatre; Jack Gelber, booker for Interboro
circuit; Sam Einhom, booker and buyer for the Rosenblatt-Welt circuit; Ed Bell,
Paramount salesman.
50
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Aiding German Morale
Role of U.S. Films
ATTEND PARAMOUNT CONCERT — Three Paramount executives and their wives
as they arrived for Paramount Pictures Choral Society’s sixth annual concert, given in
the grand ballroom of Hotel Plaza, New York, for the benefit of European refugees.
Left to right: Louis Phillips of the company’s legal department and Mrs. Phillips;
Austin C. Keough, vice-president in charge of legal affairs, and Mrs. Keough; Claude
Lee, director of public relations, and Mrs. Lee. In the evening gown is Marion J. Bell,
secretary to Keough. (Photo by Jimmy Powers).
WASHINGTON — A proposal that arrange-
ments be made to release American films
“as quickly as possible” in the French, Brit-
ish and United States occupation zones in
Germany was advanced here by Rep. Gordon
L. McDonough (R) of California.
McDonough, representative of the Holly-
wood district, said that he believed that the
release of American films in Germany for
general distribution would prove a “terrific
factor” in rebuilding the morale of the
people. By portraying the advantages of life
under a democratic government, American
films would educate the German people and
prove a means of accomplishing the goal
which our government is seeking, he added.
SCAN ALLIES’ ATTITUDE
The representative said that a probable
first step in carrying out his proposal would
be for Secretary of War Patterson to sug-
gest that the United States commander in
the American zone communicate with the
Allied commanders in the British and French
zones and ascertain their attitude toward
the release of our films. McDonough con-
tinued that he also would like to see the
movies released in the Russian zone but
doubted if the Soviets would grant permis-
sion.
His statement followed an exchange of cor-
respondence with Patterson in which the sec-
retary of war advised him that there is “lit-
tle likelihood” of German-made films reach-
ing this country “in the near future.” In re-
ply to McDonough’s inquiry, the secretary
wrote that it will be necessary to allow ex-
port of “acceptable” German films in order
to obtain foreign currency and credits.
WATCH GERMAN PICTURES
He added that no German films will soon
be exported to this country “due to the many
difficulties inherent in the development of
the German industry.” Continuing, he said:
“To date, no German films have been ex-
ported to the States from the United States-
occupied-zone of Germany. However, it is
believed that one very effective means of
re-educating the German people along demo-
cratic lines is through the medium of Ger-
man-made motion pictures. In order to bring
this industry to an eventual self-sustaining
level, it is necessary that acceptable films
be exported to obtain foreign currency and
credits.
“Under such a program, pictures made in
Germany would be carefully supervised by
the occupation authorities to eliminate any
traces of German propaganda.” McDon-
ough said he was awaiting a reply to a
later letter which he wrote the secretary
in which he asked whether motion pictures
produced in Germany prior to the war would
be exported, as well as new films produced
there.
Meanwhile release of a war department
report on the entire German film situation
appeared to have been postponed “indefi-
nitely.” This release originally scheduled for
May 23 was held up when Assistant Secre-
tary of War Howard C. Petersen’s “okay”
was not forthcoming.
Kodak Donates WB Prizes
NEW YORK — Eastman Kodak Co. has
donated four prizes to be awarded to winners
in the Warner club photographic exhibit.
Winners will be announced shortly after the
contest closes on June 6. Prizes include a
Kodak reflex with field case, kodak 35mm
camera with range finder, Kodak “620”
monitor and a 35mm lens.
School Decision Expected
On Century Kid Showings
NEW YORK— The board of education will
shortly announce its decision on whether the
visual education showings sponsored by Cen-
tury Theatres at its Rialto Theatre, Brook-
lyn, will be continued and expanded. The
circuit has held four monthly showings of
films with educational value for school chil-
dren. The last picture shows was “The Ad-
ventures of Mark Twain” (WB).
Fred J. Schwartz, vice-president of the
circuit, expressed hope that the board will
"broaden the base of the program by in-
creasing the number of schools and children
participating.” He is convinced the showings
have a strong educational value. He feels
the children who saw “Tom Sawyer” and
other films used in the experiment will have
a greater appreciation for the books from
which they were adapted. “The value of this
experiment in public relations for the indus-
try seems beyond question,” he declared.
Five UA Pictures to Play
Six Broadway Theatres
NEW YORK— With the opening of “Copa-
cabana,” produced by Sam Coslow, at the
Criterion May 28 and “The Fabulous Dorseys,”
produced by Charles R. Rogers, at Loew’s
State May 29, United Artists will have five
pictures playing in six Broadway first run
houses.
“Dishonored Lady,” produced by Hunt
Stromberg, opened at the Broadway May 23.
“The Other Love,” produced by Enterprise,
is at the Rivoli, while “Carnegie Hall,” pro-
duced by Boris Morros, is at the Winter
Garden and Park Avenue.
Approximately 800 Persons
Attend Malverne Opening
NEW YORK — A crowd of close to 800 per-
sons attended the opening of the new Mal-
verne Theatre, Malverne, L. I. It is oper-
ated by Charles H. Kenney, who also owns
a drapery studio in Malverne. The house
seats 700.
The opening night program included “It’s
a Wonderful Life” (RKO), a cartoon and
newsreel. Tickets to the opening sold for
$1.00. Proceeds went to the Malverne Police
Benevolent Ass’n.
Industry Pays Tribute
To Eddie' Fontaine
WASHINGTON— Veteran showman J. E.
“Eddie” Fontaine was honored by more than
200 members of the industry and friends at
a stag testimonial Monday, May 26, in the
Variety Club rooms at Hotel Willard.
The testimonial marked Fontaine’s new
position as division manager of the Selz-
nick Releasing Organization. He was for-
merly with Paramount. In presenting the
honor guest with a scroll bearing the signa-
tures of Variety Club members, and a radio,
Judge Alvin L. Newmyer said “Eddie Fon-
taine has endeared himself to all with whom
he has come in contact.” Fontaine in ex-
pressing thanks paid tribute to the spirit of
club members.
Heading the entertainment program were
Walter O’Keefe, screen, stage and radio
comedian, and Larry Stewart, singer. Com-
mittee chairmen for the testimonial were:
Frank Boucher, tickets; George Crouch,
Joe Cronman and Sam Epstein, door prizes;
Carter T. Barron and Gene Ford, entertain-
ment and music; Robert Denton and A1
Benson, guests; Harry Lohmeyer, decora-
tions; Frank LaFalce, George Crouch and
Boucher, menu; LaFalce, publicity, and Sid-
ney Lust, A. E. Lichtman and Fred Kogod,
arrangements. John J. Payette and Sam
Galanty were co-chairmen for the affair.
R. E. Thompson Decorated
NEW YORK — Robert E. Thompson, mar-
ket research manager of the international
division, Carrier Corp., Syracuse, air con-
ditioning and refrigeration manufacturer,
was awarded the U.S. army’s Legion of
Merit medal Wednesday at a ceremony in
here. Thompson, a lieutenant colonel in
the signal corps, was in charge of supply and
procurement on General MacArthur’s staff
from Australia to Tokyo. Thompson also
has the Purple Heart.
Randforce Gets Citation
NEW YORK — Randforce Amusement Corp.
has been awarded first prize in the theatre
division in a statewide accident reduction
contest conducted by the State Insurance
fund. A bronze trophy and a citation was
presented to the circuit at a recent dinner at
the Hotel Commodore.
BOXOFFICE : : May 31, 1947
51
WASHINGTON
Toan Spero resigned from the Warner ex-
■* change . . . Booker Frank Gormley is en-
joying his new farm in Virginia these days
. . . Mr. and Mrs. Jack Foxe, Loew’s Colum-
bia, will vacation in Atlantic City next week.
Columbia Chatter: Home office executive
Rube Jackter, assistant general sales man-
ager, spent the weekend with Sam Galanty,
mideast division manager, discussing current
product and forthcoming releases . . . Willa
Mae Ford, assistant biller, is resigning.
Sam Galanty has returned from California
where he attended the Variety convention
and is now getting ready to attend the forth-
coming division and branch managers’ meet-
ing in Chicago the week of June 2. Ben
Caplon will accompany Galanty. Other branch
managers in Galanty’s division who will at-
tend are Oscar Ruby, Cleveland; Arthur
Levy, Pittsburgh; Alan Moritz, Cincinnati.
Sid Zins, Columbia publicity representative,
was honored at a surprise party Saturday
evening, May 24, to celebrate Sid’s 20th year
in the show business. Party was planned and
executed by his brother Les Sands of station
WWDC. Guests representing the film indus-
try included Rube and Mrs. Jackter, Mr. and
Mrs. Sam Galanty, Warner publicity director
Frank LaFalce and Mrs. LaFalce, Rick La-
Falce, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Bell, and Dave
Polland, United Artists publicity representa-
tive. Big surprise of the evening was the
presence of Sid Zins’ parents, who came
from New York for the party.
The Henry Hisers will celebrate their 15th
wedding anniversary June 2 . . . Joe DeMaio,
for many years home office auditor for Na-
tional Screen, is now selling for Equity Film
out of Washington . . . William Spates, Frost-
burg, Md., is hospitalized at Garfield.
Ira Sichelman sold his Sykes Theatre,
Sykesville, Md., to Max Goodman who also
owns the Earle and Ellicott theatres, Ellicott
City, Md., and the Taneytown Theatre, Tan-
eytown, Md. Incidentally, he is closing his
Taneytown Theatre for remodeling and re-
decorating.
Frank Falls, Craver and Falls circuit, un-
derwent an operation in Maryland General
hospital May 22 . . . William Stempil, New
Palm Theatre, Del Ray, Va., is home from the
hospital . . . Ben Lust was taken ill and had
to be hospitalized in Banff while en route
home from the Variety convention in Los
Angeles. He and Mrs. Lust are now home in
Washington . . . The Frank Stortys have re-
turned after an extended trip through the
Canadian Rockies.
Customary Memorial day matinees were
held in all Sidney Lust suburban theatres
wittf special feature films starting at 2 o’clock
. . . “Brief Encounter” is still playing at Lust’s
Hippodrome with many patrons returning to
see the show several times. One patron, Mrs.
P. Potter, has already seen the Noel Coward
screen opus five times.
Metro Items: Edward Arnold visited the
office and made a big hit with his casual and
friendly manner. The office echoed to his
booming laughter as he joked and chatted
with the staff. Belying his jocular remark
that “I quit playing romantic roles 40 years
ago,” Arnold looked fit and trim and was as
enthusiastic and energetic as a newcomer to
the screen. He is firm in his insistence,
THE IDEAL THEATRE CHAIRS
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!
52
HONOR ANITA COLBY— Honor was
paid to Miss Anita Colby, assistant to
Paramount’s production head, at a lunch-
eon in Washington at which preparations
for the forthcoming playwriting festival
at Catholic university were discussed.
Shown with Miss Colby are: Walter Kerr,
playwriting instructor, and Fleet Adm.
Chester W. Nimitz.
however, that he wants no more “he-man”
roles such as the part he played in “Come
and Get It,” which had a setting in a north-
ern lumber camp. “I can’t lift heavy logs
any more,” he says.
Helen Strojny, secretary to Tom Baldridge,
publicity director, found in comparing notes
with Arnold that she is attending the same
dramatic school as he did several years ago.
Mrs. Josephine Byrnes, inspection depart-
ment, won a Ghrysler car last week
. . . Office Manager Joe Kronman attended
the office managers conference in Cincin-
nati, accompanied by auditor Carl Gentzel
. . . Mrs. Hazel McLeran, chief inspector, has
returned from her vacation. Ditto Jack Dean,
shipping department . . . Stanley Thompson,
home office legal department, was a visitor
. . . Charles Mack, Washington MGM News
of the Day cameraman, returned last week
from Russia where he represented the Ameri-
can newsreel pool.
Ben Pitts has acquired the Bryant Thea-
tre, Emporia, Va. . . . Sally Lloyd is the new
“hello girl” at 20th-Fox . . . Lou Lichten-
stein has completed his audit at 20th-Fox
. . . Millie Layden is entertaining her mother
from Norwich, Conn.
Murray Chikofsky, 20th-Fox home office
legal department, visited the local exchange
. . . Sara Young spent the weekend in New
York visiting her son and daughter-in-law
. . . Harley Davidson jr., son of Paramount’s
Harley Davidson, will be graduated from Au-
gusta Military academy, Fort Defiance, Va.,
next week.
Mr. and Mrs. Hy Bettinger are the proud
parents of their first-born — a son . . . List
of the prize winners of the Salesmen’s club
drawing will be printed in the next issue . . .
Jack Safer, local Monogram manager, treat-
ed his gang to a delicatessen luncheon Tues-
day.
Trivision Lens Delivered
ROCHESTER — Bausch & Lomb Optical Co.
has delivered its first television lens for
three-dimensional photography to the Naval
Experimental Aeronautical laboratory in
Washington, D. C. A second lens will be
shipped to the laboratory in a few weeks.
The new lens may be used in aerial recon-
naissance, motion pictures, X-ray and clini-
cal work.
bajjjmqm
jyjaryland’s Motion Picture Censor board
showed a net profit of $23,593 in 1946
on the basis of companies paying $2 for
each 1,000 feet of 35mm film and $4 for
16mm . . . Rodney Collier, manager of the
Stanley, has been appointed to the board of
examiners of the Moving Picture Operators
. . . Mr. and Mrs. Irving Wolf, Apex Thea-
tre, announce the birth of a daughter, Susan
Carol.
“High Barbaree” is the new. Century fea-
ture . . . The Hippodrome is showing “The
Corpse Came C.O.D.” with George M. Cohan
jr. heading the stage bill . . . Keith’s will
follow “The Egg and I” with “Calcutta” . . .
Noel Coward’s “This Happy Breed” follows
“Ivan the Terrible” at the Little . . . The
world premiere of “Moss Rose” was held at
the New Theatre Thursday (29) . . . The
Stanley is showing “The Two Mrs. Carrolls”
. . . Current attraction at the Town is
“Honeymoon” . . . The Mayfair is showing
“Ramrod.”
Lucille Ball gave up a radio engagement
to appear in “GI Follies” Friday night (23)
at the Lyric in a benefit performance for
the Disabled American Veterans.
The following is a quote from the column
of Louis Azrael of the Baltimore News-Post:
"The days when a movie owner could do big
business merely by showing a movie are over,
one of them tells me. People are beginning
to shop for entertainment. Consequently, at-
tendance has dropped about 10 per cent in
Baltimore. But big hit films aren’t affected.
Business never drops off as far as they’re
concerned” . . . Herman Weinberg, a Balti-
morean and former manager of the Little,
composes subtitles for most of the foreign
films shown in the United States.
Fellows in N.Y. to Shoot
West Point Exercises
NEW YORK— Robert Fellows, Paramount
producer, and a camera unit of 14 persons
arrived here during the week for location
work on “The Long Grey Line.” The film
stars Alan Ladd and is about the U.S. Mili-
tary academy at West Point.
Fellows and his crew plan to shoot the
June week exercises at West Point, May 30-
June 3, as background material for the pic-
ture.
Doorman Beaten
PHILADELPHIA — Emil Booker, 50-year-
old doorman at the Crescent Theatre, was
beaten unconscious Tuesday by four thugs
who attacked him near his home. Booker,
who is in Mercy hosiptal with a possible
skull fracture, told police that he ejected
a Negro from the theatre after several other
patrons complained that he was noisy, and
that the man threatened, “I’m going to
get you.” Booker was walking home from
work when a car containing four Negroes
pulled up to the curb. One of the men got
behind him and knocked him to the pave-
ment. They continued to beat him until he
was unconscious.
Lust Installs Nu-Screen
NEW YORK — Three Sidney Lust thea-
tres in Maryland, the Cheverly in Chev-
erly, the Kaywood in Mount Rainer and the
Hyattsville in Hyattsville, are installing the
concave-convex motion picture screen, Nu-
Screen. These installations are the first in
Maryland, according to Herman Gluckman,
president of Nu-Screen.
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
J
ALBANY
Tack Goldberg, manager of the MGM ex-
^ change here, went to Gloversville to close
a deal with Louis Schine of the Schine cir-
cuit and his chief buyer George Lynch. Gold-
berg also visited Cooperstown for a confer-
ence with William C. Smalley of Smalley
Theatres. Smalley recently returned from a
winter vacation in Florida.
William A. Scully, general sales manager
for Universal, and Fred Meyers, eastern di-
vision manager, were in the territory for
a huddle with Louis W. Schine. The three
met at the Ten Eyck hotel here. After the
conference Scully and Meyers went in
Schine’s Cadillac to the Union station, where
they boarded an evening train for New York.
Herman Ripps, new assistant to MGM’s
Eastern Division Manager Jack Byrne, spent
a week in the Boston territory. The Boston
exchange had been added to Ripps’ super-
vision before the appointment as field rep-
resentative. It is reported on Filmrow that
the new MGM setup will eliminate the title
of district manager. Ripps, who had Albany,
Buffalo, New Haven and Boston, now will go
into New York City as well. Ripps once op-
erated out of New York as a salesman.
Jack Ellis, United Artists district manager,
came to town for a huddle with Ray Wylie,
Albany representative, and conferences with
executives of several circuits, including Wil-
liam E. Benton Theatres in Saratoga, and
Max Friedman, chief buyer for Warners . . .
Bill Perry, United Artists salesman for Hud-
son river valley towns, was reported in
Albany for a huddle with Neil Heilman on a
drive in dates.
Sam Rosenblatt has booked “The Outlaw”
for a third engagement at the Lake, Lake
George. The picture played the Lake to
very big business for three days last summer,
came back later for a two-day repeat, and
then ran three days at Harry Lamont’s Lake
George Drive-In. It has been screened in
about 20 Albany area towns, most of them
small, and did exceptional business every-
where. The film has not played any cities in
this territory because of opposition from
the Legion of Decency, the Knights of Co-
lumbus, and the Evangelist, Albany Catholic
diocesan weekly.
Carl Nilman is making repairs to the
Valatie at Valatie . . . Mrs. Christopher
Buckley of the General Stark, Bennington,
Vt., spent a week in New York . . . Jack
Bullwinkle, Columbia manager, made a sell-
ing trip to Smalley headquarters in Coop-
erstown . . . George Goldberg, veteran War-
ner salesman, is ill and may have to undergo
surgery. Manager Ray Smith pinch-hit for
him on a swing through the north country.
Gene Vogel, U-I manager, hopped to Paw-
ling . . . Howard Goldstein, head booker at
RKO, flew to New York for one-day visit.
Goldstein is also vice-president and business
agent of F-43 . . . Andy Roy, manager of the
Stanley, Utica, has been drawing extra
business through three-day bookings of
name bands. He also spotted Freddie
Bartholomew of the films for an engagement.
Yentes to Albany Post
ALBANY — Stanley L. Yentes has been
promoted from the booking department in
the 20th Century-Fox New York exchange to
office manager and head booker of the
Albany branch. He replaces Tom Barry,
who resigned. Barry also had been a booker
for the company in New York before his ad-
vancement to head booker here, succeeding
Dan Houlihan, who became a salesman.
ON VACATION — Robert Young, who
recently finished work in “They Won’t
Believe Me” for RKO, reaches Manhattan
with Mrs. Young intent on some sight-
seeing.
Tent No. 9 to Hold Dinner
For Hollywood Delegates
ALBANY — Variety Club Tent 9 will hold
a “welcome back” dinner for delegates to the
recent Hollywood Variety clubs convention
at Jack’s restaurant on Monday night (June
2). Albany delegates to the convention in-
cluded C. J. Latta, Harry Lamont and Nate
Winig. A complete convention report will be
made by the delegates, according to Neil
Heilman, chief barker. A general member-
ship meeting will follow at the tent club
rooms.
Heilman also said the Albany tent annual
golf tournament will be held June 18 at the
Colonie Country club. Out-of-town guests,
including exhibitors and distributors, are ex-
pected to attend.
Two Mrs. Carrolls' Run
Tied In With Art Show
ALBANY — The third annual Greenwich
Village art show at Warners’ Strand drew
a total of 143 paintings, water colors, pastels
and crayons. The entries ranged from the
works of professionals to beginners, the ma-
jority being described as “good.” A com-
mittee from the Albany artists' group, which
cooperates with the Strand management, was
to select the best painting for a $50 prize.
Manager A1 La Flamme arranged the ex-
hibition in connection with the engagement
of “The Two Mrs. Carrolls.” The Knicker-
bocker News tied in.
Exhibitors Become Mayors
ALBANY — Frank Wieting of the Park
Theatre, Cobleskill, and Harvey English, with
a theatre in Hancock, have become mayors of
respective communities. Both have been ac-
tive in the civic and business life of their
small towns. English also owns houses at
Windsor and Roxbury. Another exhibitor,
Walter Keenholts of Altamont, who books for
the Masonic hall there, has served as mayor
of his village.
Abandon Theatre Project
ATLANTIC CITY — Plans for a theatre and
hotel, similar to several like structures in
Miami, to be erected in nearby Wildwood
Crest, were abandoned after property own-
ers descended upon the city commission and
protested against the rezoning on a beach
front section to allow the buildings. The
builders were listed as Bernard Solomon and
William C. Hunt.
Albany Barkers Plan
Big Golf Jamboree
ALBANY — Arthur Newman, Republic man-
ager, and Alton Mendelson, local business
man, are circulating a big card advertising
the annual Variety Club golf jamboree at
the Colonie Country club June 16. The start-
ing times for linksmen will be from noon
to 4:30 p. m. Following a tournament round
of 18 holes, dinner will be served. The fee
for the round and dinner, including enter-
tainment, will be $5 per person. No one is
eligible for the golf and door prizes unless he
or she holds a dinner ticket.
A handicap system, equally fair to low
qnd high scorers, will be followed. The prize
and handicap committee has chosen many
unusual methods of making awards, includ-
ing an abundance of prizes for dubs. Ar-
rangements also have been made to provide
afternoon fun for nongolfers. Dinner will
start at 7 p. m. and there will be a number
of door prizes. Reservations close June 7.
Many members and friends have donated
prizes this year as in the past. Newman and
Mendelson have invited those who want to
offer prizes to notify the committee.
Health Department's Short
Screened in 27 Theatres
ALBANY — A child safety trailer prepared
by the state health department’s office of
public health education was shown in 27
upstate theatres during the last week in
April and the first week in May, according
to a story in the latest issue of Health News,
publication of the department.
“One of the most effective means of pub-
licizing the campaign against accidents to
children,” said the Health News, “was the
preparation and distribution of a one-minute
motion picture trailer.” Tom Stowell, acting
director of the public health education di-
vision, supervised the production of the
short.
Plan 'Unfaithful' Tiein
With Cancer Campaign
ALBANY — Warner Bros.’ upstate offices
and the Strand are working to tiein the
Damon Runyon cancer fund drive with a
premiere of “Unfaithful” in June. They hope
to make an arrangement with local leaders
in the drive to sponsor a special showing of
the Ann Sheridan picture, the Runyon fund
to share in the profits. The Times-Union
carried Runyon’s column for years and ran
his life story in serial form after his death
a few months ago.
fummer Situations Opening
LAKE GEORGE, N. Y.— Sam Rosenblatt
has opened the Lake here on a part time
schedule. Morris Shulman planned to open
the Gaiety, Inlet, on Memorial day. He
usually has one or two changes weekly during
June, and goes to full-time operation in July.
Both Inlet and Lake George are Adirondack
mountain situations.
'Smash-Up' Good in Albany
ALBANY — “Smash-Up” drew good busi-
ness at the Strand. Women showed a strong
liking for the United Artists release, their
word of mouth comment building patronage.
"Voice of Theatre Speakers”
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
53
Says Film Competition
Keen in Singapore
NEW YORK— There is keen competition
for the film market in Singapore, with Ameri-
can and British pictures almost in: complete
control, according to Ong Chin Kun and
Paul Domingo, director and manager, re-
spectively, of the Malaya Film Service. The
company handles Monogram product in
Malaya, Siam, Borneo and Sarawak. They
feel the government might require theatre
owners to play a larger quota of British
product.
Both men are stopping off here for a few
weeks on their three-month trip around the
world.
The entertainment tax has been increased
in Singapore, and censorship is very strict,
particularly in regard to gunplay and nudity,
they said. Of ten shorts the Malaya com-
pany recently imported, six were thumbed
down by the censors.
The construction of several large theatres
is planned, but the lack of materials may
hold up the building program for several
years, they declared.
As far as production in the Far East is
concerned, Ong and Domingo said there are
two Chinese studios operating in Singapore,
with all other Chinese product coming from
Shanghai and Hongkong. Other pictures
playing in Malaya are produced in India
or Java and the Dutch East Indies. Oc-
casionally, they said, a picture in Javanese
or Balinese is released with English narra-
tion. The few Egyptian films released in
Malaya have been very unpopular, Ong and
Domingo declared, because of the songs and
dances in them. There are also several films
coming in from the Manila studios in the
Philippines.
Soviet Documentary Film
Opens at N.Y. Stanley
NEW YORK — “The Nuremberg Trials,” a
Soviet documentary film being released in the
U.S. by Artkino Pictures, opened at the Stan-
ley Theatre May 24. _
The feature-length documentary has been
distributed throughout the Soviet union since
last February and is currently being shown
in the Russian occupied zone in Germany.
'Dprsey' Set for Loew's
NEW YORK — “The Fabulous Dorseys”
(UA) will play the Loew’s metropolitan cir-
cuit early in June. The picture will open
at Loew’s State Theatre on May 29.
GOVERNOR BECOMES BARKER— A
gold membership card was presented to
Gov. W. Preston Lane jr. of Maryland
at a special induction ceremony of the
Baltimore Variety Club. Shown here pre-
senting the card is Fred Schanberger jr.,
chief barker. At the right is William K.
Saxton.
ON EASTERN FILM TREK— Gregory
Peck reaches LaGuardia Field. He has
come east to make scenes for Darryl F.
Zanuck’s 20th-Fox production, “Gentle-
man’s Agreement.” Mrs. Peck is on the
right. Anne Revere, who will have the
leading role in the film, is on the left.
REO's 13-Week Net Profit
Drops Off Around 33%
NEW YORK — Radio-Keith-Orpheum Corp.
and subsidiary companies reported a net
profit of $2,270,683 for the 13 weeks ended
March 29, 1947, after all charges and taxes.
This is a decrease of $1,405,270 under the net
profit for the first quarter of 1946, which was
$3,675,953.
Net profit for the 13-week period ended
last March is equal to 58 cents per share on
3,899,912 shares of common stock outstanding,
compared to 97 cents for the corresponding
period last year on 3,791.661 shares out-
standing.
Profit for the first quarter of this year was
$3,866,683, compared to $6,195,953 for the first
13 weeks of 1946.
Loew's Quarterly Dividend
NEW YORK — Directors of Loew’s, Inc.
have declared a quarterly dividend of 37%
cents per share on common stock, payable
June 30, 1947, to stockholders of record
June 13.
United California Heads
Confer With N. Y. Group
NEW YORK — Eugene Frenke, Robert
Cummings and Philip Yordan, representa-
tives of United California Productions, have
arrived from Hollywood to confer with Mess-
more Kendall, Frank Hale and Barbara Bos-
ton, officials of Discovery, Inc., who will rep-
resent them in the east and find talent and
story properties.
“Joe Macbeth,” first United production, is
slated to go before the cameras August 1
and the second, “The Glass Heart,” which
will star Cummings, will start about Septem-
ber 1. Both will be released by United
Artists.
Paramount Meetings
Held in Five Cities
NEW YORK — Five regional meetings were
held during the week by Paramount sales of-
ficials in connection with the 1947 “Celebrat-
ing 35 Years of Leadership” sales drive,
which will begin August 31.
Meetings in Boston and New York took
place under the supervision of Hugh Owen,
eastern and southern division sales man-
ager. Meetings in Dallas, Oklahoma City
and Memphis were supervised by J. J. Dono-
hue, central division sales manager.
SMPE Committees
For Session Named
NEW YORK — A special papers committee,
including four theatre circuit representatives,
has been named by Clyde R. Keith, editorial
vice-president of the Society of Motion Pic-
ture Engineers, to obtain papers from experts
for a theatre engineering conference. This
will be a feature of the 62nd semiannual con-
vention of the society, to be held at the Hotel
Pennsylvania October 20-24. Leonard Satz of
the Century circuit will act as committee
chairman and will be assisted by Seymour
Seider, Prudential Playhouses; Henry An-
derson, Paramount; Charles Bachman, War-
ner Theatres; Ben Schlanger, architect, and
D. E. Hyndman, Eastman Kodak.
The regular papers committee, under the
chairmanship of Gordon A. Chambers, will
solicit papers for the general sessions of the
convention. He will be assisted by Herbert
Barnett, New York; R. T. Van Niman, Chi-
cago; W. L. Simons, Hollywood, and H. S.
Walker, Montreal.
James Franks jr., chairman of the general
committee, has also appointed an exhibit com-
mittee consisting of W. W. Simons, Altec
Service Corp., chairman; Sidney B. Moss,
Amusement Supply Co., and J. W. Servies,
National Theatre Supply. Harry B. Braun of
Radio City Music Hall has been named pub-
lic address consultant.
Paramount Australian Men
Complete Stay in N. Y.
NEW YORK — Stanley H. Craig, general
manager for Paramount in New Zealand, and
William Hurworth jr., assistant- manager for
Sydney, Australia, have completed a 17-day
stay here during which they attended home
office conferences with George Weltner,
president of Paramount International, and
other executives.
Accompanied by Mrs. Craig, Craig ana
Hurworth will stop at various cities en route
to Hollywood, where they will visit the
Paramount studios. They will return to
Australia by air from San Francisco June 25.
Aileen Brenon to SRO
NEW YORK — Aileen Brenon, head of
magazine publicity for Paramount, has re-
signed her post effective June 6 to join the
advertising-publicity staff of Selznick Re-
leasing Organization. She has been with
Paramount for the last 15 years.
Holds WB Ad Meetings
NEW YORK — Harry Goldberg, director of
advertising and publicity for Warner Thea-
tres, held meetings with theatre managers
and advertising men in the Milwaukee and
Los Angeles areas during the week.
RIVOLI SIGNS UP— Morey Goldstein,
general sales manager of Allied Artists,
watches as Montague Salmon, managing
director of the Rivoli, signs a contract
to show Roy Del Ruth’s “It Happened
on Fifth Avenue” on an indefinite run.
54
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
( Hollywood Office — Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.; Ivan Spear, Western Manager)
Studio Workers Ballot
Smashes Peace Hopes
Autry Wins His Suit
To Nullify Contract
HOLLYWOOD— While at this late date it
is little more than a moral victory — and per-
haps one which might have a significant
bearing on future producer-star contractual
relationships — Gene Autry has emerged the
winner in his three-year court battle with
Republic. The California state supreme court
handed down a final ruling in the crooning
cowpoke’s favor in the action through which
he had sought to have his contract with the
studio nullified because of his wartime hitch
in the army.
The supreme court decision, which reversed
a ruling of the lower court, has no bearing on
Autry’s future film making status. While the
decision was pending the actor and the
studio got together in an amicable settlement
which provided that, regardless of what the
court’s final decision might be, Autry would
make two more films for Republic before
launching his own outfit, Gene Autry Pro-
ductions, which will release through Colum-
bia.
Levinson-Finney Enterprises, Inc., will con-
tinue to distribute their imported version of
“Bel Ami” as result of a decision handed
down by Judge Paul J. McCormick of the
United States district court. An order to
show cause was discharged and a temporary
injunction refused in an action brought
against Levinson-Finney and Mike J. Levin-
son and Edward Finney individually by Ca-
sino Film Exchange of New York. Joseph
Scheinman, plaintiff in the action, contended
he had exclusive rights to the film but the
defendants produced two copyright registra-
tions establishing their right to distribute the
imported films.
Case Against Joan Leslie
Goes to Supreme Court
HOLLYWOOD — Warner Bros, has been
granted a hearing before the California su-
preme court in its suit against Joan Leslie.
A year ago superior court Judge Alfred E.
Paonnessa rendered decision in favor of Miss
Leslie with respect to minors’ contracts. Sub-
sequently the California district court of
appeals upheld the lower court’s decision.
The lower court’s ruling was in effect that
an actor or actress upon attaining majority
was not bound by a contract entered as a
minor.
Signs Sam Wanamaker
HOLLYWOOD — Sam Wanamaker, director
and co-star of Ingrid Bergman’s Broadway
play, “Joan of Lorraine,” has been signed to
a seven-year acting contract by Producer
Milton Sperling, head of United States Pic-
tures. First assignment for Wanamaker is
the topline opposite Lilli Palmer in “Ever
the Beginning,” which will be released by
Warner Bros.
HOLLYWOOD — Just as the dove of peace
was hovering closely over Hollywood’s trou-
bled labor scene and seemed about to find
a permanent roosting place, the feathery
harbinger of tranquillity was scared away, and
settlement of the jurisdictional disputes from
which stemmed the current long-drawn strike
seemed as far away as ever.
Members of two groups belonging to the
Conference of Studio Unions-Motion Picture
Painters Local 644, and Screen Set Designers,
Illustrators and Decorators Local 1421, in
secret ballots overwhelmingly turned down a
proposition submitted by their international
officers which, if accepted, would have au-
thorized the international representatives to
take over negotiations with the producers
and effect the best possible settlement and
return-to-work terms.
The negative vote was in effect an ex-
THAT’S A LOT OF TICKETS— Vera
Stokes, 23, pretty Hollywoodian and for-
merly of Portland, Ore., won a jeweled
wrist watch from veteran Showman Sid
Grauman (with whom she is shown)
and a dinner and dancing date last night
with Don DeFore, one of the stars in “It
Happened on Fifth Avenue,” which was
showing at Grauman’s Chinese. The
watch and the date with a film star
were her rewards for being the 24 mil-
lionth person to buy a ticket at the
theatre which currently is celebrating
its 20th anniversary.
pression of confidence in Herbert Sorrell,
president of CSU, and keeps producer-union
negotiations in the hands of the local union
leaders.
Earlier, the producers met with representa-
tives of the set designers and the painters.
The producers repeated their position as to
recognizing Local 1421 as the collective bar-
gaining agent covering the following classifi-
cations of work — set designers, assistant set
designers, apprentice set designers, set model
builders, assistant set model builders, ap-
prentice set model builders, sketch artists,
assistant sketch artists, apprentice sketch
artists, assistant costume designers, costume
illustrators, and apprentice costume illustra-
tors.
PETITION BEFORE NLRB
The producers informed the Local 1421 rep-
resentatives that they were unable to bar-
gain with respect to interior decorators and
assistant interior decorators because there
is a petition before the NLRB filed by the
IATSE which seeks representation over these
two classifications of interior decorators. The
unionites further were told that when the
appropriate bargaining agent for interior dec-
orators and assistants has been determined
by the board the producers would bargain
with that designated agent.
Sorrell at that time took the position that
the employers would bargain for interior
decorators or none at all.
Olivia de Havilland. Lloyd Nolan and Ty-
rone Power have been appointed to the board
of directors of the Screen Actors Guild, re-
placing directors who resigned.
Membership of the Screen Extras Guild
re-elected the incumbent officers and mem-
bers of the board of directors, disclosed Exec-
utive Secretary H. O’Neil Shanks.
SDG RE-ELECTS GEORGE STEVENS
George Stevens was unanimously re-elected
to serve another year as president of the
Screen Directors Guild. Other chosen of-
ficers for 1947-48 were: Lewis Milestone, first
vice-president: John Huston, second vice-
president; George Sidney, secretary: George
Marshall, treasurer. The board of directors
in addition to the officers will include Frank
Capra, John Ford, Clarence Brown, Henry
King, Alfred E. Green, William Wyler, Leo
McCarey, William Wellman, Irving Pichel and
Billy Wilder.
Bill Elliott to Woodward
HOLLYWOOD— William “Bill” Elliott
planned to leave for Woodward, Okla., June 7
to appear there at a special tornado relief
show being given for those who suffered
losses in the recent Oklahoma tornadoes.
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
55
STUDIO PERSONNELITIES
Barnstormers
Metro
LAURITZ MELCHIOR will leave June 23 on a Hy-
ing trip to six eastern cities for open-air concerts.
Monogram
Jimmy Wakely, sagebrush singing star, opened his
personal appearance tour at the Palomar Theatre,
Seattle. From there * he will go to theatres in
Yakima, Portland and Longview.
Republic
DALE EVANS planed to San Francisco to begin
a series of personal appearances, first of which
will be at the Golden Gate Theatre there. From
San Francisco she is slated to go to Chicago where
she has been booked to apoear for two weeks at
the Oriental.
Blurbers
Columbia
Reorganization of the studio publicity department
was effected by Lou Smith, who returned as head
man following his resignation as publicity chief for
Liberty Films. Chip Cleary, who had taken over
Smith's job at Liberty, and Jimmy O'Toole of En-
terprise were added to the pay roll while those
leaving the lot include Bob Sill, Charlie Webb, Bill
Watters and Jack Daily.
Metro
FRED STANLEY will serve as publicity head for
Sierra Pictures, the Walter Wanger-Ingrid Bergman-
Victor Fleming company, that is to make "Joan of
Arc," with Miss Bergman in the title role.
Monogram
Advertising campaign on the King Bros.' produc-
tion, "The Gangster," an Allied Artists release, will
be handled by the Buchanan and Co. ad agency.
United Artists
WALTER COMPTON signed to head the publicity
department of Triangle Films. Sam Abarbanel, pub-
licity head of Seymour Nebenzal's Nero Films, has
been handling Triangle as a side job and with the
advent of Compton will devote his entire time to
Nero.
Briefies
Paramount
Ken Carpenter set as narrator of Jerry Fairbanks'
two-reeler, "Our Friends," one of the Speaking of
Animals series.
Cleffers
Columbia
Cleffing chore for "Bulldog Drummond Strikes
Back" handed MISCHA BAKALEINIKOFF.
Metro
Musical score assignment on "Alias a Gentle-
man," starring Wallace Beery, given DAVID SNELL.
Paramount
TROY SANDERS assigned as musical adviser of
“Whispering Smith."
Loanouts
Universal-International
JULIE LONDON borrowed from Producer Sol Les-
ser for featured role in the Walter Wanger produc-
tion "Tap Roots." Van Heflin and Susan Hayward
star in the feature.
Meggers
Columbia
FRANK McDONALD ticketed for megging chore on
“When a Girl's Beautiful" which Wallace Mac-
Donald produces.
Republic
"Pride of Kentucky," an original by Jerry Sack-
heim; "City Slicker," also by Sackheim and “Hide-
out," by John K. Butler, assigned to Associate
Producer SIDNEY PICKER.
20th Century-Fox
Option lifted on contract of Producer MACK GOR-
DON, who is propping “Wabash Avenue" and
"Missouri Waltz."
Directorial chore on "That Was a Woman," which
Marcel Heilman will produce in London, handed
TIM WHALEN.
LLOYD BACON, veteran director, inked to new
long-term contract to handle the megging chores
on two pictures a year. He is currently shooting
“Off to Buffalo," Nancy Guild-Dan Dailey starrer.
JAMES TINLING signed to meg Sharecropper Sol
Wurtzel's production “Roses Are Red."
Options
Columbia
ANNA Q. NILSSON, star of the silent film era,
added to the cast of the Ginger Rogers-Cornel Wilde
starrer “It Had to Be You."
Femme topline opposite Gerald Mohr in "The
Lone Wolf in London" set for NANCY SAUNDERS.
BOBBY BLAKE, moppet who plays Little Beaver,
ticketed for featured role in initialer for Gene Autry
Productions, "The Last Round-Up." JOHN HAL-
LORAN inked for featured role.
Role in “The Black Arrow" assigned GEORGE
MACREADY. Grant Whytock will act as associate
producer for Producer Edward Small.
STEPHEN DUNNE ticketed for role in "When a
Girl's Beautiful."
Romantic lead in the Charles Starrett-Smiley Bur-
nette western, "Buckaroo From Powder River,"
slated for PAUL CAMPBELL.
Supporting role in Cornell Pictures' "The Double
Take" slated for TOM POWERS.
EVELYN ANKERS ticketed for one of two femme
toplines opposite Gerald Mohr in "The Lone Wolf
in London."
Metro
GERO MALY, European comedian, inked for fea-
tured role in “The Kissing Bandit" which Joe
Pasternak produces.
RED SKELTON and KEENAN WYNN will be teamed
in "The Red Mill," screen version of Victor Herbert's
operetta which will be produced by Samuel Marx.
DICK SIMMONS added to cast of “On an Island
With You," a Jimmy Durante starrer.
RENE RAY, English actress, assigned role in "If
Winter Comes," a Walter Pidgeon-Deborah Kerr
starrer. Supporting role handed JOHN ABBOTT,
English actor.
Paramount
EDWARD G. ROBINSON inked to topline in "Night
Has a Thousand Eyes," novel by George Hopley.
Yarn is a psychological drama and tells the story
of a man who has the powers of prevision. The
gift turns to tragedy when he foresees the death
of the woman he loves, and years later he is under
suspicion when a scheme to murder her daughter
is unearthed. John Farrow will direct. One of the
top spots ticketed for JOHN LUND.
WILLIAM HAADE set for featured patt in Pine-
Thomas' "Big Town After Dark." JOHN TRAVIS
joins cast.
RKO Radio
EDGAR BERGEN inked to portray lovelorn Nor-
wegian undertaker in George Stevens’ production of
“I Remember Mama." HOPE LANDIN and EDITH
EVANSON, character actresses, handed featured
roles.
Signed recently to a long-term contract, DANTE
FERRANTE has been cast in "Return of the Bad-
men " ROBERT ARMSTRONG and TOM TYLER join
cast.
Republic
Moppet PATTY KING inked for featured role in
the Charles K. Feldman-Lewis Milestone production
"The Red Ponv." Role of "Tom" ticketed for nine-
year-oLT PETER MILES.
STEPHANIE BACHELOR had option on her contract
picked up for another year.
Screen Guild
JOEL FLUELLEN signed by Somerset Pictures for
role in “The Burning Cross."
20th Century-Fox
JOHN GARFIELD toplines with Gregory Peck in
Darryl Zanuck's personally supervised production,
"Gentleman's Agreement."
LLOYD NOLAN inked for supporting role in the
Technicolor production, "Green Grass of Wyoming, "
in which Peggy Cummins, Chgrles Coburn and Burl
Ives hold the top roles.
Role in the Tyrone Power starrer "Nightmare
Alley" handed ESTHER BRODELET. George Jessel
produces.
United Artists
Feature roles in Triangle Productions' “Sleep, My
Love" handed KEYE LUKE and MARIA SAN MARCO.
Universal-International
AUDREY YOUNG ticketed for femme topline, re-
placing Patricia Alphin originally slated for the
role, in the Abbott and Costello comedy, “The
Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap." Miss Alphin underl
went an appendectomy which necessitated her giving
up the part
Topline in Producer Mark Hellinger's “Homicide"
handed DOROTHY HART, first role under her new
U-I contract. HOWARD DUFF given romantic lead
opposite Miss Hart.
Supporting role in the William Powell starrer
“The Senator Was Indiscreet," handed RAY COL-
LINS. Nunnally Johnson produces and George S.
Kaufman directs.
Warners
SHIRLEY TEMPLE inked for title role in "Mary
Hdgen." Picture is based on Edith Robert's novel
“That Hagen Girl." Peter Godfrey directs for Pro-
ducer Alex Gottlieb.
Cast additions to “Whiplash" include WALLY
ROSE, LARRY ANVALONE and PAUL BAXLEY.
TOM DILLON and MARTIN BERLINER signed by
Producer Milton Sperling for his United States Pic-
tures' production "Ever the Beginning." STELLA
ADLER, CHARLES JORDON and GEORGE SHER-
WOOD added to the cast.
Scripters
Columbia
JACK HENLEY inked to scribble original story to
serve as the basis for the 22nd picture in the
Blondie series, starring Penny Singleton and Arthur
Lake.
Screenplay assignment on “The Gallant Blade"
handed WALTER FERRIS. Irving Starr produces this
cloak-and-sword film based on a Dumas story.
Scripting assignment on "The Crime Doctor's
Gamble" handed EDWARD BOCK who will col-
laborate with Jerry Warner.
RKO Radio
LAWRENCE KIMBLE assigned to write script for
"Mystery in Mexico," which Sid Rogell will pro-
duce.
Republic
Scripting assignment on “Wake of the Red Witch"
handed LAWRENCE HAZARD.
Story Buys
Enterprise
“Proud Destiny," forthcoming novel by Lion
Feuchtwanger, acquired and set as Producer-Direc-
tor Lewis Milestone's first production under his new
contract. Yarn is a classic story of the great love
of the French dramatist Beaumarchais and the
Actress Desiree.
Republic
“California Firebrand," an original screenplay by
Royal Cole, acquired and assigned to Associate Pro-
ducer Mel Tucker as the third in the series of
Trucolor musical westerns starring Monte Hale and
Adrian Booth.
United Artists
United California Productions acquired "Bull-
head," Saturday Evening Post story by Charles
Marquis Warren. It is the story of a sports editor
of a metropolitan daily whose nickname provides
the title.
Universal -International
Cameraman CURLEY LINDEN borrowed from Para-
mount to lens the Walter Wanger production "Tap
Roots" which co-stars Van Heflin and Susan Hay-
ward.
Warners
Editor chore on "Maty Hagen," Ronald Reagan-
Shirley Temple -starrer, handed DAVE WEISBART.
Technically
Metro
SIDNEY WAGNER named head cameraman on
“Virtuous."
Assistant directorial chore on “The High Wall"
given AL RABOCH. BOB BARNES named unit man-
ager on the picture. Chief lenser and art director's
chore handed PAUL VOGEL and LEONID VAS7AN,
respectively.
AL JENNINGS set as assistant director on "On
an Island With You." CHARLES ROSHER assigned
chief cinematographer.
EDDIE IMAZU named art director on the Mickey
Rooney starrer "Killer McCoy.”
RKO Radio
Assistant director chore on George Stevens' pro-
duction "I Remember Mama" given JOHN MORRIS.
20th Century-Fox
LEE GARMES, borrowed from David O. Selznick
to handle the lensing chore on Producer George
Jessel's "Nightmare Alley.”
Title Changes
Monogram
SONG OF MY HEART set as final handle for the
production formerly known as "Tragic Symphony."
20th Century-Fox
New title for Independent Producer Sol M. Wurt-
zel's production "Flamingo" is THE INVISIBLE WALL.
Western Into Covina
COVINA, CALIF. — Operation of the
Covina Theatre has been taken over by
Western Amusements. The big circuit bought
the house from William E. Knotts, who has
operated it for 18 years.
56
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Cinecolor Capacity
Grows 65 Per Cent
HOLLYWOOD — Cinecolor’s production ca-
pacity increased by 65 per cent in one month,
it was revealed by William T. Crespinel, com-
pany president, the upped figure being for
the four-week period ending June 6, as com-
pared with a similar period ending May 10.
Crespinel further said that the company’s
Burbank plant now has a capacity of ap-
proximately 6,000,000 feet of film per month
which will increase to 9,000,000 when the
current expansion program is completed.
Cinecolor’s capacity two years ago was 500,-
000 feet of film per month.
Academy's Music Branch
Revises Eligibility Rules
HOLLYWOOD — At the first meeting of the
music branch of the Academy of Motion Pic-
ture Arts and Sciences since the recent elec-
tion, important revisions in eligibility re-
quirements for music honors in future Acad-
emy awards were presented by the music
branch projects committee. Committee mem-
bers are Eddie Powell, 20th-Fox, chairman;
Constantin Bakaleinikoff, RKO; Ted Cain,
Society of Independent Motion Picture Pro-
ducers; Robert Dolan, Paramount; Cy Feuer,
Republic; Irving Friedman, Eagle-Lion; Ray
Heindorf, Warner; Rudolph Kopp, MGM;
Rudolph Polk, Enterprise; Milton Schwartz-
wald, U-I, and Charles Wolcott, Disney.
It was recommended that the committee
make a study to change music title credits
on future pictures in order to give proper rec-
ognition to traditional music when it is used
as basic theme music by the composer of the
film score. The membership went on official
record as opposing the practice of being given
sole credit for a musical score for which they
have partially provided original music to ac-
company previously composed melodies.
It was voted to supply the U. S. Library of
Congress with musical scores of all pictures
nominated for Academy music awards.
Work to Start in Europe
On 'Life of Valentino'
HOLLYWOOD — After having shuttled
around on Edward Small Productions’ future
slate for several years, “The Life of Rudolph
Valentino” apparently is approaching the
starting gate at last. A second unit company
plans to start shooting background material
for the film July 9 in Italy and then Paris
and London. Crew will sail from New York
on the SS Satumia June 23. Despite this
promising development, a mummer to portray
the late screen star is still not selected.
Coronet Opens
HOLLYWOOD — After several construction
delays the Coronet Theatre opened here with
the showing of Greta Garbo in “Camille,”
first picture in the series sponsored by the
newly organized Hollywood Film society. Fol-
lowing a two-day run of “Camille,” the so-
ciety presented a program of four Chaplin
comedies as part of its History of Film
series. Bell & Howell’s new type of 16mm
arc projection is being employed by the new
theatre in conjunction with special Altec-
Lansing sound equipment.
Drive-In for Monrovia
MONROVIA, CALIF.— Plans have been
disclosed here for a drive-in theatre to be
built by the Edwards Theatre Corp. on a
14-acre plot of ground at the intersection
of Live Oak avenue and Peck road.
LIKE Mark Twain’s weather, Hollywood’s
Communistic leanings — if any — seem
destined for an eternal maximum of talk
and minimum of action. But unlike that con-
stant palaver anent the elements, the verbal
search for Reds lurking in the Hollywoodlands
can do great harm to the industry. At the
same time its further hackneyed pursuit easily
can defeat its own purpose and entirely frus-
trate any sincere, democratic intentions which
might be motivating the would-be exposers of
subversive factions in the film capital.
Came to an end the ten-day probe of Cine-
mania by Rep. J. Parnell Thomas and his
committee on un-American activities. If pub-
licity seeking was the prime object of the
inquiry — and many observers of the Thomas
group and its modus operandi opined that
such was the case — the witch hunt was a
glowing success; a space-snatching field day,
in fact, not only for Representative Thomas
and his entourage but for the many of film-
dom’s top names who appeared to testify and
on whose behalf every precaution was taken
to make sure that they be designated as
“friendly witnesses.”
But despite the impressiveness of those wit-
nesses and despite the columns of printed re-
ports on the inquiry, much of which was
patently ludicrous, there was absolutely no
indication of discovery of widespread un-
American activities in the celluloid vineyards.
It is possible, of course, that Representative
Parnell is awaiting the final, coup de grace
meeting of his committee, scheduled to be
held in Washington in June, before disclosing
details of the damning testimony supplied by
his parade of glittering “friendly witnesses.”
Nonetheless, local railbirds who have wit-
nessed several similar preceding investiga-
tions come and go are betting that the con-
gressman and his cohorts failed to uncover
any double-dyed plot to have Hollywood
secede from the nation to become one of the
USSR. In fact, they might even risk a few
bob on the proposition that nary an arrest,
nary an indictment or nary a trial will result
from the Thomas Hollywood jaunt — made,
presumably, at taxpayers’ expense.
Perhaps the most ridiculous tidbit to
emerge from the probe was the report that
actor Robert Taylor had testified that he
had been pressured by a “representative of
the War Production board” into accepting the
male lead in MGM’s “Song of Russia.” That
droll attestation was so completely refuted in
a resultant statement by Louis B. Mayer that
further discounting seems unnecessary.
Also worthy of consideration was the logic
contained in a statement by Emmet Lavery,
president of the Screen Writers Guild, which
declaration was an answer to Congressman
Thomas’ charge that “90 per cent of Com-
munist infiltration in Hollywood is to be
found among screen writers.”
Another manifestation of the inconsistent
and hysterical heights to which is being car-
ried the fanatical search for a Red behind
every Hollywood bush is the review on RKO
Radio’s “The Farmer’s Daughter” which ap-
peared in Tidings, official organ of the Catho-
lic diocese of Los Angeles.
Although the Catholic Legion of Decency
gave the Dore Schary production its top rat-
ing as to acceptability (Unobjectionable for
Adults and Children), and although he him-
self appraised the picture as “good,” William
H. Mooring, film reviewer for Tidings, opined,
“ ‘Katie for Congress,’ the play by Juhni
Tervataa, adapted to the screen, under this
innocent - sounding title (“The Farmer’s
Daughter”) by Allen Rivkin and Laura Kerr,
becomes ‘Katie for Communism’ if you care
to look at it squarely.” Such appraisal ap-
peared under a headline, “ ‘Katie for Com-
munism’ in Hilarious Comedy.”
In view of the Catholic church’s position on
Communism, the paradoxical Tidings’ review
is self-evident.
And irresistible is one last word about Dr.
John R. Lechner, he who, in one easy lesson,
became a full-fledged member of Hollywood’s
neck-out fraternity. It readily will be recalled
that Dr. Lechner, in his first public appear-
ance after assuming the directorship of the
extreme-rightist Motion Picture Alliance,
named a list of ten pictures — headed by Sam-
uel Goldwyn’s “The Best Years of Our Lives”
—which were to be reported to the Thomas
committee as purveyors of Communist propa-
ganda. The storm of protest from all quar-
ters engendered by that initial Lechnerian
plaint needs no recapitulation.
Ergo: Dr. Lechner is no longer director of
MPA.
There are other examples to establish that
the professional hunters of Reds within the
industry have wolf-cried themselves into a
position where further discussion and addi-
tional viewing- with-alarm will make a farce
of the entire situation. If one may be per-
mitted the jargon of the poolroom, the time
has come for them to put up or shut up.
>•
Inform Howard Strickling’s Rover Boys, “In
connection with exploitation of ‘The Yearling’
opening at London’s Empire Theatre, a live
deer has been flown across the Atlantic, a
gift by the children of the State of New York
to the children of London.”
Considering the food situation in Britain,
they should have sent along a recipe for ven-
ison a la chasseur.
IN A RUT DEPARTMENT
Alex Evelove division.
“Joseph Crehan, who has played President
Grant nine times in his acting career, went
before the camera in the familiar role once
more at Warners in the Errol Flynn-Ann
Sheridan starrer, ‘Silver River.’ ”
>
From Gallup, N. M., comes a press-stopping
dispatch filed by Bob Taplinger’s publicity
representative on location with the Enter-
prise - Harry Sherman production, “They
Passed This Way.”
It seems that George Budany, mayor of
Gallup, in official proclamation, requested all
citizens to forego baths for two days so that
there could be enough water on hand in the
event a fire sequence being shot should get
out of hand.
With memory of New Mexico’s summer cli-
mate, fervently it is hoped that the picture’s
final aroma will not approximate that of the
Gallupians after two bathless days.
>■
“DE MILLE HONORED
BY VENICE FESTIVAL”
— George Brown headline.
By him a gondola should be becoming.
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
57
J^ONALD M. NELSON, president of the So-
ciety of Independent Motion Picture Pro-
ducers, entrained for New York and Wash-
ington to spend two weeks on SIMPP busi-
ness. He plans to meet with the American
Bar Ass’n ^president, Harold Rix, and the
ABA committee which is investigating the ef-
fects of screen, air shows and newspaper
strips in their relation to the increase in
crime in the United States.
* * *
In town from his New York headquarters
for discussions regarding production on
“Texas, Heaven and Brooklyn” was Edward
A. Golden, head of United Artists sharecrop-
ping outfit, Golden Productions.
* * *
Producer Seymour Nebenzal, head of Nero
Films, another UA producing outfit, accom-
panied by Attorney Herbert Silverberg and
Publicity Director Sam Abarbanel, planed
out for Manhattan with a print of Nebenzal’s
latest feature, “Heaven Only Knows,” for
screening for UA home office executives.
* » *
Jesse Lasky, RKO Radio independent pro-
ducer, entrained for Chicago and New York
where he plans to line up additional actresses
for tests before selecting the player for the
femme topline in his forthcoming produc-
tion. "Miracle of the Bells.”
* * *
Following a three-week business trip to
New York, John Harkins, director of advertis-
ing and publicity for Riskin Productions, was
back at his desk.
* * *
After a month’s stay in England, Ben Goetz,
MGM executive, returned to the studio. While
in Britain he checked on the company
productions in that country.
* * *
Universal toppers who arrived from their
New York headquarters included J. Cheever
Cowdin, chairman of the board of directors,
and Nate Blumberg, president of the com-
pany. Blumberg plans to remain here fbr
the summer.
Huddling at Eagle-Lion were President
Arthur Krim, who trained in from his New
York headquarters, and Bryan Foy, vice-
president in charge of production, who re-
turned from a Mexico trip. J. Arthur Rank,
head of the British company bearing his
name, and Robert R. Young, who handles
the controls of Pathe Industries, parent com-
pany of E-L, also were in town for these
conferences.
* * -y
Spyros Skouras, president of 20th-Fox, ac-
companied by his assistant Lem Jones planed
in for conferences. They were accompanied
by E. V. Richards, head of the Paramount-
Richards circuit in New Orleans, one of the
leaders in setting up the Motion Picture
foundation . . . Joseph Mankiewicz, 20th-
Fox director, left for Manhattan, where he
will attend the premiere of his film, ‘‘The
Ghost and Mrs. Muir.”
* * *
Colin Miller, assistant to President Charles
Einfeld at Enterprise, checked back at his
desk after two weeks in New York.
* * *
Mitchell Hamilburg, vice-president of Gene
Autry Productions, sharecropping outfit at
Columbia, returned to his desk after a week
in Gotham where he conferred with A. Mon-
tague, Columbia sales chief, regarding dis-
tribution of the Autry pictures.
❖ * *
Geo'ge Bilson, RKO short subjects pro-
ducer, was in New York for conferences with
Ned Depinet, executive vice-president in
charge of distribution, and Harry Michalson,
eastern short subjects manager.
* * *
Ben Lyon, 20th-Fox executive talent di-
rector, and his wife, Bebe Daniels, Eagle-Lion
producer, went to Chicago for personal ap-
pearances.
* * *
In from their New York headquarters for
studio conferences were John M. Whitaker,
RKO vice-president, and S. Barret McCor-
mick, director of publicity and advertising.
They were accompanied by two executives
from Foote, Cone and Belding’s Gotham of-
fice, William E. Berchtold, executive vice-
president in charge of plans, and Harold
Webber, vice-president in charge of research.
* * *
Merian C. Cooper, president of Argosy
Pictures, independent producing outfit at
RKO, returned from Honolulu. Cliff Lewis,
that company's publicity director, headed for
Manhattan for a month of huddles with
RKO’s executives on budget and schedules
for Argory’s lates production, “The Fugi-
tive.”
* * *
Jack Cohn, vice-president of Columbia Pic-
tures, trained in from his New York head-
quarters for conferences.
* * *
Si Borus, contract manager for Monogram
and Allied Artists in New York, planed in
for a week of conferences on contract mat-
ters with William Z. Porter, who holds a
similar position at the studio.
* * *
Joyce O’Hara, executive assistant to Eric
Johnston, president of the Motion Picture
Ass’n, flew in ahead of Johnston, who also
arrived by plane, for the luncheon honoring
J. Arthur Rank and Robert R. Young of Pathe
Industries.
Stars to Mexico City
For Spring Fiesta
HOLLYWOOD — Off-campus activities of
Hollywoodians took on an international tone
when, responding to an invitation from the
Mexican government, a slice of top talent flew
by chartered plane to Mexico City to parti-
cipate in the Mexican government’s annual
charity Fiesta de Primavera for benefit of
the milk fund for undernourished children.
A highlight of the springtime festival was
a one-night charity premiere of “The Best
Years of Our Lives,” selected by the Mexi-
can government and donated for the occasion
by Producer Samuel Goldwyn.
Making the goodwill junket were Brian
Donlevy and John Payne from 20th-Fox;
Joan Caulfield and Olga San Juan from
Paramount; Robert Walker, Gloria De Haven,
Marie McDonald and Betty Garrett from
MGM; Jane Greer from RKO; Danny Kaye,
Virginia Mayo and Cathy O’Donnell from
Goldwyn; Ann Miller and Larry Parks from
Columbia, and Ann Blyth from Universal-
International.
Alejandro Buelna jr„ head of the Mexican
government tourist department, whose re-
quest for Hollywood participation was ap-
proved by the Association of Motion Picture
Producers’ International committee and the
Hollywood Coordinating committee, plans to
make the charity showing of each year’s
Academy award-winning picture an annual
event for the festival.
Cheyenne Receives
Two Big Premieres
HOLLYWOOD — When the promoters of
out-of-town premieres decide to give a com-
munity a tumble they don’t fool. Conse-
quently Cheyenne, Wyo., which the debut im-
presarios have been overlooking for many
years, drew a double dose of Hollywood
glamor. A coincidence in title was respon-
sible for the sudden recognition given the
Wyoming metropolis.
Republic’s “Wyoming,” starring William
Elliott, Vera Ralston and John Carroll, will
make its world bow in Cheyenne July 23
in connection with the celebration of that
city’s annual Frontier Days celebration. Mort
Goodman, director of publicity for Republic
studio, went to Denver to work out premiere
plans with Rick Ricketson and Frank Davis,
executive of Fox Intermountain Theatres,
which circuit operates Cheyenne theatres.
The gala debut will follow closely on the
heels of a similar glamorfest in connection
with Warners’ “Cheyenne,” which also was
given a world premiere in the city from
which it derived its name.
Approximately 15,000 persons attended the
premiere at the Lincoln, Paramount and
Princess theatres. Dennis Morgan, Janis
Paige and Jack Carson made personal ap-
pearances at the trio of houses in succession.
A representative of high-ranking army and
air corps officers was to be on hand for
the world premiere of “Thunderbolt,” docu-
mentary feature filmed in Technicolor by
William Wyler during World War II. The
picture, to be released by Monogram through
arrangement with Carl Krueger Productions
and the United States army air forces, has
a special introduction by Jimmy Stewart.
The premiere was set for June 4 at the Am-
bassador Theatre and will be part of the of-
ficial agendum of the Aviation Writers Ass’n
of America, whose 120 members were to hold
their annual convention in Los Angeles June
1 to 5.
Henry Henigson to Handle
Independents for Metro
HOLLYWOOD — Henry Henigson, veteran
production executive, has been named MGM’s
representative and liaison man between the
company and independent production units
which will distribute through Metro. A few
minor details are still to be ironed out be-
fore the actual signing of the contract. First
assignment under the new deal will be on
Walter Wanger’s Sierra Pictures production,
“Joan of Arc.” Henigson was at one time
general manager for Universal and recently
resigned a similar post with Howard Hughes’
California Pictures.
Western Circuit Building
House in Springfield, Ore.
SPRINGFIELD, ORE. — Construction is
under way on a theatre building here for
Western Amusements. The company also
owns the McKenzie here through a recent
purchase. The new house will be about the
same size as the McKenzie.
Vernon Clark to Produce
HOLLYWOOD— Vernon Clark, ex-GI and
assistant to sharecropper Harry Sherman at
Enterprise, has been upped to a producer-
ship by Sherman and will serve in that ca-
pacity on Bret Harte’s “Tennessee’s Partner,”
next Sherman production to go into work.
Clark has been associated with Sherman since
his discharge from the army in 1945 and cur-
rently is working on “They Passed This Way,”
now on location in Gallup, N. M.
58
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Competition Gets Stiff
In Salt Lake District
DENVERITES DETERMINED — A spirit of enthusiasm swept the Celebrating
35 Years of Leadership meeting in the Paramount exchange at Denver, which was
addressed by Harold Wirthwein, drive captain, who is second from the right in the
rear of the photograph. The celebration starts August 31, but preliminary plans are
being formulated now. Hugh Braly, western district manager, is fourth from right
in the rear, while Branch Manager C. J. Bell is at extreme left in the rear row.
SALT LAKE CITY — Show business in the
Salt Lake, Provo and Ogden area last week
ran into unprecedented competition to cut
falling grosses even more.
Theatres in this area had this to contend
with: A nearby summer resort opened, night
baseball games opened for the season, Orson
Welles and a troupe presented “Macbeth”
in the University of Utah stadium as a cen-
tennial attraction, canyon resort spots of-
ficially opened, and a centennial “Message
of the Ages” pageant, which is being pre-
sented free, continued to attract nearly 5,000
persons a night.
JUST A BEGINNING
But the headaches for theatre operators
of this area are just beginning. Next Mon-
day <2) the midway at the state fairgrounds
here will be opened to the public, the ice
follies will begin an undetermined run at
the fairgrounds on the same day, the pageant
will continue beyond its originally sched-
uled closing time, a new pageant will be
opened in the University stadium to run
through the summer, rodeos are scheduled
in Salt Lake City, Ogden and Provo, wres-
tling and boxing matches apparently will
continue throughout the summer in Salt Lake
City, and numerous other events connected
with the centennial will open within the next
few days.
This unprecedented competition is a re-
sult of Utah’s celebration of its Centennial.
Aside from the wholly legitimate shows being
presented in conjunction with the celebra-
tion, there are several attractions being
brought in, claiming Centennial committee
backing, and cashing in on the affair.
THEATREMEN COMPLAIN
Theatres in the three largest cities of the
area, Salt Lake, Ogden and Provo, are suf-
fering horribly, according to some showmen.
Grosses are down 30 to 50 per cent in some
cases. Showhouses in smaller towns in the
area also are suffering. It is only 84 miles
from Provo to Ogden, and Salt Lake City is
in between. This means an area of 150 miles
from north to south, the most densely pop-
ulated in the Salt Lake exchange territory,
is now being deluged with various shows and
attractions in numbers to give the more than
350,000 persons of the area several places to
spend their money.
Add to the aforementioned attractions
opening of three drive-in theatres in the
region and plans to open three more and you
really have some headaches to offer opera-
tors of showhouses. Exhibitors of the area
are buying up all the aspirin they can find.
The loud groans every time a new attraction
opens in this area come from the showmen.
OPERA TROUPE, TOO
Another blow to theatre business came
this week with announcement that the
American Savoy Comic Opera Co. would
bring a troupe into Salt Lake to present a
series of Gilbert and Sullivan operas at the
fair grounds beginning June 6. It is ex-
pected this company will be in Salt Lake for
several weeks, drawing more blood from the
flickers.
One circuit manager noted the effect of
the Salt Lake shows was being felt all
through the southern part of Utah and
northward into southern Idaho. The pageant
in the tabernacle in Salt Lake, he pointed
out, is receiving publicity through the ward
bishops of the Mormon church. The pag-
eant, being a church offering, naturally is
being pushed by the church, and since much
of this area is Mormon-populated, the attrac-
tions are receiving free publicity through the
bishops. This, needless to say, is something
with which theatremen cannot compete. In
fact, in some cases, they run trailers on
their screen, advertising the Centennial at-
tractions so they can keep the goodwill of
the community. Also, theatremen are
champing under a self-imposed gag. They
realize that to point out the harmful effect
to established theatre business from so many
entertainment attractions might win them
the enmity of many people who matter.
Again, showmen point out that all the
Centennial business coming in here is di-
rected at the theatres. There are no Cen-
tennial-sponsored motor tours to show off
the beauties of the state, and other estab-
lished businesses are not meeting with the
competition it has been the fate of the thea-
tremen to suffer.
Leo, Monogram Take Bows
For Runs in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES— Both MGM and Mono-
gram were taking bows for the respective
number of bookings they were enjoying in
first run houses during Memorial day week.
Four MGM pictures were playing de luxe
local engagements: “The Great Waltz” at
the Four Star; “Undercover Maisie” and
“My Brother Talks to Horses” at the Egyp-
tian, Los Angeles, and Wilshire; and “Little
Mr. Jim” at Loew’s State.
Allied Artists and Monogram had five
films in first runs: “It Happened on Fifth
Avenue” and “Fall Guy” were at Loew’s
State, Chinese, Uptown and Loyola. “The
Guilty” and “Violence” were at the Million
Dollar, and “Decoy” at the United Artists.
Theatre-Poor Puente
Has Visions of Plenty
Puente, Calif. — This Los Angeles county
town, which has never had a theatre of
its own, is surprised at the possibility of
having three of them before long. Steve
Chorak has announced plans to build one
as soon as OPA building restrictions are
lifted, L. W. Moses and Vincent Hinnen-
kamp, who say they have a site selected,
have asked the Chamber of Commerce
for guidance in building another, and
Harold Pearson is trying . to overcome
opposition to a proposed drive-in.
Expect Counteroffer
To IAs Local 150
LOS ANGELES — Demands of Projection-
ists Local 150, IATSE, for a 32 per cent pay
increase and improved working conditions
will be given further consideration June 16
when the Union’s negotiating committee
again meets with representatives of circuit
and independent theatres concerned with
the pact.
Local 150’s current contract, which cov-
ered a two-year period, expires June 20.
The new pact being sought by the boothmen
is for one year only.
Attending the first negotiations huddle
over the upcoming contract, held in the
headquarters of Fox West Coast Theatres,
were Wallace Crowley, president; Georgs
Schaffer, business agent; Charles Vencill,
secretary; George Evans and Don Gallant,
representing the union; and George Bowser,
Dick Dickson, Joseph Tuohy and John
Hughes, FWC; Marco Wolff, Fanchon and
Marco; M. A. Anderson, RKO Hillstreet;
Rodney Pantages, Pantages; Cliff Giesseman,
Music Halls; and Paul Williams, general
counsel of Southern California Theatre
Owners.
At the June 16 conclave, representatives
of the theatres are expected to confront union
officials with a counteroffer. Meanwhile,
the union leaders made known their inten-
tions of surveying existent projectionists’
contracts in other cities as far east as
Chicago.
Two Drive-Ins Projected
In Richland, Wash., Area
RICHLAND, WASH.— Two drive-in thea-
tres are in the offing here. One of them
will be built by Midstate Amusement Corp.,
which also operates the Richland and Vil-
lage theatres here and 15 others in the state,
and the other will be built by a company
composed of Fred W. Hair and George
Featherstone of Walla Walla and Sheldon
Wilson of Spokane. The latter outfit already
has one drive-in under construction at Walla
Walla and Midstate also has announced one
for that community. The Hair-Featherstone-
Wilson outfit plans a 700-car layout and
Midstate is planning to build one for 800
cars.
Role for Moppet
Republic has inked moppet Patty King for
a featured role in “The Red Pony.”
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
W
59
SAN FRANCISCO
Toe Longo, publicist for RKO, did a tre-
mendous job on “The Farmers Daughter.”
He' selected daughters of four farmers in the
area, placed them on cars and floats, and
paraded them around the local farm mar-
kets, where the girls gave away fruit and
vegetables to patrons. The stunt cracked
all the local dailies and one right on the
front page. This paper used a three-column
six-inch picture of the girls and the caption
told about the picture and where it was
playing.
Sam J. Gardner, assistant west coast sales
manager for MGM, is settled now in his new
offices at the local exchange. George Hickey,
Gardner’s boss, was in town briefly . . .
Gerald Karski’s little boy Bobby broke his
foot and will be laid up for six weeks. Karski
is top man at Motion Picture Service.
Clarence Brown, director of the film, was
in town for the opening of “The Yearling”
at the Warfield. The theatre put up a
natural outdoor front for the occasion. The
outdoor scenes and woods effect was the re-
sult of the talents of Ted Galanter, Lew
Singer and Faye Reader. Galanter, MGM
publicist, spent some time last week at the
studio in Los Angeles.
Eddie Jacobs, operator of the lift in the
Golden Gate Theatre Bldg, for many years,
is known to all theatre men as the man who
swims every day at 4 a. m. in the Pacific
for relaxation. Well, Eddie took a vacation
last week and spent the time swimming
around Catalina island. Helen Wabbe, pub-
licist for the Golden Gate, and Min Levy of
PRC-Eagle-Lion, left for a weekend in Las
Vegas . . . Clint Meecham, booker at Mono-
gram, is playing the part of shipper these
days while the regular man is vacationing
. . . Thad Sheridan is now on the sales force
of PRC.
Alice Kinnard, availability clerk at War-
ner Bros., is back with the organization after
an absence of three years . . . Carl Milton,
the bank night king, seen on the Row meeting
old friends ... Ed Kuster of the Playhouse,
Carmel, was in town . . . Mr. and Mrs. Sid
Hogen of the San Pablo Theatre, San Pablo,
"CENTURY"
THE MODERN PROJECTOR
%la^!3i33ieddei[
187 Golden Gate Ave.,
San Francisco 2, Calii.
Phone Underhill 7571
HPiME VT \
C&N GET IT !
OR WILL MAKE IT!
WeAfe/m Jheat/iicaL
Equipment Co.
337 GOLDEN GATE AVE.
SAN FRANCISCO 2, CALIF,
if Phone HEmlock 8302
also were on the Row, as were Andy Goblish
and his wife of Visalia.
Ed Morris, film salesman formerly with
PRC, is now associated here with the Film
Classics . . . Kellie Taylor, an author of note,
was on the Row last week saying hello to
friends . . . D. J. McNerney of Blumenfeld
Theatres returned from a New York trip.
Charles Rose of the Four Roses Exchange
is off to New York to buy product . . . Louis
B. Mayer, MGM boss, was in town . . . Esther
Williams, Hollywood star, was guest of honor
at the recent awards dinner of the dress-
manufacturers.
The Motor-In in Walnut Creek, owned and
operated by the Robert L. Lippert Theatres,
will be managed by Leonard T. Willinger . . .
Anthony J. Rondoni, operator at the St.
Francis, and Daisy Oppenheim were mar-
ried in the Oriental Tea Gardens in Golden
Gate park.
The PRC-Eagle-Lion exchange is under-
going remodeling . . . The lobby of the Golden
Gate got a new coat of paint . . . Warner
Bros, exchange held its annual picnic last
week in Mills Valley . . . Jesse Wright,
booker at WB, purchased a jeep. “With
cross ventilation,” he says.
Quentin Lacey, representative for “Henry
V,” left the Stage Door Theatre to work on
the forthcoming Los Angeles showing . . .
S. M. Pariseau, district manager of Altec,
was in town last week from Los Angeles . . .
Jack Frazier, boss of Film Messenger Serv-
ice, proudly announces “the fastest film de-
livery in San Francisco.” In addition to his
run of cars, Frazier has a new plane with
which he makes deliveries.
Birthdays were celebrated at MGM last
week by biller Elaine Adams and cashier May
Costa . . . Cashier Bess Huntoon has a case of
poison oak . . . J. W. Coyne, office manager
for MGM, attended the office managers
convention in Denver.
Hal Honore, assistant to George Mann,
has left the Redwood Theatres organization
. . . Bob Patton of the Uptown, Sonora, had
a complete new equipment job done by
Preddey . . . Bob Bemis, manager of the
Preddey company, was in Angels Camp dur-
ing the world-famous frog jumping contest.
George Stamm of El Campanel Theatre,
Antioch, was in town last week. Also in
were S. Enea of the Eneas Theatres, Pitts-
burg, and Joe Huff of the Esquire and
Sierra, Stockton . . . M. Mirako who for-
merly operated the Mission in Sacramento,
plans to build a new theatre in the capital
city.
Arthur Barnett of the Rex, Oakland, is
back from a vacation in Honolulu . . . The
entire gang at Redwood Theatres went to
Modesto for the weekend . . . The local of-
fices of the Screen Guild will soon be trans-
ferred from 125 Hyde to the building being
vacated by the navy motion picture division
. . . Selznick Releasing Organization moved
its local offices from McAlister street to the
Golden Gate Theatre Bldg.
Ml ATTRACTIVE POPCORN BOXES mm
Top Volume Popping Purdue Hybrid Popcorn.
Popsit Plus Popcorn Seasoning Cocoanut Oil in 50-lb. Cans.
Popcorn Salt — Scoops — Bags — Seasoning Measuring Cups
Best Quality Merchandise — Quick Service
ARTHUR UNGER CO.
105 Golden Gate Ave. San Francisco 2, Calif.
'Duel' and 'Yearling'
Hold Seattle Lead
SEATTLE — Summer opened with a ven-
geance here to keep most offerings down to
a loss gross. However, the two exceptions,
third week of “Duel in the Sun’s” roadshow
engagement and MGM’s “The Yearling,” were
booming right along. The first hit 200 at
the Fifth Avenue while the latter marked up
175 in the second week at the Music Hall.
Blue Mouse — Suddenly It's Spring (Para);
The 13th Hour (Col), 2nd d. t. wk 90
Fifth Avenue — Duel in the Sun (SRO),
3rd wk., Roadshow 200
Liberty— It's a Wonderful Life (RKO), 4th wk 120
Music Box — The Westerner (FC), 2nd wk. reissue.. 85
Music Hall — The Yearling (MGM), 2nd wk 170
Orpheum — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB) 100
Palomar — That Way With Women (WB),
plus stage show 90
Paramount — Trail Street (RKO);
The Devil Thumbs a Ride (RKO) 95
Roosevelt — Odd Man Out (U-I), 2nd d. t. wk 75
With Many Holdovers, Business
In Los Angeles Is Poor
LOS ANGELES — Business was generally
bad. Holdovers — most of them in their third
week — occupied more than 50 per cent of the
screens and barely managed to keep their
heads above water. Only bright spot was the
debut of U-I’s “The Web,” which did fairly
well at five showcases. Other newcomers
failed to make the grade and local showmen
cried quietly into their beer.
Belmont, El Ray, Orpheum, Beverly and Vogue-
Duel in the Sun (RKO), 3rd wk ....
Chinese, State, Uptown and Loyola — It Hap-
pened on Fifth Avenue (AA-Mono), 2nd wk...
Downtown Paramount — Bells of San Angelo
(Rep); Trail to San Antone (Rep)
Egyptian, Wilshire and Los Angeles — High
Barbaree (MGM), 2nd wk
Four Music Halls— Fun on a Weekend (UA);
Susie Steps Out (UA) _
Four Star — The Homestretch (20th-Fox), move-
over, 2nd wk
Guild, Ritz, United Artists, Studio and Iris
The Web (U-I)
Hillstreet — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO), 3rd
wk.; The Millerson Case (Col), 2nd wk
Hollywood Paramount — Same as Downtown
Million Dollar — Violence (Mono); The Guilty
(Mono)
Pantages— Same as Hillstreet
Warners Downtown, Hollywood, Wiltern —
The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB), 3rd wk .....
125
115
. 75
.115
.125
.100
150
.140
.100
95
.140
.100
‘Yearling' Strong in Denver,
Holds for Second Week
DENVER — “The Yearling,” doubled with
“Crime Doctor’s Manhunt,” packed the Or-
pheum enough to warrant holding over. “My
Brother Talks to Horses” and “Lighthouse”
drew a third week at the Broadway.
Aladdin — The Late George Apley (20th-Fox);
The Magnificent Rogue (Rep), 3rd d. t. wk 130
Broadway — My Brother Talks to Horses (MGM);
Lighthouse (PRC), 2nd wk 90
Denham — Ladies Man (Para) 75
Denver and Webber — Song of Scheherazade (U-I);
Blind Spot (Col) 135
EsqUire and Paramount — Stallion Road (WB);
Millie's Daughter (Col) .135
Orpheum — The Yearling (MGM);
Crime Doctor's Manhunt (Col), 2nd run 120
Rialto— Johnny O'clock (Col);
The Ghost Goes Wild (Rep), 2nd d. t. wk 120
Tabor — Abie's Irish Rose (UA), plus stage show... .125
Webber — Song of Scheherazade (U-I);
Blind Spot (Col) 125
‘Egg and I' Takes Honors
At San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO— “The Egg and I” took
top honors for the week with 240 per cent in
its third week.
Esquire-Tivoli — Buck Privates Come Home (U-I);
Bulldog Drummond at Bay (Col), 2nd wk 100
Fox — Duel in the Sun (SRO), 2nd wk 150
Golden Gate — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO),
stage; 2nd wk 125
Orpheum — The Egg and I (U-I), 3rd wk 240
Paramount — Love and Learn (WB);
Lost Honeymoon (E-L) 120
St Francis — Odd Man Out (U-I) 165
United Artists — Dishonored Lady (UA);
The Case of the Baby Sitter (SG).. i. 140
United Nations — Duel in the Sun (SRO), 2nd wk...l50
GO
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Gibraltar Will Erect
Nine New Theatres
DENVER — Gibraltar Enterprises, consist-
ing of the holdings of several outstanding
showmen of the Denver territory with Charles
Gilmour as president and general manager,
will erect at least nine theatres when con-
ditions permit.
One of them, a 1,000-seat, $150,000 house,
will be built at Santa Fe. This has CPA ap-
proval, and construction is expected to start
by June 1.
The group will build another - in Santa Fe
later.
Others planned include a 600-seat $70,000
job at Craig, Colo., to replace the Craig, re-
cently destroyed by fire; 800-seats, $150,000,
at Silver City, N. M.; 550-seats, $70,000, Ord-
way, Colo.; 780-seats, $85,000, Loveland, Colo.;
550-seats, $70,000, Socorro, N. M.; 800-seat,
$125,000, Raton, N. M.; 800-seat, $125,000,
Alamosa, Colo.
Cooper Spending $80,000
On Grand Junction Job
GRAND JUNCTION, COLO— The Cooper
Foundation’s Avalon Theatre has been
closed and is now undergoing complete re-
decoration that will alter its exterior and
interior radically. The theatre will reopen
in late summer or fall and will then be
known as the Cooper in honor of the late
J. H. Cooper, founder of the foundation, ac-
cording to Vern Austin, city manager for the
circuit. The new theatre will seat 1,500. The
foundation also has plans for reseating the
Joy. The Avalon job is estimated to cost
$80,000.
Griffith Circuit Acquires
Los Alamos Theatre
LOS ALAMOS, N. M.— Theatre No. 1 at
the atomic bomb laboratory here has been
taken over by Theatre Enterprises, Griffith
outfit with headquarters in Dallas, and has
been renamed the Hill. A second theatre on
the base remains under military supervision.
Griffith will enlarge the place and improve
the acoustics. Roydell J. Edwards, has been
shifted here from the circuit’s theatres in
Post, Tex., to take charge.,.
Children's Prices Are Cut
By Chief in Gallup, N. M.
GALLUP, N. M. — Children’s prices have
been reduced from 25 cents to 10 cents at the
Chief Theatre here, Manager E. F. “Tex”
Stanford announced.
'Fifth Avenue' Moveover
LOS ANGELES — “It Happened on Fifth
Avenue” was set by Fox West Coast for move-
over to the Carthay Circle Theatre for an
indefinite run. First to be released by Allied
Artists, the picture had a two-week stand at
Grauman’s Chinese, Loew’s State, Fox Up-
town and Loyola theatres, a quartet of FWC
first run houses.
Plans Arvada Project
ARVADA, COLO. — J. J. Goodstein, Denver
businessman, has disclosed plans for a
building development here that probably
will include a theatre. He has purchased
a plot of land 270 feet wide and 172 feet
deep.
DENVER
Tay Golden, newly appointed district man-
' ager for RKO Theatres, was in Denver
getting acquainted with the town and William
Hastings, manager of the RKO Orpheum,
before going on to his San Francisco head-
quarters. He was accompanied here by Wil-
liam Howard, assistant general manager of
RKO Theatres. Howard returned to his
New York headquarters. While here Golden
was guest at a luncheon attended by Gov.
Lee Knous and representatives of the press,
radio and theatres.
Oscar A. Morgan, chief of the newsreel and
shorts division of Paramount, was in Denver
conferring with C. J. Bell, Paramount branch
manager. Morgan said that Paramount was
experimenting with news coverage from the
feature angle. He declared present forms of
newsreels could not compete with television,
and that Paramount wanted to anticipate
the time when the newsreel would become
passe.
A. P. “Tony” Archer, president of Civic
Theatres, who suffered a broken shoulder as
well as three broken ribs in a recent auto
accident, is back at work . . . June McTee
has been named private secretary to Harry
Huffman, Fox Intermountain Theatres dis-
trict manager. She succeeds Frances Bel-
ford, who is spending the summer at Central
City, Colo.
The Rocky Mountain Screen club is sched-
uling a full summer of activities. The golf
Calcutta auction will be held at the club-
rooms June 6, with Walt Ibold as chairman.
The tournament is scheduled for Lakewood
Country club June 17. Gold Rush days, with
President Milt Hossfeld at the head of the
committee, will be held at the club rooms
June 28, and the summer roundup, featuring
horseback riding, barbecue and other enter-
tainment, will be held July 18, with Fred
Knill as chairman. The annual picnic will
be held at Eldorado Springs August 14.
On their return from the National Screen
Service convention in Chicago, Manager
Charles Du Ryk and salesman Sebe Goodlett
conducted a miniature convention for the
local staff. The affair included a dinner at
the Park Lane hotel . . . Lucille King, War-
ner Bros, stenographer, resigned to be mar-
ried to George Langdon.
S. J. Gardner, assistant sales manager of
the western division for Metro, spent three
days in Denver for a study of the local branch
and a discussion of new films and sales
policies. His visit is a part of a survey he is
making of all offices in his division. While
here he conferred at length with H. A.
Friedel, district manager; Mike Cramer, sales
manager of the Denver branch, and with
managers of theatres using Metro product.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Stallman, recently of
the Summitt, Harrison, Neb., are building a
theatre, of concrete block and stucco ex-
terior, at Lingle, Wyo. This will be the first
theatre in the town.
Excitement reigned at the Universal ex-
change when that office undoubtedly set an
all-time record for marriages in one day.
Mayer Monsky, manager, was married to
Lillian Fine of Denver. Harold Michaels,
salesman, was married to Betty Flaks. And
to make it good measure, Barbara Pellish,
confirmation clerk, eloped with Allan Wan-
dell.
The RKO sales force are making plans to
attend the RKO sales convention to be held
at the Waldorf-Astoria, New York, July 7-9.
Attending from Denver will be A1 Kolitz,
district manager; Tom Bailey, branch man-
ager; Bidwell McCormick, publicity, and Joe
Emerson, Ed Greene, Merle Gwinn and Frank
Childs, salesmen . . . Kolitz, recently named
district manager here, is returning to Cleve-
land, where he was branch manager, to move
his family here. He has accomplished what
many thought was impossible — he has found
a place to live in Denver.
Pauline Hall, Paramount branch manager’s
secretary, is spending her vacation in Cali-
fornia. On her return she will bring her
mother to Denver from Yuma, Ariz. . . . Word
received in Denver is to the effect that Jerry
Safron, Columbia district manager, has been
married, and the couple are now on their
honeymoon . . . Robert Davis of Theatre
Enterprises, Dallas, was in town setting-
bookings for the government theatre taken
over by his company at Las Alamos, N. M.
The theatre has been renamed the Hill.
Ed Mapel, owner of the Gem, was re-
elected to city council by a large majority
. . . Hugh Braly, district manager, Para-
mount, and Harold Wirthwein, assistant,
both of Los Angeles, were in Denver for con-
ferences regarding product, policies, and
plans for the forthcoming Paramount sales
drive . . . Don Davis, sales representative
for RCA, and Mrs. Davis, spent a few days
in Denver. While here Davis conferred with
Sam Langwith, RCA agent.
For their new drive-in theatre, first in
Denver, the Denver Drive-In Theatre Corp.
bought complete Brenkert booth equipment
and RCA sound from Western Service and
Supply . . . Barney Shooker, Columbia sales-
man, recovering from an operation, has a
new Buick 8 to help boost his morale . . .
Deraid Hart has his amusement park at
Lamar in operation.
Mrs. J. H. Cooper, widow of the late owner
of the J. H. Cooper Theatres, died in a New
York hospital. She is survived by a son,
Joseph ... In a story in BOXOFFICE of
May 17, it was made to appear that the
Cooper Foundation was set up at the death
of J. H. Cooper, when in fact it was set up
by him 11 years ago.
Jack Blosser, Charles City, Iowa, has been
added to the Paramount exchange as assist-
ant booker . . . Joe Stone, National Theatre
Supply branch manager, is on an inspection
trip to the Dallas and Memphis branches . . .
Tom Knight is one of those exhibitors that
takes little time to get to Denver when he
has some booking or other business to at-
tend to. He flies his own plane.
Exhibitors from out-of-town seen on
Filmrow included F. A. Weiss, Mesilla. Park,
N. M.; George Nescher, Springfield, Colo.;
A. J. Dwuer, St. Louis, U.S. motion picture
Service; R. L. Stanger, Windsor, Colo.; Mrs.
Esther Cleveland, Newcastle, Wyo.; Chuck
Flower, Estes Park; Lynn Zorn, Julesburg;
Mrs. John Steele, Limon; Kenneth Powell,
Wray.
Also A. N. Beezley, Burlington, Colo.;
Larry Starsmore, Colorado Springs; R. D.
Ervin, Kremmling; Chick Kelloff, Aguilar;
C. E. McLaughlin, Las Animas; George Allan
jr., North Platte; F. O. Anderson, Eaton;
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Vilnave and Sam Rosen-
thal, Buffalo, Wyo., and Herbert Gumper,
Center, Colo.
r
RCA Sound Systems
Brenkert Projection Equipment
USAIRCo Cooling Equipment
Blowers and Exhausters
W<
WESTERN SERVICE & SUPPLY, INC.
2120 Broadway
■ KE 8041 Denver 2, Colo.
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
61
Two Theatres Close
In Carlsbad Strike
CARLSBAD, N. M. — Pickets are walking
again at Carlsbad’s four theatres. Fifteen
days of negotiation between ten striking pro-
jectionists, Theatre Enterprises, Inc., and a
citizens’ committee came to an impasse and
the truce on picketing ended with the con-
versations.
The Corral and Eddy theatres now have
closed. The Tower is operating on a re-
duced schedule, offering double features on
Friday and Saturday and Mexican pictures
on Sunday and Monday. The Cactus con-
tinues as usual.
Officials of Theatre Enterprises in Dallas
have rejected the union’s proposed contract
demanding reinstatement of all employes, a
closed shop and $63 for a 37-hour week.
The picket lines formed early in February.
Motion picture machine operators said they
were fired for organizing a union and making
wage demands. , The company said some of
the ten men were fired for cause and others
quit. The men were receiving an average
of $45 a week when they left their jobs. Henry
Brackhahn, business agent for the local, said
the $45 was for a 57-hour week.
Russell Allen, Farmington,
Ends Long Vacation Trip
FARMINGTON, N. M. — Manager Russell
Allen of Allen’s Theatre here, his wife, his
daughter Rosiland and Mrs. Allen’s sister
Joan Foutz returned May 11 from a 7,500-
mile auto trip through the southern and
eastern parts of the U.S.
Leaving here April 10 the party went to
see the Carlsbad caverns, went across the
line into old Mexico, then visited friends in
Austin, Tex., then down to Port Arthur,
Tex. The Allens then went on to New Or-
leans, took a steamboat ride on the Father
of Waters, then on to Pensacola and Jack-
sonville, Fla.
A trip up the eastern coast took them to
Philadelphia, Washington, New York, and
then over the turnpike to Pittsburgh. They
journeyed through Ohio, and in Kentucky,
missed the Derby by a day, and as Russell
says, also by several dollars. A visit through
the Mammoth caves was disappointing after
having seen Carlsbad caverns. They saw the
Tennessee Valley power dams in that state,
crossed the Mississippi river at Memphis,
went through Hot Springs, then back down
to Louisiana. Then through Texas past
Fort Worth and Amarillo and home again.
It was a wonderful trip, the Allens say, one
they will remember a long time. Russell is
ready now to settle down to managing his
theatre; he saw a lot of country on the trip,
but still likes Farmington best.
i SPOT CASH
} FOR THAT USELESS ORGAN IN YOUR
* THEATRE
Write Henry Friedman
^Ardmore Theatre Bldg. Ardmore, Pa.
We
have the
tor
YOUR
Count on us lor Quick Action!
HEATRE
Our wide contacts with the exhibitors
assure you of satisfactory results.
THEATRE EXCHANGE CO.
BRoadway 0531
408 S. W. 2nd Ave. Portland 4. Oregon 217 Governor Bldg.
J
BUYS RUNYON RIGHTS — Marshall
Grant Pictures, new Hollywood inde-
pendent film company, financially backed
by Chicago businessmen, has obtained
the rights to produce the life story of
Damon Runyon, the author and news-
paperman. William D. Saltiel (left),
Chicago attorney and chairman of the
board of Grant Pictures, congratulates
Damon Runyon jr. on the consummation
of the deal in New York.
Two More Drive-Ins
Set at Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES — Two more new drive-in
theatres are being planned by Pacific Drive-
Ins, Inc., one at Rosemead and Rush, near
suburban El Monte, and the second on Ros-
coe, between Sepulveda and Van Nuys, in the
San Fernando valley.
The company, in association with Cali-
fornia Drive-In Theatres, now operates four
outdoor theatres in or near Los Angeles and
has another under construction at 182nd
and Vermont in Los Angeles.
C. A. Caballero, president of the company,
estimates the cost of the new theatres at
$250,000 each.
Shopping Center Mapped
By Spokane Company
SPOKANE, WASH. — Inland Theatres has
prepared plans for a new shopping section
here and plans to spend $300,000 on the proj-
ect, according to C. Frank Harris, manager.
The development will include a 900-seat
stadium-type theatre and six stores. Plans
have been drawn by G. A. Pehrson, architect.
The theatre group, which built a similar
project, including the Garland Theatre, a
year and a half ago, is composed of Roy
Blair, James R. Crick sr., Lester Johnson
and E. W. Johnson.
Plans Made at Lone Pine
By Western Amusements
LONE PINE, CALIF.— Western Amuse-
ments will build a 505-seat theatre here as
soon as arrangements for construction can
be made, it was announced here by Barnes
Perdue, ' circuit official. It would be the
circuit’s 49th theatre. Architect’s plans for
the house, which will be known, as the Valley,
have already been completed. It is planned
to operate seven days a week, with matinees
on Saturday and Sunday, and three to four
program changes a week, Perdue said.
Gather in Salt Lake
To View 'Miracle'
SALT LAKE CITY — A sneak showing of
"Miracle on 34th Street” at the Centre Thea-
tre this week was the occasion for a gather-
ing of exhibitors and distributors and their
wives at the Hotel Utah. Before the screen-
ing 20th-Fox and Fox Intermountain Thea-
tres sponsored a dinner.
Included among the guests were Charles L.
Walker, 20th-Fox division manager, and
Mrs. Walker; Clyde Blasius, 20th branch
manager, and Mrs. Blasius; Hall Baetz, Fox
Intermountain division manager, and Mrs.
Baetz; Vincent Gilhool, operator of the
Huish-Gilhool theatre circuit, and Mrs. Gil-
hool; Mr. and Mrs. Claude Hawk; Tracy
Barham, vice-president and general man-
ager of Fox Intermountain Theatres; Ray
Hendry, Barham’s assistant; Sid Cohen,
Fox Intermountain booker; Jesse Chinnich,
Fox Intermountain legal counsel, and their
wives; Si Sanders of Fox Intermountain, and
Mrs. Sanders; Gene Manzanaris of Fox In-
termountain and Mrs. Manzanaris; Helen
Garrity of Fox Intermountain Theatres, and
several newspaper writers.
Eddie Yarborough of 20th-Fox’s publicity
department also was present and explained
that he hoped exhibitors would realize they
had a fine picture in “Miracle,” but warned
them against tying up with department
stores on their publicity. Blasius and Walker
also spoke. A special treat was provided in
the presence of Actor Roddy McDowall, who
was in Salt Lake City with Orson Welles for
a stage presentation of “Macbeth.” Roddy,
who got his start with 20th-Fox, told the
exhibitors he was happy to be back in Utah
and said he hoped to have the same success
with his newer pictures that he had with
the earlier ones made in Utah.
Bagdad to Be Reopened
As Refurbished Ballard
SEATTLE— After new seating, renaming
and general refurbishing, the 20-year-old
Bagdad Theatre in the bustling Ballard dis-
trict will reopen some time in June under
lease to Frank L. Newman jr.
Newman obtained the lease a year and a
half ago. Up until that time it had been
operated by Jensen & Von Herberg. Newman
took possession May 29. Newman has sold
his interest in a theatrical booking agency
to Joe Daniels and will devote his time to
operation of the house, which is to be re-
named the Ballard. Jensen & Von Herberg
still operate the Roxy Theatre in the same
neighborhood.
Berkeley House Reopens;
Was Dark Six Years
BERKELEY, CALIF.— The Strand Thea-
tre, dark for six years, is being reopened
here as the Elmwood. The Golden State cir-
cuit will operate it on a seven-day schedule,
with matinees on weekends. Hugh D. Duke
is manager. Renovation of the theatre has
been going on for almost a year, according
to David J. Bolton, division manager for
Golden State. The Elmwood seats 620.
Form Idaho Film Council
BOISE, IDA.— The Idaho Film council, an
organization designed to promote the use
of 16mm film for educational and informa-
tional purposes, has been organized in Idaho.
The second to be established west of Texas,
the council is headed by O. D. Cole, who said
he is establishing branches in northern and
southeastern Idaho.
62
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Australian Show Business Slips ;
Juvenile Film Debate Continues
Two New Taxes Hii
In Salt Lake Area
SALT LAKE CITY — Two new taxes have
appeared in the Salt Lake film exchange
area. One is a seat tax in Preston, Ida., and
the other is a business levy in Salt Lake
City.
The Preston tax, amounting to not less
than 50 cents a seat nor more than $1 a seat
each year, was passed by the mayor and city
council recently, effective April 2, but has
just come to light. It hits the Grand, 438-
seat house, and the Isis, 736-seat theatre,
both operated by Intermountain Theatres,
Inc., with offices in Salt Lake City. The
Grand operates nightly and the Isis only
two days a week, but if it opens once during
the year, it must pay the levy.
Not only is Intermountain more than a
little concerned about the license, but all
theatremen in the state are watching the
situation with grave concern lest other com-
munities get ideas along the same line. And
although they say there is a possibility of the
tax spreading, they note with some op-
timism a recent law allowing communities
to license and tax slot machines, and they
expect this to relieve the situation somewhat.
The Salt Lake City levy came suddenly. A
city business franchise tax had been author-
ized last April, but no collections had been
made. Then, last week, the city commission
passed a measure providing for levies on
gross business and for license fees on the
employes concerns have in Salt Lake City.
The levy on business apparently will not af-
fect either the exhibition or distribution end
of the motion picture business, since neither
comes within the provisions of the law. But
both distributors and exhibitors will shell
out for the employes licenses, which range
from $2.50 a year for companies with one to
ten workers on up. Some distributing com-
panies with more than ten employes and less
than 21 will have to pay $5 a year, and those
with between 21 and 30 will shell out $7.50.
«
Pioneer Juvenile Show
Passes First Birthday
From Mideast Edition
CLEVELAND — Lakewood, suburb of Cleve-
land, recently celebrated its first anniversary
of presenting special children’s matinees on
Saturday. Lakewood was the pioneer in this
move, with complete cooperation of the Hil-
liard Square Theatre, the superintendent of
schools and the PTA.
Paul A. Rehmus, superintendent of the
Lakewood schools, was the prime mover in
establishing the children’s matinee and is
largely responsible for its success throughout
its first year.
“We have come to the conclusion,” said
Rehmus, “that the only effective long run
censorship against low-grade films is to build
up in each individual boy and girl such good
taste that he’ll want to see only the best
films.”
It was from that angle that all of the
Lakewood schools, both public and parochial,
under the guidance of Rehmus and Mrs.
C. F. Brewer, head of the Lakewood PTA,
have cooperated in selecting programs and
then publicizing them in the schools.
Manager Fred Holzworth of the Hilliard
Square Theatre has established a policy of
submitting his Saturday program to the
group backing the children’s matinees. If
his regular Saturday picture is satisfactory
to this group, it stands as is. If it is not sat-
isfactory, he changes it.
The original plan of presenting these pro-
grams on Saturday morning was not suc-
cessful. When they were shifted to Saturday
afternoon they boomed.
By WILLIAM BEECHAM
Australian Bureau Boxoffice
PERTH, W. A. — Exhibitors in all parts of
the country are reporting a drop in busi-
ness. Saturday and holiday business con-
tinues good, but there has been a decided
drop in boxoffice returns on weekdays.
At the same time there is an all around
increase in newspaper advertising rates, and
some managements are now cutting down
on their space, being inclined to find the best
result-getting mediums and cutting out other
avenues.
In prewar days in Perth it was not unusual
for ads by city and suburban exhibitors to
fill a full page of nine 25-inch columns, and
sometimes more, in the morning newspaper.
Now a checkup made on Saturday, the main
advertising day, showed the total to be only
104 column inches, with ten city cinemas
taking 2214 inches, and 34 suburban houses
totaling 8114 inches. There still is a little
advertising appearing in the evening and
weekend publications. In some cases even
billboard space is being reduced.
* •* *
The debate on suitable programs for chil-
dren’s matinees shows no sign of abating.
Recently in the Australian house Represent-
ative Gullett of Victoria, a Liberal, com-
plained that films being screened at chil-
dren’s matinees in his home state were
“harmful to children.” He said, “efforts to
rectify the situation are being suppressed be-
cause they clash with the interests of power-
ful advertisers.”
Such a statement, at a time when many
of the leading exhibitors are forming special
children’s clubs and working in with various
social bodies to offer youngsters the most
suitable in film fare, seems to have been
made regardless of facts. Such statements
can do the industry nothing but harm.
* * *
In this respect it would seem that it is
high time the film industry in Australia
secured the services of an able and inde-
pendent (as far as being tied up with any
particular house is concerned) public rela-
tions officer. Too many -loose and rash state-
ments calculated to do the industry harm
continue to go unchallenged.
* * *
The Motion Picture Distributors Ass’n is
FOR WARTIME SERVICES — Gen.
Carl Spaatz, commanding general, army
air forces, presents the Legion of Merit
medal to William Wyler for his work as
film director with the Eighth air force.
Two of Wyler’s wartime films were
“Memphis Belle” and “Thunderbolt.”
(Army Air Forces photo)
seriously concerned at the number of stolen
films, both standard and sub-standard
which are being hawked around the country
both for sale and for hire. The association
is asking exhibitors to cooperate in efforts to
locate persons dealing in this material. Par-
ticularly serious is the matter of 16mm fea-
tures which were originally imported from
the U.S. for screening to troops in the Pa-
cific islands.
* * *
A fire recently destroyed the cinema at
Taralga, N.S.W. and all equipment. The
building was mainly of corrugated iron lined
with timber. The damage was estimated at
$10,000.
* * *
Eric Porter, whose “A Son Is Born” is still
doing nice business in all states, reports that
his next feature, “Storm Hill,” will go into
production in June. The film will be a “sus-
pense drama” of the timber country. Peter
Finch has been cast in the leading male
role. Interiors will be filmed in the Figtree
studios.
* * *
N. D. Perry of Columbia states that he
will start on another big Australian feature
before the end of the year. He says that a
theme has been selected, but a script has
yet to be prepared, and he will not disclose
any further particulars. The last feature
made by Perry was “Smithy.”
* * *
“The Overlanders” is repeating its Au-
stralian run of boxoffice successes throughout
New Zealand. Records have been estab-
lished in Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin and
Christchurch. Extended seasons are also
being played in Hastings, Palmerston North
and Napier.
* * *
The way the Australian government runs
anything having to do with the film industry
is generally pretty poor. Recently, at the Syd-
ney Royal show, two free cinema attractions
were noted. One was run for the Canadian
government, and at this comfortable seats
were provided for patrons. But at the other,
run by the Australian government, the pa-
trons were expected to stand.
* * *
The latest racket here is the stealing of
projection lenses. The lenses from two pro-
jectors at the Odeon Theatre, Drummoyne,
Snyder, were stolen recently and the show
was delayed for almost an hour while re-
placements were obtained from the Capitol
Theatre.
* * *
West’s Theatre, Adelaide, recently won
third prize for decorated boats at the Henley-
on-Torrens regatta. The same entry also
secured first prize among the boats entered
by local cinemas. The entry was an ex-
cellent advertisement for the firm’s house.
Portola Changes Hands;
To Show Foreign Films
SAN FRANCISCO— The Portola Theatre,
formerly operated by the Blumenfeld circuit,
has been taken over by the Premier Thea-
tre Co., headed by Sidney Pink and A1 Bara-
nov of the Trans-International Picture Co.,
Los Angeles.
Following the showing of “Best Years of
Our Lives,” the Portola will run foreign films
exclusively.
Manager of the house is Mickey Gross,
formerly district manager in Seattle for the
Sterling Theatres and prior to that time con-
nected with RKO exchanges.
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
63
LOS ANGELES
Qeorge Smith, Paramount’s western division
sales head, was back from a complete
swing around his territory for local meet-
ings on the forthcoming 35 Years of Leader-
ship sales drive . . . After attending the Va-
riety Club convention and visiting the local
office of National Screen Service, George
Dembow, vice-president and sales manager
of NSS, returned to New York.
Harry Vinnicof of the local Vinnicof Thea-
tres circuit was the winner of the console
radio given away at the benefit held for the
Los Angeles Salesman’s Ass’n . . . Lloyd
Katz, PRC and Eagle-Lion salesman, was
showing his mother and father the sights
around the town. They were here on a visit
from New York City.
Visiting on the Row were Bert Stearn, Co-
operative Theatres, Pittsburgh, Pa., and John
Franconi, Screen Guild and Film Classics
franchise owner, Dallas . . . Foster Blake,
Universal’s division manager, was off on a
tour of exchanges . . . Formerly a booker
for Fox West Coast Theatres, Chuck Piercy
joined the roster of Russel Rogers Preferred
Pictures as booker and buyer.
Jack Morse, Viking popcorn machine fran-
chise owner in New Orleans, dropped in at
the local office to visit Harry Taylor and
Morrie Smead . . . Joe Venable, owner of the
Huntington Theatre, Huntington Park, left
for a San Francisco visit.
Cliff Chellew, manager of the Downtown
Music Hall, is a proud new grandpop
. . . After giving the local office the once
over, A. J. O’Keefe, Universal-International
sales executive, took off for Seattle . . . Jack
Shriner, Gem Theatre, Kansas City, re-
ceived a warm welcome from old friends
when he paid a visit to the Row . . . Jack
Velpy, office manager at MGM, is back at
his studio desk after attending an office man-
agers meeting in Denver.
It’s a new address for the Western Amuse-
ment Co. and the Jones Enterprises. Having
outgrown their rooms in the Film Bldg., they
will now hold forth at 432 N. La Brea . . .
Hall Shields, United Artists salesman, took a
four -month leave of absence and is now
happily touring the country in his car.
J. J. O’Loughlin, branch manager of
Pfjfcr. MANLEY
\4MX GUARANTEED
Wg POPCORN and SUPPLIES
SATISFACTION
OR YOUR MONEY BACK
W. H. Turpie. Western Division Manager
1914 South Vermont Los Angeles 7, Calif.
REpublic 7528
United Artists, is back on the job after being
hospitalized for a couple of days . . . Frank
Castle, theatreman of St. Joseph, Mo.,
dropped in on the Row for a visit.
Now a Denverite, Bud Lewis, Manley, Inc.,
representative, was transferred to that city
from Indianapolis . . . After a flying trip
to San Francisco, W. H. Turpie, western di-
vision manager for Manley, is back . . .
James E. Grainger, vice-president, Republic
Pictures, came up from Mexico City to visit
the local exchange on his way back to the
home office in New York . . Earl Collins,
western division manager for Republic, is
in Denver to set up the world premiere of
Republic’s “Wyoming,” to be held in
Cheyenne.
Marcus Gutt, general manager of the Gutt
Cinema circuit in Bogota, Colombia, accom-
panied by his wife, visited Warner Bros.’
studio as guest of Lilli Palmer on the set of
“Ever the Beginning” . . . George A. Hickey,
MGM west coast sales manager, took the
Lark to San Francisco to attend the MGM
sales conferences there ... As guest of Errol
Flynn and Ann Sheridan, Joseph Cohen,
managing director of the Jacey Cinema cir-
cuit, headquartered in Birmingham, Eng-
land, visited the set of Warners’ “Silver
River.”
During his visit to the film capital, O. F.
Collins, owner of the Capital and Majestic
theatres, Paragould, Ark., dropped in on
the sets of Pine-Thomas’ “Big Town After
Dark.” Richard Travis, player in the cast,
at one time worked as advertising manager
for Collins’ theatres . . . Harry Hollander,
who has operated and booked a group of
theatres in California for several years, has
been appointed special sales representative
by Monogram. He will work out of the Los
Angeles exchange, which is headed by
Howard Stubbins.
Town Sues Theatremen
For Damage to House
From New England Edition
WORCESTER — Following more than two
years of controversy between the selectmen
of Orange, Mass., and the Garbose Bros.,
who formerly operated the Orange Town Hall
Theatre, the selectmen have brought suit
against them, seeking damages of $20,000.
The action is returnable August 4. The select-
men say the alleged damage occurred in
1945 when the Garbose Bros, moved out of
the town hall following a court eviction order.
In the process of moving, they are charged
with destroying the projector booth and
causing other damage.
'Sun Valley' Completed
Warners’ “Fun at Sun Valley,” Technicolor
one reeler on all-year sports at Sun Valley,
has been completed.
Tit/xic CauCfAi. tbiiU-i and. teceifcti cvit/t
WAHOO
V'a '<<$. 7 America 's Finest Screen Game
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue • Chicago, Illinois
SALT LAKE CITY
Qan Goldin, New York representative of
NSS, visited the local office . . . Fred
Weimer was happy to receive word from his
shipper, Eddie Vranizen, who is undergoing
eye treatment in New York, that Vranizen is
now able to distinguish objects for the first
time in months. Eddie will return to Salt
Lake City for further treatment . . . Marjorie
Thompson is the new billing clerk at NSS.
Howard Cahoon has moved his Selznick
Releasing Organization offices to 532 Atlas
Bldg. . . . Harry Kerer, who has set up his
Premier Film offices at Associated Films
headquarters, says he is now releasing “City
Without Men” and “Prison Without Bars”
in the Denver-Salt Lake area.
C. Clare Woods, district manager for In-
termountain Theatres, has been named to the
committee on arrangements for the 1949 con-
vention of the National Editorial Ass’n, to be
held in Salt ake City . . . Two exchange of-
fices, Columbia and Associated, are being re-
painted for the summer, and other will
follow . . . Grass is being planted on the
empty north corner of Filmrow.
Charles Walker and Clyde Blasius of 20th-
Fox were in San Francisco this week to at-
tend a division meeting of their company . . .
Hall Baetz of Fox Intermountain was in the
Idaho territory . . . Bill Seib of Columbia
went to Chicago to attend a meeting of
branch managers of his company.
After the world premiere of “Cheyenne” in
the Wyoming city. Jack Carson and Janis
Paige left by streamliner for the coast. At
Ogden, Utah, they were met by a group from
Salt Lake City, including WB Branch Man-
ager Bill Gordon, Helen Garrity of Inter-
mountain, and newspaper and radio re-
porters. They rode back into Salt Lake City
with the stars after recording an interview
in Ogden . . . Coincidentally with their
Utah visit came an announcement that the
Rocky mountain premiere of “Cheyenne”
will be held in more than 100 theatres in this
area beginning May 29.
Eagle-Lion’s new product in this area went
first to the Rialto, which double billed
“Bedelia” and “It’s a Joke, Son.” Presence
of the new company in this area rated a
column in a local newspaper . . . The Law-
rence Theatres, same group that operates
the Rialto, also took Allied Artists’ first pic-
ture in this area, “It Happened on Fifth
Avenue,” slated for the Uptown June 10.
J. Arthur Rank Teaches
Sunday School Class
Commenting on the award recently pre-
sented to J. Arthur Rank, English motion
picture producer, by the World’s Sunday
School Ass’n for his work in the field of re-
ligious films, the Christian Union Herald
calls attention to the fact that Rank regu-
larly teaches a Sunday school class and is
chairman of the British committee of the
association. The award is referred to as “a
kind of Oscar in the field of religion.”
Referring to the enthusiasm displayed in
this country for Rank’s outstanding “secu-
lar” film now showing, “Henry V,” and to
the similar advance notices on “Great Ex-
pectations,” the Herald adds:
“Britain is fortunate in having her film
production so firmly in the hands of an ear-
nest Christian leader. Would that we might
hear of some famous Hollywood producer
equally devoted to the best traditions of
Christian education.”
64
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
SEATTLE
■prank Walker, former postmaster general
and theatre owner in New York and
Pennsylvania, was dinner guest of the J. G.
Von Herbergs last week . . . The Metropoli-
tan Theatre has announced it will play a
series of foreign films including “The Bache-
lor Brothers’ Battleax,” “The Stone Flower,”
“I Live as I Please,” “Sirocco,” “Children of
Paradise,” “Ivan the Terrible” and “Man’s
Hope.”
Miriam Dickey, assistant to Capt. A. E.
Lathrop, theatre owner and capitalist of
Fairbanks, Alaska, was here for a visit . . .
Paul Malvern, Monogram producer, is spend-
ing his vacation in the northwest . . . James
Ewing has purchased Joe Rosenfield’s in-
terest in the Avenue Theatre in Auburn,
Wash. . . . Oscar Morgan, Paramount’s head
of short subjects, was in town.
M. B. Orr, western division sales manager
for UA, visited A. J. Sullivan, local manager.
W. E. Calloway, western district manager,
was with him . . . Jack Reeves, RKO field
man, was here from New York for a visit with
Jack Douglas, northwest publicity represen-
tative . . . Harry Ulsh has bought the Chief
Theatre in Tonasket, Wash., from his part-
ner L. A. Gillespie.
Chilt Robinette and Joe Furse, Seattle;
Milton Odum, Redmond, Ore., and Bert Shel-
ton, Portland, Ore., spent a four-day vaca-
tion in Victoria, B. C. . . . Lee Scott, with Na-
tional Theatre Supply for the last 12 years,
has resigned . . . Eddie Walton, Republic’s
general sales manager, flew back to New
York after a session with Paul McElhinney,
Seattle branch head.
The sale of his Caribou Theatre in Brew-
ster, Wash., to Jerome B. Davis leaves L. A.
Gillespie with only four houses in hs Okano-
gan circuit — the Avalon, Okanogan; the
Orada and Ossoyees, in Oroville, and the
Vale in Cashmere . . . Helen Sullivan, Film
Classics office staff, is recovering from an
operation in Doctors hospital . . . Sarah
France has joined the SRO office as secre-
tary to Manager James Walsh.
Hartford Columnist Assails
Trend to Longer Pictures
From New England Edition
HARTFORD — Charles Niles, Hartford
Times columnist, had this to say under the
heading of “Protest on Seeing Double”;
"A present-day trend of thought in picture-
making is that a movie to be good must be
long. That makes a great many films far
too lengthy. Yet there are fine films which
require length. Point is, however, that most
theatre programs have an extra long feature
picture on view and what happens? They
are asked by their district offices and ex-
changes to add a secondary feature which
in most cases shouldn’t happen to a man-
ager, let alone a moviegoer.
"As a result, countless admirable short
films are going to waste because there’s no
room on the average movie bill. Such a
waste ought to be stopped, and could be, if
all theatre circuits would get together. Even
the small minority— and we believe it is
small — which demands double features, would
take the single bill and like it.
“There’s only one good reason for running
a co-feature film, and that is if the main
talkie happens to be a ‘smellie.’ But that
isn’t very often, and would be less frequent
as time went on, under the single bill pro-
gram. Wonder what other moviegoers think
about this?”
SEATTLE COPS A PRIZE — Second-place money was won by Paramount’s Seattle
branch in the company’s 1946 sales drive. The presentation was made at a meeting
during which the company’s 35 Years of Leadership drive, which opens August 31,
was discussed. Checks were handed out by Harold Wirthwein, this year’s drive
captain, third from left in front row, and Hugh Braly, western district manager,
seated beside him. At extreme left in front row is Herb Kaufman, branch manager.
Showman Recalls Biggest Scare
From New England Edition
WORCESTER — Bob Portle, manager of the
Loew-Poli Elm Street, is the dean of Worces-
ter theatremen and
can look back on 43
years in show busi-
ness as an actor and
manager.
As advance man for
musical shows and as
a vaudeville performer,
he toured back and
forth across the coun-
try for 12 years. He
has served for 31 years
in the front offices of
theatres, usually as
manager.
Looking back on that BOE portle
long experience, he
recalls two thrilling events that stand out
most vividly in his memory.
“One was the time in Boston when I
smashed my hand hitting a man who was
molesting a chorus girl, and the other was
when I was kidnaped by the Millen brothers
in the robbery of Poli’s in Franklin Square.”
The Millens were as cold-blooded a pair
of murderers as New England ever knew, so
it’s natural Portle still shudders at the
thought of them.
KNUCKLE STILL OUT OF PLACE
A knuckle in his left hand that is still
out of place serves as a reminder of the
chorus girl incident. He was traveling with
the “Parisian Belles” at the time. The show
was playing in a Boston theatre.
One night after the performance, he and
three of the chorus girls were passing Hollis
street when a fellow emerged from the shad-
ows, grabbed one of the girls and attempted
to drag her away.
Bob hit the fellow with a crashing left.
He went sprawling into the gutter, then arose
and fled. That would have been that, except
that Bob discovered he had broken a knuckle,
driving it back four inches from the joint. A
doctor placed it in a cast and eventually
brought the knuckle closer to its mooring,
but it never was right again. It still is an
inch away from the joint.
The episode of the Millens not only was
more exciting but it was more serious and
might have been fatal. For the Millens,
along with their accomplice, Abe Faber,
never hesitated to kill.
Bob was assistant manager of the Poli
back in 1932 when the Millens were at large.
The manager was Ralph McGowan, now a
film booker in New York.
One Sunday night after the last perform-
ance when the safe was bulging with the
weekend receipts, the Millen brothers kid-
naped Mr. and Mrs. McGowan as they were
driving home. When they found that only
Portle knew the combination to the safe, they
drove to his home and forced him into their
automobile.
A machine gun held against Bob’s ribs by
the Millens convinced him it was no time to
argue.
The Millens drove to the theatre and went
to the office. A policeman was on duty in-
side but when he heard the familiar voices
of McGowan and Portle telling him to open
up, he did so innocently and found two ma-
chine guns pointing at him.
HELPED IDENTIFY BANDITS
Bob unlocked the safe, the Millens scooped
several thousand dollars from it, locked Portle
and the others in a tiny closet and fled. The
holdup remained a mystery for several weeks.
In the meantime, the Millens and Faber
were robbing banks, theatres and stores, leav-
ing a trail of dead men. Eventually the three
were captured and sent to the electric chair.
Bob helped identify them.
While a senior at Classical high school in
September 1903, Bob entered show business
as chief usher at Lothrop’s Opera House, now
the Olympia. After attending Hinman’s
Business college, he became treasurer of the
house in 1904. That was the year young A1
Jolson came to Lothrop’s with “High Flyers”
and was stranded here briefly when the show
flopped.
Lothrop’s closed in 1904 and Bob moved to
the old Park as treasurer. The next year, he
moved to Brooklyn to manage the Columbia.
After that, he went on the road as lecturer
with the Gans-Nelson and O’Brien-Burns
fight films. Bob delivered the lectures so
many times that he still remembers them
word for word.
Portle spent a year as advance man for
“Parisian Belles.” He left San Francisco four
days before the great fire. It was in this show
that he turned actor. One night the straight
man was taken ill and Bob substituted. He
liked it, and stayed on. ■
In 1911 he went into vaudeville, taking the
name of Bob Thatcher and serving as straight
to a Jewish comic, Jack Burns, who is living
in Providence now.
Two years later he acquired a new partner,
and the billing read: Melvin and Thatcher,
the Baseball Fans.
BQXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
65
> m ♦
They're All Talking
About This Series
The most talked-about series oi articles
in the motion picture trade press is "Filmrows
of America." currently running in BOXOFFICE.
Now, for the first time, the story of the men
and women who run the motion picture busi-
ness of the country is being graphically told
in articles written by a skilled staff of field
correspondents and through hundreds of pho-
tographs taken by staff cameramen who are
visiting every film exchange city in the United
States and Canada to photograph the film-
row personalities you read and hear about.
"Filmrows of America" is another special
BOXOFFICE feature — that extra dividend sub-
scribers receive from the No. 1 magazine in
its field.
JCS
nei-^as £hi
> *nuncl
\^cU:ns<9°6
attt .<
u>e sZ
s*m
l9jgBr*UerCa,'e
aflcf
sna
*gH,
ana
Still
“»en
■hi
*he
*e or 5^
, ai tea
r scribers receive 1:
^ its field.
* A A A ^ -- *
■^oi/s t0«n Z‘*
cen£ef cefl£ 4 a* * <
"bin
86
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Court Battle Starts
On Theatre Leases
BLUFFTON, IND. — The Marion Theatre
Corp. of Marion, Ind., has brought suit in
Wells county circuit court here against Wil-
liam O. Connors and others, seeking a lease on
the Indiana and Lyric theatres in Marion and
$100,000 damages for alleged conspiracy to de-
prive the company of the lease.
Both the Indiana and Lyric, along with the
Paramount in Marion, were operated until a
year ago under a pooling agreement. Connors
served as city manager under this arrange-
ment.
When the pooling agreement expired, Con-
nors obtained a 15-year lease on the Indiana
and Lyric. The Marion Theatre Corp. seeks to
have this lease transferred to them, contend-
ing that Connors was an officer and director
of the Marion Corp. at the time the lease was
negotiated. Marion Corp. held a lease on the
theatres for ten years prior to June 30, 1946,
the complaint states.
The defendants contend that the Washing-
ton Theatre Co., which owns the real estate
on which the Indiana and Lyric are located,
served notice it would not renew the lease
with the Marion Corp. because the corpora-
tion, through interlocking ownership, also
controlled the Paramount. Defendants besides
Connors are the Washington Theatre Co.; the
Hohman-Clinton Realty Corp., which holds
the lease on the Paramount; Paramount Pic-
tures, and Balaban & Katz circuit of Chicago.
Merchant Marine Veteran
Appeals Building Denial
WOOD RIVER, ILL. — George Evanoff, who
served in the merchant marine during World
War II, plans an appeal to the higher officials
at Springfield from a ruling by the district
office of the housing expediter denying him
a permit for the construction of a motion
picture theatre in the 100 block of Ferguson
avenue. He had hoped to start actual con-
struction within the next few weeks. Wood
River is now served by the Wood River Thea-
tre, 1,072-seat house operated by the Publix
Great States circuit, which has several other
houses in this area.
Mike Horne Gets Permit
For Theatre in Bethalto
BETHALTO, ILL. — Mike Horne of Gillespie
has been granted a building permit to erect
a 500-seat $45,000 motion picture theatre here
at the corner of Butcher and North Prairie
streets. Construction will be started just as
soon as the necessary clearance has been ob-
tained from the office of housing expediter,
Horne told Mayor Henry Gerdes at the time
he received the building permit. The house
should be completed within 90 days after the
construction contracts are awarded, Horne
estimated. The building proper will cost about
$30,000, and the equipment and furnishings
another $15,000.
Suburban House in Alton
Is Planned by Partners
ALTON, ILL. — Plans for the erection of a
$60,000 motion picture theatre in the Milton
suburban district have been announced by
W. A. Solterman of Alton and Ralph H. Welsh
of Wood River. Solterman and Welsh have se-
lected a plot of ground at the intersection of
Milton road and Rodgers avenue as the site
of the theatre, which is to be of modern de-
sign and equipped with the best of projec-
tion and sound equipment, seats and air
conditioning. The Milton is the name selected
for the new theatre.
PREPREMIERE PARTY — Max Roth
(left), PRC district manager; Richard
Basehart (center), starring in Eagle-Lion’s
“Repeat Performance,” and Harry Man-
dell, Eagle-Lion sales representative, at a
cocktail party in Chicago. Basehart was
en route to Zanesville, Ohio, for the world
premiere of “Repeat Peformance.”
Republic, Universal
Start Row Shuffle
ST. LOUIS — Republic opened its new of-
fices at 3320 Olive St. here Monday in the
building occupied by U-I before the latter
moved into its present home at the corner
of Compton avenue and Olive street.
Nat Steinberg, district manager for Re-
public, and John Houlihan, local manager,
supervised the move from 3214 Olive St.
The quarters at 3214 Olive will be readied
for early occupancy by PRC, now located at
3334 Olive. Shortly after PRC moves, Film
Classics, now using space in the Screen
Guild Production exchange quarters at 3326
Olive, plans to move to 3334 Olive, Sol Han-
kin, FC manager, has announced.
Hankin will be back in very familiar quar-
ters. Back in 1923 when Hankin was St.
Louis manager for Educational Pictures, he
supervised remodeling of 3334 Olive for use
by Educational, the first occupant of the
building.
Permit Issued for Repair
Of Closed Lee Theatre
ST. LOUIS, MO. — A building permit has
been issued for $5,000 worth of alterations and
improvements to the Lee Theatre. The build-
ing is owned by P. Firito. The house is dark
at present. The office of the housing ex-
pediter has granted the Exhibitors Supply
Co. clearance for $4,500 in repairs to its one-
story building at 3238 Olive St.
Charles Conn Buys Out
Herb Watson in Canalou
CANALOU, MO. — The 350-seat Conn Thea-
tre has again been taken over by Charles
Conn, a local banker. He recently purchased
the interest of Herbert Watson in the house.
Watson hasn’t announced his future plans.
Crossville Gets Theatre
CROSSVILLE, ILL.— Delbert Wagner of
Carmi has announced plans for opening a
450-seat theatre. The house will have mod-
ern equipment and an air conditioning sys-
tem. Crossville has been without a theatre
for some 20 years. Wagner owns and op-
erates the Nox Theatre in Eldorado, 111.
E-L Sales Policy Aired
Al Chicago Parley
CHICAGO — Eagle-Lion held a two-day
sales meeting at the Blackstone last weekend
with A. W. Schwalberg, vice-president and
general manager, and Harold Dunn, assist-
ant general manager, in charge.
Schwalberg, who attended the three-thea-
tre world premiere of E-L’s “Repeat Per-
formance” in Zanesville, Ohio, said he would
depart for Atlanta after the Memorial day
holiday for another E-L sales convention.
In addition to screening “Repeat Per-
formance” here for the visiting delegates,
Schwalberg mentioned other E-L films soon
to be released. They include “Red Stallion,”
“Texas Story” and “Captain Casanova.” The
release of “The Adventuress,” however, has
been postponed.
Among midwestern exchange representa-
tives who attended the meeting:
Harry Mandell, sales executive; Max Roth,
midwestern district manager; Clarence
Phillips, branch manager, and Jack Schwartz
and Charles Miller, salesmen, of Chicago.
M. Shackelford, branch manager; Beverly
Miller, district manager, and G. Suitz, O.
Lies, J. H. Johnson and C. Erickson, salesmen
of Kansas City.
Sam Abrams, branch manager, and C.
Kemp and Ted Hammer, salesmen, of In-
dianapolis.
Abbott M. Swarts, branch manager, and
Don Anderson, Richard Stahl, C. Krieburg
and W. Hallorhan, salesmen of Minneapolis.
F. Lee, branch manager, and S. Trueslow,
J. Kunath, and C. Olson, salesmen, of Des
Moines.
Sol Reif, branch manager, and J. Gibson
and R. Dinehein, salesmen, of Omaha.
The St. Louis branch manager, William
Sherman, was accompanied by William Feld,
special sales representative, and H. Schwartz,
H. Gorelick and G. Phillips, salesmen.
Leo Brandt, midwest publicity director for
E-L, arranged and supervised the details of
the meeting.
Indiana ATO Elects Zaring
To Lifetime Membership
INDIANAPOLIS — A. C. Zaring, former
operator of the Zaring Theatre here, was
elected a lifetime honorary member and di-
rector of the ATO of Indiana at a recent
meeting of the board of directors.
Zaring recently leased his theatre, but
the board wanted him to stay with the or-
ganization because of his years of experi-
ence and his untiring interest in the or-
ganization’s Welfare and in its affairs. He is
one of the oldest motion picture theatre
operators in the state.
Zaring will retire from active affairs,
although he has retained desk space at the
Zaring, where he spent most of his life.
Louis Kerasotes to Wed
Champaign Girl in July
SPRINGFIELD, ILL.— Louis G. Kerasotes,
son of Gus Kerasotes, president of Kerasotes
Brothers Theatres, will marry Anastasia Kat-
sinas, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Kat-
sinas of Champaign July 10 in Emmanuel
Memorial Episcopal church, Champaign.
Kerasotes is a graduate of Springfield high
school, and the University of Illinois college
of commerce. He served as a lieutenant with
the infantry in the Pacific area during the
war and now is associated with the theatre
chain.
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
c
67
'Jolson Story' Makes
St. Louis Film History
1,000 Enjoy Gay Evening at Dance
Of Chicago Filmrow Employes
CHICAGO — Jack Eckhardt, president of
Film Exchange Employes local F45, IATSE,
personally greeted over 1,000 persons at the
gala May dance held Saturday night (24) in
the Midland hotel.
Highlighting an evening of fun and frolic
was the selection and crowning of “Miss
Filmrow of 1947.” More than 25 contestants
paraded before a panel of seven judges, which
included Jack Kirsch, president of Allied
Theatres of Illinois, motion picture critics,
and members of the trade press.
Judging was no easy matter as the field
was twice narrowed down, first to nine, and
then to five smartly attired and pretty young
ladies. After careful consideration the judges
selected Leatrice Husband, 18-year-old Para-
mount lovely, as the winner. As such, Miss
Husband was presented a sleek and shining
radio-phonograph and other gifts. The run-
nersup, Jean Eggert, 19, a steno at Para-
mount, and Nancy Omick, 20-year-old con-
tract clerk for Warner Bros., received gift
certificates from local department stores.
After the contest, the merrymakers danced
till the wee hours of morning to the music
of the Johnny Jones orchestra, and were
entertained by “The Rhythm Rockets.”
Taking well deserved bows for the success
of the affair is the dance committee, which
included Leo T. Schauer, chairman of 20th-
Fox; George Rose, MGM; Alice Fortonski,
20th-Fox; Florence Cohen, Warners; Mary
Turek, RKO; Jim Flaherty, Paramount; Art
Rosenthal. PRC, and Alice Dubin, Capitol
T J. McGinley, sales manager of Prestige Pic-
tures, and L. Audrayn, exploiteer, were
here . . . Gerald Haugh has been added to
the sales organization of Film Classics . . .
Sol Greenburg, office manager for Film Clas-
sics, and Carl Niesse, operator of the Vogue,
returned by plane from the Variety conven-
tion.
J. B. Stine, operator of the Garfield. Terre
Haute, has gone to the lake regions of north-
ern Wisconsin for the summer . . . Sam H.
Abrams, manager of Eagle-Lion-PRC, re-
turned from Nashville where he visited ex-
hibitors . . . Joseph Schilling, Connersville,
operator of the Auditorium, spent his birth-
day in Lima, Ohio, with his son and grand-
children.
Claude McKean, manager of Warners, was
one of the judges in the Miss Indiana pageant
at the Indiana Teachers college in Terre
Haute, May 23 . . . Charles Acton, Republic
salesman, has a new car . . . Film Classics
opened a ten-week sales drive May 17.
Roy Rogers, Republic star, will appear in
Indianapolis June 27 through July 3 with his
thrill circus at the State Fair Coliseum build-
ing . . . Jack Dowd, Warner Bros, salesman;
Burdette Peterson, National Theatre Supply
Co.; Claude McKean and Tom McCleaster,
20th-Fox sales manager, can be found any
Sunday morning, rain or shine, on the Speed-
way golf course.
Don S. MacLeod, office manager for MGM,
attended the office managers convention in
Cincinnati . . . Mrs. Hilda Long, Hippodrome,
Sheridan, was a visitor on Filmrow.
Hobart Hart, operator of the Court Thea-
tre, Auburn, is planning his annual fishing
MISS FILMROW OF 1947— Leo
Schauer, chairman of the dance commit-
tee for local F45 May dance at the Mid-
land hotel, Chicago, crowns “Miss Film-
row of 1947,” Leatrice Husband, employed
as biller at Paramount exchange.
Film. Norma Boyle of the 20th-Fox pub-
licity department handled the publicity
chores.
trip in northern Michigan and southern Can-
ada . . . Vance Schwartz of the Grand, Louis-
ville, was here booking and buying . . . George
Mailers of the Mailers circuit, Fort Wayne,
left for California for a vacation.
Jim Keefe, exploiteer for 20th-Fox, was
here on business . . . J. E. Whitley, Colonial,
Kokomo, booked and bought . . . Mary
Wehrling, secretary to Manager George T.
Landis of 20th-Fox, is taking a six-month
leave of absence . . . Harry Watts, Alhambra,
Knightstown, booked . . . Mrs. Norma Latti-
more of the MGM staff has returned to her
post after an appendectomy.
Mrs. Eva Harris, operator of the Zionsville
Theatre, Zionsville, and Chris Harin, Indian-
apolis, were married May 9 ... A shower
was held at the L.V.L. club in honor of Ber-
nice Gabe and Mary Wehrling, 20th-Fox of-
fice personnel, both of whom are blessed
eventing. The girls of the exchange pre-
sented them with many beautiful gifts ap-
propriate for the occasion . . . Mrs. W. K.
Embleton, wife of the Monogram salesman,
is convalescing at home after a major opera-
tion.
Lockwood Gets Dolton
DOLTON, ILL.— The Dolton Theatre has
been taken over by the Lockwood circuit,
which operates in Chicago and East Chicago.
It is being managed by Robert Polfus.
To Supervise Photography
William Daniels will act as supervising di-
rector of photography on all Mark Hellinger
films for Universal.
ST. LOUIS — “The Jolson Story” continues
to make new motion picture history in this
territory, rising to new boxoffice marks and
sustained runs that previously were unheard
of.
Last Friday, for example, 15 neighborhood
theatres, strategically located throughout the
city and suburbs, opened day-and-date seven-
day engagements.
C. Densmore Hill, local Columbia manager,
departed from all former run schedules in
booking “The Jolson Story,” and the film
already has "in the sack” more business than
was done by Columbia’s former boxoffice top
pictures, “Kiss and Tell” and “Song to Re-
member.”
SET FOR A SOLID YEAR
A check of bookings indicate that the Jol-
son film will have 50 per cent more playing
time in this area than any previous picture.
At present Columbia has 365 days of time set,
a solid year.
Right from the start the film set a record
pace. It played in Loew’s State four weeks,
then moved to Loew’s Orpheum for another
four, becoming one of the only three films
to obtain an eight-week first run engagement
in these two first run houses. The other two
were MGM films, so “The Jolson Story” is
the first "outside” picture to equal the mark.
OFF SCREENS TWO WEEKS
The film closed its first run April 2 and
opened second run April 9. The second run
bookings wound up May 9, so the 15-theatre
neighborhood opening last Friday meant Co-
lumbia held the film off local screens two
weeks.
On May 31 the picture will open five-day
day-and-date engagements. And Manager
Hill and Art LaPlante, city salesman, are
now lining up a group of three-day day-and-
date runs.
Egg Is Given Exalted
Chicago Treatment
CHICAGO — The egg, as a commodity, was
the subject of special attention last week at a
rally arranged by the National Egg and Poul-
try board and U-I Pictures.
More than 1,000 persons, including Gov. and
Mrs. Dwight H. Green, Mayor Martin H.
Kennedy and 200 industrial, social, educa-
tional, civic and professional leaders, sat
down at the Chicago Mercantile exchange
and heard kind words said about eggs, and
U-I’s motion picture “The Egg and I.” Green
said some of them himself, and Mayor Ken-
nelly greeted the guests and spoke briefly.
Telegrams were read from the stars of the
picture, Claudette Colbert and Fred Mac-
Murray.
After the guests had partaken of cranberry
eggnog, egg rustique, egg salad, tomatoes
stuffed with eggs, and the white and golden
Claudette Colbert cake, whfch was served
by 20 Vance models, they enjoyed a floor
show headed by Don McNeil of Radio Break-
fast club fame, who emceed the festivities.
A model dressed like a chicken passed out
colorful plastic eggs which contained free
tickets to the midwest premiere of “The Egg
and I,” which opened at the RKO Palace and
Grand May 28. Adrian’s original Egg and I
gown was modeled by a Marshall Field & Co.
beauty. Two slick-chicks hopped out of a
giant egg to give out with prizes and add to
the gayety. Ben Katz, special representative
for U-I, and Cliff D. Carpenter, chairman of
the Egg and Poultry board, arranged the egg-
ceedingly great stunt.
INDIANAPOLIS
68
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
'Duel' and 'Daughter'
Start Off Briskly
CHICAGO — Business started off pretty good
last week with “Duel in the Sun” showing si-
multaneously at two B&K houses, the Roose-
velt and State-Lake, at a top admission price
of $1.50. The RKO Palace and Grand had a
very good week playing “The Farmer’s Daugh-
ter” day and date. “Dishonored Lady,” plus
a stage show headed by the Ink Spots, did
nicely at the Oriental, and the Chicago with
“Calcutta” on the screen, plus Jack Durant
heading the stage show, had a fair week.
Over the weekend the weather suddenly
turned warm and outdoor attractions both
night and day gave the Loop houses plenty
of opposition. “Duel” was withdrawn from the
Roosevelt after a week’s run to make way
for "The Two Mrs. Carrolls.” The two ban-
ner holdovers, “The Best Years of Our Lives”
and “The Jolson Story,” sagged a bit. “Car-
men” going into a fourth week at the World
Playhouse did nicely.
(Average is 100)
Apollo — The Jolson Story (Col), 21st wk 115
Chicago — Calcutta (Para), plus stage show 135
Garrick — The Mighty McGurk (MGM) 110
Grand — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO) 120
Oriental — Dishonored Lady (LJA), plus stage
show 135
Palace — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO) 125
Roosevelt — Duel in the Sun (SRO) 135
State-Lake — Duel in the Sun (SRO) 140
Studio — Sins of Bali (Rosenberg);
She-Devil's Island (R), 6th wk 100
United Artists — It Happened in Brooklyn
(MGM), 3rd wk 105
Woods — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
22nd wk 125
World Playhouse— Carmen (Superfilms), 3rd wk 115
Milwaukee Still on Skids;
Reissues, Hope Fare Best
MILWAUKEE— The boxoffice trend here
continued generally downward, with most
situations reporting grosses off considerably.
Weekend weather was sunny and warm for
the first time in quite a spell, sending the
populace into the country, but the balance of
the week was on the chilly side. The Strand,
innovating with false fronts, did right well
with reissues of “Kit Carson” and “Last of
the Mohicans.” “My Favorite Brunette” in the
second stanza at the Palace where it was
doubled with “Her Sister’s Secret,” remained
above average.
Alhambra — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO),
Step bv Step (RKO), 2nd run 90
Palace — My Favorite Brunette (Para);
Her Sister's Secret (PRC), 2nd wk 110
Riverside — The Thief of Bagdad (FC);
Hard Boiled Mahoney (Mono) 95
Strand — Kit Carson (UA);
Last of Mohicans (UA), reissues .100
Towne — The Private Affairs of Bel Ami (UA);
Adventures of Don Coyote (UA) 95
Warner — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB);
Winter Wonderland (Rep), 2nd wk 100
Wisconsin — High Barbaree (MGM);
My Brother Talks to Horses (MGM) 95
'Duel' Best in Indianapolis;
Cold and Rain Cut Gate
INDIANAPOLIS — Cold, rainy weather cut
into business last week and outdoor amuse-
ment spots, roller rinks and other pleasure
spots are also getting a cut of the amusement
dollar. “Duel in the Sun” at Loew’s, in its
second week, led the rest of downtown spots.
Alamo- Ambassador — Six Gun Serenade (Mono);
Vacation Days (Mono) 85
Circle — The Magnificent Rogue (Rep),
plus Sammy Kaye on stage 100
Indiana — Stallion Road (WB) 100
Keith's — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
3rd wk )25
Loew's — Duel in the Sun (SRO), 2nd wk 150
Lyric — My Favorite Brunette (Para), 2nd wk 90
Revamp Muncie Marquee
MUNCIE, IND. — The marquee of the Hoosier
here has been remodeled. Manager Roger
Callis says the job is part of a general re-
conditioning program.
CHICAGO
JJ capacity crowd attended the sneak pre-
view of 20th-Fox’s “Miracle on 34th
Street” last weekend at the United Artists
Theatre. The balcony was reserved for in-
vited guests and the press, who gave the
picture plenty of orchids on the comment
cards which were passed out to all those
present. The picture bows at the Woods
Theatre June 11, following “The Best Years
of Our Lives.”
Lou Abramson, secretary to Jack Kirsch,
Allied president, is rounding out 25 years in
the industry. He started way back when
with Film Board of Trade and has been
associated with Allied in various capacities
for 18 years . . . Herb Lyons of UA is in
Milwaukee working on a special exploitation
campaign for the opening of the Groucho
Marx, Carmen Miranda opus, “Copacabana.”
A galaxy of stars planed in from Hollywood
to thrill a huge crowd at the Stadium last
’weekend for the I Am an American day
spectacle which was staged by the Chicago
Herald-American. The stars who took part
in the event included, Edward G. Robinson,
Ben Lyon, Bebe Daniels, Joe E. Brown,
Marilyn Maxwell and Dale Evans.
The DeVry Corp., headed by 34-year-old
Bill DeVry, is installing its “GI” motion pic-
ture sound equipment aboard Matson Line
ships now being converted from troop trans-
ports. Chicago is the world headquarters
for this type of equipment.
Anna Krafcisin, daughter of John Kraf-
cisin, was iharried to Peter Xelisko May 25.
After a California honeymoon, Xelisko will
return to assist his father-in-law in the op-
eration of his Apollo and Cornell theatres . . .
Jean Hersholt, president of the Academy of
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, accom-
panied by Mrs. Hersholt, were stopovers for
a visit with friends. They were en route to
New York . . . Ben Katz, U-I exploiteer, went
to Detroit to drum-beat for “Odd Man Out,”
and then to Milwaukee for the opening of
“The Egg and I.”
Sid Blumenstock, 20th-Fox exploiteer,
came in from New York for a confab with
local 20th-Fox publicity staff, and to ar-
range an advance campaign with Norman
Kassel, Essaness circuit publicity head, for
the premiere of “Miracle on 34th Street” at
the Woods.
Tony Trankino, local boy whose singing at
the Chicago Theatre has brought him ac-
claim, has been contacted by Paramount
and 20th-Fox so you’ll probably be seeing
him in pictures before long. Tony’s father
is president of the American Bible college of
Chicago.
Julius Drazin of the B&K publicity de-
partment is holidaying in California . . .
Harold Russell, handless hero who won two
screen Oscars, passed through town with
his wife after inspecting more than 100
veterans hospitals. As he strolled down Ran-
dolph street, he greeted Manager Jack Be-
lasco of the Woods and was all smiles when
he saw persons still clamoring to get into
the Woods to see “The Best Years of Our
Lives.”
Frank Sinatra and other Hollywood stars
will headline the 10th annual Knights of
Columbus barbecue and youth benefit ball in
the Chicago Stadium June 11. Proceeds of
the affair will go to Bishop Bernard J. Sheil’s
Underprivileged Youth fund . . . J. J. Dono-
hue and Harold Wirthwein of Paramount,
will preside at a three-day sales meeting
here starting June 2.
Jack Kirsch journeyed to New York on
personal business and then to Washington
for a meeting with Attorney General Tom
Clark.
Waterproofs Basement
MICHIGAN CITY, IND. — Waterproofed
concrete has been poured in and around the
basement of the Tivoli Theatre. Manager
Harry Rubin said the concrete would correct
a problem of seepage that has been bother-
some in years past.
Powers in ‘Double Take'
Columbia has slated Tom Powers for a sup-
porting role in “The Double Take.”
JOE WEISS
(Formerly with Jack
Kirsch Theatres)
EXPERIENCED . .
. LICENSED
Insurance and Real
Estate Broker
Specializing in Theatre Properties
4060 Milwaukee Ave.
Phones: PAL 2102
Chicago 22, 111.
LAKeview 5958
CAND
• NATIONALLY ADVERTISED
• BARS TO YOU AT
• WHOLESALE PRICES
• All Popular 5c & 10c Brands
© - - IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT - -
H. & I. CONCESSIONS CO.
Theatre Concessionaires
1325 So. Wabash Ave.
Phone Harrison 9616 — Chicago 5
BOXOFFICE : : May 31, 1947
09
MILWAUKEE
Tndications are that the initial meeting of
* the proposed Oldtimers club will come up
within three weeks. Keep those suggestions
coming, fellows, and remember, it’s your club,
with no ulterior motives or directing pressure
from any individual or group.
