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A 197*. 


VOL. 183 No. 


NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 1951 


GLOBAL TELEVISION BY 


PRICE 25 CENTS 


1960 


Color TV as Western Democracies 
‘Secret Weapon vs. Red Youth Rail; 


By GEORGS ROSEN 

Paris, Aug. 7. 

Color television** vast sphere of 
Jnfotnce as a "secret weapon" in 
championing the cause of the west- 
ern democracies will be dra- 
matically highlighted in Europe 
this month. 

Oddly enough, color TV’s two 
•utstanding contributions to date 
as an "international torch bearer.” 
in (1) cementing a "free world*' 
concept as opposed to Soviet totali- 
tarianism; and (2) establishing 
tinted video as the most revolu- 
tionary advance of the 20th Cen- 
tury in the field of medical science, 
focusses on Europe,, rather than 
America, during this month and 
September. 

Within the next few days the 
Columbia Broadcasting System un- 
veils a number of its color tele- 
vision receivers in the western zone 
of Berlin — "across the street" from 
the scene of the Soviet-inspired 
World Festival of Youth, now in 
progress, which anticipates a turn- 
out of 2,000,000 from all over the 
world before the Festival ends. 

The idea, of luring the kids over 
hto the western zone with a "come- 
on-a-my-house and see color TV" 
as the chief halt was cooked up by 
the State Dept., and the Economic 
Cooperation Administration. CBS 
readily agreed to fall in with the 
plan, as did Radio Corp. of Amer- 
ica, which will be repnesented by 
large-screen black and white TV 
projection, plus a total of 60 of its 
17-inch monochrome receivers. Thrf 
equipment has been in Europe for 
several weeks, but it was a case of 
maintaining strict secrecy to pre- 
vent possible sabotage. 

For two weeks, starting next 
Monday, during the height of the 
Youth Rally, there will be regularly 
scheduled color TV performances 
from strategic points, designed to 
impress the youth of the world with 

(Continued on p ape 40) 

LIST TO SPONSOR 
LA.-N.Y. TV PREEM 

American Telephone & Tele- 
graph Co. will sponsor a four-net- 
work show inaugurating the coast- 
m-coast coaxial cable and relay 
hookup on Sept. 30. It will be the 
hugest time-and-talent budget for 
•one-shot in video’s history, since 
** "ill involve the four tele chains 
•od an all-star talent roster. 

AT *T, of course, will get bark 
•portion of the win for the net- 

orks use of its lines and relays, 
its outlay for time on the webs 
•nd their affiliates will be record- 
wutng. To date no commercial 

P/Josor has used a four-chain 
which has been accorded 
P ,y president Truman for his ma- 

*8 yet hasn’t been inked 
the hour-long show, which is 

Ein* by N. W. Ayer. 

6. 1ry for *be telephone company. 

eoaq s are bei " 8 llned up on both 



Negro Thesps Score NAACP on ‘A&A’ 
Stand; Set Tositive Action’ Council 


PLANJOLSON 

THEATRE AT BRAN DEIS II. 

Showbusiness leaders of all 
faiths are currently drawing plans 
to erect a Jolson Memorial Thea- 
tre on the campus of Brandeis 
University, a non-sectarian school 
in Waltham, Mass. 

The tribute is in line with the 
lifetime efforts of A1 Jolson to 
promote interfaith understanding. 
Jolson bequeathed the bulk of his 
$4,000,000 estate to Protestant, 
Catholic and Jewish Institutions. 

Probe Ax Fells 
Saratoga Spots 
But Nags Lure 

Saratoga Springs, Aug. 7. 

The current state-conducted in- 
vestigation into gambling and 
possible tieups with public officials 
of Saratoga County has shuttered 
Piping Rock and several other 
swank niteries. reduced Riley’s 
Lake House to '’bottle club" status, 
with an orchestra only, brought a 
non-name show into the Brook, and 
kept Newman’s on s dine-dance 
policy. Newman’s, like The Brook, 
is operated year-round, and hence 
did not have to seek a summer 
liquor license. Both hold 12-month 
permits. 

The State Liquor Authority an- 
nounced yesterday ( Mon. ) that it 
had turned down an application 
I from Riley’s for s license on the 
allegation that a man with a police 
record "has an interest in the prop- 
erty proposed to be licensed and 
will benefit by the issuance of a 
license to the applicant (Mrs. 
Lillian Somma)”. The spot opened 
| the ssme day with an advertised 
I plan of "as at home, use your own 
(Continued on page 56) 

Now You Can Even Buy 
A New Home Via Video 

Dallas, Aug. 7. 

Home buying can be made less 
of an ordeal. At least, that is the 
view of the Dallas Home Builders 
Assn., which plans to make it so 
the prospective buyer can sit be- 
fore his television set and inspect 
half a dozen homes ranging in 
price from $8,500 to $24,500, all 
within the space of one hour and 
with a minimum of physical exer- 
I tion. 

"The Show of Homes" program 
is to be telecast each Sunday from 
2 to 3 p.m. on WFAA-TV. It will 
be done with film of exteriors and 
interiors, and the builders will be 
present to talk floor plans, sketches 
'• and data on financing the deals. 


By JACK HELLMAN 

Hollywood. Aug. 7. 

International television within a 
year and a half. World-wide tele- 
vision by 1960. 

That’s how the NBC timetable 
reads, and Sylvester **Pat M Weaver, 
network’s exec tele veepee, ad- 
mitted to ' V amity over the 
weekend that such a far-flung proj- 
ect is on the network’s planning 
board, and he’s hopefully expec- 
tant of its realization barring un- 
toward obstacles or a spreading 
world conflict. The big problem is 
electronics but these, he believes, 
will be whipped in due time. 

After passing two weeks here In 
conference with Norman Black- 
burn, TV head for the network in 
Hollywood, and top comics on the 
network. Weaver leaves for .Mexico 
City and possibly Havana and Pan- 
ama -to continue negotiations for 
the hemisphere tiein and the type 
of programs that can be exchanged. 
It is practically assured that Cana- 
dian stations, first in Montreal and 
Toronto, will fall in the sphere of 
NBC’s operation. 

In Mexico City Weaver will 
meet with Emilio Azcarraga, show 
biz tycoon, and “"Possibly John 
Royal, who recently retired after 
23 years with NBC. Understood 
Roysl may become associated with 
Azcarraga in the television venture, 
which will cover all of the southern 
republic. Weaver will also meet 
with Fernando Eileta of Panama 
and Goar Mestre of Havana to 
forge the first link of the foreign 
network to the south. Later there 
will be conversations with South 
American operators, who are eager 
to make an association with NBC 
for an exchange of programs. Bra- 
(Continued on page 63). 


Denver’s 1st TV 
VisuBig-Screen 

Denver, Aug. 7. 

Denver will get its first look 
at regularly-scheduled television 
shows via big-screen video in the 
downtown Broadway Theatre. It’s 
to be made possible by the fact 
that the new microwave relay 
channel to the Coa'st passes di- 
rectly through Denver. 

City has no TV stations, and 
with the Federal Communications 
Commission freeze on new station 
construction still in effect, is not 
likely to have one for some time. 
John Wolfberg, general manager 
of Wolfberg Theatre ICnterprises. 
which operates the Broadway, will 
consequently arrang with Bell 
Telephpne to link the theatre with 
special cable to the coast-to-coast 
relay setup. 

Under this arrangement, the vi- 
deo signals will be flashed from 
Omaha, the present western termi- 
nus of the coaxial cable, to 
(Continued on page 15) 


THEATRE TV WOULD 
BE PROBED IM HOUSE 

Washington, Aug. 7. 

Theatre TV showings of prize- 
fights would come under investiga- 
tion of a special house committee 
if a resolution introduced yester- 
day (Mon.) by Rep. L. Gary Cle- 
mente (D., N. Y.) is adopted. 

Gary asked that the committee 
be established to determine wheth- 
er a Federal commission should be 
created to control boxing. His reso- 
lution calls upon the committee to 
look into monopoly aspects of box- 
ing, Including possible "unreason- 
able restraint" in denying matches 
to TV setowners. 

Film Biz Looks 
To Sept • Oct. 
As Test of B.O. 

a 

Wifh film biz continuing to perk 
during current dog days, industry 
execs are increasingly concentrat- 
ing on September and October. 
Big TV shows will return to the 
networks then, providing a real 
test of whether present good biz 
is a seasonal flash or solidly based. 

Pic toppers have not overlooked 
last year’s experience in judging 
results of the present upturn. 
There was likewise a summer pick- 
up in 1950, only to be followed by 
a perilous slide in grosses in 
September and October. 

While t h e r • was no definite 
reason ascribable to last year’s fall 
slump, widespread industry 
opinion was that the start of the 
big tele shows during those months 
was not merely coincidental to the 
(Continued on page 63) 


Group of Negro actors, voicing 
the fear that the charges leveled 
against CBS-TV’s "Amos ’n* Andy" 
show by the National Assn, * for 
the Advancement of Colored Peo- 
ple would ruin chance of Negro ac- 
tors. aserted this week that tha. 
NAACP does not speak for the ma- 
jority of Negroes. Thesps. taking a 
stand in favor of A A. A, claimed 
that the NAACP action against tha 
show has actually threatened the 
"greatest opportunity" given Negro 
actors in recent years. 

In a move to set up a positive 
program to help Negroes In show 
biz. the group formed a new or- 
ganization. the Coordinating Coun- 
cil for Negro Performers, which 
I immediately voted a ‘resolution 
commending CBS "for it* state- 
ment that it is continuing its im- 
provement of the 'Amos 'n' Andy* 
series and its guard against the 
casting of Negro performers in an 
unfavorable light on radio and TV 
programs." Council, although com- 
prising mainly members of the 
Negro Theatrical Guild, will op- 
erate as a separate body. Lester 
A. Walton, former U. S. minister 
to Liberia, is chairman, and one 
member from each of the show bis 
guilds and unions took part in its 
formation. 

Discussing the NAACP, Noble 
Sissle, Authors- Guild rep on the 
Council, asserted that the approach 
taken against the CBS show by 
NAACP chief Walter A. White was 
all wrong. _ "People can always 
(Continued on page 36) 

KEFAUVER, WHERRY SET 
AS SUBS FOR PEARSON 

Senators Estes Kefauver (Dem.) 
and Kenneth S. . Wherry * (Rep.) 
will pinchhit for ABC's Drew Pear- 
son on Aug. 19 and 26, respectively, 
during the gabber’s vacation. Sept. 

2 broadcast will be handled by 
Fred Blumenthal and Jack Ander- 
son, of Pearson’s D. C. staff. 

Pearson's show Sunday (12) will 
originate from Europe. 


THE 





• • 





A COMPLETE HOUR 
OE ENTERTAINMENT 


™* COLOR 


Undor th* Direction of PHIL S PIT AIN Y 





Mr 



History of the American films-. 


Tokyo, Aug. 1. , 

The United Nations fighting men 
in Korea need entertainment more 
than any other soldiers have need- 
ed it in the past, according to Jack 
Benny, who recently completed a 
three-week tour of that battle rone 
at the head of a USO-Camp Shows 
troupe. Comedian has tome real 
idea of G1 needs since he made 
four overseas junkets to entertain 
service men during the last war. 

“I had a feeling that Korea was 
more important than any place 1 
visited in the last war,” Benny 
said in Tokyo, where he and his 
troupe rested for several days be- 
fore hopping off for their . last 
round of appearances on Okinawa. 
"You just can’t imagine it until 
you’ve been there. Korea has noth- 
ing — absolutely nothing. Even in 
the islands of the South Pacific 
during th# last war. *h# boys had 
something to take their minds off 
the fighting— even if it was only a 
chance to go swimming.” 

The radio star said it. was time 
the American entertainment indus- 
try woke up to the fact that a real 
war has been fovght in Korea for 
the past year, and that the industry 
has fallen down woefully in its obli- 

He said he 


at evidenced by the product itself 
— is speedily being lost to the in- 
dustry and to future students of 
the cinema. Negatives and few re- 
maining prints of the milestone 
pictures in Aim history have been 
deteriorating in|o dust at an accel- 
erating rate during the past few 
years. No method is known for 
preserving them. 

Since 30 years is the maximum 
life of the celluloid base of a well- 
processed picture, everything made 
before 1920 is rapidly being lost to 
posterity. Pix not so well proc- 
essed, such as many of those made 
in the ’30s, shrink up and turn to 
powder in as little as 10 years. 
Many of them have already been 
Jost forever. 

\ While the print and negative de* 
iJr I oration is important in absence 
[to the industry of a permanent rec- 
ord of its advance during the past 
50 years, there's an even more 
practical significance. That's in 
loss of television values. It is ex- 
pected that many studios will even- 
tually sell rights to TV only to find 
that they can't provide prints or 
negatives because they've tuned 
to dusk 

Leading the lament for the irre- 
trievable loss of the evidence of 
the progress of this most typical of 
American art fofw h Richard 
Griffith, assistant curator of tha 
film library of the Museum of Mod- 
ern Art, N. Y., and himself a fore- 
most film historian. 

The film library "has the only 
known remaining prints of such 
classics as "Morocco” (Paramount, 
1930), starring Marlene Dietrich, 
Gary Cooper and Adolphe Menjou; 
"Night Must Fall” (M-G, 1937), 
starring Robert Montgomery and 
Rosalind Russell; the John Barry- 
more version of ♦Dr. Jekvll and 
Mr. Hyde” (Par, 1920), and Buster 
Keaton’s "The Nayifator” «M-G, 
1924). They'll all be gone eventu- 
ally. too. 

Negatives No Longer Exist 

For one reason or another tha 
negatives of these films no longer 
8x1st, so copies cant be made. Tha 
Museum goes to extreme lengths 
to preserve them, as it does tha 
thousands of other prints it owns, 
but the deterioration of time can 
at best only be slowed, not stopped. 
The major studios, taking no such 
special care, have long since seen 
the negatives of many ok_.ihe pic- 
tures which brought them to pres- 
ent eminence turn to powder. 


Bing's Eastern Expansion 

Bing Crosby Enterprises la 
diversifying its interests, by ex- 
panding some of its eastern actlvi- 

This is particularly OK with 
Everett Crosby, pre* of the outfit, 
who favors residing east and is cur- 
rently looking for a house around 
New York. He* plans selling his 
Hollywood place. 


Hollywood. Aug. 7. • 
Joan Bennett will topline a video 
series packaged by G. Ralph Bran- 
ton. former midwest theatre circuit 
exec, and TV producer Eddie 
Lewis. 

Miss Bennett will emcee and oc- 
casionally star in programs, aimed 
at dramatization of original plays. 


Bad Booking: a Pooch Act 
Also Plays Harmonica Oi 


By LUCETTE CARON 

Paris. Aug. 3. 

Once more the usu*: busy* group 
of international fashion experts 
and buyers have taken over the 
town while 80% of the Parisians 
are aw ay on vacation. 

The heat wave struck Paris the 
morning of the first opening. 

Everyone was unprepared and in 
the overcrowded non-aircondi- 
tioned salons the audience had to 
be revived with paper fans — and 
champagne — about once an hour. 

Editors of Lhe U. S, and other 

magazines occupy their usual gilt j ^ || g j a#t witH the Soviet 
chairs, all fighting to be in the j or |,jj countries when the Govern- 
front row; Ludwig Bemelmans ment annoU nced it* intention of 
sketches uninterruptedly for Town ] v | r tually ending economic relations 
and Country; and pix stars like Czechoslovakia. That was the 

Michele Morgan. Simone Simon or Qnc Iron Curtain country that was 
Marline Carol are very careful to gtiU p i a ving Hollywood pix and— 
wear their Dior, Fath. or Schiapa- ! mo * re astonishing— still paying 
relli models in the right houses > f them 

: The amount of money being ob- 


1650 Broadway 


gations to the troops 
would do his best after his return 
to arouse some interest in Korea. 
Benny added that he believed 
there were many artists in the U. S. 
who would be glad to come over if 
some “name” personality like him- 
self undertook to form a troupe 
and m.c. it. 

Benny, who showed the strain of 
his 21 appearances in the Korean 
“rice-paddy circuit,” said he would 
be glad to appear on a national 
radio broadcast with other stars of 
stage, screen or radio in a bid to 
drum * up support for the USO- 
Camp Shows organization. 

Benay Venuta’s Suggestion 

Benay Venuta, singer with the 
Benny show, tossed out another 
suggestion which might pay off in 
increased entertainment for Ko- 
rean troops. Singer pointed out 
that Hollywood studio rosters are 
loaded with the kind of talent need- 
ed for intimate revues on the GI 
circuit. Miss Venuta opined that 
if one studio put together a small 
variety show of a half-dozen or so 
acts and sent, it off to Korea, other 
lots almost certainly would follow 
suit. Singer pointed out that this 
device would cost the studios very 
little since they would be using 
artists already under contract. 

Other members of Benny’s Car- 
nival of Stars troupe, which played 
to 187,000 UN fighting- men in 
Korea and several thousand more 
in Japan and Korea, were screen 
actress Marjorie Reynolds, tap 
dancer Delores Gay, pianist and 
accordionist June Bruner, guitar- 
ist Frank Remlcy from the Phil 
Harris oreh, and mentalist Harry 
Kahne. Errol Flynn accompanied 
the troupe for part of the Korean 
junket, but left the show early and 
returned to the U. S. 


but as long as the Communists per- of harmony. Anything she can 
mitted it to continue. American In- play. I can play better. No other 
dustry had some reason to hope it harmonica act can make this state- 
could crack the Iron Curtain else- ment 

where. The Czech state film mo- The china Theatre operates 
nopoly has taken no new product twice-a-night, seven days a week 
recently, but was showing 71 Amer- d U ri n g the summer months only, 
lean pix imported under a five- The manager of the theatre ia also 
year-old deal that was due to ex- the booker. He is also the orches- 
pire this October. tra leader. Is America going to 

Since even communication with . take this lying down? I say no. 
Prague is sketchy, the Motion Pic- Out with Bob Weitman. in with 
ture Export Assn., which handles Paul Whiteman. We’ll show them 
sales there isn’t certain how soon Swedes. 

the new edict from Washington h does very good business on ac- 
will bring the business to a com- CO unt of there just isn’t much to do 
plete halt. Decision to end eco- 1 j„ Stockholm. They have an open 
nomic relations with Prague result- a j r theatre where concerts are glv- 
ed from numerous acts of "ill will,” en to standees only. Next month 


New NPA Order Hits 
Amusement Construction 

Washington, Aug. 7. 

Theatres and other amusement 
spots will find the construction 
going even rougher^under the new 
National Production Authority or- 
der issued last Friday (3). NPA 
revoked its M-4 construction order 
and substituted M-4A. 

This bars new construction — in- 
cluding theatres, etc. — using over 
two tons of carbon steel. 200 
l>ounds of copper wire, or any of 
the alloy steels, without special 
NPA approval. Previously theatres 
have been permitted to spend up to 
$5,000 for repairs and modernizing 
and another $2,000 for installation 
of “personal property,” without 
special permission. 

Under M-4A, amusement con- 
struction will come under the Con- 
trolled Materials Plan, effective 
Oct. 1. 


Vanderbilts’ Close Call 


Set De Carlo for Israel 

Hollywood, Aug. 7. 

Yvonne de Carlo has been set 
for series of Israel appearances. 
Sept. 2-18. in Tei Aviv, Jerusalem, 
Haifa and Ramat Gan. 

Deal was set up with Paul Kohn- 
er by Jacob Amidor, head of Is- 
rael’s Juval Concert Agency, here 
lining up performers. Miss De 
Carlo will do a singing act in both 
English and Hebrew. 


Paris, Aug. ▼. 

Cornelius Vanderbilt. Jr., Va- 
riety roving correspondent, and 
his wife miraculously escaped in- 
jury last week when a Luxembourg 
steam train ran through the red- 
light. sideswiping their American 
stationwagon. hurtling it more than 
100 feet. The car was completely 
demolished. 

Vanderbilt, who had photo- 
graphed Perle Me&Lg, U. S. minis- 
ter to Luxembourg, and other offi- 
cials. heads for London, sailing 
home from there later this week. 


London, Aug. 7. 

Margot Fonteyn, prima ballerina 
at Sadler’* Wells, has signed as disk 
jockey with Towers of London, and 
the programs will be aired via 
WQXR in New York in the fall. 

The deal calla for 28 ore-hour 
shows, and Miss Fonteyn has al- 
ready started cutting the series. 
They are biographical programs m 
which the ballerina will describe 
her dancing career and will intro- 
duce the n usic of many well known 
ballets. 


Subaeriptlon Order Form 

Enclosed find check for $ 

T Please send VARIETY foi years 


Continue USO Setup 


Washington. Aug. 7. 

Despite the cease-fire talks in 
Korea and other global peac« 
moves, the USO-Camp Shows pro- 
gram for the * armed service* * “J 
continue. Decision was made by 
125 top civic and governmental nr 
ures at a United Defense Fund 
meeting here last week. Jan** 
Sauter, USO-Camp Shows ptttj, 
attended. . _ . 

Continuation of Defense Fund, 
which comprises various health *n« 
welfare activities, was determine 
after consultation with p 

Truman and the Office of Defen 
Mobilization. 


Rnqnlar Subscription Ratos 
One Tea— $10.00 Two Yoart— $19.00 

Canada and Fortran — $1 Additional par Ytar 




4 


frdnM&7< Aaput 8, 1951 





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RIVALRY 



Theatre TV Sets 9-Week Grid Sked 
With NCAA; Gaines (or Home Limited 


Theatre television this week set ♦ 
plan* for a full nine-week schedule 
of Saturday afternoon football 
games, each of which Is to be 
carried by the big-screen video 
houses on an exclusive basis. Deal 
for rights to the games was set by 
Nathan L. Halpem, prez of Thea- 
tre Net-work TV. with the National 
Collegiate Athletic Assn, as a phase 
of the NCAA’s experiment this 
fall on TV’s effect on the gate 
receipts. 

NCAA plan, which will restrict 
the televising of college games for 
home reception to one or two 
games each week, actually re- 
dounds to the benefit of theatre 
TV. With whatever network get- 
ting the NCAA limited home 
schedule, the big-screen video the- 
atres will have their choice of all 
other games. As a result, Halpern 
has not scheduled the games for 
theatres, deciding instead to select 
them week by week in order to 
giab off the tap game available, ... 

How much the theatres are pay- 
ing for rights has not been reveal- 
ed. but it’s believed the sum will 
represent only a small fee at this 
time At the most, no more than 
20 theatres are expected to be 
linked to pick up the games it the 
start while a few others may be 
tied in on a regional basis in other 
sections of the country. Colleges 
will probably get a small percent- 
age of the gross from each house, 
similar to the way the theatres paid 
for their rights to the recent box- 
ing matches they have carried. 

Wtnie several theatres in the 
(Continued on page 17) 

h ~ 

Picture Pioneers Move 
To Create Industry 
Charity Foundation 

The recent informal testimonial 
dinner by a group of Picture 
Pioneers, mostly comprising the 
board, to Gus Eyssell on his elec- 
tion to the presidency of Rocke- 
feller Center, has snowballed into 
a move to create a Motion Picture 
Foundation ' for intra - industry 
charity. Prexy Jack Cohn of PP 
and Spyros Skouras are sparking 
the move. It will probably be 
capped by a gala benefit in New 
York this fall, coincidental with 
the 12th anniversary of the 
anniversary of the Pioneers as an 
organization. 

At the Eyssell dinner. Nate 
Blumberg moved to volunteer 
a personal contribution of $3,000 
towards the Foundation. Around 
$20,000 which E. V. Richards, the 
New Orleans showman, had ear- 
marked in the past, will probably 
also go into the PP. 

The Pioneers' past annual din- 
ners have accumulated sufficient 
funds so that a small committee, 
within the PP. already has been 
so succoring the needy. 

A1 Lichtman meantime has been 
named to head the Pioneers’ 1951 
dinner committee. The "Pioneer 
of the Year’’ has yet to be selected. 
The Starlight Roof of the Waldorf- 
Astoria. per usual, will be the site 
of the annual banquet on Nov. 15. 


TV Price Windfall Seen 

Exhibs who are looking for- 
ward to mass production of 
theatre TV equipment to bring 
the price down, may get an 
unexpected windfall in that di- 
rection if the Federal Com- 
munications Commission grants 
present requests for educa- 
tional channels. 

Some of the theatre tele 
manufacturers are known to 
be planning equipment for 
schools. They foresee a tre- 
mendous eventual sale of the 
same sets to educational in- 
stitutions as are used in small 
theatres. 



FOR B’WAY FIX 


aramount, UPT In Growing Snail; 
Booking Differences Key to Situation 


TALK WITH ‘COUPLE OF 
GUYS’ NETS M G PACT 

Cincinnati, Aug. 7. 

Dean Miller, star of WCPO TV’s 
"Meet the Ladies” and "Movie 
Time** said Monday (0» he’s signed 
a seven-year acting contract with 
Metro. Mort Watters hold a pre- 
viously signed contract with Miller 
hut said he will make a deal to allow 
Miller the opportunity for advance- 
ment in films. Watters signed Mil- 
ler off WMC, Memphis, a year ago. 

According to Miller, his film 
break resulted from discussion he 
had on a train last month with a 
‘ >ouple of strangers” while head- 
ing for a California vacation. It 
*as about the merits of films and 
television. 

Strangers were Dore Schary and 
L- K. Sidney, who had Miller take 
screen test under direction of 
George Sidney. 


Offers Public Sale 
Of Stock in Minn. 
To Back Prod. Co. 


Minneapolis, Aug. 7. 
The Arst public sale of stock ever 
to be made in Minnesota, and, as 
far as is known, the second. any- 
where, to help finance the produc- 
tion and marketing of theatre and 
TV pix, finds W. R. Frank, local 
theatre circuit owner and Holly- 
wood producer, offering 400.000 
shares of Class A stock in the W. R 
Frank Associates, Inc., a Minneso- 
ta corporation, at $1 a share. Frank 
himself is peddling the shares from 
his office in one of his theatres, and 
the stock is offered only in Minne- 
sota where the state’s security 
commission has approved the issue. 

Incorporation articles provide 
that Frank himself shall be the 
only officer, director or executive 
to receive compensation. As pres- 
ident and general manager he will 
receive as salary 50,000 shares of 
the "B” stock if, at the end of a 
three-year period, dividends have 
been earned and paid on the "A" 
stock. 

Frank recently made a deal with 
RKO to acquire its interest in the 
picture, "All That Money Can 
Buy,” which he and several asso- 
ciates produced. As sole ofcner 
he’s now reissuing It as ‘The Devil 
and Daniel Webster." its original 
title. Prospectus says that $50,000 
of the net proceeds of the stock 
sale will be used to obtain a 6% 
first mortgage on this picture, 

(Continued on page 56) 

Rouse-Creene Point To 
Writing as B.O. Key 
Not Exhib-Prod. Yatata 

Current efforts by the Council of 
Motion, Picture Organizations to 
bolster the b.o. via regular meet- 
ings between exhibitors and pro- 
ducers for an interchange of 
views on film-making is questioned 
by the writing-producing-directing 
team of Russell Rouse and Clar- 
ence Greene. 

They hope the COMPO confabs 
will achieve a greater intra-trade 
harmony of operations but are 
convinced the all-industry outfit is 
dealing onl> with surface prob- 
lems. The roots of the trade’s ills 
are in pic production, and the busi- 
ness conduct among the various 
phases of the trade is secondary, 
they believe. 

It’s the quality of production 
that counts and, say RAG. holding 
the key to this are the Hollywood 
pic writers. Yet. all but top-name 
scripters are confined to a limited 
operational orbit and subject to the 
whims and dictates of others not 
acquainted with their art, They’ve 
become the industry’s "forgotten 
men,” RAG declare. 

The RAG team wonders about 
the qualifications of those who par- 
ticipate in the producer-exhlb hud- 
dles, in which the exhibs are to 
(Continued on page 13) 


Product jams at a couple of spots 
and intensifying rivalry within the 
ranks of both distributors and ex- 
hibitors are resulting in sweeping 
departures from traditional book- 
ing practices in N. Y.’s showcase 
sector. 

There’s a rift between United 
Paramount Theatres’ flagship house, 
the Paramount, and Paramount 
Pictures. UPT refused to go along 
on Par’s terms on "Rhubarb” and 
consequently the pi j has been 
booked for Harry Brandt's nearby 
Globe. Par’s "A Place in the Sun” 
is set for the Capitol, marking the 
first time the Loew’s house will 
serve as a first-run outlet for Par. 

Columbia and City Investing Co., 
operator of the Astor and Victoria, 
disclosed a deal yesterday (Tues.) 
for a continuing booking tieup. 
This is designed to guarantee the 
two theatres a constant source of 
supply and. of course, provides Col 
with important showcase outlets. 

The long runs of Metro’s “The 
Great Caruso” and the current 
’’Show Boat” are forcing three 
films, which normally would play 
the Hall, elsewhere, including 
"Place in the Sun.” Other two are 
(Continued on page 18) 


l 


Depinet Back in N. Y. 


Ned E. Depinet, KKO prexy, is 
back in N. Y. following 10 days 
on the Coast. 

He had been at the four-day con- 
ference of the Council of Motion 
Picture Organizations and spent 
the balance of his stay at the RKO 
studios. 


See Johnston 

,# 

Returning .To 

MPAAOctl 


Washington, AqjL 7. 


Col Gets Preferential - 
B way Deal Via City 
Investing’s Astor, Vic 

Two-way preferential deal has 
pbeen set by Columbia and City In- 
vesting Co. on booking Columbia 
pix into the Astor and Victoria on 
Broadway. It is reminiscent of 
the preferential booking arrange- 
ment on the Astor which Samuel 
Goldwyn and David O. Selnick 
jointly held several years ago *— — 

Because of the aiitltrust decree 
provisions that distribs sell picture- 
by - picture. theatre - by - theatre, 
terms of the Col-CI arrangement 
are necessarily loose. It amounts 
virtually to a two-day "first refu- 
sal” pact. It’s understood to be a 
15-month deal. 

Setup provides that Col will of- 
fer all of its product first to Maur- 
ice Maurer, operator of the Astor 
and Victoria for Cl. He’ll book 
whatever he agrees is suitable qual- 
ity for the houses. If Col has a 
(Continued on page 17) 


Economic Stabilization Adminis- 
trator Eric A. Johnston is definite- 
ly set to return to the presidency 
of the Motion Picture Assn, of 
America on Oct. 1, according to 
insiders here. That's the date his 
leave of absence from MPA A ex- 
pires. 

However, informants are not so 
certain on how long Johnston in- 
tends to remain at the association’s 
helm. They figure he’s gained con- 
siderable stature in the ESA post 
and it’s long since been reported 
that Johnston has political aspira- 
tions. 

Reason for his ESA bowout is that 
he feels his job has been done and a 
successor could take over with a 
minimum of difficulty. That the 
former U. S. Chamber of Com- 
merce president has handled the 
ESA reins with good results is 
acknowledged widely. When John- 
ston was originally appointed there 
were numerous skeptics who felt 
the post was too tough for John- 
ston, that he probably would lose 
much political favor because of it. 

There’s one big consideration. j 
however, in linking Johnston with 
any possible public office. While 
he scored as ESA topper, there are 
some within Republican Party 
ranks who feel he was too friendly 
with the present Administration. 

To what extent his hand-holding 
with the Truman Administration 
will impair his political chances is 
difficult to determine at this time. 


National Boxoffice Survey 

Cooler Weather Hypos Trade; ‘Show Boat’ Champ 
4th Week in Row; Disney ‘Alice, ‘Moonlight’ Next 


Rain in some localities and cooler 
weather in others are giving film 
grosses a jab in the arm this stanza. 
Improved biz is reflected in bigger 
grosses for the top five pictures 
now playing in key cities covered 
by Variety. It is a matter of new, 
stronger fare getting out into full- 
scale distribution, with exhibitors 
looking for continued stout trade 
until the big fall season is 
igunched shortly. 

• For the fourth consecutive week. 
"Show Boat” (M-G) is finishing 
first nationally despite being hold- 
over or extended-run in many 
spots. Pic shows up in about 15 
keys currently, with total gross of 
better than $380,000. 

"Alice in Wonderland” <RKO- 
Disney). launched only a week ago, 
is climbing to a strong second posi- 
tion. showings being big to terrific. 
It has completely overshadowed 
Bunin’s "Alice,” which has less 


"Francis To Races” <U). second 
last week, is landing eight money 
with "Convict Lake” (20th) ninth. 
"Rich. Young, Pretty” (M-G) is 
rounding out the Big 10 list though 
only out on a few dates. 

"Ace in Hole” (Par), "Frogmen” 
(20th), "Mask of Avenger” (Col) 
and "Prince Who Was Thief" <U) 
are runnersup. in that order. 

Resides "My Boy,” Disney’s 
"Alice” and "Belvedere.” which 
promise to be heard from addi- 
tionally, three other new produc- 
tions loom as potentially high 
grossers. "Qapt. Horatio Horn- 
blower” (WB) lived up to ad- 
vance expectations on its two 
initial first-run engagements in 
Washington. D. C.. being smash in 
both houses. 

"Bright Victory” (U» also shapes 
up big on basis of its strong open- 
ing-week showing at N. Y Victoria. 
"Little Egypt,” also from the Uni- 


then $25,000 to show for four play- versal tent. I k sock on Its preem in 
dates this round. The Disney , Chicago. "Warpath'' (Par) looks 

in lightweight in L A "Cattle Drive” 
(U). also new, looms okay to fair. 


"Alice” is bettering $280,000 
some 14 key cities. 

"Moonlight Bay” 'WB) again is 
third while "That’s My Boy” (Par) 
is soaring to fourth although only 
launched so far in four key cities 
covered by Variety. "Cyrano 1 


“Little Big Horn” (Lip) is rated 
big in Denver. "Oliver Twist” 
<UA>. not doing so well in some 
locations, is terrific on first N. Y. 
week, with crix praise helping. 
(UA) coos fifth place with some j "Happy Go Lovely” (RKO) is 
excellent sessions. "Belvedere mild in N. Y. "Peking Express” 
Rings Bell” (20th). also Just getting (Par) continues disappointing, 
started out, is sixth while 'Tates of . (Complete Boxoffice Reports on 
l Hoffmann” (Indie) is seventh. i Popes 8-9). 


The strain in relations between 
Paramount and United Paramount 
Theatres that many insiders have 
long felt inevitable has finally oc- 
curred. The picture and the thea- 
tre companies, which were one 
until divorcement, have been in a 
continuous and increasingly bitter 
fetid for almost a month.* 

Feud Is said to center around the 
Paramount. N. Y., which is con- 
trolled by UPT. It’s understood to 
be a two-way affair, with Par 
u unit'd ai the frequency with 
which UPT has gone to other dis- 
tribs for pix for the Broadway flag- 
ship and UPT huffy at the terms 
being asked by Par for some of its 
product. ' 

Crux is understood to have been 
hit with "A Place In the Sun,” 
George Stevens’ adaptation of "An 
American Tragedy/’ with Mont- 
gomery Clift, Shelley Winters and 
Elizabeth Taylor starred. It was 
originally booked into the Music 
Hat! and when Par periled it rather 
than wait until near the end of the 
year for a playdate, Loew’s offered 
a giant guarantee to get the pic 
for the Capitol. 

UPT refused to meet the Agure. 
Loew’s Capitol, which had never 
(Continued on page 17> 

Reveal ‘Authentic’ Book 
As Partial Hoax, Putting 
Kramer on Spot Via 

Stanley Kramer has been put on 
something of a spot this week via 
disclosure by the American Prison 
Assn, that last winter’s best-seller, 
"My Six Convicts,” is at least part- 
ly a boax. Kramer has a film ver- 
sion well on the way toward pro- 
duction and the pic was announced 
by Columbia Monday (6) for this 
season’s release. 

Kramer, it is understood, will 
disregard thdi charges carried in 
The Prison World, official publica- 
tion of the American Prison Assn. 
Producer will go ahead with the 
pic, but emphasis on its authentic 
(Continued on page 17) 


arjety 

Trsda Mark Ragiatarad 
FOUNDED BY CDCC SILVERMAN 
Pobllshad Waakly By VARIBTY. INC 

Harold Erichs. President 
154 West 46th St. Naw York If. N. Y 

Hollywoo d M 
6911 Ynoea Street 
Washlaatoa 4 

1969 Nations) Press BuUdinf 
Chlcaao 11 

•IS No. MicMgaa Ava. 

London WC1 

• St Martin’s PI.. Trafat**r Sq. 


SUBSCRIPTION 

Annual . . S10 * ore I in . . . 911 

Slngla Copies 95 Cants 

ABEL GREEN. Editor 


Vol. 183 


ISO 


No. 9 


INDEX 

Bills :• 

Chatter 

Film Reviews 

House Reviews 

Inside Legit 

Inside Music 

Inside Pictures . . . , 

Inside Radio 

International 

Legitimate 

Literati ; 

Music 

New Acta 

Night Club Reviews 

Obituaries 

Pictures 

Radio-Television . . 
Radio Reviews 

Records 

Frank Scully 

Television Reviews 
Vaudeville 




56 
62 

6 

55 
60 
48 
13 
31 
.10 

57 
.61 
.41 

56 
.50 
63 

3 

22 

34 

42 

61 

30 

50 


DAILY VARIBTY 
(PuMiyhed In Hollywood hj 
Daily V art tty. Ltd > 

•If a Yaar. 616 Fortin 








ivennn' 


MPEA Board Indicates Approval 
Near on AngMIS. Agreement; 
See Remittance Up By $5,800,000 


Motion Picture Export Assn, f 
board .yesterday «Tues.) indicated 
that the proposed new Anglo- 
American film remittance agree- 
ment would be approved. While no 
forma! vote was taken, pending 
further study of the terms by sev- 
eral member companies, majority 


B«ck Elite RKO 


Legion ‘S’ for 4 Pit 

Four new dims from three stu- 
dios were handed a *‘B" rating last 
week by the National Legion of 
Decency. Pictures are “Casa 
Manana" 4 Mono), "A Millionaire 
for Christy" <20th>, ••Pickup" (Col) 
and "Two of a Kind" «Col). 

"Manana." "Millionaire" and 
"Pickup" drew the "B" classifica- 
tion for their "suggestive se- 
quences" while "Two of a Kind" 
"tends to condone immoral ac- 
tions." 


Hollywood, Aug. 7. 

Producer John Beck, upon com- 
pleting his contract, checked off 
the RKO lot. 

of the directors, as well as other j He had been working on the 
industryites. hinted they thought studios "Ballet De Paris" during 
the new deal eminently satis- his six month stay on the lot. 
factory. — . ■ ■— 

Details of the proposed agree- 
ment. which emerged after three 1 I\ # • 

weeks of conferences in London j I IlCfiP V ^011110 
between a team of American film l/WUvj l/vvl UU} 
negotiators and officials of the 

British government, were* pre- p *1 • *41* * 

Rented to the hoard by Joyce 1H lllltf'O 

O’Hara. MPEA v. p. UUOIAJ 111 , ililVV 

Major point of the agreement is 

that American companies will re- f\ 1 O * 

eeive an additional $5,000,000 for I IllPl Willi YilHIITl 

each of the two years, beginning l/llvl ft 1111 1/1111111 

Oct. 1. 1951. It is anticipated that 

the new deal would bring in a total Battle of the "Alices" on Broad- 
of $24,500,000 by Oct. 1. 1952. Un- way. as well as in a number of 
der the new pact, negotiations may cities throughout the country, ap- 
be reopened at the end of the first nears to be verging on an easy 
year by either side. knockout being scored by Walt 

The present one-year pact which Disney over Lou Runin. Latter’s 
expires Sept. 3<k MUL w4W net the version of "Alice in Wonderland," 
U. S. companies $19,500,000. There distributed by Souvaine Selective 
was a basic remittance of $17,000 - Pictures, has fared badly at the 


000. To this was added a $2,500.- 
000 production bonus. Each picture 


h o. and is having runs cut short. 
In addition to leaving the May- 


produced in England was allowed fair on Broadway today (Wed.), be "The Thief." 


Popkin Sees Indie Prod. 

In Sport Several Mos. 
Hence, With UA’s Rise 

Heavy spurt in independent pro- 
duction is likely to take place in 
fourvto five months, indie film- 
maker Harry M. Popkin declared 
in N. Y. yesterday <Tues.) He be- 
lieves by that time United Artists 
I w l ill have proved itself as a basi- 
I cally sound distribution organiza- 
tion and. consequently, banks ami 
other backers will be more Inclined 
to finance production. 

Film money Is currently con- 
tinuing tight but despite this some 
indies have managed to arrange 
for the required coin. They’ve 
worked out deals by a wide assort- 
ment of "ingenious" methods, Pop- 
kin states. 

Popkin is in N. Y. from the Coast 
to work with the UA ad-pub de- 
partment on the campaign and 
preem plans for ‘The Well." which 
Clarence Greene and Russell Rouse 
produced, wrote and directed for 
him. The combination’s next w-ill 


W«Jn Aujm* t, 195 1" 

Scoff at Mag’s Sour Grapes Vs. Pis 

Statement In the current issue of Fortune magazine to the ef - 
feet that exhibitors are "marked for slaughter" as the “only 
group in absolute competition with television" was cenerslly 
scoffed at this week by film Industry leader*. Asserting that 
the Fortune story, titled "TV’s Time of Trouble " carried no proof 
for such a blatant statement, the film execs referred to recent 
surveys by both Variety and the Council of Motion Picture 
Organizations, which* revealed that the number of drive-in houses 
and new theatres being constructed more than compensated for 
the loss of seating resulting from the shuttering of -certain 
"fringe" theatres. Latter houses, they maintained, would prob- 
ably have been closed even if there were no video competition. 

Fortune piece, a general resume of the trouble confronting TV 
because of its skyrocketing production costs, freexe on new sta- 
tions. slump in set 'sales, etc., sgld that Hollywood could win 
"substantial control" of TV if it were "willing to risk its money.’* 
Such a move, however, would "require extensive reorganizations 
and the disappearance of many of the Old Guard." who, according 
to Fortune, have little desire to risk their personal fortunes "at 
the peril of being wiped out" 

Story described theatre TV as more of a "delaying tactic than 
a weapon" in the film industry’s fight against video because it 
has "no defense against the home comforts of Phonevision." But, 
Fortune said, "the making of TV films, on the other hand, is a 
weapon by which Hollywood can protect Itself from TV’s depreda- 
tions." 

Fair Practices Group. Warns AT&T 
Vs. ‘Substantial’ Cable to “B.O. Video’ 


— * ' V- 


23' c of its budget. Also, there was 
a bonus on the distribution of Brit- 
ish product in the U S. which 
amounted to about $500,000 A lit- 
tle less than $9,000,000 will have 


it is being pulled from two other 
Brandt operations. They are the 
Midtown, w here the run will wind 
uo next Wednesday <15), and the 
72 St. Trans-Lux. where it will 


been spent on production in Eng- close tomorrow »Thurs> or Fri- 
land bv U. S. companies by Sept. ' day. 


30. 1951. 

The proposed agreement would 
allow a production bonus increase 
of bringing the total to 

33 1< j r r. Since U. S. companies have 
already committed themselves to 
spend approximately the same 
amount on oroductlon during the 
year beginning next Oct. 1. the 
U. S. take would be $3 500.000 

In addition there would be an i hit. aside from number of tickets ' J he . r 1 

entirely new source of convertible sold, by the fact that price was izc , d ad ‘P“ b 1 mIT* 

Income through the Eady tax olan 25c for children all day. with most ? u * an> b °^ k 1 ^ si 

which went into effect in Britain of the trade being confined to i?.* 8 were described as in line with 

last week. U. S. dfttribs are guar- afternoons. 0V 5 r ?*J * W / Cy ii° i C w k ^ 

anteed a minimum of $4,000,000 - — ... the activities of all field branches, 


Disney’s version of the Lewis 
Carroll classic, meanwhile, con- 
tinue smash at the Criterion on 
Broadway. It hit a terrific $55,000 
for its initial week and looks 
headed fo** about $44,000 this 
stanza, with a long run ahead. 

Bunin’s "Alice" is believed to 
have done about $17,000 the first 
week at the Mayfair and about 
$9,000 the second. Gross w r as hard- 


2-Day U Meet to Probe 
Problems in the Field 

Entire canvassing of field prob- 
lems and an analysis of current 
marketing conditions generally 
will be taken up by Universal 
! homeoffice execs, division and dis- 
trict managers at a two-day meet- 
ing in N. Y. opening next Monday 
< 13 L Charles J. Feldman, domestic 
sales manager, will conduct the 
sessions. 

Aim is to look into each individ- 
ual territory with the view of fur- 


F&M’s TV Application 

St. Louis. Attf. 7. 

Fanchon & Marco will remodel 
its shuttered St. Louis, a 3.800- 
seater in midtown, into a television 
house, according to TV application 
made last week to the FCC. 

St. Louis has one TV station. 
KSD-TV, owned and operated by 
the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Ap- 
plications for permits by several 
other local stations are pending be- 
fore the FCC. 


Experienced first-run operators 
under this plan. * figure that the run at the three 

Scheme is based on increased N ew York houses might have cost 
theatre admission taxes imposed in Souvaine as much as $7.000-$8.000 
Britain Based on normal attend- j in light of the gross , s as againjJt 

p i! ,vl< n f/J Additional the $15,000 or more that was spent 
$39,200,000. The British govern- j n advertising. It is not unusual 


both domestically and abroad. 

Alfred E. Daff, company’s global 
sales chief, is now on a swing of 
foreign offices, solidifying opera- 
tions. 


ment will get a 50^© cut and oro- 
ducers — distributors and exhibitors 
will split the remainder. The Amer- , 
lean companies share of this snlit 
would normally average $3,360,000. 
according to estimates, but the new 
agreement would Guarantee the 
U S. companies $4,000,000. 

Because 26 uses for frozen dol- 
(Continued on page 15) 


(Continued, on page 17) 


Await McCarthy in Paris 
Before Naming Successor 
To Gerald Mayer at MPAA 


Charge TV Breach on Pix 
Made By Pressburger 

Defer FCC Hearings On I tionwide TV Corp. last week were 

TL l Til a XV named defendants in a $100,000 

I heatre I V to NOV. Zb damage suit brought in N. Y. 

...... . _ Federal Court by Arnold Produc- 

ts ashmgton, Aug. 7. tions. Action charges that Favor- 
Start of FCC hearings on theatre 1 ite breached a May. 1947, agree- 
television has been postponed from ment whereby it was to exploit 


Sept. 17 to Nov. 26. Deadline for 
filing statements in connection with 
the proceedings has also been ex- 
tended from Aug. 15 to Oct. 26. 


Arnold’s feature pix, "Hangmen 
Also Die" and "It Happened To- 
morrow." on TV. 

Instead of devoting its own ef- 
forts to promoting sale of the 
While no reason was given by 1 films. Favorite allegedly violated 

I the Commission for the delay it’s | the pact by assigning the pictures 

Paris, Aug. 7. understood that pressure on law- j to Nationwide and failing to keep 

Permanent successor to the re- yers in preparing testimony and | proper records in connection with 

the pictures. It’s also charged 
that Favorite willfully neglected 
to pay monies due Arnold under 
the deal 

Arnold also asks that the 1947 
pact be cancelled and terminated, 


cently-vacated posL of continental exhibits for the short-cut procedure 
manager for the Motion Picture adopted to eliminate oral hearings 
Assn, of America is not expected to °n the TV allocation plan was re- 
be r.amcd until John G. McCarthy, j sponsible. The Commission, it was 
head of the MPAA’s international noted, selected as the new* date for 
division, arrives here. Gerald May- theatre TV hearings the deadline 
er resigned from the berth last day for submitting final pleadings all prints he returned and an *c- 


week to rejoin the U. S. State De- on Ih* allocations, 
part ment, and Eugene Van Dee. I It’s expected the theatre TV 
his assistant, will handle the job hearings will run from two to three 
temporarily. weeks. Principal issues in the pro- 

With the windup of the Anglo- feeding are the need for special 
American film agreement discus- frequencies to relay programs to 
sions in London last week. Me- 1 the theatres, adequacy of private 
Cart by is expected tc pass through I ‘common carrier) facilities, and 
Paris Friday <10» on his way to , justification for the service in the 
Spain. Foreign chief will head for public interest. 

Holland Aug. 15 and w ill also visit 


Germany. It’s not anticipated he’ll 
make an extended Paris stay until 
a French cabinet is formed. 

Mayer joined the MPAA in 1946 
as associate manager of the inter- 
national division and became its 
managing director the following 
year. He held the post until 1948. 
when he went to Paris to supervise 
MPAA’s continental operations. 
Prior to joining the association he 
acted as European chief of the 
Office of Information and Cultural 
Affair* of the U. S. State Depart- 
ment, 


N. Y. to L. A. 

Goodman Ace 
Lucinda Ballard 
Sid Blumenstock 
Howard Dietz 
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. 
Cary Grant 
Victor Jory 
Nancy Kelly 
Charles Laughton 
Robert L* Lippert 
Mtlton R. Rackmil 
George Scher 
Arthur Schwartz 




counting be made. Originally re- 
leased by United Artists about 
eight years ago, "Hangmen" and 
"Tomorrow" were both produced 
by the late Arnold Prrssburger. 


Europe to N. Y. 

Anne Anderson 
Jacques Bar 
Ralph Bellamy 
Lowell Bennet» 

Sarah Churchill 
Cathleen Cordell 
Rev. Gilbert Hartke 
Howard Lindsay 
Gerald Mayer 
Perlita Neiison 
C. C. Philippe 
Margaret Phillip* 

Lily Pon* 

David Rose 
Herman Shumlin 
Red Skelton 
Dorothy Stlckney 
Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr. 


Production Out - 
In Lippert Switch 
To Distribution 


Future policy of his company, 
producer-distributor Robert L. Lip- 
pert revealed in New York last 
week t points to an expansion of the 
firm’s distribution arm. In line with 
this objective Lippert has made 
several deals which will feed out- 
side product to his own releasing 
organization. Lippert Pictures. Inc. 
In addition, he plans to increase his 
sales personnel. 

Lippert Is reported dropping 
completely his own production. 

Lippert, who returned to the 
U.# S. Thursday (26) after four 
weeks in Europe, set joint produc- 
tion programs with film-makers In ( 
Italy and France, and also con- 
ferred with James Carreras, prez 
of Exclusive Films. In Britain. He 
has an arrangement with Exclusive 
which calls for co-production of 
nine pictures over the next 15 
months. 

Stepup in his distribution facili- 
ties. Lippert disclosed, is prompted 
by the theory that . w-tth United 
Artists' absorption of Eagle Lion 

(Continued on page 15) 


N. Y. to Europe 

Charles H. <Bud) Barry 
John Bromfield 
Bill Brooks 
Corinne Calvet 
Judy Canova 
Dale Carnegie 
Jack Carson 
Marian Colbv 
Joseph Cotten 
Dixie Dean 
Dee Engnebach 
Bernard (Uasscr 
Larry Hagepian 
Richard Halliday 
Honey Family 
Richard Joseph 
Alfred Knopf 
Pinky Lee 
Borden Mace 
Mary Martin 
Joseph H. McConnell 
Henry Michaud 
Rosa Mortel 
Paul Nath.\nsoa 
Alfred Santell 
Robert C. Schnltzer 
Robert Stack 
Jack L. Warner - 
Alec Waugh 
Josh White 
Earl Wilson 
Jadin Wong 


Washington, Aug. 7. 
Continuing its battle against the- 
atre TV, the Fair Television Prac- 
tice* Committee last week want 
after American Telephone & Tele- 
graph Co. with a gentle reminder 
that furnishing coaxial cable facili- 
ties in substantial volume for "box- 
office" video might create public 
interest problems. 

In a letter to C. F. Craig, presi- 
dent of AT&T, Jerome W. Marks, 
chairman of the FTPC, said he un- 
derstood that "one or more groups 
interested in' boxoffice television 
has applied, or intends to do so. 
for s substantial portion of coaxial 
cable time to transmit telecasts of 
sports events or theatrical enter- 
tainment t<f theatres in various 
parts of the country." 

While saying he did not wish to 
interfere in the "business relation- 
ships" of the company. Marks re- 
minded Craig "of the deep public 
interest involved in any of the 
decisions of the company which 
might reduce the amount of co- 
axial cable time available for the 
transmission of TV programs for 
the general benefit of TV set own- 
ers." 

Marks declared that theatre TV 
sponsors have "heretofore" de- 
prived setowners of important 
sports programs, "and it is the 
apparent intent of these groups to 
contract for the rights to telecast 
an increasing number of -such 
events for the sole purpose of being 
able to charge admission to such 
telecasts in theatres." 

The FTPC chairman told Craig 
there Is "some indication" that the- 
atre TV operations may involve 
"illegal monopoly" but he said he 
did not challenge the right of 

(Continued on page 56) 

L. A. to N. Y. 

John Auer 
John Bromfield 
Corinne Calvet 
Judy Canova 
Jeff Chandler 
Charles Clark 
Wendell Corey 
George Cukor 
Pat Dl Cicco 
Philip Dorn 
Whitney Ellsworth 
Jack Emanuel 
Anthony Brady Farrell 
C. S. Forester 
Bernard Glaaser 
Bert Granet 
Jan Grippo 
Robert Hill 
George Je&sel 
Walter A. Klinger 
Karl Malden 
Gloria Marlow# 

Tony Martin 
Gary Merrill 
Bill On- 
Tony Owen 
Bert Parka 
Harry M. Popkin 
Otto Preminger 
Donna Reed 
Janice Rule 
Olga San Juan 
Robert Sarnoff 
Bigelow Sayra 
Lloyd Sloan 
Robert Snody 
Harry-Spears 
Robert Stack 
Fred Wile 
Shirley Yamaguchi 


ff'r'lnraday, AlgMl 8, 19S1 


SEE ODLUM EYEING RKO CONTROL 

^ ■ ■ ■ - - *< 

Stockholders Prep (or Tiff, Seek 
To Outvote Hughes on RKO Control 


Dispute between Howard Hughes ♦* 
Jfld a dissident Wall St. stock-*- 
h)ldfr group over management of 
Theatres has finally devel- 
into an out-and-out proxy 
bittle. Downtowners, long-hesitant 
ta get into such a fight with RKO’s 
controlling stockholder, say they 
ire still ready to negotiate, but are 
surt mg formal preparations for 
gathering voting strength “just in 

ca>i 

Annual stockholders' meeting is 
let (or December. Wall Streeters, 
led b> David J. Greene, arc now 
setting up a committee to gather 
proxies in preparation for that ses- 
sion If they can swing more votes 
than Hughes, they can elect a 
majority to The board and take 
management control away from 

him ' 

- Hughes owns 929.020- shares of 
stock Greene himself controls 
about 300.000 shares and has the 
support of a number of other large 
mieie-vi* ou the Street Whether 
they can wrest board control from 
Hughes will depend on how many 
other shareholders each group can 
swing to iU side. 

Committee is expected to hold 
\\s first huddle in a few weeks. 
JUenitHMs are said to include actual 
stockholders, plus others who in 
an advisory or other capacity con- 
trol blocks of shares. 

While the group has been very 
wary of getting into open battle 
with Hughes, a rep of Greene said 
this week: “We wouldn’t proceed 
as we are doing unless we had 
reason to believe we Tan collect 
enough proxies to outvote him." 

Fear of Battle 

Fear of getting into a frontal 
battle with the millionaire RKO 
topper grows out of the vast re- 
sources he controls and his well- 
known determination in a fight. 
Greene and associates believe he 
might well go out on the market 
and buy up shares at inflated 
prices if necessary, to acquire 
.enough to beat them. 

As a result, the Greene group 
is continuing w'hat it calls its 
“discussions" with Hughes' reps. 
Actually, some weeks it pre- 
sented a case for “adequate" board 
representation to RKO Theatres 

(Continued on page 15> 


Col Settles India’ Suit 

Los Angeles. Aug. 7. 

Columbia made an out-of-court 
settlement with Albert S. Rogell 
and Manning Post of a hassle in- 
volving an accounting of receipts 
from the picture, “Song of India." 

Pair produced the film under the 
Parliament Pictures banner but 
later dissolved their partnership 
and turned the case over to Gordon 
W. Levey as trustee. Latter said 
the producers' rights were turned 
over to Columbia, which released 
the picture, but declined to say 
how much coin changed hands. 


SEC Rule Curbs 
Offers to Buy Out 
Hughes’ Control 

Aside from Howard Hughes’ de- 
mand that he get a profit on his 
RKO Theatres Shares, a principal 
item discouraging interest of pros- 
pective buyers is a regulation of 
the Securities & Exchange Com- 
mission. Known as Rule X10B5, 
this requires any would-be pur- 
chaser to olTer the same deal to 
all other stockholders as he offers 
to Hughes. 

While a buyer* may be willing 
to pay more than the market price 
for Hughes* 929.020 shares, since 
they’d give him control of the 
circuit, he almost certainly would 
not want to give the same amount 
for each of the approximately 3.- 
000.000 other shares outstanding. 

The RKO Theatres shares can 
now be purchased on the New* 
York Stock Exchange for about 
$3.50. RKO picture company stock 
is selling at about the same price. 
Hughes bought them prior to di- 
vorcement of the two firms at a 
combined price of about $9 a 
share. 

Reps of the millionaire oil drill 
king, and pic producer are known 
to have suggested to negotiators 
for Louis R. Lurie recently that 
Hughes wants a profit of $3 on the 
combined shares. Lurie, wealthy 
San Francisco realty operator, who 
has been anxious to buy the com- 
pany. is said to have laughed at 
the proposal. 

Lurie has offered $3 .*50 per share 
for the theatre stock. It is be- 
lieved likely he’d go up somewhat 

(Continued on page 17) 


Mono-UA in Co-op On 
'Babe Ruth’-'Robinson’ 

- Sale as Reissue Combo 

Hollywood, Aug. 7. 

Sales manager Morey Goldstein 
has notified Monogram-Allied Art- 
ht< exchanges to cooperate with 
•ll United Artists branches in set- 
t»ng up reissue combination of 
A. Vs Halve Ruth Story" and 
'Jackie Robinson Story" now* han- 
dled by VA. 

Unique arrangement is being 
forked out to take advantage of 
the public's enthusiasm for the cur- 
rent major league pennant races, 
film rentals on all engagements 
"ill he split evenly between the 
two companies, each of which will 
make up its own contracts. 


IMS STOCK BO) 
CUES NEW SETUP 

Disclosure by Atlas Corp., head- 
ed by Floyd B. Odium, that it has 
acquired 76.500 shares of RKO Pic- 
tures common, has resulted in 
speculation that Odium is again 
thinking of taking over the film 
outfit. 

The stock buy finds Atlas still a 
small minority holder, compared 
with Howard Hughes' ownership of 
929.020 shares, but the big invest- 
ment trust may well continue such 
acquisitions until it has reached 
the point of threatening Hughes’ 
control. 

When that tim* comes, it's be- 
lieved Hughes would be more in- 
clined to sell his holdings back to 
Atlas, the original owner. The 
929.020 shares were purchased by 
Hughes from Odium in 1948 at 
close to $9 per share. That was for 
the old parent corporation. Market 
value has been running about $7, 
on the basis of about $3.50 per 
share each of the two new RKO 
outfits, the product ion-distrib firm 
and the theatre affiliate. 

Short time ago an Odium rep 
was on the Coast and there 
were rumors he had huddled with 
Hughes’ associates. Whether they 
actually talked a deal was not dis- 
closed. In any event, the indications 
continue that Odium is interested 
in re-acquiring control, either by 
buying up shares on the open mar- 
ket or via a direct transaction with 
Hughes. 

Odium’s Option 

Even when the sale was consum- 
mated in '48. Odium indicated he 
might want to buy back at a later 
date. Part of the deal then gave 
Odium an option""" to re-purchase 
the shares by way of matching the 
price offered by any third party. 

This right of first-refusal has 
since been questioned by Hughes. 
He contends that other parties have 
made offers to buy the stock and 
Odium declined to meet the price. 
The Odium position is that the 
offers were not sufficiently firm to 
(Continued on page 63) 


Krim & Co. Have Plenty of Problems, 
But Feel UA Now ‘Over the Hump’ 


Decision Near on F & M 
Suit Against Majofi, FWC 

Los Angeles. Aug. 7. 

Oral arguments in the Fanchon 
& Marco antitrust suit against six 
major distributors and Fox-West 
(Mast were completed in Federal 
Court after seven weeks of trial. 
An early decision has been prom- 
ised by Judge Leon Yankwich. 

Plaintiff demands first-run prod- 
for the Baldwin Hills Theatre 
•Hi charges conspiracy to control 
»nd monopolize first-run exhibition 
J n O’** L A. area. If the Baldwin 
Is sustained it will mean drastic 
changes in the L.A. County dis- 
b'butlon system, affecting Pasa- 
Glendale and other nearby 

towns. 

Defendants, in addition to Fox- 
Coast, are RKO. Paramount, 
Metro. 20th-Fox, Universal and 
Lnited Artists, 


20th s Non-Competing 
Nabe Policy Bows in Del 

Detroit. Aug. 7. 

Twentieth-Fox’s plan for exhib- 
iting pictures in nearly 200 nabe 
houses on a non-competing basis 
went into effect Sunday (5*. Joseph 
J. Lee. district 20th manager, ex- 
plained that a survey showed as 
many as 40 subsequent-run theatres 
have been playing the same pic- 
tures at the same time much to the 
displeasure of the movie-going 
public. 

First films to be released under 
the plan will be “Half Angel" and 
“Sword of Monte Cristo" to one 
group of nabes. and “House Tele- 
graph H1U" and “As Young As 
Feel” to another. In midweek, the 
two groups will exchange product. 
Next week the pairings will be “On 
Riviera"-‘*Lucky Nick Cain" and 
“Take Care My Girl"-“Guy Who 
Came Back." 

Other exhlbs are watching the 
experiment with interest. If it is 
successful they may join the plan. 


Appeal U. S. Rule 
Pix ‘Unessential’ 


An appeal by the Council of 
Motion Picture Organizations from 
the action of the Department of 
Commerce removing the picture 
industry from the “list of essential 
activities" has been submitted to 
the Secretary of Commerce by 
Robert W. Coyne, general counsel. 

On Aug. 1. 1950, the Department 
issued a statement named 'Tenta- 
tive List of Essential Activities." 
which included the production, 
distribution, and exhibition of pic- 
tures. But a statement on April 8. 
1951, excluded the film industry 
from that category. It is from this 
latter action that COMPO appeals. 

The appeal asked that a hearing 
be granted the industry. Review 
of the industry's wartime contribu- 
tions was also included. 


Owen Back to Work 

* Hugh Owen, Paramount’s east- 
ern and southern division man- 
ager, is expected back at the N. Y. 
homeofftce on Monday (13). 

He’s been ill at home the past 
two months. , ^ * 


Kids Poll Pix lit 

Minneapolis, Aug. 7. 

Downtown first - run “A" 
house, the Gopher, polled its 
children-undcr-12 patrons to 
determine if their first love 
now is TV or theatre pix. 

Poll revealed that 98% of 
the youngsters for whom TV 
is available in their own or 
neighbors’ homes prefer “to 
go to the movies." “It’s the 
movies for us if we have the 
price." the kiddies told in- 
quiring ushers. 

Most of the small fry made 
clear the only TV film fare 
for which they care are the 
westerns, but thev also enjoy 
“most" of the children's TV 
shows. However, screen 
comedies < particularly those of 
Bob Hope. Martin 6c Lewis 
and Abbott 6c Costello) are 
their favorites by a very con- 
siderable margin, the poll 
brought out. 


Dozier Exits Goldwyn 

Hollywood. Aug. 7. 

William Dozier, signed by Sam- 
uel Goldwryn March 20 as the pro- 
ducer's assistant and story editor, 
effective April 2, checked off the 
Goldwyn lot over the weekend. 
Pact was on a week-to-week basis. 

Prior to Goldwyn stint. Dozier 
was under contract to Cplumbia as 
a producer. 


Skouras Denies 
Frisco Wedge Vs. 
Goldwyn Product 

Hollywood, Aug. 7. 

Spyros Skouras, in a deposition 
in Sam Goldwyn’s antitrust suit, 
categorically denied that either 
20th-Fox, of which he is prez, or 
National Theatres, 20th‘s theatre j 
subsidiary, had ever entered into j 
any agreements with a competitor 
to remove a free and open market 
for Goldwyn in the Frisco area so 
latter couldn't get a fair price for 
his product. * 

Taking of Skouras deposition, 
expected to take several days, was 
completed in one day. Most of the 
testimony sought by Goldwyn at- 
torneys had already been provided 
by Charles Skouras in an earlier 
deposition. 

Under questioning by Joseph L. 
Alioto, attorney for Goldwyn in 
Frisco. Skouras asserted nobody 
would take a chance to discuss such 
a subject as picture allotments. 
This was in direct answer to a 
question whether, after the split 
between National Theatres and Mi- 
chael A. Naify, and again after sev- 
erance of the United Artists Thea- 
tres and National Theatres ioint 
operations deal, there had been 
any discussions about allocation of 
product. 

Also established by Skouras was 
that after the dissolution of UAT 
and NT by the consent decree. 
UAT prexy, had become a very ac- 
tive competitor to NT. Skouras 
maintained there had never been 
any discussion on a split of prod- 
uct on the Coast with Naify; no 
discussion of clearances and no 
discussion on allocation. He also 
brought out that Naify has been an 
(Continued on page 17’ 


Arthur B. Krim, Robert S. Ben- 
jamin and Matty Fox, the ruling 
triumvirate in United Artists, are 
certain now that they have the 
company “over the hump.” While 
admitting that they still have 
plenty of problems to solve, they 
are confident that they have UA 
on the road to at least sufficient 
success to assure their getting their 
50% stock interest in it. 

Company has been well in the 
black in domestic operations for 
more than a month. And. according 
to the Krim group, there is now' 
enough product running through 
the pipeline of distribution to as- 
sure continued profitable opera- 
tions until the end of the year. 

By that time they hope to be 
able to switch policy from mass 
release of ail types of product to 
distribution of a smaller, selected 
group of pix. To that end. Krim 
is in Hollywood now. engaged in 
some highly Important and inter- 

jnd t| A Lj,., uvawa 

* - - n - - v A »»•» ,.»••.*. »a | • W » a 

successful, a good part of the com- 
pany's future product problem will 
be solved. 

Brightest aspect to the Krim syn- 
dicate of the present negotiations 
is that a top New York bank hat 
agreed to finance the producer in- 
volved if a deal can ->e made. Banks 
up to now have taken a strictly 
hands-off attitude toward loans or 
pix for UA release. 

Banks heretofore have not been 
convinced that Krim and his asso- 
ciates — who on Aug. 19 will have 
had control of the company for six 
months— had brought UA to the 
point where they could be sure it 
would still be In existence 24 
months hence. Initial indication 
that an important bank now has 
such confidence in the company is, 
(Continued on page 17 > 


Mulvey Quizzed in N. Y. 

On Goldwyn Det. Suit 

James A., Mulvey, Goldwyn 
Productions prexy, who returned 
to N. Y. from Anglo-U. S. con- 
ferences in London last Friday 
(3), is again facing a barrage of 
questions by attorneys for Detroit I 
theatre interests, against which 
Goldwyn, a number of other indies 
and the Society of Independent 
Motion Picture Producers filed an 
$8,500,000 restralnt-of-trade suit 
several years ago. 

Resumption of deposition-taking 
started Monday (6’ in the Para- 
mount board room in N. Y. Ques- 
tioning will probably take all week. 

Efforts * to prove that Samuel 
Goldwyn was getting fair terms 
for his product in Detroit were 
apparent by the line of questions 
tossed at Mulvey in depositions 
taken here last June. 

Attorneys for the defendants 
were Rockwell T. Gust, for United 
Detroit Theatres; William Henry 
Gallagher, for Cooperative Thea- 
tres of Michigan; James K. Hag- 
gerty, for UDT topper Earl Hud- 
son. and David Newman, for Co- 
op chief James F. Sharkey Plain- 
tiffs were represented by Stewart 
Kerr and James Dresbach of their 
Detroit counsel. 

Basis of the suit Is that UDT 
and Co-op, by agreements between 
them, did not permit operation 
of free competitive selling. 


Lucas Estate Sells . 
Theatre Interests In 
12 Ga. Cities to UPT 

Atlanta, Aug. 7. 

The Arthur Lucas estate Friday 
(3’ sold its interest in five theatre 
companies which operate houses 
in 12 Georgia cities to United Par- 
amount Theatres, which recently 
merged with American Broadcast- 
ing Co. The Lucas sale involved 
theatres in Augusta, Macon, Colum- 
bus. Athens. Brunswick. Elberton, 
Buford, Gainesville. Waycross, 
Barnesville, St. Simons and Moul- 
trie. 

Transfer of the Lucas interests — 
comprising approximately one- 
fourth of the stock — was completed 
in New York. Although no figure 
was disclosed, it is believed that 
the deal involved a figure around 
$1,500,000. Frederick G. Storey, 
vicepresident of Georgia Theatre 
Co., and one of the trustees of the 
estate, conducted the negotiations 
for the sellers. Mrs. Arthur Lucas 
and the First National Bank of At- 
lanta are the other trustees. The 
five companies involved are the 
Georgia Theatre Co.. Savannah 
Theatres Co., Augusta Amus., Inc., 
Publlx-Lucas Theatres. Inc., and 
United Theatre Enterprises. 

The late Arthur Lucas shared an 
interest in a number of Georgia 
theatres with UPT and William K 
Jenkins. This three-way partner- 
ship was ordered dissolved by the 
Government in its consent decree 
forbidding producing companie* 
(Continued on page 56* 

’Economy’ Cues F-WC 
Exit From 2 Col Groups 

Hollywood. Aug. 7. 

’ Economy" Is blamed for Fox- 
West Coast's resignation from the 
Southern California and California 
Theatre Owners Assns. Because 
of the large number of theatres it 
' operates. F-WC was (aced with 
heavy dues ip the two organiations. 
figured at 10c per aeat. 

This, along with expenses at- 
tached to being an active member, 
[reportedly costs circuit upwards 
of $50,000 annually. 



FILM REVIEW* 


«. 1*51 



N«H Me After the Shew 

(MU SIC AL-COLOB) 

Topflight Betty Grable at- 
steal with excellent be* office 


Hollywood. Aug. 3. 


Twentieth To* release of GeorgeJeseel 
production Star* Belty Grable. Macdonald 
Carey; featuroa Rory Calhoun. Eddie Al 


bert V Fred Clark. r Lu Andrew*. Irons 
R>an. Stev# Condo*. Jerry Brandow Di- 
rected by Richard Sale. Written by Mary 
Loos and Richard Sale; «*«*e.ted by a 
story by Erna 1-aiarut and Scott 

Darling; camera (Technicolor). Arthur E. 
A r ling. dances. Jack Cole; •ona*. Jule 
Styne. Leo Robin; musical direction. 
Lionel Newman; editor. J. Watson W*bk 
Ir. Tradeshown Aug. 1. '51. Running time. 
14 MINS. 

Grable 
Carey 


Delilah w 

David Hem ins way ° *7 * 

Christopher Leeds ^ ‘t. 

Gloria Car stair* Lois Andrew* 

e rilu Irene Ryan 

Specialty Dancers St * v# B C A^°« 

and Jerry Brandon 
jo* . . Arthur Walg* 

Barney Robert .Nash 

Airline Clerk Don Kohler 

Dr Wheaton Rodney , B f U 

Harry Antrim 
Lovyss Bradley 
Jewel Rose 
Vage 


Judge 

Wardrobe Mistress 
Haird renter •••. 

' Secretary 
Orchestra Leader 

c;«w*f« 

Turnkey 


PmI •! 

•‘Pool of London,** British- 
made drama of tho London 
waterfront, which preemi at 
the Holiday Theatre, N. Y.. 
today (Wed.), waa reviewed 
In Britain by Variety in the 
issue of Feb. 28, 1951. Myro. 
described the Michael Balcon 
production as an entry with a 
“solid core of thrills, but takes 
a long time in coming to the 
point.” None of the cast, with 
the possible exception of 
Bonar Colleano. is known to 
American audiences. 

Yarn is spun within 48 hours 
when a freighter is moored to 
a London dock. “Plot goes off 
at various tangents,” Myro. 
wrole. “before finally converg- 
ing on the basic dramatic 
theme of a manhunt following 
a holdup, murder and a jewel 
robbery.” Reviewer noted that 
Basil Dearden’s direction is 
“not helped by the script, but 
takes advantage of natural 
dock and city settings.” U-l is 
distributing in -the U. S. 


• • • • • 


Carol Savage 

Haworth j Barling, Mow 4'ould Yon 


(SONG) 

Okay satire m cat who 1 b- 
heriU baseball eleb, with Bay 
Milland for as-rqueea. Aver- 
age b.e. 

Hollywood, Aug 2. 

Paramount relearn of William Pertberf 
Goorgt Seaton production. Start Ray Mil- 
land, Jau Sterling; feature* Gene Lock- 
hart. William Frawlev. Halo Holme*. Tay- 
lor Holme*. Directed by Arthur Lubtn. 
Screenplay, Dorothy Info. Fraud* Cock- 
rell; baaed on novel by H. Allen Smith; 
camera. Lionel Lindon; editor. Alma Ma- 
rrorie; music score. Vaa Cleave; aong. Jay 
Living* ton. Ray Evans. Tradoahowo July 
21 . Tl" Running Ume. M MINS. 

Eric Yeager Ray Milland 

PoUy Sickles Jan Sterling 

Thaddeua J. Banner Geno Lockhart 

Len Sickles William Frawley 

Myra Banner Elale Holmes 

P. Duncan Munk Taylor Holmoa 

Orlando DUl Willard Waterman 

Dud Logan Henry Slate 

Meadow*. James J. Griffith 

. . . Jim Hayward 
Donald Mac Bride 
Hal K. Dawson 


Oggle 

Doom . 
Pheeny 
Mr. Fisher 






Perc Launders 


Moderately successful takeoff 
on the old James M. Barrie 
play, “Alice-Sit-By-The-Fire” 
with okay marquee names. 


Hollywood, Aug. 6. 


A Technicolored, light, bright 
musical such as this Betty Grable 
offering should be a good tonic for 
a flagging boxoffice. Its grossing 
possibilities are promising. 

George Jessel has endowed it 
with five strong production num- 
bers and six tunes to make it top- 
notch escapist musical entertain- 
ment that will please the song-and- 
<Unce fan. There's a delightfully 
bawdy air about some of the num- 
bers and in the playing and direc- 
tion to sharpen the chuckles. 

Richard Sale’s direction of his 
own script, written with Mafy Loos 
and suggested by an Erna Lazarus- 
W. Scott Darling story, whip* it 
along without a slow movement. 

The dialog crackles with a smart, 
racy flavor that scores as adult 
comedy, and the story framework, 
a backstage affair, is excellent in 
holding together the tunes and 
dances. 

Y»m concerns a star-producer. Paramount has been only mod- 
husband-wife team that breaks up erately successful in putting the 
after seven years of marriage be- J»mes M Barrie play. AUce-Sit 


H. Allen Smith's humorous 
satire of a cat that inherits a major 
league ball club, along with $30- 
000.000, transfers to the screen in 
a fairly satisfactory manner. The 
94 minutes running time stretches 
the materia! rather thin, but there 
are sufficient laughs to fulfill 
comedy demands. Payoff should 
be about average in most situa- 
tions. helped by Ray Milland for 
the marquees. 

Both the script and Arthur 
Lubin’s direction work hard to pad 
out the running time, resorting to 


“Women Without Names,’* 
French import tradeshown in 
New York last week, was re- 
viewed in Variety In the Issue 
of July 12, 1950. Motk. wrote: 
“After the brilliant ’Some- 
where In Europe,’ this Is below 
par for the second in Geza 
Radvanyi’s proposed trilogy of 
the dispossessed peoples.” 
Critic added that Radvanyi’s 
direction was “erratic.” * 

Story treats with unwanted 
women housed in a camp near 
Trieste after the war. “Film 
has some excellent momenta.” 
the reviewer opined, “but on 
the whole its message is 
watered down.” He added that 
with Simone Simon and Fran- 
coise Rosay in the cast, “it 
may do for U. S. arty spots.” 
Lopert Films is distributing 
the pic, which opened at the 
World Theatre, N. Y., Mon. 
(6). 


paramount r«i«*M of Harry rueena slapstick - when the other humor 
oduetton. Stars Joan Fontaine, John I oK../.bi a c 


r rodu 

und. Mona Freeman, Peter Hanson; lea 
turf « David Stollery. Virginia Farmer 
Angela Clarke. Directed by Mitchell Let- 
ten Screenplay. Dodte Smith. Lesaer Sam- 
uels: from play. “ Alice - Sit Bjr-The- Fire.” 
by James M. Barrie; camera. Daniel L. 
Fapp; editor. Alma Macrorie, Eda Warren; 
score. Frederick Hollander. Tradeshown 
Aug. 2- '51. Running time. 95 MINS. 

Alice Grey Joan Fqntalne 

Dr. Robert Grey. John Lund 

Amy Mona Freeman 

Dr. Steve Clark Peter Hanson 

Cosmo David StoUery 

Fanny 
Nurse . 

Aubrey Quavne 
Mr. Rossiter . . 

Mrs. Rossiter . ., 

Sylvia 
Simms 

Ra«te I,. ..**> ,« . .j,. 0 « 0. 0.0.0 .. ... ... f ., . 

Theatre Manager Willard 








cause the missus suspects that hub- 


wears too thin to sustain chuckles. 
As their initialer for Paramount, 
production team of William Perl- 
berg and George Seaton shape in 
picture in a generally okay man- 
ner, though permitting it to run^ 
too long. Further editorial tight- 
ening would help eliminate some 
slow spots. 

Rhubarb, the feline hero of the 
yarn, is no prissy tabby. He’s a 
. .Virginia Farmer , brawling, mauling alley tom at his 
.* * .* .’ .* . LoweU^j u in or* best when stealing golf balls, a 

Robert Barrat, trick that^first attracts eccentric 

— Gertrude millionaire Gene Lockhart, and 

mk Eiifoti j makes life miserable for his host 
huue Rim ; gnd keepers when (aken into a 
Waterman new home. Comedy flavor would 
have been better had writers and 
director sustained this toughness 
throughout instead of letting it 
lapse when Rhubarb takes on the 
role of lucky mascot for the 
Brooklyn ball club. 

Milland. ball club press agent, 
has the unhappy chore of being 


usaeaaa a aa a a wvnuni<vv. *1 niii mv I _ . - , - « - 

better liked by the femmes than dies and makes the lelme his prin- 
ma l es cipal heir. This also makes his 

mwxA , _ ] u , r ! girl, Jan Sterling, unhappy, as she 
anil th*i lUCTis^nUv i » allergic to Rhubarb. Allergy is 

f_ n ^1. Ill'll i uscd as * Eimmick to skve Rhu- 

mod*™ ,ppro«h “ rnoril 5 : 

As a costumer, however, it does omnnrlv 

have its funny situations and occa- f ? r l |i e 

sionallv bright dialog that the real Kbubarb is dead. 

> o gnt g a og. Gags and sltuat j ons are well 

Joan Fontaine and John Lund worked over ln the Dorothy Reid- 
play the returning parents of the j Francis Cockrell screenplay. EvenU 

U A • AAA KmaI* ■ w rVk 4* *f A *tA A M m A 


_ By-The-Fire,” on film. It has its 

by i, chiriniTVther^fiii. A* the I humorou* moment* but overall ef- 

tupposcdly wronged wife. Miss feet doesnt hit enough of an enter- unnaonv more 01 oe.na 

( rah, A fa>ian« *mnpci* and eoe« tainment level to rate it for more ! nas in ^, unnappy enore oi oeing 

Lck to the*cbeap > MUaml nightclub I th * n just fair boxoffice. It will be | ^he cat. keeper when Lockhart 

where hubby Macdonald Carey had 
first discovered her. Carey and Ed- 
die Albert, longtime suitor of Miss 
Grable, pursue her, and plenty of 
comedy touches are poured on for 
laughs as- they try to protect her 
from a sea-loving nature boy, neat- 
ly portrayed by Rory Calhoun, and 
bring back her memory. After Miss 
Grable proves she can be a star on 
her own, she and Carey get to- 
gether again for a happy windup. 

Title tune kicks off the musical 
portions, with Miss Grable singing 
and dancing it with Steve Condos 
and Jerry Brandow. She does a 
similar stint on "Bettin’ On a Man,” 
also effectively. The real bright 
sequences in the song-and-dance 
department, however, are “It’s a 
Hot Night in Alaska.” flippantly 
sold in a honky-tonk style, and 
“No Talent Joe. ’ with plenty of 
la. added to the rowdy delivery. 

Big finale piece is “1 Feel Like 
Dancing,” which comes over beau- 
tifully after it gets by the overlong 
back-alley opening portion. Tunes 
are all by Jule Styne and Leo Rob- 
in. and are good, although not par- 
ticularly outstanding. 

Firstrate support is supplied right 
down the line by the long cast. 

Calhoun and Albert, as the prin- 
cipal featured players, bolster the 
entertaining deliveries of Miss 
Grable and Carey. Fred Clark 
scores as Carey’s attorney, and 
Lois Andrews, as the gal who 
caused all the trouble, clicks 
strongly. Irene Ryan does well by 
her flittery maid role. 

Miss Grable gets topflight dance 
assists from the uncredited terplng 
of Jack Cole, who staged the hoof- 
ing. and Gwen Verdon. Musical 
direction of Lionel Newman reg- 
isters well, with the exception of 
the finale number, in which the 
tcore is noisily jumbled 


Barrie piece, back from a five-year 
stay at the Panama Canal digging 
to become newlv acquainted with 
their three offspring, teen-aged 
Mona Freeman, adolescent David 
Stollery and baby. Latter is ex- 
plained as having been born during 
the Panama Canal stay and brought 
east by her grandparent. 

It is Miss Freeman, as the in- 
volved Amy of the play, who adds 
the most to the fun. Impressed b 
a “wicked” play she has seen dea 


take on a very broad turn when 
Rhubarb Is kidnapped by gamblers 
so the Brooklyn club will lose, but 
the cat Escapes in time to make it 
to the park and win the series 
for his club. Some fun Is devel- 
oped in the delaying action staged 
to hold up the games until Rhu- 
barb can be found, and best is the 
well-staged artificial rain-making 
that floods the field while leaving 
the rest of New York dry. 

Human members of the cast are 
ing with straying mothera, she mis- generally good. Milland has a pip 


7. 

is- 


takes her own mother’s friendly 
intentions to Peter Hanson, young 
doctor, as indiscreet and aims to 
save her from the “rake.” Some 
charm is involved in solving this 
major situation, as there is in re- 
acquainting parents and children 
after the long absence but, despite 
the better moments, overall impact 
is only mild and the length of the 
footage is forced beyond story 
worth. 

Performances do much to help. 
Miss Fontaine is able as the flirta- 
tious mother, and Lund is good as 


of a drunk scene, resulting from 
his separation from Miss Sterling, 
and she fills the demands of her 
role acceptably. William Frawley, 
club manager. Miss Holmes. Tay- 
lor Holmes. Henry Slate, James J. 
Griffith, Jim Hayward and I,ock- 
hart, with his brief stint, are 
others involved in the comedy. 

Lionel Lindon does in/ expert 
Job of lensing. and the special 
photographic effects by Gordon 
Jennings are skillful. The Van 
Cleave music score, and the tune. 
“It’s a Privilege to Live in Brook 


the father who understands his i vn ” bv Jay Livinv^ton and Ray 
strange offspring As noted, though. ; Kvans. ’live * up to humorous de- 


it is Miss Freeman who makes the 
best impression, mostly because her 
ro’e is more broadly treated under 
Mitchell Leisen’s direction. Han- 
son’s befuddled doctor bit is excel- 
lent. and young Stollery’s chore 
as the son has some good lines, 
even though the script sets up 


entry for the general run situa- 
tion and medium boxoffice should 
result. Sales values include the 
Technicolor lensing and suc)i| 
name* •» John Payne ami Forrest 
Tucker for the action field. 

Overall entertainment worth 
would have hit a stronger level 
had director-scripter Lewis R. 
Foster made his characters less 
complicated, used less footage to 
tell the story and picked up the 
pace earlier. Pictorlally, the pro- 
duction by William H. Pine and 
William C. Thomas treats the eyes 
with lush color in sea-and jungle- 
scapes and benefits from Its Flor- 
i da-location lensing. Underwater 
scenes were lensed at Weekiwachee 
Springs in Florida. Incongruous is 
the jungle hike during which prin- 
cipals encounter such unlikely New 
Guinea creatures as a black panther 
and an anaconda, plus alligators 
substituting for crocodilea. 

Payne is an adventuring master 
of a sleek schooner plying the 
Pacific islands. Tucker and Robert 
Lowery covet the boat as it Wits 
in with their plana to rob a rich 
gold shipment by having the ship- 
ment plane crash in shallow, inland 
waters. A frame gains them posses- 
sion of the schooner, the plane is 
crashed, but aboard It is Rhonda 
Fleming, war widow who has been 
drowning her bitter memories in 
drink and a jungle existence. 
Payne, accompanied by two raacala, 
Alan Mowbray and John Abbott, 
set out to recover the gold and 
rescue Miss Fleming. 

Trek runs the gamut of standard 
pulp fiction adventuring. Group 
battles irate native Fuzzy- Wuzzies, 
the elements and the flora and 
fauna of the New Guinea locale 
before arriving at the plane crash 
site, then have to trick Tucker and 
run through another native siege 
before the return to civilization is 
accomplished and the two lovers 
are able to make the finale clinch. 
It is not believable but has enough 
chimerical value to rate in the 
market at which it is aimed. 

Trouping is up to the demands 
made by Foster’s script and direc- 
tion, neither of which is exacting. 
Payne is a muscular hero and 
Tucker a likeable heavy. Miss 
Fleming takes to Technicolor as 
the heroine, and the Mowbray- 
Abbott teaming makes for amusing 
rascality. Lowery, as the crooked 
plane pilot, is seen only briefly. 
Frank Kumagai adds welcome 
chuckles as Payne’s native handy- 
man. There are several excellent, 
but uncredited, performances 
among the remainder of the cast. 

Script was adapted by Thomson 
Burtis from his novel. “New 
Guinea Gold,” and gets good color 
lensing from Loyal Griggs. Music 
score by Lucien Cailliet is good 
and there is one tune used for a 
story point. It is the title number 
defied by Jay Livingston and Ray 
Evans. Brog. 

Thunder On the Hill 


f tha title H “Thunder On tka Hill* 

S?" JSLSiS" BaU t y - k* boi- 

offiCB prospects are In the u m4 
category. Distaff art may find it 
fairly entertaining, even though it 
runt an obvious, talky course that 
betrays its stage origin, but it does 
not offer much for the general 
audience. Some pull will coma 
from marqueeing of Claudette Col- 
bert and Ann Blyth in regular 
situations. 

The Charlotte Hastings pi a « 
deals with a nun at an English 
convent who is instrumental m 
saving a convicted girl from hang, 
ing for a murder aha did not com- 
mit. As the nun. Miss Colbert 
meets the supposed murderess 
Miss Blyth. when the latter and her 
guards take refuge at the convent 
during a flood. Convinced of the 
girl’s innocence, the nun, through 
various maneuvers, it able to clear 
her and fasten the crime on Robert 
Douglas, a doctor who poisoned 
Miss Blyth’g brother because of 
jealousy over the latter’s attentions 
to his wife, Anne Crawford. 

Both the screenplav and Douglas 
Sirk’s obvious direction tip off tha 
conclusion early so there is no 
element of surprise in what tran- 
spires. Sink also mUhandle: soma 
of the playefe, notably Miss Blyth. 
who is made to overplay her 
character. Miss Colbert’s long ex- 
perience enables her to temper her 
characterization nicely so that it 
comes over better. Most of tha 
action plays off against the novel 
setting of a flood-hound convent 
that has become the temporary 
refuge of assorted British yjXUfiers. 
and William Daniels’ busy camem 
does an expert job of getting some 
movement into the limited bounds. 

Douglas’ h e a v y rota is patJy 
projected. English actress Anne 
Crawford makes an interesting 
Hollywood debut as his straying 
wife. Gladys Cooper, stern Mother 
Superior; Michael Pate, halfwit 
handyman in the convent; Connie 
Gilchrist, n nun who adds a little 
light touch to the drama; Philip 
Friend, John Abbott and Gavin 
Muir are among those who are 
generally capable in support * 
The Michel Kraike production, 
from the script by Oscar Saul and 
Andrew Solt. has been held to 84 
minutes but still is not rapidly 
paced. Technical credits perform 
their respective functions accept- 
ably. Brog. 


The Strip 

(SONGS) 


Fair whodunit with musical 
background, Mickey Roonej, 
Sally Forrest. Mild b.o. 

Netfywood, Aug. 3 

Metro release of Joe Faeterna* produe* 
tion. Star* Mickey Roeoey, Sally Forrest} 
features W'Ullam De merest. James Crsi#, 
Kay Brown. Loute Armatroo*. Jack Tea* 
ffarden. Earl "Fatha" Hinea. Harney Bty 
ard; fuest wars. Vie Demone. Monica 
Lewte. Directed by Leslie Kardoe. Written 
by Allen Rivkia; caaaera. Hobart Surtees; 
editor. Albert Aket; dances. Nick Castle; 
musical direction. Georgia StoU Trad* 
shown July 30. *81. Running time, N 

HINJ. 

Stanley Maxton Mickey Rooney 

{• n * Talford SaUy Forrest 

Flu® William DemareW 

gelwyn •Sonny" Johneon ...James Craig 
f<*na Kay Browa 

£ R*nd Louie Armstrong 

rt»e Tommy RetU« 

I. Detective Bonn* be I Tom Power* 

■«»»«• Jonathan Cott 

Boynton Tommy Farrell 

Paulette Ardrey Myras Dell 

Fr **da^ . ... Jacqueline Fontaine 

and Vic Damon*, Monica Lewi*. 


■PPMI ript 

Of particular note is the art di- 1 repetitious situations. Virginia Far- 


mands. 


Brog. 


rroaawlnils 

(COLOR) 


rection and set dressings, which 
make lush use of the film’s hues to 
treat the eyes. Travilla’s costum- 
ing of the femmes also is tasteful. 
Arthur E. Arling contributed the 
fine lensing, and smooth editing 
mas furnished by J. Watson Webb. 
Jr. Ftrog. 

Rep’s Foster Biopic 

Hollywood. Aug. 7. 

Stephen Foster, composer of 
nostalgic sputhern melodies, is to 
be biographed on the screen again, 
this time in “Song of Youth” at 
Republic, with Allan Dwan doub- 
ling as producer and director. 

Don Ameche starred in a Foster 
biopic for 20th-Fox some years ago. 


rr.er as the governess, and Angela 
Clarke, as the baby's nurse, do 
well. There is a hokey takeoff on 
an old-style play by Lowell Gil- 
more*. Robert Barrat and Gertrude 
Michael. Billie Bird also makes a 
single bit register. 


Fairly good adventure feature, 
okay for r*nera1 action play- 
dates. Medium b.o. 


Drama of wrongfully convicted 
murderess saved by a nun. 
Some distaff interest but Just 
fair b.o. 


Hollywood. Aug. 3. 

Paramount release of William H. Ptne- 
Willlam C. Thomas produc’lon. Stars John 
Payne. Rhon<1a Fleminr. Forrest Tucker: 
feature* Alan Mowbray; John Abbott. 
Robert l^iwery. Frank Kumagai. Directed 
and written by T^wia R. Foster; adapted 
by Thomson Burtis from his novel. “New 
Dodie Smith and Lesser Samuels | Guinea Gold”; camera (Technicolor). Loyal 

Howard 


did the script adaptation of the Bar- 
rie play and considering the dated 
premise, did achieve a moderate 
amount of fun. even though results 
are inclined to be talky. Harry 
Tugend’s production has good 
period values in keeping with the 
'dot's era. In line with this. Daniel 
L. Fapp's lensing, settings and 
other physical values have the 
stiff, starched look of the late Vic- 


Gricga: editor. Howard Smith; music 
score. Lucien Cat'liet; sony. Jay Living- 
ston. Ray Evan*. Trr'Vshown Aug. 1. ‘51. 
Running time. 95 MINS. 

Steve Singleton John Payn* 

Kaih«rii,s Sit— SI— y Rhonda Fleming 

•Itimbo Johnson F^rregt Tucker 

Nick Brandon Robert l^>wery 

Sir Cecil Doubrey Alan Mowbray 

Sykes John Abbott 

Bumldal Frank Kumagai 


A New Guinea background fur- 
nishes the setting for this yarn of 
torlan days. Footage is overlong at , gold, greed, love and adventure. It 


95 minutes. 


Brog. i adds up to a fairly goou action j “Bonaventure,” to the screen under 


The gaudy glamor of Holly- 
wood’s Sunset Strip furnishes the 
title and background for the run- 
off of this musical • melodrama. 
The results make for just fair en- 
tertainment. Boxoffice prospects 
appear mild, although some 
smaller situations may help re- 
turns with exploitation. Title 
won’t mean much in the hinter- 
lands. 

Film falls in the class of Metro’s 
smaller-budgeted productions, al- 
though helmed by Joe Pasternak, 
usually associated with more 
costly, color musicals. However, 
framing is -adequate for story 
values and the jazz addict will find 
much that satisfies in the Dixie- 
land beat supplied by Louis Arm- 
strong. Jack Teagarden, Earl 
“Fatha” Hines and Barney Bigard. 

The Allen Rivkia original script 
divides itself between plot’s who- 
dunit phases and the musical por- 
tions, vhich breaks down some of 
the intetest. Flashback method of 
telling also tends to dull interest 
and lessen suspense. Characters 
are not very credible, nor does 
Leslie Kardos* direction aid in that 
department. „ _ 

Mickey Rooney, as a guy who 
Joves to play the drums, comes to 
Hollywood after his Army dis- 
charge. but Instead of taking i»P 
a musical career he gets in wit* 
James Craig, a bigtime bookie: 
Rooney is doing well at the dubious 
trade until he meets Sally Forrest, 
hoofer-cigaret girl In a D**^ eland 
night spot run by - WllllRjJ 
Demarest. He makes the DtistakJ 
of intrbducing her to Craig to help 
further her screen ambitions, si nr 
Transference of the British play, j the bookie has studio an 


Hollywood. Aug. 3. 

Universal release of Michel Kraike pro- 
duction. Stars Claudette Colbert. Ann 
Blyth; features Robert Douglas. Anne 
Lrawford, Philip Friend, Gladys Cooper. 
Michael Pat*. John Abbott. Conni* GU- 
christ. Gavin Muir, Phyllis Stinley. Di- 
rected by Douglas Slrk. Screenplay. Oscar 
“id Andrew Solt; from **i 


Saul an _ 

«?« ure " bjr rhlr l®tt* Haiti .Vg*r camera. 
William Daniels: editor. Ted IT Kent; mu- 
sic. Hans J. Salter. Previewed July 31. 
*31. Running time. H MINS. 

RMtef, Mery Claudette Colbert 

Valerie Caras Ana Blyth 

Dr. J«ffr*yi Robert Douglas 

lubel Jeffrey* Ann* Crawford 

Sidney Klnghera Philip Friend 

Mother Superior ..Gladys Cooper 

WiliU Michael Pate 

Abel Harmer John Abbott 

Sister Josephine. Connie Gilchrist 

Melling . Gavin Muir 

Nurse Phillips PhyUis Stanley 

Pierce Nonna Varden 

Nurse Colby Valerie Cardew 

Mrs. Smithson Queenie Leonard 

Mr. Smithson Patrick O'Moore 


(Continued on psge I®* 


Wedncxlar. 


S, 1951 


wssm 


r 9 * • Ijflp 


“ttcbraiw 


.•# • % ■ 


mrs a good pier quandary 


See N. Y. Org’s Boxoffice Campaip 
As Possible Pilot’ for Other Cities 


First report to member* of the* 
Organization of the Motion Picture 
Industry of the City of New York 
reveal* what the organization's 
exec* see a* a '‘pilot campaign” 
for other cities in establishing bet- 1 
trr public relations and better box- 
o If ice in connection with the indus- 
try s * Movietime. U. S. A." pro- 
motion. Emphasis in the low-cost 
fi Y campaign was in hitting “spe- 
cial-interest” groups, such as teen- 
agers. housewives, ami book-read- 
ers » 

The report, prepared by Lynn 
Farnol. special representative, was 
authorized by Fred Schwartz, 
chairman, at a board meeting of 
the organization last Wednesday (1). 

It was described as “an informal 
summary of the general objectives 
xri our work and a tabulation of 
some of the specific things accom- 
plished.” It covers a period of si- 
mo.'! three month** 

“There is no overall magic about 
this campaign.” said Farnol. “It 
is simply what we believe to be an 
intelligent and practical ipproach 
to the problem of increasing 
friends and boxoffice receipts. 

“We %iave emphasized the im- 
portance of the theatre on the lo- 
cal community level and the fact 
that Hollywood ia producing many 
excellent pictures.” 

Although the campaign was 
originally set for three months, it 
has now been extended through 
September. Indications are that it 
may be extended indefinitely. 

No details have yet been worked 
out for the organization to weld its 
(Continued on page 13) 


Shorts on Craft Arts 

Series of 20 featurettes on sculp- 
tors and the craft arts will be 
turned out primarily for theatrical 
release by producer Thomas 
Craven, Jr. 

All the films are designed to run 
between 20 and 23 minutes. “Un- 
common Clay,” the initialer in the 
series, is already completed. Sec- 
ond, as yet untitled, will deal with 
the works of sculptors Ivan Me- 
strovich and Malvina Hoffman, 
while subsequent shorts will stress 
the American craft arts. 

Each pic will be budgeted at be- 
tween $10,000-115.000, according to 
Craven. He is not to be confused 
with author-critic Thomas Craven, 
to whom he is not related. 


CONTRADICTION IN Conspiracy Among Distribs in Industry 
PUBLIC TASTES ^ ^ een R°t Enuf to Award Damages 

In Private Action as Dipson Loses Plea 


Regal Dickers Video Sale 
Of Roach’s ‘Our Gang’ 

As Rights Question Elares 

'Hollywood. Aug. 7. 
Regal Television prexy Moe 
Kerman, disclosed as owner of 
video rights to 101 “Our Gang” plx 
after triangular verbal battle 
among Kerman, Hal Roach and 
Monogram, is dickering with indie 
distrib Moe Auerbach, who wants 
to buy the tele rights. 

Roach said that Monogram pub- 
licity release stating he had sold 
the tele rights to a N. Y. syndicate, 
headed by David Stillman, mis- 
quoted him. He had sold his 50% 
interest in the series, he added, 
bur subject to Kerman’s contract, 
letter bought teevee theatrical re- 
issue righta from Roach three 
years ago on a 15-year lease basis. 

Kerman has the power to sell or 
distribute to video. Roach's In- 
terest is only on a profit-sharing 
basis Roach stated he had sold 
his interests for less than the 
$300,000 figure quoted by Mono- 
Rram. which had bought reissue 
rights from Auerbach who. in turn, 
had purchased them from Kerman. 

There’s still some dispute as to 
when the series will be released, 
Roach claiming they were sold on 
a 1 when available” basis, with 
Kerman countering he has a letter 
of availability. Roach said he had 
received a “substantial” advance, 
against profits, for selling his in- 
terest to the Stillman group be- 
cause he wanted money for video 
production, mulling a series along 
the lines of “Gang.”* 

Just where Mono fits into the 
picture is anybody’s guess. De- 
spite the studio blurb about Roach, 
veepee Harold Mlrisch contends 
Monogram isn’t interested In tele- 
vision distribution aa yet. 


RKO Flacks Accept 

Staggered Layoffs 

Hollywood. Aug. 2* 
RKO flacks voted to two-week 
layoffs without pay rather than 
risk a reduction of the staff. 

Seventeen members agreed to 
the proposition, with the approval 
of Gerald Gottlieb, business agent 
for the Publicists Guild. Layoffs 
'*>11 Le staggered so that the w’ork 
v >ll not be seriously affected. 


Par in Ad Switch 
From Co-ops to 
. Mags for ‘Sun’ 

Longtime dispute among indus- 
try advertising and distribution 
men over national vs. co-op adver- 
tising came to the fore again this 
week with disclosure by Paramount 
of a significant reversal in polity. 
After five years of steadily veering 
from national mags toward con- 
centration on local exhib-placed 
copy. Par was revealed to be sink- 
ing $190,000 in national and fan 
mags on “Place In the Sun.” 

That’s the heaviest magjexpendi- 
ture by the company since 1046. 
Closest approach was on ‘The 
Heiress” two years ago. when $90.- 
000 went into fans and nationals. 
Most telling point in the switch in 
emphasis is that the sum is far be- 
yond what went into “Samson and 
Delilah” nationally, although more 
was spent in co-op on the Cecil B. 
De Mille spectacle. 

Expenditure does not mark a 
permanent change In policy, pub- 
ad chief Jerry Pickman said In 
New York Monday (6>. It was felt 
only that this particular picture 
merited such establishment on a 
national basis, he explained. 