Gordon Hewitt has not been seen around
town since he hustled into a golf match at
North Hills with Billy Sixty, Milwaukee Jour-
nal sports editor and golfer par excellence . . .
If you have any cigaret or pipe lighters that
need repairing, you might contact Johnny
Mednikow at National Screen. He repairs
any and all types just for the asking.
Bryn Griffiths, Fox Wisconsin exploiteer,
worked on “California” so tirelessly that
Harry Boesel considers dressing Griffiths in
regulation Bing Crosby attire . . . Eddie Lip-
son, MGM salesman for years, pulled a sur-
prise and resigned. He is taking things quiet
for a time, with future plans uncertain.
Ralph Maw, Minneapolis, MGM district
manager, huddled with Eph Rosen, acting
manager here . . . “The Little Flower” Provin-
zano of Fox Wisconsin gives “Carnation Char-
ley” Koehler a bad time regularly now . . .
Roy Picus and S. Johnson, New Adams Thea-
tre, Adams, were in town . . . Bob Allen,
United Artists branch manager, worked the
territory . . . Jack L. Warner jr. was a stop-
over and toured Warner Theatres houses in
town and outstate . . . N. Provencher, United
Artists salesman, cracked his noggin on some
of the heavy scaffolding while the exchange
was receiving a paint job.
As everyone knows, showmen spend their
days off right at their job. Well, somehow,
Harry Boesel, Fox Wisconsin downtown dis-
trict manager, got a half day off and drove
to Chicago. Returning about 3 a. m., he ran
out of gas 15 miles out of Milwaukee. With
no station within miles and all the agri-
culturists slumbering, he finally flagged down
an automobile transport truck and got towed
in. He says he would rather work on his off
day.
That Clipper cruise for all the exchanges
is still in the works ... If you have any sug-
gestions contact R. Baker, RKO salesman . . .
Elsie Seidel was at the Continental welcom-
ing John Kirby and band back. The Port
Players open their summer “straw hat” sea-
son at Oconomowoc high school June 18. This
year’s offerings include “Joan of Lorraine,”
“Barretts of Wimpole Street,” “Dear Ruth”
and “State of the Union” . . . A1 Gale will
manage the new radio station WEXT.
Jack Flynn, Minneapolis, of the MGM re-
print and reissue department, was in town
. . . Carl Thelin still carries on with his the-
atrical sign work, the three-alarm fire that
ruined his place . . . Jack Sullivan, who
received severe burns, is on the mend . . .
Len Freid manages the Hollywood Theatre.
Eau Claire, that opened early last month.
Freid managed theatres in Wisconsin, South
Dakota* and Rochester, Minn., prior to his
current assignment.
Dave Chapman, Columbia salesman, can’t
forget the time a prospective exhibitor cor-
nered him saying he’d looked through the
telephone directory, saw Columbia’s name,
and decided to buy his film there. Said
Dave: “Mister, you came to the right place.
Don’t go any farther. We’ve got the pic-
tures!” The man bought some and hasn’t
been heard from since.
During the showing of “The Best .Years”
at the Alhambra, a patron informed Ed
Friedwald, manager: “I’m certain your cashier
gave me too much change.” As Ed swooned
he breathed, “This is, indeed, the ‘Best Years
of Our Lives’ ”... Bob Guiterman, Capitol
Theatre, Manitowoc, left for a New York
Nomikos, RKO Split
Over Grand Lease
CHICAGO — Federal Judge Walter La Buy
Monday issued a temporary order restraining
the Troy Theatre Co. from canceling the
RKO lease on the Grand Theatre until a mo-
tion for preliminary injunction can be argued
in the district court here June 4.
The Winston Theatre Corp., subsidiary of
RKO Theatres, expended $50,000 for im-
provements at the Grand. The Troy Theatre
Co., headed by Van A. Nomikos, which oper-
ated the Grand prior to RKO, claims im-
provements were made without express con-
sent, therefore Winston Corp. is unjustified
in charging for alterations under the terms
of the lease.
Miles Seeley is attorney for RKO interests
and Seymour Simon represents Troy Theatre
Co.
visit . . . Isabelle Matecki, Film Classics book-
er, vacationed in Detroit . . . J. Juell, Garden
Theatre, South Milwaukee, was on the Row
. . . Same for George Gonis, Liberty Theatre,
and Nick Michaels, Main Street Theatre,
Racine.
Lillian Sweitzer, who won the vocalist-
glamour gal contest conducted locally by
Buck Herzog, Milwaukee Sentinel amusement
columnist, in a pitch on “Smash-Up,” has
been warbling at Blatz Palm Garden .
Joe Neger, 20th-Fox branch manager, pulled
a sneak preview of “Miracle on 34th Street”
at the Wisconsin Theatre, and audience re-
action indicated the picture means ready
money. Sid Blumenstock, 20th-Fox exploi-
teer; Charley Hacker, Wisconsin Theatre
manager, and Fred Stanger, local photog-
rapher, spent the evening photographing
laughing;, patrons. Jack Frackman, Republic
manager; Mrs. Harley Huebner, Strand Thea-
tre, Oconomowoc, and Joe Strother of S&M
Theatres were in the audience.
Sid Margoles, Regal operator, had canopy
copy reading “Get Heat With ‘Cuban Pete’ ”
. . . Joe Malits, Eighth Street Theatre, booked
product . . . Morey Anderson, RKO salesman,
is right at home with those Swedish people in
his territory . . . Milt Abram of Film Arts re-
turned from Ohio, where he was shooting in-
dustrials for a Racine client.
W. C. Fischer, Campo Theatre, Campbells-
port, says his recent air jaunt to St. Paul was
about the fastest ride he has had in years . . .
Danny Kelliher, Sprague Theatre, Elkhorn,
says; “In 33 years in th business, I’ve never
shown a double feature or featured give-
aways” . . . The Telenews' scheduled for early
opening, won’t bow in until July.
Roof Garden Featured
In Rodgers Theatre
Poplar Bluff, Mo. — The Rodgers Thea-
tre, being erected here by the Rodgers
circuit of Cairo, 111., includes a distinct
innovation in motion picture theatre con-
struction, featuring a roof garden over the
stores which will occupy part of the front.
Refreshments are to be served on the roof
garden.
The theatre, designed by Hugo Graf,
St. Louis architect, will have an unusually
spacious lobby to provide protection to
patrons during inclement weather. The
house will seat well in excess of 1,000
persons.
The Rodgers circuit also owns and op-
erates the 700-seat Criterion and the
500-seat Jewell theatres here. Their op-
position is the 400-seat Strand, operated
by G. Carey, who also owns the 480-seat
Stadium in Caruthersville, Mo.
ST. LOUIS
^oah Bloomer, owner of the Rex and Ritz
theatres in Belleville, 111., who now is a
realtor in Los Angeles, is here with his wife
on a vacation. He reports he made some
good deals on the coast and is going to take
life easy now. His sons now operate the
Belleville theatres. Bloomer once operated
a film exchange on Filmrow.
Exhibitors on Filmrow: Tom Baker,
Bunker Hill, 111.; Charley H. Weeks jr., Dex-
ter, Mo.; Russell Armentrout, Louisiana, Mo.;
Bill Zimmerman, Warrenton, Mo.; Justus
Garard, Carthage, 111.; Charley Rudolph,
Troy, Mo.; Oscar L. Turner, Harrisburg, 111.;
L. A. Mercier, Fredericktown, Mo.; Dean
Davis, West Plains, Mo., and Harold Larkin,
Ellington, Mo.
Fred Wehrenberg, president of the MPTOA,
went to Washington for a White House con-
ference . . . The Rialto Theatre in Paducah,
Ky., reopened after being closed a week for
redecorating and repairs. It is a Columbia
Amusement Co. house.
Mrs. John Luther Jones of Jackson, Tenn.,
said to be the widow of “Casey” Jones, the
brave engineer of the song by the same name,
who was here to attend the National Folk
festival at the Kiel auditorium May 22 re-
vealed that she will leave shortly for Holly-
wood to sit in on the production of a motion
picture based on the career of her husband,
who was killed in a train wreck at Vaughn,
Miss., in 1900. She wears the wedding ring
that Casey put on her finger on Nov. 25,
1886 in Jackson, Tenn.
Another visitor to the Folk festival was
W. C. Handy, now blind and 74 years old,
who wrote the “St. Louis Blues” in 1914.
The Negro author revealed there really isn’t
anything “blue” about the song since it nets
him $25,000 a year. He credited the title of
“St. Louis Blues” to the late Russell E.
Gardner, who operated the old Banner
Buggy Co. in St. Louis and later manufac-
tured the Gardner and the original Chev-
rolet automobiles. Handy now resides in
New York.
The former Rodgers Theatre in Cairo, a
460-seater, recently was renamed the Lincoln
and now caters to the Negro trade, replacing
the old Opera House, destroyed by fire some
weeks ago . . . Warners presented a trophy
to the outstanding dance team at the Tune
Town ballroom here as part of the exploita-
tion for “Love and Learn” at the Ambassador
Theatre. When “Stallion Road” was shown
at the Fox, Warner’s awarded a trophy to the
owner of the outstanding horse at the West-
ern Trails horse show at the Missouri Stables.
The local office force of Eagle-Lion went
to Chicago for a regional meeting May 24, 25
. . . “Sinbad the Sailor” opened a ten-day
run at the 2,766-seat Orpheum in Springfield,
111., May 30 after a fine exploitation campaign,
including a treasure hunt contest sponsored
by both the local newspapers, with many local
stores being tied in.
John B. McCullough of the conservation
department of Motion Picture Ass’n, is ex-
pected to visit St. Louis early in June . . .
Producer W. Lee Wilder of Republic will
visit St. Louis on an exhibitor-press tour in
behalf of “Mad Venture” . . . The Grand
Theatre, burlesque house, has closed for the
summer.
Out-of-town exhibitors seen along Filmrow
include Charley Beninati, Ritz, Carlyle, 111.,
and C. H. Frobase, Frobase, Benton, Mo. . . .
Hall Walsh, prairie district manager for War-
ner Bros., was in Omaha this week.
70
BOXOFFICE :pMay 31, 1947
Benefit Show Marks
Change at Newman
KANSAS CITY — Preliminary plans have
been arranged for a premiere-benefit show
to be held at the Newman the night of June
17. The occasion will mark a change in the
theatre name to the Paramount.
In a tieup with the Jackson County Cancer
committee whereby the local society will offer
1,000 seats at a minimum of $5, M. D. “Babe”
Cohn, manager of the theatre, will present
Paramount’s “Perils of Pauline” in its mid-
west premiere. General admission for the
performance will be $1.24, tax included.
The premiere will have proportions similar
to the festivities staged 28 years ago when
the Newman first opened as one of the city’s
first de luxe houses. Cohn said he had been
assured by Paramount executives that an out-
standing star would be present for the bene-
fit if plans progress as outlined in conferences
with A. B. Eisenhower, chairman of the local
cancer committee.
Bob Marchbank Elevated
By Commonwealth Chain
KANSAS CITY — Bob Marchbank, Com-
monwealth city manager in Washington, Mo.,
for the last several years, has been named
southern division manager for the circuit.
He succeeds Rex P. Barrett of Columbia, Mo.,
who will devote his time to managing Colum-
bia locations and making future plans for
that area. For the time being Marchbank
will make his headquarters in Washington.
His territory includes Washington, Columbia,
Waynesville and Monett, Mo., and Harrison,
Ark. Assisted by Clarence Schultz, president
of Commonwealth, Marchbank held his first
division meeting at Harrison May 29.
An Exhibitor's Daughter
Complimented on Voice
MAPLETON, MINN. — Harriet Blubaugh,
daughter of Harry Blubaugh, owner of the
Ritz Theatre here, is developing into quite
a songstress. At a recent musicale Miss Blu-
baugh was presented, along with two other
local musical prodigies, and sang eight num-
bers, four of them in foreign languages.
A local newspaper critic wrote of her: “She
has the combination of natural ability and a
well-trained voice flowing easily from one
range to another.”
W. G. Horstman Decorates
Princess in Odefoolt, Iowa
ODEBOLT, IOWA — A new marquee has
been installed at the Princess, W. G. Horst-
man, manager, reports. Horstman is plan-
ning to redecorate the lobby as well.
Alfred Wurl Makes Plans
For Napoleon Renovation
NAPOLEON, N. D. — Extensive improve-
ments are planned by Alfred Wurl for his
Miller Theatre. They include thejnstallation
of air conditioning.
W. L. Webber Expands
WINFIELD, KAS. — Warren L. Webber,
owner of the local Nile Theatre, has bought
an interest in a new restaurant and bar in
Wichita. Of modernistic design with lavish
appointments, the restaurant will have its
foodstuffs flown in from Chicago and St.
Louis in order to provide dishes not usually
available in Wichita.
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
bk
New T ower to Open Soon
in Suburb of Wichita
WICHITA — The Tower, one of the most
modernistic theatres in the southwest, is
nearing its completion in this city, accord-
ing to George Laham, one of the officials.
Laham says the theatre will open about June
30 and will be the finest in the state.
Located at Oliver and Central, one of the
thriving suburban sections of the city, t
theatre is designed to give patrons the utmost
in comfort, beauty and quality.
“The theatre has been under construc-
tion for many months because we insisted
on having the best of equipment,” Laham
stated. He estimates the cost will be around
$250,000.
OVER MILE OF FLUORESCENT
The front of the theatre, with its huge
marquee and tower sign, is of unusual de-
sign. More than a mile of fluorescent tubing
will be used. New Bevelite letters will make
up the attraction panel.
By use of special bowl-incline floor the
auditorium will seat 1,000 persons, all on one
floor. Staggered seating arrangement will
enable the customer to see the picture clearly,
no matter where he sits. Scientifically Bodi-
formed seats insure comfort.
Cold cathode lighting, ultramodern heating
and ventilating system and fine acoustics
are among the features of this luxurious
house. Laham stated that projection equip-
ment of the latest and finest type has been
bought.
LOT FOR 500 CARS
Artists and manufacturers from New York,
Chicago, Minneapolis, Grand Rapids, St.
Louis, Kansas City, Los Angeles and Wichita
have participated in the designing and build-
ing of the Tower which will include a fine
lobby, beautiful foyer with indirect lighting,
a ladies’ lounge with luxurious appointments,
men’s lounge and smoke rooms and a snack
bar.
An adjoining parking lot will accommo-
date close to 500 cars.
First class pictures of the major studios
will be used. Admission will be in line with
downtown theatre prices.
Manhattan TEI Men Attend
Circuit Meeting at Dallas
MANHATTAN, KAS. — Harry Wareham,"
theatre owner and partner in Theatre Enter-
prises, Inc., operations here; David Dallas,
city manager, and James Keller, assistant
manager, last week attended the managers
convention of TEI held in Dallas, Tex.
Dallas escorted his daughter, Gloria Rae, to
the home of her grandmother near Coman-
che, Tex., before proceeding to the conven-
tion.
College Tenor on Stage
Adds to Theatre Gross
SIOUX FALLS, S. D. — Stage attractions
were revived here last week when Manager
Joe Ryan presented William Abbott, Augus-
tana college tenor, twice nightly and four
times Sunday in conjunction with “The Sea
of Grass.” Ryan reported favorable results
from the experiment and stimulated returns
at the boxoffice.
Lionel Semon Sells
CIMARRON, KAS. — Lionel Semon has sold
his Cimarron Theatre here to Mr. Blakeman
of the local Standard Oil Co. office.
NEW THEATRE IN MORA — Ben Krawiecki spent $100,000 building this new
theatre, the 604-seat Paradise, in Mora, Minn. The building houses a beauty shop
and confectionery store besides the theatre. The theatre contains four rest rooms,
a spacious general lounge, smoking room and powder room, and a cry room with
26 seats. The booth is equipped with Simplex E-7 projection machines and Four-Star
sound. The house is operating first run, with four changes a week.
MW
71
KANSAS CITY
\X7edding bells rang Thursday for Elsa Lang
of Universal. Groom was Keith Reyn-
olds. The girls of the office gave a party
Monday afternoon at which they presented a
gift bond to the then prospective bride . . .
Mrs. Lydia Wilson of U-I returned from her
vacation and Mrs. Elva McFarland left for
her rest period this week.
Between Tommy Lawson and Gene Ragan
of Universal, all talk in that office is about
their trip to the
Ozarks. Tommy and
his wife went first,
then Gene and his
missus . .' . Leo Mc-
Evoy, short subjects
sales manager for
Universal, was in the
local office Friday and
Saturday. He was on
his way to New York
after producing some
streamliners in Texas.
Ben Marcus, Colum-
bia district manager,
was in Des Moines
Monday . . . Sue La Rue, Columbia contract
clerk, has been in the hospital for a serious
operation . . . Velda Nesbit, office manager’s
secretary, is on vacation . . . Mary Lou Jardes,
former biller and now bookkeeper, was in
New York recently . . . Irene Hunsicker,
cashier at United Artists, was on vacation
recently and came back with an honest re-
port: she caught one fish.
Ed Hartman, local booking agent; Charles
Potter, former exhibitor; Les Durland, Film
Classics manager; Winston Brown, head
booker at RKO, and Andy Anderson, Para-
mount salesman, went fishing May 15 at
Mountain Home, Ark. Luck was lousy, said
Hartman.
Dale Danielson of the Dream and Mecca
theatres in Russell, Kas., went to the Rotary
governors convention at Sun Valley, Idaho,
and then on to San Francisco for the inter-
national meeting there early in June . . . Fox
Midwest held its spring El Zorro club dance
at the American Legion hall last Friday
night to a pretty fair turnout.
Paul Back, former RKO office manager
here and now home office representative for
LEO McEVOY
Satisfaction — Always
Missouri Theatre Supply Co.
L. J. KIMBRIEL, Manager
Phone GRand 2864
2 115 W. 18th Kansas City 8. Mo. ZZZZ
FLAMEPROOFING
CHEMICALS
with Vinyl-Resinous Base
Will not Stain or Powder Off
Applied by
Experienced Applicators
or sold wholesale only.
All Work Guaranteed
THE CHEM-O-SCIEN CO.
807-A E. 31st St. Kansas City 3, Mo.
VAlentine 3765
this district, was stricken with appendicitis
Sunday in St. Louis. Bill Burke, present of-
fice chief here, says Back is getting along
fine . . . Earl E. Jameson, National Film
Service district head, left May 22 for Atlantic
City to attend the international Shriners
convention there. He will return June 7, ac-
cording to Marti Boyer, girl Friday.
Arlie Crites of Theatre Enterprises has
gone to Dallas for the first TEI convention
there May 28-30. Clifford Kein and Eddy
Erickson of the local office also went down
. . . M. D. “Babe” Cohn, Newman Theatre
manager, flew to Chicago last Thursday on
business. He returned Sunday (25).
Filmrow visitors at NTS included W. W.
Weldon of the Joy in Lathrop, Mo.; Mr. and
Mrs. Jerry Drake of the Ritz, Bolivar, Mo.;
John Goshorn of the American Seating Co.;
Isobel Burch of the Star Mfg. Co., St. Louis:
Earl W. Shutt of the Canton, Canton, Kas.;
Lewis Hickok, Dream, Effingham, Kas.;
Evelyn Bowers, Cozy, Girard, Kas.; Mr. and
Mrs. M. W. Ward, Star, Douglas, Kas.; Bob
Hilton and Bert Sanford of Altec in Chicago,
and Mr. and Mrs. Lee Sproule, Novelty,
Wichita, Kas.
Walter Lambader, local Screen Guild man-
ager, and Julian King of King Enterprises
in Des Moines have
returned from the
Screen Guild conven-
tion in Los Angeles.
Walt reports that the
two men and their
wives had to sweat a
little to earn the gala
time had in the film
capital. Driving
through rain and then
hail, plus mud all over
the desert, the Lam-
baders and the Kings
finally ran into four
inches of snow at
Flagstaff, Ariz. The
Lambaders came back by train, leaving the
Kings with more automobile fun.
PRC representatives returned from the
get-together in Chicago May 24. They were
Beverly Miller, district manager; M. G.
Shackelford, local manager; Gene Snitz, city
salesman; C. E. Erickson, Johnny Johnson
and A1 Lies, salesmen, and Bill Feld, Eagle-
Lion district manager from St. Louis.
Other recent Filmrow visitors included
Walt Talbutt of the Victory in Rogers, Ark.;
Charles A. Meeker of the Roxy, Everton, Mo.;
Dave Williams, Royal, King City, Mo.; Ralph
Winship, Majestic, Phillipsburg, Kas.
Surprising results from the sneak preview
WALTER LAMBADER
f inton JUSHSL 1
THEATRE INSURANCE Specialist
Scrvins You Sincr 1918
Till* And Tru.t Bld9. City 6, Mo.
TALKING TRAILERS, LOBBY PAPER
AND MATS
Write, Wire or Phone
PENNINGTON POSTER SERVICE
130 West 18th Phone: GRand 8626
Kansas City 8. Mo.
of “Miracle on 34th Street” at the Tower,
Uptown and Fairway theatres last week in-
cluded nearly 1,000 post cards commenting
on the film. Reading many of the opinions,
this correspondent found not one judging the
film as low as “Fair” . . . James Chapman,
manager of the Kimo Theatre, is feeling bet-
ter after a week of “feelin’ mighty poor.”
It was just health, not business.
Cecil Mayberry of the Basin Theatre at
Eureka Springs, Ark., was a visitor on the
Row and at the Kimo Theatre. Recently re-
covered from a severe illness, Mayberry
looked fine . . . Hal Parker, local Universal
newsreel cameraman, has been breathing
only in his spare time since President Tru-
man arrived. Grandview is becoming a sec-
ond home by now, he says.
Eddie Green of MGM went to California
Saturday (30) for two or three weeks. He
planned to visit San Diego and Los Angeles
for his birthday . . . Vernon Smith, MGM
office manager, was in Denver this week for
the office managers meetings there . . . M. G.
“Shack” Shackelford, PRC manager here,
went to the hospital Wednesday for a tonsil-
lectomy.
“Stairway to Heaven,” J. Arthur Rank’s
command-performance film starring David
Niven and Kim Hunter, will open at the
Esquire Theatre June 5. “Odd Man Out,”
starring James Mason, will open June 19 . . .
The marquee at the Uptown Theatre got a
new makeup boost Tuesday . . . Don “Hi Fi”
Davis returned from a thorough scouting
tour through Kansas and part of Colorado.
Mrs. Eleanore C. Walton, city censor, left
Saturday night (24) for a two-week vaca-
tion in Durham, N. C. She will visit her son
Dr. Loring B. Walton of Duke university and
attend the graduation of her only grand-
daughter and namesake from Chatham Hall
at Chatham, Va. Loring B. Walton III will
return with Mrs. Walton and spend the sum-
mer with her.
Joan Harrison, Producer,
Looks at 'Bloomer Girl'
KANSAS CITY — Joan Harrison, former girl
Friday to Alfred Hitchcock and now Uni-
versal-International producer, was in town
Saturday night to review “Bloomer Girl,”
popular Broadway musical then playing at
the local Music hall.
Sent here by U-I production officials, Miss
Harrison told Manager Jack Langan of the
U-I exchange, who escorted her to the thea-
tre, that the company is planning to make
a film of the musical.
Miss Harrison’s current release is RKO’s
"They Won’t Believe Me,” starring Robert
Young. A forthcoming feature is “Ride a
Pink Horse.”
Book for Eldon Peek
KANSAS CITY — The Ed Hartman Booking
agency has taken over booking and buying
for the Roxy Theatre, Wichita, Kas. The
house is owned by Eldon Peek.
Zimmerman Adds Marquee
CABOOL, MO. — The State Theatre, man-
aged by E. F. Zimmerman, has added a new
marquee.
R. A. Davis Buys 'Voice'
ROCKWELL CITY, IOWA— Voice of the
Theatre sound has been installed in the Em-
press by R. A. Davis, manager.
Haade in 'After Dark’
Paramount has set William Haade for a
featured part in “Big Town After Dark.”
72
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 194T
Showman Dallas Pens
Rabbil Journal Story
MANHATTAN, KAS. — Dave Dallas, TEI
city manager and amateur rabbit fancier,
is the author of a feature article in a forth-
coming issue of Small Stock, a widely read
trade journal among rabbit breeders.
Under the title “Rabbits and Rehabilita-
tion,” the Dallas story tells how a teacher
at the Boys Industrial school, Topeka, Kas.,
formed a rabbit club, got the youthful in-
mates interested in it as a profitable hobby,
and now is guiding the boys toward ulti-
mate rehabilitation. This project, according
to the Manhattan showman, is receiving the
hearty support of all Kansas rabbit raisers.
Dallas is president of the Kaw Valley
Rabbit and Cavy Breeders Ass’n and publicity
director for the parent group, the Kansas
State R&C Breeders Ass’n.
Air Plants Put in Shape
At Fox Midwest Houses
KANSAS CITY — Fox Midwest is revamp-
ing the summer atmosphere plants in several
of its local theatres. Work on new refrigera-
tion plants has been completed at the Rock-
hill and Granada and those in the Waldo,
Apollo and Carver will be back in operation
in two or three weeks following extensive
reconditioning.
Other new plants are being installed at
the Jayhawk in Topeka, Kas.; the Grand at
Moberly, Mo., the Eldorado, Eldorado, Kas.,
and the Burford in Arkansas City, Ark. The
equipment at the Broadway in Cape Girar-
deau, Mo., is being replaced.
Fox Midwest also is taking bids on rebuild-
ing the Royal Theatre in Atchison, Kas. Pres-
ent plans call for the house to seat about
1,000 persons following reconstruction.
Ex-Schoolteacher Buys
Orpheum in Timber Lake
TIMBER LAKE, S. D. — The Orpheum The-
atre, operated here by Mrs. Lee Elder since
the death of her husband, has been sold to
Henry Humann of Eureka, a former school
teacher. Elder purchased the theatre about
ten years ago and operated it until his death
in February, when his widow took over.
Samuel Davidson Dies
KANSAS CITY — Samuel Americus David-
son, 85, died here this week. At one time a
member of the Kansas State Theatre Man-
agers Ass’n, Davidson owned a chain of
houses in Cherryvale, Neodesha and Great
Bend, Kas., in the 1920s. Retired for about
a year, Davidson had been a room clerk at
a local apartment hotel.
—
♦ STEBBINS for WEBER
SyncroHlm
Projectors and Sound Equipment
hj In your service since 1899
STEBBINS THEATRE EQUIPMENT IST
■| 1804 Wyandotte St., Kansas City 8, Mo.
* Clyde Badger, Manager
In your service at Stebbins since 1906
From the
BOXOFFICE FILES
• • •
(Twenty Years Ago)
TOEW’S MIDLAND Theatre, under construc-
tion in Kansas City, will be “the last word”
in theatre efficiency. The cooling system has
a compressor with a capacity of 500 tons of
ice daily. It will be 95 feet from the floor of
the main auditorium to the top of the dome.
The main lobby is 55 feet high and extends
the entire width of the building.
9 9 9
The Midland circuit will build a new thea-
tre in Lyons, Kas., in the near future, ac-
cording to M. B. Shanberg, general manager
. . . Harry Strickland, manager, and M. C.
Sinift, city representative of Warners, were
out in the territory last week . . . Tom Bald-
win, formerly of Universal, is now cashier for
Educational Pictures . . , The Fox sales force
in Kansas City attended a convention in Chi-
cago this week. Those who went from Kansas
City: M. Bradley Fish, manager; Lewis
Bloomfield, assistant manager; Stanley
Mayer, Fred Horn, K. G. Howe, M. A. Tanner,,
Gus Kubitzki.
• • *
J. A. Masters, assistant manager at Film
Booking Offices branch in Kansas City, has
been busy. Irene Kanatzar, booker and bill
clerk, was ill, so Masters took over her work
in addition to his own.
* 9 9
The new Mystic Theatre at Cedar Dale,
Kas., has been rebuilt and Mr. and Mrs.
W. W. Leonard, owners, have opened the new
house . . . F. L. Collins, who recently took
over the management of the Diana Theatre,
Ninth and Troost, Kansas City, plans im-
provements and redecorations.
* 9 9
The Ritz Theatre, Springfield, Mo., has
been transformed into a house for Negroes.
George Scoville is manager . . . C. W. Rode-
baugh, oldest film salesman in point of serv-
ice who travels in the Kansas City territory,
has joined the sales force of the Midwest Film
Distributors. “Rodey” has been selling film
for 17 years.
* * *
J. F. Baker, formerly with United Artists
and Warner Bros., has joined the sales or-
ganization of the Midwest Film Distributors.
9 * 9
Midwest Theatres, Inc., of which L. M.
Miller of Wichita is president and E. C.
Rhoden, vice-president and general manager,
opened the new Rockhill Theatre at 46th
street and Troost avenue in Kansas City May
21. The Rockhill is the largest neighborhood
house in the city, having 1,600 seats. A free
parking station adjacent to the theatre has
space for 100 cars, and the community com-
mercial club will provide more space as need-
ed. The policy is four pictures a week. W. O.
Lenhart, formerly of the Linwood, is man-
ager. Morrill Moore, popular radio organist,
will play the organ.
A Lipman refrigerated air conditioning sys-
tem has been installed. The air washer has
a capacity of 12,000 gallons of water an hour.
* * *
From the Seven Years Ago Column of the
Reel Journal: Richard & Flynn announce
plans to organize a producing company . . .
George Hinton, formerly of Universal, be-
comes the manager of American Film Co. in
Kansas City . . . Adolph Eisner resigns as
president of the Kansas City Exhibitors
Ass’n . . . The NCD Amusement Co. was
formed in Kansas City by Sponsler and Gold-
stein . . . Bill Jacobs, manager of Loew’s Gar-
den, originates a four-page weekly newspaper
for patrons. He calls it Loewgrams.
Rhoden Drive Is Charted
At Fox Midwest Parleys
KANSAS CITY — Following their usual pol-
icy for this time of year, Fox Midwest last
week held pre-Rhoden week meetings of
managers and district chiefs in order to out-
line plans and make pledges for the E. C.
Rhoden section of the annual spring show-
manship campaign.
The custom of redoubled efforts for the
final two weeks of the drive originated during
the depression when managers and circuit
officials strove to register at least one week
in the black during the spring season.
Meetings this week included H. E. Jame-
son’s western Kansas huddle in Wichita Fri-
day. Fred Souttar’s southern Illinois group
Monday in St. Louis, Ed Haas of eastern
Kansas Tuesday in Kansas City, and Jim
Long’s meeting for the Missouri district in
Kansas City Wednesday. Leon Robertson,
city district chief, will hold the concluding
session here June 2.
Attending all district discussions were E. C.
Rhoden, president; Lon Cox, film buyer;
Charles Chafer, treasurer; Senn Lawler, ad-
vertising manager, and Howard Milton, sec-
retary.
McVille Hollywood Is Open
McVILLE, N. D.— The Hollywood Theatre
here is now open.
Topline to Frances Dee
Femme topline in Enterprise’s "They
Passed This Way” have been handed Frances
Dee.
POPCORN . . Best Quality . . Guaranteed Volume
Paper Lined Bags — From New Processor
$9.25 per 100 Lbs., FOB. Kansas City
re ve
THEATRE SUPPLY
• COMPANY •
217 W. 18th St.
Kansas City 8. Mo.
EDHT mtrTIPM
STAGE EQUIPMENT COMPANY
^IIHilMIITIMIIIF
EVERYTHING FOR THE STAGE • AUDITORIUM • LOBBY
BOX OFFICE * 1324 Grand Avc., Kansas City 6, Mo.
POP CORN BOXES
10c Size
ATTRACTIVE DESIGN
IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT
Paper Supply Co.
505 Delaware Street
KANSAS CITY G, MO.
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
73
Kansas City Libraries and Schools
May Open Doors to News on Films
By VELMA WEST SYKES
KANSAS CITY — It will soon pe possible to
•'disseminate information about motion pic-
tures of the highest educational and cultural
values in the local schools and libraries” if
the recommendation along that line from the
panel on “Movies, Radio and Press” of the
Mayor’s Youth conference goes through. This
discussion panel was held on Thursday, May
22, at the First Christian church, with Mrs.
Henry Arthur, panel chairman, presiding, as-
sisted by Miss Dorothea Hyle, librarian, act-
ing as co-chairman. Active representation of
“the press” was taken over by Miss Jacqueline
Cravens, supervisor of branches of the public
library, with a talk on the work now being
done in the Youth Corner at the main
library. In the discussion which followed, it
was brought out that such libraries as Cleve-
land have approved lists of motion pictures
available there for public information, but be-
cause of a ruling by the local board of edu-
cation, that is not possible here.
NOT A DEFENDER
Arthur Cole, veteran of the local Filmrow,
was the main speaker on the formal discus-
sion of motion pictures conducted by the
panel in the afternoon. While he deplored
the fact that he was only there because Senn
Lawler had to be some place else, he made it
clear in the beginning that he was not there
“to defend motion pictures, with which I
have been associated for 33 years — there is
nothing to defend. I’m proud of my connec-
tion with the motion picture industry.”
“But if I were a producer and wanted to
make a lot of money,” he said, “I’d pay some
group around the country to tell people not
to go to see a picture I had made. Then I’d
be sure to get big crowds.”
One of the young women present (there
were a number of both sexes who had come
from the local high schools and colleges, many
eagerly joining in the discussions) deplored
the fact that motion picture newspaper ad-
vertising is misleading in that such whole-
some films as “The Farmer’s Daughter” are
depicted as lavishly sprinkled with sex. Cole
admitted that some of the advertising did not
bring out the best points in each picture, but
suggested the public could read reviews of the
picture and form a fairly accurate estimate of
its appeal, adding:
“In Kansas City we are barred from using
many resources for letting people know any-
thing constructive about the best pictures.
There was a fine little brochure on that pic-
ture but the exhibitor was not allowed to put
these in the libraries or schools. Managers
have a certain number of seats to fill and
sometimes I guess they do resort to a type of
advertising that does not appeal to our best
class of people.”
ASKS CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS
Cole then turned the discussion to asking
for some constructive suggestions on how to
combat vandalism in the theatres, and how
to keep parents from parking their children
in theatres while they go to parties, and for-
get to pick up the children and harassed man-
agers find themselves unable to close up at
their regular time. It was a dramatic touch
which sent a surprised current of interest
through the little gathering. Some of those
present had come with the sole purpose of
arguing that some movies are a harmful in-
fluence on youth — here was a veteran from
the motion picture industry pointing out that
some youth are a harmful influence on
theatre property because of vandalism prac-
tices— and that these are often in the better
districts of Kansas City.
“Couldn’t you flash something on the screen
about it?” someone hopefully asked.
“That has been tried,” Cole replied, “but
those screens are expensive and in one or
two instances, rocks have been thrown
through the screens.”
In the discussion which followed one youth
admitted the situation along that line was
bad in other places, too, for in one city he
had visited he had had to “park” matches,
knives and sharp instruments from his pock-
ets at the door of a show. This calling of at-
tention to a serious side of youth in relation
to the motion picture theatre had shifted
the focus of criticism to one of the industry’s
biggest headaches. It turned the tables on
the expected trend for the panel discussion,
and made for a thoughtful realization of both
the public’s and the industry’s stake in
youth’s relationships to motion pictures.
The conference closed Friday morning, May
23, at the Music Hall, where Attorney General
Tom Clark addressed the combined ten dis-
cussion panels, after which they made their
recommendations. These recommendations,
among which is the one about being able to
publicize the better pictures through school
and library contacts, will be turned over to
the Central Coordinating Youth Council for
further action.
Sunday Matinees Resume
CASEY, IOWA — Sunday matinees have
been resumed at the Casey Theatre for the
first time since Wayne Parrott, manager, en-
tered the service.
Kansas City Film Code
Overlooked in Report
Kansas City — There was much surprise
at the Mayor’s Youth conference held here
last week when a recommendation from
the Recreation Panel was read by Grover
Milam, that Kansas City draft a motion
picture and theatre code. The recommen-
dation stated that there was none in the
city, whereas in reality it does have a
motion picture code and a city censor
under which it operates.
The recommendation is causing some
very red faces now and explanations from
panel members. In the first place, the
regular chairman was called out of town
and Mrs. Robert Dominick was asked to
preside. She was unable to read the report
and recommendations on the following
day, because of previous plans, so Milam,
who was not even on the panel, was hur-
riedly drafted into reading it before the
assembly.
The reasons for making the recom-
mendation through this panel rather than
leaving it for the panel regularly formed
to take up motion pictures, and having
the advantage of information from the
industry as to what Kansas City has along
such lines, seems to have been prompted
by an objection made in the Recreation
Panel about “murder mysteries.”
“If I wanted to learn how to commit a
murder,” the one who started the discus-
sion remarked, “that would be the ideal
way to learn.”
When such a recommendation as later
drafted was suggested, some thought it
should be left to the panel on motion pic-
tures. But others thought “it would make
it all the stronger” to have both. Now
they are busy apologizing.
'Apley' Leads Field
In Moderate Week
MINNEAPOLIS — “The Late George Apley”
was out in front here last week. Other new-
comers making moderately good boxoffice
showings were “Blaze of Noon,” “Smash-Up”
and “Private Affairs of Bel Ami.” In its
third week, “The Farmer’s Daughter” con-
tinued to pull exceptionally well. “The Out-
law” was in its fifth week downtown and
"Macomber Affair” in its third, while “Boom-
erang” rounded out a second prosperous
stanza.
(Average is 100)
Aster — Backlash (20th-Fox); My Dog Shep (SG)....100
Century — The Private Affairs of Bel Ami (UA) 100
Gopher — Fear in the Night (Para) 120
Lyric — Boomerang (20th-Fox), 2nd d. t. wk 130
Pix — The Outlaw (UA), 5th d. t. wk 100
Radio City — The Late George Apley (20th-Fox)....135
RKO-Orpheum — Smash-Up (U-I) 100
RKO-Pan — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO),
3rd d. t. wk 125
State — Blaze of Noon (Para) 125
World — The Macomber Affair (UA), 3rd d. t. wk 100
’Bedelia' 2nd Week Still Strong;
'Calcutta' Kansas City's Best
KANSAS CITY— For the second week in a
row, the attraction offered by the Newman
was top grosser downtown. This week “Cal-
cutta" rang up 150 per cent on the barometer
clock and will be held for a second week’s run.
High figure, however, went to “Bedelia”
at the neighborhood Kimo where the second
week of the film continued at near capacity
business. It, too, was held over for an ad-
ditional stanza.
Pictures moving in at midweek held hopes
for a better showing throughout first run
situations at next report. They included
“The Homestretch” at the FMW day-and-
date locations, “Abie’s Irish Rose” at the
Esquire, “High Barbaree” on a double bill
at the Midland and “The Two Mrs. Carrolls”
and “Big Town” at the Orpheum.
Esquire — Michigan Kid (U-I);
Trail to San Antone (Rep) Avg. not set
Kimo — Bedelia (Eagle-Lion), 2nd wk 175
Midland — Dishonored Lady (UA);
Undercover Maisie (MGM) 100
Newman — Calcutta (Para) 150
Orpheum — Ladies' Man (Para);
San Quentin (RKO) 90
Tower, Uptown, Fairway — Song of Scheherazade
(U-I) 95
'Daughter' Shows Stamina;
Has Strong Second Week
DES MOINES — “The Farmer’s Daughter”
ended its second week at the Orpheum with
the receipts almost as high as the first week.
Business held up despite unfavorable weather
conditions. “The Farmer’s Daughter” was the
third consecutive picture to run for extra
days at the Orpheum. Tri-States’ big houses
otherwise had a poor week. Following a flood
of advance advertising, “The Egg and I” was
set for a triple opening May 29 at the Des
Moines, Paramount and Roosevelt.
Des Moines — Boomerang (20th-Fox) 90
Orpheum — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
The Devil Thumbs a Ride (RKO), 2nd wk 125
Paramount — Angel on My Shoulder (UA);
King of the Wild Horses (Col) 90
Beauty Contest Staged
For Legion Convention
SIOUX FALLS, S. D. — Joe Floyd, manager
of the Hollywood Theatre here, seized the
opportunity May 29 and 31 to reap some pub-
licity from the South Dakota American Le-
gion convention scheduled here June 9, 10.
He conducted a local elimination beauty con-
test to pick a Sioux Falls entrant in the state
tournament. Forty girls competed, 20 ap-
pearing on the stage each night.
Aneta Theatre Is Open
ANETA, N. D.— The Aneta Theatre here is
now open.
74
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
OMAHA
because the RKO-Brandeis has waiting lines
D almost all its open hours, Manager Will
Singer says the theatre decided to install air
conditioning in the lobby as well as in the
theatre itself. A 25 -horsepower unit has just
been completed at a cost of $15,000.
Hazel Anderson, MGM office manager, at-
tended a regional meeting of office managers
in Denver . . . Virginia Murphy has been
added at RKO with no set assignment . . .
Joella Cohen, daughter of Universal sales-
man Edward Cohen, has been appointed as-
sociate editor of the Creightonian, weekly
newspaper of Creighton university.
Sid Rose, owner of a string of 26 Chicago
and neighborhood houses, stopped off here to
look up friends en route home from the
Variety Club convention . . . Sol Francis,
Monogram district manager, was in town
briefly. He arrived from Minneapolis and
then went on to Des Moines, working mainly
on “It Happened on Fifth Avenue.”
Ralph Falkinburg, Lexington exhibitor,
went to Salt Lake City to see an eye special-
ist .. . Georgia Greenlee has resigned, as
chief of staff at the RKO-Brandeis to" move
to McCook. Her successor is Fern Martin, who
is graduating from Abraham Lincoln in Coun-
cil Bluffs . . . Beverly Spence, ticket girl at
the theatre, was graduated from Technical
high school with honors. The question now
is — Who sent Beverly the orchid?
The State Theatre, PRC Manger Sol Reif
reports, will bring in a live alligator as lobby
display for “Untamed Fury” . . . Bob Hold-
ridge, son of the exhibitor at Shenandoah,
Iowa, has returned to his theatre work fol-
lowing a honeymoon in Chicago.
Eddie Heiber, Universal district manager
from Kansas City, visited Omaha . . . Evelyn
Machmuller, 20th-Fox contract clerk, spent
the weekend at Humphrey, Neb. . . . Joyce
Ingwerson, hello girl of the same office, came
back one recent weekend wearing a diamond.
Bill Olive has come here from Des Moines
as 20th-Fox booker succeeding Tod Kuntzle-
man, now executive secretary of the Nebraska
Wholesale Beer Distributors Ass’n . . . Happy
Mohler, Hamburg, Iowa, who had such a won-
derful time on his trip to Omaha last summer,
plans to visit friends here in June.
Byron Hopkins, Sidney, Iowa, exhibitor
who has been in the hospital at Council
Bluffs, is back home and recovered . . .
Dorothy Weaver, assistant cashier at 20th-
Fox, left for a California vacation. She
planned to visit two former employes there —
Mrs. Thomas Hall (formerly Marjorie Wilin-
son» and Francis Thorpe.
C. M. Worl of Dunlap, Iowa, exhibitor, re-
ports that tires are now on the plentiful side
at his tire shop and filling station . . . Robert
Johnson of Logan, Iowa, exhibitor, and Bob
Hirz, manager of the Cass Theatre in Platts-
mouth, have returned from a nine-day fish-
ing trip in Minnesota. They say they got
the limit daily.
Hans Habe, author and lecturer, stopped
here a night on his way to Hollywood where
his story, “Aftermath,” is being filmed . . .
Lyon & Healy, big record shop here, took
co-op ads with the Orpheum for Frankie
Carle’s appearance here. Carle made a per-
sonal appearance at the Store.
James L. Pace of Chadron, Neb., retired
theatre owner, died there . . . Ernie Bihler,
local photographer, is exhibiting a flock of
pictures he took 15 years ago at the request
of MGM. They were taken at Sam McKelvie’s
ranch and helped MGM along with the “Sea
of Grass” idea.
Thirteen theatre concessioners arrived here
by plane from Chicago for a day in Omaha
as guests of the Interstate Popcorn Co. . . .
Harold Johnson, Universal manager, has a
new Pontiac . . . Phil Monsky, Universal
salesman who has been ill, is taking a four-
week leave of absence. He will visit Denver
and California.
Henry Leriger is breaking ground for his
Theatre Seating Division
AMERICAN DESK MFG. COMPANY
Temple, Texas Tel. LD - 4
Giving Immediate Dependable Delivery
on all chair orders
CALL US FOR YOUR CHAIR NEEDS
| Dallas Office
Memphis Office III
FORREST DUNLAP
H
HARLAN H. DUNLAP j
j 2008 Jackson St.
410 S. Second St.
! R - 3595
1
New Orleans Office
W. A. PREWITT
223 So. Liberty
Magnolia 6571
8-1770
1
new theatre at Lyons, Neb. It will seat 400
. . . Visitors along Filmrow included E. G.
Gannon, Schuyler; Blanche Colbert, North
Bend; Mrs. Fred Schuler, Humboldt; Eddie
Kugel, Holstein, Iowa.
Other visitors: C. J. Riggs, Central City;
Frank Good, Red Oak, Iowa; F. “Doc” Naul-
teus, Mapleton, Iowa; Robert Johnson, Logan,
Iowa; J. E. Doyle, Lennox, S. D.; Carl Powers,
Glenwood, Iowa; Delmar Heyne, Hooper; Bert
Beams, Red Cloud; Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Gibson, Sutton; M. Biemont and son Corky,
Ord; William White, Utica, and Bruce Hold-
ridge, Shenandoah, Iowa.
Sponsor Free Shows
KIRON, IOWA — Free motion pictures will
be shown each Saturday night to members of
this community, it was announced last week.
The pictures will be sponsored by a group of
Kiron business men.
LET
IIS
SHOW
YOU
Why they're all using
The Great
1947 MANLEY
POPCORN MACHINE
It's the
Thrill oi a Lifetime
in
★ Beauty
★ Speed
★ Economy
it Performance
A. T. ROWE
DIVISION MANAGER
1920 Wyandotte — HA. 6155
Kansas City, Mo.
1611 Davenport, Omaha, Neb.
3138 Olive, St. Louis. Mo.
812-824 Mulberry, Des Moines, Iowa
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
75
DES MOINES
TWTike Lee, Carl Olson, Jim Kunath and Ed
Trueslow are back from an Eagle-Lion
meeting in Chicago. While there they saw
a screening of the new Eagle-Lion picture
“Repeat Performance” . . . William Feld,
Eagle Lion district manager, was a visitor
here last week. Feld was formerly branch
manager of Republic.
Mrs. A. M. Black, exhibitor in Knoxville, is
vacationing in Arizona . . . “Butch” DeFrenne,
RKO salesman, is back from the Variety Club
convention . . . Sol Francis, Monogram dis-
trict manager, visited the local exchange.
Dave Nelson, Republic branch manager, is
back from a meeting in St. Louis . . . Fred
Armington, MGM, is in Denver attending an
office managers convention . . . Office em-
ployes at MGM had a farewell party for
A. J. MacGough last week. Mac has resigned
his job as exploiteer.
Maxine Bishop, secretary to A. H. Blank at
Tri-States, will leave her position on June 13.
The next day she will be married to Leonard
B. Lauritzen. The ceremony will take place
in Kansas and they will make their home in
Cedar Rapids where Lauritzen is associated
with Pioneer Litho Co.
Three district meetings of Central States
managers were scheduled for late May and
early June. On May 19 and 20, managers met
in Fremont, Neb. M. E. Lee and Dorothy Day
of the Des Moines office attended. On May
27 a meeting was held in Burlington, with
Jerry Greenbaum, district manager, in charge.
Attending from the home office were M. E.
Lee, Bill Toney, Marie Frye, L. J. Wegener
and Dorothy Day. A third meeting will be
held at Clear Lake June 3, with Jess Day,
district manager, in charge.
John Pilmaier, MGM shipper, is spending
his spare moments painting his house ... A
sneak preview of “Miracle on 34th Street” was
held at the Des Moines Theatre last Monday
night . . . Among the visitors on the Row
last week were Tim Evans, Clinton; Clifford
Niles, Anamosa; A. M. Black, Knoxville, and
Walter Carroll, Colfax.
Jack Harris, Warner Bros, salesman, had
his young son visiting him last week, and the
lad made many acquaintances among the of-
fice staff . . . Hall Walsh, Warner district
manager, visited the exchange here last week.
Naomi Sroufe, cashier for NSS, is moving
to Chicago and will work for NSS there . . .
E. L. McEvoy, Universal short subject man-
ager, was here for a meeting Sunday . . . The
office staff at Universal had a farewell picnic
for Doris Wolf last Tuesday night. She is
leaving for Seattle.
Lew Ayres, screen star, visited relatives in
Milford, Iowa, last week en route to Minne-
apolis.
Usherette in Grand Island
Is Busiest Girl in Town
GRAND ISLAND, NEB. — An usherette at
the Capitol Theatre here is probably the
busiest girl in town.
She is Stella Wieczorek, pretty 17-year-old
high school pupil.
Stella spends the mornings and afternoons
as a senior at school. At 4 p. m. she leaves
to carry papers for the Grand Island Daily
Independent. From 7 to 10 p. m., she is an
usherette, except on Saturdays and Sundays
and holidays, when she works almost the
entire day.
Stella’s outside work came naturally. When
her brother dropped the newspaper route, she
decided she would like to take it on, and
became the only girl carrier in town. She
hasn’t missed a day since, regardless of
weather.
Because she likes to watch the screen stars,
she applied to Tri-States Theatres City Man-
ager Wally Kemp for a job. He believed she
would do a good job so put her to work.
Stella is not only making good in her jobs,
but also has high grades in school. In her
“spare” time she likes to slip around to one
of the two other Tri-State houses to see a
picture she has missed.
Parkersburg Theatre Sold
To H. B. Bagley, Farmer
PARKERSBURG, IOWA— H. B. Bagley,
farmer of Milford, Iowa, has purchased the
Parkersburg Theatre and will take over the
management June 2.
Lays Tile in Lobby
CLEAR LAKE, IOWA — A new asphalt tile
floor has been laid in the Lake lobby. The
new floor is a marbled black and cream in
design with a black border. A new $750 pop-
corn machine is now in use, according to
Manager C. E. Mosher.
COMPLETELY NEW
HORKY’S CAFE
Bigger and Better Than Ever
— Featuring 'Delish' Steaks
1202 High St. Des Moines. Iowa
“Where Filmrow Friends Gather"
Open Daily at 4 p. m.
3n advance o/ its times . . .
The new Motiograph MODEL “AA”
" The Golden Anniversary Projector"
Des Moines Theatre Supply Co
1121 High Street
Des Moines. Iowa
Telephone 3-6520
76
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Theatremen Will Like This Critic;
Asks Readers to See Films Twice
MINNEAPOLIS — Bob Murphy, the
Star - Journal’s critic, believes the
proper way to appreciate a picture is
to see it twice or more and in his Sun-
day column he proposed, in jest, form-
ing an organization to be known as
SFSMT, ELO, or Society for Seeing
Movies Twice, Even Lousy Ones.
“At the risk of being accused of shill-
ing for the film trade,” he wrote, “I
hold that in many cases it is impos-
sible to get everything out of a movie
in one look. This applies, of course,
more aptly if you are sincerely inter-
ested in films, and even more if you
consider yourself a student of them.
NOT ENOUGH EYES
“If you belong in one of those cate-
gories, or even if you don’t, you might
find it an interesting experiment to
pick any film at random and determine
to see it twice, come what may.
“In the past I have voluntarily gone
to see certain films a second time, and
in some cases more than that. ‘Inter-
mezzo’ I saw no less than five times,
a couple of them by accident. ‘Long
Voyage Home’ and ‘Citizen Kane’ I saw
four times apiece, once each by acci-
dent ... In a first look at a movie,
you merely skim off the cream.
“In an initial gaze at any picture,
you find your attention centered on the
principals and on the foreground.
From them the story emerges and you
are interested or not, as the case may
be. But in a second look you find that
a lot has been going on that you didn’t
have eyes enough to watch the first
time.
GOOD FILM SEEMS BETTER
“I have found that in many cases
a good film seems better the second
time I see it. In some cases I begin to
perceive evidences of phoniness with
a second look. In a few my opinion of
the goings-on is completely revised.
“In the case of a film which stacked
up as a bore, in a few instances it has
delivered an added something in a
second look. In most, it has provided
an opportunity to figure out definitely
what was wrong.
“The movies of medium grade seem
to benefit in most cases from the
second-look treatment. You may find
yourself getting more interested in the
technical aspects of movie-making just
from the lack of anything more titil-
lating going on. Kids can sit for hours
in bug-eyed satisfaction catching the
intonations of Roy Rogers clucking at
his horse, Trigger.
“Membership in SFSMT, ELO is not
restricted. If yop don’t like the in-
itiation, don’t sue me.”
'Egg' on Front Burner
For Second Week
OMAHA — A second week for "The Egg and
I” at the Orpheum beat out other first runs
for the best comparative business. Not far
behind was the double bill at the RKO-Bran-
deis, “The Farmer’s Daughter” and “The
Devil Thumbs a Ride.” Sunshine and show-
ers alternated through the week.
(Average is 100)
Omaha — Ramrod (UA), 2nd d. t. wk.;
The Man Who Dared (WB), reissue 85
Orpheum — The Egg and I (U-I), 2nd wk... 140
Paramount — Stallion Road (WB) 90
RKO-Brandeis — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
The Devil Thumbs a Ride (RKO) 120
State — Queen of the Amazons (SG); Magnificent
Doll (U-I), 2nd run; split with Larceny in Her
Heart (PRC); Bedelia (E-L), 2nd runs.. 100
Town — Song of the Sierras (Mono); Bar 20 Rides
Again (Para), reissue; Mr. Ace (UA), 2nd run,
split with Danger Ahead (Mono), reissue; Talk
About a Lady (Col), 2nd run; Three Strangers
(WB), 2nd run 105
Three Theatres Boycotted
For Showing 'Outlaw'
MINNEAPOLIS — Three theatres in this
exchange area, the Lyceum and Pix here and
the new Hollywood, Eau Claire, Wis., are on
the Legion of Decency list because they have
played “The Outlaw.”
The Lyceum, legitimate roadshow house
here, ran the picture for three big weeks
after the Minnesota Amusement Co. turned
it down for its Twin City theatres. As a re-
sult of the boycott, Manager Leo Murray of
the Lyceum says that two of the subscribers
for “The Magnificent Yankee,” final New
York Theatre Guild offering, canceled their
reservations.
The picture is now in its second week at
the Pix, formerly the Newsreel. It ran five
days at the Hollywood, Eau Claire.
Omaha Should Be in Films,
Mayor Leeman Believes
OMAHA — Mayor Charles Leeman believes
that Omaha ought to be in pictures.
He wrote a letter to Paramount Studios in
Hollywood telling them that in his contact
with many local organizations “it has been
called to my attention that Hollywood has
sort of neglected the great state of Nebraska
as well as the important city of Omaha.”
He pointed out that pictures honoring such
states as Texas, Arizona, Wyoming, Cali-
fornia and Missouri have been made. He
urged that Omaha and Nebraska be remem-
bered in making future Paramount films.
Churches Oppose Opening
Of South Dakota House
CORSICA, S. D. — The Christian Reformed
churches at Corsica, Harrison and New Hol-
land, S. D., are protesting the proposed es-
tablishment of a motion picture theatre at
Corsica. The churches declared that Holly-
wood pictures generally exploit sex, foster
crime and delinquency and lead to the idoliz-
ing of men and women stars whose example
is morally degrading.
Howard Burkhardt in East
KANSAS CITY— Ted Barker, public rela-
tions and publicity director of Loew’s Thea-
tres in St. Louis, is filling in at the local
Midland Theatre while Manager Howard
Burkhardt is on vacation in the east. Burk-
hardt is visiting his native city, Baltimore,
and, according to Barker, is “doing some
great trolling off Cape Cod.”
Kennedy to Be Reopened;
Was Dark Two Years
KENNEDY, MINN. — The Kennedy Theatre
will be reopened by Arnold Thompson in
June. It has been closed for two years.
Truck Hits Marquee
SPRINGFIELD, S. D. — Local authorities
have been trying to trace a truck which
knocked off part of the marquee of the
Virginia Theatre here recently. The driver
pulled into town about midnight with a load
of metal culverts on his truck. He inquired
about road directions and then attempted to
make a U-turn in the middle of the block.
Part of the load hit the marquee and tore
off a section of it. The driver did not stop
after the accident.
Knoxville Dresses Up
KNOXVILLE, IOWA — Workmen have be-
gun repair work on the glass front of the
Grand. Most of the glass will be replaced.
Bird Island House Closes
For Extensive Remodeling
BIRD ISLAND, MINN.— The Roxy Thea-
tre, owned by Michael Gisi, is being re-
modeled and renovated. It will be closed for
six weeks while the improvements are being
made.
Rays on Auto Tour
NORTH KANSAS CITY— Clarence Ray, as-
sistant manager of the Armour Theatre here,
and Mrs. Ray, cashier at the house, left last
week for an automobile trip to the Grand Can-
yon and the west coast. In North Hollywood,
Calif., they will visit Mr. and Mrs. George
W. Harttmann, owners of the theatre.
T R R I L E R S
Your Own Copy
— Sudden Service ■
HAL PARKER STUDIOS
Vi-So Productions
1719 Wyandotte Kansas City, Mo.
1AKE MORE MONEY PLAYING-
WAHOO
Ame/UcciA, tycneit Sc/te&n Game
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
77
MINNEAPOLIS
^X^edding bells are ringing out for two
members of the MGM office staff. Lois
Aldrich, bookers’ secretary, will march to the
altar with A1 Sandvit, a University of Min-
nesota student, June 14, and Jay Lapham,
a booker, will seal his vows to Joyce Metz-
ger June 27.
W. G. “Buck” Kldwell, Warner Bros, trav-
eling auditor, was a visitor . . . The local
RKO branch is confident that it finished
either first or second nationally in the re-
cently concluded Ned Depinet drive, although
first place might have gone to Sherman
Fitch’s Sioux Falls, S. D., exchange. The re-
sults and prize awards will be made known
at the company’s sales convention at the
Waldorf-Astoria in New York July 7-9.
Exhibitors visiting Filmrow included Mr.
and Mrs. Chet Werner, LeSeur and Jordan,
Minn.; L. E. Ledum, Elbow Lake, Minn., and
Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Perkins, Mora, Minn.
. . . M. A. Levy, 20th-Fox district manager,
visited the Des Moines branch.
Saul Krugman, Goldwyn division manager,
dropped in on the local RKO branch, con-
ferring with Fay Dressell, manager . . . E. L.
Walton, Republic assistant general sales
manager, was in town last week, and Michael
Fallon, home office auditor, is here cur-
rently. Joe Loeffler, manager, calls atten-
tion to the fact that the Roy Rogers’ Tech-
nicolor “Bells of San Angelo” has been
spotted into two Hollywood de luxe houses
as the top feature — the Paramount Uptown
and the Paramount Downtown. It goes into
the Gopher here in June.
Herb Greenblatt, RKO district manager,
was a visitor . . . Jack Cohen, 20th-Fox man-
ager, is plenty proud of that new Buick he
is sporting. Jack lost his secretary, Jean
Levy, who is retiring to devote herself to
domestic duties. Ardis Dartz, a newcomer
to Filmrow, succeeds her.
Norman Pyle, MGM exploiteer. is beating
the drums at Sioux Falls . . . Twentieth-Fox
gave “Miracle on 34th Street” a sneak invi-
tation preview at Radio City here . . . Sid
P
o
p
c
o
R
N
QUALITY HYBRID
PRODUCED FROM KANSAS
AND INDIANA APPROVED
VARIETIES
EXCELLENT POPPING
CONDITION ASSURED ON
ALL SHIPMENTS.
WRITE
FOR QUOTATIONS ON L.C.L.
AND CARLOAD SHIPMENTS.
F.A. MANGELSDORF SEED CO.
ATCHISON, KANSAS
Blumenstock of the 20th-Fox home office
publicity department was in town to help
Walter Hoffman, exploiteer, arrange for the
picture’s Twin City campaign.
Sol Francis, Monogram district manager,
was in town . . . The town’s leading Little
Theatre group is taking a leaf from Holly-
wood and presenting golden keys to its actors
and actresses adjudged to have done the best
work during the season just ended. The
awards were made at a dinner, a la the Mo-
tion Picture academy, to which 2,000 mem-
bers and newspaper people were invited at
$3 a throw.
Howard Henry Acquires
Westhope, N. D„ Theatre
WESTHOPE, N. D. — Howard Henry, West-
hope farmer, has purchased the Arcade The-
atre from Glen Jensen, who remains as man-
ager.
Educator Taylor Speaks
OMAHA — James W. Taylor of the Uni-
versity of Nebraska, speaking here, told his
listeners, “Eighty per cent of our learning
comes through hearing and seeing.” Taylor
was in charge of audio-visual instruction at
Randolph Field, Tex., during the war. He
predicted that library patrons soon may bor-
row records and films as well as books. He
said libraries probably will have booths and
projection rooms.
PTA Okays Pictures
SIOUX CITY, IOWA — Pictures which have
been approved for grade and junior high stu-
dents in Sioux City by the PTA film com-
mittee include: “The Beginning or the End,”
“Strange Voyage” and “Vacation Days.” For
senior high students: “The Best Years of
Our Lives” and “Sea of Grass.”
To Reopen Monett Strand
MONETT, MO. — Commonwealth Theatres
will reopen the local Strand June 14. The
house, which has been closed for several
months following the recent flood, will have
a new floor and new seats. Glenn Deeter,
manager of the Gillioz here, will also man-
age the Strand.
McDonald Theatre Sold
TRIBUNE, KAS. — Earl Halfman, employed
in the local Western Hardware and Supply
Co. store, has bought a motion picture theatre
in McDonald, Kas. Halfman and his family
will move to McDonald June 1 to take over the
house.
Will Scott to St. Joseph
ST. JOSEPH. MO.— William Scott is the
new manager of the Jo Theatre, a Dickinson
house. Formerly of Kansas City, Scott was
recently a manager for Fox Midwest in
Wichita, Kas. He replaces Henry Stetina who
has been transferred.
Burned in His Booth
FRAZEE, MINN. — Elmer Fisher, owner of
the Lynn, is recovering from hand burns.
They were suffered during a booth fire at his
showhouse.
Columnist Urges Support
For Children's Programs
ST. PAUL — In his Sunday column, Jules
L. Steele, Pioneer Press picture editor and
critic, appeals to the St. Paul public to en-
courage and support the special Saturday
matinees for children now being tried out in
a number of neighborhood theatres. He
points out that the managements need much
encouragement to keep the project going.
“Parent-Teacher associations should get
behind it wholeheartedly as well as the par-
ents themselves,” he wrote. “It should spread
all over the city because the movies have
become an integral part of the child’s life —
as much as are the school and the play-
ground.
■ “Managers in St. Paul, as well as in every
city, have been appealed to from time to
time by distracted mothers who criticized
the type of movie shown their youngsters.
Now, however, a way has been found to
combat what was once thought an impossi-
bility. A Children’s Film library has been
established. It aims to furnish appropriate
feature films to exhibitors for children’s
matinees. Moreover, the library is constantly
being increased. Upward of 100 splendid
movies, all of them made within the last
decade, are now available.
“But the kids won’t go to these matinees
staged especially for their benefit until they
get into the habit. It is up to the parents
and teachers, therefore, to use a little per-
suasion.”
Open West Plains House
WEST PLAINS, MO.— The Butler Theatre
here was opened May 4. It is located in
the building formerly occupied by the old
Famous and Dickinson theatres and has been
completely remodeled and redecorated.
Operated by Bob Butler, Everett Malcolm and
John O. Young, who now operate houses in
Mammoth Springs and Mountain View, Ark.,
the owners of the Butler plan to operate on
a first run policy. Closed since 1930, the
building seats 600.
Joe Faith Buys Linn
LINN, MO. — Earl Anderson, operator of
the Linn Theatre for the last year, has sold
the house to Joe Faith of St. Louis. Faith
is an experienced theatreman, having been
connected with the Ambassador Theatre in
St. Louis for several years. Anderson and
his family will take a vacation through the
western states but plan to return to Linn.
Merchants Sell Theatre
BATTLE CREEK, NEB.— Herbert Sander-
son has purchased the Community Theatre
here from merchants of the town, including
Charles Zimmerman, who handled the book-
ing for the theatre. Sanderson is changing
the name of the house to the Gem.
'Best Years' Returning
KANSAS CITY— “The Best Years of Our
Lives” will play a return engagement here
at the neighborhood Apollo, Waldo and Circus
theatres June 3-5. Prices will be $1.20 eve-
nings, 75 cents matinees, and 55 cents for
children.
78
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
All Zanesville Hails Film Bow
Four-Day Welcoming for Native Son Basehart and Repeat Performance'
Coming to Zanesville from all parts of the country for the world premiere of
Eagle-Lion’s ’ “Repeat Performance” were, among many other celebrities, Benny
Rubin, stage and screen star now producing for E-L; Fred D. Moon, Atlanta Journal;
Richard Basehart, star in the film; Harry Martin, Memphis Commercial Appeal;
W. Ward Marsh, Cleveland Plain Dealer, and Earl Wilson, columnist.
ZANESVILLE, OHIO— Almost all of this
town’s 40,000 persons turned out last week to
participate in the four-day “Welcome Home”
festivities in honor of its favorite son, Rich-
ard Basehart, who went out into the world
to seek his fortune on the stage and returned
as a star in the motion picture, “Repeat
Performance,” which was given a world pre-
miere at three theatres here Thursday eve-
ning. Seats were sold in advance and the
demand was so great that Shea’s Liberty,
Quimby and Weller theatres were drafted for
the occasion.
Not only the people, but the local Mer-
chants Ass’n, the Junior Chamber of Com-
merce, the Basehart Boosters club, the Ki-
wanis club, the American Legion and all
public officials participated in the celebra-
tion. Newspapers came out with a 20-page
Basehart supplement.
CHILI WILLIAMS ALSO THERE
From Hollywood came Chili Williams, fa-
mous as the Polka Dot girl, and Frances
Rafferty, on the Eagle-Lion acting roster.
Gov. Thomas Herbert came from Colum-
bus. Louis Bromfield, author whose new
book, “Kenny,” soon to hit the bookstands,
has been purchased by Eagle-Lion, and a per-
sonal friend of E-L President Bryan Foy,
contributed unstintingly to the festivities.
Other celebrities who attended from all parts
of the country included columnist Earl Wil-
son and his wife; Robert Ruark, Scripps-
Howard columnist; Louis Messolonghitis,
King Features editor; Dick Connors, Press
Ass’n feature writer; Inez Gerhardt, syndi-
cated columnist; Maggi McNellis, NBC com-
mentator, listed as one of the ten best dressed
women of America; Bill Leonard, CBS air
columnist; Dolores Craig of WINS; Jay
Breen, United Press feature writer; Douglas
Anderson, UP feature writer; Shana Agar
of PM; Betty Etter, editor of Movie Life
magazine, and Col. Philip Cochran, the “Flip
Corkin’’ of Milt Caniff comic strip fame.
The newspaper fraternity was also repre-
sented, among them W. Ward Marsh, Cleve-
land Plain Dealer; Fred Moon, Atlanta Jour-
nal; Harry Martin, Memphis Commercial
Appeal, and representatives of most of the
motion picture tradepapers.
BUSINESS AREA AFLUTTER
Zanesville’s entire business area was
aflutter with banners of welcome and pic-
tures of Basehart strung across the streets
at intervals of about 25 feet. Every store
window shared its merchandising space with
photos of the star, stills from his first pic-
ture, “Repeat Performance,” and welcome
signs. On the day of the premiere a parade
of officials, stars and guests, which took more
than an hour to pass, was held. Schools were
dismissed for the occasion. Banks and stores
were closed. Zanesville really made it a “wel-
come day” for the star whose sensitive and
sincere work in “Repeat Performance” gives
high promise of great performances to come.
The Eagle-Lion campaign got off to a start
on May 19 with the arrival from Hollywood
of Benny Rubin, stage comedian, now a pro-
ducer for Eagle-Lion, with Chili Williams
and Frances Rafferty. They were met at the
city limits by Mayor William Watson and
officials of the city and service clubs.
From then on it was a 24-hour-a-day
merry-go-round of interviews, broadcasts,
luncheons, more interviews, dinners and
more luncheons. The Retail Merchants
Ass’n sponsored a dinner for more than 100
guests at the famed Headly inn. Louis Brom-
field, in chef’s cap, assisted in serving not
only the specialties of the inn, but also his
own famous hominy souffle, which he him-
self prepared.
The Junior Chamber of Commerce dance
at the Municipal auditorium was the next
port of call. Governor Herbert shared the
spotlight on the stage with the Hollywood
stars and helped in the selection of Miss
Zanesville, one of the main events of the
evening. With very little time out for sleep,
the E-L boys plotted another full program
for Wednesday, with a luncheon at the
YWCA, the parade, and selection of “Miss
Repeat Performance.” Contestants were
finalists in beauty contests held in Ohio col-
leges. The winner was Zanesville’s own Alice
Burgess. Her prize is a trip to New York,
where she will be given a screen test.
Richard Basehart, the cause of all the
Louis Bromfield, author and chef de
luxe, serves a platter of chicken to Rich-
ard Basehart (L) and Gov. Thomas
Herbert at a dinner for 100 guests at the
famous Headly inn in Zanesville, one of
the events of the four-day celebration.
shouting, was born in Zanesville in 1919. He
is a son of the late Harry T. Basehart, for-
mer managing editor of the Sunday Times
Signal, weekly newspaper. Dick was gradu-
ated from the Zanesville high school, worked
on the Times Signal for a while, and then
switched to radio. His stage training came
playing stock at the Hedgerow Theatre in
Philadelphia. Then he appeared on Broad-
way in a series of plays. He gained his big
success on Broadway in the play “The Hasty
Heart.” His work in this play attracted the
attention of screen scouts and now he has
a seven-year contract with Eagle-Lion.
PREDICT BRIGHT FUTURE
Newspapermen attending the celebration
agreed with Eagle-Lion that Basehart has a
great future on the screen. “Seems to me
Richard Basehart has a long and famous
future in the movie business,” said Robert
Ruark. W. Ward Marsh of the Cleveland
Plain Dealer thinks he’ll be a screen success.
E. C. Grainger, president of the Shea
chain, was accompanied at the premiere by
his beautiful wife. Grainger, John Wood-
ward, Shea city manager, and Ed Hiehle were
largely responsible for the success of the
premiere. Their three theatres were oversold
by some 400 seats for the triple premiere.
The Hollywood stars, with Benny Rubin
as master of ceremonies, put on some acts at
the Liberty and Weller theatres before the
start of the picture. Rubin did some of his
famous soft shoe dancing and Louis Brom-
field, with Maggi McNe lis as his partner,
brought down the house with an impromptu
dancing act, as a change from their many
preceding formal introductions.
And what about “Repeat Performance”?
Joan Leslie is given the chance to relive a
year of her life. Things don’t turn out the
same way both times. It has never happened,
but seeing the picture, everyone will immedi-
ately begin to wonder what their lives would
have been had they had the chance to revise
one year.
A. W. Schwalberg Eagle-Lion general sales
manager, was on hand to receive congratu-
lations at the close of the picture. Bryan
Foy, scheduled to attend, was called to Mex-
ico City on business.
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
ME
79
Sidelights on Zanesville Premiere
ZANESVILLE, OHIO — Sidelights on the
world premiere here of “Repeat Perform-
ance”:
The whole thing started very innocently
when John Woodward, Zanesville city man-
ager for Shea Theatres, suggested to Shea
circuit President E. C. Grainger that it
would be nice to have the premiere in Zanes-
ville, inasmuch as Richard Basehart fea-
tured in the picture, is a Zanesville boy.
Grainger passed the suggestion on to Eagle-
Lion President Bryan Foy. Foy sent his
scouts to Zanesville to see what the possi-
bilities were and his answer, as now known,
was affirmative. At this point the entire
Eagle-Lion exploitation and publicity staff
from Max Youngstein, head of the depart-
ment, down to the field men got busy and
they never stopped until Thursday night
when the premiere was held in a blaze of
glory.
Benny Rubin and Ed Hiehle, manager of
the Weller Theatre, swapped reminiscences
of the days when Rubin, then in vaudeville
and not so well known as he is today, played
Hiehle's theatre.
Betty Basehart, sister of the Eagle-Lion
star, had a four-day vacation from the bank
where she is employed, so that she could
share in the doings.
Frances Rafferty was the favorite of the
sidewalk audience of the big parade on
Thursday afternoon.
Bill Shartin, E-L district manager, and
Harry Bugie, Cincinnati manager, skipped
the Wednesday doings and blew in for the
Thursday premiere.
Maggi McNellis, NBC radio commentator,
took a 3:20 a. m. plane out of Columbus to
make her 11 a. m. broadcast in East Orange.
Addie Addison jr., with Eagle-Lion in
Atlanta, was on hand. He is the son of H. M.
Addison, one-time manager of Loew’s State
in Cleveland. Addison sr. is now retired and
living at ease in Florida.
Betty French was on hand, so as to give
her Akron Beacon Journal readers a blow by
blow description of Dick Basehart, the pic-
ture "Repeat Performance” and all the
doings, both fore and aft.
Chili Williams, first saw the light of day
in Minneapolis. Her name was Marion
Sorenson until Harry Conover thought up the
more glamorous one.
Frank V. King, general representative for
the Shea Theatres and assistant to E. C.
Grainger, president, was very much in evi-
dence.
Dale Tysinger, district manager for the
Midland Theatre Co. of Newark, Ohio, came
up to enjoy the food and the festivities.
Photographers were everywhere — no short-
age of film or flash bulbs.
Jerry Pickman, assistant director of ex-
ploitation, publicity and advertising for
Eagle-Lion, on whose shoulders rested the
responsibility for the smooth running of the
four-day program, seemingly was the only
unruffled person present.
George Bennett, Robert Condon and Peter
Hynes of the E-L publicity staff and Milton
Overman of Kansas City earned the kudos
of the visiting guests for meeting their
various and specialized demands, such as
finding mislaid baggage and delivering guests
to plane and railroad terminals at such
crazy hours as 3:30 a. m.
Kresge Building to Replace
Rex Theatre in Louisville
LOUISVILLE — A Fourth street real estate
transaction involving more than $2,000,000 in
rentals over a 25-year period has been an-
nounced by the S. S. Kresge Co. The Kresge
addition will replace a Louisville landmark,
the Rex Theatre, 408 South Fourth St., for-
merly the Novelty Theatre, which oldtimers
say has been on the site since about 1910.
The Rex is owned and operated by the
Fourth Avenue Amusement Co. of Louisville
and is managed by William Metzger.
Located in the Rex Theatre building are
the screening room for the Fourth Avenue
Amusement Co. and also the offices of
Amusement Enterprises, which operates a
number of Louisville theatres.
C. D. Arnold of Bardstown
Retires From Exhibition
BARDSTOWN, KY.-C. D. Arnold, part
owner and general manager of the Arco and
Crystal theatres here, has turned over his
interests to his son C. K. Arnold and has
moved to Florida. Arnold has bought an
apartment building in Florida. It can be
assumed that about 90 per cent of his time
will be spent fishing.
Wakeman Wins Approval
For Frankenmuth House
FRANKENMUTH, MICH. — CPA has ap-
proved Albert Wakeman’s application for per-
mission to build a new theatre here. Work
will begin at once and the house is expected
to open about August 1. The job was begun
last year after Wakeman had received verbal
approval from the Detroit office of CPA.
CPA later ordered the work halted when a
local citizen complained. Wakeman and other
local businessmen have been fighting ever
since for another approval.
Ohio City Tax Bill Unfair
Says ITO Scribe Wood
COLUMBUS — The amusement business
should not be selected as the only business
upon which a new city tax should be levied
declared P. J. Wood, secretary of the Inde-
pendent Theatre Owners of Ohio, in a letter
to the editor printed in the Columbus Citizen.
Wood listed five reasons why the legis-
lature should not pass house bill 398, now
up for consideration by the senate after pass-
ing the house. The bill as passed by the house
would repeal the present state 3 per cent
admissions tax effective October 1. Cities
would be allowed to take over the tax with
no top limit set.
Wood’s five points include : Loss to the state
of approximately $2,000,000 per year; discrim-
ination in favor of such out-of-city limits
as night clubs, racetracks and baseball parks;
passing on to the public of any city admis-
sions taxes in excess of 3 per cent; singling
out the amusement business for new taxes
to the exclusion of other businesses, and,
finally, the admissions tax alone would not
give cities the financial assistance they need.
The ITO secretary urged that the admis-
sions tax be given the same treatment as the
cigaret license tax and the tax on deposits
in financial institutions; namely that the
state continue to collect the tax and that it
be returned to the county of origin, as is
covered in senate bill 250.
F. L. Sieveking Plans
Louisville Drive-In
LOUISVILLE — Louisville’s first drive-in
theatre will have stadium-type seats for pa-
trons without cars as well as parking space
for 725 cars. The new drive-in will be located
at Preston highway and Fern Valley road,
about seven miles from downtown Louisville.
Franklin L. Sieveking jr. of New Albany,
Ind., has leased 16 acres for the project from
Anton Recker of Louisville and Fred Recker
of Preston highway and Fern Valley road.
The property has been taken for 15 years
at a total rent of $25,000.
Sieveking, who has been connected with
the Cantor circuit of Indianapolis for 12
years, intends to spend about $125,000 on the
property, which he will call the Southway
Movie Park. He hopes to have the theatre
open by July 15.
After the theatre has been completed and
operating, Sieveking intends to add an
amusement park which will include outdoor
bowling facilities, a miniature golf course,
archery and table tennis. Complete conces-
sions are to be maintained at both the thea-
tre and park.
There will be in-car speakers at each park-
ing space, and some of the spaces will be
equipped with additional hearing aids for
the hard-of-hearing. The number of seats
for patrons not in cars has not yet been
determined.
Dave Brown Appointed
To Sales Post for UA
PI'TTSBURGH — Dave Brown, a popular
member of the industry here for more than
a score of years, has been named sales rep-
resentative for United Artists, succeeding
William Scott, resigned. Brown, who has
been office manager and head booker at the
local UA branch for a decade, will be suc-
ceeded by Jane Patterson, booker. Stepping
into the assistant booking post is Roy Davis,
another veteran employe with UA.
David Leff, who came here prior to the
death of Ira H. Cohn, was named Pittsburgh
manager.
Brown, one of the founders of the Variety
Club, started in the film business with Para-
mount in Chicago. Later he was with the
Warner theatre department in booking ca-
pacities here and in St. Louis, returning to
Pittsburgh ten years ago to join UA.
Charles Bullock, 59, Dies;
Led Cleveland IATSE
CLEVELAND — Charles Bullock, 59, who
since 1932 was president and chairman of
executive committee of Local 160, IATSE,
was buried Wednesday (28) in Sunset Me-
morial park. He died Monday at his home
here after an illness of several months. Son
of Sam Bullock, pioneer exhibitor and one
of the founders of the Cleveland Motion
Picture league, forerunner of the Cleveland
Motion Picture Exhibitors Ass’n, he was a
motion picture operator for his father at the
Columbia and Boulevard theatres and since
1919 he was with the local Loew circuit.
Surviving are his wife Patricia; daughters,
Mrs. Edythe Skody and Miss Lynn Bullock;
sons. Robert G„ Charles H. and Russell R.;
his mother, two brothers and a sister.
Florence Drive-In Opens
FLORENCE, KY. — The new Drive-In The -
atre built here by the Broadway Amusement
Co. of Covington opened May 22.
SO
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
PUSH PARAMOUNT DRIVE — Leaders of the Paramount setup in Cleveland
got together May 16 and 17 for a meeting at which they opened the company’s cam-
paign which is being conducted under the title. Paramount’s 35 Years of Leadership.
Left to right are: Seated, George Bressler, Art Young and S. Frifield, branch man-
ager; standing, Aaron Wayne, District Manager Harry H. Goldstein, Rudy Norton,
Les Irwin, Division Manager Earle W. Sweigert, Jim Levine and Irvin Sears.
'Smash-Up' Bounds
To Cincinnaii Top
CINCINNATI — The seasonal slump in box-
office receipts was apparent here with but
few of the attractions reaching par. “The
Farmer’s Daughter” gave a good account of
itself in the third week, and rated another
holdover. With the exception of this picture
and “Smash-Up” at Keith’s, which reached
top rating, there was new screenfare in the
other downtown houses.
(Average is 100)
Albee — The Imperfect Lady (Para) 90
Capitol — The Sea of Grass (MGM), 3rd wk 80
Grand — The Sea Hawk (WB);
The Sea Wolf (WB), reissues 110
Keith's— Smash-Up (U-I) 185
Lyric — The Thief of Bagdad (FC);
The Ghost Goes Wild (Rep) 80
Palace— The Guilt of Janet Ames (Col) 70
Shubert — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO),
3rd d. t. wk 120
Rain Hurts in Cleveland,
But 'Egg' Registers Big
CLEVELAND — Rain cut attendance heavily
everywhere except at the Allen where “The
Egg and I” did big business. Crowds con-
tinued during the entire first week’s run of
this heavily advertised picture with grosses
soaring to a high 230 per cent, outstripping
anything since “The Razor’s Edge” ran last
December. Second week of “Suddenly It’s
Spring” on a moveover went over the line to
a good HO per cent, but these were the only
pictures to register a better than average
showing.
Subsequent run theatres also report a con-
sistent drop in attendance, but some of it is
seasonal.
Allen— The Egg and I (U-I) 230
Hippodrome— Smash-Up (U-I), 2nd wk 85
Lake — Stairway to Heaven (U-I), 2nd d. t. wk 85
Mall — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
7th wk. at advanced prices 80
Ohio — The Thief of Bagdad (UA), reissue 95
Palace — The Homestretch (20th-Fox) 70
State — Dishonored Lady (UA) 80
Stillman — Suddenly It's Spring (Para),
2nd d. t. wk ,.110
Theatre Business in Detroit
Steady With No High Spots
DETROIT — The general level of business
showed a steady trend last week with no
marked highs or lows. “Best Years of Our
Lives” went into its eighth week at the
Downtown. “Song of Scheherazade” stayed
on at the Fox for the second week, and “Car-
men” was held over for the third week at
the Cinema.
Adams — Blondie's Holiday (Col); The Guilt
of Janet Ames (Col) 105
B'way Capitol — Ramrod (UA); Hard Boiled
Mahoney (Mono), 2nd wk 100
Cinema — Carmen (Superfilm), 2nd wk 110
Downtown — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 7th wk 135
Fox — Philo Vance's Gamble (PRC); Song of
Scheherazade (U-I) ) 130
Michigan— The Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
The Big Fix (PRC), 2nd wk 110
Palms-State — Unexpected Guest (UA);
Dishonored Lady (UA) 120
United Artists — The Sea of Grass (MGM);
My Brother Talks to Horses (MGM) 125
Maurice Cammack Buys
Theatre In Menominee
MENOMINEE, MICH.— Maurice E. Cam-
mack acquired the Menominee Theatre when
he turned over to the city a check for $15,000
to exercise an option to buy provided in the
lease under which he has been operating the
theatre since Dec. 1, 1945.
Under terms of the sale, Cammack must
operate the premises as a theatre for a period
of five years and must make the theatre
available to civic functions at least 20 nights
a year for a period of not more than ten
years. If in the first five-year period he
should fail to operate the theatre, the prem-
ises are to be taken over and operated by the
city for the remainder of the five-year period,
after which the title goes to Cammack.
Cammack leased the theatre Dec. 1, 1945,
and made extensive improvements. During
the first year of his lease he paid the city
$50 a month and before the year was up he
offered to buy for $12,000. After negotiations
the $15,000 figure was decided upon and the
deal was approved at a referendum.
In the last few months Cammack has been
operating under a lease which required him to
pay a monthly rental of $100 plus 5 per cent
of the gross, less federal taxes. For the
month of March his payment to the city
amounted to $244.
'Abie's Irish Rose' Pulled
When Clergymen Protest
AKRON — The scheduled showing of “Abie’s
Irish Rose” at the Allen was postponed on
receipt of a letter of protest from Akron re-
ligious leaders. This is the second time these
interests have succeeded in their attacks on
the play. A proposed Little Theatre produc-
tion of “Abie’s Irish Rose” was canceled here
early this spring as the result of protests
by the same religious leaders.
Rabbi Efraim Rosenzweig of the Akron
Jewish Community Council, the Rev. Wil-
liam Robinson of the Akron Ministerial
Ass’n and the Rev. Edward B. Conroy of the
Akron Catholic deanery wrote to the Co-
operative Theatres Co., Cleveland, owner of
the Allen, urging that it cancel booking of
the picture “in the interests of community
goodwill and friendly understanding.”
Cooperative Theatres decided to postpone
showing of the film until Milton Mooney,
company president, returns from his vaca-
tion.
Three Theatres Refurbish
DETROIT— The following theatres are be-
ing redecorated and adding a new marquee:
Family Theatre, East Tawas, Mich., Ashman
Bros., redecorated inside and out; Old Rivola
at Tawas, Mich., Ashman Bros., being re-
decorated, and reopened under the name
Bay; Gem Theatre, Flint, Mich., Herb
Blankenship, new marquee.
Pennsylvania City Tax Bill
Off Calendar Temporarily
HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania munici-
pal tax bill H800 has "passed over” for sev-
eral weeks, but the act is not killed, although
it is off calendar at present.
A major issue and political fight this week
in the waning days of the legislative session
is the proposed increased salary measure for
school teachers. One tax bill permits Pitts-
burgh to boost school real estate taxes 15
cents per $100 of assessed valuation and im-
poses a per capita tax of from $1 to $5 on
all persons over 21. Also there is a revenue
bill giving all other school districts the right
to levy a wide variety of local taxes to per-
mit salary increases above the state’s man-
dated schedule. Gov. James Duff disapproves
taxes on pinball machines, juke boxes and
amusements, proposed to finance this act,
H766.
Schools, FEPC and new labor laws are the
last issues .to be decided by the assembly.
The governor’s $140,000,000 new tax program
has cleared the legislature and has been signed
into law. The general appropriation bill,
carrying $382,000,000 for expenses of state
government in the next two years, has been
introduced.
A boost in the state cigaret tax from 2 to 4
cents a pack is effective June 1. Beer tax
doubles and there is an increased levy on
soft drinks at the same time.
Charles Harper, 67, Dies;
Columbus, Ohio, Veteran
COLUMBUS— Charles W. Harper, 67, vet-
eran of 47 years in local theatres, died of
pneumonia after a six-week illness. At the
time of his death he was treasurer of the
Hartman theatre, a post he had held for the
past ten years. A native and lifelong resi-
dent of the city, Harper had been manager
of the old High Street Theatre and the
Lyceum for a quarter of a century before
joining the Hartman staff. Oddly enough,
just a few months ago he told friends that
he couldn’t die during the busy winter sea-
son. He would wait until the slack spring
or summer, he said, half-jokingly. He is sur-
vived by his wife, Mrs. Minnie Harper, and
a sister, Mrs. Pansye Perkins.
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
81
CLEVELAND
JJerb Ochs, the drive-in theatreman is the
grandpappy of Michael Peter, born to his
daughter Pat and husband Peter Hill in
Cambridge, Mass., where Peter is a student
at MIT. Herb and his wife Liz also have a
granddaughter . . . Richard Rieger has been
promoted from assistant manager to man-
ager of the Embassy Theatre, downtown sub-
sequent run house owned and operated by
the Community circuit. Rieger succeeds
Eugene Frank, resigned.
Don Gregory, RKO exploiteer ih Cleve-
land, and Jack Tucker, RKO exploiteer in
Buffalo, have exchanged territories for a
ten-week period . . . Harold Greenberger of
the Community circuit is mourning the loss
of a new Pontiac. It was damaged beyond
repair when another car smashed into him.
No one was seriously injured.
Guido Spayne, Akron, is putting the fin-
ishing touches to his new Lyn Theatre, a
998-seat house situated on Waterloo road on
the outskirts of the city. Said to cost in
excess of $200,000, the new Lyn, scheduled to
open during the first week of June, has many
novel features, chief of which is a soda bar.
A 17-acre parking lot adjoins the building.
The Ridge Theatre here has changed
hands. Mrs. Helen Fanchley recently ac-
quired it from Bernard Cole . . . Another
local woman who is taking an active interest
in theatre operations is Mrs. Max Weinstein.
Since the death of her husband early in May,
she has taken over the booking and is per-
sonally in charge of the theatre.
“Duel in the Sun” is all set to open at 'the
FREE! Give your patrons
Wear-Ever Pressure Cookers and All Metal Shop-
ping Carts worth $287.50. Write for details.
Coulter
Dinnerware
Theatre Films
403 Film Bldg
Cleveland 14, Ohio
Theatre
Games
Loew theatres in this territory June 12.
Theatres involved are the Stillman, Cleve-
land; Valentine, Toledo; Loew’s Akron and
Loew’s Canton. An extensive advertising
and publicity campaign is in progress under
the direction of Paul Blaufox. To start with,
SRO is using in Cleveland 25, 24-sheets, 1,000
one-sheets and 50 six-sheets.
Howard Roth, Paramount head booker just
back from a vacation in Texas, brings back
to the Cleveland film folk greetings from
Harry Sachs and Duke Clark. Sachs, who
left Warner Bros, in Cleveland about ten
years ago to join Interstate in Texas, is now
the owner of his own chain in Texas with
headquarters in Dallas. Duke Clark is Para-
mount southwest district manager at Dallas.
Elayne Haerman and “Bud” Friedman,
manager of the new Warners’ Vogue Theatre
in Shaker Heights, were to be married May
31 in the chapel of the Euclid Avenue temple.
After a wedding dinner and reception at
Wade Park Manor, the newlyweds were to
leave for a honeymoon in Florida. After
their return they will reside at the Wade
Park Manor.
Grover C. Schafter, SRO district manager,
is moving his headquarters from Cincinnati
to Cleveland. This means that the car-
penters, who just finished putting the SRO
Film Bldg, exchange in working order, are
back to redesign the space to provide an
office for Schaefer . . . Belatedly comes word
that Sara Shapiro London, long with Mono-
gram here, is the mother of a baby son.
Morton Van Praag, whom oldtimers will
remember as Universal manager in Cleve-
land, was in town last week. He is now
connected with All American News, which
produces newsreels, short subjects and fea-
tures with all-Negro casts. Van Praag says
there are 700 theatres in the country cater-
ing to Negro patronage and the demand for
special films for these theatres is rapidly
expanding. While in Cleveland, he arranged
with the Washington circuit for an engage-
DRIVE-IN and
THEATER EQUIPMENT
Drawings, specifications, blueprints to fit any expen-
diture for the simplest to the most complex theatre.
* DeVry Projectors and Amplifiers
* ALTEC LANSING Amplifiers and Speakers
* RADIANT Sound Screens * STRONG Lamps
* STRONG Rectifiers * National Carbons
* NEUMADE Accessories * GOLDE Supplies
* TIFFIN Draperies and Scenery
Complete Factory Service
Film Booking Service Available
"Before You Buy, See and Hear DeVry"
SHELDON
THEATER SUPPLIES
Office Phone: ADams 9644 — Nights and Sundays: TAylor 7511
1420 CANFIELD AVE. * DAYTON. OHIO
ment of Cab Calloway in High-De-Ho at
the Globe Theatre.
Milton Grant, head of the Silk Screen
Process Co., which has perfected a process
to print photographs on silk, and who special-
izes in screen processed advertising for
theatre displays and street car advertising,
has acquired a new location at St. Clair ave-
nue and East 21st street. The new building
is expected to be completed in early fall.
Grant says that his entire operating person-
nel is composed of ex-servicemen.
Dave Sandler, president of Drive-In Thea-
tre Equipment Co., manufacturer of Auto
Voice in-car speakers, reports his plant is
now working at capacity and he is planning a
fishing trip . . . Remember to make reserva-
tions for the ITO convention, July 14 to 16
in Cedar Point, P. J. Wood reminds all ex-
hibitors. Rickie Labowitch of the Cleve-
land Motion Picture Exhibitors Ass’n, will
handle reservations for theatre owners of
northern Ohio.
M. B. Horwitz, general manager of the
Washington circuit, is back from California
where he attended the Variety convention
as a delegate from Cleveland’s Tent 6 . . .
Charlie Gottlob of the Mount Pleasant Thea-
tre and Mrs. Gottlob flew back from Cali-
fornia. They drove out but sold their car
out there. The desert heat of 114 in the
shade was not Mrs. Gottlob’s idea of a vaca-
tion. Charlie says there never was anything
to compare with the Variety convention and
he’s all set to attend next year’s gathering of
the Tents.
George Aylesworth, manager of the Winda-
meer Theatre has taken a leave of absence to
take over the management of his Ayles-
worth's gift shop in Mackinaw City, Mich.
This has been a sideline with Aylesworth for
the past seven years. Heretofore his son has
taken care of it. During his absence, Shel-
don Silverman, son of the late Si Silverman,
will have charge of the Windameer. Ayles-
worth will return in the fall.
Steve and George Rodnok
Buy New Site in Oakmont
OAKMONT, PA. — Steve and George Rod-
nok have purchased a lot here at Allegheny
and Delaware avenues from the Desmond
family of Hulton road as the site for a pro-
posed theatre. Plans for a modem building
are in the design stage. The lot is 65x150
feet, centrally located.
The Rodnoks intend to convert the Lehigh
Theatre into a storeroom and to sell it.
Their father, Steve Rodenok, built the Oaks
Theatre here in 1939. The present Lehigh is
deemed unsuited for conversion into the mod-
ern type of theatre the two sons would like
to operate as a companion theatre to the
Oaks.
Shooting 'Off to Buffalo'
Lloyd Bacon, veteran director, is shooting
“Off to Buffalo” for 20th-Fox.
Qe+i&ial <JUeciisie equipment Go.
109 Michigan St. Toledo 2, Ohio
ADams 85S1 — Nights and Sun. JOrdan 1662
A complete line of equipment and supplies.
CENTURY PROJECTORS
CENTURY SOUND SYSTEMS
IDEAL CHAIRS
STRONG LAMPS
24-Hour Projection and Sound Service
82
BOXOFFICE May 31, 1947
PITTSBURGH
Cam Yakish, Coverdale exhibitor, has served
^ on a criminal court jury for the past two
weeks . . . Jackie and Didi Fields, who are
to take up residence in Philadelphia, were
hosts at the May 23 family night party in
the Variety Club . . . Adolph Haas, MPA
eastern division manager in the theatre rela-
tion department, and A. W. Goodyear, MPA
divisonal sales manager, of Mechanicsburg,
Pa., were Filmrow visitors.
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Rodnok jr. of the Oaks,
Oakmont, are moving into their apartment
in Rosedale . . . John Bello, who joined the
Warner circuit several weeks ago as assistant
manager of the Rowland, Wilkinsburg, has
been transferred to the Enright, East Liberty,
as assistant to Charles Comar . . . A1 and
Aurora Panza, former Russelton exhibitors,
are parents of a third child, a son, born lasc
week. They have a daughter and another
son. Mrs. Panza is a daughter of the Elmer
Dattolas, Springdale exhibitors.
The Harry Rachieles will be grandparents
in the fall. Their son Arthur and his wife
have dated the stork for September. Art
manages local area theatres for his father
. . . Art Cinema is exhibiting the noted
French film, “Children of Paradise” . . .
Warner theatres in the area will present the
Grand Ol’ Opry radio show with the Duke
of Paducah . . . John Loder, playing at the
Nixon in the stage version of “Laura,” made
a special personal appearance at Loew’s Penn
in connection with the showing of “Dis-
honored Lady,” in which he is featured with
his wife Hedy Lamarr.
Henry and Marie Schmitt, Imperial ex-
hibitors, will attend the Stowe township high
school graduation exercises within the next
few days to extend their love to their grand-
daughter, Lois Pagin, a member of the ’47
class. She is a piano student of Homer
Ochsenhirt and they are very proud of her
. . . Mr. and Mrs. James G. Balmer have been
vacationing in Atlantic City. He’s attending
the Shrine convention.
Morris Kaufman, former local exhibitor,
has just opened a men’s store in Etna ... A
certain man, who resides not far from Pitts-
burgh, has been visited by postal authorities
and has been notified to cease placing mail
orders. He wrote to all the theatre equip-
ment houses, the branch film exchanges,
home offices, etc., regarding purchase of ma-
terials, licensing of films, etc., although it
developed he had no money or backing. His
letter-writing got him in trouble when he or-
dered a fleet of trucks.
George Dillon arrived here from New York
to join RKO as Erie area sales representative,
succeeding Dave Silverman, who has been
promoted to city salesman . . . Dolores “Dolly”
Bosko, Paramount contract clerk, celebrated
a birthday May 18 and received an engage-
ment ring from Tom Ragan, ex-GI ... A. A.
Schubart, RKO manager of exchange opera-
tions, and Bob Folliard, district chief, were
visitors.
Charles and Dale Warner were here from
Bridgeport, W. Va., last weekend . . . Jerry
Castelli, Library exhibitor, is departing for
Canada and a fishing trip . . . Bill Walker,
Crafton, was in Saginaw, Mich., last week,
returning for the funeral of his uncle, An-
drew R. Cherry, former film man.
The Norman Fleishmans of the Brighton
added to their family May 21. It’s a daugh-
ter and she has been named Sheila . . .
Navari Amusements has enrolled the new
Eastwood, Penn township, with the AMPTO.
Navari’s Penn in Universal also is an Allied
member . . . Frank Fairgraves, Erie, is at-
tending the Shrine convention in Atlantic
City.
Edna Shatum, RKO contract clerk, and
James R. Thompson will be married in the
Morningside Methodist church the evening of
June 4, with a reception following— in the
church . . . Lawrence Lowstetter, Meyersdale,
has entered his “Miss Economy” for the rac-
ing season in Charles Town, W. Va. . . . John
Lengyel, member of Local 171, is on the pro-
jection job this season at Herb Ochs’ drive-in
on Route 22.
Don D’Carlo, theatrical agent, and his wife
Beatrice are parents of a daughter born
at the Shadyside hospital . . . Jimmy
Stewart spent a few days at his home in In-
diana, Pa. . . . WPIT, Pittsburgh’s sixth
radio station, went on the air May 18 . . .
Juel A. Sheffler is opening the Eastwood
beauty salon in the beautiful new Eastwood
Theatre, Penn township, within the next
few days.
Milton Gibson of Atlas Supply is looking
for a used Solovox to attach to his piano . . .
Harry Koch, manager of Warner’s South
Hills, Dormont, is vacationing in California
and Dave Smith of the circuit’s nearby
Hollywood is substituting for him . . . Forrest
Jarvis, former West Virginia exhibitor, again
is on tour with his magic act, the Great
Jarvis.
Rube Robinson, Wheeling bill posting-ad-
vertising executive, died May 16 in Cin-
cinnati. He was a brother of Claude Robin-
son, Clarksburg, W. Va., showman. Funeral
was in Louisville, Ky. . . . Gimbels and other
store officials here attended a special screen-
ing of 20th-Fox’s “Miracle on 34th Street.”
Maurice “Red” Silverberg, U-I city sales-
man, and Shirley Darling, Frank & Seder
fashion coordinator, are honeymooning after
their marriage here May 18 . . . C. L. Hall,
Clarence exhibitor, is recuperating from a
mm ¥EATf EVERYTHING
mWmirm pas thrill* i
FOR THRILLS •
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Came
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT
831 S. WABASH AVE., CHICAG
■
serious illness . . . Mr. and Mrs. Israel Roth
of the Penn, Penn avenue, are at home after
vacationing in Orlando, Fla., and visiting a
daughter in Birmingham . . . For the second
season, Catherine Del Tondo is taking a
leave of absence from Warner circuit book-
ing duties to join the Civic Opera chorus for
the outdoor season in Pitt stadium.
R. Allison, Rivoli and Hollywood circuits’
managing director, suffered a jaw infection
but he is, recuperating . . . The Norman
Fleishmans of the Brighton are awaiting Doc
Stork. They have a 4-year-old son.
The AMPTO committee which has arranged
the golden wedding anniversary dinner in
honor of Mr. and Mrs. Fred J. Herrington
says the event will be the best testimonial
ever presented here by the motion picture in-
dustry. Dated just a day or two after you
receive this issue, the dinner time is 6:30
p. m. Wednesday (4) and the place is the
Urban room of the William Penn hotel. It
will be an evening to be remembered.
Lew Hepinger, ill for several months, has
recuperated and he is back on the job, reno-
vating and modernizing his Orpheum, Clarion
. . . Bill Brooker, Paramount’s exploitation
representative at Philadelphia, who assumed
added duties here when Jim Levine was trans-
ferred to Cleveland, was here last week.
Charles Baron, one of the best known and
most productive exploiteers in the country,
resigned at MGM last week. With his sister,
Mrs. Cora B. Henderson, Charlie went to
New York for a few days . . . Roy G. Bost-
wick, Wilkinsburg lawyer who died a week
ago, represented various film companies in
litigations here . . . The Plaza Theatre, Belle-
fonte, operated by the Midstate circuit, has
been newly painted . . . C. E. Picard, con-
tractor, is remodeling Ideal circuit’s Ideal
and Rivoli theatres, Johnstown.
Fred J. Herrington, who had planned to get
started on a trip to Hollywood with Mrs.
Herrington next weekend, will delay the holi-
day because of legislative matters pending in
Harrisburg. The assembly may not adjourn
until late in June.
Lou and Roberta Hanna were in New York
on business with Acme Distributing Co. . . .
Emanuel Feldman, formerly of the Warner
circuit and Filmrow, is mourning the death
of his father Harry, retired employe of Car-
negie-Illinois Steel Corp.
Bill Jervis of National Theatre Supply, ill
for three weeks, is not expected to resume
any duties for some time . . . Dave Brown,
UA’s new salesman and Filmrow fire mar-
shal for six months, completed inspection
tours last week . . . Bob Lynch, veteran War-
ner salesman, is checking out on his vacation
. . . Ike Sweeney, Republic’s new manager,
has purchased one of those new Philco radio
and record players.
David Barnholtz, former local Universal
salesman and city exhibitor, is here from his
home in Los Angeles. He holds an interest
in several Mervis Bros, theatres in the uptown
and hill district near Filmrow . . . Jim O’Gara,
Republic eastern manager, and Sam Sep-
lowin, district manager, were visitors . . .
Matt Ray, Paramount shipper, won a new
Chevrolet last Saturday in a contest spon-
sored by the Bellevue Volunteer Fire depart-
ment.
Variety Club will dedicate the swimming
pool at Camp O’Donnell June 15 and the pool
will be formally opened for the use of the
children at the camp a week later. Variety’s
golf tournament at Chartiers Heights Coun-
try club June 16 is progressing under the
co-chairmanship of Tim Birks and Art Levy.
Scripts 'Mystery in Mexico'
RKO has signed Lawrence Kimble to write
the script for “Mystery in Mexico.”
BOXOFFICE : : May 31, 1947
83
CINCINNATI
T L. Hall has taken over the Blue Bell Thea-
* tre, Oceana, W. Va., from J. Roberts - . .
Lawrence Johnson has opened the Rex Thea-
tre in East Jenkins, Ky., a 350-seat house
. . . Floyd Price, Newark, Ohio, spent several
days in Cincinnati attending to theatre busi-
ness . , . Amy and Robert Banker, both with
U-I, are motoring to Miami, Fla., for a vaca-
tion.
Harmon Snyder, who operates theatres in
Hi Hat and Ligon, Ky., has taken over opera-
tion of the Weeksbury Theatre, Weeksbury,
Ky. . . . Twentieth-Fox sneak-previewed
“Miracle on 34th Street’’ at the Albee Thea-
tre May 20. Attendance was good.
Mitchell Blachschleger, State, Middletown,
Ohio, has taken over the Roxy Theatre, Lock-
land, Ohio.
Rex Carr has been appointed general man-
ager for Theatre Owners Corp. Carr for-
merly was associated with the Manny Marcus
circuit . . . Leonard Katz has resigned as
booker for RKO and assumed a similar posi-
tion with SRO, effective June 2.
A son was born May 17 to Mr. and Mrs.
Grant J. Thomas of the Fayette Theatre in
Fayetteville, W. Va. . . . Stage, Inc., a new
civic theatre project in Cincinnati, plans to
produce five plays for the season 1947-48.
The organization also will have a laboratory
theatre to train actors. It is being incor-
porated as a nonprofit organization under
Ohio laws.
Frank AUara, Matewan, W. Va., made a
crash landing in Ross, Ky., May 20 after
circling over Lunken airport waiting for the
fog to lift. Allara suffered several cuts and
bruises and the plane was damaged to the
extent of about $300.
Theatre Owners Corp. has bought the
Overlook Theatre here from Charles Penn
. . . A1 Sugarman, Columbus, visited the ex-
changes. The new World Theatre, Columbus,
in which he and L. J. Hofheimer are partners,
had its grand opening May 21 and Sugarman
was enthusiastic about the public’s response
to the foreign picture policy.
Pearl Mann, inspector at MGM, has re-
ceived a ten-year loyalty pin . . . Clyde
Humphries has taken over the Dream Thea-
tre in Mason, Ohio, from W. E. Hall . . .
Helen Grob is the new cashier at Film
Classics.
The Midwest Theatre Supply Co. has in-
stalled new seats and sound equipment in
the Hartford Theatre, Hartford, W. Va., for
W. T. Stone ... It is rumored that a new
drive-in theatre will be built in Kentucky
between Nicholas and Stanford.
Jane Weber of the 20th-Fox cashier’s de-
partment was given a dinner party and
shower by her sister Rosella Schalk May 22.
All the 20th-Fox girls were invited. Jane’s
wedding is set for June 14.
National Theatre Supply has completed
installation of sound and projection equip-
ment in the St. Paul Theatre, Dayton, Ohio,
for Roy Wells . . . Dick Miller, office man-
ager for Paramount, is the proud possessor
of a 1947 Ford.
Nate Wise, publicity director for RKO The-
atres in Cincinnati and Dayton, made a trip
to New York recently to receive an award
for outstanding showmanship ... Joe Small,
home office auditor for Warners, is making
a routine check of the Cincinnati branch.
Visitors on Filmrow: E. T. Denton, Ma-
jestic Theatre, Owingsville, Ky.; F. H. Clem-
ens, Beckley Open Air, Beckley, W. Va.; J. H.
Davidson, Associated Theatres, Lynchburg,
Ohio; Max Goldberg, Pastime, Falmouth,
Ky.; Art Miller, Miles circuit, Columbus;
Dr. A. B. McCrum, Village, Charleston, W.
Va.; Earl and John Hewitt, Bethel, Ohio;
Fred Rowlands. Columbus.
H. J. “Pop” Wessel of Film Service Co.,
chairman of the heart committee of the Va-
riety Club, left for a several weeks stay in the
east. “Pop” and Mrs. Wessel will attend the
confirmation of their two grandsons in Phila-
delphia, and will also attend to personal and
business matters in New York . . . Frank
Mandros, Best Theatre, Charleston, W. Va.,
was a visitor on Filmrow.
Guests at the Variety Club supper dance
June 7 at Pavilion Caprice will be enter-
tained by performers from Kentucky night
clubs. Pep Golden is also preparing a skit
for the occasion.
TOLEDO
£Jhief Barker Jack Lykes of the Variety Club
and Jack Armstrong, Bowling Green
managers of the Colony and Schwyn circuits,
respectively, have returned from the Variety
convention in Los Angeles. Milt Tarloff, the
third delegate from Tent 30, remained in the
west for a vacation and will motor back.
The Paramount has booked “Sugar Chile”
Robinson, youthful piano wizard, for a four-
day engagement starting June 5, Marvin
Harris reports ... A three or four-week
season of light opera in the Walbridge park
zoo amphitheater is practically assured.
Sponsors will be out-of-town interests. They
plan to open their attractions on Wednesday
and play until Saturday night each week,
with a Sunday night performance scheduled
only in case rain postpones a regular show.
Despite a pouring rain, 1,000 of the Toledo
Blade’s 1,800 newspaper carrier boys turned
out for the special show held for them at
the Rivoli. Howard Feigley, theatre man-
ager, was host.
Bob Hope gave his benefit show in Swayne
field May 28, proceeds going to the St. Vin-
cent’s hospital building fund. Several thea-
tre managers — Howard Feigley, Marvin Har-
ris, Giles Robb, Jack Lykes, Abe Ludacer,
Jack O’Connell, Stephen Toth and Jack
Armstrong — helped Mitch Woodbury, Blade
theatre editor, arrange the program.
Charles Smith, Chicago advertising man,
has been named director of the Toledo
Aquarama, summer civic festival which will
be held under the sponsorship of the city
welfare department August 7 through 16.
Mary Summer, formerly an usherette, has
been promoted to secretary to Abe Ludacer,
manager of Loew’s Valentine. The housing
shortage being what it is, Ludacer, who came
to Toledo recently from Cleveland where he
managed the Park, is considering buying a
home here.
Plano Dawson Springs House
DAWSON SPRINGS, KY.— Arthur Morris
will build a new theatre here. A site has
been located and the plans have been drawn.
Construction is expected to start soon.
Assigned on Dumas Story
Screenplay assignment on “The Gallant
Blade,” based on a Dumas story, has been
given Walter Ferris by Columbia.
Warners Open Vogue,
Cleveland Deluxer
CLEVELAND — The Vogue, Warner Bros.’
de luxe 1,565-seat theatre on South Moreland
boulevard, threw open its doors to the public
for the first time at 6:30 p. m. Thursday (29).
Situated in a newly developed restricted resi-
dential neighborhood, the Vogue is the first
theatre to be built and completed here since
the war.
Since it is a neighborhood house the main
purpose of its designers was to create an inti-
mate atmosphere of charm rather than to
stress size and glamour. Built of red brick
with colonial wood trim, the Vogue was
planned by Maxwell H. White and further
developed and brought to completion under
the supervision of the architectural firm of
Weinberg, Laurie & Teare. Throughout the
entire period of planning, designing and con-
struction, D. Leonard Halper, architect for
Warner Bros. Theatres, directed its progress.
RCA high fidelity sound has been installed.
Chairs are Mercury Streamliners, set at a
distance to provide ample leg room. Con-
cealed ceiling downlights eliminate glare and
reflections during the time the theatre is
operating. Lobby lighting is of the indirect
neonized type while the exterior flood of bril-
liance combines neon and electric bulb il-
lumination.
The powder room is furnished in shades of
soft rose and pearl gray and is provided with
cosmetic tables and mirrors. The men’s lounge
has plastic covered furniture in shades of
biege, rust and green. Air conditioning and
hearing aids are provided.
Parking space for 300 cars and specially
designed bicycle racks take care of both adult
and juvenile patrons.
Harold Friedman, who has been with the
Warner Theatres for 11 years, is manager of
the Vogue.
Projectionists Files Appeal
In Dispute With Union
TOLEDO — Sam Seligman has filed notice
of appeal against a recent decision of Judge
Harvey J. Straube in Lucas county common
pleas court which resulted in dismissal of a
$10,000 damage suit against the Toledo Mov-
ing Picture Operators union, Local 228. Judge
Straub ruled that Seligman, seeking damages
for being deprived of work as a motion pic-
ture operator, had not exhausted all possible
recourse within the union’s constitution.
Seligman’s original suit, filed in January
1943, charged he had been denied member-
ship in the union and therefore was unable
to work at the trade.
Halsted Manages Crescent
LOUISVILLE, KY. — Kenneth Halsted is
the new manager of the Crescent Theatre
here, owned by S. D. Weinburg. Halsted re-
places Jack Powell, who resigned to accept
the managership of the local Airway Theatre.
Son to the John Urses
FAIRMONT, W. VA.— Mr. and Mrs. John
Urse, local exhibitors, are parents of a son,
born May 16, the third son for the Urses be-
sides two daughters.
Copley to Give Children's Shows
AKRON— The Copley has joined the list
of neighborhood housqs in Akron showing
special Saturday afternoon children’s pro-
grams. The Highland, Nixon and Falls
already have such shows.
84
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Film Star Is Variety Door Prize!
PITTSBURGH— Barkers of Variety Club
Tent 1 and guests who were delegates to the
convention in Los Angeles had a grand time
renewing acquaintances with a number of
former Pittsburgh people who now reside in
the Los Angeles area.
Among the former Pittsburghers who
turned out to greet the local gang were Abe
Schnitzer, Mr. and Mrs. A1 Glazer, Mayer
Silverman, Jake Richman and sons, Vince
Josack, Jack White, Mr. and Mrs. Milton
Lefton, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Lefton, “Uncle”
Lou Kreiger, Mark Browar, Henry Herbel,
Mi’, and Mrs. Pete Alderman, Mr. and Mrs.
Samuel Fleishman, David Barnholtz, Clyde
Eckhardt, Bryan D. Stoner, Dick Lange, Sid
Lehman, Dora Steinberg, George Lefko, Ed
Lebby and Lou and Max Cransfield. Among
other former Pittsburghers, the local Variety
delegates greeted William J. Kupper, Ben
Kalmenson, Harry M. Kalmine, William
Kunzman. Also they greeted Brian McDon-
ald, Chuckie Stein and Jerry Malhall of
Pittsburgh and other stars of Johnny Harris’
“Ice-Capades.”
Mrs. C. P. Church of Mannington, W. Va.,
received considerable publicity at the con-
vention in connection with the premiere of
Allied Artists-Monogram’s “It Happened on
Fifth Avenue.” Attending the Variety events
with her husband, Dr. C. P. Church, and their
daughter, Mrs. Church was interviewed on
the radio by columnist George Fisher after
she won Robert Alda, screen star, as a door
prize. The Mannington exhibitors had a
grand time in Los Angeles, but Mrs. Church
hasn’t told us what "happened to her door
prize.
Jake Soltz of the Rhumba stayed over in
Los Angeles to visit with his old friend Mayer
Silverman. Art Morrone, Bob McCalmont
and Jake Soltz were chosen by the Los
Angeles newspapers as representative bark-
ers and they had their pictures published
there.
Theodore Grance, Everett exhibitor who
motored to Los Angeles, brought his sister
OLIVER THEATRE
SUPPLY CO., INC.
M. H. FRITCHLE
Manager
23rd and Payne Avenue
Phone: PRospect 6934
CLEVELAND
Distributors
for the State of
Michigan
RINGOLD THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
1 OS Michigan St., N. W., Grand Rapids 2, Mich.
—THEATRE CHAIRS
3000 Used Spring cushioned, part full
upholstered back and part insert
panel back, with spring edges and
box spring cushions.
1000 Veneer Chairs.
800 Good Backs.
500 Spring cushions, and hinges.
Write for Prices and Photographs
IESSE COLE Theatre Seating
2565 McClellan, Detroit Phone: Valley 2-3445
home with him. The Joseph C. Shapiro fam-
ily of Mount Union are motoring home after
attending the Variety affair. The Lee Con-
rads, Meadville, returned on the regular trip
train and continued on to Johnstown. The
Reichblum brothers, Leon and Sam, continued
vacationing in California.
The K. A. Vaverises, Johnstown, stopped
over in Chicago . . . The R. B. Allison jrs.
motored through the west and were expected
to return this week. John Walsh, Fulton
manager, flew home. Bert Stearn and Harry
Hendel stayed in Hollywood in connection
with a picture they produced. The Andrew
Battistons had a grand time seeing the Holly-
wood sights and stars. The Mort Englands
stayed over in Los Angeles. The Joseph Gell-
mans motored home by easy steps.
Ben Amdur continued vacationing in Cali-
fornia. Best event of the convention was
Gene Autry’s luncheon, Variety delegates
agreed. Newsreels of the Warner banquet
were screened here May 23.
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Rodenok sr., who had
spent the winter in Florida, enjoyed the Va-
riety convention and are now home here.
Their sons George and Steve jr. operate their
Oakmont theatres.
FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS
The Showmen rs Drug Store
Drugs .. Cosmetics .. Prescriptions
Personal Service from Two Showmen —
MAX BERHBAUM JACK GALLAGHER
Pharmacist Manager
Phone CLifford 1527. CLifford 3694
LEONARD SOSKIN AGENCY
Retirement income, life, automobile,
fire, health and accident insurance.
541 Book Bldg. CA 3515. Detroit
TheatreSign and Marquee Maintenance
Our Specialty
^UJWorstmdn Co .
TEmple 2-6877
27 Eliot St.
POntiac 3-4473
Detroit 1, Mich.
LONG SIGN CO.
MARQUISE SIGNS
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
840 W. Baltimore, Detroit — Tit 1-5477
EXHIBITORS — PARK FREE AT
McArthur
THEATRE
EQUIPMENT
COMPANY
454 COLUMBIA ST. WEST - DETROIT I. MlCH.
MOTIOGRAPH SERVICE
Phone: CAdillac 5524
He Wants to See First,
Pay If It's No Turkey
COLUMBUS — Protesting vigorously against
being asked to pay $1.20 for the local show-
ing of “The Best Years of Our Lives,” Adam
Scofflaw wrote to the editor of the Citizen
that movies “are the only thing I am forced
to buy sight unseen.”
“I have been paying 65 cents to see Class C
pictures highly touted as colossal Class A,”
writes Scofflaw. “Then along comes a pic-
ture I’d class a B which the producers class
as an A-plus and what happens? They for-
get I’ve been enriching their treasury, pay-
ing their overhead, etc., for 18 months by
watching their cheap offerings. Then they
hit me for a buck 20. Gosh! I ought to
participate in any dividend, but NO! A buck
20? I walk away.
“Movies are the only thing I am forced to
buy sight unseen. I am forced to buy a pig
in the poke with no recourse except to the
fair-minded public through your columns.
I wish I could sell pork chops, porch chairs
and corsets sight unseen — would I clean up,
too!
“Newspapers are to blame in part. In re-
turn for a seasonal Annie Oakley they de-
liberately have their movie reviewer copy
verbatim releases from the movie press
agents praising the film to the skies . . . then
foist it upon the trusting public as their own
opinion. Newspapers insist upon truth in ad-
vertising. They have gained the respect and
confidence of the public in all advertising
except — you guessed it: The movies!
“Let’s either have a true review of some
of the stinkers we have been fooled with or
dispense altogether with the services of servile
reviewers. In the meantime, consider my
radical innovation: that we pay after we see
a first run stinker and not before.”
Audrey Young in ‘Wagon Gap'
Audrey Young has been ticketed by Uni-
versal for the femme topline in “The Wistful
Widow of Wagon Gap.”
SUPEi
SIZE
POP CORH CO.
Ready Popped Corn
307 Boulevard Bldg.
Detroit 3, Mich.
TRinity 2-3880 — 24
hour phone service !
RUDY SCHR0EDER
HERBERT MORGAN
PERYL’S COSTUMES
UNIFORMS for Entire Theatre Staff.
Special Costumes for All Occasions, Acts and
Special Shows.
Peryl LaMarr, Prop. 3737 Woodward
Phone: TEmple 2-3948 Detroit, 1, Mich.
ERNIE
FORBES
2 I 4 W. Montcalm
Detroit 1, Mich.
Phone CAdillac 1122
^ ^
PLAN yOUR NEW THEATRE NOW
CHARLES N. BOARD , Theatre Builder
East Detroit
Theatre Bldg.
t.
Phones
PRospect 1064
Roseville 0243
A
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
85
COLUMBUS
Oenator John W. Bricker and Rep. Robert
Jones of Lima would be affected by a bill
offered in the senate which would prohibit
members of Congress or their wives from hold-
ing radio station licenses. Companies in which
both Bricker and Jones are partners have
applications for station permits now pending
before the Federal Communications commis-
sion.
Clubrooms of Tent 2 are closed on Sundays
for the summer season . . . Barker Bill Pullin
attended the national convention in Holly-
wood and was heard here on Tom Breneman’s
Breakfast in Hollywood program. While there
“Uncle Bill” had a reunion with Barker Byron
Stouder, who is attending an aircraft school
in Hawthorne, Calif.
Richard Basehart, Zanesville native, fea-
tured in Eagle-Lion’s “Repeat Performance”
which had its world premiere last week in
his home town, stopped off with his wife be-
fore attending the premiere. Benny Rubin,
Frances Rafferty and Chili Williams, who
also attended the premiere, were local visi-
tors, too. Local film critics who attended
the gala opening included Bud Kissel of
the Citizen, Mary McGavran of the Journal
and Dayle Frazier, Dispatch news editor.
The Cleve, a neighborhood Academy house,
has been redecorated . . . E. C. “Bud” Benja-
min was in town in advance of the Ohio’s
showing of “Dishonored Lady.” One of his
stunts which attracted attention was a tieup
with the WHKC Housewives I. Q. quiz show
on which ladies were invited to relate the
most exciting five minutes in their lives.
Lee Hofheimer and A1 Sugarman received
an editorial bouquet from the Citizen on the
opening of the World, devoted exclusively to
British and foreign-language films. It read,
in part: “The World will give discriminating
fans a chance to see films produced in other
countries. The World is designed to attract
people who do not care for ‘mass appeal’
movies. The World deserves to succeed. Pa-
trons who are unmoved by so many of Holly-
wood’s mass production class B films will en-
joy seeing some pictures carefully chosen
from among the best produced all over the
world. These will include, we hope, some of
the pictures which we read about but which
we haven’t had a chance to see in Columbus.”
Mrs. Bertha Ochs, mother of Herbert, Albert
and Vincent Ochs of various Ohio theatre in-
terests, and of Mrs. Amelia Deshetler of Co-
lumbus, died in Cleveland and was buried in
Fremont.
New Scottsburg House
SCOTTSBURG, IND. — Construction has
begun on the new 600-seat theatre here being
erected by Ethel Luckett Walsh. It will be
called the Scott. In addition to the new Scott
and Indiana theatres in Scottsburg Mrs.
Walsh also operates the Austin in Austin, Ind.
'Ice-Capades' Premiere
PITTSBURGH — September 3 has been an-
nounced as world premiere date of the new
"Ice-Capades” in The Gardens here.
Ascap Area Extended
PITTSBURGH — William O’Brien, Ascap
district manager for the area, has had West
Virginia added to his territory.
Propose Drive-In Theatre
EVERETTVILLE, W. VA. — Construction of
a drive-in theatre here is in prospect.
Industry Will Honor
Herringtons June 4
PITTSBURGH — Former members of the
motion picture industry are joining with to-
day’s theatre owners, film distributors and
allied tradesmen and their wives in honoring
Mr. and Mrs. Fred J. Herrington on the oc-
casion of their golden wedding anniversary
at a banquet which will be held Wednesday
evening (4) in the Urban room of the William
Penn hotel. Messages of congratulation and
good wishes were being received for the
AMPTO secretary at the exhibitor headquar-
ters and reservations for the event were
accepted by the committee throughout the
week.
M. A. Rosenberg, former local and national
Allied president and chairman of the board
of directors of the AMPTO of W. Pa., was
named to make the presentation. William
Finkel will be toastmaster. Abram F. Myers,
national Allied’s general counsel and board
chairman, is expected to be present to salute
the Herringtons, and other Allied leaders will
be in attendance to express their sincere good
wishes.
Morris M. Finkel, AMPTO president, and
committee members including Norman B.
Mervis and William J. Blatt, stated that a
large attendance is assured and that a de-
licious dinner will be served. On the dais
will be numerous oldtime friends of the pio-
neer exhibitor and veteran Allied unit secre-
tary, including A. P. Way, 50-year showman,
Dubois: Nathan Katz, AMPTO counsel ; James
H. Rankin, Bridgeville; M. A. Silver, Warner
circuit zone manager; John J. Maloney, MGM
central division manager, and Michael
Manos, Greenburg.
With their wives, those present will in-
clude representatives of the state and city
government, supply and accessory dealers,
theatre service organizations, exhibitors, dis-
tributors and agents of producers.
This week, as for the past 17 consecutive
weeks, Fred Herrington was in Harrisburg
in connection with Pennsylvania tax prob-
lems and other issues in the general assem-
bly pertaining to the motion picture indus-
try. He has represented independent exhibi-
tors in legislative matters for 40 years.
Automatic Foot Wiper
NEW PHILADELPHIA, OHIO Frank
Carnahan, local mushroom grower, has in-
vented a motor-driven door mat which wipes
shoes, automatically lights the porch light,
and rings the door bell. The device can be
adapted to commercial needs and Carnahan
is preparing to manufacture models for com-
mercial and home use.
Plans Fort Huron Drive-In
FORT HURON, MICH.— Morris Weisel of
Detroit will build a drive-in theatre here after
plans have been approved by the local zoning
administrator and building inspector. Weisel
bought a site here in 1946.
Blatt Managers Meet
EAST BRADY, PA.— Blatt Bros. Theatres
managers met in monthly session here May
23 with Charles R. Blatt in charge. “It Hap-
pened on Fifth Avenue” was screened.
Hoesel Leases El Rancho
CULVER, IND. — Evert Hoesel has leased
the El Rancho Theatre here from George
Graf of La Porte. Hoesel will install a cool-
ing system this summer.
UDLUSVjLLE
paul Sanders, owner and executive director
of the Alhambra and Cozy theatres in
Campbellsville, Ky., still keeps up his hobby
of collecting match covers. Paul now has an
enormous collection of 20,000 covers of vari-
ous sizes, shapes and colors, which have been
gathered up and sent to him from the four
corners of the globe. The covers have been
mounted on paneling, covered with a clear
varnish, and have been inserted in the walls
of his office. The paneling has a patch work
effect.
In addition to collecting match covers, Paul
also has a collection of the 8x10 and 11x14
stills used in advertising pictures shown at
the two theatres. He possesses all the stills
used at his theatres over a period of 20 years.
The stills are dated according to use and
filed accordingly.
Guthrie Crowe, president of KATO, is back
in town following a circuit trip through the
state. He advises that quite a number of new
members have been added to the fast-grow-
ing organization ... A new 80-ton Carrier
cooling system has been installed in the
Vogue Theatre in St. Matthews, Ky. The
Vogue is owned by the William Rosenthal
Enterprises of Indianapolis and is managed
by Ira Allen.
Silver Raley soon will build a new theatre
in Tell City, Ind. The blueprints already
have been drawn and the building should
start in the very near future. The proposed
structure will be called the William Tell
Theatre . . . Harry Woodson of the Falls
City Theatre Equipment Co. staff is back
on the job following a siege of flu.
Recent visitors to Louisville: Luther Knif-
ley, Art Theatre, Knifley, Ky.; L. R. Smith,
Pekin Theatre, Pekin, Ind.; Sam Giltner, New
Washington Theatre, New Washington, Ind.:
Robert Enoch, Elizabethtown Amusement
Co., Elizabethtown, Ky.; Bruce Aspley, Trigg
and Plaza theatre, Glasgow, Ky.; Paul San-
ders, Alhambra and Cozy theatres, Camp-
bellsville, Ky.; F. X. Merkley, Rialto Theatre,
Columbia, Ky.; M. H. Sparks, Strand Thea-
tre. Edmonton, Ky.; Morris Smith, New Ace
Theatre, Taylorsville, Ky.
Otto Marcum reports that the construction
of his new St. Clair Theatre at Lebanon
Junction, Ky., is progressing according to
schedule and from all indications the July
1 opening date can be made.
A special screening of “Odd Man Out,”
starring James Mason, was held by U-I in
the Model Theatre of the Falls City Theatre
Equipment Co. here. On hand for the screen-
ing were several U-I executives, as well as
local showmen, possible bookers of the film.
Holdovers were on tap for three of the
Louisville first runs. “Trail Street,” coupled
with “Beat the Band,” is going for a second
week at the Strand, while “Love and Learn”
has been held for a second at the Mary An-
derson. “The Farmer’s Daughter” is in its
third week at the Brown. “The Great Waltz”
was reintroduced at the Loew’s, coupled with
“Undercover Maisie.” The new films were
“The Red House,” which opened at the Na-
tional, and “Homestretch,” opening at the
Rialto.
Outdoor film programs aided the Navy Re-
serve week drive here. Motion pictures of
Naval Reserve activities were shown to the
public in Lincoln park in downtown Louis-
ville as a means of boosting the membership
in the voluntary reserve. The pictures were
very well received and drew exceptionally
large crowds at all the scheduled showings
86
BOXOFFICE : : May 31, 194T
Four Theatres Sold
In Prairie District
CALGARY — A number of theatres in the
prairie district changed hands recently. No
mention of prices paid were available, but
overvaluation of theatre property in the west
has passed its peak.
J. R. Whitney, owner of theatres in
Bashaw and Mirror, has disposed of both
properties. The Whitney in Bashaw Was
bought by Joe Dick of Lacombe. The Grand
in Mirror was purchased by the Messrs. El-
liott and Holmes, residents of that town.
B. R. Headley of the Empress in Ponoka
sold out to Hector Labrie, a local garage
man.
R. G. Wallace of the Eatonia in Eatonia,
Sask., sold out his interest to his partner,
Chin Wong. The new owner has appointed
George D. Melville as his manager.
Teen-Aged Vandals Invade
Army Theatre at Halifax
HALIFAX — The Garrison Theatre, opened
recently at a nearby army camp to give
Sunday night programs for servicemen and
their friends and relatives, soon became a
target for the teen-aged vandals of this area.
Over 100 youngsters crashed the second
program, entering through doors, trapdoors
and windows. Considerable damage was done.
Military authorities admit they cannot cope
with the young invaders and have asked
local police for protection.
St. John Mono to Abandon
Odd Fellows Building
SAINT JOHN — Monogram soon must va-
cate its offices and vaults in the old Odd
Fellows hall building here. Local and pro-
vincial fire protective authorities have con-
demned the building as unsafe for film
storage. New offices are now being sought,
and meanwhile films are being stored at other
local exchange vaults. The hall is a big brick
building over 80 years old and a pioneer loca-
tion for film distribution in the maritimes.
Provincial Tax May Grow
When Dominion Tax Ends
HALIFAX — Elimination of the 20 per cent
Dominion tax on amusements, including the-
atres, may be followed by an increase in the
provincial tax, now 10 per cent. The excuse
for such a boost is the increased cost of old
age pensions and health insurance.
"Short" on FPC Dividends
TORONTO — Famous Players Canadian
Corp. added a “short” to its presentation of
a dividend for the current quarter of the
year on its common shares. The regular
quarterly dividend of 20 cents per share was
declared and the added attraction was a five-
cent bonus, both payable June 21 to stock-
holders of record June 7.
Leger Sells Iron Mine
BATHURST, N. B. — Peter Leger, longtime
owner and manager of the Opera House, is
reported to have sold his iron mine in
Gloucester county to U.S. interests for $200,-
000. The sale is said to call for a royalty to
Leger on future production.
Susan Fletcher to Air
Film Program on CBC
Vancouver — Susan Fletcher, motion
picture commentator on radio station
CJOR in Vancouver, will be heard on a
coast-to-coast program over CBC every
Monday at 7:30 p. m., Vancouver time.
Miss Fletcher is now in Hollywood lin-
ing up radio interviews with the stars.
Her program, which is an elaboration of
the Flicks and Flashes program she has
had here, will be styled somewhat like
that of Hollywood’s Louella Parsons.
Miss Fletcher has had 12 years of radio
training in Vienna, London and New
York. Her adaptability and charm over
the air were recognized here by local
publicity men and exhibitors who have
given enthusiastic support to her broad-
casts.
Rank Is Considering
Western Picture
WINNIPEG — J. Arthur Rank is thinking
of producing a full-length picture about west-
ern Canada, to be made in the west, provid-
ing he gets the right story. This is what the
British film magnate told the press here this
week when he stopped over briefly on his way
to Vancouver.
The “right story” so far as Rank was con-
cerned, meant one that would combine en-
tertainment with a feeling of reality, he
told the newspapers. There was nothing
more than this somewhat vague remark to
indicate any plans he might have about pic-
ture-making in the Dominion, and particu-
larly in the west.
In reply to a question asking whether he
thought that as the British film industry ex-
pands it may get out of hand and lose the
personal touch which distinguishes British
pictures, Rank said: “No. We give film
people who are making individual movies a
creative immunity, and we have a number of
producers who give individual care to each
picture.”
He indicated that there would be no more
“stealing” of Rank talent by Hollywood. “We
have them all under contract, but we expect
to exchange players with Hollywood.”
Rank was accompanied by John Davis,
managing director of the Rank organization;
Jock Lawrence, vice-president of Rank’s
American holdings, and Mrs. Rank. The party
was met at the station by J. McPherson,
Winnipeg manager for Eagle-Lion; Harry
Hurwitz, supervisor of Odeon theatres in
Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and Tom Pacey,
manager of the Garrick.
The party passed through Winnipeg en
route to Vancouver and later to Hollywood,
where the Ranks will visit their daughter,
Mrs. Fred Packard.
New Home for Censors
TORONTO — A building on Millwood road
in Leaside, a suburb, is being remodeled for
the use of the censorship and theatre in-
spection branch of the provincial government
in fulfillment of a wartime plan for the re-
moval of the censor board from the parlia-
ment buildings in central Toronto, which are
not fireproof. The Millwood road structure
formerly was occupied by the department of
highways. A 30-foot addition is being con-
structed at the rear to provide a building
with a depth of 100 feet. Fireproof vaults of
the latest approved type have been con-
structed and it is expected that the new
quarters will be as safe as the local film ex-
changes, for which rigid regulations have
been enforced.
High Court Rejects
Desmond Appeal
HALIFAX — In rejecting an appeal by Mrs.
Viola Desmond of Halifax, judges of the full
bench of the Nova Scotia supreme court said
the wrong method had been used in efforts
to obtain redress for Mrs. Desmond in the
case involving her ejection, arrest, conviction,
fining, at New Glasgow in the one-cent tax
evasion charge, concerning the Roseland
Theatre and Manager Henry McNeill.
Mrs. Desmond’s counsel had applied for a
writ of certiorari to quash the conviction and
review the evidence taken in the magistrate’s
court. The single judge hearing the case,
M. B. Archibald, refused to grant the writ.
The appeal was heard by four judges. In
announcing the decision, three of the judges
made statements, as follows:
R. H. Graham: “The judge dismissed the
application because the magistrate had juris-
diction and therefore the evidence was not
reviewable, and in any event, her proper
course was to have appealed.”
W. L. Hall: “Had the matter reached the
court by some method other than certiorari,
there might have been opportunity to right
the wrong done this unfortunate woman. One
wonders if the manager of the theatre who
laid the complaint was so zealous because of
a bona fide belief there had been an attempt
to defraud the province of one cent, or was
it a surreptitious endeavor to enforce a ‘Jim
Crow’, rule by misuse of a public statute.”
W. F. Carroll: “The charge in the magis-
trate’s court was not substantiated by the
evidence because she (Mrs. Desmond) actu-
ally did pay the tax required by one purchas-
ing a ticket as she was sold.”
The Association for Advancement of Col-
ored People had been supporting Mrs. Des-
mond, who operates a beauty shop in Hali-
fax, and also travels in her car through the
maritime provinces selling supplies to beau-
ticians. A damage suit is now rumored.
Quebec Ass'n Asks Court
To Grant Theatre Permit
QUEBEC — Refused a permit for the con-
struction of a film theatre in their ward by
city hall officials, the Limoilou Recreation
Ass’n has taken court action.
Officials of the association presented their
request for a permit to City Engineer Edouard
Hamel some time ago but were refused in ac-
cordance with a city bylaw which states that
no theatres are to be constructed in Limoilou,
Montcalm, St. Sauveur or St. Coeur de Marie
divisions.
The association went to court and requested
the court to grant them a writ of seizure
which would force the city to accord them
the permit to build a theatre in Limoilou be-
tween 10th and 11th streets. The action
is taken against the city and Engineer Hamel.
The association alleges that the bylaw is
null and that it constitutes an abuse of the
law.
Solon Makes Query on Short
OTTAWA — Why did the National Film
board make a short subject for J. Arthur
Rank of England? This information was
demanded of the government in the house
of commons by Solon Low of Alberta, leader
of an opposition party. The picture is “The
Boy Who Stopped Niagara,” on which NFB
employes had been working for more than a
year and which has been entered by the J.
Arthur Rank organization in the Belgian film
festival, which opens at Brussels June 8. Low
asked for information as to the terms on
which the picture was made and by whose
authority,
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
K
87
CALGARY
JTJ Zorn, director for the Famous Players
Canadian circuit, said here recently that
business has dropped this past quarter. He
had hopes, however, that the summer sea-
son, with its backlog of good pictures still
to play, would hold up above the low of
prewar summer seasons on the prairies, when
vacationists generally flocked to the coast
or across the border.
Max Phillet, partner in the Forrest-Phillet
circuit of theatres extending from Dawson
Creek to northern Manitoba, has been hos-
pitalized by his injured fingers, the result
of an accident many weeks ago. Phillet was
a partner in the Saskatoon hotel which
was burned out and while he was examining
the wrecked building the wind blew a hanging
door shut on his hand.
E. C. Watkiss of the Uptown in the sum-
mer resort of Sylvan Lake, spent a day on
Filmrow . . . I. F. Shacker, mayor and
theatre owner of Hanna, Alberta, was busy
along Filmrow last week booking pictures for
his houses.
Victoria Day No Help
To Toronto Theatres
TORONTO — The observance of Victoria
day, a long-established statutory holiday in
Canada, did not help Toronto theatres a
great deal because there were too many coun-
terattractions, including the running of the
historic King’s Plate which drew an immense
crowd to Woodbine race track. Amusement
parks were opening, there was a circus and
a stream of residents left the city for lake
resorts. The end came to “The Jolson Story”
at the Tivoli and Eglinton after ten weeks.
The only other holdover was “Smash-Up” at
the Uptown. Three of the theatres had dou-
ble bills which shows the trend of business,
one set being at Loew’s.
(Average is 100)
Capitol and Victoria — Easy Come, Easy Go (Para);
Fear in the Night (Para) 95
Eglinton and Tivoli — The Jolson Story (Col)
10th wk 85
Imperial — Dead Reckoning (Col) - 105
Loew s — Dishonored Lady (UA);
The Cockeyed Miracle (MGM) 105
Shea's — Nora Prentiss (WB) 110
Uptown — Smash-Up (U-I) 100
H. E. Murat of Donalda, Alberta, died of
a heart ailment recently. He operated the
Donalda for many years . . . Lee Brewerton,
operator of the Capitol in the thriving town
of Raymond, spent a day in the city en route
to visit his son in Edmonton. Young Brewer-
ton is completing his medical course at
Alberta U.
Floyd Rogers, theatre owner and rancher at
Creston, B. C., attended the Calgary horse
show. He also brought his bookings up to
date while in the city . . . Saul Stone, ac-
companied by his wife, was here booking
film from the summer season. Stone operates
a theatre at Eston, Sask.
Warners Will Distribute
Newsreel in Dominion
TORONTO — The Warner Bros, newsreel,
announced in NeW York for distribution
starting in November, will be simultaneously
released in Canada. The Canadian process
of preparation and release has not been re-
vealed but it may follow an already-estab-
lished procedure of some other companies
in having a Canadian version of each issue
run off at the Montreal studio of Associated
Screen News, Ltd. The Ontario government
requires a reasonable quota of Canadian and
British empire clips in each edition of a news
weekly, and it is expected that Warner Bros.
Pictures Distributing Co. at Toronto will
supervise a Canadian edition of its tropical
releases.
Vancouver Business Light;
‘Odd Man Out' Strong
VANCOUVER — Business in first run houses
is still on the light side. There is much com-
petition from beaches and outdoor sports.
The only pictures to do average were “The
Jolson Story” on its moveover to the Strand,
where it remains as a holdover, and “Odd
Man Out” at the Vogue.
Capitol — Sea of Grass (MGM), Moderate
Dominion — School for Danger (Brit.);
My Favorite Brunette (Para) Fair
Hastings — Swell Guy (U-I) Fair
Orpheum — Love Laughs at Andy Hardy
(MGM) Poor
Paradise — Gas House Kids (Mono);
Twilight Rio Grande (Rep) Fair
Plaza — Man of Two Worlds (E-L) Average
S'trand — The Jolson Story (Col), 2nd wk Very good
Vogue — Odd Man Out (E-L) Good
Slump at Calgary Laid
To Dayliaht Time
CALGARY — A decided slump struck both
downtown and suburban theatres, attributed
by managers to the prevailing “fast time”
and increasing outdoor attractions.
Capitol — It's a Wonderful Life (RKO) Fair
Grand — The Macomber Affair (UA) Poor
Palace — Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (MGM) Fair
Show Brandon Fair Film
WINNIPEG — The National Film board’s
fieldmen are showing throughout the board’s
rural circuits in the province a short entitled
“Winter Fair,” shot several months ago at
the Brandon fair.
Starrer in ‘Sleep My Love'
Claudette Colbert has been ticketed by
United Artists for a star role in “Sleep My
Love.”
Signs Juvenile Player
United Artists has ticketed Jimmy Lydon
for a juvenile role in “The Time of Your
Life.”
W WE jackpot m/mb
WAHOO
AmesUcaA. tf-cn&Lt ScAeest Qcane
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue • Chicago, Illinois
VANCOUVER
T Arthur Rank addressed the ad and sales
' bureau of the Board of Trade and the
Canadian club at Hotel Vancouver May 26.
Rank was here one day on his way to Holly-
wood, where he will visit his daughter, mar-
ried to a film director ... A specially built
theatre will be a feature of the first postwar
Pacific National exhibition at Hastings park
in August. The National Film board, the
provincial government and industrial firms
will supply motion pictures.
Vancouver’s voluntary citizen committee in
charge of last year’s elaborate diamond jubi-
lee celebrations can take a bow with the
announcement that the big show finished
without a deficit. Though the celebrations
cost more than $136,000, the committee was
able to announce a profit of $226, setting a
record in the Dominion for civic celebra-
tions. The stars, Eddie Cantor and John
Charles Thomas, were rewarded with more
than $16,000 each. They were the main-
springs and undoubtedly did draw the crowds
and put the show over. Cost of the jubilee
show originally planned at $80,000 was $172,-
959 of which $102,942 was returned from
ticket admission sales.
Charles Nelson, British Columbia manager
for Foto-Nite and owner of the Mandarin
Gardens, a night spot, was badly cut in an
automobile accident. He is out of the hospi-
tal and doing nicely.
Showman Hymie Singer’s conviction for
allowing an “indecent performance” has
tolled the death of burlesque here. When
Singer’s theatre license was cancelled for
the strip tease show, he and Jack Aceman,
co-owner of the property, leased the State to
Keith Linforth of Seattle. Singer has now
reassumed charge of the house, after closing
out Linforth, but will offer only double bill
films for the future . . . Balmy weather hit
filmrow this week and apparently sent ex-
hibitors fishing or golfing since none of them
was seen around . . . Nellie Gath, secretary to
Frank Gow, Famous Players district man-
ager, is in a local hospital for a major opera-
tion.
Plans have been drawn up by North Ameri-
can Productions of Vancouver to build a
studio that will contain the best in picture-
producing facilities. It will be the first studio
west of Toronto . . . Exhibitors in British
Columbia and the prairie provinces are buy-
ing fewer percentage pictures this season, it
is reported. This is true particularly in the
smaller situations where business has fallen
off during the present seasonal slump.
Vancouver interests will erect a new neigh-
borhood theatre at Sixth and Main streets.
Buildings have been torn down and construc-
tion is expected to get under way this sum-
mer. The location is between two Famous
Players theatres, the Broadway and the
Windsor . . . The father of Cecil Neville, FPC
district booker for British Columbia, died
in Leeds, England. He was over 90 years old.
Neville is in England at the present time.
Leo Devaney, RKO’s Canadian head, spent
four days here last week and reports that he
is very pleased with business conditions
across the Dominion. He said his new man-
power lineup is doing a top-rate job. The
three leaders in the recent Depinet sales
drive are all rookie managers: Jim Davie,
Vancouver; Myer Nackinson, Winnipeg, and
Murray Devaney, Montreal. Jack Bernstein
has been appointed Toronto manager, De-
vaney also said.
Now ‘Song of My Heart'
Monogram has set “Song of My Heart” as
the new title for “Tragic Symphony.”