Fan mags are getting $40,000 in 
unprecedented full coverage with 
double-trucks in color. Copy breaks 
in October Issues, out in Septem- 
ber. List of 17 nationals Is getting 
$150,000 in full-page black-and- 
white. These break between the 

(Continued on page 18) 

Faces 2d Rap for Illegal 
Distrib of 16m Pictures 

Los Angeles. Aug. 7. 

Previously convicted of criminal 
copyright infringements. 16m dis- 
tributor Eugene A. Balcom came 
before Federal Judge James M. 
Carter last week on a similar 
charge. He pleaded nolo con- 
contendere to counts which ac- 
cused him of illegally renting 
Paramount’s “Connecticut Yankee” 
and Disney’s “Cinderella” for 
screenings at the Kaiser Steel Co. 

Balcom’s plea is equivalent to 
placing him at the mercy of the 
court. A criminal information 
charged the distrib with renting 
“Cinderella” last December for 
$22.50 and “Yankee” for $17.50. 
Only a month earlier he was fined 
$100 by Federal Judge Pelrson M. 
Hall for wrongfully renting a print 
of Metro’s “Harvey Girls” during 
March, 1950. 

— ■ - 3 

Schary Head* Drive 

Hollywood. Aug. 7. 

Dore Schary will repeat as chair- 
man of the 1952 drive of the Per- 
manent Charities Committee of the 
Motion Picture Industry. 

Goal is $1,350,000. with funds 
, to be distributed among 13 welfare 
• organizations. 


Question: What's a “good” film? 

Answer: The one that did busi- 
ness last night. 

That's the only conclusion to be 
drawn from discussions at the 
Council of Motion Picture Organi- 
zations’ Coast roundtable recently 
and from a new poll of small-town 
audience preferences. Theatremen 
and public were equally contradic- 
tory in analyzing tastes that put 
coin in the b.o. 

Exhibs at the Beverly Hills 
seminar came in with squawks On 
production of “message” pictures: 
production of too many westerns 
and on the industry’s tendency to 
make pix in “cycles.” When pinned 
down In each case by production 
reps at the forums, it developed 
that various films in all the 
“squawk” categories had done very 
good business. 

Theatre operators were forced 
to admit that It would be unfor- 
tunate for Hollywood to be pro- 
scribed from trying any subject 
that popped into the head of one 
of its creative people. To so limit 
freedom of action in the past, ex- 
hibs were forced to agree with 
the producers, would have meant 
failure to make some of the in- 
dustry’s J^iggest grossers — from 
“The Covered Wagon” to ‘The 
Great Caruso.” 

In every case, the Hollywood dis- 
continued on page 13) 


Triple Header 

New Haven, Aug. 7. 

Anyone In this area with a 
mind to ogle “Alice i.. Wonder- 
land” should have little diffi- 
culty gratifying that yen this 
week. 

Roger Sherman booked the 
Disney film version for a Wed. 
(8) opening. Then the arty 
small-capacity Crown broke in 
ahead with the Lou Bunin pic 
opus, causing the Sherman to 
run “Don’t Be Confused” ads. 
To top it alt, Lewis Harmon’s 
summer theatre at nearby 
Clinton ia currently playing 
the strawhal musical adapta- 
tion. — - w 


Guild Steps Up Picketing 
Of Rep’s Homeoffice 
In Severance Pay Row 

Screen Employees Guild stepped 
up its picketing of Republic’s home- 
office, N. Y., last week after the 
company assertedly still refused to 
grant five workers severance pay. 
Dismissed more than six weeks ago 
were Milton Silver. Jack McCabe 
and A1 Slepp of the publicity de- 
partment, plus Irving Kerr and 
Jack Harris in the art depart- 
ment 

Union previously held sporadic 
picketing but reportedly gaow plans 
frequent demonstrations during the 
noon hour. It’s charged that al- 
though Republic had a .contract 
with the Screen Publicists Guild 
(now absorbed in SEG) for about 
10 years, the firm is now disre- 
garding It. In meetings with union 
reps a Republic spokesman ia said 
to have been "very bland” about 
the matter and assured the dele- 
gates that “it will all be settled.” 

SEG claims that Rep’s action in 
dismissing the five workers Is in 
“direct violation of a provision in 
a union contract which entitled the 
employees to severance pay.” It’s 
understood that the company's at- 
titude is that when SPG moved 
into SEG. along with the old 
Screen Office and Professional Em- 
ployees Guild, the pact was auto- 
matically nullified.. 

Joseph McMahon, secretary of 
Republic, who handles the com- 
pany's Dbor relations, could not be 
reached for comment. Now on va- 
cation, he’s scheduled to return to 
N. Y. next Monday (13). 


Defunct Ore. Theatre Co. 
Named in % Fraud Suit 

Portland, Ore., Aug. 7. 

Six major distributing companies 
have filed separate civil damage 
actions in U. S. district court 
against the defunct Baker Theatres 
Co. and two individuals, alleging 
fraud. By this means, say the 
complaints, the company obtained 
lower picture license fees from 
January. 1941, until July, 1950, 
when the company was dissolved. 
Named as defendants with the com- 
pany are Frank X. BuckmiiUf and 
Freeman Geddes. 

Plaintiffs are Paramount, Colum- 
bia, Universal. United Artists, 
Warners and RKO. The plaintiffs 
assert they don’t know the amount 
of damages, but each suffered 
“more than $3,000.” Each asks 
both exemplary and punitive dam- 
ages. 


Distribs Seek 
To Level Off on 

‘Split Fames’ 

Major distribs, in efforts to eke 
out increased film rentals, are en- 
gaged in a concerted drive to bring 
theatre “split figures” to “more 
realistic levels.” They maintain 
that the split figures being used 
in most deals are almost entirely 
unattainable now in light of pres- 
ent b.o. levels. 

Split figure is the point in the 
theatre’s gross where the sales 
terms on a picture change. Normal- 
ly. that change is in favor of the 
distrib. 

Typical deal, for instance, might 
be a film rental of 25% until gross 
hits $5,000. At that point it would 
change to 50-60. Some of the 
Brandt theatres on Broadway have 
much more radical switches than 
that, going to 90% for the distrib 
and 10% for the exhlb after a 
certain figure ( naturally, a high 
one > is reached. 

.Distrib contention is that the 
figures now being used for most 
houses were set In the high-gross- 
ing early postwar era. With biz 
good, the switch point could . be 
reached by a reasonably success- 
ful picture and both exhib and 
distrib make a fair profit. 

Decline in b.o. receipts, however, 
the majors say, has left most of 
the split figures on a high and 
dry plateau. The distrib doesn't 
get a fair shake, it is maintained, 
because the theatreman gets advan- 
tage of the low terms up to the 
split and the point is never reached 
—even by a really successful pic — 
at which the releasing company 
gets its fair share. 

Success of the majors in improv- 
ing the figure has been pretty 
much in direct ratio to the com- 
petitive situation of the exhib. 
Where the distrib has a choice of 
customers, he can be tough and 
demand — and generally get — the 
better terms he’s seeking. Where 
a monopoly or semi-monopoly ex- 
| ists, the distrib usually finds his 
hands tied. 

Most companies report that 
they’ve made modest headway in 
the split-figure drive. 


Conspiracy found among film 
distribs in the industry antitrust 
suit is insufficient to award 
damages to an exhib in any private 
action, according to film company 
attorneys. This is their conclu- 
sion drawn from the opinion by 
the Circuit Court of Appeals in the 
action instituted by Dipson Thea- 
tres of Buffalo vs. the companies 
and Buffalo Theatres, Inc. 

Dipson lost out initially in the 
U. S. District Court, Buffalo. Rul- 
ing on the appeal, the Circuit 
Court similarly found lack of any 
evidence showing the pic outfits 
engaged in any conspiracy in the 
immediate Buffalo area. 

Analysis by industry lawyers of 
the 17-page opinion of N. Y. Cir- 
cutt CdUft Judge Augustus N. 
Hand in the case of Dipson has 
pointed up the unusual significance 
of the case. The fact that the 
unanimous decision of the court 
was written by the same Judge who 
who wrote the final opinion in the 
industry consent decree case (V-S. 
vs. ParLon the return of that case 
by the U. S. Supreme Court to the 
special expediting court for fur- 
ther consideration, is regarded as 
especially significant. 

Although the Second Circuit Ap- 
peals Court had previously turned 
down the plea of an independent 
exhibitor for damages alleged to 
have been occasioned by the con- 
spiracy of the distributors (Fifth & 
Walnut vs. Loew’s), that was be- 
fore the final disposition of the 
(Continued on page 13) 

H’wood Unions Probe 
Non-Payoff Claims On 
Trans-World Vidpix 

Hollywood, Aug. 7. 

Hollywood unions are investigat- 
ing members' claims that they 
hadn’t been paid for work done 
for Trans- World Pictures, new vid- 
film outfit which has completed 
first of a scheduled series of 
Rupert Hughes yavns. 

John Dales, Screen Actors Guild 
exec secretary, said a pact hadn’t 
been submitted to SAG board 
since the guild, which reps film 
video performers, hadn't originally 
been satisfied with the firm's fi- 
nancial condition. 

Theoretically, thesps who worked 
in the initial pic. “The Lady Who 
Smoked Cigars,” could be disci- 
plined for appearing for a non-ap- 
proved firm, but Dales added that 
such action is unlikely. 

Studio Electrical Technicians 
and the International Alliance of 
Theatrical Stage Employes are also 
| checking reports that members 
weren’t paid by Trans-World prexy 
Ron Freeman before deciding on 
action to be taken. Freeman was 
unreachable for comment. 


Protection V*. Strangers 
For L.A. Kids Via Plan 

Los Angeles, Aug. 7. 

L. A County Rnard. on advice 
of Sheriff Eugene Biscailuz. is con- 
sidering an ordinance to prevent 
adults from sitting among children 
in darkened film houses, unless the 
grownups are recognized escorts of 
the kids. 

Idea is to set aside special sec- 
tions of the theatres for children 
| to protect them against molestation. 


Locationing in India Up, 
Paced by The Rhrer’ 

Hollywood, Aug. 7. 

K*n McEldowney. head of Orien- 
tal International Films, started 
I something when he produced “The 
i River” in India. At least four other 
Hollywood producers are preparing 
to shoot films against the rich 
Oriental backgrounds in that part 
of the globe. 

Frank Ferrin Is on his way to 
Bombay to make an elephant film 
titled “Ghanga.” Forrest Judd has 
a date to film “Monsoon” there in 
October. Joseph Kaufman has plans 
for the entire lensmg of ‘The Lady 
or the Tiger” there early in 1952. 
George Breakston contemplates at 
least one India production when he 
completes “Geisha Girl” and 
“Sword of Arlba” in Japan. Mean- 
while, McEldowney is returning to 
Calcutta to make two more pic- 
tures, “Keddah” and “The Life of 
Gandhi” 



pimimr 



W Atrfi y, Ainwt S, 1951 



Mighty $18,000 


“Rich, Young, F 
at the Buffalo, 
in second week 

Estimates for This Week 
Buff ale (Loews) <3,500; 40-70)— 
“Rich. Young. Pretty” <M-G) and 
“Painted Hills” (M-G). Good 
$12,000. Last week, “Teresa” 
( M-G > and “No Questions Asked” 
(M-G), same. 

Paramount (Par) (3.000; 40-70) — 
“Peking Express” (Pan and “Pier 
23” (Lip). Mild $8,000 or over. 
Last week, “On Moonlight Bay” 
<WB> and “Korea Patrol” (UA), 
$15,000. 

Center (Par) (2.100; 40-70) — 
“Cvrano” (UA) (2d wk>. Nice 
$7,500. Last week, $10,000 , 
Lafayette (Basil) <3.000; 40-70>— 
“Texas Rangers” (Col) and “Five” 
(Col). Oke $10,000. Last week. 
“Francis To Races” (U) and “Agi- 
tator” <U\ $9,000 
Century (20th Cent.) <3.000; 40- 
70) — “Alice in Wonderland” (RKO- 
Disney). Smash $18,000. Last 
week. “Happy Go Lovely” (RKO) 
and “Fugitive Lady” (WB), $7,500. 


Cyrano is nice 


Los Angeles, Aug. 7. 

Only two new bills are current 
this week and neither are rating 
more than moderate trade. “Cattle 
Drive” shapes just fair $16,000 or 
a bit better in five theatres. A 
stageshow is helping “Warpath” to 
a light $12,000 at the L. A. Para- 
mount. But straightfilm bill headed 
by “Warpath” at Hollywood Par is 
dull $7,000 or under. 

Holdover films still are led by 
••Show Boat.” which looks for neat 
$31 000 in third frame, two situa- 
Oyrano” also is pleasing 


Estimated Total Gross • 

This week $2,448,000 

(Based on 25 cities, 194 the- 
atres. chiefly first runs, includ- 
ing N. Y.) 

Total Gross Same Week 
Last Year $2,372,000 

(Based on 25 cities, and 203 
theatres.) 


Estimated Total Gross 

This Week $555,7 

(Based on 18 theatres.) 

Last Year $576.0 

(Based on 18 theatres.) 


ahead of the Disney version, with 
an okay stanza liktly. Only other 
newcomers, “Hard, Fast and Beau* 
tiful” at Boston and “Convict 
Lake” at Met shape about average. 
“Moonlight Bay’ 1 at Paramount 
and Fenway looks oke in second 
round. “Cyrano” in fourth and 
final stanza at Aator still it passa- 
ble. 

Estimates for This Week 

Aster (B&Q) (1,200; 50-95) — 
“Cyrano” (UA) (4th wk). Down 
to $4,800 after nice $5,800 for 
third. 

Boston (RKO) <3.200; 40-85) — 
“Hard. Fast, Beautiful” (RKO) and 
“Married a Savage” (Indie). About 
average $10,000/ Last week, “Pick- 
up” (Col) and “Saddle Legion” 
(RKO), $12,800. 

Exeter (Indie) (1.300; 53-80) — 
“Kon-Tiki” (RKO) <5th wk). Hold- 
ing near $3,500 after good $4,200 
for fourth. 

Fenway (NET) (1,373; 40-85) — 
“On Moonlight Bay” (WB) and 
“Yukon Manhunt” (Mono) (2d wk). 
Good $4,000. Last week, $6,000 

Memorial (RKO) <3.500; 40-65' — 
“Alice in Wonderland” (RKO), 
(Disney). Boff $30,000 looms 
Last week. “Happy Go Lovely” 
(RKO) and “Roadblock” (RKO), 
okay $13,000. 

Metropolitan (NET) (4J67; 40- 
85) — “Convict Lake” <20tb) and 
“Glass Mountain” (Indie). Fairish 
$11,000. Last week, “Frogmen” 
(20th) and “Fugitive Lady” (Rep) 
(2d wk). $11,000. 

Orpkoum (3,000; 40-85) — “Show 
Boat” <M-G> (4th wk.) Okay $10/» 
000. Last week, nifty $14,000 

Paramount (NET) (1,700; 40-851— 
“Moonlight Bay” (WB) and “Yukon 
Manhunt” (Mono) (2d wk). Fair 
$9,000. Last week. $14,000. 

State (Loew) (3,500; 40-85) — 
“Show Boat” (M-G) (4th wk). Hold- 
ing near $6,000 after strong $7,500 
for third 

Trans-Lux (Indie) (900; 40-60)— 
“Alice in Wonderland” (Indie). 
Bunin version pulled oke #(>.000 or 
a bit better at this small-seater. 
Last week, second-runs. 


tions 

with good $30,000 for second round 
In five sites while “Moonlight Bay” 
looks okay $25,000 in three sj*>ts. 
also second week. Bunin’s “Alice 
in Wonderland” looms excellent 
$7,500 in two houses. 

Estimates for This Week 

Los Angeles, Chinese, Uptown, 
Loyola. Wilshire <FWC) (2.097; 
2,048; 1,719; 1.248; 2.296; 70-$1.10) 
— “Cyrano” (UA) <2d wk). Good 
$30,000. Last week, handsome 
$4«"00 

Hollywood, Downtown, Wiltern 

(WB) (2,756; 1,757; 2.334; 70-$1.10) 
— “Moon'ight Bay” (WB) (2d wk). 
Oke $25,000. Last week. $32,000. 

I^ew's State, Egyptian (UA) 
(2.404; 7.538; 70-$l?Ot — “Show 
Boat” (M-G) and “Home Town 
Story” (M-G) (Loew’s only) (3d wk). 
Neat $31,000. Last week, smart 
$35 200. 

. lilllstreet. Pantages (RKO) 
(2,890; 2,812;. 70-$U— “Sirocco” 

(Col) and “Texas Rangers’* (Col) 
(2d wk). Slow $18,000. Last week, 
$28,300. 

Lea Angeles Paramount (F&M) 
(3,398; 60)— “Warpath” (Par) with 
Joey Adams headmg stage bill. 
Light $12,000. Last week. “Peking 
Express” (Par) and “Danger Zone” 
(Lip). $7,500. 

Hollywood Paramount (F&M) 
(1.430; 60)— “Warpath” Par). Thin 
$7,000 or less. Last week. “Peking 
Express” (Par) and “Danger Zone” 
(Lip). $6,200. 

United Artists. Rita. Vogue. 
Studio City, Culver (UA-FWC) 
(2.100; 1.370; 885; 880; 1,145; 70- 
$1.10)— “Cattle Drive’ 1 <U) and 
“Yukon Manhunt” (Mono). Fair 
$16,000 or better. Last week. 
“Mark of Renegade” (U) and “Mr. 
Bones” <Lip),$14v200. 

• Four Star (UA) (900; 90)— “Ace 
in Hole” (Par) (8th wk). Near 
$1 800. Last week, big $2,000. 

Fine Arto <FWC) (677; 70-$l>— 
“Oliver Twist” (UA) (4th wk). Mild 
$3 000. Last week. $3,400. 

Beverly Canon (ABC) (520; $1) 
—“Kon-Tiki” (RKO) (15th wk). Off 
to $2,000. Last week, good $2,500. 

Laurel (Rosener) (846; $1.20- 
$2.40) — “Tales of Hoffman” (Indie) 
(10th wk). Started current round 
Monday (6) after sock $6,200 last 
week. 

Marcel, Bard’s Adams (Nichol- 
son) <950; 1,200; 70-65)— “Alice in 
Wonderland” (Indie). Bunin's im- 
port getting jump on Walt Disney’s 
’’Alice” and sighting a moderate 
$7,500 in these two name house*. 


San Francisco, Aug 7, 

Biz on the street is being helped 
by cooler weather and continued 
foggy conditions. Still standout is 
Josephine Baker, heading stage- 
show at the Golden Gate, with 
“Man With My Face.” Continues 
soeko in third week only a step 
behind second round’s gait. 
with “Emergency Wedding” shapes 
fine at Orpneum but “Trio** is not 
so strong on pop-price run at 
St. Francis. “Snow Boat” still is 
hefty in fifth week, being first pic- 
ture to be held here for Ihre weeks 
since “Gone With Wind” which 
was 12 years ago. 

Estimates for This Week 

Golden Gate (RKO) <2,850; $1- 
$1 .25>— “Man With My Face” (UA) 
plus vaude headed by Josephine 
Baker (3d wk). Holding near $43.- 
000. Last week, sock $43,500. 

Fax (FWC) (4,651; 60-95) — 
“Young As Feel“ (20th) and “14 
Hours” (20th). Mild $12,000. Last 
week. “Frogmen” (20th) and 
“Father Takes Air” (Mono) (2d 
wk). oke $12,500. 

Warfield (Loew’s) (2,656; 60-85) 
—“Show Boat” (5th wk). Hefty 
$14,000. Last w*ek. $15,000. 

Paramount (Par) (2.646; 60-85) — 
“On Moonlight Bay” (WB) and 
“Interrupted Journey” (Indie) <2d 
wk). Big $15,000. Last week. 
$ 22 , 000 . 

St. Pranda (Par) (1.400; 60-85)— 
“Trio” (Par). Nsg $7,500 at pop 
prices. Last week, “Ace in Hole 1 * 
(Par) <2d wk). $10,000. 

Orpheum (No. Coast) (2,448; 55- 
85) — “M” (Col) and “Emergency 
Wedding” (Col). Fine $14 000. Last 
week. “Francis To Races” (U) and 
“Smuggler's Gold” (Col) (2d wk). 
10 days. $14,000. 

United Artists (No. Coast) (1.207; 
55-85) — “Cyrano” (UA) (3d wk). 
Good $10,000. Last week. $11,000. 

Stagedoor (A-R) (370; $1.80- 

$2.40) — “Tales of Hoffmann” (7th 
wk). Holding at $6,500. Last week, 
big $7,000. 

Larkin (Rosener) (400; 65-85) — 
“Toast New Orleans” (M-G) and 
“Midnight Kiss” (M-G) (reissues). 
Big $3,400. Last week. “Hills of 
Ireland” (3d wk), $3,500 with 
prices upped. 


Omaha, Aug. 7. 

Better audience pictures are giv- 
ing the local first-runs more 
lift this stanza, especially “Show 
Boat” cunning a nice second week 
and Walt Disney’s “Alice in Won- 
derland.” The Orpheum has Three 
Suns Revue with Artie Auerbach 
and Joe Sudy’s band plus “Night 
Into Morning,” with good week on 
tap. “Rich, Young and Pretty” at 
the small State shapes fine. 

Estimates for This Week 

Orpheum (TriaUUsJ (3, 0 00 ; 20- 
90>— “Night Into Morninft” (M-G) 
with Three Suns Revue on stage. 
Looks good $18,000. Last week, 
“Apache Drums” (U) and “Fat 
Man’’ <U), oke $8,800. 

Paramount (Tristates) (2,800; 16- 
70)— “Show Boat” (M-G) (2d wk). 
Rousing $9,500. Last week, smash 
$12,200. 

State (Goldberg) (865; 25-75)— 
“Rich, Young, Pretty” (M-G) and 
“Sideshow” (Mono). Fine $6,500. 
Last week. “Wagon Wheels” (In- 
die) and “Desert Gold” (Indie) (re- 
issues), $2,600 in days spit with 
“Queen For Day” (UA). $3,000 in 
4 days. 

Omaha (TrlsUtes) (2,100; 16-70) 
— “Man From Planet X” (UAi and 
“Brother, the Outlaw” (BB). Nice 
$7,500. Last week, “Francis To 
Races” (U) (m.o.) and “Destination 
Murder” <RKO>. $8,000. 

Branded (RKO) (1.500; 16-70)— 
“Alice in Wonderland” (RKO- Dis- 
ney). Big $8,000 and probable 
holdover. Last week, “Up in Arms” 
(RKO) and “Got Me Covered (RKO) 
(reissues), $6,800. 


Providence, Aug. 7. 

It’s the RKO Albee and “Alice in 
Wonderland” all tha way here this 
round. Kiddies are packing house 
throughout the day for quick turn- 
over and sock session. Majestic’s 
“On Moonlight Bay” also is sturdy 
but the State’s “He Ran All the 
Way” is only fairly good. 

Estimates for This Week 

Albee (RKO) (2.200; 44-65)— 

“Alice in Wonderland” (RKO-Dis- 
ney). Single feature, with kids 
tabbed at straight 35c throughout 
day, building this to socko $19,500. 
Last week, ^Francis to Races” (U) 
and “Hell’s Gateway” (Indie). 
$9 500 

Majestle (Fay) (2.2GG; 44-65)— “On 
Moonlight Bay” (WB) and “Fugi- 
tive Lady” (Rep). Sturdy $12,000. 
Last week, “Ft. Worth” (WB) and 
“Casa Manana” (Mono), $13,000. 

State (Loew) (3.200; 44-65)— 

“Ran All Way" (UA) and “Home 
Town Story” (M-G). Fairly good 
$13,000. Last week. “Show Boat” 
(M-G) (3d wk). $9,500. 

Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 44-65) 
— “Sirocco” (Col). Opened Monday 
(6). Last week, ’Texas Rangers” 
(Col) and “Five” (Col), oke $8,000. 


Denver, Aug. 7. 
Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland” 
is topping the town at Orpheum for 
a single theatre with sock session. 
“Cyrano” shapes trim with session, 
coin total, playing in three houses. 
“Little Big Horn” looms big at 
Paramount Both “Show Boat” and 
“That’s My Boy” are solid hold- 
overs. 

Estimates for This Week 
Aladdin (Fox) <1,400, 40-80) — 
“Cyrano” (UA), day-date with 
Denver, Esquire. Good $7,000. 
Last week. "Cattle Drive” (U) and 
“Hollywood Story” (U), same. 

Broadway (Wolfberg) (1.500; 40- 
80)— “Show Boat” (M-G), (3d wk). 
Fine $10,000. Holds again. Last 
week, big $14,500. 

Denham (Cockrill) (1.750; 40-80) 
(Continued on page 20) 


Indianapolis. Aug. 7. 

Biz continues to set a good hot- 
weather pace at major first -nm 
situations here this stanza. “Ob 
M oonlight Bay” at Indiana, h 
standout with stout total. “Mr. 
Belvedere Rings Bell” is above par 
at Circle but 7 ’Law And Lady” h 
only fair at Loew’s. 

Estimates for This Week 

Circle ( Cockrill- Dolle) <2.800. 
44-65) — “Mr. Belvedere Rings Bell 
(20th) and “House Telegraph Hill 
(20th). Nifty $10,000. Last week, 
“Francis To Races” (U) and “Yukso 
Manhunt” (Mono), extra good 
$11,000. 

Indiana (C-D) (3.200; 44-651- 
“On Moonlight Bay” (WB) and 
“Danger Zone” (Lip). Slick $13,000. 
Last week. "The Frogmen” < 20th ) 
and “Robinson - Turpin Fight" 
(Rep), $10,500. 

Loews (Loew’s) (2.427; 44-65>- 
“Law and Lady” (M-G) and “Night 
Into Morning” (M-G). Fair $9.00$ 
Last week, “Show Boat” (M-G) (3d 
wk). nice $6,000. 

Lyric (C-D) (1,600; 44-65)- 

“The Scarf” (UA) and “Riders ot 
Range” (Indie). Thin $4,000. Last 
week, “Jungle Headhunters 
(RKO), oke $6,000. 


Baltimore, Aug. 7. 
Top product is sparking the 
downtown sector here into top fig- 
ures. “That’s My Boy” is reaching 
out for a rousing total at Keith’s 
while Disney’s “Alice in Wonder- 
land” is boosting the Town into a 
smash session, ft looks like a high 
mark for many months. 

Estimates for This Week 
Century (Loew’s-UA) (3,000; 20- 
70)— “Strictly Dishonorable” <M- 
G) fairish $9,000. Last week, “Show 
Boat” (M-G) (3d wk), $9,000. 

Keith*a (Schanberger) <2.460; 20- 
70)— "That’s My Boy” (Par) (2d 
wk). Starting second week tomor- 
(Continued on page 20) 


Cincinnati, Aug. 7. 

Downtown trade is on rise this 
stanza due mainly to sock pull of 
“On Moonlight Bay” for Palace's 
best figure in nearly a year. “Cattle 
Drive” at Capitol, “Never Trust 
Gambler” at urand and “Mark of 
Renegade” at Keith's are in mod- 
erate stride. “Show Boat” is still 
solid in rounding out record-shat- 
tering four-week stay at flagship 
Albee. 

Estimates for This Week 

Albee (RKO) (3,100; 55-75)— 
“Show Boat” (M-G) (4th wk>. 
Solid $12,000 on heels of terrific 
$15,000 third sesh. Pic set modern 
Clncy biz record and also doubled 
time of any other engagement tn 
this big house. 

Capitol (Mid-States) <2.000; 55- 
75)— “Cattle Drive” (U). Okay 
$7,500. Last week, “Francis To 
Races” (U) (2d wk). big $7,800. 

Grand (RKO) <1.400; 55-75)— 
“Never Trust Gambler” (Col) and 
“Hurricane Island” (Col). Oke $7,- 
000. Last week, “Law and Lady” 
(M-Gl and “Home Town Story” 
(M-Gf, same. 

Keith’s ^Mid-SUrte*) O 542: 55-75) 
— “Mark of Renegade” (U). Favor- 
able $6,000 Last week, “Canyon 
Passage”' (U) and “Frontier Gal” 


Washington, Aug. 7. 
General air of rosiness continues 
to color midtown biz, with strong 

S roduct and cool weather helping. 

attle of the “Alices” was won 
handi« down by Disney’s “Alice in 
Wonderland" at RKO Keith’s, 
which is enjoying its heftiest bis of 
year, outdistancing even “Cinder- 
ella.” The Bunin version, at the 
Trans-Lux, pounded by crix and 
shunned by payees, is quietly fold- 
ing after a single stanza. “Capt. 
Horatio Hornblower,” given the 
saturation treatment by day-and- 
dating three Warner houses (two 
midtowns and one first-run nabe) is 
smash all around. Sour note of 
week sounded by "Ace in Hole,” 
which never really got going at 
Loew’s Palace. 

Estimates for This Week 

Capitol (Loew’s) (2,434; 44-90)— 
“Half Angel” (20th) plus vaude. 
Pleasing $23,000. Last week, 
“Prince Who Was Thief” <U> plus 
vaude. above hopes at $23,500. 

Dupont (Lcpert) <372 ; mm&i — 
“Kon-Tild” (RKO) (3d wk). Solid 
$6,500 after hot $7,000 last week 
Stays indef. 

Keith’s (RKO) (1,939; 44-80)— 
“ Alice in Wonderland” (RKO-Dis- 
ney). Terrific $25,000. with vaca- 
tioning moppets pushing taks above 
that of “Cinderella.” Hold*, natch! 


Minneapolis. Aug. 7. 
Radio City got a brutal break 
when Martin & Lewis, extensively 
advertised, cancelled their personal 
appearance here, scheduled for 
this week. But the highstepping 
“Show Boat,” minus any stageshow 
assistance, is helping to overcome 
this with sock session at the house. 
Two other ace film offerings, 
"Alice in Wonderland” and “The 
Frogmen,” also are helping. In fact, 
aggregate biz this week is th4 best 
in more than a year. 

Estimates for This Week 
Century tPar) (1.600; 50-76)— 
“Loma Doone” (Col). Fair $4,000. 
Last week, “Secret of Convict 
Lake” (20th) (2d wk). $4,500. 

Gopher (Berger) (1,000; 50*76)— 
“The Frogmen” (20th). Nothing 
but praise for this . one. Solid 
$7,500. Last week. “Cornin’ Round 
Mountain” <U) (2d wk), $3,200. 

Lyrte (Par) (1,000; 50-76)— 

“Cattle Drive” (U) <2d wk). Okay 
$3,500 after good $5,000 first week. 


Radio City (Par) (4,000; 50-76)— 
“Show Boat” (M-G). Acclaimed 
“one of very best” here. Terrific 
$24,000. Last week, “Rich, Young, 
Pretty” (M-G). $10,000 
PKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2.800; 40- 
76) — “Alice in Wonderland” (RKO- 
Disney). With children’s admis- 
sions raised from 12c to 35c. 
record week Impends. Looks wow 
$17,000. Last week, “Francis to 
Races" (U). $7,300. 

RKO- Pan (RKO) (1.600; 40-76)— 
“Two of a Kind” (Col) and “Texas 
Rangers” (Col). Okay $5,000. Last 
week. “Pickup” (Col) and “The 
Hoodlum” (UA), $7,000. 

State (Par) <2,300; 50-76)— “Ace 
in Hole” (Par). Lauded by the 
critics but only Just nice $7,500 
Ukely. Last week, “Guy Who 
Came Back” (20th) and “Robinson- 
Turpin Fight” (Rep). $7,000. 

World (Mann) (400; 50-90) — 

“Lady Panama” (Indie). Profitable 
$3,000. Last week. ‘Teresa” (M-G) 
(2d wk), okay $2,000. 


Pittsburgh, Aug. 7. 
Things are looking brighter all 
along the line these days. Several 
spots are currently Jumping. 
“Ace in Hole” looks fine at Pens. 
“Francis Goes To Races” shape! 
fast enough to win holdover at the 
Fulton. Not much for “Peking 
Express” at Stanley, however. 

. Estimates for This Week 
Fulton (Shea) (1,700;- 50-85) — 
“Francis To Races” (U). Nice $••* 
m That’s enough to earn *•* 
finer session. Last week. “Folio* 
we Sun” (20th) and “Fightinl 
feoast Guard” (Rep). $5,000. 







Wednesday, Amgmit 8, 1951 



ncmi 


Little Egypt’ Preem Pfas Eckstine 
Torrid $67,000, ChL; ‘Alice’ Giant 
37G, ‘Avenger’ 15G, ‘Samson’ 17G 


Chicago, Aug. 7. 
With the Martin and Lewis hur- 
ricane over, Chicago Loop receipts 
came down a bit. However, new 
entries augur well for first week 
of August M. A L. were a harvest 
for most of downtown hpuses last 
round since many caught the over- 
flow. Of the entries. "Alice in 
Wonderland." Walt Disney entry, 
at the Palace, should grab lofty 
$37,000. 

World preem of "Little Egypt - 
at the Chicago with Mark Stevens 
and Rhonda Fleming onstage in 
person plus regular stageshow 
headed by Billy Eckstine should 
hit wow $67,000. "Samson and 
Delilah" at straight scale is look- 
ing for sweet $17,000 at United 
Artists. State-Lake's. "Mask of 
Avenger" and "Man With My 
Face" is okay with $15,000. On 
light side Is the Grand with only 
$H 000 lot "Mark of Renegade 1 ’ 
and "Footlight Varieties." 

Oriental looks firm with $36,000 
for fourth week of "Show Boat" 
plus Les Paul and Mary Ford on- 
stage. Other strong holdover is 
'Francis Goes to Races" at the 
Roosevelt at trim $15,000. 
Estimates far This Week 
Chicago (BAK) (3,000; 50-98) — 
"Little Egypt" (U) with Billy Eck- 
stine heading stageshow. WorTd 
preem. aided by personals of Mark 
Stevens and Rhonda Fleming, is 
hitting sock 167,000 or over. 
Started out at big as "Louisa," a 
sock here last year. Last week. 
"No Questions Asked" (M-G) plus 
Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, 
sensational $118,000, new reeord. 

Grand <RKO> (1.200; 50-98) — 
"Mark of Renegade" <U) and 
"Footlight Varieties" (RKO). Fair 
$11000. Last week, "Prince Was 
Thief" (U) and "Big Gusher" (Col) 
(2d wk). $9,000. 

Oriental (Indfte) (3.400 98) — 
"Show Boat" (M-G) (4th wk) aided 
bv Les Paul and Maiy Ford on- 
stage. Very staunch $38,000. Last 
week. $46,600. 

Palace (RKO) (2,500; 5$-98) — 
'Alice in Wonderland" (RKO). 
Best gross in months; huge $37,000 
due for Disney pic. Last week. 
"Up in Arms" (RKO) and "Got Me 
Covered" (RKO) (reissues), $15,000 
in 10 days. 

Roosevelt (BAK> (1,500; 55-98)— 
"Francis To Races" <U> and 
"Cavalry Scout" , (Mono) (2d wk). 
Very bright $15,000. Last week, 

$19 000 

State-Lake (BAK) (2,700; 55-98) 
—‘‘Mask of Avenger" (Col) and 
"Man With My Face" (UA). Neat 
$15,000. Last week, ‘Cyrano” 
(UA> (2d wk). $20,000. 

United Artists (BAK) (1,700; 55- 
98' — "Samson and Delilah" (Par). 
Pop price run is headed for lush 
Si 7.000. Last week, "Little Big 
Horn" (Lip) and "Savage Drums 
(Lip> (2d wk). $15,000. 

Woods (Essaness) (1,073; 98) — 
"Frogmen" (20th) (4th wk). Aver- 
age $15,000. Last week. $16,000. 

Ziegfeld (Lopert) (434; $1.20- 
$2 40) — "Tiles of Hoffmann" (In- 
die) (16th wk). Slipping in final 
frames with nice $4,000. Last 
week. $4,500. 

‘Moonlight’ Bright $8,000 
In L ville; ‘Prince’ Hep 
11G, ‘Little Girl’ 9G 

Louisville, Aug. 7. 
"On Moonlight Bay" at Mary 
Anderson is standout here this 
week at this smallseater. Other 
stands are fairly steady for sum- 
mer, with added break of a cooling 
off in temperature over weekend 
"Take Care Little Girl" at Rialto 
is modest but "Prince Who Was 
Thief" -at the State looks stout. 
"Jungle Headhunters" st the 
Strand is smooth. 

Estimates for This Week 
Mary Anderson (People’s)! 1.200; 
45-65 ' “Moonlight Bay" WB>. 
Looks strong $8,000 and maybe 
more. Last week, "Two of Kind" 
(Col), $6,500. 

, Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,000; 
4.»-65>— "Take Care Little Girl" 
(20th) and "Young As Feel" (20th). 
Slow paced at $9,000. Last week, 
I*'ranci8 to Races" (U) and "Hol- 
lywood Story" (U), $10,000. 

State (Loew’s) (3.000; 45-65)— 
Prince Who Was Thief" (U) and 
\\ Jennings" (Col). Smooth $11.- 
®00. Last week, ’Teresa" (M-G) 
and "Flying Missile" (Col), $8,500. 
Strand (FA) (1,200; 45-65)— 

Jungle Headhunters" (RKO) and 
File 212" (RKO). Smooth 
ion?? 0 * k*** week, "Jesse James" 
? nd “K^urn Frank James" 
(20th) (reissues), about game. 


Estimates Are Net 

Film gross estimates as re- 
ported herewith from the vari- 
ous key cities, are net; i. e., 
without the 20% tax. Distrib- 
utors share on net take, when 
t> laying percentage, hence the 
estimated figures are net in- 
come. 

The parenthetic admission 
prices, however, as indicated, 
include the U. S. amusement 
tax. 


‘Alice’ Terrific 
$23,000, Geve. 

Cleveland. Aug. 7. 

While "Rich, Young and Pretty" 
at State started out well, the 
Palace’a "Alice in Wonderland" is 
the outstanding smash here this 
round. "Rich” is winding up Just 
okay. "Guy Who Came Back" is 
only average at Hipp. “Dear Brat" 
shapes dull at Stillman 


• 4 


• • 


Allen (Warner) (3,000; 55-80) — 
"On Moonlight Bay" (WB) (2d wk- 
4 days). Okay $6,000 following 
$14,000 last week. 

Hlpp (Cheftel - Burger) (3,700; 
55-80)— "Guy Who Came Back" 
(Fox). Average $10,500. • Last 
week, "Sirocco" (Col), $16,000. 

Lower Mall (Community) 585; 
55-80)— "Oliver Twist” (UA) (4th 
wk). Thin $2,800 after $3,500 last 
lap. 

Palace (RKO) (3.300; 55-90) — 
"Alice in Wonderland" (RKO). 
Terriffic $23,000. Last week, 
Cyrano" (UA), $14,500. 

State (Loew’s) (3,450; 55-80) — 
Rich. Young. Pretty" (M-G). Oke 
$15,000. Last week, "Ace in Hole" 
(Par). $12,000. 

Stillman (Loew’s) <2,700; 55-80) 
—’’Dear Brat” (Par). Dull $5,000. 
Last week, "Show Boat" (M-G) 
(m.o.), $9,000. 

Ohio (Loew’s) (1,244; 55-80) — 
"Ace in Hole" (Par) (m.o.). Oke 
$6,500. Last week. "Law and 
Lady’’ (M-G) (m.o.), $4,500. 

K.C. Perks Up; ‘Frauds’ 
Lively *18.000, ‘Alice’ 
BiillG.lkoiiligk’M 

Kansas City, Aug. 7. 

Biz Is on the upbeat here with 
strong pix a real help. "Francis 
Goes to the Races" in four Fox 
Midwest houses looks likely leader 
with a nice total. “Alice in Won- 
derland" at the Missouri Is giving 
that house one of its strongest re- 
cent weeks with a big session. Par- 
amount also is doing fairly well 
with "On Moonlight Bay." "Show 
Boat" still is in high gear at the 
Midland Theatre although in 
fourth round. 

Estimates for This Week 

Kimo (Dickinson) (504; 75-99) — 
“Kon-Tiki" (RKO) (5th wk). Nifty 
$2,500. Last week. $3,000. 

Midland (Loew’s) (3,500; 50-69)— 
"Show Boat" (M-G) (4th wk). Still 
in high gear at $8,500. Last week, 
$ 11 , 000 . ,.r v 

Missouri (RKO) (2.650; 50-75)— 
"Alice in Wonderland" (RKO-Dis- 
ney). Big $11,000 and may hold. 
Last week, "Two of a Kind" (Col) 
and "Never Trusf Gambler" (Col), 
$7,000. 

fV?ra mount (Tri-States) (1.900; 
50-69) — "On Moonlight Bay" (WB). 
Happy $9,000 or over. Last week. 
"Passage West" (Par), $7,500. 

Tower-Uptown-Fairway-Granada. 
(Fox Midwest) (2,100; 2,043; 700; 
1,217; 50-75)— "Francis to Races" 
(U). Stepping along to $18,000. 
nice. Last week, "Convict Lake’* 
(20th), $14,000. 

Levins Research Org. 

Jack H. Levin Associates, nation- 
al organization designed to perform 
a variety of research functions for 
the film industry and other fields, 
was launched last week in N. Y. by 
Levin. Formation of the outfit fol- 
lows Levin’s recent resignation as 
exec-veepee and general manager 
of Confidential Reports. Inc. . 

CR folded Saturday -(4) as a b.o. 
checking agency o/i percentage 
films, and its functions were as- 
sumed by the N. Y. law Arm of 
Sargoy 6c Stein and the Willmark 
Service System. 


‘Dust’ Robust $16,000, 
Toronto; ‘Moonlight’ 17G 

Toronto, Aug. 7. 

With heat and outdoor attrac- 
tions competing, biz is in the dol- 
drums. with Excuse My Dust" 
and “On Moonlight Bay" the only 
satisfactory grosseri among the 
first-run newcomers. Both are 
big. Other entries, including hold- 
overs, are light with exception of 
“Prince Who Was a Thief’ which 
is solid in second stanza. 

Estimates for This Week 

Downtown, Glendale, Mayfair, 
Scarbore, State (Taylor) (1,059; 
955; 470: 698; 694; 35-60) — 

"Painted Hills ’ (M-G) and "Smug- 
gler’s Gold” (Col). Light $10,000. 
Last week, "Dodge City (WB) and 
"Virginia City" (WB) (reissues), 

$12j000. 

E zllnton, Shea's (FP) (1,180; 
2,386; 40-80)— "On Moonlight Bay" 
(WB). Big $17,000. Last week. 
(Eglinton), "Lost Horizon" (Col) 
and "Sister Eileen" (Col) (re- 
issues), $5,500: Shea’s, "Great 
Divide" (WB). $8,500. 

Imperial (FP) (3,373; 40-80) — 

Frogmen" (20th) (2d wk). Oke 
$8,500 Last week. $14,500. 

Loew's (Loew) <2,743: 40-70) -i- 
"Excuse My Dust" (M-G). Big 
$16,000 Last week, "Go for Broke" 
(M-G> (3d wk). $7,500. 

Nortown, University (FP) (959: 
1,588; 40-80) — "Peking Express’* 

(Par). Light $10,500. Last week. 
"Night Into Morning" (M-G), ditto. 

Odeon (Rank) (2,390; 50-90) — 
"Prince Who Was Thief’ (U) (2d 
wk). Fine $12,000 after last week’s 
$14,000. 

‘Belvedere’ Fat 

mm, My 

Philadelphia, Aug. 7. 

Aided by cool weather, film biz 
is way up here this week. Disney’s 
"Alice in Wonderland" got off to a 
fast start at the .Boyd and ended 
the big biz being done by Bunin's 
"Alice" in the first week at the 
500-seat Trans - Lux. "Belvedere 
Rings Bell" is loud at the Fox but 
"Moonlight Bay" is not too bright 
at Mastbaum. Backed by fine bally. 
"Jungle Headhunters" started out 
smartly at Stanton. ‘That’s My 
Boy" still is great at the Stanley. 

Estimates for This "Week 

Boyd (WB) (2,360; 50-99)— "Alice 
in Wonderland" (RKO) - Disney). 
Smash $23,000 or near. Last week. 
"Ace in Hole" (Par) (2d wk), 
$14,000. 

Earle (WB) (2,700; 50-99) — 
"Katie Did It" <U) plus Juanita 
Hall, John Agar onstage. Fair $18.- 
000. Last week. "Little Big Horn" 
(Lip) and "Savage Drums* (Lip). 
$16,000. 

Fox (20th) (2,250; *.50-99) — “Mr. 
Belvedere Rings Bell" (20th). Fast 
$19,000. Last week, "Convict 
Lake" (20th), $18,000. • 

Goldman (Goldman) (1.200; 50- 
99) — "Sirocco" (Col) (2d wk). Fine 
$12,000. Last week, $18,000. 

Mastbaum (WB) (4,360; 50-99)— 
"Moonlight Bay" (WB). So-so $15,- 
000. Last week, "Mask of Avenger” 
(Col), $17,000. 

Mldtowu (Goldman) (1,000; 50- 
99) — “Cyrano" (UA) (3d wk). Fine 
$8,000. Last week, $14,000. 

Randolph (Goldman) <2.500; 50- 
99) — "Show Boat" (M-G) (5th wk). 
Hefty $17,000. Last week. $20,000. 

Stanley (WB) (2.900; 50-99) — 
"That’s My Boy" (Par) (3d wk). 
Great $25,000. Last week, $30,000. 

Stanton (WB) (1.473; 50-99) — 
"Jungle Headhunters" (RKO). 
Sharp $13,000. Last week. "Hood- 
lum" (UA) and "Let’s Go, Navy" 
(Mono), $11,000. 

Trans- Lax (T-L) (500; 50-99) — 
"Alice in Wonderland" (Indie) (2d 
wk). Off to slow $3,500. Last week. 
$8 000 

World (GAS). (500; 50-99) — 

**Lady Par.ame" (Indie). Fair $3,- 
200. Last week, "Ballerina" (Indie) 
and "Paris" (Indie) (2d wk). 
$3,300. 


Weather Helps B’way; Wow SHOW 
For That’s My Boy,’ ‘Victory’ $32,000 



‘Convict' Smooth 14G, 

St Loo; ‘Boat’ 13G, 4th 

St. Louis, Aug. 7. 

Trade is holding steady at 
the mainstemmers, with "Convict 
Lake" outstanding among the few 
newcomers. It is good st the Fox 
"Show Boat" still is great in 
fourth round st Loew’s. Weekend 
of fine weather apparently did not 
help the boxofflce. 

Estimates for This Week 

Ambassador (FAM) <3,000; 60-73) 
— -Sirocco" (Col) and ’Texas 
Rangers" (Col) (m.o.s). Oke $9,- 
000. Last week, "Francis to Races" 
<U> and "Young ‘As Feel" (20th), 
$10,500. 

Fox (FAM) (5.000; 60-75) — 
"Convict Lake" (20th) and "Two of 
a Kind" (Col). Good $14,000. Lari 

(Continued on page 20) 


End of the latest heat wave plus 
| continued cool wehther and some 
fresh, strong product is giving 
Broadway first-runs a rosy hue this 
week. The mercury hit the skids 
late last Wednesday (1) and never 
turned, really hot again for the 
remainder of the week. Rain yester- 
day (Tues.) also helped business. 

"That’s My Boy," starring Mar- 
tin A Lewis, is standout of the 
| newcomers. Paired with stageshow 
that includes Danny Lewis, father 
of Jerry" Lewis; Modernaires, Bob 
Chester band, pic soared to wow 
$94,000 in first week at Paramount. 
Long lines both Saturday and 
Sunday helped. 

"Bright Victory” is the ace 
straight-filmer, landing great $32,- 
00C in firri week at the Victoria. 
Crix lauded film, a number with 
rave reviews. “Convict Lake" 
shapes surprisingly big, with $25,- 
000 at the Globe, one of best weeks 
at this house in months. 

"Mr. Belvedere Rings Bell," with 
iceshow and. stage bill headed by 
Florian Zabach, is finishing first 
week at the Roxy with a good $72.- 
000 or under. "Oliver wist" hit 
terrific $1S.900 in first week at the 
Park Ave. being aided by strong 
reviews. 

Still going great Is "Show Boat" 
with stageshow at the Music Hall, 
with $156,000 for third stanza. This 
is the first week it has dipped 
below $163,000. 

Walt Disney’s "Alice in Wonder- 
land" is holding up remarkably 
with smash $44,000 for second 
round st the Criterion. "Rich. 
Young, Pretty” is the best holdover 
in second week with $22,000 at 
Capitol. 

Estimates for This Week 

Aator (City Inv.) (1.300; 55-$1.50) 
— "Happy Go Lovely” (RKO) (3d 
wk). First holdover round ended 
lari night (Tues.) slipped to $8,000 
after good $14,000 opening week. 
Heat hurt Monday and Tuesday 
last week. “Jim Thorpe, All-Amer- 
ican" (WB) opens Aug. 24. 

Bijou (City Inv.) (589; $1.20- 
$2.40) — "Tales of Hoffmann" (In- 
die) (19th wk). The 18th frame 
ended last night (Tues.) dipped 
slightly to $10,000, still great for 
this stage of run. Previous week 
was $11,000. 

Capitol (Loew s) (4,820; 55-$1.25) 
— "Rich, Young, Pretty" (M-G) (3d 
wk). Second week ended last night 
(Tues.) held very well at $22,000 
after fancy $34,000 for opening 
round of all-film policy. "Law and 
Lady" (M-G) is due next, with "A 
Place in Sun" (Par) scheduled to 
come in around Labor Day. 

Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 70-$1.85) 
— "Alice in Wonderland" (RKO- 
Disney) (2d wk). . Initial holdover 
week ending next Friday (10) is 
holding in smash fashion at $44,- 

000 or near. First week hit $55,000, 
near theatre’s alltime high fot an 
opening stanza. SUys indef. 

Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 50-$1.20) 
— "Convict Lake" (20th). First ses- 
sion ending tomorrow (Thurs.) 
looks to reach big $25,000 or near. 
In ahead, "Ace in Hole" (Par) (5th 
wk), $9,000. 

Holiday (Zatkin) <950; 60-$1.50)— 
"Tomorrow is Another Day" (WB). 
Opens today (Wed.). In ahead. 
"Cornin’ Round Mountain" (U) (2d 
wk) dropped to lean $5,500 In final 
six days after $8,000 opening 
fraipe. 

Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 25-11.20) 
— "Alice in Wonderland" (Indie) 
(2d-final wk). The Bunin version 
is sagging to modest $9,000 this 
round after good $17,000 opening 
week. "No Questions Asked" (M-G) 
opens tomorrow (Thurs.). * 

Palace (RKO) <1.700; 55-$l 20)— 
"As Young As Feel" (20th) with 
vaude. Heading for okay $19,500. 
Last week, "Little Big Horn" (Lip) 
and vaude, $19,000. 

Paramount (Par) (3.664; 70-$1.60) 
— "That’s My Boy" (Par) with 
Danny Lewis. Modernaires, Bob 
Chester orch, Rudy Cardenas head- 
ing stage bill (2d wk). First week 
ended yesterday (Tues.) soared to 
socko $94,000. Set to stay at least 
three weeks. In ahead. "Peking 
Express" (Par), with Duke Elling- 
ton orch onstage (2d wk), $48,000. 

Park Ave. (Readei (583; 90- 

$150)— "Oliver Twist" (UA) »2d 
wk). First session ended Sunday 
(5) hit terrific $18,900, biggest 
done here on pop-scale basis. In 
ahead, "No Place for Jennifer" 
(Indie) (2d wk), $3,800 

Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- 

1 fellers) <5,945; 80-$2.40>— "Show 

Boat" (M-G) with stageshow (3d 

[wk). Still holding at great $156.- 
1000 or a bit over. Last week. 


$163,000, in line with expectancy. 
Holds a fourth week. 

Roxy (20th) (5.886; 90-$ 1.75) — 
"Mr. Belvedere Rings Bell’’ (20th) 
with iceshow and Florian Zabach, 
Les Hurricanes heading stage bill 
<2d-final wk)- First round ended 
last night (Tues.) landed good 
$72,000 but not up to hopes. "Meet 
Me After Show" (20th), with Mil- 
ton Berle heading stageshow, 
opens' Aug. 15. 

State (Loew’s) (3.450: 55-$150>— 
"Cattle Drive" (U). Opens today 
(Wed.). Last week, "Francis To 
Races" (U) (2d wk-8 days), held 
okay at $14.00<F after fine $17,000 
opening round. 

Warner (WB) (2.756: 55-$ 1.25) — 
"Moonlight Bay" (WB) (2d wk). 
Current week ending today (Wed.) 
is sliding to $15,000. First week 
wis okay $23,000 but not up to 
expectancy. 

Sutton (RAB) (561: 90-$1.50) — 
“Kon Tlkl" (RKO) (19th wk). The 
18th frame ended Monday (6) held 
to $6,000 after $6,500. for 17th 
week. Stays. 

Trans-Lux 60th St (T-L) (453; 
74-$1.50) — "Emperor’s Nightin- 
gale" (Indie) (13th wk). Holding 
fairly weU at $2,300 after $2,800 
for 12th stanza. 

Tram-Lax S8d St (T-L) (840; 
90-$ 1.50) — "Kind Lady" (M-G>. 
Opened yesterday (Tues.). In 
ahead. “Circle of Danger" (UA) 
(4th wk-6 days) slipped to $2,000 
after oke $4,400 for third round. 

Vletaria (City Inv.) <1,060; 55- 
$1.50) — "Bright Victory" <U> (2d 
wk). First session ended Monday 
(6) soared to great $32,000, helped 
by great reviews. Looks in for nth. 
In ahead, "New Mexico" (UA) (2d- 
wk-11 days), $9,500. 

A.&C. Oke $12,000 

In Sluggish Del 

Detroit. Aug. 7. 

Biz is slowing this week after a 
couple of hopped-up stanzas result- 
ing from stageshows. “Convict 
Lake" is slow st Fox. "Moonlight 
Bay" looks on wesk tide at the 
Michigan. "Ran All Way" is shap- 
ing average at the Palms but 
"Cornin’ Round Mountain" at the 
Madison looks okay. "Show Boat" 
may perk a bit in fifth week at 
United Artists. "Cyrano" is Heady 
at Adams. 

Estimates for This Week 

Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5.000; 70-95) 
— "Convict SLake" (20th) and 
"When I Grow Up" (UA). Dull 
$17,000. Lari week. "FrogmetT 
(20th) and “First Legion" (UA). 
$2$,000. 

Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 
70-95)— “Moonlight Bay" (WB) and 
"Hurricane Island" (Col). Weak 
$16,000. Last week. "Mask Aven- 
ger" (Col) and Billy Eckstine 
onstage, $29,000. 

Palms (UD) (2,900; 70-95)— "Ran 
All Way" (UA) and "Two Ghls and 
Guy” (UA». Fair $14,000. Last 
week. "Sirocco" (Col), $15,000. 

Madison (UD) (1,800; 70-95) — 
"Cornin’ Round Mountain" (U) and 
"Massacre Hill" (Indie). Oke $12,- 
000. Last week, "Hard; Fast. Beau- 
tiful" (RKO) and "First Romance" 
(Col), $9,000. 

United Artists (UA) (1.900, 70- 
95)— "Show Boat" (M-G) (5th wk). 
Perking at $13,000. Last week, 
$12,300. 

Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 70-95) — 
"Cyrano" (UA) (2d wk). Steady 
$10,000. Last week. $11,000. 

‘Avenger’ Great $10,000, 
Seattle; ‘Moonlight’ 14G 

Seattle, Aug. 7. 

Seattle’s annual "Seafair" is in 
progress and bringing in some 
visitors but also opposition attrac- 
tions. Ace new entries are "Moon- 
light Bay" and "Mask of Avenger," 
latter being especially big. "Show 
Boat" continues hot st the Music 
Hall in third stanza. 

Estimates for This Week 

Coliseum (Evergreen) (1,877; 65- 
90) — "Mask of Avenger" (Col) and 
"Two of Kind" <Col). Big $10,000. 
Iji«t week. " Warpath.’’ (Par) and 
"Interrupted Journey" (Indie), 
$9,400 

Fifth Avenue (Evergreen) (2.349; 
65-90)— "Belvedere Rings Bell" 
(20th) and "House Telegraph Hill" 
(20th) <2d wk). Good $7,500. Last 

u/aaU 1 1 9 

Liberty '(Hamrick) (1.650 ; 65-90) 
(Continued on page 20) 



10 


INTERNATIONAL 


•vAtimrr London oooici 

• It. MartWk Nm Tn ' 


British Pix Prods. Seek 50 Years 
Copyright Protection on Sound Films 


London, Aug. 7. 

Legislation to give 50 years of 
copyright protection on sound Alms, 
a* an original work, was urged in a 
joint memorandum by the British 
Film Producers Assn, and the Assn, 
of Specialized Film Producers in 
the Copyright Committee recently 
set up by the government. It waa 
urged that the owner of the nega- 1 fund just, to increase the number 
tive at the time the film was made j of British pictures, was the view 
should be first owner of the copy* i expressed by Sir Philip Warter 


Warter Fights Boosting 
Prod. Via Eady Coin Tilt 

London, Aug. 7 .* 

That it would be a mistake to 
use the extra money from the Eady 


right. 


when presiding at the annual stock- 


The memorandum also expressed holders’ meeting of the Associated 
concern of film producers at the British Pictures Corp. last Thuis- 
existence of monopoly in the con- day (2). It was Quality, and not 
trol of performing rights in music quantity, he argued, that would put 
exercised by the Performing Rights j the production side of the industry 
Society. The producer, it was con- j on a sound economic basis He felt 


T. Air Hk Lmfc ■ Ki 

London, Aug. 7. 

A new radio series, “From the 
London Screen,” which will deal 
exclusively with current programs 
in West End film theatres, is to 
have its first airing the week of ( 
Aug. 19. * a 

Thurston Holland is producing 
the new show, which will tee off 
w’ith extracts from the new Hitch- 
cock thriller, “Strangers on Train,’’ 
now at the Warner Theatre. 


Sponsors Ponder 

Arg. TV Outlook 


Arg. Film-Output Continues Big 
But Storm Goods Loom on Coin 


• tended, was placed if) an anomalous 
position, because he was denied the 
opportunity of obtaining the right 
to perform the music incorporated 
> in the sound track. 


that the Eady fund would be a sub- 
stantial help for the entire indus- 
try. and its value was appreciated 
by his organization. 

The prexy told a stockholder that 


The two producing organizations t fo e new wage increases agreed with 
urged the committee to resist pro- t he unions recently would place 
posals that authors be given over- a considerable burden on the or- 
riding rights by legislation to inter- ^ an ization, but they would be alle- 
fere with adaptations of their *ork v iated to some extent by the recent 
in films. 'Producers, it was stressed, adjustment of admission tax. 

w ould be severely handicapped in J 

the exercise of their art if this was 
agreed. 

Protection for the author, it was 
pointed out, could adequately 
provided in the contract between j 
the producer and the writer. Their j 
point of view, however, was that 
the producer made, of his own cre- 
ation. a new and original work, in- 
volving, among other things, the 
development and welding together 
of the original contributions of 
others. 


'as | 

s i May Have Sunday 
Films in Aussie 


Buenos Aires, July 31. 

Radio advertisers in Argentina 
are beginning to 4*k each other | 
about their prospects for the fu- 
ture once the first TV shows are 
started by the Belgrano w’cb next 
October. The transmitter, supplied 
, by the Standard Electric Co , has 
been shipped here and will not | work in the year, 
take long to set up. The govern- 
ment’s purpose obviously is to try 
and have video an accomplished 
fact by Oct. 17, the big Peronist 
; celebration of the anni of the 1945 
j date when Peron came into power 
after a brief ouster. 

As there are few sponsors who 
can bankroll the high cost of TV 
advertising, there is some sales re- 
sistance from them. Because all 
radio and video matters are under 
one control, it appears that It will 
be easy to pressure advertisers 
into accepting at least part of the 
cost of TV shows. Unless they con 


Claim British Studio 
Worker Averages $35 

London, July 31. 

Average earnings of top bracket 
studio technicians is claimed to be 
less than $35 a week since the de- 
cline in production. This is re- 
vealed by the Assn, of Cine Tech- 
nicians in a letter to the British 
Film Producers Assn., rejecting 
the producers’ cost-of-living bonus 
of about 6c an hour. 

Claiming that cost of living has 
jumped 25% since the current stu- 
dio agreement was negotiated in 
1947, the union rejects the offer on 
grounds of inadequacy. Turned it 
dow*n because they contend that 
technicians engaged in feature pro- 
duction average only 15 weeks 


Buenos Aires, July 31. 

Argentina’s film production is 
going full blast, producers feeling 
sure that they will continue to get 
all-out protection from the govern- 
ment despite renewal of foreign 
film imports. 

But on the financial end, produc- 
ers find things not as easy as a 
year or two ago. with the official 
banks less inclined to grant them 
liberal credits. 

This stems from Jhe fact that 
the producers have not made pic- 
tures which yield the much-coveted 
foreign exchange returns even if 
grossing well in the local market. 
Bank's stringency also is due to 
the general scarcity of coin, which 
all Argentine industrialists are ex- 
periencing. Alarmed by the de- 
cline in foodstuffs production, the 
government now wants to help the 
rural instead of industrial interests: 
hence, banks have orders to restrict 
credits to the latter. 

The protectionist decrees enable 


Sydney, Aug. 7. 

Hattam. independent ex- 1 sent to do so, they can be denied 

time on radio. 


Hilda 

hibitor who runs the 1,125-seater 

41 _ . ! Premier in Surry Hills, in an in- Preparations for the TV launch- 
Commenting on a suggestionjhat i dustrial irci ma fci n g a bid to ing are well underway, with the 

— op ^ n ^ er houge pix shows on * principal 
Sundays. Miss Hattam has been 


legislation should be introduced re 
quiring that a copy of any suitable 
film < irrespective of origin), ex- 
hibited in the United Kingdom, 
should be deposited with the Na- 
tional Film Library, producers said 
they had no objection. 

British Unhappy About 
Market Setups for Own 
Pix in Germany, Japan 

London. Aug. 7. 

Trading relations with two ex- 
enemy countries, both of which 
are regarded as important overseas 
markets for British films, were 
reviewed by the British Film Pro- 
ducers Assn, at its executive meet- 
ing last Wednesday (1). In West 
Germany, a trade agreement which 
authorized unrestricted remit- 
tances has not been honored be- 
cause of the worsening economic 
and financial condition of the 
country. But a compromise deal 
has been finalized which will en- 
able about $850,000 to be unfrozen 
in the year ended next Aug. 31. and 
a substantially larger amount in 
subsequent years. 

Under the new deal with the 
West German government, unre- 
stricted remittances are being per- 
mitted im respect to 15 films which 
were imported into Germany be- 
fore Sept. 1, 1950. The BFPA ex- 
ecutive naturally nominated the 15 
top grossers to benefit under this 
deal. % 

There are, however, at least an- 
other 75-80 British pix currently 
going the rounds in Germany 
whose earnings will continue to be 
frozen. From Sept. 1 next, and for 
succeeding years, the German au- 
thorities will allow unrestricted re- 
mittances for 30 British films 
which, it is anticipated, will cover 
almost the entire British product 
whose earnings would justify a 
currency transfer arrangement. 

In Japan. British films have been 
allotted 15 import licenses a year, 
against 150 allocated to Hollywood. 
The number is regarded as inade- 
quate and strong representations 
on behalf of British studios are be- 


Radio Belgrano audi- 
torium in Alvear Palace hotel un- 


successful in obtaining a permit dergoing alterations for tele use. 
from the New South Wales Chief t Naturally, the Belgrano web is also 


Secretary Clive Evatt, who controls ; training Argentine technicians and 
theatres and pic houses in the zone. \ producers for TV. Senor Samuel 
New bid will be watched with in- ! Yankelevich. a son of the Argen- 


terest because the powerful Theat- 
rical Employees Union (projcction- 


tine Broadcasting Assn, prexy, is 
back from the U. S. where he and 


ists, ushers, etc.) always has strong- his cousin Raul Rosales studied the 
ly opposed Sabbath playdate in production end from American 


film theatres. 

Whether the major distributors 


will supply Miss Hattam with prod- i ni Q ue - 


experts. A group of technical men 
is still there studying TV tech- 


uct remains to be seen, although 
believed that the distribs see in 
Sunday openings an answer to ad- 
ditional revenue. 

Leroy Brauer, newly-appointed 


Young Yankelevich has been 
acting as angel for several legit 
shows during the last few years 
as part of the plan to embark 
eventually on television produc- 
tion. He had a share in the Im- 


ui / # P- . ' ws- u 'i ZiTa luZ 1 llon H* bad a share in the Im- 
'-L e J. of -5:!.“ ?.... Jl .5?_L e ; P«rlo and Grand Splendid thea- 


opening of the Aussie zone to gen 
eral Sabbath screening would give 
distribs that added revenue needed 
to offset the high operating over- 
head currently dominant Down 
Under. 

Recent move by Hoyts, major 
circuit operators, to hike the hold- 
over figures would see top pix. 
which normally run six weeks, 
yanked after four weeks While 
this would aid some distribs to 


tres, and as the former has had to 
be sacrificed to make room for a 
television auditorium, he and his 
partners now have arranged to 
: take qyer the 400-seat Radar Thea- 
| tre, currently operating as a film 
; theatre. It Is possible that these 
theatres in- whieh Yankelevich Jr. 
is interested, may be used for TV 
demonstrations. 


catch up on product backlog, other RrificK Hivw PraaTA 
distributors would not secure an| UIIUdl1 IWff J UCCLC 

Fails to Slough Film 


Shares; Others Plunge 

London. Aug. 7. . 
Although the stock market here 
took an unprecedented tumble 


censed under this latest plan will 
be permitted to remit 40 f c of their 
earnings, and the remainder will 
be blocked for the time being. 


Celebrate 209th Birthday Anni 
Vienna. July 31. 

The 200th birthday anniversary 
of Maria ’Anna Mozart was feted 
by only a few insiders of music | His_MaJesty’s. 
in Salzburg this week. 

AlthouKh an excellent musician, 
giving concerts in various cities 
of Europe when only 11, she 
was quickly 
her 


younger 


increased percentage rental for the 
shorter running time, Brauer said. 

'Columbia releases via Greater 
Union loop.) 

Industry toppers aver that if 
Miss Hattam’s move for continuous 

Sabbath playdates can overcome _ _ 

the union’s opposition, the whole I following The dividend freeze 
Aussie film setqp will be changed. | policy announced by Hugh Gait- 

skell, Chancellor of the Exchequer, 
picture company shares remained 
virtually unaffected. The amuse- 
ment industry was the only one 
which came out unscathed in 
Stock Exchange transactions, 
which represented a paper loss to 
investors of many n^lions of 
pounds. 

While the downward trend In 
stocks generally continued last 
week, film and theatre stocks con- 
tinued to hold firm. Last Monday, 
< 30 ) for example, the only altera- 
tion in entertainment quotations 
decline of 7c in Odeon 
and 3c - in British and 
Dominion Film Corp. These are re- 
garded as normal market fluctua- 
tions. 

Leading brokers and industryites 
cannot explain why these stocks 
have been bypassed In th^ general 
selling scramble. One vlewis. that 
possibly, it reflects the healHder 
state of the industry which was 
given a boost wnth the near-record 
Associated British Picture Cqrp. 
profits,’ and forecasts that the[ J. 
Arthur Rank results wo.uld sh 
substantial improvement. Thei^e is 
also the Eady fund to be uken 
into account, which it is estimated 


Shows in Australia 

(Week ending Aug. 11) 

SYDNEY 

“Worm’s Eye View” (Williamson), 
Royal. 

“Private Lives” « Williamson-Ful- 
ler>, Palace. 

“Ice Follie” 'Tivoli), Tivoli. 
Pranquin (hypnotist) (William- 
son). Empire. 

“Anna Christie” (John Alden), 


St. James. 

“Peer Gynt” 'Doris Fritton), In- , "** 1 
«* ovuw.vFo mmw wv- j snares 

me m a d« by the BOX. Film. U- 1 

“Brigadoon” (Williamson), His 
Majesty's. 

“Bell. Book 6 Candle” (William- 
son), Comedy. 

“See How They Bun” (Carroll), | 
Princess. 

“Chez Faroe” (Tivoli), Tivoli. 

BRISBANE 

Glibert-suliivan (William s o n), 




Babes In 

lace). Royal. 

ADELAIDE 


The Woods” (Wal- 


Borovansky Ballet (Williamson), 
overshadowed by Royal, 
broth, *r, Wolfgang “Midnight Frolics” (Edglcy & ! will add approximately 34% to\|he 

: t C I grosfb* 


The union also # charges the 
BFPA with refusing to discuss the 

merits of their application, assert- . 

ing that they were unprepared to producers to get credits from the 
1 - - Industrial Credit Bank up to 70% 

of cost, for production ut}its which 
produced more than three films in 
the year preceding, and which plan 
to make more than three pictures 
in the year. Interest rates are 
liberal. But recently the Industrial 
Credit Bank hat ap pe a red re lu ct a nt 
to shell out these loans. 

Clnematografica Interamericana 
has run into censorship troubles 
over its ’’Street Alongside the 
Moon.” made in collaboration with 
Emelco. This studio made Its first 
big hit of the year, "Cosas de 
Mujer .” produced In collaboration 
with Estudioa Mapol, which has 
broken records at the Gran Rex 
here. Five other films made by 
Interamericana this year with 
Emelco were not so feood. 

Estudios Mapol will resume pro- 
duction next year, instead of con- 
tinuing its co-production agreement 
with Interamericana. It would 
make five films in 1952. the first 
a musical starring Cuban song- 
stress Blanquita Amaro. 

New Production Outfits Started 
While the well-established 
major studios cut down on their 
production because of restricted 
bank credits, new production out- 
fits are constantly springing up, 
chiefly on the initiative of inex- 
perienced picture makers, who be- 
lieve film-making is easy. 

Pena Clnematografica has been 
set up by a group of amateurs, with 
their first production. “Anchors 
Aweigh.” It will use amateur ac- 
tors. Another new production firm, 
the Autoctona, it specializing in 
subjects about Argentina's mining 
wealth. The first is the “Miners,” 
to be shot on location near the Rio 
Turbio coal-fields in Patagonia. 

Luis Cesar Amadori has run in- 
to delays in completing “Teatro 
Colon” for Emelco. Based on the 
history of the Colon Opera Theatre, 
the fact that the opera, symphonic 
and concert season Is in full swing, 
with rehearsals taking up the day- 
time hours, has prevented Amadori 
from using the building for re- 
takes except early in the morning. 

Strive For Better Stories 

Following the new policy of try- 
ing to Improve story material for 
local productions, Argentina Sono 
Film has purchased film rights to 
Ernesto Sabato’s successful novel, 
“El Tunel.” New policy stems from 
success of “Los Isleros which was 
adapted from a successful contem- 
porary novel. San Miguel Studios 
has purchased the film rights to 
Eduardo Pappo'a “Men in My Life.” 
a legit play. It was written for Tits 
Merello, with this legit and 
screen star producing it. Lucas 
Demare (of “Los Isleros") is to di- 
rect both legit and acreen versions. 

Lumiton has bought from 
scripter Maximo Aguirre the rights 
to “The Reaero,” story about cattle- 
men of a century ago. Arturo Gar- 
cia Buhr Is being sought to play 
the lead, because of his success In 
"Los Isleros.” 

Mario C. Lugones started pro- 
duction for General Belgrano on 
“X-22,” a story scripted by Tito 
Climent in collaboration with ra- 
dio writer-producer Miguel de 
Calasanz. Amelita Vargas. Leo 
Marino, Alejandro Maximino, Tito 
Climent and Gogo Andreu have 
been signed for it. Ralph Pappier 
has been picked to adapt ’The La» 


be influenced by their case since 
they intended to insist that ACT 
accept the same terms as recently 
agreed on by other unions. 

Berlin Fest Tops 
European Season 

• Berlin, July 31. 

The Berlin Festival Weeks, Sept. 
5-30, promise to become one of the 
top legit events of Europe this 
year, announcements coming in 
from top theatrical companies of 
Europe and the U. S. American Na- 
tional Theatre & Academy (ANTA) 
will enter the fete upon special re- 
quest of the State Department. 
ANTA will present “Medea.” star- 
ring Judith Anderson. Addition- 
ally reported that the ANTA group 
also will present “Oklahoma,” the 
first time that the Rodgers and 
Hammerstein play has been shown 
in Germany. Robert C. Schnitzer 
is scheduled to lead the ANTA del- 
egation. 

Entering also will be the British 
Old Vic Company, which will pre- 
sent “Othello.” Another British 
ensemble to enter is the Sadler’s 
Wells Ballet. A Comedie Fran- 
caise team, headed by Louis Jou- 
vet, also will he present, perform- 
ing Moliere’s “Le Bourgeois Gen- 
tiihorom* ” Austrians are also 
scheduled to enter. 

First opera to be shown at the 
festival will be Richard Strauss’ 
“Salome,” directed by Heinz Tiet- 
jen at the City Opera, starring 
Ljuba Welitsch, of the Vienna 
Opera. Also on the program is 
Wagner’s “Ring.” Astrid Varnay, 
of the Metropolitan Opera, will 
sing two roles in this series. Ad- 
ditionally, scheduled to be per- 
formed by the local Schiller Thea- 
tre Company are two plays by 
Christopher Fry, one by Moliere 
and Scribe’s “A Glass of Water,” 
latter two directed by Helmuth 
Kautner. 


Amadeus MozarL, , , j j , € f ^ j l „ | paw e), Majestic. 


Final Scene of Paris’ 

'Grande Nuit’ in Court; 

Blame Float Builders 

Paris. July 31. 

The last episode of the abortive 
“Grande Nuit de Paris” which 
ended in a snafu on the banks of 
the Seine river last summer, when 
the floating stage could not be 
used, was staged In the Court of 
\ppeals here. The court upheld 
the decision already rendered by 
the commercial court, making the 
two contracting firms responsible 
for the failure. 

Only the first part of the show, 
staged on land and starring Eddie 
Cantor actually took place. When 
the floating stage was to have been 
used, the audience, after a long wait, 
was told that there was mechanical 
trouble and that ths performance 
was over. The result was that many 
refunds had to be made. 

What should have been a big 
moneymaker for the charities in- 
volved, and a credit to Pierre __ T , 

Louis-Guerin and the city of Pari* | Hound,” "from the prise-winning 
became a source of considerable i novel by Guillermo House. Emelco 
bad feelings. - .» j t « i. i Mill . u ) 4 will produce. * “ 4 




DvrawAmm 


11 


'VAumrr lonqon wmi 


• M- 


Salzburg Music Festival Kicks Off 
In Rain, But Record Year Is Likely 


By JOSEF ISRAELS II 

' Salzburg, Aug. 7. 

The Salzburg Music and Dra- 
stic Festival kicked off in a 
heavy rain, and with the customary 
atmosphere of speechmaking* long 
; air music and coffee house 
kfatcherei. It is likely that this 
vear s events will bring • postwar 
.nd possibly an all-time record 
lumber of tourists to this U S. 
military outpost on the Bavarian 
border. • i 

But for many visitors there will 
he neither hotel rooms in the im- 
mediate Salzburg area, already 
swollen with American occupation 
forces and their families, nor seats 
f or the better festival concerts, 
operas and dramatic shows. These 
ihows inevitably sell out and also 
lose money. The sole exception is 
uain the traditional “Everyman” 
W ith the original Max Reinhardt 
staffing, played in the open air be- 
fore the Salzburg Cathedral. This 
items likely to retain its distinc- 
tion as the festival's consistent 
financial savior. Austrian state, 
the city and the province of Salz- 
burg will kick In as usual to make 
tip deficit*. 

Consensus of the opening event, 
Mocsrt’s classic opera. “Idomeneo,” 
was that this showed the wisdom of 
the ages in very rarely producing 
this long, obscurely motivated 
work. Audience, mostly in sum- 
mery evening clothes, shivered 
through nearly four hours without 
intermission in the Rocky Riding 
School Auditorium now used as 
Festspieihaus. Women remarked 
they wished either the icy drafts 
from backstage would cease or 
something would happen up there 
to warm things up. Opera was 
good to look at, with a hatch of the 
most expensive looking new cos- 
tumes the Marshall Plan could af- 
ford \ 

Festival management had to con- 
tend with loud beefs from conces- 
sionaires who paid plenty for priv- 
ilege of hawking beer and food 
only to And the big attraction has 
no intermissions. Observed though 
that plenty of the richly clothed 
audience, moot dressy since the 
var. carried refreshments. Artistic 
heroines of “Idomeneo,” sung in 
Italian, were Hilda Guden and 
Jane Lawrence, latter an Ameri- 
can. She Is a looker with a hand- 
some. though not large voice. It 
was her acting as Elektra which im- 
pressed. 

In the speechmaking department, 
U. S. High Commissioner Walter J. 
Donnelly reminded the Austrian* 
(who would rather be let alone) 
that the U. S. had gladly fathered 
the immediate postwar revival of 
the Salzburg Festival. Both he and 
Austrian President Koerner talked 
s lot about Mozart's home town, 
which historians reveal the com- 
poser actually hated and avoided 
as much as possible during his life- 
time But now Salzburg's all out 
for Mozart with streets and square 
a popular candy (Mocart kugeln 
and the Mocart birth house as 
standard rubberneck features. The 
birthplace has just been sold to a 
Trieste insurance company who 
want to make it into an office build- 
ing and have run into violent op- 
position from city fathers who 
^ant it kept as a tourist attraction 
but not enough to do anything 
•bout it Anandally. 

Plenty of Fishtail Cads 

The “Idomeneo” preem drew 
limousines, tux and ermine wraps 
beyond anything the town ever 
saw. The whole Salzkammergut is 
swarming this year with fishtail 
Cadillacs with tourist pistes. The 
natives who could not afford s fes- 
l> v al ticket, even If they could lay 


Harold Lloyd’s Bril Pic 

London. Aug. 7. 

Harold Lloyd, who left London 
last Wednesday (1) for a two-week 
continental jaunt to Paris axsl 
Rome, is returning to continue dis- 
cussions with Monarch Films on 
the possibility of lensing a British- 
made comedy next year. W. J. 
Geil, the Monarch topper, said that 
substantial progre ss had been made 
in the discussions. If a suitable 
subject can be found, a deal prob- 
ably will follow. 

Lloyd confirmed that he would 
be Interested la starring in a 'Brit- 
ish pictufe. but emphasised that 
the vehicle would have to be “just 
right.” 


Govt Quitting 


Aussie Radio 


Sydney, Aug. 7. 

The Robert Menzies Liberal 
Party government has decided to 
sell its stock, la Amalgamated Wire* 
less Australasia, Ltd., reported to 
be valued at around $4,500,000. 

This move follows a promise made 
to the electors by Prime Minister 
Menzies that his government would 
get out of any monopoly over pri- 
vate enterprise. The most powers 
ful organisation here, AWA man- 
ufactures radio sets and equipment 
and operates eight commercial 
radio stations, key one being 2 CH 


Tough on TV Set Owrers 

Paris, July 31. 

A decision which will not help 
the sale here of TV sets has been 
handed down by the Paris court. 
Television **t owners cannot con- 
sider It their right to install an 
aerial on roofs of their apartment 
houses unless they get special per- 
mission from the landlord. TV 
users can put up aerials on bal- 
conies, but these are not good for 
use of TV here with the new 819- 
band definition. 


Sydney financial experts suggest 
that the major reason for govern- 
ment's bowout of AWA is that this 
organization Is one of the success- 
ful bidders for the supply of TV 
equipment for proposed govern- 
mental controlled stations here. 
Understood that some 20 organiza- 
tions, including several from the 
U. S.. Britain and Holland, bid for 
the video setup, but AWA was suc- 
cessful in winning the government 
contract. 

Belief here Is that the Menzies 
government does not Intend +o 
place governmental shackles on 
tele Down Under permanently, but 
ultimately will permit private en- 
terprise to take over its operation. 


New Tax Setup Likely 
To Net British EiUbs 
$10,300,000 a Year 

London, Aug. 7. 

New tax schedules went into 
force last Sunday (5), and with 
them s new scale of admission 
prices, which will net an additional 
$10,300,000 annually for exhibs. 
This will add $5,400,000 td the 
Eady fund for British production. 

Operation of the new tax plan 
has led 'to a nationwide raising 
of admission prices. Threatened 
revolt among indie theatre owners 
against this policy has, in the main, 
fizzled out. Only a comparatively 
small number of film theatres are 
standing out against the general 
trade policy. 

Industry acceptance of the re- 
vised tax scheme was conditional 
on s government promise to review 
the whole principle of amusement 
tax collection. Exhihs have already 
had their first talks with the Cus 
toms and Excise authorities, and 
urged introduction of a percentage 

„ . scheme with a sliding scale to bene- 

: lle, r hands on it. stood loyally be- 1 fit the smaller theatres. XSempre- 
ioip the Festspieihaus, soaked and j hensive plan will be worked out 
*?■!.?» Raping at the rich people and • immediately after the summer re 
1- S. dignitaries who never had it j cess, with high level talks with the 


O’Brien’s Plea 
On British Prod. 
Brings Results 

London, Aug. 7. 

The SOS sent out by Tom 
O'Brien, M,P., to the Prime Min- 
ister. urging him to Intervene in 
the production crisis, has led to 
positive government steps being 
taken, following s meeting between 
the union loader and Board of 
Trade prexy, Sir Hartley Shaw- 
cross last Wednesday (1). 

The government has agreed to 
provide additional coin to keep the 
National Film Finance Corp. in 
business. In the House of Com- 
mons the followin' day (2). Shaw- 
cross announced that the corpora- 
tion’s credit was being increased 
by $5,600,000. making an overall 
advance since its formation of $22,- 
400,000. O'Brien had asked for an 
additional credit of $9,800,000 a 
year for the next three years. 

Shswcross said the government 
favored restoration of s distribu- 
tor’s quote and would see what 
steps could be taken next year in 
negotiation with the American in- 
dustry. 

One of the main issues raised by 
O'Brien was the reported closure of 
Denham studios and their possible 
dismantling. On this Shswcross 
has agreed to have personal talks 
with J. Arthur Rank and to seek 
an assurance that the studios may 
be kept available for British pro- 
duction. 

Although urging either full con- 
vertibility of Hollywood earnings or 
the restoration of free remittances, 
O’Briqn asked Shswcross to press 
for an agreement with the Ameri- 
can industry to spend agreed sums 
on production in Britain. It was 
suggested that unless adequate 
financing was made available to the 
NFFC, sterling balances of Amer- 
ican film earnings would become 
“the sole source from which credits 
for film production can be ob- 
tained.” « 

As part of the government’s 1952 
program for the industry, O'Brien 
urged setting up of s joint nego- 
tiating committee consisting of rep- 
resentatives of the British and 
American governments, and the 
two industries. Such a committee, 
he believed, should negotiate fu- 
ture Anglo-American film agree- 
ments and would replace the pres- 
ent method. 


good back home. American 
MP’s fought Austrian cops for the 
traffic control until the street* were 
•n.irlcd magnificently. 

Later in the Festival month 
fome bigger events, like Alban 
Berff’s atonal “Wozzeck”; a newly 
•tiged “Othello” and Leopold 
Stokowski. On the dramatic side 
{J 1 * *>i* features are “As You Like 
«. in German and something 
called “The Broken Jar” dredged 
Up from the Austrian classics by a 
J at e-theatre type management, 
f ut 4 to the tourists the big thing Is 
Just to be in Salzburg in festival 

Um «- »,»W« il 


treasury expected by early fall. 


‘Alice* Beats London Hot Weather, 
Terrif $11200; Tory’ Fine $6 JO, 
‘Groom’ Good $5,800 for 2d Round 


‘So to Bed’ as Musical 

Glasgow, July 31. 

Leslie Henson is cast ss the fa- 
moui English diarist, Samuel 
Pepys, in t musical version of J. B. 
Fagan’s 1926 play “And So To 
Bed,” which proems at Liverpool 
Aug. 20. It goes to Manchester, 
Glasgow and Edinburgh before the 
London opening in October. 

Jessie Royce Landis will play 
Mrs. Knight, one of Charles the 
Second's bevy of mistresses. New 
version will have music and lyrics 
by Vivian Ellis. 


London, July 31. 

Only one picture, among current 
West End programs, has succeeded 
in besting the heat wave. This 
Walt Dianey's “Alice in Wonder- 
land.” which had its preem at the 
Leicester Square Theatre. It is 
soaring to wow $13,200 in opening 
round after a great $5,600 in Initial 


Paris Nightclub 
Walkout Averted 


Paris, Aug. T. 

An anticipated strike of musi- 
cians against local niteries has 
been avoided. In an eleventh hour 
move bontfaces accepted § mu- 1 
sicians' ultimatum which expired 
Saturday (5). 

Their old salary was about $5 
for a four-hour session and $7 for 
six hours, with $1.50 per extra 
hour. Bandleaders get about 50% 
more. This, of course, goes for 
musicians and leaders which are 
not rated ss name bands. 

Another thing they wanted was 
s professional card instituted, 
equivalent to s closed shop. They 
claim there is not only considerable 
opposition employment from ama- 
teurs such ss Army musicians, etc., 
in- spare hours, but also that the 
number of foreigners employed, 
especially Negro musicians, is far 
beyond the legal 10%. 

Nitery operators were not ad- 
verse to giving the raise, but they 
didn't want it to be put in writing 
since now they will have to pay 
the social security bite resulting 
from the raise. 


2 ‘Cleopatra’ Radio Shots 

London. Aifg. 7. 

Laurence Olivier and Vivien 
Leigh are to broadcast two 15-min 
ute. excerpts from “Caesar it Cleo- 
patra” and “Antony & Cleopatra” 
in the final program In “From the 
London Theatre” next Sunday 
( 12 ). 

Last weekend. Cells Johnson, 
Margaret Leighton and Renee Ash- 
erson sired s -30-minute excerpt 
h$rom “Three Sisters.” .« * » i » > i » l 


Current London Shows 

(Figures show weeks of run) 
London, Aug. 7. 
“Anthony' , -“Caesaf,” StJaa. (14). 
“Blue for Boy.” Majesty's (36). 
“Carousel” Drury Lane (61). 
D'Oyly Carte, Savoy (14). 

“Fancy Free,” Pr. Wales (13). 
“Fofles Be rye re.” Hlpp. (22 *. 
“Gay's the Word.” Saville (25). 
“Happy Family,” Duchess (14 *. 
“Hollow,** - Fortune (10). 

“Intimate Relations.” Strand (2). 
“King's Rhapsody.” Palace <98*. 
“Kiss Me. Kate," Coliseum <22*. 
“Knight's Mada m.” Vic Pal (73). 
“Latin Quarter,” Casino (22 *. 
“Little Hut” Lyric (50*. 

“London Melody,” Empress (10*. 
“liOve 4 Colonels ” Wyndh'm (12*. 
“Msn it Sup’rm'n, Prince’s <25*. 
“Penny Plain.” St. Mart (6 k 
“R eluctant Heroes.” Wh’th. (47*. 
“Ring Round Moon,” Globe (71 ). 
“Seagulls Sorrento.” Apollo (60). 
“Take It From Us,” Adelphi (40). 
“Three Sisters.** Aldwycn (15), 
“To DVOiy a Sou," Garrick (37*. 
“Waters of Moon.” H’ym’kt (15). 
“Who Is Sylvia,” Criterion (36*. 
“Who Goes There?” York (19). 
“Wife's Lodger,” Comedy (3). 
“Winter's Tale,” Phoenix (6). 

OPENING THIS WEEK 
“Fires Midsummer Eve,” Em- 
bassy. 

“Polygamist,” New Lindsey. 
“Right Side Up.” Arts. * 

' CLOSED LAST WEEK 
"GOm* Uvtf with Mei” Vhnde <7* 


Italian Film Grosses 
Up $14,000,000 in Year, 
Nearly 900 More Houses 

Genoa, July 31. 

Figures recently released by the 
Italian Society of Authors and 
Editors show that Italian legit and 
film attendance during 1950 root 
sharply over previous years. Num- 
ber oT tickets sold in Italian pic 
houses went up 46,000,000 from 
1949 while the total take in these 
theatres increased from $79,000,000 
in 1949 to $93,000,000 last year. 

A total of 8.398 film houses were 
operating in Italy during 1950 as 
against only 7,545 in 1949. Smaller 
gains were made by the legit the- 
atre, there being 6,618,000 tickets 
sold during 19^9 and 7,353,000 in 
1950. Legit biz increased $1,500.- 
000 over 1949 to approximately 
$7,336,000 with the aid of a large 
government subsidy accorded Ital- 
an theatrical companies. Highest 
attendance months were December 
and January. 

During 1950, ticket* sold for 
Italian sporting events, notably 
soccer, showed s gain of over 10%. 
$59,000,000 being spent in Italy 
during 1950 on lottery tickets, bets 
and football pools. 


The new Metro- British offering 
“Calling Bulldog Drummond.” 
failed to stay on the course, and 
was pulled after two weeks. It got 
$13,200 in its final week, below 
average in view of a stageshow 
coupled with it at the Empire. 
“Sound of Fury” opened in. pleas- 
ing style, beinx helped by good 
critical appraisal. Looks fine $6,- 
200. ’Tales of Hoffmann” is still 
in the money in 14th stanza. 

Estimates for Last Week 

Cartten (Par) (1.128; 65-$1.60)— 
Tales of Hoffmann” (BL) (14th 
wk). Still doing satisfactorily for 
length of run at $3,400. “Love 
Happy” (Monarch) follows in two 
weeks. 1 

Empire (M-G) (3,099; 50-$1.$0)— 

“Calling Hullflitg Ortirnmnurl 

(M-G-British) end stage show. (2d 
wk). Disappointing $13,200 after 
below average $15,300 opening 
round. “Law and the Lady" (M-G) 
opened July 29. 

Gaumont (CMA) (1,500, 45-$l 60) 
—Half Angel” (20th) and “As 
Young as Feel” (20th) (2d wk). 
Fair $4,200. “Chicago Masquerade” 
(GFD) and “Iron Man’’ (GFD) 
opening on Aug. 2. 

Leicester Square Theatre (CMA) 
(1,753; 45-$I.60>— “Alice in Won- 
derland” < RKO-Disney). Drawing 
big crowds throughout the day, and 
will finish opening week with ter- 
rific $13,200 after socko $5,600 
opening weekend. Stays on Indef. 

London Pavilion (UA) (1,217; 45- 
$1.60) — “Sound of Fury” (UA). Crix 
helped this to $3,100 in first three 
days, and should do fine $6,200 on 
week. “Murder. Inc.” (WB) fol- 
lows. 

Odeon, Leicester Square (CMA) 
(2.200; 45-$1.60)— “Hotel Sahara” 
(GFD) (3d wk). Moderate $5,000. 
“No Highway" (20th) in on Aug. 2/ 

Odeon. Marble Arch (CMA) <2.- 
200; 45-$ 1 .60) — “Cornin’ Round 

Mountain” (GFD) and “Prince Who 
was Thief” (GFD) (2d wk). Fair 
$5,800. Stays Soother week with 
“Man in the White Suit” (GFD) 
opening Aug. 9. 

Plata (Par) (1.902;‘ 65-$l 60>— 
“Here Comes Groom” (Par) <2d 
wk). Holding up with good $5,800. 
“Red Mountain” (Par) opens Aug. 3. 

Warner— (WB) (1.72$; 45-$ 1.60)— 
“Fine and Dandy” iWB) (3d wk).' 
Expected to finish at steady $5,200. 
“Strangers on Train” (WB) opens 
Aug 2. 


UNIONS SEEK PROBE 
OF BRIT. FIX CRISIS 

London, July 31. 
Three resolutions on the British 
film crisis have been tabled for the 
Trades Union Congress, which is 
being held at Blackpool In the week 
Itarting Sept. 3. They have been 
submitted by British Actors Equity. 
Assn, of Cine Technicians and the 
Musicians' Union. 

The three unions call for a 
square deal for Brtish production. 
Equity pleads particularly for the 
implementation of the five-union 
policy laid down by the Film In- 
dustry Employees Council as a 
necessary measure to prevent the 
threatened extinction “of this vital 
national asset.” 

A further Equity resolution re- 
Mexico Cltv Julv 31 | Quests that the Chancellor of the 

Native tourists mean more coin *f* Up worlti . n * par,v 

for the theatre, with special refer- 


Native Tourists Spend 
Most Coin in Mexico 


ence to the growth of monopoly in 
theatre ownership, while a motion 
from the National Assn, of Theat- 
rical Sc Kine Employees aims to 
overhaul obsolete regulations, in- 
cluding the Cinematograph Act 
of 1909. 


for Mexico than do foreign visi- 
tors, according to the National 
Tourist Commission which checked 
railroads, other transportation com- 
panies. hotels, restaurants, mer- 
chants and amusement spots in its 
survey. Native tourism is increas- 
ing. the commission reported 
The findings upset the theory en- 
tertained in Mexico and abroad that 4 Fix For GI Circuit 

tourist trade, a big benefit for this Frankfurt. July 31. 

country, la all foreign. However. “Inside Walls of Folsom Prison' 
the commission stressed, foreign <WBi, “Along Great Divide” (WB), 
tourists are vital because their; “Cornin’ Round Mountain” (U* and 
coin, especially dollars, keeps cash j “Sword of Monte Cristo” (20th) are 
reserves of the Bank of Mexico , Aug. 5 releases on the Army’s 
^Strong. : i ✓ v» » * t » • v » theatre circuit here.* ' * * ’ 


» ». » * i k 












1] 




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I 1 

1 1 



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a S i j 

















Inside Stuff-Pictures "JggStLm 

Picture with Hollywood names Is being tor national dlstribu- • Warneri jg hitching its current 

Iron under sponsorship of the Dearborn Motors Corp. f cross-country 25 th aiini off sound celebration to a 
marketing organisation for Ford tractors and Dearborn farm equip- pitch 00 forthcoming prod- 

ment. Film is off an institutional nature for it tells a story of modern ^ This week the company marked 
farm Ilf.. Plot taYolve. « term «lrl who give, up her error a* . ?£ hXJ rom^X ahowlng of 


Exhibs Flock to Join COMPO’s 

Jubilee Drive Via Local Tie-ins 


Exhibitors 


the nation ' are rffect such a spirit of cooperation on 
n the industry- behalf off the industry itself. 
ve, “Movietown “On the basis of past achieve- 
ictober and No- ment. I know a little effort from 
1 auspices of the everyone here will put this pro- 


DiVtn was a zuui-rux camruci.cc xur imw ycun wmi* laoiuiun a&>- wir » a nrm i lu ,< w iii w. i.k .1 “ten- everyone nere win put mis pro- 

neared in several Metro pix, including “They Were Expendable/* Jam nieturea " Soerial nress Council of Motion Picture Organi- gram over and win back our right- 

Handy. producer off commercUi mmi is turaing out the pic. Most books aw being prepir^i to herald “ft f V l 5» <Utign 00 the .^ont pages of 


ef the shooting is being done on an. eastern Michigan farm under au. ,25th vear of sound on film and leve * ***• na ^ 6nal b.o. cam " the newspapers and in the minds 

Haford Kerbawy*s direction. Supporting players include Calvin w mj gtreg8 tieuDs with newsoaoers P* 1 * 11 - o f the public as the No. 1 enter- 


Tlionias. 


Paula McLean and Gordon B. Clarke. 


will stress tieups with newspapers 
and department stores on the 


Throughout the past week thea- , tainment medium." Brisk! n stated. 
t groups and individual exhibl- 1 He explained thaf original plan 


. chancine scene such as fashions I tre groups and individual exhibl- He explained that original plan 

Direct-mail campaign for 20th-Fox’s “David and Bathsheba” Is ex- gnd mode . 0 f ii v ing* v -» 10,1 have * >een Promising full sup- for a kickoff dinner in Washington 

petted to be one of the largest ever undertaken for a pic. There’s 'Anniversary week kicked off P° rt an d announcing jubilee chair- Oct 1 has been expanded to- in- 
been an overwhelming public response to the first series off key ads Monday ceremonies at the m*n. Tflajor territories that have elude dinners in perhaps a dozen 

for * Davi<y* More than 575,000 requests for full-color brochures on studio A nremiere of “CaDtain Ho- already formed committees to cities, tied in with a nationwide 

the film have been received in response to 22 ads in July issues of rat j 0 Hornblower" will be held at direct local work include Oregon, broadcast. Groups attending open- 


mass and newspaper supplements. Some 211 more ads are slated the Warners Hollywood Theatre to- Ohio, Michigan, Western Pennsyl- ing-night affairs will then split into 
for publication during August and September. Total direct-mail cam- n j K j lt (Wed 1 1 van l*» Utah, Texas. New England smaller groups to tour the country, 

paign is anticipated to pull a readership of almost 20,000,000 before After thlg ’ week * g opening plug and New York. Letters from other To make the greatest number of 
in windup, 20 th claims. the celebration will continue until groups and individuals^continue to personalities available, studios 

. „ ^ a , «... « . . v . the end of 1951 with the release flow into the N. Y. COMPO head- have ^Jted no t to schedule any 


American Broadcasting Co. correspondent Ray Brock- in Istanbul 0 f the following anniversary films- quarters. 

ik- T..-ki.k Vl UIC umuwui* anniversary nuns. 


.. . . .. . .... .. . _ « . . utuu. quarter*.., film to start between Sept. 27 and 

footnotes the fact that the friendly divorce of young Turkish mU- “strangers on a Train’* (already re* Meanwhile, details of organize- Oct. 6 . Brlskin later appointed 
lionaire Alt I par from ex-fllm star Virginia Bruce is not only destlngd j eaae< D f ••force of Arms," “A tion are* being completed by Robert Lou Smith, chairman of the studio 
to make local history, but will probably cause the bothersome Turkish “streetcar Named Desire," “Jim J. O’Donnell, national director of publicity directors committee, to 
bill to |>e The Ipar family is one of the weafthiest in Xur- jfhorpe — All American,** “Starlift,” the campaign. He will take over handle public relations connected 

key. The old law forbids marriage by a Turkish officer to a foreigner, “Come Fill the Cup," “Painting the the reins formally at a luncheon with organisation of the tours, 
otherwise Ipar would be called up for service as an enlisted man, clouds With Sunshine.** “Close to meeting today (Wed.* at the St Smith will coordinate his activities 


which hitch calls for 2Vh years. 

a ,• 

While in London to arrange for final Technicolor prints on “Tha 
River. ’ producer Res McEldowney conferred with Devedas Gandhi, 
son of Mahatma Gandhi, and negotiated a deal whereby he*U secure 
films about India for the Gandhi Memorial Film Library. Pix showing 
the Mahatma will be turned over to McEldowney for possible use in a 
full length feature which the producer it pmjf m the late Indian 
leader. “The River,** incidentally, is scheduled to preem at the Paris, 


My Heart/* ‘The Tanks Are Com- Moritz Hotel, when he addresses with those of COMPO reps in N. Y. 


What’s Good Pic?’ 


, 1 lng’* and “Distant Drums/* industry advertising heads. 1 - 

h - Various projects involved in the . 

hereby he*il seeffre IP ^ss^ssss campaign have been assigned to ad- II V A* ‘Pilot’ 

ibraiV MX I Whsfc Caa A DU?’ vertising and publicity chiefs of HS rlHJl 

or^Sisible use ia^a I . PIC. the major companies by ’ODonnell. ^ co.tm.en from pact 1 =, 

I ““ ******** tnm n|1 1 '^National advertising. Howard COMPO*! "Movte- 

p 1 ’ cussions revealed, what ekhlbs Dietz; general publicity. Art time, U. S. A./* which will take 

were really beefing about in the Schmidt; general exploitation, place in October and November. 

Fnv * k. nd . final analysis was not “memage" Charles Simone 111; star tours. Mort Chairman Schwartz is eager to 


N.Y. As ‘PHof 

CmUimM from pace 7 


K ,V . Sept. 10. « wa. lenzed In Ind ia. in tZ 

Kin* Broa. turned down the requeet nude by 20th-Fox to change 


# oerv D, ! i k? ,i B , . .V , » V f, , 7* cnange picture* or an oversupply of oaters Blumenstock campaign book and f° rra • committee to arrange for 

the title of “The Black Lash*’ on the ground that It sounds too much mumensioc*. campaign dook ana marHaeo 

like Uacklaab/* which Sol Wurtzel produced on the Westwood lot in k ^ 1 1 hid accessorle *; s * 

1M7. Frank )Ung pointed out that the forthcoming picture is a tale wn op f ninR dinner, Charles Kinfeid; Tren \*r nuhrs 

of cruelty on a Louisiana prison farm and could not possibly be con- rad, ° b,oadcast ‘ Jerr y Pitches to attract teen-agers in- 
fused with the Wnrtxel film. • " no c° m P lain l Wintt the good ones, pickman. - % eluded a New York Times Youth 

•What la a Geed Oner 


Pickman. 