88
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Showfolk Ease Lol
Of Maritime Waifs
ST. JOHN — The Famous Family club, com-
posed of employes of the Orpheus in Halifax,
which is being replaced by a new FPC thea-
tre, the Paramount, engages in charitable as
well as social activities.
The girls in the club sew and knit garments
for foundlings in Halifax, and have supplied
hundreds of sweaters, vests, underwear, socks,
mitts, gloves, windbreakers, hats, etc., to tiny
tots housed in Protestant and Catholic insti-
tutions. The club also distributes candy, ice
cream, fruits, cakes and soft drinks to the
children and sponsors entertainments, chiefly
motion picture shows at the Orpheus.
At the Mayfair, St. John, flagship of the
Franklin & Herschorn circuit, the welcome
sign has been on the mat the last dozen years
for boys from a local home for orphans. Not
content with this, Mitchell Franklin, secre-
tary of the chain, has supplied 16mm films,
a projectionist, sound equipment, screen and
even transportation for special programs at
the children’s home. Mitts, gloves, caps,
scarves, mufflers, wallets, etc., found in the
Mayfair and not retrieved in 30 days, are
turned over to the boys.
An isolated section about 23 miles east of
St. John is supplied with 16mm films and
an operator for house parties among fisher-
men and farming families. Last Christmas
Mitchell Franklin sallied out from the May-
fair garbed as Santa Claus, toting big bags of
toys for children in lower income families
at Tynemouth creek, where he has his sum-
mer home.
At the local Strand, flagship of the Spen-
cer-FPC lineup, boys from a local reform
school have been admitted to a special re-
served section in the balcony one night a
week for years. The Strand also hosts at
times other boys and girls from Protestant
and Catholic shelters.
At the Majestic, New Waterford, Fred M.
Gregor gives away 200 tickets each week to
families of striking coal miners.
Prairie Salesmen Report
Doldrums Hit Alberta
CALGARY — According to salesmen re-
turning to Filmrow here, area business has
run into a severe case of doldrums. Main
complaint by exhibitors is daylight saving
time and summer weather in general. How-
ever, many showmen admit that since both
these conditions were prevalent during the
war, an apathy toward standard, run-of-the-
mill product is probably a more sure clue
to empty seats. Some agree that oldtime ag-
gressive showmanship and originality in both
product and exploitation of product are
time-tested remedies for shrinking grosses.
Economy Steps Promised
By NFB Commissioner
OTTAWA — In answer to statements in the
house of commons that the National Film
board had become an expensive luxury for
the taxpayers of the Dominion and that it
should be abolished, Ross McLean, national
film commissioner, said a policy of retrench-
ment had been adopted for the board, point-
ing out that the staff had been reduced from
a wartime peak of 787 to 640 employes. He
said there would be a further gradual reduc-
tion of the staff to a personnel of between
550 and 600.
Take Roles in 'Mama'
Hope Landin and Edith Evanson, character
actresses, have been handed roles by RKO
in “I Remember Mama.”
ST.JOHN
Oeorge Richardson of the Capitol Theatre
in Yarmouth may be the first projection-
ist to referee a boxing match, but Charlie
Bamford of Ottawa enjoys a no less glorious
distinction. Bamford was referee at several
wrestling matches while he was in charge of
the booth at the Mayfair Theatre in St. John.
Bamford had done some groaning and gri-
macing himself in his earlier years in Ot-
tawa, but later decided to limit his holds to
the projection and sound equipment. While
in St. John Bamford was known as a pro-
jectionist with a plus-fours complex. He was
rarely seen without his stems packaged in
knickers.
Joe Lieberman, Columbia district manager
here and partner in B&L Theatres, probably
will be in bed for some time recovering from
a heart attack suffered at Moncton . . . Dan
Wallace, who resigned as National Film Board
secretary at Ottawa before entering his name
at a Liberal party nominating convention at
Halifax, was runnerup in the convention bal-
loting. Wallace and two others sought a can-
didacy for a seat in the Dominion house.
Callers who phone the offices of the Spen-
cer-FPC circuit here and ask for “Mr. Spen-
cer” are asked whether they want (1) the
older one, Fred G. Spencer, founder and
president; (2) the larger one, Gordon Spencer,
Fred’s elder son and general manager of the
circuit, or (3) the thin one, Gerald Spencer,
second son, who manages the Strand, basic
unit in the circuit.
Famous Players new Paramount Theatre in
Halifax, successor to the Orpheus, will seat
1,242 as compared to the Orpheus’ 879. The
Orpheus is one of those Halifax theatres
which originally were churches. The Para-
mount will be of stadium design, with main
entrance from Barrington street and exits on
Blower and Granville streets. The building
is to be of reinforced concrete, steel and
brick, and will be completed by late December.
Another old ex-church, the Community Thea-
tre in the north end, has been demolished and
a new theatre is being erected on the site.
Gerry Hoyt of Renforth, exchange man-
ager for Empire-Universal at St. John, is
building a new rural theatre about two miles
east of Rothesay, N. B. The house, which will
seat almost 400, will cater chiefly to motorists
living within about 15 miles and may have
a lunch counter and bowling alleys. The build-
ing is of wood with brick facing and will open
around August 1. Art Fielding of East River-
side is rumored to have a piece of the project.
Bill Caswell of Halifax, whose Hoedowners
troupe has been giving stage shows at film
theatres in Nova Scotia, says his outfit will
take off soon for Hollywood, playing theatres
on the way. He reports a screen test ha?
been arranged with Republic. Caswell sings
and yodels western songs.
It was 40 years ago on a May day that the
first films were screened at a stationary
theatre in Halifax, the Nickel. The projec-
tionist was Monty Lanigan, now on the city
hall staff, who admits he rarely visits a
theatre any more. The Nickel was predeces-
sor of the present Family. Lanigan was also
in the booths at the Casino, Orpheum, Strand
(now the Garrick), the discontinued Acker’s
Community and Empire. He contends he was
the first projectionist here to handle sound,
at the recently razed Community. Lanigan
marvels at the advances made in projection.
He says he used to wear himself out crank-
ing the old machines.
George Richardson, projectionist at the
Odeon Capitol in Yarmouth, N. S., recently
made his debut as a boxing- referee in Yar-
mouth . . . Although bingo and similar games
have been barred in some sections, they are
still on the velvet in the St. John district.
In some spots, cash prizes are being given
in the open and in others, the merchandise,
chiefly jewelry, is handed over to winners
and then “sold” back to the bingo pro-
moters.
Introduction of a one night a week film
show in East St. John and at Grand Bay,
about ten miles out of St. John, has brought
complaints from theatre owners to the mari-
time film board. Halls are being used in
both cases. St. John theatres are supposed
to be protected from such competition within
a ten -mile radius, say exhibitors.
Featured spot in patronage promotion for
“The Best Years of Our Lives” at maritime
theatres is going to Harold Russell, handless
actor, because of his having been born at
Sydney, N. S. Stories and pictures are being
used in maritime dailies and weeklies, in
biographical treatment of Russell, and it is
always stressed that he is maritime-bom. The
picture is being roadshown and in most cases
the theatres are being rented outright.
Somewhat of a reign of terror has been
prevailing at the Orpheus (FPC) in Halifax,
which recently started demolition preparatory
to erection of a new and larger building.
Boys and girls have torn metal bars off the
fire escapes and other equipment and used
these on exit doors in trying to break into
the theatre, not only after dark but during
the daylight. The young vandals have even
attacked Orpheus employes who attempted to
stop them. Manager Freeman Skinner has
been much concerned over the hostility man-
ifested by the vandals to the employes.
The first soup kitchens in many years for
the maritime provinces have been estab-
lished at Stellarton, N. S., by the Salvation
Army, with about 300 adults and children
participating in the distribution of the warm
soup and milk. The Salvation Army made
a survey and found considerable malnutri-
tion among children. The condition is at-
tributable to payless weeks since mid-Feb-
ruary in the soft coal mines, where a strike
is in progress. The strike has had a dele-
terious effect on patronage at theatres in
Glace Bay, New Waterford, Dominion, Syd-
ney and Inverness on Cape Breton Island;
Stellarton, New Glasgow, Westville, Spring-
hill and River Herbert on the mainland.
Theatre Properties, Ltd.,
Bonds to Be Redeemed
TORONTO — Directors of Odeon Theatres
of Canada voted to redeem a block of bonds
in an affiliated company, Theatre Properties,
Ltd., which owns the Capitol and Palace in
Hamilton, Ont.
Directors, meeting here, drew by lot a pro-
portion of the 5 per cent 1959 first mortgage
issue to be redeemed August 21 here or in
Montreal with interest. Cash for the purpose
was taken from the sinking fund.
A legal battle developed several years ago
when previous shareholders of Theatre Prop-
erties offered to sell the stock, the directors
accepting the bid of the group then headed
by Paul L. Nathanson. Famous Players Ca-
nadian Corp. applied for an injunction to
halt the sale on the ground that an FPC offer
was higher than that which was accepted.
The injunction was refused.
The Capitol and Palace are two of the best
paying first run theatres in Hamilton.
BOXOFFICE : : May 31, 1947
89
TORONTO
Qdeon Theatres had expected to open the
Fairlawn, its first new theatre in Toronto,
by the time of the arrival of J. Arthur Rank
from England with “The Best Years of Our
Lives” on the screen. However, the theatre
will not open until July because of construc-
tion delays.
A visitor from England was Sir Robert
Watson-Watt, British radar expert, who said
he was experimenting with improvements for
theatre projection but the result would
probably not be seen by film fans for an-
other two years . . . Canadian Odeon units
are to be fitted with the latest projectors
through Gaumont-Kalee, one of Rank’s Ca-
nadian companies.
When Manager Ken Johnston of the
Palace in Galt, Ont., played “The Magic
Bow,” he hung a huge model of a bass violin
from the outer edge of the marquee, where it
attracted much attention . . . The Brock at
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., has notified
Toronto bookers of the adoption of a full-
time policy with performances every night
of the week and program changes three times
weekly. Since last fall the theatre has been
on part time.
When the convention of the International
Advertising and Sales clubs opened at Wind-
sor, two local members had taken an active
part in arranging details. They were J. A.
Ducharme, manager of the Park, and Ed
Lamoureux, manager of the Windsor Em-
pire.
Permission has been granted by the pro-
vincial government for the reopening of the
Skyway Drive-In Theatre at Stoney Creek,
after officials were reported to have checked
traffic arrangements to relieve highway
congestion. The Skyway at Windsor was
opened for the season several weeks pre-
viously. Skyway has secured a building
permit from the London township council
for a third open-air theatre near London,
the council having been ordered to grant per-
mission by the court despite a zoning bylaw.
George H. Beeston was guest at a luncheon
given by film friends following his resigna-
tion as a member of the Canadian Odeon
board of directors . . . The Norgan at Pal-
merston, a gift to the community of a former
resident, J. W. Norgan of Vancouver, is ap-
proaching completion and arrangements are
under way for a gala opening with the donor
attending in person.
Buys Classic Story
Enterprise has bought “Proud Destiny,”
classic story of the great love of the French
dramatist Beaumarchais and the actress De-
siree.
FOR SALE: THEATRE CHAIRS
Wo now have a very large stock ot excellent
reconditioned (as new) Theatre Chairs
Quantities up to 1200 of a kind
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
NOW — New all-steel construction spring-
edge, highest quality theatre chairs available.
7500 yards of imported carpet direct from
England and Scotland
Inquiries Respectfully Solicited
LA SALLE RECREATIONS LTD.
(Theatre Seating and Carpet Division)
S. A. LECHTZIER, Pres.
945 Granville St. Vancouver, B. C.
No Canadian Television
For Years, Says CBC Head
OTTAWA — Canadians cannot expect to
have television for a number of years, A. D.
Dunton, chairman of the Canadian Broad-
casting Corp., told the radio committee of
the house of commons here.
“The great problem here is the high cost,”
he declared, the factors including the scat-
tered population and the limited range of
television transmitters. It was impossible for
the CBC to undertake any television opera-
tions, nor was there an economical basis for
sound development of television in Canada
in the public interest, he said.
“We are, however, continuing to study the
question and to watch developments in the
United States and in Great Britain.”
Dunton’s report came on the heels of an
announcement in Toronto by J. Arthur Rank
that two of his London theatres were sched-
uled to start television programs next fall,
although he had not completed license ar-
rangements with the government.
In Canada, the CBC enjoys sole control of
television developments and the ultimate is-
sue of licenses to theatres and other private
enterprises. As yet, nothing has been done
regarding permits for television. A very few
private radio operators have even applied for
licenses to operate frequency modulation
stations.
otjawA
*J*wo local managers made a trip by air to
Hamilton May 29 for the farewell dinner
to Lloyd Gurr, who has resigned from the
management of the Century to go into the
hotel business in the Muskoka lakes district.
Ernie Warren of the Elgin flew his own plane
and took along John Kirk, manager of the
Imperial. Many officials and managers of
20th Century Theatres paid tribute to Gurr.
In line with the new first run policy of the
Avalon under the management of F. H.
Gallop, “Pagliacci,” the Italian-made opera
film, has been booked from Alliance Films
for early showing. The change in policy was
made with the presentation of “I See a Dark
Stranger” for one week.
The Imperial was jammed with juveniles
Saturday morning (24) for a free show given
under the auspices of station CKCO, to which
admission was by club membership ticket.
Likewise CFRA, newly opened in Ottawa,
has cooperated with Jack Snow, local jeweler,
in the staging of Saturday morning rallies
for juveniles at the Somerset. Prizes and
stunts are featured at both theatres.
Morris Berlin, proprietor of the Nelson,
was in Toronto to arrange for a series of
special bookings for this comparatively new
house . . . Norah McFarlane, local high school
student, is featured in the short subject,
“The Boy Who Stopped Niagara,” which was
written, produced and directed by her father,
Leslie McFarlane of the National Film board.
A visitor over the Victoria day weekend
was Bing Crosby, Paramount film star. His
program was purely informal and one en-
joyable feature was a game of golf at the
Seigniory club on the Ottawa river. Crosby
was in Canada last year to appear in outdoor
sequences for “The Emperor Waltz,” many
of which were taken in the vicinity of Jasper
Park.
Two theatres are going up side by side jn
Peterborough and the residents are inter-
ested in the unusual building race. One is
being erected by Odeon Theatres, its first in
that center, and the other is a prospective
unit of Famous Players Canadian Corp.,
which already has a theatre in Peterborough.
MONTREAL
IWTaurice Chevalier gave a press reception at
A the Ritz-Carlton prior to his personal
appearances here. It was described as “the
largest press conference ever held in Mont-
real.” Every newspaperman and newspaper-
woman in town wanted to be there, and most
of them were . . . Parents are turning the
education of their children over tb Holly-
wood, Dr. S. R. Laycock told the Alexander
Home and School Ass’ri at Sudbury. He linked
with the cinemas as community teachers the
dance halls, bowling alleys, gymnasia and
romantic fiction.
The Avenue, United Amusements’ new the-
atre on Green avenue, opened May 28. The
Avenue is Westmount’s first theatre, the
cinema named Westmount being actually lo-
cated in Montreal just outside of the bound-
aries of the fashionable westend suburb . . .
Murray Devaney, manager of RKO’s local
office, was treated in hospital for an in-
fected throat.
“The Jolson Story,” Columbia’s epic, estab-
lished a record for Standard Amusement
Co.’s Park Theatre, Verdun. It ran in the
Church avenue house for 18 days and nights
. . . “La Forteresse,” an Eagle-Lion release
produced in French at the St. Hyacinthe stu-
dio of Quebec Productions, Ltd., is in its
fourth week at the Orpheum.
Monogram, Eagle-Lion and Hanson 16mm
were scheduled to open their new office today
(31). It is located on St. Alexander street,
and exhibitors will be advised of the tele-
phone number when the phone is installed
. . . RKO will move immediately to the offices
on Filmrow vacated by Monogram.
A young deer said to have been used in
fi’ming “The Yearling” has been dispatched
by transatlantic plane from Gander, New-
foundland, to England, as a gift to the chil-
dren of London from the children of the
State of New York. It will find a home in
the London zoo.
Exhibitors visiting Filmrow included Carl
Brock of the Princess, Cowansville (partner
with Leo Choquette) and Eugene Poirier,
proprietor of the Caro Theatre, Windsor
Mills.
Film Board's Secretary
Upholds Canada's Role
MONTREAL — Canada’s role in the United
Nations’ economic and social council is “sig-
nificantly that of a leader,” because the Do-
minion is “far to the front of most nations
in progressive democratic developments,” Dan
Wallace, secretary of the National Film board,
said.
In an address prepared for delivery to a re-
gional meeting of the Rotary clubs of Water-
town, N. Y„ Wallace said other nations were
watching “with interest” the operation in
Canada of family allowance, old age pensions,
and unemployment insurance.
The strength of the Dominion’s contribution
to the United Nations lay in a common belief
with the United States in universal suffrage,
civil liberties, racial and religious tolerance
and the rights of labor.
The United Nations’ first year had been
largely formative and experimental. There
had been loud and bitter debate but there
was “good evidence of a willingness (in the
face of failure) to submit to checks that mean
some sacrifice of sovereignty for the common
good,” he added.
“We must muster our forces to see that to
the extent tnat its success is dependent on
our interest and support, this new organiza-
tion that holds so much hope for humanity
shall not fail,” Wallace said.
90
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
WB Thealres Drops
Four Houses July 1
BOSTON — Leases on four houses in this
area controlled by the Warner circuit will
terminate July 1 and the theatres will be
turned back to their original owner, Adolph
Burroughs, who will operate them. The
houses are the Strand and Premier, New-
buryport, the Strand, Amesbury, and the
Strand, Belmont.
Operator of Nickelodeon
In Early Hub Days Dies
BOSTON — Salvador M. Cifre, pioneer
showman, died recently at the Boston city
hospital after a long illness. He was 83 years
old.
In 1904, Cifre opened what is believed to
have been the city’s first nickelodeon on
Green street at the corner of Hale street. It
was known as the Monaco Theatre. He called
his 20-minute show “The World in Motion”
and played fight pictures as well as short
subjects. He was the father of Joe Cifre,
head of Joe Cifre, Inc., supply dealers, and of
Charles Cifre, operator of the Allston Thea-
tre. He is also survived by a sister. Funeral
services were held in Dorchester with burial
in the family lot in Plaistow, N. H.
Boston Salesmen Honor
PRC, Eagle-Lion Pilots
BOSTON — A luncheon honoring two pio-
neers in the motion picture industry here was
held at the Hotel Statler. Harry Segal,
newly appointed Eagle-Lion sales represen-
tative, and Albert Fecke, new manager for
PRC, were the guests. The luncheon was
sponsored by the Motion Picture Salesmen’s
club with Saul Simon serving as chairman.
Seated at the head table were Tom Duane,
SRO division manager, who was the emcee;
Martin Toohey, Pawtucket exhibitor; Tom
O’Brien, Columbia sales manager; Joe Wolfe
and Saul Simons, Columbia; and Nathan
Levin, Monogram, vice-president of the. Mo-
tion Picture Salesmen’s club, who presented
checks to the guests as a tribute from the
group.
Amusement Names Filed
HARTFORD — The following trade names
have been filed in Connecticut.
All-State Amusement Co., Bridgeport, by
A. F. Sturchio of Bridgeport; Entertainment
Enterprise, Bridgeport, by Edward T. Cole-
man of Bridgeport; Merit Films, Bridgeport,
by Jacob Goldring of Bridgeport.
New Haven Nite Life, New Haven; Con-
necticut Nite Life, Hartford; and Hartford
Nite Life, Hartford, have been filed by J. P.
Fenton and Frank Papillo of Hartford, and
L. R. Beiser of West Hartford.
Glackin & LeWitt to Build
NEW BRITAIN— Glackin & LeWitt Thea-
tres of New Britain, Plainville, and Sound
View will purchase land for the construction
of a 2,000-seat theatre here. According to
Brookie LeWitt, building will start as soon
as materials are available.
Donald Hall to Wed
CLAREMONT, N. H. — Mr. and Mrs. Vernon
F. Whitcomb have announced the engage-
ment of their daughter Elizabeth Marie to
Donald Herman Wall, assistant manager of
the Ritz and Tiffin Theatres, Tiffin, Ohio.
An August wedding is planned.
To Build Theatre-Ballroom
In Suburb of Fall River
FALL RIVER — Henry J. Curt of Somerset
Centre, a suburb of Fall River, plans imme-
diate construction of an edifice to be known
as the Somerset Theatre-Ballroom, a license
for which was unanimously approved by the
selectmen of the town at a recent special
meeting.
Curt says the building may not be com-
pleted for a period of ten months to one
year because of the scarcity of materials. In
describing the proposed structure, Curt said
it will include permanent seats for 1,100 with
an over-all capacity of 3,000.
The building, to be built of cement blocks
and steel, will be 200 feet by 100 feet and
will be situated just south of the Fall River-
Providence highway, a short distance from
the Brayton Point road.
Air conditioning, a spacious dance hall and
soda fountains will be other features, Curt
declared.
FC Buys Hub Franchise;
Morris Green in Charge
BOSTON — Film Classics has acquired its
Boston franchise and has set up a new ex-
change at 54-58 Piedmont St. Morris Green,
formerly with Paramount as branch manager
and supervisor of the New Haven territory,
has joined the company as branch manager.
The first film to be released by the new ex-
change is “The Patient Vanishes,” British
picture featuring James Mason. Sam
Wheeler, sales manager, spent several days
here setting up distribution plans for the
picture.
Circuit Court in Boston
To Hear Findlay Appeal
BOSTON — The appeal of Jack Findlay in
the case of Findlay vs. Westerly Theatres
Operating Co., Inc., in which Findlay was
held guilty of breach of trust, will be argued
in the first circuit court of appeals here
June 10. The case was heard last winter by
Judge Hartigan in U.S. district court, Provi-
dence. Judge Hartigan found Findlay guilty
of breach of trust in connection with the
lease of the United Theatre Co. of Westerly.
Mary lane Douglas Weds
NORTH ADAMS, MASS— Mary Jane
Douglas, cashier at the local Paramount
Theatre, recently became the bride of Eugene
A. Lapine.
Alhambra Theatre
Asks 50-Day Ceiling
NEW HAVEN — Asking a 50-day ceiling after
first run in Waterbury, Henry W. Smith has
filed an arbitration complaint on behalf of
the Alhambra Theatre there with Oliver W.
Bishop, secretary of the AAA. The five major
distributors and the Carroll Theatre, operated
by Roger Mahan, are named as respondents.
The complaint reads: “We claim that due
to the peculiarities of the Carroll operation,
pictures become available extremely late to
the Alhambra and cause the Alhambra too
severe a hardship in booking. The Alhambra
Theatre requests that a 50-day ceiling after
first run be installed, in order that this
hardship be alleviated.”
Lou Ginsburg and Bernard Levy of Amal-
gamated Buying Service represent the com-
plainant.
Garbose Bros. Get Okay
From Orange Council
ORANGE, MASS.— The selectmen of this
town and the Garbose Bros., who formerly
conducted film shows in the town hall, have
finally reached a settlement of their differ-
ences. . The selectmen, denying they had re-
fused to grant the Garboses five Sunday
licenses and a confectioner’s license for their
new theatre to be opened in June, said the
permits have been turned over to the broth-
ers. He stated the brothers also have paid
$1,403.37 to the town, this representing rent
incurred during court action between the
town and the Garboses in 1945.
Hartford Boosts Ad Rates
HARTFORD — Both local dailies — the
Courant and the Times — have increased
amusement advertising rates. The Times,
afternoon daily, has increased fees from
$2.66 per inch to $2.94. The Courant, morn-
ing and Sunday paper, has gone from $2.10
to $2.52, daily, and $2.52 to $2.94 Sunday.
Popcorn Vendors Popular
NEW HAVEN — Popcorn vending machines
have achieved a new popularity in this area.
In general poppers have been replaced by
warming and vending machines. Among the
recent installations by Connecticut Theatre
Candy Co. are the Music Box and State, New
Britain; Astor, Hartford; State, Springdale,
Fairmount and Forest, New Haven.
AT SPECIAL SCREENING — Exhibitors from all parts of Connecticut attended a
special screening at New Haven of RKO’s “The Long Night,” which was preceded by a
luncheon. Left to right: Lou Ginsberg and Bernie Levy of the Amalgamated buying
and booking service; Bill Brown, film buyer for the Pickwick Theatre, Greenwich;
Hugh Maguire, office manager, and Sidney Swirsky, New Haven RKO salesman.
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
NE
91
NEW HAMPSHIRE
TX7 alter E. Young, owner of the Strand in
Farmington and a summer motion pic-
ture theatre at Alton Bay, was named a
vice-president and director at the recent
annual meeting of the Farmington Building
& Loan Ass’n.
The Henry W. Savage block in Alton,
named for the famous oldtime theatrical
producer who was a native of that town, has
been taken over by the American Legion post
there. It contains halls, banquet rooms and
apartments and will be modernized by the
veterans.
Several films were shown free at a public
program presented by the Farmington Fish
and Game club in the Farmington town
hall May 27. They dealt with protection of
the purity of lakes, brooks and ponds in the
state, as well as hunting and fishing.
More than 6,000 school musicians from all
over New England participated in the recent
New England Music Festival in Portsmouth.
The groups included about 72 bands, 14
orchestras, 46 choral groups and 120 soloists
. . . Benson’s wild animal farm in Hudson,
which breeds a number of wild beasts for
motion picture productions and circuses, was
to be opened to the public for another season
on Memorial day. The establishment, where
Josef Walch is again the wild animal trainer,
will remain open through Columbus day.
Vaughn Monroe’s dance band recently drew
large crowds to the Casino at Hampton
Beach and the Canobie Lake Park ballroom
in Salem, where amusements and rides have
started operating for the summer. The
Baboosic Lake amusement center has also
been opened . . . “Fighting Lady” recently
was shown at a Naval Reserve rally in Man-
chester.
William Foster and his English war bride,
the former Pamela Smith, a native of Birk-
enhead, England, have settled in Alton.
Foster has played with several topnotch
dance bands in this country and became ac-
quainted with his future wife when she ap-
peared as a soloist with his GI band during
the war.
After a recent trip to New York, a Man-
chester newspaperwoman related in her
column how a group of Gotham businessmen
contribute funds for theatre parties and
Broadway restaurant dinners for disabled
veterans from hospitals in and around New
York, and suggested a similar plan in New
Hampshire.
A move which would have set June 12 as
the tentative date for adjournment of the
state legislature was rejected by an over-
whelming voice vote in the house . . . Arthur
P. Reed of Winchester has been named as
general manager of the Cheshire fair to suc-
ceed the late Hiram O. Bolton of Ashuelot.
He is vice-president of the Cheshire Fair
Ass’n. Harold J. Adams was chosen to suc-
ceed Reed as ticket chairman, and Joseph
Kershaw was named as treasurer of the asso-
ciation, another post left vacant by Bolton’s
death.
Fail to Ban 'Duel'
LACONIA, N. H.— Meeting to act on a pro-
posal to ban showing of “Duel in the Sun,”
city council voted, 4 to 2, not to bar the
showing. A second ordinance would have
barred all under 21 from seeing the picture.
That, too, was killed.
To Handle Camera
Ira Morgan has been set by Columbia to
handle the camera on “The Sea Hound.”
A. C. Chadwick Sells
Theatre in Newport
NEWPORT, N. H.— E. Harold Stoneman,
president of Interstate Theatres Corp., and
Allard M. Graves re-
port that the Coniston
Theatre here has been
acquired by them
from Arthur C. Chad-
wick, who has owned
and operated the
property for the past
25 years. The thea-
tre will be a joint op-
eration of Interstate
and Graves.
Chadwick is a pio-
neer showman in New
Hampshire. He
started his first thea-
tre, the old Empire,
July 26, 1912, in Newport. Eight years later
he moved to the Coniston where he has con-
tinued until the present date. He has an-
nounced his plans to retire from the theat-
rical business.
Graves is well known throughout New
Hampshire and Vermont as he operates five
other Interstate houses. He is the son of the
late Homer A. Graves. Both father and son
were born and educated in Newport.
The new owners have signed with William
Riseman Associates, Boston architects, to
prepare plans for redesigning the Coniston.
Ersley R. Blanchard, who has been with the
Coniston for 25 years, will continue as man-
ager. The new owners will take over June 1.
ARTHUR C. CHADWICK
PORTLAND
ITugene Geary has been transferred from the
Capitol in Somerville, Mass., to be assist-
ant manager of the State Theatre in Port-
land . . . Special shows at the M&P State
included a special children’s offering during
vacation,' also prizes Saturday morning pre-
ceding Mother’s day. The prizes included gift
candy, nylon stockings, handkerchiefs, etc.
. . . Twenty-two spot announcements were
made over WGAN, in connection with the
run of “Imperfect Lady” at the State.
Manager Ralph Tully of the State and John
Divney of the Maine attended the recent
M&P managers meeting in Boston. Special
columns were devoted on the newspaper’s
theatre page to Phyllis Thaxter, local girl
playing in “The Sea of Grass,” a picture that
did big business at the State . . . Rudy Val-
lee’s father was an honored guest at the
State opening of “Fabulous Suzanne,” in
which Rudy played.
Faith Scanlon, New York model, named
“Miss Duel in the Sun” at Portland, pinned
a good-luck token on the manager of the
Portland Pilots in their opening baseball
game of the season. Greeted by Manager
Harry E. Ashton of the Empire Theatre, she
was met at dinner, cocktails, etc., by local
press and radio representatives, all in con-
nection with “Duel in the Sun,” showing at
the Empire.
Donald Jollotta is the new student man-
ager at the Capitol and William Stinson is
now head usher . . . Manager Frank Clem-
ents, Portland and Jollotta, attended the 50th
birthday celebration of the Loew organization,
held recently in Boston.
New Title Is ‘Mary Hagen'
The new handle for Columbia’s “That
Hagen Girl” is “Mary Hagen.”
WORCESTER
QJ.len Allvine, eastern director of publicity
for the motion picture industry, spoke
on the Children’s Film library at a meeting
of the Better Films council at the Sheraton,
at which several young persons were guests
of the council . . . The Modern in Marlboro
had a booth for the sale of poppies for dis-
abled veterans.
An article in the Evening Gazette said,
“It is no secret that attendance at the widely
heralded ‘Duel in the Sun’ has been dis-
appointing in Worcester. Blamed are the
increased prices, its poor rating on morality
grounds (several clergymen here denounced
it publicly) and the disappointment of those
who did see the picture.”
Dr. John T. Kennedy, a dentist here for 42
years and father of film actor Arthur Ken-
nedy, died of a heart attack while riding on a
bus. His son came here from New York for
the funeral. He has been playing the lead-
ing role in “All My Sons” on Broadway . . .
Manager Alec Davis of the Warner reports
a holdover on “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Harold Maloney, manager of Loew’s Poli,
says audiences got a bang out of the
Worcester references in “The Late George
Apley” . . . The Rialto in Leominster was
the scene of the minstrel show of the Masonic
lodge . . . Guy Palmerton of the Playhouse
has been attempting to get Rita Johnson,
Worcester film actress, to come home and
make a guest appearance in his stock com-
pany.
Leo Lajoie, manager of the Capitol, had so
many patrons trying to overpay his candy
clerks that he posted a sign reading, “All
nickel candy is five cents” . . . “Up in
Central Park” drew a good house on a one-
nighter at the Auditorium.
Robert E. Perry, formerly of Fitchburg, will
stage the operettas this summer at the St.
Louis Municipal Opera Co. . . . Ernest Sharaf,
manager of the Rialto here," has started a
giveaway of dinnerware sets . . . Jack Kenney,
widely known vaudeville player of a genera-
tion ago (Kenney and Hollis) underwent an
operation in City hospital. In recent years
he has operated film houses in Lewiston and
Auburn, Me.
Leo Lajoie placed a story in the dailies
when he discovered that Grandon Rhodes,
who plays Thomas Jefferson in “The Magni-
ficent Doll,” formerly was a stock company
actor here at the Plaza . . . Duke Ellington,
the band leader, was in town.
Alec Davis made a tieup with a federal
savings bank for “It’s a Wonderful Life” . . .
The Motor-In at Sutton held a preview for
invited guests and then opened to the public
the next night . . . Miriam Hopkins will come
to Fitchburg in August to appear in “The
Guardsman.”
The Champ Amusement Corp., which re-
cently took over the Park in Spencer, has
plans to extend its circuit . . . Janet Russell
(Miss Worcester) is modeling for the Worces-
ter Film Corp. . . . Claude Hopkins and
his quartet closed at the Sheraton and were
succeeded by the George Koch trio of New
York.
Stuart Nedd, formerly of Westboro, is
joining the Port Players in Wisconsin as
actor and director ... A dance recital for
the benefit of the Marlboro Boys club was
presented on the stage of the Modern in
Marlboro . . . Vaughn Monroe was in town.
92
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Theatre Ads Will Go Into Homes
By Springfield Facsimile Paper
SPRINGFIELD — Theatres here, in
the future, may place their display ad-
vertising copy directly into the homes of
local residents, under a plan announced
this week to publish a facsimile news-
paper here.
The electronic dissemination of news
will permit the transmission of pic-
tures, drawings or printed copy, ac-
cording to Harry Bliven, president of
Film Group, Inc., which has formed a
subsidiary company to publish the mod-
ern newspaper. To be known as New
England Facsimile Corp., the new com-
pany plans to publish its newspaper
“some time in the fall.”
Other incorporators, besides Bliven,
are Eugene C. Zack, formerly of the
editorial staff of the Daily News and
one-time managing editor of the WSPR
news bureau, and J. Kendall Brigham,
assistant treasurer of Film Group.
AD RATES NOT SET
The facsimile newspaper, Bliven said,
will not be transmitted via FM, as is
customary elsewhere with this type of
news dissemination. “Our paper will
not be an adjunct either to radio
broadcasting or newspaper publication.
It will be a completely independent
newspaper, supplying news and ad-
vertising copy on an around-the-clock
basis.”
The service has not yet set up ad-
vertising rates, but they are expected
to be based on the number of home re-
ceiver-recorders in operation.
The company will place receivers in
homes on a monthly fee basis that will
include the costs of paper and of serv-
icing the machines. Under the plans
for news publication, theatre adver-
tisements and motion picture reviews
would be transmitted during the after-
noon, at the same time that comics
and the business section are published.
“If people read the theatre ads and re-
views in the morning,” Bliven ex-
plained, “they won’t be interested in
them. So we plan to put them on their
machines in midafternoon — just the
time that they’ll begin to make their
plans about what to do that evening.”
NEW TABLOID TOO
Because of strict limitations on
paper that can be used daily, it may be
necessary to limit theatre ads for the
present, Blevin said. Actual limita-
tions on paper use will depend on
the amount of paper that can be
placed on the machines at any one
time. “It’s not a question of shortage
as it is with newspapers, but rather
of how frequently we’ll have to service
the machines.”
The inauguration of facsimile will
mean three-way competition in the
Springfield news and advertising mar-
kets for the first time in the city’s
history.
At present, two of the city’s four
metropolitan dailies — the evening News
and the morning Union — are pub-
lishing with full quotas of advertise-
ments, despite an eight-month-old
strike of AFL and CIO unions. After
refusing for three months to place
ads in the nonunion dailies which re-
sumed publication in defiance of the
strike, local theatremen have begun
placing display ads in the strike-
breaking dailies.
Next month, a new afternoon daily
is due to enter the field, with Roger
L. Putnam, ex-mayor and prominent
industrialist, launching the Sentinel,
a tabloid.
Massachusetts Taxes
In Big Boost Over '46
SPRINGFIELD — Huge jumps in property
taxes for theatre owners in western Massa-
chusetts appear to be the order of the day,
as community after community announces
new highs in tax rates. The increase is
caused, in the main, by increased cost-of-
living adjustments in the salaries of mu-
nicipal employes.
Highest tax rate jump for any western
Massachusetts community thus far has been
an $11 boost in the rate at Athol, pushing it
up to $49 per each $1,000 valuation. The big
increase there was caused by exceptionally
high budgets for all town departments, along
with wage increases up to 20 per cent for
town employes.
North Adams has set a tax rate of $47 — $7
above last year’s — and the highest in the
city’s history. The rate is exactly double
that of 1919, making a 100 per cent increase
in 28 years. At the same time, assessors
raised property valuations about 6 per cent,
in order to keep the tax rate from going to
$52.
In Springfield, Mayor Daniel B. Brunton
has not set the 1947 tax rate, but a jump of at
least $3 from the 1946 level is anticipated.
Early in the year, when city officials began
considering the new budget, fears were ex-
pressed in municipal circles that the local
tax rate would jump $10 as the result of re-
ducing hours for firemen and city workers,
necessitating new additions to city payrolls.
However, careful pruning of budget items,
plus a windfall of tax refunds from the state,
have helped to cut this figure.
In Chicopee, the tax rate has jumped only
$1, hitting the $37-a-thousand mark. A
similar boost of only $1 was effected in Hol-
yoke, where the rate went to $30.
Williamstown recorded a $4 jump, with the
1947 assessments being figured on a $36
rate, while Pittsfield set $45.40 for the cur-
rent year — a jump of $5 from the 1946 figure.
Another major jump occurred at Green-
field where a $6 boost pushed the rate up
to $36. Bolton recorded a $2.80 increase per
thousand, for a new rate of $32.80.
New Hampshire Assembly
Kills Two Dog Racing Bills
CONCORD, N. H. — Two separate bills
which would have legalized dog racing in
this state have been defeated by over-
whelming votes in the house of representa-
tives here.
The first measure was killed by a vote of
226 to 105, and a couple of days later the
other measure went down to defeat on a roll
call vote of 189 to 58. In defending the
last measure, House Bill 278, its sponsor,
Rep. Harold G. Sackett of Albany, stated
he did not believe the earlier bill was fairly
understood. The second defeat precluded
any possibility of greyhound racing legisla-
tion this year, and the legislature’s next reg-
ular biennial session will not be held until
1949.
Following the doom of dog racing, Sen.
Aldege A. Noel of Nashua announced that
he had abandoned his plan to introduce
a measure for the licensing of “bookies,”
but insisted that he was sincere in believing
that such a system would be a producer of
needed state revenue and would stop under-
handed traffic in gambling and associated
corruption in connection with horse racing
in the state.
Meanwhile, the House defeated 246 to 95 a
move by Rep. Burritt H. Hinman of Stratford
to transfer the money from race track rev-
enue now distributed to New Hampshire’s
country fairs to public education purposes.
The apportionment to the fairs amounts to
more than $200,000 a year, he pointed out.
During these race track legislation develop-
ments, the Lalumiere bill, which puts more
teeth into the law against the operation of
lotteries and “bookies,” was being engrossed
for Gov. Charles M. Dale’s signature or veto.
Connecticut Industries
Needing More Workers
NEW HAVEN — According to the Connecti-
cut Department of Labor, several employers
during April made reductions in their
working staffs. However, it is reported that
shortages in other fields thus far have ab-
sorbed the workers, who in most cases were
not unemployed for more than a few weeks.
Metal industries and others which have
been holding back production because of ma-
terials now beginning to come through, are,
on the other hand, in need of 11,000 workers
within the next few months. With manufac-
turing employment leveling off generally,
however, a greater demand for specialized
jobs in services and sales is appearing.
Although the number of men unemployed
decreased from 25,700 in March to 23,300 in
mid-April, the number of women out of work
increased from 6,700 to 7,200. Increased em-
ployment is expected in construction lines
from now on through the summer.
Theatres, Equipment Firm
Organize in Connecticut
HARTFORD — The following certificates of
organization have been filed with the secre-
tary of state’s office here:
The People’s Drive-In Theatre Corp., 11
Elm St., Winsted: amount paid in cash,
$6,000; president-treasurer, Vincent W.
Youmatz; vice-president, John Youmatz;
secretary, Joseph Youmatz; directors, same
as officers.
The D&M Amusement Corp., 35 Center
St.; New Haven; amount paid in cash, $1,000;
in property, $5,000; president, Louis Blenner;
vice-president, Richard L. Hershalter; treas-
urer, Alexander C. Hershalter; secretary,
Milton A. Hershalter; directors, the officers.
Lou Phillips Theatre Supplies, Inc., 136
Meadow St., New Haven: amount paid in
cash, $20,000; president, Louis Phillips; sec-
retary-treasurer, George Comden; vice-
president, Charlotte Comden; directors, same
as officers.
Connecticut Amusement Corp., 85 Pixies
Place, Bridgeport: amount paid in property,
$35,000; president- treasurer, Louis Jossick;
vice-president, Helen Jossick; secretary,
Edward W. McPadden; directors, same as of-
ficers.
Columbia Recording Corp., a New York
corporation.
BOXOFFICE : : May 31, 1947
93
BOSTON
Cummer stock theatres are opening through-
out this territory . . . The first com-
munity-sponsored playhouse will open at
West Newbury in July. Peter Frye of New
York will be the director. Edmund and Wil-
liam Scotti will open the summer season at
the Beverly high school June 24 with Basil
Rathbone in the first attraction . . . Con-
stance Bennett has been signed by Richard
Aldrich to open the 21st summer season of
the famous Cape Playhouse, Dennis . . .
The North Shore Players will open their
fifth season at the Marblehead high school
with M. Blake Johnson as managing direc-
tor . . . There will be a new summer thea-
tre at the Austin Playhouse of St. Michael’s
college, Burlington, Vt.
George Solomon, owner of the Columbia,
Boston, reports that a winter’s rest in Florida
was of great benefit to his health. He is
back for the summer . . . A1 Vonc of the York
Beach Theatre in York Beach, Me., has re-
opened his summer house of 485 seats . . .
Maine’s only drive-in, the Saco Auto Thea-
tre, Saco, has opened for the summer. A. C.
O’Neill is the owner.
Bill Harwood, Avon, Hartland, Me., has
completed renovating his chicken farm and
farm house, doing much of the alterations
himself . . . Mrs. Lucy Gaigasant manages
'CORSAGE-
POST-WAR
PATTERN
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
from
CAMEO SCREEN ATTRACTIONS, INC.
50 Melrose St. Boston, Mass.
Samuel J. Davidson, Pres.
the Colby Theatre, Colby, Me., for her
brother, Colby Robinson of Portland. Rob-
inson spent two weeks in Bingham super-
vising the renovating of the theatre.
Leonard Goldberg, president of Independ-
ent Exhibitors, Inc., attended the Variety
convention in Los Angeles but did not go
with the Boston group on the train. Instead
he went down to the South station to see
them off on Friday afternoon, took a plane
on Sunday evening from Boston and was in
Los Angeles in time to greet his pals as their
train came in. The plane trip took nine
hours each way.
Film Exchange Transfer Co., members of
National Film Carriers, have entered into
the field of physical distribution and inspec-
tion of films. The first picture being han-
dled under this arrangement is Selznick’s
“Duel in the Sun.”
District Manager Clayton Eastman has an-
nounced that the UA top musical feature,
“Carnegie Hall,” has been booked at the
Esquire Theatre for a roadshow two-a-day
engagement at advanced prices. The pic-
ture will open June 17. The Esquire, one of
the city’s most attractive theatres, has played
two other successful roadshow engagements
within the past year. “Henry V” ran 35
weeks and “The Best Years of Our Lives”
remained 20 weeks. Carl Goldman who was
manager for the latter engagement, will con-
tinue as manager for “Carnegie Hall.”
The Jamestown circuit is remodeling the
Palace, Manchester, N. M. There will be no
matinees while the renovation is going on
. . . Fred Stone, head booker at E. M. Loew’s,
is spending his vacation at Portland, Me.
. . . A1 Rudenstein of the Stoneham in Stone-
ham and Capitol in Bridgewater has pur-
chased a retail furniture store in Stone-
ham.
Walter E. Mitchell of the Morse, Franklin,
has gone on a ten-day fishing trip with six
insurance friends . . . Abe Barry, head booker
at Columbia, is busily engaged in working on
his garden. He reports that the tulips and
roses are in full bloom and that he has com-
pleted the replanting of his vegetable garden.
John Mahoney has been named assistant
manager at B&Q’s Coolidge Corner Theatre,
Brookline, to work under Bernard Stewart,
manager. Mahoney comes from the Laff-
movie Theatre, where he had been co-man-
ager . . . Wilbur Peterson, formerly operator
of the Orpheum, Somerville, which he re-
cently sold to Louis Stern, has joined Man-
ley, Inc., as salesman in the New England
territory, working under the direction of
Sam Horenstein, Boston representative.
Borrows From Paramount
Universal has borrowed Curley Linden from
Paramount to lens “Tap Roots.”
avoid exceddioa leluice clta/ujeA.
it will pay dividends ta conduit
Stocked With All
Necessary Repair
and Replacement
Parts for Any
Sound System.
“Ask any
exhibitor using
our service’’
'Sound'
tfnymzz’iiny Sz’ujicz
On cctii cut cine/ llmt,
LONgujooc/ 260!
-M-R-RO LO D-flVIOSCm
13© MOU NTFORT
BFROOK-Llf^lE rf. © , ls/1 l=>
Now Expanding
with Additional
personnel to cover
a Larger Service
Area.
Many theatres
under our
maintenance
'Duel' Gels 3rd Week;
Hub Grosses Skid
BOSTON — A downward slide in grosses was
reported here last week. “Duel in the Sim,”
which broke in its opening records at Loew’s
State and Orpheum, slumped in its second
week. It was held a third stanza at both
houses, however. “The Two Mrs. Carrolls”
opened to fair business at the Met and also
held over. “The Farmer’s Daughter,” remain-
ing a fourth week at the Keith Memorial, is
holding up well.
(Average is 100)
Boston — Bora to Kill (RKO), plus stage show 110
Exeter Street — This Happy Breed (U-I),
3rd and final week 130
Majestic — The Corsican Brothers (UA);
International Lady (UA), reissues, 2nd wk 95
Memorial — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
Banjo (RKO), 4th wk 110
Metropolitan — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB);
Big Town (Para) HO
Paramount and Fenway — It Happened on Fifth
Avenue (AA-Mono); Violence (Mono) 100
State and Orpheum — Duel in the Sun (SRO),
2nd wk 140
Bad Weather Slows Business
At First Runs in New Haven
NEW HAVEN — With only one fair day in
five, the week was slow. Only exception was
the Shubert, a legitimate theatre with only
occasional film bookings. “The Best Years
of Our Lives” played to good crowds all week
and probably will stay for another three
weeks.
Bijou — Daring Desperadoes (Embassy);
Sea Bandits (Embassy) r. 85
College — Duel in the Sun (SRO), 2nd d. t. wk 200
Paramount — Blaze of Noon (Para);
Hit Parade of 1947 (Rep) 93
Loew's Poli — The Late George Apley (20th-Fox);
My Brother Talks to Horses (MGM) 98
Roger Sherman — I'll Be Yours (U-I) 90
Hartford 'Egg' Top Boxoffice;
'Time Out of Mind' Runnerup
HARTFORD — Only downtown holdover was
“The Egg and I.” Openings included “The
Farmer’s Daughter,” “Time Out of Mind” and
“The Fabulous Dorseys.”
Allyn — The Private Affairs of Bel Ami (UA);
r» I. in... it, . . ,
Hit Parade of 1947 (Rep) 110
E. M. Loew's — Time Out of Mind (U-I);
Michigan Kid (U-I) 160
Poli — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
Devil on Wheels (RKO) 125
Regal — The Fabulous Dorseys (UA);
Devil's Playground (UA) 125
Strand — The Egg and I (U-I), 2nd wk. 175
WTHT Holds Forum Talk
On Censorship Question
HARTFORD — Motion picture censorship
came up for discussion recently in a radio
forum broadcast by WTHT. The question
“Does Connecticut Need a Motion Picture
Censorship Law?” was hashed over by a
panel consisting of Herman M. Levy, general
counsel of MPTOA and executive secretary
for the Connecticut MPTO; Albert I. Prince,
promotion-aviation editor of the Hartford
Times; Mrs. Allen W. Yorke of the local
PTA; Charles Niles, Hartford Times col-
umnist, and the Rev. Fletcher D. Parker.
Levy explained to the other panel mem-
bers the moral safeguards set up by the Eric
Johnston office. He also discussed other ways
and means by which the industry exercises
self-control.
Mrs. Yorke, however, came in with the
opinion that Connecticut should have a
motion picture review board consisting of 12
persons, representing clergy, police, courts,
juvenile commissions, etc., to check on pic-
tures coming into Connecticut.
Levy maintained that environment is a far
bigger factor in juvenile delinquency than
motion pictures. He added that the theatre
owner wants his townspeople’s good will and
will cooperate with parents. He also dis-
cussed the problem of selecting suitable films
for special children’s shows.
94
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
FALL RIVER
n three- day outdoor rodeo starring Ken
** Maynard, western star, dug deeply into
grosses at motion picture theatres here . . .
Assistant Manager John McAvoy of the Dur-
fee Theatre gave a talk on motion pictures
and the legitimate theatre at a recent meet-
ing of the Beta Sigma sorority here.
General Manager William S. Canning of
presided at festivities
at which an auto-
mobile was presented
to Coach Luke Urban
of the B.M.C. Durfee
high school. Wrist
watches were given to
members of the
school’s basketball
team, which has won
the Massachusetts
state championship
and has taken second
place in the New Eng-
land basketball tour-
nament.
Manager Norman
Zalkind of the Park
Theatre here has written a letter to Police
Chief Edward McMahon thanking the police
department for its efficient handling of the
big crowds and heavy traffic about the thea-
tre during the recent extended run of “The
Jolson Story.”
Nathan Yamins of Newton Centre, circuit
theatre man and operator of several motion
picture houses here,
attended the recent
annual reunion and
banquet of his Durfee
high school class of
1907 . . . John Stan-
ton has replaced Neil
Wagner as night
maintenance man at
the Capitol.
William S. Canning
was a guest at the
RKO premiere of “The
Long Night,” held re-
cently in Boston, and
'attended the dinner
given for exhibitors
following the showing.
Enlisted personnel of the destroyer USS
Joseph Kennedy jr., which visited this port
in observance of Naval Reserve week, were
guests of the Empire Theatre during their
stay here . . . Rodger Ferry, of the Fox New
York publicity office, was a recent visitor to
the Empire.
Improvements planned for the Strand
Theatre here will necessitate closing the
house for several weeks this summer. Plans
have been drawn by Israel Almy, architect.
Minor alterations are being made at present
while the house is in operation . . . Paul
Slayer, manager of the Durfee, recently
visited his daughter, who was ill in New York.
the Yamins circuit
WILLIAM S. CANNING
Springfield's Kickoff Day
Brings Critic's Protest
SPRINGFIELD — A slap on the wrist for
the city’s four downtown theatres for open-
ing all first run films on the same day has
come from W. Harley Rudkin, theatre editor
of the Daily News. Writing in his weekly
Off Stage column, Rudkin chided them for a
“policy I still consider short-sighted.”
He said: “I have talked with theatre man-
agers about this, but all I get is a shrug. The
houses which have been accustomed to
Worcester Theatres Hold Two Shows
For Children Saturday Mornings
WORCESTER, MASS.— Both the Park and
Greendale theatres are holding two Satur-
day morning showings of product from the
MPA Children’s Film library to accom-
modate large crowds of children and parents.
Henry Cummings and William Brown, man-
agers of the Greendale and Park, respectively,
originally planned one morning show in each
house. Attendance was so great during the
first performance on May 3, both managers
decided to run two shows each week.
The second week of the library film show-
ings, children began lining up in front of both
theatres at 8 a. m. At 9:40 a. m. the Park
and Greendale were sold out for the first
shows.
The library film showings were started at
the request of the head of the Worcester
public library. The Better Film Council,
PTA, public schools and public libraries began
sponsoring the program during the latter
part of April. A special trailer was made
under Brown’s supervision. The superin-
tendent of schools arranged for printing and
distribution heralds. Announcements of the
program were made from the stages of both
houses.
The public began showing interest, and
Brown and Cummings briefed their theatre
staffs on all details of the shows so they
could answer patrons’ inquiries. The first
shows start at 9:30 a. m. Tickets are sold
for a half-hour after opening. The second
shows start at 11:30 a. m., with no tickets on
sale after noon. The children’s shows post-
pone the start of the regular shows from one
o’clock to two o’clock.
opening on Wednesday don’t want to give
an inch, and the others will tell you that
they have nothing to do with it — they get
their orders from higher up.”
Theatres Get Reminder
On Safety Precautions
From Central Edition
ST. LOUIS — Fred Wehrenberg, president
of MPTOA, has sent a special bulletin cov-
ering the subject of fire precaution and drills
to the manager of every motion picture thea-
tre in the St. Louis territory.
The bulletin contains the following sug-
gestions :
1. Clear all store rooms, stages and base-
ments of combustible materials, such as
paint, oil rags, gas or naphtha. Paint, oil
rags, gas or naphtha should be placed in a
metal container.
2. Check all fire extinguishers. Be sure
they are in working condition and that they
are in appropriate places and that all em-
ployes know where extinguishers are placed.
3. Familiarize yourself with closest fire
alarm box or fire department number.
4. Check all exit doors before the theatre
opens each day. Be sure they open freely
and that the panic bars are in working con-
dition. Also, that all hasps are open and not
larger than 3 inches.
5. Drill your staff regularly in preparation
for an emergency. Instruct each employe
what to do and what post to take in case of
a fire or an emergency. Also familiarize
them with the nearest fire alarm box and ex-
tinguishers. You and your staff should know
how to control the house lights in the event
of an emergency, to open exit doors, to put
out fires and to handle extinguishers for effi-
cient operation. It will be the duty of the
manager or assistant manager to make an-
nouncement telling everyone to take his time
— not to rush but to walk slowly to nearest
exit.
“This is very important . . . therefore give
it your immediate attention.”
KR0KYN- BROWNE, Architects
Theatre Specialists and Consultants
NEW ADDRESS
184 Boylston Street at Park Square, Boston
Exhibitors Assert Staffs
Can Cope With Fire Peril
F rom Midwest Edition
JEFFERSON CITY, MO. — Exhibitor
spokesmen from St. Louis and Kansas City
appeared before the house criminal juris-
prudence committee recently to offer testi-
mony at a hearing on house bill 250 providing
for employment by amusement places of uni-
formed watchmen to safeguard patrons in an
emergency.
The theatremen told the committee that
the motion picture theatres of the state for
years have drilled their workers to handle
fires and other emergencies and that from
five to 35 workers in each theatre have been
training through these drills. The bill was
killed in committee.
POPCORN
If MACHINES
Tops for all showmen!
Ask the theatre that has one!
SAM HORENSTEIN
Popc&ui Meat”
New England Representative
* * *
Office and Showroom . . . 45 Church St.
Hancock 7419 Boiton
Jn the Heart of the Film District
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
95
NEW HAVEN
J^lhambra’s (Waterbury) arbitration com-
plaint asking for a 50-day ceiling after
first run, makes four cases filed locally since
January 1947. Secretary Oliver Bishop re-
ports several labor cases on file currently
awaiting arbitration . . . Star’s reissues,
“Mutiny on the Elsinore’’ and “Forty Thou-
sand Horsemen,” will play the Cameo, West
Haven, first run with 30 days’ clearance, be-
ginning Memorial day, for three days.
Hugh Owen, Paramount eastern sales
manager; A1 Kane, New England district
manager, and Henry Germaine, Connecticut
manager, held a sales meeting at New Haven
May 22, on “Perils of Pauline,” “Dear Ruth”
and “Desert Fury.” The office is readying
itself for its 13-week Paramount’s 35 Years
of Leadership drive . . . Loew’s Poli A house
managers and several others were guests of
20th-Fox at dinner at Colonial House, pre-
ceding a sneak preview of “Miracle on 34th
Street” at the Strand. The mayor couldn’t
make it but was represented by Mrs. Celen-
tano and son.
At the Paramount new structural glass and
wainscoting are going into the outer lobby;
the ladies’ rest room is being renovated and
the new spun glass stage drops are calling
forth admiration . . . Three modernistic fix-
tures have been installed in the Poli’s outer
lobby and considerable rewiring is in prog-
ress.
Rumors are flying that a new open airer
will be constructed near Winsted . . . The
E. M. Loew drive-in near Newington is rap-
idly nearing completion . . . The Poli, Meriden
and Lyric, Bridgeport, will close for the sum-
mer either Decoration day weekend or the
following week.
Val Borger is training under Arthur
Greenfield and Eva Cooperstack at U-I for
exchange work in South America. John Car-
penter recently finished two months here and
sailed for Bombay . . . Report is Angelo
Tomasino, of the White Way and Victory,
plans to go to Rome with 20th-Fox.
First on the Loew-Poli vacation list is Lou
Cohen, manager of the Poli, Hartford, who
started with a week in May. A1 Domain of
the Lyric, Bridgeport, took his first week,
ending June 1, after which Harry Rose of
the Globe, Bridgeport, starts out June 9 . . .
Bob Carney of the Lyric, Bridgeport, will do
relief duty all summer at Norwich and
cw ted at once
JCONN.THEATRE
CANDY CO.
r 62 COMMERCE ST.
New Haven, Conn. ,
Springfield, while Ruth Bolton of the New
Haven office will relieve for the New Haven
managers and for Charlotte Sitzer, Harry
Shaw’s secretary . . . High tariff at most
summer resorts threatens to keep many film
vacationers right at home.
Morris Rosenthal of the Poli, New Haven,
will celebrate a wedding anniversary (they
won’t say which) with a weekend in New
York ... Ed Lynch, manager of the Roger
Sherman, New Haven, is having his car tuned
for an eight-week trip to the coast via the
southern route, and return via the northern.
The A. M. Schumans of Hartford Operat-
ing Co. left May 23 for California . . . Floyd
Fitzsimmons, MGM exploiteer, and Manny
Waronoff, special representative from Syra-
cuse, were in the Elm city for a few days.
Milton Hyams, former MGM New Haven
salesman, is now selling in New York state,
out of the New York exchange . . . Sid Brown,
new to film business, is the new booker and
salesman for Star Film Distributors.
Estelle Rosenberg is the new secretary at
Amalgamated Buying Service . . . Phil Gra-
vitz has his eye on the Golden Gate as he
moves up from third to second place in the
eastern bookers drive ... At PRC the boys
and girls have also shot up from third to
second in the Harry Thomas sales drive . . .
Bill Pavone, once with National Theatre Sup-
ply, is on the new enlarged staff at Lou
Phillips’.
Lou Rosenberg, Poli engineer, is back on
the job after an operation at St. Raphael’s
. . . Gloria Parente of 20th-Fox was out a
few days with those cold germs which are
causing absences everywhere . . .Joe Romano,
assistant shipper at Columbia, resigned . . .
Robert John Savage, new son of the Con-
necticut Theatre Candy Co.’s shipper, Jack
Savage, born in Minneapolis, will take his
first air trip when he flies in to New Haven
June 10 at the age of one month.
Morey Goldstein, Monogram district man-
ager, was a guest at the Meadowbrook Coun-
try club for the weekend . . . On the links
for an early season warmup were Henry
Germaine, Barney Pitkin, Larry Germaine,
I. J. Hoffman and Maxwell Hoffman . . .
A threesome on the course these days con-
sists of Tony Terrazano of the Forest, Ralph
Civitello of the Devon and Joe DeFrancesco
of the Cheshire.
Russell Hess ran children’s matinees at
the Groton Theatre, with “Rebecca of Sunny-
brook Farm” and cartoons . . . Colonial,
Canaan, had a drawing for the Cancer fund
awards . . . Mrs. Barney Pitkin, wife of the
RKO manager, has been elected president
of Hadassah for the coming year ... Mike
Tomasino’s middle initial “P,” stands for Pat-
rick!
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue
W W HI I II II ■
Chicago, Illinois
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Game
Connecticut Children
Now Admitted Alone
HARTFORD — Following a special meeting
of exhibitor representatives and police au-
thorities, provisions of the new state law
concerning admission of children to theatres
will be sanctioned at once instead of October
1 as originally announced.
The measure, sponsored by the Connecticut
MPTO and recently signed by Governor Mc-
Conaughy, was passed to permit admission of
children under 14 years of age without a
parent or guardian until 6 p. m. After that
time boys and girls under 14 still must be
accompanied by an adult.
In Hartford, where enforcement of the
former law was strictest because of the tragic
loss of life in the circus fire several years ago,
special children’s shows and morning shows
have not been feasible for some time.
Wood Protests Tax
As Discriminatory
From Mideast Edition
COLUMBUS — Creation of a new tax and
discrimination against city theatres in favor
of circuses, baseball, dog tracks, race tracks,
outdoor theatres and other amusements out-
side city limits would be among the results
of repeal of the present 3 per cent state
admissions tax, P. J. Wood, secretary of the
Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio, said
in an open letter to house members of the
Ohio general assembly.
“Up to now theatres have absorbed the
state tax,” said Wood, “but in the event
that the statewide levy is repealed, any local
admission tax in excess of 3 per cent will be
passed on to the public, thus creating a new
tax. While the repeal of state tax will bene-
fit theatres and other amusement enterprises
in some counties, the eventual result will
be to impose a new tax on the theatregoing
public in those cities which enact local ad-
mission taxes.”
“No provision is made in house bill No.
398 for the right to tax amusement enter-
prises such as circuses, baseball, dog tracks,
race tracks, outdoor theatres, etc. outside of
municipal corporations or on state-owned
property, which now pay the 3 per cent tax.
Permitting cities to impose their own amuse-
ment taxes will result in a hodgepodge of
tax rates in the same county. As a matter
of fact, in many instances only the width of
a street will be the difference between a
taxed theatre and an untaxed one.”
Wood pointed out that since film theatres
in Ohio contribute 75 to 80 per cent of the
present state admission levy, any change in
the law is of vital concern to theatre owners.
He said that repeal would only partly solve
financial difficulties of cities and that it
would be unfair to place the entire burden
upon the customers in one line of business.
He urged house members to support senate
bill No. 250 under which the state would con-
tinue to collect the admissions tax but return
the same to the county of origin.
Any Love Interest Good
L. H. R., in New York Times magazine.
“Critics of the current atom bomb film
write scornfully of the love interest forced
into it by its makers. Our personal feeling
is that any love at all, including brotherly
love, that can possibly be packed into public
discussion of this ferocious invention is all to
the good. The more the better.”
From Silent Film Era
Anna Q. Nilsson, star of the silent film era,
has been added to the cast of Columbia’s “It
Had to Be You.”
96
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
HARTFORD
Distributors Take Beating
From Newspaper Critic
From Southeast Edition
CHATTANOOGA— Marschal Rothe, amuse-
ment editor for the Chattanooga Times, had
some pertinent things to say in a recent col-
umn regarding motion picture distribution
and advertising, titled “Cinema Confusion.”
Quoting Roth:
“Though the theatre managers don’t like
to draw any farfetched conclusions — quite
understandably— things look to them to be in
a deuce of a mess when it comes to film dis-
tribution and exhibition these days. A num-
ber of film makers have taken to marketing
their own product instead of releasing
through the old established channels and dis-
tributors, probably in the hope of cutting
down middleman costs.
“Accordingly, they are able to rent films
to small chains and houses for a higher per-
centage take inasmuch as such exhibitors are
anxious for the prestige of getting such
flickers. Too, there seems to be the feeling
on many theatremen’s part that many highly
touted films may be publicized beyond their
worth due to the new trend.
“But for the poor bedraggled viewer who
creeps into a quiet corner for two hours of
escape, all this palaver about exhibitors and
rentals will make little difference. All he
wants to see are the latest films obtainable
and the best ones.
“The complicated strings of the industry,
which are maneuvered by a few deft jerks in
Hollywood, are poor reading for a man who
realizes he has been high-pressured down to
the boxoffice by magazine ads, radio spots,
Oscar winners and newspaper predictions.”
New Title lor 'Flamingo'
The new title for 20th-Fox’s “Flamingo”
is “The Invisible Wall.”
fll Schuman, Hartford Theatres general
manager, and Mrs. Schuman, have left
for a vacation in California. Ernie Grecula,
advertising-publicity director, is filling in as
relief . . . Pat Bucherri, manager of the cir-
cuit’s Rialto, and Mrs. Bucherri, are home
from a New York honeymoon.
Tom Carey is home from the Ohio terri-
tory, where he handles kiddy shows . . . Mrs.
Anthony J. Kus, formerly of suburban Rocky
Hill, went to Los Angeles to spend several
months with her daughter, Mrs. William
Thompson, who’s connected with the RKO
studios.
Mrs. Estelle O’Toole, secretary of Henry
L. Needles of Warner Theatres, received a
letter from Frank Ramsey, former manager
of the Warner Lenox here, now in publicity
work in Hollywood. Frank wrote that he had
John Callahan of Hartford as guest for a
week . . . Roger Dion, former assistant at
the Warner Regal, has been named assistant
at the Webb Playhouse in Wethersfield, suc-
ceeding Jim Williams.
Larry Kent, Center assistant manager, had
a couple of old pals dropping in for visits:
Capt. Eddie Downs, former Loew’s Poli chief
of service, and Tom Dunphy, now in ball park
concessions in upstate New York and former
Poli Palace student assistant . . . Paul O.
Klinger, manager of the Poli Strand, Water-
bury, and Tito Lazerri, assistant at Loew’s
Poli in Springfield, were in town.
It’s a baby boy for the Joe Proutys. Mother
is a former Strand cashier . . . Jack Gordon
was in New York on bookings . . . George
Landers of E. M. Loew’s took a business trip
to New York . . . Russ Grant, formerly with
both Loew’s houses here and now with the
publicity department of Loew’s Theatres
home office, hit the current issue of Lo, the
theatre house paper. Russ is guest editor
of the quiz page in the book.
Tom Carey reports Herman Bamberger,
well known in the New England trade, was
in recently. Bamberger formerly was with
the Poli, Springfield: Victory, Holyoke;
Paramount, Springfield, and Paramount,
North Adams. He’s now in the manufac-
turing business in western Massachusetts
. . . A1 Green of USO Camp Shows stopped in
to see George Landers, E. M. Loew’s.
Howard K. Richardson, State Theatre
manager, and Mrs. Richardson are observing
their 18th wedding anniversary . . . Steve
Mikowski, Warner Embassy doorman, and
Mrs. Mikowski observed their 25th wedding
anniversary by visiting New York.
Stan Szandrocha, formerly with Warner
Theatres in New Britain, is now stationed
with an army entertainment unit in Korea
. . . The Music Box Theatre has started a
new dish deal . . . Joe Allard, Music Box
projectionist, became a granddad . . . Stan
Sinski, district manager for Glackin and
LeWitt Theatres, has a new car.
The Arch Street has a new candy girl, Vic-
toria Gryguc, daughter of Vic Gryguc, man-
ager of the Strand at Plainville . . . Howard
Richardson of the State is using radio time
to promote the theatre’s newly installed air
conditioning system.
of the Week
Priceless previews of boxoffice
results on latest first-run films.
D°x(
Darometer
First Run Reports
These percentage reports
on actual showings in 21
leading cities are invalu-
able to every exhibitor.
Covering 41 pictures
Every week
in BOXOFFICE
i 97
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
1 $lt !
**<*
CLASSIFIED ADS
Get It Done
Quick Response— Low Cost!
BOXOFFICE readers offer a tremendous
market for the advertiser. Reach them with
your message in the industry magazine that
really gets results.
4 Insertions for the
98
BOXOFFICE : : May 31, 1947
Griffith Groups Hold
Three-Day Convention
Texas Variety Gives
$123,616 for Charity
DALLAS — The Variety Club of Texas dis-
pensed $123,616.62 to charity from March
1946 through February 1947, the tent’s “heart
report,” just issued, shows.
Expenditures listed in the report are: $91,-
722.71 to Boys Ranch; $7,076.20 to Freeman
Memorial clinic; $7,089.46 to the Veterans
hospitals in Texas and Louisiana; $4,495.93
to R. E. Griffith farm; $4,500 to St. Michael’s
home for girls; $1,200 to Hope Cottage; $1,200
to St. Agnes church of San Antonio; $1,200
to the Texas Police Ass’n for a traffic safety
campaign. Miscellaneous contributions total-
ing $5,132.32 were made to a wide variety of
civic and charity projects such as four in-
digent showmen, $2,275.28; Red Cross $600;
Boys Town, $500; Boys Ranch of Amarillo,
$520; Rebel Pennant fund, $200, and dona-
tions to minor charities, $1,037.04.
Two Partners Taken On
By 'Pop# Haines in Dallas
DALLAS — David T. “Pop” Haines, owner
of Associated Industries, distributors here
for DeVry products, announced that Charles
Williams and James “Red” Rountree have
bought into the Texas DeVry distributorship.
Williams was with the Jefferson Amuse-
ment Co. of Beaumont for 14 years and later
became city manager for East Texas Thea-
tres, Inc. in Gladewater. Rountree, a war
veteran, has had experience in the selling
and business field of Texas.
Haines will remain general manager of
Associated Industries, Williams will become
office manager and buyer, and Rountree will
be sales manager. Joseph Quijda has been
added to the staff to handle the Spanish-
speaking trade.
Road Closing for Drive-In
Brings on $74,500 Suit
HOUSTON — The Winkler Drive-In Thea-
tre Corp. and the Interurban Realty Co. were
named defendants in a $74,500 damage suit
filed in district court Friday (23) by Mrs.
W. E. Leach, owner of 9.4 acres at Winkler
and Rustic lane. She claims her property
was damaged by that amount when Rustic
lane was closed as a public throughfare when
the new drive-in theatre was built. In her
petition she said she had protested to the city
as well as the defendants. Permanent struc-
tures were bffllt on the street, she said, and
ditches were dug across it. As a result of the
theatre job all access to part of her land was
blocked, she claimed, and the value of hex-
land as a business property was reduced.
Cartoon Show as Reward
DRUMRIGHT, OKLA. — Manager Tom
Kirkham of the Griffith Tower Theatre here
recently gave a free cartoon and comedy
show for all the local school children and
those in surrounding territory. Kirkham
said the show was given to show apprecia-
tion for the work of the youngsters during
the cancer drive.
Anniversary Remembered
BROUSSARD, LA. — In connection with the
first anniversary celebration of the Acadian
Theatre here May 18, Manager R. A. Conrad
jr., presented each persons attending “Till
the Clouds Roll By,” a souvenir of the oc-
casion.
DALLAS — Theatre Enterprises, Inc., a
Griffith operation with home offices in the
Tower Petroleum Bldg, here, held its first
postwar general convention at Hotel Baker
Wednesday through Friday. Attendance was
H. J. GRIFFITH
confined to company personnel, including
130 managers, partners, department heads
and members of the home office staff.
Theatre Enterprises, Inc., became the
adopted name on January 1 for the opera-
tion of the late R. E. Griffith and his affil-
iate holdings in Texas and New Mexico com-
bined with the many theatre properties of
H. J. Griffith and associates in Kansas and
Missouri. H. J. Griffith moved his home of-
fice here from Kansas City to become presi-
dent of the entire operation. R. I. Payne is
executive vice-president.
MILESTONE IN OPERATION
A 16-page program outlined the convention
schedule. The president’s photograph was
on page one, followed by this message: “Your
presence at this meeting marks another mile-
stone in the progress of Griffith Theatres op-
eration. You are associated with some of the
top ranking showmen in the motion picture
industry. We are together to exchange ideas
(old and new alike) — the essence of show
business.
“There are many new faces among us. It
is good to renew old friendships and make
new ones. The purpose of this meeting is
to reacquaint ourselves and the new man-
agers with our methods of operation and to
take up new problems. We all speak the
same language, fellows, so if there is some-
thing bothering you maybe one of us can
offer a solution i which will aid you in
straightening out your grievances.”
WELCOME FROM “RIP”
Registration during the morning, a lunch-
eon at noon and a closed business session
until five, rounded out the first day. Para-
mount’s district manager, Duke Clark, branch
Manager Heywood Simmons, and Sales Man-
ager Tom Bridge, hosted the Griffithites at
a cocktail party.
Payne gave the official welcome. David
Dallas of Manhattan, Kas., talked on the his-
tory of the theatre. R. A. Higdon and R. E.
Davis discussed buying and booking.
Blanche Boyle, who watches program bal-
ance for the circuit, explained the theatre’s
added selling power through this process.
R. I. PAYNE
Hardy H. Cluck, former film man and Grif-
fith theatre affiliate at Belton for 15 years,
agreed that the best is accomplished with a
balanced program.
Lynn Smith of Gonzales told about train-
ing theatre help. Lynn Stocker, a circuit
district manager, stressed inspection and
housekeeping. W. H. Wagner of Inde-
pendence, Kas., told how to eliminate fire
hazards and was followed with comment from
the Dallas fire marshal, B. V. Hilton.
Thorough coverage of operation followed
with Frank Nelson’s treatment of booth
maintenance, cooling systems and care of
equipment. C. E. McSwain, manager at
Plainview, detailed outdoor advertising and
R. W. Ferguson of Hobbs, N. M., art work
and lobby display.
E. R. Hardwick of Clovis, N. M., treated
exploitation, publicity and advertising, and
F. L. Wolf of Clarksville, told how goodwill
pays dividends.
Other talks were by Louis Higdon of Ros-
well, N. M., Earl Worley of Quanah, Frank
Plumlee, J. V. Beauchamp, Larry Linck, Joe
Caffo and Arlie Crites.
ENTIRE STAFF ATTENDS
Registered were:
Alamogordo, N. M.: Morris Robertson.
Texarkana: Walter Cox, Carrollton Allman, R. L.
Robertson, K. Lee Williams.
Alpine, Tex.r C. W. Davis.
Auburn, Neb.: Glenn Leonard, James Miller.
Ballinger, Tex.: Leonard Scales, Jack Scales.
Beckville, Tex.: R. C. Beauchamp.
Belen, N. M.: Frank Justice.
Beloit, Kas.: L. O. Gill.
Belton, Tex.: H. H. Cluck, Clifton Durham.
Brackettville, Tex.: Payne Kilbourn.
Brady, Tex.: Charles Baker, Clinton Newlin,
Burkburnett, Tex.: Louis Littlefair.
Canadian, Tex.: Leon Peeples.
Carlsbad, N. M.: Frank Maxey, Bill Bartlett.
Chillicothe, Mo.: John Newcomer.
Clarksville, Tex.: F. L. Wolf, Cab Wolf, Alvah
Haley.
Clovis, N. M.: E. R. Hcfrdwick, Elmo Courtney.
Crane, Tex.: W. G. Pettit.
Deming, N. M.: George Dowdle.
(Continued on next page)
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
sw
99
Griffith Men Meet in Dallas
(Continued from preceding page)
Denver City, Tex.: H. G. Lloyd.
Eunice, N. M.: Robert Marshall.
Fayette, Mo.: Alex Rogers.
Fort Stockton, Tex.: C. C. Moses.
Fredonia, Kas.: R. C. Jacobi.
Gallup, N. M.: Elbert Stanford.
Georgetown, Tex: O. A. Engelbrecht, Andrew En-
glebrecht.
Gonzales, Tex.; Lynn Smith, Robert Barrow.
Hereford, Tex.: Fred Pierce, Francis Hardwick.
Hiawatha, Kas.: Bern Wilson.
Hobbs, N. M.: R. W. Ferguson.
Independence, Kas.: W. H. Wagner, Paul Brown.
Jal, N. M.: Jean Hearne.
Junction City, Kas.: Francis Wright, Marion Gil-
dersleeve.
Lampasas, Tex.: S. T. Donnell.
Lockhart, Tex.: Laddo J. Piwetz, Bill Andrewartha.
Lovington, N. M.: Tom Smith.
Luling, Tex.: George Stein.
Manhattan, Kas.: David Dallas, J. R. Keller, Harry
Wareham.
Marceline, Mo.: Harold Grant.
Marfa, Tex.: P. M. Thomas.
McCamey, Tex.: Howell Johnson
Merkel, Tex.; Norman T. Hodge, Holt Vaughn.
Monohans, Tex.: George Duesler.
Mountainair, N. M.: Clarence Heston.
Nebraska City, Neb.: Stanley McSwain, Foster
McSwain.
New York, N. Y.: J. F. Inglis.
Odessa, Tex.: O. B. Laird, J. C. Foster.
Olney, Tex.: Mrs. Ethelene E. Erwin, "Spec" Lunce-
ford.
Osage City, Kas.: Max Thomas.
Osawatomie, Kas.: Jack Campbell
Paola, Kas.: Earl Plumlee.
Parsons, Kas.: Mark Cadle.
Pecos, Tex.: A1 Cook.
Plainview, Tex.: C. E. McSwain, J. B. Hendon.
Pleasant Hill, Mo.: Jim Bell.
Portales, N- M.: Russell Ackley.
Post, Tex.: B. J. Edwards.
Quanah, Tex.: Earl Worley.
Roswell, N. M.: Louis Higdon.
Sanderson, Tex.: Carlton White.
San Saba, Tex.: B. L. Haley, W. C. Dofflemyer.
Slater, Mo.: W. F. Hauber.
Springfield, Mo.: Melvin Bigley, Noel Weaver.
Spur, Tex.: J. D. McCain.
Stamford, Tex.: Sanford Hodge.
Sunflower, Kas.: Parker Melluish, Robert Fulker-
son.
Winters, Tex.: Homer Hodge jr., Homer Hodge sr.
Waelder, Tex.: A. J. Blanton.
Kansas City office: F. L. Plumlee, Arlie Crites,
Eddy Erickson, Cliff Kiem, Frank Bayles.
Lubbock, Tex.: C. C. Caldwell.
Oklahoma City: Leonard Bateman, Henry S. Gril-
ling.
Ardmore, Okla.: Harry Lowenstein.
Midland, Tex.: J. Howard Hodge
Dallas office: H. J. Griffith, R. I. Payne, R. A.
Higdon, R. E. Davis, J. V. Beauchamp, J. S. Caffo,
N. M. Edwards, F. P. Hoenscheidt, Fred Morley,
F L. Stocker, Lcfrry Linck, M. J. Dowling, Vernon
Watkins, Frank Nelson, Weldon Strelsky, Dick Whit-
ley, Blanche Boyle, Oakley Reesman, Weldon Scott,
C. F. Wilson, F. A. Giggal.
COMPLETE SEAT REBUILDING, YES!
Veneer Backs and Bot-
toms Made to Order —
Seat and Back Covers —
New Cushions — Uphol-
stering Supplies.
Write for Samples and Prices
Cecil Davis
Theatre Seat and Equipment Co
4020 MacArthur Oklahoma City, Okla.
NOTHING MORE THRILLING ON ANY SCREEN-N.Y. Sun
We have just come out of the screen room
and we can tell you that "FORTY THOUSAND
HORSEMEN" is definitely one of the most
thrilling motion pictures we have ever seen!
It's real drama . . . romance, too, with
Betty Bryant and Grant Taylor, and exactly as
the N. Y. Sun says, "nothing more thrilling on
any screen."
We think so much of the possibilities of
"FORTY THOUSAND HORSEMEN" as one of
the outstanding boxoffice attractions available,
we recommend it to you without any reserva-
tions whatever.
Released by FILM CLASSICS of Texas Dallas
Cartons:
New Prices
5 M and over ^ _. _
$025
per 1000
1 M to 5 M
per 1000
;825
$Q40
Rebuilt Machines priced
from $275-$500
POPPERS SUPPLIES
Complete Price List
on Request.
RIVERSIDE 6134
Lower Prices
ON
Cocoanut Oil
in connection with
y*nfze'Ual
TEXAS GROWN HYBRID POPCORN
will give you popping results, taste and repeat
sales to stimulate your department!
A trial order of
Ompenial
will convince you
WE SERVE YOU
The Ideal Hybrid
with
MAXIMUM UNIFORMITY
GROWN-IN POPPING VOLUME
A QUALITY OF TASTE
you never have known before.
Chas. E. Darden & Co.
HYBRID
pop Corn
MOISTURE PROOFED
PACKED BY
CHAS. E. DARDEN & CO.
DALLAS, TEXAS
P. O. Box 2207
DALLAS 1. TEXAS
EQUIPMENT DISPLA
NEW Ma. 2102 — 1024 Bienville St.
ORLEANS L. C. Duckworth, Manager
Y — SALES
OKLA. 4020 McArthur Blvd.
CITY Cecil Davis, Distributor
WAREHOUSES
102PS?n Jacinto St. 201 Bowie 702 Texas St‘
HOUSTON — BEAUMONT — LUBBOCK
West Coast Distributor: Roy C. Garland, P. O. Box 647, Oxnard, California
100
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
De Luxe Inwood Opens in Dallas
Interstate Circuit Launches $200,000 Theatre in New Neighborhood Area
DALLAS — Interstate circuit’s 12th neighborhood theatre here, the Inwood,
opened with two packed performances. Hundreds couldn’t get in. The theatre
is located in the northwestern section on Lovers lane near the intersection of
In wood road and in what is known as the Inwood shopping village. The area is
described as being in the center of the city’s greatest growth.
The theatre was well over a year in building. There were all sorts of delays
due to work stoppages and material scarcities. The house stands today a total
investment of $200,000, including parking facilities, and is probably the circuit’s
most advanced neighborhood house.
The Inwood sign is a huge towering affair topped by a 20-foot antenna-like
fluorescent-lit structure and a flashing ball of fire. The big marquee is three-
sided and has as many attraction boards. There is an over-all reddish brown
cast to the front. On the east is a large paved, curbed and shrubbed parking
lot for 350 cars. The capacity will be increased to 500 later.
The lobby is lined with carrarra in shades of ivory and tan, giving a mirror -
like effect. The boxoffice is to one side and is indirectly illuminated from the
ceiling. A series of folding doors make for a wide opening from the lobby into
the largest theatre foyer in Dallas, 50 by 55 feet. A gradually inclined double
aisled stairway leads to a mezzanine and balcony. Marine murals by artist Eugene
Gilboe, noted for his work in the south and east, cover the foyer walls.
Capacity of the Inwood is 1,100. Bodiform seats are placed in staggered for-
mation with the double love seats at intervals. Wide rows permit passing in
front of seated patrons. The walls are treated with a special acoustical plaster.
Mulberry red carpet is on the floors.
Restrooms and offices are located on both floors. A large stage is flanked by
solid blue curtains. Exit doors are on either side and above them are additional
A night view of the front and lighted tower of the new Inwood Theatre in
Dallas is seen to the right above. Below left shows opening night patrons lined
behind the balcony railing, looking down upon the spacious lobby. At right is a
view of the luxurious lobby itself, with some of the flowers which decorated the
theatre on opening night.
marine murals. There is a refrigeration and
purification air conditioning plant. Latest
sound and projection equipment are installed.
Fire escapes are built into each side of the
building.
Long lines formed early on opening night.
A 15-minute broadcast from out front told
of the theatre’s advantages and patrons were
ushered by name into the house. Hollywood
lights, glamor galore, a fireworks display,
and a manually played electric organ in the
lobby were top-notch preopening features. A
series of out-of-the-ordinary display ads with
illustrations sold just about everything the
theatre had to offer. Inwood’s prices are 44
cents nights and Sundays, 35 cents week days
and Saturday matinee, and 12 cents for
children. These prices coincide with eight
other neighborhood theatres in this city.
Paul P. Scott, managing supervisor of the
circuit’s neighborhood houses in north Dallas,
adds the Inwood to his group. Joe Jackson
is house manager after a promotion from the
Village.
Interstate is strategically locating a series
of big neighborhood houses in a circle around
the outer sections of Dallas proper. The Wil-
shire was completed last year. A house on
Hines boulevard at Five Points is under con-
struction. An Interstate sign signals early
construction on Northwest highway at Pres-
ton, and another house will rise further east
on the same highway at Abrams road. A
closer-in new theatre has been announced for
South Dallas on Forrest avenue.
To Topline in 'Thousand Eyes'
Edward G. Robinson will topline in Para-
mount’s “Night Has a Thousand Eyes.”
GET tN THE MONEY MTH-
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Game
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT COMPANY
831 South Wabash Avenue • Chicago, Illinois
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
101
Warning!
Fellow
Exhibitors
Our rights in the eleven Southern
States are being violated in the show-
ing and booking of
HARRY SCHENCK'S
Super Jungle Picture
‘BEYOND
BENGAL”
This is also a violation of the pro-
ducer's rights under copyright laws.
Negative and copyright owner NU-
ART FILMS. INC., 145 West 45th St.,
New York, N. Y.
BOOK from
the rightful
distributors
J(JOHN) Q n (0. K.)
ENKiNs (x Bourgeois
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HARWOOD & JACKSON STS.
DALLAS 1 “Riverside 1884” TEXAS
Is Your
Theatre
For Sale?
We Have
Buyers
With Cash
"JOE" JOSEPH
THEATRES
Let “Joe” Sell Your Show.
Theatres bought — sold — equipped — fire in-
ventories— consultant and equipment.
1003 Galloway St. Dallas, Tex.
Phone Yale 2-7650
Griffith Circuit Refurbishes
Three Holdenville Houses
HOLDENVILLE, OKLA. — New projection
machines and sound equipment have been
installed in the Dixie Theatre here. Under
construction is a new marquee and a bal-
cony for Negroes. The Dixie is a Griffith
operation. Griffith also has made many im-
provements on the Grand Theatre here and
is completely remodeling the old Liberty.
In ‘Tomorrow You Die'
Jane Randolph and Peggy Converse have
been added to the cast of PRC’s “Tomorrow
You Die.”
Turns Over Theatre to Girls
VINITA, OKLA.— The Girl Scouts and
Brownies held a court of awards on the stage
of the Lyric Theatre here recently. Awards
were given more than 253 girls. Abe Rose-
wall is manager of the Lyric.
Role to English Actress
Rene Ray, English actress, has been as-
signed a role in Metro’s “If Winter Comes.”
And the PROFITS Are Good, Too—
When R-B BRAND POPCORN
Is the "Added Attraction ” at Your Theatre
You build profits two ways when you pop R-B Brand Mammoth
Yellow Hybrid Popcorn. R-B's greater popping volume means extra
income ... $120 to $125 from a 100-lb. bag. And R-B's greater taste
appeal adds to the favorable impression your theatre makes . . .
helps to bring customers back again and again! For higher pop-
corn yield and better popcorn flavor, get R-B Brand.
just one bag, to see
for yourself the superiority.
Only $9.80 per 100 lb. bag.
Per 100 lb. bag
in orders of
500 lbs. & up.
R-B Brand Golden Liquid
POPCORN SEASONING
and
R-B Brand Pure
COCOANUT OIL
Available in gallons at 32 lbs. per case, 5-gallon
tins at 40 lbs. per case, steel drums at 420 lbs.
Morton's popcorn salt, $1.80 per case; 3/4-lb. printed
white bags, $1.50 per thousand.
Write TODAY for Complete List of
POPPERS' SUPPLIES.
Consolidated
POPCORN COMPANY
BUILT ON
EXTRA VALUE
and
SATISFACTION
2401 South Ervay St. ★ Dallas 1, Texas
102
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
DALLAS
pred Jack of United Artists has returned
* from a three-week business trip to New
York, where he also got to spend some time
with his daughter Mary Beck . . . Mrs. Don
McGinty of Plains, Tex., has opened her new
theatre, the Mack . . . W. V. Adwell, Ozona,
has been under the weather, but the latest re-
port is that he is doing very well. Tommie
White, Burntex Theatre, Burnet, who got
a severe fall while remodeling his theatre, is
recovering nicely. He received a broken
pelvis, several fractured ribs and a broken
hand.
J. L. Eatmon has opened a new theatre in
Springtown, called the Dale . . . The Leakey
Theatre in Leakey has been changed to the
Canyon . . . Sidney Hale of Italy has sold
his Elk Theatre to Ted Waggoner of Tahoka,
Tex.
J. W. Curly and son Stevan of Bridgeport
REMODELING -DECORATING
Drapes — Frames — Lighting Fixtures
v LOWEST PRICES.
LUPE ROMERO
4222 Lafayette DALLAS 4, TEX. T-0060
Westerns-Features-Serials
Tower Pictures Co.
HAROLD SCHWARZ
3021/1 S. Harwood St. C— 7357
ii! DALLAS 1. TEXAS
THEATRE BARGAINS
In TEXAS
Investigate these for a good sound
investment.
No. 1 — North Texas Town, all cushion seats.
nice brick bldg. Good equipment.
Sell Bldg., and all for $6,950.
No. 2 — East Texas, near big Rockland Dam
Project, good payroll year around,
also large lot for future theatre
site, $13,900.
No. 3 — East Texas, making good profit. Good
equipment. Three bedroom apartment
in theatre bldg. Will sell theatre,
bldg., apt., and all for $21,500.
No. 4 — Central Texas, 380 cushion seats, lat-
est equipment, all modern, making
plenty money, good lease, $19,950.
No. 5 — Two Theatres in good central Texas
town, large trade area, both first run
houses. One other theatre in the
town. Long lease on both bldgs. Best
theatre buy on the market — $35,950.
PHONE OR WIRE FOR APPOINTMENT
"tfoe" DalefJt
Theatre Sales - Equipment - Consultant
1003 Galloway St. Dallas, Texas
Ph. Yale 2-7650
were on the Row last week. Other visitors
were Mrs. C. W. Matson and daughter Dorothy
of Rockdale, Shipman Bullard of Durant, R.
Q. Coleman of the Maytex in Mabank, and
George Likens of Abilene . . . Tony Couch,
formerly with Alexander Film Co., is now in
the booking department of Columbia . . . Joe
Stone of National Theatre Supply, Denver,
spent a few days in the local office . . . Jack
Underwood, Columbia branch manager, is
in Chicago attending a sales meeting.
Sue Donegan of Gladsen, Ala., who was
(Continued on next page)
-NOW-
Your Theatre Can Be Sold
PRIVATELY at Top Market
Personal, Confidential Handling
Confidential correspondence invited
ARTHUR LEAR
BROKER
Theatre Sales Exclusively
3422 Kinmore St. Dallas 10, Texas
Dial T3-2026
MANLEYS
POPCORN SUPPLY PRICES SLASHED
BIGGER PROFITS TO YOU
Manley's Hybrid Supreme Corn, 100 Lb..
Manley's Hybrid Premium Corn, 100 Lb.
Cocoanut Oil Popcorn Seasoning, per lb.
Vegetable Oil Popcorn Seasoning, per lb.
Salt, per case of 12 — 2 lb. Boxes
Salt, per case of 24 — 2 lb. Boxes
Popcorn Bags, Kraft Printed, % lb„ per M.
Popcorn Bags, Kraft Printed, U/2 lb., per M.
Red & White Hi-Pop Cartons. U/2 oz„ per M.
Red & White Hi-Pop Cartons, 2 oz„ per M.
$9.50
8.00
.35
.30
1.20
. 2.40
1.50
3.00
7.50
8.50
ALL PRICES — F.O.B. DALLAS, TEXAS
Mumcre minim is mvn ■eipcep
BOB WARNER
Divisional Manager
302 So. Harwood St.
Dallas, Texas
Central 7536
Theatre Seating Division
of
AMERICAN DESK MFG. COMPANY
Temple, -Texas Tel. LD - 4
Giving Immediate Dependable Delivery
on all chair orders
CALL US FOR YOUR CHAIR NEEDS
Dallas Office
FORREST DUNLAP
2008 Jackson St.
R - 3595
Memphis Office
HARLAN H. DUNLAP
410 S. Second St.
8-1770
New Orleans Office
W. A. PREWITT
223 So. Liberty
Magnolia 6571
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
103
DALLAS
(■Continued from preceding page)
queen of the Memphis cotton carnival, ar-
rived here aboard American Airlines plane
en route to Hollywood for an MGM screen
test. She was welcomed at the airport by
her cousin, Mrs. P. A. “Bob” Warner, wife of
the divisional manager of Manley, Inc., War-
ner, and Charles G. Manley of the Manley
company.
A deal of considerable interest was closed
last week when L. J. Dean purchased the
partnership interest of Fred Gildart in the
Dixie Theatre. Dean opened the Dixie in
1936. Plans are under way for moving into
a larger building with improvement in pro-
jection and seating arrangements . . . Buddy
Harris and Ernest Herber report a fine time
and plenty of grub at the barbecue they at-
tended at a ranch near Kauffman last week.
Harris says he can eat barbecue as much as
he wants because “it isn’t fattening.”
Oscar Neu, president of Neumade Products
Corp., New York, was in town last week
en route home from the west coast . . .
H. A. Goldstein, president of the Electroaire
Corp. of New York, has been in town with
Mrs. Goldstein on business. They also visited
Mrs. Goldstein’s brother and wife, Ben and
Mrs. Camack.
J. B. Beeson, until recently an exhibitor in
Lubbock, is now a salesman for Columbia
Beeson is traveling west Texas. Burnadine
Brown, who was with Columbia for 18 years,
resigned to go into another field.
Signed as Musical Adviser
Troy Sanders has been signed as musical
adviser for Paramount’s “Whispering Smith.”
THE BRIGHTEST SPOT IN TOWN
Will Be Your Theatre
IF You Install a
Wagner Plastic Marquee
LETTERS IN 17", 10", 8" AND 4"
Colors Red, Green, Blue and Amber
The Cost Is Small ; The Result Is Prolit
Let Us Give You Full Details
Afodetst *1 heat be Cauinment Company
214 So. St. Paul St. Phone: Riverside 5009 Dallas, Texas
COMPLETE THEATRE EQUIPMENT & SERVICE
Cactus Drive-In Is Opened
By M. Kleiman in Odessa
ODESSA, TEX. — Maurice Kleiman of San
Vngelo has opened a new drive-in theatre
tere. It is known as the Cactus.
r
/T*tnauncUt(f, the ofieninxj, of
A New Studio for the
Complete Renovation of Theatres
— including —
decorating in its entirety, draperies, carpets, acoustical
treatment, lighting fixtures, scale plans, and colored
sketches submitted.
No Obligation — Call, Write or Wire
J. H. (JACK) JACKSON
6035 Ellsworth
12 Years Experience
Union 6-4952
Dallas 6, Texas
We have a large stock of up-
holstering materials.
Shipment same day order re-
ceived.
AMERICAN DESK MFC. CO.
YOU
NEED
SEATING
★
Call - Wire - Write
E
Belton, Texas
SAM LEWIS
Remodeling and Decorating Theatres
"A Dollar’s Worth for Your Dollar”
Phone Y2-7383
2810 Sharon Dallas 11. Texas
104
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
NEW ORLEANS
/'"•©lonel” Bob Kelly, office manager at Re-
public, lost his title recently. He now is
a lowly corporal. It seems that a prominent
businessman of this city was caught short of
funds a short time ago, and a police corporal
Kelly came to the rescue with a quick loan.
Then later the Filmrow Kelly received a
check signed by the business executive, to-
gether with an expression of gratitude for
his aid.
Isabelita, recently featured in Club Ha-
vana, and Don Ricardo visited the local PRC
office . . . Other PRC visitors were Tom
Guinan, field representative, and his wife
Mabel, who is booker in the Dallas branch,
and Tom Owens, publicity director for Eagle-
Lion.
Gov. Jimmie Davis soon will begin produc-
tion of a new picture to be released by Mono-
gram. This will be the second production by
Louisiana’s governor, the first having been
“Louisiana,” which is not yet released.
Twentieth Century -Fox started the picnic
season. The staff chartered a bus and trav-
eled to Fontainbleu state park near Coving-
ton for a day of merrymaking. Enjoying the
event were: Billy Briant, Don Griessan, Mer-
ian Benson, Rollie Indert, Jean McDonald,
Marine Rodman, Martha Cooke, Heloise
Teche, Doris Gantenbein, Marcella Voth, Al-
ton Duready, Jerry Kennedy, Jack Kuffman,
Henry Harrell, Rebecca Jones, Joseph Silver,
Walter Desforges, Lionel Cazaubon, Ethel
Holton, Evelyn McNulty, Helen Simonsen,
Mary Ancona and Edward Bois Clair.
Seen on the Row: Mr. Savoy of the Savoy
Theatre, Basile, La.; V. Lampo, Jeanerette,
La.; Mr. Fontenot, Ville Platte Theatre, Ville
Platte, La,, and H. B. Guillory, Ville Platte.
Miss Molzon from Labadieville was here on
her first visit in several months. She suf-
fered injuries in an automobile accident and
her friends on Filmrow are glad that she
is able to resume her visits. Exhibitor Dos-
sett, Hattiesburg, Miss., was a visitor.
Dave W. Wilbert soon will open his new
colored theatre in Columbia, Miss. . . . T. L.
McElroy was to open the Broadmoor Theatre
in Shreveport May 29 . . . Rouben Mamou-
lian, producer of “Oklahoma!” and a string
of other Broadway shows, and his wife, Aza-
dia Newman, portrait painter, were here last
week en route to South America, where
Mamoulian plans to study the South Ameri-
can technique in films.
Hank Everett, who operates over 40 thea-
tres in the Carolinas, stopped here on his way
home from the Variety Club convention in
California. He called on old friends on Film-
row.
Bardin theatre Supply V (°o.
dAl l Kjnds of Tarts for all
theatre Equipment offtakes ^Projectors
EXPERT REPAIRING OVER 30 YEARS
Satisfaction Guaranteed
DISTRIBUTORS OF
STRONG LAMPS VOCALITE SCREENS
CENTURY PROJECTORS SNAPLITE LENSES
BALLANTYNE SOUND EQUIP. GRIGGS OPERA CHAIRS
GREAT NATIONAL AIR CONDITIONING UNITS
— - — — 714 SO. HAMPTON ROAD
Telephone M-2235
■ .i ■■ ■ DALLAS 11, TEXAS
HERMAN BLUM
Engineer
Air-Conditioning and Heating Design
170814 Commerce St. Dallas. Texas
Sam A. Hobbs Eddie H. Shahan
Yale 2-1483 Yale 2-0526
HOBBS & SHAHAN
Theatre Remodeling and Decorating
Draperies . . . Acoustical Correction
1224 So. Brighton DALLAS 11, TEXAS
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
105
OKLAHOMA
“'J’he Farmer’s Daughter” closed a two-week
engagement at the State Tuesday in
favor of “Ramrod” ... To install its air
conditioning system, the Home closed for
about a week, reopening May 30 with a re-
peat run of “The Egg and I.” This picture
played an extended run in the Home in April.
Roy and Marvin Staton opened their new
Spring Lake amusement center May 30 . . .
The Black Hawk Amusement park held its
grand opening for the summer May 30 . . .
“Bloomer Girl” played the Municipal audi-
torium as a Boyle and Cravens attraction
Monday and Tuesday nights.
After two weeks at the Criterion “Sea of
Grass” moved out to make way for “Blaze of
Noon” . . . Margaret Truman cancelled her
concert appearance which was scheduled
here on May 30 because of the serious illness
of her grandmother in Grandview, Mo.
George Stovall, manager of Griffith Thea-
tres operations in Sayre, is the new president
of the 41 Highway Ass’n, a newly organized
group . . . The Grand, Griffith house in
Holdenville, received • second prize of $10 in
the wagon and buggy division of a parade
held in connection with the town’s seventh
annual Arkansas day celebration.
Fire Chief James Powell of Henryetta who
is conducting a fire inspection program for
the town’s major buildings, placed the Blaine
CITY
and Morgan theatres at the head of the in-
spection agenda, and after a personal in-
spection found both to be “in fine shape.”
From Vinita eomes the news that Savanna
Lee Smith and Jean Earlena Wallis, Griffith
employes, were among the candidates re-
ceiving graduation diplomas at the May 22
exercises of the Vinita high school. Savanna
also was one of the nine seniors chosen from
the upper 10 per cent of the class for mem-
bership in the National Honor society . . .
Louise Wesson of the Griffith circuit’s home
office has returned from a business trip to
Lubbock. She was feted with a theatre party
while there, and reports that Mrs. Clark
Abbott, wife of the manager, served a de-
licious popcorn pie for refreshments.
Monty Woolley, en route from Hollywood to
his home in Saratoga Springs, N. Y., “to rest,”
stopped here Saturday for the night . . . “The
Two Mrs. Carrolls” closed at the Midwest
after a one-week stand in favor of “The
Homestretch.”
Mr. and Mrs. J. Eldon Peek of Oklahoma
Theatre Supply were among the Cityans at
Anadarko Tuesday night (27) for the formal
opening ot the Miller Theatre, owned by
M\ H. DeFord. The new house had a radio
tieup for its opening . . . Bob Amos of RCA,
Dallas, was a recent visitor to the Row . . .
"Man in Grey” closed at the Victoria in
favor of “The Raider,” an English film, open-
ing Thursday (29) . . . Leonard Bateman of
the Griffith home office here went to Dallas
for the Theatre Enterprises, Inc., conven-
tion.
Darwin Barnes, chief operator of the Ellis
in Perryton, Tex., is spending a two-week va-
cation in Oklahoma, visiting relatives here
and in Wewoka. He visited Bill Slepka’s
two theatres in Okemah . . . Ruth Bateman
of 20th-Fox here flew to Houston Wednesday
BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT
10th Fl.. 2nd Unit, Santa Fe Bldg. BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO*, INC. Dallas. Tex.
NEED
EQUIPMENT?
Then Call Oklahoma Theatre Supply!
Chances are —
We Have or Can Get Your Needs
Finest Equipment — Expert Servicing
Haw's Your Air Conditioning?
OKLAHomn
J. ELDON PEEK TELEPHONE 7 88S1
708.710 WEST GRAND AVENUE
OKLAHOMA CITY 2. OKLA.
Theatre Supply
(28) to visit her sister . . . Bob Egbert, MGM
booker, has returned from a vacation . . .
Row visitors: Don Abernathy, Fairview; Clyde
Campbell, Beaver; Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Rob-
inson, Hydro; Wesley Hodges, Anadarko, and
Ida Hanes, Wanette.
Rudolph Berger, division sales manager for
MGM, New Orleans, and his assistant, John
Allen, Dallas, visited the MGM exchange
Tuesday . . . Also on the Row booking and
buying were Mrs. W. T. Henderson, Medford;
Charles Campbell, Wynnewood; L. E. Brewer,
Pauls Valley; G. E. Ortman, Hennessey; W.
T. Kerr, Sulphur . . . Emma Joy Brantley,
assistant office manager for the MGM branch
here, has returned from Denver where she
attended the national meeting of MGM of-
fice managers.
Fern Williams and WeeGee Thedford of the
Griffith home office leave Saturday (31) for
a ten-day vacation in Carlsbad, N. M. C. B.
Akers, another Griffithite, attended the con-
vention of Theatre Enterprises in Dallas.
Akers will leave Monday (June 2) for Little
Rock to address the Theatre Owners of Ar-
kansas on "Our Legislative Problems.”
Members of the “Bloomer Girl” cast were
guests of the Oklahoma club at the Sunday
evening (25) buffet supper in the Flamingo
room . . . “Homestretch” was held for a
second week at the Midwest . . . The Warner
Theatre bill changed Friday to “Hit Parade
of 1947,” plus “King of Wild Horses” . . .
“Mirth of a Nation” and “Affairs of Geral-
dine” opened Tuesday at the Tower.
Four Wichita Falls
Theatres Are Sold
WICHITA FALLS, TEX. — R. B. Montgom-
ery and Jack McCullough have sold their
four theatres here, the Roxy, the Texan, the
Ritz and the Tower, to C. C. Parfet, Garret
Parker and Dr. Gaylord Schwartz. Mont-
gomery has been ill and has been staying
in the Scott-White hospital at Temple.
2nd San Angelo Drive-In
Opened by P. V. Hendricks
SAN ANGELO, TEX — P. V. Hendricks re-
cently opened his second drive-in theatre
here, the Starlight. Hendricks opened the
first one, the Twilite, about a year ago.
Brewer and Britten Sell
One of Pharr Houses
PHARR, TEX. — Brewer and Britten have
sold the Texas Theatre here to M. Linn and
M. A. Smith. Brewer and Britten retain the
Espana Theatre here.
POPCORN and SUPPLIES, YES!
We represent
Charles E. Darden & Co.
Cretors Popcorn Machines
Cecil Davis
Theatre Seat and Equipment Co.
4020 MacArthur Oklahoma City, Okla.
10G
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Miami's Lawmakers
Ask Amusemeni Tax
Restraining Order Holds
’ Carnegie at Peachtree
MIAMI— Under a seven -column head in
the Herald, it was stated that the city of
Miami had asked the state legislature to
open up to it a vast new source of revenue
by legalizing a municipal tax on amusements.
The city commission passed a resolution
asking the Dade delegation to press for
passage of a bill prepared by City Attorney
J. W. Watson jr. It would open the way for
collecting levies from every form of amuse-
ment the city might wish to designate.
The request was made as three city offi-
cials prepared to fly to Tallahassee to bolster
forces already there, including Mayor Perrin
Palmer jr., who seek to kill a bill which
would knock out Miami’s tobacco tax, esti-
mated to return $720,000 in the next year.
City Manager R. G. Danner described the
requested amusement tax law as an insurance
policy should the city lose its tax on tobacco.
Specifically mentioned in the draft of the
bill are “night clubs, athletic contests, pag-
eants, exhibitions, concerts ... or any urogram
or any place where amusement is offered to
the public.” Watson said he drew the meas-
ure because the supreme court has ruled
out the city’s night club head tax. The Wat-
son bill would make it possible to slap the
night club tax back on.
City officials said that it was not the in-
tention of the city to extend the tax field to
include athletic events or theatres. When
a theatre tax was threatened by the city a
year ago, theatre officials said they might
erect separate boxoffices for the collection
of the tax. That plan has been worked in
other cities, they said, to focus attention on
the measure by inconveniencing the public.
A further tax on athletic events would work
a hardship on college football because there
already is so much tax on the tickets. There
also is a bill coming up for a vote in the
senate which would impose a 10 per cent
state tax on athletic events as well as on
other amusements.
Garfield in 'Aqreement'
John Garfield will topline with Gregory
Peck in 20th-Fox’s “Gentleman’s Agree-
ment.”
'Pop' Goodale Gives $500
To Fight Tuberculosis
Rome, Ga. — George “Pop” Goodale
runs a newsstand here now, but years
ago he was a “big shot” around Atlanta.
In the “good old days” he was with vari-
ous film companies in the distributing
center. He also trouped for years with
the “big top” and avidly follows show
business by reading the various trade-
papers.
Pop the other night called into his kiosk
a passing representative of the Rome
News-Tribune.
“How’s the tuberculosis drive coming
along?” he asked.
Upon being told that it wasn’t doing
so well, Pop handed the astonished news-
gatherer a check for $500.
That check is to be used to purchase
streptomycin, a rare drug now being used
as a cure at Battey State hospital.
Pop’s out of show business now, but he
still has that show business heart.
Three Who Stole Tickets
Arrested Using Them
SILOAM SPRINGS, ARK.— Three youths
who robbed the Scott Theatre here of a roll
of tickets were not so bright. They decided
to see the show, using tickets from the stolen
roll, and were arrested.
I. T. Bagley Opens House
In Norlina, N. C„ June 4
NORLINA, N. C. — I. T. Bagley will open his
new 500-seat Norlina Theatre Thursday (4).
It is the town’s first theatre.
ATLANTA — -“Carnegie Hall,” now showing
at the Peachtree Art Theatre, will remain
there three more weeks, as the original con-
tract provided.
The B&B Theatre Corp., operators of the
house, obtained a temporary restraining order
against United Artists charging that UA
has sought to recall the picture after a week’s
engagement. The feature had been scheduled
for a month’s stand and advance tickets were
sold.
A hearing on the restraining order was
scheduled for May 19, but was called off
after representatives of United Artists and
the B&B Corp. agreed that the picture would
remain at the Peachtree until June 7. The
theatre operators said there had been a public
demand for its continuance.
Manager Jumps the Gun
On 'No Smoking' Move
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. — Tallahassee has a
new city ordinance which limits smoking in
theatres to certain areas. Manager A. P.
Talley, supervisor of the Florida, Ritz and
State, jumped the gun by a week before the
ordinance went into effect, and has prohibit-
ed smoking anywhere but in the lounges.
This action was taken as the result of a
small blaze in the Florida, believed to have
started from a cigar or cigaret. Not much
damage was done.
Sponsor Beauty Pageant
UNION SPRING'S, ALA.— The Lilfred The-
atre, one of the McLendon circuit, is spon-
soring a beauty pageant in June, with the
winner going to Panama City, Fla., to com-
pete in the southeast finals on July 3-5.
Winner of the southeast contest will com-
pete in the “Miss America” finals in At-
lantic City.
RCA ALL THE WAY — RCA home office representatives, sound
engineers, dealers and salesmen gathered at Atlanta’s Hotel Bilt-
more for a business session and funfest, during which the cam-
eraman snapped the entire crew. Back row, left to right: Henry
Geers, Bill Hofmann, Bob Cobble, Bob Ware, Davis Hornibrook,
H. M. Van Devender, Johnny Lomax, P. D. Colson, Fred Bassett,
Frank Ingals, Walt Woodward, Bill Murphy and Fred Bearden.
Second row: W. E. Kyle, Charles Swinney, Bally Ballinger, Elmer
Eades, Ed Cahill, Jack Dumestre II, Bill White, George Sandore,
Jim Davie and Dave Gould. Third row, sitting: Nelson Speck, Guy
Campbell, Joe Thornton, Bill Bradley, Jack Faulstich, Harry Paul
and Jack Dumestre III.
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
SE
107
'Duel' Opens Despite Womens Protest Columbus Tax Fails
Push Starts for Columbus Censorship
COLUMBUS, GA. — “Duel in the Sun”
played at the Georgia Theatre here despite
a storm of protest leveled by women’s civic
and religious groups.
Protesting groups showered letters on the
theatre management, charging the Selznick
picture was “immoral, indecent and sug-
gestive.”
At least one of the protestants forecast a
move to create a film censorship board here.
Mrs. A. I. Simpson, president of the Wom-
en’s Society of Christian Service at Wynnton
Methodist church, suggested the board be
manned by PTA, church and other civic
groups.
“Perhaps we are too late in making our
protest, but maybe this will result in the
forming of a film censorship board in Colum-
bus,” she said. She admitted she had not
seen the picture and did not intend to.
Mrs. Evelyn McGehee, regent of the Ogle-
thorpe chapter of the DAR, each week sub-
mits a list of recommended films for pub-
lication in the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.
She said she “slipped up” on Sunday, May 18.
when she put “Duel in the Sun” on her list
as recommended for adults. She said she
understood the love scenes were “lurid and
suggestive.”
The DAR regent said her group has a board
of 12 which reads all reviews of current
movies. She expressed hope that officials of
the Georgia Theatre would resume a pre-
vious practice of inviting civic and religious
groups to private showings of “controversial”
pictures so they could offer first-hand con-
structive criticism.
Jack Hodges, Georgia manager, charged
that “none of the people protesting it has
had an opportunity to see it; They’re basing
their opinions on the radio remarks of Jimmy
Pidler and Gene Autry.”
Hodges said the show would open in spite
of protests and it did — to capacity business.
Police Chief in Birmingham
Makes Three Cuts in 'Duel'
BIRMINGHAM — Police Chief Floyd Eddins,
after a private preview, permitted “Duel in
the Sun” to open a two-week showing at the
Ritz here, but only after ordering three cuts.
Chief Eddins, Birmingham’s one-man
board of censors, said he was worried by the
“sin killer” scenes, but after careful consid-
eration permitted two of them to remain in
the picture. He decided to let the picture run
after deletions of material that was religious-
ly offensive.
The picture opened to heavy business, with
the Ritz opening up its balcony, which cus-
tomarily is closed on week-day afternoons.
The film hardly got what could be called
good reviews in the press.
Howard Pearl, SRO exploiteer, was here
to help Ritz Manager Bill Coury with the
campaign.
The film also was booked into numerous
other Alabama theatres for late May show-
ings. Included were: Ritz, Dothan; Lyric,
Huntsville; Gadsden, Gadsden; Roxy, Fay-
ette; Ritz, Scottsboro; Lanett, Lanett; Ri-
viera, Lanett, and Elba, Elba.
Tampa's Florida Theatre
To Undergo Remodeling
TAMPA, FLA. — A summer program of re-
modeling of the Florida Theatre will soon
get under way. The lobby will be enlarged;
there will be a new and larger stage and
screen, and new fixtures and decorations will
transform the interior into an up-to-date
theatre. One thousand new seats are to be
installed. The program calls for an expendi-
ture of approximately $20,000.
Donald Holcomb is manager of the theatre.
The contract has been awarded to George T.
Taylor, Inc.
Popping Profit — Manley's Supreme Hybrid Popcorn
Popping Perfection — Manley's Popcorn Machine
POP IT FOR PROFIT WITH PERFECTION
A complete line of Manley's Best Popcorn Supplies
Southeastern District Manager
102 Cain St. N. W. Atlanta 3, Ga.
Phone CYpress 5116
COME AND SEE US
To Meet Estimates
COLUMBUS, GA. — Based on collections for
the first quarter of 1947, Columbus theatres
will fall far short of raising the $8,000 in
estimated tax revenue under the new gross
receipts levy.
Last year, before the gross receipts plan
was adopted, theatres paid a total of $4,200
in license fees. And with the first quarter
collections already in, City Manager Mar-
shall Morton has scaled the estimated total
receipts for this year down from $8,000 to
$4,610.
Theatres pay a tax of % of 1 per cent on
their gross receipts.
Huyler's Plans Restaurant
Adjoining Miami Theatre
MIAMI — Local dining and entertaining
facilities will have a new twist in the very
near future when Huyler’s opens the nation’s
first continental-style restaurant adjoining
the Miami, newest of the Wometco chain.
According to D. G. Volkert, vice-president
of Huyler’s, who has been commuting from
his Roslyn, L. I., home to supervise the four-
floor restaurant which serves over-the-
counter to theatre patrons, the continuous
belt service from the basement will be the
most modern in Miami. Patrons in the res-
taurant itself will be served in a room with
two-story ripple glass windows, with the
latest type of cove lighting.
Hours of operation, said Volkert, will be
from 8 a. m. to 1 a. m. with approximately
250 employes on duty to give patrons the
“sort of service so far found only in Europe.”
The company, in business since 1876, main-
tains 30 units in 14 cities as far west as
Chicago. This is its first in the Miami area.
Permit Given for Theatre
Construction in Attalla
ATTALLA, ALA. — Congressman Albert
Rains has announced CPA approval of the
application of Amusement Enterprises, Inc.,
to build a modern theatre here.
The new house will be built immediately
behind the present Liberty Theatre, which
is owned by Amusement Enterprises. Seat-
ing capacity of the new house, it was learned,
will be approximately 1,100, with main floor
and balcony.
Col. Thomas E. Orr, of Albertville, Ala., is
president of Amusement Enterprises. Work
on the new house is expected to start imme-
diately.
Curtis Davidson Becomes
Manager of the Shaw
QUINCY, FLA. — Curtis Davidson, who was
for some years assistant manager of the
Shaw Theatre before entering the service, has
been named manager. He replaces F. C.
Marxsen, transferred to Thomasville, Ga., to
become mar.iger of the Rose Theatre there.
Both houses are units of the Interstate En-
terprises, Inc., group.
Marxsen is immediate past president of
the Quincy Rotary club, and has been iden-
tified with a number of local civic projects.
Fire Drills in Pensacola
PENSACOLA, FLA. — Employes of the
Saenger Theatre have been receiving instruc-
tion in the proper use of fire extinguishers.
Fire Chief Claude Wright is the instructor.
Similar practice drills are being arranged for
other theatres.
108
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Southwest Briefs
OKLAHOMA CITY — Jack Craig has re-
placed W. G. MacKemie as PRC and Eagle-
Lion salesman in eastern Oklahoma.
DALLAS — Sales Manager Heywood Sim-
mons has been named manager of the Para-
mount exchange here succeeding Fred Larned,
killed in an automobile accident. Succeeding
Simmons as sales manager is Tom Bridges,
formerly sales manager in San Francisco.
DALLAS — George W. Thornton, 60, gen-
eral manager of the Buffalo Engineering Co.
here, died recently in Oklahoma City.
DALLAS — Col. William McCraw, executive
secretary of Variety Clubs International, has
been awarded the Bronze Star for his work
in supervising the repair of fighting planes
in the Pacific during the war.
BURKBURNETT, TEX.— Louis Littlefair,
manager of the Palace Theatre here, used a
wooden horse promoted from a saddle shop
in a lobby display for “Gallant Bess,” and
attracted a lot of attention by stenciling
horseshoe prints on sidewalks all over town.
HOUSTON— W. V. Ratcliff, manager of
the Epsom Drive-In here, has added a 15,-
000-seat rodeo arena in the rear of his
grounds and plans a big celebration July 4, 5.
ELSA, TEX. — M. Benitez of Weslaco has
opened his new Roxy Theatre here.
AMHERST, TEX.— W. T. Ash has bought
the Majestic here from H. A. Hubbard.
FLORENCE, TEX.— W. R. Barclay recent-
ly bought the Star Theatre here.
CUERO, OKLA. — Combination barometers
and thermometers installed in front of sev-
eral business houses here by courtesy of the
local Trot and Rialto theatres indicate the
weather for the next 24 hours and also carry
space for advertising coming attractions.
HOLDENVILLE, OKLA. — Oil operations
have begun again in this onetime boom town
and the Griffith circuit’s Liberty Theatre
here, closed five years ago, has been remod-
eled and reopened under the management
of Horace Clark, who is collecting 10 and 25
cents admission.
NEW ORLEANS — Chester W. Owens,
prominent New Orleans real estate owner,
has received federal permission to begin work
on a $7,600,000 building project here, to in-
clude 1,034 apartment dwellings, a 5,000-seat
theatre, and a vast shopping center.
NEW ORLEANS — A producing company to
be known as the Pelican Pictures Corp. is
being organized here by Jack Auslet and a
prominent local business man to film both
white and colored short subjects. Astor will
handle distribution in Atlanta and Memphis.
NEW ORLEANS — Gov. Jimmie Davis soon
will begin production of a second picture to
be released by Monogram. His first was
“Louisiana,” not yet released.
HOUSTON — Interstate’s new Broadway and
Underwood & Ezell’s big new drive-in, the
Shepherd, both opened here May 23.
DALLAS — Interstate’s 12th neighborhood
theatre here, the Inwood, is now open.
PHARR, TEX. — Brewer and Britten have
sold the Texas Theatre here to M. Linn and
M. A. Smith. Brewer and Britten retain the
Espana Theatre here.
KERMIT, TEX.— Griffith Theatres has
filed application for CPA permission to build
a 1,000-seat theatre here.
DALLAS — David T. “Pop” Haines, owner of
Associated Industries, distributors here for
Florida Circuit Drive
Honors Frank Rogers
Tempest Over Peanuts
Ends in Court Fines
Memphis — Deputies report this “added
attraction” took place at the Millington
Theatre :
Fred Hill, Lucy, Tenn., was annoyed at
two other patrons pitching popcorn and
peanuts. He asked them to stop and they
wouldn’t.
He invited them to “come outside.”
One — it isn’t quite clear whether it was
Leon Maharrey or Rose Burt Flynn — went
outside, then changed his mind about
“settling things.”
They returned to the theatre. But, ac-
cording to Hill, they left before he did.
He followed them and caught them let-
ting air out of his tires.
Judge Holmes fined Maharrey and
Flynn $15 each on charges of disturbing
the peace.
DeVry products, announced that Charles Wil-
liams and James “Red” Rountree have bought
into the Texas DeVry distributorship.
SAN ANGELO, TEX. — P. V. Hendricks has
opened a second drive-in theatre here.
ODESSA, TEX. — Maurice Kleiman of San
Angelo has opened a new drive-in theatre
here to be known as the Cactus.
HICO, TEX. — Tom Coleman and Miss An-
na Coleman have sold their Hico Theatre
here to J. T. Hitt.
BOGATA, TEX.— Don Buffo of Deport has
bought the Bogata Theatre here from Mrs.
Effie Blankenship.
IOWA PARK, TEX.— Mrs. J. B. Joyce has
sold her Parkway Theatre here to Leroy
Daniel and Albert Reed.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA.— Throughout the
far-flung Florida State Theatres circuit there
is being conducted the Frank Rogers Spring
Festival celebration.
The celebration serves two purposes: to pay
tribute to the head of the circuit, Frank
Rogers, who in 1947 is celebrating his 40th
year in show business, and to “get managers
back into the habit of selling their attrac-
tions.”
Frank Rogers’ long tenure in show business
is a Horatio Alger story of a boy who rose
to the top despite all obstacles. Come good
times or bad, Rogers stuck to a single pur-
pose. Over the years he successively went
from one important post to another until
he reached the top.
Industry folk all over the nation are con-
gratulating Rogers on having gone through
four decades with colors flying.
Name Bands Lose Money
In Knoxville Appearances
KNOXVILLE — Imported name bands are
finding tough sledding in Knoxville. Reason
for financial losses, promoters agree, is a
combination of things, including too fre-
quent appearances at too high prices. The
University of Tennessee, it was reported, lost
$2,000 on a series of recent weekend dances
featuring Claude Thornhill. Of 12 “top”
bands brought to Chilhowee park since last
November, promoters took a licking six times.
On only three occasions was any appreciable
profit realized.
Fire Wipes Out Roxie
LIBERTY, S. C. — The Roxie Theatre, owned
and operated by J. E. Albertson, was de-
stroyed by fire Saturday night (24).
NEW ORLEANS — The recently organized
Allied Theatre Owners of the Gulf States will
meet here June 3 at the Jung hotel.
ANADARKO, OKLA.— Morris DeFord will
open his new 800-seat de luxe theatre here,
the Miller, May 27. DeFord also is opening
a 100-watt radio station in connection with
the theatre.
Handles Advertising Campaign
The advertising campaign on Monogram’s
"The Gangster” will be handled by Buchanan
& Co. ad agency.
GROWING EACH MONTH
A complete Buying, Booking and Accounting Service for
INDEPENDENT THEATRE OWNERS of the ATLANTA TERRITORY
CONTACT — TOM JONES
EXHIBITORS SERVICE CO.
216 Walton St., N. W. Atlanta 1. Ga.
Main 6903 (lust a step up from Filmrow) P. O. Box 2008
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
109
MEMPHIS
T^uel in the Sun,” banned in Memphis by
the board of censors, had its first mid-
south showing this week, Monday through
Friday, at the Frances Theatre, Dyersburg,
Tenn., 78 miles from here. Many Memphians
attended, Manager Jack Marshall reported.
Another victim of the Memphis board of
censors, the double bill reissue of “Destry
Rides Again” and “When the Daltons Rode,”
will be shown June 2 to 4 at the Gem, Cov-
ington, Tenn., Manager Cliff Peck reports.
Covington is 38 miles from Memphis.
Harry Martin, amusements editor of the
Commercial Appeal, attended the world pre-
miere of “Repeat Performance,” in Zanes-
ville, Ohio, home town of the film newcomer,
Dick Basehart . . . The Memphis Open Air
Theatre’s eight weeks of summer shows in
Overton Park’s shell, starting June 30, has
already sold $23,000 worth of tickets, Man-
ager Joe Cortese reports.
Midsouth exhibitors visiting on the Row
included Cliff Peck, Gem, Covington, Tenn.;
K. K. Kinney, Hays and Beale Street, Hughes,
Ark.; Nathan Flexer, Linden, Linden, Tenn.;
Jack Rhodes, Harlem, West Memphis, Ark.;
W. C. Kroeger, Shannon, Portageville, Mo.;
Floyd James, Cotton, Marion, Ark.; Jeff Sin-
gleton, Tyro, Tyronza, Ark.; Sam Kirby, Na-
bor, Little Rock, Ark., and W. L. Moxley,
Chickasaw, Blytheville, Ark.
L. J. Lenhardt, Commonwealth Amuse-
ments Co., Kansas City, was a Memphis vis-
itor . . . Robert Rimer, assistant shipper,
Paramount, resigned and was replaced by
Tommy Willette . . . D. V. Riley, New, Bruce,
Miss., was shopping on the Row.
Milton Anderson, New York, auditor, was
working at Paramount’s Memphis exchange
. . . “Unfaithful” was screened for the trade
by Warner Bros, at 20th-Fox screening room
May 26.
Tom Young, branch manager of 20th-Fox,
is back from a company sales meeting in
Atlanta . . . The 20th-Fox Family club, com-
posed of all employes of the exchange and
their families, will go to Reelfoot lake for a
weekend of fishing and frolic June 14.
Mrs. Wilma Bryant, branch manager’s sec-
retary at Warner Bros., is back from a vaca-
tion . . . Janice Long, Warner biller, is on
a vacation trip to Louisville . . . Mrs. Martha
Summers, Warner contract clerk, and her
husband have returned from a fishing trip
to Reelfoot . . . W. T. Mackemie, Dallas, has
gone to work as a salesman for RKO out
of the Memphis exchange.
Emma Cox, Gem, Osceola, Ark., recently in
the hospital for a spell, is back on the job
and was on the Row this week booking . . .
Also on the Row were W. C. Sumpter, Cotton
Bowl, Lepanto, Ark.; Roy Dillard, Dillard,
Wardell, Mo.; Jesse H. Moore, Ritz, Cren-
shaw, Miss.; R. B. Cox, Eureka, Batesville,
Miss.; Leon Roundtree, Grand, Water Val-
ley, Miss.; H. J. Williams and Bert Bays,
Grenada, Grenada, Miss., and Herod Jimer-
son. Liberty, North Little Rock, Ark.
Neil Blount, manager of the Monarch Thea-
tre Supply Co., has returned from an extend-
ed trip into Arkansas . . . Bailey Prichard,
branch manager, and F. K. Kaiser, salesman
of Monogram, are back from several visits in
Arkansas . . . Jean Rimer, inspector at Colum-
bia, is on vacation.
Jack Tunstill, manager of Malco, and his
wife, are back from a Washington and New
York vacation . . . Marvin Morris, manager
of the Peabody, is vacationing in Dallas.
William Sumpter, assistant manager, Ritz, is
acting manager at the Peabody during his
absence. The theatres are operated by
Flexer Theatres, Inc.
Bob Rimer, shipper at Paramount, resigned
and agreed to become booker at PRC . . .
Mary Mildred Piercy, chief cashier, Ritz, is
back on the job after a week’s illness ... A
slump in attendance at first runs and neigh-
borhoods hit Memphis. Ritz, with a reissue
of “Rebecca,” reported the best business
among first runs. Only fair attendance was
reported by Loew’s State with “High Bar-
MOTHER’S DAY DISPLAY — This display at the confection counter in the Center
Theatre in Miami, Fla., was set up by Walton Oakerson, manager of the house, and
his sales help. Oakerson trains his salesgirls carefully, and a new display is set up
each day. The result is a sizable gross for the candy counter alone. The counter
at the Center is similar to candy counters at other houses in the Wometco circuit.
baree,” Loew’s Palace with “Dishonored
Lady,” Malco with “Song of Scheherazade,”
Strand with “Stairway to Heaven,” and
Warner with a double feature, “The Last of
the Mohicans” and “Kit Carson.”
Hollywood Enjoyed
By Memphis Barkers
MEMPHIS — Hollywood rolled out the red
carpet for the Memphis delegation at the
Variety Clubs International convention, re-
turning delegates report.
Gene Autry was their host at one lunch-
eon. Paramount gave another one with Bob
Hope, Dorothy Lamour, Gary Cooper, Betty
Hutton, Alan Ladd and Diana Lynn among
the stars attending. The stars came to the
party direct from the set, still wearing their
costumes.
Warner Bros, gave a party on the set. A
circus theme was the setting. Errol Flynn,
Wayne Morris, Pat O'Brien, Sydney Green-
street, Bette Davis, Dennis Morgan and Jack
Carson attended. In a skit on film making
Morris appeared as a star and Carson as his
standin. Carson stepped in to take a beat-
ing when the time came for it in the script
and then the directors and technicians
crowded around Morris and congratulated
him. Carson had to be hit in the face with
a pie. Then it was discovered the whole
thing would have to be repeated so that a
Technicolor pie could be used.
Mr. and Mrs. Herb Kohn, Mr. and Mrs.
Orris Collins and Mr. and Mrs. B. Haberfeld,
of the Memphis delegation, stayed over and
extended their California visit. Those re-
turning included Mr. and Mrs. David Flexer,
Joe Simon, Tommy Baldridge, Bill Ramsey,
Tom O’Ryan, and Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Light-
man sr.
Baldridge, a Flexer press agent, got a
cinder in his eye on the trip but said he saw
plenty with the other eye.
Claude Jarman's Picture
Opens in Home Town
NASHVILLE, TENN.— “The Yearling,”
starring Nashville-born Claude Jarman jr.,
Academy award winner, opened a run at
Loew’s Theatre May 21.
Ernie Emerling, head of Loew’s advertising-
publicity department in New York, formerly
managed a Memphis theatre. No one is more
proud of young Jarman’s success than Emer-
ling. He wired that “The Yearling” would
be followed in a few weeks in Nashville by
“High Barbaree,” in which Jarman plays Van
Johnson as a boy.
The Jarmans — mother, father and young
Claude — have applied for passports to Eng-
land at the local customs house and are soon
to sail for Liverpool, where Jarman will play
ooposite Margaret O’Brien in “Secret Gar-
den.”
In a bit of publicity for “The Yearling,”
Loew’s Manager Tommy Delbridge arranged
for display of the original Oscar won by Jar-
man in Kay’s, a Church street jewelry store
E. Claughton Sues Miami
For Lands on Bay Bottom
MIAMI — A suit has been brought by Ed-
ward Claughton, theatre owner, which con-
tests the validity of various acts and grants
under which the city of Miami obtained bay-
bottom lands, including some used for Bay-
front park, Virginia Key, and the spoil banks
along the ship channel. Claughton is seek-
ing to fill in the bay-bottom land surround-
ing Burlingame island in order to double its
size.
110
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
ATLANTA
Dob Hope is coming to Atlanta to give a
° one-night show June 4 under auspices of
the Crippled Children’s League of Georgia.
Entire proceeds will be turned over for the
operation of the league’s hospital, Aidmore,
in Atlanta . . . William Richardson, president
of Astor Pictures of Georgia, is on a trip
through Tennessee . . . Z. C. “Curt” Shreve,
southeastern manager of Manley, Inc., says
popcorn business over Georgia is fine.
Congratulations are being showered on
Helen Hardy, secretary to William K. Jenkins,
for her engineering of a surprise birthday
party for Tommy Read . . . Kate Wright, for
two decades and more with Monogram South-
ern Exchanges here, is on an extended tour
of Europe which will include a visit to her
native Ireland . . . John W. Mangham has
returned from Hollywood, where he attended
the Screen Guild convention..
Mose Lebovitz, president of the Grand
Amusement Co., Chattanooga, and his wife
have returned from a pleasure trip to New
York . . . Theatres Realty Corp. is drawing
preliminary plans for erection of a new
Negro theatre at Butler street and Vernon
place. It will seat 1,508 . . . Blanche Teague,
formerly with Warner Bros, here, now living
in New York, is visiting local friends . . .
Emily Franco, in the booking department of
Monogram Southern, is vacationing in Mont-
gomery, Ala.
“Going to Glory,” the all-Negro spiritual
released here and in other parts of the
country by Toddy Pictures, so far has been
booked in 85 colored theatres over the United
States. The picture opened at the Harlem,
Baltimore, and played three houses day and
date in Washington, and is now playing at
the Regent, Brooklyn, and other houses, says
Ted Toddy, president of the company, which
has headquarters here.
Ken Smith, office manager of Screen Guild
of Georgia, was called to Los Angeles on
account of the serious illness of his mother
. . . Your representative has a card from
Walter Brackin, Alabama theatreman, dated
Los Angeles, indicating Walter is having a
marvelous time on the coast . . . Harry Paul,
southern division manager for RCA, and Paul
Jones, amusement editor of the Constitution,
are both on Florida trips.
Frankie English of Paramount Pictures was
off to Ellijay, Ga. . . . Charlie Durmeyer,
local chief barker, says a full report of the
VCI convention in Hollywood will be given
at the next meeting.
E. E. Whitaker has been elected dough guy
by Atlanta barkers, replacing Walter Speight,
who resigned. The latter’s resignation also
MONARCH I
THEATRE SUPPLY, Inc.
Neil Blount
492 So. Second St.
Memphis. Tenn.
TRI-STATE THEATRE SERVICE
318 South Second Street
MEMPHIS 3. TENN.
EQUIPMENT — SUPPLIES
REPAIRS
caused a vacancy on the board of directors,
which has been filled by John W. Mangham.
Incidentally, Variety Club is planning a big
outing in August. Eddie Melniker is chair-
man of the committee in charge.
Visitors to Filmrow included Frank Mer-
ritt, Acme Theatres, Birmingham; R. J. In-
gram, Ashland, Ala.; M. C. McCravey of
the Riverside and Dale theatres, Clarksville,
Ga.; Bob Dunn, south Georgia showman;
Harry Greene, Orr circuit, Albertville, Ala.;
Mack Jackson, Alexander City, Ala., and R.
E. Hooks of the Alabama theatre circuit
bearing his name . . . Grace Hammond has
been added to the accounting department of
U-I.
'Song# Plays Encore
MONTGOMERY, ALA. — “Song of the
South” was brought back here for a two-
day run at the Rogers Theatre, with owner
Foreman Rogers offering free bubble gum for
kiddies. Rogers announced that Uncle Remus
had sent a limited amount of the gum, which
would be given to children when they left the
theatre, as long as the supply lasted.
Theatre Seating Division
of
AMERICAN DESK MFG. COMPANY
Temple, Texas Tel. LD - 4
Giving Immediate Dependable Delivery
on all chair orders
CALL US FOR YOUR CHAIR NEEDS
Dallas Office
FORREST DUNLAP
2008 Jackson St.
R - 3595
Memphis Office
HARLAN H. DUNLAP
410 S. Second St.
8-1770
New Orleans Office
W. A. PREWITT
223 So. Liberty
Magnolia 8571
Meet up with Romance —
Drama— Music — Laughs
The stor ' of a de-
votion tl 3t mends
broke i heart.
LOVETT
A STEPHENS-LANG Production • Directed by
ERIE C KENTON • Screen Ploy by Peter Milne
ond Maurice Leo • Original Story by Peter Milne
One of the Doctor Christian
Series — Another Ready —
MELODY FOR THREE
2 of a Series of the Famous Country Doctor,
Music — Drama — Comedy
First
READY FOR JUNE ... IT’S NEW
WHITE STALLION
THE
First of a Series of 6 with
EDDIE DEAN — KEN MAYNARD
ROCKY CAMERON — MAX TERHUNE
COMING: RICHARD'S ANSWER
"I AIN'T GOING TO OPEN
THAT DOOR"
1-sheets, 8x10, Trailers (9 Min.)
ASTOR PICTURES CO.
OF GA., INC.
163 Walton St.
3rd Floor
Main
9845
ATLANTA
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
111
CHARLOTTE
P ^ reunion of local Variety members and
former Charlotteans took place in Dallas
last week when the Charlotte delegation
stopped off there for a couple of days en
route home from the Los Angeles conven-
tion. They were met at the train by Phil
Longdon and Jimmy Pritchard, who had
already made hotel arrangements. After
they checked in, they were rushed to the
Longdon home for a cocktail party and buffet
dinner. They were joined there with Burtus
Bishop and his wife. The next day Mrs.
Pritchard was hostess at a luncheon for the
ladies and Bishop entertained the men at the
Variety Club. Phillip and Steve Longdon,
sons of Phil and Myra, would not let young
Duke Lett stay at the hotel but insisted he
stay with them. Others in the Charlotte
party were Mr. and Mrs. Scott Lett, Mr. and
Mrs. Francis White jr., and Mr. and Mrs.
George Roscoe.
Max Bryant of Bryant Theatre Supply Co.,
who has been seriously ill at his home in
Rock Hill, is slightly
improved . . . Everett
Olson is the new
Paramount exploiteer
here. He comes here
from Minneapolis,
where he was con-
nected with the Min-
nesota A m u s e m ent
Co., Paramount affil-
iate, in advertising
and publicity.
Bob Pinson of Astor
Pictures is now buy-
ing and booking for
the Morris Field The-
atre in Morris Field,
Charlotte . . . The CPA has halted construc-
tion of the new theatre in Fort Mill, S. C.
. . . J. R. Patterson has plans to completely
remodel his Majestic in Fort Mill . . . “Buf-
falo” Boiling, manager of National Theatre
Supply, reports that new American seats
have been installed in Webster and Culpep-
per’s Carolina in Elizabeth City, N. C.
Cy Dillon, Republic manager, is a patient
in Memorial hospital, where he was to be
operated on Saturday (31). Mrs. Dillon is at
home after several days in Presbyterian hos-
| JACK DUMESTRE, Jr.
i Southeastern Theatre
Equipment Co.
ATLANTA
CHARLOTTE
JACKSONVILLE
EVERETT OLSON
pital . . . Milton Casey, Republic auditor, left
Thursday for New York after two weeks at
the local exchange.
M. H. Schenck of New York, Paramount
sales representative, huddled here with Harry
Haas, branch manager . . . Gene Prophet is
now working in the booking department at
Republic. Jim Simpson has been made head
of the shipping department.
Visitors on the Row: Fin Lee, Duplin,
Warsaw; Harry Cooke, Center, Mount Olive;
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Anderson, Ritz, Tabor City;
I. T. Bagley, Henderson; Henry Stellings,
Embassy, Henderson; Ben L. Strozier,
Stevenson, Rock Hill; J. C. Holland, Lyman;
Henry Nelson, State, Loris; Pete Howell,
Howell, Smithfield; Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Mc-
Intyre, Raeford; T. L. Little, Camden; Roy
P. Roser, Temple, Sanford; J. K. Whitley,
Swanee, Kannapolis; L. R. Richardson, Wal-
lace, Jonesville; D. W. Ramsey, Rose Hill;
E. L. Carroll, Roxie, Bessemer City; B. C.
Williams, Midway, Lancaster; Bill Webb,
Imperial, Kings Mount; J. B. Harvey, Caro-
lina, Clover.
Blowing Rock Theatre Opens June 2
BLOWING ROCK, N. C.— The Yonahlosee
Theatre will open here June 2.
Shirley in Title Role
Shirley Temple has been inked for the title
role in Warners’ “Mary Hagen.”
Shouflhatnqfiin I
WAHOO
America's Finest Screen Game
Four Theatres Sold;
Colonial Buys Two
CHARLOTTE — Changes in ownership in
several theatres in the Charlotte exchange
area were reported this week.
Bob Pinson of Astor Pictures bought the
Waxhaw in Waxhaw, N. C., from Max Holder
and Holder joined Astor as a salesman. Pin-
son also announced sale of the Astor Thea-
tre, now being converted from a store build-
ing in north Charlotte, to Colonial Theatres,
Inc., of Valdese. Conversion of the struc-
ture is expected to finish about August 1.
The house will be air conditioned and mod-
ern in all respects, and will seat 500. All
materials are on hand.
Colonial also purchased the Louisburg
Theatre in Louisburg, N. C., from R. Glenn
Davis. J. Sam Hinson, general manager,
said the circuit would take over operation
on July 15. The Louisburg seats 750. It
was built about six years ago.
The Norwood Theatre in Norwood, N. C.,
has been taken over from R. L. Johnson by
Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Goodman, owners and
operators of the Mae in Oakboro, N. C.
Knoxville Tax Estimated
To Hit 350,000 a Month
KNOXVILLE — Based on first month col-
lections of the new city-county 5 per cent
amusement tax, more than 350,000 persons
attended Knox county theatres in April.
Estimates of attendance were made by the
city finance office after amusement tax col-
lections of $4,613.34 from 13 theatres within
the city. There are 21 theatres in the county,
two outside the city.
Knoxville Theatres, Inc., were largest con-
tributors, with $2,615.07 from the Tennessee,
Bijou, Park and State. Second highest was
the $1,343.41 collected by Eastenn Theatres,
Inc., at the Riviera and Strand.
Pending outcome of a chancery court suit
filed by theatre interests questioning con-
stitutionality of the tax, receipts cannot be
used by either the city or the county. The
tax, which applies only to Knox county in the
state, had been expected to raise $200,000 an-
nually.
Booneville Savage Opens
BOONEVILLE, ARK.— The Savage Theatre
was to open here May 20.
Sam Raine Plans House
For Negroes in Bessemer
BESSEMER, ALA. — A second new theatre
for Bessemer, to be built when restrictions
on' construction materials are eased, has been
announced here.
Builder of the theatre, a $75,000 house for
Negroes, will be Sam Raine, who has been
identified with the theatre business in Besse-
mer for 20 years. Raine has announced that
he will continue to operate his present Frolic,
another theatre for Negroes, when the new
house is completed.
The theatre will seat 800. It will be named
the Famous.
According to Raine, the new theatre will be
fireproof and will be the finest colored theatre
in Alabama. Charles H. McCauley of Bir-
mingham is architect. The building will be
of brick and steel construction.
Wilby-Kincey also has announced plans
for a new theatre for white patrons in Besse-
mer when building restrictions are eased. R.
M. Kennedy, district manager for the cir-
cuit, said that plans have not advanced far
enough to give an estimate of the size or
cost of the new house.
Bessemer has two other theatres, the State
and Grand.
700-Seat Danca Opened
By Cary Caudell May 23
WALLACE, N. C.— Formal opening of Cary
Caudell’s 700-seat Danca took place here
May 23. W. F. Harris, manager of Wil-Kin
Theatre Supply in Charlotte, served as mas-
ter of ceremonies at the opening. Other film
men here for the occasion were George Graves
of 20th-Fox, D. B. Kizziah of Alexander Film
Service, L. D. Terrell of Paramount, and
R. W. Ramsey of Sound Service, all of Char-
lotte, and Fin Lee of Warsaw, N. C.
^ THE QUEEN FEATURE SERVICE, Inc. ®
1912V2 Morris Avenue Telephone 3-8665
Birmingham, Alabama
mu
AMUSEMENT CO., 831 S. WABASH AVE.,VCHICA6
Complete Theatre Equipment
Supplies
and
112
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
Berler-Meiselman BIRMINGHAM
Case Ahead June 2
CHARLOTTE — Argument will be resumed
in superior court here June 2 in the request
of Phillip Berler and E. M. Loew for appoint-
ment of a receiver for certain properties
jointly owned by Berler and H. B. Meisel-
man, Charlotte circuit operator.
Judge Luther Hamilton last week refused
to name a receiver and told the litigants he
hoped they would be able to come to a set-
tlement of their controversy. The squabble
revolves about the Manor Theatre here and
the Strand in Asheville. Berler sought to
transfer his share of the holdings to E. M.
Loew, Boston theatre magnate, who had
originally backed him in his enterprises with
Meiselman. The latter objected to the trans-
fer of property to Loew and the court case
resulted.
Meiselman has made offers to return Ber-
ler’s investment, plus a profit of $25,000, or
to split ownership of the theatres, and there
have been counteroffers from Berler and
Loew, but so far no settlement has been
agreed to.
Pilot Howard Hickok Asked
To 'Thunderbolt' Premiere
MIAMI — Howard Hickok of this city, whose
exploits, along with those of two other
pilots, are featured in the army air forces
film “Thunderbolt,” has been invited to th&
premiere of the picture in Los Angeles
June 4.
The picture depicts the part played by
P47s in the Italian campaign. Many of the
pictures were taken by automatic cameras
set up in various parts of the planes and
show pilots “blacking out” after dive bombing
attacks.
Hickok is a member of the Miami army air
reserve detachment. The films are of actual
combat scenes, both in the planes and on
the ground.
Another person who may fly out to the
Monogram premiere is Bill Carey, the
Herald’s radio reporter. Bill recently received
a Bronze Star for secret work accomplished in
the invasion of France as a Thunderbolt
jockey.
Well-Balanced Personality
MIAMI— Miss Bea Bonfield, bookkeeper for
the Community Chest, was surprised to see a
paragraph about herself on the front page
of the News as a “whirligig” recently. Miss
Bonfield discovered that she had received
30 cents too much change when she attended
the Miami the other evening, so she mailed
that amount to Manager Sonny Shepherd.
Shepherd promptly mailed her two passes.
The News suggests that Miss Bonfield, being
a bookkeeper, couldn’t bear the thought of
the theatre being 30 cents off-balance.
We have a large stock of up-
holstering materials.
Shipment same day order re-
ceived.
AMERICAN DESK MFG. CO.
/"Nliver Naylor, Lyric manager, was honored
v at a party given by employes at the
Thomas Jefferson hotel May 24. Naylor re-
signed, effective May 28, to join his brother
in the 16mm film and equipment business
here. Ollie Haynes, former manager of the
Noble in Anniston, Ala., arrived here Wednes-
day to replace Naylor.
Ben Butler of MGM, Atlanta, was a visitor
here. He handles distribution of reprints
for the southeast . . . Elizabeth Turner is new
cashier at the Lyric, replacing Lois Gibson,
resigned.
Francis Falkenburg, Alabama manager, is
handling publicity for the East-West base-
ball game to be sponsored at Rickwood field
by The Birmingham News-Age-Herald June
20 for the Alabama Sight Conservation Ass’n.
All downtown theatres will show trailers,
plugging the game.
Mrs. Martha Snowden, Melba cashier, spent
a recent weekend in Montgomery . . . Isolene
Mann has resigned as Royal cashier and has
been replaced by Helen Pendleton . . . Wil-
liam Griffin, manager of Acme’s Cullman
Theatre in Cullman, Ala., and Mrs. Griffin
have returned from the Variety Club con-
vention in Los Angeles. They were gone two
weeks.
“The Farmer’s Daughter” went into a fifth
downtown week at the Capitol, while
“Framed” held for a second week at the
Melba . . . Other competition for “Duel in
the Sun” at the Ritz was: “It Happened
on Fifth Avenue,” moved over to the Lyric
from the Alabama; “Nora Prentiss” at the
Alabama, “Trail Street” at the Empire:
“That Way With Women” at the Strand:
“King of the Wild Horses” at the Galax,
and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” at the
Birmingham.
Birmingham Theatre donated use of the
house on Wednesday and Thursday, May
28, 29, to the Birmingham Civic Theatre for
its production of “Boy Meets Girl.”
Jacksonville Preparing
Drive-In License Fee
JACKSONVILLE — A proposed city ordi-
nance defining and fixing the license fee for
drive-in theatres has been drafted and placed
in the hands of the license committee of the
council for discussion. The city at present
does not have an occupational tax for this
type of business, and the measure has been
drafted because a drive-in theatre is planned.
The proposed measure spates that a drive-
in theatre is a place of business where mo-
tion pictures are shown. The annual license
fee has been tentatively set for $1 for each
automobile that can be accommodated.
NOW EVERY THEATRE CAN AFFORD
THE BEST IN PROJECTION AND SOUND
"AA" PROJECTOR
AND
MOTIOGRAPH -MiRROPHONIC
A Guarantee of Superb Perfor
mance, Unbelieveably Long
Service and low Main-
tenance Cost.
PRODUCING THE BETTER PROJECTORS FOR OVER SO YEARS
WIL-KTC
J” ATLANTA. GA.
CHARLOTTE. N. C. i |
"Everything for the theatre except film”
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
113
MIAMI
JJomestretch,” showing at the Lincoln and
Miami, was represented on the woman’s
page of the Herald with a definite feminine
slant. A picture of a film actress wearing
a blouse decorated with a racehorse design
bore the caption: “Here’s your chance to own
a blouse just like one worn by a popular movie
star in ‘The Homestretch,’ now showing at
local theatres.” A description followed.
A1 Weiss, manager of the Olympia, has ar-
ranged to give bubble gum free to the first
600 youthful patrons Saturday morning. The
boys and girls are requested not to stick it
under the seats, please . . . Sabu’s righthand
man is now Ed Wall, ex-editor of the Her-
ald’s school department.
Ray Walker, well known locally, will play
an important role in the world premiere of
Paramount’s “Perils of Pauline.” Ray wrote
the song of the same name ... A giant car-
toon carnival, running 90 minutes, headlin-
ing the popular MGM “Tom and Jerry” color
series, and including all the other standard
cartoon favorites, was a recent Saturday
morning presentation at the Dade and Tivoli.
Regular admission prices applied. An extra
feature was free bubble gum.
Arthur Bookbinder, manager of the Colony,
was amazed to have a colored maid apply
for a job under the tuneful name of Caro-
lina Moon . . . It’s said the not-yet-built
Tropic Theatre is already being scouted by
would-be powder room concessions aspirants
. . . Art Mooney is resting here before a
$5,000-a-week date at the Capitol in New
York.
Wometco Theatres will be hosts at the
Miami Theatre showing of “Homestretch” to
the Projector club, composed of the boys who
operate Kinloch Park school’s visual educa-
tion machines.
Mr. and Mrs. Earl M. Holden and daughter
Linda Lee, of Hickory, N. C., are expected
at the Beach for a ten-day vacation starting
June 5. They will be guests at Hotel Glades.
Holden was formerly manager of the Para-
mount Theatre in Miami at the time it was
the Fairfax and is now resident manager for
North Carolina Theatres, Inc., at Hickory,
N. C. This is the first Miami visit for the
Holdens in nine years.
Theatre's 'Weather Man'
Given Full Page Story
St. Petersburg — Frank O. Ericson, the
weather man who produces the just right
temperature for the Florida Theatre, was
the subject of a full-page story anent the
work he does in the local theatre. Ericson
has been chief engineer of the air con-
ditioning plant since 1926.
For the fun of it, Ericson keeps records
of the water “squeezed” from heat-laden
air. In ten hours one day he removed 503
gallons!
A hit picture means more work for
Ericson and his machines. When crowds
fill every seat the total body heat shoots
temperatures way up.
The Carrier centrifugal system in-
stalled in 1926 was among the first for
theatre use.
Allied Expels Member
For Columbia Deal
From Midwest Edition
MINNEAPOLIS — Local trade circles be-
lieve the recently launched North Central
Allied cooperative buying setup received a
setback with the expulsion of Martin G.
Lebedoff, operator of two de luxe Minneap-
olis neighborhood theatres, from Independ-
ent Theatre Ass’n, nonprofit buying combine
that comprises most leading Twin City thea-
tre owners.
Lebedoff was expelled because he defied
other members and made a deal with Co-
lumbia for “The Jolson Story” for his two
theatres. He acceded to terms which other
members disapproved. “Hy” Chapman, Co-
lumbia branch manager, said it wasn’t a
percentage deal, but nevertheless one that
the company “wanted.”
The rift is considered all the more signi-
ficant because Lebedoff is North Central
Allied secretary. At its recent convention
here, the independent exhibitor body de-
cided on a drive to bring all independent ex-
hibitors into buying combines and then to
try to effect a merger of as many of the
groups as possible in order to create greater
buying power. That power is essential in
the fight to force down film prices and
eliminate percentage, President Bennie Ber-
ger believes.
Before Lebedoff went ahead on his own
and made the deal for “Jolson,” Casper
Chouinard, Independent Theatre Ass’n man-
ager, had threatened suit to force Columbia
to deliver “The Jolson Story” to Lebedoff at
terms which he claimed the company had ac-
cepted. Columbia branch manager Chapman
charged Chouinard with trying to dictate
terms.
Is Selling Seats a Problem?
Tells you how!
Every issue has a
wealth of ideas.
v
s
Actual experiences in exploitation, regular advertising and keep-
ing the public sold on the theatre are reported with proluse illus-
trations in BOXOFFICE each week. This section on practical
ideas on merchandising the motion picture is alone worth the
price of a year's subscription.
S
Keep at the head of the procession and make more money. Read and use the numer-
ous features in BOXOFFICE to improve your showmanship and your earning power.
114
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
■ICE BAROMETER * EXHIBITOR- HAS HIS SAY
' t * ' '' ' - , - v -s ^ tr ' ^
FEATURE CHART * REVIEW DIGEST • SHORTS CHART
S'//'"'/, ,, |pp! % v ' ' ; if '
SHORTS REVIEWS m FEATURE REVIEWS * EXPEOlTfPS
1
Bookiniruide
BOXOFFIC
FIRST RUN REPORTS
This chart shows the records made by
pictures in live or more of the 21 key cities
checked. As new runs are reported, ratings
are added and averages revised.
BAROMETER
TOP HIT OF THE WEEK
The Egg and I —
Cleveland 230
Computed in terms of percentage in
relations to normal grosses. With 100
per cent as "normal," the figures
show the percentage above or below
that mark.
BOSTON
BUFFALO
CHICAGO
CINCINNATI
CLEVELAND
C/>
3
<
o
DENVER
DES MOINES
DETROIT
INDIANAPOLIS
KANSAS CITY
LOS ANGELES
MILWAUKEE
MINNEAPOLIS
NEW HAVEN '
NEW YORK
OMAHA
PHILADELPHIA
PITTSBURGH
SAN FRANCISCO
SEATTLE
AVERAGE
Abie’s Irish Rose (UA)
125
80
105
90
108
100
160
50
102
Angel and the Badman (Rep)
120
120
100
130
130
95
110
112
153
100
90
125
120
140
118
Apache Rose (Rep)
150
90
90
90
105
105
Beast With Five Fingers, The (WB)
140
90
115
100
115
100
125
95
125
120
125
140
95
95
160
140
110
110
117
Beat the Band (RKO)
170
100
85
70
o
o
rH
o
o
H
100
100
100
100
200
85
100
120
100
109
Bedelia (Eagle-Lion)
130
92
120 150
75
110
200
150
85
110
105
135
100
120
Blaze of Noon (Para)
100
80
95
130
93
90
110
100
Blondie’s Big Moment (Col)
100
100
85
100
100
100
100
100
100
110
100
100
110
85
99
Blondie’s Holiday (Col)
100
90
80
105
100
100
100
100
80
95
Carnival in Costa Rica (20th-Fox)
100
120 100
80
110
90
100
150
115
96
170
125
100
80
110
Devil Thumbs a Ride, The (RKO)
115
100
90
100
100
100
95
100
100
105
100
130
95
102
Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (RKO)
100
80
100
90
100
100
95
100
100
100
100
100
100
90
100
97
Dishonored Lady (UA)
125
80
100
90
140
107
Duel in the Sun (SRO)
220
138
150
225
275
210
118
213
260
201
Easy Come, Easy Go (Para)
115
100
140
70
110
100
110
90
93
95
175
105
120
100
109
Egg and I, The (U-I)
137
250
150
250
220
200
108
190
163
300
197
Farmer’s Daughter, The (RKO)
170
120
123 160
130
150
120
115
175
95
150
108
120
150
130
125
134
Ghost Goes Wild, The (Rep)
100
100
80
85
100
100
100
100
90
100
96
Guilt of Janet Ames, The (Col)
90
130
70
75
100
75
150
99
Hit Parade of 1947 (Rep)
100
80
85
93
95
90
Homestretch, The (20th-Fox)
130
70
175
98
150
125
I’I1 Be Yours (U-I)
120
100
120 150
80
117
90
115
85
90
125
115
90
90
100
100
75
120
80
103
Imperfect Lady, The (Para)
100
60
90
85
90
85
110
150
60
125
96
It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM)
130
88
125 110
95
100
100
120
100
150
130
160
130
110
145
80
120
100
116
It Happened on Fifth Avenue (Mono)
100
100
100
95
150
135
113
Ladies’ Man (Para)
140
165
135
90
65
75
150
95
93
95
125
145
100
135
90
100
112
Larceny in Her Heart (PRC)
105
100
100
80
90
100
100
100
100
110
99
Love and Learn (WB)
90
105
95
100
120
102
Macomber Affair, The (UA)
140
90
120
85
120
110
100
115
175
100
115
140
135
135
135
85
165
120
121
Michigan Kid (U-I)
100
135
95
100
100
110
110
125
100
150
125
80
111
Mighty McGurk, The (MGM)
100
110
110
100
115
100
105
80
100
100
125
100
100
110
100
100
125
125
106
My Brother Talks to Horses (MGM)
80
120
100
95
100
95
98
98
Private Affairs of Bel Ami, The (UA)
120
85
180
95
115
119
Ramrod (UA)
115
130
95
110
100
100
100
160
114
Sea of Grass, The (MGM)
130
130
130
90
140
105
125
100
130
175
140
150
140
108
150
85
130
127
Song of Scheherazade (U-I)
120
150
125
250
110
90
133
95
130
175
110
120
106
125
110
100
175
160
132
Spoilers of the North (Rep)
100
80
100
83
95
92
Stallion Road (WB)
110
85
120
110
80
133
95
115
100
100
175
130
125
100
105
90
170
85
120
110
113
Trail Street (RKO)
105
115
120
90
115
125
100
125
135
100
106
135
150
95
115
Two Mrs. Carrolls, The (WB)
110
125
115
150
100
150
100
121
Yearling, The (MGM)
118
135
115
120
150
200
130
118
200
143
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 31, 1947
Playing at advanced admission scales
1
EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY —
Just as the Barometer page shows first run reports on current pictures, this
department is devoted for the most part to reports on subsequent runs, made by
exhibitors themselves. A one-star contributor is new, two stars mean the exhibitor
has been writing in for six months or longer, and a three-star contributor is a
regular of one year or more, who receives a token of our appreciation. All exhibitors
welcome.
COLUMBIA MONOGRAM
Betty Co-Ed (Col) — Jean Porter, Shirley
Mills, William Mason. This little picture was
well received and showed to average attend-
ance. It held the interest well and received
many favorable comments. Played Sat., Sun.
— A. D. Laurence, Apex Theatre, Tioga, Tex.
Small town and rural patronage.
Pardon My Past (Col) — Fred MacMurray,
Marguerite Chapman, Akim Tamiroff. This is
extra good and all that came enjoyed the pic-
ture to its utmost — played it somewhat late but
it drew better than many pictures would have
in as busy a season as we now have. A good
comedy throughout. Played Sat., Sun.
Weather: Good. — W. H. Swan, Auditorium
Theatre, Roscoe, S. D. Rural patronage. * * *
Singing on the Trail (Col) — Ken Curtis, Jeff
Donnell, Guy Kibbee. For some reason these
Ken Curtis pictures do not please my weekend
patrons, as they like more of a gun-slinging
opera. Next time I'll play Curtis as my fea-
ture attraction and a knock-down, drag-out
western on my double bill program and this
time I'm sure this series will click. Played
Fri., Sat. — J. C. Balkcom jr., Gray Theatre,
Gray, Ga. Small town patronage.
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Holiday in Mexico (MGM) — Walter Pidgeon,
Jose Iturbi, Jane Powell. A beautiful Techni-
color production. One of the best pictures we
have run into for a long time. Played it three
rainy nights — Sun., Mon., Tues. What people
braved the weather enjoyed the picture very
much. — Bill Leonard, Leonard Theatre, Cedar-
vale, Kas. Small town and rural patronage. *
Letter for Evie, A (MGM) — Marsha Hunt,
John Carroll, Hume Cronyn. Here's a good
little programmer without much draw, but it
will make your audience happy. The cast is
not too well known, but they do a nice job.
It's entertaining, even though it didn't draw
well. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fine. —
R. C. Walker, Rialto Theatre, Fruita, Colo.
Rural patronage. * *
Music for Millions (MGM) — Margaret
O'Brien, Jose Iturbi. We played this in '45
and brought it back for a one-night free an-
niversary show, and it went over big — both
the "free" and the picture. It is still a swell
show and we had lots of comment on it. The
print was in excellent condition. Played Tues-
day. Weather: Perfect. — Paul Ricketts, Charm
Theatre, Holyrood, Kas. Rural and small town
patronage.
No Leave, No Love (MGM) — Van Johnson,
Keenan Wynn, Pat Kirkwood. This is an ex-
cellent fast-moving musical comedy which
holds your interest from start to finish. Keenan
Wynn is at his best. Of course “Sugar Chile"
Robinson stole the show. Business average.
Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Cool and clear.
— Carl E. Pehlman, Rio Theatre, Edinburg, 111.
Rural and small town patronage.
Nothing But Trouble (MGM) — Laurel and
Hardy. We did average Fri., Sat. business on
this comedy, which pleased all. Weather:
Good. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre,
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
Up Goes Maisie (MGM) — Ann Sothern,
George Murphy, Hillary Brooke. This doesn't
come up to the usual standard of the Maisie
series for comedy. But when Ann Sothern
takes off in the helicopter she gives her fans
enough thrills and laughs to send them away
happy. It's still better than most of the "junk"
you can afford to midweek. Business average.
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fine. — R. C.
Walker, Rialto Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural
patronage. * *
Ginger (Mono) — Frank Albertson, Barbara
Reed, Johnny Calkins. This is another boy-
and-dog story. This type usually does well
but this one seemed to fall short — no draw.
Played Wednesday. Weather: Good. — W. S.
Funk, Star Theatre, St. Stephen, S. C. Small
town and rural patronage. *
Rainbow Over the Rockies (Mono) — Jimmie
Wakely, Lee "Lasses" White, Pat Starling.
This is the third Jimmy Wakely western I've
played and after the first one was a flop, I
was doubtful, but after the second, I was for
Jimmy 100 per cent. This music was better,
picture was better, sound better, and Jimmy
was better. Now that he is beginning to be
a favorite, I wish he would send us his pic-
ture. Played Fri., Sat. — J. C. Balkcom jr.,
Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. Small town patron-
age. * * *
PARAMOUNT
Swamp Fire (Para) — Johnny Weissmuller,
Carol Thurston, Buster Crabbe. And how
could any small town exhibitor go in the
hole on a picture like this? Weissmuller is
famous as Tarzan and Crabbe famous as
Billy Carson (to the western fans). They really
liked this picture and it was by far the best
Pine-Thomas production we have had the
pleasure of playing. The price was right, the
weather was perfect, and the crowd was
excellent. Enough said. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Very good. — Dinkle & LeMaster, Ken
Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural and small town
patronage. *
Well Groomed Bride, The (Para) — Olivia de
Havilland, Ray Milland, Sonny Tufts. Even
though this picture did have two Academy
winners (Milland and de Havilland), the main
attraction of this picture was Sonny Tufts,
who has built quite a name for himself in
our fair community — and he did steal the pic-
ture despite the competition from the other
stars. It was most amusing and enjoyed by
all who saw it. Played Tuesday. Weather:
Not ' Year of Yearling'
On the Western Slope
“We are told that ‘This is the year of
The Yearling,’ but we have yet to see it
offered to a small town. What is MGM
holding it up for? This will be a good pic-
ture here, but because we are small, we
will probably have to wait until the sun
goes down the last time before even given
a bit of consideration. Metro calls itself
‘the friendly company,’ and it is to most
of us except that, like the others, when
it has a real picture that really would
bring us some of the real dough, it wants
to forget us until every one of its pet situ-
ations has played it. Then the company
will give us small theatre situations ‘a
break’ at a high price.
“This might be a break all right for
MGM, always to push us into the back-
ground, but as the saying goes, the day
will come when that little dirt worm might
turn and go the other way. I’m sure there
are other showmen here on the western
slope who feel the same way I do about
these Trig, colossal, sensational and out-
standing9 pictures.
“Yes, this is supposed to be ‘the year of
“The Yearling.” ’ I hope so but the year
is pretty well along, and so far it hasn’t
opened up and shown on the slope yet.” —
Harold J. Johnson, Elberta Theatre, Pali-
sade, Colo.
An Old Film Selected
To Open Rankin's Joy
STATE FAIR (20th-Fox) — Jeanne
Crain, Dana Andrews, Dick Haymes. We
had our grand opening with this picture,
which, although a little old, was much ap-
preciated. Played Thurs., FrL, Sat.
Weather: Cool. — Harland Rankin, Joy
Theatre, Bothwell, Ont. General pa-
tronage. * * *
Harland Rankin has long been a con-
tributor to this department on pictures
played in his Plaza Theatre at Tilbury.
We congratulate him on adding the Joy
Theatre at Bothwell to his holdings.
Rain, April showers, Jolson style. — R. V. Din-
kle, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural and
small town patronage. *
PRC PICTURES
Colorado Serenade (PRC)— Eddie Dean,
Mary Kenyon, Roscoe Ates. Eddie Dean is
doing okay and the color adds to the popu-
larity of these westerns. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Rain. — Bill Leonard, Leonard Thea-
tre, Cedarvale, Kas. Small town and rural
patronage. * * *
Wife of Monte Cristo, The (PRC) — John
Loder, Lenore Aubert, Fritz Kortner. This was
the first PRC picture in a long time which
let us down at the boxoffice. It was fairly
good but our patrons don't go for that French
accent. They want good old American play-
ers. The cast was full of foreign players,
which hurt in a big way. They should have
found a spot for A1 St. John in this as it would
have given us a name to work with. If you
play it, then double bill same, as it won't
stand alone in a small town. Played Tuesday.
Weather: Very good. — Dinkle & LeMaster, Ken
Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural and small town
patronage.
RKO RADIO
Bamboo Blonde (RKO) — Frances Langford,
Ralph Edwards, Russell Wade. I played it for
a Saturday night late show and wish I hac
played it on Mon., Tues. This picture drevi
many favorable comments. Everyone was well
pleased. Played Wed., Thurs., Fri., Sat.
Weather: Cold and rain. — W. S. Funk, Star
Theatre, St. Stephen, S. C. Small town and
rural patronage.
Nocturne (RKO) — George Rah, Lynn Bari,
Virginia Huston. This is adult entertainment.
It is a good picture enjoyed by our farm and
rural people. Played Mon., Tues. Weather:
Mild. — Harlan Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury,
Ont. General patronage.
Notorious (RKO) — Cary Grant, Ingrid Berg-
man, Claude Rains. This is a very good
picture. As usual Ingrid Bergman did put
forth some very fine acting for her public.
Played here on Sun, Mon., but did not have
the business we should have had. Weather:
Cool.— Harold J. Johnson, Elberta Theatre,
Palisade, Colo. Rural patronage.
Notorious (RKO)— Cary Grant, Ingrid Berg-
man, Claude Rains. A very good feature,
although I went in the red, because word-of-
mouth advertising made almost everyone see
it before I was able to play it. It's still a
good feature for anyone. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Clear. — C. M. Garrett, Yandell Thea-
tre, El Paso, Tex. Family patronage.
Radio Stars on Parade (RKO) — Wally Brown,
Alan Carney, Frances Langford. This is just
no good. We would have been ahead if we
had been dark the second night. Played
Wed., Thurs. Weather: Rain.— Bill Leonard,
Leonard Theatre, Cedarvale, Kas. Small town
and rural patronage.
Radio Stars on Parade (RKO) — Wally Brown,
Alan Carney, Frances Langford. A dandy
picture which was seen only by a few — too
much work now seeding and they work all
night. No time for entertainment on weekdays
2
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 31, 1947
— the books show red and more red. Played
Wednesday. Weather: Cold but good. — W. H.
Swan, Auditorium Theatre, Roscoe, S. D. Ru-
ral patronage.
Sister Kenny (RKO) — Rosalind Russell, Alex-
ander Knox, Deah Jagger. This is a good pic-
ture, rather on the educational line, but Rosa-
lind Russell's acting is most outstanding.
Business not so hot, but will blame the weather
instead of the picture. Good acting — a bit on
the tear-jerking side, but worth it. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Hot — very hot. — Harold
J. Johnson, Elberta Theatre, Palisade, Colo.
Rural patronage.
Song of the South (RKO) — Ruth Warrick,
Bobby Driscoll, James Baskett. This was a
wonderful picture. My patrons said that it was
better than "Snow White." Business was a
little above average but not what it should
have been. National Screen Service could
not supply me with a Technicolor trailer.
This may account for business being off. We
also had rain. Played Wed., Thurs. — A. D.
Laurence, Apex Theatre, Tioga, Tex. Small
town and rural patronage.
Vacation in Reno (RKO) — Jack Haley, Anne
Jeffreys, Wally Brown. A good little comedy
but not strong enough to stand alone. Busi-
ness was light. Played Tues. Weather: Good.
— E. N. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey,
Okla. Small town patronage.
REPUBLIC
French Key, The (Rep) — Albert Dekker, Mike
Mazurki, Evelyn Ankers. This is a fair mystery
that went all right on a double bill. Not too
bad a plot — lots of laughs. Played Tues.,
Wed. Weather: Hot. — Harold J. Johnson, El-
berta Theatre, Palisade, Colo. Rural patron-
age. * *
Rendezvous With Annie (Rep) — Eddie Al-
bert, Faye Marlowe, Gail Patrick. This was
in Republic's top bracket and we paid their
top price for it. The result was that we dug
down into our pockets some $20 to pay
for the damages it did. Only 50-some people
came to see it, and most of them were kids
who didn't know any better. How can a com-
pany charge so much for so little? No cast,
no story, no nothin'. Played Tuesday, thank
goodness. Weather: Very good. — Dinkle & Le-
Master, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural and
small town patronage. *
Sioux City Sue (Rep) — Gene Autry, Lynn
Roberts, Sterling Holloway. I was expecting
to reap rich rewards from this one but I am
sorry to say that attendance was only aver-
age for a midweek western. The people here
say that this is Autry's home town. How-
ever, my last Roy Rogers proved better for
the boxoffice. The weather was good. I would
like to say that all who saw this picture en-
joyed it. Played Mon., Tues. Our admissions
are 30 and 12 cents. — A. D. Laurence, Apex
Theatre, Tioga, Tex. Small town and rural
patronage. *
SCREEN GUILD
Renegade Girl (SG) — Alan Curtis, Ann Sav-
age, Jack Holt. Very good melodrama from
an up-and-coming company, Screen Guild.
The acting was just a little amateurish (with
the exception of Alan Curtis and Jack Holt,
who are veterans in the acting business).
Surprising as it may seem, we had a lot of
oldtimers who just came to see Jack Holt.
Edward Brophy was also funny as funny can
be. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Good. — R. V.
Dinkle, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural
and small town patronage. *
20th CENTURY-FOX
If I'm Lucky (20th-Fox) — Vivian Blaine,
Perry Como, Carmen Miranda. If I'm lucky I
won't play any more shows like this at a top
price. We think Fox is the lucky one to be
able to sell this show at such a price. Played
Thurs., Fri. Weather: Good. — W. S. Funk, Star
Theatre, St. Stephen, S. C. Small town and
rural patronage. *
Jesse James (20th-Fox) — Reissue. Tyrone
Power, Henry Fonda, Nancy Kelly. Our first
picture from Fox and a very good starter. It
was as old as Roosevelt's stay in Washington,
but it outdrew many of the newer releases. A
lot of people had seen it before but came to
see it again (it played our house years ago).
Pictures like this should be rereleased, as
this is the kind that has made the motion
picture industry what it is today. Power and
Fonda were excellent as the James brothers,
and Randolph Scott good as the marshal.
Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Heavenly. — Dinkle
& LeMaster, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Ru-
ral and small town patronage.
Margie (20th-Fox) — Jeanne Crain, Glenn
Langan, Lynn Bari. Technicolor. A small
town natural but our roads were bad so
we didn't get our usual patronage. Played
Mon., Tues., Wed. Weather: Mild. — Harland
Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. General
patronage.
My Darling Clementine (20th-Fox) — Henry
Fonda, Linda Darnell, Victor Mature. A super-
western with the wrong title. The direction
and acting are tops. Bad weather, the bad
title, and muddy roads killed it at the box-
office. I plan to bring it back for a Fri., Sat.
change. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Raining.
— R. W. Hailey, Lott Theatre, Lott, Tex. Small
town patronage.
Three Little Girls in Blue (20th-Fox) — June
Haver, George Montgomery, Vivian Blaine. A
pleasing musical in beautiful color which
pleased the customers. While the print wasn't
anything to brag about, it was the best one
Bouquet of the Week:
Glad to Pay Percentage
CANYON PASSAGE (U-I)— Dana An-
drews, Brian Donlevy, Susan Hayward. A
great western, a great cast and Techni-
color. You can’t go wrong on this feature.
A percentage feature but I was glad to
pay the percentage because it brought
new faces to my theatre. Played Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Clear. — C. M. Garrett,
Yandell Theatre, El Paso, Tex. Family
patronage. *
we have had from Fox in many a moon. Maybe
they did get my letters after all. Played Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Good. — Paul Ricketts, Charm
Theatre, Holyrood, Kas. Rural and small town
patronage. * *
UNITED ARTISTS
Abie's Irish Rose (UA) — Joanne Dru, Rich-
ard Norris, Michael Chekhov. This was well
received and would have drawn well if it
hadn't rained the two days it played. Played
Wed., Thurs. — J. C. Balkcom jr., Gray Thea-
tre, Gray, Ga. Small town patronage. * * *
Breakfast in Hollywood (UA) — Tom Brena-
man, Bonita Granville, Beulah Bondi. After
playing this one we weren't able to eat break-
fast for three days. In fact, our appetite was
gone for dinner and supper. Those who did
see it (who could be counted on your fingers)
didn't think much of it. We didn't have to run
a second show as only four or five sat the
picture out. It was terrible and the print was
in such terrible condition that the sound could
hardly be understood. A few more like this
one and we'll be back in the 52-20 club.
Played Tuesday. Weather: Good. — Dinkle <&
LeMaster, Ken Theatre, Raceland, Ky. Rural
and small town patronage. *
Rebecca (UA) — Reissue. Laurence Olivier,
Joan Fontaine, George Sanders. We bought
this at a high flat allocation and didn't even
make film rental. The first night was fine but
after that we couldn't drive them in with a
whip. This drags too much and is too deep
for small town patrons. Weather: Fair and
warm. — Jim Hanson, California Theatre, Ker-
man, Calif. Small town and rural patron-
age. *
Unexpected Guest (UA) — Bill Boyd, Randy
Brooks, Patricia Tate. Hopalong always brings
them in on Fri., Sat. and sends them out
pleased. Played on those days, and the
weather was good. — E. M. Freiburger, Para-
Brickbat of the Week
Hurled From Colorado
SEARCHING WIND, THE (Para) —
Robert Young, Sylvia Sidney, Ann Rich-
ards. Robert Young really must have lost
something, as my customers couldn’t fig-
ure what in hell he was searching for. A
poor picture for a small town. Your custo-
mers come out with a sort of flat feeling.
No good — Young really missed the boat
this trip. Played Thursday, Friday.
Weather: Warm. — Harold J. Johnson,
Elberta Theatre, Palisade, Colo. Rural
patronage. **
mount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town pa-
tronage. * * *
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
If I Had My Way (U-I) — Reissue. Bing
Crosby, Gloria Jean, Charles Winninger.
Played this one to the best Fri., Sat. business
yet. This is a reissue which should do above
average business in any location. It will stand
by itself. I played it with “Shadow of a
Woman” (WB) and had an excellent double
feature all the way through. Weather: Fair.—
Carl E. Pehlman, Rio Theatre. Rural and
small town patronage.
Runaround, The (U-I) — Rod Cameron, Ella
Rains. Doubled with “Wild Beauty." The first
is a very good comedy and everyone enjoyed
it — enough comedy and enough fights to keep
the feature entertaining. The kids really went
for the second one, but both features need
help if run in the suburban area. Played
Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather: Clear. — C. M.
Garrett, Yandell Theatre, El Paso, Tex. Fam-
ily patronage. *
Scarlet Street (U-I) — Edward G. Robinson,
Joan Bennett, Dan Duryea. This is an excel-
lent picture, full of suspense and superb act-
ing. Knowing that heavy drama such as this
would not draw in my location, I booked
"Riders of the Dawn" (Mono) as a second
feature, and enjoyed far above average busi-
ness for a two-day run. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Moderately cold. — Carl E. Pehlman,
Rio Theatre, Edinburg, 111. Rural and small
town patronage.
WARNER BROS.
Janie Gets Married (WB) — Joan Leslie, Rob-
ert Hutton, Robert Benchley. Everyone who
saw this picture liked it, but business was
slightly below average, due to the heavy
atmosphere. I don't believe the names
in this picture rated top rental. However, I
didn't lose so I can't complain. This is a good
comedy. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold. —
Carl E. Pehlman, Rio Theatre, Edinburg, 111.
Rural and small town patronage.
Stolen Life, A (WB) — Bette Davis, Glenn
Ford, Dane Clark. This was an excellent show
and Bette Davis deserves much credit for the
manner in which she carries two roles. Credit
is also due Warner's technicians for having
Miss Davis appear many times in both roles
without any apparent flaw. We did less than
average business on this but it was well liked
by those who saw it. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Rain. — Paul Ricketts, Charm Thea-
tre, Holyrood, Kas. Rural and small town pa-
tronage. * *
Torrid Zone (WB) — Reissue. James Cagney,
Ann Sheridan, Pat O'Brien. A very good pic-
ture with a top-notch cast. However, the
cold and heavy winds knocked this one in
the head and we dug down in our pockets
again. Otherwise we would have done bet-
ter on it, if the weather hadn't been so bad.
Played Tuesday. Weather: Cold and wind. —
Dinkle & LeMaster, Ken Theatre, Raceland,
Ky. Rural and small town patronage.
Verdict, The (WB) — Sydney Greenstreet,
Peter Lorre, Joan Lorring. I've yet to see the
time Lorre and Greenstreet will draw in an
average attendance. It's a good murder mys-
tery but why not have it take place in America
once in a while? Played Tues., Wed. Weather:
Cold. — Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville,
W. Va. Small town patronage.
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 31, 1947
3
MISCELLANEOUS^ WARNER-F. NT UNIV.-INTL ▼UNITED ARTISTS^ 20TH • FOX ^SCREEN GUILDT REP U
FEATURE CHART
feature productions, listed by company, in order of release. Number in square is national
release date. Production number is at right. Number in parentheses is running time, as
furnished by home office of distributor; checkup with local exchanges is recommended.
R_is review date. PG— is Picture Guide page number. Symbol Q indicates BOXOFFICE
Blue Ribbon Award Winner, Symbol © indicates color photography.
JULY 27
AUGUST 3
AUGUST 10
|H (73) Musical 7033
SING WHILE YOU
DANCE
Ellen Drew
Robert Stanton
Andrew Tombes
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
[ 8~] (68) Comedy 7039
PERSONALITY KID
Anita Louise
Michael Duane
Ted Donaldson
R— Aug. 10— PG-743
Special:
H&| (110) Drama 624
©EASY TO WED
Esther Williams
Van Johnson
B— Apr. 13— PO-714
[I~l (93) Drama 626
©COURAGE OF LASSIE
Lassie
Elizabeth Taylor
Frank Morgan
Tom Drake
R— May 11— PG-721
HU (64) Myi-Dr 51B
SHADOWS OVER
CHINATOWN
Sidney Toler
Victor Sen Young
[|] (65) Act-Dr 520
BELOW THE DEADLINE
Warren Douglas
Ramsay Ames
R— Oct. 5 — PG-755
[jo] (67) Western 567
SHADOWS ON THE
RANGE
Johnny Mack Brown
Block 6
H d*7) Act-Dr 4526
o.s.s.
Alan Ladd
Geraldine Fitzgerald
R— May 11— PO-721
Block 6
[9] (107) Drama 4527
THE SEARCHING WIND
Robert Young
Sylvia Sidney
R— May 11— PG-722
|U (67) Drama
QUEEN OF BURLESQUE
Evelyn Ankers
Carlton Young
R— July 6— PG-733
(m] (66) Drama
TERRORS ON
HORSEBACK
Buster Crabbe
R— Apr. 27— PG-717
Group 6
(105) Drama 626
TILL THE END OF
TIME
Dorothy McGuire
Guy Madison
Robert Mitchum
Bill Williams
R— June 15— PG-730
Group 6
(68) Musical 630
THE BAMBOO BLONDE
Frances Langford
Ralph Edwards
Russell Wade
R— June 22— PO-732
H (89) Comedy 525
RENDEZVOUS WITH
ANNIE
Eddie Albert
Faye Marlowe
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
HU (SB> Western 557
RED RIVER
RENEGADES
Sunset Carson
Peggy Stewart
|T| (57) M'drama 526
THE INNER CIRCLE
Adele Mara
Warren Douglas
William Frawley
[9] (67) M’drama 527
LAST CROOKED MILE
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
m (76) Act-Dr 4605
FLIGHT TO NOWHERE
Evelyn Ankers
Alan Curtis
(102) Drama 633
©CENTENNIAL
SUMMER
Jeanne Crain
Cornel Wilde
Linda Darnell
William Eythe
R— June 8 — PQ-728
(128) Drama 634
OANNA AND THE
KING OF SIAM
Irene Dunne
Rex Harrison
Linda Darnell
R— June 8— PG-727
[2] (84) M'drama
MR. ACE
George Raft
Sylvia 81dney
Sid Silvers
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
HU (92) Drama 541
©CANYON PASSAGE
Andrews-Hayward
R— July 27— PG-740
^ (61) Musleal 542
CUBAN PETE
Desl Arnaz
R— July 27— PG-739
[Jj (80) Drama 543
THE BLACK ANGEL
Dan Duryea
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
[|] (03) Drama 544
SLIGHTLY
SCANDALOUS
Fred Brady
[9] (61) Drama 545
WILD BEAUTY
Don Porter
Lois Collier
Jacqueline De Wit
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
2
(~3~| (128) Drama 523
©NIGHT AND DAY
Cary Grant
Alexis Smith
Monty Woolley
Mary Martin
R— July 13— PO-736
AUGUST 24
AUGUST 31
SEPTEMBER
Is
.1
HU (81) Drama 627
FAITHFUL IN MY
FASHION
Tom Drake
Donna Reed
R— June 15— PG-729
HU (82) Drama 628
U THREE WISE FOOLS
Margaret O’Brien
Lionel Barrymore
Lewis Stone
Edward Arnold
Thomas Mitchell
R— June 15— PG-730
HU (68) Comedy 512
SPOOK BUSTERS
Leo Gorcey
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
Billy Benedict
David Gorcey
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
7] (74) Com-Mug 517
HIGH SCHOOL HERO
Freddie Stewart
June Prelsser
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
Special:
IU (93) Comedy 4532
MONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE
Bob Hope
Joan Caulfield
R— May 11— PO-721
Block 6
j] (09) Act-Dr 4528
SWAMP FIRE
Johnny Weissmuller
Buster Crabbe
HU (64) Act-West
OVERLAND RIDERS
Buster Crabbe
A1 "Fuzzy” St. John
R— Aug. 31— PQ-747
|U (68) Mys-Dr
BLONDE FOR A DAY
Hugh Beaumont
Kathryn Adams
R — Aug. 10 — PQ-742
2] (56) Dram*
STRANGE HOLIDAY
Claude Rains
R— Nov. 9 — PG-764
J
Special:
(103) Drama 761
NOTORIOUS
Ingrid Bergman
Cary Grant
Claude Rains
Louis Calhern
R— July 27— PG-739
Group 6
(93) Drama 627
CRACK-UP
Pat O’Brien
Claire Trevor
Herbert Marshall
R — June 15 — PG-729
gU (67) Mys-Dr 529
THE INVISIBLE
INFORMER
Linda Stirling
William Henry
Gerald Mohr
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
2U (69) West-Mus 541
UNDER NEVADA SKIES
R-oy Rogers
R— Aug. 31— PG-748
J (56) Mystery 531
THE MYSTERIOUS MR.
VALENTINE
William Henry
Linda Stirling
(74) Drama 63(
BLACK BEAUTY
Mona Freeman
Richard Denning
Evelyn Ankers
R— July 20— PG-737
[jj] (96) Comedy
THE BACHELOR’S
DAUGHTERS
Gall Russell
Claire Trevor
Adolphe Menjou
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
HU (76) Drama 547
DEAD OF NIGHT
Mervyn Johns
Roland Culver
Frederick Valk
R— July 6— PG-734
HU (102) Drama 548
THE KILLERS
Burt Lancaster
It— Aug. 17— PG-743
HU (61) Drama 549
LITTLE MISS BIG
R— Sept. 7— PG-750
HU (74) Drama 55(
WHITE TIE AND
TAILS
Dan Duryea
Ella Raines
William Bendix
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
HU (114) Drama 601
THE BIG SLEEP
Humphrey Bogart
Lauren Bacall
Martha Vickers
Dorothy Malone
R— Aug. 17— PG-744
JULY 20
Ip] (67) Act-Mus 7223
COWBOY BLUES
Ken Curtis
Jeff Donnell
Hoosler Hotshots
Guy Klbbee
R— July 13— PG-736
Block 17
[l8] (97) Drama 625
BOYS' RANCH
James Craig
“Batch” Jenkins
B— May 4— PG-72*
[2o| (66) Act-Com 511
BOWERY BOMBSHELL
Huntz Hall
Bobby Jordan
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
|i7| (66) Western
PRAIRIE BAOMEN
j Buster Crabbe
A1 “Fuzzy” 8t. John
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
CONQUEST OF
CHEYENNE
BUI Elliott
Bobby Blake
Alice Fleming
|ij| (100) M drama
A SCANDAL IN PARIS
George Sanders
Slgne Hasso
Carole Landis
R— July 20— PQ-738
[i9| (69) Drama 5<
THE DARK HORSE
Phillip Terry
Ann Savage
Allen Jenkins
R— July 20— PG-738
OF HUMAN BONDAGE
Paul Henreid
Eleanor Parker
Alexis Smith
Edmund Gwenn
Janls Paige
B— July 6 — PG-734
(54) Western 7201
HEADING WEST
Charles Starrett
SmUey Burnette
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
Iy| (60) Mys-Dr
MISSING LADY
Kane Richmond
Barbara Reed
AUGUST 17
525
(76) Drama
DOWN MISSOURI WAY
Martha O’Driscoll
R— July 13— PG-735
(58) Drama
SECRETS OF A
SORORITY GIRL
R— Aug. 24— PG-745
12] (69) Corn-Dr 528
G.l. WAR BRIDES
Anna Lee
James Ellison
R— Aug. 24— PG-746
(72) Outdr-Dr 4604
©DEATH VALLEY
Robert Lowery
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
(65) Drama
DEADLINE FOR
MURDER
Paul KeUy
Kent Taylor
SheUa Ryan
Jerome Cowan
R— June 22— PG-732
635
Special :
jig] (126) Drama
(JOCAESAR AND
CLEOPATRA
Vivien Leigh
Claude Rains
Stewart Granger
R— Aug. 17— PQ-744
THE TIME OF THEIR
LIVES
Abbott and Costello
Blnnie Barnes
Jess Barker
It— Aug. 17— PG-743
|17j (90) Drama 5;
TWO GUYS FROM
MILWAUKEE
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Joan Leslie
Janis Paige
R— July 27— PG-739
jinn
r
PS
o
H
3
(57) Mus (New Rel)
BEWARE
Louis Jordan
(72) Comedy Reissue
FLYING DEUCES
Laurel and Hardy
(10) Mus (New Rel)
(1 Reel Spec)
HERE'S RICHARD’S
ANSWER
Stepin Fetehlt
(57) M-Dr (New Rel)
HOLLYWOOD BOUND
Betty Grable
(89) Reissue
JIMMY STEPS OUT
Jimmy Stewart
(83) Drama Reissue
LITTLE MEN
(86) Drama Reissue
ONE ROMANTIC NIGHT
Ilona Massey
(67) Mus. (New Rel)
REET, PETITE AND
GONE
Louis Jordan
June Richmond
(100) Drama Reissue
SCARFACE
Paul Muni
George Raft
(86) Mus-Dr Reissue
SECOND CHORUS
Paulette Goddard
Fred Astaire
(55) M-Dr (New Rel)
STAIRWAY FOR A STAR
Cornel Wilde
(48) Mus (New Rel)
TALL, TAN AND
TERRIFIC
Mantan Moreland
Francine Everett
(50) M-Dr (New Rel
THAT MAN OF MINE
Barrel Tillman
Ruby Dee
Anna Mae Winbum
(58) O’d-Dr (New Rel
WHITE STALLION
Eddie Dean
4
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 31, 1947
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
EPTEMBER 14 ‘
SEPTEMBER 21 1 SEPTEMBER 28
OCTOBER 5
OCTOBER 12
OCTOBER 19
OCTOBER 26 IS
j] (63) Comedy 7038
"S GREAT TO BE
YOUNG
—Sept. 7— PG-749
| (69) Western 7224
NGING ON THE
TRAIL
-Sept 14— PG-752
jg (68) Drama 7002
3ALLANT JOURNEY
1— Sept. 14— PG-752
26] (70) M’Dr-Mys 7041
SHADOWED
\nita Louise
i— Oct. 5 — PG-756
30] (91) Musical 7006
rHE THRILL OF
BRAZIL
Jvelyn Keyes
Keenan Wynn
Ann Miller
Ulyn Joslyn
!— Aug. 31— PG-747
g(71) Psyeb-Dr 805
SO DARK THE NIGHT
Steven Geray I
tlicheline Chelrel
Eugene Borden
tnn Codee
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
7] (69) Comedy 606
iLONDIE KNOWS BEST
!ingleton-Lake
t— Oct. 5— PG-755 V
It] (53) Western 861 ®
.ANDRUSH [
Jharles Starrett |
13] (61) Mystery 816
RIME DOCTOR’S
MANHUNT
Earner Baiter
lien Drew
William Frawley
'rank Sully
t— Dec. 28 — PG-778
(127) Mus-Com 701
^HOLIDAY IN MEXICO
Walter Pidgeon
Jane Powell
Ilona Massey
Jose Iturbi
R— July 27— PG-740
(81) Comedy-Dr 703
THE COCKEYED
MIRACLE
Frank Morgan
Keenan Wynn
Audrey Totter
R— July 20— PG-737
(117) Musical 704
NO LEAVE, NO LOVE
Jan Johnson
(eenan Wynn
Pat Kirkwood
It— Aug. 31— PG-747
Reissue
(84) Drama 705
RAGE IN HEAVEN
tobert Montgomery
ngrid Bergman
leorge Sanders
g (78) Mys-Dr 601
ECOY
jward Norris
:an Gillie
. Armstrong
— Sept. 14 — PG-751
2g (54) Western 568
TRIGGER FINGERS
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
5] (72) Act-Dr 602
GENTLEMAN JOE
PALOOKA
Joe Kirkwood jr.
Elyse Knox
Leon Errol
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
l|] (66) Mys-Dr 603
DANGEROUS MONEY
Sidney Toler
Gloria Warren
Victor Sen Young
It— Oct. 12— PG-758
W
K
P
R
lock 6
| (117) Drama 4529
HE STRANGE LOVE
OF MARTHA IVERS
arbara Stanwyck
an Heflin
izabeth Scott
ip- Mar. 16— PG-706
Reissue R5-3624
(113) Outdr-Drama
THE PLAINSMAN
Gary Cooper
Jean Arthur
Reissue R5-3620
(84) Adven-Drama
JUNGLE PRINCESS
Dorothy Lamour
Ray MUland
g (86) Drama SP71
HER SISTER'S
SECRET
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
jg (56) Act-West
OUTLAW OF THE
PLAINS
Crabbe-St. John
[T] (65) Outdr-Mus 741
DRIFTIN’ RIVER
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
[T] (68) Drama 714
THE BRUTE MAN
R— Nov. 2 — PG-761
2
G
B
1
1
(
roup 1
(61) Drama 703
TEP BY STEP
awrence Tierney
nne Jeffreys
owell Gilmore
—July 20— PG-737
Group 1
(59) Western 704
SUNSET PASS
James Warren
Nan Leslie
John Laurenz
Jane Greer
R— July 20— PG-738
Group 1
(97) Comedy 702
LADY LUCK
Robert Young
Barbara Hale
Frank Morgan
R— July 27— PG-739
Group 1
(116) Drama 701
KjlSISTER KENNY
Rosalind Russell
Alexander Knox
Dean Jagger
It— July 20— PG-738
Group 1
(68) Drama 705
GREAT DAY
Eric Portman
Flora Robson
R— July 20— PG-737
Group 2
(62) Drama 709
CRIMINAL COURT
Tom Conway
R— Aug. 10— PG-742
[Ts] (62) Corn-Chiller
GENIUS AT WORK
W. Brown-A. Carney
R— Aug. 10— PG-741
1
(56) Western 558
10 GRANDE RAIDERS
unset Carson
2] (68) Outdr-Mus 542
OLL ON TEXAS
MOON
oy Rogers-Dale Evans
—Sept. 28— PG-754
|T| (71) Drama 4607
ROLLING HOME
Jean Parker
Russell Hayden
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
gjs] (41) Out-Dr 4606
'NEATH CANADIAN
SKIES
Russell Hayden
Inez Cooper
(78) Drama 637
LAUDIA AND DAVID
)orotby McGuire
;obert Young
[ary Astor
ohn Sutton
ail Patrick
—July 27— PG-748
(78) Musical 638
IF I'M LUCKY
Vivian Blaine
Perry Como
Harry James
Carmen Miranda
Phil Silvers
R— Sept. 7— PG-T59
Reissue
(86) Musical 641
SUN VALLEY
SERENADE
Sonja Henie
John Payne
Milton Berle
Glenn Miller & Orch.
Joan Davis
(90) Musical 639
©THREE LITTLE GIRLS
IN BLUE
June Haver
George Montgomery
Vivian Blaine
Celeste Holm
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
(90) Drama 640
HOME SWEET
HOMICIDE
Peggy Ann Garner
Randolph Scott
Lynn Bari
Dean Stockwell
R— July 27— PG-740
Reissue
(84) Drama 642
THE BOWERY
Wallace Beery
George Raft
Jackie Cooper
Fay Wray
2oJ (101) M’drama
ANGEL ON MY
SHOULDER
Paul Muni
Anne Baxter
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
[ill (®f) Comedy
LITTLE IODINE
Jo Ann Marlowe
Eve Whitney
Marc Cramer
B— Oct. 19— PG-759
[25] (101) Druaa
STRANGE WOMAN
Hedy Lamarr
George Sanders
Louis Hayward
R— Nov. 2— PO-762
9
[20] (1*8) Drama 1065
THEY WERE SISTERS
Phyllis Calvert
James Mason
Hugh Sinclair
R— Aug. 31— PG-747
(85) Drama 601
THE DARK MIRROR
Olivia de Havilland
Lew Ayres
Thomas Mitchell
R— Oct. 12— PG-758
t] (78) Drama 602
-HADOW OF A WOMAN
idrea King
elmut Dantine
illiaro Prince
—Aug. 17— PG-744
[28] (106) Drama 603
CLOAK AND DAGGER
Gary Cooper
Robert Alda
Lilli Palmer
R— Sept. 14— PG-752
[12] (100) Drama 60t
NOBODY LIVES
FOREVER
John Garfield
Geraldine Fitzgerald
Walter Brennan
Faye Emerson
R— Oct. 5 — PG-755
g (112) Drama 605
DECEPTION
Bette Davis
Paul Henreid
Claude Rains
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
FEATURE CHART
NOVEMBER 2 |
(68) DraaM
(62)
Drama 708
(91) Drama 644
WANTED FOR MURDER
Eric Portman
Dulcie Gray
Derek Farr
Roland Culrer
R— Nor. 9— PG-763
[I] (168) Corn-Dr 1066
NOTORIOUS
GENTLEMAN
Rex Harrison
Lilli Palmer
R— Not. 2— PG-781
(101) Drama Reissue
D0DSW0RTH
Walter Huston
Jonn Payne
Reissue
(109) Drama Reissue
NORTH STAR
Dana Andrews
(80) Mus-Com Reissue
PALMY DAYS
Eddie Cantor
George Raft
(81) Reissue
THE RETURN OF THE
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Barry Barnes
(90) Musical Reissue
ROMAN SCANDALS
Eddie Cantor
Ruth Etting
(98) Drama Reissue
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
Merle Oberon
Leslie Howard
(107) Drama Reissue
STELLA DALLAS
Barbara Stanwyck
John Boles
(100) Musical Reissue
STRIKE ME PINK
Eddie Cantor
Brian Donlevy
(109) Drama Reissue
THE THIEF OF
BAGDAD
Sabu
Conrad Veidt
(77) Drama Reissue
THE UNHOLY GARDEN
Ronald Colman
(83) Drama Reissue
WEDDING NIGHT
Gary Cooper
(102) Western Reissue
THE WESTERNER
Gary Cooper
Walter Brennan
Dana Andrews
(104) Drama Reissue
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
Laurence OlMer
Merle Oberon
(71) Comedy Reissue
WOMAN CHASES MAN
Joel McCrea
Miriam Hopkins
- BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 31, 1947
5
MISCELLANEOUS^ W A R N E R - F. N.T UNIV.-INT
FEATURE CHART
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
:EMBER 14 I DECEMBER 21 ! DECEMBER 28 JA
NOVEMBER 30
DECEMBER 7
HU (72) Musical 824
BETTY CO-ED
Jean Porter
Shirley Mills
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
|3o] (68) Mystery 607
THE TRAP
Sidney Toler
Manton Moreland
Victor Sen Young
R— Jan 11— PG-779
0 (63) Act-Com 608
MR. HEX
jeo Gorcey
Iuntz Hall
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
HU (74) Drama
LADY CHASER
Robert Lowery
Ann Savage
J] (73) •utdr-Mua 706
©WILD WEST
Eddie Dean
A1 La Rue
Robert "Buzzy" Henry
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
HU (95) Mus-Dr 791
U©S0NG OF THE
SOUTH
Bobby Driscoll
Luana Patten
Ruth Warrick
R— Nov. 2— PG-762
If] (117) Drama 601
©I’VE ALWAYS LOVED
YOU
R— Sept. 7— PG-749
J) (67) Outdr 5503
30UT CALIFORNIA
WAY
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
7) (60) Drama 4609
MY DOG SHEP
Tom Neal
William Farnum
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
(92) Mus-Fant 649
©WAKE UP AND
DREAM
June Haver
John Payne
Charlotte Greenwood
Connie Marshall
R— Nov. 30— PG-768
7
Reissues:
0 (127) Drama 601
KINGS ROW
Sheridan- Reagan
0 (72) M’drama 60!
WILD BILL HICKOK
RIDES
Bruce Cabot-C. Bennett
| NOVEMBER 9
NOVEMBER 16
[7] (65) Mystery 818
SECRET OF THE
WHISTLER
I Richard Dix
Leslie Brooks
R— Not. 2— PO-761
] (71) Outdr-Mus 531
BEAUTY AND THE
BANDIT
I Gilbert Roland
Ramsay Ames
Frank Yaconelli
[|] (78) Drama
DON RICARDO
RETURNS
I Fred Coby
HOME IN OKLAHOMA
Roy Rogers
George "Gabby” Hayes
Dale Evans
R— Not. 9— PG-763
(97) Drama
MY DARLING
CLEMENTINE
I Henry Fonda
I Linda Darnell
1 Victor Mature
Walter Brennan
1 Tim Holt
Ir— Oct. 12— PG-758
645
0 (97)
Errol Flynn
Eleanor Parker
Luclle Watson
S. Z. Sakall
R— Not. 2— PG-762
NOVEMBER 23
H
T
C
s
R
(115) Drama 707
UNDERCURRENT T
Katharine Hepburn L
Robert Taylor J
Robert Mitcbum R
R— Oct. 6— PG-756
|jU (55) Western 563 [s
SILVER RANGE 9
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
r
T
A
\
E
E
E
i
1
s
I
Group 2
(87) Drama 706
NOCTURNE
George Raft 1
Lynn Bari 1
R— Oct. 12— PG-757
'
HU (56) Western 661
SANTA FE UPRISING
Allan Lane-Bobby Blake
HU (82) Drama 532
PLAINSMAN AND THE
LADY
William “Bill” Elliott
R — Nov. 9 — PG-763
HU (48) Out-Dr 4610
NORTH OF THE
BORDER
Russell Hayden
5 (94) Drama 646
©MARGIE
Jeanne Crain
Glenn Langan
Lynn Bari
Alan Young
R— Oct. 19— PG-760
ra (65) Western
THE DEVIL'S
PLAYGROUND
William Boyd
R— Sept. 28 — PG-753
(95) Drama 602
MAGNIFICENT DOLL
Ginger Rogers
Burgess Meredith
David Niven
R— Nov. 23— PG-766
16
E
(65) Western 862
9— PG-764
(93)
Drama 706
(68) Comedy 604
(98) Sea Drama 4601
THE MAST
-Dec. 28— PO-776
OUR LIVES
(68) Com-Mus 603
GERALDINE
(86) Drama
Drama 607
(69) Mystery 822
THE LAW
-Dec. 14— PG-772
MOONLIGHT
(97) Drama 709
—Not. 30— PG-767
5] (65) Comedy
SUSIE STEPS OUT
Cleatus Caldwell
David Bruce
Nita Hunter
R— Nov. 23— PG-768
(61) Western 863
THE FIGHTING
FRONTIERSMAN
Starrett-Burnette
(69) M'drama 828
ALIAS MR. TWILIGHT
Micbael Duane
—Jan. 4— PQ-777
(83) Comedy 70S
THE SHOW-OFF
Red Skelton
Marilyn Maxwell
R— Aug. 17— PG-743
(76) Dr-Mus 606
SWEETHEART OF
SIGMA CHI
Elyse Knox
Phil Brito
Phil Regan
:— Dec. 7— PG-770
(98) Drama
TEMPTATION
Merle Oberon
George Brent
Charles Korvin
Paul Lukas
R— Not. 2— PG-761
604
(64) Mus-Com 80'
sTnGIN’ IN THE CORN
Judy Canova
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
(91) Mel’drama 82!
THE RETURN OF
MONTE CRISTO
—Nov. 30— PG-767
(55) Outdr-Mus 6S
SONG OF THE SIERRAS
Jimmy Wakely
Lee "Lasses” White
Jean Carlin
P(132) Com-Dr 781
S A WONDERFUL
LIFE
James Stewart
Donna Reed
Lionel Barrymore
Dec. 21— PG-774
(71) Dr-Com 604
FABULOUS SUZANNE
Barbara Britton
R— Dec. 28— PG-775
(70) Outdr-Mus 543
HELDORADO
Roy Rogers
R— Jan. 4— PG-777
(69) Drama 648
DANGEROUS MILLIONS
Kent Taylor
Dona Drake
Tala Birell
James Tinllng
Leonard Strong
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
(104) Musical 4602
4j!©BLUE SKIES
Bing Crosby
Fred Astaire
Joan Caulfield
Billy De Wolfe
Olga San Juan
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
Group 3
(62) Drama 71< »
DICK TRACY VS.
CUEBALL
Morgan Conway
Anne Jeffreys
Lyle Latell
R— Not. 9— PG-764
(95) Drama 53.._
THAT BRENNAN GIRL
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
(56) Western 662
STAGECOACH TO
DENVER
Allan Lane
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
(65) Drama 461
RENEGADE GIRL
Ann Savage
Alan Curtis
R— Feb. 8— PG-787
HU (96) Com-Dr
ABIE’S IRISH ROSE
Joanne Dru
Richard Norris
R— Nov. 30— PG-767
HU (105) Musical 61
©THE TIME, THE PLAC
AND THE GIRL
Dennis Morgan
Jack Carson
Janis Paige
Martha Vickers
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
o
(140) Drama
DUEL IN THE SUN
Jennifer Jones
in
PC
Gregory Peck
P
W
Joseph Cotten
1—4
K
CQ
Lionel Barrymore
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
(85) Drama
Prestige
BRIEF ENCOUNTER
(70) Melodrama
English
THE RAIDER
R— Sept. 28— PG-754
(89) Drama
Eng. Films
MAN FROM MOROCCO
Anton Walbrook
R— Jan. 4— PG-778
(80) Melodrama
Four Cont.
MURDER IN REVERSE
R— Jan. 4— PG-778
(40) Doc-Dr
Eng. Films
DIARY FOR TIMOTHY
John Gielgud
Dame Myre Hess
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
(69) Mus-Com
Herald
BOY, WHAT A GIRLI
R— Feb. 15— PG-790
(65) Doc-Dr
Elllott-St. Rts
CITIZEN SAINT
R— May 10— PG-818
6
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
JANUARY 4
(135) Mus-Dr 710
ILL THE CLOUDS
ROLL BY
>ert Walker
Heflin
:ille Bremer
Johnson
y Garland
-Nov. 23— PG-765
(67) Drama 609
ilGER
nk Albertson
bara Reed
nny Calkins
Apr. 19— PG-812
mp 3
(61) Drama
E FALCON’S
ADVENTURE
n Conway
dge Meredith
card S. Brophy
-Dec. 28— PG-775
(95) Drama 702
RUE MADELEINE
aes Cagney
labella
hard Conte
Iter Abel
ink Latimore
Dec. 28— PG-775
715
1 JANUARY 11
JANUARY 18
JANUARY 25
FEBRUARY 1
FEBRUARY 8
FEBRUARY 15
1 [9] (69) Comedy 807
BLONDIE’S BIG
MOMENT
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
Larry Simms
Marjorie Kent
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
g|] (69) Mystery 823
LONE WOLF IN MEXICO
Gerald Mohr
Shirley Ryan
Jacqueline De Wit
Eric Blore
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
H (128) Mus-Dr 831
©yTHE JOLSON STORY
Larry Parks
Evelyn Keyes
William Demarest
Bill Goodwin
R— Sept. 28— PG-753
go] (68) Western
SOUTH OF THE
CHISHOLM TRAIL
Charles Starrett
Smiley Burnette
Nancy Saunders
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
[IT] (73) Myst-Dr
BLIND SPOT
Chester Morris
Constance Dowling
Steven Geray
R— Feb. 8— PG-787
|X3| (67) Mus-Dr
CIGARETTE GIRL
Leslie Brooks
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
[51 (63) West-Mui
OVER THE SANTA FE
TRAIL
R— Mar. 1 — PQ-796
(99) Drama 702
©GALLANT BESS
Marshall Thompson
George Tobias
Clem Bevans
Donald Curtis
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
gg] (85) Drama 711
THE MIGHTY McGURK
Wallace Beery
Dean Stockwell
Edward Arnold
Aline MacMahon
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
HI <103> Mystery 712
LADY IN THE LAKE
Robert Montgomery
Audrey Totter
Lloyd Nolan
R— Nov. 30 — PG-776
[7] (98) Comedy 714
LOVE LAUGHS AT
ANDY HARDY
Mickey Rooney
Lewis Stone
Bonita Granville
R — Dec. 7 — PG-769
H] (63) Drama 715
MY BROTHER TALKS
TO HORSES
Butch Jenkins
Peter Lawford
Beverly Tyler
R— Nov. 23— PG-786
[ll| (61) Cisco Kid 610
RIDING THE
CALIFORNIA TRAIL
Gilbert Roland
Inez Cooper
Frank Yaconelli
g§] (58) Western 568
RAIDERS OF THE
SOUTH
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Reno Blair
goj (68) Teen-Ager 611
VACATION DAYS
June Prelsser
Freddie Stewart
Frankie Darro
R— Apr. 5— PG-808
pT] (54) West-Mus 683
RAINBOW OVER THE
ROCKIES
Jimmy Wakely
Lee ’’Lasses” White
Pat Starling
gs| (54) Western 675
VALLEY OF FEAR
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Reno Blair
go] (83) Comedy 4603
CROSS MY HEART
Betty Hutton
Sonny Tufts
Michael Chekhov
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
g (87) Rom-Com 4604
THE PERFECT
MARRIAGE
Loretta Young
David Niven
Eddie Albert
Virginia Field
R— Nov. 23— PG-765
0 (91) Comedy 4605
LADIES' MAN
Eddie Bracken
Cass Daley
Virginia WeUes
Spike Jones
Virginia Field
R— Jan. 11— PG-780
go) (74) Drama
LIGHTHOUSE
John Lltel
June Lang
g|j (56) Drama 705
BORN TO SPEED
11— Jim. 25— PG-783
Eagle-Lion
H] (63) Comedy 102
IT'S A JOKE, SON
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
|l7| (67) Western 744
WILD COUNTRY
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
Eagle-Lion
|29| (95) Drama 101
BEDELIA
Margaret Lockwood
Ian Hunter
Barry K. Barnes
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
(60) Comedy 713
VACATION IN RENO
Jack Haley
Anne Jeffreys
Wally Brown
11— Oct. 12— PG-757
Group 3
(66) Melodrama 712
SAN QUENTIN
Lawrence Tierney
Barton MacLane
Marian Carr
R— Dec. 7— PG-769
Group 3
(85) Drama 711
THE LOCKET
Laraine Day
Brian Aherne
Robert Mitchum
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
I22) (67) Comedy 602
THE PILGRIM LADY
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
g6| (67) Western 682
TRAIL TO SAN
ANTONE
Gene Autry
It— Feb. 1— PG-785
gl] (88) Musical 607
CALENDAR GIRL
Jane Frazee
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
[T] (67) Western 5504
©LAST FRONTIER
UPRISING
Monte Hale
gs| (100) Western 608
ANGEL & THE BADMAN
R — Mar. 1 — PG-796
gsj (74) Comedy 606
MAGNIFICENT ROGUE
R — Mar. 22 — PG-803
[is] (62) Drama 4611
QUEEN OF THE
AMAZONS
Robert Lowery
Patricia Morison
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
Rerelease
(109) Drama 704
LES MISERABLES
Fredric March
(101) Drama 705
STANLEY AND
LIVINGSTONE
Spencer Tracy
(146) Drama 701
THE RAZOR’S EDGE
Tyrone Power
Gene Tierney
John Payne
Clifton Webb
Anne Baxter
R— Dec. 7— PG-770
(85) Mus-Com 703
©THE SHOCKING
MISS PILGRIM
Betty Grable
Dick Haymes
Anne Revere
Allyn Joslyn
R — Jan. 11 — PG-779
(88) Mystery 706
BOOMERANG
Dana Andrews
Jane Wyatt
Lee Cobb
R— Feb. 1— PG-786
(72) Mystery 707
THE BRASHER
DOUBLOON
George Montgomery
Nancy Guild
Conrad Janis
R— Feb. 15 — PG-790
(67) Drama 708
STRANGE JOURNEY
Paul Kelly
Osa Massen
Hillary Brooke
R— Sept. 14— PG-751
[7] (68) Western
FOOL'S GOLD
William Boyd
Andy Clyde
R — Cct. 12— PO-758
PH (03) Drama
THE RED HOUSE
Edward G. Robinson
Lon McCaUMer
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
(86) Drama 606
SWELL GUY
Sonny Tufts
Ann Blyth
R— Dec. 14— PG-771
(93) Drama 607
I’LL BE YOURS
Deanna Durbin
Tom Drake
William Bendlx
R— Jan. 25 — PG-783
(98) Drama 605
THE WICKED LADY
Margaret Lockwood
James Mason
Patricia Roc
R — Dec. 14 — PG-771
gl] (96) Drama-Mus 611
THE MAN 1 LOVE
Ida Lupino
Robert Alda
Andrea King i
Bruce Bennett
R— Dec. 28 — PG-776
H] (125) Dra-Mus 612
HUMORESQUE
Joan Crawford
John Garfield
Oscar Levant
R— Dec. 28— PG-770
1 8 [ (88) M’drama 613
THE BEAST WITH
five FINGERS
Robert Aida
Andrea King
Peter Lorre
Victor Francen
J. Carrol Naish
R — Nov 30 — PO-766
FEBRUARY "tt]
(100) Mys-Dr 830
DEAD RECKONING
Humphrey Bogart
Lizabeth Scott
II— Jan. 18— PG-781 F
[21] (97) Outdr-Dr 4606 |
©CALIFORNIA
Ray Milland
Barbara Stanwyck
Barry Fitzgerald
R— Dec. 21— PG-774
Group 3
(117) Fantasy 762 I
©SINBAD THE SAILOR
Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
Maureen O'Hara
Walter Slezak
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
liH (56) Outdoor 663 1
VIGILANTES OF
B00MT0WN
Allan Lane
R — Mar. 8 — PG-799
HI <76) Outdr-Mus 641 1
©APACHE ROSE
R — Mar. 22 — PQ-803
I22] (88) Mus-Dr
THE FABULOUS
DORSEYS
Tommy Dorsey
Jimmy Dorsey
Janet Blair
R — Mar. 1 — PQ-704
(74) Rom-Dr
Vog
POSTMASTER’S
DAUGHTER
R— Sept. 7— PG-749
(105) Comedy
Azteca
AHI ESTA EL
DETALLE
Cantinflas
B— Sept. 7— PG-760
(105) Musical
SOTA CABAL LO Y REY
R— Sept. 7— PG-750
(105) Drama
Azteca
HASTA QUE PERDIO
JALISCO
Jorge Negrete
B— Oct. 5— PG-755
(112) Drama
Slritzky-Int’l
WELL-DIGGER’S
DAUGHTER
Raimu-Fernandel
B— Oct. 5— PG-756
(107) War-Dr
Artkino
TURNING POINT
B— Nov. 9 — PQ-763
(60) Docum.
Brandt-Chapel
STORY OF THE POPE
R— Dec. 28— PG-776
I22] (111) Drama 614 j
NORA PRENTISS
Ann Sheridan
Kent Smith
Bruce Bennett
Robert Alda
Rosemary DeCamp
R — Feb. 8— PG-787
(162) Drama
Tricolor
CHILDREN OF
PARADISE
R— Jan. 4— PG-778
May 31, 1947
7
20TH F0XtSCREENGUILDt rep
FEATURE CHART
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
MARCH 1
(82) Mys-Dr
MR. DISTRICT
ATTORNEY
Dennis O'Keefe
I Marguerite Chapman
Adolphe Menjou
Michael O'Shea
R— Jan. 11— PG-779
832
Reprint
□ (115) Drama 713
I BOOM TOWN
Clark Gable
Spencer Tracy
Hedy Lamarr
J (54) Western 751
I LAW OF THE LASH
A1 LaRue
A1 “Fuzzy” St. John
R— Mar. 8— PO-799
Group 4
(67) Mue-Dr 718
[BEAT THE BAND
Francej Langford
| Ralph Edwards
I P.hilllp Terry
I Gene Krupa
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
MARCH 8
MARCH 15
Rerelease
(106) Mus-Dr 709
I ALEXANDER'S RAG-
TIME BAND
Tyrone Power
Alice Faye
Don Ameche
Ethel Merman
[|] (05) Mystery
THIRTEENTH HOUR
Richard Diz
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
MARCH 22
[J] (54) Western 866
LONE HAND TEXAN
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
716
| Reissue
(81) Outdoor-Drama
| WHEN THE DALTONS
RODE
I Randolph Scott
Kay Francis
(112) Drama
OTHE BEGINNING OR
THE END
Robert Walker
Tom Drake
Brian Donlevy
Audrey Totter
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
a
(77) Comedy 4607
EASY COME, EASY GO
Barry Fitzgerald
Diana Lynn
Sonny Tufts
R— Feb. 1— PG-785
m (87) Drama 701
DEVIL ON WHEELS
Noreen Nash
Darryl Hickman
Jan Ford
James Cardwell
R— Feb. 8 — PQ-788
Group 4
(63) Drama 719
THE DEVIL THUMBS
A RIDE
Lawrence Tierney
Ted North
R— Mar. 8— PG-797
nf] (68) Com-Mus 605
HIE GHOST GOES WILD
James Ellison
Anne Gwynne
Edward Everett Horton
Ruth Donnelly
Stephanie Bachelor
R — Apr. 12— PG-810
[|1 (1U) Drama
THE PRIVATE AFFAIRS
OF BEL AMI
George Sanders
Angela Lansbury
Ann Dvorak
R— Mar. 1— PO-793
(106) Dra-Mus 608
©SONG OF
SCHEHERAZADE
Yvonne De Carlo
Brian Donlevy
Jean Pierre Aumont
Eve Arden
R— Feb. 1— PG-788
J] (101) M’drama 615
PURSUED
Teresa Wright
Robert Mitchum
Judith Anderson
Dean Jagger
Alan Hale
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
(64) Drama
FALL GUY
Cliff Penn
Teala Lorlng
Robert Armstrong
R— Mar. 8^~PQ-800
613
[It] (54) Western 745
RANGE BEYOND
THE BLUE
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
Eagle- Lion
17] (98) Drama 103
ADVENTURESS
R— Mar. 16— PG-801
Group 4
(94) Com-Dr
THE FARMER’S
DAUGHTER
Loretta Young
loseph Cotten
Ethel Barrymore
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
716
Rerelease
(60) Western HC07
RUSTLER’S VALLEY
William Boyd
George Hayes
Russell Hayden
go] (70) Drama
MILLIE’S DAUGHTER
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
(95) Mys-Dr
JOHNNY O'CLOCK
Dick PoweU
Evelyn Keyes
It— Jan. 18— PG-781
H (71) Drama
THE GUILTY
Bonita Granville
Don Castle
John Litel
R— Mar. 22— PG-804
676
gl] (88) Rom-Com 4608
SUDDENLY ITS
SPRING
Paulette Goddard
Fred MacMurray
Macdonald Carey
Arleen Whelan
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
g|j (59) Drama SP72
UNTAMED FURY
R— Apr. 5— PG-808
Reissue
[22I (97) Western 731
KIT CARSON
D. Andrews-J. Hall
ggj (96) Musical 610
HIT PARADE OF 1947
E. Albert-C. Moore
R— May 3— PG-816
MARCH 29
[27] (67) Western
WEST OF DODGE CITY
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
|7] (79) Outdr-Dr 809
KING OF THE WILD
HORSES
R— Mar. 22— PG-803
APRIL 5
g|] (68) Western 676
TRAILING DANGER
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
Peggy Wynne
(72) Drama 4620
SEVEN WERE SAVED
Richard Denning
Catherine Craig
Russell Hayden
R— Mar. 1— PG-795
Eagle- Lion
(74) Drama 104
LOST HONEYMOON
Franchot Tone
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
Reissue
[22] (94) Western 732
LAST OF THE
MOHICANS
Group 4
(84) Western
TRAIL STREET
Randolph Scott
Robert Ryan
Anne Jeffreys
R— Mar. 1— PG-794
717
[T] (71) West-Mus 683
TWILIGHT ON THE
RIO GRANDE
Gene Autry
Adele Mara
Sterling Holloway
R— Apr. 19— PG-811
(66) Drama
BACKLASH
Jean Rogers
Richard Travis
Larry Blake
John E3dredge
Leonard Strong
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
711
Is] (98) Comedy
FUN ON A WEEKEND
Eddie Bracken
Priscilla Lane
(103) Drama
SMASH-UP
Bowman
Susan Hayward
Marsha Hunt
Eddie Albert
Carl Esmond
R— Feb. 15— PG-789
609
(8V) Drama
THE MACOMBER
AFFAIR
Gregory Peck
Joan Bennett
Robert Preston
R— Jan. 25— PO-784
611
(103) Drama
©STAIRWAY TO
HEAVEN
Dajrid Nivem-Kim Hunter
R— Dec. 21— PG-773
Reissue
(94) Butdoor-Drama
DESTRY RIDES AGAIN
Dietrich-Stewart
[g] (08) Western
UNEXPECTED GUEST
William Boyd
R— Dec. 14— PG-772
(70) West Dr 610
©MICHIGAN KID
Jon Hall
Victor McLaglen
Rita Johnson
R— Feb. 22— PG-792
(84) Com-Dr 616
THAT WAY WITH
WOMEN
Dane Clark
Martha Vickers
Sydney Greenstreet
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
[T] (103) Musieal 718
4JMT HAPPENED IN
BROOKLYN
Frank Sinatra
Jimmy Durante
Kathryn Grayson
Peter Lawford
R— Mar. 8— PG-797
(~5~] (55) Western 684
SIX GUN SERENADE
Jimmy Wakely
Lee “Lasses” White
[~4~[ (88) Comedy 4609
MY FAVORITE
BRUNETTE
Bob Hope
Dorothy Lamour
Peter Lorre
Lon Chaney
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
[5] (64) Drama 715
THREE ON A TICKET
Hugh Beaumont
Cheryl Walker .
Paul Bryar
Ralph Dunn
R— Apr. 12— PG-809
|T| (58) Outdoor 664
HOMESTEADERS OF
PARADISE VALLEY
Allan Lane
R— Apr. 26— PG-813
[T] (71) Com-Dr 611
YANKEE FAKIR
R— Apr. 12— PG-810
(69) Outdr-Dr 4614
BELLS OF SAN
FERNANDO
Donald Woods
Gloria Warren
R— Apr. 5— PG-807
(95) Musical 710
©CARNIVAL IN COSTA
RICA
Dick Haymes
Vera-Ellen
Cesar Romero
Celeste Holm
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
(78) Comedy
BUCK PRIVATES
COME HOME
Bud Abbott
Lou Costello
Tom Brown
Joan Fulton
R— Mar. 15— PG-802
612
APRIL 12
APRIL 19
|io] (67) Comedy 808
BLONDIE’S HOLIDAY
Penny Singleton
Arthur Lake
Larry Simms
R— Mar. 8— PG-798
|51 (92) Drama 719
LITTLE MR. JIM
Butch Jenkins
James Craig
Frances Gifford
R— June 15— PG-729
[ll| (72) Drama 615
VIOLENCE
Nancy Coleman
Michael O'Shea
R— Apr. 19— PG-812
(83) Drama 8
THE GUILT OF JANE’
AMES
Rosalind Russell
Melvyn Douglas
Sid Caesar
R— Mat. 8— PG-798
Allied Artists
gH (116) Comedy
IT HAPPENED ON
FIFTH AVENUE
Don DeFore
Ann Harding
Victor Moore
R— Feb. 8— PG-788
[12] (61) Western 746
WEST TO GI.ORY
Eddie Dean
R— May 3— PG-816
[12] (62) Mystery 707
PHILO VANCE’S
GAMBLE
R— May 3— PG-815
Group 4
(57) Western 720
CODE OF THE WEST
James Warren
Debra Alderi
R— Mar. 8— PG-799
Rereleasa
(59) Western HC08
TEXAS TRAIL
William Boyd
Russell Hayden
George Hayes
(98) Drama 712
THE LATE GEORGE
APLEY
Ronald Colman
Peggy Cummins
Vanessa Brown
Richard Haydn
Charles Russell
R— Feb. 8 — PG-788
Reissue
(73) Comedy 2793
YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN
HONEST MAN
W. C. Fields
Edgar Bergen
Charlie McCarthy
12] (97) Drama 617
STALLION ROAD
'Ronald Reagan
Alexis Smith
Zachary Scott
R— Mar. 29— PG-805
Pine-Thomas Prod.
^ (72) Drama 462
FEAR IN THE NIGHT
Paul Kelly
Kay Scott
DeForest Kelley
Ann Doran
R— Mar. 1— PG-795
[xa] (83) Drama 70
THE BIG FIX
James Brown-Sheila Rya
R— May 12— PG-817
Group 5
(72) Adventure 72
TARZAN AND THE
HUNTRESS
Johnny Weissmuller
Brenda Joyce
John Sheffield
It— Mar. 29— PG-806
H51 (78) Mus-West 64
©BELLS OF SAN
ANGELO
Roy Rogers-Dale Evans
R— May 31— PG-824
(66) Outdr-Dr 461
BUFFALO BILL RIDE!
AGAIN
Richard Arlen
Jennifer Holt
R— Apr. 5— PG-807
(76) Drama
SAN DEMETRIO,
LONDON
Walter Fitzgerald
Mervyn Johns
Ralph Michael
Robert Beatty
Charles Victor
R— Apr. 5— PG-808
71
5] (89) Musieal
NEW ORLEANS
Arturo de Cordova
Dorothy Patrick
R— May 3— PG-815
Reissue
(78) Drama 279
I STOLE A MILLION
George Raft
Claire Trevor
Victor Jory
g 2.
rH
2 &
|i
y »
(Li
(80)
Drama
Lopert
MAN’S HOPE
R— Jan. 11— PG-779
(89)
Operetta
Saga
QUEEN FOR A NIGHT
R— Jan. 18— PC-782
(93) Mus-Dr
APPASSIONATA
Viveca Lindfors
R— Jan. 18— PG-782
(85) Drama
West. Hem.
CLANDESTINE
R— Jan. 18— PG-781
(80) Fant-Dr
Distinguished
DEVIL’S HAND
R— Jan. 18— PG-781
(89) Fant-Com
Vog Film
FRANCIS THE FIRST
Fernandel
R— Jan. 25— PG-784
(112) Melodrama
Azteca
ROSALINDA
Maria Antonieta Pons
R— Jan. 25— PG-783
(88) Fantasy
Artkino
©STONE FLOWER
R— Feb. 8— PG-788
8
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 31, 1947
CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES
FEATURE CHART
JUNE 14 I
APRIL 26
'82) Dram*
AMED
nn Ford-Janis Carter
■Mar. 8 — PG-798
(59) Western
M OF THE CANYON
rrett-Burnette
—
(131) Drama 720
\ OF GRASS
ncer Tracy
Marine Hepburn
iert Walker
vyn Douglas
-Feb. 15— PG-790
(59) Western 671
ID OF THE LAWLESS
buy Mack Brown
mond Hatton
istine McIntyre
(97) Dram* 4610
’ERFECT LADY
Milland
ssa Wright
;inia Field
Cedric Hardwlcke
Mar. 15— PG-802
(38-39) Westerns
: BRONCO
UCKAROO REISSUES
1th Buster Crabbe and
)uzzy St. John
pith Tex O’Brien and
im NewhiU
MAY 3
[T] (69) Drama
FOR THE LOVE OF
RUSTY
Ted Donaldson
Tom Powers
Ann Doran
[~2~[ (91) Drama 721
HIGH BARBAREE
Van Johnson
June Allyson
Claude Jarman jr.
Thomas Mitchell
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
Reissue
HT| (73) Drama
QUEEN OF THE YUKON
Charles Bickford
Irene Rich
jo] (63) Melodrama 616
HARD BOILED
MAHONEY
Leo Gcrcey
Bowery Boys
Teala Loring
R— May 3— PG-816
|~2~] (91) Drama 4611
BLAZE OF NOON
Anne Baxter
William Holden
Sonny Tufts
William Bendix
Sterling Hayden
R— Mar. 8— PG-797
(55) Western 752
BORDER FEUD
A1 La Rue
A1 “Fuzzy” St. John
R— May 24— PG-822
Group 5
(89) Comedy 724
A LIKELY STORY
Barbara Hale
Bill Williams
R— Apr. 19— PG-812
(60) Drama 612
tllLERS OF THE
NORTH
il Kelly
■ian Booth
ilyn Ankers
-May 12— PG-817
elease
(71) Western HC09
RTNERS OF THE
PLAINS
Uiam Boyd
rvey Clark
ssell Hayden
[~3~| (65) Horror-Dr 4608
©SCARED TO DEATH
Bela Lugosi
Joyce Compton
issues:
0 (109) Drama 618
E SEA HAWK
rol Flynn-Claude Rains
] (87) Drama 619
IE SEA WOLF
ward G. Robinson
Lupino-John Garfield
[~3~| (94) Out’r-Dr
RAMROD
Joel McCrea
Veronica Lake
Don DeFore
Donald Crisp
R— Mar. 1— PG-793
(88) Drama 614
TIME OUT OF MIND
Phyllis Calvert
Robert Hutton
Ella Raines
R— Mar. 22— PG-804
(83) Comedy 620
LOVE AND LEARN
Jack Carson
Robert Hutton
Martha Vickers
Janis Paige
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
MAY 10
MAY 17
HU (70) Mystery
BULLDOG DRUMMOND
AT BAY
Ron Randell
Anita Louise
Pat O’Moore
R— May 12— PG-818
16] (90) Comedy 722
UNDERCOVER MAISIE
Ann Sothem
arry Nelson
it] (63) Teen-Ager 618
SARGE GOES TO
COLLEGE
Alan Hale jr.
June Preisser
R— May 12— PG-817
Group 5
(68) Musical 725
BANJO
Sharyn Moffett
Jacqueline White
Walter Reed
Una O’Connor
Apr. 26— PG-814
Rerelease
(59) Western HC10
CASSIDY OF BAR 20
William Boyd
Russell Hayden
Frank Darien
[lo| (65) Drama
ADVENTURES OF DON
COYOTE
Richard Martin
Frances Rafferty
R— May 3— PG-815
Reprint
(103) Musical 723
THE GREAT WALTZ
Luise Rainer
Fernand Gravet
(56) Western
LAW COMES TO
GUNSIGHT
Johnny Mack Brown
Raymond Hatton
pf
BIG TOWN
Philip Reed
HiHary Brooke
Robert -Lowery
R— Feb. 22— PG-791
(60) Drama 716
fOO MANY WINNERS
Hugh Beaumont
Trudy Marshall
Reissues
(111) Drama 731
CORSICAN BROTHERS
Douglas Fairbanks jr.
Akim Tamlroff
24] (102) Drama 73
INTERNATIONAL LAD’
G. Brent-I. Massey
Group 5
16] (92) Drama 722
BORN TO KILL
Lawrence Tierney
Claire Trevor
Walter Slezak
It— Apr. 26— PG-814
15] (58) Out’dr-Dr 665
OREGON TRAIL SCOUTS
Allan Lane-Bobby Blake
R— May 24— PG-821
17] (71) Drama 614
WINTER WONDERLAND
15] (66) Drama 609
©THAT’S MY GAL
17] (60) Drama 4615
SHOOT TO KILL
Russell Wade
Susan Walters
It— Apr. 12— PG-809
[17] (85) Drama
DISHONORED LADY
Hedy Lamarr
Dennis O’Keefe
lohn Loder
R— Apr. 26— PG-813
MAY 24
MAY 31
JUNE 7
(74) Comedy
HONEYMOON
Shirley Temple
Guy Madison
Franchot Tone
R— Apr. 19— PG-812
721
(59) Western
NGEROUS VENTUI
William Boyd
Andy Clyde
R— Mar. 1— PG-793
Reissue
(101) Drama
MAGNIFICENT
OBSESSION
Irene Dunne
Robert Taylor
gj] (99) Drama 6
TWO MRS. CARROLL
Humphrey Bogart
Barbara Stanwyck
Alexis, Smith
R— Mar. 29— PG-806
j|9] (72) Mystery
THE MILLERSON CASE
Warner Baxter
Nancy Saunders
[29] (54) Western
PRAIRIE RAIDERS
Starrett-Burnette
gi] (128) Drama 717
©THE YEARLING
Gregory Peck
Jane Wyman 1
Claude Jarman jr. 1
It— Dec. 7— I’G-77#
7] (90) Melodrama
)ARK DELUSION
ames Craig
aicille Bremer
uonel Barrymore
t— Apr. 12— PG-809
gi| (58) Western
SONG OF THE
WASTELAND
Jimmy Wakely
Lee “Lasses” White
go] (83) M’drama 4612
CALCUTTA
Alan Ladd
William Bendix
Gail Russell
R— Apr. 19— PG-811
gi] (63) Drama 717
KILLER AT LARGE
Robert Lowery
Anabel Shaw
i
T] (70) Drama 703 R
STEPCHILD p
Jrenda Joyce
Donald Woods A
1
r
L
T| (99) Com-Dr 613
THAT’S MY MAN
Don Ameche
Catherine McLeod
R— Apr. 12— PG-810
[7] (60) Outdr-Dr 4616
BUSH PILOT
Rochelle Hudson
Jack LaRue
gU (92) Musical
E COPACABANA
Groucho Marx
Carmen Miranda
Andy RusseU
Gloria Jean
Reissue
(84) Mu9-Dr
100 MEN AND A GIRL
Deanna Durbin
Leopold Stokowski
Adolphe Menjou
(87) Drama
THE WEB
Edmund O’Brien
Ella Raines
William Bendix
R— May 31— PG-823
21
S
REfURNS
Rerelease
|i4] (68) Western HC11
HEART OF ARIZONA
William Boyd
George Hayes
Russell Hayden
(116) Drama
ODD MAN OUT
James Mason
Kathleen Ryan
R— Mar. 1— PG-793
( . . ) Drama
©VIGILANTES RETURN
.1. Hall-M. Lindsay
(110) Mus-Dr
Superfilm
BEFORE HIM ALL
ROME TREMBLED
Anna Magnanl
R— Mar. 8— PG-800
(87) Mus-Com
Lopert
CAGE OF
NIGHTINGALES
R— Mar. 8— PG-800
(85) Drama
ANGEL AND SINNER
R— Mar. 8— PG-800
(90) Comedy
Distinguished
HER FIRST AFFAIR
Danielle Darrteux
Louis Jourdan
R— Mar. 15— PG-801
(95) Drama
Oxford
TORMENT
R— May 10— PG-818
(110) Opera-Com
Exelsior
BARBER OF SEVILLE
Ferruccio TagHavinl
R— May 10— PG-817
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide
May 31, 1947
MONOGRAM T PARAMOUNT
REVIEW DIGEST
and Alphabetical Picture Guide Index
o
o.
— a.
o at
XCC
ZO
767 Abie’s Irish Rose (96) UA
11-30-46
+
=
—
2b
+
b
4+ 6-
815 Adventures of Don Coyote (66) UA.
5- 3-47
+
2b
-H-
P1
5+ 2-
801 Adventuress, The (98) E-L
3-15-47
+
-+-
++
44
44
9+ 2-
766 Affairs of Geraldine (68) Rep
11-30-46
2b
P1
P1
P1
P1
b
6+ 6 —
777 Alias Mr. Twilight (69) Col
1- 4-47
2±
-±_
2b
+
44
6+ 3-
796 Angel and the Badman (100) Rep..
3- 1-47
+
+
+
+
44
8+ 2-
754 Angel on My Shoulder (101) UA...
9-28-46
+
+
4+
+
+
44
+
9+
803 Apache Rose (75) Rep
3-22-47
+
+
Zf.
+
5+ 2-
790 Arnelo Affair, The (86) MGM
2-15-47
+
+
+
+
2b
b
6+ 2-
B
752 Bachelor’s Daughters, The (90) UA.
9-14-46
+
+
-H-
+
b
+
8+ 2-
805 Backlash (66) 20-Fox
3-29-47
P-
-+-
—
-+-
5+ 6-
814 Banjo (67) RKO
4-26-47
2b
P1
2b
2b
P1
5+ 5-
766 Beast With Five Fingers, The (88)
WB
P-
+
P^
—
—
b
5+ 6-
794 Beat the Band (67) RKO
3- 1-47
P^
P1
2b
;+;
b
6+ 6—
Beauty and the Bandit (71) Mono.
2b
P1
2+ 2-
786 Bedelia (95) E-L
2- 1-47
+
+
b
-4
5+ 2-
794 Beginning or the End, The (112) MGM
3- 1-47
4+
+
++
+
4+
+
44
11+
Bells of San Angelo (78) Rep
++
2+
807 Bells of San Fernando (74) SG....
4- 5-47
2b
—
b
3+ 4 —
755 Below the Deadline (65) Mono
10- 5-46
2b
2b
+
Hh
P1
b
hF
7+ 6-
769 Best Years of Our Lives, The (172)
RKO
. .12- 7-46
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
14+
767 Betty Co-Ed (71) Col
. .11-30-46
b
P1
b
-4
b
b
6+ 5-
817 Big Fix, The (63) PRC
.. 5-10-47
-4
+
b
5-4 3-
744 Big Sleep, The (114) WB
.. 8-17-46
-4
44
44
-4
-4
44
+
10+
791 Big Town (60) Para
.. 2-22-47
b
P1
b
b
b
6+ 6-
741 Black Angel (80) U-l
.. 8-10-46
b
b
b
+
+
44
8+ 4-
797 Blaze of Noon (90), Para
. . 3- 8-47
b
b
-4
b
-4
-4
-4
7+ 3-
787 Blind Spot (73) Col
. . 2- 8-47
P1
b
-4
-4
5+ 3-
742 Blonde for a Day (68) PRC
.. 8-10-46
P^
b
P^
Ph
T
~
6+ 6-
755 Blondie Knows Best (69) Col. . . .
..10- 5-46
4-
b
-4
+
b
6+ 3-
773 Blondie’s Big Moment (69) Col..
..12-21-46
b
b
b
P1
4+ 4-
798 Blondie’s Holiday (67) Col
. . 3- 8-47
b
b
b
b
P1
5+ 5-
754 Blue Skies (102) Para
. . 9-28-46
44
44
44
44
+
44
44
13+
786 Boomerang (88) 20-Fox
. . 2- 1-47
+
44
44
+
-4
44
44
11-4
822 Border Feud (55) PRC
.. 5-24-47
b
2+2
2+2
■+*
4-f 4-
814 Born to Kill (92) RKO
. . 4-26-47
-+-
-+-
-+-
-+-
7+ 7-
783 Born to Speed (59) PRC
.. 1-25-47
-+-
-+-
-+-
-+-
-+-
-+-
P:
7+ 7-
772 Boston Blackie and the Law (69) Col. .12-14-46
-4-
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
P1
6+ 5-
742 Bowery Bombshell (65) Mono
. . 8-10-46
b
2+2
2+2
—
-P
P1
7+ 7-
790 Brasher Doubloon, The (72) 20-Fox
. . 2-15-47
+
2+2
zp
-4
2+2
2+2
2+2
7+ 5-
748 Brief Encounter (85) U-l
. . 8-31-46
b
-4
-4
44
44
7+ 1-
759 Bringing Up Father (68) Mono...
. .10-19-46
Hh
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
6+ 5-
761 Brute Man, The (58) PRC
.11- 2-46
2+2
2+2
—
=
4+ 7-
802 Buck Privates Come Home (78) U-l
. 3-15-47
4+
2+2
-4
-4
44
2+2
9+ 3 —
807 Buffalo Bill Rides Again (70) SG.
. 4- 5-47
—
—
2-
818 Bulldog Drummond at Bay (70) Col. 5-10-47
-h
+2
2+ 2-
V
744 Caesar and Cleopatra (126) UA..
. 8-17-46
++
+
-4
44
2+2
44
+
10+ 1-
811 Calcutta (83) Para
. 4-19-47
2+2
4-
2+2
44
2+
+
8+ 4-
789 Calendar Girl (88) Rep
. 2-15-47
b
2+2
2+2
P1
2+2
+
7+ 6-
744 California (97) Para
.12-21-46
+
2+2
2+2
+
44
+
44
9+ 2-
740 Canyon Passage (92) U-l
. 7-27-46
+
2+2
2+2
-4
+
44
44
9+ 2-
816 Captive Heart, The (87) U-l
. 5- 3-47
P:
2+:
-4
2+2
14
6+ 3-
797 Carnegie Hall (136) UA
. 3- 8-47
b
2+2
-4
44
44
44
44
11+ 2-
805 Carnival in Costa Rica (96) 20-Fox.
. 3-29-47
b
2+2
-4
+
+
+
2+2
7+ 3-
759 Chase, The (86) UA
.10-19-46
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
5+ 3-
813 Cheyenne (100) WB
. 4-26-47
4+
2+2
-4
-4
44
+
8+ 1-
760 Child of Divorce (62) RKO
.10-19-46
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
+
2t
7+ 4-
789 Cigarette Girl (67) Col
. 2-15-47
b
2+2
2+2
2+2
H-
6+ 6-
740 Claudia and David (78) 20-Fox. . .
. 7-27-46
+
-4
-4
+
+
44
44
9+
752 Cloak and Dagger (106) WB
. 9-14-46
44
44
+
+
44
44
+
11+
799 Code of the West (57) RKO
. 3- 8-47
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
Hh
2+2
6+ 5 —
Copacabana (92) UA
-4
2+2
44
4+ 1-
776 Crime Doctor's Manhunt (61) Col..
.12-28-46
b
2+2
P1
+
2+2
2+2
6+ 5-
742 Criminal Court (62) RKO
. 8-10-46
-±_
2+2
2+2
+
+
6+ 4-
765 Cross My Heart (83) Para
.11-23-46
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
—
+
6+ 5-
819 Cynthia (102) MGM
. 5-17-47
44
-4
-4
-4
44
7+
D
796 Danger Street (66) Para
3- 1-47
2+2
2+2
2+2
6+ 6-
771 Dangerous Millions (68) 20-Fox. . .
.12-14-46
■±_
2t
2^
+
2+2
2+2
7+ 6-
758 Dangerous Money (66) Mono
.10-12-46
+
P=
2+2
~
2+2
5+ 5 —
793 Dangerous Venture (59) UA
3- 1-47
P:
2+2
+
+
5+ 3-
809 Dark Delusion (90) MGM
4-12-47
+
2+2
2t
2+2
+
2+2
6+ 4-
758 Dark Mirror, The (85) U-l
10-12-46
+
+
2+2
+
44
44
+
9+ 1-
781 Dead Reckoning (100) Col
1-18-47
+
-4
-4
+
+
+
+
7+
760 Deception (112) WB
10-19-46
+
2+2
-4
+
+
+
+
7+ 1-
751 Decoy (76) Mono
9-14-46
2+2
-4
+
+
—
+
6+ 3-
820 Desperate (73) RKO
5-17-47
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
5+ 3-
788 Devil on Wheels (67) PRC
2- 8-47
2+;
2+2
44
2+2
7+ 5-
797 Devil Thumbs a Ride, The (63) . . .
3- 8-47
+
2+2
-4
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
7+ 4-
753 Devil's Playground, The (60) UA...
9-28-46
-4
2+2
2+2
2+2
5+ 4-
765 Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (62) RKO. . .
11- 9-46
■+:
2+2
-4
2+2
2+2
—
2+2
6+ 6-
822 Dick Tracv’s Dilemma (60) RKO. . .
5-24-47
44
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
6+ 3-
813 Dishonored Lady (86) UA
4-26-47
+
2+2
2+2
+
44
6+ 2-
Don Ricardo Returns (78) PRC....
-+-
1+ 1-
757 Driftin River (55) PRC
10-12-46
2+2
2+2
2+2
P1
5+ 5-
p
•a™
a. X
SI
SRO.
7S0 Duel in the Sun (140)
E
746 Earl Carroll Sketchbook (90) Rep....
785 Easy Come, Easy Go. (77) Para
808 Egg and I, The (108) U-l
1-11-47 -H-
8-24-46
2- 1-47
4- 5-47
++ + +
.. 3- 1-47
..12-28-46
..12-28-46
. . 3- 8-47
794 Fabulous Dorseys, The (90) UA.
775 Fabulous Suzanne, The (71) RK0
775 Falcon's Adventure, The (61) RK0
800 Fall Guy (64) Mono
792 Farmer's Daughter, The (94) RK0 . . 2-22-47
795 Fear in the Night (71) Para 3- 1-47
Fighting Frontiersman, The (61) Col
758 Fool’s Gold (63) UA 10-12-46
For the Love of Rusty (69) Col
798 Framed (80) Col 3- 8-47
Fun on a Weekend (96) UA
+
+
G
+
784 Gallant Bess (101) MGM 1-25-47
752 Gallant Journey (86) Col 9-14-46
759 Gas House Kids (68) PRC 10-19-46
741 Genius at Work (62) RKO 8-10-46
753 Gentleman Joe Palooka (72) Mono... 9-28-46
821 Ghost and Mrs. Muir, The (104)
44
44
+
+
P1
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
+
44
+
+
+2
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
+
+
44
+
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
+
2+2
+
2+2
+
+
#
+
+
+
+
2+2
+
+ 9+
+ 7+4-
± 7+ 6-
+ 9+
+
6+ 4-
6+ 7-
7+ 6-
6+ 5—
8+
7+ 3—
1+ 1-
5+ 3-
3+ 3-
6+ 3-
5+
± ± +
7+ 3-
7+ B-
6+ 6-
5+ 8-
5+ 4-
810 Ghost Goes Wild, The (66)
812 Ginger (67) Mono
746 G.l. War Brides (69) Rep..
798 Guilt of Janet Ames, The (81) Col..
804 Guilty, The (71) Mono
816 Hard-Boiled Mahoney (63) Mono..
745 Heading West (54) Col
753 Her Sister's Secret (86) PRC.
740 Home Sweet Homicide (90) 20-Fox
813 Homesteaders of Paradise Valley (58)
814 Homestretch, The (106) 20-Fox.
812 Honeymoon (74) RKO
821 Hoppy's Holiday (60) UA
776 Humoresque (125) WB
+1-
+
+
++
++
8+
. 4-12-47
2+2
2+2
2+2
-+-
5+ 5-
. 4-19-47
P1
P1
P1
-+-
4+ 4—
. 8-24-46
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
7+ 5-
. 4- 5-47
+
4+
++
++
++
9+
. 3- 8-47
+
2+2
2+2
+
+
5+ 2-
. 3-22-47
+
+
+
2+2
2+2
5+ 2-
. 5- 3-47
2+2
_
P1
2+ 3-
. 8-24-46
2+2
—
+
2+ 2-
• 1- 4-47
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
+
5+ 3-
. 9-28-46
2+2
2+;
2+2
+
+
+
2+2
7+ 4-
. 3-15-47
2+2
2+2
+
+
++
++
8+ 2-
. 3-22-47
+
+
+
+
2+2
5+ 1-
. 8-24-46
+
2+2
P1
2+2
2+2
P=
P1
7+ 6-
. 5- 3-47
+
2+2
2+2
+
+
+
6+ 2-
. 7-27-46
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
14+
.11- 9-46
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
5+ 4—
. 7-27-46
)
+
+
+
+
+
++
+
8+
2^
+
2+2
3+ 2-
. 4-26-47
2+2
2+2
2+2
++
-+
8+ 3-
. 4-19-47
+
2+2
—
2+2
+
+
6+ 4-
. 5-24-47
±
2+2
2+2
2+2
4+ 4—
12-28-46
+
+
++
++
+
++
++
11+
795 I Cover Big Town (63) Para 3- 1-47
756 1 Know Where I’m Going (91) U-l.. 10- 5-46
750 If I’m Lucky (78) 20-Fox 9- 7-46
783 I'll Be Yours (83) U-l 1-25-47
802 Imperfect Lady, The (97) Para 3-15-47
746 Invisible Informer, The (57) Rep 8-24-46
797 It Happened in Brooklyn (103) MGM 3- 8-47
788 It Happened on Fifth Avenue (116)
± + ±
+
++
± ± + ± ±
± + ±± +
± ± + + +
++ + + ++++ +
6+ 5-
2+ 2—
± 7+5-
± 7+ 5—
+ 8+ 3-
+ 4+7-
+ 10+
Allied Artists
. 2- 8-47
4+
++
+
++
+
+
9+
783 It’s a Joke, Son (63) E-L
. 1-25-47
+
—
+
2b
4+ 3-
774 It’s a Wonderful Life (132) RKO
.12-21-46
+
++
++
++
++
++
++
13+
749 It’s Great to Be Young (63) Col. . .
. 9- 7-46
—
P:
2b
2b
Hh
5+ 6-
749 I’ve Always Loved You (117) Rep..
. 9- 7-46
+
2+2
+
+
++
+
8+ 2-
J
811 Jewels of Brandenburg (65) 20-Fox
. 4-19-47
+
2b
2b
4+ 5-
781 Johnny O’clock (95) Col
. 1-18-47
+
+
2b
+
+
++
8+ 2-
753 Jolson Story, The (128) Col
. 9-28-46
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
14+
795 Jungle Flight (67) Para
jr
• 3- 1-47
2+z
2+2
2b
P^
6+ 6-
IV.
819 Killer Dill (72) SG
. 5-17-47
+
■±2
+
+
4+ 1-
743 Killers, The (102) U-l
. 8-17-46
+
++
+
+
+
+
2b
8+ 1-
803 King of the Wild Horses (79) Col..
. 3-22-47
P^
2b
+
2b
5+ 4-
Ju
780 Ladies’ Man (91) Para
. 1-11-47
+
2+2
2t
+
2b
2b
7+ 5-
Lady Chaser (74) PRC
2b
2+ 2-
766 Lady in the Lake (103) MGM
.11-30-46
+
+
+
+
++
+
+
8+
757 Lady Surrenders. A (113) U-l
.10-12-46
2b
2+ 2-
Land of the Lawless (58) Mono....
+
2b
2+ 1-
746 Last Crooked Mile, The (67) Rep..
. 8-24-46
2+2
2b
2b
2b
P=
P1
7+ 7-
Last Frontier Uprising (67) Rep
2b
1+ 1-
788 Late George Apley, The (98) 20-Fox 2- 8-47
+
+
+
+
+
+
++
8+
799 Law of the Lash (54) PRC
3- 8-47
2b
p=
P-
5+ 5-
Lighthouse (74) PRC
P1
1+ 1-
812 Likely Story, A (88) RKO
4-19-47
—
2+2
+
2b
++
5+ 3-
759 Little Iodine (57) UA
.10-19-46
2b
+
6+ 5-
750 Little Miss Big (61) U-l
9- 7-46
~
2+2
2b
—
+
5+ 5-
Little Miss Broadway (..) Col
1+ 1-
774 Locket. The (85 RKO
12-21-46
4-
+
++
+
+
-H-
2b
9+ 1-
799 Lone Hand Texan, The (57) Col....
3- 8-47
+
hC
2+2
2b
4+ 4-
777 Lone Star Moonlight (67) Col
1- 4-47
1-4- 1—
780 Lone Wolf In Mexico (70) Col
1-11-47
±
P:
2b
2b
4+ 4-
An interpretative analysis of opinions deduced from the language of lay
and trade press reviews. The plus and minus signs indicate the degree
of favor or disfavor of the review. This department serves also as an
ALPHABETICAL INDEX to feature releases. Numeral preceding title is
Picture Guide Review page number. In parentheses after title is running
fc£
21
■ a
801 Lost Honeymoon (71) E-L
3-15-47
H^
+
+
44
44
8+ 2-
806 Love and Learn (85) WB
3-29-47
H;
2+2
2+2
—
H-
5+ 6-
769 Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (93)
MGM
.12- 7-46
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
Hr
44
2+2
8+ 5-
M
794 Macomber Affair, The (90) UA
1-25-47
+
2+2
-P
+
+
2+
44
8+ 3-
Magic Bow, The ( . .) U-l
—
+
1+ 1-
766 Magnificent Doll, The (94) U-l
.11-23-46
+
+
+
+
44
44
9+ 1-
803 Magnificent Rogue, The (75) Rep...
3-22-47
H1
+
H-
3+ 2-
776 Man 1 Love, The (96) WB
.12-28-46
2+2
+
2+
-P
+
2+2
7+ 5-
760 Margie (94) 20-Fox
.10-19-46
+
-H-
+
+
+
44
44
10+
792 Michigan Kid (70) U-l
2-22-47
2±
Hh
2+2
2+2
H-
Hp
2+2
7+ 7-
809 Mighty McGurk, The (85) MGM...
4-12-47
+
±2
+
+
+
+
2+2
7+ 2-
Millerson Case, The (72) Col
H”
1+ 1-
798 Millie’s Daughter (70) Col
3- 8-47
2+2
Hh
+
—
2+
4+ 4—
818 Miracle on 34th Street (96)
20- Fox
ff
-H-
ff
44
44
10+
748 Mister Ace (84) UA
8-31-46
+
±2
2+2
+
+
2+
+
7+ 3-
779 Mister District Attorney (81) Col..
1-11-47
2+2
+
2+2
Hr
2+
2+2
7+ 6-
773 Mister Hex (63) Mono
.12-21-46
Hh
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
2+
6+ 5-
813 Monsieur Verdoux (120) UA
4-26-47
-H-
2+2
-P
44
H-
2+2
8+ 4-
821 Moss Rose (82) 20-Fox
5-24-47
+
2+2
+
+
+
5+ 1-
766 My Brother Talks to Horses (93)
MGM
+
2+2
4+
+
2+
+
7+ 2-
758 My Darling Clementine (97) 20-Fox
10-12-46
+
+
+
+
+
44
2+2
8+ 1-
791 My Favorite Brunette (87) Para. . .
2-22-47
+
+
+
+
+
44
44
9+
My Heart Goes Crazy (..) U-l
-P
1+ 1-
N
762 Never Say Goodbye (97) WB
.11- 2-46
+
2+2
2+2
+
-P
2+
2+2
7+ 5-
815 New Orleans (89) UA
5- 3-47
+
+
+
44
2+2
2+
7+ 2-
755 Nobody Lives Forever (100) WB...
.10- 5-46
+
2+2
+
+
+
2+
+
7+ 2-
757 Nocturne (87) RK0
.10-12-46
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
+
2+2
+
7+ 4-
747 No Leave, No Love (120) MGM...
8-31-46
+
+
44
+
2+
+
+
8+ 1-
787 Nora Prentiss (111) WB
2- 8-47
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
Hp
+
2+2
7+ 5-
819 Northwest Outpost (91) Rep
. 5-17-47
+
2+2
2+2
+
2+
5+ 3-
761 Notorious Gentleman (108) U-l . . .
.11- 2-46
+
+
+
+
44
44
8+
O
793 Odd Man Out (118) U-l
3- 1-47
ft
+
44
44
44
44
11+
821 Oregon Trail Scouts (58) Rep
. 5-24-47
2+2
+
2+
4+ 3-
810 Other Love, The (95) UA
. 4-12-47
+
+
+
44
44
44
+
10+
773 Out California Way (67) Rep
.12-21-46
2+2
H-
2+2
2+
+
5+ 4-
796 Over the Santa Fe Trail (63) Col. . . .
. 3- 1-47
2+2
+
H-
3+ 2-
778 Overlanders, The (91) E-L
. 1- 4-47
2+2
2+2
+
2+
44
+
7+ 3-
P
Patient Vanishes, The (78) FC....
+
1+
765 Perfect Marriage, The (87) Para. . .
.11-23-46
2+2
2+2
-P
+
+
2+2
2+
7+ 5-
822 Perils of Pauline (93) Para
. 5-24-47
+
1+
742 Personality Kid (68) Col
. 8-10-46
±:
H-
H-
-P
+
2+2
6+ 5—
815 Philo Vance Returns (64) PRC...
. 5- 3-47
+
Hr
2+2
+
2+
5+ 4-
815 Philo Vance's Gamble (62) PRC...
. 5- 3'47
—
—
2+2
2+2
2+
2+2
4+ 6-
784 Pilgrim Lady, The (67) Rep
. 1-25-47
2+2
2+2
2+2
-P
2+2
6+ 6-
763 Plainsman and the Lady (82) Rep. . .
.11- 9-46
-+-
2+2
+
+
2+2
2+2
7+ 5-
741 Prairie Badmen (55) PRC
. 8-10-46
2+2
2+
H-
H-
5+ 5-
793 Private Affairs of Bel Ami, The (115)
UA
2+2
2+2
+
2+
ff
7+ 4-
791 Pursued (101) WB
. 2-22-47
+
+
+
+
+
44
7+
Q
805 Queen of the Amazons (61) SG
. 3-29-47
h1
2+
2+
-
3+ 4-
R
Raiders of the South (58) Mono..
2+
2+
3+ 3-
Rainbow Over the Rockies (54) Mono
-P
2+2
H-
3+ 3-
793 Ramrod (94) UA
. 3- 1-47
+
±2
+
+
+
+
6+ 1-
802 Range Beyond the Blue (54) PRC. .
. 3-15-47
+
2+
2+2
4+ 3-
770 Razor’s Edge, The (146) 20-Fox.
.12- 7-46
4+
2+2
+
44
+
7+ 1-
785 Red House, The (93) UA
. 2- 1-47
+
2+2
+
+
+
44
44
9+ 1-
744 Rendezvous With Annie (90) Rep.
. 8-17-46
+
+
+
+
+
+
6+
787 Renegade Girl (65) SG
. 2- 8-47
2+2
-P
2+ 2-
767 Return of Monte Cristo, The (91)
.11-30-46
2±2
2+2
+
+
2+
ff
H-
8+ 4-
Riding the California Trail (61) Mono
+
Hp
2+ 1-
796 Road to Hollywood (61) Astor....
. 3- 1-47
2+2
+
■2+ 1-
754 Roll On Texas Moon (68) Rep
. 9-28-46
2t
2+
+
+
5+ 3-
760 Rolling Home (71) SG
.10-19-46
2+2
2+
2+ 2-
s
808 San Demetrio, London (78) 20-Fox
. 4- 5-47
2+2
44
+
-+
6+ 3-
769 San Quentin (66) RK0
..12- 7-46
-+-
2+2
+
2+
+
2+2
2+2
7+ 5-
Santa Fe Uprising (56) Rep
2+
2+2
2+ 2-
817 Sarge Goes to College (63) Mono.
. . 5-10-47
2+2
2+2
2+
2+
5+ 5-
790 Sea of Grass, The (123) MGM ... .
. . 2-15-47
+
2+2
+
+
+
44
44
9+ 1-
767 Secret Heart, The (97) MGM
. .11-30-46
+
2+2
44
+
+
+
7+ 1-
761 Secret .of the Whistler (65) Col. . .
. .11- 2-46
H-
2+
4+ 4—
745 Secrets of a Sorority Girl (58) PRC
. . 8-24-46
Hr-
2+2
=
4+ 6-
795 Seven Were Saved (72) Para
. . 3- 1-47
H-
H-
2+
+
+
+
7+ 4—
744 Shadow of a Woman (79) WB
.. 8-17-46
H+
2t
2+
2+
H-
7+ 7-
756 Shadowed (70) Col
. .10- 5-46
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
5+ 4-
779 Shocking Miss Pilgrim, The (55)
20- Fox
.. 1-11-47
+
2+2
2+
+
+
+
6+ 2-
809 Shoot to Kill (65) SG
.. 4-12-47
2±-
+
+
2+
2+2
5+ 3-
743 Show-Off, The (84) MGM
.. 8-17-46
+
+
+
2+2
2+
+
HH
7+ 3-
Silver Range (55) Mono.
2+2
2+ 2-
time. Date following distributor is BOXOFFICE review date. Listings cover
current reviews. It is brought up to date regularly. The meaning of the
various signs and their combinations is as follows:
ft Very Good; + Good; — Fair; ^Mediocre; — Poor; = Very Poor.
In the summary ft is rated as 2 pluses; = as 2 minuses.
P. G. Page
Title
Running Time
Distributor
i]
•o ,
at
It
1
Boxoffice
Harrison’s
Reports
>»
5
>
Film Daily
Hollywood
Reporter
Parents’
Magazine
lew York
Daily News
Summary
792 Sin of Harold Diddlebock, The
(94) UA
. 2-22-47
+
+
+
+
+
+
6+
782 Sinbad the Sailor (117) RK0
. 1-18-47
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ 7+
741 Sing While You Dance (73) Col....
. 8-18-46
2+2
H-
2+2
2+r
H-
5+ 5-
777 Singin' in the Corn (64) Col
. 1- 4-47
H-
2+2
2+2
_
+ 4+5-
752 Singing on the Trail (69) Col
. 9-14-46
2+2
2+2
2+ 2-
770 Sioux City Sue (69) Rep
.12- 7-46
-P
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
5+ 4-
Six Gun Serenade (53) Mono
+
1+
789 Smash-Up (103) U-l
. 2-15-47
+
++
+
+
+
44
44 10+
765 So Dark the Night (70) Col
.11-23-46
+
2+2
2+2
+
+
+
H-
7+ 3-
786 Song of Scheherazade (106) U-l...
. 2- 1-47
+
±2
2+2
+
+
+
2+2
7+ 3-
Song of the Sierras (55) Mono.....
+
2t
2+ 1-
762 Song of the South (95) RKO
.11- 1-46
ff
ff
4+
44
44
44
44 14+
786 South of the Chisholm Trail (58) Col. 2- 1-47
2+2
2+2
HH
3+ 3-
817 Spoilers of the North (66) Rep....
. 5-10-47
-+-
2+2
2+2
+
H-
—
5+ 5-
745 Spook Busters (68) Mono
. 8-24-46
±1
2+2
H-
2+
2t
H-
2±
7+ 7-
780 Stagecoach to Denver (56) Rep....
. 1-11-47
H-
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
5+ 4-
773 Stairway to Heaven (104) U-l
.12-21-46
+
+
44
44
44
44 10+
805 Stallion Road (97) WB
. 3-29-47
2+2
2+2
+
+
+
+
7+ 3-
775 Stars Over Texas (57) PRC
.12-28-46
2+2
2+2
2+ 2-
764 Strange Holiday (56) PRC
.11- 9-46
2+2
2+2
T
2+
+
5+ 4-
751 Strange Journey (67) 20-Fox
. 9-14-46
2+2
HH
2+
2+2
H-
5+ 5-
762 Strange Woman, The (101) UA...
.11- 2-46
+
2+2
+
+
+
+
+
7+ 1-
789 Suddenly It’s Spring (87) Para
. 2-15-47
+
2+2
+
+
+
+
+
7+ 1-
766 Susie Steps Out (65) UA........
.11-23-46
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+
2+2
6+ 6-
770 Sweetheart of Sigma Chi (76) Mono
12- 7-46
2+2
2+2
+
2+
2t
+
6+ 4-
771 Swell Guy (87) U-l
.12-14-46
2+2
+
+
+
+
±
44
8+ 2-
T
SOGTarzan and the Huntress (72) RKO.
. 3-29-47
+
2+2
2+2
+
+
2+2
_
6+ 4-
761 Temptation (100) U-l
.11- 2-46
+
2+2
2±
2+2
44
+
2+2
8+ 4-
764 Terror Trail (55) Col
.11- 9-46
H-
2+2
2+ 2-
772 That Brennan Girl (95) Rep
.12-14-46
2+2
+
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
2+2
7+ 5—
791 That Way With Women (85) WB..
. 2-22-47
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
+
44
2+2
8+ 5-
810 That's My Man (104) Rep
. 4-12-47
+
+
2+2
+
+
2+2
+
7+ 2-
747 They Were Sisters (108) U-l
. 8-31-46
+
2+2
+
2+2
+
+
6+ 2-
820 They Won’t Believe Me (95) RKO..
. 5-17-47
4+
+
44
44
7+
775 13 Rue Madeleine (95) 20-Fox....
.12-28-46
+
+
+
+
+
44
44
9+ -
792 Thirteenth Hour, The (62) Col....
. 2-22-47
2+2
2+2
2+2
H-
2+2
5+ 6-
811 This Happy Breed (110) U-l
. 4-19-47
+
2+
+
+
H-
44
44
9+ 2-
751 Three Little Girls in Blue (90) 20-Fox 9-14-46
+
+
+
44 +
44
44 10+
809 Three on a Ticket (62) PRC
. 4-12-47
+
2t
2+2
2t
+
2+2
6+ 4-
747 Thrill of Brazil, The (91) Col
. 8-31-46
+
± 2
2+2
+
+
+
6+ 3-
822 Thunder Mountain (60) RKO
. 5-24-47
2+2
2+2
+
44
5+ 2-
765 Till the Clouds Roll By (120) MG M. .11-23-46 # + # ft ft ft 11+
743 Time of Their Lives, The (82) U-l.. 8-17-46 + ±± + + #±8+3—
804 Time Out of Mind (89) U-l 3-22-47 - + -± + ±±7+7-
772 Time, the Place and the Girl, The
(105) WB
12-14-46
2+2
2+2
+
+
+
+
2+2
7+ 3-
794 Trail Street (83) RKO
3- 1-47
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
+
6+ 4-
785 Trail to San Antone (67) Rep
2- 1-47
2t
2+2
+
2+2
+
5+ 3-
Trailing Danger (58) Mono
2+2
1+ 1-
779 Trap, The (68) Mono
1-11-47
—
2+2
—
3+ 5-
819 Trouble With Women, The (80) Para
5-17-47
+
+
++
+
6+ 1-
764 Tumbleweed Trails (57) PRC
11- 9-46
H-
2+2
2+2
2+2
4+ 4—
811 Twilight on the Rio Grande (71) Rep
4-19-47
+
2+2
2+2
—
2+2
4+ 4-
806 Two Mrs. Carrolls, The (100) WB.
3-29-47
+
2+2
2±2
+
+
+
6+ 2-
748 Two Years Before the Mast (98)
Para
2+2
2+2
++
+
+
ft
+
10+ 2-
TJ
748 Under Nevada Skies (69) Rep
8-31-46
H-
2+2
3+ 3-
Undercover Maisie (93) MGM
+
+
+
H-
+
5+ 1-
756 Undercurrent (113) MGM
10- 5-46
+
2+2
+
-H-
+
-ft
+
9+ 1-
772 Unexpected Guest (60) UA
12-14-46
2t
2+2
2+r
2+2
2+2
2+2
6+ 6—
808 Untamed Fury (61) PRC
4- 5-47
H-
2+2
-P
+
+
2+2
6+ 4-
V
808 Vacation Days (68) Mono
4- 5-47
2±
2+2
^P
3+ 4-
757 Vacation in Reno (60) RKO
10-12-46
H-
2+2
±2
2+2
^P
2+2
H-
7+ 7-
Valley of Fear (54) Mono
—
2+2
1+ 2-
766 Verdict, The (86) WB
11-23-46
+
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
+
+
7+ 3-
799 Vigilantes of Boomtown (96) Rep. . . .
3- 8-47
+
2+2
+
+
2+2
5+ 2-
812 Violence (72) Mono
. 4-19-47
2+2
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
6+ 5-
w
766 Wake Up and Dream (92) 20-Fox.
.11-30-46
2+2
H-
+
ft-
2+2
8+ 5-
763 Wanted for Murder (97) 20-Fox. . .
.11- 9-46
2t
2+2
+
+
+
+
6+ 2-
814 Welcome Stranger (106) Para. . . .
4-26-47
-H-
-H-
-H-
-B-
-ft
ft
12+
806 West of Dodge City (57) Col
. 3-29-47
2+2
2+2
+
3+ 2-
816 West to Glory (61) PRC
. 5- 3-47
2+2
2+2
3+ 3-
Whispering City (..) E-L
4+
2+
751 White Tie and Tails (74) U-l
. 9-14-46
2+2
2+2
+
*4“
2+2
5+ 3-
771 Wicked Lady, The (98) U-l
.12-14-46
+
2+2
2+2
+
+
6+ 3-
762 Wife Wanted (73) Mono
.11- 2-46
2+2
2+2
2+2
4+ 4—
743 Wild Beauty (61) U-l
. 8-17-46
H-
Hp
+
2±
5+ 4-
785 Wild Country (57) PRC
. 2- 1-47
2+2
H-
H-
4+ 4-
769 Wild West (73) PRC
.12- 7-46
2+2
+
2+2
2+2
5+ 4-
820 Woman on the Beach, The (71) RKO 5-17-47
2±
+
+
—
3+ 3-
I
510 Yankee Fakir (71) Rep
. . 4-12-47
+
H-
2+2
2+2
+
5+ 3-
770 Yearling, The (135) MGM
.12- 7-46
++
ff
++
++
ft
ff
++
14+
802 Years Between, The (88) U-l....
.. 3-15-47
2t
2+2
&
±
+
ff
7+ 4-
SHORTS CHART
Short subjects, listed by Company, in order of release. Running time follows
title. First date is National release, second the date of review in BOXOFFICE.
Symbol between dates is rating from the BOXOFFICE review: ft Very Good,
+ Good, ±Fair, ^Mediocre, — Poor, = Very Poor. ©Indicates color photography.
Columbia
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating
ALL-STAR COMEDIES
8421 Pardon My Terror
(Schilling, Lane) (16'/2) 9-12 +
8431 Society Mugs (Howard)
(16) 9-19 ±
8433 Slappily Married (J. De Rita)
(16'/2) 11-7 ±
8423 Reno-Vated (V. Vague)
(1814) 11-21 ±
8434 Moron Than Off (S. Holloway)
(17) 11-28 +
8403 Three Little Pirates (Stooges)
(18) 12-5 -f
8435 Andy Plays Hookey (Andy
Clyde) (18) 12-19 ±
8404 Half Wits’ Holiday
(Three Stooges) (17!/2) 1- 9
8436 Meet Mr. Mischief
(H. Von Zell) (17'/2). . 1-23 ±
8424 Hot Heir (H. Herbert)
(16!/2> 2-13 ±
8437 Scooper Dooper (S. Holloway)
(18) 2-27
8405 Fright Night (Stooges)
(17) 3-6
8438 The Good Bad Egg
(J. DeRita) (17) 3-20
8439 Bride and Gloom (S. Howard)
(16) 3-27
8440 Two Jills and a Jack
(A. Clyde) (18) .... 4-17
8406 Out West (Stooges)
(1714) 4-24 +
8425 Cupid Goes Nuts (16).. 5- 1
8426 Nervous Shakedown (15!4) 5- 8
COLOR PHANTASIES
8701 Fowl Brawl (6) 1-9 +
8702 Uncultured Vulture (6) . . 2- 6 ±
8703 Wacky Quacky (6) 3-20
8704 Leave Us Chase It (6'/2) 4-24
8705 Tooth or Consequences
( • - ) 6- 5
COLOR RHAPSODIES
(Technicolor)
8501 Loco Lobo (6) 1-9 -f-
8502 Cockatoos for Two (6)... 2-13 -f-
8503 Brg House Blues (7).... 3- 6
8504 Mother Huba-Huba-Hubbard
(6) 5-29
COMMUNITY SING
8652 No. 2 It’s a Pity to Say Good-
night (Baker) (10!4) . .10-10 +
8653 No. 3 Surrender (Leibert)
(9/2) 11-14 +
5654 No. 4 Pretending (Baker)
(10) 12-19 +
8655 No. 5 Rumors Are Flying
(Leibert) (9!4) 1-23 ±
8656 No. 6 Ole Buttermilk Sky
(Baker) (10) 2-27
8657 No. 7 The Coffee Song
(Leibert) (9) 3-13
8658 No. 8 I’ll Close My Eyes
(Baker) (10) 4-17
8659 No. 9 For Sentimental Reasons
(10) 5-22
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
8852 No. 2 Looking Down on Holly-
wood (10) 10-3 4-
8853 No. 3 Rodeo (10) 11-7 ff
8854 No. 4 Skolsky Party
(10) 12-26 ±
8855 No. 5 Movie Columnists
(9) 1-23 ±
8856 No. 6 Behind the Mike (9) 2- 6 ±
8857 No. 7 Holiday in Las Vegas
(10) 3-13 +
8858 No. 8 My Pal Ringeye
(10) 4-10
8859 No. 9 Famous Hollywood
Mothers (10) 5-1 +
8860 So This Is 'Ollywood
(•■> 6-12
SPORT REELS
8802 Ten Pin Magic (10) 10-24 +
8803 Hi Li (914) 11-21 +
8804 Best in Show Dogs (10) . .12-12 +
8805 Polo (10) 1-30 ff
8806 Cue Tricks (9) 2-20
5807 Tennis Wizards (9) 3-20
8808 Goofy Golf ( . . ) 4-24 +
8809 Grappling Groaners (9) . . 5-29
THRILLS OF MUSIC
8952 Machito & Orch. (10'/2) 10-17 ±
8953 Les Elgart & Orch. (10) . .11-28 +
8954 Ray McKinley & Orch.
(9J4) 11-28 +
8955 Shorty Sherock & Orch.
(S'/2) 1-23 ±
8956 Buddy Morrow & Orch.
(9'/2) 2-27
8957 George Towne & Orch. (10) 3-27
8958 Ray Anthony & Orch. (10) 5-22
SERIALS
8120 Son of the Guardsman. . . .10-24 ±
15 Chapters
8140 Jack Armstrong 2-6 ff
15 Chapters
8160 The Vigilante 5-22 +
15 Chapters
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Rev’d- Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
4-19
4-19
4-19
1- 4
2- 8
1- 25
2- 15
4- 5
3- 22
Paramount
FITZPATRICK TRAVELTALKS
(Technicolor)
T-713 Land of Mayas (9)... 1-26 ....
T-714 Glrmpses of Guatemala
(8) 2-9 -f 2-16
T-715 Visiting Vera Cruz (10) 3-16 ff 2-9
T-716 The Mission Trail (10). . 4-13
T-717 Looking at London (10). 6- 1 -f 6-1
T-718 Over the Seas to Belfast
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
GEORGE PAL PUPPETOONS
(Technicolor)
U5-4 Together in the Weather
(7)
(9)
8-31
4-12
3-29
5- 3
4- 19
5- 3
T-811 Glimpses of California
(9) 10-26 +
T-812 Calling on Costa Rica
(10) 3-15 +
T-813 Around the World in California
(9) 5-17
4-19
3-29
M-783 Musical Masterpieces
GO)
MINIATURES
4-20 ff 4-6
(9) "
+
4-13
W-736 The Milky Waif (7) . .
. 5-18
+
7- 1
11-30
W-738 Trap Happy (7) . . . .
. . 6-29
5-10
W-740 Solid Serenade (8) . .
.. 8-31
4-19
W-832 Cat Fishin’ (8)
. 2-22
■ft
4-19
5-17
W-833 Part Time Pal (8) . .
. 3-15
ff
5- 3
5-17
W-835 Cat Concerto (7) . . . .
. 4-26
ff
5-10
4-19
5-24
4-19
4- 19
5- 10
5-17
5-24
12-14
4-19
1-11
5- 3
10-19
2- 8
5-24
M -784 Bikini — The Atom Island
(10) 6-15 + 6-15
NEWS OF THE DAY
(Released Twice Weekly)
SPECIALS
A-702 Purity Squad (20) 11-3 ff 10-3
A-703 Traffic With the Devil
(17) 8-31 ff 9-14
A-801 Luckiest Guy in the World
(21) 1-25 ± 2-1
TECHNICOLOR CARTOONS
W-734 Lonesome Lenny (8) ... 3- 9 -f 4-
W-737 The Hick Chick (7).... 6-15
W-739 Northwest Hounded Police
(8) 8-3
W-S31 Henpecked Hoboes (7). .10-26 ff 4-19
W-834 Hound Hunters (7).... 4-12 ff 5-10
TOM & JERRY CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
RKO Radio
Prod. No.
Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd.
DISNEY CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
U5-6John Henry and the Inky
PASSING PARADE
U5-7 Jasper in a Jam (7) . . .
U5-S Shoe Shine Jasper (7)..
U6-1 Wilbur the Lion (10) . . .
U6-2 Tubby the Tuba (10)..
R5- 8 Riding the Hickories (S
R5- 9 Birds Make Sport (9) .
R5-10 Feminine Class (10) . .
R6- 1 Race Horses Are Bom
(9)
R6- 2 Dive Hi Champs (10)
R6- 4 Like Father, Like Son
R6- 5 Jumping Jacks (9'/2) . .
R6- 6 Selling the Sun (10) . . .
R6- 7 Under White Sails (9) .
R6- 8 Iced Lightning (10) . ..
R6- 9 Making the Varsity (10)
5-24
ff
6- 8
9-20
If
5-18
9- 6
10-18
ff
12-i.4
2-28
+
2-15
4-18
+
5-17
. 7-11
PORTLIGHTS
5-17
+
7- 1
6-21
+
6-29
7-19
+
7-20
10- 4
-f-
10- 5
.10-11
ff
12-14
lt-15
+
1-18
.12-13
ff
5-17
. 1-10
+
5-24
. 1-31
. 2-28
ff
5-17
. 4-18
6-13
± 5-18
ft
7-27
2- 1
3-15
5-10
5-25
7- 1
7-20
12-13
4-
64,106 Squatter’s Rights (7) . .
6- 7
+
6-15
64.107 Donald's Double Trouble
(7)
6-28
ff
7- 6
64,108 The Purloined Pup (7) .
7-19
+
8-17
64,109 Wet Paint (7)
8- 9
+ .
9-17
64,110 Dumb Bell of the Yukon
(7)
8-30
+
5-25
64,111 Lighthouse Keeping (7)
9-20
+
1-25
64,112 Bath Day (7)
10-11
64,113 Frank Duck Brings ’Em
Back Alive (7)
11- 1
7-27
64,114 Double Dribble (7)
11-29
11-23
64,115 Pluto’s Housewarming
(7)
12-20
■4"
2-15
64,116 Rescue Dog (7)
3-21
-H-
4-19
64,117 Straight Shooters (6) . .
4-18
+
5-17
64,118 Sleepy Time Donald (7)
5- 9
■±2
4-19
74.101 Figaro and Frankie (7
5-30
74,102 Clown of the Jungle (7)
6-20
5-10
+ 4-13
K-775 Magic on a Stick (10). .
1- 9
ff
2-16
K-776 Our Old Car (10)
5-11
ff
4- 6
K-871 A Really Important Person
(10)
1-11
±
3-15
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
S-757 Fala at Hyde Park (9) .
1-19
ff
1-26
S-75S Studio Visit (10)
5-11
+
7- 1
S-759 Equestrian Quiz (10)..
5-18
ff
7- 1
S-760 Treasures From Trash
(10)
6- 8
6- 1
S-851 Football Thrills No. 9
(9)
9- 7
S-852 Sure Cures (9)
11- 2
S-853 1 Love My Husband
But (9)
12- 7
S-854 Playing by Ear (10)
12-28
ff
1-25
S-855 Athlpt'nuiz (9)
1-11
+
4-19
S-856 Diamond Demon (9)....
2- 1
2-22
S-857 Early Sports Quiz (9) . . .
3- 1
ff
4- 5
S-858 1 Love My Wife But (9)
4-15
ff
4-12
S-859 Neighbor Pests (9)
5- 3
4-26
R6-10 Running the Hounds (10) 7-18
LITTLE LULU
(Technicolor)
D5-3 Bored of Education (7).. 7-26
C5-4 Chick and Double Chick
(6) 8-16
D5-5 Musica-Lulu (7) 1-24
D5-6 Scout With the Gout (7) 3- 7
D6-1 Loose in the Caboose (8) 5-23
D6-2 Cad and Caddie (7) 7-18
MUSICAL PARADES
(Technicolor)
FF5-3 College Queen (19) 5-17
FF5-4 Tale of Two Cafes (18) 7- 5
FF5-5 Double Rhythm (20) . . . 8-23
FF5-6 Golden Slippers (17).. 12-13
FF6-1 Sweet and Low (19) 3-28
FF6-2 Champagne for Two (20) 6-13
NOVELTOON
(Technicolor)
P5-2 Cheese Burglar (7) 5-17
P5-3 Old MacDonald Had a Farm
(7) 6- 7
P5-4 Sheep Shape (7) 6-28
P5-5 Goal Rush (6) 9-27
P5-6 Sudden Fried Chicken (7) 10-18
P6-1 Spree for All (7) 10-18
P6-2 Stupidstitious Cat (7) . . 4-25
P6-3 The Enchanted Square
(10) 5-9
P6-4 Madhattan Island (..).. 6-27
PACEMAKERS
K6-1 Brooklyn, I Love You
(10) 10-4
K6-2 Love in Tune OS/2) .10-25
K6-3 Radio, Take It Away (11) 1-31
K6-4 Try and Catch Me (9).. 2-14
K6-5 Brains Can Be Beautiful
(9) 5-30
PARAMOUNT NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
POPEYE CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
E5-3 Klondike Casanova (8) . . . 5-31 + 5-25
E5-4 Peep in the Deep (7) . . . 6- 7 ff 7-1
E5-5 Rocket to Mars (6) 8-9 + 6-29
E5-6 Rodeo Romeo (6) 8-16 -j- 7-20
E5-7 The Fistic Mystic (6) . . 2- 7 ff 11-30
E5-8 The Island Fling (7) 3-14 ff 12-21
E6-1 Abusement Park (7) 4-25 ff 5-3
E6-2 I'll Be Ski-ing Ya (8) . . . 6-13
POPULAR SCIENCE
(Color)
5-18
7- 1
12-28
10-26
5-10
ft 5-3
11- 2
11- 9
4- 19
5- 10
J5-5 No. 5 (10)
J5-6 No. 6 (10
. 6-21
,. 8-16
+
6-29
J6-1 No. 1 (11)
.11- 1
ff
12- 7
J6-2 The Sponge Divers (11).
. 1-17
±:
4-19
J6-3 Air-Borne Pastures (11).
. 2-28
5-17
J6-4 Marine Miracles (10)...
J6-5 Moon Rockets (10)
. 4- 4
.6-6
5-24
6-29
SPEAKING OF ANIMALS
Y5-5 The Lonesome Stranger
(10) 6-14 +
Y5-6 Be Kind to Animals (10) 8-30 ....
Y6-1 Stork Crazy (10) 10-18 ± 1-4
Y6-2 Pooch Parade (10) 12-27 + 3-22
Y6-3 In Country Life (9) 2-21 + 4-19
Y6-4 They're Not So Dumb (8) 3-28 + 5-3
Y6-5 In Love (10) 5-30
TWO-REEL SPECIAL
T5-2 Don’t Be a Sucker (18) . . 7- 4 ff
37 Two Decades of History
(22'/2) 1-4
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS
(Color)
5-11
L5-4
No.
4 (10)
5-24
+
4-13
L5-5
No.
5 (10)
7-12
+
6-29
L5-6
No.
6 (10)
8-30
L6-1
No.
1 (10)
12-13
ff
11-23
L6-2
Swedish Glass Makers (10)
2-14
+
5-24
L6-3
G.l.
Hobhies (11)
3-14
+
3-29
L6-4
The
Stunt Girl (10) ...
5- 2
EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDIES
63.404 Wall Street Blues (17) 7-12
63.405 Motor Maniacs (18).. 7-20
63.406 Noisy Neighbors (18) . . 9-20
73.401 I’ll Build It Myself
(15) 10-18
73.402 Do Or Diet (18) 2-10
73.403 Social Terrors (18).... 4-11
+
7-27
9-17
10-12
10-12
4- 5
RAY WHITLEY WESTERN MUSICALS
73.501 Bar Buckaroos (16) 9-6 ± 11-9
73.502 Cupid Rides the Range
(18) 10-11
73.503 Bandits and Ballads
(17) 11-15 ± 11-16
73.504 Buckaroo Broadcast
(18) 12-20 4- 1-4
SPECIAL
73,901 Football Highlights of
1946 (18) 12-10 +
FLICKER FLASHBACKS
74.201 No. 1 (9) 9-13
74.202 No. 2 (9) 10-25
74.203 No. 3 (8) 12- 6
74.204 No. 4 (10) 1-17 ±
74.205 No. 5 (8) 2-28 ±
74.206 No. 6 (9) 4-11 ±
12-21
4-19
4- 19
5- 10
64,310 Aqua Queens (8)
5-17
+
6-15
64,311 Ben Hogan (8)
6-14
+
7- 6
64,312 Palmetto Quail (8)...
7-12
+
8-24
64,313 Steeplechasers (8)
7-31
*4-
12- 7
74,301 Skating Lady (8)
8-30
ff
10-26
74,302 Hail Notre Dame (8)
10-18
12-28
74,303 Bowling Fever (9) . . . .
11-22
-4-
11-30
74,304 Kentucky Basketeers (8)
1-13
ff
1-11
74,305 College Climbers (8) • .
1-10
-f-
4-19
74,306 Ski Champion (8)....
1-10
ff
5-10
74,307 Ice Skippers (8)
3- 7
+
5-17
74,308 Wild Turkey (8)
4- 4
5-24
74,309 Racing Sleuth (8)
5- 9
THIS IS AMERICA
63.108 Panama (16)
63.109 Port of New York (16)
63.110 Courtship to Courthouse
63.111 Highway Mania (17)..
63.112 White House (17)
63.113 Northern Rampart (17)
73.101 Beauty for Sale (17) . .
73.102 Germany Today (16) . . .
73.103 A Nation Is Born (17)
73.104 Campus Boom (16) ....
73.105 San Francisco (16)..
73.106 Forgotten Island (18) .
73.107 Big Party (IS)
5-31
-+■
6-15
1 6-28
ff
7- 6
: (16)
Hr
8-17
8-23
ff
9-17
9-20
10- 5
10-17
-H-
11- 2
11-22
11-16
12-13
ff
12-21
1-17
ff
2- 1
2- 7
ff
3- 8
3- 7
ff
3-15
4- 4
-H-
4-26
5- 2
+
5-17
HEADLINER REVIVALS
53.201 Songs of the Colleges
(15) 9-8
63.201 The Derby Decade (22) 9-21
63.202 Russian Dressing (18).. 11-23 :+: 12-29
63.203 Twenty Girls and a Band
(IS) 1-18 -f 2-2
63.204 Sea Melody (19) 3-15 — 4-13
63.205 Follow That Music (18) 1-31 ± 2-8
LEON ERROL COMEDIES
63.705 I’ll Take Milk (18) ... . 7-19 + 7-27
63.706 Follow That Blonde (18) 9-27 ± 9-28
73.701 Borrowed Blonde (15) . . 3- 7 — 3-22
73.702 Wife Tames Wolf (17).. 3-28 ± 4-12
MUSICAL FEATURETTES
73.201 Melody Time (18) 11-29 + 12-28
73.202 Follow That Music (IS) 1-31
PATHE NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
PATHE SPORTSCOPE
12
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 31, 1947
4
SHORTS CHART
20th Century-Fox
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
DRIBBLE PUSS PARADE
6902 Muscle Maulers (8) .... 5-31 ....
7901 Monkey-Tone News (9) . . 1-17 ....
7951 Fisherman’s Nightmare (8) 5- 2 +
2-22
MOVIETONE NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
MARCH OF TIME
Vol. 12, No. 9 Wanted— More Homes!
(20) 4-19
Vol. 12, No. 10 Tomorrow's Mexico
(20) 5-17 44
Vol. 12, No. 11 Problem Drinkers
(19) 6-14 +f
Vol. 12, No. 12 The New France
(19) 7-12 ff
Vol. 12, No. 13 Atomic Power
(19) 8-9 +
Vol. 13, No. 1 Is Everybody Happy?
(17/2) 9-6
Vol. 13, No. 2 World Food Problem
(17) 10-4 -f
Vol. 13, No. 3 The Soviet’s Neighbor
am) ii-i +
Vol. 13, No. 4 The American Cop
(18) 11-29 44
Vol. 13, No. 5 Nobody's Children
(17) -.12-27 44
Vol. 13, No. 6 Germany — Handle
With Care (19) 1-24 -f
Vol. 13, No. 7 Fashion Means
Business (18) 2-21 ff
Vol. 13, No. 8 The Teachers’ Crisis
(16/2) 3-21 ff
Vol. 13, No. 9 Storm Over Britain
(IS) 4-18 ff
4- 20
5- 18
6- 15
7- 20
8- 10
10-12
11- 2
11- 30
12- 28
1- 25
2- 22
3- 22
4- 19
Universal-International
MOVIETONE ADVENTURES
(Color)
6259 Cradle of Liberty (8) . . .
6-21
6260 Across the Great Divide
(8)
7- 5
7251 Sons of Courage (8) . . . .
8- 2
+
10- 5
7252 Jamaica (8)
9-13
7253 Historic Capetown (8) . . .
10-18
7254 Girl and Gags (8)
11-22
-4-
4-i2
7201 Fantasy of Siam (8) . . . -
1- 3
+
1-18
7202 Royalty of the Range (9)
3- 7
+
4-19
7255 The Cape of Good Hope (8)
4-11
+
4-19
7256 Zululand (8)
6- 6
4-26
7257 Gardens of the Sea (..)..
6-13
7258 Romance of the Fjords
(••)
6-27
7203 Harvest of the Sea (9) . .
7- 4
+
5- 3
5- 4
6- 8
7-20
6- 8
6- 8
4- 27
10-19
5- 24
9-21
+ 2-15
± 5-24
± 5-10
ff 4-19
Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
ANSWER MAN SERIES
2391 Answer Man No. 1 (10). .
10-21
+
9-21
2392 No. 2 Nature's Atom Bomb
(10)
12-30
+
1- 4
2393 No. 3 The Jungle Gangster
(9)
3- 3
4-19
2394 No. 4 Red Fury (8)
3-24
5- 3
JUVENILE JURY SERIES
2361 No. 1 (11) 12-16 -f
2362 No. 2 (10) 3-31 -f
LANTZ CARTUNES
(Technicolor)
2- 8
4-19
SPORTS
7301 Football Fanfare (9) 8-23 -f 9-14
7351 Winter Holiday (8) 9-27
7352 Summer Trails (8) 11-8 ± 5-10
7353 Playtime’s Journey (8).. 12-13 ± 5-17
7302 Style of the Stars (10) . . 2- 7
7303Tanbark Champions (8).. 5-23 -f 5-24
7304 Wings of the Wind (..).. 7-25
TERRY-TOONS
(Technicolor)
6515 Mighty Mouse in Throwing
the Bull (7) 5-3
6516 Mighty Mouse in the Trojan
Horse (7) 7-26
6517 Dinky Finds a Home (7) 6- 7
6518 Mighty Mouse in the Johnstown
Flood (7) 6-28
6519 Gandy Goose in Peacetime
Football (7) 7-19
6520 Gandy Goose in the Golden
Hen (7) 5-24
7501 Mighty Mouse in Winning the
West (7) 8-16
7502 The Tortoise Wins Again
(7) 8-30
7503 Mighty Mouse in the Electronic
Mouse Trap (7) 9-6
7504 Mighty Mouse in the Jail Break
(7) 9-20
7505 The Snow Man (7) 10-11
7506 The Housing Problem (7) 10-25
7507 Mighty Mouse in the Crackpot
King (7) 11-15
7508 Talking Magpies in the Uninvited
Pests (7) 11-29
7509 Mighty Mouse and the Hep Cat
(7) 12-6
7510 Beanstalk Jack (7) 12-20
7511 Mighty Mouse in Crying Wolf
(7) 1-10
7512 The Talking Magpies in
McDougal’s Rest Farm (7) 1-31
7513 Mighty Mouse in Dead End
Cats (7) 2-14
7514 The Talking Magpies in Happy
Go Lucky (7) 2-28 ±
7515 Gandy Goose in Mexican
Baseball (7) 3-14 ff
7516 Mighty Mouse in Aladdin's
Lamp (7) 3-28
7517 The Talking Magpies in Cat
Trouble (7) 4-11 ± 5-24
7518 Mighty Mouse in Sky Is Falling
(7) 4-25
7519 Talking Magpies in the
Intruder (7) 5-9
7520 Mighty Mouse Meets Dead eye
Dlek (7) 5-30
5-10
5-24
2321 Fair Weather Fiends (7) .
11-18
44
1-25
2322 Wacky Weed (7)
12-16
2-15
2323 Musical Moments (7)...
2-24
+4
5- 3
2324 Smoked Hams (7)
4-28
5-10
2325 Coo-Coo Bird (7)
2326 Overture to William Tell
6- 9
5-17
(7)
. 6-16
NAME BAND MUSICALS
1308 Takin’ the Breaks (15).. 5-22
Russ Morgan & Orch.