Teen-Age Pitches 

Pitches to attract teen-agers in- 
cluded a New York Times Youth 


Conspiracy Among Distribs 


The opening dinner for the Forum on television and on film; 

That has served to revive the drjve will be held during the first a group interview, arranged 
old discussion in trade circles of week of October at a time and through the board of education, be- 
“what is a good one?** Since many place to be announced later. An tween 'high school editors and 
that have received acclaim ' from effort will be made to obtain Presi- Paramount's “Golden Circle** 
both reviewers and • industryites dent Truman as principal speaker, players, covered by CBS and 
have failed to click g£ the b.o. — Max Youngstein of United Ladies Home Journal; a circulating 


CmSmcI 


have failed to click the b.o. — 


t*« “Golden Circle*' 
covered by CBS and 


r-. - kave fftjied to click gf the b.o. — Max Youngstein of United Ladles Home Journal; a circulating 

Paramount case. Tha Dip son de- of uniformity in any claimed pref- and vice versa — conclusion is that Artists has volunteered to act as display on motion pictures for the 

ciaion is the first time, since the erence of Shea over Dipson, and what is labeled a “good** picture special assistant to Charles Me- high schools of New York, 

vindup of the decree, that the sit- because Dipson received preference frequently only wins that appella- earthy,- coordinator of the cam- A cooking show, with a show- 

uation has been squarely presented in several of the locations ih which tion by the fact that It has done pa ign* g advertising and publicity, wise demonstration, doing “Dinner 

in 1 hi* Circuit Court-* 1 and t hr Din. h#» wai mmnlainln* tin rnntnirarv business wZ. — * ..... tk. rv\uno _ D.i .. j tiru.... il. 


in this Circuit Court/ and the Dip- he was complaining, no conspiracy business. 


Youngstein gave 


COMPO for a Bride* 


‘Dinner for the 


son decision not only points up the had been established. The fact that Moral drawn by Hollywood board the first presentation of the Boas/* with the same kind of give- 

previous declarations of the court the conspiracy alleged by Dlpebn from all this— and grudgingly campaign last November. sways used by daytime TV shows, 

on the subject but^clarifies and ex- was with respect to preference as agreed to by some of the exhibs A bureau to handle news and bai been planned to attract women 

tends the rule of proof in motion to runs only, and not deprivation present— is that flatly protesting futures was formed Monday < 6 ! *or matinees. This show was set as 

picture antitrust cases so that of product, and that Dipson admit- In advance any type of Aim is bad gt a me etine of oublicitv reoresen- a demonstration at the RKO Flush- 

IM.'SLEfi?* “ ‘° iU eX * - to T.rry d . * U , “■ fr0n ) *• ju *‘ “ llk *'y Utw«fr?m* th/maor comp.n"". In* 

.c< legal application. each dlaU Ibutor. impelled the court as not that a - mejaage" pic or one Art sehmia,, chairman of the The organization held a confer- 

Kipsons contention, and one JJj* S?J? c !j**, on conduct of the weaterns of which there are publicity committee In the east, ence for exchange of views with 

vhieli is sought almost uniformly of the distributor* did not indicate Too many will prove to he a mada the following assignments: several New York newspaper pub- 

10 be availed of by plaintiff exhib- the existence of any con«>lracy "good" one- one thats imash at N , tlonal nPW , WP «kly magaines Usher.; plans special exploitation 

‘ - ill these cases, was that the against Dipson in Bunalo, the b.O. an/i nau.no nnr cnnnlomonti Inhn with (h* I ril ■ m ■ I . A mnrtn » n ukinh 


to be availed of by plaintiff exhib- the existence of any conspiracy 
Itocs in these cases, was that the against Dipson in Buffalo. 

Paramount case established that a 

general conspiracy existed among I 1 

the distributors and that, there- Daiica ProAnn 

fore, all that a complainant exhib- IIUUaC*lllvUflv 

hor h *’ to A° J* *° h, « ,<*»">• Continue* from p.s. * 

age. The pleadings of practically 


goon one one uuis siimmi ai National news weekly magaines ) Ushers; plans special exploitation 
,he b0 , and newspaper supplements, John with the Journal- American, which 

Exhib confusion as to what they Joseph; general magazines, Philip ! restored institutional “Go to the 
want is easily explained via a poll j Gerard; fan magazines, Doq Movies’* advertising; prepared 
of small-town audience preferences prince; radio and television, Mort copy and all production details of 
conducted recently by the U. of Nathanson; news syndicates. Larry a series on "Go to the Movies." 
Illinois. Mentioned most frequently Golob; columns, Al Tamarin; trade- which is now running in The 
as type of pix liked best w’ere press,* Hortense Schorr; out -of- Brooklyn Eagle. A series on “New 


all exhibitors who have brought keep the film-makers posted on au- mysteries, comedies, musical com- town publicity. Sterling Silliphant; Players’’ was prepared for the N. Y.* 

action against the distributors set aience screen preferences. The en- edies, westerns, adventure and war financial press. J. Raymond Bell; Post and is now current. Work is 

up the Paramount case and claim tire premise here is wrong, accord- films. On the other hand, men- house organs and business trade under way for conferences leading 

that they are automatically entitled jng to R&G, for the reason the pub- tioned most frequently on the dis- publications. Al Corwin. Serving to institution of a “Guide to Hit 

to damage* thereby. This theory Re doesn’t manifest any choice of like side were war films, westerns, on t fi e general committee with Movies’’ for N. Y. dailies 

the court rejected entirely, holding pic themes in advance. The ticket- full-length cartoons, mysteries, c rh midt are Madeleine Whit* »nd 


the court rejected entirely, holding Pte themes in advance. The ticket- full-length cartoons, mysteries 
that while the Paramount case es- buyer knows what he wants in documentaries and operatic must 
tablished a general conspiracy, a *croen fare only when it’s offered, cals, in that order, 
private plaintiff not only has to 1 not before, say RAG. - Obviously, such overlapping it 


11-length cartoons, mysteries, Schmidt are Madeleine White and Activity of interest to book- 

0Per, “ C mUSl ‘ S,eve “»»<•«* i ™di n * public included xtory on 

is. in mai oraer. Employed this week to work on books made into films this year 

Obviously, such overlapping Is the special jubilee press book are and sent to book editors and book 


prow* that the conspiracy existed The writers create the trends, j sufficient to confuse any exhib. and Jones Arnold, formerly with UA, tradepapers; display on books 
to , aH(1 floainf* but must not the public, they declare. They 1 the University concluded that a and George Fraser, formerly with made into pictures this vear as- 

; ,M > sh0 * that he had sustained are the basically creative branch little town exhib “has a difficult ; Eagle Lion. sembled andsentto three' borough 

damages by reason thereof. of the business, putting an Idea into time in reconciling different tastes libraries 

J2* «« fb*e 1 "eSICr *" d 0fferlng “ ° f • r 4 "' COn ‘ P * Ct POpUl,li °"'' Coast Luncheon Pledges Storte, on the.tro construction 

i u 1 1 her. The appellate court for the customers. Just as theatremen were shown I /\ n • 1 Anneared in th*> Qnndav Nuuu tl»*» 


iii>t time took legal cognizance of Despite this, RAG insist, film during the Coast seminar that 
oHht outside facts which were ad- *55 ♦ * ar *,^ restri , cted 15* of the types of pix to which 

urn rd by the distributors to show P° ,n l of impairing pix. oe- they *ere objecting were their 

tii;«t there was both no conspiracy ll « v * a qualified writer should stay biggest grossers. it can be likewise 

and no damage to Dipson. The "‘th the film until its completion, demonstrated than an exhib would 

cmut held that the evidence showed working with the director and pro- j n trouble by being guided by 
Rut Dipson’s operations were on a an<i , talci l n ,? * hand in the resu jj s 0 f 8UC h a survey as that 

more widespread scale than those p ubb,n K and cutting. Instead, the j n mi n 0 i 8> 


Eagle Lion. sembled and sent to three borough 

libraries. 

C Oast Luncheon Pledges Stories on theatre construction 

Aid to' ft O Pamn;tiirn ap P« are d in the Sunday News, the 
A1U 10 O.u. v ampai^n Journal-American and tradepapem. 

Hollywood, Aug. 7. 1 Stories are being prepared on 

Leaders of all branches of the i community uses of N. Y. theatres, 
film industry enthusiastically 1 women’s viewDoint on dressing uo 


ispuacy - 2 rnggesi grossers. 11 can De use wise film Industry enthusiastically womens viewpoint on dressing up 

'• Th « workln* /,h th"d I rector^ ndorol < 1 empnrtr.t e d thin *n exhib would j pledged cooper.lloo for^ n.tlonwldi , nd going outthe rom.mic roml 
showed a L|n/ahand n the ,e * " tr “ lbl * > b « ln * Mided by I tours which will spearhead COM- pltment that hi paid a woman when 

re ,S n * dubbing and cuU?ng Instead thl f e,, i If ® f ,UCh * Survey “ ,h *‘ PO s ‘ Movletime U S A." program a man takes her out. etc. 

team complains, the writer is shut n n J >18 ’ | ‘his fall. .Studio heads. Guilds and | the „ UnnlnB , taBe , s , xv or 

off from the>pic Immediately upon F ^ r 


a. ... . . « — . T — A AL. i.. . .a ••• •••••■via. UII5 tail. otuuiu Iicau.i, uuuun am 

and Ih*! <th Mi de ni nd * nt exhlbil ° r> ’ off from thesric immediately upon For while war films | other Industry organization lead 

Z ul a .H Wh Ja 1 «Ku lpi SS W “ ai J. eX ‘ handing in hi? cow headed the “dislike” list. VAairrvs ! ers. gathered at a luncheon meet- ^mla^ tha* rome Slhe blue* 

l mud exhibitor, his operations Additionally the scrivener in compilation of top-grosaers for 1950 ing headed by Sam Briskin, Holly- hit originated in Hollywood 

v .to more promotional than those Additionally, tne senyener * n | that there we re deht war wood chairman for the drive. . * 2 1 4 * lyw , * 

ui Shea many cases is told the theme to spo * 8 J nai mere were eigni war wooa cnairman ior inc uriyj, The 30 ,,^ department store sign 

pursue and often is guided on story Up ml 1 ?- } ^ ls nn . d J h ‘‘ n y> vt ‘d immediately to Prepare iuu on Times Square carried the copy, 

twists and turns. This has the ef- Battleground f\t G» was, in fact, of personalities >><• >'»• JJf 8 * “if* good to dress up — go out — see 

feet of placing a restraint on his No - 2 - l Latter, as outlined hy Briskin, g jnovie.” Other signs are in 

creative talent, according to R&G. Similarly, a fairly respectable will cover cities throughout the prepara Dpn for delivery trucks. 

In other lines — sculpture, fashion segment of those polled put full- country " rst week in buses, 

designing., etc — there’s no effort lenr./n cartoons In third place October with 200 stars, producers, . 


In the planning stage is a TV or 
radio program based on the 


‘S' «*»*>« . wu»ha^»d twllU and turna . Thla has the ef . 

.. ' ■ management instead of 0 f p) ac ing a reatralnt on hit 

, 0f . th f /ibutor « at- creative talent, according to R 
conspiratorial actions, played - - - * 

f ,a rge part in the losses which 
Dipsoa claimed he sustained. The 
lou, 't also highlighted the fact that 


to figure out what the public wants among the “disliked.” Yet Walt directors, writers n ml utn. i imlu 
in advance, and In specific terms, Disney’s “Cinderella” was the sixth try figures participating. 

R&G observe. 'Hie newly molded biggest grosser last year and Talk by Rot*ri j. ODonnell, 


J?"]!,? ! h * ^ributore had had H&G observe. Hhe newly molded biggest 
>.• isfactory dealings with Dip- product is offeree to the consumer “Alice in 


Wonderland" is currently : piped in from Dallas, stressed ex- 


20th ’s Tolstoy Short 

Slanted as a public relations 


hib enthusiasm for the Idea and j boost for theatres and the film 
. unity achieved at recent COMPO j industry. “The Guest,” a 32-minute 


J"". which furnished ample cause ind is icceoted or reiectSl doing smash biz hib enthusiasm for the idea and , boost for theatres and the film 

for their preference of Shea to On the other hand. Hollywood Two more cases of “dislikes" cur- unity achieved *t recent a 32 minut e 

l son in some of their competing | 8 on th e constant prowl for pic rently being refuted are documen- meetings here. Talk was echoed eligious drams based on a 
* an f. a ^ ao at ,aaat theme su&dcposts, socking prior Urios'nad operatic musicals. In by Y. Frank FrrejMn. tesrde^ir- j •boristemy by Tolstoy will h* re- 

location the unfair competitive knowledge on what will score best the first category, “Kon-Tlkl." made man the Assn. of. Motion Picture e*»ed by 20th Fox this monthl 
imuos of another Independent at the b.o.. Alio, many plc-pukers up of scraps of film shot by six Producers. , ^ Labeled as the first of a series 


r \ 11 1 Ditor were admittedly the cause arc Inclined to follow up a sue- men with ■ 16m camera on a raft Briskin stressed fact that Indus- of Inspirational short subjects. 
01 some of Dipson’s losses. cessful film with another of the drifting across the Pacific, is doing try figures always were able to Thb Guest" follows the company’s 

1 Me court * opinion showed min- Mme type. This sometimes has tremendous biz In virtually every achieve complete cooperation in other “long shorts," ‘The Magnetic 

examination of the selling prac- commercial advantages but always opening. As for “operatic must- the past to assure success of char- ( Tide'* and "Why Korea?” It was 
i" <*s of distributors In Buffalo, has the effect of discouraging re- cals," exhibs could hardly want itable, public service and patriotic produced by John Adams and John 

r rom *uch study, It concluded that sourcefulness on the part of the 1 better grosses than “The Great campaigns. This, he note'*, was Healy, and directed by Harve Fos- 

>•< Mise there was a definite lack writer. * Caruso” is currently getting them. I the first such meeting called to ef- iter. 




WedaMday, Anffiut S, 1951 



Pity the poor traffic cop at Radio City Music Hall. It’s been a night- 
mare for him. After 10 record-breaking traffic-jammed weeks of 
*"The Great Caruso,” *"Show Boat” sailed in. The grosses and the 
crowds are bigger than ever. The traffic cop remembers that M-G-M 
started it in November with *"King Solomon’s Mines” followed by 
*"Kim,” "Father’s Little Dividend” and + "Royal Wedding.” It was 
one M-G-M traffic problem after another! He thought nothing could 
top those * "Caruso” crowds but *"Show Boat” in the hottest days of 
summer is setting new Music Hall records. All over the nation it's 
the same, the box-office toppers are M-G-M. 


Big chief Leo, the Leader, has hit a stride unparalleled 
in film history. Soon you'll hear about the next big 
M-G-Musical *”An American In Paris.” Meanwhile it's 

L 

smart to know what’s what with the company that's hot. 
Keep close tabs on the Trade Shows. Next: August 14th- 
"THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE’' -(The best film about the 
War Between the States since GWTW.); and August 20th- 
“THE PEOPLE AGAINST O’HARA" (Spencer Tracy scores 

t • . ■ * ’ *. , .... ^ t • • • * . • 

again!). Two important pictures you should seel 


BUSY 

LION! 


* (Asterisks denote Ttcbnnolor ) 



v M 










' 


nCTUBES 


KYrinraday, Angurt 8, 1951 




Home of Brave' 


(•!.(. 1 i ■* III* Briefs From the Lets 


State Dept, and military gov- 
ernment have refused to okay ex- 
hibition of two Stanley Kramer 
films in Japan. They are 'The 
Men’* and “Home of the Brave," 
both of which deal with military 
subject matter. 

Kramer, meantime, has made a 
deal with Samuel Goldwyn where- 
by two other films will be distrib- 
uted in Japan via Goldwyn. They 
are “Cyrano de Bergerac'* and 
“Champion.** Nip release will be 
through Diae, with which Goldwyn 
has an exclusive distribution deal 

Objection to “Men** and “Brave,** 
it is assumed, stems from official 
feeling that Jap orientation has not 
yet reached the point where it 
would be wise to show effects of 
war on Americans. ^ 


Hollywood, Aug. 7, 


Exhibitors are polishing up one 
of their favorite complainU. that 
certain film companies seek “extor- 
tionate rentals’* for occasional b.o. 
hits “to make up for poor returns 
on their .many b.o. failures.** On 
the business end of the theatre- 
men's ire are Paramount and War- 
ners, which allegedly are nrilking 
the exhibs dry on ‘That’s My Boy’* 
and “Captain Horatio Hornblower,** 
respectively. 

A National Allied bulletin, re- 
printed In the current Allied The- 
atre Owners of Indiana counter- 
part, cites the experience of an ex- 
hibitor who operates a first-run 
house In a large city. This theatre- 
owner in dealing with Par for the 
Martin and Lewis “Boy’’ reportedly 
was asked to pay 40%, beginning 
at a figure which represents the 
average of the grosses on the last 
three pictures played at that house. 

‘ Since the last three Paramount 
pictures were poor grossers.” the 
bulletin states, “and were played 
during the current depression, the 
proposed 'breaking point is very 
low. Thereafter, Paramount de- 
mands an increase of 1% In the 
film rental for eaoh 3% increase in 
the gross. “ It*s claimed that the 
exhlb in question never paid a 
higher rental to. Par in the past 
than 40% to a split at a very high 
breaking point. 

“That’s My Boy’,** the bulletin 
observes, “is expected to do a big 
business. Under the deal 40% 
starts at a figure below the average 
of all grosses for the theatre. As- 
sume that the picture does 23%, 
50%, 75% or 100% more business 
than the average in these de- 
pressed times, then consider the 
amount of film rental this exhibitor 
will be paying— or would be, if he 
went for this crazy deal.” 

Apprised of the Allied squawk 
at the Par homeoffice this week. 
Paramount assistant sales chief E. 
K. (Ted) O'Shea said the company 
employs no “yardstick or rule” in 
determining what an exhibitor 
should pay for Par product — “it 
depends upon individual circum- 
stances.” He added that his firm 
believed in “fair terms for them 
and fair to us.“ 

Still reflecting on the problem 
of the larg£city first-run exhib, the 
bulletin notes that for this house 
Warners' tbp has also been 40%. 
“For ‘Capt. Hornblower* It demands 
50% from the first dollar. Granted 
this is a good picture . . . there is 
no justification for these grasping 
demands except that exhibitors are 
starved for boxoffice pictures and, 
therefore, are in a weak bargaining 
position.'* 

Although Allied pointed out that 
lit would submit the matter to the 
companies in question before '‘in- 
itiating a campaign of protest." 
O’Shea denied that any Allied rep 
i had approached his firm in regard 
! to “Boy” terms. 


fontinuing on the decline, RKO 
Theatres concluded its second 1951 
oil li ter with a net profit of 
si 09 697. the corporation disclosed. 
Earnings for the first six months 
of this year, up to June 30, 
.mounted to $551,639. Latter figure 
Includes $378,886 net profit from 
tfu . sale of capital assets. 

Exact comparison figures are 
not available for the reason the 
circuit last year was integrated 
vi ,h the RKO picture company, 
pi voire men t was effected last 
Jan 1 However, pro forma state- 
ru . n tv issued earlier Indicate the 
circuit earned about $300,000 per 
quarter in 1950. Quarterly net in 
2949 averaged about $1,040,000. 

\< tual income for the first six 
months of this year, exclusive of 
the $ 378,886 in profit from capital 
•sept s deals, was $172,753. This 
compares with the 1950 first-half 
net of $600,000, and $2,080,000 for 
the initial six months of 1949. 


retie Morrow in “Because ' You're 
Mine’* at Metro . . . Abbot! and 
Costello completed their “Jack and 
the Beanstalk" two days ahead of 
schedule on the Hal Roaeh lot . . . 
Helen Eby-Boek signed for “Singln* 
in the Rain" at Metro' . . . Protes- 
tant Film Commission completed 
two pictures, “A Wonderful Life” 
and “Wings of the World,” for 
showing in theatres as well as to 
church groups ... “Yellow Fin’* is 
the new tag on “Blue Fin” atjdono- 
gram . . . Michael Mark joined 
Hugo Haas' “Thy Neighbor’s Wife” 
cast at Motion Picture Center. 

Metro bought “Good Boy,” au- 
thored by Mary McChenr . . . 
“Women in the Dark’’ is the final 
tag on Republic's “Unclaimed Car- 
go ’ . . . Robert Keith snagged a 
featured role in Periberg-Seaton’s 
“Somebody Loves Me.” starring 
Betty Hutton, at Paramount . . . 
Richard Boone plays seCofid male 
lead in the Dale Robertson starrer, 
“Return of the Texan,*' at 20th-Fox 
. . . Christine Larson drew the 
femme lead opposite Jon Hall in 
the Sam Katsman production, 
“Brave Warrior ,** at Columbia . . . 


St. Louis, Aug. 7. 
Max L. Krustinger, owner of the 


Kay, a SOO-aeater at St. Francis- 
ville. 111., last week pleaded guilty 
to a charge of operating a lottery 
in connection with a “Bank Nite” 
b.o. hypo, and was fined $750 and 


costs by County Judge Richard S 
Simpson. 


bsa Continues from pan 4 sssJ 

Classics there’s as industry need 

for a distrib outfit to serve the 
indie prodiflrer. Lip pert Pictures 
already operates in the 31 ex- 
change areas throughout the coun- 
try. 

Lippert, himself, owns 85% of 
the distrib wing, with the balance 
held by franchise-holders. The 
European production deals, he 
said, age starters toward acquisi- 
tion of more independent product. 
Recently made transactions call for 
Lippert to provide American stars 
and stories. In return he gets 
Western Hemisphere distribution 
rights, among other concessions. 

First feature on the Exclusive 
Films deal will be completed next 
week. It's tagged “Blonde Black- 
mail” and stars George Brent and 
Marguerite Chapman. “Dead on 
Course,” a story which Lippert ac- 
quired from producer Alexander 
Paal, will roll Sept. 3 at Exclusive’s 
British studio, and “The Stolen 


Current distrib practices again 
have been scored as unfair and dis- 
criminatory, this time by Allied 
Independent Theatre Owners of 
Iowa and Nebraska. 

A bulletin on the 12 regional 
meetings held by this organization 
thus far in 1951, prepared by Leo 

Weleet t, c hai r man of the boa rd, 
reported: 

“The exhibitor groups unani- 
mously called upon these distribu- 
tors to assume their fair and full 
share of current reduced theatre 
boxoffice results; to reduce film 
rentals accordingly; to cease their 
demands for unfair rentals and for 
‘must percentage’ deals; to remove 
immediately any and all existing or 
contemplated clearance, by what- 
ever method obtained and en- 
forced, between theatres not in 
substantial competition, and to pro- 
vide more prints and earlier play- 
ing time.” 

Omhha territory exhibitors com- 
plained that “Warners have but 
two brackets — top flat and per- 
centage.” Alio that Metro it get- 
ting more money for individual pic- 
tures than in group deals.” 

In the Mid-Central St. Louis ter- 
ritory, every meeting reported 
“that Republic is still attempting 
to force other pictures with the 
Roy Rogers, and there were a few 
reports of Warners attempting to 
force pictures in that territory.” 

Metro 'Fairest* 

“All 12 meetings,” the bulletin 
reported, “excepting earlier Ne- 
braska and Sioux City meetings, 
voted Metro the fairest company to 1 
deal with. Mason City and the six ' 
meetings in the St. Louis territory 
voted* gox the most unfair, with 
Universal running a close second, 
while in all the other meetings 
Universal far outran all others for 
top honors as the most unfair com- 
pany to deal with.” 

Principal 'points that brought I 
stern opposition from the inde- 
pendent theatreowners were listed 
as follows: 

“(1) Demanding higher film rent- 
I als from independent exhibitors 
i and generally refusing cuts in rent- 
als and adjustments In spite of 
substantially reduced theatre box- 
office results. 

“i2» Demands by some distribu- 
tors for ‘must percentage’ deals on 
certain desirable pictures, viz.. Par- 
amount’s ‘Samson and Delilah’ and 
Warners’ ‘Captain Horatio Horn- 
i blower,’ which the independent ex- 
j hibitors cannot economically, and 
therefore will not, play. 

“•3* Setting up and maintaining 
arbitrary and illegal ‘territorial 
clearances,’ discriminating against 
independent exhibitors not in sub- 
stantial competition in the vital 
matter of prints and playing time 
in favor of affiliated, former af- 
filiated. circuit or larger theatres, 
by various devices including unfair 
price allocations, alleged print 
shortages, playing time ‘slots,’ the 
no-print dodge, ‘bookers clearance;’ 
flat refusal to sell and/or date pic- 
tures until the above ’preferred 
accounts’ have dated and played 
the pictures, and by other methods, 
thereby cheating the independent 
exhibitors out of their legal rights 
to prints and desirable pieyiug 
time within the effective life of 
national picture advertising; rights 
clearly granted to Independent ex- 
hibitors by the U. S. Federal and 
Supreme Courts. 

“(4) Withdrawing pictures con- 
tracted for on group or so-called 
’security’ contracts, notably 20th- 
Fox’s ‘David and Bathsheba .” 


| Continue* from HI* » SSSSSJ 

prexv Sol A. Schwartz. Schwartz 
ha< been on the Coait, assumedly 
relating the demands to Hughes* 
itifes. Noah D ie t rich end Tom 
Slack. He returned this week. 

What it comes down to, there- 
fore. is that Greene iq. awaiting 
word from Hughes on these de- 
mand n. Rather than delay any 
longer, however, in case (as is felt 
probable i the reply should be 
negative. Greens Is preparing to 
appeal for proxies. The four 
months until tha stockholders* 
meeting is a relatively short time 
to make the necessary solicitation. 

* We 11 continue our discussions, 
but tbe situation has reached a 
point in time where we must take 
action.’’ a Greene spokesman de- 
clared. 

The Wall Streeters felt they 
sere given a strong boost in jus- 
tifying their desire for a manage- 
ment change by the second-quarter 
profit statement issued last week 
for the period ending June 30. 
** irte« n-wcek net was $109,697. 

.*»age quarterly earnings for 
i950. based on pro forma state- 
.*ntv. were $300*000 and for 1949 
$1 040.000. (See separate story.) 

Another new faciorvin the situa- 
tion u.is disclosed during the week. 
That u as that Floyd Odium’s Atlas 
Corp. had reentered the RKO The- 
itres picture by acquisition of 76.- 
500 shares during the past six 
months Atlas was controlling 
stockholder in the RKO parent 
company before divorcement, sell- 
ing out m 1948 to Hughes. Whether 
Odium will swing behind Greene 
b undisclosed. (See separate 
story . » 

Cause of the Greene alliance 
given a considerable hypo 
several weeks ago by the Dept, of 
Justne it caused resignation of 
one Hughes-appointed director and 
asked for ouster of two more. 
L reene’s group wants the privilege 
ot naming the men to fill the 
vacancies, which w'ould give it a 
Majority of the five-man board. 


Emanuel in RKO Confab 

Jack Emanuel, exec producer to 
Joseph Kaufman, who produced 
Joan Crawford’s next release, 
“Sudden Fear,”* arrived in New 
York from the Coast this week for 
huddles with RKO. Pic will be 
released by that company. 

Emanuel is also conferring with 
his brother, financier Victor 
Emaunel, who has an interest in. 
the Kaufman productions. 


hi* 4 — rrJ 

lars in England are permitted ( pro- 
duction, salaries, film prints, etc.), 
U. S. companies were able to use 
up almost all of their frozen funds 
in Britain this year. Under the 
new arrangement, it is anticipated 
that American filmmakers would 
have no difficulty in clearing up 
the balance 100%. 

Although the new proposal is 
not as good as the American dele- 
gates had originally hoped for. 
which was complete convertibility, 
it was much better than antici- 
pated when they first arrived and 
were hit by wails by the British 
Board of Trade oh how the dollar- 
balance had fallen 

James Mulvey. Samuel Goldwyn 
Productions p c e x y. who repre- 
sented the Society of Independent 
Motion Picture Producers at the 
London confabs, was present at the 
meeting to interpret with O’Hara 
aspects of the agreement. O’Hara 
paid high tribute to Mulvey for his 
contributions to the London nego- 
tiations as well as to two other 
members of the negotiation team. 
John G. McCarthy, MPEA v.p.. and 
Fayette W. Allport. MPAA Inter- 
national Division representative in 
England. Mulvey is expected to 
report to SrMP shortly. 

O’Hara said that the London dis- 
cussions were carried on in a 
friendly and cordial atmosphere 
and he conveyed to the board an 
upiifnisiijt noie on film business 
prospects in Britain for the next 
six months. He said that an ex- 
ceptionally fine array of feature 
productions from both American 
and British studios is scheduled for 
release during this period, auger- 
v I TCU USX H XT I/O OIIU ■UVVIUOVI v j ing a strong b.o. and brightened 
t.imling, and a total of 2.727,- i will jump at the chance to expand outlook in British film industry 
1 r gular shares of common. 1 their apdience. I circles. 


Continue* froi 


Los Angeles, Aug. 7. 

Screen Associates filed a $10,000.- 

000 damage suit against Dean Mar- 
tin. Jerry Lewis and Wallis-Hazen, 
Inc., charging breach of contract. 
Plaintiff also asks Superior Court 
for an injunction restraining the 
comic team from appearing in pub- 
lic entertainment until they have 
settled the SA claim. 

Sherlll Corwin, an official of SA, 
charges that Martin and Lewis, in 
control, of York Pictures Corp., 
broke an agreement to make one 
SA picture a year for seven years. 
In addition, the comedians, their 
agent. Music Corp. of America, and 
Wallisllazcn are charged with a 
conspiracy to cause York to violate 
Its pact with SA. At the tinrv* of 
the original agreement. Corwin 
says, Martin and Lewis were not 
as prominent as they are today, 
and SA took a big gamble on them. 

Damages are based on an esti- 
mated loss sustained by SA, which 
claims it financed “At War Wit i 

1 the Army," a mm expected to gross 


A.( . Drive-in Mgr. Defies 
Drder vs. Cash Giveaway j 

Atlantic City. Aug. 7. 

» aul Peterson, manager of the 
"tlur Reade drive-in located in' 
lu bur ban Pleasant ville, has defied j 
* ri 0| der issued by Prosecutor 
l.ouiv p. Scott which would halt 

J’a> Nights’’ on Mondays and Fri- 
days 

I’iv Nights’’ were instituted 
JMun the prosecutor ordered the 
inoat re to discontinue “Screeno,” 
Matured those two nights. Scott 
ra --, e d "Screeno” a type of bingo, 
J n, l as he has closed all kinds of 
P lni!o ' except that played in hotels, 
a* loilowed through by halting the 
tno.ihe version. 

l *‘> Nights” is another gimmick 
• "hlch patrons receive cash 
•wauls, it was held last Friday I 
< 3 » with no arrests. 


Ignore than $3,500,000 in its first six 
! months of release in this country. 

! Plaintiff also declares Martin and 
j Lewis plan to make, for Wallis- 
Hazen. “At Sea With the Navy.” 
!Thls, SA contends, "is an unlawful 
attempt to steal the seqfel thunder 
of ‘At War With tbe Army,' with- 
out regard to th« plaintiff’s rights.*’ 


I 






AUGUST 14th 
AT THE W^RNErThEATRE 
p NEW YORK 


Wednesday, Aagaat C, |Kl 


HINC UP 

THE INDUS' 

- that rings 

iiR HEAR-ri 


TWANNER 

Brother triuM * 1 

'THE LOVE ^ 

Rctory BEM-S ’** 


nnnii^, 


WILLIAM HOLDEN 
NANCY OLSON 
FRANK LOVEJOY 

mm CUE (VMS • DICK WESSON 

(hrtcttd » MICHAEL CURTIZ 

* ANTHONY VflUfl 
l«fM« ** »T OtIN IANNINCS 









Wednesday, August 8, 1951 




Lober Named by UA 


Theatre TV-NCAA 


HaB Continue# from pate 4 as? 

for a distrib to lose money* in that 
manner on a Broadway opening. 

Charles Amory, Souvaine sales 
manager, is anxious to rush the 
pic into the 95 theatres which 
Brandt controls or books hi the 
metropolitan area. It is not certain 
yet how many will play it. Thea- 
tres would have the advantage, of 
course, of getting in ahead of the 
Disney pic on the RKO circuit, 
since there’s no end iq sight on 
the Criterion run. 

Disney and Bunin plx are play- 
ing opposite each other in a num- 
ber of 'other cities, including 
Philly, ' Boston and Washington. 
Grosses are about as disparate as 
those in New York. In Washington, 
for instance, first week of Disney 
is running about $25,000 to $5,900 
for the Bunin entry. Philly first 
week figures were $23,000 for 
Disney vs. $8,000 for Bunin. 


laES Continue# from MS* 1 

midwest carried football games last 
fall, this year's schedule marks the 
first complete season of college 
contests made available to the 
theatres. Deal also represents the 
largest single block of program- 
ming set to date for the theatres. 
Halpern has ^>acted so far with 
Navy, Princeton, Pitt, Yale, Ford- 
ham, Columbia and Dartmouth, 
and expects to wrap up other 
schools before the season tees off 
Sept. 22. 

NCAA will be keeping as close 
a check on results of the theatre 
telecasts as it will on the home 
pickups, in line with its one-year 
moratorium on unrestricted te’e- 
casts into the home. Theatre TV 
execs are confident that the col- 
leges and the NCAA will learn 
before the season’s end that big- 
screen video, with its controlled 
boxofflee potentialities, offers them 
the best method of gaining extra 
profits from their games while at 
the same time preserving the basic 
sports structure — that is. the in- 
person crowd at the stadium. 


United Artists' determination to 
strengthen its operations abroad 
was further emphasized this week 
with the appointment of Louis 
Lober as continental manager. He 
will work with Charles Smadja, re- 
cently named continental sales 
manager, and together they will 
cover Europe and the Near East. 

Lober bad been assistant vice- 
president of Warner Brothers In- 
ternational. Previously, he had 
been associate regional director of 
Europe and the Middle East for 
Metro. 

While foreign operations for the 
trade generally have been upbeat, 
UA has not been faring so well. 
Distrib has been advancing on the 
domestic front as a result of its 
bolstered releasing sked but in- 
come from beyond Jhe U. S. has 
been falling behind. 

Recently tsker on by UA w?,s 
Frits Strenghold. who is serving as 
a director of company’s subsids in 
France, Belgium and Switzerland. 
Strenghold is an exhibitor and 
indie distributor on the continent. 

Also in line with the distrib’s in- 
tent on building up its foreign 
organization was the deal with 
Arnold Picker, currently veepee of 
Columbia International. Picker will 
take over UA’s entire foreign oper- 
ation. However, he still has to work 
out his Coi contract, which doesn't 
expire until Oct. 1, 1952. 

UA within the past few weeks 
has made numerous other changes 
in personnel abroad, all. of course, 
alined at correcting its business 
setbacks there. 


Chicago. Aug 7. 

United Paramount Theatres is 
currently negotiating with mid- 
western colleges in an attempt to 
line up another schedule of foot- 
ball games for exclusive theatre- 
telecasting. As a followup on last 
year's filmery videocasts in UPT 
subsid houses here and in Detroit, 
UPT exec Robert O'Brien has been 
sounding out Big Ten schools and 
Notre Dame for a fall tie-in. 

Last year’s experimental big- 
screen gridcasts. using the U. of 
Michigan home games at the De- 
troit Theatre and the U. of Illinois 
home games at Balaban & Katz’s 
State-Lake and Tivoli here, built 
to ^^.siderablc success. And this 
year, with home teevee limited to a 
maximum of a single game for 
seven Saturdays throughout the 
season. UPT and B&K officials are 
hopeful of coming up with a 
rounded schedule of major games. 

The National Collegiate Athletic 
Assn., which set up the limitations 
on gridcasting via regular tele- 
vision. has greenlighted theatre- 
tele for the upcoming season. 


Wider Ansco Usage 

Although Ansco Color has been 
seldom used by Hollywood, it’s an- 
tir*pated that the Industry will be 
making wider use of that process 
in the future. Metro and Ansco 
have set up a Coast laboratory to 
handle footage lensed in that meth- 
od. and the studio has already 
completed a big-budgeter in Ansco 
Color. 

Picture is ‘The Wild North.*' an 
outdoor adventurer, starring Stew- 
art Granger, Cyd Charisse and 
Wendell Corey. Robert Surtees, 
who did the Technicolor camera- 
work on "King Solomon's Mines," 
supervised the location lensing at 
Jackson Hole, Wyo. Indie producer 
Irving Allen also turned out an- 
other locationer in Ansco Color last 
spring. v Titled "New Mexico," it 
was released by United Artists. 


•555 Continued from MS* 4 

of course, a major - point of satis- 
faction to the triumvirate. 

It is not expected to bring other 
banks tumbling over each other to 
extend loans to UA producers, but 
it will certainly ease the financing 

situation. It will encourage other 
banks to at least explore possibili- 
ties with producers, rather than 
take a complete nix attitude so far 
as UA Anancing Is concerned. 

While Krim, Benjamin & Co. feel 
that they now have most of the 
bugs out of the domestic operation, 
their overseas biz is still a problem. 
They’ve not even been able to de- 
termine precisely yet whether they 
are workipgi&t a profit or a loss. 
UA’s international department was 
in a tremendous state of confusion 
when the Krim group took over. 

Although they are certain they 
can lick it. the foreign situation 
provides Krim and his associates 
with their principal point of reser- 
vation regarding how quickly they 
are certain to have the whole com- 
pany permanently in * the black. 
That's because they have discov- 
ered numerous instances where 
what appeared on the homeofflee 
books didn't agree with the actual 
financial situation in the field. They 
are thus frightened of turning up 
still more of these unknown quan- 
tities that prove to be severe blows. 
Worst of such situation^ was the 
one revealed in France when the 
government there recently lifted 
the freeze on American film remit- 
tances. Books in New York made 
it appear that there were francs 
in Paris to pay off money owed pro- 
ducers. but s call for the funds 
disclosed the bank account was 
depicted. 

If it weren’t for such unknowns. 
Krim associates would be confident 
that they’d get their 50% stock in- 
terest in the company next Dec. 31 
from owner? Charles Chaplin and 
Mary Pickford. As i{ is, they feel 
sure they'll get the shares next 
year. 

Terms 

’* Under the agreement with Chap- 
lin and Miss Pickford by which 
Krim. Benjamin and Fox assumed 
management control, they get half 
the company's stock when it has 
made a $1 operating profit for a 
calendar year. This applies in 1951, 
1952 or 1953. Stock will be shared 
with sales v.p. William J. Heinc- 
man, pub-ad v.p. Max E. Young- 
stein and other officers. 

Krim clan has no fears on de- 
fending itself against the show- 
cause order filed by the Dept, of 
Justice last week in an effort to 
force UA to return assets It ac- 
quired from Eagle Lion Classics. 
Government maintains that the 
ELC takeover reduced competition 
In the industry, 

UA maintains that it did just 
the opposite. Robert R. Young, who 
controlled ELC. had been forbid- 
den by his board to pour any more 
coin into the picture biz, which 
meant that the Pathe subsid was 
bound to be in trouble. UA itself 
was in deep financial trouble. 

If there hadn’t been the merging 
of assets, Krim group maintains, 
the industry may well have been 
faced with less competition than 
more, since both companies might 
have been out of business. As it 
Is, UA will answer In court In Octo- 
ber that the industry competitive 
situation has been improved by the 
presence of a strong independent 
company. 


2 More So. CaL Exhibs 
Buy Large-Screen TV 


« Los Angeles. Atig. 7. 
Large-screen television equip- 
ment was ordered by two Southern 
California theatres and three more 
are about ready to climb aboard 
the TV bandwagon. m 
General Precision Laboratory 
closed a deal to Install video para- 
phernalia in the Park theatre, 
Huntington Park, and the Sand, 
Oceanside. Understood Marco Wolff 
is negotiating for similar equip- 
ment for three Fanchon A Marco 
theatres in L. A. 


less Continue# from MS* 1 — — J 

before played a Par pic, thus put 
up $150,000 In front-money. Out of 
that Par agrees to spend a mini- 
mum of $25,000 for advertising. 

Theatre circuit, steaming at this 
deal, immediately went out and 
bought two RKO pictures. They 
are "HU Kind of Woman" and 
"Flying Leathernecks." That, of 
course, eliminates playing time 
that would ordinarily have been 
available for Par product, and 
forces latter, ill turn, to seek other 
Broadway outlets. 

It is understood that as a further 
result Par is dickering with Rus- 
sell Downing, Music Hall topper, to 
rebook "Here Comes the Groom," 
Bing Crosby-starrer, into the 
house. It was pulled at the same 
time as “Place," because the com- 
pany didn’t want the long wait. 

Deal is said to hinge on the 
Hall’s willingness to forego its nor- 
mal contractual stipulation that 
any film it buys must preem there 
before any other house in the 
country. Par has proposed holding 
up release in the New York fnetro- 
politan territory if it begjns liqui- 
dation elsewhere. 

There's also the possibility that 
the film will go into Loew’s State 
That depends, however, on Metro’s 
decision on putting "Quo Vadis” 
into the house. At any rate. Par 
appears to be making an effort to 
avoid selling the Crosby special to 
its former Broadway showcase. 

The current hassle proves more 
than anything else the success of 
the divorcement decree the Gov- 
ernment forced on Par as of Jan. 
1, 1950. Industry' wiseacres, mind- 
ful of the almost father-son rela- 
tionship that existed between Par 
prexy Barney Balaban and UPT 
prez Leonard Goldenson, have per- 
sisted in taking the attitude that 
divorcement was merely a techni- 
cality accepted by the two compa- 
nies with a figurative wink. 

Knowledgable insiders, however, 
have always maintained that, when 
the going got tough in the clinches, 
neither Balaban nor Goldenson 
would let their stockholders down. 
It was foreseen that both men 
would be desirous of maintaining 
the earnings and dividend records 
of their respective companies, and, 
if giving a special break to the 
other jeopardized that, there’d be 
a straining of former relationships. 

Long and close friendships of 
the execs of the two companies is 
thought to preclude the possibility 
of the present heat persisting pro- 
tractedly. However, well-grounded 
observers who foresaw the present 
set-to predict that any patching up 
of relationships will be only tem- 
porary. eventually evolving into the 
normal competitive status that ex- 
ists between any distrib and any 
circuit. 


Continue# from MS* 4 SSSm3 

better offer from a competing thea- 
tre. it must, of course, under the 
antitrust decree offer the house a 
chance at the pic via bidding or 

negotiation. 

Maurer, in return, will give Col 
preferential booking, taking its pix 
prior to those of any other distrib 
as long as they're felt suitable. This 
gives Col, in effect, two showcase 
theatres on the Stem, since it is 
assumed that there's an amicable 
understanding between the distrib 
and Maurer by which Col pix will 
occupy the houses most of the time. 

Announce Deal in Chi 

Deal was announced at Col's' con- 
vention in Chicago yesterday 
(lues.) by general sales manage*; 
Abe Montague. It was given con- 
siderable fanfare in that the two 
houses are prized showcases. Like- 
wise. as Montague pointed out, ex- 
tended runs on Broadway have 
made it advantageous to have out- 
lets for Col’s long-run product. 

Col’s deal with City Investing 
provides for formula terms. Every 
pic that is agreed on as worthy of 
th* houses will go in at the same 
figures. Details are being guarded. 

Under the Goldwyn and Selznick 
terms for the Astor, Maurer had 
no refusal right on product. He 
had to take everything they pre- 
sented. In return, they guaranteed 
a minimum house rental of arountr 
ST, 500 a week to cover overhead. 
There was a stop figure of $14,000, 
pic going out two weeks after it 
sunk below that amount. 

In the event Goldwyn and Selz- 
nick had no product of their own 
to keep the house alight, they could 
80 out and get plx from other pro- 
ducers. Columbia is under no such 
obligation. 

Two pix have already been set. 
The Astor will get Louis de Roche- 
mont’s "The Whistle at Eaton 
f alls” and t^p Victoria the Sidney 
Huchman production, "Saturday’s 


Mississippi will have its flrit the- 
atre-television setup, with equip- 
ment already ordered for his Mag- 
nolia Theatre. New Albany. Mias., 
David Flexer. prexy of the Mid- 
South Theatres, reveals. Screen-TV 
equipment has also been ordered 
for Flexer's Rltz, Memphis nabe 
house. It marks the fourth Mem- 
phis theatre to join the TV-the- 
atre list, along with the Malco. Lu- 
ciann and Airway. 

Both Flexffr theatres in New 
Albany and Memphis will be RCA- 
licensed equipment, with 15x20 
foot screens. 

The Memphis chain-owner said 
he expects the equipment to be in- 
stalled at both theatres by Jan. 1, 
1952. 


Lm. Continue# from pace 1 sssslM 

documentary character will per- 
force be dropped. \ 

Among items <the APA points out 
is that the book was partially 
ghostwritten by a Hollywood 
script writer. Eve O’Dell, for psy- 
chologist Donald Powell Wilson. It 
purports to tell the experiences of 
Wilson while he served as staff 
psychologist at the Federal peni- 
tentiary in Fort Leavenworth. It 
was a Book-of-the-M< nth Club se- 
lection, and was reprinted in part 
by Life mag. 

Louis Messolonghites, associate 
editor of King Features, wrote the 
APA article, aided by James Ben- 
nett. director of. the U. S. Bureau 
of Prisons, and some 10 wardens, 
prison doctors and penal authori- 
ties. They list a number of points 
they claim didn’t happen at all or 
happened at other prisons. 

Messolonghites makes the obser- 
vation that if the book were pre- 
sented solely as fact, it might be 
"the greatest literary hoax since 
‘Cradle of the Deep’." Reference 
is to the Joan Lowell yarn of 25 
years ago. which was exposed as a 
fake after becoming a best-seller. 

John Selby, editor of Rinehart, 
the publishers, in reply said that 
Wilson never clalnrfed his book tc 
be "a minutely accurate history ol 
his services at Leavenworth." He 
added that the alleged ghoster was 
actually an "editor" and that such 
items as the prison break which 
actually occurred at another insti- 
tution was "literary license." 


ConUnued from pan 5 1 

active competitor of George Skou-v 
ras in buying film product. 

"Naify," said Skouras dryly, “is 
a man who wants the best produc* 
and is out to get it." pointing out 
that NT and UAT jointly, in 1943. 
renewed leases on five Frisco 
house s — Paramount. St. Francis. 
State. Warfield and Fox. Skouras 
declared he personally hadn’t par- 
ticipated in any of these negotia- 
tions. 

Extensions were sought, he said, 
because they represented a safe 
profitable enterprise for NT. 

Much of the morning session was 
devoted to a description of Skou- 
ras' rise in the industry and his 
various affiliations. Skouras vigor- 
ously denied the Goldwyn attor- 
ney’s questioning whether, when 
he was in charge of theatres for 
Warners and Paramount in the 
east, he had ever been instructed 
not to compete for acquisition of 
theatres with certain other com- 
panies. principally RKO and Fox. 

Further depositions will be taken 
when Alioto takes Naify's in Frisco 
either next Monday or Tuesday. 



PICTURES 








dox phases of Army life, with WAC j lets. Unless he can locate stray 


Col in Tix-Block Sole 


and G1 furnishing the boy-meets- 
girl flavor. Tom Neal, TV pro- 
ducer, is staging a show with a 
group of WACs when he re- 
ceives his induction notice. The 
shock makes him faint, an4> while 
in the dream stage he finds himself 
stationed at a remote radar post 
in the desert. Hungry for femmes 
along with his soldier buddies, he 
mixes Army orders freely to get 
a company of WACs transferred to 
the desert station. 

Life in the sagebrush is fun, ex- 
cept for a stern Iris Adrian, of- 
ficer in charge of the femmes, and 
both male and female resort to all 
kinds of ruses to pitch a little woo 
against orders. Before Neal snaps 
out of his faint he has fallen in 
love with Jean Porter and continues 
the romance when he returns to 
normal, which winds up things sat- 
isfactorily. 

* Eight tunes are spotted and are 
better than would be expected in 
such a budget offering. Coming 
over best are two Jimmy Dodd 
numbers, “Gee. 1 Love My GI Jane” 
and “1 Love Girls." which he sings, 
and “Baby. I Can’t Wait,” Dian 
Manners-Johnny Clark tune sung 
by Mis* Porter. Also listening 
nicely is “What’s to Be Is Gbnna 
Be," by Teepee Mitchell and 
Johnny Anz. 

Reginald Le Borg’s direction of 
the Murray Lemer production 
keeps it moving satisfactorily over 
the 62 minutes of running time, 
and the performances by tha three 
toppers are okay. Others showing 
up pleasantly In the cast include 
Jean Mahoney, Dodd. Mara Lynn, 
Jimmy Lloyd. Alan Ray and the 
femme quartet, Jean Coleman. 
Amie Bates. Jeri Strong and Olive 
Krushat. 

Jan Jeffries scripted from a story 
by Lemer. and Jack Greenhalgn 
photographed. Brog. 

Bolfe de Xult 

(Night Spot) 

(FRENCH) 

Paris, July 26. 

Consortium Du Film rolooso of SFFAR 
production. Stars CLaudtne Dupuis. Writ- 
ten and directed by Alfred Rode; editor, 
Andre Brotiier. At BerUtx. Peris. Run- 
ning time. IS MINS. 

8 ins Cleudine Dupuis 

icolas Louis Seigner 

Gaby . . Pierre Louis 

Charles Howard Vernon 

Albert Maurice Regamey 

This film is g lyokscc into some 
sordid meanderings in a single 
night at a Pigalle hot spot. Hack- 
neyed plot, shallow characters and 
static proceedings do not give this 
many possibilities for the U. S. arty 
houses. The semi-nudes and the 
sensational aspects of the yam 
made this good fodder for more 
lurid hypoing, and as such could go 
In some grinds. 

Director-writer Albert Rode, who 
also plays a gypsy violinist in the 
film, has placed all the action in 
the nitery and loaded the plot with 
the obvious A beauteous dancer 
Is the focal point of all the histri- 
onics. There is a jealous partner, 
a. leering customer who chases the 
dancer while his wife carries on 
with a gigolo, a police inspector 
posing as a playboy and assorted 
stock drunks and characters. An 
apache dance by sultry Cla udine 
Dupuis is s standout. Lensfng is 
ordinary and editing does not give 
the film the tempo it needs. 

Miss Dupuis contributes a sexy 
allure to role of the abused dancer, 
but does not do much acting. Louis 
Seigner hams as the heavy and re- 
mainder of the cast is less than 
adequate. Mosk. 


prints somewhere, tho series will 
We to he shortened or abandoned. 
Companies customarily burn their 
prints after a pic has gone through 
release, but occasionally one gets 
away and turns up years later. 

Films on which Griffith is hoping 
to find a stray are ‘The Patriot" 
(1028), starring Emil Jannlngs; 
“The Man I Killed" (also released 
as “Broken Lullaby" (1992), star- 
ring Lionel Barrymore; “Smiling 
Lieutenant" (1031), starring Mau- 
rice Chevalier and Claudette Col- 
bert, and "Forbidden Paradise" 
(1929), starring Pola Negri. 

“What*s needed to save the lives 
of films." Griffith said, “is the de- 
velopment of the equivalent of the 
rag paper on which newspaper files 
are preserved. Research people 
I’ve talked to say they believe a 
permanent non-deteriorating film 
basis could be developed, but so 
far we’ve never discovered anyone 
with sufficient combination of 
money and interest to attempt it.“ 

Curiously. Griffith said, the Li- 
brary of Congress has preserved 
«nmc old films by printing them on 
paper. Among them is “The Great 
Train Robbery" and ‘The Life of 
an American Fireman." bhth of 
which, made in the early 1900s, 
were milestones, in film history. 
The Museum of Modern Art's pres- 
ent film copies were duplicated 
about 10 years ago from these pa- 
per prints, which are still in good 
condition. 

Paper prints resulted from the 
Library of Congress’ early de- 
mand that a copy of each picture 
he filed with it before a copyright 
would be granted. Space problem 
soon became so great that the pa- 
per print method was devised. In 
a short time it beeame evident that 
that, too, would require too much 
room, and then only copies of the 
main title had to be filed. 

Difference in quality of process- 
ing various films is quite evident, 
according to Griffith. He said 
many of the Museum’s Biogriph 
prints of the period 1900-1912 are 
still In good condition, while nu- 
merous others from the 1930s are 
already beyond repair. Sloppy 
processing of this era, Griffith be- 
lieves. is going to prove costly to 
studios, which. In eventually sell- 
ing old rights to television, will 
suddenly discover they can’t dupli- 
cate* the picture. 


To hdastral Finns 
Os Titos Falls’ Pic 

Columbia it underway with nu- 
merous deals by which blocks of 
tickets to Its pic, “Whistle at Eaton 
Falls," art told to Industrial out- 
fits which In turn art distributing 
them to employees In the interest 
of labor-management relation j. 
Film concerns the business conduct 
between operators Of a New Eng- 
land factory and the personnel. 

In York, Pa., where the film 
opened at the Southern Theatre 
on Aug. 1, ticket sales were made 
covering all employees at the 
American Insulator Co., the Alloy 
Rod Co. and Goodly Electric. Last 
named outfit closed its plant last 

week at 4 p.m., instead of the usual 
5:30, to allow the workers to see 
the film during part of thair busi- 
ness day.' 

Col II negotiating with numerous 
Toledo firms on pre-sale of tickets. 
Film opens at the Rivoli Theatre, 
that city, Aug. 23. Owen-Illinois 
Glass and the DeVllbiss Co., both 
Toledo, are working on details for 
distribution of IQ, 000 tix. 

Same device is being repeated in 
Detroit, Akron, Cleveland. Spring- 
field, O “ 


Continued tfm past • 


riding sequences. Other technical 
assists are good. 


The Magic Face 

(AUSTRIAN-MADE) 

Moderately successful atel- 
ier of man who Impersonates 
Hitler. Companion feature for 
general runs. 

Hollywood, Aug. 7. 

Columbia rcleaae of Mort BrUkin-Robert 
Smith production. Stars Luthor Adier. 
Patricia Knijrht; feature* William L. Shir- 
er. Ilka VS indish. Heinz Moog. Peter 

Preset. Manfred Inger. Jasper Von 
oertzen. Charles Koenig. Directed by 
Frank Tuttle. Written bv Brtskin and 
Smith; camera. Tony Braun; editor. Hen- 
rietta Rrunsch; music score. Herachel 
Burke Gilbert. Previewed July Tt, ’SI- 
Running time. Si MINS. 

Janus The Great Luther Adler 

Vera Janus Patricia Knight 

William L. Shirer Himaelf 

Carla Mar bach Ilka Windish 

Hans Harbaeh Heinz Moog 

Warden Peter Preees 

Heinrich Wagner Manfred Inger 

Major WelnrTch Jasper Von Oertzen 

Franz Charles Koenig 

H»n« Toni Mitterwurzer 

Mariana Annie Maters 

Himmler Sukman 

Goering Herman Ehrhardt 

General Rodenbusch ......... R. Wanka 

General Von Schlossen Willner 

General Hettmeler Michael Tellerlns 

General Stcig Hans Sheel 

General Haider . ■ • • . . Boll 

Colonel Raffensteln Eric Prey 


wa . --O 

Performances sre generally in- 
effective, as characters are not 
real enough to be believab.e. Best 
moments In the film are the musi- 
cal sequences. Rooney beats his 
drums solidly, and the Dixieland 
group headed by Louis Armstrong 
scores. Miss Fbrrest’s dance num- 
bers also are excellent, and Kay 
Brown comes across in an ingenue 
spot. 

Reprised a number of times dur- 
ing the film is "A Kiss to Build 
a Dream On.” by Bert Kalmar. 
Harrv Ruby and Oscar Hammer- 
Mtrin II. Shadrack’’ Is worked 
over expertly by the Armstrong 
group, as is “Busin St. Blues. As 
guest stars, Monica Lewis sings 
“La Bota" and Vic Damone does 
“Don’t Blame Me." 

Low-key lensing bv Robert Sur- 
tees is effective for the melo- 
dramatic phases, end * he 
technical assists, including Nick 
Castle’s dance staging and Georgie 
Stoll’s musical direction, are capa- 
ble Brog. 


Worcester, Reading and 
other spots. Col, of course, is play- 
ing up the big personnel harmony 
angle in the Louis de Rochemont 
production. 


Costume swashbuckler set in 
18th century England: modrst 
b.o. 


baa CostlasM from Mft S sssJ 

Par’s “Here Comes the 6 room" 
and Warners' “Streetcar Named 
Desire." 

WB's “Capt. Horatio Hornblow- 
er," which follows “Show Boat" at 
the Hall, also Is expected to hold 
for a long run and this will fur- 
ther aggravate the booking jam 
conditions. Criterion is now tied 
up with Walt DIsney-RKO’s “Alice 
in Wonderland." It’s now in its 
second week and promises to stay 
at least an additional two weeks, 
if not longer. 

Vigorous Bidding 

Pointing up the sharpened com- 
petition among the theatre ops is 
the vigorous biding for important 
pix. On the other hand, the dis- 
tribs. when they have top product 
to license, apparently are becom- 
ing mere demanding in their terms. 
Theatre guarantees of minimum 
rentals, of the type which were 
given infrequently In past, now are 
becoming widespread. 

Criterion's deal for “Alice" in- 
cluded a provision guaranteeing 
Disney-RKO at least $100,000. Cri- 
terion wound up with the film 
when Brandt, who had played Dis- 
ney's previous two films at his 
Mayfair, balked at the proposition 
the producer was insisting upon. 

Cap is giving Par a guarantee of 
$150,000 on “Place in Sun." This 
is plenty high and plenty unusual. 
Part of the pact requires the film 
company to spend a minimum of 
$25,000 on advertising the run. 

In another unusual twist. Par 
Theatre has entered a flat rental 
deal for Par’s 'That’s My Boy," 
Hal Wallis production starring 
Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis. Dis- 
trtb collects $100,000 for the pic 
and Is not called upon to assume 
ahy of the ad costa. 

M-G hasn’t decided on final 
plans for Its “Quo Vadis." but 
there has been some thought 


Columbia reless* of Harry Joe ***** 
•reduction. Stars Louis Hayward; fe* 
turcs Patricia Medina. Suzanne IMlbert. 
Tom Tully. John WiUiams. Malu Gstics. 
Alan Mowbray. Lumsden Har*. Barbara 
Blown Directed by Ralph **urphy. 
Screenplay. Robert Libott and Frank Burt, 
from story by Jack D*W»tt * nd 
IGnaido. based on Alfred Noyoa 
••Dick Turpin's Ride*; camera. Henry 
Freuiich; editor. Geor#e Brooks; music 
director. Morris Stofofl: music score. 
George Duninf. Tradeshown N. Y.. Auf. 
6. *31, Running time, 79 MINS. 

Dick Turpin Louis Hayward 

Kle Omn. Patricia Medina 

CecUe Suzanne Deleft 

Tom King _ . 

Archibald Puffin John Williams 

Baronesa Margaret 

l ord Willoughby Alan Mowbray 

Sir Robert Walpole Lumsden Hare 

Lady Greene Barbara Brown 

Sir Thomaa DeVell Malcolm Keen 

John RatchotS st *F , *. t ? n *,*75 

Ramsey Jostin Sheldon Jett 

David Garrick 9“ orr 2® a * U ,T 

King Georg* Tliesault 

R Hedaer Norman Leavitt 

Count Cckhardt Frank Reicher 


and has been competently put on 
film but it lacks the timeliness 
needed to really get it over. 

William L. Snirer, playing him- 
self. gets the film underway with 
narration of the rumor against a 
present-day Berlin backdrop. Flash- 
back takes plot to Vienna where 
Adler. ‘master impersonator, and 
his wife. Miss Knight, attract the 
attention of Hitler. Mias Knight 
plays it cozy with the fuehrer and 
Adler is imprisoned and beaten. 
He makes his escape and carries 
out a plan to kill Hitler andnake 
his place. Plot poses thought that 
the reason Gennany lost the war 
was because the imposter purpose- 
ly fouled up the well-laid pattern 
of conquest first dreamed up by 
the dictator. 

Frank Tuttle's direction gears 
some good suspense sequences and 
performances, although film has t 
tendency to run too long at 88 
minutes. Adler carries off his dif- 
ficult role with considerable skill, 
and Miss Knight is satisfactory as 
the mistress of Hitler. Foreign 
players perform the other charac- 
ters. ana the strange faces supply 
a note of freshness. 

Foreign backgrounds are an- 
other good touch in the produc- 
tion. but the low-key photography 
by Tony Braun Is so murky and 
dark at times that both players and 
backgrounds are but shadows. Mu- 
sic score by Herschel Burke Gil- 
bert is interestingly used. Brog . 


bss CmImcM from page 7 sssJ 

end of August and beginning of 
October. 

Veered to Co-ops 
Distribs have been veering from 
large national expenditures in fa- 
vor of co-op advertising on the 
theory that the latter provided 
more for the money. The co-op. 
going Into local papers at the time 
and point of sale, has been felt to 
make more impression on poten- 
tial audiences. Particularly so, It’s 
said, since space is so much cheap- 
er than in national mags that any 
near-equivalent expenditure can 
buv large eye-attracting copy. 

Also, the exhib contributes to 
co-op advertising — from which fact 

That 


f*. I* Jane 

(MUSICAL) 


the category takes its name 
permits larger space with less ex- 
penditure by the distrib. Still an- 
other factor U that the promise of 
a heavy local campaign by the dis- 
trib is a telling sales point in talk- 
ing terms with the theatremen. 

“Since 'Place* is a big and un- 
usual picture," Pickman said in ex- 
planation of the Par expenditure, 
“we felt it needed a big and un- 
usual campaign. W r e figure to at- 
tract attention to it by the heavy 
pre-selling." 

Par is also going unusually big 
on the New York local campaign 
with a $30,000 budget set for pre- 
opening and Arst week. Though the 
pic is going into the Capitol, Pick- 
man said it is being given a “Music 
Hall campaign." Reference is to 
the extra coin generally spent on 
preeming at the Rockefeller show- 
case. 

Par is handpicking dates to get 
the film started. Only three have 
been set so far. World preem will 
be at the Fine Arts. Los Angeles, 
next Tuesday (14), followed by the 
St. Francis, San Francisco, Aug. 
17, and the Capitol, N. Y„ Aug. 29. 
Shelley Winters will personal at 
the L. A. opening and Montgomery 
Ciift in New York. Bo in are starred 
in the updated version of “Ameri- 
can Tragedy." 

Pickman will personally super- 
vise each opening. Ad manager Sid 
Blumenstock file* out to the Coast 
over the weekend for that purpose. 


Okay pros ram musical comedy 
for secondaries. 


kss Continued front pago t ssJ 

possible except for a few very rare 
items. 

Each time a print Is duplicated, 
of course, It also loses some of its 
quality, so that in any case not 
much of a permanent record of 
motion picture progress can be left 
to the world. Each duplicate costs 
from $400 to $500. so It would take 
$500,000 to preserve just the top 
1.000 pix. and many millions to pre- 
sene, through regular duplicating, 
all the better films ever made. 

Since the Museum can afford to 
duplicate very few, and Griffith 
must regularly make the choice of 
which one to do, he's kidding on 
the square when he cracks: “I 
shudder to think that on my dispo- 
sition on any given day may hinge 
what posterity is given to know 
about the history of the American 
film Industry.** 

Griffith ran headlong into how 
acute the problem is while attempt- 
ing to arrange an “Ernst Lubitsch 
Festival’’ to mark the fifth anni- 
versary of the director's death next 
year. He planned to include Lu- 
bltsch’s 10 best pictures In a 10- 
week series of screenings in the 
Library's auditorium. 

He has discovered that the nega- 
tives held by Paramount, which 
made four of the pictures, art use- 


4 u iri#>ir Taw Upper! Pictures r*l«ss* of Murray 
l CIUCK, iom Lerner production. Stars Jean Porter, 
workhouse at Tom Neal. Iris Adrian; features Jimmy 
'amine their J *‘un Mahoney. Jimmy Lloyd. Mara 

iVyjl L> nn. Michael W halen. Robert Watson 
leavily-laden Directed bv Reginald I* Bcrf. Screen 
vel the Eng- pi*' J»n Jeffries; based on an original , 
i« hirilnc hie ■lory by Murray Lerner; camera. Jack 
IS Dluing fUS Greenhalgh: editor. William Austin: mu- j 
P Can avenge sic score. Walter Greene; songs. Jimmy 
bringing the fhxtd. Richie Kuller. Dlan Manners. John- 1 
m ♦ n hnn a tn ny Teepee Mitchell. Johnny Anz. 

m to hang to Le* Porter. Previewed July 30. *S1. Run 
London, Tur- nlng time. II MINS. 

rd WillOUgh- ! Jsn Jean Porter 

eks his ven- ! 7!™ , i! on Z.. N ?* 1 

but he meets j Tennessee jimmy Dodd 

Ties her and H»Ula Jean Mahoney 

nvevsr when Lieut Biauford Jimmy Lloyd, 


Mara Lynn 

Michael Whalen 

.. Robert Watson 

Phil Arnold 

Jimmy Cross 

Alan Ray 

Richard Monahan 

Jean Coleman. Amie Bates. 
Jtri Strong. Olive Krushat 

Jack KHtzen 

MJPr Lowell 

leant , ...Loren Welch 

Garnet Marka 

........... Jimmie PsrneU 

. Diana Mum by 

Monty Pittman 

TTVlc Massey 


i nib is « pivnaaiu, uiiprrirmiCua 
musical programmer that will fit 
nicely into lower-case bookings in 
the secondary situations. Pace it 
okay, the tunes well handled and 
there are enough mild chuckles in 
its comedy to see it through re- 
lease intentions. 

A dream is the plot gimmick 
used tp show some highly unortho- 


cra moving nicely despite the ex- 
cess footage devoted to thcliight 


W^neMay, 1951 




19 



mmm 


Sensational previews in 
over 100 selected cities, 
week of August 1 3th 


It’s Paramount’s new and sensationally effective technique 
for generating word-of-mouth. Every preview 
handled individually with special ads, invitations, 
lobby displays, opinion cards — and even a special 
preview trailer starring Bing ! One performance in each 
city with praise fanning out to tell and sell— • 
for every engagement in the territory 1 


All this climaxing . 
colorful Elko, Nevada , 
National Press Premiere 


I 


Just about all America is hearing about it, reading 
about it! Ten plane-loads of reporters representing 
newspapers, wire services and magazines from border 
to border and coast to coast! Nevada’s Governor and 
other officials— Bing and a huge contingent of stars— 
broadcasts galore including entire CBS networkt 


All this beating the 
drums for its kick-off- 

Paramount Week 


Frank Capra's “HERE COMES THE GROOM” starring Bing Crosby 
Jane Wyman • Alexis Smith • Franchot Tone • James Barton • with 
Robert Keith • and introducing Anna Maria Alberghetti • Produced and 
Directed by Frank Capra • Associate Producer— Irving Asher 
Screenplay by Virginia Van Upp, Uam O'Brien and Myles Connolly 
Story by Robert Riskin and Liam O'Brien 




































so 


PICTURES 


W«Mtcd«y; 'AaipM'E; 'tail 


Clips From Film Row 




NEW YORK 

Irving Letter and Seymour Poe. 
partners in Producers Representa- 
tives, Inc # are touring 19 RKO ex- 
changes currently on behalf of 
“Kon-Tiki.” They rep Sol Lesser, 
who owns U. S. rights to the doc- 
umentary. which RKO is handling. 
Lesser and Poe are each visiting 
different exchanges. Idea is to dis- 
cuss sales policy and exhibition 
plans, and to promote staff enthu- 
siasm for the pic.> 

John B. McCullough, director of 
Motion Picture Assn, of America’s 
Technical Services department for 
the last six years, elected a charter 
member of Society of Fire Protec- 
tion Engineers. 

Meeting of Warner Bros, district 
managers has been called by sales 
chief Ben Kalmenson for Aug. 16- 
17 in N. Y. Sales plans for conr.- 

f >any’s fall and winter releases will 
kighiight the two day parley?. 

James R. Grainger. Republic 
sales chief, named Jules Living- 
ston as New Haven branch mana- 
ger. Prior to taking over his new- 
post Monday *6). he was a sales- 
man in company’s Cleveland of- 
fice. 

Local 306. of the projectionists’ 
union, rented a floor in the former 
Bickford Bldg on West 50th St. 
for executive offices. 

“American In Paris,’’ Gene Kelly 
tinier for Metro, has been definite- 
ly set by the N. Y. Music Hall to 
follow “(’apt. Horatio Hornblower" 
(WB* there. Now figured that the 
two pictures will take the Hall up 
nearly to Christmas, with following 
films not likely to be set until 
after the Hall’s Russell V. Downing 
makes a trip to the Coast in Sep- 
tember or October. 

Duke Clark, south central divi- 
sion manager for Paramount. and 
George A. Smith, western division 
topper, both are celebrating their 
30th anniversary with the company. 
Smith started with Par as an ex- 
ploiteer in Canada. Clark joined 
the outfit as a salesman in Colum- 
bus. O. ** 

William Mishkin picked up “Fe- 
male Sex.’’ “Outcast Girls,”. “Male 
and Female" and “Born to Sin” 
for national distribution except in 
territories where he makes states 
rights deals. 


some dow ntown first run* consis- 
tently. ~ - .. 

Republic has 20 prints of “Rob- 
inson -Turpin Fight booked solid- 
ly in territory until mid-Septem- 
ber. Minnesota Amusement Co. 
and all big indie circuits bought 
the picture. 

Back from visits, to St. Louis and 
Des Moines branches, under his su- 
pervision along with the Minneapo- 
lis exchange, M. A. Levy, 20th-Fox 
district manager, reports “a Dick- 
up in business ail along line." 

United Artists branch here no- 
tified exhibitors that Sebnick re- 
leases h*ve been withdrawn from 
its distribution. 

RKO-Orpheum tilted children- 
under-12 scale from 12c to 50c for 
“Alice in Wonderland.’’ 


LOS ANGELES 

Charles P. Skouras has announced 
that a new deluxe theatre, the Fox, 
1.033-seater. costing $450,600, wiii 
open Aug. 16 in Venice, Calif. 

Paramount's Portland. O r e . 
branch leads all that company’s 
exchanges in the U. S. and Canada 
in the special “Salute tc Al Schwal- 
berg” sales drive. St. John branch 
in Canada top? Dominion ex- 
changes. 

Bob Goodfried resigned as coast 
exploiter for United Artists and re- 
joined the Shertll Corwin organiza- 
i lion as ad-pub chief for Metropol- 
j itan Theatres and the North Coast. 
Circuit. 

I John H. M. Scribner, WB man- 
ager in Central America, planed to 
Panama City after gandering new 
product here. 

Realart Pictures. Inc., closed 
deal to release 10 Jack Broder 
productions a year, starting with 
(“Basketball Fix.” “Two Dollar 
Bettor” and “Bride of Gorilla." 




SEATTLE 


CHICAGO 

After working for a half hour 
bandits gave up tiding to blast 
open a safe containing $6,000 last 
week at Twin Open Air Drive-Ins, 
Oak Lawn, 111. 

Defendant answers in the Star 
and Garter anti-trust suit were 
postponed 30 days. 

Cni censor^ board was lenient 
during July with only two “pinks” 
and one reject. 

Audio Visual Society in con- 
vention here elected as prexy, J. K. 
Lilly; veepee, Jasper Ewing; Car- 
rol Haddon, secretary, and Jack 
Lewis, treasurer. 

Local drive-ins are running 
weekend circus nights with animal 
acts, clowns, and free pony rides. 
In addition, four ozoners have been 
showing double horror bills two 
and three times weekly. 


James Hendel, former Coast 
division manager for Eagle Lion 
Classics, joined Sterling Theatres 
as assistant to the circuit’s general 
(r manager, Fredric A. Danz. 

Waiter Hoffman, northwest pub- 
licity director for Paramount, went 
to Nevada for preeni of “Here 
Comes Groom’’ in Elko. 

Because construction of Alaskan 
Way viaduct cut into the old build- 
ing on First Avenue. Paramount 
film exchange has moved into new 
quarters on Second Avenue. 

SAN ANTONIO 

Uptown Theatre, owned and 
operated by Southern Theatres, is 
hypoing summer biz by shifting 
from a single-pic policy to double 
features and cutting prices to 40c 
for adults and 9c for kids. 

Construction started on a new- 
office and film exchange to house 
Azteca Films. Inc. Building will 
contain about 8,000 square feet, 
constructed of tile and brick. It’s 
scheduled for completion by Nov. 
1 • 


MINNEAPOLIS 

Film Row considers that the new 
$500,000 indie Tower.'Mn a 28-day 
clearance spot like a ngmber of 
other nabe and suburban houses, 
which is pulling $3,500 to $5,000 
weekly, is doing best biz relatively 
in the Twin Cities; also outgrossing 


DALLAS 

Edward Stockton Thompson 
! named manager at Conroe for the 
Jefferson A inus. Co. He formerly 
was manager of Sabine Theatre, 
Port Arthur. T. L. Dickey was 
named to fill the Sabine vacancy. 

Truman Riley, city manager for 
Interstate at McAllen, transferred 
to a similar position in Denison for 
circuit. Jimmy Neinast, manager 
of the Rio in Denison transferred 
to Tyler where he will be assistant 




United Paramount 

-f ' »— 1 g 'i lt . .<**. . 

Theatres, Inc. 

The nation's largest theatre operator. United Paramount 
is destined to become a major factor in the rapidly 
growing television industry via its proposed merger with 
American Broadcasting Company. Our current Research 
Report discusses the outlook for the combined companies 
and their securities. 

Coptcs ere available upon request, Heasf address Dept. V, 

White, Weld & Co. 


{Members Terk Stock Exchon ft 
40 Wall Street, New York 5 


Boston 


Chicago 


Philadelphia 


to R. D. Leatherman, Interstate 
city manager. 

Kem Lemke, formerly publicity 
director for Josephine Theatre. San 
Antonio, joined staff of King 
Drive-In at San Marcos. 

Llovd Rust took over operation 
of Urban Theatre at Urbanvale. He 
formerly owned houses at Oak 
CUff. suburb of Dallas, with Gene 
Autry. 

ST. LOUIS 

The Joy. Kansas, III., house op- 
erated by Delbert Bell under lease 
from M. W. Jessup, shuttered for 
summer. 

Martin Davis, manager of the 
Hi-Way here, to Beardstown, III., as 
member of public relations bureau 
for MPTOA of Eastern Missouri 
and Southern Illinois to talk be- 
fore Beardstown Rotary Club. 

Fred Wehrenberg circuit is send- 
ing cuffo ducats for its Ronnie s 
St. Louis county ozoner to parents 
of newly bom babies, promises 
baby sitters while parents attend 
show’s. 

The ozoner near Carmi. 111., 
owned by S. R. Stanley and Bartis 
Williams. shuttered when high 
wind blew down the screen lower, 
has been relighted. 

REGINA, SASK. 

Park Theatre, Choiceland. Sask., 
sold to E. Hebb, of Birch Hills. 
Saak, by Ted Grimes. Grime?, a 
former Famous Players manager, 
rejoined F-P in Winnipeg. 

Savoy Theatre at Moose Jaw, 
Sask . dosed for 15 years, bought 
by Service Theatres, Ltd., and re- 
opened as the Studio. Manager is 
Jack Tivy. who also manages the 
Royal in Moose Jaw. House has 
been entirely renovated. 

Senate Finance Group 
Seen Flooded by Exhibs 
Against 20% Exemption 

Washington. Aug. 7. 

Senate Finance Committee, w hich 
has wound up its hearings on the 
new’ tax bill and is beginning ex- 
ecutive session work, is expected 
to be bombarded with requests 
from exhibitors all over the country 
to eliminate special exemptions 
from the 20'e admissions bite. 

Same stand against special ex- 
emption.? will be carried by the bx- 
hibs to Senators who are not mem- 
bers of the committee, but who 
must ultimately vote on what the 
Finance Committee reports to the 
floor. 

House of Representatives wrote in- 
to its bill exemptions from the 20' % 
bite for entertainment put on by re- 
ligious, educational or charitable 
organizations, non-profit operas and 
symphony orchs, cooperatives, ben- 
efits for police and firemen, and 
National Guard and veterans* or- 
ganizations. 

Nation's film exhibitors will be 
spearheading the battle to kill all 
these exemptions on the ground 
that they constitute unfair competi- 
tion. Decision to urge exhibitors to 
go down the line against the ex- 
emption? was taken here last week 
in a huddle by Allied States Assn, 
board chairman Abram F. Myers 
and Gael Sullivan, executive direc- 
tor of Theatre Owners of America, 
following appearance of Myers be- 
fore the Senate Finance Commit- 
tee. 

-Myers appeared as official 
spokesman for Council of Motion 
Picture Organizations and concen- 
trated hi? fire primarily on Section 1 
402 of the House-approved bill, 
which would grant the string of 
exemptions. He also asked Senate 
support for Section 401 of the I 
House bill. This eliminates the 
present requirement that when a! 
person is admitted free or at a re- 
duced rate, the admission tax on 
the full, face price of the tickets 
must be collected. 

Myers’ testimony was buttressed 
by spokesmen for other organiza- 
tions. 



WASHINGTON 

(Continued from page 8) 

Last week, “Cyrano” (UA) (2d wk), 

$11,000. 

Metropolitan (Warner) <1.164; 44- 
741 — “Capt. Horatio Hornblower" 
(WB). Terrific $12,000 in day-date 
with two other Warner houses. 
About double average bis here. 
Last week, “Pickup" (Col), $6,000. 

Palace (Loews) (2,370; 44-74)— 
"Ace in Hole” (Par). Sad $13,000. 
Last week, “Show Boat” <M-G) (3d 
wk), steady $13,500, but not up to 
hopes. 

Playhouse (Lopert) (485; 55-$I) — 
“Tony Draws Horse” (Indie). Okay 
$5,000. with tab quietly raised from 
85c to $1 after end of roadshowr run 
of “Tales of Hoffmann.” Last w*eek, 
“Tales” (Indie) (15th wk), sturdy 
$5,000. 

Warner (WB) (2.174; 44-74)— 
"Capt. Horatio Hornblower” (WB). 
Smash $20,000, and well above 
average for house. Last week, 
“Moonlight Bay” (WB), nifty $15,- 
500, over expectations. 

Trans-Lux (T-L) (654; 44-80)— 
"Alice in Wonderland” (Souvaine). 
Modest $5,900. Last week, "Inter- 
rupted Journey” (Indie), weak 
$4,000. 


■CYRANO’ LUSTY 1SG, 
MONTL; OUTPOST’ 10G 

Montreal, Aug. 7. 

United Artists "Cyrano” at the 
Princess looks best of newcomers’ 
big total. “Strictly Dishonorable” 
at the Capitol shapes okay. "Last 
Outpost" looms socko at Imperial. 

Estimates far This Week 

Palace (C.T.) (2,628; 34-60)— 
"Kind Lady" (M-O). Poor $7,000 
Last week, “Excuse My Dust” 
(M-G), oke $14,000. 

Capitol (C.T.) 2,412; 34-60)— 
“Strictly Dishonorable" • (M-G). 
Okay $14,000. Last week, “Tele- 
graph Hill” (20th), $11,000. 

Princess (C.T.) (2,131; 34-60)— 
Cyrano” jUA). Big $15,000. Last 

Car-~” 


week, “Sealed 
$ 11 , 000 . 


irgo” (M-G*, 


PITTSBURGH 

(Continued from page 8) 
jane Island” (Gpl). Average $5 

5 0°- Last week, “Lorn a Doone” 
(Col) and “Mask of Avenger" 

(Col). $5,000. 

Penn (Loew’s (3.300; 50-85) — 
“Ace in Hole” ipar). Fine $11,000. 
Last week, “Show Boat” (M-G). 

• 3d wk-9 riaysr. $i5.000. 

Stanley (WB) (3,800; 50*85) — 
“Peking Express” (Par). Drab $8.- 
500. if that. Last week, “On Moon- 
light Bay” (WB), $15,000. 

Warner (WB) (2.000; 50-85) — 
“Moonlight Bay” (WB) (m.o.). Fast 
$8,000, terrific here for a move- 
over. Last week, "Dear Brat” 

•Par), brutal $4,000. 


DENVER 

(Continued from page 8) 

— “That’s My Boy” (Par), *2d W’k), 
Nicj $12,500. Last week, near 
record at $16,000. 

Denver (Fox) <2.525; 40-80) — 
“Cyrano” (UA), also Aladdin, 
Esquire. Good $14,000. Last week. 
“Francis To Races” (U) and "Fat 
Man’ <U), $15,500. 

Esquire (Fox) (750; 40-80) — 
“Cyrano” (UA), also Aladdin. 
Denver. t 'Trim $3,000 or near. Last 
week. “Francis To Races” (U) and 
“Fat Man” (U). ditto. 

Orpheum (RKO) (2.600; 40-80*— 
"Alice in Wonderland” <RKO- 
Disney). Sock $18,000 or near. Last 
week, “Happy Go Lovely” (RKO) 
and “Roadblock” <RKO>, $10,500. 

Paramount (Fox) <2,200; 40-80) — 
"Little Big Horn” (Lip) and 
"Savage Dnims” (Lip). Big $12,- 
000. Last week. "Cattle Drive” <U) 
and “Hollywood Story” <U*, $8,000. 

Tabor <Fox) < 1.967; 40-80) — 
"Scarf” (UA) and “Going to Town” 
(Indie), day-date with Webber. 
Light $5,000. Last week, “Francis 
To Races” tU) and “Fat Man” (U), 
$8 000 . 

Webber (Fox) (750; 40-80) — 
“Scarf” (UA) and "Going to Town” 
(Indie*, also Tabor. Thin $2,000. 
Last week. “Cattle Drive” (U) and 
“Hollywood Story” <U*. $3 500. 

SEATTLE 

(Continued from page 9) 

— “Law and Lady” (M-G) and 
“Train of Events” (Indie). Mild 
$6,000. Last week. “Katie Did It” 
(U) and “Inheritance” (Indie), 
$6,700. 

Music Box (Hamrick) <850; 65-90) 
— “Rage of Burlesque” (Indie) and 
“Paper Gallows” (Indie). Good 
$5,000. Last week, “Five” (Col), 
same in 8 days. 

Music Hall (Hamrick) <2.200; 65- 

90 >— "Show Boat” «M-G> and 
"Night Into Morning” <M-G) «3d 
wk). Great $13,000. Last week, 
$16,500. 

Orpheum (Hamrick) <2.600; 65- 
90 Moon light on Bay” (WB) and 
“Fugitive Lady” *Rcp). Great 
$14,000. Last week. “Francis to 
Races” <U) and “Old Amarillo” 
•Hep*. $7,000. 

Palomar (Sterling) (1.350; 40-70) 
—“Strangers on Train” (WB) and 
“Ace in Hole” <Par), (2d runs). So- 
so $3,500. Last week. “You’re in 
Navy” .20th) and “Goodbve, My 
Fancy” <WB> (2d runs). $3,400. 

Paramount (Evergreen) (3.039; 
65-90) — “Sirocco” (Col) and “Red- 
skins Rode” (Col). Fair $8,500. 
Last week. “Frogmen” (20th) and 
“Start” (UA) (2d wk), $8,200. 


ST. LOUIS 

(Continued from page B) 
week, “Siroceo” «Col) and ‘Texas 
Hangers” (Col), $15,000. 

Loew’s (Loew) (3,172; 50-75) — 
“Show Boat" (M-G) (4th wk). Big 
$13,000 after $16,000 for third 
stanza. 

Missouri (F&M) (3.500; 60-75) — 
“Moonjight Bay" (WB) and “Never 
Trust Gambler" (Col) (2d wk). 
Holding at $10,000 following $15,- 
000 for initial stanza. 

Pareant (St. Louis Amuse.) <1- 
000; 50-90)— ’Trio” (Par) (2d wk). 
Good $2,000 after $2,500 for ini- 
tial session. 

Shady Oak (St. Louis Amuse) 
<800; 50-90) — “Trio” (Par). Fine 
$2,500 following $3,000 opening 
stanza. 


Loew’* (C.T.) (2,855; 40-65)— 
“Great Caruso” (M-G) (7th wk>. 
Still great at $18,000 following 
solid $19,000 sixth stanza. 

Imperial (C.T.) <1,839* 34-60 > — 
“Last Outpost” (Psr) and “Prairie 
Chickens” (Par). Sock $10,000, 
Last week, “When Redskins Rode” 
(Col) and "When Smiling” (Col), 
$ 8 , 000 . 

Orpheum (QT.) (1,048; 34-60) — 
“Two of Kind” (Col) and “Pier 23" 
(Col). Hefty $9,000. Last week. 
“Dick Turpin’s Ride" (Col) and 
“Big Gusher” (Col), $5,800. 

» — ■ ■■ m ■■■■■■■■ I— ■ ■ m 

‘Moonlight’ Shines la 
Portland, Lnsh $16,500 

Portland, Ore., Aug. 7. 

Hot weather continues to cut 
into big biz here despite some 
stronger product. “Moonlight Bay” 
looms standout with solid total in 
two spots. “Show Boat" still looks 
good in third round. 

Estimates for This Week 

Broadway (Parker) (1,890; 65-90) 
—“Ft. Worth” (WB) and "Thunder 
In God’s Country” (Rep). Okay 
$8,500. Last week. “Francis To 
Races” (UJ> and “Timber Fury” 
(Rep), $13,006. 

Mayfair (Parker) (1.500; 65-90) — 
“Francis* To Races” (UI) and "Tim- 
ber Fury” (Rep) (m.o.). Nice $5,000 
or near. Last week, “Prince Who 
Was Thief (U) and “Million Dol- 
lar Pursuit" (Rep) (m.o.), $4,500. 

Oriental (Evergreen) <2,000; 65- 
90*— “On Moonlight Bay” (WB) 
and "14 Hours” (20th), day-date 
with Paramount. Oke $5,000. Last’ 
week, “Warpath” (Par) and “bong 
Dark Hall” (UA). $3,600. 

Orpheum (Evergreen) (1,750; 65- 
BO* — “Peking Express’ (Par) and 
“Kentucky Jubilee” (Indie). Mild 
$6,000 or over. Last w*eek. "War- 
path” (Par) and "Long Dark Hall” 
(UA), $6,600. 

Paramount (Evergreen) <3.400; 
65-90)— “On Moonlight Bay” (WB) 
and "14 Hours” <20th), also Orien- 
tal. Fancy $11,500. Last week, 
“Half Angel” (20th) and “Father 
Takes Air” (Mono). $8,000. 

United Artists (Parker) <890; 65- 
90 * — “Show Boat” (M-G) (3d wk*. 
Solid $9,500. Last week. $11,500. 

BALTIMORE 

(Continued from page 8) 
row (Wed) after mapping up might- 
ily at great $21,000 in first frame. 

Mayfair (Hicks) (980: 20-70*— 
"Passage West” (Par). Starts* Wed) 
after “Katie Did If <U) did mild 
$4,200. 

New (Mechanic) (1 800; 20-70*— 
“Convict Lake” (20th). Okay $8- 
000. Last week. ’ Guy Who Came 
Back’’ (20th). $6,600. 

Stanley <WB* <3.280; 25-75*— 

“On Moonlight Bay” (WB) «2d wk*. 
Dull $8,500 after fine $14,800 open- 
er. 

Town (Rappaport) (1.500: 35-65) 
— "Alice Wonderland” « RKO-Dis- 
ney). Huge $18,000 with juve at- 
tendance extra heavy. Last week. 
"Happy Go Lovely” (RKO), all 
right $8 900. 


Vadio city MUS’C hail 

R«ck«NH«r CmHt 


"SHOW BOAT” I 

• (tkrr !•# • 

KATHRYN SRAYSONAVA RARONIR * 
HOWARD KRRL * 


As 


H TtCMNICOLOR 
U-a-M Platara 


Hw lMc*M«tor Stas* Frooomtoilo* 








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■A»lQ-TKLKVlSIOX 

TV Webs Also Plan Hollywood 

* f 

Originations for Dramatic Stanzas 


Joe Palooka TV Series 


Television networks are mulling ♦ 
the possibility of originating some 
of theif major dramatic and com- 

X I R 0 *er 
Z ^hows°wU^ U probnbly em»aT. 

dXaUc 1 ™™ ^“mov. ou' .Xdlhfclif Mnp pa^U.t. 
?^ only P X.dt.Uy! in order ,o The TV «rie, l ! s..,ed ,o tee off 
utilize certain film stars who might 1 sometime in January. ® 
not otherwise be available. 

NBC, for example, figures that 
both Robert Montgomery’s “Lucky 
Strike Theatre” and its ‘TV Play- 
house” (to be bankrolled alternate 
weeks this season by Philco and 
Goodyear) will continue to head- 
quarter in N. Y. but may move to 
the Coast from time to time. Pro- 
ducers of the show^ several times NBC is laying plans this week 
have found scripts which calk for f or a statistical survey on bow sum 
the talents of a certain film star. 1 mer television has paid off for its 
But previously, if the star was in sponS ors, which it claims will rival 
Hollywood and the show was being j n the recently-completed 

done in N. Y., they would either Hofstra study. Since the survey 
have to bypass the star or postpone w£ jj at i eag£ several months to 
the script until the star was avail* com pii et the web expects to hold 
able. tha results until It’s ready to start 

Webs, of course, must take into , pitching for summertime clients 
consideration in all their planning j next spring. 


NBC Preps Study 
On Summer Video 



fedMKUr. Aujput *, 195| 


Station Reps See Promising Season 
For Spot Radio; Schedules Lined Up 


Eigen’s WMGM 


Jack Eigen left the 12 (mid- 
night*^ a.m. disk jockey stint on 
WMGM. N. Y., on Sunday (5) si- 
multaneously with Hutton’s eatery 
bowing out of the airer. 

WMGM is temporarily closing 
down at 1 a.m., beaming records 
from its studioa with a staff an- 
nouncer after midnight, but ex- 
pects to get back into the allnight 
field. 


the fact that, from the start, there 
will be only one channel available 
in either direction. As a result, 


they will have to compete for the summer were worthwhile in in- 


most favorable time on that chan- 
nel. While their plans are still in 


GEORGIE PRICE 

One of America’s Great 
Entertainer* 

BOwllng Green 5-8420 60 Beaver St 

New York City 

III! — — — — — 

GF Sets Rogers 
As Hoppy Exits 

Cowboy star Roy Rogers has 
signed an exclusive television con- 
tract with NBC and will probably 
go in the Sundays at 6 p.m. slot 
creased product sales. Even so, the this fall as General Foods’ replace- 


Back Pay Melon 
To Chi TV Talent 


NBC last spring was able to 
prove to potential sponsors that the 
advantages in staying on through 


web was forced »to make some con- 


the formulating stage, execs of all j cegg i ongt via absorbing a part of 
four webs predict that only certain | the costs, in order to 'keep 


of their programs lend themselves 
to Hollywood origination. They’re 
not too worried, consequently. 


their clients on the air. Web hopes 
the new survey will prove beyond 
doubt that summer video pays off. 


*&• 


about getting the cable when they j | 0 yj e where they can aban- 

want it. either through direct alio- ^ guc h conce8g i 0 na next year. 

cation or through swaps with which- ; 

ever net might have the desired 

“ T. generally believed ,h.t while j GoodyW Sticks With 
straight comedy shows, utilizing a 
revue-type format, such as NBC’s 
“Comedy Hour” and “All-Star Re- 
vue,” will wind up in Hollywood, 
the variety programs must neces- 
sarily remain in the east. Reason 
is that the vaudeoers must book 
different acts each week and most 
of these acts concentrate in the 
east, where booking possibilities 
for them in theatres and niteries 
are more plentiful than they are in 
Hollywood. Thus, shows like Mil- 

( Continued on page 38) 


Cuban Network’s 

$1,408,000 Sale 


Whiteman, Giving It 
Brace of Soil Stanzas 

Goodyear Tire A Rubber, which 
last week decided to take the Sun- 
day 9 p. m. kour on NBC-TV on. 
an alternate week basis, will con- 
tinue to bankroll the "Paul White- 
man Show" on ABC-TV Sundays at 
7-7:30 p. m. Client resumes spon- 
sorship of the ABC-TV airer on 
Sept. 9 and is Armly committed 
through Dec. 30. 

Tire outfit is taking over the 
I “Philco Television Playhouse” on a 
skip-a-week basis. Philco. which 
I had backed the stanza weekly in 
the past, is going to a fortnightly 
sponsorship. Question had been 
raised In the trade whether Good- 
year would stick with Whiteman 
in view of its signing for another 
big show on another network on 


ment for Bill (Hopalong Cassidy) 
Boyd. Whether the web will utilize 

Rogers' old features or lens new 
footage especially for the show will 
depend on the outcome of the 
oatuner's pending suit against Re- 
public Pictures. 

According to Edward D. Mad- 
den. NBC-TV sales and operations 
veepee, the new pact calls for 
Rogers to appear exclusively on 
NBC whether he does a film or live 
show. Madden said the web hopes 


Havana. Aug. 7. . . _ . _ 

Union Radio, one of Cuba’s lead- the * amP evening 


Ing networks, and Union Radio 
Television, the country’s pioneer 
video station, have come under the 
full control of Manolo Alonso, local 
theatre magnate. 

Confirmation of the purchase of 
these properties from Gaspar Pu- 
marejo and the Menendez Bros, 
for the sum of $1,400,000 was made 
by Alonso. His backers include 


IRMA' TO TV, BUT 
NO SPONSOR AS YET 


Misfires 

NBC-TV sales veepee Ed- 
ward Madden and sales exec 
Harry Floyd had a date last 
week with General Foods ac- 
count execs at Young A Rubi- 
cam and Benton A Bowles to 
talk over the upcoming re- 
placement of Hopalong Cassidy 
with Roy Rogers. As a gag. 
Madden sent his secretary out 
to a neighboring store to pick 
up a couple of cap pistols, 
which he and Floyd wanted to 
wear in their belts, in line 
with the western motif of the 
talks. 

Secretary picked up the 
guns, of course, but they 
weren’t exactly what Madden 
had in mind. Store had nothing 
in stock but pistols auto- 
graphed by Gene Autry, whose 
oatunerx air on the rival CBS 
video web. 


Video ▼*r*to*i of ‘My Friend j ^ a jjj e use £ea t ure oldies. 
Irma,’ which CBS- TV is kinescop- R 0 g erg has obtained an injunction 

ing on the Coast this week for against Rep to- restrain the com- 

.... , edition purposes has yet to he pany £rom se ili n g lhe films, to 

Ramon Rodriguez, the Polar brew- i J“f* ned * time slot in th « web s which it claims it owns all rights, 

ery interest and the firm of Hu- fal1 programming 1 }? ei l p ; u ( Since the suit is the first of its 

mara and Lastra, local RCA dis- currently pitching it at three dif- kind, ft» g expected that it wiR drag 

ferent sponsors, all in search of a through the courts for several 

show. • Ivears. As a result, NBC will prob- 

Possible airing times are Mon- ft bly w foreed t0 lens new film8 


Chicago, Aug 7. 

As a result of the W Jge Stabiliza- 
tion Board ruling which okays the 
pay hikes established by the local 

Television Authority contracts, 
video talent here Is set to split a 
sizeable melon in back pay. 

Indie ^BKB last week handed 
out checkk totaling $18,000 to TVA 
staffers. Sum represents the pay 
balance that was put in escrow 
pending the WSB edict, when the 
pact went Into effect in March. Fig- 
ure was the difference between the 
new TVA fee schedule and the old 
pay rate minus the 10% boost per- 
mitted without a specific WSB 
ruling. 

Meanwhile WGN-TV is setting 
up machinery for the retroactive 
payoff whioAk is expected to he con- 
siderably larger than that shelled 
out by WBKR because of the great- 
er number of TVAers at the Chi 
Tribune station. 

The two owned and operated out- 
lets — WNBQ and WENR-TV— are 
not involved since their TVA pacts 
were not subject to WSB examina- 
tion, as they implemented wage 
hikes within the allowable 10% 
limit. 


♦ Spot radio business for the fall 
looks especially promising, accord- 
ing to station reps. A large num- 
ber of small and medium-sized 
spot spenders feel that they have 
been priced out of the TV pic- 
ture and are expanding their AM 
activities. 

Some seasonal spot users, such 
is cold remedies, are already lin- 
ing up heavy schedules in radio. 
TV, they feel, can’t give them the 
quick saturation that’s needed for 
relative'*/ short-term campaigns. 

Rybutol Vitamins, which now 
has Gabriel Heatter on MBS one 
night weekly, is setting a big spot 
drive. Harry B. Cohen agency is 
placing the biz in Chi, Louisville, 
Indianapolis, Atlanta and other 
cities, and the Weinberg agency is 
handling the Coast end. 

Instant Maxwell is putting more 
local spot promotion in 29 markets, 
via Benton A Bowles. Local* pro- 
grams are being used, chiefly be- 
tween 7-9 a m., but other daytime 
shows are also being purchased. 

National Biscuit Co. is planning 
a special 17-week campaign for its 
Milk Bone in a number of major 
markets. It will use 60-second spots 
and chain breaks both daytime and 
nighttime and is also considering 
five-, 10- and 15-minute programs. 
Agency is McCann-Erickson. 

Jergens lotion is buying spots on 
southwestern stations, through 
Robert W. Orr agency. Feenamint, 
via Duane Jones, is setting a fall 
sked, to start Sept. 4 for s 32-week 
run. Sure Jell, handled by Benton 
A Bowles, Is lining up markets for 
the home canning season. 

* Kendall Mills, manufacturer of 
tobacco seed coven, is placing a 
13-week campaign in areas where 
there is a big tobacco growing in- 
dustry. Agency is H. B. Humphrey, 
Alley A Richards. 


tributors. 

Alonso will divide his time 
among the radio and TV properties, 
the Notlciero Nacional (newsreel 
company) and the film studios 
which he is building on the out- 
skirts of this city. 


days at 9:30, where Sanka Coffee 
is looking for a replacement for 
’’Goldbergs"; Wednesdays at 9, 
where Colgate has bought the 
I timf hut has not yet selected a 


Alonso said that for the present show, and the alternate Thursdays 
he had no new plans for either ■ a t 8, where “Irma” would rotate 


Union Radio or its TV affiliate, 
other than to continue to conduct 
them as independent enterprises. 


with Burns and Allen. Johnson’s 
Wax currently has that period 
with ’’Starlight Theatre” but may 
buy "Irma” instead. TV show, 
which is to be staged on the Coast, 
will star Marie Wilson and be 


GF repor£c 4 $Ty -has decided on 
the switch from Hoppy because the 
latter's feature film oldies have al- 
ready played the TV circuits five 
and six times. If Aogers goes on 
for the sponsor this year, he'll be 
committed to work special promo- 
tion and exploitation tie-ins for 
GF products in all cities where his 
rodeo plays. 


NBC Getting Off Hook 
On Trosecotor’ Vidfilm 
Series Via Local Sales 

"Public Prosecutor," one of the 
original vidfilm series, which NBC 
produced it conjunction with 
Jerry Fairbanks four years ago, 
is finally getting the web off the 
hook. After trying vainly to sell 
the show since it was completed, 
NBC*s film syndication department 
has lined up a number of markets 
which will play it on a local spon- 
sorship basis. Web, meanwhile, 
has two new vidfilm series in the 
works, "Texas Rangers” and 
"Dangerous Assignment,” 

According to NBC spokesmen, 
the chief Trouble confronting the 
film salesmen in attempting to sell 
"Proaecutor” was the 20-minute 
running time of each episode. No 
station or bankroller wanted to buy 
a show of that length. Web finally 
decided to pad it by inserting a 
panel quiz session at the finale and 
it's now going out as the standard 
27-minute feature, which permits 
for three minutes of commercials. 

Series co-stars John Howard 
and Mary Beth Hughes. It was re- 
portedly budgeted at $15,000 per 
episode, which would have repre- 
sented a net loss to NBC If the 
web had not found a way to move 
it off the shelf. 


Chandler Defends 
Series Sale to TV 


Washington, Aug. 7. 

Former baseball commissioner 
A. B. (Happy) Chandler has no 
apologies for the $6,000,000 deal 
}Jie made to sell the TV rights to the 
world series for the next six years. 
Testifying yesterday before a 
House Monopoly Subcommittee in- 
vestigating baseball. Chandler said 

"no one knows what the rights are 
worth,” but the contract provides 
"sure money” to the major league 
clubs. 

Chandler indicated that lack of 
parking provisions may be as much 
a problem to club owners as TV, 
but he would not predict the ulti- 
mate effect of the medium on base- 
ball attendance. "If there are ade- 
quate parking facilities,” he said, 
"no real fan who can go to a game 
will see it over television 


OG’S 4J-YR RENEWAL ^ » , u „ 

\ . .. . J™ scri p* ed and packa « cd ,or the wtb Med Me at Waldorf 

AM GU ITPI n I Aim) k,. Uau>.fH 


ON ‘AMATEUR HOUR’ j 1 * * 2=1 

Old Gold, via the Lennen A p «• n . n r , 

Mitchell agency, has Just concluded j fcV3Ili![6ilSt DlliY (jfd nHYTI 
a long-term deal giving it a four- ^ J 

and - a - half year exclusivity on 
sponsorship of the "Original Ama- 1 
teur Hour” on TV and radio. 