+
7- 1
1309 Banquet of Melody (15) . 5-29
Matty Malneck & Orch.
+
4-27
1310 Swingin' Down the Scale
(15) Alvino Rey & Orch. 6-26
+
7- 1
1311 Breakin' It Down (15).. 8-28
Del Courtney & Orch.
+
6-17
2301 Frontier Frolic (15).... 10- 9
Bob Wills & Orch.
+
1- 4
2302 Champagne Music (15).. 11-20
Lawrence Welk & Orch.
+4
1-18
2303 Tumbleweed Tempos (16) 12- 4
Spade Cooley & Orch.
2- 1
2304 Moonlight Melodies (15) 12-18
Frankie Carle & Orch.
+
1-11
2305 Tex Beneke and the Glenn
Miller Orch. (15)... 3-26
44
4-19
2306 Melody Maestro (15).... 4- 2
2307 Tommy Tucker & Orch.
(15) 4-9
2308 Charlie Barnet & Orch.
(15) 4-16
2309 Charlie Spivak & Orch.
(15) 5-14
2310 Jitterumba (15) 6-25
5-24
5-17
PERSON-ODDITIES
(Now Classified as VARIETY VIEWS)
SING AND BE HAPPY SERIES
2381 Bit of Blarney (10)
9-30
+
10-26
2382 The Singing Barbers (9) . .
2-17
+
2-22
2383 Let's Sing a College Song
(10)
4-14
2384 Let’s Sing a Western Song
(10)
5-19
+
5-17
SPECIAL FEATURETTES (2 REELS)
1201 Tiny Terrors of the Timberlands
(20) 6-26 ff
UNIVERSAL NEWS
(Released Twice Weekly)
4- 6
VARIETY VIEWS
1349 Dog of the Seven Seas (9) 6-17
1350 Magic Mineral (9) 7-1
1351 Mr. Chimp at Home (9) . 8-12
1352 Operation Holiday (9)... 8-26
1353 Mr. Chimp to the Rescue
7-
6-
7-
10-
± 11-
1354 Mr. Chimp on Vacation
GO)
8-26
-+■
9-28
2341 Bear Facts (9)
2-24
+
4-19
2342 Pelican Pranks (9)
2-24
4-26
2343 Wild West Chimp (9) . . .
3-17
-4-
5- 3
2344 Rhumba Holiday (9) . . . .
4-21
+
5-10
(Formerly PERSON-ODDITIES)
1369 Scientifically Stung (9) . .
6-10
+
7- 1
1370 Lone Star Padre (9)
6-17
1371 Artist’s Antics (9)
6-24
+
7- 6
1372 Picture Pioneer (9)
7- 1
+
7- 6
1373 Hobo Hound (9)
8-19
+
9-28
1374 Sampson Junior (9)
8-19
10-19
1375 Rural Rhapsody (9)
8-26
10-26
SERIALS
1781-1793 The Scarlet Horseman
1-22
44
2-16
13 Chapters
1881-1893 Lost City of the
Jungle
4-23
4-27
13 Chapters
2581-2593 Mysterious Mr. M.. .
7-23
+
8-10
Warner Bros.
Prod. No.
Title
Rel. Date Rating Rev’d.
BLUE RIBBON HIT PARADE
(Technicolor)
2312 Robin Hood Makes Good
.(7)
2313 Little Red Walking Hood
(7)
3303 You’re an Education
3304 Have You Got Any Castles
(7)
3306 Cat's Tale (7)
3307 Goofy Groceries
3308 Doggone Modern
(7)....
BUGS BUNNY SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
2722 Acrobatty Bunny (7) . . . .
2723 Racketeer Rabbit (7) . . .
7- 6
+
8- 3
584 The Crimson Ghost
.10-26
8-17
-+-
9-14
12 Chapters
9-28
44
10- 5
691 Son of Zorro
. 1-18
10-12
+
11- 9
13 Chapters
10-26
2- 1
+
44
11-16
5- 3
692 Jungle Girl (rerelease)..
15 Chapters
. 4-19
2-22
-f-
4-19
Jesse James Rides Again.
. 3-21
3-29
-4
5-10
13 Chapters
4-19
6-14
+
5-17
The Black Widow
13 Chapter*
. 6-10
6-29
6-22
9-14
44
9-21
10- 5
-4
12-28
11- 9
44
1- 4
2726 Hare Grows in Manhattan
(7) 3-22
3719 Easter Yeggs (7) 6-28 ....
FEATURETTES
3101 Okay for Sound (20) 9-7 ff 7-20
3102 Minstrel Days (20) 11-30 ff 11-23
3103 Alice in Movieland (20).. 12-21
3104 Dog in the Orchard (20) 1-11 ff 3-29
3105 Keystone Hotel (20) 2- 8 ff 4-12
3106 Remember When (20).... 4-5-4 5-3
JOE McDOAKES COMEDIES
3401 So You Want to Keep Your
Hair (10) 12-7 ± 11-30
3402 So You Want to Play the
Horses (10) 10-5 ff 10-26
3403 So You Think You’re a
Nervous Wreck (10)... 12-28 ± 4-5
3404 So You’re Going to Be a Father
(10) 5-10
3405 So You Want to Be in
Pictures (10) 6-7
MELODY MASTERS
2609 Musical Memories (10) . . 7- 6
2610 Enric Madriguera & Orch.
(10) 8-10
3601 Desi Arnaz & Band (10) 10-12
3602 Melody of Youth (10).. 12-14
3603 Big Time Revue (10) .... 1-25
3604 Stan Kenton & Orch. (10) 2-22
3605 Vaudeville Revue (10) . . . 4-12
MERRIE MELODIES
(Technicolor)
2703 Eager Beaver (7) 7-13
2704 Great Piggy Bank Robbery
(7) 7-20
2705 Bacall to Arms (7) 8- 3
2706 Of Thee I Sting (7) 8-17
2707 Walky Talky Hawky (7).. 8-31
2708 Fair and Wormer (7) 9-28
2709 Mousmerized Cat (7).... 10-19
2710 Mouse Menace (7) 11- 2
2711 Roughly Squeaking (7).. 11-23
2712 One Meat Brawl (7) 1-18
2713 Goofy Gophers (7) 1-25
2714 Gay Anties (7) 2-15
2715 Scent- 1 mental Over You
(7) 3-8
2716 Birth of a Notion (7) . . . 4-12
2717 Tweetie Pie (7) 5-3
2718 Rabbit Transit (7) 5-10
2719 Hobo Bobo (7) 5-17
2720 Along Came Daffy (7)... 6-14
SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
2007 Down Singapore Way (20) 7-20 ±
2806 Adventures in South America
(10) 8-10 ±
2008 Men of Tomorrow (20) . . 8-24 ff
TWO-REEL SPECIALS
(Technicolor)
3001 Cinderella’s Feller (20).. 9-21 ±
3002 The Last Bomb (20) 11- 2 ±
3003 A Boy and His Dog (20). 4-26 ff
3004 Saddle Up (20) 3- 1 -f
3005 Song of a Nation (20) . . 5-31
SPORTS PARADE
2511 Beach Days (10) 7-13
2512 Ranch in White (10) 8-3 ±
2513 Dominion of Sports (10). 8-31 ±
3501 King of the Everglades
(10) 9-14 ±
3502 Lazy Hunter (10) 10-26 ±
3503 Battle of Champs (10) . . 1-18 ±
3504 American Sports Album
Miscellaneous
Republic
SERIALS
8- 3
8-31
7- 6
9-21
9-21
4- 26
5- 3
8-31
8- 31
9- 28
12- 7
5- 3
13 Chapters
TECHNICOLOR ADVENTURES
3801 Star Spangled City (10). 10- 19 ff 11- 2
3802 Rubber River (10) 11-16 ± 12-14
3803 Kingdom of the Wild (10) 3-15 -f 4-19
3804 Circus Horse (10) 6-28
G-Men Never Forget
13 Chapters
United Artists
DAFFY DITTIES
.©The Lady Said No (8).. 4-26 ff
.©Choo Clioo Amigo (8).. 7- 5 ff
.©Pepito's Serenade (10).. 8-16 44
LOEW MUSICOLOR
.©Toccata and Fugue (10). 10-15 ff
THE WORLD TODAY
.Wonder Eye (10) 516 ff
4-27
7-20
9-14
10-19
5-17
-+-
8-24
44
5-24
44
4-19
+
3- 8
4-19
5- 3
±:
8- 3
+
8-10
-4-
8-24
+
8-31
-H-
9-14
+f
12-2i
12-14
4-19
-4-
5-10
-H-
5-10
4-19
+
5-17
+
5-24
(io) ...:
. ... 3- 8
4-
3-22
3505 Let's Go Swimming
(10). 1- 4
4-19
3506 Arrow Magic (10) . .
3-22
-4-
5-10
3507 Harness Racing (10)
. . . . 5-3
+
5-17
3508 Flying Sportsmen in
Jamaica
(10)
.... 5-24
3509 A Day at Hollywood
Park
GO)
.... 6- 7
3510 Tennis Town (10) . -
.... 6-21
Movietone News, No. 76: Variety clubs
honor James Byrnes for peace efforts;
news flashes — new commercial air rec-
ords; Winchell spurs cancer drive; woman
rescues boy from drowning and finds that
he is her son; chimps of St. Louis ride like
wind in wild west show; golf fans thrilled
by tournament of celebrities.
News of the Day, No. 274: Fleets of
super forts invade N. Y.; contest for home
aids Runyon cancer fund; Variety clubs
honor J. Byrnes; new citizens welcomed at
"I Am an American Day"; Paris schools
make models toe the mark; sports; St. Louis
zoo.
Paramount News. No. 77: Stunt pilot
risks neck for new girl; slogan contest
aids Runyon cancer fund; golf celebrities
swing it; humanitarian award — Variety
clubs honor J. Byrnes; ’’Operation Pacific"
B29s raid N. Y.
Pathe News, No. 79: B29 fleet over
N. Y.; Memphis cotton carnival; Byrnes gets
Variety award; labor protests parade; Aus-
tralia’s banana crop; celebrities golf
tournament.
Universal News, No. 40: Presentation of
Variety Club award; thousands celebrate
’’1 Am an American Day" in N. Y. C.; cotton
festival in Memphis; spectacular Spanish
fiesta in Valencia; chimps stage circus
jamboree at St. Louis zoo; celebrities play
golf in Washington to aid youths; tradi-
tional festival in Holland, Mich., during
tulip time.
•
Movietone News, No. 77: Film highlights
of world news — England, royal family at-
tends luncheon; duke and duchess of Wind-
sor visit England; Chicago — two largest
steel plants in world invite people to open
house; children of circus performers learn
the ropes early; Florida mermaids com-
pete for title, but underwater; sports.
News of the Day, No. 275: Labor peace
brings boom in nation's steel industry; U.S.
fleet holds open house for visitors in
Alexandria; lighter side of Soviet life re-
vealed in latest films; circus school for
kids; queen of mermaids crowned in un-
derwater beauty pageant; something new
in baseball; Italy's oldest horse race.
Paramount News, No. 78: Baseball blasts
backstop; furs for all — m’lady looks ahead;
attention, philatelists! 100 million dollar
stamp show; news from the deep; France's
great power project.
Pathe News, No. 80: Duke and duchess
in England; Fifth avenue torch light pa-
rade; fair marks Europe comeback; col-
lective farms in Russia; glass backstop
protects fans; U.S. wins Walker cup in
golf; school for circus children.
Universal News, No. 41: Twenty-six dead
in Rome studio fire; Marta Thoren, Swedish
dramatic star arrives in U.S.; duke and
duchess visit England; Gandhi conducts
prayer meeting in India; circus tots learn
acrobatics in Newark, N. J.; Florida stages
underwater bathing beauty contest; glass
baseball backstop demonstrated in San
Francisco; 2%-year-old braves knife toss-
ing in mother's knife-throwing act; U.S.
wins Walker cup in St. Andrews, Scotland.
•
All American News, Vol. 5, No. 240: Mem-
phis turns out to honor the daddy of the
blues; Townsend report; research marches
on; ex-politico honored; recreation in
Africa; FBI Agent James Amos.
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 31, 1947
13
SHORTS REVIEWS
Opinions on ihe Current Short Subjects
V
Two Jills and a Jack
Col (All-Star Comedy) 18 Mins.
Fair. A routine slapstick job with Andy
Clyde handling the main role. The story re-
volves around a marital mixup. Clyde thinks
his girl friend has married his best friend.
The best friend thinks Clyde is fooling around
with his wife, and he tries to kill Clyde. Mur-
der is averted and friendship preserved when
the girl friend and the wife convince both
men they have been faithful.
Wacky Quacky
Col (Color Phantasy) 6 Mins.
Good. This story of a hunter and the duck
is good for a few laughs. The usual roles are
reversed when Quacky grabs the hunter's gun
and starts chasing him across the countryside.
Recommended for all groups.
Iced Lightning
Para (Sportlight) 10 Mins.
Exciting. Hockey as it is played by experts
is a fast, bruising game, according to the
thrilling action sequences in this reel. The
film traces the development of hockey in
Montreal, Can., and shows how youngsters are
trained in the city's 144 rinks. Closing scenes
feature a hair-raising game between the
Montreal Canadfens and the Canadian Maple
Leafs. Some of the arguments that break out
in the course of the game are reminiscent
of the free-for-alls at Ebbetts Field.
Selling the Sun
Para (Grantland Rice Sportlight) 10 Mins.
Good. A glimpse at Florida's sun-soaked
beaches and resorts, where glamour girls re-
lax on the white sands or go through some
lively beach routines, make this an especially
timely short for the winter months. On the
smooth firm surface of Daytona Beach, the
unique sport of sand sailing shows "How to
Get a Sun Tan at Forty Miles an Hour," and
John Robert Powers, famous selector of mod-
els, judges some local beauties competing for
the title of Florida's grapefruit queen.
Racing Sleuth
RKO (Sportscope) 8 Mins.
Good. An interest-holding short which
shows how the Thoroughbred Racing associ-
ations have taken an enlightened step to pro-
tect racing from the fixers, the thieves, the
touts, the swindlers and the dopers who seek
to infect it. Spencer J. Drayton, president of
the protective bureau, was an FBI agent for
14 years and he and his crack agents swing
into action as soon as they get wind of sub-
stitutions in important races. It will make
America's racing fans think.
Mighty Mouse in
Aladdin s Lamp
20th-Fox (Terrytoon) 7 Mins.
Excellent. Mighty Mouse, defender of un-
fortunate rodents, saves an Arabian princess
from the arms of a ruthless cat, in a highly
imaginative adventure. The princess is un-
happy with all the riches her father, Sultan
Aladdin, can provide and dreams of marry-
ing Mighty Mouse. When the cat steals
her from the palace the super-mouse takes
to the air and brings her safely home. As
the reel closes Mighty Mouse and the beau-
tiful princess clinch.
CORRECTION
A review of the musical short, "Desi
Amaz and His Orchestra," appeared in
the May 24 issue as a U-I Name Band re-
lease. Instead, it is one of the Melody
Master series, released by Warner Bros.
Mighty Mouse in the
Crackpot King
20th-Fox (Terrytoon) 7 Mins.
Good. Mighty Mouse rescues a fair damsel
from the arms of the Crackpot King (who
sounds very much like Hugh Herbert), after
she has been kidnaped by the sorceror and
is about to be married to the king. Loyal
friends of the girl are driven back by the
magic of the sorcerer, but Mighty Mouse bests
him in a lively duel.
Mighty Mouse in Crying
Wolf
20th-Fox (Terrytoon) 7 Mins.
Good. A quaint little fable in Technicolor
about the one black sheep in an otherwise
dutiful flock. Little Blackie scares the faith-
ful, but slow-thinking sheep dog by his trick
of shouting, "Wolf, Wolfl" but when a real
wolf appears the little sheep appears doomed.
Just as he seems ready for the wolf's chop-
ping block, the little white sheep pray for
aid from Mighty Mouse, who appears from
the skies and vanquishes all the menacing
wolves.
Style of the Stars
20th-Fox (Movietone Sports Review) 10 Mins.
Good. Of special interest to sports enthusi-
asts is this three-part short showing, first,
some splendid close-ups of the stance, style
and green shots of Patty Berg, Babe Didrik-
son and other top women golfers. Next, the
American League's baseball stars are shown
in action during an all-star game and then
five swimming and diving queens, Anne Cur-
tis, Suzanne Zimmerman, Nancy Merki, Zoe
Ann Olsen and Vicki Draves, show off their
fine form in the championships at Shakamak
state park in Indiana.
Melody Maestro
U-I (Name Band Musical) 15 Mins.
Good. Skinnay Ennis and his orchestra will
be familiar to millions of Bob Hope radio fans.
Ennis was with the Hope program for five
years, handling vocal and orchestral chores.
This short features Carmene and Mildred Law,
along with the Ennis combination. The se-
lections include "I Don't Know Why I Love
You Like I Do," sung by Ennis and Carmene;
"I'm Looking for a Girl Like You," as a dance
accompaniment for Miss Law, and "All That
Glitters Is Not Gold," sung by Carmene.
Overture to William Tell
U-I (WaltLantz Cartune) 7 Mins.
Very good. One of the bright spots on the
musical cartoon horizon. Clever situations and
effective art work put this short across. The
animal orchestra and its leader. Sir Wally
Walrus, go to town with the "Overture to
William Tell." The "musicians" complete their
assignment despite a flood and a destructive
horse fly.
Flying Sportsman in
Jamaica
WB (Sports Parade) 10 Mins.
Entertaining. Beautiful Technicolor shots of
the lush vegetation and scenery in Jamaica
add to the appeal of this latest Sports Parade
release. The camera follows an airliner to
Jamaica, where various sports activities are
enthusiastically pursued by the natives. The
film shows cricket, baseball, golfing, soccer,
field hockey, basketball, polo, fishing, raft-
ing, motor and sail boating and swimming
in a setting of blue skies and towering moun-
tains.
Hobo Bobo
WB Merrie Melodies 7 Mins.
Excellent. A whimsical tale of a baby ele-
phant who realizes his ambition to join a
circus in America is highly amusing. Bobo
tires of toting logs with his trunk in India.
In order to stow away on a U.S. bound ship
he paints himself pink. He is studiously avoid-
ed by the passengers who believe he is a
product of delirium tremens. When he reaches
land a passing department of sanitation truck
washes the pink paint from his body. Bobo
is trapped and committed to hard labor in
the circus, where he serves as bat boy for the
elephant baseball team. His final comment
is: "Bat boy, schmat boy, I'm still carrying
logs."
Rabbit Transit
WB (Bugs Bunny Special) 7 Mins.
Very good. The carrot-munching rabbit
challenges Cecil Turtle to a race in an at-
tempt to offset the bad publicity in the old
fable of the race between the tortoise and
the hare. The turtle is no slouch — he has jet
propulsion equipment installed in his shell.
Bugs wins the race, but the turtle has him
arrested for speeding.
The Song of a Nation
WB (Technicolor Special) 20 Mins.
Fair. The story of the birth of our national
anthem should appeal primarily to younger
audiences. Donald Woods plays Francis Scott
Key. The introduction of a lovers' spat be-
tween Woods and his wife detracts from the
patriotic theme. Because of the picture's his-
toric background tieups with local elemen-
tary schools may be made to boost matinee
attendance. Claire Dodd plays the wife. She
sings a sentimental ballad.
So You're Going to Be a
Father
WB (Joe McDoakes Comedy) 10 Mins.
Fair. Joe McDoakes takes the news of im-
pending fatherhood with considerable appre-
hension. The film dwells at length on the
mental tortures he endures while waiting for
the "little visitor" to arrive. He takes the usual
courses on baby care. Sixteen years are
passed over and the audience is given a
glimpse of McDoakes' child, a gum-chewing,
jitterbugging girl.
The Toy That Grew Up
A. F. Films, N. Y. C. 20 Mins.
(Animated Cartoons)
Very good. Produced in France, but with
English narration which explains the very
early history of animated pictures from the
days of the lantern slides, this is both in-
formative and entertaining. The dreams of
Plateau, a Belgian physicist who developed a
crude machine to animate static drawings,
and Emile Reynaud, who made further scien-
tific developments, led to the realization of
today's animation studios. Available on both
35mm and 16mm.
The Biography of the
Motion Picture Camera
A. F. Films, N. Y. C. 20 Mins.
Very good. Another instructive and enter-
taining documentary film made in France, but
with English narration and some stock shots
of Thomas A. Edison and his early motion pic-
ture cameras. This is a film record of the
crude, but successful, inventions by Marey,
Edward Muybridge and Louis Lumiere which
led up to Edison's great invention, the fore-
runner of the modern picture camera that
opened up a new industry for the world.
Available on both 35mm and 16mm.
14
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: May 31, 1947
Opinions on Current Productions ; Exploitips for Selling to the Public
FEATURE REVIEWS
The Unfaithful
Warner Bros. (623)
Drama
111 Minutes
ReL July 5, '47
Timely as tomorrow's newspaper — and just as inflammable
• — is this problem play concerning a soldier's bride who, al-
though sincerely in love with her husband, is unfaithful to
him just once during the long, lonesome months of his ab-
sence overseas. Added to the inherent dramatic and emo-
tional facets of such not uncommon situation is the self-de-
fense slaying, by the wife, of the man of her indiscretion, and
her subsequent trial on a murder charge. That expertly con-
trived story in itself should be sufficient to assure the film
substantial patronage, most especially from the women cus-
tomers. Considering, additionally, that the picture is strongly
cast, lavishly mounted, delineated with walloping excellence
and, above all, directed with consummate skill and under-
standing, it should finish on a majority of patrons' and critics'
"must see" lists. Directed by Vincent Sherman.
Ann Sheridan, Lew Ayres, Zachary Scott, Eve Arden, Jerome
Cowan, Steven Geray, John Hoyt, Peggy Knudsen.
Dear Ruth
Paramount (4616)
A
Comedy
95 Minutes
Rel. July 18, '47
An engaging farce-comedy which falls back on tried-and-
true comic situations to get laughs. While the wartime cor-
respondence romantic theme is not as fresh as when the play
scored a two-year Broadway run, the story has the down-to-
earth qualities that average audiences best appreciate.
Neighborhood patrons will howl at the slapstick antics while
the title and cast names will insure good returns generally.
The action is fast-moving and William D. Russell's direction
keeps matters in a state of amusing confusion throughout.
Joan Caulfield does nicely in the title role and Mona Free-
man is convincing as a blase teen-ager, but Billy De Wolfe's
uproarious portrayal of a stuffy, straight-laced suitor cap-
tures most of the acting honors. A small-town teen-ager starts
a mixup by writing loving letters to a lieutenant and signing
her sister Ruth's name.
Joan Caulfield, William Holden, Mona Freeman, Edward Ar-
nold, Billy De Wolfe, Mary Philips, Kenny O'Morrison.
Bells of San Angelo
Western
Republic (642)
78 Minutes
Rel. Apr. 15, '47
Through the past several seasons, Roy Rogers' pictures have
assayed several cuts above average program gallopers
without quite attaining that category so fondly described
within the trade as super-westerns. This entry boosts the
tried-and-proven series one notch closer to such designation.
Added to the music, action and wholesomeness that are basic
in all Rogers starrers are several additional assets, most
mentionable of which are richer production values, a new-
twist comedy sequence and Trucolor photography, which re-
veals some slight improvement over earlier demonstrations.
Also noteworthy is the initial appearance of Andy Devine as
Roy's mirth-contributing saddle pal, replacing "Gabby"
Hayes. Whether the fans will consider this switch in casting
an improvement will be dependent upon individual tastes
in humor. Directed by William Witney.
Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Andy Devine, John McGuire, Olaf
Hytten, David Sharpe, Fritz Leiber, Hank Patterson.
The Great Betrayal
Screencraft Pictures
73 Minutes
Documentary
Rel. June 4. '47
With Palestine in the headlines, this documentary proves
a timely report of the land and the people behind those head-
lines. It is a controversial film, one that makes no pretense
of impartiality. As anti-British, pro-Jewish propaganda, the
picture should go over well as a second feature in predomi-
nantly Jewish neighborhoods. Filmed mostly in Palestine, the
production highlights the struggles of the modern Jewish pio-
neers to cultivate the arid soil covering most of the Holy Land.
It also plays up cooperation between Jews and Arabs to
make the country habitable. The film ends with shots of the
British striving to keep Hitler's victims from entering their
ancient homeland. William S. Gailmor, a radio commentator,
handles the narration. Some of the effectiveness of the film
is spoiled by arty photography, but the cameras manage to
catch the spirit of Palestine's pioneers and the land. Released
by Screencraft Pictures, Inc., of New York.
William S. Gailmor, Martin. Blaine, Leslie Reade.
824
BOXOFFICE
The Web
Univ-Int'l ( )
F
Crime
Drama
87 Minutes
Rel.
As crisp, bright and exciting as a newly printed $1,000 bill
is this suspenseful, lightning-paced story of crime, intrigue
and torrid romance, presented in the modern, hard-boiled
manner so effectively used in several preceding film hits
of the past few years. In that category this latest entry need
make way for none. The screenplay boasts several new
angles which will hold audience interest at fever height from
main title to fadeout. Dialog is brilliantly brittle and despite
its leaning toward the sardonic is good for several well-
placed laughs. With so much at their disposal, the members
of a carefully selected cast couldn't miss delivering sterling
performances. That the picture will be a solid scorer in all
bookings seems inevitable. An excellent production and
directing job, being the initial chores of Jerry Bresler and
Michael Gordon, respectively, under the U-I banner.
Ella Raines, Edmond O'Brien, William Bendix, Vincent Price,
John Abbott, Maria Palmer, Fritz Leiber.
Repeat Performance
A
Drama
Eagle-Lion ( )
93 Minutes
Rel. May 22, '47
An engrossing film with a novel and fantastic plot twist
which sets it apart from the average romantic drama. It is
the most ambitious production to date from Eagle-Lion and
it has good production values, an outstanding musical score
by George Antheil and a strong cast headed by Joan Leslie
who gives an excellent performance in her first dramatic
role. Louis Hayward and Tom Conway also have marquee
draw and Richard Basehart makes his screen debut with a
sensitive portrayal. If not seen from the beginning, the story
will seem confusing, but Director Alfred Werker maintains
audience interest right up to a somewhat implausible climax.
The film starts with a New Year's eve tragedy. As the heroine
prays to live the past year over, the story is unfolded in
flashback style. Although she attempts to correct the past
year's mistakes, destiny brings about the same results.
Joan Leslie, Louis Hayward, Richard Basehart, Virginia Field,
Tom Conway, Natalie Schafer, Benay Venuta.
The Patient Vanishes F
Film Classics ( )
78 Minutes
Mystery
Rel. July '47
A minor British detective thriller produced several years
ago, this presents a younger and more romantic-looking
James Mason as the chief reason for a belated American re-
lease. Bolstered by Mason's terrific marquee draw, the pic-
ture is bound to do good business generally. The title and its
exciting and suspenseful climax make it ideal fare for the
action houses. The star employs the velvet tones that have
made him a favorite with women patrons and Frederick Valk
and Mary Claire are excellent as a pair of heartless black-
mailers. The story follows the pulp magazine pattern with
shootings, kidnapings and torture scenes aplenty. A young
private detective, son of a Scotland Yard inspector, horns
in on one of his father's cases. He rescues a titled lady from
a blackmailing gang and wins a handsome reward. Directed
by Lawrence Huntington.
James Mason, Mary Clare, Frederick Valk, Margaret Vyner,
Gordon McLeod, Barbara Everest, Brefni O'Rourke.
Drama
The Queens Necklace A
Siritzky International ( ) 105 Minutes Rel. May 14, '47
A brutal, sensational climax makes this otherwise rambling
French film based on Alexandre Dumas' novel a memorable
screen experience. It is best suited for audiences accus-
tomed to the frankness of European product. But even they
may get more than bargained for as they witness an amaz-
ingly realistic performance by Viviane Romance in the closing
sequences of the picture. She may be familiar to patrons of
French film for her sultry interpretation of "Carmen." In "The
Queen's Necklace" she is a scheming aristocrat, caught and
sentenced to be whipped and branded for stealing a diamond
) necklace intended for Queen Marie Antoinette of France.
The audience is spared neither her blood-curdling screams,
when she hears her sentence, nor the sight of lash and brand-
ing iron biting into her flesh, as sentence is carried out.
English titles are inadequate. Marcel L'Herbier directed.
Viviane Romance, Marion Dorian, Maurice Escande, Jaques
Dacqmine, Jean Hebey, Pieree Dux, Pierre Bertin.
May 31, 1947 823
EXPLOITI PS
Suggestions for Selling ; Adlines for Newspaper and Programs
SELLING ANGLES: "The Web"
Have members of the local police force cast ballots to
nominate their "ideal" from their own ranks. Winner would
be recipient of prize you can promote plus being honored
guest at your opening. Construct clue board in foyer. Have
police department give a demonstration of crime detection
in lobby. Mail postcards with message: "My last chance for
life is murder ... So I must kill again ... Or hang!" Signed:
"The Web." Round up a group of law students and have
them comment on the theme: "When is a 'murderer' not a '
'murderer.' "
CATCHLINES:
Hang on, Babyl . . . When You're Kissing Murder — It's Hard
to Let Go . . . He's Got a Gun in His Hand — and Murder
in His Mind! . . . He Can't Make Love With Bullets,, Baby —
and You Can't Kill a Guy With a Kiss!
It's That Ruthless, Reckless Tamer . . . With a Gun in His
Hand . . . And a Penthouse Woman in His Mind! . . . He
Was Framed Oftener Than Whistler's Mother.
SELLING ANGLES: "Repeat Performance"
Play up the novel story angle by stressing the fact that the
picture must be seen from the beginning and cautioning pa-
trons not to divulge the surprise ending. Sell Joan Leslie,
in her first dramatic portrayal after a series of Warner Bros,
comedies, and mention that Richard Basehart won the N. Y.
drama critics' award for his performance in "The Hasty Heart."
The title suggests tieups with local merchants using copy
such as "Get Values Here This Week and Make a Repeat
Performance Next Week."
CATCHLINES:
Please Don't Tell Your Friends the Surprise Ending to the
Tale of the Girl Who Wanted to Live the Past Year Over
Again . . . Destiny Doesn't Care About the Pattern — as Long
as the Result Is the same . . . Love-Wrecked by the One Man
She Cared About.
A New Year's Eve With Regret for the Past Year Instead
of Hope for the New . . . She Won Fame and Fortune But Lost
the Man She Loved.
SELLING ANGLES: "The Patient Vanishes"
SELLING ANGLES: "The Unfaithful"
On stage, and with a radio hookup if possible, hold a
round-table discussion among civic leaders, domestic court
and family relations authorities as to the best solution of the
issue posed by the picture. The title lends itself to mer-
chandising tieups, such as "A Suit from Finks Will Never Be
Unfaithful to Your Appearance." An essay contest for the
wives of ex-GIs on "should a soldier's wife tell" theme should
attract interest.
CATCHLINES:
With an Emotional Wallop That Will Leave You Limp . . .
Squarely Posing a Burning Issue Which Many a Returned
Hero Was Made to Face ... A Loving Wife Who Through
the Long, Lonesome Months Committed One Indiscretion.
The Truth Would Cost Her Her Husband While a Lie Could
Cost Her Life ... So She Chose to Lie, Because of Her Great
Love for a Man to Whom She Had Been Unfaithful.
SELLING ANGLES: "Dear Ruth"
The fame of the original stage play, which played on
Broadway for two years, toured all the larger cities and also
played abroad through the USO, will be the picture's strong-
est selling point. Joan Caulfield, William Holden and Edward
Arnold are good marquee names, but also play up Billy
De Wolfe, who scored in "Blue Skies" and is invariably greeted
with roars of approval from audiences. Invite any engaged
or married couples who met through wartime correspondence
to appear on the stage of your theatre to receive prizes from
local merchants.
CATCHLINES:
It's a Merry Mixup When Soldier Boy Finally Meets Girl —
After 60 Overseas Letters . . . Broadway's Gayest Long-Run
Comedy Becomes the Screen's Most Riotous Farce . . . They
Planned to Get Married Before They Formally Met.
Kid Sister Promotes a Romance — and Pandemonium Breaks
Loose . . . She Had to Choose Between a Handsome Soldier
She Had Never Met and a Stuffy Suitor She Knew Too Well.
SELLING ANGLES:
"Bells of San Angelo"
The name James Mason on your theatre marquee will be
enough to draw the crowds. Stress the fact that this is the
first showing of "The Patient Vanishes" in America in con-
trast to other old Mason films now playing neighborhood
spots. Use a cutout of Mason's romantic-appearing young
detective contrasted with cutouts of him as the reckless bandit
of "The Wicked Lady" and the scowling guardian of “The
Seventh Veil."
Have horseback riders carrying banner with picture billing
and dressed as cowboys deliver the can of film to your thea-
tre opening day. Have a trick roper in cowboy costume stage
exhibition in front of theatre. Let him teach roping to mem-
bers of the sidewalk audience. Silver mine angle suggests
jewelry store tieup and display. Over public address system
play western songs. String large cutout bells from marquee,
each of which carriep one letter of the film's title.
CATCHLINES:
CATCHLINES:
The Man You Love to Hate in One of His Most Adventurous
and Romantic Portrayals ... A Private Detective Outdoes
Scotland Yard in Solving One of London's Most Baffling Cases
. . . The Patient Vanishes but a Resourceful Sleuth Brings
Her Back.
Roy Rogers and Trigger Are Back Again — Matching Wits
and Daring With Ruthless Outlaws . . . What Is the Mystery
of the Deserted, Forgotten Spanish Mine Under the Border?
. . . He Was a Fast-Riding . . . Fast-Punching . . . Fast-Shoot-
ing Border Investigator — With a Beautiful Gal on His Mind.
That Mason Man Goes Through Hell and High Water to
Rescue the Vanished Titled Lady . . . Mick Cardby, David
Hume's Famous Detective Character, Re-Created by England's
Outstanding Star . . . It's Mason With His Magic Voice.
It Was an Old Latin Legend on the Silver Bells of the Church
at San Angelo, But It Was the Key to the Spanish Mine as
Well. She Was a Beauty ... A Writer . . . And She Had Lots
of Other Talents, Too.
SELLING ANGLES: "The Queen's Necklace"
Since her recent appearance in "Carmen," Viviane Ro-
mance has been a hit with foreign-language audiences. Play
her up with stills and lobby displays. The necklace she
steals is the crux of the story; this angle lends itself to tieups
with jewelry stores and counters. There also is a natural
tieup with public libraries carrying copies of this Alexandre
Dumas classic, or other works by the same author.
CATCHLINES:
Shockingly Sensational . . . Scenes You Will Never Forget
... A Magnificent Performance by the Great Star of "Car- /
men" . . . Intrigue and Intimacies of Marie Antoinette's
Court . . . Romance in the French Style.
A Beautiful Woman Meets an Unbelievable Fate ... A
Missing Necklace, Reckless Lovers, Tottering Empire . . . His-
tory's Greatest Impersonation Helped Bring On the World's
Bloodiest Revolution.
SELLING ANGLES: "The Great Betrayal"
For months the newspapers have been filled with stories
of Palestine. These stories are still being headlined on the
front pages. Make up a lobby display of those pages con-
taining reports of the Holy Land. Arrange tieups with local
Jewish organizations to sponsor the film. They might be will-
ing to hold and judge essay contests dealing with Palestine
and the entire question of Jewish refugees. The winners
would receive passes.
CATCHLINES:
Behind the Headlines of Palestine . . . The Dramatic Story
of Modern Pioneers . . . You Will Discover the Real Reason
Why Britain Fights for Palestine . . . See Why the Jews Are
Driven to Terrorism.
Here is the Story Behind Tomorrow's Headlines . . . The
Gripping Story of a Brave People . . . They Hold the Key
to the Future of Britain's Empire . . . The Answer to the
Miracle of Modern Palestine.
The Industry's Market for Purchase or Sale of Equipment, Theatres. Service
• Classified Ads 10c Per Word. Payable in Advance. Minimum $1.00. Display Hates on Request •
CLERRIHG HOUSE
THEATRES FOR SALE
Only Drive-In theatre southern city 52,000.
$500 weekly profit. $20,000 down. Box 2730,
825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Only theatre southern New Mexico town 2,506.
New building, equipment. Perfect climate, $23,000
landies. Arthur Leak, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex.
West Texas cny, 17,000. 450 cushion seats.
De luxe booth, RCA high lamps; action policy;
continuous. Neglected. $10,500. Terms. Arthur
Leak, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex.
Southwest Oklahoma, thriving town 1,300. Four
elevators, four gins. Large territory. 360 seats.
Simplex. $11,500 down. Small home available.
Illness. Arthur Leak, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex.
Texas town 1,000. New booth, sound, screen,
air conditioning. Good return on investment,
$3,500 down. Box 2744, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Only theatre, town slightly less than 1,000.
Price less than year’s gross. Excellent possi-
bilities. Now clearing $500 monthly. Western
Missouri. Box 2745, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt
Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Theatre for Sale: Building containing three
business rooms, three modern apartments, 300-
seat capacity theatre. Located in Ohio county
seat town of over 40,000. For details write
Trenton M. Bridge, Broker, 50% No. Detroit St.,
Kenton, Ohio.
One of best small town theatres in state;
doing good business; will stand rigid investigation;
health only reason for selling. Box 2749, Box-
office, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Three theatres, latest equipment, one in county
seat, one air conditioned. No competition, $125,-
000. Box 471, Summerville, S. C.
Will lease my theatre 30 days with option to
buy. Box 2750. Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd.,
Kansas City 1, Mo.
250 Seats, town 1.000, near Dallas, Tex. Sim-
plex projectors, Ballantyne sound. Long lease.
$5,000 down, balance terms. W. A. Shaw, 1931
Alabama, Dallas 16, Tex.
3 Small town, profitable theatre circuit. Build-
ings included in two; cheap lease rent ($15 per
mo.) on third. All modern equipment and air
conditioned, all upholstered chairs, Simplex mech-
anisms and High Lamps. New Ballantyne Sound,
U. S. Air Conditioning, New Super Star Pop Corn
machines. Excellent concession business. Three
building rentals. 1946 net gross $76,000, with
gross profit of $40,000. This year running better
than last. Price $90,000 for everything. One-
third down with 5 to 10 years on balance with
interest. Owner going into equipment sales and
service. Box 2751, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt
Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Only theatre Southern Michigan resort town.
Brick building. Well equipped. Operating six
nights weekly. Exceptional opportunity. Other
business reason for selling. Price $25,000. Box
2758. Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas
City 1, Mo.
Two De Luxe: Northern Oklahoma town 9,000.
Excellent equipment. 1,300 seats. Tremendous
trade territory. First and second run. Principal
property included. $90,000. $50,000 down. Ex-
ceptional opportunity. First time offered. Exclu-
sive with Arthur Leak, Theatres Exclusively, 3422
Kinmore. Dallas, Tex.
Only theatre rich Northeast Texas town 2,000.
430 seats, mostly new. New Century RCA. First
time offered. Exceptional. Arthur Leak, Theatres
Exclusively, 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex.
Colored theatre, Southwest Arkansas town 8,000
nearest other colored theatre 25 miles; 260 seats,
brand new sound system. For quick sale, $6,000,
including all equipment and new ten-year lease at
$30 month. Box 2752, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt
Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
THEATRES WANTED
Sell Your Theatre Privately. Confidential cor-
respondence invited. References. Arthur Leak,
Theatres Exclusively. 3422 Kinmore, Dallas, Tex.
Veteran — Buy (cash) or lease theatres in In-
diana, Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio. Box 172, Linton,
Indiana.
Lease Theatre, 400-600 seats, with option to
buy. Northern Missouri or Southern Iowa. Pri-
vate individual. Box 2753, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt Blvd., K. C. 1. Mo.
Veteran wishes active partnership in going
theatre. Will make substantial investment. Would
assist or take over all management duties. W. J.
Price. 639 6th St... Port Arthur, Tex.
HELP WANTED
Excellent job for experienced theatre manager
capable of handling towns with two or more thea-
tres. Send applications and references to: Wallace
Theatres Circuit, 2701 21st St., Lubbock, Tex.
Theatre Supply House Manager — We need an
aggressive sales manager for complete charge of
Theatre Supply Division. Commission basis. Cen-
tury, Weber equipment, seats and accessory fran-
chises for Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan
areas. Opportunity of lifetime for the right man.
See pages 124 through 128 of 1947 Theatre Cata-
log. Dayton Film, Inc., 2227 Hepburn Ave.,
Dayton 6, Ohio.
Wanted: Manager acquainted small town opera-
tion. Permanent position theatre in Illinois. State
marital status, age, salary expected. Include
photo. Box 2756, Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd.,
Kansas City 1, Mo.
POSITION WANTED
Projectionist desires connection in Carolines.
Other locations considered. Age 42. Sober, re-
liable. References. Available two weeks notice.
Lucius Bateman, Stone Mountain, Ga.
Manager: Age 37, experienced projectionist;
sound technician. Married, sober, dependable.
Ed Wilkins, Beeviile, Tex.
Experienced theatre man interested in theatre
management in small theatre chain operations or
for a reliable exhibitor who prefers one thor-
oughly experienced in booth equipment, or will
accept an assistant managerial position In a large
theatre chain. Executive type, reliable, forcefully
energetic, do not drink. Will go anywhere in U.S.A.
and Canada. Salary in accordance with theatre
and town. Give particulars and state the wages
you’re willing to pay in first letter. Floyd E.
Birmingham, Hotel Kaukauna, Kaukauna, Wis.
Young ex-navy man desires job as projectionist.
21 years old, single. Has been operating Simplex
machines in country town. References furnished.
Write E. E. Leatherman, Fowler, Kas.
Couple: Twenty years small town experience,
booth to basement. Maintenance, management.
Interview any distance. Projectionist, 2212 Or-
chard. Chicago.
Projectionist, service man, ten years experience.
AI1 types of equipment. Age 35. Sober, reliable.
Major Cory, 1601 Jackson St., Palo Duro Apt.
No. 33, Amarillo, Tex.
Projectionist: 22 years experience on all types
of equipment. Desires permanent employment.
Anywhere in U.S.A. Box 2754, Boxoffice, 825
Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Projectionist, experienced, steady, desires change.
Address Box 4, Madison, S. Dak.
Manager: Age 32, 12 years experience in large
and small town situations. Reliable. With pres-
ent company ten years. Desires change. Married.
Best references. Box 2755, Boxoffice, 825 Van
Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Manager: At liberty after June. 25 years ex-
perience. Knows theatre business and publicity;
city manager of several theatres. Now employed
by West Coast chain. Single, no bad habits;
bonded; guaranteed satisfaction. Write Box 2759,
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1,
Mo.
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
Comic books again available as premiums, give-
aways at your kiddy shows. Large variety latest
48-page newsstand editions. Comics Premium Co..
412B Greenwich St., New York City.
Bingo with more action, $2.25 thousand cards.
Also other games. Novelty Games Co., 1434 Bed-
ford Ave., Brooklyn 16, N. Y.
Bingo Games. No license necessary. Screen
Dial $20. Cards for 75 or 100 number game
$2.75 per thousand. Ten thousand or more,
$2.50 per thousand. Premium Products, 351
West 44th St., New York City.
Comic hooks given free. Increases kiddy mati-
nee business. Identical books selling for 10c.
Available now to theatres only for 3c each.
Sidney Ross, 334 West 44th St., New York.
THEATRE TICKETS
Prompt Service — Special minted roll tickets
100,000, $19.90: 10.000, $5.95: 2,000, $3.75.
Each change in admission price, including change
in color, $2.50 extra, double numbering extra.
Shipping charges paid to 1.000 miles. Cash with
order. Kansas City Ticket Co., Dept. 9, 1819
Central, Kansas City, Mo.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— USED
Guaranteed Good — Surplus Sound Outfits — Re-
duced, Too! 16mm RCA, $149.50; Bell & Howell,
Ampro, Victor, DeVry, $195 up; Amproarc HI
$1,295. 35mm Holmes LI Arc Equipments, $1,295;
DeVry 111 theatre equipments, $2,495; rebuilt
Super Simplex outfits with RCA Sound, $3,850.
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St.,
New York 18.
Latest Monograph K Projector Mechanisms with
changeover, rebuilt, $695; Brenkert, $795; Cen-
tury, $595; Super Simplex, $650; ticket machines,
2 unit, hand operated, $99.50; 3 unit, $135;
Brenkert 50A High Intensity Rectifiers, $99.75.
S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St.,
New York 18.
Heavy Duty blowers, ball-bearing equipped,
15,000 cfm io 50,000 cfm. Air washers, all
sizes. Hydraulic drives two and four speed motors
and controls. Immediate delivery. Dealers wanted.
National Engineering and Mfg. Co., 213 W. 19th
St., Kansas City, Mo.
"As is” lor sale, used theatre equipment;
cooling, electric motors, projection, sound, pop-
corn machines. List furnished upon request.
Malco Theatres, Inc., 207 Adams Ave., Memphis,
Tenn.
3S>mm and L6mm Sound Films and 16mm Sound
Machines and other equipment. Send stamps for
listings. Mertz Film Service, Springfield, ill.
Will trade 35mm Sound Film tor 16mm film.
What have you? Box 32, Springfield, 111.
For Sale: Practically new pair of DeVry port-
able 35mm projectors, complete with amplifier
and speaker. Price $1,000. Write to Lane Audio-
Visual Co., Carroll, Iowa.
Three coin-operated 16mm movie machines
(Panorams). Perfect working condition. Solo-vue
or Open Screen. The 16mm RCA sound projector,
running 6 l’M speakers with continuous self-
winding reel, worth more than price. Profitable
sideline or ideal for advertising. $275 each.
.Plenty of film. P. 0. Box 98, Gassaway, W. Va.
Complete booth equipment, including Simplex
projectors, double channel Picturefone sound,
screen and accessories. Bargain, $2,500. D.
jGrillo, 3547 East 147th St., Cleveland, Ohio.
Phone LOngacre 3648.
Army Surplus: Late DeVry and Holmes pro-
jectors at bargain prices! Gold Seal 2 unit ticket
machines, rebuilt, $175; General H2 unit, $90;
many others; Golde ticket boxes, $12.50; Weaver
changeovers, complete, $24.50; Simplex intermit-
Itents, $4.95; pair Brenkert Suprex lamphouses
with Benwood-Linze rectifiers, excellent, $425.
iStar Cinema Supply, 459 West 46th St., New
York City 19.
2 Holmes 35mm Projectors, Mazda lamps, 2,000
ft. reels, metal bases, sound, complete with
speaker, monitor speaker and connections. Good
condition, $775. Union Theatre, Uniontown, Ky.
Complete boolh equipment. Simplex ■ Projectors
rear shutters, Universal Western Electric Sound,
Brenkert Low Lamps, Rectifiers, $1,850 cash.
Box 1639, Columbus, Ga.
Two completely rebuilt Simplex Mechanisms,
rear shutters, and double bearing movements,
$850. Box 1639, Columbus, Ga.
Complete Powers equipment, with sound. Peer-
less Low Lamps, Forest Rectifier, film cabinet
and screen, all in good condition, $750. May be
seen in operation. Alamo Theatre, New London,
Iowa.
For Sale: Two Powers mechanisms, stands,
magazines, lenses, soundheads, operadio amplifier,
low intensity lamps, rectifiers, Jensen speaker.
Excellent condition, $700 complete. Also pair
Peerless High Intensity Arcs and Transformers,
$400. Jimmy Barnes, 1123 Pennock Ave., Nash-
ville, Tenn.
Pair 35mm Portable Projectors, Simplex Acme,
RCA Sound. Sacrifice for $400. G. G. Coplan,
1333 N. E. Bayshore Place, Miami, Fla.
Complete booth equipment, less than 300 hours
operation. Two DeVry Projectors Model XDC
with 35mm Sound, Zipper Changeovers, sound and
picture. Strong Lamps 40 amp. High Intensity.
Strong Rectifiers 40 amp. D.C. Main Ampli-
fier DeVry Model NDC. with Pre-Amplifiers and
Lansing cellular horn speaker system. Wollensak
Lenses. Series I. size 5%. Also spare parts
cabinet, film cabinet “Sealtite” 10-reel unit,
Neumade rewind, Griswo'd film splicer, Neumnde
rewind table. Includes all necessary wiring, con-
duit., switches. Inspection invited. $3,600 cash.
Write or wire Rov Parnell, Malnkoff, Tex.
For Sale: Like new, one pair completely rebuilt
Simplex Proiectors, very late type. Box 2747,
Boxoffice, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1,
Mo.
For Sale: At a bargain. One pair Model XDC
DeVry Proiectors with sound. Several ticket ma-
chines and ticket changers. Box 2748, Boxoffice,
825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
SIGNS
Easy Way to Paint Signs. Use letter patterns.
Avoid slnnny work and wasted time. No experi-
ence needed for expert work. Write for free sam-
ples. John Hahn, B-1329 Central Ave., Chicago
51, 111.
BOXOFFICE :: May 31, 1947
GENERAL EQUIPMENT— NEW
Poster Cases — Stainless steel, 40x65 glass size,
equipped with cold cathode tube illumination
around entire case, immediate delivery. All other
sizes, delivery in 10 days. Literature upon re-
quest. Ben B. Poblocki & Sons, 2159 South Kin-
nickinnic Ave., Milwaukee 7, VVis.
New low intensity rectifiers. Strong, Delaware
or Forest LD-30, per pair, $127. Graham Bros.,
546 Lincoln St., Denver 9, Colo.
Victor 16mm sound projector, Model 40! New,
factory guaranteed. First check for $449 takes it.
Charlie Poorman, Schuylkill Haven, Pa.
Drive-In Theatre Projection and sound equip-
ment. Brand new; nothing else needed, $2,974.
Theatre equipment $2,794, and $2,280, complete
and installed. Ace Camera Supply, 116 N. Dargan,
Florence, S. C.
Refrigeration: Two 25-ton U. S. Airco pack-
aged units. Still in original crate. Immediate
delivery. A1 Hauetter, Bonner Springs, Kas.
STUDIO EQUIPMENT
BH Silenced Studio Single System Camera with
galvanometer; rackover; 1,000 it. magazine; 6
lenses and vertical viewfinder, $4,250; Cinemart
Hollywood Recording outfit complete, $2,250;
Eyemo Turret 3, lenses; rackover; magazine; free-
hed tripod; motor, etc., $1,395; Eyemo Bomb-
spotter Cameras, $119.50 less lens; WE Dynamic
Microphones, $39.50; new Bell & Howell 16mm
Sound Printers, $3,250; 2,000 W Studio Spots,
$67.50; New Mitchell 24V Motors, $295; new
35mm Film Phonograph, $795. Send for latest
stocklist. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W.
42nd St., New York 18.
THEATRE SEATING
200 Veneer Chairs, rebuilt, $3.95; 1,050 Iley-
wood-Wakefield full upholstered back, boxspring
cushion chairs, excellent, $4.95; (rebuilt $5.95) ;
340 General full upholstered back, boxspring
cushion, rebuilt, $7.95. Wire for list. S.O.S.
Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St., New
York 18.
Several thousand used upholstered opera chairs
on hand. We are headquarters for the cream of
the used chair crop. We pick the lots that we
think you will like. We furnish proper slope and
sections desired to fit your theatre. Our many
years experience in the seating business is your
guarantee. Write for exact photo and price. We
have parts for all makes of chairs. Also, leather-
ette 25x25 In. all colors, 55c ea. Good quality.
Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829 So. State St.,
Chicago 5, 111.
Fensin Chair maintenance headquarters has all
parts and accessories for all chairs. Also uphol-
stery fabrics and theatre chair supplies. Send us
your sample for quotation. Repair service avail-
able right in your theatre also. Fensin Seating
Co., 62 E 13th St., Chicago 5, III.
1,200 Used Spring cushioned theatre chairs,
$1.50 ea., and $3.50 ea., complete. Immediate
delivery. Russell Chair. 2567 McClellan, Detroit,
Mich. Phone LENox 3445.
Leatherette; Standard run, first quality, as-
sorted colors, 50 to 54 in. wide, suitable for
theatre seating, sold by yard or roll. All orders
shipped within 24 hours. Leatherette Mart of
Chicago. 1153 Belmont Ave., Chicago 13, III.
Phone Buckingham 0030.
Theatre Chairs, 3,000 used spring cushioned
part full upholstered back and part insert panel
hack, with spring edge and box spring cushions.
1,000 veneer chairs, 800 good backs, 500 spring
cushions and hinges. Write for prices and photo-
graphs. Immediate delivery, advise how many you
need. We export chairs anywhere. Jesse Cole, 2565
McClellan Ave., Valley 2-3445. Detroit, Mich.
Sewn Delux seat covers and sewn slip covers,
reversible type, for all brands seats. Fred’s Thea-
tre Service. Vina, Ala,
1.623 American Seats, lat.e model, insert panel,
spring edge cushions, immediate delivery. Also
255 late model American seats, full upholstered
back, spring edge cushions, 8 months old. Also
veneer chairs. Wire, write or phone. HARrison
4219. Ace Chair & Carpet, Inc., 1428 S. Wabash
Ave.. Chicago 5, 111.
Why look all over the country for chair parts?
Send your worn or broken parts to us. If in stock,
quick service assured on backs, seats and brackets
Original patented Patch-A-Seats available including
one quart of coating, any color. The original
Firmastone obtainable in 6 and 12 lb. boxes.
We carry a complete line of leatherette. General
Chair Co.. 1308-22 Elston Ave., Chicago 22. 111.
402 Boxspring cushions. 126 Matching Veneers,
all 20 in. Heywood-Wakefield Chairs. Perfect
condition. Available now. Best offer takes. Phone
1040 or Box 468, Clinton. Mo.
THEATRE PRINTING
Window Cards, 3-sheets, photo offset house
programs, heralds, passes, etc. Cato Show Print-
ing Co.. Cato. New York, or Tribune Press.
Fowler, Ind.
Will lease, or buy, small town theatre. Write
Ray Peacock, Cathlamet, Wash.
EQUIPMENT WANTED
Spring cushion seats and one kilowatt Suprex
Strong Lamps. Highest cash prices. Bruno The-
atrical Enterprises, 260 Knickerbocker Ave.,
Brooklyn 21, N. Y.
Wanted to Buy: Oneradio Amplifiers Models
350C or 175C or 1030: also used Simplex mech-
anisms. Jonesville Theatre. Jonesville, S. C.
CONFECTIONS
Candy Bars, assorted nuts, popcorn seasoning.
In quantities. Also, popcorn machines, new and
used. Cinephone Distributing Co., 717 W. 119th
St., Chicago.
MORE CLASSIFIED
ON PAGE 44
• Address copy to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo.
Forms close Monday noon preceding publication date.
The true story
WF*' of Sir Charles _j
ww j
Kingsford Smith, 2
Australia’s great
■/
/^ro, crashes to the .jfg
screen for all the
world to cheer his j jjjj
exploits . . . /f/s romances! !!/ V/jM
MURIEL STEINBECK
JOHN TATE • JOY NICHOLS • NAN TAYLOR • ALEC KELLAWAY
and a cast of hundreds
Directed by KEN G. HALL
A COLUMBIA PICTURE
^PICTURES |
The Farmer’s Daughter
(RKO)
146%
136%
134%
(Para)
IVIv Favorite Brunette
Sinbad the Sailor
RKO)
Walter Winchell said: "I fell in love with Cynthia/’ Hedda Hopper said
it and so did Louella Parsons, and Jimmy Fidler said it on his nationwide
broadcast. Everybody’s saying it including Earl Wilson, Louis Sobol,
Dorothy Kilgallen, Erskine Johnson, Sheilah Graham and many other
nationally syndicated columnists whose names carry weight from Coast
to Coast.
You too will say: "I fell in love with Cynthia” and so will your patrons
because "Cynthia” is the joy of living. She is sweet young womanhood
experiencing the first kiss, the first
trade press says:
"Up front among season’s hits.” — Boxoffice
"Blanket approval from family audiences.
Word of mouth build-up will be reflected
at box-office. ” — Showmen’s Trade Review
romance, the first heart-ache. The
"An unusual film for wide and popular appeal .”
— M. P. Herald
"Homey quality promises well for box-office
returns.” —Variety
"Packs plenty of entertainment.”— The Exhibitor
That vast American audience which packed theatres in big cities and small
towns for "The Green Years” will recognize that in "Cynthia” M-G-M
has again made a wonderful motion picture of real people, their joys
and their troubles and their dreams. It is the first starring role for beauti-
ful Elizabeth Taylor, the "National Velvet” girl, and her portrayal of
"Cynthia” is something to take to your heart.
★
M-G-M’s "CYNTHIA” — ELIZABETH TAYLOR, George Murphy, S. Z. Sakall, Mary Astor with Gene Lockhart, Spring Byington,
James Lydon, Scotty Beckett* A Robert Z. Leonard Production • Screen Play by Harold Buchman and Charles Kaufman • Based on
a Play by Vina Delmar * Directed by ROBERT Z. LEONARD • Produced by EDWIN H. KNOPF • A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture
(we opened it only in new york)
We opened a treasured possession
/
This record belong;
TREMENDOUS
WARNER
ACHIEVEMENT
m WEEKBD
:niHYH0l ,YWOO»
mBsm
;0<S£CUC> sv
Screen Play by Silvia Richards and Ranald MacDougal!
Weiman* Music by Franz Waxman * Director of Photo***
THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
POBLISHED IN NINE SECTIONAL EDITIONS
BEN SHLYEN
Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
JAMES M. JERAULD Editor
NATHAN COHEN Associate Editor
JESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor
IVAN SPEAR Western Editor
J. HARRY TOLER Equipment Editor
RAYMOND LEVY ...General Manager
Published Every Saturday by
ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS
Editorial Offices: 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 20,
N. Y.; Raymond Levy, General Manager; James M.
Jerauld, Editor; A. J. Stocker, Eastern Representa-
tive. Telephone Columbus 5-6370, 5-6371, 5-6372.
Cable address: "BOXOFFICE, New York."
Central Offices: 332 South Michigan Blvd., Chicago
4, 111. J. Harry Toler, Editor Modern Theatre Sec-
tion. Telephone WABash 4575.
Western Offices: 6404 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
28, Calif. Ivan Spear, Manager. Phone GLadstone
1186.
Washington Offices: 930 F Street, N. W. Lee L.
Ga'rling, Manager. Telephone NAtional 3482. Film-
row: 932 New Jersey, N. W. Sara Young.
Publication Offices: 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City
1, Mo. Nathan Cohen, Associate Editor; Jesse Shlyen,
Managing Editor; A. Jules Benedic, Field Editor; Mor-
ris Schlozman, Business Manager. Telephone CHest-
nut 7777.
Other Publications: BOXOFFICE BAROMETER,
published in November as a section of BOXOFFICE;
THE MODERN THEATRE, published monthly as a
section of BOXOFFICE.
ALBANY — 21-23 Walter Ave., M. Berrigan.
ATLANTA— 163 Walton, N. W., P. H. Savin.
BALTIMORE— Uptown Theatre, A. J. Wolf.
BIRMINGHAM — The News, Eddie Badger.
BOSTON — Hotel Vendome, Frances Harding.
BUFFALO — 20 St. Margaret's Court, Jim Schrader.
CHARLOTTE— 216 W. 4th, Pauline Griffith.
CHICAGO — 332 S. Michigan Blvd., Jonas Perlberg,
WABash 4575.
CINCINNATI — 1634 Central Parkway, Lillian Seltzer.
CLEVELAND — 2568 Overlook Road, Cleveland Heights,
Elsie Loeb, Fairmount 0046.
DALLAS — 408 S. Harwood, V. W. Crisp, Southwestern
editor, R-2312.
DENVER — 1645 Lafayette, Jack Rose, TA 8517.
DES MOINES — Register & Tribune Bldg., Russ Schoch.
DETROIT— 1009 Fox Theatre Bldg., H. F. Reves.
Telephones: RA 1100; Night, UN-4-0219.
INDIANAPOLIS — Rt. 8, Box 770, Howard M. Rudeaux.
LITTLE ROCK — Liberty Theatre, Herod Jimerson.
MIAMI — 66 S. Hibiscus Island, Mrs. Manton E. Har-
wood. 2952 Merrick Rd., Elizabeth Sudlow.
MEMPHIS — 707 Spring St., Null Adams, Tel. 48-5462.
MILWAUKEE — 5091 Plankinton Bldg., 161 W. Wiscon-
sin Ave., James R. Gahagan. Telephones: BR 4938
and MA 0297.
MINNEAPOLIS — 29 Washington Ave., So., Les Rees.
NEW HAVEN — 42 Church St., Gertrude Lander.
NEW ORLEANS — 218 So. Liberty St., Mrs. Jack Auslet.
Telephone MA 5812.
OKLAHOMA CITY — 216 Terminal Bldg., Polly Trindle.
OMAHA — Omaha World-Herald Bldg., Lou Gerdes.
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Record Bldg., Broad
and Wood Sts., J. M. Makler.
PITTSBURGH — 86 Van Braam St., R. F. Klingensmith,
c/o Monogram Pictures.
PORTLAND, ORE. — YMCA, Jules Maitland.
RICHMOND— National Theatre, R. W. Eagan, 2-2567.
ST. LOUIS — 5149 Rosa Ave., David F. Barrett, Flan-
ders 3727.
SALT LAKE CITY — Deseret News, Howard Pearson.
SAN ANTONIO — 531 North St., L. J. B. Ketner.
SAN FRANCISCO — 25 Taylor St., Gail Lipman,
ORdway 4812-4813.
SEATTLE— 928 N, 84th St., WillaTd Elsey.
TOLEDO — 4330 Willys Pkwy., Anna Kline.
IN CANADA
CALGARY — The Albertan, Wm. Campbell.
MONTREAL — 4330 Wilson Ave., N. D. G., Roy Car-
michael, Walnut 5519.
ST. JOHN — 116 Prince Edward St., Wm. J. McNulty.
TORONTO — 242 Milwood, Milton Galbraith.
VANCOUVER — 411 Lyric Theatre Bldg., Jack Droy.
VICTORIA — 938 Island Highway, Alec Merriman.
WINNIPEG — The Tribune, Ben Lepkin.
Member Audit Bureau of Circulations
Entered as Second Class matter at Post Office, Kansas City, Mo.
Sectional Edition, $2.00 per year; National Edition, $7.50
Guest Editorial
By WILLIAM F. RODGERS
Vice-President, Loews, Inc.
NTERESTED as I am in the future of this great
industry- I was glad to accept the invitation of Ben Shlyen to
write an article of my choice. However, I make no claim as a
writer, much less an editorial writer. In expressing my observa-
tions, they must be accepted as my own, as they do not neces-
sarily represent the opinions of the company with which I am
associated.
It is said that time passes fast, yet when awaiting a
decision that will affect the future of individuals and groups,
time does not pass fast enough to suit the impatient. Such is
the frame of mind in which many interested in the future of
our industry find themselves — awaiting the supreme court
decision. When handed down, we v/ill know whether there
is to be divorcement, competitive bidding, pictures sold one
at a time, abandonment of old customers by decree, etc.
Whether or not we as individuals or members of an industry
like the decision, does not matter. It will be the yardstick by
which the motion picture business is to function from that
point on.
From what I am told by many of our customers, they do
not like competitive bidding, do not want single picture selling,
are dismayed at the proposed rule that disregards old cus-
tomers and are fearful of a disorganized and unjustified build-
ing of new theatres. Many fail to see in divorcement the prom-
ised cure-all for a troubled industry.
I have experimented with the principles of the proposed
decree and have experienced the result of the consent decree
and find the industry further apart and more confused than at
any time in my recollection, and that is a long, long time —
since 1910, to be exact.
To me, therefore, the most important question that must
be uppermost in the minds of all thinking people should be —
What of the future of the business? Will it prosper under the
new order, or will the industry even with these changes, con-
tinue to be beset by those whose perspective is litigation and
legislation and who have made their main interest that of con-
tinuing the turmoil to the eventual injury of every element of
the business? Will the majority adopt as a rigid business creed
what is said to be the first law of nature — self-preservation?
I do not believe swearing at the operator improves tele-
phone service; neither do I believe that long distance "sniping"
is going to bring about harmony and, without harmony in any
Ben Shlyen, publisher and editor-in-chief of BOXOFFICE, is in
Europe and during his absence guest editorials written by a number
of well-known executives will appear on these pages.
Vol. 51
JUNE 7
No. 5
19 4 7
business, everyone is working at a handicap. While the invest-
ments of producers may be scuttled, to do so will not enhance
the investments of theatre owners, very few of whom, of those
I have met, want any part of legislation or near- government
control. Fair trade regulations, yes, but not government
formulas.
There is an ever increasing desire, it seems, on the part
of some to "moan" and "groan" themselves into the reality of
a recession. The facts are directly opposite. Good pictures
continue to attract large patronage — poor pictures never did
pay off and probably never will. At the first sign of a drop
in business, some think hysterically about admission price
reductions, forgetting entirely our commodity is the greatest
in entertainment value and, even at present admission price
levels, the cheapest. At this very time when some think and
talk recession, producers are competing with each other, as
never before, in a desire to give even greater entertainment
value.
Outstanding personalities in the financial world do not
seem to share these pessimistic views of a certain depression;
theirs is, as ours should be, an optimistic outlook on the future.
Its brightness will depend largely upon the manner in which
all elements present their message to their customers. As a
matter of fact, we should now be carrying the message to a
waiting public of the good things that are in store for them.
Oh, yes, we have a job on our hands!
For a long time, I have thought of the great loss that exists
in this business as a result of the distrust to be found so often
on© toward the other. Even though we have all contributed
generously to a great job so far in producing, distributing and
exhibiting motion pictures, the rewards are trivial when com-
pared with what will be possible through harmony — and I do
not believe it will ever be accomplished by government regula-
tions. So far, I have seen nothing beyond confusion, necessi-
tating the diverting of minds to other channels — minds which
are trained and should now be engaged in further developing
this great industry.
Even before the decree is settled — we have a choice: To
follow separate paths as of old, or face the complex problems
of this industry as a solid industry and not as a divided indus-
try; find time to harness the brains of production, exhibition
and distribution toward better selling our commodity to the
public; find the time by giving sincere interest to welding a
strong defense against outside forces who attack us unfairly
and others who are bent on burdening the industry with all
kinds of taxation and other regulations; giving the time neces-
sary to work out ways and means of meeting the stronger
competition. Will we with pride of association and as good
salesmen, repair the damage that disunity has wrought toward
that common security that this great business is big enough
to furnish to all of us?
I hope so.
'Pufoe Scafo
Copyright on Performances
Termed a Threat to Films
Chairman Kilroe of MPA copyright com-
mittee files brief with house judiciary com-
mittee, objecting to proposed law; says it
would harass the industry.
*
S. H. Fabian Awaiting Word
From Chaplin-Pickford
Decision expected soon from United Artists
owners on offer to purchase company; Grad-
well Sears, vice-president, back from coast
conferences.
*
Film Bills Are Forgotten
As Conn. Assembly Quits
Censorship measure and admission tax
threat had kept exhibitors worrying for two
months; new sales tax law does not apply
to theatre tickes.
+
Hal Horne Sells Interest
Story Productions, Inc.
Armand Deutsch, president, acquires 100 per
cent of stock; will produce “This Side of In-
nocence.” Horne acquires full stock of Mar-
quee Productions, subsidiary of Story Prod.
+
Spyros P. Skouras Assures
Rank of More Screen Time
Tells British producer on coast that Na-
tional Theatres, 20th-Fox unit, will cooperate
after hearing general discussion of motion
pictures faults.
*
Britton Asserts U.S. Firms
Need Far East Showcases
RKO supervisor says flood of films made
by independents; frozen funds and general
instability make expansion move necessary
to protect interests.
*
Sol A. Rosenblatt Returns
To Garment Industry Job
Former NRA administrator for film indus-
try and well-known lawyer mustered out as
air force colonel and returns to post he quit
in 1940.
M
Theatre Candy Sale Ban
Rejected in Wisconsin
Proposed bill to oust sale of popcorn, candy
and soft drinks by theatres defeated by an
overwhelming vote of 77 to 10 in the state,/
legislative assembly.
*
Film Carriers to Service
PRC-E-L in Four Cities
Deal for Philadelphia set during the week;
storage and delivery of product already cov-
ered for Washington, Kansas City and Des
Moines; truckers also handle “Duel.”
CONNORS RESIGNS FOX POST;
A. W. SMITH JR. SUCCEEDS HIM
A. W. SMITH JR. W. C. GEHRING TOM CONNORS
W. C. Gehring Also Upped
In General Upheaval in
Sales Department
NEW YORK— Resignation of Thomas
J. Connors as vice-president in charge of
distribution for 20th-Fox caused a holiday
weekend upheaval in the sales organiza-
tion after a series of conferences attended
by Spyros P. Skouras and all the leading
figures in the sales department.
TOP CHANGES LISTED
Here are the changes which followed:
Andrew W. Smith jr., eastern di-
vision manager, was named general
sales manager.
William C. Gehring, central division
manager, was named assistant general
sales manager.
Martin Moskowitz, executive as-
sistant to Kupper, was chosen as exec-
utive assistant to Smith.
Peter Levathes, who has been as-
sistant to Connors, was appointed
short subjects sales manager, a post
that had been vacant since the death
of William C. Clark.
Clarence Hill, who has been
Smith’s executive assistant, was given
a new post — supervisor of exchanges.
Morris Caplan, statistical aide to
Connors, was put in charge of statis-
tics.
Edward Collins, home office aide
for the southern and western divisions,
is now also aide in the Canadian di-
vision, and Jack Bloom was given a
similar post for the mideast and cen-
tral divisions.
NO NEW VICE-PRESIDENT
No new vice-president in charge of dis-
tribution was named.
The four principal sections of the sales
department were divided into six divisions.
It was probably the fastest reorganization
of a major company sales organization ever
attempted.
There was already a vacancy in the top
ranks of the department as a result of the
recent transfer of William Kupper, general
sales manager, to the post of managing di-
rector in Great Britain. Kupper will not
LEFT TO RIGHT: Martin Moskowitz,
promoted to executive assistant to the
general sales manager; Clarence Hill, new
supervisor of exchanges; and Morris Cap-
lan, now in charge of statistics.
leave for his new job until early in July. He
sat in on the reorganization conferences.
Connors’ resignation was a complete sur-
prise to most persons not connected with
the company, although there had been some
speculation recently as to why Kupper should
be taken from the job of general sales man-
ager for the U.S. and transferred to Great
Britain. The only explanation that had
been offered was that Otto Bolle has not
been in good health and has wanted to re-
turn to this country.
WAS RE-ELECTED TO BOARD
Connors’ five-year contract would have
expired in September. He was recently
re-elected to the board of directors for a
one-year term, but there has been no state-
ment as to whether or not discussions had
taken place on a renewal of his contract. A
friend of his says these negotiations had
taken place, however, and that Connors had
made requests for changes which had not
been met.
Under the terms of his contract the com-
pany was required to take up its second five-
year option on June 15 at an increase from
$2,000 to $3,000 per week. Connors had an
option to continue for five years at $1,000
per week in an advisory capacity. The first
announcement of his resignation said he
would continue on this basis.
It was also stated that Connors would
leave immediately for a fishing trip. He did
not leave, however, and was at the office
during the first half of the week. It was
reported that he would become “chairman of
a strong advisory committee.”
The swift moves which followed Connors’
resignation gave the impression that it was a
surprise in the company as well as outside.
Herman Wobber, western division sales
manager, rushed east from San Francisco,
and Harry G. Ballance, southern division
manager, came up from Atlanta. There
also were a number of long distance tele-
phone conversations to the coast.
Conferences were carried on all during
the weekend and continued all day Monday
and Tuesday. Late Tuesday Skouras left by
plane for Hollywood, accompanied by Lem
Jones, his assistant, and Herman Wobber.
It was explained that the increase in num-
ber of divisions from four to six was to bring
about closer contacts between the home of-
fice and the men in the field.
Under the new setup there are six di-
visions with six exchanges to each division,
except in the new Yankee division, where
there are five, and the western, where there
are eight.
The new divisions are:
YANKEE: Ray Moon, division manager;
Albany, Boston, Buffalo, New Haven and
New York.
All these exchanges were taken out of the
old eastern division. Ray Moon, who was
made a district manager several weeks ago,
has been supervising New York and Albany.
Now he becomes a division manager in a
territory with a highly concentrated popula-
tion.
Frank Carroll, former assistant to Smith,
has been named as assistant to Moon.
William Graham, who has been temporary
manager in Buffalo, has been transferred
to Chicago as office manager. Charles
Kasko, Pittsburgh salesman, has been named
Buffalo branch manager.
MIDEASTERN: C. E. Peppiatt, division
manager; Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indianap-
olis, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washing-
ton, D. C.
Of these, Cincinnati, Cleveland and In-
dianapolis were taken out of the old central
division.
Peppiatt, the new division manager, has
been a district manager with headquarters in
Philadelphia. He will continue there. His
new division has two districts — Atlantic and
river. The Atlantic district will be headed
by Sam Gross, who has been Philadelphia
exchange manager. Herb Gillis, a salesman,
(Continued on page 10)
LEFT TO RIGHT: Frank Carroll,
named assistant to Ray Moon, Yankee
division manager; Jack Bloom, home of-
fice aide for mideast and central divi-
sions; Peter Levathes, short subjects sales
manager.
8
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
Field Gets Full Authority
For 20th-Fox Decisions
In New Sales Policy
New York — Twentieth Century-Fox division managers have been given
full authority to approve contracts and make adjustments with exhibitors
in the field in a revision of sales policy made by Andrew W. Smith jr., new
general sales manager, and William C. Gehring, assistant sales head.
This decentralized policy aimed at closer relations with exhibitors has
already been put into effect. Smith said at a press conference held Friday.
Smith also said the division managers would have responsibility for "all
other local distribution problems."
"The practice heretofore in the field of submitting all matters for final
determination to home office officials has been discontinued," Smith said.
He described this as an "open door" policy. It was agreed upon at
the home office conferences at which all the principal field and home office
executives were present. All men in the field will have access to his office
at all times, he said.
Harry G. Ballance, southern division manager, will continue to have
his headquarters in Atlanta; Raymond E. Moon, Yankee division manager,
will be in New York; C. E. Peppiatt, mideastern, will have headquarters
in Philadelphia; Jack H. Lorentz, central division, will be in Chicago and
Sydney Samson, Canadian, will continue at Toronto.
Decisions on contracts resulting from "competitive negotiations" also
will be made in the field. This is the term applied to competitive bidding
at 20th -Fox. Twentieth-Fox is the only company which did not apply for
an injunction covering this subject, and the company is observing all the
antitrust decree.
Wherever an exhibitor asks for the privilege of bidding he gets it.
Smith admitted that in some places new problems have risen in this
connection, as some exhibitors have submitted bids above figures which
would enable them to get a profit, simply for the purpose of taking pic-
tures away from competitors.
In reply to a question Smith said that anybody who wants to buy a
20th-Fox picture can do so. This point was raised when it was pointed out
to him that some companies have refused to sell reissues to theatres which
do not buy new pictures.
While discussing reissues, he said that he was suggesting to some
exhibitors that dual bills of good reissues are better for them than old films
combined with new ones. This has been proved by experience, he said.
Dual bills, he said, are hoped for on "Alexander's Ragtime Band,"
"Western Union," a Jolson picture, “Swanee River," and “Drums Along the
Mohawk." Some of these were originally Technicolor, but the reissues will
be in black and white because of the difficulties in connection with getting
Technicolor prints, he said.
Smith also announced that Sam Shain, director of trade relations, has
been named director of exhibitor and public relations for the distribution
department. He said Shain would be his personal representative in the
new setup.
Byrnes in MPA Role
As Johnston's Aide
HOLLYWOOD — Washington again proved
a recruiting ground for top executive per-
sonnel for the organized motion picture in-
dustry with the appointment of James F.
Byrnes, former secretary of state and justice
of the supreme court, as counsel for the
Ass’n of Motion Picture Producers. Eric
Johnston, AMPP president, disclosed the
Byrnes appointment and at the same time
outlined the immediate problems with which
the newly appointed executive will be con-
fronted. Those immediate matters of major
importance are:
PROGRESS IS LISTED
1. Undertake the development of a set of
fair trade practices for member companies
of the association.
2. Protect freedom of the American screen.
While Byrnes’ official position will be
counsel for AMPP, and while his salary will
be paid by that Hollywood organization, as-
sociation spokesmen declared that his serv-
ices, when needed, will be available to the
Motion Picture Ass’n, of which Johnston is
president also, and which functions in close
liaison with AMPP. Byrnes will headquarter
in Washington but plans to spend as much
time in Hollywood as necessary.
Obviously the current investigation by the
house committee on un-American activities
and the prominent part Hollywood has played
in the publicity thereon was a potent factor
in precipitating the Byrnes appointment,
which has been in the discussional stage for
some time. In which connection, Byrnes will
work with Johnston in preparing the associ-
ation’s case before that committee.
TO PROTECT SCREEN
In commenting on Byrnes’ appointment,
Johnston said, “American films are inter-
woven in the fabric of our whole economic
and social life. Hollywood’s pictures in-
evitably reflect democratic habits of thought
and action. They are potent forces for free-
dom everywhere. A free screen has made
that possible. It is our sacred obligation to
protect that free screen. We are determined
that subversive propaganda, government
pressure, or political censorship will never
undermine this freedom — which, like free-
dom of press and radio, is indispensable to
a free America.”
At the same time, Johnston revealed that
Y. Frank Freeman, vice-president of Para-
mount Pictures, had been elected chairman
of the board of AMPP, which position has
remained unoccupied since Byron Price left
the association last March.
Byrnes to Represent
20th-Fox on Appeal
WASHINGTON — Former Secretary of
State James F. Byrnes revealed this week
that in addition to his agreement to advise
Eric Johnston, president of the Motion Pic-
ture Ass’n, on industry matters, he would
represent 20th Century-Fox before the su-
preme court when their appeal from the
New York antitrust decision comes up some-
time next fall or winter.
Ask Upped Rates
NEW YORK — Interstate Commerce com-
mission has scheduled a hearing in Wash-
ington June 10 on an application of the Rail-
way Express Agency to increase rates on all
first and second class shipments by an aver-
age of 17 per cent. The increase, if granted,
will affect producers, distributors and equip-
ment firms shipping film to exchanges and
theatres.
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
9
GAMBLE TO SUBMIT TAX PLAN
AT REQUEST OF HOUSE GROUP
Allied Tax Memorandum
To Go to House Group
ATA Polls Its Directors
For Views on Slashes
In Admissions Levy
By WALTER WALDMAN
NEW YORK — The house ways and means
committee has invited Ted R. Gamble, chair-
man of board of the
American Theatres
Ass’n, to submit a plan
for reduction of ad-
mission taxes. The in-
vitation was extended
following the hearing
before the committee
in Washington Thurs-
day, May 28, at which
time Gamble and A.
Julian Brylawski, vice-
president of the
MPTOA, urged a re-
duction in admissions
taxes.
As a result of this
offer, the ATA is now polling its directors as
to their views on a fair tax plan. The ATA
will also welcome suggestions from exhibitor
sources outside the association, said Gamble.
FAVOR 50% REDUCTION
Early responses from ATA directors favor
a 50 per cent tax reduction on adult admis-
sions and the elimination of taxes on chil-
dren’s tickets.
Gamble believes that the exhibitors stand
a good chance of winning a 50 per cent re-
duction from Congress, which probably would
turn down a more drastic cut.
He was encouraged by the statement of
Harold Knutson, chairman of the ways and
means committee, who admitted that admis-
sion taxes are too high and must come down.
Gamble predicted that the house of rep-
resentatives would consider the downward
revision of admissions taxes when it con-
venes next January. The matter is high on
the house docket, said Gamble. He also pre-
dicted some reduction from the present 20
per cent level, but held little hope for com-
plete elimination.
f Elimination of admissions taxes is the ATA
goal, said Gamble. It will never relax in its
fight to win that objective. He said that
all exhibitors should support any organiza-
tion engaged in fighting federal, state or
local admissions taxes.
ANTIDOTE FOR RECESSION
Gamble emphasized that a reduction in
the ticket levy may be an antidote for the de-
clining grosses he mentioned at he ways and
means committee hearings May 23. (He said
then that the theatre business has decreased
from 15 to 35 per cent in the last few months.)
Since theatre admissions have advanced
very little, reductions would not be justified
at this time, Gamble says. The logical read-
justment in the total admissions cost should
be made in the reduction of the tax, he be-
lifeves.
The ATA will hold its national convention
a$ soon as the supreme court decides whether
or not the ATA along with the Confederacy
of Southern Ass’ns and the Southern Cali-
fornia Theatre Owners Ass’n are to be al-
lowed to appeal the antitrust decree.
Originally, the convention was to have been
held in April, but since has been delayed
several times.
WASHINGTON — Abram F. Myers, general
counsel for Allied States, said that his or-
ganization would probably file a memo-
randum with the house ways and means com-
mittee, on reduction of ticket taxes. A hear-
ing was held here last week at the request
of ATA and MPTOA. Allied States did not
testify before the house committee at the
time.
Myers said that they “certainly were for
some reduction of the federal admission tax.”
He added that he thought the problem
coming up now was “untimely.” He gave as
his reason the fact that the present Congress
is going to adjourn next month and will do
nothing about it anyway. It will only have
to be brought up again at the next session
of Congress when there may be a chance of
getting something done.
The GOP tax schedule is now complete for
this session of Congress and nothing in the
excise tax field will be done this session,
according to Republican policy makers.
Myers asserted that he thought it not a
good idea for industry representatives to
“subject themselves to interrogations” at
this time. He pointed to the Treasury de-
partment reports for the current months
which showed that theatre admissions are
still very high in spite of the fact that busi-
ness has dropped off some.
Congressional committees in the past have
been known when shown statistics, on busi-
ness trends, to take a cold view if at the
same time profits are high for that business.
Myers pointed out that the boxoffice is
slouching, but at present it can’t be shown.
20th -Fox Changes
(Continued from page 8)
has been promoted to exchange manager.
The river district takes in Cincinnati, Cleve-
land and Indianapolis. This was formerly
the mideast district. J. J. Grady continues
as district manager with headquarters in
Cincinnati.
CENTRAL: J. H. Lorentz, division man-
ager; Chicago, Des Moines, Detroit, Mil-
waukee, Minneapolis and Omaha.
Lorentz, the new central division man-
ager, has been Great Lakes district man-
ager. The new division is divided into two
districts — Great Lakes — Chicago, Milwaukee
and Detroit; and prairie — Minneapolis,
Omaha and Des Moines. Tom Gilliam, Chi-
cago branch manager, has been promoted
to Great Lakes district manager, succeeding
Lorentz; Joe Neger, Milwaukee branch man-
ager, has been made Chicago branch man-
ager, succeeding Gilliam, and Joe Woodward,
Kansas City salesman, has been promoted
to Milwaukee branch manager. M. A. Levy
continues as prairie district manager.
WESTERN DIVISION: Herman Wobber,
division manager; Denver, Los Angeles, Port-
land, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle,
“Nobody has polled the exhibitors yet on
the subject,” Myers revealed to BOXOFFICE,
“so how can anyone make recommendations.”
Allied already has taken action to have
all their members and boards of directors
meet to determine how they feel on the sub-
ject, Myers reported.
May Seek an Injunction
On Proposed 3% Tax
ELDORADO, ILL. — Owners of the three
local theatres will probably seek a circuit
court injunction if the Eldorado city coun-
cil goes through with the new tax of 3 cents
on each theatre admission, involved as “an
emergency ordinance” to fill the empty city
treasury and provide funds for the payment
of back salaries to policemen, firemen and
other city employes. The theatres affected
are the Grand and Orpheum, operated by
the Turner-Farrar circuit, with headquarters
in Harrisburg, 111., and the Nox, owned by
D. Wagner.
5 Per Cent Tax Asked
By Chicago Leaders
CHICAGO — A 5 per cent admission tax was
among the recommendations of a committee
of business, labor and civic leaders set up by
Mayor Kennedy to help solve the city’s
financial troubles. The 5 per cent tax prob-
ably would cover all theatres and sports
events.
St. Louis and Kansas City.
St. Louis and Kansas City have been in
the central division. This gives this di-
vision eight exchanges, the largest in point
of number as well as extent of territory. It
will be divided into three districts — moun-
tain, with Salt Lake City and Denver, and
with C. R. Walker continuing in this post;
Pacific — Los Angeles, Portland, San Fran-
cisco and Seattle, with B. B. Stoner as dis-
trict manager. His headquarters are in
San Francisco. The new district will be
called the midwest district and will include
Kansas City and St. Louis. W. E. Scott
is district manager. This district thus re-
mains unchanged, except that it comes under
Wobber’s general supervision.
SOUTHERN : This division remains un-
changed with Ballance as division manager
and with two districts — southeast and south-
west. Paul Wilson is southeast district man-
ager and Phil Longdon is southwest district
manager.
CANADIAN; Sydney Samson, division
manager; Calgary, Montreal, St. John, To-
ronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg.
This division has been a part of the cen-
tral division and heretofore has been called
a district. Sydney Samson continues in
charge, but will be a division manager here-
after and will continue to make his head-
quarters in Toronto.
TED R. GAMBLE
10
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
WARNER BROS. TRADE SHOWINGS OF
JOAN CRAWFORD * VAN HEFLIN
in
“POSSESSED"
with
RAYMOND MASSEY • GERALDINE BROOKS
Directed by Screen Play by Silvia Richards and Ranald MacDougall Produced by
PIIDTIC REDNUADflT Based Upon a Story by Rita Weiman • Music by Franz Waxman jenny Ul A I ft
UUNIIO DCIflinHKUl Director of Photography Joseph Valentine, A. S.C. JLItlU VTHLU
MONDAY, JUNE 16th, 1947
CITY
PLACE OF SHOWING
ADDRESS
TIME
Albany
Warner Screening Room
79 N. Pearl St.
12:30 P.M.
Atlanta
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
197 Walton St. N.W.
2:30 P.M.
Boston
RKO Screening Room
122 Arlington St.
2:30 P.M.
Buffalo
Paramount Exchange
464 Franklin Street
2:00 P.M.
Charlotte
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
308 S. Church St.
10:00 A.M.
Chicago
Warner Screening Room
1307 So. Wabash Ave.
1:30 P.M.
Cincinnati
RKO Screening Room
Palace Th. Bldg. E. 6th
8:00 P.M.
Cleveland
Warner Screening Room
2300 Payne Ave.
8:00 P.M.
Dallas
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
1803 Wood St.
10:00 A.M.
Denver
Paramount Sc. Room
2100 Stout St.
2:00 P.M.
Des Moines
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
1300 High St.
12:45 P.M.
Detroit
Film Exchange Bldg.
2310 Cass Ave.
2:00 P.M.
Indianapolis
Paramount Sc. Room
116 W. Michigan St.
1:00 P.M.
Kansas City
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
1720 Wyandotte St.
1:30 P.M.
Los Angeles
Warner Screening Room
2025 S. Vermont Ave.
2:00 P.M.
Memphis
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
151 Vance Ave.
10:00 A.M.
Milwaukee
Warner Th. Sc. Rm.
212 W. Wisconsin Ave.
2:00 P.M.
Minneapolis
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
1015 Currie Ave. N.
2:00 P.M.
New Haven
Warner Th. Proj. Rm.
70 College St.
2:00 P.M.
New Orleans
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
200 S. Liberty St.
10:00 A.M.
New York
Home Office
321 W. 44th St.
2:30 P.M.
Oklahoma
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
10 North Lee St.
1:30 P.M.
Omaha
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
1502 Davenport St.
1:00 P.M.
Philadelphia
Vine St. Sc. Room
1220 Vine St.
2:30 P.M.
Pittsburgh
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
1715 Blvd. of Allies
1:30 P.M.
Portland
Jewel Box Sc. Room
1947 N.W. Kearney St.
10:30A.M.
Salt Lake
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm.
216 East 1st South
2:00 P.M.
San Francisco
Republic Sc. Room
221 Golden Gate Ave.
1:30 P.M.
Seattle
Jewel Box Sc. Room
2318 Second Ave.
10:30A.M.
St. Louis
S’renco Sc. Room
3143 Olive St.
1:00 P.M.
Washington
Earle Th. Bldg.
13th & E Sts. N.W.
10:30A.M.
Columbia Will Release
Four Autry s This Year
CHICAGO — Home office executives and
branch and district managers attended the
Columbia four-day
sales meeting at the
Drake hotel, Tuesday
through Friday (June
3-6). A. Montague,
general sales manager,
presided.
Montague told the
meeting Columbia will
release eight musical
westerns, seven in
color, during the next
two years. All will be
produced by Gene Au-
try Prod. Four films,
including “The Last
Roundup,” will be re-
leased this year. “Roundup” is the only black
and white picture in the western group. Film-
ing has started at Tucson, Ariz. The picture
features Jean Heather, Carol Thurston, Bobby
Blake and Mark Daniels. Gene Autry will
sing the title song in the film.
The company sales head emphasized that
the westerns will not comprise a series. No
characters or situations will be repeated in
the pictures. The “Roundup” budget is set at
$500,000. Succeeding westerns will be allotted
larger budgets, Montague said. He stressed
the importance of western musicals to the
company and to exhibitors. Armand Schaefer
is president of Autry Prod.; Mitchel Hamil-
burg is vice-president.
Highlight of the sessions was a promotion
and distribution talk on “Down to Earth.”
The ad campaign for this film will be similar
to the radio plugs and tieups arranged for
"The Jolson Story.” The sales meeting also
concentrated on selling plans for current and
forthcoming product, including “The Jolson
Story,” “Dead Reckoning,” “Johnny O'clock.”
“The Guilt of Janet Ames,” “Framed,” “Down
to Earth,” “Assigned to Treasury,” “The Mat-
NEW YORK — Steve Broidy, Monogram
president, says he would like to make 32
features and 16 westerns for next year, but
can't do it unless it is possible to reach some
kind of an agreement with studio unions so
that costs can be estimated.
“There is a ceiling on B pictures,” he says,
“and we have reached that ceiling. Exhibitors
just won’t pay more, because they can’t and
make money with grosses slipping.”
Broidy said he wanted to make it plain that
he was not “fighting” the unions on the coast.
We want to make pictures; we hope to make
them see the light. It is impossible to operate
at a loss and we can compute the loss when
production costs go beyond a certain point.
“Under recently prevailing conditions, with
demands for retroactive pay, we have not
even been able to fix costs in advance.”
Broidy left for the coast late in the week
with the intention of presenting his pro-
posals to the unions. He would not say in
advance what they were.
He reported that he has signed a two-year
extension on his distribution deal in Canada.
The new deal will start in September. It is
with Monogram Pictures of Canada, an af-
filiate of the Odeon circuit, which is con-
trolled by J. Arthur Rank. Earl I. Lawson
ing of Millie McGonigle,” “Her Husband’s
Affairs” and “It Had to Be You.”
Also discussed were second-release dates
for “Jolson,” similar to the reopening of the
picture at the Victoria Theatre, New York.
Bookings are planned for reopenings in Balti-
more subsequent houses in addition to either
the Hippodrome or Town theatres there. First
run reopening bookings include the Modern
Theatre, Lawrence, Mass;; Virginia Theatre,
Wheeling, W. Va., and Little Theatre, Roches-
ter, N. Y.
A portion of the meeting was devoted to
individual discussions of field problems be-
tween branch and district managers and home
office representatives.
E. K. O'Shea to Distribute
Paramount Top Films
NEW YORK— E. K. “Ted” O’Shea will
handle distribution of top-budget films in his
new post at Paramount. He will work under
Charles M. Reagan, vice-president in charge
of distribution. O’Shea was general sales man-
ager for Liberty Films before Paramount pur-
chased the independent company.
Mort Nathanson, eastern publicity director
for Liberty, has been added to the Paramount
publicity staff along with William W. John-
ston, former special press representative for
Bob Hope. Nathanson, Johnston and other
publicists, soon to be appointed, will form a
new department for special productions.
Bert Ennis also was added to the Para-
mount staff during the week. He will work
as assistant to Stanley Shuford, advertising
manager. Ennis, at one time publicity and
advertising director for the Roxy Theatre,
New York, and Columbia, succeeds William
Schneider. He first worked for Paramount
from 1934-36 as a member of the eastern
writing staff.
is head of the organization. The arrange-
ment also includes the Allied Artists product.
Based on figures already in, Broidy pre-
dicted a gross in excess of $2,000,000 for “It
Happened on Fifth Avenue.” This would be
a company record, he said. He also said sales
as of May 2 were running 11 per cent ahead
of the same period for 1946-47, but that
profits were running ahead in this ratio
due to increased production costs.
He referred to the studio shutdown as a
“curtailment of production.”
Allied Artists-Monogram
To Meet July 18-20
HOLLYWOOD— Allied Artists and Mono-
gram will hold their annual sales conven-
tions July 18, 19, 20 at the Hotel Shroeder
in Milwaukee. In addition to Steve Broidy,
president of both companies, west coast
contingent will include George D. Burrows,
Scott R. Dunlap, Louis S. Lifton, John Har-
rington, George West, Howard Stubbins and
Mel Hulling. Transportation arrangements
have been made for the group to take over a
private car on the Santa Fe Super-Chief.
'The Warner News'
Chosen as Title
NEW YORK — “The Warner News” has been
selected as the official title of the newsreel
to be introduced by Warner Bros, in Novem-
ber, Ben Kalmenson, vice-president and gen-
eral sales manager, announced at the two-
day meeting of district managers and home
office executives June 5 and 6.
Sales and distribution plans for the news-
reel were outlined to the district managers
who subsequently will hold meetings in their
respective territories to acquaint their sales
staffs with the setup. Norman H. Moray,
short subjects sales manager, whose depart-
ment will have charge of selling and distrib-
uting the newsreel, outlined the machinery
being set up to handle the new project.
Major Albert Warner addressed the open-
ing session and Mort Blumenstock gave a pre-
liminary talk on campaign plans for the
forthcoming product, including “Life With
Father,” which was screened at the meeting.
James Allen, who was appointed by Harry M.
Warner to head the newsreel editorial staff, arrived
from the coast in time for the second day of the
meeting. Others who attended were Samuel Schneid-
er, vice-president; Roy Haines, western division sales
manager; Jules Lapidus, eastern and Canadian sales
manager; Norman Ayers, southern division sales
manager; I. F. Dolid, assistant to Kalmenson; Ber-
nard R. Goodman, supervisor of exchanges; Ed
Hinchy, head of the playdate department; and Gil
Golden, Larry Golob, Charles A. Bailey, Bill Brum-
berg, Sam Lefkowitz, Henry Herbel, Robert Smeltzer,
Haskell Masters, Harry A. Seed, Hall Walsh, Charles
Rich, Doak Roberts, John F. Kirby and Howard
Levinson.
Telenews to Release Film
In Late June or July
NEW YORK — Telenews Productions, Inc.,
will release its first documentary production
in late June or July. The 14-minute docu-
mentary film is titled "Divorce, U.S.A.” The
picture will be shown in all Telenews houses.
Robert Kingsley, in charge of production
for Telenews, says the film is different from
most documentaries because the scenes are
not re-enacted. All of the sequences in the
short were filmed in courtrooms during ac-
tual divorce proceedings.
Video Cable Network
To Make Summer Debut
WASHINGTON — Scheduled installation
dates of the coaxial cable for relaying tele-
vision broadcasts, will be set at an informal
engineering meeting on June 9 in Washing-
ton it was decided at a conference here this
week of the Federal Communications com-
mission. Tariff charges for the use of the
cables will also be decided, it was learned.
Plans of the common carriers for relaying
broadcasts between, cities will be revealed
during the conference. Discussion also is
expected to bring out the needs of broad-
casters for intercity relay service. The
common carriers and those who supply them
will benefit from this information, said the
commission.
All intercity problems of transmission,
such as costs, networking, etc., will be dis-
cussed, it was decided.
Meanwhile, AT&T filed with the FCC a
proposed tariff for “inter-exchange chan-
nels.” The schedule of charges covers com-
prehensively the use of the coaxial cable for
relaying television broadcasts between cities
in the U.S.
Unless the FCC sees fit to suspend the
tariffs as filed, or unless other interested
and affected parties see fit to protest, the
charges will become effective August 1.
A. MONTAGUE
Broidy Blames High Labor Costs
For Closing Monogram Studio
12
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947
Read
The Dramatic Thirteen-Page Success Story of
PARAMOUNT
" The No. 1 U. S. Motion Picture Company
In the June Issue of
JUST OUT
One Dollar Per Copy
Ten Dollars Per Year
16 SPRING QUARTER RELEASES
REACH HIT CLASSIFICATION
72.8% of Year's Output
Doing 100% or Better
At the Boxoffice
Sixteen feature films released in the
third quarter of the current season reached
the hit class by doing 120 per cent or bet-
ter or average business in the country’s
key runs, sending to 46 the number of pic-
tures released since August which have
paid off in top business at the boxoffice
this year.
Since August, distributors have released
187 features of which there have been suf-
ficient key runs to indicate their popularity
and of these 134, or 72.8 per cent, have done
average or better business for exhibitors.
These figures are based on reports made to
BOXOFFICE by correspondents in 21 im-
portant first run situations across the coun-
try. Last year at this point in the season's
business, a total of 193 features had been
released and 146, or 76.6 per cent, had been
reported at 100 per cent or better. At this
stage last year, 56 of the features had
reached the hit class for an average of 29.5
per cent; this season’s hit average is 24.6
per cent.
PERCENTAGES GO DOWN
Although the percentage of hit pictures
and films doing average or better at the
boxoffice is not down considerably from last
year’s phenomenal business, the individual
marks of the top business-getters is down.
Whereas the top three hits have, for the last
12 months, been rated from 160 to 190 per
cent of normal business, none of the top
features released in the March-April-May
period of this year reached 150 per cent.
Paramount’s “My Favorite Brunette’’ which
led the quarterly first run report averaged
146 per cent in 21 key runs. “Sinbad the
Sailor,” an RKO release, did 136 and the
company’s “The Farmer’s Daughter” was re-
corded at two points less. The combined
average for hit features released in the first
half of the current season was 141.5 per cent,
whereas the average of the 16 hit films of
the third quarter dropped to 127 per cent.
Long runs are still on the wane, a trend
indicated in the last quarterly report. “My
Favorite Brunette” opened with five weeks
at the Paramount Theatre in New York,
ran for four weeks in San Francisco and
had a three-week day-and-date engagement
in Los Angeles. “Sinbad the Sailor” played
eight weeks at the Palace in New York, and
had five weeks at the Grand in Chicago, fol-
lowed by four at Goldman’s in Philadelphia.
“The Farmer’s Daughter” enjoyed its top
business in Los Angeles and Boston and
ran for seven weeks in its New York opening.
QUARTER’S TOP FILMS
The 10 top grossers for films released in
the spring quarter are: “Boomerang” (20th-
Fox) ; “The Fabulous Dorseys” (UA) ; “The
Farmer’s Daughter” (RKO); “Framed” (Col);
“Johnny O’clock” (Col) ; “The Macomber Af-
fair” (UA); “Mr. Ace” (UA) ; “My Favorite
Brunette” (Para); “Pursued” (WB); “The
Red House” (UA); “San Quentin” (RKO);
“Sea of Grass” (MGM) ; “Sinbad the Sailor”
(RKO); “Smash-Up” (U-I); “Song of
Scheherazade” (U-I) ; “The Two Mrs. Car-
rolls” (WB).
Top Hits of 1946-47 Season
(September 1946 Through May 1947)
PERCENTAGES 120 130 140 150 175
Angel on My Shoulder (UA)
Big Sleep, The (WB)
Blue Skies (Para)
Boomerang (20th-Fox)
Caesar and Cleopatra (UA)
California (Para)
Chase, The (UA)
Cloak and Dagger (WB)
Dark Mirror, The (U-I)
Dead Reckoning (Col)
Deception (WB)
Fabulous Dorseys, The (UA)
Farmer's Daughter, The (RKO)
Framed (Col)
Holiday in Mexico (MGM)
Humoresque (WB)
It's a Wonderful Life (RKO)
Johnny O'Clock (Col)
Jolson Story, The (Col)
Macomber Affair, The (UA)
Margie (20th-Fox)
Mr. Ace (UA)
My Darling Clementine (20th-Fox)
My Favorite Brunette (Para)
Notorious (RKO)
Pursued (WB)
Razor's Edge, The (20th-Fox)
Red House. The (UA)
San Quentin (RKO)
Sea of Grass (MGM)
Secret Heart, The (MGM)
Shocking Miss Pilgrim, The (20th-Fox)
Show-Off. The (MGM)
Sinbad the Sailor (RKO)
Smash-Up (U-I)
Song of Scheherazade (U-I)
Song of the South (RKO)
Strange Woman (UA)
13 Rue Madeleine (20th-Fox)
Three Little Girls in Blue (20th-Fox)
Till the Clouds Roll By (MGM)
Time, the Place and the Girl, The (WB)
Two Mrs. Carrolls, The (WB)
Two Years Before the Mast (Para)
Undercurrent (MGM)
Wicked Lady, The (U-I)
\
200 210
14
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947
First Run Reports on Seasons Films
Based on Playdates in 21 Key Cities as Reported to BOXOFFICE
(100 Is Average Business)
COLUMBIA
Alias Mr. Twilight. 96
Betty Co-Ed 99
Blind Spot 103
Blondle Knows Best 100
Blondie’s Big Moment 99
Blondie’s Holiday 94
Boston Blackie and the Law Ill
Bulldog Drummond at Bay 98
Cigarette Girl 95
Crime Doctor’s Manhunt 98
Dead Beckoning 138
Framed 124
Guilt of Janet Ames, The 104
Johnny O’Cloek 125
Jolson Story, The 181
Lone Wolf in Mexico 103
Millie's Daughter 105
Mr. District Attorney 110
Return of Monte Cristo, The 106
Secret of the Whistler 100
Singin’ in the Corn 95
So Dark the Night 100
Thirteenth Hour, The 100
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Beginning or the End, The 113
Cockeyed Miracle, The 102
Gallant Bess 108
High Barbaree 102
Holiday in Mexico 132
It Happened in Brooklyn 115
Lady in the Lake 119
Love Laughs at Andy Hardy 106
Mighty McGurk, The 106
My Brother Talks to Horses 98
No Leave, No Love 118
Sea of Grass, The 126
Secret Heart, The 128
Show-Off, The 128
Till the Clouds Roll By 161
Two Smart People 99
Undercurrent . ...137
MONOGRAM
Beauty and the Bandit 94
Bringing Up Father 105
Dangerous Money 97
Decoy Ill
Gentleman Joe Palooka 98
Ginger 98
Guilty, The 98
Mr. Hex 97
Sweetheart of Sigma Chi 104
Trap, The 98
Vacation Days 96
Wife Wanted 98
PARAMOUNT
Blaze of Noon... 99
Blue Skies 191
California 139
Cross My Heart.. 105
Easy Come, Easy Go 102
Fear in the Night ....108
Imperfect Lady, The. .. 91
Ladies’ Man Ill
My Favorite Brunette 146
Perfect Marriage, The 108
Seven Were Saved 95
Suddenly It’s Spring 117
Two Years Before the Mast....... 171
PRC PICTURES
Accomplice 96
Bedelia 118
Blonde for a Day 96
Born to Speed 95
Brute Man, The 94
Devil on Wheels, The 96
Don Ricardo Returns 100
Gas House Kids 92
Her Sister’s Secret 100
It’s a Joke, Son 92
Lady Chaser 95
Lighthouse 92
Three on a Ticket 97
RKO RADIO
Beat the Band 109
Child of Divorce 96
Criminal Court 104
Devil Thumbs a Ride, The 102
Dick Tracy vs. Cueball 97
Falcon’s Adventure, The 114
Farmer’s Daughter, The 134
Genius at Work ....106
It’s a Wonderful Life 145
Lady Luck 107
Locket, The 113
Nocturne 114
Notorious 186
San Quentin 123
Sinbad the Sailor 136
Sister Kenny Ill
Song of the South 140
Step by Step 104
Tarzan and the Huntress 119
Trail Street 115
Vacation in Reno 101
REPUBLIC
Affairs of Geraldine 99
Apache Rose 105
Calendar Girl 101
Fabulous Suzanne 97
Ghost Goes Wild, The 94
Heldorado 98
Hit Parade of 1947 90
I’ve Always Loved You 109
Out California Way 96
Pilgrim Lady, The 98
Roll On Texas Moon 102
Spoilers of the North 92
That Brennan Girl 102
Winter Wonderland 95
SCREEN GUILD
My Dog Shep 100
'Neath Canadian Skies. 102
Queen of the Amazons 104
Renegade Girl 96
Rolling Home 96
20TH CENTURY-FOX
Backlash 91
Black Beauty 109
Boomerang 123
Brasher Doubloon, The 101
Carnival in Costa Rica 108
Claudia and David 118
Dangerous Millions 97
Deadline for Murder 100
Home Sweet Homicide 102
If I’m Lucky 115
Late George Apley, The 107
Margie 142
My Darling Clementine 133
Razor’s Edge, The 182
Shocking Miss Pilgrim, The 125
Strange Journey 102
Three Little Girls in Blue 135
13 Rue Madeleine .' 131
Wake Up and Dream 102
Wanted for Murder 92
UNITED ARTISTS
Abie’s Irish Rose 102
Angel on My Shoulder 124
Bachelor’s Daughters, The 114
Caesar and Cleopatra 138
Chase, The 121
Dishonored Lady 90
Fabulous Dorseys, The 121
Fun on a Weekend 105
Little Iodine 99
Macomber Affair, The 121
Mr. Ace 121
Private Affairs of Bel Ami 109
Ramrod 114
Red House, The 127
Scandal in Paris, A 110
Strange Woman 128
Susie Steps Out 97
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
Buck Privates Come Home 105
Dark Mirror, The .140
I’ll Be Yours 103
Little Miss Big 99
Magnificent Doll Ill
Michigan Kid Ill
Notorious Gentleman .117
Smash-Up 133
Song of Scheherazade 130
Stairway to Heaven 109
Swell Guy 116
Temptation 102
They Were Sisters 108
White Tie and Tails 115
Wicked Lady, The 126
WARNER BROS.
Beast With Five Fingers, The 117
Big Sleep, The 146
Cloak and Dagger 128
Deception .128
Humoresque 128
Love and Learn 95
Man I Love, The 114
Never Say Goodbye 104
Nobody Lives Forever 118
Nora Prentiss 118
Pursued 121
Shadow of a Woman 101
Stallion Road 113
That Way With Women 105
Time, the Place and the Girl, The.. 129
Two Mrs. Carrolls, The 123
Verdict, The 115
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
15
NOW THE GREATEST TRADE REVIEWS
SINCE "GOING MY WAY " CONFIRM THE
TRADE-SHOW AUDIENCES' VERDICT—
" 'Welcome Stranger’ has what it takes to run up the same grosses as
'Going My Way.’ A picture for all the members of the families of all
the cities, towns and hamlets of this or any other country.”— M. P. Herald
"A record-breaker comparable to 'Going My Way.’ Should be seen by
every member of the family. The two stars are just as excellent as they
were in their previous picture.” —Showmen s Trade Review
"As warming and commercially promising as 'Going My Way.’ The
picture gives an audience the rare privilege of leaving the theatre glad
to have gone, uplifted in spirit and minded to tell friends to go and see
Bing and Barry together again. The attraction figures to roll up
handsome grosses.” —M. P. Daily
"Folio ws the appealing lines of 'Going My Way’ with its two stars scor-
ing again. A must for every exhibitor.” — The Independent
"Fits the 'Going My Way’ pattern of story-telling with sock human inter-
est, comedy and drama. Solid entertainment for sock boxoffice potential.”
— V ariety
"Set controls for sock business. Crosby and Fitz click solidly.” —Film Daily
"One of the season’s most popular and most profitable offerings.”— Boxoffice
"Unquestionably destined for staggering grosses.” —Daily Variety
"Crosby and Fitzgerald click on all four... to please everybody !' —Exhibitor
"If your patrons liked 'Going My Way,’ they’ll go for this.”— Film Bulletin
"Ev'ry one is a fine
upstandin' example of
American litrachoor
at its best!"
Directed by
ELLIOTT NUGENT
Screenplay by Arthur Sheekman • Adaptation by
Arthur Sheekman and N. Richard Nash . Story by
Frank, Butler • Produced by Sol C. Siegel . Lyrics
by Jqbnny Burke • Music by James Van Heusen
*nh
P
l^b
eth p
ay*ie
VryyWen
"Catch a close-up of those
congratulatory comments ,
Junior "
Intermountain Groups
May Join PCCITO
SALT LAKE CITY — The Intermountain
Theatre Owners Ass’n may be disbanded
and the Utah and Idaho sections may join
the Pacific Coast Conference of Independent
Theatre Owners, it appeared here this week.
This possibility was seen as the result of the
decision last week of the Montana Theatre
Owners Ass’n to join PCCITO.
Utah exhibitors say they feel they must
now join some other organization, since
Intermountain has been broken up by Mon-
tana’s action. Some said it would be best for
the mountain area if all states join the same
organization — PCCITO.
A decision on disbanding the ITOA and
the Utah and Idaho groups joining the Pa-
cific Coast organization probably will be
made at the Exhibitors-Distributors Round-
up here June 10, 11 and 12. At this get-
together, Intermountain will hold a meeting
for election of new officers. The group also
will hear a report from its president, Sam
Gillette, on the Los Angeles convention of
the PCCITO, and from Montana exhibitors
who attended the coast parley.
Idaho already is split as an organization,
exhibitors in the northern half of the state
belonging to PCCITO. Theatres in the
southern part of the state fall within the
Utah orbit but it is believed they would
favor going over to the Pacific coast group.
If Idaho and Utah exhibitors do join the
PCCITO, it is likely they will operate hence-
WASHINGTON — Representatives of three
media, motion pictures, radio broadcasting
and comic strips met here this week in the
Hotel Mayflower to discuss:
1. Portrayal of criminal exploits and
criminal actions by the three media.
2. Portrayal of judicial processes by
officials concerned; e.g.: police, attor-
neys, judges, etc.
The representatives of the three media
came and met at the request of the Com-
mittee on Motion Pictures, Radio Broadcast-
ing and Comic Strips in Relation to the Ad-
ministration of Justice, of the American
Bar Ass’n.
ANOTHER MEETING PLANNED
Arthur J. Freund of St. Louis, chairman
of the committee, said that “we are mainly
interested in the effect of the portrayals” of
the two points mentioned above “on juveniles
and adolescents.”
“I believe this is the first exploratory dis-
cussion of its type ever held,” Freund as-
serted. Agreement was reached at the meet-
ing, for each representative of each media to
report back to their respective organizations
and then to meet again for another discus-
sion on the same subject. No time or place
has been set for the next meeting.
Purpose of discussing the subjects was said
to be to try to determine the impact of the
portrayal of crime on audiences.
Motion Picture Ass’n representatives who
were Robert Chambers, Sidney Schriber and
forth as separate units rather than as an
Intermountain organization.
Fox Intermountain Theatres, largest cir-
cuit in Montana, has resigned from the
Montana ITOA as a result of the organiza-
tion’s decision to join the PCCITO. This
leaves Fox Intermountain unrepresented in
any exhibitor organization other than the
Intermountain Theatre Owners Ass’n and
may be a factor in keeping the latter or-
ganization together.
Mississippi TOA Merger
With Allied Probable
NEW ORLEANS — Possibility of a merger
of the Mississippi Theatre Owners Ass’n with
the Allied Theatre Owners of the Gulf
States was visualized here Tuesday when the
amalgamation was discussed at a meeting
of the latter organization.
President W. A. Prewitt jr. of ATOGS,
presiding at a well-attended session, said
agreement had been reached to attend the
Mississippi showmen’s meeting scheduled at
the Edgewater Beach hotel, Biloxi, July 6-8.
He added that the local Allied organiza-
tion already includes a number of Mis-
sissippi members and that the merger would
strengthen both organizations.
Announcement was made that charter
membership in ATOGS will be granted all
applicants filing before August 1.
Headquarters of the new Allied unit have
been established at 223 South Liberty street,
with Miss Joyce Yaeger as office secretary.
Theodore Smith, said that very few 1946 pic-
tures showed unsympathetic portrayals of
officers of the law.
The meeting, which was a closed session,
was attended by many important figures in
their respective industry. Donald Nelson of
the Society of Independent Motion Picture
Producers also was present.
Milwaukee Towne Theatre
Slashes Night Prices
MILWAUKEE — In a drastic admission re-
duction, the Towne Theatre sliced prices for
evenings shows in the initial such price drop
in night prices since World War II in Mil-
waukee. New prices are 74 cents, including
tax, compared with 90 cents prevailing gen-
erally for night first runs.
Commenting on the change, Papas stated
there was “no justification for the 90 cents
price top,” pointing out that first runs in
other cities charge from 65 to 70 cents, tax
included.
Papas indicated that during the last ten
years motion picture theatres in Milwaukee
increased their gross income 62 per cent,
while attendance increased just 12 per cent.
Said Papas:
“The downtown show houses are not play-
ing to capacity audiences. We would rather
fill our theatre than make the same amount
of money playing to smaller audiences.”
E. W. Savage Elected
Head of Ark. ITO
LITTLE ROCK — E. W. Savage, Booneville
exhibitor, was elected president of the Arkan-
sas Independent Theatre Owners Ass’n at
the annual convention here this week, suc-
ceeding Claude C. Mundo, Little Rock cir-
cuit owner. Mundo becomes chairman of the
board.
E. F. Busby, of Little Rock, was elected
vice-president, and Sam Kirby, also of this
city, was re-elected secretary-treasurer.
As has become an annual custom, outstand-
ing theatremen in this area are honored at
the convention. Mundo was given the award
of merit, on a ballot taken by exchange execu-
tives at Memphis, for his cooperation with
exchange people; and Busby was presented
with an award of appreciation for outstand-
ing civic work.
The convention took no action on the Mo-
tion Picture Foundation, although the Foun-
dation plan was presented by Tom Young,
20th-Fox district manager in Memphis; and
John Rowley, Dallas exhibitor.
Maurice Wolf of MGM; Leon Bamberger
of RKO, and C. B. Akers, an Oklahoma City
exhibitor, were among the speakers at the
meetings.
Two Trust Cases Settled
At Undisclosed Terms
CHICAGO — - Settlement at undisclosed
terms was announced here Monday in anti-
trust suits brought against Fox Wisconsin,
Warners Theatres, the Minnesota Amuse-
ment Co. and major distributors by former
operators of the Riverside Theatre in Mil-
waukee and the Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Former operators of the theatres were
suing 28 defendants for a total of $2,650,000,
alleging conspiracy to deprive them of suit-
able first run product. The cases were filed
in U.S. district court here January 20.
Suit for damages totaling $1,750,000 was
brought in the Milwaukee case by the River-
side Operating Co., which ran the Riverside
from 1934 to 1939, and the Middle States
Theatre Corp., which operated the house from
1939 to 1941. Middle States was also the
plaintiff in the Minneapolis situation, having
operated the Minnesota from 1939 to 1941.
Damages of $900,000 were asked in this case.
The 4,025-seat Minnesota since has be-
come the Radio City and is now being op-
erated by the Minnesota Amusement Co., a
Paramount affiliate.
Walsh to Britain on More
Labor Swap Discussions
NEW YORK— Richard F. Walsh, IATSE
international president, will leave for Eng-
land with Tom O’Brien, general secretary
of the National Ass’n of Theatrical and Kine
employes, to continue talks on a plan to ex-
change film technicians. The labor heads
will sail on the Queen Elizabeth June 11.
Walsh and O'Brien have been discussing
the reciprocal labor agreement since the
latter’s arrival in this country several weeks
ago.
Walsh believes an agreement will be
reached during his stay in England. The
IATSE head expects to spend two months
in Britain studying labor conditions in
studios and theatres where NATKE members
are employed.
The proposed labor exchange will include
actors and directors as well as cameramen
and studio technicians.
Discuss Effect Portrayals of Crime,
Law Officials Have on the Public
18
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947
CITY
PLACE AND ADDRESS
SONG
OF LOVE
THE HUCKSTERS
BANY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1052 Broadway
FRI. 6/27
8 PM.
THURS. 6/26
8
PM.
LANTA
20lh-Fox Screen Room, 197 Walton St., N. W.
FRI. 6/27
10 AM.
THURS. 6/26;
10
AM.
STON
M-G-M Screen Room, 46 Church Street
FRI. 6/27
10:30 AM.
THURS. 6/26 70-30
AM.
and 2.15 P.M.
and
2:15
PM.
FFALO
20th-Fox Screen Room, 290 Franklin Street
FRI. 6/27
2.30 P.M.
THURS. 6/26
2:30
PM.
ARLOTTE
20th-Fox Screen Room, 308 South Church Street
FRI. 6/27
1:30 P.M.
THURS. 6/26
1:30
PM.
ICAGO
H. C. Igel’s Screen Room, 1301 South Wabash Ave.
FRI. 6/27
2 PM.
THURS. 6/26
2
PM.
1CINNAT1
RKO Screen Room 16 East Sixth Street
FRI. 6/27
8 PM.
THURS. 6/26
8
PM.
iVELAND
20th-Fox Screen Room, 2219 Payne Avenue
FRI. 6/27
1 P.M,
THURS. 6/26
7
PM.
LIAS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1803 Wood Street
FRI. 6/27
2.30 P.M.
THURS. 6/26
2:30
PM.
NVER
Paramount Screen Room, 2100 Stout Street
FRI. 6/27
2 PM.
THURS. 6/26
2
PM.
5 MOINES ~
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1300 High Street
FRI. 6/27
1 P.M.
THURS. 6/26.
1
PM.
TROIT
Max Blumenthal's Screen Room, 2310 Cass Ave.
FRI. 6/27
1:30 P.M.
THURS. 6/26
1:30
PM.
)IANAPOLIS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 326 North Illinois Street
FRI. 6/27
2 PM.
THURS. 6/26
-2
PM.
NSAS CITY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1720 Wyandotte St.
FRI. 6/27
1:30 PM.
THURS. 6/26
7:30
PM.
S ANGELES
20th-Fox Screen Room, 2019 So. Vermont Ave.
FRI. 6/27
2 PM.
THURS. 6/26
2
PM.
MPHIS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 151 Vance Avenue
FRI. 6/27
10 AM.
THURS. 6/26
70.
AM.
.WAUKEE
Warner Screen Room, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave.
FRI. 6/27
1:30 P.M.
THURS. 6/26
7:30
PM.
MNEAPOLIS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1015 Currie Avenue
FRI. 6/27
2 P.M.
THURS. 6/26
2
PM.
W HAVEN
20th-Fox Screen Room, 40 Whiting Street
FRI. 6/27
2 P.M.
THURS. 6/26
2
PM.
W ORLEANS
20th-Fox Screen Room, 200 South Liberty St.
FRI. 6/27
1:30 P.M.
THURS. 6/26
7:30
PM.
WYORK |
W JERSEY f
M-G-M Screen Room, 630 Ninth Avenue
FRI. 6/27
10:30 AM.
THURS. 6/26
70:30
AM.
and 2:30 PM.
and
2:30
PM.
LA’MA CITY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 10 North Lee Street
FRI. 6/27
1 P.M.
THURS. 6/26
7
PM.
\AHA
20th-Fox Screen Room, 1502 Davenport St.
FRI. 6/27
1:30 PM.
THURS. 6/26
7:30
PM.
ILADELPHIA
M-G-M Screen Room, 1233 Summer Street
FRI. 6/27
11 AM.
THURS. 6/26
77
AM.
TSBURGH
M-G-M Screen Room, 1623 Blvd. of Allies
FRI. 6/27
2 PM.
THURS. 6/26
2
PM.
RTLAND
B. F. Shearer Screen Room, 1947 N.W. Kearney St.
FRI. 6/27
2 PM.
THURS. 6/26
2
PM.
LOUIS
S’Renco Screen Room, 3143 Olive Street
FRI. 6/27
1 PM.
THURS. 6/26
7*
PM.
LT LAKE CITY
20th-Fox Screen Room, 216 East First Street, So.
FRI. 6/27
1 P.M.
THURS. 6/26
1
PM.
FRANCISCO
20th-Fox Screen Room, 245 Hyde Street
FRI. 6/27
1:30 P.M.
THURS. 6/26
1:30
PM.
ATTLE
Jewel Box Preview Theatre, 2318 Second Avenue
FRI. 6/27
1 PM.
THURS. 6/26
.7
PM.
LSHINGTON
20th-Fox Screen Room, 932 New Jersey, N.W.
FRI. 6/27
1 P.M.
THURS. 6/26
7
PM.
-NOTE!
NEW DATE
FOR "THE
HUCKSTERS'
LEO E. CARROLL
HENRY Mill Miff STEPHENSON
CLARENCE BROWN PRODUCTION
it, hp if tm m. «*■««» w <s u m *u« mm. m mm mm
idocsd and Diiecled fey CLAMHCE BROWN
and £vent&
International Seesaw
^TRYING to keep the discussion of inter-
national film problems on a business
basis, with a minimum of nationalistic
emotionalism, is going to require plenty
of patience and tact. Almost on the day
that J. Arthur Rank began discussing
the need for more playing time for British
films in this country, the Film Producers
Ass’n of Great Britain began an advertis-
ing campaign in newspapers asking film
patrons to "Buy British.”
It is a direct appeal to stop patronizing
American films, a public display of tact-
lessness that can't benefit British pro-
duction.
At present there is no prejudice against
British films as such in this country. If
they are not booked as freely as Rank
thinks they should be, it is due to a lack of
public DEMAND. Continued improvement
of the quality of British pictures, the de-
velopment of star names, and a persistent
effort to sell the pictures to the public by
advertising will solve the problem. Ex-
hibitors want boxoffice product regard-
less of where it comes from, but they have
to be sold on the product just as their cus-
tomers have to be sold.
Rank holds to the theory that if the
major circuits book the pictures all the
independent theatres will follow their ex-
ample. They will, if the independents find
out the circuits made money on the films.
Everybody in the business in this country
knows how the grapevine quickly spreads
the story of hits and flops.
In the meantime a campaign against
American films in England and a con-
tinued limitation on the playing time of
American films in England's leading thea-
tres regardless of how much they are
grossing will not contribute to pleasant in-
ternational relations.
American distributors admit they need
the British market. British distributors
have the same need for the American
market.
* * *
That Recession !
jyjAYBE some of this talk about a reces-
sion exaggerates the facts. Fear is
contagious. The Treasury department ad-
mission tax figures for April (which are
collected in March) went up to $33,412,813.
For the previous month the total was $28,-
796,825. The March figures were for Feb-
ruary collections.
February is a short month, but the in-
crease of $4,615,988 can’t be explained by
an additional three days. Business must
have been definitely better. It was an ex-
ceptionally cold winter in many northern
areas, with heavy snow. This may have
had an adverse effect on business.
* * *
O’Brien Talks Out
JOM O’BRIEN, member of parliament
and general secretary of the National
Ass’n of Theatrical and Kine Employes, in
his public appearances in this country
turned out to be the most refreshing am-
By JAMES M. JERAULD
bassador of goodwill film and leaders in
this country have met to date. What he
had to say he said in plain, old-fashioned
Anglo-Saxon that anybody could under-
stand.
Among other things he declared that
politicians and diplomats know less about
the film tastes of the public than anybody
else. He went further and remarked:
“We must educate our governments in the
knowledge and the tastes of the common
people of the world, as reflected in their
reception of motion pictures.”
At one luncheon he described the British
advertising campaign with the theme “Save
Dollars and See British Films’’ as stupid
and unfair.
* * *
Blow to Tax Hopes
QHAIRMAN KNUTSON of the house
ways and means committee lost no
time in dashing the growing hopes for a
cut in the federal admission tax. At one
of the hearings during the week he told a
witness that Congress probably would
raise some of the excise taxes before re-
ducing them. He said the 25 per cent tax
on telegrams and the 20 per cent tax on
furs probably would be the only levies to be
cut this year.
This means that there will have to be an
industry battle if any cuts are made either
this year or next year. Most congressmen
have been concentrating their efforts on
income taxes on the theory that in that
direction lie the most votes.
* * *
Record lor Speed
jyjILTON KUSELL, general sales man-
ager for Selznick Releasing Organiza-
tion, says that in the first three weeks of
the release of “Duel in the Sun” the gross
(May 28) was $5,500,000 as a result of the
mass playing time at advanced admis-
sions. This is pretty close to the cost of
production. Another three weeks even at
a greatly reduced rate and the producer
will have back the cost of production and
the distribution as well.
From there on domestic showings prob-
ably will be subsequent runs, but there is
still Canada and the foreign market as a
source of straight profit.
Progress of the experiment is being
watched widely.
Ask 1 6mm ' Gifts' End,
To Protect Exhibitor
Hollywood — United Artists producers
who have been gifting stars and other
personalities with 16mm versions of their
pictures have received communiques from
UA asking that they discontinue this
practice as some of these narrow-gaugers
have gotten out of the hands of the orig-
inal owners and are being exhibited in a
number of 16mm houses, long before the
picture goes into general release.
The notice explains that such a situa-
tion of prerelease showings jeopardizes
future playing time and contractual
agreements with regular 35mm exhibitors.
TALK WORLD PREMIERE— Joseph
E. Levine, president of Embassy Pictures
Corp., Boston, and Discovery Pictures
Corp. of New York, worldwide distribu-
tors of “Discovery” pictured with Ad-
miral Richard E. Byrd at the admiral’s
Boston home discussing plans for the
world premiere of “Discovery,” which will
be held at the new Center Theatre, Bos-
ton, on the evening of June 12.
Industry Heads to Attend
Jack Kirsch Testimonial
NEW YORK — Spyros P. Skouras, president
of 20th-Fox; Joseph Bernhard, president of
Film Classics: Ben Kalmenson, vice-presi-
dent in charge of distribution for Warner
Bros.; Abram F. Myers, national chairman
of Allied States Theatre Owners, and Col.
Harry A. Cole of Dallas are among the indus-
try leaders who will attend the testimonial
banquet in honor of Jack Kirsch, national
president of Allied States Ass’n of Motion
Picture Exhibitors, to be given by Allied The-
atre Owners of N. J„ Inc., at the Ambassador
hotel, Atlantic City, June 26.
Others who are expected to attend, according to
Edward Lachman, president of New Jersey Allied,
are Martin G. Smith, Toledo; M. A. Rosenberg,
Pittsburgh; Sidney Samuelson, Philadelphia; Nathan
Yamins, Boston; Leon Goldberg, Boston; Max Aider-
man, New Haven; Mike Leventhal, Baltimore; Walter
Mitchell, Boston; Benny Berger, Minneapolis; lesse
L. Stern, New York City; Van Nomikos, Chicago;
Irving Dollinger, Linden, N. J.; H. W. Robertson,
Covington, Va.; C. B. Wolf, Baltimore; Harry Fried,
Ardmore, Pa.; Robert Goldblatt, Tarrytown, N. Y.;
James Papayanakos, Gouverneur, N. Y.; Bob Pascoe,
Newark; Lee Newbury, Manasquan, N. J.; David
Snaper, New Brunswick, N. J.; William Schnopper,
Centerdale, R. I., and Don Jacocks, Boston.
The banquet will be held in conjunction
with the convention of the ATO of N. J.
which begins June 24 and runs through June
26. One of the features will be an open
forum for discussion of industry problems.
Phone Conference Is Held
By Paramount Executives
NEW YORK — Charles M. Reagan, Para-
mount vice-president in charge of distribu-
tion; Curtis Mitchell, advertising, publicity
and exploitation director, and Sid Mesibov,
assistant exploitation manager, held a tele-
phone conference on the exploitation of new
product simultaneously with all the Para-
mount special representatives in branch ter-
ritories in this country and Canada June 3.
D. L. Turner Rejoins Altec
NEW YORK — Donald L. Turner, who was
with Altec until early in 1945 when he re-
signed to accept an executive post with In-
ternational Business Machines Co., has re-
joined Altec as branch manager of the
Atlanta area, according to H. M. Bessey,
vice-president. Lane J. Patton was named
district manager last week.
20
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947
'MJaA/UnytOH'
JJEARINGS BY the house judiciary com-
mittee have been completed on legisla-
tion to regulate the purchase of assets of one
corporation by another. Such antimonopoly
moves are gaining support in the senate by
the introduction sporadically of resolutions
to investigate different industries for viola-
tion of the Sherman antitrust law, thereby
preventing monopoly.
With the reporting out by the senate
finance committee tax reduction bill, agreed
on by both houses, concern has developed
among the GOPsters of its effect on gov-
ernment finances for the last half of the
current fiscal year.
Expect the reduction, which only covers
personal income, if it becomes law, to be
made effective July 1. Previously the think-
ing was to make it retroactive to January 1.
“A tax reduction at the present time
should appear particularly desirable to those
who hold the view that a downturn in busi-
ness conditions is likely during the fiscal
year 1948.” This from the report on the
new tax bill by the senate finance com-
mittee.
* * *
DON’T EXPECT final printing of the rec-
ord of the New York antitrust case until
next fall. After the supreme court “notes”
jurisdiction which will probably be June 9,
then the compiling of all records will get into
stride, with the printing late this summer.
Copies of this record which will be one of
the thickest in the supreme court history can
only be obtained from arrangements made
with John W. Davis, an attorney for one
of the defendants in the case in New York
City.
* * *
AS THE JOINT CONGRESSIONAL com-
mittee is working feverishly over the restric-
tive labor bill, speculation centers on the veto.
Both the house and senate versions prohibit
jurisdictional strikes like the one which has
tied up Hollywood studios so long.
The house bill is the one which is the
tougher and indications now are that the
house will have to yield on their version.
The senate’s is much milder. Reason is
GOP wants to be sure to get a labor bill on
the statute books which will override a veto.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announces
that as soon as the joint committee approves
a version of the bill, businessmen should
record their views with senators and repre-
sentatives. Said the national Chamber,
“Congress should pass the bill and enact it
over a Presidential veto, if that step be-
comes necessary.”
* * *
TESTIFYING BEFORE the house appro-
priations committee, the Department of
Agriculture showed that 360 copies of its
films, produced in its film section, were pur-
chased from commercial film distributors.
All purchases were by foreign countries dur-
ing 1946. Seventeen more films have been
produced since July of last year until now.
The Agriculture department asserts that
any cut in appropriations by Congress of its
Information Office would seriously hurt its
film program. It is generally admitted that
it has done the best job on instructive films
of any government agency. Its latest re-
lease for | this month is a soil conservation
film, “It’s Your Land,” available for local
theatres. > In spite of these assertions, the
appropriations committee cut $125,000 off its
$700,000 budget.
Oddly enough, and in spite of the huge
budget cut which the whole Agriculture de-
By LEE GARLING
partment got, Senator Byrd, chairman of
the joint committee on reduction of non-
essential federal expenditures, told BOX-
OFFICE that during the month of April the
Agriculture department had the highest in-
crease in personnel. Five thousand and
twelve employes were added to the payroll.
* * *
ERIC JOHNSTON, president of the Motion
Picture Ass’n, will not appear before the
house ways and means committee to testify
on the ticket tax reduction. Reports that a
brief may be forthcoming from him, setting
forth his views on the subject, are unfounded.
A spokesman for Johnston said no action
or comment is contemplated. Johnston rep-
resents producers. Ticket taxes are the main
concern of exhibitors.
* * *
CHAIRMAN KNUTSON (R-Minn.) said
he thought the house ways and means com-
mittee would freeze social security taxes
at present rates for another year. This means
considerable savings in money for employers.
Reason is that as of last December, the old
age and survivors trust fund was more than
eight billion dollars.
* * *
DALLAS HALVERSTADT of the Office of
Government Reports film section reports
that his office has just finished aiding MGM
during production of a new short of their
public service series. It is called “Give Us
This Earth” and will be screened this week
in the national archives for representatives
of the government, the United Nations and
the Mexican embassy. The film is strictly a
commercial production and depicts the ac-
tivities of Dr. Spencer Hatch, an American
scientist who bought and reclaimed a farm
in Mexico. The less educated Mexican In-
dians watched and learned much from him
about how to grow food and feed themselves.
MGM plans more of these “message” films.
* * *
PEOPLE WITH EXPERIENCE in the mo-
tion picture industry will be able to get jobs
galore in the television industry in about 18
months, according to Paul Mowrey, head of
American Broadcasting Co. television ac-
tivities.
“It takes 77 persons to handle a television
show which four people could handle in
radio,” Mowrey told a group of American
university students here at the U.S. Chamber
of Commerce.
Best qualified employes would be those
with a third of their experience in each of the
three fields, the theatre, radio and motion
pictures.
Predicting that television would never be
competition to motion pictures because it
will never be a formal medium, he cited an
analogy he once made for Helen Hayes when
she was curious about television’s possibil-
ities.
He suggested she imagine trying to act
her best scene in a theatre with all the house
lights on, 50 telephones ringing in the audi-
ence, 65 children in the audience, 20 per
cent of the audience reading newspapers and
five people walking in and out.
* * *
NEW PERMITS ISSUED for theatre con-
struction by the housing expediter this week
were James Bienvenu of St. Martinville, La.;
Castle National Theatres Co., Fairview, Ohio,
and Harold Nusbaum, Richland County,
Ohio.
$250,000 MPEA Debt
Repaid to Members
NEW YORK — The Motion Picture Export
Ass’n has repaid to 20th-Fox, MGM, RKO,
Warners, Paramount, Columbia, Universal
and United Artists the $250,000 it borrowed
from these companies when it was organized
in December 1945.
These companies are members of the
MPEA which was established to distribute
their product in the following 13 foreign na-
tions: Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia,
Hungary, the Netherlands, the Netherlands
East Indies, Poland, Romania, USSR, Yugo-
slavia, Germany, Japan and Korea.
Receipts from these countries are being
shared by the member companies on a per-
centage basis pegged to their share of the
total domestic gross reported for the preced-
ing year.
Dissatisfaction with the results of this
arrangement was registered last Thursday
(May 29) by Seymour Nebenzal, independent
producer releasing through UA. He said it
discriminated against independents. He also
said the arrangement offered little protec-
tion against competitors, not members of
the MPEA, who had set profitable deals in
some of these 13 foreign countries.
Irving Maas, vice-president of the MPEA,
answered these criticisms by stating that the
organization paved the way for American
product in nations hostile to U.S. films. The
MPEA broke down restrictive trade bar-
riers, he explained.
Government Agency Show
MGM Fact-Film Short
WASHINGTON— The Office of Govern-
ment Reports showed “Give Us the Earth,”
an MGM Theatre of Life fact-film, to offi-
cials of the food and agricultural organiza-
tions of the United Nations and Department
of Agriculture personnel at the National
Archives Bldg, during the week.
Another showing for delegates to the
YMCA convention in Buffalo, was held at the
Erlanger Theatre June 6. The film was
made with the cooperation of the YMCA In-
ternational committee.
Commander Will Release
Martin Johnson Films
NEW YORK — Commander Pictures, Inc.,
has acquired the U.S. reissue rights to a
series of pictures made by Martin Johnson.
The first unit show will be composed of
“Congorilla” and “Borneo, Land of the
Devil Beast,” both originally distributed by
20th-Fox.
He Generates Goodwill,
Sans All Electricity
Atlantic, Iowa — Art Farrell, manager of
the Pioneer circuit’s house here, made
some kind of history and some com-
munity goodwill in Atlantic during the
recent electric power curtailment.
A city generator blew out. This forced
electric service for all businesses and
public buildings to be limited to every
two hours.
Art got an idea. He rushed into Omaha
and arranged for a special portable unit,
brought it back home and kept pace with
the old show-must-go-on adage.
He gained the goodwill by allowing or-
ganizations in the city to hold meetings
in the theatre during nonshow periods.
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
21
^foMycvoad
By IVAN SPEAR
Warners and MGM Buy
Two Current Scripts
Although the production lineup for June
further indicates that producers are con-
tinuing to trim sail as concerns their studio
activities, both Warners and MGM came out
of the Memorial day weekend with revela-
tions of important additions to their respec-
tive future production plans. The Burbank
film emporium added to its slate “To the
Victor,” a melodrama with a European back-
ground which shows the effects of the late
war upon individuals. It came from the
typewriter of Richard Brooks who authored
also “The Brick Foxhole,” and Brooks has
been set to do the screenplay. Viveca Lind-
fors, Swedish importation, will star for Pro-
ducer Jerry Wald. Also on the dramatic
side is the newcomer to the lair of Leo
where Jose Iturbi and Ricardo Montalban
have been set for the role of father and
son in the story of a great pianist, “His Only
Son.” In the story, an original by Myles
Connolly, Iturbi portrays a pianist whose
genius and passion for greatness make him
a slave to his piano and his public, and blind
him to the importance of living.
Six New Cassidy Films
Set for UA Release
Sagebrush fans and the exhibitors who
cater to their celluloid tastes will find no
paucity during the coming season of the
screen exploits of one of their best beloved
and most widely known boots-and-saddles
heroes, Hopalong Cassidy. Recently Screen
Guild Productions announced that its 1947-
48 lineup would include 12 Cassidy reissues
and now comes word from Hopalong Cassidy
Productions that it has launched a new
series of six of the William Boyd starrers for
United Artists release. Boyd also functions
as executive producer of the current setup
in which he is affiliated with Producer Lewis
Rachmil. Initialer of the new series is to be
“Without Honor” to be closely followed by
“Coward’s Castle.” Both gallopers will be
filmed on location at Lone Pine, with George
Archainbaud wielding the megaphone as he
will on the entire series. Andy Clyde and
Rand Brooks will continue as Hoppy’s saddle
pals.
Carl Krueger to Produce
'Command Performance'
How sleepy can a sleeper get before some
enterprising film maker pounces upon it?
Here’s one which has been kicking around
on the Hollywood scene for lo! these many
years. All through the war and even now,
the cream of the screen’s talent was and is
recruited every week to record a radio pro-
gram which is beamed by the Armed Forces
Radio Service to U.S. service personnel
throughout the entire world. As to its his-
tory, talent potentialities and title, it should
have seemed a natural for a feature picture.
Yet, it remained for an independent pro-
ducer, Carl Krueger, to be the first to take
advantage of the situation. His planned
feature, to be titled, most naturally, “Com-
mand Performance,” will probably be re-
leased by Allied Artists, inasmuch as that
sister company of Monogram is handling
the distribution of Krueger’s forthcoming
“Thunderbolt,” army air force documentary,
which was filmed in Italy at war’s close by
Lieut. Col. William Wyler, and which Krueger
subsequently acquired for commercial dis-
tribution. Whether or not Producer Krueger
has the blessing of the army in his enter-
prising undertaking was not disclosed. Prob-
ably such blessing is necessary, as well as
the approval of the Hollywood Coordinating
committee through which is recruited the
talent for the time-honored weekly broad-
cast . . . Another timely item from Mono-
gram, mid one which again establishes that
no week shall pass without the organization
of at least one new independent production
company, concerns Director John Reinhardt
and Screen Writer Robert Presnell, sr., who
have been associated with Producer Jack
Wrathcr on the latter’s initial monogram
films; “The Guilty,” and “High Tide,” and
who have formed their own company, to be
called Arpi Productions. Pair will start ne-
gotiations shortly for a releasing deal.
Katzman on 'Dixieland'
As Columbia Musical
New on the boards at Columbia is “Dixie-
land” which Independent Producer Sam
Katzman has selected as the title of one of
the four musicals he will make for that com-
pany’s distribution during the 1947-48 sea-
son . . . MGM seems determined to have a
diversified cast for "The Red Mill,” screen
version of the Victor Herbert operetta. Opera
Stars Lauritz Melchior and Marina Koshetz
have been selected to join Red Skelton and
Keenan Wynn, who are set for the leading
roles . . . Regis Toomey and Ann Doran were
signed by Robert Riskin for top featured
roles in his first independent production,
“Magic Town,” which RKO Radio will dis-
tribute . . . Una Merkel, comedienne, will
NEW CHARLIE CHAN — P i c t u r e d
above is Roland Winters, New York stage
actor, who has been selected by James
S. Burkett, Monogram producer, to suc-
ceed the late Sidney Toler as Charlie
Chan in the film series based on that
Oriental detective of fiction. Winters,
according to Burkett, was the 47th actor
tested for the role first made famous on
the screen by Warner Oland, who died
Aug. 7, 1938, and later carried on in more
than 30 pictures by Toler, who died last
February 12. The first in the new Chan
series will be “Murder by Alphabet,”
written by Samuel Newman.
'JOAN OF LORRAINE'
STARTS JULY 14
Regardless of production slumps,
Hollywood refuses to divorce itself from
dramatic timing. July 14 has been se-
lected as the kickoff date for a produc-
tion which is attracting considerable at-
tention Gn several counts. The film is
“Joan of Lorraine,” to be produced by
Sierra Pictures, one of the many new-
comer sharecropping companies, distin-
guished because its initial film is to be
distributed by MGM. Even a casual
observer will note that the starting date
is Bastille day, the French national holi-
day. Ingrid Bergman plays the title role
and she is a co-owner of Sierra with
Victor Fleming and Walter Wanger who
will direct and produce, respectively. The
historical opus wil be filmed at the Hal
Roach studio. Maxwell Anderson, who
wrote the Broadway play in which La
Bergman starred during the past season,
is collaborating with Andrew Solt on the
screenplay.
continue her screen comeback with a role
in Republic’s “The Fabulous Texan” . . .
Peggy Knudsen signed by Sol M. Wurtzel to
play the lead opposite Don Castle in “Roses
Are Red,” a 20th-Fox release . . . Edmond
O’Brien was signed by Producer Michael
Kanin for a part in “Imagination.” Picture
is first Kanin production for Universal-Inter-
national release . . . George Coulouris set
for one of the featured leads in the Pickford-
Rogers-Cohn Triangle production, “Sleep,
My Love,” which Douglas Sirk directs and
which will carry a United Artists banner.
Henigson to Be Liaison
For MGM and Sierra
Henry Henigson, veteran production ex-
ecutive, who was at one time general man-
ager of Universal and more recently oc-
cupied the same position with California
(Howard Hughes) Pictures, has been inked
by MGM to serve as liaison officer between
the studio and Sierra Pictures, which will
produce at least one film for Leo on a share-
cropping basis . . . Hal Wallis, who makes
features for Paramount on a profit-splitting
basis, has re-signed John Mock to function
as story department chief for another year.
MGM Signs Jimmy Durante
For Romantic Type Role
At long last, love comes to the Schnozzola.
Jimmy Durante, he of the schnabel, vaude-
ville, radio and the cinema, booked a double
winner when mighty Leo handed him a new
contract and at the same time tagged him
to head the cast of a forthcoming feature
just added to MGM’s future production slate.
The film is to be called “You’re Beautiful,”
which Joe Pasternak will produce in Tech-
nicolor. To distinguish the feature, Durante
will undertake a romantic role and — stop the
presses- — in this one, he’ll win the girl.
Entire 'Escape' Filming
In Britain by 2Gth-Fox
The march toward England as a produc-
tion ground for American films continues.
Darryl Zanuck, 20th Century-Fox production
head, disclosed that John Galsworthy’s
“Escape,” based on the stage play, and a
newie at the Westwood plant, will be filmed
entirely in Britain, its locale, late this sum-
mer with Rex Harrison as the male star.