^G has been sponsoring the 
show for the past two-and-a-half 
years, with the new contract thus 


; Tesl-Kinnied By ABC 

I "Meet Me at the Waldorf.” new 
television gab series which will 

Rnv« ARf-TV l oriRlMte from th * Peacock Alley 

Duys AlnrlT DCgnieill I lounge of the Hotel Waldorf-As- 
Billy Graham, evangelist who toria, N. Y., was test-kinescoped 
has attracted audiences of hun- Monday (6) by ABC-TV. Show will 
dreds of thousands to his revival spotlight Constance Moore and 
meetings, has bought time on ABC- , Robert Alda as emcees. 


giving the ciggle company a seven- TV. Graham, who has been de- ' ABC will use the klne to pitch 


MAURICE EVANS MULLS 
VIDEO SERIES FOR FALL 

Actor Nfiurice Evans is mulling 
a video series on which he'd be co- 
producer and narrator and for 
which he’d stiur in a limited num- 
ber of shows. Evans was queried 
on the vidpic project last week in 
Saranac Lake, N. Y . by Henry Mor- 
genthau, 3d, who last season pro- 
duced Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt’s AM 
and TV shows. ) 

Morgenthau, who is a director of 
[tfie New York City Center, also 
confabbed with Evans on the out- 


year lease on the property which 
was originally conceived as a net- 
work attraction back In 1935 by 
the . late Major Edward Bowes 
"Original Amateur Hour” is heard 
on radio via ABC. The TV version 
la seen on NBC. 


WOR’s 'People Have More 
Trouble Than Portia’ Show 

Real life washboard weepers will 
be used by WOR, N. Y., to com- 
pete with soap operas. The MBS 
station Is prepping a cross- the 

board afternoon stanza built 
around A. L. Alexander, who has 
been conducting his "Mediation 
Board” on WOR for over a decade. 

Recorded segments, several years 

old. from Alexander’s past pro- 
grams (on which husbands and 
wives give vent to theifr emotional 
disputes or business partners pub- 
licly air their problems) will 1* 
played, after which the individuals 
involved- will be brought back to 
tell how the conflict was resolved. 
Alexander will keep his Sunday 
evening "agony" series in addition 
to the upcoming stanza. 


McClay Back to WCAU-TV 
Philadelphia. Aug. ?• 

■ John McClay, director of oper* 
tlons for the If. Y. Dally No* 5 


fit’s plans for the fall and Evans’ i v; /.. tv 

Evans is resigning as I WPIX,^ is returhing to _WCA 


successor. 


•iuvvxi'vovii k mm ■ w bi mo j • — 

artistic supervisor for the City i •* aaalatant manager of the t 


Scribed as s "new Billy Sundsy,” , the package to potential sponsors 
will be aired on Sundays at 10- and is not expected to put the show 

10:30 p m., starting Sept. 30. Ac- ' on the air until it is sold. Series ___ 

count was placed through Walter is a Philbin-Bergmann package, I Center’s dramatic season, in order nin * Bulletin’s TV division. 

F Bennett agency. and is being produced by Bob Bach, 'to do “Androcles and the Lion” in | Prior to Joining WPIX in Mjjj 

Graham's "Hour of Decision,” of the Mark Goodson-Bill Todman j Hollywood and to work on plans j 1950. McClay was operations cbte* 

| is beamed on ABC radio. (offlef. I for a Broadway legiter. |at WCAU for two years. 








« * • • > 


Wednesday, Aajput 8, 1951 



• 1 • *|- if .f j » 

■AMo-numsiw 


23 


TV THEATRES AS WEB AFFILIATES 


Royal Sendoff 


Around NBC they were still talking this week of the nostalgic 
farewell socked across by John F. Royal at a luncheon tossed in his 
honor last week at 21 bistro. N. Y., upon his retirement as NBC 
veepee after 21 years with the network. (Royal continues as a 
consultant for NBC after a vacation). 

Luncheon idea originated with Sylvester L. (Pat) Weaver, web’s 
television ehieftain, and practically every NBC exec put in an 
appearance to pay tribute to the vet showman. After NBC pres 
Joseph H. McConnell’s laudatory intro. Royal arose and, for nearly 
an hour, reprised his career in show biz, dating back to his Keith- 
Albee days and early experiences with NBC, with 'some crystal- 
b.illing into the newer and wider horizons in a TV era. Those 
present say it was even a topper to Royal’s now famous Chi ad- 
dress of three years back when, single-handedly, he whipped the 
NBC affiliates into line at a crucial NBC management meet when 
key affiliate broadcasters were in revolt. 

Armours Sudden Nix on Garroway 
Poses $2,000,000 NBC Problei 


PLENTY REVENUE 



Chicago, Aug. 7. 

NBC-TV’s •‘Garroway at Large” 
U back on the market again this 
week as a result of the sudden 
cancellation of the show and time 
segment by the Armour Co. Be- 
cause of web’s failure to line up 

a satisfactory number of stations 
to carry the Dave Garroway show’ 
live. Armour dropped the package 
leaving NBC with a $2,000,000 year- 
ly time and talent bundle to 
peddle again* 

Meat packer and Foote. Cone & 
Belding. its agency, abruptly 
turned thumbs down on the deal 
Friday <3> when the best station 
lineup NBC could come up with 
was 11 live outlets and 47 kine sta- 
tions. As Armour planned to plug 
special items such as holiday meats 
the kine delay wasn’t acceptable. 

The Pabst Wednesday night box- 
ing telecasts on CBS-TV are seen 
as a factor in the reappearance of 
the station clearance bugaboo in 
this particular case. The Garroway 
spread, bumped out of its long- 
time Sunday night slot by the up- 
coming Red Skelton show, was to 
go in the Wednesday 9:30 p.m. 
(CST* spot opposite the CBS fights. 
Evidently most of the single-sta- 
tion execs decided to string along 
with the Pabst-backed CBS show 
which last season rang up some 
healthy ratings. 

With NBC off on another bank- 
roller hunt for the Garroway beam- 
ing. Foote, Cone & Belding is also 
back in the market for another 
show and time period for Armour. 

Only Hr. Open 
In NBC-TV Lineup 

NBC-TV pacted with two more 
sponsors this week for major show’s 
on its fall schedule and so moved 
within a step of posting the SRO 

banner for its Class A time. Only 
a single half-hour alternate weeks 
on the new Wednesday night Kate 
Smith remain available in the net- 
work’s lineup. 

New bankrollers are Reynolds 
Metals Co., which signed for a 
half-hour alternate weeks on Miss 
Smith’s program, and Libby, Mc- 
Neil A Libby, which pacted for a 
half-hour participation on the 
Saturday night “Show of Shows.” 
Libby moves into the spot being 
vacated by Minnesota Mining, 
v hich in turn signed for “Juvenile 
Jury.” which is taking over the 
Sunday 3:30 to 4 p.m. period on the 
full network in the fall. Miss 
Smith’s showr tees off Sept. 19 with 
Norge and Congoleum -Nairn as 
bankrollers with Reynolds making 
iis first appearance the following 
session. 

Each of the web’s bankrollers, 


WL0U on Block for 40G 

Louisville, Aug. 7. 

Mrs. John Messervy, owner of 
WLOU, has applied to FCC for 
authority to sell the station, local 
daytime indie. 

Sale price reported from Wash- 
ington is $40,000, and prospective 
buyer is Robert W. Rounsaville, 
who owns and operates stations in 
Tennessee and Georgia. 


O’seas Press Club 
Gangs Up on ABC 
‘American Agent’ 

Detroit, Aug. 7. 

A good “cover” Job is being hunt- 
ed for Bob Barclay, ABC’s secret 
American agent Wednesday night 

show, titled “American Agent” is 
fed to the ABC web by WXYZ. The 
job must have only one qualifica- 
tion: it must not offend anyone in 
a similar job who thinks that Bar- 
clay's spying on the side is degrad- 
ing to the profession. 

Barclay got into trouble with the 
Overseas Press Club because he 
was cast In the role of a foreign 
correspondent. He used his job as 
a “cover” for spying activities. 

“The pressure is on.” George 
Trendle. producer of the show, 
lamented. “We’ll have Barclay re- 
sign in the script next week, and 
after that he'll be something else, 
but we don’t know what.” 

After the show had been on the 
air over a year, the Overseas Press 
Club finally got around to listening 
to it. What It heard made the com- 
mittee blow lta collective top. 
Bruno Shaw, chairman of the com- 
mittee. sent letters to ABC and 
Trendle. Shaw called the show a 

(Continued on page 38) 


Theatres with big-screen tele- 
vision equipment may wind up as 
special affiliates of the major 
broadcasting networks, if plans be- 
ing mapped out by the webs this 
week take fruit. 

Adopting the film industry’s cur- 
rent “if-you-can’t-llck-’em-Join’ em" 
attitude towards TV, the broadcast- 
ers assert that there’s no reason to 
start brawling with the theatre-TV 
chains for rights to sports apd 
other events. Webs believe that 
there’s a new, untapped source of 
revenue lying ahead for them in 
building programs for theatre-TV. 
Resultant cooperation, they claim, 
will pay off to the mutual interests 
of both groups. 

Idea was explained as follows bv 
the topper of one video network: 
Suppose that 'eventually up to 1.000 
theatres get the big-screen equip- 
ment. Each of the four major TV 


Barry-Enright’s 500G 
Bonanza As NBC Pacts 
‘Jury’ For Two Years 


•o i 


Juvenile Jury,” Jack Barry-Dan 
Enright show’, has been inked by 
NBC-TV on a firm tw’o-year con- 
tract that g^ves the indie packagers 
$500, J00 over the two-year span. 

Show, which is mrrently in the 
8 p. m. Tuesday spot during the 
Milton Berle hiatus, moves to Sun- 
day at 3:30-4 p. m. when “Texaco 
Star Theatre” returns in the fall. 
It will be bankrolled by Minnesota 


We Did It Before’ 

NBC, apparently convinced 
that it must fight theatre tele- 
vision to a standstill for rights 
to major sports events, wired 
the prexies of the top video set 
manufacturers last wetk pro- 
posing they form a permanent 
organization to snare rights to 
such events away from the the- 
atres. . 

NBC w’ould have the manu- 
facturers assign a person to 
handle the bidding, on the as- 
sumption that the manufactur- 
ers banded together will be 
able to outbid the theatres for 
a number of years to come. 
DuMont anticipated such a 
step several weeks ago, when 
it lined up nine of the set 
manufacturers to bankroll its 
pickup of the Joe Walcott-Ez- 
zard Charles fight in Pitts- 
burgh. 


webs could then split the pool by 
lining up 250 houses as affiliates. 
They W’ould then service the af- 
filiates by feeding them specially- 
built shows — the entertainment 
[.programs which the theatres are 
convinced they’ll need if they're to 
make their big-screen units pay off 
on a continuous basis. 

Such a system, of course, would 
necessarily be different from the 
way the networks now service af- 
filiate stations. In standard broad- 
casting, the webs, while creating 
most of their own programming, 
serve mainly as a clearing house 
with the stations for time desired 
by advertisers. For theatre-TV, 
which is to have no sponsors to 
pay the freight, the networks could 
derive their profits either from 
charging the theatres a flat fee 
for the show’s, or else on a per- 
centage deal from each theatre's 
gross. 

Web exec pointed out that sev- 
eral moves toward such a system 
are already under way. There is al- 
most certainly a theatre-TV tiein 
In the works between United Para- 
mount Theatres and American 
Broadcasting, when the FCC ap- 
proves the proposed merger of the 
two companies. In addition. NBC 
(Continued on page 38) 


Acquisition of GE Waring Billings 
Projects BBD&O Into Top Video Spot 


Toast 9 Roast 

Comic Harvey Stone, guest- 
ing on CBS-TV’s “Toast of 
the Town” Sunday (5), was 
standing in the wings a few 
moments before he was to do 
his stint with just enough 
time for a quick smoke. As he 
was lighting the clg, the en- 
tire book of matches flared 
up, severely burning his hand. 

Despite the agon v ; Stone 
went dh — without betraying 
his pain. After the perform- 
ance he was rushed to Poly- 
clinic hospital, N. Y. 


NBC Still Mulls 

Chain Break Sale 
Despite Rep Rap 


NBC is still mulling the plan to 
sell six-second network chain 
breaks, tied in with its chimes, al- 
though it had sat on the idea for a 
while. Plan has drawn a strong 
blast from the National Assn, of 
Radio and Television Station Rep- 
resentatives and from some affili- 
ates which consider the project a 
web “move-ln” on the stations’ na- 
tional spot business. f 

The web identification quickie 
spots, aired 24 times a day, could 
bring the chain around $6,000,000. 
a year, it’s estimated. Actually the 
plan did not originate with NBC 
but with Foote, Cone & Belding, 
which was looking for a spectac- 
ular coup In an effort to hold on to 
the Pepsodent billings (which sub- 
sequently went to McCann-Erick- 
son). 

NBC queried four big affiliates 
on the plan, who reportedly en- 
dorsed the idea. Meanwhile, as de- 
tails of the project leaked, two 
other agencies came to the web 
wanting in. and FC&B still wants 
it for part of the Lever account. 

The station rep organization last 
week hit the plan, saying it con- 
sidered It “incredible that NBC, or 
any other network, would even 
consider such an encroachment 
upon their affiliates* spot revenue, 
let alone pressure the stations to 
take It.” 

NARTSR added. ‘The action is 
simply additional evidence of the 
networks’ creeping encroachment 
into the spot field, compounding 
the stations’ ‘problems forced by 
the network rate cuts.” It declared 
that while only 30 r 'i> of the network 
billings of $122,000,000 went into 
the cash registecs of their affiliates 
in 1950, the stations were able to 
keep 70% of the $120,000,000 spent 
by national spot advertisers. It 
warned that “if enough stations ac- 
cept enough spot advertising from 
any network, they will eventually 
destroy the legitimate spot biz.” 


4 BBD&O, with the acquisition of 
General Electric’s “Fred Waring 
Show” from Young & Rubicam this 
week, virtually cemented its posi- 
tion as the agency with the biggest 
annual billings in television. War- 
ing show, aired Sunday nights via 
CBS-TV, will represent an estimat- 
ed $2,000,000 more a year for 
BBD&O and gives the agency a 
total of 11 major network video 
entries. 

Y&R, in losing the GE account • 
on Waring, picked up two daytime 
video shows. New business, how- 
ever. doesn’t come near matching 
what the agency is losing on the 
Waring shows. Two new shows, 
which are to be bankrolled by GE’a 
appliances division, are the .“Bill 
Goodwin Show,” to be aired Tues- 
days anti Thursdays via NBC-TV, 
starting Sept. 11, and a 15-minute 
segment of the Garry Moore show 
thee times weekly on CBS-TV. . 

In losing the Waring show, 
Y&R’s stick In video is declining 
as the BBD&O biz rises. Where 
Y&R last year at this time was the 
top agency in TV. It recently lost 
the Packard account to Maxon. 
Switch In agencies on the Waring 
program was reportedly due to the 
fact that the show is now to be 
bankrolled on an institutional basis 
by GE, with BBD&O handling all 
general company advertising for 
the sponsor. It's also reported, 
however, that GE was dissatisfied 
with “GE Guest House.” which has 
been the summer replacement for 
Waring, and decided to give 
BBD&O a crack at, the program 
when it returns in the *sll. 


Mining, for Scotch brand cello- 
inetdentariy, has signed t>n a firm ' phane tape, the present sponsor. 

— 1 — • CBS-TV had put in a bid for the 

property, but NBC-TV offered a 
better deal. 

NBC radio program v.p. Charles 
(Bud) Barry is now* thinking of 
reprising a radic edition of “Jury,” 
which until early thL year was 
backed on Mutual by General 
Foods for Gaines dog food. 


- --week basis under new rules 
posted earlier in the summer by 
exec veepee Sylvster L. (Pat) 
" caver and sales and operations 
Pee Edward D, Madden. With 
t.mse billings to anticipate, con- 
sequently, NBC figures it’s almost 
• 'tain to show a profit on Its net- 
v oi king operations this year. 


LATE SUN. NIGHT BERTH 
FOR 'GIRLS' ON NBC-TV 

With Chesterfield having bought 
the Sunday night at 7 slot on 
NBC-TV for a new half-hour 
comedy show this fall, the web 
has decided to move “Leave It to 
the Girls,” which previously aired 
at that time, into the 10:30 to 11 
period Sunday nights. Regent 
cigarets will continue as sponsor. 

To date. Bob Hope is the only 
comedian set for the new’ Chester- 
field show, which Is to have four 
comics rotate once a month, as in 
the web’s Sunday night “Comedy 
Hour.” New half-hour slot for 
“Girls” Is local option time but 
the web took it over in order to 
round out its Sunday night sched- 
ule, which is now* sold out. 


$50,000 Settlement 
In Lieu of 800G Award 
In ’Bride & Groom’ Soil 


v Hollywood. Aug. 7. 

Settlement of $50,000 has been 
accepted by the three Johns— Mas- 
terson. Nelson and Reddy — in lieu 
of the judgment of $800,000 award- 
ed by a Superior Court jury last 
month. KLAC-TV manager Don 
Fedderson effected the settlement. 
The station’s show. “Wedding 
Bells.” basis of the suit which 
charged it was lifted from “Bride 
and Groom,” is being withdrawn, 
having been hobbled by a perma- 
nent injunction. 

Verdict of $800.000 — plaintiffs 
had asked $1,000.000 — was one of 
the largest damage awards ever 
made in a plagiarism suit. Fedder- 
son had planned to appeal, but 
chose the settlement instead. 


BBD&O Is expected lose one 
of its current crop of TV shows in 
the fall. It’s “Meet the Press,” 
bankrolled during the summer 
Tuesday nights on NBC by Curtis 
Publishing. Show is filling part of 
the time occupied during the regu- 
lar season by Milton Berle's ‘Tex- 
aco Star Theatre,” When the Berle 
show returns, “Proas” will either 
be shifted to a different time pe- 
riod or axed. Since NBC’s fall pro- 
gramming lineup is novfr almost en- 
tirely sold out. the show would 
have to be moved Into a daytime 
spot. 

Biggest account held by BBD&O 
in video is still American Tobacco. 
Ciggie outfit bankrolls Robert 
Montgomery’s “Lucky Strike The- 
atre.” an hour-iong dramatic show 
aired alternate Mondays on NBC; 
'This Is Show Business,” Sunday 
(Continued on page 36) 

Graskin Resigning 
ECA; Back to U.S. 

Ed Gruskin is resigning as direc- 
tor of radio of the Economic Co- 
operation Administration, after a 

two-and-a-half year hitch during 
which he was headquartered iff 
Paris. He is returning to the 
United States next n.onth to enter 
the commercial TV sweepstakes in 
the writer-producer field. 

Gruskin feels he's accomplished 
his mission of setting up the elabo- 
rate ECA Network of radio pro- 
gramming. of transcribed shows 
embracing 14 European countries, 
which has played a dominant role 
; in propagandizing the Marshall 
; Plan. In addition, he established 
local radio units designed to give 
■ employment to talent in the 14 
countries. His last mission took 
him to Berlin for a month, during 
which he helped establish the State 
j Dept. -ECA program, including CBS 
color television demonstrations and 
1 RCA large-screen TV projection, to 
run concurrently with the Commu- 
j nist World Festival of Youth. 

Prior to joining ECA in 1949, 

! Gruskin was a top comedy writer 
! identified with many of the com- 
! mercial network shows, including 
; “Duffy’s Tavern,” “Amos ’n’ Andy.” 
i etc. 




Washington. Aug. 7. 

The novel question of whether 
the right of freedom from listen- 
ing to the radio is protected by 
the Constitution is now before the 
Supreme Court. A petition for re- 
view of a U. S. Court of Appeal* 
decision holding Transit Radio un- 
constitutional was filed with the 
high tribunal Friday (3) by 
WWDC in Washington, the Capital 
and the DC. Public 


Salt Lake City, Aug. 7. 

Prospects for live TV shows 
brought here from the east via 
micro-wave relay chain before the 
end of the year look dim, after 
last week's announcement by the 
telephone company. According to 
J. E. Buckwalter, district manager. 
Mountain State Telephone & Tele- 
graph Co., the chain connecting 
Chicago with the Coast is now be- 
ing tested, and should go into 
operation for phone calls next 
month. 

Use of circuits for video will be 
held up locally pending installa- 
tion and checking of loops, which 
usually takes from six to eight 
months. If everything goes smooth- 
ly, there’s a chance the TV opera- 
tion will be clicking in December, 
but company isn't too optimistic. 

Trade here is wondering how 
local TV stations are going to ad- 
just when shows become available 
Current practice of KSL-TV is to 
limit between program spots to lt$ 
minutes. KDYL-TV gets in up to 
five or six minutes, and doesn’t 
stick to announced time skeds. 
Problem will get really hot when 
time becomes a must, and lost 
revenue forced by cutting down 
spots has to be made up some- 
where. 


Transit Co 
Utilities Commission. 

Supreme Court is asked to de- J 
cide whether the minority pf 
passengers who object to the radio j 
on busses and trolleys is deprived ( 
of liberty under the Fifth Amend- j 
ment. Another issue is whether the 
broadcasts must be limited to news 
and music, but must exclude com- 
mercials. 

In urging review cf the lower 
court action, the petition declares 
that the application of the Con- 
stitution to the prohibition of radio 
broadcasts on transit vehicles is 
unprecedented. The question is 
important, the petition said, be- 
cause of “similar situations” 
throughout the country. Transit 
Radio operates in about 20 cities. 

The petitioners contend that the 
decision of the lower court ignores 
Supreme Court decisions “which 
show that passengers have no con*, 
stitutional rights to use the serv- 
ices of Capital Transit and that 
their rights are governed wholly 
by statutes that do no more than 
require equal and non-discrimina- 
tory treatment pf all." 

Transit Riders Assn. 

The court test of “forced listen- 
ing” was brought by a local group 
called ‘Transit Riders Assn..” led 
by two attorneys. Franklin S. 
Poliak and Guy Martin, who ap- 
pealed to the District Court after 
the PUC held that the. service 
was in the public interest. Transit 
Riders then went to the Court of 
Appeals which reversed the Dis- 
trict Court and remanded the case 
to PUC for further proceedings 
to conform to Its opinion. 

Following the Appeals Court de- 
cision and a refusal to reconsider 
its ruling. Station WWDC obtained 
a stay order to continue Transit 
Radio broadcasts until the issue 
has been decided. 

Meanwhile, WWDC has inaugu- 
rated a series of hourly civil de- 
fense" announcements to transit 
passengers to point up the value 
of Transit Radio in case of an 
emergency. In the event of need, 
the announcements declare, “the 
radio-equipped busses and street 
cars of the Capital Transit Co. 
stand ready to be mobilized at a 
moment’s notice by our Civil De- 
fense officials. Directed by static- 
free FM radio, they could be sent 
wherever needed. Passengers 
would be provided with accurate, 
up-to-the-minute information to 
avoid panic — save lives. Yes, the 
radio equipped street cars and 
busses of the Capital Transit Co. 
are ready for duty, whenever the 
call comes.” 


HARRY SALTER 

MUSICAL DIRECTOR 
•top th# Musi#— ABC 


Ealky to De New Tek 
Show, Not ‘Gangbusters,’ 
For CBS-Schick Shavers 


and goes to Roms on Sept. 23 to study for a year . • . Jmll# Bennett 
into ABC's "Newsstand Theatre" tomorrow (Thurs) . . . Jean Soli- 
berger, AM-TV news gatherer for Time, shifts to the mag’s Chi 
office for one month . . . Wayne He well has taken over the RCA 
Victor "Musical Merry-Go-Round” on NBC, vice Kletse McElhone . . . 
Sammy Kaye'a “Sunday Serenade" for Sylvania Radio and Television ( 
Ricks off on ABC Oct. 7 from Chi . . . Ruth Ellington James, WLIB 
femme gabber, will broadcast, tomorrow’s (Thurs.) press conference 
of the National Assn, for Advancement of Colored People for the 
Harvey Clarita, couple whose attempt to move into Cicero, 111., was 
followed by a riot . . . 

IN HOLLYWOOD . . . 

Arnold M a r#uis has assembled old recordings of Will Regers broad- 
casts for a series of five-minute programs. Mitch Hamflbnrg is now 
east talking a deal with Leonard Reeg of ABC. A sequel of stories 
and anecdotes in narrative form is also being prepared . • • Lon Holser 
pulled out of Lockwood-Schackleford to set up his own agency with 
nearly a half million in billing as a starter . . . Jehu Wagner, with 
ABC (and the Blue) since 1935. was named controller of the net’s 
western division . . . Wilier O’Keefe will tape "Double or Nothing" 
for three weeks while his troupe is entertaining the military In Europ# 

. . . Ralph Story. KNX’s "Morning Host" <5:30 to 7 a m.) has it all 
figured out how to regale early risers without annoying late sleeper* 
All they have to do is make their own earphones and he’s sending 
out pamphlets showing them bow . . . "Suspense" will be back Aug. 
27 but with a different design. Stories from the files of law enforce- 
ment agencie# and the dallies will be dramatized Instead of fiction as 
in past years. Rlllott Lewis continues as producer-director with th# 
added duty of script editor . . . Fred Jordan turned in his veepe# 
stripes to Earl Bothwell agency and is making another connection 
away from commission row . . . How radio deals are made: H. K. Car- 
penter, KNX account exec, grabbed a tray in a cafeteria and called 
for the manager to complain about a dish. His gripe eut of the way 
he started selling him on the station. Next day the eatery signed 
for 13 weeks of the Dan Cubberly News. 

IN CHICAGO . . . 

Lowell R. Jacks#* Joins ABC's Central Division as AM network 
salesman . . Bob McKee has replaced Howard. Dersey on WGN’i post- 
midnight disk stint . . . Hugh Downs, NBC staff gabber and emcee of 
WNBQ’s dally "Luncheon Date," has unveiled still another talent 
He's clefted "Soliloquy" which was unwrapped Saturday (4) on NBCi 
“Surprise Serenade” by Joseph Galllcchlo's tootlers . . * Murray 
Forbes, ex-Chicagoan and longtime regular on the "Ms Perkins'* 
soaper, visiting radio friends here . . . Curley Bradley, Mutual’s “Sing- 
ing Marshall,” guesting Thursday (9) at Chi Tribune Charities kiddies 
party . . . WLS' National Barn Dance will have its annual airing from 
the Illinois state fair Saturday night (ID , , Armour if plugging its 

new shampoo on NBC's "Dial Dave Garroway" morning strip . . . 
Clark Dennis returns to ABC’s "Breakfast Club" Monday (13) for two 
weeks, subbing for fohnny Desmond who skies to the Coast for film 
tests . . . WBBM spieler Jim Conway spending two weeks of his va- 
cation on active duty in the Navy air corps . • . Bek Chill* ABC tut 
thumper, out on a two-weeker. 

IN WASHINGTON ... 

In the excitement of preem of her new TV show (WTOP-CBS), Muff 
Richardson forgot to read the telegraphed “Good luck” message from 
ex-boss Arthur Godfrey .... Lee Dayton. WMAL-ABC staff announcer, 
has just completed a series of training films for Veterans' Administr* 
tion and is currently narrating 26 transcriptions of the Navy Band . . • 
Jerry Strong, former ay era man for WINX, moving ever to WMAL- 
ABC (radio and TV) at disk jockey starting Aug. 20. . . .M/Sgi. Glese 
Darwin, USAF, former MGM and RCA disk dick, and Pvt. Leonard 
Oumey, USA, vet of such TV shows as “Toast of Town" and Dave Garre 
way, will vie for baritone honors on Armed Forces Review next Friday 
ntght (10)..,. Nri Elisabeth Krause, winner of the "Stop the Music" 
jackpot (May 10) set for a novel stint on the Rnth Crane "Modem 
Woman" airer (WMAL-ABC) to tell localites about the headaches of 
the $14,000 haul ... A special radio-TV crew from Office of Public 
Information, Department of Defense, currently touring Europe t# 
gather film and recording material, to be made available to net- 
works, on activities of North Atlantic Treaty Organization Countries 
Aforementioned team consists of special reporter Maxwell Marvin* 
radio engineer Sgl Ray Krueger, and cameraman Sgt. Ralph Sent#*. 


Rudolph Halley, former chief 
counsel for the Kefauver Crime 
Investigating Committee, will star 
tn a new television show via CBS 
this fall, instead of appearing in 
indie packager Phillips H. Lord’s 
“Gangbusters," as originally an- 
nounced. New program, which will 
be packaged Jointly by CBS and 
th# Kudner agency, starts Sept. 4 

S- 

in the Tuesday at • o.m. period, 
Schick Electric Shavers sponsoring 
through Kudner. 

The Halley-Lord split resulted 
from a difference of opinion be- 
tween the two over the format 
of the show. According to Lord, 
“Gangbusters," which is an estab- 
lished package, must rely on the 


Hollywood, Aug. 7. 

Screen Writers Guild and Au- 
thors League of America will op- 
pose Radio Writers Guild claims to 
rep video scribblers, according to 
a joint announcement from SWG 
prexy Karl Tunberg and Oscar 
Hammerstein, 2d, ALA prez. 

Statement said RWG doesn’t 
have jurisdiction and that the SWG 
and ALA are “in process of work- 
ing out jurisdiction which will 
serve and protect a 1 1 television 
writers, including those who work 
concurrently in radio, motion pic- 
tures, theatre or any other field." 


$1,000 For S Mini.-g-Wk 

Ex-Kefauver committee coun- 
sel Rudolph Halley, who preems 
his own show on CBS-TV Sept. 
4. may also do a five-minute 
cross-the-board radio show on 
the Mutual web this fall. MBS 
is dickering with him for the 
show, in which he would give 
his opinions on crime problems 
currently confronting the na- 
. tion. 

Halley would get $1,000 
weekly for the series which, 
like the payment for his TV 
show, would be turned over 
to various charities. Attorney 
said each five-minute broadcast 
would probably require two 
hours of preparation, but he'd 
like to do the series as another 
method of combating crime. 


TV ‘Kefauver Treatment’ 

Cincinnati, Aug. 7. 

Cincy’s three TV stations did a 
Kefauver hearing video coverage 
Monday (6) of city council's inves- 
tigation of alleged auto towing 
racket reportedly involving 36 po- 
licemen. AM and FM stations also 
carried proceedings. 

Telecasts from City Hall were 
done jointly by WLW-T and 
WKRC-TV and .separately by 
WCPO-TV from 2 to 6 p. m. 

Witnesses were permitted to 
deny lensing of them while on 
stand. 

Capsule reports at Intervals were 
made by Jim Ault, newscaster, and 
Jerry Hurter, Times-Star City Ed- 
itor, on WCPO; Terry Flynn, Cros- 
ley’s news chief on WLW-T, and 
Harry Mayo, City Editor, and Leo 
HirtI, columnist, of Post on WCPO- 
TV. 


participation of police officials, 
rather than an attorney. Halley did 
not want to do a cops-and-robbers 
type of show, prefering instead to 
do a series on the work of crime 
commissions, such as the Kefauver 
group, dealing with real-life in- 
vestigations. Halley feels that such 
a program would be especially 
timely now and that he has the 
"leads" and knows where to com- 
pile the necessary information. 
Under the new setup, the show 
will be produced by Jerry Danzig 
and scripted by a specially-selected 
stable of writers. 

Halley, incidentally, confirmed 
that he will turn over his entire 
salary, minus expenses and tax de- 
ductions, to various charities, such 
as the Police Athletic League, for 
work in combatting juve delin- 
quency. He’s to receive $1,500 per 
week for the first year and $1,000 
a week the following year. This 
"spread" is to enhance the charity 
auspices. Halley plans to select a 
board to pick the charities which 
will receive the money. 

New show is to preem as a live 
production but may later be put 
on film. Lord, meanwhile, revealed 
that he's working out a deal to 
put "Gangbusters" on Him for TV, 
while the radio show continues as 
a separate series on CBS Saturday 
nights, sponsored by General 
Foods. 


in remodeling the ex-WQXR lay- 
out, building five studios, all of 
which will have floating acoustical 
walls and ceilings. These will be 
used by its subsid, Audio-Video 
Recording Co., tape recording out- 
fit, which previously had rented 
space from other outfits. Construc- 
tion job is expected to be com- 
pleted in a month to six weeks. 

New recording studios, each of 
which will have its own control 
room, and four editing rooms will 
have a total of 24 Ampex machines. 
There will also be six specie! ma- 
chines for duplicating tape. Able 
to make five copies oT a half-hour 
show in 7V4 minutes the setup will 
be equipped to turn out 200-300 
copies of a show overnight. Out- 
fit also has five disk recorders. 

The largest studio will be made 

(Continued on page 56) 


Forester in N. Y. to 
Script Victory at Sea’ 

Novelist C. S. Forester, author 
of the "Horatio Hornblower" 
books, arrived in N. Y. from the 
Coast this week to begin his script- 
ing chores on NBC-TV’s projected 
history of the U. S. Navy, titled 
"Victory at Sea,” Series, which 


OG Beys ‘Down Yon Go’ 

Old Gold cigarets this week 
bought DuMont's “Down You Go,” 
quiz show originating Thursday 
nights for the net from Chicago. 
Agency is Lennen 4c Mitchell. 

Web’s N. Y. flagship, WARD, also 
pacted with Strauss Stores this 
week to bankroll its “Saturday 
Night Wrestling" for 26 weeks, 
starting Saturday (11), while Sava- 
rln CoffPe and Rheingoid Beer 
inked for spot announcements. 


RCA prez Frank M. Folsom an* 
veepee Manie Sacks have beet 
huddling on expanding NBC color 
television programming in l* 1 * 
with plana to resume demonstra- 
tions of the RCA color system n 
New York liter this month. 

When Brig. Gen. David Sarnoif. 
RCA board chairman, return* 
Monday (13) from Europe they may 
decide at that time about filinE ** 
application with the Federal 
m unications Commission for 
hearings on their system. 


Victory st Sea. 
will be compiled and lensed totally 
on film, is scheduled to preem be- 
fore the end of the year, with Rob- 
ert Montgomery as narrator. 

Henry Salomon, Jr., who'll pro- 
duce, left for England last week to 
discuss the project with the British 
Admiralty, while Clay Adams, who 
directs, is in Canada gathering ma- 
terial for the project from the 
Royal Canadian Navy. 


wnz'i ‘Video Chef 

WPIX, N. Y., yesterday (Tuet.) 
launched ‘ a new cooking show, 
sponsored by Associated Food 
Stores, via Furman, Feiner agency. 

Titled "Video Chef," it stars Joel 
Holt and will be beamed Tuesdays 
at 5-5:30 p. m. 


El Paso — William J. Small, 
writer-producer here for KROD 
has resigned his post to join the 
continuity staff of WLS, Chicago. 



«, 1951 


MGM SPARKS WAX 




CeAic Adams’ Blue-Chips Deal 

Minneapolis, July 7. 

Cedric Adams, the Northwest's top radio personality, has signed 
an agreement extending his contract with the Twin Cities’ CBS 
station. WCCO. through 1955. Sura involved is undisclosed, but 
is believed by Gene Wilky. WCCO manager, to be “the largest 
ever paid to any radio personality outside of New York and Holly- 
wood.” Deal gives* .WCCO and CBS continued exclusive rights to 
Adams’ services for the next four years. 

Adams, also a Minneapolis Star and Sunday Tribune newspaper 
tviumnist for many years, started his first .regular WCCO series 
of radio newscasts in 1934. In the 17 years since his first broad- 
casts. his popularity in the five-state area covered by WCCO has 
increased apace and still continues to grow, and he also has at- 
tained national eminence. Despite new TV competition from two 
other stations during the past two years. Adams' news programs 
popularity ratings have risen to new peaks. Latest surveys indi- 
cate his share of audience for the 10 p.m. news is greater than 
the audience of all other Twin Cities stations combined and is 
three times greater than the second-rated station. Audience share 
in the outside area is even greater. 

At present Adams has 14 per week news broadcasts of 15 
minutes each, three Class “A” half-hour shows a week of various 
Kinds, a daily five-minute CBS network stint and “Open House” 
broadcasts in surrounding towns regularly, all of which are spon- 
sored Radio advertisers' demands for his services, in fact, have 
been so great that WCCO has been unable to meet them, accord- 
ing to Wilky. 

Adams went to New York two summers to pinchhit for Arthur 
Godfrey on radio and TV on latter's network talent show vg^iile 
Godfrey vacationed. His newspapers claim for him the largest 
readership “by far” of any non-syndicated columnist anywhere, 
surveys having shown this, and as a newspaper columnist, as well 
as a radio personality, he is considered the Northwest’s most 
influential person in these lines. He even has been mentioned as 
a gubernatorial possibility. 


OFFERS DISCOUNT 1 NLRB Hears TVA Scre«i Gnflds 
TO MATCH WEBS ^ 00 Webs’ Vidpix Jurisdiction 


Must Restrict Big League Battcasts 
More to Save Minors— Trautman 

Washington, Aug. 7. ♦ 

Too many broadcasts of major | ag a * n j r OPAP 

league baseball games are hurting . ffldCylliUTIC 000(1 IOr ZDUll 

attendance at minor league games 


and further restrictions are neces- 
sary. a House monopoly subcom- 
mittee was told last week by 
George M. Trautman, prexy of the 
National Assn, of Professional 
Baseball Leagues (the minor lea- 
gues'. 

Trautman defended the present 
broadcast limitations by organized 
baseball which prevent radio and 
TV stations within 50 miles from 
carrying major league games while 
the local club is playing at home. 
“When you hear four of five major 
league games in the afternoon in 
one little community.” be asserted, 
“bv the time our game starts in 
the evening, everybody is a little 
tired of baseball.” 

Although the local clubs were 
given wide authority in 1949. to 
restrict big league broadcasts, 
Trautman said, such authority has 
since been reduced and the num- 
ber of major league game broad- 
casts reaching minor league cities 
has more than doubled. 

Trautman expressed hope that 
the Justice Dept., which is investi- 
gating monopoly aspects of limita- 
tions on baseball and football 

(Continued on page 38) 


Texas Oilman Buys 
Interest In Liberty 


Los Angeles, Aug. 7. 

Haven MacQuarrie, radio actor- 
producer, was named in a $250,000 
damage suit in Superior court by 
Gilbert Sonbergh, his former busi- 
ness associate. 

Plaintiff claims he was slugged 
during a conference in MacQuar- 
rie's home. 


NBC’s $1,510,000 

Snares Rose Bowl 
In J-Yr. Exclusive 

« 

Hollywood, Aug. 7. 
Bidding in the dark against two 
competitors and topping its nearest 
rival by $500,000, NBC carried off 
exclusive television and radio 
rights to the Rose Bowl game for 
the next three years with a sealed- 
in offer of $1,510,000. It was im- 
mediately accepted, and now all 
the network has to do is go out 
and sell it to get off the hook. With 
cable, time and other charges 
thrown in, it is estimated the spon- 
sor or sponsors of the New Year’s 
Day classic will be billed for better 
than $500,000. . 

Second highest bid was KTTV’s 
$1,000,000, which would have been 
telecast to a hookup of 42 news- 
Dalla.s Aug 7 paper-owned stations around the 

Gordon McLendon, prei of the S?“" ,ry * n i °} hrr °^ n m " ke . U 
Liberty Bro.dc.tln* System. has f® 8 . thlrd "I 1 *,*? 1 ®;** ,or 
announced that H. R. Cullen, a the thr **/** r *' A&C-United P.r- 
Houston. Texas, oilman, has pur- amount withdrew from the compe- 


Growing emphasis 4 placed by 
bankroUers on tidloring their radio 
coverage to particular patterns, as 
opposed to the blanket use of full 
AM hookups, is resulting in a 
bonanza for the transcription out- 
fits. Latter are practically turning 
themselves into waxwork networks 
that compete with the chains. In 
turn, the webs are getting into the 
transcription act, as are indie 
packagers. 

MGM Radio Attractions, a subsid 
of Loew's, Inc., (Metro), is embark- 
ing on 'a novel selling ^formula 
whereby it will provide a'national 
advertiser with a hand-picked 
program os a selected group of 
stations, at individually designated 
times — and with the **me dis- 
counts that would be offered on 
a network. 

Under the MGMRA plan, the 
bankroller would get discounts for 
number of markets used, dollar 
volume and length of contract, 
comparable to those offered by the 
national webs. Thus if a spender 
gets a 33V&% rebate from a chain 
for an order totaling $1,500,000, 
MGMRA will offer the same dis- 
count. Difference is that the tran- 
scription firm wiU pay the discount 
out of its own packet, rather than 
trimming payment to the local 
stations. 

TV Aa Factor 

According to Bertram Lebhar, 
Jr., director of WMGM. N. Y.. and 
MGMRA. the transcription concern 
is offering one package which 
eliminates stations in TV markets 
and another which- includes only 
outlets in video areas. Former is 
designed for spenders who feel 
over-extended, advertisingwise. in 
tele markets, while latter is being 
pitched to clients (such as TV set 
manuf cturers) who want radio 
homes in tele areas. 

MipMRA. which in January 
ended its deal with Music Corp. 
of America for latter to serve as 
sales rep. is still going after local 
station sales with a force of eight 
men and plans a major expansion 
of the field staff. Hewever, it Is 
concentrating efforts on inking na- 
tional spenders direct. In addition 
to selling existing programs, it will 
custom-build airets to clients* 
specifications. 

Programwise, MGMRA is adding 
four to six new shows to its present 
stable of eight properties. One 
new show already inked is “The 
Lives of Harry Lime,” produced 
in England by Harry Allen Towers 
with Orson Welles starred in his 
“Third Man’’ pic characterization. 
Half-hour stanza features zither 
backgrounding of Anton Karas, 
who also worked on the Alexander 
(Continued on page 36) 


rimed an interest in the network. 

The amount of Cullen’s interest 
v not disclosed. Cullen is a lead- 
Inu Tcxas^ philanthropist and has 
R'v«‘n away millions for hospitals, 
schools and charitable institutions. 

The LBS web has 431 outlets in 
41 states. Hawaii, Alaska and , 

Japan, and is second In size only /1 . ll n «• vs 

tl ” X Sy,,,m i Gillette Standing Pat 


tition when the Coast Conference 
called no dice on closed circuit the- 
atre exhibition. 

On the breakdown it is guessed 
the NBC bid $400,000 for the first 
year; $500,000 for the second year, 

(Continued on page 40) 


among the major networks. 

McLendon founded the web in j 
l!,4R as a sports network. Since I 
* hen it has expanded full time, 16 
■ Jr a day, national network. 

Mcl^ndon quoted Cullen as say- 
ins in Houston: 

Mv principal concern In acquir- 
ing an interest in Liberty Is to help 
provide more wholesome entertaln- 
information and education 


On ABC Fisticuffs 

Gillette Friday evening fights on 
radio return in the fall to ABC, 
although NBC had made a concert- 
ed pitch for the biz. NBC. which 
beams the tele edition, tried to 
bring both ends under the same 
roof. 

It will be the seventh season the 


WMGM FORMS WEB 
FOR ARMY GRIDCASTS 

Despite the current “cribbing 
scandal” at West Point. WMGM. 
N. Y„ is going full speed ahead 
with plans for building a web 
around the Army football games 
this fall. WMGM n*a> hook up with 
Liberty network to beam the grid- 
casts, with possibility of 400 sta- 
tions taking the series. National 
sponsor is being sought. 

Idea of a WMGM grid web for 
the Saturday Army games parallels 
the Loew’s-owned indie’s network 
for the New York Giants pro foot- 
ball broadcasts on Sunday after- 
noons. sponsored by Miller’s Beer. 
Ballcasts are fed for Miller to the 
Yankee network, plus New York 
state and Pennsylvania outlets, and 
may be extended to the south and 
southeast. 


New A&A Blast 

Committee for the Negro in 
the Arts this week blasted 
CBS-TV’s “Amos n’ Andy” 
show as representing a “fla- 
grant revival of stereotypes” 
and said that the series is “in 
strong contradiction to the ef- 
forts for more democratic par- 
ticipation by Negroes in all 
phases of American life.” 
Claiming that “hundreds of 
thousands of dollars have been 
spent (oh AAA) to insult the 
Negro people for 30 minutes 
once a week,” the committee 
declared in a prepared state- 
ment: 

“What is needed is a repre- 
sentative presentation of Ne- 
gro life, written by Negro writ- 
ers preferably, many of whom 
have such material available, 
and fuller use of Negroes in 
all aspects of radio and TV on 
a dignified level of merit and 
equality. All democratic-mind- 
ed citizens should make known 
their objections to this pro- 
gram and urge its withdrawal.” 


Blatz’s Goodwill 
Bid in A&A Snarl 
Backfires in Chi 


Chicago, Aug. 7. 

Attempt by the Blatz Brewing 
Co. to better its relations with the 
Negro community as a result of 
the stereotype charges leveled at 
the video version of “Amos *n’ 
Andy" which it bankrolls on CBS, 

backfired here over the weekend. 
With considerable fanfare. Blatz 
and CBS brought in three of the 
Negro principles of the all-colorod 
TV show to take part Saturday (4) 
in the annual Bud Billiken day 
parade sponsored by the Chicago 
Defender, Negro newspaper. 

However. Tim Moore, Spencer 
Williams and Alvin Childress who 
play The Kingfish, Andy and Amos, 
respectively, failed to appear in 
the parade. Official reason given 
by a Defender spokesman was that 
Childress “had taken violently ill 
Friday night and the appearance 
of the other two actors would have 
been no good without the third.” 

Actual reason. Vasicty learned, 
was that Walter White. NAACP 
national topper, burned up the 
telephone wires from New York 
Friday night protesting to the De- 
fender publisher, John Sengstacke. 
White reiterated the NAACP’* 
opposition to the video show in no 
uncertain terms and Sengstacke 
reportedly “requested" that the 
trio not take part in the Billiken 
festivities. 


Washington, Aug. 7. 

National Labor Relations Board 
today (Tues.) heard oral argument 
on the question of whether Tele- 
vision Authority or the screen 
unions should have jurisdiction for 
actors making vidpix for the net- 
works. 

Case stems from CBg-TV’a 
“Amos ’n’ Andy” show, over which 
TV A feels it should have control 
(since it wa« made for a network 
with which it has a contract) whilo 
Screen Actors Guild and Screen 
Extras Guild want control because 
it is on film. 

TVA filed a petition in New 
York saying that all talent em- 
ployed by the nets should come 
within its unit. Screen guilds, 
how^yer, feel there should be a 
separate unit for talent making 
vidpic for the webs. 

NLRB won’t announce its de- 
cision for some time. However, its 
memo on what it regards as the 
issues asks the questions: (1) does 
the board direct an industrywide 
election for all talent, as TVA 
wishes? and (2) do actors engaged 
in makingmotlon pictures for TV 
networks destined for initial tele- 
vision release appropriately belong 
with the other actors engaged in 
live TV? 

Election, when it takes place, will 
involve.all the video ntworks, ABC- 
TV, DuMont and NBC-TV, CBS-TV, 
N. Y. Screen guilds want those 
voting in a separate vidpic unit to 
include performers who have had 
at least two days employment in 
the nine months preceding the 
election. TVA, although objecting 
to a separate unit for vidpic talent, 
wants eligibility restricted, if a 
separate unit it decided upon, to 
performers who did st least two 
days work between Jan. 3 and 
April 3. 

Taking part in the argument 
were Paul P. Pryor, TVA attorney; 
Robert W. Gilbert, SEG attorney; 
and William Berger. SAG attorney. 
Three of the five NLRB members 
— John M. Houston, James J. 
Reynolds and Abe Murdock — were 
present. Hearing departed from 
the usual procedure in that the 
original hearing examiner’s recom- 
mendations were not made public 
and further oral argument was 
heard. 


Ralston Lured 


Back Into Radio 


Chicago. Aug. 7. 

Additional evidence that the ra- 
dio network sales folk have 
launched a determined counterat- 
tack was supplied by ABC last 
week who succeeded in luring 
Ralston-Purina back into the fold 
after a year's layoff. Cereal com- 


pany boards ABC Oct. 6 for a full 
Fracas left the Blatz and CBS I web Saturday morning half-hour, 
people in something of a quandary R.p will put “Space Patrol 

I Hollywood originating moppet 
science fiction package, in the 9:30 
to 10 a m. (CST) period 

Sale, engineered by Chi ABC- 


( Continued on page 40) 

Coke to Sponsor NBC 
Junior Baseball Hoopla 

Morton Downey and a flock of 
major league ballplayers and , . .. . . 

I sports announcers will salute the | that ttm# P ^ rM | otitfit rirnnn*ri th#» 
25th anniversary of the American 


AM topper Ed Smith and sales 
chief Bob McKee, has more than 
usual import since Ralston checked 
off network radio a year ago to 
concentrate on regional spot AM 


— — - v V* . m ^ vw ■ • a ^ m m m mm 

^ American public through j bouts are on ABC. Agency is 

r »dio.” tMnxoq 


Cftpehart’* MBS Buy 

Capehart Farnsworth, a subsidi- 
ary of International Telephone It 
Telegraph Co., has bought a 15- 
mtnute news commentary with 
Fred Van Deventer. It will be aired 
Sundays at 1 p.m. on Mutual, start- 
ing Aug. 19. 

Agency it J. M. Mathes. 


Legion's junior baseball program 
in a half-hour stanza tomorrow (9) 
over NBC at 8 p m. The atrer will 
be transcribed. 

The ballplayers, who will be in- 


that time cereal outfit dropped the 
Tom Mix and “Checkerboard Jam- 
boree” shows on Mutual. The 
Mix strip had been bankrolled by 
Ralston on Mutual and previously 
NBC since 1933. 

Another clue to Ralston’s and 


terviewed by Mel Allen, Connie | Gardner's, its agency, thinking re- 


Desmond. Curt Gowdy and Jimmy 
Dudley, Include Pee Wee Reese, 
Preacher Roe and Gil Hodges of 
the Brooklyn Dodgers; Yogi Berra 


sards AM versus TV, is that they 
are cancelling their weekly spon- 
sorship of ABC-TV’s “Pet Parade” 
to pick up same web'a tele version 


and Gerry Coleman of the N. Y. of “Space Patrol" but only on an 
Yankees; Ted Williams, Dom Di- alternate week basis. - 
Magglo and Clyde Vollmer of the I Kine version of “Patrol” gops in 
Boston Red Sox and Bobby Feller Sundays at 3:30 to 4 p.m. (CST) 
of the. Cleveland Indians. Coca- Sept. 9. immediately preceding 
Cola will foot the MU. I ABC's top rated “Super Circus.” 





KAMO-TBLKYISIOX 


PUSHETf 


W«daMday, Aaffut S, 1951 



NBC Brass London-Bound to Prep 
Return of TaDu Via ‘Big Show’ 


Tallulah Bankhead, who was the f 
toast of London back in the ‘30’s 
when she scored In a succession of 
legit clicks, makes a triumphant 
re-entry next month, this time as 
f emcee of the NBC ‘ Big Show." 

The 90-minute Sunday evening 
musical extravaganza tees offT the 
*51 -'52 season with two London 
originations on Sept. 30 and Oct. 

7. The brace of broadcasts to be 
beard in this country will be tape- 
recorded a Meek in advance, with 
the entire cast doing in-person 
show's at the Palladium on 


WNJR ‘ON ALERT’ WITH 
TEACE IN KOREA' DISK 

WNJR. 5 kw outlet of the New f - 
ark (N. J.) News, has wrapped up 
a half-hour disk on "Peace in Ko- 
rea,” to be beamed when and if a 
cease-fire becomes official. 

Show offers expert and man-in- 
the-stieet opinions about chances 
of a lasting peace in Korea and in- 
the! eludes comments from Leonard 


dates that the shows will be heard 
on the air here. 'Initially it was 
planned to also do a Paris origina- 
tion. but latter plan has now been 
discarded in favor of two London 
performances > % 

Flock of NBC brass shoves off 
by air inis weekend as the advance 
guard to set up preliminary de- 
tails. These include network prexy 
Joseph H. McConnell; Dee Engle- 
bach, director-producer of the 
"Big S low"; Charles H. ' Bud > 
Barry, radio programming veepee. 
and RMt Rrrw»k« veepee in charge 
of public relations. Week or so 
later Miss Bankhead, along with 
Meredith Willson, musical dirgptor 
and conductor on the show, and 
t lie writers, topped by Goodman 
Ace. join them to start actual pro- 
duction work. 

Its likely that one of the major 
NBC comics who rotated on the 
show last season — possibly Groucho 
Marx or Fred Allen — will also fly 
over for the London originations. 
Otherwise, the talent will be re- 
cruited from the ranks of London 
show biz. McConnell. Barry and 
Brooks will be gone from 10 days 
to two weeks, with Englebach re- 
maining on through the Oct. 7 
Palladium date. 

"Big Show" has already snared 
a half-hour sponsor for next season, 
with Reynolds Metal, manufacturer 
of aluminum products, picking up 
the tab for the first 30 minutes 
(6:30 to 7 p.m.L Buchanan agency 
set the deal. Web is currently 
negotiating for sale of the second 
half-hour, with the third reserved 
for integration into the NBC 
“Operation Tandem” sales pattern. 


Dreyfuss. N. J. state director of 
civil defense; William Hethering- 
ton, Newark News correspondent 
in Korea; an AAF pilot, parents 
of wounded and dead Korean vets, 
etc. Disk is being kept up to date 
w ith addition of other ’timely mate- 

a»J •* 1 

a iui. 

Voice of America recently picked 
up WNJR’s broadcast qf ceremo- 
nies when "Jersey Joe" Walcott 
received the key to Newark, for 
beaming overseas. Special events- 
minded indie recently scored an ex- 
clusive in the metropolitan area 
with its coverage of the Senate 
crime probe in Atlantic City, and 
its coverage of the Port Newark 
fire-blast was fed to WNYC, N. Y., 
and WFPG. Atlantic City. 



Twin Cities Transit 
Embraces Radio, TV 


JOHNNY ANDREWS 

Appearing on "Song at Twilight" 
Monday thru Friday, 7:30 to 7:45 
1*M NBC-TV. 

Third year "Easy Poea It" Mon- 
day thru Fr^'ny; 2 :"»i to 2:30 PM. 
WNBT. 

Exclusive Management 
DOUG STORER 
1270 Sixth Avenue, Radio City, 
New York 


Color TV Slated 
For IRE Discussion 


Television Chatter 


Washington. Aug. 7. 
New developments in color tele- 
vision will have an important place 
on the agenda when the nat a 

To fftlirt Pllhlir Favor ,eadin * electronic engineers gat..*r 
IV V tIU I I I UUUL idvUI 1 in th „ fall for th pir annilfl i 

Minneapolis. Aug. 7. 

Twin Cities Lines, which oper- 
ates the Minneapolis and St. Paul 
streetcars and buses, is using radio 
and TV on a big scale to increase 
its traffic, improve its public re- 
lations and prepare the public for 
another boost in fares which are 
now 15c. It’s the first time the 
transit company has used anything Smith. Philco veepee in chargempf 


in the fall for their annual meet- 
ing. The occasion will be the joint 
meetings Oct. 29-31 In Toronto, 
Canada, of the Institute of Radio 
Engineers and the Engineering De- 
partment of the Radio-Television 
Manufacturers Assn. 

A symposium on color will take 
up the morning session of the sec- 
ond day's meeting, with David B. 


File For Portland, 
Bangor TV Outlets 

a 

Bangor. Aug. 7. 

Television stations will be con- 
structed in Portland and Bangor 
according to plans filed today with 
the FCC. 

Murray Carpenter, treasurer and 
general manager of the company 
which owns radio station W f ABI in 
Bangor, announced yesterday that 
his company is applying to the FCC 
for two television stations. One 
station would operate on channel 
6 in Portland and the other would 
occupy channel 5 In Bangor. Car- 
penter said that both applications 
will he filed with the FCC in Wash- 
ington Tuesday morning. 

The two television stations will 
cost more than $300,000 to con- 
atruci, according to Carpenter. 

The proposed television stations 
will be owned and operated by 
Community Broadcasting Service, 
the same company which owns and 
operates WABI in Bangor. WABl 
was the first commercial radio sta- 
tion in Maine, having been oper- 
ated in Bangor for 26 years. The 
company is jointly owned by Car- 
penter and ex-Govemor Horace 
Hildreth. 


hut newspaper advertising. 

Radio spot announcements urge 
the public to use streetcars and 
buses instead of their own autos 
for transportation because they 
are more economical, enable peo- 
ple to avoid jangled nerves suf- 
fered by motorists because of 
traffic congestion and eliminate 
parking troubles and costs. 
Amount of money the rider can 


research and engineering, presid- 
ing. Philco recently received FCC 
authorization to test the "white 
brightness” system developed by 
the National • Television Systems 
Committee over its Philadelphia 
TV station. WPTZ. K’s expected 
that the NTSC system will come in 
for considerable discussion at this 
symposium. 

Color television will also have 


save has been figured out and is a part of the afternoon session of 
emphasized in the announcements, the third day’s meeting which is 
The company's need for more devoted to TV receiver develop- 
revenue also is subtly suggested 1 ments. Robert Dressier of the 
from time to time on the radio as Chromatic Television laboratories, 
is its desire to serve the public in i in which Paramount Pictures. Inc., 
the best possible manner. One ! owns a substantial interest, wili re- 


point made. too. fs that streetcar 
and bus riders have the chance to 
"catch up on their reading.” 

Company recently went on TV. 
too. sponsoring the WTCN-TV 


port on the "Chromation” tri-color 
tube, sometimes known as the 
I*awrence tube. 

Developments in UHF will take 
up a part of the esssions, with re 


televising of one of the big Aqua- | ports by RCA and DuMont engi- 
tennial summer festival parades. | neers on converters to enable pres- 


During televising, some of com- 
pany's directors, substantial Twin 
Cities professional and business 
people, were introduced while the 
commercials plugged the alleged 
savings and other advantages of 
streetcar and bus riding. 

Company’s public relations have 
been at low ebb because of its 
continued demands for fare in- 
creases and because a fight for 
control led to a state investigation 
which brought out the fact that 
some underworld characters had 
bought into the company heavily. 

WPTR Trims OwF Shift 


ent sets to tune in new UHF sta- 
tions. 


Tyramid Plan’ Pyramids 
Into ABC Fall Lineup 

Clorettes, which bought partici- 
pations for the summer on three 
shows as part of ABC's "Pyramid 
Plan." is continuing at least 
through September and is expand- 
ing the present lineup of stations. 
Bankroller is using "Fat Man.” 
"The Sheriff" and "Stop the Mu- 
aic.” 

On these shows and on the 
Drew Pearson show, which Carter 
Products is partly sponsoring. ABC 
Is permitting the local affiliates not 
bought by the bankroller to Insert 
local or national spots on a cut-in 
co-op basis.' Stations pay a talent 
fee amounting to 2% of their high- 
est evening network hourly rate. 

i > i u ?1 ' 1 1 


‘Voice of Democracy’ 

Radio Contest Lines Up 
Top Names As Judges 

Washington. Aug. 7. 
Radio Industry’s "Voice of De- 
mocracy” contests, now In its fifth 
year. Is hitting the big leagues as 
a public relations project. Reflect- 
ing increased popularity of the 
annual high school competition, the 
contest has obtained for its 1951 
Albany N Y Am? 7 l Judges such personages as Sen. 

WPTR ha. moth-balled^ 24lhour S ' nit . h * J * W 

operation for the second time In I ... ^ i!!’ V? nden ‘ 

two years. The 50.000-watter re- {£££• , pre * ,de £j Philip Murray, 
turned to a 1 a. m. closing Sunday L CC „, h r „ an ^* ync C , oy ind 
‘51, after running round the clock • v * rs - Mlram Houghton, president of 
for six months. Bill Bennett’s Night £' < ‘ neral Federation of Women's 

Owl show is now on the air for 90 L Jl,?* ... . 

minutes instead of six and a half ' n ^ers named judges are Joseph- 
hours. Morgan Ryan, former ABC ,• ( ha P l,n * president of the Na- 
executive and new WPTR man-' 1°, , A*»n. of Secondary School 

ager. ordered the change. Principals: Seymour N. Siegel, 

The expected big late-evening , *! lf ^ ,a,lori> l Assn, of Edu- 

audience, due to war production j l D * tional Broadcasters; the Right 
work, apparently did not material- *7?;. A "* u * Dun - BUh °P* Diocese 


New York 

Jack Raymond, formerly with 
Goodman Ace, now writing the 
Sammy Kayo stanza on CBS-TV . . . 
Steve Previn signed to direct ‘‘Fly- 
ing Tigers” on DuMont . . Claudia 
Pinza guests on Steve Allen’s CBS- 
TV show tonight (Wed.). . Kathl 
Norris flew to Paris with producer 

Baba Donlger on Friday <3) to kick 
off her “shop the world" feature. 
Hubby Wilbur Stark and Carl Car- 
uso are doing the WNBT stanza 
through Aug. 15. ; . . 

Peggy McCay set for the femme 
lead on CBS’ "Crime Photogra- 
pher” k tomorrow night »Thurs.) 

. . . Buddy Rogers, just back from 
a European vacation, guest-em- 
cees on NBC’s "Break the Bank” 
tonight 'Wed.) and has been set 
for six shows on a once-monthly 
basis on "Duquesne Showtime" 
starting Sept. 20. snow originate, 
from WDTV. Pittsburgh . , , 
Worthington Miner drew the pro- 
ducing assignment from CBS for 
the upcoming “An Affair of State.” 
which is to be aired in co-op with 
the State Dept. . . . Franklin 
Srhaffner. producer last year of 
"Ford Theatre” for Kenyon Sc 
Eckhardt, back to CBS on a term 

? act now that Ford has cancelled. 

le'll alternate as director with 
Paul Nfckell on "Studio One” . . . 
Kevin O’Morrtson pacted as the 
lead on NBC’s "Philco Playhouse" 
Sunday (12) . . . Mllllcent Brower 
into ABC's "Theatre of Romance” 
Saturday (11> . . . John Rich, NBC- 
TV production staffer, guest-lec- 
tured *' the U. of Michigan’s TV 
Technio 1 clast of the U. of 
Michigan, his alma mater, and also 
guested as director on the Speech 
Dept.’s radio show, "Angell Hall 
Playhouse" . . . Max Llebman. pro- 
ducer-director of NBC's "Show of 
Shows,” returned from his Euro- 
pean vacation over the weekend 
with his wife. He’ll start prepara- 
tory work this week for the show’s 
resumption Sept. 8 . . . Barbara 
DeMott resigning from the Ken- 
yon & Eckhardt publicity staff, ef- 
fective Sept. 1 . . . Don Blauhut, 
formerly assistant radio-TV chief 
of the Peck agency, upped to head 
of the department . . . Felix Jack- 
son named exec producer of the 
new "Schlitz Playhouse of Stars,” 
which preems Oct. 5 via CBS . . . 
Richard Hodgson, prez of Para- 
mount’s Chromatic TV l,abs and 
Par’s TV development chief, 
named a consultant on research 
and development to Air Force 
chief of staff Gen. Hoyt S. Vanden- 
berg . . . Robert Q. Lewis subbing 
for panelist Hal Block on GBS 
"What’s My Line?” Sunday '12) 
. . . United TV Programs moving 
into new and larger quarters at 
270 Park Ave. to accommodate, an 
expanded staff . . . E. Jonny Graff, 
national sales chief of Snader 
Productions, to Atlanta to open a 
regional office before heading for 
the Coast . . . Wallace A. Rosa, 
publisher of Ross Repods on TV, 
to Hollywood over the weekend to 
open a Coast office . . . James 
Melton leased 2,000 square feet of 
office space at the Henry Hudson 
Hotel for production offices for 
his Ford video show »NBC» . . . 
Hank Leeds, formerly with Blalne- 
Thompson and CBS. joined the 
Earl S. Peed talent office as radio- 
TV chief. 


ize. 


of Washington; and Mis* Jan Gela- 
ter. winner of the 1947- “Voice” 
contest. 

Last year the contest attracted 
2.300,000 students as compared 


v B lock’s Tag the Gag’ 

Hal _B)ock w ill emcee a new — „ „ vv , 

comedy quiz program for NBC-TV, with 37.000 in Its first year. 

Tag the Gag” The contest Is sponsored by the 

Show will have four comics on NARTB, the Radio-Televison Man- 
the panel, which is being lined lip ufacturers Assn, and the U. S. 
hAW by Block, and will include Junior Chamber of Commerce. 
Morey Amsterdam and Jack Robert K. Richards. NARTB public 
Leonard, ft ren'aces "Cameo The- affairs director, is chairman of the 
atre" on Monday. i national "Voice” committee. 

c i ? 1 1 i % I • • i ;• r‘3t. « 


ping into video with a spot cam- 
paign, through the Earle Ludgim 
agency . . . Cedargreen Frozen 
Foods and Beltone Hearing Aid 
join the participatioii lineup on 
WBKB’s "Fun and Features” . . . 
Dr. Herman Bundeten, Chi Board 
of Health topper, gets the cross- 
examination treatment tonight 
(Wed.) on WGN-TV’a "Press Cc 
ference.” 


.on- 


Hollywood 

Cliff Selkirk named associate 
producer of Royal Five Produc- 
tions, which has 52 "The Calico 
Kid” oaters skedded for an early 
start at Mesa. Ariz. ... . George 
Zuekerman is penning Frank 
Wlsbar'a next teleplay, "Next Time 
Go By Train” ... Allan Jones 
inked for five more Snader Tele- 
scriptions . . . KTLA’s Spade Cooley 
tops July ratings in Pulse survey 
of L. A. video tastes, only show to 
up rating from June . . . Bruce 
Cabot and Kristine Miller topline 
Revue Productions’ " Driven Snow” 
telcpic. while Rath Warrick heads 
cast of RC’s "Return to Vienna." 
. . . Courneya Productions shooting 
background footage on series of 26 
cpnrt« ion telepix. Jerry Cour- 
neya in charge . . . Dick Avonde 
exec veepee and associate producer 
of Wes Beeman Productions, which 
rolls series of telepix oaters at 
Goldw^n studios this month. Milt 
Swift toplining . . . Ken Barton new 
production head for Leo Carrillo's 
Dude Ranch on K LAC-TV . ; , 
United Televiaion Programs sales 
topper Frank Evans visiting ac- 
counts in Frisco, Portland and 
Seattle . . : Cast of Bracken Pro- 
ductions’ "Willie Wonderful” TV 
puppet series taped sound track 
of first 20 episodes at Universal 
Recorders . . . “So This Is Life” is 
tag of new series of five-minute 
video series planned by Jerry 
Schnitzer, Bernard Luber and Rob- 
ert Maxwell , . KLAC-TV’s Joe 

Graydon on tw o- week vacation, w ith 
Bob MeLaughlln subbing on his 
cross- the- board show . . . Moe Ker- 
man. prexy of Regal Television, 
N. Y. video distributor company, in 
town on a vacation . . . Tennessee 
Ernie returns to “Hometown Jam- 
boree” on KLAC-TV following a 
month on NBC’s "Grand Ole 
Opry,” out of Nashville . . . Rupert 
Hughes will appear in prolog of 
Trans-World’s telepix based on his 
yarns. First on agenda is "The 
Lady Who Smoked Cigars’* . . . 
Rene Williams’ sales chief, Walter 
Klinger, to Gotham to show telepix 
to ad agencies. Whitney Ells- 
worth, editor of National Comics 
Publications, back to N. Y. after 
confabs here with producers of 
"Superman” series, being bank- 
rolled by NCP, for release to video 
in a few months. 


Chicago 

Present tele set circulation here 
is 937,965 according to the latest 
Electric Assn, figures. TV sales 
during June totalled 7.556 . . . 
DuMont's word game, "Down You 
Go,” originating from WGN-TV 
Thursday nighta, will tele debut a 
couple of big-name authors. Nel- 
nen Algren guests this week and 
James Jonea comes in next week 
. . . Eddie Peahpdy is plunking his 
banjo in a cycle of vidpix pro- 
duced in Cleveland by the Sol Hel- 
ler Co. . . . Standard Oil’s "Short 
Story Playhouse,” beamed Thurs- 
day nights on the midwest NBC-TV 
net, this week it using an original 
yarn scripted by Doug Johnson, 
who also writes same web's 
"Hawkihs Falls” ... Bob Elaon is 
converting his AM package "Bob 
Elson, On the Century*' into a 
telepix series. First thirteen week 
strip has been sprocketed at Acad- 
emy Films . . . N. W. Ayer flack 
Wauhtllau La Hay in town hustling 
! publicity of agency’s "Hawkins 
! Falls.” daytimar on NBC-TV . . . 
Television Operations super James 
Valentine has ankled ABC’s Chi 
section to join the Federal Tele- 
communication I<abpratories as 
South American rep . . . Lackey 
North filling In for Betty Whitney 
while she vacation* WRKB't 
"Tel- A -Shopper” strtp . . . Ekeo 
Products, kitchen equipment^ dip; 


CBS Sets della Cioppa 
To Guide Net’s TV 
Programs On Coast 

Hollywood, Aug. 7. 

Guy della Cioppa, onetime as- 
sistant to CBS board chairman, 
William S. Paley. last week was 
named director of network pro- 
grams for CBS in Hollywood by 
Harry Ackerman, v.p. and program 
chief. Since coming to the Coast 

two years ago, della Cioppa has 
been associate director under 
Ackerman, which association con- 
tinues. 

During the last war della Cioppa 
served with Paley in the psycholog- 
ical warfare division and won the 
Bronze Star and Cross of Lorraine 
for having set up the first radio 
station after France’s liberation. 


Pooches Primp for TV 

Minneapolis, Aug. 7. 

A "Pooch Parade” is now one of 
the features of Jimmy Valentine’s 
"Junior Jamboree,” TV show 
aimed at youngsters, over £STP- 
TV daily at 5 p.m. Youngsters en- 
ter their dogs and there are prizes 
for the best looking ranlnes in 
their classes, making the show vir- 
tually a pooch beauty contest 
Evidence of show's substantial 
audience Is found by KSTP-TV in 
the fact that when Valentine an* 
nounced one of the contestants 
had nine other puppies like his one 
tn the parade and wanted to give 
them away, the youngster’s parents 
received more than 300 telephone 
calls during the evening from pros* 
pectlve gift recipients. • , . 

M: VON! till t* 1 



High As a KITE 


San Antonio. Aug. 7. 

KITE, l.OOO-watt indie, daytime only, ia buying time on 
WOAI-TV and JKYL, local TV outlets to advertise itself and its 
wares. KITS*# using 20 and 00-second spots which are takeoffs 
on the current overdose of testimonials to promote products over 

radio and TV. 

After showing doseups of both doctors and tobacco planters 
who deny they ever recommended KITE for anything, KITE’S TV 
spots proclaim: “Yes, it’s true. Less doctors recommend KITE 
than any other radio station. But most of their patients in San 
Antonio find that KITE’S “good music” all day Is very soothing 
to their nerves. Tune to KITE’S good music tomorrow morning.’’ 

Another KITE promotional spot for TV goes like this: 

‘it’s absolutely true that all surveys show less tobacco planters 
recommend KITE than any other radio station, but most tobacco 
smokers in the San Antonio trade territory depend on KITE'S 
headlines every hour on the hour for complete news, with 15- 
niinute editions, etc.’’ 

Both WOAI-TV and KEYL accepted KITE’S copy only with the 
understanding it plug daytime operation, when TV stations are 
not competing for the broadcast audience. 

Charles Balthrope, owner and manager of KITE, and Hugh Halff, 
of Southland Industries, operators of WOAI-TV, issued a joint 
statement: “What’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.” 

WOAI-TV recently bought the signoff spot, at local sunset, on 
KITE to plug its evening TV shows. 


ACLU Mulls Pa-Vs.-TV Implications 
Of ABC-UPT Merger; Fly Dissents 


American Civil Liberties Union 
Is considering projecting itself in- 
to the discussion of ABC's merger 
with United Paramount Theatres. 
A sub-committee of the ACLU 
radio committee has drafted a 


WLAN Anni Hoopla 

Lancaster, Pa., Aug. 7. 


Towers Sets Priestley, 
Orson Welles Series 

Towers of London has inked 
J. B. Priestley for 26 quarter-hour 
programs being sponsored by 
Bovril over Radio Luxembourg. 
Richard Attenborough is also un- 
der a Towers contract and is tap- 
ing a new series, “A Date with 
Diekie,” which is to be aired five 
nights a week over Luxembourg, 
with guest stars featured. 

Another Luxembourg show be- 
ing handled by Towers is “Movie 
Magazine.’’ which is introduced by 
Wilfred Thomas. 


Ini Standard Oil 
Sets Grid Splurge 

Chicago, Aug. 7. 

Standard {)il of Indiana, one of 
the midwest s heaviest users of 
spot radio, is set for its annual AM 
football splurge. A schedule of 
63 college games on eight stations 
has been readied for a t feoff next 
month throughout Standard’s dis- 
tribution area. 

Oil concern is also dickering 
with George Halas, owner of the 

Chicago Bears pro grid team, for 
Sunday airings. Standard has bank- 
rolled the Bears broadcasts via 


Iowa, E B’casters Warn Against 
Encroachments on Tree Speech’ 


Cosmetic Firm’s 2-Year 
Deal on Freddy Martin 

With NBC-TV’s Wednesday night 
at 10:30 slot opening up this week 
via Armour's cancellation of “Gar- 
roway at Large,” Hazel Bishop Lip- 
stick is moving in with the “Freddy 
Martin Show." Latter program has 
been bankrolled by the cosmetic 
firm this summer on a test basis 
in the Thursday night at 10 period, 
to which “Martin Kane, Private 
Eye.” returns this month. 

While the deal was signed for 
two years, it's expected that Bret- 
ton Watch Bands may move Into 
the Martin show as an alternate 
week sponsor with Hazel Bishop. 
Raymond Spector agency handles 
both accounts. 

Hazel Bishop lipstick has also 
been inked by ABC for a five- 
minute radio show, cross-the- 
board. bringing the web about 
$600,000 annually in gross billings. 
Alrer, still to be selected but with 
s musical entry moat likely, will 
go into the 8:59 a.m. slot, in front 
of Don McNeill’s “Breakfast Club.” 

KLAC-TTs 300G 


WLAN here flies out a group of WIND and a midwest individual 


rartin rr»m m I r t hit draft a ■ iui«wo»v muniuuni 

inter to the FCC urrlne a “full timebuyers from New York City on station hookup for the past four p If IT IV 

investigation of.Uther.ml flea Thu^d.r <•> to helpFr.^HAU. yean and i, expected to .fain l«Ar I 0D Namfi rlX 

lions" of the merger and asking do *T*«?* AB £ outlet mark its fifth latch onto the AM right* I VI I V|» 11CUIIC 1 IA 


tions” of the mertfer and askins? doerffer’s ABC outlet mark Its fifth litch onto the AM rights. 
r . voice in the hearings #nnl - Fcte wiU include * olf at the Th « regular-season football line- 

Jimes L Flv a former FCC Lancaster Country Club, visits to up includes: U of Colorado, KOA, 

commissioner who Is on the ACLU thc home P lanta of Hamilton Denver; U of Iowa, WHO. Des 

subcommittee strongly dissented Watch » Armstrong Cork and RCA Moines; U of Minnesota, WCCO, 

from the draft letter Thomas Tub * Division. Minneapolis; U * of Nebraska. 

orau leuer. i nomas KFAB, Omaha, and KOLT, Scotts- 

bluff; Wichita U. KFH, Wichita; U 
of Wisconsin, WTMJ, Milwaukee, 
and U of Michigan. WJR, Detroit. 
Latter station will also carry the 
Michigan State-Notre Dame and U 
of Detroit-Notre Dame games. 

Project is handled by McCann* 
Erickson agency. 


from the draft letter. Thomas Tube Division 
Carskadon, chairman of the com- _ 
mittee. has referred the issue to 
th» full committee. If I I flu C 

ACLU letter, as It now stands. u 

doesn’t take an outright position ^ 
against the merger. On one hand. I) ■ I 
it declares, the Supreme Court de- pafT 1 
cision in the Paramount Theatres * ttVE 1 
case would tend to indicate that 
the merger should be disapproved. 

On the other hand. It reasons,, the Radio-Telev 


RTDG’s Initial Chi 
Pact With WBKB 


the merger should be disapproved. Chicago, Aug. 7. 

On the other hand. It reasons,.the Radio-Television Directors Guild y/ia a nr / ■ 
merger in the short run would reached agreement on Monday (6) NLA A. WCSUllPDOUSP 
strengthen ABC-TV and would with indie WBKB for its first pact __ . 

mean “additional competition and with a Chicago television station. Mppf an Lrifl TV 1110* 
diversification for the near future Negotiations continue with WNBQ v Ul u 

■t least.” (NBC) and WENR-TV (ABC), with RnvnnlfU AlMlAintAii 

Present ACLU letter, which may inking expected shortly. ACjDOluS AppOlDiCU 

I”* ^"’^r revised or changed, asks WBKB pget, subject to approval National Collegiate Athletic 

ir e . S i e <l uest * 0 n*. among others: 0 f rtdG and Balsban and Katz Assn.’s plans for televising college 

ill the merger set a precedent (WBKB owner) boards, sets dlrec- football games this fall moved a 
or other incrgers of webs and tor and floor managers’ base wage step nearer completion at a meet 
theatre chains that will not stim- at 995 weekly. Directors' weekly of NCAA reps in N. Y. yesterday 

a 3 e COI J'P etiti ® n . J* ther !L£ con * take will also include commercial (Tues.) with officials of Westing- 
< of interest between TV and s how fees, which under new con- house, which will sponsor the com- 

in tv° t !li t mer * era ,f esul 1 t tract are not subject to recapture plete 10-week package, and its 

£ Jr* * PI rft * ram # , P l ing being Mcri- by the station. Last week’s RTDG agency, Ketchum, MacLeod & 

ff tv ° £fl£ J h * p !t b 0 ’ Wh * national board meeting took a firm Grove. 

nwaihnii.* , n , ormi i stand against any recapture or Simultaneously, the NCAA named 

n i . . °* e ?e ^ - ~ n ^tures. “jtici^back” clauses In future pacts. Red Reynolds, formerly associated 
I"!?., a!*. A 1 ? on# of RTDG bargaining was handled with CBS radio sales, as its TV 

P \ rr TT arf^f. .. .V by RTDG local prexy, Alan Fish- program director. It will be his 

In? * §' co . ncer ”* burn, and union attorney Sanford job to work with Westinghouse and 

I"* b! « crI P *on tele: if networks Wolff the agency in lining up ^ .ched- 

T lh t £5* tricl i , di c 5 ai ] ls ‘ ule of games to be televised. Un- 

‘ . TV , 0W Vv? sacrificed for AAr > imM nvilTS'TAkl der the NCAA moratorium plan. 

{M^-as-y oujSco TV On the other COBURN'BYINGTON not more than one game is to -be 

of * n * ncreased ch *nce An . . televised in each area per Satur- 

i J e ^ a V c K KT RIGHTS TO COWAN and there wiu be total tv 

* by fiv1 ?* the 1)1,1)110 Aiuni j tv wniui blackouts on three of the 10 satur- 

p; 1 1 unities to see items a com- I,ouig G. Cowan this week ac- days during the season. 
co,:£ a ’ ,P ^ r , T° U 12 k F Qui r «d all rights to the new Charles No decision has been made yet 

senotinn « r .aaai Cobuin-Spring Byington telefilm as to which network will get the 

rhann*/ 1 M*i Uae ?i 0n #k X St * erlc * °Y half-hour situation come- games. As soon as the web is se- 
lu of DroaVlm. <**«• titleri "Bed and Board." which lected. WeaUnghouw and its 

Vi.. other- tTe being made on the Coast by agency will deal directly with the 

g on the air. Morris Wein. In addition the schools Involved In lining up their 

i«r* Cowan office will supervise pro- schedule. 

WLBS Technicians ** " rt " “ a *“ lre .T iiir ' mrm 

PI.* V ..Lsatil D„ Acquisition of the series marks AT1VA. LAIlU" Vf Unlfl 

Liaim LOCKOUl DV Cowan’s initial entry into the TV fpairii im nriniUP p inr 
r. r.- D: r film market, the packager until 1 AKt UP WAKING lAjt 

Lx-GOT. Rivers Group "°* hl * • C “ v '“ e * American Federation of Radio 

Birmingham, Aug. 7. Deal P [?*; tured L C obum with ArtUts and Lang-Worth Transcript 

i-ocal 253, International Brother- w#in # or hi« exclusive services is Hons, having amicably settled 

hoodof Electrical Workers. Radio Significant »d believed unprece- ‘ h « ,r b ‘“« r »ixmonth-old strike 

Technicians, has asked the NLRB d r nt< sd j n the TV-nix comoetitive last week - are now H^ing to patch 

to hear their charges that they sweepstakes Henceforth ifa film U P their differences on the <Fred> 

"ere locked out of WLBS two MTOsny tod?2 ^tehlW with w » rln « Enterprl«s case 

,r ° UP w°i5t? >r,, 5 CobSrn y |, win h.£ to S'et a green- w » rln * di,put * centered on 
Dujhinessmen took over WKAX and frAm w ^i n 

changed the caU letter* with FCC f W * 

•Pproval. • • _ " ^ 


WLBS Techuiciaiis 


AFRA, LANG-WORTH 
TAKE UP WARING CASE 

American Federation of Radio 


waring Enterprises case. 

Waring dispute centered on 
AFRA’a allegations that L-W had 
taken tunes tvaxed by Warfflg for 

•FpniTii. j # A.* 1 it rat Its library service and integrated 

. Th e radio technicians, who have fnrnp FYlU R^fllA fllirV them with Introductions by Waring 
been picketing the new daytime ^ lucu nau,u 1/IU W into what the union termed “open- 

station for two weeks, charged that Cincinnati, Aug. 7. end transcriptions.” which require 

the new owners, a group headed gy Syd Cornell, commercial produc- a higher rate of pay than library 
Rivers, former governor of Hon manager of WKRC-TV, Is service work. 

Georgia, Is violating the Taft- winding up 11 years’ affiliation In the strike settlement, AFRA 
Hartley Law. They claim that the with Radio Cincinnati, which also has withdrawn its pickets, removed 
lour engineers who had a contract operates AM and FM stations, this the “unfair" listing of the waxery 
Vl( h the WKAX management are week to join Rollman, Cary Sc Rlt- and dropped its case before the 
still under terms of the unexpired teahouse, Cincy ad agency, as vice National Labor Relations Board, 
contract. They say that the con- president. L-W has signed the union's trafls- 

" act . to run one year from March He was a scripter for Crosley's script ion code and U dropping its 
wl, was part of the stle. WLW for two years before start- appeals on suits against AFRA. De- 

This station is Liberty’s first full ing with WKRC as announcer and tails are being worked out by the 
tune outlet In this city. (cdnUduity writer. J attorneys. 


HoU>wood, Aug. 7. 

In what is believed to be the 
largest single station film, deal in 
the television industry, K LAC-TV 
paid Quality Films $302,600 for ex- 
clusive rights to 52 feature films 
for one year. Deal was concluded 
between station’s general manager. 
Don Fedderson, and Quality prexy 
Charles Weintraub. 

Some of the plx were obtained 
from indie producers, some from 
Chemical Bank and Trust Co., and 
some from Standard Capital, whose 
board chairman, Nate Wallach, now 
is in partnership with Weintraub. 

In the package are “The Moon 
and Sixpence,” ‘Tomorrow the 
World.” “So Ends Our Night,” 
“And Then There Were None,” 
“Angel On My Shoulder,” “The 
Powers Girl,” Texas, Brooklyn and 
Heaven,” ‘The Crooked Way,” 
“Inner Sanctum,” “BUI and Coo,” 
“Babes in Toyland,” “Girl from 
Manhattan^’ and “Linda Be Good.” 

Star names in the package deal 
include Cmtidette Colbert, Glenn 
Ford. Freoric March, Diana Lynn. 
Dennis Day, George Murphy, Betty 
Field, Zachary Scott, George San- 
ders, Barry Fitzgerald, Paul Muni. 
Claude Rains. Anne Baxter, Doro- 
thy Lamour, Marie Wilson, Joe E. 
Brown, Jane Powell, John Payne 
and Walter Huston. 

FAIRBANKS, COODHEART 
ELECTED TO OF BOARD 

Ike Levy, board chairman of 
Official Films, just back from Eu- 
rope, commuted from his Philadel- 
phia home to Jersey City for the 
board meeting of the company 
last Friday Thursday (2). It was de- 
cided to merge the A and B issues 
into one stock issue. 

Jerry Fairbanks, whose Holly- 
wood vidpic studio was recently 
purchased by OF, was elected to 
the board as was William H. Good- 
heart, Jr., executive veepee. 

Understood that the OF stock 
may go on the N.Y. Curb Exchange 
listing this faU. 

Pearson’s Twin Cities 
Setup on Tall Corn Web 

John E. Pearson, station rep out- 
fit, opens a Minneapolls-St. Paul 
office around Oct. 1, when it takes 
over the regional representation of 
the Iowa Tall Corn Network. On 
Jan. 1 Pearson gets the web’s na- 
tional biz. currently handled by 
Everett McKinney. 

Heading up the Minneapolis of- 
fice will be James D. Bowden, who 
joins Pearson on Aug. 13. replacing 
Tom Peterson, who recently re- 
signed to go with CBS. Bowden 
most recently was with the Louis 
A. Smith agency. 

Pearson opened an office In 
Dallas last month, headed by H. W. 
Maier, formerly with International 
Milling Co. 


> Des Moines, August 7. 

A resolution disclaiming the 
“right or power of any group to 
bar . any broadcaster from the 
broadcast of any public or semi- 
public entertainment or contest or 
hearing” has been adopted unan- 
imously by the Iowa Broad- 
casters’ Assn, in a meeting held 

here last week. 

The meeting attended by 42 
men representing 32 Iowa stations. 
They pledged themselves to “resist 
through the courts and through 

every avenue open to us, the de- 
nial of the right of free speech.” 

Discussion of the resolution re- 
ferred to the action of the secre- 
tary of the Iowa High School 

athletic association in barring A1 
Couppee, KRNT sports director, 
from helping to telecast the 1951 
State high school track meet over 
WOI-TV, Ames, In May. 

The meeting elected William B. 
Quarion. general manager. WMT, 
Cedar Rapids, president. Edward 
Breen, general manager, KVFD, 
Fort Dodge, was named vice presi- 
dent and George Vnlger, general 
manager, KWPC, Muscatine, secre- 
tary-treasurer. The following four 
directors were named: Owen Sadd- 
ler, . general manager, KMA, 
Shenandoah; Bob Dillon, general 
manager, KRNT, Des Moines; Ben 
Sanders, general manager. . KICD, 
Spencer; and W. W. Woods, as- 
sistant manager, WHO, Des Moines. 

III. B’casters Also Warned 

St. Louis, August 7. 

Possible encroachment by the 
Government on radio's freedom 
should be closely watched accord- 
ing to Charles Shuman, prez of 
the Illinois Agriculture Assn., Chi- 
cago. at the midsummer meeting 
last week of the Illinois Broad- 
casters' Assn., at Grafton, 111., near 
here. Shuman citing the harmful 
aspects of state-controlled radio in 
European countries, urged radio 
broadcasters to be “unafraid of re- 
prisals.” 

“Speak out for the American way 
of free enterprise,” Shuman urged 
his listeners. More than 61 radio 
and tele stations were represented 
at the two-day session thomembers 
of which adopted resolutions in- 
cluding one opposing the reserva- 
tion of channels for future use of 
tax-supported school or university 
stations, which the association 
argues, are susceptible to “propa- 
ganda use” by governmental 
agencies. 


Mutual Merchandise 
Operations Linked 
To New Nielsen Tie 

Radio networks' interest in hypo- 
ing merchandising operations is 
behind Mutual’s signing up with 
I A. C. Nielsen'! marketing service. 

In April ABC was inked by Niel- 
sen for a similar deal, and has used 
the data in sales pitches and pro- 
motion presentations. 

The additional service provides 
the webs with food and drug sales 
information, the consumer index 
and other marketing data, which 
can be used in conjunction with 
the Nielsen audience info to show 
AM’s Impact in moving goods. 

Both ABC and MBS can get re- 
ports on sales of a product in 
homes listening to a particular 
program, sales in the same homes 
before the program went on, sales 
In non-listening homes, and so on. 

It’s pointed out that the new 
emphasis on marketing as a sales 
weapon aims at telling the medium 
as a medium, rather than networks 
scrapping among themselves. Also 
it stresses sales results rather than 
straight circulation figures. 

'B'FAST CLUB’S’ SRO AS 
JELLO BUYS MORE TIME 

Chicago, Aug. 7. 

The soldout tag goes back on 
ABC’s “Breakfast Club” when 
General Foods ups its Jeilo ride 
on the early morning strip from 
three to five times weekly Oct. 1.- 
Food company is currently bank- 
rolling the first 15 minutes on 
Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 

GF bought into the show earlier 
this summer when Genersl Mills 
[ cancelled out. Young Sc Rubicam 
I is the agency. 









WedacwUy, Awipwl % l»5l 

• / 

* 

We’ve got news for you. Amid all the huff-and- 
puff about the future of radio, several steady 
trade winds are prevailing here at Mutual . . . 
and one of the steadiest is news. This network 
has always been First for News— with more 
news, friore often, and more of it sponsored. 


















I 







V 


«v 







% 











0 


J 










Today, Mutual’s lead is even wider on all these 

4 

counts : 91 news programs a week (69% more 

* •' . ■ • . • ' *' • ■ ' . • • • . . • 

[ . * ' ' • y.-‘ , 1 ' -I ' 

than a year ago ) ... 72 of them sponsored 
(67% more than last year). And boosting 

this trend along is a continuing updraft 

• *- ** . 

V 

in news- listening on the Plus Network. 

Our average news sponsor now reaches 

* 

5% more homes than in 1950, (the only 

H ' • • . » 

network gain in news-ratings). And actual 
tune-in to all MBS news periods now 
totals 13,722,000 family-hoars a week (the 

largest news -audience on any network). 

•» *0 

* • . • * ■ ■ • , , j 

We still have 19 compelling news programs 

•. * *; * " ' i.. i ■ . 

' ... f . '• . .* ,, ■ , •. • r 

-for sale, so if you’ve got selling news to 

' * h • . • ’• • * . ■ . 

■«•***. s ' • .' . • ' • * • ' . • . , • • • • ’• ' • . 

; • . .. , * ,r . . - • * ' • 

' . • 

• !«. • • , i », ♦ i ( • • i ♦. *. ;*• •/ • • , •* • 

•>. • • *• * • m ' ■ 

tell America— we’ve got news for you! 

- the difference is MUTUAL! 

AUDIENCE DATA: N.R.I.. I AM-11 PM 
NOV. ’*-APR. 19 »f. NOV ‘M-APR.’II. 
















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SURVIVAL 

With Richard Harkness, official* of 
the Federal Civil Defense Ad- 
ministration • 

Prodncers: Harold Aslne, AI Lapin 
Director: John MeKercher 
SO Mins.; Son., 4 p.m. 

Sustaining 

NBC-TV, from Wash Ins ton 

k a iAi * A 


the women take over 

With John K. M. McCalferj, emcee; 
Fannie Hurat, Jan Stnither, Mrs. 
William Sporberg, VlrfUU Peter- 
son. Edwin Lakes, Wayne Barker 
Producer: Lore lie Lewis 
Director: Herman Llveright 
SO Mins.; Fri., 11 p.m. 
PARTICIPATING 
WJZ-TV, New York 
“Women Take Over*’ aims to serve 
as a forum on which femme celebs 
tackle controversial social issues 
frankly, and it shows some promise 
of achieving that goal. For the 
kick-off stania Friday (3), airer had 
an excellent panel in novelists Jan 

Struther and Fannie Hurst; Mrs. 
William Sporberg. American Fed- 
eration of Women* Clubs observer 
at the United Nations, and literary 
critic Virgilia Peterson. They teed 
off on a provocative subject. “Are 
We Rearing a Generation of Neu- 
rotics?” • 

On hand to add some authorita- 
tive data were Edwin Lukas, of the 
Society for - the Prevention of 
Crime, and Dr. Wayne Barker, 
neuropsychiatrist. 

The femmes were fairly unani- 
mous on the point that America 
has a large dose of mental illness, 
but were less in agreement on 
causes of the situation. While the 
discussion was interesting and gen- 
erally well-informed, flow of con- 
versation was disjointed, iargrly 
due to moderator John K. M. Mc- 
Caffery’s failure to guide it suffi- 
ciently. 

McCaffery expressed the view 
that the chairman’s role is “to fo- 
ment trouble.” to brink out the 
points of difference between the 
participants. While argument may 
generate more interest, verbal fire- 
works on superficial or irrelevant 
issues merely creates confusion. 
That’s particularly a problem when 
a half-dozen persons are giving 

Clarity might be 


With Lon McAllister. Martin 
Brandt, others 
Producer: Mart Abrams 
Director: Leonard Valenta 
Writer: Ted Sturgeon 
Music: Clark McClellan 
3* Mins.; FrL. 9:34 p.m. 

KREISLER WATCHBANDS 
ABC-TV, from N. Y. 

( Hirshon Garfield) 

As evidenced from the title, this 
is a new dramatic series with a* 
science fiction motif and. In view 
of the new interest in scienti- 
fletion, it should gain and hold an 
audience. Like all dramatic shows, 
of course, its success will depend 


Working without benefit of 
budget or professional actors, the 
TV division of the Federal Civil 
Defense Administration has had 
the thankless Job of awakening a 
complacent populace to the import- 
ance of preparing for atomic at- 
tack. It is a tough assignment, 
which would seem to justify ample 
funds and facilities, but despite the 
handicap the FCDA is doing a re- 
markable job with “Survival,” 
thanks to the energy and imagina- 
tion of Harold Azine, chief pro- 
ducer, and the cooperation of the 
high brass and various members of 
the staff who perform as actors, 
scene movers, set makers, and 
what have you. 

Azine emphasizes production val- 
ues in this combination of instruc- 
tional, informational and dramatic 
type of documentary. He employs 
film, charts, photographs, props, 
music, and, above ah, live people. 
The camera moves from Harkness, 
the narrator, to FCDA officials, to 
a house, to an old lady in a wheel 
chair, to a nurse, to a warden, to 
a pile of nibble, to a child’s toy, 
to an exposed arm, to a rescuer 
using an acetylene torch, to a 
child being placed on a stretcher. 

Wherever possible, people are 
superimposed on background shots. 
Throughout, there is movement and 
pace. “Survival” attempts to 
cover a vast panorama — of cities 
and neighborhoods and homes — 
in bringing its message of pre- 
paredness to the individual. 

While the whole effect is one 
of elaborateness, “Survival” suf- 
fers somewhat from the limitations 
under which it must operate. 
Jumps from narrator to set are 
sometimes abrupt and instructional 
talks don’t get over too well. 

But there are moments in “Sur- 
vival” that pack a terrific punch, 
particularly that of the child being 
freed from a mass of debris. This 
is the kind of realism it takes to 
sell the FCDA program. 

NBC has obtained the rights to 
kinescopes of “Survival” and the 
program is now available from 
FCDA to any TV station, whether 
an NBC affiliate or not. Jack. 


on the scripting quality, but the 
preem (3) showed that George 
Foley and Dick Gordon, who pack- 
age it, are headed in the right di- 
rection on that score. . Series is 
being bankrolle<L,by Kreisler 
Watchbands in place of the “Kreis- 
ler Bandstand, recently axed. 

Initialer 'presented a fantastic 
but highly-interesting tale titled 
“Verdict from Space” and scripted 
by Ted Sturgeon. Apparently to 
make the title pay off, the yarn 
opened in 1952 with Lon McAllis- 
ter, a young mechanic, cn trial 
for the alleged murder of a college 
archaeologist. When the Jury filed 
out to consider its verdict, the 
cameras cut to McAllister, who 
reminisced about the tale via 
flashback. Sock ending had the Jury 
rendering a “guilty” edict but, sec- 
onds later, the spaceships started 
bombing the city to prove that Mc- 
Allister’s story was true. 

Young actor did an okay Job 
with the meller, and was aided by 
a competent supporting cast. Sets 
by Robert Bright were good for the 
most part but the papier macha 
used for the hidden cave was a 
little too obvious to be realistic. 
Kreisler commercials featured 
plugs for the Jewelers handling the 
product, an okay way to combine 
institutional advertising with • a 
straight sales pitch. Stal. 

SAY IT WITH ACTING 

With Magfi McNeills, Robert Alda, 

others 

Producer: Wayne Wlrth 
Director: Bob MeCahon 
39 Mins.; Fri., 7:39 p.m, 

BROWN SHOES 
ABC-TV, from N. Y. 

< Leo Burnett) 

“Say It With Acting.” the cha- 
rade show featuring actcffs from 
current Broadway productions, 
wound up on the full ABC-TV net- 
work Friday night (3) after several 
years on WNBT, NBC’s key N Y. 
video outlet. With the exceDtion 


HERB SHELDON 

“Tho Herb Sheldon Show” Mon- 
day thru Friday 12:30-1 p.m. on 
WJZ. 

“Video Venus” Saturday night 
11-12 p.m.. WJZ-TV. 

And announcing the pnriuleio of 
another program on WJZ... on 
August IS, ' Monday thru Friday, 
WJZ «: 30-3:16 am. ' 

Personal Management 
TED LLOYD, INC. 

270 Park Avenue, Now York 


with savvy but should remind him- 
self before each show that he’s no 
comic, to avoid a creeping tendency 
to crack prise with weak results. He 
carries most of the program alone, 
with Mrs. Davis wandering in and 
out in an assistant role. Her contri- 
butions might be enlarged as she 
evidenced » good teevee personal- 
ity. 

Gadgets used on the segment in- 
cluded gabfests with an exec of the 
R. H. Donnelly Corp., which han- 
dles most of the major mail con- 
tests conducted throughout the 
country. Bit provided some inter- 
esting background on the “25 words 
or less” projects. Another good 
portion was an interview with a 
wheel chair vet seeking a .disk 
jockey job. Show finaled with a 
chat with the Chicago postmaster, 
who described the first aid training 
the mail carriers are getting in 
preparation for national emer- 
gencies. 

Format aims for and reaches a 
nice note of informality in a neat 
appearing living room set. How- 
ever, they could easily toss out the 
coffee pouring routine which, al- 
though a nice teaser for a poten- 
tial coffee sponsor, makes for a lot 
of awkwardness on the part of the 
guests, who can hardly be expected 
to chat and sip with much aplomb 
with a teevee camera staring at 
them. Dave. 


their, opinions _ _ 

Improved by pre-broadcast explora- 
tion of the issues, trimming down 
the panel and having a single male 
guest. Further, the old femme-vs.- 
male debate should be minimized. 

Cameras weren’t properly bal- 
anced, but that flaw can be easily 
corrected. Airer has lined up some 

f provocative subjects* sex education 
n schools, conditions in insane 
asylums, the baby-selling racket, 
teen-age dope addiction, etc. With 
guests of the calibre on the preem 
and some tightening to get the ls^ 
sues into clearer focus, “Women” 
can make a good addition to video’s 
forum programs. Bril. 


RUSS DAVIS SHOW 

With Sylvia Davis 

Producer: Davis 

Director: Sid Breese 

39 Mins.; Mon.-thru-Fri., 12 p.m. 

Sustaining 

WGN-TV, Chicago 

Here’s another variation on the 
noontime gab and interview theme, 
this time using Russ Davis and his 
wife as the host and hostess. If 
Davis continues to line up as in- 
teresting a batch of guests as dis- 
played on frame caught <31), the 
session should hold its own with 
the casual daytime viewers. 

No stranger to the video 
cameras, Davis conducts himself 


SPORTS STAR TIME 
With Tom D 


ran, guests 
Producer: William Roy 
Director: Lynwood King 
34 M!ml: Sun., 7:30 p.m. 

ETHYL CORP. 

WNBQ. Chicago 
, < BfiDfcO ) 

As this sports show contains a 
little something for practically 
every type of fan it should make a 
strong bid for summertime honors. 
Production on segment seen <29) 
was major league throughout. Even 
host Tom Duggan was on his good 
behavior, playing down the fre- 
quently excessive petulance that 
man his weeknisht shows on the 
same station. He handled the 
numerous guests in an unusually 
genial fashion to help make the 
show a standout offering. 

High spots of the session were 
the visit of new Chi Cubs manager. 
Phil Cavarretta. and a film of the 
running of the Arlington Handicap 
which took place the day before. 
Cavarretta was “good copy*’ since 
his grandslam homerun had won 
the ball game the same afternoon 
and his recent elevation to the 
fnanager berth made for good in- 
terviewing. He was accompanied 
by the Cubs’ director of player 
personnel, Wid Mathews, who is 
never at a loss for words, especially 
under Duggan's prodding. 

The horse race film was of ex- 
cellent quality, aided by the ex- 
pert calling of Jack Drees. Reel 
was a hefty additiqn to the well 
rounded program. 

Grid fans weren't Ignored with 
Chi Bear coach Luke Johnsos and 
player George Connors on hand to 
report on the future of the popu- 
lar Bears. Golfers came in for 
their bit when pro Mario Gonzales 
appeared for a few demonstration 
swings. 

Another sock segment, a regular 
feature, brought on a fishing ex- 
pert who reported the casting 
situation at nearby Lake Geneva. 

As usual, lensing by the WNBQ 
crew was smooth. Dave. 