William Perlberg will produce and Joseph
Mankiewicz will direct. They will leave for
London in July.
22
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947
* DAVID O.SELZNICK’S
DUEL
in the SUN
IN TECHNICOLON
Directed by
KING VIDOR
from
Coast to Coast,
it’s the SUNsation
of the Nation
VANGUARD FILMS, INC.
NEW YORK, N.Y.
-
Have just finished first week
grosses in multiple run day and d«
California and 19 in Northern California .
no such thing as a box office recessi
to see.
X.
Midwest.
The SUN pours it on in the
Midwest, making the long
green grow! Loops the loop
in Chicago; beats Jet Pilot in
Louisville; a money sensation
in Nashville; Indianapolis and
way points.
IEL IN THE SUN and it has set record
owings in 25 theatres in Southern
cibly drives home the fact that there’s
.
ten we have pictures the public wants
. , . -
..
Charles P. Skourai
A NEW LOW OF 39 FEATURES
SET AS STARTERS FOR JUNE
HOLLYWOOD — Summer slump or re-
cession, we got it, ain’t we?
Such paraphrasing of a widely circulated
morsel of pornography was current at the
film capital’s wailing wall as Hollywood
faced June with 1947’s shortest schedule of
pictures set for starts. Of the new-low 39
features slated for camera debuts, 15 were
carried over from earlier months, while a
mere 24 were newcomers to studio agenda.
Further accenting the fact that June was
due to be a dull month for the film makers
is the fact that at month’s beginning five
studios, a record number, had scheduled no
starts for the ensuing 30-day period. They
are Enterprise, Monogram, PRC, Selznick
Releasing Organization and Screen Guild.
Another probable reason for June’s waver-
ing lineup was the heavy program under-
taken during May. Hollywood launched that
month with a slate of 63 scheduled starters,
and of that number more than 40 actually
got under way. Many of these were started
late in the month and work thereon will
carry into June.
From among those failing to take off as
advertised in May, largely come the 15
carryovers entering into June’s calculations.
By studios, they stack up as follows:
Columbia
Even though this studio cut nearly in half
the number of films slated to roll in June,
as compared to its 11 scheduled starters in
May, it still tops all other producing or-
ganizations in number of pictures ready to
go, with six at the starting gate. Of the
sextet poised for starts, three are sagebrush-
ers of the “they went thataway’’ variety,
while one is a romantic comedy and two are
carryovers from the May schedule. The
other nine of May’s slate of 11 all went be-
fore the cameras during the previous month.
Busiest single character on the lot will be
the Durango Kid, the saddle-and-spurs
hero, who is to ride and shoot his way
through two cactus melodramas, “Six Gun
Law” and “Last Days of Boot Hill.” Both
will be produced by Colbert Clark and Ray
Nazarro is slated to direct the latter. At
month's beginning no pilot had been assigned
to “Six Gun Law.” As usual, Charles Starrett
and Smiley Burnette will have the toplines in
both, Starrett in his now-familiar assign-
ment as the Durango Kid. Third west-
ern on the list is “The Strawberry Roan,”
which is No. 2 on the schedule of eight to
be made for Columbia release by Gene Autry
Productions. With Autry starring the sage-
brusher will be filmed in Cinecolor by the
producer-director team of Armand Schaefer
and John English. Autry shares the billing,
as usual, with Champion, his eddicated horse.
The romantic comedy on the agenda, to be
produced by Wallace MacDonald, is “When
a Girl’s Beautiful.” It will feature Adele
Jergens, who fills the bill as far as the title
is concerned, and is to be directed by Frank
McDonald. The two carryovers on the
agenda — making the third time at bat for
both of them — are “The Mating of Millie
McGonigle” and “The Crime Doctor’s Gam-
ble.”
Eagle-Lion
Maintaining a steady, if unspectacular,
picture-making pace, this production or-
ganization has four properties up for camera
work during the month — three of them brand
new offerings, the other a holdover from
May. Busier than the proverbial paper-
U-I's 'The Senator Was Indiscreet'
Makes Camera Debut This Month
Because of its provocative title, its in-
triguing and timely subject matter and
the impress ive
budget allotted to
it, probably the
most ambitious
celluloid under-
taking scheduled
by Holly wood’s
film factories dur-
ing June is Uni-
versal - Interna-
tional’s political
comedy, “The
Senator Was In-
discreet.”
From advajice
descriptions, the
Nunnally Johnson
production is another in the cycle noted
of late in which the film makers have
been taking a poke or two at the nation’s
law-making organizations — witness, for
example, “The Farmer’s Daughter.”
WILLIAM POWELL
“The Senator Was Indiscreet” is fur-
ther notable because it marks the direc-
torial debut of George S. Kaufman, re-
nowned stage director and playwright,
who will work from a script by another
celebrated stage technician, Charles Mac-
Arthur. The original was a novel by
Edwin Lanham.
Portraying the indiscreet senator will
be William Powell, borrowed from MGM
for the part, with Ray Collins, Peter Lind
Hayes and Ella Raines in support.
The role appears made-to-order for
Powell’s comedy talents, since the script
calls upon him to portray an old-line
senator who has presidential aspirations.
Unfortunately for his campaign, the fact
that he has meticulously kept a diary
upsets his entire plan, since the day-to-
day record of the senator’s private life
and love falls into unscrupulous hands
and is used as potent ammunition against
him.
hanger will be Producer Aubrey Schenck,
who is handling all four vehicles. First to
get under way probably will be the Joan
Leslie starrer, "New Girl in Town,” which is
based on a novel by Aubrey Wisberg. Strongly
dramatic, the story is of two sisters, one of
whom has been permanently crippled as the
result of an automobile accident, incurred
through the faulty driving of her intoxicated
sister, and the effect the crippled girl has
on the lives of the people around her. No
other casting has as yet been made, and no
directorial assignment was set in the early
days of the month. Also on Schenck’s
schedule is “Rainbow Ridge,” an outdoor
opus to be filmed in Cinecolor. The story,
based on a Saturday Evening Post article
by Jean Muir, is equine in content, dealing
with the history of horses on the American
continent since the days of Cortez. The
picture is scheduled to be filmed largely on
location in southern Montana, where the
wild nags abound. Number three on the
slate is "T-Man,” a newly acquired property
which is described as semidocumentary in
scope. An expose of counterfeiting, it is to
be made in cooperation with the Treasury
and Post Office departments. Henry Blank-
fort wrote the original, John C. Higgins did
the screenplay and Anthony Mann will be
the director. Holding down the fort in the
title role is Dennis O’Keefe. The studio’s
holdover picture is “Clemmy.”
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
The mighty Leo, who recently promised
big things productionwise by announcing a
substantial increase in the number of pic-
tures to be made for the 1947-48 slate, had
better take a healthy shot of adrenalin and
begin to get going. The studio is letting
another month slide by with only three films
listed to start — and of them only one is a
new entry, the others being holdovers. The
new one is “On an Island With You” — un-
doubtedly a tentative title — in which Esther
Williams, Jimmy Durante and Peter Law-
ford have the toplines. It will be produced
in Technicolor by Joe Pasternak, with Rich-
ard Thorpe wielding the megaphone. A musi-
cal comedy, the plot concerns the plight of
a motion picture company which has been
cast away on an uncharted island. The
carryovers include “Killer McCoy,” a Mickey
Rooney starrer, with Mickey in the title
role as a prizefighter, and “High Wall,” an-
other in the psychological whodunit bracket.
It is listed as a Robert Taylor vehicle.
Paramount
On the comparatively busy Marathon
Street lot four properties are on the roster
for the starting gun during June. It’s a
50-50 arrangement, since two are new and
two were held over from their original May
starting dates. Carried over from last month
are the Betty Hutton starrer, “Sainted
Sisters,” to be produced by Val Lewton and
directed by Mitchell Leisen; and “My Own
True Love,” co-starring Phyllis Calvert, of
British screen fame, and Melvyn Douglas.
This, too, is a Lewton production and is
to be piloted by Compton Bennett, noted
English megaphonist. Since the studio’s
monthly slate would hardly be complete
without an opus from Sharecroppers Pine
and Thomas, those busy film makers have
scheduled “Big Town Scandal” for camera
work as the third is their Big Town series.
William Thomas will direct and Philip Reed
and Hillary Brooke have the featured roles.
They yarn is another melodrama of rack-
eteers and crusading newspaper folk, based
on the popular Big Town radio programs.
Second new entry is “The Night Has a
Thousand Eyes,” a suspense mystery star-
ring Edward G. Robinson. It is to be di-
rected by John Farrow, but as yet no pro-
ducer has been assigned. Based on George
Hapley’s novel of the same name, the story
casts Robinson as a man who develops ex-
traordinary powers of prevision, based on
26
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947
IN PREPARATION AT RKO — Surrounded by his camera crew, Director Dudley
Nichols (dark suit and white mane), rehearses Raymond Massey, as a Union gen-
eral, and his wife, Mme. Katina Paxinou, for a scene in RKO’s post-Civil War drama,
“Mourning Becomes Electra.”
a psychologist’s experiments with a sub-
ject described as extra-sensory perception,
whatever that may be. His gift turns to
tragedy when he foresees the death of the
woman he loves. Years later Robinson is
ensnared in a web of suspicion, because of
his prevision, when a scheme to murder the
woman’s daughter is uncovered. The only
other player so far cast is John Lund.
RKO Radio
If nothing else, this Gower Street film
plant’s slate for June is at least varied, in-
cluding as it does a musical, a western (of
the super variety) and a story of juvenile de-
linquency. What’s more, all three are
brand new entries, with no carryovers on
the hook from last month. First to go, prob-
ably, will be a Samuel Goldwyn production,
“That’s Life,” starring Danny Kaye. Howard
Hawks is listed as the director, with Virginia
Mayo and Steve Cochran cast in Kaye’s sup-
port. The tunefilm, to be photographed in
Technicolor finds Kaye portraying the role
of a long-haired music professor who emerges
from a life of seclusion and sonatas to ac-
quire a working knowledge of jazz. He is
helped musically and romantically by Miss
Mayo. The scheduled sagebrusher, to be
produced by Richard Berger, is “Roughshod,”
a story of California during the rough-and-
ready ’eighties. Mark Robson will handle
the directorial reins, but at month’s begin-
ning no cast had been selected. Third and
last on the roster is “Your Red Wagon,” to
be produced by John Houseman and directed
by Nicholas Ray. Adapted from Edward
Anderson’s novel, “Thieves Like Us,” it spins
a story of two youngsters who were brought
up in squalid surroundings, become sweet-
hearts and, because of incipient criminal
tendencies, land in the pokey. The girl is
released at the end of her sentence but the
boy, in for a longer term, breaks out of jail
to be with her. From then on they play
hide-and-seek with the gendarmerie until
the girl is captured and the boy is killed. As
with “Roughshod,” this had not been cast
early in the month.
Republic
It’s to be expected that this Valley film
plant’s slate devotes a substantial propor-
tion of its celluloid quota to filming stories
of the west. Two such are on tap for the
current month out of a total of three prop-
erties being readied for starts. An Edmund
Grainger production, “The Fabulous Texan,”
is a story of the famed Texas State Police in
the era immediately following the Civil War.
William Elliott, John Carroll and Catherine
McLeod are starred and Edward Ludwig will
direct. Second outdoor opus is “Under Colo-
rado Skies,” another in the Trucolor series
starring Monte Hale and Adrian Booth. Mel
Tucker is the producer and the film will be
piloted by R. G. Springsteen. As radical a
departure from the sagebrush school as
could be imagined is the third scheduled
starter — the Charles K. Feldman-Republic
production of “Macbeth,” the Shakespeare
classic. Orson (Four-Way) Welles will pro-
duce, direct and star in the offering, as well
as contributing the screen adaptation — and,
in his spare time, will probably help design
the sets, costumes and assist the film editor.
20th Century-Fox
By dint of carrying over two films originally
slated to start last month and adding two
new entries to the list, the Westwood cinema
citadel bobs up with a total of four vehicles
ready to go during June. The holdovers in-
clude the Joan Crawford starer, “Daisy
Kenyon,” to be produced and directed by
Otto Preminger, and “The Snake Pit,” from
the controversial novel by Mary Jane Ward,
which will co-star Olivia de Havilland and
Rex Harrison, with Robert Bassler produc-
ing and Anatole Litvak directing. New-
comers on the agenda include “Green Grass
of Wyoming,” a story which combines har-
ness-racing and young love in about equal
quantities. Also a Bassler production, it
stars Peggy Cummins, Charles Coburn and
Lloyd Nolan and will be directed by Louis
King. Listed as a Sol Wurtzel production
(to be made on a sharecropping basis) is
“Roses Are Red,” a semidocumentary based
on an incident which occurred a quarter of
a century ago in a large European city. It
concerns an honest city prosecutor who is
kidnaped and replaced in office for a month
by his exact physical double — the tool of a
corrupt political machine. Don Castle and
Peggy Knudson have the leads and James
Tinling will direct. Irving Elman did the
script.
United Artiats
For release by this company, Hopalong
Cassidy Productions is readying the latest in
the venerable series starring William Boyd
as Hoppy. Titled “Without Honor,” it
will be produced by Lewis Rachmil and di-
rected by George Archainbaud, with Andy
Clyde and Rand Brooks in support. The
sagebrusher is the only picture slated to go
into work for UA release during the month.
Universal-International
Nothing if not consistent, this company
equalled its May schedule by slating a total
of five to go into work, two of which are
carryovers which did not get under way last
month. Most pretentious of the new vehicles,
which is described more fully in the box on
these pages, is "The Senator Was Indiscreet.”
Also being prepared to roll in June is “Black
Bart,” otherwise known as “The Adventures
of Black Bart,” which concerns the saga
of a historically infamous highwayman. To
be produced by Leonard Goldstein, it will
topline Dan Duryea, Yvonne De Carlo and
Edmond O’Brien, with George Sherman as
the director. Being readied by Producer
Mark Hellinger is “The Naked City” with
plans calling for the entire film to be shot
in New York City — a logical decision, since
it is the story of the New York police depart-
ment. The officials of that crime-busting
organization have promised Hellinger com-
plete cooperation. Jules Dassin will direct,
with a vast headed by Barry Fitzgerald, Don
Taylor, Dorothy Hart and Howard Duff.
Carryovers include “Tap Roots,” the Walter
Wanger production, and “Imagination,” a
Garson Kanin production to be directed by
George Cukor.
Warner Bros.
The Burbank lot’s June lineup comprises
five vehicles, of which three are holdovers
from last month. First of the newcomers is
a romantic comedy, “Head Over Heels,” with
Joyce Reynolds and Robert Hutton in the
starring roles. Hutton portrays a struggling
author with whom Miss Reynolds is in love.
The film, with musical interludes, will be
produced by Alex Gottlieb and directed by
Frederick De Cordova. The other new entry
is “Christopher Blake,” film version of Moss
Hart’s successful Broadway play. It was
adapted for the screen and will be produced
by Ranald MacDougall, but neither director
nor cast members had been selected in the
month’s early days. Carryovers include
Michael Curtiz Productions’ Technicolor
musical, “Romance in High C,” with Curtiz
directing and Gottlieb as the producer. Star-
ring Doris Day, Jack Carson, Janis Paige
and Don DeFore, the film has a Latin-
American locale and was scripted by Phillip
and Julius Epstein. Another holdover is
“Mary Hagen,” formerly titled “That Hagen
Girl,” in which Shirley Temple and Ronald
Reagan have the starring roles. It is also a
Gottlieb production — his third for the month.
Held back, also, from its original May start
is “The Persian Cat,” story of international
intrigue among the French underground in
Iran during World War II. It is to be pro-
duced by William Jacobs, but no cast or di-
rector had been allocated as June got under
way.
Siritzky Int'l to Release
Eleven Films in 1947-48
NEW YORK — Siritzky International will
release nine new French-language produc-
tions, including a trilogy, and two reissues
during the 1947-48 season, according to Leon
Siritzky, president.
The new films are “The Well-Digger’s
Daughter,” starring Raimu; “Nais,” starring
Fernandel; “Queen’s Necklace,” starring
Vivian Romance; “Volpone,” with Louis Jou-
vet and Harry Baur; “Colonel Chabert,” star-
ring Raimu, and “Cabassou,” starring Fer-
nandel. The trilogy, which stars Riamu and
Pierre Fresnay, is composed of “Marius,” di-
rected by Alexander Korda; “Fanny,” di-
rected by Marc Allegret, and “Cesar,” di-
rected by Marcel Pagnol. The reissues are
“The Baker’s Wife,” starring Raimu, and
“Red Head,” starring Harry Baur.
Siritzky was host at a cocktail party to
celebrate the opening of the company’s new
suite of offices in the Fisk building. Among
those who attended were Arthur Mayer, Ilya
Lopert, Dr. Juan Negrin jr., Paul Moss,
Simon Schiffrin, Alfred Katz, Billy Fried-
berg, Max Rosenzweig, Seymour Florin,
Irving Lesser, Jacques Chabrier and Dorothy
Gerstein.
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
27
4
ADELE JERGENS - JIM GANNON ■ LESLIE BROOKS
Screenplay by George Bricker, Dwight Babcock
Based upon the novel by JIMMY STARR
Directed by HENRY LEVIN • Produced by SAMUEL BISCHOFE
International Preselling
Has Many Headaches
Enough Blood, Sweat and Ulcers
For National Campaign but
When Extended to Overseas
Promotion, Setbacks Develop
For U-I's 'Great Expectations.'
NEW YORK — Few exhibitors are aware
of the blood, sweat and ulcers (the blood
is what the press agents sweat and the ulcers
are the result of the almost daily aggrava-
tion to which they are subjected) that go
into the preselling of a film by the distribu-
tors through national exploitation and pro-
motion.
These days, by the time the key city first
run exhibitor starts to play a film, it has re-
ceived the benefit of at least one national
promotion with radio being used more and
more extensively since it provides an oppor-
tunity to reach millions of potential patrons
rather than the limited thousands who can
be reached in key city promotions. This
applies to America. When the campaign is
extended to England new complications set in.
Somewhere along the line, the key city,
first run exhibitor becomes aware that a
film is being presold.
INGLEWOOD MOTHER CHOSEN
Universal-International has just completed
one of the first international radio promo-
tions on a film involving Hollywood, New
York and London with plenty of blood, sweat
and ulcers going to make the venture a suc-
cess under the direction of John Joseph, U-I
national director of advertising and publicity;
Maurice A. Bergman, eastern director of ad-
vertising and publicity, and Jock Lawrence,
public relations head for J. Arthur Rank in
America. The film was Rank’s “Great Ex-
pectations,” which was given its American
premiere at Radio City Music Hall.
The Mutual Broadcasting System “Queen
for a Day,” network radio show, voted one
of the best daytime shows in radio in many
radio polls, is broadcast five times weekly,
Mondays through Fridays over 245 radio sta-
tions in the U.S., reaching an estimated audi-
ence of 5,000,000 persons. It reaches a good
portion of an exhibitor’s customers and many
others who have to be “sold” on special films.
The format of “Queen for a Day” is simple.
The program originates from Earl Carroll’s
restaurant in Hollywood. Contestants for the
crown of “Queen” are selected by a combina-
tion of chance, questions and audience ap-
plause in the restaurant with a jury of women
making the final selection. Thirty-five-year-
old Mrs. Kathleen Mary Hughes, a housewife
from nearby Inglewood and mother of three
children, was chosen “Queen” in just this
manner. Her answer to the question, "What
are your ‘Great Expectations’ in life?” had
a strong note of sincerity. She said that she
hoped that good fortune would smile on her
neighbors in Inglewood who had come to the
rescue of herself and her husband. You see,
Mrs. Hughes and her family had been living
in an army tent pitched in the backyard of
a neighbor, a carpenter who was building a
house for them, since they had been evicted
from their previous domicile. The other
neighbors had been exceedingly helpful.
But Mrs. Hughes was to be a very special
“Queen.” Ordinarily she would have been
Mrs. Kathleen Mary Hughes, chosen
“Queen for a Day,” is met at an airport
in London by Valerie Hobson (right),
star of “Great Expectations,” to help
promote the U-I film.
afforded a whirl at Hollywood studios and
Hollywood night life, but Universal-Inter-
national had made arrangements to give one
of the queens a different type of coronation
ceremony. Only Jack Bailey, emcee of the
program, was in on the secret. In connec-
tion with the premiere of Rank’s “Great Ex-
pectations,” at the Music Hall, the special
queen was to receive the first free trip to
London ever afforded a contestant on a radio
quiz program. And Mrs. Hughes proved to be
that very special “Queen.” The “Queen for
a Day” program was going to follow her trip
daily for a two-week period — of course plug-
ging “Great Expectations.” And to make
things more complete, Mrs. Hughes’ husband
was given a leave of absence by his employer
so he could accompany his wife to New York
by plane and visit his family in Niagara Falls
while she was in London. Neighbors under-
took to take care of the three Hughes chil-
dren. The U-I boys took over — Bob Rains, in
charge of radio promotion at the studio and
Charlie Simonelli, special events director in
New York.
PASSPORT COMPLICATIONS
And then the international complications
began.
Mrs. Hughes, it developed, was a Canadian
by birth so she could not leave the United
States with the same ease as an American
citizen. The first requirement was a British
passport which had to be secured in a few
hours. She volunteered the necessary infor-
mation to help secure a copy of her mar-
riage license which she no longer had in her
possession. The wires and the telephone
hummed and in a few hours, a U-I rep-
resentative in Buffalo and another in Albany
came up with a copy of her marriage license.
She had been married in Niagara Falls.
A few more ulcers were added to get Mrs.
Hughes her British passport but then it was
discovered that she would need a re-entry per-
mit. The office of the American Immigration
and Naturalization Service in Los Angeles was
cooperative. They had Mrs. Hughes fill out
the necessary forms and told her she should
get her permit when she arrived in New York.
They gave her the address of the New York
office, little knowing that it had been closed
ten years ago. It was not until Mrs. Hughes
had arrived in New York that this fact was
discovered. She was to leave the following
afternoon at 2 p. m. on a British Overseas
Airways Corp. Constellation.
At 7 a. m. that morning, accompanied by
a U-I representative, Mrs. Hughes hurried
to Philadelphia, the nearest immigration per-
mit office, to get a permit. The enterprising
U-I representative called the Philadelphia
papers when he arrived there to tell them
of Mrs. Hughes’ plight. There was a news
break in the Philadelphia papers. Mrs.
Hughes had been photographed with Gus S.
Eyssell, president and managing director of
the Music Hall, on her arrival in New York.
This photograph was serviced to papers
throughout the United States.
WEATHER DELAYS FLIGHT
Mrs. Hughes would have been hard-pressed
in making the BOAC plane which was to
take her to London if weather conditions had
not intervened to delay the start of the flight
to 7 p. m. She made it and was photographed
again on her takeoff. Her husband took off
by plane for Niagara Falls at about the same
time as Mrs. Hughes headed for London.
Mrs. Hughes’ arrival in London was an
event. She was met at the airport by Valerie
Hobson, star of “Great Expectations.” To
the less jaded British press, Mrs. Hughes was
good news copy. The Rank Organization in
America had paved the way magnificently for
Mrs. Hughes’ reception and the Rank rep-
resentatives took over in grand style in Lon-
don. The British office of one of the major
American wire services cabled its American
office to get details on Mrs. Hughes and her
story. There were many breaks in the British
press on Mrs. Hughes’ arrival.
Then started a four-day whirl through Lon-
don, visiting the Rank studios, meeting the
stars of “Great Expectations” and other
Rank personalities. Mrs. Hughes was cut
in from London on one of the “Queen for
a Day” broadcasts. Daily cables from her
telling of her stay in London were read on
the program. She was interviewed by the
London press at a special interview.
N. Y. PREMIERE CLICKS
After four hectic days in London, Mrs.
Hughes headed back by BOAC plane for New
York to attend the American premiere of
“Great Expectations,” at the Music Hall. She
almost missed the opening when the plane
was delayed more than two hours in landing
at LaGuardia field due to congested condi-
tions at the field.
Then a trip to Niagara Falls to join her
husband and finally back to Hollywood to re-
appear on the “Queen for a Day” show to
tell about her great experience.
Oh, yes! The U-I and Rank people had
some compensation for their blood, sweat and
ulcers- — outstanding business for “Great Ex-
pectations” at the Music Hall.
Prestige to Distribute
'Nicholas Nickelby'
NEW YORK — “Nicholas Nickelby,” based
on Charles Dickens’ novel, will be re’eased
in the U.S. by Prestige Pictures, a unit of
Universal-International. The film was pro-
duced by Michael Balcon for J. Arthur
Rank’s Ealing Studios. It will be the tenth
Rank film to be released in this country by
Prestige.
'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir'
Review Board's Choice
NEW YORK— “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir”
(20th-Fox) has been given starred selected
features rating, the top honor of the National
Board of Review, in the weekly guide to
selected pictures.
Selected features rating has been awarded
to “Copacabana” (UA), “The Romance of
Rosy Ridge” (MGM) and “The Web” (U-I).
30
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
CHESTER FRIEDMAN
EDITOR
HUGH E. FRAZE
Associate Editor
PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN
lore
1. "Jrutli
Last week, at the concluding ex-
ercise of the program in motion pic-
ture management at New York uni-
versity, students who completed the
course were addressed by Si Fabian,
president of Fabian Theatres and
American Theatres Ass’n. Said Mr.
Fabian:
“With the expansion of the thea-
tre business there has set in a ‘de-
partment store’ point of view that
augurs ill for the future . . . Good
showmanship has proved time and
again to be the difference between
a successful theatre and failure . . .
The industry needs virility and a re-
turn to the concepts of basic show-
manship.
“A grave error was found in a
trend toward constituting the thea-
tre manager a mere ‘key carrier.’
This trend was reversed when its
fallacy became apparent.’’
What Mr. Fabian emphasized is
that allowing Fabian managers to
inject their individuality and initia-
tive into the theatre operation was
found to be a more practical and
profitable policy than attempting to
run the circuit from a swivel chair
in the main office.
The pity is that all of Mr. Fabian’s
listeners were undoubtedly in agree-
ment but none is in a position to
establish or alter the present policy
of “department store” operation
which is common with many thea-
tre circuits.
Eleven weeks of hard work had
its culmination in a successful food
and fashion show at the Skouras
Roosevelt Theatre, Flushing, N. Y.,
last week. Mildred, FitzGibbons, one
of the best known women managers
in the New York metropolitan area,
spent almost three months organiz-
ing local merchants and nationally
prominent manufacturers in one
mammoth promotion guaranteed to
top all previous mammoth promo-
tions.
Miss FitzGibbons’ show included
all the trappings of a state fair with
numerous food, cosmetic and cook-
ing ware exhibits; a de luxe fashion
show of milady’s apparel and chil-
dren’s clothing, $600 in merchandise
giveaways, the personal appearance
of stars of stage, screen and radio,
and an over-all tiein with the Flush-
ing Council of Women’s Organiza-
tions which handled the distribution
Exploitation Makes Up
For Low Budget on Ads
— JAMES MARCHESI
“For years I have looked forward each week
to receiving BOXOFFICE and other trade
magazines because of the valuable news and
promotional suggestions they contain,” writes
James Marchesi, manager of Marchesi Bros.
Theatres in Amboy, 111.
“Quite often these promotions are beyond
our reach because the cost is prohibitive in
the smaller situations such as we operate,
for we operate on three changes a week.
“However, many can be done over to fit
our situations, if and when one has a mind
to, and each of our theatres receives BOX-
OFFICE and is constantly reminded to read
and study it to encourage them in putting-
greater efforts into their work and avoid get-
ting into a rut.
“We believe in a clean, quiet and restful
theatre; that the manager who achieves this
has come a long way toward getting the cus-
tomers in and keeping them satisfied. How-
ever, we also realize that this business of
ours is changing all the time and must be
well advertised, despite the fact that we in
the smaller situations get the benefit of the
national and first run advertising. We keep
constant watch over our managers’ ads and
try to encourage them to use mats, and lay
out well-balanced, easily read and informa-
tive ads.
“I get a kick out of trying to lay out an
ad just a bit different, maybe better than
the last, or a display that looks well enough
to merit a second glance from the patrons.
That is what gives one the incentive to go
on trying.”
All Marchesi theatres use display boards,
stock three-sheets and other accessories. The
cost of blowups has been found to be exces-
sive. On the other hand, proper use of the
exchange accessories with compo board and
water colors has achieved effective resuite.
Weekly programs have also been found
beneficial. These go out to a preferred mail-
ing list and are inserted in Sunday news-
papers through an arrangement with a local
news dealer. About once a month, a large
circus herald is prepared and this also is
included as an insert in the Sunday papers.
One big advantage of this method of dis-
tribution is that it gets the message directly
into the home on Sunday morning.
Window cards have proved themselves in-
( Continued on next page!
Easily constructed display boards made from accessories serve double duty as advance
lobby displays and currently as part of the theatre front.
—63—
*
Losl Purses Spread
'Janet Ames' Bally
In Harrisburg
One of the most unusual stunts perpetrated
here in the name of promotion in quite a
while had considerable success for “The
Guilt of Janet Ames” which played a full
week at the State in Harrisburg, Pa. E.
Gerard Wollaston, manager, conceived and
carried out the stunt, assisted by Spike
Todorov, assistant manager.
Wollaston, tying in with a city department
store, obtained six women’s purses which
Todorov “lost” in the business section. Each
purse contained $1, and a card asking the
finder to return it to Janet Ames at the
State. Advance publicity for several days in
newspaper theatre columns advised the
finders that if they returned the bags to the
State, they not only could keep the purse
but would receive two passes. In addition,
Wollaston would add $4 to each of the $1 bills
returned, and give the total to the Boys’ club
of Harrisburg for its building fund.
Big Ad Proclaims Record:
'Jolson' Held Third Week
When E. C. Johnson of the Washington
Theatre, Bay City, Mich., held “The Jolson
Story” for a second week he took cognizance
that only two other pictures had ever played
Bay City a second frame. Business held up
so well that he decided at the last minute
to hang onto the picture for a third week.
He rushed into print with a three-column
nine-inch ad saying:
“Our apologies for stating last night was
positively the last night. We bow to the
demand of Bay City to break every record
in our history — 28,162 happy patrons who
have seen ‘The Jolson Story’ are telling
28,162 friends not to miss the finest musical
picture ever screened.”
In a corner of the ad was a cut of Ginger
Rogers and copy reading: “Hey, Mr. John-
son. When am I coming to Bay City?
You've put me off twice now. ‘The Magnifi-
cent Doll.’ ”
Youth in Sandwich Board
Offers Girls Free Kisses
Street ballyhoo with a fresh twist was
used by Manager Remmel Young of the
Malco Joie Theatre in Fort Smith, Ark., for
“Love Laughs at Andy Hardy.” He sent out
a tall young man, face smeared with lip-
stick imprints, and a sandwich board with
copy reading, “Free Kisses!” and giving pic-
ture and theatre credits.
(Continued from preceding page)
of tickets. The giant project included free
refreshments to everyone who attended. To
top it off, the theatre staff sold $400 worth
of advertising for a program which helped to
defray expenses.
Considering that the Roosevelt is a late
run theatre and that admission was by in-
vitation only, we doubt if the good people
of Flushing ever got so much for so little.
On the other hand, the Roosevelt Theatre
probably never received as much publicity
and goodwill in one package.
— GUeiiesi #4 iedtncut
Start a File
* Don't discard your BOXOFFICE. The
Showmandiser section has been de-
signed to serve as a permanent hand-
book of theatre merchandising.
* The pages will be numbered consec-
utively throughout the year.
+ An index to these pages will be pub-
lished at regular intervals, thus provid-
ing easy reference to the various arti-
cles on showmandising of individual
pictures, to types of pictures, and to all
the various phases of promotion.
* Theatremen and executives who
have long felt the need for an up-to-the-
minute, yet permanent guide to boxof-
fice promotion material, will recognize
this latest service innovation in BOX-
OFFICE as an invaluable aid in their
daily showmandising efforts.
Better Exploitation
Holds Down Budget
(Continued from preceding page)
valuable. These are placed in shop windows
adjoining towns.
Newspaper advertising presents a problem
and business establishments all around the
as there is on’y a local weekly and a Farm
Bureau biweekly. The latter is particularly
good as it insures 75 per cent coverage
throughout the rural areas.
Giveaways were discontinued during the
war years in the Marchesi theatres because
of the shortage of merchandise. Whenever
merchant tieups are made on special oc-
casions, such as Christmas or other holidays,
an attempt is made to give the cooperating
merchant the full benefit of the promotion.
One of the finest goodwill builders around
the circuit is a children’s birthday club,
started seven years ago. Children receive
an application for membership, which in-
cludes such pertinent information as name,
address and date of birth. When filled out,
the card is turned in to the theatre and the
child receives a free ticket, good for an
entire week at the theatre. The children
look forward to receiving this pass annually,
and comments from parents indicate the
enormous value of this promotion.
Coast Guard Lobby Setup
On N.Y. Strand Revivals
A tieup with the coast guard recruiting
division was arranged in connection with the
special two-week engagement of the combi-
nation revival bill, “The Sea Hawk” and “The
Sea Wolf,” at the Strand Theatre in New
York.
Under the cooperative deal worked out
with Zeb Epstein, managing director of the
Strand, a coast guard display was set up
in the mezzanine, consisting of lifesaving
equipment, ship models and stills depicting
coast guard life. A recruiting officer was
assigned to be on hand at the exhibit to an-
swer questions and accept applications for
enlistment.
Ten posters tying in the coast guard with
“The Sea Hawk” and “The Sea Wolf” also
were placed at vantage points around the
city.
'Mrs. Carroll' Sundaes
Sold in Drug Chain
Ducal Contest
Lawrence Lehman, manager of the RKO
Orpheum Theatre in Kansas City, and Jack
Tierman, publicity director, made a “sweet”
tieup with the Katz Drug Co. in their cam-
paign on “The Two Mrs. Carrolls.”
Arrangements were made for all 13 Kan-
sas City stores in the drug chain to feature
a “Two Mrs. Carrolls” fresh peach sundae at
all soda fountains. Several thousand counter
tent cards were distributed to the fountains
as promotion for the stunt, and in addition
a large number of special 17x22 posters were
put up in prominent locations, including
store windows and on fountain mirrors.
The drug chain also used tieup advertising
copy, and the theatre set up prizes of free
passes to be awarded the fountain clerks in
each store who promoted the largest sales
of “Two Mrs. Carrolls” sundaes.
Society Column Box Offers
Passes to Equestriennes
The day before “Stallion Road” opened
at the Montauk Theatre in Passaic, N. J.,
Joseph Geller, Warner Bros, relief manager
for the northern New Jersey area, placed a
bold bordered box in the lead society col-
umn of the Herald News offering free ad-
mission to the picture to the first ten girls
who showed up the following afternoon in
full western riding outfits.
The newspaper ran a story the following
day listing the girls who appeared.
'Lait Ticket ' Stunt
An old but tried-and-true “laff ticket”
was distributed by Charlie Brewer of the
Clay Theatre in Green Cove Springs, Fla.
The ticket entitled the bearer to “a barrel
to cover his body” in case all buttons were
lost from his clothing. Of course, the “catas-
trophe” would come from laughing at Barry
Fitzgerald in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Norman Kassel, advertising , publicity di-
rector for Essaness circuit in Chicago, and
well known for his originality in advertis-
ing layouts, is responsible for this three-
column reduction. The theatre manager is
cleverly introduced to newspaper readers as
a means of impressing record-breaking per-
formance of “ The Best Years of Our Lives.”
—64—
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: June 7, 1947
32
HERE'S WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT
BOXOFFICE SHOWMANDISER
JACK MATLACK,
Manager and Advertising Director,
J. I. Parker Theatres, Portland , Ore.
I like the new Showmandiser section and think it has many pos-
sibilities. Look forward to seeing how the new index system will
work as this is something which I believe all showmen have wanted
for a long time.
The BOXOFFICE Bonus plan should stimulate a lot of interest
among showmen. It isn’t the money which will attract them but
rather the fact that they will be chosen to receive a special award
every month. It should also serve to give plenty of showmen that
necessary “push” to become active exploiteers.
HAROLD J. JOHNSON,
Manager, Elberta Theatre,
Palisade, Colo.
I wish to add a few words to the many letters, telegrams and
phone calls you undoubtedly have received congratulating the
BOXOFFICE staff for the new and outstanding issues of the
Showmandiser section.
I have a very small theatre situated in a population of about 900
people in a farming community which calls for salesmanship every
minute of the time. May I say thanks, and thanks again, for
giving us new ideas and stunts in every issue of BOXOFFICE Show-
mandiser. From a little guy with a small theatre in a grand
little town.
JEROME PICKMAN,
Publicity Manager, Eagle-Lion Films, Inc.
New York, N . Y.
After a careful appraisal of the Showmandiser section in BOX-
OFFICE, I think if is one of the most important contributions to
the picture business that have come along during my experience.
The new format and the BOXOFFICE Bonus should add both to
the theatreman’s and home office publicity man’s store of knowl-
edge, and prove an incentive for bigger boxoffice results.
EDGAR GOTH,
Director of Advertising and Publicity,
Fabian Theatres, Harrisburg, Pa.
I like the improvements and makeup of the BOXOFFICE Show-
mandiser section very much. In the future it will be a frequent
source of reference for me.
MARK ALLEN,
Manager, Austin Theatre,
Kew Gardens, N. Y.
It is not often a fellow changes his bible, but the decided change
in the BOXOFFICE Showmandiser is something I shall appreciate
from now on. In the future, when needing exploitation assistance,
I shall consult my bible of Showmandiser issues which I have started
with the first issue.
LOU BROWN,
Advertising and Publicity Manager,
Loew’s Poli New England Division, New Haven, Conn,
Congratulations on your new index idea for the BOXOFFICE
Showmandiser. Our men will be in there pitching for the BOX-
OFFICE Bonus.
It looks as if you have something in the idea of saving the issues
for future reference. That is something every manager should take
advantage of. These ideas come in handy and we are most likely
to pick up the section and get ideas that can be adapted to our
own situations. Right now we need all the exploitation we can
get and the index idea should certainly prove invaluable.
SOL L, SORKIN,
Managing Director, RKO Keith’s Theatre,
Washington, D. C.
I never realized what complete coverage BOXOFFICE gives to
the theatre manager until I saw the new Showmandiser section.
I am amazed at the suggestions, thoughts and ideas that are all so
helpful. You may be assured that I shall read this section re-
J s
Class of Service
WESTERN -
J SYMBOLS V
DL-Dar Linn
Tcmjnm or Cable-
gram unleM li> de-
ferred charterer (i In-
dicated by i luilable
rymbol alGve or pre-
ceding she addreu. ^
UNION
A- N WILLIAMS
c dace line oo telegram, and a *y mien i> STANDARD TIME at point ol origin. Turn, ol roce.pl u STANDARD T
NL-Nahi Dim
LC-D.(cmdCab<«
NIT -Cable N«ht lam-
^ 5K*. Radio*™-* ^
B
WUA51 DL PD-WUX HEW YORK NY MAY 26 95?A BEN SHLYEN BOXOFFICE
-CONGRATULATIONS ON THE EXCELLENT MANNER IN WHICH BOXOFFICE IS NOW
HANDLING THE SHOWMANDISER SECTION ITS BENEFITS witL BE OF IMMENSE
VALUE NOT ONLY TO EXHIBITORS BUT TO THE THOUSANDS OF US IN
DISTRIBUTION WHO KEEP CLOSE TABS ON THE DOINGS OF SHOWMEN THE NATION
OVER BEST WISHES-
RWUA51 PAUL N LAZARUS JR.1028A
THE COMPANY WILL APPRECIATE 9UCOE9TIO.N9 FROM ITS PATRONS CONCERNING ITS SERVICE
ligiously and that I shall contribute any ideas which may be of help
to other theatremen.
M. D. COHN,
Managing Director, Newman Theatre,
Kansas City, Mo.
Congratulations on your revised exploitation section in BOX-
OFFICE. I think this is a swell start ... I will certainly try for a
Bonus in some phase of advertising.
STEPHEN W. BRENER,
Advertising and Publicity Director, Walter Reade Theatres,
New York, N. Y.
Thought you would be interested to know that at our weekly
managers meeting I discussed the new Showmandiser section with
some of our city managers. They had all seen it and expressed the
thought that it is the best ever to appear in a trade magazine.
MORRIS ROSENTHAL,
Manager, Loew’s Poli Theatre,
New Haven, Conn.
The new Showmandiser section in BOXOFFICE is the first big
thing any tradepaper has done for the managers. The section
is full of good ideas and stunts.
GEORGE DARANSOLL,
Manager, Granby Theatre,
Norfolk, V a.
The new Showmandiser section is a step in the right direction
and reflects plenty of constructive thought in planning and layout.
The BOXOFFICE Bonus should prove highly attractive to theatre-
men.
MATT SAUNDERS,
Manager, Loew’s Poli Theatre,
Bridgeport, Conn.
Congratulations to the new Showmandiser section. The BOX-
OFFICE Bonus should certainly serve to stimulate showmandising.
BOB COX,
City Manager, Schine Theatres,
Lexington, Ky.
It looks as though you really have the answer on how to get Prac-
tical ideas from and for showmen. There’s a real incentive for the
boys to send in material and the chances look equal for the man in
Kansas and the hot-shot from a metropolis like New York. I think
the smart showman will set up an active file. As for myself, I am
sure I want to save the section for future use.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: June 7, 1947
— 65 —
33
in its entirely from
*S‘;«
i.upwarof’
pSS'S
r v?.£
v‘& h~re 7i/r*
£°t more fif*
rr?c>rp r,
he" bhe >n
ft * a fine
,h op reed
rhvii2 four
t fob * an«
7f
Jong; it
^sfanceV
£v>- *«?
1 ^ne
Ot/7Pro
„„ 3
3^f*Cje °« 34th Ci.. H°llywood, Mair n
.Other:
'l noise
on her
rWnnd £?*
* *0°cT ^
^^t4hedrsajje;P
Fer a‘( jf. the
-Voi nQCe(j’
*fod^
tar/c £>es1.,
r^ndard
i-enny
.“*> front
b^he/r -
W*. «te
* oquajjy
;act) a‘ ion?
fcearnaf)t,e
|^3rs ag0
R^Ponie g
Fie
Wn°ugh
fms the
r^ner ^
P°' then
i d 51"’
[td have
*** ’em
shou df°tenti*HsTh ny a day £„coo>e out
00 :XTaCt ^hlylf^Jst * «'ord-or
enterSL enis Wv !l°ri“>‘ thL^e.”
b/TS ‘be best S Saa‘a Q^red to the
s^th°^z;” his «£? r—
O'Hafs * rornatitic , , yed by all «, e ‘bat
p,art»a it to aJ/hn PayoeSashanded iWau.^''8'
VaL* ?ne bero 4?Ct,n? taknt Lf^ore
JGU « bow '****• aC; * «*>W. ' PV»e
»« w
upthJJ V^DeLnt me '"mate ? C,a‘'s.
is ^22 U "Ca “e"f SCWebaco»es
gent Cu C°y and not y to actualhr tsPUe
ment fc>b, 8 slight,/ ‘* Prove he
.sScr^'sSt
^ Ge^ Wtcharf 6
rt’ a« iVeUt
•99
5'0rb suprem
?aSe’th*ts2C0rUn^dgeK,h
t'» f° « G^8 *£&* t0 “* the
n%ht acttf ,?nfo,ded "t"*0 Ws %^"a~buiW
4ers tri^ tha^
™Zl2'S°nn°> direct 2 ifge ‘S a
Natalie iveff°rma«ce T f°r -Wacy’s s 8 flea.
'^a farrt'/a“aa Seay, H^««e 4 ?£
bit O? 0,J’S directjon ^ 2"
in teres2an dranta farnei's evejy
been ~ f f''°ni ibe stn’ ftucJtJe s, be aef Poss'b/e
by *,!-« toP shown and ‘be east a1d
aad Dat m P<*IbZ T‘y Produet '/“« bas
b* Charts c, fticbard fryL‘i'rec‘i°n by p'Uas
' t"e Wreen treaT *e tJl‘s
Brog,
a
TheN0
Boxoffisi
NVitad®
from
hm
*; ■■ '; ‘ '•
1/
*
;
V , ^ , v?w>6' ^ ■ ' '
All Angles Exploited
For'Jolson Story'
In St. Charles
Every possible angle — juke box and window
tieups, stage and street ballyhoo, heralds
and program cards, and school and city hall
cooperation — augmented an enlarged news-
paper and radio advertising campaign to
make for tremendous business on “The Jol-
son Story” at the Anderson circuit’s Arcada
Theatre in St. Charles, 111. The well-rounded
campaign was worked out by Manager Earl
J. Logan.
A' Salute Jolson week proclaimed by the
mayor was publicized in newspapers in St.
Charles, Elgin and Aurora newspapers. The
superintendent of schools added his voice to
the buildup by advising all students at the
high school, junior high school and two
grade schools that they should see the pic-
ture. Window displays were used by the
library and five downtown stores, and win-
dow cards were carried by 100 shops in the
three-city area.
STUFFERS IN NEWSPAPERS
Daily newspapers were stuffed with 1,000
heralds each week for three consecutive
weeks and newspapers carried readers on
the picture every day for two weeks. The
Arcada used daily ads for three weeks.
Three colored boys were used for street
ballyhoo a week ahead of opening, and an-
other was used on stage in a Jolson gag.
Stage announcements of the opening were
used every day for two weeks in advance
and one week ahead of opening an act on
stage had a young man singing one of the
hit tunes in the Jolson manner.
Juke boxes all around town used Jolson
records. The high school played the Jolson
album on its lunchroom juke box. National
tieups were exploited wherever possible.
Just to make sure no one was overlooked,
Logan chalked the sidewalk with “Jolson”
copy for ten days in advance.
“Needless to say,” he commented after the
run, “we were pleased with the results.”
SHAWNEE CAMPAIGN PAYS OFF
When Elmer Adams jr., manager of the
Bison Theatre in Shawnee, Okla., learned
that his house was booked to play “The Jol-
son Story,” he lost no time getting an ad-
vance publicity campaign moving which
helped roll up exceptional grosses.
Screen trailers, newspaper stories and
transcription broadcasts started the ball roll-
ing more than two weeks ahead of opening.
In the lobby, on the mezzanine and outside
the theatre huge banners were posted with
teaser copy, “It’s Coming — Watch for ‘The
Jolson Story.’ ”
Setpieces were prepared and displayed in
every available spot, each emphasizing one
of the picture’s salient selling angles.
Adams hooked up with a local disc jockey
who asked listeners to write in and identify
the voices of oldtime favorites whose record-
ings were broadcast. Winners received guest
tickets and the theatre got some excellent
publicity.
Paper napkins, imprinted with the title
of the film, stars, and playdates were dis-
tributed among cafes, restaurants and hotels.
Adams also capitalized on the music tie-
ins. Three music shops featured records and
albums in addition to sheet music of song
hits heard in the picture and each sponsored
a co-op newspaper ad with theatre mention.
Additional tieups were set with numerous
merchants for window and counter cards
tied in with merchandise and prominent
theatre credit. Newspaper publicity on the
attraction was extensive.
Willis Shaffer Introduces
'Art in Advertising' Idea
“Art in Advertising” was the unique selling
pattern introduced by Willis Shaffer, man-
ager for Fox Midwest Theatres in Atchison,
Kas., to exploit “The Late George Apley” at
the Orpheum Theatre.
Shaffer observed that John Falter, well-
known artist and local boy, had been ’com-
missioned by the film producer to do an
original portrait of Ronald Colman as “The
Late George Apley.” Believing that midwest
theatre patrons would have a special inter-
est in this famous localite, Shaffer decided
to obtain and exhibit this portrait.
TWO BIG SELLING POINTS
Contacting 20th-Fox officials, arrange-
ments were made and thus the portrait came
to Atchison to be exploited along with the
midwest premiere as the two main selling
points of the campaign.
Interest was aroused among school heads.
On opening night the high school band pa-
raded to the theatre entrance accompanied
by a police escort. In a ceremony on the
stage city officials unveiled the portrait.
Willis promoted from 18 businessmen a
double truck newspaper spread of congratu-
latory messages to the theatre and the
artist. The Daily Globe devoted front page
publicity to the artist and theatre for almost
a week prior to the opening.
Stills were placed on exhibition at the
city library and in all city high schools. Art
and accessories with theatre mention were
placed in each of the supporting merchants’
windows.
JINGLE ON RADIO
Radio promotion entailed the use of a
slogan to impress listeners with the date
of opening, “Remember the Day . . . the
Seventh of May,” which caught the fancy
of the radio audience as was apparent by
mail and phone comments.
When the portrait was placed on exhibition
in the theatre lobby, suitable unveiling cere-
monies marked the occasion. Shaffer dis-
High school band parades to Orpheum The-
atre for premiere ceremonies in connection
with “ The Late George Apley ” in Atchison,
Kas.
tributed several hundred autographed copies
of the painting signed by the artist.
When Shaffer states that he believes “Art
in Advertising” gives a new and distinct
form of exploitation to show business, he is
only half correct. The thought, energy, in-
itiative and imagination necessary to carry
out such an idea is obvious. But the idea of
selecting some direct avenue of approach
with local interest is not entirely new. This
however does not distract from Shaffer’s fine
performance. It is the type of showmanship
which usually distinguishes the alert, on-his-
toes manager who is quick to recognize an
opportunity for stimulating added interest
in his attractions, with the necessary de-
termination and initiative to see it through
to a successful climax.
PRESELLING: ’ Miracle on 34th St /
An around-the-clock radio tribute by WOR,
Mutual’s key station in New York, started
20th-Fox’s comedy-romance, “Miracle on
34th Street,” off at the Roxy Theatre June
4, with one of the most intensive radio pro-
motions ever accorded a motion picture.
Starting at 6:35 a. m. June 3, and continu-
ing throughout the morning and afternoon,
11 topflight programs hailed the motion
picture as “a miracle of entertainment.”
Listening audience penetration, in 16 cities
of seven states reached by the station, was
estimated at 2,000,000 persons per program.
This mass tribute was prepared in coopera-
tion with the 34th Street-Midtown Ass’n
which sponsored the promotion of the film
in the shopping center via hundreds of win-
dow displays, in-store promotions, mass mail-
ings, and newspaper display and dropline
advertising. Several of the most important
WOR shows were to emanate from the Her-
ald Square area, with guest appearances of
executives, retailers and employes scheduled.
In addition, news programs on the Mutual
station called attention to the picture and
its tribute throughout the day.
A letter contest leading to prizes con-
tributed by members of the 34th Street Ass’n
were plugged on all of the programs heard,
while prominent department stores took spe-
cial tunein ads in the metropolitan papers
announcing the radio programs taking part
in the tribute to the picture.
Monaghan’s Morning Watch at 6:35 a. m.
started the June 3 air tribute. Then followed
Gambling’s Musical Clock, Breakfast with
Dorothy and Dick, Alfred McCann Pure Food
Hour, Martha Deane, Luncheon at Sardi’s,
Listen Here Ladies, the Answer Man, Bar-
bara Welles, Rambling with Gambling and
the Human Side of the News with George
Carson Putnam.
Strip on 'Dishonored Lady'
The story of “Dishonored Lady” was told
serially in a four-column strip inserted in
the society pages of the Reading, Pa., Times
by Manager Larry R. Levy of Loew’s Co-
lonial. The strip ran Saturday, Sunday and
Monday mornings, and in word and picture
told the story of the film. Each installment
carried theatre credits and the second and
third installments ran a synopsis of the pre-
vious ads.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: June 7, 1947
35
Ballyhoo Rides
The Haywayon
A CITY ORDINANCE PROHIBITING STREET BALLY-
HOOS IN LINCOLN, NEB., EA1LED TO STOP WALT
JANCKE. MANAGER OF THE VARSITY THEATRE, FROM
GETTING HIS PLAYDATES ON “THE FARMER'S DAUGH-
TER” BEFORE THE PUBLIC. WALT INVITED THE
SENIOR CLASS OF A HIGH SCHOOL LOCATED 14 MILES
OUT OF TOWN TO BE HIS GUESTS. THE GROUP
TURNED THE PARTY INTO A HAY RIDE, WALT OBLIG-
INGLY PROVIDING BANNERS WITH ABOVE RESULT.
RECENT EXPLOITATION BY M. R. BLAIR. MANAGER OF THE
REGENT, CEDAR FALLS, IOWA. INCLUDED THE OLD BARREL
GAG, ABOVE LEFT, FOR “THE MIGHTY McGURK," AND A LIVE
FOX WHICH HELPED TO PROMOTE “THE SHOW-OFF.”
ALLEN GRANT, MANAGER OF THE PATIO THEATRE, BROOK-
LYN, TOOK ADVANTAGE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK ADJOIN-
ING THE THEATRE PREMISES TO GET THIS NEAT PLUG ON
“IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE.” SIGNS PLACED ON SCAFFOLDING.
TIEUP WITH ARMY RECRUITING DRIVE BY HARVEY FLEISCH-
MAN, MANAGER OF THE PARK, TAMPA, FLA., NETTED THIS
FINE BALLYHOO FOR “BUCK PRIVATES COME HOME.” HAR-
VEY ALSO SET POTATO PEELING DISPLAY IN LOCAL WINDOW.
TIEUP WITH BUS COMPANY PAYS OFF EVERY WEEK FOR
JOHN CORBETT OF THE PARK, TAUNTON, MASS. BANNERED
BUSES BRING YOUNGSTERS TO SATURDAY KIDDY SHOWS
FROM NORTH, SOUTH END OF CITY.
36
—68—
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: June 7, 1947
Solons and Merchants
Join 'Egg' Bandwagon
In Washington, D. C.
Tying up with the egg division of the
Washington Merchants and Manufacturers
Ass’n, effective promotions were worked out
for “The Egg and I” showing at the RKO
Keith Theatre managed by Sol Sorkin.
An egg luncheon was held at the Hotel
Statler, to which were invited egg and poultry
dealers representatives of the Department
of Agriculture, congressmen and food editors
of local newspapers. This resulted in wide
publicity for the film.
Through the National Restaurant Ass’n,
100 streamers were placed in member hotels
and restaurants. In addition each member
featured a special egg dish on the menu with
picture and theatre credit.
The Egg and Poultry Ass’n distributed
several thousand “Egg and I” recipe books
and window cards in all its member shops.
Sorkin started his campaign well in ad-
vance. Ushers were garbed in farmer cos-
tumes. An incubator and live sitting hens,
both hatching eggs, made up an unusual
lobby exhibit.
Four boys dressed as farmers were used
as a street ballyhoo prior to the opening and
during the run with signs announcing the
picture, theatre and playdates.
Window displays were landed at the Hecht,
S. Kann & Sons, Brentano’s and G. C.
Murphy’s stores.
HUGE CHICAGO EGG BREAKFAST
Chicago hatched a golden “Egg and I”
breakfast 11 days before the opening of the
film at the Palace and Grand theatres.
More than 1,000 persons gathered at the
Chicago Mercantile exchange, including Gov.
Dwight H. Green; Mrs. Theodore S. Chap-
man, president of the Illinois Federation of
Women’s clubs; Arnold P. Benson, Illinois
director of agriculture; Wilfred Sykes, presi-
dent of the Chicago Ass’n of Commerce, and
Don McNeil of the Breakfast Club radio
program to call attention to the opening of
“The Egg and I.”
The huge trading floor was converted over-
night into a banquet hall. Long tabletops
covered the lines of brokers’ desks and oc-
cupied all other available open space. The
menu featured cranberry eggnog, egg rus-
tique, stuffed tomato-egg salad and a Clau-
dette Colbert cake, the last item being full of
eggs.
Master of ceremonies McNeil supervised
the following stunts:
A huge egg was wheeled out in front of
the main speakers’ table and twin girls
emerged from the huge egg for what was
called the “double yolker” part of the enter-
tainment.”
An Adrian “Egg and I” gown was modeled
on the floor through the courtesy of Marshall
Field & Co.
MESSAGE IN AN EGG
A message from Claudette Colbert was
taken from a hard-boiled egg and read to
the group. The message, written on ticker
tape paper, was inserted in the egg while
still being conceived. Timing the activity of
a hen, scientists at Purdue university waited
for the opportune moment, then operated on
the hen, inserting the message into the still-
to-be-laid egg. Then closing up the op-
erational wound, they allowed the hen to lay
the egg with the message in it.
The Vance Guild model agency provided
a dozen models who paraded through the
exchange in black evening dresses serving
Claudette Colbert cake.
The promotion was arranged by Matt
Plunkett, RKO Theatre publicist, and Uni-
versal-International exploiteers in coopera-
Ad Space Rationed , Ralph Dillard
Solves Problem by Exploitation
Theatre front shows Ralph Dillard’s “ Bedelia ” setpiece and a 40x60 selling “ The
Teachers’ Crisis” at the Avon Theatre in Savannah, Ga.
With Savannah, Ga., theatres limited on
newspaper space for their daily ads, Ralph
Dillard, manager of the Avon Theatre, turned
to other exploitation to promote the showing
of “Bedelia.” The campaign paid off in a
big way as evidenced by above average busi-
ness.
Ralph used small teaser ads to build ad-
vance interest, running these daily for a
week prior to opening. A radio contest was
set with station WSAV which netted 26 free
announcements. Transcript records were
used over WTOC, WCCP and WSAV.
An inexpensive yet attractive lobby set-
piece was constructed, following out the
idea of an open book with a warning to men
that “Bedelia” was “bewitching, beguiling
and bedeviling” with art and star credits.
For street ballyhoo, a regular walking book
device was used in advance and current
window cards were spotted in prominent
locations about town, and six stores tied up
for special window displays. One hundred
fifty bus cards in two colors were placed on
the sides of local conveyances.
Dillard injected a neat bit of showman-
ship into his campaign after he learned that
4,000 teachers were holding a convention in
the city during the engagement of “Bedelia.”
He booked the March of Time subject,
"Teachers’ Crisis” and notified the teachers’
association that the film would be on ex-
hibition during their visit in Savannah. This
resulted in extra business and earned for
the theatre manager a letter of thanks from
the president of the teachers’ group.
tion with the National Poultry and Egg Ass’n
board.
Sitting hens and incubator in the lobby-
help build advance interest in “ The Egg
and /” at the Keith Theatre, Washington.
Dummy Horse Talks Back
In Stunt for 'Brother'
For “My Brother Talks to Horses” John
Wolfberg, manager of the Broadway in
Denver, rigged up a device that had chil-
dren talking to a horse, and what’s more,
the horse talked back!
Wolfberg obtained a full-sized equine
dummy, placed it in front of the theatre and
wired it to a nearby car, where Bill Gaines,
assistant manager, had a mike. Gaines
always could get some youngsters to talk to
the horse. They were plenty surprised when
the horse would answer their questions.
The climax came when a drunk got into
an argument with the dummy. After a while
the drunk stumbled on completely bewildered,
probably swearing off strong drink forever.
' Duel ' Contest in Weekly
Art and copy covering a half page of the
weekly magazine Glimpse, in New Haven,
Conn., was devoted to a contest on “Duel in
the Sun.” Winners got free passes from
Manager Sid Kleper of the College Theatre
for preparing the longest lists of words made
up from letters in the picture’s title.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser June 7, 1947
—69
37
Girls Match Their Charm
For Farmers
Daughter'
A Loretta Young charm contest was the
highlight of a strong exploitation campaign
executed toy Bill Morton, publicity director,
of the RKO Albee Theatre in Providence,
R. I., for “The Farmer’s Daughter.”
The contest was open to all young women
over 16 years of age. All contestants were
photographed free by a downtown photog-
rapher who turned the prints over to the
theatre. Photographs were displayed on a
9x7 foot lobby piece, along with the rules
for the contest. Morton promoted $300 in
merchandise for the winners, including a fur
scarf, jewelry, flowers, shoes, handbags, etc.
Ten finalists were selected who appeared
on the stage of the theatre on the opening
night. Finalists were selected by audience
applause.
FINALISTS MODEL NEW STYLES
Morton also arranged for a leading women’s
dress shop to supply the latest spring fash-
ions which were modeled by the ten final-
ists. Morton hooked in with the national
Max Factor tieup, arranging for special
window displays in Liggett’s downtown store
which featured a 40x60 colored blowup of
the two stars of the film, with tiein copy for
the picture and theatre.
Free air plugs were promoted on radio
station WHIM’S Hollywood News Show. The
station featured both production and side-
light notes on the picture liberally. The
Providence Sunday Journal devoted a five-
column art break to the picture four days
prior to opening. Downtown restaurants re-
ceived special menus carrying pictures and
theatre copy, which were used both in ad-
vance and during the current run of the
picture.
A spot radio campaign was spread out over
three Providence radio stations three days
prior to opening, and more than 550 street
cars and buses serving Providence and nearby
cities carried double-size car cards announc-
ing the film.
In Denver, the picture opened to special
fanfare including a novel contest effected
by W. T. Hastings, manager of the RKO
Orpheum Theatre. Two weeks in advance
of the opening, Hastings dressed his service
Window display used ~by a merchant co-
operating in Magic Wand Girl contest on
“The Farmer’s Daughter” in Denver. The
display featured photos of the winner and
appeared for one week after opening night.
mm
•Kvdryfp,
HOtiSTS
Advance lobby display used in the lobby
of the Albee, Providence, R. I., on its
Loretta Young charm contest.
staff in farmer and farmerette costumes of
blue jeans, plaid shirts and wide brimmed
straw hats with badges carrying starting
dates of the picture.
The contest tieup was set by the Cambridge
Dairy Co. which collared all its milk bottles
for one week with copy on “The Farmer’s
Daughter.” The dairy also included a jingle
about the picture attached to all monthly
statements it mailed out.
A MAGIC WAND CONTEST
The Rocky Mountain News ran a Magic
Wand mystery girl contest which was in-
spired by Loretta Young’s role in the film.
Almost 6,000 lines of free space were devoted
by the newspaper to the contest, which drew
more than 1,300 entries. Approximately
$3,000 worth of gifts, were promoted from
Denver merchants who devoted much of
their own advertising, both newspaper and
radio, to promoting the contest.
More than 80 radio spots were purchased
and a 15-minute radio show was built around
the appearance of the Magic Wand contest
winner as a mystery girl. She was inter-
viewed by a KLZ announcer two days before
her identity was disclosed at the coronation
ceremonies on the stage. Following the coro-
nation, the cooperating merchants devoted
extra window space to exhibiting a picture
of the winner and accessories advertising the
films at the Orpheum.
Governor Knous of Colorado officiated at
the coronation exercises and Acme Photo
serviced pictures of the proceedings to news-
papers all over the country. Hastings also
received a nightly plug over KLZ from the
sports announcer broadcasting the events at
the Rocky Mountain sports show.
Assistant Makes Tieup
Lile Gant, assistant manager of the New-
man Theatre in Kansas City, Mo., arranged
for a number of window displays in connec-
tion with the showing of “Suddenly It’s
Spring” which were unusual for their atten-
tion value. An outstanding exhibit of lug-
gage surrounded by illustrative advertising
material from the picture with theatre credits
was used by the John Taylor department
store.
Rankin Capitalizes
On Civic Pride for
Gala Joy Debut
Harland Rankin, Canadian exhibitor, re-
cently built and opened the new Joy Theatre
in Bothwell, Ont. To commemorate the
opening, Harland got out a 60-page souvenir
program for distribution throughout the city.
The program related interesting stories in
connection with the town of Bothwell, its
mayor and other officials, and the theatre
staff.
As a tribute to his community-minded ven-
ture, every merchant in Bothwell, plus many
from surrounding towns, took ads in the
program. A sufficient profit was realized
on the book to enable Rank into give a din-
ner for all officials of the town with an en-
tertaining floor show. In turn, Rankin was
presented a key to Bothwell.
Flowers and telegrams were received from
many parts of the province, and the theatre
opening proved to be one of the biggest
events Bothwell has had in many years.
In addition to the new enterprise, Rankin
operates the Plaza Theatre in Tilbury, the
Beau in Belle River and the Erie in Wheatley,
all in Ontario.
The Bothwell Times prepared a special
congratulatory section of the theatre’s open-
ing, devoting eight entire pages to news and
information concerning the theatre, its at-
tractions, and felicitation advertisements
from local merchants.
Manager's Stunt Reconciles
Divorced Visalia Couple
Larry Pilegard, manager of the Fox Thea-
tre in Visalia, Calif., is a showman with wit
and inspiration. To publicize “Child of Di-
vorce,” Pilegard wrote the following slides:
“Another Big Free Show . . . Every di-
vorced person in Visalia is invited to see
‘Child of Divorce,’ next Wednesday or Thurs-
day, absolutely free . . . But — (Slide 2) YOU
MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY YOUR EX-
WIFE OR EX-HUSBAND.”
Reports say that Pilegard brought one cou-
ple together again.
BUD LOU
fJW ABBOTT « COSTELLO'
VM '.Buck Privates Come Home I
ifcJfKMiZL ofa/JtagtdT
' POAVT MISS TWO SUKfl S HCn
} \ TOMOiWW at 9 A. ft
LOUIS JORDAN & HisT'*' NY FIVE)
RUSSELL- DOUGLAS
y The GUi'LW JANET AMESj
STAIRWAY n HEAVED1'*" NIVEN
Dick POWELL * Evelyn KEYES1
'JOHNNY O'CLOCK^
This attractive directory advertisement was
drawn by Hank Harold, advertising man-
ager for RKO Theatres in Cleveland. Care-
ful selection of type and plenty of white
space enhance the layout within a mini-
mum of space.
38
—70—
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: June 7, 1947
Have YOU submitted YOUR entry for a
HERE'S THE IDEA!
• To develop, on a broader scale, the ex-
change of exploitation ideas, both new and old,
and to encourage showmandising, BOXOFFICE
offers $100.00 in cash as a Bonus every month to
theatremen, for promotions of special merit.
• The $100.00 Bonus will be divided among
theatremen for promotional efforts in each of
ten phases of merchandising. (Ten Bonuses of
$10.00 each.)
• Bonus payments will be made on the basis
of material submitted to The Showmandiser.
• Theatre managers, their assistants and pub-
licity and advertising managers are eligible to
receive one or more Bonus payments each
month.
}
• There is no limit on the number of promo-
tions which may be submitted in any month.
$10009 CASH
EVERY MONTH
HERE'S WHERE:
• A promotion may consist of a single idea
substantiated by a photograph, house program,
newspaper ad or any other evidence to be eli-
gible for a Bonus; or it may include a complete
campaign on any picture, institutional accom-
plishment or public relations endeavor which
would be eligible for one or more Bonus pay-
ments.
• The exhibitor with a small or no-advertising
budget has the same opportunity to receive a
Bonus as the key-run manager with a substan-
tial appropriation.
• Bonus payments will be made on the basis
of individuality, originality and merit — with full
consideration for size of theatre, run, location
and other local factors.
9 Recipients of Bonus payments for each
month will be announced in the second regular
issue of BOXOFFICE during the following
month.
HERE'S THE PAYOFF!
A $10.00 Bonus for Exceptional Promotions
in Each of the Following:
1. House Program
2. Lobby Display
3. Window Tieup
4. Theatre Front
5. Newspaper Ad
G. Ballyhoo
7. Original Idea
8. General Tieup
9. Cooperative Ad
10. Public Relations
The Showmandiser/ BOXOFFICE, 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York 20, N. Y.
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
39
Theatre Helps to Build Community ,
Si Fabian Tells Class at NYU
NEW YORK — The motion picture theatre
is today, more than ever, a center of com-
munity activity, said Si H. Fabian, president
of Fabian Theatres, speaking before the class
in motion picture theatre management at
New York University.
Fabian reviewed the role of the theatre
during the war and its present role in pro-
moting civic and philanthropic causes. The
theatre has taken its place with the news-
papers and radio as a community-building in-
stitution. The Hutchins committee on free-
dom of the press placed motion pictures in
the same class as the press and radio as an
organ of mass communication. As such, films
. . . has that rich, golden
color that makes 'em buy!
★ Uniform Quality always— in color
—in flavor— in consistency.
★ Colored at the refinery by expert
chemists*
have the same obligations as the radio and
press toward the public, Fabian said.
The theatre owner or manager today, "must
know his community and have the confi-
dence of those who run it,” Fabian added.
Fabian also told the budding theatre man-
agers that they should not neglect the show-
manship side of the business. He deplored
the “department store” point of view that
has developed with the expansion of the thea-
tre business. What the industry needs, in-
stead, is “virility and a return to the basic
concepts of showmanship. We are not mer-
chandisers! We sell the intangibles and,
when we forget that, we miss the whole point
of view of the theatre purpose,” he declared.
Theatre showmanship has gotten away
from the school of Barnum, and superlatives
will no longer fill auditoriums, Fabian said.
There are still trails to blaze in the field of
exploitation and publicity. The new order, he
pointed out, calls for "honest, but imagina-
tive and intriguing, publicity and exploita-
tion.”
“We should face this evolution and wel-
come it, for it means the entertainment world
has moved off the midway in the pubic
esteem and has become a substantial com-
munity institution,” he stated.
FROM THE FILES OF
^■HE NATIONAL Theatre Supply Co. re-
ports that the sale of organs has shown
a steady increase. The Kilgen Wonder and
the Seeburg are popular makes marketed by
NTS . . . Press books on “The Big Parade”
and “Ben Hur” have been released. Both
are of record size, each containing 26 full
newspaper-size pages. Eight full pages are
devoted to publicity material. The two films
will be roadshown this fall, with MGM re-
lease.
* * *
SAVE1
Use Filmack's Prevue
TRAILER
SERVICE
. CUTS COSTS
^ IN HALF!
Jilfttack
1327 S. WABASH AVE. CHICAGO 5, ILL.
Dave Silverman introduced an innovation
at the Ambassador Theatre in St. Louis re-
cently, in the form of an “orchestral produc-
tion.” Stage atmosphere is furnished for
the orchestral numbers, such as the overture.
Every week Silverman has something new to
introduce at the Ambassador, where the
music represents an annual investment of
more than $150,000. Musical directors in the
Skouras theatres are transferred from one to
another of the company’s theatres from time
to time as a matter of policy.
Set MGM 'Song' Tradeshow
NEW YORK— “Song of Love” (MGM) will
be tradeshown in all exchange areas June 17.
“The Hucksters,” previously scheduled for
showing that day, has been set back to June
26. "Song” features Katharine Hepburn and
Robert Walker.
★ Packed in Open Head Pails and
drums for better accessibility.
★ Backed by 70 years "know how".
★ For those states vvhere colored oil is not sold
— use SIMKO brand, natural color
coconut oil seasoning.
2550 E. TIOGA ST. PHILADELPHIA 34, PA.
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
4iace
Improved
C. CRETORS &. CO.
604 W. Cermak Rd. Chicago 16, 111.
jb&uble
POPCORN OUTPUT
POPCORN PROFITS
with Auxiliary
<CRET0RS>
Twin Giant
Floor Model 42
Two improved Giant Model 41 poppers
mounted on a welded steel stand . . .
speedy, dependable large production
poppers that pop twice as much corn as
the single model. One operator should
pop approximately 100 pounds ol raw
corn per hour. The popped corn is
emptied into two removable steel trays
with perforated bottoms. A shake or
two of the trays causes the unpopped
kernels to fall through into drawers
below. Used by wholesale operators
everywhere. Machine operated by bot-
tle gas or natural gas. Motor driven by
electricity. Gasoline extra. Overall di-
mensions 78 in. long by 30 in. deep.
40
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947
To Produce Westerns
In San Antonio, Tex.
HOLLYWOOD — Comes now San Antonio
as a new competitor to Hollywood, and with
the advent of that Texas city as a produc-
tion center the establishment of a brand new
distributing organization also is revealed.
Signed in Hollywood was a contract under
which Paul Willett will produce six western
specials a year in San Antonio, under the
company name of Western Adventure Pro-
ductions Corp. Entering the pact with Wil-
lett was John Franconi, one of the founders
of Screen Guild Productions.
The picture will be released by Western
Adventure Pictures Corp., which newly
formed distributing company is headed by
John Mangham, Atlanta; Franconi, Dallas,
and J. Francis White jr., Charlotte. Mang-
ham is president, Franconi vice-president
and western sales manager, and White is
secretary-treasurer. While all three are
Screen Guild franchise holders, the Texas-
made features will not bear the SGP banner.
Willett was working to line up his cast
and production staff here in the film capital
and plans to start production in San Antonio
about July 1. His first picture is scheduled
for delivery in the early fall, Franconi said
before returning to Dallas.
Plan Mayor O'Dwyer Film
HOLLYWOOD — Marathon Pictures, re-
cently organized producing firm, will film the
life story of Mayor William O’Dwyer of New
York under the title, “Pride of New York.”
The picture will be released by PRC. Harry
Brandt is chairman of the board of Mara-
thon.
^rSpcadTAnnouncemcnt
fllMMIIfft1
nsnin ncnn snnci t>.
125 HYDE ST. • * San Francisco (2) Calif.
GERALD L.KARSKI (jentrlf tn ana q e r
io§*
WOtENE'S SUPCR SHOCKf* OH STAce * /AfPf/tsoH
UllOT
fORBBS
AMERICA'S MOST fAMOUg
tod Cast woienc commintatoh
NOTHING UK€
J # CLERGY- P
™ CDUCATOI
WRITE • PHONE . WIRE ... for PLAY DATES
^7 //,
J. S. JOSSEY and KROGER BABB
Producers and World-wide Distributors "AAOAA ond DAD
Home Offices Hygiene Building Wilmington, Ohio
BRANCH OFFICES
CLEVELAND • HOLLYWOOD • LOS ANGELES • CHICAGO
TORONTO • MEXICO CITY • SEATTLE
Refined and processed according to our
own specifications. Brings out the nat-
ural flavor of your popcorn.
10c per box, in cases of 12 or 24
FOR IMMEDIATE SERVICE
WRITE NEAREST WAREHOUSE
EASTERN
Atlanta, Ga., Southern Sales & Warehouse Go., 171 Peters St., S. W.
Binghampton, N. Y., Manley, Inc., Box No. 826
Boston, Mass., Wiggin Terminals, Inc., 50 Terminal St.
Charlotte, N, C., Carolina Transfer & Storage Co., 1230 W. Morehead
Roanoke, Va., Roanoke Public Warehouse
MIDDLE-WEST
Columbus, Ohio, Merchandise Warehouse, 370 W. Broad St.
Dallas, Texas, Zanes-Ewalt Warehouse, 420 Laws St.
Des Moines, Iowa, Merchants Transfer & Storage Co.
Detroit, Mich., Edgar's Sugar House No. 2, 1900 Alfred Street
Indianapolis, Ind., Strohril Warehouse & Cartage Co., 230 W. McCarty St.
Kansas City, Mo., Manley, Inc., 1920 Wyandotte St.
Memphis, Tenn., United Warehouse & Terminal Corp., 137 E. Calhoun
New Orleans, La., Douglas Public Service Corp., 118 N. Front St.
Oklahoma, City, Okla., O. K. Transfer & Storage Co., 531 W. Main
Peoria, III., Federal Warehouse Co., 800 South Adams
St. Paul, Minn., Central Warehouse Co., University & Pillsbury Ave.
WESTERN
Denver, Colo., Weicker Transfer & Storage Co., 1700 15th St.
Los Angeles, Calif., Jennings-Nibley Warehouse Co., Ltd.
Oakland, Calif., Haslett Warehouse Co., 51 Webster St.
Salt Lake City, Utah, Central Warehouse, 520 West 2nd South St.
Seattle, Wash., American Warehouse Co., 95 Connecticut St.
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
41
Gets Dramatic Role
Martha Montgomery will take a dramatic
role in Columbia’s “The Double Take.”
Still the most Economical because
of NEW DRASTICALLY
REDUCED PRICES
Our government has requested
price reductions to stem infla-
tion and we are going to help —
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
THE PRICE OF POPSIT PLUS IS
REDUCED APPROXIMATELY
15% — This brings the cost of
POPSIT PLUS close to the price
level of solid seasonings.
Warehouses in principal cities — coast to coast
C. F. Simonin’s Sons, Inc.
4 6 L i S H £ 0
2550 E. TIOGA ST. PHILADELPHIA 34, PA.
SEASONING SPECIALISTS TO THE NATION
fylaiii Point?
Users of POPSIT PLUS the
liquid popcorn seasoning
made from Peanut Oil, are
not worried about flash point.
POPSIT PLUS has a flash
point over 650"F. and a fire
point over 700°F.
CLEBRinG HOUSE
(Continued from inside back cover)
POPCORN MACHINES
Burch — Manley — Cretors — Advances — All electric
French fry types. Karmelkorn Equipment, 120
S. Halstead, Chicago 6, 111.
Rebuilt Popcorn Machines for sale. Fully guar-
anteed. Price from $150. Consolidated Confec-
tions, 1314 S. Wabash, Chicago 5, 111.
Blevins is national headquarters for popcorn
machines. Silver Stars, Super Stars, Corn Cribs.
Old machines taken in trade. Blevins Popcorn Co.,
Nashville, Tenn.
Real Bargains used popcorn machines. Burch.
Cretors, Advance, guaranteed. Poppers Supply, Box
838, Atlanta, Ga.
Star popcorn machines. All models. Prunty
Seed & Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2,
Mo.
Lost concession lease. Sacrificing 10 Advance,
Cretors and Burch machines (reconditioned). Free
supplies corn, seasoning, bags and salt when sold
will pay for machine. Send for list. P. W. Little-
john. Box 231. LaGrange, Ga.
Manley Lifetime Popcorn Machine, like new.
Priced to sell. $385. Star Theatre. Natchez, Miss
Star popcorn machine, cabinet type. Profit
model. Cost $180 rebuilt, used three months. Is
in good condition. Price $110. John R. Harrell,
Louisville, 111.
Super Star, one year old. 4,000 10c cartons
and supplies, all for $400. Tex Theatre, Poth,
Tex.
POPCORN SUPPLIES
Write for our special contract which guarantees
you more profits and greater savings on all your
popcorn and popcorn supplies. Blevins Bee Hive
Popcorn Co.. Nashville, Tenn.
Home of "Rush Hour’’ popcorn and popcorn
supplies. Send for price list. Prunty Seed &
Grain Co., 620 N. 2nd St., St. Louis 2, Mo.
Established 1874.
All-Electric Popcorn Units, popping kettles,
copper caramelcorn, candy kettles, peanut roasters,
display cases, lowest prices. Northside Popcorn
Co.. Indianola. Iowa.
Popcorn: It. pops! Our customers have popped
$133 out of one bag. Try it! Price f.o.b., $8.75.
Ohio Popcorn Co., Arcanum. Ohio.
Give your Popcorn that real butter flavor and
color. Economical to use. 'The Perfection Co.,
Ltd., Waco, Tex.
AIR CONDITIONING
For Sale: Cooling System — water washer and
fan, fan motor 7% H.P., fan blades, dia. 39 in.,
width blades, 34 in. Washer tank 7% ft. x 42
inches, height of louvers — 5 ft. 3 H.P. Fairbanks
Morse mol or and pump, all motors 220 volt. Fan
and washer not assembled. Priced to sell quick,
$750. .1. I’. Lannan, West Point, Neb.
Prompt Shipment — Allsteel Blowers with motor,
5,500 cfm, $127.80; 8,500 cfm, $172.20; 11,000
cfm, $228.90; 13,500 cfm, $276; other sizes
available. Latest Dual Air Washers, 5,000 cfm,
$138; 7,000 cfm. $168; 10.000 cfm, $204:
15.000 elm, $240; 20.000 cfm. $276. Diffusers,
recirculating pumps, exhaust fans, available. S.O.S.
Cinema Supply Corp., 449 W. 42nd St., New
York 18.
A> Washers. Two U.S. 22,500 in excellent
condition. $400 each. 3142 Olive St., St. Louis 3,
Mo.
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
Comic books again available as premiums, give-
aways at your kiddy shows. Large variety latest
48-page newsstand editions. Comics Premium Co..
412B Greenwich St., New York City.
Bingo with more action, $2.25 thousand cards.
Also other games. Novelty Games Co., 1434 Bed-
ford Ate., Brooklyn 16, N. Y.
Bingo Games. No license necessary. Screen
Dial $20. Cards for 75 or 100 number game,
$275 per thousand. Ten thousand or more,
$2.50 per thousand. Premium Products, 354
West 44’ h St., New York City.
Comic hooks given free. Increases kiddy mati-
nee business. Identical books selling for 10c.
Available now to theatres only for 3c each.
Sidney Ross, 334 West 44th St., New York.
_ CONFECTIONS
Candy Bars, assorted nuts, popcorn seasoning.
In quantities. Also, popcorn machines, new and
used, Cinephone Distributing Co., 717 W. 119th
St., Chicago.
MORE CLASSIFIED
INSIDE BACK COVER
Trailer for Father's Day
Distributed Free by NSS
NEW YORK — National Screen Service is
distributing a free Father’s day trailer, fea-
turing Bob Hope. The reel was produced by
the National Father’s Day Committee. Hope
delivers a Father's day message in the film.
In addition to the trailer, the committee also
is offering two 11x14 posters for lobby dis-
plays.
'Wolf' Tradeshow June 30
NEW YORK — Warner Bros, will tradeshow
“Cry Wolf” in all exchange centers on June
30. The film is scheduled for general re-
lease the middle of August. It stars Errol
Flynn and Barbara Stanwyck.
modernizes
YOUR
SOUND SYSTEM
it is lie
Hollywood 38. Cal.
N. Y. 19, N. Y.
'
GOOD
SOUND
B SHOULD BE YOUR
■ ADDED
ATTRACTION
every day
■
— — — — ■‘Mfc*.
TkVOlCE-
Of THE-;
THEATRE
42
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
Atlantic City Votes
For a Ticket Tax
ATLANTIC CITY — A large majority of the
voters here approved the local ordinance to
levy a 3 per cent tax on admissions, hotel
rooms, liquor and tobacco. The votes were
cast at a referendum held last Tuesday,
June 3.
The future of the tax is, however, uncer-
tain. The state supreme court is expected to
hand down soon a decision on a writ filed
recently by the New Jersey Taxpayers' Ass'n
to retain the city from collecting the tax
until the court decides upon the constitu-
tionality of the state law permitting the
imposition of such a levy.
The association argued that the state bill
is unconstitutional because it is class legisla-
tion. It applies only to fourth class cities
in the coastal counties, the association law-
yers contend.
In 1945 the association won a suit against
Atlantic City when the local council passed
a sales tax. The supreme court agreed with
the association at that time that the tax was
unconstitutional.
Grant Cameramen in East
Wage Increases ol 25%
NEW YORK — The International Photog-
raphers of the Motion Picture Industry, Local
No. 644, IATSE, has won wage increases of
more than 25 per cent for approximately 100
cameramen in 15 eastern states. The wage
hikes went into effect Monday (June 2) and
are retroactive to July 1, 1946. Salary in-
crease talks began under a wage reopening
clause in the union five-year contract with
the major producers.
The cameramen also won a 40-hour week
and an eight-hour day. The union contract
with the producers will expire in July 1948.
Pat Casey has been representing the pro-
ducers in these negotiations for the past year.
The new wage scales are as follows: First
cameramen will get $87.50 daily and $325
weekly: additional cameramen, $62.50 daily
and $240 weekly; still cameramen, $45 daily
and $175 weekly; assistant cameramen,
$26.25 daily and $105 weekly.
Walter Read© to Install
Tele Sets in 18 Theatres
NEW YORK — Walter Reade sr. has ordered
television sets for 18 of his 40 theatres. The
sets will be supplied and installed by the Al-
len B. Du Mont Laboratories, Inc., at a cost
of approximately $36,000.
Sets have already been delivered to the St.
James Theatre, Asbury Park, and the Strand
Theatre, Freehold, N. J.
If the idea goes over with the public, Reade
will place television receivers in as many of
his theatres as lounge space permits.
The original idea for this mass installation
developed as a result of the favorable re-
sponse to the television broadcasts seen by
patrons of the Park Avenue Theatre. Reade
installed a set last fall in the lounge of this
new house, now under lease to Universal-In-
ternational.
The sets will be in operation during the
regular showing of the film program.
Holman Back From Europe
NEW YORK — Russell Holman, Paramount
eastern production head, returned to the
home office during the week from a four-
week tour of production in Great Britain and
on the continent. While in England, Holman
held conferences with Frank Farley, direc-
tor of Paramount British Prod., Ltd.
Gentle Cat Now Vicious :
WB is Sued ior $1,500
Philadelphia — Warner Bros. Circuit
Management Corp. is involved in one of
the most fascinating damage cases of
all time.
Myer Apfelbaum told the municipal
court through his attorney that Frank
Wolf, manager of the 333 Theatre, took
a cat owned by Apfelbaum and put it
in the cellar of the theatre. The cat was
sweet and gentle then, according to
Apfelbaum.
Two months later, his testimony con-
tinued, after several requests for the re-
turn of the animal, Wolf told him to get
the cat from the cellar.
Wolf, according to Apfelbaum, knew
by this time the cat had become vicious,
for when Apfelbaum went to the cellar,
he was “attacked, scratched and bitten
painfully, and possibly permanently hurt,
lacerated and wounded on the left hand
and fingers.” In addition, he added, he
suffered great shock.
So Apfelbaum is suing Warner Bros.
Circuit Management Corp. for $1,500.
Yellen and MacKenna
Head Buffalo MPF
MAX H. YELLEN VINCENT McFAUL
BUFFALO — Electing 24 committeemen in-
stead of the maximum of 17 permitted under
national bylaws, the Buffalo area panel of
the Motion Picture Foundation was formed
here Monday at a meeting of 66 industry folk
in Hotel Statler. A later meeting will de-
termine the final panel.
Temporarily elected as chairman was George
H. MacKenna; the trusteeship going to Max
H. Yellen, while Vincent R. McFaul and El-
mer Lux were named treasurer and secretary
respectively.
Other members are Lester Pollock, Guy
Basil, Myron Gross, Charles B. Taylor, Robert
Hayman, Dalton Burgett, Mike Kallet, Rob-
ert Murphy, George Gammel, Merritt A. Ky-
ser, Harry Berinstein, C. C. Young, Fred
Schweppe, Matt Sullivan, William Dipson.
Albert Ryde, Andrew Gibson, Tom J. Walsh,
Sidney Grossman and Dave Miller.
Louis A. Novins, assistant to Barney Bala-
ban, president of Paramount Pictures, out-
lined the Foundation’s plans to provide for
the needy within the industry.
Novins said the immediate objective will
be to raise a capital fund of $10,000,000.
Purpose of the Foundation, he said, will be
to provide aid and relief to needy within
the industry — going beyond the work of in-
dustry-established welfare foundations.
“This will not relieve present relief or-
ganizations of their obligations, however,”
he said.
Novins listed these other aims: To endow
hospital wings to be set for workers in the
industry, to establish scholarships and en-
dow chairs in universities, to accomplish
projects of general good to the community.
More U-I Showcases
Sought in N.Y. City
NEW YORK — Matthew Fox, executive vice-
president of Universal-International, is on
the lookout for additional suitable showcases
for U-I product.
His current interest is in a 2,500-seat thea-
tre planned by the City Investing Co. to re-
place the present Astor or Victoria theatre
on Times Square. City Investing will build
two theatres — one a 2,000-seat house and the
other with 2,500 seats — on the sites of the
Astor and Victoria. U-I now has two New
York showcases, the Winter Garden and the
Park Avenue.
Fox said the outcome of his present talks
with the City Investing management depend
upon the speed with which that company can
start construction work on its projected thea-
tres. City Investing people are still waiting
for the price of building materials to come
down before they raze the Astor and Victoria
and get to work on the two new houses.
At different times they have said construc-
tion will begin in the spring, the summer and
the fall of 1948.
Meanwhile City Investing is still looking
for product for the Astor. Samuel Goldwyn’s
lease of that theatre will end with the com-
pletion of “The Best Years of Our Lives”
run. The film is grossing above the control
figure, and will remain at the Astor as long
as it continues to exceed that sum. It is now
in its 28th week.
City Investing would like to get “Life With
Father,” but Warners will probably book the
film into its Strand or Hollywood, according
to a Warners spokesman. The picture is
scheduled to open in New York next fall.
MMPTA Shelves Plan
For Health Campaign
NEW YORK — The Metropolitan Motion
Picture Theatres Ass’n has shelved its plan
for a local health drive which had been pro-
posed in April. This decision was made by
directors at a meeting Tuesday (31 in the
office of Harry Brandt, chairman of the
board.
Brandt said the directors decided against
the local drive after a poll by the American
Theatres Ass’n showed that exhibitors are op-
posed to a national drive and divided on local
campaigns. The proposal for a local drive
will be studied again next fall, he added.
The directors also discussed the problem
of firecrackers. They decided to make a
trailer warning children and parents that
possession of fireworks in New York City is
against the law. This trailer will be shown
in all theatres in the hope that it may stop
the children from setting off firecrackers on
theatre premises. Exhibitors also will ask po-
lice cooperation. It is of special significance
now with the July 4 holiday approaching, sev-
eral directors pointed out.
Edward N. Rugoff of Rugoff & Becker was
elected to fill a vacancy on the board of di-
rectors created by the resignation of George
P. Skouras of Skouras Theatres. Skouras
pulled out of MMPTA shortly after it was
organized last year. The board now has its
full quota of 13 members.
Ivan Lemkowitz Weds
PORT JERVIS, N. Y. — Ivan Lemkowitz,
chief projectionist at the Fabian Strand and
business representative of local 353, IATSE,
has returned with his bride from a Canadian
honeymoon. She is the former Edna Lesser
of Brooklyn.
BOXOFF1CE : : June 7, 1947
E
43
BR_0_AD_W_AX
f\scar A. Doob and John Murphy were in
^ Washington to attend the House ways and
means committee’s hearing on admission tax
revision . . . Florence Gribetz, secretary to
Stanley Shuford of Paramount, is on vaca-
tion.
Marilyn Nash is making her first visit to
New York. Her husband, Philip Yordan, ar-
rived from the coast last week . . . J. J. Unger,
UA general sales manager, returned from
Chicago . . . Clark Gable is at the Waldorf.
E. Z. Walters, controller for Altec Service
Corp., returned to the coast after three weeks
here . . . N. Peter Rathvon left for Califor-
nia Friday . . . Arthur Sachson, general sales
manager for Samuel Goldwyn, had his appen-
dix removed.
Caryl Barrett of the motion picture division
of the March of Dimes is on the coast . . .
Edward Arnold is in town . . . Spyros P.
Skouras, Lem Jones and Herman Wobber
are on the coast . . . John Eberson was in
Washington.
Constance Bennett is in town . . . Paul Jar-
rico, who will do the screenplay for “The
White Tower,” flew to Paris . . . Cliff Lewis
has arrived in New York.
Victor Moore will fly from Hollywood to at-
tend the June 10 opening of “It Happened
on Fifth Avenue” at the Rivoli Theatre . . .
Jules Lapidus and Sam Lefkowitz were in
Boston during the week . . . Steve Broidy is
back in Hollywood after a ten day business
trip to New York.
George D. Burrows, executive vice-president
and treasurer of Allied Artists and Monogram,
returned to the coast . . . Frank E. Cahill jr.,
director of sound for Warner Bros., attended
the opening of the new Vogue Theatre in
Cleveland.
Hugh Findlay, MGM publicity director for
England, and Alfred Junge, art director, are
in Hollywood ... Si Borus, Monogram-Allied
Artists contract manager, is on the coast to
confer with William Z. Porter . . . Isador M.
Rappaport, owner of the Hippodrome Thea-
tre, Baltimore, visited New York.
Harry Maizlish, general manager of KFWB,
the Warner Bros, station in Hollywood, re-
turned to the coast . . . Fred M. Wilcox,
MGM director, returned to California . . .
Marjorie Kane, formerly with the Paramount
publicity department, is vacationing on the
coast.
George Pal is in town . . . Nat Levy, RKO
eastern division manager, returned from
Florida . . . Arthur Pincus of Loew’s Interna-
tional publicity staff, returned from a tour of
Europe . . . Richard Basehart and Mrs. Base-
hart will return to the coast next week . . .
Harry Goldberg, director of advertising and
publicity for Warner Theatres, is on the
coast.
John Ford is in New York for a five-day
stay . . . Mitchell Rawson of the MGM pub-
licity department returned from a two-week
vacation . . . Sam Marx will arrive in New
York the latter part of June . . . Lewis J.
Lieser, PRC branch manager in Buffalo, and
Mrs. Lieser are spending their honeymoon
here. Mrs. Lieser is the former Jeannette
Berliner, Buffalo office manager for Univer-
sal.
John E. Flynn of MGM will leave on a fish-
ing trip June 15 . . . Terry Turner, RKO ex-
ploitation manager, and Don Prince, foreign
publicity director, are in Hollywood . . . Rob-
ert Taplinger, vice-president in charge of
IT’S AN ANNIVERSARY— At the Mid-
wood Theatre, Brooklyn, a few days ago
they celebrated the 21st anniversary by
passing out birthday cake and ice cream.
Left to right: L. B. Freund, district man-
ager, Century circuit; George Amos,
manager of the Midwood, and Bill White,
assistant manager.
advertising and publicity for Enterprise, re-
turned to Hollywood after a six-week visit
with UA executives and George Schaefer,
vice-president in charge of distribution for
Enterprise.
William G. Brenner, head of MGM's check-
ing department, is back from Cincinnati . . .
Marian J. Jordan, MPEA manager for Ger-
many, flew to Berlin . . . Maurice A. Berg-
man, A1 Horwits and Charles Simonelli re-
turned from Cincinnati . . . Robert Cham-
bers, MPA research department head, is
back from the coast . . . Rube Jackter, as-
sistant general sales manager for Columbia,
and Sam Galanty, mideast division manager,
were in Washington recently.
James Geller, E-L producer, is in New York
to attend the wedding of his daughter, Janet,
to Robert Edelman. While here Geller will
confer with sales heads . . . John Ford re-
ceived an honorary Master of Arts degree
from Bowdoin college.
J. Cheever Cowdin is back from the coast
. . . Herman Robbins is a grandfather for the
fifth time. Mrs. Norman Robbins gave birth
to a boy, Andrew Bruce, on Decoration day
. . . Russell Holman, Paramount eastern pro-
duction head, is back from Europe.
Theatre Opening Causes
Big Row in Lions Club
Pennington Gap, Va. — Opening of the
new Lee Theatre here, giving the town its
first movies in 15 months, was greeted
with joy by citizens, although the opening
almost caused disintegration of the local
Lions club.
Nearly 2,000 persons purchased tickets
the opening day, and Manager Perle
Stewart, who has worked 18 hours a day
for months getting the house ready, was
smiling broadly. He announced that the
show would be open the following Sun-
day.
When the Lions club met, a vote was
taken to approve and sponsor the Sun-
day shows. It carried 31 to 22, but eight
members resigned, leaving their buttons
on the president’s table before dessert
was finished.
Sorry to see a smoothly functioning or-
ganization become shaky, the Lions later
voted to rescind the action, dropping the
hot potato in the lap of the city council.
Lee county’s two other incorporated
towns, St. Charles and Jonesville, show on
Sunday to large crowds, not without strong
objections from the churches, however.
Stage Shows Resumed
By Capitol, Strand
NEW YORK — The Capitol and the Strand,
two of the leading presentation theatres on
Broadway, last week resumed their stage
shows which had been dropped for special
film programs. The Capitol had no stage
show during the four-week run of “Duel in
the Sun," and the Strand had a two-week
twin film bill, comprising "The Sea Wolf”
and "The Sea Hawk,” Warner reissues.
Joseph R. Vogel, vice-president of Loew’s,
operator of the Capitol, said his company
will continue a stage show policy for the
theatre as long as the policy continues to
pay off.
FLESH AND FILMS TOO
A spokesman for Warners said that stage
shows have been booked for the Strand until
August 1 along with three new first run
films. After that date, there may be oc-
casional double bills of reissues, but the house
will remain basically a presentation theatre.
Neither the Warners’ nor Loew’s repre-
sentatives would draw any conclusions as
to the success or failure of the recent all-
film programs as compared to a presentation
policy.
Vogel pointed out that Loew’s dropped the
Capitol stage show because “Duel” was a long
picture (140 minutes). There was no stage
show when the Capitol ran “Gone With the
Wind" in 1939.
The fact that grosses were below average
during the last two weeks of the “Duel” run
bore no relationship to the absence of a stage
show, said Vogel. The picture played in 38
Loew’s theatres throughout the metropolitan
area, where patrons were able to see the
film in their neighborhoods at $1.25 top in
contrast to the $1.50 top prevailing at the
Capitol.
The regular weekday top of $1.25 has been
resumed by the Capitol along with the stage
show.
As for stage shows in general, Vogel had
this to say: “A good stage show usually
cannot carry a bad picture, but a good pic-
ture will usually carry a poor stage show.”
The exception would be the personal appear-
ance of an outstanding film or radio per-
sonality, but even such personality will only
be able to draw the crowds for a maximum
of two or three weeks if the picture is poor,
Vogel added.
SAVE MONEY WITH FILMS
The Strand also did below average busi-
ness with its twin-reissue bill, but Warner
Bros, was satisfied. In the first place, the
company saved $10,000 to $12,500 a week, the
usual cost of a name band booked by the
Strand. In the second place, admissions were
cut for the run of the reissue bill. Prices
were 55 cents until 1 p. m., 85 cents until
5 p. m. and $1.10 until closing. The usual
scale, which has been resumed with the stage
show, is 70 cents until 1 p. m., 95 cents
until 5 p. m. and $1.25 until closing.
A spokesman for the company said that
the theatre may book “Sing Me a Love Song,”
starring James Melton, and “Go Into Your
Dance,” with A1 Jolson, two 1935-36 reissues.
These films will be shown beginning June
15 in many of the 150 first run key situa-
tions that played the “Sea Wolf”-“Sea Hawk”
bill.
The new double bill cannot be booked by
the Strand until after August 1 because of
stage show commitments.
RKO to Pay 30 Cents
NEW YORK — The board of directors of
Radio-Keith-Orpheum Corp. has declared a
quarterly dividend of 30 cents a share on
common stock, payable July 1, 1947, to stock-
holders of record at close of business June 16.
44
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
Three B'way Theatres
Skim Holiday Cream
NEW YORK — Business ranged from great
to poor, with the weekend holiday crowds
concentrating at the Music Hall, the Roxy
and the Hollywood. At the Music Hall, “Great
Expectations” was the attraction; at the Roxy,
it was Jack Benny and his radio show, and
at the Hollywood the lure was Joan Crawford
in “Possessed.”
The Gotham did nicely with two reissues,
“I Stole a Million” and “Magnificent Obses-
sion.” The Winter Garden also reported above
average business with “Carnegie Hall.” The
picture has been there five weeks.
(Average is 100)
Astor — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
28th wk 94
Broadway — Dishonored Lady (UA), 2nd wk 50
Capitol — Duel in the Sun (SRO), 4th wk 55
Criterion — Odd Man Out (U-I), 6th wk 86
Globe — Framed (Col), 2nd wk 90
Gotham — Magnificent Obsession (U-I),
I Stole a Million (U-I), reissues 108
Hollywood — Possessed (WB) 126
Loew's State — The Fabulous Dorseys (UA),
plus stage show 95
Palace — Honeymoon (RKO), 3rd wk 70
Paramount — The Imperfect Lady (Para),
plus stage show, 2nd wk 75
Park Avenue — Carnegie Hall (UA), 5th wk 50
Radio City Music Hall — Great Expectations (U-I),
plus stage show, 2nd wk 120
Rialto — Isle of the Dead (RKO);
The Body Snatcher (RKO), reissues 85
Rivoli — The Other Love (UA), 3rd wk... 75
Roxy — The Brasher Doubloon (20th-Fox), plus
stage show, 2nd wk 128
Strand— The Sea Wolf (WB), The Sea Hawk
(WB), reissues, 2nd wk 78
Victoria — Jungle Book (FC), reissue 90
Winter Garden — Carnegie Hall (UA), 5th wk 110
'Duel' Wallops Philadelphia
In Mass-Theatre Opening
PHILADELPHIA— The hottest strip of film
to hit this town in a long, long time was
“Duel in the Sun.” The blistering attack by
the Evening Bulletin seemed to have im-
pressed Philadelphians with only one thing —
that “Duel” was opening. The film was well
on its way to setting a new house record at
the Fox, the third new record in as many
weeks, and although accurate figures were not
available, many managers of neighborhood
houses where it opened day and date claimed
as much business for the opening weekend of
“Duel” as they usually do in two or three
weeks. After eight weeks “Best Years”
dropped out at the Pix but continued at the
Arcadia. “The Two Mrs. Carrolls,” in spite
of bad reviews, and the combination of “Lost
Honeymoon” and Tex Beneke’s band at the
Earle, was doing pretty well in the middle
of a slight business slump.
Aldine — Dark Delusion (MGM) 70
Arcadia — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
9th wk 105
Boyd — Dishonored Lady (UA) .-.. 110
Earle — Lost Honeymoon (E-L), plus stage show. .150
Fox — Duel in the Sun (SRO) 275
Goldman — The Egg and I (U-I), 4th wk 105
Karlton — The Yearling (MGM), 2nd wk 200
Keith's — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM),
2nd run 125
Mastbaum — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB) 145
Stanley — Calcutta (Para), 2nd wk 130
Stanton — Framed (Col), 3rd wk 105
Pix — Hotel Reserve (RKO) No estimate available
Business Perks Up in Buffalo;
'Calcutta' Strong in Opener
BUFFALO — Rain continued to fall here
last week but business perked up at theatre
boxoffices nevertheless. "Calcutta” was a
strong leader at the Great Lakes. “High
Barbaree” did excellent business at the Buf-
falo, and the reissue of “Boom Town” demon-
strated pulling power at the Hippodrome.
Buffalo — High Barbaree (MGM); Little Mr.
Jim (MGM) 110
Great Lakes — Calcutta (Para) 129
Hippodrome — Boom Town (MGM), reissue;
Too Many Winners (PRC) 100
Lafayette — The Egg and I (U-I), 3rd wk.;
Bulldog Drummond at Bay (Col) 85
Teck — The Fabulous Dorseys (UA); The
Guilty (Mono) 100
20th Century — It Happened on Fifth Avenue
(Mono); Mr. Hex (Mono), 2nd wk 86
Along New York's Filmrow
_____________ By WALTER WALDMAN
QOLOMON M. STRAUSBERG, son of the
late Samuel Strausberg, president of In-
terboro circuit, says that Interboro will carry
through the expansion program set by his
father. This program calls for 12 new thea-
tres in greater New York.
Lewis J. Lieser, PRC branch manager in
Buffalo, spent his honeymoon in New York.
He married the former Jeannette Berliner,
office manager of the U-I exchange in Buf-
falo . . . Conrad Baker of the Avenue Play-
house was married June 1 to Raquel Katz.
The newlyweds are honeymooning at Lake
Placid and in Canada.
Harry Greenman, managing director of the
Capitol, made sure that Guy Lombardo and
his orchestra would have pleasant surround-
ings when they resumed playing at the Cap-
itol Thursday (5). Greenman had the dress-
ing rooms redecorated, and put in new furni-
ture and window hangings. Greenman also
sanded and stained the entire backstage.
Pincus Tell, former film critic of the Bronx
Home News, has joined Noel Meadow Associ-
ates, film publicity organization . . . More
than 2,000 local lawyers and law students
have been invited to see "The Nuremberg
Trials” at the Stanley Theatre. Admission
will be gratis . . . Herman Becker and Ed
Rugoff of Rugoff & Becker are getting ready
for the summer season at Long Beach, L. I.
They have renovated the Lido Theatre inside
and out. The 600-seat house will have a new
marquee when it reopens during the latter
part of this month . . . The Crest Theatre
in the same town also is getting a new coat
of paint and face-lifting. Rugoff & Becker
will reopen, the Crest as a legitimate thea-
tre July 1. “Dear Ruth” and “Dream Girl”
will be the first two plays of the season.
Paramount will hold its annual outing
June 25 at the New Longshore country club,
Westport, Conn. Exchange and home office
employes will head for Westport on a spe-
cial train from Grand Central station . . .
Milton Kusell, head of domestic distribution
for the Selznick Releasing Organization, is
still looking for Filmrow office space for the
SRO New York branch . . . The sales per-
sonnel, now stationed in the home office on
Madison avenue, is in restricted quarters . . .
SRO officially has 21 branches, but because
the home office and New York branch have
to double up, the boys count only 20 branches.
The president of the ministerial ass’n of
Plainfield, N. J., has endorsed the “Go to
Church” trailer now being shown at all the
Walter Reade theatres . . . John Kohler, man-
ager of the Paramount Theatre, Plainfield,
is back at work fully recovered from his re-
cent operation . . . The mayors of Plainfield,
North Plainfield and the ex-mayor of Plain-
field are participating in a special July 4
campaign arranged by Murray Meinberg and
Hal Martz of the Strand Theatre there.
Bill Howard, assistant general manager of
RKO Theatres, was in Denver during the
week to install Jay Golden as the new di-
vision manager for RKO theatres in the west
. . . Bill Brown, manager of Loew’s Poli-
Bijou, New Haven, and Mrs. Brown visited
New York to celebrate their 29th wedding
anniversary . . . E. Thornton Kelley, con-
vention manager for the Allied Theatre
Owners of N. J., spent the Memorial day
weekend in Atlantic City checking arrange-
ments for the Allied convention which will
be held there June 24-26.
Century Theatres has made plans to hold
the second in a series of open forums to
establish a closer relationship between the
field and home office at the Waldorf-
Astoria hotel June 10. J. R. Springer is gen-
eral manager. The previous forum was held
March 4.
Fred J. Schwartz, vice-president, will pre-
side and department heads will attend with
district and house managers.
William Orr of the Warner Bros., studio
talent department is in New York to confer
with home office talent officials and to look
for new screen possibilities . . . Leon Britton,
Far Eastern supervisor for RKO, has arrived
from Singapore for conferences with home
office executives . . . Gradweil L. Sears is
back from the coast.
GET SET FOR DRIVE — Paramount’s New York exchange staff meets to lay
plans for the 35 Years of Leadership drive due to start August 31. Left to right:
Nat Stern, booking manager; Albert Gebhart, salesman; Phil Isaacs, booker; A1
Trilling, booker; Eddie Bell, salesman; Gerald Frankel, booker; Gene Newman,
assistant office manager; Henry Randel, New York district manager; Hugh Owen,
eastern and southern division manager; Jack Perley, office manager; Richard
Magin, booker; Sam Lake, top salesman in the 1946 drive; Myron Sattler, branch
manager; Jerry Horowitz, booker. Seated: Kitty Flynn, who led all the Paramount
bookers last year.
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
45
Set Retirement Plan
For 1,000 in Circuit
NEW YORK — The Century Theatre has es-
tablished a retirement plan covering approxi-
mately 1,000 employes. Details of the plan
were explained June 5 in a joint statement
issued by Albert A. Hovell, president, and
Fred J. Schwartz, vice-president, and in a
special booklet distributed to all employes.
Century will pay for the cost of the plan
out of a retirement fund to be administered
by a special employes committee consisting
of Martin H. Newman, controller, as chair-
man; Jack Weinstein, Flatbush district man-
ager; Charles Call, manager of the Bliss
Theatre; Mrs. Justine Hudish, secretary to
Fred J. Schwartz, and Peter Elarde, operator
at the Grove Theatre.
GETS AN OFFICIAL O. K.
The plan was submitted to the U.S. treas-
ury department in 1942 for approval, and re-
ceived the official okay August 1946.
Those eligible for the plan are employes
who had been in continuous service of the
company for at least three years on March 1,
1946, and who received a regular salary for
at least 20 hours work a week for at least
nine months a year. Employes who have not
met those requirements will become members
of the plan on any subsequent March 1 when
the requirements are met.
The minimum payment under the plan is
$15 a month. The maximum is 40 per cent
of the average annual earning over the last
ten years of employment.
The normal retirement age is 65, but an
employe can retire ten years earlier at a re-
duced monthly income if he has been with
the company a specified period of time. If an
employe becomes totally and permanently dis-
abled before reaching 65, he will receive full
benefits from the plan, if he has been with
the company for at least 20 years.
HOW THE PLAN WORKS
The normal retirement income will consist
in part of funds paid by the federal social
security with the balance from the retirement
plan. The total of these payments on an
annual basis will equal 1% per cent of the
average annual compensation during the last
ten years of employment, multiplied by the
number of years of continuous employment
with the company.
This plan, said Hovell, is over and above
other employe benefits which include free
group insurance, hospitalization, Christmas
bonuses, incentive checks, the welfare fund
and the vacation plan.
RKO Re-Elects Rathvon
Depinet to Top Posts
NEW YORK— All the present officers of
Radio-Keith-Orpheum Corp. were re-elected
at the annual meeting of the RKO board in
New York June 5. They were Peter N. Rath-
von, president; Ned E. Depinet, executive
vice-president and general counsel; J. Miller
Walker, secretary; Garrett Van Wagner, con-
troller; William H. Clark, treasurer, and A. W.
Dawson and A. E. Reoch, assistant treasurer.
Named directors the preceding day were
Rathvon, Depinet, Walker, Harry M. Durn-
ing, Frederick Zehrman, L. Lawrence Green,
L. Boyd Hatch, Floyd B. Odium, and George
H. Shaw.
1ST CLASS DISTRIBUTION FOR
* THE ENTIRE SOUTH — thru
J(IOHN) Q ^ (O. K.)
enkins oc Bourgeois
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HABWOOD & JACKSON STS.. DALLAS 1. TEX.
Seymour Nebenzal, left, independent
producer for UA, met the trade press dur-
ing his recent New York visit. Budd
Rogers, the producer’s eastern represen-
tative, joined the conferences.
7 Drive-Ins by 1948
Plan of Eastern Corp.
NEW YORK — Eastern Drive-In Corp. will
complete construction of seven drive-in thea-
tres in New York City and New Jersey by
1948, according to Monroe Stein, attorney
for the circuit. The company is headed by
James J. Thompson, former operator of Co-
calis Theatres.
The first situation in the group is operat-
ing in Union, N. J., and the second is now
being built in Morristown. The third New
Jersey open air theatre will be started in three
weeks. Thompson has purchased a 40-acre
tract of land in Totowa, N. J.
Thompson holds franchise rights to build
drive-in theatres throughout New Jersey and
five boroughs of New York City in addition
to Westchester and Long Island.
Additional drive-ins will be started in
Queens, Westchester, Staten Island and New
Jersey before the end of the year, Stein said.
WB IntT Shifts Abeles;
Five Others Promoted
NEW YORK — Arthur H. Abeles jr., at pres-
ent manager for Warner Bros, in the Argen-
tine and supervisor of the company opera-
tions in Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay, has
been named as executive assistant to Max
Milder, managing director in Great Britain.
Abeles will leave Buenos Aires for London
about August 1. The shift was made known
by Harry M. Warner over the weekend.
Following this appointment, Wolfe Cohen,
vice-president of Warner International in
charge of Latin America, Australia and the
Far East, made five promotions in his terri-
tory. Ary Lima, manager in Brazil, becomes
supervisor for that country, Argentina, Chile,
Uruguay and Paraguay, with headquarters in
Rio de Janeiro. Armando Trucies, in charge
of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Boliva, be-
comes general manager for Argentina, with
headquarters in Buenos Aires, effective July 1.
Arl Heumann, assistant manager in Co-
lombia, will be manager in that territory with
headquarters in Bogota. Louis Lipsky, man-
ager in Colombia, is being transferred to
Santiago as manager for Chile, succeeding
Douglas J. Granville, who will arrive in New
York shortly for a supervising assignment in
the Far East.
Peggy Knudsen for Topline
Peggy Knudsen has been ticketed to top-
line opposite Don Castle in 20th-Fox’s “Roses
Are Red.’’
Costs Are Still Rising,
Nebenzal Declares
NEW YORK — Production costs, particu-
larly labor prices, are still rising, according
to Seymour Nebenzal, independent producer
for UA. If prices continue to soar, produc-
tion will slow down and unemployment will
follow, just as in any other industry, he
warned. Nebenzal recently spent several
days in New York. He brought with him a
print of his latest picture, “Heaven Only
Knows.”
He cited the recent wage increase demands
by the Screen Actors Guild as an example
of continued cost increases, but said these
demands will only affect salaries of bit
players. The principals’ salaries are one
of the independent producer’s chief expenses,
he added.
GOING WILL BE ROUGH
Discussing the future of independent pro-
duction and the recent merger of Liberty
Films with Paramount, Nebenzal predicted
many smaller independents will find the
going rough as costs continue to rise and will
be forced to join the major companies to
continue in production.
Concerning speeding up production to keep
costs down, the producer feels quality is sac-
rificed by indiscriminate speedups. Another
UA independent, Benedict Bogeaus, is step-
ping up production to cut down extra ex-
penses. Nebenzal said time is the chief worry
as far as expenses go. However, he doesn’t
feel he can rush pictures through without
cutting down on quality.
The producer said he is aware of a general
drop in business — in fact he finds banks are
tightening up on money loans to the industry.
While on the subject of finances he de-
clared he finds it difficult to work on a
specific budget for a picture. “You always
find some union contract has expired during
shooting, and sometimes the retroactive wage
increases granted will increase costs by as
much as $3,000."
Nebenzal also touched on the foreign
market. He is one of 90 per cent of the UA
producers who have signed with the Motion
Picture Export Ass’n. Budd Rogers, his east-
ern representative who joined him in a press
interview, said that while the idea of pre-
senting a united front to the overseas film
monopolies is sound, many independents
have not joined the MPEA. Because of this,
he feels the MPEA has no advantages for
independents as a whole. Nebenzal shares
his views.
MAKE BIOSCOOP DEALS
Rogers said several outfits have made dis-
tribution deals with Bioscoop Bond, Dutch
monopoly, since the MPEA took over dis-
tribution there. He mentioned Hunt Strom-
berg, Howard Hughes, Edward Small, David
O. Selznick and Monogram.
The MPEA bases distribution profits on a
picture’s domestic gross. Nebenzal feels
every picture should get what it earns in the
foreign market, since some films do better
overseas.
The producer reported that the coast
jurisdictional strike has not hampered pro-
duction for the past six to eight months.
Studio space, tight during the war, is now
available to independents, he said.
Nebenzal’s current three-year contract
with UA calls for five pictures, budgeted at
$7,000,000. The first of these is “Heaven
Only Knows.” Others include “Atlantis,”
to be delivered in four to five weeks; “Mad-
ame Butterfly,” being prepared for shooting;
“Mayerling,” awaiting Technicolor prints,
and a fifth, as yet untitled.
46
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
CONFERENCE OF INDEPENDENT
THEATRE OWNERS
EXHIBIT HALL, AMBASSADOR HOTEL
ATLANTIC CITY, N. J.
i
JUNE 24 - 25 - 26 1 947
28th
ANNUAL CONVENTION
Theatre Equipment Show
and
TESTIMONIAL BANQUET
to
I
JACK KIRSCH, National President
ALLIED STATES ASSOCIATION
OF MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITORS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947 47
Films of 19 Nations
Compete in Beltfium
BRUSSELS — Films from 19 nations are
competing in the Brussels World Film Festi-
val, which opened June 2. Three juries
of prominent Belgian writers, artists and
art critics will select winners in the full-
length feature classification, cartoons and
short reels covering scientific education or
information. Awards will be made June 30.
The main award for the best picture entered
in the festival will be a 16-foot figure of St.
Michael, patron saint of Brussels.
Film leaders from various nations are ex-
pected to attend the competition. Eric John-
ston, president of the Motion Picture Ass’n,
is due to arrive here June 24, when Regent
Prince Charles will hold a dinner for 60 pro-
ducers and stars. Alexander Korda also will
be present. U.S. film stars attending the
festival include Rita Hayworth, Linda Dar-
nell and Paulette Goddard.
U.S. feature entries total ten, including
"The Razor’s Edge,’’ “Humoresque,” “Song of
the South,” “The Yearling,” “The Best Years
of Our Lives,” “Down to Earth,” "It’s a
Wonderful Life,” “To Each His Own,” “Car-
negie Hall" and “The Egg and I.” Cartoons
and shorts reels also have been entered from
the U.S. Britain, France and Italy have en-
tered six features each, plus shorts.
Features of the festival include an MPA
information center and an exhibition of
Walt Disney cartoons.
Other countries represented include Argen-
tina, Canada, Mexico, Denmark, Greece, the
Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Sweden,
Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Belgium, Aus-
tralia, South Africa and Morocco. The Soviet
Union was invited, but has not formally ac-
cepted.
All films entered were produced between
Jan. 1, 1946, and April 13, 1947. All pictures
will be shown at Brussels Palais Beaux Arts.
Latest British entries include “The Court-
neys of Curzon Street” and “Great Expec-
tations.” Both pictures were selected by a
board of British film leaders. “Courtneys”
recently won first prize in the Pictorial
Monthly film award, followed by “The Year-
ling,” “Duel in the Sun" and “Panique,”
French film.
Phil Reisman, RKO vice-president in
charge of foreign distribution, was guest of
honor at the first reception to be held at the
American information center on Wednesday
(June 4). More than 300 persons including
high Belgian officials, directors of the fes-
tival and delegates from the participating
nations attended.
Saul Abrams, 55, Dies
NEW YORK — Saul Abrams, 55, operator
of the Nassau Theatre, Roosevelt, L. I., died
at the South Nassau Communities hospital
June 1 following an illness of seven weeks.
Abrams entered the film industry as a
salesman for Big U in 1918. Later, he turned
to exhibition and managed Skouras houses
in New Jersey, as well as a theatre in Hemp-
stead. Abrams took over the Nassau Theatre
13 years ago.
Survivors include his wife, Ada; a brother,
Leo Abrams of National Screen Service; a
son, Norman, and a daughter, Mrs. Frances
Heyman.
NEW MIRROPHONIC SOUND
JOE HORNSTEIN, Inc.
630 Ninth Ave., New York Cit>
Buffalo Paramounteers
Honor 'Mannie' Brown
WASHINGTON
BUFFALO — The local Paramount ex-
lange will dedicate the months of Septem-
ber, October and No-
vember to Manager M.
A. “Mannie” Brown,
who is rounding out a
colorful 35 years in
film distribution. The
drive will be concur-
rent with the com-
pany’s 35 Years of
Leadership drive.
Brown got into dis-
tribution at the age of
13 in his native To-
ronto when he worked
with J. H. Martin in
a so-called traveling
film exchange, dis-
tributing European product. In 1914 he joined
Ascher and Adler of New York as a lecturer
for their programs, being billed as Prof. E. A.
Brown, the noted young Canadian traveler,
lecturer and social worker. He toured the
country with pictures and slides with such
lurid titles as "Exposing the White Slave
Traffic” and “Hunting Gunmen in a Large
City.”
Two years of this and Brown was off to
Europe to buy up films for himself and on
his return he set up the Brown Feature Film
Co. in Montreal. Stationery warned cus-
tomers that paper on the features was avail-
able but orders must be prepaid.
Brown later linked up with various inde-
pendent distributing companies in Canada
and in 1932 he joined Paramount as Montreal
branch manager. He went to Denver as
manager in 1941 and came to Buffalo in 1943.
I
MANNIE BROWN
Automatic Ticket Box
A Cinema Experiment
NEW YORK — Cinema circuit has been
experimenting with an automatic ticket box
developed by George Shapiro, a former aero-
nautical engineer. Shapiro has organized
the Automatic Ticket Collector Corp. to
market the box.
The box operates like an automatic fare
machine on a bus or subway. Individual
tickets are inserted in a slot. The ticket is
chopped in half, and the patron retains his
stub. The section that falls into the box
is illuminated under a magnifying glass. Each
time a ticket is inserted it registers on an
automatic counter. The number on the
counter should coincide with the number of
sales reported by the cashier. Only the
manager or a supervisory employe has ac-
cess to the box and to the locked panel
covering the counter. The doorman has
nothing to do with the tickets.
During the past two weeks, Cinema has
used the box in two of its theatres on West
42nd street, the New Amsterdam and the
Anco. After another week’s trial at the
Anco, the box will be installed in the Pros-
pect Theatre, the Bronx.
The box is in its final experimental stages.
Shapiro plans several modifications before
he places it on the market.
Herb Berg Is Appointed
To E-L Publicity Staff
NEW YORK — Herb Berg, until recently
with the SRO staff, has been appointed to
the Eagle-Lion publicity staff in New York,
Max Youngstein, director of publicity and
advertising, announced Friday afternoon (6).
MGM Items: Cashier Anna Ridgely’s son,
Howard jr„ was married last week to
Nadine Bryant of Arkansas, where the couple
left for their honeymoon. Present at the wed-
ding were Eddie Kushner, Catherine Murphy,
Hazel McLeran and Esther Blendman . . .
Regina Pearlman’s brother-in-law died in
New York . . . Bob Ellsworth jr. visited his
sister in New York who will be married
June 21.
More from MGM: Sam Richer, cashier’s
department, visited his family in Atlantic
City over the Memorial day holiday . . . Jo-
sephine Byrnes, inspector, is vacationing . . .
Ida Barezofsky entertained friends from New
York . . . Jack Dean, shipping department,
returned from a vacation . . . Vivien Kelly
and hubby went fishing in southern Mary-
land . . . Hazel McLeran entertained friends
from Richmond over the holiday.
Harley Davidson jr., son of the Paramount
salesman, was graduated this week from Au-
gusta Military academy, Fort Defiance, Va„
and will enter the University of Virginia in
the fall . . . Nick Weems, for the last 20-odd
years salesman with Columbia Pictures, has
resigned . . . The Harley Davidsons will cele-
brate a wedding anniversary next week . . .
Mary McConnells’ father has returned home
from the Naval Medical hospital in Bethesda
where he has been for several months.
C. E. Peppiatt, recently appointed eastern
division manager for 20th-Fox and the newly
promoted district manager, Sam Gross, visit-
ed Branch Manager Glenn Norris and the
Washington exchange Friday . . . Little Mau-
reen and John jr., children of Office Man-
ager John O'Leary, underwent tonsillectomies
. . . Student Booker Dick Norris is vacation-
ing . . . Bookkeeper Virginia Haggerty is va-
cationing in Indiana and E-50 clerk Edith
Feinberg has returned from a week’s vaca-
tion.
Warner News: Jane Zink, advertising de-
partment, flew home to Indiana, Pa., for
the Memorial day weekend ... Ed Camp, as-
sistant manager at the Metropolitan, vaca-
tions this week and Lillian Gibson, long-
time Earle cashier, leaves for a Bermuda va-
cation.
'Miracle' Opens With Big
34th St. Store Campaign
NEW YORK— “Miracle on 34th Street”
opened at the Roxy Theatre Wednesday (4)
after a campaign bordering on a civic cele-
bration in the midtown retail area. The
National Retail Dry Goods Ass’n cooperated
and the general pattern of the campaign is
to be used for openings elsewhere. The asso-
ciation has 7,500 member stores.
The 34th Street Midtown Ass’n furnished
store and window displays and there was
plenty of cooperative advertising street
decorations and radio promotion.
WOR, Mutual station, had an around-the-
clock tribute to the picture a day before the
opening. It took the form of on-the-spot
broadcasts from stores and windows along
34th street on 11 programs.
This campaign was arranged by Charles
Schlaifer and his advertising, publicity and
exploitation aides at 20th-Fox.
Direct theatre promotion included news-
paper, radio and transportation advertising
in both the city and suburban areas.
"Voice of Theatre Speakers”
JOE HORNSTEIN has them!
48
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
BY his interpretive use of equipment
— his skill in anticipating motion —
the microphone boom man takes the
words "right out of the mouth” of
actor or actress . . . correlates sound
with action so that clarity and proper
perspective are always maintained.
Thanks to him, today’s motion pic-
tures have the freedom of action which
was lost when sound was first intro-
duced on the screen. A great part of
the reality which is so essential to a
picture’s success depends on the boom
man’s skill and on his close coopera-
tion with the sound mixer.
And equally essential to the boom
man’s success are superior sound films
. . . films which have the quality, so
uniformly found in Eastman Films, of
assuring faithful reproduction.
EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
ROCHESTER 4, N. Y.
i. E. BRULATOUR, INC., DISTRIBUTORS
FORT LEE • CHICAGO • HOLLYWOOD
He takes the words
right out of her mouth • • •
PHILADELPHIA
The Berwyn Theatre, Berwyn, Pa., will be
returned to its original purpose when the
Main Line Civic Light Opera Co. opens a
season of operettas with Rudolph Friml's
"The Firefly” June 23. Each musical pro-
duction will run for two weeks.
Ev Callow, Warner executive, sure looked
sharp in his major’s uniform for Operation
Reunion, a get-together of marine corps re-
serve officers held here over the holidays
. . . Charley Coltzer, assistant manager at
the Stanley, will coach the Boyd-Mastbaum-
Stanley girls’ softball team this summer.
Just another “Duel” stunt: Peggy Eagen,
elected Miss Duel in the Sun, presented a
ten-gallon Stetson to Ferris Fain, first base-
man of the As, before a Memorial day crowd
in the 30,000s. Fain was the winner in a
drawing of names . . . Clark Film will handle
physical distribution for PRC-Eagle-Lion.
Name Three Independents
To Council of Equity
NEW YORK — Aline MacMahon and Ilka
Chase, who ran for re-election to the coun-
cil of Actors Equity Ass’n on an independent
ticket after being refused renomination by
the organization’s nominating committee,
were among the 11 actors chosen for the
council in the balloting at the Hotel Astor
June 2. The council, the governing body
of Actors Equity, consists of 50 members, ten
elected each year for five-year terms.
Ralph Bellamy was also elected on the
independent ticket while the winning can-
didates on the regular ticket were Elliott
Nugent and Raymond Massey, both of whom
were elected by wide margins, and Philip
Ober, Margalo Gillmore, Bert Lahr, Mar-
jorie Gateson and Frank Thomas sr. Eddie
Nugent was named as a replacement coun-
cilor for a one-year term.
Approximately 65 per cent of the total
senior membership in good standing voted,
said to be the largest percentage for an
Equity election. Sidney Blackmer, who was
among the leaders in the fight against the
independent ticket, claimed that one of
the candidates has Leftist tendencies and
that the council needed “hard workers not
Daily Workers.” He was answered by Mar-
garet Webster, who denied the allegations
and said “the state of the American theatre
is nothing short of desperate. We have
many things to fight for. Must we fight
against each other?”
Paul Dulzell, executive director and treas-
urer, said that Equity was in a stronger
financial position today than it ever had been
with total assets of $1,409,957, which took
more than 30 years to accumulate.
'Two Mrs. Carrolls' Has
100 Holiday Openings
NEW YORK— "The Two Mrs. Carrolls,”
Warner Bros, picture starring Humphrey
Bogart and Barbara Stanwyck, averaged 22
per cent better than normal business in ap-
proximately 100 Memorial day holiday week-
end openings.
Among the situations where the picture
topped former Bogart releases were: Palace,
Columus; Empress, Danbury, Conn.; Fabian,
Paterson, N. J.; Montauk, Passaic, N. J.;
Columbia, Sharon, Pa.; Ohio, Sandusky; War-
ner, Reading, Pa.; Playhouse, St. Petersburg,
Fla.; Lincoln and Palace, Trenton; Rialto,
Amsterdam, N. Y.; Warner, Aberdeen, Wash.;
Hoquiam, Hoquiam, Wash.; West Coast,
Crest and Long Beach. Long Beach, Calif.;
Warner, San Pedro, and Roxy, Springfield,
111.
BUFFALO
new motion picture projector has been
purchased by Public School 81 through
the pupils’ salvage paper drives . . . Sam
Lefkowitz, WB eastern district manager, has
returned to New York after a visit here and
in Binghamton.
Film Classics Distributing Corp. and Buf-
falo Film Classics Corp. have been merged
into Film Classics, Inc. ... A midnight show
featuring vaudeville acts and the film "Show
Business” was sponsored by Riverside Amer-
ican Legion Post 1,010 at Schine’s Riverside
Theatre. s
AT VIRGINIA OPENING— Posing for
the cameraman at the opening on May
22 of the Virginia, a new theatre at Alex-
andria, Va., left to right: Valentine
Smith, theatre manager; Elliot Hoffman,
president of the Alexandria Amusement
Co., and Frank B. Stover, chain manager.
The new ultramodern theatre, which
seats 1,000, is the sixth in the Alexandria
company chain. The theatre boasts the
largest stage and most complete dressing
rooms in the Washington metropolitan
area.
James Siewarl Stars
On B'way in July
NEW YORK — James Stewart will take
over the star role of Elwood P. Dowd in the
Pulitzer Prize play, “Harvey,” for six weeks
in July and August, according to Brock Pem-
berton, producer. Stewart will join the cast
either July 14 or July 21 when the original
star, Frank Fay, will take his vacation. The
play is now in its third year at the 48th
Street Theatre.
Stewart is now making some retakes on
“Magic Town.” a Robert Riskin production
for RKO, before coming to New York for
rehearsals for “Harvey.”
His last stage appearance was in “Journey
by Night” in 1935. He had also played in
“Yellow Jack,” “Page Miss Glory” and “Good-
bye Again” before making his first screen
appearance in “Next Time We Love” for
Universal in 1936.
Ingrid Bergman recently completed a
limited engagement of 25 weeks on Broad-
way in “Joan of Lorraine,” which set a new
record by playing to capacity attendance and
the limit of standees for every performance.
Fredric March also completed a 25-week run
in “Years Ago” May 31. Other screen stars
who have appeared on the New York stage
during the current season are: Anne Jeffreys,
in "Street Scene”; William Prince and Nina
Foch, in the current “John Loves Mary”;
James Mason in “Bathsheba” for a brief
run: Martha Scott. Diana Barrymore, Martha
Sleeper, Otto Kruger, Jean Parker, Miriam
Hopkins, Annabella, Raymond Walburn,
Philip Dorn, Claire Trevor, Dorothy Gish.
Kent Smith, J. Edward Bromberg, Henry
Daniell, Marjorie Gateson, June Duprez,
Basil Rathbone, Billy Gilbert, Burgess Mere-
dith and Mary Boland, who opened in “Open
House" June 3.
Norman McKay Killed
NEW YORK— Norman McKay, 47, man-
ager of radio station WDAY, Miami, was
killed in the Eastern Airlines plane crash
in Maryland May 30. He was returning to
Miami from New York, where he had been
one of a group of news and radio men who
made a record-breaking Miami-to-New York
plane flight last week.
In the face of declines in patronage, op-
erators of motion picture and legitimate
houses here are joining the American Thea-
tres Ass’n in a drive to eliminate or at least
reduce the 20 per cent amusement tax . . .
Joseph Gerl, president of Sonora Radio &
Television Corp., said in a talk here that
unless television blazes a new path in the
direction of enlightened home entertainment,
there is real danger that the medium “may
degenerate into a series of animated radio
commercials.”
Former operator of the old Venus Theatre,
Sebastiano DiTondo died here recently . . .
Export sales of jukeboxes are at an all-time
high at the Rudolph Wurlitzer Co.’s North
Tonawanda division.
A capacity audience at Shea’s Buffalo en-
joyed the sneak previews of 20th-Fox’s
“Miracle on 34th Street,” which was added
to the regular bill. Return cards asked judg-
ment of the picture, scheduled for a regular
showing next month at a Shea house. Many
out-of-town executives, including Rodney
Bush, exploitation director for 20th-Fox, at-
tended the preview.
Paramount N.Y. Branch
Meets for Sales Drive
NEW YORK — Hugh Owen, Paramount
eastern and southern division sales man-
ager, presided at the first New York branch
meeting May 29-31 in advance of the com-
pany's 1947 “Celebrating 35 Years of Leader-
ship” sales drive, which starts August 31.
In addition to Owen, Oscar Morgan, short
subjects sales manager; Henry Randel, New
York district manager; Claude Lee, public
relations director, and Myron Sattler, New
York branch manager, spoke at the meeting.
Others who attended were: Gordon Light-
stone, general manager of Paramount Film
Service, Ltd., of Canada; Monroe Goodman,
assistant to Morgan; Jack Roper, assistant
to Owen; Sam Boverman, company attorney,
and Joseph Walsh, in charge of branch ac-
counting and sales statistics in the distribu-
tion department.
At the meeting, Owen inducted Nat Stern,
New York booking manager, into the com-
pany’s One Hundred Percent club. Sam Lake,
of the New York sales staff, was presented
first-prize money by Owen for topping all
the company’s salesmen in the 1946 sales
drive. Other checks went to Eddie Bell, who
placed sixth among the salesmen in the
1946 contest; Kitty Flynn, who came out
first among the bookers, and Jerry Horo-
witz, who was the No. 2 booker last year.
Found Dead in Theatre
PHILADELPHIA— A patron of the Blue-
bird Theatre was found slumped in his seat
unconscious by an usher, Robert Otter. He
was taken to the hospital where he was pro-
nounced dead. Other patrons in the house
were unaware of the occurrence.
50
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
Thinks Admissions Cut
Smakwitz Says Ticket Rise Negligible; Other
ALBANY — A reduction in admission prices
is unwise and unlikely, in the opinion of
Charles A. Smakwitz, assistant zone man-
ager for Warner Theatres and a veteran of
30 years in show business. “I do not think
there is any present likelihood of reducing
prices, especially in the Albany area,” Smak-
witz said.
“I do not put much stock in such talk,”
he continued. “Cutting the scale would not
help matters at all, as I see it. Movies are
the poor man’s entertainment, and they still
are very cheap. The top charge here is 65
cents, 11 of which goes for the federal tax.
Our prewar price was 50 cents. The present
base price is 54 cents. In other words, we
have gone up only 4 cents, despite large
increases in labor and other costs.
FILMS VS. FOODSTUFFS
“Compare this with the advances in food
and clothing. A year ago spring, I bought
a summer suit for $35. Do you know what
the same store is asking for the identical
suit this year? Sixty-five dollars. Maybe
the manufacturer increased the price to the
store; I don’t know. I do know the price
to the consumer jumped $30.”
“There is no depression and none in sight,”
pointed out the Warner Theatres executive,
“despite predictions to the contrary. There
are no breadlines, as was the case in the
early 1930s — when film theatres operated
at a profit. I agree that people are not
making as much money as they did at the
wartime peak.
“But that was an abnormal time, a lavish
and lush period. We lose perspective if we
judge business and profits by wartime stand-
ards. People as a whole are still comfortably
off. Sure, some are out of work; unemploy-
ment always has existed and always will.
Part of it may be due to changed economic
conditions, but a sizable portion of unem-
ployment is caused by the fact that certain
individuals don’t like to work or won’t work
unless their salary demands are met. Take
a glance, any day, at the Help Wanted pages
Heilman Wants a Ban
On Double Features
Albany — Harry Heilman, independent
exhibitor since the days of the nickel-
odeon, for 38 years in fact believes the
circuits should take the lead in abolishing
double features.
This militant exhibitor d.eclares that
twin bills are the bane of the industry, in
this and other areas, and points to the
success of southern showmen in running
single bills. He mentions Miami and
Miami Beach in this connection.
Heilman operates the Royal and Para-
mount here, the Palace in Troy and is
pooled with the Fabian interests in some
drive-in operations. He adds:
“It’s time for the circuits to wake up
and stop fooling themselves. They must
take the leadership; the subsequent runs,
the little fellows, the ‘depression houses,’
can do it. More money would be made
and patrons better satisfied if a good
single feature is shown along with se-
lected shorts.”
The Albanyite closed with the asser-
tion that if the circuits ban double fea-
tures, the little fellow will surely fall into
line.
of papers in Albany, Troy, Schenectady or
any other city. Literally hundreds of jobs
are open. It was not this way when I was a
youngster.”
FOLKS STILL HAVE MONEY
“Nobody can convince me,” asserted Smak-
witz, gathering steam, “that — except for a
few dire cases — any adult in this city lacks
the money to attend a movie at least once
a week, or that parents haven't enough to
permit a child to do likewise.” He declared
that if patrons find the 65 cents charged
at A houses excessive, they could go some-
Buffalo Variety Plans
Sister Kenny Clinic
BUFFALO— Work on behalf of under-
privileged children has been pledged anew
by members of Buffalo Variety Club after
reviewing the work of the organization at
the recent international convention in Holly-
wood. said Elmer Lux, national canvasman
and head of Buffalo’s RKO office.
Lux said members of the Buffalo caravan
were impressed by documentary films and
exhibits depicting Variety's assistance to
needy children all over the country.
Participating in the effort, Tent 7 has
completed plans for establishment and sup-
port of a Variety Club-Sister Kenny clinic
and additional help for cerebral palsy vic-
tims. It also has begun a special service to
provide regular motion picture showings for
shutins in various western New York in-
stitutions.
Among those who accompanied Lux to the
convention were Mrs. Lux, Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph C. Davis, Andrew Gibson, Myron
Gross, Murray Whiteman, Stanley Kozan-
owski, Marvin Atlas and Foster Brooks.
The club held a free venison dinner Sat-
urday night in the Delaware avenue club-
rooms. A “jamboree” followed.
Girl Locked in Theatre
PHILADELPHIA — A 23-year-old girl dozed
off during a performance at the Byrd Thea-
tre and awakened at 2 a. m. to find herself
locked in the theatre. Passersby heard her
screams and called firemen who climbed
through a second story window and finally
unlocked a door. Then she went home and
back to sleep.
INCORPORATIONS
ALBANY
Riethof Productions: To manufacture, im-
port and export motion picture films, pro-
jecting machines and cameras; $20,000, $100
par; G. Lester W. Curry, Frances Kneitel,
Esther Edelman, 70 Pine St., New York.
Motion Picture Planning Corp.: To engage
in the motion picture business; 300 shares,
no par: Gerald Meyer, 250-06 Thornhill Ave„
Little Neck; Christine Corbett, 230 West
72nd St., New York; Geraldine Kesciagno,
21-68 24th St., Long Island City.
Film Classics, Inc., changed capital stock
from 7,000 shares, 3,000 of them preferred at
$100 par and 4,000 common at no par to 4,000
no par.
Roselle Theatres, Inc.: To conduct busi-
ness in Kings county; 200 shares, no par;
George T. Gunsher, Joseph G. Kaplan and
T. Kenneth Tyson, 277 Broadway, New York.
Inadvisable
Commodities Soar
where else. He went on to say, “There may
be a shift in patronage from the deluxers
to the neighborhoods.”
Smakwitz attributed the present boxoffice
slump to three factors: the arrival of warm
weather, an insufficient supply of first class
pictures, and buyers’ caution. “The first two
of these factors,” he observed, “will not pre-
vail indefinitely. By July 4, people will have
had their principal fling at outdoor recrea-
tion. It’s understandable why they want to
play, drive and enjoy themselves outdoors
now. This was a tough winter. The sea-
sonal phase will pass.”
Smakwitz felt confident that more good
features would be released in late summer
or early fall.
“Would you expect an expensive film to
be distributed, except in selected spots per-
haps, at present?” he inquired.
“I realize acutely the necessity for strong
product,” declared the veteran showman. “I
would tell the president of any film pro-
ducing company that we need top-drawer
films right along. There is no substitute
for good pictures. It is possible that some
product deterioration developed during the
war — just as deterioration occurred in other
fields. Perhaps too much money was made
on average or mediocre stuff. That’s out
now, at any rate. Hollywood knows that fine
pictures are essential to profitable busi-
ness. We could use more films like ‘Going
My Way,’ ‘Saratoga Trunk’ and ‘Road to
Utopia.’ We have not had them this year.”
"I reiterate,” concluded Smakwitz, “that
the film business is a paying one today; that
the net is still substantial. Cutting prices
is no solution to the situation. Overemphasis
has been placed on a reduction in the morn-
ing scale at the Paramount in New York,
a city with 7,000,000 population. You can’t
give away a poor picture. The good ones
will continue to click. I feel confident we
in the theatre end will be given more of
them in the next year. There will be no
price shaving now, and I don’t look for any
in September.”
Alfeany House Admits
Homeless Kids Free
ALBANY — Warners’ Strand Theatre here
now is giving free admission once a week to
25 youngsters from the nearby La Salle
School for Boys. The boys, who are either
without parents or separated from them,
march to the theatre every Saturday accom-
panied by a Christian Brother. Their be-
havior is excellent, according to Manager
Sherburne Hutchinson.
When Cartoonist Hy Rosen of the Times-
Union visited the theatre one Saturday to
give some of his drawings to members of the
audience chosen by lot, Hutchinson told the
audience that among the guests were boys
who did not have tickets, but who should
be eligible to receive one of Rosen’s draw-
ings. The audience approved, whereupon
Hutchinson asked the brother to send a boy
up on the stage to receive a cartoon.
The brother says the theatre outing is the
big event of the week for the boys, and they
look forward to it with great eagerness. The
25 boys who make the best records during
the week are chosen to go to the theatre.
A1 Jennings Directs
Metro has set A1 Jennings as assistant di-
rector on “On an Island With You.”
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947
N
51
ALBANY
“'j’he Yearling” drew fine business at Proc-
tor’s Troy. It was single-featured
there, as it was at the Palace here. One
middle-aged Albany couple, who missed the
film at the Palace, went to Troy to see it.
Mrs. Michael J. Cullen, the former Fay
Steinbach, who was secretary to Warner
Zone Manager Moe Silver, first in Albany
and later in Pittsburgh, visited Proctor’s Troy
on Memorial day. Mrs. Cullen stopped after
the show to chat with Manager Larry Cowen.
Her husband is a Loew Theatres division
manager in the midwest. Cullen was man-
aging a Loew house in Pittsburgh at the time
of their marriage more than a year ago.
Circus and carnival opposition was felt in
Troy and Cohoes. The Cole circus played a
Wednesday date at Laureate Park in Troy,
while the James E. Strate Shows, which had
played a week at Schuyler Beattie Flats,
near the Watervliet city line, moved on to
Cohoes for a week’s engagement. The big
railroad show drew heavily from Albany and
Troy the first week. The carnival uses
rotating searchlights to illuminate the night
sky for miles.
Johnny Duffy, assistant manager of the
Madison, has returned home from Albany
hospital, where he was treated for a minor
ailment. Duffy played outfield for the
Albany club in the old New York State league
many years ago. He was introduced from
the stage by Manager Sherburne Hutchinson
at the recent “Meet the Senators” baseball
party for the Albany Eastern league club.
The following prayer appears in bold black
type under the glass top of Charles A.
Smakwitz’s desk in the Warner Theatres
office: “May the good Lord give me the
strength to keep my big mouth shut until I
know what I am talking about — and why.
Amen.” The whimsical prayer, which meets
every visitor’s eye as he approaches the desk,
causes considerable comment.
Present at a recent MGM screening for
Fabian and WB officials were Max Freed-
man, chief buyer and booker for Warners;
Joe Saperstein, buyer and booker for the
Fabian circuit in the upstate offices; Charles
A. Smakwitz; Joe Weinstein, short subjects
booker for Warners; Jack Goldberg, MGM
manager; Mrs. Goldberg, and Nate Winig, an
active member of the local Variety Club.
Johnny Gutusso, assistant manager of the
Palace, is reported in fairly good condition
at Albany hospital. He underwent a serious
operation three weeks ago . . . Larry Cowen
of Proctor’s Troy is wearing normal shoes
now for the first time in six months. A
specialist at Mount Sinai hospital in New
York decided at a recent checkup that the
condition of his big toe, affected in recent
months by circulatory difficulties, has im-
proved enough to permit him to wear shoes
the top half of which has not been cut.
Cowen immediately bought a pair of flexible
two-tone oxfords. He has more than re-
covered the weight lost during six months
of intense pain, and is still on a diet.
Kay Mulholland, also of Proctor’s Troy,
also on a diet, has lost five pounds . . . John
Ducharme of Cohoes, a veteran of both army
and navy service, has succeeded Frank Coet-
zel as assistant manager of the Troy.
Neil Heilman, who has been in Philadelphia
with Fabian officials supervising construc-
tion of a new Fabian-Hellman drive-in at
north Philadelphia, has returned to Albany.