With the exception 

of some new faces, the format has 
not been changed a bit. It’s still a 
pleasant 30 minutes, complete with 
suspense as the contestants race 
the clock and the vicarious partici- 
pation possible in the guessing 
game by home viewers. 

Maggi McNeills and Bud Collyer 
are regular emcees on the new 
series but, with Collyer vacation- 
ing, Robert Alda (featured in 
Guys and Dolls” on Broadway) 
took over. Duo handled their 
chores well. Introducing the mem- 
bers of their teams aqd the charade 
questions for the contestants. 
Teams this week came from “Rose 
Tattoo” and “Dolls.” Under the 
rules of the show, the winning 
team comes back the following 
w Njt to match wits and thesping 
ability against a new group. 
‘‘TMt 00 ” team won hands down 
Friday night. 

Questions put to the contestants 
were based mainly on song titles 
and familiar sayings, some tough 
to figure and some easy. Sponsors' 

R lugs were handled by Miss Me- 
ellis and some live models, with 
the former demonstrating she can 
model shoes with the best of them. 

Stal. 

FROM ADAM TO ATOM 
With Prof. Donald Born; Prof. 

Menryu Bailey, guest 
Producer: Joseph Pothier 
1ft Mins., Tues., 1 pjn. 

WBZ-TV, Boston 
Another in WBZ-TVs educa- 
tional sweepstakes, “From Adam 
to Atom” shapes as a fairly inter- 
esting stanza for the segment of 
viewers who are interested in art 
and art forms down through the 
ages. Initialer, with Donald Born, 
a professor of Huamnities and 
English at Boston U. interviewing 
Mervyn Bailey, head of Boston 
U.’s Dept, of Fine Arts, gave view- 
ers an interesting 15 minutes of 
info showini 
effort of. pre 


WHAT’S THE STORY? 

With Walter Raney. Betty Forsling, 
Allan Keller, Nancy Thompaon. 
Bob Cooke: Fred Scott, an- 
nouncer 

Producer: James L. Gaddigan 
Director: David Lowe 
Writer: Joseph Roper 
30 Mins.: Wed., 9 p.m. 

DUMONT, from N. Y. 

“What’s the Story?” could get 
some place other than near obliv- 
ion if the news events served up 
for tabbing were more skillfully 

dramatized. Clues voiced via studio 
phone by a series of actors, for 
spotting by working reporters and 
feature scribes, were vague and 
even obtuse at the show viewed 
<1). Program preemed previous 
Wednesday. 

Walter Raney functions as per- 
manent “city editor” and guest 
panelists were Newsweek* radio- 
tv editor Betty Forsling (who’s 
leaving to move over to ABC-TV); 
N. Y. World-Telegram & Sun’s 
Allan * Keller, Look’s fashionist 
Nancy Thompson, and N. Y. Herald 
Tribune's sportscribe Bob Cooke. 
Their job is to identify “historic” 
news events from hints supplied. 
Events themselves are suggested 
by mail from home viewers. Where 
clues given are not sufficient, more 
dope is supplied by the thesping 
legmen. 

For change of pace that’s strictly 
excess, viewers were let in on two 
of the happenings. The reporters 
muffed the Scopes “monkey” trial 
in Dayton, Tenn., and Charge of 
Light Brigade in Crimean War. 
The others were sinking of Graf 
Spee off Montevideo, first fight at 
Madison Square Garden, N. Y. 
(Paul Berlenbach vs. Jack Dela- 
ney), Lawrence Tibbett’s click in 
“Emperor Jones” at the Metopera, 
N. Y., and the Reichstag fire. 

Such a diverse parade presented 
rich opportunity for background 
casting, film clips, etc., but an 
obvious low-budget setup is some- 
thing else again .IiikI the came the 
panel quartet livened things up in 
the guesswork department, and the 
gals this trip had photogenic quali- 
ties. At finish. Raney called on 
each for “interesting stories” of 
their reporting careers. They 


Tele Follow-Up Comment 


skates. Martin Bros, must have 
pleased the kids with their puppets. 

Ben Grom' tangling with the 
high IQ, high s.a. babes on “Leave 
It to the Girls” this past Sunday 
night (NBC) is a good object les- 
son to the professional flnger-' 
pemters: to wit, those who throw 
typewriter barbs should not expose 
themselves to counter-attack. The 
dean of radio-TV crix (N. Y. Dally 
News) was in a not too comfortable 
spot as the moderator, and even 
though the femme panel tried to 
act polite there was sug- 
gestion of that now-you-kriow-how- 
Tt-feels-on-the-other - side - of - the- 
mike and/or camera. At that. 
Gross didn't fare too badly — for a 
newspaperman. Apparently, when 
a newshawk achieves the desired 
showmanship he can then look up- 
on his typewriter as a by-product, 
as witness Winchell and Sullivan 
| to name about the only two. 


ABC-TV's “Hollywood Screen 
Test” utilized an original yarn 
by Mort Lewis Monday night (6) 
as an on-the-air audition for a pro- 
jected video series based on the 
story. Titled "The Tribles” and 
scripted by Mort Lewis, who wrote 
the show at one time for radio, it 
was a turn-of-the-century tale 
about a smalltown newspaper edi- 
tor and his family. Trials and trib- 
ulations of the family had some- 
thing of the quality of an Ameri- 
canized “Mama” series and might 
make for good commercial pack- 
age. , 

Stanza also spotlighted the 
thesping talents of Peggy A’lenby 
and Joe Walsh. With Neil Hamii- 


__ ^-jhlstoric man and that 

of a later civilization, ctrca 2.000 
A.D. Objects shown were a replica 
of a crude bit of sculpturing hewn 
out of stone by a prehistoric man 
and the sculpturing product of » 
more advanced and civilized mem- 
ber of the later civilization. 

Professors Born and Bailey# 
both of whom project affable per- 
sonalities, handled the querying 
and answering in neat, inform*! 
fashion. Camera work was slightly 
overdone, with switching action 
somewhat disturbing in what es- 
sentially was a straight interview 
show. E lie. 


MIND YOUR MANNERS 
With teenage panelista; Allen Lud- 
den, emcee , 

Director: Dwight Hem ion 
30 Mina.; Sun., 12:15 p.m. 
Sustaining 
WNBT, N. Y. 

“Mind Your Manners,” a teen- 
age panel show which recently 
proemed on WNBT, N. Y., analyzed 
a number of problems in it* half- 
hour talkfest Sunday afternoon (5) 
but failed to accomplish little ex- 
cept to bring forth a bushel of pros 
and cons. If viewers were looking 
(Continued on Due 40) 


the “test director,” the show pre- 
sented Loring Smith as the star 
with whom the aspiring thesps 
worked. Smith turned in a com- 
mendable job as the autocratic 
head of the household. He was 
given fine assists by Miss Allenby, 
(Continued on page 36) 



Wednesday, 


8, 1951 



■ASW-TIUVISIM 


SI 


Inside Stuff-Radio 

■ 0 " • 

V 

A series of four "Day at the Races" parties for New York City 
lime buyers has been planned for t he Saratoga racing season by Mor- 
gan Ryan, new manager of WPTR. Jerry Lyons, sales manager for 
Weed Si Co., WPTR reps, and Don Frost, also of. Weed, will accompany 
the first group. They fly to Albany, luncheon in the State suite of 
the Ten Eyck Hotel, hop to the Spa for the races and dinner, and 
plane back to New York the same night. It is believed to be the 
first time the idea has been tried in Albany radio on such a scale. 

First group was announced to include: Tom Lynch and Bill Dollard, 
Young Sc Rubicam; Norm Chester, BBD&O; Doug Ballin. advertising 
director of Whitehall Pharmacal Co.; Vera Brennan. Duane Jones; 
Frank Daniels, Lennen Sc Mitchell; Chet Slaybouth, Morse Interna- 
tional. 

Kuss Dayld, WPTR v.p. for engineering, and George Miller, sports 
director, assist Ryan in the hosting. 

i • V » 

With Leo Burnett having grabbed off about $3,000,000 of Kellogg’s 
Com Flakes billings from Kenyon Si Eckhardt, it’s figured likely that 
some time shifting will be done on the Kellogg “Mark Trail" and 
•Clyde Beatty” shows. 

At present ’Trail." handled by K&E. is on ABC at 5:30 p.m. cross- 
t he- board, directly opposing “Beatty." handled by Burnett, on Mutual. 
With Burnett taking over both shows, which would put the agency 
in the schizo phrenic position of fighting itself, it’s expected one of 
the webs will be asked to shift one show to 5 p.m., which would end 
the direct competition. 

Exclusive disclosure in Varixty that RCA was going into the 
“white goods" (appliances) business was important trade news to the 
Dow -Jones ticker. Prexy Frank M. Folsom meantime is laying his 
lines for RCA's advent into the manufacture and merchandising of 
refrigerators, stoves, etc., to go out as part of the regular line, along 
with radio, records and television. 


AFRA, WGN TANGLE 
ON CONTRACT ISSUES 

Chicago, Aug. 7. 

American Federation of * Radio 
Artists and WGN are setting up ar- 
bitration proceedings in an at- 
tempt to iron out two contractual 
disputes. Hearings have not been 
set but likely will take place within 
a week or two using a three-man 
panel. 

One dispute centers around the 
sick leave policy. AFRA pact with 
{ WGN provides that the station 
"agrees to grant sick leave to em- 
loyees in accordance with the pol- 
cy of the company prevailing ft 
the time." Current WGil company 
policy is to grant sick leave in ac- 
cordancf with the circumstances of 
esch case. AFRA claims that this 
is a change in policy since the con- 
tract was inked and eliminates the 
standard two-week sick leave allow- 
ance the union seeks for its mem- 
bers. 

I Second point going to arbitra- 
tion has to do with the union’s de- 
mand that WGN-TV sound effects 
men be AFRA members. AFRA 
says its pact states that all sound 
men employed by the company, 
which operates both WGN (AM) 
and WGN-TV shall be AFRA mem- 
bers. 


BAB Maps Pilot Studies on Radio s 
Impact Luring Up Research Experts 


e 


Procedures to be followed by AM and TV stations in New York 
State in event of atomic attack have been issued by the State Civil 
Defense Commission. These may set a pattern for other states. 

Regulation calls for all AM stations, on sounding of the Red Alert, 
to announce the alert, sound a Red siren warning for three minutes, 
reduce power to 250 watts and broadcast s sustaining recorded music 
program or recorded civil defense instructions. On sounding of the all 
clear, stations will go* back to full posfer and rebroadcast the State 
Cl) radio network program. 

FM stations and TV stations are to broadcast the Red Alert an- 
nouncement, carry the Red siren for one minute and then go off the 
air. Amateur stations are to go off the air Immediately. 

■ » 

List week was a busy one for some early morning platter spinners 
in Gotham. 

On Friday (3) Dee Finch (who Is partnered with Gene Rayburn on 
WNEW) became the father of a boy. Following day, Saturday. Ted 
and Rhoda Brown, Mr. and Mrs. rise-and-shlnecssters for WMGM. 
also became parents of s son. 


Tyler, Tex. — Marshall H. Pengra 
has been named general manager 
for KG KB here. He was formerly 
part owner and general manager 
of WATO, Oak Ridge. Tenn. 


Broadcast Advertising Bureau's 
report on its first three months un- 
der an independent status details 
ths services It has expanded and 
projects which are planned. 

BAB prexy William Ryan and 
board chairman Ed Kobak report 
{ that, in addition to getting cooper- 
ation from existing research organ- 
izations In the Held, BAB will con- 
duct some small scale “pilot" 
studies evaluating radio’s impact. 
Bureau is forming s committee of 
research experts who will elkmlne 
gaps in existing radio research. 

Industry promotion body has 
completed arrangements with Ad- 
vertising Research Bureau and will 
soon publish three summaries deal- 
ing with rfsults of more than 50 
ARB tests In which equal amounts 
were spent for advertising in AM 
and newspapers. 

Also on the drafting board is a 
publication giving advertising and 
sales patterns for 01 commodities, 
which will help stations plan their 
selling campaigns. BAB is also 
trying to get an agency and a bank- 
roller to cooperate in controlled 
tests on commercial copy and mer- 
chandizing’s sales effects. 

AM promotion outfit is also con- 
tinuing to release its retail infr • 
mation folders and dealer co-op 


data services, and will bring its 
stripfllms on retail advertising and 
spot radio up to date yearly. 

BAB recently added a library 
staffed by a pair of experts in the 
field. It will serve as a repository 
for statistical data on commercial 
broadcasting, keep current data on 
AM coverage, issue bulletins on de- 
velopments in radio research, etc. 


Lantz Wins B? a Walk 

Kansas City, Aug. 7. 

Jim Lantz. KCMO disk Jockey, 
is not only a long talker, but Is also 

a long walker. He recently won the 
championship of the annual Kan- 
sas City Athletic Club Walking 
Contest. He won by walking 14 
miles, but had to share honors with 
Duncan McIntyre, another member 
of the club. 

Athletic honors are nothing new 
to Lantz. He also recently won 
the Missouri Valley A. A. U. Junior 
doubles handball championship, 
again with McIntyre as partner. 


Dallas — Joe Pierce. Jr., has been 
added to the staff of WFAA and 
takes over three Saturday news- 
casts. He is doing graduate work 
here at Southern Methodist U. 

■ - ---=g 


WOR, N. Y., is asking its audience to help select its next new disk 
Jockey. Station is mapping a show* on which top platter-chatterers 
from around the nation will each get an hour to display their wares, 
vith the deejay who pulls the most votes from listeners to be offered 
a regular spot. 

The Mutual key in Gotham is interested chiefly in high-rated gab- 
bers. It will air the record-spinners via tape, with the tunes inte- 
grated into the show from WOR. Stanza will be aired on a Saturday 
afternoon, starting In the fall. 


Radio and TV will get the biggest bite of the Air Force advertising 
budget for the 1052 fiscal year, according to recruiting plans de- 
tailed to the House Appropriations Committee at recent hearings on 
Defense Department expenses. 

Transcript of the closed bearings, released last week, disclosed that 
Defense plans for national advertising call for an outlay of $735,000 
fur radio and TV as compared to $525,000 for magazines. $420,000 
for newspapers and $80,000 for films. An additional $1,000,000 would 
be allocated for local advertising. 

Maj. Gen. T. J. Hanley, chief of the Office of the Adjutant General, 
Military Personnel Procurement Service, told the Committee that re- 
cruiting advertising via radio registered better on prospective candi- 
dates than announcements in other media. 

Genr Hanley cited a survey of service men, conducted by the Armed 
Forces Research Branch, showing that 74% remembered recruiting 
announcements on radio or TV, that 65% recalled them In magazines 
or newspapers, that 53% noticed them in magazines and 46% in 
newspapers. 


WANTED! 

MURDER 

SCRIPTS 


Wanted — Scripts 
Adaptable for Radio 
and/or TV 

*» 

• i * ■ f ■ • 'it 

for more Information on 
story roqvlromonft, pay - 
moiit rotes, aft., wrfto to — 

W. P. ROBINSON 

V.P. iii Ckflryi of Proframg 

WLW 

Cincinnati 2. Ohio 


INTER MOUNT AIN IN 
U. OF UTAH REPEAT 

Salt Lake City, Aug. 7. 

For the sixth consecutive year 
Intermountain Network has nabbed 
radio rights for all U. of Utah foot- 
ball and basketball games. Net- 
work, with KALL as local outlet, 
will air 11 football and 28 basket- 
ball games. According to Lynn L 
Meyer, v.p. in charge of sales, tab 
was $5,500 for rights. • 

Last year games were sponsored 
by Utah Oil Refining Co. As yet 
bo sale is reported for coming 
season. Mai Wyman, sports direc- 
tor, will handle play by play again, 
with man to take care of color still 
to be chosen. 

TV rights for football games 
went to KSL-TV, on a playback 
basis. Games will be filmed and 
aired Monday nights at 7:30. No 
sale has been closed yet. University 
gets $375 per game, and supplies 
film to station. Supplying film en- 
tails no extra cost, since all games 
are shot to enable coaches to do 
some analyzing. 


price people? 

t 

* 

You have to reach and influence people to move good*; 

To move goods in volume at low cost, you must reach 
a lot of people. You must reach them frequently and i 
at low cost. 

, a 

4 

But what Price People? 

% 

In WLW-Land, the market that is approximately l/10th 
of America, WLW delivers people— a lot of people— 
at the lowest possible price. 

The new presentation entitled “What Price People?” Is 
a factual substantiation that WLW is your best buy to 

% . • * . 4 

reach more people, more often, to move more merchandise 


—for less. 

0 


• A # 

• 140 Wi»t NMh St, Cincinnati 2, Ohio 

FIom Ctony (Of ' 

• 310 North Michigan Avi, Chicago 1. Illinois 

Phono Stato 24*3 

• 130 FUBl An, Now Tort JO, Now Tut 

noM Cltdo 1-1011 

> * 

0 

• $381 Hollywood Blri.. Hollywood 21. California 

Phono Hollywood 1-5401 




Philadelphia — Robert J. Cress- 
wall, formerly with NBC in New 
York, has been named to the WF1L 
radio sales department . . . John 
D. Schener. Jr., operations assistant 
to the general manager at WF1L, 
WFIL-TV, has been named vice- 
chairman in charge of promotion 
for the YMCA’s 1951 city-wide 
membershfp drived 


i • 


V 4 A < «« l » , J t # w 4 A f I t 0,0 

I , 


> 4 * 4 -4 i • 




r. LIlsul 


V«lMtlq*, AmrmI 0 , 1951 


m 






the most remarkable cooki 






noayyi 


Kon-Tiki and Pop* Cookbook 
load bost seller list 
^j^ggs> in Chicago 

Since CREATIVE COOKERY started on WBKB last June 4, the 
Antoinette Pope School of Fancy Cookery Cookbook has quickly 
become a Best Seller among all Non-Fiction books in Chicago. Most 
Pope recipes are original creations, some exclusive developments for 
television, others coated especially for their famous cookbook, pub- 
lished by The MacMillan Company. Here's the Chicago Sun-Times 
ranking of Best Sellers for week of July 29th: 1. Kon-Tiki 2. An- 

toinette Pope Cookbook 3. Crime in America 4 The Sea Around Ua 
S. A King's Story. " 


In the CHICAGO DAILY 
JVEIFS, Jack Mobley , 

Radio and Television Editor. 


From the August-September issue oj 
the GAS GAZETTE , published by 
the Peoples Gas Light and Coke Com- 
pany and mailed to 9o2,000 separate 
Chicago families! 


— . .. < 



PRESENTED ONE HOUR DAILY, 11 TO 




t >- 

-m } \ tjpsafc'# ■ H 




,ww 



THOUSANDS OF LETTERS EXPRESS DEEPEST APPRECIATION AND ALMO 

. Novor, novor hat any cooking program rocoivod moil lil to thlt, Hood o low of Ihoto oxlraordioary w 


.1 


"You? wonderful school of cookory is tho bost 
that has ever boon soon on television!* 

'Your C root! vo Cookery is simply dofightfot. 
I won't answor our tolophono bofwoon 11 
end 12 for four of missing • port of o 
recipe" • 

"Many, many thunks for Pope's Creathto 
Cookory show!" 

"Probably you hovo received mountains of 
correspondence congratulating you on your 
fine program, and I am just adding my best 
wishes, congratul ations and thanks." 

"What a break for us ladles to get the be no- 
At of your wonder*** skills free of charge 
over television!" 

"I can't And words to express haw much I 
really en|ay I t!* 


"I want to tell you my friends and I enjoy 
your daily program and your little 'extras* 
are the things we need to knew" 

"H Is indeed a wonderful thing to sea you 
cook on television. I cannot resist watching 


"Your TV program, 'Creative Cookery,' is a 
delight and an inspiration, lecauto of you, 
your assistants and the TV crew, I am gain- 
ing seW -confid e nee in mailing cookery an 
exciting now hobby!*- 


'Your program is like a dream coma true 


f o|saR s . uSsimss 

f TWa vsgf^^ 

lag thrifts I get when yavr wonderful pro- 
gram comes on the air!* 


"What a beautiful and natural program— It 
is a work of art!* 

"This is tho third time I have heard your pro- 
gram as I da not have much time to listen 
but I da taka out Arne now# I lava your pro- 
gram, it is wonderful" 

"It is the first daytime TV program I've found 
worth taking timo to watch" 

"I have never been as Interetted In a cook- 
ing program as yours? 


**l am trying to tel! you what a won d er f ul 
thing this TV program of yours is doing- you 

right a# the air!* 

f«%yU skUk 1* i a At 

litfRg * wVT ptv^VwM Pa tt*a PaP 

progrant that has boon an TV" 


"Your program b the only hour f manage to 
devote to TV Enjoying your 'plain cooking 
dressed up!** 

"We have watched all your programs and 
really love them! You are tho world's Anesf 
cooking teachers!* 

"It is a wonderful treat to watch your Ana 
program. It is the best any station has put 
on fa far!* 

r . t 

' Yaar program Ss m taper!** te ethers!* 

"Have called many friends and told them 
about your wonderful eae hour TV doss and 

iLam datt 04*11 l^d |e 

* "»y mfv ww rrw VRdul ww mVl - 


oo ma ny of my friends of your 
or so they aba are onfryiog 
dess ovary morning!* 


"The pragma I 
ing progreat- 
* cooking lew** 
to miss eey «* 1 


"I learned 
than at •*** 


"I knew tM* 

tho can «sol>* - 

course wtmoa 

Sr.; to CMtf* 

'You eertokdf 
good tudoM 

"Bet r» *** 



Is vary 























Wedncoday, August 8, 1861 


program in the history of radio and television” 


V ' € 





NOON, OVER WBKB, CHANNEL 4, CHICAGO 


» 

Conducted by Francois Pope , director of the nationally famous 
Antoinette Pope School of Fancy Cookery. Ably assisted by his 
two sons , Frank and Robert Pope 9 instructors at the school. 

QRE ATIVE COOKERY is a new kind of cooking program. It is a fascinating school of art .devoted 
entirely to the selection, preparation, and service of incredibly good tasting and invitingly beautiful 
food. The lessons are taught by the world's finest teachers of cooking. The television audience are 
"students” and are so termed by Mr. Pope, director of CREATIVE COOKERY and of the Antoinette 
Pope School of Fancy Cookery. 


21 years of personal catering 
to the tastes of thousands 



" V 

• * 



The Antoinette Pope School of Fancy Cookery was established in Chicago 21 years 
ago. It ranks today as America’s largest and finest cooking school, with thousands 
of graduates and classes booked full from semester to semester. 

Francois Pope, the director, was born in Paris. Antoinette Pope, the co-director 
and founder, is Italian bora. The co-directors have combined many different forms 
of foreign cookery with American native dishes and the result is a never-ending 
array of eye and taste appealing dishes for everyone. 


I \-*£ 

4 




top-flight sponsors already 

• e 

participating in Creative Cookery 

Summertime or no, Chicago housewives didn’t wait to see CREATIVE COOKERY 
— and neither did the sponsors. Though CREATIVE COOKERY has been on 
television just 8 weeks, the list of sponsors already includes Libby Pineapple, 
Sunkist Lemons, C & H Sugar, Roper Ranges, Ballard Biscuits, Bowman Milk, 
French’s Mustard, Florida Gtrus, and Swift & Company Poultry— all finest 
quality products. 


PRSHIPFUL REGARD FOR THE POPES 

«* for CREATIVE COOKERY 


®*K.r coolt* 
with TV 
I don't wont 


"On# day my tether and I had teen watch- 
ing the — — — shew, and after It woo 

aver, I fumed to Channel 4 and mode a 

WBfiQGfTMl OUCPVfryi V»r9BnVV vGGRBIy, vIVICG 

aA^a kttn L**a Itltk f ... jy |.L « . _ £ 

• ’•vi uQy w nuva DOvn I oiiHTtfl Wwftl»ari v» 


"Creative Cookery It the best cooking 
grot on IV" 

"I'm tore this post-card will re s emble tony 


I 


•*», KhMh 


I will Inin 


^ •pprccloto 
•■ciwtiv# Pope 
^ *f cemtut- 

bring to 
if 

(stethlng bo 


"Wbot o delightful 
• bride's 

TV" 


don't 


to 
ge off 


Just ^st ttrsits^^l^s^j t^tl^trrlsl^s^s 

nnd I tost soy I never s n j sys d a lee* 


jeb and every- 


In 

bi 


In soying 

- f . ' !*L. 

enjoying yovi too ' 

from such e 


bo 
I 


os Mr. Pope end 


looks tg 


IWont you to 


ftov# ^y##n te your cookiftf ecIssI 
dal lessons several time#. I 

yea cate on TV That Is the only 
I listen to In the day 


FOR CREATIVE COOKERY AVAILABILITIES 

CALL... 

mi;i:d 


\ \ II 1 O M I 1 \ \ ^ 

Radio and [ e I e vl 8 i 6 n 
S tation R e o r e s n n t a t i v e s 

i v ch'C'agc oet; 






*1 1 1 * T O S K 
SAS *RASC*5C 


* T * uiT A 


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Wednesday, August ft, 1951 



THE UNTOtTCHABLES 

With Fahey Flynn. Rum Reed. 

Frank Smith and orch 
Producer - Director - Writer: Perry 

Wolff 

St Mina.; Mon.. 8:St |JL 

Sustaining 

WBBM, Chicago 

Although the ether has been 
pretty well flooded of late with 
pseudo-, semi-, and 100% docu- 
mentaries on the narcotic situation. 
It’s doubtful if any of them exceed 
the stature of this WBBM series 
written and produced by Perry 
(Skee) Wolff. The cycle of six 
weekly half-hour segments dealing 
with the Chicago dope problem is 
another bullseye for Wolff and the 
Chi CBS station which copped ma- 
jor radio honors last year with 
'The Quiet Answer,” series on race 
relations. 

For enlargement of public 
knowledge of the addiction prob- 
lem. depth of penetration into a 
highly complex situation and sheer 
dt'amatic impact, “The Untouch- 
ables” can only be rated as superb. 
It’s an example of radio journal- 
ism at its best and demonstrates 
what a potent force a tape recorder 

can become when combined with 
Initiative, intelligence and integ- 
rity. 

As the widening of public un- 
derstanding of the situation under 
examination should be the chief 
motivation of a documentary and 
its measure of success, it’s in this 
area that ‘‘The Untouchables” reg- 
isters most strongly. It’s more than 
a revelation of an unfortunate facet 
of Americana, providing listeners 
with a vicarious peek into the sor- 
did world of addiction. By using 
a wholly documentary technique, 
dialers are given a real-life looksee 
into this world with its uniuue vo- 
cabulary, its mental and physical 
sicknesses, and its police and po- 
litical participation. They also 
learn of the so-called constructive 
side from the medicos, phychia- 
trists. Uwuanforcement and judicial 
ofTicHHs attempting to cope with 
the rising tide of dope. But most 
importantly, listeners are warned 
to expect no quick and easy solu- 
tions. 

This series is definitely, not a 
once-over-lightly treatment. Wolff 
has probed deeply with his tape re- 
corder and what has emerged is a 
well-rounded and frightening 'ex- 


cursion Into drugdom. The pro- 
ducer has been devoting full time 
to the project since April and baa- 
collected about 50 hours of taped 
material. Besides establishing con- 
tacts with Windy City addicts, 
Wolff recorded interviews with in- 
mates at the Federal hospital in 
Lexington, Ky., the Illinois state 
prison, the women’s reformatory 
and the Chicago house of correc- 
tion. (Incidentally, he was the 
first radio reporter ever allowed 
in the Lexington institution.) 

To do an effective public service 
job. there must, of course, be an 
audience. And on the strength of 
the three segments, the nackage 
should rack up a terrific listener- 
ship. The stark realism of the re- 
corded talks with actual persons 
intimately involved in addiction 
stacks up as some of the most dra- 
matic vignettes ever put on the 
air. 

Wisely, Wolff has let the junkies 
themselves tell the story of their 

S light. Narration, sincerely done 
y Fahey Flynn, is used only as 
the binding fabric. Only one actor 
is used on the series and that’s 
Russ Reed who ably handles the 
occasional paraphrasing of medical 
statements. 

It’s the tape reporting that pro- 
vides the real pith. There’s inter- 
views with addicts, one of them a 
doctor, who describe the sensations 
provided by opiates. At the other 
end of the road there’s a descrip- 
tion of Uie suffering when deprived 
of the drugs — the withdrawal syn- 
drome. A few seconds of animal- 
like noises made by an addict in 
the midst of a forced withdrawal 
were used with disturbing effect. 

The personal tragedy of the 
habit was forlornly outlined by a 
young girl who drew her boy 
friend into addiction because of 
her own inability to kick the stuff. 
One inmate at the women’s re- 
formatory bluntly described the 
shakedown proclivities of the Chi- 
cago coppers. A peddler stated that 
prior to the current heat the 
monthly police protection tab was 
$100. Another told which street 
comers are most widely populated 
with pushers and users. 

The series, launched July 16. 
ends on WBBM. Aug. 20. CBS is 
missing a great public service op- 
portunity in not providing a full 
network airing for anything as vi- 
tal as this newsworthy expose of 
the narcotic Situation as it exists in 
one city. It’s too provocative and 
universal in its import to be con- 
fined just to WBBM’s audience. 

Dave. 


KAL ROSS SHOW 
producer: George Rom 
IN Mins.: Mon. thru Sun.. 1 a.m. 
I’artlci paling 
WOR, N. Y. 

Covering WOR’s dawn patrol 
beat from Monte's restaurant in 
the Belmont Plaza Hotel, N. Y„ Kal 
Ross is another one of that disk 
jockey fraternity who will debate 
any question at the drop of a kilo- 
cycle. 

Ross flays the airlanes with a 
mighty torrent of words and. if he 
runs short of ideas, merely repeats 
himself. The important thing, 
though, is that he sustains the ver- 
bal din at a high intensity, inter- 
rupting himself about every hour 
to spin a platter and get back his 
wind. 

Ross fancies himself to be some- 
thing of an orator which is a dis- 
tinctive, if not -particularly happy, 
departure for the airlane boys on 
the graveyard shift At the outset 
of each show (at least on the two 
MKions caught), he declaims a 10 
or 15-minute commentary on /top 
news event with a soapboxer's 
heat. He even ends each of his 
tirades with a deadpan “I thank 
you” to the scattered milting of 
the restaurant denizens. The intro- 
ductory “editorial” parallels Barry 
Gray’s opening routine at the op- 
position Chandler’s (WMCA). 

Ross, who has been on the Phil- 
adelphia airlanes, is also a college 
man and doesn’t care who knows 
it. In one of hi? minor tiffs with 
a dialer who phoned in (the tele- 
phone has become one of essential 
props on these early morning air- 
ers, Ross clinched his point by say- 
ing: “I jusf happened to write a 
paper on that subject for my so- 
ciology class.” How can anyone ar- 
gue against that sort of thing? 

Everything is fodder for Ross’ 
forensic talents on this show. From 
tne West Point cribbing scandal 
through the baseball reserve clause 
to the politics in South Carolina 
(“one of the more less progressive 
states,” is his phrase), Ross has an 
opinion with no ifs, ands or buts. 
This type of unequivocal mentality 
can get somew'hat boring. 

Ross otherwise handles the show 
In conventional style. There are 
telephone calls, interviews w' i t h 
visiting celebs and infrequent disks 
to carry the session. Herm. 

Detroit — George F. Leydorf. 
WJR vice-president in charge of 
engineering, has been elected 
chairman of the communications 
engineering committee of the 
Michigan Office of Civil Defense. 


■V '< 


r iuia 


utiiiv n mum 

With Ora San Joan, Bob Graham. With Don Dowd. Carolyn Gilbert 
Anthony Barrett, Samba Kings Loretta Poynton, Rex Mauoin 

fm i ^ uriii. aw _ a n_ a a_ 


Trio, Wilbur Hatch orch 
Director: Sterling Tracy 
Writer: Let Farber 
M Mins.. 8nm» T:N p.m. 
Sustaining 

CBS, from B o By w so d 


and orch 

Producer: Louis Perkins 
Writer: Bob Savage 


Sustaining 

ABC, from Chicago 


(CDT) 


This Latino flavored summer This Chi-based ABC show hasn’t 
entry shapes up as moderate fare , . 

even for the devotees of south of ariy en ®J J * h muscles to hoist a 

the border tempos. Using a musi- m j Jor rating but its different 

comedy format the stanza moved switch ranks It a notch or two 

along at an easy clip but it needed above the usual sustaining filler 
more than chile rhythms and Mex- m __ tt n-tfl __ im . n * 

lean accents to give it authenticity. j nenu * D« vlce here is * nocturnal 

Preem (5) introduced "Pancho” ^ aunt *° mythical Windy City 
(Anthony Barrett) as the series points of interest via narration and 
guide and comic. - Although Barrett tousle* It’s no Greyline tourist 
had little to work with in Les to otr but a looksee into out-of-the- 
Farber’s script, he tied the show wsy comers of the city. The com- 

i i i i i j -a tiinutlnn nl ■ caniitiua i.-.ri nl 


L ai on s svupi, lie ucu me suuw — - — - — — * -.«•«- 

together nicely and bridged the bination of a sensitive script which 
gap between songs with zestful on ly occasionally had tabloid 
delivery. Ora San Juan. 18-vear- .columnist overtones and especially 


gap uciween Him lesuui 

delivery. Ora San Juan. 18-year- .columnist overtones and especially 
old sister of screen actress Olga a P* "W 1 ® Prided • unique slice 
San Juan, was more adept at hand- Chi afterdark on frame heard 
ling her singing chores than her 131 ’• ... , 

lines. Gal’s piping on a pair of Narrator Don Dow'd first took the 
rhurflba tunes was okay. Bob listeners to the opening night of a 
Graham, only one in cast without legit drama. Bit was a good satire 
Mexican accent, provided pleasant with Rex Maupin and the ABC 
“gringo” balance singing “Begin orch giving a not too gentle 1am- 
the Beguine” and “Let iMe Love pooning of a lackadaisical pit band. 
You Tonight." Loretta Poynton offered a takeoff 

The Samba Kings Trio accomped ? n th * road company star straining 
both vocalists with a bit too much *°°. ^uich scene to 

drive. Wilbur Hatch supplied "? atc 5 th * performance of the 


adequate background music. 


1280 CLUB 


Broadway leading lady. 

Not regretfully Dowd departed 
the theatre and made for a nonk? 
tonk. Narrator's comments on the 


...... - m mam _ a was illU 

With Phil Gordon, Leigh Kamman clientele captured the flavor of the 
» 1 #B * P* m * countless Cni neon joints. Further 

wA l v C Sf U 5 f * “atmosphere” was furnished by 

o • , * ... chirper Carolyn Gilbert who came 

Since Freddy Robbins first held through with an effective carbon- 
down the 1280 Club” spot, this Ing of lowercase nitery warbling, 
airer has been a listening post for Nocturnal trek next moved out to 

V A HA hS ha a I S a a aa J S — a a - — -a- S .99 . a. aaa 


the metropolitan Jive set. Several a neighborhood tavern which was 
disk jockeys have been handling jumping with gemuUichkelt. Here, 

T ha ff % h mn Ihia hW A99. a 1 a a a T1 aLL.1 a. a a _ aa. .a a* ..." 


the gab on thisshow since Robbins too, the music was authentic with 
"Jf* hut this 99-minute session is an accordion single of "Good 
still standout for the calibre of its Night, Irene." 

^ Md*bh.~ g «d‘r^i £*25? l*>wd‘, narrating wu uniform!, 

*«d rhythm market top ciIibre , nd M ‘u Poynton and 

. Phil Gordon, who takes over Miss Gilbert were fine in their bits, 
from his predecessor, Ralph Coop- Dave. 

*r, as the “1280” platter pilot, han- 

dies his assignment with excellent 

taste. His disks cover the top THE BIG JOB 

names in the jazz field, from Ells With Den Hollenbeck, Jim Borke, 

Fitzgerald to Johnny Hodges, with Rex Davis 


Fitzgerald to Johnny Hodges, with — 

the selections neatly programmed Producer: Dr. George Crethers 
for maximum variety in sound. Dtrectorf Ed Oatls 
Most importantly, Gordon sp- Writer: Monroo 

parently understands that his gab 1? **•*• 

is secondary to the music, at least CBS » from P«*»ts 

on this deejay airer. Gordon holds CBS’ pitch for the additional 
his introes to brief comments, $5,000,000 needed by the American 
strictly relevant to the disks being National Red Cross for the recent 
played. Gordon, moreover, has s Kansas-Missouri flood disaster had 
modest, ingratiating manner that enough poignancy and dramatics to 
helps sell the commercials spotted get even tne most tight-fisted to 
throi^gh the show. There’s no slug- contribute. 'Done in documentary 
ginK. but Just quiet and effective fashion, with on-the-spot recorded 
deliveries of the plugs. Like Coop- interviews with some of the aur- 
? r \ ~? rdon ** a Negro, but should vivors, the session hit hard despite 
help this outlet in the general mar- narrator’s constant repetition that 
ket as well. listeners seated in comfortable 

On the hour. Leigh Kamman homes couldn’t understand the full 
gives a capsulized news commen- meaning of the flood tragedy. Such 

f M«MI 1 A — — ' — A _ « mm I AAA A AaV. 2 A AAA AAA . 99A aIAI A A X. ..A 


Rex Davis 


interviews with some of the sur- 
vivors. the session hit hard despite 


tary in competent style. Herm. 

STEVE ALLISON SHOW 
Producer: Ted Reinhart 
185 Mins.; Mon., Sat., 11:15 p.m. 
GORDON’S MEN’S STORE 
WPEN. Philadelphia 


an arbitrary position may have 
alienated dialers who hold highly 
their capacity for sympathy and 
understanding. 

However, when the narrator 
(Don Hollenbeck) stuck to the facta 
his appeal was forceful. Jim Burke, 
of KMBC, Kansas City, and Rex 


AU.cnn f' .. oi rmdl, ivansas tuy, ana itei 

Boston yahh^r h J DavU * of *MOX. St. Louis, con 
late nigh? ducted their interviews with i 

has b£ n hfin L't minimum of sentimentality. Th< 

audience here clipped monotone of the survivon 

cha,,p r5 h ’.? ^d!r N e wl e „ nti .°n U d d '* 

Kal Ross The show has had the * \ enecuve tnrougnout. 

further advantage of following the * Hollenbeck, working-out of th< 
broadcasts of the Phillies baseball New York atudio * Hed the atanzi 
team. Allison wgs picked out of to « ethar neatly and Ed Oatis’ di 
dozens of jocks and announcers section kept the 30 minuter fre< 
whe auditioned and competed for 1 0111 dull spots. 

*hirn ° ne choicest local 

lEhrS ?rom d< L^w**Tendf«r's taKSS mJSeVo" 

he^ U for ,t ’tlS >I> «portin«' t frifternh' J2? SttttS’SiE th, 

and in the^irecr^iter oMhtog* l0cal 8l J mmer 1 . entertainment 
Allison hasn’t v.riJ ♦k- 1 Ja-URa sQMrces plugs on its shows in rc 

prlmW 

airers — random questions, inter- P‘°* ,ams • 


views, introductions, phone calls, 
visiting celebs and a catchall for 
every variety of pitch. Program, 
of course, is also welcomed by the 
insomniacs who can phone for any 
kind of information, advice to the j 
lovelorn, ethical problems, etc. 
Typical queries: “Will the price of 
real estate go up?” “What do you 
think of Frank Sinatra’s trip to 
Mexico with Ava?” “What is your 
personal opinion of Gen. Patton?" 

Whs* do you think of the control 
bill. “The baseball reserve 
clause?” “The West Point scan- 
dal?” 

In Allison’s favor is his faculty 
of letting the interview subject 

w aii0 to repeat as 

honestly snd accurately u possible 
the questions and remarks of phone 
callers. He apparently doesn’t suf- 
fer from that annoying occupation- 
al disease oi his fellows in the 
craft— the Inability to say "I don’t 
know.” Allison admits when he is 
stumped and so far hasn’t made 
any pretense at being a seer. He 

(Continued on page 88) 


Eileen -BARTON 

ANCHOR HOCUNB'S 

•ROADWAY OPVN HOUSE 

N8C-TV-.1t Mb TVlS-TNVftf-MI 


MCA. 


A Heating Installation Firm 

0 

+ Summer Advertising = ? 


There’s no question about the answer when the advertiser 
is on WGN-TV. . . tAc U XtwlU f 

A heating installation firm on WGN-TV is spending less 
than $1,000 per week for a Sunday morning feature film. 
They have received as many as one hundred direct leads 
in a week for $350-1500 installations ... resulting in sales 
several times the amount of their investment. 

Remember, no matter what the season, if it’s results IfGU 
want. ..you need WGN-TV in Chicago. 






Hi LUANNE19 CBKM0I 

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■ABIO-TELEYI.SIOX 


WMbeiJiy, August S, 1951 


All Kinds of People 
Are rinding Onl Thai 

COPELESSNESS 

V 


ROGER PRICE* 


Can Be Cored by Watching 
Onlhe New CBS TV and Radio Show 

“HOW TO” 


July 10, 1031 

“How To.** a satire on panel 
shown, has a rich vein of humor 
worthy of being a permanent 
network tenant. This program, 
originating from the coast, and 
kinnied into New York, is fadi- 
manned by Roger Price, who at 
one time was on Bob Hope's 
scripting staff and later branch- 
ed out as a saloon and later a 
revue comic. The p^nel com- 
prises Anita Martell (Mrs. 
Price), and two other coast 
writers. m Leonard Stern and 

4m 

Stanley Adams. It's a hep 
quartet, who seem to be fast 
on the ad libs and who exhibit 
a zany turn of mind in doling 
out advice. 

• On the preem show*, there was 
a girl who wanted to know how 
to snare a husband. Miss 
Martell advised her to keep her 
gowns low’ and her standards 
high. Price agreed with her 
50% . . . Price punctuates each 
problem w’lth his zany illustra- 
tions. which has been the focal 
point of his nitery act. It's funny 
visual and aural stuff 

— Jose 


THE BILLBOARD 

Jvty It, 1*31 

This satirical panel show 
rankf. with the best audience 
participation airers today, and 
it's certainly one of the most 
entertaining kines to come out 
of Hollywood. Nitery comic 
Roger Price is largely responsi- 
ble for the program's big-time 
entertainment values. Price, a 
comparatively new young comic, 
looks like a cross between a 
long-haired musician and a 
short-tempered scientist. 

Personality-wise, too. he com- 
bines a seemingly naive child- 
like gaiety with sharp-tongued 
cynicism. The results are un- 
orthodox but surprisingly ap- 
pealing. For Instance when a 
young mother asked how to get 
her young son to take a bath. 
Price queried brightly, “Have 
you tried subtle psychological 
methods such as hitting him?" 
In between panel sessions Price 
illustrated the various problems 
by sketching dizzy diagrams, ac- 
companied by breezy mono- 
logues which were a high point 
of the show. 

—June Bundy 


“A rare comedy show that can 
hold up well in both media . . . 
Advice is along zany lines, and 
ad lib wit registers strongly." 
Variety ( radio review) 
July 25. 1951 


"Some people may not agree with these reviews. These 
people should be 'put away.' They are wrong thinkers." 

— ROGER PRICE 


*7 predict that ROGER PRICE uill soon be 
one of the nation’s top show buxines* per- 
sonalities.’* — Frank Cooper, Manager 


“HOW TO” 

A PRICE-STERN PRODUCTION 


aooia price*. President, Mon. Wed. & Fri. 
LEONARD STERN, President, Tues. Thurs. A Sot. 

LLOYD SLOAN. Vic*-pr*tid*nt in ckorg* of production, Promotion, 
ond Commitaory 

SOL STUN S CHET CASTilLAW (Antwor phono* on Suodoy) 

PHIL TURETSKY, Trooawror; VIVIAN OIEN, Offic* Mgr. 

a 

Our tfcenkt to DICK LINKKOUM. LARRY IERNS, LUCIEN DAVIS end 
IN ontiro CBS crow 

0 

\ 1 

'CvpcUttntti: •nobility to eopo with lif# ond things. Sot R. PRICE 
“Ir Opo Hood And Out Tho Othor"; Simon ond Schuttor. 

r Tho printers '••• against mo. Another exempt* of wrong-thinking.-— ■ 
*Mr. Coopor is obviously o right-thinker. 


PRICE CUTS ZOOM TELE 
SET SALES IN D. C. 

Washington, Aug. 7. 

Despite the general slump in TV 
sales. July business here was the 
best since March and better than 
July of 1950, according to the offi- 
cial estimate last week of the Wash- 
ington Television Circulation Com- 
mittee showing sets in use as of 
Aug. 1 at E78.100. This represents 
ah increase of 7.650 sets from the 
July 1 estimate. 

Intense price cutting by inven- 
tory-loaded dealers, some offering 
sets at 60% off list, has stimulated 
purchases and apparentty broken 
resistance of non -owners w aiting 
for color. Some dealers have gotten 
around the color problem by offer- 
ing to install adapters (to bring in 
color broadcasts in black-and- 
white) at nominal cost whenever 
their customers want them. A few 
dealers are installing adapters into 
stock seta in lieu of price cuts. 
July sales compare with June 


Tele FoHowup 

CMtliMf from pass Si 

a vet radio and legit actress, and 
young Walsh, who has also done 
considerable legit work. Lester 
Lewis package continues as good 
TV entertainment and a good 
springboard for pro talent trying 

to hit the bigtime. 

__ _ 

Herb Shrtner, taking over for va- 
cationing Arthur Godfrey on CBS- 
TV’s “Talent Scouts," did a clicko 
job Monday (6). His opening mono- 
log was a sterling example of 
Hoosier wit, starting with his 
reminiscences of the small towji 
hospital that was over the local 
shoe store (because the latter had 
the only X-ray machine around). 
Material was sharp and was given 
a solid ride with SnrineKs polished 
corn country manner and pseudo- 
hesitant timing. 

Comic was a trifle tentative in 
dealing with the gueSts, but han- 
dled them naturally and got off 


YOiume of .nrf Mav sales I s ? me •"»«***“« lin « •*> “>* in ‘ e f- 

ft f IQ*) Ju1v hncin«HK« a vp'ir aeo «*? f«*r commercial* 

oi j.wou. July Business a year ago f 


accounted for a turnover of 7,325 

sets. 


Mooney 


Out As NSTP 
Censor After One Week 


Hollywood. Aug. 7. 

Martin Mooney's tenure as Code 1 prano. a femme 
Administrator of the National So- j monica player, 
cicty of Television Producers 
lasted less than a week, with 
NSTP abruptly announcing he had 
“resigned" while Mooney contends 
he knew’ nothing of his “resigna- 
tion" until informed of it by 
Variety. 

It’s believed that while a num- 
ber of reasons motivated the move, 
chief one was a statement by 
AMPPA Code Administrator Jo- 


for IJpton products an appealing 
underplaying, in character, and 
had an effective line in his grand- 
paw's sipping the tea and exclaim- 
ing. “Sell my clothes, I'm in 
heaven." 

Talent roster was good^although 
heavy uii vocdlifeU. Lineup in- 
cluded a tenor (who was the studio 
audience's choice), an operatic so- 

irio and • a har- 


I 


BBD&O 

Continued from past 23 


nights on CBS. which is now’ being 
replaced for the summer by "Go 
Lucky;" “Hit Parade,” for which 
“Assignment Manhunt**' is subbing 
Saturday nights on NBC. and the 


seph Breen in which he repudiated ! five or six Jack Benny TV show's a 

ually go into the 


year, which usually go into 
“Show’ Biz" time on CBS. 


WABY, Albany, Sold To 
Eastern N. Y. B’casting 

Albany, Aug. 7. 

Salt of WABY by tha Adiron- 
dack Broadcasting Co., in which 
Gannett*! Press Publishing Co. 
held a majority interest, to tha 
Eastern New York Broadcasting 
Co., has been effected. With it, Ed- 
ward C. Obrist, general manager of 
the 250-watter since early in the 
year, has been promoted to vice- 
president and a director. He 
worked with WPEN. Philadelphia, 
before coming to Albany. 

Officers of the Eastern New York 
Broadcasting Co., which had been 
negotiating for the purchase some 
months, are president David Kyle, 
of Monticello and Syracuse; vice- 
presidents. George Fields. New 
York; Assemblyman Herman Mint/, 
South Fallaburg. and Obriat; treas- 
urer, Nelson Kidd, Syracuse; sec- 
retary. Martin Karig. Glens Falls. 

WABY. transferred here from 
Hudson Falls in 1936. will continue 
to concentrate on news, sports and 
good music. Obrist said. It is a 
Liberty network affiliate. Ned Tru- 
deau is operations assistant and 
plant manager; Charles W. Bell, 
Jr., tales manager; Miss Toni 
Brady, program director. 

Standard Oil Pads Mi«h. 
Football for 6th Year 

Detroit. Aug. 7. 

For the sixth year. Standard Oil 
of Indiana will sponsor eight play- 
by-play accounts of 1951 U. of 
Michigan football games over WJR. 

In addition to the eight Michi- 
gan games, Standard Oil also will 
sponsor the Michigan State-Notre 
Dame and the Notre Dame-U. of 
Detroit broadcasts. Van Patrick, 
WJR’s sports director, will handle 
the play-by-play. Charley Park will 
provide the color and sidelights. ' 

Lane Exits WAGE 

Syracuse, N. Y., Aug. 7. 

In a realignment of top execs, 
WAGE here announced the resig- 
nation last week of William T. 


a letter of endorsement of Mooney 
us*u In *n ad about the time 

Mooney was appointed. The fol- 1 In addition to these. BBD&O is 
lowing day NSTP announced the repperi on TV by; “Armstrong Clr- 
• resignation < cle Theatre" (Armstrong Cork. 

*.«£? ney say! V he . prom ‘ sed !• NBC. Tuesday nights); “Rocky. J J 

$1,000 a month, an office and a Kj nK Detective" (Emerson Drugs Lane, co-founder and for 10 years 
secretary, but got none, and head- DuMont Sundav nights)- “Celeb^ v p. -general manager, who is enter- 

quartered at the Gladys Reubens 1 * 1 * “ ' w — ““ — 4 

Dancing School. Louis Snader. 
proxy of NSTP. countered he never 
offered any salary to Mooney, that 
the association — which reps film 
TV producers here — hasn't funds 
for that purpose. 


rity Time" (Goodrich. CBS, Sun- in * another phase of the broadcast 


day nights); Groucho Marx show 
(DeSoto- Plymouth Dealers. NBC, 
Thursday nights); and “Juvenile 
Jury" (Minnesota Mining. Tuesday 
nights, NBC. but moving to Sunday 
afternoon in the fall). 


Negro Thesps 

Continued front page 1 


St. Louis Bar to Continue 
Fight Vs. Transit Radio 

St. Louis. Aug. 7. 

Continued fight against streetcar _ .. .. . ,. ... 

and bus FM radio programs will sw itch the dial if they don t like a 
oe made by a committee of the certain program. Sissle said, ‘but 
Lawyers Assn, of St. Louis. Char- i we can’t tell the American public 
acterizing the broadcasts as "an w hat to like. ' He claimed that 
invasion of the basic civic right of ' *^ e 8 ro actors were partly responsi- 
orivacy of passengers, by compell- ble f° r the situation since they had 
ing unwilling persons to listen to I never previously formed an organi- 


ing field. r H. Douglas Johnson, Jr., 
succeeds Lane, and was elected 
v.p. and a director of the station. 

Johnson, former upstate public 
relations inan and radio director of 
the Lane ad agency here, resigned 
recently as secretary to Congress- 
man R. Walter Riehlman. 


Columbus — WBNS-TV has 
named Margaret Mau, developer 
of the “Shelf Level" merchandis- 
ing plan at WSAI, Cincinnati, to 
head up its new merchandising 
department. In addition she will 
also cover sales promotion for the 
station. 


commercial announcements." com- 
mittee stated it was the duty of 
the bar to be on the alert against 
such abuses. 

George W. Curran, president of , 
the association, said the committee stereotyped roles. 


zation to “protect themselves" 
against such outside groups. New 
council. Sissle said, will stress 
the necessity of a "balanced pro- 
gram" to prevent the perpetuation 


will assist him in protesting to au- 
thorities against continuance of the 
practice, “and to take such further 
steps and institute such action as 
may be necessary." , 

Station KXOK, owned by the de- 
funct Star-Times Publishing Co . is 
the broadcasting 'Station involved, 
using Transit Radio. The broad- 
casts have been bitterly fought by 
KSD. owned by the St. Louis Post- 
Dispatch. which bought the Star- 
Times papers several weeks ago. 


Horner Gets Plum 

Minneapolis. Aug. 7. 

R. M. Hollingshead Corp. (Whiz 
Motor Rhythms). Camden. N. J., 
has pacted to sponsor the Thursday 
and Friday segments of “Jack Hor- 
ner’s Sports Show" on KSTP-TV, 
starting Aug. 30. 

Telecast daily, 10:20-10:30 p. m.. 
this 10-minute sports feature has 
been rated the third most popular 
Twin Cities local multi-weekly 
show. Account's agency is Camp- 
bell-Mithun. 


Cast of A&A meanwhile wired 
their congratulations to the Council 
on its formation, declaring the new’ 
org “at last gives us. the Negro 
actors and actresses of America, 
some understanding spokesman 
who can protect and extend the 
gains we have made in recent 
years." Cast members, without re- 
ferring to the NAACP by name, as- 
serted that the opportunity given 
Negro thesps by the show “is be- 
ing threatened by ill-informed peo- 
ple of our own race who have ir- 
responsibly threatened a boycott 
of our sponsor (Blatz Beer) and 
have unfairly characterized the 
show, its producers and ourselves." 
Reference to the threatened boy- 
cott was later removed from the 
text of the w ire. 


ATTENTION 
Television and Radio 


For mH« or Inm, completely 
eqalpped 1,450 taot theatre, oee 
Boor. Incledet beildleg 90**1 70*. 
large stage. By loft, dressing 
rooR.i, recently moderni s ed. Cen- 
trally located Los Angelos metro- 
politan- clear viiien area. Consider 
small cash payment on complete 
solo. Amnsemeat Realty C ompany. 
119 S. Beverly Drive, Boverly Hills. 
California, Crestview 6-1542. 


§!.■*» ?Ilir S * 1 1.11M 1 1 


«• i.ts 


— 

Columbus — Glacus G. Merrill. 

| Marie B^Merrill and Fred Bailey, 
si! oi Clarksburg. W. . affiliated 
with the Mt. State Broadcasting 
Co., Clarksburg. W. Va., have or- 
ganized the Iron City Broadcast- 
ing Co.. Inc., Iron ton, O.. to build 
and operate a radio-television sta- 
tion In that city. They were au- 
thorized to Issue 1,000 shares of 
common stock with a par value of 
a share for the" Ohio enter- 
J prtse. 




Continued from page 23 





JVfLiiiM 




Korda film. Towers has cifne 26 
"Lime" episodes and others are 
under way. 

Lebhar and Raymond Katz, 
MG MR A production head and 
WMGM program chief, head out to 
the Coast toward? the end of the 
month to wrap up defllls on some 
other Metro properties for syndic** 
tion. It's also likely they'll pick 
up another big outside stanza. 
MGMRA has already put around 
$2,250,000 Into Its eight shows, 
turning out 312 editions of tho 15-f 
minute programs and 78 of tho 
hour and half-hour aeries. 


le Idaho's Fahaieat Magic Valloy 
Ash H0LLIN6BIRY 
ABC at Twia Falls, Id a ho 


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Bristol-Myers 


showed a slight tie-up between 
people in the amusement field and 
minor league baseball. He report- 
ed that of nearly 2,000 baseball ex- 
ecutives. 13 are motion picture 
actors, directors and theatre own- 
ers. Another 73 are newspaper 
and radio officials and employees. 

Because baseball broadcasts in- 
volve Interstate commerce, the 
Committee plans to study this ques- 
tion more fully in determining 
whether the game can be excluded 
from anU-trust application. This 
phase of she inquiry is to be ex- 
plored at subsequent hearings. 


Theatre AffHurtes 


Sundial division of International 
Shoe and Bristol-Meyers are each 
taking 15 minutes of “Food ini the 
Great/' vidpic series which starts 
on ABC-TV Aug. 25. Series will 
be beamed Saturdays at 11-11:30 
am. 

Show, which features the Bunin 
puppets, is a William Morris Agen- 
cy package. Foodini, the puppet 
magico, was leading character in 
“Lucky Pup,” which had been aired 
alx-Umes-weekly on CBS-TV un- 
til last spring. 

Sundial starts sponsorship on 
Aug. 25. via Hoag Ac Provandie 
agency of Boston. B-M, for Ipana 
toothpaste, starts bankrolling on 
Oct. 6, through Doherty, Clifford 
Ac Shenfleld agency. B-M purchase 
is in addition to its recent inking 
of ABC-TV for a tele edition of 
“Mr. District Attorney” and its buy 
of ABC radio for “Mr. D. A.” and 
“Break the Bank” with Bert Parks. 


has done the technical pickups for 
theatres on all the fights they've 
carried so far. RCA, NBC's parent 
company, is moreover the major 

manufacturer currently of big- 
screen video equipment. And. it's 
recalled, NBC veepee Charles R. 
Denny proposed some years ago 
that NBC would be ready and will- 
ing to program for theatre video 
when and if the theatres could pay 
for it. 

How such a venture would elimi- 
nate the competition between the- 
atres and the networks for rights 
to sports events has not been ex- 
plained. Theatre operators realize 
that the sports shows mean nothing 
to them unless they get exclusive 
rights, which would necessarily 
eliminate the broadcasters from 
carrying them. 


This type program depends on 
celebs to hypo the interest, and 
Allison's production staff should 
hustle up figures of prominence, 
and keep up a steady flow of them. 
It’s too much of a demand on the 
gabber when he is left with the 
local Joe* and Janes to be brought 
up from the tables, and he is too 
new to the local terrain (four 
weeks) and needs name guests. 
Start of show season next month 
and return of big floor show acts 
will be a help here. Cagh. 


Schenectady — Mary McGarry, 
former director of women's pro- 
grams on WABY, Albany, is now 
with the traffic department of 
WGY and WRGB-TV, Schenectady. 

St Louis — Alan Thompson, pro- 
duction head of WEW, the St. 
Louis University station, is doub- 
ling in brass, having been appointed 
director of music at the institution. 
Thompson, a native of England, 
has been in radio for 24 years and 
at WEW for the past year. 


WCOP Activates Pasage 
Of Anti-Narcotic Law 

Boston, Aug. 7. 

WCOP, Hub indie, is taking bows 
for its part in aiding passage of a 
stiff Anti-Narcotic law, signed by 
Massachusetts Governor Dever, 
last week. Bill, which was filed last 
February by Rep. Meyer Pressman, 
had been pigeonholed until station, 
cooperating with daily Record- 
American, stirred up enough public 
interest to force passage of the 
bill. Station aired several round 
table discussions of the narcotic 
problem, spotted news bulletins 
reporting bill’s progress and other- 
wise actively engaged in pushing 
the measure through. 

In appreciation of WCOP's aid. 
Rep. Pressman invited the station’s 
production manager, Henry Lund- 
quist. to witness the signing of the 
bill in the governor's chambers. 


»' - Continue* from ease IS — | f 

broadcasts, can work out a solu- 
tion which will be satisfactory to 

baseball and the broadcasters. The 
Committee is inquiring whether 
baseball should be exempt from 
the anti-trust laws. 

65 r r Losses Last Year 
Trautman said that most minor 
league clubs are operated primar- 
ily as civic enterprises and that 
with a great many It is a case of 
keeping losses to a minimum rather 
than making a profit. He said that 
65% of the clubs reported losses 
last year. 

A survey presented by Trautman 


THE REPORT 

With Charles Kuralt; announcer. 
Bob Carroll 
Writer: Ken McClure 
15 Mins.; Sun., It -p.m. 

Sustaining 

WAYS, Charlotte. N. C. 

WAYS, the ABC affiliate in 
Charlotte, has come up with a 

fairly interesting news roundup of 
the week in “The Report,” a 15- 
minute airer. Written by Ken 
McClure of the station’s staff, the 
digest recounts world events as 
well as local happenings. 

To get away from a dry repeti- 
tion of things the public has 


Lss Continue* from page ZS gssJ 

“slander.” He said It was damaging 
to the reputation of all foreign cor- 
respondents, including those of ra- 
dio. 

“It is likely to do enormous harm 
to William Oatls (Associated Press 
correspondent recently Jailed on 
spy charges in Czechoslovakia) on 
the kind of flimsy charges to which 
your radio series lends credence,” 
Shaw wrote. 

Trendle said: “I still think this 
whole thing is foolish. Everybody 
knows that an undercover man 
must have some kind of a job as a 
front. Wt were very happy with 
Bob in his present job as a re- 
porter. 

“But, what are we going to do 
with him now? If we make him a 


Boston— Craig Lawrence. WCOP 
general manager, has been ap- 
pointed Radio Representative of 
the State Public Affairs Commit- 
tee of Civil Defense Agency. Ap- 
pointed to his program advisory 
committee are George Perkins, 
WHDH program director; Joseph 
Tobin, co-owner WJDA, Quincy; 
Wayne H. Latham, program direc- 
tor, WSPR, Springfield, and Har- 
old A. Dorschug. chief engineer, 
WEEI, technical adviser. 


Boston — Richard E. Johnson, for 
past 10 years engineer at WCOP, 
has resigned to accept post as chief 
engineer of Lowell Institute's FM 
station. Now under construction, 
station expects to hit the air in 
early fall. 

Lone Star, Tex. — Application 
has been made to the FCC b> the 
Lone Star Broadcasting Co. for a 
new standard broadcast outlet, to 
operate on 1300 kilocycles with a 
power of 500 watts daytime. Prin- 
cipals in the company are equal 
partners. Pierce R Brooks and 
T. H. Parham. The outlet would 
cost an estimated $16,570 to con- 
struct, and the first year operating 
cost is set at $24,000 with the es- 
timated revenue the first, year $46,- 
000 . 


already read in newspapers or 


READY 


KOTVs Power Boost 

Tulsa, Aug. 7. 

KOTV, television station In 
Tulsa, has been granted higher 
power by FCC to extend reception 
over a wider area. KOTY, among 
the first three of the nation’s 107 
stations to request an increase, 
may go up to its maximum trans- 
mitter power of 100,000 watts. 

Marie Helen Alvarez, president, 
said the hike will give the station 
a signal strength of more than 20,- 
480 square miles. 


TV Drama to Coast 


Lsa CenUnued from pan tt ssssJj 

ton Berle’s 'Texaco Star Theatre” 
(NBC), Ed Sullivan's 'Toast of the 
Town” (CBS) and DuMont's “Cav- 
blcade of Stars” will probably re- 
main in N. Y. except for occasional 
special-purpose originations from 
the Coast. 

In addition to “Comedy Hour” 
and “All-Star,” NBC has decided 
that Red Skelton will air his show 
live from the Coast on the cable, 
rather than filming it, as originally 
planned. CBS hopes to air all 
shows from the Coast which cur- 
rently emanate from there via the 
kinescope route, including Alan 
Young and Burns and Allen. In 
addition. Jack Benny's four or five 
shows yearly for CBS will come 
from the Coast, in addition to sev- 
eral new packages the web has 
scheduled, such as “My Friend 
Irma” and the Lucille Ball-Desi Ar- 
naz show. 


Birmingham — Burtt F. McKee, 
Jr., production director at WAFM- 
TV here, will leave next month to 
take a position with the “Voice of 
America” in Damascus. Syria. Mc- 
Kee was production director for 
WAPI for nine years before trans- 
ferring to the CBS station’s TV 
outlet. 


Strong Goes to WMAL 

Washington, Aug. 7. 

Jerry Strong, disk jockey at 
WINX, Washington, for the past 
11 years, has switched to WM^L, 
ABC's outlet here. 


San Antonio — Corwin Riddell, 
veteran southwest newscaster is 
being presented in a quarter-hour 
newscast each Sunday afternoon 
over the Texas State Network and 
KABC here. Airings are sponsored 
by Morning Glory for mattresses 
and box springs. 

Galveston — Larry Rasco has 
been named program director of 
KGBC here. He will also serve 
as news editor. Rasco comes here 
from KTSA, San Antonio. 

Memphis — Recent announce- 
ments by four local theatres here 
and one in New Albany. Miss., to 
install theatre-TV equipment have 
caught the fancy of The Memphis 
Press-Scimitar, p.m. daily here, 
which announced the birth of a 
new daily television column. New 
daily feature which will kick off 
in about two weeks will be au- 
thored by Bob Johnson, w.k. 
Memphis reporter and former 
radio ed of the Scripps - Howard 
p.m. here. 

Portsmouth. O. — Marshall Ro- 
sene. general manager of WSAZ, 
Huntington, W. Va., has resigned 
his post to take over as general 
manager and president of WNXT. 
new 1 .000-watt station due to go on 
the air here in late August. 

Detroit — Worth Kramer, veepee 
and general manager of WJR, and 
Lee B. Wailes, veepee of the Fort 
Industry Co. operators of WJBK 
here, will chair the radio and tele- 
vision committees, respectively, of 
Detroit's United Foundation cam- 
paign. United Foundation is a 
setup which collects funds for 
various national and local health 
and welfare organizations. 

Salt Lake City— Kay Richins, 
disk Jockey and staff announcer 
at KALL, has been upped to pro- 
duction manager, assisting Jack 
Paige, program director. Richins 
wit formerly program director of 
KDYL. KALL has added Keith 
Atfmmtif i -stiffof. * 


JOHN ALDEN 
production 


Linus Carroll, Hotel Carlo, N. V, 


delivers the Goods 


WJBK 

root ttns 
SALES 


Originated and Developed 


JOHN STEVE 

ALDEN ZORICH JR 


• Live Entertainment 

O "Power" Personalities 
O Modern Appeal 
O Sparkling Format 
• Sustained Interest 
O Low Budgeting 

Inquiries Invited v 

JOHN ALDEN COMPANY 

PabHc end Parefgs ieJetleas 
307 West Eighth Street 
Let Angeles 14 , Celifernle 
minify 0011 

\ 

Cepyrif W ted mmd incorporated hi Cellar nie and Now York 


lory retailing for $4.t9 







Wcda— dey. Awg> t, Mil P'Jhi IWTf 


99 



' Carmen Miranda brought the house 
down with her South American tunes, 
and then as a piece de resistance, did 
a number without her famous turban, 
without the platform shoes, and, if you 
can believe it, she also did a bebop 
routine. You've got to catch it." 

HARRISON CARROLL* 

L. A. Herald Express 


"Carmen Miranda provides Ciro's 
with the fastest, flashiest 32 minutes 
the Sunset Strip spot has showcased in 
months • • • Stint makes the customers 
yell for more." 

VARIETY 


"She shattered the Sunset Strip. Gave 
^away bananas left from her turban to 
ladies at ringside. She's a South Amer- 
ican doll, and shook everything in the 
place— including the customers." 

HEDDA HOPPER 


"It isn't too surprising that Carmen 
Miranda has scored a hit at Ciro's. The 
vivacious Brazilian has always been an 
exciting performer. But she's greater 
now than ever before." 

PAUL COATES. L. A. Mirror 


"Carmen Miranda must have been on 
e diet of Vitamin B-12. She's got as 
much eneray as a jet propelled airplane 
and turned it loose all over the stage 
last night in her Ciro's opening, to the 
delight of the crowds that packed the 
place." 

PLORABEL MUIR. L A. Mirror. 


"The nightly excitement at Ciro's as 
Carmen Miranda explodes into action. 
Has been a big hit here." 

LOUIS SOBOL* 

N. Y. J o ur nal American 


"Best way to describe Carmen Mi- 
randa's act at Ciro's is 'WOWl' She is 
simply great with her strong comic 
talents and Bair for handling zany ma- 
terial. It is an evening which falls in 
the 'don't miss' category." 

HOLLYWOOD REPORTER 


"If you miss Carmen Miranda at 
Ciro's, you're either crazy or you don't 
have any money. What an artistl What 
a talent! What a fruit standi" 

JIM HENAGHAN. 
Hollywood Reporter 


Accompanied by the 

BANDODA LUA BOYS 


i It's the Same Story Cverywf n 

NCW YORK, MIAMI, CHICAGO, PHILADELPHIA, BOSTON 

HONOLULU, LONDON 


WM. MORRIS AGENCY 


Public Relatione 

HEBERT-GLENN ROSE 












Continued from page N 


Prior to the Congress of Sur- 
geons, the French Government 
starting Sept. 13 will sponsor of* 
ficial demonstrations of CBS color 
TV on the French Broadcasting 
System's 819-line definition, which 
the French maintain is a natural 
for color adaptability. Top stars 
of the Continent will be featured in 
special shows for Cabinet ministers 
and other dignitaries, with regular 
public demonstrations to follow. 

Dr. Peter Goldmark, CBS veepee 
who brainchilded the web’s field 
sequential mechanical color sys- 
tem. will be on hand for the events 
along with a number of CBS engi- 
neers. The French Government 
has extended an invitation to 
Wayne Coy, chairman of the FCC. 


the bureau, emceed. Jane Barton, speculation that severs cuems 
bureau program director, wrote may be invited to participate, in- 
show. Mrs. Mildred Meskil. of the eluding RCA. parent company of 
Dept. Woman’s Program, came on NBC. Web will also put up the 
camera for final exchange with g*.me for sale on radio. Mad KTTV 
Mrs. Beulah Southwell, owner of carried off the plum, the Times 
an Albany herb shop. station would have sold off the 

Off the beaten path, half-hour rights. That the CBS bid 

held moderate Interest. It was was mtle more than half of NBC’s 
draggy. uneven and uncertain in | offer is taken as an indication that 
spots — possibly inevitable in view network was not hopeful of 

of the fact the ra ° \ success and merely entered the bid 
television. Moylan, one-time Syra tokpn or a "wild chance." 

cuse announcer, displayed signs of as * tok en or a 

hesitation, nervousness and un* | 

certainty, although he wove the mi *»• j a 

program together with reasonable Ilf \y\tX HirCfl AS 
skill. He strove, not always success- . 

fully, for a light,, informal touch. 1J V Qfalp TV Adyicnr 

Moylan photographed well, espe- H.l. JlalC If nUf»UI 

cial from profile. He will improve Albany. Aug. 7. 

as a telecaster. | The Civil Service Commission 

Demonstration of steps taken in approved a request from the 
making rose stock had perhaps the sute Unlv t0 hire Dr , j. Keith 
most, lens punch Mrs. Hall s com- T , director e f ra dio education 
menUiT °" Jl'i* 1 "' 58 X™ at Ohio SUte University and a 

B^lth Coined atThccnd by M 16- member of the Joint Committee for 
year-old^Jauehter. talked en.hus,- ! Educational Television, as.spccial 
astically about gems, and displayed | TV consultant at *4o a day^ Dr 
a collection of them— color refer- Tyler s selection was announced 
ences could not be illustrated on some weeks ago. 
black and white. Miss Lee emerged He is to assist State University 
with the photogenic honors; she i officials in formulating plans for 
could do a musical TV show. How- | establishment of two or three video 
ever, her lively story of a Ken- j stations at state schools, when 
tucky woman left, through death ■ channels for educational television 
of her husband, with an eight-year- become available. 

old son to support, who built a sub- i — 

sequent career with General Elec- 1 

‘ric did not come ofT as sharply as iy|p| s> Station PlllRS Its 
it should have. Jaco. ^ 


for guidance undoubtedly they 
were more confused than ever after 
pondering the varied answers from 
(hr**e girl and two bov participants. 

Allen Ludden. who moderates 
the session, could have been more 

.kiutiua In wrannlne UP 


objective in wrapping up the 
participants’ varied opinions into 
one solution for the poser at hand. 
On the question of dyeing ones 
hair, which caused a considerable 


for each program. Adolescents 
were concerned with such minor 
dilemnas as "what should a boy 
give a girl for a going away 
present?”. Of a more important 
nature was "should a 18-year-old 
girl marry a 21-year-old boy who 
drinks?’’. Discussion among the 
panel, although not objective, was 
spirited and Interesting One gal 
participant’s long-wfhded com- 
ments reminded of Eloise Mc- 
Elt'one In miniature. 

Originally created by station 
WTIC. Hartford, the show started 
via WNBT, N. Y.. last June. Be- 
tides the major problems, the for- 
mat also works in some "answer 
box" shorts which are briefies 
mainly concerned with teenage 
etiquette. To w f hip up audience in- 
terest. viewers are asked to nom- 
inate a "top teenager" among their 
acquaintances. Various prizes are 


■^5555 Coattaaek from page li 1 

since their role in the entire proj- 
ect was merely an attempt to at 
least partially smooth out some of 
the ill feeling inspired among sec- 
tions of the colored community by 
the tele series. The strenuous ob- 
jections to the participation of the 
A&A trio in the Defender-backed 
Biliiken activities raised by the 

NAACP, both locally and national- 
ly, have alerted both the brewery 
and the network to the seriousness 
of the controversy. 

A meeting has been set up in 
New York which will bring togeth- 
er reps of Negro group. Blatz and 
CBS for a thorough kickaround of 
the entire matter. Parties are ex- 
pected to meet within a few days. 


Continued fr 


WOMAN AT WORK 

W*th Beth Lee. Mr*. Alfred Hall. 

Mrs. Elisabeth Hall. Neal L. 

Moylan, others 
Writer: Jane Barton 
Director: Bill Mnlvey 
39 Mins.: Son. (5). 3:30 p.m. 

N. Y. STATE DEPT. OF COM- 
MERCE 

WRGB-TV, Schenectady 

Public service program, arranged 
by the State Dept, of Commerce 
and produced in cooperation with 
the State Radio-Television Bureau 
to demonstrate the assistance 
which the former can give to 
women in establishing their own 
businesses, featured interviews 
with four successful Capital district 
women. Neal Moylan, director of 


"Strike It Rich" TV network show world will congregate. The Con- 
over WTNC-TV the last two weeks gress this year, the largest yet. will 
in August when its own staffer per- take its cue from the thematic 
sonality. Randy Merriman. will be "White Paper" prepared by Dr. 
pinchhitting for vacationing War- Louis Bazy. former Surgeon Gen- 
ren Hull as emcee. eral of France and organizer of the 

This will be Merriman’s first as- Committee of Governors arranging 
signment on a network show and the Congress, that "color television 
KSTP-TV wouldn’t stand in his in surgery is the most revolution- 
way. even though the show locally | ary advance since the teaching of 
is carried on the rival station. Mer- ’ surgery." 

riman's present TV show, "Cash For five days, from Sept. 24 to 
’n’ Carry," is sponsored by Vel and Sept. 29, there will be a series of 
Cavalier cigarets through William specially-selected operations at the 
Esty Co., New York. Agency was Boucicault hospital in Paris which 
so impressed by sales record Mer- the surgeons will view from color 
riman racked up for both accounts | TV receivers which will be moved 

into France following the Berlin 
demonstrations. There will be re- 
ports on the advances made in the 
series of "color TV surgery” during 
the past year in the United States, 
under 


AM, TV Shows Inspire 
2 New Comic Books 

Radio and television properties 
are inspiring a couple more comic 
books. 

National Comics Publications has 
brought out "Big Town." based on 
the Lever Bros, stanza on CBS 
radio and tele networks. Ziff Davis, 
Inc., is bringing out "Sparkle," fea- 
turing the imaginary character on 
"Big Jon" Arthur’s ABC programs. 


A GREAT GROUP! 


HI, LO 

JACK 

AND THE 

DAME 


New Yideoater Series 

Hollywood, Aug. 7. 

Series of 13 half-hour oater tele- 
pix toplining Milt Swift is set to 
roll in mid-August, bankrolled by 
newly-formed syn<Hc»te of five 
businessmen from Long Beach and 
Glendale, Calif. 

Shooting of the vidpix, at the 
Goldwyn studios, will be by Wes 
Beeman Productions. Dick Avonde 
has been named exec v.p. and as- 
sociate producer on the oaters, 
which also top-bill comedy team 


Smith. Kline it French 
Laboratory sponsorship auspices, 
with S-K-F also Identifying itself 
with the Paris Congress demon- 
strations. 

Out of the forthcoming Congress 
will come blueprints for the hos- 
pital of tomorrow — with specially- 
constructed operating rooms de- 
signed for color TV projection, 
with its special lighting, in place 
of the present theatre-for-students. 


ing by NBC. In return for exclu- 
sive broadcast rights, NBC helped 
to promote other events leading up 
to the game with a series of alr- 


DONALD OXONMOR 
la "THI MILKMAN*' 
<UnlverMl-liitematl«iMin 


560 ’s the Rave Wave 
On WFIL-adelphia Sets ! 


Best 4/5 buy in Philly these 
da^s isn’t 90 proof. It’s WFIL's 
share of the city’s radio audience 
—and it’s 100 per cent proved! 

Says Broadcast Measurement 
Bureau’s latest survey: four- 
fifths of Philadelphia radio own- 
ers regularly set their dials to 
WFIL at 560 kilocycles. 

That means when you sched- 
ule WFIL. 1.400.000 people are 
listening in the city alone. That 
means people with $3,682,770,000 
in disposable cash hear your pitch. 

And if you want to spread 
around a bit, count the ears lent 
to WFIL outside the city— in all 
the 14-County Retail Trading 
Area. Here are a million more 
prospects . . . another $3 billion 
In buying power. 

And then there’s the huge 
bonus area beyond . . • but why 
go on? Just remember, you’ra 
first on the dial In America’s 
third marked when you sched- 
ule WFIL. 



5 60 k c 


Cl)f Pml/iDflp)n/i 
Blnfluiftr Station 


of Wallis A Carroll. 

New KEYL-TV Staffer. I 

San Antonio, Aug. 7. 

Frederick W. Smith has been 
added to the staff of KEYL-TV as 
director and assistant to W. R. 
Robb. Jr., program manager. 
Vernor Poerner has taken over 
duties of stage manager following 
the promotion of Bill Michaels to 
the directing staff. 

Robert G. Dalchau, formerly as- 
sistant in the film department, has 
been upped to post of film editor 
succeeding Tom J. Malory, who 
recently resigned. 

Yellow Cab’s Quizzer 

San Antonio, Aug. 7. 

The Yellow Cab Co., here is 
sponsoring a new audience quiz 
show titled "What’s My Name," 
based upon baseball personalities. 

Quiz is aired between the dally 
major league airings on KMAC 
here. 


Baltimore — WAAM has sold the 
local end of the "Miss Television” 
Contest to American Brewery Co., 
which launched the promotion with 
a press party at the Sheraton Bel- 
vedere Hotel. Full page ads in 
color, street car and outdoor ballv 
will back up the deal, which will 
distribute ballots for voting for 
one of the six gals previously se- 
lected in preliminary trails over 
the station. Kuff 6c Feldstein 
agency, with Elmer Free, repre- 
sented the sponsor. 


Your Top TV 

Sales opportunity 




Wilmington 


In the Market which har- highest 
» n c 0 hi e per family i the c p u-n t r * 



ROBERT MEEKER ASSOCIATES 








Among the publishers, reaction 
to the disk-jockey-as-a-Franken- 
stein thesis was split with the line 
of division running geneftlly be- 
tween the old-line firms, for the 
ayes, and the newcomers, for the 
nays. Both wings of the business, 
however, agreed that the exploiters 
of mechanical music, especially the 
jukebox ops, were getting too much 
of a free ride and that the Copy- 
right Act was overdue for a revi- 
sion in favor of the creative end of 
the industry. 

Most of the established pubs 
look upon the disk jockey as the 
end result of an evolution which 
has put the record-makers in the 
industry saddle. Not only are the 
deejays looked upon as a menace 
because of their inexhaustible maw 
for tunes, but the a rtlsts-and -reper- 
tory setups at the major wax works 
are regarded with equal distaste by 
many vet pubs. 

One publisher said that the a&x 
men seem to regard them the pubs) 
as little more than "office boys,” 
with their only function being to 
carry tunes to the diskers* desks 
for approval. This attitude on the 
a&r men's part was confirmed by 
a top platter exec who candidly put 
the publishers in the same class as 
the supplier of Vinylite. 

Chain Hate Reaction 

Paradoxically enough, the pubs' 
attitude towards the diskers is al- 
most exactly duplicated in the 
diskers' attitude towards the dee- 
(Continued on page 45) 

Overdose of Disk Jock 
Plug Borns Up Hits Too 
Rapidly — Sid Lippmann 

Minneapolis, Aug. 7. 

Federal legislation or other 
means to limit the number of times 
any song can be played during a 
given period over radio or TV is 
proposed by Sid Lippman, co-au- 
thor of "Too Young” with Sylvia 
Dee. here from New York to visit 
his hometown. 

This is essential for pop song- 
writers* financial welfare ’ because 
the present era of disk Jockeys is 
bringing in its wake speedy death 
for the smash hits. 4 Lippman feels 
that, with few exceptions, the 
writers of even the biggest pop 
hits are not receiving their just 
financial rewards today. 

It’s all because the disk jockeys 
kill off the hits quickly by playing 
them too often. “Of course, this 
disk jockey business works two 
ways,” concedes Lippman. "Be- 
cause of frequent repetition over 
the air many songs become big hits 
quicker than otherwise would be 
the case. But In the aggregate 
the surfeiting of the listening pub- 
lic does songwriters more harm 
than good.” 

Lippman doesn’t blame the 
jocks. He says their younger fans 
actually send in requests for the 
same numbers over and fiver and 
almost constantly. 

What part hick plays in landing 
a songwriter ia the smash-hit class 
Is Illustrated anew by "Too 
Young’s” history, Lippman points 
out. It was written three years 
ago, but didn't attain publication 
until late last year. In the Interim 
every leading New York publisher 
turned thumbs down on it except 
Redd Evans of Jefferson Music, 
who was sold on it from the out- 
set. 

Need Good Disk Version 

, According to Lippman, ’Too 
Young** it an example of how Im- 
portant It ia to get a good record- 
ing of n song and that, regardless 
of Its quality and potential, indif- 
ferent and poor recordings can 
break it. The Nat "King” Colo 
recording "made” the tong This 
version alone has told nearly 1,- 
000,000 platters for Capitol, has 
projected the number to its present 
position on the air and TV, and 
made it a more than 500,000 best 
teller sheet music piece In a very 
depressed market. 

Ordinarily, Lippman estimates, a 
(Continued on pago 45) 


Sex Frank Walker 

Frank B. Walker, prei of 
MGM Records, observes, 

"Down through the years 
Vakixtt and 1 have seen 
things in the music business 
pretty much eye-to-eye. We 
don't differ on your "Music 
Biz’s Frankenstein” editorial. 

"I like to believe that the 
old-fashioned way of exploit- 
ing songs was better but time 
moves on, r> and I could be 
be wrong.” 


Davis CaDs It 
‘Stop-Music ’ Biz 

Benny Davis is one of the real- 
istic songs miths who merely sees 
the deejay as a 1051 evolution that 
dates back to payola in the olden 
days. Today’s DJ, in the main, is 
not on-the-take, but he must be 
romanced just as Jesse Crawford at 
the Broadway Paramount Theatre 
was years ago, when the organist 
was so important to "make” a song. 
Or when the bandleader, later with 
radio, or with vaudeville acts in the 
days before Crawford and the 
bands. 

"First it Was Jolson, liter it was 
Tommy Dorsey, and before that 
and in-between a publisher would 
buy an act its wardrobe, or a ward- 
robe trunk, or pay for 1,000 the- 
atrical photos, and the like. So. to- 
day, they don’t contact the bands 
as assiduously as they did, instead, 
they’re wining-and-dining the dee- 
J«y*. 

"Main thing is that the music 
publisher no longer has control of 
his song. He may place it with a 
disk company for a male and wind 
up with a girl singing it. The rec- 
ord is the sudden-death barometer, 
to the degree that the songwriter 
suffers. 

"In former years a publisher 
stayed on a song, spent money plug- 
ging it,” continues Davis. "Many 
songs could be made hits, but the 
publishers roll the easiest way. Too 
Young* was on the market for 
months, and might have gone the 
way of many another equally good 
song, but luckily a terrific Nat 
(King) Cole record came along 
which gave the song a terrific dem- 
onstration. There are any number 
of equally good tongs but it’s got- 
ten so that it’s the "Stop the Music” 
business — a million-to-one shot. If 
the record zings, you’re in. But If 
not, they lay down cold. That’s why 
I say it’s no longer a music pub- 
lishing business — it’s a case of the 
record and the deejay, and that's 
wrong and unsound. It may work 
out swell for those catch-as-catch- 
can firms which do hit the jackpot 
with a good recording, but It's fun- 
damentally unsound in the best 
traditions of music publishing.” 


Pubs Score Diskeries 

For Discovery’ Kick 

A music publisher who is typical 
of the don’t-quote-me and don’t- 
want-get-in-trouble footnoters 
scores the diskeries for abetting 
the deejays in their "discovery” 
kick 

For one thing, there are record- 
ing outfits with .subsidiary, affili- 
ate or other tied-in publishing ven- 
tures which make no bones shout 
the fact that they "like to take 
from guys with offices in their 
hats.” Another brags. "I don't need 
Warner Bros., referring to the WB’s 
Music Publishers Holding Corp- 
which embraces such fine old 
houses as Witmsrk. Harms and 
Remlck, plus subsids like New 
World (Gershwin), Advanced Music 
and others. 

Another says, "I’d rather pick 
'em from Nashville,” referring to 
that focal point of hillbilly and 
folk song origination (WSM, Nash- 
ville). Another puts accent on the 
faet that only the lesser publishers 
will "cooperate on exclusives,” 
which is fallacious because once 
there Is a "notice-of-uaer" — under 
the Copyright Act — anybody can 
record an "exclusive.” That exclu- 
sivity can sometimes be cut down 
as fine as 24 hours if gny competi- 
tive diskery ever set out to make 
a fast waxing and jump into the 
competitive market. 


Sees Editorial 

m 

A Pitch For Some 
Passe Music Pubs 

By JOSEPH R. CARLTON 

(V.P., Mercury Record a) 

Your editorial brings to mind an 
aged, fading, soubret, who sits in 
the outdoor cafe on the Champs- 
Elysees. mutters oaths at the thin 
vermouth and the new generation, 
and whinnies now and then for the 
“Paris of yesteryear.” 

So with this blast at the disk 
Jockey, written for the sole benefit 
of a few old-line music publishers. 
At least you repeat the same obso- 
lete premise . . . that the music 
trade belongs only to the publish- 
ing business . . . and come up Vith 
the obviously faulty conclusion that 
all the horses (record execs, d. J.’s. 
performers, writers, etc.) should 
retreat through the locked door 
into the stable. 

Piety nor wit can alter the fact 
that the music trade today is big- 
ger than the old publishing busi- 
ness. just as the old publishing 
business is too little and too set 
in Its ways for the real music busi- 
ness. Records and disk jockeys 
have fiung open vast new music 
markets to encompass the smallest 
cities of America. The once-proud 
aristocracy of the major musical 
metropolis can no longer cofitrol 
the channels of "hit” exploitation, 
so they wail and lament and rue 
and look backwards and warn us 
"Just wait, television will fix every- 
thing.” 

What do the publishers fear? If 
there were 50,000 disk jockeys, 
there would be so much more op- 
portunity to review new songs and 
uncover new talents. The good 
music and the good judgment of 
the good publishers will pervade 
down to the public level. _ What 
is evil about competition from new 
publishers and new sources of hit- 
making? 

We have a bigger audience than 
(Continued on page 48) 


Other Headache* 

The deejay self-examination 
has also disclosed the lawyers, 
agents, business managers who 
want "deals,” and other latter- 
day travail that goes with to- 
day’s music publishing evolu- 
tion. 

Publishers complain that In 
former years, if a writer placed 
a song and he got an advance 
and assurance it would get a 
"plug,” that was that. Today, 
lawyers and business manage- 
ments get into the act on spe- 
cial provisions, etc., which fre- 
quently upset a deal. 


Avers Musk Biz 
Started Payola 

Hartford, Aug. S. 
Editor, Variety: 

Was just abmit to take off for 
a short vacation but figured I’d 
wait until 1 dashed off this com- 
ment or two on your editorial on 
the "Frankenstein.” 

I have often wondered why the 
so-called business men of the mu- 
sic world have taken it upon them- 
selves to "Ax” certain disk-jockeys 
in order to supposedly assure 
themselves of a hit. To my way 
of thinking, a song stands on its 
own — no matter what pressures are 
brought to bear by pluggers, pub- 
bers and the like. Sure I know the 
"payola” system exists — but who 
itarted it/ Look around your own 
backyard — big and small alike are 
not adverse to gentle bribing of 
disk-jockeys. As far as I person- 
ally am concerned. I never have 
and never will tolerate any attempt 
to "buy” a plug from me — of 
course, no one has come around 
with a five pound box of money or 
a small Cadillac as yet! 

Last summer, I had the pleasure 
of appearing on the Chesterfield 
ABC’s of Music show. I know how 
7 got on the show — yet at least 
three "characters” showed up at re- 
hearsals claiming that they alone 
were responsible for my being 
(Continued on page 48) 


This Pub Salutes the Disk Jock For 


Everything But Inventing Penicillin 


By HOWARD S. RICHMOND < 

I disagree that "the music busi- 
ness built a Frankenstein for itself 
by building up the disk jockey to 
his present level.” 

First of all, the deejiy has not 
been built up by. the business, but 
by the public. There are all kinds 
of spinners of disks and makers 
with repartee. They don’t all earn 
a President’s salary, and the ones 
who do aren’t necessarily on the 
highest wattage. It’s what these 
fellers do with their shows and the 
way they work as showmen and 
salesmen that places them on top 
or out looking, for a new job. And 
It’s the public who decides, not 
the music publishers, who is going 
to be listened to and who isn’t. 
Most of the big men in recorded 
radio muaic have spent 10 or 20 
years cresting their own audiences. 

Long before the recent upsurge 
of records as a source of revenue 
surpassing sheet music in boxoffice 
draw (1 think about 1940), the 
sheet copies had dwindled. If my 
dad (Maurice Richmond, one of the 
real pioneers of the whole doggone 
popular music biz) has his memory 
cap on properly, It was when .10- 
cent music went out, prior to radio 
that the general' rule of million- 
copy song sales disappeared. Sure, 
there have been big copy songs— 
even last year’s 'Tennessee Waltz” 
proved it can still be done, but only 
when the song’s got the stuff. No 
pubtisher with a steady run of hits 
in the past 15 years could count 
on prosperity from sheet sales, and 
this all happened before the deejay 
got ao popular. The '30s were 
pretty dismal yean for copy sales. 
(Only the Frankenstein was sup- 
posedly live radio, remember?) 

ASCAP has made a fabulous con- 
tribution to the creative partners, 
the writers and publisher, of the 


Wortt Payola Town§ 

The trade admits that Bos- 
ton and Chicago are the top 
payola towns in the business, 
so far as disk jocks are con- 
cerned. 


music business. Certainly the $14,- 
000,000 melon compensates for 
"free” public reception of music 
on radio, TV, in clubs, etc. And 
let’s not forget how much BMI is 
doing to stimulate competition, of- 
fer opportunity and recognition and 
acceptance to new writers and pub- 
lishers. The BMI performance pay- 
ments have helped lessen the life 
or death struggle for the publisher 
and writer. And this all happened 
prior to ndminating the deejay and 
radio record programs as the music 
industry evil. 

Great Expietteer 

The deejay counts because he 
contributes a major function in the 
popularity of a song. He offers the 
best possible of all performances 
and Interpretation* through the 
medium of a recording. Artists, 
musicians, arrangers, technicians 
and all aorta of people have spent 
days, weeks and even months to 
get on wsx their very bent perform- 
ance. Not just a remote broad- 
cast with bad balance, and noisy 
dancers. But the best of all pos- 
sible treatments from every ap- 
proach artistically and technically. 
That's what’q on the record! That’s 
why people prefer it to the live 
performance. 

Why should the public be expect- 
ed to accept less than the best? 
It may be wrong that the perform- 
er gets no more than the basic 
royalty. Don't blame this on the 
deejay. The performer’s retail 
(Continued on page 48) 


DJ SEED DODD 

iinn 

The musie business Is one of ex- 
tremes, and as result the early re- 
action to Vamety’s exposition on 
whether Tin Pan Alley may have 
built itself a Frankenstein in the 
form of the disk jockey found 
sharply contrasted reactions. The 
pro-DJ prototype, of which the 
younger, more enterprising and 
hence more opportunistic musid 
publisher is typical, gives the 
deejay credit for everything in- 
cluding the invention of penicillin. 

To this typ# music man, the disk 
jock is the surefire barometer on 
music tastes: tbs continuing ave- 
nue for exploitation and populari- 
zation: the most direct equation be- 
tween the business and the ulti- 
mate consumer. They gp over- 
board, even wondering what’s 
payola? That's where sharp prac- 
tice ends and naivete begins — or 
it’s a naivete as studiously inno- 
cent as any sharpshooter who gives 
those gullible enough to accept it 
the wide-eyed technique. 

There’s no disputing the stature 
of the deejay and his affirmative 
contribution to the music business. 
But It doesn’t gainsay the fact, as 
a vet songsmith like Benny Davis 
points out, for instance, that "the 
music publisher has lost control of 
his copyright, which technically is 
owned by his publishing firm but 
which is theoretical because the 
recording company takes hold, and 
from then on the fate of the song, 
the songwriter and the publisher 
(Continued on page 42) 


WTSL’s Milt Kray Sez 
Small Stations Couldn’t 
Exist Without Records 


Hanover, N. H. 

Editor, Vaeiety: 

Strictly from the persona] stand- 
point of the writer, and the party 
line hinterland station, it is true 
that radio and the disks, plus the 
jockey, have taken over instead of 
pub’ed sheets. And true, there is 
a lot of the so-called payola, etc., 
which may call for a Congressional 
in the day of the«many investiga- 
tions. The pros and cons are some- 
thing for others to argue. We see 
practically nothing of that aspect 
and many of the outlets hereabouts 
don’t even get a sniff of good 
service from the companies. We 
buy our copies. Here, It’s "Play 
pretty for the people or they won't 
listen." 


On your basic theme. I wonder 
if you have- considered the fact 
that the old parlo% piano, and the 
days of buying the new sheet mu- 
sic on the stands, have long since 
gone by. It’s cheaper to buy s 
combination radio-phono and hear 
the latest by the top artist, arranger 
and orch. "What’s fresh and new 
on the music side? Let’s listen to 
our favorite disk show.” What 
makes a favorite dfck show? You 
tell me. 

Without recorded music, the 
small station could close its doors, 
and as It happens the small sta- 
tion has become the centre of small 
town USA. We’re part of the com- 
munity and as such, we're ruled by 
the community. The average DJ 
hereabouts doesn’t plug a disk. 
The most he can do is introduce 
the new ones. After that the lis- 
tener tells him what he plays. 

The bad features of "Franken- 
stein" we can’t argue, but the 
fact remains radio is note the mu- 
tic business’s top pi upper, and the 
disk is the way it’s being pub- 
lished. Milt Kray. 


LECT SCHNEIDER TO 
DECCA DIRECTORATE 


Leonard W. Schneider. Decea 
exec vice-prexy, was elected a di- 
rector of the company at a board 
meeting last week. 

At the same time, the board ac- 
cepted the resignation of Dave 
Kapp, who recently was ousted as 
veepee by Decca pres Milton R. 
Rackmil. 






om page 41 S5SS3SSBS55V | 

and cities. These are the real men- 
aces of the music business. Their , 
income on a nickle-a-play runs 
into, the millions. They sew up 
the local kids, pressure them and 
talk them into ‘tieups.’ a la the 
same kids who have been trapped 
in the recent basketball scandals, 
and I rather suspect that the major 
record companies blind themselves 
to this. Because these ‘syndicates’ 
work the record distributors, and 
if they’re bearing down on this or 
that record, the accent thus is on 
getting as many 'plays' as pos- 
sible.” 

Ford accents that he. nor any 
right-thinking deejay would ever 
say anything “stinks”; that he nor 
they would do anything deliberate- 
ly to hurt an artist, a song or a 
product: that “we might sometimes 
be compelled to say that this is 
the worst record so-and-so ever 
made, but we are not on-the take 
guys, we are not destructive, we 
are a plus to the industry.” • 

Ford thinks that some sort of a 
board to regulate things, with 
Variety at the helm, would auto- 
matically cure any backsliding 
where mobsters, local syndicates 
and other pressure groups, includ- 
ing payola-minded music pub- 
lishers. “might have engineered 
corruptive influences.” 

But he doesn't see how payola 
can exist in the bigger cities — al- 
though in the same breath he con- 
cedes that Boston and Chicago, cer- 
tainly two of the top key keys in 
the U. S., are "the most payolaed 
towns” — because the pay is good. 
If the kids in the sticks are 
caught in a vacuum, and grow up 
under a larceny influence thinks 
Ford, “that’s where the Variety- 
supervised board could right the 
wrongs of the take-’em characters.” 


Ivory Rag Mac Melodies 

I Apoljgixe Victoria 

Be My Love . F.D & H. 
Mockin' Bird Hill . Southern 
Jezebel . Connelly 

On Top of Old Smoky . . Leeds 
My Truly TiMly Fair . . Dash 
Too Late Now ...New World 

Shot Gun Boogie Connelly 

Loveliest Night F.D.&H. 

Second 12 

Our Very Own Wood 

God Bless You Carolin 

You Are My Destiny. Swan 
September Song Sterling 

Unless F.D. AH. 

Would I Love You Disney 

Life’s Desire Lennox 

Sparrow in Treetop Clnephonic 
Beggar In Love . Cinephonic 
Little White Duek . Southern 
In English Garden . ...Sun 
Fifty Years Ago . . Connelly 


Nat (King) Cole; “Make Believe Someone Knew I Was Lonesome" 
Land” -”111 Always Remember -’’Tell The Truth” (Decca). Two 
You” ( Capitol*. Still riding high disappointing sides by the Gordon 
with his Too Young” click. Cole Jenkins crew, which usually comes 
comes up with another good poten- up with something fresh. These 
tial in “Make Believe Land/’ It’s arrangements, however are sweet- 
a lovely ballad in the “Over The ly lack-lustre, with Jenkins repeat- 
Rainbow” vein, Cole delivering ing some musical figures u*ed more 
with his usual sensitivity. Hugo appropriately on other tunes. It 
Wlnternalter orch and chogus also c p u |d numbers are 

have an excellent cut for Victor, slightly on the cliche side. 

Stuart Foster soloing. On the Cap- Merv Griffta-Hugo Winterhalter 
itol flip. Cole strongly projects an , Orch: “Belle, Belle, My Liberty 
okay number. Pete Rugolo orch Belle”-“I Fall In Love With You 
and chorus backing neatly. | Ev’ry Day” (Victor!. Merv Griffin 

Tamara Hayes: “Hold Me-Hold (Freddy Martin band vocalist • 
Me-Hold Me ’-‘ You Blew Out The turns in a cutely hoked-up version 
Flame In My Heart” < Decca). Negro of one of the hokiest folk tunes to 
cafe vocalist from the Coast con- stem from Tin Fan Alley. Grunn 
tinues to impress as a standout , *pd chorus will give the Guy 
song stylist. There’s a slight bop Mitchell version for Columbia a 


responsible awareness to tneir 
obligation”; that, because of their 1 
persuasiveness as platter-chatter- 
ers and merchandisers they are en- 
listed for all sorts of altruistic 
causes; that “they raise families 
and deport themselves in p whole- 
some manner,” and that the> 
shouldn’t be broadly indicted be- 
cause of. possibly, a few back- 
sliders. 

Ford’s WNEW (N. Y.) shows en- 
joys top-rating for its straight mu- 
sical exposition since Ford is not 
an opinionaior, an inlefvievti . of a 
cause-pitcher *a la Barry Gray. 
“Big Joe’’ Rosenfeld. Kal Ross, et 
al*. and he thinks he falls within 
the orbit of “record showmen’’ 
when he projects a “just-off-the- 
wax’’ work, or some “premiere’’ of 
a new album or artist 

The Lindy’s set has been slightly 
•gog over the spotlight on the 
deejays’, perhaps exaggerated 
function and/or importance in the 
music business, and the pros 4 
cons will probably continue for 
some time. 

There are and will continue to 
be that cautious segment which 
sounds off but “fears” repercus- 
sions from deejays since "we gotta 
live with them, you know, espe- 
cially because they are as impor- 
tant as Variety’s editorial states.” 

Ford perhaps best •• Illustrates 
the deejays’ viewpoint that the in- 
telligent. platter-chatterer is a mu- 
sicologist and a disk editor. “Some- 
times they’re violent as a yellow 
journal, but most often they are as 
calm and objective as the N. Y. 
Times.” he observes. 

Creative Force 

He thinks most of them are “a 
creative force” and certainly a for- 


Alan Lerner, Barton Lane 
Form Own Publishing Co 


Lyricist Alan Jay Lerner and 
composer Burton Lane have 
formed Lerland Music Co., which 
has been chartered to conduct a 
publishing, broadcasting and televi- 
sion business in New’ York. Lerner 
and Lane recently did the score for 
the Metro fllmusical “Royal Wed- 
ding.” and Lerner will be repre- 
sented on Broadway this fall in 
the Cheryl Crawford legit musical. 
“Paint Your Wagon,” on which he 
collaborated with Frederick Loewe. 
They are undecided as to whether 
they will publish their future prod- 
uct 

Capital stock of Lerland is 200 
shares, no par value. Directors are 
Lerner. Lane, Mrs. Nancy Lerner 
(screen actress Nancy Olson) and 
Mrs. Marion Lane. Fitelson A 
Mayers were filing attorneys. 


to restore the old b.o. platter 
power. “Tenderness” is the more 
commercial side, Sinatra rendering 
the sentimental theme more 
effectively than the sophisticated 
Rodgers A Hart number on the 
reverse. 

Jane Russell: “You'll Know’’- 
“Five Little Miles From San Ber- 
dedo” (London 1 . Film actress Jane 
Russell fares badly in her piping 
of "You’U Know” on wax where the 
lack of sight values can’t divert 
attention from the off-key and flat 
vocalizing. She comes out better 
on “San Berdedo,” a rhythm item 
which doesn't demand so much. 
Both tunes are from her RKO pic 
starrer, “Her Kind of Woman.” 

Album Reviews 

Josephine Baker (Columbia). Jo- 
sephine Baker’s magic as a per- 
former fails to come through fully 
In this set of French tunes. Cut 
in France, the quality of her voice 
is thin, much like the pre-acorati- 
csl era recordings, and the onfnes- 
tral backgrounds add nothing. 
Despite these hurdles, her style 
can be felt in such numbers as 
“Haiti." “C’est Lui," “Aux lies 
Hawaii" and "J’ai Deux Amours.” 
which are tops in this package of 
eight tunes. ' 

Platter Pointers 

Ralph Flanagan orch has a sharp 

Instrumental in “The Winky Dink.” 
a number closely fashioned after 
“The Huckle Buck” (Victor) . . . 
Lea Paul and Mary Ford closely 
follow the “How High The Moon” 
formula on their new Capitol 
release. “The World Is Waiting For 
The Sunshine” . . . On the same 
label. Glaele Mackenzie impresses 
with her rendition of “Jolie Jac- 
queline” and “Fairyland” . . . Ella 
Fitzgerald bounces out a highly 
boppified cut of “Smooth Sailing” 
for Decca . . . George WetUIng’s 
combo has packaged a solid set of 
jazz for Columbia . . . On the same 
label, Eddy Manaon flashes his 
virtuoso harmonica technique in 
another long-play set . . . Irving 
Zathmary orch showcases some 
fancy orchestral arrangements in a 
“Moods For Moderns” album issued 
under the new Madison Records 
label . . . Arthur Pry sock's cut of 
“Blue Velvet” rates attention 
(Decca) . . . Louis Armstrong’s 
version of “I Get Ideas” for Decca 
is just fair . . . Some more 
of Jerry Lewis' moderately effec- 
tive comedy vocalizing on wax in 
”1 Like It — I Like It” (Capitol) . . . 
Louis Jordan orch has a cute Item 
in “Three-Handed Woman” (Capi- 
tol). 

Standout western, folk, blues, 
rhvthm. religious, etc.; Bob Wills, 
“Pliney Jane” <M-G-M> . . . John 
Greer. “Big Rock” (Victor) • . 
Merle Travis, “Lost John Boogie ' 
(Capitol) . . . Sharkey Dixieland 
Kings, “Hungry Woman" (Capitol). 
. . . Tampa Red, “Since Baby’s Been 
Gone” (Victor) . . . Sister Rosetta 
Tharpe- Marie Knight: “Hli Eye Is 
On the Sparrow” (Decca). 


Cap Sets Aside Tuesdays 
For Publisher Contacting 


Sr. Lombardos’ 50th Anni 


The 50th wedding anniversary of 
the elder Mr. and Mrs. Guy Lom- 
bardo. parents of the musical clan, 
will be observed at a party at 
their Stamford. Conn., home. Aug. 
19. Children and in-laws throwing 
the party are Guy, Jr.. Carmen. 
Victor, and their wives; Lebert, 
Joseph. Rose Marie and the Ken- 
neth (Elaine Lombardo) Gardners. 
Latter is vocalist with the Guy 
Lombardo band. 

Over 200 are expected, including 
a group of friends from London. 
Ontario, where most of the Lom- 
bardos were born. 


Records contract”); Don Cherry ; 
(“whom I helped pick out of a 
quartet, even wondering who was 
that voice until Lester Lewis and 
Howie Richmond took him over”); 
“I Don’t Wanna Set the World On 
Fire,” by Bennie Benjamin (“who 
now’ owns half of the Virgin Islands 
realty”), Eddie Seiler and Sol 
Marcus, because of plugging that 
old disk; Toni Arden (“whom I like 
to think I developed enthusiasm 
in. via Ed Sullivan, who took her 
off my WPIX show and she 
climbed big from then on”). 

Eileen Barton, Johnny Desmond. 
The Weavers (“about whom 1 
screamed. “Wily aren’t they on rec- 
ords?”’), Edith Piaf ( who I al- 
ways thought w’ould do better if 
she did more melodic songs”), 
those 26 French songs which event- 
ually became U. S. hits, “as 
Variety pointed out.” 

Ford states that he doesn’t think 
he nor any^deejay wants to go 
overboard craiming or taking bows 
for this or that, but he feels that 
the intelligent disk jockey — a 
nomenclature which, incidentally, 
he abhors excepting that he can’t 
think of anything more colorful to 
describe his calling — is in perhaps 
the best position to explore all 
facets of the music business from 
a neutral corner. He calls the DJ 
the “test pilot” of the music 
business. 

Nice Bunch of Kids 

He has some cogent things to say 
•bout the fact that the rank-and- 
file of the 10.000 DJs are in the 
cut rate payoff class. “They’re a 
bunch of kids, In the main, some 
of whom will come up the hard 
way as have the better known 
names you mention. But consider 
the 2,700 radio stations, and the 
fact that they operate 12-24 hours 
daily, and have two, three or four 
men per station to turn the disks 
while they yatata. it does create 
employment for a lot of people. 

“But they are kids, nevertheless. 
And don’t forget that many hinter- 
land cities are 'sewed up’ by juke- 
box syndicates, like the beer mus- 
clemen used to ’sey up’ districts 


UvllUlUil 

Rosemary Clooney . . . .Columbia 

l Nat "Kinp" Cole Capitol 

I Richard Haye* Mercury 

\ Guy Mitchell Mitch Miller . Col. 

) Vic Damoyie Mercury 

Dinah Shore .Victor 

i Patti Page Mercury 

) Dennis pay Victor 

Frankie Laine ... Columbia 

l Doris Day Columbia 

( Billy William* Quartet ...MGM 

April Stevens Henri Rene Victor 

( Tony Bennett Columbia 

I Les Baxter Capitol 

Frankie Laine Columbia 


1. COME ON-A MY HOUSE (5) (Duchess) 

2. TOO YOUNG (16) (Jefferson) 


3. MY TRULY. TRULY FAIR (6) (Santly-J) 

4. SWEET VIOLETS (3) (Morris) 

* 

5. MR. AND MISSISSIPPI (7) (Shapiro-JS) 

6. JEZEBEL (11) (BMI) 

7. SHANGHAI (1) (Advanced) 

8. I’M IN LOVE AGAIN (4) (Harms) 

9. BECAUSE OF YOU (1) (Broadcast)* 

10. ROSE. ROSE I LOVE YOU (*) (Chappell) 

Second Croup 


I GET IDEAS (Hill-R) 

LOVELIEST NIGHT OF T1IF. YEAR (6) (Robbins) 

ON TOP OF OLD SMOKY (14) (Folk-W) 

JOSEPHINE (Feist) 

HOW HIGH THE MOON (14) (Chappell) 

GOOD MORNING MR. ECHO (Forrest) 

THESE THINGS I OFFER YOU (Valando). . 


Tony Martin Victor 

Mario Lanza Victor 

( Wearer* Decca 

( Vaughn Monroe Victor 

Les Paul-Mary Ford . . . .Capitol 
Les Paul-Mary Ford ..‘..Capitol 
Jane Turzy Trio Decca 

i Sarah Vaughan Columbia 

j Patti Page Mercury 

j Al Trace Mercury 

1 Jo Staff or d-Frankie Laine . Col. 

\ Tommy Edwards MGM 

( Paul Weston Columbia 

'/ Nat “King” Cole Capitol 

J Les Paul-Mary Ford . . . Capitol 
) Patti Page Mercury 

UNLESS <S> (Bourne) 

(Guy Mitchell-Mitch Miller..Cpl 

SOUND-OFF (8) (Shaplro-B) L VaugJifi Monrbe * Victor 

BE MY LOVE (21) (Miller) / Mario Lanza Victor 

I APOLOGIZE («) (Crawford) Billy Eckfttfie MGM 

IFipures tn parentheses indicat e number of weeks song has been in the Top 10.J 


PRETTY EYED BABY (Pickwick) 


MORNIXGSIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN (Remlck) 

BECAUSE OF RAIN (Maypole) 

MOCKIN’ BIRD HILL (IS) (Southern) 



Shearing-Eckstine Tour 
Tees Off Get. 12 in LA. 

The George Shearing-Bitty Eck- 
stine second annual concert, tour 
tees off Oct 12 at the Shrine Xudi- 
tori uni, Los Angeles. Tour, which 
already has 67 dates booked, will 
wind up in Washington, D. C., 
Dec. 9. 

Shaw Artists Corp. is handling 
tour by arrangement with the 
William Morris Agency. 


Columbia Records Is launching 
another effort to stabilise the in- 
dustry's price structure by a crack- 
down on price-cutting practices in 
the long-play disk field. Stymied 
by an adverse court ruling last year 
which prevented the company from 
cutting off discount outlets from 
merchandise, Columbia Is cur- 
rently making an -effort to plug 
the leaks in its distrib setup by 
which retailers in one territory 
can buy disks from distribs jn an- 
other area. 

Practice of trans-shipments has 
proven to be the major key to the 
retailer's discounting policies. 
Some distribs. caught with big tele- 
vision inventories and strapped 
for cash, have been selling disks 
at cost, thus giving the retailers a 
big enough margin to slash prices. 
Some of the larger discount houses 
in N. Y. have been having regular 
contact with out-of-town distribs. 

Currently, the discounting prac- 
tice has gone from bad to worse, 
from the viewpoint of the manufac- 
turers. Dealers, who started off 
with 20% cuts as bait, have been 
making even deeper slashes, rang- 
ing in some cases up to 40% on all 
labels. Situation has reached a 
peak this summer because of slow 
business and a desire to liquidate 
merchandise against competitive 
discount houses. 


In a showdown battle with the 
indie TV stations over a licensing 
deal. American Society of Com- 
posers, Authors and Publishers last 
week uncorked a sweeping blast 
against Broadcast Music, Inc., in a 
N. Y. Federal Court petition to 
amend the ASCAP antitrust con- 
sent decree. 

. Charging that TV indies are 
seeking to use the antitrust decree 
to give an unfair competitive ad- 
vantage to BMI, ASCAP’s petition 
is seen opening the door to new 
Government Intervention in the 
whole music industry's licensing 
setups. 

Key amendment proposed by 
ASCAP would give the Society the 
right to nix granting a per-program 
license to any radio or TV outlet 
having a licensing agreement with 
BMI. Under the consent decree, 
ASCAP was required to submit 
both a blanket and per-program 
deal to the broadcasters for their 
approval. In the current case, the 
broadcasters rejected both, thus 
precipitating court action. 

Presented in the form oi an af- 
fidavit by ASCAP prexy Otto A. 
Harbach, the latter charged the re- 
fusal of the TV indies to make a 
deal augmented BMI's "present un- 
fair competitive advantage to the 
prejudice of the Individ 


Rayburn-FInch Wax 

Under Dec cm Banner 

Gene Rayburn and Dee Finch, 
WNEW, N. Y., disk jockey team 
who have been poking at disks 
with gag interpolations on their 
show* are going out on a limb via 
their own disk creations. Deejay 
duo will wax under the Decca ban- 
ner, with which they have inked 
an exclusive pact. 

Initial releases will be "Way Up 
In North Carolina'* and "Dry 
Bones.” 


Grean-Glazer 'Musicians’ 
Picked Up By Lou Levy 

“The Musicians,” novelty cleffed 
by RCA Victor pop artists and 
repertory .chief Charles Grean in 

collaboration with Tom Glaser, 
has been picked up by publisher 
Lou Levy for his Leeds firm. Tune 
has been given a big sendoff via 
a Victor cut featuring a quartet 
of Dinah Shore. Betty Hutton, 
Tony Martin and Phil Harris. 

Number is the third entry by 
Grean since his tune, “The Thing," 
clicked late last year. Unlike the 
other tunes, such as “Sweet 
Violets” and "Never Been Kissed," 
new number avoids the double 
entendre lyrics and is pitched at a 
juve audience. 


Indicative of Decca's stable finan- 
cial setup, despite sharp business 
fluctuations in the platter industry 
over the past six months, the disk- 
ery racked up a net profit of 
$362,200 for the half-year period, 
ending June 30. Provision of 
$343,700 was made for income 
taxes beyond the net. 

Profit this year ran. slightly 
ahead of the $360,000 made by 
Decca during the first six months 
of last year; the total year's gross 
ran over $1,000,000. As in 1950, 
most of Decca's initial six-month 
profit this year was garnered in 
the fit>l quarter, when the com- 
pany netted $315,000. Sharp fall- 
off during the second quarter fol- 
lows the normal curve for the disk 
industry. 

Six-month net amounted to 47c. 
per share on the 776,650 shares 
outstanding. 


In an attempt to pressure a 
change in the new payoff system of 
the American Society of Com- 
posers, Authors A Publishers, form 
letters are being circulated among 
ASCAP writers urging them to 
support various revisions designed 
to help the lower brackets. Let- 
ters stem from various individual 
deffers and groups, but there is 
no agreement among them as to 
the solution. 

One report that the top writers 
of ASCAP agreed to a petition to 
the Department of Justice for an 
amended payoff plan is groundless. 
Several high ranking writers said 
they were “leaving the matter en- 
tirely in the hands of the ASCAP 
board.” In any case, it's pointed 


1 com- 
posers, authors and publishers who 
do not throw their lot with BMI. 
Each of the petitioners . . . holds 
a blanket license from BMI. It is 
significant that the petitioners in 
the dealings with BMI do not insist 
on obtaining per-program licenses.” 

History of BMI 

Harbach's affidavit outlined the 
history and structure of BMI, 
stressing the fact that BMI “is an 
arm of the broadcasting industry,” 
owned and operated by 700 indies 
and webs. Spotlighting an ASCAP 
sore point. Harbach said BMI “con- 
stantly reminds broadcast compa- 
nies . . . that they serve their own 
financial interests when they broad- 
cast BMI music.” BMI, it was also 
pointed out, advertises that its 
“repertoire provides sufficient mu- 
sic to fill every program need.” 

Under these conditions, Harbach 
pointed out that ASCAP would be 
under a handicap If it gave per- 
program licenses to stations that 
hgve an interest in “preferring the 
use of BMI music on particular 
programs instead of music com- 
posed by the Society's members, 
irrespective of the merits of the 
music or the appropriateness for 
the program.” 

ASCAP further charged that a 
per-program deal would give broad- 
casters the chance to urge sponsors 
to bypass ASCAP tunes on their 
shows as a way of saving money 
since no extra charge is made on 
BMI music. “This practice has been 
resorted to,'** the affidavit alleged, 
“and evidence of It will be pro- 
duced on the hearings of the ap- 
plication.” Harbach further charged 
BMI with urging broadcasters to 
obtain per-program rathei than 
blanket license deals. 

ASCAP's raising of the BMI is- 
sue in the current case brings into 
the open a long-standing grievance 
of the Society against both BMI 
and the Government. When the 
Government first charged ASCAP 
with being a monopoly some years 
ago. ASCAP execs said: “What 
about BMI?” At that time, it’s un- 
derstood the Government assured 
ASCAP that it would step in again 
when BMI became big enough to 
hurt ASCAP. 


Simultaneously with filing its 
answer in N. Y. Federal Court to 
the petition of some 50 indie TV 
stations on determination of per- 
program license fees, American So- 
ciety of Composers, Authors and 
Publishers last week moved for a 
court order to amend the anti- 
trust consent decree of March, 
1950. It was the first attempt by 
ASCAP to amend the decree and 

thus bring the Department of Jus- 
tice back into the case as an inter- 
ested party. 

ASCAP's proposed amendments 
to the decree were designed to 
strengthen the Society's bargaining 
position on the TV licensees while 
giving ASCAP an additional com- 
petitive lever against Broadcast 
Music, Inc., which also supplies 
music to the broadcasters (the BMI 
angle In the dispute is covered in 
an adjoining story). 

Petition for an amended decree 
asked the court to include within 
the meaning of “programs” all spot 
announcements, station-break plugs 
or “other commercial credits” in- 
terspersed between programs. This 
amendment would legitimatize 
ASCAP's demand to the TV indies 
that the per-program license also 
include revenues derived from 
plugs sandwiched between shows 
using ASCAP material. This pro- 
posal was one of the major hurdles 
in ASCAP's attempt to make a di- 
rect deal with the TV indies. 

ASCAP also asked the court to 
okay the licensing fee rate sched- 
ule originally proposed to the 
broadcasters. ASCAP's licensing 
rates on a per-program basis are 
on a sliding schedule as follows: 
8V£% of the full card rate for 
sponsored shows and 2% of the 
card rate on sustaining shows for 
stations with gross receipts under 
$150,000 yearly; 9% and 2V4% for 
grosses between $150,000 and 
$300,000; and 9*4% and 2Vfc% on 
grosses over $300,000. 

Argument on ASCAP's motions 
are expected to open in Federal 
Court in October before Judge 
Henry W. Goddard. Robert P. 
Patterson, former Secretary of 
War, is acting as ASCAP's gen- 
eral counsel together with for- 
mer Judge Ferdinand Pecora, 
of Schwartz Sc Frohlich, and Her- 
man Finkelsteln. For the indie 
stations, Stuart Sprague and former 
Federal Judge Simon H. Rifkind 
are handling the legal angles. 

'Additional direct negotiations 
between ASCAP and the 50 TV 
stations, representing a little less 
than half of the industry, are not 
excluded even though the matter 
is before the courts. It’s not con- 
sidered likely, however, that a 


Ed Vance Loses Again, 
This Tone in Attempt to 
Interrene in Govt Sait 


RCA Execs Hit die Road 
For Distributor Meets 


Edward Vance, Missouri song- 
writer. and probably the most ac- 
tive litigant in the music industry, 
lost out again in New York Federal 
Court last week when Justice Ed- 
ward Weinfeld denied him the right 
to intervene In the Government’s 
antitrust suit against the American 
Society of Composers, Authors and 
Publishers. 

The court ruled that where “the 
Government is the complainant in a 
suit, its conduct and control of liti- 
gation be free from Interference 
from private citizens.” 

Industry lawyers estimate that 
it's about the 10th time that Vance 
has been set back in the courts. He 
originally brought an unsuccessful 
action for $1,000,000 damages 
against ASCAP and several pub- 
lishers, charging conspiracy and 
\ iolation of the antitrust laws. 
Licked several times in the Mis- 
souri courts, Vance moved to New 
York to change jurisdiction, but it 
hasn't helped to date. 


Teeing off a major fall promo- 
tion for RCA Victor, eight top 
execs of • the diskery division 
fanned out nationally over the 
weekend for a series of distrib 
meetings this week. Powwows in 
six cities will follow up the sum- 
mer campaign, with several mer- 
chandising incentives being offered 
to dealers. 

Victor will pitch up a 100% ex- 
change plan to dealers covering 
101 of the company's best-sellers 
in both pop and longhair fields. 
Under this deal, outlets can ex- 
change any portion of this mer- 
chandise if they agree to main- 
tain their overall stock of Victor 
standards. Other incentives for 
early fall ordering include a free 
display rack and a three-speed 
booth demonstrator. 

Victor execs embarking on the 
junket included J. B. Elliott, vice- 
prexy in charge of consumer prod- 
ucts; W. W. Bullock, sales planning 
manager; Ed Dodelin, field sales 
manager; H. L. Letts, assistant 
manager of the record department; 
Paul A. Barkmeier, vice-prexy and 
general manager of Victor; Jim 
Lennon, coin operator sales man- 
ager; Larry Kanaga, general sales 
manager, and George R. Marek, di- 
rector of artists and repertory. 


In any case 
out, any move to help the lower- 
income writers could only be in the 
form of a charitable donation to a 
special fund set up for that pur- 
pose because under the consent 
decree the only method of distri- 
bution must be based on perform- 
ances. 

One of the form letters is being 
circulated by “a group of west coast 
writers.” It’s known, however, 
that L. Wolfe Gilbert, ASCAP’s 
Coast rep, is opposed to the prop- 
aganda activity of the so-called 
“West Coast Group.” 


tir JOINS 'BANANA’ 
FOR CAPITOL ALBUM 


Capitol Records is making an 
early plunge into' next season's 
original-cast album operation with 
a tieup of a second legit musical to 
open on Broadway in September. 
Newest deal was completed last 
week for the album rights to 
“Three Wishes for Jamie,” with 
score by Ralph Blane and starring 
John Raitt, Marion Bell and Cecil 
Kellaway. Show is currently try- 
ing out at the Curran, San Frqn- 
cisco, for a month, and is slated to 
open in N. Y. in September. Album 
will be issued shortly afterwards. 

Several weeks ago Capitol sewed 
up the album rights <m the upcom- 
ing “Top Banana,” with score by 
Johnny Mercer and starring Phil 
Silvers. Show is due to open In 
N. Y. Sept. 26. Capitol had the 
inside track on this show since 
Mercer is one of the diskery’s co- 
founders. in addition to being a 
vocalist on the label. 


RUDOLPH'S NOSE WILL 
BE RED IN TECHNICOLOR 


“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Rein- 
deer,” standout Christmas click for 
the past two years, is moving into 
another area of exploitation via a 
Technicolor film short titled after 
the song. One-reeler is slated to 
wind up this week at the Jam 
Handy studios in Detroit, with Max 
Fleischer getting the animation 
credits. 

Pic is being produced via a tie- 
in between Jam Handy and Johnny 
Marks, composer and publisher of 
“Rudolph” through his firm, St. 
Nicholas Music. Pic will be re- 
leased through an indie outlet be- 
ginning in September and is seen 
as a further hypo to the tune's disk 
sales, which went over 1,000,000 on 
Gene Autry's Columbia Records 
version in 1949 and 19$0. 

Harry Wilson, member of Co- 
lumbia U.’s music faculty, did the 
choral arrangement for the ear- 
toon. 


COL PICTS PAYS S-B 5C 
FOR 'SOUND OFT RIGHTS 


Hollywood, Aug. 7. 

Columbia Pictures paid Shapiro- 
Bernstein Music $5,000 for the title 
and unlimited use of the song 
“Sound Off” on which pubbery 
holds the copyright. Tune is from 
the “Cadence System of Teaching 
Close Order Drill” by Col. Ber- 
nard Lentz and published by the 
Military Service Publishing Co. of 
Harrisburg. Pa. 

Tune, first used by Metro as a 
marching song in “Battleground,” 
clicked and became a best-seller 
on RCA -Victor as plattered by 
Vaughn Monroe. Metro then has- 
tened to register the title, but 
Columbia beat the Culqer studio 
to title bureau. Col's “Sound Off” 
starts Thursday (9) with Mickey 
Rooney starred, Jonie Taps produc- 
ing and Richard Quine directing. 
Tune will be the pic theme. Willie 
Duckworth wrote the lyrics. 


WaM-Krasna Pix Scores 
Die for RCA Albt 


DOLORES GRAY SIGNS 
DECCA EXCLUSIVE PACT 


Manie Sacks. RCA veepee over 
artists relations, has wrapped up a 
deal with Wald-Krasna, producing 
team at RKO, for Victor to do an 
album of the score of “Two Tickets 
To Broadway,” W-K pic with 
tunes by Jule Styne and Leo Robin. 
Tony Martin, starring io the pic, 
wjjl do the album either directly 
from the soundtrack or In sepa- 
rate studio sessions. 

Sack* also arranged for Victor 
to make sets of background scores 
from two of W-K's completed 
dramatic productions, “Blue Veil” 
and “Behave Yourself.” 


Flanagan's A.C. Flyer 


Dolores Gray, singing star of the 
legit revue, 'Two Qn the Aisle,” 
has been pacted to an exclusive 
pact by Decca. She'll cut singles 
in the pop series, with the initial 
sides to be released shortly. 

Decca, meantime, cut the origi- 
Jral cast album version of the show 
Sunday »5). 


Atlantic City, Aug. 7. 

After a publicity stunt in which 
he flew over the beach and Board- 
walk here dropping Circulars plug- 
ging his Steel Pier date, bandlead- 
er Ralph Flanagan was fined $50. 
Flanagan was nabbed as he 
dropped his plane into the Munici- 
pal airport by resort police, and 
taken to city hall. 

^Released on bail he appeared be- 
fore Municipal Judge Stephen Da- 
mico yesterday (Mon.) and was 
grounded after being fined. Use 
of a plane in distributing such lit- 
erature is a violation of a local or- 
dinance. 


Decca to Expand LP’s 

In Richmond Plant 

‘ ~ Richmond. Ind., Aug. 7.* 
Milton R. Rackrnil, president of 
Decca Records, has announced 
plans for expanding its Richmond, 
Ind., plant. 

He said that all Decca's long- 
playing records will be made in 


BARRY GRAY'S THEME SONG 

Benny Davis and Abner Silver 
have written a new theme song 
for the Barry Gray's signoff on 
his WMGA post-midnight stint 
from Chandler's, N. Y. bistro. 

Bregman-Vocco-Conn will prob- 
ably publish. 


M-G-M Inks Cindy Lord 

Cindy Lord 


Monte la re Music Corp. chartered 
to publish musical, dramatic and 
literary works in New York. Capi- 
tal stock Is 100 shares, no _par 
value. Directors are Herbert wal- 
lahan, Harold Orenstein and Rosa- 
lie Wilson, all N. Y, 


16-year-old singer 
j from Boston, was inked to a long 
term pact by M-G-M Records. 

Her first sides will be released 
l this month. 




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45 



Anjplat'ft; 


Duke Niles Set as Mgr. 

In East of 2 Cap. Pubs 

Duke Niles has taken over the 
eastern professional manager post 
at Capitol Records' publishing 
firms, Ardmore and Beechwood- 
Mike Gould. head of Cap's pub- 
lishing enterprises on the Coast, 
recently was in N. Y. to set up 
the N. Y. operation. 

Dick Gold, originally named 
head of the N. Y. office, exited 
last week. 


ng System 


Week of July 27-Aug. I 

Richard Himber's lop of broadcast performances , compiled on basis 
0 t varying point ratings for plugs on commercial and sustaining pro- 
grams logged in each of the 3 major territories, New York , Chicago and 
los Angeles. 

First Group 

Songs Fob Ushers 

Because of* Rain vrrr. Maypole 

Because of You — t”I Was An Ameirican Spy’* BMI 

Bonne Nuit Famous 

( ome On-A My House . . . i . vv Duchess 

park Is the Night — t**Rich, Young Sc Pretty”.. Feist 

Do You Really Love Me BVC 

Everything I Have Is Yours Miller 

Co Go Go Go Famous 

Hello Young Lovers — ***The King and I” Williamson 

How High the Moon. . Chappell 

1 Get Ideas H&R 

I'll Buy You a Star — *"Tree Grows In Bklyn” T. B. Harms 

In the Cool Cool Cool of the Evening . Paramount 

] Whistle a Happy Tune — ♦“The King and 1” i Williamson 

Jc/ebel BMI 

Loveliest Night of the Year — t'The Great Caruso” Robbins 

Mister and Mississippi Shapiro 

Morning Side of the Mountain Remick 

My Life’s Desire .Shapiro 

My Truly Truly Fair Santly 

pretty Eyed Baby ' Pickwick 

Shanghai Advanced 

Song Is Ended Berlin 

Tell Me Mellin 

There's No Boat Like a Rowboat Bourne 

Too Young Jefferson 

Wang Wang Blues Miller 

We Kiss In a Shadow — ♦“The King and I Williamson 

Wonder Why — t‘*Rich. Young & Pretty” Robbins 

World Is Your Balloon — ♦“Flahooley” Chappell 


In a move to hypo dance biz, 
orch leaders are being advised by 
band agency men to go back to the 
old book of durable standards. Ac- 
cording to reports from ballroom 
and dancehal! promoters, orch date 
receipts have been showing a defi- 
nite upbeat especially with bands 
that feature a minimum of produc- 
tion numbers and a concentration 
of dance tunes that were popular 
20 and 30 years ago. Reason 
for nostalgic preference, promo- 
ters claim, is that majority of 
dancers these days are oldsters 
who want to step, to familiar 
rhythms. 

Despite summer heat and wider 
net of TV channels, these dancers 
are filling ballrooms in Pennsyl- 
vania. Maryland. Rhode Island, 
Massachusetts and Ohio to such an 
extent that one-niters are generally 
going into percentage Such band- 
men as Ralph Flanagan. Jimmy 
and Tommy Dorsey, Buddy Mor- 
row and Woody Herman are begin- 
ning to adopt the “business man's 
rhythm.'* So many calls for bands 
have been coming into agencies 
that the orch men are returning to 
a bullish bargaining position. 

In line with the upbeat dance 
trend, promoters are reverting to 
the wider exploitation tactics of 
the 1030*8 and orch leaders are de- 
veloping stronger promotional in- 
terests by using top advance men. 
One orch manager said that he’d 
rather let two si demen go than dis- 
miss an advance man. 


GAC Builds Southwest 
Setup in Chi Liaison 

In a move to build up its newly 
opened Dallas office as the hub 
of southwest band activity. Gen- 
eral Artists Corp.. Is switching Jack 
Whittemore, band exec, to its Chi- 
cago branch where hell cordinate 
activities between Dallas and Chi. 
Whittemore, whoHl also supervise 
other agoncy business in the mid- 
west territory, divided his New 
York duties among the band men 
remaining at the home office. 

Frank Foster has been named to 
head the Dallas office. 


Winding up a five-week string 
of one-niters through Canada, the 
east and midwest. Vaughn Monroe 
band heads back to New York 
Sept. 2 for an engagement at the 
Waldorf Astoria Hotel beginning 
Sept. 6 and a two-week stint with 
the 26th annual rodeo at Madison 
Square Garden starting Oct. 8. 

Monroe will receive 050.000 for 
his 14-day run with the rodeo and 
it is expected that he'll use a com- 
pany of 32. Plans for the Garden 
program will be formulated dur- 
ing his stay at the Waldorf. The 
orch leader will leave for Holly- 
wood immediately after the rodeo 
chore to begin a long-term con- 
tract for Republic Pictures, which 
Is expected to be signed this week 
by Herbert Yates, Republic's top- 
per, and Willard Alexander, Mon- 
roe’s manager. 


factor. The jocks, however, are 
outsiders, eabber* without musics! 
training who control the destiny of 
our songs and burn up hits so fast 
that we can’t fully capitalize on 
them.” 

The younger publishers, how- 
ever. are unreservedly for the disk 
jockey as the most Important ave- 
nue for tune exoloitation. “We 
aren't blue bloods who can rest 
on our ASCAP income while 
dreaming of the industry’s golden 
era. The deejay Is here and we’re 
for making hit existence a mu- 
tually profitable affair. We’ll sup- 
ply them with tunes if they keep 
making us the hits,” one new and 
relatively successful publisher said. 

Like That Tast Reaction’ 

Whero the old-timers have the 
reserve to shell out substantial 
coin on promoting a No. 1 plug 
for a long period, the younger 
pubs stated that they needed a 
“fast reaction” to their entries 
and the jocks have supplied them 
the right medium. It was pointed 
out. in fact, that the plenitude of 
publishing firms, some with of- 
fices in the lobby of the Brill 
Building, came alongside of the 
growth of the disk jockey phe- 
nomenon. 

“We didn't make the disk, 
jockeys,” one young pubber stated: 
“They were created by thg eco- 
nomics of the broadcasting indus- 
try and they will continue as long 
as inexpensive programming is 
needed. The situation is there 
and we’d be fools not to work it 
to the maximum. For us. the 
jockey has equalized the business 
and reduced our disadvantage as 
against the well-heeled firms. It's 
granted that the jockeys burn up 
hits, but you gotta get the hit first 
and that’s where the disk jockeys 
come in.” 

Writers No Like 

Among the more successful 
songwriters, the opinion paral- 
lelled that of the bigger publishers. 
The disk jockey creation of cycles, 
his demand for more songs, the 
rash of rookie^writers, the exploi- 
tation of mediocre material, all 
have createa a rag-tag and bobtail 
situation in which the cleffer finds 
it increasingly tough to hit with 
a class song. 

The writers particularly are in 
agreement that the deejay and 
record-makers are riding on their 
backs, cashing in on their creative 
efforts while the writer gets the 
minor residue in terms of BMI or 
ASCAP performance ratings. 

From the deejays themselves 
came the squawk that the “bad 
apples” in their business were be- 
ing identified with the whole in- 
dustry. The prevalence of the 
payola was minimized,” "unless.” 
one jock said, "if you want to 
count our Christ mas presents, 
theatre tickets, and the rest of the 
minor stuff. That happens in every 
business where salesmanship is in- 
volved and it doesn’t necessarily 
mean corruption.” 

Several years ago, one jock said, 
it may have been possible to sew 
up the deejay market by getting 
to the few top characters in the 
business. "There are too many of 
us now,” he said, "and this itself 
is a guarantee against the payola. 
If a publisher can’t sell his tune 
to one jockey, be can to another. 
There's no such thing any longer 
of one jockey making or breaking 
a song.” 


Second Group 

Dimples and Cherry Cheeks 

Everlasting 

Getting To Know You 

Hot Canary 

How Many Times 

l‘m in Love Again 

I’m Late — t”Alice In Wonderland” 

It s A Lovely Day Today — ♦‘‘Call Me Madam 

Lonesome and Sorry 

Longing For You 

Love Is the Reason — *’*Tree Grows In Bklvn” 

Mocking Bird Hill . . 

My Resistance Is Lowr 

On Top of Old Smoky 

Sweet Violets 

Tahiti, My Island — *‘*TahUi, My Island” ... 

There’s a'Big Blue Cloud 

These Things I- Offer You . 

Very Good Advice — t”Ali«« In Wonderland” 
What Will I Tell My Heart 


Leeds 

Morris 

.Williamson 

Leeds 

... . . Paxton 
, . . Crawford 
.... . Disney 

Berlin 

Mills 

. . . . Ludlow 
T. B. Harms 
. . .Southern 
. . . Morris 
. . Folkways 

Morris 

. . Paramount 

Spinlan 

. . . , Vnlando 

Disney 

Ivy 


Gershwin, EUmgton 
Exert Major Influence 
On Israeli Mosiciai 


Israeli composers and instrumen- 
talists are taking their cue?* from 
the American musical idiom, ac- 
cording to Molphe Oysher. cantorial 
singer who recently returned from 
a concert tour of Israel. Such U. S. 
coni posers as George Gershwin and 
Duke Ellington. He asserted, have 
exerted great influence on the mu- 
sical product of the new country 
and American-styled danc? rhythms 
are packing its ballrooms and 
nitcries. ‘ • 

Despite paucit]r of U. S. disks 
in Israel, natlvgs are kept up to 
date on latest waxings through the 
country’s government-owned radio 
station. "Voice of Isrpel.” which 
features two hours of putter mu- 
sic a day. Current fave there is 
Rodgers A Hammerstein’s "Some 
Enchanted Evening.” American 
disks are available in small quanti- 
ties only since most of them are 
either brought in by visitors or 
donated by American friends and 
relatives. Due to lack of purchas- 
ing dollars, import of disks and 
phonographs are kept at a mini- 
mum. 

Oysher revealed that a record- 
ing and music publishing industry 
is already thriving there. Such 
diskeries as Hed-Artzi, Makolit 
Ltd., and Tail Israel are pressing 
platters of native and American 
tunes in increasing quantities. 
Disks, thus far, are only manu- 
factured on the standard speed and, 
di. to difficulty in getting neces- 
sary mechanical equipment, are be- 
low par technically. 

Such publishing houses as Kaper 
& Baran, Laager and Naidat A 
Sons art printing native as well 
as foreign product The Israel Com- 
pc. ers Asan. completed a pact last 
year with the American Society 
of Composers, Authors and Pub- 
lishers in N. Y. for performance 
rights. An overall performance fee 
of five pounds is paid to the ICA 
by a foreign entertainer while a 
native must pay two pounds, at 
$2.80 per pound. 

Although "Tzena, Tzena” has 
been the only Israeli tune to hit 
the U. S. market, songs by such 
composers is Marc Lavri, Shmuel 
Fershko. Avram Mind lip and Gus- 
tav Engel have been picked up by 
Mills Music and Howard Richmond 
for future release. Top composers 
In Israel Ml about 800 pounds a 
month from royalties. 


In line with current publishing 
house retrenching Ivy Music, Chap- 
pell subsld, shuttered its Coast of- 
fice last week and Victor Selsman. 
professional manager, exited its 
New York office. The Ivy catalog 
pn the Coast, which was handled 
iiy Artie Valando, will be pro- 
moted through the Chappell of- 
fice there. 

Jack Perrin remains as Ivy’s 
general manager in the east. 


< Numerically Listed) 


Total Pis. 
Jefferson 125 

Duchess 75 

BMI. 60 

Chappell 55 

Paramount 40 

BMI. 40 

Advanced 40 

Williamson ' 40 

Essex 40 . 

Santly 35 


1. Too Young 

2 . Come On-A My House . . . 

3. Because of You 

4. How High the Moon 

5. Cool Cool Cool of Evening 

6. Jezebel 

7. Shanghai 

8. Shall We Dance 

». Wondrous Word of Lord . . 

10. My Truly Truly Fair 


Is 28 Midwest-LNiters 

ChitfagtL Aug. 7. 

Russ Morgan, through the Mc- 
Conkey booking office, has lined 
up 28 consecutive one - nighters 
through the middlewest and then 
goes into the Statler Hotel. N. Y., 
in September for a stay. . Band- 
leader has a $30,000 guarantee for 
the dates with single shots at $1,- 
000 or more against 60% of the 
boxoffice. 

Starting the day after he leaves 
the Edge water Beach Hotel, Chi. 
he hits Mineral Point. Wis., and 
then plays Cedar Rapids add Sioux 
City. Iowa; Atkinson. Neb., Aug. 
13; Arcadia. Iowa Aug. 14 and then 
swings back into Nebraska to Fre- 
mont on the 15th. 


t Filmustca l 9 Legit Musical, 


- - - ■ Contnuf d fn 

*ong hit like "Too Young” would 
earn its writers a minimum of $50,- 
000 . which amount is insufficient, 
lie feels, considering how few can 
&<ore thusly and how infrequently 
evrn the most successful writers 
achieve such a goal. If the hit 
weren't played so often- by deejays 
over the air the longrun financial 
Kaui would be much greater, he 
say s. 

In this slumping market Lipp- 
ni.m asserts there’s no way to cal- 
culate closely how n uch ‘Too 
Young” will net him and Miss Dee. 
The greatest benefit to them, he 
believes, will be a raise In their 
American Society of Composers, 
Authors A Publishers’ rating under 
Die present new system. Regard- 
less of whether they turn out an- 
other smash hit for four or five 
Years, he says* their ASCAP rat- 
ing and dividend will continue to 
increase during the ensuing few 
years in consequence of it 

Lippman and Miss Dee formed 
their present writing partnership 
in 1840, having been brought to- 
gether as former University of 
Minnesota students and Mlnnea- 
PoDtans. They’ve written on an 
*'erage of 50 songs a year, of 
J iich number about 10 per year 


•m pt(t 41 — — 1 1 

they wrote, while another Minn- 
eapolitan. Max Shulman. wrote the 
book. He and Miss Dee also have 
an unproduccd folk opera. 

Too Many Songs 

One result of the disk jockey de- 
velopment, he says, is that, pub- 
lishers are putting out a substan- 
tially larger number of songs than 
ever before. That means more 
songs obtain a hearing and this 
may be a break for writers, al- 
though. in his opinion, quality is 
essential for success the same as 
always. The music publishers’ part 
in making a song a winner is grow- 
ing increasingly small. It’s the rec- 
ord companies that now are the 
dominant factors. 

The new ASCAP rating system 
is all to the good as far as young 
music writers are concerned. Lipp- 
man feels. Before the present sys- 
tem, he says, ratings were made up 
by a classification committee and 
politics governed. Now there’s a 
point system, with a maximum gain 
of 100 points a year, and the wri- 
ters are rated according to the "ac- 
tivity” of their numbers. Embryo 
writers haven't a chance unless 
they’re "on the - ground” — which 
means "in New York.” says Lipp- 
man. And then their chance of get- 
ting one of their numbers recorded, 
in essential, ia a long shot. 


Seattle Writers Charge 
Plagarism in ‘Sam’s Song’ 

Seattle, Aug. 7. 

Local composers Bob Harvey and 
Bill Wolfstone have filed suit in 
Federal court here. Wking to im- 
pound all copies and recordings of 
the song, "Sam's Song.” music for 
which they claim was lifted from 
their "Wouldn’t It Be Fun,” pub- 
lished In 1940. Bourne, Inc., also 
charges Infringement of copyright, 
along With the two composers. 

Named as defendants are the 
American Society of Composers, 
Authors and Publishers, four re^ 
cording companies and their repre- 
sentatives, three radio network! 
and two local radio stations. Tho 
complaint specifically states that 
"Wouldn’t It Be Fun" was printed 
prior to "Sam’s Song" publication 
in May, 1040., 


Lil Green Joing Atlantic 

Lil Grefn, Negro blues singer, 
was Inked to a longterm pact by 
Atlantic Records. 

She was formerly with RCA 
Victor. 


Victoria Recorda, a new record- 
ing firm, has been set up in Phil- 
adelphia by Mel Korn. Albert Al- 
berti ni and Larry Fleet. 


Milton R. Rack mil, Decca prexy, 
headed for Hollywood over the 
weekend (4) to o.o. company opera- 
tions there. 







LATE 


M G M RECORDS 


and various early Italian rarities 
or curiosa, and found them ail com- 
mercially feasible. He found there 
was a market for $18 albums (price 
is $5.95 for single LP’s, $17.85 for 
standard three LP full-length 
works). The majors have since 
followed suit, with some full-length 
releases. Market, in addition to 
regular outlets, is found among 
clubs, colleges, music schools and 
community groups. 


Survey of retail sheet music 
sales, based on reports obtained 
from leading stores in 12 cities 
and showing comparative sales 
rating for this and last week. 


interest in the longhair music- 
dramas. Switch to long-play disks; 
opera performances on video; in- 
creasing segue of U. S. talent into 
opera, are all hypoing disk sales. 
Sale for even the lesser works of 
the well-known composers, or 
operas by obscure scribes, is on the 
upbeat. 

These are the conclusions of 
Dario Soria, head of Cetra-Soria 
Records, which specializes in Ital- 
ian opera recordings. Soria sees 
young vocal talent coming along, 
who’ll find their best outlet in 
opera. He sees U. S. singers al- 
ready making inroads into tlfe ros- 
ter of many European opera com- 
panies. just as they’ve become the 
dominant element at the N. Y. 
Met. Together with radio and TV 
airings of opera, this has occa- 
sioned a hypo in full-length opera 
pressings and sales. 

Cetra-Soria has 33 complete 
operas already released, with 12 
more due between now and Xmas. 
This 45 total represents half the 
operatic repertoire available from 
all companies. Company, which 
records in Italy on tape, presses 
its operas in the U. S. at the Co- 
lumbia Bridgeport plant. It has a 
year-round pact with Radio Ital- 
lano. Italian-government network, 
and tapes its operas at the same 
time they’re broadcast. 

Company started in biz in 1949, 
and two of its albums, Verdi’s 
“Forza del Destino” and Mozart’s 
•’Requiem” (one of the few non- 
operas in the list) have gone over 
10,000 each in sales. Current big- 
gest sellers are “Barber of Seville” 
and an album of opera duets by 
Ferruccio Tagliavini and Pia Tassi- 
nart Forthcoming “Marriage of 
Figaro" will be the first complete 
receding of the opera on LP’s. 
“Feaora,” due in Septembd'r, will 
be the first Giordano opera to be 
released. 

Soria has pressed unfamiliar 
works of lesser-known composers 


Week Ending 
August 4 


Troy, Aug. 7. 

Bob Snyder, WPTR, Troy, disk 
jockey and promoter, has booked 
“Jazz At The Philharmonic” troupe 
with Ella Fitzgerald. Buddy Rich 
and Oscar Peterson, in the Rens- 
selaer Polytechnic Institute Field 
House at Troy. Oct. 3. He’ll follow 
with Stan Kenton’s orchestra. Oct. 
30 and Billy Eckstinc and George 
Shearing quintet Nov. 21. 

It will be a return engagement 
for Eckstine and Shearing, who 
drew the second highest gross, for 
a popular music attraction. In the 
6.000-seat auditorium last season. 
Snyder also expect; to bring Patti 
Page and other names to the Field 
House later in the year. 


National 

Sating 


Title and Publisher 


1 1 -Loveliest Night Year** (Robbins) 421113232131 108 


2 1 “Too Young” (Jefferson) 


3 ii **( omcon-A My House** (Duchess) 565682394 10 7 


4 7 -Because of You** (Broadcast) 


Sweet Violets*’ (Morris) 


On Top of Old Smoky” < 


7 4 -My Truly, Truly Fair” (Southern) 7 3 9 


8 3 -Mr. and Mississippi” (Shapiro-B) 


Mockin’ Bird Hill” (Southern) 


Shanghai” (Advanced) 


These Things 1 Offer 


BMI Cos. Sue in N. Y. 

Vs. Cafe Infringements 

Broadcast Music, Inc. and three 
of its affiliated publishers brought 
copyright infringement suits in 
N. Y. Federal Court last week 
ag..inst two New York cafes and 
a resort spot at Warwick. N. Y. 
Actions all ask an injunction and 
statutory damages of not less than 
$250 for each alleged violation. 

Defendants are Corey’s Restau- 
rant, N. Y., the Chateau Madrid. 
N. Y.. and the Red Swan Operating 
Co., which runs the Warwick cafe. 
Plaintiffs are Peer International 
Corp., Promotora Hispano Ameri- 
cana de Musica and Marks Music. 

The three defendants, according 
to the complaint, publicly per- 
formed several tunes of Peer. 
Marks and Promotora for profit 
without a license at various times 
during this year and in 1950. 


13A 9 -Hello Young Lovers’* (W’mson* 


How High the Moon” (Chappell) 


Rose, 1 Love You” (Chappell) 


week to make sure his tunes got 
enough plays. 

As long as there are small radio ! 
stations and sponsors willing to 
pay for time, we are going to have 
the problem. There will always be 
the deejay who predicts a ‘‘big 
hit!” Records will continue to 
sell and publishers will forever 
scream. That is. unless the copy- 
right laws are changed. And. 
should this happen, another Frank- 
enstein will have been created. Re- 
member. before deejays, one of the 
important factors was the jukebox. 
And they didn’t pay any royalty. 
And so it goes! 

Rather than point a cursed 
finger at the deejay . . . look 
around at the publishers. Ask them 
what they have done to promote 
piano playing in homes? Back mu- 
sic lessons in schools? Clean up 
their own business? Work to- 
gether! 

It would seem that the matter 
of releasing could stand some dost, 
observation. Every recording com- 
pany tries to get their record out 
first. They start “teaser” mailings 
weeks before the platter is due. 
Then, with great cleverness, they 
select one ’‘important” deejay to 
lipln the record Arst. The platter 
pilot says. ’‘Well, so-and-so just 
sent me this pre-release recording 
by Blank and Doakes. I’m going to 
spin it for the first time. I predict 
that this tune will jump into the 
No. 1 spotlight in less than four 
weeks.” And you know something 
... it works! Of course, the seven 
other deejays in town hate his guts 
and stay off the record for weeks 
on end. And you think you’ve got 
problems. Give me strict release 
schedules . . . and fewer releases! 

In all you have sized the situa- 
tion up very well. It would seem 
that some clinic should be sched- 
uled in New York. Publishers, 
recording company execs and dee- 
jays should be invited. Let’s bring 
the situation out where we can all 
get a good look at it Music Pub- 
lishing is a great business . . . let’s 
see what all of us can do — work- 
ing together — to keep it that way! 

Bud Wendell (WJMO) 


New Dallas Diskery 

Dallas, Aug. 7. 

Richtone Recording & Publish- 
ing Co. has been established here 
by Jimmy Richards, a song writer. 

Richards returned here recently 
from a five-day recording session 
in Hollywood with Bill Peck, vo- 
calist, and such bands as Ted Fio 
Rito, A1 Donohue, Skinnay Ennis 
and Red Nichols. 


Avers Music Biz 


— well speaking for myself — I 
work for a good outfit who pay me 
well for the work I do. If I ever 
accepted outside revenue not 
directly earned by outside work — 
I’d have no kicks coming about 
getting the boot, but fast. I doubt 
that any reputable radio station 
manager In the country would al- 
low such callous bribing as you say 
exists. It’s time both sides of the 
picture got a good housecleaning. 

Joe Girand. 

(WTHT) 


niCHASD TUCKS*- 

RIRCY FAITH ColumMl 

I VILYM KNIOHT OKU 

THI MARINIRS Columbia 

KITTY KALLIM- 

RICNARD HAYSS More ury 

ROY ROOIRS RCA Vi<*r 

•ILLY COTTON LoaSM 

DARTMOUTH MUSIC. INC. 

m W«t S2*d Now York It, N. V. 


Payola Always Here 

Cleveland, Aug. 4. 

Most of what you say in “The 
Music Biz’s Frankenstein” is cor- 
rect. I think the word “Franken- 
stein” was a perfect choice. For, if 
one looks closely, it fs the pub- 
lishers who have created this 
situation. 

However, let us pretend — for a 
moment — that the deejay had 
never come into the picture. Let 
us go back to the days when a 
band remote really meant some- 
thing. Can anyone deny that the 
same basic situation existed? Show 
me the major publisher who has 
not paid for an arrangement. Show 
me the publisher who has not 
[ bought drinks, dinners and gifts 
for bandleaders. Find the rare 
1 publisher who didn’t let one “top” 

I band introduce a tunc coast to 
, coast . . . and then put his picture 
, on the sheet music. Nothing has 
I changed but the exploiter. Bands 
I then deejays now! 

As you stated, it is the ASCAP 
and BMI systems of payoff that 
! have forced the publishers to work 
on platter-spinners. I have even 
had BMI publishers contact me to 
inform them when our station was 
to be checked by BMI. One party 
stayed in Cleveland for a whole 


This Is to mwomm Hm sorer* 
one# of my association with Jteey 
Lee Carson la sonqwrfHnf ocfirh 
tioSb 

Arby Gibson 


AND HIS ORCHESTRA 


BMI fhbSp Sit! 


longing fob you 

.m. •*. «*• ” tu r 


Recorded by 


Mercury 
, .London 

...MGM 

. . Bwty. 

, .Capitol 
...Dacca 
. . .Coral 
Columbia 


VIC DAMONE . . . 
TERESA SRSWER 

tommy tucker 

LARRY CLINTON 
LES BAXTER . * * 
RUSS MORGAN 
GEORGE CATES 
SAMMY KAYE 






RCA VICTOR VtatoM 


20-4212 

47-4212 





■cnsnA8>Mv$ic 





WtdncMkr, AiipmI 8, 1*51 


RETAIL DISK BEST SELLERS 


National 

Rating 

Thia Last 
wk. wk. 


Survey of retail disk best 
sellers, based on reports ob- 
tained from leading stores in 
12 cities and showing com- 
parative sales rating for this 
an^Jast week. 

Week Ending 
August 4 

Artist, Label, Title 


ROSEMARY CLOONEY (Col) 
“Come-on-A My House” — 39 467 . . 

""NAT“ KI NG "C O LE TCa p i to 1 ) 

“Too Young" — 1449 

“MARIO' LANZAM Victor) 
"Loveliest Night of Year"— 10-3300 

TONY BENNETT (Columbia) 

"Because of You" — 3936 2 , 

TONY MARTIN "'Victor) 

"I Get Ideas"— 20-4141 A . . 

FRANKIE LAINE (Columbia) 
"Jesebel" — 39361 


DINAH SHORE (Victor) 

"Sweet Violets’— 23 4 174 A 



5. , 2 7 4 1 .. 


2 . . 2 . 


34.... 4 5 


8 A 12 


11B 14 


14A 13 


15A 15 


Inside Orchestras— Music 

In a switch on the current audit of the publishers' books by the 
Songwriters Protective Assn., one major publisher has gained several 
thousand dollars through a suggestion of Dave Blau, SPA eastern 
auditor. In combing through the books. Blau noticed that the pub- 
lisher had not applied for a refund from England on a 45% withhold- 
ing tax imposed on foreign earnings in 1946-47. 4 Application for a 
refund was made, with the British Government okaying the transfer 
of coin to the U. S. last week. SPA wouldn’t disclose who the pub- 
lisher is. 

■ 

RCA Victor’s "Alice in Wonderland” album last week was the ob- 
ject of one of those lucky news breaks which no publicity agent could 
promote. It happened at the N. Y. arrival of the X^ueen Mary, 
on which Kathy Beaumont, the "Alice" of both the album and the 
Walt Disney pic, was returning from Europe, ^lso returning was , 
Bernard Baruch. A news photog dreamed up the idea of taking a ! 
pic of Kathy on Baruch’s lap. An RCA promotion staffer planted the 
album in the pic, which broke in 70% of the nation’s dailies. 

■ *1 

When Irving Berlin divested himself of partnership with Saul H. 
Bourne, latter setting lip his own company. Berlin upped the 8 c royalty 
on "God Bless America" to 10c so that* the Boy and Girl Scouts 
Foundation, which is the beneficiary of the song's income, can get an 
upped yield He also arranged that 100% of the ASCAP income is 
earmarked for the Fund, payable directly to the Scouts, and not in- 
termingled with his own dividends from the Society. 

RCA- Victor has the dubious* solace that the cowboy song which 
Ezio Pinza made in his best Italian basso profundo with The Sons of 
the Pioneers. "Little Old State of Texas," will at least become a col- 
lector’s item. It’s much as if Enrico Caruso were to have sung "Jada" 
or Abadaba Honeymoon.” Despite the freak novelty of this "gim- 
mick" disk, RCA can’t give it away. 


This Pub Salutes Disk Jockeys 

(ontintud from pace 41 ^ . ■ on o my iruiy, ■ ruiy rair — girt a j . . g . . . . u 

sales are boosted. His personal records from the stores — but they I ’•APRIL STEVENS iVictor)' 

appearance money increases. He dob t compare with vinylites if they | 9 10 "I’m in Love Again" — 20-31 48 A . 5 4 

gains innumerable benefits from are available.* I MARtO LANZA (Victor) ~ 

_ I ! Never Heard of Payola 10 "Be cause” — 10-3207A 3 

weeks' ago ) * *** And now * ln re P a > ola Who, LESPAUL-M ARY FORD (Capitol) 

.. ‘ * ..... _ _ where, why, when and how? 1 11A 11 "How High the Moon"— 1451 5 

io^! . 0 ne . tl I ne 16 5° y u * now • lot of these fellers' myself, WEAVERSTDecca) \ 

1.. S got OK ether, led by Fred and j do n’t believe your accusa- hr 14 "On Top of Old Smoky" — ^7515 

War ng and tried to stop public tton . Deejay, are people, and all ^ 

f^dn * **r*.* with these artists. In people are vulnerable to the dls PAGE (M ercu p'l 

the meantime these leaders lost ease in queslion However, con- g ™*“ PI ’ 1 . 7 , 

peiformanco of disks. The court s i d er this: has any deejay made a ?. ON i9! Decca i 

the valuable radio record plugs. hit of a song or record that didn . t 13 “Vanity ’— nt l 8 » » 

and newcomers like Benny Good- have it? [ doI) . t know of one pres . VIC DAMONE Mercury) 

!”? n ’ J Dorsey^ G * enn Mil- sure song which could make it in 14A 13 "My Truly. Truly Fair” — 5646 

Kerned 6 ’„hHo the time if U didnt haVe P°P U * TOUMY EDWARDS (M-G^M) 

disk performance % deeply oW^V'r.ni “ B - “ g ?™ 1 " 8 S i* 

They were talented newcomers, glu ex Dos d ^^rlv-R’l ’ * KAY STAHR ,Ca P itol) 

they had what it took but what’s hit ^ d prQperl> li * 14C .. "C ome-on-A My Hou se”— 1710 

most important they were show- J- . .. JANE TURZY TRIO (Decca) 

cased. Even Decca Records changed g . uyt „ . , , arc 15 A 15 "Sweet Violets" — 27668 10* 

its mind. When the late and great &™‘"f Iea * rt F^nd C "ebralValsy Bl LL Y “ WILLIAMS 4 ~ I 

Jack Kapp finally decided to make ^ T08S * «eart r una. cereDrai ] Palsy, "Shanghai”— 10998 

his disks available to radio-he Cancer Fund and many varied com Shanthal 10998 

turned out high fidelitv vinvlit* munit F charities. Their main inter ^ — 

for use by disk jockeys est is in keeping their listening au% _ Disk Best Sellers by CompRl 

r >?‘ ht STu... dlence "To do 80 th *y must P 1 ** ( Based on Points Earned) 

( <*p> right Act to Blame what the public wants. In fact, great N f 

Maybe the copyright law should numbers of disk shows (as attested I ah^i D„ rf . rHt i. h# i 

be changed, but don’t blame the \o in Variety’s compilations week- Records Points ^ ,brl 

deejay. Let his sponsor pay a lit- ly> are entirely devbted to re- Columbia j J 192 Decca _ 

tie more if the law says he should quests. 7 , 1 , m V* ST 7 ’*' M * 

and the show is worth It but until Al for pop U i ari ty lists. Pub- * “ “ 

* h * * ec ?? d,ry co , pyr . i * 1 ?‘ U J* , u Ushers for the most part hate the I > 

Pf aaed l h n P r right *K law u t0 Hit *•»<*•. *>0t it’s one of the old- ©MAT caruso 

„**"**’. this tln I e ’ th * Pu*>ll»her es t an< j best-loved shows on radio. PIUP TOP M , , 

III ° K f ‘° A P "° A tc D h sh< >wca«ings And will 5e undo ubtedly for many MVfc loom 

gets paid b\ ASCAP or BMI, and lyears a TV favorite. Every publish- Victor 

Tiff n ?i h . ng , g<M>d f 0 rt J ine fr0n l er at t**n* thought he was ALBUMS I DM-150R 
r! e rTnf or "' ance of 9 good losing biz because of the inaccurate LM-1127 

record of his aong. listings. The listeners still pick |. WDM-1506 

The real reasons deejays don’t and buy the hits because they like 
buy disks isn’t that they aren’t ’em not because anyone says ~ 

Un U vinvme b Z^ ! ^ m- H h ^ m thanks. Who knows, maybe they’ll welcome the disk jockeys*. .. every 

sSSSS 

highly* LZXl P . r nuipmem th I'd yTV” ' V"* S^'b.lMh.'S min^adS gr *“* W " nt “ U ° n>1 >ld 

highly sensitive equipment used Ted Weems, the publisher. Leeds a wonderful movie Nobodv sana k 

for radio transmission. Lots of sta- Music, and both Decca and Victor tu oc „ nnfl . uu A i ® Ci . . , . 171*1 

t ion libraries have purchased thou- who sold combined more than a madl the founds to sa^ -Thanks * StrUmn,er ‘ E,ect “«•'»*» 

sands of dollars worth of retail million have expressed their after it waa all over a n Atlantic City, Aug. 7. 

Norman English, of Lansing, 
Mich., was named president of the 
American Guild of Banjolsts, Man- 
dolinists and Guitarists at the con- 
clusion of their annual convention 
staged here at Hotel Ambassador 
last week. 

He suceeds the late Harry G 
. .. .. , Brander. of Hammonton, N. J., 

ever before, a bigger interest in who died last March. A vice-prez. 

English headed the organization 
recorded music, and a bigger op- slnce that Ume 

portunity for the public to choose 
their hits. Is that evil? Our great 
old talents continue to please the 
public but our new faces and new 
voices also get a chance to be 
heard. Your old-line publisher 
should recognize in the disk jockey 
his own failure . to compensate 
years ago for a changing public 
acceptance. Then was his cue to 
change tactics and convert with tho 
business, not to sit and ruminate 
about^the halcyon day*. Let’s face, 
it. 1 V the old-iine publishing. meth- 
od is passe. Disk jockey exposure 
of music is a contemporary contri- 
bution that represent- improve- 
ment over ancient and cumbersome 
methods. 

§o share not with the gang at 
4 he Paddock and Lindy’a in bewail- 
ing the shift of the music business, 
axis. Take note of the expanded 
orbit and welcome it just as we 


! ! 


& s (? o *5 s s g 

unrns 

St e ® w 

d z X i n T 1 


c i Jg 

9 4 * 

I ? T 


& ii 


111221113.. 4 103 


2 2 1 80 


4 6 10 1 5 3 2 1 . . 64 


4 3 1 2 59 


8 3 3 9.. 3 5.... 7 7 48 


9 8 3 42 


8 2 2 5 


DORIS DA\ (Columbia) 

“Shanghai"— 39423 8 .. .. 5 .. . . 9 8 .. 

G. BilfCHKLL-M. MTLLER7 
"My Truly. Truly Fair”— 39415 . . 9 .. .. 6 7 

•APRIL STEVENS (Victor) 

“I’m in Love Arain" — 2 0-31 48 A . 5 .. .. 4 6 

>1 \ R IOLANZA TVictor) 

"Because”— 10-3207A 3 

LES PAUL-M ARY FORD (Capitol) 

"How High the Moon"— 1451 5 9 

WEAVERSlDecca'- 

"On Top of Old Smoky"— 27^15 6 

PATTI PAGE (Mercury) ^ r_ 

"Mr. and Mississippi" — 5645 7 7 8 

"DON C HERR 7 Decca) 

“Vanity"— 27618 8 5 

VIC DAMONE (Mercury) 

“My Truly, Trnly Fair"— 5646 3 

TOMMY 5D WARDS M-G-M) 

"Morning Side Mountain"— 10989 . . 0 

KAY STARR (Capitol) 7* 

"Coxne-on-A My House” — 1710 L . 

"TaniTturzy trio (becciT . 

“Sweet VloleU"— 27668 10* .. . . 

BILLY WILLIAMS 4 (M-G-M) 

"Shanghai"— 10998 4 


Disk Best Sellers by Compeniet 

( Based on Points Earned) 


No. of 

Label Records 

Columbia 5 

Victor 5 

Capitol 3 


Points 

192 

176 

102 


Label 
Decca . . . 
Mercury , 
M-G-M .. 


No. of . 
Records 

. • • • 3 




Points 

St 

26 

15 


FIVE TOP 
ALBUMS 


1 

* 2 

OKfAT CARUSO 

SHOWiOAT 

Mario Lama 

Hollywood Cm* 

Victor 

M-G-M 

DM- 1500 

M-G-M84 * 

LM-1127 

K 84 

WDM-1506 

, E 559 



Decca 

DL-9008 

9-260 

DA-876 


DA -825 

9-203 

DLP-8036 


Capitol 

CD-244 


NOTICE 


... 9 

* §■ . * 

THERE'LL BE 

PEACE IN THE VALLEY 

FOR ME 

This composition waS written by Thomas A. Dorsey 
and was copyrighted by him jn 1939. 

All rights in this composition have been assigned by 
Thomas A. Dorsey to 

HILL AND RANGE SONGS, INC. 

407 Commercial Center Street 
Beverly Hills, Calif., 

which is Uie sole owner of all rights in this composition 
and in all copyrights thereof. 


nea more man a made the rounds to say, ’Thanks," 
expressed their a ft e r it wu all over. Ask all the 

jocks he thanked in New York. 

I Chicago, Boston, etc. 

Howard S. Richmond. 


PROGRAM 

My Moonlight Madonna 

fidoafiitf Wahi Standard 

by 

Paul Francis Webster 




Sees Editorial 

Continued from page 41 



STEWART BARI 
Baritone 


in au copyrights thereof. 

This is an original composition, full protected 
by copyright, and owned exclusively by Hill 
and Range Songs, Inc. 


- Growing BIGGER Everyday — 

LONESOME AND SORRY 

WI0ILT MCORDKD — WIDKLY PROGRAMMED 


MILLS MUSIC, INC., 141f Broadway, Now York 19 



















VAI1KVIIXK 


i 



WednettUy, Aagnst ft, 1951 



Poliui tolk dance that Is far cat 
above the redundant Latino and 
American type of production. It's 
worthy of continual repeat 
Artie Dann handles the emcee 
chores capably and on his own 
makes for a hard-punching comic 
who mixes familiar and originals to 
keep them happy. . Accent, of 
course,- la on the Durante-sised 
schnoz. Also works in band for 
rhythm song tnat gets them on his 
w a Ikon. Tony Lopez and orch are 
tops in the backings. Lory. 


a lengthy but sdlld dram solo by 
Kart Kiffe. . 

Anne Triola is ushered on to Im- 
mediately set out in fast-paced 
songology utilizing clever opener 
"Here 1 Am," scqueled by narra- 
tive tale about "Al," and reprise 
from her recent "Annie Get Your 
Gun" road-show tour — "Can't Get a 
Man With a Gun." Leavening 
clever technique in selling lyrics 
to "Travel is Broadening" wins 
big returns. "Call!. Call!" is mod- 
ernization of an old Hebrew chant 
sung with plenty zest for sock 
closer. Miss Triola is accomped by 


(EMERALD ROOM) 

Houston. Aug. 1. 
Carmen Cavallaro, Louise Mar- 
PHI. Henry King's Orch ; $3.50 mini. 

>nvm. 


tunesmi thing. Documentary tapes 
narration by Jean Paul King, warb- 
ling. by Ray Middleton. Ted Lewis 
end Guy Landis, over speakers, 
while pantoed under strobs. Tune 
saga picks out wJt/s embellished 
by Buster’s taps atop piano to,."! 
Never Knew." ballrooming duet 
with Chi Chi Kohl in "Polynesian 
Love Song." miming of Jolson and 
off to Buffalo tag "Toot Toot Toot- 
sie, Goodbye." Idea is unique for 
local nitery fare, but needs more 
polishing. 

June Taylor Dancers make an- 
other appearance m i d w a y. with 
mambo routine, bongoed by Buster 
and* undulations by sexy Barbara 
Nichols. Will. 


ROUNDUP ROOM) 

Las Vegas. Aug. 1. 
Beatrice Kay, Syloan Green, 
Archie Robbins . Buster Burnell, 
June Taular Dancers (81, Ted Fio 
Rito Orch <10»; no cover, no mini- 
mum. * 


Shortly after the Shamrock 
opened in *49, Carmen Cavallaro 
brought his orch in for two weeks 
and got rave notices. His reappear- 
ance, as a single this time, is bring- 
ing out flocks of fans for his 
terrif keyboarding. They keep him 
at the piano for a couple of 
lengthy hegoffs. 

Guests get a helping of some- 
thing new in local floorshows. too. 
Louise Martell, a hefty gal who’s 
sung ip the Blue Angel. N. Y., and 
Miami supper clubs and done dub- 
in chirping for Walt Disney, has 
her Arst big nitery engagement 
here. Her lilting, simple style with 
a ballad gets over big, has the 
room in pin-drop silence. 

Sock items on the Cavallaro 
repertoire are his fast Cuban 
rhumba, "Voodoo Moon." and his 
excursion into boogie-woogie. 

Audience gets a shade restless 
when he gives with longhair 
"Claire de Lune" and Chopin’s 
"Polonaise," expertly done though 
they are. It’s when he bounces into 
the two faves. plus arrangements 
backed by Henry King’s orch of 
'Tea for Two." "La Vie en Rose.” 
and the inevitable , "September 
Song." that he’s tops. 

Miss Martell, show opener, mixes 
ballads such as "Lass With a Deli- 
cate Air," at which she's besL with 
pop "Lady from SO Palm/* and 
torcher "There’a No You," to 
which her stylo Is not so well 
adapted. Then there’s clever 
tune from an upcoming Disney, 
titled ‘Tourists," which clicks nice- 
ly. 

Dick Krueger does the vocalizing 
during the dance seta in his usual 
good style. * Fraz 


Beatrice Kay. now enveloping 
Roundup Roomers with her spor- 
tive Gay 90s style, seems to be hav- 
ing a hall while asserting her as- 
sorted cantos. Caught up In the 
spirit of such larking, audiences 
are according her such kudos 
nieteaTHit to local faves-^generous 
and sincere 

After establishing herself at out- 
set in period costume touch of 
maribou neckpiece and parasql. 
Miss Kay themes a *few^ bars of 
"Band Played On.” Solicits audi- 
ence into participation gimmick 
with "Everybody Clap Hands." 
then takjs turn into broad innu- 
endo by spicing "Good Man is Hard 
to r inu." 

Sylvan Green, who spanks the 
keyboard and dictates to the Fio 
Kilo crew during this sesh, also 
manages to play straight in gab 
setup ribbing Berle’s gagwriters. 
Accomper se.s up rumpus during 
following stripper cruise, to lead 
the ebullient B.K. back onto song- 
ology. "Piano Roll Blues” is bar- 
relhouse growl, contrasted with 
schmaltzy community sing "Let Me 
Call You Sweetheart." Preludes 
"Put Your Shoes on Lucy" with 
scat jargon, threading into sad tale 
of w ronged miss 4n "Only a Glass 
of Champagne." Shifts into nigh 
glee with dialect "Bill Bailey." and 
lowers lashes during hokum "Don’t 
Go Into the Lion’s Cage Tonight." 
Bright ramble through "Old Gay 
90s Days" takes her off to cheecg. 

Archie Robbins is held over 
from last two frames to All slot 
originally reserved for Buddy Les- 
ter. Contrasts present stint neatly 
from past fortnight by laying down 
entirely new batch of material, 
with much patter emerging even 
brighter. Audiences seem to go for 
the Robbins’ brand of humor. Is- 
sues friendly manner sans smart- 
alecky approach, garnering unwav- 
ering interest as well as plenty 
yotks. 


ThMiflrblrd, Las Vegaa 

(NAVAJO ^OOM) 

Las Vegas, Aug. 2. 

Jimmy Dorsey Orch {16), Am.e 
Triola , Pat O'Connor, Sandy Evans , 
Shorty Sherock, Pola Van Essa, 
Christina Carson, Kay Tapscott , 
Kathryn Duffy *Da fixations (7), 
Jack Martin rive; no cover , no 
minimum. 


Eddie Samuels from onstage spinet. 

Damnations tie up with "Salute 
to George M. Cohan" having Kay 
Tapscott to front in ultra-animate 
display of taps. Jack Martin Five 
fills in for Interim terpatron sets 
to relieve Dorsey gang dn occa- 
sion. Will. 


( lover Hall 

Miami, Aug. 6. 

Patti Page. Artie Dann, Luis 
Gomez k Beatrice k Dancers (8>. 
Tony Lopez Orch; minimum $2 and 
$3 50. 


Kaatllas Hotel. Mia as I 

(DRIFTWOOD ROOM) 
Miami Beach. Aug. 5. 
Richard Hayes, Mac Pepper. Josi 
k Stella Reyes , Freddie Calo Orch 
minimum $2. 


Jimmy Dorsey and orch topline 
this new array, with chirping 
comedienne Anne Triola extra- 
added. Balance of layout is mado 
up of Dorsey solgjsts. vocal and in- 
struments!, aloeg with Kathryn 
Duffy Dansations. to make up unu- 
sual music-laden casement good 
for some satisfactory biz. 

Dorsey is given special intro by 
Dansations and Pat O’Connor, 
femme vocalist in band, to down- 
beat walloping "Sweet Georgia 
Brown," m which he gels off a 
couple of neat alto sax choruses. 
Miss O’Connor returns to thrush 
bouncy "Them There Eyes." moves 
over for dueting with trumpeter 
Shorty Sherock on "Kiss Me." 
Sherock employs novelty muted 
growl to obbligato lyrics for 
chortles. 

Dorseyland Band, combo from 
unit, rips off the old New Orleans 
standby, "Muskrat Ramble," for 
bright segment well received. Pace- 
changer sets up Dansations In 
gorgeous terpery to "Deep Purple." 
sopranoed hv Pola Van Essa and 
iniaid with authoritative toe bal- 
let steppe ry by Christina Carson. 
Costuming and lighting polish this 
Into very effective sequence, 
though somewhat on arty side. 

Sandy Evans’ chapter is pleasant- 
ly outlined, with genial appearing 
balladeer dossing over "Mine 
Alone," "Everything I Have Is 
Yours," and combining with Miss 
O'Connor in reprise of wJl Dor- 
sey hitune "Green Eyes." Tempo 
revs up with instrumental oldie in 
the books, "John Silver," encasing 


Current booking of Patti Page 
indicates a pattern which may well 
start another cafe war in this area 
for names. Already set for the 
Clover in coming months are Spike 
Jones and his crew, the Ritz Bros, 
and Billy Grey with Ben Lessy and 
Patti Moore 

From biz attracted by the record- 
ing click, the policy is a good idea, 
though an expensive one. In a 
room seating over 400. however, it 
can be turned profitably. Miss Page 
in this turn is a different lass from 
the one who appeared last winter 
at the swank Club Morocco of the 
CaJkablanca Hotel on the Beach. 
There she purveyed a brief stint 
that left them wondering why there 
wasn’t more. Here she reaches full 
stature as an assured and tvise cafe 
performer who knows how to han- 
dle her listeners, giving them a 
highly satisfying array of songs, 
with of course, her recording hits 
included. Runs out some nice tunes 
delivered in easy and effective 
manner. Gowned in top style, she 
looks as good as she sings and 
wraps up all the way. 

Supporting show is strong. The 
Gomez 4t Beatrice duo displays 
palm-bringing lifts and spins, han- 
dled in class manner for a pair of 
imaginative routines, and in the 


Add Richard Hayes to the grow- 
ing list of young song salesmen to 
click in this town. 

The lad projects a potent pa- 
rade of pop tunes, embraced in a 
solid vocalistic style that reminds, 
at times, of a younger Tony Mar- 
tin. With it. hit Is an easy and 
warm personality that wins his 
listeners irom walkon. 

In this pop mid-Beach smarterv, 
he wraps up via "Gonna Live Till 
I Die," neat change of pace with 
"As Time Goes By." "Old Master 
Painter." "If You Are But a 
Dream," and a sock version of 
"Come On-A My House." Encored 
with 'Too Young" for the request 
section. Works ms intros in simple, 
albeit efective talk and where 
there might be a flagging of inter- 
est. rouses them back with a deft- 


est, rouses them bac 
nite drive that adds to overall Im- 
pact. He's a bet for the better cafes. 

Mac Pepper, in the comedy slot, 
is a hard-working lad who tosses 
a melange of patter, acro-antics. 
the aud happy. 

hoofery, songs and aud-partidpash 
Ideas to keep things moving, and 
Holding over are expert Latin 
dancers. Stella 4c Jose Keyes, who 
concentrate on the deliberate 
tempos in that idiom. Freddie Galo 
orch is capablo on the show-backs 
and tops on dance segments. 

L ary 


Hollywood, Aug. 2. 

Tippy k Cootna, june Rose lie, 
Victor Marchese. Emil Coleman’s 
Orch; $1.50-12 minimum. 

Tippy li Co bins, a couple of 
rhesus monkeys owned by Manuel 
k Marita Viera, opened at the 
Mocambo after two weeks of argu- 
ments as to whether they should 
make their Hollywood nitery bow 
there or at Clro’a, a hop and a 
skip down the Sunset Strip. The 
Mo s Charlie Morrison won out on 
(Continued on page 54) 


TV's Most Original Dancers ★ ★ ★ ★ 


Opening AUGUST 9th 


New York 

Thanks to Miss MERRIEL ABBOTT 


—It Is Gratifying to Hava Appeared W ith SID CAESAR and 
IMOGENE COCA in Their Recent Record Breaking Engagement 
at CHICAGO THE A TRE , Chicago. 

r- - Returning in the Fall to ■■ i 


NBC-TV 

( Third Coneeeutive Year!) 

-Thanks to Mr, MAX LIEBMAN 


Exclusive Management 

HERBERT MARKS AGENCY 


NEW YORK-218 West 49 Street, Circle 6-8601 


MIAMI BEACH— 600 Lincoln Rood Bldg., Tel. 5-2119 





Wednesday* * August 8* 1951 


Borscht Grant 

HoteFs $100,000 

Weekly Grosses 

# 

Irving Mansfield, CBS-TV pro- 
ducer, was overwhelmed by the 
big business that the Catskill Mt. 
resort hotels do, fnd to what de- 
gree they enlist ftnow biz as part 
of the life-of-the-party pitch. Top 
hostelries, like, the Concord Hotel, 
at Kiamesha Lake, N. Y., where 
Mansfield spent a month with his 
latest CBS buildup comedian, Sam 
Levenson, paid acts like Martin & 
Lewis $3,500 for a one-nighter; 
Danny Thomas got $2,500, Leven- 
son. $2,000; Vic Damone, $1,000, 
and the like. 

These hotels have 1,000-1,200 
capacities, and weekly rates run 
from $100 to $175 a head. Figured 
on the basis fit $100 a week, and a 
Invk-averaee midfleaenn of 1 000 
capacity, that’s a £100,000 weekly 
gross. “It proves that fresh air,- 
sunshine and good groceries in the 
so-called ’borscht circuit* is still 
twice as big a hit as ’South Pa- 
cific.' " observes Mansfield who 
thinks the “b.c." billing a mis- 
nomer. 

In fact, Arthiy Kober, author of 
“Having Wonderful Time/* a yes- 
teryear comedy dealing with the 
borscht belt, discovered the great 
change in his travels through the 
Catskills and Poconos with Joshua 
Logan, who plans to produce a 
musicalization of the play to be 
called “W i s h You Were Here." 
Harold J. Rome has done the score. 
Logan and Kober found that the 
borscht belt is quite chic nowadays, 
with top name talent, (he best 
Cuban bands, and the like. 



Lew Grade Due In U.S. 

Lew (& Leslie) Grade, of the 
London agency, is expected in 
New York on a two-month overdue 
visit, retarded by physical exhaus- 
tion. 

He has been convalescing in the 
south of France, but is now due 
over in mid-September. 


BOB HOPE ADDED TO BIG 
NAME SEED BY HADACOL 

Bob Hope is set for a couple of 
dates for the Hadacol Caravan. 
Louisville, Sept. 3 and Cincinnati 
Sept. 4. 

Addition of Hope gives the box- 
top troupe its chunkiest list of 
name lures in show’s two-year his- 
tory as a star-user. 

Previously inked for this year's 
dates were Miltoh Berle, Jimmy 
Durante, Carmen Miranda, Rudy 
Vallee, Dick Haymes, Jack Demp- 
sey and Eddie (Rochester) Ander- 
son, plus supporting acts, bands, 
etc. Theirle-Duffield of Chicago 
is supplying fireworks displays for 
the 47-city skein in south and mid- 
west. 

Charlie Yates, Hope's agent on 
his personal appearances, set the 
deal with Louisiana State Sen. Dud- 
ley LeBlanc, head of Hadacol. 

Hope will make the stands after 
playing Michigan State Fair at De- 
troit, Aug. 31-Sept. 1, for which 
he's biting off $20,000. • 

Cesar Romero will play show's 
.opening week, Aug. 14 20, aioni 
I with Vallee. 

Wometco Negro Theatres 
In Fla. to Play Acts 

Some Florida film houses catering 
to colored trade wiii book stage- 
shows this fall and winter. Live 
fare will encompass units, bands 
and acta in the vaudfllm setup. 

Among first users will be Womet- 
co circuit's Negro theatres in great- 
er Miami and West Palm Beach. 
District manager Elmer Hecht en- 
visions from two to three weeks of 
consecutive bookings for attrac- 
tions working the chain in those 
two areas. Hecht's base is Miami. 

Miami Sets Bcv Hudson 

• Beverly Hudson, following her 
current professional debut at the 
Copacabana, N. Y., goes Into the 
Clover Club, Miami Beach, Aug. 
12, for two weeks with options. 

Miss Hudson, 21, was recently 
brought to the attention of “Bul- 
lets'' Durgom. the agent-personal 
manager, oo the Coast, where she 
formerly sang “for the fun of it*' 
for friends. Durgom is now her 
manager. 


Canon to England 

For Vaude Dates 

Comedian Jack Carson departed 
for England aboard the Queen 
Mary Monday (6) to play a one- 
week engagement in Manchester 
beginning Aug. 13, and then the 
London Palladium for two weeks, 
commencing Aug. 27. 

Carson and his troupe will play 
army camps in Germany during 
week beginning Aug. 20. When he 
returns from England In mid-Sep- 
tember he begins propping his 
NBC-TV comedy show. 


Uberace Pact 
Nix May Bring 


Theatre Authority Challenges AGVA 
To Stop Acts At Coast Grid Benefit 


Hollywood, Aug. 7. 

First open battle in the Coast 
warfare between Theatre Authority 
and American Guild of Variety 
Artists is expected this week over 
the scheduled benefit show be- 
tween halves of the L. A. Times' 
Rams-Redskins football game in 
the Coliseum Aug. 15. Eddie Rio, 
AGVA's Coast chief, pulled his 
organization out of TA ranks last 
week, following the pattern set by 
AGVA ton New York a year ago. 

After departing abruptly, Rio an- 
nounced his intention of having 
AGVA police its own benefits in 
the futtire and taking its own shire 


Ad Mgt Airing nxurwK 


Hollywood, Aug. 7. 

Personal management contracts 
are being re-examined in the light 
of a ruling by deputy labor com- 
missioner Edward M. Belasco, who 
has voided' the agreement between 
Uberace and William B. White. 
Ruling also is expected to have an 
effect on the $150,000 suit which 
White currently has pending 
sgsinst the pianist in Superior 
Court here. 

Uberace brought the matter to 
the labor commission, seeking an 
end to the contract on the grounds 
that it was actually an artists' man- 
ager’s agreement and as such had 
been invalidated by White's failure 
to provide work for the pianist. A 
hearing was held three months ago 
and after lengthy deliberation, 
Belasco upheld the contention that 
the provisions of the fc>act actually 
made It an artists’ manager’s con- 
tract. > .. * 

Since it had not been submitted 
to the labor commission for ap- 
proval before signing and did not 
conform to the minimum legal re- 
quirements, Belasco voided the 
agreement. However, he overruled 
a Uberace plea that $1,900 in com- 
missions be returned, contending 
that White was entitled to keep 
fees for what work had been per- 
formed. 


CAFE SOCIETY, N. Y. 

Further crackdown on New York 
niteries by Government men for 
nonpayment of taxes shuttered the 
Cafe Society Downtown Thursday 
(2). Tom Ball, of the now defunct 
China Doll, was similarly hit re- 
cently by U. S. Internal Revenue 
agents. 

A spokesman for the Greenwich 
Village nitery revealed that the 
club would reopen as soon as the 
coin (an undisclosed sum) for the 
back taxes was raised. Singer Gigi 
Durston was scheduled to open 
Thursday night and pianist Erroll 
Garner was booked for an engage- 
ment beginning Aug. 16. Lou 
Lewis is Cafe Society's current 
owner. 

Hildy’s 7G For Coast 2 

Hollywood, Aug. 7. 

Hildegarde opens at the Hotel 
del Coronado. Coronado Beach, for 
two weeks, starting tonight (Tues.) 

Chanteuse is getting a $3,500 
guarantee per frame. 


Jack Kalcheim, who maintains a 
talent agency in New York, plans 
no change in his setup, contrary to 
a report from Chicago last week 
that he was headed for the Windy 
City to negotiate a berth with Gen- 


city to negc 
era! Artists 


Corp. 


of the gate. First benefit to come 
up is the Times’ shindig, with Rio 
declaring he had notifed the news- 
paper’s promotion chief, Paul 
Schissler, mt a new contract 
would have to be signed with 
AGVA. Schissler said that Rio had 
made no such move but had given 
permission to go ahead with ar- 
rangements previously made 
through TA. Newspaper pointed 
out that the deal was made while 
Rio still was sitting on the TA 
board and that he had been a party 
to the contract for the show. 

TA, on hearing of Rio’s an- 
nouncement that a new contract 
would have to be signed or no 
show, promptly challenged the 
vaude union to make good on its 
threat. In a bristling statement, 
Ken Thompson, of the Screen Ac- 
tor Guild, acting chairman of TA 
in the absence of Ken Carpenter of 
American Federation of Radio Ac- 
tors. declared flatly that Theatre 
Authority “will see to it that thero 
will be a great show" at the game. 

“We will leave it to all per- 
formers and to the public to de- 
cide,’* the statement continued, 
“who's right in this unfortunate 
dispute which has been' brought 
about by AGVA's attempt to take 
over for its own purposes the non- 
profit Theatre Authority, despite 
the unanimous opposition of the 
other talent unions." 

Music Corp of America has lined 
up Ken Murray, Laurie Anders and 
the Skylarks for the show, with 
one act to fill. 


Dinah’s Chi Vaoder 

Hollywood. Au; . 7. 

Dinah Shore heads for Chicago 
this weekend for 'a one- week stint 
at the Chicago Theatre, com- 
mencing Aug. 17. Date marks sing- 
er’s first theatre engagement in five 
years. 

While in the Windy City, song- 
stress will aid in several promotion 
and exploitation stunts being set 
up by RCA Victor, for which she 
records. 


CiWientuf 

3rd SMASH WEEK 

GOLDEN GATE 


San Francisco 



"The maddest and looniest comedian In the 
business. A master of timing, material and 
personality.** 

— HORTENSE MORTON 
San Francisco Examiner 

"Wonderful.** 

— HERB CAEN 
San Francisco Examiner 
"A remarkable versatile comedian.** 
—FRED JOHNSON 
San Franciaco Call Bulletin 

"Cracker Jack Funnyman , . . Uproarious 

• . • nearly gave ns the bends.** 

—LUTHER NICHOLS 
San Franciaco Chronicle 

"One of the funniest men on stage today 

• • • he r s amazing." 

—EMILIA HODEL 
San Franciaco News 

"Dynamic clowing." 

— W. E. OLIVER. Los Angeles 
Evening Herald it Examiner 

"Very clever Indeed . . . receives tremen- 
dous applause." 

— EDWINA SCHALLERT 
- Los Angeles Times 

"An amiable clown De Lyon • . . has good 
material and deft timing, builds Into a 
top humor package." 

— Dally Vaxixty 






'>■ 'iTT p. 1 ^*}- !• !• c ,.,-r ••••■• 



- 




p\ 

My Sincere Thanks and Appreciation to MISS JOSEPHINE BAKER and MR. NED SCHUYLER 

for a Wonderful 20 Week Tour 

i 

- Direction: GENERAL ARTISTS CORPORATION ■ — — - 






52 


VAITOBVIUJI 


Wednesday, Aagnst 8, 1951 


Mpls. Theatre MnDs Legal Step 
Vs. M&L For Breach of Contract 


Minneapolis. Aug. 7. 

Minnesota Amus. Co. (United 
Paramount Theatres) is conferring 
with its legal talent to determine 
what action to take in consequence 
of the Martin & Lewis alleged 
breach of their contract to appear 
at Radio City Theatre here during 
the current week. 

Harry B. French. MAC president, 
claims Martin Ac Lewis signed for. 
their in-person stage show appear- 
ance March 26, 1951. The contract 
contained a clause to permit the 
comedy stars to cancel 29 days in 
advance of Aug. 3. 

Pair reportedly didn’t notify 
French they were cancelling until 
three days before Aug. 3 and, 
meanwhile, MAC claimed it spent 
a substantial sum in advertising the 


Chicago's 

NEW LAWRENCE 


... HOTEL 



Iw rim A tteemme A' 
CfcttM* A. llliNli 


ic 

★ 

★ 

★ 

★ 

★ 


★ 

SPECIAL 
PROFESSIONAL 
RATES 


It Sfcarldaa Rh« 
LOMNMk 1-tlSS 


stage-screen show, starting two 
weeks ahead of the show. 

Newspaper ads, apologizing to 
the public and expressing regret, 
stated the cancellation came as “a 
complete surprise.” The ads told 
about the contract with Martin & 
Lewis and how the pair had waited 
three days before their scheduled 
opening to cancel, although the 
contract specified that such cancel- 
lation had to be made before 29 
days prior to Aug. 3. When no such 
cancellation was received within 
the prescribed period, the ads said, 
the Radio City went ahead and ad- 
vertised the show. 

Ads gave no reason for the can- 
cellation, but in Chicago Dean Mar- 
tin said it was because Lewis ‘‘is 
just plain worn out after four 
months on the road. ' 

Martin Ac Lewis pictures, inci- 
dentally, are distributed through 
Paramount. Their newest one. 
“That’s My Boy,” is scheduled for 
early Radio City showing. Whether 
the Paramount tieup will have a 
bearing on the final MAC deter- 
mination is a matter of conjecture. 


A. C.*g Latest Headache: 
Nags Are Off This Wk. 

Atlantic City, Aug. 7. 

The Atlantic City race track, on 
the mainland 17 miles away, opens 
its annual 42-day meet on Thurs- 
day (91, and already people in the 
amusement biz are wondering 
whether the track this year will 
help or harm their grosser. 

One thing is sure, from 10,000 to 
16.000 on weekdays and up to 22,- 
000 on Saturdays make their way 
to the track, and most of them 
come from A. C. Thus they’re 


Baddy Lester Seeks 
ACVA Aid en Salary 
From TlnpUyed’ Rancho 

Buddy Lester appealed yester- 
day (Tues.) to the American Guild 
of Variety Artists on a complaint 
alleging two weeks' salary owed 
him by El Rancho Vegas, Las 
Vegas. The comic was skfdded to 
open at the resort nitery last week, 
but ran into difficulties and was re- 


spending money away from this placed by Archie Robbins, a hold- 
resort. 1 0V er 

, J.Sh“. y v.*.r5!l; ^Tr-kT'VE ! »'•*• claimed Lester took « 

mmiu'i which h»« burn when he noticed his name 

- "I ?r C 'h!e d ne.th n th. h t e of Bel* 
alongside or beneath that of Bea- 


scheduled this year. 


Atlanta, Fair Assn. Held 

Liable in Injury Suit lh ' p " r '™ ses , 

* * \'avI riavr 1 


trice Kay. This resulted in a series 
of heated arguments with owner 
Beldon Katleman, who, it is 
charged, had Lester removed from 


Atlanta. Aug. 7. 


Next day Lester called his agent 
Charlie Yate6 in New York, after 


FOSTER AGENCT, LONDON. 



Now 

Apptirinf 
Iwmmtr Show 
Wlotor 
Gordon 
Thootro 
Slock pool* 

■ nftond 


Amoricon Sop. WM. MORRIS AOINCT 
TAVIL-MAROUANI AGENCY. PARIS 


Ellington-Co le- Vaugha n 
Unit to Spring Sept. 21 

An til-colored troupe, traveling 
under the banner of "The* Biggest 
Show of 1951," tees off on an eight- 
week tour of eastern arenas and 

auditoriums Sept. 21. The unit, 
featuring Duke Ellington orch, Nat 
"King” Cole. Sarah Vaughan. Peg 
Leg Bates, Timmie Rogers. Marie 
Bryant, Howell At Bowser, and 
Patterson Ac Jackson, is being 
booked at a $5,000 guarantee 
against 60?c of the gross. 

The individual acts will get a flat 
fee for the tour, which already em- 
braces Boston, Worcester. Provi- 
dence. Troy, Newark. New York. 
Washington. Philadelphia. Norfolk. 
Baltimore, Philadelphia, and White 
Plains. The unit is represented by 
the Gale Agency. 


: seeking an inr.nacd*sie booking at 
nearby Thunderbird without ap- 
parent encouragement from that 
source. He then left town. Intent 
on collecting full salary for the un- 
played stint. Lester’s protest to 
AGVA was wired from St. Louis, 
but no formal charges were pre- 
sented, merely a statement by the 
performer In which he asked na- 
tional administrator Henry Dunn 
how to go about effecting collec- 
tion. Meantime, the subbing Rob- 
bins was booked for the two weeks. 


Grant's Riviera 

aiSTAURANT AND SAR 
1S« W. 44 S». New York LU 2-44M 

WHERE SHOW BUSIN ESS MEETS 

* TALENT CONTEST * 
MONDAY NIGHTS 

Arise: Professional Engagement 
Oolitih Prim A«vM le Nm Cm - rw* 


Josh White Repeats 

England, Scandia Tour 

Folk singer Josh White left last 
weekend (4) for a return tour 
through England and the Scan- 
dinavian countries, opening with 
a two-week stand at the Tivoli 
Theatre. Stockholm. Aug. 15. Tour 
is being sponsored by the Swedish 
music mag. Estrad. Mary Chase. 
White’s manager, is also making 
the trip. 

Dancer Josephine Primus left at 
the same time for a similar Euro- 
pean junket. 


Southeastern Fair Assn, are liable 
for damages resulting from injury 
to Lakewood Park patrons, the 
Georgia Court of Appeals has 
ruled. 

Decision was returned by the 
judges in a $100,000 damage suit 
filed by a nurse who was seriously 
injured when she was hurled from 
a riding device on April 30, 1950. 

One person was killed In the 
mishap and three others were in- 
jured. 

The decision sends the case back 
to Fulton Superior Court for trial. 
The nurse, who lost an eye and 
suffered a skull fracture and two 
rib fractures, sued the city, the fair 
and R. H. Harris, operator of the 
ride. 

Both the city and the associa- 
tion entered pleas in Superior 
Court that they were not liable 
for damages. The lower court up- 
held the city’s plea, but denied the 
claim of the association. 

Attorneys for the city and the 
fair cited copies of the leases be- 
tween the city and the associa- 
tion. and Harris, which allegedly 
absolved the cdty and the associa- 
tion from damage claims. 

The Appeals Court, however, 
said, in effect, that neither the 
city nor the fair association could 
relinquish responsibility for op- 
eration of concessions because they 
both hold direct supervision over 
the park. 

The court said the city holds a 
one-third voice in “absolute con- 
trol" over the park through its rep- 
resentation on the park governing 
committee. Lakewood Park is sit- 
uated on city owned property. 


Brit VAF Backs German 
Union on Membership 

London, July 31. 

Willi Feldman, president of the 
International Artisten Loge of 
Germany, is beefing to the Variety 
Artists’ Federation because many 
British vaude act* playtng Ger- 
many have failed to join his organ- 
ization, although Germans working 
in -Britain are compelled to take 
out a VAF card. 

In a letter to the VAF, Feldman 
says the offenders come mainly 
from Britain and America. The 
British union considers his griev- 
ance a legitimate one. and has in- 
structed its members to support 
the German union. 


Saranac Lake 

By Happy Benway 

Saranac Lake, N. Y., Aug. 7. 


Golden Gate, S.F., Hits 
Josie Baker ‘Laxity’ 

San Francisco, Aug. 7. 

Rumblings of Josephine Baker's 
alleged lAxlty fh keeping up her 
end of the vaude engagement at 
the Golden Gate Theatre, came to 
the surface after the forced delay 
of the 10 o'clock show on Wednes- 
day night. The star’s attendance 


Big Show's Tex. Standi 

Dallas. Aug. 7. 
Ringling Brothers - Bamum Ac 
1 Bailey Circus will pay its annual 
1 visit here Sept. 28 to 30. 

Among other Texas dates are 
i Lubbock. Sept. 25; Amarillo. Sept. 
26; Wichita Falls, Sept. 27, and 
I Waco. Oct. 1. 


now | « th#Joi Uri/Su thitright 

rest.ng Bagbraok, N. Y. | compelled the holding up of the 


compelled the holding up 
performance over a half hour, It 
was said. 

Theatre execs claim that Miss 
Baker had been consistently late 
at all Initial morning performances, 
requiring a readjustment of time 
schedules throughout the day and 

. , . . . placing a burden on other perform- 

verpool, who beat the rap j rrs j eo De Lyon, emoee, .vas 


torium. reports she was recently* 
taken out of her cast in which she 
hibernated for over a year. 

Grace Davidson, of American 
Broadcasting Co., registered for ob- 
servation period. 

William and Joan Butler in from 
N. Y. to chat with Hattie Butler, 
whose progress is special. 

Inez Liverpool, who 
here 
that 
ing 


A.C. FATHERS TO RULL 
‘ICE CAPADES’ PACT 

Atlantic City, Aug. 7. 

A new live-year contract which 
would return "Ice Capadea" to the 
resort for another run In city* 
owned Convention Hall la in the 
making. The Arena Managers' 
Assn., which started a two-day ses- 
sion in Convention Hall yosterday 
(Mon.), Is discussing the routing 
of ice shows, among other subjects. 

The contract is to be submitted 
to the city commissioners for ap> 
proval at their meeting Thursday 
(9), when terms and conditions 
will be made known. 

Members of the association, 100 
In number from all sections of 
the U. S. and Canada, are being 
entertained by Phillip Thompson, 
manager of Convention Hall, a non- 
member. 


The McCormicks, vocal quartet, 
and Bill Jacoby, singer-dancer, get 
a month's showcasing currently at 
Skyway Lounge, Cleveland. 



Columbta Records 

KEN 

GRIFFIN 

CURftINTLY 

PARK FORREST HOTEL 

ST. LOUIS 

DlrMHMi MILO STILT 
MmRmI M lirl E lai M N A|W 
MS M. WabMfc, cm — f V 


GALI GALI 

Currontly 

HIPPODROME 

Manchostor, ing. 

BoprotoMod iy 

EDDIE ELKORT 

UW Odd USUI OftADf, LTD. 

290 W. 97* k | 239 deport St. 

New York | London, W1 


JORDAN and PAR VIS 


DANCING FASHION PLATES 



Currently SIX WCtKS 

CHEZ PAREE 

CHICAGO 
Jusi Concluded 

Town Casino, Buffalo 
Latin Casino, Philadelphia 
Folios ftorgoro, Montreal 
Prince George Hotel, Toronto 


o'w. 


Thanks 
DICK HENRY 

WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY 

New York 


Persona/ Mgt. HATTIE ALTHOFP 

226 West 47th St., Now York CRy 




Enterprises. N. Y., and Sonya 
Musial. of YVmngstow’n. O., stopped 
off to hello the gang while enroute 
to Montreil. 


mm __ ~ . ■ « v • »»• v«l| V IIIVH. v . neic 

•eSLfttS? Z i'S forced to pad his stint over a quar- 

in pl in Mount Vernon* N. H . and ° f f £? **our, mi*® 

will resume work in a Boston nit- Jj w P ? he 8h<m r nfi 1 n 1 
ery this fall. • ] Baker’s appearance. 

The Andy Graingers, of Shea’s _ 

Josie to Roxy Sept. 26 
Josephine Baker plays the Roxy. 
N. Y., opening Sept. 26, her second 
Carl kessier (Amazing Mr Bal-| stem since arriving from Eu- 
lantine) planed in from N. Y. to [ rope. v 

tender birthday party to Walter First was the Strand (now War- 
(CBS) Romanik, an all-up patient. ! ner>. 

Blowout was a steak dinner at | ■■■ ■ 

Don’s Theatrical Melody Lounge. 

Angelo Rom and Charles Lam- 
bert in from Rochester. N. Y., to 
bedside entertainer Shirley Han- 
dler, a new arrival whose observa- 
tion period is starting to show re- 
sults. 

The Bob Pasquales (She’s Helen 
Grupp. ex-Republic) now cottaging 
In downtown colony; report a dou- 
ble O.K. on recent allout checkup. I 

Otto Hayman, Cambria, N. Y.. 
manager, back in circulation after 
a two- week siege. His frau Genie ■ 

(legit) Reed, received her first up 1 
O.K. since rebent major operation. 

Delphin (RKO) Streder and For- ' 
rest (Slim) Gienn, after thoraco- I 
plasty operation are now back at 
Variety Club’s domicile resting in 
ft t B Wrt. 

(Write to those who are ill.) 


. "BOOKING" 

STANDARD ACTS 
For This Soason 
TV - THEATRES • CAFES 

HV7 I'woy JU. 4*3345 

EDDIE SMITH 


JACK DENTON 

World's Grootost Comodian* 
Handled by 

IRVING CHARNOFF 

14 JO broodway. Now York 
• . If you'd Pardon the expression 


Andy Rice, emcee and comedian, 
has opened the Circus Club. San 
Antonio. Bow bill has Rose Marie 
Conlon, singing accordionist, and 
Emile Parra, acro-dancer and 



Xho 








HTt"* * 


MGM * 

Records 


"George Shearing setting new marks with 
his superb quintette." - 

PRANK QUINN, 
N.Y. Dally Mirror. 


★ 


CURRINTLY 


ILUE NOTE 

CHICAGO 


* 


SHAW ARTISTS CORF., 545 Fifth Av.., N.w York 


JU 




• i •• • < 






Wednesday, Augmit S, 1§51 



xJL'O. 


ut 


TIPPY 


?? 


and 

WITH 


H 


COBINA 


THE VIERAS 


Cf««rt*« Marrieon'e p«tr«ni will prtliably all ba willing ta bacsma 
monksy'e unclae If thair niacse and nsphawe wsuld Him aut m clsvar 
•• Cabins, «Ha atari af fba currant thaw. Tippy and Cabins, 

In caea dnyana boa nat rand tba nawi columne tba bit faw days, ara, 
*wa aiminAa whaeo talsnte ara almost unbalisvakls. TKair opening 
nifbf wat graatad with applouta, tba fibs af wbicb a 1st af AOVA 
^4WM*ba^» wiab tbay caw Id garnar. 