Neil built the Saratoga Drive-In on the
Albany- Saratoga road in 1941. It was the
most successful open-air house yet launched
MILDER BACK AT WORK — Max
Milder, managing director for Warner
Bros, in Great Britain, is back at his
London headquarters after a two-month
illness.
in this section. Heilman’s father Harry ran
an open air-theatre two blocks from his old
Whiteway one season more than 35 years
ago. Capacity was small and patrons sat
on benches. The elder Heilman, one of
Albany’s earliest nickelodeon impresarios,
says he saw the first talking-picture drive-in
at Los Angeles in the early 1930s. The Hell-
mans are financially interested, with Fabian,
in the Saratoga, Mohawk and Tri-City
drive-ins (the latter opened last August on
the outskirts of Binghamton), as well as the
one under construction near Philadelphia.
Jerry Atkin of the Warner publicity-ad-
vertising department worked on a campaign
for “It Happened on Fifth Avenue,” which
played at the Strand. The film recently was
sneak-previewed at the Delaware. Twentieth-
Fox’s “The Miracle on 34th Street” also was
sneaked in at the Delaware. It’s coming to
the Strand.
Lew Allemann, Albany district exploiteer
for RKO, has gone to Detroit. Maury Pas-
sero has come here from the Motor city to
take Allemann’s place. The transfer is tem-
porary. Allemann will return about August
1. Allemann went to work at the local ex-
change March 1 replacing Maurice “Bucky”
Harris, who was shifted to New Haven. RKO
exploiteers normally remain in a territory
only one year. Allemann had been in Salt
Lake City and Charlotte before coming to
this zone. Before the war he worked with
Terry Turner in the home offices.
Hope Puts on a Benefit
For Salvation Army
PHILADELPHIA — Bob Hope and his radio
company put on a show at Convention hall
May 29 for the benefit of the Salvation
Army.
On hand to greet the star upon arrival
were William F. Brooker, district advertising
manager for Paramount, who is chairman of
the motion picture division of the Salvation
Army fund drive, and James H. Begley, pro-
gram director of KYW. May 29 being Hope’s
birthday, 50 Western Union boys assembled
on the train platform, and when Hope got off
they broke into “Happy Birthday to You.”
A near capacity crowd paid up to $5 to see
the show.
BALTIMORE
^*he last Baltimoreans to return from
the Variety Club convention in Los An-
geles were Mr. and Mrs. Chauncey B. Wolf
and son Morris, and Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin
Beck of the Uptown Theatre. The Wolfs
and Becks visited Chicago, Detroit, Windsor,
Ont., and attended a wedding in Buffalo
prior to returning . . . Among those who
flew home were Joe Poltilove, Will Sacks
and Lauritz Garman. At the Variety Club
Saturday night those who attended the
convention gave glowing reports to the stay-
at-homes. “A good time was had by all”
seemed to be the final opinion of the dele-
gates.
Cliff Jarrett, former assistant manager at
the Town, has resigned to become the new
Equity salesman . . . Fred Sandy is now
with Kay Films in Washington . . . Jim
Gladfelter, manager of the Town, reports his
car was stolen from in front of his home
in the Park Heights section . . . Everywhere
there is talk of a slump, although with the
aid of cool weather Memorial day business
was better . . . The Durkee houses are
showing the films of the local “I Am an
American Day” parade.
Blond Laura Wells, representative of the
Hollywood Enterprise, was in town in an
attempt to find a young man for a screen
test in conjunction with the forthcoming
film, “The Other Love” . . . Zero Mostel is
at the Chanticleer . . . Willie Shor, currently
appearing at Club Charles, wowed Variety’s
audience Saturday night and really went out
of his way to entertain the folks.
The much talked-about “Duel in the Sun”
finally opened at the Century minus a few
sequences . . . The Hippodrome is showing
“A Likely Story” . . . “Moss Rose,” now show-
ing at the New Theatre, will be followed by
“Miracle on 34th Street” . . . “It Happened
on Fifth Avenue,” which had its local sneak
preview at the Uptown Theatre last spring,
will follow “The Two Mrs. Carrolls” at the
Stanley . . . Keith’s is showing “The Egg
and I” for a second week and will follow
this with “Calcutta.”
N.Y. Board of Education
Endorses UA's 'Henry V'
NEW YORK — The city board of education
has endorsed “Henry V” (UA) for school
children. John E. Wade, superintendent of
schools, has notified all principals to recom-
mend the film. The picture opened on a
continuous performance basis at popular
prices at the Broadway Theatre Friday (6).
Last year “Henry V” played 47 weeks at the
City Center and Golden theatres here on a
reserved seat policy.
UA is offering a discount of 20 per cent
on all tickets to school children attending
performances during the day. A total of
500,000 tickets has been set aside for school
use.
Ruth Gillis, MGM, Killed;
Was Aide to M. L. Simons
NEW YORK — Ruth Gillis, 34, secretary to
M. L. “Mike” Simons, assistant to H. M.
Richey, in the MGM home office, was among
the 41 passengers killed in the United Air-
lines plane disaster at LaGuardia Field
May 29.
Miss Gillis, who assisted Simons in his
editorial work on the Distributor, Loew’s
sales publication, is survived by her parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Monroe Gillis, and a brother,
Sylvester. Services were held June 1 at the
I. J. Morris Funeral Home, Rockaway Park,
Brooklyn.
52
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
Roosevelt's Food and Fashion Show
Draw Large Feminine Attendance
FOOD fashion
FARBERWARE
SHOW
TUESDAY AFTERNOON
may tfjmactXK
DOWNER “
\1AR\ KELLY
I m
COFFEE AND EVERYTHING — Jinx Falkenburg, center in left photograph, one
of the guest stars at the Food, Fashion and Farberware show, serves two Flushing
fashion models with Nescafe from a booth set up in the lobby of the Roosevelt by
Nestle Milk Products, Inc. At right, another attractive lobby display engineered
by Mildred FitzGibbons, Roosevelt manager, who lined up local merchants, national
manufacturers and talent.
Universal Board Sued
On '45 Stock Deals
NEW YORK — Stephen Truncate, Universal
stockholder, has filed suit in New York fed-
eral court on behalf of stockholders similarly
situated, against Universal directors asking
for an accounting of certain stock trans-
actions which he claims constituted an un-
justified and improper benefit to the execu-
tive group.
Defendants named in the action include
Universal Pictures, N. J. Blumberg, Paul G.
Brown, J. Cheever Cowdin, Preston Davie,
Matthew Fox, William J. German, John J.
O’Connor, Ottavio Prochet, Charles D. Prutz-
man, J. Arthur Rank, Budd Rogers, Daniel
M. Shaeffer, G. I. Woodham-Smith, D. C.
Collins, W. H. Taylor jr„ Robert S. Benjamin,
W. A. Scully, Joseph H Seidelman and Clif-
ford Work. All, except Collins, Taylor and
Work, are still directors of Universal while
Benjamin and Woodham-Smith became di-
rectors in 1946, according to the complaint.
The action charges that Blumberg, Cowdin,
Fox, Prutzman, Work, Scully and Seidelman,
referred to as the executive group, made <a
profit of $1,230,500 on option stock deals prior
to February 1945, and still hold options to
acquire 148,285 additional shares of stock
which, if exercised, could result in an addi-
tional profit to the group of $5,041,690.
Under the income tax law, Truncate claims,
profits realized would be reportable by each
of the executive group members as compen-
sation and would be taxable at rates in ex-
cess of 75 per cent. Under the tax law. he
claims, Universal had the right to deduct,
from its own taxable income, amounts equal
to the profits renortable.
Truncale charges that the board dominated
the corporation and approved stock options.
TRENTON
^*he Greenwood, Mayfair, Stacy, Bijou and
Strand will all show “Duel in the Sun”
beginning June 11. No other picture has ever
been scheduled for simultaneous showing in
more than two theatres here. A news story
announcing that the picture was coming to
Trenton appeared in the papers last week.
Since then daily ads have played up the
picture. Tie-ups are being arranged with
stores and industries.
Michael Zsizeri, tavern owner who hopes to
build a theatre in Ewing township, is be-
ginning to wonder how long he will have to
wait before seeing a show at the proposed
house. Two scheduled meetings of the
zoning board were postponed and another
delay has caused a third postponement un-
til late in June.
Theatre patrons who looked askance at
parking meters installed in the downtown
area were reassured by the following front
page story in the Trenton Times. “Night
moviegoers won’t have to worry about run-
ning out to drop a second nickel in order to
see the finish, as the meters operate only
until 6 p. m. But the matinee crowd might
have to interrupt their viewing of a movie.”
Three members of the Lawrence towhship
zoning committee have resigned following a
decision to ban a proposed open-air theatre.
The split decision caused a rift in the com-
mittee and resulted in what committee chair-
man Foster D. Jemison called, “Ebbett’s Field
demonstrations.”
Actress Helen Parrish, now living at Three
Bridges, near Trenton, was selected as queen
of an American Veterans Committee dance
■ . . Women listeners to WTTM’s “Davy and
Mary” program were guests at a showing of
“The Guilt of Janet Ames” at the Capitol.
FLUSHING, L. I.— Members of 72 women’s
groups here turned out for the Food, Fashion
and Farberware show at the Skouras Roose-
velt Theatre. The program was engineered
by Mildred FitzGibbons, manager of the
house, who spent 11 weeks lining up local
merchants, talent and national manufac-
turers to help promote the show. Admission
was by invitation only.
A total of $600 worth of prizes was given
away. Jinx Falkenburg of the Hi-Jinx radio
show and her husband, Tex McCrary; Bill
Leonard of the WCBS So This Is New York
program; Alfred W. McCann, home econ-
omist on station WOR; Prudence Penny, food
columnist for the Daily Mirror, and Vyvyan
Donner, fashion editor for Fox Movietone
News, appeared on the program.
TOPFLIGHT MODELS THERE
Miss Donner served as commentator for
a fashion parade of millinery and gowns
by leading designers. Three women’s apparel
shops, three children’s wear shops, two mil-
linery shops and two fur salons participated
in a showing of local apparel. Topflight
models from New York agencies and local
talent paraded the fashions.
Miss FitzGibbons promoted 48 cooking
utensils from S. W. Farber, Inc., manufac-
turers of Farberware. The Boulevard Beauty
shop of Flushing offered free beauty treat-
ments. Nestle milk products also cooperated
by setting up a booth in the theatre lobby
and serving Nescafe from 11:30 a. m., when
the doors opened, right through until the
evening, when the regular film show was re-
sumed. Cookies were provided by the Purity
Sid Kramer Cited by USN
NEW YORK — Sid Kramer, assistant to
Harry Michalson, RKO short subjects sales
manager, has been given a certificate of ap-
preciation by Comdr. J. A. E. O'Handley,
USN. The award was issued by the navy
department for “meritorious personal serv-
ice during World War II.” In addition to
Michalson, others present for the occasion
were Robert Mochrie, RKO vice-president
and general sales manager, and Lieut. Philip
Des Jardins and Edna Thomas, chief yeo-
man, USN.
Bake shop of Flushing, which also set up
a lobby booth.
Tickets to the event were distributed by
the Flushing Council of Women’s Organiza-
tions, representing 54 member clubs, the
Queensboro Federation of Mothers’ Clubs
and the Long Island and New York City
Federations of Women’s Clubs.
To help defray costs of the show, the
Roosevelt Theatre staff sold $400 worth of
advertising for a program book. These were
mailed to all women invited to attend.
In addition to the scheduled prizes, sev-
eral local merchants contributed clothing
items.
One month before the event an exhibit
of Farberware was set up in the lobby. Prizes
donated by the local merchants were dis-
played in addition to a cosmetic exhibit by
Beauty Counsellors and a home savings dis-
play by the Whitestone Savings and Loan
Ass’n.
GETS PUBLICITY BREAKS
The show was held from 1 p. m. to 3:15
p. m. It garnered a good deal of publicity
breaks in local newspapers and on radio
stations. Weeks before the event Miss Fitz-
Gibbons held meetings at the theatre with
the committee of women that lined up guests
for the affair.
The show was planned as a community
activity. Miss FitzGibbons always has
stressed the theory that a theatre should be
a community center. She sponsored the
Broadway-Flushing Civic Ass’n. This group
is comprised of members of local women’s
clubs and merchants.
Pizor Urges All Theatres
To Observe Flag Day
PHILADELPHIA — Lewen Pizor, UMPTO
president, urged all theatres to cooperate in
the observance of Flag day. “Theatres can
help by displaying the flag in front of the
house from June 8 to 14,” he said. He also
suggested between-the-shows playings of the
Star-Spangled Banner.
Serving on the Flag day committee with
Pizor are George W. Elliott and David
Triester.
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
53
Television Tariffs
Filed by Phone Co.
NEW YORK — Intercity television trans-
mission will be made available on a commer-
cial basis August 1, according to the Ameri-
can Telephone & Telegraph Co.
The company has filed coaxial cable and
connection rates with the FCC. At present
coaxial cables adapted to television are in
operation between New York, Philadelphia
and Washington. Within the next few
months they will be extended to Chicago.
Furthermore, a New York-to-Boston radio
relay system is now being installed, and
there soon will be a New York-to-Chicago
radio system to supplement the New York-
to-Chicago coaxial cable system.
By the end of this year, the AT&T plans
to have coaxial cables for television linking
New York, Washington and Philadelphia
with Atlanta, Miami, New Orleans, Dallas,
Fort Worth, El Paso, Pittsburgh, Buffalo,
Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis and
Los Angeles. Approximately 6,500 miles of
cable will be used.
These cables can carry multiple telephone
calls for television programs.
The rates filed with the FCC call for $1.25
per circuit mile for the first hour, on a
part-time basis . . . There will be additional
monthly station connection charges of $250,
plus $15 for each hour of use.
Other monthly charges will be $40 per
circuit mile for eight consecutive hours each
day, plus $2 a month for each additional con-
secutive hour. Stations hooked up on a
monthly basis will have to pay $750 for an
eight-hour day, plus $50 a month for each
additional consecutive hour.
MPEA to Take Over Films
In Germany in Summer
NEW YORK — Final decision on the date
when the Motion Picture Export Ass'n will
take over the distribution of American film
product from the American Military gov-
ernment in Germany will be made late in
June, following a report to be filed by Marian
F. Jordan, recently named manager of the
MPEA in Germany. Jordan arrived in
Berlin during the week to confer with AMG
officials about their willingness to cooperate
in regard to stipulations laid down by Irving
Maas, MPEA vice-president, during his visit
there in April.
Although July 1 was originally announced
as the date for the MPEA to take over film
operations in Germany, Jordan will be able
to complete his report before mid-June after
which Maas will confer with army officials in
Washington. MPEA probably will not be
able to start distribution activities in Ger-
many before late summer, a spokesman at
the New York office said.
F. H. Gildemeyer Is Named
To WE Post in Brazil
NEW YORK — Frederick H. Gildemeyer,
formerly Puerto Rican manager of the West-
ern Electric Co., has been named vice-presi-
dent of the Western Electric Co. of Brazil,
motion picture equipment and service sub-
sidiary of the Westrex Corp., with head-
quarters in Rio de Janeiro.
Gildemeyer joined Electrical Research
Products, Inc., a former Western Electric
subsidiary, in June 1929, supervising theatre
installations in the midwest during the early
days of talking pictures. He transferred to
the San Juan, Puerto Rico, office of Westrex
in 1937.
BENNY GETS AN OSCAR — Jack
Benny, who has been master of cere-
monies at many Academy award dinners
in Hollywood, finally receives an award
in the form of an “Oscar” from A. J.
Balaban, executive director of the Roxy,
New York, at the conclusion of his “in
person” engagement. The gold statuette
is inscribed, “To Jack Benny for the Out-
standing Boxoffice Achievement of any
Stage Attraction, May 21 to June 3, 1947.”
Ascap Adds Songwriters,
Publishers as Members
NEW YORK — Ten songwriters and two
publishers of popular songs were elected to
membership in Ascap at a meeting of the
board of directors held during the week.
Writers include Edmund Goulding, Barbara
Belle, George R. Henninger, Jack Manus.
Leonard Ware, Clay Warnick, Boris Koutzen,
Ivan Langstroth, Marks Levine and Arsene
Siegel. The publishers are Beaux-Arts Music,
Inc., and Lombardo Music, Inc.
The committee on elections certified to the
Ascap board the following results of the
election for the board of appeals: Abel Baer
and Peter De Rose, writers in the popular
division, and Douglas Moore, standard di-
vision. Popular production publishers elect-
ed are Max Mayer of Pauli-Pioneer Music
Corp. and Sam Stept of Stept, Inc. John
Sengstack of Clayton F. Summy Co. was
elected in the standard division.
William Schneider Feted
By Paramount Co-Workers
NEW YORK — William Schneider, who re-
signed from Paramount to join the Donahue
& Coe advertising agency, was guest of honor
at a farewell luncheon given by his former
associates at Paramount.
Among those present from the Paramount home
office were Stanley Shuford, Sid Mesibov, C. N.
Odell, Rex Taylor, Aileen Brenon, Louis Pelegrine,
Milton Mohr, George Harvey, Virginia Morris, Jeral-
dine Cooper, Joseph Rosner, Armand Cardea, John
Cicero, Frances Simon, Milton Hoffman, Leo Heller,
Edith Stone, Ed Sullivan, Paula Weiss Fraser, Tess
Klausner, Frances Weil, Charles Strobel, Edith Tal-
cott, Linda Salzberger, Julia Sullivan, Mary Butler,
John Joseph Guilfoyle, Peggy Fewer, Charlotte
Malamud, Sada Snyder Seeff, Loretta Landrigan,
Lottie Vorchheimer, Edna Higgins and Priscilla
Nathan.
Attending from Buchanan & Co. advertising agency
were Charles Friedman, Earnest Mueller, George
Richardson, Roy Winkler and William Ard, while
others present were Vincent Trotta, head of the
National Screen Service art department, and George
Fraser, Herb Berg, Leo Brody and Hal Danson, all
Paramount alumni.
John McNeil Joins Du Mont
NEW YORK— John H. McNeil, manager of
radio station WJZ for the past six years, has
been named general manager of the Du Mont
television station, WABD, by Leonard F.
Cramer, executive vice-president. McNeil will
enlarge the program services of the station.
N.Y. Film Men Discuss
16mm Competition
NEW YORK — Problems of non theatrical
16mm competition in the New York area
were discussed by representatives of the
Metropolitan Motion Picture Theatres Ass’n
and the New York Film Board of Trade
Wednesday night (June 4).
Local exhibitors are becoming worried by
the increase of such competition offered
chiefly by social clubs and church groups.
These organizations have been showing
films, some of which are only a year or two
old, at a fraction of regular admission prices.
Ten to 20 cents is the usual scale for these
nontheatrical performances.
Although some films are old, this competi-
tion is felt by theatres featuring reissues.
Farewell Luncheon Given
Honoring Aileen Brenon
NEW YORK — Aileen Brenon was guest of
honor at a farewell luncheon given by her
associates at the Paramount home office on
Thursday (June 5) at Sardi’s restaurant.
She recently resigned as head of the maga-
zine publicity department to join Selznick
Releasing Organization.
Those attending the luncheon included Ben
Washer, Stanley Shuford, Sid Mesibov, C. N.
Odell, George Harvey, Burt Champion, D.
John Phillips, Rex Taylor, Bill Johnston,
Louis Pelegrine, Milton Mohr, Carl Clausen,
Virginia Morris, Agnes Mengel Grew, Frances
Simon, Ed Sullivan, Fred Goldberg, Edith
Stone, Peggy Fewer, Milton Hoffman, Leo
Heller, Paula Weiss Fraser, Linda Salzberger,
Mary Butler, Tess Klausner, Julia Sullivan,
Lotte Vorchheimer, Sada Snyder Seeff, Char-
lotte Malamud and Harriet Hess. Also present
were former members of Paramount includ-
ing Alec Moss, Leo Brody and Nick Mamula.
Paramount Home Office
Welcomes Ben Washer
NEW YORK— Ben Washer, who began his
duties as Paramount publicity manager June
2, was welcomed to the company by the home
office publicity, advertising and exploitation
force at a luncheon at Sardi’s.
Among those attending were Curtis Mitch-
ell, publicity, advertising and exploitation di-
rector, and Stanley Shuford, Sid Mesibov,
C. N. Odell, Paul Ackerman, D. John Phillips,
Aileen Brenon, Rex Taylor, George Harvey,
Louis Pelegrine, Burt Champion, Ed Sulli-
van, Milt Mohr, Carl Clausen, Frances Simon,
Tess Klausner, Peggy Fewer, Edith Stone,
Charles Strobel, Edna Higgins, Loretta
Landrigan, Evelyn Seeff, Selma Stoff, Jimmy
Powers, Joseph Rooney and Charlotte
Malamud.
Favorite Gets Four More
NEW YORK— Favorite Films has taken
over four more features for distribution
through franchise holders. They are: Boris
Karloff in “The Man They Could Not Hang”
and “Man With Nine Lives”; George Ban-
croft in “Hell Ship Morgan,” and Bruce
Cabot in “The Murder Mob.”
Snyder Funeral Services
ROCHESTER— Funeral services have been
held for Meyer Snyder, father of Sada Snyder
Seeff, secretary to Sid Mesibov, assistant ex-
ploitation manager of Paramount. Snyder
died at New Rochelle hospital, New Rochelle,
N. Y.
54
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947
i Hollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6494 Hollywood Blvd.; Ivan Spear, Western Manager )
Reissue of 'Hamilton'
To Be Roadshown
HOLLYWOOD — Hollywood’s most glamor-
ous technique, the gala premiere, will be
employed to launch a reissue on a new
career when “That Hamilton Woman,” pro-
duced by Alexander Korda for United Artists
release, opens a roadshow engagement at the
Canon Theatre, Beverly Hills. Being put back
into distribution by Film Classics, the Vivien
Leigh-Laurence Olivier starrer, will be road-
shown in all bookings. The usual trappings
of a Hollywood first night are being planned.
A1 Zimbalist, director of advertising and
publicity for Screen Classics, came to Holly-
wood to arrange the kleiglighted kickoff.
World premiere of Allied Artists’ Black
Gold” has been set for Louisville, Ky., dur-
ing latter part of July. Picture, filmed in
Cinecolor and produced by Jeffrey Bernerd
with Anthony Quinn starred, is second to be
released by AA, sister company to Mono-
gram.
The world premiere of Paramount’s “Dear
Ruth” at Walter Reade’s Mayfair Theatre,
Asbury Park, N. J., was a highlight of that
city’s semicentennial. The premiere also
marked the 20th anniversary of the theatre.
Adrienne Ames, 39, Dies;
Former Film Actress
NEW YORK — Adrienne Ames, 39, radio
commentator and former screen actress, died
at her home here May 31. Miss Ames had
been ill for a long time but had kept up
her daily broadcasts, dealing with Broadway
and Hollywood, for Station WHN, until mid-
May.
Stars Fly to Woodward
To Aid Tornadoed Town
Hollywood — A contingent of screen lu-
minaries left on a specially designed
American Airlines flagship — the Wood-
ward, Gkla., relief special-— for Oklahoma
City, where on June 7, 8 they were to do
a benefit rodeo for the relief of the resi-
dents of tornado-torn Woodward. Those
making the trip included Kirby Grant
and Rod Cameron, U-I; Adele Mara, Re-
public; Eddie Dean, Jennifer Holt, Nancy
Gates, Jack Holt, Roscoe Ates, PRC; Nan
Leslie and Kay Christopher, RKO, and
Gene Autry and the Cass County Boys,
Columbia.
Bill Elliott, Republic western star, and
Gene Bascou, representing Governor Tur-
ner of Oklahoma and the Woodward re-
lief association, preceded the party to
make arrangements for the rodeo.
Johnston Tells Writers
U. S. Reds Mere Dupes
HOLLYWOOD — There is little of news in
the fact that Eric Johnston, president of the
Motion Picture Ass’n, “doesn’t like American
Communists.” But when Johnston bearded
the Screen Writers Guild to air his philoso-
phies and views on ideologies, it became an
interest commanding event in the film capi-
tal. Johnston’s talk before the SWG was con-
sidered significant because of recent accu-
sations by Rep. J. Parnell Thomas, chairman
of the house committee on un-American
activities, to the effect that 90 per cent of
Communist infiltration in Hollywood was to
be found in that guild.
To the screen scriveners, Johnston said, in
part:
“WARNED” BY HIS FRIENDS
“This is my first appearance before a Hol-
lywood guild . . . There is no reason why we
shouldn’t be friends, even though we may
disagree on some things . . . My best friends
warned me that it would be a mistake to
appear before the Screen Writers Guild. They
said I would run into several hundred of the
keenest verbal sharpshooters, the most pro-
found intellects and facile tongues in all
Hollywood . . . But I am here because I want-
ed you to know my viewpoint. If I get
slaughtered in the process, that’s all right
with me.
“I said I wanted you to know me. So let
me tell you some of the things I stand for.
. . . We live in a capitalist society and I am a
believer in capitalism. I am conscious of its
weaknesses, of its imperfections, of the hard-
ships caused by the boom and bust cycle, of
the inequities and the injustices. But let’s
stand back and take an over-all look at it
and compare it with other systems, past and
present. It is by far the best I know of. It
has done more for the people than any other
system in all history. And it must and will
do even better. We have got constantly to
improve it, and make it a people’s capitalism
— a participating capitalism — a partnership
capitalism.
ADVOCATE OF UNIONS
“I am a stanch advocate of strong demo-
cratic unions and guilds — because they help
make capitalism work. I am a believer in
social legislations, in an ever-expanding mid-
dle class, with fewer at the top and fewer at
the bottom.
“Now, let me tell you what I am against.
I don’t like American Communists. They are
a disruptive force in American government,
American industry and American labor. They
would destroy all that we have achieved.
“Bluntly, I think American Communists
are treasonable and subversive. They are po-
tential foreign agents — they are dupes and
suckers for the 14 men who sit in the Krem-
lin and pull strings which make Communists
toe the party line everywhere.
“I want to explode the myth that Com-
munists are radicals. They are radical only
when it is in the interest of Soviet foreign
policy that they be radical. They swing slav-
ishly from left to right as the pendulum
swings in the Kremlin.
“Let me make it clear that I do not mean
to imply that an American citizen has no
right to advocate a collectivist form of society
for America, if he so desires. That’s his
privilege under our Constitution. But there
is no constitutional immunity for sedition,
subversion, or treason.
“The American Communist of today has no
more claim to our democratic tolerance than
the German bund or the Ku Klux Klan.
“The American Communist travels as a
20th century democrat, but he’s nothing of
the sort. He’s a hangover from the old
Ptolemies of Egypt and the shoguns of old
Japan. Once let him get in power and we’d
see a reincarnation of the first mate on a
Liverpool slaver.
DEMOCRATIC CAPITALISM HERE
“I want to see it become a joke to be a
Communist in America. I want it to be
fashionable to radiate conviction and pride
in our democratic capitalism. We ought to
ridicule the so-called intellectuals who have
made a good living denouncing those who
believe in the American system as having
economic halitosis and political B.O.
“Hollywood can take the lead. Hollywood
stars and Hollywood’s creative personalities —
the whole of glamorous Hollywood — can throw
their weight into the scales for a free America
and American freedom.”
Young Republicans Hear
Johnston in Milwaukee
HOLLYWOOD — Eric Johnston, president of
the MPA, flew to the national convention
of Young Republican clubs in Milwaukee,
where he was to be a speaker. From Milwau-
kee, Johnston planned to fly to Spokane,
Wash., where he has private business in-
terests, before going to Pullman, Wash., June
16 to deliver the commencement address for
Washington State college and to receive an
honorary degree. He is scheduled to leave
New York by plane June 22 to represent
the American motion picture industry at the
International Film Festival in Brussels.
Johnston’s assistants, Joyce O’Hara and
Edward Cheyfitz, also left for the east, O’Hara
proceeding to MPA headquarters in Wash-
ington and Cheyfitz to New York.
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
55
BARBARA’S BOW — Attending a reception following a press showing of her first
RKO Radio release, the Hakim-Litvak production, “The Long Night,” Barbara Bel
Geddes is congratulated by RKO executives (left to right) John Whitaker, Paul Hol-
lister, S. Barret McCormick and Perry Lieb er.
Enterprise Production
To Halt for Summer
HOLLYWOOD — Enterprise studio is the
most recent to disclose plans which add to
mounting indications of the summer produc-
tion slump being more drastic in 1947 than
at any time during the last several years.
With completion of Producer Harry Sher-
man’s “They Passed This Way” in about
two weeks, the company will suspend all pic-
ture making activities until fall. A skeleton
staff of various maintenance and executive
departments will be retained throughout the
summer, but otherwise the studio will be
closed.
Curtailment results from the fact that En-
terprise has completed its picture making
program for the season, which schedule a re-
cent decision cut from six to five features.
That quintet of films will be in the cans when
the Sherman western finishes. The sixth and
canceled picture is “Wild Calendar,” a Gin-
ger Rogers starrer, which will be carried over
as one of the six pictures the Charles Einfeld-
David Loew company plans for next season.
Miss Rogers’ unavailability, because of other
acting commitments, was the reason for post-
poning the film.
Firm Completes Series
On Ten Commandments
HOLLYWOOD — Church-Craft Pictures has
completed “The Ten Commandments — Vis-
ualized,” a series of 10 black and white film-
strips depicting the meaning of the command-
ments in terms of life today. Prepared by the
Committee on Visualizing Luther’s Catechism,
and produced for it by Church-Craft, the
filmstrips are particularly geared for chil-
dren between the ages of 11 and 14, and will
be shown in churches as visual weapons in
the fight against juvenile delinquency.
Hollywood Canteen Gives
$25,000 to Vets Hospital
HOLLYWOOD — Salt water therapy will be
available to disabled veterans at the Birming-
ham army hospital as the result of $25,000
donated for a pool by the Hollywood Canteen
Foundation. The check, which was pre-
sented by Bette Davis, chairman of trustees
of the foundation, was the first of a series
of gifts the organization is making to chari-
table enterprises.
20th to Film in England
Galsworthy's 'Escape'
HOLLYWOOD — Taking another step in
picture making cooperation between Holly-
wood and England, 20th-Fox will film en-
tirely in England John Galsworthy’s
“Escape,” with Rex Harrison in the topline.
The film, a newcomer to the production
schedule, has been slated for Producer Wil-
liam Perlberg. Joseph Mankiewicz will han-
dle the megging chore, from a screenplay by
Philip Dunne.
Perlberg and Mankiewicz will go to Eng-
land in July and Darryl F. Zanuck, studio
production chieftain, plans to be in London
in August, remaining there long enough to
launch the start of the film.
Iturbi and Montalban Set
To Portray Father, Son
HOLLYWOOD — Jose Iturbi and Ricardo
Montalban have been set to portray roles of
father and son in the story of a pianist, “His
Only Son,” an original by Myles Connolly,
just added to the studio’s production slate.
The yarn tells the story of a pianist whose
genius and passion for greatness make him
a slave to his piano and his public, and blinds
him to the importance of living. Joe Paster-
nak will produce.
'To the Victor' Is Added
To Warner Bros. Slate
HOLLYWOOD — "To the Victor,” a melo-
drama set in Europe showing the effects of
war upon individuals, by Richard Brooks,
author of “The Brick Foxhole,” has been
added to Warners’ productional agendum.
Viveca Lindfors, Swedish actress, is slated
to enact the starring role and Brooks will
prepare the screenplay. The film has been
placed on the production schedule of Jerry
Wald.
Durante to Win the Girl
In Coming MGM Opus
HOLLYWOOD — Jimmy Durante, he of the
well-known nose, has been given a new long-
term contract by MGM. And, as his first
assignment, he will top line in a new produc-
tion, “You’re Beautiful,” which Joe Paster-
nak will produce. “Beautiful” will be a Tech-
nicolor musical comedy and, the studio in-
forms, for the first time in his career Durante
will win the girl.
Mexican Fiesta Tour
Attracts Top Stars
HOLLYWOOD — It proved to be the film
capital’s outstanding extracurricular event
of the early summer season — that goodwill
junket 18 top motion picture stars made to
Mexico City for the purpose of participating
in the four-day Fiesta de Primavera, govern-
ment-sponsored charity festival held to raise
funds for underprivileged children.
The film stars were honor guests at all
events of the fiesta.
Actresses Alexis Smith and Dorothy Ma-
lone and actor Craig Stevens were the last
to be added to the list of stars, joining Ann
Blyth, Joan Caulfield, Gloria De Haven, Brian
Donlevy, Betty Garrett, Jane Greer, Danny
Kaye, Virginia Mayo, Marie McDonald, Ann
Miller, Cathy O’Donnell, Larry Parks, John
Payne, Olga San Juan and Robert Walker.
Events in which they took part included
a luncheon at Churubusco studios, a charity
premiere of the Academy award-winning
“The Best Years of Our Lives,” a Mexico
City Lions club ball, a city hall reception
by the federal district governor, a luncheon
and reception in the floating gardens, a rodeo
and dinner dance, a parade of flowered floats,
a special bullfight and a float parade on
Chapultepec lake.
Eddie Dean, star of PRC’s outdoor musical
action series, acted as grand marshal of the
annual Cherry festival parade at Beaumont,
Calif., May 31, June 1. Jerry Thomas, pro-
ducer of Dean’s pictures, accompanied the
star to Beaumont.
Jane Withers, star of “Danger Street,”
Pine-Thomas film for Paramount release, flew
to Indianapolis to be guest of honor at the
Indianapolis Speedway races Memorial day.
Miss Withers presented the trophy to the
winner.
War Combat Pilots Aid
In 'Thunderbolt's' Bow
HOLLYWOOD— Three of the four World
War II combat pilots featured in “Thunder-
bolt,” Technicolor documentary feature, were
in Hollywood for the picture’s world pre-
miere at the Ambassador Theatre Wednesday.
They are Col. Archie J. Knight, commanding
officer of Shaw field, South Carolina; Maj.
Francis Manda, Hq„ 10th Air force; and Capt.
Howard Hickok, Miami, Florida. The Fourth
pilot, Lieut. Col. Gilbert O. Wymond jr. is now
a GI student at the University of Kentucky.
“Thunderbolt” was directed by William
Wyler while on active duty with the air corps,
and Monogram is releasing through arrange-
ment with Carl Krueger, independent pro-
ducer.
Wyler Brussels Delegate
HOLLYWOOD— William Wyler, enroute To
Europe on private business, will represent the
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
at the International Film festival to be held
in Brussels in June. Wyler, recently elected
a vice-president of the Acadamy, was desig-
nated by President Jean Hersholt to appear
in response to a request received from the
festival.
Donald Hyde Re-Signed
HOLLYWOOD — Donald Hyde has been
signed to serve for another year as vice-
president and general manager of the United
States Pictures, independent unit releasing
through Warners. Milton Sperling, chief of
USP, inked the new ticket for Hyde.
56
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
BY his interpretive use of equipment
— his skill in anticipating motion —
the microphone boom man takes the
words "right out of the mouth” of
actor or actress . . . correlates sound
with action so that clarity and proper
perspective are always maintained.
Thanks to him, today’s motion pic-
tures have the freedom of action which
was lost when sound was first intro-
duced on the screen. A great part of
the reality which is so essential to a
picture’s success depends on the boom
man’s skill and on his close coopera-
tion with the sound mixer.
And equally essential to the boom
man’s success are superior sound films
. . . films which have the quality, so
uniformly found in Eastman Films, of
assuring faithful reproduction.
EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
ROCHESTER 4, N. Y.
He takes the words
right out of her mouth • • •
J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., DISTRIBUTORS
FORT LEE • CHICAGO • HOLLYWOOD
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
57
STUDIO PERSONNELITIES
Barnstormers
Enterprise
PRESTON FOSTER set for personal appearances
in connection with the opening of Harry Sherman's
“Ramrod" at the Century Theatre in Portland, Ore.
Paramount
JOAN CAULFIELD, who stars with William Holden
in "Dear Ruth,” set for personal appearances
in connection • with the west coast premiere of
the picture at the St. Francis Theatre in San Fran-
cisco.
PRC Pictures
ROS'COE ATES, comedian, set for a month of
personal appearances in Texas His latest picture
was the musical action - film starring Eddie Dean,
“Shadow Valley."
Blurbers
Metro
DON McELWAINE has rejoined the publicity de-
partment and will concentrate his attention on
forthcoming high-budget pictures.
BILL ORNSTEIN of the New York publicity de-
partment is vacationing here.
Briefies
Metro
WILLIAM DELATORRE and RICHARD, former mem-
bers of Walt Disney's staff, joined cartoon de-
partment where they will direct the Barney Bear
technicolor series under the supervision of Fred
Ouimby, head of the short department.
Warners
So You Want to Be a Detective," sixth of current
senes teaming Actor George O'Hanlon and Direc-
tor Dick Bare, went before the cameras.
Cleffers
Screen Guild
Somerset Pictures signed RALPH STANLEY to
score its production "The Burning Cross."
United Artists
U2,UIS F,ORBES si9?ed bY Producer Sam Bischoff
as musical director for Star Film production "In-
trigue.
Universal-International
MIKLOS ROZSA named musical director of "Imag-
ination, a Kanin production starring Ronald Col-
man with Signe Hasso.
Warners
PAIGE CAVANAUGH TRIO
spot in "Romance in High C
production.
signed for featured
a Michael Curtiz
Loanouts
RKO Radio
to^aJdom IARHAT JP - Youngster who skyrockete<
to stardom in his first film role in "The Yearling '
borrowed from MGM for a topline in "Roughshod:'
1 CHRISTEN will play the second feminin.
!e™A in, Tarzan and the Mermaids,” having beei
borrowed by Sol Lesser.
Universal-International
Borrowed from 20th-Fox. JESSICA TANDY loi
® 1 =a*Loi Tbe Mortal Coil.” The picture, adapt!
P?“,Ald°us Hutleys "The Giaconda Smile.” sta
Charles Boyer and is slated for a July startir
date with Zoltan Kprda directing.
Warners
RORY CALHOUN borrowed from David O Sel
nick for leading role in "Mary Hagen," Rona
neagan-bhirley Temple starrer.
Meggers
Columbia
Producer SAM KATZMAN selected "Dixieland." as
one of the previously announced untitled musicals
on his 1947-48 slate. Yarn deals with the adven-
tures of a Mississippi show boat troupe.
Paramount
“Web of Days" and “Jed Blaine's Woman" added
to the slate of Producer P. J. WOLFSON.
RICHARD MAIBAUM set to replace Val Lewton as
producer on “The Sainted Sisters."
RKO Radio
SIDNEY LANFIELD signed to direct “Stations
West," the Luke Short western adventure story.
IRVING PICHEL borrowed from U-I by Jesse
Lasky and Walter MacEwen, independent producers,
to direct “Miracle of the Bells."
Universal-International
JERRY BRESLER named produced on "The Tin
Flute,” Gabrielle Roy's novel, which is a drama
with a Montreal, Canada, setting.
Options
Columbia
MARY FORBES, veteran character acress, added
to the cast of It Had to Be You,” which stars
Ginger Rogers and Cornel Wilde.
Role in "When a Girl's Beautiful” handed STEVEN
GERAY Comedy part assigned to MARC PLATT.
ROBERT BARRAT draws a topline in Cornell Pic-
tures' "The Double Take.” MARTHA MONTGOMERY,
one of the Goldwyn Girls, gets a dramatic role.
Metro
Toplines in "The Triumph of Music,” romantic
story of the lives of Mozart and Dr. Mesmer, set
for ROBERT WALKER and KATHRYN 'GRAYSON.
Walker will portray the role of Mozart.
JACK MERIVALE, son of the late Philip Merivale
and Gladys George, makes his screen debut in
featured role in "If Winter Comes.”
HUME CRONYN signed for comedy role in "Vir-
tuous” which co-stars Van Johnson and June
Allyson. Norman Taurog directs for Producer Wil-
liam H. Wright.
LAURITZ MELCHIOR and MARTINA KOSHETZ,
opera stars, ticketed for featured roles in "The Red
Mill."
Monogram
GLORIA SHARAFF, 23-year-old concert pianist,
who devoted four years to entertaining members of
the armed forces before resuming her professional
career, has been ticketed by Allied Artists to star
in a forthcoming production as yet untitled.
Paramount
SANDRA SPENCE, 20-year-old blond model, signed
to a term contract.
GLADYS BLAKE, MARY YOUNG, BURT HANLON,
FRANK PUGLIA and ANTONIA MORALES added to
the cast of "Dream Girl." Role given PAUL OMAN.
RICHARD TRAVIS signed to four pictures in two
years contract by Pine-Thomas. His first starring
assignment under the new deal will be in "Dyna-
mite," a story of dynamiters and demolition work-
ers on construction projects.
DICK KEANE and JOHN HOLLAND signed for the
cast of Pine-Thomas' "Big Town After Dark."
RKO Radio
SUZI CRANDALL assigned role in "Memory of
Love. "
PEGGY McINTIRE, 15-year-old Hollywood high
school student, signed for role in the George Stev-
ens production of "I Remember Mama.” Also added
to the cast was 10-year-old June Hedin.
REGIS TOOMEY and ANN DORAN signed by Rob-
ert Riskin for featured roles in his first independent
production, "Magic Town," which co-stars James
Stewart and Jane Wyman.
Republic
Commedienne UNA MERKEL slated for featured role
in “The Fabulous Texan," with JOHNNY SANDS
borrowed from David O. Selznick for a supporting
part in the same production. Featured roles slated
for RUSSELL SIMPSON and GRANT WITHERS.
RICHARD SALE, who in collaboration with his
wife, Mary Loos, wrote the original story and screen-
play for “Driftwood," set for role in the film.
20th Century-Fox
Topline opposite Don Castle in the Sol M. Wurtzel
production, "Roses Are Red," slated for PEGGY
KNUDSEN.
United Artists
Supporting role in Star Films' “Intrigue" ticketed
for HASSAN EZZAT, Egyptian actor.
Role in “The Time of Your Life," which is being
made by William Cagney Productions, given NATALIE
SCHAFER.
GEORGE COULOURIS inked to featured part in
“Sleep My Love" which is being made by Triangle
Productions. QUEENIE SMITH signed for role.
Universal-International
ARLEEN WHELAN signed by Producer Nunnally
Johnson for femme heavy in “The Senator Was
Indiscreet." ELLA RAINES toplines opposite Wil-
liam Powell.
Supporting part in the Ronald Colman-Signo Hasso
co-starrer “Imagination" handed EDMOND O'BRIEN.
Picture is first Kanin production at this studio.
George Cukor directs.
WHITFIELD CONNER, Broadway actor, given fea-
tured role in Walter Wanger's production “Tap
Roots."
Warners
LILA LEEDS, 19-year-old native of New Mexico,
inked to a term contract.
LOIS MAXWELL, one of the seven new players
signed by the studio this season, makes her film
debut in a role in “Mary Hagen," with CHARLES
KEMPER, veteran character actor, handed featured
part.
JOHN BANNER signed for featured role in 1 “Ever
the Beginning" which is being produced by United
States Pictures.
ROSEMARY PETTIT, 21-year-old Conover model,
assigned role in “Romance in High C," a Michael
Curtiz production.
Scripters
Columbia
ARTHUR HOERL, LEWIS CLAY and HARRY FRASER
signed by Producer Sam Katzman to prepare the
screenplay of an untitled serial with a western
background which will be based on an original story
by George Plympton.
Independent
HENRY MYERS set by Lou Bunin Productions to
collaborate with ALBERT E. LEWIN on the screen-
play of “Alice in Wonderland," full-length color
picture combining live action with three-dimen-
sional animation. Film will be shot in Paris.
HERBERT BAKER, Broadway writer and son of
Belle Baker, stage star, signed to collaborate with
Carl Foreman on two Screen Plays, Inc., features
First is Foreman's “Ada" and second is the Ring
Lardner yarn, “A Great Place to Visit."
Paramount
Screenplay assignment on “Jed Blaine's Woman”
given CHARLES MARQUIS WARREN.
ARTHUR SHEEKMAN inked to write the screen-
play of Edna Lee's Civil War novel "Web of
Days.”
Story Buys
Monogram
“Murder by Alphabet," by Samuel Newman, pur-
chased by Producer James S. Burkett as a future
starring vehicle for Roland Winters who takes over
the Charlie Chan role in the series. Newman signed
to do polish job on his original story.
Technically
Paramount
HERBIE COLEMAN named first assistant director
on "Night Has a Thousand Eyes,” mystery drama
starring Edward G. Robinson with John Lund.
Unit business manager chore given ROY BURNS.
RKO Radio
McCLURE CAPPS signed as art director for “Tarzan
and the Mermaids," a Sol Lesser production.
RALPH BERGER set as art director and FRED
FLECK as unit m Onager for “Miracle of the Bells,"
a Jesse Lasky and Walter MacEwen production.
Warners
Crew assignments on “Mary Hagen" include
CARL FREUND, cinematographer; FRANK MATTI-
SON, unit manager; STANLEY FLEISCHER, art di-
rector, and CLAUDE ARCHER, assistant director.
LEO K. KUTER assigned art director for "Head
Over Heels." Crew assignments include CARL
GUTHRIE, camera; ERIC STACEY, unit manager;
ROLAND HILL, art director, and JAMES McMAHON,
assistant director.
Title Changes
Columbia
Final handle for Cornell Productions “My Awful
Wife" is HER HUSBAND'S AFFAIRS. Film was for-
merly known by the latter title and also carried
three other handles — “The Lady Knew How," “The
Yes Woman" and “The Mating Call."
Independent
A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT is the new handle
for “The Big Town," a Screen Plays, Inc., produc-
tion.
Republic
New handle for the W. Lee Wilder production,
“Mad Venture," is BACKFIRE.
Screen Guild
"Dark Bullet," a Maurice Conn production, re-
titled WOMAN HUNT.
Universal-International
THE NAKED CITY replaces “Homicide" as the
title of Mark Hellinger's latest production.
New Independent Set Up
For Program Pictures
HOLLYWOOD — Most recent recruits to the
ever-growing army of independent production
companies are Robert Presnell and John
Reinhardt who have organized under the
title Arpi Productions. The two were iden-
tified with Jack Wrather in his initial pic-
ture-making efforts for Monogram. With no
release established, Arpi plans a group of
program features on which Presnell will do
the writing, his partner the megging.
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
58
Lou Bunin Will Film
'Alice' Epic in Paris
HOLLYWOOD — Lou Bunin, head of a pro-
duction company bearing his name, has
rented space in Paris for his color film, “Alice
in Wonderland,” which will combine live ac-
tion with three-dimensional animation. Bunin
just returned from Paris where he leased a
complete studio from Henry Niepce which is
located on the Seine in the Billancourt sec-
tion of the city. Remodeling and alterations
are now under way in preparation for the
arrival of Bunin’s staff of 20 American tech-
nicians late next month.
Harry H. Thomas, president of PRC, has
completed a deal for the rental of the High-
land studios from Filmusic, Inc. Rental is
for a long term period and space will be used
for interior shooting of the Eddie Dean and
Lash RaLue western features.
SAG Negotiations Go On;
New Extension Likely
HOLLYWOOD — Indications at midweek
were that another time extension will be
necessary to the existing contract between
the Screen Actors Guild and the producers
because it appeared virtually impossible that
current negotiations could be completed by
the June 15 deadline.
SAG’s contract expired May 15 and orig-
inally it was hoped that the conclaves on a
new pact would be over by that date. When
the negotiations dragged beyond mid-May,
SAG officials and producers — both major and
independent — agreed to a 30-day extension,
with the understanding that all provisions of
the new contract will be retroactive to May
15. Probably a comparable and additional
30 or 60-day extension will prove necessary.
Meanwhile, the Screen Set Designers have
approached the producers with a request for
renewed negotiations in the jurisdictional
situations from which first stemmed the pres-
ent studio strike. SSD’s standpat position on
those disputes, solidified last week, proved
the stumbling block in the path to Hollywood
labor peace which prior to then seemed
imminent,
Donald M. Nelson Denies
Plan to Jump to Mexico
HOLLYWOOD— Donald M. Nelson’s liaison
— if any — with the Mexican government,
which has been a favorite football of film
capital dopesters during recent weeks, will
be decided when the head of the Society of
Independent Motion Picture Producers visits
Mexico City shortly after June 15.
At various times it has been reported that
Nelson plans leaving his post with SIMPP to
accept a job as economic adviser to President
Miguel Aleman of the southern republic.
Spokesmen for Nelson say that, while he has
on several occasions talked with the Mexican
president regarding the possibility of being
of service, anything that might develop will
be of an extracurricular nature. Nelson says
he has no intention of leaving SIMPP but
admits the possibility that he may have a
connection with President Aleman on a part-
time basis.
Accompanying Nelson on his trip will be
Francis Alstock, formerly coordinator of
inter-American affairs.
Biddell Checks Out
HOLLYWOOD— Sidney Biddell asked for
and received his release from his Paramount
producer ticket. He checked off the lot and
left for Gotham where he will negotiate for
a new connection.
CREEPING into The Screen Writer, of-
ficial monthly publication of the
Screen Writers Guild, is a petulant,
whiny note which materially lowers the high
literary plane upon which the magazine was
launched two years ago. At the same time
it does little to earn admiration for screen
scriveners, individually or collectively.
It seems that the screen writers — or, at
least, those who edit their monthly organ —
are considerably agitated because they and
their contributions to the motion picture in-
dustry are not receiving the recognition or
publicity to which they feel they are en-
titled. Most recent and a typical manifes-
tation of the lament is found in an editorial
appearing in the May issue of The Screen
Writer. Parts thereof follow:
“Now that April’s gone, and the fiscal year,
in terms of annual awards for achievement
in motion pictures, is ended, a screen writer
may sit down to examine his balance sheet
and to face once again the fact that his role
in the creation of pictures is still regarded
as a walk-on.
“A scouring of the nation’s press after the
recent Academy awards, for example, reveals
no bannerlines proclaiming: ‘Sherwood
Oscared for “Best Years,” ’ no bold-face
‘Muriel and Sidney Box Mobbed by Fans as
Best Original Screenplay Award Announced,’
or ‘Thousands Cheer Clemence Dane.’
“A checkup on the New York papers finds
the writer awards tucked away in newspaper
limbo, hard by the classified ads and the
obituaries. The Sun, after distributing actor,
director and producer Oscars on its front
page, tells us on page 15 that ‘minor awards
were announced first.’ Half a column later
a diligent reader of small type comes upon
the writing awards. The Times, on page 5,
also buries us under a ‘minor awards’ head-
in0-. And the News and the Post simply
looked the other way.
“Actually, the newspapers took their cue
from the Academy, which has consistently
allowed itself to categorize writing awards
among the least of its disbursements.
“In recent years, to add insult, a number
of publications have issued annual awards,
and in practically every case there was no
indication that so-called ‘best pictures’ were
ever written by anyone. Scripts were mani-
festly found under a rose, or, in the light
of their regard, under a rock.”
As a remedy to this deplorable slighting of
Cinemania’s literati, SWG is toying with the
idea of establishing an annual Writers' Film
Award to be bestowed by members of the
Guild. Opines the above-mentioned edi-
torial, “Only through such a medium, it
seems, can we make the public — and per-
haps even the Academy — aware that the
writer’s contribution to pictures is as signif-
icant as that of the producer, the actor and
the director, and slightly more valuable
artistically than a line on page 45 of the
Daily Blotter would indicate.”
It is indeed a strange perspective toward
public and press relations that gives birth
to the opinion that such an award will prove
the panacea to cure the writers’ publicity —
or deficiency thereof — ailments. Why should
newspapers that minimize the writing kudos
when they are a part of the heavily accented
Academy annual glamorfest, pay any more
attention to them when they make a lone
play for recognition?
There is no denying that writers as in-
dividuals and as a group receive less recog-
nition than any other of the industry’s talent
or creative crafts. Furthermore, what little
newspaper space the scribblers command is
usually devoted to bad publicity. Example:
The recent statement by Rep. J. Parnell
Thomas of the house committee on un-
American activities that "90 per cent of
Communist infiltration in Hollywood is to
be found among the screen writers,” and
countless other recent accusations of similar
theme.
But in approaching the problem the edi-
torialist for The Screen Writer seems to be
confusing cause and effect. The writers,
individually and collectively, during recent
years have done less to garner favorable
publicity than the members of any other of
Hollywood’s guilds. Under SWG’s code of
ethics they are not permitted to advertise.
A survey among Hollywood’s top free-lance
blurberies reveals that rare indeed is the
writer who retains the services of a press
agent. Both advertising and press agentry
are standard equipment to the career build-
ing by prominents among producers, directors
and actors.
No one will quarrel with the literary ladies
and gentlemen for their noble desire to con-
duct their business with ethics and dignity.
But, it must be -remembered that, for all
their efforts to keep their profession on an
exalted plane, while they are writing for the
screen they still are a part of show business —
and show business and its people have always
thrived and prospered on publicity, advertis-
ing, ballyhoo and exploitation.
It may be that the master minds whose
active imaginations sire screen stories can
conceive some system by which press rela-
tions water can be carried on both hips:
a system which will permit writers to adhere
to the dignity and ethics of the medical pro-
fession and at the same time enjoy the hoopla
that is the desirable lot of other industry
toilers, less hampered by such ethics.
But an annual award of their own hardly
appears to be the shining light that will at-
tract to their self-built ivory towers an
avid press clamoring for news of their bril-
liance and achievements.
United States postal inspectors banned
Kathleen Winsor’s “Forever Amber” from
the mails because of alleged obscenity. The
taboo came 31 months after the book was
first published but just a few months before
the release of 20th Century-Fox’s screen ver-
sion thereof. For which propitious timing
Harry (Palsy) Brand, 20th-Fox’s head space-
snatcher, probably will take an undeserved
bow.
>
BUM STEER DEPARTMENT:
Robert Taplinger Division.
It seems time that some kindly soul should
acquaint the boys and girls in Taplinger's
Enterprise praisery with the facts of zoo-
logical life. In a heart-rending story about
an alleged hazardous encounter between Joel
McCrea and a bovine quadruped, a Tap-
linger aide alternately refers to the animal
as a bull and a steer.
BOXOFFICE, :: June 7, 1947
W
59
Sidney Myers Predicts
Hike in British Quotas
HOLLYWOOD — Great Britain probably will
enact a new and more drastic film quota law
when the present one expires in 1948, in the
opinion of Sidney Myers, assistant manag-
ing director of British Lion Films, distribu-
tor for Republic throughout the United King-
dom. Myers expressed his views at a press
conference prior to his departure for New
York where he planned to spend a fortnight
before returning to England.
His prognostication anent the future of the
quota setup is opposed to the views thereon
of J. Arthur Rank, currently being enter-
tained here. At an earlier press conference
Rank voiced the opinion that the new law
should not be more restrictive than existent
regulations and that eventually all restric-
tions should be removed.
Rank Guest on Filmrow
LOS ANGELES — Taking time out from
the round of business conferences and
fetes to which Hollywood is subjecting
him, J. Arthur Rank came to Film-
row to attend a luncheon hosted by Charles
P. Skouras, National Theatres president.
Guests included Robert Young, Arthur Krim,
Robert Benjamin, Nate Blumberg, William
Heineman and Jock Lawrence. Also attending
were Spyros Skouras, 20th-Fox president;
Harold Fitzgerald, Rick Ricketson, Frank
Newman and Elmer Rhoden, NT’s division
presidents currently in Los Angeles; Eddie
Zabel. head of the film buying department.
Sjcecu tw& *7>iaoeleAA.
PETER RATHVON, president of RKO
^ Radio, left for Gotham to confer with
home office executives. He was accompanied
by his assistant, Norman Freeman.
* * * *
Don Prince, director of foreign publicity
for RKO, arrived from New York. It is his
first visit to the coast since assuming his
present position about the first of the year.
While here Prince will reorganize and en-
large the foreign publicity setup at the studio
and coordinate its activities with similar de-
partments at his Manhattan headquarters.
* * *
After a ten-day business trip to New York,
Steve Broidy, president of Allied Artists and
Monogram, and George Burrows, executive
vice-president and treasurer, checked in at
their desks. While in the east they conferred
with John W. Davis, managing director for
J. Arthur Rank, regarding the Canadian
franchise for distribution of their companies'
product.
* * Jjc
Robert S. Taplinger, Enterprise vice-presi-
dent in charge of advertising and publicity,
returned to the studio after two months in
Gotham. While in the east Taplinger set up
the American premiere of “The Other Love”
and handled the national release setup on
“Body and Soul.”
* * *
Irene, MGM executive designer, returned
from her semiannual business trip to Gotham,
where she attended more than a dozen fash-
ion shows.
* * sk
United Artists Producer Seymour Nebenzal
trained in from the east after attending
huddles there.
* * 5jC
En route to his eastern headquarters, Rob-
ert R. Young, Pathe Industries’ head man,
stopped for visits with W. R. Hearst at San
Simeon, and at Vancouver.
sk sk *
William Jacobs, Warner producer, checked
in at his desk after a Gotham visit in search
of new talent for his next production, “Bar-
bary Host.”
* * *
James Geller, Eagle-Lion producer, planed
out for New York to attend the wedding of
his daughter, Janet, to Robert Edelman.
While in the east he will confer with sales
heads on the release date and distribution
of “Love From a Stranger” which he pro-
duced for E-L.
* . * *
Spyros Skouras, president of 20th-Fox, ac-
companied by his assistant, Lem Jones,
planed in from New York for studio con-
ferences with Joseph M. Schenck and Darryl
F. Zanuck.
* * *
Jesse Lasky, head of his own production
company which releases through RKO Radio,
returned from a Gotham business trip.
* * *
En route from Honolulu to New York for
huddles with RKO executives on the distribu-
tion of “The Fugitive,” Producer Merian C.
Cooper, co-owner of Argosy Pictures with John
Ford, stopped off here to confer with the lat-
ter on their forthcoming picture, “War
Party.”
^ -1*
Arthur W. Kelly, personal distribution rep-
resentative for Charles Chaplin, arrived from
Manhattan for conferences.
sk * *
Producer Nunnally Johnson planed out for
New York for the location filming of his U-I
production, “The Senator Was Indiscreet.”
* * *
Director Robert Florey flew to Mexico City,
where he will direct “Tarzan and the Mer-
maids,” which Sol Lesser is producing for
RKO release.
4= * *
Composer Leith Stevens addressed the
film reviewers of the National Federation of
Music clubs on the subject: “The Increasing
Importance of Good Music in Motion Pic-
tures.”
* * *
Mary Pickford made a 15-minute tran-
scription for the Canadian Broadcasting Co.
for the Dominion network coast-to-coast
Hollywood show which will emanate from
Toronto. Susan Fletcher, CBC representa-
tive, is in Hollywood lining up 13 similar
shows for the Canadian series.
* sk si<
Gradwell Sears, United Artists distribution
head, arrived from his eastern headquarters
for a week of huddles with UA producers on
new product. He was accompanied by Byd
Orstein of the company’s foreign department.
* * sk
In from Manhattan visit was Dr. Herbert
T. Kalmus, president and general manager of
Technicolor, accompanied by Kay Harrison,
ALL OUT FOR RANK— Seldom, if
ever, in the history of Hollywood has a
visitor been so generally feted as J.
Arthur Rank, British film magnate, cur-
rently in the film city for a series of
business conferences. On the first day
of his stay he was the subject of the
most widely-attended press conference in
Hollywood annals and later was guest of
honor at a luncheon hosted by the Motion
Picture Ass’n, at which functions the
cameraman snapped:
Top, left to right: Visitor Rank; Eric
Johnston, president, MPA; Robert R.
Young, railroad executive and head of
Pathe Industries, Inc., mother company
of PRC and Eagle-Lion.
Center, seated: William Goetz, head of
production, Universal-International stu-
dio; Nate J. Blumberg, Universal presi-
dent; Rank; standing: Arthur Krim.
president, Eagle-Lion; Kenneth Young,
Pathe Industries.
Bottom: Robert R. Young, railroad
executive and head of Pathe Industries,
Inc., mother company of PRC and Eagle-
Lion; Louis B. Mayer, MGM studio chief;
Producer Samuel Goldwyn; Charles
Skouras, president, National Theatres.
managing director of Technicolor, Ltd., of
London.
>k * >k
Hal Roach sr., president of the company
bearing his name, left for Gotham. He made
the trip piloting his own plane and was ac-
companied by Mrs. Roach, Freeman Gosden,
radio comedian, and Mrs. Gosden.
* * *
Sophie Rosenstein, dramatic coach and test
director at Warners, left for Manhattan for a
survey of the new talent.
60
BOXOFFICE : r June 7, 1947
Salt Lake Roundup
To Open Tuesday
SALT LAKE CITY— With a large entry
list assuring the finest Exhibitor-Distributor
Roundup in history, the committee in charge
of the event was making final arrangements
this weekend for the June 10-12 affair.
A final meeting was held at the Motion
Picture club where C. Clare Woods and his
committee chairmen went over details with
club members, most of whom are helping out
with arrangements.
The effect of Utah’s centennial celebration
on the Roundup remains to be seen. Whether
the fear of inadequate accommodations or the
attractiveness of some centennial events
would have any effect on attendance was not
known. Many tourist courts reported va-
cancies ranging to 50 per cent, and not all
hotel rooms had been taken this weekend.
There also was another event planned for the
same days as the Roundup, which could cut
the number of accommodations. This was the
annual June conference of the Mormon
church.
Dramatic School Named
For Reagan and Wife
HOLLYWOOD — Eureka College, Eureka,
111., will be the home of a newly formed dra-
matic school to be known as the Wyman-
Reagan School of Speech and Dramatic Art.
Plans for the new undertaking were jointly
revealed by Jane Wyman and Ronald Reagan,
man and wife and contractees at Warner, and
trustees of the college.
The project calls for erection on the campus
of a new building to cost $150,000, of which
Reagan, a Eureka alumnus, and his wife
will contribute half. The balance is to be
sought in subscriptions from other graduates.
Barstead Buys Nu-Rex
SPOKANE — A. P. Barstead, ex-newspaper-
man of Harvey, N. D„ has purchased the
Nu-Rex Theatre from James Pike. His wife
will act as manager.
NOTICE!
THEATRE EXCHANGE CO.
has moved from 217 Governor Bldg,
into new and larger quarters at 201
Fine Arts Bldg. The telephone is the
same, BRoadway 0531.
Our new location is handier to both
the downtown shopping center and Film
Row. This move is in line with our
policy of continuous improvement in
service to the industry, to make THEA-
TRE EXCHANGE CO. truly "the best
place to buy or sell a theatre."
THEATRE EXCHANGE
201 Fine Arts Bldg. Portland 5, Oregon
$2-an-Hour Pay Demand
Stirs Theatre Owners
SALT LAKE CITY
gad weather came to Salt Lake City this
week and had a two-way effect on local
theatres. The rain and electrical storms kept
many people home, but most of those that
did come into town for entertainment went
to the shows instead of nearby resorts or to
the fairgrounds. Grosses were down, never-
theless.
“It Happened on Fifth Avenue” was given
a sneak preview at the Uptown for local
drama critics and others, and rated good re-
views. Missing at the preview was the
Uptown’s manager, Harry Ashton, who has
been at home quite ill lately . . . Illness also
has kept Nina Scott, Republic office manager,
from putting in her full days of work lately.
Miss Scott comes down to the office for an
hour or two a day when she can make it.
It’s just a case of all those late working nights
she put in recently catching up with her.
Walt Hull, Ely exhibitor, who has been ill
lately, was on Filmrow for the first time in
more than a year and a half last week. He
is looking much better. His daughter is
graduating from nearby St. Mary’s of the
Wasatch.
Art Jolley, PRC and Eagle-Lion branch
manager here, abandoned ranks of the bache-
lors and was married this week. His staff
threw a party for the handsome Art.
Frank Jenkins, 20th-Fox field represent-
ative, was in town to plug “Miracle on 34th
Street,” which opens June 19 at the Centre.
He is using recordings and spot announce-
ments liberally . . . Jan Rubini, concert
violinist, will appear on the Lyric stage next
week . . . Martell’s Marvels, local small fry
dancing group, will hold their annual dance
concert on the stage of the Utah . . . Charles
Walker and Clyde Blasius have returned
from a company meeting on the coast.
The Rialto, a Lawrence house, gained a plug
for “Bedelia” in one of the choicest spots
in town. The Anderson Jewelry Co., which
opened a large new store at Second South
and Main, used a large picture of Margaret
Lockwood wearing pearls in a special win-
dow for its opening . . . Pictures and com-
ments obtained at the sneak preview of
“Miracle on 34th Street” two weeks ago are
being used in large ads to publicize the
opening of the picture at the Centre . . .
First Monogram product to go into Main
Street Theatres is “It Happened on Fifth
Avenue,” which opens June 10 at the Up-
town. It was sneak previewed at the Up-
town this week.
Improvement at Gunnison
GUNNISON, COLO— Workers on George
Besse’s Unique Theatre have practically com-
pleted interior decorations and now will re-
furbish the outside.
LOS ANGELES — Terming the $2 per hour
basic minimum rate being demanded by the
IATSE Projectionists Local 150 “impossible
for most small theatre owners to meet,” Paul
Williams, general counsel of the Southern
California Theatre Owners Ass’n, has called
a general meeting of his membership to dis-
cuss the many provisions of Local 150’s new
contract demands. In his bulletin calling
the meeting, Williams pointed out that “other
of the provisions specified by the union,
when considered in the light of small thea-
tres’ own business, will be just as onerous.”
Williams is a member, along with repre-
sentatives of southland circuits, of the over-
all committee dealing with union represent-
atives to effect the new pact.
CALLS FOR UNITED FRONT
In his advice to SCTOA members, he ex-
pressed the opinion that it was of the ut-
most importance that all members of the
association organize as a whole in order
to combat successfully what he termed “these
drastic conditions.”
In order to assist SCTOA members in the
renegotiation of their labor contracts, Wil-
liams has appointed a committee consisting
of Harry Vinnecof, chairman; Jack Brower,
Evert Cummings and Roy Wolff.
He informed members that the union was
willing to deal with this committee pro-
viding that a substantial number of associa-
tion members designated it as their bar-
gaining agent.
HIGHLIGHTS OF DEMANDS
Highlights of the working conditions be-
ing demanded by Local 150 include; Two
weeks’ vacation with pay for projectionists
employed for one year or more; time and
one-half for all overtime; a minimum basic
scale of $2 per hour in all theatres; overtime
rate for all performances after 12:30 mid-
night; a six-day week; overtime rate for
special matinees or other performances; em-
ployment of an extra projectionist if any
manipulation of the public address system is
required during the stage performance, if the
theatre uses sound dummies, or if it has an
auditorium fader; and the presence of a
projectionist, at the time and one-half rate,
whenever the projection room is opened for-
repairs, maintenance, or installation of new
equipment.
The next meeting between representatives
of the theatres and the union’s negotiating
committee will take place June 16, at which
time the theatre owners are expected to make
a counteroffer.
MANLEY
UmiP GUARANTEED
l§np POPCORN and SUPPLIES
SATISFACTION
OR YOUR MONEY BACK
W. H. Turpie, Western Division Manager
1914 South Vermont Los Angeles 1. Calif.
REpublic 7528
We
have the
Count on us for Quick Action!
for
YOUR
EATRE
t Phonc Our wide contacts with the exhibitors
BRoadway 0531 assure you of satisfactory results.
& THEATRE EXCHANGE CO.
^ 201 F
Fine Arts Bldg.
Portland 5, Oregon
i
mmm ATTRACTIVE POPCORN BOXES wm*
Top Volume Popping Purdue Hybrid Popcorn.
Popsit Plus Popcorn Seasoning Cocoanut Oil in 50-lb. Cans. I
Popcorn Salt — Scoops — Bags — Seasoning Measuring Cups I
Best Quality Merchandise — Quick Service I
ARTHUR UNGER CO. |
105 Golden Gate Ave. San Francisco 2, Calif. |
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
61
MGM OFFICE STAFFS MEET — Office managers, field auditors and master
bookers from MGM exchanges assembled for three-day confabs recently in Denver
and Cincinnati to discuss streamlining operations. In the top photo is the western
and southwestern group who met at the Cosmopolitan hotel, Denver. Usual left to
right order, in the first row are field auditors and master bookers Willard Gillilan,
Ed Urschel, John Ash, Tom F. Grady and Oliver C. Broughton. In the second row
are office managers Edna Frank, Chicago; Andrew C. McCarl jr., Portland- Walter
Bennin, Milwaukee; Wilton W. Spruce, Dallas; Hazel Andersen, Omaha; Joseph E
Comer, Seattle; Arthur Zuelch, Minneapolis; Fred Armington jr., Des Moines In
the third row, office manager Alvin Gross, Denver; Jack L. Valpey, Los Angeles;
John Coyne, San Francisco; Emma Joy Brantley, acting for Ward Royalty, Okla-
homa City; Jay H. Zimmerman, St. Louis; George A. Derrick, Salt Lake City;
Vernon Smith, Kansas City. On the dais: Charles D. O’Brien, Harold Postman,
Alan F. Cummings, Charles K. Stern, M. L. Simons and Bill Ornstein, home office!
Standing behind dais: Henry A. Friedel, Denver resident manager, and William
Prass, exploiteer.
Bottom photo shows office managers for branches east of the Mississippi who
met at the Netherlands Plaza in Cincinnati. Seated: Sam Perloff, Atlanta; Mary
Ryan, Buffalo; Donald S. McLeod, Indianapolis; Ben Wolf, Boston. Standing, first
row: Joe Kronman, Washington; Sidney Stockton, New York-New Jersey; Dorsey
H. Brown, Cleveland; Andrew J. Mayer, Pittsburgh; Edward Susse, Albany; Hollis
Holmes, Memphis. Standing, last row: Lattie R. Gilland jr., Charlotte; Joseph E.
Farrow, Philadelphia; Michael Berger, Cincinnati; Gilbert L. Becker, Detroit; Helmer
P. Mosley, New Orleans, and George Weber, New Haven.
Helena Mothers Critical
Of Early Saturday Shows
HELENA, MONT. — Helena mothers, al-
though happy to know that their children
have the advantage of good clean entertain-
ment through the special children’s shows,
would prefer having these shows at some
other time, rather than Saturday mornings.
Said one mother, "Ten o’clock in the morn-
ing is psychologically wrong, for neither a
child’s nor an adult’s mind is receptive for
such entertainment at this time.” Another
said they interfere with household chores
and duties and one mother suggested that
Friday evening would be the logical time for
children’s shows.
On the subject of children’s shows, Dan
Driscoll, manager of the Marlow, voiced the
opinion that more mature pictures, featur-
ing such subjects as “Smoky” and “Thunder-
head, Son of Flicka” appeal to older children
and he believes that they will be especially
popular in such towns as Helena, where horse
pictures and westerns are more than usually
appreciated.
Linkletter Gives Show
For Hospital Benefit
SAN DIEGO — The Fox Theatre here was
the scene of a gala benefit performance that
netted $7,000 for the Crippled Children’s Or-
thopedic hospital to be built here soon.
Three thousand jammed the Fox to see Art
Linkletter of People Are Funny fame, stage
a lengthened facsimile of his radio attraction.
The show ran for two hours and was topped
by a preview staged as a donation of Fox
West Coast Theatres and the local manager,
Dick Smith.
Huish Theatre Opens
In Richfield June 18
RICHFIELD, UTAH — The Huish Theatre,
a memorial to the late Charles E. Huish, will
oe opened here June 18.
It is the last word in theatre construction
and equipment, according to those who have
~een it, bearing out the advance publicity by
its builder and owner, Vincent Gilhool, man-
ager of the Huish-Gilhool circuit. Gilhool
said every practical feature of a theatre has
been incorporated into the new house, a
three-story building of cast stone, trimmed
and interlaced with wine-colored structural
glass.
A 56-FOOT MARQUEE
The marquee, the most modern available,
stretches 56 feet, the entire width of the front
of the theatre, and is arranged in a manner
i.hat makes it possible to tell almost an entire
story. It has plastic tracks for the plastic
letters, eliminating dark lines that show
around the letters on some marquees.
A distinctive feature is the electric ele-
vator at the front. Here, all deliveries of film
and other materials are made and conveyed
to the storage room on the second floor and
to the projection room on the third. This,
Gilhool explained, eliminates chances of chip-
ping decorations or damaging the carpet by
making deliveries.
A soft drink, ice cream, popcorn stand,
known as the Candy Stick Corner, is situated
in one corner of the lobby, and is advertised
by a three-color sign of plastic letters.
BIG MIRROR IN FOYER
The center of the foyer features a 4x6-
foot mirror scored in one-foot squares. Car-
pets are dark red, and the walls are brown
and rust. Indirect lights in the auditorium
are of modernistic design in stainless steel.
The blue stage curtain has gold side drapes.
American Bodiform seats average 32 to 34
inches from back to back. The house is air
conditioned.
A civic ceremony is planned for the open-
ing. Gilhool has invited the mayor of Rich-
field and other prominent civic and business
leaders to attend. Gilhool will make brief
remarks dedicating the showhouse to the
memory of Huish, who died last year.
Petition to Bob Hope Says
Gentlemen Prefer Blonds
ROSWELL, N. M. — In promoting “My
Favorite Brunette,” Louis Higdon, manager
of the Griffith theatres here, set up a card
in the lobby of the Plains, addressed to Bob
Hope, stating that gentlemen still preferred
blonds. He invited patrons to sign, and hun-
dreds did.
Later the card was sent to Hope, who wired
back:
“Thanks for the card, you sure do grow
things big in Roswell. At first I thought it
was Crosby’s relatives writing me a chain
card. Happy to see so many gentlemen still
preferring blonds. Let me in the gentleman
act, too, friends, as after all, ‘My Favorite
Brunette’ doesn’t prejudice me against blonds
and redheads.”
Eggs Hatch in Window
As People Guess When
SAN DIEGO — As a promotion tiein on “The
Egg and I,” the Spreckels had 100 eggs placed
in an incubator in a Broadway show window,
posting a prize for the person guessing near-
est the time when the first egg would hatch.
Hundreds entered their guess, two coming
within two minutes of the exact time. Each
was awarded an annual pass to the Spreckels.
62
BOXOFF1CE : : June 7, 1947
New Wilma Theatre a Memorial to Billy Simons
Built as a memorial to her late husband, W. A. “Billy” Simons, Theatre and the W. A. Simons Bldg, in Wallace, Ida., which calls
depicted at the right, Edna Wilma Simons, left, who directs a itself “the biggest little city in the world.” In center is a corner
western theatrical and ranching empire, opened recently the Wilma of the lobby lounge in the $200,000 structure.
WALLACE, IDA.— People out here say the
life of the late Billy Simons is a western saga
that might well be labeled “The American
Story,” but in the same breath they remark
that his widow, who has greatly expanded the
broad empire she inherited, is doing a fine
job that reflects credit upon the career of
her adventurous husband.
With the recent opening here of the Wilma
Theatre, part of the W. A. Simons building,
Edna Wilma Simons gave Wallace a monu-
ment to the memory of her late husband,
prominent businessman of the northwest and
Alaska, who started with nothing and wound
up with “wealth and influence and high
standing in many cities and in many states.”
THEATRE HOLDINGS EXPANDED
Since her husband’s death a decade ago
at Missoula, Mont., headquarters of the W. A.
Simons theatre circuit, Mrs. Simons, who had
a considerable share in her husband’s suc-
cess before his death, has managed the many
ranches, with thousands of sheep, which Billy
Simons left, as well as his other real estate
holdings, and has expanded his theatrical
empire to include a score of houses in a dozen
towns throughout Idaho and Montana.
The new Wilma is a stadium type theatre
100 feet long by 60 feet wide. Seats are of the
most modern type as are all other accessories.
The stage is ample for flesh attractions, since
Mrs. Simons, an actress for years, insisted
upon that feature. For she thoroughly be-
lieves that the stage will experience a come-
back.
The building, entirely modern in design,
decoration, heating, ventilation and lighting,
has space for three stores and was erected by
the Central Construction Co. of Spokane. The
B. F. Shearer Co. of Seattle did the decorat-
ing, while Whitehouse & Price were the
architects.
“I’m very proud to present this memorial
structure to Wallace,” said Mrs. Simons at
the opening, “because Wallace is the place we
started our lives together and Wallace is the
town Billy loved most of all. This theatre,
incidentally, is also dedicated to the memory
of my sister Edith, with whom I was so long
associated, who was also a remarkably fine
person and grand trouper.”
Billy Simons was a native West Virginian
who at 13 took care of his mother and five
brothers and sisters after his father was
drowned in a logging accident. Migrating to
Kansas, he bought a small lunchroom, sold
out and started west with $5,000 in his pockets,
long before he was 21. He settled in Missoula,
built the first electric light plant there, then
a small theatre, a drug store and other en-
terprises.
After a short interlude back east, Simons
returned to Missoula, organized a wild west
show, with Indians, cowboys and buffalo from
western Montana. A1 G. Barnes, later the
noted circus man, was his master of cere-
monies; Mrs. Barnes did a feature act. Bad
weather closed the show, then came the Daw-
son gold rush and adventurous Billy went to
Nome, erecting the famous Standard Theatre
there, locale for Rex Beach’s "The Spoilers.”
Returning to the U.S., Billy built the Or-
pheum Theatre at Portland, playing outstand-
ing entertainers. He engaged the Wilma sis-
ters, outstanding in musical comedy, to play
leading roles in one of his summer shows.
More important is the fact he married one
of them.
SOLD TO PANTAGES
He sold the Orpheum to Alexander Pan-
tages, came to Wallace in 1909, erected the
Wallace hotel, later remodeling a storeroom
and running pictures and vaudeville. Then he
took over the Masonic opera house and soon
had theatres in a number of other Idaho
towns.
In 1920 he went back to Missoula, becoming
interested in Northwest Theatres Co., becom-
ing its president. There, too, in partnership
with W. H. Smead, he built the Smead-
Simons building, the city’s most pretentious
structure, including the Wilma Theatre,
which seats 1,400.
Expansion followed with control of the Yel-
lowstone Amusement Co., and Simons was a
very wealthy man upon his death in 1937.
Since that time, the widow followed in the
footsteps of her adventurous husband, dis-
playing ability and acumen in business deal-
ings, cu’minating in erection of the Wilma.
Plan Television Facilities
For San Francisco Ritz
SAN FRANCISCO— With the steel frame-
work completed for the de luxe new 1,400-
seat Ritz Theatre on Geary boulevard, Dis-
trict Manager Irving M. Levin of San Fran-
cisco Theatres, Inc., is now preparing in-
terior plans which include provision for spe-
cial television facilities.
Levin conferred with television technicians
before formulating his plans to equip the Ritz
with the latest developments in the video
field. According to Levin the theatre will
be prepared to present on the screen all
special events that are transmitted from the
scene by cable to the Ritz.
The new house will be the first in the bay
area equipped with television. “This devel-
opment marks a new trend in motion picture
cooperation with radio in presenting the pub-
lic with a wider range of entertainment and
service,” Levin declared.
Trek to 'The Outlaw'
HELENA, MONT. — Many persons motored
from Helena to Townsend, Mont., to see “The
Outlaw,” banned in the capital city.
For 10 Cents Kids Get
Show and Popcorn
Gallup, N. M. — Saturday morning shows
for children were instituted at the Chief
June 1 by Manager Tex Stanford. Price
is 10 cents and each child gets a bag of
popcorn besides. Each program is fol-
lowed by a radio broadcast. Stanford or-
ganized the first of these shows in co-
operation with Kastning’s music store in
order to stir up interest in organization
of a drum and bugle corps. Nearly 1,200
children showed up.
Drive-In Near San Diego
By Next Year Is Planned
SAN DIEGO — This city will have one of
America’s finest drive-in theatres by spring
of next year providing plans now being
formulated mature.
Two veteran theatremen, Sam Russo and
Ford Bratcher, have petitioned the local plan-
ning commission to rezone property in the
vicinity of 62nd and El Cajon boulevard to
allow for the structure.
The owners plan to call their new theatre
the Campus because of its proximity to San
Diego State college.
Gary Cooper's Contribution
POLSON, MONT. — A generous contribution
has been made to Camp Aqua, Lake county
recreation project, by Gary Cooper, a native
of Montana and former resident of Helena.
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
63
SAN FRANCISCO
John Scribner, manager of the State Theatre
' in Tulare, says the house soon will undergo
a new remodeling job . . . Excavation for
Fox West Coast’s new theatre on the Hyde
Park site in Watsonville has begun.
Former Lieut. Gae Faillace’s full-length
color film “Australia to Tokyo,” a documen-
tary, was shown here last week on a two-
day engagement. The picture covered the
activities of the Pacific forces from the be-
ginning of their long island-hopping cam-
paign from the first base in Australia,
through the wilds of New Guinea and the
Dutch East Indies, to the surrender and oc-
cupation of Japan.
Memorial day weekend found Filmrow
locked tighter than a drum. Many Row per-
sonalities spent the weekend in the great out-
doors.
On their way from Tokyo to Washington,
D. C., were the following army motion pic-
ture service personnel: H. W. Farmer, assist-
ant fiscal branch; Fred Bund jr., chief, and
George H. Whisenhunt, engineer . . . M. J.
Carney, assistant regional manager for the
service, left for Yuma, Ariz., where he opened
a new outdoor theatre.
Congratulations to the Blumenfeld circuit
on its efforts in the “Save a Ranch” benefit
showing last week for ex-marine George
Whitaker, blind father of seven children.
The circuit, in conjunction with the Disabled
American Veterans, put on a benefit show
to enable George to save his Fresno ranch
from foreclosure. Several Hollywood stars,
local entertainers and a major feature were
on the program.
Gloria Naify, daughter of Fred Naify of
Golden State Theatres, announced her en-
gagement to Eddie Sutro . . . The Kearney
Theatre is switching from Mexican films to
burlesque . . . The Golden Gate Theatre had
the whole town talking last week with its
booking of two revivals, “The Magnificent
Obsession” and “I Stole a Million,” in addi-
tion to its usual stage presentation, and
amazingly enough did an average of 30 per
"CENTURY"
THE MODERN PROJECTOR
187 Golden Gate Ave.,
San Francisco 2, Calii,
Phone Underhill 7571
m CfeN GET IT ! 1
IT OR WILL MAKE IT! M
Wedenn J/ieufAicaL
&quipnmt Co.
337 GOLDEN GATE AVE.
SAN FRANC/SCO 2, CAL IF.
+ FPkcme HEmlock 8302
cent over its normal business . . . Incidentally,
with the coming of Jane Russell to the
Golden Gate, the theatre has been using six-
sheet posters advertising La Russell. It’s the
first time since 1941 that the Gate has used
outdoor postings.
A telephone at long last has been installed
in the new offices of the California Theatres
Ass’n. It’s EXbrook 0892 . . . Walter Blanch-
ard, formerly manager of the Portola Theatre,
is now running the Oakdale Theatre in Oak-
dale for the Blumenfeld circuit.
Betty Gamble, Universal booker, looks very
smart in her red-framed sun glasses as she
hurries along Filmrow . . . Eddie Skolak,
president of the Follies Theatre, is rocking
the town with his laugh-provoking Beef
Trust chorus . . . Mrs. Helen Smith, office
manager for Nassar Brothers Theatres, head-
ed toward Grand Canyon for her vacation
. . . Ximena Watson of Blumenfeld has just
returned from a vacation at Lake Tahoe
. . . L. C. Tavolara, former manager of the
Paramount Theatre here, has gone to Stock-
ton as city manager for Fox West Coast
Theatres.
Betty Merritt, bookkeeper at Paramount,
left for Santa Barbara to attend a reunion
of her sorority, which is celebrating an an-
niversary . . . Ted Gelbar, booker at Para-
mount, recently was married to Ruth Lan-
derson . . . “Man’s Hope,” prize-winning film
based on Andre Malraux’s novel about the
Spanish Civil war, had a single showing in
Oakland last week, sponsored by the Spanish
Refugee Appeal, Inc.
Gordon Allen’s new Motor Movies Drive-In
at Hayward will open June 27. A CPA permit
has been received. No one was more sur-
prised than Gordon when he realized that
ground was broken for the drive-in only two
weeks ago. Allen recently was married to
Helen McCoy of the Robert L. Lippert cir-
cuit.
Mark Ailing, manager of the Golden Gate,
has a new daughter named Mary Francis,
born May 26. It’s the third child for Mark
and his wife . . . “Dear Ruth” was given its
west coast premiere at the St. Francis Thea-
tre. Joan Caulfield and Edward Arnold,
stars of the picture, were in the lobby giving
out autographs on opening day.
Careful Drivers Awarded
Passes by Intermountain
SALT LAKE CITY— The most careful
driver here each day gets a pair of tickets
to one of the houses operated by Intermoun-
tain Theatres. The stunt is promoted in co-
operation with the Deseret News, which has
been running a safety campaign, and has
already brought the circuit at least a column
of free publicity. A prowl car is designated
each day to hand out the ducats. The cam-
paign will continue indefinitely.
Three Circuits Sponsor
Greek Relief Showing
PORTLAND — Gamble Theatre Enterprises,
Hamrick Evergreen Theatres and J. J. Parker
Theatres were sponsors of a program featur-
ing a preview of a 20th-Fox picture for a
Greek war relief benefit fund.
Bill Gamble, general manager of Gamble
Theatres, is state chairman of the Greek War
Relief campaign and Jack McCallum, also a
Gamble employe, is Portland chairman.
Paramount and F&M
Sign Booking Truce
LOS ANGELES — With the opening of
“Suddenly It's Spring” at the Paramount
Hollywood and Downtown theatres, Para-
mount product again has a local first run
outlet, a booking arrangement which for
several weeks was denied because of the
litigation between the company and Fanchon
& Marco, operators of the two Paramount-
owned houses.
A temporary peace in that battle was de-
clared, at least so far as concerns local book-
ings. The issues involved, which kept Para-
mount product out of the houses, their normal
first run outlet, stem from the New York
court decree and suit filed by Paramount
seeking cancellation of the leasing deal with
F&M.
During the time that Paramount pictures
were missing from the two screens, Republic
had a field day. Ten features were booked
on dual programs into the two houses.
Jerry Fairbanks to Make
Films Designed for Video
HOLLYWOOD — Production of films de-
signed especially for television has been add-
ed to the activities of Jerry Fairbanks Pro-
ductions, which makes two series of shorts for
Paramount distribution as well as commercial
subjects.
In preparing the films for television, Fair-
banks will use new lighting techniques de-
veloped during three years of research. Scripts
have been carefully broken down so thatlan
entire series can be photographed with a
minimum of production costs.
Patterned after radio’s usual format, Fair-
banks’ video pictures will be designed to play
individually or serially. Each show will be
approximately 15 minutes in length and there
will be 17 such programs in each package.
Hugh Reid Leaves
CHOTEAU, MONT.— Mrs. Cecil Huffman
has taken over management of the Royal
Theatre here for the Yellowstone Amusement
Co. Hugh Reid, former manager, left to
become advance agent for Cal Shrum and
his Rhythm Rangers.
ALL-WESTERN SHOWHOUSE— This
is the Vigilante, Fox Intermountain house
in Billings, Mont. The theatre has
adopted a new program of showing only
action pictures. It is open three days a
week.
64
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
Australian Defies Ban on Gimmicks ;
Exhibitor Group Plans Next Move
'Great Waltz' Reissue
Cuts Fancy Figure j
LOS ANGELES — The Memorial day week-
end, plus the fact that the California sun-
shine wasn’t as prevalent as the chamber of
commerce would like the other 47 states to
think, combined to give a noticeable lift to
first run grosses. While newies to the cje luxe
screens did okay, it was a reissue, “The
Great Waltz,” that stole the top spot in the
lineup.
(Average is 100)
Belmont, El Rey, Orpheum and Vogue — Stairway
to Heaven (U-I); The Vigilantes Return (U-I).... 150
Chinese, State, Uptown and Loyola —
Moss Rose (20th-Fox) 175
Downtown Paramount — Suddenly It's Spring
(Para); Seven Were Saved (Para) 110
Egyptian, Wilshire and Los Angeles — My Brother
Talks to Horses (MGM); Undercover Maisie
(MGM) 150
Four Music Halls — Ramrod (UA) 180
Four Star — The Great Waltz (MGM), reissue 200
Guild, Ritz, United Artists, Studio City and Iris —
The Web (U-I), 2nd wk 100
Hillstreet — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO), 4th
wk.; The Millerson Case (Col), 3rd wk 140
Hollywood Paramount — Same as Downtown 150
Million Dollar — It Happened on Fifth Avenue
(AA-Mono), 3rd d. t. wk.; Fall Guy (Mono) 100
Pantages — Same as Hillstreet 140
Warners Downtown, Hollywood, Wiltern — Love
and Learn (WB) 125
Denver Fishes and Plays,
Theatre Grosses Suffer
DENVER — With fishing season opening,
fine weather, and with thousands in city
parks and in the mountains, grosses were
mostly off here last week.
Aladdin — Song of Scheherazade (U-I); Blind
Spot (Col), 2nd d. t. wk 130
Broadway — My Brother Talks to Horses (MGM);
Lighthouse (PRC), 3rd wk 80
Denham — The Imperfect Lady (Para) 80
Denver and Webber — Smash-Up (U-I); Sarge
Goes to College (Mono) 115
Esquire, and Paramount — Stallion Road (WB);
Millie's Daughter (Col), 2nd wk 95
Oroheum — The Yearling (MGM), 2nd wk.;
Crime Doctor's Manhunt (Col), 2nd run 90
Rialto — Bedelia (E-L); It's a Joke, Son (E-L) 150
Tabor — Kings Row (WB), Wild Bill Hickok
Rides (WB), reissue 90
'Egg' Stays Hot in S. F.;
’Duel' Also Holds Pace
SAN FRANCISCO— “The Egg and I” in its
fourth big week, took boxoffice honors with
a gross of 210 per cent. In there for second
place was “Duel in the Sun” in its third
week at the United Nations. “Odd Man Out”
took a dip in its second week at the St.
Francis.
Fox — The Homestretch (20th-Fox);
That Way With Women (WB) 120
Golden Gate — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO),
3rd- wk 120
Orpheum — The Egg and I (U-I), 4th wk 210
Paramount — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB);
Danger Street (Para) 150
St. Francis — Odd Man Out (U-I), 2nd wk 110
United Artists — Dishonored Lady (UA);
The Case ol the Baby Sitter (SG), 2nd wk 110
United Nations — Duel in the Sun (SRO), 3rd wk 200
Warfield — The Yearling (MGM) 140
'Fifth Avenue' Is Booked
For Three-Way Opening
SAN DIEGO — “It Happened on Fifth Ave-
nue,” Roy Del Ruth’s Allied Artists film, was
booked for day and date opening at the State,
Fox, and Loma theatres for the week of June
10. Other towns booked for June openings
are Long Beach, Santa Ana, Pomona, Avalon,
Redondo, Santa Monica, Hermosa, Ventura,
San Pedro, Ontario, Anaheim and Hemet.
To Remodel the Lee
LONG BEACH — Plans are being prepared
by architect Hugh Gibbs for remodeling the
Lee Theatre here for Cabart Theatres Corp.,
owned by Milton B. Arthur. New restrooms
and treatment of the lobby and foyer, a new
air conditioning system, and acoustical work
are planned.
By WILLIAM BEECHAM
Australian Bureau Boxoffice
PERTH, W. A. — Although the Motion Pic-
ture Exhibitors Ass’n of New South Wales
frowns heavily on any type of gift scheme
to attract business, at least one exhibitor
in its territory is featuring a guessing com-
petition each week with cash prizes. The
association has warned this showman that
it dislikes the practice, but so far it has
been defied, and it is now looking to the
distributors association to do something in
the matter. Probability is, however, that the
distributors will refuse to take any action —
and the outcome will be well worth watching.
* * *
When a fire broke out recently in the Red-
fern (Sydney) store of Cinesound Produc-
tions, Ltd., the entire contents were de-
stroyed. Included were about 20 complete
films, the majority of which will be difficult
to replace.
* * *
There is talk that British studio equip-
ment to the value of some £400,000 will be
shipped to Sydney for the production of
films by the Rank-Rydge interests. Producer
Harry Watt, accompanied by his assistant
producer, Leslie Norman, and script writer
Walter Greenwood, returned recently, and
will soon get “Eureka Stockade” under way.
Following this “Robbery Under Arms" will
be made, and this will be in turn followed
by a modern story, the title and theme as
yet undisclosed. It is expected that several
British performers will come to Australia
later in the year to take part in these pro-
ductions.
* * *
MGM BUYS DOI SHORTS
Despite the general apathy and even dis-
like shown by the industry to the depart-
ment of information shorts, MGM has now
purchased three of these — “Journey of a
Nation,” “Native Earth” and “Watch Over
Japan” — for its own programs and also for
release to exhibitors throughout the com-
monwealth. Managing Director Freeman
states that he has purchased these purely
on their merits, and as Freeman knows his
business thoroughly we suspect that these
three must be of at least fair caliber. But
he tells local exhibitors that they will be
under no obligation whatever to rent these
films, and he leaves it entirely to them
whether they consider the shorts to be
worth offering to their patrons.
* * *
Ozone Theatres, Ltd., Adelaide, has ob-
tained a controlling interest in the Colonel
Light Gardens Theatre, and it is on the
cards that yet another local cinema may
soon be added to the chain. It is rumored
that Greater Union Theatres, which some
time ago purchased the Adelaide Clifford
circuit, has now added the Seayiew and
Strand theatres, Glenelg, to its lineup.
* * *
ARNHEIM LAND IN SPOTLIGHT
Gaumont British intends to make a docu-
mentary on Arnheim Land, and its primitive
aborigines. This was recently announced by
the administrator of the Northern Territory,
who said permission had been granted for
two of the company’s cameramen to enter
Arnheim Land, which is strictly a native
reserve. The film, we understand, will be
titled “Primitive Peoples.” At the same time
Keith Young, who says that he has had
Hollywood experience, announces his inten-
tion of making a color film of the initiation
ceremonies, tribal rites and various weird
customs of the Australian aborigines. He
has left for the far north, and he intends
going into a country where a number of
spearings have recently taken place. What
is more, he intends to make the journey
unaccompanied. He says that his film will
not be in the form of a documentary, but
will have “popular appeal.”
* * *
A screening of “The Blind Beggar of
Jerusalem” was recently given in St. Peter’s
cathedral, Adelaide, before a congregation
of more than 600. Australian-made religious
films, including “Augustine and Canterbury”
and “The Story of Rebecca” will be offered
later. We understand that the latter film
has been sold to overseas distributors.
* * *
Charles Chauvel reports that excellent
progress is being made on location with
“Sons of Matthew.” A new cameraman, Karl
Kayser, was recently added to this unit.
Robert L. Lippert Reopens
Studio, Renamed as Guild
SAN FRANCISCO — Robert L. Lippert, thea-
tre circuit owner with headquarters here, has
opened his Guild Theatre here between Sixth
and Seventh streets. Lippert opened the
theatre with “The Great Waltz.” The house
formerly was called the Studio. Remodeled
and retitled, the Guild now will inaugurate
a series of distinguished films.
Harry Goldberg in L.A.
LOS ANGELES — Harry Goldberg, director
of advertising and exploitation for Warner
Theatres, was here from New York for a
week of conferences with theatre managers
and advertising men in Pacific zone.
From 'Yearling' to 'Roughshod'
Claude Jarman jr„ who skyrocketed to
fame in “The Yearling," will topline in RKO’s
“Roughshod.”
CIVIC CONGRATULATIONS — When
Chester Price, manager of the Centre in
Salt Lake City, received an award for
showmanship from MGM recently, the
city’s chamber of commerce head was on
hand to congratulate him. Price, center,
receives a handshake and smile from Gus
P. Backman, executive secretary of the
Chamber of Commerce, while Tracy Bar-
ham, vice-president and general man-
ager of Intermountain Theatres, hands
him the check. This is the sixth show-
manship award for the popular Centre
manager.
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947
G5
DENVER
Cam Langwith, owner of Western Service and
^ Supply, and Paul Allmeyer, Paramount
booker, will appreciate it when June 26 rolls
around. They live in Idaho Springs and com-
mute daily. The town is celebrating Gold
Rush days June 21-25, and all males that re-
fuse to let at least a portion of their beards
grow are thrown in an open air jail. Sam's
beard is showing up in fine shape but Paul
is having a tough time proving he is even
growing a beard, it’s coming on so slowly.
The town will be wide open those five days
and a special invitation is extended all thea-
tre and film folk to see a western town with
fu’l steam up on those days.
Grand Junction will have a drive-in theatre
if city fathers approve. The theatre will be
built by Floyd Files, newspaperman, and Roy
French, who is in the auto parts business . . .
Albert Coppell of Azteca Films, San Antonio,
and Reuben Caldron of the Los Angeles of-
fice, spent a few days here on a selling trip.
Bryan Hendricks, former theatreman, is
selling for Service Theatre Supply . . . After
operating the Lake, Johnstown, Colo., for one
year, Dewey Gates has sold to W. B. Parks,
recently of Wyoming . . . Robert Hill, Co-
lumbia manager, went to Chicago for a dis-
trict and branch managers meeting.
F. A. Boggess was on Filmrow buying and
booking for the Chautauqua Theatre, Boul-
der, Colo., which operates two and a half
months each summer . . . C. T. “Tommy”
Charack, assistant to Nicky Goldhammer, dis-
trict manager for Eagle-Lion, and Louie
Falkoff, PRC auditor, spent some time at the
PRC exchange.
Earl Collins, Republic district manager, and
Mrs. Collins were in town and while here
went over to Boulder, Colo., where their son
is attending the University of Colorado.
Helen Spiller, Esquire manager, spent her
vacation in New York City . . . Wives of the
northern district managers for Fox Inter-
mountain Theatres have organized and are
planning a convention, which will coincide
with the managers meeting, but in a differ-
ent city. So while the managers are learn-
ing better to manage the theatres, the wives
Popcorn and Candy
Headquarters
lor
The Western Theatre
Gif Jlee
will take care ol all Y°ur popcorn
and candy requirements.
Write — Call — Wire
Qa.
2147 Broadway Denver 2, Colo.
Alpine 1787
will be putting their heads together on how
to manage the managers. Eleanor McGee,
Cheyenne, Wyo., is president, with Dot Pen-
nock. Ft. Collins, Colo., secretary-treasurer.
Martin Winant, Columbia auditor, is check-
ing accounts at the local exchange . . . A. G.
Edwards, PRC office manager, is spending
part of his vacation attending the Exhibitors
Roundup at Salt Lake City . . . Mr. and Mrs.
Frank Barnes and son Billy are on a trip to
Lawrence, Kas., to help his mother celebrate
her 80th birthday.
Ned Greenslit, Aladdin manager, was
placed in the Denver Post’s weekly Hall of
Fame for his work as chairman of the cancer
drive.
River Theatre Is Opened
At Guerneville, Calif.
GUERNEVILLE, CALIF.— The River The-
atre opened here auspiciously as one of the
showplaces of this resort area. It is owned
by Dave Williams and J. A. Rock. The build-
ing also houses a modern cocktail lounge and
restaurant. Theatre equipment was furnished
by the B. F. Shearer Co.
Williams came here from San Francisco
to retire some years ago, but found the rest-
ful life was not for him, so with his partner
he erected the amusement enterprise.
Linds to Spend $100,000
On New House at Rifle
RIFLE, COLO. — Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lind
have started construction on a new theatre
here to cost $100,000. The last word in theatre
construction, the new house will be built of
concrete, tile, ornamental glass blocks and
stainless steel.
Staggered arrangements in seating, a cry
room, and the latest type heating and cool-
ing plant are other features.
The Linds will live in a five-room apart-
ment being constructed over the theatre.
Paul R. Sprague Retires;
35 Years an Exhibitor
QUINCY, CALIF. — After 35 years as an ex-
hibitor, Paul R. Sprague is going into well-
earned retirement. He has sold his Quincy
Log Cabin Theatre to Edward Claeys of Mar-
tinez, Calif., who takes over June 8. Claeys
is a veteran of World War II.
Joseph Emerson Becomes
RKO Pilot in Denver
DENVER — Joseph C. Emerson, RKO sales-
man, has been named manager of the local
exchange, succeeding Thomas Bailey, re-
signed. Emerson joined RKO in 1941.
'Ruth' Stars at Hospital
SAN FRANCISCO— Joan Caulfield and Ed-
ward Arnold, here for the west coast pre-
miere of Paramount’s “Dear Ruth," visited
with and entertained the vets at Letter-
man General hospital. They were the first
Hollywood personalities to visit the hospital
in six months.
J. A. Becker a Visitor
LOS ANGELES — President Truman's home
town exhibitor, J. A. Becker, president and
general manager of Associated Theatres, In-
dependence, Mo., was a visitor at Paramount
studio. Becker recently was elected a trus-
tee of the Motion Picture Foundation and is
slated to be the next president of the
Kansas-Missouri Theare Owners Ass'n.
LOS ANGELES
yp from San Diego to visit friends along
the row came Leo Hamacher, who oper-
ates the Ramona Theatre in the southern city
and ranches as a sideline. He was handing
out cigars, but not because there was an ad-
dition to the Hamacher family. It seems one
of Leo’s mares recently foaled . . . Another
Row visitor was J. Burger, Del Mar Theatre.
Carpenteria, who dropped in for a day of
booking and buying . . . Others seen on the
Row: Leon Levy, manager, the local Cen-
tury: Harry Maupin, Morro Bay Theatre,
Morro Bay, and Frank Martin, owner of
houses in Clifton and Morenci, Ariz.
Business has dropped off a little in north-
ern California, reports G. E. “Red” Galbraith
of Associated Theatre Advertisers, who just
got back from a business trip up there. In-
cidentally, “Red” just can’t get over the Va-
riety convention . . . Another returned trav-
eler was Herb Turpie, western division man-
ager for Manley, Inc. Herb’s jaunt to Mexico
was strictly for fun, however . . . “Little”
Joe Hartman, National Screen Service sales-
man, was out of town making a tour of his
territory around Bakersfield.
George Lefko, PRC-E-L manager, has de-
serted the local film mart for Indianapolis
to take up new duties as branch manager for
Film Classics ... In Los Angeles for confabs
was Oscar Morgan, short subjects manager
at Paramount’s home office ... Ed Lawson
and Quentin Lacy, exploiteers for “Henry V,”
got together with A1 Galston and Jay Sutton
of the Marcal Theatre to map strategy for
the British opus which opened at the Marcal
June 4 for an extended run.
Hal Hallman, manager of the local Oriental,
returned from a four-week sojourn in the
Hawaiian islands to let owner Harry Wine-
berg go on his vacation, which was to con-
sist of one week at Murietta . . . A1 Bood-
man, Columbia booker, is back from the same
place — Murietta, that is . . . Weekending at
Arrowhead were Jack and Milt Lefton and
Manny Williams of “Duchess of Hollywood”
cosmetics. «
Off to Chicago for confabs were Wayne Ball,
local manager, and Jerry Safron, division
manager of Columbia . . . The Manley fac-
tory in Kansas City was the destination of
W. H. Turpie, the company’s western di-
vision manager . . . Henry Herbel. district
manager of Warner exchanges, planed to
New York for a meeting.
New manager of the Los Feliz is Hal Davis
. . . Harold Gimble, formerly owner of the
Mission here, is now southern California
franchise holder for the film. “The Birth of
a Babv” . . . Joe Fredericks was about ready
to oDen his new 500-seat theatre, the Rio,
in Soledad.
A1 Zimbalist, home office publicist for Film
Classics, was in town to set the “That Hamil-
ton Woman” campaign . . . Bob Hicks Page
flew in from San Francisco to plan the
launching of “Mom and Dad” at the Mayan.
L. A. Gillesme Sells Two
Okanoqan Valley Spots
BREWSTER, WASH.— L. A. Gillespie has
sold the Caribou Theatre here to Jerome B.
Divis, a student at the University of Wash-
ington. and also has disposed of the Chief
in Tonasket. Gillespie, who owns a string
of houses in the Okanogan valley, also will
have other of his theatres on the market in
a short time. Until a year ago, Gillespie
operated the. Caribou here in partnership with
Harry E. Elsh, whose interest he bought
out. The new owner, Divis, said he would
renovate the house completely.
66
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
Foster Goodwill in St. Louis District
Circuit Heads and Individual Showmen Realize Value of Community Activity
By DAVE BARRETT
ST. LOUIS — Motion picture folk of this
trade territory are alive to the possibilities
of community good-
will activities.
Locally, for example,
Fanchon & Marco
interests, and Fred
Wehrenberg, president
of the MPTOA, were
among the first in the
country to form Youth
Cinema clubs.
Harry C. Arthur,
head of the Fanchon
& Marco organization
here, has encouraged
members of his or-
ganization to take an
interest in community
affairs in the vicinity of their theatres. Fre-
quently, F&M first run managers have ap-
peared as speakers before service clubs, edu-
cational groups and the like. Wehrenberg
since about 1907, has been an active part of
community life along Cherokee street, Michi-
gan avenue, South Grand boulevard, etc.
Exhibitors in the territory are also alive to
the possibilities and necessity for proper pub-
GUS KERASOTES
lie relations. In Springfield, 111., hardly a
local civic welfare committee is formed with-
out some motion picture man being a mem-
ber. Kerasotes Bros, and the Ftisina Amuse-
ment Co. personnel as well as Publix Great
States managers in Springfield and other
southern Illinois towns always take an active
interest in community affairs.
Two fine examples of how to get along with
folk who patronize the theatre came to our
attention recently.
Through the courtesy of the Fox Midwest
circuit and Dick Wright, manager of the
Capitol, Benton, 111., a free motion picture
show for children was given in the 1,200-
seat Capitol, with a Joe E. Brown picture
on the screen.
Recently Benton conducted a ten-day city-
wide Cleanup, Paintup, Fixup campaign.
Manager Wright was co-chairman for that
campaign and later announced that the Fox
Midwest organization would give the show
as a reward for the children who worked to
make the campaign a success. The projec-
tionists and other employes of the theatre
donated their services as an expression of
their willingness to cooperate.
Naturally the mothers and fathers and
aunts and uncles, of the children who saw
the free show feel kindly toward the man-
agement of the Capitol.
A somewhat different but also a very ef-
fective goodwill-builder was the address made
by Pete Nepote, resident manager for the
Frisina Amusement Co. in Olney, 111., before
the Rotarians at their weekly luncheon meet-
ing.
Pete outlined the role of the motion picture
in promoting international understanding,
stressing the increase of knowledge and good-
will that can be attained with motion pic-
tures as a medium. He also told of the ad-
vantageous use of films in training army and
navy personnel in World War II.
Nepote told the Rotarians that China with
a population of 450 million has only 150 mo-
tion picture theatres, while Russia is reputed
to have more than 18,000 cinemas, about the
same number as in the United States. How-
ever, in Russia the pictures are filmed and
edited by the government and many are
shown without charge. In the United States
we have a “free screen” instead of free shows
in which the people are fed governmental
propaganda as in Russia, he added.
Nepote expressed the belief that U.S. films
could sell the American way of life all over
the world, and, of course, will promote inter-
national goodwill and understanding where
the people are permitted to see them.
Clubwomen's Anticensorship Talks
Praised by President of MPTOA
Beninatis Close Capitol
For Remodeling
PINCKNEYVILLE, ILL.— The 372-seat
Capitol Theatre, owned by Beninati Bros.,
was closed May 20 so that an extensive pro-
gram of remodeling the interior of the theatre
can be carried through without interruption.
The Beninati Bros, also own the Court
Theatre, a 240-seat house, and they reopened
that house on May 20 so that the community
will have motion picture entertainment until
the improvements for the larger theatre are
completed.
T. D. Beninati, manager, said new floors,
new seats and up-to-date projection equip-
ment and drapes will replace the old equip-
ment in the Capitol. The seating capacity
will be increased to 492 and Kroehler push-
back seats will be provided. The screen will
be moved back to afford better vision to those
in the front seats. The rail in the front of
the house will be removed to make room for
two modern restrooms and the building will
be air conditioned. The old stage will be
eliminated. New lighting fixtures, new car-
peting and redecorated walls are other items
included in the improvement budget.
DuQuoin in Compromise
After Hiking Licenses
DuQUOIN, ILL. — City officials have de-
cided to reduce the increased license fees for
local theatres. Instead of asking the man-
agement of the Grand, a Fox Midwest unit,
to pay a fee of $800, and the State, owned by
John Fiorino, $600 per year, a compromise
was worked out under which the 900-seat
Grand will pay $300 per year, and the 312-
seat State $200.
The old license fees were $100 for the
Grand and $75 for the State.
Phil Zeller Resigns
CHICAGO — Phil Zeller, who was on the
managerial staff of the Woods Theatre and
was recently advanced to publicity director
for the Oriental, has resigned.
ST. LOUIS — Pleas made before Missouri
solons by Mrs. Arretus F. Burt, honorary
president and founder of the Better Films
Council of Greater St. Louis, and Mrs. Robert
Collyer, Legion of Decency representative,
against passage of the Schendel state censor-
ship bill, were warmly praised by Fred
Wehrenberg, MPTOA president, at a meet-
ing of the council here.
Wehrenberg thanked the women for their
appearance before the education committee
of the Missouri house. The measure later
was killed, and the system of voluntary se-
lective acceptance or rejection of pictures,
in vogue for the last 18 years, was retained.
Wehrenberg also complimented the council
for its accomplishments in behalf of better
pictures
Dlt. R. N. DUTTON SPEAKS
Guest speaker was Dr. R. N. Dutton, pastor
of Delmar Baptist church, who illustrated
his address, “The Land of the Free,” with
lantern slides of scenes from various parts
of the world.
These officers were installed:
President, Ernest R. Evans; vice-presidents,
Mrs. William H. Broeder, Mrs. V. Ray Alex-
ander, Mrs. W. H. Reals, Eleanor Freund and
W. L. Schwer; recording secretary, Mrs. Rob-
ert Collyer; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
Albert Toma; treasurer, Miss Hildegarde H.
Cunnliff, and auditor, Mrs. R. M. Jordan.
State Sen. Milton Napier is counsel and sixth
vice-president.
Presentation of awards was made to the
four winners in a recent motion picture poster
contest conducted on behalf of the council.
Twenty posters were displayed at the meet-
ing. Each was based upon a picture that the
high school boy or girl artist had seen or
would like to see produced, and each stressed
the life, customs and occupations of the
American people.
Mrs. Burt said the winning posters will be
taken to the triennial convention of the Gen-
eral Federation of Women’s Clubs in New
York.
POSTERS GO TO NEW YORK
During the year the council reviewed 599
features and 542 shorts in the first run houses
of St. Louis. The features were rated as
follows: For family shows, 146; for adults
and young people, 208; for adults, 240. Two
features were designated “waste of time.” One
was considered of questionable quality, and
only two of the 599 features were “not recom-
mended.”
Thirty of the features shown during the
year were classified as “outstanding pictures.”
To insure the continuation of better pic-
tures from Hollywood, the council endeavors
to encourage public patronage of good pic-
tures. During the last year 310 weekly re-
ports and 2,428 monthly picture ratings were
mailed to exhibitors, public, private and paro-
chial schools, organizations and individuals.
The libraries of St. Louis and St. Louis
county have cooperated in publicizing its lists
of approved pictures, placing these lists on
bulletin boards.
Air Conditioning Installed
In Strand in Carmi, 111.
CARMI, ILL. — The Turner-Farrar interests
have announced plans for the installation of
a $10,000 air conditioning system in their 500-
seat Strand Theatre here. Workmen have al-
ready started on the job and the system will
be ready for operation within the next few
days. Jesse E. Lee is manager of the Strand.
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
C
67
PEPPING THEM UP — Midwest District Manager Harry Seed, right, gives the old
pep talk to his Chicago branch winning team which captured first place second, third
and fourth weeks in Warner sales drive. The bookers and salesmen are, left to right,
back row: Rasty Herman, George Benson, Florence Cohen, A. J. Shumow, Grace
Blaney, Harry Goldman, George Weinberg and Harry Seed. Front row: Aaron
Shlesman, Mike Seravo and John Sokley.
CHICAGO
^•he phenomenal run of “The Jolson Story”
at the B&K Apollo is finally drawing to
a close, with “Stairway to Heaven” set to
open in a fortnight. The “Jolson” run will
be a week short of a solid six months, a rec-
ord rivalled at B&K only by Jolson’s
“Singing Fool,” which carried on for half-a-
year at the McVickers away back in ’27.
Arch Herzoff, former B&Ker and now ad
man at the Columbia studio, flew through
town Decoration day en route to the coast
after huddling in the New York office. Ben
Serkowich accompanied Herzoff as far as
Chicago, taking advantage of the holiday
weekend for a chat with his brother Jules,
and a fast visit to his old Peoria homestead
. . . The EAR Theatre of H&E Balaban cir-
cuit has installed 900 International seats and
also will have a new heating plant ready for
fall operation.
T. C. Riddel of Riddel Theatre Supply Co.
was here for a conference at the DeVry plant
. . . W. F. Scranton, advertising manager of
Ampro Corp., has returned from an eastern
business trip . . . Jules Serkowich, Columbia
exploiteer, returned from the Minneapolis
and St. Paul area and says “Johnny O’clock”
opened there to big business . . . The Out-
door Theatre, Harlem and Irving Park road,
CANDYWm 1
• NATIONALLY ADVERTISED
® BARS TO YOU AT
• WHOLESALE PRICES
• All Popular 5c <& 10c Brands
• - - IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT - -
H. & I. CONCESSIONS CO.
Theatre Concessionaires
1325 So. Wabash Ave.
Phone Harrison 9616 — Chicago 5
has started a policy of midnight shows Friday
and Saturday and they are going very big.
Edward Brown, manager of the Gayety,
south Chicago, had 600 patrol boys of 21
schools as his guests last week at a party in
his theatre. They were honored as heroes of
south Chicago for keeping alive a 20-year
record of no fatal accidents to schoolmates
while they were on duty. It was the highlight
in a “Save a Life” campaign . . . A1 Raymer,
Manta & Rose executives left for California
for a two-week holiday.
Jesse Lasky, who will produce “The Miracle
of the Bells,” spent the weekend here in
search of new faces for the picture. He was
en route to New York to continue the search
. . . Marvin Carlson, formerly of the Sioux
Falls, S. D., exchange, has joined the local
RKO booking department. He is also trying
to book an apartment . . . The Cleveland &
Buffalo Steamship Co., is showing a 30-
minute Technicolor film, "Fun Afloat,” to
clubs, social groups and other organizations.
The showings are free, and they even provide
the union operator.
Whit Hillyer has resigned as assistant ad-
vertising manager of Bell & Howell Co. and
will become editor of the Camera Digest, a
new annual to be issued to the trade by Paul
Richmond Co. . . . N. S. Barger, owner of the
drive-in on Waukegan road, has completed
alterations which give it the largest screen
in the world. The screen is fitted to a frame-
work nine stories high and proportionately
as wide . . . Erwin Wagner, president of
Wagner Sign Service, is honeymooning in
Canada. He recently was married to Eliza-
beth Day, for years vice-president of the com-
pany.
Sid Blumenstock, assistant exploitation
manager of 20th-Fox, had a busy week here
and another couple of days in Milwaukee, be-
fore returning to New York. He was here
to shape exploitation plans for the flock of
20th-Fox flickers due for sudden release,
“Homestretch,” “The Late George Apley,”
“The Ghost and Mrs. Muir,” “Miracle on 34th
Street,” which critics previewed at the UA,
and a world premiere of “I Wonder Who’s
Kissing Her Now.”
Business in Chicago
Is Slow Bui Steady
CHICAGO — Business here continued at a
mild and steady pace. “Duel in the Sun”
was still big at the State-Lake, though slight-
ly off from expected business. The Chicago
had a fair second week with “Dishonored
Lady” on screen, plus a stage show headed by
Jack Durant, and the Oriental had no com-
plaints with a second week of a fine stage
show headed by the Ink Spots with “Dis-
honored Lady” on the screen.
New entries included the La Salle’s twin
bill, “Buffalo Bill Rides Again” and “Bells
of San Fernando,” which did okay. “The Sea
of Grass” opened nicely at the United Artists;
likewise “The Two Mrs. Carrolls” at the
Roosevelt.
“The Jolson Story” at the Apollo and “The
Best Years of Our Lives” at the Woods were
still doing nicely in final weeks. “Carmen”
at the World Playhouse, with sensational re-
views by the critics, was still doing fine in a
fifth week. The three-day Memorial day
holiday, with the Loop jammed with out-of-
towners, gave all houses a good break, espe-
cially the RKO Palace and Grand with “The
Egg and I,” which opened very big.
(Average is 100)
Apollo — The Jolson Story (Col), 22nd wk 115
Chicago — Calcutta (Para); stage show, 2nd wk 130
Garrick — The Mighty McGurk (MGM), 2nd wk 100
Grand — The Farmer's Daughter RKO), 2nd wk 110
La Salle — Buffalo Bill Rides Again (SG);
Bells of San Fernando (SG) 110
Oriental — Dishonored Lady (UA); stage show,
2nd wk 130
Palace — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO), 2nd wk 110
Roosevelt— The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB) 110
State-Lake — Duel in the Sun (SRO), 2nd wk - .135
Studio — City Without Men (Capitol);
Prison Without Bars (C) 105
United Artists — The Sea of Grass (MGM) 110
Woods — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
23rd wk 125
World Playhouse — Carmen (Superfilm),
4 th wk. 115
Holiday Saves Milwaukee
From Sinking Into Mire
MILWAUKEE — The long Memorial day
weekend was a hypodermic to waning first
run grosses. Though Milwaukeeans left town
in great numbers, out-of-towners were here
in crowds. “California” bowed at the Palace
Sunday and came through with average re-
turns. Others were just under the 100 per
cent line.
Alhambra — Bedelia ( E - L ) , It's a Joke, Son ( E-L) 90
Palace — California (Para), Fear in the
Night (Pcfra) 100
Riverside — Honeymoon (RKO); The Devil
Thumbs a Ride (RKO) 90
Strand — Kit Carson (PRC); Last of the
Mohicans (PRC), reissues 100
Towne — Copacabana (UA) 95
Wisconsin — The Homestretch (20th-Fox);
Jewels of Brandenburg (20th-Fox) 90
Warner — Love and Learn (WB); Hit Parade
of 1947 (Rep) 90
Indianapolis Has Bad Week;
Only 'Daughter' Gets Along
INDIANAPOLIS — Boxoffice grosses hit a
deep low last week. Only one first run pic-
ture was average and the others were far
below. Inclement weather and generally un-
settled conditions were blamed for one of
the poorest weeks in a long time.
Circle — The Imperfect Lady (Para), Seven
Were Saved (Pata) 60
Indiana — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO) 110
Loew's — Dishonored Lady (UA), Undercover
Maisie (MGM) 50
Lyric — The Locket (RKO) 70
Plan Bowling Alleys
DAVENPORT, IOWA— The old Grand The-
atre, 1,000-seat playhouse that was the home
of legitimate plays here for more than half
a century, will soon be converted into bowling
alleys. The theatre is owned by the Daven-
port Central Turner Ass’n and has not been
used since last fall.
68
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947
W. H. Trunick Heads
RCA Cine Supply
ST. LOUTS — W. H. Trunick, who has been
a district manager for RCA theatre equip-
ment sales in Chicago, Monday assumed his
new duties as president and general manager
of the RCA-owned Cine Supply Co. here. He
succeeds Lou Walters, who resigned to ac-
cept a new position in the motion picture
equipment field in the southwest.
Trunick has been with RCA since 1930,
starting in the Pittsburgh area as- a salesman.
For several years he traveled for the com-
pany in Pittsburgh, Buffalo and West
Virginia. About 1938 he was transferred to
Chicago, and traveled for RCA in the Chi-
cago, Milwaukee, Omaha and Des Moines
areas. During the war Trunick worked in
the RCA factory at Indianapolis, and in 1944,
he was made district manager in Chicago.
Walters has gone to Chicago and an official
announcement of his new connection is ex-
pected within the next several days.
Sol Banks and Sons Plan
Third Theatre in Fulton
FULTON, MO. — Sol Banks and his sons
Marvin and Preston, operators of the Fulton
and Gem theatres here, have announced plans
for a new quonset-type theatre which they
hope to open here early in 1948. Banks says
he will buy a site on Highway 50 inside the
city and will call the house the Hiway Theatre.
In addition to the Fulton and the Gem,
the Bankses operate four other houses in Mis-
souri, five in Kansas and one in Illinois. They
plan to build new theatres in Cherryvale, Kas.,
and Oswego, Kas., where they have leased
buildings.
Banks and his sons lease their two theatres
here. The Fulton is owned by the Glenn
Realty Co., the Gem by John and Bill Zickos.
Mailers Circuit Will Build
LOOO-Seater in Warsaw
WARSAW, IND. — Workmen have started
wrecking the building at the northwest cor-
ner of Main and Buffalo streets this week to
make way for the 1,000-seat Lake Theatre
which will be built by the Mailers Bros, cir-
cuit.
Nick Mailers, manager of the Centennial,
said the Lake will cost about $200,000. It will
be modernistic in design and will be outfitted
with completely new equipment. Mailers said
the circuit would continue to operate the
Centennial after the Lake is open.
Mailers Bros, also has houses in Fort Wayne,
Bluffton, Portland, Tipton, Greenfield and
Defiance, Ohio.
Antisegregationists Picket
Four St. Louis First Runs
ST. LOUIS — A group of some 50 or more
Negroes and a few white persons have been
picketing the Fox, Missouri, St. Louis and
Shubert theatres on Grand boulevard here,
all first runs, as part of a local campaign
against segregation in amusement places.
The picketing is similar to that at the Ameri-
can Theatre at 7th and Market streets.
Joseph W. B. Clark, chairman of the Anti-
Jim Crow committee of the Civil Rights Con-
gress of St. Louis, says the picketing is a
protest against the management’s policy of
excluding Negroes.
'Voice' Installed
INDIANAPOLIS— Voice of the Theatre
sound has been installed in the Lincoln, ac-
cording to Bernard L. Nickberg, owner.
INDIANAPOLIS
TUTi-s. Helen Haney, who operates the Milan
at Milan, Ind., is1 confined at home by a
broken rib, the result of a fall in front of her
theatre . . . Herbert Johnson, operator of the
Ohio and Madison at Madison, went to New
Jersey for the funeral of his father-in-law
. . . Barney Brentlinger, Idaho and Swan,
Terre Haute, was booking.
Larry Jacobs, Screen Guild manager, visited
exhibitors in northern Indiana . . . J. B.
Render, new salesman for Screen Guild in
southern Indiana and northern Kentucky, re-
ports the opening of 42 new accounts on his
first trip . . . Mildred Winer, Monogram of-
fice manager and head booker, has returned
from her Florida vacation.
Frank Paul, manager of the Lyric here, was
on vacation . . . The Lyric is showing the
midwest premiere of “That’s My Man” . . .
Edwin Brauer, Republic manager, left for
Norman, Okla., to attend the graduating
exercises at the University of Oklahoma,
where his son Leslie G„ is graduating . . .
Jack Van Burssen, Savoy and West theatres,
was buying and booking.
Kenneth Law, Cozy Theatre, Argos, Ind.,
is remodeling his house . . . John A. Hirons,
Star, Fremont, Ind., reports a record catch of
bluegills while fishing in Lake James . . .
Sam Weinberg, Louisville exhibitor, is linger-
ing on the west coast after attending the VCI
convention . . . John Allison, Vivian, Carlisle,
Ind., spent a day in Indianapolis buying
equipment.
William S. Conway, Irwin, Cannelton, Ind.,
has returned from a six-week vacation in
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. . . . Harry Douglas,
Dana, Dana, Ind., is leaving for a tour in the
west including California . . . Joe Schilling,
Connersville, was on the Row booking . . .
Earl Herndon, Affiliated Theatres buyer,
spent the weekend in Brown county at the
Boy Scouts camp.
John A. Schwin, operator of the Wigton,
La Grange, Ind., is looking forward with
anticipation to the annual film party to be
held June 17 at Adams lake. Schwin for
many years has given film salesmen and
Filmrow bigwigs a day of celebration at his
summer cottage at the lake. If course,
everybody always has a good time.
Christine Kirk, secretary of the Associated
Theatre Owners of Indiana, was entertained
at a birthday party at the Grayland hotel . . .
Harris & Morgan have opened their Drive-In
near Muncie . . . Herbert Gaines, booker for
Warner Bros., is spending his vacation in the
east . . . The Indiana Theatre was open all
night Thursday to give persons attending the
Speedway races an opportunity to see “Cal-
cutta.”
Clark Gable was one of the stars who at-
tended the Speedway races . . . Sam H.
Abrams, Carl Kemp and Ted Hammer of
the local Eagle-Lion-PRC branch attended
a regional sales meeting at the Blackstone
in Chicago. A1 Schwalberg, vice-president in
charge of sales, presided . . . Mary Jane Lar-
son. typist at Eagle-Lion-PRC, left to attend
exercises at Annapolis, Md., where her
brother Howard will graduate from the Naval
academy.
Visitors on Filmrow included Vance
Schwartz, Grand, Louisville; J. E. Whitley,
Colonial, Kokomo; Harry Watts, Alhambra,
Knightstown; William Passen, Amuzu,
Jasonville; J. B. Sconce, Sconce circuit,
Edinburg; F. C. Kohlhorst, Napanee; Hilda
Long, Hippodrome, Sheridan, and Sam
Switow, Switow circuit, Louisville.
Eva Harris, operator of the Zionsville Thea-
tre, Zionsville, Ind., and Christian Herm.
were married . . . Robert Meyer, head booker
at U-I, has resigned and will join Affiliated
Theatres, Inc. ... El Dean Thompson and
Earl Herndon of Affiliated Theatres, will be
married June 9 at a vesper service in the
Second Presbyterian church. They will
spend their honeymoon on the west coast
. . . Arthur Baker, manager of Keith’s, has
resigned.
h-NOW-h
IS THE TIME TO INSTALL
The 1947 MANLEY
POPCORN MACHINE
For Pride, Profits and
Popcorn Perfection
See your Manley Dealer for
further details
A. T. ROWE
DIVISION MANAGER
1920 Wyandotte, Phone: HArrison 6155, Kansas City. Mo.
1611 Davenport, Omaha, Neb. — 3138 Olive, St. Louis, Mo.
812-824 Mulberry St., Des Moines, Iowa
BOXOFFICE ; : June 7, 1947
69
ST. LOUIS
JJenry Halloway, local theatre owner, is vis-
iting with his brother in Hawaii . . .
Subscriptions to the Municipal Opera guar-
antee fund for the 1947 season, which opened
in the Municipal Theatre in Forest park
June 5, totaled $137,095. This business of
guaranteeing the municipal opera is about
as safe a thing as a human can do. In its
28-year history, the municipal opera has re-
funded 100 per cent all the guarantee sub-
scriptions, a record unmatched anywhere in
the entertainment world by a civic venture.
Ted Barker, publicity man for Loew’s State
and Loew’s Orpheum theatres here, has been
promoted to advertising and publicity for
the five Loew’s houses in Cleveland. Barker,
who has been serving as a theatre relief
manager during the summer vacation at
Kansas City, will go to New York before
moving on to Cleveland to assume his new
duties, probably about June 15.
George Reilly, short subjects representative
here for MGM, reports an increased use of
short subjects in conjunction with single
features as a substitute for the standard
double feature bills in motion picture thea-
tres in the St. Louis area.
The Laclede and Regal theatres, operated
by George Pliakos, have been closed for re-
pairs and improvements. Both cater to the
Negro trade.
B. Temborius of Breese and Lebanon, 111.,
and his family will leave soon for a trip to
Canada, where they hope to enjoy some real
fishing. He was along the Row telling the
boys and girls about his vacation plans.
Other out-of-towners seen along Filmrow in-
cluded Russell Armentrout, Louisiana, Mo.;
V. L. Davis, Galconda, 111.; E. E. Maxfield,
Summersville, Mo.; Eddie Rosecan, Hannibal,
Mo., and Paul Horn, Edwardsville, and Jer-
seyville. 111.
Hall Walsh, district manager for Warner
Bros., was scheduled to attend a meeting of
district managers in New York June 5, 6
. . . Clarence D. Hill, manager for Columbia,
entrained for Chicago June 1 to attend a
gathering of Columbia exchange managers
at the Drake hotel.
The wedding of Marie G. Hynes, daughter
of Jack Hynes, a salesman for RKO, and
Louis J. Caimi took place at St. Gabriel’s
Catholic church May 31. The RKO staff
was on hand to witness the nuptials . . .
Another wedding of interest to film folk in
this area took place in East Orange, N. J.,
the morning of May. 31 when Frances Jacque
Kilcran became to bride of Leto Joseph Hill
jr. of Maplewood, N. J. The father of the
groom, until about seven years ago, man-
aged theatres in this territory for Warner
Bros.
W. G. Carmichael has joined the U-I sales
staff here as sales manager. He was U-I
manager in Cincinnati for a year and before
that was a salesman in the Memphis terri-
tory several years.
Funeral services for Brother George E.
Rueppel, S. J., founder of radio station WEW
at St. Louis university, the oldest radio sta-
JOE WEISS
(Formerly with Jack Kirsch Theatres)
EXPERIENCED . . . LICENSED
Insurance and Real Estate Broker
Specializing in Theatre Properties
4060 Milwaukee Ave. Phones: PAL 2102
Chicago 22, 111. LAKeview 5958
Jack Flynn Dinner
Is Set for June 30
CHICAGO — A working committee met at
the Variety Club to further discuss plans for
the dinner to be held in honor of Jack Flynn,
retiring Midwestern sales manager of
Loew’s, Inc. Eddie Burnell served as chair-
man. The group decided upon June 30 as
the date and Boulevard room of Continental
hotel as the place. Members of the com-
mittee are: James Coston, Warner Bros.
Theatres; John Balaban of B&K Corp.;
Arthur Schoenstadt, Schoenstadt circuit; S.
J. Gregory, Gregory circuit; W. F. Banford,
MGM: B. J. Lourie, Columbia; Will Baker,
Republic; A. J. Shumow, Warner Bros.; Tom
Gilliam, 20th-Fox, and M. M. Gottlieb, Uni-
versal.
tion west of Pittsburgh, were held Monday.
He was 82. He started WEW, with the dial
letters 9YK, about the time KDKA took the
air in Pittsburgh.
Clarence M. Turley, secretary-treasurer of
the St. Louis Amusement Co. and manager
of the Ambassador and Missouri theatre-of-
fice buildings, has been elected to the board
of directors of the Building Owners and
Managers Ass’n of St. Louis, Inc. . . . Ben
Reingold, St. Louis manager for 20th-Fox,
was to leave June 6 to spend three weeks in
Florida fishing and enjoying his first vacation
in four years. He was to be accompanied by
Jules Leventhal, St. Louis theatre owner.
The 20th-Fox Family club picnic was held
at Suburban Gardens in St. Louis county
June 2 . . . Raymond J. McCafferty of Alton
has been added to the 20th-Fox booking staff
as third booker. McCafferty is the father
of two-month-old twin daughters.
Gloria Nikki Caporal, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. John Caporal, is engaged to William
George Manders of Detroit. The father of the
bride-to-be is an owner of the Wellston Thea-
tre . . . The U.S. engineers office here soon
will receive bids on the construction of an
army motion picture service depot.
Eva Wassen of the 20th-Fox office is go-
ing to California for a month’s visit . . . MGM
will screen “Living in a Big Way” at the
S’Renco screening room at 1 p. m. June 9 and
“Fiesta” at 1 p. m. June 23 . . . Helen Bliss,
soprano, just back from London, is visiting
here with her mother, Mrs. Albert Lipp of the
Congress hotel. Next week they will drive to
Los Angeles, where the singer will read the
script for a new musical, "Allegro,” in which
Richard Rodgers of "Oklahoma!” fame has
offered her a leading role.
Chicago Ticket Tax
Authorized by Bill
SPRINGFIELD — Representative James J.
Ryan of Chicago has presented a bill in the
Illinois house to permit Chicago to impose
a series of special taxes, including a levy on
amusement admissions. The new taxes are
intended to bolster the Chicago treasury
which is facing a threatened deficit of large
proportions.
Mid-June Opening Seen
For Richmond Drive-In
RICHMOND, IND. — A mid-June opening is
planned by Robert L. Hudson for the drive-in
theatre he is building west of here on high-
way 40. Work on the project is in its fin-
ishing stages. Hudson also plans to build a
theatre in Kendallville.
MJ_L WAUAAA
Jordon Hewitt, California’s gift to golfdom,
became involved in sand traps, water
holes and things on his last round and shot
176 . . . W. D. Young of SRO is in town ar-
ranging screenings on “Duel in the Sun,” for
circuits and independents. Young is seeking
office space, and will reside here . . . While
on the coast Benny Benjamin purchased an
$18.75 sport shirt for $8, and has all the boys
bidding for it . . . Gene Ernstein, Film
Classics treasurer, was in for talks with M. E.
Mazur, local manager.
Lou Elman planed to Minneapolis . . .
Isabelle Matecki returned from vacation . . .
Hugo Vogel spent the holiday in Minneap-
olis and toured the golf links while there . . .
W. C. Fischer, Campo, Campbellsport, was
in town . . . Joe Imhof, PRC manager, at-
tended a sales conference in Chicago ... All
exchanges shuttered except for skeleton
crews over Memorial day . . . Milt Abram
of Film Arts is waking up screaming these
days. Seems the Film Arts phone number is
identical with that of the Railway Express
Co. except for the exchange. Abram con-
stantly gets calls to pick up trunks, dogs, cats
and tractors.
Helen Harsh of RKO vacationed . . . Harry
Goldberg of the Warner Theatres home of-
fice advertising and publicity department
was in for confabs with A1 Kvool, H. Mintz
and Sonny MacDonald . . . Walter Blaney,
RKO office manager, is residing at his lake
summer home once more . . . The Oldtimers
club is moving along nicely and it won’t be
long now before the committee sits down to
formulate plans for future meetings. The
club limits membership to showmen with 25
years service . . . Towne Theatre tied in with
Patricia Stevens models, Hixon’s clothes and
Orrin Tucker’s band in a style show at Hotel
Schroeder in connection with the premiere
of “Copacabana” at the Towne.
“Kit Carson” Markowitz, Strand manager,
and Art Stanish of the Garfield and your
scribe were caught between drops near the
Schroeder during the late Saturday cloud-
burst. After about an hour’s wait for a cab
a highly sun-tanned lass approached Marko-
witz and said, “Look, Doc, we’re one boy
friend short and you don’t seem to be very
busy. How’s about it?” Markowitz was so
flustered he muttered, “Well, you see, miss,
I’m not angry with anybody, but I’m short
on folding money” and dashed for cover.
Betty Dieringer, onetime Milwaukee lass, is
making the Hollywood grade . . . Louis Cal-
hern, playing here in “The Magnificent Yan-
kee,” told interviewers about his latest pic-
ture, "Arch of Triumph” . . . Sid Margoles,
Regal Theatre operator, is selling half pounds
of candy with Regal passes for the lucky
finders.
When Heinz Roemheld, former Milwau-
keean and now Hollywood music composer,
was in town, he huddled with Harold J. Fitz-
gerald relative to a symphony Roemheld plans
to write for Wisconsin’s Centennial in 1948.
Charley Trampe is busy with plans for the
national Monogram managers and franchise
holders convention to be held at Hotel
Schroeder here July 18, 19 and 20. Many of
the Monogram people will stay over for the
ITO-sponsored outing at Brown’s Lake
July 21.
Joe Reynolds, Oriental manager, was out on
the pitch and putt course the other day . . .
Lou Elman toured Lincoln Park armed with
a putter and six iron, scoring a neat 45 . . .
George Gonis of the Liberty and Bill Exton
of the Roosevelt, Kenosha, were among the
Row visitors last week.
70
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
Pioneer Circuit Airs
Business Outlook
STORM LAKE, IOWA— The spring meeting
of the Pioneer Theatre Corp. was held at
Cobblestone Inn here last week with repre-
sentatives of all Iowa houses in the string
present. Plans for the summer and fall were
outlined with a discussion of present condi-
tions as they affect the theatre outlook. All
Storm Lake theatres are members of the Pio-
neer organization.
Present were the following: Art Downard,
manager of the Arrow, Cherokee: James
Gray, manager of Casino and Chieftain, Sac
City; Percy Long, manager of Webster and
Iris, Webster City; Del Farrell, assistant
manager, and Bill Arts, manager, Carroll
theatres; Lee Beckley, manager Grundy,
Grundy Center; Bill Hill, manager, Storm
Lake houses; Tony Podolirrski, assistant man-
ager, Webster City houses; Ray Walters, man-
ager Iowa and Howard, Jefferson; Don Smith,
Carroll, district manager; Herman Fields, as-
sociate owner of Pioneer Theatres and man-
ager of the Clarinda theatre; Gertrude Fram-
hein, St. Louis Park, Minn., office manager
of Pioneer headquarters; Harold Field, presi-
dent of Pioneer; Truby Bell, manager, Grand,
Atlantic; Gordon McKinnon, manager of
Spencer houses; A1 Hansen, manager of Perry
theatres; Art Farrell, manager of Atlantic
theatres; Jack Bateman, assistant manager
of Spencer theatres; and Roy Hildebrand,
Sac City, maintenance engineer for the cir-
cuit.
Dick' Phillips Takes Over
Rockwell City Theatre
ROCKWELL CITY, IOWA— The Phillips
Theatre Co. has been organized here by R. M.
“Dick” Phillips of Cherokee and Oky Good-
man, formerly of Rockwell City but now of
Villisca.
The Phillips Theatre Co. will operate the
local theatre under its present name, Em-
press. Phillips is buying a major share of
the business, taking over all the 'interest of
former Manager R. A. David. Goodman will
retain an interest in the theatre but will
leave the active management entirely up to
Phillips.
Phillips was manager of the Arrow at
Cherokee prior to his resignation early this
spring.
Bill Boyd to Lead Parade
In Des Moines July 2
DES MOINES — William Boyd, “Hopalong
Cassidy” of the films, will come to Des Moines
to act as marshal for the July 2 parade open-
ing Hawkeye Holiday — an all-Iowa celebra-
tion inaugurated this year. Boyd will bring
his famous horse, “Topper,” and will ride
at the head of the parade. Boyd’s last ap-
pearance here was during the war in con-
nection with a bond drive. He was almost
mobbed as he sold bonds at a public rally
on a downtown street.
Iowa Exhibitors Invited
To Des Moines Picnic
DES MOINES — Variety Club tent 15 is
sponsoring a picnic to be held Monday, June
30, at Riverview park for all film exchange
employes, circuit employes, exhibitors and
theatre owners throughout the state — and
their families. The exchanges will close at
1:30 p. m. and the picnic will begin at 2. In-
dividuals will bring their own picnic dinners,
or arrange to eat at the park. Further plans
will be announced in a week or two.
Rodeo Queen to Ride With Eddie Dean
BRONC-BUSTIN’ RODEO QUEEN — Before thousands of Kansans and II dis-
appointed contestants in the Topeka Municipal auditorium, Mrs. Eileene Hardin of
Hepler, Kas., was greeted by Gov. Frank Carlson, who read a telegram from Eddie
Dean, PRC star, saying that she had been chosen to ride with Dean as queen of the
Santa Fe Trails diamond jubilee rodeo to be held in Topeka July 4.
The blond queen from Hepler breaks her own horses and sometimes rides as cow-
puncher on her father’s 3,000-acre ranch. She will ride with Dean at the gala fes-
tival and will appear with him in scenes from “Fighting Kansans,” to be shot
during the celebration. She will also be offered a screen test by PRC. Promoters
of the stunt appear above with the winner. They are, left to right, Art Holbrook,
WIBW studio manager, Topeka; Ben Ludy, general manager of Capper radio sta-
tions; Mrs. Hardin; Beverly Miller, PRC district manager from Kansas City; Milton
Overman, PRC publicist from Kansas City, and Billy Baucom, publicity chief of
WIBW and KCKN in Kansas City, Kas.
Cold Retards Farm Crops,
May Show at Boxoffice
MINNEAPOLIS — Industry leaders here are
worried over the unseasonable cold weather
which has carried over into June and af-
fected crop prospects unfavorably.
With the territory mainly dependent upon
farm prosperity for its boxoffice welfare,
small crop yields undoubtedly would injure
business substantially, even though agricul-
ture, generally speaking, is well heeled finan-
cially and able to withstand some rough go-
ing.
Farm prices remain at a high level and
all that’s needed to insure another good
year for exhibitors, it is believed, is good
crops. It is still too early to determine what
the yields will be this summer and fall, and
even though crops have been retarded by
the low temperatures, there is nevertheless
a chance for at least near-normal returns,
according to agriculture experts.
Note Sandler to Enlarge
Coed in Fairfield, Iowa
FAIRFIELD, IOWA — Nate Sandler has an-
nounced that plans are under way for the
remodeling of the Coed Theatre here. In ad-
dition to the redecorating, the work calls for
an increase in the seating capacity of the
house. Robert Dunnack is manager of the
Coed.
Klug Brothers Retire;
Sell at Kenyon, Minn.
KENYON, MINN. — A brother combination,
Howard and John Klug, has sold the Time
Theatre here and the State Theatre, Zum-
brota, Minn., to another brother combination,
Orphield and Arnold Gilbertson of Willmar,
Minn. The new owners have already taken
over.
The Klug brothers are veteran exhibitors.
They entered the business in Zumbrota 26
years ago. Ten years ago they built the
Time in Kenyon. Since then. Howard has
operated the Kenyon and John has remained
in Zumbrota. They will retire now.
Under the new management, an identical
arrangement between the Gilbertson broth-
ers will be maintained.
Hattie Elder Sells Orpheum
TIMBER LAKE, S. D.— The Orpheum
Theatre here, owned and operated by Mrs.
Hattie Elder since the death of her husband
Lee Elder, has been sold to Henry Humann
of Eureka, S. D. Humann will take posses-
sion early in June.
Harlan Cozy to Close
HARLAN, IOWA— The Cozy Theatre here
will close during July and August.
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947
MW
71
Industry Undisturbed;
Price Cuts Unlikely
MINNEAPOLIS — The “rebellion” against
admission prices at Hawley, Minn., the first
in the territory, apparently is not causing
any undue concern in the industry here and
no serious consideration is being given at this
time to lowering of scales, even though North
Central Allied heads, commenting on the
Hawley incident, declared “the handwriting
is now on the wall.” Major and minor cir-
cuits and individual exhibitors can see no
justification or reason for reduced admis-
sions at present.
The Hawley outbreak started when high
school students picketed the Garrick in pro-
test against the 40 cent admission price for
children over 12. They had to call off the
picketing when town officials ruled it illegal.
In its place, however, they have instituted a
boycott against the showhouse. Manager R. H.
Veiths is still refusing to accede to the de-
mand for a lower price.
Industry leaders here say that, due in large
part to farm prosperity and high agricul-
tural purchasing power, business in the ma-
jority of the territory’s situations is holding
up relatively well so far. They do not fore-
see any important early decline.
These leaders justify the present admission
scales on the basis of high operating costs,
with film, labor and other items of expense
at record levels. They deny “excessive profits
and earnings” from present-day operations.
Paramount Puts Weiss
In Northern Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS — Jerry Weiss, transferred
from Chicago, is an addition to the Para-
mount sales staff, replacing William Muss-
man in northern Minnesota. Mussman was
elevated to the post of sales manager at the
local exchange by Ben Blotcky, branch man-
ager.
L. G. Ballard Sells the Rio
To Fayette, Iowa, Grocer
WALL LAKE, IOWA— L. G. Ballard has
sold the Rio here to R. C. DeBow of Fayette.
DeBow has been in the grocery business in
Fayette and this will be his first venture as
a theatre owner. Ballard has operated the
Rio for the last ten years. He will assist the
new owner in management of the business.
'Sim' Heller New Owner
Of Northfield Theatres
NORTHFIELD, MINN. — It now develops
that E. O. Olson, former Deer River, Minn.,
superintendent of schools, did not buy the
Grand and West theatres here, but that the
purchaser is S. A. “Sim” Heller, Grand Rap-
ids, Minn., circuit owner. Olson, however, will
manage the houses.
Back After Vacation
MANHATTAN, KAS. — William Marshall,
house manager of the Wareham Theatre
here, has returned to work after a week’s
vacation in Wichita. Marshall was in charge
of the four TEI houses here during the time
Dave Dallas, city manager, and James Keller,
assistant manager, attended the TEI man-
agers convention in Dallas.