-HOllYWOOO REPORTER 


Tippy and Cabins, twa highly cantravaraial rhstue monks, apanad 
thara tba atbar averting. 

fartanataly, tbay lived up ta tba excitement crastad in advance af 
thair dabvt. 

It's a atanling and rath ar frightaning parfarmonca. Thaaa twa pro* 
caciaaa monkeys can da anything humane can, and much mar a than 


•am# I've mat. 


Sharhay tha eaal hod battsr look ta hie 

leurcle. Tippy and Cabins ara gasd. Battsr 

% 

far Bietrae and TV than thaatrae. because 
thay'ra eucb email crittsre and tharafara 

<aa ■ * 

nat aaeily diecsmibls fram tha loet raw 
af tba Roxy. Bat goad. . . . notvroly 
coweae o commotion an tba port af tha 
cuetamare, wha'N probably ba jamming 
tha joint ta pa thaaa moral e make man- 
kaye out af paapla. 

-DAILY VARIETY 


-PAUL COATE5, L A Mirrar 


If thaea Mocamba mankaye don't wraneb 
earns laughe out af you nothing con. That 

■* i . . 

woe iaa Scbanck railing in tba aiela aver 
Tippy'e tricke Tuaaday night. 

-MIKE CONNOUY. Daily Vsr«*ty 


Manogament: LEONARD GREEN AGENCY, Inc., New York 


“UNQUESTIONABLY 
THE GREATEST NOVELTY ATTRACTION 

IN SHOW BUSINESS! 


Packing Ike Mocam- 
bo notwithstanding 
Tony Martin at tha 
Grove, Kay Thomp- 
son at Ciro’s, “Gays 
and Dolls” at Tha 

Philharmonic, "Fin- 

* \ .... 

ian’s Rainbow” at tha 

7 

’ ; s . 

Greek Theatre.” 


GUaxlic. Mowu&oh 

MOCAMBO 

Hollywood 


"Tba eimion camadione got ana af tba 
biggaet buildupe any night club act hoe 

A 

racaivad around bars far many 0 doy. x ^ 
"I want mod far thaaa U«»lo animals that 

a 

laok ta much lika paapla whan I tow tham 
at El nanchs Vsgoe in May and I ha vs 
bssn thair biggaet baoetsr avar since." 

-FLOtABEl MUIR 

a 




VAUMVDLUi 



Wednesday, Aagast 8, 1951 



AGVA-Protected Ads 
Paid Bat Tooters Seek 
3G at Lons Beach Fiz 

Hollywood, Aug. 7. 

The California labor commis- 
sioner is investigating claims 
against the Long Beach Exposition, 
which lost an estimated $75,000 
during its 10-day run at Veterans 
of Foreign Wan stadium la Long 
Beach last week. American Guild 
of Variety Artists' talent was paid 
off been usd the vaude union had in* 
serted a contract clause calling for 
nightly payment, but 11 musicians 
are still trying to collect a total of 
about $3,000. 

Show was promoted by Long 
Beach businessman Don E. Ken- 
nedy, his first show biz venture. 
Highlight of the expo was an 
atomic energy display, but lack of 
interest was evidenced early. Many 
concessionaires began departing 
after the third day of run. Show 
never played to more than 2,000 
people in 13.000-seat stadium, but 
completed its scheduled run. Gross 
was reportedly only around $15.* 
000, lust covering AGVA talent 
fees of $12,000, plus Federal ad* 
mish taxes, which were held out 
nightly to insure payment to Gov* 
eminent. 


Cafe 4m Pari*. Leadea 

London, Aug. 1. 

Dorothy Dandridge < with Phil 
Moore 1, Sidney Simone Orch, 
Johnnie Kenison Sam bo Band ; 
minimum $5. 

Original material, sock arrange- 
ments and a personality that proj- 
ects warmth and intimacy are the 
plus factors in current cabaret at- 
traction at this stylish cafe. 
Dorothy Dandridge. sepia song- 
stress from Hollywood, makes an 
impressive London debut with this 
stint. 

Success of engagement is due in 
large part to her- partner Phil 
Moore, who not only made the ar- 
rangements. but accomps at key- 
board and authored some of the 
material. One of his new numbers, 
being presented for the first time, 
“Blow Out the Candle," is a strong 


London, July 31. 

Grade Fields winds up the vaude 
season at the London Palladium 
when she plays there for two 
weeks, opening Oct. 1. Val Parnell 
terminated the vaude session last 
year in the same way. 

The usual headache for booker 
Parnell is what to put in at the 
Palladium as stopgap after vaude 
to open the pantomime season. Al- 
though unconfirmed, it is likely to 
be George and Alfred Black's 
current Opera House (Blackpool! 
summer show. "Happy Go Lucky," 
which stars Vera Lynn. Bernard 
Bros., Jack Radcliffe and Harry 
Secdmbe. It is understood he is 
pressing for Gypsy Bose Lee to 
play the lead. 


an imitation of Jerry Lewis that 

faithful Then the 


MoeaMbe, Hollywood 

basis of a signed contract. Ciro’s 
Herman Hover claimed he'd had 
a verbal agreement from the 
Vieras. The Vieras denied this. 

Tippy 4 Cobina are headlined, 
with June Roselle and Victor 
Marchese holding over from last 
week’s "New Talent" lineup, and 
Emil Coleman still giving out with 
ace terp tunes for the customers 
and backing for the acts. 

The monkeys, an unusual nitery 
booking, are very good, and Shark- 
ey the Seal had better watch him- 
self. They make their entrance in 
the arms of their owners and im- 
mediately get down to the business 
of making faces at the customers. 
Perched in metal highchairs, they 
case the joint and the individual 
customers, chatter at Morrison’s 
caged lovebirds, gape, salute, smile, 
wash their hands and faces, slap 
at the Vieras, io a rhumba, and 
beat out rhythm accompaniments 
to Coleman's music with maracas 
and bongo drums, all very fitting 
In view of their bolero costumes. 

Tippy, the athletic type, does 
tome hat tricks, a headstand and 


is frighteningly 
two have a banana-eating contest, 
after which Tippy plays a uke and 
Cobina a toy piano. For the grand 
finale. Cobina pounds out “People 
Will Say We’re in Love," one note 
at a time, on a specially-built 
solovox. This naturally causes a 
commotion on the part of payees, 
who’ll probably be jamming the 
joint to see these monks make 
monkeys out of people. 

During their week’s stand here, 
Marchese and Miss Roselle have 
picked up a big chunk of show- 
manship. Each draws a 10-minute 
solo spot — Miss Roselle singing 
"La Mer," “While We’re Young," 
“I Dream Too Much" and "In the 
Still of the Night." and Marchese 
tenoring “Song of the Open Road,” 
“Estrellita" and "Granada.” while 
Eddie Oliver accompanies them. 

Mike. 


“Blow Out the Candle 
candidate for the hit parade on 
both sides of the Atlantic. It’s 
being published here and in Ameri- 
ca by Chappell’s, and is an ideal 
vehicle for Miss Dandridge’s sing- 
ing style. 

Act is intelligently routined with 
an abundance of romedv numbers 
as the basis of a lighthearted en- 
tertainment "Ridin* on the Moon” 
is a nice opener, followed by two 
amusing speciality songs, "You Got 
to Buy, Buy -for Babv" and "I’m 
Gonna Be a Bad Girl." In con- 
trasting style, the chanteuse makes 
an effective contribution with "I’ve 
Got You Under My Skin" and then 
switches again to the lighter stuff, 
to wind with such songs as "I Need 
That Kind of Man ” and "If You 
Want Affection." 

Phil Moore is at all times a vital 
part of the combo, and apart from 
his flawleft accompaniment, con- 
tributes to many of the songs, 
mainly with jocular interpolations. 
The Sidney Simone unit provides 
restrained backgrounding, and the 
Johnnie Kerri son Samba Band 
offers a nice line in Latin music. 

Myro. 


Vaude, Cafe Dates 


Chicago 

Mile Stelt handling act depart- 
ment for Mutual Entertainment 
now that Sid Harris leaves for 
Frank Sennes’ Miami Beach office 
. . . Harmonicats inked for Roxy, 
N. Y., Aug. 29. but must bow out 
after two weeks to play Michigan 
City, Ind., home show, Sept. 15... 
Dinah Shore headlines Chicago 
Theatre. Aug. 17 . . . Dennis Day, 
Gene Sheldon. Stuart Morgan 
Dancers, WUl Mastln Trie with 
Sammy Davis, and Teddy Phillips’ 
band is package for Indianapolis 
State Fair, Aug. 30 for four days, 
then moves over to Du Quoin, 111., 
State Fair Labor Day. 

Kathryn Duffy line held over at 
Lake Club, Springfield, 111., with 
Fran Warren coming in Aug. 10 for 
10 days . . . Club Hollywood re- 
building coming along with open- 
ing set for October . . . Dave 
Barry cavorts at Eddie's, Kansas 
City, Sept. 28 . . . Tony ft Eddie 
renewed for eight weeks at Brass 
Rail . . . Willie Shore comics at Es- 
quire. Wichita, beginning Sept. 7 
. . . Louise Bralovich moves from 
Mutual to assist Paul Marr . . . 
Kay Thompson 4k Williams Bros, 
get two weeks at Chase Hotel, St. 
Louis, Sept 8. 


Bellevue Canlno, Miitl 

Montreal, Aug. 4. 

Roger Ray. Don Henry Tno, The 
Denvers, Vadja Del Oro, Walter 
ft Jean Brown. Charles Tyre II, 
Ethel Rider, Casino Line (8). Bur 
Be lair Orch (12), Julio Reyes 
Quartet; admission , 50c-$l. 


Only Thing On 
Earth More 
Brilliant Than 
a DIAMOND! 


The obvious and consistent show ; 
formula offered week after week by 
Bellevue Casino continues to draw 
top biz on the local circuit, far 
outstripping other local saloons. 
Much of the credit for this show- 
casing goes to Madame Kamarova, 
who produces every revue as 

though it were her last, and the 
apparent willingness of owner 
Harry Holmok to keep spending 
plenty of coin for every show. 

Average budget runs around $8,- 
000 and even during current sum- 
mer slump, when most operators 
have been cutting expenses down 
the line, the Bellevue has been 
on a spending spree. Results are 
satisfying to both management and 
patrons. 

Present layout, based primarily 
on lavish productions, a sock pony 
line and showgirls, is bolstered by 
individual acts that are all top- 
drawer. Roger Ray, seen here 
about a year ago at the now 
defunct Folies Bergere, adapts his 
material *handily to this big room 
and builds his marimba offering 
neatly to his gin salesman clincher, 
a show-stopper. His prelim patter 
takes a while to elicit because of 
intimate nature, but visual material 
is standout. On show, caught, Ray, 
a temperamental guy at best, 
pulled a boner (one that quite a 
few other artists also do) by talk- 
ing down to the crowd and trying 
to pass over the lack of mitting 
at the beginning by saying he for- 
got there were so many French- 
speaking persons in the house. 
What he forgot was that most 
patrons of this boite are bilingual 
and that the French element in 
Montreal has built this spot into 
what it is. 

The Denvers (New Acts) wham 
over their knife-throwing routine 
to socko mitting and although act 
is short, it has the sight appeal 


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Having, July 30. 

Los Chavales de Espana Orch 
(12>, Rosa Pensieri , Tito Hernan- 
dez; $2.50 minimum, no cotter. 

Los Chavales de Espana, the 
Spaniah orch which created a, two- 
year .sensation in Cuba a short 
time ago, has returned to this 
nitery for minimum six months. 

Rosa Pensieri, an Italian mezzo 
soprano, does four Latin numbers 
in a strong, pleasing voice. De- 
livery style is ordinary, but good 
control of voice makes her num- 
bers entertaining. 

Tito Hernandez is • young 
Cuban who does takeoffs on local 
politicos, entertainers and Donald 
Duck in Spanish. For a youngster. 
Hernandez has a great deal of 
poise, plus personality, plus a 
talent for mimicry and good line 
ofnehatter. He's a two-encore hit 
nightly. 

Los Chavales demonstrate their 
superiority in Latin music. Their 
renditions of Spanish and South 
American favorites are arranged 
and executed for listening with- 
out tiring, main reason being some 
of the best devised scores to be 
heard. All sidemen play at least 
three instruments, and usually are 
showcased for display of talents 
in their specialties. Violins pre- 
dominate, however, and on some 
fast numbers, such as ‘Two 
Guitars," the fiddlers put on a 
show which is almost as good to 
watch as to hear. 

Brightly costumed in traditional 
Spanish outfits of high white 
pants, satin puff-sleeved shirts and 
scarlet embroidered vests, the 
dozen men present excellent ap- 
! pearance. Two good-looking vocal- 
ists have the girls in the aisles 

Cama. 


Hollywood 

Rose Marie and the Yoga bends 

booked for three weeks at Fla- 
mingo. Las Vegas, Aug. 16, follow- 
ing Spike Jones. . .Tony Martin did 
one-nighter at L. A. Press Club 
party at Ambassador Hotel . . Blos- 
som Seeley pre-recorded " ’Way 
Down Yonder in New Orleans" for 
Paramount’s "Somebody Loves 
Me." .. Sterling Way, former dty 
manager for Fox West Coast in 
Pomona, joined the Palladium dan- 
eery in Hollywood as manager . . . 
Mary Anstln added to lineup at 
Billy Gray's Band Box. 

Frank Sinatra opens tomorrow 
(Thurs.) for fortnight at Riverside 
Hotel, Reno . . . Kay Starr exited 
General Artists Corp. on expira- 
tion' of contract and signed with 
William Morris . . Odette Myrtil, 
currently in “Mist Liberty" at Dal- 
las Starlight Theatre, stays in Dal- 
las for extra fortnight to single at 
Baker Hotel . . . Lena Horne set for 
three-weeker at Bill Miller's Riv- 
iera. Ft. Lee, N. J., Sept 9, to be 
followed by Diek Haymei, Sept. 
27, for fortnight. . .Kay Thompson 
St Williams Bros., current at Ctro’s, 
booked for fortnight at Adolphus 
Hotel, Dallas, starting Oct. 29 . . 
Martin Sk Lewis will follow Thomp- 
son- Williams into Ciro’s Aug. 23 . . 

Ellen Sutton into Zamboanga 
club for fortnight . . Rhonda Flem- 
ing rehearsing a new singing act 
. . . Arlene Dahl debuts a new act 
Aug. 22 at Olympia. Miami . Sally 
Brooks reoptioned for another four 
weeks at Airliner ... Tito Galsar 
and Lina Romay opened at Cocoa- 
nut Grove .yesterday (Tues.), fol- 
lowing Tony Martin who departed 
for his stint at London Palladium 
. . Robert Merrill starts a New 
England concert tour Aug. 17 . . , 
Alice Pearce, currently working in 
film "Belle of NelHYork" at Metro, 
set for Ciro’s, London, starting Oct. 
1 . . . GAC readying nitery dates for 
April Stevens, once known as Car- 
ol Tempo, and set her for a Capitol 


NOW IN REHEARSAL 

AMERICA'S OtSATIST SINOINO 
CONCIRT WITH THI VOCHKSTRA 
— A SYMPHONY AMSAMOIMINT 
OF HUMAN V04CIS. 


of Ravel’s “Bolero," assisted by the 
line, and later takes a solo spot 
doing two Flamenco dances that 
click heavily. 

The Eon Henry Trio has dressed 
{. . formance up considerably since 
last viewing, due mainly to the 
demands of video. Result makes 
act a much more saleable item for 
revues such as this. Guys runs 
through the usual harmonica rou- 
tines, pick up okay mitting with 
their huge mouth organ stint and 
encore with a hoked-up session of 
gag instruments in the manner of 
Spike Jones, for solid begofT. 

Terp duo of Walter ft Jean 
Brown adds value to overall pres- 
entation and vocals are pointed 
up by Charles Tyrell and Ethel 
Rider. Bix Belair, with the biggest 
show band in town, does great 
backing, and the Julio Reyes com- 
bo cuts in for customer hoofing 
**ts. Newt. 


with their crooning 


DINK FREEMAN M.C.’S 

Dallas, Aug. 7. 

Dink Freeman, son of Charles J. 
Freeman, head of Interstate The- 
atres’ roadshow booking depart- 
mgQt, has taken over the emcee 
duties at Abe’s Colony Club here. 

Bill includes Molly O’Day’s Danc- 
ing Debs (5), solo and group 
terpers. 


LANDRE 

a Ml 

VERNA 


Water-Capers, Inc., has been 
chartered to produce aquatic 
shows, with offices in New York. 
Capital stock is 100 shares, no par 
value. Arnold Kessler, New York, 


"America's Most Exciting 
Dance Team" 
C arra H y at 

SAVOY HOTEL 

LONDON 

Tbeaks f HANS LEDEREB ari 
LEW sod LESLIE MADE. Ltd., lac. 


is a director and filing attorney 


Tfie Amazing ana Amusing Mantalssts, Stars at "What's On Y our Mind? 


LUCILLE 

and 

EDDIE 


, Cvrrmntby 

2nd Month 

MT. ROYAL HOTEL 


ROBERTS 


COMEDY ROUTINES 
and BURLESQUE 


MONTMAl (MHO OVf« TWICf) 


Thank* to FREDDIE FIELDS, MCA and Al HERMAN 





WednMcUj, August 8, 1951 


HOUSE REVIEWS 


55 


Parum-t, N. Y. 

Bob Chester orch (14), Rudy 
furdf’rwii. Danny Letris, Helene 4 
Howard, Modemaires 15); "That's 
jily Boy ” (Par). reuieteed in 
Variety June 13, '51. 

With Dean Martin Sc Jerry Lewis 
Marred on the screen this round, 
the Paramount bookers apparently 
thought they wouldn’t need too 
much of a stage layout for boxof- 
fice lure. And that’s about what 
they’ve got. Show is of average 
length and the acts are talented, 
but there’s no name draw for the 
5 tageshow alone. Withal, the bill is 
veil paced and plays well, and the 
audience opening night <1) seemed 
to like it. 

With Martin Sc Lewis in the 
film, the Par has booked Danny 
Lewis, Jerry’s father, for an added 
stage fillip. Whether he would 
have rated the date sans his filial 
connections, however, is question- 
al.’'*. 

A personable and not-too-old 
singing refugee from the borscht 
bcit. Lewis pere is trading too 
much on his son’s rep. Where once 
he made his own way with a voice 
resembling but not matching that 
of Al Jolson. he’s doing the Jolie 
bit now only as an opener. Then 
he lets the audience in on his true 
identity and rides it into the 
ground from there. There’s a song 
titled “That’s My Boy” and a 
parody on “Sonny Boy,’’ in which 
he tosses in a line t referring to 
Jerry, of course) that, “you made 
dear Brooklyn a Bronx right here 
on earth.” Even the best of talent 
ran t live by trading on another’s 
rep. » 

Bob Chester orch is on the show 
strictly for stage dressing. Com- 
prising four reed, plus the leader 
on sax. five brass and four rhythm, 
the crew opens with a noisy but 
talentless version of “Stars and 
Stripes Forever” and that’s it. 
They confine their playing for the 
rest of the show to backing the 
acts, which is probably all to the 
good. 

Rudy Cardenas holds down the 
No. 2 slot with his sensational 
juggling and merits the terrlf ap- 
plause he gets. His agility and fa- 
cility with the rubber balls, cock- 
tail shakers, top hats,* etc., are 
ever amazing. New trick, in which 
he juggles billiard balls and drops 
them from the air into pockets 
strapped to his waist, is a real 
show-stopper. 

Helene Sc Howard score handily 
with their fine comedy terping. ac- 
centuated by their zany costumes 
and her acro-posturing. They do 
in exaggerated tango for an open- 
er and then wrap up the good 
work with an impersonation of a 
zoot-suiter and his gal friend in 
’Slaughter on 10th Avenue.” It’s 
a sock act of its kind. 

Modemaires, a versatile and 
animated quintet (four men and 
Paula Kelly) wind the show on a 
bright note. While known mostly 
as a vocal group through their 
work with the late Glenn Miller 
band and their present "Club 15” 
radio show, they register most 
solidly here with a series of im- 
personations, all well-routined and 
presented. Short skit on what 
will happen when the film stars 
take over TV gives them a chance 
to lampoon top film talent. They 
close with an expanded version of 
their bestseller disk, “Jukebox 
Saturday Night,” which showcases 
their singing ability and also pro- 
vides for more impersonations. 

4 Stal. 


Earle, Phllly 

Philadelphia, Aug. 3. 
Juanita Hall, John Agar, Michael 
Douglas 4 Ish Kabibblc, Vince 4 
Gloria Haydock, Frank Juele’s 
House Orch (16); “Katie Did ft” 
iU-n. 


Although it leans too heavily on 
vocals, the new Earle show rates 
** fair entertainment, with un- 
questioned high spot being Juanita 
Hall. The star gets a production 
come-on with the music from 
‘South Pacific” bringing her out 
of the wings to the mike. 

Singer opens with a trio of pop 
numbers, and her Juilliard and 
Broadway backgrounds never get 
in the wav. She has a true, reson- 
ant set of pipes and sends over a 
lyric with solid artistry, tallying 
particularly with the ballad “How 
vh’op is the Ocean.” 

for her finale, Miss Hall goes in- 
to the Bloody Mary character and 
Joes her two numbers from “South 
Pacific.” the dialect “Happy Talk” 
•nd the stirring “Bali Hai.” The 
on Her and Frank 
•*ueie’s house band (mounted on 
?;***) on the closing measures of 
Hall Hal” for an effective show- 
break. 

John Agar Is nicely received and 
V raws strong attention from the 
emme section of the audience. 
• * a Hs lightly to get started 
and then departs from the cus- 
, J )tn «r y *piel of the visiting Holly* 
*"odian to exhibit an okay voice, 
a ««■■» ^A- Cr00ner ymclhing of 


his numbers go over even better 
because of If. Actor displays ease 
on stage and his handling of a 
heckler at the evening show caught 
was very neatly done and won him 
friends. Agar comes over best with 
‘Too Young,” “Walking My Baby 
Back Home^’ and “Hadn’t Anyone 
Till You.” ' ~ ' ' 

Although they are spotted for a 
comedy break, there is still more 
vocalizing from the team of Michael 
Douglas Sc Ish Kabibble. Douglas 
offers food enough imitations of 
Tony Martin, Frankie Laine. Mor- 
ton Downey and Bill Keeny. 
Kabibble does trumpet 1 m persona - 
tionsh of Harry James. Clyde Mc- 
Coy and Henry Busse, all of whom 
are strictly museum piecek as far 
as the Earle audience is concerned. 
The comedy is patterned after the 
Dean Martin- Jerry Lewis formula, 
but the material is not in the same 
league. The boys dual on a parody 
of “Roomful of Roses,” something 
woeful about a man milking the 
wrong brand of goat. Kabibble car- 
ries the comedy burden and his 
niftiest sallies are hurled out in the 
form of song titles— a style of de- 
livery inherited from his long 
tenure with Kay Kyser. 

The dance team of Vince Sc 
Gloria Haydock gets the show off 
fast with slip ’n slide routine and 
fast tapping. A brotheMister act 
and a second generation showbiz 
duo, they really score with their 
nostalgic soft-shoe takeoff on the 
dancing in mom’s and pop’s day, 

* Gagh. 

Paramount. L. A. 

Los Angeles. Aug. 2. 

Joe Adams' Orch (17), with 
Mauri Lynn; Evely Famey, Ben 
Beri, Mercer Bros. < 2 ) ; “Warpath” 
(Par). 


Only mild business is indicated 
tor this 55-minute layout, second in 
the downtown house’s new series 
of stage offerings. Basic draw is 
Joe Adams, local dee jay and video 
personality, but his happy Hooper* 
ating doesn’t add up to boff box- 
office. Standard turns of juggler 
Ben Bert and dancer Evelyn Farney 
are strongest on the bill. 

Adams, only sepia disk jock 
hereabouts, has assembled a 16- 
piece crew for the occasion, with 
accent heavy on the brass, so heavy 
that the vocal efforts of Adams and 
singer Mauri Lynn are sometimes 
, lost. Adams leads with more 
f enthusiasm than effect, and while 
his radio-teevee fans may int im- 
pressed, the standard ticket buyers 
won’t be. Mias Lynn's contribu- 
tions are a pair of mild vocals. 
“Almost Like Being In Love” and 
“One For My Baby.” Adams, a 
personable gent but only a so-so 
singer, gets better results with the 
bouncy “Baby I’m Gone” than with 
“What Will I Tell My Heart.” 

Beri’s sly juggling routine gives 
the layout a needed lift and wins 
top response with his standard 
ball-club-and tambourine routines. 
U’s slick stuff sold with a fine 
knowledge of comedy and merits 
the top attention it gets. Miss 
Farney wallops over a pair of terp 
numbers in her usual style, al- 
though hampered by inability of 
the orch to provide adequate back- 
ing. 

Mercer Bros, round off the lay- 
out with some okay comi-dance 
stuff, but w’hen they turn to .vocal 
comedies they fall to impress. 

Kap. 


*y 9 N. Y. 

Florian ZaBach . Let Hurricanes 
(4), Angel , Carol Lynne , Arnold 
Shoda, John Walsh k Bruce Mapes, 
Jr. (urtth Jean Worth), Skatinp 
Belles A Blades , Gee Foster Roxy- 
ettes A Escorts, H. Leopold Spitalny 
C'joral Ensemble , Paul Ash House 
Orch; 4, Mr. Belvedere Rings the 
Bell ” (20th), reviewed in Variety 
July 25, ’51. 

Roxy’s new stage layout is a 
tasty blend of ice revue and vaude 
that achieves good audience reac- 
tion. Tagged "Bal Masque.” the 
45-minute show appropriately has 
a masquerade ball theme that’s 
colorfully accented by the vari- 
hued costumes of the Gae Foster 
line and H. Leopold Spitalny's 
choral group. 

Headliner is Florian ZaBach. 
Blond violinist has appeared here 
previously, but a flock of Interim 
radio and TV stints, has served to 
develop his name with the public. 
Fiddler is warmly received by the 
payees, who relish his string tech- 
nique on tunes which range from 
“Meditation from Thais” to his 
w.k. novelty. “The Hot Canary.” 

In keeping with the masquerade 
motif is the adagio turn of Les 
Hurricanes. Three men toss their 
femme partner around in a series 
of eye-catching maneuvers done 
with eclat and precision. It's a 
sight act that scores easily. Bow 
off with an involved routine which 
result! in the gal being rapidly 
spinned from one male to another. 

For the blades portion of the 
session, holdovers Carol Lynne and 
Arnold Shoda register handily 
with their usual grace and agility 
on the rink. Skaters John Walsh 
and Bruce Mapes, Jr., with Jean 
Worth and .the Skating Belles Sc 
Blades give the stars sock backing. 
Revue’s fiqale is endowed with 
good production values that in- 
clude the dulcet choraling of the 
Spitalny ensemble and fine accomp- 
ing of Paul Ash’s house band. 

Angel, an eight-year-old girl 
ventriloquist, is reviewed under 
New Acts. - Gilb. 


< hlra*o, Uhl 

Chicago. Aug. 3. 

Les Juvelys (2), The Dunliills 
(3>, Henny Youngman , Billy Eck - 
stine, Louis Bast! Orch; “ Little 
Egypt" ( 17 ). 


Current show is a good follow- 
up to the slambang antics of Mar- 
tin Sc Lewis last week, with head- 
liner Billy Eckstine rating most of 
the draw. Singer has discarded 
most of his vocal tricks, relying 
more on showmanship and lusn 


stint, necessitated by those lengthy 
lineups hired by marquee an- 
nouncement!. 

The Cab and Cotton Club orch. 
plus surrounding acts, make for 
a colorful and swiftly-moving 
package that, on integrated enter- 
tainment values, is tops. That more 
of this type of rousing vsude enter- 
tainment is necessary is evident 
in the CaUoway b.o. and terrific 
audience reception. 

With the gymnastic fronter vig- 
orously gyrating throughout the 
proceedings, he has also whipped 
together a riotous 75 minutes in 
the true tradition of his trade- 
nr...rked hi-de-ho style. (Last 
Toronto appearance a couple of 
months ago, Calloway headed an 
Edison Hotel quintet that was 
rather subdued on delivery.) Now 
again, he has a brassy 15-man 
team, with piano and two percus- 
sionists, for plenty of raucous blare 
that the customers want. 

Oldtime style of band opening 
it. first number behind the cur- 
tain. and the traveller then parting 
on full-stage set, has musical group 
whamming into “Fine and Dandy” 
for plenty of blare, and then 
Calloway into his vocalizing of 
’ Jezebel” and the band’s special 
conception of this current fave. 
Whole shrewdly packaged bill then 
interpolates Billy 4 Ann for their 
nifty and nonchalant tap chal- 
lenges; Dorothy Salter, vivacious 
pint-sizer, for her little-girl and 
eye-rolling song styling, particular- 
ly in her “I Don’t Want to Be a 
Good Girl”; Saxy Williams for his 
dancing and the finish in which he 
holds a progressive tiering of three 
tables in his teeth while hoofing. 

Show-stoppers, when caught, 
were Patterson 4 Jackson, barrel- 
shaped overweights who blend 
effortless shuffles and patter, plus 
clever imitations of popular song 
stylists of the day (including a 
wow takeoff on The Inkspots), and 
soft-shoe strut eccentrics. But 
despite the shrewd choice of inter- 
polated acts, all of which score 
outstanding returns, it’s still Callo- 
way and his 15 cats who ring the 
audience top decibels. Notable is 
Calloway’s singing of “Black 
Magic,” his “St. Louis Blues” and 
“That’s My Girl,” all with terrific 
support from the band. The finale 
wham comes with Calloway’s pip- 
ing of “Minnie the Moochcr,” com- 
plete with audience participation 
on the hi-de-ho’s. Whole bill is 
traditional vaude back in the 
groove for big b.o. returns, judg- 
ing from those daily lengthy line- 
ups. McStay. 

0 

Capitol, Wash. 

s Washington. Aug. 4. 
Suooky Lanson , Georgie Kaye, 


baritoning for his effects. , _ . A . . 

T . Dave k Dorothy Workman, Lathrop 

There could be more of a change i , , 4 a n/l0 1 •» ivoth t 

e. but for devotee, of the,* Ue - Half An ° el 


Olympia. Miami 

Miami, Aug. 4. 

Bill Farrell , Dave Darry. Patti 
Thomas 4 The Freshmen, Skip k 
Geri Yournan, 4 Fantinos, Les 
Rhode House Orch; "Strangers On 
A Train" (WB). 


Bill Farrell, headliner, is a song- 
ster who needs plenty of work be- 
fore he meets tne projection and 
personality requirements of a top 
vauder or cafe. The vocal equip- 
ment is there, though in this en- 
gagement he seems to be trying 
too hard. He has looks and basic 
charm, but there’s need for more 
warmth that should, come with 
work before live audiences. As is. 
his recording and radio rep stand 
him In good stead, with reception 
on the healthy side via his concepts 
of the better pops. 

Dave Barry, is a laughtnaker 
with his impreshes and waggery. 
Most of the stuff is new and 
smartly twisted to make for the 
palm-rousing, in addition to the 
howls. Adds up as most potent 
of the mittmakers on the layout. 

Teeoff spot is capably handled 
by Patti Thomas 4 the Freshman. 
Their terp ideas are zingy and they 
hold them all the way, with 
Hawaiian routine as topper. 
Closers, the Fan linos, make for a 
zestv curtain act. Their aerial 
work earns resounding reaction, 
with the key point the femme bal- 
ancing of the three malls. Skin 
St Geri Yournan round out bill 
with the lad’s' musical impreshes 
earning results. 

Les Rhode house orch okay on 

the Uhcktoms# '■ - - 


of pac 

baritone the set is near perfect. 
For a natural opener he takes one 
of his top clicks, “I’m in the Mood 
for Love.” and breaks the mood 
with the only bounce tune he does. 
“Shanghai.” Following “I’m a 
Fool to Want You,” he previews 
a new disk, “Laugh, Clown Laugh.” 
which is mainly a talk piece, but 
scores with Italian operatic end- 
ing. For an encore he does “I 
Apologize” to fine reception, but 
it’s really the Ellington “Caravan.” 
set to words, that gets the most 
applause. 

Henny Youngman is a living 
refutation to the cry that come- 
dians must have new material 
Long-puss comic may have one of 
two new lines in his act. but it’s 
the hoary material he’s been doing 
for the last five years that rings 
the bell. Seatholders know all 
the gags, but the wry manner of 
the lanky psuedo Addle player 
sells them over again. 

The Dunhllls not only get over 
well with their tap routines, both 
unison and single, but youthful, 
clean-cut manner has the fentme 
segment of the audience yelling. 
Men also get some chuckles for 
comedy attempts. 

Les Juvelys are the curtain- 
raisers with pair offering some 
bright balancing stints. A * real 
gasper is finale with female doing 
a “head-to-head” balance on three 
rubber ball* between the noggins. 

Lous! Basil returns again to take 
up the baton and tightly pace the 
revue. Zabe. 


Tereate 

Toronto, Aug. 3. 
Cab Calloway Cotton Club Orch 
(16), Patterson 4 Jackson, Dorothy 
Salter, Billy 4 Ann. Saxy Williams , 
Archie Stone House Orch; “Pier 
23” ( Lip ). 


This strictly routine lineup of 
four vaude acts seems to fill the 
bill for Capitol’s summer audi- 
ences. At Saturday night show 
caught, payees approved each seg- 
ment of layout with headline en- 
thusiasm. \ • 

Snooky Lanson, of “Hit Parade” 
spotting, gets well deserved top 
billing with his tuneful baritoning 
and pleasant southern spieling. 
Leaning heavily on his disk and 
radio clicks, Lanson gives out with 
medleys of sentimental tunes, in- 
cluding “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “My 
Foolish Heart,” “Bewitched, Both- 
ered and Bewildered” and “Too 
Young.” He does his own emcee- 
ing. capitalizing on his southern 
drawl and a naturally appealing 
boyish manner. Wisely digs into 
past faves with such tunes as “By 
Light of Silvery Moon.” “Ole 
Master Painter” and “Black 
Magic.” His efforts with “Ole Man 
River” impressed as less success- 
ful and not quite tip the alley of 
his easy, romantic style. However, 
where the packed galleries were 
concerned, anything that Lanson 
did seemed sock. 

Comic Gebroie Kaye has a fast 
line ' of patter 7 with colloquial ap- 
peal. His routine is varied and 
more novel than most gagsters. 
Tees off with a timely gag on new* 
commentators, and . proceeds to 
tackle everything and anything. 
His takeoff on femmes dividing up 
the luncheon check is ribtickling 
and authentic. Best bet with pay- 
ees seemed to be a psychiatric rou- 
tine. a zany bit of business that has 
the usual questionable angle of rib- 
bing the mentally ill. However, it 
brings him beaucoup returns. 

Lathrop St Lee do better than 
average job of curtaln-ralaing with 
their nifty tap routines. Best bet 
is still their walking number, in 
which they tap out a mood to 
“Darktown Strutters’ Ball.” 

After a steady diet of headlined ; For those who like novelty, the 
instrumental or vocal trios In re- ! music via glass of the Workmans 


Palace, !¥. Y. 

The Troyans (1), Eddie Law- 
rence. Joe Morris A Susan North , 
Linda Lee Jones> Neal Stanley , 
The Marvellos (3), Bud Harris A 
Frank Radcliff, Wynters A Ange- 
lin e, Johnny Morgan , Lopez Trio, 
Don Albert House Orch.; "As 
Young As You Feel ” <20th>, re- 
viewed in Variety June 6, '51. 

Significant in the Palace’s Arst 
August bill is the fact that seven 
of the 10 acta esaay the comedy 
route in one form or another. Most 
of it is good. Some of it is broad 
purple. But in general, the Whole 
layout it above par. 

Joe Morris A Susan North aro 
treyed in their standard rapid-fire 
gags, with former operating from 
upper box. Femme, a bosomy 
looker (ex- ’’Miss Utah”), ia great 
foil for the veteran and a terrific 
screamer in the right spots. Earn 
loud mitt. 

Neal Stanley is fifth with large 
assortment of carbons, from Don- 
ald Duck and Jerry Colonna to 
Lorre-Oreenstreet pairing and a 
fine finishing Cagney as George M. 
Cohan in “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” 

In sixth slot are Marvellos, 
two men and femme, in top- 
drawer musical-magico inven- 
tions. Straight man operates on 
sundry instruments which disap- 
pear. The comic runs in and out, 
sometimes appearing in replica as 
manikin, as do parts of his 
body, worked behind a black 
cloth. Gal’s gown undergoes swift 
changes in fabric and color, adding 
corking sight values. ’ 

The veteran aepian duo of Har- 
ris Si Radcliff turns up seventh to 
score handsomely with combo 
piano-song-comedy, although some 
of the gags are a bit antique. Rad- 
cliff solo on “Danny Boy, done in 
multi-register with falsetto topper, 
and pair’s “Marie” won a sock 
mitt. 

Wynters St Angeline. eighth on, 
are smooth ballroomologists fea- 
turing elegant spins and shoulder 
whirls. Show best in steppe ry to 
“Who,” part of it in graceful stop- 
time. 

Next-to-closer is comic Johnny 
Morgan, whose good delivery and 
exceptional appearance demand 
better material. The guy has neat 

E ipcs. which manage to dissipate 
is earlier lapses into blue stuff. 
Openers are The Troyans, hand- 
balancing. listed under New Acts, 
•* Eddie Lawrence, tapster: 
Linda Lee Jones, child singer, ana 
Lopez Trio, comedy trapeze per- 
formers. 


PalladliM. Vjiadon 

. London, Aug. 1. 

Andrews Sisters <3>, with Vic- 
tor Schoen. Jesse, James k Cornell. 
Max Bacon. Vic k Ad 4 o. Eddie 
Gordon It Natytv. George Meaton , 
Rob Murray. Downey k Daye, 
Palladium Girls (16), Skyrockets 
Orch. 


cent weeks, commendable as most 
of these were, It’s good to see a 
full-stage hand of the Cab Callo- 
way calibre tiered on the Casino 
stage. The presentation production 
is so popular as to warrant a five- 


should be their dish. They also 
play on cowbells and on a rubber 
tube. In a mild Spike Jones man- 
ner. Routine is strong on novelty, 
weak on music, much of which is 
drowned out by the orch. which 


a-day schedule and six perform- tries Its best not to outdo the act. 
lances • -throughout- -the- • weekend l Maytag • • 


The Andrews Sisters are all set to 
repeat their success of 1948. Their 
current season (limited to a fort- 
night) opened to a rousing recep- 
tion and has every prospect of be- 
ing a sellout. Val Parnell's confi- 
dence in their boxofflre appeal is 
underlined by the choice of sup- 
porting acts, most of which having 
only a limited name value. 

Act, which runs just under sn 
hour, certainly makes a striking 
pitch for visual appeal, and con- 
tains a wealth of those comedy 
pranks for which the trio is noted. 
There is a healthy mixture of new 
tunes and old faves. and a big batch 
of requests is neatly disposed of 
by a bunch of chorus snippets 
ranging from “Bei Mir Bist Du 
Schoen” to “Roll Out the Barrel.” 

To open their show they have a 
special. “Back Again,” which ex- 
presses their sentiments in a very 
acceptable way. They then go Into 
a good calypso routine before 
coming across with their first com- 
edy hit, “Didn’t Know the Gun Was 
Loaded.” From there the show 
really gets into its stride, with trio 
obviously more relaxed after the 
wtfrm and immediate audience re- 
sponse. Two or three more num- 
bers together, and then three solos 
from Patti which clicks strongly. 
Her first was "I Wanna Be Loved ” 
and she follows with “Ask Me How 
I Feel” and 'Too Young.” The 
other two take over with a first- 
rste comedy hit, “Why Give all the 
Solo* to Patti." And, Anally, the 
trio, together again to score with 
one laughmaker after another, 
starting with a brilliant deadpan 
version of “Hawaii,” going on to 
“Boy Rangers of Ameriee.” and 
finishing with “Girls of the Golden 
WestJ^a good satirical lyric on the 
wives of three western heroes. 
Victor Schoen. who conducts the 
Skyrockets orch on stage, doe* an 
excellent job of batoning end in- 

C ircs the required split-second 
ming. . 

Opening act, the Palladium Girls, 
with routines devised by Joe La- 
I tone, is not up to standard and 
definite^ needs polishing. No. 2 
spot is filled by Downey 4 Daye, a 
hard and fast-working skating duo. 

^ — i rann no#* wpsif erf * • • J 




VARIETY BILLS 


Toni Bftv* 

Dark Venus 

Bob Morris Or* 
■onoy PIsm Hofol 
Georg* Hines Ore 
tons food Motel 
Lenny Kent 
Nikki 4 Frandne 
Arne Barnett I 
Sacaaas Ore 
Saxony Hotel 
Stoner 4 Dennis 
Chaves 
Tano 4 Dee 
J Cortes Ore 
Sea null Hotel 
Kitty Davis 
Larry Wild* 

Wanda 4 Rudolf 
Jerri Blanchard 
Terry Shan da 
Clain* Dexter 
Rafael’s Rum hero* 
tea Isle Hotel 
Frances Laser 
Seymour Hoffman 0 

Sherry Rrontonoe 
Dave Fisher 
Larry Stewart 
Frank 4 Lita 
Leonora 4 Evans 
San Canos Ore 
Vagabonds Club 
Vagabonds <4> 
Condos 4 Brandow 
Chris Col umbo 
Jody Miller _ 
Father Hollo 5 
Frank Linale Ore 


WEEK OF AUGUST • 


Juanita Hall 
StanTwir 
Len Dawson Ore 
• Jen nine Hotel 
Michael .Strangs 
Tony Matas 
Helene Almee 
Leon 4 ffddle's 
Eddie Guerttn 
T^bhy Boots 
Gaby Do Lane 
Billy Austin 
Martlnieue Hotel 
Hanoi* 4 Ethel 
Danny Yates Ore 
Mother Kelly's 
Pat Morrissey 
Penny Malone 
Freddie lame 
Larry Moore 3 
Paul Chapman 
Harry Elliott 

Nautilus Hotel 
Mae Pepper 
Richard Hayes 
J 4 S Reyes 
Freddie Calo Ore 
Paddock Club 
Lorna Rhodes 


Geoffrey Shaw Co 
LINCOLN 
Revel (l> 4 
B 4 B Bex 

4 Adagio Devils 
3 Loonies 
Maree Authie 
Ryan Sis 
Marietta Girls 
LONDON 
Palladium <M> 4 
Andrews Sis 
Jesse. James 4 
Cornell 
Vie 4 Adlo 
Max Bacon 
E Gordon W Nancy 
Hob Murray 
George Meaton 
Downey 4 Dave 
Palladium Girls • 
Skyrockets Ore 
MANCHISTIR 
Hippodrome (S) 4 
Gall Gall 
Billy Russell 
Michael Hn»ard 
Dorothy Ward 
Bobby Breen 
Tellsfsen 
Nixon 4 Dixon 
Vic Ray 3 

Palace (M> 4 
Gypsy Rose Lee 
Cingalee 
Freddie Sales 
Les Mathis 
Harry Bailey 
Botonds 

MacKentie Reid 4 
Dorothy 
NIWCASTLI 
■ mplre (M) 4 
Sugar Chile 
K obi neon 
Arthur Worley 
3 Arvingx 
iris Sadler 
Morecambe 4 Wise 
WaHhon 4 
Dorr sine 
Olga Varona 
Joy Joy 4 Joy 
NOTTINGHAM 
impir* CM) 4 

2 Nadias 
Anton Karas 
Arthur Dowler 
(i H Elttmv ,mmm 
Dorothy Gray Co 
SAM Harrison 
Carlisle 4 Weldon 
Betty Hobbs Girls 

PORTSMOUTH 
Royal (M) 4 
A J Powell 
Hal Mack Co 
Gus Aubrey 

3 Palmers 
Stan Staff old 
Zio Angola 
Mandalay Singers 
Dagenham Girl 


Jack Anton 
Revoro 4 Roche 
Max Russell 
Brian Kent 
Uaibara Ford 
Alan Bailey 
Marie Syrett 
Pauline Cecil 
Iris tUrkwhit* Dcrs 
SHIPHIROS BUSH 
Impir* (S) 4 
Harry Rowson 
lan Hynes 
Joan Price 
Ronald Wheaton 
Phil Rivers 
Billy Stuart 
Delia Kay Deane 
David Bros 
Pat Garland 
Owen Roberts 
Joe Ortnes Co 
SUNDIRLAND 
Impir* (M) 4 
Linda 4 Lana 
3 Smith Bros 
Fred Lovelle 
Mooney 4 King 
BAM Konyot 
Billy uanvers 
Les Damellys 
La Celeste 

SWANS! A 
Impir* CM) 4 
Deep River Boys 
Beryl Orde 
Roy Lester 
Airdnnas 
Chas Hague 
Poffy Cavelle 
Merle 4 Marie 
WALTHAMSTOW 
Palace (I) A 
Jimmy French 
K 4 S Hou 
niair 4 Carey 
Bel-Louls Bros 
Stripettoo 

WOLVIR- 
HAMPTON 
Hippodrome (I) 4 
Ossie Morris 
Stan Stennett 
Rtta Page 
Dancettes 
Les Henry 
Dorothy Williams 
Mary Sullivan 
Don Saunders 
J D Girls 

WOOD BRIIN 
■ mpiro <S» 4 
M 4 A Dey 
Kay# Bros 
B 4 B Bruce 
Haynes 4 Gardner 
Lee Sinclaire 
Ramoni Bros 
Ramoni Girls 
YORK 

Impirs ll) 4 

Roy Barbour 
Jack Hayes 
Alan Shires 4 
Joanne 
Barbour Bros 
Bunty St Clair 
Frances Whyte 
Fraser Kayes 4 
10 Deiieruaa Girls 


Sherman Hayes Ore 
HARTPORO (Canni 
Allyn CP) 14 Only 
Asylum of Horrors 

MIAMI 

Olympia CP) I 

Olympic Duo 
Pierce Knox 
Albina 
Art Lund 
George De Witt 

SO. NORWALK 
(Conn) 

Impress (P) B Only 
Asylum of Horrors 
WIST BROOK (Met 
Star <Pt 14 Only 

Asylum of Horrors 

WASHINGTON 
Capitol CL > 4 
Ralph 4 Lorraine 
Virginia Austin 
Marty May- 
Lea Paul 4 
Mary Ford 
Howard (It 14 
Willis Jackson Ore 
Ruth Brown 
Eddie Heywood 3 
Pi - ' no Red 
Allen Drew 
Spic 4 Span 

YOUNGSTOWN 
Palace (Ri 4-12 

Gilbert 4 Russell 
Phil Bennett 4 
Crow 

S A S Arthurs 
Tommy Hanlon Jr 
The Pitchmen 
• une Christy 
WalJy Brown 
Wells 4 4 Fays 


NIW YORK CITY 
Music Hall (It t 
Marilyn Murphy 

E *noe Cortez 
yrons 

pttiiui Kosiit 
Patricia Dryhv 
Brunhilda Roque 
Corps de Ballet 
Eric Hutson 
Rockettes 
Sym Ore 

Palace <Rt V 
Yvonne Clave! A 
Farr, r 

Larry .» N!*UH" — - 
<8 to Hilt 

Par. mourn (Pt S 
Moderna*res 

B->b Cheater Ore 
Danny Lew.s 
Helene 4k ii w..rd 
Rudy Cardenas 
Roxy (ll 7 
Florlsn >.«bun 
Amui.it Life 
Ansel 

Les Hii.v .es 
Carol Ly Mte 
Arnold bit da 
John W.lsh 
Bruce 'Iroes Jr 
Jean Worih 

CHICAGO 
Chicaqo (Pt 14 
Billy Kckst'r.e 
Dunhill* 

Henny Younginm 
Juvelys 

Orient.! (It t 
Pee Le ! B tes 
Bill Hu::hes 
Boss 4 La Pierre 
Dolinofl 4 Reya Sis 


CHICAGO 


Rosa Harvey 
Bobby Sargent 
Eddie O’Neal Ore 
IdROwator leach 

Xavier Cugat Ore 
Abbe Lane 

» » — a. — . I4am4A4 
n ell' E* wV wwll 

Jerry Mapes 
Jack Raffloer 
Harper FUhorty 
Skating Blvdoor* 
Buddy iMf 
The Rookies 
Kermond Bros 
Sid Kroft 
Alice Ferrer 
Jimmy Carter 
Olio Clark 
Bob Kirk 
Griff .Williams Ore 


Btackhawk 
Norma Lou Doggstl 
Hop# Zee 
Ray Arnett 
Connie Baxter 
Ken Remo 
Bobo Lewis 4 
Bobby Barry 
Jn*l Friend 
Henry Brandon ore 

Choi Peree 

Sophie Tucker 
Joe. E. Lewis 
Jordsn 4 Parvis 
Arden Fletcher 
Dancers (11) 
Pancho Ore «4> 

Coo Dsvtdson O <8* 
Palmer House 
Jsno Morgan 
Msta 4 Hart 


AUSTRALIA 


SYONIY 
Tivoli (It 4 
Armand Perren 
Msrion Davies 
3 Fayes 
Devine 4 King 
Gerd BJornstsd 
Chribi 

Marika Saary 
Phillip Tappin 
Wim De Jong 
Jacquea Cartaux 
Jimmy Elder 
Joe Whitehouse 
Cissy Trenholm 
Terry Scanlon 


MSLROURNI 

Tivoli (l> 4 
Jon Per twee 
Alan Clive 
Los Triaanas 8 
Pepito 

3 Carsony Bros 
Tipsy 4 Brow 
Evv 4 E erto 
Baba MacKinnon 

8 oi r a X Claux 
or i .e D: rgie 4 
• Celebrity Singers 
6 Les Models 
Les Debonnsires 4 
Tivoli Ballet 


LOS ANGELES 


C Ire’s 

Kay Thompson 
Williams Bros 
Matty Malneck Ore 
Geri Gslian Ore 


Ambassador Hotel 

Tito Geixar 

Lina Romay 

Eddie Bergman Ore 

Blltmere Note) 
Tv roll 4 Winslow 
The Romanos 
Alice 4 Barry 
Ashton 
Sergo Flash 
Hal Derwin Ore 


Tippy 4 Cobina 
June Roselle 
Victor Marches# 
Latin Aires 
Emil Coleman 0 


BRITAIN 


Barbara 
Sensational 
Ascotianas 
A1 Marsh.- II 4 Lana 
CHISWICK 
Impirs (S) 4 
Rose Murphy 
Scott Sanders 
Amazing Broton 
Jose Moreno 
Banner Forbutt 
Billy Maxim 
Be be 4 Belle 
DIRBY 

Hippodrome (St 4 

Curley Jay 
Parisienne Models 
Pauls Raymond 
Geoffrey de Vers 
Sylvia Ross 
Syd Jackson 
Carol Durbin 
Dick Collins 
Danny Keen 
Syd Shields 
Doreen Laws 
St Denis 4 Beryl 
Kay Korti 4 
Eugene 

■ AST HAMPTON 
Metropolitan (I) 4 
Bartlett 4 Ross 
Ford 4 Sheen 
Pierre Zampa 
Douglas Harris 
Kenne Lucas 
Les Morgan 
Luis Flores 
Les Deunes 
Eddie Nelmo 
Bennie Humphries 
Douglas Currie 
Bruce Calder 
Lloyd Chapnelle 
Eddie Morse 
Express Lovlies 
FINSBURY PARK 
Empire <M> 4 
Flying Cromwells 
Dorothy Squires 
Harold Berena 
Hotloy 3 
Caryll 4 Mundy 
Jovre Golding - 
A 4 L Wird 
3 Atlanta* 

GLASGOW 
Impirs <Mt * 
Buster Keaton 
Betty King 
Georgie Wood 
Albert Whelan 
George Robey 
TAG Durante 
Charlie Kemble 
Peter Bernard 
Delmondi 
Empire Girls 

GRIMSBY , 
Palace (It 4 
Joe Puynton 
Ben Dudley 3 
Karen Lindsey 
Mile Jou-Jou 
Yasmin 
Flying Reno* 

8 Girls 

HACKNEY 
Empire (S) 4 
. Davy Kaye 
Hazel Wilson 
Earl 4 Oscar 
Les Femmes 
Montmartre 
V.vne 4 V-lantyne 
Homer 4 Hal 
Derek Dixon 
Slick Edwards 
Yvonne 

Jon de 1* Fnente 
Mile Josetta 

LEEDS 

Empire (M> 4 
Richards Sis 
Texxic O’Shea 
Allen 4 Lee 
Jimmy James Co 
Roger Carne 
Billy Thorhurn 
Rene Pist A Naudy 
LEICESTER 
False# (Si 4 
Dsn Young 
Wyn Henderson 
Len Childs 4 Motile 

I.ynton Beys 

Fred Sanford 
1 Redheads 


BLACKPOOL 
Opera House (I) 1 
BAB Bernard 
Vera Lynn 
Jack R't'icdffe Co 
Harry See m be Co 
Erica Yorke 
Tower Circus (I) 4 
Charlie Catroll 4 1 
Smiths 

Kmes French 
Horses 

0«nr Konyols 
Lions 

Ct Alexander Tp 
V.Oi. Julian 4 

Pets 

Ernes Animals 
4 Richsys 
3 Lorandos 
Mars Tp 
Arrigonis 

3 Hours 
JLmmv Scott 
Flying Constellation 
Little J mmy 
Annettes 

Circusetles 
W’nte* O-rden 
<h 4 . 
Norman zlv.ni 
Senor Carlos 
Canfield Smith 4 

Snodgrass 

12 Wh .e’ev Girls 

4 Zio Angels 
Dari vs Dogs 
Joy Te-ttle 
Anna Mac 
Cyne.h L.scelles 

BOSCOM.BE 
Hippodrome (i) 4 
Billy Wh itaker 
Mlmi Law 
BAT Clayton 
Phil I .ester 
Eric Marsh 
Gall Harvey 
Jack Lennard 
Gardiner f Baxter 
Hi Diddle Diddle 
Debs 

Terrys Juves 
BRADFORD 
Alhambra (M> 4 
Skating Orlandos 
Lee Lawrence 
ivter Raynor 
P«*ter Sellers 
Frances Duncan 
Michael Benttne 
Clayton 4 w#rd 
3 Olympics 
Henri Vadden Co 
BRIGHTON 
Hippodroms (Mt 4 
Frankie Howerd 
Mary Naylor 
Arthur Richards 
Joy ’tea ‘tie 
3 Jckers 
Gret- t r’er 3 
BRISTOL 
■mplre (St 4 
D 4 .1 O’Gorman 
Dudley Dale Co 
3 Hicks 
pelin » Ballet 
F Harrison Co 
Hippodrome (Si 4 
Max Wall 
Radio Revellers 
Semprini 
Dick J-mes 
Jack Watson 
Lester Shnrpe 4 
iris 

Tune In Lovlies 
Jothia 4 Joan 
BRIXTON 
E merest tit 4 
Teddy Johnsoh 

S pike Mulligan 
erzmmn 4 Boros 
Elrdani 

Mabel Melrose Sis 
Will Detts 
Jones 4 Foas 
Syd Amoy 
Kazan 4 Katz 
CHELSEA 
Palace (It 4 
{toggle Dennis 
bfi West 
-Felixio 

MfiM Maids Co 
Ato« Alan 
Chief Eagle Eye 4 


tsa Continued from page S sJ 

from entering into partnerships 
with individual theatreowners. 

UPT recently shifted operating 
control of Atlanta’s Fox, ’Para- 
mount and Roxy theatres to the 
Wilby-Kincey circuit, headed by R. 
B. Wilby, a member of the board 
of directors of UPT and a former 
partner himself. Negotiations are 
now under way to dissolve the 
UPT-Wllliam K. Jenkins partner- 
ship in 25 theatres in Georgia. 
Either party has the right to buy 
or sell from the other partner. 

The Lucas sale, it was reported, 
was made to facilitate the ultimate 
breaking up of the three-way part- 
nership. 

A spokesman for the Lucas 
estate trustees stated that the sale 
would not affect operation of sub- 
urban theatres in Atlanta owned 
by Lucas 8c Jenkins. This company, 
which operates a string of nabe 
houses in this area, is owned by 
the estate of the late Arthur Lucas 
and William K. Jenkins. 


SHIPPIILO 
Empire (M) 4 

Mighty Joe Young 
George Moon 
Kay Johnson 
Ernest Maxim 


NEW YORK CITY 


Birdtans 

Dizzy Gillespie Ore 
Slim Gaillard 


Hctd Hew Yorke* 

Bernie Cummins 
Cavanaughs 
Kevin O'Sullivan 
Mary Over 
Johnny Flanagan 
Gloria Dawn 
Blade Beeuties 
Netei R*o**«ett 
Mark Monte Ore 
Nocturnes 

Hetel SI. Regis 
Milt Shaw Ore 
Horace Diaz Ore 
Hetel Ststler 
Shop Fields Ore 
Netei reft 
Vincent Lopez i»r« 
Hetel Warwick 
Gloria El wood 

Latin Quart*. 
Juanita Hall 
Jack KUty 
Honey Bros. 

F Maszone Dcrs 
Gloria U Roy 
Les Pabios 
Can Can Dcrs 
Art Wanei or* 

Park Ave. 

Carole Hendrick 
Woody Morgan 
Dolores 

Penthouse 

Paul Tauhman 
Mirko 

Riviera 

Peter Lind Hayes 
4 Mary Healy 
Blackburn Twins 
4 Pam Cavan 
Sherry Stevens 
Nanci Crompton 
Clark Ranger 
Michael Terris 
Line 

Walter Nye (>rc 
Rene Touzel Ore 

Versailles 

Jay Marshall 
Delora Bueno 
Emile Pe»t« Orr 
Panrhttr Ore 
ViLage Bare 
Burt Hiiher 
Louise 4 Harris 1 
Dick Shawn 
Dolph Traymon 3 
Bobby Meyers Ore 
Village Vsngus r* 
Orson Bean 
Shoehana Damari 
Clarence William* 
Wlvel 
Ming Cbu 
Bob Lee 

Waldo rt a st sms 

Mlguehto Valdes O 
Hamilton Trio 


Alberta Hunter 
Eugene Fields 3 

Chateau Madrid 

Manuel Astudlllo 
C a latino Ore 

Cepa cabana 

Harvey Stone 
Anne Shelton 
Clark Bros 
Jean Caples 
Ely sc Weber 

Bob Millar 
M Ouroo Ore 
F Alvarez Ore 
ll Chtce 
ttoxll* Mius 
Ramoncita 4 Leon 
Victoria Barcelo 
Isabel Campo 
Fernando Sirvent 
Rodrigues 4 
Ramon Torres Ore 

■ mbers 

Red Norvo 3 
Bobby Hsckelt Ore 

Havana Madrid 

Bobby Escoto 
Roberto 4 Alicia 
Lola 4 Lita 
Tanya 4 Tondelayo 
Leon 4 tee** * 
Eddie Davis 
Larry Daniels 
Libby Dean 
Al DeUar 7 
Carmen Montoya 
The Rogers 

Little Club 
Arms Warren urc 
No I Fifth Avs 
Downey 4 r onvtu* 
Hazel Webster 
Old Knfcft 
Paul Killlam 
Ernest Saracino 
Clara Cedrone 
Ole Roumanian 
Sadie Ranks 
Lou Seiler 
Irene Carroll 
Carol Ltnzer 
Joe LaPorte Ore 
O’Aquils Or* 

Park Sheraton 
Cy Coleman 3 
Mlmi Warren 
Ernestine Holmes 
Hotel Ambassador 
tale* lands Ore 
Hetel Aster 
Sammy Kaye Ore 
Hefei Blltmere 
Ml sc ha Rarinsky O 
Hetst fatten 
Joel Shaw Ore 


tss Continued from page 3 1 

which would eventually also be- 
come a television property. 

The balance of the stock sales 
proceeds will be used “in acquir- 
ing interest in and to partly finance 
the immediate production of two 
or more American pictures, the 
first of which will be entitled Tt's 
a Great Day’ (story of a blind man 
who recovers his eyesight) and the 
second to be a great American epic 
entitled ’Sitting Bull.' the latter to 
be filmed in Technicolor and to be 
taken in our great Northwest area 
of Montana, the Dakotas and Min- 
nesota." where the famous Indian 
chief actually held forth. 


1^3 Continued from page 4 I 

AT&T to lease its facilities for the- 
atre relay “where otherwise legal." 
Marks said he wanted to stress the 
fact that the allocation of cable 
time Involves “the large public in- 
terest," that the 12,000,000 sets now 
in use provide approximately 
50.000,000 people with access to 
video, and that “it would be a hard 
blow to these viewers to deprive 
them of network programs because 
of the allocation of any considerable 
portion of coaxial cable time for 
the purpose of boxoffice tele- 
vision/’ 


MIAMI -MIAMI BEACH 


tar ef Mu tit 

Bill Jordan 
David Elliott 
Christine Nelaon 
Van KM 
Harvay RrP 
Casablanca 


Lily Ann Carroll 
SUnlay-Bourher O 
Cortes Ore 

Celebrity Club 
Alan Gale 
Fred'iie Stewart 
Winn Seatoy 
U'.M;. K.*g Ore 


New Acts 


ANGEL 
Ventre 
• Mins. 

Roxy, N. Y. 

Angel Mignonelle (billed as Just 
Angel) is an eight-year-old girl 
ventriloquist whom booker Sammy 
Rauch spotted on the current 
Roxy bill on the strength of TV 
guest dates. In her first stage ap- 
pearance the moppet seems com- 
pletely at ease, works her two 
dummies proficiently and displays 
a patently professional technique 
that belies her age. 

In an exchange with one alter 
ego. named ‘Tiny," Angel • paces 
the dummy through crack impres- 
sions of Jimmy Durante and 
Frankie Laine, highlighted with 
the former's “Ink-a-doo" and 
Laine's “That*s My Desire." Fol- 
lows with some repartee with her 
other prop. “Susie," which she 
dresses up with the tunes, “If You 
Knew Susie" and “Gimme a Little 
Kiss." 

For New York and . other key 
TV cities Angel will have pfr-scld 
audiences. Elsewhere, however, she 
will encounter little difficulty in 
scoring with theatregoers, for her 
talent is self-evident. Child, hard- 
ly moves her lips and has a fine 
sense of timing. With careful 
coaching, she seems set for a 
promising career in any visual 
media. Gilb. 


THE DENVERS (2) 
Knife-Throwing 
12 Mina. 

Bellevue Casino. Montreal 

Of the English music-hall cir- 
cuit. the Denvers are doing their 
first North American stint at the 
Bellevue Casino. Team should be 
a cinch for any visual medium on 
this side of the Atlantic. 

Male half of team makes entry 
in flashy western outfit doing a 
few rope tricks, with femme then 
doing some toe-tapping while also 
skipping rope. 

Team goes into knife - tossing, 
with the girl as target. Denver 
throws them straight for the first 
round; then he covers his partner 
with a sheet of paper and. blind- 
folded. he heaves six knives and 
two hatchets at this trusting 
blonde. Payoff are flaming hatch- 
ets, with the lights turned down 
for a boffo finish. 

Patter and intros are kept to a 
minimum, and plenty of razzle- 
dazzle maintains speed and effec- 
tiveness. Newt. 


LOPEZ TRIO 
Comedy Trapexe 
6 Mins. 

Palace, N. Y. 

The Lopez Trio consists of 
catcher, straight and comic. Equip- 
ment is low-flying trapeze with a 
mat employed in lieu of net for 
the^ occasional drop-finishes. 

The straight tricks are nifty in 
themselves, but turn’s principal 
appeal is in the comedy flights, 
which are in the hilarious groove. 
The buffoon, dressed in high tints 
(sharp yellow jacket >, scores In a 
number of shenanigans, one of 
them being a leap over the land- 
ing pedestal into the wings. Also 
wins attention with trouser un- 
dress, developing the gag via 
trouble in setting things to rights. 
Passing leap finish showcases the 
act’s aerial virtuosity. 

A natural for TV. also for stages 
with suitable dimensions, espe- 
cially in the width. 

LINDA LEE JONES 
Songs 
4 Mins. 

Palace, N. Y. 

This eight-year-old has teeveed 
on a number of top shows (Sullivan, 
Durante, Haley, Kate Smith). 
Biondish moppet, outAtted in pink, 
pipes in adult style, scoring with 
the only two numbers given her — 
“Great Big Beautiful Doll" and 
“Carolina.” 

Between tunes she goes off on a 
bit of tapping. Got a loud salvo 
at show caught (2), but while the 
kid Is a comer, there is no doubt 
that her age accounted for at least 
some isentimental mitting. Voice 
is exceptional for age bracket. She 
j backs it with good stage presence. 


FRAN DOW IE & CANDY KANE 

Comedy 

14 Mins. 

Empire. Glasgow 

Fran Dowie, Canadian comic, lm- 

f tresses strongly with his noncha- 
ant comedy. With his wife and 
partner, blonde Candy Kane, he 
does a very amusing takeoff of a 
film cowboy to score strongly. 

The act is strong on novelty. 
Dowie spits flame toward the foot- 
lights. engages in western (argon 
and does a skit on film cowhands. 

Strong, fresh material points to 
future click in important spots. 

Cord. 


THE TROYANS (S) 

Balancing 
7 Mins. 

Palace, N. Y. 

This trio (one femme), show- 
openers at this house. Is a good 
entry in the hand-to-hand line. 
Boys are suave and deliberate in 
manual gymnastics, splicing the 
turn with comedy byplay. 

Tricks are accomplished with 
ease. Flashy costumes dress the 
act. and gal enhances it via guitar 
and chirp of “Guadalajara" as duo 
runs through one group of slow 
lifts. Top piece is male’s leap over 
table to hands of partner. Above- 
par for general situations and TV. 


EDDIE LAWRENCE 
Tap Dancing 
5 Mina. 

Palace. N. Y. 

Eddie Lawrence, spotted No. 2 
on current Palace bill, U tech- 
nically authoritative in his tap 
tattoos. Lad has youth and en- 
thusiasm, bui cau improve his turn 
by relaxing a bit. 

His best efforts are whirls and 
pivots, completed handily to ears 
a nice mitting. 




Wednesday, August 8, 1951 


LEGITIMATE 


57 


George Brandt Gomg Ahead on Road 
Plan Thonj^i Syndicate’ Fails Thru 


Although the proposed produc-4 
tion booking deal with a syndicate | 
of road theatre managers has been 
abandoned, N. Y. subway circuit 
operator George Brandt says he is 
going ahead with the arrangement 
with most of the same group as 
Individuals. The participants have 
already supplied their end of the 
financing and he is making advance 
preparations for the productions, 
he adds. 

The reason the syndicate idea 
didn’t work out, Brandt explains, 
is that the members have different 
situations and problems in their 
various towns, some being actual 
owners of their theatres, others 
representing owner syndicates and 
still others being merely paid em- 
ployees with little voice as to pol- 
icy. Moreover, he indicates, some 
of the originally mentioned par- 
ticipants may have feared incurring 
the ill-will of the United Booking 
Office and the Shuberta if they 
went ahead with the syndicate plan. 
At least two mentioned that they 
preferred to discuss the situation 
with Lee Shubert, who was in Eu- 
rope until" last week, before com- 
mitting themselves. 

Brandt claims that the only way 
the road theatre men will be able 
to get together is through some 
arrangement such as that planned 
for this season, and he predicts 
that by next year nearly all out-of- 
town managers will be participat- 
ing. The UBO Is bogged down 
by “dry rot,” he says, and a co-* 
operative system for producing and 
booking shows on a realistic eco- 
nomical basis is needed to save the 
road, he asserts. 

Shows 

Under the revised setup Brandt 
will send out productions of "Black 
Chiffon,** with Mady Christians and 
Henry Daniell; '‘Graraercy Ghost,*' 
possibly with Sarah Churchill; “Sea- 
son in the Sun,'* with Victor Jory 
and a femme cottar to be selected; 
“Angel in the Pawnshop,** with at 
least one Hollywood name lead, and 
probably other shows. Each play 
will have had a subway circuit 
tuneup. The individual road man- 
agers will participate in the finan- 
cing on the basis of the length of 
time the shows will play their the- 
atres. That is, houses that play one- 
week stands will put up one unit 
each, while spots that p*lgy split- 
weeks will contribute half-units, 
etc. 

All the theatremen have booking 
contracts with UBO, and all shows 
will be booked through that office, 
but Brandt notes that he and the 
local managers will work out mu- 
tually satisfactory dates. Those 
(Continued on page 61) 

Post-B’way Tour Nixed 
By Garfield for ‘Boy’, 
Snagging N.Y. Date 

Worcester, Aug. 7. 

Only one thing is holding up s 
Broadway revival of '‘Golden Boy’* 
in the autumn, John Garfield said 
here lastVeek. Two producers in- 
terested in it want him to tour it 
after New York, and the star 
doesn’t want to. 

Instead, he said, he has awaiting 
him a new Clifford Odets drama 
and a film about narcotics that he 
prefers to do. 

Garfield, touring with six sup- 
porting actors, played "Golden 
Boy" to good grouses here last 
week, and* is in Princeton, N. J., 
this week, the season’s last stop. 
He'll use the same six players — 
Constance Ford, Harold J. Stone, 
Judson Pratt, Michael Lewin, Joe 
Bernard and Harvey Fine — if the 
play reaches Broadway, he said. 

In 1053 he plans a New York 
repertoire of "Golden Boy,'* 
“Awake and Sing". and “The Big 
Knife." 

Robert Lewis Starts 

Re-directing * Jamie’ 

San Francisco, Aug. 7. 

Robert Lewis started re-direction 
of Three Wishes For Jamie,'* cur- 
rently in its second week at the 
Curran. It was originally staged by 
Albert Lewis, who is co-producing 
with his son, Arthur. 

*how has been trimmed from 
ordinal three acta of its Lot An- 
gles tryout to two. Other revi- 
*ions are in the works. Tentative 

Y. opening la set for Sept 17. 


Kelly in Coast Vacation ; 
Jory Making U Film 

With the dosing next Saturday 
night (11) of “Season in the Sun," 
at the Booth, N. Y., costars Nancy 
Kelly and Victor Jory will plane 
to Hollywood. The actress will 
vacation there for two weeks, and 
is due back Aug. 27 to start re- 
hearsals in ’Twilight Park," 
Richard Krakeur's production of 
A. B. Shiffrin’s melodrama, under 
Paul Stewart’s direction. 

Jory will start work Sunday (12) 
in a Universal-International re- 
make of "All Baba," in which his 
scenes must be completed in three 
weeks. Then he returns to New 
York for a television commitment 
before resuming the male lead in 
“Season" for the roed tour. 

Replacement leads will appear 
in “Season" on the subway circuit 
starting next Tuesday (14). 


Seek Drake For 
Gty Center Spot 

Alfred Drake may become super- 
vising director of a musical comedy 
production unit at the N. Y. City 
Center. The actor-singer-director 
has be^n offered the spot by Mor- 
ton Baum, chairman of the Center 
executive committee, but thw fact 
that he would have to split the 
assignment with hit Broadway ac- 
tivities may stymie the deal. 

If Drake were to take on the 
Center duties he would require two 
assistants, preferably Peter Law- 
rence and Michael Ellis, he has 
Indicated. Both are Broadway pro- 
ducers and ex-stage managers with 
whom he has worked on various 
shows. That angle would probably 
be acceptable * to the City Center 
management. However, neither 
Drake nor Center officials are en- 
tirely convinced that he could suc- 
cessfully combine the Center as- 
signment with his Broadway career. 

At the moment, Drake is plan- 
ning to star in a new version by 
Edward Eager of Pirandello's 
"Man, Beast and Virtue," to be 
produced by Lawrence, possibly 
with Harold Clurman directing. His 
last Broadway assignment was stag- 
ing the musical. "Courtin' Time," 
of which Ellis was co-producer. He 
was the original Curley in "Okla- 
homa" and costarred as the original 
Fred Graham-Petruchio In "Kiss 
Me, Kate." 

According to the Center's tenta- 
tive plans, a musical comedy-oper- 
etta season would be offered at the 
municipally-sponsored theatre in 
the late spring-early summer. It 
has already been decided to dis- 
continue the spring drama season, 
concentrating the Center’s straight- 
play offerings in the midwinter pe- 
riod. Drake and Baum have already 
discussed tentatively a lineup of 
possible musical comedy and op- 
eretta titles. 


MARCH-ELDRIDCE OPEN 
‘GARDEN’ TOUR OCT. 29 

"Autumn Garden," with Fredric 
March and Florence Eldridge in 
their original Broadway cottarring 
parts, will open Its tour Oct. 20 at 
the New Nixon, Pittsburgh. It is 
scheduled to tour for the full sea- 
son. 

March, who will star in Stanley 
Kramer’s film version of "Death 
of a Salesman," is due back east 
Oct. 22, but producer Kermit 
Bloomgarden Intends to start re- 
hearsals of the Lillian Heilman 
drama a week prior to that, prob- 
ably with Harold Clurman repeat- 
ing his original staging. Clurman 
is currently in Europe, 


Dtsian’i Honors Burnside 

Dazian's, the theatrical fabric 
house, fetes R. H. Burnside, the vet 
legit theatre manager, tomorrow 
(Thun.) at its West 44th SL bead- 
quarters in N. Y. The occasion 
will mark the 100th anni of 
Dazian’s. / 

It will also be a birthday cele- 
bration for the head of the onetime 
New York Hippodrome/ 


Myers Recovering 

From Severe Illness 

Richard Myers, co-producer of 
"Moon Is Blue," has reportedly re- 
covered from a severe Illness in 
Paris, where he has been vacation- 
ing for the last few months. Ac- 
cording to word received at the 
Aldrich A Myen office in New 
York last week/ the producer was 
stricken with ptomaine while in 
England to attend the opening of 
"Gainsborough Girls," the Cecil 
Beaton play being tried out there 
by A ’ A M in association with 
Henry Sherek. 

On his return to Paris, the pro- 
ducer was hospitalized with a lung 
infection. 

Touring ‘Alice’ 

In Prod Tangle 

Musical version of "Alice is 
Wonderland," now touring the 
strawhat circuit, has begun to run 
into headaches. Besides meeting 
competition from the two current f 
film editions of the Lewis Carroll 
yarn, the show has become Involved 
in a production tangle between the 
company and stager Robert Perry. 

Although it’s still too soon to 
measure the effects of the release 
of the Walt Disney and Lou Bunin 
picture versions of the juvenile fan- 
tasy, indications are that it may 
severely crimp the boxoffice pull 
of the legiter. So far this sum- 
mer, the stage musical "Alice” has 
been a moderate grosser, but with 
the two screen adaptations now in 
general release. In many towns si- 
multaneously with or in advance of 
the strawhat productiqp, the com- 
petition is expected to be brutal. 

The situation between Perry and 
the troupe arose last week, while 
the musical package was at the 
Pocdno Playhouse, Mountainhome, 
Pa. Having been informed that the 
performance had deteriorated since 
the show played its opening date, 
the week of June 18, at the Grist 
Mill Playhouse, Andover, N. J., 
Perry paid an unheralded visit to 
the Pennsylvania resort to see It. 

After the performance he went 
backstage and suggested that the 
company have rehearsals. But since 
it was nearly the end of the week 
the Pocono management declined 
to pay for the rehearsal, as Actors 
Equity rules require. And after 
conferring with the cast, the Equity 
deputy, Roy Raymond, reportedly 
said the company preferred "not 
to bothar." 

That burned Perry, who next day 
phoned the managements of the 
(Continued on page 59) 

My LA., Li, Takes 
10-Year Theatre Lease; 
Mulls Other Shows 

Hollywood, Aug. 7. 

My L. A., Ltd., producing "My 
L. A.,'* legit revue financed by 
$173,000 public sale of stock, has 
signed a 10-year lease on the 
Forum Theatre, 1,766-seat nabe 
film house which has recently been 
operating on a weekend basis. 

William Trenk, prexy of My 
L. A., Ltd., which has been in the 
works for about three years, an- 
nounced casting will begin at once 
for an October opening. House will 
be closed for about five weeks 
prior to the opening for extensive 
alterations. Spokesman declined to 
say who is paying for the altera- 
tions but Sherrill Corwin, the the- 
atre’s owner, said he is rewiring 
the stage and doing some other 
alterations, with "My L. A." pay- 
ing for "considerable" other 
changes. 

It’s planned for house to serve 
as 'a permanent legit spot ior. such 
attractions as My L. A.. Ltd., will 
produce. House has nq balcony. 

About 700 Invettors .Jiave paid 
$102 per unit- of stock. Scenery 
already built has cost $00,000. 
Stock prospectus estimates weekly 
operating expense of around $20,- 
000, including undisclosed guar- 
antee and percentage deal for 
theatre. 

Stock sale has been promoted by 
radio blurbs, with strong coopera- 
tion from the Junior Chamber of 
Commerce. Book la by Larry Gel- 
bart, Bill Manhoff and Laurence 
Marks, and music and lyrics by 
Sammy Fain and Paul Francis 
Webster. Choreography is by 
Trudi Schoop, sets by Harry 
Horner. 


Chicago Looks for Big Fall Season 
To Offset Recent Legit Famine 


‘Room With Door’ In 

Tryout at Dennis 

"Room With a Door." melodrama 
by Joanna Wade, which Eunice 
Healey, Charles K. Freeman and 
A1 Lewis plan to produce on Broad- 
way this season, will be tried out 
at the Cape Playhouse, Dennis, 
Mass., the week of Aug. 27 as the 
closing, bill of the summer. Estelle 

Win wood will be starred. Arthur 
Slrcom, resident director, will 
stage. 

For the Broadway production, re- 
quiring an elaborate single setiing 
and a cast of 11, the budget will 
pro Babiy be $60,000. 


Blondeil Snarl 
^ On Barn Payoff 

Joan Blondell’a guest date last 
week in “Come Back, Little 
Sheba," at the Chevy Chase Sum- 
mer Theatre, Wheeling, 111., haa 
erupted into a wrangle with tHfc 
barn management and involves her 
agents and Actors Equity. There's 
a dispute over the gross, the terms 
of the actress* deal and even 
whether a contract was signed. 

All accounts agree that the star 
played to capacity-plus trade, but 
there Is disagreement over the 
amount of the grots, the seating 
capacity of the house. Miss Blon- 
dell's sharing arrangement and the 
cipcurastances surrounding the 
status of the contract. 

After the closing performance 
Sunday night (5) there was an ar- 
gument over the amount due the 
actress, and she refused to accept 
producer Bill Johnson's check. 
Matter was referred to Equity yes- 
terday (Tues.). 

The gross for the engagement 
was first reported to have been 
just short of $17,700, and that fig- 
ure was reported to the star. Sub- 
sequently, Variety was informed 
the take had been $13,900. The 
check offered Miss Blondeil was 
variously reported to have been 
for $5,300 to $5,900. On the basis 
of what she claims were the agreed 
terms, she figured her share should 
have come to about $7,700. 

It’s reported that due to a mlxup 
of the mails, a contract signed by 
the management was not on file 
with Equity when the engagement 
began. The management reported- 
ly asserts that Miss Blondeil ac- 
cepted a $2,000 guarantee, plus 
33V$ of the gross over $7,500. How- 
ever. the actress says the deal was 
for a $2,500 guarantee, plus 50% 
over $7,500. 

No solution had been reached at 
press time yesterday (Tues.), but 
indications were that Equity offi- 
cials would investigate what terms 
were agreed upon, whether a con- 
tract was signed and, if not. why 
the engagement had been fulfilled. 


JED HARRIS PAYS OFF 
BACKERS’ JUDGMENT 

Jed Harrig last week paid a 
$13,701.03 court judgment ob- 
tained two years ago by a syndi- 
cate of backers of two of his stage 
productions. "Apple of His Eye" 
and "Loco." The action, brought 
two years previously, claimed no 
financial statements for the two 
shows had ever been filed and 
asked for an accounting of $20,000 
invested by the group. Harris did 
not defend the suit. 

The claim was brought by Savoy 
Productions, corporate entity of the 
syndicate. "Apple" was produced 
during the 1945-46 season and 
"Loco" was done in 1946-47. Both 
were staged as well as produced by 
Harris. The Utter it currently ac- 
tive in television and has several 
legit plays listed for production on 
Broadway thU season. 


Chicago, Aug. 7. 

The famine of legit attractions 
which has hovered over the Windy 
City for the past year, and partic- 
ularly for the last six months, 
seems to promise a transformation 
for the fall season, which will turn 
the famine into a feast. For the 
past three months, Chicago has had 
only two attractions to garner the 
lush summer grosses brought by 
the vacationeers and convention- 
eer*— “South Pacific” and “Moon 
Is Blue." Prior to that, only one 
or two plays dared venture in for 
a few weeks, most of which died 
here after their valiant attempts. 

However, by the beginning of 
October, there will be six pieces of 
legit fare to offer the playgoers, in 
contrast t q four at the same time 
last year. The future lineup ia 
also much stronger, in the matter 
of script and star value. In Octo- 
ber, 1950. there was “Come Back, 
Little Sheba” at the Erlanger; 
“Diamond LIT* at the Blackstone; 
“Innocents" at the Harris, and 
‘Texas. Lil* Darlln’ '* at the Great 
Northern. With the exception of 
'Texas,” all did good business, al- 
though “Diamond Lil" faded after 
the first of the year. At no time, 
including the ballet and opera, did 
the city play host to more than 
five offerings at one time. 

Season is sUrting about the 
same time, with “Member of the 
Wedding" at the Erlanger Sept. 17 
teeing off the occasion. It’s also 
the first offerii^ of the Theatre 
Guild. On Sept. 19 the Palace 

brings in "Gentlemen Prefer 

Blondes/' which marks the switch 
for the former pic-spot to legit the- 
atre. Built as the midwest show- 
case for RKO vaudeville, it has 
been double-featuring pictures for 
the past several years; from time 
to time slipping in roadshow film 
(Continued on page 59) 


Payne Heads Texas U. Drama 

Austin, Aug. 7. 

B. Iden Payne; vet British stage 
director and actor, will head the U. 
of Texaa drama department next 
year. 


‘Alive’ Insurance Claims 
Settled; Judgment Vs. 
KatzeD for 9G Ditto 

With the settlement last week of 
insurance claims for the costumes 
on "Alive and Kicking," a Judg- 
ment of $9,058 against co-producer 
William R. Katzell and his associate, 
Richard Diamond, was paid off.* 
The insurance claims, for which 
the "Alive and Kicking” manage- 
ment had brought suit, were set- 
tled out of court for an undisclosed 
amount. The Judgment, obtained 
last May In N. Y. Supreme Court, 
was in favor of Eaves Costume Co. 

The insurance claims were made 
by co-producers Katzell and Ray 
Golden after a backstage fire Feb. 
3. 1950. at the Winter Garden, 
N. Y., where the revue was playing. 
The costumes were covered by poli- 
cies for $300,000 with the Ameri- 
can Equitable Assurance Co. of 
N. Y., and $100,000 each with the 
Caledonian - American Insurance 
Co. of N. Y. and the Fireman's In- 
surance Co. of Newark. Claiming 
the loss of the costumes caused the 
closing of the show, the manage- 
ment asked payment of the entire 
production cost, which was set at 
$207,142. 

After examination of the show's 
books and records, the insurance 
companies refused to pay the 
amouirt sought, but under the pol- 
icy terms the management could 
not bring suit until a year later. 
When that became possible and 
court action Vas started the case 
was settled. Meanwhile. Eaves had 
sued and obtained the $9,058 judg- 
ment 

Other judgments against the 
management were obtained at the 
same time by Joseph Maharam, 
theatrical textile dealer, for $4,361; 
and for royalties by composer Sam- 
my Fain, $784; lyricist Paul Fran- 
cis Webster, $984; arranger A. 
Ross, $72. and composer-lyricist 
Sonny Burk* $212. 


‘Make Wish’ Chorus 

Paid $2,700 on Claim 

Members of the chorus of "Make • 
a Wish" were paid over $2,700 last 
week In payment of a claim against 
the management. The case, brought 
by Chorus Equity, Involved extra 
duties for 36 eftsembl* stitigers and 
dancers and performance feet for 
the recorded edition of the musi- 
cal. 

"Wish" recently closed after a 
ld-week run at the Winter Gar- 
den, N. Y. 




ss 


LHCITIMATE 


WednudiT, Augurt t, l9j] 


Kenwith Explains Deadwood’ Beef 
Claims Arden Was Aware of Setup 


Eve Arden, who complained to* 
Actors Equity last week about what 
ahe called excessive •‘deadwood’’ 
on the boxoffice statement for her 
recent appearance in "Here Today" 

at the McCarter Theatre, Prince- 
ton. was fully aware of the system 
of p'isses and two-for-ones used at 
the spot, and had no Justifiable 
complaint, according to Herbert 
Kenwith. producer there. The 
pass and "twofer” setup, the same 
fs he has used for five years, has 
helped produce maximum grosses 
for the strawhat, and has been ac- 
ceptable to every other star to play 
there during that period. Kenwith 
•ays. 

According to the producer, his 
press list includes 121 names of 
critics for publications ifi New Jcr* 
fcev and Pennsylvania as far distant 
as Philadelphia, and comprising 242 
free seats for the week. He also 
issues twofers, mostly for mer- 
chants who show' his display cards 
and otherwise provide free bally- 
hoo tpr the theatre and for people | 
who supply gratis properties, fur- j 
nishings. etc. The twofers. which 
last week totaled 684, are good only 
Monday and Tuesday nights, al- 
ways the lightly attended perform- 
ances at Princeton. Even with the 
twofer trade included, there were 
nearly four rows empty in the or- 
chestra at the Monday night show 
during Miss Arden's appearance, 
notes. 

For the entire week of "Here 
Today" there were 3.757 orchestra 
seats sold at regular scale ‘includ- 
ing 684 paid-for twofer tickets), 
plus the 684 free admissions on the 
twofers. 242 passes. 34 theatre 
party tickets sold at a group rate 
and 1.370 unsold. That accounts 
for the 762 orchestra seats for 
eight performances. The 315-seat 
balcony, for which no passes or 
twofers are issued, went virtually 
clean at all evening performances. 
It is closed at matinees. 

Miss Arden's share of the week’s 
estimated $11,300 gross under her 
guarantee-plus-percentage deal was 
$3,764.52, Kenwith reports. He 
argues that such a fee for a non- 
sellout week seem* substantial, 
even fo& a Hollywood star, and not 
call for recriminations and accusa- 
tions on her part. At any rate, it 
left him little profit on the engage- 
ment. he adds. 

When Miss Arden played Prince- 
ton last year in "Over 21." she 
grossed* nearly $8,700 with pre- 
cisely the same pass and twofer 
policy in effect. Apparently be- 
cause of the considerably lower 
operating expense at theatre at 
that time (when the general cost 
structure was lower), the operat- 
ing profit was approximately 
$2,200. the best week of the sea- 
son for the spot. The star was ful- 
ly aware of his b.o. policy then and 
knew it was the same this year. 
Kenwith asserts. 

Miss Arden can apparently do 
nothing about the Issuance of two- 
fers during the recent date, but 
her contract this year contained a 
clause giving her approval of the 

f ans list. Kenwith concedes that 
e did not submit the list to the 
actress, but says he obviously could 
not be in the position of .refus- 
ing regular press courtesy to the 
critics who habitually cov^r the 
house. 

He declares that after Miss Ar- 
den's agent had questioned the pass 
setup, he submitted a special press 
list to the actress. Including the 
addresses of all the reviewers. "I 
suggested that if she doubted the 
authenticity of the list she might 
write to any or all the people on 
it and verify that they were en- 
titled to the seats and had used 
them for profession purposes," he 
says 

Officials of Equity, to whom Miss 
Arden complained, seportedly in- 
formed her that the union, with 
which producers have 1>onds 
posted, would force Kenwith to pay 
her the contractual percentage on 
• the 242 passes if she pressed the 
case She has apparently made no 
move to do so, however. 


LAMB CUCK IN ‘SHOES' 

IN OUTDOOR L’VILLE 

Louisville, Aug. 7. 

“High Button Shoes," fourth in 
the six-week summer musical stock 
season at Iroquois Amphitheatre, 
wound up it’s seven-day stand play- 
ing to three sellout performances 
Friday - Saturday - Sunday ‘3-4-5). 
Louisville Park Theatrical Assn., 
producer of the shows, ha* been 
favored with perfect outdoor 
weather to date. 

Gil Lamb, local favorite, socked 
home in ‘ High Button Shoes." with 
his coihedy and eccentric dancing, 
in addition to his nitery routine. 
Joe E. Marks, Jack Whiting. 
Audrey Meadows. Wiiiiam Knn- 
bcll. Dorothy Keller. Arlyne Frank 
and Taggart Casey were in sup- 
port. 

Season has two more weeks to 
go. ' Song of Norway" opening yes- 
terday «Mon.), with Rodgers and 
Festival scheduled to 
bring the open-air season to a close 
beginning Aug. 13. 


D. C. Safety Measures . 

. Nix New Stock Bow 

Washington. Aug. 7. 

Last-minute nix by local officials 
has short-circuited tonight’s (Tues.) 
scheduled opening of a new stock 
company at the converted Atlas 
Theatre here. The spot was to have 
preemed with "Respectful Prosti- 
tute,” but authorities threw a 
stymie by ruling that an asbestos 
curtain and sprinkler system would 
have to be installed. Cost involved 
would run to $50,000. it’s figured. 

William Robins, who formerly 
had a stock company in Atlantic 
City, had taken a lease on the 900- 
seat former film house and had 
hired an Equity company. 


Claudette’s 12G Cracks Demis Mark; 
Douglas-Hasso in SRO at Westport 


Holliday-Dream’ 

Wow $111500, Pitt 

Pittsburgh. Aug. 7. 

Two-week engagement of Judy- 
Holliday in "Dream Girl” at Bill 
Green’s Arena Theatre was one of 
biggest strawhat grosses ever rung 
up in this area. Second stanza 
brought $16,700 at $2 top, more 
than a grand over preceding sat- 
sion. That was due to the extra 
seats which w’ent in at every per- 
formance. as well as some standing 
room. 

On the fortnight, "Girl” did 
nearly $32,500, giving Miss Holli- 
day a windfall at her $5,000 weekly 
guarantee plus %. Out of that, how- 
ever, she paid her two leading 
men. Richard Derr and Walter 
Klavun. a traveling director and 
a stage manager. Pittsburgh stand 
marked the end of her brief barn- 
yard tour in Elmer Rice comedy 
since she’s due back on the Coast 
the end of this month to begin a 
new picture for Columbia. Arena 
Theatre currently has Ruth Chat- 
terton in “O Mistress Mine” and 
closes next week with Lillian Gish 
in "Miss Mabel.” 

Summer opera company slipped 
back again last week with "Girl 
Crazy" after hitting the top with 
Patrice Munsel in "Rose Marie.” 
George Gershwin musical, with 
Joy Hodges, Yvonne Adair, Bvron 
Palmer. Leo Fuchs and Milton 
Frome, did only $35,000, consider- 
ably under the nut. A1 fresco 
project presently winding up with 
"Show Boat,” starring Gene ] 


hart. 


Lock- 


Mercer Island Summer Theatre, 
only strawhat group active in Se- 
attle this summer, opened last 
night (Tues.) with "He Who Gets 
Slapped.” in conjunction with the 
Seattle Seafalr celebration. The- 
atre is now in its fifth season and 
"Slapped” is the 13th production, 
▲riatelle Macdonald directs. 


‘ANGEL’ MODEST $66300 
IN DALLAS FORTNIGHT 

Dallas. Aug. 7. 

"I Married An Angel.” fourth 
indoor offering of State Fair Musi- 
cals’ 1051 season, closed Sunday 
<5» showing a good $66,300 from 
42.000 payees for the fortnight’s 14 
performances. Rodgers A Hart re- 
vival had smallest gross of the four 
summer stagings thus-far. falling 
slightly under the $66,700 take 
from "Where’s Charley?”, the ’51 
opener. Terrific Texas heat, how- 
, ever, cut sharply into amusement 
boxoffices here last week, with 100- 
degrees or better registered dally 
during Aug. 1-5. 

“Angel" deserved a better weath- 
er break as Arlene Dahl. Vera 
Zorina. John Brownlee. Hiram 
Sherman. Xenia Bank. John Hollo- 
way. Jere MacMahon and David 
Nillo were kudosed all the way, 
with top honors to ballerina Zorina. 

Next -to-closing production. "Miss 
Liberty," opened Monday (6». star- 
ring Dick Haymes and featuring 
Nola Fairbanks. Odette Myrtil. 
Marilyn Day. Kenneth Triesth, 
Jack Rutherford. Norris Greer, 
Michael Pollock and I^ou Marcella! 

•Crowd’ Capacity $5,3<fo 
Stoekbi idge. Mass., Aug. 7. 
One s a Crowd.” Eugene Ras- 
kin" new' comedy, premiered with 
Paul Hartman in lead, drew- ca- 
pacity $5,300 in 436-seat Berk- 
shire Plavhouse here last week. 

Top price was $2.94. 


K.C’s Al Fresco 
Latest Summer 
Click in 1st Yr. 


Kansas City, Aug. 7. 

Outdoor summer theatres, pro- 
ducing large-scale musicals and 
operettas, now represent a con- 
tinuing and flourishing phase of 
show business. It’s a comparative 
newcomer, scarcely dating back 
more than a couple of decades. 
Even then summer musicals made 
little headway, outside of one or 
two spot*, until the postwar years. 

Now' the outdoor musical* Is 
flourishing in a dozen U. S. cities, 
keeps a host of players and mu- 
sicians working regularly during 
the usual summer off-season, and 
likewise - employs a great many 
technical and production people. 
As a "new” facet, outdoor summer 
theatre is standing on its own and 
is here to stay, according to Rich- 
ard H. Berger, producer-director 
of Kansas City's Starlight Thea- 
tre. newest to join the outdoor 
musical ranks. 

'There was a time not so long 
ago when summer musicals were 
figured sort of fly by night and 
generally considered to be operat- 
ing on a catch-as-catch-can basis. 
That's long gone, and in its place 
is a flourishing circuit of topnotch 
theatrical productions. It’s not 
only "'fortunate for the stp>w biz 
professionals, but it is encouraging 
so see how the paying public nas 
taken to the idea,” Berger said. 

What sparked the Berger com- 
ments last week w r ere indications 
that the Kansas City theatre will 
wind its 10-week season in the 
black. Now well into the second 
half of its first season and with 
long-awaited hot weather in force, 
attendance is bullish and pushing 
weekly grosses into the $60,000- 
$70,000 bracket. It appears now 
that only extended bad weather 
or an unusual sag in the produc- 
tion quality can stop the season 
from a near-$600.000 take. "Rose 
Marie” in the fifth week hit the 
peak with an estimated $65,000. 
and "Chocolate Soldier" last week 
topped that. Advance sales for the 
balance of the season insure a near- 
capacity pace. Nut for the season 
is figured at around $450,000. 

Berger is quick to point out that 
all this is happening in the very 
first season. Much of the success 
he credits to the theatre itself, 
“the most complete one of its kind 
in the country.” The theatre is 
any producer’s dream. Berger said. 
The theatre also gets plenty of 
civic promotion. 


GRIST MILL CANCELS 
‘YANKEE,’ SKEDS ‘HAPPY’ 

Andover, N. J., Aug. 7. 

On the basis of adverse reports, 
the Grist Mill Playhouse has can- 
celled the scheduled engagement 
here the week of Aug. 27 of the 
touring "Connecticut Yankee” re- 
vival. starring Paula Laurence.’ 
Instead, it will present "Happy 
Time.” which recently closed on , 
Broadway. Rodgers and Hammer- 
stein. producers of "Time,” have j 
released the rights for a few barn j 
locations but plan to tour the orig- 
inal production in the fall, follow- 
ing its current subway circuit run. 

Last week the Grist Mill had its 
best gross to date, over $7,200 for 
eight performances of "Briga- 
’doon.” (deluding an‘ extra matinee. 
Current bill is "Rain,” with Law- 
rence Tibbett. Next week brings 
Joan Blondell in "Come Back, Lit- 
tle Sheba” and the week of Aug. 
20 offers Ruth Chatterton and 
Barry Thomson in “O Mistress 
Mine." The week of Sept. 3, prob- 
ably the season windup. >ill be 
Eve Arden in “Here Today.” 


Army, Civil Servicers 

Do Alaska ‘S. Pacific’ 

Kodiak. Alaska. Aug. 7. 

Armed forces and civil service 
personnel at the naval base here 
will present their version of “South 
Pacific” In 26 performances at Al- 
askan bases. 

Alaskan version is being directed 
by Ross P. Bowman, assistant stage 
manager of the Chicago company, 
w’ho has been hare for the past few 
weeks directing rehearsals. Shows 
will be given here, at Adak. An- 
chorage and Fairbanks for armed 
forces and their families only. 
Troupe will travel in two * Air 
Forces C-54s. 

Emile DeBecque will be played 
by M/Sgt. Dave Leonard. Air 
Force; Nellie Forbush by Ruth 
Wichelpian, civil service employee; 
Lt. Cable. Corp. John Nolan. Air 
Force, and Bloody Mary by There.se 
Kochendarfer, civil service em- 
ployee. who was formerly with the 
San Carlo Opera Co. music will 
be furnished by the Naval Base or- 
chestra. 

Opening is set for Aug. 22. 


Chi Area Bams 
Have Hot Season 


Chicago, Aug. 7. 

St r* what • activity here, which 
prewar was limited to one Equity 
house, is blossoming out to full- 
scale competition to regular legit 
' locations in gross take. Not only 
are barns reporting $9,000 to $11,- 
000 gross weekly, which is compa- 
rable in cost and net to downtown 
spots averaging $17,000 to $19,000. 
but are also finding new or dor- 
mant theatregoers from those who 
formerly attended 'part films or are 
video fans. 

Joan Bondell last week, in 
’’Come Back. Little Sheba” at the 
Chevy Chase Summer Theatre at 
nearby Wheeling. 111., racked up a 
torrid amazing estimated $13,900 at 
top. From last Tuesday open- 
ing through Sunday, including 
Wednesday and Sunday matinees, 
house was sold out. 

In the musical tent field. North 
Shore Musical Theatre, under the 
operation of Barrie O’Daniels, Is 
grabbing from $13,000 to as high as 
$17,000 weekly for musical come- 
dies. Last week, with "Song of 
Norwsy." it captured $14,000. 

Nearby, in Highland Park, the 
Tenthouse arena, with a perma- 
nent company of Equity members 
who also play Palm -Springs, Cal., 
in the winter, under the aegis of 
Herb Rogers has been averaging 
top b. o. of $8,000 to $9,000, with 
last week’s "Skin of Our Teeth” 
yanking in $9,500. Group is in its 
fourth year. 

Further west is the Shady Lane 
Players, the oldest Equity organi- 
zation in the area. On the south- 
west side. Shady Lane, under the 
management of Marshall Migatz. 
who Instituted name policy in this 
area at Chevy Chase, has been hit- 
ting around $10,000. with the ex- 
ception of last week, with John 
Loder in "Second Threshold." 
which captured only mild $6,500. 

The only group In the oity proper 
is Drury Lane, also a tent opera- 
tion under Danny Goldberg's man- 
agement. which after a weak start 
started rolling with Willie Shore 
and seems to be doing well with 
current two-weeker of John Carra- 
dine in "Dracula.” Newest entry is 
Miller Theatre, southeast of the 
city, which started less than a 
month ago, and which is reorganiz- 
ing its company. 


Dennis, Mass., Aug. 7. 

Claudette Colbert, starring in a 
tryout of Noel Coward’s "Island 
Fling." last week broke all box- 
office records in the 20-year his- 
tory of the Cape Playhouse here. 
The film actress grossed $12,001, 
topping the former mark of $n,I 
650 set last summer by Gertrude 
Lawrence and Dennis King in 
“Traveler’s * Joy." In both cases 
the show played to absolute ca- 
pacity. but in Miss Colbert's case 
the management cut down the free 
list for press and promotion. 

This was the second consecutive 
week that Miss Colbert had broken 
Miss Lawrence’s b.o. mark, having 
done the same thing the previous 
week at the Westport (Conn.) Play- 
house. where she’s playing a re- 
turn engagement this week. Cur- 
rent at the Cape Playhouse here is 
"Berkeley Square." with Jeffrey 
Lynn and Barbara Britton, 

At Richard Aldrich's other Cape 
legiter. the Falmouth Playhouse at 
Coonamessett, Mass., Constance 
Bennett and Donald Woods had a 
near-capacity $10,400 i n "Sky- 
lark.” ThU week’s offering at tht 
spot is Arthur Treacher in "Clut- 
terbuck.” 

Both the same managements 
tent operations dipped a bit last 
week. The Capo-Cod Music Circus, 
at Hyannis. pulled a fine $15,900 
the South Shore Music Circus, at 
Cohasset. got nearly $12,000 on 
"Blossom Time.” For the current 
Tveek, "Blossom Time” is playing 
Hyannis. while "Merry Widow” is 
at Cohksset. 


Olivia's New Record 
Clinton. Conn., Aug. 7. 

Olivia do HavlUand, starring in 
"Candida." set a new boxoffice rec- 
ord at tho Clinton Plavhouse last 
week, grossing $7,953 4n the reg- 
ular eight performances at $2.46 
(plus tax). House seats 526. 

"Alice in Wonderland," current 
bill at the Playhouse, cancelled the 
regular opening performance last 
night (Mon.) in favor of an extra 
matinee Saturday (ID, in addition 
to the regular matinees tomorrow 
(Wed.) and Friday 410). Next week 
brings John Loder. with Howard 
Erskine and Keith Palmer, in "Sec- 
ond Threshold." with Constance 
Bennett and Donald Woods star- 
ring the week of Aug. 20 in "Sky- 
lark" and Edward Everett Horton 
as the season-closer the week of 
Aug. 27 in “Springtime for Henry/* 




Douglas-Hasso SRO $12,196 

Westport. Conn., Aug. 7. 
Glad Tidings.” with Melvyn 
Douglas and Slgne Hasso costarred, 
had a sellout eight performances 
last week at the Westport Country 
Playhouse, with a gross of Just 
over $12,100, second-highest in the 
barn's history. This week is due 
to break all its existing records 
with Claudette Colbert doing a re- 
peat in Noel Coward's "Island 
Fling.” The film star set a new 
record of $12,403 two weeks ago in 
the same show, hut will top that 
figure because no press list is in- 
volved for the return. 

According to Harold Bromley, 
producer of "Tidings," the Edward 
Mabley comedy will definitely be 
presented on Broadway this sea- 
son. He says that the author, who 
(Continued on page 60) 


Mae West-'LiT Record 
$16,616 at Princeton 

Princeton, Aug. 7. 

Mae West In "Diamond Lll,” as 
a substitute bill for the cancelled 
John Barrymore: Jr., , in VJfastj 
Heart.” last week drew the highest 
gross of the season to date at the 
W»....l*48Wph 1TB . eta et 
McCarter Theatre here, racking up 
a smash $16,610 for eight perform- 
ances. Producer Herbert Kenwith 
claims it was the record gross in 
his five years’ operation of the 
strawhat. 

"Golden Boy,” starring John 
Garfield, opened last night (Mon.) 
with a heavy advance. 


BOHEMIAN’ SOCK 52G, 
IN ST. L. MUNY WEEK 

St. Louis, Aug. 7. 

"The Merry Widow,” one of the 
best coin-grabbers of the Municipal 
Theatre Assn.’s repertoire, has been 
revived for the eighth time since 
1923 in the al fresco Forest Park 
Playhouse. The Lehar operetta 
teed off another seven-night stand 
last night (Mon.) to fine weather 
and a mob of 9.300 that laid out an 
estimated $4,500 for the opening. 

Wilma Spence and Ralph Her- 
bert click in the lead roles. Out- 
standees in support are Roy At- 
well, Jim Hawthorne, Leonard El- 
liott. Edwin Steffe and Lois Hunt. 
Mary Raye and Naldi, specialty 
dancers, also scored. 

“The Bohemian Girl,” another 
revival, wound up a one- week stand 
Sunday (5) with a neat gross of 
approximately $52,000. Jean Ma* 
deria. a native making her first 
Forest Park appearance, scored 
along with Walter Casael, pianna 
de Sanctos, Donald Dame, Edwin 
Steffe. Thomas Hayward, Evans 
Thornton. Patricia Bowman and 
Robert de Voye. 




Wednesday, August 8, 1951 



UKIflMATB 



"Three Wlahes For Jamie " with 
John Riatt and Marion Beil, the 
final offering in the Civic Light 
Opera season series, opened last 
week to mixed reviews, but with 
hefty subscriptions hit a fine es- 
timated $34,500 for its first stanza 
at the 1,775-seat Curran. Top is 
$4.80. 

"Bitter Sweet," which preemed 
at the 3,300-seat Opera House on 
Monday 130), rated lukewarm 
notices, but star Anne Jeffreys 
wound up with the nod Jrom all 
crix. Show garnered * ohly thin 
$31,700 for its first frame, with 
house scaled to $3.80. 


Los Angeles, Aug. 7. • 

Best local legit week in some 
time brought a $135,000 torrent 
into four boxof fleet last week as 
“Mr. Roberts” exited. Strong 
•Guys and Dolls" and 'Tinian’s 
Rainbow" openings helped swell 
the tally. 

Outlook lajilow for next several 
weeks, however. "Roberts” exit 
darkened the Biltmore, with noth- 
ing in sight and no prospect of 
nu>re new productions until after 
Labor Day. 

Estimates for Last Week 

“Finian's Rainbow,** Greek (1st 
\*k> 14,400; $3,901. Started off with 
s mild $36,000; it’s a reprise from 
last season. 

"For Love Or Money.” Ivar (1st 
uk> <376; $3.60). Opened Saturday 
14 * to near capacity $900 opening 
night bix. 

“Guys and Dolls” Philharmonic 
Aud (1st wk) *2,670; $4.80). Smash 
ing $53,000 start of a scheduled 
eight-week run. Cutrate season 
tickets, in effect first four weeks, 
limiting dollar take. 

“Mr. Roberts,” Biltmore (6th 
vk> (1.636; $4.20). Final week hit 
$39,000, including $4,500 on special 
Sunday Equity benefit perform- 
ance. Absolute capacity and could 
have stayed another four to six 
frames. Six-week total of $207,300 
represents an operating profit on 
the local run of around $52,000. 


Business on Broadway last week 
was generally about even with the 
previous frame’s seasonal low. A 
few shows sagged a bit further, 
but a couple registered gains and 


"Buy Me Bine Ribbons,” unspe- 
cified theatre, Sept. 27. 

"Remains to Be Seen.'* Morosco, 
Oct. 3. 

"Saint Joan,” Cort, Oct. 4. , 

"Music In the Air,” Ziegfeld, 

Oct. 6. 

"Top Banana,” unspecified Thea- 
tre, Oct. 11. 

"Paint Your Wagon,” unspeci- 
fied theatre, Oct. 15. 

"Barefoot In Athens.” unspeci- 
fied theatre, week of Oct. 22. 

"Philemon Complex,” unspeci- 
fied theatre, Oct. 26. 

"Girl,” Fulton, Nov. 21. 

"Ntni Royale, week of Nov. 22. 

"Point of No Return,” unspeci- 
fied theatre, Dec. 12. 

"Caesar” - "Antony” (Olivier- 
Leigh), Ziegfeld. Dec. 19 (current 
in London). 


Kansas City, Aug. 7. 

"Chocolate Soldier" wound up 
its week’s run Sunday night with 
nearly 55,000 in attendance for the 
seven performances at the local 
outdoor summer musical theatre, 
considerably over capacity and ac- 
counted for by standees at four of 
the seven performances. This 
means a take of $70,000, virtually 
all that can possibly be squeezed 
into the new theatre. Nut for the 
week was about $45,000. 

"Brigadoon" opened yesterday 
(Mon.). Cast is headed by John 


there were indications that the 
downtrend may have leveled off. 

Total ma for all 13 shows 
was $346, 166, or 68% of capac- 
ity (for the rorrespondin* 
week last year, the 1$ current 
ahows grossed $307,106, or 
65% of capacity). 

Six representative medium 
draws last week did only 44% 
of capacity (a decrease -of 2% 
from the previous week). The 
previous woek’s total for all 15 
shows was $379,300, or 65% of 
capacity. 

Indicating the severity of the 
seasonal slump, "South Pacific” 
failed to have a clean rack last 
week, the first time In its 28-month 
run that the Rodgers- Ha mmerstein 
steamroller had failed to sell out. 
"Guys and Dolls" and "King and T" 
are now the only capacity draws. 
(Of course, like every other show 
on the boards, "South Pacific" had 
previously had empty seats as 
brokers swallowed tickets rather 
than risk allotment cuts by making 
returns — but the musical always 
collected on all locations and had 
a sellout on tlfe books). 

Possibly spurred to some extent 
by the cooler weather, attendance 
perked a bit around the street Sat- 
urday night (4), giving the week’s 
receipts a modest boost. And in 
the case of "Seventeen," the gross 
topped the preceding stanza. The 
new entry, ‘Two on the Aisle,” 
eased a bit and "Season in the 
Sun," also taking a dip, announced 
closing for this week. 

Business is expected to be about 
the same this week, with the sea- 
sonal upturn probably starting next 
week. 

Estimates for Last Week 

Keys; C (Comedy), D ( Drama ), 
CD (Comedy-Drama), R (Revue), 
MC (Musical Comedy ), MD (Musi- 
cal Drama ) , O ( Operetta ) . 

Other parenthetic figures refer, 
respectively, to top price, f •indi- 
cates using two-for-ones), number 
of seats and capacity gross. Price 
includes 20% amusement tax, but 
grosses are net; te., exclusive of 
tax. 

"Affairs of State,” Music Box 
(45th wk) (C-$4.80; 1,012; $26,874). 
Almost $10,700 (previous week, 
$11,400). 

"Call Me Madam,” Imperial (43d 
wk) (MC-$7.20; 1,400; $51,847). 

About $47,300 (previous week, 
$49,200). 

"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” 
Ziegfeld (87th wk) <MC-$6; 1,628; 
$48,244). Approached $19,000 (pre- 
vious week, $19,400); closing Sept. 
15, to tour. 

"Guys and 00118 ,” 46th Street 
(37th week) <MC-$6 60; 1,319; $43.- 
904). The limit, $44,400 again. 

"King and I,” St. James (19th 
wk) <MC-$7.20; 1.571; $51,717). 

Went clean again; $51,700 (previ- 
ous week, $51,600). 

"Rose Tattoo,” Beck (27th wk) 
<D-$4.80*; 1,124; $28,000). Just 

over $12,000 (previous week. $12,- 
200 ). 

"Season In the Sun.” Booth (45th 
wk) (C-$4.80; 7C6; $20,235). Nearly 
$7,400 (previous week, $8,100); 
closing next Saturday (11), to play 
the subway circuit and then go on 
tour in the fall. 

"Seventeen,” Broadhufst (7th 
wk) (MC-$6; 1,160; $37,000). Al- 
most $17,000 (previous week, $15.- 
100 ). 

"South Pacific,” Majestic (120th 
wk) <MC-$6; 1,659; $50,186). Had 
unsold tickets for the first time; 
nearly $49,700 (previous week, 
$50,300.) 

"Stalag 17,” 48th Street (I3th 
wk) <CD-$4 80; 921; $21,547). Al- 
most $11,100 (previous week. $11,- 
200). 

"Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” Al- 
vin (16th wk) (MC-$7.20; 1.331; 
$47,167). Nearly $15,600 (previous 
week, $16,200). 

"Two on the Aisle," Hellinger 
(3d wk) (R-$6; 1.527; $48,500). Hit 
$38,400' (previous week, $40,100). 

FUTURE SCHEDULE 
"Lace on Her Petticoat,” Booth, 
Sept. 4. 

^Border Be Damned.” Royale, 
: Sept. 10 (trying out in strawhat). 


Ex-Aide Sues Lesser 
For $2,625 Salai 
Phone Co. in 


REVIVAL 


Chicago, Aug. 7. 

Chicago legit twosome which 
hurdled the usual July doldrums 
in good fashion seems set tor 
equally fine grosses in August 
"South Pacific" took a turn for the 
better with the return of Janet 
Blair after a month’s vacation. 
"Moon Is Blue” is running way 
ahead of its New York counterpart. 

Nothing due in August but by 
Oct. 1 six attractions will be crowd- 
ing the scene. 

Estimates far Last Week 

"Moon Is Blue” Harris (14th 
week) ($4.40; 1,000). Bright 

$ 20 , 000 . 

“South Pacific,” Shubert (38th 
week) ($5; 2,100). Coming back to 
near top mark with $46,000. 


Arthur Lesser, producer of ‘Two 
on the Aisle.” it the Hellinger, 
N. Y., was Involved in twofold 
legal complications last week. Both 
stem from his last Broadway show, 
"Along Fifth Avenue,” a revue flop 
of the 1948-49 season. One is a 
claim for allegedly unpaid salary 
to a former employee and the 
other for an unpaid telephone bill. 

The salary claim, brought by 
Phyllis Dukore, covers $2,625 al- 
legedly covering the unpaid bal- 
ance of wages for 12 weeks from 
June 26, 1949, to Sept. 17 of the 
same year, and for 27 weeks from 
April 1, 1950, to the following Oct 
7. According to Miss Dukore ’s suit, 
her salary at stenographer and 
office manager for Lesser was $75 
a week and the amount due her for 
the periods covered was $2,925, of 
which the producer paid her $300. 

In an action brought ^n N. Y. Mu- 
nicipal Court, the plaintiff sought 

According to 


Financing Is going forward for a 
1951 "Shuffle Along,” exactly 30 
years since the late Florence Mills 
starred in this Negro legit musical 
at the old Daly’s 63d St. Theatre, 
New York. Pearl Bailey is set to 
star in the revivsl which Irving 
Gaumont will produce. Production 
is budgeted at $150,000. 

Noble Sissle & Eubie Blake will 
add eight new songs to the original 
score which produced such hits as 
"Just Wild About Harry,” "Love 
Will Find a Way” and ’Banana 
Days.” John Mason will replace the 
late Aubrey Lyles as partner to 
Flournoy Miller, original comedy 
stars of the musical. Miller wrote 
the book for "Shuffle.” 

John Murray Anderson will di- 
rect; dances by Henry Le Tange; 
settings, Perry Watkins. Berry 
Bros, and Billy Banks are among 
those mentioned for the cast. 


Clinton (Conn.) Playhouse, where 
the show is playing this week, and 
the Westport (Conn.) Countfy Play- 
house, where it’s booked for next 
veek, demanding that his name be 
taken off the program as stager. 
The director asserted that he no 
longer cared to accept responsibil- 
ity for the musical, remarking that 
John Henson, who plays the Gry- 
phon, is the only member of this 
cast still giving a satisfactory per- 
formance. 

This week, the Westport man- 
agement sent two members of its 
production staff, Elliott Martin and 
Judy Fineman, to Clinton to look 
over the show and, if necessary, 
advise on restaging and re-rehear- 
sal. The Westport management has 
agreed to pay for the extra re- 
hearsals, if any. After discussing 
the situation with the company and 
hearing Its account of slmost con- 
stant changes and rehearsals at the 
various barns the musical has 
played, Lewis Harmon, Clinton 
manager, gave permission to cut 
the pre-opening rehearsal there to 
a minimum, so the players could 
get s breather. 

According to cast members, the 
production had only a week's orig- 
inal rehearsal before the Andover 
premiere. Since then, the local 
management at practically every 
date has insisted on revisions and 
there have been long rehearsals 
before each opening, so the troupe 
hardly knows what it’s doing and 
the players are groggy. 

They claim they did not refuse 
Perry’s request for extra rehear- 
sals. but merely declined to okay 
a waiver of the Equity rule requir- 
ing pay for it. Under the circum- 
stances, they believe they were 
justified. 


Iss Continued from pas* It SSSsil 

attractions. The 2,500-aeater will 
go through renovation, especially 
backstage, during August. 

"Hippy Time” is set for the 
Blackstone. with possible starting 
date around Oct. 8, although this 
may be shifted back one or more 
weeks. "Stalsg 17” is another defi- 
nite, due in at the same time at 
the Selwyn, which has been used 
as a roadshow pic location for the 
past months. 

TV Studios Threat 

The only theatre not spoken for, 
at this time, is the Great Northern, 
which last housed "Lost in the 
Stars” last November. Shuberts 
were trying to get "Blondes" for 
it, but the Herman Levin manage- 
ment decided for the Palace's larger 
seating capacity. Studebaker, only 
other available spot, is being used 
by NBC television for program- 
ming. If NBC decides to renew 
the lease, which comes up next win- 
ter, fiat will take this theatre out 
of the running. 

With the need for further tele 
studios, it might he that several 
other legit stands would change 
over to the new medium. With the 
coming in of "Guys and Dolla" late 
in November to replace "South Pa- 
cific" at the Shubert, there might 
be a legit housing shortage. 

Chicago Civic Opera House is 
also looking for some ffiays. al- 
though it has an Impressive lineup 
of operas, ballets and concerts. 
There is also the perennial talk of 
reopening the old Auditorium, but 
nobody seems to want to come up 
with the $500,000, at least, that it 
Would cost to refurbish the land- 
mark. 


‘Lucasta’ Mild 8G, Olney ; 
Crix Are Being Tough 

Olney, Md., Aug. 7. 

Olney Theatre wound up another 
session of "just getting by" at 
$7,000 for Ann Corio In "Anna 
Lucasta." Th<f strawhatter. mid- 
way between Washington and Bal- 
timore, has suffered this season 
from crushing treatment by drama 
desks, and is winding up mid-sea- 
son just about even. 

Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn 
in “Fourposter," which opened to- 
night (Tues.) shows promise. Basil 
Rathbone in "Glaconda Smile” 
bows next Tuesday (14). 


summary judgment 
her attorney-uncle. Isaac Dukore, 
she did not expect Lesser to dis- 
pute the claim, so her motion did 
not include substantiating evi- 
dence. However. Leaser entered a 
general denial that any money is 
owed her and made the counter- 
assertion that she was overpaid to 
the extent of $350. On the ground 
that the defendant’s affidavit pre- 
sented "matters which raise triable 
issues,” the court denied the sum- 
mary judgment motion. 

Miss Dukore is now employed in 
the office of Cy Feuer and Ernest 
H. Martin, producers of "Guys and 
Dolls." Her attorney will move to 
examine Lester before trial. 

The producer’s lawyer, Bernard 
Fliegel, described the. action as a 
asserting that this 


"Alice in Wonderland" — Clinton 
(Conn.) Playhouse (6-11); Westport 
(Conn.) Country Playhouse (13-18) 
(Reviewed in Variety. June 27, ’51). 

"An Innocent In Time” — Prov- 
ince town ♦ (Mass.) Playhouse (6-18). 

"Ask Me No Questions’* — Arena 
Theatre*, Orleans. Mass. (7-11). 

"Border Be Damned” (Eddie 
Dowling) — John Drew Theatre, 
East Hampton, L. I. (13-18) (Re- 
viewed in Variety, Aug. 1, ’51). 

"Deception by Design” — Arena 
Theatre*, Orleans, Mass. (7-11). 

"Fonrposter” (Jessica Tandy, 
Hume Cronyn) — Olney (Md.) The- 
atre (7-12) (Reviewed in Variety, 
July 11, ’51). 

"Glad Tidings" (Melvyn Douglas, 
Signe Hanoi — Ogunquit (Me.) 
Playhouse (6-11); Boston Summer 
Theatre (13-18) (Reviewed in 
Variety, June 13, ’51, under title 
"Sacred and Profane"). 

"Island Fling” (Claudette Col- 
bert) — Westport (Conn.) Playhouse 
(6-11) (Reviewed in Variety, July 
25. *51). 

"L-t’s Take Stock”— Arena The- 
atre*, Great Neck, N. Y. (8-12). 

"Mirror, Mirror” (Kay Francis)— 
Ivoryton (Conn.) Playhouse (0-11); 
North Shore Playhouse, Beverly, 
Mass. (13-18) (Reviewed in Variety, 
July 18, ’5H. 

"My Friend Irma” — Lincoln 
Park (N. J.) Summer Theatre (7-12). 

"River Boy” — Barn Stages. Nan- 
tucket, Main. (14-19). 

"Some Sweet Day”— Barter The- 
atre. Abingdon, Va. *6-8). . 

’’Told to the Children” ^Miriam 
Hopkins) — Corning <N. Y.) Sum- 
mer Theatre (6-11). 

"Woman with Red Hair"— Cirri# 
Theatre, Chelsea Hotel, Atlantic 
City (6-11) (Reviewed in Variety, 
May 23. ’51). 

(♦Indicates non-Fouitv). 


nuisance suit, 
and other claims against . Lesser 
stem from the recent click of "Two 
on the Aisle." He said the other 
case against the producer last 
week, s judgment obtained by the 
N. Y. Telephone Co. for an unpaid 
bill for $238, is in process of being 
settled. Until the court claim was 
made for the amount. Lesser did 
not even know about it, the attor- 
ney said, explaining that the pro- 
ducer’s previous lawyer was sup- 
posed to have taken care of the 
matter. Lesser himself was not 
available for comment. 


Current Road Shows 


lAuq . 6-19) 

"Guys and Dolls” (Allan Jones, 

Jan Clayton) — Philharmonic Aud., 

Los Angeles (6-18). 

"Moon la Bine”— Harris, Chi- 
cago (6-18). 

"Sojth Pacific” (Richard East- 
ham * — Shubert. Chicago (6-18). 

"Three Wishes for Jamie” (John 
Raitt, Marlon Bell. Cecil Kellaway; 

(trvout) — Curran, San Francisco <6- 
18'. Reviewed in Vasiety, July 4, 

’51). „ 

SUBWAY CIRCUIT 

"Black Chiffon" (Mady Chris- 
tians) — Jamaica, Jamaica, L. I. 

(7-12). .. . ’ 

"Gramercy Ghost” — W 1 n d s o r. 

Bronx (7-12); Brighton, Brighton 
Be ach. N. Y. (14-19). 

’Happy Time” — Brighton. Brigh- 
ton Beach, N. Y. (7-12); Jamaica. 

Jamaica, L. I. (14-19). 

’Oklahoma" — Flat bush. Brook- 
lyn <7-12); Windsor, Bronx (14-19). 

"Season In the Sun" — Flatbush, 

Brooklyn M4-19). 

NEGRO CIRCUIT 

"Detective Story” — B c d f o r d, 

Brooklyn (8-13); Howard, Washing- 
ton. D. C. (15-20*. , 

“Rain" — Apollo. Harlem, N. Y. I thony Brady Farrell, pi 
^ 13); Bedford, Brooklyn (15-20). i Verneuil, dir.; Ginger R< 


Rev. Hartke in Report 
On Theatre in Germany 

Burlington, Vt., Aug. 7. 

Rev. Gilbert Hartke. head of 
Catholic U. drama department, 
visited here last week on his way 
back from a six-week survey of 
the German theatre for the State 
Department He stopped to see 
his Repertory Alumni Players, resi- 
dent company this summer at St. 
Michael’s Playhouse in suburban 
Winooski Park, in "The Old 
Ladles." The other half of the 
company was presenting "Skin of 
Our Teeth" at Merrimack Play- 
house, Concord, N. H. 

Pending its submission to the 
State Department. Father Hartke 
declined to reveal the details of his 
report, but merely Indicated that It 
deals with the Impact of shows Im- 
ported to postwar Germany and 
covers the status of the theatre 
there on professional, college and 
community levels. 


Keys: C (Comedy), D ( Drama) t 
CD ( Comedy-Drama ), R (Revue), 
MC (Musical Comedy), MD (Muri 
cal Drama), O (Operetta). 



60 MMilTfMATB 




54 5 FIFTH AVENUE . ne a' yqr* 17, n y 


more comedy with the tame lines 
by more capable actors. 

Richardson, co-author of “Dark 
of the Moon,” which was tried out 
at the Hayloft, and co-author of 
“Sodom, Tennessee,” tried out 
here last summer, has the lead 
male role, as C. R. Hullender, and 
does well on it. Miss Goforth and 
Gabrielle Anderson do fairly well 
as Sadie and Essie. 

The setting is a North Carolina 
hotel, with southern prejudices 
evident against the Civil War back- 
ground. 

Dickinson is announcing to the 
audience that the play will open in 
Paris in a few weeks and that re- 
hearsals are now going on there. 

PowL 


David Warfield’s will bequeathing $50,000 each to the Jewish, Cath- 
olic and Episcopal Actors Guilds follows in the interfaith legacies 
pattern set by A1 Jolson whose more-than-$4 .000,000 estate eventually 
goes to all three religious charities. The 84-year-old retired actor’s 
estate is estimated at about $1,500,000 although show biz figured him 
to be worth nearer $10,000,000, chiefly from Loew’s, Inc. profits, 
Warfield's old friend. Marcus Loew, had urged him to invest in his 
theatrical enterprises and as the Loew empire matured and prospered 
so did Warfield. 

After certain trust funds, the will further provides for $100,000 
each to the Actor's Fund of America and the Dyker Heights Home 
for Blind Children. Brooklyn. N. Y. The Lambs and the'Bide-a-Wee 
Home Assn, also were bequeathed $10,000 each. In His declining 
years Warfield spent most of his leisure hours at the theatrical club. 

The high mass ordered by his widow, who is of the Catholic faith* 
gave misimpression in certain quarters at the time of Warfield’s death! 
Born into the Jewish faith, he died the same way. 

Dancers Tommy Rail and Nqrma Kaiser, mentioned in a followup 
review of “Call Me Madam” in last week’s issue, are not partners. 
Rail does a single in the second act, while Miss Kaiser works with 
Arthur Partington throughout the show. 


rinitton portrrjieid on her career in polygamy re- 
p..r!^oxin1r.» i M-arclK After .convention. Icon- 
Jim Davir , flict between the two that could be 
Francis w>avcr cut to the betterment of the play. 

Ko! *Win r nr *Wrlgh! father of the correspondent, a 
*.V Worfdjr Romoff physicist, arrives with the gadget 
. . Chariot te Nolan U po n which the action of the play 

David ; is based. The correspondent ean- 

,7.7. Andy M»\fv not keep his hands off the machine. 

• The biological result is that he 

' rr iWothV < liver* emerges as four individuals: his 

Alma Lofinra* meticulous self, his animal instinct. 

r^rTm r his moppet side and a touch of the 

caddHi Ru*ro..-h« feminine. The balance of the piece 

and Michael < haa« . j s dcvbtcd to resolving the situ- 
Vnn Buckle. | at , on 

, . . . . Paul Hartman, who plays the 

which had its correspondent, does it too broadly. 
Theatre, play- f a j|j n g to suggest a world-wide cor- 
#» has put con- respondent This could be easily 
ament a I human remedied by the author in placing 
ile of a chi.dsjj^ c h arac t e r in another field of 
I'hantments . an( * endeavor. Katherine Meskil over- 
tiuman relation- a t n the earty scenes, but 
v written for , olcay as t he play progresses, 
ing has over- ^op performances came from mop- 
ss of transition p av id Thurman and Janet Fox. 
lault^ood. wocn ^ jj^ c Russian-born maid, to whom 
icr and grand- t he author handed the best com- 
>f aJl children e( j v n ne s. Gaye Jordon and How- 
r. Hinted is the ar ^ E rs |cj n e. as alter egos of Hart- 
»mory of fairy man rendered neat support. 

, -” laR c,an en ' Director William Miles obtained 
! ‘ all the potentialities that the au- 

es of wit and t h or offered. On night caught the 
le play. Mother au dience was most enthusiastic, 
art of all love chances for the comedy on the 
pets. It enables Rjg stem are questionable. Russ. 


Csatisutd frees page 58 

is with the play on the strawhat 
tour, is continuing revisions. There 
>jrill probably also be some recast- 


OflfHive Slorv 

Chart** Harrow production of drama 
in three acta by Sidney Kingsley. Stars 
Sidney Poitier. Directed by William Me* 
Fadden. At Apollo. N. V., Au|. Z. ‘51: 
$1.50 top. 

Detective Dakis .... 

A shoplifter 

Detective Oslladltr . 

Mrs. Far rag ut 

Joe Ftneon 
Detective Callahan . 

Detective Bryan .... 

Detective Brody . . . 

F.ndirott Sims 
Detective McLeod .. 

Arthur Kindred 
Patrolman Barnes 
1st Burglar (Charlie* 

2nd Burglar <Lewt*» 

Dr. Snyder 

Lt. Monoghan . . 

Susan Carmichael .. 

Patrolman Baker 

Miss Hatch 

Mrs. Feeney 

Crum-Bum 

Mr. Pritchette 

Mary McLeod 

Tommy J. Petty . . . 

Lentleman 

Indignant CltUen ... 


. . Ellsworth Wright 
. . Hilda Haynes 
Kenneth Manitault 
Ksleiie Henuir> 
. Milton J. Williams 
. . . . Jimmy Wright 
, . . . . Richard Ward 
. . . Earl Jones 
Sheldon H Hoskins 
. .... Sidney Poitier 
. . . . Julian Mayfield 
. . John Garth. :trd 
. Wardell Blunders 

J. F Rllev 

... Ken Rcnard 
. .. Ia»rcn/«» Tucker 
. . . Jeanette Conliffe 
. . . . Roy Allen 
. .. Alice De latarhe 

Ella Holm 

Bill Hrown 

Service Bell 

Sybil Lewis 

, . . . Van Prince 

. ... William Branch 
Lillian Smith 


Meredith 'Whistle' 7G 

Sea Cliff, L I , Aug 7 

Burgess Meredith, In “Silver 
Whistle,” had a profitable stand at 
the Sea Cliff Playhouse last week, 
grossing over $7,000 at $3.60 top. 
Current is “Streetcar Named De- 
sire.’’ with Helen Twelvetrees star- 
ring as Blanche. 

Replacing John Barrymore. Jr, 
who cancelled a scheduled appear- 
ance in “Hasty Heart” the week of 
Aug. 27, the strawhat has booked 
Burl Ives in “Man Who Came to 
Dinner,’’ directed by Ernestine 
Perrie, who staged “Streetcar.” 

i . 

Bennett-Daughter in 'Susan* 

Ivoryton. Conn., Aug. 7. 

Joan Bennett, making a strawhat 
tour for the expressed purpose of 
launching the career of ner daugh- 
ter. Melinda Markey, hit the jack- 
pot at her initial eastern stand at 
Milton Stiefel’s playhouse here last 
week <30-4> in “Susan and God.” 
With only scattered empties for 
opening night iMon.i, biz soon went 
to capacity. Final take toppled the 
straw’hat's record, with turr.aways 
featuring the weekend. At a top of 
$2.95, gross reached an estimated 
$9,700. 

Debut of Miss Markey (daugh- 
ter of Gene Markey) was marked 
by her ease in the role of the 
daughter. 


The content of “Valley.” like its 
title, is reminiscent of many shows 
that have gone before. Fortunately, 
however, the ingredients have al- 
ways been surefire Americana. 

Entire action takes place in a 
little red schoolhouse in Oregon, 
in 1907, with the characters possi- 
bly not accidentally reminiscent 
of Norman Rockwell's poster art. 
A M^ear-old schoolmarm right 
out o 


I'm In a I «*€» 

Guthsvllle, Pa.. Aug. 5. * 

tUvIoft Theatre production of comedy- 
drama in three acta by Howard Richard- 
son and Frances Goforth. Directed by 
Don M. Dickinson. At Hayloft Theatre. 
GuthaWlte. Ps 

Sadie Childers Frances Goforth 

E«sic Childers . Gabrielle Anderson 

Maude Ivy Carnahan Millicent Coleman 

Ernie Callahan . David Leland 

C. K Hullender Howard Richardson 

Quinn Flowers Bert Niemark 

Bertha Flowers Blanche Truse 

Levada Flowers ...... . Dorothy Oldham 

Crystal . Betty Sands 


J school tackles the 
dual chores of attempting to knock 
letters into the heads of a hand- 
ful of rustic juvenile delinquents 
while placating an illiterate school 
board. Barbara Baxley brings 
warmth and conviction to a stereo 
role, raising her encounters with 
the stubborn spirits of the kids 
and most of their elders to a 
strong emotional pitch. 

Plot mainly concerns the teach- j 
er’s inner battle as to whether 
she’ll continue to knock herself 
out on an apparently thankless 
stint or quit. There’s no romantic > 
element as a potential mind- 
changer; in fact, the only visible 
“love” interest is a series of cab- 
bage-patch scufflings between two 

Latter finally 


Sidney Kingsley’s taut and some- 
times gripping drama of life in 
New York’s 21st precinct is being 
given an erratic interpretation at 
Harlem’s Apollo Theatre by its all- 
Negro cast headed by Sidney Poi- 
tier. Kingsley’s lines retain their 
original color and punch, but the 
production is thrown off balance 


It is well that Howard Richard- 
sfin and Frances Goforth are trvlng 
out their new play “The Cat In A 
Cage.” at the Hayloft, an off-the- 
bcaten strawhat path where much 
doctoring can be done w ithout rais- 
ing too many eyebrows. 

If the play is to go to Broadway 
in September, as Don M. Dickin- 
son. theJ0irector, said it would, it 
needs several dfictors. for it drags 
too much. and. believe it or not, 
three females have the stage for 
themselves for about 15 minutes in 
the first act. laying the groundwork 
for what, is to follow. 

Th^*e is some merit to the play’s 
idea, about two spinster sisters, 
strong opposites, who are antag- 
onistic to each other, “locked up” in 
their beliefs and prejudices, pretty 
much as Caroline, their cat. is iir 
her cage. Essie is a strong believer 
in the Bible and God. seeing only 
good in every one. Sadie, played 
here by Miss Goforth, trusts few. 
Both are frustrated by early loves, 
and the play revolves pretty much 
around them as their personalities 
keep clashing. 

The authors have devised a 
rather novel presentation of their 
characters. One scene shows what 
Essie would like to believe the 
situation really i.s. and another is 
reality brought about by Sadie's 
machinations. Sadie's schemes, 
however, come to naught, and in 
the end she becomes reconciled to 
Essie’s view's as the marriage of 
her illegitimate daughter is ruined 
and her plans for a second mar- 
riage fall through. 

Done here in the round, with the 
resident company, the play is not 
given a fair chance. Billed aa a 
comedy-drama, there could be 


Tlbbett-'Raln* NG $5,000 

Boston. Aug. 7. 

Lawrence Tibbett's legit venture 
in “Rain” at the Marblehead Play- 
house failed to stir up much box- 
office activity last week with a 
sluggish $5,200 reported. House, 
a l.OOO-seater. is scaled at $1.20 to 
$3. “Connecticut Yankee” current. 

“Streetcar Named Desire,” star- 
ring Julie Haydon. at Boston Sum- 
mer Theatre, grabbed nearly 
$9,000. “Pal Joey” current. 


of the older kids 
results in a pregnancy and an un- 
likely abortion plus a third-act 
death, which unnecessarily negates 
the previous wholesome buildup. 

Meller possibilities are .also 
thrown away, when handwringing 
suspense created by wait for dis- 
tant medico’s arrival is dissipated 
by irrelevant cropping-up of other 
matters and sudden announcement 
of girl's offstage death. At final 
curtain, the medico inexplicably 
still hasn't shown. 

Doro Merande, as the unluckv 
girl’s mother, provides a sock 
characterization of a covered- 
wagon homemaker, whose final 
delineation of total grief is almost 
worth the plot contradictions that 
prompt it. As the girl, Patty Ann 
Jackson convincingly progresses 
from the first-act hoyden through 
the second-act’s emotional compli- 
cations. only to be written into 
an offstage deathbed for the bal- 
ance of the production. Billy 
James wanders around in an ap- 
propriate adolescent fog as the lad 
responsible for his sweetheart’s 
downfall, being allowed not 
much more by the necessities of 
the plot. 

Part of the schoolboard tyrant 
is played by Raymond Bramley, 
whose load of villainy proves too 
heavy for the author to forgive 
or even to punish at the end. 
Benedict MacQuarrie. as a home- 
spun mail carrier, earns a resound- 
ing salvo fur a philosophizing vig- 
nette in the second act. which in- 
dicates that the author has talent 
for bits and pieces of dramaturgy, 
lacking only the cratt for sustain- 
ing this high level. 

Francis Compton, Kathleen Bol- 
ton. Ann Ives, Dan Doherty, and 
the others among the elders, are 
authentic in their sympathetic de- 
pictions of pioneer Americans, 
w'hile the nine kids turn in per- 
formances that make it Impossible 
to distinguish between the seven 
amateurs and the two professionals. 
It is in the latter facet of the 

( troduction that Frederick Bur- 
cigh’s direction reveals Itself 
most obviously for the strong job 


One** a ( rttu d 

Stockbridge, Mass . Aug. 3. 

Berkshire Playhouse production of com- 
•dy in three act* by Eufene Raskin. Stars 
Paul Hartman. Staged by William Miles: 
aet tings by 8idney Z. Lit wick. At Berk- 
ahlre Playhouse, Stockbridge. Mass. 

P« W Janet Fox 

Expressman W illiam Shetland 

Ruth Katherine Meakil 

Stephen Paul Hartman 

Dm John W. Austin 

Steve Howard Erskine 

Stevie, David Thorman 

Stephanie Gaya Jordon 


FOftMHtr 

putt/c/rr ohtfcrot rot 

DWIGHT DEERE WIMAN 


detective: Wardell Saunders milks 
his part as a four-time loser who 
w'inds up as McLeod’s killer. Here 
William McFadden’s direction and 
interpretation of the drama suffer. 

The musty, sordid atmosphere 
of the sauad room is duplicated in 
the Apollo set. hut the lighting 
men needed more practice to get 
their cues right at snow caught. 


Author Eugene Raskin, professor 
of architecture at Columbia U.. 
may have had his tongue very high 
in his cheek when he turned out 
this comedy. Undoubtedly inspired 
by the atomic advance in the world 
of science, the professor decided 
there should be a gimmick that 
would also be able to diffuse the 
human personality. Applying this 
theory, the author has turned out 


Plays • Playtrt 
Picture* • Television 


Breakwater 

Hollywood, Aug. 1. 

Rar-Mor production of drama In three 
acta by Frank William* and Peter L. Mar- 
rua. Stara Fran*. Hilliard. Directed by 
Walter Wicelalr: aettlnga by Rolf Jacoby. 
At Coronet Theatre. Hollywood. July 28. 
*51; 8.180 top. 

Dmytrv Frank Hilliard 

Rosalind Amanda Blake 

Robin . . Richard Beach 

Chris Behle Barrett 


The ufiftiiLCO nHiuiuvv 

Productions 

“DETECTIVE STORY” 

By SIDNEY KINGSLEY 

Apolte, N. Y. Bedford, Brooklyn Howard, Weak. 

Wook An*. 1 Wook A of. 8 Week Am. 17 


Well-known Script Agency wont* on- 
produced 1 -act end fwtt- length ploy* to 
bo edopted for new TV dremefk 
•orio*. Moil acript* for immo d ioto reed- 
ing. Inciete return peetege end well 
report within 3 week*. Addroa* Bom 
743, VARIETY, 133 Watt 44th St., Now 
York 19. N. Y. 


Clumsily constructed, badly 
w'ritten and amateurishly acted, 
this drama hasn’t a chance at any- 
thing more auspicious. 

Apparently designed as a .dar- 
ing adventure Into sex. it dealt 
with a nymphomaniac, her lover, 
a deserted mistress and a vagrant 
artist once the lover of the nympho. 

The play is handicapped not only 
by the dialog but by the cast, 
which had a bad case of first-night 
jitters. 

Frank Hilliard. Amanda Blake. 
Richard Beach and Behle Barrett 
are the unfortunate players. Only 
credit goes to the diehard audience, 
which stayed to the bitter finish. 

Dare. 


Ly JOHN COLTON 

” Bedford, Brooklyn 
Wook A«f. IS 


4t Apollo, N. Y. 
4 Wook A of. B 


It is. 

William Ryan's one set is both 
proMcrly nostalgic and unob- 
trusive. Dim. 




Wednesday, Ai|Ui 8, 1«1 




cle riding. Joe Sudy orch plays 
only a couple of numbers, but do 
well in accompaniment of a tricky' 
show that calls for all kinds of 
cues in unusual places. Betty Holt, 
band singer, has one number. 

Whole show has class and snap. 

Rack. 


Literati 


SCULLY’S SCRAPBOOK 


By Frank Scully tttttttttttt### { 

Hollywood Aug. 7. 

The Smithsonian Institution has three weather stations in America. 
One is 8,000 feet above San Bernardino and 2,000 feet above the 
summer quarters of the Scuily family circus. I was driving up there 
in a car which shall be nameless, since I paid the full price and, 
even so, got a lemon. Above the timber line the going got tough. 
I stopped for the motor to catch its breath. 

An Aipine guide passed me on foot. He was yodeling with a soft 
quiet brogue. I smiled and bowed. He bowed. He bowed like a 
guy used to taking them. 

“Say," I called, “aren’t you Owen McGiveney?" He grinned and 
nodded several times. “Why you old protean crock, what are you 
doing up here?" 

He said he was stopping at Christy's Lodge. That’s the guy **ho 
had just dropped $10,000 trying to revive vaude under the billing of 
*‘Spice of Life" in Hollywood and had been whipsawed to pieces 
between Equity and AGVA. 

“I was just walking up the hill for the exercise," explained McGiv. 

I looked at him. He was trained down like a miler. Rosy-cheeked, 
blue-eyed, he looked not a day over 39. But I knew he must be 
nearer 70. 

“If you have that much surplus energy, couldn’t you give our car 
a push?" I asked. 

He tried, but it was no go. The car was pooped So we *at hv. 
the side of the road and talked trade instead of weather till the 
motor cooled. 

I hadn’t seen him since the closing of what Jack Oakie called, 
“Ken Murray and his opening acts." To McGiv “Blackouts" was a 
circuit act’s dream. He came over from England for two years. He 
was still quick-changing in “Blackouts" at the end of three. It was 
vaude — with home life as a bonus. 

“Murray used to give every act a vacation with pay. I didn’t want 
if* Playing that sort of vaudeville was a holiday in itself." 

This surprised me. I \lways thought McGiv’s act would tire a 
tiger. It w r ent on for 27 minutes. He tore through a whole n»ft of 
Dickens characters, and to remove the suspicion that he could only 
make such changes because he was using doubles he had the gauze- 
like set lighted from behind so the audience could see him make 
his rapid changes. 

Routine Forced on Him 

This al fresco routine was more or less forced on him years before 
when he played the Brooklyn Orpheum. A Hearst dolt said McGiv 
was 6 feet, 1 inch in one scene and 4 feet, 6 in another. So obvi- 
ously he couldn’t be the same person. A stopwatch revealed he 
was changing costumes in as little as 1 9/10 seconds. 

McGiv had never seen such an act before he began creating his 
own. There weren’t many protean acts in England where he be- 
gan. Except for Charlotte Parry, McGiveney couldn’t remember a 
woman doing it. She was a great artist. “I couldn't say you were 
better," Joshua Lowe once told him. “After all, I have to go home 
after catching your act." In addition to heading the Varikty London 
office. Lowe (Jolo), was also married to Miss Parry. 

What veered McGiv into the protean field was the remark of a 
theatre manager in Manchester. “It’s a funny business," the man- 
ager said. “I own two houses here, one a music hall and the other 
a legit house. In legit f pay the whole company 30 pounds a week. 
In the music hall I have to pay one act as much as 100 pounds." 

McGiv was playing bits in old fashioned mellers at the time. He 
decided to make a switch. But music halls in those days were 
tougher than barrack rooms. Gallery goons looked on everything as 
rank comedy or rank tragedy, and they were always ready to pull 
their rank on an act they didn’t like. 

McGiv figured out a way to appease these frustrated pests. He 
thoiight if he could appeal to people of taste and move fast, no 
rotten apples could touch him. He picked Dickens because Dickens 
appealed to ali classes — Victorians, vagrants, vicars, and vulgarians. 

He tried the act out first at a Jesuit college in Preston. That was 
his home town. He was bom there w’hile his mother was on a visit 
from Ireland. From Preston he got his first professional booking. 
That was at the Queens Park Hippodrome, Manchester. He was 
paid 20 pounds. He was 18 at the time. 

He was soon pulled in from the provinces* In London he played 
the Coliseum, Alhambra and Palace as well as the Palladium. These 
were bigger houses than the Palladiufn in those days. Martin^ Beck 
caught him at the opening of an Oswald Stoll house and signed him 
for his American circuit. 

Barrymore’s $3,500 Look 

McGiv opened at the Chicago Majestic. The protean marvel was 
getting $350 a week now. Beck had theatres where acts played two 
weeks before moving on. Attractions alternated as headliners on 
this circuit. In San Francisco the great McGiv stepped down the 
first week for Ethel Barrymore, who was starring in “The Twelve 
Pound Look." McGiv got her check one week by mistake. She was 
getting $3,500. He couldn’t have got less if he were her agent. 

She said she understood he had seen the original company in Lon- 
don. He admitted he had, in the company of Sir James M. Barrie, 
the author. She wanted to know bow her performance compared 
with Irene ^Vanbrugh’s. 

- “You have a different conception of the pail," hedged the chameleon 
of quick-change artists. 

She upstaged him and said there could be no two conceptions of 
such a part. 

“Then you have achieved the Impossible," flipped the old McGiv. 

When she had to step down the next week and he stepped up as 
the headliner, the eminent Ethel really blew her top. But Beck 
lacked up the great McGiv. 

* Ultimately booked in New York, he was received by Beck with 
open arms. Beck showed him a new theatre he was building and 
wher£ he expected McGiv to open. It was to be called the Palace 
and would be modeled after the London variety house of the same 
name. 

“You will nevfr equal it," said the great McGiv. 

“And why not?" 

“Well. sir. the last bill I played there had Pavlova, Chevalier »not 
Maurice) and Arthur Prince. How are you going to equal that, Mr. 
Beck?" 

“I will go higher." 

“Are you going to heaven for acts?" 

“I will get Bernhardt." 

“Bernhardt is higher than the flag. She is France." 

Beck pulled out a big wad of bills and stuck it under McGiv's nose. 
“None of them is bigger than this." he said. 

Well, he got her. But not for the opening week. He got elephants 
for that. They were a hit but they couldn’t hold over because Bern- 
hardt’s contract barred an animal act from appearing on the same 
bill wdth her. 

It took quite a roll to swing her. A thousand bucks a day. payable 
every night. “I used to see her stuff the bills in her stockings each 
night," said McGiv. 

By now the engftie was cooled and so was my ardor for aeeihg 
the weather station. 

“Can I give you a ride down the hill?" 1 asked. 

"No," he said, "I need the exercise. I like to keep in shape. You 
never can tell. Vaudeville may coroe back.” 

• T got news for you," 1 said. “It is back. They call ft TV." 


son’s itinerary as part ef his “Round 
the World In 30 Columns" air flight. 

“Shaw’s Plays in Review," col- 
lection of notices by British mag 
critic Sir Desmond MacCarthy of 
Shavian shows over a 47-year peri- 
od, will be published Sept. 14 by 
Thames 8c Hudson. 

John C. Winsten Co., has an- 
nounced Sept. 10 as publication 
date for Mike Angelo’s "Just Be 
Patient," book of 64 cartoons on 
hospital life. Angelo is Philly In- 

a uirer staff cartoonist, whose Em- 
y and Mabel series is handled 
nationally by the Chicago Sun- 
Times syndicate. 

James Thurber’s article about 
his mother, “Lavender with a Dif- 
ference” in the July 28 New 
Yorker is being reprinted in the 
Congressional Record at the re- 

2 uest of Rep. John 51 Vorys, of 
lolumbus, Thurber’s nome town 
and scene of his current “Photo- 
graph Album" series in the mag. 

“Drama on the Air," by David 
K. Mackey, integrates three facets 
of radio drama, writing, direction 
and acting. Tome, to be published 
by Prentice-Hall this month, in- 
cludes a section on sound, four 
complete scripts and 25 scenes 
from well known plays. Book is 
designed for use as a college text. 


Copyright Survey 

One of the most extensive coun- 
try-by-country surveys ever made 
of copyright protection has been 
itarted in the current U$pe of the 
UNESCO Copyright Bulletin, pub- 
lished by UNESCO In Paris. Work 
is by William S. Roach and Arpad 
L. Bogsch, Jr., attorneys for the 
United Nations agency, who are 
trying to arrive at a new interna- 
tional copyright convention. Roach 
is a former show biz lawyer In 
New York. 

When the installments of the 
v ork are completed in the 
UNESCO bulletin, a book based on 
It by Roach and Bogsch is to be 
published in the U. S. by Matthew 
Bonder Sc Co. Study describes the 
copyright protection which each of 
80 countries provides with respect 
to the works and authors of all the 
other countries. It is designed to 
give a ready answ*er as to whether 
protection exists in a given country. 

Shuiitaan’s Sbori Story Click 

Minneapolis humorist Max Shul- 
Man* now a resident of Westport, 
Conn., author of four humorous 
books, who also wrote the boak 
of the George Abbott musical, 
•barefoot Boy with Cheek," and 
who has done other writing for 
the theatre, continues to click in 
the short story field. He’s repre- 
sented by stories in the August 
numbers of both Cosmopolitan 
and Today’s Woman. Stories au- 
thored by him also appeared in 
the June Good Housekeeping and 
the July Cosmopolitan and his pub- 
lisher. Doubleoay, will bring out 
a book of his short stories this 
fall. 

Shulman also is engaged in 
writing a play which he discussed 
with Abbott and Leland Hayward, 
both of whom w'ere enthusiastic 
over the plot idea. 

H. Allen Smlth'a London Diary 

When the H. Allen Smiths sail 
Aug. 28 on the Queen Elisabeth on 
their first European trip, the au- 
thor will come back with a 1051-52 
Boswellian version which he will 
call “Smith's London Journal." It 
will be patterned after the best- 
selling "Boswell's London Jour- 
nal." It's for Doubleday. 

Ben Sehneider’s Spot 

Fairchild Publications’ nite club 
editor Ben Schneider Is adding the 
legit, pix, music and concert ad- 
vertising to his saloon beat, follow- 
ing the death of Kelcey Allan. Tom 
Dash continues as drama critic of 
Woman’s Wear Dally and the Dally 
News Record, as he had been doing 
for the past many months during 
Allen’s off-and-on Illness. 

However, unlike Allen who han- 
dled both the dramatic reviewing 
and the amusement advertising. 
Dash will stick to the editorial cov- 
erage. and Schneider will expand 
his business sights. 

Raehel Carson's Click 

Rachel Carson’s “Sea Around 
Is." factual tome on the ocean, 
p«'Hit v Qf; which ran In the New York- 
er as a three-part aeries, is in its 
fifth printing one month after pub- 
lication. The publisher, Oxford, 
has to ration copies to booksellers. 
It's a Book of the Month Club se- 
lection for September. 

I if c i d e n t a 1 1 y. one day after 
Vvriety ran the piece about the 
New Yorker’s' 1 n t e re st in the 
pieces, the last chapter of the book 
vas sold to Vogue. 

Bill Conlan’s New Spot 

William H. Conlan shifts from 
UlCOG to director of the U. S. 
Fu ss Center in Berlin, succeeding 
Lowell Bennett. Latter sails for 
N«w York Aug. 9. 

Bennett has had quite a career 
despite his 31 years. He w as a mem- 
ber of the Foreign Legion, became 
•u INS correspondent, was shot 
down over Berlin while fixing with 
Hie RAF. made three escapes from 
Berlin «was caught twice*, edited 
fn underground newspaper. He 
h is written three books, two on 
Germany, and is considered an ex- 
pert on German affairs today. 


St**! Pier, A, C. 

Atlantic City. Aug. 3. 

Mac k Triplets, Roxyettes (18), 
Theron Troupe (8), John Barry, 
Steve Evans, House Orch (10); 
“Cuban Fireball" (Rep). 

The headlining Mack Triplets 
are supported by the strongest acts 
offered in Music Hall this summer 
season. The dancing of the Roxy- 
ettes, who appear In three num- 
bers, is a welcome relief from the 
five acts of straight vaude usually 
on display. 

The Macks, an eyeful in any 
theatre, lean to novelty numbers 
to keep the audience with them all 
the way. They score first with fast 
“Have Yourself a Wonderful Time” 
and bounce Into “Wonder What is 
on His Mind." Next is “Beautiful 
Brown Eyes," with “Sweet Violets” 
sending them off to a nice round 
of mining, called back, they 
encore with “Everybody Like It” 
and have to beg. 

, The Theron Troupe, three men. 
four femmes and a six-year-old, are 
tops in cycling. Group does about 
everything on bikes. Cycles come 
apart and are put together again. 
And with all eight on one cycle 
gracefully pedaling around the 
stage. 

Steve Evans scores with impres- 
sions of a drunk and an audience 
registering laughs. 

The Roxyettes offer three well 
done tap production numbers. 
Opening chore brings ,them on in 
red hats, yellow vests' and green 
skirts in a “Show Boat" bit using 
strobolite for added effect They’re 
lavishly dressed in colonial cos- 
tumes in second number, and In 
Civil War garb for third stanza. 
Pauline Leslie dresses latter via 
“Its an Old Southern Custom" 
chirp. 

• John Barry emcees show and 
keeps things moving at nice pace. 
Sings with Miss Leslie and solos 
“Show Boat" in first number of 
Roxyettes. Walk. 


House Reviews 


Isa Continueg'Trom hi« 59 — s i 

Palladium, Undew 

who go through most of the stand- 
ard tricks on a small circular plat- 
form. George Meaton again with 
his sound impressions, but most of 
his act has been seen in town in 
recent weeks. Sound effects from 
horror and gangster pix are repro- 
duced with commendable fidelity. 

Eddie Gordon takes a long time 
to get over the preliminaries of his 
miming act before he gets into his 
comedy routine on a bike. It reg- 
isters well enough with the custom- 
ers, but generally lacks pace. His 
assistant. Nancy, does nothing ex- 
cept walk on a couple of times 
in a bathing suit 

Vic Si Adio, a pair of newcomers 
from Brazil, make an immediate 
hit with an excellent acrobatic and 
hand-balancing act, which Is lively 
and original and combines a nice 
sense of comedy with an im- 

S ressive, nonchalant skill. Max 
aeon relies too much on blue 
material. It’s completely unneces- 

S ry and out of keeping in a bill 
at is suitable for the whole fam- 
ily. He is much more acceptable 
*at the drums. 

Jesse, James 8c Cornell, an 
American colored dancing trio 
making their bow in London, are 
a slick and energetic hoofing team. 
Their high-speed terping routines 
are enhanced by their own energy 
and vivacity. They get boffo re- 
ception as closer of first half of 
shove. 

The Palladium girls have another 
inadequate routine after the inter- 
mission. They are followed by Rob 
Murray, an Australian juggler 
whose skill, timing and comedy 
style merit a stronger position on 
the bill. Myro. 


Empire, Glaagaw 

Glasgow, July 31. 

Clayton L Ward, Fran Dowie & 
Candy Kane, Trampo-Loonies (3*. 
Botonds, Raymond Smith, Amazing 
Briton (4» v Sugar Chile Robinson. 

Sugar Chile Robinson, 12-year- 
old boogie-woogie pianist, is cur- 
rent dick here. His act has novelty, 
freshness and appeal, and he head- 
lines an average bill stronger on 
physical attractions than anything 
else. 

The boy has something. He’s 
clever, he's confident, and nis very 
smallness goes over big. He sits 
at piano, strums the keyboard, 
strikes a footboard with his feet, 
and plays numbers that have the 
jazz fans tapping. His act is a bit 
short for a British twice-nightly 
vaude house, but, on his U.I£. 
debut, he certainly fractures ’em. 

Between numbers he’s inter- 
viewed by Canadian comic Fran 
Dowie, who asks him about his 
hobbies, his 88’ing, his home en- 
vironment. Dowie does a good job 
here. 

Rest of the bill js average, with 
the Continental acro-balancers. the 
Bbtonds, a standout, and top-rate 
comedy from Fran Dowie and his 
blonde wife, Candy Kane. Their 
takeoff on a western film cowboy is 
immense, and seems likely stuff for 
bigger houses and U. S. market. 

Raymond Smith's ventriloquial 
act is overlong but clever, and 
strong-man Briton does surprising 
weight-holding with his West-End 
Lovelies. 

Orch is under the baton»of Scots- 
man Bill Matthew. Cord. 


Orpheum, Omaha 

Omaha, Aug. 4. 

Three Suns, Artie Auerbach 
(Kitzel), Art fc Margie Bassett, 
Vernon It Gale, Joe Sudy Orch, 
Betty Holt; "Night Into Morning ’’ 
(MG). 


F^t time here in person, the 
Three Suns lifted the lid noisily on 
opening night of their week stand 
at the Orpheum. On a cleared stage 
they perform with electric organ, 
piano, guitar and accordian and 
keep the audience in a constant 
ferment of interest. 

Open with “That’s Plenty" and 
swing into “Syncopated Clock" 
w ith sound effects. “Never See 
Maggie Alone" with parody on the 
Trumans, scores a sensational laugh 
response. Going into sweeter stuff, 
they do “Yes" and wind up with a 
medley sparked by their pop in- 
terpretation of “Peg O’ My Heart" 
and “Tico Tico," as well as others 
in smooth, sweet and syncopated 
grooves. 

Artie Auerbach. the “Kitzel" of 
the Jack Benny 'radio program, 
moves his Yiddish dialect here to 
score with satirical stories of Hol- 
lywood characters. His play upon 
words is especially funny. Uses the 
cut-up English language as a 
springboard to illustrate some of 
the most picturesque attacks on 
the tongue. Much of the reference 
to more metropolitan and profes- 
sional things can be deleted for 
more down-to-earth stuff, particu- 
larly In Uiese cow lands. But all 
told, he gets over tremendously. 

Vernon 8c Gale hoof in true tap 
style and Art 8c Margie Bassett 
vary comedy juggling with unicy- 


biSS Continues from Hl« 57 ssJ 

participating in the financing, he 
says, include Paul Beisman, of the 
American, St. Louis; Robert Boda. 
of the Hartman, Columbus. O.; 
Gabe Rubin, of the New Nixon, 
Pittsburgh; Milton Krantz, Hanna. 
Cleveland; Jack Stone, WRVA The- 
atre, Richmond, and seven others 
who have not yet actually signed 
the limited partnership agreement. 

The success or failure or the 
plan, in the opinion of one road 
theatreman, will lie primarily In 
the quality of the plays and pro- 
ductions sent out by Brandt. Lack 
of confidence in that, rather than 
fear of the UBO or the Shuberts ; 
was what caused him to withdraw 
from the syndicate-financing ar- 
rangement, he said. He may play 
any of the shows at his house, he 
indicated, but prefers not to com- 
mit himself flnancialy for their pro- 
duction. 


CHATTER 

George Frazier doing a Cosmo- 
politan mag piece on the “tofc" 
famine chirpers. 

William Hartley in Hollywood 
to confer with literary agents 
about material for Redbook mag. 

Phyllis Rosenteur's *new book. 
Affair of the Flesh," will be 
Published in September by Double- 

«HV. 

West coast author Kay Campbell 
due east end-September on her 
annual junket to powwow N. Y. 
editors. 

William P. Berger has rejoined 
uoubleday as syndicate depart- 





_ . . I. 


/ 


Wednetday, Anmut ft, 1951 


62 


CBATT1 



Broadway 


of 

Europe on the Britan- 


Dick Joseph, travel editor 
\ to Eure 


appearances at the 
Chicago Theatre Au 


Esquire 
nic. 

Gerald Mayer, Metro writer, in 
town digging background material 
for upcoming pix. 

Theatrical dentist Dr. A. S. 
Greenstone's 18-year-old daughter, 
Janet, a recent bride. 

John Firman, m.d. of Feldman 
Music, due over from London next 
month on a periodic trip. 

Edith and William Goetz living 
on a yacht in Connecticut waters 
during their fortnight’s eastern so- 
journ. 

William Wyler and wife Marga- 
ret Tallichet planed out last week 
for a month’s vacation in London 
and Deauville. 

Bob Topping and wife, Lana 
Turner, back to the Coast after 
attending the funeral in N. Y. of 
Topping’s father. 

P^e and Phyllis LeDouzen back, 
after a sojourn in her native 
France, operating their West 46th 
St. Cafe de France. 

Goodman Ace (Easy Aces' to 
Coast on a quickie to explore a 
screenplay writing chore for Sol 
C. Siegel at 20th-Fox. 

Hollywood radio producer- 
writer-director Carroll Carroll back 
to the Coast next week following a 
summer vacation in N. Y. 

Henry King, director of 20th- 
Fox’s "David and Bathsheba," ar- 
rives from the Coast this week to 
attend the film’s preem at the Riv- 
oli Theatre next Wed. (15). 

David Golding, who resigned two 
weeks ago as publicity manager of 
20th-Fox, was hosted at lunch 
Monday (6> by the film staff of 
Life mag as a parting appreciation. 

Maestro Harry Sosnik dividing 
his spare time between deepsea 
fishing off Montauk Point and 
fresh-water angling in the Wiscon- 
sin lakes. 

Martin Davis, flack at Samuel 
Goldwyn’s N. Y. office, back in 
N. Y. after two weeks of soldiering 
at Pine Camp, N.Y. He’s a warrant 
officer in the reserve. 

Jeff Chandler hits town today 
(Wed.) from the Coast on the first 
hop of a six-city promotion tour 
in behalf of "Iron Man,” Univer- 
sal film in which he’s starred. 

Since George (Fiorentino). part- 
ner with Gene Cavallero in the 
Colony, guested on The Fitzgeralds’ 
TV show, the show biz clientele 
wants to know where is George’s 
AFRA card. 

Arthur Schwartz planed to the 
Coast last Thursday (2) for confabs 
with producer Arthur Freed on the 
next Fred Astaire picture, for 
which he and Howard Dietz will 
supply the songs. 

Ex-vauder. now Commerce Com- 
missioner and Mrs. Walter T. 
Shirley hosting a 25th anniversary 
dinner for Mayor and Mrs. Vincent 
R. Impellitteri at Westchester 
Country Club Aug. U.. 

George Cukor and JBert Granet, 
director and producer, respective- 
ly, of "The Marrying Kind,” Col- 
umbia's next Judy Holliday starrer, 
in N. Y. to scout locations for the 
pic. Film starts next month. 

Borden Mace, p r e z of RD-DR 
Corp. (Reader's Digest-Louis de 
Rochemont), planed to Germany 
last week seeking talent for de 
Rochemont's upcoming "Walk East 
on Beacon.” He's due back in 10 
days. 

Actress Corinne Calvet and 
husband John Bromfield due in 
N. Y. tomorrow (Thurs.) from the 
Coast enroute to her native Paris. 
This will be Miss Calvet’s first trip 
home since she went to Hollywood 
several years ago. 

Rudolph Halley, who is satirized 
In "Two on the Aisle,” by Elliott 
Reid, says he not only has no idea 
of suing for any "libel,” but "loves 
the idea" and. besides, he knows 
best of all that nq public figure has 
any legal cause for such complaint. 

Douglas Fairbanks. Jr., off to 
Hollywood after N. Y. meetings 
with United Artists execs. Distrib 
is handling his two latest. "One 
Man's Poison.” which he produced, 
and "Mr. Drake’s Duck.” in which 
he stars in addition to having pro- 
duced. 

Jack L. Warner, veepee in charge 
of production for Warner Bros., 
sailed for Europe Friday (3) on the 
Liberte accompanied by his family. 
Also sailing were Paul Nathnnson, 
prez of Empire-Universal Films; 
film director A1 Santcll and folk 
singer Josh White. 

Ellin (Mrs. Irving.) Berlin, who 
has been working on her new novel 
at their Lew Beach, N. Y., summer 
home, to Bermuda for 10 days of 
rest with daughter Elizabeth. 
Linda Berlin, the middle daughter, 
is currently vacationing in Paris; 
Mary Ellin, the oldest, only recent- 
- ly returned from abroad. 


rart theatre 

go Theatre Aug. 17. 

AGVA and AFRA huddling for 
benefit for flood victims which will 
be held at Chez Paree this month. 

Mark Stevens and Rhonda Flem- 
ing in for preem of "Little Egypt" 
at the Chicago, with A1 Horwits of 
Universal flacking. 

Preem of "Flying Leathernecks” 
set for the Woods Theatre Aug. 13, 
with Robert Ryan and Janice Car- 
ter doing personals. 

John Carradine, appearing at 
Drury Lane Theatre in "Dracula,” 
is giving a few lines of Shakes- 
peare as a curtain speech. 

Mike Todd in for a quick get- 
together with Joan Blondell and 
daughter, who appeared at Chevy 
Chase silo in "Come Back, Little 
Sheba.” before he shoved off for 
Europe. 

Richard Carlson in for "Petrifigd 
Forest” at Salt Creek strawhatter. 
with Miriam Hopkins, John New- 
land and Bramwell Fletcher set for 
j Aug. 13 in new tryout, "Told to the 
Children.” 


Londoa 


Minneapolis 

«• 

By Les Rees 

Eddy Howard orch into Prom 
Ballroom. 

Old Log strawhatter offering 
"Room Service.” 

Annual Roller Derby at Audi- 
torium Aug. 8-Sept. 2. 

Jimmy Hayes, WCCO, back on 
job after long illness. 

Managers of 50 radio stations 
guests of local Aquatennial. 

Minneapolis Civic Opera Assn, 
presenting "H.M.S. Pinafore.” 

Roy King and his "Komi-Kings” 
start sixth month at Magic Bar. 

Muggsy Spanier and his Dixie- 
land combo at St. Paul Flame. 

Ruth Clymer an addition to 
KSTP-TV continuity department. 

Lisa Kirk into Hotel Radlsson 
Flame Room for first local appear- 
ance. 

Fred S. Haywood, WCCO promo- 
tion and publicity director, in N. Y. 
for CBS’ meeting. 

Sid Lippman, composer of "Too 
Young,” vacationing in and about 
Minneapolis, his hometown. 

Minneapolis Flame, formerly 
Club Carnival, closing its supper 
club because of poor biz, but has 
enlarged its theatre bar. 

Jimmy Nederlander in from De- 
roit again to take helm at Lyceum, 
opening next month with Edward 
Everett Horton in "Springtime for 
Henry.” 

Joe Byrne, who handles Tam 
O'Shanter golf tournament for 
WENR-TV, brought in from Chi- 
cago by WTCN-TV to do likewise 
for St. Paul Open which station 
televised. 


Chicago 


Trudy Germi replaced Pat Finch 
In Connie Waleska role in "South 
Pacific.” 

Dinah Shore does one of her 


Jack Payne into 1 hospital for 
an operation. 

Ray Milland, here on vacation, 
visited Wales to see his parents. 

Sir Benjamin Fuller off to 
South America on five-week 
cruise. 

Celia Upton opened her third 
cabaret date at the Bagatelle 
Monday (6). 

Charlie Clapham, after serious 
six months illness, back in vaude- 
ville and radio. 

Exhibition of theatrical pictures 
from the Garrick Club opens at the 
Tate Gallery this week. 

Harry Noble & Frances King 
booked for return six week cabaret 
date at Berkeley beginning Sept. 
26. 

Gali Gali on Moss and Stoll cir- 
cuit; returns to London to play 
month of October at Savoy Hotel 
cabaret. 

Eddie Davis back from Stock- 
holm where he has been attending 
the Walt Disney world sales con- 
vention. 

The Ink Spots are the first 
American act booked for the Lon- 
don Palladium vaudeville season 
next year. 

New Alec Guinness comedy. 
"Man in the White Suit” is to be 
screened at Edinburgh Festival 
this month. 

A1 Daff, sales chief of Universal, 
planed in from Paris for confabs 
with J. Arthur Hank, Jonn Davis 
and U execs. 

Gypsy Rose Lee broke all house 
records in last 15 years on her 
opening day at the Hippodrome, 
Bristol. July 30. 

Harry Alan Towers off to South 
Africa soon and scheduling a N. Y. 
trip shortly after his return with 
Australian quickie to follow. 

Paul England back here from 
Hollywood after 13 years. Last 
three years he was in "Where's 
Charley?,” the Ray Bolger musical. 

Miklos Gafni booked for concert 
tour in England opening in Sep- 
tember by Jack Hylton. After Eng- 
lish season, Gafni will tour Israel. 

Sir Philip Warter, chairman of 
Associated British, given a Govt, 
job as controller general of fac- 
tory and storage premises. He held 
similar post during the last war. 
Patricia Morison was privileged 


vas pi 
of C< 


Pittsburgh 

By Hal Cohen 

Bert Jason, ex-three sailors, 
makes this territory for a hand-bag 
company. 

Mrs. Herman Middleman, wife of 
bandleader, operated on at Shady- 
side Hospital. 

Hu-Ling, magician, has changed 
his hilling to 2d Lt. Robert C. Hill- 
ing, Jr., USAF. 

Carousel's summer closing will 
be much longer than the three 

weeks first announced. 

John Craven left resident com- 
pany of Bill Green's Arena Theatre 
after doing five shows. 

Grace Price, director of Chil- 
dren's Theatre here, off to Los An- 
geles for National conference. 

Jersey Joe Walcott coming back 
to scene of his triumph Aug. 17 for 
world preem of "(ron Man” at 
Harris. 

"Make a Wish” closing permitted 
LeRoi Operti to come on for final 
two outdoor operettas of the 

season. 

Virginia Conwell, local ballerina, 
terping • on "Goodyear Summer 
Revue” on TV while "Hit Parade” 
is laying off. 

Bill Green has 
brother Bob general 
the dine-and-dance 
bears former’s name. 


named his 
manager of 
spot which 


Westport, Conn. 

By Humphrey Doulens 

Charles Laughton ditto. 

George Oppenheimer here. 

Fania Marinoff visiting the Law- 
rence Langners. 

Dorothy Warenskjold visiting the 
James Meltons. 

Roger Rico has rented Mary Mar- 
tin's Norwalk house. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sax Rohmer vaca- 
tioning at Stonehenge. ■«•••. 

"Blossom I’ime" next bill at Dan- 
bury Fairgrounds operetta stand. 

Alec Templeton guesting at 
Connecticut Symphony Pops con- 
cert (15). 

Lily Pons due in (12) from France 
and Italy to spend a couple of 
weeks at her country home in Nor- 
walk. 

Mrs. Cheever Cowdin here to sec 
Claudette Colbert doing repeat en- 
gagement In "Island Fling” at 
Country Playhouse. 


visitor at the House of commons; 
was taken there by prominent Tory 
Member of Parliament, David Ec- 
cles. who is an art expert like Miss 
Morison. 

Peggy Cochrane, pianist and 
wife of former band leader and 
now agent Jack Payne, gets weekly 
series of British Broadcasting 
Corp. Light Program, which will 
be titled "Happy Go Lucky.” 

Kenneth Spencer. Negro singer, 
after several refusals, has finally 
been granted entry permit by the 
U. S. authorities to appear in the 
American zone of Berlin 


Spt* 

resumes his concert tour in Be 


ncer 
erlin, 

Aug. 17. 

Jack Hylton signed Pearl Primus 
dancers to open in England Nov. 
19. He has also booked Leonor 
Maria and Jose Morato, with 
Spanish singer and guitarist Ade- 
laida Barrera for four weeks' sea- 
son. opening Sept. 3, at the Allegro 
and Quaglino’s restaurants. 

Spanish Ballet of Teresa and 
Luisillo, which just terminated a 
21 -week tour in England, goes to 
France and Belgium for series of 
one-night stands in casinos during 
the summer season. After that, it 
tours Italy. 'Greece, Egypt and 
Turkey. Ballet has already been 
booked for return to England next 
year. 


Jean Rigaux and Sophia Desmerets 
off to Italy on co-production stints. 

John B. Nathan waiting for the 
Henri Michaux to return from U. S. 
to Join his children in Juan les 
Pins. 

George Lacombe to direct "Cali- 
ber 6.36” in Italy with Eric Von 
Stroheim and Andrea Debar head- 
ing cast. 

Michele Morgan in city for going 
away parties for the various French 
legit troupes on their way to South 
America. 

Ketty Frings here scouting for 
French talent for the Wald-Krasna 
film on the fashion world, "The 
Golden Door." 

Darryl Zanuck too busy with Ed 
Leggevie to be seen much in town; 
plans to make up for it during his 
slated three weeks at Antibes. 

Jean Mercure and legit troupe off 
to Tel Aviv where he will present 
"School For Women” and Sala- 
crou's "God Would Know About 
It.” 

Julie Gibson trying to get Henri 
Diamant-Berger’s okay on her 
rightful credit in production of the 
American version of "Monsieur 
Fabre.” 

Walter Shirley, head of New 
York City’s Department of Com- 
merce, handed Pierre de Gaulle, 
chief of the Municipal Council, a 
message of good wishes to the city 
of Paris in token of the town’s 
2,000th a n n i. Parchment state- 
ment was delivered on behalf of 
Gotham's Mayor Impellitteri and 
the metropolis' 8,000.006 citizens. 


Philadelphia 


Paris 

By Maxime de Belx 

(33 Blvd. Montparnasse ) 

David Rose and wife Betty here 
on visit. 

Peter Lorre recuping at a Swiss 
sanatorium. 

Anne Vernon to Loudon to star 
in "Clementine.” 

Red Skelton in from London on 
his quickie European tour. 

Firstclass hotel reservations 
fully booked until September. 

Claude Dauphin taking his com- 
pany on tour of South America. 

Gen. David Saraoff lunching 
with Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. 

Borrah Minevltch back at his 
watermill after visiting vacationing 
friends. 

Arletty and Francois Perier into 
new Gilles Grangier film, "Love 
Madam.” 

Elias Lapinere to Scandinavia 
orrty 24 hours after his return from 
vacation. 

George Ullmer to direct and star 
in his own story, "Meeting In 
Pifaila.” * • . 

Paul Baron back from Italy and 
lunching with the I. D. Levys and 
Mike Nyborg. 

Anatole Litvak in town huddling 
on possibility of turning out his 
next film here. 

"Sunset Boulevard” and "All 
About Eve” still going strong here 
in their fifth months. 

French tresps Claude Laydu, 


By Jerry Gaghan 

Edythe Adams, chirper on Ernie 
Kovacs’ NBC-TV show, is doubling 
at Celebrity Room. 

Dr. Leon Levy, of CBS board of 
directors, broke his lex in a fall 
from the porch of his home. 
Donald Engle, press rep and pro- 

S ram annotator for Philadelphia 
rchestra, has been named an as- 
sistant manager of symph. 

James Melton due here Aug. 20 
to launch Highway Traffic Board's 
Qourtesy-of-the-road campaign and 
to act as honorary chairman of 
drive. 

Peggy Lloyd, chanteuse at Jack 
Lynch's Zodiac Room (Hotel War- 
burton', has retired in favor of 
matrimony with local manufac- 
turer. 

Bill King, owner of Emerald Bar, 
Wildwood, has bought major inter- 
est in local recording company 
and will wax local bands and com- 
bos in fall. 

Max Leon, candy manufacturer 
and owner of Station WDAS«;will 
reorganize his Philadelphia "Pops” 
orch next season. Group will iW 
wax for Capitol. 

"Johnny Night” show coupled 
with Athletics - Cleveland ball 
game, sponsored by Variety Club 
Tent 13 and Daily News, drew 
25.000 at Shibe Park (3). Rose- 
mary Clooney and Bill Kenny 
headed the list of stars. 

Owner Chubby Stafford gifted 
Rosemary Clooney with a diamond 
wrist watch at conclusion of her 
smash week’s run at Chubby's 
(West Collingswood. N. J.) Sunday 
evening (5). Room shuttered for 
two weeks same night to redeco- 
rate. 


Atlantic City 


Dick 


By Joe W. Walker 

Milliner into Shelburne 


(3). 

Bert Wheeler and Hank Ladd 
opened at Yacht club Friday (3). • 

Sheila Barrett into Ritz-Carl- 
ton’s Old English tavern over 
weekend (4-5). 

Myron Cohen into 500 Club (3), 
with Fran Warren held over for 
another week. 

Mills Bros, into Steel Pier vaude 
(5), with Ralph Flanagan orch into 
Marine Ballroom. 

Bob Russell, Myron Cohen and 
Andy Arcari to headline show in 
Convention Hall. Aug. 26 for bene- 
fit of Community Center school 
building. 

Irving Fields. Traymore Hotel 
orch leader, to wed Jane Ferdinand 
of New York this month and plane 
to Las Vegas, then Hawaii for 
honeymoon. 


Washington 

By Florence S. Lowe 

Irene Bordoni on week’s guest 

list. 

Louis Armstrong current click at 
Blue Mirror nitery. 

Louis B. Mayer in town most of 
week to see friends. 

Tex Benckc orch doing one- 
nighter at Glen Echo Park next 
Friday (17). 

Dick La Salle current at Hotel 
Statler's Embassy Room, from 
where toupe Is continuing Its MBS 
airers. 

Charles Laughton In from N. Y. 
to see Jessica Tandy and Hume 
Cronyn in "Fourpoater” at Olney, 
Md. t strawhatter. 


Hollywood 

Walter Plunkett planed to Hono. 
lulu. 

Glenn Ford , planed in (ron 
France. 

Eve McVeagh to Santa Fe for 
strawhat. 

Gene Summers divorced Georx* 
W. Brown. * 

Thurston Hall celebrated 50th 
anni as actor. 

Louis Shapiro out of hospital 
after surgery. 

Anne Sterling in town after six 
months in N. Y. 

Rhonda Fleming to Chi for 
preem of UI’s "Little Egypt.” 

Guy Madison and Andy Devine 
to Seattle to plug their TV show. 

Charles Laughton and Paul 
Gregory planed in from England. 

Edmuira Grainger tossed a din- 
ner for Marine Corps Newsmen's 
Assn. 

Lawrence Tierney sentenced to 
flve days in Jail for contempt of 
court. 

Anita Chamberlain opened own 
flackery after 19 years with Dave 
Epstein. 

Jerry Wald and Norman Krasna 
to Kansas City to preem "Behav* 
Yourself.” 

William Goetz leaving his UI 
production chores for two-week 
Vacation. 

Frankie Laine recovering from 
surgery to correct old nerve in- 
jury in leg. 

Vincent Price returned from a 
six-week vacation in Haiti, Jamaica 
and Mexico. 

LeRoy Prinz planed to St. Jo- 
seph, Mo., where his father is 
seriously ill. 

James T. Vaughn to Bombay to 
make a production survey for Cas- 
cade Pictures. 

Hal Haughton off to Australia 
as roving exploiter for Paramount 
International. 

Celeste Holm entertained the 
veterans at Long Beach Hospital 
for Paraplegics. 

Joe Hines celebrated his 70th 
birthday and his 21st anni as stand- 
in for Jimmy Gleason. 

Danny Kaye, Bob Hope and 
Randolph Scott to Topeka for a 
benefit for flood sufferers. 

Gregory Peck hospitalized for 
checkup in La Jolla, shelving 16- 
city personal appearance tour. 

David Diamond in from N. Y. 
after postponing plans for produc- 
tion of "Women of Britain” in 
London. 


Miami Beach 

« By Lary Solloway 

Lenny Kent into Sans Souci 
Blue Sails Room yesterday (TuesA 

r The Tom (NBC-TV staffer) 
Howells vacashlng at Roney Plaza. 

Joey Bishop and Lily Ann Car- 
roll current at Casablanca's Club 
Morocco. 

Another chance casinos Greco 
Acres, turned eatery this week, 
with Ed (ex-Copa City) Denersteio 
operating. 

Ink -Spots being dickered for by 
Five O'clock Club. Joyce Bryant 
replaced Juanita Hall in song slot 
of current show. 

Martha Raye In town for two 
days before returning to Coast 
and rehearsals on "Annie Get 
Your Gun” road show. 

Ben Schneider, former N. Y. 
World-Telly staffer, now publicity 
director for Schine Hotels Florida 
chain, with h.q. at Roney Plaza. 

Colonial Inn sold to group 
headed by Martini, former Beach- 
comber maitre d\ They’ll change 
the former chance spot to Swedish 
restaurant idea with entertain- 
ment lounge addition. 


DaDas 

By Bill Barker 

Arthur Godfrey due In with 
Navy brass to participate in 20th 
National Model Airplane Cham- 
pionships. 

Lex Barker made a personal 
with a "Tarzan” film at Forest 
Theatre while real-life ipate Ar- 
lene Dahl was starring In "I Mar- 
ried An Angel” at State Fair 
Musicals. 

Rev. Jimmy McClain, former 
"Dr. I. Q.” of NBC. doing spare 
time announcing at KIXL . i° r 
owner Lee Sega 11. Former quiz- 
zer’s stipend swells a fund-raising 
campaign for a new church. 


Birmingham 

By Fred Woodress 

Legislators introduced a bill »■ 
tfce Alabama House to outlaw str'P 
performances. , 

Veep Alben Barkley agreed to 
make appearance at Corn Festival 
in Bessemer Sept. 15. _ 

Marjorie, organUt at TutwilJ r 
Hotel Continental Room and coca* 
tail lounge, completing her fourth 
week. 


Wedneadar. Au*u»t •, 1951 


4 to 


13 




and producer Jules Levy, died in \ been a mixed reaction among ex 


Toronto. July 27. Besides her 
sons, she is survived by five daugh- 
ters. 


hibitors and distributors. Weaver 
points out (hat the features will 
differ from Holly wood-produced 
Alms in that NBC’s footage wiU 
have no story line, and project only 
TV entertainers “making personal 
appearance’* in the homes of set 
owners. The big problem facing 
the network Is. “will people pay to 
see it?’* 

Weaver is hopeful of an accept- 
ance from Jimmy Durante for the 
Arst picture. Martin and Lewis will 
also be approached. First Aim will 
be tested in Cleveland, which has 
TV, and Denver, which hasn’t Pub- 
lic reaction to the Arst picture will 
determine whether the project is 
to be continued or abandoned. 
Films to cost around $200,000 will 
have running time of 75 minutes, 
and will require three to four dags 
shooting. 

Soaring costs of television pro- 
duction is rcAected in the billing 
to sponsors. “Show of Shows,’’ run- 
ning 90 minutes, will be grossed to 
the client at $87,500 to w hich must 
be added the cast of time and 
cable-relay charges. Saturday 
night's “All Star Revue." running 
one hour, is grossed at $69,000 ex- 
clusive of time and oilier charges. 
Rotated amoitg four sponsors, it 
will cost each $105, 00c for one tele- 
cast with talent, time and all 
charges included. 

Weaver is not worried about 
w'here the fresh comedy talent is 
coming from. “If they’re good we’ll 
hear about them soon enough. 
Agents will keep us posted on the 
hottest prospects. New writers ate 
something else again but they’ll be 
drifting into television from oihei 
entertainment fields." 

It is Weaver’s belief that young- 
sters control the home sets and 
that's his reason for establishing 
the 8 p. m. cotnedy time in the east. 
He also has Axed opinions about 
the direction and lensing of his 
Theatre vision pictures. He's deter- 
mined to use skilled craftsmen 
from Hollywood but under strict 
orders on how to proceed from 
NBC’s own producers. * "We* know 
what we want, which is altogether 
different from how they would 
want to make it," said Weaver. 


Ml Fashion 


OBITUARIES 


IBS Continues from HI* t s=J 

No crinolines, no padding. Every- 
thing ultra simple. 

Dior has killed eccentricity after 
having launched it three years ago. 
His suits are smart and comfort- 
able, his coats resemble glorified 
raincoats, his cocktail dresses are 
almost bare of ornaments, but his 
ball gowns follow the tradition of 
*uper glamor. He names them 
after the League of Nations. U. S. 
is a cloud of blue tulle studded 
with stars. Iran a heavy gold sheath 
brocade, Iraq a rich acetate lame, 
and France a dream in rose chiffon. 
The applause was quite different 
for each country . 

Jacques Fath’s collectipn is ro- 
mantic and Victorian— crinolines, 
chignons, capes, frills, wide sleeves. 
The width of his skirts starts below 
the hips for daytime and resemble 
ballet dancer dresses for evening. 
Fath will be in a U. S. Aim pro- 
duction on the French couture. He 

• . * • . ■ « * i 


55, Memphis of- 
Dth-Fox, died in 


THOMAS M. BELL 

Thomas M. Bell, 51, actor-animal 
trainer, died in Newark Aug. 2. He 
was best known as the trainer of 
a blue Syke terrier with which he 
appeared in vaude as A Flat It 
Tom Belli The dog also appeared 
in several Alms. When the animal 
died several years ago, Bell trained 
others for the stint 
His sister survives. 

IRA M. LOWRY 
Ira M. Lowry, 62. silent Aim pro- 
ducer-director, died in Los Angeles 
July 31. Lowry had recently or- 
ganized Veritas Productions to 
make “The Prince of Poverty,’’ 
a Aim on the life of St. Francis of 
Assisi. He was once general man- 
ager of Lubin Pictures Corp. 

Surviving are his father and 
daughter. 

R. M. TADLOCK 
R. M. "Bob’* Tadlock, 65, veteran 
cattleman and Arst manager of 
Foil Worth's Southwestern Exposi- 
tion It Fat Stock Show Rodeo, died 
in Fort Worth July 30. 

Tadlock inaugurated the original 
indoor rodeo at the old northside 
coliseum in 1918 and remained at 
its helm through 1928. 

SCRIBNER COBB 

Scribner Cobb, 43, composer- 
author, died July 30 in New York. 
Among his works were “Symphony 
in F" and “Suite For Strings." He 
taught music theory at the High 
School of Music 8c Art. N. Y. 

Surviving are his mother, father, 
wife, son, daughter and brother. 

LEONARD A. RAMINS 
Leonard Arnold Kamins. 39. 
sales manager for WXYZ-TV, De- 
troit, died in that city Aug. 2. 

He was formerly account execu- 
tive with Brooke, Smith. French 8c 
Dorrance and Young 8c Rubicam ad 
agencies. 

BRUCE L STEIN METZ 
Bruce I. Steinmetz. 65, secre- 
tary-treasurer of District No. 1, In- 


GEORGE LEFFLER 

George LefAer, 77, former book- 
ing agent and company manager, 
died in New York Aug. 4. LefAer 
*orked in the theatre for more 
than a half century, beginning at 
ai’e 17 in the boxofAce of the 
Casino Theatre, N. Y. He later 
ni >nage<f Della Fox, musical com- 
r( iv star of the 1900s, and then 
became a booking agent for Al 
Woods. He joined the Klaw 8c 
Krlanger syndicate in 1927, and in 
1931 teamed with booker Victor 
Leighton to bring the D’Ovly Carte 
troupe and the Irish Players of 
Dublin’s Abbey Theatre to New 
York. 

For a time, LefAer represented 
producer William Harris in “Abra- 
ham Lincoln" and "East Is West." 
lie booked the road shows of 
“Three Men On A Horse" and 
“A nother Language,*' amonf 
others. He also had been company 
manager for Olsen 8c Johnson pro- 
ductions. and his last Dost was as 
company boss for “Anna Lucasta." 

His wife and daughter survive. 

CHARLES L. HEIZMANN 

Charles L. Heizmann, 72, former 
vaude actor, died July 30 in An- 
gelica, Pa. After serving in the 
Spanish- American War as a sec- 
ond lieutenant, he went to New 
York and with his wife, actress 
ldarie Yuill, who died a year ago, 
he organized and managed various 
vaude troupes which covered the 
U. S. for 10 years. Both he and 
his wife appeared in their produc- 
tions. 

Member of a family active In the 
hardware manufacturing industry 
In Heading, Pa., for nearly a cen- 
tury. Heizmann returned to that 
nty in 1915 and organised the 
Earie Co., an independent hard- 
ware producer. 

LEW CANTOR 

Lew Cantor. • 64, veteran vaude- 
ville agent and unit producer, died 
Aug. 7 at Beth David Hospital, 
N. Y., after a long illness. 

Originally working as agent in 


Wife, 53. of Adolph Deutsch, 
Metro composer a ml musical direc- 
tor, died July 31 in Bel Air, Calif., 
after a long . illness. . 

Mother, 77. of Al Tucker, vaude 
actor, died in New York Aug. 6. 
A daughter survives. 

Arnold Adam, 52, contactman 
for Sam Fox Pub.ishing Co. for 25 
years, died Aug. 5 in New York. 


John G. Stone, 50, Paramount 
sound technician, died July 26 in 
Hollywood after an operation. 


Wife, 64. of Thomas M. Regan. 
Los Angeles radio commentator, 
died in that city Aug. 2. 


Martin Johnson, vet Almhouse 
operator, died in Chicago, July 29. 


grvup have been esktj io play 
their own parts. 

Everything at Jean Desses is 
blue. The theme is the blue bird 
with width thrown backwards. He 
also raises the waistline, sometimes 
giving an Empress Josephine look. 
Unexpected small black shoe but- 
tons outline many of his dresses. 

Eisenhower Influence 

Schiaparelli calls her collection 
“Shape” after the Supreme ‘lead- 
quarters of the Allied Powers in 
Europe. She goes entirely oriental 
with dervish turbans, Persian pat- 
terned brocades, ornate costume 
jewelry. Her evening gowns are 
slim and daring in color combina- 
tions. 

Venice and Spain have inspired 
Pierre Balmain. 

Every house shows individuality, 
and women will have a large choice 
to pick from. 

In between shows, couturiers 
sre great at entertaining their 
foreign guests. The theme of 
Jacques Fath’s ball is “1925 Holly- 
wood Stars." Alwynn took over 
Maxime's for the evening for* an 
“Apache" party. DioT's Mme. Su- 
zanne Luling hired Jimmy’* band 
for one whole evening. Countess 
de Polignac < Mme. Lanvin’s daugh- 
ter) entertained in her beautiful 
old Left Bank Home, and Jacques 
Heim had all his guests televised 
and filmed by March of Time. 


De Nardis, 94, Italian 
died Aug. 5 in Naples. 


W1| vmu V at., nug ( •• mv/vuv i 

is concert and radio singer Mona 
Paulee. 

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Pierson, 
son, Hollywood. Aug. 1. Father is 
a screen and TV director. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harry . May, son. 
Hollywood, Aug. 3. Mother is 
former Metro publicity depart- 
ment switchboard operator. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gerken. 
twin son and daughter. July 29. 
Hackensack. N. J. Father is exec 
of John Blair 8c Co., station rep 
outfit. 

Mr. and Mrs. William Strauss, 
daughter. July 30, New York. 
Father is WQXR. N. Y., announcer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hammond, 
daughter, Syracuse, N. Y., July 28. 
Father i« newscaster with TV sta- 
tion WHEN. Syracuse. 

Mr. and Mrs. David H. Freed- 
man, son, Atlantic City, Aug. 2. 
Father is general manager of 
WMID, Atlantic City. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Helfand. 
son. New York. Aug. 3. Father is 
treasurer of N. Y. Paramount 
Theatre. 

Mr. and Mrs. Norman Weiss, son, 
New York, July 28. Father is with 
Roy Gerber- Weiss Agency.' 

Mr. and Mrs. Dan O’Herlihy, son, 
Hollywood, July 29. Father is 
screen actor. 


la behalf ©f Artists and Tochaiclaat whom b# 
served so brilliantly aad kindly far 13 years, tka 
management of the Flatbnsh theatre sorrow- 
felly announces fka patting of 

CD "WHItEY" SHEPPARD 


Continued (root pane S 

represent bona fide proposals with- 
in the meaning of his option agree- 
ment r 

Consistent with the reports of a 
re-purchase is the history of the 
Atlas operation under Odium. Fi- 
nancial concern has made it a prac- 
tice of buying control of a business 
outfit at a deflated price, rebuilding 
its corporate structure and then 
selling out at a greater price. 

The RKO pic shares, at $3.50, 
probably represent a big attraction 
to Odium, who figures the company 
could be placed on a sounder fi- 
nancial basis which would result 
in bigger per-share value. 

The stock acquisition was dis- 
closed in Atlas’ semi-annual report, 
which shows a total of $2,354,209 
invested in film outfits. The other 
pic industry holdings remained un- 
changed. Securities in portfolio in- 
clude Walt Disney Productions 4?e 
Series ‘A’ bonds, valued at $249,- 
885; 25.000 Paramount Pictures 

common. $537,500; 25.000 United 
Paramount Theatres certificates of 
interest. $462,500; 93,050 Disney 
common, $721,137, and 750 shares 
of $5 preferred and 150 shares of 
common stock of Motion Picture 
Capital Corp., valuec^at $125,000. 
Atlas also holds 20,000 shares of 
Madison Square Garden common 
at $180,000. 


Chicago. Cantor came to N. Y. to 
join the Loew organization. He 
produced a number of legit shows, 
including “Courage," with Fay 
Bainter, and “Mendel, Inc.," with 
Smith 8c Dale. In recent years he 
had been in the insurance busi- 
ness. 

Wife and daughter, survive. 


temational Alliance of Theatrical 
Stage Employees and Moving Pic- 
ture Machine Operators of the 
U. S. and Canada, died Aug. 6 of 
a heart attack in Great Falls, 
Mont 

He had been a member of the 
Great Falls local since 1917. 


MARRIAGES 

Mary Stuart to Richard Krolik, 
N. Y . Aug. 1. Bride is film, radio 
and television actress: he’s a TV 
producer for March of Time. 

Carol Wanderman to Kurt Hof- 
mann, N. Y„ Ailg. 9. Bride is 
former actress; he is theatrical 
publicist. 

Faye Greenwood to Phil Gold- 
stone. Santa Barbara, Cal., July 31. 
Groom is a ‘former film producer 
now financing other film-makers. 

s Nannette Vezina to Herb Leder, 
July 14. Edgartown, Mass. He’s 
film TV director for Benton 8c 
Bowles agency. 

Arlene Fried to Pvt. Claude Bin- 
yon. Jr., Honolulu. July 27. He’s 
former Daily Variety office 
staffer. 

Dany Robin to Georges Marchal, 
Paris, July 30. Bride is stage and 
film actress; groom is actor. 

Angela Sibella to Kenneth Rich, 
San Antonio, recently. Bride for- 
merly with WBZ and WVOM, Bos- 
ton. is now with WC Al, San An- 
tonio, hahdling traffic. 

Katheryn Karfe to Robert Lopez, 
Houston. July 31. Bride is a nitery 
dancer. 

Sara Rossman to Charles W Car- 
penter. New York, Aug. 4. He is 
New York office manager of Tech- 
nicolor Motion Picture Corp. 

Lucinda Ballard to Howard 
Dietz. Greenwich, Conn., July 31. 
Bride is theatrical costume de- 
signer; he’s ad-pub veepee of 
Loew’s Inc., and lyricist. 

Mrs. Olive Wyndham Tyng to Dr. 
Thomas Henry Gaze, Portsmouth, 
N. H., July 28 Bride is former 
actress Olive Wyndham. 

Sally Forrest to Milo Frank. Jr., 
Brentwood. Calif., Aug. 5. She's 
screen actress; he’s her agent. 

Carol Buckenmaier to Harry 
Francis Sullivan. Jr., Baldwin, 
L. I., Aug. 6. Bride is TV actress 


GEORGE WILLIAM SHARP 

Georg* William Sharp, 67, the- 
atrical manager, died July 31 in 
Los Angeles. He was company 
manager of “Abie's Irish Rose, 
and until he retired a year ago was 
associated with the Shuberts. 

His wife survives. 


HARRY WELDANO DETERS 

Harry Weldano Deters, vaude and 
circus performer, died recently in 
New York. Deters toured the 
Keith circuit for many years in 
Weldano’s Eiffel Tower Aeroplane 
Sensations. He was also known as 
Harry Connelly (flying trapeze), 
and in recent years he had ap- 
peared with Deteros Aeroplane 
Sensations. He also played with 
Hingling Bros, circus. 

Survived by his wife and a broth- 
er, August Deters, a member of 
the Herzogs, acrobatic act. 


Conflawd from paid 1 — 1 

zil will be skipped in the early ne- 
gotiations because of the Portu- 
guese language spoken there. Pro- 
grams fed to and from the south- 
ern link would be re-dubbed in 
English and Spanish, which would 
necessitate kinescopes until the 
project is farther along. 

World-wide TV was first project-* 
ed by Gen. David Sarnoff. board 
chairman of RCA. That it will 
come within 10 years is hopefully 
expected in the gradual process of 
spreading to Europe and across 
the Pacific after this hemisphere 
has been linked by cable and 
microwave relay. NBC execs have 
already surveyed the situation in 
Europe and are confident there can 
be cabled teevee across the Atlim- 
tic by various electronic means, 
some still to be devised. 

For the remaining w'eek of his 
stay here. Weaver will hold meet- 
ings with comedians, who will shift - 
to Hollywood after a few weeks of 
televising in N. Y. Among the 
first to cross th$ country on the 
relay from here will be Bob Hope 
and Red Skelton. Other certainties 
are the comics who make up the 
“Colgate Comedy Hour." Once 
facilities are adequate and alloca- 
tions favorable, many of the pro- 
grams making up the “Show of 
Shows’* and "AU Star Revue" will 
be moved here from N. Y. 

Mixed Reaettaaef Pix Project 

NBC's so-called Theatrevlsion. a 
creation of Weaver’s to combine 
the highlights of last season’s top 
shows in a full length feature film 
for showing In picture houses. Is 
moving along satisfactorily, accord- 
ing to Weaver, although there has 


EDWARD BENDER 

Edward Bender. 30. production 
director for WINS, N. Y.diedofa 
chronic stomach ailment at Hyannis, 
Mass., Aug. 1, while on vacation. 
He had been at WINS since 1946. 

Survived by wife, Beverly. 

William I. Foutts, 65. film ex- 
hibitor, died July 30 in East Liver- 
pool, O. He formerly owned and 
operated the old Palace and Five 
Points Theatres in Akron. Two 
daughters and four sons survive. 

Charles Born, 82, pioneer film 
house operator, died of s heart at- 
tack Aug. 1 in Prescott, Ariz. He 
had operated the Elks Theatre in 
that city for 39 years. 

Virginia Gerson, 87, former the- 
atrical designer and author of 
children's books, died Aug. 3 in 
New York. 


SANDOR ROTH 
Sandor Roth, 61, violinist of the 
Lcner String Quartet, died Aug. 2 
of a heart attack in Mexico City. 
A native of Italy, he had lived in 
Mexico for many years, working as 
* musician and music teacher. Just 
before his death he had played a 
concert with the quartet at the 
Palace of Fine Arts (National The- 
atre). 

Wife and daughter, Marta Roth, 
pic star, survive. 


JOSEPH ALLEN PHYSIOC 

Joseph Allen PHysioc, 86. former 
scene designer, died Aug. 3 in 
Columbia. S. C. At age 27 he was 
contracted for “Arms and the Man" 
'for Richard Mansfield) and for the 
next 39 years his name was con- 
nected with many outstanding pro- 
ductions. 

Among his sets were those for 
"Lightnin*," “Peg o’ My Heart.” 
‘Fair and Wanner." “Within The 
Law" and “Seventh Heaven." 


Jack Freeman, 43, Chi Republic 
office manager, died in Chicago 
July 31. He had been a film sales- 
man for 21 years. Survived by wife 
and three children. 


Fleyd Wenderer, 63, conductor 
of “Gardener’s Mail Box" on 
WLNA, Peekskill, N. Y.. died in 
Putnam Valley, N. Y., Aug. 3. • 

Mother, 80, of George Pincus, 
professional manager at Shapiro- 
Bemstein Music, died In Chicago, 
Aug. 1. 

Mm. Eileen M. Regan, writer 
and wife of radio broadcaster Tom 
Regan, died of heart failure Aug. 2 
In Hollywood. 

Mother of Nat Levy, RKO Radio 
eastern division sales manager. 


HARRY ROYER 

Harry ‘Missouri) Royer. 82, pi- 
f>neer film cowboy, died Aug. 1 in 
Hollywood after a heart attack. A 
^•*»ge player in his early days. 
Hoyer became a western thesp in 
HH8 and played in hundreds of 
horse pictures. 

He was an original member of 
Screen Actor* Guild and later 
"i the Screen Extras Guild. 




m i 




"Beverly Hudson Is o ntwcomtr to the cofo 
scout. She’s a hoydonisk and uninhibited 
youngster, woll schooled iu tho ways of tho 
whack, who will havo little trouble getting on 
in tho cafe fields. She's a personable girl 
with a big voice. 

"At this stage of her development she has 
the material for showmanship. She's appar- 
ently undisciplined, has tho elements of good 
copy and she impresses as a nervy tyke, not 
afraid to tackle any assignment that may bo 
handed to her. Miss Hudson holds attention 
vocally and visually. She gets soli3 mittings. 
This kid apparently knows what she's doing." 

J ase. 


Currently— 4ih SMASH WEEK l 


BILLBOARD 

"In dynamic, Beverly Hudson the Copo has a 
sock new performer. Miss Hudson's stylo is 
,utterly distinctive. Her singing is lusty rather 
than boisterous. She was fust as effective in 
ballad as in bounce. Miss Hudson had the 
capacity house with her from her opening 
"Hallelujah" to her closing "Alexander's Rag- 
time Band." Her "Too Young" was as mov- 
ing a performance of the hit as this reporter 
has heard. Miss Hudson seemed to 'become 
part of every number she did. Her feather 
:ut light red hair offsets a youthful pretty 


. . . My sincere thanks to MR. JULES PODELL and MR. JACK ENTRATTER for 
the wonderful opportunity afforded me in my irst professional engagement. 

. . . also Thanks to MORTY JACOBS (my musical arranger), DOUG COUDY 
(production director) and MICHAEL DORSO (conductor). 


Opening AUGUST 12-CLOVER CLUB, Miami 

BO, Hollywood and LAS VEGAS, Nevada 


face. She worked hard 
-esults from tho crowd 


fuiure bookings 


BULLETS'’ DURGOM BS80 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, California 


Persona) Management 








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