Sproules to Build Drive-In
HUTCHINSON, KAS.— Sproule Bros., who
have theatres here and in Wichita, will build
a local drive-in theatre as soon as material
can be purchased and other arrangements
made. The location for the 500- to 600-car
open-airer has been selected. Lee Sproule of
Wichita said he hopes to open the situation
by early September.
Stanley Schwartz Injured
KANSAS CITY — Mr. and Mrs. Stanley
Schwartz, the owners of the local Southtown
and Tivoli theatres, were critically injured in
an automobile accident near Columbia, Mo.,
during their return from New York City.
Both are in a hospital in Columbia.
From the
BOXOFFICE FILES
* • •
(Twenty Years Ago)
pOR the second time in two consecutive
months, Russell C. Borg, booker and city
salesman, for Educational Films in Kansas
City, has won the hall of fame contest. Sales-
men from 36 Educational exchanges com-
peted ... Ed Peskay has been appointed
manager of the Kansas City branch of the
Producers Distributing Corp., succeeding C.
D. Schultz, who has joined the Midwest
Film Distributors. Peskay has been an ex-
hibitor at St. Joseph.
* * *
Joe Manfre, city salesman for Paramount
in Kansas City, has been appointed a member
of Paramount’s 100 Per Cent club. Joe led
the salesmen in the western division from
August to December 31 of last year . . . Billy
Andlauer, photographer, has been appointed
Kansas City representative for Paramount
News and will now serve Paramount ex-
clusively.
* * *
R. R. Biechele was re-elected president
of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of
Kansas and Western Missouri at the ninth
annual convention of the organization at To-
peka, recently. The convention was consid-
ered highly successful and it was decided
to hold such a convention semiannually.
* * *
W. P. Bernfield, Kansas City, has joined
the PDC sales force . . . Eph Rosen, Tiffany
branch manager, went to Tulsa . . . A. H.
McLaughlin, recently appointed midwest di-
vision manager for Tiffany, visited Kansas
City.
Broker Leak Entering
Kansas-Missouri Area
DALLAS — Arthur B. Leak, theatre broker
with headquarters here, announces the fol-
lowing theatre sales through his office:
The Fort Theatre in Fort Gibson, Okla.,
to V. R. Vermylas of Lubbock, Tex.
The Rialto of Lyndon, Kas., to H. B. John-
son of Paola, Kas.
The Ritz in Jenks, Okla,, to Paul Kirkham
of Kansas City, Mo.
The Bogata, Bogata, Tex., to Dom Buffo,
Hartshorne, Okla,
The Royal, Henrietta, Tex., to Jesse O.
Young jr. of Oklahoma City.
The Broncho Theatre, Benning, Okla., to
James Davis, Los Angeles.
The Bryson, Bryson, Okla,, to J. M. Shade,
Sweetwater, Tex.
The Majestic, Amherst, Tex., to W. T. Ash,
Big Lake, Kas.
The Roxy, San Angelo, Tex., to Les Dolli-
son, Vaughan, N. M.
The Star, Abilene, Tex., to Paul K. Sharpe
Mount Carmel, Calif.
Leak recently extended his territory to in-
clude the Kansas and Missouri area.
National Screen Moves
KANSAS CITY — National Screen Service
here has completed its moving project from
its former Wyandotte street location to
quarters at 1800 Baltimore avenue. Of-
fices are temporarily on the fifth floor. Until
such time as the firm gets settled in its new
building, Hazel Buell, office manager, says,
perhaps by way of apology: “We’re still a lit-
tle confused here.”
Theatre Seating Division
of
AMERICAN DESK MFG. COMPANY
Temple, Texas Tel. LD - 4
Giving Immediate Dependable Delivery
on all chair orders
CALL US FOR YOUR CHAIR NEEDS
Dallas Office
FORREST DUNLAP
2008 Jackson St.
R - 3595
Memphis Office
HARLAN H. DUNLAP
410 S. Second St.
8-1770
New Orleans Office
W. A. PREWITT
223 So. Liberty
Magnolia 6571
72
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
m
This same
high-quality
equipment
is available for
theatres of
all
kinds and
types.
•
The following area drive-ins are being equipped with
RCA drive-in equipment from Missouri Theatre Supply:
Kansas City, Mo.
Kansas City, Kas.
Topeka, Kas.
St. Joseph, Mo.
Springfield, Mo.
Joplin, Mo.
Enid, Okla.
Okla. City, Okla.
Tulsa, Okla.
and two in Wichita, Kas.
You must see and hear
to really appreciate
the superior quality
The RCA in-car speaker gives
sound on a par with the best
RCA-equipped theatres.
Now is the time to start planning
drive-in theatres — a few months
this year will pay big dividends.
RCA, as the field's first drive-in supplier, continues to lead all
through the years. RCA laboratories in Princeton, N. J. and RCA
engineers throughout the world continue to work on drive-in
equipment improvement.
By all means arrange to see and hear this miracle equipment.
At this time we can take care of your
COMPLETE theatre equipment needs.
Missouri Theatre Supply
I*. J. KIMBRIEL. MANAGER
TELEPHONE GRAND 2864
115 WEST 1 8 T H STREET
KANSAS CITY 8. MISSOURI
Behind-the-Screen Sound in Your Own Car!
BETTER DRIVE-INS CHOOSE RCA
-WORLD’S FINEST EQUIPMENT
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
73
DES MOINES
■The meeting of the Motion Picture Founda-
tion panel and a Variety Club dinner
brought several out-of-town theatre owners
to Des Moines last Monday. Barney Brotman
of Moline, who attended both meetings, was
feeling chipper because his daughter Lucille
and granddaughter Elaine Ruth have arrived
in Moline from their home in Detroit to spend
the summer. Barney’s other daughter, Lala,
will spend the summer in Iowa City attending
the University of Iowa.
Barney was also spreading the news about
the Variety Club outing to be held in East
Moline July 31. This is the annual Tri-City
all-day outing, and it is expected that some
national Variety Club representatives will
be on hand to help celebrate.
Jack Greenberg, NSS, spent last weekend
in Minneapolis . . . Ethel McNichols of NSS
is on vacation . . . Jim McCann, MGM sales-
man, is being transferred to the Milwaukee
branch . . . Three Warner’s employes are
vacationing this week, Norman Holt, booker;
Bernice Lee, availability clerk, and Donald
Beal, shipper.
Verneal Anderson is a new girl at Universal,
replacing Dottie Wolf . . . Bernice Lower and
Mable Magnusson of Universal are on vaca-
tion. Mable is spending hers in Minnesota,
fishing.
Herb Berman, Columbia salesman, was
host at luncheon Monday for three Universal
salesmen — the result of a bad golf game on
Herb’s part, we understand . . . The Sol
Yeagers have named their new son William
Lawrence, and Sol is really the proud father
. . . Bill Feld, Eagle-Lion district manager,
visited the PRC and Eagle-Lion exchange
. . . Thelma Jolliffe, Republic, spent the
Memorial day holidays in Havelock, Iowa.
Don Rockwell, manager of the Danbury,
Iowa, theatre, writes in to say that in western
pictures he has never seen the saloon pa-
trons pay for their drinks. Maybe they are
all on the house, Don!
Lucille Wesp, secretary in Tri-States ad-
vertising department for several years, has
been appointed secretary to A. H. Blank,
filling the shoes of Maxine Bishop, who leaves
soon to be married. Isoline Woodruff will
take over in the advertising department.
Isoline has been with an advertising agency
and prior to that was a secretary at the
Register and Tribune.
Bill Hill, manager of the Storm Lake thea-
tres, has won acclaim for his Saturday mati-
nee policy. Hill has scheduled wholesome
pictures for the younger crowd — “crime pic-
tures and other undesirable films are strictly
taboo.’’
The Harry Warrens are back in Des Moines
for three months and have rented a house
. . . J. C. Sandler, son of Nate Sandler, was
married May 30 to Esther Kroloff. The cere-
mony took place at the Standard club and
the couple is honeymooning in Chicago.
Sandler is connected with Columbia records
here.
Howard Goldin Operating
Sex- Angle Films at Folly
KANSAS CITY — Howard Goldin, old-time
showman in this area, is running a summer
program of films at the Folly Theatre, nor-
mally a burlesque house during the winter
months. Policy will be off-brand films with
a sex angle, one or two changes a week.
Prices for the double bills is 60 cents, no
children admitted.
This summer policy marks the first time
that films have made up the entire warm-
months program. The first bill offered under
this setup was “Probation” coupled with
“Girls of the Underworld.” Succeeding films
include “Sins of Love” and “Fig Leaf for Eve.”
Warren Irons is owner of the theatre.
Mrs. Mary McGuill Sells
KENNEBEC, S. D. — Mr. and Mrs. Richard
Wagner, farmers living a few miles north-
east of here, have purchased the Gala Thea-
tre from Mrs. Mary E. McGuill. The Wag-
ners plan no immediate changes in operating
procedure.
Bob Malek a Shriner
INDEPENDENCE, IOWA— Manager Bob
Malek of the Malek was one of a class of 165
initiated into the Shrine in Cedar Rapids
recently. About 2,000 Shriners were present.
Malek is also a member of the local Blue
lodge, Chapter and Commandery.
COMPLETELY NEW
HORKY’S CAFE
Bigger and Better Than Ever
— Featuring 'Delish' Steaks
1202 High St. Des Moine9, Iowa
"Where Filmrow Friends Gather”
Open Daily at 4 p. m.
Eddie Dean to Appear
KANSAS CITY — Eddie Dean, PRC player
who will be grand marshal at the Santa Fe
Trails rodeo in Topeka July 4, will appear in
Ellsworth, Kas., for the 80th anniversary of
that community. According to Beverly Miller,
PRC district chief here, other dates for Dean
are available. “Although bookings are avail-
able, no exact dates can be set at this time,”
Miller said.
Opens Lotawana Airdome
KANSAS CITY — Martin Stone, co-owner
of the Screenland cafe on Filmrow, has
opened an airdome theatre, the Lotawana
Outdoor Theatre, at nearby Lake Lotawana.
Policy will be single bills, “the best of the
old ones,” on weekends only. Projectionist
is George Barrett of the local Folly Theatre.
Horror for Friday 13th
MINNEAPOLIS— As a Friday the 13th stunt
this month, the Orpheum here is presenting
a special midnight “double horror” show at
regular 70 cent admission prices. The pic-
tures for the one show only will be “Brighton
Strangler” and “Body Snatcher.” Both are
reissues.
Buys Star, Harden Theatres
MILLER, MO.— Charles A. Meeker, owner
of the Roxy in Everton, has taken over the
local Star Theatre from Byron Elliott, who
is now attending Missouri university. Meeker
has also bought the Hardin Theatre in Har-
din from Glenn Lentz.
New House at Ulysses
ULYSSES, KAS.— Ben H. and Bo Crocker
are building a $115,000 theatre here. Com-
pletion date is not announced. Busbeem and
Raugh of Salina are the contractors.
Des Moines Variety
Sets Charity Sights
DES MOINES — Plans for a big charity pro-
gram, including the sending of 50 boys to Y
camp this summer and providing a hospital
room in each of the three Des Moines hos-
pitals to take care of needy cases, were dis-
cussed at a meeting of the Variety Club
Monday in the Standard club.
As part of its fund-raising program to fi-
nance the charities, the club will give away
prizes at its dance in the Val-Air ballroom
August 15. First prize will be a Ford station
wagon, second a combination radio, and third
a refrigerator.
A report on the national convention in Los
Angeles was received at the meeting from
Nate Sendler, Butch DeFrenne and Gordon
Halloran, delegates of the local tent. Record-
ings of the meeting were played for the
members.
Des Moines Plans Made
By Foundation Panel
DES MOINES — The first meeting of the
local Motion Picture Foundation panel was
held here June 2 at a luncheon given by A. H.
Blank, national trustee and president of Tri-
States Theatre Corp. Tentative plans were
set up for the permanent organization of the
panel. Those attending were Nate Sandler,
president; G. Ralph Branton, D. C. Ken-
nedy, J. H. Foley, W. C. Johnson, Lou Levy,
Charles lies, Lawrence Dunn, Ted Menden-
hall and Barney Brotman.
L. Z. Henry's 20th Year
PLATTSBURG, MO. — L. Z. Henry, owner
of the Lyric Theatre here, celebrated his 20th
year in show business June 1. Before moving
here in September of last year, Henry op-
erated several Iowa and Minnesota theatres.
His first house was the Palace in Exira,
Iowa, and he installed the first sound equip-
ment in southwestern Iowa 19 years ago at
Creston. Henry said that he would wait
another five years before having a celebration.
Granada's 18th Birthday
KANSAS CITY, KAS. — Celebrating the
18th birthday of the Granada Theatre here,
Manager Charles Barnes gave a party last
Wednesday night for his “guests.” Between
the two evening showings of “The Egg and I,”
Barnes had cup cakes passed out to each
member of the audience. One of the cakes
contained a capsule housing a $100 gift bond
convertible at a local jewelry store.
Sale at Knob Noster
KNOB NOSTER, MO.— R. F. Ramsey of
Holden has purchased the Victory Theatre
here from E. B. Kaiser. Kaiser bought the
house from Commonwealth a short time ago.
Fire Extinguisher Fails ;
Four Reels Destroyed
Clarence, Mo. — Four reels of film were
destroyed and other damaged was caused
by fire in the Silver Theatre projection
booth. Charley Pollard, operator, and
W. C. Silver, owner, found after fruitless
attempts to use the fire extinguisher that
the extinguisher was defective. The fire-
resistant booth prevented the flames from
spreading. Patrons who had to leave were
given free admission to a subsequent pro-
gram.
74
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
'Yearling' Rides Crest
Of Minneapolis Swell
MINNEAPOLIS — Helped by the Memorial
day holiday, business boomed the past week.
There were only three major newcomers,
but each was well in the money. "The Year-
ling” sent Radio City’s gross skyward and
“Calcutta” zoomed at the State. “Honey-
moon” also did nicely for the Orpheum. It
was the sixth week downtown for “The
Outlaw,” the fourth for “The Farmer’s
Daughter,” an especially topnotch boxoffice
attraction here, and the second for “The
Late George Apley,” “Blaze of Noon” and
“Smash-Up.”
(Average is 100)
Aster — Tall Timber (Indie); Black Stallion (Indie). ...100
Century — the Late George Apley (20th-Fox),
2nd d t. wk 110
Gopher — The Brasher Doubloon (20th-Fox) 120
Lyric — Blaze of Noon (Para), 2nd d. t. wk 110
Pix — The Outlaw (UA), 6th wk 110
Radio City — The Yearling (MGM) 190
RKO-Orpheum — Honeymoon (RKO) 115
RKO-Pan — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO),
4th d. t. wk 125
State — Calcutta (Para) 150
World — Smash-Up (U-I), 2nd d. t. wk 100
Kansas City Has Quiet Week;
‘Mrs. Carrolls' Held Over
KANSAS CITY — Except for “The Two Mrs.
Carrolls” at the Orpheum, downtown houses
again suffered through an average week. The
Orpheum bill, which also included “Big
Town,” was good enough to warrant a second
week, but a completely new program moved
into all other houses at midweek. These in-
cluded “Cheyenne” at the Newman, “Copa-
cabana” at the Midland, “Smash-Up” at the
FMW day-and-date houses, and “Hit Parade
of 1947” at the Esquire. “I Met a Murderer,”
English film starring James Mason, moved
into the Kimo.
Esquire — Abie's Irish Rose (UA);
Backlash (20th-Fox) Avg. not set
Kimo — Bedelia (Eagle-Lion), 3rd wk.'. 120
Midland — High Barbaree (MGM);
Two Smart People (MGM) 114
Newmdn — Calcutta (Para), 2nd wk 100
Orpheum — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB);
Big Town (Para) 125
Tower, Uptown, Fairway — The Homestretch
(20th-Fox) 105
Frankie Carle Big in Omaha;
'Daughter' Cozy in Second Week
OMAHA — Frankie Carle didn’t break his
own house record at the Orpheum, as was
predicted, but billed with “Calendar Girl”
he did come close. “The Egg and I,” doubled
with “For the Love of Rusty,” was fair in its
third week moveover at the Omaha. “The
Farmer’s Daughter” had a nice second week
at the RKO-Brandeis.
Omaha — The Egg and I (U-I), 3rd d. t. wk ;
For the Love of Rusty (Col) 95
Orpheum — Calendar Girl (Rep), plus Frankie
Carle on stage 150
Paramount — It Happened in Brooklyn (MGM) 95
RKO-Brandeis — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
The Devil Thumbs a Ride (RKO), 2nd wk 110
State — Suddenly It's Spring (Para), 2nd run;
Out California Way (Rep) 105
Town — Valley of Fear (Mono); Probation (CHE),
reissue, split with If I had My Way (U-I), re-
issue; Thundering Desert (Rep) 100
'Carrolls' Average at Des Moines;
Other Percentages Unavailable
DES MOINES — Boxoffice percentage fig-
ures were unavailable at the two downtown
Tri-States theatres. However, reports along
Filmrow indicated that “The Egg and I,”
playing at the Des Moines, as well as at the
outlying Roosevelt and Ingersoll, was doing a
terrific business. Predictions were that the
picture would be held over for another week
at possibly two Tri-States houses. “Abie’s Irish
Rose” was playing at the Paramount.
Only downtown theatre reporting on busi-
ness the past week was the Orpheum.
Orpheum — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB);
Blondie's Holiday (Col) 100
New House for Bevier
BEVIER, MO. — This community soon is to
have its first theatre for sound films. A 227-
seat house, plus a modern canteen, is being
built by Clifford Byler and Lloyd McHenry.
The frame building with a stucco front will
be completed the middle of this month and
will be named the L-C. Byler and Warren
Carter opened the CB Theatre in Bucklin last
fall.
Dickinson to Be Cooler
TOPEKA — A permit for remodeling and in-
stallation of a new air conditioning plant
in the local Dickinson Theatre has been is-
sued by the city building inspector. Cost was
estimated at $5,000 and the work will be com-
pleted by October 1.
Paddy Picks Up the Purse;
His Owner Goes Betless
BEATRICE, NEB.— Frank Hollingsworth,
owner of the Victory Theatre here, is an es-
pecially popular man during the Ak-Sar-Ben
horse racing season.
When he isn’t horsing around the theatre,
he’s watching his own ponies run in the Ak
races. That should make him a pretty good
source for inside dope — that is, except when
his own nags are running.
One exception came last week. Frank re-
fused to tout his own horse, Paddy D.
Neither did he bet on him.
Iz Weiner, U-I salesman, knew all this.
But for some reason — maybe it was the name
— he had confidence in Paddy D. It paid —
on the nose.
Jn advance of iti timed . . .
The new Motiograph MODEL “AA”
" The Golden Anniversary Projector "
Des Moines Theatre Supply Co
1121 High Street
Des Moines, Iowa
Telephone 3-6520
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
75
KANSAS CITY
with a special “Duel in the Sundae’’ for 25
cents. Frozen strawberries over vanilla ice
cream, it was.
(Charles Oliver, Warner Bros, head booker, is
win Arkansas on vacation . . . Mrs. Bessie
Buchhorn, head inspector at the exchange,
lost her husband May 31. Almost the entire
office staff attended the funeral Monday
afternoon . . . On Filmrow were Ward Spiel-
man of the Gem in Baldwin, Kas., and Frank
Weary of the Farris, Richmond, Mo.
O. K. Mason, vice-president of Common-
wealth, was on a fish-
ing trip in Canada . . .
Eight-year-old Linda
Baker, daughter of
George Baker, won
fifth place in the
horsemanship class at
the Saddle and Sirloin
club horse show. Rid-
ing Valjean of the
Highlands in the class
for children 17 years
old and under, Linda
was the youngest rider
in the event.
Dewey Gates, who O. K. MASON
recently sold the Lake Theatre in Johnstown,
Colo., and who at one time was located in
this territory, was a visitor at Pennington
Poster Service Tuesday morning . . . Mrs.
Delma DeHart, branch manager’s secretary
at United Artists, is on vacation ... So are
Mary Jeffries, contract department; Woody
Walker, booker; Bernice Tighe, inspector,
and Evelyn Bressel, bookers’ secretary, all of
FLAMEPROOFING
CHEMICALS
with Vinyl-Resinous Base
Will not Stain or Powder Off
Applied by
Experienced Applicators
or sold wholesale only.
All Work Guaranteed
THE CHEM -O-SCIEN CO.
807-A E. 31st St. Kansas City 3, Mo.
VAlentine 3765
MiMAiAiiiiiir
POPCORN . . Best Quality . . Guaranteed Volume
Paper Lined Bags — From New Processor
$9.25 per 100 Lbs., FOB. Kansas City
reue
THEATRE SUPPLY
• COMPANY •
217 W. 18th St.
Kansas City 8. Mo.
TRAILERS
Your Own Copy
Sudden Service
HAL PARKER STUDIOS
Vi-So Productions
1719 Wyandotte Kansas City, Mo.
THEATRE INSURANCE Specialist
Serving You Since 1918
Till* and Tru«l Bldg. Kan*a* City 6, Mo.
MGM. Miss Bressel is making her first trip
to New York during her leave.
Visiting Filmrow and National Theatre Sup-
ply this week were Frank W. Meade of the
Meade Theatre in Kingman, Kas.; Gene C.
Michael of the Michlo, Braymer, Mo.; Ray
Miner, Miner, Moran, Kas.; W. W. Weldon,
Joy, Lathrop, and Mrs. G. W. Moskow, Regal,
St. Joseph, Mo.
Ted Barker, publicist for Loew’s Theatres
in St. Louis, who has been filling in for
Howard Burkhardt at the Midland here dur-
ing the latter’s vacation, has been promoted
to advertising and publicity chief of the five
Loew’s houses in Cleveland. Leaving here
Thursday, Barker went to New York before
assuming his new post. Mike Cullen, district
supervisor, will fill in until Burkhardt’s re-
turn from the east.
Kisses, made of candy, were part of the
exploitation Bernie Evens, MGM publicist,
used on “High Barbaree,” playing this week
at the Midland. Two girls, one wearing a large
portrait of Van Johnson on her back and
the other wearing a likeness of June Ally-
son, passed out the sweets downtown the day
before opening and opening day.
R. R. “Dick” Biechele returned from his con-
tinuous siesta in the Ozarks . . . Parke Agnew,
home office master
booker, and John Ash,
auditor, were guests of
Bernie Evens, MGM
publicist, at a special
screening of “Cynthia”
. . . M. B. Presley of
the Globe in Savan-
nah, Mo., is celebrat-
ing his 17th year as
an exhibitor in that
town. He has been in
exhibition well over 20
years.
Harold Hume, dis-
trict booker for Fox M- Bi PRESLEY
Midwest, spent the recent holiday at his
farm in California, Mo. Fishing was to have
been the chief form of relaxation but luck
just wasn’t with Harold last weekend. He
stood on a sand bar from a little after mid-
night until 6:00 a. m. and caught one cat-
fish. Catfish had gone out of season half an
hour before Harold dropped his first line.
Gladyce Penrod and Barbara Willman of
Paramount returned from vacations. Gladyce
took quite a jaunt during her two-week ab-
sence, visiting high spots in California, Ari-
zona, New Mexico and Nevada. She even got
to Nogales, Mexico.
National Carbon Co. visitors at Stebbins
Theatre Supply were Bill Kunzman of Cleve-
land and C. E. Heppberger of Chicago . . .
Amy Armstrong, bookkeeper at Universal and
Tommy Lawson, district booker at the same
office, were on vacation ... Ed Heiber, dis-
trict manager at U-I, returned from a busi-
ness jaunt to Omaha.
Ralph Morrow, city salesman at Universal,
and his son Ralph jr., are on vacation at Lake
Taneycomo fishing with Bill Pinet of the For-
syth at Forsyth, Mo. . . . Evelyn Kessler,
secretary to Bob Shelton, film buyer at Com-
monwealth, is on vacation . . . Gretchen
Brown, secretary to Clarence Schultz at the
circuit’s home office, spent the Memorial day
holiday in Brunswick, Mo., her old home town.
Don “Hi-Fi” Davis of RCA returned last
Saturday from a trip to St. Louis and points
west . . . Ben Marcus, district manager, and
Tom Baldwin, local manager, went to Co-
lumbia’s semiannual district and branch man-
agers meeting in Chicago. The sessions began
Sunday and ended Friday . . . Hugh Norbell
is the new assistant shipper at Columbia.
Cal Bard, former theatre builder and now
of the Kwizz Kard Co. of Tulsa, was in the
PRC exchange talking over old times with
Larry Larsen of Webb City and Milt Over-
man, publicist at the exchange . . . Exploita-
tion invaded the Screenland cafe this week
Delbert Farrell Promoted
To Jefferson Houses
CARROLL, IOWA— Delbert Farrell, man-
ager of the State, has been named manager
of the two Pioneer circuit houses in Jeffer-
son, Iowa, according to an announcement by
Don J. Smith, Pioneer district manager.
“In line with the company’s policy of pro-
motions, Farrell is now being promoted to a
town of his own,” Smith said.
Smith has been with the company since
1938, first in the capacity of operator, then
assistant manager, and later, manager. On
his return from army service, he was placed
in charge of the State.
Farrell will replace Ray Walter who has
resigned and is planning to retire and live
in Minneapolis.
Owners to Convert Garage
For Sioux City Theatre
SIOUX CITY, IOWA — A motion picture
theatre is to be established here in the north
side business district in a building formerly
occupied by the Cleveland garage. Announce-
ment of plans for the theatre was made by
Albert M. Seff, attorney for the owners of
the project. Seff said that about $60,000 will
be spent for seats and equipment exclusive
of the remodeling costs. The theatre is ex-
pected to be ready for opening about Au-
gust 1. Seating capacity of the house is to be
500. Plans call for air conditioning.
7-Day Operation Started
At Sun, Woodward, Iowa
WOODWARD, IOWA— The Sun Theatre
here will be open seven nights a week during
the summer months, according to the man-
ager, Mrs. Norman Hanson. Mrs. Hanson said
the new schedule will be in the nature of an
experiment and if successful will become a
permanent policy. Heretofore the Sun has
been closed Wednesday and Thursday. Mrs.
Hanson said also that the Sun would drop
newsreels and add a second comedy to its
programs.
EDCIT UllfttPII
STAGE EQUIPMENT COMPANY
uiiuiMiiTimur
EVERYTHING FOR THE STAGE - AUDITORIUM • LOBBY
BOX OFFICE * 1324 Grand Ave,r Kansas City 6, Mo.
76
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947
Duel' Bow to Blanket
Midwest Next Week
KANSAS CITY — Nine exploitation repre-
sentatives, tieups with merchants ranging
from ice cream producers to juke box opera-
tors and 103 day-and-date bookings will help
David O. Selznick make a mighty splash
when his “Duel in the Sun” breaks through-
out the midwest June 12.
Sixty simultaneous openings in this ex-
change area will include 31 Fox Midwest
theatres, 13 Commonwealth situations, five
Dickinson houses, three Durwood theatres,
and one Theatre Enterprises location. In ad-
dition, six independent theatres will show the
super-western day and date with the Midland
Theatre here. These are the Temple in
Yates Center, Kas.; the Ritz, McPherson,
Kas.; Lido, Downs, Kas.; Ozark, Eldon, Mo.;
Roxy, Bethany, Mo., and the Rigney, Albany,
Mo.
Tieups include the Franklin Ice Cream Co.,
Crown Drug stores, RCA Victor distributors,
Arthur Murray dance studios, juke box opera-
tors, and windows in seven retail stores in
Kansas City alone. A “Duel in the Sun”
night at the local El Casbah room June 10
will feature the Varsoviana, folk dance from
the film. Juke box operators will release
Tommy Dorsey’s “Got to Get Somebody to
Love” featured song from the show, in all
their machines June 7.
Selznick publicity men in this area during
the week were Claude Morris, chief of ex-
ploitation for Selznick studios; Ben Babb of
the Hollywood office, George Wood of the
St. Louis office, and Max Bercutt, Phil Lees,
Milton Watt, Julian Bowes, Herb Jennings
and John Barry.
Twelve Iowa Cities Get
'Duel' Day and Date
DES MOINES — “Duel in the Sun" will
open simultaneously in 12 Iowa cities, includ-
ing Des Moines, June 10.
It will run at advanced prices under a road-
show policy that will break precedent by in-
troducing the western drama to these Iowa
cities on the same date: Cedar Rapids, De-
corah, Vinton, Winterset, Boone, Clinton,
Burlington, Mason City, Ames, Fort Dodge
and Charles City.
During the same week, “Duel” will open in
Davenport, Waterloo, Ottumwa, Sioux City,
Muscatine, Shenandoah, Red Oak, Council
Bluffs and Marshalltown.
In Des Moines, “Duel” will play at two
Tri-States houses: the Strand (downtown)
and the Ingersoll (neighborhood).
OMAHA
^•ri- States Theatres are giving district man-
x agers a try at general manager duties dur-
ing the summer campaign. A. G. Stolte, Des
Moines, was in charge during May and spent
last week in the Omaha territory with Dis-
trict Manager William Miskell. Now Miskell
takes over for June and will headquarter in
Des Moines. It will be District Manager Herb
Grove of Davenport at the helm in July.
RKO employes were to picnic at Peony park
Saturday . . . Boff Hoff, Ballantyne Co. busi-
ness manager, is in Chicago on business . . .
Jake Mitchell of the Larezzi Machine Works,
Chicago, was in the city.
Heavy rains and high wind at a number of
spots through the territory made traveling
difficult for film salesmen; cut grosses in
a number of towns. Newsreels were late in
arriving here . . . Don Smith, general man-
ager from Carroll, Iowa, and Herman Fields,
partner in the Pioneer circuit, were in town.
Fanny Miller is new as the general clerk
at Columbia. She succeeds Pat Daly who
returned to Carroll, Iowa, because of illness
in the family . . . Joe Jacobs, Columbia man-
ager, left for a Chicago meeting . . . Don
Shane, Paramount Theatre pilot, had his arm
in a sling for a week. It resulted from a tonsil
infection.
Mr. and Mrs. Ira Crane are vacationing in
Minnesota. He is manager of the Bonham
Theatre, Fairbury . . . Wedding date for Fred
Aliano, Columbia shipper, is June 21 . . .
W. H. Cooley, father-in-law of MGM’s head
booker, Fred Fejfar, was buried at Mount
Vernon, S. D. Fred was in South Dakota for
several days.
Betty Berndt, MGM, became Mrs. Lester
Peterson at Spaulding, Neb. . . . Wally Kemp.
Tri-States city manager at Grand Island, was
laid up several days when a cold settled in
his ear.
Visitors along Filmrow included Bruce
Jones, Beemer; Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Craig,
Plainview; Elmer Wulf, Kingsley, Iowa; A1
Wuebben, Parkston, S. D.; Bert Beams, Red
Cloud; Eddie Kugel, Holstein, Iowa; John
Fisher, Valley; Max Schumaker, Tabor, Iowa;
William Tammen, Yankton, S. D.; Arnold
Johnson, Onawa, Iowa; E. G. Gannon, Schuy-
ler; Carl Johnson, Red Oak, Iowa, and Wil-
liam Bache, Davenport, Neb.
Two Tri-State city managers in the Omaha
territory lost their fathers. L. E. Davidson.
Sioux City, attended services for his dad at
Cherryvale, Kas. . . . The father of James
Redmond, Falls City, died at Beatrice . . .
Margie Gagnon, secretary to Branch Man-
ager Frank Hannon at Warner Bros., is va-
cationing at her home in Yankton, S. D.
John Cannella, Orpheum Theatre, Minne-
apolis, had some tough luck en route here
by auto on vacation. His car rolled, damag-
ing it, injuring him slightly but not hurting
his wife and baby. He formerly was treasurer
at Omaha’s RKO-Brandeis . . . Josephine
Maguire, Warners biller, is dividing her vaca-
tion between Grand Island and Des Moines.
Ruth Meyers, head inspector at United Art-
ists, leaves for a three-week vacation . . .
Norm Nielsen, RKO office manager, will
spend his vacation at home awaiting a new
car which probably will arrive about the time
his vacation ends.
The RKO-Brandeis, which usually has a
waiting line most of the time the boxoffice is
open, is working on plans to add 400 seats to
its present 1,100 capacity. It is also under-
stood that the entire office building may be
remodeled, which might mean a new front,
etc., for the theatre, although it is in ex-
cellent shape at present.
Earl M. Campbell, Trenton (Neb.) ex-
hibitor, rated considerable space with his
views in a recent column from Hollywood by
Sidney Skolsky. The columnist cites his
comments as evidence that the exhibitors
“really let a picture have it” when given an
opportunity to criticize it from a boxoffice
angle.
As Chief Cinematographer
Metro has signed Charles Rosher as chief
cinematographer for “On an Island With
You.”
POP CORN BOXES
10c Size
ATTRACTIVE DESIGN
IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT
Paper Supply Co.
505 Delaware Street
KANSAS CITY 6, MO.
LOBBY MATS AVAILABLE AGAIN!
CORRUGATED and PERFORATED
U. S. ROYALITE QUALITY
in 1/4" — and V2" thickness. Cloth Inserted.
BLACK— MAROON— RED— WHITE— GREEN— YELLOW— BLUE— SALMON
A/o*io<f‘batnd - Jl.etteSiUuj, - GltecJzesiAaa>id
Durable, Slip-Proof, Decorative, Noiseless.
Send Measurements. Write for Information.
B. B. MANN CABPET COMPANY
930 Central Kansas City, Mo.
Also Leather Cocoa, Rubber ■ Link and
Woven Tire Mats
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947
77
MINNEAPOLIS
■Diehard Wilson, MGM South Dakota sales-
1 man, was here over the weekend on his
return from a California vacation . . . Bennie
Berger, North Central Allied president, and
his wife backed Mayor H. H. Humphrey
heavily for re-election, even to the extent of
running advertisements for him in various
publications. The election takes place Mon-
day and it looks as though the Bergers have
backed a winner.
A neat spring stunt was that of the Radio
City Theatre. On the opening day of “The
Late George Apley” a dozen plants were given
to the first 400 patrons.
Many Filmrowites took advantage of the
three-day Memorial day holiday to visit lake
resort spots . . . “Hy” Chapman, Columbia
manager, attended the Chicago sales conven-
SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY
Your Deal Handled Personally
27 years experience
[ % 1
We cover the U. S.
Arthur Leak
• m.
Theatres Exclusively
3422 Kinmore Dallas 10. Texas
tion this week . . . M. A. Levy, 20th-Fox dis-
trict manager, reports that the territory’s ex-
hibitors are responding “magnificently” to
his silver anniversary drive. Business is fine,
he says. All the booking combines have
bought “Razor’s Edge.”
More than 100 film industry friends will
join together to toss a farewell dinner June
9 for Billy Evidon, Columbia Twin City sales-
man, who has been transferred to Los An-
geles. It will be held at the Hotel Nicollet.
The committee in charge of the affair com-
prises Sid Lax, Bill Elson, Martin Lebedoff
and Lowell Kaplan.
The University of Minnesota Film society
presented “Portrait of a Woman,” a French
film, and “Toscanini,” a short, on one bill
... A big advance campaign is in progress
for “The Egg and I,” underlined for the Or-
pheum.
E. J. McEvoy, Universal shorts sales man-
ager, was a visitor. Also M. J. McDermott,
Universal traveling auditor. It was the first
trip here for the latter . . . The sensational
business being chalked up by “The Farmer’s
Daughter” is the talk of local film circles.
It has been held over at the RKO Pan for
a fifth week.
Bill Woods is now ensconced as Columbia
office manager. He replaced Sid Lax, who
was promoted to salesman. Woods quit the
ranks of independent exhibitors to take the
Columbia post. He was with Paramount
here before he became a theatre owner . . .
It was announced that 91,200 saw the “iGe
Follies” here during the show’s 26 perform-
ances. It was a new record for the attrac-
tion. The Arena had to return more than
$100,000 in mail orders. Each performance
was a sellout.
Roy Mundon Retires
At Lake Andes, S. D.
LAKE ANDES, S. D. — Roy Mundon, opera-
tor of the O. K. Theatre here since 1920, has
sold out to William E.
Wuest, a young war
veteran, and plans to
spend his time hunt-
ing and fishing for a
while.
Wuest, a local boy,
is married and the
father of a young
daughter.
Mundon has been a
civic leader here for
many years and served
since 1930 as city fire
chief. He is a member
of the Commercial
club. Only two other
businesses in Lake Andes have remained un-
der one management as long as the O. K.
Theatre.
ROY MUNDON
Milford Theatre Offered
For Series of Benefits
MILFORD, IOWA— The Strand has do-
nated the use of the house to the Milford
Youth Center each Saturday afternoon for
an indefinite period. Pictures will be shown
under the sponsorship of the Milford Com-
mercial club with proceeds going to the
Youth Center. Admission of 15 cents for
children and 45 cents for adults will be
charged.
New Sound at Strand
LANCASTER, MO. — James Russell has in-
stalled new DeVry projection and sound
equipment in his Strand Theatre here.
“For years I have read BOXOFFICE and
“Feel almost lost without it”
BOXOFFICE,
825 Van Brunt Blvd.,
Kansas City 1, Mo.
My Dear Sirs:
For years I have read BOXOFFICE, and feel almost lost without it.
I have your record and date book and have used the system for several
years. I get the other trade papers in the industry but in addition I want
your magazine and am sending my subscription herewith.
Thanking you for your*good service in the past,
PAUL W. MOORE,
Paramount Theatre.
6650 Belair Rd.,
Baltimore 6, Md.
Be Sure to Read Every Issue of BOXOFFICE — It Pays
78
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
Rex Carr io Pilot
Cincinnati Group
CINCINNATI — Rex A. Carr takes over June
15 as general manager of the Theatre Own-
ers Corp., booking and buying combine here,
succeeding Irving Sochin, who resigned to be-
come branch manager for Universal-Interna-
tional.
Carr has been with the Manny Marcus
Enterprises of Indianapolis for the past 18
years, 10 as general manager. “The organ-
ization is fortunate in securing the services
of a man with Carr’s experience and ability,”
said Louis Wiethe, president of TOC.
The combine was organized in July 1946,
as a booking and buying service for the 24
Cincinnati theatres operated by Wiethe,
Ralph Kinsler, Willis Vance, Frank Huss,
Herman H. Hunt and Maurice Chase. Other
members have been added since and the
corporation now is servicing 44 theatres. TOC
has moved into larger quarters in the Keith
Bldg, and will soon be ready to take on new
accounts, Wiethe said.
Charles Kosco to Buffalo
As 20th-Fox Manager
PITTSBURGH — Charles Kosco, veteran
film sales representative of this city, as-
sumed duties in Buffalo this week as 20th-
Fox manager. The promotion for the local
area 20th-Fox salesman had been confirmed
last weekend. Kosco represented Columbia
here for a number of years before joining
20th-Fox, covering the area north of Pitts-
burgh. He resides at Brockway, Pa., which
is the same distance from Pittsburgh as is
Buffalo. A brother, Joseph Kosco, is a lum-
berman and exhibitor in Brockway.
Rube Shor Assails W. Va.
Exhibitor Indifference
CHARLESTON, W. VA. — Rube Shor, exec-
utive manager of the West Virginia Theatre
Managers Ass’n, an Allied unit, scored in-
dolent exhibitors with a little irony. He
said that, with the municipal elections over
and the legislature adjourned, “we are going
to take it easy and forget our legislative
problems, so that when they arise we will
be unprepared. This is our usual manner of
doing things.”
Ted Barker Takes Place
Of Ed Fisher, Cleveland
CLEVELAND — Ted Barker has been ap-
pointed publicity and advertising manager
for Loew’s Theatres here. Barker, former
publicist for Loew’s State and Orpheum in St.
Louis, succeeds Ed Fisher, resigned.
J. C. Platt, Schine Manager
In Mount Vernon, Dies
MOUNT VERNON, OHIO— James C. Platt,
62, city manager for the Schine circuit and a
Mount Vernon theatreman more than 30
years, died May 26 of a heart attack. He
leaves a wife and daughter.
To Build in Union City
UNION CITY, PA.— Union City Theatre
Corp. will erect an 800-seat theatre here.
Marshall W. Peterson of Jamestown, N. Y„
president of the corporation, and John C.
Friburg, vice-president, state that the new
Union City theatre will adjoin the post
office on a lot 80x240 feet. Peterson and
Friburg also operate a theatre in Johnson-
burg, Pa.
Shaker Heights Vogue
Is Opened by Warners
MICHIGAN MANEUVER — Ray
Branch, left, president of Allied Theatres
of Michigan, shows an advertising board
to Gov. Kim Sigler. The board boosts a
series of special shorts on the advantages
of Michigan. These films are being run
by theatres over the entire state as a pub-
lic service.
Kentucky Building Boom
Awaiting Green Light
LOUISVILLE — Construction of many new
theatres in Kentucky, Louisville in particular,
has been held up pending government ap-
proval. When the green light is flashed, a
theatre building boom is expected through-
out the state. While it is true many theatres
have been completed, and a large number
are in the process of being finished, there
are many in the blueprint stage.
New Sign in Kane, Pa.
KANE, PA. — The Temple here will be mod-
ernized with the installation of a new mar-
quee and sign. Under construction at the
factory of Poblocki & Sans, Milwaukee, the
marquee is A-shaped, with three lines of let-
ters, recessed lights with the ceiling con-
tinued into the theatre doors. C. S. Brown
expects the installation within a few weeks.
Neat Burglar Cleans Up
Theatre and Its Money
Akron — If the money weren’t missing,
nobody would have known that the Day-
ton Theatre was robbed of $354 some time
after midnight May 24. The thief was
very tidy and put everything back as he
found it, revealing that he knew his way
around the theatre.
There was only one thing he forgot — to
close the curtain on the window he pre-
sumably used to get into the theatre.
He used a ladder from the fan room
of the theatre to climb into the offices,
which are on the mezzanine floor, and
thoughtfully put the ladder back. The
money sacks, after they were emptied,
were neatly folded and put back in place.
Rifled desk drawers were closed. Every-
thing was nice and neat, but the money
was gone.
Bp ELSIE LOEB
CLEVELAND — Opening of the Vogue, new
1,565-seat Warner house in the residential
suburb of Shaker Heights, was a community
and social event.
City officials, members of the industry
and the press were guests of Warner Theatres
at an elaborate buffet supper served in
Gruber’s restaurant, occupying space in the
new theatre building. Nat Wolf, Warner
zone manager, was host although the famous
film brothers had a personal representative
present in the person of Jack Warner jr., who
came in from New York for the occasion.
Also here from New York to share in the
celebration were Nat Fellman and Louis
Kaufman.
IN SHOPPING CENTER
The Vogue is the first theatre in Cleveland
to be completed since building restrictions
were imposed by the war. It occupies the
most conspicuous location in a new shopping
center. Conforming with the Shaker Heights
building requirements, it is simple in de-
sign, using straight, modernistic lines both
in the exterior and interior. Beyond the usual
entrance lobby is an informal L-shaped
foyer, furnished with easy chairs and con-
versation benches. The auditorium, all on
one floor, presents a clear vision from all
parts of the house. Indirect ceiling lights
provide a constant glow which never inter-
feres with the screen. The predominant color
is rose. The wails are in rose stripes, with silk
tapestry, unrelieved by decorations.
All equipment is of the latest, the aim of
the company being to present the best pic-
tures to the best advantage.
A specially built candy bar installed by
Berio Vending Co. attracted attention. With
a tufted wall background in harmony with
the theatre coloring, the candy bar, for which
space was provided in the plans, is recessed
and does not protrude as is usual.
CUTS WHITE RIBBONS
Formal opening ceremonies started when
Mrs. C. C. Meyers of Cleveland Heights, cut
the white ribbons stretched across the en-
trance doors. Mrs. Meyers gave the theatre
its name, being the winner in a city-wide
naming contest sponsored by the Press.
Insofar as the Warner heads were con-
cerned, it was a formal occasion. Nat Wolf,
zone manager, Dick Wright, his assistant,
and Harold “Bud” Friedman, manager, wore
tuxedos. The closely knit cooperation of
members of the Warner organization, under
the leadership of Nat Wolf, was demonstrated
when Eddie Miller, manager of Warners’
Hippodrome, took a turn at the door, and
Nat personally took care of a patron’s minor
request.
Cleveland welcomed the Vogue with a full
house. Opening feature was “Stallion Road.”
Harvey Emermans to Mark
25th Year of Marriage
ERIE, PA. — Bea and Harvey Emerman of
the State here, observing their 25th wed-
ding anniversary, have announced a “week-
end jamboree” will be staged June 21 at
“Emerman’s No-Sleep Manor.”
To Direct 'Stations West'
RKO has signed Sidney Lanfield to direct
“Stations West,” a western adventure story.
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
ME
79
CINCINNATI
Jrene Sagel, secretary to J. J. Grady, 20th-
Fox district manager, received a cable
from her sister and brother-in-law, in Bad
Manheim, Germany, announcing the birth
of a son, Roger Thomas Hanlon, May 14.
Capt. David W. Hanlon, the father, is with
the army of occupation . . . William Queen
of the Wilmar Theatre in Columbus is spend-
ing several weeks in New York.
R. A. Emrick of the By Jo Theatre, Ger-
mantown, was a visitor on Filmrow . . . Hugh
MacKenzie, Cincin-
nati field representa-
tive for RKO, left for
Boston, where he will
assist in the prepara-
tions for the New
England and upper
New York state ter-
ritorial premiere of
the new picture, “The
Long Night,” which
will be launched in
August. During his
absence Bob Haley
of Indianapolis will
carry on for him.
district manager, and
Stanley Jacques, branch manager, made a
trip to Huntington, W. Va. Cohen, who has
been commuting from his residence in De-
troit to his headquarters in Cleveland, has
been successful in renting a home in Cleve-
land and will move July 1.
Sally Dudelson, daughter of Harris Dudel-
son, district manager for Film Classics, will
be married June 29 to Robert Brisker of
Cincinnati. Brisker is a student at Ohio
State university, and the couple will reside
in Columbus until completion of his studies
. . . The Keith Theatre had a special preview
of the James Mason picture, “Odd Man Out,”
May 29, immediately following the last show-
ing of “Smash-Up.”
Mrs. M. Boschian, English, W. Va.. is giv-
ing her theatre a complete renovating and
painting . . . D. R. Law, Roseville, Ohio, was
a visitor on Filmrow . . . W. C. Pullin of the
Linden Theatre, Columbus, and-4iis bride at-
tended the Variety Club convention in Los
Angeles. While in Los Angeles they appeared
on the Breakfast in Hollywood radio program.
A. W. Alexander, engineer for the Altec
Service Corp., is a proud grandpa — for the
first time. Mrs. Alexander just returned
from Pasadena, Calif., home of their new
granddaughter, Diana Penelope Beacon . . .
O. D. Hopper of Liberty, Ky., left June 1 for
a trip to California, where he hopes to visit
some of the studios . . . T. V. Field of Taze-
well, Va., made the rounds of the local ex-
changes.
Walter Wiens, branch manager for Para-
mount, who visited his family in Dallas over
RONALD EMRICK
Milt Cohen, RKO
Qe*ien<U <7lieat>i& £quifi*ne*tt Go .
109 Michigan St. Toledo 2, Ohio
ADams 8551 — Nights and Sun. JOrdan 16S2
A complete line ol equipment and supplies.
CENTURY PROJECTORS
CENTURY SOUND SYSTEMS
IDEAL CHAIRS
STRONG LAMPS
24-Hour Projection and Sound Service
Memorial day, soon will be able to bring
them to Cincinnati to live. Hd has found a
furnished apartment at last . . . June Reis,
newcomer on Filmrow, is a stenographer for
Republic . . . Jack Bloom, 20th-Fox home
office representative and assistant to William
Gehring, division manager, spent Wednesday
and Thursday in Cincinnati. With J. J.
Grady, Bloom made a trip to Hamilton,
Middletown and Dayton to visit houses in
that area.
Pete Rosian, district manager for U-I, is
vacationing in Atlantic City . . . Miriam
Voss, 20th-Fox contract clerk, left for Cali-
fornia, on her first plane trip . . . John
Eifert, Warner sales representative, and Mrs.
Eifert were guests of Mr. and Mrs. E. L.
Keesling, Bramwell, W. Va., over Memorial
day weekend.
Franklin Jividen has a small 250-seat the-
atre under construction at Eleanor, W. Va.
. . . David Wilson,
Miami, W. Va., is op-
erating a soda -candy
bar next door to his
Wilson Theatre . . .
Abe Hyman, Hunting-
ton, W. Va., is prepar-
ing to leave shortly
with Mrs. Hyman to
spend the summer at
his home in Canada.
Joe Oulahan, dis-
trict representative for
the J. Arthur Rank
Organization, former-
ly manager of the
local Paramount branch, has been made
branch manager for U-I in Washington . . .
Midwest Theatre Supply Co. is installing
International seats, draperies, etc., for Har-
old - McCloud in his
new theatre in Chap-
man ville, which will
open some time in
August.
L. C. Sayres of the
Miami Theatre, Mor-
row, is renovating the
house after a recent
fire . . . Two Wapa-
koneta businessmen,
Presar and Melton,
are opening the new
Sunset Drive-In on
JOE oulahan Route 33 between
Wapakoneta and St.
Marys in July. It will park approximately
350 cars . . . Dolores Hunter is a new em-
ploye in the Warner accounting department.
The Universal office girls gave a miscel-
laneous shower May 28 at the Kemper Lane
hotel for Sophie Rakosi, who is to be mar-
ried shortly . . . Office Manager Virgil A.
Miller, Paramount, left with his wife and son
to visit relatives in Texas . . . Florence Wilder,
Paramount accounting department, is spend-
ing her vacation with her folks in Pineville,
Ky.
One of the major projects in the $2,750,000
bond issue to be requested by Cincinnati zoo
ABE HYMAN
OLIVER THEATRE
SUPPLY CO.. INC.
M. H. FRITCHLE
Manager
23rd and Payne Avenue
Phone: PRospect 6934
CLEVELAND
trustees is a $500,000 opera house at the zoo,
where the board of trustees feels the perma-
nent home of Cincinnati opera should be.
Other plans for the bond issue include mod-
ernizing the zoo, to put it on a par with the
St. Louis and Detroit zoos.
H. J. Ochs of Cleveland and his son Jack,
who operate a number of drive-ins here and
in other territories,
made the rounds of
the local exchanges.
Ochs had a bad ankle
and was using a cane
to navigate . . . June
Shelton, Paramount
ledger clerk, is resign-
ing her duties at the
office in order to con-
centrate on her house-
hold duties. Marie
Klag, RKO cashier,
will attend a bowling
league party in Pitts-,
burgh June 13.
Lloyd Rogers, Welch, W. Va., attended the
funeral of his aunt in Scarbro, W. Va. ... A
new theatre is under construction in West-
moreland, Va. . . . Pete Albrecht, Warner
assistant shipper, was married May 31 to
Ruth Hicks of Camp Washington . . . Doro-
thy Bosse of WB is vacationing out west
. . . Bill Turner, one of the original Dead
End Kids, is heading a new show at the
Latin Quarter . . . Harry James made a one-
night appearance at Castle Farm June 1.
Cleveland M. P. Council
Re-Elects Mrs. Carran
CLEVELAND — Mrs. E. F. Carran has been
re-elected president of the Motion Picture
Council of Greater Cleveland. Other officers:
Vice-president, Mrs. William M. Gregory;
treasurer, Ruth Thompson; recording sec-
retary, Mrs. Fred T. Dewey; corresponding
secretary, Mrs. J. C. Hilton.
Committee chairmen are: membership,
Mrs. Lester L. Swift; bulletin, Mrs. Frank R.
Anderson; review, Mrs. William Roger
Thomas; program, Mrs. Margaret Brown;
publicity, Mrs. J. R. Inman; procedure and
rules, Mrs. Florence Craig.
Mrs. Carran in accepting the presidency
of the Council for another year, said that an
organization of its scope covers all subjects
pertaining to the industry, such as children’s
matinees, family type pictures, adult pic-
tures, educational films and theatre behavior
of juveniles. „
'Years' Breaks All Records
In Runs at Cleveland
CLEVELAND— Between 150,000 and 175,000
persons saw “The Best Years of Our Lives”
during the extended run of the picture which
has just come to a close. Showing simul-
taneously at the Lower Mall, a downtown
house and the University, an uptown house,
for six weeks, and then two more weeks at
the Lower Mall, the picture had the equiva-
lent of a 14-week run, a record.
It is expected that this Academy award
picture will hit the screens again in the fall,
but only at the present advanced price scale.
Plan Drive-In Near Waterford
WATERFORD, PA. — Plans are completed
for a new drive-in here, approximately eight
miles from Erie.
Signed for 'Indiscreet'
Arleen Whelan has been signed by Univer-
sal for the femme heavy in “The Senator Was
Indiscreet.”
80
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947
Three Drive-Ins Sei
DETROIT
For Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. — Construction of
three drive-in theatres has been announced
for Grand Rapids.
Jack Loeks, operator of the Foto-News
Theatre, said he would build two of them
at a cost of $100,000 each. One will be on the
north side and one on the south side of
town, and each will accommodate 650 cars
on ten banks of ramps. Loeks said he would
install in-a-car speakers in both places.
The third project was announced by I. R.
Blandford, realtor, who said he was acting
for the Triangle Drive-In Theatre Co. of Wil-
mington, Ohio, headed by Herbert J. Ochs.
The Paris township zoning board is sched-
uled to meet June 16 to take up his request
for rezoning a portion of land on Division
avenue South at 56th street to permit the
construction. An 800-car layout is planned,
he said.
Hygienic Is Expanding
WILMINGTON, OHIO — Hygienic Produc-
ions, producers and distributors of “Mom and
Dad,” is suffering from growing pains. In
order to take care of its rapidly increased
personnel, J. S. Jossey and Kroger Babb,
heads of Hygienic, have purchased two large
residential properties which are being re-
modeled into three and four-room suites for
Hygienic employes.
Broder Reseats Castle
DETROIT — New Heywood-Wakefield seats
were installed in the Castle Theatre by the
Broder circuit.
Has Moved to
14021 Greenview Rd.
Detroit 23, Mich,
Phone VErmont 7-3165
NecL 0<fJ,edJuf.
LONG SIGN CO.
MARQUISE SIGNS
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
840 W. Baltimore, Detroit — TR 1-5477
LEONARD SOSKIN AGENCY
' ." v' &
Retirement income, life, automobile,
fire, health and accident insurance.
541 Book Bldg.
CA 3515, Detroit
EXHIBITORS — PARK FREE AT
McArthur ?
THEAT RE
EQUIPMENT
COMPANY
454 COLUMBIA ST. WEST - DETROIT I, MlCH.
MOTIOGRAPH SERVICE
Phone: CAdillac 5524
J7xchanges: Jack Young of Paramount, who
formerly had headquarters at Wayne, has
moved up to Bay City . . . Mary Lou Coles,
secretary to Paramount’s H. E. Stuckey, says
all the business Cupid is doing around the
exchange is big news . . . Filmrow’s wartime
honor roll has been placed in a permanent
position in the lobby facing the elevators
. . . Roy McDougall is busy keeping Film-
row’s cars rolling . . . Sid Blumenstock, 20th-
Fox executive, is due in town . . . Milton
Kussell, SRO sales manager, and Assistant
Sid Denau were in town to set a deal for
“Duel in the Sun.”
Drug Store Stuff: John B. Murphy is
establishing the Murphy Theatre Service at
1009 Majestic Bldg. . . . Dan Salada, So-
fronio Presquito, and Cresencio Escribano
are forming the Three Stars Theatre Co.
at 636 Conner Ave. . . . Burton A. Richmond
and Harry C. Commodore are forming the
Michigan Popcorn Co. at 954 West Seven
Mile Rd.
Gertrude Tracy is reported managing the
Knickerbocker in Cleveland. She used to
boss the Van Dyke here, and left for the west
coast . . . Your scribe has returned from a
vacation trip at Virginia Beach.
Wallace Cross is back on the job at Cross
machine shop, after several months illness
and removal of a kidney. His son, Wallace
jr., has joined him in the business and they
are again starting production on the Cross
carbon savers for the first time in five years.
Cross jr. is just back from his honeymoon
in the Smoky mountains, after marrying the
former Joyce Partlow.
Ned Oglesby, Heywood-Wakefield repre-
sentative, is moving his office to 14021 Green-
view Rd. in Rosedale park . . . Joseph and
Victoria Stois of Dearborn, William A. Shil-
ling of Pinckney and Ezra H. Frye of Detroit
are establishing the Paragon Educational
Films at 12715 West Warren Ave. . . . Bob
Hope, in town to do a broadcast, reminisced
over the time he played the Krul circuit’s
Home Theatre, booked by the late Art Row-
land, at $5 a night.
Jack Zide and Arthur Robinson were slated
to be special bartenders Tuesday night at
the Variety Club, with all the gang getting-
set to cross them up by ordering fancy
drinks, on Bob Dunbar’s initiative.
Up in the Booth: Leo Daverman, operator
at the Strand in Lowell, Mich., was in town,
visiting our office.
Under the Marquee: Harold Sandelman of
the Broder circuit reports business off gen-
erally all around town — if that’s any news!
. . . L. E. Hoag has opened the new Swing
at Athens — one of the new quonset-type
houses. Carl W. Buermele of General Thea-
tre is booking the house.
James Stathis is taking over the Century
at Coopersville from Albert Hefferan . . .
Jack Broder is headquartering at the Am-
bassador hotel, New York, cooking up dis-
tribution deals . . . Paul Broder reports re-
decorating, installation of new washrooms,
(ITf i o s a a p m
Distributors
for the State of
Michigan
RINGOLD THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
108 Michigan St., N. W., Grand Rapids 2, Mich.
and new advertising boards at the Seville
Theatre.
Saul Korman has registered the title of the
Pix Theatre for his planned new 1,500-seat
house to cater to Detroit’s colored clientele
. . . James Welch and Mary Welch, who
ran the old Park Theatre on Woodward ave-
nue, taking over from A. J. Gilligham in
1911, have left for their summer stay at their
childhood home in Spring Lake, where they
will celebrate their 72nd wedding anniversary.
Welch just turned 92.
PERYL’S COSTUMES
UNIFORMS for Entire Theatre Staff.
Special Costumes for All Occasions, Acts and
Special Shows.
Peryl LaMarr. Prop. 3737 Woodward
Phone: TEmple 2-3948 Detroit, 1, Mich.
TheatrpSign and Marquee Maintenance
i Our Specialty
i\jJWorstman Co.
TEmple 2-6877
27 Eliot St.
POntiac 3-4473
Detroit 1, Mich.
^
PLAN YOUR NEW THEATRE NOW
CHARLES N. BOARD, Theatre Builder
East Detroit
Theatre Bldg.
k.
★
Phones
PRospect 1064
Roseville 0243
A
SUPER SIZE
POP CORN CO.
Ready Popped Corn
307 Boulevard Bldg. Detroit 3, Mich.
TRinity 2-3880 — 24 hour phone service
RUDY SCHR0EDER HERBERT MORGAN
ERNIE
FORBES
214 W. Montcalm
Detroit 1. Mich.
Phone CAdillac 1122
— THEATRE CHAIRS
3000 Used Spring cushioned, part full
upholstered back and part insert
panel back, with spring edges and
box spring cushions.
1000 Veneer Chairs.
800 Good Backs.
500 Spring cushions, and hinges.
Write for Prices and Photographs
JESSE COLE Theatre Seating
2565 McClellan, Detroit Phone: Valley 2-3445
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
81
PITTSBURGH
^^erner “Fuzzy” Lund of the Lund Directed
Theatres is the big “gas” man of the
local trade. He struck it rich the other day
when his well gushed in ... A Sunday motion
picture referendum will be conducted at
Butler . . . Sabina Maltesta and Charles
Mergen, who several months ago qualified
for Paramount’s 25-Year club, will be hon-
ored at an event here next month.
Lew and Jennie Lefton, who will reside in
Dallas, are here to attend the June 29 mar-
riage of their son Seymour and Clara Gor-
don. The Seymour Leftons will reside in
Albuquerque where he will attend the Uni-
versity of New Mexico. With Jennie Lefton
is her sister, Mrs. Edythe Gold, New Orleans
antique dealer, and her son Michael. Mrs.
David Lefton, wife of the Cinema Distribut-
ing proprietor, and Mrs. Gold staged a
shower in honor of the bride-elect. Lew
Lefton, veteran independent film man of this
city, has withdrawn from the motion picture
industry and he has joined Metal Syndicate,
Inc., of Cleveland, manufacturers of all-
aluminum storm windows and screens, as
distributor for 22 states west of Chicago.
Following the June 29 ceremony, the Lew
Leftons will make a north and northwest
tour in their new car.
Maurice S. Silverberg, U-I city salesman,
and his bride, the former Shirley Marcus
Darling, are at home following a honeymoon.
The bridegroom is a brother of Minnie Sil-
verberg, Universal branch secretary here for
many years.
Joe Feldman, Warner circuit’s assistant to
M. A. Silver, delivered an address at the
WM&WHA Wednesday on “What’s Wrong
With the Movies?” . . . Mrs. Florence Fisher
Parry, Press columnist, writes: “I cannot
reconcile the Johnston office’s rigorous at-
tention to certain features of its code that
relate to the most basic facts of life, and on
the other hand be so indifferent about ado-
lescent love scenes, in which our movies now
abound.”
Russ Zebra has resigned sales duties with
RKO . . . The Filmrow Bowling league din-
ner will be held in the Roosevelt hotel Sat-
urday (14) . . . Allan Tolley of the MGM of-
fice has resigned to enter the sporting goods
business.
Maurice Gordon, manager of the Herb
Ochs-directed drive-in east of Wilkinsburg
was a Cleveland-area Ochs drive-in manager
before coming here . . . Mrs. John P. Harris,
“mother” of the No. 1 tent, Variety Clubs
International, was 75 last week . . . Barney
Poblocki of Poblocki & Sons, Milwaukee
prefabricators of complete theatres, was a
visitor at Alexander Theatre Supply, local
representatives . . . Stanley Rawson, Edinboro
exhibitor, has built several motor boats which
he launched on the lake there last week.
Ellwood Ohleger, Ted Tolley and Mildred
Kindlin will represent Filmrow Employes Bll
at the Tri-State Ass’n convention of the
IATSE in Uniontown June 15. Local Fll
will be represented by Marion Willett and
Claire Niederberger . . . Mr. and Mrs. W. L.
Zedaker, Claysville exhibitors, and son David
will spend the week of June 6 at Annapolis,
where they will attend the graduation of
W. L. Zedaker jr., from the Naval academy.
William jr. will return home on leave, then
receive an assignment to a ship in the Pa-
cific, embarking from San Francisco July 2.
Arthur James Hodder jr., son of the Home-
stead Theatre owners, also graduates from
the Naval academy this week and his folks
will be on hand for the exercises. His father,
a brother of Clyde Hodder of the Leona
Theatre, was ill with neuritis.
Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Huckelberry were guests
of Gordon and Bertha Gibson. “Huck” is a
field engineer for Motiograph and the Gib-
sons are distributors of this equipment . . .
Louis Averbach, Paramount city salesman,
has joined the company’s 100 Per Cent club.
Larry Puglia, Waynesburg exhibitor, is in
South Bend, Ind., visiting his son-in-law
and daughter, the E. J. Nugents, and greet-
ing his first grandchild, Edward Nugent III,
born May 15 . . . David Silverman, RKO’s
new city sales representative, has a new
Hudson . . . Norbert Wojtkiewicz, assistant
manager of the Leona, Homestead, is at-
tending the ordination of his brother Ray-
mond, who studied for the priesthood at St.
Vincent’s.
Monogram exchange is being remodeled to
handle increased business. The inspection
room is being turned into a new film vault.
The former storage room on the second floor
will be the new inspection department quar-
ters . . . Theodore Mikolowsky, Masontown
exhibitor, has a new motor boat on the Cheat
river at Lake Lynn . . . Milton Broudy, for-
merly of Filmrow, joined Eagle-Lion as a
salesman in Philadelphia . . . Henry Schmitt
and his Imperial Theatre have resigned from
the Co-Op setup.
Arthur H. Levy, Columbia manager, at-
tended the company sales convention in Chi-
cago this week . . . Ethel Ornata of Warners
became Mrs. Alfred Miller May 17 . . . Leona
Ecker and Ruth Nichols, Warner exchange,
returned from vacations . . . Anthony An-
tonopolos, East Pittsburgh exhibitor, who ap-
peared on Filmrow with a new mustache, is
flying to Greece within a month. His wife
is there on a visit.
The Harry Stahls of Sharon headed for
Battle Creek and a vacation . . . Donald
Chaban resigned from the RKO booking de-
partment to join the Wheeler exchange in
Washington, operated by his uncle Sam, sales
manager for Film Classics . . . Lou Perretta,
Mahoningtown, is driving a new Cadillac . . .
The Herman Stahls, Oil City, are home after
vacationing in New York . . . Fred Wallace,
TEEN-AGER IN PITCH— Robert Ken-
dall, teen-ager who played the role in
“Song of Scheherazade” that was first
Intended for Sabu, made a personal ap-
pearance in the lobby of the Fox, first
run house in Detroit, in a pitch for the
picture. Dressed in oriental costume, he
distributed autographed photographs and
explained his part in the picture. Ken-
dall also made a tour of schools in Michi-
gan, Wisconsin and Illinois and was
scheduled to go to New York from De-
troit.
assistant manager at the Fulton, and Mrs.
Wallace are vacationing in Denver . . .
Audrey Dee, Columbia biller, is an aunt
for the first time.
Clyde Waugaman, Slickville and Bolivar
exhibitor, visited his mother who is hospital-
ized here . . . Jake Soltz returned from
vacationing in California . . . Cuba Walker
of the Ideal Amusement Co., Johnstown, who
has recuperated from pneumonia, was a
Filmrow visitor with George McClelland, as-
sociate executive of the theatre circuit . . .
Sammy Abrams, former local exhibitor, ex-
pects to erect a new city neighborhood thea-
tre .. . Warner circuit managers of the area
will be called into the zone office for a spe-
cial two-day conference early in August.
Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Redfoot, Windber and
Central City, have returned from a vacation
in California. They visited Hollywood and
the Burbank studio of Warner Bros., but
spent most of their three weeks at the home
of Bert’s mother in San Francisco . . . Hymie
Goldberg, Beaver Falls, who has been re-
cuperating from illness, and Mrs. Goldberg
have been vacationing in Atlantic City for
the past month.
Leo (Monogram) and Mary (Universal)
Wayne drove to New York for the long
weekend . . . Saul Bragin, Warner circuit
booker, was in Chicago . . . Werner Lund,
circuit exhibitor, and Danny and Jerry
Castelli, Library exhibitors, are in Canada
on a fishing trip . . . George Marlier, Harris
Amusements artist, is occupying his new
home in Emsworth . . . Bill Engstler, Allen-
town district service representative for RCA,
is the father of a son. Bill is a brother of
George, local projectionist, and the grand-
father is the veteran Anthony Engstler.
M. A. Silver and Joseph Feldman, Warner
circuit executives, visited the three Wilkins-
burg theatres in connection with plans for
renovations and redecorating . . . The Vanity
crew hosted the family night “Welcome
Home from the Convention” party May 30
. . . Frank Panoplos, Clairton, has plans
for his new fishing retreat near Ohiopyle.
Mrs. Irene Kessler, daughter of the Fred J.
Herringtons^ held open house for them in
honor of their golden wedding anniversary
. . . Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Zedaker of the Clay,
Claysville, spent the week in Annapolis at
the graduation of their son Bill jr. from the
Naval academy . . . The Fred A. Beedles,
Canonsburg, were busy with high school
events. They have a son in the graduating
class.
Second season of all-star operettas opened
this week in Pitt Stadium with “Desert
Song.” For the week of June 9 the attrac-
tion will be “The Cat and the Fiddle,” with
Allan Jones, Dorothy Sandlin, Sibyl Bowan,
Gabor Carelli and others. “Balalaika,” with
Irene Manning, John Brownlee, A1 Sheen,
Violet Carlson and others, is the offering
for the week of June 16 . . . Pittsburgh
Press editorial: “Television would sell faster
if there were more things going on that
were worth looking at.”
Daylight saving time was voted in Wheel-
ing, W. Va„ approximately 10 to 6 . . . The
Joe Gellmans and the Mort Englands have
returned from California. They vacationed
there following the Variety convention . . .
Gordon Gibson, Atlas Theatre Supply, at-
tended the beauty pageant staged at the
Ritz, Clearfield, by Miss M. E. Shively. Also
looking over the beauties was J. E. Huckel-
berry, Motiograph field engineer.
Art Cinema is featuring an Italian musi-
cal film, “I Live as I Please,” starring Fer-
ruccio Tagliavini, new tenor who was given
great acclaim during his recent appearance
here in “La Boheme” . . . Joseph Lawler,
U-I exploiteer, was a visitor . . . Variety Club
date book: June 15, dedication of swimming
82
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947
pool at Camp O’Connell; June 16, golf tour-
nament at Chartiers Heights country club;
October 11, 20th anniversary of founding
of club.
BUI Thomas, Zelienople exhibitor and hotel
proprietor, is vacationing in Canada . . .
Former PRC building at 415 Van Braam
street, which will be occupied by Screen
Guild-Film Classics, has been newly painted
. . . June Tolley Hill of the RKO office and
her husband Eddie are vacationing in the
south.
Eddie Fontaine, SRO district manager and
former film man in this city, was given a
dinner last week by the Variety tent of
Washington . . . Ken “G-String” McGuire is
being kept busy at the National Theatre
Supply branch . . . Rose Ventrone, Warner
inspector, is vacationing.
George Maxwell DUlon is making the
rounds in the Erie area for RKO, meeting
the exhibitors and getting acquainted in the
territory. A veteran of a quarter-of-a-century
in the industry, he came here recently from
New York to take over Dave Silverman’s
duties when the latter was promoted to the
city sales post.
The Max Arnolds, Verona and Pitcairn
exhibitors, are expecting a visit from the
stork in the fall . . . Local U-I exchange has
been newly painted . . . Warner reissues,
“Sing Me a Love Song” with James Melton,
and “Go Into Your Dance” with A1 Jolson,
will go into the Stanley as a double bill.
Jack Lange, Columbia assistant shipper,
has resigned to join RKO as assistant booker,
succeeding Donald Chaban, resigned . . . Mrs.
John S. Stahl received her divorce from the
Homestead Theatre manager . . . John O.
Hooley, pioneer showman and one of the
original employes of the Harris-Davis enter-
prises, is vacationing from duties at the
Newsreel. He’s in Canada.
Former local Warner exchange girls have
been visiting on vacations. Here from
California were Helen Lynch Hageter and
Ruth McGough. Ruth Waag Brennan of
Shadyside was another visitor, and Grace
O’Neil is expected from Los Angeles. Hilda
Burick, another former Warner girl, is the
mother of a daughter Anna Marie.
Variety barkers, family and friends are in-
vited to attend the dedication of the new
swimming pool at Camp O’Connell June 15
at 2 p. m. . . . Henry Friedman, Ambridge
exhibitor, returned from the Variety con-
vention in Los Angeles without having made
arrangements for producing the two-reel
westerns he had planned. He found no en-
couragement.
Newt Williams in Charge
Of NTS in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH — With Bill Jervis continu-
ing on the inactive list due to illness, ''Na-
tional Newt” Williams is in charge of the
office of National Theatre Supply Co. here.
Newt has been with NTS since its inception
more than a score of years ago and has
been in the theatre equipment field prac-
tically all of his business career, having
started in the “long ago” with the late
Richard A. Rowland. Jervis, who has been
branch manager for several years and who
formerly had been connected with RCA for
a number of years, is recuperating, but he
will not be able to resume any work for some
time.
Role to Veteran Actress
Veteran character actress Mary Forbes has
been added to the cast of Columbia’s “It Had
to Be You.”
PREPARE FOR CAMPAIGN — Detroit sales staff of Paramount Pictures is
shown here as it met with district and division leaders to plan the forthcoming
Paramount campaign. In the picture, left to right, back row, H. H. Goldstein,
district manager; T. L. Henrich, office manager; John Himmelein, salesman; Jack
Young, salesman; Robert Lamb, salesman; E. C. Murphy, salesman, and E. W.
Sweigert, division manager. Front row — John Gentile, booking manager; Jack Thomp-
son, salesman; H. E. Stuckey, branch manager; Julius Pavella, booker, and Robert
Bufford, booker.
Pittsburgh Bowlers Hold
Annual Dinner June 14
PITTSBURGH — Filmrow Bowling league’s
season has ended and the annual banquet will
be staged the evening of June 14 in the Gold
room, Roosevelt hotel. Paul Reith, RKO
office manager, president of the league, will
preside at the event.
The Costello team, captained by Pete Quiter
of U-I, was the league’s leader, having a
three-game lead over the Coleman team,
captained by Betty Kearns. Third was the
Abbott team, headed by Donald Chaban, four
games behind the Colemans.
Pete Quiter had the season’s highest aver-
age, 136.26. Also he had the highest score
for three games, 529. Betty Kearns, with 459
was highest for three games among the girls.
Bob Green had the best score for one game,
233. Betty Kearns copped this honor among
the girls, turning in a 182.
Plans for the 1947-48 season will be an-
nounced at the banquet and officers will be
named that evening.
Final standing of the teams:
Costello ....
Won
.. ... 47
Lost
16
Coleman
44
19
Abbott
40
23
Bogart
36
27
Grable
33
30
Rogers
29
34
Kaye
29
34
Gable
Won
.... 29
Lost
34
Wilde
.. 28
35
Hayworth
27
36
Garson
.... 27
36
Davis
.... 26
37
Lamour
.... 23
40
Crosby
.... 22
41
Individual Standings
Avg.
Pete Quiter 136
Donald Chaban 131
Bob Green 125
Jake Pulkowski 125
George Bierer 121
Jack Weltner 120
Betty Kearns 120
Paul Reith 118
Jim Young 114
Slam Boyle 113
Matt Ray Ill
Jack Lange 109
Frank Marino 109
Joe Stack 108
Walter McCloskey 107
Francis Burke 106
Roy Davis 106
Joe McCormick 103
Marjie Voter 103
Marjorie Otten 101
Eddie Reith 101
Sam Speranza 98
Margaret Cronin 97
Lois Eggert 96
Jim Sippey 95
Wahneta Gardner .... 94
Joe Miller 94
Mary Faulis 93
Jane Patterson 93
Grace Niederberger 92
John Navoney 92
Grace Benitz 92
Gertrude Boyle 92
Ann Zinsmeister 91
Ida Wolfe 91
Peg McArdle 91
Avg.
Marjorie Botsford 91
Anne Simon 91
Marion Willett 90
Dorothy Schmidt 90
Phoebe Homer 89
r_eren Garlitz 89
Rita Perfri 89
Lois Meinbresse 88
June Hill 88
Marie Eckerman 87
Eleanor Manz 87
Jay Angel 85
Grace Thomas 85
Julia Paulus 84
Frances Miller 84
Martha Valanci 84
Ruth McKnight 84
Rose Demma 83
Roseanne Feinberg .... 82
Gertrude Hungerman 81
Cecelia Barr 80
Mildred Kindlin 80
Rose Semplice 79
Cecelia Kieselbach .... 79
Peg O'Connell 78
Claire Niederberger .... 78
Dorothy McArdle 77
Lucille Wirth 77
Lena Caruso 77
Dolly Bosko 76
Marion Shuster 76
Margaret Krauss 73
Madeline Caruso 72
Ann Quinn 71
Maureen Kieselbach 69
Beverly Forman 67
Farewell Dinner Held
For Bill Scott of UA
PITTSBURGH — No one in local film dis-
tribution ever listened to more deserved
testimonials than those heaped upon Bill
Scott at a farewell dinner in Webster Hall
on a recent Monday evening. More than 100
exhibitors and exchange employes attended.
Scott, who resigned as salesman for United
Artists after nearly 25 years, has made no
plans for the future other than a vacation
in Florida starting June 8.
Harry Rees, who has been UA representa-
tive since the company first opened here,
and who has known Scott since the
retired salesman was a youngster assisting
his late father in exhibition in McDonald,
Pa., climaxed the many warm and friendly
speeches of the evening when he presented,
in behalf of all of Scott’s friends, a traveling
case to Scott.
Thoughtful, sincere and an efficient sales-
man, Scott responded with words of thanks,
but to various proposals for him to remain
in the motion picture industry he had no
comment.
Sam Fineberg, Monogram manager, was
toastmaster, and among the many speakers
were Bill Mack, National Screen; Dave Leff,
United Artists, and various exhibitors, film
salesmen and managers. David Silverman,
RKO, and Saul Perilman, Monogram, were
in charge of arrangements for the dinner.
The local United Artists staff staged a
luncheon for Scott and gave him a wallet.
Girl for Joseph Cevarios
BRACKENRIDGE, PA.— The Joseph Ceva-
rios of the Valley Theatre are parents of a
daughter, Linda Lou. She is their fourth
child.
FILM EXCHANGE DRUGS
The Showmen’s Drug Store
Drugs .. Cosmetics .. Prescriptions
Personal Service from Two Showmen —
MAX BERHBAUM JACK GALLAGHER
Pharmacist Manager
Phone CLiiford 1527, CLifiord 3694
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
83
Detroit Feels Pinch;
'Yearling' Best Bet
DETROIT — Business has been seriously off
at local first runs, reflecting generally un-
certain conditions. Some of the ace houses
pulled their shows a day early to bring in
stronger attractions Thursday for the holiday
trade. At neighborhood theatres, business is
a little better, but far from satisfactory. De-
tail for week ending May 29:
(Average is 100)
Adams — The Yearling (MGM)
B'way Capitol — The Sea Wolf (WB);
The Sea Hawk (WB), reissues
Cinema — Carmen (Superiilm), 3rd wk
Downtown — The Best Years of Our Lives
(RKO), 8th wk
Fox — Philo Vance's Gamble (PRC);
Song of Scheherazade (U-I), 2nd wk
Michigan — That Way With Women (WB), plus
Sammy Kaye and his orchestra on stage
Pdlms-State — Love and Learn (WB);
The Verdict (WB)
United Artists — The Sea of Grass (MGM);
My Brother Talks to Horses (MGM), 2nd wk
135
105
90
135
SO
95
85
90
‘Framed’ Good in Cleveland;
‘Egg’ Strong in Second Frame
CLEVELAND — Only two pictures were able
to rise above average. They were “The Egg
and I,” hitting a good 125 per cent in its
second week at the Allen, and ‘“Framed,”
with a score of 110 at the Hippodrome.
“Smash-Up” held to par in its third week.
“The Best Years of Our Lives” brought its
eight-week run to a close. Business generally
was off. Rain Saturday and Sunday hurt
the downtown houses. Report for week end-
ing May 27-28:
Allen — The Egg and I (U-I), 2nd wk 125
Hippodrome — Framed (Col) 110
Lake — Smash-Up (U-I), 3rd d. t. wk 100
Mall — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
8th wk 80
Ohio — Last of the Mohicans (PRC), reissue 95
Palace — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO) 70
State — The Great Waltz (MGM), reissue 90
Stillman — The Fabulous Dorseys (UA) 95
‘Yearling’ and ‘Barbaree’ High
In Cincinnati Week
CINCINNATI — “The Yearling,” a newcomer
at the Capitol, made the strongest showing
downtown, and held over. “High Barbaree”
likewise held up for a second week at the
Grand. The Keith attraction, “Smash-Up,”
completed its engagement Thursday night
(29), and was followed by the English picture,
"Odd Man Out,” starting Memorial day.
Albee — Ramrod (UA) 80
Capitol — The Yearling (MGM) 130
Grand — High Barbaree (MGM) _ 90
Keith's — Smash-Up (U-I), 2nd wk 125
Lyric — The Scarlet Pimpernel; The Return
of the Scarlet Pimpernel (Film Classics) 70
Palace — Blaze of Noon (Para) 65
Shubert — The Farmer's Daughter (RKO),
4th d. t. wk 100
Pittsburgh Sings the Blues;
Not One Film Up to Par
PITTSBURGH — Sluggish boxoffice returns
were registered at the first run theatres. Rea-
sons for the depressed condition, “experts”
report, are very ordinary pictures, poor at-
traction value of stars, grand spring weather,
outdoor events, school and college gatherings,
and, importantly, the hard realization that
money is tight and is vanishing rapidly from
the purse of Mr. and Mrs. Public.
Fulton — Stairway to Heaven (U-I) 70
Harris — Framed (Col) 80
Penn — Dishonored Lady (UA) 65
Ritz — High Barbaree (MGM), 2nd d. t. wk 85
Senator — Swell Guy (U-I); Michigan Kid (U-I) 90
Stanley — Calcutta (Para), 2nd wk 60
Warner — San Quentin (RKO) 90
Drive-In Opens Near Grove City
GROVE CITY, PA.— The Larkfield Drive-
In between Harrisville and here opened
May 26. William DeMarsh is proprietor and
Frank Gilfilen is manager.
COLUMBUS
i^orman Nadel, music critic of the Columbus
Citizen, has been named theatre editor,
replacing Bud Kissel, resigned. Nadel will
continue as music critic in addition to his
new duties.
Theatres planning remodeling may be af-
fected by provisions of the new city building
code, expected to be adopted by city council
before July 1. As outlined by John S. Stith,
chief building inspector, the code would pro-
vide for rigid inspection in the event of a
change of tenants. This, he said, would per-
mit eradication of many fire hazards. An-
other provision is that buildings being re-
modeled at a cost of 50 per cent of their
appraised valuation be made to conform to
modern standards.
“Brief Encounter” was held over for a sec-
ond week at the World, new foreign language
and British single feature house operated
by Lee Hofheimer and A1 Sugarman. Man-
ager Charles Radow of the World said busi-
ness has been excellent for the attraction
. . . Gene Ragle, who conducts the RKO
matinee program broadcast from the Palace
lobby, has been named assistant general
manager and program director of WCLT,
Newark, Ohio. This new station will go on
the air July 1.
A new $40,000 cooling plant has been in-
stalled at the RKO Grand, reports Manager
Larry Caplane. Two 40-ton compressors are
being utilized in the Grand plant, one of the
most modern installations in this area.
James C. Platt, 62, manager of the Schine
Theatrical Co., Mount Vernon, died of a
heart attack. He had been a leader in Mount
Vernon theatre circles for a third of a cen-
tury.
Leroy Parsons, executive secretary of the
Ohio Ass’n of Real Estate Boards, was more
than casually interested in the Broad’s show-
ing of the Butch Jenkins’ feature, “Little
Mr. Jim.” Parsons, then public relations
officer at Kearns army air base in Utah, was
asked to supply 1,000 soldiers for scenes in
the picture filmed at Fort Douglas, near Salt
Lake City . . . “Duel in the Sun” will open
at Loew’s Broad June 12, Manager Carl Rog-
ers reports.
Referendum on Fast Time
Scheduled Nov. 4 in Detroit
DETROIT — Local exhibitors are faced
with a new threat to summer attendance as
the result of the decision of the city council
to call for a referendum vote of the people
on daylight saving time. The council did
not decide on the issue itself but passed
it along to the November 4 election. If
adopted, the change will become effective
next year.
Sentiment of exhibitors appears to be
generally against any time change.
The city has not used daylight saving time
in about 25 years. Oldtimers recall that it
became a headache when it was in force. War-
time was accepted as a patriotic necessity,
but many exhibitors were dissatisfied with
it. Detroit itself has been running on fast
time since World War I, using eastern time
in preference to the central time which pre-
vails in the state. The additional move would
set Detroit nearly two hours ahead of sun
time.
Emergency Power Plant Installed
SLIPPERY ROCK, PA. — A complete emer-
gency power plant has been installed in
Edgar E. Shaffer’s Roxy. The plant takes
care of everything on the premises, including
the popcorn machine.
Belinsky Adds Two
And Releases One
DETROIT — Irving Belinsky, independent
circuit owner, took over two additional
houses Sunday (1), at the same time releas-
ing one recently acquired house to another
circuit.
New additions are the Shores in the
suburb of Saint Clair Shores, and the Emsee
in Mount Clemens, which he is taking over
from Roy R. Shook, who is retiring from
active show operations. Belinsky will man-
age both of the new acquisitions himself.
At the same time, the Savoy, centrally
located house catering to the colored clien-
tele, for which Belinsky recently dickered,
passes under the banner of the Saul Korman
circuit, which has become one of the largest
groups specializing in colored operations in
the midwest. Donald B. Lovewell, former
owner of the house, who was also associated
with Belinsky during his brief interest in
the house, remains as manager, also retain-
ing an interest in the house.
Korman is changing the name of the
Savoy to the Pix, originally designed for a
new house which he planned to build at
Hastings and Palmer avenues, and will tenta-
tively rename the new project the Hill
Theatre.
Parking Law Opposed
By Detroit Exhibitors
DETROIT — The proposed new city park-
ing ordinance establishing rigid requirements
on parking space for all new buildings which
may be erected hereafter is being opposed
by exhibitors and other local businessmen.
Leading the fight on behalf of theatre
operators is United Detroit Theatres, which
proposes a special modification of the pro-
posed law to the effect that rezoning of
property shall be made automatically when-
ever a new theatre is built, so that a park-
ing lot can be laid out within 1,000 feet of
the theatre.
The projected ordinance requires provision
of car space for all potential seating in a
theatre, roughly one car space, with neces-
sary lanes and clearances, for every six pa-
trons.
Because of the united opposition to vari-
ous provisions of the plan from important
business groups, it is probable that some
modification will be made before it is finally
adopted.
Buy U S. Savings Bonds
REGULARLY
84
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947
CLEVELAND
Clearance Plaints
Set for Hearings
CLEVELAND — Three of the six cases filed
with the local AAA clerk, J. E. Camden, have
been set for hearing.
On June 10 at 10 a. m. William B. Woods,
arbitrator, will hear the plea of R. D. Stone
of the Idol Theatre, Lodi, against Loew’s,
Inc., defendant, and the Schine Ashland
Corp,as intervenor. The complainant claims
as unfair the clearance granted Loew’s Ash-
land and Schine’s Medina over Lodi and
asks that Loew’s, Inc., conform to the policy
of other distributors and grant Lodi pictures
regardless of Ashland, which is 22 miles
distant from Lodi.
On June 11, also at 10 a. m., the case of
the Orrville Theatres Co., operating the Orr
and Grand theatres, Orrville, will be heard.
Defendants are Loew’s, Inc., Paramount
Pictures, 20th-Fox, RKO and Warners. Com-
plainant charges as unfair conflicting clear-
ances involving Canton, Wooster and Massi-
lon, and requests that pictures become avail-
able to Orrville, first run, irrespective of these
three towns. The arbitrator is Sidney D. L.
Jackson.
On June 13, at 10 o’clock, R. A. Momm,
owner of the Ohio Theatre, Loudenville, will
present his plea before Arbitrator William
R. Fairgrieve, to require Loew’s, Inc., to serve
his theatre seven days after Mansfield,
irrespective of Ashland, as is the policy of
other distributors. At present Loew’s, Inc.,
insists that Loudenville must follow seven
days after Mansfield and Ashland.
Cincinnati Terminal Starts
Full-Length Feature Policy
CINCINNATI — The Terminal Theatre here
now is showing full-length features as well
as newsreels and short subjects. The first
feature shown was “Song of the South,’’
which opened June 1.
The theatre, located in the Cincinnati
Union terminal, seats 119 and is operated
by Scoop News Theatres of Louisville, Ky.
According to Manager Harold Hoffert the
Terminal will operate from 8:30 a. m. to 12
midnight under the new policy. The theatre
is air conditioned and offers ample parking
facilities. In addition to the transient trade,
local patronage will be solicited by advertis-
ing— another innovation in the manage-
ment of the house.
Penalty for Fake Stories
Asked in Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG — Under a proposed amend-
ment to the revised Pennsylvania penal code,
a $1,000 fine or a year in prison would be
the penalty for planting a fake story in
newspapers. The house judiciary committee
accepted this amendment, requested by the
state Newspaper Publishers’ Ass’n. The code,
already approved by the senate, tightens pro-
visions to curb ticket scalping, sports event
“fixers,” gambling device operations, and out-
laws display of the red flag at public gath-
erings.
Ruthorn Drive-In Ready
MOUNT PLEASANT, PA.— Donald Ruth
and R. M. Thorne of Ruthorn Enterprises
say their new drive-in theatre in East Hunt-
ington township will open soon. The new
drive-in parks 550 cars and is located between
Mount Pleasant and Scottdale.
New Title for 'Homicide'
Universal has selected “The Naked City” as
the new title for “Homicide.”
J^at Lefton, who formerly operated the
Standard Film Service in partnership
with Harry Charnas, and at various times was
NAT LEFTON
Ohio franchise owner of Monogram, Republic
and PRC, was a visitor here a few days. Now
retired, Lefton divides his time between his
winter home in Florida and his summer
home in Michigan.
The Abe Kramers (Associated circuit) are
making plans for a June 22 wedding when
their daughter, Roslyn, will become the bride
of Herbert Browar of Los Angeles, son of
Mark Browar, now of Los Angeles, but prior
to his retirement a prominent film man in
Pittsburgh.
Saul Menick, Goldwyn representative who
was here the last ten weeks supervising the
engagement of “The Best Years of Our
Lives,” has returned to Washington following
the close of the run . . . Bernie Rubin was
handing out cigars after the birth of a daugh-
ter named Helene. Her sister Marcia is 2
. . . Art Isaacs has moved from the seventh
floor of the Film Bldg, where he was a sales-
man for Film Classics, to the fourth floor,
where he is with Republic, covering the
Toledo territory. He succeeds Bob Mumm,
transferred to Pittsburgh’s Republic office.
Milton Ausman, son of Ruth Gardinier,
booker for Cooperative Theatres of Ohio,
is to be married June 7 to Shirley Smith of
this city at St. Thomas church. His education,
interrupted by military service, is being con-
tinued at Cleveland college. The bride is a
graduate of Notre Dame college in Cleveland.
Moe Dudelson, United Artists district man-
ager, says that the Chaplin picture, “Mon-
sieur Verdoux” will probably be put into gen-
eral release in August . . . The Port Clinton
Theatre, Port Clinton, a new house built by
the Associated circuit, will open June 12,
according to present plans.
Harry Horwifz, manager of the Astor of
the Washington circuit, was recently pre-
sented an interesting souvenir by a patron.
It was a pass which Horwitz had given to
him on Jan. 24, 1930, in return for a window
card display. He had never used it. No, he
was not asking that it be made good after
17 years, but Horwitz will invite him to the
show as his guest the next time he sees him.
Robert Porter, manager of the Haltnorth
Theatre, was married June 5 to Gloria Char-
lotte Krieg at the Euclid Congregational
church. A reception followed . . . Variety
Club moved into its own clubhouse at 3730
Euclid Ave., which it recently purchased.
Harry Schreiber, chief barker, is planning a
housewarming party, and also a special mid-
show preview, all receipts to be turned over
to this club’s charity project, Paradise Valley
boys camp, operated by the bureau of
juvenile court of the police department.
Wade M. Carr, district manager for Man-
ley, Inc., has discarded his third leg — the
crutch used until his broken leg mended —
and is moving around under his own steam
. . . Jack Gertz of Theatre Films, has ap-
pointed the Franklin Film exchange as his
Pittsburgh distributor of games and pre-
miums. Bill Graner is in charge of sales.
Newest business builder put out by Gertz is
Zippo, a game to boost juvenile attendance.
Julius Lamm, manager of Warners’ Up-
town Theatre, and his wife have returned
from what Julius calls a “glorious vacation”
on the west coast. They visited their eldest
son Irving, manager of the Ramona and
Holly theatres in Los Angeles, and were
guests at the studios . . . Milo De Haven has
changed the name of the Marblehead Thea-
tre, Marblehead, Ohio, which he recently
acquired, to the Town . . . Louise Jade, MGM
cashier, is using her vacation time to try to
make her new garden grow. The Jades re-
cently built a new home.
Jack Walsh, MGM city salesman, is back
to wearing two shoes that look alike. For
the last several weeks he has worn one
bandaged foot. He injured it with the ax
he was wielding to cut down some trees on
his property.
Howard Burkhart, former manager of
Loew’s in Kansas City, stopped off between
planes the other day, and visited with Don
Abeles at the airport before going on to New
York. Burkhart inquired about his Cleveland
friends and asked Abeles to relay his regards.
Abeles’ resignation from the Loew circuit
took effect last Friday. On June 1 he was
married to Marie Horvath in Old Stone
church. After a honeymoon, the newlyweds
will live in Cincinnati.
“Watch Us Grow” is the slogan of Hy-
gienic Productions, producers and distribu-
tors of “Mom and Dad.” The company
added 21 new employes last week. They
are serving as advance agents, members of
the lecture staff and nurses.
Altec Installs Equipment
DETROIT — The following Michigan instal-
lations were supervised by Altec Service Corp..
according to F. C. Dickely, district manager.
Crystal Theatre, D. Gregory, Beulah, Mo-
tto M-911.
Colonial Theatre, Ray Schreiber, Detroit,
B-60-4X.
Duke Theatre, Ferndale, B-60-4.
Arcade Theatre, C. W. Bennett, Middle-
ville, M-9-B.
Strand Theatre, Homer Cox, Union City,
M-9-B.
FREE! Give your patrons
Wear-Ever Pressure Cookers and All Metal Shop-
ping Carts worth $287.50. Write for details.
Coulter
Dmnerware
Theatre Films
403 Film Bldg.
Cleveland 14, Ohio
Theatre
Games
OXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
85
L O U I S V I L
Tt has been determined that admission prices
1 at first runs here are comparatively lower
than those in the majority of other cities
and from all indications there is little likeli-
hood of an immediate reduction. First run
theatres are charging 40 cents for matinees
and 60 cents at night, seemingly nominal
under existing conditions.
With the new drive-in proposed for Pres-
ton Street road, Louisville now has an open-
airer scheduled for every major highway
leading to and from the city. The east
drive-in is on Shelbyville road, the west
drive-in is on the Dixie highway, the Skyway
Theatre is on Bardstown road; another is on
U.S. 31, plus the new proposed Ozoner on
Preston Street road. The drive-ins are well
spaced in the suburbs and each has an ex-
cellent drawing territory.
Louisville theatres are feeling the effect of
consumer resistance. Patrons are becoming
more and more choosy. When there is a good
picture, theatremen report good business,
but when a poor quality picture is shown,
patrons stay away.
Theatre folk on recent visits to Louisville'
Foster Lane, Dixie Theatre, Williamsburg;
Ralph and Herbert Clausen, Bonnieville
Amusement Co., Bonnieville; A. N. Miles,
Eminence, Eminence; Clyde Marshall, Co-
lumbian, Columbia; George Barr, Chakeres
Theatres, Springfield, Ohio; Gene Lutes,
Capitol, Frankfort; C. K. Arnold, Arco and
Crystal Theatres, Bardstown; R. L. Harned,
Empire, Sellersburg, Ind.; Otto Marcum, St.
'Green Grass' Being Shot
At Town Near Columbus
COLUMBUS — Lloyd Nolan, Robert Arthur
and Geraldine Wall head the cast of 20th-
Fox’s Technicolor production of “The Green
Grass of Wyoming,” scenes for which are be-
ing filmed at the Fairfield county fairgrounds
at Lancaster, near here. Nolan plays Rod
McLaughlin, owner of the Goose Bar ranch;
young Arthur plays Ken, his son, and Miss
Wall is the wife and mother. These parts
were played in “My Friend Flicka” and
“Thunderhead, Son of Flicka,” previous pic-
tures in the Mary O’Hara series, by Preston
Foster, Roddy McDowall antj Rita Johnson.
Peggy Cummins, the young English actress
imported to play Amber on the screen but
later replaced by Linda Darnell, is cast as
the romantic lead. Charles Coburn plays
her grandfather. Burl Ives is cast as Gus,
the ranch foreman. Several members of the
cast and crew will be quartered in Columbus
during the shooting at Lancaster.
Harness racing scenes, climax of the story,
will be shot June 7, 8 at the fairgrounds
track. Much of the credit for filming of the
picture in Lancaster goes to R. Kenneth Kerr,
publisher of the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette.
Kerr, in a conversation with studio officials
several months ago, suggested the Lancaster
site with Mount Pleasant in the background,
as an ideal location for such a film.
Newspaper men from Columbus, Cleveland,
Cincinnati, Dayton and other Ohio cities
are expected to cover the location scenes.
James Keefe, 20th-Fox exploitation man-
ager, Cincinnati, is working with studio of-
ficials in arranging coverage.
Look Over B&K Site
TOLEDO — Executives of Balaban & Katz
were here to examine the site for the new
$2,000,000 Paramount Theatre to be built
next year at the northwest corner of Jackson
and Superior streets. Among the group were
Helmuth Bartsch, architect; Henry Stickel-
L E
Clair, Lebanon Junction; M. H. Sparks,
Strand, Edmonton.
Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Ornstein of Ornstein
Theatres, Marengo, Ind., have returned fol-
lowing an extensive vacation in Florida . . .
New chairs have been installed in N. H.
Quante’s Star Theatre, Ferdinand, Ind. . . .
New Strong projection equipment has been
installed in the Kentucky State College The-
atre, Frankfort, Ky.
Victor Mature, former Louisvillian and
prominent Hollywood star, paid a visit to his
mother, spending several days . . . Unable to
find suitable living quarters for himself and
his family, Kenneth Kaiser, Altec Service
engineer, recently transferred to Louisville
from Texas, found the only way to obtain
such accommodations was to make an out-
right purchase. So he bought a new home
in St. Matthews, residential suburb.
Following a siege of holdovers and reissues,
Louisville burst out all over with new films.
The Rialto brought in “Blaze of Noon” cou-
pled with “Fear in the Night.” Also open-
ing with a double program was the Strand
with “Hit Parade of 1947” and “Trail to San
Antone,” and Loew’s with “Ramrod” and
“Little Mr. Jim.” The National has “The
Fabulous Dorseys” and the Mary Anderson
“The Two Mrs. Carrolls.” The Brown picked
up “Homestretch” after it was run a week
at the Rialto. The Scoop, ordinarily a news-
reel or first run house, brought back “It’s
a Joke, Son!” which had a successful run
at the Strand several weeks ago.
maier, former Paramount manager here and
new divisional manager, and Marvin Harris,
present manager of the Paramount. Stickel -
maier said the architect’s plans were not
completed. The house will have 2,500 seats
with 36-inch spacing and television will be an
integral part of the theatre's potential offer-
ing.
Fire Chief Lauds Theatre ;
'Sales! Building in Town'
Warrensburg, Mo. — Praise was heaped
on the shoulders of Roy Tucker, manager
of the local Star Theatre, when Fire Chief
C. R. Copas said that he had never seen
a building more safe from fires in this
community or a man so anxious to co-
operate in protecting lives and property
from fire loss.
“The Star is the cleanest and the safest
building in town,” said Copas after his
annual spring inspection.
The structure recently was remodeled.
Rewiring of electrical circuits and in-
stallation of a new gas furnace in a fire-
proof basement room were special fea-
tures that caught the eye of Chief Copas.
“If the public could have walked with
me through that building today and noted
the improvement that has been made in
the past year and a half, they would agree
Roy Tucker deserves a pat on the back,’?
he said.
Mrs. Thomas Is Cinema Head
CLEVELAND ■ — The Cleveland Cinema
club, now in its 31st year, last week elected
Mrs. William Roger Thomas as president.
She succeeds Mrs. Ralph D. Kittle. Re-
elected for a second term were Mrs. Herbert
E. Smith as first vice-president, and Mi's.
Louis Zettlemeyer as second vice-president.
Mrs. H L. Hamilton was named recording
secretary; Mrs. A. C. Gilchrist, correspond-
ing secretary, and Mrs. W. M. Murphy, treas-
urer.
Municipal Tax Issue
Hot in Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG — Passed over for several
weeks and then removed from the legislative
calendar, house bill 800 again is up for
passage as the general assembly prepares
to complete its work and adjourn within two
weeks.
Drastically revised at Gov. James H. Duff’s
insistence, the measure gives local govern-
ments virtually unlimited taxing powers. The
municipal corporations committee reported
the bill to the house floor and the measure
is on calendar for a final vote. It would
allow admission sales, wage, per capita and
occupation taxes on the local level.
Herbert P. Soorg, 36-year-old majority floor
leader in the house of representatives, spoke
up against measures permitting boroughs
to impose amusement taxes. He termed them
“bad” bills. Fred J. Herrington, AMPTO of
W. Pa. secretary, observing the actions of the
general assembly this week, declared that
John Mazza, Washington county, has been
very cooperative.
Buckeyes Vote to Limit
Admissions Tax to 5%
COLUMBUS — The senate taxation com-
mittee of the Ohio legislature voted in-
formally to limit the admissions tax, if the
state abandons that field, to 5 per cent. The
present state admissions tax is 3 per cent.
The house-approved bill, which sets no limit
which municipalities might levy, was re-
ferred to a subcommittee of the taxation
committee. If repeal of the state tax is ap-
proved by the senate, it would become effec-
tive October 1.
The senate also approved the bill, pre-
viously passed by the house, to exempt trail-
ers from state censorship. The bill now goes
to Governor Herbert.
Fair Site Bill Advances
COLUMBUS — The Ohio house of repre-
sentatives voted 82-36 to create a nine-
member commission to acquire a new State
fair site. All six members of the Franklin
county delegation voted against the bill.
The bill now goes to the senate.
Detroit's Newest A House,
The UA, Is 19 Years Old
DETROIT — With the 30th anniversaries
of two major houses, the Adams and Madi-
son, rolling around, there has been much dis-
cussion on Filmrow lately on the age of
the first run houses here.
A check shows that Detroit has not had a
new A theatre since the United Artists
opened in 1928, unless the special-purpose
Telenews is taken into consideration. Most
of the houses were built during the lush ’20s,
with the failures of 1929 cutting off all subse-
quent investments of this type.
Opening dates of the first run houses, a
check discloses, are: 1917, Adams and
Madison; 1922, Broadway-Capitol (formerly
Paramount); 1925, Palms-State; 1926,
Michigan, Fox and Downtown (formerly
Oriental), and 1928, United Artists.
Plan Negro House
LOUISVILLE — Plans have been drawn by
Ossian P. Ward and Walter B. Rueve, archi-
tects, for a 1,400-seat theatre to be built here
for Williston Enterprises of Indianapolis, op-
erators of a circuit of Negro theatres. The
building will also contain two stores and
eight offices.
86
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
'Welcome' Premiere
Is Set for Portland
PORTLAND — “Welcome Stranger,” Para-
mount’s new picture starring Bing Crosby
and Barry Fitzgerald, will be given its world
premiere at M&P’s State Theatre here. The
date is tentatively set for July 16. Crosby is
expected to appear in person. As the picture
is set in a small Maine town, the premiere is
causing no end of anticipation and excite-
ment in the Pine Tree state.
Tom O'Brien Is Promoted
To Columbia Manager
BOSTON — Tom O’Brien, Columbia sales
manager, has been made branch manager.
Harry Rogovin, district manager, made the
appointment.
O’Brien entered the -industry in 1939 in a
clerical position with Vitaphone Corp. He
has been with Universal and Monogram and
joined Columbia as a salesman in 1943. Last
year he was promoted to sales manager.
The branch managership had remained
open since last year when Rogovin was pro-
moted to district manager.
Lester Hughes Quits PRC
BOSTON — Lester Hughes, former Maine
salesman for PRC and Eagle-Lion, has re-
signed to spend all his time in the opera-
tion of the Nordica in Freeport, Me., the
theatre that he and his wife took over last
year. Sidney Shumsker, a native Bostonian
and navy veteran who helped entertain
the boys as emcee and comedian, has been
added to the sales staff of PRC with his
territory as yet unassigned.
June Havoc in Stock
HARTFORD — Actrdss June Havoc will
come east from Hollywood in June to open
the Theatre Guild’s summer stock season at
Westport, as star of “Girl of the Golden
West.”
John F. Mackey Dies
HARTFORD — John F. Mackey, 53, at one
time in charge of music for Warner Theatres
in Hartford, Waterbury, and New Britain,
died at his Hartford home.
Levy to Attend Reunion
HARTFORD — Herman M. Levy, general
counsel for MPTOA and executive secretary
for the MPTO of Connecticut, will attend the
20th annual reunion of his Yale class of
1927 at New Haven June 14. Levy said that
among classmates of ’27 are Rudy Vallee,
Herb Lazarus of the Paramount legal staff
in New York and Joe Podeloff, 20th-Fox
manager in San Francisco.
Handless Star at Hartford
HARTFORD — Harold Russell, star of “The
Best Years of Our Lives,” was here as guest
of the Unknown Soldier chapter, Disabled
Veterans, to aid in furthering plans for rais-
ing funds for the local Disabled Veterans
center drive.
New Equipment at Rialto
LANCASTER, N. H.— Interstate Theatres,
Inc., operator of the Rialto Theatre, has in-
stalled new projection equipment consisting
of a Hertner Transverter, new Century pro-
jection heads on Century bases and the latest
Snap Light projection lenses.
Shulman Loses in Appeal
Over ADT Installation
HARTFORD — Judge Thomas J. Wall
denied the petition of Albert Shulman, owner
of the Rivoli Theatre, for a writ of mandamus
requiring Fire Chief Henry Thomas to per-
mit the installation of a direct telephone
connection between the theatre and fire de-
partment headquarters. The action was
brought after the fire and building depart-
ments had ordered local theatres to install
American District Telegraph alarm systems.
The judge found that 15 other theatres had
complied with the order and no rights of
Shulman had been invaded by it. He said
the system was for protection of the public.
Alhambra Names Big Five
In Clearance Complaint
NEW HAVEN— H. W. Smith, operator of
the Alhambra, Waterbury, has filed a clear-
ance complaint against the Big Five with the
arbitration board here. He seeks a clearance
of not more than 50 days after first run
Waterbury. The complaint did not specify
the existing clearance granted the Alhambra.
Smith named the Carroll Theatre in Water-
bury as intervenor. He claims that due to
the “pecularities of the Carroll’s operations,
pictures become available to the Alhambra
extremely late, resulting in hardship in
booking.”
Meets Old Team Mate
WORCESTER — Bob Portle, manager of the
Elm Street, encountered his old vaudeville
partner at a carnival here the other night.
He was Lou Dean, blackface singer and
dancer, who teamed with the Worcester
theatreman on the stage prior to the first
world war. The men had not seen each
other for many years. Dean is traveling
through New England with the carnival.
Aside from -provoking howls of inirth from
passersby, this stunt served as a good bally-
hoo for “It Happened on Fifth Avenue’’ in
connection with the engagement of that
production at the RKO Palace Theatre in
Rochester, N. Y. Francis Anderson, man-
ager of the Palace, located the old lamp
post and had the display built by his sign
man.
Quonset Theatre Ban
To New Haven Court
NEW HAVEN — Leonard E. Sampson and
Robert C. Spodick, operators of the Lincoln,
have filed an appeal in the New Haven
county court of common pleas against refusal
of Henry G. Falsey, building inspector, to
issue a permit for the construction of quon-
set type theatre building.
Application had been made March 25 for
permission to construct a quonset building
on Meadow street to seat 300. In a letter
to the architect, Carl R. Blanchard jr., the
building inspector said that the strict New
Haven building code requires the walls be of
masonry and of a fireproof nature. Appeal
to the city board of examiners also failed.
The court of common pleas is asked to
“review all proceedings.” The action of the
building inspector and of the board of ex-
aminers is termed “arbitrary, illegal and an
abuse of discretion based on a misconception
of building rules.”
Sampson and Spodick are the most recent
additions to exhibitor ranks in the state,
having taken over the Lincoln only a year
ago. Sampson had then just returned from
army service. He was previously connected
with the Fifth Avenue Playhouse and the
Ascot in New York. Spodick had previously
been at the Little Carnegie, New York.
New Haven Art Theatre
May Operate in Summer
NEW HAVEN — The 286-seat Lincoln may
remain open throughout the summer season
for the first time in its history, according to
Leonard Sampson, one of its operators. Last
year the little art and foreign film house
braved the heat and the absence of the regu-
lar Yale university colony of 9,000, from
which it draws much support, until August.
Up to that time, Decoration day was the
usual deadline. The house this week played
“Carmen,” French film, first run for Con-
necticut, .together with an all-Disney revue.
Poli's Summer Lineup
NEW HAVEN — Harry F. Shaw. Loew-Poli
division manager, reports that Bob Carney
of the Bridgeport Lyric, which is closed for
the summer, will do relief summer managing
at Norwich June 30 to July 20 and at Spring-
field July 26 to August 17. Ruth Bolton of
the Loew-Poli division office, former man-
ager of the College here, will relieve at the
Poli, New Haven, June 16 to 29; at the Palace,
Meriden, June 30 to July 20; at the College,
New Haven, July 21 to August 10; at the
Bijou, New Haven, August 11 to 17. In addi-
tion, Miss Bolton will substitute for Charlotte
Sitzer, secretary to Harry Shaw, August 18
to September 1. Managers this year receive
three-week vacations.
Back to Boyhood Scenes
WEST NEWBURY, MASS.— Milton Par-
sons, Hollywood screen actor, has expressed
a desire to return to the scenes of his boy-
hood and appear with the summer theatre
here. Parsons, a cousin of the late Lester
Pierce, spent several years here during his
boyhood.
Form Hanover Film League
HANOVER, N. H. — Several college profes-
sors, influential townspeople and members
of the Dartmouth student body, have or-
ganized a better films council here, to be
known as the Hanover League for Better
Movies.
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
NE
87
NEW HAVEN
J^Jetro Pep club presented Milt Hyams,
salesman here for the past 14 years, a
portable radio. Hyams is now selling in New
York state . . . The Morris Rosenthals of the
Poli, New Haven, will motor to Kansas City
starting June 16, and radiate to various
points of interest from there, fortified by
some famed Kansas City steaks.
It was the Bill Browns of the Bijou, and not
the Lou Browns, who celebrated their recent
anniversary in New York . . . Stagehands’
local has changed its meeting date from
third Monday of the month to third Thurs-
day, says business agent Mat Kennedy . . .
New light oak wainscoting is gradually get-
ting ’round the Paramount.
Bonoff, booking for the Madison, who was in
town with his fiancee, Barbara Wasserman;
John Perakos of the Palace, New Britain;
Sam Hadelman, Colonial, Bridgeport, and
Tom Donaldson, new district manager of
PRC, who was doing the rounds with Max
Salzburg.
Birthday greetings to: Paul Klingler of
the Strand, Waterbury; Lou Brown, Loew-
Poli publicity man; Shirley Brown; Harry
Shaw, Poli division manager, and Barney
Pitkin of RKO.
Lou Cohen of the Poli, Hartford, is just
back from Virginia Beach, and June 9 Harry
Rose of the Globe, Bridgeport, begins his
vacation. While Rose is on the boardwalk
at Atlantic City, Matt Saunders will sub at
the theatre . . . John Shields at the Capitol,
Ansonia, is eagerly awaiting the return of
John jr., at present touring the Mediter-
ranean with the U.S. navy as an ensign.
Maurice Bailey of the Bailey circuit, New
Haven, and Sam Calechman of the Howard
fished off Greenport, Long Island . . . Nor-
man Levenson, assistant at the College, New
Haven, left this week for a vacation in Can-
ada . . . George Weber, Metro office man-
ager, back from a five-day meet in Cincin-
nati, says there was very little time for di-
version in the well-known night spots across
the border in Kentucky.
Joe Urdang, of Aetna Cleaning, servicing
Loew’s Poli houses, made the rounds of the
territory with Harry Shaw . . . The Shaws
had a large weekend in New York Decora-
tion day, including two weddings and a con-
firmation party . . . Isabel Toce, United
Artists inspector, is lady of leisure at home
this week . . . The Barney Pitkins of RKO,
acquired that ruddy complexion at Eddie
Rahm’s Westbrook hotel.
Abe Bernstein, Columbia exploiteer, han-
dled the opening last Friday (30) of “Framed”
at the Majestic, Bridgeport . . . Correction:
Mcukde i
POPCORN
if MACHINES
Tops for all showmen!
Ask the theatre that has one!
SAM HORENSTEIN
"*74e Popcorn Man "
New England Representative
•X * *
Office and Showroom . . . 45 Church St.
Hancock 7419 Boston
In the Heart of the Film District
Genuine
MANLEY SUPPLIES
Lou Phillips is interviewing customers from
the top of a ladder these days, as hectic
renovation activities go forward in his of-
fices . . . Fire escapes and exit doors are
being surveyed and painted in Poli houses,
and greens are decorating boxoffices to create
a come-hither summer atmosphere.
Bob Hamilton of the Gem, Willimantic, is
recovering from a tough pneumonia case at
the Backus hospital, Norwich, while George
Haddad, assistant at the Capitol, relieves at
his theatre . . . Jack Williams, assistant
shipper at Metro, was “hurt in action” and
required a little bone-setting.
Sid Kleper of the College, was awarded a
plaque by Floyd Fitzsimmons, Metro ex-
ploiteer, for the best pictorial promotion on
“The Mighty McGurk” . . . Jim Darby ar-
ranged a series of Monday afternoon contests
in cooperation with the Elm City Beauty
Academy, which treated the matinee cus-
tomers to hairstyle shows and giveaways of
permanent waves, facials, manicures and
shampoos. Jimmy Morgan plays the organ
and Darby announces the winners; otherwise
the Academy does the work ... At the Em-
press and Norwalk, tieups in the M&P
“over-the-hurdles” contest, were arranged
with A. J. Collins and Sears, Roebuck.
Led by playing coach Johnny DiBendetto,
Loew-Poli assistant, the theatre softball
team defeated the College team, 10 to 6. On
the mound for Poli was Bruce Branchini.
Among other members of the team were Vic
Toplitsky, Bob Koswitz and Bob Ritzert,
ex-Hillhouse high stars . . . For the first
time in 15 years, the Jim Darbys of the Para-
mount, New Haven, decided to play golf on
their 14th wedding anniversary, and it
rained.
Report is that some shots for 20th-Fox’s
“Gentleman’s Agreement” are being readied
at nearby Darien, and Gregory Peck is there
. . . Signs of summer: The 1,657-seat Shu-
bert will close June 7, although Manager
Benjamin H. Segal and the staff will be
finishing up administrative detail for some
time after . . . The 1,005-seat Poli, Meriden,
and the 2,149-seat Lyric, Bridgeport, closed
for the dog days as of June 8.
The Poli theatres in Bridgeport, New
Haven, Waterbury, Hartford and Norwich,
will have school’s out shows consisting of 17
cartoons June 14. The Poli in Meriden and
Springfield will have the same show June 21.
Admission will be 25 cents, tax included . . .
The Groton Theatre is playing Children’s
Library films in a series of Saturday morn-
ing shows.
Student auditor Arthur Ehrlich is in the
Metro office, training for foreign service.
Stanley Miller, who also trained here, is now
in Cairo, Egypt, assisting Maccabi Attes,
who also “finished off” at New Haven . . .
Jack Simon, former Loew manager in Provi-
dence, is now at Martin Lewis’ 1,200 -seat
Center, Hartford . . . Estelle Rosenberg is
assisting Herbert Coleman in the Amalga-
mated booking department.
The Poli and College theatres. New Haven,
will have new enclosed candy stands in then-
lobbies . . . Seen about town: Sal Adorno,
formerly of the Astor, East Hartford, who is
now selling cars in Middletown; Buster
Sid Kleper and Norman Levenson made a
lot of noise on “Boom Town” at the College.
They bannered the hot dog boys at the Arena
picturesquely, had pretty babies wheeling
carriages, and distributed 5,000 imprinted
shoe and hosiery bags . . . The Milt Fishman
who won first prize for boys in the biology
prize exams is son of Harry, member of the
Fishman circuit.
Writes Screenplay
RKO has set David Lang to write the
screenplay for “Bodyguard.”
" CORSAGE "
POST-WAR
PATTERN
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
from
CAMEO SCREEN ATTRACTIONS, INC.
50 Melrose St. Boston, Mass.
Samuel J. Davidson, Pres.
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds
REGULARLY
88
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
Egg' Boils in Boston;
Stairway' Rebounds
BOSTON — It was another dull week here,
except for “The Egg and I,” which may play
three weeks at the Memorial. That house took
most of the business. At the Keith-Boston,
across the street, “The Best Years of Our
Lives” was well received in spite of its 20
weeks at the uptown Esquire. The Boston has
canceled its stage shows for the summer and
will hold “Best Years” as long as possible.
At the Exeter Street “Stairway to Heaven”
had a good first week in its second run. It
was at the Copley for a roadshow engagement
early in the winter.
(Average is 100)
Boston — The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO),
2nd run 120
Exeter Street — Stairway to Heaven (U-I),
2nd run 150
Majestic — Johnny O'Clock (Col);
Over the Santa Fe Trail (Col) 130
Memorial — The Egg and I (U-I) 170
Metropolitan — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB),
Big Town (Para), 2nd wk) 90
Paramount and Fenway — That's My Man (Rep);
Love and Learn (WB) 100
State and Orpheum — Duel in the Sun ( SHO ) ,
3rd wk 90
Tremont — Fun on a Weekend (UA);
Three on a Ticket (PRC) 100
Seasonal Slump Sharper
Than Usual in New Haven
NEW HAVEN — Unseasonably hot weather
alternating with heavy downpours slowed up
business everywhere. Exhibitors reported the
slump was a little worse than the usual sea-
sonal decline beginning about now. The third
week of “Best Years of Our Lives” at the
Shubert, legitimate theatre, continued good,
however. “The Egg and I” moved from the
Loew-Poli to the College for a second week.
Detail for the week ended May 28:
Bijou — The Adventuress (E-L);
Accomplice (PRC) 80
Colleger-Boom Town (MGM), reissue;
Yankee Fakir (Rep) 95
Loew Poll — The Egg and I (U-I) 110
Paramount — The Imperfect Lady (Para);
Winter Wonderland (Rep). 89
Roger Sherman — The Red House (UA);
Susie Steps Out (UA) 90
Night Baseball, Warm Weather
Affect Boxoffices in Hartford
HARTFORD — “The Farmer’s Daughter"
and “The Egg and I” were held over in the
downtowns. Night baseball games and warm
weather combined to hit downtown and
neighborhood grosses. “The Yearling” led.
Allyn — Calcutta (Para), Big Town (Para) 115
E. M. Loew's — Framed (Col);
Blondie's Holiday (Col) 150
Poli — The Yearling (MGM) 200
Palace — Farmer's Daughter (RKO);
Devil on Wheels (PRC), 2nd wk 110
Regal — The Egg and I (U-I), 3rd wk 12-5"
Strand — The Two Mrs. Carrolls (WB);
Sarge Goes to College (Mono) 150
Report Expected June 19
On Variety Club Rooms
NEW HAVEN — The Variety Club of New
Haven will hold a special luncheon meeting
Thursday (19) at Seven Gables Towne House
with Barney Pitkin, chief barker, in the
chair. Report of the committee on club
quarters is expected at that time, and a final
decision may be reached in the matter.
Other program and policy matters will also
be considered.
Stanton Griffis Speaks
HARTFORD — Stanton Griffis, industry
executive, and newly appointed ambassador
to Poland, addressed a Connecticut rally for
relief for Poland at Bushnell Memorial last
week. In New Britain, a similar rally was
held at the Music Box Theatre, with Mayor
Henry Gwiazda. heading the stage event.
BOSTON
Negotiations between the E. M. Loew cir-
cuit and the present owners of the Rialto
Theatre at Brockton, Judge Harry Stone and
Harry Chabby, are expected to end soon. Be-
fore March 15 the house had been on a long
term lease to M&P, but was returned to the
owners at the expiration of the lease on that
date. The E. M. Loew office soon will an-
nounce the new policy and personnel of the
Rialto.
An advance screening of "Carnegie Hall”
for film and musical critics will be held June
10, followed by a cocktail party and dinner
at the Hotel Statler. UA officials and
Martin Finestein, special publicity represent-
ative from the home office, are giving the
affair. An earlier advance screening will be
held for Columbia record album distributors
from this sector. The New England premiere
of “Carnegie Hall” is scheduled for the
Esquire Theatre June 17.
Colby Robinson, owner of the Colby Thea-
tre, Bingham, Me., recently made one of his
rare visits to Filmrow. He was in town for
two days and visited his old friends in the
district . . . Etta Glazen, popular Paramount
booker, is recuperating at home after her
recent hospitalization.
Wendell Prouty has been appointed house
manager of the Uptown Theatre here, owned
by the Giles circuit. Prouty, whose home is
in Everett, has been manager of the Rothen-
berg circuit’s Rialto in Everett. Previously
he had managed the University, Cambridge,
under Stanley Sumner and the Granada,
Malden, a George Ramsdell theatre. He as-
sumed his new duties May 22.
J. E. Charbonneau, owner and operator of
of the Concord, Concord, N. H., 'for many
years, has disposed of the property to Theresa
Cantin, who has been booking and managing
the house for some time. Charbonneau will
retire from active business . . . Ray Salis-
bury, manager of the Opera House, Presque
Isle, Me., which burned to the ground in
March, was in town on insurance business
for the property. The Hone Bros., owners of
the theatre, plan to rebuild as soon as ma-
terials are available.
Two visitors over the holiday were Louis
Baurer and Sid Stern of the State in Eliza-
beth, N. J., associates of the B&Q circuit.
The double-header at Braves field was the
main recreation . . . Mrs. Doris Paul, wife
of Sam Paul, head shipper at PRC, gave
birth to a daughter at Allerton hospital in
Brookline, named Suzanne Ruth. There is
a son Joel, past 4.
Abner Eilenberg, a director of the Mid-
dlesex Amusement Co., was in Maine for a
week's vacation . . . Mrs. Vincent Mollica,
Opera House, Lebanon, N. H., was in town
to attend the funeral of a member of her
family . . . A1 McAvoy, manager of the
Union and Bates theatres, Attleboro, before
the B&Q circuit took over, visited old friends
in the district . . . Mr. and Mrs. A1 Anders,
operators of the Bijou, Springfield, dropped
into Columbia to chat with head booker Abe
Barry . . . Sympathy to Harry Aaronson,
Rialto Scollay Square, Boston, in the recent
death of his mother.
Arthur Howard, president of Affiliated
Theatres who underwent two major opera-
tions in less than a month, is back at home
definitely on the road to recovery . . . Benn
Rosenwald, new manager at Metro, is still
hunting for an apartment. Mrs. Rosenwald
is expected to arrive from Charlotte, N. C„
early in June to continue the search.
Ruth Cummings, Rhode Island and Ver-
mont booker at Metro, and Jerry Crowley,
Massachusetts circuit booker, will be married
June 7. A small reception at the bride’s
home will follow the church ceremony in
Quincy. After a two-week honeymoon trip,
the couple will live in East Braintree, where
they have rented a house for the summer.
Ruth expects to continue work.
Rosamond Jaffe, secretary to Irving
“Mac” Farber of Regal Pictures, spent the
holiday weekend in New York visiting friends.
Leonard Goldberg of the Adams in Quincy
has purchased “Duel in the Sun” to play
first run beginning June 11 for seven days.
This marks the first time in the history
of his theatre that he has upped the prices
to $1.25 top.
Phil Engel, publicist at UA, is working
with A1 Tamarin, Martin Finstein and Carl
Goldman on the campaign for the opening
of “Carnegie Hall” at the Esquire Theatre.
Goldman is the Esquire manager and Julian
Eaton is assistant. Eaton came from Everett,
a Warner circuit situation . . . The UA
office is a busy place these days with four
pictures opening first run in the city. “Ram-
rod” and “Dishonored Lady” will open at
the Paramount and Fenway; “The Red
House” will appear at the Loew’s State
and Orpheum while “Carnegie Hall” will
have its New England premiere at the
Esquire June 17.
Milford Drive-In Reopens
MILFORD, CONN.— E. M. Loew’s Drive-In
has reopened for the season. Carl Halprin is
manager. New speakers and ramps have
been installed.
Takes Romantic Lead
Howard Duff has been given the romantic
lead in Universal’s “Homicide.”
V o avoid exceM.Uie teMtice. cltoA^eA.
it will {Lay dividends to consult
Stocked With All
Necessary Repair
and Replacement
Parts for Any
Sound System.
“Ask any
exhibitor using
our service”
'Sound-
£ncjtnzz.*itny cSz'iwtcs.
DflVIDS O KV
133 N/l OLJP-JTFOF^T £
F^OOKvt-tr'vJE fs/1 F=»
Now Expanding
with Additional
personnel to cover
a Larger Service
Area.
Many theatres
under our
maintenance
BOXOFFICE ’ : June 7, 1947
89
HAA1LQAD
Tom Duane of Vanguard Pictures, was a
visitor . . . The Ernie Greculas of Hart-
ford Theatres circuit visited Bridgeport and
were entertained by the Mike Carrolls of the
American Theatre.
New glassware giveaways have started at
the Rialto and Lyric in the south end . . .
Evelyn Hurlburt is the new Colonial cashier,
replacing Marjorie Hurley, resigned . . . The
Hartford Times held a baseball rally at the
State . . . Martin Kelleher ran a special
Saturday morning kiddy show, at 20 cents
top . . . Johnny Crockett, former motion pic-
ture columnist for the Hartford Times, has
been discharged from the army.
At Rockville the East School Teachers club
sponsored a benefit film at the Interstate
Palace for two days . . . Edwin Schuman,
son of Leon Schuman of Hartford Theatres
circuit, has been awarded a Yale scholar-
ship . . . Frank Daly, assistant to Joe diLo-
renzo, Connecticut district manager for Daly
Theatres Corp., is recuperating at home from
a hernia operation.
Mrs. Victoria Battalino is the new M&P
Allyn cashier, replacing Betty Miller, re-
signed . . . Lillian Kelleher, Martin Kelleher’s
secretary at the Princess, held a party at
her home for the theatre staff . . . Jack
Simons, manager of the Center, says Eleanor,
his daughter, will be a senior in a Providence
high school next fall . . . The Warner Hart-
ford district offices in the American Indus-
trial Bldg, have been redecorated.
In advance of the June 8 Pearl Needles-
Morris Tonken wedding, several showers were
held for the Warner district manager’s
daughter . . . Estelle O’Toole, Henry Needles’
executive secretary, is the first of the down-
town Warner executives to take a vacation.
Dan Finn and Jim Bracken of Warner zone
offices were in . . . Tommy Mailer was also
here . . . Warm month note — Charlie Atamian
of the Warner Strand has been doing a ter-
rific job of beating Bennie Lamo on the golf
course.
Les Markoski, Music Box manager and his
wife are the parents of a baby girl — their
second — born last week at the New Britain
general hospital . . . Dan Finn and Jim
Bracken of the Warner zone offices were in
New Britain.
Art Gaudette, former New Britain Strand
assistant, has been released from the army,
and is clerking at the Stanley hotel. Dan
Perchin, Strand maintenance chief, has been
ill, with Freddie Pinto handling relief duties.
2-06U2 - Telephones .- 32-9181
Entertainment Bureau
635 Main St., Hartford 3, Conn.
Herman Levy Is Honored
By Preferri Society
HARTFORD — Herman M. Levy of New
Haven, executive secretary of the MPTO of
Connecticut and general counsel of the
MPTOA, has been elected an honorary mem-
ber of the Preferri Society here.
The announcement was made by William G.
Raynsford, member of the Connecticut house
of representatives from Salisbury, who is
also president of the society which has been
in existence since 1921. The house of repre-
sentatives members are all elected to the
society.
WORCESTER
Bm Brown, managing director of the Park
and Greendale, can be seen these days
at the wheel of a shiny new automobile, and
he adds to his friends’ envy by admitting
he got it at a nice buy . . . Norman Stearns
and Howard Louis have resigned from the
staff of the Elm Street.
Charles Grace, who heads the corporation
that recently bought the Park in Spencer,
announces the name of the house has been
changed to the Champ and alterations have
started, including a new front . . . Bob (Elm
Street) Bergin’s dog has just undergone a
siege at a veterinary hospital . . . Duke
Ellington, the band leader, was in town.
Milton King, who has been scenic artist
at the Playhouse several years, has joined
the MGM studios in Hollywood in the art
department . . . Bob Portle, manager of the
Elm Street, used a covered wagon ballyhoo
on the streets for “Last of the Mohicans’’ and
“Kit Carson.”
New York drama critics honored two actors
from Worcester and environs in their an-
nual poll. They named Arthur Kennedy,
Worcester stage and screen actor, as the most
promising young actor, and their second
choice was Peter Cookson, stage and screen
actor from Westboro. Both appeared on
Broadway in plays this past season.
The Park will change over during the sum-
mer from a coal stoker to oil heating ...
Roger Kavanaugh and James Mahoney keep
it „ hot backstage at the Elm Street with
their discussions of big league baseball . . .
Vaughn Monroe’s band drew 2,500 to a dance
at the Auditorium.
Manager Harold Maloney of Loew’s Poli
is arranging to have the 14 outside brass
doors changed to oak doors . . . White City
park has been having a brutal time of it
with the incessant rain . . . Because “The
Guardsman” won’t be available to summer
stocks, Miriam Hopkins will do “By Can-
dlelight” when she appears in Fitchburg
this summer.
Arthur Pettit has joined the Greendale’s
staff . . . The Elm Street is now taking its
own ballyhoo pictures ... Jay Rogers came
on from Hollywood, where he appeared in
Seymour Nebenzal’s “Atlantis,” for the open-
ing of the Playhouse ... A new candy bar
has been built into the Park.
George N. Beede, chairman of the Westboro
selectmen and builder of the Strand there,
which he operated for 25 years until two
seasons ago, died while visiting in Penna-
cook, N. H. He was 67. Ten weeks ago, he
and his wife were in an automobile collision
in Middleboro that took the life of his wife.
Beede suffered fractures of both kneecaps
and other injuries, but it was the shock of
his wife’s death that was blamed for his
own demise.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
|£arl Green jr. of the Portsmouth navy base.
served as projectionist at a showing of
the War department film “Fury in the Pa-
cific,” depicting the American invasion of
Peleliu island, at a meeting of the Somers-
worth Kiwanis club.
On Memorial day, a two-day showing of a
double feature program, “Thief of Bagdad”
and “ ’Neath Canadian Skies,” was started
at the Scenic in Rochester, with evening
prices prevailing all day on the holiday . . .
The Dover Film Corp. aided Dover police in
the recovery of an automobile stolen in
Massachusetts when officials of the concern
reported a mysterious car parked in the
factory parking lot.
Arthur E. Chadwick, an exhibitor in New-
port since he opened the first motion picture
theatre in that town 35 years ago, has an-
nounced his retirement. He has leased his
Coniston Theatre to Allard M. Graves of
White River Junction, Vt., and E. Harold
Stoneman of the Interstate Theatre Corp. of
Boston. Chadwick has served his town as
water commissioner and member of the board
of selectmen.
Mrs. Edward A. MacDowell, 89-year-old
widow of the famous composer and founder
of the MacDowell colony in Peterborough,
well known to actors, musicians, writers and
artists, spoke briefly at the 31st annual con-
vention of the New Hampshire Federation
of Music Clubs, held in Peterborough.
Kenneth Jewett of Sharon was elected presi-
dent of the federation.
After tacking on amendments to clarify the
measure, the house judiciary committee in
the legislature has unanimously approved
a bill creating the office of state fire mar-
shal, with broad powers to enforce more
stringent fire safety regulations in theatres
and other public buildings.
A continuous motion picture show, includ-
ing the navy submarine film “Silent Service,”
was one of the features of Naval Reserve
Sunday, observed at the Portsmouth navy
base, with 3,000 to 4,000 persons attending
the public program.
The Palace in Manchester, which has
dropped vaudeville for the summer, has an-
nounced that the first motion picture pro-
gram now starts at 12:30 p. m. . . . Radio
station WMUR’s big radio-dance party,
“Groovin’ at the Grove,” has been moved to
the Bedford Grove Ballroom near Man-
chester.
Gov. Charles M. Dale has signed the Lalu-
miere bill increasing penalties for operating
lottery rackets and illegal horse race betting
rooms in this state. Under the new law,
violators face fines up to $500, a year in
prison, or both. Previously, the maximum
was a $100 fine — mere chicken feed to lottery
men and bookies.
The legislature’s house bill 318 restricting
billboard advertising apparently has been
doomed by a report from the judiciary com-
mittee terming the bill “inexpedient to
legislate.”
There is much speculation as to who will
be appointed U.S. internal revenue collector
for New Hampshire succeeding the late Peter
M. Gagne, veteran exhibitor, who formerly
held the post ... An adverse house commit-
tee report is expected to lead to defeat of
house bill 155, which would establish a state
commission to keep an eye on amusements
along country fair midways.
90
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
WESTERN FILM STARS UNITE
IN WOODWARD RELIEF RODEO
Exhibitor Tells Escape From Death ;
Lost His Home in Leedey Tornado
Two-Day Show Is Expected
To Raise $100,000 for
Tornado Victims
OKLAHOMA CITY— Gene Autry will bring
his radio show cast to the benefit rodeo here
Saturday and Sunday (7, 8) in Taft stadium
to help raise funds for Woodward tornado
relief.
Autry, an Oklahoma boy, will appear at all
three performances, which will have a troupe
of western motion picture stars and top hands
in professional rodeo. The singing cowboy
will broadcast his weekly Sunday afternoon
radio show from here, but it won’t be open
to the public.
Autry was contacted at Tucson, where he
is making a picture and readily agreed to
come to the city for the show. With him
will come Allen Massey and the Westerners;
Autry’s current leading lady, Adele Mara, and
Nan Leslie and Kay Christopher, film ac-
tresses.
Louisiana’s governor also will appear at the
rodeo. The singing and composing Jimmy
Davis, has accepted the invitation. Wild Bill
Elliott, western film star, will be announcer.
150 WILL PARTICIPATE
At least 150 performers will participate in
the show. All stock for the rodeo is being do-
nated. No expenses are being deducted from
ticket sales, and it is estimated that about
$100,000 will be raised.
A contingent of Hollywood luminaries were
to arrive here by special plane to participate
in the rodeo. Scheduled to make the trip
were Kirby Grant, Rod Cameron, Adele Mara,
Eddie Dean, Jennifer Holt, Nancy Gates, Jack
Holt, Roscoe Ates, Nan Leslie and Kay
Christopher. American Airlines furnished
free transportation for the Hollywood stars
and the Autry troupe.
Roy Rogers was unable to take part in the
rodeo because of picture commitments.
Patrons of Griffith Consolidated Thea-
tres have contributed $3,037.80 to the Wood-
ward relief fund through attendance at spe-
cial midnight benefit previews in 26 of the
circuit’s Oklahoma towns, it was announced
by C. F. Motley, director of theatre operations.
Checks totaling that amount have been
turned to the relief committees in the re-
spective towns which were set up for a state-
wide $500,000 campaign for rehabilitation
work of the western Oklahoma town devas-
tated by an early April tornado which killed
101 persons there.
An additional $224.35 was added by the
Drumright Lions club, which rented the Grif-
fith Tower Theatre there for the staging of
a men’s bathing revue and “womanless wed-
ding” benefit show.
MORE FUNDS POUR IN
The Woodward cause also shared in the
$1,239.20 turned in to the west Texas Good
Neighbor fund for aid to that state’s tornado
victims, all of which was raised in a Kiwanis
club-sponsored benefit at the Griffith La-
Nora Theatre in Pampa.
Film exchanges gave prints for the pre-
views, employes donated their time for the
shows, and the only deductions were state
and federal taxes, Motley said.
All previews were held in the A houses,
features were top productions not previously
LEEDEY, OKLA.— George Smith, theatre
owner and cafe operator here, lost his home
in the tornado which struck his town a few
months ago and barely escaped death when
the cellar door blew off and the walls of the
cellar caved in.
He told the press Sunday that he was busy
popping corn for the Saturday night show
when the fire whistle sounded its warning
of the approaching twister.
Soon he heard shouting and people run-
ning down the street. Cars began speeding
away with a great roaring of gears. He
popped out on the street to ask what was
the matter and immediately saw the big black
twister off in the distance.
“I just let that popcorn go,” he told re-
porters, “and I hustled right on down to my
house a block away from here and got my
wife in the cellar.
shown in the town, and a minimum of 50
cents admission was charged.
One of the best examples of the coopera-
tion with a local manager, Motley pointed
out, was at Blackwell, where Phil McMullen
and W. F. Bickford of the Journal-Tribune
took the lead in publicizing the benefit show,
at the same time furnishing tickets and
breaking a journalistic precedent by using ad
copy on the front page at no cost.
Blackwell, according to final tabulations,
turned in the second largest Oklahoma pre-
view with a figure of $380.78, surpassed only
by Bartlesville with the winning figure of
$628.63.
16 ACTS AT PAMPA
The Pampa show, conceived and staged
with only five days planning and publicity,
had 16 acts on; the stage featuring talent
from Pampa, Borger and Amarillo, and in-
cluded an advance showing of “The Farm-
er’s Daughter.” Admission was $1.50 a seat.
The entire show was broadcast over KPDN.
Films provided by the Oklahoma City ex-
changes for the previews included “It Hap-
pened in Brooklyn,” “The Show-Off” and
“Gallant Bess” from MGM; “Love and
Learn,” Warners; “The Farmer’s Daughter”
and “Trail Street,” RKO; “The Shocking
Miss Pilgrim,” 20th-Fox, and “Suddenly It’s
Spring,” Paramount.
Theatres in which the previews were held
were the McSwain at Ada, Tivoli at Ardmore,
Osage at Bartlesville, Rivoli at Blackwell,
H&S at Chandler, Washita at Chickasha,
Yale at Claremore, Del Rio at Clinton, Tower
at Drumright, Elk at Elk City, Aztec at Enid,
Tall Chief at Fairfax, Ramona at Frederick,
Blane at Henryetta, Grand at Holdenville,
Pettit at Hominy, Erie at Hugo, Temple at
Mangum, Orpheum at Okmulgee, Ki-He-Kah
at Pawhuska, Poncan at Ponca City, Yale at
Sapulpa, Seminole at Seminole, Bison at
Shawnee, Aggie at Stillwater and the Key at
Wewoka.
An editorial in the Pampa Daily News
credited the show industry for the stand in
this effort to help the unfortunate, and con-
cluded with the statement that “all these
“There were about 16 of us in there and I
pulled the door down and we sat there. We
heard the roaring for three to five minutes.
The wind tore the door off and the con-
crete sidewalls of the cellar caved in. Why
we had to hold our hands over our ears to
keep from busting our eardrums.”
“Uncle” George, who has been a business
man in Leedey for 30 years, added: “When
we got up and found our house gone, I didn’t
know what to say. Why I don’t have any-
thing but what I’m wearing now, except the
cafe and theatre.”
'“What about those pants of yours, Mr.
Smith? The ones your wife gave to Wood-
ward?” his waitress asked.
“That sure does beat all,” Smith said. “I
had two pair of pants pressed and those were
the ones she gave away.”
things come as a heartening sign that the
idea of the Good Samaritan is not entirely
dead, not by a great deal.”
Variety Club of Oklahoma sent the Wood-
ward relief fund a $1,000 check Wednesday.
The $1,000 check was sent by Horace R.
Falls, chief barker, after the club’s direc-
tors voted to help rebuild Woodward. This
additional donation brought the fund-rais-
ing drive for $500,000 to about $331,000, ac-
cording to a tabulation of contributions
Wednesday morning.
Night Baseball Affecting
New Orleans Area Takes
NEW ORLEANS — All theatremen over
the territory, with a few exceptions, report
that boxoffices suffered a definite setback
in the last few weeks. Much of this is due
to night baseball games being played by the
American Legion, college and high school
teams. That sport is attracting not only
the youngsters, but many grownups as well.
One exhibitor in a small town in this ter-
ritory found it necessary to close on Sunday,
the best day of the week, because most of his
patrons are going to adjoining towns where
night baseball is being played.
$7,850 Asked in El Paso
For Blocking of Street
EL PASO, TEX. — An injunction suit seek-
ing to prevent the Lone Star Theatres from
blocking Harper and Wickham streets, where
they are building a drive-in, has been filed
in district court here. The property owners
bringing suit also ask damages of $7,500 and
$350 in attorney’s fees. Four residents of
Logan Heights filed the action, charging that
the construction is blocking their way and
that no other road or street gives them ac-
cess to Newman road.
New Negro Theatre
JACKSON, ALA. — Waterall Theatres cir-
cuit of Prichard, Ala., has started construc-
tion of a theatre for Negro patronage here.
BOXOFFICE : : June 7, 1947
sw
91
Warning!
Fellow
Exhibitors
Our rights in the eleven Southern
States are being violated in the show-
ing and booking of
HARRY SCHENCK'S
Super Jungle Picture
“BEYOND
BENGAL
This is also a violation of the pro-
ducer's rights under copyright laws.
Negative and copyright owner NU-
ART FILMS. INC.. 145 West 45th St.,
New York, N. Y.
BOOK from
the rightful
distributors
J(JOHN) 0 n (0. K.)
enkins & Bourgeois
ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY
HARWOOD & JACKSON STS.
DALLAS 1 "Riverside 1884" TFXAS
Religious Film With 3,000 in Cast
Is Under Way in Oklahoma City
OKLAHOMA CITY — Production of “An
Idea, Its Life and Progress” will start here
Monday (2).
“The idea,” fostered and nurtured by the
Rev. William H. “Bill” Alexander, pastor of
the First Christian church, is based on the
theme that “Christianity is not a theology,
but a way of life.”
Alexander, 32, a native of Shelbyville, Mo.,
says his idea began to flower while he was
commuting between classes at Tulsa univer-
sity and his pastorate in Stroud. That was
11 years ago. He says his idea is spreading
into neighboring states, and with release of
the film, he hopes it Will reach and become
rooted in every part of the world.
“We have to find some medium other than
mere preaching from the pulpit,” he ex-
plained. "In Oklahoma City 65 per cent of
the people aren't darkening anyone’s church
door.”
APPROVED BY CONGREGATION
Alexander’s congregation has approved the
project, and four city men are backing him
with money and talent. They are Frank
Buttram, Edward L. Fretwell, C. R. Anthony
and1 R. Lewis Barton, the latter a theatre
exhibitor.
H. K. Carrington, Dallas short subject pro-
SAM LEWIS
Remodeling and Decorating Theatres
"A Dollar’s Worth for Your Dollar"
Phone Y2-7383
2810 Sharon Dallas 11. Texas
ducer, has been chosen to handle the tech-
nical end. He has been making short sub-
jects 15 years and has been in show business
much longer than that. For the last four
years he has been turning out Texas features
in a series called This Is Texas. Currently he
owns Nationwide Pictures. Carrington has
set up offices here, and has hired a secretary
to interview local talent. Some selections
have been made, but there are still openings
to be filled.
Carrington said the acting talent will be
entirely local. It must be what he terms
“semiprofessional.” There will be about
3,000 persons appear in the finished film,
although there are probably fewer than a
dozen speaking parts.
60 PER CENT DIALOG
Carrington estimates the film will be about
60 per cent dialog and 40 per cent narration.
The story is by Marian Walker, professional
scenario writer.
Over the weekend, Carrington’s crew of 15
technicians moved into town with two trucks
and three cars loaded with cameras, lights
and equipment.
Paul Dalton, a local makeup man, who is a
graduate of the Max Factor and Schanard
schools, will do the cosmetic work.
In promoting the project, Alexander speaks
for himself and backers in saying, “We be-
lieve we have an idea in our positive ap-
proach to young people to which the future
belongs.”
Sunset Plays the Joy
JACKSON, MISS. — Sunset Carson appeared
with his troupe at the New Joy Theatre here.
Theatre Seating Division
of
AMERICAN DESK MFG. COMPANY
Temple, Texas Tel. LD - 4
Giving Immediate Dependable Delivery
on all chair orders
CALL US FOR YOUR CHAIR NEEDS
Dallas Office
FORREST DUNLAP
2008 Jackson St.
R - 3595
Memphis Office
HARLAN H. DUNLAP
410 S. Second St.
8-1770
New Orleans Office
W. A. PREWITT
223 So. Liberty
Magnolia 6571
BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT
10th Fl.. 2nd Unit, Santa Fe Bldg. BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO*, INC. Dallas, Tex.
92
BOXOFFICE :: June 7, 1947
Montgomery &